iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- Dozens of Iranian refugees waiting in Austria to be resettled in the U.S. have now been denied entry by the Trump administration, according to refugee resettlement groups and the State Department.



The Christians and other religious minorities, about 100 in total, had been left in limbo for over a year - and now face possible deportation back to Iran, where they would face persecution, arrest, and even torture, warned a congressional human rights commission.



"This is just another example of the United States turning its back on those fleeing from harm," the International Refugee Assistance Project said in a statement Wednesday.



The State Department would not confirm the number of refugees that have been denied, but a spokesperson told ABC News: "Changes to the vetting process introduced in 2016 resulted in a greater number of denials in the Vienna refugee program."



Iranians were barred from coming to the U.S. on President Donald Trump's original and subsequent travel bans, and refugees from Iran were on temporary refugee bans that ended in January. While Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have advocated for special admission of more Christian refugees, Trump has also blasted Iran in particular as a threat.



The State Department spokesperson denied that the increased number of rejected refugees were because of those bans or Trump's rhetoric, but refused to explain why the refugees were denied or what changes to the vetting process now blocked their entry, citing privacy and security reasons.



The decision has also sparked outrage on Capitol Hill. The bipartisan co-chairs of Congress's Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission are demanding details of the decision from the Department of Homeland Security and urged the remaining refugees in Austria be admitted.



"Under no circumstance should those seeking refugee status be repatriated to Iran, where they could be subjected to arrest and torture," Rep. Randy Hultgren, R-Ill., and Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass., said in a joint statement. "We urge our allies to engage and offer safe harbor to these refugees."



The State Department says that they are trying to do just that, with the spokesperson saying, "We are working with the government of Austria and others on protection options, which could include resettlement or asylum elsewhere."



But it's another sign that the administration is working hard to limit the number of refugees admitted to the U.S. As ABC News has reported previously, the Trump administration set the lowest refugee admissions cap in the fall and has admitted refugees at a pace far below even that.



These particular Iranian refugees are supposed to be given entry to the U.S. because of their status as religious minorities. The U.S. and Austria began a partnership in 1983 to initially admit Iranian religious minorities to Austria for additional security vetting there - the same as any other refugee around the world - before finally being given a visa and moved to America.



The program had admitted over 53,000 Iranian religious minorities to date, including 800 since January 2017. Thousands more religious minorities are currently waiting in Iran for U.S. admission, according to Hultgren and McGovern.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
A United States Coast Guard helicopter on Thursday made a "precautionary landing" in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park after a warning light alerted the pilot to a mechanical issue.

No injuries were reported, according to the Coast Guard.

The helicopter will remain grounded at the park while crews repair it, according to the Coast Guard.

Further information was not available.
About 40 people rallied this morning outside San Francisco City Hall to support a transgender woman who was allegedly called a "f---ing freak" and a "f---ing man" by a city employee in 2016 when she tried to use a public woman's restroom, the woman said today.

Tenesh Nutall said she was pleased that people came out at about 11:30 a.m. to support her and a lawsuit filed against the city on her behalf.

"I think it went well," Nutall said about the rally.

The lawsuit alleges that an employee of the Office of Citizen Complaints told Nutall on Feb. 18, 2016, that she could not use a women's restroom and was a "freak." The employee, Mary Ivas, was a civilian investigator for the office, according to the lawsuit.

At the time, Nutall was the TransLife program manager for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. She was attending a training program sponsored by the San Francisco Public Health Department and held in the building used by the Office of Citizen Complaints.

The name of the Office of Citizen Complaints was changed later in 2016 to the Police Accountability Department. The lawsuit names the department as well as the city as defendants and was filed last week by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

In 2016, the Oakland-based Transgender Law Center assisted Nutall with an initial complaint to the San Francisco Human Rights Commission.

The complaint said the incident caused Nutall severe emotional and physical pain and a nervous breakdown and resulted in her losing her job and her home.

In a statement, Nutall said that when she moved to San Francisco, she felt that she had finally found "a place where for the first time I could be safe as myself."

"So I was devastated and crushed when a representative of my new city stopped me from using the bathroom and called me a freak," Nutall said.

The lawsuit alleges violation of state civil rights laws. It asks for financial compensation for Nutall and a court order requiring the Police Accountability Department to provide a two-hour training annually for three years for all employees on how to avoid harassment and discrimination based on gender identity.

City Attorney's Office spokesman John Cote said, "San Francisco respects the rights of all individuals, and the department here apologized to Ms. Nutall after the incident. They also provided additional training to the employee in question, but it's our understanding that the factual allegations in the complaint are not entirely accurate and the former employee did not violate Ms. Nutall's protected rights."
A 27-year-old man is accused of crashing a car carrying several cans of gasoline into the emergency entrance of Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut, just before 10 a.m. Thursday and setting himself on fire, according to officials.

Officials identified the suspect as Middletown resident Steven Ellam.

Ellam was airlifted to Bridgeport Hospital, where he is in critical condition, according to officials.

A security guard who was helping evacuate patients immediately after the incident was also taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation. No other injuries have been reported.

Ellam's motives are unclear, according to local officials. As they investigate, emergency officials are evacuating homes in the vicinity of the man's residence.

Hospital officials said patients are safe, but the emergency department of Middlesex Hospital is closed and patients have been evacuated and moved to other areas of the hospital.

The Middlesex Hospital emergency department is closed and all outpatient services at the hospital's Middletown location have been suspended until further notice. Visitors are prohibited until further notice except in special circumstances. Anyone who needs to check on a loved one should call 860-358-6000.

MidState Medical Center, both campuses of The Hospital of Central Connecticut and Hartford Hospital are accepting patients who have been diverted.

Residents in the area of Crescent Street in Middletown are being asked to shelter in place after a car crashed into Middlesex Hospital.

Middletown Mayor Dan Drew said during a news conference that local officials believe this was an isolated incident, but other municipal, state and federal authorities have been called in to assist in clearing the vehicle and the man's home as a precaution.

The Middletown Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Hartford Bomb Squad, FBI, State's Attorney's Office are all involved in the investigation.

Police officials said the suspect has been known to the Middletown Police Department since he was a teenager and has a criminal record dating back years.

Mayor Drew said police secured other important buildings in town, including schools, but there is no reason to believe the buildings or people in them are in danger.

A neighbor who witnessed the crash reported seeing the man on fire and hearing screams for help.

A driver crashed into Middlesex Hospital in Middletown Friday morning and a witness describes a horrifying scene with someone on fire.

"Just heard an explosion. I got up, looked out the back window and then I looked at the hospital and that's when I saw the car in there, and then I saw a guy come running out with -- he was on fire, screaming for mercy and he just kept screaming and screaming and some guys ran up to him, threw something on him, put him on the gurney," said Gary Mills, who lives right across the street from the hospital.

Another witness said the man appeared to be naked.

A hospital spokesperson said one person was in the car when it went down the one-way street and crashed into the entrance around 10 a.m.

We will be holding a press conference at noon regarding the emergency at Middlesex Hospital. At this time we don't believe there is any threat to the community and we believe this to be an isolated incident.  Mayor Dan Drew (@MayorDanDrew) February 22, 2018

Other hospitals in the area have added extra security as a precaution.
Litchfield, New Hampshire police are looking for a man they say damaged residents' mailboxes and stole some people's mail.

Police say the man vandalized the mailboxes with his car.

Residents have reported damaged mailboxes on Westview Road, Duck Pond Circle, Windsor Drive, Carlisle Drive, Hanover Court, and Brandy Circle.

Lionel Constant has lived on Duck Pond in Litchfield for 30 years. He said his block is typically quiet, but that wasnt the case on Tuesday.

The person was speeding, coming up here because I could hear the car rivering, Constant said. He jammed his breaks on. I heard him stop over here, but he didnt actually stop. He started speeding and he fishtailed around the cul-de-sac right here.

Constant said the driver went from mailbox to mailbox.

My next door neighbor is the one that told me that our mailboxes were broken, he said.

Constant described the man as having a beard, rough looking and driving an older car.

Jacob Tremblay lives around the corner from Constant. His mailbox was vandalized, as well.

"He completely took out all the attachments to it and I guess just destroyed it," Tremblay said.

Litchfield police said they believe the same man committed another another crime in addition to the mailboxes.

"A male subject who had kicked in a window and was attempting to enter the library," Captain Benjamin Sergent said.

Police say they do have one piece of the puzzle in custody, the car that the man was driving. Police officers found the car at a gas station in Hudson, New Hampshire.

Litchfield police say they plan to issue a warrant for the man's arrest once they complete their investigation.
Another bout of frigid precipitation could pelt the Chicago area overnight and into Thursday morning that could result in a icy spots on roads causing slick driving conditions.

Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing by mid-morning Thursday which will lessen the threat of black ice.

Earlier Wednesday, authorities ordered a mandatory evacuation of Marseilles, Illinois, over flooding concerns.

Approximately 200 homes in the town, located in LaSalle County, were being evacuated, according to Marseilles Police Chief James Hovious.

Everyone asked to leave their homes was taken to either the area Lions Club or American Legion, officials said, and no one was allowed in the area after 2 p.m. Wednesday.

The area being evacuated was south of Illinois and Michigan Canal, and east of Main Street, Hovious said, including Broadway Street, Tolin Street, Illinois Street, Wallace Street and River Street.

The evacuation came as floodwaters continued to pummel the Chicago area, impacting the south suburbs in particular - shutting down roads, closing schools and even prompting emergency rescues.

Officials in south suburban Ford Heights encouraged residents to stay inside, writing on Facebook "the streets are not safe for vehicles or people" and offering emergency aid with boats.

Ford Heights closed Cottage Grove School, Medgar Evers School, Tidye Phillips School and District #169 as a precaution amid major flooding, in an effort to keep people from traveling in the dangerous road conditions.

In nearby Dolton, first responders rescued a woman sitting on top of her flooded car, with video of the encounter showing firefighters pulling the stranded driver down from her minivan and carrying her through waist-high water.

The Cook County Department of Transportation closed some roads on Tuesday, largely in the south suburbs, due to flooding. Those streets include:

Sauk Trail  Western Avenue to Ashland Avenue in Bloom Township

108th Avenue  159th Street to 161st Street in Orland Park

135th Street  Southwest Highway to LaGrange Road in Orland Park

Midlothian Turnpike  Cicero Avenue to Laramie Avenue in Crestwood

Kedzie Avenue  135th Street to 139th Street in Robbins

Will-Cook Road  151st Street to 159th Street in Orland Park

179th Street  Southwest Highway to Marley Creek Boulevard in Orland Park

Vollmer Road just west of Western Avenue at Flossmoor

A Flood Watch remained in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday, with the National Weather Service noting that several inches of rain combined with higher temperatures - accelerating snow melt - would lead to flooding of streams and rivers.

With the ground still frozen, officials feared that water would not absorb but instead run off, exacerbating flooding conditions, particularly along the Little Calumet River and the Kankakee River.
A Hobart, Indiana woman serving life in prison for her role in the murder of her boyfriend now stands trial in the murder of her husband, the Post-Tribune of Northwest Indiana reported.

Kelly Marie Cochran, 35, was convicted of the 2014 murder of her boyfriend, the only good thing she had in her life, and dismembering his body with her husband before hiding the remains in the woods in northern Michigan, the paper reports, citing court records.

She now faces new murder charges in the death of her husband Jason Cochran. The newspaper described Cochrans death as a revenge killing after Kelly Cochran was allegedly forced into participating in her boyfriends killing.

Cochran gave her husband a fatal heroin overdose and covered his neck, nose and mouth with his hands until he was dead in Hobart, Indiana, on Feb. 20, 2106, the Post-Tribune reported.

While on trial in Michigan for, she testified that she and her husband were deeply in love at the beginning of their marriage but it deteriorated into verbal abuse and threats, according to the newspaper.

Cochran said she began using drugs to deal with the tumultuous marriage.

She and her husband moved to Michigan in 2014 where things worsened between the two and Kelly Cochran began having affairs, she reportedly told the courtroom.

Christopher Regan was one of Cochrans lovers and the two grew very close, she said.

According to the Post-Tribune, prosecutors argued the Cochrans had a pact formed on their wedding night that if either of them ever cheated on the other, they would kill whoever the extramarital lover was. Kelly Cochran told the court she thought that was only a jokebut according to prosecutors, it wasnt, the paper reported.

Citing court records, the newspaper reports Cochran enticed Regan with a sexual tryst and invited him to her home in Iron River, Michiganbut Jason Cochran was there as well.

An animated reenactment of the killing was shown at the trial, which showed Kelly Cochran and Regan together before Jason Cochran appeared and shot Regan in the head, the paper reported. Kelly Cochran and Regan then fell down a flight of stairs due to the shooting, according to the Post-Tribune.

Kelly Cochran then got a cord for an electric saw for her husband who cut up Regans body, put the pieces in garbage bags and disposed of them in the woods a couple days later, the paper reported, citing court documents.

Two years later, Jason Cochran died in Hobart.

After making a frantic 911 call, responding paramedics said Cochran was disruptive and would not leave the room when they requested her to while they tried to revive Jason Cochran, according to the report.

She was charged with murder in Lake County in 2016 after authorities determined there were inconsistencies in her stories.

Cochran reportedly told investigators she evened the score after her husband forced her to take part in the murder of her lover.

Before her trial in Indiana began, Cochran was already serving her life sentence without the possibility of parole at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Michigan.

She plead not guilty Wednesday to her husband's murder.
World leaders called Thursday for an urgent cease-fire in Syria as government forces pounded the opposition-controlled eastern suburbs of the capital in a crushing campaign that has left hundreds of people dead in recent days.

The U.N. Security Council heard a briefing from U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock on what he called "the humanitarian disaster unfolding before our eyes" in the rebel-held suburbs known as eastern Ghouta.

Sweden and Kuwait were seeking a vote on a resolution ordering a 30-day cease-fire to allow relief agencies to deliver aid and evacuate the critically sick and wounded from besieged areas to receive medical care.

But Russia's U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, who called Thursday's meeting, put forward last-minute amendments, saying the proposed resolution was "simply unrealistic."

Russia's amendments would rule out an immediate cease-fire and instead demand that all parties "stop hostilities as soon as possible," and "work for an immediate and unconditional de-escalation of violence" and 30-day "humanitarian pause."

The Russian proposal would also condemn the "relentless shelling" of Damascus from eastern Ghouta, and deplore "the ongoing attempts by terrorist groups to retake areas and attack civilians and civilian objects."

Several council diplomats who examined the draft, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said it was unacceptable.

Nebenzia accused global media outlets of a massive disinformation campaign that ignored what he claimed were thousands of fighters, including al-Qaida-linked militants, that were shelling Damascus from eastern Ghouta and taking refuge in hospitals and schools.

Council members said they needed to study the Russian proposals.

"We will try and find a way forward that works for everyone," Sweden's U.N. Ambassador Olof Skoog told reporters, adding that a vote was likely on Friday.

In eastern Ghouta, medical workers said they hadn't been able to see their families for days as they worked round the clock at hospitals that have been moved underground to protect them from bombing, while their spouses and children stay in shelters.

"You can't be above ground for even 15 minutes," said a nurse in the town of Kafr Batna, who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect the identity of family members still living in government areas. "At any moment I expect to have to treat my relatives for wounds," he said.

In the background the deep boom of a bomb could be heard exploding as the nurse spoke by Skype to The Associated Press. He said a barrel bomb had fallen less than half a kilometer (one-third mile) away.

A spokesman for the Syrian Civil Defense search-and-rescue group said eastern Ghouta was being targeted for "extermination."

"This is a war against civilians," said the spokesman, Siraj Mahmoud. "The civil defense is being targeted as they rescue women and children, evacuate civilians from targeted areas and put out fires."

Four rescue workers of the organization, also known as the White Helmets, have been killed since Sunday, Mahmoud said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said 400 people, including dozens of children, have been killed since Sunday.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said al-Qaida-linked fighters were using civilians as human shields in the rebel-held suburbs outside Damascus.

Al-Qaida's Syria affiliate is not known to have many fighters in eastern Ghouta, and government forces on Thursday concentrated their fire on hospitals, ambulances, apartment blocks and other civilian sites, according to rescue workers, war monitors, human rights groups, and several videos emerging from the war-scarred region.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate suspension of "all war activities" in the area where he said people were living "in hell on Earth."

The Russian military is supporting Assad's forces in the assault on eastern Ghouta, as it did in the 2016 campaign that drove the rebels from the enclaves they controlled in Syria's largest city, Aleppo. Then, as now, it cited the presence of al-Qaida-linked groups as grounds for the sweeping operation.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on the European Union to step up pressure on Russia and Iran to end the violence in Syria.

"The regime is not fighting against terrorists, but against its own people, killing children, destroying hospitals, and this is a massacre to be condemned," she told Parliament.

Besides President Bashar Assad, Merkel said "Iran and Russia have a particular responsibility" as they are both supporting the government forces.

"We need to do everything in our power to put an end to this massacre," she said.

Lavrov said in remarks in Belgrade, Serbia, that an al-Qaida-linked group blocked a proposal by Russia's military earlier this week to allow opposition fighters to leave eastern Ghouta in exchange for ending the government's offensive.

That contradicted an assertion by one of the largest rebel groups in eastern Ghouta, which told the AP that Russia refused to allow al-Qaida fighters to leave in November, and accused Moscow of wanting to keep the fighters there as a pretext for a comprehensive military campaign.

Russian news reports said Moscow has beefed up its forces in Syria with additional warplanes, including its latest fighter jets. The Kremlin wouldn't comment on the reports, referring questions to the military, which has remained mum about the deployment.

Russia has rejected allegations it was responsible for the mounting civilian casualties in eastern Ghouta, but anger has grown along with the death toll.

On Thursday, scores of protesters, including prominent Syrian opposition figures, gathered outside the Russian Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, chanting, "Russia get out of Syria" and "Iran get out of Syria" in Turkish and Arabic.

Syria's conflict, which has killed more than 400,000 people and displaced millions in the past seven years, has escalated in recent weeks as Assad and his allies push to retake remaining rebel-held areas in the country.

Turkey has also opened a new front against Syrian Kurdish fighters in the north, launching an air and ground offensive on the Kurdish-controlled enclave of Afrin last month.

Hundreds of pro-Syrian government fighters entered Afrin this week as part of an agreement with the Kurdish militia, known as the YPG, to bolster resistance to Turkey's assault.

Hundreds of people gathered in Afrin's main square Thursday, celebrating the pro-government fighters' arrival. TV footage showed fighters in camouflage uniforms standing among scores of men who gathered in the square waving posters of Assad.

Turkish warplanes could be heard flying overhead, sending some fleeing the area.

The pro-government daily Al-Watan said some 500 pro-government fighters have entered Afrin since Tuesday, taking positions along the region's borders.

A YPG spokesman, Nuri Mehmud, said the pro-government fighters brought in armored vehicles but said more was needed to withstand Turkey's military campaign.

"There needs to be a no-fly zone," Mehmud said. "The Syrian army must protect Syrian lands."

Turkey launched the operation to uproot the YPG from Afrin on Jan. 20, saying the group is linked to a Kurdish insurgency inside its own borders.

Associated Press writers Zeina Karam and Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.
In a wave of demonstrations reaching from Arizona to Maine, students at dozens of U.S. high schools walked out of class Wednesday to protest gun violence and honor the victims of last week's deadly shooting in Florida.

The protests spread from school to school as students shared plans for their demonstrations over social media. Many lasted 17 minutes in honor of the 17 people killed one week earlier at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Hundreds of students from Maryland schools left class to rally at the U.S. Capitol. Hundreds more filed out of their schools in cities from Chicago to Pittsburgh to Austin, Texas, often at the lunch hour.

At the protest in Washington, students held a moment of silence in memory of those killed in Parkland and listened as the names of the dead were recited. Daniel Gelillo, a senior at Richard Montgomery High in Rockville, Maryland, who helped organize the protest, said students aimed to pressure lawmakers to act on gun control.

Up until now, he said, "nothing has quite fazed them. The Orlando shooting, Las Vegas and now Parkland. Something has to happen. Innocent people are dying because of the easy access to firearms in this country."

At Dublin Scioto High School near Columbus, Ohio, about 200 students sat outside in silence for 17 minutes and wrote notes of support that will be mailed to survivors of the Florida shooting. Afterward, they gathered in a circle to discuss how they could push for stronger gun control.

"No child should have to go to school and be scared for their life," said Daviyana Warren, 15, a sophomore at the school who walked out. "It hits close to home because it's happening to us."

While some groups have worked to organize national demonstrations in the coming weeks, students say gatherings Wednesday were mostly impromptu and organized out of a sense of urgency to find solutions to gun violence.

Many of the protests were accompanied by chants of "Never again," which has been a rallying cry since the Florida shooting.

"These gun deaths are happening like every day, and we're not doing anything to change it. It's ridiculous," said Rebecca Parch, a sophomore who organized a walkout at Lakewood High School, near Cleveland. "It's just too many lives lost, and I think that teenagers are just done with it now."

Students at her school and others called for limits on AR-15 rifles, the weapon authorities say 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz legally bought and used in the Florida attack. Teens at some schools called for a ban on the AR-15 and similar rifles among civilians, saying they should be reserved for military use.

Principals at some schools allowed the protests and promised not to punish students for leaving class. Parch said the administration at her school vowed to join students in similar demonstrations in the future. But some districts threatened to discipline those who joined the wave of walkouts.

Superintendent Curtis Rhodes of Texas's Needville Independent School District said students who left class would be suspended for three days, even with permission from their parents.

"Life is all about choices and every choice has a consequence whether it be positive or negative," Rhodes wrote in a letter to families and on social media. "We will discipline no matter if it is one, fifty or five hundred students involved."

Similar walkouts already are being planned, including on March 14, one month after the Florida shooting, and April 20, the anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre in Colorado.

While some students said their opinions have been belittled because they're still teenagers, they counter that they'll soon be voters and shouldn't be taken lightly. Some said they're taking a stand because lawmakers haven't.

"They send out their thoughts and their prayers, and we appreciate that, but that's enough," said Warren, of Dublin Scioto. "We need change."

Associated Press writer Matthew Daly in Washington, D.C. contributed to this report.
You might start to notice a new label on some of the food and products you buy. State lawmakers unveiled a new Connecticut Made logo, which local businesses can use to set themselves apart.

The logo is free to makers and manufactures of Connecticut products.

Were so excited about launching this new Connecticut Made initiate, State Rep. Caroline Simmons said. We think its an excellent way to showcase many of the excellent products made in our state, ranging from beer to maple syrup, to honey, to everything from submarines to helicopters.

The logo was created through a bill passed last year and it resembles the states Still Revolutionary brand.

Michael Acosta, the owner of Story and Soil coffee in Hartford, plans to use the new brand.

What differentiates us from any other coffee shop is that we are for the community, Acosta said. If were able to distinguish ourselves as folks who are proud about using Connecticut-grown and Connecticut-produced products then sure, that could be an attraction.

I think in general its good to support local products, said customer, Heather Einstein.
Following several school threats across Connecticut over the last few days, superintendents statewide are meeting at 11 a.m. at East Hartford High School to discuss students safety and call on leaders to act and help stop this chain of incidents from continuing. With these events on the heels of the shooting in Florida, police and parents are on high alert.

Students at Sheehan High School were welcomed by extra police officers Thursday morning.

Police said an inappropriate message was written on a classroom white board at the school.

They said it wasnt a credible threat, but stepped up their presence because the message contained what they call alarming content.

Barbara Marek, whose youngest son attends Sheehan, said its not a bad idea, I just dont want our schools being turned into armed camps.

As police continue their investigation, parents told NBC Connecticut several teens stayed home Thursday out of safety precautions.

If theyre waking up and feeling really scared that day, then perhaps it would be a good idea to stay home. But, its also important to carry on with life and not let these things hold you down, Cori Zuppardi said.

Barbara Marek, a Boy Scouts leader, said theyve taken the time to talk about school safety as a troop.

A lot of the younger boys, especially the ones in junior high going into high school, are very nervous about these sorts of incidents going on, Marek said.

In the past few days, police in Colchester and Old Saybrook arrested teens accused of making school threats and displaying concerning behavior.

It can be taken really far, and its really serious, says Zuppardi. Its very scary.

Zuppardis daughter is only 4 years-old, but shes asking school leaders to be more vigilant about student mental health services.

Being more aware of social media, and the pressures of being a kid today I think are really, really great, Zuppardi said.
A Lyme couple looking to have a home security system until they sold their home was alarmed when they faced trouble canceling their contract with the company.

Ronald and Elaine Wojcik liked the comfort that came with the 24-hour monitoring service provided by Safe Home Security. When their alarm monitoring contract came up for renewal in 2016, they reluctantly signed a new 3-year agreement even though they were in the process of selling their home in Lyme.

I told them at that time my house has been for sale for a full year. You can see the sign out front, Wojcik recalled telling the companys representative. If I sign, Ill need to terminate it.

The Safe Home Security salesperson told the Lyme man he could stop the service when his home sold, according to Wojcik.

When the house sold four months later, Wojcik faxed over the bill of sale and deed to the property by the 60-day deadline like the company representative instructed him to do.

They immediately said over the phone, Oh no, you cant do that. You cant terminate this. I said, Well, then you better talk to your salesman, Wojcik said.

Sometime after that conversation, Wojcik said a securities charge appeared on his bank statement.

At first, he assumed it was for his new security company, but he later discovered Safe Home Security was continuing to bill him $42.55 every month for alarm monitoring services for a house he no longer lived in or owned.

Nearly a year and a half after the charge, Wojcik spotted another $42.55 electronic withdrawal from his account for security systems. He said the old security company was still deducting money for the old alarm system.

They said, No. Were just going to keep with withdrawing it. You owe us another a year and half of $42.55 each month, and Im not receiving any services, Wojcik said.

The company said Wojcik owed $750 worth of charges for a security system he no longer had.

Despite requesting a stop payment on the charges by his bank, Wojcik said Safe Home Security tried to withdraw money again as recent as two weeks ago. The bank put a hold on those funds before the company quickly refunded the $42.55 monthly charge back into the couples account, according to Wojcik.

NBC Connecticut Responds went over the couples contract and under the early cancellation section, it states, Clients may cancel prior to completion of primary or renewal term upon receipt of ninety percent of stated terms. Applicable for sale of home, death and transfers. All cancellation requests must be in writing.

When NBC Connecticut Responds reached Safe Home Security to resolve the issue, a spokesperson said the company would not resolve anything if NBC Connecticut Responds was involved.

Safe Home Security declined to speak or provide a statement to NBC Connecticut.

The Wojciks says its not about the money at this point, but the principle.

Personally, Id be very happy right now if theyd just terminate their attempts to try and withdraw money, Wojcik said.

Heres a few suggestions, if you are in a similar situation:
A mix of rain, sleet and freezing rain is falling across the state and transitioning to snow in some areas. That is leading to reports of slippery roads in parts of Northwest Connecticut.

Some school made the decision to dismiss early, ahead of the wintry mix.

Some accumulations of snow are possible in parts of the state and we could see 1 to 3 inches of snow in the hilltowns in Litchfield County.

A coating or even a bit more is possible in the valley locations around Hartford. Most of the accumulation will be on grassy surfaces but some slick spots late in the day may also be possible.

Thursday night will have partial clearing with temperatures low in the 20s.

Residents waking up on Friday morning will see cloudy skies with a bit of mix going to rain into the afternoons. Temperatures will be high in the 30s.

Saturday will be a bit warmer with highs in the 50s and clouds with some sun.
Exactly one week after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, eight GOP candidates for governor of Connecticut took to the stage in West Haven.

The issues ranged from ways to drain the swamp in Hartford and renegotiating the states agreement with its union employees to bringing jobs back to Connecticut and improving the state for retirees.

The issue however that had debate moderators returning to it, was the issue of school safety and gun violence.

State Rep. Prasad Srinivasan, (R  Glastonbury), previously told the Connecticut Citizens Defense League that he regretted his vote for the post-Sandy Hook gun regulations and said, as governor, he would sign a repeal of the legislation.

No one on the stage Wednesday night at Notre Dame High School made a similar proposal and Srinivasan all but walked back his comments. He did not repeat his idea to repeal the law, but instead criticized its execution, pinpointing inadequacies in funding for school security and mental health programs.

We passed a bill that we did not implement and for me it is critical that you have to walk your talk and we did not do that, Srinivasan said.

The turnout was an impressive one for the Connecticut GOP. About 500 people, many of whom paid to be in attendance, filled the auditorium at Notre Dame.

The crowd applauded for Peter Lumajs pledge to sign an executive order, if elected, that would put armed security at every school in Connecticut. He did not say how he would pay for such a proposal, but instead said he would find the people to do the job locally.

We have retired police officers and military people in our state who have served us well, who have protected you and I and we can trust them to protect our children.

No candidate made any proposal or made any comment for that matter about further restrictions on firearms. Connecticut already has bans on assault-style weapons.

Tim Herbst, the former First Selectman from Trumbull, made his position clear on whether he thinks guns are responsible in mass shootings.

A deadly weapon is made deadly by a deadly person, he said.

He echoed the sentiment that the state hasnt adequately funded mental health programs.
Teens in Stonington accused of sexting on social media and sharing images of one of their classmates are facing charges.

Authorities said five Stonington High School students used Instagram direct messaging to share graphic pictures, including at least one that showed a fellow classmate. The teens have been charged with unlawful dissemination of an intimate image.

Some teens from nearby high schools told NBC Connecticut theyre worried their peers dont recognize the seriousness of this kind of action.

"They just dont have respect for people. They share everything not knowing how much it could hurt somebody," Eli Genese, a Westerly High School junior, said.

The names of the teens involved arent being released because of their age.

Stonington police said its important for parents to warn their children to never share these kinds of images online or in person because doing so can result in significant, potentially criminal consequences.
Spilling out wrenching tales of lost lives and stolen security, students and parents appealed to President Donald Trump on Wednesday to set politics aside and protect America's school children from the scourge of gun violence. Trump listened intently to the raw emotion, pledged action and continued his push for having "very weapons talented teachers" armed and ready in classrooms.

"I turned 18 the day after" the shooting, said a tearful Samuel Zeif, a student at the Florida high school where a former student's assault left 17 dead last week. "Woke up to the news that my best friend was gone. And I don't understand why I can still go in a store and buy a weapon of war. An AR. How is it that easy to buy this type of weapon? How do we not stop this after Columbine? After Sandy Hook?"

Zeif shared the texts he sent his loved ones during the shooting to say good-bye on Twitter.

Trump promised to be "very strong on background checks." And he suggested he supported allowing some teachers and other school employees to carry concealed weapons to be ready for intruders. But largely he listened, holding handwritten notes bearing his message to the families. "I hear you" was written in black marker.

The president doubled down on these positions Thursday morning in a Twitter blitz, passionately clarifying that he means concealed weapons for gun adept teachers with military or special training experience - only the best.

He tweeted: I never said give teachers guns like was stated on Fake News @CNN & @NBC. Trump says that giving concealed weapons to highly trained teachers would allow them to, in his words, immediately fire back if a savage sicko came to a school with bad intentions.

Trump added: Highly trained teachers would also serve as a deterrent to the cowards that do this. He says: ATTACKS WOULD END!

He argued that armed teachers would be able to quickly respond to a three-minute attack in the "approximately 5 to 8 minutes" it takes for first responders to reach the scene. Trump said this would be a "GREAT DETERRENT!" to gunmen.

He continued: "If a potential sicko shooter knows that a school has a large number of very weapons talented teachers (and others) who will be instantly shooting, the sicko will NEVER attack that school. Cowards wont go there...problem solved. Must be offensive, defense alone wont work!

I will be strongly pushing Comprehensive Background Checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise age to 21 and end sale of Bump Stocks! Congress is in a mood to finally do something on this issue - I hope!"

He then praised the NRA for its "hard work," saying "Wayne, Chris and the folks" are "Great People and Great American Patriots. They love our Country and will do the right thing. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

The president had invited the teen survivors of school violence and parents of murdered children in a show of his resolve against gun violence in the wake of last week's shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and in past years at Newtown, Connecticut, and Littleton, Colorado. The latest episode has prompted a renewed and growing call for stronger gun control.

Trump invited his guests to suggest solutions and solicited feedback. He did not fully endorse any specific policy solution, but pledged to take action and expressed interest in widely differing approaches.

Besides considering concealed carrying of weapons by trained school employees, a concept he has endorsed in the past, he said he planned to go "very strongly into age, age of purchase." And he said he was committed to improving background checks and working on mental health.

Most in the group were emotional but quiet and polite.

But Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was killed last week, noted the previous school massacres and raged over his loss, saying this moment isn't about gun laws but about fixing the schools.

"It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it and I'm pissed. Because my daughter, I'm not going to see again," said Pollack. "King David Cemetery, that is where I go to see my kid now."

A strong supporter of gun rights, Trump has nonetheless indicated in recent days that he is willing to consider ideas not in keeping with National Rifle Association orthodoxy, including age restrictions for buying assault-type weapons. Still, gun owners are a key part of his base of supporters.

Over 40 people assembled in the White House State Dining Room. Among them were students from Parkland along with their parents. Also present were Darrell and Sandra Scott, whose daughter was killed in the Columbine shooting, and Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden, who lost children at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut. Students and parents from the Washington area also were present.

The student body president at the Parkland school, Julia Cordover, tearfully told Trump that she "was lucky enough to come home from school."

She added: "I am confident you will do the right thing."

Trump later tweeted that he would "always remember" the meeting. "So much love in the midst of so much pain. We must not let them down. We must keep our children safe!!"



Not all the students impacted by the shooting came to the White House.

David Hogg, who has been one of the students actively calling for gun control was invited but declined, said his mother Rebecca Boldrick.

"His point was (Trump needs) to come to Parkland, we're not going there," she said.

Throughout the day Wednesday, television news showed footage of student survivors of the violence marching on the Florida state Capitol, calling for tougher laws. The protests came closer to Trump, too, with hundreds of students from suburban Maryland attending a rally at the Capitol and then marching to the White House.

Inside the executive mansion, Trump said at the end of an hour listening to tales of pain and anguish, "Thank you for pouring out your hearts because the world is watching and we're going to come up with a solution."

Soon after the public safety session with Trump ended at the White House, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel announced at a Wednesday news conference in Florida that all deputies who qualify to begin carrying rifles on school grounds.

Israel said the rifles will be locked in a patrol car when not in use until the agency secures gun locks and lockers. The sheriff said the school district's superintendent fully supports his decision.

Florida Sen. Bill Nelson and Sen. Marco Rubio said at a CNN's "Stand Up" town hall Wednesday night that they do not support arming teachers.

Television personality Geraldo Rivera had dinner with Trump at his private Palm Beach club over the weekend and described Trump as "deeply affected" by his visit Friday with Parkland survivors. In an email, Rivera said he and Trump discussed the idea of raising the minimum age to purchase assault-type weapons.

Trump "suggested strongly that he was going to act to strengthen background checks," Rivera said.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said Wednesday they would introduce a bill to raise the minimum age required to purchase rifles from gun dealers, including assault weapons such as the AR-15.

"A kid too young buy a handgun should be too young to buy an #AR15," Flake said on Twitter. A buyer must be 21 to purchase a handgun.

The NRA did not respond to a request for comment. Trump embraced gun rights during his presidential campaign, though he supported some gun control before he became a candidate, backing an assault weapons ban and a longer waiting period to purchase a gun in a 2000 book.

On Tuesday, Trump directed the Justice Department to move to ban devices like the rapid-fire bump stocks used in last year's Las Vegas massacre. The White House has also said Trump was looking at a bill that would strengthen federal gun background checks.

But those moves have drawn criticism as being inadequate, with Democrats questioning whether the Justice Department even has authority to regulate bump stocks and arguing that the background check legislation would not go far enough.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment about how it might implement Trump's order or how an ongoing bump stock review would be affected. ATF reviewed the devices and approved them in 2010, finding they did not amount to machine guns that are regulated under the National Firearms Act that dates to the 1930s.

An effort to pass bump stock legislation last year fizzled out.

On background checks, Trump has suggested he is open to a bipartisan bill developed in response to a mass shooting at a Texas church. It would penalize federal agencies that don't properly report required records and reward states that comply by providing them with federal grant preferences.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said the bill is "a small step," stressing that Democrats want to see universal background check legislation.

Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania said Wednesday that he'll probably reintroduce bipartisan legislation that would require background checks for all gun purchases online and at gun shows. He said he planned to discuss the idea with Trump.

That bill first emerged with backing from Toomey and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia following the 2012 slaying of 26 children and adults in Connecticut's Sandy Hook Elementary School. It failed then and at least one more time since.

Associated Press writers Jill Colvin and Sadie Gurman contributed from Washington. Marc Levy contributed from Harrisburg and Alina Hartounian from Phoenix.
A husband and wife convicted of stealing thousands of dollars from high school band students and their parents here in San Diego were sentenced to two years in prison each and will have to make restitution payments in the years that follow.

It was an emotional day for students and their parents, who have been dealing with the Atlanta-based travel-tour company Harmony International since January of 2016 when one of its owners, Brad Matheson, pitched the trip in band classrooms via a Skype conference call.

In January, Brad and his wife Margie Matheson, a co-owner of Harmony International, pleaded guilty to three felony counts each of theft, failure to provide refunds and failure to maintain a trust account for funds in excess of $950.

On Tuesday, parents and students testified one-by-one and explained the harm the Mathesons had caused in their lives. This was the first time the parents had seen the Mathesons face-to-face.

You stole our dreams of traveling to Japan, parent Sandie Ridge said, We have nothing to show for what should have been an amazing trip and we have lost the equivalent of a year of college tuition money.

Last May, NBC 7 Responds reported the Mathesons had promised to send dozens of local band students from San Marcos, Del Norte, Eastlake, and Mission Hills high schools to Japan last summer to take part in band concerts, explore the country and attend Disneyland Tokyo, if they paid over $3,600 for each participant.

San Marcos High School Sophomore Aaron Munson said he and other students were excited about the trip, especially the opportunity to go to the world-famous theme park.

It was so expensive, some people worked a lot, took so many extra hours to pay for this, Munson said.

Months before students were set to depart, parents and students learned the trip was canceled and refunds were unlikely, due to Harmony International filing for bankruptcy.

You stole from me at the worst time in my life, Ronald Faulkner, a parent of a Del Norte High School student said, When I booked this trip I was 53 years old, working 10-12 hours a day with a terminal lung disease and was trying to do something special for my family. And you stole from me.

Faulkner said it wasnt an exaggeration that the trip to Japan was thought to be his familys last vacation together.

The business model is basically, steal from kids and their families, Faulkner said.

Parents and students turned to NBC 7 Responds for help and through our investigation, we found they were not alone. Band and choir groups in states across the country were also owed thousands of dollars after trips they scheduled through the Mathesons were canceled and refunds were not issued.

Several parents said the Mathesons had threatened legal action through emails, demanding they not talk to the media or attorneys inquiring about the trip. One of those parents was Brandy Martinoli.

He [Brad Matheson] threatened me twice, via email, and if I did not delete my posts, he and his lawyer would press charges against me with the San Diego District Attorneys office, Brandy said, Ironic, isnt it Brad?

Last November, the California Attorney General's office, and the San Diego County District Attorneys Consumer Protection Unit announced they had filed over 90 felony counts against Brad and Margie Matheson. The charges ranged from theft to failing to register as a seller of travel in the state of California.

The Florida couple was extradited to San Diego and at their arraignment hearing, an attorney representing Margie Matheson told NBC 7 Responds the criminal charges were a misunderstanding.

You took our sons [high school] senior trip away and we can never get that back, Ridge said.

The Judge presiding over the case Tuesday told parents and students he was sentencing the Mathesons to the maximum sentence under their plea deal, two years in prison each. The Judge also said the Mathesons will be required to make over $69,000 in restitution payments to victims, once out of jail.

The Mathesons thought they could get away with preying on our high school students and their families. The Mathesons could not have been more wrong, a news release from California Attorney General Xavier Becerras office read Tuesday, Todays sentencing should remind everyone that the California Department of Justice is committed to protecting consumers.

NBC 7 Responds obtained transcripts of court testimony before the San Diego County Grand Jury that revealed the couple may have spent Japan trip funds on personal expenses and the Mathesons second business, Harmony Yacht Vacations.

Neither Brad or Margie Matheson made any statements in court, nor did they apologize to the victims present.
A California teen convicted of trying to smuggle a Bengal tiger cub into San Diego from Mexico was sentenced in court Tuesday.



Luis Eudoro Valencia of Perris, California, received six months in prison and three years of supervised release for attempting to sneak the exotic animal into the U.S. The 18-year-old told investigators he had arranged to pay $300 for the cub from a man he saw walking a full-sized tiger on a leash in Tijuana.

The discovery of a Bengal tiger cub stashed in the back of his car led to Valencia's arrest at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry on Thursday, Aug. 24. When asked about the tiger, a passenger told the inspector it was just a cat and produced special paperwork from AeroMexico Cargo.



His defense attorney told the court before the sentencing that his client had a lapse in judgment and wanted the endangered tiger as a pet. Valencia's paperwork included a sales receipt from a Mexican individual that falsely stated that Bengal tigers are not a protected species, according to a complaint filed with the U.S. District Court.

But prosecutors argued Valencias cell phone data showed he was running an animal smuggling business and he'd boasted about fetching thousands of dollars for monkeys, jaguars and lions. Agents said video on his phone revealed a special compartment under his car seat that may have been used to smuggle wildlife, according to the complaint.

Tigers are endangered and its illegal to import them without a permit.

Now the rescued tiger cub named Moka lives at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with his friend Rakan. At the time of his rescue, Moka was about five to six weeks old and only weighed six pounds.

The tiger's rescue was part of one of the largest wildlife trafficking busts across Southern California. Sixteen suspects were charged in "Operation Jungle Book" and a variety of animals ranging from Asian "lucky" fish to exotic songbirds were rescued.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
What to Know Only deputies who are "qualified and trained" will carry the rifles on school grounds, Broward Sheriff Scott Israel says

Israel said he spoke with Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie, who supported the idea

A reporter asked if deputies will carry AR-15s, and Israel said some would

Deputies will carry rifles on the grounds of local schools in Broward County in the wake of the Parkland school shooting, Broward Sheriff Scott Israel announced Wednesday.

Israel said that only deputies who are "qualified and trained" will carry the rifles on school grounds.

"When they are not carrying the rifle, until we look for gun locks and gun lockers, the only place when they're not slinging the rifle, that will be allowed to be stored, will be in their locked police vehicle," said Israel.

The practice was implemented Wednesday morning, Israel said at a news conference.

"Schools as soft targets need to be fortified," Israel said.

Israel said he spoke with Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie, who supported the idea.

One of the shooting survivors, Chris Grady, spoke with Runcie Tuesday on local radio station WLRN and said he was against the idea. "I do not feel safe when I see armed officials. Why would you want the student body to have to walk around that," Grady said.

A reporter asked if deputies will carry AR-15s, and Israel said some would.

The AR-15 is the weapon used in the tragic shooting that left 17 dead at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14.

"It will be done safely," said Israel, "We need to be able to defeat any threat that comes onto campus."

Israel's announcement comes after President Donald Trump suggested arming 20 percent of teachers and coaches with firearms to overpower potential shooters.

A 2013 Cleveland State University College of Urban Affairs review showed that, at the time, putting one armed guard at every school building in the nation would cost about $13 billion a year.

The review was conducted after the NRA proposed the idea following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in which dozens died.

When scaled up to better reflect student populations per school buildings, the cost would increase to about $23 billion a year  some $500 per student for armed security.

In the Broward County School District, where the Parkland tragedy occurred, there are about 15,000 teachers. The proposal to arm about 20 percent  about 3,000  of those teachers with a Glock 17, a popular weapon, would cost more than $1.4 million, not taking into account the cost of ammunition.

Teachers would also have to be educated on gun safety, the cost of which can be about $200 per training day.

Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho rejected the idea of teachers with weapons.

"I respect teachers too much, and I respect their voice too much and I respect the voice of students who, unequivocally, who yesterday in Tallahassee and over the past week have told me they want to feel safe but they want teachers to teach," Carvalho said.

Runcie said that "we don't need to put guns in the hands of teachers."



"You know what we need. We need to arm our teachers with more money in their pockets," Runcie said.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said he does not support arming teachers and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., agreed saying Trumps suggestion on arming them was "a terrible idea."


The daily cost of heavy traffic to Metro Manila residents jumped 45.6 percent this year as vehicle congestion in the metropolis got worse, the Japan International Cooperation Agency said Thursday. Susumo Ito, chief representative of Jica Philippines Office said during the 36th Joint Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Committees of the Philippines and Japan that the updated daily cost of traffic in Metro Manila was P3.5 billion in 2017, higher than the estimated P2.4 billion based on the previous transport roadmap. Jica said with the estimated 12.8 million population of Metro Manila as of 2015, the cost would amount to P273 for each resident a day, up from P187.5 for each resident in the previous roadmap. It said without intervention, the daily cost traffic would increase to P5.4 billion in the coming years. Ito said Metro Manilas traffic situation was getting worse as traffic demand reached 13.4 million trips a day. He said the governments Build, Build, Build program is in right direction, but even with BBB, bottlenecks will remain in outer areas. Therefore, additional projects should be implemented. By 2035, the daily cost of traffic will is seen doing down to P3 billion with the government BBB program. It said with additional projects, the impact would be further reduced to P2.4 billion. Manuel Pangilinan, chairman of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., said the real answer to traffic problem was an efficient transport system  a combination of buses, light rail and urban subway. These also have added benefit of pushing population out of Metro Manila to suburbs, Pangilinan said.That is why the solution offered by various Japanese-funded rail projects, such as the 160-kilometer Clark to Los Banos Commuter Line and the Mega Manila Subway are projects we support. We are prepared to participate meaningfully in these projects, he said. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the BBB program would mean more roads, bridges, railways, airports and ports being constructed and more jobs being generated. We are not just building structures, we are connecting cities, bringing people closer, and improving lives, he said. The government plans to spend P8 trillion to P9 trillion, or roughly $160 billion to $180 billion, in the next six years for the BBB program. The government this year appropriated P847.2 billion in the national budget for infrastructure projects, or equivalent of 5.3 percent of the gross domestic product. This is higher than the 2.6 percent average infrastructure spending of the last six administrations. The Philippines never reached the 5 percent of GDP threshold for infrastructure spending in the last 30 years. Infrastructure spending for 2018 alone will reach P1.13 trillion.
What to Know The 19-year-old suspect Nikolas Cruz was captured an hour later in a neighborhood about 2 miles from the school where 17 people died.

For almost a half-hour after the shooting, police officers thought they were seeing his actions live on the school's security system.

For almost a half-hour after a school shooter dropped his assault-style rifle and escaped Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, police officers thought they were seeing his actions live on the school's security system.

They soon realized the images were tape delayed, which Coral Springs Police Chief Tony Pustizzi told the South Florida Sun Sentinel made a chaotic situation more confusing.

The 19-year-old suspect Nikolas Cruz was captured an hour later in a neighborhood about 2 miles from the school where 17 people died Feb. 14.

The newspaper reports police transmissions show that police initially couldn't get to security cameras. Sheriff Scott Israel said at a news conference he didn't know about the security system delays but would look into it.

At a news conference Thursday, Pustizzi said there was a communication issue between the person reviewing the footage and the officers in the school.

"There was nothing wrong with their equipment, their equipment works, it's just that when the person was reviewing the tape from 20 minutes earlier, somehow that wasn't communicated to the officers that it was a 20-minute delay," Pustizzi said. "It added to some confusion...because the officers that are in the school trying to find him were given inaccurate information, unintentionally, it's just miscommunication, but that 20-minute delay did cause some confusion."

Pustizzi said the confusion didn't put anyone in danger.

"The delay never put us in a situation where any kids' lives were in danger or any teachers' lives were in danger," he said.



BSO officials say Cruz started firing shots around 2:21 p.m. and left less than 10 minutes later. Commissioners approved a nearly $60 million plan to replace the old system, which reportedly will not be ready until later this year.

In a statement Thursday, Broward County Public Schools officials said the Sun-Sentinel's report contained information that "does not accurately reflect the capability of the surveillance system" and said "the account of events reported in the article does not adequately or accurately reflect the full circumstances in immediately responding to the event."

"The surveillance system definitely has the ability to view the cameras in real-time. It also has the ability to view the recorded footage and replay footage from earlier in the day. During the immediate response to the event, the system was being viewed in real-time and the recorded footage was being viewed to retrace the actions of the shooter," the district said in the statement. "The District no longer has access to the video footage, as the server and all footage related to the incident was removed from the Districts possession through a search warrant as part of the investigation to the event."
Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, along with other Florida leaders and the NRA, was held to the fire by angry students, teachers and parents who are demanding stronger gun-control measures at a town hall after the shooting rampage that claimed 17 lives at a Florida high school.

But Rubio, the lone Republican at CNN's "Stand Up" town hall Wednesday night, did say he would support laws barring those 18 and under from buying guns, support changing the background checks system and getting rid of bump stocks, which allow semiautomatic guns to mimic fully automatic fire.

One of those confronting the Florida senator was Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter Jaime was killed on Feb. 14 with 16 others. Rubio was the only Republican at the nationally broadcast gathering after Florida's GOP Gov. Rick Scott and President Donald Trump declined invitations to appear at the event in Sunrise, Florida.

Guttenberg told Rubio his comments about the shooting "and those of your president this week have been pathetically weak."

People stood up and cheered Guttenberg as he challenged Rubio to tell him the truth, to acknowledge that "guns were the factor in the hunting of our kids."

Guttenberg added, "And tell me you will work with us to do something about guns."

"I absolutely believe that in this country if you are 18 years of age you should not be able to buy a rifle and I will support a law that takes that right away," Rubio responded.



He said he supports raising the legal age to buy assault rifles to 21 and expanding databases in background checks.

However, Rubio said that the problems laid bare by the shooting rampage "cannot be solved by gun laws alone," drawing jeering whistles from the crowd. He said that an assault weapons ban would not be effective because more than 2,000 weapons similar to ones used in U.S. mass shootings would remain available. He said if he thought a ban "would have prevented this from happening, I would have supported it."

That drew jeers. Visibly angry, Guttenberg responded: "That is a weapon of war."

Sen. Bill Nelson and Congressman Ted Deutch, both Democrats from Florida, also were present on a dais.

"The folks in our community don't want words. They don't want thoughts and prayers. They don't want discussions. They want action. And we owe it to them to provide it," Deutch said during opening remarks.

Nelson said he grew up on a ranch and hunted all his life.

"I still hunt with my son but an AK-47 and an AR-15 is not for hunting, it's for killing," said Nelson to applause.

Ryan Schachter, whose brother Alex, was fatally gunned down at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, was among those questioning the lawmakers.

"I'm supposed to go back to school in the upcoming week," said Schachter. "Me and my friends worry we are going to be murdered in our classrooms."

He asked: "What reassurances can you give me and what specifically are you going to do to make sure we don't have this fear?"

"As a starter, next week when we go back to Washington, we're going to introduce legislation to make sure that assault weapons are illegal in every part of this country," Deutch responded. "But that's not ... going to help you when you go back to school."

Student Cameron Kasky did not mince words telling Rubio, "It's hard to look at you and not look down the barrel of an AR-15 and not look at Nikolas Cruz" before asking squarely, "Can you tell me right now that you will not accept a single donation from the NRA?"

The room erupted in cheers as Rubio replied that people buy into his agenda and that he supports laws to keep guns out of the hands of deranged people, adding that the NRA represents the interests of countless of Americans.

Rubio said he does not support arming teachers and Nelson agreed, saying Trump's suggestion on arming them was "a terrible idea."

Some who spoke criticized the lawmakers for not taking enough action to prevent tragedies such as the shooting in which the 17 students were killed.

One shared the sentiment: How much blood will it take for legislative change?

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel took on NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch, claiming she was not truthful in suggesting she, as part of the NRA, was fighting for the students affected by the tragedy.

"You just told this group of people that you are standing up for them. You're not standing up for them until you say, 'I want less weapons!" Israel said.

Loesch agreed that the accused gunman in the Parkland shooting "shouldn't have been able to get a firearm."

"He should have been barred from getting a firearm," Loesch said. "People who are crazy should not be able to get firearms. People who are dangerous to themselves and other individuals should not be able to obtain a firearm."

NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre continued the NRA's defense Thursday morning, speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference.

"All must come together ... to harden their schools, ... including effective trained armed security that will absolutely protect every innocent child in this country. And that has to happen now," he added.

Shortly before the town hall event opened, Israel spoke to the cheering audience, drawing them to their feet as he exhorted them to press on for stricter gun controls.

Israel declared the U.S. has had enough of deadly shootings and that he was personally saddened to have to go through the crime scene of a "horrific killer" 30 minutes after the attack last week. He said the young people should hold lawmakers accountable for making their schools and other community places safer or they won't be re-elected.

"Never again!" he declared of the Parkland attack, exhorting the young people to press on: "America's watching you ... there will be change."
What to Know New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island announced the formation of the "States for Gun Safety" coalition

The resources that will be shared among the states include research, law enforcement and intel

The states will be able to tackle issues related gun violence while they wait for Congress and the federal government to take action

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island announced the formation of the "States for Gun Safety" coalition, a new multi-state partnership to combat gun violence, and invited other states from across the nation to join the new effort.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo joined Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo in unveiling the interstate initiative Thursday morning which will pool resources in an effort to combat gun violence.

The resources that will be shared among the states include research, law enforcement and intel.

The governors said states will be able to tackle issues related gun violence  including stopping the flow of black market guns, sharing information among law enforcement on individuals who may pose a violent threat and working on parallel tracks on gun safety legislation  while they wait for Congress and the President to take federal action.

"Gun violence is not a New Jersey problem, a New York problem, a Connecticut problem, a Rhode Island problem, or a problem for any particular state or region  it is a national problem, Murphy said in a statement.

Under the "States for Gun Safety" coalition, the four states will create a multi-state task force to trace and intercept illegal guns in the region. They will also work together to gather information, while sharing information and response efforts related to gun violence. Participating states will also leverage collective investigative resources in order to determine coordinated plans for gun violence responses.

Cuomo said in a statement that rather than wait for the federal government to respond, the states decided "to take matters into our own hands."

Raimondo said in a statement that through the initiative they will "strengthen our gun laws and combat gun violence," while Malloy echoed similar sentiments saying that they cannot sit back and let guns into the hands of those who should not have them.

Participating states will also share information about individuals who are prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm within each state.

The governors also announced that their states will designate institutes of higher education to create the nations first Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium to assess gun violence data across disciplines like criminal justice, public health, public policy, and social welfare. The federal government has largely been prohibited from funding gun violence research since 1996.

The announcement comes a little more than a week after the most recent mass shooting that took place Feb. 14 when Nikolas Cruz, 19, opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing at least 17, according to authorities.

Cruz was a former student at the school who had a string of run-ins with school authorities that ended with his expulsion, authorities say.

Following the shooting Murphy, a Democrat, said he was staggered at the news and said New Jersey would join like-minded states to come up with regional solutions.

Murphy has repeatedly called for enacting what he calls common sense gun safety measures. He head a round-table talk earlier this month on gun legislation.

In January, Murphy announced that he was rescinding a Chris Christie-era rule that made it easier for residents to acquire carry permits for handguns.

Following the shooting, Cuomo said in a statement that the fatal incident is another painful and infuriating reminder of the inaction in Washington, when it comes to gun safety laws.

In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, New York passed the strongest gun safety legislation in the nation, Cuomo said, adding that its far past time that the rest of the nation follows suit.
A woman died from her injuries while two other women as well as three children were hurt after gunfire hit their van in the Ogontz section of Philadelphia Wednesday night.



It was unclear why the van came under fire as the 23-year-old woman drove along Broad Street near Grange Avenue around 8:30 p.m.

At least five gunshots struck the drivers side of the van and the female driver lost control of the vehicle before crashing head-on into a nearby building on the 5800 block of Old York Road.

The woman, who was shot at least once, was pronounced dead at 9 p.m. The womans five passengers, two women in their 20s, and two girls and a boy between the ages of 2 and 6, were also injured in the crash though police say none of them were shot. The five passengers were taken to Einstein Hospital where they were listed in stable condition.

Two men in gray hoodies could be seen fleeing the scene, police said. They may have been driving in a dark-colored vehicle based on witness accounts.

Witnesses say that vehicle was last seen traveling north on the 5800 block of Broad Street. The shooting and crash occurred in an area with several businesses and investigators checked for surveillance video.

Police have not released the victims identity but say the van she was driving is registered in her familys name. They also say the address of the registration may be about a mile away from the location of the shooting.

Horace Timmons, the uncle of the woman who died, told NBC10 the injured passengers included the victim's twin sister as well as her niece and nephew.



"She's a bright young lady," Timmons said. "Graduated with honors from high school. Was currently working for the school board and UPS. She had two jobs. She was about to move into her own place. Conscientious. Goodhearted. Didn't deserve for this to happen to her."

Philadelphia police don't believe the van was targeted nor do they believe it was a case of road rage.

If you have any information on the shooting, please contact Philadelphia police.


"Dead or alive" was the message printed on wanted posters a Valley Center resident hung around town after his RV and shed were broken into last Friday.

About $2,800 worth of items were stolen from a home in the 28000 block of Valley Center Road on Feb. 16, including a mountain bike, an air compressor, a chainsaw and other work tools, San Diego Sheriffs Department (SDSO) Sgt. Russell Ryan said.

The department had just begun working the case when the home's resident decided to take control of the situation himself. On Tuesday morning, the resident walked into the Valley Center substation and told deputies he had placed posters with the suspects image declaring him "wanted dead or alive" around Valley Center.

"By no means do we condone the vigilante justice that was on there," Sgt. Ryan told NBC 7.

SDSO asked him to take the posters down but the man said he was exercising his First Amendment right, Ryan said.

SDSOs Valley Center substation clarified on Twitter that they were, in fact, looking for the suspect but did not want him dead.

"An enthusiastic burglary victim with great video evidence, generated his own wanted 'Dead or Alive' posters and posted them around town," the tweet read. "They have our name and phone # on them. He is in fact wanted, but alive please. Detectives have Idd him and are working on an arrest."

An enthusiastic burglary victim with great video evidence, generated his own wanted Dead or Alive posters and posted them around town. They have our name and phone # on them. He is in fact wanted, but alive please. Detectives have Idd him and are working on an arrest.  ValleyCtrSubstation (@SDSOValleyCtr) February 21, 2018

The resident provided SDSO with video evidence of the burglary, Ryan said, which helped detectives identify the suspect as 23-year-old Valley Center resident Jose Martinez.

Martinez was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Vista Detention Facility on theft and burglary-related charges. He is believed to be connected to other thefts or burglaries in the area, Ryan said.

Suspect in custody! VC detectives just arrested the wanted burglary suspect and recovered the most expensive item stolen. Great work by our detectives and thanks to our victim for providing such great video evidence!  ValleyCtrSubstation (@SDSOValleyCtr) February 21, 2018

Through their investigation, detectives were able to recover at least one of the resident's items, his mountain bike, and were working to recover the rest.


World-renowned chef and advocate of hunger issues Jose Andres is the recipient of the James Beard Foundations Humanitarian of the Year Award, the organization said in a statement Wednesday.

In the wake of Hurricane Maria, Andres worked together with his non-profit World Central Kitchen and the network of chefs and volunteers behind #ChefsForPuertoRico to deliver over 3.3 million meals in Puerto Rico.

Joses work in Puerto Rico and Haiti shows how chefs can use their expertise and unique skills to enact profound change on a global scale, Mitchell Davis, the foundations executive vice president, said in a statement.

The foundation gives an annual award to an organization or person in the food industry who worked tirelessly to better the lives of others and society at large. Andres will receive the award May 7 at the foundations ceremony in Chicago.

The award-winning chef is also giving an inside look of his relief work in a new book titled "We Fed An Island: The True Story of Rebuilding Puerto Rico, One Meal at a Time," Ecco told The Associated Press Wednesday. A portion of proceeds will be given to World Central Kitchen.

Andres several restaurants in the D.C. area include two-Michelin-starred Minibar.


A former Uber driver accused of committing a sexual offense while he was on the clock was found not guilty of second- and fourth-degree sexual assault.

Ergun Gunes was accused of the crime in Hyattsville, Maryland, in June when he was a driver for Uber. No details about the accusation were released.

He was found not guilty in District Court of Maryland for Prince George's County Wednesday.
PROTECTING OFWS. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello announces Wednesday a mechanism to avert violations of rights of overseas Filipino workers in Kuwait. Bello tells a news conference at the DoLE office in Intramuros a negotiating team will go to Kuwait headed by Labor Undersecretary Claro Arellano, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration officer-in-charge Aristodes Ruaro, and POEA legal research OIC John Rio Bautista regarding a memorandum of understanding with Kuwait. Norman Cruz

PHILIPPINE officials are headed to Kuwait on Thursday to seek greater protection for migrant workers after a diplomatic row over the alleged mistreatment of Filipinos in the Gulf state. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III told reporters Wednesday one of his deputies would lead the delegation, which is also due to stop in Saudi Arabia and Qatar to urge reforms. Topping the list are demands that Filipino workers be allowed to keep their cellphones and passports, which can be confiscated by employers. The trip comes after President Rodrigo Duterte last week announced a deployment ban for Filipinos planning to work in Kuwait. He was responding to the murder of a Filipino maid whose body was found stuffed in a freezer in Kuwait this month. Dutertes ban sparked a diplomatic flap between the Philippines and the Gulf state as he alleged that Arab employers routinely raped their Filipina workers, forced them to work 21 hours a day and fed them scraps. Kuwait has invited Duterte for a visit but he has yet to respond. Authorities say some 252,000 Filipinos work in Kuwait, many as maids. They are among over two million employed in the region, whose remittances are a lifeline to the Philippine economy. We are going to Kuwait tomorrow, Saudi Arabia and then on to Qatar to ensure that our overseas Filipino workers have sufficient protection, said Labor Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad, who will lead the delegation. We are afraid that because of the decision of the President to have a deployment ban, our overseas Filipino workers in Kuwait might be affected, he added.Lagunzad said Duterte had ordered the team to ensure that the passports of Filipino workers are deposited with the Philippine Embassy. Duterte also wanted Filipinos to have access to cellphones so they can call for help in case of abuse, Lagunzad said. About 10-million Filipinos work abroad and their treatment abroad is often a political issue at home. Another team of labor officials said on Wednesday they would conduct negotiations with Kuwait next week on a deal to protect Filipino workers. Hopefully we can finalize the memorandum of agreement and by first or second week of March, we will have the signing by the Kuwaiti and Philippine governments, said Claro Arellano, another labor undersecretary. Kuwait on Wednesday granted the Philippines request to extend until April 22 its amnesty for overstaying Filipino workers, Ambassador to Kuwait Renato Villa said. Villa said that Kuwait extended the deadline to give countries more time to repatriate more illegal workers who wanted to go home. There are 10,800 Filipinos believed to have overstayed their visas or who have run away from their employers. The DFA said out of the total number, only 3,000 Filipinos have so far applied for amnesty. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said the extension of the deadline was a positive gesture by the Kuwaiti government. The amnesty extension buoyed the hopes of hundreds of frantic Filipino workers who think they would not be accommodated in the last remaining repatriation flights to Manila. The undocumented workers, who trooped to the embassy on Tuesday afternoon, were assured by Villa that there were no reasons to be worried as the amnesty extension will now allow them to be included in the repatriation. Villa said the Embassy has processed 3,801 travel documents for workers since the amnesty period began and has so far repatriated 1,796. He said more than 2,000 more workers will be repatriated in the next few days. On Tuesday, the DFA flew home some 580 workers via Cebu Pacific and Philippines Airlines.After April 22, the government of Kuwait will enforce its crackdown on illegal workers or aliens. Under the amnesty program, all overstaying migrant workers will be allowed exit without suffering fines or penalties. Illegal workers, on the other hand, will be given the chance to process their documents so they can stay in the country legally. The DFA said workers returning to the Philippines from Kuwait include those who have overstayed or escaped from their employers, as well as those reported to have been abused. Also on Wednesday, the DFA said the female Filipino worker, Norisa Manambit, who was found comatose in a Kuwait hospital after she went missing in Saudi Arabia, could be a victim of human trafficking. In a statement of the DFA said it is now tracking down and investigating Manambits original employers in Saudi Arabia, her agency in the Philippines and her host country. The embassy is also looking at the human trafficking angle since [she] was originally bound for Saudi Arabia, DFA for Office of Public Diplomacy Executive Director Charmaine Aviquivil said. Relatives of Manambit, 36, discovered her location and condition through a Facebook post by a Filipino nurse in Kuwait. The nurse posted a video in hope that Manambits relatives would learn of her situation. Embassy teams are also coordinating with hospital personnel on her medical condition and, following standard procedure, her eventual repatriation after treatment, Aviquivil said. In the Senate, Minority Leader Franklin Drilon urged the government to strictly implement the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, noting there were 185 deaths recorded in Kuwait alone in the last two years. He said the full implementation of our labor laws would have prevented, or at least minimized, the number of deaths and abuses among our overseas Filipino workers. The government should mull over the ways for full and strict implementation of our labor laws, he said. The former labor secretary was appalled at the rising number of deaths and abuses among Filipino workers. Drilon said that imposing a deployment ban would only serve as a stop-gap measure. He warned against the proliferation of illegal recruiters and scalawags who would try to go around the law to send workers to countries where there is an employment ban. The law says the deployment of overseas Filipino workers should only be in countries that have existing labor laws or are signatories to international conventions protecting migrant workers, or have bilateral agreements with our government for the protection of OFWs. Should this particular provision of the law been strictly implemented, maybe the 185 deaths of OFWs would not have happened, Drilon said. Cebu Pacific on Wednesday airlifted and brought to Manila a total of 396 Filipino workers, in line with its commitment to President Duterte to help with the repatriation. Cebu Pacific corporate communications director Ma. Rosario Lagamon said the Airbus A330 aircraft arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 3 around 9 a.m. to bring home the largest number of Filipino workers repatriated from Kuwait. This is the largest group of OFWs flown on a single flight from Kuwait by any airline, she said. Lagamon said the humanitarian flight was commanded by Capt. Mark Semon and his co-pilot First Officer Mark Leoven Meliton. She added a 10-man cabin crew led by Carmencita Pimentel was also on board to assist the OFWs during the flight.
Two high school students at Leonardtown High School in St. Marys County, Maryland, have been arrested for threatening to bring weapons to school, authorities say.

Two days after the deadly school shooting in Parkland, Florida, someone overheard two teen boys, ages 15 and 16, talking on a school bus about how they would have done it differently and bragging about how they were too smart to get caught, police said.

The St. Mary's County Sheriffs Office and the high school's School Resource Officer immediately began an investigation after authorities received a tip about the threat, the sheriff's office said.

School officials contacted the two students and were conducting a home visit when authorities found a cache of weapons in one teen's home, St. Marys County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. James Scott Smith said.

Police said they found semi-automatic rifles, handguns, other weapons and ammunition at the Leonardtown home of 39-year-old David Fairfax, the father of one of the two students.

"Thirty-nine unsecured firearms were seized. These include a handgun in the 14-year-old son's room and a handgun in the room of the 15-year-old juvenile suspect student's bedroom," said St. Mary's County Sheriff Timothy Cameron.

Officers found 25 more weapons in a subsequent search.

Fairfax has been charged with two counts of reckless endangerment, access to a firearm by a minor and illegal transfer of a firearm, the sheriff's office said.

Police said Fairfax had a federal license to own the weapons, but the unsecured weapons were not in compliance with the law.

School officials were not only concerned by the students' access to firearms, but were also concerned also by a troubling post on social media.

One of the teens had posed with the firearms in a photo, according to a School Resource Officer.

The teens have been charged with threat of mass violence.

Both students and their respective families have been ordered to stay away from all county school properties while the investigation continues.



This comes after police said an 18-year-old Montgomery County, Maryland, student accused of taking a loaded gun to his high school Thursday had more weapons at home.
A man wanted in connection with a Los Angeles-area rape died Wednesday at the end of a pursuit in Ventura County after authorities say he consumed a lethal mixture while driving on a freeway.

The man likely consumed a poisonous mix of sodium chloride and potassium cyanide before striking a median on the 101 Freeway near Seward Avenue, authorities said. The man earlier told officer he was suicidal, according to the California Highway Patrol.

He died at the scene. No officers were injured.

Details about the crime for which the driver was sought were not immediately available, except that it occurred in January, according to police. The man was identified as 33-year-old Jonathan Hanks, of Camarillo, according to Los Angeles police.

The 101 Freeway was closed in both directions near Seaward Avenue for the investigation.

Authorities said earlier that shots were fired, but later said there was no gunfire.

Editor's Note 2/21/2018, 12:13 p.m.: This story has been updated to accurately report the day the man died.
A judge says a 57-year-old Maine man is guilty of murder in a nearly 40-year-old case that baffled authorities in Maine.

Philip Scott Fournier was charged in 2016 with killing 16-year-old Joyce McLain in East Millinocket in 1980. Superior Court Justice Ann Murray issued her verdict on Thursday morning in a packed Bangor courtroom.

McLain disappeared while she was out jogging, and her body was found two days later.

A defense lawyer said during final arguments earlier this month that "doubts will linger" over the case regardless whether Fournier was convicted. The defense also argued that Fournier's memories, which were central to the prosecution's case, were unreliable.

There also wasn't physical evidence tying Fournier to the crime scene. But prosecutors said he confessed numerous times over the years.
Six people are accused of taking part in a violent brawl outside a home in Manchester, New Hampshire, which left one woman unconscious.

Police responded to reports of a fight on Walker Street shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and found a crowd of people, including a woman who had been knocked unconscious. According to police, the woman awoke and refused medical treatment.

Police arrested Felicia Johonnett, 19; Norman Johonnett, 22; Roger Johonnett, 19; Joseph Ticas, 27; and Enrique Ayala, 18, all of Manchester. They also arrested Katelyn Riley, 20, of Bedford, New Hampshire.

The incident occured just hours after a 19-year-old man was stabbed outside the home, and a 28-year-old man sustained a head injury. Both men were treated for the non-life threatening injuries at a nearby hospital.

Five of the six charged were released on bail and are due in court in March. Norman Johonnett was charged with violating his bail conditions and is due in court Thursday.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incidents.
The photos and personal letters are all part of the Billy Graham archive at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Massachusetts.

Theres a street and residence hall named after the famed evangelist who helped co found the school.

He really believed Boston was the intellectual center of the United States," says seminary president Dennis Hollinger. He broke down the color barrier very early on in his ministry.

Hollinger is remembering his friend and the way Graham preached the message of Jesus Christ to millions of people around the world.

The man known as Americas Pastor is also being called the most influential religious leader of his era. For decades, he was leading crusades in massive stadiums, even preaching in the Boston Common early on in his ministry.

Growing up as a 14-year-old in Baton Rouge, Lousiana, "our whole youth group went in buses to see the Billy Graham crusade, said Dana Robert.

The religion professor at Boston University recalls seeing Graham preach in person.

While Reverend Graham rubbed elbows with presidents, Professor Robert says the recognition of his own flaws kept him humble and accessible.

Billy Graham had marital problems, but he stayed married, Billy sucked up to the wealthy when he shouldnt have. And later in life he repented of some of these things.

A family spokesperson says Reverend Graham died Wednesday morning in North Carolina after battling a long illness. He was 99 years old.

"The message he proclaimed was modeled in his own life, says Hollinger.

Gordon-Conwell is celebrating Reverend Graham's life and legacy through various events.
Parents in Medford, Massachusetts are calling for the superintendent to resign after it was revealed a loaded gun magazine was found in the school's auditorium in December.

The gun magazine was found in McGlynn Middle School and wasn't reported to police or parents for seven weeks.



The Medford school district announced the discovery earlier this week.

Medford's mayor said the middle school's principal was put on paid leave for his alleged role in this, adding that the town was launching an independent investigation into the incident.

On Tuesday, Superintendent Roy Belson told NBC10 Boston he learned of the discovery in early January, and that he opted to not tell parents about it after being told it was an isolated incident.

The superintendent said the school's auditorium is frequently rented to outside groups, and that it is believed someone involved in one of the outside groups accidentally left it behind.

Belson said the Medford police chief was not directly informed of the discovery.



Parents voiced their frustration for more than four hours Thursday night in a fiery meeting with Belson and the school board.

Many in the crowd called on Belson to resign.

He is already planning on retiring in June.

The board cancelled school on Monday to allow teachers to discuss what to tell students about this, and the board is scheduled to meet next week to discuss if Belson should face punishment.
A Rhode Island state senator facing charges of sex extortion and video voyeurism has announced his resignation.

Coventry Republican Nicholas Kettle in a letter Thursday said after consulting with his attorney and family "I have determined that it is in my best interest to resign and concentrate on the unfounded allegations against me."

Senate leaders on Wednesday took the first step in trying to expel Kettle, the Senate's minority whip.

Kettle was arrested last week and charged with extorting a male page for sex on two occasions in 2011 and with video voyeurism that involved trading nude photos of his ex-girlfriend and a New Hampshire woman taken without their consent.

Kettle's resignation letter also says he was disappointed that he was denied due process by fellow Senate members.
A Vermont mother has been sentenced to at least six months in prison after pleading guilty to a 2015 car crash that killed her 3-year-old son.

The Caledonian Record reports 28-year-old Christina Deslandes, of Island Pond, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in a plea deal to gross negligent operation of a motor vehicle. She also pleaded guilty to a charge of violating conditions of release because she was driving with a baby in 2016 while her case was pending.

Police said she was driving northbound on Route 114 in Brighton when her car crossed the center line and southbound lane and hit a telephone pole.

Police said neither Deslandes nor the child wore a seatbelt. The child wasn't restrained in a child seat.

Authorities said the boy died from blunt force trauma of the head and neck.
A Vermont man is facing multiple charges after allegedly following a woman and her young grandchild home and flashing his gun multiple times.



Police responded to reports of a man yelling at a woman and her grandchild on Route 7 in Dorset Wednesday evening.

According to police, Gerald B. Wright, 53, of Dorset, Vt., followed them to the woman's home on his Four Wheeler. Police say Wright, who was carrying a loaded shotgun and loaded handgun, lifted his shirt multiple times to show the woman and her grandchild the handgun on his hip.

Wright allegedly left the home but returned shortly after in a pickup truck with his significant other and two children.

Police arrested Wright at the home. He faces multiple charges including drunk driving, assault, and reckless endangerment. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.
Posted Thursday, February 22, 2018 7:00 am

I hope your Valentines Day was an enjoyable one.

Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting members of the Seymour FFA at the Capitol, met with representatives of the Missouri School Boards Association and joined several of my colleagues catching up with Congressman Smith during his visit to Jefferson City. I also met with home educators and was honored to deliver the keynote address at the Missouri Hospice Association meeting.

The Women Legislators group also had a fundraiser last week, raising several thousand dollars for our annual scholarships. If you know a young woman who will be continuing her education after graduation this fall, please encourage her to apply for one of the scholarships.

Last week, my HB 1608 was printed and perfected and I hope it will be on its way to the Senate this week.

HB 1409

Members of the Missouri House gave final approval to a bill meant to protect the states unemployment system from insolvency in the event there is another economic downturn.

The legislation is designed to make sure the state has enough money in its unemployment trust fund so that businesses dont have to pay a penalty. Specifically, it would increase the minimum amount of money in the fund by $120 million before employers contribution rates decrease. For example, Missouri businesses would see their contribution rates decrease by 7 percent if the fund has a balance greater than $720 million. Rates would drop by 12 percent if the fund sees a balance in excess of $870 million.

The bill would also tie unemployment benefits to the average unemployment rate so that more benefits are available when unemployment is high. In periods of high unemployment greater than 9 percent, benefits would be available for 20 weeks. In periods of low unemployment less than 6 percent, benefits would be available for 13 weeks. It is an important step toward ensuring Missouri can afford to help its citizens during times when they are without work. Supporters noted that the average period of unemployment in Missouri is 12.1 weeks.

HB 1620

The Missouri House approved legislation last week that would ease state law to allow organizations to give clean needles to users of illegal intravenous drugs. Supporters say the bill will help combat a potential outbreak of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C caused by the sharing of used needles, and will get more people into drug treatment.

The sponsor told her colleagues that individuals who use those programs to get needles are five times more likely to get into drug treatment because the programs put them in contact with medical professionals.

Proponents also say the bill will save the state money in costs to Medicaid of treating people who contract conditions like HIV and Hepatitis C by sharing needles.

OTHER BILLS MOVING TO THE SENATE

HB 1420 would extend the sunset for the early learning quality assurance report pilot program from Aug. 28, 2016, until Aug. 28, 2019. Supporters say the program provides parents with information that helps them make good decisions about early childhood education for their children.

HB 1930 would include political subdivisions and special districts in the list of entities prohibited from regulating the exhibition of a properly displayed United States flag. Rules, regulations and ordinances of all kinds are subject to the requirements of the bill. Supporters say that the bill will encourage the proper display of the flag at public buildings owned by the state or any political subdivision or agency of the state.

HB 1267 would add approved virtual institutions to the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program. Supporters say the bill would expand eligibility for financial assistance under the program to students seeking degrees from virtual institutions.

HB 1879 would change the laws regarding financial transactions by public entities. Supporters say the bill would update and modernize the states public entity finance statutes, which will create efficiencies in banking and investment of public funds. This bill would also reduce administrative hassle and burden.

HB 1859 would allow law enforcement agencies to assist other law enforcement agencies. Supporters say there are officers and deputies in other counties who would like to help smaller counties, so a mutual aid agreement such as the one created by the bill is necessary. Currently, only adjoining counties may enter into mutual aid agreements, but sometimes counties need help from, or can offer help to, counties outside the adjoining areas.

HB 1685 would exempt short-term major medical policies from several federal health insurance mandates and allow such policies to have a term of less than one year. The change should help families get more affordable health insurance coverage and choose the coverages which are important for their individual situations.

HB 1690 would modify provisions of the Missouri life and health insurance guarantee act. Supporters say the bill would modify the act to mirror the national model. It would give increased support for long-term care insurance and strengthen and add protections for health maintenance organizations.

Rep. Hannah Kelly represents the 141st district in the Missouri House of Representatives. The 141st District includes the eastern half of Webster County and all of Wright County.
The Angles Way Filling Station has reopened this month after 18 months break, having changed its name from Ouse Valley Filling Station.

The Angles Way Filling Station has reopened this month after 18 months break, having changed its name from Ouse Valley Filling Station.

Dinosaurs, evolution and religion lecture Nick Spencer will give a lecture in the Cathedral on Tuesday September 21, starting at 7.00pm on the question what does evolution say about human life? Read more

The Seven Real Reasons for Unbelief Regular columnist James Knight believes that understanding the reasons why many people choose not to believe will assist Christians in reaching out to them. Read more

Burn Norwich worship nights are back Non-stop worship movement Burn has been continuing online throughout lockdown. Local group Burn Norwich are meeting in-person on October 2 in Norwich. Read more

Holt charity holds prayer meetings for Malawi North Norfolk charity Aid Africa tells of a new toilet in Malawi, and invites everyone to a monthly on-line prayer meeting to pray for their work in that country. Read more

Integrate Youth for Christ hiring in South Norfolk Integrate Youth for Christ currently have two vacancies which could be combined if the applicant has suitable skills, one based in Thetford and one in Diss. Both roles are to commence as soon as possible. Read more

New air ambulance HQ in Norwich is blessed Faith leaders from across East Anglia took part in an official blessing at the official opening of the extended and renovated East Anglian Air Ambulance operational base and HQ at Norwich Airport on September 10. Read more

Communications Manager for Diocese of Norwich The Diocese of Norwich has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic Communications Manager to be responsible for the development and implementation of a multiplatform communications strategy, supporting the vision to be Transformed by Christ. Read more

Care Assistant at Corton House Corton House, a 42 bedded care home with a mission to provide excellent loving care and support for older people, is looking for a day care assistant to work a mixture of evenings and day shifts Read more

Marketing and Fundraising Co-ordinator Corton House are looking for an experienced individual to fill a newly created role working with Senior Management to develop and implement new marketing and fundraising strategies to further develop and grow the organisation. Read more

Norfolk gives generously to Afghan refugee fund Thanks to the generosity of people across Norfolk and Waveney, the Bishop of Norwichs Refugee Fund has received nearly 36,000 in the past fortnight, to help the arriving and expected new refugees from Afghanistan. The Diocese of Norwich is administering Read more

Norwich Christian leaders invited to meet together The Transforming Norwich steering group are inviting Christian leaders to meet together in-person for the first time in 18 months to share lunch and to encourage and pray for one another. Read more

Norfolks baking expert Chris serves up a treat After clocking up many years of experience as cafe manager at the Kings Church Centre in Norwich, Chris Bottomley has now launched his own business creating masterpiece cakes. Read more

Heritage events at secret Norwich chapel The Old Meeting House Congregational Church in Colegate will be open during the weekend of September 18 and 19, and will use the occasion to kick start its popular monthly 'Big Sing' event. Read more

A dinosaur roar of hope for Gods creation Andy Bryant, who has been project managing the current Dippy attraction in Norwich Cathedral, points out that the Diplodocus skeleton represents far more than a display of old bones. Read more

Relocation for Norwich Healing Rooms Norwich Healing Rooms returns every Thursday evening at a new venue in Heartsease as well as monthly on Saturdays Norwich city centre. Read more

An African mission for South Norfolk churches An empowering mission for a struggling community in Zimbabwe struck an immediate chord with Carolyn Skittrall who supports several South Norfolk churches to bring change and growth through practical initiative and insight. Read more

Gorleston church thanks Covid volunteers St Mary Magdalene church in Gorleston has hosted a Big Thank You afternoon tea to thank the volunteers who had supported the community during the COVID pandemic. Read more
Army 'skeleton' sleigh champ suffers from PTSD, court told

A WAR hero who returned from Afghanistan with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) used drugs to cope with the horrors he saw.

But that has twice landed the former Royal Tank Regiment soldier from Newbury in the dock at Reading Magistrates Court.

Shaun Wadeson, who was also a bronze and silver medal-winning army bobsleigh champion, once picked for Team GB, had been travelling with two others in a car which was stopped by police.

At a hearing on Thursday, February 8, Lesley Gilmore, prosecuting, said that, on being told he would be strip-searched, the 28-year-old from Curling Way produced two or three wraps of cocaine.

Mr Wadeson admitted possessing the Class A controlled drug at Cheap Street in Newbury on January 22.

He also has recent, previous convictions for drink-driving, drug-driving and possessing cocaine, the court heard.

Sally Thomson, defending, said those convictions all related to one occasion and explained that her client was an army veteran struggling to cope with civilian life following his discharge in 2013.

She added: He was recently diagnosed with PTSD as a result of his experiences on duty in Afghanistan.

The army was his life. There are issues relating to his discharge that he continues to contest.

He was also a skeleton bobsleigh champion, winning bronze and silver medals, selection for the national team and for Team GB.

You can imagine how it felt losing all that.

Ms Thomson said Mr Wadeson had since qualified as a marine engineer.

However, she added: He has also trained as a security guard and has just applied for a job at Newbury Racecourse with his specially-trained dog, Buster.

Ms Thomson said Mr Wadeson had moved in with his aunt and uncle, and went on: They are both ex-service people; they have a really good understanding of the sort of experiences he has been through and are providing support.

And rather than continuing to use drugs, the court heard, Mr Wadeson was now getting additional help for his problems from Help for Heroes and the Veterans Association.

Ms Thomson urged the court to impose a conditional discharge on her client.

But after retiring to confer, magistrates said the offence was too serious for that, and it was aggravated by the fact it followed so soon after his previous, drug-related convictions.

They instead imposed a 180 fine and ordered Mr Wadeson to pay 85 costs, plus a statutory victim services surcharge of 30.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women -- one in eight (12.4 percent) in the U.S. will be diagnosed with it. Invasive breast cancer is dangerous for two reasons: It can aggressively spread to other organs in the body, and it is likely to recur. While treatable in the early stages via surgery or chemotherapy, as the disease progresses, the chances of recovery decrease exponentially.

Many of the drugs and therapies available today target breast cancer cells but tend to neglect the surrounding "local environment," which includes surrounding tissues. But cancer cells and their local environment are connected, so both undergo striking chemical and physical changes during tumor development.

During the 62nd Biophysical Society Annual Meeting, held Feb. 17-21, in San Francisco, California, Deep Parikh, a doctoral candidate at Stevens Institute of Technology, will present his work exploring the role physical changes within a cancer cells' local environment play in the aggressiveness of breast cancer.

"Prior attempts to clarify the interactions between breast cancer cells and the local environment ... were mainly done on artificial smooth surfaces ... and yield misleading indications," Parikh said. "I'm studying how the cancerous microenvironment -- especially the physical attributes of tissue stiffness and rigidity -- controls cancer progression."

During tumor development, "the local environment undergoes significant chemical and physical alterations that are regulated by both cancer cells and the cells surrounding the tumor," Parikh said.

Based on clinical observations, an increase of tissue stiffness and rigidity is among the most profound of these physical changes. "More importantly, clinical data suggests that increasing stiffness may lead to tumor aggressiveness and cause it to spread to other organs," Parikh said.

As a better way to explore the role of tissue stiffness in cancer aggressiveness -- independent of the chemical alterations -- Parikh and colleagues developed a biomimetic platform that mimics the stiffness of the local environment from healthy "soft" breast tissue to cancerous "stiff" tissue.

"Our platform is easy to manipulate and can be tuned to accommodate a range of stiffness that corresponds to the gradual changes that occur during cancer development," Parikh said. "It allows us to encode the complex correlation between tissue stiffness and cancer development."

Culturing breast cancer cells on surfaces of different stiffness resulted in cells with different biological structures. "The cells inclined toward being more aggressive -- metastatic (spreading to other organs) -- as stiffness increased," Parikh said. "Strikingly, the data obtained after three and seven days' culture was significantly different than previous studies carried out for less than 24 hours. Also, with increased stiffness the drug resistance of the breast cancer cells increased -- which suggests that drugs designed to target merely at a cellular level are not enough."

This new approach to cancer therapeutics offers significant promise for future drug development. "Developing drugs that can potentially prevent an increase in stiffness can most likely stop the spread of cancer," Parikh said. "Localizing it would allow it to be easily removed using surgical techniques."
Qatar and Chad have decided to restore their diplomatic relations that were severed in August after the start of a Saudi-led blockade against Qatar.

Qatars foreign ministry spokesperson, Lolwah al-Khater, said that both countries would return their ambassadors with immediate effect.

The revival of diplomatic ties between Chad and Qatar is indicative of a waning Saudi-led campaign to suffocate Doha. The Quartet (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt) in June last year has imposed an embargo on Qatar over divergences on a set of issues notably Dohas support for the Muslim brotherhood.

A number of African countries followed suit and severed ties with Doha that accused the Saudi-led bloc of putting pressure on these African states to take sides in the row.

Qatar managed to survive the embargo so far thanks to its sovereign funds, strong relations with Turkey and a newly forged alliance with Saudi Arabias arch rival, Iran.

More than eight months since the start of the crisis, the US and the EU have repeatedly called on the conflicting countries to engage in dialogue.

The quartet issued a 13-point list of demands, including the shutdown of Qatar-based media network Al Jazeera, limiting ties with Iran and expelling Turkish troops stationed in the country, as a prerequisite to lifting the blockade.

Qatar rejected all the demands, denouncing them as attempts to infringe on its sovereignty.
Almost all cells in the human body have identical DNA sequences, yet there are 200-plus cell types with different sizes, shapes, and chemical compositions. Determining what parts of the genome are read to make protein and which are silenced is orchestrated by proteins called transcription factors. These regulate the availability of distinct stretches of DNA to be expressed as opposed to others that remain buried in tightly coiled structures called chromatin.

Researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, describe this week in Immunity the role of a transcription factor called TCF-1 in targeting the condensed chromatin and regulating the availability of genome sequences in T-cell development. The new connection between TCF-1 and chromatin will aid in developing new therapies using epigenetic drugs to alter T-cell fate in cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

Senior author Golnaz Vahedi, PhD, an assistant professor of Genetics, brings her multidisciplinary training in computational biology, epigenetics, and immunology to bear on the question of T-cell identity. She leads a multidisciplinary team integrating computational and experimental approaches to develop an understanding of gene regulation in immune cells. Vahedi is also a member of Penn's Institute for Immunology and Epigenetics Institute.

She likens TCF-1 to an icebreaker ship that initially opens the ice (condensed, closed chromatin) and keeps a path available for other ships (other transcription factors that work in later stages of development) to steam through the now-open water (unwound chromatin). TCF-1 ultimately opens chromatin so that DNA can be read to make proteins, and it also keeps chromatin open so that subsequent factors can access DNA to make protein that guide a maturing T cell to its final identity.

Although the functional importance of TCF-1 in T cells has been known for more than 25 years, the mechanism by which this protein controls T-cell identity remained unknown. The team generated a profile of open and closed areas in eight stages of T-cell development and found an abundance of the transcription factor TCF-1 at regions along the genome that were open at the earliest stages of development.

"Our lab is interested in understanding how T-cell identity is established," Vahedi said. "We chose to study T cells because of their all-important role in patrolling the body to clear it of germs and such other dangers as cancer cells."

They established the identity-making role for TCF-1 by deleting it in a mouse model and found that most open sites closed, becoming inaccessible in tightly wound chromatin. On the other hand, when they added TCF-1 to a type of common skin cell, it "broke the ice" and opened closed regions by removing chemical groups that tighten chromatin. The elongated fibroblasts reprogrammed to become more T-cell-like in shape and hundreds of T-cell genes were also expressed in these skin cells.

Using computational and epigenomic methods, the team found that TCF-1 behaved in a similar manner on the chromatin of individual T cells. Because of the consistency among many cells, they concluded that TCF-1 control of T-cell fate is fundamentally important in determining what a cell will become.

"We showed how TCF-1 controls T-cell fate through its ability to target closed chromatin and establish the identity of developing T cells," Vahedi said. "TCF-1 is the focus of many immunology and oncology studies, especially those dealing with checkpoint inhibitors and sick immune cells. We think that the 'ice-breaking' ability of TCF-1 can be selectively harnessed to reset 'old' T cells to a 'younger' state so they can fight invaders again."
Today the University of Maryland School of Medicine's (UMSOM) Center for Vaccine Development (CVD) is proud to be part of vaccine history in Africa.

The first African child was vaccinated with the newly prequalified World Health Organization (WHO) typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV), Typbar-TCV, in Malawi. The clinical trial is led by Principal Investigator Professor Melita Gordon of the University of Liverpool and the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust (MLW) Clinical Research Programme. A total of 24,000 children in Ndirande and Zingwangwa townships will be enrolled in the Malawi trial.

"This clinical trial is the culmination of over 20 years of research focused on Salmonella disease here in Malawi," said Professor Melita Gordon. "Our teams of health workers, our local scientists, and our longstanding partners in the Malawi Ministry of Health and College of Medicine are tremendously excited to see the impact our research could finally have for health. We're ready to go, and really feel like Africa is watching us, with hope."

The vaccine trial in Malawi is part of the Typhoid Vaccine Acceleration Consortium (TyVAC), a larger effort to conduct impact studies of Typbar-TCV. Research in Nepal has been underway since November 2017 and research in Bangladesh is set to begin mid-year. TyVAC is led by Kathleen Neuzil, MD, MPH, Director of the CVD, and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

"We are excited and honored to be part of this historical moment - a first for Africa and a critical step in the fight to Take on Typhoid," said Dr. Neuzil. "Our partners at MLW and Blantyre Malaria Project have worked tirelessly to prepare for this study that will collect essential data in endemic settings with a high typhoid burden."

TyVAC, a partnership between the CVD, the Oxford Vaccine Group at the University of Oxford and PATH, an international nonprofit, is conducting studies in Africa and Asia to accelerate introduction of TCVs in high burden countries. The data generated will be used to assess the impact of Typbar-TCV and support country decision-making and preparation for sustained vaccine introduction.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection that causes nearly 12 million cases and kills nearly 128,000 people each year. In Blantyre, typhoid affects over 100 in every 100,000 people annually. Typhoid is common in developing countries with poor sanitation and water.

About the Vaccine

Typbar-TCV is the only typhoid vaccine with a WHO stamp of approval for infants as young as six months. This conjugate vaccine is manufactured and licensed by Bharat Biotech. After more than two decades of development, WHO's prequalification of the vaccine is an enormous step toward making it available broadly in developing countries with high typhoid burden.

"Conjugate vaccines have been well-tolerated and highly effective against other diseases. We are very excited about the prequalification and introduction of Typbar-TCV. This is an enormous practical step for control of typhoid," said Myron Levine, MD, DTPH, the Simon and Bessie Grollman Distinguished Professor of Medicine and the Associate Dean for Global Health, Vaccinology and Infectious Diseases.

In addition to conducting trials of the vaccine, TyVAC has joined forces with the Coalition against Typhoid to take on typhoid, an integrated approach involving typhoid conjugate vaccines and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions.

"Typhoid is a significant public health problem in many parts of the world. Dr. Neuzil's leadership of the TyVAC consortium is another example of the critical role the CVD plays in improving global health around the world" said UMSOM Dean E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, who is also University Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor. "Over several decades, the CVD has helped to save millions of lives. This generous grant from the foundation will allow our scientists, working with national and international partners, to continue with this crucial work."
Because people are now living longer and often healthier lives, the rate of some illnesses that are more likely to develop with age has risen. These illnesses include dementia. In fact, the number of us living with dementia was already 47 million worldwide in 2015. It could reach 131 million by 2050.

Dementia is a general term that includes different types of mental decline. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases.

As Alzheimer's disease worsens, older adults may become more likely to have trouble performing daily activities, can develop trouble swallowing, and may become less active. This increases the risk for other concerns like infections. These infections, such as pneumonia, can increase the risk for death. As a result, the cause of death for people living with Alzheimer's disease is often infections or some other cause, rather than the Alzheimer's disease itself.

A team of researchers from Belgium recently studied how people with Alzheimer's disease use medical services during their final months. The goal was to learn more about the best ways to help older adults with dementia at the end of their lives. Their study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

The researchers studied information from people with Alzheimer's disease living in Belgium who died during 2012. They compared two groups of people who were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

One group had death certificates that listed Alzheimer's disease as the cause of death. This was the group who died because of Alzheimer's disease.

The second group included individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease but with death certificates that listed another cause of death (like infections). This was the group who died with Alzheimer's disease (but not of Alzheimer's disease).

The researchers looked at the healthcare resources the two groups used in the last six months of life.

Of the more than 11,000 people in the study, 77 percent had something other than Alzheimer's disease listed as the cause of death on their death certificate while 22 percent died of Alzheimer's disease. The average age of these individuals was 85, and most were women.

People who died with Alzheimer's disease were more likely to have at least one hospital admission and more intensive care unit (ICU) stays. People in both groups had about 12 visits with a doctor during the last six months of their lives.

However, the people who died with Alzheimer's disease received fewer palliative care services. Palliative care helps keep us comfortable when we are near death or dealing with a serious illness. This included fewer palliative home care services during the last six months of their lives. They also spent fewer days in a nursing home.

People in the study whose cause of death was listed as something other than Alzheimer's disease were also more likely to have invasive procedures compared to people who died of Alzheimer's disease. These invasive procedures included being put on breathing machines and being resuscitated (the medical term for reviving someone from unconsciousness or apparent death).

The researchers concluded that older adults whose cause of death was Alzheimer's disease used fewer healthcare resources than people whose cause of death was listed as something else even though they had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggested that recognizing late-stage Alzheimer's disease as an end-of-life condition could influence healthcare providers to use more palliative care resources and fewer invasive procedures.
The outcome of viral myocarditis is closely associated with the immune response of the affected individual. An inhibitor of the immunoproteasome, a protein degradation complex in immunocompetent cells, reduces the extent of the inflammation and thus also the damage to the heart during myocarditis. Scientists of the German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) and Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin have recently discovered this new treatment approach, as published in the scientific journal EMBO Molecular Medicine.

Viral infections of the myocardium can cause a devastating reaction of the immune system, which can lead to a severe inflammation with ensuing heart failure or even sudden cardiac death, especially in children and young adults. Activation of the immune response curbs the viral disease on the one hand, but causes pathological reactions in the myocardium on the other. The researchers are therefore attempting to identify new targets to weaken the immune response and simultaneously enable secure control of the virus. This is because the course of the disease appears to mainly depend on the interaction between the virus-mediated cell damage and the individual reaction of the body's own defense system. Thus, viral myocarditis is almost asymptomatic in most people.

Stable cardiac function

The DZHK scientist Professor Dr. Antje Beling of the Institute of Biochemistry at Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin and her team utilized an immunoproteasome-specific inhibitor, ONX 0914, with the aim of moderating severe courses of viral myocarditis. The immunoproteasome is a protease complex with various enzymatic activities that exists particularly in human immune cells where it degrades proteins. In an animal model with high susceptibility to severe viral myocarditis, this inhibitor could curb the destructive inflammatory reaction. Mice were infected with coxsackievirus B3, which also affects human cardiomyocytes, and were treated with the inhibitor ONX 0914 from the onset of the infection. Although the viral burden only sank fractionally with the inhibitor, less heart tissue was damaged and the cardiac function remained stable. "No severe inflammations that impair the filling of the myocardium and damage the myocardial tissue occur with the inhibitor. The heart can therefore pump unabated", explains Beling.

Inhibitor curbs cytokines

Monocytes and macrophages are those immunocompetent cells that substantially contribute to myocardial damage during a viral infection. For this reason, the Berlin-based researchers investigated how these cells in infected animals reacted to the administration of the inhibitor. They observed that ONX 0914 indeed led to an increased mobilization of monocytes from the bone marrow. However, these cells produced substantially fewer proinflammatory cytokines during the infection. Especially because of the low production of molecules that attract monocytes in the myocardium, no severe tissue-damaging inflammation could develop. "The inhibition of the production of proinflammatory cytokines is the main effect of the inhibitor ONX 0914, which leads to a better course of the myocarditis", says Beling.

In addition, the effect of ONX 0914 on other cells of the immune system, such as lymphocytes and neutrophils, was analyzed. During a viral infection, the scientists could observe in untreated mice that there was a sharp decline in the number of lymphocytes in the body, which was completely prevented by the treatment with ONX 0914. Similarly, they found more antibodies directed against the virus after administration of the inhibitor, which indicates that the immune system's antibody response remained intact or was even improved with ONX 0914. Neutrophil defense cells reacted clearly to the treatment with ONX 0914, yet it did not affect the course of the disease.

Great therapeutic potential

The researchers are currently trying to discover on a molecular level how the immunoproteasome-specific inhibition curbs the production of proinflammatory cytokines. They have already been able to ascertain that a particular cellular signal pathway, the so-called MAP kinase pathway, is involved in the effect's transmission. Moreover, Beling and her colleagues are examining in another myocarditis model whether ONX 0914 can develop the same protective effect there. "The active agent has great potential, not just for myocarditis, but also for other diseases which essentially arise from an exaggerated immune response", says Beling. An analogous inhibitor to ONX 0914 is already being tested in phase I/II clinical studies in patients with inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
Introduction

The growth and function of cells in culture can be altered by several variables. Since many sources of variability are inherent to the stochastic processes in biological systems, they are largely uncontrollable [1]. However, some factors can be identified and controlled.

The controllable factors include poor CO 2 incubator performance, because of lack of calibration and stability of humidity, CO 2 , and temperature over time; and inconsistent and/or non-quantitative techniques for feeding and splitting cell cultures before running cell-based assays, such as inconsistent limits of feeding schedules and cell density, changes in cell morphology, and inconsistent cell density at the time of assay.

The third key controllable factor is alterations in media constituents because of lot-to-lot differences and alteration of component concentrations over time, caused by degradation. The fourth factor is differences in cell culture growth surfaces such as vessel surface treatments, supplier variability, and lot-to-lot variability.

Lastly, there are biological issues with cell lines due to carrying cells in continuous culture for prolonged duration, which raises the risk of phenotypic drift, cross-contamination with other cell types, and contamination of infectious agents.

The results and interpretation of data obtained from downstream assays can be adversely influenced by these controllable factors, which can lead to time loss and wastage of costly reagents. The National Chemical Genomics Assay Guidance Manual version 5.0 offers a good overview of what is needed to set up high-quality assays [2].

Approach and results

A label-free, non-invasive method of monitoring cells periodically in their native environment, within the cell culture incubator, is enabled by using the automated live-cell analysis system, IncuCyte. The resulting data comprises of objective, image-based growth metrics, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Additionally, the IncuCyte can monitor many different types of cell culture vessels and simultaneously monitor a number of vessels. There is a change in protein expression, gene expression, and growth characteristics when cells become confluent (1, 2).

Figures 1 and 2. Images and data derived from IncuCyte illustrating the effect of pipetting errors on growth. Wells in this plate were seeded at the same cell density and then checked prior to an endpoint assay for growth. Initial confluence for four wells were found to be ~50% that of the median initial confluence for the plate; a variable likely induced by pipetting errors. Images from the two wells compared were retrieved from the database for visual inspection and correlation with the confluence data.

During plate seeding, pipetting errors lead to different cell numbers, different growth rates, and heterogeneous cell populations depending on differential expression. This results in increased variability of cell-based assay data. To ensure that experiments are performed at optimized and consistent cell densities, it is essential that confluence is measured prior to utilizing cells for any assay.

A more accurate assessment of the overall cell monolayer and of the spatial variations over various types of vessels is enabled by the exhaustive data captured by IncuCyte (Figures 3 and 4).

Figures 3 and 4. T-25 flask exhibiting uneven growth, often related to poor culture technique. Shown are two representative images from a single flask exhibiting confluence differences.

By changing the technique, such variations can be removed leading to less assay variation, higher cell yields, and homogeneous cell behavior. Standardization of objective metrics is key to control adverse variables, thus removing human subjectivity and interpretation.

Quality control monitoring with IncuCyte allows automation of the data capture and cell assessment process, unlike the manual monitoring of the cell culture process (Figure 5).

Monitoring of cells around-the-clock at precise, periodic sampling intervals is ensured by using IncuCyte. The obtained data and images can be accessed from any computer on the local network since they are stored in the controller database.

Other than supporting decisions needed for the current culture process, this data is retrievable, months or years later, to compare the characteristics of cell lines and culture growth.

Figure 5. Comparison of cell culture monitoring methods. Vertical arrows represent interaction points with the cell culture for either method. Subjective decisions made during manual cell culture monitoring result in variability for cell-based assays.

Conclusion

For years, Sartorius has pioneered the development of assay technologies and cell-based assays, and hence appreciates the issues researchers come across when attempting to control the variables affecting cell-based assays. The experience gained by the company has led to the development of the IncuCyte, which can be employed to improve the probability, quality, and reproducibility of cell-based assays.

IncuCyte allows cell growth to be tracked and quantified over time, and reveals time-dependent and transient phenomena. It is an essential cell culture quality control tool as it provides an objective, quantitative, kinetic, non-invasive analytical method on living cells in their native environment.

Cell-based assay quality and consistency can be improved by employing IncuCyte to document and monitor routine cell culture.

References

1. Hsiao-Wen Su, Shainn-Wei Wang, Fayez K. Ghishan, Pawel R. Kiela, and Ming-Jer Tang (2009) Cell confluency-induced Stat3 activation regulates NHE3 expression by recruiting Sp1 and Sp3 to the proximal NHE3 promoter region during epithelial dome formation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol.; 296(1): C13-C24.

2. MG Lampugnani, M Corada, P Andriopoulou, S Esser, W Risau and E Dejana (1997) Cell confluence regulates tyrosine phosphorylation of adherens junction components in endothelial cells. Journal of Cell Science, Vol 110, Issue 17 2065-2077.

Sartorius

Sartorius is a leading international pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment supplier. With our innovative products and services, we are helping our customers across the entire globe to implement their complex and quality-critical biomanufacturing and laboratory processes reliably and economically.

The Group companies are united under the roof of Sartorius AG, which is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and holds the majority stake in Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. Quoted on the Paris Stock Exchange, this subgroup is comprised mainly of the Bioprocess Solutions Division.

Innovative Technologies Enable Medical Progress

A growing number of medications are biopharmaceuticals. These are produced using living cells in complex, lengthy and expensive procedures. The Bioprocess Solutions Division provides the essential products and technologies to accomplish this.

In fact, Sartorius has been pioneering and setting the standards for single-use products that are currently used throughout all biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Making Lab Life Easier

Lab work is complex and demanding: Despite repetitive analytical routines, lab staff must perform each step in a highly concentrated and careful way for accurate results.

The Lab Products and Services Division helps lab personnel excel because its products, such as laboratory balances, pipettes and lab consumables, minimize human error, simplify workflows and reduce physical workloads

Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
Justice League vs. The Legion of Super-Heroes is coming to DC in 2022

Plus Wonder Woman returns to the Justice League while OMAC returns to the DCU
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The Syrian regime has unleashed its fury on civilians in eastern Ghouta firing rockets and barrel killing dozens. On the fourth day of the intense attack, the UN and aid agencies have urged a cessation of fighting in order to enable aid to be delivered to the besieged population.

The civilian death toll to more than 270  including 60 children  over the past three days, as the pro-Syrian government forces continue to pound Eastern Ghouta with air cover from Russian air force.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling the rebel-held enclave hell on Earth, adding that this is a human tragedy that is unfolding in front of our eyes, and I dont think we can let things go on happening in this horrendous way.

The UNs high commissioner for human rights, Zeid Raad Al Hussein, on Wednesday also called for an immediate halt to hostilities, warning that civilians were being slaughtered in droves.

These are hundreds of thousands of civilians who have been trapped for over five years under siege, suffering deprivation of their most basic needs, and are now facing relentless bombing, Zeid Raad Al Hussein said in a statement.

How much cruelty will it take before the international community can speak with one voice to say enough dead children, enough wrecked families, enough violence, and take resolute, concerted action to bring this monstrous campaign of annihilation to an end? he added.

Terrified residents in the area, where 400,000 people are trapped on the outskirts of Damascus, were sheltering in caves, dugouts and basements, as a hail of explosives hit homes, roads and hospitals amid what aid officials warned was an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe.

Aid delivery should be completely separated from any political negotiation. Humanitarians should be allowed to do their work and to deliver aid on a more regular basis, Ingy Sedky, the spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Syria said.

The surge in killing in Ghouta came amid reports of an impending regime incursion into the area, as forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad look to regain control of a rebel stronghold that was once the capitals breadbasket.

Since the Syrian Government and their allies escalated their offensive against opposition-held east Ghouta on 4 February, there have been more than 1,200 civilian casualties, including at least 346 killed and 878 injured, mostly in airstrikes hitting residential areas, according to reports documented by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Pakistan SC disqualifies Nawaz Sharif as PML-N chief

Islamabad : Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday disqualified former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as the president of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), saying that all the decisions made by him as the party chief stand "null and void".

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar announced the decision against the Elections Act 2017 passed by the Parliament, which paved the way for Sharif to resume his position as party chief following his disqualification from public office in 2017 over the so-called Panama Papers scandal, Geo News reported.

The Chief Justice said that a person who is disqualified under the Constitution of the country is not eligible to sign any document that is needed to nominate someone to the National Assembly or Senate.

With the judgment, the court declared tickets issued by Sharif for the Senate elections as "illegal". The Senate elections scheduled for March 3 will also be postponed, Dawn online reported.

Sharif was earlier disqualified by the apex court for failing to declare his assets while being the Prime Minister of the country.

Following his ouster, the ruling party managed to amend the Constitution to allow him to retain his chairmanship of the PML-N. As a result, the Elections Act 2017 was passed by Parliament bringing Sharif back as the party president.

The top court had been hearing petitions against the Elections Act 2017 filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Awami Muslim League's leader Sheikh Rashid, the PPP and others, since January 2018.
Viridian Energy will pay $18.5 million to settle a lawsuit that it overcharged customers nationwide, two years after its parent company received financial incentives from the state of Connecticut to establish a new headquarters in Norwalk.

U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill approved the settlement last week, as reported Thursday by Law.com, with nearly a dozen lead plaintiffs having secured class-action status for their complaint that Viridian promised savings on energy bills that they did not end up getting.

Viridian continues to deny any wrongdoing, with a court document stating the agreement was reached solely for the purpose of compromising and settling disputed claims. The company agreed to provide written instructions to its sales agents to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims on cost savings Viridian might offer. Those agents work as independent contractors, earning commissions up front for enrolling customers, with residual income depending on the electricity used by those customers and their record paying bills.

Both Viridian and parent Crius Energy have their main offices in Norwalk under CEO Michael Fallquist, with the company relocating in 2016 from Stamford under an $8 million loan from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development in exchange for doubling in size to some 425 employees. Crius was eligible at the time for $2 million more in the form of tax credits.

Crius added 418,000 customers between July and September to give it nearly 1.5 million across a number of brands including Crius Solar, Public Power and most recently USG&E, an alternative supplier in Connecticut and several other states. This spring and summer, Crius plans to consolidate USG&Es call centers with its own as part of a workforce rationalization plan it revealed in January, with job cuts it has yet to detail.

Crius recorded a $25 million profit in the third quarter of 2017, with the company scheduled to release its full-year results the second week of March.

The settlement in Bridgeport federal court covers Viridian billing between July 2009, the year the company was founded, and December 2016. Qualifying claimants will be able to recover the difference between what the average class member paid on their Viridian bills versus what they would have if they were on a standard service plan from a local electric or gas utility.

Attorneys aim to have mechanisms in place by mid-March for Viridian customers to make claims on the $18.5 million settlement pot.

Earlier this month, the Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel published the latest installment of its ongoing analysis of the percentage of electricity customers who pay more for service from alternative providers like Viridian, compared to what they could have locked in from the states two major utilities in Eversource Energy and the United Illuminating subsidiary of Avangrid.

Among nearly a dozen Eversource rivals studied by OCC, Viridian and Public Power had the smallest percentage of customers paying at least 50 percent more than what they could have gotten under Eversource standard service, at one in every four. A higher percentage of customers in United Illuminating territories were paying at least 50 percent more, at four in every 10 customers for Public Power and five in 10 for Viridian.

Crius has noted in the past that those percentages are impacted by customers who sign up for green energy programs, in which they pay a higher rate for the electricity they use being offset by power generated from renewable sources of energy. Still, Viridians rate performance improved significantly from a year ago, when 85 percent of its customers in Eversource territories were paying half as much or more on their Viridian bills, as calculated by OCC.
NEW YORK (AP)  In appointing Margaret Brennan as moderator of "Face the Nation" on Thursday, CBS News gets the first person with day-to-day experience covering the Trump administration as host of a Sunday morning political talk show.

She replaces John Dickerson and will start on Sunday. Dickerson recently moved to New York to become one of the three anchors of "CBS This Morning."

Brennan, in an interview, said the Sunday political shows are an increasingly important forum for lending perspective at a time the news cycle moves so quickly for journalists and viewers.

"To be able to step back and give some perspective is value-added," she said.

Brennan, 37, was born in Stamford, Conn. and grew up in Danbury, Conn. where she attended St. Peter's School. She attended Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich for high school.

Brennan has been a panelist on "Face the Nation" and filled in as moderator since Dickerson's exit, along with Nancy Cordes and Major Garrett. She's currently a White House and foreign affairs correspondent for CBS, and interviewed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on "60 Minutes" this past Sunday.

She'll exit the White House for her new job, but leaves with a perspective on how it operates and tries to get things done that may be an advantage over her rivals. "It's not a White House that mimics any other," she said.

Mary Hager, executive producer of "Face the Nation," cited Brennan's "ability to ask newsmakers tough but fair questions in a deft and respectful manner, her sharp news instincts and her tremendous ability to make complicated subjects understandable" as strengths.

In 2015, she was the commencement speaker at her alma mater, Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich.

"When I left Sacred Heart, I definitely had the conviction of my own opinions in terms of not thinking twice to ask a question," Brennan told Hearst in 2015. "That was key to giving me the confidence to think analytically and voice opinions and put myself out there."

Brennan worked at Bloomberg News and CNBC before joining CBS in 2012.

She takes over a broadcast that had Bob Schieffer and Lesley Stahl as long-running predecessors before Dickerson took over. CBS News President David Rhodes credited Dickerson with giving "Face" an all-week presence across digital and social media. "I can't wait to see how Mary and Margaret together will continue to evolve this important public affairs program," he said in a note to CBS employees.

Her competition on Sundays includes Chuck Todd at NBC, George Stephanopoulos and Martha Raddatz at ABC, Chris Wallace at Fox and Jake Tapper on CNN.

"I have thought of the show as being an exclamation point for the week that was and a starting point for the week that's coming," Brennan said.

Additional reporting by Lidia Ryan and Paul Schott, Hearst Newspapers.
DANBURY  Jason Culbreth has 12 years experience rescuing people on the water, dating to his time on the Navys Special Operations dive team.

Now the Danbury firefighter hopes to train his dog, Claymore, to do the same.

Claymore is one of six dogs on the statewide, all-volunteer Resources in Search and Rescue team working for the necessary certification.

Clay has this personality in which he has to work, Culbreth said. He has this drive to do things. He is a people-pleaser and he is just a friendly shepherd. I had to find something to do with him.

Culbreth and the RSAR team are raising money to certify six more dogs to expand their ability to conduct water rescues across the state.

The team started a GoFundMe page to raise money for a necessary seminar, while Culbreths mother, Paula, set up a separate fundraising page. The team is asking for $2,000, but has raised nearly $350, while Paula has garnered $425.

Paula Culbreth, who lives in Brookfield, said her son is

dedicated to emergency response.

He has this passion for survival, helping people, she said.

Culbreth joined the Navy in 1996. In addition to being a diver, he was a search-and-rescue airman, served in an antiterrorism unit and was deployed to Kosovo, Jordan and Iraq.

But Culbreth was forced to retire from the military in 2008 after breaking his neck during a parachute training mission. He moved home to Brookfield in 2011.

He volunteered as an emergency medical technician and firefighter in Newtown, where he was one of the first responders at Sandy Hook in December 2012.

After Sandy Hook, he met a Monroe dog breeder who introduced him to Claymore, now 2 years old.

The two bonded instantly, Culbreth said. The dog ran up to him as soon as he walked into the room.

It was just meant to be, said Culbreth, who lives in Danbury.

Culbreth started teaching Claymore to find people on land after the dogs first birthday, but more training is needed to be certified. Claymore has helped on several missions with RSAR, including the hunt late last year for a missing state police K-9.

RSAR is a nonprofit team that assists police and fire departments statewide in finding missing, lost, drowned or deceased people. Members do this for free and are experts in mapping and GPS work, search techniques and other skills. The team includes 12 people, nine certified dogs and four dogs, including Claymore, who are still training.

Many of the K-9s are trained to find people on land, but only two are certified to rescue victims on the water.

Meanwhile, the number of calls to RSAR for water rescues tripled last year.

There is a need for water dogs because the searches are so arduous, Culbreth said. We have assets now that are certified, but to get more would allow us to continue these searches through night or through long periods of time.

Chris Clark, a handler who lives in Monroe, said these K-9s are critical to successfully finding a drowning victim. The dogs can smell bodies in the water and guide boats as needed.

This helps narrow the search area for divers, who are virtually blind in the murky, weed-infested water, Clark said.

Theyre still feeling in the dark, but it's not a needle in a haystack anymore, she said. Its safer for the dive team. You can get a quicker recovery.

Clarks retired K-9, Emma, was water-certified, but she hopes her new dog, Syka, will earn her certification.

Culbreth said working with Claymore has given him back the sense of purpose he had in the military.

Seeing him perform is like therapy for me, he said.

He said water rescue will be a perfect fit for Claymore.

This next step for him is going to be his calling, Culbreth said.
Groupe BPCE, the second largest banking group in France on Monday announced the signing of an agreement providing for the divestment of 100% of Banque des Mascareignes to Banque Centrale Populaire Group, one of Moroccos three biggest lenders.

The agreement concerns the divestment by BPCE International of Banque des Mascareignes based in Mauritius, and its Madagascan subsidiary (Banque des Mascareignes Madagascar), to the Moroccan banking group, Banque Centrale Populaire (BCP).

This transaction is part of BCPs strategy to refocus on priority growth markets and reinforce its footprint in the Indian Ocean as part of the groups expansion strategy, a BCP statement said.

According to the North Africa Post, the presence of BCP in Mauritius will improve its access to Chinese and Indian investments in Africa in a way that is conducive to the groups increasing investments in Africa.

Last year for exemple, BCP Group has become the largest banking group in Niger, after it finalized the acquisition of the International Bank for Africa, so far the second-largest banking institution in the African country.

Moroccan banks are now present in more than 24 African countries and around 17 per cent of their foreign activity is on the continent.

The Banking sector, which has grown steadily over the past decade is well capitalized, according to the International Monetary Fund.
WINDSOR LOCKS  Bradley International Airport last year saw its largest annual growth in passenger traffic since 2014, according to the Connecticut Airport Authority.

The Winsdor Locks airport served 6.43 million passengers in 2017. That represents a 6.2 percent increase in passengers compared to 2016.

Last year was the fifth consecutive year that Bradley saw passenger ridership increase, according to officials with the Airport Authority. Bradley remains New Englands second-busiest airport after Logan Airport in Boston.

Kevin Dillon, executive director of the Airport Authority, said the increased level of passengers using Bradley shows that the agencys customer-focused strategy is working.

Whether we are working to expand the menu of nonstop flights or to enhance the travel experience in our terminal, were always doing it with our passengers in mind, Dillon said. We look forward to building on this excitement and driving continued growth and transformation in 2018.

News of the increase in passenger traffic at Bradley in 2017 comes less than a week after Airport Authority officials announced that Southwest Airlines is adding daily non-stop service to St. Louis Lambert International Airport starting in August.

Bradley is undergoing a dramatic makeover. Construction is underway on a new transportation center that Dillon hopes to have in operation sometime in 2020. Work is currently being done near the airport entrance off the Route 20 connector.

The work is being done to allow for a different circulation of traffic on the airports grounds, according to Dillon, which will make more space available for the transportation center. The new facility is being built in an area adjacent to where the airports Terminal B used to exist before its demolition was completed in 2016.

The transportation center would bring all of the rental-car companies that serve the airport into one location that travelers could walk to from Bradleys main terminal building. Currently, the rental-car locations are scattered in multiple locations along the periphery of the airport, which requires arriving and departing passengers to take shuttle buses to and from the terminal.

Comparing the growth at Bradley to other airports around the country is an impossible task, according to Michael Boyd, who runs a Colorado-based aviation consulting firm.

Bradley is in the right spot at the right time, Boyd said. The whole Interstate 95 corridor is growing and Bradley is benefiting from that.

The Airport Authority made a savvy decision when it lured Irish airline Aer Lingus to begin serving Bradley in September 2016, he said. Connecticuts Department of Economic and Community Development is providing the airline a $4.5 million guarantee against losses in each of the first two years, as well as $5 million in other inducements.

Aer Lingus missed its revenue targets for the first year of service at Bradley and tapped into a portion of the states financial guarantee, according to Boyd.

Even if they use the full $4.5 million, its still worth it for Connecticut because of the economic impact that having international service has for the state, he said.

Bradley Airport is one of six run by the authority. The agency also runs five general aviation airports: Danielson, Groton-New London, Hartford-Brainard, Waterbury-Oxford and Windham.
Switzerland on Wednesday imposed sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, on 14 allies of President of Democratic Republic of Congo Joseph Kabila, Reuters reports.

The sanctions come amid President Kabilas refusal to step down at the end of his constitutionally mandated two-term limit, which ended in December 2016.

Reuters reported that the sanctions affect various incumbent and former DRC ministers and provincial governors, as well as high-ranking members of the Republican Guard, the Congolese military, the police and intelligence services.

The sanctions list published by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs largely mirrors one already enforced by the European Union.

The listed individuals are accused of hindering elections in the DRC through acts of violence, repression, incitement to violence and violation of the rule of law.

In January, the British government said it has frozen 580,000 pounds ($802,894) in assets held by several dozen militia leaders, army officers and private organizations with ties to the central African nation.

The United States has also imposed sanctions on senior Congolese officials over the past two years.

Earlier this year, thousands of Congolese protested in several cities and towns, calling for Kabila to step down and allow for the organization of elections. Security forces responded with unnecessary or excessive force, firing teargas and live ammunition to disperse crowds, rights groups said.

United Nations human rights office in Congo reported that some 1,176 people were extra judicially executed by Congolese state agents in 2017 alone.
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1,were in a celebratory mood Wednesday.

So were representatives of the states fuel cell industry.

The reason for the celebration was the inclusion of investment tax credits for the industry in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, which was passed last week.

Investment tax credits for fuel cells had been left out of the 2015 extension of the incentives, which gave an unfair advantage to the solar and wind power industries, according to Joel Rinebold, director of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology. Larson visited the East Hartford-based nonprofit organization, the mission of which includes promoting new energy technologies and economic development.

Thank you for leadership and your persistence, Rinebold told Larson.

Larson told CCAT officials the importance of Connecticuts fuel cell industry can not be over-stated. The industry employs about 3,000 people in the state and brings in about $600 million in technology investment and revenues to fuel cell companies based in the state.

We dont devote enough attention and we dont invest enough as a government in fuel cells, Larson said. Products that are made here in Connecticut advance our economy and solutions to the worlds energy problems. This (industry) has vast potential and promoting efforts to get these tax credits has been a labor of love for me.

Larson met with representatives of Danbury-based FuelCell Energy and Doosan Fuel Cell America, a subsidiary of a South Korean company that has a factory in South Windsor.

While Larson was in East Hartford, Blumenthal went to the FuelCell Energys Torrington manufacturing plant to tour the facility and celebrate the investment tax credits. Blumenthal called the credits a major victory for Connecticut jobs and clean energy.

These incentives will allow companies such as FuelCell Energy to continue innovating and developing clean and efficient energy technology that will have a long standing impact on both our economy and our environment, Blumenthal said in a statement.

Investment tax credits can be bought and sold, which lowers the overall cost of fuel cell projects and also attracts investments into companies that are in the industry.

Larson said CCAT plays a key role in promoting Connecticuts fuel cell industry to state and federal lawmakers.

They help explain the importance of fuel cells, how they work and why the state and federal government need to come together to support this, he said.

CCAT officials will be taking part in a forum with members of the Connecticut legislature Thursday at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to do just that, Rinebold said. Connecticut lawmakers and the state agencies crafting energy policies have missed opportunities in the past to support the states fuel cell industry, he said.

I cant explain why we would make decisions that support energy resources that are deployed out of state, Rinebold said. You should be supporting the industry that has roots in this state. This is an issue we need to address: If we continue to miss these opportunities to help out, these companies will move to different locations.
A Windsor man faces up to 3 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to filing a false tax return, authorities said in a release.

Craig Francis, also known as Horus Durjaya Bey, 44, pleaded guilty in federal court in New Haven, according to the release by the office of John H. Durham, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut.
EAST HARTFORD  The potential Democratic gubernatorial candidates had no major differences between them Wednesday as they answered questions and reminded each other of the importance of upholding progessive values.

They spoke at a forum sponsored by the East Hartford Democratic Party, held at the Connecticut International Baccalaureate Academy.

Invited candidates in attendance included Susan Bysiewicz, former secretary of the state; Branford resident Jacey Wyatt; Luke Bronin, mayor of Hartford; Jonathan Harris, former commissioner of consumer protection; Guy Smith, a Greenwich business executive; Ned Lamont, a candidate for governor in 2010; and Sean Connolly, a former head of the state Department of Veterans Affairs.

The event was moderated by Bill Doak, editor of the East Hartford Gazette.

A surprise contender, who was not invited, Lee Whitnum of Greenwich, was allowed to stay and mainly promised to reform the court system, which she called corrupt, an issue she has focused on in other races.

The hometown favorite for the audience was Connelly, who grew up in East Hartford and attracted a crowd of veterans who cheered him on.

Connolly said he has had a varied career and is used to making hard decisions as a military officer and a company compliance official, as well as bringing people along to come up with innovative solutions.

He said his first, second and third job was to align training for young people with the high-value manufacturing jobs that are here now in the state, including creating apprenticeship programs.

To applause from the audience, Connolly said he was not looking to run for governor to add a line to his resume, but to offer public service over politics.

Lamont and Harris pushed back against the negative talk about Connecticut spread by the Republicans.

Im so tired of this, Lamont said.

The Greenwich businessman said Democrats are stronger for their diversity He said he wasnt afraid to challenge the status quo and have frank discussions to solve the states economic problems.

He referred to his primary challenge against former U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman and his stand against those within his party that supported Lieberman and the Iraq War.

He reiterated his support for an improved minimum wage and family leave, and he said labor knows I have their back.

Harris rejected the negativety associated with Connecticut.

I am a progressive problem solver, he said. With experience as a mayor, a state senator, lawyer and administrative official, Harris said he knows how to get things done.

I understand legislation. ... I know policy, he said. The sky is not falling, but it is cracked.

He said for too long Connecticut has rested on its laurels and waited for the ball to come to us.

Harris said a Democrat can win the election if we are true to our values.

Smith also emphasized the need to pick a candidate and ticket that can win and bring people together.

This state is being targeted and our people in this state are being targeted, he said, referring to the Trump administration. Smith said as a party they can do better than those now in Hartford.

Smith was the only one to promise not to raise taxes.

Lamont said you dont fix the state with a little tax giveaway. He said residents want an honest, balanced budget on time and an investment in the states transportation system.

He said that is what will turn around the moving vans taking people out of state.

Bronin also emphasized the need for job training in manufacturing and talked of the importance of strong cities. He favored tolls to fix infrastructure.

Bysiewicz said businesses will not come here if they cant count on a budget that is adopted on time. She said a transportation lockbox is essential to help invest in infrastructure, and favors passing tolls that are fair to state residents. She also cited the importance of investing in small buinesses.

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim had a commitment and could not attend the event, while Dita Bhargava, a former Wall Street trader and former official of the state Democratic Party, was scheduled to come but cancelled.

The Democratic nominating convention is May 18-19, while the primary is Aug. 14.

Check back for updates.
WEST HAVEN  Scientists at University of New Havens Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences are key players in an effort to unravel a salty, 300-year-old mystery found in a shipwreck off the coast of Cape Cod.

Over the next few weeks, theyll attempt to extract DNA from a long-buried leg bone  a femur, to be exact, found next to an ornate pistol wrapped in a scarf or sash  then try to connect it to a living person an ocean away and generations removed.

In doing so, theyll try to unravel the burning question:

Could this ancient bone  and the long-buried gun found near it, among remnants of the 1717 wreck of the pirate ship Whydah off Wellfleet, Mass.  really be that of legendary pirate captain Samuel Black Sam Bellamy?

Were really excited to find out what happens next, said author Casey Sherman, the investigative team leader working with the Whydah Pirate Museum in West Yarmouth, Mass., and Barry Clifford, who found the shipwreck.

If it is Sam Bellamy that weve found, our ultimate goal is to bring him home to his family, said Sherman, who during research over the past couple of months has found a male relative of Bellamy, who was born in Devon, England.

Its the remains of a pirate who has been at sea for 300 years, said Sherman, who also is a partner in a film production company. Its time to bring him home.

Bellamy was just 28 when he died, according to the museum. The relative is a descendant of Bellamys older brother, and we will be taking his DNA sample soon, said Sherman.

Whatever happens, the work to get to the bottom of the mystery is likely to be even more fun than the forensic mysteries the UNH scientists unravel on a regular basis, said assistant professor Claire Glynn, a member of the team that will do the DNA analysis.

Absolutely, Glynn said. I mean, youre bringing history alive!

It was Sherman, author of The Finest Hours, among other works, who got the university involved.

Sherman also is the nephew of Mary Sullivan, who at 19 was the youngest and last victim of the Boston Strangler. During a high-profile re-investigation of his aunts murder in 2000, which Sherman later wrote about in his 2003 book, A Rose for Mary: The Hunt for the Real Boston Strangler, he met professor Timothy Palmbach, now chairman of the Forensic Science Department at UNH.

When Casey got involved in this effort by the museum, he called Palmbach for help.

At a press conference Monday, what is believed to be Bellamys femur  found inside a concretion of hardened sand and silt pulled up from the wreck site  was turned over to Palmbach and Glynn.

Theyll work with associate professor of forensics David San Pietro on the effort to extract and analyze DNA from the bone.

Neither Glynn nor Palmbach are sure how it will turn out.

Anytime you talk about a bone thats been on the bottom of the ocean for 300 years, youre talking about a forensically-challenged problem, said Palmbach.

Were hopeful, Palmbach said. What we have in our favor, was, this stuff was all, more or less, protected ... in the area off Cape Cod where this was found ... buried in 10 feet of sand and silt.

Anything of value was buried in sand and silt, he said. That gives us a reasonable shot to make this happen.

But the effort is not without its challenges.

The biggest task will be finding usable DNA  it is over 300 years old, said Glynn, although she agreed that the fact that the bone has long been encased could be good for us.

But any usable DNA is not just sitting up on the surface of the bone, she said. We need to break it down and grind it up, and the DNA that is there is likely to be in very small amounts.

Well cut out a small section of the bone  dig into it  and well basically sterilize the outer surface of it and then well grind it up in a really fine powder, Glynn said. It basically opens up the bone, increasing its surface area ... allowing us to get into the DNA content.

Glynn is not sure how long the analysis will take, but said the team will try several techniques to find the one with the greatest success.

With 300 years between them, too much has changed to make a direct DNA comparison using standard DNA profiling, she said.

So what were going to do is look at the Y chromosomes. The good thing about that is, the Y chromosome is only passed along in the paternal lineage, Glynn said.

If that that doesnt work, well have to go to mitochondrial DNA, passed down through the maternal line, she said.

Both Sherman and Palmbach said that the proximity of the femur bone  and a pelvis that is still embedded in the concretion  to what they believe is Bellamys pistol points to the bone being his.

One of first things that they found was a pistol, and the pistol had sort of decorative adornments and was wrapped in a piece of silk, said Palmbach.

That kept oxygen away, which is really good. That kept sunlight away, which is really good, he said.

Sherman said the pistol was very ornate and was covered by a silk sash that had been given to Bellamy by his betrothed on Cape Cod at the time.

He said it did not appear to be the gun of a common seaman.

Palmbach said that work will ernestly begin next week ... Our best guess is it will be 30-day process, he said.

We hope that well find out one way or another by mid-April, hopefully, who this man might be, said Sherman.

The Whydah Galley  loaded with treasures from 54 seized ships  sank during a storm off Wellfleet in April 1717, killing the famed pirate Bellamy and his crew, according to a news release from the Whydah Museum.

The shipwreck was discovered in 1984 by explorer Barry Clifford and his diving crew, which included the late John F. Kennedy Jr.

In the years since, Clifford has recovered millions of dollars worth of gold and silver from the estimated $120 million in buried treasure on the ship, along with 60 cannons and thousands of other rare artifacts.

Forbes Magazine, in a 2008 story, wrote, The highest-earning pirate ever was Samuel Black Sam Bellamy, an Englishman who made his bones patrolling the New England coast in the 18th century. By our calculations, Black Sam plundered an estimated $120 million over the course of his career.

The Whydah  a former slave ship  actually was part of Bellamys greatest windfall, Forbes wrote. He captured it in February of 1717, along with the more than 41/2 tons of gold and silver it carrried, then gave one of his old vessels to the defeated crew.

Though Bellamys known career as a pirate captain lasted little more than a year, he and his crew captured at least 53 ships under his command  making him the wealthiest pirate in recorded history before his death at age 28, according to the pirate museums release.

Black Sam also was known his mercy and generosity toward those he captured on his raids, the release said.

This reputation earned him another nickname, the Prince of Pirates, the release said. He likened himself to Robin Hood, with his crew calling themselves Robin Hoods Men.
DAEGWALLYEONG, South Korea - Jamie Anderson is a highflying, trailblazing, free-spirited snowboarding daredevil who, by now, has grown plenty accustomed to being the best, the baddest - and the first.

Anderson added to her medal haul by winning silver in the women's big air competition Thursday morning, becoming the first female snowboarder to win two medals at a single Olympics. Her three career Olympic medals tie her with Shaun White and Kelly Clark, the iconic American halfpipe riders.

"That's crazy to me. It's all pretty surreal," she said. "Just being able to be an Olympian is such a treat. But to come here and win medals is, wow, next level."

Anderson had already successfully defended her Olympic title from Sochi in the women's slopestyle competition and took aim Thursday morning at the inaugural big air competition, a staple of the Winter X Games that's making its Olympic debut at the Pyeongchang Games.

Unlike snowboarding's halfpipe or slopestyle, the big air event consists of a single trick. Riders shoot down a 160-foot ramp, launch into the air and perform as many spins and flips as possible.

The big air winner is determined by adding the two best scores from the three-run finals. Anderson, 27, had posted the sixth-highest score in the qualification round but sent a big message with the first of her three runs in the finals. She landed a dizzying frontside 1080 spin, earning a score of 90.0 and giving her an edge with two tricks to go.

Her second trick - a 980 - earned her an 87.25, which meant she had two of the day's four highest scores heading into the competition's final runs. Anderson held a 2.75-point lead over Austria's Anna Gasser, who won the big air world title last year and was considered by many to be a favorite for gold. Gasser had posted the top score in qualifying - a 98.0 - and Anderson knew she needed to go bigger with her final run. She settled on a cab 1080 -- three full spins -- even though she'd never before landed the trick.

She came close but couldn't put it down cleanly, giving Gasser a window.

"I was definitely a little bit disappointed because that one I really just wanted to do for me," Anderson said. "That's how it is. Sometimes you land them, sometimes you don't. But you get up and keep freakin' charging."

All Anderson could do was watch as Gasser took her place at the top of the ramp. The Austrian rider was planning the biggest trick of the competition - a cab double cork 1080, which is essentially two flips and one full spin.

"That was a little risk I took," Gasser explained later. "I wasn't sure, 'Should I keep it safe? Should I just do that trick again and get a better score? Or should I risk it?' But I watched the girls and everyone was so good, so I was like 'okay, I'm going to try to do this trick.' "

Gasser landed it, and a big score seemed inevitable.

"Insane," the bronze-medal winner Zoi Sadowski Synnott of New Zealand said. "She is on another level."

Gasser had spun and flipped her way to the top spot of the podium. Her final run was scored a 96.0 which gave Gasser a total of 185.0, besting Anderson's 177.25.

"I felt really peaceful, honestly," Anderson said. "Because I came out and did what I wanted to do. That's all I can do. The rest of it is out of my power."

Anderson was all smiles afterward, happy to take home both gold and silver medals from Pyeongchang. And she isn't ruling out adding to her medal haul and returning to the Olympics in 2022.

"I hate future-tripping, so I can't say yet," she said. "But I love it, and as long as I'm still healthy and happy and enjoying it, I would love to continue."
Universal background checks have always been popular, but after last weeks Parkland massacre, they have become more popular than ever. According to a new Q Poll, about 97 percent of respondents, even current gun owners, favor government checks for criminal history before anyone can purchase a gun. Statistically, thats virtually everyone. Historically, its an impossibility. Yet here we are.

Given this, youd think commonsense firearm restriction would be a slam dunk for politicians serving the majority of their constituencies, but thats not the case. Take, for instance, what happened in the Florida legislature. Only days after Nikolas Cruz slaughtered 17 fellow teenagers with an AR 15-style semiautomatic rifle, lawmakers there voted down a proposal to debate banning such weaponry. To repeat: they didnt vote down a ban. They voted down a debate on a ban. Such is the power of the NRA.

But we need to be clear about why. Yes, the National Rifle Association donates oodles of money to politicians who oppose all manner of gun control, who defy popular opinion by liberalizing gun laws, even in the wake of bloody atrocities, but money does not fully explain their behavior. Politicians in Florida had to make a choice: I can look like A) a traitor to the cause of liberty and self-defense or B) a cold-blooded monster. Clearly, the answer was B.

Why is this the case? Lets put the question another way: who do they fear most? Those who support universal background checks typically do not punish lawmakers who oppose universal background checks, because supporters have multiple and competing political priorities. Gun control is important but other things are, too.

Conversely, those who oppose universal background checks typically do punish lawmakers who support universal background checks, because opponents of gun control typically do not have other reasons to vote. They do not have multiple and competing priorities. They vote up or down based on a candidates NRA score. Cast this habit of mind over decades, and you have a mobilized minority of single-issue voters who can make or break a career.

Yes, its about money. But more: Its about fear.

The question then is how do we flip that around? How do we get the majority to strike fear in the hearts of lawmakers who ignore the majoritys demands? I have been writing about gun control regularly since the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre, and I have yet to stumble on the answer, because it is enormously difficult to get a distracted majority to focus on gun control with the same laser-precision as the NRA focuses on gun rights and the Second Amendment.

And yet something is happening. Virtually everyone favors background checks. Conservative state legislators in Florida feel heat, even those who withstood pressure after the Orlando massacre. All of a sudden, it appears, a vast majority of people are becoming laser-focused.

Two thoughts as to why. One, the teens who survived the Parkland massacre are speaking in clear political tones, framing the issue as a choice between children and guns. Two, a majority, I hope, now sees the NRA for what it is. Its not a gun-rights group. It is the opposition. Its claim to government action is not as legitimate, or pressing, at claims by survivors of mass carnage. Yet neither view would be possible, I think, without Sandy Hook.

Remember what happened. Twenty dead children were not reason enough for the Congress to do the right thing in early 2013. Former President Barack Obama pleaded for universal background checks. Senate Republicans were united in saying no. Afterward, the NRA found ways to leverage 20 dead children to justify liberalized gun laws in some states, allowing guns in schools and churches, making conditions optimal for future childrens deaths.

Only from this political context we can properly understand how teen survivors of the Parkland massacre are having such impact so quickly. The NRA, in point of fact, already decided in 2012 to stand against children. But when teen survivors skilled at social media say the same thing, the truth of the matter becomes wholly authentic and enormously powerful. We know they are moving the debate, because virtually everyone favors background checks and because the opposition has been seeking ways to discredit a message thats unimpeachably credible.

Will change happen? I dont know. I do know the time for civil discourse came and went in early 2012 after the last handful of dirt was thrown on the last dead childs casket. Nows not the time for civility. Nows the time for rage.
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Wind Cave National Park is seeking 8 trained volunteers this February to help reduce the number of elk in the park. NPS Photo

December 18, 2017

Contact: Tom Farrell, 605-745-1130

WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, SD-- The National Park Service (NPS), working with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), is again seeking skilled volunteers to reduce its elk herd at Wind Cave National Park (Wind Cave) to help address the high rate of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the park. A total of eight trained volunteers will be needed, four each week for the first two weeks in February. The volunteers will be selected through a lottery system managed by GFP and after qualifying will work with NPS staff to reduce the number of elk inside the park.



Current population estimates indicate numbers of around 260 elk in the park. The long-term elk management plan for Wind Cave has a targeted population objective of 232 to 475 elk. Data collected from last years elk reduction has shown the current CWD prevalence rate in the parks elk herd to be 13.9%. It is believed that reducing the elk population within the park and keeping it near the low population objective, may reduce the prevalence of CWD. The effectiveness of this management action will be evaluated over the next several years to coincide with the lifespan of the disease in elk. This action is consistent with the range of options presented in the Wind Cave Elk Management Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement signed in 2009.



We were very pleased with the partnership and support we received from GFP on this project, and we look forward to working with our partners again this year to improve the health of our herd, Wind Cave Superintendent Vidal Davila said. The study will inform wildlife managers throughout our agency and the State for the long-term health of the species.



Every animal taken during this operation will be tested for CWD. The NPS is partnering with GFP to distribute meat with a non-detected finding for CWD to Feeding South Dakota, an organization dedicated to eliminating hunger in the state. Also, volunteers who work an entire week on this operation will be eligible to receive some of the elk meat. Only meat with a not-detected test result for CWD will be distributed.



Four different volunteers will be needed each of the two weeks of this operation beginning February 5. Two teams will be formed, each consisting of an NPS team leader and 2 volunteers. Anyone wishing to volunteer must submit an online application through GFP website at: https://apps.sd.gov/gf79license/login.aspx. A lottery, similar to those conducted for elk permits, will be conducted. Applications will be accepted from January 3, 2018, to January 10, 2018. Only online applications will be accepted. No paper applications will be allowed. Applicants need to be over 18 years of age, a South Dakota resident, not have a felony record, and be willing to undergo a background check.



On their first day, volunteers will be required to demonstrate advanced firearms proficiency and physical fitness to participate. This will include shooting a minimum of 3 out of 5 shots into an 8-inch circle at 200 yards using their own firearm and non-lead ammunition. During the week, volunteers will be required to hike up to 10 miles over rough terrain and carry packs up to 70 lbs. in winter weather conditions. The operation will be conducted in February.
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Of Earth and Heaven

Through March 10. Sam Fogg Ltd. at Luhring Augustine, 531 West 24th Street, Manhattan; 212-206-9100, luhringaugustine.com.

Sam Fogg, the respected London dealer, has regularly staged exhibitions of medieval art in New York for around a decade, but never before in Chelsea. Unsurprisingly, this years show begins with the thrill of simply walking into it, forsaking the neighborhoods contemporary-art babble for the otherworldly hush imposed by nearly 30 expressions of faith in painting, sculpture and whatnot from the Middle Ages. Here, the whatnot includes enamels, a silver and silver-gilt reliquary in the form of a bishops hand; a large stained-glass window and the lavishly illustrated Carpentin Hours, by the artist known as the Master of the Dresden Prayer Book. The most secular item in this group is a two-tier cast-brass chandelier from the Southern Netherlands (1480-1520) that is remarkably like the single-tier one in Jan van Eycks The Arnolfini Portrait of 1434.

The eras religious faith is especially palpable in two carved softwood sculptures from the 14th century whose colors and gilding remain nearly intact: a pale, life-size Spanish crucifix that is both daunting and slightly comic and a polychrome wood Pieta with anguished expressions and with gaping wounds whose red matches that of the Virgins robes. The appealing emotionality of these works is countered by a marble of John the Baptist, also from the 14th century. Attributed to Robert de Lannoy of Paris, it is a study in idealization and dignified restraint  down to the orderly rivuletlike textures of the saints camel-hair coat.

Among many other standouts, a triptych centering on an elaborately ensconced Virgin and Child (1490-1500) reflects the influence of van Eycks infinite realism and his banishment of the Gothic gold that is so gloriously evident elsewhere in the show, especially in Saint Michael Vanquishing the Devil, an altarpiece panel made in Aragon around 1470.
Some activists who deny established climate-change science, like Myron Ebell at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a libertarian think tank, support Mr. van der Vaarts potential nomination, saying he combines more than 25 years of regulatory experience with a unique background as both a lawyer and chemical engineer. In addition, Mr. Ebell said, Mr. van der Vaarts climate views are closely aligned with those of the previous nominee, Kathleen Hartnett White, who was withdrawn from consideration this month.

Image Donald van der Vaart said he had been in discussions about possibly leading the Council on Environmental Quality. Credit... North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

Having lost Kathleen, which saddens me, I think Donald van der Vaart is a good alternative. He brings many of the same strengths, Mr. Ebell said. And, he noted, He doesnt have a long and open trail of speeches and comments, like Ms. White does, in which opponents can look for ammunition.

Ms. White, a former chairwoman of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, came under fire from both parties for her environmental views. Democrats attacked her for suggesting that smog is not harmful and for calling carbon dioxide the gas of life. (Carbon dioxide is a major contributor to climate change.) She also said that an E.P.A. standard that requires increasing the amount of ethanol in the nations fuel supply should be repealed, angering Midwestern Republicans.

Senator Tom Carper of Delaware, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, said he found Ms. Whites views so unsettling that he mounted a campaign to block her confirmation. Mr. Carper said he visited the offices of 16 Republican senators to voice his concerns, bringing with him an iPad in order to play a three-minute video that his staff had compiled of Ms. White struggling to respond to questions posed by both Republicans and Democrats at her hearing.
Despite all the above, I dont feel I have a distinct personal history with scissors  I think my experiences are quite universal. After all, these are some of the most basic and ancient of human tools. I sensed that The Secret Life of Scissors and its curator would yield some wonderful stories, and I wasnt wrong. The exhibition is actually based on the curator Teresa Collenettes personal collection, and I think she would forgive me for suggesting she has something of an obsession. Toward the end of the installation period, we met for tea at a hipster cafe in Bermondsey. Ms. Collenette heaved a laden cotton bag  printed with the scissored crest of the Craftivist Collective  onto the wooden countertop and drew out a procession of highlights from her collection for me to examine.

In itself this illustrates the peculiar cultural status we afford scissors. To have sat in a public place and casually passed a collection of large knives to and fro would have been unthinkable. Join those knives together with a hinge, and suddenly the blades acquire other associations, despite a number of them looking quite lethal. In my 20 years experience as a writer on art and design, it is very unusual to be allowed to handle objects so freely just before they go on exhibition, but in this case they were perhaps more likely to cause me damage than vice versa.

Ms. Collenette had terrific stories, including, curiously, many about storytelling. She told me that the Brothers Grimm had collected many of their tales from women, which is why scissors feature so prominently in the original telling. It is with Grandmas scissors that the huntsman cuts Little Red Riding Hood from the wolfs belly. And with a sewing kit that Mother Goat cuts her kids from another wolf, then stitches him full of rocks. Hans Christian Andersen overcame his own shyness by making cut paperwork when telling children his stories. He always carried his scissors with him, and called his friends houses his cutting-out places.

Theres always been a tight relationship between scissors and language, from the Dadaists cut up method to common figures of speech. Impatient to know whether Ms. Friedman would commission the piece, I dropped her a quick email: Are we running with scissors?
The fired workers  the dining halls general manager and head cook  are both white men, she said.

A statement from the universitys Governance Council of Minority and Marginalized Students said the same, and attributed the information to three N.Y.U. officials who work on diversity and multicultural initiatives: Lisa Coleman, Monroe France and Leah Lattimore. The officials could not be reached for comment Sunday afternoon. But an Aramark spokeswoman said that one of the two managers who was terminated was a person of color, and the other was not.

Watermelons and Kool-Aid have long histories as racial stereotypes. Watermelons, especially, have been used for more than a century as a symbol of black peoples perceived uncleanliness, laziness, childishness and unwanted public presence, the historian William R. Black wrote in The Atlantic in 2014, after two highly publicized uses of the stereotype.

In October 2014, shortly after an intruder managed to enter the White House, The Boston Herald published a cartoon that showed him standing in President Barack Obamas bathtub, asking Mr. Obama if he had tried the new watermelon-flavored toothpaste. And in November, the author Daniel Handler (a.k.a. Lemony Snicket) came under fire after joking about the fact that Jacqueline Woodson, a National Book Award winner who is black, is allergic to watermelon. (Ms. Woodson responded with a New York Times Op-Ed essay.)

In a phone interview Wednesday evening, Ms. Harris said she chose to believe that the Aramark employees had acted out of ignorance of their menus implications, not out of malice. But she added that it should not have been her responsibility to point out the problem  one that she said went far beyond a single incident.

I would consider today a victory, she said. But its also very important that we had to publicize it in order to put the pressure on them to do the right thing, because I feel like had I not publicized it, this could have gone a little bit differently.

Kayla Eubanks, a sophomore studying neuroscience, said in an interview last week that most of the students and faculty members she had spoken to were unaware of the incident.
When police officers respond to vehicle collisions in New York City, they often call a tow truck from a rotating list to help clean up.

The list is intended to make sure that the towing is fairly distributed among the companies licensed to perform the work. But in reality, according to four indictments unsealed Wednesday in Manhattan, nearly a dozen of the companies on the list were illegally controlled by a single enterprise.

The enterprise involved at least 17 people and 10 companies that were indicted on charges that included corruption and conspiracy in connection with what the district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., described as a classic scheme to enrich themselves and maintain a violent, corrupt and nearly complete monopoly on the towing business.

If you were involved in a collision between June 2015 and December 2017 and received assistance from a towing company, he said at a news conference, you were most likely an unwitting customer of an illegal enterprise that dominated New York Citys towing business.
As one of world Christianitys most admired leaders, the Rev. Billy Graham, who died on Wednesday at 99, had extraordinary opportunities to affect the character of the Christian religion and to pronounce on its implications for personal conduct. He scored at the top of lists of most respected Americans decade after decade. He was loved by millions in the United States and abroad.

But the parochial terms on which Mr. Graham preached Christianity render his career largely a story of missed opportunities. He too often stood aloof from or actively discouraged efforts to revise traditional Protestantism to make it more respectful of the worlds racial and cultural diversity and of the findings of modern science and scholarship.

Mr. Graham led his followers to seek comfort in versions of Christianity familiar to his core constituency, the white population of the Southern, formerly slave-holding region of the United States. He offered only weak challenges to the prejudices and injustices largely tolerated by that population.
Is there a duty, even for those who fear how President Trump governs, to serve in the administration? The debate, which began after Mr. Trumps election, has often been revisited during his presidency, most recently when Rachel Brand resigned this month as associate attorney general. She said that she did it solely to take a dream job as Walmarts top lawyer, but its easy to imagine that she also left because of the stress of serving in the Trump administrations Justice Department.

If so, she is not the only one finding government service difficult at this time. Even under the best circumstances, the hours for senior officials are often long and the pay is low compared with what colleagues in the private sector earn.

Under Mr. Trump, the challenges are particularly daunting. The president and his senior advisers have little use for government professionals. Agencies from the State Department to the Bureau of Prisons are understaffed. The president has crossed once-bright ethical lines, refusing to release his tax returns or to completely dissociate himself from his business while hiring family members for critical positions.

Most disturbingly, the president and his surrogates often attack government institutions, including many that are among Americas most respected. Mr. Trump declared the F.B.I. and the Justice Department disgraceful and even singled out some public servants by name. Most recently, it was his national security adviser, Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster, after he accused Russia of disinformation, subversion and espionage. The president promptly called him out in a tweet because the general forgot to say that it was Crooked H, the D.N.C. and the Dems who colluded with Russia.
It is now tragically apparent that degrading the Islamic State has not created an opening for peace in Syria. Instead, the countrys vicious president, Bashar al-Assad, and his enablers in Russia and Iran have exploited the battlefield successes against ISIS to unleash a new round of carnage on civilians, as the leaders of the United States and other world powers largely stand by, unwilling or unable to do anything to stop it. Shame on them all.

The Assad-led bombardment of eastern Ghouta, a Damascus suburb of about 400,000 people and one of the last rebel-held areas, is being called one of the most violent episodes of the seven-year war. Since Sunday at least 310 people, many of them children, have been killed. Thats in addition to nearly 500,000 Syrians killed countrywide since 2011.

Ghouta has been under siege for years, although its technically part of a negotiated de-escalation zone, leaving the district facing chronic shortages of food, medicine, medical personnel and other necessities.

This weeks massive attack  which has involved rocket fire, shelling, airstrikes and helicopter-dropped barrel bombs that struck hospitals and other civilian infrastructure  intensified the misery. It seems intended to force rebels to surrender so the government can reclaim the territory. Most of the civilian casualties resulted from airstrikes on residential areas, the United Nations human rights office said. There have been signs that a government ground assault may soon follow.
This would not be devastating to most of the people who use exchanges, because they receive federal subsidies that limit how much they have to pay. But it could really hurt middle-class families who earn too much to qualify for government assistance (about $82,000 for a family of three) and are already facing big premium increases. People in this group would have the terrible predicament of spending a lot of money buying health insurance or taking a chance by buying a skimpy temporary plan, hoping that nobody in the family gets sick or injured.

This proposal is the latest in a series of steps the administration has taken to weaken the A.C.A. and the health care system. In January, it proposed allowing employers and sole proprietorships to form associations for the purpose of buying insurance policies that do not have to comply with the protections of the A.C.A. And it recently began allowing states like Kentucky to take Medicaid benefits away from people who are not employed, creating a system of red tape intended to hurt poor people who have lost their jobs or are unable to work.

If the administration were actually serious about reducing health care costs, it would try to improve the A.C.A., not dismantle it. For example, President Trump could work with Congress to offer subsidies to middle-class families who do not qualify for help under Obamacare. Or he could push for the creation of a national reinsurance program that would encourage insurers to offer policies in more parts of the country at lower costs by protecting them against steep losses from very sick patients.

But Mr. Trump and his Republican allies in Congress seem unwilling to pursue constructive health care policies because they are obsessed with undoing Obamacare. Regrettably, the cost for their rage will be the health care of millions of low-income and middle-class families.
Seventy-five years ago Thursday, a group of young German idealists, students who had dared to speak out against the Nazis, were executed by the regime they had defied. Like a flickering flame in the darkness, the White Rose, as its members called themselves, is an inspiring group that never lost its courage  and a frightening reminder of how rare such heroes are.

The groups founder, Hans Scholl, and his sister Sophie grew up outside Munich. Their father instilled in them a strong moral compass and a religious worldview. Like many his age, Hans joined the Hitler Youth. But he began to have doubts almost immediately: The Nazis did not allow him to sing certain songs, fly certain flags or read Stefan Zweig, his favorite author. He earned a spot as a flag-bearer at the annual Nuremberg Rally and returned disturbed at what he had seen.

Hans wanted to become a doctor, and when he was drafted he was posted as a medic in France. After a tour of duty, he went back to the University of Munich to continue his medical studies. Sophie soon joined him as an undergraduate. Hans read widely  Plato, Socrates, St. Augustine and Pascal  and decorated his dorm room with Modernist French art. He attracted a circle of like-minded students: Alexander Schmorell, the son of a doctor; Christoph Probst, a young father of two toddlers; and Willi Graf, a thoughtful introvert. They soon found an intellectual mentor in Kurt Huber, a professor of philosophy and ardent believer in liberal democracy.

In the summer of 1942, Hans and his friends  inspired by the sermons of the anti-Nazi bishop of Munster  began to distribute typewritten leaflets denouncing the regime. Their language was incandescent. Every honest German today is ashamed of his government, Hans wrote, a government that committed the most horrible of crimes  crimes that indefinitely outdistance every human measure. The members of the White Rose declared that all those who stood by were complicit and implored all citizens to engage in passive resistance to the Nazi state.
Was there ever a more terrifying opening line, in a play or in life, than We should talk?

Well, maybe. For those who recognize it, Ive been to the zoo is at least as ominous.

They are the words with which Edward Albee greeted the world in his first play, The Zoo Story, back in 1959. Actually, the words were originally heard in translation, because The Zoo Story had its premiere in Berlin. When I once asked Albee whether he understood German, he said, I understand that it is a language.

He would. The Zoo Story, a one-act about a successful, domesticated man accosted in a park by a man who is neither, introduced not only Albees despairing vision of life as an unwinnable war for dominance but also the verbal exuberance that made that vision bearable. All of Albees subsequent plays  some three dozen over the course of 50 years, from Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? to Three Tall Women and beyond  proceed from those perpendicular impulses, creating a body of serio-comic emotional linguistic thrillers unmatched in modern theater.

Which brings us to We should talk, the first words of Homelife, a one-act Albee wrote as a companion and prequel to The Zoo Story. First performed on a double bill with the earlier play at Second Stage in 2007, Homelife now emerges, in a revival that opened on Wednesday night at the Signature Theater, as more than just the other half of an eggshell, jaggedly interlocking. Lila Neugebauers terrific production proves it to be an indispensably excellent work in its own right, and a suitable tribute to the playwright, who died in 2016.
MONTREAT, N.C.  The Rev. Billy Graham will lie in repose Monday and Tuesday in Charlotte, N.C., and his funeral will be held on March 2, a family spokesman said late Wednesday.

Mr. Grahams body will be taken from Asheville, N.C., to Charlotte on Saturday in a procession that is expected to start at 11 a.m. and take three and a half hours, said the spokesman, Mark DeMoss, whose public relations firm is handling the arrangements for the Graham family.

The procession will end at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, where the public can pay respects while he lies in repose. Mr. Graham, 99, died on Wednesday at his home in Montreat, N.C., about 20 miles east of Asheville.

Mr. DeMoss said the funeral to be held on March 2 would be private. He said invitations would be extended to President Trump and all the former presidents.
She said the group opposed raising the legal age for purchasing an assault weapon to 21 from 18, an idea that Mr. Trump had earlier signaled support for. Students who are old enough to serve in the military should be allowed to own firearms, she said.

Diane Wolk Rogers, a history teacher at Stoneman Douglas, confronted Ms. Loesch by asking her to defend the idea that allowing the suspect in the shooting, a 19-year-old, to own an assault rifle represents a well-regulated militia as is written in the Second Amendment.

Ms. Loesch said the phrase was meant to protect the rights of anyone who could operate and service their firearm, an answer that drew loud yelling and more boos from the audience.

Mr. Rubio, for his part, had offered opening remarks that he clearly hoped would deflect criticism during the event. He expressed grief for those who were affected by the shooting, but he said that people in the United States needed to find ways to disagree without accusing one another of being evil people.

But the audience, including Mr. Guttenberg, did not hold back in criticizing Mr. Rubios position on gun control. Mr. Guttenberg repeatedly asked whether Mr. Rubio believed that guns were the factor in the hunting of our kids.

The senator said he agreed, but he insisted that other types of laws would better prevent such attacks. He said that he would support a bill to increase the minimum age for the purchase of an assault weapon to 21 from 18. And he said that he backed improvements to background checks and a ban on so-called bump stocks, which can convert semiautomatic weapons to fire automatically.

Students and teachers at the forum on Wednesday also had questions for Floridas other politicians, including two Democrats, Senator Bill Nelson and Representative Ted Deutch.
It was a day of tense exchanges, emotion-packed speeches and confrontation as lawmakers, students and parents sparred on Wednesday over what to do about shootings in American schools.

From the nations capital to Floridas State House, people affected by gun violence delivered pain-laced addresses to crowds of passionate supporters, and President Trump listened to a group he had summoned to discuss the problem. There was also some poignant symbolism.

Here are some of the most remarkable moments:

What is your definition of a well-regulated militia?

At an intense town hall-style meeting Wednesday night, Diane Wolk Rogers, a history teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., confronted a spokeswoman for the National Rifle Association over the Second Amendment. How did allowing the 19-year-old shooter in last weeks massacre to own an assault rifle represent a well-regulated militia as is written in the amendment, she asked.

Using supporting detail, Ms. Wolk Rogers said to thunderous applause at CNNs Stand Up town hall, explain to me how an 18-year-old with a military rifle is well regulated.
CARACAS, Venezuela  Venezuelas alliance of opposition parties declared on Wednesday that it would boycott the coming presidential election, saying the electoral system was rigged in favor of President Nicolas Maduro and his United Socialist Party of Venezuela.

The decision effectively cleared a path for Mr. Maduros re-election to another six-year term and threw the future of the nations political opposition, deeply weakened by recent election losses and internal fractures, further into doubt.

The coalitions announcement emerged from weeks of debate following the decision in January by the all-powerful Constituent Assembly to put the election on an accelerated timeline, a move denounced by the opposition. The date was cemented this month by the countrys electoral commission.

The coalition had been divided between those who argued that participating in the April 22 election would end in certain failure at the polls and legitimize Mr. Maduros rule, and those who insisted that participation was an opportunity, however remote, for change.
Damien Cave, our Australia bureau chief, shares insights on Australia, news of the world and reader feedback in this weekly newsletter. Want it by email? Sign up.

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I try to mix things up with this newsletter, to, you know, keep it fresh.

So this week, its a new format  the weeks New York Times Australia stories, boiled down to their most memorable quotes and excerpts.

Visit our Facebook group for more discussion. And keep scrolling for more Times stories and a recommendation.

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Hes the first serious, heavy-hitting U.S. ambassadorial appointment here since Marshall Green came in 1973. Thats a sign of how seriously Washington regards Australia and its broader Asia strategy.

 James Curran, a history professor at the University of Sydney, on Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., President Trumps pick for ambassador to Australia. Mr. Trump meets with Malcolm Turnbull on Friday.
ZAGREB, Croatia  A man threw an explosive device onto the grounds of the United States Embassy in Montenegro, doing only minor damage, and then killed himself with another explosive, the Montenegrin police said on Thursday.

Officers have not determined a motive for the attack in Podgorica, the capital, but they have identified the bomber through DNA testing, said Enis Bakovic, deputy director of the national police. Speaking at a news conference, Mr. Bakovic referred to the man by his initials, D. J., in keeping with the practice of withholding a suspects name while an investigation is underway.

He said that the assailant was a citizen of Montenegro who was born in 1976 in the town of Kraljevo, in neighboring Serbia, and that he had no criminal record.

The Associated Press and news outlets in Serbia identified the man as Dalibor Jaukovic, a former soldier in the army of Yugoslavia.
All of eastern Ghouta is underground.

That is how one aid worker described the situation as thousands of people fled into basements and makeshift shelters in the rebel-held suburb of Damascus this week.

Eastern Ghouta is under a brutal aerial assault by Syrian government forces that has left more than 200 people dead in recent days, including many children.

As the war on the outskirts of the capital reached a new level of intensity, families huddle underground. For hours on end, they wait out the bombing, which shows no signs of slowing.

The assault is the latest by President Bashar al-Assads forces on rebel-controlled areas in a seven-year civil war that has fractured the country.

In other cities and towns once held by rebel groups, like Aleppo and Daraya, the government has used a similar tactic of bombarding infrastructure and residential areas to force a surrender of fighters and the relocation of civilians. The Syrian government says that there are few civilians left in eastern Ghouta, and that those who remain are being held as human shields  an assertion disputed by international human rights groups and activists on the ground.

There are armed rebel groups active in the area, but Save the Children and the United Nations refugee agency estimate that some 350,000 civilians are caught up in the siege.

Footage from local activists shows women and children gathered in basements, playing and cooking to pass the time. Some share audio recordings of the planes and helicopters buzzing overhead, issuing desperate pleas on social media and WhatsApp.



In some parts of the sprawling suburb, the underground spaces are connected by tunnels. A local media activist, Firas Abdullah, filmed the scene as he made his way between the joined rooms on Wednesday.
LOS ANGELES  The television producer Marcy Carsey  whose hits include The Cosby Show, Roseanne and 3rd Rock From the Sun  typically directs charitable donations toward causes like affordable education and womens equality. But now she is donating $20 million of her fortune to an art institution.

Ms. Carseys gift to the Hammer Museum, announced Thursday, is the latest in an unexpected series of cultural investments by wealthy Angelenos. Last year, the filmmaker George Lucas said he would fund a $1 billion Museum of Narrative Art, and the music mogul David Geffen pledged $150 million to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Ms. Carseys donation accompanies a $30 million lead gift to the Hammers renovation and expansion project from Lynda and Stewart Resnick, the billionaire couple behind POM Wonderful and Fiji Water.

Among the factors considered to be driving this philanthropy are institutions with strong leadership and fund-raising strategies; an expanding arts scene, with new galleries and museums; and the migration of artists into town. On Thursday, Frieze, the international contemporary art fair in London and New York, said it was adding a fair in Los Angeles in 2019, reflecting the citys position as a global arts capital.

Los Angeles has long produced celebrated visual artists  Mark Bradford, John Baldessari and Barbara Kruger, to name a few  and it has recently increased the number of places to see art, adding the Broad Museum; the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; and Hauser & Wirth mega gallery. Now, this energetic scene is helping to spur giving. Even the J. Paul Getty Trust  the worlds richest art institution, with a $6.9 billion endowment  has begun to solicit individual donations from a swelling patron base.
Now, however, the Spanish authorities are undertaking a major construction overhaul of the Tabacalera, under a timetable that should allow visitors to view the donated works by late 2020. That art will occupy one floor of the remodeled Tabacalera, while another floor will be handed over to Madrids Reina Sofia museum, whose vast collection includes Picassos Guernica painting depicting Spains Civil War. The Reina Sofia is within walking distance from the Tabacalera, and the Spanish government presented the donation as an opportunity not only to raise the Tabacaleras international profile but also to extend the so-called golden mile of arts in Madrid, whose flagship institution is the Prado museum.

Ms. Fontanals-Cisneros set up her art foundation in 2002. It has over 3,000 works, about half of them by Latin American artists. She explained in a phone interview that she had not yet decided exactly which works to donate, nor which American venue would receive some of them, but said the ownership would be placed under a common trust.

Born in Cuba, Ms. Fontanals-Cisneros has a home in Madrid and got a Spanish passport a decade ago. She also has citizenship in Venezuela, which she left around 1998 because of the violence, she said. She has her official residence in Switzerland and also spends time in her homes in the United States, where her three daughters live.

The decision to donate a significant part of her collection, she said, was motivated by her desire to have the works put on display, but also because I dont want to leave my children with the burden of continuing what Ive started.
The New Museums fourth triennial exhibition, Songs for Sabotage, is the smallest, tightest edition of the show so far. Immaculately installed, its also the best looking. Less admirably, its the safest. Theres a lot of good work, real discoveries. But in a politically demanding time, the show keeps its voice low, acts as if ambiguity and discretion were automatically virtues. In an era when the market rules, the show puts most of its money on the kind of work  easily displayable things  that art fairs suck up.

With a roster of just over two dozen artists  the 2015 triennial had 51  from 19 countries the show fills three floors (with a spillover to the lobby) and makes judicious use of the museums cramped, high-rise, narrow-gauge spaces. Most artists are represented by more than one work, a smart move. And much of the work was commissioned for the occasion, which may explain some rough edges and a lingering scent of fresh paint in the air.
Sometimes it seems as if were living under a constant barrage of heavy news. But it isnt all bad out there. This feature is meant to send you into the weekend with a smile, or at least a lighter heart.

Here are seven great things we wrote about this week.

The Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, continue to be filled with fantastic moments of inspiration, skill, teamwork and humor. For me, this weeks highlight had to be the young women of the South Korean curling team. Theyve become unexpected (and stylishly bespectacled) international stars.

The team earned the nickname because the top four players hail from Uiseong County, a region known for its garlic. One of the countrys first curling facilities was built there in 2006, and they began training together as a fun after-school activity.

Kim Eun-jung (who goes by Annie), Kim Kyeong-ae (nicknamed Steak), Kim Yeong-mi (Pancake), Kim Seon-yeong (Sunny) and Kim Chohi (ChoCho, the teams alternate) have racked up victories, vaulting themselves into medal position in a sport that is still foreign to most South Koreans. Read more 
Sunroofs are getting bigger, and so that raises questions that perhaps those numbers are larger, Mr. Levine said.

Ms. Hankins is among those whose lives were forever changed.

The sunroof in her 2000 Ford Expedition was fun when she first got the vehicle, but the novelty wore off and she usually kept it closed  just as it was when she crashed on the way to work in Yazoo City, Miss., in 2005.

I didnt think I would ever be thrown out of it, she said in a telephone interview.

Ms. Hankins has no memory of the crash, but the evidence showed that the truck rolled over, the glass panel of the sunroof popped out and she was thrown through the opening.

It put me in a wheelchair, she said, adding, It scarred my face really badly.

In the suit against Ford, Ms. Hankinss lawyers argued that the automaker should have used laminated safety glass, the kind used in windshields, and more securely anchored the panel. The lawyers said Ford had known for decades that laminated glass  which uses a layer of plastic film between two layers of glass  was safer, but used less-expensive tempered glass.

The automaker acknowledged that tempered glass, which is used in side windows, was less expensive. However, it said serious brain and neck injuries could occur when heads hit laminated glass, a danger it concluded was a greater threat to belted occupants than ejection. (Ford asserted that Ms. Hankins had not been wearing a seatbelt  a suggestion she denied.)

The N.H.T.S.A. considered regulating sunroof safety in 2011 when it established rules to prevent side-window ejections but ultimately opted against doing so. (To comply with the side-window rules, carmakers usually rely on curtain airbags that cover the windows.)
Six weeks after Deborah Zwaschka-Blansfield had the lower half of her left leg amputated, she received some news from the nursing home where she was recovering: Her insurance would no longer pay, and it was time to move on.

The home wanted to release her to a homeless shelter or pay for a week in a motel.

That is not safe for me, said Ms. Zwaschka-Blansfield, 59, who cannot walk and had hoped to stay in the home, north of Sacramento, until she could do more things for herself  like getting up if she fell.

Her experience is becoming increasingly common among the 1.4 million nursing home residents across the country. Discharges and evictions have been the top-ranking category of grievances brought to state long-term care ombudsman programs, the ombudsman agencies say.

While nursing homes can discharge residents for a limited set of reasons, legal advocates say that home operators sometimes interpret those reasons in unjustified ways. Often, its because the residents more lucrative Medicare coverage is ending, which is what Ms. Zwaschka-Blansfield said happened in her case.
LONDON  Lanvin, Frances oldest surviving couture house, which has been teetering on the brink of collapse for more than two years, has been acquired by a major Chinese private conglomerate after a fierce bidding war, the Chinese company announced on Thursday.

The conglomerate, Fosun International, said it had acquired a majority stake in the Paris-based Lanvin, which has been racked by the departures of designers, tumbling sales and entrenched internal discord. Fosun beat out Mayhoola for Investments, a fund backed by the Qatari royal family that owns brands like Balmain and Valentino.

As China becomes the main growth driver of the global luxury market, we are confident that Fosun can bring great incremental value to Lanvin with our global resources and expertise, while being absolutely committed to Lanvins high luxury positioning, said Joann Cheng, vice chief financial officer of Fosun International.



The deal is the latest by Chinese investors looking to build stakes in European luxury assets. This month, the Chinese textile and garment producer Shandong Ruyi agreed to buy a controlling stake in the Swiss leather brand Bally, two years after its 2016 acquisition of SMCP, which owns the brands Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot, for 1.3 billion euros (about $1.6 billion).
Dana Loesch, the spokeswoman for the National Rifle Association, focused her ire on the news media in a combative and defiant speech on Thursday, in sharp contrast to the approach she took before an audience of gun violence survivors a day earlier.

In a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Md., Ms. Loesch accused the news media of ignoring the N.R.A.s viewpoint and cashing in on the deaths of students.

Many in legacy media love mass shootings, Ms. Loesch said. You guys love it. Im not saying that you love the tragedy, but I am saying that you love the ratings. Crying white mothers are ratings gold.

The gun lobbying organization, which went silent on its Twitter account for six days following the shooting that killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, has waded back into the national conversation over guns and school safety.
WASHINGTON  Margaret Brennan, the senior foreign affairs correspondent for CBS News, will be the next moderator of Face the Nation, the networks prestige Sunday morning public affairs show and one of the most influential venues in American politics.

Her new role, announced by CBS on Thursday, makes Ms. Brennan, 37, the only woman currently serving as a solo anchor of a major Sunday political affairs show. She succeeds John Dickerson, who left Face the Nation in January after less than three years to replace Charlie Rose on CBS This Morning.

Along with mainstays like NBCs Meet the Press and ABCs This Week, Face the Nation features interviews with prominent lawmakers and White House officials that often make news, and can forge Washingtons political agenda for the week ahead.

For decades, the hosts of these shows have primarily been men.

Meet the Press, which began in 1947, has had only one female moderator, Martha Rountree, its founding host. Lesley Stahl, now of 60 Minutes, moderated Face the Nation from 1983 to 1991. Christiane Amanpour, now of CNN, moderated ABCs This Week from 2010 to 2011.
Either way, Ms. Wolf, 32, has her work cut out for her.

Washington journalists are a notoriously tough crowd; witness the stony silence that met Stephen Colbert after his blistering 2006 monologue about George W. Bush. The comedian Larry Wilmore, who appeared in 2016, prompted controversy when he used a racial slur in his remarks about Barack Obama.

The coziness of the event  where reporters hobnob with the politicians they cover  can be awkward, too, leading some journalists to stifle their laughter, lest they be caught on camera appearing too gleeful at the presidents expense.

But the dinner can be a proving ground for comics. Hasan Minhaj, last years entertainer, received high marks for his balanced performance, coming at the height of tensions between Mr. Trump and the press.

Ms. Wolf, who has also written for Late Night With Seth Meyers, recently signed a deal with Netflix to develop a weekly late-night talk show of her own. She gained notice last year for an HBO comedy special, Nice Lady, that Jason Zinoman, the comedy critic for The New York Times, praised for its silly fart jokes tied to meaty social commentaries that spin out into unexpected personal confessions interrupted by nicely crafted one-liners.

Margaret Talev, a White House reporter for Bloomberg News who is president of the correspondents association, said that Ms. Wolfs truth-to-power style makes her a great friend to the W.H.C.A.
After a barrage of customer complaints, the First National Bank of Omaha said on Thursday that it would withdraw its National Rifle Association-branded Visa credit card.

Several hours later, Enterprise Holdings, the parent company of three rental car brands, Enterprise, Alamo and National, said it was ending a discount program for N.R.A. members.

Customer feedback has caused us to review our relationship with the N.R.A., Kevin C. Langin, a First National Bank of Omaha spokesman, said in a statement. As a result, First National Bank of Omaha will not renew its contract with the National Rifle Association to issue the N.R.A. Visa Card.

Mr. Langin declined to provide the contracts expiration date, to say whether the card was already inactive or to describe what the moves impact on cardholders would be.
The News in Brief

The patrol-inspector accused of beating his wife was not sentenced to preliminary detention.



The Prosecutor's Office stated that they requested the preliminary detention.



The judge sentenced the detainee to bail without pre-trial detention. He was detained on the basis of a ruling issued by the Tbilisi City Court.



On 4 January 2018, the defendant physically assaulted his wife in the presence of a child, after which she suffered severe physical pain.



The accused may have violated the Article 1261.2, which envisages domestic violence in the presence of a minor.



The Prosecutor's Office declared that the court ruling will be appealed in the Tbilisi Court of Appeal in order to request preliminary detention.







The rehabilitation process of Gudiashvili Square to start in two weeks



Tbilisi Mayor, Kakha Kaladze visited Lado Gudiashvili square, where he reviewed the detailed information about the planned works.



The project envisages rehabilitation of more than 30 historical buildings in the area.



Tbilisi Mayor visited the area with Irakli Bendeliani, Ilia Eloshvili and the director of the Tbilisi Development Fund Giorgi Baidarashvili.



Kakha Kaladze noted that after rehabilitation process is finished, the capital will have another convenient and attractive sight for tourists.



There will be an attractive environment not only for tourists but also for the locals, living in the capital. This is the wealth of the city, which is supposed to be maintained. Rehabilitation of the historical part of Tbilisi is one of the main priorities of our policy. In the next 4 years, we are going to spend about 500 million GEL in this regard, "said Tbilisi Mayor.



Rehabilitation includes not only the facades of buildings, but also the 16th century basements, which will be rebuilt in an authentic manner. The rehabilitation of Gudiashvili Square is also planned within the framework of the project. The works will be completed in 2019.

(By Mariam Chanishvili




Toys R Us, the beleaguered chain under pressure from Amazon and bigger toy sellers, may close dozens more stores as it struggles to find a path out of bankruptcy and return to financial viability.

The toy retailer has not recovered from a dismal holiday selling season, making the companys difficult situation even worse. Now, it is under pressure to demonstrate to its lenders that it has a realistic strategy for flourishing in the ultracompetitive toy industry.

One plan under discussion includes shutting down close to 200 stores, and possibly more, according to people briefed on the matter, who were not authorized to speak publicly.

While the planning is fluid and far from completion, the possible store closings, which were reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal, reflect the serious challenges that Toys R Us faces.
Theres something about the creaminess and different flavors you get, Mr. Crisp said.

Suarez Family Brewerys sun-soaked taproom, about 12 miles south of Hudson, N.Y., has a tap list that tilts toward unfiltered lagers, like the darkly roasty Bone Shirt and the hop-forward Qualify Pils. Its giving a consumer a beers freshest expression, said Dan Suarez, who founded the brewery in 2016 with his wife, Taylor Cocalis.

With unfiltered beers, freshness doesnt mean they always taste best on Day 1. The flavors of Mr. Suarezs yeast-rich lagers evolve over several months.

Its a different drinking experience from week to week. At one and a half or two months, theyre gorgeous, Mr. Suarez said, noting that he favors his own pilsners with one or two weeks of age.

Mr. Suarez prefers to describe his lagers as unfiltered instead of using the German jargon. I have this rule that I dont like to use a foreign word, he said. I think the word unfiltered helps convey what the beer is better than the term zwickel pils.

Other breweries proudly wave the keller and zwickel flag. Buoyed by brisk demand, Summit Brewing Company, in St. Paul, Minn., made its Keller Pils a year-round offering in January. Last year, Green Flash, of San Diego, released its Sea to Sea Lager  the label calls it a zwickel lager nationwide.

Zwickel is just a fun word to say, said Erik Jensen, the brewmaster at Green Flash, which specializes in flavorful I.P.A.s. The low-alcohol lager filled a void in the brewerys portfolio, as well as its brewers refrigerators. We wanted to make sure we could have something we really wanted to drink, Mr. Jensen said.
Ive certainly had some tense conversations with auto companies and their representatives during the last couple of years. But they reacted fairly calmly when I asked them about the monkey research. Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW all distanced themselves from the experiments. After the article was published, all three companies took action against midlevel employees who had been responsible for overseeing the work of the front organization, relieving them of their duties pending internal investigations.

The carmakers low-key response to my questions about the monkeys indicates that they may have underestimated what the articles repercussions would be. I know I did. I thought the story would make a splash, but I didnt expect it to become the top story in German media for several days; for German Chancellor Angela Merkel to weigh in with an expression of condemnation; and for the German Parliament to hold a debate on the issue.

Why the outrage over the fate of 10 macaque monkeys when Volkswagen had already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the United States Clean Air Act and other charges? After all, we already knew that diesel exhaust has caused hundreds of thousands of people to die prematurely, and that Volkswagen and other European carmakers took advantage of weak enforcement to mislead the public about how much pollution their vehicles produced.

I think the explanation is this: Until the 10 monkeys became part of the story, Volkswagens fraud had no identifiable victims. When people die from lung cancer or heart attacks after breathing air polluted by diesel cars, its impossible to point the finger at any one carmaker. The ill effects are cumulative and may take years to manifest themselves.

The 10 unfortunate monkeys, forced to breathe exhaust so that Volkswagen and the others could sell more cars, provided the scandal with its first specific casualties. They crystallized public frustration with the auto companies behavior.

As the magazine Der Spiegel wrote in an editorial, The faces of our animal relatives opened our eyes to the unscrupulousness of this industry.

In Germany, the monkey experiments may prompt action that watchdog groups have been seeking for years. Political leaders, fearful that their longtime acquiescence to the auto industry has become a liability, are talking about forcing all lobbyists to register and disclose their contributions to politicians, as they must already do in the United States. There are increasing calls for car companies to retrofit old diesels with better emissions equipment. And during the debate in Parliament, several representatives spoke of a need for culture change in the industry, a hint that they may push automakers to change their management.
Have you ever held a paying job, an internship or a volunteer position?

How did you learn about the position? How did you get the job?

What is your experience as a job seeker, and what stories have you heard from family members or friends about how theyve found out about job openings and been hired?

In Can I Use My Dads Connections to Get an Internship?, the Ethicist columnist Kwame Anthony Appiah responded to a readers inquiry:





Im a college student, and like many college students, I am looking to do an internship. My dads previous job was at a company that offers internships in my area of interest. He suggested that I consider interning there and use his connection to my advantage. I think that internships should be earned based on merit, and that nepotism is unethical. I am not sure, however, if avoiding nepotism as an applicant would do anything to put a stop to the practice. I worry that only employers have the power to stop nepotism, and that by avoiding it, I would just hand the internship to other children of employees or former employees who are less concerned about the ethics of nepotism. Also, if I intern (and possibly get a full-time job) with a company that practices nepotism, I might one day be able to change the hiring policy from the inside. What do you recommend? Name Withheld The world of work is full of unfairness. Nepotism  from the Latin for nephew  occurs when we give a resource to a relative while overlooking people who are more deserving. One of my favorite historical titles is cardinal nipote, Italian for cardinal nephew, which would be awarded when a pope appointed a kinsman to the College of Cardinals. That old papal practice is what gave us the word. (The last time a papal relative was appointed cardinal was in 1879, when Leo XIII appointed Giuseppe Pecci, his brother.) But nepotism isnt the most important source of unjustified inequality. Those who already have the advantage of better educations, better connections and better financial resources often parlay these advantages into securing more valuable opportunities and more remunerative careers. Internships are one device for doing this. Theyre often unpaid or low-paid, so that only those with substantial family resources can afford to do them. And access to them is often by way of connections. So, internships require both social capital and financial capital. (Charles Murray has famously pronounced them affirmative action for the advantaged.) Given all this, you might think that internships should be given to applicants with the best qualifications, but these qualifications are easier for the rich and well connected to acquire, which is why such people often have more cultural capital, too. So, theres a real problem here. The question is what your role should be in finding a solution. If the system is as you describe it, youre unlikely to get this internship unless you agree to the pulling of the paternal strings. Should you forswear a system you rightly think unfair at the cost of not getting an internship? There are at least two worries about that.

Students: Read the entire article, then tell us:

 Do you agree with Mr. Appiahs advice to the student? Why or why not?

 Have you ever used family connections to get a job? If so, how did you feel about it, and why? If not, why not?

 What advice would you have given the college student who wrote to Mr. Appiah, above, and why?
Sarah Blesener spent most of 2016 at Russian patriotic camps and schools photographing teenagers learning military tactics and love of country. She had hoped her images would spark conversations about the polarization and nationalist rhetoric that marked the last United States presidential campaign.

They did not.

The overwhelming response from Americans when her photographs were published last year centered on Russian nationalism and the moral dilemmas surrounding militarization of youth. The most common reaction, she said, was that other people are nationalists, but Americans are patriots.

With that in mind, Ms. Blesener, 26, turned to exploring the myriad programs that teach patriotic values and military skills to about 400,000 American children and teenagers. Many were similar to the Russian programs, though she said there was less military training in the United States. She eventually settled on 10 programs, including Utah Patriot Camp, the Border Patrol Explorer program, Young Marines and the Junior R.O.T.C. program.
But it is this same factor  the scale of the problem  that ensures that cries for retribution on a mass scale are untenable. Were simultaneously dehumanizing the people who committed sexual assault for years by calling them monsters and learning that the people who commit these crimes are our friends, co-workers, family members and partners. Such dynamics become too much to grapple with; as a result, the conversation devolves into an argument about whether #MeToo has gone too far versus not far enough; my fear is that this is where it will stall until we lose patience and move on, when what we really need is a new approach.

There are other models out there. Black survivors, who are often reticent to report sexual assaults to the same officers who criminalize their family and friends, and Native American survivors, who are often barred from pressing criminal charges against non-Native perpetrators in tribal courts, have long argued for alternatives. Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement, echoed this sentiment to me last week, declaring, Its time to turn this ship around.

Academics are already building upon this sense that we need more options. At the University of Arizona, Mary Koss, who did groundbreaking work on campus rape in the 1980s, piloted a program called Restore that uses a framework in which the harm-doer takes responsibility for what happened and a formal plan is developed for the person to make amends and change his behavior. This approach also involves community members along with family and friends.

Alternative forms of justice are also taking hold in contexts beyond campuses. In 2016, Black Womens Blueprint, an organization that advocates for black women who are survivors of sexual violence, convened a Truth and Reconciliation Commission conceived by its members. The four-day commission gave 15 survivors the space to share their stories and be publicly affirmed by the community. It also created space for individuals, whether harm-doers or those who enabled them, to take responsibility. One minister apologized on behalf of the religious community for not believing or supporting survivors, which Farah Tanis, the director of BWB, called tremendous, shocking to get and so important for so many survivors in the room. She also noted that some men in attendance said that they had sexually harmed women and offered apologies, which took the burden off survivors to initiate reconciliation.

How to expand these models on a large scale remains a big question. (There have already been calls to bring alternative-justice models to Hollywood.) There are plenty of challenges and factors to consider. For instance, because institutions seek to protect their bottom lines and insulate themselves from legal liability, its not clear that they can ever be truly fair and unbiased; survivors need an option that is truly independent, and ideally publicly funded. We need solutions at the scale of the problem, which private or charitable funding alone cannot create.

But if the momentum and passion behind #MeToo and the campus sexual assault movements demonstrate anything, its that our systems for dealing with sexual injustices are broken. The question is whether we are using this moment to construct better ones.
The 200th birthday of one of Americas greatest thinkers, Frederick Douglass, is being celebrated this month. Douglass is remembered as many things: a fugitive slave who gained his freedom, an abolitionist, an advocate for womens rights, a gifted writer and orator. But we should also remember him as someone whose insights about scientific theories of race are every bit as relevant in our era as they were when he wrote them.

When Douglass rose to prominence, in the 1840s, he was living in a world just as excited and anxious about his eras new inventions, like the railroad and the telegraph, as we are about modern-day innovation. But he understood that the ends to which science could be used were forever bound up with the moral choices of its practitioners. Scientific writers, not less than others, write to please, as well as to instruct, he wrote in 1854, and even unconsciously to themselves (sometimes) sacrifice what is true to what is popular.

That statement was part of a lecture in which he attacked one of the most prominent scientific fields of the antebellum era: ethnology, or what was sometimes called the science of race. Though often dismissed today as pseudoscience, at the time Douglass was writing, it was considered legitimate. The most accomplished scientists engaged in it, and the public eagerly consumed it.

Ethnology was not embraced just by Southerners who supported slavery. Its most important theorists lived in the North: one, Louis Agassiz, taught at Harvard; the other, Samuel George Morton, was president of one of the nations leading scientific societies, in Philadelphia.
This article is part of the Opinion Today newsletter. You can sign up here to receive the newsletter each weekday.

First: What does Mueller know? You should have low expectations for how much new information Robert Muellers Russia investigation will still uncover, writes Politicos Blake Hounshell.

No, you should have high expectations, writes Voxs Matthew Yglesias.

A form of flattery. Why are some conservative media figures criticizing survivors of last weeks mass shooting in Florida? Because the students activism is powerful and effective, Ana Navarro argues. The students are not political hacks. Not paid shills. Not indoctrinated. Not character actors, Navarro writes. They are young people of character compelled into action by a horrible crime that cost 17 lives.

Medicare for all. A new single-payer health care proposal has just come out, and I think it has a better chance of eventually becoming law  in whole or in part  than Bernie Sanderss plan.
To the Editor:

The Undoing of Justice Reform (editorial, Feb. 18) claims that I misread my data on incarcerations in Arizona. If it had linked to my research, readers would see that the data show that legal and illegal immigrants as a whole have a much larger share of the Arizona prison population than they do of the state population. If illegal immigrants constituted only a small part of that, then legal immigrants share of incarcerations would be twice their share of the overall population.

These are reliable classifications based on pre-sentencing reports.

JOHN R. LOTT JR., ALEXANDRIA, VA.

The writer is president of the Crime Prevention Research Center.
Iranian judges treat confessions as the proof of proofs, the mother of proofs and the best evidence of guilt. The use of forced confessions began in the last years of the shahs rule, in the 1970s, but drastically increased after the Iranian revolution in 1979. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini regarded them as the highest proof of guilt.

I analyzed numerous legal cases and around 300 prison memoirs for a book about forced confessions. To obtain such confessions, interrogators in Iran rely heavily on psychological and physical pressures. They  like fellow interrogators elsewhere  scrupulously avoid the word torture (shekanjeh in Persian). In fact, the Iranian Constitution explicitly outlaws shekanjeh. Instead, interrogators describe what they do as tazir (punishment). Innumerable prison memoirs detail this process. It can be described as Irans version of enhanced interrogation.

Prisoners are asked a question, and if their answer is unsatisfactory, they are sentenced to a specific number of lashings on the ground that they had lied. These whippings can continue until the desired answer is given  and committed to paper. According to a letter circulated by some 40 members of Parliament, hallucinatory drugs now supplement these traditional methods.

In the 1980s and the 1990s, detainees were routinely shown on television reading their confessions, but the broadcasts were mostly stopped after most Iranians concluded that they were staged. The confessions continue to be used in court, however.

Detainees have a limited number of options in the face of interrogation. They can submit, even before the instruments of enhanced interrogation are displayed. They can undergo prolonged agony, which may lead to death, if inadvertently  interrogators want a confession, not a badly damaged corpse, which can cause political embarrassment. The detainees can accept a plea bargain and admit to a lesser transgression in return for release or a lighter sentence.

After the disputed presidential elections in 2009 in which the right-wing populist Mahmoud Ahmadinejad prevailed over reformist opponents, many  including visitors from abroad  gave exclusive interviews to the regime press confessing to sundry transgressions, especially helping foreign powers conspiring to bring about regime change.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus V.Makei meets FAO Assistant Director General

22-02-2018

On February 22, 2018 the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Vladimir Makei, met with the Assistant Director General, Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Vladimir Rakhmanin.

During the meeting, the sides discussed implementation of the Country Programming Framework for the Republic of Belarus for 2017- 2020, which was signed last September. The sides stressed the importance to continue enhancement of cooperation, including through participation in FAO regional programmes.

In this context, the parties noted with satisfaction that in January 2018 FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia approved the project Strengthening the regional preparedness, prevention and response against lumpy skin disease in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine.

During his visit to Belarus, V.Rakhmanin took part in the Regional SDG Coordination Leaders Forum: Building a Partnership to Underpin National Sustainable Development Solutions, organized by the MFA of Belarus in partnership with the United Nations. Assistant Director General also met with high-level officials of the Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry.

   

print version
For nine months in Kandahar, Afghanistan, I went through the same routine every day.

I put on my uniform and tied my boots. I put a magazine in my 9-millimeter handgun and locked it in my hip holster. I put a 30-round magazine in my M4 and slung it over my shoulder. If the day included a patrol, I put on my body armor. I usually carried a knife and at least one tourniquet. Every day, our team discussed base security to identify where we were most prone to attack.

That was my standard procedure while serving with the United States Army in a combat zone. When I left active duty in 2014, I never expected that those skills would be applicable to my next job, as a high school teacher in San Jose, Calif.

But the reality is that much of what I learned in the Army is horrifyingly relevant in the classroom. My school conducted drills similar to those that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., even before a gunman opened fire last week and killed 17 people. Our first drill, during which staff practiced sheltering students and barricading doors, exposed countless weaknesses, making it obvious to me that we were woefully unprepared to protect our charges.

My classroom would be one of the first an attacker coming through the front entrance would see. So I set out to make it a hard target  a place that would appear difficult to attack  to deter an intruder.
To the Editor:

The renewed bipartisan push to lift a ban on Pell Grants for people in prison (news article, Feb. 16) is a common-sense move worthy of praise.

Its clear that the ban on Pell Grants is not working. More than 90 percent of people who are in prison will eventually be released. Despite this, only 22 percent of people in state prison have had some form of postsecondary education, a virtual requirement for new job applicants.

Expanding access to postsecondary education and training to people while incarcerated will better equip them to find jobs that lead to other education and economic opportunities upon their release. In turn, it will also help improve their and their familys future, as well as help them avoid returning to crime.

Lifting the ban would also help create safer communities and cut costs. In fact, a study by the RAND Corporation estimates that every dollar invested in correction education yields $4 to $5 in savings from a reduction in recidivism rates.
On todays episode:

 Michael D. Shear, a White House correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading:

 The father of a student killed last week at a Florida high school pressed President Trump to act, asking, How many children have to get shot? It was one of many dramatic exchanges on Wednesday about gun violence.

 The students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School lobbied state lawmakers to strengthen gun control, and met resistance.

 Senator Marco Rubio and a spokeswoman for the National Rifle Association were repeatedly heckled during a nationally televised forum after they refused to back new gun control measures.

Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at thedaily@nytimes.com. Tweet me at @mikiebarb. And if youre interested in advertising with The Daily, write to us at thedaily-ads@nytimes.com.

How do I listen?

If you dont see an audio player on this page or to subscribe to The Daily for free, follow the instructions below.
Its long been an insult to be called a Neanderthal. But the more these elusive, vanished people have been studied, the more respect theyve gained among scientists.

On Thursday, a team of researchers offered compelling evidence that Neanderthals bore one of the chief hallmarks of mental sophistication: they could paint cave art. That talent suggests that Neanderthals could think in symbols and may have achieved other milestones not preserved in the fossil record.

When you have symbols, then you have language, said Joao Zilhao, an archaeologist at the University of Barcelona and co-author of the new study.

When Neanderthal fossils first came to light in the mid-1800s, researchers were struck by the low, thick brow ridge on their skulls. Later discoveries showed Neanderthals to have brains as big as our own, but bodies that were shorter and stockier.
Junk  the sprawling, weighty drama by Ayad Akhtar exploring the underhanded world of junk bonds and Wall Street in the 1980s  is this years winner of the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History.

The play, which ran on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center and closed last month, was an ambitious undertaking, using a cast of 19 characters to deeply examine various capitalist perspectives. In his New York Times review, Ben Brantley wrote that the show unfolds with the crispness and legibility of a conscientiously assembled spread sheet.

The prize jury, made up of playwrights, scholars and others, said that Junk trenchantly examines the financial behavior and the flawed system of thought in the 1980s that paved the way for the polarized world in which we now live  manufacturing debt. It added that the play speaks directly to the aims of the prize, enlisting theaters power to explore Americas past, and through that, speak to our present, so crucial to the health of our democracy.

Mr. Akhtar, who won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Disgraced, will receive $100,000. The award was created by Jean Kennedy Smith, a former United States ambassador to Ireland, in honor of her brother, Edward M. Kennedy, the former senator from Massachusetts. It is awarded yearly on or around his birthday. Past winners include the performance artist Taylor Mac and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Our guide to plays and musicals coming to New York stages  and a few last-chance picks of shows that are about to close. Our reviews of open shows are at nytimes.com/reviews/theater.

Previews and Openings

THE AMATEURS at the Vineyard Theater (in previews; opens on Feb. 27). Jordan Harrisons new play is a comedy about a group of actors who wander medieval Europe performing cycle plays. Its also a serious-minded exploration about what art can and should do in times of plague. In the Vineyards production, directed by Oliver Butler, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Thomas Jay Ryan and Michael Cyril Creighton star as the players.

212-353-0303, vineyardtheatre.org

AMY AND THE ORPHANS at the Laura Pels Theater at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theater (in previews; opens on March 1). In this new play from Lindsey Ferrentino (Ugly Lies the Bone), a father dies and two adult siblings (Debra Monk and Mark Blum) set out to inform their sister, a woman with Down syndrome. For Roundabout Theater Company, Scott Ellis directs the road trip, which stars Jamie Brewer of American Horror Story.

212-719-1300, roundabouttheatre.org

ANGELS IN AMERICA at the Neil Simon Theater (previews start on Feb. 23; opens on March 25). The great work begins. Again. The National Theaters production of Tony Kushners A Gay Fantasia on National Themes arrives on Broadway, starring Andrew Garfield, Lee Pace, Denise Gough and Nathan Lane as the crooked lawyer Roy Cohn. Reviewing the two-part work in London, Ben Brantley wrote that the director Marianne Elliotts production confirms the plays place in the pantheon of dramas that stretch toward the heavens.

800-745-3000, angelsbroadway.com
When neighborhoods like Woodbrook came into being in the 1930s  Nobel Prize-winning writer V.S. Naipaul grew up in the area  the backyards of these houses were where Carnival bands evolved out of community workshops known as mas camps (mas being short for masquerade).

Yards have always been part of our narrative, the kind of informal, non-regulated spaces where people have played, lived, said Christopher Cozier, an artist and co-administrator of Alice Yard, along with the architect Sean Leonard whose grandmother had lived on the property, and the local writer and editor Nicholas Laughlin.

Alice Yard is part of an informal network of similar grass-roots arts organizations across the Caribbean, such as Fresh Milk in Barbados and New Local Space in Jamaica. The administrators of Alice Yard also manage an affiliated sister space, Granderson Lab, in Belmont, the citys first suburb, initially populated by Afro-Trinidadians in the post-Emancipation 1800s. Granderson Lab, housed in a former family-run printery belonging to Mr. Leonard, is now home to projects that include carnival planning and installation art.

The post-bacchanal creativity extends to the literary scene in Port of Spain. Since 2010, Caribbean literature has received an elevated platform with the founding of the Bocas Lit Fest. Held annually in April, the festival is free and showcases some of the best writers in the region.
If youre headed to Las Vegas, you dont have to be a high roller to get the biggest bang for your buck, according to Babs Daitch, a travel consultant at Yankee Clipper Travel.

Ms. Daitch resides in Las Vegas and plans frequent trips to the city for her clients. If you know some insider tips and the deals to watch for, a lavish Vegas trip can be had for a reasonable price, she said. She shared some of her best tips for a wallet-friendly trip to Vegas that doesnt skimp on luxury.

Timing Matters

First, avoid visiting Las Vegas during citywide conventions. Hotel occupancy is higher, which limits your chances of booking a great room, as are nightly rates for hotel rooms all over the city. Las Vegas Tourisms official site has a calendar of upcoming conventions you should keep an eye on.

In general, hotel rates are the lowest in July and August because the citys hot weather keeps the crowds away. If you love hanging out by the pool, these are great months to visit because many of the resorts have fantastic pools, Ms. Daitch said. Hotel rates also dip after Thanksgiving weekend through early January.
We dont need the federal government trying to define whos in the community, said Mayor Catherine Pugh of Baltimore. This is about bodies, its not about whether youre an immigrant.

In Houston, the city suspects that many immigrant households devastated by Hurricane Harvey never reached out for government assistance, and those programs offered tangible benefits to residents whose homes and cars had been flooded.

If you are reluctant to reach out because of your fear that ICE may show up, for fear of being deported, then how do you think people are going to feel when youre asking them to go online or to respond to an enumerator thats knocking on your door to fill out a census form? Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston said. Theyre going to be apprehensive.

In San Jose, the city will rely on community volunteers this spring to scour neighborhoods where it suspects many families are doubled up or living in unpermitted housing. On the street with the beige garage conversion, Mr. Almeida could point to a clue on nearly every property. Peeking over a fence, he spied another garage with a satellite dish mounted outside. One home had an R.V. that looked to be permanently stationed in a large carport. Across the street, a home zoned for just one unit had a second address posted outside. The home next door had two satellite dishes on the chimney and a third on the garage.

This spring, volunteers will use a texting app the city tested in December to identify these a nd similar units. The city will then flag them on the Census Bureaus master address list for San Jose. Mr. Almeida vows that the city department in charge of building code enforcement will never see these address notes, and the Census Bureau requires confidentiality from the local officials who do access them. A nonprofit founded by the former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, Cities of Service, is hoping to spread the tool to other cities that will be receiving their address databases from the census in the coming weeks.

In New York City, half a dozen workers in the planning department have been similarly canvasing neighborhoods for the last 15 months. Ahead of the 2000 count, the first time the Census Bureau allowed cities to review their addresses, New York found 439,000 units the bureau was missing  the equivalent of 13 percent of the citys housing stock  mostly in illegal basement, attic and garage apartments revealed by extra doorbells and mailboxes.
A former judge in Arkansas was sentenced to five years in prison for dismissing pending cases in exchange for personal and sexual acts from young men, court documents and a Department of Justice statement said.

O. Joseph Boeckmann, Jr., 72, pleaded guilty last year to charges of wire fraud and witness tampering. Judge Kristine G. Baker of the Eastern District of Arkansas sentenced him on Wednesday to five years in prison, even though prosecutors had recommended just over three years, after hearing the testimony of two of his victims.

The prosecutors sentencing memorandum described Judge Boeckmann as a predator who used his position as a judge to gain access to vulnerable young men in order to satisfy his own prurient desires.

He dangled their case dismissals in front of them while making them do his bidding, the memo said. He posed them in embarrassing positions; positions that he found sexually gratifying.
Florida Sen. President Joe Negron, R-Stuart

Florida Senate President Joe Negron said Thursday that he supports arming school teachers, endorsing a controversial proposal a day after U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio rejected it.

"The concept of having teachers who are trained and have appropriate credentials being able to be armed to protect students, I would support that," he said Thursday.

Despite pushback from teachers, Negron's endorsement means that the proposal is likely to make it into a package of gun-related bills that will be made public Friday, in response to last week's shooting at a Broward County high school that left 17 people dead.

The model is likely to be based on a program created by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, who allows teachers who want to be armed to go through specialized training, becoming partially deputized by sheriff's office.

They would then be able to carry a concealed gun on K-12 campuses, and only top administrators would know who they are. Only a local private university has taken up Judd's program.

Naturally, it's wildly controversial. And not just because chipping away at the number of "gun-free zones" in America is one of the top goals of the National Rifle Association and other gun-rights groups.

Even Rubio, during a Wednesday night townhall on CNN, expressed major reservations about the idea.

I dont support that, and I would admit to you right now, I answer that as much as a father as I do as a senator. The notion that my kids are going to school with teachers that are armed with a weapon is not something that, quite frankly, Im comfortable with, Rubio said.

Teachers and gun control advocates see a needless risk, from a gun falling into the hands of a student to getting shot by police who mistake a teacher with a gun with a bad guy.

"Just think of how many things that could go wrong with that," said Kristin Brown, co-president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

But there is a far more likely scenario: accidental shootings. Even the most experienced gun users - police officers - have accidents, and stories abound of police trainers and beat cops accidentally shooting themselves and others.

In truth, the idea of arming teachers is a fledgling one based more on theory than evidence.

So few schools in America allow teachers to carry guns that there are no examples of them deterring or stopping shooters.

On the other hand, observers can only point to one example of an armed teacher creating a danger to others, when a Utah middle school teacher mishandled a handgun and fired into a toilet in 2014. (A professor in Idaho accidentally shot himself in the foot that same year, but he was on a college campus.)

If legislators approve it, Florida would become the ninth state to allow some people to carry concealed weapons on school grounds, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

Across the country, more than 1,300 teachers in 200 school districts across 12 states have undergone training to be armed, according to Jim Irvine, the president of the Buckeye Firearms Foundation, a nonprofit that has become a pioneer in such training.

After the Sandy Hook massacre, which left 20 kids and six teachers dead, he said he pitched offering training for free to teachers in Ohio.

"We were mocked," Irvine said. "People said, 'Teachers dont want to carry guns. You think teachers want to sign up for your class?' In a couple weeks, we had a thousand people apply to be trained."

One of those people was Jeff Staggs, the superintendent of the Newcomerstown schools, a small, 1,100-student school district in rural Ohio.

He said that after parents brought the idea to his school board, he and other staffers and teachers went through Irvine's training. He would not say how many people now carry concealed weapons in the district's four buildings, citing security concerns.

"It is not talked about a lot," Staggs said. "It's taken for granted that we have this layer of security."

He said the teachers in the program undergo extra scrutiny year-round. They're drug tested multiple times a year, and he said that if administrators have concerns about them, the teachers are expected to answer "any questions of any type" about their personal or private lives.

"Your lifes an open book," Staggs said.

Grady's program, known as the "Sentinel Program," goes further than even Irvine's three-day training: extensive background checks, 132 hours of training and quarterly recertification. He touts that the people who go through the program are deputized, but they're only allowed to use their weapons to confront an active shooter.

The only school that has taken him up on the program is Southeastern University, a private liberal arts college in Lakeland. Nine teachers and staffers there carry concealed weapons, and only top administrators know who they are, according to university President Kent Ingle.

Ingle said that having trained staffers on campus, in addition to police officers, has been universally well-received by teachers and students.

"They are definitely highly trained, and that is what is important," he said. "We didnt want this to be a free-for all."

But he said it comes with a cost. He said 30 percent of the school's security budget - a few hundred thousand dollars - goes to retraining the nine staffers and teachers at the sheriff's office each year.

Florida teachers are adamantly opposed to the idea, according to Luke Flynt, secretary-treasurer of the Florida Education Association.

"They do not want to be armed with guns, no," he said. "They want to be armed with the tools to do their jobs."

While data on accidental police shootings is rare, one study of New York Police Department shootings showed that between 1999 and 2006, officers accidentally shot their weapons 216 times.

And in an active shooter situation, police occasionally mistake plainclothes officers for suspects. Irvine, the Ohio trainer, said that he warns participants that they could be shot by police responding to an active shooter situation.

"Thats the risk you take taking on this role, and you have to be comfortable with that risk," he said.

Despite the risks, it has the support of several politicians and some sheriffs. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Coral Springs, who graduated from Stoneman Douglas High in 1999 and whose district includes the school, said the decision as to whether to selectively arm teachers should be made by local sheriffs and school boards, not the Legislature.

"They (Republican lawmakers) could state mandate it. They could do it by local control. They could only allow a couple of teachers," Moskowitz said. "They could do it like an air marshal on a plane. They could have a couple of teachers go through mass shooting drills ... That power should belong with the school district and the local sheriff. It should not be mandated by the state."

Irvine, the Ohio trainer, said he has mixed feelings about the debate over his program.

"Im proud of the program and Im proud of the people who work in it, but Im disheartened that we need it," Irvine said. "Its an absolute failure of our society that were even having this discussion."

Times staff writer Steve Bousquet contributed to this report.
Gov. Eric Greitens of Missouri was indicted on Thursday on a felony invasion of privacy charge, threatening his hold on the leadership of the state and creating chaos across Missouris political landscape in an election year.

The St. Louis grand jurys indictment accused Mr. Greitens, a first-term Republican who was seen as having ambitions for higher office, of photographing a nude or partially nude person without the persons knowledge or consent in 2015. The indictment said Mr. Greitens then transmitted the photo in a way that allowed it to be viewed on a computer, which prosecutors said made the crime a felony rather than a misdemeanor.

The charge comes weeks after Mr. Greitens acknowledged having an extramarital affair in 2015, but denied reports that he blackmailed the woman or took a nude photo of her without permission. A St. Louis television station had aired a report with claims that Mr. Greitens, a married father of two, took a compromising photograph of a woman with whom he was having an affair and then threatened her with retribution if she revealed the relationship.

Mr. Greitens, a former Navy SEAL and Rhodes scholar who has been governor for just over a year, has resisted calls to resign, insisting that he did nothing illegal. He has been touring the state touting his tax cut plans.
But in other matters, Mr. Rubio has taken a more muddled approach. He has castigated the Trump administration for its handling of Russia and threatened to vote down Secretary of State Rex W. Tillersons nomination, only to back away from the confrontation. After advocating a comprehensive immigration overhaul under the Obama administration, Mr. Rubio opposed a bipartisan immigration deal this month, saying that it did not do enough to bolster enforcement.

Mr. Rubio maintains that he has demonstrated independence from the G.O.P. by consistently defending Robert S. Mueller III, the special counsel investigating Russian meddling in the presidential election, and been openly critical of the federal governments initial response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. His reaction to the Parkland shooting, in his view, has built on his longstanding gun policies, now informed by lessons law enforcement and schools officials have learned in the first few days since the massacre at Stoneman Douglas High.

On the Democratic side, a mood of cynicism tends to pervade discussions of Mr. Rubio: Representative Ted Deutch, a Democrat who joined Mr. Rubio in the Wednesday town hall and whose district includes Stoneman Douglas High, accused Mr. Rubio of favoring only legislation that the N.R.A. can live with.

Still, some Democrats welcomed Mr. Rubios apparent openness to new legislative options. Representative Charlie Crist of Florida, a Democrat and former Republican who was once Mr. Rubios bitter rival in a Senate primary, said Mr. Rubios comments offered reason for optimism.

Im encouraged by that, to be honest, and I hope that that evolution continues, Mr. Crist said Thursday. In the wake of an event such as this, that can happen.

Mr. Crist, a onetime N.R.A. ally who now supports a ban on assault weapons, said much of Florida had undergone a similar reassessment of gun rights orthodoxy after two massacres in the state that targeted young people.

Pushing back on criticism from Mr. Deutch and others, Mr. Rubio fiercely disputed that he operates with great deference to the N.R.A. He countered that he is focused on practical ideas that might stand a chance of becoming law, and said the assault weapons ban favored by Parkland families is not among them.
President Trumps nominee to lead the Indian Health Service has withdrawn his name from consideration for the position, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Humans Services said Wednesday.

The withdrawal of the nominee, Robert Weaver, follows Wall Street Journal reports that said he had inaccurately represented his qualifications to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs after his nomination in October. Mr. Weaver joins a growing list of Trump nominees who have withdrawn from consideration after questions arose about their fitness for their assigned posts.

Senator Tom Udall, Democrat of New Mexico and the vice chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee, said in a statement that the move seemed appropriate given the serious questions recently raised about his suitability to lead a vitally important health agency.

Mr. Udall has not yet received a formal notice of the withdrawal.

The Indian Health Service could not immediately be reached for comment. Neither could Mr. Weaver.
WASHINGTON  The Trump administration has decided that it needs no new legal authority from Congress to indefinitely keep American military forces deployed in Syria and Iraq, even in territory that has been cleared of Islamic State fighters, according to Pentagon and State Department officials.

In a pair of letters, the officials illuminated the Trump administrations planning for an open-ended mission of forces in Syria beyond the Islamic State fight. Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson foreshadowed the plan in a speech last month, saying that troops will stay in Syria to curb Iran and prevent the Syrian government from reconquering rebel-held areas.

Though Mr. Tillerson also cited a need to mop up the remnants of the Islamic State and keep from leaving a vacuum in which the group could regenerate, other administration officials put far greater emphasis on the extremists. In the letters, they said that the continued potential threat from the Islamic State provided a legal rationale for the Trump administration to keep American troops deployed there indefinitely.

Just as when we previously removed U.S. forces prematurely, the group will look to exploit any abatement in pressure to regenerate capabilities and reestablish local control of territory, wrote David Trachtenberg, the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy.
WASHINGTON  Even as he was managing Donald J. Trumps campaign for president, Paul Manafort lied to banks to secure millions of dollars in cash loans as part of a decade-long money laundering scheme, according to charges unsealed by the special counsel on Thursday.

Mr. Manafort exaggerated his income by millions of dollars to take out mortgages on homes in SoHo and the Hamptons that he had purchased years earlier in part with income illegally funneled through offshore bank accounts, according to the indictment. The laundered money  which totaled $30 million  came from Mr. Manaforts work as a lobbyist and political consultant to Viktor F. Yanukovych, the Russia-aligned former Ukrainian president.

But after Mr. Yanukovych was ousted in 2014 and fled to Russia, Mr. Manaforts income quickly dwindled. The 32-count indictment describes a complex plot that Mr. Manafort then undertook to leverage money from his real estate with the help of his longtime business partner and campaign deputy, Rick Gates.

The charges do not involve Mr. Trump or his campaign and are not significantly different from ones filed against the men in October. But they outline new criminal behavior and appear to be the latest attempt by the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, to pressure Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates to cooperate with his inquiry to avoid a lengthy prison sentence. The men have said they have nothing to offer Mr. Mueller on the central question of the investigation: whether any associates of Mr. Trump coordinated with Russias attempts to disrupt the 2016 election.
CHESTER, Ill.  Randy Clover is something of an anomaly  the president of a union local here that represents Illinois state employees, and a Republican precinct leader who voted for President Trump. But he has no doubt about what will be at stake next week at the Supreme Court: the financial and political clout of one of organized labors last strongholds.

The court will hear arguments on Monday about whether the government employees represented by Mr. Clovers union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, must pay the union a fee for representing them in collective bargaining. Conservative groups, supported by the Trump administration, say the First Amendment bars forcing government workers from having to pay anything, and the court has sent strong signals that it agrees with that argument.

If it does, unions like Mr. Clovers stand to lose fees not only from workers who object to the positions they take in negotiations but also from anyone who chooses not to join a union but benefits from its efforts. To hear Mr. Clover tell it, the case is the culmination of a decades-long assault against the labor movement.

The case was started by the governor to destroy unions, Mr. Clover said, referring to Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican who has been at war with Illinoiss public-sector unions. Its trying to diminish the protections that unions have for their members.
WASHINGTON  For years, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has been overlooked in Washington. Overshadowed by more politically powerful law enforcement agencies like the F.B.I., the A.T.F. garnered headlines mostly for notorious episodes, including the deadly 1993 siege in Waco, Tex., and the Fast and Furious gunwalking scandal more than a decade later.

Now, the A.T.F. is on the verge of a crisis. The agency, which has not grown significantly since its founding in 1973, is about to confront a staffing shortage and is set to lose its tobacco and alcohol enforcement authorities. President Trump has yet to nominate a director to oversee the agency, which has been without permanent leadership for eight of the past 12 years.

Amid the dearth of leadership and resources, the White House is pushing the A.T.F. to the forefront of its fight against violent crime. In response to the mass shooting at a Florida high school last week, Mr. Trump, who promised to fight violent criminal gangs and illegal guns  two of the A.T.F.s key missions  announced that he would be relying on the bureau to regulate so-called bump stock accessories.

But it is all but politically impossible for Mr. Trump, who counts the powerful gun lobby among his most ardent supporters, to strengthen the A.T.F. The National Rifle Association has long sought to hobble the agency in an effort to curb its ability to regulate guns, which the gun lobby has traditionally opposed.
After Sandy Hook, a lot of schools got very panicky and bought $5,000 buzzer systems, Dr. Klinger said. They bought the system that was breached by the intruder in the first 30 seconds of Sandy Hook. He shot out the door and walked into the school. So your buzzer system did absolutely no good.

Ms. Rush said that everyone at the front office should be informed when a student has been suspended or expelled. A photo should be posted, and they should call 911 if the person appears.

This happens in corporate America all the time, she said. Workplace violence, where the person comes back and wants to kill the boss.

Dr. Klinger said that schools should invest in teachers who mingle with students in the lobby or in hallways as a way to learn about troubling behavior that may be brewing.

Even in a large school, the experts said, doors need to be manned by someone who knows the students and will recognize anyone who looks out of place. Dr. Klinger said that this should be a teacher, who relates to the students, not a security guard.

If you want to take this to the extreme, you can ensure the safety of kids by locking them in a cell, but thats a prison, Dr. Klinger said. This is not a prison. Its not a shopping mall.

What if you cant run or hide?

Cultivate the survivor mentality, experts said. Fight. If hes coming no matter what, if you got that one guy who starts breaking the door out, you take every object in the room and you beat the hell out of him to disarm him, because youre going to die if you dont, Ms. Rush said. So you might as well take your chances of trying to fight.

Ms. Rush gave the example of a professor who, as a gunman approached, took his phone out to look at pictures of his children one last time before he died. But a female student jumped and ran and locked the door. She had survivor instinct.
A student in Pennsylvania is under investigation after he called the police on Wednesday to report that he had forced open a window and climbed into a classroom at his school, all while he was asleep.

Even though the student had reported himself to the authorities, the school, Wendover Middle School in Hempfield Township, was closed on Wednesday and swept for weapons, underscoring the seriousness with which potential threats to schools have been treated since the shooting at a high school last week in Parkland, Fla.

The student moved a screen out of the way before climbing through the window, the authorities said. The police did not name the sleepwalker, and the break-in remained under investigation.

In a radio interview on Thursday, the boys father, speaking anonymously, said that his son had walked the four and half miles to the school, sleeping the whole time.
DAKAR, Senegal  Parents of girls who disappeared after their school in northern Nigeria was attacked by militants this week heckled state officials on Thursday and pummeled a motorcade after being told that, despite government reports to the contrary, their daughters had yet to be found.

For three days he didnt tell us the truth until now, Modu Goniri, the father of two teenage girls who are among dozens still missing, said of the states governor. Thats why we are very angry.

Militants from Boko Haram attacked the Government Girls Science and Technical School in Dapchi on Monday evening, guns blazing, in an episode that evoked painful memories of the groups 2014 attack on a school in Chibok that included the mass abduction of schoolgirls.

An official count of the missing in Dapchi hasnt been released, although the governors office said it was working to compile one. Initial accounts from the police and state officials put the number somewhere between 50 and 100; Mr. Goniri said that 94 girls were still missing.
We Are Not Looking for a Messiah

We hope for the restoration of the spirit of the A.N.C. in 1994. However, as the A.N.C. abetted Zuma, and the exact same people still hold power, except Zuma himself, we are understandably suspicious.

Michael Cope, 65, a jeweler and writer who lives in Cape Town.

We need a leader who respects that the office he holds is not for himself, his family or cronies. We need a leader who is able to say I messed up. We are not looking for a messiah. We are looking for a leader who is grounded in the reality of South Africa.

Image Nokwazi Pearl Hlubi

Nokwazi Pearl Hlubi, 42, an energy consultant in Johannesburg.

Knowing Ramaphosa stood silently by during the years Zuma ransacked the country, its difficult to feel like this wont be swapping one destructive status quo for another.

Tamsin Walker, 28, from Johannesburg. Ms. Walker added that the most pressing matter for South Africans at the moment was unity.

We trust that his populist promises will remain just that: promises. But to me, he is the hero that may continue the legacy of Mandela. For the first time since Mandela, I have hope for our country, and a president I can be proud of.

Anne Kruger, 66, a retired journalist who lives in Paarl, in the province of Western Cape.

I hope he will restore confidence in black leadership.

Cathy Khutjo Mahloana, 21, a student in Pretoria, in Gauteng Province. She added that even though it was ridiculous to expect one man to change the country single-handedly, Mr. Ramaphosa could set a positive example of an African president.

Truly Horrendous Corruption and Incompetence

My province is in crisis mode because were dangerously close to completely running out of water. The taps are expected to run dry by June 2018. We desperately need to explore ways in which we can beat this drought and supply water to Cape Town and surrounds. South Africa as a whole has a water scarcity problem, which will have to be prioritized sooner rather than later.

Brandon Gregory, 31, a freelance writer and office assistant who lives in Paarl, near Cape Town. The area has been suffering a severe water crisis.

We live on the Vaal River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, which has been supplying water to this thirsty land for millions of years. The truly horrendous corruption and incompetence has meant that sewage pumping stations are in disrepair and raw sewage is being pumped directly into the water. E. coli counts, which are supposed to be below 400 per 100 milliliters of water, are reaching into the millions. Our beautiful Egoli will soon be known as E. coli.

Viccy Baker, 67, a website owner who lives in Vanderbijlpark, near Johannesburg, which is sometimes referred to as Egoli or place of gold.

Gangsterism. There have been too many shootings and nothing has been done. The police never arrives or reacts. It is unbearable to live there. You are virtually a prisoner in your own home.

Elmarie Daries, 50, a teacher in Bontheuwel, in Western Cape.

Image Hettie Fowlds

Unemployment is a bitter issue for South Africans and I believe that if affirmative action didnt exist, we would all have been employed on merit not based on race. Then I would have gotten bursaries to study too. But being the top student in school didnt help my being white.

Hettie Fowlds, 26, a client services coordinator who lives in Vereeniging, Gauteng.

As a white man, I feel like the most pressing issues facing my community is a blindness and naivete as to what the real plight of nonwhite South Africans are. We are tone deaf to the underlying drivers of things like campus protests and expropriation without compensation. We believe that white privilege is a myth because we work very hard for our livelihood. 

Dakin Parker, 41, a writer who lives in Cape Town. He added that he hoped Mr. Ramaphosa would commit to employing competent public servants.

For Too Long, Debate Was Stifled

The next two years are going to be crucial for Cyril to implement strategies to stimulate the economy and reduce unemployment. Im hopeful that he will focus on education and local manufacturing. The high unemployment rate drives the high crime rate. Crime continues to be a big problem in all communities in South Africa. Thankfully he is the darling of the investment world. He is an astute businessman and exceedingly intelligent, so I have every confidence that he is the leader we need to turn the tide.

Nava Nerine Naidoo, 44, a consultant in Johannesburg.

I wish he can emphasize the significance of education to young Africans by ensuring that public and private institutions provide employment opportunities to graduates.

Modise Moseki, 40, a lecturer from Kuruman, in Northern Cape Province.

Image Malusi Dlamini

As a 25-year-old, black South African, I dont think much will change in the country beyond business confidence. Our country is plagued not just by corruption, but by an inept and partisan public service that is too bloated. South Africa is being crippled by high income inequality that sows discontent and is dehumanizing. Ramaphosa will not change that as a billionaire who flashes his wealth. When he was in business, he did nothing to bridge the gap between the executives and the broader labor force within his companies.

Malusi Prince Dlamini, a student and part-time bookseller who lives in Durban, in the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal.
NEW DELHI  Donald Trump Jr., who has spent the week in India pitching new luxury high-rises that bear his familys name, took the stage before a crowd of about 200 on Thursday. Building a Better Mumbai, the banner behind him proclaimed.

Were actually delivering true luxury, Mr. Trump told the guests, who were greeted by a red carpet, lit candles and a jazz band. Were actually delivering buildings in the Indian marketplace that you can take out of that marketplace, put in any cosmopolitan of the world and say, This is on par with some of the best.

The Trump Organization is reaping the windfall from Indias admiration for President Trump. He may have low approval ratings at home, but he appears well liked in a country with one of the fastest-growing populations of millionaires in the world.

The Trump brand spells glamour more than luxury, said Kalyani Chawla, a brand consultant and former executive at Christian Dior in India who attended the event. I think its all about Donald Trump, honestly, she said, any idea of Donald Trump in general, regardless of the fact that even hes surprised hes the president of the United States.
BEIJING  As China ratchets up pressure on Taiwan, the self-governing island it claims as its territory, the United States is cautiously starting to push back.

In recent months, Chinese strategic bombers have been conducting island encirclement flights, escorted by fighter jets. The Chinese government has discouraged tourism to Taiwan and imports of goods like fish over the past year and a half, hurting its economy. And China persuaded the islands most important remaining diplomatic ally, Panama, to switch diplomatic recognition last summer from Taipei to Beijing.

Concern about Taiwans fate now appears to be building slowly in Washington, even as President Trump continues to seek Chinas help on other issues. Through his first year in office, Mr. Trump pressed Beijing to put more pressure on North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, with limited success. He has also sought to limit Chinas nearly $400 billion trade surplus with the United States, which has nonetheless continued to widen.

Against that backdrop, Washington has recently begun moving gradually to reinforce its ties to Taiwan, a vigorous democracy facing an increasingly authoritarian government in Beijing.
PARIS  European countries from Poland to Italy and Britain are shutting borders, stepping up deportations and making unsavory deals with warlords in Libya to restrict migrants. Now comes Frances turn.

The government of President Emmanuel Macron this week put forward a draft law that even some of his own supporters said was too harsh. Human rights groups say it is intended to make it easier to expel would-be asylum seekers.

But in presenting the proposal this week, Mr. Macrons interior minister, Gerard Collomb, made no bones about its other aim: to head off the political challenge of the far right.

The migrant issue is a problem that can lead to difficulties  meaning political difficulties  he told reporters on Wednesday, before getting into the details of the law.
ATHENS  After 20 hours of acrimonious debate, Greek lawmakers on Thursday approved the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate accusations linking 10 high-profile politicians to bribery by a Swiss drug manufacturer.



The investigation, which will follow separate and secret votes for each of the 10 politicians, was backed both by members of the coalition government and by some in the opposition. It will examine whether the politicians took kickbacks from the pharmaceutical company Novartis, or were aware of illicit payments.

The list of people to be investigated is dominated by the Greek political elite: It includes two former prime ministers, Antonis Samaras and Panagiotis Pikramenos; the current central bank governor, Yannis Stournaras; and the European Union commissioner for migration, Dimitris Avramopoulos.

A report sent to Parliament this month by Greek prosecutors said there was evidence to suggest that Novartis had made payments to Greek doctors and politicians in exchange for fixing the prices of its medicines at artificially high levels and increasing its access to the Greek market.
MOSCOW  A prominent Russian opposition leader, Aleksei A. Navalny, said he was briefly detained by the police on Thursday as the authorities initiated legal proceedings against him for organizing illegal protests.

The legal maneuvering was widely interpreted as a precautionary measure, intended to ensure that Mr. Navalny could be safely tucked away, if need be, in the prelude to the Russian presidential election on March 18.

The charge, which will be heard by a court at an undisclosed date, could result in a jail sentence of up to 30 days. Earlier, Mr. Navalny had predicted that he was likely to be jailed for the period around the election.

Mr. Navalny is barred from running in the election because of a criminal conviction that he and most rights advocates say was fabricated. Instead, he is leading a campaign to boycott the vote, trying to keep the turnout down and deny President Vladimir V. Putin the sweeping victory he seeks.
ISTANBUL  Militias loyal to the Syrian government swept into the northwestern enclave of Afrin on Thursday in support of Kurdish militias, reclaiming the territory and stealing a march on Turkish forces that have been battling toward the city for nearly a month.

Television broadcasts and social media postings showed crowds celebrating in the main square of the city of Afrin, waving flags and holding posters of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria and the Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan, who is imprisoned in Turkey on terrorism charges.

The entry into Afrin of forces loyal to Mr. Assad  the result of a deal between the Syrian government and Kurdish militias, with the backing of Iran and Russia  has harmed Turkeys ambitions in Syria. It is one of many setbacks that Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has experienced throughout the seven-year Syrian civil war.

Its not something Turkey is happy with at all, said Michael Stephens, who studies the Middle East at the Royal United Services Institute in London. It limits Turkish strategic options. Turkey has made it clear that if attacked by pro-government forces, its forces will strike back, he said.
Federal investigators this month identified the largest cluster of advanced black lung cases ever officially recorded.

More than 400 coal miners frequenting three clinics in southwestern Virginia between 2013 and 2017 were found to have complicated black lung disease, an extreme form characterized by dense masses of scar tissue in the lungs.

Healthy lung Simple black lung disease Complicated black lung disease Simple black lung disease Complicated black lung disease Healthy lung Simple black lung disease Complicated black lung disease Healthy lung Healthy lung Simple black lung disease Complicated black lung disease National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

The cluster, identified following an investigation by National Public Radio, adds to a growing body of evidence that a new black lung epidemic is emerging in central Appalachia, even as the Trump administration begins to review Obama-era coal dust limits.

The severity of the disease among miners at the Virginia clinics knocked us back on our heels, said David J. Blackley, an epidemiologist at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, who led the research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It was equally troubling, he said, that nearly a quarter of the miners with complicated black lung disease had been on the job fewer than 20 years.

Across the coal belt in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia, theres an unacceptably large number of younger miners who have end-stage disease and the only choice is to get a lung transplant or wait it out and die, Dr. Blackley said.

Scientists have linked the new wave of lung disease to miners breathing in more silica dust, the likely result of a decades-long shift toward mining thinner coal seams that require cutting into the surrounding rock. Silica dust from pulverized rock can damage lungs faster than coal dust alone.

Modern machinery, insufficient training for workers, and longer work hours may also contribute to increased dust exposure, experts say.

A Sharp Rise in Complicated Black Lung Disease

Black lung, a chronic disease caused by breathing in coal mine dust, declined precipitously between the early 1970s and late 1990s, following new health and safety rules put in place by the 1969 Coal Act. The legislation for the first time established airborne dust limits in coal mines and set up a health monitoring program for working miners, offering free chest x-rays every five years.

But by 2000, black lung was on the rise again. An advanced form of the disease, rarely seen in the mid-1990s, made an especially dramatic comeback.

Complicated Black Lung DiseasePer 1,000 working coal miners in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia Rate of complicated black lung among working coal miners in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia 50 cases per 1,000 miners 48.5 40 30 20 10 3.7 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 50 cases per 1,000 miners 48.5 40 30 20 10 3.7 1975 1985 1995 2005 2015 51.4 48.5 32.7 25.3 19.1 19.1 13.0 3.7 cases per 1,000 miners 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 Data represents a five-year moving average among underground miners with at least 25 years on the job who participate in the Coal Workers Health Surveillance Program. Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

The upward trend in severe black lung disease has been clear for some time, but what were really learning now is the magnitude of the problem, said Carl Werntz, an associate professor of occupational medicine at West Virginia University, who treats miners in Morgantown.

In addition to the Virginia cluster, Dr. Blackleys team previously found 60 miners with complicated black lung at a single clinic in eastern Kentucky. Overall, investigators have confirmed nearly 500 cases in just four clinics over the past four years. NPR, which began a wider survey of clinics in 2016, has unofficially recorded nearly 2,000 cases over a similar time period.

Those figures are far higher than the federal governments voluntary screening program for working miners, which recorded fewer than 100 cases of complicated black lung disease nationwide between 2011 and 2016. Researchers note that the true extent of black lung disease among current and former coal miners remains unclear.

New Rules for Coal Dust Under Review

To combat black lung disease, the Obama administration in 2014 issued a new coal dust rule. It lowered dust exposure limits for the first time in four decades, increased sampling frequency and required the use of real-time personal dust monitoring devices.

The rule was challenged by coal industry groups as costly and overly burdensome. A federal appeals court upheld it in 2016.

Last December, the Trump administration announced a retrospective review of the four-year-old regulation as part of a broader rule-cutting agenda, a move that alarmed mine safety advocates and medical experts.

In light of these trends showing more debilitating disease, we need more protection, not less, said Judith Graber, an assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health.

A Mine Safety and Health Administration spokesperson said that the agencys review was required and will be used to determine if the 2014 rule is achieving its desired result. David Zatezalo, a former miner and coal industry executive who now leads the agency, told Congress on Feb. 6 that he has no current plans to roll back the updated dust limits.
'Let Army Chief say what he wants': MoS VK Singh on Gen Rawat's remark on AIUDF

BJP little wary over possible AIUDF-Congress alliance for its success in North-East

AIUDF hits back at Army Chief, says shoot the infiltrators

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Taking a strong exception to Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remark linking All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF)'s growth and the immigration in the northeast, the party chief Badruddin Ajmal on Thursday said the Army Chief has been misinformed and misguided.

Ajmal had earlier tweeted that parties like AIUDF and AAP have grown because of the misgovernance of big parties.

Addressing the media today, Ajmal said, "We respect General Rawat a lot but I think he has been misinformed and misguided."

"If Army chief is saying that demographic change is happening in Assam then it is the government's job to check it. We are the only party which said that shoot anyone who infiltrates into our borders," he added.

Ajmal said that AIUDF is a secular party and should not be seen as a 'Muslim party'.

"People say we are a Muslim party which is false. We've always given 20-25 seats to our Hindu Brothers in all elections. Muslims brothers had also laid down their lives for the freedom struggle. We're Indians. Let us live with the dignity of an Indian," he added.

The controversy started after General Rawat spoke of proxy warfare in the Northeast by Pakistan with help from China and the "planned" influx of Bangladeshi immigrants. He also referred to Ajmal's AIDUF in connection with reports of an increase in Muslim population in several districts of Assam.

"I think the government is looking at the Northeast with correct perspective...With development will come control of the people residing in this area. I don't think now you can change the population dynamics of this region... there is a party called AIUDF. It has grown at a faster rate than the BJP has over the years. The AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam."

[Army chief triggers row over Assam's AIUDF growning faster than BJP]

The AIUDF, which was formed in 2005 with an aim to champion the cause of Muslim community, currently has three MPs in the Lok Sabha and 13 legislators in the state assembly.

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Story first published: Thursday, February 22, 2018, 17:58 [IST]
At meet with PM, CDS says medical personnel of armed forced who retired in last 2 years being recalled

Army chief triggers row over Assam's AIUDF growning faster than BJP

India

oi-Madhuri

Army chief Bipin Rawat has triggered a controversy by saying that All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has grown time-frame faster than Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has over the last few years in Assam.

Addressing at a seminar on 'North East Region of India - Bridging Gaps and Securing Borders', Rawat said,''AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front) have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP grew over the years. When we talk of Jan Sangh with two MPs & where they have reached, AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam.''

''There is nothing political or religious in the talk. Army Chief just mentioned amalgamation & development in the seminar on North-East organised at DRDO Bhawan on 21 Feb 18,'' Army chief said.

Responding to Army chief's statement Aminul Islam, AIUDF MLA said, ''AIUDF is working for the downtrodden. this is why our popularity is growing faster than BJP. We are hopeful that people of Assam irrespective of caste & creed, will accept AIUDF and our party will come to power soon.''

OneIndia News
Ban on PFI: "No such situation in Karnataka," says Siddaramaiah, BJP alleges appeasement

India

oi-Anusha

By Anusha Ravi

A day after Jharkhand government banned Popular Front of India (PFI), Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made it clear that there were no such plans by his government. Siddaramaiah declared that there was no situation in Karnataka that required a ban on PFI. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reiterated that the soft corner for PFI was nothing but appeasement politics of the Congress.

Reacting to the news of Jharkhand government banning PFI, the Karnataka Chief Minister, in a single line statement said, "That situation is not here, in Karnataka." Siddaramaiah government in 2015 had withdrawn cases against members of the PFI in communal riot cases leading to a massive outcry. With recent incidents of communal violence and a charge sheet against the PFI in RSS worker Rudresh murder case by the NIA, the BJP has reiterated its demand to ban the PFI in Karnataka.

Highlighting the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government's reluctance to ban the PFI, the BJP has alleged that appeasement politics is taking centre stage ahead of the Karnataka Assembly Elections 2018.

Jharkhand bans PFI: Karnataka, dont appease, step up please

"They (Congress) are indirectly supporting PFI with malafide intentions of political gains. They are favouring the PFI despite their communal activists leading to clashes. PFI is responsible for murders of Hindus yet the government supports them for vote bank politics and I condemn it," said Jagadish Shettar, leader of opposition in Karnataka legislative assembly and BJP MLA.

PFI's political wing, Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is contesting the upcoming Karnataka elections. State Congress Chief G Parameshwara had landed on a controversy after inadvertently telling the media that the Congress was keen on holding talks of alliance with the SPDI- a statement he denied later.

The BJP which has made Hindutva their unofficial yet most powerful poll plank has been attacking the Congress for failing to ban PFI. Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy in January this year had put the onus of banning the PFI on the union government with a rider that all organisations (hinting at Bajrang Dal and VHP) involved in violence should be banned.

OneIndia News
Brexit will be UKs loss but Irelands gain, feels Irish envoy to US

'Canada only country to provide platform to Khalistanis', says ex-Indian envoy

India

oi-Madhuri

Former Indian envoy to Canada Vishnu Prakash on Thursday said that Canada is the only country which provides a platform to Khalistani.

Speaking to ANI, Prakash said,''Welcome visit of Trudeau. Both countries share an important relationship. There is certainly a cloud on our relation due to Khalistan issue. Canada is the only country to provide platform to Khalistanis.''

''99% of Sikhs love Canada & India. There are microscopic percent of Khalistani elements who control Gurudwaras. Money pious Sikhs give goes to them & use it to spread radical agenda & spread hatred towards India,'' Prakash further said.

Meanwhile, a fresh controversy hit Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's troubled visit to India on Thursday as reports emerged that a convicted Khalistani terrorist had been invited to an official dinner reception in New Delhi and photographed with the leader's wife. Atwal and three other men were convicted of attempted murder for the 1986 attack on Akali Dal leader Malkiat Singh Sidhu, who was visiting relatives on Vancouver Island at the time.

Canada boasts 17 Sikh members of parliament. Sikhs account for roughly 1.4 percent of Canada's population of 36 million.

OneIndia News
Cases of Lambda COVID-19 variant found in Canada but too early to know how widespread it is

Covid: Indians with travel plans to Canada struggling with the norm to take RT-PCR test in third country

'Canada supports a strong and united India': Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Feb 22: Amid criticism faced by her Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his pro-Khalistan approach, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland on Thursday said that Canada "supports a strong and united India".

She said that Canada is "very, very proud" of its's diverse society, which includes the Sikh community.

Freeland said Canada is "mindful" of the menace of terrorism and the "scars and deaths" that India has endured, which she described as "mind-boggling". Her remarks came amid criticism faced by her Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his pro-Khalistan approach. Freeland said the issue was discussed during her meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today.

"I did discuss the issue with the (Indian) foreign minister and I will leave it to her to comment on her impressions of the conversation. But I felt it was a very constructive and useful discussion we had," Freeland said.

She was responding to a question at an event organised by the Observer Research Foundation, a thinktank which provides analysis on security, strategy, economy, development, energy and resources. Last year, the Ontario Assembly in Canada carried a motion that described the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as "genocide", a move New Delhi termed "misguided".

[Justin Trudeau evades question on dinner invitation to Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal]

Trudeau's participation in pro-Khalistani events have also not gone well with India. Trudeau, during his meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh yesterday, assured that his country did not support separatism in India or elsewhere, as he pitched for greater cooperation, according to an official.

"Our prime minister (Trudeau) has said on a number of occasions, at home and on this trip, that the foreign policy of the government of Canada is to support a strong and united India. And we are very clear about that," she said.

"Canada's foreign policy is clear and unambiguous in its support for a united India," she added.

Canada has more than 1.4 million people of Indian origin, a significant number of them being Sikhs. Referring to the Quebec separatism movement, Freeland said it is familiar with the challenges separatist forces throw.

"And, our own party is a federalist party that also believes in united and federal Canada. We are also very clear in our condemnation of terrorism of all forms," she said.

"I truly understand the concerns here in India and I do want to really underscore the fact that we in Canada, and my prime minister, whose name is Trudeau, whose father (Pierre Trudeau) was one of our great, great fighters for a united Canada," she added.

Freeland, who is a part of the delegation accompanying Trudeau, said Canada is "really, really proud" of its diverse society and welcomes Canadians from all communities, diverse backgrounds and different parts of the world.

"We are very proud that our high commissioner to India can speak in Gujarati to your Prime Minister (Narendra Modi). We think he is the only high commissioner who can do that and that is quite unique. One of the communities that is significant in Canada, which traces its roots to India, is the Sikh community which also contributes very much to our country," she said.

"India is rightly proud of itself as being a successful, plural, diverse democracy. In Canada, we pride ourselves on that as well. We are a diverse society. We are proud saying that our diversity is our (strength). We are really, really proud," she added.

Responding to another question on India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), she said the two countries are in the middle of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement. Freeland said she had a discussion on this with Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu. She said India now occupies an important role in the world and Canada would like to strengthen its relations with the largest democratic country and take the relationship to "a new level". She lauded India's efforts in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission.

PTI
No one can sever our ties with BJP, DMK holding unnecessary protests, says AIADMK

Cauvery verdict: All party meet called by Tamil Nadu govt begins

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

All party meet called by Tamil Nadu government to discuss the next course of action on the Cauvery verdict begins in Chennai.

Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy presides over the meeting. The meeting in Chennai is attended by representatives of 30 political parties and 14 farmers' associations.

The parties and associations will decide whether to file a review petition against the apex court's verdict, according to the reports.

The New Indian Express reported that two representatives from each party and one from each farmers' association will take part in the meeting.

The all-party meeting on Cauvery comes after a gap of several years. A similar meet was held during the previous DMK regime when M Karunandihi was the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister has invited all other parties to participate in the meeting including the arch-rival the DMK.

His announcement came hours after DMK's working President MK Stalin called for an all-party meeting on February 23 to discuss the Supreme Court's verdict on the Cauvery dispute. In a statement, Stalin had said that the DMK would invite not just parties like the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and MDMK but also the ruling AIADMK and the BJP.

However, soon after the CM's announcement, DMK cancelled its all-party meeting and said that Leader of Opposition MK Stalin will participate in the meeting on February 22.

The Supreme Court had on February 16 directed the Karnataka government to release 177.25 tmcft of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, reducing the quantum specified by the tribunal in 2007.

Stalin had hit out at the government, saying that Tamil Nadu has been cheated out of its share of water while Karnataka, which did not honour any of the earlier orders of the court, has got a higher share. He also alleged that the ruling AIADMK, with its carelessness, lost all the rights that DMK leader and ex-CM Karunanidhi had achieved for the state in the Cauvery matter.

OneIndia News
Afghan soil should not be used to spread terrorism: Russia

In touch with all concerned: India on reports of kidnapping of Indian national in Kabul

Chinas political goal to split India-Bhutan over Doklam

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

A split between India and Bhutan over the Doklam issue was China's political goal, former National Security Adviser, Shivshankar Menon said. He also appreciated the way in which the government was handling the issue.

{image-shivshankar-menon-1519258788.jpg www.oneindia.com}

Menon, who was NSA between 2010 and 2014 in the previous UPA rule, also said there was a need for an integrated approach to managing the country's borders.

"One reason why we saw that activity in Doklam last year was not because they (China) had a clear military option or superiority but they had the political goal of splitting us from the Bhutanese," he said at a conference here.

India and Bhutan have close ties and New Delhi has been providing military support to the country.

He said China wanted to "show the Bhutanese that India could not defend their security and also to arouse Bhutanese opinion (on it). I am glad we chose to react the way we did."

Menon had also served as India's foreign secretary from October 2006 to August 2009.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed tri-junction by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off ended on August 28.

As a close friend and neighbour, Bhutan enjoys diplomatic and military support from India.

Delving into various aspects of border management, Menon said the armed forces must take the people of the border areas of the north-eastern states into confidence on such issues.

"It is important to carry the people with you", he said.

The conference on 'Bridging gaps and securing borders' in the northeast was attended by the top brass of the defence forces including Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat and Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba.

OneIndia News
CM Manohar Parrikar back from hospital, presents Budget in Goa Assembly

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar reached Goa Assembly after being discharged from Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital on Thursday. He is expected to table the budget today. The Budget session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, which began on Monday, would last for only four days owing to the illness of Manohar Parrikar, who was hospitalised in Mumbai.

Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly Michael Lobo confirmed this development.

Parrikar was admitted undergoing treatment at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai since 15 February. He was being treated for pancreatitis. The hospital administration refuted rumours that the Goa chief minister had to undergo surgery and said that he is responding well to treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a daylong visit to Mumbai, visited Parrikar and inquired about his health.

Speaker Pramod Sawant, who chaired a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) said the Budget would be presented on February 22, the last day of the session. The session was supposed to continue until mid-March, but due to Parrikars illness, the committee decided to cut it short, Sawant told reporters.

(With agency inputs)
NIA raids several locations at UP, Punjab in connection with Khalistan Tiger Force extortion case

Why the rise of Sikh separatism in the United States needs to be flagged harder

Convicted Khalistani militant photographed with Canadian PMs wife, Sophie Trudeau

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

A convicted former member of an illegal Sikh separatist group, Jaspal Atwal was invited to the dinner with Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. He was spotted at a formal event hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner at Delhi.

The invitation, which was extended by Canada's High Commissioner to India, is being rescinded after CBC News asked the Prime Minister's Office about it.

"I can confirm that the High Commission is in the process of rescinding Mr Atwal's invitation," said PMO spokeswoman Eleanore Catenaro in an email to CBC News.

Photos obtained by the CBC News show Atwal posing for pictures with Trudeau's wife, Sophie, and Liberal cabinet minister Amarjeet Sohi at an event with the Indian film industry in Mumbai on Tuesday.

His appearance at an official tour event could prove highly embarrassing for Trudeau, who has been at pains during his Indian trip to assure his hosts that Canada supports a united India and rejects violent extremism.

Atwal, who did not travel to India with the Trudeaus' entourage, was convicted of the attempted murder of an Indian cabinet minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986.

At the time, he was a member of the International Sikh Youth Federation, banned as a terrorist group in Canada, the U.K., the U.S. and India.

He's also been convicted in an automobile fraud case and was charged, but not convicted, in a 1985 near-fatal attack on Ujjal Dosanjh, an opponent of the Sikh separatist movement who later became premier of British Columbia, CBC news also reported.

OneIndia News
Delhi govt claims its doorstep delivery of ration scheme stalled; LG says hasn't rejected, asked to follow law

AAP likely to field Colonel Ajay Kothiyal as CM candidate in Uttarakhand

AAP leaders to visit Ram Lalla shrine before Ayodhya yatra, first list of UP candidates soon

AAP to contest all seats in UP assembly polls, not in talks for any alliance: Sanjay Singh

Delhi: AAP workers protest outside HM Rajnath Singh's residence

India

oi-Madhuri

AAP workers on Thursday staged a protest outside Home Minister's home and sought action against babus who assaulted MLAs inside the secretariat.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh sought a report on the incident.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sought a report on the incident from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Justice will be done. A delegation of IAS DANICS and Subordinate Services of Delhi Government met me today (Tuesday) and apprised me of the prevailing situation," said Rajnath Singh.

The Union minister added, "I am deeply pained by the happenings involving the Chief Secretary of the Delhi Government. The civil servants should be allowed to work with dignity and without fear."

Delhi Chief Secretary said he was attacked in the presence of Arvind Kejriwal after being summoned for discussions on the government's plan to deliver key services to citizens' doorsteps.

However, the AAP refuted the allegations and termed them as 'ludicrous'.

OneIndia News
Delhi Chief Secy alleged assault: AAP MLAs sent to judicial custody for 14 days

India

oi-Shreya

By Shreya

Aam Aadmi Party MLAs Prakash Jarwal and Amanatullah Khan have been sent to judicial custody of 14 days in connection with the charges of alleged assault on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash on February 22. The Delhi High Court yesterday had rejected the plea for police custody of the MLAs, saying that the MLAs were ready to cooperate in the investigation.

Ahead of the decision of the High Court, senior leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party came down heavily on the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and accused him of not abiding by the Constitution of India, and said that he is not working for the nation but for the ruling political party.

AAP leader Ashutosh said, "I say it with a lot of pain that Delhi is being deprived of law and order. The custodians of maintaining law and order are not doing their duty."

Refuting allegations of the Chief Secretary and claiming that the Delhi Police is failing to do its job impartially, Ashutosh said, "The Chief Secretary and a chaprasi should be same before the law. Why is it that the word of mouth of the Chief Secretary is getting an undue advantage of the video evidence provided by the AAP? Our MLAs have been at the end of casteist remarks, they have also filed FIRs, but why is the Delhi Police not working with the same alacrity when it comes to the complaints filed by our MLAs? Why does it not matter to the police that Ministers are being heckled inside Delhi Secretariat despite strict security amid police presence?"

The AAP leaders Ashutosh and Sanjay Singh also identified five of the people who could be seen heckling ministers and their staff inside the Delhi Secretariat on February 20. They said that in spite of providing video evidence and identification of the ones indulging in the act of violence, no probe has been initiated into the matter yet.

Ashutosh said, "If the LG of Delhi cannot work for the country and cannot abide by the Constitution, he has no right to be in the position."

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, February 22, 2018, 19:18 [IST]
India ignoring facts and ground realities: Maldives Foreign Minister

International

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Maldives' Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the Indian Government has ignored the 'facts and ground realities' in the country. Maldives's reaction came after India expressed concern over political situation in the island nation. India had urged the President Abdulla Yameen's government in Maldives to restore democracy in the country.

"Govt of Maldives takes note of public statements issued by Govt of India that ignore the facts and ground realities with regard to the ongoing political developments in the Maldives," news agency ANI quoted Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maldives, as saying.

"The assertion by the Govt of India that the extension of the State of Emergency by the People's Majlis was unconstitutional is a clear distortion of facts, which ignore the Constitution and Laws of the Maldives," the Maldives Minister further said.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday urged the President Abdulla Yameen's government in Maldives to restore democracy in the country and "release political prisoners". The MEA's reaction came after Yameen extended the state of emergency by another 30 days on Tuesday.

"India didn't see "any valid reason" for extension of emergency. We continue to watch the situation and continue to urge the govt of Maldives to release political prisoners, release Chief Justice, implementation SC orders and restore normal functioning of institutions of democracy," the MEA statement said.

"It is our sincere desire to see democracy in Maldives is restored and situation returns to normal. This we feel is also the desire of the people of Maldives. We are dismayed the Maldives government has extended emergency for a further period of 30 days," the statement added.

President Yameen declared the emergency on February 5 after the Supreme Court ordered the release of a group of Opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials.

[Maldives crisis: US disappointed over extension of emergency]

Among them was exiled ex-President Mohamed Nasheed. The court said his 2015 trial had been unconstitutional. Only 38 MPs were present for the vote, which took place hours before the state of emergency was due to expire, despite 43 lawmakers being needed for the vote to take place as required by the Constitution, Maldives Independent news website reported. All 38 were from the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives and they all approved the extension, it said.

The opposition boycotted the vote. The state of emergency will now end on March 22. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal in an editorial expressed concern over increasing Chinese influence in this island nation.

OneIndia News
Key contests to watch out for in seventh and final phase of LS polls 2019

Ravi Kishan vows to develop Gorakhpur as one of the best cities in north India

Gorakhpur riot case: Allahabad HC dismisses petition against Yogi Adityanath

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

The Allahabad High Court on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking re-investigation into Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's alleged role in the 2007 riots in Gorakhpur.

While rejecting the petition, the high court said that "it found no discrepancies in a police investigation or the UP govt's refusal to prosecute Adityanath."

The petition was filed in 2008 in Allahabad High Court by Parvez Parwaz, who was also a complainant in the FIR lodged in Cantonment police station of Gorakhpur following the 2007 communal riots in the city, and Asad Hayat, a witness in the case.

In January 2007, a young Hindu boy, Raj Kumar Agrahari, was hospitalised following clashes between a group of Hindus and Muslims during a Muharram procession in Gorakhpur.

Yogi Adityanath, the then Gorakhpur MP, was instructed by the District Magistrate to not visit the site as it may create tensions.

Adityanath announced a "non-violent dharna" at the site, with a group of followers at his side. But inflammatory speeches were made and some of his followers went on to set fire to a nearby mausoleum.

To control the rapidly worsening situation, local police imposed a curfew, but Adityanath broke it too. He was subsequently arrested and jailed for a fortnight on charges of disturbing peace.

His arrest, however, only added fuel to the searing communal tension in the city, during which various mosques, homes, buses and trains were burned to a crisp. At least 10 people had died in the riots.

OneIndia News
INX media case: Karti moves SC seeking stay on ED summons

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Karti Chidambaram moved Supreme Court on Thursday seeking a stay on Enforcement Directorate's summons against him in connection with INX media money laundering case.

Last week, Karti Chidambaram, son of senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram, had appeared before the ED for the second time. He reportedly told the ED that he was appearing before the agency "under protest". He was first grilled by the agency on January 18.

Karti's name had cropped up in the case which relates to Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval granted in 2007 for receipt of funds by INX Media when his father and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram was the Union finance minister during the previous UPA regime.

The central probe agency had registered the case against him and others in May 2017. It had registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), the ED's equivalent of a police FIR, against the accused named in a CBI complaint, including Karti Chidambaram, INX Media and its directors -- Peter and Indrani Mukerjea.

Early this week, a Delhi court had extended by two days the ED custody of Karti Chidambaram's chartered accountant S Bhaskararaman in connection with the case. Special judge N K Malhotra allowed the ED to interrogate Bhaskararaman till February 23, while the agency said he was required to be quizzed for seven more days.

The ED had earlier said that during the course of the investigation, it was revealed that Bhaskararaman, who is a qualified chartered accountant, has been assisting Karti to manage his huge ill-gotten wealth in India and abroad.

(With agency inputs)
PIA flight lands in Kabul, becomes first commercial airline to do so since Taliban takeover

On Afghanistan, Pak has to line up on broad majority of international community: Blinken

J&K: Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Uri, Indian Army retaliates

India

pti-PTI

Pakistani troops on Thursday fired at Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting Indian soldiers to retaliate, an Army official said.

The Pakistani troops opened unprovoked firing at Indian posts in the Hajipeer area of the Uri sector in Baramulla district this morning, the official said.

He said Indian soldiers are retaliating the aggression from acrossA the LoC effectively and in equal measure. No casualties have been reported in the incident so far, he added.

PTI
Jharkhand bans PFI: Karnataka, dont appease, step up please

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The notorious Popular Front of India has been banned by the Jharkhand government on the ground that its members were influenced by the Islamic State.

The ban comes in the wake of a big demand in Karnataka to ban the outfit where it has numerous cases registered against it. Further, the ban is also important considering the fact that the National Investigation Agency has submitted a detailed report about its activities to the Union Home Ministry while proposing a ban.

An official release by the Jharkhand government said that the action has been taken following a proposal of the Home Department/ police on which the Law Department has also given its consent"

The release further said the organisation has been most active in Pakur district. "Popular Front of India started in Kerala. The members of this organisation are internally influenced by the ISIS. An inquiry by Special Branch has revealed that some members of this organisation have gone secretly to Syria from the South Indian states and (are) working for ISIS," the release also said.

Will Karnataka ban PFI?

In Karnataka, there are numerous cases registered against the PFI. Recently the NIA said that its members were involved in the murder of RSS worker Rudresh.

The ruling Congress in Karnataka has been under pressure to ban the PFI. The BJP while accusing the government of appeasement said that instead of banning the outfit, several 100 cases were dropped against its operatives.

On January 14 this year, the Karnataka Home Minister had said that there is no proposal to ban the PFI. The minister Ramalinga Reddy said that they would hold a discussion on the matter before taking a considered call.

BJP has been demanding a ban on PFI and its political wing SDPI, holding them responsible for a spate of killings of "Hindu activists" in the coastal Dakshina Kannada district. But the PFI has blamed Sangh Parivar outfits for the killing of those from Muslim community in the region. Noting that BJP was demanding a ban on PFI, the Home Minister said not only PFI but Bajrang Dal, RSS and Sri Rama Sene were also involved in violence.

A heavy dossier:

The NIA speaks about the killing of RSS worker Rudresh in Bengaluru. Further, it details the professor's hand chopping case at Idukki. While giving details about a Kannur training camp from where country-made bombs and swords were seized, the NIA report to the Home Ministry also speaks about an Islamic State module case.

The NIA says that the approach of the PFI is radical in nature. It speaks about recruiting only committed Muslims into its fold. It also states that the cadres train with clips of the Babri Masjid demolition and this is clearly a sign that it is trying to radicalise its cadres.

It is trying to run a parallel administration the NIA states. It speaks about the Darul Khada an outfit comprising Muslim scholars, social workers and advocates. This was set up in 2009, by SDPI national chief E Aboobacker. The NIA says that they run a parallel judiciary which settles a host of issues. The NIA dossier also states that in July 2009, a Kerala level declaration was passed by the Darul Khada in Malappuram in which it had called upon the Muslim community not to attend civil courts, but get all issues sorted out by it.

The NIA also cited the most recent case it is probing in connection with Love Jihad. It speaks about the Sathyasarani Islamic Dawah an affiliate of the PFI. It says that this organisation is running an Islamic conversion centre and also details the rigorous religious training it is imparting.

A violent outfit:

The Intelligence Bureau has said that the PFI is violent in nature. They one point agenda is to attack the Right Wing. They preach to their cadres that attacking those who oppose Islam would earn them religious rewards. the PFI has been accused of chopping off a professor's hand who had allegedly hurt religious sentiments in Kerala. 37 PFI cadres were arrested. In an affidavit before the Kerala High Court, it was submitted that the PFI was involved in 27 murders. In another report, the Kerala government said that there was 87 attempt to murder cases against PFI cadres.

What is PFI:

PFI as an organisation came into existence in 2006. However, it dates back to 1993 when an organisation called the National Development Front was formed to protect the interests of Muslims in Kerala following the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

The activities of the NDF were restricted to Kerala alone. There was a decision that was later on taken to unify like-minded outfits from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The PFI then was born in 2006 with the merger of NDF, Karnataka Forum for Dignity and the Manitha Neethi Pasarai in Tamil Nadu.

By 2009 more organisations merged with the PFI. They were Goa Citizen's Forum, Rajasthan's Community Social and Educational Society, West Bengal's Nagarik Adhikar Suraksha Samithi, Manipur's Lilong Social Forum and Association of Social Justice, Andhra Pradesh.

The PFI has often been accused of associating with the banned Students Islamic Movement of India. Most of the office bearers of the PFI have been associated with the SIMI in the past. They have held positions in the SIMI before it had been banned.

OneIndia News
Kamal Haasan launches Makkal Needhi Maiam: Will it be a political blockbuster in Tamil Nadu?

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Chennai, Feb 22: Tamil Nadu's favourite "nayakan" has finally become a"neta". Kamal Haasan, 63, who has acted in the highly-acclaimed film, Nayakan (The Hero), in 1983 on Wednesday 'officially' took up the role of a neta (politician) by launching his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, amid a huge crowd in Madurai, Tamil Nadu's political capital. While his fans and supporters welcomed the national award-winning actor's political debut in the state, which is undergoing a vacuum of a sort after the demise of late chief minister Jayalalithaa in December 2016, his critics are not very convinced about how he is going to create political magic in real life.

Announcing the name of his party, unveiling its logo and flying its flag, Kamal said, "The newly founded Makkal Needhi Maiam is your party. It's here to stay and to make the change we all aspire for. Guide us to serve you."

The newly founded MAKKAL NEEDHI MAIAM is your party. Its here to stay, and to make the change we all aspire for. Guide us to serve you. #maiam #makkalneedhimaiam

official website: https://t.co/cql8kgqGkk

fb: https://t.co/2Gz1xRg5vf

twitter: https://t.co/J9ywXrunOb pic.twitter.com/Xza62w4DcC  Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 21, 2018

Welcoming Kamal's entry into politics, veteran journalist N Ram told NDTV that "it was an interesting launch". Ram also stated that Kamal has prepared himself well and will survive the political battle.

However, naysayers feel that the actor-politician is very "idealistic" in his approach as he has clearly stated that he wants to practice clean politics without any alliance with any "divisive" forces (read Hindutva politics as practiced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which is trying its best to enter Tamil Nadu politics).

It is a well-known fact that in Tamil Nadu, like in other states of the country, politics is mostly run by money power. "Who is going to give money to Kamal?" asked Kalyani Shankar, political commentator.

Kamal himself has told the audience at the function on Wednesday that he won't give freebies to voters as is a popular practice in the state. "I will not give Rs 6,000 for a vote. Because I don't have the money. But even if I did, I won't give it to you," he told the crowd.

Rather he stated that he would empower the people of Tamil Nadu. "I will not give you fish but will teach you to fish. I can create job opportunities that can make you philanthropists," Kamal added.

Many are wondering that in Tamil Nadu where mostly the two big parties--the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the main opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)--have been sharing power among themselves for several decades now--an "outsider" like Kamal without much financial and political backing might prove to be a "misfit".

A spokesperson of the AIADMK said that her party welcome Kamal's entry into politics, but doubtful about his vision and mission. "It is definitely going to be hard for Kamal to survive in Tamil Nadu politics after the initial euphoria surrounding his political debut frizzles out," stated the AIADMK spokesperson.

However, a young lawyer, who is also politically active, said that a politician like Kamal is the need of the hour. "Yes, it is not going to be a cakewalk for Kamal in politics. But his intent is right and he should practice clean politics."

To cheer his entry into politics, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, in spite of the ongoing tussle between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Delhi bureaucracy broke out recently over the alleged attack on the chief secretary, took out time to share the dais with Kamal in Madurai.

"It's a matter of great honour and privilege for me to be present at the launch of this great political alternative started by Kamal Hassan. I've been a great fan of Kamal as a film personality. But I stand here today because he is a real-life hero. He is not only honest, but he also has a great vision.

"I admire his courage to speak up and fight against injustice and communal forces in the country. I want to congratulate Kamal ji and his entire team. But more than that, I want to congratulate the people of Tamil Nadu," said Kejriwal.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan sent a video message to Kamal to wish him luck in his future endeavours. "I believe Kamal's entry into public life will enrich the political arena of Tamil Nadu. I hope he will uphold the values of secularism, democracy and pluralistic society where all voices are heard," said Vijayan.

His daughter and actor-musician, Shruti Haasan, tweeted to wish him success in politics.

1/1 Wishing my dear father all the success on his first step of a million more toward change and political reform - to quote your favourite mahatma Gandhi be the change you wish to see in the world  Im certain your determination and perseverance toward truth and justice contd  shruti haasan (@shrutihaasan) February 21, 2018

Outwardly the name of Kamal's party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, which roughly translates to People's Justice Centre, sounds like a forum for the people of the state. However, Kamal, like his party has a long way to go to establish their supremacy in politics in the state. Whether Kamal will be a successful politician like he has established himself to be a hugely popular and successful actor, producer and writer, only time will answer the question. Till then, Tamil Nadu keeps its fingers crossed.

OneIndia News
Canadas Trudeau says he discussed with PM Modi recent protests, importance of resolving issues through dialog

Following Trudeaus call to PM Modi, India to supply 5 lakh doses of vaccines to Canada

MEA responds to Khalistan militant row, says 'don't know how the visa was issued'

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that it is enquiring how Jaspal Atwal, the man convicted of trying to assassinate Indian minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu, ISYF militant got a visa.

"There are two aspects to it Presence and Visa. The Canadian side has already clarified that the invitation has been withdrawn. About the visa I don't know how it happened. We will ascertain information from our commission," said Raveesh Kumar, MEA spokesperson.

"Let us not presume things and decide how he managed to come. This is something which we are trying to find out. In due course, we will be able to come up with a reason that how he managed to come in India," he added.

Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel has cancelled an invitation that had gone out to a convicted Khalistani terrorist for an official dinner being hosted for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The High Commission has rescinded Atwal's invitation. We do not comment of matters relating to the PM's security," the Canadian High Commission said, PTI reported.

"His Excellency Nadir Patel, High Commissioner for Canada to India, is pleased to invite Jaspal Atwal to a dinner-reception celebrating Canada-India ties on the occasion of the visit of The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada," the invitation read.

Jaspal Atwal, who was convicted for trying to kill the then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986, had been invited to the dinner for Trudeau and his delegation.

Trudeau assured Singh that his country does not support separatism in India or elsewhere.

OneIndia News
Modi finally tweets on Trudeau's visit, says looking forward to meeting Canadian PM

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Almost a week after Justin Trudeau arrived in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took to Twitter and said that he is looking forward to meeting the Canadian Prime Minister tomorrow. It was widely reported earlier that the Union Government had 'snubbed' Trudeau. Questions had also been raised about Trudeau being given a lukewarm response on his arrival in India.

I hope PM @JustinTrudeau and his family had a very enjoyable stay so far. I particularly look forward to meeting his children Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. Here is a picture from my 2015 Canada visit, when I'd met PM Trudeau and Ella-Grace. pic.twitter.com/Ox0M8EL46x  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2018

I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2018

Some had raised questions after Prime Minister Modi had not received the Canadian PM. A customary tweet from the PM welcoming the dignitary was also missing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi usually breaks protocol to go to the airport to receive important heads of government. But in case of Trudeau, the receiving minister was MoS Agriculture Ganjendra Singh, not even External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj or her two deputies Gen VK Singh or MJ Akbar.

Justin Trudeau, who is accompanied by his wife Sophie and their three children, visited the Taj Mahal earlier this week, but for some reason Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was conspicuously missing. Barely a month ago, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Taj, the UP CM personally showed him around.

[Why Justin Trudeau is not getting attention that a visiting PM deserves]

However, MEA officials clarified that there was no snub as is being reported. The government has gone by the book, the official also said. On being asked if the response was in reaction to the Khalistan issue, the official said that as per protocol the PM does not go to the airport to receive dignitaries. It is only when the situation merits it is there is a departure from the protocol, the officer also explained.

[Trudeau in India: No snub, protocol followed say Govt sources]

There could have been two possible explanations for lukewarm response from Indian administration to Canadian Prime Minister's visit.

The first one is the presence of some Sikh ministers in Trudeau's cabinet who are seen as pro-Khalistani movement. Trudeau has four Sikh cabinet ministers - Harjit Sajjan, Amarjeet Sohi, Navdeep Bains and Bardish Chagger. Some reports say that Harjit Sajjan and Amarjit Sohi have both supported radical Khalistani elements in Canada. Many say that the Centre's seemingly lack of interest in Trudeau's visit is an indication of India not particularly pleased with Canadian Cabinet ministers with alleged links to the Sikh separatist movement.

[Convicted Khalistani militant photographed with Canadian PM's wife, Sophie Trudeau]

Another reason, as reported by News 18, is the planning of the trip itself. Usually most important visits begin with the ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan followed by the official bilateral meetings at Hyderabad House. Agra, Ahmedabad and Mumbai are usually reserved for the second half of any official visit. In Trudeau's case, the opposite seems to be happening. His visit began from Mumbai on Saturday, Agra on Sunday, Ahmedabad on Monday, Mumbai on Tuesday, Amritsar on Wednesday and finally Delhi on Thursday and Friday.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, February 22, 2018, 21:42 [IST]
Parliament more about policy than politics: PM Modi at launch of Sansad TV

Modi in Nagaland: 'Our govt will spend Rs 1800 cr for making Kohima a Smart City'

India

oi-Madhuri

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reached Nagaland to address a public meeting in Tuensang.

Addressing the rally in Nagaland's Tuensang, Modi said, ''My vision for the Northeast is transformation by transportation. We would ensure that the funds released for your state reaches you. With the help of technology, we will plug the loopholes which are causing wastage of public money.''

''Our government will spend around Rs 1800 crore for making Nagaland's capital Kohima a Smart City. Connectivity is a huge challenge in Nagaland. We are working relentlessly towards it. In less than 4 years, we have added 500 km of National Highways. We have also planned to invest more than Rs 10,000 crore in the roads of Nagaland,'' PM said in Nagaland's Tuensang.

''Energetic youth, creative women, innovative farmer and a demographic dividend of Nagaland will help it scale new heights. Today, organic farming has a big market globally and entire Northeast has immense potential for it. We are encouraging farmers to shift towards organic farming. This will add to their incomes,'' Modi said.

The election rallies in Nagaland and Meghalaya are an attempt to give a push to BJP's prospects of victory in the two poll-bound states.

Both Meghalaya and Nagaland will see voting on February 27.

There are six assembly seats in Tuensang district in the eastern part of Nagaland. BJP has fielded candidates on four seats while its ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) nominees are in the fray on the rest two constituencies.

From here the PM will go to Meghalaya to address a rally in West Garo Hills district, considered as the Congress bastion since statehood in 1972.

OneIndia News
Guns and Roses: The job of the next Governor in Jammu and Kashmir

Month after 3 civilians were killed, J&K interlocutor to visit Shopian

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Dineshwar Sharma, the Centre's interlocutor would be visiting Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir. The visit is important and comes a month after three civilians were killed after the Indian Army opened fire at stone pelters in defence.

While the Army has clearly said that it fired as a last option, the Centre feels that the locals' side of the story too must be heard. Home Ministry sources said that all are welcome to meet with Sharma.

The Jammu and Kashmir police had registered an FIR against Major Aditya Kumar and other following the incident. The father of the Major had then moved the Supreme Court challenging the FIR, following which the same had stayed.

Following reports of growing anger on the Shopian incident, the Centre decided to send Sharma and speak with the locals. Sharma would interact with the locals while hearing their side of the story and then report to the government, Home Ministry officials also said.

The Army, however, made it clear that it fired only in self-defence. It was a last resort as some of the stone pelters almost killed one of our men, the Army also said, while defending the action it took.

OneIndia News
NIA set to charge Pakistan diplomat for plotting terror in South India

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The National Investigation is set to file a charge sheet against a Pakistan diplomat who was posted in Colombo and had planned attacks in South India.

It may be recalled that a consular officer from Pakistan, Amir Zubair Siddiqui had plotted attacks and had even set up a module in the office of the Pakistan high commission in Sri Lanka.

He had raised a module which was to target the US Consulate in Chennai, Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam and the Israeli consulate in Bengaluru. The Q Branch of the CID, Tamil Nadu had busted the case following it was handed over to the NIA.

During the pendency of the probe, Siddiqui was removed overnight from the commission and flown into Pakistan. The accused who were questioned admitted that they were tasked by Siddiqui to strike at important locations in South India.

In the first charge sheet, the NIA had not named the diplomat. However, over a period of time, the probe found more evidence of his involvement following which the agency decided to name him in the additional charge sheet.

OneIndia News
At meet with PM, CDS says medical personnel of armed forced who retired in last 2 years being recalled

Pak-China encouraging illegal immigration into Assam: General Rawat

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Pakistan and China and indulging in a proxy war and are encouraging illegal immigration into Assam, Indian Army chief, General Bipin Rawat said.

He said a "western neighbour" supported by a "northern neighbour" has been trying to ensure that this area (Assam) is taken over.

"Planned immigration is taking place because of our western neighbour. They will try and ensure that this area is taken over playing the proxy dimension of warfare. This proxy game is being well-played by our western neighbour and supported by our northern neighbour," the Army Chief said during a seminar focused on "Bridging Gaps and Securing Borders" in the Northeast region.

On reports of heightened Chinese activity, including infrastructure build-ups near Doklam, the Army chief said the situation in Doklam is "absolutely fine". The Indian and the Chinese military were engaged in a 73-day long standoff from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed tri-junction by the Chinese Army.

Addressing the seminar, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said despite the differences with China on the border issue, peace and tranquillity have been maintained along the Indo-China border for several decades.

OneIndia News
What GST has got to do with Kautilya, globalisation with Manu? A lot for BHU

Varanasi: Student shot at in BHU, condition said to be critical

Play glorifying Nathuram Godse staged on BHU campus, students file complaint

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

A play celebrating Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse at Banaras Hindu University has courted controversy on Wednesday.

A group of students of Banaras Hindu University in Uttar Pradesh wrote to the local police, seeking "strict action" against the organisers of an event on campus that featured an item which, they claimed, "justified the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi".

The play was a part of the three-day cultural festival organised by BHU's Faculty of Arts called Sanskriti 2018.

In the complaint, the students alleged that the performance based on the controversial Marathi play I, Nathuram Godse Speaking, portrayed Mahatma Gandhi in "poor light, held him responsible for Partition, and justified his assassination".

It included a dialogue, "Mujhe garv tha main Hindu hoon. Gandhi ahimsa se hinsa karne lage, Mussalmano ka saath diya, nahi dekha gaya, socha Gandhi ko jaana hoga (I was proud of being a Hindu. Gandhi was violent to the idea of non-violence. He stood for Muslims. I could not see it and decided Gandhi will have to go)." It elicited a big applause from the crowd every time it was said, reports News 18.

The cheers grew louder with "Maine Gandhi ko maara (I killed Gandhi)."

In a letter, the students asked "How did a programme, which hurts the country's constitutional values be allowed? This is indicative of a larger conspiracy. Sentenced to death by the courts, terrorist Godse's glorifying portrayal amounts to hurting the unity and pride of India and this is nothing less than deshdroh. We demand an inquiry into this."

The event hurt the high ideals of the freedom struggle as well as the values of the Constitution and BHU, it added.

OneIndia News
PM visits Nagaland, Meghalaya: Modi wave sweeps Northeast India?

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Kohima/Shillong, Feb 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tripura twice and attended several election rallies in the Left-ruled state ahead of the Assembly elections on February 18. Just five days before the Assembly elections are scheduled in Nagaland and Meghalaya--Modi will visit both the northeastern states on Thursday. The Assembly elections in both the states will be held on February 27.

While Modi visited Meghalaya in December last year where he unofficially kick-started the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) campaign in the state, the PM is going to visit Nagaland after more than three years. In December 2014, Modi was in Nagaland to inaugurate the famous Hornbill Festival in the capital city, Kohima.

On Thursday, Modi will address election rallies in Nagaland as well in Meghalaya to give a push to BJP's victory prospect in the two poll-bound northeastern states. The BJP is making a strong pitch in both the states to expand its footprints in the northeastern states after formation of saffron party governments in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

Modi will address an election rally at Tuensang district of Nagaland, about 360 km from capital Kohima, state BJP general secretary Gaangsilung told PTI. There are six assembly seats in Tuensang district in the eastern part of Nagaland. The BJP has fielded candidates for four seats, while its ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) nominees are in the fray in the rest two constituencies.

From Nagaland, the PM will go to Meghalaya to address a rally in West Garo Hills district, considered as the Congress bastion since statehood in 1972. The rally at Phulbari town will be the PM's second campaign meeting in the state to drum up support for the BJP candidates in the Assembly elections.

His first was when he began his campaign in Meghalaya in December last year where he had also inaugurated the Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura highway. The BJP, which is contesting the elections from 47 seats out of a total of 60 in Meghalaya, is making strong efforts to throw the Congress out of power in the state.

The entire town has been kept under tight vigil and district authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that no law and order issue crop up the area, a senior official in the district administration told PTI.

He said central armed police forces have been also stationed there besides a host of election officials. The entire Garo Hills region has been tensed and kept under high alert after NCP candidate Jonathone N Sangma was killed in an armed militant attack recently.

Director General of Police SB Singh has reviewed the security drill necessary for the February 27 elections at Tura and has also taken a first-hand report of the attack.

Winning election in all the three states of Northeast India is very important for the BJP as it is eyeing to expand its political reach in the entire region which for long has been ruled by the Congress. The election results of all the three northeastern states will be declared on March 3.

OneIndia News
PNB scam: ED seizes shares, 9 luxury cars of Nirav Modi

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Enforcement Directorate on Thursday seized shares and mutual funds worth Rs 94 crore of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups in connection with the alleged Rs 11,380-crore scam involving Punjab National Bank.

Also, nine luxury cars of Nirav Modi have been seized. These cars include: One Rolls Royce Ghost, two Mercedes Benz models GL 350 CDI, Porsche Panamera, three Honda cars, one Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Innova.

The law enforcement agency also seized mutual funds and shares worth Rs 7.80 Crore of Nirav Modi and worth Rs 86.72 crore of those belonging to Mehul Choksi Group.

ED seized 9 cars belonging to #NiravMod and his companies. These cars include one Rolls Royce Ghost, two Mercedes Benz GL 350 CDIs, one Porsche Panamera, 3 Honda cars, one Toyota Fortuner and one Toyota Innova. pic.twitter.com/Kfx0rkPrIW  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

On Wednesday, the agency has raided 17 locations across India including four shell companies in Mumbai, reported PTI.

While the ED seized assets worth Rs 10 crore on Wednesday, the tax department said it has attached a total of 141 bank accounts and fixed deposits worth Rs 145.74 crore of the Nirav Modi group. The department said it has attached these assets to realise outstanding tax demands.

The CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the case. Both Modi and Choski are said to have left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them.

(With agency inputs)
Rajasthan: Man beaten up by mob on suspicion of child molester in Jaipur, dies in hospital

India

oi-Madhuri

A 25-year-old man was beaten up by a mob in Vishwakarma area in Jaipur on February 3 in suspicion of being a child molester. However, he died later while receiving treatment on February 21.

The man has been identified as Mohammed Faisal, who is a shoemaker. It is learnt that the 3-year-old daughter of his neighbour Aslam Ansari had gone out with Faisal at about 11 am on February 3. Later Ansari was informed by some unknown person that his Faisal had left his daughter somewhere. When Ansari reached the place and found his daughter. But while returning he saw a mob beating Faisal black and blue.

Faisal was tied to an electricity pole, and people around him were hitting and kicking him. People were heard saying that he was a child lifter and should be killed. He was later rushed to Bangar hospital. However, police arrested two people connected with the crime.

Ansari said that Faizal was mentally weak and there were times when he would become absolutely quiet. Even when the incident happened, Faizal did not say anything in his defence.

Meanwhile, Faizal's family blamed hospital administration that he was discharged by the hospital authorities despite he being in a serious condition. He could barely walk and died eventually in the hospital.

OneIndia News
Cant presume all Covid deaths during second wave were due to negligence: SC

Cannot order for use of traditional remedies like Red Ant Chutney as cure for COVID-19: SC

Dont want terrorists to know what software is being used: Centre to SC on Pegasus row

Kerala love jihad case: Supreme Court adjourns hearing till Mar 8

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

The Supreme Court on Thursday adjourned the Kerala love jihad case for further hearing until March 8. The Apex Court had on Wednesday refused to defer hearing in the Kerala love jihad case as was requested by the father of Hadiya, who is the woman at the centre of the case.

Hadiya's father had requested the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra to defer Thursday's hearing, but the court did not accept the petition.

Earlier on Tuesday, Hadiya had filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that she is a Muslim and wanted to remain as a Muslim. She also stated that she wanted to remain the wife of Shafi Jahan. Hadiya was known as Akhila Ashokan before she converted.

In the affidavit, Hadiya has categorically stated that she embraced Islam and married to Shafin Jahan on her own free will.

In November last year, Shafin Jahan, husband of Hadiya, filed a complaint with the police, alleging that attempts are being made to reconvert his wife to Hinduism, ahead of her appearance in the Supreme Court.

Shafin claimed that his wife was counselled by a religious teacher for over three hours to change her religion back to Hinduism.

Born Akhila, the girl converted to Islam and married Jahan while still studying. Her father had opposed her marriage and the NIA is probing the case of 'Love Jihad' in Kerala.

OneIndia News
Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka drug nexus: Something fishy about these fishermen

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The legendary movie Scarface opens with a scene where 1,000s of refugees from Cuba land into the United States. Antonio Montana played by the greatest actor of our times, Al Pacino is one among them. What follows is chaos and dark, dirty world of drugs.

Flashback, 2006. There were 18,600 Tamil refugees who arrived at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. All were sent to special camps on the suspicion that they had links with the LTTE. Further, the probe revealed that many were drug co, Many refugees had become couriers and in the name of medicines and aid came the drugs.

The modus operandi was busted and with the fall of the LTTE there was a lull. Today not a single day passes by when an incident of drug smuggling is not reported. There is a sudden spike in the smuggling of ephedrine and in the first half of 2017 86 kilograms of ephedrine was seized. Further, there is an increase by 26 per cent in amphetamine seizures coupled with 115 kilograms of the heroin being picked up by the enforcement agencies.

The list is endless. The cartels bring in LSD, cocaine, cannabis, pseudoephedrine and Ketamine too in large quantities.

The top route:

Tamil Nadu has always been a transit point for smuggling. The end of the civil war in Sri Lanka, the smuggling of drugs has increased. There is a great demand for heroin in Sri Lanka and smuggling has become easier thanks to the porous borders. Further, the proximity between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka has made it a smugglers paradise.

While at first, the couriers were the refugees, today it is the fishermen. Recently the Sri Lankan naval fleet apprehended six Indian fishermen and also seized a fishing boat on the charge that they were attempting to smuggle 13.5 kilograms of heroin. The men from the Nagapattinam area were nabbed and it was found that three of them did not even have proper identity cards. Sri Lanka has claimed that they have been regularly nabbing drug traffickers approaching the north waters posing as fishermen.

The international cartel:

The international cartel which is using Sri Lanka as a transhipment destination relies heavily on the fishermen. The heroin trade between India and Sri Lanka was established over a century back. While it continued, the LTTE too sources heroin from India and smuggled it into Sri Lanka where the domestic consumption is very high. The LTTE would use the funds for its activities.

After the LTTE fell, the model is now being replicated by the international drug cartel. It was found that the cartel bribes the fishermen to smuggle the drugs. An officer with the Narcotics Control Bureau told OneIndia that fishermen are today the favourite couriers of drugs for the cartel.

The NCB official said that two-thirds of the heroin is being produced in Afghanistan. It is then brought into Pakistan following which the contraband is dropped off at Punjab. From there it is loaded into inter-state trucks and then supplied to the rest of the country. Most of the grade 3 heroine referred to as brown sugar lands in Ramnathpuram which is the closest sea link to Sri Lanka. It is then divided into smaller and larger quantities. While the larger quantity is taken to Sri Lanka through the sea route from Rameswaram, the smaller lot is packed off through the Chennai airport.

Hard to track:

Monitoring all the boats is no easy task. There are 100s of boats that venture out from Rameswaram and to check each one of them is no easy job. Most of the contraband is handed over to agents mid-sea by the fishermen. The problem is immense and even the Sri Lankan navy has managed to apprehend the fishermen only when there is very concrete information. This ideally means a large part of the contraband manages to reach its destination.

Over the recent months, it has also been found that there is a very high demand for cannabis from Kerala. The cartels use a similar route to reach Sri Lanka. Statistics would show that 2,500 kilograms of cannabis and 180 kilograms of heroin have been seized in recent times.

OneIndia News
Manvendra Singh to organise Dhanyawad Rally in Jodhpur to be attended by Rahul Gandhi

13 dead, many injured after two vehicles collide on Jodhpur-Jaisalmer road

UK national molested in Jodhpur, probe underway

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Two men have allegedly sexually molested a United Kingdom national in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The incident took place on Wednesday when the victim was walking back to her hotel, said the police.

The police said that they are examining the CCTV footage and the probe is underway.

The victim said that the incident has left her "shocked", adding that Jodhpur is a beautiful city.

"Two men on a motorcycle grabbed. The incident shocked me. The police is tracking the culprits using CCTV footage. Jodhpur is a beautiful city, I hope incidents like these do not happen here," news agency ANI quoted the victim as saying.

In November last year, Police had arrested a Dongri resident for molesting a female British national in the prayer room in the T2 Level 4 departure lounge of the CSI airport.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, February 22, 2018, 23:53 [IST]
Vidvat assault case: Dr. Rajkumar's grandson starts online campaign to seek justice for his friend

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Guru Rajkumar, the grandson of late Kannada matinee idol Dr. Rajkumar, has started an online campaign on Facebook to get justice for his childhood friend Vidvat who was assaulted by Mohammed Nalapad Harris and his accomplices last week in an upscale pub in Bengaluru.

Guru Rajkumar wrote on his Facebook wall, "From Primary School To Forever .. If My Brother is Hurt, I am Hurt. His Pain is My Pain! Get well soon my Brother Vidvat! Always there for you #JusticeforVidvat".

He also shared his picture with Vidvat showing his strong bond with his childhood buddy. The Facebook written on February 20 has been shared 1,393 times.

Guru Rajkumar's friend Vidvat is recuperating in Mallya hospital. Mohammed Nalapad Harris and his accomplices had attacked Vidvat at Farzi Cafe in UB City, Bengaluru, over a minor issue on Saturday night.

Guru Rajkumar had rushed to hospital as soon as he got the news of the attack on his friend Vidvat on Saturday night. It is said that Nalapad and his friends fled from the spot when they came to know that Guru Rajkumar was the grandson of Dr. Rajkumar.

Vidvat has suffered multiple fractures of facial bones, according to medical reports. His family has written to the Home Ministry seeking appointment of a senior advocate, Shyam Sundar, as a special public prosecutor in the case.

A magistrate court in Bengaluru on Wednesday refused to let Congress leader and MLA N A Haris' son off the hook in the case. Mohammed Nalapad Haris, along with his accomplices, was denied bail and sent to judicial custody till March 7.

OneIndia News
Viral video: Portion of land rises suddenly in Haryana after rains, Netizens stunned

No more 'Gorakh Dhanda' in Haryana: State government bans the use of phrase

Farmers' protest: Haryana govt extends ban on mobile, internet and SMS services in Karnal

Watch how this woman saves her husband from attackers in Haryana

India

oi-Madhuri

In a courageous attempt, a woman on Thursday saved her husband who was being beaten up by a group of men in Haryana's Yamuna Nagar.

#WATCH: Woman saves her husband who was being beaten up by a group of men in #Haryana's Yamuna Nagar. pic.twitter.com/V9PpR0SWac  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

The footage of the incident, caught live on camera went viral on social and electronic media.

The 20-second video shows how the brave woman in green salwar with a stick in her hand, faced 3-4 men alone.

Her husband appears to be unconscious in the footage.

However, this isn't the first time, even in Uttar Pradesh, a man was attacked by unknown assailants outside his residence in Lucknow. He was later saved by his gun-toting wife.

OneIndia News
Collapse of Kabul will go down as one of the greatest defeats in American history: Donald Trump

Why prospect of staying in Trump Tower appeals to Indias billionaires in times of Nirav Modi scam

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

New Delhi, Feb 22: The visit of American President Donald Trump's eldest child, Donald John Trump Jr, to India has come at a time when the country has been hit hard by a massive banking fraud. Thanks to billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, the hard-earned money of India's honest taxpayers are being transferred to an unknown location with the help of India's second largest PSU bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB). The Nirav Modi-PNB scam is estimated to be about Rs 11,400 crore.

The worst part is that the high-flying jewellery designer whose creations have been flaunted by Hollywood and Bollywood divas like Kate Winslet and Priyanka Chopra has fled the country forever. So like liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who has left the country after looting banks in India, Nirav Modi is unlikely to be brought back to the country for a free and fair trial.

Amid all these reports of the astronomical amount of money being stolen by billionaire swindlers, when Trump Jr decides to visit India to wine, dine and promote a series of luxury apartments being marketed under his father's name among the country's rich and powerful, it tells something is systematically wrong with India.

The prices for the luxury apartments housed inside "Trump Tower" range from $780,000 to $1.6 million say reports. Such multi-crore housing projects--licensing agreements done between local real estate giants and the Trump Organization--are being developed in Pune, Mumbai, Gurgaon and Kolkata.

Imagine, in a nation where 60 per cent of the people are poor (if we believe the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) report), a small group of super-wealthy can afford to stay in multi-crore houses boasting of floor-to-ceiling windows, state of the art amenities and a "lifestyle concierge".

Over the years, successive governments--be it the present Narendra Modi regime or the previous Manmohan Singh regime--have given an impression that rich can freely steal India's money and enjoy all the comforts. Law can't touch the rich thugs, but a poor, drought-hit farmer who can't pay back his loan will be forced to commit suicide.

In 2017, the Centre told the Supreme Court that at least 12,000 farmers have committed suicide every year since 2013.

Next time, when India's billionaires' list is being featured in a glossy magazine, we should not celebrate, but cry for the poor and marginalised. Because we never know who has looted whom to amass such unimaginable bounty.

If liberalisation in the 90s has opened the market and given birth to a new class of billionaire capitalists in India, the United States (US) too is struggling with its own troubles.

Since Trump has become the President of US, every day it is becoming clearer that the former business tycoon and his family members are "misusing" the US administration to promote their own business interests around the globe.

That is why the India visit of Trump Jr has been widely followed by the American media too. Trump Jr is on an unofficial visit to India, but still, he is going to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump Jr will address a business conference on Friday on the subject of Indo-Pacific ties where he is going to talk about America's foreign policy. Modi is the keynote speaker at the event.

Along with meeting the top politicians and businessmen of the country, on Friday Trump Jr will also have dinner with dozens of people who have bought apartments in Trump Tower in Gurgaon, the destination for upwardly mobile in India.

The 47-storey towers (under constriction) will comprise 250 homes and are expected to be completed by 2023, with price ranging from 55-110 million rupees ($850,000-$1.7 million), reported the AFP.

In order to lure prospective buyers, several Indian newspapers have already published an advertisement of these luxury apartments along with an invitation to "join Mr Donald Trump Jr for a conversation and dinner" on Friday.

Of course, it is hard to understand why the son of American President is openly selling apartments in India. It is true that President Trump, a super-rich businessman from the US, already has several business interests in India even before becoming America's premier. It is also true that the US president has ceded control of the Trump Organization to his adult sons. However, he is yet to divest his assets raising concerns about a conflict of interest.

"When these sons go around all over the world talking about, one, Trump business deals and, two, ... apparently giving speeches on some United States government foreign policy, they are strongly suggesting a linkage between the two," Richard Painter, President George W Bush's chief ethics lawyer who is a professor of law at the University of Minnesota, was quoted as saying by The Atlanta. "Somebody, somewhere is going to cross the line into suggesting a quid pro quo."

Trump Jr rubbished all the allegations against his father of misusing power to push his family's business interests.

Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Trump Jr said that the criticism against the Trump Organization profiting from the presidency was "nonsense." "It's sort of a shame," he said. "Because we put on all these impositions on ourselves and essentially got no credit for actually doing that. ... for doing the right thing."

While President Trump and his family vehemently deny any wrongdoings, the latest address of India's rich people is at the state-of-the-art apartments developed under the name of American President. Hopefully, from such great heights of 'ivory tower' wealthy people could get a glimpse of poor and dying India.

OneIndia News
Where did the 'out of control' Chinese rocket debris land after re-entering Earth?

Planning a trip to Maldives: You can do so from July 15

India 'deeply dismayed' as Maldives extends emergency for 30 days

International

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

After the Maldives extended the state of emergency for further 30 days, India expressed its disappointment in the official statement issued on Wednesday. India minced no words to say that the decision is in contravention of Constitution of Maldives. The United States and Wall Street Journal expressed disappoint over the extension of emergency in the Maldives.

Ministry of External Affairs stated, "We are deeply dismayed that the Government of Maldives has extended the State of Emergency for a further 30 days. The manner in which the extension of the State of Emergency was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Constitution of Maldives is also a matter of concern."

"The consequent delay in the resumption of the political process and the continuing suspension of the functioning of democratic institutions including the judiciary is likely to further delay restoration of normalcy in the Maldives," Stated MEA.

"It is important to ensure that all democratic institutions are allowed to function in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with the Constitution."

The Maldives' Parliament on Tuesday extended the state of emergency by approving President Yameen's recommendation. Only 38 MPs were present for the vote, which took place hours before the state of emergency was due to expire, despite 43 lawmakers being needed for the vote to take place as required by the Constitution.

All 38 were from the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives. The opposition boycotted the vote. The state of emergency will now end on March 22.

The United States and Wall Street Journal expressed disappoint over the extension of emergency in the Maldives. The Wall Street Journal in an editorial expressed concern over China's increasing influence in Male.

(With agency inputs)
PM Modi hands over Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to his daughter

PM Modi assures Bangladesh Opposition party of 'doing best' on water-sharing deal

India has nothing to worry about China-Bangladesh ties, says Sheikh Hasina

International

pti-PTI

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked India not to worry about Dhaka's growing ties with China, asserting that the cooperation with Beijing was meant only for the country's development.

Hasina said her government was only concerned about the development, and is ready to cooperate with any country that helps Bangladesh's growth.

"We want investment and cooperation from whoever offers it. We want development of the country... We have to think about our people as they are the beneficiaries of the development," Hasina on Tuesday told a delegation of visiting Indian journalists at her official residence.

She said India, China, Japan and even the Middle Eastern countries were coming to Bangladesh for cooperation.

"India has nothing to be worried about it," Hasina said.

"I will [rather] suggest India should have good relations with its neighbours, including Bangladesh, so this region could be developed further and we can show the world that we all work together," she said.

Ms. Hasina, 70, said Bangladesh and India shared "excellent" ties and the two countries have set an example of solving problems like maritime and boundary disputes.

"If there is any problem, we could solve it through discussions as we did it in the past. We want to build a peaceful South Asia," Hasina said.

She said that during her 1996-2001 tenure, the two countries had signed the Ganges water treaty while in her second term maritime and boundary issues were resolved.

China has vowed to boost military-to-military relations with Bangladesh by stepping up defence ties, including broadening of personnel training and cooperation in equipment technology.

Earlier, China said it planned to provide Bangladesh with a whopping $9 billion low-interest loan to build six rail projects including one close to the Indian border.

Ms. Hasina also sought India's support in repatriation of over a million Rohingyas to Myanmar, fearing that their prolonged stay in Bangladesh could create security risks.

"We want India to put pressure on Myanmar so they quickly take back their displaced people," she said.

Ms. Hasina directed the foreign office to hold a dialogue with five countries, including India, which have borders with Myanmar, hoping that the initiative will help in solving the Rohingya crisis.

"The monsoon is nearing and keeping the Rohingyas in this way [in makeshift camps] is very risky for Bangladesh as well as for them," she said.

The journalists from Kolkata and New Delhi are on a visit to Bangladesh to participate in a three-day Bangladesh-India media dialogue.

PTI
Jaspal Atwal says unfair to raise decades-old 'criminal' conviction'

International

pti-PTI

Toronto, Feb 22: Convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal, who kicked up a controversy over an invitation to him by the Canadian mission in India to dine with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on Thursday said it was unfair to raise his "criminal conviction" for a shooting incident in 1986.

Trudeau's India visit plunged into controversy over the dinner invitation to Atwal by the Canadian High Commissioner to India. High Commissioner Nadir Patel cancelled the invite for the dinner, hosted tonight for Trudeau, while the external affairs ministry said it will "ascertain" how Atwal entered India.

Atwal told Canada's Postmedia that he did not plan to attend the dinner as he was in Mumbai on business, The Vancouver Sun reported. Atwal said it was unfair to raise his criminal conviction for shooting a visiting Punjabi cabinet minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu on Vancouver Island in 1986 given how long ago the crime occurred, the daily said.

He blamed "enemies" for circulating the photos obtained by Postmedia and stressed that he travelled to India on his own on February 11 and is not part of any official government delegation. Atwal said in a series of text messages yesterday that he was in India for Media Waves, a Surrey online radio station.

The pictures of him and Gregoire Trudeau, as well as Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi, were taken at an event in Mumbai, Atwal said. At the time of the 1986 shooting, Atwal was a Sikh separatist active in the pro-Khalistan International Sikh Youth Federation. He and three others were convicted in 1987 of trying to kill Sidhu on an isolated road near Gold River.

[Convicted Khalistani militant photographed with Canadian PM's wife, Sophie Trudeau]

The then Punjab minister was visiting British Colombia for his nephew's wedding. Sidhu was struck twice and survived the attempt on his life, but was later killed in India. The trial judge called the attack "an act of terrorism" and sentenced Atwal and the others to 20 years. Atwal later admitted to the parole board that he was the shooter that day, the report said.

PTI
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Reprinted from www.counterpunch.org by Cecil Bothwell



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Photo by Richard Bromley | CC BY 2.0

"We are selling the greatest product on earth. Why shouldn't we promote it as effectively as we promote a bar of soap?" -- Billy Graham, Saturday Evening Post, 1963

Billy Graham was a preacher man equally intent on saving souls and soliciting financial support for his ministry. His success at the former is not subject to proof and his success at the latter is unrivaled. He preached to millions on every ice-free continent and led many to his chosen messiah.

When Graham succumbed to various ailments this week at the age of 99 he left behind an organization that is said to have touched more people than any other Christian ministry in history, with property, assets and a name-brand worth hundreds of millions. The address lists of contributors alone comprise a mother lode for the Billy Graham Evangelical Association, now headed by his son and namesake, William Franklin Graham, III.

Graham also left behind a United States government in which religion plays a far greater role than before he intruded into politics in the 1950s. The shift from secular governance to "In God We Trust" can be laid squarely at this minister's feet.



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Graham's message was principally one of fear: fear of a wrathful god; fear of temptation; fear of communists and socialists; fear ofunions; fear of Catholics; fear of homosexuals; fear of racial integration and above all, fear of death. But as a balm for such fears, he promised listeners eternal life, which he said was readily claimed through acceptance of Jesus Christ as one's savior.

Furthermore, he assured listeners that God loved us so much that He created governments, the most blessed form being Western capitalist democracy. To make this point, he frequently quoted Romans 13, particularly the first two verses. In the New American Standard Version of the Bible, they read, "Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves."

The question of whether this was actually the recorded word of God or a rider inserted into the bill by Roman senators with rather more worldly aims never dimmed Graham's insistence that all governments are the work of the Almighty. Almost perversely, he even endorsed the arrest of a woman who lofted a Christian banner during his Reagan-era visit to Moscow, opting for the crack-down of "divine" authority over the civil disobedience of a believer.

Governments, he reminded his Moscow listeners, do God's work.

Based on that Biblical mandate for all governments, Graham stood in solid opposition to the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In his Letter from Birmingham Jail, all but addressed to Graham, King noted, "We should never forget that everything Adolf Hitler did in Germany was 'legal' and everything the Hungarian freedom fighters did in Hungary was 'illegal.' " If today I lived in a Communist country where certain principles dear to the Christian faith are suppressed, I would openly advocate disobeying that country's antireligious laws. "

Fear is the stock in trade of most evangelists, of course, comprising the necessary setup before the pitch. As historian William Martin explained in his 1991 account of Graham's early sermons, "" even those whose personal lives seemed rich and fulfilling must live in a world filled with terror and threat. As a direct result of sinful humanity's rebellion against God, our streets have become jungles of terror, mugging, rape, and death. Confusion reigns on campuses as never before. Political leaders live in constant fear of the assassin's bullet. Racial tension seems certain to unleash titanic forces of hatred and violence. Communism threatens to eradicate freedom from the face of the earth. Small nations are getting the bomb, so that global war seems inevitable. High-speed objects, apparently guided by an unknown intelligence, are coming into our atmosphere for reasons no one understands. Clearly, all signs point to the end of the present world order.

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From Reader Supported News

In 2008, Wall Street's reckless greed crashed our economy.

While millions of hard-working people lost their jobs, their homes, and their life savings, the big banks got a $700 billion no-strings-attached bailout from the American taxpayers. A bailout and nobody went to jail for causing the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.

After the crash, Congress passed legislation called Dodd-Frank, which put new rules in place for the biggest financial institutions to stop another crisis and taxpayer bailout.

But now, less than a decade later, Senate Republicans -- and some Senate Democrats -- are getting ready to gut a lot of those rules for some of the country's biggest banks. The bank lobbyists have been hitting Capitol Hill hard, and they have a Dodd-Frank rollback bill lined up with the support of every Republican and twelve Democrats.

We need to make some noise about this big wet kiss to the big banks by reminding Senators as loudly as possible: they work for the American people, not for big bank lobbyists. Sign our urgent petition right now to tell the Senate not to weaken the rules on big banks.

Dodd-Frank said that every bank with more than $50 billion in assets -- that's roughly the 40 biggest banks, or the top 0.5% of all banks by size -- would have tougher rules than smaller banks. That means mandatory stress tests to analyze how they would react to another financial crisis and plans for how they would break apart, sell off assets, and liquidate in bankruptcy if they started to fail.

There's a reason for this common-sense oversight of big banks: They are so big that they could potentially bring down the whole economy again if they failed and taxpayers didn't bail them out again.

The bill that could be up in the Senate in the next few weeks would let almost 30 of the 40 biggest banks in the country could go back to looser rules like the ones that let them run wild before the 2008 crisis.

What could possibly go wrong?!?

The big bank lobbyists want you to believe that this bill is protecting poor little mom and pop banks from getting buried under red tape. But this bill is aimed at helping the big guys. These 30 banks got nearly $50 billion in taxpayer bailouts during the 2008 crisis.

And remember Countrywide? It was at the heart of the financial crisis. At its peak, Countrywide was financing one out of every five mortgages in the country. It was a major player in blowing up the economy. You know how big Countrywide was when it was leading the toxic mortgages that blew up our economy? About $200 billion -- smaller than some of the banks that would be turned loose by this bill.

Let's be clear: Banks of all sizes are making record profits right now. And if that wasn't enough, the Republican tax bill just gave away billions to the big banks. They are swimming in money. There is no reason at all to roll back the rules on these big banks so they can pad their pockets even more -- and cut them loose to take on wild risks again.

The American people -- Democrats, Republicans, and Independents -- want tougher rules on big banks, not weaker ones. It's time to hold Republican AND Democratic Senators who support this bill accountable for siding with their big bank donors instead of working families.

I get it: Wall Street has money and power. But there are a lot more of us than there are of them. The only way to slow down this Bank Lobbyist Act is if we speak out and fight back. Sign our petition to protect Dodd-Frank and make your voice heard -- and ask your friends to sign as well.

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Amid all the turmoil associated with the recent high school massacre of students and teachers in Parkland, Florida, two things stood out in stark contrast to the response of NRA sponsored politicians and lobbyists, the bravery of so many victims and the honesty of so many survivors. It is doubtful that either of these qualities will impress or even register with the majority of the Florida State House and Senate. Most of their majority members, with campaigns well stocked with money from the NRA and other agents of the gun manufacturing industry will be busy hastily crafting their individual versions of "guns don't kill, people do." They can put ashes on their foreheads, sharpshooters in public schools, pray to whatever sick god they pray to before their own children are eaten by gunfire from an assault weapon that didn't "actually" kill them. The fine senators and congressmen as well as Governor Scott and chief enabler, Pam Bondi can all take turns talking to the empty beds and chairs once occupied by dead children, telling them they are not dead at all because an assault weapon simply cannot do such a thing!

Whether handguns, assault weapons, bump stocks, or high capacity magazine clips can kill people or not, one fact stands out. The more of them that are produced and sold, the more people get killed and the more politicians are paid to encourage the production and sale, the more people get killed. Please forgive the poor traumatized students who are rushing to Tallahassee to reason with their "grown up" legislators for trying to explain the correlation between these facts. Don't hold it against them for employing basic logic. Apparently they have learned about logic in school and are not aware that its use is prohibited by the ruling party in the legislative halls or in the governor's office except by royal decree. The students are angry and concerned about the fact that so many politicians have been paid so much money to facilitate the murders of their friends and teachers. Soon they will realize that their dramatic protests do not mean as much to the facilitators as do the donations and the ratings they receive from the gun manufacturers. What they also don't know is that about 95% of gun owners don't belong to the NRA and that it doesn't represent gun "owners," but gun "manufacturers," the grand facilitators of the murder of their friends and teachers.

After some forty years of pettifogging, of the NRA morphing from an organization representing and supported by responsible gun owners into an obvious terror organization financed by irresponsible gun manufacturers, it is just possible that enough of their BS may have actually stuck to the walls of a school in South Florida so that it may be properly examined. It is time for all students of America to stand up and show their weak kneed parents where they ought to stand! If some of these parents aren't willing to protect their children, then they don't deserve to have them! But marching is not enough. If parents continue to vote for people who are proud to be accessories to murder than they too will be facilitators of murder!

Meanwhile, I would encourage those individuals legitimately interested in protecting the Second Amendment to begin immediately to honor the amendment itself. The Second Amendment was never meant to be a carte blanche pass to do whatever you wanted with whatever weapon you wanted. It was a compromise intended to maintain a well regulated militia in each state and thereby eliminate the need for an imperialistic federal standing army. According to Cass Sunstein's 2/18/18 article in the Tampa Bay Times, "Constitution doesn't ban reasonable rules on guns," until 2008 the U.S. Supreme Court did not protect an individual's right to own a gun. He points out that in 2008 in a 5-4 decision the Court finally ruled that the Second Amendment does create an individual right of gun ownership. However, Antonin Scalia, author of the opinion, warned that "Nothing in our opinion should be taken to cast doubt on longstanding prohibitions on possession of firearms by felons and the mentally ill or laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in sensitive places such as schools and government buildings, or laws imposing conditions on the commercial sale of arms." (District of Columbia vs. Heller).

This leads us to the real question: What do you call homicide due to "depraved indifference" when politicians are bribed by representatives of gun manufacturers to be depraved and indifferent, fully aware of the fatal consequences of their actions?

It is quite apparent that given Justice Scalia's warning, state legislatures and U.S. House and Senate members claiming that the Second Amendment prohibits them from enacting reasonable gun laws are lying through their teeth and worse yet, being paid to lie by the gun lobbies and gun manufacturers. Even worse is the attempt by these paid terrorists to encourage open carry policies in colleges and public arenas just so their employers can sell more firearms. Calling this "facilitation of murder" is much too kind. More accurately it is "murder for hire" by the cowardly gun manufacturers and "murder by proxy" by those in public office encouraging the mentally ill, criminals and domestic terrorists to commit the murders for which the public officials have been so handsomely paid to commit. If blatant thugs like those in the Florida legislature and others like Marco Rubio (three and a half million dollars in gun lobby donations, really?) can't buck their employers and pass responsible gun laws then they belong in Guantanamo with fellow terrorists. Otherwise, in a very few years after many more student massacres, when voters like those student's from Parkland have come of age, they will have no other choice but to repeal the Second Amendment altogether.

Note: In my first 30 years of general medical practice, I had never thought to ask a parent about guns in the home of a pediatric patient. However, as soon as Florida's excuse for a legislature and its bloviating Governor Scott were paid off by armed terrorists to silence physicians, forbidding any questions about guns, I began asking every parent of a pediatric patient about gun safety in the home. So arrest me! Message to fascists in public office: There's a First Amendment too!

Al Finkelstein, D.O., 2/20/18
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It's been a long time since I stood in a classroom and taught anyone anything, but each June for years I've appeared before classes of college seniors to give a graduation address ushering them into our grim world. True, those speeches didn't take place before flesh-and-blood audiences but on what I've come to call "the campus of my mind" (and were then posted at TomDispatch). Still, I faithfully tried to usher class after class of graduates into an ever more godforsaken American world. The other day, however, I realized just how deeply the age of Trump had gotten to me. In 2017, I seem not to have had the urge to give such a speech and so graduated no one into anything.

That led me back to my last attempt to do so: June 5, 2016, a moment when Donald Trump already had every media eye in America glued to his orange comb-over, his incipient "authoritarianism" had become an issue, and I was imagining the possibility that he might indeed be elected president. With that in mind, I gave an address to that year's graduates, which I titled "Donald Trump Is the Mosquito, Not the Zika Virus." In it, I said: "Few bother to consider the ways in which the foundations of authoritarianism have already been laid in this society -- and not by disaffected working class white men either. Few bother to consider what it means to have a national security state and a massive military machine deeply embedded in our ruling city and our American world... or what it means for that state within a state, that shadow government, to become ever more powerful and autonomous in the name of American 'safety,' especially from 'terrorism' (though terrorism represents the most microscopic of dangers for most Americans)...

"It's clear enough... that our American system is morphing in ways for which we have no names, no adequate descriptive vocabulary. Perhaps it's not just that we have no clear bead on what's going on, but that we prefer not to know." And I then implored the Class of 2016 to step into that world and "tell us who we are and where we are."

So, more than a year and a half later, who are we? Where are we? Barely a week after the latest mass slaughter by a disturbed teenager carrying an AR-15 assault rifle into a Florida school, I'm not sure I even want to know. Fun fact: you need to be 21 in Florida to legally purchase alcohol, but only 18 to get that combat rifle. Fun fact: in February 2017, by rescinding an Obama-era regulation, President Trump made it easier for people with mental problems to buy guns. Fun fact: Thanks to the killing of 17 students and teachers in Parkland, Florida, Columbine is no longer the worst high school mass killing in our history. Fun fact: In the United States, there is now, on average, a "mass shooting" (four or more people shot) nine out of every 10 days of the year. Talk about terror! Talk about terrorism! And so it goes in the age of The Donald.

It's hardly surprising, then, that my urge to graduate anyone into such a world hit rock bottom last year, which is why I find something heartwarming about today's piece by TomDispatchregular Rebecca Gordon -- about, that is, anyone willing at this moment to face the daunting task of helping the young learn how to navigate an American world that seems more unnerving and unbalanced by the day. So here's a small bow to Gordon and the students who take the journey with her onto what is increasingly an alien planet damaged in ways that should deeply disturb us all. Tom

The 9/11 Hijackers Were Iraqis, Right?

Teaching in a Time of Wars

By Rebecca Gordon I was teaching the day the airplanes hit the World Trade Center. It was the second meeting of "The Communist Manifesto for Seminarians," a course for my fellow graduate students. By the time I got to class, both towers had collapsed. A few hours later, Building 7 came down as well. We dispensed with a planned discussion about what Marxists mean by "idealism" and "materialism" and talked instead about the meaning of this particular example of the "propaganda of the deed." We already sensed that, with George W. Bush and Dick Cheney in the White House, the attacks would mean war. But like the rest of the world, we didn't yet have the faintest idea how long that war would last. And 16 years on, we still don't know. A few years later, I found myself in front of 40 undergraduates on the first day of the first ethics course I would ever teach. You know how sometimes you have no idea what you're going to say until the words are out of your mouth? That day, I opened my mouth and this came out: "I was so excited about this class that I couldn't sleep last night." Eighty horrified eyes stared back at me. "I guess it wasn't like that for you," I added, and felt the blush creep up my face. Most of them had the grace to laugh. Thirteen years later, I still have trouble sleeping the night before a new semester begins. It's not exactly stage fright, but knowing that I'll only have a few chances to convince a new crop of students that they really do want to examine their deepest values -- the things they care most about -- and even talk about them in front of their peers. In fact, most of them do care deeply and about important things, too, like how they should treat their friends, their parents, and their sexual and/or romantic partners. They care about their friends who drink and drug too much and appreciate the friends who get them home safe when they do the same. They care about economic inequality, especially when they're trying to find a place they can afford to rent in this city of soaring prices, San Francisco, or when contemplating the massive debt most of them will be carrying for years, if not a lifetime, after they graduate. Some of them regularly turn out to be Milton Friedman-style economic libertarians. Almost invariably, more are reflexively anti-capitalist. More than half of them are young people of color. They and the majority of their white peers care deeply about racism. They don't think the police should shoot unarmed black men and they tend to believe that people of color face institutional barriers that white people never even see. Slavery, they know, was a terrible idea, but many of them are fuzzy about when it started in this country and how it ended. Quite a few of them are immigrants or the children of immigrants. Some are undocumented or DACA recipients, so not surprisingly they care about immigration laws and policies. Their fellow students would never turn them in to the authorities. They may not know exactly why, but they have the feeling it would be unethical. Some of them are in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, or ROTC. Some are veterans. U.S. military adventures affect them directly. While the rest of the students do care about war and peace, most of their lives are touched more lightly by America's wars than were those of their peers a decade ago. They care about so much, but there's a lot they just don't know.

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From Alternet

The GOP is backed into a corner and eyeing desperate measures.



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A crystal ball revealing the Republican Party's future has appeared in Pennsylvania, where top GOP legislators, joined by national Republicans including the president, see their power threatened and are behaving like cornered rats -- striking out in all directions.

On Monday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court approved a new map of its 18 House districts to make 2018's congressional races more competitive. The Court-imposed maps came after the GOP-led state legislature failed to redraw the boundaries under the Court's criteria, which sought more balanced and representative districts.

By Tuesday, Pennsylvania Republicans, egged on by their Washington counterparts, vowed to file a federal lawsuit -- even though the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an earlier appeal by the state's Republicans over the revised congressional maps.

"The suit will highlight the state Supreme Court's rushed decision that created chaos, confusion, and unnecessary expense in the 2018 election cycle," a National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman said, adding the GOP will sue "as soon as tomorrow to prevent the new partisan map from taking effect."

"Hope Republicans in the Great State of Pennsylvania challenge the new 'pushed' Congressional Map, all the way to the [U.S.] Supreme Court, if necessary," tweeted Trump. "Your Original was correct! Don't let the Dems take elections away from you so that they can raise taxes & waste money!"

The GOP knows that courts are reluctant to interfere in elections; hence its accusation the state's Supreme Court has sown chaos and confusion. They are suggesting that the judicial process in Pennsylvania, which holds 2018 primary elections on May 15, has created a political crisis, when, in fact, "this is perfectly normal procedure," as James A. Gardner, a University of Buffalo law professor, told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

But local Republicans and their national allies are huffing and puffing the U.S. Supreme Court should intervene, because, in effect, they have lost in state court, failed to produce remedies that would satisfy Pennsylvania's Constitution, and see the likely outcome: they will be forced to compete fairly and probably lose some seats. The Republicans now hold 13 of the state's House seats, compared to five held by Democrats.

"Make no mistake: this is the PA map Dems wanted," tweeted David Wasserman, The Cook Political Report's House analyst and a gerrymandering expert. "It's a ringing endorsement of the 'partisan fairness' doctrine: that parties should be entitled to same proportion of seats as votes. However, in PA (and many states), achieving that requires conscious pro-Dem mapping choices... The result: Dems have a great shot to win 8-11 of PA's 18 seats in November. Under a truly partisan-blind compact map, maybe 7-10. Under old GOP map, maybe 6-9."

Pennsylvania and Washington Republicans know this. They are throwing everything against the courtroom wall to see what sticks in an effort to postpone the new maps until after the 2018 election. They know Pennsylvania is the only state where congressional maps stood to be redrawn before 2018's midterms. That's because other litigation, including appeals now before the U.S. Supreme Court, won't be decided until later this spring -- too late for 2018's electoral calendar.

What Pennsylvania Republicans are now facing is what the party could be facing in many states if 2018 and 2020 are blue wave elections.

In Pennsylvania, a Democratic governor and majority of state Supreme Court justices dismantled the GOP's political coup -- supermajority control through extreme gerrymandering. Nationally, Democrats are hoping to see a wave of new governors elected this fall that could veto bad maps -- just as Pennsylvania did.

"The fair map issued by the state Supreme Court is a major victory in the fight against gerrymandering in Pennsylvania and around the country," said Eric Holder, who leads the Democratic anti-gerrymandering effort. "Republicans all over the country should be on notice; their days of partisan map-rigging are numbered."

"Republicans can complain about [Pennsylvania Supreme Court expert Nate] @ persily's map, but here is the rub: the PA GOP had a chance to draw a map most in compliance w/ the court order, but they choose to gerrymander instead by keeping as many people in the same gerrymandered districts as before," tweeted Michael McDonald, a University of Florida redistricting expert. "If the PA GOP could've done better map than the fair, non-political map that they claim is a Democratic gerrymander, they screwed themselves by not submitting it to the court."

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Many are convinced that on this day in 1954, President Eisenhower was whisked away by his aides for a meeting with visitors from the Pleiades, and at the meeting, he signed a treaty with The Greys.

Others say he had emergency dental surgery. There was a news report that day that he had died.

President Dwight Eisenhower held a secret meeting with extraterrestrial visitors during the early hours of February 21, 1954, while on a "vacation" to Palm Springs in California, according to UFO and alien conspiracy theorists. He went "missing" after he was whisked away secretly to Edwards Air Force Base and was not seen until he appeared at a church service in Los Angeles the next Sunday morning. The official explanation of his mysterious "disappearance" was that he had to undergo an emergency dental surgery. The abrupt disappearance of the president was so unusual that it fueled speculation about an illness or death in the media. The speculation became so intense that the rumors had to be dispelled by the president's press secretary, James Haggerty, who told incredulous reporters at a press conference that Eisenhower had damaged a tooth cap while eating fried chicken and had to undergo emergency surgery.

A letter from Gerald Light claims he witnessed the event personally.
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From Dispatches From The Edge

Italian elections are always complex affairs, but the upcoming Mar. 4 vote is one of the most bewildering in several decades: the right is resurgent, the left embattled, and the issue drawing the greatest fire and fury has little to do with the economic malaise that has gripped the country since the great economic crash of 2008.

These days, predicting election outcomes in Europe is a fool's game because the electorate is so volatile, a state one hardly can blame it for given the beating it has taken from the almost decade-long policies of the European Union (EU). The organization's rigid economic strictures for dealing with the debts incurred from the 2008 crisis -- social service cutbacks, tax hikes, massive layoffs, and privatization -- have sharply increased economic inequality throughout the continent and created a "lost generation" of young people: poorly educated, unemployed, and locked into low paying part-time jobs (if they manage to find one).

There has been a surge of right-wing parties throughout the EU, but the analysis that voters are turning right is too simplistic. Voters in Germany did put the Nazi Alternative for Germany in the Bundestag, but mostly because they were fed up with the "stay-the-course" mainstream parties that offered them little more than austerity and more austerity. Dutch voters demolished their social democratic Labor Party, not because it was left, but because it was timidly centrist. Much the same was true for the French Socialist Party.

When center-left and left parties challenge austerity, voters reward them, as they did in Britain and Portugal. It is not so much that the compass is swinging right, but rather that it is spinning.

The Italian elections are a case in point. Italy has one of the highest debt ratio in the EU, distressing unemployment figures -- 11.4 percent nationally, and up to 36 percent among the young -- a troubled banking sector, and a deteriorating infrastructure. Garbage -- quite literally -- is overwhelming Rome. But instead of seeking solutions, most parties are talking about African and Middle East immigrants, a focus that is revealing an ugly side of the peninsula.

Hate crimes have risen 10-fold since 2012, and 20 percent of Italians admit to being anti-Semitic. The anti-fascist organization Infoasntifa Ecn has recorded more than 140 neo-fascist attacks since 2014.

Italy currently plays host to some 620,000 immigrants, and since France, Austria and Switzerland tightened their borders, Italy is stuck with them. The EU has been little help. While Brussels was willing to shell out over $6 billion to Turkey to deal with the flood of immigrants generated by the wars in Syria and Yemen, Italy has been left to deal with the problem by itself.

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Lebanon Left - Israel Right

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Lebanon, as so often in the past, is facing mortal danger.

Saudi Arabia is putting great pressure on the Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, a powerful but controversial figure who holds dual nationality - Saudi and Lebanese. Riyadh expects Lebanon to play by its own rules, sidelining Hezbollah, ending Iranian influence in the country, and promoting Saudi business and political interests" or else. It is a clear that foreign aid from the Gulf is increasingly conditional.

Tension with Israel is also mounting. A military conflict could erupt at any moment, with devastating consequences. Between 1978 and 2006, Israel attacked its northern neighbor on five occasions. The last time Israel invaded Lebanon, during the so-called Lebanon War in 2006, at least 1,300 Lebanese people were killed and 1 million displaced.

The Israeli air force is lately, unceremoniously, violating Lebanese air space, flying over its territory on the way to Syria, where it is bombing selected targets, grossly violating various international laws.

To make things worse, Israel has begun building an ugly concrete wall right at the border line, an act which Lebanon views almost as a declaration of war. The Lebanese military received orders to confront Israeli bulldozers and construction crews, if the building of the frontier barrier continues. Both sides are now using intermediaries to communicate, but a confrontation may take place at any moment.

There is also a maritime dispute between the two countries, over an oil and gas rich area, which both countries are claiming as their own. This quarrel is also threatening the fragile 'peace' between Israel and Lebanon. Although some would say, what peace, really, if both nations are still technically at war?

Reported by AP, on February 8, 2018:

"Israel has in recent days escalated its threats against Lebanon over Lebanon's invitation for offshore gas exploration bids on the countries' maritime border.

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman described Lebanon's exploration tender as "very provocative" and suggested that Lebanon had put out invitations for bids from international groups for a gas field ,"which is by all accounts ours."

His comments drew sharp condemnation from the militant Hezbollah group and Lebanese officials, including Hariri, a Western ally, who described Lieberman's comments as a "blatant provocation that Lebanon rejects."

Abi Assi quoted Hariri as saying Thursday that area in the water that Israel is claiming, "is owned by Lebanon."

A day after the above report appeared, Lebanon's energy minister said, "the dispute with Israel would not stop Lebanon benefiting from potential undersea reserves in the contentious Block 9."

An international consortium consisting of three giant oil companies - Italy's Eni, France's Total and Russia's Novatek -- is standing by, ready to begin drilling, although Total is increasingly reluctant to participate in the project amidst the Israeli threats.

*

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From Paul Craig Roberts Website

As has been made perfectly clear, Mueller's "indictment" of 13 Russians and 3 companies is just another hoax. See here and here.

All Mueller has found is a bait-click commercial marketing scheme that had nothing to do with election interference.

Why is Mueller comfortable bringing a transparently false indictment? The answer is, as Glenn Greenwald makes clear, that Mueller knows there are large numbers of warmongering politicians and media whores who will seize on the fake indictment as proof that Russia has "committed an act of war equivalent to Pearl Harbor and 9/11." The fact that what Mueller has indicted is only a bait-click marketing scheme will never be mentioned by politicians and presstitutes shouting the military/security complex's slogan that "Russia must be punished."

Greenwald supplies the names of some of these reckless and irresponsible people who are willing to bring on war with their rants: politicians Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Jeanne Shaheen, Jerry Nadler, Marco Rubio -- indeed almost all of Congress -- Clinton aides such as Philippe Reines and John Podesta, and the legions of presstitutes such as Karen Tumulty, David Frum, Chuck Todd, Tom Friedman, Chris Hayes -- indeed, the entirety of the print and TV media with the exceptions of Tucker Carlson and Pat Buchanan.

When a country armed to the teeth with nuclear weapons and overwhelmed by its own exceptionalism and indispensability has political and media lunatics equating a bait-click commercial marketing scheme with Pearl Harbor, that country is a recipe for the end of the world.

This shows how utterly stupid the US media is. The entire article is based on nothing, just what some people say they think. Prigozhin's business is a bait-click marketing scheme. What the utterly dishonest Mueller and the presstitutes are doing is turning a bait-click marketing scheme into an election-interfering scheme. The only way this "indictment" could succeed in a court would be if no evidence could be presented, only Mueller's absurd "indictment."

Mueller's "indictment" is not meant to go to court. It is just a propaganda device, and that is how the presstitutes are using it.

As Glenn Greenwald reports, three CNN "journalists" had to resign for their fake-news "Russia threat" stories. In actual fact, the entirely of the US print and TV media should have to resign.
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From Hightower Lowdown

What's happening to America? I mean the big America we thought we were building. Since 1776, We the People of this bountiful land have not only worked to meet our individual needs and achieve personal goals, but we've also worked collectively to build something that's much bigger than any one of us, more important than any particular group, and more enduring than any single generation -- namely, a "little-d" democratic society committed to the Common Good.

And, yes, we're still a long way from achieving that ideal, but by fits and starts our nation has made real progress, thanks to 242 years of gutsy grassroots movements. Today, though, we need to face up to a shocking reality: There has been a coup against our national pursuit of the Common Good!

Few people are aware of it, for the coup has not been conducted as a single, bold, commando-style frontal assault. Rather, since the middle of the last century the perpetrators have mounted a sneaky, slow motion coup of attrition, moving methodically from one political venue to another, donning multiple organizational guises to strike down a law here, reverse a public policy there, demonize "others," and ambush progressive groups all along the way. Consequently, over decades, the essential American idea that "we're all in this together" has been steadily losing out to a diametrically opposed idea: "Each of us is on our own."

This bleak outlook is even recognized as a formal political doctrine: selfish individualism. Basically an ethic of greed, this "philosophy" is being advanced by a plutocratic elite that insists that the role of government is not to promote our common interests and do the will of the majority, but to protect the property and accumulated wealth of moneyed individuals from the rest of us. They are anti-tax, anti-regulation, anti-union, anti-majority radicals who militantly declare: "I got mine, good luck getting yours and don't even think of touching any of mine."

This is not some conspiracy theory, but a flat out, unambiguous, capital-lettered CONSPIRACY -- one with identifiable schemers who have been plotting, funding, and coordinating this coup on democracy itself. Its chief instigators are the multi-billionaire Koch boys, Charles and David, who've been consistently financing and implementing this ongoing assault since the 1960s. They've recruited a cabal of other uber-rich, inordinately powerful, right-wing families such as the Mercers, DeVoses, and Adelsons -- plus undisclosed multinational corporations serving as silent partners.

These "property supremacists" (as Duke University historian Nancy MacLean aptly characterizes them in her powerful new expose, Democracy in Chains) have created and continuously expanded a complex web of front groups, lawyers, campaign operatives, propagandists, academics, media outlets, and others to monkeywrench the democratic system. This secretive, opaque clique now directs a political operation that's more extensive and more tightly organized than either of the major political parties.

For years, the Koch network has been deploying this ever-growing force into governors' offices, legislative chambers, city halls, court-rooms, classrooms, chambers of commerce, tea party chapters, editorial boards, global trade tribunals, and nearly every other policy-shaping forum. Gradually, through thousands of incremental, seemingly unconnected, and often unreported actions these nouveau economic royalists have siphoned away The People's economic and political power and bulked up their minority control over the majority. From gutting yet another labor union's collective bargain-ing rights to extending the "right" of corporations and the wealthy to purchase our elections, they are actively subjugating the Common Good for their own enrichment.

As they schemed to carry away our country's democratic frame-work, piece by piece, the conspirators realized early on that they needed a cloak of legitimacy to drape over their naked thievery. So they've also been trying to snatch from us something else that has enormous, intangible value: our national story.

The true American narrative is an epic panorama tracing the struggles, victories, and setbacks of those common people who embody the virtuous heart and enduring strength of our nation's grand democratic experiment. It's a remarkable history of rebellious commoners coming together again and again to battle such repressive forces as royalty, Wall Street, robber barons, Jim Crow, multiple waves of bigotry, and arrogant corporate abuse. Each chapter reveals a people determined to defend and extend the right to be self-governing, united in a group spirit of can-do ambition and a collective belief in equality, fairness, and justice for all.

That's a great story! Unless you're intent on usurping the self-governing authority of those very commoners -- as the Koch Confederacy has been from its beginning. Thus, the Kochs have been aggressive inventors, funders, and pushers of a contrarian American narrative that has now been fully embraced and parroted by the likes of Sen. Mitch McConnell, Rep. Paul Ryan, tea party proselytizers, and doctrinaire right-wing talk show yakkers. Unsurprisingly, this rewrite of America's story is an over-the-top biopic in the image of -- guess who? -- the billionaire conspirators themselves:

Scene 1 -- A lionization of laissez-faire, "self-made," financially triumphant individuals as America's heroic defenders of "liberty." These studly giants of industry and finance are hailed as our country's amazing wealth creators and prosperity producers, so supernaturally superior to the rest of us that they should naturally control our nation's political, economic, and social policies (including sweeping, self-serving schemes such as shriveling the public sector and making capital accumulation the overriding objective of the economy).

Scene 2 -- A depiction of the masses -- particularly common workers and poor people -- as irresponsible, selfish moochers, either unable or unwilling to be producers. Disdainfully portrayed as always looking for handouts from government and corporate chieftains, America's commoners are cast as nuisances who must be restrained by law from using their numerical majority to interfere in any way with the "liberty" of the nation's wealth creators. Beware the tyrannical grabbiness of the mooching majority!

Scene 3 -- Repeat Scenes 1 and 2. Again and again.

The Koch Klan's plot to strip away people's democratic rights and simultaneously jack up the governing power of avaricious elites is so contrary to our real history and so foreign to people's ingrained values that it would have been hooted down had it been submitted openly and honestly to the public. Of course, the Kochs understand that, so they disguise that fundamental distortion -- which is why the great majority of Americans are still unaware of the enormity and villainy of what's been done to them by the property supremacists and their political enablers. It's important to note that the Koch coup has been pieced together with the full complicity of practically all GOP officials, and it's also been condoned or actively abetted by corporate Democrats.

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From Smirking Chimp

By Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers

Since we published "Regime Change Fails: Is a Military Coup or Invasion Next," we received more information showing steps toward preparing for a potential military attack on Venezuela. Stopping this war needs to become a top priority for the peace movement.

Black Alliance for Peace (BAP) published a newsletter that reported "troubling news of an impending military assault on the sovereign nation of Venezuela by states and forces allied with the United States." Ajamu Baraka, the director, said the US is concerned that President Maduro will win the April 22 election, which would mean six more years in office. BAP urges people to include "No War On Venezuela" in actions being planned from February 16-23 for the 115th anniversary of the United States occupying Guantanamo.

Is the Path to War Through Border Disputes?

One way to start a war would be a cross-border dispute between Venezuela and Colombia, Brazil or Guyana. On February 12, the Maritime Herald reported that Admiral Kurt Tidd, head of the US Southern Command, arrived in Colombia just two days after the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met with President Juan Manuel Santos as part of Tillerson's unprecedented regime change tour. Tidd met with Colombian Defense Minister Luis Carlos Villegas and other senior officials to coordinate efforts around "regional stability" with a focus on Venezuela.

The Maritime Herald also reports US troops coming to Colombian military bases, paramilitaries coming to Colombian towns along the Venezuelan border, plans for "a joint naval force between the United States, Colombia and Mexico," and arrival of a contingent of 415 members of the United States Air Force to Panama to create support and logistics points for the operation against Venezuela. Also important are two fast-acting US military bases installed in the communities of Vichada and Leticia, Colombia, bordering Venezuela.

Both Colombia and Brazil have deployed more troops to their borders with Venezuela. Colombian President Santos ordered "the deployment of 3,000 additional security personnel to the Venezuelan border. This figure included 2,120 more soldiers." The decision came the day before officials from the US Southern Command met in Colombia to "discuss security cooperation." Brazil also announced plans to "double its border patrols on the Venezuelan frontier." The excuse for these increased deployments was due to Venezuelan migrants crossing the border into Colombia and Brazil.

To calm these concerns, President Maduro called for a meeting between Venezuelan authorities and Colombia over security concerns along their border. The Colombian government estimates that 450,000 Venezuelan migrants have entered the country in the last 18 months. Maduro said that official numbers did not equate to a "massive exodus" and reminded Colombia that during the Colombian civil war with the FARC, 5.6 million Colombians crossed the border to make Venezuela their home.

The corporate intelligence firm, Stratfor, which works closely with the US government, recently published a report that could be laying the groundwork for a border dispute. Stratfor wrote that Brazilian intelligence officials are going to meet with Guyana's officials to warn them that Venezuela is planning to attack Guyana. There is a long-term dispute over land between Venezuela and Guyana that is being litigated before the International Court of Justice. The report includes a questionable claim that there is an "ongoing dialogue with the Trump administration over the terms of President Nicolas Maduro and his party's departure from power." The reality is that President Maduro is preparing for the April election.

In response to these actions, President Maduro announced the Venezuelan armed forces will carry out military exercises on February 24 and 25 in "defense" of the nation to fine tune the movement of "tanks, missiles and helicopters as part of the nation's defense strategy."

Upcoming Elections in Venezuela

The opposition in Venezuela has been seeking presidential elections since 2016 when they presented a petition for the recall of President Maduro. They claimed to collect enough signatures, but there were allegations of voter fraud, including thousands of dead people's names listed on the petitions.

Violent protests followed rejection of the petition and Henrique Capriles set a deadline for an election in November 2016, threatening larger protests. On November 1, opposition leader Henry Ramos, the head of the national assembly, announced cancellation of the protests. The opposition still pressed for an election. The government announced a special election to be held in February or March of 2018.

Now, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza announced, "We have a date for the presidential election, which is the date proposed by the opposition, April 22. Furthermore, we have the electoral guarantees proposed by the opposition, so we are going to the elections and the Venezuelan people will decide their future with democracy and votes."

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Global Automotive Throttle Position Sensor Market By SWOT Analysis, Revenue Share - Top Companies Profiled in Report: Honeywell, BorgWarner, Standard Motor Products, Melexis, CTS Automotive, ALPS, Denso, Mitsubishi Electric

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Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is a crucial category of position sensors, which monitor the position of the valve in the vehicle engine. TPS are most common in ICE-vehicles nowadays. Currently, the global automotive TPS market is at the maturity stage, and their demand is coming from new vehicle productions and aftermarkets for replacement parts. Government regulations on vehicle emissions, fuel efficiency, and safety will continue to contribute to the growing number of position sensors per vehicle, and TPS is one of the crucial sensors among them.Get Sample copy of this Report@:Automotive Throttle Position Sensor market research is an intelligence report with meticulous efforts undertaken to study the right and valuable information. The data which has been looked upon is done considering both, the existing top players and the upcoming competitors. Business strategies of the key players and the new entering market industries are studied in detail. Well explained SWOT analysis, revenue share and contact information are shared in this report analysis.The preference for contactless inductive position sensor (CIPOS) introduced by HELLA is increasing in the automotive market and has increased the revenue for TPS suppliers. The CIPOS technology provides precision and easy-to-use position sensor and enables the flexible designing of a measurement range of both linear and angular sensors. Additionally, these sensors are also easy to assemble and are not sensitive to the mechanical misalignment.Top Players Profiled in this Report Includes, Honeywell, BorgWarner, Standard Motor Products, Melexis, CTS Automotive, ALPS, Denso, Mitsubishi ElectricLatest Offer Get Flat 20% OFF on this Premium Report @:Various factors are responsible behind the markets growth trail, which are studied at length in the report. In addition, the report lists down the restraints that are posing threat to the global Automotive Throttle Position Sensor market. It also gauges the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, threat to the new entrants and product substitute, and the degree of competition prevailing in the market. The influence of the latest government guidelines is also analyzed in detail in the report. It studies the markets trajectory between forecast periods.Reason to Access Automotive Throttle Position Sensor Market Research Report:Automotive Throttle Position Sensor market is segmented on the basis of various parameters. The factors which are impacting the markets growth are studied in detail. The report also presents a overall weaknesses which companies operating in the market must avoid in order to enjoy sustainable growth through the course of the forecast period. Besides this, profiles of some of the leading players operating and encouraging in the growth of the global market are included in the study. Additionally, using SWOT analysis, markets weaknesses and strengths are analyzed. It also helps the report provide insights into the opportunities and threats that these companies may face during the forecast period.For More Information:Table of ContentsGlobal Automotive Throttle Position Sensor Market Research ReportChapter 1 Automotive Throttle Position Sensor Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Global Automotive Throttle Position Sensor Market ForecastAbout Research N Reports:Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. Where relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat Europe competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer consulting as an extended arm to our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently we keep evolving as an all-rounder provider of viable information under one roof.Contact us:Mr. Sunny DenisContact No. +1-888-631-6977sales@researchnreports.com(ResearchnReports)
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A market study "Global Urological Cancer Drugs Market" examines the performance of the Urological Cancer Drugs market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Urological Cancer Drugs market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Urological Cancer Drugs market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Urological Cancer Drugs Market 2018 report includes Urological Cancer Drugs market Revenue, market Share, Urological Cancer Drugs industry volume, market Trends, Urological Cancer Drugs Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Urological Cancer Drugs Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Urological Cancer Drugs Market 2018 :1. Novartis2. Pfizer3. Johnson & Johnson4. AstraZeneca5. Astellas6. Bristol-Myers Squibb7. Abbott Laboratories8. Celgene Corporation9. Dendreon Corporation10. Ferring Pharmaceuticals11. GlaxoSmithKline12. Indevus Pharmaceuticals Inc13. Ipsen14. Roche Healthcare15. Sanofi S.A16. Tolmar IncUrological Cancer Drugs Market : By ApplicationProstate CancerBladder CancerKidney CancerTesticular CancerUrological Cancer Drugs Market : By TypeTabletsInjectionFirstly, the report covers the top Urological Cancer Drugs manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Urological Cancer Drugs report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Urological Cancer Drugs industry, Urological Cancer Drugs industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Urological Cancer Drugs Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Urological Cancer Drugs 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 Urological Cancer Drugs market revenue worldwide.Finally, Urological Cancer Drugs 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 Usqyresearchstore.com is a leading market intelligence team which making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact US:5001 Spring Valley Rd #400,Dallas,TX 75244, USAContact No. +1-214-661-1669Email: sales@qyresearchstore.com
Feb 22, 2018: Railway Maintenance Machinery Market Manufacturers Harsco, Speno, MATISA France, Remputmash Group

Railway Maintenance Machinery Market

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QY Research Store Recently added detailed market study on the "Global Railway Maintenance Machinery Market Research Report 2018-2025" which provides an outlook of current market value of Railway Maintenance Machinery Market as well as the expected forecast of Rate on Investment (ROI) with growing CAGR of XX% in Railway Maintenance Machinery Market by the end of 2025. The report on the global Railway Maintenance Machinery market uses the top-down and bottom-up approaches to define, analyze, and describe the Railway Maintenance Machinery market 2018 trends for the next five years up to 2025.Get sample here :Top Companies Analysis Mentioned1. Plasser & Theurer2. CRCC High-Tech Equipment3. Loram Maintenance of Way4. Harsco5. Strukton6. Speno7. Remputmash Group8. GEATECH Group9. Gemac Engineering10. CRRC11. MATISA France12. Vortok International13. Teraspyora-Steelwheel Oy14. Beijing Yan Hong Da Railway EquipmentRailway Maintenance Machinery Market Growth Analysis By Type Tamping Machine Stabilizing Machinery Rail Handling Machinery Ballast Cleaning Machine OtherRailway Maintenance Machinery Market Growth Analysis By Application Ballast Track Ballastless TrackThe Global Railway Maintenance Machinery Market Provides comprehensive understanding of the market with the help of Railway Maintenance Machinery market outlook, opportunities, challenges, trends, Railway Maintenance Machinery Market size, share and growth, competitive analysis, major competitors and Porter analysis. Railway Maintenance Machinery market report further provides production, capacity, Railway Maintenance Machinery market price per region, gross margin for all major regions and countries listed in Railway Maintenance Machinery report.Browse full report :The Railway Maintenance Machinery Market report provides upstream and downstream analysis of Railway Maintenance Machinery market that covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Railway Maintenance Machinery along with detailed manufacturing sources. Railway Maintenance Machinery report Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with Railway Maintenance Machinery manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report.About Us:QY Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We have a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of the 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: +1-214-661-1669Email: sales@qyresearchstore.comWeb:
Feb 22, 2018: EAS Systems Market Manufacturers Nedap, SenTech, Sentry Technology, WGSPI, Gunnebo Gateway

EAS Systems Market

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QY Research Store Recently added detailed market study on the "Global EAS Systems Market Research Report 2018-2025" which provides an outlook of current market value of EAS Systems Market as well as the expected forecast of Rate on Investment (ROI) with growing CAGR of XX% in EAS Systems Market by the end of 2025. The report on the global EAS Systems market uses the top-down and bottom-up approaches to define, analyze, and describe the EAS Systems market 2018 trends for the next five years up to 2025.Get sample here :Top Companies Analysis Mentioned1. Tyco Retail Solutions2. Checkpoint Systems3. Nedap4. Universal Surveillance Systems5. Gunnebo Gateway6. SenTech7. Hangzhou Century Co., Ltd8. WGSPI9. Sentry Technology10. All Tag11. Amersec s.r.o.EAS Systems Market Growth Analysis By Type Hard Tag Soft Tag Deactivator or Detacher Detection SystemEAS Systems Market Growth Analysis By Application Clothing &Fashion Accessories Cosmetics/Pharmacy Supermarkets & Large Grocery OthersThe Global EAS Systems Market Provides comprehensive understanding of the market with the help of EAS Systems market outlook, opportunities, challenges, trends, EAS Systems Market size, share and growth, competitive analysis, major competitors and Porter analysis. EAS Systems market report further provides production, capacity, EAS Systems market price per region, gross margin for all major regions and countries listed in EAS Systems report.Browse full report :The EAS Systems Market report provides upstream and downstream analysis of EAS Systems market that covering major raw material used in manufacturing of EAS Systems along with detailed manufacturing sources. EAS Systems report Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with EAS Systems manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report.About Us:QY Research Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We have a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of the 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: +1-214-661-1669Email: sales@qyresearchstore.comWeb:
Global Forging Market Research Report 2018 - Hinduja Foundries ,Bharat Forge Limited Allegheny Technologies Incorporated ,Thyssenkrupp AG

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http://www.provueresearch.com

Provue Market Research has recently declared the expansion of "Worldwide Forging Market Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022" that gives the market study of " Forging Market  across the global, regional and country level.The exploration report displays a far reaching diagram of market and development patterns of this industry in the coming years. The report provides 360 analysis of "Forging Market Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current status of the global Forging Market industry, and estimates the future trend of Forging Market market on the basis of this detailed studyRequest Sample:This report mainly covers 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 Forging Market industry.1 Forging Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Forging1.2 Forging Segment by Type (Product Category)1.3 Global Forging Segment by ApplicationBrowse Report :2 Global Forging Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Forging Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Forging Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Forging Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)Inquiry for Buying:3 Global Forging Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global Forging Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)4.1 Global Forging Consumption by Region (2013-2018)4.2 North America Forging Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)Provue Market Research 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 organisations. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organisations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles.Provue Research14715 Prairie Ave,Lawndale, CA, 90260,California USATel:- +18889204862Email: info@provueresearch.comWeb:
Electric Motor Market, Analysis Of Future Demand, Forecast 2022

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The electric motor market is expected to grow at a considerable rate in the years to come. Owing to rapid technological advancements in the last few years, the current electric market gains traction. Electric motors are incorporated in industrial fans; compressors; pumps; lathe machines; machine tools; domestic appliances; heating, ventilating, and air conditioning applications; disk drives; power tools; electric cars; and automated robots. Despite their high cost, these highly efficient motors are preferred over standard motors due to different benefits, such as longer operating life, low energy consumption, low maintenance, and high tolerance to voltage fluctuations. The need for improved productivity and low power consumption by the applications of motors is expected to increase the demand for high-efficiency motors.For More Info, Get Sample :Rise in awareness of green vehicles and increase in government initiatives to reduce carbon emissions contribute to the growth of the electric motor market. Thus, market players launch various electric cars to cater to the increase in customer demands. For example, Tesla launched Model S, Model 3, and others in North America, and is expected to introduce its next electric car in the European market. Siemens AG launched eco-friendly and energy-efficient electric motor such as products under SIMOTICS portfolio. Key companies profiled in the report are Ametek Incorporation, Siemens AG, Baldor Electric Incorporation, Allied Motion Technologies Inc., ARC Systems Incorporation, Asmo Corporation Limited, Brook Crompton UK Limited, Franklin Electric Cooperative Incorporation, Rockwell Automation Incorporation, and Johnson Electric Holdings Limited.The global electric motor market is segmented based on motor type, output power, voltage range, application, speed, and geography. By type, the market is categorized as AC, DC, and hermetic motors. AC motors are further bifurcated into synchronous and induction motors, whereas DC motors into brushed and brushless DC motors. Based on application, the global electric motor market is classified into industrial machinery; motor vehicles (automobiles); heating, ventilating, and cooling (HVAC) equipment, household appliances; aerospace & transportation; and others. Geographically, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.Key benefits The report provides an overview of the trends, structure, drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the electric motor market. Porters Five Forces analysis highlights the potential of buyers & suppliers, and provides insights on the competitive structure of the market to develop effective strategies in the global electric motor market. The current and future trends are provided to enhance the potential in electric motor market. Value chain analysis provides a systematic study of the key intermediaries involved, which helps stakeholders to formulate appropriate strategies.Key market segmentsEnquire About Report :By type Alternate Current (AC) Motor Synchronous AC Motor Induction AC Motor Direct Current (DC) Motor Brushed DC Motor Brushless DC Motor Hermetic MotorBy output power Integral Horsepower (IHP) Fractional Horsepower (FHP)By voltage range 9V & below 10V-20V 21V-60V 60V and aboveBy application INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY MOTOR VEHICLE HVAC EQUIPMENT AEROSPACE & TRANSPORTATION HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES OTHER COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONSBy speed Low speed (less than 1,000 rpm) Medium speed (1,001 to 25,000 rpm) High speed (25,001 to 75,000 rpm) Ultra-high speed (greater than 75,001 rpm)By geography North America Europe Asia-Pacific LAMEAAlso Request For Discount :Key vendors profiled in the report ABB Group ARC Systems, Inc. Asmo Co., Ltd. Brook Crompton UK Ltd Dr. Fritz Faulhaber GMBH Emerson Electric Maxon Motors AG Regal Beloit Corporation Rockwell Automation, Inc. Companies mentioned in the reportOther companies mentioned in the electric motor market report include Whirlpool Corporation, Toyota, Sony Corporation, Bayer AG, DuPont or E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, ATI Allegheny Ludlum, Nippon Steel, British Steel Corporation, ThyssenKrupp AG, SAC Armco, Kawasaki Steel Corporation, Redi Services, IHI Corporation, Bechtel Group, MAN AG, Valeo, Tesla Motors, The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Harley - Davidson, Pitman Motors, Elco, GEA Refrigeration Technologies, Embraco, Trane, Century Electric Motors, Eastland Industries, Inc., BDI, Sissco Hoist & Crane, American Crane & Equipment Corp., Bruce Electric Equipment Corp, WEG Electric Corp., Thrush Co. Inc., Arc Systems, Inc., Wolters Motors & Drives, National Liftgate Parts, Inc., EDAC Corp., WESCO, Accurate Electric Motor & Pump Co., Reily Electrical Supply, Inc., Schunk Group, Hansen Motors, ATS Automation Tooling Systems, Inc., Aerotech Inc., Transicold LLC, Bison Gear & Engineering Corp., Leeson Electric, A Regal Beloit Co., Shenzhen Kinmore Motor Co. Ltd, Tianjin Benma Electric Motor Co. Ltd., Connaught Motor (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Xin Dong Hui Motor Technology Co., Ltd., LEESON Electric, Adafruit Industries, Mabuchi Motor Company, The Bosch Group, uxcell, A. O. Smith, Grizzly, Nextrox, AmpFlow, Kohree, Dayton, Packard, RioRand, Century Electric Motors, Smith & Jones, North American Electric, Inc, Itron Inc. (ITRI), Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric India (TMEIC India), Al-Quraishi Electrical Services of Saudi Arabia (AQESA), TECO Electric and Machinery Co. Ltd., Microsoft Corporation, and Ameya Transmissions, Cemp S.r.l.Table Of Content CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CHAPTER 3 MARKET OVERVIEW CHAPTER 4 GLOBAL ELECTRIC MOTOR MARKET BY MOTOR TYPES CHAPTER 5 GLOBAL ELECTRIC MOTOR MARKET BY OUTPUT POWER CHAPTER 6 GLOBAL ELECTRIC MOTOR MARKET BY APPLICATIONS CHAPTER 7 GLOBAL ELECTRIC MOTORS MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY CHAPTER 8 COMPANY PROFILESAbout UsWe have a large database of quality and precise market research reports that will be very beneficial for your organization. Reports that we sell our authentic in nature and from reputed publishers, hence it can definitely help you with your growth opportunities. Research Beam will always make sure to bring most ethical and high quality reports. We value your relationship with us and look forward for a long term relation.Contact UsGlobal Head Quarters5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United States+1 (800) 910-6452help@researchbeam.com
Embedded Die Packaging Technology Market Growing At A CAGR Of 14.8% From 2017 To 2023

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The global embedded die packaging technology was valued at $26 million in 2016, and is projected to reach $68 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 14.8% from 2017 to 2023. Embedded die packaging technology is a native 3D-compatible packaging solution, offering nearly 70% size reduction in system in package (SiP) solution. The advantages of this technology include miniaturization, improved electrical & thermal performance, heterogeneous integration, prospect for reduction in cost, and efficient logistics for OEM. In addition, it offers flexible system integration, fast turnaround for custom design, high robustness, and enhanced reliability of the package.For More Info, Get Sample :Embedded die packaging technology was anticipated to grow rapidly with the development in smartphones; however, this technology showed limited success in smartphones due to competition from faster developing Flip Chip and especially WLP platforms. However, in automotive, healthcare, aerospace, and industrial sectors, numerous products utilizing embedded die packaging technology are expected to arrive in the market during the next four to five years.The factors that drive the market are impending need for circuit miniaturization in microelectronic devices, increase in number of portable electronic devices, rise in application in healthcare and automotive devices, and advantages over other advanced packaging technologies. However, requirement of high cost of these chips restrains the market growth restrains the market growth. Moreover, rapid adoption of IoT globally is expected to present new opportunities in the market.The global embedded die packaging technology market is segmented based on platform, industry vertical, and geography. Based on platform, it is classified into embedded die in IC package substrate, embedded die in rigid board, and embedded die in flexible board. Based on industry vertical, it is categorized into consumer electronics, IT & telecommunication, automotive, healthcare, and others. Geographically, it is analyzed across North America (U.S., Mexico, and Canada), Europe (UK, Germany, France, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa).The major companies profiled in the report include Amkor Technology, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, ASE Group, AT & S, General Electric, Infineon, Fujikura, MicroSemi, TDK-Epcos, and Schweizer.KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS The study provides an in-depth analysis of the global embedded die packaging technology market to elucidate the prominent investment pockets from 2016 to 2023. Current trends and future estimations are outlined to determine the overall market scenario. The report provides information about the key drivers, restraints, and opportunities with a detailed impact analysis.KEY MARKET SEGMENTSEnquire About Report :BY PLATFORM Embedded Die in IC Package Substrate Embedded Die in Rigid Board Embedded Die in Flexible BoardBY INDUSTRY VERTICAL Consumer Electronics IT & Telecommunication Automotive Healthcare OthersBY GEOGRAPHY North America U.S. Mexico Canada Europe UK Germany France Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific China Japan Taiwan South Korea Rest of Asia-Pacific LAMEA Latin America Middle East AfricaKey players Amkor Technology Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company ASE Group AT & S General Electric Infineon Fujikura MicroSemi TDK-Epcos SchweizerAlso, Request For Discount:Table Of Content CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CHAPTER 3 MARKET OVERVIEW CHAPTER 4 EMBEDDED DIE PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY MARKET, BY PLATFORM TYPE CHAPTER 5 EMBEDDED DIE PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY MARKET, BY INDUSTRY VERTICAL CHAPTER 6 EMBEDDED DIE PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHY CHAPTER 7 RELATED INDUSTRY INSIGHTS CHAPTER 8 COMPANY PROFILESAbout UsWe have a large database of quality and precise market research reports that will be very beneficial for your organization. Reports that we sell are authentic in nature and from reputed publishers, hence it can definitely help you with your growth opportunities. Research Beam will always make sure to bring most ethical and high-quality reports. We value your relationship with us and look forward to a long term relation.Contact UsGlobal Head Quarters5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United States+1 (800) 910-6452help@researchbeam.com
Global Fluoropolymer Market: Healthcare Industry Anticipated to Drive Growth in Terms of Adoption

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The report provides an overall outlook of fluoropolymer market across the globe. The study also presents information about the leading operators actively involved in global fluropolymer market. A new report titled Global Fluoropolymer Market has been freshly added in the online database of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE). This research report also offers basic market definition and introduction of fluropolymer market.Request a Free Sample Report @The report also provides insights on new findings and developing new solutions for fluoropolymer market. The demand for fluoropolymers is high in the healthcare industry for the packaging of spray and liquid medicine, due to the desirable properties of plastics.The use of fluoropolymers is high in areas where harsh chemicals are used and high-temperatures are encountered. Also, a high amount of research is being carried out to develop fouoropolymers that are eco-friendly in nature. Various primary and secondary research processes have been carried out to obtain accurate and validated statistics and data concerning the global fluoropolymer market.In addition, the report also provides compound annual growth rate of the worldwide fluoropolymers market. The present and future status of the fluoropolymers market is also provided in the research report. The report offers market dynamics which include drivers, restraints and opportunities influencing the growth of this market at a global and regional level. The cost structure and supply chain analysis of the fluoropolymer market are also presented in the research report. Also, the technology roadmap, patent analysis, key regulations, PESTLE analysis, product lifecycle and list of distributors are presented in the report. In addition, Porters five force analysis is also highlighted in the research report and along with that the study also provides region wise forecast for various segments in which this market has been segmented.Read the Complete Report with TOC @Global Fluoropolymer Market: Segmentation & Regional AnalysisThe study segregates global fluoropolymers market into application, product type, and region. On the basis of region, the research publication divides fluoropolymers market into Europe, Japan, APEJ, MEA, Latin America, and North America. In terms of application, the report categorizes global market into drug delivery, medical devices, pharmaceutical packaging and other applications. By product type, the study segments fluoropolymers market into fluorinated ethylene propylene, polyvinylidene difluoride and polytetrafluoroethylene.Global Fluoropolymer Market: Competition TrackingThis study also presents a competitive analysis of the fluropolymer market across the globe. The report provides information regarding the major operators actively functioning in the fluropolymer market. This study offers information on the companies operating in the fluoropolymer market based on certain aspects such as business overview, product portfolio, overview of the company, key strategies, SWOT analysis and financial overview. This essential portion is fully devoted to the performance of the key players operating in the fluropolymer market across the globe. Key companies profiled in the research report include Zeus Industrial Products Inc., Solvay SA, W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., E.I Dupont De Nemours, Compagnie de Saint-Gobain SA, Asahi Glass Co., Ltd, Mexichem S.A.B. de C.V., Daikin Industries Ltd., The Chemours Company, and Honeywell International Inc.About MRRSEMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:
Feb 22, 2018: POP Displays Market Forecast 2018-2025 Promag, Repack Canada, Avante, GLBC

POP Displays Market Forecast 2018

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http://qyresearchstore.com/global-pop-displays-market-manufacturers-2018-review-size-and-forecast-2023/

A market study "Global POP Displays Market" examines the performance of the POP Displays market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the POP Displays market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of POP Displays market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global POP Displays Market 2018 report includes POP Displays market Revenue, market Share, POP Displays industry volume, market Trends, POP Displays Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, POP Displays Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global POP Displays Market 2018 :1. Promag2. Repack Canada3. Avante4. GLBC5. Ravenshoe Packaging6. Mitchel-Lincoln7. Creative Displays Now8. Dana9. POPTECH10. Noble Industries11. Boxmaster12. EZ POPPOP Displays Market : By ApplicationHealth and BeautyPharmaceuticalsFood and BeveragesSports and LeisurePOP Displays Market : By TypeFloor DisplaysPallet DisplaysEnd-Cap DisplaysCounter Top DisplaysFirstly, the report covers the top POP Displays manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the POP Displays report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of POP Displays industry, POP Displays industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. POP Displays Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The POP Displays 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 POP Displays market revenue worldwide.Finally, POP Displays 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 Usqyresearchstore.com is a leading market intelligence team which making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact US:5001 Spring Valley Rd #400,Dallas,TX 75244, USAContact No. +1-214-661-1669Email: sales@qyresearchstore.com
Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market to reach a market size of $11 billion by 2023

https://kbvresearch.com/polymerase-chain-reaction-technologies-market/

According to a new report Global Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market, published by KBV research, the Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market Size was valued at $7 billion in 2016, and is estimated to reach $11 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast periodThe North America market Held the largest market share in the Global Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market by Region in 2016, and would continue to be a dominant market till 2023. The Asia-Pacific market is expected to witness a CAGR of 8.9% during (2017  2023)The Forensics market Held the largest market share in the Global Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market by Application in 2016, and would continue to be a dominant market till 2023;, growing at a CAGR of 4.9 % during the forecast period.The North America market Held the largest market share in the Global Diagnostic Centers & Hospitals Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market by Region in 2016. The Academic & Research Institutions market dominated the Global Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market by End User in 2016, and would continue to be a dominant market till 2023, growing at a CAGR of 5.6 % during the forecast period.The Reagents & Consumables market Held the largest market share in the Global Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market by Product in 2016, and would continue to be a dominant market till 2023. The Software market is expected to witness a CAGR of 8.1% during (2017  2023).Full Report:The market research report has exhaustive quantitative insights providing a clear picture of the market potential in various segments across the globe with country wise analysis in each discussed region. The key impacting factors of the Global Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market have been discussed in the report with the elaborated company profiles are Agilent Technologies, BioMerieux, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Fluidigm Corporation, LGC Limited, Qiagen NV, SYGNIS Pharma AG, Takara Bio, Inc., and Thermo Fisher Scientific.Global Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market Size SegmentationBy TechnologyReal-Time PCRDigital PCRTraditional PCRBy ApplicationClinicalResearchForensicsBy ProductReagents & ConsumablesInstrumentsSoftwareServicesBy End UserDiagnostic Centers & HospitalsBiotech & Pharma CompaniesAcademic & Research InstitutionsBy GeographyNorth America Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market SizeUS Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market SizeCanada Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market SizeMexico Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market SizeOther NA Country Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market SizeEurope Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketGermany Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketUK Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketFrance Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketRussia Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketSpain Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketItaly Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketOther EU Country Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketAsia Pacific Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketChina Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketJapan Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketIndia Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketSouth Korea Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketSingapore Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketMalaysia Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketOther APAC Country Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketLatin America, Middle East and Africa (LAMEA) Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketBrazil Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketArgentina Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketUAE Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketSaudi Arabia Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketSouth Africa Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketNigeria Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketOther LAMEA Country Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies MarketCompanies ProfiledAgilent TechnologiesBioMerieuxBio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.Hoffmann-La Roche LtdFluidigm CorporationLGC LimitedQiagen NVSYGNIS Pharma AGTakara Bio, Inc.Thermo Fisher ScientificUnique Offerings from KBV ResearchExhaustive coverage of Global Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market SizeHighest number of market tables and figuresSubscription based model availableGuaranteed best priceAssured post sales research support with 10% customization freeRelated Reports:North America Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market (2017-2023)Europe Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market (2017-2023)Asia Pacific Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market (2017-2023)LAMEA Polymerase Chain Reaction Technologies Market (2017-2023)Knowledge Based Value Research is a global brand and consulting firm serving all kinds of business verticals, government and non-governmental organizations, and not-for-profit organizations. Our motto is to extend our services that will have a lasting impact on our clients who trust us with their business goals.4F  CS  27, Ansal PlazaSector  1, Vaishali  201010Delhi NCR, Ghaziabad, IndiaTel: 0120-4968631 / +91-9990696033Email: info@kbvresearch.com
Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Aerospace Materials Market 2018 Forecast to 2023

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MarketResearchReports.Biz has recently announced the Latest industry research report on: "Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Aerospace Materials Market" : Industry Size, Share, Research, Reviews, Analysis, Strategies, Demand, Growth, Segmentation, Parameters, Forecasts.This report studies the Aerospace Materials market, Aerospace materials are materials, frequently metal alloys, that have either been developed for, or have come to prominence through, their use for aerospace purposes.Request For Sample Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Aerospace Materials 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 coversAlcoaRio Tinto AlcanKaiser AluminumAlerisRusalConstelliumAMI MetalsArcelor MittalNippon Steel & Sumitomo MetalNucor CorporationBaosteel GroupThyssenkrupp AerospaceKobe SteelMaterionVSMPO-AVISMAToho TitaniumBaoTiPrecision Castparts CorporationAperamVDMCarpenterAMGATI MetalsToray IndustriesCytec Solvay GroupTeijin LimitedHexcelTenCateComplete Report Details @Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversAluminium AlloysSteel AlloysTitanium AlloysSuper AlloysComposite MaterialsOthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoCommercial AircraftMilitary AircraftRequest For TOC Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Aerospace Materials market.Chapter 1, to describe Aerospace Materials Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Aerospace Materials, with sales, revenue, and price of Aerospace Materials, 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 Aerospace Materials, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, 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 2013 to 2018;Chapter 12, Aerospace Materials market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Aerospace Materials sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceAbout 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
Sugar Confectionery Market is expected to Generate Huge Profits by 2023: Vendors- THE HERSHEY COMPANY, Nestle, Mars Incorporated, Mondelez International, HARIBO, Ferrero and Wrigley

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Market Scenario:Sugar confectioneries are a wide range of products, which contain artificial or natural sugar. The different types of sugar confectioneries available in the market are pastilles, gums, jellies, and chews which are available in different packaging format primarily sachets, boxes, and others. Increasing consumption of sugar confectionery among various age groups owing to its taste and organoleptic properties is considered to be a major attraction towards the market growth.Sugar confectioneries are among the recent trends in the market. Changing lifestyle and increasing disposable income is driving the growth of the sugar confectioneries market. High demand for premium products is further influencing the demand for sugar confectioneries. Moreover, increasing trend of gifting confectionery items is supporting the growth of the sugar confectionery market.The innovation of new products with new flavors is adding fuel to the growth of the market. Moreover, growing trend towards organic and natural confectionery is boosting the growth of the market. Additionally, growing demand for privately labeled sugar confectionery is another factor boosting the growth of the market. However, increasing health awareness and continuous efforts to reduce weight and cholesterol content among the consumers may hamper the growth of the market.Get a Sample Report @Major Key Players:Some of the key players profiled in the global sugar confectionery market are THE HERSHEY COMPANY (U.S.), Nestle (Switzerland), Mars Incorporated (U.S.), Mondelez International (U.S.), HARIBO (Germany), Ferrero (Italy), Wrigley (U.S.)Key Findings:China, Spain, Argentina, India, and the Netherlands are the major producers and exporters in the confectionery market.Organic sugar confectionery is gaining tremendous growth over the forecast periodSegments:Sugar confectionery market is segmented on the basis of type such as pastilles, gums, jellies, chews, and others. Among all, the pastilles segment is dominating the market followed by gums segment. Growing retail sector is majorly contributing to the growth of pastilles segment as they usually fall under an impulsive purchase of the consumers.On the basis of the packaging, sugar confectionery market is segmented into sachets, boxes, and others. The sachet segment is dominating the market. However, the boxes segment are expected to grow at the fastest rate in the coming years.Based on the distribution channel, sugar confectionery market is segmented into the store-based and non-store based distribution channel. The store-based distribution channel is dominating the market and is likely to continue its dominance over the forecast period. However, the non-store based distribution channel is expected to gain moderate growth in the coming years.Access Report Details @Regional Analysis:The global sugar confectionery market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world (RoW). North America is dominating the global market followed by Europe. The U.S. is the major contributor to the growth of sugar confectionery market in North America. Growth in the retail sector is majorly contributing to the growth of the sugar confectionery in Europe market.In Asia Pacific region, India is the major consumer of sugar confectionery products owing to the involvement of confectioneries in their various traditional customs, which has a high opportunity for sugar confectionery in this region. Continuous innovation by the key players in the market is likely to surge the growth of the sugar confectionery market in rest of the world.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Nanomaterial Supercapacitors Market is Expected to Generate Huge Profits by 2026

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The ever-increasing need for electrical energy storing devices will continue to influence the growth of the nanomaterial supercapacitors market during the forecast period 2016-2026. The surging end-use applications of nanomaterial supercapacitors in transportation, consumer electronics, wind turbines and sensors will continue to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. Increasing preference towards compact devices that have high electric storage capacity will continue to create sustained demand during the forecast period.High cost and low availability continue to remain persistent challenges with nanomaterial supercapacitors.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global nanomaterial supercapacitors market: SegmentationOn the basis of the product type, the global nanomaterial supercapacitors market can be segmented as follows:IndustrialConsumerTransportOn the basis of applications, the global nanomaterial supercapacitors market can be segmented as follows:SensorsInstrumentationElectric & hybrid vehiclesWind turbinesPhotovoltaic modulesOn the basis of end-use industry, the global nanomaterial supercapacitors market can be segmented as follows:HealthcareEnergyElectronicsTransportationOthersGlobal nanomaterial supercapacitors market: Region Wise OutlookThe global nanomaterial supercapacitors market can be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific dominates the global nanomaterial supercapacitors market due to the mature electronics industry in the region. Strong demand from China will be key to the growth of the market in the region. North America is the second largest market globally, and demand is on account of its flourishing medical and healthcare industry.Demand for nanomaterial supercapacitors in Europe will continue to be driven by the booming automobile sector in Europe. Latin America is witnessing a modest CAGR in terms of value in global nanomaterial supercapacitors market because of the strengthening information technology in this region. Middle East and Africa (MEA) is at a nascent stage in the global nanomaterial supercapacitors market but is expected to have a healthy CAGR in the forecasted period.Global nanomaterial supercapacitors market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global nanomaterial supercapacitors market are:Nippon electrical Co.Panasonic Electronic Devices Co. LtdTTI, IncMAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES, INCNesscap Co., LtdAxion Power International, Inc.Cap-XXSPELMurata Manufacturing Co., LtdAbout Nanomaterial SupercapacitorsA capacitor is an electronic component that stores energy in the form of electrostatic field. The amount of electrical energy stored in the capacitor is directly proportional to the surface area of the conducting plates and inversely proportional to the distance between the conducting plates. Nanomaterial supercapacitors are the devices that increases the surface area of the plates, thus increasing the storage capacity of the capacitor. Nanomaterial supercapacitors uses nanomaterial in the manufacturing of the dielectrics or electrodes. Supercapacitors are used instead of capacitors for high energy density, and are used in electric vehicles, grid energy storage, mobile electronics, power tools and hybrid vehicles.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Nanomaterial supercapacitors are generally made up of Nano composites that are composed of nanotubes (that are composed of carbon materials). Nanomaterial supercapacitors is an electronic device that has the capability of increasing the storage of electrical energy by improving the storage of electrons with the expanding the surface area of the electrodes. The overall efficiency of nanomaterial supercapacitors is dependent on the material used for its manufacturing and its electrodes properties. The nanomaterial supercapacitors market is anticipated to expand at a modest CAGR in the forecasted period.About UsFuture 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 Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Coronary Pressure Monitors Market 2018  Top Players are Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Europe) and others.

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Coronary Pressure Monitors Market Region Wise surveying Report is added on Marketresearchfuture.com with 90 pages. Global Coronary Pressure Monitors Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.65% during the forecast period of 2018 to 2023. By Device (Sphygmomanometer, Automated Blood Pressure Monitor, BP Transducers, Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor), By Technology (Digital, Aneroid, Wearable), By End User (Hospitals) - Global Forecast till 2023Market Scenario:Coronary pressure monitors are devices used to examine the coronary blood pressure of the patients having hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases. The coronary pressure monitoring devices were discovered a long time back. However, during the last few decades, these devices had acquired a huge attention due to increasing patient population with cardiovascular diseases, which is likely to boost the market growth during the forecasted period. It is well-established that obesity can lead to cardiovascular problems. According to the World Health Organisation in 2015, over 17.7 million patients died from cardiovascular diseases accounting for 31% of the total deaths and it is estimated that about 39% of the adults aged above 18 were overweight in 2016. Moreover, the growing geriatric population and increasing use of non-invasive devices fuel the market growth. However, erroneous readings by coronary pressure monitoring devices may restrain the market growth during the forecasted period.The global coronary pressure monitor market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.65% during forecast period, 2017-2023.Get Discount on Coronary Pressure Monitors Market Report @Key players for global coronary pressure monitor market:The key players in the global coronary pressure monitor market are Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Europe), General Electric Company (United States), Medtronic (Europe), Omron Corporation (Asia Pacific), A&D Medical Inc. (Asia Pacific), Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA (Europe), Rossmax International Ltd. (Asia Pacific), American Diagnostics Corp. (U.S.), and others.Segmentation:The global coronary pressure monitors market is segmented on the basis of devices, technology, and end users. On the basis of the devices, the market is segmented into sphygmomanometer, automated blood pressure monitor, BP transducers, ambulatory blood pressure monitor, instruments & accessories, and others. On the basis of the technology, the market is segmented into digital, aneroid, wearable, and others. On the basis of the end users, the market is segmented into hospitals, cardiac care centres, ambulatory centres & home care, academic institutes, and others.Access Sample Copy @Regional Analysis:America dominates the global coronary pressure monitor market owing to a well-developed healthcare sector and huge patient population for cardiovascular diseases. Apart from this, changing lifestyle and increasing healthcare expenditure have boosted the growth of the market in America. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in 2015, over 630,000 Americans died from heart disease, which represented 1 in every 4 deaths.Europe is the second largest coronary pressure monitor market, which is followed by Asia Pacific. Availability of funds for research, huge patient population, increasing healthcare expenditures, well-developed healthcare sector and government support for research & development are projected to drive the market growth during the forecasted period. Regionally, Europe is divided into Western Europe and Eastern Europe. Western Europe hold the major share of the regional market, which is majorly contributed by Germany, the U.K., and France. However, Eastern Europe is the fastest growing region due the huge opportunities in the untapped market.Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region in global the market due to the presence of a huge patient population, continuously developing economies like India and China, and presence of huge opportunity in the market. According to Indian Brand Equity Foundation in 2017, the Indian healthcare sector is one of the fastest growing industries and is expected to advance at a CAGR of 22.87% during the review period to reach USD 280 billion by 2020. Moreover, favourable government policies and increasing healthcare expenditures fuels the market growth within the region.On the other hand, the Middle East & Africa holds the least share in the global coronary pressure monitor market due to presence of poor economy, especially, in African region. Majority of the market of this region is held by the Middle East due to the well-developed healthcare sector and huge healthcare expenditure by the presence of economies like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Qatar.Browse Complete Premium 90 Pages Cooked Research Report Enabled with Respective Tables and Figures is Available @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.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune  411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems Market : Current and Future Plans 2025

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Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems Market: SnapshotOwing to factors such as growing demand for energy efficient devices, infrastructure development across various economies, rising income of people in the emerging countries, and lower operating cost, the demand in the global ductless heating and cooling systems is expected to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025. On the other hand, lower capacity than ducted air conditioners and high initial cost is expected to challenge the market from attaining its true potential in the near future. However, trends such as growing use of ecofriendly refrigerant and growing concern for indoor air quality will keep the market in good condition until 2025.Application-wise, the global ductless heating and cooling systems market is gaining maximum demand from the residential building, considerably more than the commercial and industrial building sectors. Residential building includes all sorts of structures such as apartments, houses, cottages, and condominiums. In these structures, ductless heating and cooling systems are used to maintain the temperature, and since they are easy to install and consume less energy, the demand is escalating. Residential buildings frequently use mini split ductless heating and cooling systems as they offer lower capacity and lower operating cost.Request Sample Copy of the Report @This report on the global ductless heating and cooling systems market has been compiled to serve as a credible business tool for the audiences such as the manufacturers of these systems, end-use market participants of different segments, government and research organizations, and environment support agencies. The includes assessment of all the factors that may impact the demand in the near future as well as profiles of some of the leading companies in order to understand the competitive landscape.Global Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems Market: OverviewThe global market for ductless heating and cooling systems is estimated to register a healthy growth rate in the next few years. The rising demand from the construction industry, especially from developing economies is likely to accelerate the growth of the overall market in the next few years. Furthermore, the development of new product and technological developments are anticipated to supplement the markets growth in the next few years. The research study has provided a detailed analysis of the market, focusing on the key growth factors that are estimated to encourage the growth of the market. Moreover, the key segmentation and the competitive scenario of the market have also been included in the study.Global Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe rising demand for energy efficient devices and the rapid pace of infrastructure development across diverse nations worldwide are some of the major factors anticipated to fuel the growth of the global ductless heating and cooling systems market in the next few years. In addition, the increasing income of consumers and their rising inclination towards enhancing their lifestyles are expected to accelerate the growth of the overall market in the next few years.Request TOC of the Report @On the contrary, the requirement of high initial cost and lower capacity of ductless heating and cooling systems in comparison with ducted air conditioners are projected to curtail the growth of the global market in the coming years. Moreover, several concerns related to the government regulations for refrigerant are likely to restrict the growth of the overall market. Nevertheless, the rising awareness among consumers regarding the concern for indoor air quality and the rising use of ecofriendly refrigerant are expected to contribute towards the development of the market.Global Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems Market: Region-wise OutlookFrom a geographical perspective, in 2015, Asia Pacific led the global ductless heating and cooling systems market and is anticipated to remain in the topmost position throughout the forecast period. The robust growth of the Asia Pacific market can be attributed to the tremendously rising population and the economic growth in several developing economies. In addition, a substantial contribution from India, China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia is expected to contribute extensively towards the development of the Asia Pacific market in the coming years.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Furthermore, the increasing use of ductless heating and cooling systems in commercial and residential buildings is anticipated to accelerate the growth of the market in the near future. The rising demand for ductless heating and cooling systems from China and the untapped opportunities in India are projected to fuel the growth of the overall market in the next few years. The research report has provided the market share, size, and growth rate of the regional segments in order to offer a clear picture of the global market.Key Players Mentioned in the Research Report are:At present, the global ductless heating and cooling systems market is highly competitive and fragmented in nature. The entry of new players in the global market is expected to result in a stiff competition among key players throughout the forecast players. Some of the prominent players operating in the ductless heating and cooling systems market across the globe are Daikin Industries Ltd., LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Whirlpool Corporation, Trane, Electrolux, Johnson Controls, United Technologies Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Hitachi, Ltd.The research study offers an in-depth competitive landscape of the global ductless heating and cooling systems market. The company profiles of the leading players in the market have been provided, along with their financial overview and business strategies. In addition, the SWOT analysis, recent developments, and mergers and acquisitions if any have been listed in the scope of the research study.About UsTMR 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:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Size of the Global Baby Diaper Machine Market from 2018 to 2023

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MarketResearchReports.Biz has recently announced the Latest industry research report on: "Global (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa) Baby Diaper Machine Market" : Industry Size, Share, Research, Reviews, Analysis, Strategies, Demand, Growth, Segmentation, Parameters, Forecasts.A Baby Diaper Machine is the machine that produces baby diapers. With the widespread use of baby diapers, Baby Diaper Machine has a tendency of faster production speed and higher automation degree.Request For Sample Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Baby Diaper Machine 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 coversZuikoFameccanicaGDMJoaPeixinJWC MachineryHCHXingshiCCSBicmaPine HeartM.D. ViolaHangzhou LoongMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversFull-Automatic Baby Diaper MachineSemi-Automatic Baby Diaper MachineMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoWaist Tape TypePants TypeComplete Report Details @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Baby Diaper Machine market.Chapter 1, to describe Baby Diaper Machine Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Baby Diaper Machine, with sales, revenue, and price of Baby Diaper Machine, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Baby Diaper Machine, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, 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 2013 to 2018;Chapter 12, Baby Diaper Machine market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Baby Diaper Machine sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceRequest For TOC Report @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Baby Diaper Machine Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Full-Automatic Baby Diaper Machine1.2.2 Semi-Automatic Baby Diaper Machine1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Waist Tape Type1.3.2 Pants Type1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 United States Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 Zuiko2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Baby Diaper Machine Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 Zuiko Baby Diaper Machine Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2 Fameccanica2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Baby Diaper Machine Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 Fameccanica Baby Diaper Machine Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3 GDM2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 Baby Diaper Machine Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 GDM Baby Diaper Machine Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4 JoaAbout 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
Healthcare Enterprise Software Market Report: Industry Manufacturers Analysis 2017-2027

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Healthcare software are used by the hospitals to manage clinical & non-clinical data. They help to maintain records of the patient electronically for easy storage and retrieval. These software help to manage, secure and analyze information in healthcare environment. Enormous data can be stored in the software instead of handling manual records. The demand of healthcare software is increasing with an increase in the number of software solutions available for healthcare management. Emphasis on electronic health records and stringent rule governing the management of patient information drive this market.The Global Healthcare Enterprise Software Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.7% during forecasted period 2017-2027.There are large number of multi-national medical device and software companies. Designing software according to the specific requirements of healthcare organizations is a challenging job for software companies. These IT companies development enterprise software or hospital management software thus fulfil the specific requirement of their clients. Use of software in healthcare management helps to store clinical and non-clinical data on the server so that it is available across the healthcare organization. Fierce competition among medical device companies and new software solutions available for healthcare management contribute to the growth of this market. Thus, Healthcare Enterprise Software Market is blooming due to an increase in demand for developing healthcare software, research and development activities for production of innovative products and emphasis on cost reduction and patient safety.Healthcare Enterprise Software in healthcare is the procedure of dealing with office's cases, installment and revenue generation processes and other management of healthcare organizations vital assets. In order to efficiently manage the patient revenue cycle of any organization, institute or office. In this era it is required or essential to have medical billing software, practice administration program which permits the management to successfully monitor the process. Cost of software solution may act as restrain for this market.Access Sample Copy atMajor Key Players Are:Microsoft Corporation (US), IBM (US), Oracle Corporation (US), Allscripts (US), Nuance Communications (US), McKesson Corporation (US), Cerner Corporations (US), Athenahealth (US), Medidata Solutions (US), CompuGroup (UK) and others are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the global Healthcare Enterprise Software Market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.Global Healthcare Enterprise Software Market  Company Analysis:Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation is an American multinational corporation that provides consulting, digital and operation services. In 2015, the company was named by Fortune magazine as worlds fourth most admired IT Solutions Company. In June 2017, the company acquired TMG health, healthcare IT Company. In June 2017, the company acquired TMG health, healthcare IT Company.Allscripts Healthcare Solutions is a publically traded outsourcing company providing healthcare professionals with electronic health records technology and practice management. Its solutions include care coordination, clinical and patient engagement.Global Healthcare Enterprise Software Market  Regional:Geographically, the regional market is segmented into America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.America is the largest market whose growth is attributed to increasing use of information technology in hospitals and demand for software solutions for managing medical records of patients. IBM Corporation and Microsoft Corporation are players in the U.S developing healthcare software solutions. Increasing importance of electronic health records, replacement of manual records by electronic records and extensive use of software solutions in healthcare management drive the growth of this market in North America. North America is the largest market whose growth is attributed to extensive use of healthcare software by healthcare professionals and growing importance of electronics medical records.Technological advancement in software development and easy adoption of information technology in healthcare also favor the growth of this market in North America. Maintenance of health records, awareness among patients about importance of their medical records & its legal applications and demand of user friendly software solutions drives this market in South America. Major medical device and healthcare IT companies in the U.S are global leaders in manufacturing medical devices and components as well as providing healthcare software solutions.Europe is the second largest market owing to an increase in adoption of information technology for healthcare management. The market is growing continuously and slowly catching up with the American market in the near future.Asia Pacific shows fastest growth in this market because of rising awareness about software and replacement of manual records by electronic ones. Asia Pacific market is expected to show fastest growth in the Healthcare Enterprise Software Market during the forecasted period. Diagnostic devices segment of this market is showing positive and increasing growth. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a major market player in Asia-Pacific. Increasing disease burden, population growth, healthcare demand outreaching supplies drive this market in Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa show steady growth in this market.Major Table of Contents:Chapter 1 Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope Of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations1.2.2.1 Assumptions1.2.2.2 Limitations1.3 Market Structure:Chapter 2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Process:2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research:Chapter 3 Market Dynamics3.1 Drivers3.2 Restraints3.3 Opportunities3.4 Macroeconomic IndicatorsChapter 4 Market Factor Analysis4.1 Porters Five Forces Model4.2 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers4.3 Bargaining Power Of Buyers4.4 Threat Of New Entrants4.5 Threat Of Substitutes4.6 Intensity Of RivalryContinuedGet Premium Discount atTop 5 Reasons to Buy the Reports:Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent development activitiesMarket Strategic Business Influence DataMarket Research Future recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimationsMarket share analysis of the top industry playersMarket forecasts for a minimum of 5 years of all the mentioned segments, Trends and the regional markets With SWOT AnalysisAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comMRFR has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to clients. 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Global Recombinant Vaccines Market - Insights, Size, Share, Opportunity Analysis, and Industry Forecast till 2025

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The recent past has witnessed a steady rise in incidence of zoonotic and infectious diseases in humans and animals as well, which lead to the increased research & developments for the innovation of new and effective recombinant vaccines for the prevention of diseases. Government has also taken an initiative to increase awareness regarding vaccination to prevent diseases in community. Manufacturing companies have also started some beneficial programs to provide vaccination free of cost to poor people, which creates a highly conducive environment for growth of the recombinant vaccines market in near future.National Immunization Program by Queensland Government in Australia and Indradhanush vaccination program in India works to provide vaccination among children throughout the nation. Various organizations such as World Health Organization, World Bank, and United Nations Childrens Funds has also taken and initiative to increase vaccination.Request Sample Copy Of This Report @The report segments the global recombinant vaccines market on basis of product type, end user, disease type and geography. On the basis of product type, the market is categorized into subunit recombinant vaccines, attenuated vaccines, and vector recombinant vaccines. Among these, the vector recombinant vaccines segment dominates the recombinant vaccines market throughout the forecast period. On the basis of disease type, the market is categorized into infectious disease, cancer, allergy, and others. On the basis of end user, the market is categorized into recombinant human vaccines and animal recombinant vaccines. On the basis of geography, the market is divided into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. Among all regions, North America contributes major market share supported by increased awareness among people and increase in infectious and viral diseases.It is expected that increase in focus towards awareness with respect to vaccination against vaccine preventable diseases and increased in the demand for recombinant will favor the growth of recombinant vaccines market in the near future. According to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia report 2014, there were around 85% of children over the globe vaccinated to protect them against tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and measles and these vaccines.Government has launched various vaccination program such as global vaccine action plan with aim to introduce new and improved vaccines, increase in research and technology for the development of new vaccines and eradication of vaccine preventable diseases such as rubella, measles and polio. According to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia report 2014, around 3 million people die from vaccine-preventable diseases each year around the globe. Approximately 1.5 million of these deaths are reported among children less than 5 years of age due to several infectious diseases, as they transmitted from one person to another.Complete Report Details @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.comVisit our news Website:
3D Bioprinted Human Tissue Market Set to Grow Exponentially During the Forecast 2016-2026

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Additive manufacturing i.e. 3D printing is either already used or being seriously considered in the aerospace & defence industry, automobile manufacturing, textile production, medical healthcare devices and computer equipment. It was first used for creating rapid prototypes and was conceived in the 1980s. Rapid advances in the field have led us to the advent of bioprinting in the 21st century. 3D bioprinting, as the name suggests, is a technique of recreating cells in a confined space with the help of 3D printers. Cell function and viability are preserved through this process which enables its use in either organ replacement or tissue engineering. The 3D bioprinted human tissue market is mainly concerned with the latter. While it has much in common with traditional additive manufacturing, the 3D bioprinted human tissue market has a number of unique characteristics and challenges exclusive to it.A sample of this report is available upon request @3D Bioprinted Human Tissue Market DriversThe main driver for the 3D bioprinted human tissue market is expected to be the field of tissue engineering. Tissue engineering is meant to repair or even replace different tissues like bone, blood vessel, cartilage, bladder, muscle, skin, heart etc. Demand for tissue engineering is expected to surge following the shift in focus from stem cell therapy to immune cellular therapies. A second important driver could be the organ replacement market. Medical institutions across the world are facing a severe shortage of organs that can be donated. 3D bioprinting could be used to replace parts of or even the entire tissue, saving countless lives in the process. It would also have the advantage of the transplanted organ being readily accepted, since the patients body would not treat the donors organ as foreign. The 3D bioprinted human tissue market could also be relevant in the booming global cosmetic surgery speciality. Patients could download a face scan from the Internet and apply it on their own. People might also want to have their face scanned during their teenage years, and reapply it every few years to appear as a perpetual youth!3D Bioprinted Human Tissue Market RestraintsWhile bioprinting is evolving very rapidly, there are still some major challenges which constrain the 3D bioprinted human tissues market, one of which is cell vascularization. 3D bioprinted human tissues would not get enough nutrients, be able to exchange gases or dispose of waste properly without a sound vascular network. This is an issue not only for 3D bioprinted human tissue but also for the 3D printed organ market. An effect of this is low cell viability, which means the tissue cannot be used for anything barring research purposes. Another restraint is the rapid tissue maturation process, where printed organs must be quickly fused, remodelled and matured towards a solid construct. The third critical challenge is the lack of biomaterials available. Bioprinting can only use a handful of materials at present and not all integrate seamlessly with the printing hardware along with possessing all the desired biological properties. These are the main reasons why the 3D bioprinted human tissue market has not been able to achieve its full potential yet.3D Bioprinted Human Tissue Market Key RegionsNorth America is the largest 3D bioprinted human tissue market at present and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future. This is due to the major 3D bioprinting players being based here, strong government investment in healthcare, massive R&D spending as well as a thriving private sector. The APAC region is anticipated to become increasingly important in the long term due to strong fundamentals. Europe will remain stable and is not expected to post very high growth rates in the 3D bioprinted human tissue market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @3D Bioprinted Human Tissue Market Key Market PlayersKey 3D bioprinted human tissue market players include Organovo, Stratasys Ltd., 3D Systems, Inc., SOLS Systems, Youbionic, Materialise NV, Oceanz 3D printing, The Pexion Group, &, and others.About UsFuture 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 Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
3D Printed Hip And Knee Implants Market to Significant Growth Foreseen by 2026

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3D printing i.e. additive manufacturing involves a layer by layer process to create physical objects out of digital 3D blueprints. It was mainly used for rapid prototyping in the late 1980's. However, it has now become a next-generation technology which can produce localised, on-demand final products or even spare parts. 3D printing is possible with a range of thermoplastics, metal alloys, ceramics & various foodstuffs. It has seen an application in diverse areas like aerospace, retail, supply chain optimisation, & the medical industry. The 3D printed Hip & Knee Implants Market could dramatically improve both the effectiveness of surgery along with reducing the time taken to recover. It was pioneered by Dr Susannah Clarke and has already been used in hundreds of hip & knee surgeries across the world. It uses CAT scans to create a 3D blueprint of the damaged hip or knee joint to be replaced. Surgeons can then use this to practice the operation on a computer, deciding beforehand where to make incisions or how to realign the bone. The 3D printed hip & knee implant market will help to make replacement surgery much safer & quicker in the long run.A sample of this report is available upon request @3D printed Hip & Knee Implants Market DriversAn ageing population in developed countries & China are expected to be the biggest driver of the 3D printed hip & knee implant market. Millions of people worldwide have to undergo either hip or knee replacement surgery every year. It is not people above 60 years but those between ages 45-54 who have shown the largest increase in percentage terms. This is because of improved implant quality and awareness of how they improve mobility and quality of life. Some of these initial surgeries fail due to contracting infections & patients then have to undergo another surgery to replace the implant. This has a much lower success rate & also causes significant pain & inconvenience. A second driver is that 3D printing is a minimally invasive procedure preferred by patients. Surgeons can rehearse the operation with the help of 3D models beforehand which allows them to make smaller incisions, reduce blood loss & assures an easier recovery. The 3D printed hip & knee implant market helps to reduce costs & inefficiencies as these parts will be an exact fit for an individual patient.3D printed Hip & Knee Implants Market RestraintsWhile the 3D printed hip & knee implant market has a tremendous scope with the pace at which 3D printing is advancing, there are still major challenges faced today. The first one is long term performance. 3D printed parts are inherently weaker than forged parts which are how traditional metal implants are made today. They are stronger than cast parts, but they wear down much faster than forged parts in lab tests. The second main concern is the lack of regulation. At present, more than 70 3D printed devices have been approved by 510(k) of the U.S. FDA Act and this includes medical implants as well. While those drafts have been approved, FDA technical guidance is still some time away. It is an open question how restrictive the guidelines will be once published. And this just pertains to the U.S as there is no governing body or standard worldwide. This means that the 3D printed hip & knee implant market will have to go through separate approvals in each country, increasing the effort and time taken by manufacturers.3D printed Hip & Knee Implants Market Key RegionsThe largest 3D printed hip & knee implant market is the U.S as half of all joint replacements worldwide take place there. China is the fastest growing market. Implants are heavily regulated there as the country currently imports a majority of them. Greater government pressure to manufacture indigenously is encouraging companies to enter the domestic 3D printed hip & knee implant market. The China Food And Drug Administration has also approved 3D printed hip plants for medical use there.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @3D printed Hip & Knee Implants Market Key Market PlayersSome companies in the 3D printed hip & knee implant market are Medtronic, DePuy, 3D Systems, Embody Orthopaedics & Smith & Nephew.About UsFuture 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 Us:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Gastric Ulcers Market Key Players  Astellas Pharma Inc, Boryung Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, ChoDang Pharm Co Ltd and Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co Ltd Analysis & Forecast 2017 to 2022

Gastric Ulcers

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WiseGuyReports.com with their unique quality of simplifying the market research study, presents a deep diving study report Gastric Ulcers - Pipeline Review, H2 2017Gastric UlcersOverviewGastric ulcer is a painful sore or ulcer in the lining of stomach. The most common cause of gastric ulcer is Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection. Symptoms include pain, bloating, retching, nausea or vomiting and unexplained weight loss. Predisposing factors include smoking and alcoholism. Treatment includes antibiotics and antacids.Click here for sample report @Top Companies mentionedAstellas Pharma IncBoryung Pharmaceutical Co LtdChoDang Pharm Co LtdDaewoong Pharmaceutical Co LtdKukje Pharmaceutical Industry Co LtdRaQualia Pharma IncXuanZhu Pharma Co LtdGastric Ulcers Industry Major OutlookPharmaceutical and Healthcare latest pipeline guide Gastric Ulcers - Pipeline Review, H1 2018, provides comprehensive information on the therapeutics under development for Gastric Ulcers , complete with analysis by stage of development, drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type. The guide covers the descriptive pharmacological action of the therapeutics, its complete research and development history and latest news and press releases.The Gastric Ulcers (Gastrointestinal) pipeline guide also reviews of key players involved in therapeutic development for Gastric Ulcers and features dormant and discontinued projects. The guide covers therapeutics under Development by Companies /Universities /Institutes, the molecules developed by Companies in Phase III, Phase II, Phase I and Preclinical stages are 1, 2, 4 and 6 respectively.Gastric Ulcers pipeline guide helps in identifying and tracking emerging players in the market and their portfolios, enhances decision making capabilities and helps to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage.Gastric Ulcers - Competitive AnalysisKey players are making innovative developments in Gastric Ulcers industry. The same will help in improving the market performance. Heavy investments are made by major players in the R&D sectorScopeThe pipeline guide provides a snapshot of the global therapeutic landscape of Gastric Ulcers.The pipeline guide reviews pipeline therapeutics for Gastric Ulcers by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources.The pipeline guide covers pipeline products based on several stages of development ranging from pre-registration till discovery and undisclosed stages.The pipeline guide features descriptive drug profiles for the pipeline products which comprise, product description, descriptive licensing and collaboration details, R&D brief, MoA & other developmental activities.The pipeline guide reviews key companies involved in Gastric Ulcers therapeutics and enlists all their major and minor projects.The pipeline guide evaluates Gastric Ulcers therapeutics based on mechanism of action (MoA), drug target, route of administration (RoA) and molecule type.The pipeline guide encapsulates all the dormant and discontinued pipeline projects.The pipeline guide reviews latest news related to pipeline therapeutics for Gastric Ulcers..ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Global Push Buttons and Signaling Devices Market to grow at a CAGR of 4.52% during 2017-2021 | ABB, Eaton, GE, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric

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Push buttons are controls that regulate some feature of a process or equipment installed in industries. The shape of a push button is designed to accommodate human finger or hand and are basically made of hard material such as plastic or metal. Signaling devices mostly raise an alarm to indicate a warning. The alarm can be either visual or audio depending on the requirement, application, and surroundings.The global push buttons and signaling devices market to grow at a CAGR of 4.52% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global push buttons and signaling devices market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers new installations, sales value, and replacement market.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAClick to get Sample PDF:Technavio's report, Global Push Buttons and Signaling Devices Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- ABB- Eaton- GE- Rockwell Automation- Schneider ElectricOther prominent vendors- EUCHNER- Honeywell- Johnson Electric- American Distributors (ADI)- AT Components (Assembly Technology Components)- BACO Controls- PATLITE- OMRONMarket driver- Easy setup and low maintenance cost- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Presence of low-cost safety device manufacturers- For a full, detailed list, view our reportView Complete TOC with Tables and Figures at:Key questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?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.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
North America has major share in processed meat market due to high demand for protein rich food stuff.

Processed Meat Market - Global Processed Meat Industry Size, Share, Price, Growth Trends, Applications, Potential, Technology, For

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Processed Meat Market size will witness a significant growth owing to growth in food industry. With the increase in number of working women, disposable income, busy working schedule, the consumption of meat has increased. Reduction in price has further increased its consumption. There has been a significant growth in food texturing agents market that provide a mouth watery feel enhance the shelf life of the product. These factors are expected to propel the processed meat market.Purchasing power in the emerging countries has grown and this has positively influenced the market. Further, there has been growth in consumer awareness regarding protein richness in meat products. Increase in number of meat processing companies and better distribution channel has boosted the product demand. Advancement in processing technologies and increased use of convenience food has further boosted the processed meat market.Processed meat generally comprise of pork, beef and poultry meat. Some of the common methods include smoking, salting, fermentation and curing. Its product include ham, bacon, hotdogs, salami, sausages, beef jerky, canned beef and corned beef. Its processing began when people realized that life of products can be increased by cooking and salting. In earlier times, in Egypt, processing was done through sun drying and Romans used ice and snow for their storage. Institutes namely North American Meat Institute (NAMI) legislate and regulate the processed meat market.Ask for Table of Content this report @International Agency for Research on Cancer, American Institute for Cancer Research and World Cancer Research Fund have stated that consumption of the product increases the risk of colorectal and stomach cancer. With increase in time, the fat content increases and protein content decreases in the product. Further their excess consumption can lead to high blood pressure, heart diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. These factors may restrict the processed meat market.Processed meat is available in several products including, pork, beef, poultry and mutton. Poultry has major share owing to low cost of production, low cholesterol content and high protein content. Pork has substantial share in processed meat market and is expected to increase due to its growing demand in products including bacon, sausages, trotters and hamburgers. Beef and mutton consumption has seen a rise in Middle East countries. These are further divided into cured and uncured. The cured products have more than 60% share due to increasing awareness regarding the risks of consuming uncured meat.It is processed in three methods including, chilled frozen and canned. Chilled frozen has larger share owing to increase in demand for quick meal but its demand is declining due to its shorter shelf life. Frozen has substantial share and has seen a rise due to increased usage of hotdogs & salami and greater shelf life. Canned have significant share with its usage in daily meals.Processed meat market is available through various distribution channels including, supermarket, department & grocery stores and online retailers. The supermarket has major share as urban and semi urban population prefer these owing to ease in availability of product and its comparison. There has been considerable increase in number of stores with major players including Walmart. Department and grocery stores have considerable share and witnessing substantial growth with increase in local demand for the product.North America has major share in processed meat market due to high demand for protein rich food stuff. The U.S. accounts for over 37% of the worldwide sales of processed food. This is major driving factor for the product in this region. Increased consumption of red meat in Mexico is a key factor for this market.Asia Pacific processed meat market will foresee significant growth due to increasing population and strengthening retail segment. China is one of the largest consumers of the product.Middle East & African countries are huge consumers of mutton and beef, with the rising living standards & disposable income its share is expected to grow. Europe has nascent share in the demand but with increased consumption in Russia, its demand has spurred.The processed meat market is consolidated with the presence of few industry players in the market holding major share. Some of the key industry players of processed meat market are Tyson Foods, ConAgra, Advance Food Company, Cargill, Pilgrims Pride Corporation, Hormel foods, Keystone Foods and Sysco Corporation to name a few.Companies are adopting several strategies to capture processed meat market including, agreements, mergers, and acquisitions. Smithfield Food acquired ConAgra Foods frozen meat business segment. The acquisition will help the company to expand in new geographical areas.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.Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:Connect with us: Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter
Global Personalized Cell Therapy Market - Insights, Opportunity Analysis, and Industry Forecast till 2025

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The continuous development in science and technology sector has led to development of various novel individualized drugs, which would fuel growth of the personalized cell therapy market in the near future. Personalized cell therapy favors the accurate diagnosis of the disease and active monitoring of the treatment response and disease progression. This allows for early detection of diseases at molecular level and enables the physician to prepare the treatment regime for the specific patient requirement. This helps the patient recover at a significant pace and also helps avoid any major side effects, as individualized cell therapy is based on patients genomics.Newly introduced procedures and techniques are expected to favor increase in adoption rate for personalized cell therapy in the near future. New ventures in the biologics industry are expected to be a major push for the market to grow, for instance, a high demand for biological compounds is influencing organizations to manufacture products using the biopharmaceutical process, which is further administered through injections.Request Sample Copy Of This Report @Large untapped markets in emerging economies can be capitalized upon through favorable product pricing, which further can facilitate the increase in number of procedures worldwide. Also, as the manufacturing cost requirement is low in emerging economies as compare to developed countries this will help to grow the market in emerging economies such as India and China.In complicated neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, stroke or spinal cord injuries, scientist claim that stem cells treatment may be the best option or choice of cure. Stem cells can be replaced with damaged cells or the cells, which are highly mitigated to immune responses even in the central nervous system. There are no successful clinical trials so far, as the scientists are facing hurdles in stem cell therapies, however, the use of embryonic stem cells is still a moral issue in most of the regions, obtaining adult stem cells is difficult to collect or tough to be expanded in a therapeutically sufficient amount.There are several studies conducted on stem cell or personalized cell therapy to treat neurological disorder and spinal cord injury. For instance, in September 2016, MAPFRE Foundation, announced first clinical trial results on personalized cell therapy in patients with complete and chronic spinal cord injury. The study was to implant mesenchymal stem cells, which can create different types of tissue to treat spinal cord injury. The results obtained, explains the improvement in sensitivity and spasticity (muscle stiffness) in all cases, bowel improvement and bladder control in over 80% of patients. Thus, players in the global personalized cell therapy market are focusing efforts to cater to this large target audience.Some of the major companies in personalized cell therapy market are Cytori Therapeutics Inc., Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Saneron CCEL Therapeutics, Inc., MolMed S.p.A. and Vericel Corporation.Complete Report Details @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.comVisit our news Website:
Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market Outlook with Ongoing Trends, Top Players Profile Analysis and Forecast 2017-2022

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A fresh report has been added to the wide database of Fact.MR. The research study is titled Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking: Global Review 2017 to 2022which encloses important data about the production, consumption, revenue and market share, merged with information related to the market scope and product overview.Request for Sample Report-Medical organizations as well as leaders in the global pharmaceuticals industry are stepping up their efforts towards development of profound diagnosis for blood cancer. Rising number of deaths caused by blood cancer is taking a toll on governments as people are demanding precision diagnosis and a cure-all for this terminal disease. In a bid to adapt to the urban rat race, millions of consumers have adopted lifestyles that are stemming the occurrence of blood cancer. For public administration authorities, compelling people to avoid such lifestyles is like challenging the status quo. The burden of controlling the incidence of blood cancer gets passed on to hospitals & medical research organizations as they strive to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.The report on the global market for blood cancer discusses such key factors that govern the economics of blood cancer diagnostics across the globe. Some of the key influences for the growth of global blood cancer diagnostics market include:1. rising presence of carcinogenic elements in common consumables2. surging exposure to toxic substances in factories & industrial settings3. lack of awareness related to causes, symptoms, and preventive measures for blood cancer4. high healthcare costs, deterring blood cancer patients from seeking optimum diagnosisWith growing incidence of blood cancer, the future generations will witness a more accessible, affordable, and diagnosis-associated treatment for blood cancer. As blood cancer research organizations & societies struggle to develop effective medications in tight-budgeted capitals, governments are deploying initiatives that boost the awareness of blood cancer.Browse Full Report with TOC-Table Of Content:Chapter 1. Global Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market - Executive Summary. 12Chapter 2. Global Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market Overview. 142.1. Introduction. 142.1.1. Global Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market Taxonomy. 142.1.2. Global Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market Definition. 142.2. Global Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market Size (US$ Mn) and Forecast, 2012-2022. 152.2.1. Global Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market Y-o-Y Growth. 152.3. Global Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market Dynamics. 152.3.1. Drivers. 152.3.2. Restraints. 162.3.3. Trends. 162.4. Supply Chain. 162.5. Epidemiology. 162.6. List of Distributors. 162.7. Average Pricing Analysis. 172.8. Regulations. 172.9. Key Participants Market Presence (Intensity Map) By Region. 17Chapter 3. Global Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market Analysis and Forecast By Test Type. 183.1. Global Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market Size and Forecast By Test Type, 2012-2022. 183.1.1. CBC Tests Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market Size and Forecast, 2012-2022. 183.1.1.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region. 183.1.1.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region. 203.1.1.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By Region. 203.1.2. CTC Tests Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market Size and Forecast, 2012-2022. 213.1.2.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region. 213.1.2.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region. 233.1.2.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By Region. 233.1.3. Blood Protein Testing Blood Cancer Diagnostics Market Size and Forecast, 2012-2022. 243.1.3.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region. 243.1.3.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region. 263.1.3.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By Region. 26Continued.Request Discount on This Report-About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized Healthcare market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MRSuite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTelephone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.com/Web:
Global Industrial Wax Market 2018- HCI, Sasol, Sinopec, Royal Dutch Shell

Global Industrial Wax Market

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Apex Market Reports, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Global Industrial Wax Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Global Industrial Wax 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 Industrial Wax industry, and estimates the future trend of Global Industrial Wax market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Global Industrial Wax Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportSinopecRoyal Dutch ShellPetroleo Brasileiro S.AExxon MobilSasolOil Co. Lukoil PJSCNumaligarh RefineryHCIThe Blayson GroupThe market research report explores the Global Industrial Wax market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Global Industrial Wax 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 Global Industrial Wax market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Global Industrial Wax. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Global Industrial Wax 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 Global Industrial Wax is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Global Industrial Wax market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Global Industrial Wax market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The Global Industrial Wax market 2018 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Global Industrial Wax production volume, data pertaining to demand and Global Industrial Wax supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Global Industrial Wax 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 Global Industrial Wax across the world.About UsApex Market Reports offers elevating market research globally. We have collection of various syndicated reports of different categories. Apex Market Reports provides you to best services, weather youre searching for new trends in market or competitive scenario in emerging market.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 ValadezCorporate Sales Specialist155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606Phone: +17739042683Email id - sales@apexmarketreports.comWebsite -
Feb 22, 2018: GC Syringes Market Forecast 2018-2025 Hamilton Company, SGE, ILS, ITO, Agilent

GC Syringes Market

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GC Syringes Market Research 2018A market study "Global GC Syringes Market" examines the performance of the GC Syringes market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the GC Syringes market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of GC Syringes market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global GC Syringes Market 2018 report includes GC Syringes market Revenue, market Share, GC Syringes industry volume, market Trends, GC Syringes Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, GC Syringes Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2025.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global GC Syringes Market 2018 :1. Hamilton Company2. SGE3. Thermo Scientific4. ILS5. Agilent6. ITO7. Ace Glass8. PerkinElmer9. Spectrum Chromatography10. MP Biomedicals11. Shanghai Jiaan12. Shanghai GaogeGC Syringes Market : By Application Pharmaceuticals Research OtherGC Syringes Market : By Type Autosampler Syringes Manual SyringesFirstly, the report covers the top GC Syringes manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the GC Syringes report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of GC Syringes industry, GC Syringes industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. GC Syringes Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The GC Syringes 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 GC Syringes market revenue worldwide.Finally, GC Syringes 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:"QY Research Store" 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, USAWeb:Email: sales@qyresearchstore.com
Feb 22, 2018: HPLC Syringes Market Forecast 2018-2025 Ace Glass, PerkinElmer, Spectrum Chromatography

HPLC Syringes Market

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HPLC Syringes Market Research 2018A market study "Global HPLC Syringes Market" examines the performance of the HPLC Syringes market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the HPLC Syringes market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of HPLC Syringes market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global HPLC Syringes Market 2018 report includes HPLC Syringes market Revenue, market Share, HPLC Syringes industry volume, market Trends, HPLC Syringes Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, HPLC Syringes Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2025.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global HPLC Syringes Market 2018 :1. Hamilton Company2. SGE3. Thermo Scientific4. ILS5. Agilent6. ITO7. Ace Glass8. PerkinElmer9. Spectrum Chromatography10. MP Biomedicals11. Shanghai Jiaan12. Shanghai GaogeHPLC Syringes Market : By Application Pharmaceuticals Research OtherHPLC Syringes Market : By Type Autosampler Syringes Manual SyringesFirstly, the report covers the top HPLC Syringes manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the HPLC Syringes report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of HPLC Syringes industry, HPLC Syringes industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. HPLC Syringes Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The HPLC Syringes 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 HPLC Syringes market revenue worldwide.Finally, HPLC Syringes 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:"QY Research Store" 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, USAWeb:Email: sales@qyresearchstore.com
Feb 22, 2018: Floating Walkways Market Forecast 2018-2025 Atlantic Marine, Clement Germany, Marina Dock Systems

Floating Walkways Market 2018

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Floating Walkways Market Research 2018A market study "Global Floating Walkways Market" examines the performance of the Floating Walkways market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Floating Walkways market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Floating Walkways market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Floating Walkways Market 2018 report includes Floating Walkways market Revenue, market Share, Floating Walkways industry volume, market Trends, Floating Walkways Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Floating Walkways Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2025.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Floating Walkways Market 2018 :1. Atlantic Marine2. CANDOCK3. Clement Germany4. EZ Dock5. FDN Group6. Inland and Coastal Marina Systems7. Marina Dock Systems8. Metalu Industries International9. Structurmarine10. Yacht Port MarinasFloating Walkways Market : By Application Ports Marinas OtherFloating Walkways Market : By Type Wood Aluminum OtherFirstly, the report covers the top Floating Walkways manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Floating Walkways report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Floating Walkways industry, Floating Walkways industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Floating Walkways Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Floating Walkways 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 Floating Walkways market revenue worldwide.Finally, Floating Walkways 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:"QY Research Store" 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, USAWeb:Email: sales@qyresearchstore.com
Global Chemical Protective Gloves Market Sales, Demand, Revenue, Size, Share, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2026

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Market Research Reports Search Engine examines the global chemical protection gloves for the forecast period 2017-2026. The main objective of this research report is to recognize the opportunities in various regional markets and deliver updates as well as information regarding the various aspects of global market for chemical protection. The report commences with an overview of the global chemical protective gloves market, with assessments on key market segments offered in the report in terms of revenues.Free Sample Copy of Report @The report also includes an executive summary that highlights the key market segments where player may find extensive opportunities. This section of the report is followed by an in-depth analysis of key drivers, opportunities, trends and restraints that are likely to influence the market in the near future. Impact analysis of the key drivers and restraints based on the weighted average model is also included in the report.Global Chemical Protective Market: SegmentationThe report also offers an all-inclusive perspective on the growth of the global market for chemical protective gloves in terms of revenue estimates (in US$ Mn). The fact and figures presented in the report are based on the assessment made after considering the impact of various political, economic, technological, legal and technological aspects along with existing dynamics influencing the market on a global level. Further, the report offers industry development and key market indicators for the global chemical protective gloves market. The report also offers a thorough analysis on the competitive landscape of the market, market dynamics and the most profitable segments in the market. This report on the global market for chemical protective gloves offer a detailed cross segment and cross country analysis based on the different segments including product type and applications. Based on the product type, the market is segmented into butyl gloves, natural gloves, neoprene gloves and nitrile gloves. By application, the chemical protective gloves market has been segmented into manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, transportation, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, mining, agriculture and defense & maritime. The report also offers a profiling of leading market players, their growth strategies and recent developments under the competition landscape section, which includes market positioning analysis of prominent companies functioning in the chemical protective gloves market.Complete Outlook of Report @The competition landscape offered in the report for global chemical protective gloves market notes capabilities and growth potential of companies and also benchmarks the key companies in the global market on the basis of top line growth, segment growth, market position, R&D focus, market share, infrastructure capabilities, product offerings, and future outlook.Research MethodologyTMR has used a novel and credible research methodology for obtaining revenue estimated related to the global chemical protective gloves market. In addition, a through in-depth secondary research has been conducted for estimating overall market size and identifying top market players. Also, the data in the report has been sourced from valuable inputs from company executive and industry expert through exhaustive primary interviews. Such research methodologies allowed an unbiased rendering process of market analysis and forecast. Information collected through secondary and primary research are authenticated carefully and verified using the advanced tools for making definitive conclusion on the global chemical protective gloves market.Enquire about this Report @About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY  12207 (United States)Telephone: +1-518-730-0559 (US- Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At:
Global Industrial Metal Detector Market, Sales, Revenue, Volume, Demand, Trends, Growth, and Forecast 2017 - 2026

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Industrial metal detectors designate occurrence of metal in various non-conductive materials such as ceramics & glasses, concrete, fabrics, wood products, powders, plastics and rubber. Industrial metal detectors are used for deciding hygiene or confirming the tramp metals non-appearance in wholesale or incessant products, above and over reprocessed materials. The valuable metal manufacturing that comprises metals such as platinum and gold is significantly outsized by means of cost. Substantial demand for such metals in the market stokes demand for effective metal detection equipment. Manufacturers of industrial metal detectors are increasingly emphasizing on the development of cost-effective, strong and accessible products, in a bid to leverage the ongoing requirement for safety screening.Free Sample Copy of Report @Market Research Reports Search Engine has recently developed a new report titled Industrial Metal Detector Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012-2016) and Forecast (2017-2026). The report offers an in-depth insights and analysis on the market expansion through the forecast period - 2017 to 2026. The industrial metal detector market has been explored at a global scale, offering information on the market dynamics that are likely to affect the market expansion significantly. The report on global market for industrial metal detector offers an extensive knowledge base to the market players seeking global expansion. Analysis delivered in this report is imperative for the market players & investors for estimating expansion potential of global industrial metal detector market in the near future.Structure of ReportBeginning with a chapter on the executive summary, the report delivers future prospects of the segments, coupled with significant market numbers such as the CAGR for historical period (2012-2016) and CAGR for forecast period (2017-2026). Intelligence on profitable regions for growth of global industrial metal detector market is also delivered in the report based on the revenue shares and sales growth rate over the forecast period. A chapter on overview proceeds the executive summary, delivering an incisive market introduction trailed by the definition of industrial metal detector, to convey report readers regarding the broad scope of the market. In its subsequent chapters, the report offers information on the latest dynamics including the driving factors, restraining factors, opportunities and trends that might affect expansion of the market.Complete Outlook of Report @Competitive LandscapeThe report also offers an intensity map, wherein the occupancy of key players actively partaking in global industrial metal detector market have been tracked. This last chapter of the report delivers information on the market players, providing insights associated with the competitive landscape of the market. Key market players are profiled in detail in this chapter, and information about these market players has been offered based on their key financials, key developments, company overview, product overview, and SWOT analysis. Intelligence offered on the markets competitive landscape is priceless for readers of the report, as it comprises every necessary insight for analysing contribution of leading players to growth of the market. The competition landscape also enables studying how market players are implementing their strategies and their aims for staying at forefront of the global industrial metal detector market.Enquire about this Report @About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY  12207 (United States)Telephone: +1-518-730-0559 (US- Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At:
Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market Studies Research 2018 Detailed Analysis of Restrain and Growth Factors

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The report on Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by technology (energy storage, combined heat, power, wind), software (analytics, management, control, virtual power plants), end-user (commercial, residential, government, municipalities, industrial, military) trends analysis and forecasts up to 2024 studies the market sizes, key trends and opportunities in the main geographies such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World. According to the report the Global Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.62% in terms of value over the period of 2018-2024. The growth in the world market is primarily driven by significant contribution by North America (Leading region) region to this market.Get Free Sample Pages of this Report:Segments CoveredThe report on global distributed energy resource management system market covers segments such as technology, software and end-user. On the basis of technology the global distributed energy resource management system market is categorized into energy storage, combined heat & power, solar PV, wind, and others. Furthermore, on the basis of software the distributed energy resource management system market is segmented as analytics, management & control, and virtual power plants. The end-user segments include commercial, residential, government & municipalities, industrial, and military.Geographic CoverageThe report provides regional analysis covering geographies such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World. In this section the key trends and market size for each geography is provided over the period of 2016  2024. The countries covered in the North America region include the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; while Asia-Pacific includes China, Japan, India, South Korea, Malaysia and among others. Moreover, European region covers countries such as Germany, UK, France, Spain, and rest of Europe. The U.S. drives the growth in the North America region as it is the largest market in the region. The Asia-pacific region offers a substantial potential for the market growth owing to rapid growth in markets such as India and China. The APAC region is projected to experience a growth at a CAGR of x.x% over the period of 2018 - 2024.Companies Profiled Covered in this Report:The report provides profiles of the companies in the global distributed energy resource management system market such as, Enernoc, Inc., Enbala Power Networks, Inc., Sunverge Energy, Inc, Blue Pillar, Inc., Spirae, Inc., Open Access Technology International, Inc., Doosan Gridtech, Inc., Siemens AG, General Electric, and Schneider Electric.Table of Content1. Preface1.1 Report Description1.2 Research Methods1.3 Research Approaches2. Executive Summary3. Global Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market Overview3.1 Introduction3.2 Market Dynamics3.2.1 Drivers3.2.2 Restraints3.2.3 Opportunities3.3 Porters Five Forces Analysis3.4 IGR  Growth Matrix Analysis3.5 Competitive Landscape in the Global Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market4. Global Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Technology 2018 - 20244.1 Energy Storage4.2 Combined Heat & Power4.3 Solar PV4.4 Wind4.5 Others5. Global Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Software 2018 - 20245.1 Analytics5.2 Management & Control5.3 Virtual Power Plants6. Global Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by End-User 2018 - 20246.1 Commercial6.2 Residential6.3 Government & Municipalities6.4 Industrial6.5 Military7. Global Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Regions 2018 - 20247.1 North America7.1.1 North America Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by End-User7.1.2 North America Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Technology7.1.3 North America Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Software7.1.4 North America Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Country7.2 Europe7.2.1 Europe Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by End-User7.2.2 Europe Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Technology7.2.3 Europe Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Software7.2.4 Europe Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Country7.3 Asia-Pacific7.3.1 Asia-Pacific Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by End-User7.3.2 Asia-Pacific Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Technology7.3.3 Asia-Pacific Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Software7.3.4 Asia-Pacific Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Country7.4 RoW7.4.1 RoW Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by End-User7.4.2 RoW Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Technology7.4.3 RoW Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Software7.4.4 RoW Distributed Energy Resource Management System Market by Sub-region8. Companies Covered8.1 Enernoc, Inc.8.2 Enbala Power Networks, Inc.8.3 Sunverge Energy, Inc8.4 Blue Pillar, Inc.8.5 Spirae, Inc.8.6 Open Access Technology International, Inc.8.7 Doosan Gridtech, Inc.8.8 Siemens AG8.9 General Electric8.10 Schneider ElectricAbout Us:Infinium Global Research and Consulting Solutions is started with a single motto of being business partner of first choice. We at Infinium work on the strengths of our clients to ensure we help them consolidate their market position. We firmly believe in the fact that if you are able to develop newer opportunities then you find there is no dearth of opportunities for you.Contact Us:Infinium Global ResearchGoyal Shinde Park, Bhau Patil Road,Bopodi, Pune-411 020.U.S. + Canada Toll Free: 1-800-638-0796Email: sales@infiniumglobalresearch.comWebsite:
Global Surveillance Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023

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The Report North America and Europe Surveillance Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.bizAbout Surveillance MarketThis report focuses on surveillance system used for residential, commercial and Public & Government Infrastructure.Get Sample copy of this Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Surveillance in North America and Europe market, especially in United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries/Regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversHikvisionDahua TechnologyAxis Communications ABPanasonicHoneywell SecurityHanwhaUnited TechnologiesTycoBosch Security SystemsPelcoHuawei TechnologiesSiemens AGAvigilon CorporationUniviewFlir Systems, IncRequest for TOC @Market Segment by Countries, coveringUnited StatesUnited KingdomCanadaGermanyFranceItalySpainMarket Segment by Type, coversCameraOther HardwareSoftware &ServicesMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoResidential UseCommercial UsePublic & Government InfrastructureThere are 19 Chapters to deeply display the North America and Europe Surveillance market.Chapter 1, to describe Surveillance 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 Surveillance, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the North America and Europe market by countries, covering United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, with sales, price, revenue and market share of Surveillance, for each country, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 to analyze the key countries by manufacturers, Type and Application, covering 7 countries, with sales, revenue and market share by manufacturers, types and applications;Chapter 14, Surveillance market forecast, by countries, type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 15, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process, etc.Chapter 16, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 17, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, etc.Chapter 18 and 19, to describe the research findings and conclusion, appendix, methodology and data source.View Report @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Surveillance Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Camera1.2.2 Other Hardware1.2.3 Software &Services1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Residential Use1.3.2 Commercial Use1.3.3 Public & Government Infrastructure1.4 Market Analysis by Countries1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.4.2 Canada Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.4.3 United Kingdom Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.4.4 Germany Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.4.5 France Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.4.6 Italy Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.4.7 Spain Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 Hikvision2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 Hikvision Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2 Dahua Technology2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 Dahua Technology Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3 Axis Communications AB2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 Axis Communications AB Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4 Panasonic2.4.1 Business Overview2.4.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 Panasonic Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5 Honeywell Security2.5.1 Business Overview2.5.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 Honeywell Security Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.6 Hanwha2.6.1 Business Overview2.6.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Type 12.6.2.2 Type 22.6.3 Hanwha Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.7 United Technologies2.7.1 Business Overview2.7.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.7.2.1 Type 12.7.2.2 Type 22.7.3 United Technologies Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.8 Tyco2.8.1 Business Overview2.8.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.8.2.1 Type 12.8.2.2 Type 22.8.3 Tyco Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.9 Bosch Security Systems2.9.1 Business Overview2.9.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.9.2.1 Type 12.9.2.2 Type 22.9.3 Bosch Security Systems Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.10 Pelco2.10.1 Business Overview2.10.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.10.2.1 Type 12.10.2.2 Type 22.10.3 Pelco Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.11 Huawei Technologies2.11.1 Business Overview2.11.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.11.2.1 Type 12.11.2.2 Type 22.11.3 Huawei Technologies Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.12 Siemens AG2.12.1 Business Overview2.12.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.12.2.1 Type 12.12.2.2 Type 22.12.3 Siemens AG Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.13 Avigilon Corporation2.13.1 Business Overview2.13.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.13.2.1 Type 12.13.2.2 Type 22.13.3 Avigilon Corporation Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.14 Uniview2.14.1 Business Overview2.14.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.14.2.1 Type 12.14.2.2 Type 22.14.3 Uniview Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.15 Flir Systems, Inc2.15.1 Business Overview2.15.2 Surveillance Type and Applications2.15.2.1 Type 12.15.2.2 Type 22.15.3 Flir Systems, Inc Surveillance Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)Buy Now @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.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Cloud Billing Industry Report Focuses On the Status and Outlook for Major Applications/End Users, Consumption, Share and Growth Rate

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Cloud Billing is a process which generate bills from the resources data by using a predefined set of policies of billing. The cloud billing module enabled services focusing on architecture which covers both functional and non-functional requirements. The functional requirement consist of user identification, quote service, payment schemes, and conversion functions and policies whereas non-functional requirement includes fault tolerance, scalability, standards, and security. The major drivers of cloud billing markets are rise in demand for convergent and centralized billing solutions and growing demand for billing operations will drive the market in forecast period.Free Request Sample Copy is Available atThe factor that can act as a restraint in the growth of the market is the time consuming change from on-premises to cloud-based billing and constantly changing technologies may hamper the cloud billing market. However, the increasing demand of rise in demand of real-time billing and maintaining customer relationship management will create new opportunities in the market of cloud billing in the forecast period.The "Global Cloud Billing Market Analysis to 2025" is a specialized and in-depth study of the billing services with a focus on the global market trend. The report aims to provide an overview of global cloud billing market with detailed market segmentation by providers, billing type, enterprise size, application, and geography. The global cloud billing market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the leading market players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.The report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global cloud billing market based on providers, billing type, enterprise size, and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall cloud billing market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM). The market by each region is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report covers analysis and forecast of 16 counties globally along with current trend and opportunities prevailing in the region.Inquire Before BuyingBesides this, the report analyzes factors affecting market from both demand and supply side and further evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend. The report also provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions namely; North America, Europe, APAC, MEA and South America after evaluating political, economic, social and technological factors effecting the market in these regions.Also, key cloud billing market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered, financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years. Some of the key players influencing the market Oracle Corporation, Amazon Web Services, Inc., NEC Corporation, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), SAP SE, IBM, Amdocs Inc.,,Aria Systems, Inc.,,CGI Group Inc., and Zuora, Inc. among others.Global Cloud Billing Market Players:1. Oracle Corporation2. Amazon Web Services, Inc.3. NEC Corporation4. Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC)5. SAP SE6. IBM7. Amdocs Inc.8. Aria Systems, Inc.9. CGI Group Inc.10. Zuora, Inc.Complete Report is Available atReasons To Buy- Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies- Understand new and emerging developments in major region of North America and impact of that on overall market.- Identify key market drivers and restraints in market and to take align business in order to get maximum profit- The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in this market, thereby allowing players across the value chain to develop effective long term strategies.- Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies- Helps clients to overcome challenges expected to restrict growth prospects of this market during the forecast periodNote: If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you wantAbout ReportsWeb:ReportsWeb is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers.Contact Us:Phone: +1-646-491-9876Email Id: sales@reportsweb.com
Global Barrier Coatings Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023

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he Report North America and Europe Thermal Barrier Coatings Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Thermal Barrier Coatings MarketThermal barrier coatings (TBC) are highly advanced materials systems usually applied to metallic surfaces, such as on gas turbine or aero-engine parts, operating at elevated temperatures, as a form of exhaust heat management. TBCs are characterised by their very low thermal conductivity, the coating bearing a large temperature gradient when exposed to heat flow. The most commonly applied TBC material is yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ).Get Sample copy of this Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Thermal Barrier Coatings in North America and Europe market, especially in United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries/Regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversPraxair Surface TechnologiesOerlikon GroupBodycote plcH.C. Starck GmbHCincinnati Thermal Spray, Inc.Precision Coatings, Inc.A&A CoatingsASB Industries Inc.Flame Spray Coating Co.Request for TOC @Market Segment by Countries, coveringUnited StatesUnited KingdomCanadaGermanyFranceItalySpainMarket Segment by Type, coversServiceCoatings MaterialsMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoAerospaceAutomotiveMilitaryPowerOtherThere are 19 Chapters to deeply display the North America and Europe Thermal Barrier Coatings market.Chapter 1, to describe Thermal Barrier Coatings 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 Thermal Barrier Coatings, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the North America and Europe market by countries, covering United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, with sales, price, revenue and market share of Thermal Barrier Coatings, for each country, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 to analyze the key countries by manufacturers, Type and Application, covering 7 countries, with sales, revenue and market share by manufacturers, types and applications;Chapter 14, Thermal Barrier Coatings market forecast, by countries, type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 15, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process, etc.Chapter 16, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 17, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, etc.Chapter 18 and 19, to describe the research findings and conclusion, appendix, methodology and data source.View Report @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Thermal Barrier Coatings Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Service1.2.2 Coatings Materials1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Aerospace1.3.2 Automotive1.3.3 Military1.3.4 Power1.3.5 Other1.4 Market Analysis by Countries1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.4.2 Canada Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.4.3 United Kingdom Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.4.4 Germany Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.4.5 France Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.4.6 Italy Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.4.7 Spain Status and Prospect (2013-2023)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 Praxair Surface Technologies2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Thermal Barrier Coatings Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 Praxair Surface Technologies Thermal Barrier Coatings Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2 Oerlikon Group2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Thermal Barrier Coatings Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 Oerlikon Group Thermal Barrier Coatings Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3 Bodycote plc2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 Thermal Barrier Coatings Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 Bodycote plc Thermal Barrier Coatings Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4 H.C. Starck GmbH2.4.1 Business Overview2.4.2 Thermal Barrier Coatings Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 H.C. Starck GmbH Thermal Barrier Coatings Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5 Cincinnati Thermal Spray, Inc.2.5.1 Business Overview2.5.2 Thermal Barrier Coatings Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 Cincinnati Thermal Spray, Inc. Thermal Barrier Coatings Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.6 Precision Coatings, Inc.2.6.1 Business Overview2.6.2 Thermal Barrier Coatings Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Type 12.6.2.2 Type 22.6.3 Precision Coatings, Inc. Thermal Barrier Coatings Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.7 A&A Coatings2.7.1 Business Overview2.7.2 Thermal Barrier Coatings Type and Applications2.7.2.1 Type 12.7.2.2 Type 22.7.3 A&A Coatings Thermal Barrier Coatings Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.8 ASB Industries Inc.2.8.1 Business Overview2.8.2 Thermal Barrier Coatings Type and Applications2.8.2.1 Type 12.8.2.2 Type 22.8.3 ASB Industries Inc. Thermal Barrier Coatings Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.9 Flame Spray Coating Co.2.9.1 Business Overview2.9.2 Thermal Barrier Coatings Type and Applications2.9.2.1 Type 12.9.2.2 Type 22.9.3 Flame Spray Coating Co. Thermal Barrier Coatings Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)Buy Now @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.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Spinal Traction Market Demand by 2023 - Exclusively Available at MarketResearchFuture.com

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The Global Spinal Traction Market is expected to reach USD 6.0 billion by 2023 at a CAGR of ~ 7.7 % during the forecast period 2017-2023. Innovation remains the best strategy for the global spinal traction devices with many companies focusing more on developing new devices offering better diagnostics and treatment to various spine conditions. Wireless sensor technology is the latest research area with advanced products have been connected to external devices for further analysis of the problem and the healing progress.The Global Spinal Traction Market is driven by growing geriatric population, rising cases of spinal cord diseases and trauma, rising number of spinal surgery, increasing awareness and screening, and developing healthcare. However, lack of experimental clinical data in the support of traction devices in medical treatment, high cost of devices, demand for minimally invasive procedures, risks associated with surgery such as pain, risk of infection and damage to the spine may hamper the market growth over the review period.Spinal traction devices are used to decompress and stabilize the spine to treat various spine disorders or orthopaedic conditions such as muscle contracture, bone fractures, bone deformities such as oliosis, kyphosis and lordosis, etc. The spinal traction devices are also used in the treatment of muscle spasms and low back pain. Spinal decompression uses negative intradiscal pressure to promote retraction or repositioning of the herniated or bulging spinal disc. The spinal traction devices are also used to prepare the patient for surgical procedures such as endoscopic spine surgery, vertebral compression fracture repair, interspinous fixation, and interbody fixation.Regional AnalysisThe Americas accounts for a significant market share owing to high expenditure on the health care. Additionally, the fastest uptake of new diagnostics and drugs in the U.S. drives the mesenteric ischemia market. Furthermore, concentration of the major healthcare companies and large hospitals in the developed countries of this region coupled with large insurance penetration are adding fuel to the market growth. The U.S. expend high amount on its healthcare in 2015, which accounted for 16% of total GDP which, in turn, likely to drive the mesenteric ischemia market.Get Exclusive Sample Copy @Europe is the second largest market in the world due to high income and strong healthcare penetration. The European market growth is led by countries such as Germany and France. The UK is expected to be the fastest growing market over the assessment period. However the southern European nations have witnessed a greater incidence of infective mesenteric ischemia due to associated environmental conditional. Owing to strong pharmaceutical industry, Germany dominates the European market.Asia Pacific region is expected to grow rapidly; China and India are likely to lead this market due to the fast growing healthcare sector and large unmet needs over the forecast period. South East Asian countries such as China, India, and Malaysia are projected to contribute highly to the market growth. Furthermore, growing penetration of healthcare insurance in the Asia Pacific region is expected to drive the future mesenteric ischemia market in the region.Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are estimated to drive the Middle East & African market. Other Middle East nations to watch out for are Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and Iran. The African region is expected to witness a moderate growth owing to poor economic and political conditions, and poor healthcare development. However, the poor countries and developing regions have the greatest unmet needs, which needs to be tapped.Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread over 80 pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content (TOC) & market synopsis on Global Mesenteric ischemia Market Research Report  Forecast till 2023.SegmentationThe global mesenteric ischemia market has been segmented on the basis of types, diagnosis, treatment, and end user.Based on the types, the market has been segmented as acute mesenteric ischemia, and chronic mesenteric ischemia.Based on the diagnosis, the market has been segmented as ultrasound, angiography & endoscopy, computed tomography (CT), and others.Based on the treatment, the market has been segmented as drug and surgery.Based on the end user, the market has been segmented as hospitals & clinics, academic and research, and others.Ask Questions to Expertise @Spinal Traction Market Major TOC:of Content1. Report Prologue2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope of the Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 Limitations3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary research3.4 Market Size Estimation4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restraints4.3 Opportunities4.4 Challenges4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4.6 Technology Trends & AssessmentTOC Continued.!About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Acromegaly Global Market Key Players  Chiasma Inc, Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Foresee Pharmaceuticals LLC, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc Analysis & Forecast 2017 to 2022

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WiseGuyReports.com with their unique quality of simplifying the market research study, presents a deep diving study report Acromegaly - Pipeline Review, H2 2017AcromegalyOverviewAcromegaly is a hormonal disorder that develops when pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone during adulthood. Symptoms include body odor, easy fatigue, headache, large feet, excessive height, swelling of the bony areas around a joint, widely spaced teeth and sleep apnea. Treatment includes surgery, dopamine agonists and growth hormone antagonists.Click here for sample report @Top Companies mentionedDexTech Medical ABForesee Pharmaceuticals LLCGlide Pharmaceutical Technologies LtdIonis Pharmaceuticals IncMidatech Pharma PlcNovartis AGPeptron IncSilence Therapeutics PlcAcromegaly Industry Major OutlookPharmaceutical and Healthcare latest pipeline guide Acromegaly - Pipeline Review, H1 2018, provides comprehensive information on the therapeutics under development for Acromegaly , complete with analysis by stage of development, drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type. The guide covers the descriptive pharmacological action of the therapeutics, its complete research and development history and latest news and press releases.The Acromegaly (Hormonal Disorders) pipeline guide also reviews of key players involved in therapeutic development for Acromegaly and features dormant and discontinued projects. The guide covers therapeutics under Development by Companies /Universities /Institutes, the molecules developed by Companies in Filing rejected/Withdrawn, Phase II, Phase I, IND/CTA Filed, Preclinical and Discovery stages are 1, 6, 4, 1, 6 and 3 respectively.Acromegaly pipeline guide helps in identifying and tracking emerging players in the market and their portfolios, enhances decision making capabilities and helps to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage.Acromegaly - Competitive AnalysisKey players are making innovative developments in Acromegaly industry. The same will help in improving the market performance. Heavy investments are made by major players in the R&D sectorScopeThe pipeline guide provides a snapshot of the global therapeutic landscape of Acromegaly.The pipeline guide reviews pipeline therapeutics for Acromegaly by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources.The pipeline guide covers pipeline products based on several stages of development ranging from pre-registration till discovery and undisclosed stages.The pipeline guide features descriptive drug profiles for the pipeline products which comprise, product description, descriptive licensing and collaboration details, R&D brief, MoA & other developmental activities.The pipeline guide reviews key companies involved in Acromegaly therapeutics and enlists all their major and minor projects.The pipeline guide evaluates Acromegaly therapeutics based on mechanism of action (MoA), drug target, route of administration (RoA) and molecule type.The pipeline guide encapsulates all the dormant and discontinued pipeline projects.The pipeline guide reviews latest news related to pipeline therapeutics for Acromegaly..ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @About UsWise 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 understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.Contact Us:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Europe In Vitro Diagnostics Packaging Market worth USD Billion by 2024

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The report EUROPE IN VITRO DIAGNOSTICS PACKAGING MARKET provides the detail information of market revenue, share, size, and outlook. The market is expected to reach USD XX Million by 2024, at a CAGR of XX% during forecast period.In vitro diagnostics are veterinary laboratory tests and medical devices which are used to cure the diseases, and to monitor the clinical status of patients on specimens like blood, urine, or other tissues obtained from a patient. In vitro diagnostics are highly sensitive and they can be easily contaminated to moisture, due to these reasons they require appropriate packaging. Increasing number of chronic diseases, technological advancements, growing awareness of personalized medicine, and growing adoption of point-of-care testing are the major attributes leading the in Europe in vitro diagnostics packaging market growth. Rising healthcare costs are hampering the growth of the market.Reasons To Buy This ReportThis report contains the in-depth analysis on the market and the estimations are done using volume and value data are further validated on three approaches including bottom-up, top-down and from top companies revenues to conclude the market estimations precisely and accurately considering all the parameters and market dynamics.Download Free Sample Brochure at @Key pointers in the report include: Competitive landscape & market analysis is included in the report to understand the key companies position and Porter's Analysis & PESTLE analysis to perform to analyze the impact of drivers, restraints, challenges and constraints on the market during the next five years. Team of analysts have analyzed and listed out the key drivers, constraints, challenges and emerging opportunities in all the industry verticals which will specify the emerging scope for the market in end user industries. Industry value chain analysis is provided in the report to identify the key stakeholders and prominent players at each stage of the company along with the value addition at each stage of the value chain. Complete analysis including global and regional trends, technological developments, and new product innovations are included in the report specific to each and every segment of the market. A complete 360 degree analysis is provided in the report on key companies product portfolio, business portfolio, developmental strategies, and key developments from the companies in the historical period. Advanced customizations on countries, specific applications in end user industries, product based customizations will be provided based on the request. All the collected data is further validated and verified using surveys, interviews and interactions with industrial experts.Europe In Vitro Diagnostics Packaging Market Top Players Bio-Rad Laboratories Incorporated Greiner Holding AG Corning Incorporated Amcor Limited Narang Medical Ltd.Related Reports:Europe Luxury Packaging Market:Europe Plastic Packaging Market:About usEnvision Inteligence is the Main Supplier of Market Analysis Reviews, Customized Consulting Companies, Information Analytics and Trade Evaluation. Our purpose is to offer the correct data required by the stakeholder on the proper level of time, in a format which assists an clever and knowledgeable resolution making course of!Contact UsSales Team,Sales@envisioninteligence.comCall:+1 408-963-0099Web:
Global Veterinary Radiography Systems Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast to 2023

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Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has been serving as an active source to cater intelligent research report to enlighten both readers and investors. This research study titled Veterinary Radiography Systems MarketRequest a Free Sample Report @Animal radiography employs similar techniques used on humans as a tool to diagnose diseases and injuries. Veterinary radiography comprises of several imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, PET, X-rays and others similar and combinational form of devices. Images captured by these imaging modalities can either be stored on a film or can be directly send to a storage device in a digital format.Veterinary radiography system is broadly classified into two prominent categories: computed radiography and direct digital radiography. Computed radiography requires cassettes having semiconductor plate that are exposed to radiation and seeks a specialized electronic reader. In direct digital radiography system a cesium iodide scintillator array absorbs the radiation wherein light pulse is detected by a large array of amorphous silicon photodiode elements.Veterinary Radiography Systems Market: TrendsOver the years computed radiography system is rapidly being phased out owing to advantages of using a digital radiography system. Benefits of using a digital radiography encompasses safety and high shelf life of the records, reduced image generation time and immediate interpretation. Moreover the ability to transfer images to a remote locations i.e. teleradiology has also increased the adoption rate of digital radiology devices. It is increasingly difficult to find film cassettes and screens for medical radiography sold by primary vendors. Despite this, digital radiography still cannot match the spatial resolution of computed radiography systems yet newer systems are narrowing the gap.X-ray is perhaps one of the first tests a veterinarian will administer for a sick or injured animal in order to assess and diagnose its condition. For small animals X-ray devices can be mounted over a table whereas for larger animals such as cows and horses a free floating machine is usually employed. Computed tomography (CT) provides three dimensional hi-resolution cross section images of internal organs and bones.The shift toward digital imaging has eventually resulted in the development of new formats and systems for image storage. As images captured in the digital format can be easily altered or manipulated a specialized medical image format known as Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) has been adopted in various countries. A salient feature of this format is a hidden header to record any manipulation made in the file. It also records every instance of the file being saved. The reader is saved within the image file. Thanks to this, any accidental or deliberate manipulation of the image can be spotted and tracked easily.Outlook Complete Report with Table of Content @Despite of high resolution and clarity CT scans for larger animals still a challenging task for veterinary physician. MRIs are also used in animal radiography, but they can be very expensive and are consequently not used as often. Digital fluoroscopy procedure assists in conducting venography, vascular studies and contrast GI studies wherein a radio contrast agent is injected to map the digestive tract or blood vessels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not mandate 510(k) or formal pre-market approval for devices that are used in veterinary medicine. Companies manufacturing radiation-emitting devices, however, are needed to duly register their products according to the prevailing radiological health regulations. These are administered by the Center for Devices Radiological Health (CDRH).Veterinary Radiography Systems Market: Key PlayersGeographically the market is largely dominated by the developed regions such as the United States and Europe owing to the presence of the established market for radiography systems. Asia Pacific and Rest of the World market are among the fastest growing market due to growing animal health awareness and the ability of veterinarians to provide diagnostic services for animal health. Some of the prominent players in the market include Sedecal USA, Lake Superior X-Ray, Inc., Siemens AG, Toshiba Corporation, Universal Medical Systems, Inc. are a few of prominent players.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types and applications.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeSupply & DemandCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedValue ChainRegional analysis includes:North AmericaLatin AmericaAsia PacificJapanWestern EuropeEastern EuropeMiddle East & AfricaThe report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts, and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides an in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macroeconomic indicators and governing factors, along with market attractiveness within the segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and various geographies.Send an Inquiry @Report highlights:Detailed overview of parent marketChanging market dynamics in the industryIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and valueRecent industry trends and developmentsCompetitive landscapeStrategies of key players and products offeredPotential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective on market performanceMust-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintThe 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 (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.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.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 marketCheck Discount on This Report @About Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At:
Regenerative Braking Systems Market Trend to 2022 Profiling ADVICS, Bosch, Continental, Hitachi, TRW, APG, Youfin

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Worldwide Regenerative Braking Systems Market report of 2017 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.Regenerative Braking System (RBS) is a mechanism that uses a generator to recover kinetic energy while braking. In conventional vehicles, most of the kinetic energy generated during braking is converted into heat and is dissipated into the environment. RBS helps in converting the generated heat into electrical energy and further store it in an energy storage system such as flywheel, batteries, and ultra-capacitors.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Regenerative Braking Systems 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 Free sample PDF of this research to evaluate more @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this Regenerative Braking Systems Market report covers asADVICS, Bosch, Continental, Hitachi, TRW, APG and Youfin.An inherent sub-vertical of the Automotive Industry space, Regenerative Braking Systems market stands to gain remarkable proceeds over 2017-2022, as per a recently compiled report Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Table of Contents:Global Regenerative Braking Systems Market OverviewGlobal Regenerative Braking Systems Market Manufacturers ProfilesGlobal Regenerative Braking Systems Market Competition, by ManufacturerGlobal Regenerative Braking Systems Market Analysis by RegionsGlobal Regenerative Braking Systems by CountriesGlobal Regenerative Braking Systems Market Segment by TypeGlobal Regenerative Braking Systems Market Segment by ApplicationRegenerative Braking Systems Market Forecast (2017-2022)Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and DealersResearch Findings and ConclusionMarket Segment by Type, coversESC Based System, ABS Based System and OthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoHybrid Electric Vehicles, Electric Vehicles and Plug-In Hybrid Electric VehiclesEnquire Discount on Global Regenerative Braking Systems Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Regenerative Braking Systems market.Chapter 1, to describe Regenerative Braking Systems Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Regenerative Braking Systems, with sales, revenue, and price of Regenerative Braking Systems, 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 Regenerative Braking Systems, 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, Regenerative Braking Systems market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Regenerative Braking Systems sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceFor more information on this report, Please visit at:Related Reports: -Asia-Pacific Regenerative Braking Systems Market by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022This report focuses on the Regenerative Braking Systems in Asia-Pacific market, especially in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, India and Australia. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries/Regions, 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:
Global Metal Roofing Tiles Market Production and Share by Manufacturers 2018

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Metal Roofing Tiles Market Research Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.This market intelligence report on the global Metal Roofing Tiles market is comprehensive, making use of tables, graphs, charts, statistics, maps, and infographics to present the data in an easy to understand manner. The report is divided into various sections. The first section comprises the definition, overview, application, and classification of Metal Roofing Tiles. The second section gives a detailed analysis of the various factors boosting the growth of this market. The growth inhibitors are also studied in this section. The impact analysis of both the drivers and the restraints is studied in this section of the report.Global Metal Roofing Tiles market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingCertainTeed RoofingFletcher BuildingHeadwaters IncNucor Building SystemsTata Steel EuropeThe OmniMax International, IncMetal Sales Manufacturing CorporationFill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The third section of the report comprises the segmentation of the global Metal Roofing Tiles market based on key criteria. The report also studies the market from global and regional point of view. The report analyses the markets performance in North America, South America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Rest of the World. It also reveals the leading regional segment and the fastest growing regional market. The region to witness sluggish growth in the Metal Roofing Tiles market is also revealed. This information helps potential investors to invest their money in a segment that is most likely to show promising growth in the years to come or a region that is currently leading.The next section of the report comprises a detailed overview of the competitive landscape of the global Metal Roofing Tiles market. The names of the key players are given along with case studies of leading players within the global Metal Roofing Tiles market. The entry barriers which new entrants may face are enlisted. The information on various mergers and acquisition activities, partnership and collaborations between companies is also given. In addition to this, the recent developments by key players in this field are also given. Strategies adopted by leading players to expand and acquire more market shares are also revealed in the report.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Metal Roofing Tiles Market Research Report 20181 Metal Roofing Tiles Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Metal Roofing Tiles1.2 Metal Roofing Tiles Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Metal Roofing Tiles Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Metal Roofing Tiles Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20172 Global Metal Roofing Tiles Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Metal Roofing Tiles Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Metal Roofing Tiles Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Metal Roofing Tiles Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Metal Roofing Tiles Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)Get discount copy @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Metal Roofing TilesFigure Global Metal Roofing Tiles Production (K Units) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Types (Product Category) (2013-2025)Figure Global Metal Roofing Tiles Production Market Share by Types (Product Category) in 2017Figure Product Picture of Steel RoofingTable Major Manufacturers of Steel RoofingFigure Europe Metal Roofing Tiles Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure China Metal Roofing Tiles Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure Japan Metal Roofing Tiles Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Asia Pacific Retractable Needle Safety Syringes Market is Rising at a CAGR of 8.90% During the Period from 2016 to 2024

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The Asia Pacific retractable needle safety syringes market demonstrates a highly consolidated business landscape, finds a new research report by Transparency Market Research (TMR). The top four players, namely, Becton, Dickinson and Co., Smiths Medical, Medtronic Plc, and Retractable Technologies Inc., held more than 95% of the overall market in 2015.Request for Sample Copy of Report @These enterprises are focusing aggressively on expanding their operations across the region, for which they are strengthening their distribution network considerably. Apart from this, they are also engaging into strategic alliance to gain a strong foothold in the overall market.As per TMR, the Asia Pacific market for retractable needle safety syringes stood at US$236.7 mn in 2016. Rising at a CAGR of 8.90% during the period from 2016 to 2024, the opportunity in this market is predicted to reach US$467.2 mn by the end of the forecast period. Hospitals have emerged as the leading end user of retractable needle safety syringes in Asia Pacific. Thanks to the increasing insurance coverage, this segment is likely to remain the key contributor to this market in the years to come.The report considers manual retractable needle safety syringes and automatic retractable needle safety syringes as the key products available in the Asia Pacific market for retractable needle safety syringes. Among these, the demand for manual retractable needle safety syringes has been higher and the trend is anticipated to continue over the forecast period, thanks to their affordability.Enquiry for discount on this report @The report also presents a geographical study of this market, where it considers China, Japan, India, New Zealand and Australia, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia Pacific as the main geographical segments. Japan has been dominating this regional market and, expanding at a CAGR of 9.10% between 2016 and 2024, is anticipated to retain its position over the next few years.The continual expansion in the healthcare industry in Asia Pacific, fueled by the rising number of favorable initiatives by various governments across this region, is having a significant influence on the Asia Pacific market for retractable needle safety syringes, says the author of this study. With government institutions promoting the safe injection practices by encouraging people to shift to safe syringes, this market is likely to rise exponentially in the years to come. India and several other nations in the Southeast Asia are increasingly collaborating with the WHO to encourage the usage of safe syringes in an effort to prevent the proliferation of deadly diseases.Apart from this, the market is also expected to gain significantly over the forecast period from various factors, such as the technological advancements, increasing shift of people towards self-administration of drugs, and the growing awareness pertaining to the benefits offered by retractable needle safety syringes. However, the emergence of more advanced drug delivery methods, thanks to the recent developments in medical science, may limit the adoption of retractable needle safety syringes in the near future. Besides this, the high cost of these safety syringes are also projected to hamper this market over the forthcoming years, reports the research study.Report Overview @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Cobots Market - The Affordable Way to Automate, Shaking Hands With Humans

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Cobots is a short form for collaborative robots which are planned to aid human beings for specific tasks, which are highly compound in nature and require high accuracy. These robots work in a close collaboration with humans. The robots can detect any unusual activity in their surroundings and can collaborate with humans without physical separation. Smarter, flexibility, smaller, and user-friendly are some qualities which make cobots more useful than industrial robots.Collaborative robots use advanced technologies, which include torques sensing, collision detection, and elastic actuators, for finishing tasks in an efficient manner.The major factors driving the growth of this market are rise in the investment done in automation sector by the industries, and high ROI and low price of collaborative robots attracting small & medium enterprises. The major market restraint is the high initial investment in the solutions and hard training program for the employees to interact with these robots which need significant time and capital expenditure and leads to lesser adoption by the enterprises. Lack of awareness and lack, skilled labor and lack of capabilities related to faster cycle time and repeatability are the major factors that may hinder the market growth in the near future. Huge investments done by many industries for robot installations in many countries and rising demand for high payload capacity of cobots. Are the major growth opportunity factors in this market.Request For Free Sample Of The Report @Cobots market can be bifurcated on the basis of application, as.converted cobots, new-build cobots and redeployed cobots. Based on End-user the market has been categorized into shallow water, deepwater, and ultra-deepwater. Geographically, the Cobots market has been bifurcated into five regions North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America. The Cobots market size and forecast period for each region has been estimated from 2017 to 2023. Additionally the CAGR (%) for the forecasted period 2017 to 2023. The study also includes market estimates for major countries/regions such as the U.S, the U.K., Germany, France, Japan, China, India, GCC, North Africa, South Africa and Brazil. The detailed analysis by application, end-user and regions supports in evaluating the present scenario, growth prospects and the future scenario for the Cobots market over the forecast period. Thus, the report delivers in-depth segment analysis of the market and classifies it into various industries, thereby providing valuable perceptions.Obtain Report Details @The oil and gas exploration companies are concentrating on exploration of oil and gas, from onshore to offshore to drive the Middle East and Africa market for Cobots in the future years. The major companies that are involved in Cobots are ABB, Bionic Robotics, KUKA, Omron Adept Technologies, Blue Ocean Robotics, FANUC America Corporation Copyright, Robotnik and Rethink Robotics.About Us-Xpodence Research have the most extensive collection of market research reports of many categories. Xpodence Research provides the best market research solution for every industry by publishing the best possible results of great market research firms worldwide. For every particular problem, theres a particular solution, so according to the customer needs, we provide the best possible results to them from different market research organization, whether its a Custom Research or Syndicated Research reports because the product that wins is the one that bridges customers to the future, not the one that requires a giant leap.Every organization, whether it is related to Pharmaceuticals, Technology, Eatables, Consumable Goods and many more demands a market research results so that they can take important decisions for more productivity and better output in this swift world. Xpodence Research gives the best possible outcome, perfect forecast, analysis and insights of market research in the form of report which is beneficial for various organisations and also to the manufacturing companies in taking the best decisions for quality production.Contact Us-Xpodence ResearchUSA Office244 , Madison AvenueNew York City, NY - 10016United StatesUK Office109 ,Straford Street,LeedsWest Yorkshrie LS11 6JGUnited KingdomToll Free +1- 844-445-2861Email-sales@xpodenceresearch.com
Nuclear Power in Belgium, Market Capacity, Generation, Investment Trends, Regulations Outlook to 2030

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"The Report Nuclear Power in Belgium, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2017-Capacity, Generation, Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.bizAbout Nuclear Power Market"Nuclear Power in Belgium, Market Outlook to 2030, Update 2017 - Capacity, Generation, Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles", is the latest report from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialists that offer comprehensive information and understanding of the nuclear power market in Belgium.Get Sample copy of this Report @The report provides in depth analysis on global nuclear power market with forecasts up to 2030. The report analyzes the power market scenario in Belgium (includes thermal conventional, nuclear, large hydro, pumped storage and renewables) and provides future outlook with forecasts up to 2030. The research details nuclear power market outlook in the country and provides forecasts up to 2030. The report highlights installed capacity and power generation trends from 2006 to 2030 in Belgium nuclear power market. A detailed coverage of nuclear energy policy framework governing the market with specific policies pertaining to nuclear is provided in the report. The research also provides details of active nuclear reactors in the country, market size of major equipment and company snapshot of some of the major market participants.The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, secondary research and in-house analysis by GlobalDatas team of industry experts.Request for TOC @Scope- A brief introduction on global carbon emissions and global primary energy consumption.- Historical period is during 2006-2016 (unless specified) and forecast period is for 2017-2030.- Overview on the global nuclear power market with installed capacity and generation trends, installed capacity split by region in 2016, installed capacity split by major nuclear power countries in 2016 and investment trends.- Power market scenario in Belgium provides detailed market overview, installed capacity and power generation trends by various fuel types (includes thermal conventional, nuclear, large hydro and renewables) with forecasts up to 2030.- Details of Belgium nuclear power market with installed capacity and generation trends, installed capacity by reactor type, installed capacity share by contractor/owner and information on major active and upcoming projects.- Key policies and regulatory framework supporting nuclear power development.- Company snapshots of some of the major market participants in the country.Reasons to buy- The report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner.- Identify key growth and investment opportunities in Belgium nuclear power market.- Facilitate decision-making based on strong historic and forecast data for nuclear power market.- Position yourself to gain the maximum advantage of the industrys growth potential.- Identify key partners and business development avenues.- Understand and respond to your competitors business structure, strategy and prospects.View Report @Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 41.2 List of Figures 52 Executive Summary 62.1 Global Carbon Emissions to Increase at a Lower rate During the Forecast Period 62.2 Nuclear Power to Grow at a Slower Pace than Other Power Generating Sources 62.3 Wind Power is expected to dominate the Renewable Power Market of Belgium in 2030 72.4 Belgium to Phase out Nuclear Power by 2025 73 Introduction 83.1 Carbon Emissions, Global, 2001-2016 83.2 Primary Energy Consumption, Global, 2001-2030 103.3 Report Guidance 134 Nuclear Power Market, Global, 2006-2030 144.1 Nuclear Power Market, Global, Overview 144.2 Nuclear Power Market, Global, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 154.2.1 Nuclear Power Market, Global, Installed Capacity Share by Region, 2016 and 2030 174.2.2 Nuclear Power Market, Global, Installed Capacity Share by Country, 2016 and 2030 184.3 Nuclear Power Market, Global, Power Generation, 2006-2030 204.3.1 Nuclear Power Market, Global, Generation Share by Region, 2016 and 2030 224.3.2 Nuclear Power Market, Global, Generation Share by Country, 2016 and 2030 234.4 Nuclear Market, Global, Investment Trends, 2016-2020 255 Power Market, Belgium, 2006-2030 275.1 Power Market, Belgium, Overview 275.2 Power Market, Belgium, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 285.2.1 Power Market, Belgium, Cumulative Installed Capacity by Fuel Type, 2006-2030 285.2.2 Power Market, Belgium, Share in Cumulative Installed Capacity Split by Source Type, 2016 and 2030 315.2.3 Power Market, Belgium, Net Capacity Additions by Fuel Type, 2016 and 2030 325.2.4 Power Market, Belgium, Comparison of Technologies Based on Installed Capacity, 2016-2030 345.3 Power Market, Belgium, Power Generation, 2006-2030 365.3.1 Power Market, Belgium, Power Generation by Fuel Type, 2006-2030 365.3.2 Power Market, Belgium, Comparison of Technologies Based on Power Generation, 2016-2030 396 Nuclear Power Market, Belgium, 2006-2030 416.1 Nuclear Power Market, Belgium, Overview 416.2 Nuclear Power Market, Belgium, Installed Capacity, 2006-2030 426.3 Nuclear Power Market, Belgium, Power Generation, 2006-2030 446.4 Nuclear Power Market, Belgium, Project Based Analysis, 2016 466.4.1 Nuclear Power Market, Belgium, Major Operational Nuclear Reactor, 2016 466.4.2 Nuclear Power Market, Belgium, Top Active Nuclear Reactor Sites, 2016 476.5 Nuclear Power Market, Belgium, Deal Analysis, 2016 486.5.1 Nuclear Power Market, Belgium, Deal Volume vs. Deal Value, 2006-2016 487 Power Market, Regulatory Scenario, Belgium 507.1 Renewable Energy Market, Overview 507.2 Renewable Energy Policy Framework 507.2.1 Energy Efficiency Policy 507.2.2 Electricity Law 517.2.3 Nuclear Policy 517.2.4 National Climate Plan 527.2.5 National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) 527.2.6 Green Certificates 527.2.7 Energy Premium Scheme 537.2.8 Support Scheme for Renewable Heat and the Production of Biomethane 537.2.9 Belgian Support Scheme 537.2.10 Grants supporting solar energy 537.2.11 Ecological investment subsidy 537.2.12 Offshore Domanial Concessions for Wind and Ocean Energy Production 547.3 Net Metering in Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia 547.4 Quota System in Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia 547.5 Subsidy in Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia 54Buy Now @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.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Expansion of Plastic Retort Cans Market During 2017-2027 to Gain Robust Traction

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Plastic retort cans are a niche offering in retort packaging segment, wherein pre-cooked or raw food products are placed into the plastic retort cans for achieving commercial sterility. Plastic retort cans are characterized by robustness due to the strength derived from rigid plastics. Plastic retort cans are also gradually occupying the shelves in modern retail formats, as it can be stacked on pallets without the need for cartooning. Attributed to this property, plastic retort cans offer higher storage capacity while saving costs of cartooning, as well as gaining preference of product manufacturers and brand owners.The retort packaging market comprises of various multilayered packaging products that are used in packaging of food and beverages. Retort packaging improves the shelf life of food products which can be preserved in rigid or flexible packaging forms. Polyphenylene Ether (PPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are predominantly used in manufacturing of retort packaging products, including plastic retort cans. The retort packaging market is estimated to be over US$ 30 billion in 2016 and is poised to grow at 7 % CAGR to surpass US$ 58 billion in 2026.Plastic retort cans have evolved by making use of the retort packaging process. The retort process requires heat for a specific period of time to pre-cooked or raw food products which are packed in retort packages to achieve commercial sterility. Commercial sterility ensures that the food products are free from microbial / organic contaminants. Food products packaged using retort packaging cans have relatively longer shelf life and are largely used for packaging products such as seafood, soups and sauces, baby food, ready-to-eat meals, etc. Plastic retort cans are multilayered packaging products with three to four layers of lamination that comprises of material such as Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), nylon, aluminum, and food-grade cast polypropylene or CPP.Request Report Sample@Plastic Retort Cans market - Market Dynamics:Plastic retort cans market is gaining momentum from increased demand for packed food in geographies that are characterized by increasing per capita spending, rising middle income population and emerging economies. Furthermore, the above benchmark performance of food and beverage industry across developed as well as developing markets is another catalytic factor for global retort cans market. Nevertheless, players engaged in plastic retort cans manufacturing are constantly challenged by the increasing penetration of retort pouches which offer flexible packaging form, over plastic retort cans. Retort pouches also offer printing capabilities for brands and logos and have applications in organic food packaging, frozen food packaging, pet food packaging, soup packaging and fresh food produce.Along with the need to improve shelf life of food products, advancement in technology can create opportunities in plastic retort cans market.Plastic Retort Cans Market - Market Segmentation:Retort packaging forms such as cartons, cans, trays, and pouches can be segmented industry wise into food, beverage, healthcare, and pharmaceutical, in which food and beverage have prominent relevance. Plastic retort cans have end usage application in Baby foods, Pet Foods, Seafood, Meat products, and ready to eat meals.Plastic Retort Cans Market  Regional AnalysisGeographically plastic retort cans market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, and Middle East and Africa. The market for retort packaging in Asia Pacific is a major regional market as demand from emerging counties are witnessing upward trend.Visit For TOC@Plastic Retort Cans Market - Key PlayersSonoco and Kortec (now part of Milacron Co-Injection Systems) have introduced clear plastic retort cans as an alternative to tin cans with capabilities to handle temperature and pressure conditions.South Carolina based McCall Farms have introduced see through plastic retort cans that be used for packaging of slow-cooked vegetables. These cans are sold in over 400 stores in the U.S. These see through plastic retort cans developed by packaging products manufacturer Sonoco also have application in the pet food segments.Klear Can, a plastic retort can manufactured by Kortec Inc. (now part of Milacron Co-Injection Systems), was an outcome of investment in market research by the company to understand customer preference and food safety with respect to PET usage. The company manufactures the Klear Can plastic retort can by 3 layer design that consist of Polypropylene (PP) and Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH).Key players that manufacture and supply plastic retort cans are Sonoco, RPC, Milacron Co-Injection Systems, Winpack, Amcor, SOPAKCO, and Bemis.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:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market Pegged for Robust Expansion During 2017  2027

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Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market: IntroductionInternet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication is the part of an intelligent transport system that enables the data transfer from one vehicle to another vehicle, this system helps in improving traffic management by allowing the driver to communicate with roadside infrastructures such as traffic lights sign boards and other passing by vehicles.This technology establishes V2V communication to avoid road accidents by allowing the driver to send car location and speed related data to other nearby vehicles over the ad-hoc mesh network. In addition to above, depending on driving and road traffic situations, the drivers may receive warning signals such as the risk of an accident, which alerts the driver and helps in taking precaution such as slowing down speed, etc.Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market: Drivers and RestraintsTo ensure safety while driving and to reduce the accidental rate are the factors driving the growth of the Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market. Moreover, communication is the easy solution to avoid road traffic and channelize smooth driving, so to establish communication, the need for intelligent transport system are spurring, which is influencing the growth of the market in forthcoming years.Request For Sample @Further, the need of transportation for goods and people coupled with emerging technology innovation is attributing to attract investors to Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market. On the other hand, data privacy and initial funding for setting new infrastructure are anticipated to be the major challenge, which may hinder the market growth over the forecast period.Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market: SegmentationInternet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market is segmented by offering, connectivity form factor, application, and region.By offering, the Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market can be segmented into software, hardware, and serviceBy Connectivity Form Factor, the Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market can be segmented into tethered, embedded, and integratedBy application, the Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market can be segmented into commercial vehicles and domestic vehicles.By Region, the Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market can be segmented into the Middle East and Africa, North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Japan, Western Europe and Asia-Pacific excluding Japan.Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market: Regional OutlookNorth America is expected to capture largest market share regarding revenue owing to increase in demand for cars that are equipped with infotainment tools. In addition to above, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) sponsored intelligent transport system (ITS) which includes Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication. Thus the support of the government in sponsoring the Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication is propelling the market growth.Owing to the increasing demand for navigation services and telematics applications in Asia Pacific Countries such as India and China are anticipated to drive the market over the forecast period. Further, the rising living standards and augmented tech-savvy youth population in Asia Pacific countries are piloting the industry growth.Request For TOC @Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market: Competition LandscapeThe major players in the Internet of Things Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Market are Ford Motor Company, Texas Instruments Inc., Audi AG, Intel Corporation, General Motors, NXP Semiconductors N.V., Apple Inc., TOMTOM N.V., Google Inc., IBM Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH, Cisco Systems Inc., Vodafone Group, Microsoft Corp., AT&T Inc., and Thales SA.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:
Delivery/Shipping Drones Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 20172025

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Shipping drones are unmanned aerial vehicles that are utilized for transportation of various small goods such as food, beverages, medicines, and automotive equipment among many others. Delivery drones market is still in its development phase, is expected to offer major growth potential over the forecast period, primarily owing to its associated cost advantages in relation to reduction of workforce expenditure, and time saving characteristics.Increasing labor costs, specifically in the developed countries are expected to offer high replacement potential through automated shipping technologiesDaily wages of the manual workforce required for transport and shipping of goods has witnessed considerable surge over the last few years. For instance, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average private industry worker salary registered an increase 2.6% over the twelve-month period that ended on March 2017. Increasing wages are expected to present considerable challenge to the business decision makers, which will present considerable demands for automated products. In conjunction with increasing demand for other automated products, delivery drones market will find significant growth over the forecast period.Request Sample Copy of this ReportMoreover, predominant requirement of transportation and logistics in B2C business segments, such as ecommerce and food & beverages are anticipated to be the primary users of this technology. According to Coherent Market Insights, 15% of the total shipping workforce in these business sectors will be replaced by delivery drones through 2025.Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies will aid in acceleration in transport timesArtificial Intelligence, along with sensors that can enhance the environment awareness will provide increased usability. Moreover, time spent in road navigation, traffic congestions and other forms of shipping means can be considerably reduced by means of air transport. However, considering the high costs associated with it, it may not be feasible for most small players. This will further enhance its applicability and drive the delivery drones market. Large number of participants, specifically in large shipping industries, are increasingly involved in evaluating the probability of the technology for its utilization and related benefits. For instance, in September 2015, DHL introduced its parcelcopter to deliver medications and urgently needed commodities to remote island, Juist. Moreover, many other companies that include Dominos, FedEx, United Parcel Services (UPS), Amazon and AMP holdings have acknowledged the achievable benefits and have planned strategies for the adoption of delivery drones, over the next few years.Liability issues in incidence of crashes and regulatory restrictions against the use of commercial drones are expected to hamper the industry growth over the forecast period.Stringent regulations that restrict the usage of UAVs under certain norms and conditions, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in U.S., are expected to hinder the industry growth over the forecast period. It restricts the users through allowing the usage of UAVs only within the line of sight and mandating the usability on only one drone at a time by a user. However, the U.S. government has showcased interests in the development of the technology by allowing Amazon and NASA to perform pilot projectsIntegrated cameras and infrareds to enhance the surrounding awareness, has led considerable concerns regarding privacy protocols of the surrounding residents. Additionally, liability issues in case of a crash or damage of any sort, as who is to be held responsible for the incident, is expected to pose a major challenge to the overall regulatory landscape. This is expected to consistently hamper the delivery drones market over the forecast period.Major players in the shipping drones market participants include Airware, DJI, Skycatch, 3D robotics, senseFly, AeroVironmenment, and Elbit Systems.For More InformationAbout 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.comVisit our news Website:
Theralase Technologies Inc Product Pipeline Analysis to 2017

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"The Report Theralase Technologies Inc (TLT)Product Pipeline Analysis, 2017 Update provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Theralase Technologies MarketTheralase Technologies Inc (Theralase) is a medical equipment company that designs, develops and manufactures laser and laser technology for human, companion animal and equine applications. The company offers products such as controller, multiple probe, triple probe, single probe, multiple probe, acu-point locator, stand, hard carrying case, laser safety eyewear, laser safety eye cups, laser probe, and protective covers, among others. Its lasers products find application in treating acute and chronic pain conditions, addictions and cosmetic revitalization. The company sells its products through a network of distributors in Canada, the US and internationally. Theralase is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Get Sample copy of this Report @This report is a source for data, analysis, and actionable intelligence on the companys portfolio of pipeline products. The report provides key information about the company, its major products and brands.The report enhances decision making capabilities and help to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage.Scope:- The report reviews detailed company profile with information on business description, key company facts, major products and services, key competitors, key employees, locations and subsidiaries and recent developments- The report analyzes all pipeline products in development for the company Theralase Technologies Inc- The report provides pipeline analysis on all pipeline products of the company (by equipment type, by indication, by development stage, and by trial status)- The report covers detailed information on each pipeline product with information on pipeline territory, stage of development, device class, regulatory path, indication(s), application(s) and estimated launch date- The report provides detailed description of products in development, technical specification and functions- The report also covers ongoing clinical trials (wherever applicable) with information on trial name, trial objective, sponsor, trial design , trial status and phase, estimated start and end date.Request for TOC @Reasons to Buy:- Develop business strategies by understanding the trends and developments driving the medical devices pipeline and technology landscape- Design and develop your product development, marketing and sales strategies by understanding the competitor portfolio- To formulate effective Research & Development strategies- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies- Exploit in-licensing and out-licensing opportunities by identifying products, most likely to ensure a robust return- Plan mergers and acquisitions effectively by identifying key players of the most promising pipeline- Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage- Develop competition strategies by identifying the status and likely launch of the competitors pipeline products through review of the clinical trials, stage and of development, etc- Identify, understand and capitalize the next high-value products that your competitor would add in its portfolioNote: Some sections may be missing if data is unavailable for the companyView Report @Table of ContentsTable of Contents 2List of Tables 3List of Figures 3Theralase Technologies Inc Company Overview 4Theralase Technologies Inc Company Snapshot 4Theralase Technologies Inc Pipeline Products and Ongoing Clinical Trials Overview 4Theralase Technologies Inc Pipeline Analysis Overview 7Theralase Technologies Inc - Key Facts 7Theralase Technologies Inc - Major Products and Services 8Theralase Technologies Inc Pipeline Products by Development Stage 9Theralase Technologies Inc Ongoing Clinical Trials by Trial Status 11Theralase Technologies Inc Pipeline Products Overview 13TLC-2000 Therapeutic Medical Laser System 13TLC-2000 Therapeutic Medical Laser System Product Overview 13TLC-3200 Medical Laser 14TLC-3200 Medical Laser Product Overview 14TLC-3200 Medical Laser Clinical Trial 15TLC-3400 Medical Laser 16TLC-3400 Medical Laser Product Overview 16Theralase Technologies Inc - Key Competitors 17Theralase Technologies Inc - Key Employees 18Theralase Technologies Inc - Locations And Subsidiaries 19Head Office 19Other Locations & Subsidiaries 19Recent Developments 20Theralase Technologies Inc, Recent Developments 20Nov 30, 2017: Theralase Discovers Theralase Cold Laser Therapy Enhances Cancer Destruction for Standard Cancer Treatments 20Nov 29, 2017: Theralase Increases Revenue 12% for 3Q2017 Financial Statements 22Nov 27, 2017: Theralase Therapeutic Laser Technology Enhances Cancer Destruction 24Aug 29, 2017: Theralase Increases Revenue 14% for 2Q2017 Financial Statements 26Aug 01, 2017: Theralase PDT Technology Used to Treat Fourth Patient for Bladder Cancer 27May 30, 2017: Theralase Increases Revenue 23% for 1Q 2017 Financial Statements 28Oct 05, 2016: Theralase Provides Update on ITA Application to Health Canada for TLC-3400 Dosimetry Fibre Optic Cage 31Oct 05, 2016: Theralase Provides Update on ITA Application to Health Canada for TLC-3200 Photo Dynamic Therapy Laser System 32Jul 29, 2016: Theralase Files ITA Application to Health Canada for TLC-3400 Dosimetry Fibre Optic Cage 32Jul 29, 2016: Theralase Files ITA Application to Health Canada for TLC-3200 Photo Dynamic Therapy Laser System 33Appendix 34Methodology 34About GlobalData 36Contact Us 36Disclaimer 37Buy Now @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.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Eye Protection Device Market by Industry Research, Review, Growth, Segmentation, Key Players Analysis and Forecast to 2025

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Eye Protection Device Market by Industry Research, Review, Growth, Segmentation, Key Players Analysis and Forecast to 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report,the global Eye Protection Device market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025,growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.Geographically,this report is segmented into several key Regions,with production,consumption,revenue (million USD),market share and growth rate of Eye Protection Device in these regions,from 2013 to 2025 (forecast),coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Eye Protection Device market competition by top manufacturers,with production,price,revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingbreoOSIMBrookstoneooybyPangaoJarePanasonicPhilipsTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @On the basis of product,this report displays the production,revenue,price,market share and growth rate of each type,primarily split intoVibration MassageAir Pressure MassageOthersOn the basis of the end users/applications,this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users,consumption (sales),market share and growth rate for each application,includingVision CorrectionHealth CareOthersBrowse TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Eye Protection Device Market Research Report 20181 Eye Protection Device Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Eye Protection Device1.2 Eye Protection Device Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Eye Protection Device Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Eye Protection Device Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Vibration Massage1.2.4 Air Pressure Massage1.2.5 Others1.3 Global Eye Protection Device Segment by Application1.3.1 Eye Protection Device Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Vision Correction1.3.3 Health Care1.3.4 Others2 Global Eye Protection Device Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Eye Protection Device Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Eye Protection Device Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Eye Protection Device Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Eye Protection Device Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Eye Protection Device Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Eye Protection Device Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Eye Protection Device Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Eye Protection Device Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Eye Protection Device Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 ManufacturersAbout 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 @Follow us on Blogger @
Abbott Diabetes Care IncProduct Pipeline Analysis, 2017 Update

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"The Report Abbott Diabetes Care IncProduct Pipeline Analysis, 2017 Update provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Abbott Diabetes Care MarketAbbott Diabetes Care Inc (ADC), formerly TheraSense Inc, a subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories, is a medical device company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets pharmaceuticals and medical products for personal use and hospital use. The companys products include glucose monitoring systems, diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, generic pharmaceuticals, and diabetes products. Its other products include barcode readers, removable test strips, port modules, testing strips, precision insulin systems, and precision glucose test strips. ADC also provides slim and ultra-lightweight meters, over the counter test strips, and simple blood glucose and ketone testing meters, glucose reading meters, among others. The company has its presence in the US, the Americas, Africa, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. ADC and is headquartered in Alameda, California, the US.Get Sample copy of this Report @This report is a source for data, analysis, and actionable intelligence on the companys portfolio of pipeline products. The report provides key information about the company, its major products and brands.The report enhances decision making capabilities and help to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage.Scope:- The report reviews detailed company profile with information on business description, key company facts, major products and services, key competitors, key employees, locations and subsidiaries and recent developments- The report analyzes all pipeline products in development for the company Abbott Diabetes Care Inc- The report provides pipeline analysis on all pipeline products of the company (by equipment type, by indication, by development stage, and by trial status)- The report covers detailed information on each pipeline product with information on pipeline territory, stage of development, device class, regulatory path, indication(s), application(s) and estimated launch date- The report provides detailed description of products in development, technical specification and functions- The report also covers ongoing clinical trials (wherever applicable) with information on trial name, trial objective, sponsor, trial design , trial status and phase, estimated start and end date.Request for TOC @Reasons to Buy:- Develop business strategies by understanding the trends and developments driving the medical devices pipeline and technology landscape- Design and develop your product development, marketing and sales strategies by understanding the competitor portfolio- To formulate effective Research & Development strategies- Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies- Exploit in-licensing and out-licensing opportunities by identifying products, most likely to ensure a robust return- Plan mergers and acquisitions effectively by identifying key players of the most promising pipeline- Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage- Develop competition strategies by identifying the status and likely launch of the competitors pipeline products through review of the clinical trials, stage and of development, etc- Identify, understand and capitalize the next high-value products that your competitor would add in its portfolioNote: Some sections may be missing if data is unavailable for the companyView Report @Table of ContentsTable of Contents 2List of Tables 3List of Figures 4Abbott Diabetes Care Inc Company Overview 5Abbott Diabetes Care Inc Company Snapshot 5Abbott Diabetes Care Inc Pipeline Products and Ongoing Clinical Trials Overview 5Abbott Diabetes Care Inc Pipeline Analysis Overview 8Abbott Diabetes Care Inc - Key Facts 8Abbott Diabetes Care Inc - Major Products and Services 9Abbott Diabetes Care Inc Pipeline Products by Development Stage 10Abbott Diabetes Care Inc Ongoing Clinical Trials by Trial Status 12Abbott Diabetes Care Inc Pipeline Products Overview 14FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System - Adults 14FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System - Adults Product Overview 14FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System - Adults Clinical Trial 15FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System - Children 18FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System - Children Product Overview 18FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System - Children Clinical Trial 19FreeStyle Libre Glucose Monitoring System - Consumer Version 21FreeStyle Libre Glucose Monitoring System - Consumer Version Product Overview 21FreeStyle Libre Glucose Monitoring System - Consumer Version Clinical Trial 22Fully Integrated Blood Glucose Monitoring System 23Fully Integrated Blood Glucose Monitoring System Product Overview 23Abbott Diabetes Care Inc - Key Competitors 24Abbott Diabetes Care Inc - Key Employees 25Abbott Diabetes Care Inc - Locations And Subsidiaries 26Head Office 26Recent Developments 27Abbott Diabetes Care Inc, Recent Developments 27Sep 27, 2017: No More Routine Finger Sticks for Americans With Diabetes: Abbott's Freestyle Libre Approved in the U.S. 27Sep 13, 2017: Freestyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring Technology Gains Reimbursement Approval From the United Kingdom's National Health Service 28Aug 31, 2017: Revolutionary Glucose Monitoring Technology Freestyle Libre Now Reimbursed Across Japan 29Aug 08, 2017: FreeStyle Libre System for People with Diabetes Available for Pre-Order in Canada 29Jun 29, 2017: Abbott Secures Health Canada License For Freestyle Libre System For People With Diabetes 30May 08, 2017: Abbott Announces National Reimbursement for FreeStyle Libre in France, Providing Access to Revolutionary Technology for People with Diabetes 31Feb 15, 2017: Real-World Data From Abbott's Freestyle Libre Show Association Between Higher Frequency Of Glucose Monitoring And Improved Glucose Control For People With Diabetes 32Sep 28, 2016: Abbott Receives FDA Approval for the FreeStyle Libre Pro System, a Revolutionary Diabetes Sensing Technology for Healthcare Professionals to Use with Their Patients 33Jun 13, 2016: Abbott Announces Positive Results From Groundbreaking Study Of Freestyle Libre System For People With Type 1 Diabetes 34Feb 16, 2016: Abbott Receives Approval In Australia For Freestyle Libre--The Revolutionary Glucose Monitoring System For People With Diabetes 36Appendix 37Methodology 37About GlobalData 39Contact Us 39Disclaimer 40Buy Now @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.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Car Audio System Market Share, Opportunities, Dynamics, Challenges, Analysis and Forecast to 2025

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Car audio system market is expected to grow US$ 6.46 billion and US$ 5.65 billion by 2025 from US$ 3.85 billion and US$ 3.34 billion in 2016 respectively for Europe and North America.The branded car audio systems is anticipated to dominate the market owing to its increasing adaption by the manufacturers as well as the end  users. The inclination of the customers towards the branded car audio systems is majorly due to the quality and after sale services offered by these brands. Moreover, the increasing ability of the end-users to spend on the audio systems of the vehicles has also contributed towards the growth of overall car audio system market.Key trend which will predominantly effect the car audio system market in coming year is integration of wireless technology with the car audio systems. Due to the increasing penetration of smartphones, and intensifying completion, the car audio manufactures have been seen working towards the integration of advanced technologies, such as touch-screen, voice controlled and smartphone. However, due to the development of large number of mobile applications supporting the accessibility to the daily chores (inclusive of car functions, such as accessibility of car audio devices) the car audio industry is foreseen to tap into the increasing demand for more such facilities and also ensure that it is keeping pace with consumer expectation and preferences.Request a Sample Report atCar audio system market by component type is segmented into speaker, head units, amplifiers and others (this includes sub-woofers and other small parts of the audio system). The overall market size has been derived using both primary and secondary source. The research process begins with an exhaustive secondary research using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the Car Audio system market. Also, primary interview were conducted with industry participants and commentators in order to validate data and analysis. The participants who typically take part in such a process include industry expert such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers and national sales managers, and external consultant such as valuation experts, research analysts and key opinion leaders specializing in the car audio system market.Companies MentionedPanasonic CorporationPioneer CorporationAlpine Electronics, Inc.Kenwood CorporationHarman International Industries, Inc.Clarion Co., Ltd.Sony CorporationDelphi Automotive PLCBose CorporationJL AudioBlaupunkt GmbHInquire Before Buying atKey Questions Answered In This Report What will the market size be in 2025 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?Key Insight of Car Audio System Market- Historical and Future Market- Supply and Demand- Price and Cost- Drivers and Challenges- Key Vendors- Market Strategies- Industry Value Chain- RegionsView Complete Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comAbout Us:The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are a specialist in Technology, Media, and Telecommunication industries.533, 5th Floor,Amanora Chambers, East Block, Amanora Township,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Set-top Box Market to Grow at a CAGR of 2.84% to 2021

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Set-top boxes (STBs) are devices that connect TVs to an external signal source and transform the signal into video content that is displayed on the television screen. The source can be a cable, satellite, broadband, telephone line, or a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection. Standard definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) are the two types of STBs. HD STBs display both SD and HD channels.Publisher's analysts forecast the global set top box (STB) market to grow at a CAGR of 2.84% during the period 2017-2021.FREE | Request Sample Copy is Available atCovered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global set top box (STB) market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated by the global sales of STBs.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:-Americas-APAC-EMEAPublisher's report, Global Set Top Box (STB) Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors-ARRIS International-Broadcom-Pace-Roku-TechnicolorBuy nowOther prominent vendors-ABOX42-Albis Technologies-Amino-ARION Technology-Atlanta DTH-Celrun-Chinese Innovative Media Appliances (CIMA)-Comigo-Comtrend-Dune HD-EchoStar-EKT (Eagle Kingdom Technologies)-Edgecore Networks-Elecard-Enseo-Hansun Technologies-HOMECAST-HUMAX Electronics-Hyundai Digital Technology-InfoEQ-Infomir-INTEK Digital-International Datacasting-Kaonmedia-LG Electronics-LUNG HWA ELECTRONICS-Lenovo-NEOTION-Netgem-Nighthawk Systems-OnTV Digital-PROMSVYAZ-Samsung Electronics-SDMC-Setabox Technology-SmartLabs-Shenzhen Sowell Technology-Shenzhen-TechniSat-Telergy-Telsey-TiVo-TopField-Vestel-YuxingMarket driver-Introduction of advanced features in set-top boxes-For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge-Low scope of customer retention-For a full, detailed list, view our reportComplete Report is Available atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Periodontal Therapeutics Market will Exhibit a CAGR of 8.7% from 2016 to 2024

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The global periodontal therapeutics market is highly consolidated in nature on account of a few players holding most of the share in the market. Some of the key players in the market are Den-Mat Holdings, Valeant Pharmaceuticals international, Inc., 3M, Galderma S.A., and LLC Dexcel Pharma. In 2015, 3M, Valeant Pharmaceuticals Int. Inc., and Den-Mat Holdings emerged as the top three players in the market and together they accounted for a mammoth share of 77.7%.Request for Sample Copy of Report @A key trend noticed in the global market for periodontal therapeutics is the investment into research and development of more effective therapies by prominent participants. This, coupled with the focus on strategic mergers and acquisitions and partnerships by players seeking to expand their outreach, is serving to heat up competition in the market.A report by Transparency Market Research predicts the global periodontal therapeutics market to register a CAGR of 8.7% during the period between 2016 and 2024 to attain a value of US$537.2 mn by 2024.Based on the type of products, the global market for periodontal therapeutics can be divided into systemic antibiotics and local antibiotics. Among the two, the systemic antibiotics segment dominated the market in 2016 with a lions share for more than 94%. In the years ahead, the segment is slated to continue to rake in maximum revenue, although reducing its share slightly because of its affordability and availability.Enquiry for discount on this report @Geographically, the key segments of the global market for periodontal therapeutics are North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Rest of the World. North America, of them, led the market in 2015 with a dominant share of more than 40.0%. This is primarily on account of the rising occurrence of periodontal diseases, product innovation, helpful reimbursement policies, and a growing pool of elderly. As per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 47.2% of adults 30 years and above is afflicted with some type of periodontal disease. This, along with increasing awareness about the ailment is expected to drive the market.At the forefront of driving demand in the global periodontal therapeutics market is the rising consumption of tobacco which leads to periodontal disorders. Besides, the growing number of diabetics, increasing thrust on research, and technological progress is also proving beneficial to the market. Colgate-Palmolive, a multinational consumer products company, estimates that about 300 million will be afflicted with diabetes by 2025 and most of them will be from India and China.The American Academy of Periodontology finds that the occurrence of periodontal disease is maximum among ethnic minorities. Almost 63.5 percent of Hispanic-Americans, 50 percent of Non-Hispanic Asian Americans, and 59.1 percent of Non-Hispanic Blacks suffer from the disease.Report Overview @Posing a roadblock to the global periodontal market, on the other hand, is the growing number of preventive care for dental and gum problems and dearth of supportive reimbursement policies in many countries, explains the lead analyst 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 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:
Automated Industrial Doors Market: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast to 2025

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The global automated industrial doors market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period 2017  2025 and account for US$ 2266.22 Mn in the year 2025.The automated industrial door facilitates in easy opening and closure of heavy duty doors in various factories, manufacturing units, airports and sea ports among others. These automated industrial doors are installed in industries that are grappling labor shortage, which a major factor fueling the market growth over the years. The construction industry across the globe has been witnessing steep growth in the influx of several new technologies, concepts, and materials. The market for automatic industrial doors is growing significantly over the past years. The market for automated industrial door is poised to grow over the years owing to the automation of doors in the workstation, which leads to ease of operation in the workstations. Furthermore, the established companies as well as the emerging companies in the industry are researching on development of robust technologies in order to enhance the operation of automated industrial door and meet the surging demand for entrance automation.Request a Sample Report atThe growth of market for automated industrial door is promising during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025, pertaining to various aspects such as increasing development of airports and shipyards across the globe, rise in security concerns to avoid unauthorized personnel entry to the workstations, and increase in automation in the workstations. Furthermore, the strategic partnerships and mergers among the industry participants is a trend that is likely to boost the growth of the market for global automated industrial door during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025.In our study, we have segmented the automated industrial doors market by design type and industry vertical. The design type segment of automated industrial doors market includes sectional overhead doors, rapid roll fast action doors, folding hanging doors & others. The major industry vertical that incorporate installations of automated industrial doors are aiports & ports, manufacturing & factories and commercial sector. On the basis of geography, the automated industrial doors market is analyzed into North America, Europe, Asia- Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM).Inquire Before Buying atIn our study, we have segmented the automated industrial doors market by design type and industry vertical. The design type segment of automated industrial doors market includes sectional overhead doors, rapid roll fast action doors, folding hanging doors & others. The major industry vertical that incorporate installations of automated industrial doors are aiports & ports, manufacturing & factories and commercial sector. On the basis of geography, the automated industrial doors market is analyzed into North America, Europe, Asia- Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM).The growth of automated industrial door market is driven by various factors in different regions across the globe. The major factor boosting the market growth is the increasing demand for factory automation in the developed countries such as the U.S, Canada, the U.K, Germany, China, and Saudi Arabia among others. The robotic systems in industries have helped the workstations to combat labor shortage and produce the desired quantity of products with easy operation and high accuracy. Owing to this, the manufacturing units in the developed countries are opting for more automated systems, which is influencing the adoption of automated industrial doors. In addition, the rising development of airports and marine ports across the globe is leading the airport authorities to integrate aircraft hangars and shipyards with automated technology which include automated doors, that facilitates in easy operation of opening and closing of hangars and shipyard doors. Moreover, the automated industrial doors are also used to security concerns in various industries, as these doors can act according to the situation and prevent unauthorized entry of humans to the area. Pertaining to these factors, the automated industrial doors market is anticipated to propel at a substantial pace during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025.Some of the global key players operating in the automated industrial doors market are Hart Doors Systems, Maviflex, Novoferm, Gandhi Automations Pvt. Ltd. and RTJ Automation & Maintenance Limited. Also, Record, Assa Abloy, Gilgen Door Systems, Al-Barrak Industrial Group and CASIT s.n.c. di C.C. Ramella & C. are other key companies in the automated industrial doors market.Reasons to Buy-Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies.- The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the modular data center market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long term strategies.- Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets.- Scrutinize in-depth global market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it.- Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to products, segmentation and industry verticals.View Complete Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.comAbout The Insight Partners: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.533, 5th Floor,Amanora Chambers, East Block, Amanora Township,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Mobile ECG Devices Market to Exhibit Impressive Growth During 2017-2027

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Mobile ECG device is a diagnostic tool used to measure the heart activity. It is a simple, non-invasive method used to read the cardiac rhythms and clinical symptoms. Mobile ECG device is a wireless system with data transmission capabilities to monitoring stations. It consists of two major divisions. First, the analog signal receiver which reads, amplifies the signal and convert to digital form. The second part is a wireless transmitter; it sends the data to storage devices which used for the analysis by physicians and medical personnel. It can connect to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the internet to mobiles, tablets, Pc, etc. it is safe, reliable, easy to use, wireless, lightweight and economical when compared to the conventional ECG devices. Mobile ECG device has a moderate wireless range and battery life allow the user to move freely, that is impossible in the case of conventional ECG equipment.Apps connected to a mobile platform are used to measure and display the electrical signal produced by the heart. MobileECG device can use for monitoring and diagnosis purpose either at resting position or while in motion.Mobile ECG Devices Market: - Drivers and RestraintsRise in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases with changing lifestyle patterns and growing population.Along with incidence, a large proportion of patients requires long-term care, and there is a need to decrease the hospital stay. These factors were shifting the focus towards a mobile ECG devices. Because of these factors, there is a growing demand for mobile ECG device because they are inexpensive and even disposable and are much easier to use when compared to the traditional ECG equipment. Increased Healthcare investments for early detections of cardiovascular diseases and regulatory support boosting the Mobile ECG device market. All these factors are driving the growth of the mobile ECG device market towards incremental growth.Request Report Sample@Technical issues of the device and reimbursement hurdles are acts as restraints. Along with these factors, market saturation is also increasing the competition in the mobile ECG device market.Mobile ECG Devices Market: - SegmentationSegmentation based on ModalityPenBandHandheld deviceSegmentation based on End UserHospitalsClinicsAmbulatory ServicesPersonal UsersMobile ECG Devices Market: - Market OverviewThe global mobile ECG device market will expand on the back of rising demand due to increasing healthcare concerns. It is a burgeoning market which is getting benefit from escalated public expenditure on the healthcare sector, increasing awareness of the cardiovascular diseases and technological advancements. The Mobile ECG Device market growth is fuelled by emerging telemedicine, tele-reporting services, and self-monitoring and the trend is shifting toward miniaturization and portability. The future is anticipated to growth with double CAGR during the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Mobile ECG Devices Market: - Region-Wise OverviewGlobal spectroscopy intravascular imaging system market is segmented in to following regions North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. North America is dominating the global mobile ECG devices market by size, but the growth rate is slow when compared to Asia due to the saturation of the market. Asia-Pacific is a fastest growing region of the mobile ECG device market due to increased incidence and growing awareness about the heart diseases. The growth in Europe is significant but comparatively slow due to the rising government concerns. The growth rate of mobile ECG device market is high in the developing countries due to growing manufacturing companies. The growth in the Middle East and African countries is still low because of the weak healthcare policies.Mobile ECG Devices Market: - Key ParticipantsKey participants in the Mobile ECG device market are MD Biomedical Inc, Thor, Bittium Biosignals Ltd, Mednet Healthcare Technologies, Inc., CardioComm Solutions, Inc, GETEMED AG, Philips N.V., General Electric Company, and other. The companies are mainly focusing on technological advancements due to high competition in the mobile ECG device market.About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Autonomous Cars Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 20172025

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Autonomous cars, also called driverless cars, self-driving cars, robot car or autonomous vehicles (AVs), are vehicles that are able to navigate to a predetermined destination without the help of human guidance. Incorporation of advanced vehicle systems such as ADAS, AEBS, comprehensive vehicle tracking systems, remote controlled systems and advanced vehicle to everything connectivity are expected to be the nascent technological developments paving the way for autonomous cars market during the forecast period. Moreover, these technologies are featured with enhanced vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, which is projected to increase consumer inclination towards these.Increasing number of road accidents due to human driving errors is expected to be the prominent factor positively influencing growth of the autonomous cars marketAccording to International Organization for Road Accident Prevention, over 90% accident causes are human errors or negligence to traffic regulations. These causes include alcohol consumption while or before driving, reckless speeding, and passing of red signals, to name a few. These incidences can be reduced with the adoption of driverless cars and smart road infrastructures. As per Coherent Market Insights, around 30,000 lives could be saved every year in the U.S. alone. Thus, requirement to reduce the fatality rates owing to road accidents will provide impetus to the overall autonomous cars market over the forecast period.Reduction in traffic congestion and parking problems will help these vehicles gain higher market tractionAccording to our research experts, these technologies will also help the users save approximately over 30 minutes of their daily time in traffic congestions, which could be utilized for more productive tasks. Moreover, no requirement for door opening spaces for self-parking vehicles can save up to 15% of the extra parking spaces. This will help in reducing the parking space problems, specifically in the frequently congested city areas. These associated benefits will provide solid growth prospects for the autonomous car market. Additionally, requirement to enable safe transport of kids, elderly and handicapped individuals who are unable to drive will drive increased demands.Request Sample Copy of this ReportLack of efficient regulatory framework for the advent of self-driving vehicles on commercial basis is expected to hinder the overall market growth.In May 2016, a Tesla Model S car was involved in an accident in Central Florida, leading to the death of the user. This led to several arguments, one of which included the lack of regulatory frameworks for automated vehicles. Moreover, in case of insuring an AV, the question of responsibility in the event of an accident is among the primary concerns. In October 2015, Volvo announced that it does not accept liability in the event of its self-driving vehicle being involved in a crash. However, other firms are very unlikely to resolve such issuances owing to indefinite probability of the occurrence of an accident, and is projected to present challenge to all the global economies over the forecast period.U.S. is expected to register highest gains and account for largest market share over the forecast periodU.S. consumers are increasingly inclined towards adoption of advanced vehicle technologies, owing to the strong presence of leading industry participants and government mandates in the region. Moreover, government bodies have partnered with several tech bodies and automotive participants for rapid development of automated technologies to safeguard human lives. For instance, in January 2016, U.S. Transportation announced plans to introduce initiatives concerning the accelerated adoption of AV technologies and foster closer collaboration among the government and automakers on issues concerning user safety.Other countries that may present potential growth landscape include Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Japan, Iran, and China. Several initiatives by government and automotive industry participants were witnessed in these countries that could augment the autonomous cars market over the following decade. For instance, in June 2017, Persian Gulf Intelligent Technology and Industrial Company (PGITC), successfully completed the testing of AV over the 25 km track. Another instance, is of Germany, where Stuttgart Government bureau authorized Mercedes-Benz for the testing and development of next gen AVs on public roads, in January 2017.Participants such as Alphabet Inc. and Tesla, among many others are increasingly participating in testing and development of self-driving vehicles to capitalize on the opportunityCompanies involved in testing and development include major tech giants and automotive participants such as Audi, BMW, Alphabet Inc., General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen, and Nissan Motor Company Ltd. According to our research, Alphabet Inc. and Tesla are among the major participants that have gained considerable edge over the other participants in the development of autonomous fleet operations. Industry is expected to be majorly characterized by collaborations and intensive competition among the players for the development of AVs over the next few years.For More InformationAbout 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.comVisit our news Website:
Data Analytics Outsourcing Global Market Size, Share, Trend, Key Vendor Analysis and Outlook to 2021

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Data analytics outsourcing is the process by which organizations employ service providers to perform analytics on the data of an organization. Such strategies boost operational efficiency and help enterprises in arriving at decisions based on the outcome of the data analysis. Organizations generate a tremendous amount of data from departments such as HR, procurement, production, and sales and marketing. Data analysis is used to infer actionable insights from these volumes of information.Publisher's analysts forecast the global data analytics outsourcing market to grow at a CAGR of 30.25% during the period 2017-2021.For more informationCovered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global data analytics outsourcing market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers cloud-based business process outsourcing (BPO) services and solutions.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAPublisher's report, Global Data Analytics Outsourcing Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- Accenture- Capgemini- Fractal Analytics- TCS- Wipro- ZS (ZS Associates)Request Sample CopyOther prominent vendors- Cognizant- Evalueserve- EXL Service (EXL)- Genpact- Gramener- HPE- IBM- Infosys- Latentview (LatentView Analytics)- WNS GlobalMarket driver- Data analytics services lead to cost reduction and efficiency- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Changing customer requirements adversely affect market- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Emergence of BPaaS- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMake an enquiry:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Ceramic Tiles Market | Rising at 6.17% CAGR During 2018-2023 | Analysis of Key Players, Trends & Drivers

Ceramic Tile Market

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Ceramic Tiles Market  Market OverviewA slab made up of mixture of clay and inorganic raw materials, Ceramic Tiles, the market supply demand scenario is inclined towards the dynamics of construction industry and the economic conditions. The market consumption trends vary region to region, for instance, the economic downturn in 2008-09 in the U.S which had an adverse effect on the housing industry in the country witnessed sharp decline in the Ceramic Tile Industry. However, the recent stats showing a positive outlook for housing market in the U.S for 2017-18 with low mortgage rates in the country beefing up new construction activities. Hence, a positive prospect for the Ceramic Tile players operating in the region. Since, the ceramic tiles are majorly consumed in its close vicinity of production.Ceramic Tiles are widely consumed among new residential and non-residential constructions along with the reconstruction and renovation activities. With the increasing population, urbanization, and industrialization in the emerging economies such as Asia Pacific and Middles East are stimulating the construction activities. These are some of the protuberant market compelling factors for ceramic tiles.Amidst the decline in oil prices in the GCC the construction activities in the region still remains as a strong indicator for economic growth in the region. The construction activities is expected to stimulate in the coming years with an overall capital spending in GCC estimated at USD 480 billion of which 65% will be towards infrastructure development. Accounting for the latter mentioned factors it is healthy to assume a pool of market opportunities for Ceramic Tiles in the Middle East adding value to the global ceramic tiles market as a whole.Get Sample of Report @Protuberant trends further supporting the growth of Ceramic Tiles Market growth includes innovative designs and enhanced aesthetics, for instance, combination of materials in an innovative manner, traditional stone and wood look Ceramic Tiles. Increasing reconstruction and repair activities across the globe replacing traditional construction with new designs can be further attributed towards the growth of ceramic tiles market across the globe. Furthermore, government initiatives in the emerging economies for infrastructural developments is expected to stimulate the market for Ceramic Tiles. For instance, government of Indias proposed spending in infrastructure accounting for 10% of the countrys GDP in its 12Th five-year plans will boost the demand for ceramic tiles in the country.Ceramic Tiles Market  Competitive AnalysisMajor players operating in the Ceramic Tiles concentrated in the Asia Pacific region are targeting to capitalize on the market with more value added products. For instance, Asian Granito India Ltd a leading player in the Ceramic Tiles space is focusing on high-value added products such as vitrified tiles, digital Ceramic Tiles, marble and quartz in line with the companys strategy towards achieving 50% retail sales from 35% in the Indian market. Capacity additions towards first half of 2018 for value added products is one of the strategy adopted by the company.Capacity expansion is a noted trend among the players in this market space, Kajaria Ceramics, a leading name in the ceramic tiles has expanded its capacity of ceramic tiles with its new plant in Tirupati, India. The plant will be operational in first of 2018.Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:March 28, 2016 - Somany Ceramics Ltd has commenced the production at its plant located at Kassar (Bahadurgarh). The new plant will produce 4 million sq. meters of vitrified tiles. Total production after addition has become 17.13 million sq. meters per annum.October 12, 2016-, Asian Granito India Ltd (AGIL), completed its expansion at Crystal Ceramics Industries Pvt Ltd - subsidiary of the organization. With this expansion, production capacity of Crystal Ceramics has reached 27,000 square meters/day. The new plant produce vitrified tiles in the extensive arrangement of 800 X 800 mm and 1000 X 1000 mm for residential applications.December 15, 2016-, Somany Ceramics Ltd., became the first Indian ceramic tile manufacturer to launch 3D tile visualizer in virtual reality.March 23, 2017- Somany Ceramics Ltd., opened its new showroom for its wide range ceramic product including innovative tiles in Mumbai, India. The newly opened showroom is in line with the companys network expansion strategy across the country.Access Complete Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Needle-Free Diabetic Care Market Development Status, Size, R&D Status and Technology Source, Trend and Forecast To 2027

Needle-Free Diabetic Care Market

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Diabetes is a metabolic disorders caused due to insulin deficiency. The administration of the medication through a modern technique known as needle-free diabetic care for the patient. According to the International Diabetes Federation, about 420 million adult population was suffering from diabetes in 2016, which is increasing at the rate of 8.4% per year and is expected to reach 625 million by 2040. Increasing diabetic population across the globe is the main reason for the development of the global needle-free diabetic care market. The Global Needle-Free Diabetic Care Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period 2017-2023Moreover, increasing obese population, increasing healthcare expenditure, and strong encouragement from the government have also contributed to the growth of the market. According to research, smoking increases the possibility of diabetes; more than 60% of the global population smokes, this has increased the risk of diabetes and contributed to the growth of the market.On account of lack of effective treatment for this disorder, many manufacturers are continuously trying to develop new drugs and more convenient drug delivery devices. Moreover, increasing healthcare expenditure, increasing demand for the better and convenient devices, and development in healthcare infrastructure have contributed to the growth of the market. On the other hand, factors such as, lack of awareness among people and higher cost are hampering the growth of the market.Global Needle-Free Diabetes Care Market  Company Analysis:The Global Needle-Free Diabetic Care Market is highly fragmented due to the presence of a number multinational and local players. The prominent players in the market adopt various strategies such as new product launch, product innovation, and investment in research and development for the advancement of needle-free devices. Some companies have adopted developmental strategies like merger and acquisition to sustain in the competitive market environment.For instance, in 2007, INJEX Pharma AG announced FDA clearance to market and sold their needle free injection products in the America. Twin-Jector EZ II and ZOMA-Jet are the most common needle-free injector developed by Antares Pharma Inc.,. Also, the company has got approval for Vision, which is a reusable needle-free injectors, and disposable multi-use pen injectors.Antares Pharma, Inc. (US), Bioject Medical Technologies Inc. (US), Endo International plc (US), European Pharma Group (Netherland), PharmaJet (US), Medical International Technology, Inc. (US), Valeritas, Inc. (US), PenJet Corporation (US), INJEX Pharma AG (Germany), National Medical Products Inc. (US), Crossject SA (France), Zogenix, Inc. (US), 3M Company (US) and others are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the Global Needle-Free Diabetes Care Market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.Get Sample Copy atGlobal Needle-Free Diabetes Care Market  Regional:Geographically, the regional market is segmented into America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.America dominates the Global Needle-Free Diabetes Care Market owing to large diabetic population. Apart from this, increasing number of obese people, changing lifestyle and increasing healthcare expenditure have boosted the growth of the market in America. According to American Diabetic Association, 29 million Americans were suffering from diabetes in 2016, which is 9.3% of total American population. Obese patients are more prone to diabetes; increasing number of obese population in America is the major driving factor in the growth of the market.Europe is the second largest market, which is followed by Asia Pacific. Increasing awareness among the people and government support for the research and development have encouraged the growth of the market in Europe.Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region in the global market due to the presence of large diabetic population. China and India contribute a major share in the Asia Pacific Needle-Free Diabetes Care Market due to the presence of huge diabetic population. Owing to a large diabetic population, Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market in the globe, and according to WHO, more than 60 % of diabetic people in the world are living in Asia Pacific region. Therefore, increasing diabetic and obese population across Asia Pacific driving the growth of the market. Due to rapidly developing economies and increasing healthcare expenditure, boosted the growth of the market. India and China are the major contributors in the Asia Pacific region. According to WHO, about 90 million and 62 million diabetic population is currently present in India and China respectively. By 2030, both of the countries together will have about half a billion diabetic population. The Middle East and Africa contribute least in the Global Needle-Free Diabetes Care Market.Table of Content:Chapter 1 Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations1.2.2.1 Assumptions1.2.2.2 Limitations1.3 Market StructureChapter 2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Process2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary ResearchChapter 3 Market Dynamics3.1 Drivers3.2 Restraints3.3 Opportunities3.4 Macroeconomic IndicatorsChapter 4 Market Factor Analysis4.1 Porters Five Forces Model4.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers4.3 Bargaining Power of Buyers4.4 Threat of New Entrants4.5 Threat of Substitutes4.6 Intensity of RivalryContinuedApply for Discount atTop 5 Reasons to Buy the Reports: Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent development activities Market Strategic Business Influence Data Market Research Future recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations Market share analysis of the top industry players Market forecasts for a minimum of 5 years of all the mentioned segments, Trends and the regional markets With SWOT AnalysisAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comMRFR has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to 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 answer your most important questions.Our Research Analysts are eager to share their knowledge and assist you in refining market research parameters, choosing right market studies, and evaluating both the market scope and the research methodologies of varied segments.We bridge the gap between our clients and their clients by identifying and decoding just the target group, while generating leads with the highest accuracy.Years of research into diverse fields of work has ingrained within us, a proficiency so distinguished that our industry-specific specialists identify with your business ideas and feel the pulse of your challenges and opportunities. This enables us for providing assistance, through our consulting and strategic consulting services, in informed managerial decision making. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industries, WantStats Research and Media often conducts industrial visits for its research analysts. Relevant inputs from various established market participants, help our clients make significant contribution in respective markets are a huge motivation for all of us to endlessly furnish quality. We depend greatly on profound insights into complex realms of our study.Pune, India
Development in global IoT: prominent factor for the growth of Europe Packaging Market.

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The report EUROPE ELECTRONIC PACKAGING MARKET provides the information about market size, share, trends, and outlook throughout estimated forecast period (2018-2024). The market is analyzed to reach $200.25 Billion by 2024, at a CAGR of 15.3%.Electronic Packaging includes several varieties of technologies which are involved in the provision of several protective features, which are made inbuilt into the product. Also, the electronic packaging is not only applicable at end products but also at component level indeed. Global IoT, increasing demand for efficient all-weather packaging for consumer electronics are the Europe Electronic Packaging Market.Reasons To Buy This ReportThis report contains the in-depth analysis on the market and the estimations are done using volume and value data are further validated on three approaches including bottom-up, top-down and from top companies revenues to conclude the market estimations precisely and accurately considering all the parameters and market dynamics.Download Free Sample Brochure at @Key pointers in the report include: Competitive landscape & market analysis is included in the report to understand the key companies position and Porter's Analysis & PESTLE analysis to perform to analyze the impact of drivers, restraints, challenges, and constraints on the market during the next five years. A team of analysts has analyzed and listed out the key drivers, constraints, challenges and emerging opportunities in all the industry verticals which will specify the emerging scope of the market in end-user industries. Industry value chain analysis is provided in the report to identify the key stakeholders and prominent players at each stage of the company along with the value addition at each stage of the value chain. Complete analysis including global and regional trends, technological developments, and new product innovations are included in the report specific to each and every segment of the market. A complete 360 degree analysis is provided in the report on key companies product portfolio, business portfolio, developmental strategies, and key developments from the companies in the historical period. Advanced customizations on countries, specific applications in end user industries, product based customizations will be provided based on the request. All the collected data is further validated and verified using surveys, interviews and interactions with industrial experts.Europe Electronic Packaging Market Top Players: BASF NEC Technologies Solige T-INK Enfucell TNO/Holst center Novalia Plastic Logic Pragmatic Printing Ltd.,Related Reports:South America Electronic Packaging Market @Asia Pacific Electronic Packaging Market @About usEnvision Inteligence is the Main Supplier of Market Analysis Reviews, Customized Consulting Companies, Information Analytics and Trade Evaluation. Our purpose is to offer the correct data required by the stakeholder on the proper level of time, in a format which assists a clever and knowledgeable resolution making course of!Contact UsSales Team,Sales@envisioninteligence.comCall:+1 408-963-0099Web:
Nephrology and Urology Devices Global Market Size, Share, Trend, Vendor Analysis and Outlook to 2022

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According to Publisher, the Global Nephrology and Urology Devices is valued at $17.28 billion in 2015 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% to reach $28.27 billion by 2022. Rising occurrence of chronic kidney diseases, increased spending on healthcare among the emerging regions and growing aged population across the world are some of the factors favoring the market growth. Moreover, the growing awareness about the benefits of these devices such as abridged recovery and treatment time is also propelling the global market. On the other hand, the high cost linked with these devices hampers the market.For more informationDialysis devices commanded the largest market share and BPH treatment devices are anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Fresenius was leading the market in dialysis devices followed Baxter Corporation. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a major concern and is expected to affect around 75% of male over the age of 55, thus driving the market to grow. Regionally, Europe is presently leading the market owing to the increasing need to keep up with the infrastructural requirements in hospital in region. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a faster pace due to the promising medical tourism industry in the region. New Product launch, merger and acquisition, and research and development are the successful strategies followed by the players in the market to gain the traction.Some of the key players in global Nephrology and Urology Devices market are Nikkiso Co. Ltd., Boston Scientific, American Medical Systems, LLC, Cook Medical, Olympus Medical Systems, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Rockwell Medical Technologies Inc., Dornier MedTech, Coloplast, Terumo Corporation, Fresenius Medical Care, B Braun Group, Nipro Corporation, Baxter International Inc., NxStage Medical, Inc. and C. R. Bard, Inc.,.Products Covered:-Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Devices-Urinary Stone Treatment-Prostate Cancer-Urinary Incontinence Devices-UI-Bulking-UI-Slings-Urological Endoscopes-Urological Catheters-Dialysis Devices-Erectile Dysfunction Device-Nephrostomy-Pelvic Floor Repair-Ureteral Access Devices-Endoscopy DevicesType of Diseases Covered:-Urinary Incontinence (UI) and Pelvic Organ Prolapsed (POP)-Incontinence Products-Interventional Therapies-Urinary Stone-Open Surgery-Percutaneous Nephrostolithotomy (PCNL)-Laser Lithotripsy-Extra-Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)-Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)-Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate (HOLEP)-Transurethral Radio Frequency Needle Ablation of the Prostate (TUNA)-Stenting (Prostatic Stents)-Surgery for BPH-Catheterization-Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy of the Prostate (TUMT)-Chronic Kidney Disease And Renal Failure-Hemodialysis-Kidney Transplant-Peritoneal DialysisEnd Users Covered:-Hospitals and Clinics-Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC)-Home-Other End UsersRequest Sample CopyRegions Covered:-North America-US-Canada-Mexico-Europe-Germany-France-Italy-UK-Spain-Rest of Europe-Asia Pacific-Japan-China-India-Australia-New Zealand-Rest of Asia Pacific-Rest of the World-Middle East-Brazil-Argentina-South Africa-Egypt10 Company Profiling10.1 Nikkiso Co. Ltd.10.2 Boston Scientific10.3 American Medical Systems, LLC10.4 Cook Medical10.5 Olympus Medical Systems10.6 Asahi Kasei Corporation10.7 Rockwell Medical Technologies Inc.10.8 Dornier MedTech10.9 Coloplast10.10 Terumo Corporation10.11 Fresenius Medical Care10.12 B Braun Group10.13 Nipro Corporation10.14 Baxter International Inc.10.15 NxStage Medical, Inc.10.16 C. R. Bard, Inc.,Make an enquiry:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Coagulation Analysers Market to Grow at CAGR of 7.2% through 2027

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A new report published by Future Market Insights titled Coagulation Analysers Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012  2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017  2027) studies the performance of the global coagulation analysers market over a 10 year assessment period from 2017 to 2027. The report presents the value forecast of the global coagulation analysers market and provides useful insights into the factors driving market growth as well as the factors restricting market growth. The estimates point to a revenue growth from US$ 756 Mn in the year 2017 to US$ 1,514 Mn by 2027 end, resulting in a CAGR of 7.2% during the period of assessment.Growing Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases and an Increase in the Number of Cancer Patients Fuelling Revenue Growth of the Coagulation Analysers MarketCardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of deaths in the world and are considered as a global disease burden. As per the data provided by WHO, 17.5 million people across the world die from cardiovascular diseases every year, which accounts for 31 percent of all the deaths globally. In light of this, coagulation tests such as PT/INR are commonly used blood tests to identify the risk of cardiovascular diseases. An increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is expected to boost the global market for coagulation analysers during the forecast period.Request Report Sample@Research has indicated that malignancy affects the haemostatic system and vice versa. An imbalance of the haemostatic system in cancer patients raises their chances of developing thrombosis, haemorrhage or both. In addition, the haemostatic factor plays an important role in tumour progression and haemostatic components and cancer biology are interconnected in various ways. As per the American Cancer Society, in the year 2016, nearly 1,685,210 new cancer cases were registered in the U.S. This increase in the number of cancer patients is expected to drive the global coagulation testing market during the assessment period.Global Coagulation Analysers Market: Segmentation and ForecastThe report segments the global coagulation analysers market on the basis of product type and end user. On the basis of product type, coagulation analysers are categorised as standalone analysers, table top analysers and portable analysers. On the basis of end use, the coagulation analysers market is segmented into hospitals, clinical laboratories and others.The table top analysers segment by product type is estimated to be valued at US$ 208 Mn in the year 2017, and is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 432 Mn by the end of the year 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.6% during the period of assessment.By end use, the hospitals segment is estimated to be valued at US$ 244 Mn in the year 2017, and is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 450 Mn by the end of the year 2027, registering a CAGR of 6.3% during the period of assessment.Request Report Methodology@Global Coagulation Analysers Market: Regional ForecastFuture Market Insights tracks the performance of the global coagulation analysers market across the key geographies of North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa. As per the forecast of Future Market Insights, the North America coagulation analysers market is estimated to be valued at US$ 286 Mn in the year 2017 and is projected to reach a value of US$ 546 Mn by the year 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.7% during the period of assessment. The Western Europe coagulation analysers market is estimated to be valued at US$ 147 Mn in the year 2017 and is projected to reach a value of US$ 314 Mn by the year 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8% during the period of assessment.Global Coagulation Analysers Market: Vendor InsightsThis report includes some of the important players operating in the global coagulation analysers market such as Instrumentation Laboratory, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Helena Laboratories Corporation, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Rayto Life and Analytical Sciences Co., Ltd., Nihon Kohden Corporation Siemens AG, Beckman Coulter Inc. (Danaher Corporation), Sysmex Corporation, Abbott Laboratories and Siemens AG. Manufacturers are concentrating on developing advanced analysers at a lower price, with an objective to witness an increase in their market share.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:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Dairy Herd Management Market: Worldwide Industry Analysis and New Market Opportunities Explored

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Dairy head management is a program to plan and manage dairy farming and planning for each animal of the farm in order to increase productivity. The dairy herd management products are utilized for both animal comfort and dairy production management for various applications such as feeding management, milk harvesting, reproduction management, calf management, animal comfort management etc.Rising production and consumption of milk and dairy products globally is the key factor responsible for the growth of dairy herd management market globally. Increasing farm size and/or number of animals due to increasing demand for milk products are further contributing towards the growth in demand for dairy herd management globally. Bigger farms require a specific manual or guidelines and program to take care of each animal for better productivity. The implementation of smart farming technologies for better management of farm animals offered key benefits such as decreased cost of animal caring that will further generate good demand for the dairy herd management products and services.The dairy herd management also include programs such as farmers assuring responsible management programs that guide and provide training to the farmers for increasing milk quantity by taking proper care of the farm animals. For instance, providing proper feed to animals, maintain good ambience, etc. The milk production is not just business but it is a way of life for the farmers. The standard operation procedures (SOP) have also been laid down by different governments for better care of the animals. These management programs also include vaccination programs for prevention from different diseases, parasite control measures and some blood tests too for better management of health of the animals.Request to Sample of Report @The market for dairy herd management can be segmented based on key product segments, applications and geography. Based on key product segments, market can be segmented into hardware & system, software and associated services. Hardware & system market can be further segmented into cattle management systems, fertility management systems, milk management systems, feeding management systems and accessories. Software market can be further segmented into web based software and on premises software. The web based systems are online systems that are utilized for the management of various dairy herd management programs.Based on key applications of the dairy herd management, the market can be segmented into reproduction management, milk harvesting, calf management, heat stress management, feeding management, genetic management, and financial management among others. The increasing adoption of technologies, increasing demand for automated milk harvesting systems in order to increase the yield of milk are key factors responsible for the growth of this market.Geographically, the dairy herd management market is segmented into five regional segments such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. North America and Europe are expected to contribute the most towards global dairy herd management market in the near future. Growing contribution of dairy industry, number of dairy cows and large pool of dairy exports in developed countries due to increased consumption of dairy products in such regions are the key factors responsible for large contribution from these regions.Request Report For TOC @Increasing disposable income, rising population and active participation of government for the development of dairy farming industry can contribute towards the growth of this market in the developing countries of the Asia Pacific, Latin America and others. However, factors such as unethical conduct with respect to animals may impact the market of dairy herd management negatively in some parts of the world.Key players operating in the dairy herd management market include FBS Systems Inc., Delaval, GEA Group AG, Afimilk Ltd. Boumatic, SCR Dairy, Inc., Dairymaster, Infovet, SourceTrace Systems, Sum-It Computer Systems, Ltd., and Valley Agriculture Software. The increasing demand for technologically improved products and increasing profitability in farming business due to increasing demand for dairy products will drive the market for dairy herd products. There is increased competition among key players as well especially due to rising demand for different software and systems that are available in the global market for dairy herd management.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:
Albumin Market to Become Worth US$ 10.359 Billion by 2025

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Competition is stiff in the global albumin market on account of the presence of many big names who are focused on product or service extensions. In the near future, competition is slated to increase further due to prominent players entering into partnerships or acquiring distributors to increase their sales and expand their businesses worldwide.Request for Sample Copy of Report @Grifols International, CSL Behring LLC, S.A., Octapharma AG, Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., InVitria, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and MedxBio Pte. Ltd. are to name a few prominent participants in the global albumin market.A report by Transparency Market Research predicts the global albumin market to become worth US$10.359 bn by 2025 from US$4.8 bn in 2016 by clocking a CAGR of 9.2% from 2017 to 2025.Based on the product type, the global albumin market can be classified into bovine serum albumin (BSA) which is derived from fetal bovine serum, human serum albumin (HSA) which is derivative of human plasma, and recombinant albumin produced from recombinant yeast, rice and other culture sources. Among them, the human serum albumin segment holds maximum share in the market. This is because, human serum albumin finds widespread application as a blood volumizer in case of burns, shocks, and other rare diseases. Going forward, the segment is expected to rise at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2017 to 2025 on the back of demand for blood volumizer from emerging markets like China, Brazil, and India.Enquiry for discount on this report @Geographically, the key segments of the global albumin market are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific, of them, dominates the market with a leading share and going forward is expected rise at a robust 11.5% CAGR, powered primarily by the emerging markets in India and China. A burgeoning geriatric population and rising instances of rare diseases such as burns and surgeries are said to be catalyzing growth in the region.Albumin is a water soluble globular protein found in serum and contributes 50% to 60% of blood plasma proteins. Albumin is produced in liver to get secreted or diffused into blood system. They have a crucial role in regulating blood volume and act as transporters for molecules such as hormones, bile salts, ions, etc. Owing to these functions albumin derived from human serum is widely used as blood volumizer in various conditions and in replacement therapies, explains the lead analyst of the TMR report.With growing instances of rare diseases, shocks, trauma and other fatalities, demand for human serum albumin is slated to receive a major boost. Besides, high acceptance of albumin as an excipient in drug delivery and in vaccines production is also predicted to catalyze growth in the market.Report Overview @On the flipside, however, scarcity of plasma for fractionation is a major concern among the industry players which is anticipated to hamper growth for albumin market. Moreover use of alternatives to albumin in replacement therapies, and other medical applications is expected to restrain the growth for albumin market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Pressure Bandages Market Poised to Register 3.3% CAGR through 2017 - 2027

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According to a new report by Future Market Insights titled Pressure Bandages Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012  2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017  2027), the global pressure bandages market is estimated to grow from US$ 186.5 Mn in 2017 to US$ 257.4 Mn by 2027 end. This reflects a CAGR of 3.3% over the forecast period 2017 2027. The global market represents absolute $ opportunity of US$ 5.1 Mn in 2018 over 2017 and incremental opportunity of US$ 70.9 Mn between 2017 and 2027. North America is currently the most lucrative regional market for pressure bandages, followed by Western Europe and APEJ. However, in terms of annual growth, the Latin America pressure bandages market is anticipated to experience the highest CAGR of 3.9% during 2017-2027.Global Pressure Bandages Market: OpportunitiesPenetration of orthopaedic treatments in emerging economies including Asia Pacific and MEA is still not as widespread as compared to North America and Europe. This is owing to low awareness regarding advanced wound management and associated risk factors amongst the general as well as obese populationThe retail e-commerce channel has gained significant attraction from consumers in the last few years, and is expected to show rapidly increasing adoption over the forecast period. Sales of pressure bandages through e-commerce have also increased in the last few years with e-commerce companies providing attractive discounts to their customersGlobal Pressure Bandages Market: Forecast by Product TypeOn the basis of product type, the global market for pressure bandages is segmented into short stretch bandages, long stretch bandages and multi-layer compression systems. In terms of value, short stretch bandages are likely to dominate the market throughout the period of forecast, while the long stretch bandages segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment during 2017-2027.Request Report Sample@Global Pressure Bandages Market: Forecast by ApplicationSegmentation by application includes lymphedema, leg ulcers, deep vein thrombosis and others. The leg ulcers segment is expected to be the most lucrative market for pressure bandages, with an attractiveness index of 1.9, while lymphedema is expected to remain the least attractive in the global market in revenue terms over the forecast period.Global Pressure Bandages Market: Forecast by Raw MaterialThe different segments by raw material include cotton, latex, polyester, and others. Cotton dominated the pressure bandages market in revenue terms in 2016, and the trend is projected to continue throughout the forecast period.Global Pressure Bandages Market: Forecast by Distribution ChannelOn the basis of distribution channel, the global pressure bandages market is segmented into retail stores, online stores, hypermarkets & supermarkets, pharmacies and clinics. Retail stores and online pharmacies segments are expected to reflect an attractiveness index of 1.8 over the forecast period. The retail stores segment accounted for a market share of 41.4% in 2016.Visit For TOC@Global Pressure Bandages Market: Forecast by RegionThe seven key geographies of North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, APEJ, Japan and MEA have been covered in this report. North America dominated the pressure bandages market in revenue terms in 2016, and the trend is projected to continue throughout the forecast period. MEA and Japan are expected to remain least attractive in the global market in revenue terms, with a market attractiveness index of 0.2 over the forecast period.Global Pressure Bandages Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global pressure bandages market profiled in the report are BSN Medical (Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA), Smith & Nephew, 3M Inc., Medtronic Plc., Cardinal Health and ConvaTec Inc.About Us Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Cleanroom Doors Market to receive overwhelming hike in Revenues by 2025

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Cleanrooms are controlled environment rooms with low levels of pollutants such as microorganisms, dust, chemical vapors and others. Cleanrooms are used in a wide range of industrial processes, where pollutants may obstruct and depreciate the quality of production. Cleanroom doors are vital section of cleanrooms. Cleanroom doors with poor quality may cause alteration and degradation of the quality of products manufactured in cleanrooms. Cleanroom doors are airtight with high cycle speed that keep the cleanrooms sterilized. In healthcare industry, cleanrooms are used in manufacture of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices and also in research activities. Cleanrooms are classified according to the size and number of particles allowed per volume of air. Cleanrooms in different countries are governed under guidelines and regulations laid by regional agencies.The cleanroom doors market is largely driven by burgeoning demand for pharmaceutical and medical devices products globally. Various pharmaceutical products, such as injections, vaccines, and ointments, need to be prepared in particulate and microbe free environment. Also, the medical devices, such as surgical equipment and implantable devices need to be manufactured in sterilized conditions with minimal pollutants. Regulations have been implemented globally concerning the manufacturing of pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology products in cleanrooms. These regulations focus on the manufacturing of high quality products that are contaminant free and can be used without the threat of infection.Request to Sample of Report @Size and speed of cleanroom doors are critical factors for efficient operations in cleanrooms in research institute, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. Roll up doors offer beneficial features in terms of size and speed as compared to traditional doors. Cleanroom doors reduce the open time and save energy that makes them more efficient. Also, roll up cleanroom doors consume less space compared to other traditional cleanroom doors. Therefore, the adoption of roll up cleanroom doors is high among end users which is anticipated to drive the growth of the global cleanroom doors market. In addition, technological advancements in the manufacturing process of cleanroom doors is helping in increasing the quality of cleanroom doors.The growing number of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals industry in emerging countries such as China, Brazil and India are expected to lead the growth of the Asia Pacific cleanroom doors market during the forecast period. However, high cost of raw materials with specific characteristic and country wise varied cleanroom regulations make international trade difficult for regional players and is anticipated to hamper the growth of the global cleanroom doors market.The global cleanroom doors market has been segmented by type of doors, by end user and by geography. In terms of door type, the cleanroom doors has been categorized into sliding doors, roll up doors, swing doors and other traditional doors. Increasing adoption of roll up doors and swing doors is anticipated to drive the growth of these segments in the global cleanroom doors market. In terms of end users, the cleanrooms market has been categorized into pharmaceutical companies, biotech & medical device companies, research laboratories, and hospitals. Geographically, North America accounts for a significant share in the market for cleanroom doors owing to extensive research and development activities in the region.Request Report For TOC @Presence of many pharmaceutical manufacturing companies and research laboratories is expected to propel the growth of the North America cleanroom doors market. Europe was the second large market for cleanroom doors due to enhanced healthcare product manufacturing processes and implementation of stringent rules and regulations in the region. Market in Asia Pacific is expected to increase at rapid pace owing to increased demand for cleanroom doors from countries such as Japan, China, and India. Latin American countries such as Mexico and Brazil are expected to have considerable potential for driving the market growth due to the evolving healthcare manufacturing facilities.The major players operating in the global cleanroom doors market include Avians, Chase Doors, GMP Technical Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Nicomac Srl, Integrated Cleanroom Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Metaflex Doors Pvt. Ltd., Dortek, Clean Air Products Ltd., ISOFLEX systems Pvt. Ltd, Scott Doors Limited, among other significant players worldwide.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:
Dairy Herd Management Market Poised to Expand at a Robust Pace Ove 2025

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Dairy head management is a program to plan and manage dairy farming and planning for each animal of the farm in order to increase productivity. The dairy herd management products are utilized for both animal comfort and dairy production management for various applications such as feeding management, milk harvesting, reproduction management, calf management, animal comfort management etc.Rising production and consumption of milk and dairy products globally is the key factor responsible for the growth of dairy herd management market globally. Increasing farm size and/or number of animals due to increasing demand for milk products are further contributing towards the growth in demand for dairy herd management globally. Bigger farms require a specific manual or guidelines and program to take care of each animal for better productivity. The implementation of smart farming technologies for better management of farm animals offered key benefits such as decreased cost of animal caring that will further generate good demand for the dairy herd management products and services.Request Sample Report@The dairy herd management also include programs such as farmers assuring responsible management programs that guide and provide training to the farmers for increasing milk quantity by taking proper care of the farm animals. For instance, providing proper feed to animals, maintain good ambience, etc. The milk production is not just business but it is a way of life for the farmers. The standard operation procedures (SOP) have also been laid down by different governments for better care of the animals. These management programs also include vaccination programs for prevention from different diseases, parasite control measures and some blood tests too for better management of health of the animals.The market for dairy herd management can be segmented based on key product segments, applications and geography. Based on key product segments, market can be segmented into hardware & system, software and associated services. Hardware & system market can be further segmented into cattle management systems, fertility management systems, milk management systems, feeding management systems and accessories. Software market can be further segmented into web based software and on premises software. The web based systems are online systems that are utilized for the management of various dairy herd management programs.Based on key applications of the dairy herd management, the market can be segmented into reproduction management, milk harvesting, calf management, heat stress management, feeding management, genetic management, and financial management among others. The increasing adoption of technologies, increasing demand for automated milk harvesting systems in order to increase the yield of milk are key factors responsible for the growth of this market.Download and View Report TOC, Figures and Tables @Geographically, the dairy herd management market is segmented into five regional segments such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. North America and Europe are expected to contribute the most towards global dairy herd management market in the near future. Growing contribution of dairy industry, number of dairy cows and large pool of dairy exports in developed countries due to increased consumption of dairy products in such regions are the key factors responsible for large contribution from these regions.Increasing disposable income, rising population and active participation of government for the development of dairy farming industry can contribute towards the growth of this market in the developing countries of the Asia Pacific, Latin America and others. However, factors such as unethical conduct with respect to animals may impact the market of dairy herd management negatively in some parts of the world.Key players operating in the dairy herd management market include FBS Systems Inc., Delaval, GEA Group AG, Afimilk Ltd. Boumatic, SCR Dairy, Inc., Dairymaster, Infovet, SourceTrace Systems, Sum-It Computer Systems, Ltd., and Valley Agriculture Software. The increasing demand for technologically improved products and increasing profitability in farming business due to increasing demand for dairy products will drive the market for dairy herd products. There is increased competition among key players as well especially due to rising demand for different software and systems that are available in the global market for dairy herd management.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:
Plant Growth Regulators Market : Evolving Technology, Trends And Industry Analysis  2021

Plant Growth Regulators Market

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Namely Plant Growth Regulators Market Report has Been Published by Market Research Future Which Covers All the Geographical Locations with Demand, Trend Analysis with near about Forecasted results and Also Covers the Market Expectations.The Plant Growth Regulators are chemical compounds, other than nutrients, that help in modifying plant physiological processes.The North America Plant Growth Regulators Market sector is required to develop by virtue of expanded use in modifying plant physiological procedures, for example, inhibiting or stimulating enzyme systems and regulating the plant metabolism. Increasing demand for regulating cotton metabolism is relied upon to have the positive effect on Plant Growth Regulators Market growth in next six years. Moreover on this, looking at farmers side, the profitability concern has force them to utilize plant growth regulators.Recently, there has been a great deal of discuss on PGR's in the agriculture industry. The truth is they've been around for a long while. The US started utilizing them as a part of the mid 1930s and plants themselves have received them since the get-go. Plant growth regulators discover a scope of utilization in the agriculture and cultivation areas, inferable from different advantages and favourable circumstances.A Plant Growth Regulator is a compound or various mixes used to influence the rate of development, whether in the root zone, stem locale or some other segment of the plant. This is not finished with the utilization of small scale or large scale supplements, yet with plant hormones which are actually delivered atoms inside the plant. These hormones are in charge of the plant's arrangement, rate of development, size of products of the soil, and so on.Auxins is one of the type of plant growth regulators which stimulate cell elongation and influence a host of other developmental responses such as vascular differentiation, root initiation, tropic responses, apical dominance, and the development of auxiliary buds, fruits and flowers. Auxins are incorporated in the stem and root apices and transported through the plant hub. The foremost auxin in plants is indole-3-acidic corrosive (IAA). A few other indole derivatives, all as antecedents to IAA, are known to express auxin activity, likely by changing over to IAA in the tissue. Auxins in plant tissue culture are utilized to actuate callus from explants, and shoot morphogenesis and cause root. Auxins are frequently best in eliciting their belongings when joined with cytokinins.North America is considered to be the leading market player in organic food market which has resulted in the increasing demand for bio-based products. The plant growth regulator here acts as fulfilling the customer demand by growing the crops and vegetable in a quicker way.The use of plant growth regulators resulted in increasing the productivity of crops, fruits and vegetables. The driving factor which helps the plant regulator market to grow is that it will not be hazardous to an individual health if these are used in the agricultural process. Though, using plant growth regulators improves the productivity of crop and helps to prevent it from diseasesBASF SE, BAYER, The Dow Chemical Company, NUFARM LTD, FMC CORPORATION, SYNGENTA AG, MARRONE BIO INNOVATIONS, TATA CHEMICALS and others are some of the major players in the North America Plant Growth Regulators Market.Get Sample Copy atNorth America Plant Growth Regulators Market - Regional Analysis:North American government is supporting the agricultural amendments. In US and Canada, the government is supporting the The Organic Farming Movement which is moving towards the sustainable agriculture. As per the MRFR analysis, theUS government pays around $20 billion per year to farmers which directly subsidies as farm income stabilization. These subsidiaries have benefited farmers a lot and change the agricultural view in the United States. Even the direct subsidiaries are provided to farmers without any economic need of the financial condition of the farm economySeeing the traction of bio based products between the populations there is a huge opportunity for the organic food industry to expand their business. In organic food industry, plant growth regulators play a vital role in production of crops, fruits and vegetables. So here there a direct impact if the organic food industry expands there will be huge demand generate for plant growth regulators tooThe growth of Plant Growth Regulators Market in North America has convinced the MNCs and small scale industries to invest their capital in agricultural and farming sector. Due to this huge investment, North American agriculture and life science startups that increase productivity and sustainability, as well as modernize distribution chainsTable of Contents1 Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope of the Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market Structure2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Process2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research2.4 Market Size Estimation2.5 Forecast Model3 Executive Summary4 North America Plant Growth Regulator Market4.1 Introduction of Plant Growth Regulator Market4.2 Definition4.3 Market Classification4.4 Market Agricultural Biological New-Terminology4.5 Agricultural Biological Seed Applied4.6 Agricultural Biological Regulations Status4.7 Market Segmentation4.7.1 Market Segmentation On The Basis Of Types4.7.1.1 Auxins and Pricing Status4.7.1.2 Cytokinins and Pricing Status4.7.1.3 Gibberellins and Pricing Status4.7.1.4 Ethylene and Pricing Status4.7.1.5 Abscisic Acid and Pricing Status4.7.2 Market Segmentation On The Basis Of Crop TypesContinuedApply for Discount atTop 5 Reasons to Buy the Reports: Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent development activities Market Strategic Business Influence Data Market Research Future recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations Market share analysis of the top industry players Market forecasts for a minimum of 5 years of all the mentioned segments, Trends and the regional markets With SWOT AnalysisAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comMRFR has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to 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 answer your most important questions.Our Research Analysts are eager to share their knowledge and assist you in refining market research parameters, choosing right market studies, and evaluating both the market scope and the research methodologies of varied segments.We bridge the gap between our clients and their clients by identifying and decoding just the target group, while generating leads with the highest accuracy.Years of research into diverse fields of work has ingrained within us, a proficiency so distinguished that our industry-specific specialists identify with your business ideas and feel the pulse of your challenges and opportunities. This enables us for providing assistance, through our consulting and strategic consulting services, in informed managerial decision making. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industries, WantStats Research and Media often conducts industrial visits for its research analysts. Relevant inputs from various established market participants, help our clients make significant contribution in respective markets are a huge motivation for all of us to endlessly furnish quality. We depend greatly on profound insights into complex realms of our study.Pune, India
Explored in latest research Jet Injector Device Market Size & Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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The report analyzes and presents an overview of "Jet Injector Device Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" worldwide.The objectives of this study are as follows:To define, describe, and forecast the "Jet Injector Device" market by type, application, component, delivery model, end user, and regionTo provide detailed information regarding major factors influencing market growth (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and industry-specific challenges)To analyze micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall marketTo analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide details of the competitive landscape for market leadersTo forecast the market size of market segments with respect to the four key regions: North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (RoW)To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their product portfolios, market positions, and core competenciesGet Sample Copy of this report @Jet injector device is a medical device that uses a needle-free injection system. The injector delivers drugs, vaccines, compounds, anesthetics, steroids, or insulin in a very fine stream of fluid by high-pressure precision. The high pressure is produced either by using nitrogen-filled or carbon-dioxide-filled cartridge or a spring. The medication is forced through a tiny opening in the device, which allows the drug to penetrate the skin and is administered into the underlying tissue either intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or intradermal.The jet injector device provides (with minimal training) reproducible, reliable, and accurate delivery of medication, eliminates the need for "sharps" disposal, reduces risks such as cross-contamination and needle stick injuries, enhances compliance, and is less painful for the patient. These attributes are expected to drive the global jet injector device market. Increased inclination toward minimal invasive methods can further boost the demand for jet injectors. Improved patient convenience due to ease in professional and self-medication uses can drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. According to the International Diabetes Federation, the rate of diagnosis of diabetes has increased from 30 million people to 246 million people in India, China, and the U.S., over the last decades. Increasing incidence of diabetes drives the jet injector devices market. However, some formulations of vaccines and medications produce a stinging or burning sensation, whether it is administered using a jet injector or a needle.The global jet injector device market can be segmented based onproduct type, methods of injection, end-user, medication type, and region. In terms of product type, the market can be classified into powder jet injections, liquid jet injections, and depot or projectile jet injections. Based on the methods of injection, the market can be classified into gas powdered jet injector, spring load jet injector, and battery powdered jet injector. In terms of end-user, the market can be categorized into podiatric clinics, dental clinics, veterinary clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, and hospitals. In terms of the medication type, the global jet injector device market can be divided into vaccines, drugs, aesthetics, hormones, genes, and others.View Full Report @Geographically, the global jet injector device market can be classified into Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. North America held a dominant market share in the year 2016, owing to technological advancements in research & development, high awareness, and early adoption of jet injector devices. Europe held the second largest market share in 2016 due to government initiatives to promote good health in the region. Asia Pacific market is expected to expand during the forecast period. The growth can be accredited to increasing life expectancy in the region. According to World Health Organization (WHO), life expectancy continues to rise in the South East Asia region. Since 2000, life expectancy has increased at nearly 3.5 years per decade. The life expectancy in the region was 69.0 in 2015. The global jet injector device market in Africa is anticipated to grow during the forecast period owing to the increasing prevalence of diabetes. According to WHO, by 2030, the estimated number of diabetes cases will reach nearly 23.9 million in Africa. In surveys carried out by WHO, approximately 15% of adults between the ages of 25 and64 suffer from diabetes.Key players of the global jet injector device market are PharmaJet, MK Global Co., Spirit Healthcare Ltd, Valeritas, Inc, Lundbeck Limited, Crossject needle-free injection systems, InjexUK, and Antares Pharma.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 analysisRequest For Enquiry @The 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.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.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 marketCheck Discount @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 usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Packaging Films Food Market- The Biggest Trends to Watch out for 2015 to 2021

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Packaging film is a thin plastic layer used to preserve, protect, market and distribute various food items. It provides protection for loss of nutrients, color, aroma, taste, and maintaining the functional properties of food. Packaging films also help protect food from the harmful effect of microorganisms. Plastic films such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylchloride, polyamide, and ethylene vinyl alcohol are used to package food. They also protect food from dirt, germs, liquids, and gases. Packaging films are used to pack various food products such as dry foods, liquid & semi-solid food, meat, cheese, snack items, biscuits, dairy products, and other bakery items. They help increase the shelf life of food and also protect food from ultraviolet radiation. Based on material, the global market for packaging films for food is segmented into polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and others.Request to Sample of Report @Asia Pacific is the largest and fastest growing market for packaging films for food. China, Japan, and India are the major markets in this region. Increasing demand for fresh and healthy packaged food in these nations has helped the growth of this market. North America is the second-largest market for packaging films for food. The U.S. has the largest demand in this region. The U.K., Italy, and Germany are the major markets in Europe. Growing economy, rising disposable income along with increasing expenditure on food items in Europe are driving the growth of the packaging films for food market.Request Report For TOC @Some of the major players in this market are AEP Industries Inc., Amcor Limited, Berry Plastics Group, Inc., Bemis Company, Inc., Charter NEX Films Inc., DuPont Teijin Films, Coveris Holdings SA , The Dow Chemical Company, Graphic Packaging Holding Company, Hilex Poly Co LlC, Innovia Films Ltd, Jindal Poly Films Ltd., RKW SE, Sealed Air Corporation, Taghleef Industries Group, and Wipak OY.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:
Diisopropylbenzene Market by Mitsui Chemicals, Arkema Group, TCI (Shanghai) Development Co., Ltd. Leading Top 10 Companies

Diisopropylbenzene

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Global Diisopropylbenzene market research report published by Market Research Future sharing details on Market Analysis, new Technology, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast up to 2023. Global Diisopropylbenzene Market research report spread across 135 Pages consist 35 Tables and 11 Figures also include Top 10 Global key players that sharing latest types, technology, application by 2023Diisopropylbenzene Market- Top 10 Global key Players & Their StrategyKey players of the global diisopropylbenzene market are Eastman Chemical Company (US), Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc (US), TCI (Shanghai) Development Co., Ltd. (China), Arkema Group (Europe), Hangzhou Yuhao Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. (China), CHMA Chemical Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd (China), Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (US), Rhein Chemie Corporation (US), Matrix Scientific. Inc, Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC (US) and others.Request for Sample Copy of Diisopropylbenzene Market atDiisopropylbenzene Market - Study Objectives: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 7 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Diisopropylbenzene Market To understand the supply and demand dynamics including supply and consumption concentration mapping To provide region level market analysis and future outlook for North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW) and their countries To provide competitor positioning of the market To provide company profiling of major players in the market along with their production and capacity To provide regional trade analysis To evaluate historical market trends, patents and technologies, and current government regulatory requirements that are relevant to the marketDiisopropylbenzene Market Market Overview / Study Objective / SynopsisDiisopropylbenzene Market research report about Global Diisopropylbenzene industry by Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with detail analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts and key opinion leaders to gain a deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives a clear picture of the current market scenario which includes past and estimated future market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market.For Technical and Professional Details Book Complete Diisopropylbenzene Market Report atDiisopropylbenzene Market - Intended Audience Diisopropylbenzene manufacturers Traders and distributors of Diisopropylbenzene Production Process industries Potential investors Raw material suppliers Nationalized laboratoryDiisopropylbenzene Market  Segmentation AnalysisThe global diisopropylbenzene market is majorly segmented on the basis of isomers, application, and region. Based on isomers of diisopropylbenzene the market is segmented into o-diisopropylbenzene, m-diisopropylbenzene, and p-diisopropylbenzene. Based on application of diisopropylbenzene the market is segmented stabilizers, polymers, synthetic lubricants, hydroperoxides, and others. On the other hand, based on region market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, Middle East & Africa.Diisopropylbenzene Market  Regional AnalysisThe report covers brief analysis of geographical region such as North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. The report further provides detail information about strategies used by top key players in the industry. It also gives a broad study about 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 Us:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Future of Digital Manufacturing Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, 20172025

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Manufacturing process performance is a key competitive factor for manufacturing organizations. Digital manufacturing is a process, which focuses on improving the manufacturing process of the product from virtual to physical world. Digital manufacturing is a subset of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) that focuses on Computer-Aided Manufacturing Simulation (CAMS) that uses three dimensional (3D) visualization, analytics, and various collaboration tools for making products and setting a manufacturing process definitions at the same time.The rising adoption of cloud-based PLM software is projected to increase the demand for digital manufacturing specific applications. This will enable the manufacturing plants to access the PLM software from remote areas as well. Technomatix 360 and Manufacturing 360 are applications that are used in the iOS and Android gadgets respectively.Request Table of Content of this Report :Rising use of cloud-based digital manufacturing software has become one of the key factors driving market growth. Venders are concentrating on reducing the cost of PLM, thereby trying to introduce cloud-based product lifecycle solutions in the market. Several PLM service providers are installing PLM on the cloud for end users. For example, Wipro Limited, a worldwide information technology, outsourcing, and consulting firm, is offering cloud-based PLM services to Siemens PLM Software solution, Teamcenter. Such services help electronics manufacturing organizations to install Teamcenter on the cloud with the help of Infrastructure as a Service.The increasing sales and rising R&D investment in automotive industry globally provide significant growth opportunity to the global digital manufacturing market. According to Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, in 2016, 98.8 million units of vehicles were sold worldwide up from 89.7 million in 2015. Moreover, according to Coherent Market Insights analysis, US$ 94.2 billion was spent on automotive R&D in 2016 up from US$ 91.5 billion in 2015.The implementation of digital manufacturing in the automotive production process smoothens the flow of plant and product data during various process. Furthermore, digital manufacturing authenticates automation and robotics programs and accelerates the factory manufacturing process. Moreover, the implementation of digital manufacturing provides real-time access to the product lifecycle information to the administration.Digital Manufacturing Market Outlook  North America holds the largest market shareOn the basis of geography, global digital manufacturing market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. North America held the dominant position in the global digital manufacturing market in 2016 and is projected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The U.S., Mexico, and Canada are the three major countries, which contribute to the swift growth of market in the region. The increasing R&D investment in the aerospace & defense and automotive sectors in the U.S provides immense growth opportunity to the digital manufacturing market. In 2016, the U.S spent US$ 14.3 billion in R&D in aerospace & defense industry up from US$ 14.1 billion in 2015. Similarly, for R&D in automotive sector, the U.S. spent US$ 39.6 billion in 2016 up from US$ 37.5 billion in 2015.Digital Manufacturing Market PlayersSome of the key participants in the global digital manufacturing market are, Autodesk, Dassault Systemes, Mentor Graphics, PTC, and Siemens PLM Software.For More Information :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.comVisit our news Website:
In-depth research on Mobile Health and Fitness Sensors Market Size & Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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The report analyzes and presents an overview of "Mobile Health and Fitness Sensors Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025" worldwide.The objectives of this study are as follows:To define, describe, and forecast the "Mobile Health and Fitness Sensors" market by type, application, component, delivery model, end user, and regionTo provide detailed information regarding major factors influencing market growth (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and industry-specific challenges)To analyze micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall marketTo analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide details of the competitive landscape for market leadersTo forecast the market size of market segments with respect to the four key regions: North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (RoW)To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their product portfolios, market positions, and core competenciesGet Sample Copy of this report @Mobile Health and Fitness Sensors Market: SnapshotMobile health and fitness sensors market includes the sensors that are utilized as a part of healthcare sector by therapeutic experts and customers for measuring different body parameters, for example, blood glucose level, temperature, weight, and among others. Mobile health and fitness sensors support in gathering the healthcare related information of patients and keeping up their electronic data which can be utilized for discovering examples of patient's past and dissecting information to discover the solution. Mobile health and fitness sensors market is developing at a critical rate because of different favorable highlights offered with utilization of mobile health and fitness sensors, for example diminishment in mistakes, more exact outcomes, less tedious and others.The report offered herewith considers all the major subtle parts and factors adding to the difference in the general development sensor market, for instance, market figures, drivers, confinement, outlines, openings, market potential, fragments, and land viewpoint. The report helps in understanding the market situation and intense scene for healing planning market, by demonstrating the key players, driving district, business methodologies, and level of change.Mobile Health and Fitness Sensors Market: Trend and OpportunitiesThe developing requirement for mobile health and fitness sensors can be accounted to the expanding infiltration of savvy devices and expanding use of associated medicinal gadgets. Mobile health and fitness sensors are for the most part centered around checking for counteractive action of different illnesses. This increased care enhances the general population and the administration to cut short healthcare costs. Among some of the mobile health sensors are being utilized for basic applications where quick and precise basic leadership is pivotal. So sellers are concentrating on creating mobile health and fitness sensors to enable crisis responders to settle on the correct choices in a convenient way. This is also estimated to help general market.The worldwide mobile health and fitness sensors market is becoming because of quick increment in demand of better healthcare administrations, developing number of medical cases, the different government activities for empowering effective, reasonable, and exact time conveyance of value mind. The worldwide mobile health and fitness sensors market is relied upon to develop amid the figure time frame significantly because of developing healthcare mindfulness among people in general and demand for accessibility of enhanced healthcare offices.View Full Report @Mobile Health and Fitness Sensors Market: Geographical AnalysisOn the premise of topography, the worldwide mobile health and fitness sensors market is divided into Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, North America, and South America. North America holds the biggest market share in the worldwide mobile health and fitness sensors market and is relied upon to have a consistent development over the estimate period. This development is predominantly because of enhanced healthcare offices and expanded administration spending in healthcare in this district. Likewise among the districts in worldwide mobile health and fitness sensors market, Europe and Asia Pacific areas are required to develop at a higher CAGR amid gauge period. China and India are relied upon to develop at a speedier pace in Asia Pacific areas amid the estimate time frame.Mobile Health and Fitness Sensors Market: Companies MentionedA portion of the significant organizations managing in the worldwide mobile health and fitness sensors market are Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Laboratories, F.Hoffmann-La Roche, Bayer HealthCare, and and Medtronic. A portion of alternate organizations having critical nearness in the worldwide mobile health and fitness sensors market are Honeywell International, GE Healthcare OMRON, LifeScan, Fujitsu, Acute Technology, and RF Technologies. These organizations are putting a considerable measure in their R&D, for example, to fuse new advancements, improve productivity, deliver more precise outcomes in their frameworks and grow new items in order to upgrade market share in worldwide mobile health and fitness sensors market.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Request For Enquiry @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.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.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 marketCheck Discount @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 usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Agrochemical Intermediates Market Report 2018

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In this report, the EMEA Agrochemical Intermediates 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.The Values marked with XX is confidential data. To know more about CAGR figures fill in your information so that our business development executive can get in touch with you.Request Sample Copy of the Business Report @Geographically, this report split EMEA into Europe, the Middle East and Africa, With sales (K MT), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Agrochemical Intermediates 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 Agrochemical Intermediates market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Agrochemical Intermediates sales volume (K MT), price (USD/MT), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingRohnerChem, Eastman, Arkema, AGC, Lonza, Sugai Chemical, Kuraray, BASF, Evonik, Air Water, Astec, WeylChem Group, DPx Fine Chemicals, Mitsubishi Corporation, Sudarshan ChemicalOn the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume, revenue, product price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAlkylaminesAminesAldehydesAcidsOn 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 for each application, includingInsecticidesHerbicidesFungicidesGet discount on this report :Table of ContentsEMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Agrochemical Intermediates Market Report 20171 Agrochemical Intermediates Overview2 EMEA Agrochemical Intermediates Competition by Manufacturers/Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application3 Europe Agrochemical Intermediates (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Players, Countries, Type and Application4 Middle East Agrochemical Intermediates (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Region, Type and Application5 Africa Agrochemical Intermediates (Volume, Value and Sales Price) by Players, Countries, Type and Application6 EMEA Agrochemical Intermediates Manufacturers/Players Profiles and Sales Data7 Agrochemical Intermediates Manufacturing Cost Analysis8 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Market Effect Factors Analysis11 EMEA Agrochemical Intermediates Market Forecast (2017-2022)12 Research Findings and ConclusionIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.About WMR :Worldwide Market Reports is your one-stop repository of detailed and in-depth market research reports compiled by an extensive list of publishers from across the globe. We offer reports across virtually all domains and an exhaustive list of sub-domains under the sun. The in-depth market analysis by some of the most vastly experienced analysts provide our diverse range of clients from across all industries with vital decision making insights to plan and align their market strategies in line with current market trends. Worldwide Market Researchs well-researched inputs that encompass domains ranging from IT to healthcare enable our prized clients to capitalize upon key growth opportunities and shield against credible threats prevalent in the market in the current scenario and those expected in the near future.Contact Us:Mr. ShahWorldwide Market Reports1001 4th Ave,U.STel: +1 415 871 0703Email: sales@worldwidemarketreports.comWEBSITE :
Artificial Insemination Market 2018 Striking Double Digit 10.9% CAGR Growth Rate by 2023

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Global Artificial Insemination Market is expected to reach USD 1.95 billion in 2023 from USD 1.35 billion in 2016 with a CAGR of approximately 10.9% during the forecast period 2017-2023. Artificial Insemination is a treatment for infertility. It is a medical process involving introduction of semen into the female reproductive tract. It is recommended to the couples experiencing unexplained infertility or problem with intercourse. Artificial insemination has grown in popularity as infertility becomes more prevalent and as more women opt to become single mothers. The procedures for artificial insemination are legal in most of the developed countries but there are no such rules and regulations governing it. Changing lifestyle, poor reproductive health of women, psychological stress, addiction, lifestyle changes and increase in age of women at the time of first pregnancy act as drives for the growth of this market.Globally, artificial insemination market consists of four regions Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa. North America is the largest market. Presence of large number of infertility centers, technological advancement in infertility treatment and increase in reproductive disorders among women boost the growth of this market in North America. Europe is the second largest market. Asia Pacific shows fastest growth in this market. The market shows steady growth in Middle East and Africa.Key Players:Labotect GmbH (Germany), Hamilton Throne Ltd. (U.S.), Microtech IVF S.R.O. (Czech Republic), Rinovum Women's Health LLC (US), Zander scientific Inc. (U.S.),INVO Bioscience (U.S.), Nikon Instruments Inc. (U.S.), MedGyn products Inc. (U.S.),Conceivex Inc. (US), Biogenics Inc. (U.S.), LifeGlobal Group LLC (U.S.), TenderNeeds Fertility (US) and Surelife Pte Ltd. (Singapore).Get Exclusive Sample Copy @Innovation is the organic strategy to gain the market. Many companies are operating in the market, however, the major companies dominated the major share in the market due to well-developed brand identity. Now-a-days, there is a significant increase in the number of the company offering artificial Insemination. Thus companies are adopting the new strategies to minimize the competition and increase the market. Some major companies are focusing on development of new and advanced products to gain the market share. Whereas, some are has used the technique of acquisition and collaboration to gain the market.Latest Industry UpdatesBeing a competitive market, a number of different manufacturer are focusing on the product launch, and acquisition for the market development. Some of the latest development in the market are-Labotect GmbH is a major player in artificial insemination market. The company develops products for use in assisted reproduction, medical science laboratories and medical surgery. Incubation technique is one of the key areas of the company helping it to maintain competitive advantage. Its products include embryo transfer catheters and puncture needle are the products for artificial insemination.Hamilton Throne Ltd. Is a leading provider for computer aided sperm analysis and advanced laser system. IVOS, CEROS, human motility II are sperm analysis products. In September 2016, the company acquired Embryotech Laboratories, a company providing testing assays and quality control servieesGlobal Artificial Insemination Market  Overview:Intrauterine insemination is most common type of artificial dissemination. Artificial insemination helps to overcome problems in conceiving. This is one of the major advantages of artificial insemination. Increase in success rates of treatment of infertility favor the growth of artificial insemination. In the United States, 12 percent of women aged 15 to 44 years are unable to conceive after one year of unprotected sex. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that a woman should consider seeing an infertility doctor to discuss treatment if she has not conceived within one year of trying to, has irregular periods, is over the age of 35, or has experienced two or more spontaneous miscarriages. Rising social acceptance has also played an important role in the growth of the global artificial insemination market. Increase in awareness about infertility and reproductive health and decrease in cost of treatment of fertility treatment drive the market for artificial insemination. Additionally, increasing healthcare expenditure and rapidly growing economies have fuelled the growth of the market. These factors are restraining the adoption of artificial insemination kits which could limit the growth of the global artificial insemination market.Regional Analysis:Depending on geographic region, artificial insemination market is segmented into four key regions: Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa. North America is the largest market. The cost of artificial insemination in America in between USD 300 to USD 500 per attempt. According to American Society of Reproductive Health, the typical success rate is 10 to 20 percent. Continuous increasing in number of fertility clinics in the U.S and Canada, increase in drug addiction and smoking among women, unprotected sexual intercourse and rising trend of planned pregnancy favor the growth of this market in America. The European market is also growing continuously. Deterioration of reproductive health among women, increased age of women at the time of pregnancy, rising income of families and demand of technological advancement in artificial insemination drive this market in Europe. Asia-Pacific market is expected to show fastest growth in the Artificial insemination market during the forecasted period. Rise in number of miscarriage, lack of awareness about reproductive health, increase in psychological and physical stress favor the growth of this market in Asia-Pacific. Government of India has number of programs for women in rural areas. In India, Janani Suraksha Yogana under National Health Mission was a great success initiating women to carry out institution delivery which provided cash assistance to pregnant women after delivery. Middle East and Africa show steady growth in this market.Inquire more @About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Latest Report Details Of Server Virtualization Software Market Size & Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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The report analyzes and presents an overview of "Server Virtualization Software Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" worldwide.The objectives of this study are as follows:To define, describe, and forecast the "Server Virtualization Software" market by type, application, component, delivery model, end user, and regionTo provide detailed information regarding major factors influencing market growth (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and industry-specific challenges)To analyze micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall marketTo analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide details of the competitive landscape for market leadersTo forecast the market size of market segments with respect to the four key regions: North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (RoW)To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their product portfolios, market positions, and core competenciesGet Sample Copy of this report @Server virtualization is a process of masking the server resources such as processors, physical servers, and operating systems. With virtualization, a server can run multiple virtual machines or guests, in such a way that each guest is unaware and unaffected by the working of other guests and work as an individual and dedicated system. The software application is used by a server administrator which creates multiple isolated virtual environments by dividing one physical server. These virtual environments are called as virtual private servers, containers, guests, instances, or emulations. The software used for server virtualization plays a vital role in resource management and co-ordination.One of the major factors responsible for the growth of the server virtualization software market is the increasing number of servers in IT and BFSI industry. As a result of increased complexity of the enterprise network that connects all the computers and associated devices of the organization at different locations, the associated servers are also increasing. Additionally, to achieve greater organizational efficiencies, organizations are adopting technologies such as Big Data analytics, as a result of which, enterprise data is increasing rapidly thereby increasing the number of servers associated for data handling. With an increase in number of servers, the operating and maintenance costs is rising at a rapid pace due to multiple factors, including the purchase and set up of new hardware devices, daily monitoring, power and cooling requirements and maintenance. Wherein, server virtualization software can help in reducing the dependency on physical server by utilizing an individual server with optimum capabilities. Moreover, with server virtualization software, the problems associated with physical server management such as application disruption during up-gradation process, and failure of applications due to server inactivity, is eliminated from the process cycle or process loop. As a result of these factors, the server virtualization software market is growing at a decent pace and is expected to grow more significantly during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025.The global server virtualization software market is segmented on the basis of software type, enterprise, industry vertical, and geography. Based on software type, the global server virtualization software market is further segmented into Guest OS/Virtual Machine, Hypervisor, Para Virtualization, and Full Virtualization. On the basis of enterprise the global server virtualization software market is segmented as large enterprise and small & medium enterprise. The enterprise size is defined on the basis of number of employee and geographic presence of an enterprise. The industry vertical segment is bifurcated into educational, forensic and public safety, IT and telecommunication, BFSI, and others.View Full Report @Geographically, the global server virtualization software market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America. The server virtualization software market is expected to grow at a decent rate in the developed regions such as North America and Europe owing to the presence of several multinational information technology and telecommunication companies such as IBM Corporation, VMware, Cisco Systems, Inc. and many others. North America and Europe are expected to be the major contributor towards the global server virtualization software market in terms of revenue. The major countries contributing towards the growth of server virtualization software market in these regions are expected to be the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Germany, and France. Moreover, in the developing regions such as Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa, the server virtualization software market is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025. The Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa are expected to be the most promising markets for the server virtualization software market owing to significant investments and developments in the BFSI, and IT and telecommunication industry.Some of the significant players involved in the global server virtualization software market includes VMware, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Citrix Systems, Inc., IBM Corporation, Cisco Systems, Inc., Red Hat, Inc., and Oracle Corporation.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 analysisRequest For Enquiry @The 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.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.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 marketCheck Discount @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 usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Personal Accident and Health Insurance in Thailand Market 2017- By Plan Future Business Decisions Using the Forecast Figures 2020

Personal Accident and Health Insurance in Thailand

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WiseGuyReports published new report, titled Personal Accident and Health Insurance in ThailandSynopsis'Personal Accident and Health Insurance in Thailand, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides a detailed outlook by product category for the Thailand personal accident and health insurance segment, and a comparison of the Thailand insurance industry with its regional counterparts.It provides key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, combined ratio, total assets, total investment income and net earned premium 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 Thailand 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 @Summary'Personal Accident and Health Insurance in Thailand, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Thailand personal accident and health insurance segment, including: An overview of the Thailand personal accident and health insurance segment The Thailand personal accident and health insurance segments growth prospects by category A comprehensive overview of the Thailand economy and demographics A comparison of the Thailand personal accident and health insurance segment with its regional counterparts The various distribution channels in the Thailand personal accident and health insurance segment Details of the competitive landscape in the personal accident and health insurance segment in Thailand Details of regulatory policy applicable to the Thailand insurance industryScopeThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the personal accident and health insurance segment in Thailand: It provides historical values for the Thailand personal accident and health insurance segment for the reports 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period. It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the Thailand personal accident and health insurance segment, and market forecasts to 2020. It provides a comparison of the Thailand personal accident and health insurance segment with its regional counterparts It provides an overview of the various distribution channels for personal accident and health insurance products in Thailand. It profiles the top personal accident and health insurance companies in Thailand, and outlines the key regulations affecting them.Key points Make strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Thailand personal accident and health insurance segment, and each category within it. Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Thailand personal accident and health insurance segment. Assess the competitive dynamics in the personal accident and health insurance segment. Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key product categories. Gain insights into key regulations governing the Thailand insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future.Key Highlights The Ministry of Finance made amendments to regulations on foreign shareholding on January 18, 2017, allowing foreign insurers to acquire a 100% stake in domestic insurance companies. The government is considering a proposal to make travel insurance compulsory for foreign tourists. The formation of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Asian Economic Community (AEC) on December 31, 2015 is expected to remove all trade barriers in the region, which will have a positive impact the segments growth. The Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), the insurance regulator, issued the Insurance Development Plan (20162020) on January 21, 2016, in order to develop the insurance industry and protect the rights of policyholders...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 understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Latest Report on Automotive Alternator Market Size & Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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The report analyzes and presents an overview of "Automotive Alternator Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025" worldwide.The objectives of this study are as follows:To define, describe, and forecast the "Automotive Alternator " market by type, application, component, delivery model, end user, and regionTo provide detailed information regarding major factors influencing market growth (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and industry-specific challenges)To analyze micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall marketTo analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide details of the competitive landscape for market leadersTo forecast the market size of market segments with respect to the four key regions: North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (RoW)To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their product portfolios, market positions, and core competenciesGet Sample Copy of this report @Automotive alternators are used in new automobiles to power the electrical system and when the engine is running. An alternator supplies the power to run the vehicle ignition, electronics, and lights and to charge the battery. The alternator is one of the most important components of an automotive charging system that powers the engine. An automotive alternator consist of a number of parts including the alternator rotor, the stator, the output diodes, the diode trio, the voltage regulator, the field current supply and the alternator or a battery light. An automotive charging system comprises of three main components including the voltage regulator, an alternator and the battery. The alternator works with the battery to produce power for the electrical parts of a vehicle, such as the instrument panel and the exterior & interior lights. Alternators generates AC power with the help of an electromagnetism mechanism which is produced through the rotor and stator relationship. The electricity is transmitted into the battery, which provides voltage to run the various electrical systems of the vehicle. There are various types of alternators, which are used in the vehicles depends on the make of the car. Luxury cars and emergency vehicles could have high-output alternators because they have electrical systems that require high amounts of electricity such as video systems and luxurious audio.The automotive alternator market is expected to grow due to the growing production of vehicles across the globe. Additionally, increasing adoption of electricity based vehicles due to various environment issues such as rising CO2 emission that cause air pollution, is expected to increase the demand for automotive alternator market. There are various benefits that automotive alternator offers to the different off-roads and emergency vehicles. For instance, off road vehicles, especially those that carry a large amount of snow plow, can benefit from alternators, since vehicle equipped with a snow plow could require a large output alternator since it produces a large drag on the electrical system. Furthermore, the increasing number of hybrid vehicles is expected to hamper the growth of the automotive starter and alternator market. As, the hybrid vehicles use number of motors that ignite with the help of the combustion engine and eliminates automotive starters and alternators.The rise of high output alternators is expected to bring novel opportunities in the automotive alternator market. High output alternator brings in a lot of advantages over traditional alternators. For instance, emergency vehicles, whether ambulance or police, require high amount of power in the engine. They also need to run large number of devices within the vehicle such as emergency medical systems and flashing lights. In previous times, these vehicles used regular alternators which needed to be replaced quite regularly. A high output alternator can handle high electrical demands and doesnt need to be replaced as often.View Full Report @The automotive alternator market is segmented on the basis of alternator type, vehicle type and region. The automotive alternator market on the basis of type is segmented into salient pole type and cylindrical rotor type. On the basis of vehicle type, the automotive alternator market is segmented into light commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. Geographically, the automotive alternator market is segmented into Europe, North America, Middle East & Africa, Asia-pacific and South America. North America and Europe regions are expected to lead due to the technological advancements with respect to the vehicles alternators and increasing production of vehicles across the region. The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow due to the rapidly expanding automobile sector in the countries such as China and India.Some of the key players in the automotive alternator market are Bosch Auto Parts, DENSO, HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc, Elta Automotive Ltd, Prestolite Electric Inc, Motorcar Parts of America, INC., Remy International Inc. and moreThe 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 analysisRequest For Enquiry @The 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.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.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 marketCheck Discount @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 usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Future of Container-as-a-Service Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, 20172025

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Containers as a Service (type of container-based virtualization) is an emerging technology in which vendors provide a complete framework to the users for managing and developing containers and applications. Container as a service is majorly designed for IT developers to manage and run applications. The key factor fueling growth of the market is the increasing utilization of micro services. The rise of DevOps technology and containerization have helped revolutionize enterprise applications. However, some factors such as portability issues between severs, lack of tools required to manage and monitor the container, hinders growth of the containers as a Service market.Request Table of Content of this Report :On the basis of deployment, public cloud holds the largest share of the container as a service market. The increasing demand for storage and computing resources has helped fuel the demand for public cloud in the container as a service market. In addition to this, the hybrid cloud also plays a major role in an organization for the management of infrastructure. Moreover, the increasing adoption of advanced container platforms in various organizations have led to the implementation of the hybrid cloud model with full infrastructure. The hybrid cloud usage is rising due to the increasing micro service and management service data environment, as they provide better flexibility, security and scalability.On the basis of application type, the IT & Telecom application holds the largest share in the global container as a service market. The container as a service is highly used by the IT developers and IT department to develop secure containerized applications.Container as a Service Market Outlook  North America holds the largest global container as a service market.On the basis of geography, global container as a service market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. North America held a dominant position in the global container as a service market in 2016, and is estimated to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Increasing demand for managed data centers, virtual private cloud services, and advanced technology accessibility have led to an increasing demand for container as a service market in this region. Moreover, the presence of IT companies such as Microsoft Corporation, Google, and Amazon Web Service in the North American countries have also provided immense opportunity for growth of the market. In addition to this, the Asia Pacific container as a service market is estimated to grow with the largest CAGR during the forecast period.The increasing IT & telecom industry in the Asia Pacific region has led to an increasing demand for the container as a service market here. China and India are the major countries driving growth of the container as a service market in Asia Pacific. The increasing demand for infrastructure services and distributed storage management by various venders have also provided immense opportunity for growth of the container as a service market in this region.Key Companies of Global Container as a Service MarketAmazon Web Service (AWS), Cisco System, ContainerShip, CoreOS, DH2i, Docker Inc., Giant Swarm, Google, HPE, IBM, Joyent, Kyup, Mesosphere, Microsoft, and SaltStack, VMware Inc. are some of the key companies of the global container as a service market.For More Information :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.comVisit our news Website:
United States Wireless Charging Market Forecast 2018-2025 Samsung, Ergo, IOttie, Humavox, Semtech

Wireless Charging Market

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Wireless Charging Market Research 2018A market study "Global Wireless Charging Market" examines the performance of the Wireless Charging market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Wireless Charging market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Wireless Charging market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Wireless Charging Market 2018 report includes Wireless Charging market Revenue, market Share, Wireless Charging industry volume, market Trends, Wireless Charging Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Wireless Charging Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2025.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Wireless Charging Market 2018 :1. Samsung2. Ergo(aircharge)3. BEZALEL4. FONE5. NXP Semiconductors6. IOttie7. Humavox8. Semtech9. Integrated Device Technology, Inc.10. Lenmar11. Gill Electronics12. Energizer Holdings, Inc13. Convenient Power HK Limited14. WiTricity Corporation15. Leggett & Platt16. Qualcomm Incorporated17. Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd18. Powermat Technologies19. PowerbyProxi Ltd20. Texas Instruments IncorporatedWireless Charging Market : By Application Consumer Electronics Industrial Used Automobile Healthcare OthersWireless Charging Market : By Type Inductive Technology RF Technology Resonant Technology OthersFirstly, the report covers the top Wireless Charging manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Wireless Charging report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Wireless Charging industry, Wireless Charging industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Wireless Charging Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Wireless Charging 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 Wireless Charging market revenue worldwide.Finally, Wireless Charging 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:"QY Research Store" 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, USAWeb:Email: sales@qyresearchstore.com
Urinary Incontinence Market: Global Key Players are - NeoTract, Inc, Promedon, Cook Medical Inc., C.R. Bard Inc., Coloplast Corp, Boston Scientific Corporation

Urinary Incontinence Market

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Market Research Future published a cooked research report on Urinary Incontinence Market Research Report - Forecast till 2022  Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2022.Urinary incontinence is the knee-jerk leakage of urine, it is also known as involuntary urination. It is an awkward situation where leakage of urine create embarrassing situation in public. According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2014, women were more likely to suffer with the urinary incontinence in comparison to men. Statistics shows that women accounts 1.2 times more episode of urinary incontinence than men. Sudden extra presser on bladder and muscles involved in urinary control leads the urinary incontinence episode.The global urinary incontinence market is showing average growth; mainly due to increase in obesity population, urinary tract infection, and high consumption of alcohol. There are incidences reported where stress causes the urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinency is a result of a number of diseases like polyuria, prostate cancer, enlarged prostate, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and many more. According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2014, around 50.9% of persons aged 65 year reported a urinary leakage or accidental bowel leakage. According to the Urology Care Foundation, in 2015, quarter to a third of men and women in the United States were suffering from involuntary urination. Millions of the Americans are facing the problems of involuntary urination and about 33 million have overactive bladder representing symptoms of urgency, frequency and with or without urge incontinence.Get a sample report atCompanies are showing much interest toward the market of involuntary urination, as they feels there are huge opportunity and gap between the market demand and supply of effective treatments. Thus, companies are showing more interest in merger and acquisition activities for introducing best cure that meet the requirement of the market. The development has been made by Boston Scientific Corporation in 2015, where they announced the agreement with Endo International plc. to acquire American Medical Systems urology portfolio, for cementing the global leadership position in the urology devices and provide strong treatment options in the market. This agreement includes the buying rights for men's health and prostate health businesses, for $1.6 billion in up-front cash and a potential additional $50 million milestone based on 2016 sales. This acquisition will leads to innovation in better way and help them to compete there competitor with more effective manner. Boston Scientific Corporation try to feel the gap along with market players such as Ethicon Inc., Coloplast Corp, C. R. Bard, Inc., Promedon, NeoTract, Inc., ConvaTec Group plc, Procter & Gamble Co., and Marlen Manufacturing.Increasing in the prevalence of urinary incontinence around the globe is creating the huge scope for the market players to make profit. There are three drugs that accounts 80% of prescribe volume, these includes solifenacin, oxybutynin, and tolterodine. Solifenacin capture 37% of prescribe volume followed by 28% by oxybutynin, and tolterodine capture 18% of the market.Ethicon Inc. (U.S.), Boston Scientific Corporation (U.S.), Coloplast Corp (Europe), C. R. Bard, Inc. (U.S.), Promedon (U.S.), NeoTract, Inc. (U.S.), ConvaTec Group plc. (Europe), Procter & Gamble Co. (U.S.), and Marlen Manufacturing (U.S.) are some of the leading players at the cutting edge of the competition in the market of urinary incontinence market, globally.Browse Complete Report atGlobal Urinary Incontinence Market - Regional AnalysisThe market of urinary incontinence drugs is much higher in Asia Pacific region, owing to obesity population, high consumption of alcohol, consumption of spicy foods, and large doses of vitamin C. These are the factors which fuels the urinary incontinence drugs market in this region. Most of the countries of this region have common lifestyle and economic conditions and are focusing more to enhance the treatment option. Thus, more research and development programs are initiated for the development of new drugs. Government of developing countries within this region are willing to adopt advanced treatment option available in developed countries, which fuel the market of urinary incontinence. These advance drugs will overcome the saturation that occurs during last few years. Countries like India and china are more focused market for global market players owing to huge patient population and growing purchasing power as compare to other countries in this region. Japan is well developed country and have advanced healthcare system and technology, whereas developing countries are still focusing on new drugs and technology for the treatment of urinary incontinence patients, the unmet market needs has to be fulfilled by introducing advanced and better treatment options.About usAt 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 FutureP: +1 646 845 9312W:sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Pharmacy Automation Market is Forecasted to Grow at a CAGR Of 6.50% During 2018 - 2022

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PHARMACY AUTOMATION MARKET, INDUSTRY TRENDSPharmacy Automation market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.50% during the forecast period to reach a total market size of US$6.349 billion in 2022 from US$4.351 billion in 2016. The market is primarily driven by rising healthcare costs, stringent regulatory standards and regulations, and rising volume of e-prescriptions worldwide. Pharmacy automation devices such as packaging and labeling systems, medication dispensing systems, compounding systems, storage and retrieval systems, and others are used to raise the efficiency and productivity within pharmacies by way of reducing medication errors and providing additional time to pharmacists and clinicians for patient care. Technological advancements and development of precise robotic tools to carry out pharmacy operations will contribute to the growth of global pharmacy automation market. Moreover, the presence of untapped growth opportunities in emerging economies such as Brazil, China, and India will also fuel the market growth in the coming years.PHARMACY AUTOMATION MARKET, BY END USERHospital pharmacy and retail pharmacy are the major end-users of pharmacy automation. Hospital pharmacy is projected to reach a total market size from US$1.339 billion to US$1.836 billion by 2022 due to increasing number of patients worldwide, owing to growing global ageing population and increasing number of road accidents. Retail pharmacy will witness the fastest growth at the highest CAGR of 6.98% during the forecast period due to increasing demand for OTC (Over the Counter) drugs and increasing number of prescriptions to be handled by local pharmacists worldwide.Request a Sample Report @PHARMACY AUTOMATION MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHYGeographically, Americas had the largest market size of worth US$2.263 billion in 2016 and will remain at its position till the end of the forecast period. North America is the largest market for pharmacy automation system, followed by Europe, due to increasing cases of deaths and injuries caused by prescription errors in the region. Per the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), medication errors cause at least one death every day and injure approximately 1.3 million people annually in the U.S. APAC region is anticipated to witness the fastest regional market growth at the highest CAGR of 9.99% during the forecast period owing to increasing number of EHRs (Electronic Health Records), e-prescribing, and computerized physician order entry (CPOE) in the healthcare facilities. Moreover, growing medical tourism industry in the region will further boost the demand for pharmacy automation in major hospitals and retail pharmacy chains to improve the productivity efficiently.PHARMACY AUTOMATION MARKET, COMPETITIVE MARKET SHAREThe global pharmacy automation industry is consolidated, with few major players holding the major market share. Current and potential competitors are either making strategic acquisitions or establishing cooperative relationships among themselves or with third parties, including larger and more established healthcare supply companies. For instance, in 2016, McKesson acquired Aesynt to expand its global market penetration in central pharmacy robotics and IV compounding automation. Major market players include Omnicell, Swisslog, McKesson, Parata, and ScriptPro among others.Table of Content1. Introduction2. Research Methodology2.1. Research Process and Design2.2. Research Assumptions3. Executive Summary4. Market Dynamics4.1. Market Overview and Segmentation4.1.1. Market Overview4.1.2. Segmentation4.2. Market Drivers4.2.1. Rising number of patients worldwide4.2.2. Growing healthcare costs4.2.3. Stringent regulatory standards4.3. Market Restraints4.3.1. Limited budget of healthcare organizations4.4. Market Opportunities4.4.1. Emerging APAC regional market4.5. Supplier Outlook4.6. Industry Outlook4.7. Porters 5 Forces Analysis4.7.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers4.7.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers4.7.3. Threat of New Entrants4.7.4. Threat of Substitutes4.7.5. Competitive Rivalry in the Industry4.8. Industry Value Chain Analysis4.9. Scenario Analysis5. Pharmacy Automation Market Forecast by Application (US$ billion)5.1. Automated Medication Dispensing System5.1.1. Overview5.1.2. By Region5.2. Automated Packaging and Labeling System5.2.1. Overview5.2.2. By Region5.3. Automatic Storage and Retrieval System5.3.1. Overview5.3.2. By Region5.4. Robotic Dispensing System5.4.1. Overview5.4.2. By Region5.5. IV Pharmacy5.5.1. Overview5.5.2. By Region5.6. Others5.6.1. Overview5.6.2. By Region6. Pharmacy Automation Market Forecast by End User (US$ billion)6.1. Hospital Pharmacy6.1.1. Overview6.1.2. By Region6.2. Retail Pharmacy6.2.1. Overview6.2.2. By Region7. Pharmacy Automation Market Forecast by Geography (US$ billion)7.1. Americas7.1.1. Overview7.1.2. North America7.1.2.1. By Application7.1.2.2. By End User7.1.3. South America7.1.3.1. By Application7.1.3.2. By End User7.2. Europe Middle East and Africa7.2.1. Overview7.2.2. Europe7.2.2.1. By Application7.2.2.2. By End User7.2.3. Middle East and Africa7.2.3.1. By Application7.2.3.2. By End User7.3. Asia Pacific7.3.1. Overview7.3.2. By Application7.3.3. By End User8. Competitive Intelligence8.1. Market Share of Key Players8.2. Investment Analysis8.3. Recent Deals8.4. Strategies of Key PlayersContinuedAccess Complete Report @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 LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Rising Advanced Technologies For Beacon Technology Market Size & Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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The report analyzes and presents an overview of "Beacon Technology Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" worldwide.The objectives of this study are as follows:To define, describe, and forecast the "Beacon Technology " market by type, application, component, delivery model, end user, and regionTo provide detailed information regarding major factors influencing market growth (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and industry-specific challenges)To analyze micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall marketTo analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide details of the competitive landscape for market leadersTo forecast the market size of market segments with respect to the four key regions: North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (RoW)To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their product portfolios, market positions, and core competenciesGet Sample Copy of this report @Global Beacon Technology Market: OverviewThe Bluetooth business has experienced a change in the current years, prompting development and development of the beacons business. Bluetooth is supplanting heritage innovations, for instance, Near Field Communication (NFC) and ZigBee to fortify beacon arrangements. The beacon business is adjusting to suit more mind boggling modern applications. As the underlying applications were restricted to retail and promoting, the industry is required to push toward a divided market where beacons can spend significant time in a specific industry vertical.The presentation of beacons innovation has altered the users operations by driving another level of client engagement through personalization. The development prospects can be ascribed to the surging distinction of area based promoting in the retail business. Joining the advantages of physical shopping background with advanced biological community has turned out to be vital for physical retailers. Also, interests in vicinity arrangements are seeing an upward swing, accordingly diminishing their showcasing and publicizing costs.Global Beacon Technology Market: Trends and OpportunitiesPayPal has built up a beacon convention to keep away from utilization of money or swipe cards.This convention incorporates with the PayPal application to empower sans hands installments. This could majorly affect accelerating checkout process by diminishing lines, and furthermore opens up the possibility of advising clients about offers.The iBeacon innovation overwhelmed the business in 2016. This development can be ascribed to the requirement for giving area based cautions and data to close-by cell phones good with the iBeacon convention. The across the board appropriation of items, for instance, iPads and iPhone, is required to push the portion development over the coming years. 2017 will be the year that versatile installments at long last turn into the standard! This will be driven by area/proximity based installment advancements like NFC and beacons. Chinese players like Alipay and WeChat to join forces with huge name retailers and brands in the U.S. to get the market moving, with Apple and Android Pay benefiting from this to make it standard before the end of the forecast duration.Global Beacon Technology Market: Geographical AnalysisGeographically, the worldwide sensor patch market is arranged into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America is required to overwhelm the worldwide beacon innovation market over the forecast duration 2017 to 2025, inferable from developing appropriation of beacon administrations and most astounding entrance of composed retail. Moreover, Europe is relied upon to add to the worldwide beacon innovation market. This is because of the product dispatch in the retail business and developing multichannel advertising over these locales. APAC area is expected to witness vigorous reception of beacon innovation.View Full Report @Global Beacon Technology Market: Key CompaniesSome of the major players offering beacon technology market include Kontakt.io, Inc., Samsung, Onyx Beacon Ltd., Bluvision Inc., ROXIMITY, Apple Inc., Accent Advanced Systems, SLU., Aruba, Qualcomm, Blue Sense Networks and Accent Advanced Systems.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 analysisRequest For Enquiry @The 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.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.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 marketCheck Discount @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 usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Plastic Additives Market Major Companies 2018 - BASF SE, Dow Chemical, DuPont, Evonik Industries, ExxonMobil, Mitsui Chemical

Plastic Additives Market

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Plastic Additive Market  Market OverviewPlastic Additive is added to polymer during chemical processing in order to enhance strength, gloss, durability and heat sensitivity. Depletion of mineral resources has led to increased cost of metal equipments which indirectly replaced metal parts with plastic components. Thus, cost effective and superior properties of plastic over metals are anticipated to drive the Plastic Additives Market. Plastic Additive such as antimicrobials, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, plasticizers are largely used in compound formulation to improve chemicals and physical properties.The factors impacting the Global Plastic Additive Market are excessive usage of plastic components over metal ore, superior properties of plastic additives and increasing application scope. The Global Plastic Additive Industry is dominated by plasticizers as it helps the plastic to increase rigidity and acts as modifier. Further, flame retardant is leading with considerable CAGR owing to increased application in automotive, and consumer appliances. Growing environment concern over degradation of forest resources has also replaces wood products with plastic. Thus, increasing consumption of plastic product has led to increased demand of Plastic Additives over the forecast period.The manufacturer of plastic additive is continuously under research and development in order to meet regulatory norms and lower down the toxic exposure of plastic product. Currently, development of special Plastic Additive product to enhance the quality of products such as electronic housing, printed circuit boards, wire and cables are expected to positively impact the market growth. Moreover, increasing demand of plastic components in transportation industry for lowering cost by augmenting fuel efficiency is anticipated to drive the market growth. However, increasing government regulations along with environmental awareness of plastic pollution is negatively impacting the market growth.Get Sample of Report @Asia Pacific region is leading in Plastic Additive Market owing to lenient government regulations and robust industry growth of automotive, electronic, packaging and consumer goods. Countries like China, Europe and United States banned the consumption of phthalates which negatively impacting the plastic additive market. However, the demand for bio based products over plastic additive is putting pressure on manufacturer to develop non-toxic products. Manufacturing plants in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan are relocating to China and India in order to meet both internal and external demand. Europe is anticipated to witness sluggish growth owing to strict environmental legislations and banned on plastic consumptions. UK, Germany and France are expected to generate high demand of plasticizers, flame retardants and other additives over the projected period.Plastic additive Market  Competitive AnalysisPlastic Additive Market is fragmented with major manufacturer from North America and some few from Asia Pacific region. Major players in market are adopting strategies such as acquisitions, partnerships, expansion and new technology development. The market participants are acquiring small players in the market in order to tap large market share. Strategic partnerships between Key players support the growth and expansion plans of the key players during the forecast period Manufacturers are focusing more on high performance plastic products by lowering of greenhouse gases along with development of bio based additive. Focusing upon the competitive edge, plastic additive manufacturers strive to develop products that can deliver optimal adhesion, convenience, reliability and flexibility. Manufacturer like BASF, Songwon and ADEKA are expanding their presence through joint venture and strengthening their market position in Asia Pacific regions.Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:November 14, 2016  BASF invested into capacity expansion of plastic additive business across the globe. Along with this, company focus on strengthening its production facility in North America to enhance the market growth. This investment also increase capacity of Tinuvin product line in plastic additive. This would significantly align the existing capacity expansion in North America.March 14, 2017 BASF is investing in new plastic additive plant at Shanghai, China. The plant has total capacity of 42,000 tons which will produces antioxidants along with associated forms and blends. This would help the industry to cater the growing demand of end use industries in Asia Pacific region.Access Complete Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Technological Advancement report on Noise Monitoring Market Size & Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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The report analyzes and presents an overview of "Noise Monitoring Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025" worldwide.The objectives of this study are as follows:To define, describe, and forecast the "Noise Monitoring" market by type, application, component, delivery model, end user, and regionTo provide detailed information regarding major factors influencing market growth (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and industry-specific challenges)To analyze micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall marketTo analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders and provide details of the competitive landscape for market leadersTo forecast the market size of market segments with respect to the four key regions: North America, Europe, Asia, and the Rest of the World (RoW)To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their product portfolios, market positions, and core competenciesGet Sample Copy of this report @Environmental noise is a critical issue in countries which are heavily populated or have industrialized areas. Its adverse effects from different sources on the well-being are varied and range from increased stress levels to sleep disturbances, potentially leading to critical problems such as heart disorders. Therefore the government and various focus groups are taking into account diverse issues by monitoring noise levels for longer intervals in numerous ways. For instance, industrial noise monitoring involves the decision of corresponding legislative or/and action levels of specific noise levels assessment. Environmental noise is quite different as the annoyance level or nuisance can be more subjective and may evolve diverse reactions from different population.Increasing typical environmental noise pollution sources such as power stations, industrial sites, construction work, road traffic, aircraft noises and environment venues have raised the awareness of having noise monitoring systems in order to monitor and manage it within the limits. Environmental noise have different characteristics such as continuous noise, intermittent noise and broadband noise. Road traffic, extraction fans, industrial processors and compressors are the continuous noise sources. Transport, construction, animals are intermittent noise sources, and whining machinery, wind turbines and low frequency noise which causes vibration within surroundings are the broadband noise sources.Rising occupational hearing impairment in industries coupled with stringent government policies is expected to drive the noise hearing market demand. Increasing need for noise pollution reduction in urban areas and demand for noise monitoring systems at airports for optimizing capacity and profit is expected to support the industry growth over the forecast timeframe.Environmental noise is amongst the quickest growing areas of noise mapping, monitoring and control. The European Union (EU) has introduced various directives aimed at increasing information level about noise across the EU. In 1996 only, the EU Future Noise Policy green paper has estimated that 20% of EUs population (~80 million) suffered from unacceptable noise levels. The people suffered from sleep deprivation which lead to the serious health effects. About additional 170 million population are living in grey areas wherein daytime, the noise levels causes serious annoyance.View Full Report @The global noise monitoring market can be segmented by solution into hardware, software and services. By connectivity, the industry can be classified into Wi-Fi, cellular, Ethernet and USB. By precision type, the industry can be segmented into Class 1 and Class 2 standard devices. These systems are used in various applications such as hospitals, airports, residential areas, railways, road traffic, construction sites, industries, recreational areas and other applications. The permanent noise monitoring market held the dominant share in 2016 owing to wide installation of these devices in places which require regular measurement. This measurement is backed by the stringent government regulations for real-time noise monitoring.The industrial application segment is anticipated to have the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2025. Rising adoption of noise controlling and monitoring policies by the industries worldwide is expected to drive the noise monitoring systems market growth. Increasing government pressure from government for public safety and health has enforced the industries to regulate the noises generated in workshops & plants and provide necessary noise-reducing devices to the employees which are working in high-noise zones.Europe noise monitoring market is expected to dominate the industry over the forecast timeline. Presence of major industry participants characterize the industry growth. The European government is stringent regarding noise policies adherence. The companies in this region require regular maintenance and monitoring of noise levels in order to avoid heavy penalties.The key industry competitors are Rion Co. Ltd., Svantek, Bruel & Kjaer, Cirrus Research Plc, Pulsar Instruments, Extech Instruments, Castle Group Ltd., Nti-Audio, SKF Group, B&K Precision Corporation, Kimo Instrument, SINUS Messtechnik GmbH, Cesva Instruments SLU, Casella Inc. and Testo SE & Co. KGaA.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 For Enquiry @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.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.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 marketCheck Discount @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 usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Next MCAL Global - Python Machine Learning Classroom Training in Pune - March 17, 2018

Machine learning with python

https://www.mcal.in/page/data-analytics-and-machine-learning/

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https://www.mcal.in/page/contact-us/

Next MCAL Global - Python Machine Learning Classroom Training in Pune is going to start from March 17, 2018.(17th,18th & 24th,25th March) Weekend Batch.Limited seats so Hurry up...!!!For more details Please follow below link:"A lot of Jobs will become obsolete slowly with the advent of Machine Learning. It is important to re-skill to stay relevant in the software Industry. This course helps you understand machine learning in a simple and easy way"Course Introduction:Python has become the de facto programming language of data scientists and data analysts. Its concise, easy to learn and data friendly, making it ideal for data analysis. We will start with a crash course on Python before getting into machine learning using Python. We will also look at Python libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and SciKit-Learn that are needed to perform machine learning in Python.Each lecture has detailed and live explanations from the instructor and assignments to test your level of understanding. Once you finish this course you would have taken a giant leap towards the future of data analysis.Why Machine Learning Training using Python Training?Course has been designed after detailed discussions with lots of industry leaders across the globe addressing the real life problems faced by the industry todayComprehensive course that gives the right learning of Python in the context of machine learningAll the machine learning libraries of Python are explained in detailMachine learning is made simple for you to get started on this subjectLots of case studies and exercises give a better understanding of Machine LearningThe duration of the course has been strategically set to 45 days so that you have enough time to complete the exercises and understand the machine learning concepts in depthTraining will be conducted over weekends so working professionals can easily attend this courseBuild High-value predictions that can guide better decisions and smart actions in real time without human interventionWhy MCAL Global?MCAL Global has 7 years of Training experience and has trained more than 10,000 professionals across the globe.This course is made by experts from MCAL Global.We have 150+ years of collective training experience as a companyBiggest portfolio of Data Science and Machine Learning trainingThis course has been delivered by us across the globe.To know more about us, please visit,You can also contact us by visiting our contact us page,Organization Information:MCAL Global is an expert in Online and Classroom Training in Business Analysis Certification CBAP CCBA IIBA EEP, Big Data Analytics & Apache Hadoop, Data Science, Python, Machine Learning, DevOps, Selenium, Agile, Project Management, PMP, Internet of Things, and Python machine learning, data science, machine learning, python ,classroom training, online tainingSecurity/cybersecurity professionals.We are helping professionals from most of the fortune 500 companies present in India. In the last 7 years, we helped more than 10000 professionals and helped many organizations to achieve accelerated growth.Level 3, Amanora Chambers | Hadapsar Kharadi byepass | Hadapsar, Pune | 411028
Home Healthcare Market Share will Increase US$ 349 Billion By 2020

Home Healthcare Market Share

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/home-healthcare-market

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/home-healthcare-market

https://www.marketresearchengine.com/

Florida, February 22, 2018: The home healthcare market is expected to exceed more than US$ 349 billion by 2020.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Philips Healthcare (Netherlands), Kindred Healthcare (U.S.), Linde Group (Germany), Almost Family Inc. (U.S.), Abbott Laboratories (U.S.), LHC Group (U.S.), Johnson & Johnson (U.S.), A&D Company (Japan), Amedisys Inc. (U.S.), Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA (Germany), Omron Healthcare (Japan), McKesson Corporation (U.S.), Apria Healthcare Group (U.S.), Kinnser Software, Inc. (U.S.), and Roche Holdings AG (Switzerland).. Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for global home healthcare market with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.Browse the full report here:The Global Home healthcare Market has been segmented as below:By Product Segment Analysis: Testing, Screening, and Monitoringo Blood Pressure Monitorso Pedometerso Blood Glucose Monitorso Hearing Aidso Pulse Oximeterso Temperature Monitorso Peak Flow Meterso EEG Deviceso Heart Rate Monitorso ECG/EKG Deviceso Fetal Monitoring Deviceso Drug and Alcohol Test Kitso HIV Test Kitso Home Hemoglobin A1c Test Kitso Sleep Apnea Monitorso Colon Cancer Test Kitso Coagulation Monitorso Ovulation and Pregnancy Test Kitso Cholesterol Monitoring Deviceso Holter and Event Monitors Therapeutico Oxygen Delivery Systemso Inhalerso Nebulizerso Insulin Delivery Deviceso Ventilatorso Dialysis Equipmento Sleep Apnea Therapeutic Deviceso IV Equipmento Wound Care Productso Other Therapeutic Products (Ostomy Devices, Automated External Defibrillators, and External Stimulation Devices) Mobility Careo Caneso Wheelchairso Crutcheso Walkers and Rollatorso Mobility ScootersBy Services Analysis: Hospice and Palliative Care Rehabilitation Infusion Therapy Skilled Nursing Unskilled Care Pregnancy Care Respiratory TherapyBy Software Analysis: Hospice Solutions Agency Software Clinical Management SystemsBy Type Analysis: Home Tele health Monitoring Devices Telehealth Software Solutions Home Tele health ServicesBy Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificRest of the WorldThe global home healthcare market is segmented on the lines of its product, service, software, type and regional. Based on product segmentation it covers testing, screening, mobility care and monitoring and therapeutic. Testing screening and monitoring is further segmented into blood pressure monitors, pedometers, blood glucose monitors, hearing aids, pulse oximeters, temperature monitors, peak flow meters, EEG devices, heart rate monitors, ECG/EKG devices, fetal monitoring devices, drug and alcohol test kits, HIV test kits, home hemoglobin A1c test kits, sleep apnea monitors, colon cancer test kits, coagulation monitors, ovulation and pregnancy test kits, cholesterol monitoring devices and holter and event monitors. Therapeutic is classified into oxygen delivery systems, inhalers, nebulizers, insulin delivery devices, ventilators, dialysis equipment, sleep apnea therapeutic devices, IV equipment, wound care products and others. Mobility is classified into canes, wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and rollators and mobility scooters. The service segmentation covers rehabilitation, hospice and palliative care, infusion therapy, skilled nursing, unskilled care, pregnancy care and respiratory therapy. Under software segmentation it covers agency software, hospice solutions and clinical management systems. Based on type segmentation it covers home telehealth monitoring devices, telehealth software solutions and home elehealth services. The home healthcare market on geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geographic market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for home healthcare and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2022.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for home healthcare.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.The major driving factors of home healthcare market are as follows: Government proposal to Promote Home Healthcare Rising Aging Population Increasing Incidences of Chronic Diseases Technological Advancements growing Healthcare Costs Rising Need for Affordable Treatment OptionsThe restraining factors of home healthcare market are as follows: Changing Reimbursement Policies Patient Safety Concerns Limited Insurance CoverageRequest Sample Report:Table of Contents1 INTRODUCTION2 Research Methodology3 Executive Summary4 Premium Insights4.1 Home Healthcare Market Overview4.2 Home Healthcare Market, By Product4.3 Home Healthcare Market, By Service4.4 Home Healthcare Market, By Software4.5 Geographical Snapshot of the Home Healthcare Market5 Market Overview6 Home Healthcare Market, By Product7 Home Healthcare Market, By Service8 Home Healthcare Market, By Software9 Home Telehealth Market, By Type10 Home Healthcare Market, By Region11 Competitive Landscape12 Company Profiles12.1 Introduction12.2 A&D Company, Limited12.3 Apria Healthcare Group, Inc.12.4 Almost Family, Inc.12.5 Abbott Laboratories12.6 Amedisys, Inc.12.7 Fresenius Se & Co Kgaa12.8 General Electric Company (GE)12.9 Kindred Healthcare, Inc.12.10 Kinnser Software, Inc.12.11 LHC Group, Inc.12.12 Linde Group12.13 Mckesson Corporation12.14 Omron Corporation12.15 Philips Healthcare (A Subsidiary of Royal Philips Electronics)12.16 Roche Holding AGReasons to Buy this Report:1) Obtain the most up to date information available on all global home healthcare market.2) Identify growth segments and opportunities in the industry.3) Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historic and forecast of home healthcare market data.4) Assess your competitors refining portfolio and its evolution.About UsMarket Research Engine (MRE) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. MREs 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 Market Research Engines research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Infrastructure in Germany Market 2017  By Analyzing the Performance of Various Competitors

Infrastructure in Germany Market

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WiseGuyReports published new report, titled Infrastructure Insight: GermanySynopsisThe report provides a detailed analysis of the infrastructure sector in Germany, including the state of current infrastructure, the regulatory and financing landscapes, forecast spending across all key sectors and the major projects in the construction pipeline.The report covers all key infrastructure sectors: roads, railways, electricity and power, water and sewerage, communication, and airports and ports.GET SAMPLE REPORT @SummaryGermanys infrastructure industry is set to grow at a relatively strong pace over the forecast period (20172021). Higher government spending (especially for transport and broadband infrastructure) alongside structural measures to improve access to public investment is expected to support the industrys growth in the coming years.According to Infrastructure Intelligence Center (IIC), Germanys infrastructure construction markets value increased from EUR48 billion (US$53.3 billion) in 2011 to EUR55.6 billion (US$61.8 billion) in 2016, and is projected to reach EUR70.3 billion (US$78.1 billion) by 2021 (in nominal value terms). This is based on the assumption that a number of large-scale projects will proceed as planned, including a number of transport projects such as the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link, the Stuttgart 21 High-Speed Rail Line and the Berlin Brandenburg Airport Expansion.ScopeA concise analysis of the administrative, economic and political context for infrastructure in Germany.An in-depth assessment of the current state of infrastructure in Germany, including roads, railways, electricity and power, water and sewerage, communications, airports and ports.Five-year forecasts of construction output for each sector, and an analysis of the project pipelines, with details on all major projects, their funding mechanisms and leading contractors.A focus on main political and financial institutions involved in the infrastructure market, as well as the competitive and regulatory environment.Key points Assess the current state of Germany infrastructure, and the main drivers of investment, including the key institutions and financing methods. Investigate forecasts and gain an understanding of key trends in each of the main infrastructure sectors. Analyze the main project participants operating in each sector, to better understand the competitive environment. Identify top projects by sector, development stage and start date, to inform your expansion strategy.Key HighlightsThe IIC is currently tracking 189 strategic infrastructure construction projects in Germany, at all stages of development from announcement to execution. These projects have a total investment value of US$129.6 billion.The electricity and power projects account for the largest share of infrastructure projects in the pipeline, with a total project value of US$49.1 billion; this is followed by railway projects with a pipeline value of US$40.3 billion. The pipeline value for roads amounts to US$24.2 billion, while for airports and other infrastructure projects it stands at US$14.9 billion. For water and sewerage projects, the total pipeline value stands at U$1.2 billion.The German government is currently stepping up efforts to modernize its transport infrastructure. In March 2016, the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) presented the 2030 Federal Transport Infrastructure Plan (2030 FTIP). Over the period to 2030, EUR269.6 billion (US$299.6 billion) will be invested to renovate and interlink the countrys transport infrastructure. Of the total, EUR132.8 billion (US$147.6 billion) will be spent on federal trunk roads, EUR112.3 billion (US$124.8 billion) on federal railways, and EUR24.5 billion (US$27.2 billion) on federal waterways. In addition to transport infrastructure, the federal government is pushing ahead with the expansion of digital infrastructure. In March 2017, the BMVI adopted the Gigabit Germany Initiative for the Future to attract EUR100 billion (US$111.1 billion) of public and private investment to create a high-performance gigabit network, which will provide universal coverage in Germany by 2025. The federal government will also continue to provide financial relief for the states and local authorities...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 understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Ongoing Study Offers Key Foresights on Expansion of Voice Picking Headsets Market During 2017-2027

https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6183

https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-6183

Global Voice Picking Headsets Market: IntroductionThe global voice directed warehousing technology is facing extensive adoption in nearly all industry verticals, which is expected to be the primary factor driving the market growth for voice picking headsets market. The voice picking headsets market is anticipated to witness healthy double digit growth rates in near future. Voice picking headsets finds wide application in warehouses, where workers need to fulfill the orders of customers and therefore, need to pick items from correct shelves and pack them accordingly. As large production units, always need to store their manufactured goods in a way that they are easily accessible to their workers, these warehouses face a serious problem in storing goods. The advent of voice directed warehousing has made this easy as now the workers only need to put on the headsets and the central computer directs them to the proper shelf wherever the goods are placed. Thus the technology eliminates the need to bother about the storage of goods and the time wasted in searching for a particular item. Voice picking solutions make it a lot easier for workers to fulfill the requirement of its customers thereby enhancing their productivity and is expected to face wide adoption in near future.Global Voice Picking Headsets Market: Market DynamicsIncreasing number of stock keeping units, integration of new technologies such as big data analytics, cloud technology and the numerous benefits provided by voice picking technology are the major factors driving the growth of the market. New technologies such as big data analytics can help automate the warehouse data collection and by applying analytics, quicken the processing of data. Also, cloud storage helps to store large amount of data easily on cloud and also highly increases the flexibility, as the data can be accessed from any location. In addition to this, the deployment of voice picking solutions the productivity is greatly enhanced and the same worker can fulfill much more orders than before. Also, it has been found that there is a sharp increase in accuracy to 99.7%, after implementation of voice directed solutions. So, with the increasing population, as the number of warehouses and stock keeping units increase, the market for voice picking headsets is anticipated to increase exponentially during the forecast period.Request For Report Sample@However, budget constraints, high costs involved and lack of awareness are the primary reasons that can thwart the growth of Voice Picking Headsets market.Global Voice Picking Headsets Market: SegmentationGlobal Voice Picking Headsets market is segmented on the basis of end-user industry and region.On the basis of end-user industry, the global Voice Picking Headsets market can be segmented into electrical & electronics, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, e-commerce, retail, tracking, logistics & transport and others.Global Voice Picking Headsets Market: Competition LandscapeThe key vendors in the global Voice Picking Headsets market are Voiteq Ltd., Zetes Industries SA, Honeywell International Inc. and ZIH Corp. Collaborating with other players and launching of advanced products in the voice picking headsets market is the key strategy followed by major market vendors to gain competitive edge.Global Voice Picking Headsets Market: Regional OutlookRegionally, the global Voice Picking Headsets market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa (MEA), Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) and Japan.The North America is the largest contributor to Voice Picking Headsets market owing to high use of high focus on Research and Development (R&D) and integration of latest technologies in various devices. Asia Pacific is however anticipated to witness highest CAGR owing to increasing number of manufacturing industries in the region. North America, followed by Europe, is the second largest contributor to the market and is expected to witness moderate CAGR in near future.Visit For TOC@The North America is the largest contributor to Wireless Display market owing to high use of internet in the region with a high focus on innovations obtained from Research and Development (R&D). Asia Pacific is however anticipated to witness highest CAGR owing to increasing number of OTT-content providers. North America, followed by Europe, is the second largest contributor to the market and is expected to witness moderate CAGR in near future.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application, and industry.ABOUT 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: http.futuremarketinsights.com
Medical holography Market will grow very rapidly at a rate of 32% CAGR  Global Key Players - Real View Imaging (Isarel), Echo Pixel (CA), Integraf (USA), Royal Philips (Netherland), Zebra imaging, Eon Reality

Medical holography Market

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1519

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/medical-holography-market-1519

A holography is a method of producing a three-dimensional image of an object using an interference pattern. The existing 3D technologies such as 3D-CT, 3D rotational angiography, 3D-ultrasound revolutionized medicine because they allowed doctors to see an individual patient's anatomy without cutting into the body. The exceptional penetration rate of holography products is attributable to the natural benefits of this technology over conservative alternatives, which influence companies to work further toward developing these products for subsequent commercialization.The global medical holography market is majorly driven by factors such as rapid adoption of holography technology by medical fraternity for applications such as medical education, dentistry, orthopedics, increasing applications of holography in diagnostic imaging to visualize complex 3D structures in human body and biomedical research recent technological advancements in holography products are expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the market throughout the forecast period.Get a sample report atTechnological advances in hologram recording techniques in the recent years and the availability of tools for interpretation of holographic interferograms should boost its usage in the field of urology, pathology, ophthalmology, and orthopedics. Moreover, endoscopic holography should emerge as a powerful tool for non-contact high resolution and non-invasive measurements inside the human organs.The market for Medical holography will grow very rapidly at a rate of 32% CAGR during the forecasted period 2017-2023. The market is expected to reach USD 3.5 billion during the forecasted period.Industry updates:Nov, 2016 Holoxica Limited introduced a holographic 3D digital human anatomy atlas prototype for neuroscience. This product impacted medical science giving neurosurgeons and clinicians insights into identifying, diagnosing and treating a wide range of neurological conditions.Dec, 2015 Japan scientists developed touchable holograms, which are to be adopted in wide range of applications in the future, to enable improved demonstration of biological processes and procedures.Nov, 2015 Zebra Imaging acquired Rattan, a software-consulting firm. This acquisition was carried out to accelerate the integration of advanced 3D light-field technology in their array of holographic display products.Dec, 2014 Bristol University developed a touchable holographic display through the generation of air disturbances using ultrasound to create 3D haptic shapes.Oct, 2014 Zebra Imaging entered into a partnership with Zygote Media Group to develop advanced 3D biomedical models to visualize human anatomy.Oct, 2013 RealView Imaging Ltd. and Royal Philips completed an assessment of live 3D holographic imaging, which facilitates 3D interaction and facilitates minimally-invasive structural heart disease procedures.Sept, 2012 Zebra Imaging, Inc.s digital print technologies have proven useful in medical, military, retail, and other commercial disciplines. This acquisition will add new products to HoloTech AGs product portfolio, which will also help the company to expand its presence in holographic digital print operations.Browse Complete Report atGlobal Medical holography Market  Regional:Geographically, the regional market is segmented into America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.America accounts the larger market for the hologram machines. As the early adoption of new technologies and more R&D is being carried out in this region. North America is the largest market for the hologram machines which is led by the United States. The adoption of new technology is more in this region as the research and development is also more and developing day by day.Europe is the second largest market as it also has the advanced technologies and its own R&D. The region is also having its own set of regulations for the medical regulations. The expenditures are also more by the government bodies for the healthcare and adoption for the new and sophisticated technologies.The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing fast growth in this region because of the rising factors such as healthcare spending, improving healthcare infrastructure in developing economies such as China, India, and South Korea, and growing awareness regarding the usage of holography products in medical applications.The Middle East and Africa region is growing slowly due to factors like large number of unskilled labours, illiteracy is more, and economic development is slow.Real View Imaging (Israel), Echo Pixel (CA), Integraf (USA), Royal Philips (Netherland), Zebra imaging, Eon Reality (US), Nano live SA (Switzerland), Holoxcia (Engalnd), Lyncee Tec (Switzerland), Mach 7 Technologies, General Electric Company, DPL Industri A/S Denmark, Olomagic, Arnold Herzig GmbH and others are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the global medical holography treatment market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.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.ContactMarket Research Future:Office No. 528,Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Citric Acid Market Key Companies 2018 | Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Cargill, Tate & Lyle PLC, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG

Citric Acid Market

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https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/citric-acid-market-1743

Citric Acid Market  Market OverviewCitric Acid belongs to tricarboxylic acid group containing three carboxyl functional group (-COOH) attached with hydroxy-propane. It is natural acidulant, found in fruits, animal tissues and plants. Commercially it is produced through microbial fermentation of carbohydrate substrate which is available in anhydrous as well as monohydrate forms. Citric Acid is commonly used in food and beverages to enhance the flavours and acts as preservative. This acid is available in different grade such as food grade and pharmaceutical grade. Food grade is prominent grade accounting for largest market share followed by pharmaceutical grade. The numerous factors driving the Citric Acid Market growth are prevention of microbial activity, flavour enhancing and imparting tartness along with sourness.The increasing application of Citric Acid as natural flavouring agents has amplified the growth of organic products. Moreover, rising consumption of citric acid in carbonated drinks as well as ready to eat food products is anticipated to propel the market growth. The growth of Citric Acid is directly impacted by rising food additive industry along with consumer preference towards health and safe food constituents. Additionally, Citric Acid is also used in numerous applications like cosmetics & personal care, pharmaceutical and cleaning agents. Citric Acid used as acidulant in personal care and pharmaceutical application could provide competitive CAGR market over the forecast period. Owing to its superior properties such as antioxidant, non-toxic and biodegradable, Citric Acid is used in detergents and cleaning products. It also acts as substitute to phosphate in liquid detergent. European Union in 2013 set a limit of 0.5 grams of phosphorus in every washing cycle of consumer laundry detergents.Consumption of Citric Acid in pharmaceutical products such as antacids, stabilizing agents and dentifrices is also anticipated to augment the market growth. Growing benefits coupled with broad range of application scope will drive the market over the projected period. However, excess consumption of citric acid causes health problems which limits the intake of citric acid by manufacturer in their particular products. Strong regulatory policies and growing health issues can further hamper the market growth. Additionally, food containing Citric Acid also consumes artificial sweetener causing obesity is restraining the market growth. Citric Acid acts as substitute to DL malic, latic, phosphoric and tartaric acid, thereby, widening the application scope.Get Sample of Report @According to MRFR analysis, the Global Citric Acid Market is dominating in Asia Pacific region followed by North America and European Region. Asia Pacific witnessed significant growth owing to growing population coupled with changing standard of living. Surge in demand of citric acid in end use industries such as food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics would drive the market growth in coming years. China and India are leading countries in Asia Pacific regions owing to large production base, strong government supportive regulations, increasing consumption of ready to drink and processed foods. North America and European regions closely follow in Citric Acid consumption. U.S. is projected to grow at considerable CAGR. Consumer awareness of nutritional foods with natural fruit content as well as rising consumption of carbonated drinks is anticipated to fuel the market growth. At the same time, surge in demand of cosmetics and personal care products along with increasing concern over food safety and personal hygiene is expected to propel the product demand over forecast period. Increasing food & beverage industries in Thailand, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Australia will propel the citric acid penetration.Citric Acid Market  Competitive AnalysisCitric Acid Market is fragmented market with tier 2 and small companies dominating the overall market. Emerging markets like China is dominating with large installed capacity and strong export base. China accounted for around 60% of the overall export market. The leading companies in developing regions are competing with local players to increase their market share and customer base. Manufacturer of food & beverage industry are investing more onto R&D for meeting the growing demand of particular regions. Manufacturer in developing regions depends on low cost feedstock and supportive government policies. Moreover, innovation through technological advancement promote the citric acid market thereby, reducing the price.Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:June 05, 2017 The U.S. International Trade Commission agreed to open investigation on anti-dumping and countervailing duties of critic acid and other salts which are imported from Belgium, Thailand and Colombia. This came into effect after continuous petition from companies like Archer Daniels Midland and Cargill Inc. This effect will help the customer to get products at reasonable price. This petition will also subsidies on imports from China as major products sold in United States are at dumped prices.May 01, 2016 Development of pectic films with pomegranate juice and Citric Acid can open new opportunities for manufacture in packaging industry.March 18, 2016  China is under project of capacity expansion of Citric Acid production. Major companies like Shandong Juxian Hongde Citric Acid Co., Ltd. started building 100,000 tons per year capacity of Citric Acid in 2013. RZBC Group started production facility for citric acid in September 2014. Moreover, Anhui BBCA Biochemical Co., Ltd. started 60,000 tons of capacity in Szolnok Industrial Park, China. All these projects is still under slow progress owing to low price of Citric Acid.Access Complete Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Future of Signal Jammer Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, 20172025

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/toc/661

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/signal-jammer-market-661

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The signal jammer is a device used to protect devices from receiving signals from base station. According to Coherent Market Insights analysis, around 2991.4 thousand units of personal and commercial drones will be sold by the end of 2017 up from 2152.2 thousand units in 2016. This increasing sales of drones, in turn, is projected to fuel the market growth of signal jammer globally.Moreover, the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles in restricted areas has become one of the key driving factors for the global signal jammer market. In addition to this, the increasing R&D investment by various government bodies across the globe will bolster the market growth over the forecast period. For example: the Battelle Memorial Institute in the U.S has developed signal jammers that are designed for the unmanned aerial vehicles, which is currently being used for training purposes by the U.S. government. Moreover, increasing global R&D investment in aerospace & defense sector also boost the market growth of signal jammer globally. According to Coherent Market Insights analysis, the global R&D expenditure in aerospace & defense sector was US$ 30.4 billion in 2016 up from US$ 29.8 billion in 2015.Request Table of Content of this Report :Military and defense segment held the dominant position in the global signal jammer market in 2016 and is projected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The high governmental support to use the signal jammer in military and defense application acts as a key driver for the growth of the signal jammer market in the sector. The U.K. uses drone jammer technology, which helps track the UAV flown by terrorists. Similarly, the Russian government has taken initiatives to upgrade the helicopter fleet and the U.S. government has given contract award to Lockheed Martin for the testing and development of long range radar. Such government initiatives play a significant role in the growth of signal jammer market over the forecast period.Signal jammer Market Outlook  North America holds the largest market shareOn the basis of geography, global signal jammer market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. North America held the dominant position in the global signal jammer market in 2016 and is projected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Due to the presence of major venders such as Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon, Harris Corporation, and Lockheed Martin, the region witnesses immense growth potential. In addition to this, the high R&D investment by the U.S. in aerospace & defense segment will also add to the signal jammer market growth. According to Coherent Market Insights analysis, the U.S spent US$ 14.3 billion in aerospace & defense R&D in 2016. The increasing R&D spending by the U.S. is projected to propel the signal jammer market growth as well.Key Companies in the Global Signal Jammer MarketBAE Systems, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon, HSS Development, Harris Corporation, Israel Aerospace Industries, Lockheed Martin, MCTECH TECHNOLOGY, NDR Resource International, Stratign, and WolvesFleet Technology are some of the key companies in the global signal jammer market.For More Information :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. Shah1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comVisit our news Website:
Massive Growth in Menstrual Cup Market | Global Key Vendors Analysis | Professional Survey Report | Forecast to 2023

Menstrual Cup Market

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Market Research Future published a half Cooked research report on Global Menstrual Cup Market Research Report - Forecast till 2023  Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2023Owing to the increasing consumption of the menstrual cups, the market is expecting a swift growth at an incremental pace of development on the global stage. Market Research Future, a firm which specializes in market reports related to the healthcare sector among others, recently forecasted in its report on Global Menstrual Cup Market Research Report- Forecast to 2023 that the market will demonstrate a steady CAGR of 4.6% while achieving million dollar growth readily in the forecast period.During the last decade, feminine hygiene product has acquired a huge attention. A menstrual cup is a feminine hygiene product which is used as a substitute for sanitary napkins. Now-a-days, a number of different materials are used for the manufacturing of these products. Increasing awareness about the hygiene, growing healthcare expenditure, and increasing government support drives the market growth. Many private and government organizations are conducting different seminars to educate and increase the awareness about the menstrual cups.Inadequate menstrual hygiene can led to a negative mental and physical consequences. In India, 70% of reproductive diseases are occurring due to poor menstrual hygiene. Unclean methods of maintaining menstrual hygiene caused by a lack of resources, or lack of education on the usage of products, can lead to infections of skins to something more fatal, like toxic shock syndrome. Lack of education in developing region and availability of the substitutes in the market and presence of huge competition in the market.Get a sample report atLatest Industry UpdatesInnovation is the best way to gain the market, thus, a number of companies are involved in the development of new and better products. Some of the latest development in the menstrual cup market are:-May 2017: INTIMINA, is a Swedish brand that offers a range of products dedicated exclusively to all aspects of womens intimate health. The company has recently launched a new products in order to create impact on the users. The company has launched the BIGGEST menstrual cup.Sep 2017: Monki and Lunetta, a global leader in womens intimate health products launched an exclusive menstrual cup. The main aim of the collaboration is to increase the product portfolio and improve the product quality. Collaboration of these companies will surely expand the business and geographical reach of the company.Fab 2017: Mooncup Ltd, is a global manufacturer and distributor for menstrual cups. The company has recently launched Mooncup, a reusable menstrual product.Global Menstrual Cup Market - Competitive AnalysisWith the entry of industry players in the menstrual cup segment, a trend of solid, volume-driven growth has been observed in the market with the development of different varieties of product types. The companies are aiming to capture a considerable share of the market segment as early as possible, they are competing and experimenting with various advantage points. To attract the customers the companies have launched the products of different materials and in different sizes. Some companies have adopted the strategy of acquisition and collaboration to expand their market and minimize the competition.The key players profiled in menstrual cup market are Diva International Inc. (Canada), Lune Group Ltd (Finland), The Keeper Inc. (US), Mooncup (UK), Intimina (Sweden), Me Luna (USA), Ruby Cup (UK), Lunette (U.S.), VCup (India), Mooncup (U.K), Anigan (U.S.), and others.Access Full Report atGlobal Menstrual Cup Market  SegmentsThe global menstrual cup market has been divided into types, usage, end users, and region.On the basis of types, the market is segmented into hollow, pointy, flat, round and others.On the basis of usage, the market is segmented into disposable and reusable.On the basis of end users, the market is categorised into hospitals, clinics and individual woman.On the basis of region, the market is segmented into America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa.Global Menstrual Cup Market - Regional AnalysisThe global menstrual cup market is segmented into America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Global menstrual cup market is highly dominated by America and Europe owing to the presence of huge players, and more attention toward the health hygiene. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market due to presence of huge opportunity and untapped market. India and China are the major contributor for the Asia Pacific market. On the other hand, the Middle East & Africa show the steady growth due to the poor economic condition especially in Africa region.More Inquire atAbout 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.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
United States Biofilter Systems Market Forecast 2018-2025 Bioteg, Isenso, Penlich, Merck Millipore

Biofilter Systems Market

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Biofilter Systems Market Research 2018A market study "Global Biofilter Systems Market" examines the performance of the Biofilter Systems market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Biofilter Systems market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Biofilter Systems market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Biofilter Systems Market 2018 report includes Biofilter Systems market Revenue, market Share, Biofilter Systems industry volume, market Trends, Biofilter Systems Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Biofilter Systems Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2025.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Biofilter Systems Market 2018 :1. Bioteg2. Merck Millipore3. Auto Science4. Isenso5. Sartorius6. Waterloo Biofilter7. Ecoflo Biofilter8. Aquaculture Systems Technologies (AST)9. Tianjin Jinteng10. Convergence11. Penlich12. Winstrument13. Beijing USUN14. HengAoBiofilter Systems Market : By Application Water Purification Sewage Treatment OtherBiofilter Systems Market : By Type Biological Aerated Biofilter Systems Denitrification Biofilter Systems Activated Carbon Biofilter SystemsFirstly, the report covers the top Biofilter Systems manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Biofilter Systems report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Biofilter Systems industry, Biofilter Systems industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Biofilter Systems Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Biofilter Systems 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 Biofilter Systems market revenue worldwide.Finally, Biofilter Systems 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:"QY Research Store" 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, USAWeb:Email: sales@qyresearchstore.com
Dimethyl Ether (DME) Market Players 2018 - The Chemours Company (U.S.), Oberon Fuels (U.S.), Grillo Werke AG (Germany), China Energy Limited (China)

Dimethyl Ether (DME) Market

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Dimethyl Ether Market - OverviewThe Global Dimethyl Ether (DME) Market is precipitating with the rapid speed; mainly due to the proliferation of its application in manufacturing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, The global market of Dimethyl Ether is predicted to witness significant growth over the forecast period. The market is forecasted to demonstrate a stunning growth by 2027, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a striking CAGR during the estimated period (2017  2027).Globally, the market for Dimethyl Ether is driven by the region Asia pacific, owing to the rise in the population resulting in to increasing demand for LPG for household purposes. DME is manufactured by dehydration of methanol from syngas which is obtained from coal. Due to the numerous coal reserves in the Asia Pacific is anticipated to bridge the raw material demand gap for DME raw materials. Dimethyl Ether are extensively used to blend with LPG as a solvent additive to cost economize the manufacturing process. Dimethyl Ether has a low boiling point, low viscosity and a smoke free combustion can be achieved when it is used as a solvent blender with transportation and heating fuels. Due to the high cost of DME, it is blended with LPG to save the manufacturing cost. DME, is getting a huge demand from construction industry owing to its use in manufacturing spray based paints & coatings in the vapour state bottled in a pressurized container. When DME is subjected to moderate pressure and temperature it is modified into liquid phase from gas phase vice versa. Thus, it can be transported easily when compared to LPG or LNG. Dimethyl ether is not expected to be persistent in the environment and is not bio-accumulative.Rising population defines the growth of LPG applications. Moreover growing industries such as DME based aerosol propellants applications in Cosmetic & Personal Care, and Automobile industry provide momentum to the Dimethyl Ether Market growth.Get Sample of Report @Dimethyl ether is utilized in industrial applications as an intermediate in the preparation and manufacturing of other basic organic chemicals, as a catalyst in industrial polymerization processes, as an alternative fuel, and as an aerosol propellant for a variety of products that include adhesives, sealants, foam in a can, coatings, paints, automotive care products, deodorants, perfumes, household cleaning sprays and a variety of other personal care and household products.LPG blending application is most widely used in manufacturing for household appliances after that dimethyl sulphate (methylating agent) production for used in manufacturing chemical intermediates is most popular. Aerosol propellant application which is used in personal care & cosmetics industry has large market share in U.S.Dimethyl Ether Market - Competitive AnalysisThe Dimethyl Ether Market appears to be competitive with the presence of several large and small players operating in the Dimethyl Ether Market. These Key players compete based upon pricing, quality, Technology and reputation. Dimethyl Ether market demonstrates a high growth potential which is likely to attract many entrants to the market resulting in to intensified competition further. Manufacturers operating in the Dimethyl Ether Market strive to respond to the growing demand for Dimethyl Ether as an alternate fuel for LPG attributed to the recent talks by Volvo and Shell cooperate in developing LNG/DME fuels for heavy trucks. They ensure to deliver the best quality products based on innovative technologies, and best practices.Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:September 2015  Tokyo (Japan), one of the key manufacturers of Dimethyl Ether, Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) have announced to construct a methanol and dimethyl ether plant at Trinidad and Tobago has been reached with the help of Japan Bank for International Corporation (JBIC) and the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (BTMU) is expected to be complete by March, 2019.January 2017  DME fuel, which is approved for utilization in the entire U.S., as DME releases zero, same diesel performance and it is considered to be a clean energy, utilization of DME ensures the zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into air causing no air pollution. Utilizing organic waste as a raw material in the production of DME can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 68%-101% relatively compared to diesel as calculated by the US Environmental Protection Agency and recently published by US Department of Energys Argonne National Laboratory.Access Complete Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
United States Boneless Wipers Market Forecast 2018-2025 Bosch, Trico, Valeo, Denso, Heyner Company

Boneless Wipers Market

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Boneless Wipers Market Research 2018A market study "Global Boneless Wipers Market" examines the performance of the Boneless Wipers market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Boneless Wipers market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Boneless Wipers market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Boneless Wipers Market 2018 report includes Boneless Wipers market Revenue, market Share, Boneless Wipers industry volume, market Trends, Boneless Wipers Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Boneless Wipers Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2025.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Boneless Wipers Market 2018 :1. Bosch2. Trico3. Valeo4. Denso5. Heyner Company6. Federal-Mogul7. Elta Automotive8. PEAK9. Wiperblades10. ACDelcoBoneless Wipers Market : By Application Passenger Vehicles Commercial VehiclesBoneless Wipers Market : By Type General Boneless Wipers Special Boneless WipersFirstly, the report covers the top Boneless Wipers manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Boneless Wipers report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Boneless Wipers industry, Boneless Wipers industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Boneless Wipers Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Boneless Wipers 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 Boneless Wipers market revenue worldwide.Finally, Boneless Wipers 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:"QY Research Store" 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, USAWeb:Email: sales@qyresearchstore.com
Worldwide "Mobile Health Market" is expected to reach $ 21.71Billion by 2022 | Top Key Players are - Agamatrix, INC, Alivecor, INC, Apple, INC, Athenahealth INC, AT&T, INC, Biotelemetry

Mobile Health Market

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Market Research Future published a Cooked research report on Global Mobile Health Market Research Report - Forecast to 2022 Market Analysis, Scope, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2022.With the growing popularity of wearable devices, medical applications is further propelling the demand of mHealth solutions across the ecosystem. In Mobile Health (mHealth) services, mobile communications such as personal digital assistant (PDAs), laptops, and mobile phones among others, are used for providing health information and services. mHealth enables various electronic health (e-health) data content and services to users, by using wireless technologies such as WiMax, Bluetooth, GSM/GPRS/3G, and WiFi among others. These data contents and services are accessed by the health providers, consumers (patients) and other related users through devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, PDAs, laptops and tablet PCs (personal computers).Get a sample report atMobile Health refers to using mobile communications, such as personal digital assistant (PDAs), laptops, and mobile phones for health services and related information. .The most common market drivers in the mHealth market are: patients involvement in personal healthcare, penetration of smartphones and wearable devices into healthcare industry, integration of wireless technologies with portable healthcare devices, benefits of Cost effectiveness and Patientsconvenience and Increase in lifestyle diseases. However, literacy rate is not significant in certain low and middle income countries; the literacy rate is very low and people are not aware about recent technological developments. To ensure widespread usage of mHealth solutions, these applications should be developed taking into consideration both language and cultural barriers as they create a certain level of hindrance in the development of mHealth global market.The global market for Mobile Health is expected to grow at a CAGR of 36.5% during the forecast period 2017-2022. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, the global Mobile Health market is expected to gain eminence over the forecast period. The market is forecasted to demonstrate a steady growth by 2022, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a constant CAGR during the anticipated period (2017  2022).Global Mobile Health Market - Competitive AnalysisThe market for Mobile Health is characterised by the presence of several well-established and small players, the global market of Mobile Health appears to be highly competitive and fragmented. Major players are increasingly expanding their footprint in the emerging nations, making it putting pressure on the regional players, especially in terms of features such as type, product portfolios, and pricing. The market is witnessing intensified competition which is expected to get more intensified further during the forecast period. The market is witnessing intensified competition which is expected to get more intensified further during the forecast period. The new companies are striving hard to file patents and get approvals from regulatory bodies in this growing market and launch innovative products, while established companies are busy in acquiring companies and entering into partnership with other ecosystem players.For instance, in March 2015, Alivecor, Inc. launched its third generation Alivecor Heart Monitor in the UK and Ireland to support monitoring of heart related issues in order to help patients in emergency response. Also in January, 2015, Qualcomm Life, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm declared that Novartis will use its 2net platform that will deploy medical devices to collect patient data.Browse Complete report atAgamatrix, INC, Alivecor, INC, Apple, INC, Athenahealth INC, AT&T, INC, Biotelemetry INC. (CARDIONET), GE Healthcare, Google INC, Jawbone INC, Johnson & Johnson, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Philips Healthcare and others are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the Global Mobile Health Market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.While in 2015, AgaMatrix added Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant cloud support to the AgaMatrix Diabetes Manager App, making it easier than ever to back up data and view it across multiple devices.Moreover, in January 2015, Alivecor, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the company clearance for two new algorithms giving users instant feedback on their Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and expanding its automated interpretation service offerings.Furthermore, in December 2014, Alivecor, Inc. and Omron Healthcare, Inc. collaborated to change the way lifesaving products are brought to the market. They will be working together to make remote patient monitoring products more accessible through online and retail channels for people with heart conditions who are working to manage their heart health at home.More Inquire atAbout usAt 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 FutureP: +1 646 845 9312W:sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Precision Medicine Market - Strategies and Tactics for Accelerating Growth in a Transforming Industry

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An emerging disease treatment approach which is built based upon individual variability in genes, environment, and personal lifestyle is referred to as precision medicine. The precision medicine can also be termed as personalized medicine. Precision medicine is a mode of medicine that joins standardization with individualization. The benefit offered by this approach of treatment include accurate treatment prediction and strategies for prevention of a particular disease that works for a particular group of people. The standardized medicines marketed have the limitation of a one-size fits-all approach, which may or may not be suitable for every patient owing to genetic differences.Precision medicine is a relatively novel concept and technology that has now become a major business investment domain for major pharma companies. With the help of precision medicine, the diagnosis as well as diseases treatment is easier by depending on genomics as well as specific biomarker techniques. A precision based approach helps to to formulate medicines that result in new insights into disease biology. Thus, it becomes easier for physicians to make selection of the right drugs, optimal dosage and time for medicine usage coupled with least side effect.Request For Free Sample Of The Report @Moreover, high awareness pertaining to the benefits of adaptation of precision medicine is promoting this market growth. Other factors such as intense research, along with severe unmet needs in various diseases, especially oncology is further bolstering the market growth. Moreover, favorable government regulations and support in developed economies is driving the market growth. However, the high price of these therapies is expected to hamper the market growth.The global precision medicine market has been segmented based on the type of technology, application and geography. On the basis of type of technology, the precision medicine market has been classified into big data analytics, sequencing, companion diagnostics, drug discovery, and bio-informatics. Depending upon application, Based on application, the global market is divided into neurology, cardiology, oncology, Infectious disease, hematology, endocrinology and others. Based on regions, the global precision medicine market is divided North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa.The North American market is anticipated to be the major markets in the precision medicine market. Factors such as high rate of adoption of leading edge technologies, favorable legal environment owing to certain grants and initiatives granted by the government are leading to high regional market growth. For instance, in January 2015, the U.S. President launched the Precision medicine initiative that included high funding request of US$ 215 million in the 2016 federal budget. The G erman precision medicine market is anticipated to register considerable growth over the future years. Supportive government initiatives such as launch of Individualized Medicine action plan coupled with increasing use of electronic health records for optimum healthcare outcomes is set to drive regional market growth.Obtain Report Details @Some of the industry players in precision medicine market include Quest Diagnostics. F-Hoffmann La Roche, Novartis AG, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Qiagen, Inc., Medtronic, Illumina, Inc. and Pfizer, Inc.About Us-Xpodence Research have the most extensive collection of market research reports of many categories. Xpodence Research provides the best market research solution for every industry by publishing the best possible results of great market research firms worldwide. For every particular problem, theres a particular solution, so according to the customer needs, we provide the best possible results to them from different market research organization, whether its a Custom Research or Syndicated Research reports because the product that wins is the one that bridges customers to the future, not the one that requires a giant leap.Every organization, whether it is related to Pharmaceuticals, Technology, Eatables, Consumable Goods and many more demands a market research results so that they can take important decisions for more productivity and better output in this swift world. Xpodence Research gives the best possible outcome, perfect forecast, analysis and insights of market research in the form of report which is beneficial for various organisations and also to the manufacturing companies in taking the best decisions for quality production.Contact Us-Xpodence ResearchUSA Office244 , Madison AvenueNew York City, NY - 10016United StatesUK Office109 ,Straford Street,LeedsWest Yorkshrie LS11 6JGUnited KingdomToll Free +1- 844-445-2861Email-sales@xpodenceresearch.comFollow us on Linkedin:Visit Blog:
Cement & Concrete Additive Market Players 2018 - BASF, Dow Chemicals, Sika, AkzoNobel, Heidelberg Cement

Cement & Concrete Additive Market

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Cement Concrete Additives Market - OverviewThe Global Cement Concrete Additives Market is growing with the impelling rate; mainly due to the growing construction industry. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, The global market of Cement Concrete Additives is increasing and expected to capture significance over the forecast period. The market is forecasted to demonstrate a stunning growth by 2023, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a striking CAGR during the estimated period (2017  2023).Globally, the market for Cement Concrete Additives is driven by the region Asia pacific, owing to the rise in the population resulting in to increasing demand for construction activities lodge the expanding population. Cement Concrete Additives are extensively used in the cement manufacturing to improve the cement adhering performance, waterproofing capacity, chemical resistance. Cement Concrete Additives enhances the performance depending on the purpose of the cementing. The additives such as accelerators, retarders, high & low density, and friction reducers.The Global Construction Market is anticipated to increase at a higher CAGR than world GDP growth over the forecast period as China, India, and Japan continue to industrialise and the recovery of US from the abrupt fall during the global financial crisis. This in turn expected to fuel cement and concrete additives market in the forecast period.Cement Concrete Additives are high value added and low production volume chemicals and can also be termed as performance chemicals. It is high added value products used as catalysts, intermediates, components, protectants it is utilized in a wide variety of applications. Cement Concrete Additives are used in paints, detergents, foods, plastics, cosmetics, construction, pulp and paper, pharmaceuticals, electronics, agriculture and for producing petroleum products.Get Sample of Report @Chemical additives are the most widely used cement additives in the world. Asia Pacific region is the monopoly in the cement and concrete additives owing to the abundant raw materials availability and followed by North America and Europe. China and India are the leading market players in this region owing to the necessity to lodge rising populace and coupled with various government led construction projects to urbanize the cities and towns.Cement Concrete Additives Market - Competitive AnalysisThe Cement Concrete Additives Market appears to be competitive with the presence of several large and small players operating in the Cement Concrete Additives Market. These Key players compete based upon pricing, quality, Technology and reputation. Cement Concrete Additives market demonstrates a high growth potential which is likely to attract many entrants to the market resulting in to intensified competition further. Manufacturers operating in the Cement Concrete Additives Market strive to respond to the growing demand for Cement Concrete Additives from the Paper industry attributed to the recent pulp mill expansions and the announced Greenfield projects worldwide. They ensure to deliver the best quality products based on innovative technologies, and best practices.Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:October 2017  BASF SE (Germany), one of the key manufacturers of Cement Concrete Additives also having presence in Russia, announced opening of its new production line for construction chemicals in St. Petersburg, Russia. On this new project, additives based on polycarboxylate esters and polyaryl ether are new innovative products from BASF recently. Opening of this new production, North West Region, the Ural and the Volga regions of Russia are able to benefit and reduce the transportation costs. Thus, several construction projects are anticipated to open up in the coming years. Russia ranked only 136th for the quality of its roads and 104th for its air transport infrastructure. Furthermore, cement additives market is anticipated to witness tremendous growth on account of where Russia is a country with huge oil & gas reserves and the government has prioritized on building transport infrastructure to connect different region urge to develop oil & gas market.May 2017  Global cement and concrete additives manufacturer, Huntsman Corporation a U.S. based company has merged with Clariant, Switzerland based company is the leading chemicals producer worldwide. Huntsman Corporation already has more than 100 manufacturing facilities worldwide has finally stepped into Switzerland with USD 13 bn deal. Clariant and Huntsman are joining forces to gain much broader global reach, create more sustained innovation power and achieve new growth opportunities.Access Complete Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Upcoming Study Offers Key Insights on How Protein Ingredient Market will Evolve During 2015-2025

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Proteins are polymers of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds. Proteins are the building blocks of body tissue, and can also serve as a fuel source. Proteins are constantly synthesized and degraded in living entities through metabolic processes for energy recovery and storage. Proteins play very important role in living organisms by participating in every process within cells. With the increased attention on health and body building the number of gyms and health clubs are increasing over a world. Protein ingredients are widely consumed in health and wellness food in the form of pre workout fuel, post workout replenishment. In addition, it is also used in food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and some cosmetic products.Protein Ingredient Market: SegmentationProtein ingredient market is segmented on the basis of source as animal protein and plant protein. Overall demand for plant protein is growing in market as its a cost effective solution and dose not causes any intolerance in kids. Animal protein is sub-segmented as dairy protein, egg protein and gelatin. Dairy protein ingredient account for largest market share in forecast period in animal protein market. Dairy proteins are categorized as whey and casein. Among these categories whey protein market is expected to grow during forecast period. Furthermore, plant protein is sub-segmented into soy protein, wheat protein and other (pea). Among these sub-segments soy protein ingredient is contributing highest market share in terms of value and pea protein ingredient share is expected to grow at a moderate rate during forecast period.Request For Report Sample@Protein ingredient market is segmented on basis of application such as food and beverage, animal feed, pharmaceutical and other (cosmetics and personal care). Among these segments food and beverage is expected to grow at faster rate during forecast period. Food and beverage is sub-segmented as food, beverages and supplements. The supplement sub-segment is expected to grow at healthy CAGR during forecast period. Animal feed and cosmetics and personal care products are found to be emerging segments.Protein Ingredient Market: Region-wise OutlookProtein ingredient market is segmented on the basis of region includes North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. The protein ingredient market is expected to witness healthy CAGR by 2025 due to the rising demand for healthy and convenience food across the globe. North America contributes higher market share and expected to exhibit healthy CAGR during forecast period.Protein Ingredient Market: DriversIncreased demands for processed food and healthy food product is driving the protein ingredient market as, protein provides all essential amino acids. Growing application of protein ingredients in nutraceuticals, food and beverage, and health supplement is expected to fuel the market growth in the coming years. With the increasing number of health conscious consumers, growing number of fitness centers and health clubs, and rising demand for health supplements, energy drinks and processed foods is expected to fuel protein ingredients market. Consumers are looking for a great product with palatable taste, with high national value, so manufacture are investing on research and development of new products. For instance in 2013 PepsiCo has launched new protein rich product especially for women.Visit For TOC@Protein Ingredient Market: Key PlayersThe key international players operating in Protein Ingredient Market includes Archer Daniels Midland Company, CHS Inc., Cargill, Incorporated, Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S., Axiom Foods Inc., Kerry Group plc., Amco Proteins, and E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.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: http.futuremarketinsights.com
Global Tobacco Products Market 2018 Key Players: Philip Morris International Inc., Imperial Tobacco, Altria Group Inc, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco Inc.

Tobacco Products Market

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Tobacco Products Market:WiseGuyReports.com adds Tobacco Products Market 2018 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting to 2023reports to its database.Executive SummaryTobacco Products Market Global Report 2018 from The Business Research Company provides the strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the global tobacco products market.Where is the largest and fastest growing market for the tobacco products? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The tobacco products market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the markets historic and forecast market growth by geography. It places the market within the context of the wider food and beverages market, and compares it with other markets. The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market and forecasting the future. Drivers and restraints looks at the external factors supporting and controlling the growth of the market. Market segmentations break down market into sub markets. The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers all the regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets. It draws comparisons with country populations and economies to understand the importance of the market by country and how this is changing. Competitive landscape gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified. The trends and strategies section highlights the likely future developments in the market and suggests approaches companies can take to exploit this. The tobacco products market section of the report gives context. It compares the tobacco products market with other segments of the tobacco products market by size and growth, historic and forecast. It analyses Expenditure Per Capita, The Tobacco Products Market Indicators Comparison.Request Sample Report @ScopeMarkets Covered: Cigarettes, Cigars And Cigarillos; Smoking And Other Tobacco ProductsCompanies Mentioned: Philip Morris International Inc., Imperial Tobacco, Altria Group Inc, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco Inc.Countries: Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, Russia, UK, USA and Australia.Regions: Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East And AfricaTime series: Five years historic and forecast.Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP, Expenditure Per Capita, The Tobacco Products Market Indicators Comparison.Data segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.Table of Content1. Tobacco Products Market Characteristics2. Tobacco Products Market Size And Growth3. Tobacco Products Trends And Strategies;4. Pestle Analysis5. Tobacco Products Market Customer Information;6. Tobacco Products Market Regional And Country Analysis7. Tobacco Products Market Segmentation8. Tobacco Products Market Segments9. Global Tobacco Products Market Comparison With Macro Economic Factors10. Tobacco Products Market Comparison With Macro Economic Factors Across Countries11. Tobacco Products Market Comparison With Industry Metrics12. Asia-Pacific Tobacco Products Market13. Western Europe Tobacco Products Market14. Eastern Europe Tobacco Products Market15. North America Tobacco Products Market16. South America Tobacco Products Market17. Middle East Tobacco Products Market18. Africa Tobacco Products Market19. Tobacco Products Market Competitive Landscape18.1. Company Profiles18.2. Philip Morris International Inc.18.2.1. Overview18.2.2. Products And Services18.2.3. Strategy18.2.4. Financial Performance18.3. Imperial Tobacco18.3.1. Overview18.3.2. Products And Services18.3.3. Strategy18.3.4. Financial Performance18.4. Altria Group Inc18.4.1. Overview18.4.2. Products And Services18.4.3. Strategy18.4.4. Financial Performance18.5. British American Tobacco18.5.1. Overview18.5.2. Products And Services18.5.3. Strategy18.5.4. Financial Performance18.6. Japan Tobacco Inc.18.6.1. Overview18.6.2. Products And Services18.6.3. Strategy18.6.4. Financial Performance20. Key Mergers And Acquisitions In The Tobacco Products Market21. Market Background: Food and Beverages Market22. AppendixReasons to Purchase Outperform competitors using accurate up to date demand-side dynamics information. Identify growth segments for investment. Facilitate decision making on the basis of historic and forecast data and the drivers and restraints on the market. Create regional and country strategies on the basis of local data and analysis. Stay abreast of the latest customer and market research findings Benchmark performance against key competitors. Develop strategies based on likely future developments. Utilize the relationships between key data sets for superior strategizing. Suitable for supporting your internal and external presentations with reliable high quality data and analysis Gain a global perspective on the development of the market. Report will be updated with the latest data and delivered to you within 3-5 working days of order.ContinuousFor further information on this report, visit Contact Us:Norah Trentsales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US); +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone :+91 841 198 5042
HIV/AIDS Diagnostics Market Review with Forecast Research Report 2017 - 2025

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The global HIV/AIDS diagnostics market has a handful of dominant players competing against one another. Competition is moderate in the market on account of a few products being approved for commercial use. In fact, all the products in the U.S. are used only for the purpose of research. Another factor serving to keep competition moderate is the high entry barriers to aspiring players. This is because development of diagnostic kits require a lot of research. Going forward, however, the competition may intensify because of the competitive pricing strategy adopted by key companies.F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Alere, Abbott Laboratories, OraSure Technologies, Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, and Siemens Healthineers are to name a few key companies operating in the global HIV/AIDS diagnostics market. While some of them have expanded their shares through mergers and acquisitions, others have made impressive strides through research and development and introduction of new products.Read Report Overview:As per a report by Transparency Market Research, the global HIV/AIDS diagnostics market will likely expand at a 9.3% CAGR between 2017 and 2025 to become worth US$5.74 bn by 2025 from US$2.606 bn in 2016.Ability to Yield Swift, Accurate Results Make Rapid Test (POC) Market Leading SegmentThe three types of tests used in the global HIV/AIDS diagnostics market are rapid tests (POC), ELISA, and nucleic acid test, among others. Of them, the segment of rapid test (POC) accounts for maximum market share. It was worth US1.526 bn in 2016, finds the report by TMR. The test is popular on account its easy usage and swift results. In the near future too, the segment of rapid test (POC) is predicted to hold on to its dominant share due to its relative affordability and ability to produce accurate results faster.Request Sample of Report:Geographically, the key segments of the global HIV/AIDS diagnostics market are North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. At present, North America dominates the market with a leading share. In the upcoming years too, the region is expected to hold on to its dominant share by expanding at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2017 to 2025. This is mainly because of the increasing awareness about the different diagnosis, initiatives by government to thwart HIV, and superior research and development facilities.Increasing Instances of HIV Fuelling Market MajorlyAlarming rise in occurrence of HIV worldwide and the growing awareness about diagnosis is said to be the root cause of growth in the global HIV/AIDS diagnostics market. A release by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in 2015, showed that an estimated 36.7 mn people were living with HIV, and the prevalence rate of HIV was 0.8% worldwide. Most of the HIV-afflicted people live in low and middle income countries. To tackle the menace, government organizations and agencies are focusing on public awareness campaigns about diagnosis, treatment, and care, elaborates the lead analyst of the TMR report.Download Brochure of Report:In many cases HIV is asymptomatic, which means even though the immune system is gradually getting affected, there is no outward signs. Many people can go without the symptoms, and hence without realizing they have HIV, for as long as 10 years. This is posing a roadblock to the global HIV/AIDS diagnosis market.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:
Breast Feeding Aid Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast Upto 2025

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Breastfeeding has boundless benefits. Breast milk has everything that baby needs, such as proteins, fats, minerals, iron, lactose and vitamin which is necessary for the babys growth. Breastfeeding keeps the baby away from all types of infections and allergies and creates an emotional bond between mother and baby. Breastfeeding might be a natural thing for many moms, but for some, it does not come naturally. They either have leaky breast or they experience pain whenever their babies latch on to the breast. These new-age mommies need little help and breastfeeding aids may help them during their feeding challenges. There are some must have breastfeeding aids such as breast milk pump, breast milk storage bag, nursing pillow, breast pads and ointment, breastfeeding cover, nursing bras, breastfeeding vitamins, silicon nipple shield, breast shells etc.Request for Table of Contents @For many moms, breast feeding is deprivation from sleep. Sleep deprivation may lead to a decrease in their milk supply. In such situation, breast milk pump makes their lives easier. Through breastfeeding pumps women can extract some milk during the day which can be useful in feeding the baby at night with the help of a bottle. However, to store the milk which is extracted through breast milk pump is not possible without milk store bag. These are specially designed bags which ensure to keep the beneficial properties of the milk. To hold the baby in arms during the entire breastfeeding session can cause back pain. However, the nursing pillows not only support babies during a feed but also give comfort to moms which make easier the entire birth recovery period. Breast pads can absorb the milk from the leaky breast and keep the area dry, while nipple ointments reduce the pains and inflammation in nipples. Although the breastfeeding aids have many beneficial qualities, there are some disadvantages too which are associated with these aids. For instance, silicon nipple shield is recommended to many moms who have sore nipples, however, they can reduce the amount of milk that baby gets as baby do not get milk straight from the breast. The milk expression can also be decreased due to excessive use of breast milk pumps, while in the case of milk storage bag, they are not eco-friendly. They are not as strong as plastic or glass containers, so the chances of leaking are comparatively more in milk storage bags.The rise in the population of working mother is one of the driving factors which is contributing to the growth of global breastfeeding aid market. Breast milk pumps are particularly popular among working moms, as they can ensure that their babies would get breast milk even when they are away from their babies at work for long hours. Increasing world population is also creating a positive impact on the breastfeeding aid market. Apart from this, technological advancement fast paced lifestyle, and favourable health care policies are creating robust development in global breastfeeding aid market. This market, however, has hindrances too and one of the major factors which are hampering the growth of global breastfeeding aid market is to launch a new device is a costly affair. The amount of investment in launching a new product is very high and even after investing this amount the approval process from FDA for these new products is tedious. Besides, there is a growing debate on the usage of breastfeeding aids which will act as a hindrance in the growth of global breastfeeding aids market.Get Sample Copy of this Report @North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and rest of the world are some of the regions which are considered while covering this market. At present, North America is dominating the breastfeeding aid market with more than half of the market share followed by Europe. Due to rising population, favourable healthcare policies initiated by the government, and an increasing number of working mothers are some of the important factors in Asia-Pacific market which are fuelling the breastfeeding aid market.Pigeon, Tommee Tippee, Philips, Comotomo, Playtex, Nuby, Chicco, Medela and Summer Infant are some of the prominent players across the globe.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market Segments, Market Dynamics, Market Size, Supply & Demand, Current Trends/Issues/Challenges, Competition & Companies involved, Technology, Value ChainReport Highlights:Detailed overview of parent marketChanging market dynamics in the industryIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and valueRecent industry trends and developmentsCompetitive landscapeStrategies of key players and products offeredPotential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective on market performanceMust-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintNeed more information about Report methodology ? @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,Telephone  +1-646-568-7751USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Media Sera and Reagents- Cell Culture Market Development Status, Size, R&D Status and Technology Source, Trend and Forecast To 2027

Media Sera and Reagents- Cell Culture Market

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The Global Media Sera and Reagents- Cell Culture Market is growing mainly due to the rising incidence of chronic diseases. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, The Global Media Sera and Reagents- Cell Culture Market is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period. The market is forecasted to demonstrate a spectacular growth by 2027, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a striking CAGR during the anticipated period (2017  2027).Cell culture is a technique used to study the behaviour of cells independent of whole organism. In this technique, cells are taken from an animal or plant and grown under favourable artificial conditions. There are basically three types of cell culture procedures i.e. primary cell culture, secondary cell culture, and cell line. There are various types of media, and serums are used in cell culture technique such as protein free media, serum free media, chemically defined media, specialty media, classical media, Stem cell media, and lysogeny broth. Whereas, reagents include albumin, amino acids, attachment factors, growth factors and cytokines, hormones, biological buffers, biological detergents, cell dissociation reagents, cell freezing reagents, cell separation reagents and others.Notably, rising burden of chronic diseases is the key factor driving the Media Sera and Reagents- Cell Culture Market. According to the report published in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2017, nearly 92.1 million adults dealing with at least one type of cardiovascular disease. It is also reported that out of total annual healthcare expenditure i.e. USD 27 trillion, 86% is for people with chronic health conditions in the United States. Burden of chronic diseases is also observed in Asia Pacific countries. As per the study published in BMC Public Health in 2017, prevalence of type-2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease has increased rapidly in recent years.Access Sample Copy atOther factors such as, favourable reimbursement scenario for a number of surgical procedures, huge funding for research & development, technological advancements, demand for cancer research, increasing healthcare expenditure, and rising approval from regulatory bodies are also fuelling the market growth. According to the data suggested by Eurostat, it is observed that among the EU Member States, the highest value of healthcare expenditure was recorded in Germany in 2014 i.e. EUR 321 billion which is further followed by France with EUR 237 billion, and United Kingdom with EUR 223 billion. In the year of 2016, the R&D expenditure in the Pharmaceutical Industry was EUR 35000 million, suggested by European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Association.Despite these drivers, lack of awareness, and safety concerns are expected to decline the Media Sera And Reagents- Cell Culture Market growth.Global Media Sera and Reagents- Cell Culture Market - Competitive AnalysisGE Healthcare, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, BD Biosciences, VWR International, LLC., EMD Millipore, Lonza Biosciences, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Hi-media Laboratories, Biowest, Merck KGaA are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the media sera and reagents- cell culture market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.The Global Media Sera And Reagents- Cell Culture Market is currently dominated by numerous players.Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. is one of them by holding a strong share in the market. The company provides analytical instruments, reagents and consumables, software, and services for research, analysis, discovery, manufacturing, and diagnostics under Thermo Scientific, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Applied Biosystems, and Unity Lab Services brands worldwide. On Aug. 29, 2017, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. announced the acquisition of Patheon N.V., a leading contract development and manufacturing organization.GE Healthcare is also one of the leading player in Media Sera and Reagents- Cell Culture Market. The company provides transformational medical technologies and services to healthcare professionals and their patients worldwide. On July 10, 2017, GE Healthcare announced the acquisition of Novia Strategies to expand its U.S. healthcare consulting business. The acquisition is expected to help GE Healthcare to be the leading provider of outcomes-based solutions, and to support healthcare organizations to meet the demand for increased access, and more affordable healthcare for their patients. On November 28, 2017, the company has also completed the acquisition of Puridify, a bioprocessing UK startup which is developing a nanofiber-based platform purification technology for biopharmaceutical production.Browse Full Report @Table of Content1. Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations1.2.2.1 Assumptions1.2.2.2 Limitations1.3 Market Structure:2. Research Methodology2.1 Research Process:2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research:3. Market Dynamics3.1 Drivers3.2 Restraints3.3 Opportunities3.4 Macroeconomic Indicators4. Market Factor Analysis4.1 Porters Five Forces Model4.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers4.3 Bargaining Power of Buyers4.4 Threat of New Entrants4.5 Threat of Substitutes4.6 Intensity of RivalryContinuedAccess Attractive DiscountTop 5 Reasons to Buy the Reports: Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent development activities Market Strategic Business Influence Data Market Research Future recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations Market share analysis of the top industry players Market forecasts for a minimum of 5 years of all the mentioned segments, Trends and the regional markets With SWOT AnalysisAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comMRFR has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to 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 answer your most important questions.Our Research Analysts are eager to share their knowledge and assist you in refining market research parameters, choosing right market studies, and evaluating both the market scope and the research methodologies of varied segments.We bridge the gap between our clients and their clients by identifying and decoding just the target group, while generating leads with the highest accuracy.Years of research into diverse fields of work has ingrained within us, a proficiency so distinguished that our industry-specific specialists identify with your business ideas and feel the pulse of your challenges and opportunities. This enables us for providing assistance, through our consulting and strategic consulting services, in informed managerial decision making. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industries, WantStats Research and Media often conducts industrial visits for its research analysts. Relevant inputs from various established market participants, help our clients make significant contribution in respective markets are a huge motivation for all of us to endlessly furnish quality. We depend greatly on profound insights into complex realms of our study.Pune, India
Food Container Market 2018 Global Major Key Players Bemis Company Incorporated, Berry Plastics Corporation, Crown Holdings Incorporated, Graham Packaging Company Incorporated  Analysis and Forecast to 2022

Food Container Market 2018

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Food Container Market 2018Global Food Container Market Information by Type (Rigid and Flexible), by Material (Plastic, Paper & paperboard, Metal, Glass and others), by Product (Bags, Pouches, Containers and others), by Application (Fruits & vegetables, Dairy Products, Meat products, Frozen Food, Candy & Confections, and others) and by Region  Forecast to 2022Market Synopsis of Food Container MarketThe key drivers contributing to the growth of the food container market are increasing awareness of environmental issues, adoption of new regulatory requirements, health awareness and new packaging material development. The growing requirement for brand differentiation in an increasingly competitive environment is expected to drive the market. The plastic packaging both rigid and flexible has been dominating the market.Plastic packaging has been dominating the market. The food container market has grown over the years. The products are required to be preserved for longer span of time; they are required to be packed using durable, efficient and protective methods. Food& Beverage industry contributes the highest to the overall growth in the food container market. North America contributes largest share to the market. The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing region for the food container market, followed by Europe.Key PlayersThe key players of global food container market include Bemis Company Incorporated, Berry Plastics Corporation, Crown Holdings Incorporated, Graham Packaging Company Incorporated, Graphic Packaging Holding Company, Ball Corporation, Constar International Incorporated, Anchor Glass Container Corporation, Alcan Packaging Food Americas, and Associated Packaging Technologies.Request For Sample Report @Study Objectives of Food Container Market:To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 6 years of various segments and sub-segments of the Global Food Container MarketTo provide insights about factors affecting the market growthTo analyze the Global Food Container Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc.To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, APAC, and Rest of the World (ROW)To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospectiveTo provide country level analysis of the market for segment by type, material, product, application, and regionsTo provide strategic profiling of the key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the marketTo track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Food Container Market.Regional Analysis of Global Food Container MarketNorth America contributes largest share to the market. The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing region for the food container market, followed by Europe. The reasons contributing to the growth in this region include increasing disposable income, changing lifestyle, increased popularity of packaged food and increasing aggregate demand for canned food.The report for Global Food Container Market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.Complete Report Details @.ContinuedAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.CONTACT US:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Plastic Pipes Market to Reach US$ 44 Bn by 2024 end

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Wastewater treatment and civic water supply facilities from all parts of the world are improving with technological advancements, but plastic pipes will continue to be essential tools for laying down an effective piping network. Properties and functioning advantages of plastic pipes over metal or mortar pipes continues to drive its adoption.Persistence Market Researchs recent report predicts that the global market for plastic pipes will grow steadily and rake in more than US$ 44 Bn in revenues by the end of 2024. Increasing demand for HDPE pipes across multiple applications and purposes is expected to boost the demand for plastic pipes, as the global market closes in on US$ 30 Bn value by the end of 2017.Request to sample report @The report offers forecast on the global plastic pipes market for the assessment period, 2016-2024. During this period, the global market for plastic pipes will soar steadily at 5.5% CAGR. Gaining stability across real estate sectors & housing markets in developed and developing countries, lowering cost of procuring raw plastic, and higher presence of piping operations with greater replacement & maintenance rate are collectively observed as the driving force for growth of global plastic pipes market. However, the market is pegged to witness restrains from factors such as:Increasing plastic waste and stringent norms that limit the dumping, processing and use of plastic and polymer materialsAvailability of substitute materials for plastic, which include concrete, aluminum and metallic fiberRecovery of Oil & Gas Industry  Lucrative Growth OpportunityThe report reveals that recovering stance of oil & gas business from the recent economic slowdown is benefitting the sales of plastic pipes. In 2017, increasing shale drilling activity in the U.S. and Canada is fuelling the demand for plastic pipes. In addition to this, increasing exploration of shale gas, which constitutes onshore exploration activities, is expected to result in an increase in demand for plastic pipes.The aforementioned practices are primarily directed to cope up with the economic slowdown of oil & gas industry, but they are incidentally increasing the demand for plastic pipes across the globe during the forecast period.Along with oil & gas businesses, the global electronics & telecommunication sector is also expected to influence the growth of global plastic pipes market. The expansion of electronics & telecommunication infrastructure in different parts of the world has necessitated the use of plastic pipelines to protect underground cables and exposed components.Request Report for TOC @Urbanization across the globe has catapulted the rise in infrastructural developments and water supply facilities which has subsequently resulted in an increase in demand for HDPE pipes. According to the report, plastic pipes made from PVC and PE materials are accounting for nearly 80% of global market value throughout the forecast period.The report also reveals that end-use of plastic pipes in water supply and oil & gas piping is gaining traction, revenues from which are anticipated to reflect CAGRs above 5.5%. By 2024, the report anticipates that over 70% of global plastic pipe revenues will be attributed by liquid conduits as opposed to gas conduits or other applications.While North America and Europe will collectively contribute to nearly 45% of global market revenues throughout the forecast period, the plastic pipes market in Asia-Pacific will be solely contributing with more than 40% of market revenues through 2024.The report also profiles key players in the global plastic pipes market, which include Aliaxis Group S.A., Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., Wienerberger AG, Mexichem SAB de CV, JM Eagle, Inc., ASTRAL POLYTECHNIK LIMITED, China Lesso Group Holdings Ltd., Geberit AG, Nan Ya Plastics Corp., Finolex Industries Ltd., Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Georg Fischer Ltd., Advanced Drainage Systems Incorporated., Contech Engineered Solutions LLC, Supreme Industries Ltd., Prince Pipes & Fittings India Private Limited., AGRU Kunststofftechnik Gesellschaft M.B.H., Polypipe Group Plc., and FRANK GmbH.Report overview @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, 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, Con-sumer 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.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
North America Organic Poultry Market Report 2023: Market Segments, Size, Trend and Market Projections for Upcoming Years

Infinium Global Research

https://www.infiniumglobalresearch.com/Reports/MakeSampleRequest/202

https://www.infiniumglobalresearch.com/Reports/MakeEnquiryRequest/202

https://www.infiniumglobalresearch.com

Study on Organic Poultry Market by Infinium Global Research is comprehensive presentation of qualitative and quantitative research to identify key trends, growth prospects, drivers, restraints and opportunities in the North America market.Get Free Sample Pages of this Report:Conventionally, organic poultry market birds are grown by feeding them antibiotics and factory packaged feed that contains non-organic substances such as additives. Currently, with rising preferences for organic meals, the consumers now demand for organic meat and eggs. Organic poultry refers to free range birds that consume natural food and grow naturally. The retail buyers are concerned about the organic labeling and are interested to know more about growing techniques. Hence production process is important and affects the labeling of the poultry as per the USDA guidelines. The North America organic poultry market is expected to be primarily driven by Factors such as growing demand for organic food, growing demand for high protein meal and rising awareness about organic poultry in the U.S. However, the growth in North America organic poultry market is likely to be restrained by lack of standard operating procedures. Moreover, short shelf life of organic poultry is likely to be another important challenge affecting the growth in this market over the forecast period.Segments CoveredThe organic poultry market is segmented on the basis of Output as organic eggs, and organic meat. Currently, the organic eggs account for higher market size than organic poultry meat. This is primarily due to higher shelf life organic eggs than organic meat. Furthermore, organic eggs are transported more than organic meat. Additionally, growing awareness about organic eggs is expected to further drive this segment over the forecast period.Enquiry About this Premium Report:Geographic CoverageThe countries covered in the report include The U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Among the countries the U.S. is expected to be the largest market for organic poultry market over the Forecast period 2017 to 2023. Furthermore Mexico is expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period. In terms of per capita consumption of organic poultry Canada dominated the North American market over the period of 2013 to 2015.Table of Contents1. Preface1.1. Report Description1.2. Research Methods1.3. Research Approaches2. Executive Summary3. North America Organic Poultry Market Overview3.1. Introduction3.2. Market Dynamics3.2.1. Drivers3.2.2. Restraints3.2.3. Opportunities3.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis3.4. IGR-Growth Matrix Analysis3.5. Competitive Landscape in the North America Organic Poultry Market4. North America Organic Poultry Market by Output4.1. Eggs4.2. Meat5. North America Organic Poultry Market by Region 2017-20235.1. U.S5.1.1. U.S Organic Poultry Market by Output5.1.2. U.S Organic Poultry Market by Country5.2. Canada5.2.1. Canada Organic Poultry Market by Output5.2.2. Canada Organic Poultry Market by Country5.3. Mexico5.3.1. Mexico Organic Poultry Market by Output5.3.2. Mexico Organic Poultry Market by Sub-region6. Company Covered6.1. Wayne Farms6.2. Mountaire Farms6.3. Plukon Food Group6.4. Keystone Foods6.5. Phw Group6.6. Aia6.7. Avangardco6.8. Avril Group6.9. Ovostar Union6.10. Sinyavskaya Poultry FarmAbout Us:Infinium Global Research and Consulting Solutions is started with a single motto of being business partner of first choice. We at Infinium work on the strengths of our clients to ensure we help them consolidate their market position. We firmly believe in the fact that if you are able to develop newer opportunities then you find there is no dearth of opportunities for you.Contact Us:Infinium Global ResearchGoyal Shinde Park, Bhau Patil Road,Bopodi, Pune-411 020.U.S. + Canada Toll Free: 1-800-638-0796Email: sales@infiniumglobalresearch.comWebsite:
Octylphenol Ethoxylate Market Dominated by Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE During Forecast Period

Octylphenol Ethoxylate

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Global Octylphenol Ethoxylate Market research report published by Market Research Future sharing details on Market Analysis, new Technology, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast up to 2023. Global Octylphenol Ethoxylate Market research report spread across 145 Pages consist 36 Tables and 11 Figures also include Top 10 Global key players that sharing latest types, technology, application by 2023.Octylphenol Ethoxylate Market- Top 10 Global key Players & Their StrategyKey players of the global octylphenol ethoxylate market are The Dow Chemical Company (US), Matangi Industries LLP (India), Rimpro India (India), Venus Ethoxyethers Pvt. Ltd (India), Huntsman International LLC (US), BASF SE (Germany), India Glycols Limited (India), Gujarat Chemicals (India), Jiahua Chemicals Inc (China), Anhui Sinograce Chemical Co., Ltd. (China), and others.Request for Sample Copy of Octylphenol Ethoxylate Market atOctylphenol Ethoxylate Market - Study Objectives: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 7 years of various segments and sub-segments of the global octylphenol ethoxylate market. To understand the supply and demand dynamics including supply and consumption concentration mapping To provide region level market analysis and future outlook for regions like North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, Middle East & Africa, and their countries To provide competitor positioning of the marketOctylphenol Ethoxylate Market Market Overview / Study Objective / SynopsisOctylphenol ethoxylate also known as octylphenols polyoxyethylated, polyoxyethylene octyl phenol ether, polyoxyethylated octyl phenol, etc. Octylphenol ethoxylates are group of surfactants that are stable under ordinary conditions. It is available as thick liquids, waxy solids, or even clear to yellowish liquid. The range to which they are soluble in water varies, but most are readily soluble in organic solvents such as soluble in methanol, xylene, slightly soluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons, and insoluble in kerosene. Octylphenol ethoxylates can be artificially obtained by its industrial source during disposal of products containing them. There are no natural sources of octylphenol ethoxylate found in the environment.For Technical and Professional Details Book Complete Octylphenol Ethoxylate Market Report atOctylphenol Ethoxylate Market  Competitive AnalysisOctylphenol Ethoxylate market is driven by industries namely personal care, paint & coatings, plastics etc. Additionally, the third largest market of octylphenol ethoxylate is Europe due to large utilization in textile, agriculture, pulp & paper, and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, Latin America and the Middle East are also observing the growth of octylphenol ethoxylate market due to various industries such as agriculture, pharmaceutical, plastic, paint & coatings, and others.Octylphenol Ethoxylate Market - Intended Audience: Octylphenol ethoxylate manufacturers Traders and distributors of octylphenol ethoxylate Production process industries Potential investors Raw material suppliers Nationalized laboratoryOctylphenol Ethoxylate Market  Segmentation AnalysisThe global octylphenol ethoxylate market is majorly segmented on the basis of application, end users, and region. Based on the application of octylphenol ethoxylates, the market is segmented into detergents, defoaming agents, dispersants, stabilizer, adhesive, cleaners, and others. On the other hand, based on end user, the market is segmented into textiles, agriculture, pulp & paper, pharmaceutical, oilfield, personal care, paint & coatings, plastics, and others. Similarly, based on region, this market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.Octylphenol Ethoxylate Market  Regional AnalysisAsia Pacific is the biggest market of octylphenol ethoxylate due to its high utilization in paint & coating and plastic industry, especially in China followed by India. Growing demand for agriculture, pharmaceutical, plastic, paint & coatings, and other industries in China, India, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea has made Asia Pacific the largest competitor in the global octylphenol ethoxylate market followed by North America owing to the increasing demand for this product.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 Us:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Smart metering role in strategies towards PR19 goals

Smart Water Systems Conference

http://www.smart-water-systems.com/openPR

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The price review is an important tool for delivering trust in water. PR19 provides the framework for a resilient long-term future for the industry, providing more of what matters to customers at a price they can afford and are willing to pay. PR19 is part of Water 2020, the overall vision Ofwat have for the water sector in England and Wales.At the SMi's Smart Water Systems Conference (25-26 April, 2018) a Panel Discussion on How will smart metering play a role in strategies towards PR19 goals, will look into questions of collection and communication of data to customers and the wider public; Meeting expectations of network resilience and affordability and Digitization as the only path for innovation and improved efficiency.Leading the debate are: Jeremy Heath, Innovation Manager, Sutton & East Surrey Water Plc Ben Earl, Water Efficiency Manager, Southern Water Andrew Tucker, Water Efficiency & Affordability Manager, Thames Water Bob Stear, Deputy Chief Engineer, Severn Trent Water LtdRead more atWhat else is on the agenda...Day 1 will open with a regulatory keynote from OFWAT; addressing topics on customer engagement; smart metering infrastructure; water smart software; and give insight on projects utilising data intelligence;Day 2 explores key issues surrounding the evolution of smart sensors; the broader move to smart grids for utilities; enhancing customer engagement; big data handling; and applying behavioural insights to the energy environment and sustainability.PLUS: Pre-conference interactive workshop (24th April) on data driven approaches to managing water networks hosted by Artesia Consulting.Visit the website for further details and book to attendT: +44 (0)20 7827 6000E: events@smi-online.co.ukTwitter  @UtilitiesSMi #SmartWaterSystems-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Smart Water Systems Conference | 25 - 26 April 2018 | London, UK-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Established since 1993, the SMi Group is a global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops, Masterclasses and online Communities. We create and deliver events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries. We pride ourselves on having access to the worlds most forward thinking opinion leaders and visionaries, allowing us to bring our communities together to Learn, Engage, Share and Network. More information can be found at1 Westminster Bridge Road
Assisted Reproductive Technology Market to Witness a Pronounce Growth by 2025

https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/assisted-reproductive-technology-market.html

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According to Transparency Market Research, the global assisted reproductive technology market is expected to be worth US$37,789.6 mn by the end of 2025 from US$22,100.0 mn in 2016. Between the forecast years of 2017 and 2025, the global market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 6.3%. The fresh non donor segment accounted for a leading share in the global assisted reproductive technology market in 2016 and is likely to remain similarly dominant in the coming years. Geographically, Asia Pacific is the leading contributor to the global assisted reproductive technology market and is likely to retain a leading share in the global market in the coming years.Read Report Overview:In Vitro fertilization to Dominate due to Growing Efficacy of Modern ProceduresBy technology, the global assisted reproductive technology market is divided into artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, surrogacy, and others. In vitro fertilization is by far the dominant contributor to the global assisted reproductive technology market at present and is likely to retain the position in the coming years due to the growing awareness about the efficacy of in vitro fertilization and the increasing awareness among citizens about the same. The in vitro fertilization segment accounted for a majority share of more than 62% in the global assisted reproductive technology market in 2016 and is likely to extend its dominance further by the end of the 2017-2025 forecast period.Surrogacy is also likely to receive increasing demand in the coming years, due in part to the growing demand for assisted reproductive technology from same-sex couples. While many parents now prefer the benefit of having their own genetic imprint in their baby through in vitro fertilization, surrogacy is likely to receive sustained demand in the coming years. This is borne out by the figures of the global assisted reproductive technology market by procedure, wherein fresh non donor contributions were the preferred choice for most consumers.Request Sample of Report:Gradual Lifting of Social Taboos in Asia Pacific Opens Lucrative MarketDeveloping economies in Asia Pacific are likely to be vital to the global assisted reproductive technology market in the coming years. While the predominant social values in these regions tended to dissuade constructive growth of the assisted reproductive technology market, the gradual relaxation in social norms in these regions has resulted in a promising environment for the market. The growing prevalence of reproductive problems in Asia Pacific countries such as India and China is thus crucial to the global assisted reproductive technology market.The growing investment in the healthcare sector in developing countries is also likely to provide a major boost to the global assisted reproductive technology market in the coming years. This will help increase the frequency of fertility clinics in underdeveloped regions, where sophisticated medical facilities may still be absent.Download Brochure of Report:The steady development of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a key driver for the global assisted reproductive technology market. PGD helps physicians diagnose genetic disorders likely to manifest in the baby before it is implanted, making the technology vital for parents looking to avoid complicated births and lifestyles. The rapid development of the scientific database regarding genetic diseases is further likely to remain a key boost for the global assisted reproductive technology market.Key players in the moderately fragmented global assisted reproductive technology market include Merck, CooperSurgical, Inc., Irvine Scientific, Vitrolife AB, Hamilton Thorne, Inc., Nidacon International AB, Laboratoire CCD, Planer PLC, Esco Micro Pte. Ltd. (Esco Group), and Nikon Corporation. Merck holds a dominant share in the global assisted reproductive technology market due to its widespread portfolio and steady presence in various regional markets.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:
Is the Cottonseed Oil Market Likely to Exhibit Health Growth During 2016-2026? Ongoing Study Reveals Key Insights

https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2363

https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2363

Cottonseed oil is an oil extracted from the seeds of cotton. Its production process involves pressing and extraction of oil from the cotton seeds followed by purification and refinement. The refinement of the oil is the key step as it helps in removing gossypol, a naturally occurring toxin that protects the cotton plant from damage. Cottonseed oil is essentially a by-product of the cotton industry along with cottonseed meal, hulls and linters. Over 10-15% of a cotton farmers income is expected to come from these by-products, making them considerably valuable products in cotton processing operations.Market Dynamics of Cottonseed Oil Market:The edible oil market is a highly competitive space occupied by numerous types of oils. The presence of many substitute products is a considerable drawback for the cottonseed oil market. From a consumer point of view, this represents a highly trend-driven market. The introduction of a new and healthy oils is bound to eat into the market of traditionally used oils, at least for a certain time period. This is regarded as a reason for the severe fluctuations observed in cottonseed oil retail demand and market values.Request For Report Sample@One key advantage in this scenario is in regard to the industrial use of cottonseed oils. The product is widely used in various food and beverage products. Such large scale operations rely on a consistent supply chain, which is going to get disturbed in the event of a change of base ingredient, and as such are not impacted by volatile market trends. Cottonseed oil is a good source of antioxidant- tocopherol. The other advantages enjoyed by cotton seed oil are a low relative price and easy availability in cotton producing regions.With the increasing public understanding of the composition of such oils, the fat and nutrient profiles of cooking oils become very important. Given the relatively high fraction of saturated fats in cottonseed oil, this becomes a significant constraining factor for the market.Market Segmentation of Cottonseed Oil Market:Cottonseed oil market is segmented by end-use application, raw material type and region. On the basis of end-use application, cottonseed oil market is segmented on the basis of retail, food processing, cosmetic applications and other industrial uses. The retail segment is centered on its use as a cooking oil. Given its high smoke point, cottonseed oil is mostly used for deep frying and baking. It is mostly used as a cooking medium and is also part of various fried and processed foods such as potato chips and French fries. Due to its ability to form a beta prime crystal, which enables a consistent texture and appearance, cottonseed oil is a major ingredient in whipped toppings, margarines, shortenings, spreads and icings. . Unlike other cooking oils cottonseed oil has a neutral taste, meaning it doesnt alter the natural taste of food being prepared over it. Due to this reason it is used as a salad oil, wherein enhancing the flavor of the salad ingredients is considered primal.Cotton seed oil is also used in several personal care or cosmetic products such as soaps, cosmetics and detergents. As mentioned above, untreated cottonseed consists of gossypol, a toxin present in cotton. Due to this reason, untreated cottonseed oil is used as an insecticide. Other minor applications of the product include its use in making rubber and explosives.On the basis of raw-material type, the market is segmented into genetically-modified (GM) cotton and non-GM cotton. The growing negative perception around GM crops makes this an important variable. Due to the promise of increased returns, many cotton farmers in the developing world switched to GM cotton over the last decade. It is estimated that GM cotton is cultivated in over 25 million hectares across the world, with over 75% of US cotton being genetically modified. This dominance of GM cotton is expected to decrease in response to growing consumer concerns and farmer protests across the world.Regional Outlook of Cottonseed Oil Market:Geographically, the global cottonseed oil market can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa. Both on the production and consumption side, the market is heavily dominated by India and China. These countries produced and consumed over 55% of the total cottonseed oil made during the 2015-2016 period. Pakistan and Uzbekistan are the other major regions in the cottonseed oil market. This dominance by Asia countries is largely attributed to large amount of cotton cultivation in the region and the high domestic demand for low-priced cooking oil.United States (U.S.) is a major producer and consumer of cottonseed oil in the North American region. Unlike the Asian countries, U.S. also exports a considerable portion of its cottonseed oil to other regions. Brazil and Turkey are the other important regions in the market. Eastern European nations such as Azerbaijan are also important but are limited by weak domestic consumption.Visit For TOC@Key Market Players in Cottonseed Oil Market:Some of the key players of the market include, Cargill, Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Compan (ADM), PYCO Industries, Bunge Limited, Louis Dreyfus, Adani Wilmar (Fortune Foods), Maharashtra Solvent Extraction (P) Ltd, Oilseeds International, Ltd., maong the 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.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: http.futuremarketinsights.com
OHV Telematics Market Poised to Expand at 8.9% CAGR During 2016-2026

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Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the off-highway vehicle (OHV) telematics market in its latest report titled, Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) Telematics Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 20162026. The global off-highway vehicle (OHV) telematics market is projected to register a healthy CAGR of 8.9% in terms of value during the forecast period (20162026). This growth is attributed to various factors, regarding which FMI offers detailed insights in its report.Growth of the global off-highway vehicle (OHV) telematics market is mainly driven by increasing adoption of telematics technologies across all applications such as construction, agriculture & mining equipment. Other trends driving growth include reduction in the cost of telematics services, government policies to increase safety & security of off-highway vehicles and increasing global demand for off-highway vehicles. Reluctance to change business practices and lack of standardisation of telematics system are certain factors restraining growth of the off-highway vehicle (OHV) telematics market.On the basis of end-use application, the global off-highway vehicle (OHV) telematics market has been segmented into construction, agriculture and mining. Construction segment has been estimated to account for 62.4% value share of the market in 2015. Adoption of telematics in construction segment is higher due to increasing demand for telematics technology from construction equipment rental companies.A sample of this report is available upon request @By technology, the global off-highway vehicle (OHV) telematics market has been segmented into cellular and satellite. Cellular segment is expected to register a CAGR of 9.0% over the forecast period. Cellular technology is the most preferred technology for telematics service providers as cellular network is available in most places.On the basis of sales channel, the global off-highway vehicle (OHV) telematics market is segmented into OEM and aftermarket. OEM segment is expected to register a CAGR of 9.4% in terms of value over 20162026.North Americas Dominance of Global Off-Highway Market to ContinueNorth America has been estimated to dominate the global off-highway vehicle (OHV) telematics market, with over 66.8% market share in 2015 and is anticipated to remain dominant by 2026 end, followed by Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), and Japan. Among all the regions, Latin America market is anticipated to register the highest CAGR over 20162026, followed by Japan. This is mainly attributed to increasing demand from construction, agriculture, and mining sectors in Latin America and Japan.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Key players in the global off-highway vehicle (OHV) telematics market include TomTom International, Harman International, ORBCOMM Inc., Topcon Corporation, MiX Telematics, Navman Wireless, Omnitracs LLC, Wacker Neuson, Trackunit A/S and Zonar Systems Inc. These key players are collaborating with other companies in the supply chain or acquiring them to enhance their product offerings in the market. For example, in January 2016, Harman International acquired TowerSec, a cyber-security provider, to integrate cyber security architecture into its infotainment systemsABOUT 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:Abhishek BudholiyaFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Fermented Dairy Ingredients Market will increase at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period (20172027)

https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4372

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Demand for nutritional products has soared in recent years, especially in developing countries where malnourishment remains a major concern. Fermented dairy products being a major source of nutrition are gaining traction in both developed and emerging countries. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), revealed that approximately 150 million households are currently engaged in milk production across the globe. Over the last three decades, the global milk production has increased by over 50%, from 500 million tonnes in 1983 to 769 million tonnes in 2013. This growing consumption of milk and milk products is creating significant growth opportunities for dairy product manufacturers who are now incorporating additional value to their products using fermented diary ingredients. Future Market Insights latest report projects that global fermented dairy ingredients market revenue will increase at a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period (20172027).As per the report, the global fermented dairy market is slated to reach a valuation of US$ 4,856.5 Mn by the end of 2017. Increasing per capita expenditure on dairy products is expected to favour the future prospects of the global fermented dairy ingredients market. The report also assesses that fermented dairy ingredients are likely to face stern competition from cheaper alternatives available in the market. In addition, growing consumer preference for alternative products such as probiotics and other supplements is expected to dampen the surging spirit of the global fermented dairy ingredients market to a certain extent. Fluctuating prices of fermented dairy products and unsafe handling process that compromises product safety and quality is also subduing the growth of the market in regions such Europe and Asia Pacific.Request For Report Sample@By product type, cheese currently accounts for the largest value share of the market followed by flavoured milk. This is primarily owing to the growing interest of dairy ingredient manufacturers to bring new innovative cheese products with unique flavours and improved textures in order to increase the product value. Meanwhile, the yoghurt segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR, as the global consumption of yoghurt is on the rise.Among regions, the market in Western Europe accounted for the largest revenue share in 2016, reaching a valuation of US$ 1,366 Mn. Towards the end of forecast period, the regions market is expected to stand at US$ 3,575.7 Mn, expanding at a CAGR of 9.2%. The abolition of milk quota system and increasing demand for frozen and freeze-dried starter dairy cultures is driving the market for fermented dairy ingredients in Western Europe. Asia Pacific (APEC) and North America are the two other lucrative markets for fermented dairy ingredients. Between 2017 and 2027, the market in APEJ is set to witness a robust CAGR of 10.5%, which is credited to the rising popularity of flavoured milk among consumers across China and Australia.Visit For TOC@Some of the leading companies profiled in the report include Koninklijke DSM N.V., E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Cargill Incorporated, Bioprox (A subsidiary of Proxis Developpement), Novozymes, Kerry Inc, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Ingredion Incorporated, Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S, Lake International Technologies, DairyChem Inc., CSK Food Enrichment, CP Ingredients Limited, Epi Ingredeints, Dairy Connection Inc., Socius Ingredients LLC, The Tatua Cooperative Dairy Company Ltd, Koninklijke DSM NV, Corbion. Manufacturers are providing ingredients according to specific requirements of the client. Also, many of the players are actively focusing on launching variety of ingredients in the market to increase their consumer base.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.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: http.futuremarketinsights.com
Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Market to Reap Over US$ 9 Bn in Revenues by End of 2020

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Global demand for super absorbent polymers (SAP) is set to reach 2.37 Mn tonnes by 2016, up from 2.1 Mn tonnes in 2014. Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd., BASF SE, and Evonik Industries are the dominant players in the global super absorbent polymer market, with Nippon Shokubai Co. Ltd. holding the largest revenue share in 2014. These findings are according to a research report, titled, Super Absorbent Polymer Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2020 by market research firm Future Market Insights (FMI).Key Players Focusing on Innovation to Gain Competitive EdgeKey stakeholders in the super absorbent polymer market are bolstering their research and development capabilities to launch innovative products in the market. For example, in November 2014, Sumitomo Seika launched Aqua Keep HP, a high-function SAP for making thin baby- and adult-diapers. BASE SE also made an announcement in November 2014 that it will invest nearly US$ 550 Mn in pioneering superabsorbent technology. Other key players including Evonik Industries and Nippon Shokubai are focusing on increasing SAP production.Request For Report Sample@Disposable Diapers Largest Application Segment for Super Absorbent PolymersMajority of the global demand for super absorbent polymers is concentrated in three industries  disposable diapers, adult incontinence products, and female hygiene products.Disposable diapers is the largest end-use application segment for super absorbent polymers, accounting for nearly one-thirds of overall demand. FMI estimates demand from disposable diapers industry to reach 1.79 Mn tonnes in 2016, up from 1.59 Mn tonnes in 2014. In terms of revenues, disposable diapers segment is expected to account for US$ 5.81 Bn in 2016.Sodium polyacrylate co-polymers Account for Highest DemandSodium polyacrylate-based super absorbent polymers are preferred over poly acrylamide, ethylene-maleic anhydride, and polyvinyl alcohol co-polymers. Of the total 2.24 Mn tonnes of super absorbent polymers consumed in 2015, sodium polyacrylate co-polymers accounted for 1.45 Mn tonnes. FMI expects demand for poly acrylamide co-polymers to witness an increase in the future owing to their high water retention and non-toxic properties.Asia Pacific Excluding Japan Most Lucrative RegionDemand for super absorbent polymers was highest in Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), followed by Europe and North America.Demand for super absorbent polymers in APEJ is anticipated to reach 705 Mn tonnes by 2016, up from 666 Mn tonnes in 2015. Rising awareness levels and increase in purchasing power are the macro-economic factors driving the super absorbent polymers market in APEJ.Demand for super absorbent polymers in Europe -- the second largest market for super absorbent polymers globally  is expected to reach 645 Mn tonnes in 2016. By 2020, the Europe super absorbent polymer market is anticipated to reach US$ 2.6 Bn in revenues.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):The North America super absorbent polymers market was valued at 493.6 Mn tonnes in terms of volume in 2015. FMI estimates this to increase to 518 Mn tonnes by 2016. Demand for disposable diapers and other incontinence products has remained constant in North America in the past, owing to which demand for super absorbent polymers is expected to grow at a steady rate. By 2020, demand for super absorbent polymers is expected to reach 612 Mn tonnes in North America.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:
KDPOF Enables Seamless Optical Networks Integration

KDPOF provides a complete POF solution to be seamlessly integrated into the harness of the vehicle.

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Plastic Optical Fiber Gains Ground for Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity in VehiclesKDPOF  leading supplier for automotive gigabit transceivers over POF (Plastic Optical Fiber)  is delighted to present a complete POF solution to be seamlessly integrated into the wire harness of the vehicle. At the International Congress Automotive Wire Harness on March 13 and 14, 2018 in Ludwigsburg, Germany, KDPOF will display innovative gigabit POF solutions in partnership with leading wire harness suppliers such as TE and others. "POF cables are very reliable: they can withstand harsh environments and tolerate conditions such as routing across the engine compartment with temperatures as high as 105C and down to 40C," stated Carlos Pardo, CEO and Co-founder of KDPOF. "As an optical fiber with a large core, POF is able to withstand vibrations and misalignments much better than other optical or copper alternatives such as glass optical fiber (GOF), coax, and STP."Well-established engineering collaboration between key leading optoelectronic, connector, and wire harness vendors worldwide ensures a well-supplied and competitive market for all the components needed in the system: Physical Layer (PHY), Fiber Optic Transceiver (FOT), fiber cable, and connectors. All these companies, such as Broadcom (formerly Avago), Hamamatsu, KDPOF, TE, and others, as well as the IEEE and ISO, are ready for the market opportunities that the new gigabit POF technology has opened.Easy Handling and High RobustnessAs a plastic, wide diameter fiber, POF is cheap to manufacture and install. It does not require any sophisticated equipment or professional qualification, and harness manufacturing processes do not need to be changed. Installation is just easy plug and play. Winding and clamping is similar to copper cables. Their good bending performance starts at a radius of 10 mm. Gigabit transmission distances of up to 40 meters are possible without in-line connectors, or 15 meters with up to 4 in-liners. Further, POF allows fast dynamic bending, tight bending, and dark liquid immersion in addition to delivering low noise and robustness regarding incoupling of electromagnetic fields.About KDPOFFabless semiconductor supplier KDPOF provides innovative gigabit and long-reach communications over Plastic Optical Fiber (POF). Making gigabit communication over POF a reality, KDPOF technology supplies 1 Gbps POF links for automotive, industrial, and home networks. Founded in 2010 in Madrid, Spain, KDPOF offers their technology as either ASSP or IP (Intellectual Property) to be integrated in SoCs (System-on-Chips). The adaptive and efficient system works with a wide range of optoelectronics and low-cost large core optical fibers, thus delivering carmakers low risks, costs and short time-to-market. More information is available atKDPOF Knowledge Development for POF, S.L.Ronda de Poniente 14, 2 Planta28760 Tres CantosSpainE support@kdpof.comT +34 918043387Media Contact:Mandy Ahlendorfahlendorf communicationE ma@ahlendorf-communication.comT +49 8151 9739098
Retail E-Commerce Packaging Market 2018 by Global Leaders: Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd, Mondi Group, Orora Packaging Australia Pvt Ltd, Klabin S.A

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Market Synopsis:The modern-day consumers prefer to buy products rather than taking that painstaking trip the shop. Owing to this fact, one can very confidently say that the global retail e-commerce packaging market will witness tremendous progress. During the forecast period of 2018-2022, the market is expected to earn above USD 21, 658.3 million. In terms of CAGR, the industry is poised to develop at the rate of 6%.There are many drivers that can be held responsible for the expansion of the market. The upsurge in the usage of online shopping sites can be termed as the chief growth propeller for the market.Growing demand for packaged food amongst the masses & swift advancements in the electronics sector can be termed as additional growth drivers.However, the victory run of this market may be hindered by certain obstacles. These include stringent & strict government regulations for corrugated packaging and the growing consciousness towards the environment & its safety. Although, as the industry develops and generates more revenue these small issues will be overcome.Request a Sample Report @Key Players & StrategiesThere are many prominent players in this industry, some of them include Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., Mondi Group, Orora Packaging Australia Pvt Ltd. and Klabin S.A. The major strategies used by these players is to invest wisely in new product developments and strategic partnerships.Retail E-Commerce Packaging Brief:Recently, online shopping has become a norm. Until some years ago, this concept was close to non-existent. But with growing exposure to the internet and smart devices, people now prefer buying goods using online platforms. This is one of the most important facts that drive the global retail e-commerce packaging market.E-commerce packaging can be described as the art of wrapping products securely. They are packed with utmost precision and care so as to ensure that the merchandise inside is intact till it reaches the consumer. These products can be sent for distribution, sold or stored. Whatever the case, packaging standards are quite high when the domain is e-commerce.Many people think that normal packaging & e-commerce packagings are one and the same. But this is a misconception. Although, the procedure might be somewhat similar, the end product is quite different in both of these. The e-commerce varietys purpose is to prevent product damage in any case. Irrespective of the delivery channels, the merchandise remains unharmed. Furthermore, with this kind of packaging the product can be returned in the same package. Thus, it offers an easy system for returns as the packaging can be reused to wrap the good. On the whole, it can be concluded that e-commerce packaging is way better than the age-old packaging methods.Market Breakdown:The worldwide Retail E-Commerce Packaging Market has been divided into three equal parts  applications, geographies & materials.On the basis of applications, the market can be segmented into auto parts, healthcare & personal care, electronics & consumer goods, home furnishing, food & beverages and apparel & accessories.Regionally, the market is branched across various areas like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific & Rest of the World.On account of materials, the market has been split into security envelopes, corrugated boxes, tapes & labels, protective packaging and others. The others portion can be further sub-divided into shrink film, shipping containers & paperboard tubes.Browse Full Report Details @Innovations:The global retail e-commerce packaging industry has observed many innovations in the last few years. But there are a few that have been successful in making their mark. One such innovation is the introduction liquids packaging design solutions. This form of packaging was formed to reduce the cases of e-commerce leakages. By far, this innovation has been pretty successful in achieving that!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:Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune  411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Exclusive Market Study Estimates that Global Automotive Wiring Harness Market will Grow at 8.7% CAGR During 2015-2025

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Future Market Insights (FMI) recently announced the release of its report titled Automotive Wiring Harness Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025. According to the report, the global automotive wiring harness market was valued at US$ 36.82 Bn in 2014 and is anticipated to reach US$ 91.53 Bn by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 8.7% throughout the forecast period.Automotive Wiring Harness Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global automobile industry registered an annual growth rate of over 5.5% from 2010 to 2015, and is estimated to be valued at US$ 5.1 trillion by end of 2015. Consistent growth in the parent industry is expected to fuel demand for automotive wiring harness in the near future.Currently, increasing fuel costs and stringent government regulations regarding CO2 emissions are boosting demand for electric vehicles in regions such as North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific.Governments across various geographies have mandated use of certain electronic safety features such as Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and other features in both passenger and commercial vehicles. Furthermore, rise in demand for high-end electronics and safety features in vehicles, particularly passenger cars, along with cost reduction and enhanced reliability is leading to increase in global demand for automotive wiring harnesses.Request For Report Sample@Automotive Wiring Harness Market TrendsUse of automotive Ethernet by automotive OEMs represents a new trend in the external as well as internal electronics devices connectivity in an automobile. These automotive Ethernets minimise the use of complex wiring harness structures to a great extent and, thereby, may act as a restraint for growth of the global automotive wiring harness market in the coming years.Rise in technological developments is expected to create favourable growth opportunities in the market in the near future. Growing demand for connectivity and car digitisation, which not only helps establish connectivity within the integral parts of a vehicle but also enables communication with other vehicles through improved and intelligent roadway infrastructure, is an emerging trend in the market.Automotive Wiring Harness Market SegmentationRegion-wise, APEJ (Asia Pacific Excluding Japan) dominated the global automotive wiring harness market in 2014, accounting for 38.3% value share of the overall market. Furthermore, APEJ is foreseen to expand at a relatively high CAGR of 10.4% during the forecast period and is expected to maintain its revenue share dominance till 2025 end. Rise in automotive production and sustained economic growth are some of the factors driving the APEJ automotive wiring harness market currently.North America and Western Europe are expected to register high Y-o-Y growth during the forecast period, owing to increasing demand for e-vehicles and e-bikes in these regions. Growth of the connected car market has resulted in rise in demand for multiple electronic devices in vehicles in North America and Western Europe.Japan is currently witnessing moderate growth in demand for e-bikes, and the trend is expected to continue during the forecast period as well. The Japan automotive wiring harness market is expected to register a sluggish CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period, due to the matured automotive industry in the country.On the basis of vehicle type, the passenger vehicles segment dominated the global automotive wiring harness market in 2014 in terms of revenue, and is foreseen to expand at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period. In terms of revenue, the hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles segments are expected to register significant CAGR between 2015 and 2025, in view of the stringent government regulations and growing fuel prices globally.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):On the basis of application type, the chassis & safety segment dominated the global automotive wiring harness market in 2014 in terms of revenue, accounting for 40.8% share of the overall market. This segment is expected to lose its market share to the HVAC segment, which is projected to expand at a significant CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period. Furthermore, HVAC manufacturers are designing new eco-friendly devices in order to follow the environment standards along with introducing new innovating designs.Automotive Wiring Harness Market: Key CompaniesKey market players covered in the report include YAZAKI Corporation, Aisin Seiki Co., Samvardhana Motherson Group (SMG), Delphi Automotive PLC, Fujikura Ltd., Sumitomo electric Industries, Ltd., Lear Corporation, LEONI AG, Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. and PKC Group PLC.Most players in the market are engaged in various activities, such as mergers and acquisitions, increasing investments in technological and product developments, geographical expansion and brand building via strong marketing strategies, in order to sustain their position in the competitive market.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Photomedicine Market : Latest Innovations, Drivers and Industry Key Events 2017  2027

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Photomedicine is an interdisciplinary branch of medicine that involves the treatment and diagnosis of diseases and other complications related to health by using photobiology and light. Photomedicine treatment is done by exposing the individual to light with specific wavelengths using lasers, fluorescent lamps, full-spectrum light, polychromatic polarized light, light-emitting diodes and dichroic lamps. Moreover, photomedicine also includes the cellular and molecular mechanisms of pharmacology, chemistry, physiology and pathology as they apply to photobiology. Photomedicine has found its application in the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases, cancer and several infections. This new treatment option of photomedicine helps better visualization and has outpaced the traditional method of diagnosing and detecting a disease.Photomedicine Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe market for photomedicine is expected to boom as there is more adoption of minimally invasive procedures, advances in medical aesthetic technologies, more augmented research funding for photomedicine, and the development of compact, versatile and multifunctional photomedicine devices. Researches in the field of photomedicine to explore newer application is bringing in more investments. Researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital proved that by using low-level laser therapy there was enhanced platelet production in animals with thrombocytopenia as compared to normal control. Thrombocytopenia is caused due to side-effects of certain drugs, leukemia, and drugs used for chemotherapy. Platelet transfusion is the established treatment for this but only used in severe cases since its risks complications include immunosuppression, allergic reaction and infection.Request to View Sample Report @Photomedicine Market: SegmentationPhotomedicine market is classified on the basis of technology, application and region.Based on technology the photomedicine market is segmented into the following:Fluorescent LampsLasersPolychromatic Polarized LightFull Spectrum LightDichroic LampsLight Emitting DiodesCold lasers also known as low-level lasers emit through its low-powered laser light do not heat the target tissues. These lasers are used to improve conditions related to wound healing, pain management and conditions related to stroke and neurodegenerative disorders.Based on application the photomedicine market is segmented into the following:OncologyDermatologyDentistryOphthalmologySurgical proceduresOthersRequest For Table Of Content @Photomedicine Market: OverviewThe photomedicine market is expected to upsurge in the coming years owing to the number of new product approvals. Moreover, the photomedicine market is also experiencing consolidation with companies acquiring other market players. Syneron Medical Ltd. acquired New Star Lasers, Inc. to leverage on its CoolTouch family of aesthetic devices.Photomedicine Market: Region-wise OutlookA geographic condition regarding orthopedic trauma device market, it has been segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa. North America is the leading region in the photomedicine market owing to the presence of major market player. Moreover, as compared to other regions the adoption of photomedicine in the use of treatment and diagnosis is higher. This is due to the higher rate of research undertakings and the grants received to explore this area of medicine. Asia Pacific is also emerging region due to the developing economies. Moreover as it has a strong presence for foreign tourism, there has been a growing adoption of photomedicine. For instance, Lumenis Ltd. who manufactures energy-based devices for ophthalmology, surgical and aesthetic application supported a mission to treat burn injuries in Armenia. Through its Lumenis UltraPulse to treat children with burn injuries. The companys 2015 mission included the establishment of medical laser center in Arabkir Pediatric Hospitals.Photomedicine Market: Some of the players in photomedicine market areLumenis Ltd., PhotoMedex, Inc., THOR Photomedicine Ltd, Asclepion Laser Technologies GmbH, Alma Lasers, QBMI Photomedicine, IRIDEX Corporation, Syneron Medical Ltd., AngioDynamics and Spectranetics.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. technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Future Market InsightsValley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Photo Printing Market 2018 Vedors: Eastman Kodak, Cimpress, Shutterfly, Snapfish, Bay Photo Lab, Digitalab, AdorPix, Mpix, ProDPI

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Photo Printing Market - OverviewThe Global Photo Printing Market is growing with the rapid pace is mainly due to the changing lifestyle of the people. The adoption of smartphones in developing countries is increasing which in turn increases the social network popularity. This lead to an increase in image capturing and also increasing number of smartphones with improved broadband as well as wireless connectivity. The image capturing and emerging technologies is boosting the growth of online photo sharing through various platforms. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, The global market of Photo Printing is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period. The market is projected to demonstrate a spectacular growth by 2022, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a striking CAGR during the anticipated period (2016  2022).The Global Photo Printing Market is driven by the growing usage of smartphones and various apps, growing technology addiction for improving lifestyle and among others. On the other hand, the growing attraction towards tablets, PCs, smartphones and others are some of the factors hindering the growth of Photo Printing Market. The Photo Printing market is highly competitive as various manufacturers have adopted Wi-Fi enabled smartphones instant print kiosks as a marketing strategy which is expected to boost the growth of Photo Printing Market.The increasing preference toward online photo sharing, technological innovation and high business growth to enhance customer satisfaction are driving factors for the growth of Photo Printing Market. The photo printing allows the original format of the photos and helps to minimise cropping. It helps in choosing the new format and helps in deciding which section to be have printed.Photo Printing Market Players:The Eastman Kodak Company (U.S.), Cimpress N.V. (Netherlands), Shutterfly, Inc. (U.S.), Snapfish (U.S.), Bay Photo Lab (U.S.), Digitalab (U.K.), AdorPix LLC (U.S.), Mpix (U.S.), ProDPI (U.S.), Canvera (India), Photojaanic (India), Photobox (U.K), Jessops Europe Ltd.(U.K), Walgreen Co. (U.S), District Photo are some of the prominent players profiled in MRFR Analysis and are at the forefront of competition in the Global Photo Printing Market.Request a Sample Report @Industry NewsSept. 2017 - Shutterfly, Inc. has announced an integration with the Apple Photos app for the extension of their Photofolio. With this Apple Photos app, macOS Photos application offers high-quality, personalized products by taking a few clicks, users can select an album or a set of photos.16 August, 2017  Shutterfly and HP Inc. has deals to accelerate digital print momentum and helping their customers to personalize and print their photos. With this extension of deal, the companies has highlighted growth and transformation of digital printing and graphics business.21 April 2015 - HP Inc., had announced divestiture of Snapfish. And District Photo, a global leader of digital imaging fulfilment services had acquired Snapfish business. This acquisition is for the continuation of offering service and grow its global online photo service, partnering with leading retailers and helping customers around the world.21 Nov. 2013 - Vistaprint N.V. and Plaza Create Co., Ltd., went into the agreement to form a joint venture in Japan. Plaza Create Co., Ltd., is offering photo prints, cameras, accessories and cloud-based photo storage services which strengthen both companies business to serve their customers in better way.Photo Printing Global Market - Competitive AnalysisThe Market of Photo Printing appears to be highly competitive. To maintain their market position and to drive the market growth, various dynamic and diversified international organizations, domestic organizations and as well as new entrants form a competitive landscape. Market leaders are innovating continuously and increasingly seeking market expansion through various strategic mergers and acquisitions, innovation, increasing investments in research and development and cost-effective product portfolio. Major players are investing on latest technology and, most of all, in acquiring other firms. Prominent vendors of Photo Printing targeting to invest more in technology and research and development activities to innovate their already existing products. The rising government funding is also expected to motivate key companies to invent new Photo Printing modules that match the changing trends and needs across the globe. These players possess a strong sales and distribution network which have helped them to gain leadership position in the market. An ever-increasing emphasis has been observed among Photo Printing Equipment industry marketers on inbound lead generation over branding-oriented efforts.Photo Printing Global Market - SegmentationThe Photo Printing Market can be segmented in to 4 key dynamics for the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding;Segmentation by Type: Comprises Film Printing, Digital Printing and others.Segmentation by Application: Comprises Desktop Application, Mobile Application among others.Segmentation by End Users: Comprises Online Stores, Retail, Instant kiosk, among others.Segmentation by Regions: Comprises Geographical regions - North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World.Get Complete Report @Photo Printing Global Market - Regional AnalysisNorth-America is dominating the Global Photo Printing Market with the largest market share is due to the increasing adoption of large volume of photo merchandise items like photo books, photo cards & canvas prints in this region and is expected to grow over its previous growth records by 2022. Photo Printing Market in Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at a substantial CAGR during 2016 to 2022 due to rapid technological advancements and expansion of internet connectivity in this region. The European market for Photo Printing Market is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR (2016-2022).About Market Research FutureAt Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Propulsion System Market Industry Analysis, Trend and Growth, 2016-2026

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Propulsion System: IntroductionAdvancement in the research, design and development of the aeronautical engineering branch has led to the creation of aircraft and spacecraft which enable the human race to travel vast distances and explore the universe. The basic meaning of propulsion is to push forward or to drive an object or entity in the forward direction. A propulsion system is a machine that generates thrust to push or transmit a forward motion in the object. Propulsion systems work on Newtons third law, i.e. for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.Report Overview @A fluid, in a gaseous or liquid state, is enhanced by a power source i.e. the engine in this case and the response to this acceleration produces a force on the engine. In short, the main function of the propulsion system is to produce thrust so as to lift the object for a prolonged period of time by consuming different fuels.A common derivation of the equation of thrust demonstrates that the total amount of thrust generated is dependent on the mass flow through the combustion engine as well as the exit velocity of the gas. Different propulsion systems generate different thrusts, but all thrusts will have some connection with Newtons third law. There are four basic principles of propulsion systems: the turbine or jet engine, the propeller, the rocket and the ramjet. Additionally, the propulsion of a rocket comprises all parts which make up a rocket engine: propellants, tanks, pumps, rocket nozzle and power head. An aircraft propulsion system must be a package of two things.Firstly, the thrust created from the propulsion system must be balanced with the airborne vehicles drag, so that it may cruise. And secondly, the thrust created by the propulsion system must be more than the drag of the airborne vehicle so that the airplane can accelerate. In fact, the bigger the difference between the drag and the thrust, the faster the airborne vehicle will accelerate; this difference is known as excess thrust.Request Report for TOC @Propulsion System: Market DynamicsThe market has very few players that manufacture such devices as it is a challenging task to manufacture a propulsion system since the design and manufacturing is complex and needs great technicality and dedication. The propulsion system market has lot of scope in the research and development department and it is innovating and coming up with new ideas to upgrade itself in the near future. Some prominent aeronautical industries are trying to develop advanced propulsion systems which can produce effective thrust by minimum consumption of fuel in the engine assembly. The propulsion system market has been evolving over a period of time and has become a necessity in the aviation and space sector.The demand to increase transportation of goods and humans with advanced propulsion systems by government authorities and manufacturers has boosted demand for the propulsion system market and this market is forecasted to grow yet more rapidly in the future. The market for propulsion systems will remain healthy in the coming years as this component has been gaining popularity in all developing economies.The propulsion system market is expected to grow with a significantly growing CAGR in the coming future due to its increasing applications in various defense weapons globally. Furthermore, new technologies and inventions in propulsion systems will foster growth in the global market.Propulsion System: Market segmentation : The propulsion system market can be segmented by product type and application.On the basis of product type, the propulsion system market can be segmented as: Air-Breathing, Gas Turbines & Jet Engines, Ramjets & Scramjets, Internal Combustion, Non Air-Breathing, Hybrid Propulsion, Electric Propulsio, Solid Propulsion, Liquid PropulsionOn the basis of application, the global propulsion system market can be segmented into: Airplanes, Missiles, Unnamed Aerial Vehicles, Spacecraft, Propulsion System: Regional OutlookThe propulsion system market can be divided into seven specific geographical regions/divisions: North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and Middle East and Africa. North America and Europe have greater investments in the research and development sector, which has led to the boom of the propulsion system market in the region. The need for better and economical systems in the propulsion system market is estimated to fuel the growth in key end use industries in the coming future. Industrialized Asian countries, such as India and China, which are leaders in the APAC market are expected to grow in the propulsion system market in the coming years.Request to Sample of Report @Propulsion System Market: Market Participants : Bombardier Recreational Products Inc, Moog Inc., UNITED TECHNOLOGIES, NPO Energomash., Busek Co. Inc., Konstruktorskoe Buro Khimavtomatiky, FSUE RDIME, 3W International GmbH , Orbital ATK Inc, Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings. Honeywell International Inc.,Space Exploration Technologies CorpThe research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types and applications.The report covers exhaustive analysis on: Market Segments, Market Dynamics ,Market Size, Supply & Demand, Current Trends/Issues/Challenges, Competition & Companies involved, Value ChainRegional analysis includes: North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Japan, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & AfricaThe report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts, and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides an in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macroeconomic indicators and governing factors, along with market attractiveness within the segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and various geographies.Report highlights: Detailed overview of parent market, Changing market dynamics in the industry, In-depth market segmentation, Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value, Recent industry trends and developments, Competitive landscape, Strategies of key players and products offered, Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth, A neutral perspective on market performance, Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintNeed more information about report methodology?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:
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Treatment Market Forecast Research Reports Offers Key Insights

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Upper respiratory tract infection is one of the most common reason for the patients to visit the clinic or hospital. Upper respiratory tract infection is the acute and contagious infection occur in upper respiratory tract. This infection can spread person to person due inhaling of the respiratory droplet of coughing or sneezing. Upper respiratory tract infection includes infection in nose, throat, pharynx and bronchi. Common cold is the most common reason for upper respiratory tract infection. Sinusitis, Epiglottis, Laryngitis, Bronchitis are the other cause of upper respiratory tract infection. Viruses and bacteria are the sources of upper respiratory tract infection. Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, cough are the common symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. Other symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection are fever, fatigue, headache, pain during swallowing, wheezing. Although upper respiratory tract infection can happen anytime, but it mostly occurs in the winter season. There is no specific treatment for upper respiratory tract infection and it is completely depend on symptoms of patients. Generally, cough suppressant, nasal decongestants are used to improve breathing. Sometime analgesic and NSAIDs are also prescribed by the physician to reduce the fever and headache. Some prevention can be taken care of to avoid upper respiratory infection such avoiding close contact with people who are sick.Request to View Sample Report @Upper Respiratory Tract Treatment Infection Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe constant changing in climate and rising pollution are the major factor for rising incidences of upper respiratory tract infection. Over the counter availability of topical solution for upper respiratory tract infection are driving the growth of this market. Beside that changing lifestyle of people and increasing medical insurance will also rise the demand of upper respiratory tract infection treatment market. Rising awareness of people about their health and increasing expenditure on person hygiene will also boost the growth of this market. Increasing medical infrastructure and favorable reimbursement scenario in developed countries are responsible for the robust growth of upper respiratory tract infection treatment market. Some side effects after consumption of NSAIDs will impact the growth of this market. Rising incidences of allergy after topical treatment will also hinder the growth of upper respiratory tract infection treatment market.Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Treatment Market: SegmentationThe global upper respiratory tract infection treatment market is classified on the basis of treatment type, distribution channel and geographic region.Based on treatment type, upper respiratory tract infection treatment market is segmented into following:Topical treatmentCough suppressantNasal decongestantsOthersDrug TreatmentAntibioticsNSAIDsOtherBased on distribution channel, upper respiratory tract infection treatment market is segmented into following:Hospital PharmaciesRetail Pharmacies and Drug StoresOnline PharmaciesUpper Respiratory Tract Infection Treatment Market: OverviewUpper respiratory tract infection treatment market is expected to show exponential growth over the forecast period due to rising pollution and increasing geriatric population. According to a study conducted in U.S. 25% people are suffering from upper respiratory tract infection and it the most common reason for the patients to visit the doctors. The market for the upper respiratory tract infection treatment can be segmented on treatment type and distribution channel. By treatment type, upper respiratory tract infection treatment market is classified as topical treatment and drug treatment. Topical treatment is expected to dominate the market share by treatment type. Based on distribution channel upper respiratory tract infection treatment market is classifies as hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies and drug stores and online pharmacies. Among distribution channel retail pharmacies and drug stores are expected to gain maximum market share due high reference of over the counter drugs.Request For Table Of Content @Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Treatment Market: Regional OverviewBased on geographic region upper respiratory tract infection treatment market is classified into seven key regions, North, America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America is expected to have the maximum market share for upper respiratory tract infection treatment market due to high incidences of infection in U.S. After North America, upper respiratory tract infection treatment market is followed by Western Europe and APEJ. Rising healthcare infrastructure and favorable medical insurance are responsible for the high growth of upper respiratory tract infection treatment market in Western Europe. Rising pollution and climate change in APEJ region will lead to robust growth of upper respiratory tract infection treatment market. In APEJ region, India and China are the major markets due to increasing geriatric population in this countries.Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Treatment Market: Key PlayersExamples of some of the market participants in Upper Respiratory Tract Infection treatment market identified across the value chain include Alcon, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc and Verona Pharma Plc, Pfizer Inc. Teva Pharmaceuticals, Hospira,Inc. Sandoz, Inc.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. technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Future Market InsightsValley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Surgical Equipment Market 2018 - Major Players | Analysis and Forecast till 2021

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Surgical Equipment Market includes 130 pages, Full TOC, List of Tables, List of Figures and many of the features such as Report Prologue, Market Introduction, Research Methodology, Market Dynamics, Market Factor Analysis, and Global Surgical Equipment Market by (Treatment, Causes, End User and Region), Company Profiles, MRFR Conclusion and Worldwide Forecast up to 2023Surgical equipment have wide applications in distinctive surgical techniques, for example, neurosurgery, plastic and reconstructive surgeries, wound closure, urology, obstetrics and gynaecology, thoracic surgery, micro-vascular, cardiovascular, orthopaedic surgery, laparoscopy and others. The market is driven by increasing number of surgeries, & hospitals, increasing prevalence of different diseases and increasing geriatric population have boosted the market growth. Moreover, technological advancement, increasing number of ambulatory services and government initiatives have a synergistic effect on the market. However, high cost of the devices, shortage of skilled labour and strict regulatory policies are the major restraints for the marketGlobal Surgical Equipment Market - Competitive AnalysisMedtronic Plc. (U.S.), Stryker Corporation (U.S.), Johnsons & Johnsons (U.S.), Conmed Corporation (U.S.), Alcon Laboratories Inc. (U.S.), Smith & Nephew Plc (U.K), Zimmer Holdings Inc. (U.S.), Boston Scientific Corporation (U.S.), B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany), KLS Martin Group (U.S.), Abbott Laboratories (U.S.), Olympus Corporation (Japan), Karl Storz GmbH & Co. Kg (Germany), Cook Medical (U.S.), and Teleflex Incorporated (U.S.) are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the Global Surgical Equipment Market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.Get Discount on Surgical Equipment Market Report @Global Surgical Equipment Market Forecast to 2021 The report firstly introduced Global Surgical Equipment Market including classification, application and industry chain overview; Then we deeply analyzed global growth forecast indicators by the as well as the regional market conditions that including the product price, profit, utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc.In the end, the report introduced medical suction device market SWOT analysis, PEST analysis, market share analysis and competitive landscape, company profiles by analyzing the major players. It is a depth research study on Global Surgical Equipment Market. We are thankful for the support and assistance from Global Surgical Equipment Market. Industry chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.The structure of surgical equipment devices is changing due to acquisition of local manufactures with multinational companies. Boston Scientifics had acquired SciMed, Microvasive, Schneider and EP Technologies. Baxter acquired Edwards Division, IV Systems, Clintec and Hyland Division. Because of increasing competition in the market, multination companies are using strategy of acquisition, which has increased the profit of the company as well as significantly reduced the competition.Access Sample Copy @Global Surgical Equipment Market - Regional AnalysisDepending on geographic region, surgical equipment market is segmented into four key regions: Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Americas is the largest market for surgical equipment owing to increasing prevalence of different diseases and increasing geriatric population. Moreover, technological innovation in manufacturing of surgical equipment also is also responsible for the growth of this market in the U.S. Large number of patients undergo different kind of surgeries contribute to an increase in the demand of surgical equipment in Americas. Laparoscopic surgeries are done on a large scale in South America favouring the growth of this market. Canada are focusing on exporting surgical equipments and surgical suturing material to countries worldwide, which is increasing market in this region. Furthermore, increasing number of hospitals and healthcare services, availability of raw material and better access to labour will fuel the growth of this market.Europe is second largest market due to increasing prevalence of different types of diseases especially cardiovascular disease are increasing continuously in the developed as well as developing countries due to diabetes, hyper tension and lifestyle habits like smoking, sedentary work and lack of exercise has increased the prevalence of disease. Moreover, increase in chronic diseases has led to increase in the number of surgeries and healthcare organization. European countries like U.K, Germany and France spend a lot on the manufacturing of medical and surgical devices.Browse Complete Premium 130 Pages Cooked Research Report Enabled with Respective Tables and Figures is Available @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.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune  411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market: Global Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, Trends & Forecast to 2025

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The 21st century can aptly be described as the social network era. The rapid evolution of telecommunications technology, improving Internet infrastructure across the developing world and booming demand for smartphones has made us live in an interconnected and interdependent age. The world has never seemed smaller and technology has impacted every aspect of our daily lives. For a very long time, the medical, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries had avoided using Social Media platforms for a number of reasons. It was largely adopted by corporate houses but not by the pharmacy companies for fear of it being too much of a legal liability. In spite of this, some pioneering healthcare companies have led the way forward in the Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market. They have shown that it is not only possible but imperative in todays rapidly changing healthcare economy.Request for Table of Contents @Today, healthcare patients are bombarded with thousands of branding exercises every day. More than half of these have absolutely no relevance to them. The Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market understands the needs of a particular target audience and tailors its message to address their requirements directly. This allows healthcare providers to target the right audience at the right time with the right content. And what better way to reach patients than through popular Social Media platforms which they use regularly and are far more likely to respond positively to?The first Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market driver is the growing importance of social media and also the patient. Whether healthcare companies like it or not, patients are playing a greater role in taking their own medical decisions. Web sites such as Healthline, Everyday Health and WebMD have made it very easy for patients to self-diagnose their problem. They frequently arrive at a hospital or doctors clinic already informed and with a list of possible ailments troubling them. People have also begun to expect assistance to their problems at any time of the day or week. Effective care in the Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing market is provided 24/7 by leveraging both online and offline marketing tools to educate, sustain and engage patients at every stage of their decision making process. Pharmaceutical and medical companies must adopt Social Media to survive in the digital age and those that refuse to take part in it are only accelerating their own decline.The second driver for the Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market is risk management. A companys brand can be tarnished online almost instantaneously through the spread of misinformation by disgruntled patients or ex-employees. If the medical organisation is inactive online, the brand can be steered in any direction the public wishes to take it. Thus, healthcare companies need to manage their own PR and companys reputation as the alternate scenario is far too risky. It is vital for all organisations to meet customers where they are and that includes being active on Social Media platforms. Using traditional media channels might often be ineffective and a wasteful expenditure since customers would be far less likely to read it or respond.Get Sample Copy of this Report @While Social Media has benefited our lives in countless ways, it has also lead to a host of issues which were never even considered a decade or two ago. In the case of the Direct-to-Patient Digital Marketing Market, there are a few challenges which must be handled with the utmost care. The first is the legal regulations concerned with both the medical industry and the Internet. Medical institutions and healthcare professionals must be very careful with their patients private and personal health information as it is eagerly sought after by hackers. They can never disclose it online even inadvertently as the organisation can be involved in expensive legal lawsuits which cause both financial and reputational damage. There can also be privacy concerns from the patients side. Older people, in general, are mistrustful of technology and the number of hacks or data leaks do little to reassure their fears. They may be hesitant to use Social Media platforms to discuss their health problems which could make it challenging for medical companies to reach them online.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, types and applications.Need more information about Report methodology ? @The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market Segments, Market Dynamics, Market Size, Supply & Demand, Current Trends/Issues/Challenges, Competition & Companies involved, Technology, Value ChainThe 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.Report Highlights:Detailed overview of parent marketChanging market dynamics in the industryIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and valueRecent industry trends and developmentsCompetitive landscapeStrategies of key players and products offeredPotential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective on market performanceMust-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintView Report Preview @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,Telephone  +1-646-568-7751USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Blood Flow Measurement Devices Global Market Insights & Forecast to 2025

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HTF MI published a new industry research that focuses on Blood Flow Measurement Devices market and delivers in-depth market analysis and future prospects of Global Blood Flow Measurement Devices market. The study covers significant data which makes the research document a handy resource for managers, analysts, industry experts and other key people get ready-to-access and self-analyzed study along with graphs and tables to help understand market trends, drivers and market challenges. The study is segmented by Application/ end users [Hospitals and physicians' offices, ASCs & Home care settings], products type [Systems & Accessories] and various important geographies like United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia].Get Access to sample pages @The research covers the current market size of the Global Blood Flow Measurement Devices market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data along with company profile of key players/manufacturers. The in-depth information by segments of Blood Flow Measurement Devices market helps monitor future profitability & to make critical decisions for growth. The information on trends and developments, focuses on markets and materials, capacities, technologies, CAPEX cycle and the changing structure of the Global Blood Flow Measurement Devices Market.The study provides company profiling, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information of key manufacturers of Global Blood Flow Measurement Devices Market, some of them listed here are Medtronic, GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Koninklijke Philips, ACE Medical, ADInstruments, BIOPAC Systems & Carolina Medical Electronics. The market is growing at a very rapid pace and with rise in technological innovation, competition and M&A activities in the industry many local and regional vendors are offering specific application products for varied end-users. The new manufacturer entrants in the market are finding it hard to compete with the international vendors based on quality, reliability, and innovations in technology.Global Blood Flow Measurement Devices (Thousands Units) and Revenue (Million USD) Market Split by Product Type such as Systems & Accessories. Further the research study is segmented by Application such as Hospitals and physicians' offices, ASCs & Home care settings with historical and projected market share and compounded annual growth rate.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share and growth rate of Blood Flow Measurement Devices in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia and its Share (%) and CAGR for the forecasted period 2017 to 2022.Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Following would be the Chapters to display the Global Blood Flow Measurement Devices market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Blood Flow Measurement Devices, Applications of Blood Flow Measurement Devices, Market Segment by Regions;Chapter 2, to analyze the Manufacturing Cost Structure, Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Process, Industry Chain Structure;Chapter 3, to display the Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Blood Flow Measurement Devices, Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, R&D Status and Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis;Chapter 4, to show the Overall Market Analysis, Capacity Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment);Chapter 5 and 6, to show the Regional Market Analysis that includes United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia, Blood Flow Measurement Devices Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Blood Flow Measurement Devices Segment Market Analysis (by Application) Major Manufacturers Analysis of Blood Flow Measurement Devices;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [Systems & Accessories], Market Trend by Application [Hospitals and physicians' offices, ASCs & Home care settings];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Global Blood Flow Measurement Devices;Chapter 12,13, 14 and 15, to describe Blood Flow Measurement Devices sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Check for discount @What this Research Study Offers:Global Blood Flow Measurement Devices Market share assessments for the regional and country level segmentsMarket share analysis of the top industry playersStrategic recommendations for the new entrantsMarket forecasts for a minimum of 5 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional marketsMarket Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimationsCompetitive landscaping mapping the key common trendsCompany profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developmentsSupply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsBuy this research report @Reasons for Buying this ReportThis report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamicsIt provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growthIt provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to growIt helps in understanding the key product segments and their futureIt provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitorsIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsThanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. 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Upcoming Market Forecast Study to Assess the Expansion of Microcrystalline Wax Market for 2017-2027 Period

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Paraffin, petrolatums and microcrystalline wax are the natural waxes obtained from the petroleum sources. Microcrystalline wax is a refined mixture of solid, saturated hydrocarbons with long branched chain and is produced by de-oiling few fractions from petroleum refining process. Microcrystalline wax is tougher, flexible and possesses high melting point than paraffin wax. Unlike paraffin, microcrystalline wax is darker, denser, more elastic, soft, opaque and amorphous in nature. Microcrystalline wax is used in various applications such as rubber, candles, and jewelry making. The properties of the microcrystalline wax depend on the crude oil source, refining method, and degree of refining.Global Microcrystalline Wax: Market DynamicsIncreasing demand for the decorative, scented, designer candles, packaging and cosmetics use, growing percent of tires and rubber related products contributes to the growth of microcrystalline wax. Moreover, the increasing inclination towards the natural waxes, highly preferable wax properties such as elasticity, melting point, and flexibility favor the growth of microcrystalline wax. The cosmetic industry is a rapidly growing market facilitating the growth of the microcrystalline wax market as people are more conscious and concern about their looks and appearances. The macroeconomic factors such as growing trend for the scented and designer candles, per capita income and increasing spending power ratio facilitate the market to gain traction in the forecast period.Request For Report Sample@However, the availability of substitutes for the waxes, fluctuating petroleum prices stagnant the growth and can affect the market in the forecast period.Global Microcrystalline Wax: SegmentationGlobal microcrystalline wax market is segmented intoBased on Applications,Rubber IndustryExplosive IndustryFood IndustryCosmetic IndustryResin IndustryElectronics IndustryPharmaceutical IndustryOtherCustom JewelryPackagingBased on Functional Uses,AdhesiveSealantProtective shieldSurface glosserCorrosion inhibitorWater repellentInsulatorCoatingBased on wax type, covers70#80#90#OtherGlobal Microcrystalline Wax: Segment OverviewThe microcrystalline wax market is segmented based on the applications in which the segments include rubber industry, cosmetics industry in which it is used in personal care products, such as creams, gels, ointments. In the food industry, chewing gums uses microcrystalline waxes. Also, it is highly utilized in rubber and explosive industries. It is used in tires and rubber finishing products. It is also used in pharmaceutical and resin industries. Microcrystalline wax is used in printing inks and packaging too.Based on its functional use, microcrystalline wax is segmented into the adhesive agent, protective layer for the metals and materials, as a sealant and also to add gloss to the surface. It is also used as water repellent as it resists water molecules to came in contact with the surface material by having the wax layer over it. It functions as insulators in various electronic and electrical products. By wax types, it is also segmented into 70#, 80# and 90# as per the properties.Global Microcrystalline Wax: Regional OverviewHigh demand in the industrial use of the microcrystalline wax has gained significant growth in the contribution of the market growth. Moreover, increasing demand for natural waxes, cars and improving the standard of living in developing economies including Brazil, and India has triggered the microcrystalline wax market growth. Asia Pacific is owing to the higher number of wax producers, increasing demand from the industrial applications such as candles, textile finishing, and cosmetics, is expected to grow with the significant CAGR in the forecast period. China leads the market in the petroleum based waxes. North America and Europe also contribute higher share after Asia-Pacific regarding revenue and market growth. The microcrystalline wax market is expected to show positive outlook in the forecast period.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):Global Microcrystalline Wax: Market PlayersSome of the prominent players for the microcrystalline wax market are Koster Keunen, Inc., Strahl & Pitsch Inc, Sonneborn, Alfa Chemical Ltd., The International Group, Inc. (IGI), Paramelt B.V, The Frank B. Ross Co, ShellGroup, Nippon Seiro Co. Ltd, Blended Waxes, Inc., TER HELL & Co.LtdABOUT 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:
Motorized Quadricycles Market Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017  2025

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Global Motorized Quadricycles Market: IntroductionMotorized quadricycles are small and fuel-efficient vehicles used for local transportation in rural and urban areas. Motorized quadricycles have emerged as an alternative to small city cars and motorcycles. With a speed range of 45 - 100 kmph and weight of up to 400-500 kg, motorized quadricycles have become a popular means of internal transportation. Quadricycles are largely used in European countries. They are exempt from stringent regulations and safety tests that are applicable for passenger cars; also, they are road-legal and may not require a full license to be driven.Report Overview @As per the directive 2002/24/EC & CE, quadricycles have been categorized into: light quadricycles (L6e) and heavy quadricycles (L7e). Light quadricycles are limited to a speed of 45 kmph, while heavy quadricycles are not speed limited and may have a speed of up to 100 kmph. Motorized quadricycles must meet environment regulations w.r.t emissions, however this isnt a key concern for manufacturers as a major share of motorized quadricycles are electric; gas powered quadricycles hold a low market share.Despite some existing restraining factors, the motorized quadricycle market is expected to witness noteworthy year-on-year growth over the forecast period. It has been witnessed that elderly population accounts for a majority of the demand for motorized quadricycles owing to low cost, light weight and ease of handling of the vehicle. This trend is expected to exist throughout the forecast period.Global Motorized Quadricycle Market: DynamicsLow cost, ease of handling and lack of stringent regulations are some of the prominent factors driving the sale of motorized quadricycles. Quadricycles are many folds cheaper than city passenger cars and thus appeal to huge masses, particularly the elderly population who do not seek high power and high speed vehicles. Motorized quadricycles are easy to handle; these usually have a CVT transmission and require comparatively low maintenance as compared to other passenger cars. Majority of motorized quadricycles are electric powered and thus, are environment friendly. Furthermore, the motorized quadricycle market lacks stringent regulations. Regulations for driving quadricycles vary from country to country. In some countries, no license is required to drive a quadricycle, while in some countries a valid driving license and a minimum age of 18 years are prerequisites.The recent one-off tests conducted by Euro NCAP brought the quadricycle market to limelight. The frontal and side crash test conducted by the organization highlighted that quadricycles significantly lacked passenger safety even at a low speed of 50 kmph. The frontal and side impact tests highlighted the lack of minimum safety equipment in quadricycles. This has created pressure on manufacturers to transform their vehicles and ensure a high level of safety during crash, while maintaining cost of the vehicle; as surge in prices would not be acceptable to customers. At the same time, this incident may also restrain customers from buying quadricycles due to the lack of safety.Global Motorized Quadricycle Market: Segmentation : By product type, the motorized quadricycle market can be segmented into: Light Quadricycles, Heavy Quadricycles ,By mode of operation, the motorized quadricycle market can be segmented into: Electric Quadricycles, Fuel Operated Quadricycles, By price range, the motorized quadricycle market can be categorized into: Economic Mid-range, PremiumRequest for Table of Contents @Global Motorized Quadricycle Market: Region-wise OutlookPresently, Europe leads the demand for motorized quadricycles in the global market, and the region is expected to remain predominant in the motorized quadricycle market over the forecast period. Flexible regulations in the region are expected to be the major driver for market growth and thus, increased adoption of quadricycles is expected over the forecast period. After Europe, North America and Latin America are anticipated to be major upcoming markets for motorized quadricycles. However, slow adoption rate is expected in some countries of these regions. The Asia Pacific motorized quadricycle market possesses significant growth opportunity owing to robust economic growth and increasing vehicle ownership per capita.However, some of the countries in the region create moderate demand for quadricycles, as quadricycles here are only limited to internal transport application and are not authorized to be driven on roads. Safety concerns for passengers and poor road infrastructure in some countries of the Asia Pacific region are expected to hamper demand for motorized quadricycles in the region.Get Sample Copy of this Report @Global Motorized Quadricycle Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants in the global motorized quadricycles market are: Aixam-Mega, Grecav, Groupe Renault, Bajaj Auto. Ltd., Ligier Automobiles, Club Car, LLC., TECNO MECCANICA IMOLA SPA (Gruppo Tazzari)The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application, and industry.The report covers exhaust analysis on: Market Segments, Market Dynamics, Market Size, Supply & Demand, Current Trends/Issues/Challenges, Competition & Companies involved, Technology, Value ChainRegional analysis includes: North America (U.S., Canada), Latin America (Mexico. Brazil), Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K., Spain), Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia), Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand), Japan, Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries, S. Africa, Northern Africa)The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Report Highlights: Detailed overview of parent market, Changing market dynamics in the industry, In-depth market segmentation, Historical, current, and projected market size in terms of volume and value, Recent industry trends and developments, Competitive landscape, Strategies of key players and products offered, Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth, A neutral perspective on market performance, Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintNeed more information about Report methodology ? @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:
Residential Backup Power Market Globally Expected To Reach at a CAGR of 6.19% by Revenue Over The Forecast Period 2017-2021

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Residential Backup Power Market 2017-2021" to its huge collection of research reports.About Residential Backup PowerA backup power system is a secondary electrical system that can automatically supply power when the grid power fails by utilizing resources available at the source. A residential backup power system is primarily connected to households and grid power and has electrical components, which allow it to turn on automatically when it senses an outage.Technavios analysts forecast the global residential backup power market to grow at a CAGR of 6.19% during the period 2017-2021.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global residential backup power market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers new sales in the market.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global Residential Backup Power Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsCaterpillarCumminsKohlerTeslaTrojan BatteryMake an Enquiry about TOC @Other prominent vendorsAggrekoAtlas CopcoBallard Power SystemsBriggs & StrattonEatonEnerSysExide IndustriesFG WilsonFuelCell EnergyGenerac Power SystemsHimoinsaHiPowerHydrogenicsJohnson ControlsMarshall BatteriesMotolite BatteriesPanasonicPlug PowerMarket driverRise in global economic growthFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeImprovements in grid power supplyFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendRise in shipments of fuel cellsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?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.For More Information Kindly Contact :ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @
Global Simulation Software Market Expected to Touch a Value of US$16,721.5 mn by 2025

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New research report offers a comprehensive analysis of the Simulation Software Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025The main objective of this report is to deliver insightful information and clear-cut facts pertaining to the growth trajectories of the market.Request to view Sample Report @Global Simulation Software Market: OverviewSimulation software helps in predicting any systems behavior in real world situations. Simulation software can be used to identify and estimate products design, detect problems in the design, and test a system or a product with conditions that are complex to reproduce. Furthermore, it helps manufacturers to make improved decisions related to the design at much less cost, as they can make virtual models to face the forces from the real-world. Additionally, it helps in reducing the time to market, which is crucial for many industries including automotive and aerospace. The simulation software market is expected to reach US$16,721.5 mn in 2025 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 9.33% during the period from 2017 to 2025.Cloud-based Software Segment Emerges as Clear Winner as End Users see its Many BenefitsThe simulation software market is segmented on the basis of component and end-use industry. On the basis of component, the simulation software market is segmented into software and services. The software segment is further bifurcated into on-premise based and cloud based deployed software. Cloud-based deployed software segment expected to grow at a faster pace in the simulation software market, as it provides low cost and ease of deployment option. Furthermore, services segment is further sub-segmented into consultancy, training, and others. Others segment includes deployment services and technical support services. Software segment contributes major share in terms of revenue in the simulation software market owing to their growing demand and adoption across various industries to predict, validate and optimize the product with the help of a precise analyses. However, services segment is expected to grow at a faster rate during the forecast period.On the basis of end-use industry, the simulation software market is segmented into automotive, aerospace & defense, healthcare, semiconductor, AEC, and others. Others segment includes industries such as energy & power and retail. Automotive end-user segment is expected to hold major share due to early adoption of simulation software platform. The adoption rate for the automotive industry is higher, as it helps in attaining the proficient mass production, improve quality and reduce costs. Furthermore, simulation software helps automotive manufacturers to design, launch, and expand production programs at a faster pace. Moreover, the semiconductor segment is projected to be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period.Browse Full Report with TOC @Strong Presence of Leading Players in North America to Keep Region at the ForefrontNorth America is the major contributor in the overall simulation software market. The presence of major industry players and growing adoption of simulation software by industries including automotive and aerospace & defense is expected to drive the market in this region. The higher revenue share in North America is accountable from the countries namely the U.S. and Canada. Furthermore, North America is pioneer in many novel technologies such as smart cars and autonomous vehicles that results in the proliferation of well-established companies providing simulation software. These well-established players include Autodesk Inc., Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc., and The Mathworks, Inc. among others. Europe is second largest region in terms of market share owing to growing adoption of simulation software by industries including automotive and healthcare. Furthermore, highly advanced digital twins technology is evolving across the European region, which could have a positive impact on the simulation software market.Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period. The growth in Asia Pacific region is accountable from the countries such as India and China. Additionally, this growth is attributed to the growing use of simulation software by the construction industry due to the increased government investment in various smart city projects across the region.The key players profiled in this report include  Altair Engineering, Inc., The AnyLogic Company, SimScale GmbH, ESI Group, Autodesk Inc., Dassault Systemes, ANSYS, Inc., The MathWorks, Inc., Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc., and Synopsys Inc. among others.About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At:
Gypsum Boards Market Pegged to Expand Robustly During 2017-2027

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Gypsum boards consist of a non-combustible core, and as the name suggests, are made of gypsum; these boards are employed as an aesthetic building material. The popularity of gypsum boards is a result of their application for decorative purposes, owing to their availability in different shapes and sizes, textures, their cost-effectiveness and flexibility. The gypsum boards market is foretold to witness sturdy growth over the forecast period, due to the products desirability in building systems. The gypsum boards market offers light weight, durable, fire resistant and sound control products that are widely used for partitions, ceilings and walls in both, interiors and exterior of a building.Gypsum boards, also known as plasterboards or wallboards, can be directly attached to metal or wooden framing by using any convenient method  making them prevalent in the market to serve as suitable substitutes over traditional coverings and planks in the coming future.Request For Report Sample@It is forecasted that growth in the gypsum board market depends upon development in the building construction sector, owing to its usage in the above mentioned fields. Attributing to extensive development in commercial and housing sectors, European countries and the U.S. are among the more significant consumers in the gypsum boards market. With the increasing demand to maintain better qualitative standards and living conditions in commercial, residential and industrial areas, the gypsum boards market is expected to grow substantially over the forecast period.Gypsum Boards Market: Drivers and RestraintsOne of the prevalent factors expected to drive growth of the gypsum board market is development in the construction sector, wherein gypsum boards are adopted as significant building materials. Gypsum boards are economic, easy to install, offer sound dampening properties; hence, can readily replace other materials used in construction, such as wood, bricks, plywood and others. This is expected to accelerate demand for the gypsum boards market over the forecast period.Players involved in the construction of industrial, institutional, residential and commercial sectors are expected to enhance prospects for the gypsum boards market by opting for these boards while building partition walls, ceilings, and dividing screens systems.However, fluctuation in the import pricing of raw materials from other countries, in terms of taxation may impede the gypsum boards market. Whereas, countries involved in the export business are expected to present a stable pricing scenario depending on macroeconomic traits.Gypsum Boards Market: SegmentationThe gypsum boards market can be segmented on the basis of product type:WallboardCeiling BoardInterior WallExterior WallTile BaseAccent WallMovable PartitionThe gypsum boards market can be segmented on the basis of application:IndustrialResidentialCommercialGypsum Boards Market: Region-Wise OutlookThe gypsum boards market in developing countries, such as India, China, Malaysia, Brazil and many others is expected to grow, owing to the increasing demand for improved housing construction and enhanced living standards. Despite the gypsum boards market being well established in regions, such as the U.S., Germany and Italy, the market in emerging countries is anticipated to hold relatively more significant opportunities over the forecast period. Also, upsurge in urbanization and migration towards urban regions have led to an increase in investment in the gypsum boards market over the forecast period.Over the coming years, the Middle East is expected to account for substantial growth in the global gypsum boards market, attributing to heavy investment in tourism and commercial infrastructure in the region. The Latin America region is anticipated to witness robust growth in the gypsum boards market, due to increasing expenditure in the residential construction sector over the forecast period.South African nations are opting for innovative technologies over traditional methods in the infrastructure sector. Thus, the region is anticipated to observe increasing demand for gypsum boards, resulting to noteworthy scope for the gypsum boards market over the forecast period.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):Gypsum Boards Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants in the gypsum boards market, identified across the value chain are mentioned below:Saint-GobainUnited Mining IndustriesTaishan Gypsum Co., Ltd.KnaufBaier Group Gypsum Decorative Building Materials DepartmentYoshino Gypsum Co., Ltd.Gulf Gypsum BoardGypsemnaGeorgia-Pacific Gypsum LLCArcat, Inc.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Worldwide Alcopop Market is expected to Generate Huge Profits by 2023 | Global Industry Vendors- Miller Brewing Company, Anheuser-Busch Beam Suntory, Diageo, Brown-Forman, Bacardi and Bass Brewery

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Market Overview:Globally the Alcopop market is estimated to escalate at a higher growth rate which is supported by increasing demand of flavored alcoholic beverages with low alcohol content. Rising consumption of malt beverages with fruit juice flavors especially citrus, strawberry and apple is supporting the market growth. Introduction of new flavors and availability of variety of products type is playing the key role for alcopop market growth.Alcopop is popular among youth and majorly consumed as a replacement of beer now a days. Wide availability, low prices and advertisement have triggered the consumers to buy more alcopops compare to normal malt beverages. Some alcopops are promoted as energy drinks by key players which has increased the demand of alcopops among energy drink consumers. Underage drinking of alcopops may cause health issues and due to this reason alcopops market is facing challenges from government authorities. To overcome these problems key manufacturers are focusing on R&D activities to invent healthy combination of alcoholic beverages, fruit juice and sweeteners.Get a Sample Report @Alcopops are flavored malt beverages, which are sweet and carbonated drinks with low alcohol content. Globally, alcopops with a beer and vodka base are in huge demand which is driving the introduction of new products under is category. Majority of alcopops are sold in the form of cans, bottles and pouches. Growing acceptance of alcopops among youth in developed countries, especially in the U.S. and U.K., is supporting the market growth. Increased shelf space for single serving alcoholic beverages in store based distribution channels has boosted the sales of alcopops.Major Key Players:Anheuser-Busch (Belgium)Beam Suntory (U.S.)Bacardi (Bermuda)Bass Brewery (U.K.)Miller Brewing Company (U.S.)Diageo (U.K.)Brown-Forman (U.S.)Regional Analysis:Global Alcopop Market is segmented into Europe, North America and Asia Pacific along with rest of the world (RoW). North America region is estimated to dominate the market followed by Europe. U.S. and Canada are major alcopop producers in the North America region. U.S. dominates the market in this region due to increasing demand of beer and vodka based alcopop. Increasing popularity of flavored alcoholic beverages from developed countries like U.K., Germany and Italy is influencing the market growth in the Europe region. Changing lifestyle and improving economic condition is supporting the market growth in Asia Pacific region especially in India and China.Access Report Details @Market SegmentationGlobal Alcopop Market is Segmented by Product, Flavor, Distribution Channel and Region.Alcopop product has been segmented on the basis of product which includes beer, whiskey, rum, scotch-whiskey, vodka, and others.Alcopop product has been segmented on the basis of flavor which includes honey, chocolate, strawberry, marmalade, spiced, citrus, lemonade, cola and othersAlcopop product has been segmented on the basis of distribution channel which includes store based and non-store basedAbout 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.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
RF Power Semiconductor Market - Global Industry Insights, 2017-2025

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A radio-frequency power semiconductor is a device that can be utilized as switch or rectifier in power electronics. This RF power semiconductor is designed to work in radio-frequency spectrum, which is about 3 kHz up to 300 GHz.Request Table of Content of This Report:Increasing use of long-term evolution (LTE) and deployment of next-generation wireless networks such as 5G are key factors that are expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the global radio-frequency (RF) power semiconductor devices market during the forecast period, owing to the increasing popularity of mobile computing devices such as smartphones and tablets. Increase in adoption of wireless technology such as LTE demanding for RF features in smartphones, tablets, and other relevant devices due to the requirement to improve high-performance RF filters to cater the requirements of smartphones and other relevant device OEMs are the factors fueling the growth of RF power semiconductors market. According to Coherent Market Insights analysis, in 2016, around 350 units of mobile devices were sold globally, which accounted for an increase of over 3.7% from 2015. Revenue generated by smartphone devices accounted for over 70% sales of the global mobile devices in 2016. According to global internet report 2016 published by Internet Society Organization, in 2015 total internet users was about 3 billion and in 2016 the total count of internet users was over 3.2 billion.However, the increase in the cost of RF devices is expected to restraint the growth of the global RF power semiconductor market.RF Power Semiconductor Market: Regional InsightsThe global RF power semiconductor market on the basis of region is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Asia Pacific region is expected to hold a dominant position in global RF power semiconductor market by 2025. The growth in the regional market is attributed to the increased demand for consumer electronics products. In Asia Pacific region, emerging economies such as India and China are manufacturing hubs for consumer electronic products, including smartphones, home appliances, and televisions. According to Coherent Market Insights analysis, in 2016, over 450 million units of smartphone devices were sold in China. Low manufacturing cost in China, Taiwan, and Malaysia is also expected to boost the growth of the regional RF power semiconductor market.RF Power Semiconductor Market: Competitive BackgroundMajor players operating in the global RF power semiconductor market includes Infineon Technologies AG, M/A-COM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc., NXP Semiconductors N.V., Qorvo, Inc., Broadcom Limited, Toshiba Corporation, Qualcomm Inc., Skyworks Solutions, Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Murata Manufacturing.For More Information :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.comVisit Our New Website:
Demand of Global Fiber Cement Market : Analysis by Top Vendors, Market Key Players and Production Information Analysis 2025

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Fiber Cement Market Research Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report,the global Fiber Cement market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025,growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.Geographically,this report is segmented into several key Regions,with production,consumption,revenue (million USD),market share and growth rate of Fiber Cement in these regions,from 2013 to 2025 (forecast),coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global Fiber Cement market competition by top manufacturers,with production,price,revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingALLURABuilding Materials Corporation of AmericaCanfor CorporationDow Chemical CompanyEcolab IncorporatedElementia SA de CVGAFGiant Cement Holding,see Fomento de Construcciones ContratasHardie (James) Industries plcImerys SAMaxitileMercer International IncorporatedNalcoNextwire LLCNichiha CorporationPlycemPPG Industries IncorporatedSiempelkamp (G.) GmbH & Company KGStandex Engraving LLCMake an Enquiry about TOC @On the basis of product,this report displays the production,revenue,price,market share and growth rate of each type,primarily split intoSilicate CementCellulose MaterialOn the basis of the end users/applications,this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users,consumption (sales),market share and growth rate for each application,includingResidentialHighwayOtherTable of ContentsGlobal Fiber Cement Market Research Report 20181 Fiber Cement Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Fiber Cement1.2 Fiber Cement Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Fiber Cement Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Fiber Cement Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20172 Global Fiber Cement Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Fiber Cement Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Fiber Cement Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Fiber Cement Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Fiber Cement Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Fiber Cement Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)3 Global Fiber Cement Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Fiber Cement Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Fiber Cement Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Fiber Cement Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Fiber Cement Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Fiber Cement Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4 Global Fiber Cement Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)4.1 Global Fiber Cement Consumption by Region (2013-2018)4.2 North America Fiber Cement Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.3 Europe Fiber Cement Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.4 China Fiber Cement Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)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.For More Information Kindly Contact :ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @
Hyperloop Technology Market - Global Industry Insights, 2017-2025

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Hyperloop technology is a futuristic mode of transportation for passenger or goods. This technology is proposed by a combined team of SpaceX and Tesla. It consists of a system of tubes or pods that allow for free frictionless movement, without any air resistance of passengers and goods, thereby optimizing the overall travel time for the passengers. These Pods float within the tubes above the rail line and further being pushed by electromagnets. Vactrain concept is used to remove external effects, which magnetically take off the transportation system in evacuated or partly evacuated tubes that allows the mode of transportation to speed up to thousands of miles per hour. Once the pod reaches 100 miles glide it will run without requiring any external energy.Request Table of Content of This Report:Hyperloop technology has several advantages such as speedy transportation, safety, and security, and more efficient infrastructure. Based on the prototype being made by the Hyperloop One, the onboard environmental controls along with localization capabilities will help in communication between pods and system controller making a stronger network. These pods will be able to detect obstacles through an array of sensors providing better safety experience for the passengers. Additionally, real-time data along with auto braking sensor will help in communication between motor and tubes ensuring greater system uptime for maintenance and operations. Systems and controls will be equally important as the physical innovations within tubes and pods further making a radically transformed transportation that will be faster with a stronger network topology. These factors are expected to have a positive impact on the growth of global hyperloop technology market during forecast period.Hyperloop being a futuristic technology involves a lot of barriers when it comes to commercialization and worldwide implementation. As per Space X and Hyperloop One, two major companies working for hyperloop, it is presumed that terrain and other natural disasters will act as a major restraint for this market. Design prototype are being made for understanding the air friction and electro-magnets which is very costly. In addition to this, it is seen that the online services associated with hyperloop will require connection to the pods that might affect the magnetic field within the tube further forming a major obstacle for the implementation process.Hyperloop Technology Market: Regional InsightsThe global hyperloop technology market is segmented on the basis of region into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East, Africa. Asia Pacific market is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during forecast period. Increasing participation of government bodies towards exploring the feasibility of deploying the hyperloop transportation technology is expected to boost the growth opportunity of the market. For instance, Virgin Hyperloop One, the U.S-based company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka Urban Development Department (KUDD) intended at recognizing potential routes for the improvement of mobility in the Bengaluru metropolitan area and aimed to connect emerging cities such as Tumakuru, Hubli-Dharwar and Hosur within the state. This factor is expected to have positive impact on the growth of global hyperloop technology market by 2025.Hyperloop Technology Market: Competitive BackgroundMajor players operating in the global hyperloop technology market include AECOM, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Virgin Hyperloop One, Transpod Inc., Dgwhyperloop, Dinclix Ground Works, Trans Pod Inc., Space Exploration Technologies Corp, Tesla, Inc., MIT Hyperloop, Badgerloop, Delft Hyperloop, BITS Hyperloop, and WARR Hyperloop.Recent UpdatesIn August 2017, the SpaceX company tested for its pusher vehicle on the hyperloop test track and has achieved to reach up to 355 km/h within the sealed vacuum tunnel and is expected to reach around 500 km/h with minor changes in design. Company is focusing on improving the design and speed of hyperloop pods that can be both shock absorbent as well as charge itself from the renewable sources of energy.In July 2017, the Virgin Hyperloop One company tested for the second phase of its hyperloop pod reaching a speed of 310 km/h covering an approximate distance of 437 meters along with the revelation of first generation aeroshell.For More Information :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.comVisit Our New Website:
Renewable Materials in Construction Market: Global Industry,Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017  2025

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Global Renewable Materials in Construction Market: IntroductionThe materials which can be recycled and which help in reducing greenhouse gas emission and pollution are considered as renewable materials. Renewable materials in construction consist of timber and recyclable materials (concrete, metals, plastics, rubber, composites, etc.). Different types of renewable materials in construction such as recyclable concrete, lime mortars, timber materials, natural fiber composites, timber concrete composites, low carbon materials, etc. are used in different end use applications to reduce the harmful effects on the environment. In global renewable materials construction market, crop-based renewable materials account for a considerable share. The common crop-based renewable materials used in construction are insulation materials, light structural walls, natural paints and finishes, thatch, geotextiles, etc.Request to Sample of Report-Global Renewable Materials in Construction Market: DynamicsThe global construction industry is growing with growing urbanization and population. Upsurge in end-use industry (i.e. construction) is a crucial factor boosting the demand for global renewable materials in the construction market. In the growing global construction industry, the green construction segment holds a significant share. Renewable materials play a vital role in the green construction segment where they help to reduce carbon foot print, enhance the life of building structures and rehabilitate aging structures. Due to environmental friendly characteristics of renewable materials and government regulations that support the use of renewable materials by providing incentives, the global renewable materials in construction market is expected to show significant growth in future.Higher costs and market barriers (i.e. less investment by property owners as occupants get comparatively more benefits) are the two major restraining factors affecting the growth of global renewable materials in the construction market.Now a days, end users prefer renewable materials for their homes to transform their homes into an energy saving zone.Global Renewable Materials in Construction Market: SegmentationThe global renewable materials in construction market can be segmented on the basis of type, application and end use. On the basis of type, the global renewable materials in construction market can be segmented into crop-based materials and non-crop based materials. Crop-based materials segment is further divided into insulation material (sheep's wool, hemp, flax), light structural walls (straw bale, straw-clay, hemp-lime), natural paints and finishes, wall and floor coverings, geotextiles, thatch and timber and timber products. Non-crop based materials are further segmented into recyclable metals, plastics, composites, concrete and others.Request Report for TOC @On the basis of application, the global renewable materials in the construction market can be segmented into exterior products (windows, green roofing, green doors and green siding), interior products (green floor coverings, green insulation and green gypsum board), building systems (HVAC systems, nonresidential glazing, water-efficient plumbing fixtures & fittings and residential lighting fixtures), solar power products, structural products (recyclable concrete, lumber and wood) and permeable pavement. On the basis of end use, the global renewable materials in the construction market can be segmented into residential and non-residential segments. The non-residential segment is further divided into office & commercial, institutional, industrial and other non-residential construction sites.Global Renewable Materials in Construction Market: Region-wise OutlookStrict government regulations in the North America region encourage people to use renewable materials in the construction segment. Hence, the demand for renewable materials in the construction market in North America is expected to grow at a relatively higher rate and account for a maximum share of the global renewable materials in the construction market. European countries have started implementing green building technology for retrofitting and renovating purposes. Renewable materials market in Asia Pacific and rest of the world also shows high growth due to adverse climatic conditions and favorable government initiatives.Need more information about Report methodology ?Global Renewable Materials in Construction Market: Market ParticipantsSome of the market participants involved in the manufacturing of renewable materials in construction include BASF SE, Alumasc Group Plc., Binderholz GmbH, Bauder Limited, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Interface Inc., Forbo International SA, Kingspan Group plc., Surfaces, Inc., Cold Mix Manufacturing Corp., Cemex S.A.B. de C.V., Green Fiber, LLC, National Fiber Technology, LLC, Sika AG, ZinCo USA, Inc., PPG Industries, Inc., Soben International Eco Ltd., Sunlight Electrical Pte Ltd. GE Sealants and Adhesives, Inc., Madar Emirates, UAE Enterprises, Calvert Company, United Agencies, Bena German Emarati Co., Hydro-turf International, Scheuten Solar, etc.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market Segments, Market Dynamics, Market Size, Market Supply & Demand, Market Current Trends/Issues/Challenges, Competition & Companies involved, Manufacturing Technology, Market Value Chain;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.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Marble Market Trends Global Industry Analysis, Top Manufacturers, Share, Growth, Statistics, Opportunities & Forecast to 2022

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Market Study Report Add New Global Marble Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, forecast to 2022 to its research database presenting a deep study of the market growth factors and drivers. The report spread across 124 pages with table and figures in it.Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subjected to the heat and pressure of metamorphism. It is composed primarily of the mineral calcite (CaCO3) and usually contains other minerals such as: clay minerals, micas, quartz, pyrite, iron oxides and graphite. Under the conditions of metamorphism, the calcite in the limestone recrystallizes to form a rock that is a mass of interlocking calcite crystals.Get Sample Copy of this Report:Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Global Marble Market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers:Levantina, Polycor inc, Indiana Limestone Company, Vetter Stone, Topalidis S.A., Antolini Temmer Marble, Tekma, Pakistan Onyx Marble, Dimpomar, Mumal Marbles, Can Simsekler Construction, M?rmoles Mar?n, S.A., Aurangzeb Marble Industry, Etgran, Amso International, Universal Marble & Granite, Best Cheer Stone Group, Fujian Fengshan Stone Group, Xiamen Wanlistone stock, Kangli Stone Group, Hongfa, Xishi Group, Jin Long Run Yu, Xinpengfei Industry, Jinbo Construction Group, Fujian Dongsheng Stone, Guanghui.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (USA, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.), Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa).Market Segment by Type, coversWhite Marble, Black Marble, Yellow Marble, Red Marble, Green Marble and Others.Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into:Construction and Decoration, Statuary and Monuments, Furniture, Others.Get Discount on this Report:There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Marble market.Chapter 1, to describe Marble Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Marble, with sales, revenue, and price of Marble, 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 Marble, 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, Marble market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Marble sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Get More Details On this Report:Related Report:China Marble Market by Manufacturers, Regions (Province), Type and Application, Forecast to 2022This report focuses on the Marble in China market, to split the market based on manufacturers, Regions (Province), type and application.About Us:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Contact Us:Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News:
Email Encryption Market by Technology, Services/Solutions, Growth, Trend

Email Encryption Market

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HTF MI published a new industry research that focuses on Email Encryption market and delivers in-depth market analysis and future prospects of Global Email Encryption market. The study covers significant data which makes the research document a handy resource for managers, analysts, industry experts and other key people get ready-to-access and self-analyzed study along with graphs and tables to help understand market trends, drivers and market challenges. The study is segmented by Application/ end users [BFSI, Healthcare, Government, Retail & IT and telecom], products type [On-Premises & Cloud] and various important geographies like United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia].Get Access to sample pages @The research covers the current market size of the Global Email Encryption market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data along with company profile of key players/manufacturers. The in-depth information by segments of Email Encryption market helps monitor future profitability & to make critical decisions for growth. The information on trends and developments, focuses on markets and materials, capacities, technologies, CAPEX cycle and the changing structure of the Global Email Encryption Market.The study provides company profiling, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information of key manufacturers of Global Email Encryption Market, some of them listed here are HP, Symantec, McAfee, Sophos, TrendMicro, Cisco, Proofpoint, Entrust, Zix Corporation & Microsoft. The market is growing at a very rapid pace and with rise in technological innovation, competition and M&A activities in the industry many local and regional vendors are offering specific application products for varied end-users. The new manufacturer entrants in the market are finding it hard to compete with the international vendors based on quality, reliability, and innovations in technology.Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Global Email Encryption (Thousands Units) and Revenue (Million USD) Market Split by Product Type such as On-Premises & Cloud. Further the research study is segmented by Application such as BFSI, Healthcare, Government, Retail & IT and telecom with historical and projected market share and compounded annual growth rate.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share and growth rate of Email Encryption in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia and its Share (%) and CAGR for the forecasted period 2017 to 2022.Following would be the Chapters to display the Global Email Encryption market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Email Encryption, Applications of Email Encryption, Market Segment by Regions;Chapter 2, to analyze the Manufacturing Cost Structure, Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Process, Industry Chain Structure;Chapter 3, to display the Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Email Encryption, Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, R&D Status and Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis;Chapter 4, to show the Overall Market Analysis, Capacity Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment);Chapter 5 and 6, to show the Regional Market Analysis that includes United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia, Email Encryption Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Email Encryption Segment Market Analysis (by Application) Major Manufacturers Analysis of Email Encryption;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [On-Premises & Cloud], Market Trend by Application [BFSI, Healthcare, Government, Retail & IT and telecom];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Global Email Encryption;Chapter 12,13, 14 and 15, to describe Email Encryption sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Check for discount @What this Research Study Offers:Global Email Encryption Market share assessments for the regional and country level segmentsMarket share analysis of the top industry playersStrategic recommendations for the new entrantsMarket forecasts for a minimum of 5 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional marketsMarket Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimationsCompetitive landscaping mapping the key common trendsCompany profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developmentsSupply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsBuy this research report @Reasons for Buying this ReportThis report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamicsIt provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growthIt provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to growIt helps in understanding the key product segments and their futureIt provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitorsIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsThanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives.Contact us :HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private LimitedUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA  08837sales@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218
Trigeminal Neuralgia - Pipeline by Competitor Information, Analysis, and Insights to Formulate Effective R&D Strategies 2018

Trigeminal Neuralgia

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WiseGuyReports published new report, titled Trigeminal Neuralgia - Pipeline Review, H1SUMMARYPharmaceutical and Healthcare disease pipeline guide Trigeminal Neuralgia - Pipeline Review, H1 2018, provides an overview of the Trigeminal Neuralgia (Central Nervous System) pipeline landscape.Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from face to brain. Symptoms include spontaneous attacks of pain or attacks triggered by things such as touching the face, chewing, speaking and brushing teeth, pain in areas supplied by the trigeminal nerve, including the cheek, jaw, teeth, gums, lips, or less often the eye and forehead.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Report HighlightsPharmaceutical and Healthcare latest pipeline guide Trigeminal Neuralgia - Pipeline Review, H1 2018, provides comprehensive information on the therapeutics under development for Trigeminal Neuralgia (Central Nervous System), complete with analysis by stage of development, drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type. The guide covers the descriptive pharmacological action of the therapeutics, its complete research and development history and latest news and press releases.The Trigeminal Neuralgia (Central Nervous System) pipeline guide also reviews of key players involved in therapeutic development for Trigeminal Neuralgia and features dormant and discontinued projects. The guide covers therapeutics under Development by Companies /Universities /Institutes, the molecules developed by Companies in Phase III, Phase II and Preclinical stages are 1, 2 and 5 respectively. Similarly, the Universities portfolio in Preclinical stages comprises 1 molecules, respectively.Trigeminal Neuralgia (Central Nervous System) pipeline guide helps in identifying and tracking emerging players in the market and their portfolios, enhances decision making capabilities and helps to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage. Additionally, various dynamic tracking processes ensure that the most recent developments are captured on a real time basis.Scope- The pipeline guide provides a snapshot of the global therapeutic landscape of Trigeminal Neuralgia (Central Nervous System).- The pipeline guide reviews pipeline therapeutics for Trigeminal Neuralgia (Central Nervous System) by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources.- The pipeline guide covers pipeline products based on several stages of development ranging from pre-registration till discovery and undisclosed stages.- The pipeline guide features descriptive drug profiles for the pipeline products which comprise, product description, descriptive licensing and collaboration details, R&D brief, MoA & other developmental activities.- The pipeline guide reviews key companies involved in Trigeminal Neuralgia (Central Nervous System) therapeutics and enlists all their major and minor projects.- The pipeline guide evaluates Trigeminal Neuralgia (Central Nervous System) therapeutics based on mechanism of action (MoA), drug target, route of administration (RoA) and molecule type.- The pipeline guide encapsulates all the dormant and discontinued pipeline projects.- The pipeline guide reviews latest news related to pipeline therapeutics for Trigeminal Neuralgia (Central Nervous System)Key points- Procure strategically important competitor information, analysis, and insights to formulate effective R&D strategies.- Recognize emerging players with potentially strong product portfolio and create effective counter-strategies to gain competitive advantage.- Find and recognize significant and varied types of therapeutics under development for Trigeminal Neuralgia (Central Nervous System).- Classify potential new clients or partners in the target demographic.- Develop tactical initiatives by understanding the focus areas of leading companies.- Plan mergers and acquisitions meritoriously by identifying key players and its most promising pipeline therapeutics.- Formulate corrective measures for pipeline projects by understanding Trigeminal Neuralgia (Central Nervous System) pipeline depth and focus of Indication therapeutics.- Develop and design in-licensing and out-licensing strategies by identifying prospective partners with the most attractive projects to enhance and expand business potential and scope.- Adjust the therapeutic portfolio by recognizing discontinued projects and understand from the know-how what drove them from pipeline...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 understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Preventive Oncology 2018 Atlanta, USA

Preventive Oncology 2018

4th Annual Conference on Preventive OncologyPreventive Oncology 2018 is the study for preventing cancer to develop, rather counteract the advancement in progression of different malignancy which is going to be held in Atlanta, USA on July 18-19, 2018. Annual congress on Preventive oncology 2018 has taken an initiative to join the assorted research and business groups working in this field under one rooftop to explore each and every part of cancer diseases. Preventive Oncology 2018 welcomes Oncologists, Radiologists, Chemotherapists, Physicians, Academicians, Academic scientists, Industry professionals, and Diagnostic laboratory professionals, Post-Graduate students, Post-doctoral fellows and Trainees to be a part of this conference.Preventive Oncology 2018 will give a fortifying scientific condition and a stage for the members to exchange thoughts, set up examines joint efforts by attending the Preventive Oncology meetings. New topics for 2018 include personalized medicines & combination therapies. Special focus on commercialization of cancer vaccines  to increase your speed to market it will be amazing opportunity for the attendees to explore the beautiful city with gaining knowledge. This is a prestigious chance to draw in with worldwide group of experts endeavoring to battle against these difficult to cure blood diseases.4th Annual Conference on Preventive OncologyPreventive Oncology 2018 is the study for preventing cancer to develop, rather counteract the advancement in progression of different malignancy which is going to be held in Atlanta, USA on July 18-19, 2018. Annual congress on Preventive oncology 2018 has taken an initiative to join the assorted research and business groups working in this field under one rooftop to explore each and every part of cancer diseases. Preventive Oncology 2018 welcomes Oncologists, Radiologists, Chemotherapists, Physicians, Academicians, Academic scientists, Industry professionals, and Diagnostic laboratory professionals, Post-Graduate students, Post-doctoral fellows and Trainees to be a part of this conference.Preventive Oncology 2018 will give a fortifying scientific condition and a stage for the members to exchange thoughts, set up examines joint efforts by attending the Preventive Oncology meetings. New topics for 2018 include personalized medicines & combination therapies. Special focus on commercialization of cancer vaccines  to increase your speed to market it will be amazing opportunity for the attendees to explore the beautiful city with gaining knowledge. This is a prestigious chance to draw in with worldwide group of experts endeavoring to battle against these difficult to cure blood diseases.Regards,Russell DavisCongress Manager4th Annual Conference on Preventive OncologyJuly 18-19, 2018, Atlanta, USAOffice: Kemp House,152 City Road,LondonEC1V 2NX, UKTel: +1-210-350-0300Fax: +1-650-618-1414Email: - Preventiveonco@oncologyseries.com
Tips to Consider While Buying the Best Trailer Sydney

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Buying a trailer Sydney is not easy as some people think. It can be a very stressful process, especially if you don't know which trailer is the right one for you. You need to be sure that whatever trailer you buy; it has to suit your purpose.Nowadays, there are so many trailer dealers on the market and you might be confused about which trailer to buy. You should choose a trusted dealer if you want to get a quality product at a reasonable price. Choosing a dealer that you don't know means putting yourself at risk. It's always a good alternative to look through dealers online. The cost of the trailer will vary from one dealer to another. Make an enquiry for each one in form of direct dealing, telecommunication or via email. When you choose the best dealer for you, he will help you decide which trailer type best fits your needs.There is no doubt that some people will pay a much higher cost for a trailer in order to increase its functionality and transportation capacity. A trailer can have different purposes. With so many various types of trailers, list all your needs on a paper. It will give you an idea of which trailer is suited for you. The most common types are box trailers and tandem trailers.As a buyer, you need to consider the size of the trailer. It's always recommended to choose the purpose of your trailer and then its size. They are divided into several classes, however open and enclosed trailers are the most common types. Obviously, your first consideration will be to buy the biggest and heaviest; but you may be making a mistake. Every trailer has an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) which points the optimal load capacity it can handle.Can't decide between open or enclosed trailer? This is an easy one  if your cargo needs to be protected from the rain and storm  you need an enclosed one. If the weather is not something you worry about than an open trailer is recommended.Another important thing you need to consider is buying a galvanized or painted trailer. This is a long-term investment and your trailer has to be durable. If you choose a durability and longevity as factors in the buying process  go for galvanized ones. They may be more expensive than painted ones, but they are easier to maintain.Before buying a trailer, it is important to be aware of all services provided by the dealer. Many dealers offer after sale services, although there are some dealers who don't take any responsibility after the sale. Even if you want to repair the trailer on your cost, you have to search for a new repair centre. That's why you should buy from dealer who provides after-sale services as well.Choosing the best trailer type; deciding between open and enclosed or galvanized and painted trailer and so many other dilemmas are considered as typical question during the buying process. Contact trailer Sydney who will help you to choose wisely when buying your trailer.At BM Trailers, we offer a comprehensive range of lightweight and durable Sydney trailers that will carry your goods safe and easy. Our dedicated and experienced management team of professionals is trained out to build trailers focused on the needs and wants of the consumers. At BM Trailers, we are focused on being the best rather than being the prime, trailer company in NSW. We stay focused on our clients; react quickly to industry changes, deliver custom-made, strong-driven, and affordably-priced trailers. No matter what the customers need we currently offer; wide enclosed trailers, box trailers, canvas trailers, bike trailers and off road trailers. Our rigorous internal values as well as certification assure you of a durable, long-lasting, great investment.We do understand customers requirements that need box trailers to take their luggage, goods and things that make touring so much more safe, easy and enjoyable. We have offered so many different models and designs to suite all domestic and trade purposes. Our Sydney trailers are preferred for cutting edge innovation, reliable and safe, with smooth performance. From design to testing and support, we partner with the Australian Navy, NSW fire brigade, St John Ambulance, NRMA , Canberra Prison and many of Sydney's Councils and other government bodies to solve specific challenges with targeted products. Were prepared to propel your company into an ever-expanding age of lighter, more fuel-efficient, automotive robust design.BM TrailersA| 57 Planthurst Rd, Carlton, Sydney, NSW, 2218, AustraliaT|+61 2 9546 6763F| +61 2 9546 6827E| info@bmtrailers.com.au
Additive Masterbatch Market 2018  Polyone, Plastiblends, Plastika Kritis, Polyplast Muller, Ampacet, Tosaf

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report 2018-2025 Additive Masterbatch Report on Global and United States Market,Status and Forecast,by Players,Types and Applications to its huge collection of research reports.Most markets have a global significance, while some are concentrated in specific regions. The market for Additive Masterbatch exists on a global front. As the name suggests, it involves products and services that are commonly used all over the world, and are even available in remote regions. To ensure that this industry is explained in a simple, yet convincing language that can be even understood by laymen, we have compiled a report for this market that does just the same. With a state-of-the-art quantitative and qualitative analysis, different elements related to the Additive Masterbatch market have been holistically covered in this report.Download Free exclusive Sample of this report:Most businesses think in a progressive manner, and this requires them to gauge not only just the present circumstances, but anticipate situations that may unfold in future. We have made sure that businesses get precise information of this market as desired, spread across a wide forecast period from 2018 to 2025. Making judgments that depend on predictions regarding how markets fare in the future based on their present existence requires a high level understanding of a plethora of aspects. These aspects are exhaustively covered in this report.The market for Additive Masterbatch is affected by a few prominent hindrances, which is expected to cause a significant dampening in the sales of relevant products and services. Although, one cannot completely eradicate such negative forces, efforts can be made to reduce their effects. Such efforts are only possible by completely understanding the global market for Additive Masterbatch, and therein taking necessary steps. In the report, the hindrances have been described in great detail, along with possible activities that need to be carried out in order to counter the restraining effects. To ensure that this process goes on continuously, the report paints a comprehensive picture of all the limitations. Such a picture can help businesses incorporate necessary strategies and avoid the facing the restraints.Table of Contents2018-2025 Additive Masterbatch Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications1 Methodology and Data Source1.1 Methodology/Research Approach1.1.1 Research Programs/Design1.1.2 Market Size Estimation1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation1.2 Data Source1.2.1 Secondary Sources1.2.2 Primary Sources1.3 DisclaimerComplete table of content is available at:2 Additive Masterbatch Market Overview2.1 Additive Masterbatch Product Overview2.2 Additive Masterbatch Market Segment by Type2.2.1 Color Masterbatch2.2.2 Filler Masterbatch2.3 Global Additive Masterbatch Product Segment by Type2.3.1 Global Additive Masterbatch Sales (K Units) and Growth (%) by Type (2013, 2017 and 2025)2.3.2 Global Additive Masterbatch Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Type (2013-2018)2.3.3 Global Additive Masterbatch Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Type (2013-2018)2.3.4 Global Additive Masterbatch Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2013-2018)2.4 United States Additive Masterbatch Product Segment by Type2.4.1 United States Additive Masterbatch Sales (K Units) and Growth by Type (2013, 2017 and 2025)2.4.2 United States Additive Masterbatch Sales (K Units) and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.4.3 United States Additive Masterbatch Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.4.4 United States Additive Masterbatch Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2013-2018)3 Additive Masterbatch Application/End Users3.1 Additive Masterbatch Segment by Application/End Users3.1.1 Plastic Industry3.1.2 Building & Construction Industry3.1.3 Others3.2 Global Additive Masterbatch Product Segment by Application3.2.1 Global Additive Masterbatch Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Application (2013, 2017 and 2025)3.2.2 Global Additive Masterbatch Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Application (2013-2018)3.3 United States Additive Masterbatch Product Segment by Application3.3.1 United States Additive Masterbatch Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Application (2013, 2017 and 2025)3.3.2 United States Additive Masterbatch Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Application (2013-2018)Get discount copy @QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.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
Automotive Engine Mounts Market Global Industry Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017  2025

https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/automotive-engine-mounts-market.asp

https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/14890

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Global Automotive Engine Mounts Market: IntroductionEngine mount is a structural automotive component whose basic function is to secure the engine against road shocks and vibrations, as well as to prevent these vibrations from transmitting to the passenger area. An automotive engine mount holds the engine to the body or the sub-frame of the car. Engine mounts are simple in construction and perform their function by avoiding metal to metal contact, i.e. the engine and vehicle body; to do so, engine mounts are filled with rubber to avoid direct metal to metal contact between the engine and body.Report Overview @Further, engine mounts can also be filled with liquid and vacuum, depending upon the damping requirements. Some automotive OEMs have also introduced electromagnetic mounts to reduce transmission of engine vibration to vehicle body more efficiently. Generally, a car can have two to three engine mounts, varying from manufacturer to manufacturer. Engine mounts generally have a long operational life and require low maintenance and servicing, but once broken they require fast replacement, as engine noise and vibrations felt inside the car increase significantly. The market for engine mounts is expected to witness moderate to healthy growth over the forecast period.The market is expected to witness the introduction of new and advanced products with enhanced damping characteristics. The replacement cost of automotive damping mounts is foreseen to vary significantly, as it depends upon the make and model of the vehicle.Global Automotive Engine Mounts Market: DynamicsThe focus of automotive manufacturers on light weighting and downsizing of under bonnet components is expected to create opportunities for research & development in automotive engine mounts for development of new products or damping materials. Favorable macro-economic environment in developed and developing nations is expected to boost market growth, as increase in vehicle production will in turn create demand for automotive engine mounts. In various countries of Asia Pacific and Africa, where average operational life of vehicle is high, significant replacement demand is expected to be created over the forecast period. On the other side, existing price pressure on manufacturers is expected to affect market growth. Increasing cost of raw material and technology can further hamper growth of the automotive engine mounts market over the forecast period.Request for Table of Contents @Global Automotive Engine Mounts Market: SegmentationThe global automotive engine mounts market can be segmented on the basis of product type, vehicle type and sales channel.By product type, the global automotive engine mounts market is segmented into: Elastomeric Mounts, Passive Hydraulic Mounts, Active Hydraulic Mounts, Electromagnetic Mounts. By vehicle type, the global automotive engine mounts market is generally segmented into: Passenger Cars, Light Commercial Vehicles, Heavy Commercial Vehicles. By sales channel, the global automotive engine mounts market is generally segmented into: OEM,Aftermarket,Global Automotive Engine Mounts Market: Region-Wise OutlookGrowth prospects for automotive engine mounts in prominent automotive hubs in Asia Pacific, Western Europe and North America are expected to remain positive over the forecast period. With relatively high passenger car, LCV, and HCV production, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the demand for automotive engine mounts throughout the forecast period. China, India, ASEAN and South Africa are expected to be key contributors to the growth of the market. Japan is anticipated to witness moderate and steady growth over the forecast period. Europe is expected to be the next major market for automotive engine mounts, in terms of volume and value demand over the forecast period. The market in the region is estimated to remain a dynamic hotspot for research and development over the forecast period, as the region is a base for key technology leaders in the automotive market. The U.S. is expected to account for a major share of the demand in the North America automotive mounts market over the trailing years.Global Automotive Engine Mounts Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants identified in the global automotive engine mounts market are: Federal-Mogul Motorparts CorporationLORD Corporation, GMT Rubber-Metal-Technic Ltd, VETUS, Dea Products Inc., Anchor Industries, Incorporated, Bushings Inc., Tech Products Corporation, Hangzhou EKKO Auto Rubber Parts Co., LtdThe research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application, and industry.Get Sample Copy of this Report @The report covers exhaust analysis on: Market Segments, Market Dynamics ,Market Size, Supply & Demand ,Current Trends/Issues/Challenges, Competition & Companies involved, Technology, Value Chain,Regional analysis includes: North America (U.S., Canada), Latin America (Mexico. Brazil), Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain), Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia), Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand), Japan, Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries, S. Africa, Northern Africa)The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Report Highlights: Detailed overview of parent market, Changing market dynamics in the industry, In-depth market segmentation, Historical, current, and projected market size in terms of volume and value, Recent industry trends and developments, Competitive landscape, Strategies of key players and products offered, Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth, A neutral perspective on market performance, Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintNeed more information about Report methodology ? @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 Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Market 2018  Clariant, AG Ashland Inc., Akzonobel N.V., Albemarle Corp., Solvay SA., Halliburton

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Market Professional Survey Report 2018 to its huge collection of research reports.The report here gathers trade perspectives having a place with the global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals market which verbalizes the present-day data and future exposures with reference to the dynamic powers at play. The prime clarification for the examination report is to offer the endorser with a wide diagram and make open the delightful substances and records. The quantifiable and testing illustrations behind the examination other than executes data on issues, for example, drivers, shackles, and projections to gage the surrendered aftereffect of the global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals market through the cross of the said gage period in the examination report. The report in like course passes on a brief and world class record of the predefined market takes after, which joins a few occasions of the veritable fixations at work which are concentrated to trigger change in the market or may cause any negative effect.Download Free exclusive Sample of this report:This report other than stations into the global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals market by in a global sense isolating the thing and industrialized chain of the market. This is required to in like course help in passing on honest to goodness information and data on compound parts of the fitting market, for example, material relating to systems for the administering body in the standard and global strata, transport and transmission structure, targets, and clarifications behind premium got for the contributed mean.The report utilizes several showed industry examination and whole contraptions. They permit the examination accumulate pass on an uncovered key evaluation of the global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals market and help endorser and market troupes to be made concerning theory and business judgments. The wide reasoning about the examination gives a market position on a conspicuous and minute scale. It accumulates tremendous and optional research structures thusly. The administrators have figured the recorded encounters and rose it from the forward and along these lines around change the condition to plot a structure for the global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals market in the years ahead.Table of ContentsGlobal Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals1.1 Definition and Specifications of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals1.1.1 Definition of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals1.1.2 Specifications of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals1.2 Classification of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals1.2.1 Gelling Agents1.2.2 Friction Reducers1.2.3 Surfactants1.2.4 Corrosion & Scale Inhibitors1.2.5 Acids1.2.6 Others1.3 Applications of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals1.3.1 Hydraulic Fracturing1.3.2 Matrix Acidization1.3.3 Acid Fracking1.3.4 OthersComplete table of content is available at:2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2012-2017E Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2016 Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2012-2017E Global Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Price4.4.2 2016 Oilfield Stimulation Chemicals Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)Get discount copy @QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.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
Supply or Demand  What will Dominate Dubai`s Property Market in 2018?

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In light of the retreat of rental prices witnessed since Dubai`s real estate market peaked in mid-2014, many observers have uttered concerns in view of developers continually announcing new projects, ostensibly paving the way into substantial oversupply and an aggravated price slump.With recently revised supply projections and population figures now at hand Property Blog Dubai has taken an in-depth look into the supply and demand dynamics at play in Dubai`s property market from now going forward.Supply Side: Projections vs RealityInitial projections based on developers` accounts suggested that a total of 104,912 units would be handed over throughout the years 2017 and 2018 (34,127 and 70,785 respectively) whereas the recently revised data hint at substantial delays in construction, now predicting realization rates of 79% for 2017 and 44% for 2018 (source: REIDIN). Figures of actual handovers in 2017 are not available to date. While REIDIN thus assumes delivery of 31,266 units in 2018, real estate analyst Jones Lang Lassalle expects an even lower figure of 20,000 units to come on stream.These numbers suggest that the variance between projection and delivery reality might sum up to a whopping gap of 46,530 or more (JLL) units between projected and actual deliveries in just two years, substantially easing the concerns that have been reiterated recently.Demand SideDemand in housing units is obviously determined by the evolution in population in combination with the population in relation to occupied housing units. The latter parameter had been measured at 4.5 in 2008 decreasing since to a value of 3.9 in 2016 which suggests that a population of 1m residents now occupy 256,000 units as opposed to 222,000 units in 2008. Although this downward trend had seen a temporary reversal since 2011, it appears highly likely that this parameter will not increase to its former heights, especially in light of the fact that substantially smaller, more affordable units now represent the large majority of units in the supply pipeline.The detailed article covering migration dynamics and other factors influencing the housing demand side can be found under the following link:The author`s blog property-blog-dubai.com covers subjects related to Dubai`s property market and its trends and influences from an institutional investor`s perspective.The author has been actively engaged in the Dubai property market since 2005 and advises institutional investors pertaining to their overall investment strategy, ongoing asset management as well as the initiation and execution of property transactions.Property-blog-dubai.comChristian AtzertBusiness Center 4, Floor 8Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade ZoneTel: 00971-56-7786475Web:Mail: author@property-blog-dubai.com
Global Rear Projection Powder Market Outlook 2018: Hongta, Nanmat, Keheng

Global Rear Projection Powder Market

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The research report on Global Rear Projection Powder Market presents an in-depth evaluation of the Rear Projection Powder industry. With attention to Rear Projection Powder key trends, it focuses regulative landscape, drivers, and challenges. It explicitly defines Rear Projection Powder opportunities, standardization with latest technologies. The Rear Projection Powder report serves forecast from 2018 to 2023 to clarify the future roadmap. The deployment models, operator case studies, Rear Projection Powder player profiles are explained in detail.World Rear Projection Powder market study contains a summary that addresses Rear Projection Powder market size, revenue, product scope. The Rear Projection Powder report covers sales volumes and figures together with growth opportunities. Further, it lists current Rear Projection Powder trade leaders and their sales/revenue metrics. Additionally, it delivers Rear Projection Powder growth estimation in returning years.The report covers both sides of the worldwide Rear Projection Powder market, starting from the basic market data and advancing a lot of to vital necessary criteria. Rear Projection Powder trade analysis report analyzes, tracks, and presents the global Rear Projection Powder industry size of the most important players in every region around the world. What is more, the report provides information of the leading players within the Rear Projection Powder market.Get Sample Report @Different Analysis of the Global Rear Projection Powder Market:Regional Analysis focuses on the Rear Projection Powder in Global market, especially in Japan, China, Southeast Asia, Europe and North America, India. The growth of Rear Projection Powder industry is expected to grow with significant CAGR during the forecast period from 2018 to 2023.Type Analysis displays the production, price, Rear Projection Powder market share and growth rate of each type. Alongside, the application analysis focuses on the standing and outlook for major Rear Projection Powder applications/end users. Also analyzes the consumption (sales), share and Rear Projection Powder growth rate for each application.Top Manufacturers of Global Rear Projection Powder Market:Intematix CorporationNichiaGrirem Advanced MaterialsMitsubishiJiangmen YuandaNemotoHongtaNanmatKehengInquire about Report @Global Rear Projection Powder Market Report Provides Comprehensive Analysis of Following:Rear Projection Powder Market segments and sub-segmentsIndustry size & Rear Projection Powder sharesRear Projection Powder Market trends and dynamicsMarket Drivers and Rear Projection Powder OpportunitiesSupply and demand of world Rear Projection Powder industryTechnological inventions in Rear Projection Powder tradeRear Projection Powder Marketing Channel Development TrendGlobal Rear Projection Powder industry PositioningPricing and Brand StrategyDistributors/Traders List enclosed in Positioning Rear Projection Powder MarketGlobal Rear Projection Powder Market Highlights:A complete background analysis of Rear Projection Powder Systems trade, together with an evaluation of the parental market. Also, it delivers emerging Rear Projection Powder trends by local markets and segment. Another key point is market shares and approaches of key players in Rear Projection Powder market. At the same time, it explains the current and calculable size of Rear Projection Powder market. In addition, it depicts narration and estimation of recent Rear Projection Powder industry developments.Rear Projection Powder market report guarantees that you may stay higher advised than your competition. With structured tables and figures examining the Rear Projection Powder market, the document provides you a leading product, submarkets, market revenue and forecasts to 2023. Comparatively, it includes major players, present, past and futuristic data.In conclusion, Rear Projection Powder Market 2018 report presents the descriptive analysis of the parent market. This study is a valuable guide for all the Rear Projection Powder trade competitors. The Rear Projection Powder report not only gives you a deeper understanding but it also helps you in significantly predicting the future scope of the Rear Projection Powder market. Thus, the Rear Projection Powder report helps the new aspirants to inspect the upcoming opportunities in the Rear Projection Powder market.About Us:Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.Market.Biz has access to the world's most comprehensive and up-to-date databases in your business sector, including countless market reports that can provide you with valuable data relating to your business. We understand the needs of our clients, and keep our reports updated as market requirement changes.Contact US:PRUDOURJames JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor, Office Number 4,Vishwa Arcade, Near Navale Lawns,Pune, Maharashtra, India 411041Tel: +1(857)2390696Email: inquiry@market.bizWebsite:Blog:
Cellular Networks Market 2018 Key Players - AT&T Inc. , Verizon Communications , Alcatel Lucent , Bharti Airtel Ltd

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Market Highlights:In the recent years, smart phone usage has been increased tremendously and expected to grow at much higher speeds in future. This rapid increase in mobile phones is creating a large impact on cellular network.Two mobile devices are connected to each other through cellular network, by cells connected under base stations over a wide geographical area. For this, the cellular operators are offering two types of subscription such as pre-paid and post-paid.In the current market scenario, cellular networks are using 4G technology through 3GPP family under LTE band. The advanced technology 5G is still in research phase and successfully tested by some of key market players. In Mobile World Congress Barcelona, NTT Docomo demonstrated remote control of robots via virtual remote system through 5G technology hitting a download speed of 15Gbps during the demo. Trails have also demonstrated network slicing to support delivery of services tailored to specific types of customer or service, combination of technologies such as massive MIMO, or complex beam forming that are needed to achieve very high speeds; or backhaul, cloud and edge computing arrangements to support very low potentials.Motorola Solutions partnered with Kodiak to offer its cloud based PTT solution and management platform, which provides instant performance over existing networks. Idea and Vodafone merged its operations in India to reduce the operating costs and to provide quality services to its customers.Request a Sample Report @Market Research Future identifies some of the key players in the global marker: AT&T Inc. (U.S), Verizon Communications (U.S), Alcatel Lucent (France), Bharti Airtel Ltd (India), NTT Docomo (Japan), Reliance Communications Ltd (India), Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singapore), China Mobile Ltd (China)Regional Analysis:By region, the Cellular Networks Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the world. AT&T and Verizon are leading the cellular network in the North American market. With USD170 billion annual sales, AT&T is the worlds biggest telecom company. To expand its coverage and strengthen the quality of services, it acquired DirecTV and Time Warner in 2016. The New York-based Verizon has suffered sales fall in the last quarter. Verizon has made a huge investments in the development of 5G technology. Furthermore, to provide quality services, it merged with AOL and Yahoo in April 2017. In the European market, Vodafone holds the first place in terms of volume of subscribers. After acquiring Liberty Global communications, it doubled its number of subscribers in terms of mobile connections and expanded its services in 4G technology.Even though North America and Europe are key players in the cellular network, they are expected to show slow growth in the coming years. Asia Pacific is estimated to be the key specific region over the coming years due to high increase in mobile connectivity rates and digitalization in the countries such as China and India. Reliance communications merger with Sistema is projected provide spectrum access to provide 4G services across Asia level. The industries are going to employ remote monitoring, cloud connectivity, remote operation and remote maintenance to move towards automation.Browse Full Report @Market Segmentation:The global cellular networks market is segmented on the basis of technology, frequency, and application and by connection type. On basis of frequency, the segment is further classified into EDGE, UMTS and LTE. EDGE refers to Enhanced data rates for GSM revolution. It is one of the most widely used frequency before 3G. UMTS refers to Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, commonly known as frequency for 3G. It was the first network that was fast enough to support mobile browsing. It laid the foundation for IoT. LTE refers to Long Term Evolution, which is advanced than 3G. It draws less battery power and enables co-existence and roaming. The emergence of other Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN), such as LoRA and SigFox, and comparatively higher costs of cellular modules may hamper the market growth in the coming years.Intended Audience: Network Operators Data Base Solutions Software Developers Product Manufacturers Wireless service providers Network ProvidersAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.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:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Invisible Dental Braces Market: Global Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, Trends & Forecast to 2024

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Dental braces are used to correct the problems of teeth and help in proper aligning of teeth. Dental braces are custom made appliances they work by keeping the pressure on the teeth to straighten them. Various types of dental braces are currently available in the market. They are metal braces, ceramic bases, lingual braces and invisible dental braces. Traditional metal braces and ceramic braces are most commonly used however they cause pain, sores and patient discomfort from wires and brackets and owing to their appearance that these not much opted. To overcome the aforementioned problems invisible dental braces are gaining traction. Invisible dental braces are transparent in nature and didnt have any wires or brackets like traditional braces.Request for Table of Contents @On top of that invisible dental braces are removable and less time-consuming procedures but traditional dental braces are irremovable. The cost of invisible dental braces is almost equal to traditional braces, and the costs of treatment are also reimbursed. Hence, patients are opting for these invisible dental braces. According to the survey, about 1 million Americans over the age of 18 years are wearing dental braces. The market is mainly driven by an increase in dental cosmetic surgeries, dental tourism, and favorable reimbursement scenario is driving the growth of this market. The major restraint for this market is the lack of much products when compared to the traditional braces.On the basis of the product type global invisible dental braces market is segmented into lingual braces and external braces. Lingual dental braces also referred as nano braces or incognito braces. Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, and they are not invisible due to their positioning. Companies like 3M (Incognito and iBraces), DENTSPLY (In-Ovation L) and American Orthodontics (Harmony) are involved in manufacturing and marketing of lingual dental braces. External braces are similar to the traditional braces, but they are not invisible. External invisible dental braces are smooth and comfortable made of the polyurethane polymer. The primary differentiating factor for external invisible braces are removable but lingual braces are not. Companies like Align Technology (Invisalign), Angel Align (Angel align Pro) and Clear correct (Clear correct aligner) are involved in developing and marketing of the external invisible braces.Based on the end user, the global invisible dental braces market is segmented into hospitals and dental clinics. Dental clinics are expected to have market share than the hospitals over the forecast period.Get Sample Copy of this Report @On the basis of geography, Invisible Dental Braces market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa. North America accounts the major market share due to reimbursement for the invisible dental braces and increases in dental cosmetic surgery are the major factors boosting the growth of this market during the forecast period. Europe and Asia Pacific Invisible Dental Braces market are expected to grow over the forecast period.In Asia-pacific, an increase in dental tourism over the years specifically in the countries like India, Thailand, and Singapore and low cost based treatment are fueling the growth of this market over the forecast period. For instance, invisalign products international volume has increased to 32.5% from 2015 to 2014 this is primarily due to the strong performance by Asia Pacific region and Europe. Hence, companies are devising strategies to invest more in Asia Pacific and European regions to increase their revenues.Major players in the Invisible dental braces market include ClearCorrect. 3M, Dentsply International, Align Technology, Ormco, Angel Align and American Orthodontics. Align technology has generated sales revenue of around $ 845 Mn in the FY 2015 for its Invisalign products. Company is targeting different age groups by launching their products specific to their age. For instance, it has Invisalign full, teen and Assist products in their product portfolio. The innovation of invisible dental braces is not only restricted to Western countries few companies in Asia Pacific are also actively involved in launching invisible dental braces products. In FY 2016, Angel Align, Taiwan based company, has launched Angelalign Pro invisible dental braces into the Taiwanese market.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Invisible Dental Braces Market SegmentsInvisible Dental Braces Market DynamicsHistorical Actual Market Size, 2013 - 2015Invisible Dental Braces Market Size & Forecast 2016 to 2024Invisible Dental Braces Market Current Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedInvisible Dental Braces Market Drivers and RestraintsReport Highlights:Shifting Industry dynamicsIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected industry size Recent industry trendsKey Competition landscapeStrategies of key players and product offeringsPotential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective towards market performanceNeed more information about Report methodology ? @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,Telephone  +1-646-568-7751USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Cancer Therapeutics and Supportive Care Drugs Market: Key Players, Outlook and Analysis by 2023

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The global market for cancer therapeutics and supportive care drugs was valued at around USD 117.8 billion in 2016 and is expected to reach USD 222.9 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of around 9.7% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2023. Cancer, also called malignancy, is an abnormal growth of cells. There are more than 100 types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. Symptoms vary depending on the type. Cancer treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. 2015 year saw a new high in the number of US food and drug administration approvals of new pharmaceuticals, including new molecular entities (NMEs) and new Biologic License Applications (BLAs), amounting to a total of 45 NMEs and BLAs in all disease states compared with 41 approved in 2014 and much fewer (27) in 2013. Of these 45 NMEs and BLAs entering the market last year, 16 were novel therapies for cancer, providing patients new hope through novel treatment options and new mechanisms of action. New trends in oncology drug development are reflected in the increasing use of biotechnology in the development of anticancer drugs, including immunotherapies or monoclonal antibodies, adoptive-cell therapies, and new vaccines.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:New treatment options have become available in the past five years, and the surge of innovation is expected to continue due to a robust pipeline of drugs in clinical development by a large and diverse group of pharmaceutical companies. Innovations in the development of new drugs and therapies, large number of new drugs entering into the market with FDA approval, increasing prevalence of cancerous patients, availability of new treatment options in the market and rise in base of aging population are the key driving factors for the growth of this market. In addition, changing lifestyle habits of populations, increased patients healthcare awareness, and increasing demand for non-invasive therapies are further expected to propel the market growth in the coming years. Along with these driving factors, the market for cancer therapeutics is facing some challenges such as time consuming regulatory compliance and high cost of cancer drugs. However, the market for cancer therapeutics and supportive care drugs is likely to rise in the future due to the large number of ongoing innovations for the treatment of cancer.Geographically, North America is the leading contributor to the market and is expected to retain its position during the forecast period due to high awareness, presence of large base of cancer patients, rise in investments, and various initiatives by government in the healthcare sector. However, Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at a faster rate during the forecast period. This is predominantly due to increased healthcare awareness, technological advancements, significant investments and growing awareness among the population about the treatment options available in the market.For More Enquiry on This Report:The report provides profiles of the companies in the global Cancer Therapeutics and Supportive Care Drugs Market such as, Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca plc, Astellas Pharma Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, AbbVie, Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, etc.About UsInfinium Global Research and Consulting Solutions is started with a single motto of being business partner of first choice. We at Infinium work on the strengths of our clients to ensure we help them consolidate their market position. We firmly believe in the fact that if you are able to develop newer opportunities then you find there is no dearth of opportunities for you. With our strategic research approaches and deep dive in the market segments, we try to find out new opportunities that our clients can encash with their existing resources. Our experts with over 100 years of cumulative experience in research offer the best in the industry services to our clients to ensure that they achieve their business goals.Contact UsInfinium Global Research,Toll Free:U.S. + Canada: 1-800-638-0796,Website :Email: sales@infiniumglobalresearch.com
Xanthan Gum Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2021

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Xanthan gum is a microbial polysaccharide used as a thickener in several industries such as food and beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical. It is also known by other names such as bacterial polysaccharide, and corn sugar gum. Xanthan gum is manufactured by fermenting corn sugar with a bacterium named Xanthomonas Campestris. After the consumption of food containing xanthan gum, it swells in the intestine and stimulates the digestive tract.Request to Sample of Report-Xanthan gum also slows the absorption of sugar in the digestive tract and functions like saliva to lubricate the mouth of people who have Sjogrens syndrome. Xanthan gums are also used in drilling activities in the oil and gas sector. Food and beverage is the key end-use industry for xanthan gum and the bakery and confectionary industry accounts for the largest demand.The growth of end user industries is the key driver for the global xanthan gums market. Rising disposable income is propelling the demand for food and cosmetics, which is consequently boosting the demand for xanthan gums. The consumption of convenience foods that contain xanthan gums has also increased significantly in the recent past. The increasing population and a growing economically-active population in Asia Pacific is further increasing demand for on-the-go foods. Increasing government investment in healthcare is also boosting pharmaceutical sales across the globe, which is driving the xanthan gums market.Request Report for TOC @A mounting demand for gluten-free foods is also driving the xanthan gum market. Xanthan gum is used in the gluten-free baking process for several products such as cookies, cakes and pancakes, muffins and quick breads, breads, pizza dough, and salad dressings. Among these, xanthan gum is used in large quantities in the preparation of pizza dough. The nutritional characteristic of xanthan gum further increases its acceptability, as it contains carbohydrates and fiber.One of the greatest restraints for the xanthan gum market is the availability of guar gum as a substitute. However, guar gum is mostly used in ice cream and pastry fillings, whereas xanthan gum finds its largest use in the manufacturing of bakery products. Another restraint for the xanthan gum market is that it is not suitable for people with certain allergies.Need more information about Report methodology ?Asia Pacific dominated the global xanthan gum market in 2014 owing to increasing demand for bakery and confectionary products from countries such as China, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Europe also has a large share in the xanthan gum market thanks to its large bakery and confectionary industries. Key players in the global xanthan gum market include Danisco, Cargill, Pfizer Inc, Jungbunzlauer, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), CP Kelco, and Fufeng Group Company Ltd.For more information about this Report visit @Key geographies evaluated in this report are: North America- U.S, Canada; Europe- France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK; Eastern Europe- CIS, APAC, China, India, Japan, Australia, Others, Latin America, Argentina, Brazil, 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.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Blink Mink Eyelash extensions at Quality Beauty Store

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Quality Beauty Store specializes mainly in eyelash extensions products, such as lash adhesives, eyelash extensions, accessories, semi-permanent make-up supplies, etc. At Quality Beauty Store we have different types of eyelash extensions, but today we would like to tell you more about Blink Mink lash extensions.Mixed Mink Eyelashes by Blink are made of premium PBT fiber, which has very flexible form, ultra light weight and shiny surface. Mink eyelashes are lighter and more flexible than conventional synthetic lashes. These individual synthetic Mink Lashes are high gloss, curled and tapered to perfection and will give your clients soft and natural look. They are easier to apply than regular eyelash extension. The trays contain a selection of different lengths (7 ~ 14mm) to allow for faster and more convenient application. For the best effect do not forget cleaning the lashes with an oil free cleanser, and using a primer before initial application. It is important to use quality aftercare products to make the extension lashes last longer. Blink mink eyelash extensions applied by a beauty professional can look as natural or as glamorous as you like, so you can wake up every single morning with perfect lashes.We also sell wholesale eyelashes to bulk buyers. Just place your bulk order online with us now. Spend 100 or more & save 5% on your order! Spend 500 or more & save 10% on your order!For your convenience we also have a loyalty scheme called QBS Rewards to thank our customers for their loyalty and build long-term relationships. If you spend 1 on our website you start earning points immediately. Earn 1 point per every 1 you spend in our store and redeem them on your future purchases at any time. Earn your first FREE 100 points by simply creating account with us!All the eyelash extensions products are used and acknowledged by leading masters and salons all over the world and are recommended for professional use only. If you need an advice on choosing the right eyelash extension dont hesitate to contact us and we will get in touch with you at the soonest possible time. For more information, please, visitQuality Beauty Store is an online store with accessories and products for eyelash extensions.Quality Beauty Store80 Sandringham Crescent, Leeds, LS17 8DF, UK+447780870708info@qualitybeautystore.comMihail
Global Geosythetics : Big opportunity and Worldwide Growth of Market Professional Survey Report 2018

Geosythetics

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22 Feb 2018"Global Geosythetics Market Professional Survey Report 2018" with coming years Industries Trends, projections of Global Growth, Major key player and Case study, Review, Share, Size, Effect.. .Report Description-' 'Geosythetics Market thinks about the focused scene measure of the business. Advancement designs and strategies at the preparing side are conjointly incorporated into the Geosythetics report. The chief areas focused on Geosythetics Market square measure (United States, EU, China, and Japan).Encourage in the report, observable particulars of Geosythetics Market including the mechanical advancement, monetary variables, opportunities and dangers to the expansion of Geosythetics Market square measure canvassed in detail amid this report. The execution of Geosythetics Market for the span of 2018 to 2025 is being anticipated amid this report.. . Get Sample Report' 'The basic reason for the Geosythetics report is to find, elucidate and gauge the worldwide market considering different perspectives, for example, application, benefit, arrangement, association size, district, and sending mode. The report deliberately investigates each portion and sub-fragment concerning the individual development patterns, commitment to the entire market, and the future conceivable outcomes.The report offers the scientific read of the business by learning different components like Geosythetics Market development, utilization volume, Market patterns and Geosythetics business value structures all through the figure sum from 2018 to 2025.We have incorporated into profundity investigation about the intensity among various market players for giving complete perspective of the Geosythetics Market. The report serves point by point data about the makers of the Geosythetics Market alongside entire data about organization's business, income, mechanical improvements, creation that are utilized and are made alongside their vital advancements.Taking everything into account, Geosythetics Market 2018 report exhibits the unmistakable investigation of the parent Market upheld best players, present, past and creative development data which will work as a guide in making benefit for all the Geosythetics business contenders.. . Detail Repot with Table of Contents. .The Geosythetics report considers nitty gritty data of the key business players to get a handle on their business procedures (Keyplayer), yearly income, organization profile and their commitment in the Geosythetics Global Market Share. Different elements with respect to Geosythetics business, for example, the offer chain situation, import/export out subtle elements, and business gauges are likewise specified in Geosythetics Market 2018 report.To Total things up, the report ponder has bolstered development, limitations, openings, practicable investigation, and major country and states.-- Point of View --.........3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Geosythetics3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Geosythetics Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Geosythetics Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Geosythetics Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Geosythetics Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global Geosythetics Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Geosythetics Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Geosythetics Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2012-2017E Global Geosythetics Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2016 Geosythetics Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2012-2017E Global Geosythetics Sales Price4.4.2 2016 Geosythetics Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)5 Geosythetics Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America Geosythetics Market Analysis5.1.1 North America Geosythetics Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2012-2017E Geosythetics Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2012-2017E Geosythetics Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2016 Geosythetics Market Share Analysis5.2 China Geosythetics Market Analysis5.2.1 China Geosythetics Market Overview5.2.2 China 2012-2017E Geosythetics Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.2.3 China 2012-2017E Geosythetics Sales Price Analysis5.2.4 China 2016 Geosythetics Market Share Analysis5.3 Europe Geosythetics Market Analysis5.3.1 Europe Geosythetics Market Overview5.3.2 Europe 2012-2017E Geosythetics Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.3.3 Europe 2012-2017E Geosythetics Sales Price Analysis5.3.4 Europe 2016 Geosythetics Market Share Analysis5.4 Southeast Asia Geosythetics Market Analysis5.4.1 Southeast Asia Geosythetics Market Overview5.4.2 Southeast Asia 2012-2017E Geosythetics Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.4.3 Southeast Asia 2012-2017E Geosythetics Sales Price Analysis5.4.4 Southeast Asia 2016 Geosythetics Market Share Analysis5.5 Japan Geosythetics Market Analysis5.5.1 Japan Geosythetics Market Overview5.5.2 Japan 2012-2017E Geosythetics Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.5.3 Japan 2012-2017E Geosythetics Sales Price Analysis5.5.4 Japan 2016 Geosythetics Market Share Analysis5.6 India Geosythetics Market Analysis5.6.1 India Geosythetics Market Overview........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 Atopic Dermatitis : Big opportunity and Worldwide Growth of Market Report| 2018 Edition

Atopic Dermatitis

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https://www.researchmoz.us/global-atopic-dermatitis-market-report-2016-edition-report.html

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22 Feb 2018"Global Atopic Dermatitis Market Report: 2016 Edition" with coming years Industries Trends, projections of Global Growth, Major key player and Case study, Review, Share, Size, Effect.. .Report Description-' 'Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease of unknown origin that usually starts in early infancy, but also affects a substantial number of adults. Atopic dermatitis is a long lasting skin disease that affects a large percentage of the world's population and is a special type of hypersensitivity that is associated with asthma, inhalant allergies (hay fever), and a chronic dermatitis. The symptoms of atopic dermatitis are itching, red to brownish grey patches and small raised bumps.. . Get Sample Report' 'The main cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown but it is assumed to be caused due to genetics, dry skin and environmental conditions. Multiple factors can trigger or worsen atopic dermatitis, including low humidity, seasonal allergies, exposure to harsh soaps and detergents, and cold weather. There has been no specified biologic till now for atopic dermatitis. But recent efforts by many companies have shown positive results and the first biologic may get launched in 2017. After that many other products are still in pipeline.The key factors which are anticipated to drive atopic dermatitis market include increase in global population, improvement in the global health care expenditure, accelerated economic growth, pollution and climatic factors and role of triggers. Some of the significant developments of this industry include introduction of new biologics, biomarker in atopic dermatitis and opportunity for new entrants. However, the challenge to be faced ahead is time to be taken in drug adoption, high price and legal regulations.This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the atopic dermatitis market. Furthermore, market dynamics such as key trends and development; and challenges are analyzed in depth. On the contention front, the global market is reined by few major players namely Sanofi, Glaxo Smithkline (GSK), AstraZeneca and Roche Holding. The competitive landscape of the respective market, along with the company profiles of the leading players are also discussed in detail.. . Detail Repot with Table of ContentsResearchMoz 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
Evolving Market Access Strategies Industry: Know The Key Growth Drivers Developments and Innovations

ReportsWeb

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http://www.reportsweb.com/evolving-market-access-strategies-pricing-and-reimbursement-landscape-in-major-developed-pharmaceutical-markets?publisher_name=CBR+Pharma+Insights&page=1

GBI Research's latest report, "Evolving Market Access Strategies - Pricing and Reimbursement Landscape in Major Developed Pharmaceutical Markets" assesses developments within the key elements of market access such as Health Economics and Outcome Research (HEOR), Health Technology Assessment (HTA) as well as pricing and reimbursements strategies for pharmaceutical products. This new report also discusses the need to integrate market access strategies earlier into the drug development process, in order to save time and costs related to conducting additional studies to prove the added benefits of a product. Additionally, our new study analyses the role of HTAs in market access and alternatives that could be used in cases where there is limited evidence. Detailed analysis of pricing and reimbursement policies in North America, five key European countries and Japan are also included in this report along with a myriad of relevant case studies. In order to gain optimum market access, companies have to analyze the economic benefit of the treatment, the level of competition and the required reimbursement support.FREE | Request Sample Copy is Available at:ScopePayers continue to play an important role in market access. Products are increasingly being rejected for reimbursement, adversely affecting the market share of these products.- What strategies can pharmaceutical companies implement in order to overcome these challenges?HEOR plays a critical part in market access- How does HEOR help internal decision making?- How can a systemic value development plan (SVDP) optimize HEOR?- How do cost-effectiveness analyses play a role in the commercial success of a new product?HTA has gained importance in reimbursement decisions- What are the different concepts and general processes involved in HTA?- What are the key benefits of HTA?Pricing and reimbursement are the key elements of market access- What are the most important factors considered in pricing decisions?- What are the pricing and reimbursement policies in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Japan?Inquire before Buying at:Publisher conducted extensive research in order to provide a comprehensive view of Evolving Market Access Strategies for healthcare landscape. This new report adds to our unique portfolio of trusted industry analyses that enable our clients to assess the most promising areas in the market and exploit key business opportunities.Key Reasons to PurchaseThis report will allow you to -- Gain insights into current market access strategies and evolving approaches: This report describes fundamental concepts about market access, its key elements and the evolving landscape in key markets.- Understand the role of HEOR in market access and pricing: This report provides insights about role of HEOR in market access and the different economic aspects measured in these studies.- Understand HTA and its role in reimbursement: This includes detailed analysis on the benefits of HTA in market access, the various dimensions of HTA as well as case studies that highlight the role of these studies in the potential commercial success of a product.- Review the involvement of Risk Sharing Agreements (RSAs) in market access: Includes details about the involvement of a RSA when there is limited evidence available for conducting HTAs as well as the various approaches involved in RSAs- Understand pricing of pharmaceutical products in the US: Includes pricing policies in the US along with the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on pricing decisions. Specific case studies deliver analyses of the current market access landscape in the US.- Assess pricing and reimbursement in Europe and Japan: Includes pricing and reimbursement policies in five key European countries and Japan. Specific case studies demonstrate critical market access factors to be considered in these countries.Complete Report is Available at:Contact Us:Phone: +1-646-491-9876Email Id: sales@reportsweb.comAbout Us:ReportsWeb is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township, Amanora Chambers, East Block, Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Poultry Insurance Market 2018 Analysis By Key Players: Zurich, Chubb, QBE, PICC, China United Property Insurance, American Financial Group.

Poultry Insurance Market

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https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3005712-global-poultry-insurance-market-size-status-and-forecast-2025

Poultry Insurance Market:WiseGuyReports.com adds Poultry Insurance Market 2018 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting to 2025reports to its database.Executive SummaryThis report studies the global Poultry Insurance market, analyzes and researches the Poultry Insurance development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeZurichChubbQBEPICCChina United Property InsuranceAmerican Financial GroupPrudentialXL CatlinEverest Re GroupEndurance SpecialtyCUNA MutualAgriculture Insurance Company of IndiaTokio MarineCGB Diversified ServicesFarmers Mutual HailArcher Daniels MidlandNew India AssuranceICICI LombardMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, the product can be split intoNon-Commercial Mortality InsuranceCommercial Mortality InsuranceMarket segment by Application, Poultry Insurance can be split intoChickenDuckTurkeyQuailIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Request Sample Report @Table of ContentGlobal Poultry Insurance Market Size, Status and Forecast 20251 Industry Overview of Poultry Insurance1.1 Poultry Insurance Market Overview1.1.1 Poultry Insurance Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Poultry Insurance Market Size and Analysis by Regions (2013-2018)1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Poultry Insurance Market by Type1.3.1 Non-Commercial Mortality Insurance1.3.2 Commercial Mortality Insurance1.4 Poultry Insurance Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Chicken1.4.2 Duck1.4.3 Turkey1.4.4 Quail2 Global Poultry Insurance Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Poultry Insurance Market Size (Value) by Players (2013-2018)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 Zurich3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Poultry Insurance Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Chubb3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Poultry Insurance Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 QBE3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Poultry Insurance Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 PICC3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Poultry Insurance Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 China United Property Insurance3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Poultry Insurance Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 American Financial Group3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Poultry Insurance Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Prudential3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Poultry Insurance Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 XL Catlin3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Poultry Insurance Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Everest Re Group3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Poultry Insurance Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 Endurance Specialty3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Poultry Insurance Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 CUNA Mutual3.12 Agriculture Insurance Company of India3.13 Tokio Marine3.14 CGB Diversified Services3.15 Farmers Mutual Hail3.16 Archer Daniels Midland3.17 New India Assurance3.18 ICICI Lombard4 Global Poultry Insurance Market Size by Type and Application (2013-2018)4.1 Global Poultry Insurance Market Size by Type (2013-2018)4.2 Global Poultry Insurance Market Size by Application (2013-2018)4.3 Potential Application of Poultry Insurance in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Poultry InsuranceContinuousFor further information on this report, visit Contact Us:Norah Trentsales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US); +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone :+91 841 198 5042
Global Pet Medication Market Research Report 2018 : Zoetis, Merck, Bayer, Novartis

QYResearchReports

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Pet Medication Market Research Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.The global Pet Medication market is witnessing a frequent alteration in its dynamics. Emphasizing on these changes, this research report offers an in-depth assessment of the performance of this market during the period from 2018 to 2025. In this research report, experts have determined the attractiveness of this market with the help of various significant analytical tools, such as investment return analysis and market feasibility assessment. The future status of the worldwide market for Pet Medication has also been predicted by them on the basis of results attained from these evaluations.These assessments also help in the expansion of the worldwide market for Pet Medication and provide a clear picture of the impacts of various crucial strategies implemented by leading market participants for the expansion of their businesses over the past few years.Fill the form to get free report sample on this market @The research report further examines the competitive landscape of the global market for Pet Medication by studying the company profiles of the major market participants thoroughly. It also categorizes the market into various segments on the basis of a number of major market factors. The industry chain and the government policies and regulations that influence the demand for Pet Medication have also been studied at length in this report.Global Pet Medication market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingZoetisMerckMerialElancoBayerBoehringerNovartisVirbacCevaIn conclusion, the report examines the worldwide market for Pet Medication on the basis of the availability of products. The volume of production, products pricing, and the revenue generated in the overall market are the key factors, based on which analysts determine the performance of this market. The sales dynamics and the production chain have also been assessed in this research report. The report is aimed at providing a clear picture of the global market for Pet Medication to participants and help them in preparing apt strategies to attain a competitive edge over their rivals.Table of Contents1 Pet Medication Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Pet Medication1.2 Pet Medication Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Pet Medication Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Pet Medication Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.3 Global Pet Medication Segment by Application1.4 Global Pet Medication Market by Region (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Pet Medication (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Pet Medication Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Pet Medication Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)2 Global Pet Medication Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Pet Medication Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Pet Medication Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Pet Medication Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Pet Medication Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Pet Medication Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Pet Medication Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Pet Medication Market Competitive Situation and TrendsClick here to avail discount on this reports @3 Global Pet Medication Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Pet Medication Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Pet Medication Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Pet Medication Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Pet Medication Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Pet Medication Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Pet Medication Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.7 China Pet Medication Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.8 Japan Pet Medication Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4 Global Pet Medication Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)4.1 Global Pet Medication Consumption by Region (2013-2018)4.2 North America Pet Medication Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.3 Europe Pet Medication Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.4 China Pet Medication Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.5 Japan Pet Medication Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.6 Southeast Asia Pet Medication Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.7 India Pet Medication Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)5 Global Pet Medication Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Pet Medication Production and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.2 Global Pet Medication Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.3 Global Pet Medication Price by Type (2013-2018)5.4 Global Pet Medication Production Growth by Type (2013-2018)List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Pet MedicationFigure Global Pet Medication Production (K MT) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Types (Product Category) (2013-2025)Figure Global Pet Medication Production Market Share by Types (Product Category) in 2017Figure Global Pet Medication Consumption (K MT) by Applications (2013-2025)Figure Global Pet Medication Consumption Market Share by Applications in 2017Figure Global Pet Medication Market Size (Million USD), Comparison (K MT) and CAGR (%) by Regions (2013-2025)Figure North America Pet Medication Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure Europe Pet Medication Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure China Pet Medication Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure Japan Pet Medication Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)Figure Southeast Asia Pet Medication Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2013-2025)About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.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.com
Fiber Optic Market is expected to grow at USD 6 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of ~10%

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1169

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/fiber-optic-market-1169

Market Highlights:The global fiber optics market is growing with the rapid pace is mainly due to high bandwidth communication for long distance via optical fiber which is propelling the fiber optics market growth to the large extent. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, The global market of fiber optics is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period. The market is projected to demonstrate a spectacular growth by 2023, surpassing its previous growth records in terms of value with a striking CAGR during the anticipated period (2017  2023).The global fiber optics market is driven due to the increasing demand of latest technologies such as RFID, Fiber and NFC and others which is boosting the market growth fiber optics. The RFID tag which is integrated into the optical fiber cable, connectors, adapters and others is used to accomplish the tracking automatically in data centers. The growing opportunities in the healthcare sector such as endoscopic imaging applications, and biomedical sensing applications are boosting the market growth of fiber optics.Fiber Optic market is mainly driven by the demand for high speed internet around the world as the traditional wires are not able to meet the expectation. Fiber Optic is mainly used for the transfer and exchange of datas digitally. Growing countries which are adopting the new technology for high speed internet is creating huge demand for the Fiber Optics. Major opportunities in the market are the advances in technologies leading to an increase in the data transmission rate and factors & trends defining the telecommunications industry across the globe. Adoption of Internet attributes to the several factors including increase in the number of connected devices in homes, increase in the demand for Over-The-Top or OTT video content, and the increasing Internet access. All these factors have led to an increase in Internet users, which in turn has led to the higher usage of optical fiber cable to transfer information over the Internet. Fiber Optic empowers data transmission, attributed to this, augmented adoption of cloud computing, data transfer & storage, and IoT is fuelling the extended use of Internet, eventually fostering the market growth of Fiber Optics market.Request a Sample Report @Some of the prominent players in the global fiber optic market: Optical Cable Corporation (U.S.), Sterlite Technologies (India), Fujikura Limited (Japan), Finolex Cable Limited (India), Ofs Fitel, Llc (U.S.), Prysmian Spa (Italy), Infinera Corporation (U.S.), Corning INC. (U.S.), Birla Furukawa Fibre Optics (India), AFC Group (Australia), Molex Incorporated (U.S.), Anixter International (U.S), Luna (U.S.), Avantes (U.S), Pepperl+Fuchs (Germany), Geokon, Incorporated (U.S.), L-com.com (U.S.), TE Connectivity (Switzerland), Extron Electronics (U.S.) and among others.Global Fiber Optic Market is expected to grow at USD 6 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of ~10% during the forecast period 2017-2023.Due to the density of access installations, the balance has shifted more towards accessories. In fact, a dominant theme is that the market for optical fiber cable has shifted dramatically in the past five years to local deployments. This is the impact of FTTX, which calls for far more dense applications in neighbourhoods, cities and other highly focused areas. Savvy optical components vendors are making the changes necessary for optical fiber to succeed in these markets. Optical fiber cable is being caught up in the global move to broadband.Fiber-optic cables are predominant medium of carrying information over long distances because they have three very big advantages over traditional copper cablesLess attenuation: (signal loss) Information travels roughly 10 times further before it needs amplifyingwhich makes fiber networks simpler and cheaper to operate and maintain.No interference: Unlike with copper cables, there's no "crosstalk" (electromagnetic interference) between optical fibers, so they transmit information more reliably with better signal qualityHigher bandwidth: As we've already seen, fiber-optic cables can carry far more data than copper cables of the same diameter.Macquarie University scientists have developed worlds first optical fiber technology which can help detect a wide range of gases with unprecedented sensitivity, with potential applications ranging from breath analysis to air-quality monitoring. The discovery, outlines the development of an optical fiber device which encompasses an invisible infrared laser coupled to an ultra-broadband super continuum generator.Get a Complete Report @Competitive AnalysisCharacterized by the presence of well-established players; Fiber Optic market appears to be highly competitive. Well established players incorporate acquisition, collaboration, partnership, expansion, and product launch in order to gain competitive advantage in this market and to maintain their market position. Vendors are focusing on improving their market performance and are expanding by acquiring promising companies in the fast-growing markets. Marketers employ a continuous improvement strategy to analyze and update the software, implementing improvements and launching new technologies to meet the changing needs of consumer. These manufactures develop a well-established infrastructure that allows seamless implementation of advanced technologies. They strive to develop unravel design and adept technology Heavy investments are transpired in R&D sector from the major players which is in turn helping the market to grow. The global drive to implement FTTX into more new venues is good news for makers of optical fiber and related components.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:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Polyetheramine Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Size,Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 20172025

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/452

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https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/polyetheramine-market-452

Polyetheramine are curing agents that contain polyether and amines. Polyetheramine comprises primary amino groups that are attached to polyether end based on ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or a mixture of both these compounds. Polyetheramine imparts superior toughness, flexibility, low color and low viscosity. It is available in colorless liquid form and has odor similar to amines. This compound finds a wide range of application in coatings industry. It is used in the production of polyurea coating technologies, pigment formulations and epoxy applications. Polyetheramines are also used in the epoxy curing and polyamides in coatings industry. It is also used in the hot melt adhesives, sealants and engineering composites.Polyetheramines has moderate glass transition and long pot life. It leads to high reactivity of curing systems and harder films, reduced moisture uptake and improved abrasion resistance. As polyetheramines have a wide range of molecular weights, repeating unit type and amine functionality, it provides a wide range of opportunities for the manufacturers and key players to design new compounds. The surge in wind energy industry is expected to augment the demand for polyetheramines, thus boosting the growth of this market, globally. Another major factor driving the growth of this industry is the growing building and construction industry. However, the increasing focus on bio-based products in end use industries is anticipated to hamper the growth of polyetheramines market over the forecast period.Request Sample of Polyetheramine Market:Polyetheramines Market Taxonomy:On the basis of product type, the global polyetheramine market is classified into:MonoamineDiamineTriamineOthersOn the basis of application, the global polyetheramine market is classified into:PolyureaAdhesivesSealantsEpoxy coatingsCompositesFuel additivesOthersEpoxy coating is the major contributor in the global polyetheramine market. Rising urbanization coupled with the increasing development in the construction of new offices and homes is expected to drive the growth of this segment. In addition, the increasing investments in epoxy coatings in construction industry are projected to boost the expansion of this segment over the forecast period.To Get Discount On This Report:Polyetheramine Market Outlook  Increasing Environmental and Soil concern to be the Major Market DriverAsia Pacific and North America are expected to be the most potential markets for polyetheramines manufacturers. Asia Pacific market is projected to witness relatively high growth in terms of value over the forecast period. Emerging economies such as India, Thailand, Indonesia and China are expected to be a major contributor to the polyetheramine market in Asia Pacific. This trend is expected to be followed over the forecast period. The increasing end use industry such as adhesives and sealants in this region is anticipated to boost the demand for polyetheramines, thus fueling the growth of global polyetheramines market.Unique and versatile physical properties have boosted the growth of polyetheramine market, especially in Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. Product plant expansion, developing innovative portfolio are some of the key strategies adopted by the top players in the global polyetheramine market. In June 2015, Huntsman Corporation expanded its Jurong Island polyetheramines facility in Singapore to 50,000 tons. The company invested US$ 100 million in the expansion of this facility. This expansion was done with the view to meet the growing demand for polyetheramines in Asia-Pacific region.Some of the major companies operating in the global polyetheramine market include Huntsman Corporation, Clariant, BASF SE, Yangzhou Chenhua New Materials Co., Ltd, IRO Surfactant Co., Ltd., Wuxi Acryl Technology Co., Ltd., Yantai Dasteck Chemicals Co., Ltd., Yantai Minsheng Chemicals Co., Ltd, Aurora Chemical Co. Ltd., and Zibo Dexin Lianbang Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.Check The Trending Report of Polyetheramine 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.com
Blood Banking Market Forecasts  American Red Cross, Japan Red Cross Society, New York Blood Center

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MarketStudyReport.com has announced the addition of the 'Global Blood Banking Market' The report focuses on global major leading players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.This report studies the Blood Banking market, and blood banking refers to the process of collecting, separating, and storing blood. A blood bank is a center where blood gathered as a result of blood donation is stored and preserved for later use in blood transfusion. The term "blood bank" typically refers to a division of a hospital where the storage of blood product occurs and where proper testing is performed (to reduce the risk of transfusion related adverse events). However, it sometimes refers to a collection center, and indeed some hospitals also perform collection.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Blood Banking market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Request a sample copy of Blood Banking Market Research Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers American Red Cross, Japan Red Cross Society, New York Blood Center, Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, America?s Blood Centers, Canadian Blood Services, Shire (Baxalta), CSL, Grifols, Octapharma, Kedrion, LFB Group, Biotest, BPL, RAAS, CBPO, Hualan Bio, Sichuan Yuanda Shuyang, Abbott, Beckman Coulter, BD, Bio-Rad Laboratories, bioM?rieux, Cerus, Haemonetics, Immucor, Fresenius Kabi, MacoPharma, Ortho-Clinical, Terumo BCT, Kawasumi.An inherent sub-vertical of the Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare industry space, Blood Banking market stands to gain remarkable proceeds over 2017-2022, as per a recently compiled report Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Table of Contents:Global Blood Banking Market OverviewGlobal Blood Banking Market Manufacturers ProfilesGlobal Blood Banking Market Competition, by ManufacturerGlobal Blood Banking Market Analysis by RegionsGlobal Blood Banking by CountriesGlobal Blood Banking Market Segment by TypeGlobal Blood Banking Market Segment by ApplicationBlood Banking Market Forecast (2017-2022)Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and DealersResearch Findings and ConclusionAppendixMarket Segment by Type, covers Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into Enquire For Discount on Blood Banking Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Blood Banking market.Chapter 1, to describe Blood Banking Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Blood Banking, with sales, revenue, and price of Blood Banking, 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 Blood Banking, 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, Blood Banking market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Blood Banking sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceFor More Info on Market Research @Related Reports: -EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Antivenom Market 2017 Forecast to 2022Antivenom, also known as antivenin, venom antiserum and antivenom immunoglobulin, is a medication made from antibodies which is used to treat certain venomous bites and stings. They are only recommendCentralize market research purchases across your entire organization in one place.Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study ReportThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News:Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter
Global Molasses Market Market Anticipated to Surge at a CAGR of 5.3% Through 2025

MRRSE

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New research report offers a comprehensive analysis of the Molasses Market - Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017 - 2025 The main objective of this report is to deliver insightful information and clear-cut facts pertaining to the growth trajectories of the market.Request to view Sample Report @Global Molasses Market: SnapshotThe growth of global molasses market is due to its high consumption in animal feed industry and biofuel industry. The major production source of molasses is sugarcane and regions such as APAC and Latin America provides the most favorable environment for the sugarcane production and so it directly influences the molasses market. The molasses is produced as a by-product in sugar production and so regions producing large quantity of sugar serves as major molasses producing regions.The revenue generated from molasses market is estimated to be valued at roughly US$ 12,106.3 Mn by the end of 2017 and is expected to increase at a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period. Global molasses market are expected to be valued at approximately US$ 18,281.7 Mn by the end of 2025.Industrial Use Segment Boasts Clear Dominance in Global Market based on End UseThe global molasses market can be segmented on the basis of source, type, nature, end-use, and distribution. By source, the molasses market is segmented into sugarcane and sugarbeet. The sugarcane segment acts as the major source for obtaining molasses, with an accounted market share of 88.1% in 2016, in terms of volume. On the basis of type, the molasses market can be segmented into regular molasses, blackstrap molasses, and others. The blackstrap molasses segment serves as the dominant segment with an anticipated market share of 55.3%, over the forecast period. By nature, the molasses market is segmented into conventional & organic. Though the conventional segment possesses an anticipated market share of 81.2% by 2025 end but the organic segment is likely to have a relatively higher CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period due to consumer awareness of consuming the organic food.By end-use, the global molasses market can be segmented into industrial uses, commercial uses and household uses. The industrial segment can be further segmented into food and beverage industry, animal feed industry, biofuel industry, and other industrial applications. The industrial end-use segment is estimated to account for a significant revenue share of 76.9% in 2017 and is expected to register high growth rate during the forecast period. Furthermore, on the basis of sales channel, the molasses market is segmented into direct and indirect sales. The indirect sales segment can be further segmented into modern trade, convenience stores, online stores, and others. Amongst these segments, the direct sales segment is anticipated to occupy the largest market share of 87.2% over the forecast period, in terms of volume.Browse Full Report with TOC @Holding Majority Share, Asia Pacific Emerged Dominant in Overall MarketOn the basis of region, the market in APAC and Latin America is expected to dominate over the forecast period followed by Europe. In current era also, APAC dominates the global molasses market with an anticipated share of 42.7% over the forecast period in the global market share. The rising demand for molasses as a thickening agent, especially in bakeries and confectionaries has emerged as the chief driver of the global molasses market. Favorable policies by government and industrialization witnessed across emerging nations, will enable the molasses market prosper in Asia Pacific in the coming years.The major key players in the global molasses market includes Michigan Sugar Company, B&G Foods, Inc., Crosby Molasses Co Ltd., Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc., Cora Texas Manufacturing Company, LLC, Malt Products Corporation, Westway Feed Products LLC, Good Food Inc., Sweet Harvest Foods Inc., Domino Specialty Ingredients.About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At:
Bubble Tea Market | CAGR of 7.3% Estimated during 2018-2023 | Key Players Profiles and Application Forecast

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https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/bubble-tea-market-3953

Competitive Analysis:With the entry of industry players, a trend of solid, volume-driven growth has been observed in the market with the development of different varieties of product types. With companies aiming to capture a considerable share of the market segment as early as possible, they are competing and experimenting with various advantage points. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be captured by ensuring ongoing process improvements and financial flexibility to invest in the optimal strategies.The key players profiled in the Global Bubble Tea Market are as Bubble Tea House Company (U.K.), Bubblelicious Tea Ltd. (U.K.), Lollicup USA Inc. (U.S.), Sumo's (M) Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) and Gongcha (Hong Kong).Receive a Sample Report @Market Overview:Bubble tea, which is indigenous to Asian region has gained new found markets and demographics globally where its demand is swiftly rising. Market Research Future, a firm which specializes in market reports related to Food, Beverages & Nutrition sector among others, recently published a report on this market. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period.The bubble tea industry has diversified mainly due to the increased demand from the consumer trends and positive exposure in terms of marketing strategies initiated by various industry players. Health benefits of bubble tea in comparison to junk food option have made it a relatively popular drink. In connection with the health and wellness trend, bubble tea has also gained increased traction with individuals focused on consuming healthier alternatives in terms of beverages.Industry Segments:Bubble tea market has been segmented on the basis of tea type which includes black tea, green tea, rum, oolong tea, white tea, and others. Green tea type will witness higher growth rate due to increasing consumption of green tea across the globe. Bubble tea product has been segmented on the basis of milk type which comprises of dairy and non-dairy. Diary type bubble tea will continue to dominate the market as it is highly popular in the Asia Pacific region. Bubble tea product has been segmented on the basis of jelly type which comprises tapioca pearls, basil seeds, fruit, gelatin and other. Bubble tea with tapioca pearls will grow at higher rate during the forecast period. Bubble tea product has been segmented on the basis of product type which comprises smoothies, milkshakes, ready-to-mix and other. Smoothies made from bubble tea will grow at higher rate during the forecast period.Regional Analysis:The Global Bubble Tea Market is segmented into North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific along with rest of the world (RoW). Asia Pacific region is estimated to dominate the market followed by Europe. China and Taiwan are the major bubble tea producers in the Asia Pacific region. China dominates the market in this region due to increasing consumption of blended tea drinks. Increasing popularity of flavored tea from developed countries like U.K., Germany and Italy is influencing the market growth in the Europe region. Increasing awareness about health benefits of bubble tea is supporting the market growth in the North America region.Access Report Details @Latest Industry News:Oct 2017 The Lollicup Fresh brand which is a pioneer of the United States bubble tea industry and has continued to thrive over the years. They have recently opened a new outlet in Westwood Village following a grand opening. The outlet will offer boba, selective hot and cold drinks, and entrees for a reduced price.Nov 2017 popular bubble tea brand Gong Cha has made its Singapore comeback with the opening of its first outlet at SingPost Centre. In June, all 80 Gong Cha stores here were converted to LiHo outlets by RTG Holdings, which brought the bubble tea chain here in 2009 and expanded it islandwide. Gong Cha (Singapore) will be under the leadership of Mr Kang Puay Seng, co-founder and former managing director of Mr Bean food and beverage chain.Nov 2017 London-based bubble tea chain Bubbleology is looking to open in Bath. The company, Europes largest bubble tea franchise, has opened stores across the country and is looking for investors in Bath to get involved and be a part of the brand for as little as 60,000. Depending on location type and requirements, the minimum personal cash investment for the Bubbleology franchise is 60,000 and the remaining 60,000 would be funded by banks associated with the company.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.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Coil Coatings Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 20162024

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/288

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/toc/288

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/coil-coatings-market-288

Coil coating is a continuous and automated process for coating metals before building into end products. The steel or aluminum substrate is delivered from the rolling mills in coil form. The metal coil is placed at the beginning of the coating line and in a continuous process at 700 feet per minute the coil is unwound, pre-treated, pre-cleaned, pre-primed, and pre-painted. Coil coating provides for controls that are virtually not possible to attain with other painting processes. A flat sheet is used in coating process as it allows for mechanical cleaning with the spray cleaning. The flat sheet also allows excellent control of coating weights for the pretreatment as well as the paint depending upon the equipment and the paint system being applied.Coil coatings provide durable surfaces, beautiful topcoats, innovative applications, cost savings and green benefits as compared to other substrates and coating options. Steps involved in coating process are stitching the strip to the previous coil, cleaning the strip, power brushing, pre-treating with chemicals, drying the strip, applying primer on one or both sides, curing (up to 60 seconds), cooling the strip, top coating on one or both sides, second curing, cooling down to room temperature, and finally the rewinding of the coated coil.Request a sample copy of this report:Coil Coatings Market Taxonomy:On the basis of product type, the global market is classified into:PlastisolsPolyurethane (PU)PolyesterPolyvinylidine Fluorides (PVDF)Silicone Modified PolyesterOn the basis of application, the global market is classified into:AutomobileConstructionTransportationConsumer goodsCoil coatings are used in the lighting industry in decorative details and lighting fixtures in office buildings, educational institutions, retail spaces, hospitals, factories, government buildings and warehouses. They are also used in film laminate for applications which require a very high specular reflectance or mirror-like reflection, such as fluorescent light fixtures, solar tubes, and reflectors. Coil coatings are also used as a sound dampening solution for metal roofing. The principal application segments for coil coatings are steel and aluminium are among. Increasing steel and aluminium demand in construction and transportation industries is expected to promote coil coatings market.Access Table of Content (TOC) of the report:Coil Coatings Market Outlook  Increasing Demand for Lightweight Materials to be the Major Market DriverAsia Pacific and North America are expected to be the most potential markets for Coil Coatings manufacturers. Asia Pacific is projected to witness relatively high growth in terms of value over the forecast period. This is mainly attributed to the anticipated growth in various end use industries such as automotive and construction, especially in developing countries such as China and India. According to IBEF, the Indian automotive industry is expected to be valued at US$ 300 billion by 2026. This trend is expected to be followed over the forecast period. India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) is a Trust established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce in collaboration with the Government of India with the purpose of promoting and creating international awareness of goods manufactured in India.Need for cost effective and durable coatings are firing the demand for coil coatings, especially in Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. However, the substitution of metals by plastics is one of the restraining factors for the coil coatings market. Expansions and acquisitions is a key strategy adopted by the major players. AkzoNobel, a leading coatings and paints manufacturer inaugurated a new coatings plant in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. With an investment of US$ 46.5 million (INR 3 crore), the new facility has added 6000 kl of annual production in coatings. This will help the company to penetrate the Asia Pacific market and increase supply chain. Some of the major companies operating in the coil coatings industry include BASF SE, Henkel AG & Company, DuPont, The Beckers Group, Kansai Paint Chemical Limited, AkzoNobel, PPG Industries Inc., The Sherwin-Williams Company, and Wacker Chemie AG.To know the latest trends and insights prevalent in this market, click the link below: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
Old Testament Revelations Illuminated By Modern-Day Revelations In 'Gideon The Sound And The Glory' By Award Winning Author Joseph Ganci

Author Joseph Ganci

http://www.gideonsglory.com

Many people are fascinated with a spiritual revelation for a variety of reasons. The need to get closer to God's mind remains the supreme driving force for thousands of years. While some may think everything that could be said has been said, that is not necessarily correct; in fact, it is blatantly heretical to believe that God has stopped talking to his children.A prophet, seer, revelator, Oracle, sibyl, and sage, these are the titles of those gifted with the divine spark of insight that brings into focus a treasure trove of previously undiscovered mysteries. In Hebrew, the word is Midrash, referring to the earliest commentaries attached to biblical writings. Modern interpretations or modern Midrash of the Old Testament, however, is far more exacting to detect missing details in original scriptures correctly.It is a stretch to comprehend the unique concepts, language, and culture of such an ancient people. Unraveling their oral traditions with our modern-day tools of examination is especially challenging. Connecting countless puzzle pieces of antiquity brushed over through numerous generations of scholars, novices, sinners, and saints. A patchwork of seemingly unrelated incidents stitched and stamped, here a little, and there a little, forms a vivid tapestry of interconnecting threads that become a simple picturesque mosaic, profound in its application, yet compellingly undeniable. Why me? And Why now? Undoubtedly this sense of doubt was the case for Joseph Ganci, the author of 'Gideon: The Sound And The Glory'. A scriptural scholar and a Levite himself, his calling to write the novelized tale of Gideon led him to say the same thing as Gideon, "Why me? I am a man of no consequence, and the least regarded in my Fathers house."I think too, said, Ganci, that this is the time of the quickening, meaning that mans complete store of knowledge will increase exponentially. It is a time when a well-structured question can bring to light, deep wells of understanding, and a variety of possibilities long since hidden in dust and shadows. This work is a one hundred and one percent collaboration with God. God did one hundred and one percent, and I did all the rest.Readers will learn about the Jewish Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, the mysterious Golden Ephod, how, and why, David found himself at his battle with Goliath, and much, much more. This work illuminates the dark corners of scripture while engaging readers in a gripping narrative.Joseph Ganci was recently chosen as one of '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' in the 2017 Book Awards. 'Gideon: The Sound and the Glory' has received rave reviews from readers and reviewers alike. A recent reviewer stated, "Joseph Gancis prose is arresting, peppered with fantastic imagery and succinct descriptions of plot, characters, and setting. The themes are masterfully created, and they are woven into the story in a way that allows the reader to enjoy both the inspiration the story offers and the accompanying action. The book explores powerful spiritual and political themes, capturing the conflicts and the dynamics of life within the community of God's chosen people. Gideon: The Sound and the Glory will appeal to fans of political thrillers, adventure, and conflict-driven stories laced with intense action." Other reviewers have used phrases such as "riveting," "amazing" "deftly crafted" and "highly recommended."Ganci has also announced he will make his book available as a fundraising tool for like-minded associations and charities. Donors can receive an eBook version of 'Gideon' in exchange for a donation to a worthy cause. For more details, contact Joseph via email.Joseph Ganci is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at joseph@gideonsglory.com. 'Gideon: The Sound and the Glory' is available in both print, eBook, and a superb, ethnically correct audio narration. All from online retailers. More information is available at Ganci's website.Joseph Ganci is a Levite and a high priest and remains a passionate Italian. He is a Vietnam combat veteran and is the father of five daughters and five grandchildren. He resides in Texas.PO Box 1613Shallotte NC 28459
Poly ADP-Ribose Polymerase Global Key Players  Amgen Inc, Calypso Biotech SA, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd Market Analysis & Forecast 2018 to 2025

PARP Inhibitor

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WiseGuyReports.com with their unique quality of simplifying the market research study, presents a deep diving study report PARP Inhibitor - Pipeline Review, H2 2017PARP InhibitorOverviewPARP means poly (adenosine diphosphate [ADP] -ribose) polymerase. It is a family of 17 enzymes that combine several (poly) units of ADP-ribose in a chain (the PAR chain) and transfers them to the target proteins.This helps to restore DNA when it is damaged. DNA can be damaged by many factors, including exposure to UV rays, radiation, some anti-cancer drugs or other substances in the environment. PARP inhibitors block an enzyme critical to the repair of single stranded breaks in DNA. Inhibition of this DNA repair enzyme can lead to cell death, particularly in cancer cells that carry deficiency in other DNA repair pathways.Click here for sample report @Major Key PlayersTesaro Inc.Clovis OncologyAstraZenecaGlenmark Pharmaceuticals LtdImmusanT IncAbbvie IncPARP Inhibitor Industry Major OutlookPARP inhibitors play an effective maintenance role in current cancer-combating strategies with its superior effect to that of existing ovarian cancer treatment. Currently, Talazoparib and Veliparib are in Phase III clinical trials and Rucaparib, Olaparib and Niraparib are approved PARP drugs which are currently present in the market for ovarian cancer. PARP inhibitors improve progression-free survival in women with recurrent ovarian cancer, sensitive to platinum.The U.S. is the major market of PARP inhibitor supported by PARPi for ovarian cancer in the market. The U.S. region is likely to experience further growth of PARP inhibitor market with upcoming PARP inhibitors and growing cases of cancer.The global PARP inhibitor market is expected to grow in future due to increasing ageing population, rising cancer incidences, rise in health expenditure and improving economic conditions and vast unmet medical need. Key trends in this market include a combination of PARP and immuno therapy, increasing awareness, development of biomarkers and strong research and development efforts. However, there are some factors which can hinder the market growth including side effects, resistance to PARP inhibitors and regulatory challenges.The report Global PARP Inhibitor Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2018-2025) 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 Europe region along with the global market. The four major players: Tesaro Inc., Clovis Oncology, AstraZeneca and Abbvie Inc. are being profiled along with their key financials and strategies for growth.PARP Inhibitor - Competitive AnalysisKey players are making innovative developments in PARP Inhibitor industry. The same will help in improving the market performance. Heavy investments are made by major players in the R&D sector.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Global Analysis of Virus Filtration : Big opportunity and Worldwide Growth of Market | Industry Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2018 - 2024

Virus Filtration

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https://www.researchmoz.us/virus-filtration-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2016-2024-report.html

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22 Feb 2018"Virus Filtration Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024" with coming years Industries Trends, projections of Global Growth, Major key player and Case study, Latest Evaluation of Recent Industry Developments, Higher Volume Shares, Projected Size, Macro and Micro-economic Effect.. .Report Description-' ' Virus filtration is an important procedure in the pharmaceutical industry. It ensures the purity and steady consumption of valuable products, besides optimizing the economic process and preventing loss. Virus filtration feed streams generally exhibit high purity and heavy product concentrations. Retrovirus and parvovirus filtration membranes are two ultrafiltration membranes tested (and their performances compared) using realistic model feed streams consisting of minute virus of mice (recommended from FDA).. . Get Sample Report' ' This approach provides an industry-relevant benchmark for the engineering competence of virus filters. Asymmetric membranes operate in direct flow and in a constant pressure mode in accordance with the industrial practice of virus filtration. However, new developments in research and development using flux method allow to image at the performance of virus filtration and similar ultrafiltration membranes, which also provides insights into designing virus filtration membranes. Hike in R&D expenditure, development of the biopharmaceutical industry, and increasing government funding for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are driving the global virus filtration market. According to the parenteral drug association, parvovirus filters in the downstream process have become an industry standard and a common regulatory expectation in the recent years. The filters consistently demonstrate highly effective retrovirus retention without impacting the quality of the product across a wide range of parameters and are an effective method to reduce virus risks in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The filtration technique needs to be approved by the U.S. food and drug administration (FDA). Regulatory agencies in Germany and France require the manufacturing processes to be evaluated and the units to be cleared of the multiple models of relevant viruses before being marketed as authorization. These stringent government validation practices are expected to be a hindrance for the global virus filtration market. The market has been segmented by product type, application, end-users, and geography. In terms of product type, it is classified into the following categories: virus filters, kits and reagents, filtration systems, and others. It majorly has biological applications, besides being employed in medical devices, water purification, stem cell products, vaccine & therapeutics, and others. Based on end-user, its divisions include pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies (which use virus filtration techniques in order to prevent unavoidable contamination in products), medical device companies, and contract research organizations. Filtration systems and devices are becoming popular because they deliver a high level of retention assurance and productivity across a broad range of feed stream characteristics. Rising industrialization coupled with the rapid evolution of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and water purification sectors, along with demand for medical devices & implants are likely to propel the virus filtration market by 2024. Geographically, the market is distributed over North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America is the dominant region due to the increasing modern industrialization, sophisticated infrastructure, patient awareness, and high per capita health care expenditure here. Moreover, the emerging trend of single-use techniques provides a boost to the pharmaceutical & biotechnology market, in turn motivating the virus filtration market. This is followed by Europe where there exist favorable government policies regarding health care infrastructure and awareness programs about the various diseases which can spread among the population through the air, water, or even products generated from industries. In 2013, the ICH (international conference on harmonization of technical requirements for registration of pharmaceuticals for human use), a project that brings together the regulatory authorities of Europe, Japan, and the U.S., discussed the scientific and technical aspects of drug registration in order to streamline the testing requirement for research and development of new medicines and eliminate unnecessary delays in their global development. The market in Asia Pacific is projected to expand swiftly due to rising population, changing lifestyles, rising number of awareness programs for patients, and the ever-increasing per capita expenditure. In addition, economic growth supports pharmaceutical and biotechnology units in developing countries such as India, China, and Singapore. All these factors collectively support the virus filtration market in Asia Pacific. Key players operating in the market include Merck KGaA, GE Healthcare, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Lonza Group Ltd., Pall Corporation, Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, Sartorius AG, Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd., and WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman) 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 analysis  The 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. A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.  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 market. . Detail Repot with Table of ContentsResearchMoz 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
Mobile Health (mHealth) Market is Supposed to Reach $60 Billion By 2020

Mobile Health (mHealth) Market

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New York, February 22, 2018: The mHealth market is segmented based on Equipment as Blood Glucose Meters, BP monitors, Pulse Oximeters, Neurological Monitoring, Cardiac Monitors, Apnea & Sleep Monitor, Wearable fitness sensor device and Heart Rate Meters, Others. The mHealth market is segmented based on service as Wellness Services Market,Prevention Services Market, Treatment Services Market, Diagnosis Service Market, Monitoring Services Market, Healthcare Systems Strengthening Solutions Market. The mHealth market is segmented based on Stakeholders as Mobile Operators, Device Vendors, Healthcare Providers, Application Players.The mHealth market is segmented based on Therapeutic segment as Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Respiratory, Neurology, Others.The era of mHealth is eHealth which means electronic health which is health care services through mobile technologies such as mobile phones. To generate data on an individuals biology, physiology, as well as the daily environment, mHealth uses wireless and mobile technologies. There are increasing incidences of chronic diseases such as heart ailments, diabetes, and cancer is expected to boost demand. 3G & 4G LTE networks enable services such as video calling & high-speed data transfer which further helps in the fast delivery of telemedicine services. The services are provided in a two way as well as one way mode which is dependent on the data access programs.Global mobile health (mHealth) market is estimated to reach $60 billion by the end of 2020 at a CAGR of 33% till 2020.Browse Full Report:The major driving factors of mHealth market are as follows: The number of active subscribers is increasing and the coverage of mobile networks is growing. This in turn increases the demand for smart devices. There is increase in the occurrence of the lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity fueling to the growth of the market. There is an increase in the cost of medical services and complexity. Although the per capita income is increasing but there is no increase in the quality of medical services. There is an increase in the inclination towards preventive care. Portability, ease of use, automation and customizationThe restraining factors of Mobile Health (mHealth) market are as follows: Lower accuracy and the nascence of technologies especially in developing and under-developed regions.The mobile health market geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geography market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.This report provides:1) An overview of the global mHealth Market and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2020.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for mHealth Market.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for various types of mHealth market with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Philips healthcare, Omron HealthCare Inc., Bayer Healthcare, LifeWatch, Cardionet Inc., Masimo Corporation, Sanofie, Boston Scientific, AT&T Inc., and Johnson & Johnson. Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.Request Sample Report:The Market Segmentation of Mobile Health Market:BY EQUIPMENT Blood Glucose Meters BP Monitors Pulse Oximeters Neurological Monitoring Cardiac Monitors Apnea & Sleep Monitor Wearable fitness sensor device and Heart Rate Meters OthersBY SERVICE Wellness Services Market Prevention Services Market Treatment Services Market Diagnosis Service Market Monitoring Services Market Healthcare Systems Strengthening Solutions MarketBY STAKEHOLDERS Mobile Operators Device Vendors Healthcare Providers Application PlayersBY THERAPEUTIC SEGMENT Cardiovascular Diabetes Respiratory Neurology OthersBY GEOGRAPHY North America Europe Asia Pacific Rest of the WorldReasons to buy this Report:1) Obtain the most up to date information available on all active and planned mHealth Market globally.2) Identify growth segments and opportunities in the industry.3) Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historic and forecast of mHealth Market industry and unit capacity data.4) Assess your competitors refining portfolio and its evolution.About MarketResearchEngine.comMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Devices Market Overview Till 2024 | Industry Size, Share and Forecast

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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.Request for Table of Contents @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.Get Sample Copy of this Report @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.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.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Devices Market SegmentsMRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Devices Market DynamicsHistorical Actual Market Size, 2014 - 2015MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Devices Market Size & Forecast 2016 to 2022MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Devices Market Current Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedMRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Devices Market Drivers and RestraintsNeed more information about Report methodology ? @Report Highlights:Shifting Industry dynamicsIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected industry size recent industry trendsKey Competition landscapeStrategies of key players and product offeringsPotential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective towards market performanceAbout 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,Telephone  +1-646-568-7751USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Wood Coatings Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast to 2025

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Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has been serving as an active source to cater intelligent research report to enlighten both readers and investors. This research study titled Wood Coatings MarketRequest a Free Sample Report @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.Global Wood Coatings Market: Drivers and Restraints and TrendsThe 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 marketThe 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.For More Info about This Report Visit @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: SegmentationThe report includes Porters 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 AnalysisThe 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).Have any Query? Ask Our Expert @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 teams expertise and market understanding.The global wood coatings market has been segmented as follows:Global Wood Coatings Market, by Resin AnalysisPolyurethaneAcrylicsMelamine FormaldehydeNitrocelluloseOthersGlobal Wood Coatings Market, by Product AnalysisStains & VarnishesShellacsLacquersOthersGlobal Wood Coatings Market, by Technology AnalysisOil basedWater basedSolvent basedGlobal Wood Coatings Market, by Application AnalysisFurnitureCabinetsSide & DeckOthersGlobal Wood Coatings Market, by Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaEuropeGermanyFranceU.K.SpainItalyRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaASEANRest of Asia PacificMiddle East & AfricaGCCEgyptSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaCheck Discount on This Report Visit @About Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At:
Global Dairy Alternatives Market Is Expected To Reach US$26.31 Bn By The End Of 2024, Expanding At A CAGR Of 13.8%

Dairy Alternatives Market

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Dairy Alternatives Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.The report covers the analysis and forecast of the diary alternatives market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2015 along with the forecast for the period between 2016 and 2024 based on revenue (US$ Mn) and Volume (Kilo Tons).The study provides a detailed view of the diary alternatives market by segmenting it based on product type, formulation, application and distribution. On the basis of product type, the diary alternatives market has been further segmented into soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, coconut milk and other type of products. The diary alternatives market has been segregated on the basis of formulation into plain formulation and flavored formulation. Plain formulation is sub segmented into plain sweetened formulation and plain unsweetened formulation. Flavored formulation is sub-segmented into flavored sweetened formulation and flavored unsweetened formulation. On the basis of application, the diary alternatives market is segregated into food and beverages. On the basis of distribution, the diary alternatives market is segmented into large retail, small retail, specialty stores and online distribution channel.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global Dairy Alternatives Market: Scope of the StudyA comprehensive analysis of the market dynamics that is inclusive of market drivers, restraints and opportunities is included in the purview of the report. Additionally, the report includes potential opportunities in the diary alternatives market on the global and regional level. Market dynamics are the factors which impactthe market growth, thereby helping to understand the ongoing trends of the global market. Therefore, the report provides the forecast of the global market for the period from 2016 to 2024, along with offering an inclusive study of the diary alternatives market.The report provides the size of the diary alternatives market in 2015 and the forecast for the next nine years up to 2024. The size of the global diary alternatives market is provided in terms of both volume and revenue. Market revenue and volume is defined in US$ Mn and Kilo Tons respectively. The market size and forecast for each product and application segment are provided in the context of global and regional markets. Numbers provided in this report are derived based on demand generated from different applications and types products. Market dynamics prevalent in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific have been taken into account for estimating the growth of the global market.Global Dairy Alternatives Market: Research MethodologiesMarket estimates for this study have been based revenue being derived through regional pricing trends. The price for commonly utilized quality of diary alternatives in each application and function has been considered. Demand for diary alternatives has been derived by analyzing the global and regional demand for diary alternatives in each application for its respective functions. The global diary alternatives market has been analyzed based on expected demand. Average selling price of diary alternatives products in the major countries has been taken into consideration to estimate regional and global revenue. Forecasts have been based on the expected demand from diary alternatives applications. We have used the bottom-up approach to estimate the global revenue of diary alternatives market, split into regions. We have initially determined the volume and price in every region for the diary alternatives market. Revenue has been determined with the help of volume and price derived from every region.Based on product type, formulation, application and distribution, we have summed up the individual revenues from all the regions to achieve the global revenue for diary alternatives. The application split of the market has been derived using a bottom-up approach for each regional market separately, with the global application segment split being an integration of regional estimates.Companies were considered for the market share analysis based on their product portfolio, revenue, and manufacturing capacity. In the absence of specific data related to the sales of diary alternatives of several privately held companies, calculated assumptions have been made in view of the companys product portfolio and regional presence along with the demand for products in its portfolio.Get Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @Global Dairy Alternatives Market: Competition AssessmentRegional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America. These have been further sub-segmented into countries and regions with relevance to the market. The segmentation also includes demand for individual product and applications in all regions.The competitive profiling of the key players in the global diary alternatives market across five broad geographic regions is included in the study. These include different business strategies adopted by the leading players and their recent developments as in the field of dairy alternatives.The report covers a detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and company profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report are Archer Daniels Midland Company, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Blue Diamond Growers, THE WHITEWAVE FOODS COMPANY, Freedom Foods Group Limited, Daiya Foods Inc., SunOpta, Inc., The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Earths Own Food Company, Inc., Eden Foods, Inc., Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing Company among others.The market has been segmented as follows:Global Dairy Alternatives Market: By Product Type- Soy Milk- Almond Milk- Rice Milk- Coconut Milk- OthersGlobal Dairy Alternatives Market: By Formulation- Plain Formulation- Plain Sweetened Formulation- Plain Unsweetened Formulation- Flavored Formulation- Flavored Sweetened Formulation- Flavored Unsweetened FormulationGlobal Dairy Alternatives Market: By Application- Food- Dessert- Cheese- Snacks- Spreads- Others- BeveragesGlobal Dairy Alternatives Market: By Distribution- Large Retail- Small Retail- Specialty Stores- OnlineMake an Enquiry of this report @Global Dairy Alternatives Market: By Geography- North America- U.S.- Rest of North America- Europe- U.K.- Germany- Italy- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific- China- India- Japan- Rest of Asia Pacific- Middle East and Africa- UAE- South Africa- Rest of Middle East and Africa- Latin America- Brazil- Rest of Latin AmericaAbout 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.ResearchMozState 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 @
In-depth Analysis Of Global Robotic Surgery Market Major Trends, Growth Drivers 2016 Edition

Robotic Surgery Market

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Robotic Surgery Market Report: 2016 Edition" to its huge collection of research reports.Medical robotics is an advanced discipline within the field of robotics which involves the development of robots that can perform various medical tasks. It has the potential to relieve strain on many health care systems by automating tasks, freeing up health care workers. Medical robots can also be stand-ins for doctors and nurses for certain types of health care, such as triage in an emergency room. The application of robotic systems for surgery is a part of computer-integrated surgery systems, wherein the robot represents a single element of a larger system designed to assist a surgeon in carrying out a surgical procedure.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The key factors driving the growth of the robotic surgery market are growing ageing population, rising healthcare expenditure, rising incidence of chronic and infectious diseases, increasing demand for laparoscopic surgery and economic development. Some of the noteworthy trends and developments of this industry are introducing image guided laparoscope control, introduction of rehabilitation robotics, next generation devices, systems and instruments, new entrants to open up surgical robotics market, expanding use of robot in general surgery and rising demand for information technology. However, the expansion of global robotic surgery market is hindered by soft-tissue challenges, challenges of laparoscope control posed by surgeon-controlled surgical robots, regulatory risk and risks of robotic assisted surgery.The report Global Robotic Surgery Market provides an in-depth analysis of the global robotics market, global market for medical robotics along with a focus on application of da Vinci system worldwide. The major trends, growth drivers as well as issues being faced by the industry are being presented in this report. The major players in the industry are also being profiled.By combining SPSS Inc.s data integration and analysis capabilities with our relevant findings, we have predicted the future growth of the industry. We employed various significant variables that have an impact on this industry and created regression models with SPSS Base to determine the future direction of the industry. Before deploying the regression model, the relationship between several independent or predictor variables and the dependent variable was analyzed using standard SPSS output, including charts, tables and tests.Table of Content1. Robotic Surgery - An Introduction1.1 Medical Robotics1.2 Robotic Surgery2. da Vinci Surgical System - An Introduction2.1 Types of da Vinci ModelsGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @3. Global Robotics Surgery Market3.1 Global Robotic Market by Segment3.2 Global Robotic Market Growth Rate3.3 Global Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery Market4. da Vinci Surgical System4.1 Global da Vinci Installed Base by Volume4.2 Global da Vinci Installed Base Share by Region4.3 Global Number of da Vinci Procedures4.4 Number of Procedures  US Vs Outside US5. The US da Vinci Procedures5.1 The US Gynecology Procedures5.2 The US Urology Procedures5.3 The US General Surgery Procedures6. Market Dynamics6.1 Growth Drivers6.1.1 Rising Demand for Laparoscopic Surgery6.1.2 Growing Demand for Minimally Invasive Surgery6.1.3 Colorectal Surgery & Hernia Repair Cases6.1.4 Rising Incidence of Chronic and Infectious Diseases6.1.5 Ageing Population Worldwide6.1.6 Rising Healthcare Expenditure6.1.7 Accelerating Economic Growth6.2 Market Trends6.2.1 Robotic Surgeries on the Rise6.2.2 Image Guided Laparoscope Control6.2.3 Introduction of Rehabilitation Robotics6.2.4 New Entrants to Open Up Surgical Robotics Market6.2.5 Expanding Use of Robot in General Surgery6.2.6 Rising Demand for Information Technology6.3 Challenges6.3.1 Soft-Tissue Challenges6.3.2 Challenges of Laparoscope Control6.3.3 Regulatory Risk6.3.4 Risks of Robotic SurgeryContinue...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.ResearchMozState 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 @
Well Completion Equipment and Services Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2017-2025

Well Completion Equipment and Services Market

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/toc/1282

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/well-completion-equipment-and-services-market-1282

Well completion is the process of making oil and gas well capable of production after drilling is accomplished to signified depth. It comprises an entire completion processes, which include running the production tubing, setting the downhole tools, and numerous other operations, which are carried out for making the well ready for production. Furthermore, the process of stimulation to improve the productivity of a well is also involved in well completion operation.Increasing exploration and production activities across the globe backed by increasing number of rigs is contributing to growth of the well completion equipment and services market. For instance, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) aims to increase crude oil production from 22.6 MT (million tons) in 2017 to 26.42 MT in 2022. However, fluctuating oil price is a major factor restraining growth of the well completion equipment and services market worldwide.Access Table of Content (TOC) of the report:Global Well Completion Equipment and Services Market TaxonomyGlobal Well Completion Equipment and Services market is segmented into:By EquipmentPackersPermanent PackerRetrievable PackerRetrievable Tension PackerRetrievable Compression Packer with BypaasWireline Set  Tubing RetrievbleRetrievable Tension/Compression Set  Versatile LandingRetrievable Hydraulic Set Single String PackerDual String PackerPermanent and Retrievable Sealbore PackerOthersPerforation/Fracturing ToolsLaserHydraulic PunchesMechanical PunchesWater JetOthersSand Control ToolsPremium Mesh Sand ScreenDirect Wire Wrapped Sand ScreenPrepacked Sand ScreenOthersLiner HangersValvesSubsurface Safety ValveFlow-Control ValvesFormation Isolation ValveOthersMultistage Fracturing ToolsSmart WellsOthersBy ApplicationOnshoreOffshorePackers hold the largest market share in the well completion equipment and services market as it provides numerous services such as zonal isolation, seal between inside of the casing and production tubing, wellbore wall, and other services. In 2017, TAM International Inc. an oilfield services company introduced casing annulus packers with the Deadbolt valve system, which is designed to run in harsh environments.Onshore segment dominated the global well completion equipment and services market. According to U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2015 the Global onshore crude oil production was 71% and that of offshore was 29%. However, offshore oilfield activities are projected to be the fastest growing segment, owing to growing offshore exploration and production activities in deep and ultra-deep waters.Global Well Completion Equipment and Services Market OutlookNorth America dominated the market of well completion equipment and services in 2016. Shale gas revolution and the presence of major players has further driven the well completion equipment and services market in this region. According to Baker Hughes Company, in 2017, the rig count in the U.S. was 940, which was up 431 from 509 counted in 2016. This has further resulted in increasing installation of well completion equipment and thereby, has contributed to the overall growth of this market in North America.Asia Pacific is projected to have a significant growth in the well completion equipment and services market, owing to increasing energy demand in the economies such as China, India, and Indonesia. According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), Indias demand for energy is anticipated to double from 700.50 Mtoe (Million Tons of Oil Equivalent) in 2015 to 1,516 Mtoe in 2035. Major players are focused on enhancing production capacities to meet increasing demand of this region. For instance, in 2015, Pertimina Corporation, Indonesias national oil company, purchased 30% of Murphy Oils assets in Malaysia, aiming to enhance Indonesias hydrocarbon production from overseas assets.Middle East is the prominent market in well completion equipment and services. Many oil and gas companies are seeking investments in this region in order to increase their profit margin. Moreover, in 2015, Afek Oil and Gas Company limited, subsidiary of Genie Energy Ltd. (U.S.), discovered oil reserves in the Golan Heights, a Syrian territory, which is occupied by Israel and is 10 times larger than an average oilfield.Africa is accounted to be one of the fastest growing markets in the well completion equipment and services market, owing to development in offshore oil and gas exploration and production activity. In 2010, an estimated 85 trillion cubic feet of gas was discovered in the Rovuma basin in Mozambique. Significant discoveries in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa have boosted the growth of oil and gas industry in this region, hence, fueling the market growth of well completion equipment and services. The US Geological Survey estimates that the coastal area of Tanzania and Mozambique could retain 14.5 billion barrels of oil and 250 Tcf (trillion cubic feet) of gas.The major players in well completion equipment and services include Halliburton Company, Schlumberger Ltd., Baker Hughes, Inc., Weatherford International Plc, National Oilwell Varco, Inc., Superior Energy Services, Nabors Industries Ltd., Trican Well Service Ltd., and Packers Plus Energy Services.To know the latest trends and insights prevalent in this market, click the link below: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
Real Estate Management Solution Market: Global Industry Trend Analysis 2012 to 2017 and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Unremitting growth in population throughout the globe along with increasing disposable incomes, is creating enormous demand of rental/leased, or non-rental property. More than 40 million families in the U.S. have become renters in the last decade. This growth in demand for rental properties is stimulating the demand for Real Estate Management Solutions and Services. However, in terms of technology the real estate industry is lagging behind with a huge gap and several inefficiencies.Read Report Overview @Majorly, Real Estate Management Solution comprises of property management features (property posting, property management, document management, data security, and control and authorization) along with client relationship management (lead management, campaign management, account management, reporting, and overall deal management).Real Estate Management Solution Market: Drivers & ChallengesThe real estate investment market currently is potentially huge, being estimated at approximately seven trillion USD. But, in terms of technologies and innovation, the real estate industry has lagged behind in comparison to other industries. In order to reduce the cost involved, increase returns, and better manage real estate properties, the property managers and owners are moving towards Real Estate Management Solution which aids in easier management of property. This need is driving the market for Real Estate Management Solutions market.Request Sample Report@Also, factors like need for data security, real-time access of data, scalability with evolving business needs, and reduction in time involved, are pushing the demand for efficient property management solution/ Real Estate Management Solution. One of the few challenges being faced by real estate companies in the Real Estate Management Solution market is with educating/introducing the usage of these solutions to their staff. Extensive training is required to train the employees for using these Real Estate Management Solutions.The Real Estate Management Solutions have experienced considerable adoption across the industry, amongst large property management agencies, property owners, and property managers including small traditional property managers. But, in the present scenario, adoption of advanced technologies such as machine learning and AI which gives an upbeat approach to real estate management, is trending in the industry, expected to push the Real Estate Management Solution market.North America is expected to lead the Real Estate Management Solution market in terms of market share, majorly driven by the incessantly surging rental property demands in the U.S. Growth of Real Estate Management Solution market in North America is also expected to be fuelled by higher adoption of Business Intelligence (BI) software, as well as implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in automating the property management tasks.Request Report for TOC @In May 2016, RealPage Inc., on-demand software and software-enabled services provider to real estate industry, acquired AssetEye Inc. which is a data aggregation, reporting, and collaboration platform for organizations with multiple real estate assets. This acquisition aimed RealPage Inc. to enhance its SaaS offerings to serve commercial, hospitality, multifamily, single family, senior living, and student housing sectors.Few of the major players in Real Estate Management Solution market include Buildium, AppFolio, Inc., MRI Software, Building Engines, Yardi Systems, Inc., Cozy, MAINTENANCE CONNECTION, IBM, Sage Group plc, RealPage, Inc., Entrata, Inc., Planon Corporation, Accruent, SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc., Quick Base, Rentec Direct, Axxerion, and others.Need more information about report methodology?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:
Nurse Call Systems Market is Projected to Reach more than USD 1.5 Billion By 2021

Nurse Call Systems Market

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New York, February 22, 2018: A Nurse Call system is an emergency call system used for the patients to call for nurse service in case of an emergency. This is used by majority of hospitals or health care facilities to alert nurses. The alarm used can be a buzzer or audio or visual way. Due to the growing demand for emergency communication and in order to provide better health services these systems are widely used. There will be rise in the innovative nurse call systems in the coming years.The Nurse Call systems is segmented by equipment type as Nurse call buttons, Nurse call intercoms, Nurse call Mobile Systems, Nurse Call Integrated Communication Systems. The Nurse Call Systems is segmented by communication technology as wired communication Equipment, Wireless Communication Equipment. The Nurse Call system is segmented by End use as Hospitals, OPD Clinics, Assisted Living Centers, and Ambulatory Services.The global Nurse Call System Market to cross at USD 1.8 billion by 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 14% in the given forecast period.You Can Browse Full Report:The major driving factors of Nurse Call systems are as follows: Increasing baby boomer population. Need for more diversified and integrated platforms. The preference for mobility devices. Changing reimbursement scenario. Rising budget allocation in healthcare for elderly people.The restraining factors of Nurse Call systems are as follows: The government regulations on distribution and manufacturing of nurse call systems are restricting the growth of this market.The Nurse Call Systemsgeographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geography market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.This report provides:1) An overview of the Nurse Call Systems and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2021.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for Nurse Call systems.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Rauland-Borg Corporation, Stanley Healthcare, Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., Tyco SimplexGrinnell, Ascom Holding AG, Cornell Communications, Inc., Azure Healthcare Limited, Jeron Electronic Systems, Inc., and Vigil Health Solutions, Inc.. are provided in the report. Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for various types of Nurse Call systems with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.Request Sample Report:Table of Contents1 INTRODUCTION2 Research Methodology3 Executive Summary4 Premium Insights5 Market Overview5.1 Introduction5.2 Market Segmentation5.3 Market Dynamics5.3.1 Drivers5.3.1.1 Aging Population and Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases5.3.1.2 Increase in Healthcare Expenditure and Insurance Coverage5.3.1.3 Investments in Healthcare5.3.1.4 Technological Advancement and Product Development5.3.1.5 Easy Data Availability for Key Healthcare Personnel and Departments5.3.2 Restraints5.3.2.1 High Costs Involved in the Implementation of Nurse Call Systems5.3.2.2 Stringent Regulatory Environment5.3.3 Challenges5.3.3.1 Integration and Interoperability5.3.3.2 Lack of Trained Healthcare It Professionals5.3.4 Opportunities5.3.4.1 Emerging Asian Countries to Offer Growth Opportunities5.3.4.2 Development of Complete Nurse Call System Solutions5.3.5 Trends5.3.5.1 Integration of Nurse Call Systems With Wireless Phones5.3.5.2 Upcoming Technologies5.3.5.3 Interoperable Designs5.3.5.4 Increasing Nurse Involvement in Healthcare6 Nurse Call Systems Market: Industry Insights7 Global Market, By Instrument8 Global Market, By Technology9 Global Market, By Application10 Global Market, By End User11 Global Market, By Region12 Competitive Landscape13 Company Profiles13.1 Introduction13.2 Ascom Holding AG13.3 Hill-ROM Holdings, Inc.13.4 Tyco International PLC13.5 Honeywell International, Inc.13.6 Rauland-Borg Corporation13.7 Siemens AG13.8 Schrack Seconet AG13.9 Azure Healthcare Limited13.10 Tektone Sound & Signal Mfg., Inc.13.11 Intercall Systems, Inc.About UsMarket Research Engine (MRE) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. MREs 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 Market Research Engines research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Latest Overview of Global Food Delivery Market 2016 Edition | Rocket Internet, Yelp Inc., Just Eat Plc and Grubhub

Food Delivery Market

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Food Delivery Market Report: 2016 Edition" to its huge collection of research reports.The term "take-out" or take-away food, describe a way of eating restaurant food outside the restaurant or a growing variety of prepared foods that consumers purchase from a food stands and drive-in locations. The delivery format, packaging, and types of food vary greatly among different locations, ranging from hamburgers to expensive gourmet, but all may be categorized as take-away food because of this off-premise consumption.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Take-out food is often viewed as synonymous with fast food. The concept of take-out food and the practice of buying prepared foods for consumption elsewhere date to very old times, but the popularity have only heated up in the recent decades. Rapidly growing order-and-pay apps, third-party online ordering and delivery services make fine dining from home easier than ever and, in some cases, "dining out" a thing of the past. App-only services that deliver food from different restaurants, food trucks and joints have transformed the way food delivery was once viewed and interpreted.The key factors which are anticipated to drive this market include growing urbanization, increased usage of internet worldwide, growing household consumption expenditure and rising use of mobile internet in emerging markets. Some of the noteworthy trends of this industry include positive tailwinds in emerging markets, rapid online adoption driven by smartphone usage, high usage of online portals by youngsters and overall market consolidation. However, the growth of respective industry is challenged by seasonality of demand and difficulty for new entrants.The report provides a comprehensive study of global takeaway food delivery market and also major regional markets. Furthermore, market dynamics such as key trends and development; and challenges are analyzed in depth. The global takeaway food delivery industry is highly competitive consisting of several large enterprises including the Rocket Internet, Yelp Inc., Just Eat Plc and Grubhub. The competitive landscape of the respective market, along with the company profiles of the leading players are also discussed in detail.Table of Content1. Market Overview1.1 Introduction1.2 Methods for Food Delivery Orders1.2.1 Telephonic Orders1.2.2 Restaurants Website or App1.2.3 Online Restaurant Marketplace1.2.4 Drive-Ins1.3 Benefits of Food Delivery1.3.1 Benefits for Restaurants1.3.2 Benefits for DinersGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @2. Takeaway Food Delivery Market Analysis2.1 Global Takeaway Food Delivery Market2.1.1 Global Food Services Market Revenue2.1.2 Global Takeaway Food Delivery Market Revenue2.1.3 Global Food Delivery Market by Platform2.1.4 Global Food Delivery Market Revenue by Country2.1.5 Global Ecommerce Revenue by Category2.2 The US Takeaway Food Delivery Market2.2.1 The US Fast Food Industry Revenue2.2.2 The US Takeaway Food Delivery Market Revenue2.2.3 The US Online Food Delivery and Pickup Revenue2.2.4 The US Ecommerce Food and Beverage Revenue2.3 UK Takeaway Food Delivery Market2.3.1 UK Takeaway Food Delivery Market Revenue2.3.2 UK Ecommerce Revenue by Category2.3.3 UK Ecommerce Food and Beverages Revenue3. Market Dynamics3.1 Growth Drivers3.1.1 Growing Urbanization3.1.2 Increased Usage of Internet Worldwide3.1.3 Growing Household Final Consumption Expenditure3.1.4 Rising Use of Mobile Internet in Emerging Markets3.2 Trends3.2.1 Positive Tailwinds in Emerging Markets3.2.2 Rapid Online Adoption Driven by Smartphone Usage3.2.3 High Usage of Online Portals by Youngsters3.2.4 Overall Market Consolidation3.3 Challenges3.3.1 Seasonality of Demand3.3.2 Difficulty for New Entrants4. Competitive Landscape4.1 Competition by Restaurants Participation4.2 Competition by Number of Orders Taken4.3 Competition by Market CapitalizationContinue...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.ResearchMozState 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 @
Nickel Powder Market, by Type, Process, and Application - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2017  2025

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/toc/1244

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/nickel-powder-market-1244

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Nickel is a chemical element and the products containing nickel and nickel powder exhibit high corrosion resistance, enhanced toughness, and magnetic and electronic properties and with high strength at both high and low temperatures. Hence, it is used in a variety of applications such as batteries, alloying elements, and others, which is expected to aid in growth of the nickel powder market. Furthermore, increasing demand for stainless steel particularly in China, fuels growth of this market. According to World Steel Association, China is the largest steel producing country, producing 803.8 million metric tons in 2015 and it was increased to 808.4 million metric tons in 2016. However, nickel is a carcinogenic metal and its exposure may lead to various diseases such as lung cancer, neurological deficits, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure, which is expected to hinder growth of the nickel powder market.Access Table of Content (TOC) of the report:Nickel Powder-Market TaxonomyOn the basis of type, nickel powder market is segmented into:Electrolytic Nickel PowderCarbonyl Nickel PowderOn the basis of process type, nickel powder market is segmented into:Carbonyl Vapormetallurgy ProcessHydrometallurgical Sherritt ProcessOthersOn the basis of application, nickel powder market is segmented into:Stainless SteelAlloyElectroplate & BatteryFoundryOthersAmong powder types, carbonyl nickel powder segment accounted for the largest market share in terms of revenue. Carbonyl nickel powder is the highest purity nickel (99.98%) with high specific surface area, which helps in reducing power consumption as compared to electrolytic nickel powder. This is fueling growth of the nickel powder market. However, inhalation of carbonyl nickel powder may lead to side effects such as nausea, headache, and vomiting.Nickel Powder - Market OutlookNorth America is expected to be the largest market in terms of revenue share, over the forecast period. This is attributed to growing usage of nickel powder in alloys, and stainless steel in the U.S. and Canada. According to United States Geological Survey, approximately 45% of the nickel consumed was utilized in alloy steel and stainless steel production in the U.S. and produced 1.64 million tons of stainless steel (nickel bearing) in 2014, was 8% more from 2013.Asia Pacific is fastest growing region in the global nickel powder market over the forecast period, owing to increasing demand for stainless steel for various end use industries such as food and catering, automotive, energy and heavy industries, and others in emerging economies such as China. According to Department of Industry, Innovation and Science  a department of the Australian Government  China is the largest market for nickel accounted for the 65% of nickel consumption in the world. The stainless steel production in China was 25 million tons in 2016, which was increased by 16% whereas, Japan was second largest market for stainless steel production accounting for 3.3 million tons in 2016.According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nickel and nickel refinery dust is a carcinogen and has led to lung tumors, which has negatively impacting growth of market.Nickel powder manufactures are adopting various strategies such as partnerships and research & development, to sustain their market positions. In June 2017, Sama Resources Inc.  a company focused on exploring nickel and copper project in Africa  signed a partnership agreement with CVMR Corporation for using its technology, to produce iron and nickel powder.Some of the major market players operating in the global nickel powder market include Vale Mining Company, MMC Norilsk Nickel, Chemalloy, Jinchuan (USA) Inc., Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd., Nizi International, Jilin Jien Nickel Industry Co., Ltd., Sarda Industrial Enterprises, and others.To know the latest trends and insights prevalent in this market, click the link below: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:
International pavilions at Agritech Expo Zambia confirm Zambias agri potential for global suppliers

Zambias agri sector offers a variety of possibilities

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What makes the agricultural sector in Zambia exciting? Simply said, almost endless possibilities, replies H.E. Mr. Timo Olkkonen, the Ambassador of Finland to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. The Finland country pavilion is one of several international pavilions at the upcoming, multi-award winning Agritech Expo Zambia, returning to Chisamba from 12-14 April for the fifth time.In recent years, Zambia has witnessed a strong economic growth, Ambassador Olkkonen adds, and the outlook for medium and long term remains positive. Zambia's growing and diversifying agriculture sector offers a variety of possibilities for Finnish companies and solutions that can benefit the Zambian people. In Finland the growing season is around only 90 days a year but in Zambias fertile soil, water resources and climate conditions favour agriculture throughout the year. Crop rotation and irrigation makes it possible to have several harvests a year. This is something that really excites me.He says this years Finland country pavilion will feature some well-known Finnish brands that are already in Zambia, for example Valtra tractors. Finlands high-quality and innovativeness also extends to the agriculture sector. In terms of the Finnish offering to Zambia the most relevant would be for example in mechanisation, energy solutions and efficiency, research and development and processing and packaging. We Finns also always look at agriculture and forestry together and take into account the synergies between the two and the integrated land-use practices.Zambias agri sector exciting for German companiesZambias agricultural sector is exciting for German companies that sell agri and livestock equipment because the country has a stable policy environment, says Martin Botzian, Head of Communication, DLG International GmbH, organisers of the German pavilion at Agritech Expo Zambia. He explains: this means the government supports the agricultural sector and commercial farming. Farmers are willing to invest.He adds: Zambia is a good place to grow crops and there is enough fresh water for irrigation. Processing the raw crops has huge potential. The commercial farming in Zambia will generate enough surplus food to export to Zambias neighbours. By starting to commercialise the agricultural land you increase food security, prevent mass migration out of the country into the cities and create businesses that add value at a local level to reduce poverty.The German pavilion will host companies from many fields in agriculture. Mr Botzian explains: some are into agri machinery, others are involved in animal husbandry with the consulting and constructing of barns for example, fertilisers and crop protection, storage solutions like silos or dryers, solar technology, meat processing, livestock floors, animal identification and setting up trade fairs and providing project management and consultancy services.Growing expoThis year the event at GART is expected to bring more than 22 000 visitors, over 270 local and international exhibitors with 3500 VIP and large scale farmers and 150 members of the media. Agritech Expo Zambia is free to attend for all visitors that pre-register.The international interest in the three-day expo is growing every year with more and more foreign companies looking to invest and find business partners in Zambia. So far the country and international pavilions from France, Germany, Zimbabwe, Czech Republic, Finland and the EU have already been confirmed.Last year the event also featured a VIP attendance that included five cabinet ministers and the Zambian President Edgar Lungu who visited the event for the third year in a row.The full interviews about the Finnish and German pavilions and other partners at Agritech Expo Zambia can be read on the event website.Industry supportAs in previous years, Agritech Expo enjoys extensive support from the agri industry with well-known suppliers AFGRI and John Deere returning as platinum sponsors once again. Confirmed gold sponsors are Gourock, SARO and Ursus.Multi-award winning Agritech ExpoAgritech Expo Zambia has just won its third AAXO ROAR award for Best Africa Bound Trade & Consumer Exhibition in the 12000+ sqm category at the AAXO ROAR Organiser and Exhibitor Awards in Johannesburg which honour excellence in the exhibition and events industry on the continent. Last year the event also won for Best Trade & Consumer Exhibition 12000+ sqm and for Distinction in Social Responsibility.The expo has an outreach programme at the local Golden Valley Basic School, where, with the assistance of numerous event sponsors, it is assisting the school with much needed infrastructure upgrades, equipment supplies and management of the schools farm.Agritech Expo Zambia 2018:Farmers Preview Day:Thursday 12 April 2018 | 09:00 - 17:00Open to all agricultural professionals:Friday 13 April 2018 | 09:00 - 17:00Saturday 14 April 2018 | 09:00 - 15:00Location: Gart Research Centre, Chisamba, ZambiaAgritech Expo Zambia is owned by the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) and is organised by Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK. Another well-known agri event by Spintelligent is Farm-Tech Expo Kenya.Senior communications manager: Annemarie RoodbolMobile: +27 82 562 7844Office: +27 21 700 3558Email: annemarie.roodbol@spintelligent.comWebsite:Postal address: PO Box 321, Steenberg, 7947, South Africa
Global Steam Trap Monitor Market: Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017  2025

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Steam trap monitor system is designed to improve the steam system performance and provides the non-intrusive and easy installation with perfect wireless monitoring functions. It is essential to keep the record of steam trap's performance for Steam users because blocked or leaking traps waste water and energy whereas a healthy steam trap inhabitants allow condensate to be removed and recycled from the steam system. Wireless steam trap monitor operates based on wireless sensor networks which include Routers, Sensors, and Coordinators. This makes a cluster tree network of devices where coordinator or router works as a parent and sensor works as a child and measure the steam conductivity and temperature. Steam trap monitor is helpful in online computation energy saving or loss due to leakage of steam traps and provides complete trap health analysis and status generated by the steam trap system. It is widely used in automotive and manufacturing industries, owing to a high demand for automation in these industries.Report Overview @Global steam trap monitor market: DynamicsThe key driving factor of global steam trap monitor market is the rapid growth of automotive industry, owing to a high demand of steam trap monitor systems. Due to strong demand for packaged food and beverages in food and beverages industries is also a major driving factor of global steam trap monitor market. Furthermore, global steam trap monitor market is majorly driven by the increase in high internet penetration and high technological advancement, attributed to the high adoption of smart devices based on the internet of things in various industries. Another factor which helps to grow global steam trap monitor market is rapidly increasing chemical as well as the pharmaceutical industry due to high usage of steam trap monitor systems. The microeconomic factors which drive the global steam trap monitor market are the rapid rate of industrialization and emerging economy such as Brazil, China, and India. The key restraining factor of global steam trap monitor market is higher maintenance cost and govt. Safety regulations related to global steam trap monitor market. Continuously rising in energy cost will increase the steam cost produced by site utility operations which will restrict to grow steam trap monitor market globally. Various large market players such as Forbes Marshal and Spirax Sarco released wireless steam trap monitor system which is the key trend which helps global steam trap monitor market to grow at a rapid pace over the forecasted period.Request for Table of Contents @Global steam trap monitor market: SegmentationGlobal steam trap monitor market can be segmented by end-use industry types, technology types, material type, trap types and region types.Global steam trap monitor market can be segmented by end-use industry types as follow:Pharmaceutical,Chemical,Food & Beverages,Automotive,Downstream,Hydrocarbons,Defense,Water & Wastewater,Power generation,Oil & gas,Pulp & paper.Global steam trap monitor market can be segmented by technology types as follow:Wired,Wireless.Global steam trap monitor market can be segmented by trap types as follow:Mechanical Traps (inverted bucket & Float and Thermostatic),Thermodynamic Traps,Venturior,Orifice Traps,Thermostatic Traps.Global steam trap monitor market can be segmented by material types as follow:Steel,Iron,Others.Get Sample Copy of this Report @Global steam trap monitor market: Regional OutlookBased on the geographies, global steam trap monitor market is segmented into seven regions  Latin America, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Western Europe, North America, Japan and Middle East & Africa. Among region mentioned above, North America accounts high market share in steam trap monitor market across the globe followed by Western Europe. Western Europe and Middle East & Africa is estimated to grow with a rapid rate in global steam trap monitor market due to its high usage in manufacturing industries in these regions. Due to low manufacturing cost in Asia-Pacific countries such as China and India is estimated to witness a rapid growth in steam trap monitor market across the globe.Few prominent market players of global steam trap monitor market as follow:Forbes Marshall,Emerson Electric Co.,Spirax-Sarco Engineering Plc.,ThermaXX Jackets, LLC. Mosto Technologies, Inc.,Armstrong International Inc.,Flowserve Corporation,GESTRA AG,CIRCOR International, Inc.Need more information about Report methodology ? @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:
Data Governance Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Data governance includes the processes, people, and IT needed to create a reliable and appropriate supervision of an organization's data across the business or Enterprise. Data governance is a set of processes executed to allow the right people to take control of data and processes.Diaku provides Data governance software & consulting services. Diaku provides Data governance with an importance on collaboratively building a common understanding of data within its business framework. Diaku came up with innovative tools which helps to connect people and make them understand about the purpose and importance of data. An effective data governance approach supports healthcare organizations to manage, protect and use the data effectively in their IT department.Request Sample Report@In the current scenario of healthcare sector, analytics is the link between information and evidence-driven decisions, so this capability is critical to the success of a provider organization. Data collected in healthcare institute is a valuable source that can help controlling costs, forecast future trends and necessities, and measure performance and results.Infosys data governance helps companies by redefining approaches to improve accuracy and date quality. Infosys offers few data governance advantages such as data governance strategy which helps to identify the enterprise or businesss capabilities to implement data governance and also assist companies to define roles and responsibilities to initiate data governances, data quality management helps to maintain the quality of data related to customer or product.Several benefits of data governance includes Reduction in risk, improved data quality, increased transparency, effective inventory control and improved rules and standards.Request Report for TOC @Data Governance: Market DynamicsData governance alignment with IT and business, Cloud in Data governance, Enabling data integration along with data quality business are the drivers of Data governance market. Due to the rise in demand of Data governance in IT, there is a significant growth in healthcare sector for Data quality and cost control.Complication in data ownership questions, data inconsistencies across different departments, Competition in crowded market for unstructured data management and the expanding collection and use of big data in companies are the challenges of Data governance marketData governance provides an opportunity for the integration of IT and the business, which is needed to work together to provide accurate, timely, and reliable data that is accessible to the end user. Governance provides an opportunity to narrow the outdated divide between these aspects of the enterprise, organizations rise the tendency for installing user-autonomous technologies including mobile, social media, and Cloud applications in such a way which is reliable with preferred governance practices.Due to increase in adoption rate of cloud computing and its applications, its impact on data governance is growing as well. Most of the data governance programs which includes clouds helped as additional source of information.Data Governance: Market SegmentationData governance market is segmented based on application. On the basis of end-user vertical, data governance market is segmented into BFSI, IT & telecom, healthcare, manufacturing, energy and utilities, retail and others (education, hospitality, and tourism etc.). On the basis of solution, data governance market is segmented into software and services. Based on deployment, the data governance market is segmented into on-premises and cloud-based.Data Governance Market: Competition LandscapeCollibra, Talend, Datum LLC, NGDATA, Infosys Limited, Diaku Ltd, Xybion Corporation, Lavastorm, STEALTHbits Technologies, Inc., OneSoft Connect, Acaveo Inc., eQCM, Data3Sixty, Ostia, Reltio Cloud, and Infolinx WEB are some of the key players in Data governance marketData Governance Market: Regional OutlookThe data governance market in North America dominated the global data governance market followed by Europe. In terms of revenue, APEJ data governance market is anticipated to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to growing Cloud adoption in data governance there is significant growth in Data governance Market in the forecast period 2017-27.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also includes projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, technology, and applications.Need more information about report methodology?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, macroeconomic 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.Report Highlights:Detailed overview of parent market, Changing market dynamics in the industry, In-depth market segmentation, Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value, Recent industry trends and developments, Competitive landscape, Strategies of key players and products offered, Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth, A neutral perspective on market performance, Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprint.Read Report Overview @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:
Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) software Market: Global Industry Trend Analysis 2012 to 2017 and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) software helps the customers in configuring the products from a set of available components, products and services, to generate the desired product. Pricing considers the configuration that is done by the customer and delivers the actual price or the discounted price if applicable to the customer while ensuring profit margins based on costs.Configure price and quote (CPQ) software also assists in creating the quote document for presentation to the customer which includes all the details of products and services included. Configure price and quote (CPQ) software assists in addressing the modern B2B buyers and sellers needs. The organizations are inclined to invest in Configure price and quote (CPQ) software because it improves the B2B buying experience of customers, and also helps in delivering that the customer preferred product at right time in buyers preferred channel.Request Sample Report@Configure price and quote (CPQ) software helps to reduce the time required to market the new offerings and also reduces seller ramp time, Configure price and quote (CPQ) software also helps in automating the complex back-office sales processes in the front-office, and helps in reducing the costly pricing errors. Configure price and quote (CPQ) software solutions helps in solving the major needs of organizations that manufacture complex, custom engineered products. But in current scenario Configure price and quote (CPQ) software solutions are used across various industries to deliver customizable and personalized products to the customers.Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) software market: Drivers and ChallengesConfigure price and quote (CPQ) software market is mainly driven by rising need for higher productivity. CPQ software reduces the dependability on paperwork and documentation and assists the sales management staff to enhance their productivity. Speed of pricing and configuring process of the products and services also increases which helps the organizations to reduce their overall costs associated with the demonstrating the features of products and services physically.Configure price and quote (CPQ) software is also deployed to manage the legacy system integration, overcome management challenges, and remove pricing data variations. Cloud deployment of the Configure price and quote (CPQ) solutions allows the user to access the applications either through smartphone, desktop or laptop from any remote location which helps in increasing the productivity of the organization.Request Report for TOC @How to structure the quote so that it can be used for down-stream provisioning is one of the challenge faced by the Configure price and quote (CPQ) software. Lack of awareness among the end-user is also one of the factor restraining the growth of the Configure price and quote (CPQ) software market.Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) software market: Regional OutlookOn the basis of regions, Configure price and quote (CPQ) software market can be 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 Configure price and quote (CPQ) software market is predominantly mature as compared to the other regional market as they are fast in the adoption of technology. Configure price and quote (CPQ) software market in Asia Pacific excluding Japan and Japan are expected to possess maximum potential in the forecast period. Configure price and quote (CPQ) software market in Latin America and Middle East and Africa are also projected to witness positive growth during the forecast period.Need more information about report methodology?Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) software market: competition landscapeKey Vendors for Configure, Price, and Quote (CPQ) software market include Apttus Corporation, Callidus Software, FPX, LLC, Oracle Corp, PROS, Inc, Salesforce.com, Aspire Technologies, Inc, Cincom Systems, Inc., ConnectWise, Inc., International Business Machines Corporation, Infor, Inc, Model N, Inc., SAP Ag, and Vendavo, Inc.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.Report Highlights:Detailed overview of parent market, Changing market dynamics in the industry, In-depth market segmentation, Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value, Recent industry trends and developments, Competitive landscape, Strategies of key players and products offered, Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth, A neutral perspective on market performance, Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprint.Read Report Overview @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 Cleanroom Consumables Market Size is Projected to Worth $16 Billion by 2023 | Arizton

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The global cleanroom consumables market is projected to generate revenues of more than $16 billion by 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 8% during 2017-2023.Ariztons recent market research report on the global cleanroom consumables market provides comprehensive industry analysis, trend forecasts, and competitive analysis. The research study segments the market by products (apparel, gloves, wipes, chemicals, and others), by end-users (electronics and semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, defense and aerospace, medical, automotive, and others), and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, MEA, and Latin America).The implementation of strict regulations and standards is propelling the growth of the global market. The introduction of innovative technologies to launch better quality products will revolutionize the market and create lucrative opportunities for the leading vendors.Request for your free sample today!The top 3 drivers and trends attributing to the growth of the cleanroom consumables market are discussed below:Emergence of New BiologicsThe development and emergence of new biologics will drive the growth of the global cleanroom consumables market. Biologics are complex molecules that are made of living organisms such as animal cells, microorganisms, or plants. These new age biological drugs are used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases and ailments such as cancer, rheumatology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and dermatology. The biological drugs have an excellent success record and have proven that their usage is safe and efficient. The increasing number of research programs that promote the research of biotechnology and biologics will result in the benefit of the economy, health, and well-being of the general population in the world. China is one of the top nations leading the growth of the biotechnology industry and driving the demand for cleanroom consumables in the global market.Emergence of Fourth Industrial RevolutionThe integration of multiple technologies such as hardware, software, and digital technologies is resulting in the emergence of the fourth industrialization revolution. The new industrial revolution has the possibility of connecting billions and result in technological breakthroughs that will transform industries and propel the demand for cleanroom consumables in the global market. The automation of manufacturing processes and the growing need for streamlined operations will help companies launch innovative products in the global cleanroom consumables market. The introduction of machine vision, AI, VR, 3D printing, the advent of nanomaterials, and quantum computing are some of technological innovations launch in the global market due to fourth industrial revolution. Such developments will have a positive impact on the growth of the market during the forecast period.Request for your free sample today!Rise in Demand for Cleanroom in World Food Processing IndustryThe evolution of the food processing industry is boosting the demand in the global cleanroom consumables market. The introduction of several food processing methods such as rapid freezing, freeze-drying, fortification, and drum dying is revolutionizing the food and beverage industry and raising the safety standards in the food industry. East Asia is the largest food processing cleanroom market in the world, and China is the largest contributor in this segment. The various regulatory standards around food safety, food packaging, food processing, and storage is boosting the demand for cleanroom consumables in the industry. The growing demand for extending shelf life and better quality will help in the development of the market over the next few years.The leading vendors in the cleanroom consumables market are DuPont, ITW  Texwipe, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Berkshire Corporation, and Aramark Corporation.The complete overview of the latest market research report on cleanroom consumables market by Arizton is now available.The report also offers a detailed study of major trends, drivers, challenges, and also provides the market size and forecast for major geographical regions and key countries.Order a report now: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.We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.Arizton 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
Global Automotive Oil And Fuel Market: Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017  2025

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Automotive oil is a lubricant which is used in internal combustion engines that power motorcycles, cars, engine-generators, lawnmowers, and such kind of other machines. There are parts in the engines that moves against each other and this friction wastes useful power in the form of heat from kinetic energy conversion. Sometimes, the wear of those parts takes place that would lead to degradation and lower efficiency of engine. All these factors decreases power output of the engine, and increases the fuel consumption and can even lead to failure of the engine. To prevent this damages and losses lubricating motor oil is used that forms a thin film between the adjacent moving parts to avoid the direct contact between the parts.Thus the wear and the friction gets reduced and engine gets protected. An automobile fuel is used to power the engines and ultimately the vehicles, mostly the fuel used in the vehicles are gasoline or diesel. There are even other fuels available in the market these days and it includes biodiesel, ethanol, compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, hydrogen and charged batteries. The fuel in the vehicle ignited in the engine to provide energy, in case of a diesel engine the fuel ignites by compression and in case of gasoline engine it ignited by spark. The global automotive oil & fuel market is anticipated to have an healthy CAGR in the forecast period.Report Overview @Global Automotive Oil & Fuel Market: Drivers and RestrainsThe ever increasing automobile industry leads to the rise in the consumption of fuel required to run the vehicles is the major driving factor for the global automotive oil & fuel market. Also rising industrialization and urbanization is making the automobiles to run more than required and leads to the maintenance of its engines. Thus the need of the oil required for the maintenance of the automobiles is at its peak. All these factors leads to the growth of global automotive oil & fuel market.However, the surging cost of the fuels such as diesel and gasoline is leading to the unaffordability of the use of automobiles that can slowdown the growth of automotive oil & fuel market. Also the risk of explosion of vehicles, specially the vehicles running on gas is scaring people to opt for these kind of vehicles that can again hamper the automotive oil & fuel market.Request for Table of Contents @Global Automotive Oil & Fuel Market: SegmentationOn the basis of types of oils, the automotive oil & fuel market can be segmented as follows:Diesel engine oils,Two Wheeler Oils,Passenger car motor oils,Gear & transmission oils,Gas engine oil.On the basis of types of fuel, the automotive oil & fuel market can be segmented as follows:Gasoline,Diesel,Biodiesel,Auto gas,Ethanol blend,Hybrid.On the basis of vehicle type, the automotive oil & fuel market can be segmented as follows:Passenger cars,Light commercial vehicles,Heavy commercial vehicles,Domestic vehicles.Global Automotive Oil & Fuel Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global automotive oil & fuel market can be divided into seven regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa. Europe is the dominant region in the global automotive oil & fuel market owing to the ever increasing automobile market in this region. Asia Pacific is the second major contributor in the automotive oil & fuel market due to the automobile giants such as Maruti, Hero and other companies. The companies such as General Motors, Ford are having a significant contribution in the global automobile market making North America a considerable player in the global automotive oil & fuel market. Japan is technologically advanced country in terms of automotive markets and so the technology of automotive oil & fuel is very common in this country. Latin America and Middle East and Africa are at a nascent stage in the automotive oil & fuel market but is anticipated to have a modest CAGR in the forecasted period.Get Sample Copy of this Report @Global Automotive Oil & Fuel Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global automotive oil & fuel market are as follows:TIDE WATER OIL CO. (INDIA) LTD.,AMSOIL INC,Schaeffer Manufacturing Co,Bharat Lubricants,Saudi Arabian Oil Co.,China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation,PetroChina Company Limited,Exxon Mobil Corporation,BP p.l.c,Royal Dutch Shell plc,Reliance Industries Limited.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, technology and applications.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Market Segments,Market Dynamics,Market Size,Supply & Demand,Current,Trends/Issues/Challenges,Competition & Companies involvedTechnology,Value Chain.Regional analysis includes: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 (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand),Japan,Middle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa).The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Report Highlights:Detailed overview of parent market.Changing market dynamics in the industry.In-depth market segmentation,Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value,Recent industry trends and developments,Competitive landscape,Strategies of key players and products offered,Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth,A neutral perspective on market performance,Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprint.Need more information about Report methodology ? @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:
Pet Food Market in US is Estimated to Worth $34 Billion by 2023 | Arizton

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The leading vendors in the pet food market in US are Mars Inc, Nestle, The J.M. Smucker Company, and Colgate-Palmolive.Ariztons recent market research report on the pet food market in US provides comprehensive industry analysis, trend forecasts, and competitive analysis. The research study segments the market by pet animal (dogs, cats, and others), by food (dry food, wet food, and treat), by geography (global, North America, and US), and offers detailed competitive analysis.The pet food market in US is anticipated to generate revenues of more than $34 billion by 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of close to 4% during the forecast period.The growing demand for organic, natural, and healthy food for animals is propelling the pet food market in US. The leading vendors in the region are offering customized pet food based on their breed, age, allergies, weight, height, and other such information to attract new customers and gain a larger share in the market.Request for your free sample today!The top 3 drivers and trends propelling the growth of the pet food market in US are discussed below:Rise of AnthropomorphismThe increasing number of pet owners treating their pets as family members and rise in spending on pet food, treats, toys, and other accessories. The rise in anthropomorphism is contributing to the growth of the pet food market in US. It is estimated that the baby boomers and millennials are the largest segment that owns pets and spend on the well-being of the pets in the global market. The pet owners are most likely to spend on toys, food, apparels, gifts, and others. Such change in behavior pattern will propel the demand for pet food in the US market. Pet parenting is also of the trends gaining immense traction in the US market.According to the American Pet Products Association, the total spending including grooming, vet services, pet food, toys and others increased to around $60 billion in 2016.Freeze-dried Raw Pet Food Demand Growing QuicklyThe growing in demand for freeze-dried raw pet food products is gaining immense popularity in the global market. The growing number of pet owners are becoming health conscious which in turn is propelling the demand for natural and preservative-free pet products in the market. The increasing adoption of freeze-dried raw pet food products without any preservatives or other ingredients that offer all the essential nutrients will attribute to the growth of the pet food market in US. Freeze-dried products eliminate the growth of micro-organisms as it has zero water content. The retail sale of freeze-dried pet food was estimated at around $96 million in 2016. The growing demand for these products in the pet food market in US will create lucrative opportunities for vendors in the market during the forecast period. It was estimated that more than 70% of the retailers were selling freeze-dried pet food items in US market during 2015.Request for your free sample today!Superfood Formulas in Pet FoodSuperfood formulas is gaining immense popularity in the pet food segment as well. The superfood items in the pet food category include wide range of vegetables, fruits, aquatic ingredients and other ingredients with various health benefits. The use of superfoods that contains vitamins, protein, fiber, and minerals, and have a significantly low glycemic index helps weight management of pets and enables proper health is maintained all the time. The introduction of gluten-free, natural/organic superfood formulations for all stages of life, common ailments, and activity levels is driving the growth of the pet food market in US. The leading vendors in the market are introducing superfood in different flavors, including Blueberry, apple, cranberry, tart cherry, and aquatic ingredients to attract more consumers and gain a larger share in the market.The complete overview of the latest market research report on pet food market in US by Arizton is now available.The report also offers a detailed study of major trends, drivers, challenges, and also provides the market size and forecast for major geographical regions and key countries.Order a report now: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.We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.Arizton 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
Automotive PCB Market in APAC to Worth Over $12 Billion by 2023 | Arizton

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The automotive PCB market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 8% and is anticipated to generate revenues of over $13 billion during the forecast period.Ariztons recent market research report on the automotive PCB market identifies TTM Technologies, Chin Poon Industrial, Meiko Electronics, CMK Corporation, and KCE Electronics as the leading vendors that are likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. This research report provides detailed analysis of market segmentation by application (interior components, engine control components, powertrain components, and vehicle lighting & safety), by product (single side PCB, flexible PCB, and multi-layer PCB), and by geography (APAC, Europe, Latin America, MEA, and North America).Request for your free sample today!The automotive PCB market is divided into three major segments that include by application, product, and geography.APAC to control the major market share in the automotive PCB market during the forecast periodThe automotive PCB market by geography is segmented into APAC, Europe, Latin America, MEA, and North America.APAC was the largest geographical segment in the automotive PCB market occupying close to 93% of the total market share and is projected to generate revenues of around $12 billion during the forecast period.Rapid urbanization and development of the automotive industry will propel the growth of the automotive PCB market in the APAC region. China, Japan, India, and South Korea are the highest revenue contributors in the APAC automotive PCB market. The economic development and rising expenditure on high-end products, automobiles, EVs, and HEVs, and luxury cars will drive the growth of the automotive PCB market in APAC. The fast-paced development of countries such as India and China will create new potentials for automotive manufacturers in this region.Flexible PCBs to grow at the fastest CAGR in the automotive PCB market during the forecast periodThe product segment in the automotive PCB market is classified into single side PCB, flexible PCB, and multi-layer PCB. Flexible PCB is the fastest growing product segment in the automotive PCB market at a CAGR of over 10% and is expected to reach revenues over $1 billion during the forecast period. Flexible PCBs is the most advanced technology in fabrication, and its lightweight properties and compact and flexible packaging benefits are propelling the demand for these products in the global automotive PCB market. Some of the other factors driving the growth of flexible PCBs in the automotive PCB market include size and weight reduction, improved reliability and impedance control, stronger signal quality, and more robust operating temperature range.Request for your free sample today!Interior components to grow at a considerable CAGR in the automotive PCB market during the forecast periodThe automotive PCB market by applications is divided into interior components, engine control components, powertrain components, and vehicle lighting & safety. Interior component was the largest application segment in the automotive PCB market occupying more than 31% of the total market and will grow at a CAGR of close to 9% during the forecast period. The installation of electronic equipment such as sensors and cameras across all automobile segments that examine situations and prevent accidents is driving the growth of this market segment in global automotive PCB market. The growing demand for various driver assistance and safety systems such as surround-view systems, NVS, pedestrian protection systems, and FCW will attribute to the development of the global automotive PCB market during the forecast period.The other prominent vendors in the automotive PCB market are Daeduck Electronics, Multek, Tripod Technology, NOK, AT&S, Unitech, WUS, Kyoden, ELNA, KG Board, and Shirai.The complete overview of the latest market research report on automotive PCB market by Arizton is now available.The report also offers a detailed study of major trends, drivers, challenges, and also provides the market size and forecast for major geographical regions and key countries.Order a report nowAbout 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.We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.Arizton 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
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Global Radiation Therapy Market Industry Analysis, Demand, Key Factors and Forecast till 2022

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An up-to-date research report has been disclosed by Market Research Hub highlighting the title Global Radiation Therapy Market Outlook 2018 analyzes the development of this market, with focus on the North American, European, Asia-Pacific and Latin American regions. The major trends, growth drivers as well as issues being faced by the market are discussed in detail in this report. The four major players: Ion Beam Applications, Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Elekta AB and Accuray Inc, are being profiled along with their key financials and strategies for growth. The report contains a comprehensive analysis of the global radiation therapy market along with the study of the regional markets.Request For Free Sample Report:The global radiotherapy market is segmented into three main categories; external beam therapy, internal beam therapy and others. Further, the external beam is classified into three different segments, namely; LINAC, proton beam therapy and compact advanced radiation therapy.The key factors driving the growth of radiation therapy market are increasing incidences of cancer cases, rising health care expenditure, escalating aging population, accelerating economic growth and adoption of unhealthy lifestyle. The major trends that can be observed are increased preference towards noninvasive procedures, increasing public awareness and technological advancements. However, the expansion of radiation therapy market is hindered by stringent regulations, barriers to implementation and harsh side effects of radiation therapy.Radiation therapy or radiotherapy is a therapy using ionizing radiation, generally as part of cancer treatment to control or kill malignant cells and normally delivered by a linear accelerator. Radiation therapy may be curative in a number of types of cancer if they are localized to one area of the body. It may also be used as part of adjuvant therapy, to prevent tumor recurrence after surgery to remove a primary malignant tumor (for example, early stages of breast cancer). Radiation therapy is synergistic with chemotherapy, and has been used before, during, and after chemotherapy in susceptible cancers. The sub-specialty of oncology concerned with radiotherapy is called radiation oncology.Browse Full Report with TOC:Table of Contents:1. Market Overview1.1 Radiation Therapy1.2 Types of Radiation Therapy2. Global Radiation Therapy Market2.1 Global Radiation Therapy Market by Value2.2 Global Radiation Therapy Market Forecast by Value2.3 Global Radiation Therapy Market by Region2.4 Global Radiation Therapy Market by Segments3. Global External & Internal Beam Therapy Market3.1 Global External Beam Therapy Market3.1.1 Global External Beam Therapy Market Forecast by Value3.1.2 Global External Beam Therapy Market by Devices3.1.3 Global LINAC Market Forecast by Value3.1.4 Global LINAC Market Growth Potential3.1.5 Global LINAC Installed Base by Country3.1.6 Global LINAC Treated Patients Volume Forecast3.1.7 Global Proton Beam Therapy Market Forecast by Value3.1.8 Global Proton Beam Therapy Centers3.1.9 Global Proton Beam Therapy Centers Forecast3.1.10 Global Proton Beam Therapy New Patients Volume3.1.11 Global Proton Beam Therapy New Patients Volume Forecast3.1.12 Global Proton Beam Therapy Target Patient Population by Cancer Type3.1.13 Global Compact Advanced Therapy Market Forecast by Value3.1.14 Global Compact Advanced Therapy Market by Installed Base3.1.15 Global Compact Advanced Therapy Market Forecast by Installed Base3.2 Global Internal Beam Therapy Market Forecast by Value4. Regional Market Analysis4.1 North America4.1.1 North America Radiation Therapy Market by Value4.1.2 North America Radiation Therapy Market Forecast by Value4.1.3 North America External Beam Therapy Market Forecast by Value4.1.4 North America External Beam Therapy Market by Devices4.1.5 North America LINAC Market Forecast by Value4.1.6 North America Compact Advanced Therapy Market Forecast by Value4.1.7 North America Proton Beam Therapy Market Forecast by ValueContinue@......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 therapeutic area 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 -
Healthcare API Market is Projected to Reach US$ 234 Million By 2024

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Florida, February 22, 2018: The healthcare API market is segmented on the lines of its services, deployment model, and end user and on regional basis. Based on services segmentation it covers medical device (wearable), payment, remote patient monitoring, appointments and electronic health record access. Under deployment model segmentation it covers cloud based and on premise. End user segmentation covers vendors, patients, healthcare providers and healthcare payers. The healthcare API markets geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geographic market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.The healthcare API market is expected to exceed more than US$ 234 million by 2024; Growing at a CAGR of more than 4% in the given forecast period.Patient centric health care is a rising value based model for health care deliverance, which has resulted in an enhancement in greater patient satisfaction, better outcomes and care quality. Increasing center of attention on patient centric health care delivery by application programming interfaces (APIs) has been well-known over the current past and the appearance of a host of services includes remote patient monitoring and wearable medical devices has driven the need for healthcare application programming interfaces solutions. It is not all the time easy to choose which new doctor to consult. With the help of healthcare API, patients can get details such as specialty, experience and timing of a doctor before consulting them.You Can Browse Full Report:Patients can now follow their appointment indication and go only when essential. Additionally, healthcare API also enable remote monitoring and consultancy which in turn is carrying high quality medical aid to general people and rising in demand particularly in economies under progress. Payment processes are also being made quickly by these APIs.This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for healthcare API and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2024.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for healthcare API.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Apple, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Greenway Health, LLC, MuleSoft, Inc., General Electric Company, Practice Fusion, Inc., Epic Systems Corporation, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc., eClinicalWorks LLC, and Practo Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for various Healthcare API market for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.Request Sample Report:Table of Contents1 INTRODUCTION2. Executive Summary3. Global Healthcare API Market Analysis, 2014  2024 (US$ Mn)3.1. Overview3.2. Market Dynamics3.2.1. Drivers3.2.2. Restraints3.2.3. Opportunities3.3. Key Trend Analysis3.4. Global Healthcare API Market Analysis, By Services, 2014  2024 (US$ Mn)3.4.1. Electronic Health Record Access3.4.2. Appointments3.4.3. Remote Patient Monitoring3.4.4. Payment3.4.5. Medical Device (Wearable)3.5. Global Healthcare API Market Analysis, By Deployment Model, 2014  2024 (US$ Mn)3.5.1. On-Premise3.5.2. Cloud-based3.6. Global Healthcare API Market Analysis, By End-User, 2014  2024 (US$ Mn)3.6.1. Healthcare Payers3.6.2. Healthcare Providers3.6.3. Patients3.6.4. Vendors3.7. Competitive Landscape3.7.1. Market Positioning of Key Players, 20153.7.2. Competitive Strategies Adopted by Leading Players4. North America Healthcare API Market Analysis, 2014  2024 (US$ Mn)5. Europe Healthcare API Market Analysis, 2014  2024 (US$ Mn)6. Asia Pacific (APAC) Healthcare API Market Analysis, 2014  2024 (US$ Mn)7. Middle East and Africa (MEA) Healthcare API Market Analysis, 2014  2024 (US$ Mn)8. Latin America Healthcare API Market Analysis, 2014  2024 (US$ Mn)9. Global Healthcare API Market Analysis, Country Snippets (US$ Mn)9.1. The U.S.9.2. Canada9.3. The U.K.9.4. Germany9.5. France9.6. Italy9.7. Australia9.8. China9.9. Japan9.10. India9.11. Indonesia9.12. The UAE9.13. Saudi Arabia9.14. South Africa9.15. BrazilAbout UsMarket Research Engine (MRE) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. MREs 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 Market Research Engines research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Media ContactCompany Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) IN Asia-Pacific Market Segment by Applications, Manufacturers, Regions and Forecast to 2025

Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) IN Asia-Pacific Market

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WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On  Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) IN Asia-Pacific Market Segment by Applications, Manufacturers, Regions and Forecast to 2025.Description:Electronic Shelf Label, also known by the acronym ESL. It is the latest solution for inventory and price management in the retail sector, based on the use of advanced IT technology. ESL replaces conventional paper price tags attached to the shelves of supermarkets and department stores with, for example, LCDs and electronic paper (E-paper) that show information on product price, sales promotions, etc.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) in Asia-Pacific market, especially in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, India and Australia. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries/Regions, type and application.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversSES(imagotag)PricerSamsungE InkDisplaydataOpticon Sensors Europe B.VDIGIHanshow TechnologyLG innotekPanasonicAltierreMarket Segment by Countries, coveringChinaJapanKoreaTaiwanSoutheast AsiaIndiaAustraliaMarket Segment by Type, coversLiquid Crystal Display (LCD) DisplaysE papers DisplaysMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoDepartment Stores/Mass MerchandiseGrocery/SupermarketDrug StoresSpecialty StoresOthersReport Details @There are 19 Chapters to deeply display the Asia-Pacific Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) market.Chapter 1, to describe Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) 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 Electronic Shelf Label (ESL), with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the Asia-Pacific market by countries, covering China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, India and Australia, with sales, price, revenue and market share of Electronic Shelf Label (ESL), for each country, from 2012 to 2017;Continue..Table Of Contents  Major Key Points1 Market Overview1.1 Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Displays1.2.2 E papers Displays1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Department Stores/Mass Merchandise1.3.2 Grocery/Supermarket1.3.3 Drug Stores1.3.4 Specialty Stores1.3.5 Others1.4 Market Analysis by Countries1.4.1 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.2 Korea Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Australia 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 SES(imagotag)2.1.1 Profile2.1.2 Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 SES(imagotag) Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.1.4 Business Overview2.1.5 SES(imagotag) News2.2 Pricer2.2.1 Profile2.2.2 Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 Pricer Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2.4 Business Overview2.2.5 Pricer News2.3 Samsung2.3.1 Profile2.3.2 Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 Samsung Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3.4 Business Overview2.3.5 Samsung News2.4 E Ink2.4.1 Profile2.4.2 Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 E Ink Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4.4 Business Overview2.4.5 E Ink News2.5 Displaydata2.5.1 Profile2.5.2 Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 Displaydata Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5.4 Business Overview2.5.5 Displaydata News2.6 Opticon Sensors Europe B.V2.6.1 Profile2.6.2 Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Type 12.6.2.2 Type 22.6.3 Opticon Sensors Europe B.V Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.6.4 Business Overview2.6.5 Opticon Sensors Europe B.V News2.7 DIGI2.7.1 Profile2.7.2 Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Type and Applications2.7.2.1 Type 12.7.2.2 Type 22.7.3 DIGI Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.7.4 Business Overview2.7.5 DIGI News2.8 Hanshow Technology2.8.1 Profile2.8.2 Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Type and Applications2.8.2.1 Type 12.8.2.2 Type 22.8.3 Hanshow Technology Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.8.4 Business OverviewContinueFor more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT 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.
Consumer and Market Insights: Wine in South Korea

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The Wine market in South Korea is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 13.3%, in value terms during 2015-2020. Among all categories, Sparkling Wine category is expected to register the fastest value growth during 2015-2020. Hypermarkets & Supermarkets is the leading distribution channel. Dom Perignon and Duegradi are the leading brands in the South Korean Wine Market. Imported Wine will still dominate the South Korean Wine market.Report SummaryThe Wine market in South Korea is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 13.3%, in value terms during 2015-2020. Among all categories, Sparkling Wine category is expected to register the fastest value growth during 2015-2020. Hypermarkets & Supermarkets is the leading distribution channel. Dom Perignon and Duegradi are the leading brands in the South Korean Wine Market. Imported Wine will still dominate the South Korean Wine market.Complete Report is Available@Key Players:E & J Gallo WineryF.W. Langguth Erben GmbH & Co. KGLVMH Moet Hennessy Louis VuittonPernod Ricard S.A.The Bourgogne Wine BoardVina Concha Y Toro S.A.Key Findings- The Wine market in South Korea is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 13.3% in value terms during 2015-2020- South Korea's consumers are opting for value for money products in the Wine market- The Sparkling Wine category is expected to register fastest value growth among all categories during 2015-2020- Hypermarkets & Supermarkets is the leading distribution channel in South Korea's Wine market- The use of Glass as packaging material is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 12.0% during 2015-2020Inquiry for Report@About 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.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.com
Consumer and Market Insights: Wine in Canada

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The Wine market in Canada is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% during 2015-2020. Among all categories, Still Wine and Fortified Wine categories are expected to register the fastest value growth during 2015-2020. Food & Drinks Specialists is the leading distribution channel. Segura Viudas and Brights are the leading brands in the Canadian Wine Market. Demand for Spanish Wines will increase the sales of Imported Wines. More food retailers in Canada will offer wine to back-up demand in the evening hours.Report SummaryThe Wine market in Canada is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% during 2015-2020. Among all categories, Still Wine and Fortified Wine categories are expected to register the fastest value growth during 2015-2020. Food & Drinks Specialists is the leading distribution channel. Segura Viudas and Brights are the leading brands in the Canadian Wine Market. Demand for Spanish Wines will increase the sales of Imported Wines. More food retailers in Canada will offer wine to back-up demand in the evening hours.Complete Report is Available@Top Key Players:Accolade Wines Australia Limited AustraliaAndrew Peller Ltd.Bacardi Limited - Manufacturing FacilityCasella Wines PTY Ltd.CodorniuS.A.Constellation BrandsInc.Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A.Freixenet (Dws) LtdHarvey & Son (Lewes) LtdHenkell & Co. Sektkellerei KGLaurent PerrierOyster Bay Wines (Canada) LimitedPernod Ricard S.A.Treasury Wine Estates Vintners LimitedVina Concha y Toro S.AKey Findings- The Wine market in Canada is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% during 2015-2020- Canadians are opting for value for money products in the Wine market- The Still Wine category has the highest volume share in the overall Wine market- Food & Drinks Specialists is the leading distribution channel in the Canadian Wine market- Stopper is the commonly used closure type in the Canadian Wine marketInquiry for Report@Reason to Buy- Identify high potential categories and explore further market opportunities based on detailed value and volume analysis- Existing and new players can analyze key distribution channels to identify and evaluate trends and opportunities- Gain an understanding of the total competitive landscape based on detailed brand share analysis to plan effective market positioning- Access the key and most influential consumer trends driving Wine products consumption, and how they influence consumer behavior in the market which will help determine the best audiences to target- Access to analysis on products launched in the market- Our team of analysts have placed a significant emphasis on changes expected in the market that will provide a clear picture of the opportunities that can be tapped over the next five years, resulting in revenue expansionAbout 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.Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.com
Global Military Vetronics Market Size, Status, Opportunities Analysis and Forecast 2022

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A vital component of a nation's arsenal is its fleet of military ground vehicles that comprise all land combat and transportation vehicles. These are deployed by the ground forces for a wide range of operations, including active combat missions, transportation of cargo, equipment, ammunition, and military personnel.The global market has been meticulously and expansively evaluated in a market research publication added by Research N Reports, titled Global Military Vetronics Market The analysts have put forth a brilliant and an in-depth research about the current and future status of the global market. Organizations are being gratified to organize tests in offices to ensure employee safety owing to the rising pressure on them and devoid them of proscribed activities.A birds eye view of the Military Vetronics industry made available in the report helps readers to understand the key drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the global Military Vetronics market. Furthermore, the report evaluates challenges experienced from buyers and sellers side. The report offers advice from key industry experts on how these challenges can be overcome.Get the sample of this report @A wide range of electronics and electrical components incorporated in military vetronics systems consume a lot of power. Also, electronic equipment in military vehicles is powered by dedicated batteries only when required because they are expensive and limited in terms of power-to-weight ratio and power.Manufacturers are introducing laser technology for weapons as a new alternative. This involves the development of military vehicles to accommodate the next-generation laser weapon system. The development of next-generation military vehicles will subsequently demand the need for the development of advanced vetronics, which according to our analysts will be one of the key trends that will drive the growth prospects for the military vetronics market.Get 20% Discount on this Report @A major chunk of the report talks about the technologies that are and will influence the growth of the Military Vetronics market. Forecasts for these technology sectors are presented in the report. Integration is the key to advancement in technology in the global Military Vetronics market. Companies that offers the latest integrated technologies at an affordable cost are expected to thrive in the Military Vetronics market. The dominating technologies in the Military Vetronics market along with the upcoming technologies that are expected to revolutionize the market are explained in the report.Moreover, the historical information and present growth of the market have been provided in the scope of the research report. The latest trends, product portfolio, demographics, geographical segmentation, and regulatory framework of the market have also been included in the study.Key players operating in the Military Vetronics market have been elucidated in the report. Business and financial overview of each and every companies are included.Military Vetronics Market analysis based on leading market players: Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Oshkosh Corporation, Rheinmetall Defence, SAAB A.B.,TE Connectivity Ltd., BAE Systems plc, Elbit Systems Ltd., General Electric Company, General Dynamics Corporation, Ultra Electronics Ltd., Thales Group, The Raytheon Company, Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, Moog, Inc.,Lockheed Martin CorporationThis report studies the china Military Vetronics market, mainly for the regions such as United States, China, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia and India. The detailed analysis on production, price & revenue and market share are given for the below mentioned top manufacturers in china market.Application segmentation and analysis of the Military Vetronics market: Military, CommercialFor more inquiry before purchase:The research report includes an in-depth assessment of competitive landscape of the global Military Vetronics market. It studies the business and marketing approaches of the overall market and presents an understanding of their trajectory for the forthcoming years. Furthermore, the research report also includes an analysis of the recent developments and future plans of the companies in order to understand the course of the players in the near future.Table of ContentGlobal Military Vetronics Market Research ReportChapter 1 Military Vetronics OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisAbout Research N Reports:Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. Where relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat Global competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer consulting as an extended arm to our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently we keep evolving as an all-rounder provider of viable information under one roof.Contact:Sunny Denis(Sales Manager),(Research N Reports)10916, Gold Point Dr,Houston, TX, Pin  77064,+1-8886316977,sales@researchnreports.com,
Comedy and murder do not always go hand-in-hand but, for playwright Rob Urbinati, this unusual combination weaves the fabric of his play "Death by Design." Audiences in the Great Lakes Bay Region will be able to see his play on stage at Saginaw Valley State University through Sunday, Feb. 25.

Set in 1932, this comedy follows the lives of Edward Bennett, a playwright, and his wife Sorel Bennett, an actress. After a disastrous opening night in London, the couple flee to an English country manor in Cookham. However, unexpected guests start arriving at the manor, and one, mysteriously, ends up dead.
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Kelly Dame.

Tuesday, Feb. 20

12:27 a.m.  A deputy was sent to investigate a hit and run traffic crash at East Wheeler Road and North Mid-Bay County Line Road. No one was hurt.

8:55 a.m.  Police made a warrant arrest in the 800 block of Apollo Drive.

10:09 a.m.  Police assisted probation and parole agents in the 200 block of West Ellsworth Street.

2:47 p.m.  Detectives received a referral from the Department of Health and Human Services about a sexual assault involving a girl and man, ages 15 and 19.

5:04 p.m.  A Jerome Township woman, 36, was arrested on a four-count felony warrant for home invasion and larceny. The woman was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped in Lincoln Township.

6:05 p.m.  Officers were called to an Ashman Street address for a domestic assault.

6:51 p.m.  Police investigated a case of fraud in the 5200 block of Sturgeon Avenue.

8:03 p.m.  A deputy investigated a hit and run traffic crash that occurred in Midland Township.

8:23 p.m.  The Midland County Road Commission and a deputy were sent to Warren Township for a report of a road wash out.

8:42 p.m.  A deputy was sent to an Edenville Township home for a report of a dog that was struck by a vehicle. The caller was the owner of the dog, and wanted someone to properly euthanize his dog. The dog died before the deputy arrived and the caller asked for extra patrols for speeding vehicles.

9:14 p.m.  Windows were broken from two vehicles in Jasper Township. A report naming a Clare man, 36, as the suspect is being sent to the prosecutors office for review. Damage is set at $500.

10:57 p.m.  Deputies were sent to Larkin Township for a report of a suspicious man who was walking down the street with a flashlight. The man told the caller he was looking at water levels. Deputies did not find the man.

Monday, Feb. 19

1:32 a.m.  Deputies were sent to a Greendale Township home for a report of an unwanted person.

2:36 a.m.  A deputy was sent to Jerome Township for a report of an elderly man walking on U.S. 10. The deputy found a 33-year-old woman who was walking to a gas station to buy cigarettes. The woman was given a ride and told it is illegal to walk on the freeway.

2:45 a.m.  Police made a warrant arrest in the 4000 block of Wellness Drive.

10:08 a.m.  A Midland man, 58, reported the theft of a $12,000 vehicle from his Lincoln Township business. The case is under investigation.

10:55 a.m.  Police investigated a traffic offense at Tucker Street and North Saginaw Road.

2:05 p.m.  A Lee Township man, 35, reported threats over social media. The man was told to refrain from commenting on the post and block people he does not want to associate with.

2:18 p.m.  Police investigated a case of fraud in the 2300 block of Brookfield Drive.

10 p.m.  A motorist was arrested at Isabella Street and Wildes Street for drunken driving.

10:21 p.m.  A Saginaw woman, 31, was arrested in Midland for drunken driving. It was found the woman struck a Greendale Township homes mailbox and trash can. A report requesting a charge of failing to report an accident is being sent to the prosecutors office for review.

10:32 p.m.  A deputy was sent to a Porter Township home for a report of a 23-year-old man who was struck by a vehicle then taken back to his home by an unknown person. The man was taken to the emergency room for treatment.

10:55 p.m.  A deputy was called about teens, ages 14 and 15, who were harassing each other at school and on social media sites. The teens were told to ignore each other.

10:55 p.m.  Gasoline, valued at $70, was stolen from a Coleman gas station.

11:18 p.m.  Police investigated a sexual assault at a Rodd Street address.

11:20 p.m.  A deputy checked a Homer Township neighborhood for a report of gunshots. No gunshots were heard by the deputy.
To the editor:

Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) is a fire retardant that was produced by Michigan Chemical/Velsicol Corp. in the 1970s. In 1973, bags were incorrectly labeled and shipped from the St. Louis, Michigan, plant as a nutritional supplement for animals. Because it was over a year before the error was discovered, Michigan residents consumed meat products from those farms. Follow-up research is now being done by Emory University to study the effects of those most highly affected individuals: families of former chemical workers, and those who lived on quarantined farms.

The Emory PBB research team will once again be in mid-Michigan in April and begin scheduling appointments for eligible participants in March. They will be conducting two studies. The criteria for the PBB Exposure Study will examine how long PBB stays in the body and why this may differ from person to person. They need individuals that were directly exposed to PBB and have not had their blood tested for such in the last five years. They need to know: if you were in the original "PBB long-term study" conducted by the state of Michigan; if you worked at Michigan Chemical/Velsicol or are a family member of a chemical worker; or if you worked or lived on a farm where animals were quarantined for PBB exposure. An answer of yes to any one of those questions make you eligible for participation.

The PBB Multi-generational Study will examine if genetic markers associated with PBB exposure of parents are seen in children and grandchildren. For this study, they need an exposed grandfather, unexposed grandmother, an adult child, and a grandchild. All four must be willing to participate in this study to qualify. Both studies require a blood draw, and completion of a health questionnaire which can be completed at the time of your appointment. You will be asked to sign a consent document to participate. If you were in the original study in 1978, you will also be asked to sign a release for the consent to PBB registry records from the Michigan Health Department to Emory University. A signed release of those records is requested even if you choose not to participate in the current study. Blood draws will be at a participating Michigan Health Department. If unable to attend, you can have the research team mail you the instructions and supplies to have a blood draw done at your doctor's office. About 2.5 tablespoons of blood will be needed. The sample will then be shipped to the research team for analysis. Shipping instructions will be included. Your test results will be mailed to you, and all information will remain confidential.

For more information or to sign up, you can contact the PBB Research Team by calling 1-888-892-0074 or e-mail at pbbregistry@emory.edu. You can also learn more locally by attending a Community Advisory Group meeting, held the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall in St. Louis.

MARGARET HOYT

St. Louis
Following the release of his album The House, Aaron Maines synth-pop project Porches now shares the official video for Goodbye, a beautifully melancholic single off the album. Maine portrays Ricky Pepsi, a lonely pianist, setting up the church venue for an intimate show. The crowd comes in after Maine carefully places the chairs, lays out the cheesy puffs and other assorted snacks, and sets up the stage in preparation for his show.

The video, masterfully co-directed by Maine and Nicholas Harwood, shows the protagonists struggling performance, as Maines Pepsi climbs over the piano, confronts the audience and flips over the assortment of snacks he so carefully laid out. In the end, the crowd commends him on an extravagant show and the musician calms his anxiety by diving into a swimming pool.

Goodbye is the third music video coming out of The House so far, following Find Me and Country, both released last year.

Maine is currently touring North America in support of his latest album. He recently had to expand his New York shows due to popular demand and has added a third show at Elsewhere in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Sunday, March 25. See Porches full tour slate below.

Watch the new music video for Goodbye below and conquer your fear of public speaking once and for all. The House is available to purchase through Domino Records right here.

Porches Tour Dates:

February

23  Madison, Wis. @ High Noon Saloon

24  Minneapolis, Minn. @ 7th St. Entry [SOLD OUT]

26  Denver, Colo. @ Larimer Lounge [SOLD OUT]

28  Salt Lake City, Utah @ Kilby Court

March

01  Boise, Idaho @ Neurolux

02  Portland Ore. @ Analog Theater

03  Seattle, Wash. @ Neumos

05  San Francisco, Calif. @ The Chapel

06  San Francisco, Calif. @ The Chapel

09  Los Angeles, Calif. @ Teregram Ballroom

10  Phoenix, Ariz. @ Flying Burrito Music & Food Festival

17  Dallas, Texas @ Not So Fun Wknd (Club Dada)

19  Atlanta, Ga, @ Masquerade  Purgatory

20  Durham, N.C. @ Motorco Music Hall

21  Richmond, Va. @ Strange Matter

22  Washington, District of Columbia @ Black Cat

23  Brooklyn, N.Y. @ Music Hall of Williamsburg [SOLD OUT]

24  New York, N.Y. @ Bowery Ballroom [SOLD OUT]

25  Brooklyn, N.Y. @ Elsewhere
Harbor Springs Festival of the Book returns next weekend

A multi-day event celebrating literature and authors will again return to the streets of Harbor Springs next weekend.
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By Zachary Fagenson and Roberta Rampton

TALLAHASSEE, Fla./WASHINGTON (Reuters)  Survivors of last weeks deadly Florida high school shooting poured into the state capital, Tallahassee, on Wednesday to demand that lawmakers restrict sales of assault rifles, and hundreds of students joined scattered sympathy protests around the United States.

Some wore T-shirts and carried signs reading We call B.S., one of the slogans of the movement started by students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 17 students and educators were slain by a gunman with an AR-15 semiautomatic assault rifle in the second-deadliest shooting at a U.S. public school.

Protesters joined the call from the streets of Washington, Chicago and Pittsburgh.

The Feb. 14 massacre, the latest in a long series of deadly U.S. school shootings, stirred the nations long-running debate about gun rights and public safety, prompting officials from state lawmakers to President Donald Trump to consider new action.

Investigators said the assault was carried out by 19-year-old former Stoneman student Nikolas Cruz, who purchased an AR-15 nearly a year ago. Police charged Cruz, who had been kicked out of the school due to disciplinary problems, with 17 counts of premeditated murder.

Nikolas Cruz was able to purchase an assault rifle before he was able to buy a beer, said Laurenzo Prado, a Stoneman junior, referring to a Florida law that allows people as young as 18 to buy assault weapons. The laws of the country have failed.

Florida lawmakers in Tallahassee said they would consider raising the age limit to 21, the same standard for handguns and alcohol, though the state Senate on Wednesday opted not to take up a gun control measure.

Florida Senate President Joe Negron, a Republican, met with students and declined to answer their questions on whether he would support any specific gun control measures.

Thats an issue were going to look at as we work to develop legislation, he said.

The legislative session wraps up on March 9.

SCHOOL WALKOUTS

Students scattered across the United States walked out of classes in sympathy protests. Hundreds of teens from the Washington suburbs gathered at the White House, where Trump was scheduled to meet with families of school shooting victims and survivors.

I came out here because I dont feel safe in my school, said Allyson Zadravec, 15, of Northwood High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. I want to make sure that everyone who can do something about it hears that I dont feel safe in my school.

Similar walkouts were held or planned in Florida, Phoenix, Arizona; Pittsburgh and Chicago, according to witnesses and local news media accounts.

While Stoneham faculty joined their students in the Tallahassee rally, other planned protests ran into opposition from school officials.

The superintendent of a Texas school district said any students who took part in a walkout would be suspended for three days, regardless of parental permission.

We will discipline no matter if it is one, 50, or 500 students involved, said Curtis Rhodes, who heads the Needville Independent School District, about 20 miles (30 km) south of Houston, in a statement on the districts Facebook page.

WHITE HOUSE MEETING

Trump was set to meet in the White House with families of mass shooting victims, including Nicole Hockley, who lost a child in the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting in Connecticut, and family members of Parkland students.

The meeting comes a day after Trump said his administration would take steps to ban bump stocks, an accessory that enables a rifle to shoot hundreds of rounds a minute.

Under pressure after Parkland, Trump on Tuesday directed the Justice Department to quickly complete a proposed rule that would treat bump stocks as machine guns, which could effectively outlaw them in the United States.

Last October, a retired real estate investor and high-stakes gambler used multiple assault rifles equipped with bump stocks to kill 58 people at a Las Vegas outdoor concert, the deadliest attack by a single gunman in U.S. history. Bump stocks have not played a prominent role in other recent U.S. mass shootings.

Trumps support for any tightening of gun laws would mark a change for the Republican, who was endorsed by the National Rifle Association gun lobby during the 2016 presidential campaign.

The NRA opposes an outright ban on bump stocks but has said it would be open to restrictions on the devices.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer urged Trump to back legislation, instead of a regulation, on bump stocks.

The only way to close this loophole permanently is legislation, Schumer said.

In the Florida state capital, a group attempted to deliver a petition to Republican Governor Rick Scotts office but was turned away.

What happened in Parkland is a tragedy but a preventable tragedy, said Florida State University student Elianna Cooper, 19, who joined the lobbying effort. There are things our elected officials can be doing, but they refuse to have a conversation.

(Additional reporting by Katanga Johnson in Parkland, Florida, Keith Coffman in Denver and Jeff Mason, Rick Cowan, Susan Heavey and Doina Chiacu in Washington; Writing by Scott Malone; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Jeffrey Benkoe)
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By Sarah N. Lynch and Karen Freifeld

WASHINGTON (Reuters)  New sealed criminal charges have been filed in federal court in the criminal case brought by Special Counsel Robert Mueller against President Donald Trumps former campaign manager Paul Manafort and campaign aide Rick Gates, a court record indicated on Wednesday.

The single-page document, filed at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, did not reveal the nature of the new charges.

Its inclusion in a binder in the court clerks office that is routinely updated with new criminal charges signals that Muellers office may have filed a superseding indictment replacing a previous one from last year against the two men.

Manafort, who was Trumps campaign manager for almost five months in 2016, and Gates, who was deputy campaign manager, were indicted by Muellers office in October. They face charges including conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy to defraud the United States and failure to file as foreign agents for lobbying work they did on behalf of the pro-Russian Ukrainian Party of Regions. Both have pleaded not guilty.

It was unclear when any new charges would be announced publicly.

Last Friday, Muellers office revealed in a court filing that it had uncovered additional criminal conduct by Manafort in connection with a series of bank frauds and bank fraud conspiracies related to a mortgage on his property in Fairfax, Virginia, a Washington suburb.

The Special Counsels office declined to comment on the new court filing. Attorneys for Manafort and Gates could not be immediately reached for comment. A spokesman for Manafort declined to comment.

Mueller is probing Russias interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, whether Trumps campaign colluded with Russia and whether the Republican president has unlawfully sought to obstruct the investigation. Russia denies the allegations. Trump denies any collusion.

Manafort has been under house arrest since he was charged. He and prosecutors have struggled to agree on bail terms to permit him to leave his home, though some of those details have remained under seal.

However, on Friday, Muellers office revealed that it is concerned about alleged bank fraud in connection with one of the properties that Manafort pledged as collateral.

In Fridays filing, prosecutors claimed that Manafort secured his mortgage from the Chicago-based Federal Savings Bank by doctoring profit and loss statements from his lobbying firm and overstating its income by millions of dollars.

Prosecutors said they plan to offer the court more evidence about the alleged misconduct at the next bail hearing.

The Federal Savings Bank is led by Stephen Calk, who served on a Trump campaign economic advisory panel. Calk did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mueller on Tuesday stepped up pressure on Manafort and Gates to cooperate in his investigation, unsealing a criminal charge against a Dutch lawyer, Alex van der Zwaan, for lying to Muellers investigators.

The charge arises from work that van der Zwaan, the son-in-law of one of Russias richest men, did on a 2012 report about the trial of Ukraines former prime minister while he was employed as a lawyer at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

The report was used to justify the pre-trial detention of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko by her rival, and Manaforts client, pro-Russian former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

Manafort and Gates lobbied in connection with the rollout of the report, and are accused by Muellers office of facilitating secret payments for the report through off-shore bank accounts.

Muellers office last Friday also indicted 13 Russians and three Russian companies for their alleged involvement in a criminal and espionage conspiracy to tamper in the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign to support Trump and disparage Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Karen Freifeld; Editing by Will Dunham)
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Photographers captured Trump holding a cheat sheet with empathetic things to say that was written for him by White House staff for his meeting with Parkland school shooting survivors and families.

Via the AP:

President Donald Trump holds notes during a White House listening session with students and parents affected by school shootings. (AP Photo by Carolyn Kaster) pic.twitter.com/Z0lZbSVaoF  AP Politics (@AP_Politics) February 21, 2018

Here is the larger version of the picture, where you can see that Trumps replies were scripted:

Obama sang Amazing Grace. Trump needed a cheat sheet

Trump sat stone-faced while listening to the angry and crying survivors and relatives. It was unclear how much if any of their pain was sinking in. Trump is completely unable to identify with people and their experiences at any level. Obama got the nickname the Consoler In Chief for his ability to comfort in times of grief and tragedy. Trump is about as comforting as talking to a brick.

Real human beings dont need cheat sheets, and president that doesnt do empathy, leadership, or action isnt a president at all.

To discuss this story and more join our Liberal Nation Rising group.
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BOSTON (Reuters)  New Jersey legislators on Thursday said they plan to introduce bills to bar state pension funds from investing in gun manufacturers.

A bill that state Senator Vin Gopal, a Democrat, plans to introduce today would prohibit the state from investing assets of any pension or annuity fund in companies that manufacture firearms or ammunition, according to a statement e-mailed by Senate Democrats.

The move is one of many recent calls for weapons industry restrictions following the deadly mass shooting at a Florida high school on Feb 14.

A spokeswoman for the New Jersey Department of the Treasury did not immediately comment on what weapons stocks its pension funds may hold. Filings show the sale of 10,000 shares last month of ammunition maker Olin Corp, and the sale of debt in gunmaker Remington Outdoor Co.

With this bill we are sending a message that New Jersey is making a conscious decision about the type of companies the state should invest in, Gopal said in the statement.

Two members of the states assembly also plan to introduce the bill in coming weeks, according to the release.

Democrats hold a majority in both houses. A spokesman did not immediately say whether Senate President Stephen Sweeney would support the investment ban.

(Reporting by Ross Kerber and Tim McLaughlin in Boston; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)
Annihilation is a wonderful mess of a film. It manages to be intelligent and intricate, while at the same time it can be silly and superficial. Theres a dreamlike quality to its narrative, which flows forwards and backwards in time, leaving a pervading disorientation that masks just how thin the story really is.

Knocking the simplistic plot and characters, however, completely misses the point of Annihilation. Alex Garlands follow-up to 2014s masterful sci-fi opus Ex Machina is an exercise in tension and cerebral gymnastics. Garland has proven that he doesnt worry about wowing audiences with clever twists or fancy speechifying. Hes more concerned about messing with your head; smashing brawny existential themes and human frailty into tightly coiled science fiction scenarios. When Annihilation is finished with you, the only safe place left to hide is your own head which, as we all know, is the scariest place of all.

Three years ago, a strange cloud that resembles shimmering oil in water (ingeniously named the Shimmer) engulfed a chunk of coastline and has been expanding inland ever since. Each poor soul tasked with investigating the phenomenon has disappeared without a trace. One of those poor souls is Kane (Oscar Isaac), who bid his wife Lena (Natalie Portman) farewell over a year ago. Lena, a former Army officer who now teaches biology at John Hopkins, knows nothing about the Shimmer until Kane suddenly reappears and starts vomiting blood. For future reference, roses are generally regarded as a nicer way to say, Im sorry for disappearing.

Lenas character, like all of the characters in Annihilation, is prone to saying ridiculously on-the-nose exposition like, Theres something strange about this mission, and Something here is making giant waves in the gene pool. Frankly, its hard to take Lena seriously as a scientist, which probably explains why Garland also made her ex-military. If she cant beat her enemy with science, she can always use a machine gun.

As Kane clings to life in a military hospital, Lena prepares to get some payback as part of an all-female crew training to infiltrate the Shimmer. You have the emotionless psychologist Dr. Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh), the sensitive Cass (Tuva Novotny), the feisty paramedic Anya (Gina Rodriguez), and the troubled physicist Josie (Tessa Thompson). These pithy descriptions are not exaggerations, as each character is imbued with a bare minimum of distinctiveness. The only thing tying them together is a self-destructive streak that has plunged their lives into chaos.

Were all damaged goods here, Cass observes as she and Lena share a perfunctory quiet moment together.

Even Garland seems bored with this introductory section; interspersing an interrogation of Lena after she emerges seemingly unscathed from the Shimmer. Once our five heroines reach the Shimmer, though, Garland isnt fooling around. Deliberate pacing and unsettling visuals ratchet the tension to excruciating levels. Annihilation is a sci-fi film that works well as a straight-up horror film, much like Alien used a sci-fi premise to deliver the scares. Indeed, there are many similarities to Ridleys Scotts haunted house in space, as these characters are also trapped in an inescapable haunted house full of Giger-esque horrors.

Photo by Photo credit: Peter Mountain   2018 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved. (via IMDB)

There are scenes sprinkled throughout Annihilation that will truly haunt you, as when Lena and the gang encounter a bear-like creature that sounds uncannily human. Its these nightmarish moments, when the familiar and the alien coalesce into something decidedly odd, that Garland exerts complete control of his audience. Taking massive liberties with the popular 2014 novel by Jeff VanderMeer, Garland builds an enigmatic collection of half-realized thoughts and weighty themes about identity, self-destruction, and environmentalism. And then things really get nutty in the final act!

Its justifiably debatable whether Annihilation is a cerebral paradox designed to challenge audiences or just a complete mess enabled by narrative gaps. What cant be debated is the sense of dread hanging over this journey into the heart of darkness. Arresting visuals, such as crystalline trees or grotesquely mutated flowers, infuse Garlands fevered dream with abstract delights that far outweigh any narrative shortcomings.

Of course, much has been made of Garlands choice to cast Portman in the lead, forcing him to deflect charges of whitewashing (Lena is revealed to be of Asian descent in subsequent VanderMeer novels). Its unlikely that any actress, regardless of nationality or ethnicity, could have rendered Lena as a three dimensional character. Portman does her best to lend humanity to what is an otherwise cold affair, but none of the other actresses are given a chance to shine. More vexing is that none of these (presumably) intelligent female characters get to use their professional expertise to solve any problems. Ultimately, firepower outweighs brain power, much like any action film populated solely by men.

Annihilation is a visceral cinematic experience that, while plagued with structural problems, delivers plenty of thrills and eye-popping spectacle. Youll be scared and baffled in equal measure, which is more than enough to recommend this whacked-out trip.
Alongside the likes of Courtney Barnett and Jen Cloherboth of whom shes just recently wrapped up a sold-out US tour withLA-based Australian artist Mia Dyson is a powerful and established voice in the blues rock landscape. Invoking soulful inflections of blues and rock influences into her searing songwriting, Dysons consummate guitar and commanding vocals, at this rate, have wowed audiences around the world. Teaming up with acclaimed producer Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes) in Muscle Shoals, Dyson is gearing up to release her newest album, IF I SAID ONLY SO FAR I TAKE IT BACK, on Single Lock come 9 March.

Prior to the album release, Dyson is sharing her latest single, Diamonds with PopMatters. On the song, Dyson says, Somewhere in childhood I decided that it was safer to hide and abide, so I did that for a long while. Ive come to see that I am not serving myself or anyone this way. Many people (family, friends, and strangers) have passed on to me the courage to be myself and share authentically. I hope that this song passes on some of that courage to others.

TOUR DATES

+ supportingThe Psychedelic Furs (March 4th to March 17th)

3/4/18: Agoura Hills, CA @ The Canyon+

3/6/18: Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up+

3/7/18: Santa Clarita, [email protected] The Canyon+

3/9/18: San Luis Obispo, CA @ Fremont Theater+

3/10/18: Stateline, NV @ Harrahs Lake Tahoe+

3/11/18: Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst+

3/13/18: Petaluma, CA @ Mystic Theatre+

3/14/18: Austin, TX @ Weather Up (SXSW)

3/15/18: Modesto, CA @ Gallo Center+

3/17/18: Las Vegas, CA @ House of Blues+

4/8/18: Nashville, TN @ City Winery

4/11/18: New York, NY @ B.B. King Blues Club & Grill

4/13/18: Chappaqua, NY @ Chappaqua Performing Arts Center

4/14/18: Rockville Centre, NY @ Madison Theatre at Molloy College

4/15/18: Shirley, MA @ Bull Run Restaurant

4/20/18: Harrisburg, PA @ Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center

4/22/18: Beverly, MA @ 9 Wallis Theater

4/26/18: Washington, WI @ Cedarburg Cultural Center

4/27/18: Green Lake, WI @ Thrasher Opera House

4/28/18: Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center

4/29/18: Evanston, IL @ Evanston Rocks
Drastic German plan against Hungary,Poland leaked

Signalling frustration with the Hungarian and Polish governments, Germany would like if countries accepting larger number of refugees were rewarded with more EU regional aid, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday. The move would fundamentally change what EU cohesion policy has meant so far.

every EU region should receive cohesion funds, but compliance with rule-of-law principals and core EU values is paramount, and

sharing the burdens of the refugee crisis (solidarity) is mandatory for all member states.

If the plan was realised, since they were the ones that took in most of the refugees. Poland and Hungary are major beneficiaries of EU funds, while they refuse to take in migrants under an EU relocation scheme introduced after the 2015 refugee crisis.The FT cited a German position paper dated 25 January and circulated to governments at the end of last month as calling for EU regional aid to be linked to compliance with fundamental rule-of-law principles", saying EU values are the foundation for cohesion of the Union". The stance, however, was still preliminary, given that the content of the paper still depended on the outcome of coalition talks and the composition of the new German government.The plan would be a big departure from traditional uses of the structural funds, which have had a heavy focus on infrastructure projects as well as education and training for EU nationals. Berlin pushed the plan at a preparatory meeting of senior national officials this week, according to two people present at the talks in Brussels.The 177-page draft coalition deal between Chancellor Angela Merkels CDU/CSU and the centre-left SPD also includes thatThese suggestionstherefore the messages of the FT article are hugely important. Additionally, the paper had two sources that both attended the discussions in Brussels this week where those in charge were preparing for the informal EU summit due on Friday. Heads of states and government will meet in Brussels to discuss the next long-term EU budget.According to one person present at the talks said the German idea was

not what I understand by cohesion funds.

This is rather obvious, given that under the proposal seen by the FT:

the EUs structural and investment" funds would support governments that have assumed responsibility for taking in and integrating beneficiaries of international protection of migrants with a right to stay".

The new approach would reduce the focus on a countrys wealth and potentially reallocate some funds to richer nations in northern and western Europe that have taken in migrants  most notably Germany itself, which took in more than one million during the 2015 crisis, the FT said. According to EU diplomats, the reallocated funds could be spent on housebuilding in areas where an influx of migrants had led to shortages of accommodation, as well as language classes and skills training for migrants.

Related article

Major decisions are in the making in Brussels - Commissioner 21/02/2018 12:30pm

The FT reminded that Merkel has publicly mooted the idea of linking more regional funds to the way the bloc deals with migrants, saying in a podcast on February 17 thatUnder the mandatory quota system, Hungary should take in 1,294 asylum seekers, but officially it has accepted not a single one of them, even when it lost in a case on the European Court of Justice. At the start of this year, a few brows were raised by press reports that Hungary took ensured international protection to 1,291 refugees, i.e. the country gave them refugee or protected status or classified them as beneficiaries of international protection. This is a different category, though, as under the quota system Hungary should have1,294 registered asylum seekers in Hungary, while those under international protection may enter the country but 90% of them moved on last year, according to Hungarian authorities. Hence, their presence entails no further material or integration costs to the country.As of 16 February 2018, Hungary, Poland and Denmark have not taken in a single refugee in the Emergency Relocation Mechanism from Italy or Greece, while about 34,000 relocations were made in the EEA.Pro-government paper Magyar Idok reported on Tuesday about a leaked plan to change the Dublin Regulation, under which. If such a modification of the Dublin Regulation is adopted (e.g. at the June EU summit, with a qualified majority, circumventing Hungarys objection), meeting the next quota would become even more difficult for Hungary. And that would further increase risks of losing access to EU cohesion funds after 2020.Last week, the European Commission discussed options for the future EU budget, but the paper only lamented about linking the rule-of-low criterion to EU budget, and didn't mention the intention to link the mandatory relocation system and the EU budget.Corina Cretu, EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, addressed the future EU budget in an article on Portfolio today, but she also did not mention this kind of relation between cohesion funds and the mandatory relocation system.
Chef Michael Perez (left) pictured here with Jared Chafin at Charleston Waterkeeper's Water Ball. Photo by Marie Rodriguez/Special to The Post and Courier.
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Adam Parker has covered many beats and topics for The Post and Courier, including race and history, religion, and the arts. He is the author of "Outside Agitator: The Civil Rights Struggle of Cleveland Sellers Jr.," published by Hub City Press.
Food editor and chief critic

Eating all of the chicken livers just as fast as I can.
Paul Bowers is an education reporter and father of three living in North Charleston. He previously worked at the Charleston City Paper, where he was twice named South Carolina Journalist of the Year in the weekly category.
Hannah Alani is a reporter at The Post and Courier covering race, immigration and rural life across the Palmetto State. Before graduating from Indiana University and moving to Charleston in 2017, her byline appeared in The New York Times.
Gregory Yee covers the city of Charleston. He's a native Angeleno and previously covered crime and courts for the Press-Telegram in Long Beach, CA. He studied journalism and Spanish literature at the University of California, Irvine.
Andrew Knapp is editor of the Quick Response Team, which covers crime, courts and breaking news. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor at Florida Today, Newsday and Bangor (Maine) Daily News. He enjoys golf, weather and fatherhood.
The Charleston Wine + Food Festival removed prominent hospitality executive Randall Goldman from its board Thursday amid allegations of sexually suggestive behavior.

The board voted unanimously to oust Patrick Properties Hospitality Group CEO Randall Goldman and ban him from festival events, citing a code of conduct that supports the highest standard of ethics and moral integrity. Festival spokeswoman Alyssa Maute-Smith said the organization has never before removed a board member.

The decision came hours after The Post and Courier published an article detailing allegations made by eight of Goldmans former employees. They accused him of doling out backrubs, planting kisses and sending unseemly late-night text messages against recipients wishes.

Following the boards action, the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association confirmed Goldman will remain president of its organization. Representatives of the James Beard Foundation did not return messages asking if Goldman will retain his seat on the groups national advisory board.

The Wine + Food board disciplined and released Goldman just days before the Feb. 28 start of the five-day festival, which annually draws upward of 20,000 attendees and has an estimated economic impact of $9.6 million.

For some of Goldmans accusers, the decision reached by the board after two hours of closed-door discussion amounted to vindication.

I'm glad people can see what we see," said longtime Fish chef Nico Romo, who had tears in his eyes after the vote was taken. "It's a relief."

Fish closed about a year after Romo left the restaurant. Patrick Properties is introducing its replacement, Parcel 32, at the festival.

All festival programs scheduled for Patrick Properties venues will proceed as planned, Smith said. Patrick Properties owns Lowndes Grove, the American Theater and the William Aiken House, in addition to its Upper King Street restaurant.

Before the vote, an attorney for Charles and Celeste Patrick of Patrick Properties Hospitality Group reiterated his clients commitment to standing by their highest-ranking employee.

A statement authored by Allan Holmes concluded, Neither we nor the law of the workplace require managers who are mind readers. Rather, it is anticipated that our employees  all of whom are adults  will express themselves if they feel their space has been invaded, or if they prefer a handshake to a more gregarious hug.

Hours after the meeting adjourned, Holmes e-mailed members of the media, saying, Let us firmly state that Patrick Properties Hospitality Group is committed to a safe workplace, will investigate any complaint, and will take appropriate action whenever warranted."

In his original statement on behalf of the Patricks, Holmes followed up a pledge to provide a safe workplace with a clause saying, We are equally committed to not taking any action based upon reports of anonymous sources.' Romo was baffled by the phrase, since he was one of four former employees named in The Post and Couriers story detailing allegations against Goldman.

Former Patrick Properties publicist Angel Powell, another named source, also attended the board meeting, which was closely watched by members of Charlestons hospitality community. Prior to the board taking its vote, Powell accepted board chair David Marconis invitation for members of the public to comment.

Nobody is relishing being in this position," Powell said. Theres nothing to gain, except knowing we stood up and said our truth.

Powell continued, I want to be here for those of us who are still too afraid. Im a face of a story I didnt want to be a part of. But if your life at work is different than a mans life at work, thats not OK."

In the wake of sexual harassment revelations that have roiled the U.S. restaurant industry, the James Beard Foundation has revised its award criteria, requiring nominees to demonstrate the values of respect, transparency, diversity, sustainability and equality. As The New York Times recently reported, the foundation also has revoked voting privileges from past winners who have been publicly accused of sexual harassment or abuse.

Mitchell Davis, executive vice president of the James Beard Foundation, did not return a message seeking comment on Goldmans continued affiliation with the group. A foundation publicist also did not respond to messages.

Although the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association is an auxiliary of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, it is not required to seek the larger groups approval of its decisions. Still, Helen Hill, CEO of the bureau, said she agrees with the GCRAs statement, which reads, Our team's experience with Randall Goldman has always been professional. We have not experienced any inappropriate behavior by Mr. Goldman, and consequently have no plans to take action at this time."

When I first heard the allegations against Randall Goldman I talked to my CACVB and GCRA staff, Hill wrote in an e-mail to The Post and Courier. No one had anything negative to say about Randall, and no one had had an experience with him that was similar to the events in your story.

A spokesperson for the GCRA did not return a message asking how the group, which describes itself as an advocate for the largest private sector employer in the tri-county area, reached its decision. Board member Jessica Slaughter of FIG said she was not aware of a vote or boardwide discussion.

Slaughter missed the last two meetings because of family health issues, but continued to receive all announcements e-mailed to board members. Although she wasn't consulted prior to the statement's release, she said she did not witness any behavior by Goldman at the three GCRA meetings she attended that made her uncomfortable.

"He's definitely a schmoozy, kiss-on-the-cheek kind of guy," she said.

Goldman will not be immediately replaced on the Wine + Food board. The open position will be discussed after the festival, according to festival spokesperson Smith.
The crowd cheered at a rally in Marion Square on Feb. 19 to demand legislative change after the latest school shooting in Florida. Since the shooting, threats of more violence across the country have put schools on edge, including in South Carolina. File/Leroy Burnell/Staff
COLUMBIA  South Carolina's flagship university continued efforts to acknowledge more diversity on its 217-year history Wednesday by unveiling a statue of the school's first African-American professor.

The nine-foot bronze statue of Richard Greener between the University of South Carolina's library and student union is meant to inspire the nearly 34,000 students and 1,500 faculty on campus.

"In each case, and for varying reasons, both Greener and I were and are proud to serve, though the road to our appointments admittedly took a long time," said Todd Shaw, the school's first black head of its political science department during a ceremony that drew more than 400 to the Russell House student union.

Greener, Harvards first black graduate, taught philosophy, Latin, Greek and law at USC from 1873-77. The Philadelphia native also worked at the U.S. Treasury Department and was dean of the Howard University Law School.

"Few people realize that not only was he here on this campus, but he had a tremendous relationship with a lot of the people we talk about in our history books," U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-Columbia, said after speaking at the the unveiling. "For some reason he never made it into those books. So I think this is a great day and I congratulate the university for having the intestinal fortitude to do this."

USC is working to acknowledge portions of its history not often discussed on campus until recently. The school installed plaques last year describing the role slaves played in building the campus' historic Horseshoe. USC also continues to struggle with some of its racial legacies, such as the Sims dorm named after a doctor considered the father of modern gynecology who performed medical experiments on slaves.

"The fact of the matter is we are having some experiences in our country today because we have not learned the lessons of history," Clyburn said.

When they decided to build $225,000 statue paid through university gifts, USC President Harris Pastides said he asked where was the most heavily trafficked areas of campus. One was near a Wendy's restaurant at Assembly and Greene streets that's a main artery for students. The other was next to the Thomas Cooper Library in the heart of campus, which the administrators chose.

The plaques and Greener statue were outcomes from a 2015 student protest for more recognition of African-American accomplishments on campus.

"I think it's fair to say that few universities or even other organizations anywhere in America have done more to acknowledge the dark moments in their history so that the light of justice can shine bright," Pastides said.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
FILE - In this Oct. 16, 1971 file photo, Evangelist Billy Graham and President Nixon wave to a crowd of 12,500 at ceremonies honoring Graham at Charlotte, N.C. Graham, who transformed American religious life through his preaching and activism, becoming a counselor to presidents and the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history, has died. Spokesman Mark DeMoss says Graham, who long suffered from cancer, pneumonia and other ailments, died at his home in North Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018. He was 99. (AP Photo, File)
Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
Joseph Cranney is an investigative reporter in Columbia, with a focus on government corruption and injustices in the criminal legal system. He can be reached securely by Proton mail at jcranney@prontonmail.com or on Signal at 215-285-9083.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-02-22 08:09:26

Press Information

Australian Barbell Company

52 Bond St Mordialloc VIC 3195 AUSTRALIA







03 9580 5945

email

https://www.australianbarbellco.com/



Published by

Cam Wilkes

006499503888

e-mail

' ' . c2c_truncate_link("www.pureseo.co.nz", "0", "", ".") . ''







# 450 Words

52 Bond St Mordialloc VIC 3195 AUSTRALIA03 9580 5945Cam Wilkes006499503888

Established in 1942, the Australian Barbell Company is Australias leading specialist manufacturer and supplier of weight lifting and weight training equipment. Australian Barbell Company offers a range of Australian made Olympic bars available for sale through their online store. They manufacture a range of Olympic bars to suit all lifting requirements and are used around the world.A precision engineered, Australian made 220cm, 20kg Power bar featuring a black nitride finished midsection is the go to bar for the big three lifts. The bar has a knurled mid-section for added bar security on the back and an aggressively knurled shaft for enhanced grip with two knurl options available. The deep-fine knurl offers a sharper, coarser grip while the coarse knurl is broader and flatter offering a less abrasive, smoother grip. Complete with IPF markings; fail free bronze bushings and a 500kg rating, the 220 cm Power bar is designed for serious power lifters.The company also manufacturess 15 & 20kg Olympic barbells without the centre knurl. A knurl-free midsection offers improved comfort during use in the front rack position. A 20kg barbell with the centre knurl is also available. A variety of bearing and sleeve options are available to suit all users.The Australian made bars are engineered from high grade steels and are available with either stainless steel or black nitride sleeves. This range of Olympic barbells undergo a durable heat treatment process involving the diffusion of nitrogen into the surface of the barbell to create a case-hardened surface. Unlike cheaper finishes such as chrome or black hard-chrome, black nitride is a surface treatment. It simply won't crack, flake or peel offering a durable, fault free protective finish to the barbell.The 20kg imported bearing barbell is a mid-level, economical Olympic barbell recommended for domestic or light commercial use. It is fitted with needle-roller bearings for smooth plate rotation. Available in black hard-chrome finish, these barbells have a 28mm diameter knurled shaft, dual IPF and OWF band markings, 40cm plate loading space at each end and 50 mm diameter rotating sleeves.The 15kg imported bearing barbell is also recommended for domestic or light commercial use. It has an overall length of 201cm, 25mm diameter knurled shaft, OWF band markings, 40 cm plate loading space at each end and 50mm diameter rolling sleeves.For 60 years the companys focus has been on the development and production of barbells, dumbells, weight plates and associated equipment. Excellence in service, quality and safety of product has been paramount in the operating policy of the company. The product range covers all user levels from elite athletes to individuals in the home.To contact Australian Barbell Company call 03 9580 5945 or email websales@ australianbarbellco.com From more information: https://www.australianbarbellco.com/
PR-Inside.com: 2018-02-22 08:01:03

Press Information

Albion Avenue

Level 9 55 Hunter Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia







1300 723 812

email

www.albionavenue.com.au



Published by

Cam Wilkes

006499503888

e-mail

' ' . c2c_truncate_link("www.pureseo.co.nz", "0", "", ".") . ''







# 531 Words

Level 9 55 Hunter Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia1300 723 812Cam Wilkes006499503888

Real estate experts say the property market in Sydney and Melbourne peaked in 2017 and judging by recent auction and sale results this appears to be true. Sydney's property values have fallen by just over 3 per cent since last July after rises of more than 75 per cent over the past five years, making it the second most expensive city in the world after Hong Kong.House prices have cooled thanks to clampdowns on investor lending, lower foreign demand and improved supply. However buying property is a long-term investment. Owners posting a profit typically hold a property for a minimum of nine years. The best risk mitigator is a sound long-term strategy. To handle a turning market new strategies are important. Experts feel there is still a strong demand for quality, well-positioned property.For investors that are looking for the best spots in the Sydney real estate market and are seeking local expertise, property buyers agency Albion Avenue has the finger on the pulse of the Sydney market. Local buyers agents at Albion Avenue can comb the market to advise on the right neighbourhoods to buy in where affordability is still within reach.Buyers advocate Albion Avenue will ensure investors have access to the best value properties where a long-term approach will deliver them results. They will do the hard yards for you while searching for the right investment property, making sure the numbers stack up and handle the end to end negotiating process all the way through to completing the sale. Buyers who are in the Sydney market will find Albion Avenue will provide high quality advice based on unbiased, independent research.They will make sure their clients find and secure the best investment property to add to their portfolio. For those in the market for the first time or looking for another home to add to their portfolio their advice will ensure the right property is secured within the budget and suits their investment profile. They are 100% dedicated to finding the best investment property for their clients.Investors can be successful in the market and increase their chances of making a profit by choosing the right buyers agency that will work exclusively for them. Albion Avenue will provide honest feedback on the process and the properties they shortlist. As a licensed exclusive buyers agency they maintain strict ethical and professional standards and are . They negotiate on the buyers behalf, seeking the best price and terms and handling the transaction as if they were securing the property for themselves.Sydney buyers agent Albion Avenue can help clients looking to buy property all over Sydney, whether in Manly on the northern beaches, Millers Point on the edge of the CBD, Surry Hills in the inner east or somewhere else. For would be property buyers, Albion Avenue can assess a property, negotiate price and terms on your behalf and make sure you close the deal. For sellers who need to sell before they buy their next property, they provide unbiased and independent advice to get the best possible sale result. Their mission is to help people have the best possible propertyexperienceFor more information, call 1300 723812 or visit http://www.albionavenue.com.au/
PR-Inside.com: 2018-02-21 23:04:02

DocsCorp White Paper Encourages Businesses to Review their 2018 Data Protection Strategy  Protection through Technology

Media Contact for Australia

DocsCorp

Anna Biala, +61 (0) 2 8270 8500

Marketing Manager (APAC)

anna.biala@docscorp.com

or

Media Contact for Europe

DocsCorp

Melody Easton, +44 (0) 7979 795 296

Marketing Director (EMEA)

melody.easton@docscorp.com

or

Media Contact for U.S.

Burke & Company

Christy Burke, (00 1) 917-261-2845

President

cburke@burke-company.com

Tough new data protection laws are coming  are you prepared? Reviewing your data protection strategy in 2018, a new white paper published today by DocsCorp, challenges readers to assess their readiness to comply with rigorous upcoming data protection standards affecting businesses in Europe, the Americas and Australia.

DocsCorp contends that organizations around the world will be affected by new data laws. The UKs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) goes into force in May 2018. Australias new, sweeping National Data Breach (NDB) notification laws already require all businesses to report data breaches. In the United States, many individual states have passed their own data protection laws, and the US federal government has proposed the nationwide Data Security and Breach Notification Act, currently under congressional review.

A main focus of GDPR is Privacy by Design and Default, which recommends preventative action before breaches occur rather than coping with damages and penalties afterward. More than half of data breach incidents stem from users accidentally sending emails to the wrong recipient, or mistakenly sending a sensitive document to an unintended person. Security risks lurk in every click.

So how can you stop accidental data leaks from happening over email, before the email is sent (i.e. before damage is done)? Most data breaches can be avoided by implementing new technology solutions.

Without slowing down workflow, new solutions can automatically check emails before they leave the Outbox, prompting the user to confirm the recipient and information attached are intentional. Also, document metadata cleaners ensure all sensitive embedded material is removed before sending. Human error is inevitable but, with the right technology systems in place, it need not threaten a companys reputation or impact its bottom line.

Click here to download the white paper.

About DocsCorp

DocsCorp designs easy-to-use software and services for document professionals who use enterprise content management systems. We provide solutions for metadata removal, document processing, PDF manipulation, and document comparison. DocsCorp is a global brand with customers located in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and beyond. Find out more at docscorp.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Blog.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201802210057

DocsCorp White Paper Encourages Businesses to Review their Global 2018 Data Protection Strategy
PR-Inside.com: 2018-02-22 09:02:03

Eli Global to Acquire Lead Generation Marketplace Finanzen

Eli Deutschland GmbH

Dorian Garbe, +49 174 194 7692

Germany & EMEA M&A

DGarbe@eliglobal.com

Eli Global LLC (Eli) today announced that an affiliate has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire finanzen.de AG and its subsidiaries (collectively, Finanzen or the company) from Blackfin Capital Partners (Blackfin) and Finanzens founders.

Based in Berlin, Germany, Finanzen is the leading European online marketplace for retail customer leads in the finance and insurance sectors. The company connects lead generators such as online price comparison sites with lead buyers such as independent financial advisors and insurance agents. The company also acts as an online broker for certain insurance products.

Finanzen has done an impressive job creating a scalable technology platform poised to benefit from industry trends, said George Luecke, global manager of Elis newly established insurance services portfolio and co-CEO of Global Bankers Insurance Group, which represents Elis life and annuity carrier division (GBIG). We look forward to a long-term future with the company and its talented team.

Dirk Prossel, Finanzens CEO, commented, We are pleased to have found such an experienced and suitable partner in Eli. Their strong global footprint can support the ongoing growth of our business model and our ambitious national and international goals.

We are delighted that Finanzen will be able to continue its successful international rollout with the support of its new shareholders, offered Laurent Bouyoux, founding partner of Blackfin.

Finanzen is the first company within Elis insurance services portfolio. Our plan is to substantially grow this portfolio and the companies within it, continued Luecke. We are in the process of making key hires to accelerate the build out. The portfolio will pursue a diversified mix of insurance services and other financial services, and seeks to span various sectors and subsectors within each arena. The insurance services portfolio is separate and independent from GBIG, and synergies with GBIG are not a required element of its investment thesis.

This transaction also marks Elis first in Germany, shortly after opening its Munich office in September 2017. The transaction, a portion of which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close later this year. Allen & Overy served as legal counsel and Ebner Stolz as financial advisor to Eli. GCA Altium acted as financial advisor to Blackfin. Gutt Olk Feldhaus served as legal counsel to Blackfin.

Terms of the transaction were otherwise not disclosed.

About Finanzen. The Berlin-based Finanzen Group is the No.1 European B2B digital marketplace for insurance and finance customers, operating currently in four European countries. Its sophisticated technology-enabled marketplace procures about one million online generated leads per year to more than 6,000 insurance experts and financial consultants. www.finanzen.com

About Eli. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina in the USA, Eli Global is wholly owned by its founder and employees. Formed in 1991 and operating for over 25 years, Eli is a federation of independent portfolios comprising over 100 businesses that together employ more than 7,500 bright minds and determined entrepreneurs. Elis portfolios operate in 18 countries and over 15 industries across the world, including healthcare, technology, insurance and financial services. Eli acquires for the long term, has never sold any of its businesses and will continue to invest globally in stable and growing companies and their teams. www.eliglobal.com

About BlackFin. BlackFins investment strategy focuses on asset-light businesses in the financial services & technology sector, across continental Europe. BlackFin operates as an active and influential investor, supporting successful management teams to take their businesses to the next level. BlackFin manages two financial services growth / buyout funds with aggregate commitments in excess of 600m. In addition, BlackFin is raising a 150m European fintech-focused Venture Fund. BlackFin Capital Partners is a fully independent firm, run by its four founding partners who have worked together as managers and entrepreneurs in the financial industry for decades. Altogether the team consists of 25 experienced professionals operating out of offices in Paris, Brussels and Frankfurt. www.blackfincp.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201802220051
PR-Inside.com: 2018-02-21 23:02:01

TEL-AVIV, Israel, Feb. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gazit-Globe (NYSE:GZT) (TSX:GZT) (TASE:GZT), a leading global real estate company focused on the ownership, management and development of retail and mixed use properties in urban markets, announced that on February 15, 2018, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company sold an aggregate of approximately 1.7 million shares of common stock of Regency Centers Corporation (NYSE:REG) ("Regency"), representing approximately 1.0% of the outstanding share capital of Regency, for an aggregate consideration of approximately $101 million.

In addition, the Company reported that through January 10, 2018 till January 26 2018 the Company's wholly owned subsidiary sold approximately 740 thousand Regency shares, for an aggregate consideration of approximately $48 million, under the 10b5-1(c) plan adopted by the Company. As of the date of this report the Company cancelled such plan.

Following such sales, the Company holds approximately 16.0 million shares of Regency common stock, representing approximately 9.3% of the outstanding share capital and voting power of Regency.

The Company also reported it has a position in a basket of equity derivatives relating to securities of United States real estate companies (which were purchased during the recent year and do not include Regency), which were acquired, inter alia, to mitigate potential changes in the Company's investments in the United States, as well as based on other business considerations, in the amount of $250 million*. It is hereby clarified that the Company's position in such derivatives is independent of its holdings in Regency. The Company is acting to sell approximately $120 million of such derivatives in the short term, subject to the discretion of the Company's management and market conditions.

The sale of Regency shares as well as the position in such derivatives and its expected sale has no material impact on the Company.

* An increase and/or decrease in the share price of such basket of securities of United States real estate companies that serve as the underlying asset of such derivatives will result in the opposite outcome in the performance of such derivatives in a similar rate.

About Gazit-Globe

Gazit-Globe is a leading global real estate company focused on the ownership, management and development of retail and mixed use properties in North America, Brazil, Israel, northern, central and Eastern Europe, located in urban growth markets. Gazit-Globe is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:GZT), the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:GZT) and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE:GZT) and is included in the TA-35 index in Israel. As of September 30, 2017 Gazit-Globe owns and operates 130 properties, with a gross leasable area of approximately 2.7 million square meters and a total value of approximately NIS 37.5 billion. In addition, the Company owns 32.6% of First Capital Realty Inc and following this sale 9.3% of Regency Centers Corporation.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Investors Contact: ir@gazitgroup.com, Media Contact: press@gazitgroup.com

Gazit-Globe Headquarters, Tel-Aviv, Israel, Tel: +972 3 6948000

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In the United States, these statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, that could cause our future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include risks detailed in our public filings with the SEC and the Canadian Securities Administrators. Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking or other statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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: Gazit-Globe via Globenewswire


A group of Machakos elders has advised Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to ditch Nasa for Jubilee for the sake of his political future.

The members of the Mau Mau Veterans Association asked the Nasa coprincipal to consider working with President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP William Ruto.

Opposition politics may derail development in Ukambani region, especially in efforts to tackle drought, Johnstone Kitili said on behalf of the group.

We love our son Kalonzo but we want him to work with Uhuru. He was initially doing well politically but we do not understand what went wrong.

In a statement on Wednesday, the elders claimed that Kalonzo was being politically misused by Nasa leader Raila Odinga.

We thank Kalonzo for accepting the elders advice of not taking an oath as the Peoples Deputy President together with Raila on January 30, Kitili.

The statement said: Railas political agenda was pegged on selfishness and would lead the country to the dogs. He should tone down his political pressure and accept the electorates decision.

The veterans further appealed to President Kenyatta to invite them to State House where they would shower him with blessings as he embarks on his second term in office.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-02-22 09:06:01

Ranked #2 in the medium-sized workplace category, Globoforce celebrated by employees for its culture and recognition

Globoforce Named One of the Best Workplaces in Ireland for the Sixth Consecutive Year

Drury|Porter Novelli

Grace Cooney, 01-260-5000 / 086-153-6886

grace.cooney@drurypn.ie

Globoforce, a leading provider of social recognition and continuous development solutions, today announced that it has been named as one of the Best Workplaces in Ireland 2018 by the Great Place to Work Institute. The prestigious accolade was presented at an awards ceremony at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road, Dublin, on Wednesday 21st February, where Globoforce was ranked number 2 in the medium-sized workplace category. This is the sixth year in a row that Globoforce has been recognised as a top Irish workplace for high scores on an employee survey and an assessment of its workplace policies and practices.

2017 was a fantastic year for Drury|Porter Novellias we opened our new Dublin HQ and announced new jobs across a variety of departments, said Niamh Graham, vice president of global HR at Globoforce. As we continue to grow, investments in our people are a critical part of maintaining and scaling our culture. We have amazing people at Globoforce  dedicated, passionate, and innovative. Our placement as one of Irelands Great Places to Work this year is most certainly dedicated to the entire team.

The organisations on this years list know that beyond a certain point, employees arent going to be tempted by a slightly more generous financial package: they want an environment where they feel psychologically safe, encouraged to grow, provided with opportunities to develop, and empowered to do their best work. said John Ryan, CEO of Great Place to Work Ireland. Rather than simply throwing money at their staff, Irish workplaces should take advantage of reward and recognition opportunities as a chance to develop their employer brand; enhancing and amplifying their unique culture.

In May 2017, Globoforce unveiled its new Dublin headquarters in Park West and announced the creation of 100 jobs over the next three years as the company continues to expand globally. The companys new human-centric space spans five floors and overlooks the Grand Canal at Park West. The office features digital walls, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, stairwells with inspirational messages, open and closed booths for private conversations, collaboration spaces, relaxation areas, and a game area. A wellness room offers yoga, meditation and amenities for new mothers, while the GloboCafe provides employees with healthy snacks, a coffee bar, and modern diner-style seating.

In late 2017, Globoforce introduced its latest recognition platform Conversations which encourages teams, including those in Globoforce, to have more frequent communication around priorities and feedback to improve employee and business performance.

About Globoforce

Pioneer of the WorkHuman movement, Globoforce helps make work more human for millions of people and organizations worldwide. Its cloud-based social recognition and continuous performance development solutions help build award-winning cultures where employees feel more appreciated and socially connected at work  driving a sense of belonging and inspiring the entire organization to reach its full potential and achieve business success. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Framingham, Mass., and Dublin, Ireland.

To learn more:

About Great Place to Work and the Assessment Process

Great Place to Work Ireland is part of a global network of culture consultants, with offices in 48 countries using an established methodology to publish lists at country, regional, and global levels. The best known of these is the Fortune 100 list of Best Companies to Work For in the United States. Our media partner in Ireland is The Irish Times, who develop the annual Best Workplaces Special Report.

The key defining feature of a great workplace is the level of trust that exists within it. From an employees viewpoint, the definition of a great workplace is one where you trust the people you work with, you have great pride in what you do, and you enjoy the people you work with. The Great Place to Work Institute assesses the policies and practices in place in organisations under nine key areas: Inspiring, Speaking, Listening, Caring, Developing, Thanking, Hiring, Celebrating, and Sharing. They then benchmark these practices against other organisations in that country. The second key component of the assessment is an anonymous Trust Index survey that gathers the perceptions of employees under five dimensions: Credibility, Respect, Fairness, Pride, and Camaraderie. Finally, there is an in-depth qualitative analysis of open ended comments from employees.

The 2018 full list of organisations and award winners, as well as rankings from previous years, are available at www.greatplacetowork.ie.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201802220054

Globoforce named #2 Best Workplace in Ireland 2018 in the medium-sized workplace category by Great Place to Work.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-02-22 11:02:02

LONDON, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Guggenheim Investments, the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners announced on February 22, 2018 that it has entered into an agreement with Accel-KKR to provide debt facilities to support its refinancing of Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS), the market-leading global provider of software solutions to retail, wholesale, merchant and distribution markets.

KCS provides software to 14,000 customers worldwide, offering end to end ERP solutions including Supply Chain Management, Quote to Cash, Financial Management, CRM, Warehouse Management, Transport Management, Business Intelligence, ePOS and more specifically for the wholesaler, distributor, retailer and merchant sectors.





The business has been supported with Unitranche facilities and committed acquisition lines provided by Guggenheim, details of which are not disclosed.





Commenting on the transaction, Tara Moore, Managing Director at Guggenheim said "KCS is a highly respected leader in its field and is led by a very entrepreneurial management team. We are delighted that Guggenheim is able to provide a financing solution to both Accel-KKR and the Company that supports the ongoing execution of the already successful growth strategy in Europe and the US."





Tom Barnds, Managing Director at and founding partner of Accel-KKR added, "Following six strategic acquisitions since our original investment in 2015, our new credit facility with Guggenheim, combined with our existing capital base, will allow KCS to aggressively execute its acquisition strategy to expand its product breadth and geographic reach in the distribution and manufacturing ERP space."





About Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS)

Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) provides specialist software, services and support to deliver fully integrated trading and business management solutions to distributive trades customers, large and small - wherever they are in the world. Immersed in the distributive trades for over 40 years, our technical experts are thought leaders in trading and management technology, and our innovative and flexible approach ensures our customers partner with us for the long-term. Our mission is simple: to design and deliver high performance, integrated ERP solutions that enable our distributive trade customers to source effectively, stock efficiently, sell profitably and service competitively





About Guggenheim Investments

Guggenheim Investments is the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners with more than $250 billion1 in total assets across fixed income, equity, and alternative strategies. We focus on the return and risk needs of insurance companies, corporate and public pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations, consultants, wealth managers, and high-net-worth investors. Our 275+ investment professionals perform rigorous research to understand market trends and identify undervalued opportunities in areas that are often complex and underfollowed. This approach to investment management has enabled us to deliver innovative strategies providing diversification opportunities and attractive long-term results. 2





1Guggenheim Investments total asset figure is as of 12.31.2017. The assets include leverage of $12.1bn for assets under management and $0.4bn for assets for which we provide administrative services. Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS GAMMA Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited and Guggenheim Partners India Management. 2This document is issued by Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") FRN: 499798 and is only directed at persons who are professional clients or eligible counterparties for the purposes of the FCA's Conduct of Business Sourcebook.





Media Contact

Ivy McLemore

Managing Director, Investment Communications

Guggenheim Investments

Ivy.mclemore@guggenheimpartners.com

(212) 518-9859

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: Guggenheim Partners via Globenewswire


Lactulose Market report categorizes global market on the basis of product type, isomeric forms, and application - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook and Opportunity Analysis, 2017-2025

Lactulose Market

PR-Inside.com: 2018-02-22 07:57:43

Press Information

Coherent Market Insights

Mr.Shah



Coherent Market Insights



1001 4th Ave,



#3200



Seattle, WA 98154



Mr. Shah

CEO

+1-206-701-6702

email

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/lactulose-market-590





# 677 Words

Mr.ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154CEO+1-206-701-6702

Lactulose is a non-absorbable form of sugar or prebiotic carbohydrate produced by isomerization of lactose, which stimulates the growth of health promoting bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. It is used in treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, maintain insulin level, blood glucose level and in the treatment of constipation. It is a synthetic sugar solution that works by decreasing the amount of ammonia in the blood which is projected to growth of lactulose market. Modern lifestyle of the population has a strong impact on eating habits, with an ever-increasing consumption of highly processed foods and fast foods, whose adverse effect on health are apparent, this improper eating habits among population drives the growth of lactulose market. The rising awareness and prevalence of increasing diseases contribute towards the growth of healthcare sector in lactulose market. The new innovations and high rate investment in R&D in food and beverage industry is expected the revenue growth of the global lactulose market during forecast period. The prebiotic carbohydrates are outstanding components in functional foods that stimulates the healthy intestinal microbiota. The need to curtail costs, increased use of ever-changing product prices, strength of reserved label brands are some of the drivers leading the growth of global lactulose market.Request To View Table of Content@ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/toc/590 Lactulose Market Taxonomy-On the basis of product type, the global market is classified into:Liquid lactuloseCrystalline lactuloseOn the basis of isomeric forms, the global market is classified into:Alpha or beta-pyranoseAlpha or beta furanoseOn the basis of application, the global market is classified into:Food ingredientsPharmaceuticalsHealthcare productsOthersGlobal Lactulose Market Outlook-Lactulose has been widely used to prevent constipation, treating hepatic encephalopathy and gastrointestinal disorders. The needs of elderly customers, athletes, nutrition conscious population leading the growth of lactulose market whereas the excessive consumption of lactulose lead to the effects such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting results in the moderate growth of lactulose market. The lactulose is widely used as a filler for capsules and tablets in the medicinal industry and there are quite a few health benefits of lactulose as nutrition ingredients which includes stimulating effect, improvement in calcium absorption and stimulation of intestinal flora fuels the growth of lactulose market. Lactulose is also used in fermented milk production to reduce the growth period and favor the growth of bifidobacteria. Lactulose has been found as a component of colonic microflora of bottle feed babies is identical that of adults which is resulting in the growth of lactulose market during the forecast period. Lactulose consist of detoxifying properties which is helpful in the treatment of hyperammonemia caused by portal systematic encephalopathy led to increasing lactulose market in pharma industries. In healthcare industry, lactulose is specifically consumed by nursing mother and for the pediatric use, these factor is expected to fuel the growth of global lactulose market at some extent. The increasing demand for baby formula products containing lactose and its derivative i.e. lactulose by dual employed households is also projected to register a significant growth in the global lactulose market mainly in the emerging countries. Characteristics such as easy availability, cost effectiveness, and water solubility are expected to increase the global lactulose market during the forecast period.Europe represents the leading market worldwide owing to extensive popularity of lactose and its derivative products. Asia Pacific appeared as the fastest growing market with an accumulative CAGR led by increasing disposable income, changing lifestyle, growing population. Lactulose is mass-produced according to present guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practices and meet the specifications of the European Pharmacopoeia, US Pharmacopoeia and Japanese Pharmacopoeia.BIOFAC is one of the key manufacturer of lactose liquid finished product in Denmark, which has shelf life of about 3 years however, stability varies depending on the type of packaging.View More Information: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/lactulose-market-590 Some of the key players identified across the value chain in global lactulose market are Abbott, Morinaga Milk Industry CO., LTD., RELAX EXCELLENCE IN LACTULOSE, FRESENIUS KABI, BIOFAC A/S and Lactose India Limited.
Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in this press release please contact the company added in the press release. Please do not contact pr-inside. We will not be able to assist you. PR-inside disclaims the content included in this release.
PR-Inside.com: 2018-02-22 20:49:01

ASKER, NORWAY (22 February 2018) - 8 option holders have today, exercised in total 73,600 stock options. All the options were exercised from the award in August 2013 secured by warrants at an exercise price of NOK 181.90 per share.

The following primary insiders in TGS have on 22 February 2018 traded TGS shares related to their exercise of stock options:

Zhiming Li, SVP Imaging Services, has exercised 20,000 stock options and sold the same number of shares in TGS at an average price of NOK 190.98 per share. After this transaction, Zhiming Li holds 108,494 shares in TGS.

Tom Neugebauer, Director of Project Development NSA, has exercised 2,500 stock options and sold the same number of shares in TGS at an average price of NOK 190.98 per share. Tom Neugebauer does not hold any shares in TGS.

Attached is the list of the primary insiders exercising stock options.





Company Summary

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company (TGS) provides multi-client geoscience data to oil and gas Exploration and Production companies worldwide. In addition to extensive global geophysical and geological data libraries that include multi-client seismic data, magnetic and gravity data, digital well logs, production data and directional surveys, TGS also offers advanced processing and imaging services, interpretation products, and data integration solutions.

For more information visit TGS online at www.tgs.com.

Forward-looking statements and contact information

All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include TGS' reliance on a cyclical industry and principle customers, TGS' ability to continue to expand markets for licensing of data, and TGS' ability to acquire and process data products at costs commensurate with profitability.

Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements for any reason.

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSLO:TGS). TGS sponsored American Depositary Shares trade on the U.S. over-the-counter market under the symbol "TGSGY".

For additional information about this press release please contact:

Sven Brre Larsen

Chief Financial Officer

Tel: +47 90 94 36 73

Email: sven.larsen@tgs.com

VP HR & CommunicationTel: +1 713 860 2184Email: will.ashby@tgs.com

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

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: TGS via Globenewswire


PR-Inside.com: 2018-02-22 08:33:02

's-Hertogenbosch, 22 February 2018

On 22 February 2018, Van Lanschot Kempen will start the repurchase of up to 400,000 of its own shares (depositary receipts for Class A ordinary shares). At the closing price of 21 February 2018, the programme will cost a maximum 11,0 million. It will serve to cover the depositary receipts to be allocated to employees under the existing remuneration policy and share plans.

The share buy-back programme will end on the day before the publication of Van Lanschot Kempen's 2018 annual figures, or sooner if the maximum number of repurchased shares is reached before then. Van Lanschot Kempen has tasked ING with the implementation of its share buy-back programme. ING will make its trading decisions independently of Van Lanschot Kempen.

Updates on the share buy-back programme will be announced in press releases and on the Van Lanschot Kempen website on a weekly basis.

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

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



About Van Lanschot Kempen

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

vanlanschotkempen.com

Disclaimer

This is an announcement pursuant to Article 5, paragraph 1, of Regulation (EU) Nr. 596/2014.

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

This document is a translation of the Dutch original and is provided as a courtesy only. In the event of any disparities, the Dutch version will prevail.

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Van Lanschot Kempen via Globenewswire


Nigerias performance in the management of the wealth from its natural resources (oil and gas) is rated poor, the latest petroleum sector benchmarking report shows.

Details of the 2017 Benchmarking Exercise Report (BER) presented in Abuja by the Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) showed two of the 12 precepts covered in red colour, indicating no sufficient progress since the last publication in 2014.

The two affected precepts included managing local impacts and state-owned resource companies like the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

Meaningful participation by affected communities are absent and resulting benefit from resource extraction overwhelmed by the negative effects as government agencies responsible for monitoring lacks the technical and financial capacity to enforce compliance, the report noted.

The report observed mild changes, particularly in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill by the Senate, removal of fuel subsidy by government and marginal improvement in transparency in NNPC operational and account information.

However, the report noted the continued muddling of NNPCs business roles with its auxiliary regulatory functions, with commercial decisions and operational activities still subject to political interference.

Of the 10 precepts in amber, showing minimal improvements, the report said seven, which required further progress, changed from red grades attained in the previous report.

These were in the areas of exploration, licensing and monitoring operations; taxation and additional company payments, and managing local impacts; stabilizing expenditure and private sector development.

Others included state-owned enterprises; investing for growth; public spending; role of extractive companies, strategy, legal frameworks and institutions; transparency & accountability and role of international community.

Although some positive developments were observed in the legal framework between 2014 and 2017, particularly on ownership of assets spelt out in the constitution and the Petroleum Act, the report said operational problems that hindered the translating resource strategy into tangible benefits still existed.

On transparency and accountability, the report said despite efforts to implement the principles in public institutions through the open government partnership by launching the Nigerian open contracting portal, the organisations were yet to prioritise proactive disclosure of information on their operations.

There is absence of strategic impact assessment and poor disclosure of exploration and licensing information. The power of discretion for licensing award still subsists and lies with the Minister and the bidding rounds are still fraught with lack of transparency, open to abuse and marred by delays, the report said.

On taxation, the report said the fiscal regimes in the extractive industries remained unfavourable to the country, with the international oil companies benefitting more.

Besides, the report said taxes in the sector remained complex, with multiple agencies responsible for collecting various taxes and streams of revenues, while the capacity of revenue collection agencies to discharge their functions in doubt.

On investing for growth, the report said despite notable progress in timely publication of monthly allocations to the federating units, the share of recurrent expenditure remained disproportionately high, while capital expenditure and financial accumulation are rapid decline.

With no significant change in rising government expenditure management with declining commodity prices, the report said although the Sovereign Wealth Fund meant to manage oil resources was being managed professionally, the agency was being grossly underfunded to reduce expenditure shortfall.

The report noted a key concern in the role of international community in the management of the natural resources.

It said the issue was not so much in the absence of the frameworks to protect human, environmental health and social rights, but failure of the international community to translate into substantial in-country action.

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NNRC Programme Coordinator, Tengi George-Ikoli, told PREMIUM TIMES at the end of the policy dialogue on Thursday that the latest report was the third in the series, since the previous publications in 2012 and 2014 to assess the governance of Nigerias petroleum wealth.

Ms. George-Ikoli said the framework for the report, which was revised to guide the detailed approach to obtain accurate analysis of the resource sector, formed the basis for the 2017 exercise.

She said the 2017 benchmarking exercise was handled for NNRC by a consortium of civil society groups, consisting Centre for Public Policy Alternatives, Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre, Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa, Centre for Social Justice and Social Action.

A panel of independent Nigerian experts on natural resource governance, including former government officials, academics, private sector and civil society representatives held a policy dialogue prior to the presentation of the findings.

Various recommendations were made at the dialogue on how to remedy the inadequacies of the various precepts in the report.
A preferred bidder has been chosen for the sale of 9Mobile, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt. But this preferred bidder is likely to face several obstacles, including court cases, in buying the troubled telecommunications firm.

At the threshold of a possible resolution of the uncertainty on January 12, the Federal High Court, Lagos, gave a ruling that appeared to have upset the process, darkening the cloud of uncertainty over the survival of the firm reputed to be Nigerias fourth largest telecom operator.

On that day, the court ruled to nullify the January 16 schedule for the conclusion of the sale of 9Mobile to a new buyer. The original deadline for the sale was December 31, 2017.

But, Spectrum Wireless Communications had approached the court in early December 2017 to contest the ex-parte order earlier granted United Capital Trustees Limited on July 3, 2017.

In the July 3 ruling, the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, presided by Justice Ibrahim Buba declared that the constitution of an Interim Board for 9mobile by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in the wake of the crisis in June 2017 was in order.

Justice Bubas declaration had followed the preliminary objection filed by United Capital to counter the application earlier by Spectrum Wireless, a shareholder of Emerging Markets Telecommunications Service (EMTS), which later took the 9Mobile trade name.

CYCLES OF CRISES

Since June last year when the crisis began with the exit of Mubadala Development Company as Etisalats largest shareholder, the company has undergone several motions in a desperate bid to survive. Yet, the end appears not in sight.

Mubadala, an Abu Dhabi Government-owned investment and development company, controlled about 70 per cent of the shares in Etisalat along with Etisalat UAE mobile.

Its exit from Etisalat triggered a groundswell of connecting developments, which left the telecoms firm gasping for breath.

The group had followed up with an announcement on the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange of its decision to transfer 45 per cent of its equity and 25 per cent of its preference shares to United Capital Trustees Limited, the legal representative of the lending banks.

Also, Mubadala and Etisalat Group-appointed non-executive directors, all nationals of the United Arab Emirates, later resigned their appointments, leaving only 30 per cent shareholding by EMTS promoted by Hakeem Bello-Osagie, a Nigerian.

The real genesis of the crisis, which caused Mubadala to pull out of the company, was allegedly the mismanagement of a $1.2billion syndicated loan procured from a consortium of 13 Nigerian banks.

The foreign-backed guaranteed bond was procured in 2013 to finance a major network rehabilitation, upgrade and expansion of Etisalats operational base in Nigeria.

Those familiar with the loan said Mubadala Group officials were angry that records of the loan repayment were untidy.

Following protracted disagreements between the company and the consortium of banks over the debt repayment, Mr. Bello-Osagie, who was the former board chairman, was forced to resign. He was followed later by then Chief Executive, Mathew Willsher, and other top officials.

United Capital Trustees Limited, which emerged from the ashes of the crisis as the receiver-manager appointed by the consortium of 13 banks had threatened to take over Etisalat and sell it to recover their loans.

The consortium of banks included Access, Zenith, Guaranty Trust, First Bank, Fidelity, First City Monument, Stanbic IBTC, Ecobank, United Bank for Africa and Union.

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But, the NCC and CBN had intervened by persuading the banks to reconsider their threat and allow the recovery of their debt through the sale of the company to a financially viable investor.

With that understanding, the NCC and CBN announced the constitution of an interim board for the company, which took 9Mobile as its new business name.

They appointed the deputy governor of CBN, Joseph Nnanna, chairman of the Board, with members including Oluseyi Bickersteth, Ken Igbokwe and Funke Ighodaro. Boye Olusanya was named the new Chief Executive.

BID PROCESS

The two regulatory authorities later appointed Barclays Africa as the transaction financial adviser with a mandate to conclude the sale of 9Mobile latest by December 31, 2017.

To realise that mandate, Barclays had submitted its recommendations to the interim board for the selection of five prospective buyers from a list of 16 that expressed interest and submitted bids.

The interested buyers included Teleology Holdings Limited, promoted by the pioneer CEO of MTN Nigeria, Adrian Wood; Smile Telecoms Holdings, with operations in Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Congo DR and South Africa; Helios Investment Partners; Bharti Airtel, the Indian telecom giant, and Globacom Nigeria.

Others included MTN, Airtel, Nigerian Telecommunications Limited, UK Virgin Mobile and South Africas Vodacom. BUA Group, Morning Side Capital Partners, Obot Etiebet & Co, Blackstone Private Equity, Hamilton Limited and George International Limited.

However, following the court process filed by Spectrum Wireless Communications in December 2017, the initial deadline for the sale of 9Mobile was shifted to January 16, 2018.

CONFUSION PERSISTS

But, the January 12 ruling of the Federal High Court, Lagos against the January 16 fixed for the conclusion of the transaction stirred fresh confusion.

In requesting the vacation of the July 3, 2017 order, Spectrum Wireless argued the ruling was granted in error, on the premise of false representation of facts to the court.

Spectrum Wireless said as an investor with about 17.5 per cent shareholding in the company valued at over $35 million, no legal decision should be taken, particularly about selling 9Mobile, without factoring this into the calculations.

It asked the court to halt the planned sale of 9Mobile to allow for the issue of its investment to be sorted out before the emergence of a new investor.

Besides, it said, the interim board should not be allowed to remain as security trustee nominees of the 9Mobile.

Although silence by the regulatory authorities and parties to the transaction appears to have heightened the confusion over the current status of the bid, those familiar with the issue told PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday that United Capital had since cleared the doubt by filing an appeal.

There was no stoppage of the bid process by the court ruling, a source close to the NCC said. He requested not to be named as he was not authorised to speak officially on the issue.

An appeal was filed against the January 12 ruling. The Supreme Court ruling on matters like that is that once an appeal has been filed, parties shall maintain status quo.

In this case, the status quo at the time the order was given was that the process to sell 9Mobile was already on. So, after the appeal, the process continued.

When contacted, the NCC spokesperson, Tony Ojobo, said, There is no confusion in the process. Things are going on as planned, in a brief response to a text message. He did not give any further details.

But, PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Teleology Holdings Limited and Smile Telecoms Holdings were submitted to the NCC as the selected preferred bidder and reserved bidders respectively on the recommendation of Barclays Africa.

While Teteology made an offer of $500 million, Smile Telecoms reportedly offered $300 million, with their status subject to NCCs final confirmation.

Teteology was however given 30 working days within which to pay the offer or forfeit its position to the reserve bidder. The deadline for the payment is expected to lapse sometimes in the middle of March.

Asked to confirm the report of the preferred bidder, Mr. Ojobo declined. We dont work with rumours, he said in another terse text message without giving details.

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted the spokesperson of 9Mobile, Seyi Edo, on Tuesday, she referred our reporter to Barclays Africa, which is handling the bid process.

The whole matter is in Barclays African hand. We are not allowed to say anything about it. You may wish to also speak with the NCC, Ms. Edo said.
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Switzerland has imposed sanctions including asset freezes and travel bans on 14 allies of Democratic Republic of Congos President Joseph Kabila amid a worsening political crisis linked to his refusal to step down.

Congolese security forces have killed dozens of protesters in violent crackdowns on a series of demonstrations organised in opposition to Kabilas decision to remain in power despite the end of his elected mandate in December 2016.

Switzerland has long held a reputation as a favoured international destination for stashing ill-gotten wealth, owing to its banking privacy laws.

In recent years, in the face of international pressure, it has sought to demonstrate greater transparency, including increased cooperation with other nations tax authorites.

The sanctions list published by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs largely mirrors one already enforced by the European Union.

The U.S. has also imposed sanctions on senior Congolese officials over the past two years.

Ex-national police commissioner John Numbi and Kalev Mutond, head of the National Intelligence, said the regime figures targeted by the Swiss measure include former interior ministers Emmanuel Ramazani Shadari and Evariste Boshab.

Information Minister Lambert Mende, who serves as Congos government spokesman and is also on the sanctions list, was not immediately available to comment on the Swiss announcement.

In power since 2001, Kabila struck a deal in December 2016 with the main opposition bloc to stay on after his mandate expired on the condition elections were held by the end of 2017.

Government authorities missed that deadline and the vote is now scheduled for this December.

However, election officials have hinted that polls may not even be possible then because of financial and logistical constraints.

As the political crisis has dragged on Congo has experienced a spike in violence by armed groups, particularly in the restive east, which many fear could plunge the country back into the kind of conflict in which millions died at the turn of the century. (Reuters/NAN)
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Israeli military intelligence helped thwart a Sydney-based terror plot to use a home-made bomb to blow up an Etihad flight, an Australian government minister confirmed on Thursday.

Four men were arrested in Sydney in July over an alleged terrorist plot, which involved smuggling a bomb hidden inside a meat grinder onto the Abu Dhabi-bound flight.

Home Affairs Minister, Peter Dutton, said his government was grateful for the information it had been provided by Israel.

This Etihad flight was almost blown out of the sky and it would have resulted in hundreds of people losing their lives, so we are very grateful for the assistance Israel provided in that matter, he told Sydney radio 2GB .

He said the information led directly to preventing the attack, and applauded the enormous capacity within the Israeli intelligence-gathering space.

Dutton said 14 imminent terror attacks had been stopped in Australia in recent years with 85 people charged with terror-related offences.

Confirmation of the successful intelligence-sharing first broke in The Times of Israel early Thursday.

A military officer was quoted as saying the Israeli Intelligence Corps provided exclusive intelligence that led to the prevention of the attack.

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday said: I can tell you that this is one of many, many such actions that we did [in] preventing terrorism around the world.

An Islamic State operative sent components from Turkey through air cargo to the men in Sydney and instructed them on how to assemble a high-end military-grade explosive.

The device never made it onto the plane, apparently because it was too heavy to pass check-in.

Among the four arrested men, two from Sydneys western suburbs were charged with terrorism offences.

Another was released with charge while the final man was charged with an unrelated weapons offence,

In August, Lebanons interior minister claimed the countrys Internal Security Forces were responsible for aiding Australian authorities in foiling the plot.

Nohad Machnouk also alleged one of the Lebanese man linked to the failed plot had joined the ranks of Islamic State in al-Raqqa in Syria, the de-facto capital of the Jihadist group. (dpa/NAN)
Here are links to the biggest stories on the internet today.

Pence was set to meet with North Korean officials, but they canceled But the North Koreans pulled out of the meeting before it could happen. Pences office said they believed the abrupt cancellation was a sign that US attempts to exert pressure on the regime were working.

Its Trumps big chance on changing gun laws  if he wants to take it Trump could march into the Conservative Political Action Conference, a bulwark of support for the Second Amendment, on Friday and explain why change is needed following the latest mass tragedy last week at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Florida Legislature rejects weapons ban with massacre survivors en route to Capitol Lawmakers voted down a motion to consider the ban during a session that opened with a prayer for the 17 people killed by a former student last Wednesday at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. The vote in the Republican-dominated body was 36-71.

Queen Elizabeth joins Anna Wintour on front row of London Fashion Week Written by Eliza Mackintosh, CNN London A Swarovski-studded Queen Elizabeth II graced the front row of London Fashion Week, brushing shoulders with longtime Vogue editor Anna Wintour, during a surprise visit to the event on Tuesday.

Justin Trudeau snubbed by Indian government on official trip Though the Canadian leader is more than halfway through a week-long trip, he has yet to meet with a single senior member of the Indian government, sparking widespread speculation he has been snubbed by New Delhi.

Cape Towns Day Zero forecast pushed to July Day Zero has been periodically pushed back following rain and the implementation of water-saving measures across the city and the surrounding region. At one point, South Africas second most populous city had previously been expected to run out of water on April 12.

South Koreas Women Curlers Have Nicknames Like Pancake, Steak And Yogurt Members of the South Korean womens curling team are getting a taste of fame, not just because of their great Olympic performance, but also because of their delicious use of nicknames. The curlers entered the victories over higher-ranked teams like Canada, Switzerland, Great Britain and previously undefeated Sweden have Olympics ranked eighth in the world, but put the team in first place, according to the Wall Street Journal.

George And Amal Clooney Will March With Florida Shooting Survivors George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney plan to march in support of the survivors of last weeks mass shooting at a Florida high school. The couple released a joint statement on Tuesday to announce they will be in attendance at March For Our Lives on March 24 in Washington, D.C.

Pence Planned Secret Talks With North Korea, But Meeting Was Called Off Vice President Mike Pence planned to meet several North Korean officials during his visit to Asia earlier this month, but the meeting was called off at the last minute after Pence repeatedly used his trip to slam the regime, The Washington Post first reported on Tuesday.

The dirtiest place in your kitchen might surprise you We are clearly a nation that is very keen on cleanliness. Many of us stick antibacterial surface wipes in our shopping baskets (and then sometimes down the drain, helping cause those giant fatbergs). But, quite apart from the environmental cost, is money spent on antimicrobial wipes money well spent?

Young survivors push for US gun reform Survivors of a Florida school shooting that left 17 people dead have travelled to the state capital to press lawmakers to take more action on gun control. About 100 students arrived in Tallahassee hours before the state legislature rejected a ban on assault rifles like the one used in the attack.

Dust blankets Australian town in orange An Australian town has been hit by a dust storm that covered the outback community in orange dust. The storm swept through Charleville in south-west Queensland on Tuesday, knocking down trees and causing minor damage. The scene prompted many residents to post photos and videos on social media.

Sylvester Stallone brushes off death hoax To paraphrase the great American humourist Mark Twain, Twitter reports of Sylvester Stallones death are an exaggeration. Stallone and his brother confirmed on social media the actor was alive and well after he was the victim of a death hoax.

Fox News is getting its own streaming service called Fox Nation Fox News is the latest network to jump into the streaming service market because 24 hours of cable news apparently just isnt enough for its legions of superfans. The network announced this week plans for the standalone subscription-only, streaming service, called Fox Nation.

Shuri would be so proud of all of your Black Panther memes At this point, Black Panther as shattered records and made its mark as a historic film  so its no surprise that in its short lifespan its already spawned a few great memes.

Why the rhinos are the real MVP of Black Panther Excited for Black Panther ? So are we. Which is why were rolling out obsessive coverage with Black Panther Week . One of the most unexpected joys of Black Panther is how it leaves you with the sudden, overwhelming, impossible urge to get a pet war rhino.

Bill Gates is going to appear as himself on The Big Bang Theory Bill Gates, the man Dennis Feinstein once famously referred to as like a super-nerd, is reportedly set to appear on TVs nerdiest sitcom: The Big Bang Theory. The Microsoft founder-turned-billionaire philanthropist will play himself in a March episode of the series, EW reports.
The number of European heading to Britain or returning back to the mainland has returned to migration levels last seen in 2014, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said on Thursday.

Following record levels of migration during 2015 and 2016, statistics for the year ending September 2017 show net migration was 244,000.

The figure is reached by counting the numbers arriving in Britain and subtracting the numbers who departed.

During the review period 578,000 people arrived in Britain and 334,000 left the country, ONS said.

ONS said the latest statistics now show that the numbers arriving in Britain from around the world exceeded those heading to Britain from EU countries.

ONS said the increase in non-EU net migration is mainly accounted for by the increase in net migration of Asian citizens, many of them coming to study in Britain.

Net migration for people from outside of the EU was 205,000, made up of 135,000 citizens of Asia and 60,000 from other non-EU countries.

The figures show that in spite of the fall in the movement of EU nationals there are still more people arriving in Britain from member states of the bloc than those are leaving.

The latest net migration figure of EU nationals is now 90,000, less than half of the net migration in June 2016 when it was 196,000.

ONS Head of International Migration Statistics Nicola White said: Todays figures show that 244,000 more people are coming to the UK than leaving.

So net migration is adding to the UK population and is at a similar level to early 2014, ONS head noted.

However White pointed out that the EU net migration has fallen as fewer EU citizens are arriving, especially those coming to Britain to look for work.

According to White, the figure has now returned to the level seen in 2012 as the number leaving has risen.

The figures also show that non-EU net migration is now larger than EU net migration, mainly due to the large decrease in EU net migration over the last year, White added.

The ONS head said Brexit could be a factor in peoples decision to move to or from Britain.

However, ONS said that the number of students coming to Britain increased year-on-year by 29,000 to 163,000 in 2017.

There have been calls by British universities to drop the number of overseas students coming to study in the UK, saying this distorts the overall figures.

(Xinhua/NAN)

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Justin Forsyth, the deputy executive director of the UN Childrens Fund, has resigned over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

The organisation said in a statement that UNICEFs Executive Director Henrietta Fore accepted Mr. Forsyths resignation on Thursday.

Mr. Forsyth resigned his post in reaction to reports that he acted inappropriately towards female staff during his time working at childrens charity Save the Children, before he joined UNICEF.

We are grateful to Mr. Forsyth for his work over the past two years to advocate for the most vulnerable children and help advance UNICEFs mission to save childrens lives.

This mission is now more important than ever, the statement read.

(dpa/NAN)
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Some of the missing girls from a Yobe school attacked by the Boko Haram have been rescued, the state government has said.

The Government Girls Science Technical College in Dapchi, Bursari Local Government Area, of Yobe State was attacked on Monday by the insurgents.

The state government had said on Wednesday evening that over 50 of the schoolgirls were yet to be accounted for; while the police said 30 were not accounted for.

However, in a statement late on Wednesday night, the government said some of the missing girls had been rescued by soldiers.

The Yobe State Government hereby informs the public that some of the girls at Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) whose school was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists last Monday have been rescued by gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army from the terrorists who abducted them.

The rescued girls are now in the custody of the Nigerian Army, Abdullahi Bego, a spokesperson to the governor said in the statement.

Mr. Bego said the state will provide more details about the number of girls rescued and their condition later.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on Wednesday dispatched three ministers to Yobe to review the situation there while asking soldiers to ensure adequate security for the school and the community.

Following the rescue, residents of Geidam town of Yobe told PREMIUM TIMES that soldiers celebrated the victory on Wednesday night.

The sources said the triumphant soldiers returned to the commercial town, about 180 km from the Yobe State capital, at about 8.00 p.m. on Wednesday.

We suddenly heard loud noise and people yelling on top of their voices and honking the horns of their vehicle at about 8.00 p.m, said Halima Umar, a resident of Gaidam.

When we went out to check what was happening, we saw soldiers jubilation as they moved into the town in several vehicles, some of which were carrying the Dapchi schoolgirls. Though we were not allowed to go near the military base but from afar, the number of females were plenty, she said.

The military is yet to release any statement on the rescue.
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A day after Yobe State authorities said some schoolgirls reported missing after a Boko Haram attack had been rescued by Nigerian soldiers, the Defence Headquarters has told PREMIUM TIMES it has no such information.

We cannot confirm the statement by Yobe State that some of the girls have been rescued, Defence spokesperson, John Agim, told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday morning.

Suspected Boko Haram operatives on Monday evening stormed the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Bursari Local Government Area, Yobe State, a state government-owned school.

The insurgents reportedly carted away foodstuff and other valuables before kidnapping some of the girls at the school, according to witnesses.

Mr. Agim, a brigadier-general, said he could not give further details about the militarys intervention in the matter.

The comment, the first from the Nigerian military since the attack, comes as Nigerians and the international community press for more details of the incident.

Already, there are conflicting figures from the Yobe state government and the police about the number of girls that have not been found.

While the police told PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday afternoon that only 30 out of the total 906 students at the school could not be located, Yobe government said 50 girls were still missing as at the same time.

Yobe State said in another statement Wednesday night that some girls were rescued and were with the Nigerian Army. Tje statement did not give any figure.

The Yobe State Government hereby informs the public that some of the girls at Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) whose school was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists last Monday have been rescued by gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army from the terrorists who abducted them, Abdullahi Bego, a Yobe government spokesperson, said in the statement.

The rescued girls are now in the custody of the Nigerian Army, he added.

But nearly 24 hours later, neither the military, which the state government said was in charge of the girls, nor the police could confirm that the girls were actually rescued from Boko Haram.

PREMIUM TIMES reached Yobe police commissioner, Sunmonu Abdulmaliki, but an aide who answered his phone said the police had no information about the rescue.

Theres nothing we can confirm, the aide said. He said the police would be working with a team of three ministers that President Muhammadu Buhari sent on Wednesday day to travel to Yobe.

We hope that after the visit by the delegation, the picture would be clearer, he added.

Mr. Bego did not immediately respond to PREMIUM TIMES requests for comments on why the military and the police could not corroborate his statement that some girls were rescued.

Some military sources who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday afternoon said some of the girls who were said to have been rescued could be those who fled the attack into nearby bushes.
Some senators have hinted that the release of some of the Chibok girls kidnapped in April 2014, involved payment of ransom to the Boko Haram terror group.

The senators said this on Thursday while deliberating on a motion seeking the intervention of the federal government in the rescue of the 46 girls who were reported missing at a school in Yobe after insurgents invaded their school.

While the federal government has confirmed that negotiations took place in the release of some of the 276 captured Chibok girls, it has however kept mum on the issue of possible ransom paid. Over 100 of the Chibok girls have been released while scores more are still being held by the terrorists.

The lawmakers explained that Boko Haram now kidnap women and girls so as to negotiate and get money from the federal government just like the case of Chibok girls.

One of those who expressed that view was the Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan.

Mr. Lawan (APC, Yobe North) said extraordinary measures need to be taken in order to protect the girls as Boko Haram now use them as target to get funds.

What happened was unfortunate and after the Chibok incident, it was the wish of every Nigerian that it doesnt happen again in the country. I want to, at this point, commend Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari, for immediately taking action by directing the armed forces to move into Yobe to ensure that Boko Haram did not run away with any single girl.

I want to also commend the Governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Geidam, for ensuring that parents were comforted, for sending officials of the ministry of education to go round the families and ensure that they took head count of the girls from that school.

What happened is a lesson for us. That Boko Haram sees girls or women as value targets. What they did in Chibok earned them some funds, because negotiations were held somehow and they got a lot of money.

Now, the lesson is, we need to be extra careful and take extraordinary measures in protecting our schools; especially girls schools in those states especially Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

Mr. Lawan futher said that Yobe State has spent over N15 billion supporting security agencies posted to the state, adding that it is an indication that the state government is working in collaboration and cooperation federal government.

I want to urge our state to continue to do that but the federal government should also do the needful. Our state is not those kinds of states that you get a lot of money and therefore, such funds should be refunded to them so that we will continue to provide the required security, he said.

Bukar Abba (APC, Yobe East), who sponsored the motion condemned that attack. He commended the federal government for sending delegation to the state in a bid to resolve the matter.

I understand that the governor of Yobe state has already gotten the military to deploy and the police. The federal government has already sent a high-power delegation; three ministers to go and stay in Damaturu and report to Mr. President on a continuous basis until the matter is resolved, he said.

Hassan Mohammed (APC, Yobe South) said that the government of the state has failed serially.

This quite disheartening to hear, with due respect to Senator Lawan, to commend the state government for serially failing to protect our students. This is the primary responsibility of the government; to protect the lives and properties of its citizen.

The state government of Yobe has serially failed in this regard. It has abdicated its primary responsibility in doing that. Again, Mr. President

He was, however, cut short by Mr. Lawan, who came under order 53(7) to caution his colleague.

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Order 53 (7)- No senator, shall input improper motive to any other senator.

How I wish that I didnt have to come under any order to react to what my brother and colleagues said. I have my reasons for commending the president, the governor and government of Yobe State.

If my colleague doesnt see those reasons and he has his perspective, he doesnt have to refer to me that what I said is not in order. I have my facts, he has his facts. I will advise, that he states his fact without making reference to me, he said.

Responding to Mr. Lawan, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekeremadu said: unless I didnt hear him well, he didnt mention you. He was only talking about the governor. If he had mentioned you it would be driven to that aspect you read.

The senate deputy-president now addressed Mr. Mohammed.

So concentrate on what you want to say. Senate leader is entitled to praise the government, and you are also entitled to condemn them. This is the theatre of democracy.

Mr. Mohammed still went ahead to criticise the state government for not issuing any official statement.

This incident happened four days ago, as I speak to you now, not a single official statement came out of this state government. So what kind of government do we have in that state? This is the question I am asking. School children have been abducted. There is no record; you will be getting conflicting reports. Today the police will say 67, another agency of government will say another.

That is why I strongly feel, that the state government has abdicated its primary responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Yobe state, he said.

Also contributing to the motion, Joshua Lidani (PDP, Gombe South), said that the Chibok incident in 2014 were school-girls were abducted ought to have given the federal and state governments a signal especially those in the states that are concerned; Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa.

The secondary schools are most vulnerable especially girls schools. You know that happened with Chibok girls and we ought to take proactive measures to ensure schools especially girls schools are well protected. Therefore, we have observed of recent that, this spate of kidnappings happens whenever the Boko-Haram are being severely attacked or are on the run.

They devise a means of going to abduct people so that they would negotiate with the federal government for ransom. It happened with the recent abduction of Maiduguri staff that were on an exploration. The government negotiated with them and they got money.

Now they have been empowered, even with police officers wives, federal government went and negotiated with them and they were given money. We need to be very proactive in this case because the idea of sitting down to always negotiating and paying ransom with this action, we are empowering the Boko- Haram so that they would continue to do more.

He also flayed President Muhammadu Buhari for his aloofness.

But the most worrisome aspect was the fact that at times like this, whenever we are faced with this kind of situation, the nation ought to hear from the president. He ought to say something.

When there were killings in the United States in a school, the President himself went to that school to sympathise with the students and the parents.

He ought to utter words of sympath,y he ought to come to one television and say one thing or the other. It would bring comfort to those who are in distress. People will have the feeling that the President has them in his heart, he said.

Mr. Eweremadu, while sympathising with the governor and people of Yobe State, said the issue depicts the need for another level of policing.

If you now asking the military and the police to provide security at all the schools, they cannot have the number to do so. There must be another level of policing to complement the federal government security infrastructure in order to be able to secure all parts of Nigeria, he said.

The Senate thereafter, resolved to condemn the attack on the school.

It also urged the FG to quickly recover the girls so as not to repeat the issue of the Chibok girls experience.
Five alleged members of the Ambazonia separatist movement, a Cameroonian group seeking independence from the Francophone country, are currently being detained at an Abuja Police station.

A PREMIUM TIMES reporter was on Wednesday not allowed to speak with the detainees when he visited the Asokoro Police station where they are being held.

According to Abdul Oroh, who has been providing legal support for the detainees, two out of the five in custody are among the 12 leaders of the group the Nigerian government arrested last month.

Leader of the separatists, Julius Ayuk Tabe and 11 others who reportedly gathered at Nera Hotels Abuja on January 6 to discuss the influx of thousands of Cameroonian asylum seekers to Nigeria following protests in October were arrested and detained by Nigerian security for about a month. About 39 other Ambasonian separatist leaders were detained in Taraba. Dozens of those arrested were handed over to Cameroon authorities by the Nigerian government.

Cameroonian authorities confirmed they received some of the activists and vowed to prosecute them.

According to Mr. Abdul, there was uncertainty over the number of the separatists deported and the ones still in custody because the Nigerian government failed to announce the deportation which is being celebrated by Cameroonian authorities as a major victory in a clampdown on Mr. Tabe and other leaders of the self-proclaimed Ambasonia state in English-speaking parts of Cameroon.

Only 10 out of the 12 arrested on January 6 were deported. The remaining two resisted the deportation insisting that they are of Nigerian nationality. They are John Ojong Okongho and Nsoh Nabowah Bih and they are among the five people currently being detained, Mr. Oroh said.

He said the other three, Winifred Augustine, ThankGod Genesis and Nasiru Bah, were picked up randomly.

The five of them were brought to the police headquarters yesterday in a military vehicle with handcuffs and leg chains before they were later taken to the Asokoro Police station.

They granted us access to them, we interrogated them. The interesting thing they said is that they are convinced that they were arrested by Cameroonian soldiers, Mr. Abdul said.

There is need to know whether Cameroonians can come to Nigeria, arrest people and keep them at the DIA (Defence Intelligence Agency) custody only to later pick them in a Cameroonian military air craft and take them to Cameroon.

I dont know the agreement we had with them (Cameroon) but I dont think this is reasonable. This issue should be investigated thoroughly. The SSS are not involved, (for) the police, this is the first time they are hearing about the case.

If this people have a problem with their government and they came to Nigeria to take refuge, we should protect them or hand them over to the UN high commission on refugee, he added.

Jimoh Moshood, police spokesperson, did not answer or return text messages sent to his phone on Wednesday.

The unrest in Cameroon began in November 2016, when English-speaking teachers and lawyers in the North-west and South-west regions took to the streets, calling for reforms and greater autonomy.

They said they were frustrated with the dominance of the French language in official matters and marginalisation of Cameroons Anglophone population.

The protests were followed by a harsh government crackdown, as well as internet shut-downs and arrests.

In October 2017, the secessionist group declared the independence of the so-called Anglophone state of Ambazonia. International rights groups say that between 20 and 40 people were killed in clashes since late September.

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According to Amnesty International, at least 500 people were detained in the aftermath of the announcement.

The UNHCR, the UN refugee agency reported that it has registered over 7,000 Cameroonians from the Anglophone regions, who have fled the unrest in the country to Nigeria.

Nigerian activists and lawyers such as Femi Falana and Jiti Ogunye have condemned the treatment by Nigerian government of the Cameroonian separatists.
The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, on Thursday said the Nigerian government would need more time to assess the situation around the community where some schoolgirls were reportedly kidnapped in Yobe State on Monday.

On the issue of the number of missing girls, we cannot give what we are not sure of, until we hear from their parents, we cannot say this is the number, Mr. Mohammed told reporters shortly after he arrived at Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Thursday afternoon. Give us a few more time please.

Mr. Mohammed was amongst the three ministers that President Muhammadu Buhari asked on Wednesday to embark on an immediate fact-finding mission to the state.

Scores of girls are reported missing following a Boko Haram attack on the school Monday night. Conflicting accounts of both state and federal officials over the crisis have further confused and worsened the anxieties of parents and other citizens.

Mr. Mohammeds comments that the Buhari administration cannot immediately give any details about the situation came a day after the state government said some of the kidnapped girls have been rescued and handed over to the Nigerian Army.

But that account now seems to be in dispute, as the Defence Headquarters said the alleged rescue could not be confirmed.

We cannot confirm the statement by Yobe State that some of the girls have been rescued, Defence spokesperson, John Agim, told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday morning.

Similarly, a federal lawmaker who represents the community said the report that girls were kidnapped was untrue.

The military did not rescue any girls yesterday as being reported in the media, Goni Bukar, the lawmaker representing Bursari/Geidam/Yunusari federal constituency, told PREMIUM TIMES by telephone Thursday afternoon.

I am currently speaking with you from the school and I stand here with the governor and other top military officials, I can tell you that no girls were rescued, he added. We have only been able to locate some girls in one or two batches at different places.

A PREMIUM TIMES reporter arrived in Dapchi, about 100 kilometres from Damaturu, the state capital, Thursday afternoon.

Mr. Mohammed arrived at the community with Khadijat Bukar-Ibrahim, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Geidam, was on ground to receive the team. The Theatre Commander, Operations Lafiya Dole, Rogers Nicholas, a major-general, was also on the scene.

The minister and his entourage were briefed by the governor and the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Damaturu.

Shortly after the briefing, Mr. Mohammed told reporters that he was delegated by the president to visit the attacked community and commiserate with the victims.

He said his delegation which also includes a representative of the minister of defence, was also to find out the true situation about the missing schoolgirls.

On the issue of the missing students, the minister said it is still too early to determine their whereabouts.

We are still monitoring the situation and what I want people to understand is that since two days ago some of the students who fled to neighbouring towns and communities had returned and more have been returning.

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When we arrived here we have been briefed by the governor and the GOC about the situation of the students. We know there are few students who are yet accounted for, but we dont want to manufacture stories on this issue. But give us few days, we will be able to tell you exactly the real situation of things.

But you can see response of the military, the response of the state government is quite commendable. Since four days now we have been following the efforts being made to arrest the situation, he said.

He lampooned the Boko Haram and said the sect only attacked the school because it is in its dying days and craving media attention.

But we must understand that these are they dying days of the Boko Haram and what they intend to do is to embarrass the government because they have been degraded, they have been pushed out of Sambisa forest.

They have been starved out of oxygen and the oxygen they feed on is publicity so that they can grab the worlds attention. But I can assure you that with the determination of our gallant military, the days of Boko Haram are numbered.
The Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has denied media reports that it returned to the umbrella body of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The Christian Association had informed Nigerians in a statement on Sunday that the CBCN was back to its national body, after five years of withdrawal.

The statement signed by Adebayo Oladeji, the media assistance to the CAN President, attributed the return to effort made by the CAN leadership to unite the various blocks of the association.

Their return was one of the best things that have been happening since I was given the mandate to become the President, the statement said, quoting CANs President, Samson Ayokunle.

But in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, the CBCN president, Ignatius Kaigama, said although negotiations were ongoing for the expected return, the CBCN was yet to take a final decision about rejoining the umbrella body.

We want to dialogue and conclude some issues of the constitution. We are still talking, we are still negotiating. We are still re-examining how things have been, so that when we return, our return will be total and complete. So the statement you saw did not emanate from the Catholic Church. Although we are working with CAN at the state levels.

When we are through with our dialogue and negotiations with the Christian Association of Nigeria and we are mutually satisfied, we as the Catholic Bishops Conference will issue a statement to that effect, said Mr. Kaigama, who is also the Catholic archbishop of Jos.

Given the position of the CBCN, PREMIUM TIMES enquired from CAN, the reason for its earlier statement.

CAN President, Samson Ayokunle, explained that his media aide interpreted the decision of the CBCN to attend the constitution review and the Executive Council meetings organised by CAN, to mean that the Catholic Bishops had returned to the association.

Well its not a full return. We have been having meetings. They attended our Constitution review meeting and the following day they had a full representation at our executive Council meeting. That was what my media man interpreted to mean that they had returned.

But we have been having improvements in our negotiation. They even invited me last Sunday for a program. Such things were not done before.

But I have just received a mail from them saying that they would like the constitution review completed before they return. So their full return depends on when we complete our Constitution review, Mr. Ayokunle said.

The CBCN pulled out of the Christian Association five years ago, citing politicisation of CANs leadership as reason for its decision.

The catholic bishops accused the Ayo Oritsejafor-led former leadership of the Christian association of involvement in partisan politics.

In a statement signed by Mr. Kaigama, the CBCN said it would only return to CANs national body when it believes that the leadership of the association had returned to its original vision.

CAN is being dragged into partisan politics thereby compromising the ability to play its true role as conscience of the nation and the voice of the voiceless, the bishops said.

The statement further said the CBCN would however continue its participation with CAN at state levels.

Established in 1976, CAN is made up of five Christian blocs namely: the Christian Council of Nigeria; the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria; Organisation of African Instituted Churches, and the Evangelical Fellowship of West Africa.

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The Peoples Democratic Party is currently holding its National Executive Committee meeting.

The meeting is being held at the partys national secretariat in Abuja.

The PDP lost the presidential election in 2015 after holding power for 16 uninterrupted years, the longest in Nigerias democratic history.

Details later
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A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, on Thursday said politicians were the greatest threat to Nigerias democracy.

Mr. Jega said this at an election programme  Watching the Vote Series  with the theme Is Nigerias Democracy Under Threat? organised by Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth & Advancement (YIAGA) in Abuja.

According to him, the biggest threat is the recklessness of politicians to undermine Nigerias democracy, thereby destabilising the process of development.

He said Nigeria like all countries face threats to its democracy, we must identify the threats that have the tendency to derail the development of our democracy and address them.

We must also checkmate the threats of politicians to undermine our democracy because all we need now is adding value to the process.

We also need to mobilise our people in towns and villages to be part of the electoral process and ensure that we do not engage in authoritarian reversal which would take us several years to get back on track.

The signals are there, the fragility of the system is evident; we are a country with enormous systemic security challenges.

The former INEC boss, therefore, advised that Nigerians should have quality representatives that would provide good governance and protect the interest of the people.

Garba Abari, the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), said Nigerias democracy was under threat and the signs and indicators were evident.

Mr. Abari stressed the need for government to partner CSOs to educate Nigerians on elections to especially curb invalid votes.

He said NOA was concerned about the number of invalid votes that kept recurring during elections, adding that there was need to educate the electorate on election procedure.

The Executive Director of YIAGA, Samson Itodo, said with barely 358 days to the 2019 elections, there was need for Nigerians to redesign what the future of the nation would look like.

Mr. Itodo said the election programme was timely as it was aimed at assessing the state of Nigerias democracy and to chart the way forward.

(NAN)
Mind-boggling details have emerged in an ongoing robbery with violence Court hearing in Nakuru. During the hearing on Monday, witnesses testified about the incident that also included the rape of a woman.

The court heard that one of the suspects sent a text message to the female victim apologising for the gangs deeds. He is also said to have sent her Sh200 to go on a date with him.

The suspect, identified as Kevin Matundura, and his co-accused, Josephine Waihuini, and Joram Njoroge are accused of committing the crime in Bahati, Nakuru County, on the night of March 14, 2017.

They are said to have spent hours at the victims house which saw Matundura start a conversation with his victim, a daughter of the owner of the home they had raided.

The victims brother, while testifying in Court, said the thugs were armed with a machine gun and a pistol and held the family hostage for more than eight hours.

We spent time together and from where I lay between a table and a chair, I could hear Matundura conversing with (name withheld). He asked her name and whether she had a phone and they exchanged contacts, said the brother.

The gang left the home at around 5 am and made away with, among other things, a sewing machine motor, 10 bags of dry maize, a Samsung mobile phone, assorted clothes and shoes and a motor rolling machine.

They also drove away in a car belonging to the homeowner.

The court heard that after the attack, Matundura sent a text message to the woman, whom he is alleged to have sexually assaulted, apologising for the gangs deeds.

In the text message, the suspect reportedly told her where the family could find their vehicle.

The witness said his sister received a text message from Matundura asking whether she could find time for the two to meet.

(Name witheld) showed me a text message sent to her by Matundura that morning informing her where the fathers car and keys were. In the message, he went further to apologise for what had happened that night. The man also asked her if she could find time to meet him.

He added that his sister agreed to meet the accused and even received Sh200 from him as fare from Kiti to Nakuru town after she told him that she did not have money for bus fare.

The witness also told the court he was aware of the meeting between his sister and the accused but did not know exactly where they planned to meet.

Following their arrest, Matundura and Njoroge were charged with gang rape.

Particulars of the crime indicated that Matundura and Joram Njoroge, jointly with others not in court, intentionally and unlawfully raped the woman.

According to the Standard, the witness told the court that the robbers took away Sh1,800, proceeds from an eatery they operated at home, and an additional unknown amount of money collected from a posho mill the family operated.

The robbers also allegedly fought over a music system as one wanted to go with the speakers and the other claimed other parts of the system.

They even considered slaughtering a chicken but then settled on tea because cooking the chicken would have taken a long time.

The hearing continues on March 28.
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The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has decried the alleged inaction of the federal government on the nationwide strike of non-teaching staff of universities.

The Non-Academic Staff Union, Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities and National Association of Academic Technologists, cooperating under the aegis of the Joint Action Committee, JAC, have been on strike since the beginning of December.

This was after the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, failed to resolve their grievances over the sharing ratio of N23 billion released by the federal government to the universities as academic earned allowances.

The JAC had written Mr. Adamu a week before they embarked on the strike on December 4, warning of industrial action over the 89:11 ratio for sharing the allowances in favour of members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

But the minister only acknowledged their letter and called them for a meeting mid-December, after the strike had begun.

In a statement by its president, Saheed Ashafa, on Thursday, the MSSN accused government of not paying attention to the striking workers.

The presidency is not giving priority to the strike action and it is sending a bad perception about this administration, said the MSSN.

In the first place, the strike is avoidable and needless. It is unpalatable to the hearing that a country like Nigeria still pays low attention to workers welfare.

The poor attention and undue silence of the Federal Government over the ongoing strike embarked upon by members of NASU, SSANU and NAAT are condemnable and highly demoralizing.

It is understandable that children of majority of those leading the education agencies and ministries that should engage the striking workers are studying abroad, but that should not mean that the sons and daughters of the Nigerian masses should be made to suffer for developing interest in education

As we speak, some of our universities smell and stink, others have their libraries, health centres, powerhouses and other strategic facilities shut down. Students now live on university campuses like they are in the jungle.

This is pathetic and must be urgently addressed. We will not get the best from our workers if we continue to treat them like slaves; their commitment to work will be vacuous. Apart from having meetings with the striking workers, the generality of Nigerians deserves to know what the plans of the FG are in resolving this crisis and preventing subsequent ones.

The MSSN, however, appealed to the workers to consider the plight of the students caught in the industrial dispute.

It appears that the workers are fighting for their rights, but they should always remember that the students affected are their children. We plead with them not to allow the agitation for their rights to affect the whole essence of education in the country.

The strike has led to disruption of vital services, such as library, laboratory, healthcare, water and electricity supplies, normally provided by the JAC members in Nigerian universities.
In 2017, Nigerian security forces carried out widespread human rights abuses such as extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests, mass detention in sub-human facilities, attacks on the media and journalists, violent crackdown on peaceful protesters, and forced evictions, Amnesty International said in its 2017/2018 Human Rights report released on Thursday.

The report condemned the Nigerian military for its total disregard for human rights in its execution of the war against violent Islamist group Boko Haram.

According to Amnesty International, in the outgoing year, the Nigerian Army carried out, extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and torture and other ill-treatment, which, in some cases, led to deaths in custody.

The human right organisation also pointed out that the condition of the military detention facilities in the North-east and other parts of the country was harsh, and children were detained unlawfully alongside their parents in these centres.

Detainees were denied access to lawyers and family members. The army released 593 detainees in April and 760 in October. By April, the military detention facility at Giwa barracks, Maiduguri, held more than 4,900 people in extremely over-crowded cells.

Disease, dehydration and starvation were rife and at least 340 detainees died. At least, 200 children, as young as four, were detained in the overcrowded and unhygienic childrens cell. Some children were born in detention, the report said.

Similarly, the report also alleged that soldiers killed 10 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Umuahia and injured 12 others on September 14, 2017.

The Military claimed that they were killed when they tried to resist the arrest of leader Nnamdi Kanu at his home. Witnesses say that, in addition to those killed, at least 10 IPOB members were shot and taken away by soldiers, the report claimed.

The police and the secret police, also known as the State Security Services (SSS), were not spared in the report. The report accused them of torture, ill-treatment and unlawful detention of civilians.

In February, Nonso Diobu and eight other men were arrested and detained by Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) officers in Awkuzu, Anambra state. Diobu died in custody.

In May, a high court ordered the SSS to release a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Instead, the SSS included his name in another case. Bright Chimezie had not been brought to court by the end of the year; the SSS had held him in incommunicado detention for more than one year.

Clampdown on the Media

The report also decried the increasing attack on the press and clampdown on freedom of speech. It stated that journalists are increasingly being harassed, intimidated and arrested.

On 19 January, police raided the offices of Premium Times and arrested publisher, Dapo Olorunyomi and correspondent, Evelyn Okakwu for several hours, after the Chief of Army Staff accused the newspaper of offensive publications.

On 19 April, Kaduna state police arrested and detained Midat Joseph, a journalist with Leadership newspaper, for a WhatsApp comment. He was taken to court the next day on charges of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance and injurious falsehood. On 31 July, the court dismissed the case on grounds of lack of diligent prosecution.

Boko Haram and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)

In 2017, the report noted that Boko Haram carried out at least 65 attacks causing the death of 411 people.

The extremist group also abducted 73 people including 17 women,10 of which are policewomen abducted in June (the policewomen were released earlier in February alongside some abducted academics from the University of Maiduguri after a negotiation with the government).

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Despite the efforts of aid agencies and the government to resettle IDPs in their towns and villages, the report stated that there are still 1.7 million IDPs in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. According to the report, 39 per cent of the IDPs live in camps and similar shelters while 61 per cent live in host communities.

The UN said that 5.2 million people in the North-east remained in urgent need of food assistance; 450,000 children under five were in urgent need of nutrition. In July Doctors without Borders reported that 240 children had died from malnutrition in Borno State.

On 17 January, the Nigerian Air Force bombed an IDP camp in Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge local government, in Borno state, killing at least 167 civilians, including many children. The military said the bombing was an accident as Rann was not identified as a humanitarian camp.

Forced Evictions

The governments of Lagos, Imo and Rivers states were singled out for condemnation for ordering and supervising forced eviction of thousands of residents without adequate notice, compensation, or the provision of alternative accommodation and resettlement.

In Lagos state, at least 5,000 people were forcibly evicted from Otodo-Gbame and Ilubirin waterfront communities despite Lagos State High Court orders. The orders restrained state authorities from demolishing the homes of affected communities consisting of at least 300,000 residents and ordered them to consult with residents. In March, the Lagos state government pulled out of the consultations saying the communities demand for resettlement was unreasonable.

During the forced eviction of Otodo-Gbame community on April 9, at least two people were shot, one fatally, as the police fired at the unarmed residents. There were no investigations into the shootings. On June 13, Lagos state authorities forcibly evicted hundreds of people from Ijora-Badia community.

The report noted that the Rivers State government forcibly evicted hundreds of people from the Ayagologo waterfront community in Port Harcourt.
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The Governor of Imo State and chairman of the APC governors forum, Rochas Okorocha, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will address the nation soon on whether he will seek re-election in 2019.

Mr. Okorocha stated this Thursday shortly after he led other APC governors to meet with the president at the First Ladys conference room.

In a brief chart with reporters after the meeting, Mr. Okorocha said they were in the Villa to ask Mr. Buhari to seek a second term in office.

We discussed so many issues that affects the nations, our party and Mr. Presidents ambition to run for 2019 elections, he said.

The Imo governor said, It is the desire of the governors that Mr. President should run for this exalted office given his performance in the last two years. We believe that if he continues Nigeria will be better for it.

He also said Mr. Buhari in his usual manner has requested that the governors give him time and that he will address the nation and the caucus of the party very soon

So we should be full of expectations that Mr. President will make officially known to Nigerians his intentions but we hope that his response will be in line with what the governors are thinking, he said.



APC governors have been putting pressure on Mr. Buhari to seek re-election. They met with him last week in his home town, Daura, on the same mission.
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The European Union, EU, has reacted to the abduction of school-girls in a secondary school in Yobe by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

The union in a statement signed by press officer, Modestus Chukwulaka, Thursday, while sympathising with the victims families said it will support the Nigerian government in the rescue of the students.

The statement read in part:

Targeting children and abducting young girls as they seek to attend school is an attack on our common humanity. The EU sends its solidarity with the affected families and the people of Nigeria.

The girls deserve freedom and a chance to shape their own future. The EU remains committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and all forms of criminality.

We stand resolute to continue our humanitarian and development work, including the rights and protection of girls.
Some pupils of the Local Education Authority, Kubwa II school were confirmed dead on Wednesday, after reportedly eating biscuits at a party.

The incident spread panic in the community as parents and guardians rushed to the school and forcibly took away their children.

The News Agency of Nigeria earlier reported that two 14-year-old pupils of the school, Nehemiah Yahaya and Yahaya Garba, of primary 5 and 4 respectively, died after eating biscuits at a party allegedly organised by yet to be identified persons.

However, a visit to the school in Kubwa, a suburb of Abuja, the Nigerian capital, revealed that three pupils of the school actually died but the third person didnt eat from the said biscuits.

The third victim, Moses Sunday, of primary one, is said to have died on Tuesday night after an alleged fight with his classmate.

Two of the deceased, Nehemiah Yahaya and Yahaya Garba, who were said to be from the same family, have however been buried on Wednesday afternoon in Kubwa.

At the time PREMIUM TIMES visited the school, the headmaster was giving an account of the tragedy to officials of the FCT Education Secretariat, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), who were at the school on a fact-finding mission.

Journalists were barred from the briefing and the headmaster and other officials present declined to comment on the incident.

Giving an account of the incident, a teacher who would not want to be mentioned said, When we got to school this morning, a child from primary four was sick. The HOD noticed it and asked him to go home. The other child in primary five who happen to be from the same parent was also sick and on getting home, they died.

Immediately we got the news, our headmaster called us and asked us if there was any celebration in any arm of the school and we said nothing like that happened.

A while after our headmaster briefed us, another news came that a child in primary one died. This one fought yesterday after closing and on reaching home, he was taken to the hospital and he died there.

After our headmaster addressed us, we went into our classes and before we knew it, Gbagi and Hausa people came into the school premises with stick, stones and bottle to come and attack teachers.

God helped us because the Area Council chairman came into the premises after hearing about it. He called the police and then, the situation was arrested. They later said we should allow the children to go home but we suggested that those whose parents might still be at their work place should be allowed to stay but that generated another crisis.

Some of the pupils ran to meet their elder ones in the secondary arm of the school while some ran out using the windows, she said.

On the major cause of the incident, the teacher said the school had barred pupils from bringing edible things to school during any celebration so she was not aware of any party.

In the same development, Hasia Haruna, a pupil who also ate of the biscuits is presently on admission at the emergency ward of the Kubwa General Hospital.

Her mother, Fatima, said she rushed Hasia, 13, to the Kubwa General Hospital, when she learnt that she ate of the biscuits at school.

She explained that her daughter, a primary three pupil of the school, told her that the biscuit was given to her by a yet to be identified person.

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Hasias mother who spoke in Hausa said, There was a party in the school on Tuesday where my daughter ate biscuit with other pupils. We discovered that some pupils died at night.

So I asked her if she ate the biscuit and who gave her and she said it was shared to them by a Muslim sister and so I was satisfied with her explanation.

But the chairman of Bwari Area Council, Musa Dikko, said we should take her to the hospital because some pupils died, so I decided to bring her here (Kubwa General Hospital), she said.

Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Doctor of the Hospital, Lasisi Akinola, said the hospital had admitted some sick pupils which he described as nothing unusual.

We receive sick pupils and people all the time, so there is nothing unusual about that. I know we have the corpse of a pupil who died after a fight with another pupil, but I dont have information on what you are talking about, he said

The FCT police spokesman, Anjuguri Manzah, said the police have opened an investigation into the incident. He said the case would be transferred to the Command Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for discreet investigation.

Confirming the incident through a statement by its spokesperson, Tony Ogunleye, the FCT Administration Education Secretariat, said three pupils had died, while two others were hospitalised, in circumstances that are still under investigation by relevant authorities, including the Nigerian Police Force and the Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCT.

Following the incident, the Chairman, Bwari Area Council, Musa Dikko, suspended activities at the school till February 26.
The trial of a former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, on an eight-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N2 billion continued on February 21 before Justice Yalim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, sitting in Minna, Niger State, with the prosecution tendering documents to establish the complicity of the defendant in the alleged offence.

Nma Mohammed, a branch head of Zenith Bank situated at Paiko Road, Minna 1, Niger State, who testified as PW3, told the court that the defendant made withdrawals of N10 million each in 80 places using the account of I.D. Sabin Investment Limited.

Led in evidence by Ben Ikani, counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Mohammed, said he was invited by the EFCC sometime in June 2014 to clarify some transactions on the account of I.D Sabin Investment Limited, an account owned by Saidu Nma-Aba Idris.

The witness narrated the procedures required for opening an account in his branch saying:

The customer will obtain account opening form. If it is a corporate account, the customer is required to bring all documents especially from the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC. There must be two eligible referees, there must be board resolution authorising the opening of the account. There must be means of identification. There must be public utility receipt. The signatories must provide their passport photographs. They must also give their mandate on how the account is to be operated and any other document required shall be involved.

According to the witness, I.D Sabin Investment met all the requirements while opening the account.

When asked to tell the court about the inflows into to the account, Mr. Mohammed said, Going through the statements of account, there were withdrawals of N10million each in eighty places and some other withdrawals.

The prosecution sought to tender the account opening package in evidence, after it was shown to the witness and identified but, Mr. Naskos counsel, Mamma Osuman, objected to the admissibility of the documents on the ground that they did not satisfy the provisions of Section 104 (1) (2) and (3) of the Evidence Act.

Mr. Osuman took time to fault each of the documents and urged the court to reject it in its entirety.

Mr. Aliyus counsel, Olajide Ayodele, also aligned himself with Mr. Osumans position.

In response, Mr. Ikani urged the court to discountenance the objections of Mr. Osuman, describing it as unfounded.

After listening to the submissions of counsel, Justice Bogoro held that the document from FIRS; the PHCN document dated February 28, 2013; the two-page National Identity Card and the documents from Corporate Affairs Commission (Certificate of Incorporation) were inadmissible. He said the documents, being public documents, need proper certification from appropriate authorities.

However, the judge ruled that the other documents from the Zenith bank including: Application To Opening a Corporate Account; Letter of Set Up, Signatory, Information Form, I.D Sabin Investment Limited, addressed to the branch manager Zenith Bank PLC Minna, A Document Physical Visitation Report of Zenith Bank, Authority to Debit an Account dated March 2, 2013, Customer mandate, Corporate Account Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Risk Assessment Form, Zenith Bank, duly certified by the PW3 were admissible.

I shall admit the documents each in evidence, the judge said.

Thereafter, the prosecution sought to tender the statement of account of I.D Sabin Investment Limited after it had been identified by the witness.

Though its admissibility was objected to by Mr. Osuman, his objection was overruled and the documents were admitted as Exhibits U and V.

The court also admitted the cheque books used for the transactions as Exhibits V1  V18.

The PW3 further told the court that the Niger State Ministry of Environment also had an account with his bank and that some inflows came into the account, while some were transferred to I.D. Sabin Investment limited.

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The account opening document for Ministry of Environment, Niger state was tendered and admitted as Exhibit S25.

Similarly, the computer print of the inflow of the account of Ministry of Environment was also tendered and admitted as Exhibits AB1 and AB2.

The matter was thereafter adjourned to April 10  11, 2018 for continuation of trial.

Mr. Aliyu, fondly referred to as Chief Servant during his time as governor is being prosecuted alongside his then chief of staff, Umar Nasko, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The defendants were accused of laundering ecological funds released by the Federal Government to Niger State sometime in 2014.
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The Niger State Government announced on Thursday that about N6.4 billion was released to the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs from the Paris Club refund it collected from federal government.

The Commissioner for Local Government, Zakari Jikantoro, disclosed this while addressing journalists on the outcome of the state weekly executive council meeting.

He said that the fund was spent on prompt payment of workers salaries and provision of capital projects.

He said that the state executive council approved the budget estimate for the local councils as part of the effort to re-position local administration for optimal growth.

According to Mr. Jikantoro, the revenue estimates of the total budget is N52.8 billion consisting of statutory allocation of N39.4 billion, representing 78 per cent of the total projection.

He said that internally generated revenue of the councils was N960 billion, representing 1.90 per cent; Value Added Tax, N7.9 billion, representing 15 per cent.

He said 10 per cent of local government dues from states internal generated revenue would account for N1.1 billion or 2.30 per cent of the budget.

He further announced that capital receipt was estimated at N1.1 billion or 1.98 per cent of the budget, adding that the 2018 budget estimate was slightly higher than the 2017 estimates for the councils by N400 million.

The commissioner explained that already more capital projects in the areas of water supply, health care delivery, agriculture, feeder roads and education had been initiated for implementation.

He said that the state government planned to engage the service of revenue consultants to ensure proper collections in the state.

He said that funds realised would be used in providing basic infrastructure that would improve the lots of the people.

He called on the people to reciprocate governments gestures by protecting its property in their domains against vandalisation.

(NAN)
The Plateau State Government on Thursday assured its 834 newly-recruited secondary school teachers of the security, stability and sustainability of their jobs.

The Chairman, Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Vonjen Lar, allayed the teachers fears of sack in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos.

Mr. Lar explained that all the 834 newly recruited teachers would be posted to some of the Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in the state.

They (teachers) should not be afraid of losing this job opportunity this government has given to them.

I wish to assure all of them that have succeeded in our interviews and recruitment that all is well as it involves the security, stability and sustainability of their jobs; so nobody should fear because no one will be unduly sacked.

Nobody should exercise any fear of losing this job after Governor Simon Lalong leaves office.

This is because this recruitment, which is the first of its kind in last 10 years, followed the due process and no one will send them parking after this administration without any concrete reason, the chairman explained.

The PSC chairman disclosed that 103 teachers that former Governor Jonah Jang employed and rumoured to be sacked by this administration were among the 834 recruited by Mr. Lalong.

According to him, those teachers were employed without following the due process and we have to subject them to such and most of them got re-absorbed based on merit.

He further explained that their employment was also lopsided as two LGAs had 28 and 23 persons to their credit while some had less than 8 persons and some had one or two persons only.

Lar stated that the newly-recruited teachers fell into the Phase One of the employment of the Lalong-led administration as another would soon be done once the economy of the state improved.

Some of the newly recruited teachers for have expressed fear of sack after Governor Lalong leaves office.

One of them, Dachung Joshua, who was full of gratitude to the state government for the teaching job, expressed fear that the job he so much cherished might not outlive Lalongs administration.

Its a straight forward and commendable recruitment, being the first of its kind in the past 10 years in this state.

I am indeed short of words for having something to do now after several years of searching but my only fear is this; will another government that would come after this governor retain us?.

Mr. Joshua said that in the past, such lay off took place and nothing was done to save the affected teachers.

He called on the state government to put the necessary machinery in place to secure their jobs to outlive the present administration.

Also, Nancit Stephen said for the fact that she was grateful to God and the state government, she hoped that it was a permanent job and not the one that would be lost after Lalongs administration.

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I lack words to express my happiness over this teaching job that I got at last; I hope no one will take it away from me in the near future.

Gideon Gyang, who said he was thrilled beyond explanation, thanked Gov. Lalong for counting him worthy to serve the state as a teacher.

I am so excited about this job after several years of waiting for one; I graduated since 2012 with nothing doing till now that God opened the door for me and others.

Although some of these appointments are political, I am not afraid of losing this job at all; it has come and believe it has come to stay by Gods grace,  Mr. Gyang said.

(NAN)
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has set up a three-member committee to look into the crisis in its Kaduna State chapter, which culminated on Monday in the demolition by the state government of the building housing a secretariat of a faction of the party in the state.

The Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency in a statement by its Director-General, Ibrahim Husseini, on Tuesday said it pulled down the building located at 11b Sambo Road in Kaduna as part of operations it was undertaking across Kaduna metropolis in compliance with its mandate.

The National Working Committee of the party announced the decision to investigate the crisis in a statement on Thursday by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, following an executive session it held on Wednesday.

The party said the committee will look into the remote and immediate causes of the crisis in the state chapter and the circumstance that led to the demolition of the building, which belonged to a senator and member of the party, Suleiman Hunkuyi.

It said the committee will be led by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Segun Oni; National Auditor, George Moghalu; and National Woman Leader, Rahmatu Alliyu.

The unfolding situation in Kaduna State is deeply regrettable and requests all parties in the disagreement to maintain utmost decorum and give opportunity for true reconciliation, the party stated.

Consequently, the NWC has set up a three-man committee led by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Engr. Segun Oni to embark on a fact-finding mission to Kaduna State with a view to identifying the remote and immediate causes of the disagreement and the circumstance that led to the demolition of the house of Senator Hunkuyi.

The committee is to report back to the NWC within a week. Other members of the Committee are the National Auditor, Chief George Moghalu and National Woman Leader, Hajia Rahmatu Alliyu.

In respect of Kogi State where party leaders are at loggerheads with Governor Yahaya Bello, the NWC reaffirmed that Haddy Ametuo remains the partys chairman in the state, until the appropriate organ of the party decides otherwise in accordance with the partys constitution.

Earlier last week, the party had issued a statement in rebuttal of a report that Mr. Ametuo had been removed by the North-central zonal leadership of the party.

The meeting of the NWC on Wednesday lasted for about seven hours and was led by the National Chairman of the Party, John Odigie-Oyegun and attended by majority of the NWC members.

The ruling party is wracked by crises in several state chapters. Last week, President Muhammadu Buhari assigned a national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu, to head a reconciliation committee with a view to restoring peace in the party ahead of formal take off of activities related to the 2019 general elections.
Some members of the state executive committee of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River have kicked against the plan to conduct an elective congress on Saturday to fill vacant positions in the state leadership of the party.

The congress was scheduled by an ad-hoc committee of the National Working Committee, NWC, at a meeting in Abuja on Monday with members of the party from the state.

The ad-hoc committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Segun Oni, was set up by the NWC to look into the crisis in the state chapter of the party.

At the meeting with the stakeholders attended by some members of the exco and other party leaders from the state, the ad-hoc committee announced the lifting of the suspension of some members sanctioned in the state for various alleged infractions.

The ad-hoc committee fixed the date for an elective state congress to fill vacant positions in the state leadership, especially that of the state chairman which became vacant in September 2015 when the occupant, Usani Usani, was nominated for ministerial appointment.

Since Mr. Ugurus nomination and subsequent appointment as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, his deputy, John Ochala, has been the acting state chairman.

But Mr. Ochala, who was at the stakeholders meeting held at the National Secretariat of the party on Monday, faulted the decision to conduct a state congress at only a four-day notice.

The acting chairman who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday alongside some members of the state exco, said the schedule was in breach of the Electoral Act and the constitution of the party which stipulated a 21-day notice for the conduct of a congress.

He said the partys constitution stipulated the time frame so that a congress organising committee and an appeal committee could be set up to conduct the congress, and for the Independent National Electoral Commission to be notified so that it can monitor the congress.

Mr. Ochala alleged that the ad-hoc committee unilaterally fixed the date for the congress, even though it was set up by the NWC only to investigate the crisis in the state chapter and make recommendations to the NWC.

He insisted that only the NWC can decide on a congress, and only in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the partys constitution.

The Electoral Act provides that before any party congress, INEC should be given a 21-day notice to enable the commission monitor the entire process of the exercise, he said.

Mr. Ochala called on the NWC of the party to intervene and ensure that due process was followed before the conduct of a congress to elect a new state chairman.

The aggrieved state exco members also faulted the lifting of the suspension on some members for alleged anti-party activities and setting up of parallel structures of the party in the state.

They said before any suspension can be lifted, the member affected has to formally appeal to an appeal committee which would consider it and advise the partys leadership.

There was no appeal from the suspended members to warrant this pardon, the ad-hoc committee has no power to lift suspension, they said

Mr. Ochala said a majority of members of the state exco was opposed to the scheduled congress, and alleged that it was being foisted at the instance of the Mr. Usani, whom he described as an interested party in the crisis.

He said Mr. Usani has an intention to run for governor and was scheming to put in place a chairman that will manipulate the party to favour his ambition.

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The Segun Oni ad-hoc committee was not empowered to take decisions but to make recommendations to the National Working Committee which has the power to direct for a congress on behalf of the National Executive Committee of the party. 

We appeal to the NWC to ensure that reason prevails and that the provisions of the APC constitution are adhered to. 

PREMIUM TIMES made repeated calls and sent text messages to the Deputy National Chairman (South), Mr. Oni, and the partys National Organising Secretary , Osita Izunaso, for their comments but they did not respond.

Cross River is among the states President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the National Leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu, to intervene in their crises and reconcile the members.
Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi had denied saying that Raila Odinga betrayed Nasa coprincipals on his Oath day.

The Nasa coprincipal noted that all he did was explain the events that led to the Peoples Presidents swearing-in at Uhuru Park on January 30.

It had been reported that Mudavadi, during a closed-door meeting with Luhya elders over the weekend, said that Raila tricked his co-principals into missing the controversial oath-taking ceremony.

He reportedly claimed that Raila sneaked into Uhuru Park as the other principals waited for him that morning at a location in Nairobi believed to be the Serena Hotel to continue discussions that had extended late into the previous night.

According to Mudavadi, the principals had agreed to a last-minute meeting where many issues, including protocol and the nature of the presidential and deputy presidential oaths, were to be finalized.

Mudavadi allegedly made the claims on Sunday during the meeting with a section of Luhya MPs and the Western Elders Council at Francis Atwolis home.

But the Cotu Secretary Genera said ANC leaders did not attack Raila during the meeting at his Khwisero home but only explained that some things were not clear at the time.

He [Mudavadi] told us what happened. We agreed that he will remain the Luhya spokesman and the best candidate to back for presidency in 2022, Atwoli said.

Speaking to The Star on phone yesterday, Mudavadi denied making the allegations against Raila.

I never said Raila betrayed us. I would never use such words.

The claims of Railas alleged betrayal come in the wake of simmering unease within the Opposition coalition despite the show of normalcy as affiliate parties begin to switch their focus to the 2022 race.
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The Delta Government on Thursday shut two secondary schools involved in a fight over the posting of a school principal.

The students of Zappa Basic Secondary School, Asaba, allegedly attacked their mates in Westend Mixed Secondary School over the transfer of their principal by the state government.

Zappa students allegedly took to the street in protest over the transfer of their principal to Westend, witnesses said.

In a telephone interview, the commissioner for basic and secondary education, Chiedu Ebie, said the two schools had been closed indefinitely.

Mr. Ebie said Westend was closed in order to avoid a reprisal attack but would be opened in the coming days.

He described Zappa Basic Secondary School students action as unbecoming as the students could not dictate to government who should be their principal.

Mr. Ebie said the students did not know the gravity of their action and vowed that the culprits would be found and punished.

He confirmed that the vice-principal and a student of Westend Mixed Secondary School were injured in the incident.

The commissioner said the government was holding meetings with the principals and vice-principals of the schools on the development.

He, however, said that government was monitoring the situation and hoped to resolve the issue soon.

Joe Iyalekhue, Principal State Secretary, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), confirmed the incident.

Mr. Iyalekhue described the students as lawlessness, pointing out that the transfer of teachers was normal in the service.
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The Osun State House of Assembly has rejected a constitutional amendment to provide for independent candidates in elections.

The house also stood down amendments to strengthen local government administration in Nigeria as contained in the alteration of Sections 7, 318 and part 1 of the fifth schedule of the constitution.

It also stood down the decision on the amendment seeking the abrogation of Joint Local Government Account (Section 162), preferring to subject it to a public hearing.

A statement by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, issued after the session, summed up the decisions of the house by stating that it approved 10 provisions, stepped down two others and rejected three of the provisions in the proposed amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

The Parliamentarian at the Yes/No vote proceeding unanimously rejected provision for independent candidature in elections ( section 7, 65, 106, 131, 177 and 228), Constitution Alteration Bill (section 9) and the period during which the president or governor shall lay the appropriation bill (section 81 and 121), the statement said.

Speaking at the end of the proceeding, the speaker of the assembly, Najeem Salaam, said the two bills were put in abeyance for a public hearing, so as to get the inputs and protect the interest of the numerous stakeholders in the matters contained in the sections.
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Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has pardoned five prisoners at the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons, Lagos, and Ilesha Prisons in the state.

Ajibola Bashiru, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, stated this on Thursday in Osogbo, the state capital.

The released inmates were Akeem Afolahan, Olowoyo Oladipo and Alaba Olagunjun, from the Kirikiri Prisons that were initially sentenced to death.

Others were Oladapo Adediji and Olabisi Adediji, of the Ilesha Prisons sentenced to life imprisonment.

The Attorney-General said that the inmates regained their freedom under the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy of the state government.

In Pursuant to the advice and recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, exercising his powers under the Section 212 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), he said.

Mr. Bashiru, however, commended Mr. Aregbesola for his commitment to the justice sector reforms and prison decongestion in the state.

(NAN)
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The father of a 14-year-old victim of alleged rape on Thursday sought to withdraw criminal charges filed against the suspect, Richard Mathew, on the grounds that the victim has relocated and married in the Republic of Benin.

The victims father told Justice Sybil Nwaka of the Sexual Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, when the matter was called for commencement of trial, that he wished to discontinue the case.

The man, who had caught the defendant in the act and fought and dragged him to a police station, was listed by the prosecution as a witness before he made his application to withdraw the case.

According to the father in his statement, on July 6, 2016, he returned from work to his home at Isheri and asked after his daughter only to be informed that the defendant, Mr. Mathew, had sent her on an errand.

He said he decided to go to the defendants house and found him having sex with his daughter and subsequently dragged him to the Isheri police station.

In response to the application by the victims father, the judge said, The state is the complainant in this matter and the nominal complainant (the victim) is not here. There is nothing to prove to the court that you are indeed the father of the victim.

He is not in the position to withdraw the case because the complainant is the state. If the victim comes to court to say she is no longer interested, then the court can decide if the case should be withdrawn. I see him as nothing more than a meddlesome interloper.

It is an offence against the state and all I can say is that the parents are a shame. They are more interested in not disturbing their new found in-laws than the well-being of their child.

I would adjourn the matter for you to put your house in order and come back but until then, this case is very much on in this court.

I hope the trend of this case will not send the wrong signal to the public because this is not the mission of this court. The mission of this court is to give justice to the victim in order to curb this social menace that is alarmingly on the rise.

The prosecution, Jide Boye, however, asked the court to issue a court order compelling the victims father to appear in court in the next adjourned date pending the decision of the prosecution on the status of the case.

The judge adjourned till March 22 and issued an order for the appearance of the victims father.

Mr. Mathew had been arraigned on January 5 and had pleaded not guilty to a charge of defilement.

His lawyer had also informed the court of the victims familys desire to withdraw the case on the same date but the judge dismissed the notice saying the defence had no business making such prayer to the court.
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Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested 27 suspected operators of illegal financial institutions, also known as wonder banks.

The head of media, Ibadan zonal office of the agency, Femi Oyewole, who disclosed this on Thursday, said the suspects were arrested at different locations within Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The suspects include, Olayeni Oladokun Samuel, Managing Director of Unlimited Grace Investment Limited and 10 members of his staff, Chris Igbinake of Grooming Centre and four of his staff and Akanbi Oluwakemi of Grace & Mercy Households Improvement Initiative and four of her staff.

The EFCC spokesman said, others include staffers of Sobic Financial & Investment Consultant, with their identities given as Awokunle Olukemi, Sikiru Obadara, Olasunkanmi Michael, Adeoti Adegboyega, Oyewusi Esther and Ojekunle Victor Olukayode.

He said the suspects have volunteered useful information to the operatives of the commission in their quest to unravel the extent of their illegal activities.

He added that investigations however have revealed that none of the institutions registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) before embarking on financial transactions with the members of the public.

They allegedly give loans to innocent and unsuspecting members of the public who register with them after 10 per cent deposit of the total loans sum and charge 15 to 20 per cent interest on all the loans granted to them, he stated.

FILE: Sealed wonder bank

It was also gathered that these companies have branches in and outside Oyo State with thousands of customers spread across Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Kwara States.

At the point of arrest, several copies of hand flyers for advertisement of their activities and laptops were recovered from them. They would be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded and a prima facie case is established against them, the image maker explained.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted gold worth Sh100 million at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

Gold bars weighing at least 32Kgs and an accompanying invoice of the amount were found on a 46-year-old Tanzanian national. According to the Kenyan tax man, the man was arrested last Friday, February 16 following an alert by intelligence agents.

The suspect was on board a Precision Airlines plane from Mwanza and was on his way to Dubai on a Kenya Airways flight.

He was seized by KRA customs officers and a team of security agencies attached to the airport.

The gold bars are in the custody of KRAs Customs and Border Control as police continue with investigations.

A team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation accompanied by Revenue Protection Service Officers from KRAs Investigation and Enforcement Department took statements from the suspect.

The arrest comes a week after a Kenya Airways employee was arrested in Mumbai, India, with 23kg of smuggled gold bars worth more than Sh100 million.
By: India Australia Business & Community Awards

Contact

Gandhi Creations Pty Ltd

***@gandhicreations.com.au Gandhi Creations Pty Ltd

End

-- Nominations for the India Australia Business & Community Awards (IABCA) are now open and entrants will have until the 20April to submit their nominations via the platforms online awards portal. This year's initiative will feature 13 categories that celebrate success stories across a variety of business and community related endeavours. Being nominated for IABCA aids businesses, professionals and community driven individuals attain recognition at a local, state, and national level. It manufactures an outstanding community profile for the individual and broadcasts businesses and their success stories to a global audience. Build a reputation for yourself inside and outside of your industry, and celebrate the success of your migrant journey or outstanding work in the Australia India space.IABCA showcases outstanding business and community initiatives by providing a platform through which these migrant success stories can be told, exchanged, celebrated, and disseminated on a nation-wide scale. Additionally, IABCA provides a launching pad for future success between aspiring businesses by promoting networking, collaboration, and the exchange of important and innovative ideas between the two nations. In Australia's rapidly diversifying business and community landscape, the India Australia Business & Community Awards has positioned itself as a core component of Australia's business events calendar.Since it's inception in 2014, IABCA has engaged over 1400 of Australia and India's most influential and widely renowned businesses, professionals, and community leaders. Conversely, the awards have also functioned as a prominent platform for emerging entrepreneurs, young professionals, and start-up businesses to establish a strong foothold within their industry and the Australia-India space, with a handful of ongoing success stories having resulted from being conferred an IABCA award. Nevertheless, increased engagement with the IABCA initiative is by no means limited to a rise in nominations, as the platform has also prospered alongside the rallying support of various Government institutions and representatives, media personalities, and public influencers. The sustained engagement from delegates such as His Excellency, Dr. A.M Gondane, High Commissioner of India to Australia and Her Excellency, Ms. Harinder Sidhu, High Commissioner from Australia to India has given the IABCA initiative a previously unattainable degree of prestige and transnational significance.In recent years, the IABCA initiative has undergone several major transformations to ensure that it is able to cater more effectively to the vast amount of contributions being made to strengthen the Australia India relationship. Recently, IABCA widened its eligibility terms to encompass Australian residents to enter the awards if their work or community endeavours were directly benefitting the Australia India relationship. This allowed major organisations such as Riverina Oils and Bio Energy, one of Australia's largest exporters of Agri-Food products to India, to partake in our initiative. Combined with the introduction of the Indian Investment in the Australian Market Award in 2017, IABCA now celebrates major contributions to the Australia-India trade and investment relationship. In 2018, IABCA will be introducing a new category, the Excellence in Innovation Award, which accounts for the rapidly increasing influx of Indian migrants and consequent emerging start-up businesses and innovative products, services, and policies that are being executed in response.To begin your free nomination today, head over to our online awards portal at https://www.iabca.com.au/nomination. We wish all those entering the 2018 IABCA Awards the best of luck with their nominations and thank them for engaging with our national initiative. For nomination or technical support, please call 0449 786 056 during business hours to connect with one of our helpful staff members. Young Professional of the Year 2018 Young Community Achiever of the Year 2018 Community Services Excellence Award 2018 Businesswoman of the Year 2018 Business Leader or Professional of the Year 2018 Spirit of Sport Award 2018 Travel Agency / Tour Operator of the Year 2018 Excellence in Innovation of the Year 2018 Australian Exporter of the Year 2018 Indian Investment in the Australian Market 2018 Small Business of the Year 2018 SME of the Year 2018 Lifetime Achiever of the Year 2018 (non-contested)For more information on the IABCA initiative or to nominate, visit the IABCA website at http://www.iabca.com.au For all inquiries regarding partnership and sponsorship opportunities, please email info@gandhicreations.com.a ( mailto:info@ gandhicreations.com.au )uFor all inquiries regarding media opportunities, or if you would like to interview our finalists, winners, or sponsors, please contact Nikolas O'Meara on 0449 786 056, or via email at nick@gandhicreations.com.au
The long-term partnership will strengthen support for the CCTW program, now in its 10th year

By: Bank of America

Media Contact

Megan Mitchell, Marketing Specialist

Crazy Good Marketing

mmitchell@crazygoodmarketing.net Megan Mitchell, Marketing SpecialistCrazy Good Marketing

End

-- Colorado Companies to Watch (CCTW) and Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAML) are pleased to announce that they have joined together to expand the reach and resources for the CCTW awards program as it kicks off its 10th anniversary this year.This partnership was spurred by BAML making the first ever Diamond Level sponsorship contribution to the nonprofit CCTW program, which will hereafter be called,"We're excited to join as the Diamond sponsor of Colorado Companies to Watch," said Jodi Rolland, Global Commercial Banking Market Executive for BAML. "The program is a natural fit for us because our missions are very similar  we're both dedicated to advancing business, improving economic prosperity and helping build thriving communities."Since 2009, CCTW has honored and supported 450 Colorado-based, 2nd Stage companies for their performance in the marketplace, innovative products, unique processes and philanthropic actions.This year, the CCTW program will welcome another 50 excellent 2nd Stage businesses into the thriving CCTW community, bringing its total winner pool to 500."Because of our shared vision, Colorado Companies to Watch and Bank of America Merrill Lynch are going to make great partners," said Rick Ninneman, CCTW Chairman of the Board. "For a decade, CCTW has recognized 2nd Stage companies as vital economic drivers, fueling the economic fire for the State of Colorado. Bank of America Merrill Lynch also recognizes the intrinsic value that comes from helping these companies overcome challenges and foster growth."He said: "It is also very fitting that Colorado Companies to Watch and Bank of America Merrill Lynch have joined together during CCTW's 10th anniversary. There is a lot to celebrate this year, and we look forward to growing and expanding this partnership."The 2018 Colorado Companies to Watch brought to you by Bank of America Merrill Lynch Gala Awards Dinner will be held June 22. Applications for eligible businesses are due by Feb. 25 at midnight."Being able to champion Colorado Companies to Watch is especially rewarding because of their focus on 2nd Stage companies," said Scott Vanderpool, Market Executive for Bank of America Merrill Lynch. "It's true that 2nd Stage companies are overlooked, and it's these companies that are quietly advancing business and our local communities  paving a path for sustainable growth. We're thankful to Colorado Companies to Watch for recognizing the value of 2nd Stage companies and creating such a strong program to support this important, but often overlooked sector."Past CCTW winners include Maria Empanada (2017), Oakman Aerospace (2015), Cartasite (2014), PharmaJet (2011), Justin's Nut Butter (2009), Otterbox (2009).Colorado Companies to Watch is an awards program honoring 2nd stage companies headquartered in the state of Colorado. The 450 companies that have been honored since the program's inception demonstrate high performance in the marketplace or exhibit innovative products or processes. The program is designed to seek businesses from a wide range of industries throughout the state, not just the major metropolitan areas. The 50 companies selected each year make an astounding impact on Colorado's economy by collectively providing thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars in revenue. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) launched the program in 2009 in conjunction with the Edward Lowe Foundation and valuable community partners from across Colorado. Visit ColoradoCompaniestoWatch.org, facebook.com/ColoradoCompaniestoWatch and Twitter @ColoradoCTW.Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 47 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 4,500 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs, and award-winning digital banking with approximately 34 million active users, including approximately 24 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange."Bank of America Merrill Lynch" is the marketing name for the global banking and global markets businesses of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., member FDIC. Securities, strategic advisory, and other investment banking activities are performed globally by investment banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation ("Investment Banking Affiliates"), including, in the United States, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp., both of which are registered broker-dealers and Members of SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp. are registered as futures commission merchants with the CFTC and are members of the NFA. Investment products offered by Investment Banking Affiliates: Are Not FDIC Insured * May Lose Value * Are Not Bank Guaranteed. 2017 Bank of America Corporation.
WASHINTON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will mark 2018 as the Year of the Tractor with two new displays on the past, present and future of agriculture. "Precision Farming" will open Jan. 19 within the museum's "American Enterprise" exhibition with a more contemporary story of disruptive technology in today's agriculture industry. A green, yellow and red 1918 Waterloo Boy tractor will be on view at the entrance to "American Enterprise" beginning Feb. 22, marking the 100th anniversary of the Deere and Company's entry into the tractor market with the acquisition of the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Co. in 1918. This display will highlight the introduction of light-weight gasoline-powered tractors, a major revolution in agriculture that moved farming firmly into the realm of commercial production.

The Waterloo Boy will be showcased with historic images and advertisements that marketed the then-new technology to help convince farmers to shift from animal power and labor-intensive production to gasoline-powered tractors. In the mid-1900s, nearly 100 manufacturers were in the tractor market. By the 1930s, only two major companies dominated: Deere and International Harvester. The display invites the public to consider the uncertainty inherent in adopting new inventions and the considerations that go into investing in machinery versus staying with traditional methods. Over time, farmers modernized their rural operations by seeking the efficiency, economy of scale and use of machines typical of urban factories. One image displayed behind the 100-year-old tractor provides a glimpse into the future of farminga drone flying over a Kansas corn field.

The "Precision Farming" case tells a more modern story of how farmers have adapted to technologyeven the use of dronesthat is changing agricultural practices in fundamental ways. In the late 1990s, location-tracking technology, such as GPS, helped launch a different agriculture revolution. U.S. farmers began using this technology to "see" bigger variations within their fields and livestock. Information has become the "new crop of the 21st century" as farmers rely on data on soil types, harvest yields for precise locations, moisture content measurement, animal management, and recording the effect of weeds, pests, and diseases.

"Pairing the story of the introduction of the gasoline tractor with the kinds of tools and technology that today's farmers are using, allows our audiences to understand how agricultural practices have evolved over 100 years," said Peter Liebhold, the museum's agriculture curator and a co-curator of the "American Enterprise" exhibition. "GPS and computer technology is allowing farmers to see and manage their fields in fundamentally new ways."

Key objects on display in "Precision Farming" include a GPS receiver; a crop yield monitor from 1996 that allowed farmers to precisely steer their equipment and pinpoint which areas of a field are most productive; a cow neck tag with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponder from the 1980s; and a grain sickle from around the 1900s used to harvest crops. The display includes four stories of farmers engaged in precision farming.

The museum will also incorporate tractor history, agriculture and innovation programming into its offerings for the public, including within Wegmans Wonderplace, which is designed for children up to age six. Ag-history programs will include "Harvest for the Table: Wheat to Flour," the "Ask a Farmer" program, talkback boards and related chef and cookbook author presentations.

"American Enterprise" is a permanent exhibition that opened July 1, 2015, and chronicles the interaction of capitalism and democracy that resulted in the continual remaking of American business. For more information on the exhibition and the "Precision Farming" case, visit: http://bit.ly/AmericanEnterprise.

Through incomparable collections, rigorous research and dynamic public outreach, the National Museum of American History explores the infinite richness and complexity of American history. It helps people understand the past in order to make sense of the present and shape a more humane future. For more information, visit http://americanhistory.si.edu. The museum is located on Constitution Avenue, between 12th and 14th streets N.W., and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.

SOURCE Smithsonian's National Museum of American History

Related Links

http://americanhistory.si.edu


Nick makes it through his rotation, supported by Mary, experienced nurse from this harrowing world, whose determined grandmother got her an education. He is within a couple of days of finishing up his assignment when Ray closes in on his prey. At the news that Martin Luther King has been assassinated, Chicago goes up in flames. Nick, surrounded by the riots, gets calls from his anxious mother (Yes, ma, Im fine). As the school begins evacuating the student nurses and doctors out of danger, another call comes in for Nick: Its Blossoms sister; Blossom has gone into labor. And there is this matter of a promise.

Im not sure I would have had Nicks courage, Kerns said of the hair-raising and deeply moving climax.

The genesis of Maxwell Street

After finishing medical school, Kerns came West to do a residency in pediatrics, and went on to become a professor and senior hospital executive at Stanford. After he retired, he and his wife, Gayle, moved to Napa where he began his life as a writer. He began working on Fortnight on Maxwell Street, in 2005. Its old enough to have a bar mitzah, he quipped.
"This marks a major milestone in bringing rich, 'app-like' functionality to the mobile phone's native messaging capabilities and showcases the beginning of what's to come in terms of reimagining how customers interact with their favorite brands via mobile", states John Duffy, Founder and CEO of 3C.

The pilot program has been designed to utilize new features and functionality made available through the RCS standard, such as rich cards and suggested actions and repliesall of which enable more interactive and actionable engagements between brands and their customers.

As the costs for brands to engage customers continues to soar and competition with third party players for customer data intensifies, the ubiquity of messaging combined with the power of RCS will enable businesses to own a direct, rich conversation with their customers.

3C also recently announced the mobile industry's first RCS Engagement Platform that enables brands to build and deploy powerful A2P RCS messaging experiences. 3C's RCS Engagement Platform allows users to deliver RCS workflows to all customers on all supported devices, and manages the complexity of fragmented carrier and MaaP platform implementations. Learn more here.

Next week, 3C will be on hand at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain to showcase the power of RCS for brands. For anyone attending MWC who would like to learn more about RCS, or to set up a session in Barcelona, email us at [email protected].

About 3C:

Driven by a team with dynamic technical and strategic expertise, 3C empowers leading brands to develop deeper, more valuable relationships with their customers. Leveraging 3C's expertise connecting mobile to business results and its platform's multichannel capabilitiesincluding RCS, SMS and MMS, Push, mobile coupons, mobile wallet, mobile web, location based services and moremarketers can deliver timely, relevant engagements at the moment of need.

SOURCE 3Cinteractive

Related Links

3cinteractive.com


WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Council of the Blind commends Delta Airlines for re-examining its recent policy on service animals, relaxing constraints that negatively impacted travelers with guide dogs. The revised policy announced today makes changes to a policy released earlier this year that was intended to reduce the number of fraudulent service and emotional support animals that have disrupted travel and, in some cases, caused injury to passengers.

"ACB is pleased to learn that Delta listened to the concerns ACB and our members raised following the release of their January 18th change in policy," said Eric Bridges, ACB's executive director. "The new policy provides a much more workable solution that still allows for the freedom of travel by passengers using guide dogs."

Since its inception, ACB has advocated tirelessly for equal access by individuals who rely on the use of a guide dog. ACB played an active role in the passage of the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Both laws have established the fundamental right to access in places of public accommodation and across multiple transportation networks, including all commercial airlines.

"We look forward to working with Delta and other airlines to assure that the skies remain accessible for all travelers, especially those who experience the freedom that comes through traveling with a guide dog," said Anthony Stephens, ACB's director of advocacy and governmental affairs. A guide dog user, Stephens was actively involved in the 2016 Department of Transportation negotiations tasked with finding a solution to the rise in service animal fraud.

The initial policy change, released January 18th, would have created multiple barriers to free and independent access to air travel by consumers with guide dogs. Passengers with service and emotional support animals would have been required to provide prior notice, and upload relevant documents affirming the dog's training and vaccination records. The revised guidelines relax many of these policies for individuals with legitimately trained service animals, which have already undergone great scrutiny and training before being released in the community with their handlers. Passengers traveling with trained service animals will still be required to have their dogs vaccinated and be able to provide proof of vaccination should issues or injury arise as a result of the animal.

ACB recognizes Delta's desire to assure that in the rare case of injury, the appropriate documentation can be made available. We thank Delta for listening to its customers and redrafting a policy that does not discriminate against travelers who rely on their service dogs to be independent.

The American Council of the Blind is a national membership organization whose purpose is to work toward independence, security, equality of opportunity, and improved quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people. Founded in 1961, ACB's members work through more than 70 state and special-interest affiliates to improve the well-being of all blind and visually impaired people.

SOURCE American Council of the Blind

Related Links

http://www.acb.org


"Will's insight as a former DOJ prosecutor focused on the health care industry is extremely valuable to clients navigating this complicated area," said Philip T. Inglima , chair of Crowell & Moring. "His addition builds upon the talents of our multifaceted team of health care and white collar practitioners who routinely handle health care fraud and abuse matters. We are thrilled to welcome Will to the firm."

At Crowell & Moring, Chang's practice will focus primarily on health care fraud investigations and litigation. It will offer fraud and abuse counseling; internal investigations; and trial and appellate representation of health care companies, executives, and medical professionals in criminal, civil, and administrative actions. It will also involve health care-focused e-discovery legal services, including effective preservation and collection of evidence, negotiating discovery protocols, targeted production, and related litigation.

"Because of the enormous risks inherent in health care fraud cases  from significant False Claims Act damages to criminal prosecutions to program exclusion  a comprehensive, experienced, and adept health care fraud legal team is essential to defend our clients in complex cases," said Chris Flynn, who co-chairs the firm's Health Care Group and the firm's Health Care Litigation Team. "Will's experience fits squarely at the center of a coordinated and deep health care fraud practice and makes him an incredibly valuable addition to our firm and our clients."

Chang has 13 years of legal experience overall, including as a federal trial attorney from 2013 to 2018. As a DOJ prosecutor, Chang led nearly a dozen complex cases resulting in convictions of all 24 defendants, including the largest Provider Attendant Services fraud in Texas history. That case was featured at the 2017 National Health Care Fraud Training Conference as a case study for successful federal and state interagency prosecutions. He has tried five jury trials involving health care fraud, securities fraud, Anti-Kickback Statute violations, Bank Secrecy Act violations, and money laundering. He also served as the Health Care Fraud Unit's Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property prosecutor on cybercrimes and the collection of electronic evidence, where he was also responsible for training new prosecutors. The DOJ, the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General, and the FBI repeatedly recognized Chang: He received two Assistant Attorney General's Awards for Distinguished Service; an Exceptional Achievement Award and an Award for Excellence in Fighting Fraud, Waste, and Abuse from HHS-OIG; and multiple commendations from the FBI director.

Chang was previously an appellate lawyer at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, where he represented clients before the U.S. Supreme Court, federal courts of appeals, and federal administrative agencies. He was also an attorney with Kirkland & Ellis LLP. He clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

"Crowell & Moring is known for its premier health care and white collar work  the two areas that are the cornerstone of my practice," Chang said. "I am thrilled to join these talented lawyers who work together in a very collaborative way."

Chang's addition comes a year after Laura M. Kidd Cordova, the founder and head of the DOJ's Corporate Health Care Fraud Strike Force, joined Crowell & Moring as a partner.

"Over the past five years, clients have become much more sophisticated about engaging defense lawyers who have both the substantive experience and relationships with the current government prosecutors on specialized investigations," said Daniel L. Zelenko, chair of the firm's nationally recognized White Collar & Regulatory Enforcement Group. "Based on his impressive track record and stellar reputation at the DOJ, Will absolutely fills that need."

Chang is active in the Asian Pacific American Bar Association as well as the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association at Harvard Law School. He is a former member of the Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Diversity Committee. Chang earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his A.B. in international relations from Stanford University.

About Crowell & Moring's Health Care Group

Crowell & Moring's nationally recognized Health Care Group provides a comprehensive range of litigation, investigation, regulatory compliance, fraud and abuse, transactions and counseling services to health care clients nationwide. Our clients include payers (including the top 10 national health insurers), hospitals and hospital systems, medical groups and medical group managers, pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy benefit managers, academic medical centers, government contractors, as well as established and start-up medical device and biotech companies. Our clients rely on Crowell & Moring's experience and interdisciplinary approach to provide strategic solutions to their complex legal challenges. The group publishes the C&M Health Law Blog, which includes analysis, commentary, and the latest developments in health care law and policy. Follow the group on Twitter at @CMHealthCareLaw.

About Crowell & Moring's White Collar & Regulatory Enforcement Group

Crowell & Moring's White Collar & Regulatory Enforcement Group routinely represents clients in the most significant white collar cases in the United States and has successfully defended and counseled clients around the world regarding all manner of government investigations, criminal trials, regulatory enforcement actions, and internal investigations. The diverse team includes lifelong defense lawyers, including former assistant federal defenders, as well as former prosecutors and enforcement attorneys from the Department of Justice, the Office of Independent Counsel, United States Attorney's Offices, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Crowell & Moring LLP

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with more than 500 lawyers representing clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory, and transactional matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity. The firm has offices in Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, London, and Brussels.

Media Contact:

Christine W. Elfmann

Manager, Marketing Communications

[email protected]

202.508.8848

SOURCE Crowell & Moring LLP

Related Links

http://www.crowell.com


WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Next month, the American Cochlear Implant Alliance will host the premiere of The Listening Project, a documentary co-created by renowned audiologist Jane Madell and Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Irene Taylor Brodsky. The film profiles 15 young adults who were born deaf but can now hear, thanks to cutting-edge technologies, including cochlear implants.

"The Listening Project shows that nothing is impossible for deaf kids," Madell said. "Thanks to years of determination and hard work -- and with an assist from some innovative technology -- these young adults have built lives and careers the world may not have thought were possible for them."

The film's stars are 15 deaf twenty- and thirty-somethings who rely on groundbreaking medical devices to hear. Most received cochlear implants -- electronic hearing devices that bypass a wearer's ears and send auditory signals directly to the brain.

Some received their devices as young children, while others did not get them until they were teenagers. All underwent years of therapy with Madell in order to acclimate their brain to hearing and learn to speak. They've gone on to build successful careers as doctors, business analysts, neuroscientists, musicians, and audiologists, among other pursuits. Most speak like they've never had a hearing loss.

"The young people in The Listening Project offer an example that all of us can aspire to, both those with hearing loss and those without," said Donna Sorkin, executive director of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance. "The future for deaf children today is even brighter, as cochlear implant technology has improved rapidly since the stars of the film were kids."

The trailer for The Listening Project can be found here. The film will premiere Friday, March 9 at 5 p.m., at the ACI Alliance's CI2018 Emerging Issues in Cochlear Implantation Conference at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

To schedule an interview with the team behind The Listening Project or to request press credentials for the film's premiere March 9, please contact Andrew Grafton at [email protected] or (202)-471-4228 ext. 119.

WHAT: The Listening Project Documentary Premiere

WHEN: Friday, March 9, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Omni Shoreham Hotel, 2500 Calvert Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

About the American Cochlear Implant Alliance

The American Cochlear Implant Alliance is a not-for-profit membership organization created with the purpose of eliminating barriers to cochlear implantation by sponsoring research, driving heightened awareness and advocating for improved access to cochlear implants for patients of all ages across the U.S. ACI Alliance members are clinicians, scientists, educators, and others on cochlear implant teams as well as parent and consumer advocates.

Media Contact

Andrew Grafton

[email protected]

(202)-471-4228 ext. 119

SOURCE American Cochlear Implant Alliance
NEW DELHI, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Further strengthening India-Africa ties in healthcare, the Apollo Hospitals Group announced the commencement of a specialized training program for paramedical staff from nine African countries. Previously, the hospital chain had trained over 100 medical doctors from 24 African countries at its five facilities in New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ahmedabad.

The move comes as the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and African national governments look to further deepen ties in capacity building and training of health workers in multiple African nations. The program was well received by the participants and Governments alike and has helped establish a successful public-private partnership to train the healthcare workforce.

Commenting on the training program, Dr. Neena Malhotra, Joint Secretary (E&SA), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India said, "This program is aligned to our composite engagement with African nations in diverse fields including health and education. The program, which began with doctors, will help strengthen the health systems of participating nations and it was our endeavor to expand it to other healthcare professionals. The training of paramedical staff is a natural and welcome progression. We remain committed to capacity building in the African continent and would encourage our African partners to fully utilize this program."

The new batch of 25 paramedical staff will come from nine African countries - Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sao Tome & Principe, Seychelles, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania and Zambia. Speaking on the launch of the training program, Dr. K Hariprasad, President - Hospitals Division, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, "This training program highlights the further deepening of the ties between MEA, Apollo and African Governments to strengthen healthcare human resources in the continent. We are thankful to the MEA and African Governments for entrusting us with this responsibility. Our commitment to the continent to strengthen its health systems, provide medical care of highest quality and partner, shoulder to shoulder in the rise of Africa remains steadfast. We hope that the training provided will benefit the health system and nationals of the delegate countries."

The Apollo Hospitals has been engaged with the African continent for over two decades with regular clinical engagements, doctor visits, partnerships with national and regional health ministries and Governments, knowledge exchange and capacity building initiatives. (Website: http://www.apollohospitals.com )

Media Contact:

Kusum Sahijpal

[email protected]

+91-9999973090



SOURCE Apollo Hospitals
NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC, the global Jewish advocacy organization, welcomed an educational initiative by Spain's government and Jewish community to combat anti-Semitism.

"Using the classroom to educate youths about Jews, Judaism, Israel is imperative for fighting anti-Semitism," aid Dina Siegel Vann, director of AJC's Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs (BILLA).

Spain's Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport and the Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain (FJCE) signed an agreement to provide training of teachers on the Holocaust, the artistic and cultural heritage of Jews in Spain, the importance of the land of Israel for the Jewish people, the Middle East conflict, and the fight against anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance.

Marcial Marin Hellin, Spain's Secretary of State for Education, said that with the agreement "we open a new channel between the Ministry and the FJCE to collaborate in the commitment to educate in the values of the Constitution and Europeans for the necessary eradication of anti-Semitism."

FJCE President Isaac Querub said that education is the main instrument to combat anti-Semitism and to protect minorities. "With this agreement, Spain takes a unique initiative in Europe and becomes a more ethical and freer country," said Querub.

FJCE is an AJC international partner.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org


BRUSSELS, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC welcomes a letter signed by 60 Members of the European Parliament (MEP) calling on the European Union Foreign Affairs Council to designate Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization.

Co-initiated by Anders Vistisen (ECR), Lars Adaktusson (EPP) and Peter Niedermuller (S&D), the letter, sent to EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, makes clear that while listing the so-called military wing in 2013 was a step in the right direction, distinguishing between the group's supposed "military" and "political" wings is "illogical" and rejected even by Hezbollah itself.

"The broad, cross-party support this letter has received underscores the fact that there is luckily a growing realization in Europe that Hezbollah is a monumental threat not only to Syrians, Israelis and of course Lebanese, but ultimately also to European security," said Daniel Schwammenthal, Director of the AJC Transatlantic Institute. "One can only hope that the EU will act upon this letter and change its policy on Hezbollah. The false distinction between so-called military and political wings is just that--a false distinction. By banning the group in its entirety, the EU would give itself the tools to track Hezbollah's money flows and stop it from raising funds and recruits in Europe."

The MEP letter goes on to outline the serious threat Hezbollah poses in the region and beyond: The group's stockpiling of some 120,000 missiles in violation of UN Security Resolution 1701, its collaboration in Assad's war crimes, and its network of agents and sympathizers throughout Europe.

"In light of the above and Europe's strong commitment against intolerance and terrorism, we firmly urge the European Union's Foreign Affairs Council to proscribe Hezbollah in its entirety. Only by recognizing the organization's true nature may we be successful in protecting Europe and our common values," the letter concludes.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee
First published in 1909, America magazine leads the conversation about faith and culture by producing excellent, unique, relevant and accessible content across multiple platforms. This special edition featuring Pope Francis is no exception. "We're excited to offer America magazine through Barnes & Noble bookstores around the country," said America Media's President Fr. Matt Malone. "It could not launch with a better edition than Pope Francis. "This pope has revolutionized the papacy and has successfully propelled it forward to meet the needs of the 21st century world and Catholic Church," he added.

From the very beginning days of his service, intellects and celebrities alike offer their opinions on how this pope  a deeply faithful and compassionate man, is setting the world on fire. From Frs. Matt Malone and Jim Martin  to Stephen Colbert, Shawn Copeland and Natalia Imperatori-Lee  and many others, a side of the pope most people never see, comes through in remarkable stories and a visual pictorial unlike any other.

America magazine's Editor-at-Large, Fr. Jim Martin emphasized the significance of these stories. "Pope Francis is the most captivating figure of our time, and most likely, a saint before us," he said. "This is a pope who resonates with all people through his humor, humility and deep love for humanity. What comes through most in this special issue is his authenticity," he added.

This special, commemorative edition is now available at Barnes & Noble bookstores across the country, or directly through America magazine.

ABOUT AMERICA MEDIA

America Media is the leading provider of editorial content for thinking Catholics and those who want to know what Catholics are thinking. America Media leads the conversation about faith and culture by producing excellent, unique, relevant and accessible content across multiple platforms. Our contributors are the principal figures in the American church; the decision-makers and opinion leaders who lead the ecclesial and civic debate about religion, society, politics and the arts. Those with something to say to the American church say it in America: popes and presidents; Nobel laureates; Pulitzer Prize winners; world-renowned scholars; and distinguished men and women of letters. Our flagship magazine, America, has been published continuously since 1909, making it one of the oldest periodicals in the United States today.

SOURCE America Media
EMERYVILLE, Calif., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tuition is one of the main costs of college, followed by books and other supplies. But the total cost of college can include other expenses as well, such as housing, food, transportation, and miscellaneous costs. Recent action aimed toward offering free college, such as New York's Excelsior Scholarship, usually features free tuition. But what about the other costs of college? American Financial Benefits Center (AFBC), a document preparation company that helps clients apply for federal repayment plans intended to curb the costs of student loans, points out that non-tuition costs may make up greater portions of student debt than many people realize.

American Financial Benefits Center

"Paying for college can be just as difficult as earning a college degree when so many things need to be covered," said Sara Molina, Manager at AFBC. "Unless you live at home with the parents, housing, food, and transportation costs must be factored in, and quite often that means taking out more student loans."

Rising tuition is often blamed for rising student debt, and individuals tend to disagree on why tuition is rising. In response, some lawmakers have proposed tuition-free solutions, including the Excelsior Scholarship. Others have suggested that student loan accessibility has influenced the rise in tuition and that student loans should, therefore, be limited. Either way, reducing tuition costs will likely result in less student debt.

However, even when tuition costs are kept low, non-tuition costs can still drive up student loan borrowing. Non-tuition costs constitute up to 80 percent of a school's sticker price. Room and board make up most of that but can vary widely depending on location.

Consider California: Despite low tuition costs and a robust need-based financial aid system, non-tuition costs continue to make funding college difficult, especially for low-income and nontraditional students. California's high cost of living, especially in areas like L.A. and the San Francisco Bay Area, are not sufficiently addressed by the Cal Grant program, according to a report by TICAS. The grant program may award up to $1,700 to go toward non-tuition expenses, which does not come close to covering the cost of living that can be about $19,000 a year for students who live off campus.

"Tuition is important to cover, but students should carefully consider all the other costs, as well," said Molina. "When non-tuition costs drive up student loan balances, we remind borrowers that they usually have options to successfully repay that debt  our clients are proof of that. We helped them apply for income-driven repayment plans offered through the Department of Education so they can afford their monthly payments. We continue to help them recertify for those IDRs each year for continued success."

About American Financial Benefits Center

American Financial Benefits Center is a document preparation company that helps clients apply for federal student loan repayment plans that fit their personal financial and student loan situation. Through its strict customer service guidelines, the company strives for the highest levels of honesty and integrity.

AFBC is a member of the Association for Student Loan Relief (AFSLR), and each representative on the phone has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA).

Contact

To learn more about American Financial Benefits Center, please contact:

American Financial Benefits Center

1900 Powell Street #600

Emeryville, CA 94608

1-800-488-1490

[email protected]

Related Links

AFBC home page

SOURCE American Financial Benefits Center

Related Links

https://afbcenter.com


(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/645204/Aptilo_GDPR_Compliance.jpg )



(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/492832/Aptilo_Logo.jpg )

All providers of Wi-Fi services in Europe must comply with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) by May 25, 2018 or face heavy fines.

Gone are the days when consent for the use of personal data was buried in a "General Terms" link. Now, individuals must understand exactly what they have consented to.

This means that an end-user must give specific consent for each personal data and agree on how it will be used.

Innovative features make Aptilo SMP the most complete GDPR solution for Wi-Fi services available:

Flexible Consent Management

Smart Consent Pop-Ups: Only the relevant consent with terms for the access method used, such as Facebook login or click-and-connect, is dynamically shown. A change of the consent or term will automatically trigger the pop-up for returning users.

Only the relevant consent with terms for the access method used, such as Facebook login or click-and-connect, is dynamically shown. A change of the consent or term will automatically trigger the pop-up for returning users. Separate captive portal design : You can manage user consents over time and update texts without disruptive changes to the portal.

You can manage user consents over time and update texts without disruptive changes to the portal. Easy to handle consent over time: Revision-handling of changed consent improves traceability.

Personal Data Management

Privacy self-management : End-users can view, correct, export and delete ('Forget me') personal data, and handle associated consents.

: End-users can view, correct, export and delete ('Forget me') personal data, and handle associated consents. Configurable time that personal session data are saved or aggregated and thus anonymized for analytics.

"There is strong demand from users worldwide for privacy solutions. It makes good business sense for providers of Wi-Fi services to adopt user privacy protections, whether to meet compliance for regulations such as GDPR or to remain competitive," said Per Knutsson, Chief Security Officer, Aptilo Networks.

Learn more at Aptilo Stand 5G66 at Mobile World Congress.

About Aptilo Networks

Aptilo Networks is a leading provider of carrier-class systems to manage data services with advanced functions for authentication, policy control and charging. Aptilo Service Management Platform (SMP) has become synonymous with Wi-Fi service management and Wi-Fi offload in large-scale deployments with 100+ operators in more than 75 countries, and is a critical component of Wi-Fi calling and IoT. For more information visit http://www.aptilo.com.

SOURCE Aptilo Networks
YOUNTVILLE  Even with Californias lengthy drought in the rear-view mirror, the reservoir feeding Yountville and the Veterans Home of California is running low. Just how low may determine what the town  and state regulators  do to curb water use and boost supplies as the dryness of summer approaches.

New monitoring equipment at Rector Reservoir northeast of Yountville suggests water levels are falling at such a rate that the state Department of Veterans Affairs, which owns both the reservoir and the Veterans Home, should plan for a possible shortfall in the middle of August as a precaution, according to CalVet Secretary Vito Imbasciani.

The reservoir level is not dire; its about the direction were going in, he said, pointing to measurements at the Rector Dam that started at 352.9 feet on Feb. 1 and have steadily drifted downward through three weeks of dry weather. The reservoir is considered full when water enters the spillway 373 feet above the base and flows down into Rector Creek, then continues into Conn Creek.

The announcement came nearly two weeks after CalVet asked state water regulators to help it decide whether supplies are adequate for the home, with more than 800 retired military veterans in residence, and the roughly 3,000 residents of Yountville just east.
CHICAGO, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Berlin Packaging, the leading full-service supplier of plastic, glass and metal containers and closures, recently won seven awards from the more than 2,000 entries in the 2018 American Package Design Awards, sponsored by Graphic Design USA.

The highly selective packaging competition highlights winners that celebrate the power of design to tell a story, advance a brand and make a difference at the "moment of truth."

With a mission to improve their customers' net income through packaging products and services, Berlin Packaging, valued at $2.6 billion with over 100 sales and warehouse locations across North America and Europe, celebrates any opportunity to use the power of packaging to help companies improve their bottom line. Listed below are Berlin's seven winners:

Tiffany's Torcher Hot Sauce Company - Tiffany's Topanga Hot Sauce

Transforming a traditional shape to the "flask of fire," the design plays on the company's moonshine roots and showcases a slim bottle shape that works on both a practical and logistical level with a lighter weight and improved packability for e-commerce.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery - Agnesi 1799

Using the front label to tell the story of Gaetana Agnesi -- an 18th-century mathematician, philosopher and theologian -- the premium bottle serves as a distinguished entry for the Coppola family's foray into craft spirits.

Destileria Urbana - SANTAMANIA Urban Legend Gin

Both whimsical and intricate, the premium bottle for SANTAMANIA's 2017 Limited Edition Urban Legend Gin features an eclectic mix of everything from hieroglyphics to a quote in Spanish by famed filmmaker Wes Anderson to a gold-embossed seal that is hand signed by the distiller.

Cantine Ceci - Nani Otello

An elegant shape with a creative outer package that can be customized for gift giving, this unique presentation adds a stylistic flair to this premium wine.

The Honest Company  Honest Company Baby Laundry Detergent

The Honest Company Baby Laundry Detergent bottle typifies the form-meets-function approach for consumer products desired by new moms incorporating a soft, modern aesthetic and a robust, yet comfortable, handle that makes one-handed gripping and pouring a breeze.

Multi-Pack Solutions  Hero Clean Laundry Pacs

Developed specifically for men, the Hero Clean Laundry package eschews fancy designs and shapes with a simple charcoal gray container that incorporates a military theme, as the company's founders donate a portion of the product's profits to veterans in need.

TYME LLC  TYME STYLE

TYME STYLE successfully leveraged the brand identity from their signature flat iron to suffuse all facets of packaging for their new hair care line, including the signature rose gold color, creating a line of products that has a premium look while still retaining a whimsical feel.

"With so many brands competing for space and seeking ways to stand out among the competition both on the shelf and online, having eye-catching packaging that grabs the attention of consumers has never been more vital," said Andrew Berlin, chairman and CEO of Berlin Packaging. "We are honored to receive seven American Package Design Awards and are proud to have created meaningful connections between brands and their consumers through smart, out-of-the-box design."

About Berlin Packaging

Berlin Packaging is the only Hybrid Packaging Supplier of plastic, glass and metal containers and closures. See HybridPackagingSupplier.com and GreaterFaster.com for more on how the company exists to help people and companies excel. With 40,000-plus available SKUs, 200-plus packaging consultants and 100-plus sales and warehouse locations across North America and Europe, the company has the right products, expertise and geographic proximity to help customers increase their net income through packaging products and services. Berlin Packaging supplies billions of containers and closures annually as well as warehousing and logistics services for customers of all sizes in all industries. It is the only company in its sector to be ISO 9001 certified, to have Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) certification and to achieve 99 percent on-time delivery of its shipments every month for more than 13 years. Related services and specialty product divisions include Studio One Eleven custom packaging and graphic design, Berlin Global sourcing solutions, E3 profit-oriented consulting, Berlin Financial financing for equipment and capital improvements, Berlin Quality advocacy, Dangerous Goods transport, Freund Container & Supply convenience and Qorpak laboratory supplies.

Media Contact:

Derek Serafin

[email protected]

SOURCE Berlin Packaging
Michelle Chao focuses on sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities and manages Bertram Capital's intermediary relationships in the Western half of the United States and Canada. Michelle joined Bertram Capital in 2008 and since then has implemented technology initiatives to manage networking, deal flow, analytics, and overall business development processes for the firm. Michelle was promoted to Director in 2012 and has continued to play an integral role in building Bertram Capital's brand in the marketplace.

Alex Goldscher focuses on the firm's investments in the business services sector and has been instrumental in the acquisition and growth of Bertram's existing portfolio companies, Creative Drive and Spectrio. Alex joined Bertram Capital as a Senior Associate in 2014 after working with Goode Partners, a consumer and retail focused private equity firm based in New York. Before joining Goode, Alex was a member of the Consumer & Retail Investment Banking group at Wells Fargo Securities in Charlotte, NC.

Soraya Hoberman focuses on the firm's investments in the consumer and industrial sectors where she supports both platform and add-on acquisitions, as well as operational initiatives. Soraya joined Bertram Capital as an Analyst in 2016. Prior to Bertram, Soraya worked as a strategist at BlackRock supporting the institutional iShares business. At BlackRock, Soraya focused on product and market research, and distribution strategy for equity and fixed income ETFs.

About Bertram Capital

With over $1.3 billion in committed capital, Bertram Capital is a private equity firm targeting investments in lower middle market companies. By supplying flexible investment capital and committing a wealth of operational and strategic resources to each investment, we make it our core objective to move companies, management teams and employees toward unlocking their full potential. Visit www.bertramcapital.com for more information.

SOURCE Bertram Capital

Related Links

http://www.bertramcapital.com


ZUG, Switzerland, Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BLOCKv, a blockchain-based development platform for the creation of smart, secure and dynamic virtual objects, announced today a collaboration with Bancor Network, the first protocol for autonomously convertible Smart Tokens, to create a VEEBNT Token Relay that will enable anyone to easily convert VEE to and from ETH online.

By integrating the Bancor Protocol, VEE holders will gain access to continuous liquidity regardless of trade volume or exchange listings, through the Bancor Network, where any integrated token can be automatically converted into any other directly from any Web3 wallet including Parity and MetaMask. Currently integrated tokens include ETH, BNT (the Bancor Network Token), EOS, BAT, OMG, GNO, STX, and many more.

Bancor utilizes an innovative token "connector" method to enable formulaic price calculation and continuous liquidity for all compliant tokens. Bancor's non profit market making and conversions happen directly between smart contracts, without needing to match two parties in an exchange, and according to an open-source algorithmic pricing mechanism that ensures full transparency.

"This is a very important partnership for us," says Reeve Collins, CEO of BLOCKv. "Developers use our tokens to access our platform and build smart virtual goods - vAtoms. Being able to purchase VEE tokens is one of the fundamental benefits we can offer our growing community that wants to participate in the ecosystem. Ensuring that VEE Tokens are easily convertible through the Bancor Network solves a major pain point for our supporters."

The BLOCKv platform is an open-source development environment that ushers in the next generation of smart, secure, sharable and dynamic digital goods and virtual objects on blockchain (vAtoms). BLOCKv believes the creation of this "user interface" layer for the digital and virtual goods economy will mitigate the complexity of blockchain development and unlock exponential growth.

"Blockchain technology integration and cross-platform experience is anything but seamless these days. Digital goods exist in a number of platforms and with this partnership with Bancor, BLOCKv is bringing a completely seamless interoperability that will speed up the adoption of the technology," says Collins. The integration will also allow BLOCKv to minimize the risk of volatility and stabilize the price of VEE, which is essential for company's business model and for the developers using the platform.

VEE tokens will be allocated to the BNT connector in order to enable conversions at any time via the Bancor network.

"We share the goal of making the promise of blockchain an attainable and positive reality for consumers in the near term," said Galia Benartzi, co-founder of the Bancor Protocol. "We couldn't be happier to welcome BLOCKv and the community to the Bancor Network."

About BLOCKv

Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, BLOCKv provides a development platform and community for the creation and distribution of dynamic, intelligent, experiential digital objects called vAtoms that bridge the gap between digital and physical worlds. Built on secure blockchain technologies, BLOCKv's 'smart' digital objects work on any digital platform, are obtainable anywhere, store actual transactional value and are immune to fraud. For more information, please visit https://blockv.io/.

About Bancor

Bancor Protocol is a standard for the creation of Smart Tokens, cryptocurrencies with built-in convertibility directly through their smart contracts. Bancor utilizes an innovative token "Connector" method to enable formulaic price calculation and continuous liquidity for all compliant tokens, without needing to match two parties in an exchange. Smart Tokens interconnect to form token liquidity networks, allowing user-generated cryptocurrencies to thrive. For more information, visit the website and read the Bancor Protocol Whitepaper.

SOURCE BLOCKv

Related Links

http://blockv.io


"Today's employees need access to knowledge and insights where they are working -- they don't want to have to bounce back and forth between tools," said Bloomfire COO Mark Hammer. "This extension allows Chrome users to find the information they need to do their jobs without ever having to leave the webpage or application they are in."

Bloomfire offers two platforms  the Bloomfire Knowledge Sharing Platform and the Bloomfire Insights Platform. Both platforms integrate with Salesforce, Zendesk, Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, and Slack in addition to Chrome. These integrations make it easy for teams to contribute knowledge and to access it when and where they need it.

To learn more, visit the Chrome Web Store.

About Bloomfire

At Bloomfire, we recognize that in most organizations, knowledge is siloed. Information and research sits unshared on servers and laptops across the organization  and in the minds of the people that are a part of it. Bloomfire exists to organize knowledge and expertise and make it accessible and shareable with the people that need it most. The company's easy-to-use, cloud-based Knowledge Sharing Platform and Insights Platform are used by hundreds of thousands of employees at leading companies for empowering sales and marketing, customer service, insights, and employees. For more information or to schedule a demo, visit www.bloomfire.com.

SOURCE Bloomfire

Related Links

http://www.bloomfire.com


PARKLAND, Fla., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Broward Education Foundation, in close coordination with GoFundMe, announced an agreement with the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) to develop and implement a fund distribution plan to provide direct financial support to the families of those killed and injured in the horrific mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week.

In response to the mass shooting, the Foundation, the National Center, and GoFundMe are collaborating to serve victims by maximizing resources and ensuring a victim-centered, transparent distribution process. Broward Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit direct support organization solely dedicated to raising funds for Broward County Public Schools, will serve as the central repository for the Stoneman Douglas Victims' Fund and will organize a local steering committee responsible for setting the fund's distribution policy. The National Center for Victims of Crime, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a leading authority on how victims are compensated for loss, will advise the committee, assist with ongoing fundraising efforts, administer victim application and vetting processes, and coordinate the distribution of proceeds from the Foundation's official GoFundMe campaign, other fundraisers, and third-party donation sources. GoFundMe will advise the Foundation and support both ongoing fundraising and distribution of proceeds to victims and their families. GoFundMe has also donated $50,000 to the Fund to cover the committee's and the National Center's operating costs associated with developing and implementing the distribution plan so that 100% of the donations can be distributed directly to the victims and their families.

In consultation with the National Center, the Foundation will form the steering committee that includes local leaders, and victim representatives to ensure that the voices of the victims are heard, as they are integral to the distribution process. Experts with experience in mass crime victim compensation and the needs of crime victims will also be asked to serve in a volunteer capacity. The fund and committee are completely transparent, and the committee will inform the public of its deliberations in the distribution of funds.

To make a contribution, you can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/stonemandouglasvictimsfund

"Just over a week ago, our community was shattered by this horrific tragedy," said Christina Fischer, Broward Education Foundation Board Chair. "Through the tears, Broward Education Foundation's amazing team mobilized overnight, and immediately assembled the best resources to help us aid the victims' families, survivors and those impacted by this senseless act of violence. We are grateful to partner with the National Center for Victims of Crime and GoFundMe because they are the experts in this field, and have dealt with nearly every major tragedy of this type in the US. We truly value their leadership, guidance and direction as we proceed in this difficult process." She continued, "The global outpouring of love and support for our MSD community has been awe-inspiring - and we humbly thank everyone for their generosity and compassion."

"Our hearts go out to the students, teachers, their families, and the entire Stoneman Douglas and Parkland community," said Jeffrey Dion, Deputy Executive Director of the National Center for Victims of Crime. "The National Center is honored to join forces with Broward Education Foundation and GoFundMe to increase charitable giving and help meet the overwhelming needs of victims of mass shootings, this time in Parkland. We stand in solidarity with all of those impacted by gun violence."

"From all of us here at GoFundMe, I extend our deepest condolences to the victims of this heinous attack, their families, and the Stoneman Douglas and Broward County communities," said Rob Solomon, CEO of GoFundMe. "During this time of mourning, healing, and action, we are proud to support Broward Education Foundation's efforts to provide direct and transparent help to victims of this horrific shooting."

In the coming weeks, additional details will be provided about the distribution plan. The committee will receive public input and will keep the community updated about how the funds will be delivered.

The National Center was founded in collaboration with parents and family members from some of the worst mass casualty events in U.S. history  September 11th , Columbine, Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois University, Aurora, Oak Creek Sikh Temple and Newtown. Unlike other charitable funds, 100% of donations are distributed directly to the established victim base of these terrible atrocities. The National Center preserves the intent of donors who want to know that their gift is going directly to those harmed and will not be used for other purposes. The National Center has the experience to help victims navigate this process, and to treat victims with the respect and dignity they deserve.

About Broward Education Foundation

Established in 1983, Broward Education Foundation is the only non-profit 501(c)3 charitable direct support organization solely dedicated to supporting teachers and students in Broward County Public Schools. Each year, Broward Education Foundation contributes more than $3 million to Broward County schools, serving as the catalyst for educational excellence. To learn more, visit browardeducationfoundation.org, email [email protected], or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

About National Center for Victims of Crime

For 30 years, the National Center for Victims of Crime has been the nation's leading resource and advocacy organization for crime victims and those who serve them. The National Center for Victims of Crime is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and an authority on how victims are compensated for loss.

About GoFundMe

Launched in 2010, GoFundMe is the world's largest free social fundraising platform, with over $5 billion raised so far. With a community of more than 50 million donors, GoFundMe is changing the way the world gives. Find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

SOURCE GoFundMe

Related Links

http://www.gofundme.com


LONDON, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Study from Calastone reveals migrating to blockchain could generate over USD 2.6bn (*1.9bn) cost savings for the global mutual funds market

(*1.9bn) cost savings for the global mutual funds market The study, follows a recent report by Forrester, which shows Calastone has already delivered more than USD 641m (458 million) in savings for mutual funds by bringing automation to major global funds markets

(458 million) in savings for mutual funds by bringing automation to major global funds markets Data from Calastone demonstrates the significant value potential the Blockchain has for industry and investors

Research from Calastone, the global funds transaction network, forecasts more than USD2.6bn (*1.9bn) worth of potential cost savings for the global mutual funds market as a result of moving to a blockchain-enabled distributed market infrastructure.

The forecast savings demonstrate the scale of financial impact that greater automation and interconnectivity could bring to the funds market. Calastone's predictions further substantiate another study released by Forrester, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, which has analysed the financial impact Calastone's current transaction network has already had on the global funds market. Forrester's research reveals that transaction automation through Calastone has delivered USD 641m (458 million) in savings over the previous six years.

Forrester research shows significant cost savings today at a global, market level

Forrester conducted a global market survey of 234 mutual funds organisations to determine the tangible value and financial impact Calastone's transaction network has had on the global funds market in moving the manual process of funds trading to an automated network infrastructure. The results of the research have shown that, in addressing the friction and operational inefficiencies throughout the transaction cycle across all trading counterparties, Calastone has generated significant net benefits for the market, producing more than USD 641m (458 million) of cost savings over the previous six years. The research covers Calastone's key global markets including the UK, Ireland, Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Australia.

The results showed five key advantages for fund firms in connecting to Calastone's automated transaction network; improved process times, reduction in manual errors (and the time required to address them), ability to scale and process greater volumes of trades via increased flexibility in trading windows, faster response times and greater transparency via better audit traceability.

Calastone forecasts even greater savings for the future - the vast potential of blockchain

Where Forrester's study highlights the value that automation through Calastone's global fund transaction network has already brought to the trading of mutual funds to date, Calastone's subsequent analysis assesses the far greater scale of savings its blockchain-enabled distributed market infrastructure (DMI) could deliver for the global market, estimating significant further cost efficiencies totalling over USD 2.6bn (*1.9bn) worldwide.

The numbers released by Calastone represent the tangible, financial value that a blockchain enabled distributed market infrastructure can deliver, through stripping-out many of the remaining inefficiencies currently embedded in the system, resulting in increasing cost, risk, operational and regulatory pressures. Where Calastone's network automation has been successful already, a distributed market infrastructure offers a scalable solution to meet the needs of fund industry participants and investors now and for the future.

In June, Calastone successfully completed the first phase of its Blockchain-enabled distributed market infrastructure (DMI) proof-of-concept and in December the company announced its core network technology will migrate onto blockchain technology in 2019.

Commenting on the results of the study, Julien Hammerson, CEO Calastone, adds;

"Our mission has been to address the frictional cost of trading mutual funds and Forrester's research demonstrates the considerable value Calastone has delivered for the market already - more than 458 million over the previous six years. These results are testament to the impact technology can have on an industry at a global level. Though that is just the first step

Whilst what we have achieved to date has enabled sizeable savings for the sector, our own analysis highlights how significantly these benefits can be accelerated when using blockchain technology to automate the entire lifecycle of mutual fund transactions, from order placement through to the settlement and payment, through our new distributed market infrastructure - from millions to over USD 2.6bn each year in cost savings"

About Calastone

Calastone is the largest global funds transaction network, connecting many of the world's leading financial organisations. Our mission is to make funds accessible to everyone by reducing the frictional cost of trading. We use smart technology solutions and industry collaboration to lower operational risk and enhance client profitability through digitisation and automation.

Over 1,400 customers in 35 countries and territories benefit from Calastone's services, processing over 7 million messages and 85 billion of transactions each month.

Calastone is headquartered in London and has offices in Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Sydney.

* Calastone Methodology

Calastone has calculated the potential cost savings of moving to a distributed and mutualised market infrastructure using data from Deloitte's recent 2016 study, "Europe's fund expenses at a crossroads; The benefits of mutualizing the cost of distribution." Calastone's calculation determines the potential basis point (bps) savings across key global markets. Calastone's bps calculation has been applied to mutual fund assets under management, at an individual market level, in the following markets; UK, Ireland, Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan & Australia.

Currency calculation from GBP to USD @ 1.40 as at 20 June 2017

For more information, please contact:

FTI Consulting LLP

Ollie Bailey-Pratt / Darius Alexander

[email protected]

Tel: +44-020-3727-1000



SOURCE Calastone
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The College of American Pathologists (CAP) filed an amicus curiae brief in support of a motion by the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) for summary judgement to set aside how the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) implemented market-based reforms to clinical laboratory fees mandated by the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) of 2014. The CAP has strongly supported ACLA's lawsuit against the HHS and efforts to correct the administration's execution of PAMA's clinical laboratory payment reforms.

The CAP's amicus brief states that the HHS' definition of applicable laboratory contradicted the PAMA statute. For example, the HHS excluded the vast majority of hospital-based laboratories from its data collection process and calculation of supposedly market-based rates for clinical laboratory services for 2018. In 2017, hospital laboratories accounted for 48.2% of laboratory market share by test volume. However, a mere 1% of the reported test volume came from hospital laboratories when HHS set 2018 Medicare clinical laboratory fee schedule rates.

In PAMA, Congress had required HHS to collect comprehensive and accurate reimbursement data from all independent and hospital-based laboratories that receive most of their Medicare revenues from serving beneficiaries whom are not hospital inpatients or outpatients.

"The CAP submits this amicus brief to urge the court to require the secretary to consider the full range of laboratory pricing data, including from hospital laboratories, so that Medicare patients may maintain access to laboratory services that are vitally important to their diagnosis, treatment, and care," the CAP said.

The amicus brief was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on February 21. Read the CAP's full amicus brief.

About the College of American Pathologists

As the world's largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, read the CAP Annual Report at CAP.org.

SOURCE College of American Pathologists

Related Links

http://www.cap.org


This would seem to alleviate the fear among some opponents that enough vineyard projects are in the pipeline to immediately trigger the cap.

But what about wildfires such as those that burned last October? The Miller Starr Regalia report said its unclear whether oaks destroyed in fires and other calamities count toward the cap.

The Atlas, Tubbs and Nuns fires burned an estimated 30,639 acres with oak woodlands, the report said. If 2.5 percent of these oak woodlands are considered removed under the measure, the oak woodland removal cap has already been reached.

Initiative backers deny oaks destroyed in a wildfire would count toward the cap, given these trees wouldnt be removed as a result of human activity or intentional burning, the report said. But arson fires are caused by human activity and are intentional, it said.

Moreover, it is unclear whether the concept of intentionality covers negligent or reckless human behavior, and what happens if the cause of a fire cannot be discerned, the report said.

Oaks destroyed in backfires to combat wildfires also present an ambiguity, the report said. Fires lit by federal or state agencies are not subject to the measure. But a backfire might be ordered by a county or city fire official.
DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarkston Consulting announced today that leading advisory and research firm Gartner mentioned the company in the report, Competitive Landscape: SAP S/4HANA Service Providers1.

Since 1991, Clarkston Consulting has delivered transformative value through strategy, operations, and technology solutions tailored for businesses in the consumer products and life sciences industries. Clarkston's executive leadership views this mention as validation of a digital-first mindset and strategy, adopted to meet the needs of Clarkston's core constituents.

Clarkston president Paul Garrison explains, "For our core clients in the consumer products and life sciences industries, it's been clear for years  digital business is the future. Knowing that, we've strategically invested in S4/HANA capabilities over the years to ensure that our organization is not only bringing the industry expertise we've built our reputation on but the functional expertise our clients need to launch their business into the next phase."

The report offers a competitive analysis of global SAP S/4HANA service providers; it mentioned Clarkston Consulting for the North America region.

Clarkston managing partner Mike Hackett has led the strategic efforts to ensure the firm is well-prepared to offer clients a broad spectrum of S/4HANA capabilities.

"Preparing for S/4HANA and by extension, digital, has been years in the making. We've hired new talent, created more robust learning and development programs, and invested in training our people in every dimension so that we have a sound understanding of both the technical and business challenges that can present themselves before, during, and after implementation," said Hackett.

Clarkston Consulting has previously been recognized by Gartner as a Representative Vendor in the 2017 Market Guide for Supply Chain Planning System Integrators2 and as a Representative Vendor (Specialty Service Provider) in the 2017 Market Guide for Supply Chain Strategy and Operations Consulting.3

From Clarkston's view, this recognition further strengthens Clarkston's dedication to providing their clients with the most innovative capabilities in the consumer products and life sciences markets. Hackett explains, "When S/4HANA was first debuted, our team was excited to explore all that it had to offer. Years later, we've got a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the platform and now we're innovating more using some of the latest next-generation tech, such as SAP Leonardo, big data, robotic process automation, and more. We're thrilled to have, in our view, the opportunity to break through the next frontier with our clients."

1 Gartner, "Competitive Landscape: SAP S/4HANA Service Providers," Susan Tan, 09 February 2018.

2 Gartner, "Market Guide for Supply Chain System Integrators," Michael Dominy, Amber Salley, 10 October 2017.

3 Gartner, "Market Guide for Supply Chain Strategy and Operations Consulting," Michael Dominy, Greg Aimi, Kamala Raman, 9 February 2017.

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Clarkston Consulting

Founded in 1991, Clarkston Consulting provides management, operations and implementation consulting services for life sciences and consumer products companies worldwide. Clarkston has achieved a 17-year average client satisfaction rate of 97% by continuously pushing for success for its clients, its consultants, and its company. Clarkston Consulting has offices in Durham, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit and New Jersey. Learn more about Clarkston Consulting at Clarkstonconsulting.com

SOURCE Clarkston Consulting

Related Links

http://www.clarkstonconsulting.com


AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ClearDATA, the trusted healthcare-exclusive cloud provider, today announced the addition of two senior executives to their leadership team: Dennis Hynson, CPA, has joined as chief financial officer (CFO) and Sue Darrow has joined as senior vice president of human resources (SVP, HR). Both bring extensive experience and success in domestic and international fast-growth phase companies which will support ClearDATA's consistent year-over-year growth as healthcare's leading security and compliance expert.

Hynson joins ClearDATA from IntelliCyt, where he led the human resources, administration, IT, operations, technical support, all accounting and finance systems during his time serving as CFO and Chief Operating Officer. His background includes demonstrated expertise at successfully implementing scalable processes and building a strong global finance team.

Darrow brings her expertise as former Chief People Officer at BuildASign.com, one of the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies, as well as her international experience as VP of Global HR for Mozido. She has proven success at growing start-ups from 20 people to several hundred.

"Two of the things that keep entrepreneurs up at night are timing and talent," said Darin Brannan, ClearDATA's president and CEO. "Part of my job is making sure we are bringing the right solution to the market at the right time, and, making sure we have a team of highly-talented, mission-driven, passionate people to make that happen. I'm pleased to bring Dennis and Sue on board to help lead our company into the future."

"Sue's healthcare and information technology consulting background, coupled with her successful track record of building great corporate cultures, will ensure we continue to attract and retain the best talent, provide meaningful benefits and professional development opportunities to our team, and ensure our employees always have a clear line of sight to big picture goals," said Brannan.

"Dennis' experience and ability to lead the financial operations for multiple healthcare companies will be instrumental as we continue our phenomenal momentum, and expand our business," said Brannan. "I am delighted to welcome Dennis as the leader of our finance team."

Darrow was drawn to the caliber of professionals at ClearDATA and firmly believes in ClearDATA's mission to make healthcare better every single day. "ClearDATA has established a winning corporate culture, and our goal is to continue building on that success by enhancing and nurturing our world-class team of talented professionals," Darrow said.

Hynson looks forward to working with the team in its fast-growth phase. "Cloud services are increasingly vital for healthcare organizations and ClearDATA has an impressive track record of delivering solutions that improve performance for their customers," Hynson said.

For bios and headshots please click here: https://www.cleardata.com/about-us/our-team/

About ClearDATA

ClearDATA is the only healthcare-exclusive managed cloud provider. Designed for today's healthcare security needs, healthcare and life sciences professionals trust the ClearDATA HIPAA/FDA compliant cloud to safeguard their data and power their critical applications.

The ClearDATA managed cloud protects sensitive healthcare data using purpose-built DevOps automation, security safeguards and compliance expertisebacked by a comprehensive BAA. This ensures healthcare and life sciences organizations, and the technology providers that support them, are adhering to the highest standards in privacy, security and compliance in the cloud. For more information, call (888) 899-2066 or visit www.cleardata.com.

Media Contact:

Marcia Rhodes

Amendola Communications for ClearDATA

[email protected]; 480.664.8412 ext. 15

SOURCE ClearDATA

Related Links

http://www.cleardata.com


SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cloud Foundry Foundation, home of the most widely-adopted open source cloud technologies in the world, announced today that Aqua Security, Bracket Computing, ITQ, RefineAI, SuperOrbital and TIBCO (a former member) have all joined as Silver Members in January. The companies join Dell EMC, Google, HPE, IBM, Pivotal, SAP and VMware, in addition to prominent end user members American Airlines, Fidelity, Ford, Home Depot, Volkswagen, and more than 60 other technology innovators, as Foundation members.

Through their membership, these companies demonstrate commitment to working with the Foundation and the community to champion Cloud Foundry as the global industry standard cloud technology for the enterprise.

"As more and more companies embrace cloud-native applications in a multi-cloud world, the Foundation has seen its biggest one-month spike in membership since 2016," said Abby Kearns, Executive Director, Cloud Foundry Foundation. "We welcome the unique contribution each of these companies will make."

"As companies embrace hybrid cloud deployment for their business-critical applications, the availability of mature toolsets such as Cloud Foundry pave the way to faster adoption, and we're excited to accelerate this adoption by enhancing security and compliance," said Upesh Patel, VP Business Development, Aqua Security, founded by IT security veterans from companies including Intel Security, CA Technologies, Check Point Software and IBM. "With containers being the next major disruption in datacenter and application technology, Aqua Security recognized that containerized environments create new challenges in security, but also present an opportunity to reinvent application security  more effectively and more efficiently than ever."

"Bracket is pleased to be working with the Cloud Foundry community to make deployments immutable on any cloud. Immutability is the foundation of trust for cloud-native applications," said Tom Gillis, CEO at Bracket Computing, founded with the goal to empower enterprise IT with a single set of security controls to stop the spread of malware, malicious insiders and mistakes without impacting the speed and agility of the self-service cloud.

"We are excited to join the Cloud Foundry Foundation and help drive it forward," said Ruurd Keizer, Cloud Native Lead at ITQ Consultancy. "From our experience with Cloud Foundry, we're convinced Cloud Foundry and its impressive ecosystem are the way forward for our mostly enterprise and government customers. It will enable them to embrace the cloud and, in doing so, innovate much faster while staying secure and available, without vendor lock-in, be it in their own data centers or the public cloud." Founded in 2001, ITQ delivers innovative IT solutions and infrastructure. Today it's a fully independent business, one that doesn't sell software or hardware, but instead focuses on knowledge, offering the best advice to its clients.

"We are excited to be part of Cloud Foundry, as it is a community of startups and large companies that are solving tough problems using innovative technologies," said Bharat Krish, CEO, RefineAI. "Cloud Foundry helps us to be agnostic to any cloud vendor and also provides us the guidelines to be compliant with the needs of large enterprises, helping us partner with the likes of SAP." RefineAI is a platform for understanding the emotional appeal of videos in real time so brands can increase their digital content ROI.

"Cloud Foundry continues to prove itself as the only truly production-grade application and container platform, and SuperOrbital is very excited to help support and take part in the growing community around it," said Tammer Saleh, founder, SuperOrbital, and former VP of Engineering at Pivotal. SuperOrbital has a deep and intuitive knowledge in cloud-native best practices and architecture, rooted in experience deploying and managing enterprise scale systems.

"Digital transformation demands a cloud strategy that addresses the most challenging real- world requirements encountered by businesses," said Thomas Been, chief marketing officer, TIBCO Software, Inc. "We're excited to renew our membership because of the vibrant community and constant innovation that makes Cloud Foundry part of a new generation of applications."

Cloud Foundry Foundation is holding its 2018 NA Summit in Boston, April 18-20. This Summit comes on the heels of the record-setting 2017 Silicon Valley Summit and capacity crowd at the European Summit in Basel. With support from Platinum sponsors Google, IBM, Pivotal and SAP, the 2017 Summit in North America set new attendance records. Cloud Foundry has seen vast growth worldwide with 3,100 contributors since inception; more than 61,000 commits in the last 12 months alone; 69,500 people participating in global community events; and 65 total Foundation members. As stated in market research from Gartner, Cloud Foundry's total market value is approximately $3.1 billion, rising to $5.25 billion in a few years.

Find the full schedule here: https://cloudfoundry.org/event_subpages/na2018-schedule/ and register online: https://www.regonline.com/registration/checkin.aspx?EventId=2090045&MethodId=0&EventSessionId=&startnewreg=1.

About Cloud Foundry Foundation

The Cloud Foundry Foundation is an independent non-profit open source organization formed to sustain the development, promotion and adoption of Cloud Foundry as the industry standard for delivering the best developer experiences to companies of all sizes. The Foundation projects include Cloud Foundry Application Runtime, Cloud Foundry Container Runtime, BOSH, Open Service Broker API, Abacus, CF-Local, CredHub, ServiceFabrik, Stratos and more. Cloud Foundry makes it faster and easier to build, test, deploy and scale applications, and is used by more than half the Fortune 500, representing nearly $15 trillion in combined revenue. Cloud Foundry is hosted by The Linux Foundation and is an Apache 2.0 licensed project available on Github: https://github.com/cloudfoundry. To learn more, visit:http://www.cloudfoundry.org.

Contact:

Lonn Johnston

For Cloud Foundry Foundation

[email protected]

+1 650.219.7764

SOURCE Cloud Foundry Foundation

Related Links

http://www.cloudfoundry.org


BEAUFORT, S.C., Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Coastal Banking Company Inc. (OTCQX:CBCO), the holding company of CBC National Bank, which operates branches in Beaufort and Port Royal, S.C., and in Fernandina Beach, Ocala, and The Villages, Fla., today announced that its shareholders have approved the previously announced merger transaction with First Federal Bancorp Inc. in a vote that took place yesterday.

On Nov. 7, 2017, First Federal Bancorp Inc., the holding company of First Federal Bank of Florida, based in Lake City, Fla., announced a definitive merger agreement to acquire Coastal Banking Company Inc. and CBC National Bank. Upon completion of the merger, First Federal will pay $21.50 per share in cash for each Coastal Banking Company common share and stock option outstanding in a transaction valued at $83.2 million. Pending regulatory approval, the merger is expected to be completed in the second quarter.

"We are gratified and excited to have taken another significant step toward our partnership with First Federal," said Michael G. Sanchez, chairman and chief executive officer. "The combination of our two organizations, including the vibrant markets we serve, the full array of personal and business financial services and products, and the knowledgeable, personable staff of both companies, will provide our customers with a new level of convenience, service and choice."

First Federal Bank of Florida is a community bank founded in the heart of North Florida in 1962. Today, First Federal is a $1.5 billion-asset institution offering a full line of personal and business financial solutions, loans, and services from Florida's Panhandle to the First Coast. First Federal is a mutual savings bank and continues to receive a "5-Star, Superior" financial rating from BauerFinancial Inc. For more information, visit www.ffbf.com.

About Coastal Banking Company Inc.

Coastal Banking Company Inc. is the $606.4 million-asset bank holding company of CBC National Bank, headquartered in Fernandina Beach, Fla., which provides a full range of consumer and business banking services through full-service banking offices in Fernandina Beach, Ocala, and The Villages, Fla., and Beaufort and Port Royal, S.C. The company's residential mortgage banking division, headquartered in Atlanta, includes both traditional retail and wholesale lending groups, which together have lending offices in Florida, Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina, Illinois, Ohio and Tennessee. The company's SBA lending division operates under SBA's delegated authority, originating SBA, USDA and FSA loans throughout the southeastern United States. Headquartered in Fernandina Beach, its offices are located in Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, Tampa and Vero Beach, Fla., Greensboro, N.C., Atlanta and Tifton, Ga., and Beaufort.

The company's common stock is publicly traded on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol CBCO. The company was named to the OTCQX Best 50 in 2015, 2016 and 2018, an annual ranking of the top 50 U.S. and international companies traded on the OTCQX Best Market, based on equal weighting of one-year return and average daily dollar volume growth.

Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is intended to be protected by the safe harbor provided by the same. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of the words "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "target," and words of similar import. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead express only management's beliefs regarding future results or events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of management's control. It is possible that actual results and outcomes may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results or outcomes indicated in these forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties to which these statements are subject include, but are not limited to, the following:; the timing to consummate the proposed merger; the risk that a condition to closing of the proposed merger may not be satisfied; the parties' ability to achieve the synergies and value creation contemplated by the proposed merger; the parties' ability to promptly and effectively integrate the businesses of First Federal and Coastal; the diversion of management time on issues related to the merger; the failure to consummate or delay in consummating the merger for other reasons; changes in laws or regulations; and changes in general economic conditions. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what impact they will have on the results of operations or financial condition of First Federal and Coastal. Forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this communication, and neither First Federal nor Coastal undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or conditions after the date hereof.

SOURCE Coastal Banking Company Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ffbf.com


NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- To help confront the current opioid crisis, AdCare Rhode Island will host a Community Event on February 28th at 6 PM. The free event will feature a presentation on "Opioid Risks, Treatment, and Recovery" by AdCare Rhode Island's Medical Director, Michael Coburn, MD, ABAM. Dr. Coburn's presentation will focus on effectively treating opioid-dependent individuals with a combination of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Outpatient Counseling, 12-Step and other Community Support. Information and resources to help family and friends begin to heal from the harmful effects of a loved one's substance use will be available as well. The Meeting will be held at AdCare Rhode Island, 1950 Tower Hill Road in North Kingstown.

"This human tragedy cuts across all socioeconomic groups and has already torn apart too many families," said Georganna Koppermann, AdCare's Vice President of Community Services. "I am confident that Rhode Island will come together, as it always has, to provide the support necessary to save lives."

Opioid misuse and overdose is a serious public health problem that affects almost every community in some way. Fueled by the misuse of prescription opioid medications and illegal drugs such as heroin, the crisis is now exacerbated by fentanyl, a highly potent opioid. Since 2009, the number of overdose deaths related to fentanyl has increased 15-fold in Rhode Island. Last year, there were 257 opioid overdose deaths in Rhode Island. (http://www.health.ri.gov/data/drugoverdoses/).

For more information contact: AdCare Community Services at 508-453-3068 or visit adcare.com.

Experience matters. For 42 years and counting, AdCare has helped individuals and families recover from substance use. AdCare's expanded continuum of alcohol and drug treatment provides an inpatient detoxification and residential treatment program in North Kingstown, RI; hospital-level of care in Worcester, MA, and outpatient services throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. AdCare  Your Recovery Begins Here.

SOURCE AdCare
LONDON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Chinese imports of stainless steel hot-rolled coil surge as Tsingshan's Indonesian facility continues to ramp up strongly.

Chinese imports of hot-rolled coil jumped by over 140% m/m to an eleven-year high in December, as imports from Indonesia surge following the ramp up of Tsingshan's Sulawesi facility. Subsequently, China became a net importer of hot-rolled coil (HRC) for the first time in seven years, representing a structural change in Asian trade flows as production continues to shift towards lower-cost Indonesian operations.

Shifting trade flows: net exporter to net importer

For the last seven years or so, China has been a net exporter of hot-rolled coil, with their export position generally strengthening with time as both domestic production and global demand grew. Indeed, over the last three years China's net exports averaged well above 100 kt/month. However, with almost 116 kt of hot-rolled coil arriving from Indonesia in December, China became a net importer for the first time in over seven years, with imports exceeding exports by a marginal 1.6 kt.

Tsingshan's Indonesian facility continues to ramp up strongly

China began importing significantly higher volumes of stainless steel slab and hot-rolled coil in August last year following the start-up of Tsingshan Indonesia. It has been clear for some time now, that Tsingshan Group is, first and foremost, targeting the domestic Chinese market for large volume sales of the group's highly competitively Indonesian material. The majority of imports arriving at Chinese ports were initially slab, however, there was a noticeable shift towards imports of hot-rolled coil in December, likely as some minor start-up issues at the recently commissioned hot-rolling line in Indonesia were overcome.

Read the full story: http://bit.ly/China-importer-of-HRC

Read more about CRU: http://bit.ly/About_CRU

About CRU

CRU offers unrivalled business intelligence on the global metals, mining and fertilizer industries through market analysis, price assessments, consultancy and events.

Since our foundation by Robert Perlman in 1969, we have consistently invested in primary research and robust methodologies, and developed expert teams in key locations worldwide, including in hard-to-reach markets such as China.

CRU employs over 260 experts and has more than 10 offices around the world, in Europe, the Americas, China, Asia and Australia  our office in Beijing opened in 2004.

When facing critical business decisions, you can rely on our first-hand knowledge to give you a complete view of a commodity market. And you can engage with our experts directly, for the full picture and a personalised response.

CRU  big enough to deliver a high quality service, small enough to care about all of our customers.

SOURCE CRU
HIAWATHA, Iowa, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Crystal Group Inc., a leading designer/manufacturer of rugged computer and electronic hardware, will showcase how its comprehensive suite of field proven rugged products can leverage emerging technologies to unify interagency operations at the Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict (SO/LIC) Symposium & Exhibition 2018, February 28  March 2 in Arlington, Virginia.

Mission critical success of Special Operations Forces count on technology that is rugged, flexible, easy to set up and cyber protected. Crystal Group rugged products are designed to provide robust and reliable technology to keep warfighters, security agencies and allied coalitions connected and informed in the face of extreme elements, such as temperature extremes, high shock and vibration, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and humidity.

At SO/LIC Booth #313 Crystal Group's subject matter experts will demonstrate the company's portfolio of rugged solutions, including:

Crystal Group's new RS1.533S18G Rugged 1.5U Server is rack-mounted, 18 inches deep and weighs 25-30 lbs. The all-aluminum chassis with internal cross-braces and stabilized components withstand intense shock and vibration. An immediate drop-in replacement for currently fielded systems, the RS1.533S18G features dual Intel processors, up to 512GB of DDR4 memory, up to nine removable SSDs, and USB 3.0, audio, and Gigabit LAN interfaces.

Recently released Crystal Group FORCE (Fully Optimized Rugged Computer Equipment) 1U, 2U, and 3U Rugged Servers are high-bandwidth, low-latency, high-performance computing (HPC) systems optimized for size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C). Crystal Group FORCE Rugged Servers with Intel Xeon Scalable processors and state-of-the-art liquid cooling (2U dissipates 280W of CPU power), offer superior compute and greater reliability in harsh elements, such as shock and vibration, temperature extremes, and humidity.

The RS114PS18 Rugged Carbon Fiber Server delivers high-end computing performance in a 1U carbon fiber chassis that offers leading edge Intel Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge, or Haswell options. The unit measures 17.5" wide, 1.75" in height and 18" in depth, weighing 12-14 lbs. The RS114PS18 offers up to 512 GB memory, up to six removeable 2.5" drive bays and is expandable with one slot.

The RE1312 Rugged Embedded Computer features a compact carbon fiber composition construction for low SWaP and powerful Dual or Quad Core i7 CPU options or 6 cores Xeon D. The RE1312 Rugged Embedded Computer operates over a wide temperature range from -40C to 60C and with 18V to 36V DC input. A tough carbon fiber composite frame serves simultaneously as the entire system's structural backbone and EMI shield.

Crystal Group RCS7450-24 Rugged Switch combines enterprise-class functionality and MIL-SPEC environmental performance to provide reliable, high-throughput connectivity and data handling in deployed environments. Crystal Group scalable, rugged network switches bring Ruckus ICX enterprise-level, stackable switch technology to the tactical edge in rugged, lightweight, and compact enclosures  a choice of transit case or 19-inch rack with strain-hardened, aircraft-grade aluminum  designed to keep critical electronics connected.

Visit Crystal Group in Booth #313 at SO/LIC to learn how the company's rugged servers, switches, and embedded computers can meet specific program requirements.

SO/LIC Symposium & Exhibition is sponsored by National Defense Industrial Association and takes place February 28  March 2 in Arlington, Virginia.

About Crystal Group Inc.

Crystal Group Inc., a technology leader in rugged computer hardware, specializes in the design and manufacture of custom and commercial rugged servers, embedded computing, networking devices, displays, power supplies, and data storage for high reliability in harsh environments. An employee-owned small business founded in 1987, Crystal Group provides the defense, government and industrial markets with in-house customization, engineering, integration, configuration management, product lifecycle planning, warranty, and support services.

Crystal Group products meet or exceed IEEE, IEC, and military standards (MIL-STD-810, 167-1, 461, MIL-S-901); are backed by warranty (5+ year) with in-house support; and are manufactured in the company's Hiawatha, Iowa, USA, facility certified to AS9100C:2009 and ISO 9001:2008 quality management standards. crystalrugged.com

 2018 Crystal Group Inc. All rights reserved. All marks are property of their respective owners. Design and specifications are subject to change.

SOURCE Crystal Group Inc.

Related Links

http://www.crystalrugged.com


SAN DIEGO, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB) today announced the acquisition of MotionDSP, a leading provider of advanced image processing software for public safety, security and government applications. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, MotionDSP further enhances Cubic Mission Solutions' (CMS) capabilities in real-time video processing.

MotionDSP enhances the quality of real-time videos, while servicing a wide variety of industries including military, law enforcement, oil and gas, forestry, inspection services, energy and transportation. MotionDSP's solutions include a full suite of software processing capabilities for video and redaction, supporting both desktop and cloud deployments.

"We are pleased to welcome MotionDSP and its employees to our growing Cubic family," said Bradley H. Feldmann, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Cubic Corporation. "MotionDSP will be a synergistic addition to our CMS business as we continue to build on our strategy through business acquisitions for maximum growth and return to our shareholders."

"The addition of MotionDSP's technology will enrich our solution offering," said Mike Twyman, president of Cubic Mission Solutions. "Also, we look forward to leveraging MotionDSP's position in Public Safety and other markets as new growth adjacencies for Cubic."

MotionDSP's software leverages advanced detection, tracking and geospatial processing capabilities to help users better understand their videos. MotionDSP solutions improve visual fidelity and automation of tasks with computer vision algorithms.

About Cubic Corporation

Cubic is a market-leading, technology provider of integrated solutions that increase situational understanding for transportation, defense C4ISR and training customers worldwide to decrease urban congestion and improve the militaries' effectiveness and operational readiness. Cubic Transportation Systems is a leading integrator of payment and information technology and services to create intelligent travel solutions for transportation authorities and operators. Cubic Mission Solutions provides networked Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities for defense, intelligence, security and commercial missions. Cubic Global Defense is a leading provider of live, virtual, constructive and game-based training solutions, special operations and intelligence for the U.S. and allied forces. For more information about Cubic, please visit the company's website at www.cubic.com or on Twitter @CubicCorp.

SOURCE Cubic Corporation

Related Links

http://www.cubic.com


Prior to joining Ankura, Daron served for 23 years as a special agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and most recently led AFOSI's most active Cyber Investigations and Operations team. Under his leadership, the Department of Defense twice recognized the unit's contributions when it was selected as the top counterintelligence technologies team of the year for both 2015 and 2016. Daron's AFOSI career culminated in early December 2017 when his unit's partnership with the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service resulted in the prosecution of three foreign nationals for theft of US intellectual property.

From 2010 to 2014, Daron served at AFOSI Headquarters, managing the cyber program and transitioning its legacy cyber portfolio from a reactive forensics capability into a leading-edge team that actively countered risk with resources deployed across three primary areas: cyber operations, insider threat, and field cyber support. As part of his responsibilities, he developed and implemented AFOSI's Insider Threat program and routinely briefed senior leaders in the intelligence community regarding significant counterintelligence matters.

Earlier in his career, Daron served in several roles, including AFOSI liaison officer to the then-emerging Air Force Cyber Command, cybercrime investigator supporting the Air Force's Computer Emergency Response Team, and field agent conducting complex intrusion investigations.

Marc-Philip Ferzan, Ankura Senior Managing Director, stated, "Cyber threats have become an unfortunate part of the daily business and geopolitical landscape across the globe. Adding Daron's unique experience and expertise to the Ankura cyber team's highly expert capabilities enables us to provide our clients with comprehensive intelligence and advisory services to mitigate operational and reputational risks in targeted and effective ways."

Mr. Hartvigsen stated, "I am pleased to be joining Luke Tenery, Ted Theisen and the Ankura cyber team in working with a broad range of private and public-sector clients confronting complex and multifaceted cybersecurity challenges. It is a critical time to provide companies operating in the global marketplace with comprehensive cyber intelligence and advisory services. I am looking forward to integrating my capabilities with those of my highly expert colleagues to assist business and government leaders in better understanding viable proactive and reactive cybersecurity strategies to make informed and effective decisions."

SOURCE Ankura

Related Links

http://www.ankura.com


A bomb squad responded to St. Helena Wednesday afternoon after a suspicious package was reported at St. Helena Primary School during dismissal, according to a Nixle alert released by St. Helena Police. By 3:21 p.m., less than an hour later, police said the package was "not a threat."

The students had already left the premises and school staff had been evacuated when the bomb squad arrived. At just after 3 p.m. the bomb squad used a portable X-ray machine to examine the package -- an adult suitcase -- and found it to be empty.

Grayson Avenue was temporarily closed and residents were asked to avoid the area. Most of the students had already left, so the school was never placed on lockdown. The school faculty was sent home as a precaution.

Police Chief Bill Imboden said the black suitcase was considered suspicious because it was larger than one a student might carry, and because of its odd location next to a school building and behind a planter box.

"Because of the climate we're in right now we decided to be overly cautious," Imboden said.

St. Helena Star editor Dave Stoneberg, Napa Valley Register reporter Maria Sestito and St. Helena Star reporter Jesse Duarte contributed to this article.

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Shimmering Stamps

Although these stamps do not glow in the dark, they do incorporate a special effect. The stamp pane was produced using a proprietary rainbow holographic material that is highly reflective in white light. The stamps were produced using special techniques to enhance the reflective qualities of the material while maintaining the depth of color and detail of the individual images. The rainbow pattern imparts a sense of movement and light to the stamp pane.

The stamps were dedicated today at the Sunrise Theater in historic downtown Fort Pierce, FL.

"These stamps were created so that they reflect back light to mimic the effect of bioluminescence," said U.S. Postal Service Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President Jeffrey Williamson. "Much like the magical creatures we're celebrating today, these stamps are truly dazzling. And starting today, these vibrant images will travel quickly, easily and affordably on letters and packages to millions of households and businesses throughout America  inspiring an even greater appreciation for this vital part of our natural landscape."

Joining Williamson in the dedication was Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA) CEO/Senior Scientist Edith Widder, whose photographs appear on seven of the stamps.

"These are such amazing creatures," said Widder. "It's thrilling to be able to share these images and help reveal what I think is one of the most entrancing, but least known wonders of the natural world  the ability to make light."

Bioluminescence performs a variety of functions

Fairly rare among species on land, bioluminescence reigns supreme in the darkness of the deep ocean. Fishes, squids, jellyfish, worms and many other ocean organisms make varied use of their ability to glow. Their light can lure food, attract a mate or fend off a predator. For many species, bioluminescence is security lighting. For example, the midwater jellyfish  featured on one of the stamps  sets off flashing swirling rings of light when threatened. The display alerts other predators more likely to eat the attacker than the jellyfish itself.

Some species are born with bioluminescence, while others, like certain fishes and squids, have receptacles for displaying bioluminescent bacteria that they capture.

Since the late 19th century, many breakthrough discoveries regarding bioluminescence have come through the study of fireflies and flickering beetles. Because these beetles exist on every continent except Antarctica, they provide scientists with the most convenient means by which to investigate the phenomenon.

Fighting cancer and other diseases

Medical science has benefited tremendously from the study of luminous life-forms. Using genes that enable bioluminescence, scientists can make a cancer cell glow, enabling observation of how the disease behaves and spreads. Similar research is also vital in the fights against Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, anemia, malaria, dengue fever, HIV and many other illnesses.

Through improved deep-sea exploration and advances in photography, scientists have identified thousands of bioluminescent species. Yet many mysteries of bioluminescence remain unsolved, and many benefits of research await discovery.

From left, the first row of stamps features a deep-ocean octopus (Stauroteuthis syrtensis) and a midwater jellyfish (Atolla vanhoeffeni), both photographed by Edith Widder of Ft. Pierce, FL. The octopus was photographed under external lighting. On each row of stamps, the third and fourth stamps repeat the first two designs.

The second row of stamps begins with a deep-sea comb jelly (Bathocyroe fosteri), also by Widder and lit externally, then a cluster of mushrooms (Mycena lucentipes) by Taylor F. Lockwood of Mount Dora, FL.

The third row features a firefly (Lampyridae) by Gail Shumway of Sarasota, FL, followed by a bamboo coral (Keratoisis flexibilis) by Widder.

Widder also photographed both fourth-row images: a marine worm (Flota) and a crown jellyfish (Atolla wyvillei). Both are shown under external lighting.

The fifth and final row of stamps offers another type of marine worm (Tomopteris), by Steve Haddock of Moss Landing, CA, and a sea pen (Umbellula) by Widder. Both marine species are shown under external lighting.

Atop the pane's selvage, transected by the issuance title, "BIOLUMINESCENT LIFE," is an image of a transparent deep-sea comb jelly (Mnemiopsis leidyi) photographed under external lighting by Gregory G. Dimijian of Farmers Branch, TX. The firefly squid (Watasenia scintillans) shines a brilliant blue, green and white display of bioluminescence from the darkness of the selvage in a photograph by Dante Fenolio of San Antonio, TX.

Designer Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, designed the stamps and the stamp pane using existing photographs.

Stamp ideas welcome

The public is encouraged to submit stamp suggestions. Visit the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee website for details on the stamp selection process and instructions for submitting suggestions in writing. Due to the time required for research and approval, ideas for stamp subjects should be received at least three years prior to the proposed release. Each submission should include pertinent historical information and important dates associated with the subject.

Ordering first-day-of-issue postmarks

Customers have 60 days to obtain first-day-of-issue postmarks by mail. They may purchase new stamps at Post Office locations, at the Postal Store usps.com/shop or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:

FDOI  Bioluminescent Life Stamps

USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services

8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300

Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for postmarks up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, customers are charged 5 cents each. All orders must be postmarked by June 22, 2018.

Ordering first-day covers

The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamps and stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the USA Philatelic publication and online at usps.com/shop. Customers may register to receive a free USA Philatelic publication online at usps.com/philatelic.

Philatelic products

The following Philatelic products are available at usps.com/shop.

475710, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake (random cover), $11.95 .

. 475716, First-Day Cover (set of 10), $9.40 .

. 475721, Digital Color Postmark (set of 10), $16.50 .

. 475730, Ceremony Program, $6.95 .

. 475724, Shadow Box $39.95

475706, Press Sheet $90.00

475750 Framed Art $26.95

You may view many of this year's other stamps on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps or via Twitter @USPSstamps. All postage stamps are available for purchase at Post Offices, online at usps.com, and by toll-free phone order at 1-800 STAMP-24.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at about.usps.com/news/welcome.htm.

For reporters interested in speaking with a regional Postal Service public relations professional, please go to about.usps.com/news/media-contacts/usps-local-media-contacts.pdf. Follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/usps), Instagram (instagram.com/uspostalservice), Pinterest (pinterest.com/uspsstamps), LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/usps), subscribe to our channel on YouTube (youtube.com/usps), like us on Facebook (facebook.com/usps) and view our Postal Posts blog (uspsblog.com).

For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and usps.com/postalfacts.

Florida: Debbie Fetterly

954.527.2941

C: 954.298.1687

[email protected]

National: Mark Saunders

202.320.0782

[email protected]

usps.com/news

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

Related Links

http://www.usps.com


PLANO, Texas, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunet Group LLC announced today that it has joined the CENTURY 21 Franchise System and will now do business as CENTURY 21 Sunet Group. The company will continue to provide full-service real estate services to buyers and sellers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and it will now benefit from the world-class marketing, agent learning and educational resources, and technology and productivity tools provided through its affiliation with the iconic CENTURY 21 brand.

"CENTURY 21 Sunet Group is an unparalleled example of the success that is possible when agents commit to understanding the distinct needs of their buyers and sellers," said Nick Bailey, president and chief executive officer, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. "Their diverse background uniquely positions them to meet the needs of national and international clients alike, and we couldn't be more excited to see their continued growth and success as part of the CENTURY 21 System."

Broker/owner Paul Dong brings more than 15 years of real estate experience to his role, where he leads a team of nearly 90 agents, specializing in both residential and commercial properties, as well as leasing and property management.

Dong came from China to the United States in 1995 to pursue a master's degree in business administration. Upon graduating in 2000, he began working in real estate investment. In 2002, he bought his first investment property, and that same year, he obtained his real estate license.

"I am thrilled to be joining an organization that is the most recognizable real estate company in not only the U.S., but also worldwide," said Dong. "The learning, marketing, resources and cutting-edge technology that the CENTURY 21 brand offers will enable us to better serve mainstream markets and clients, while also meeting the needs of our international client base."

Beyond providing real estate services to their local community, Dong and team are highly community oriented and very involved with the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), as well as other local charities.

About CENTURY 21 Sunet Group

CENTURY 21 Sunet Group is a full service real estate company, serving the buyers and sellers of Dallas-Fort Worth. Their office is located at 5048 Tennyson Parkway, Suite 250, Plano, Texas 75024.

CENTURY 21 Sunet Group is an independently owned and operated franchise affiliate of Century 21 Real Estate LLC (century21.com), franchisor of the iconic CENTURY 21 brand, comprised of approximately 7,700 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 78 countries and territories worldwide with more than 117,000 independent sales professionals.

Media Contact:

Sammy Toole

MullenLowe for CENTURY 21 Sunet Group

617.226.9934

[email protected]

SOURCE CENTURY 21 Sunet Group

Related Links

https://www.century21.com


PATERSON, N.J., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kirker Enterprises, Inc., a leading manufacturer of nail enamel and nail treatment products, launched a new website that is as innovative as its products. The new website is just one component of Kirker's initiative to deepen its relationship with its customers and paint a clear picture of the future of nail polish.

The website, www.kirkerent.com, features multimedia and mobile-friendly content. With improved design, navigation and functionality, the Kirker website is user-friendly and full of fresh content to inspire the cosmetics industry and nail care connoisseurs. Exciting features of the site include:

Informative portfolios of Kirker's state-of-the-art products, custom services and turnkey operations

Creative platforms for users to showcase their creations and discover new trends

Efficient optimization to reduce the number of clicks needed to navigate the site

Compatibility across all web browsers and mobile devices

Direct access to Kirker's Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook pages, so visitors can always have innovation at their fingertips

"Our industry demands continuous innovation," said Sara Garcia, Kirker vice president of marketing and research. "The new website communicates our commitment to developing and manufacturing cutting edge, custom formulations combined with first-class service."

Kirker invites visitors to discover the future of nail polish by exploring the new website. Visitors can get inspired, share their own manicure tips, and learn more about the complete range of nail care products and services available to customers worldwide.

"Our mission is to continually improve upon Kirker formulations and customer interactions with the most recent technological advances and unprecedented service levels," stated Garcia. "Through creating an improved customer experience with the new Kirker website, we are demonstrating our innovative spirit and painting a clearer picture of how we are creating the future of nail polish."

About Kirker Enterprises, Inc.

Kirker Enterprises, Inc. is a custom manufacturer of nail lacquer and nail care treatment products. We offer a full array of services from custom product formulation to beautifully designed and visually appealing packaging options and displays. For over 60 years, Kirker has been a recognized leader in the development and manufacturing of innovative nail products. Our cutting-edge technology and customer formulations, combined with first-class service, have affirmed our leadership position in the industry. With manufacturing and filling locations in the United States and Europe, we offer the right option to fit each customer's requirements. www.kirkerent.com.

SOURCE Kirker Enterprises, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.kirkerent.com


WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- We are disappointed in the Dutch Public Prosecution Service's (DPPS) decision not to file criminal charges against the tobacco industry. We congratulate the efforts of our colleagues at Sick of Smoking, the Youth Smoking Prevention Foundation, and the Dutch Cancer Society who worked tirelessly to build public and legal support for this case. ASH supports an Article 12 appeal, which allows those with a direct interest in a case to ask the appeal court to order the public prosecutor to bring charges.

The documents that were submitted to the prosecutor argue that the tobacco industry knowingly and intentionally makes cigarettes more addictive.

Watch our video on the case here.

The DPSS cites several reasons for their declination to prosecute including "freedom of choice" and assumption of risk by the consumer. These arguments have been made by the tobacco industry for decades, and should not be a barrier to a successful prosecution. We are confident that the appeals court will agree.

That idea that people have a "freedom of choice" when it comes to tobacco is a fallacy. Addiction takes away free will. Nearly 70% of American adult smokers want to quit; many try repeatedly and fail. Furthermore, over 80% of all adult smokers begin smoking before age 18. Minors should not be held legally responsible for becoming addicted to tobacco.

The tobacco industry has also tried the smokers' assumption of risk argument in U.S. civil cases. In a Massachusetts case, Haglund v. Philip Morris, the Court unanimously rejected the tobacco industry's defense and wrote, "If Philip Morris chooses to market an inherently dangerous product, it is at the very least perverse to allow the company to escape liability by showing only that its product was used for its ordinary purpose." The tobacco industry induces people to smoke, and half of all of their consumers die as a result of the ordinary use of their product. Any other product that killed half of its consumers would never be allowed on the market.

ASH is proud to have been supporting this movement in the Netherlands and serving as a catalyst and support for new and existing criminal actions against the tobacco industry, including the recent criminal complaint in France. We are hopeful that the appeal will lead to a case in the Netherlands, and that other prosecutors around the world take similar action to hold the tobacco industry criminally responsible for the death and disease caused by their products.

About ASH

Founded in 1967, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is the United States' oldest anti-tobacco organization, dedicated to a world with ZERO tobacco deaths. Because tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, ASH supports bold solutions proportionate to the magnitude of the problem.

SOURCE Action on Smoking and Health

Related Links

http://ash.org


WARSAW, Poland, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Elsevier, the global information analytics business specializing in science and health, announced its agreement with the Polish Universities Consortia Leader, Interdisciplinary Centre for Mathematical and Computational Modelling (IMC), to provide nation-wide university access to SciVal, Elsevier's analytics solution to track and measure research performance.

Access to SciVal will enable university leaders and managers across Polish universities to analyze and visualize bibliometric research data for 8,500 research institutions across 220 nations. This supports them in their strategic planning, research assessment reviews and allows for tracking research performance and comparing with other institutions worldwide.

SciVal runs primarily on data from Scopus, the largest abstract and citation database of research information, covering more than 70 million articles, books and conference papers, and draws its content from more than 5,000 publishers covering 23,000 journals. SciVal also includes usage measures from both ScienceDirect and Scopus, patent-article citations, awarded grants and media mentions.

Said Taha, Elsevier VP Research Management, Sales & Services, said: "Universities globally are increasingly investing in an evidence-based approach to develop a clear understanding of their position and progress. Being able to tap into the wide span of Scopus bibliometric data coverage in SciVal will enable research leaders and managers across Poland to better assess their overall strategy and performance impact - both nationally, as well as on a global scale."

The access for the Polish scholarly community will be managed by the Interdisciplinary Centre for Mathematical and Computational Modelling (IMC) at the University of Warsaw.

Scopus and SciVal are part of Elsevier's Research Intelligence portfolio, its offering of solutions which support the three pillars of strategic research management: to enable, conduct and share research.

About ICM

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Mathematical and Computational Modelling at the University of Warsaw has been providing access to scholarly resources to nationwide consortia and universities since 2010. It manages agreements with global scientific publishers and societies and facilitates distribution of access to them.

About Elsevier

Elsevier is a global information analytics business that helps institutions and professionals progress science, advance healthcare and improve performance for the benefit of humanity. Elsevier provides digital solutions and tools in the areas of strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support, and professional education; including ScienceDirect, Scopus, Scival, ClinicalKey and Sherpath. Elsevier publishes over 2,500 digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell, more than 35,000 e-book titles and many iconic reference works, including Gray's Anatomy. Elsevier is part of RELX Group, a global provider of information and analytics for professionals and business customers across industries. http://www.elsevier.com



Media contact

Sacha Boucherie, Global Communications

Elsevier

+31-20-4853564

[email protected]



SOURCE Elsevier
Multiple global speakers and live surgery illustrates the clinical benefit that the

ExactVu micro-ultrasound is bringing to improve prostate cancer detection

TORONTO and BILBAO, Spain, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - At the 5th Multidisciplinary Meeting on Clinical Urology - "The Dilemmas of Prostate Cancer: How to Improve Diagnosis", the ExactVu micro-ultrasound system is featured prominently as a new central tool for helping leading urology practices improve their visualization of the prostate and significantly improve their targeting of prostate biopsies. The conference, which is being held from February 22 - 23, 2018 at the Clinica IMQ Zorrotzaurre in Bilbao, Spain, is hosted by Dr. Ander Astobieta Odriozola. It brings together leading urologists from across Spain and Europe to discuss their new techniques and strategies to improve prostate cancer detection.

"In this fifth year for our Multidisciplinary Meeting on Clinical Urology congress, the ExactVu micro-ultrasound is being profiled because it is now a key component of our prostate cancer detection strategy as we are now able to actually see lesions and target our prostate biopsies," Dr. Ander Astobieta Odriozola, of IMQ, said. "No longer just new technology for ourselves and many of the clinical speakers at the event, the ExactVu platform now has the potential to change our standard of care and allow us to better target our biopsies to more efficiently, more effectively improve detection results and hopefully patient outcomes."

Clinical presentation at the congress on the ExactVu micro-ultrasound include the following:



" High resolution ultrasound with 29 MHz " (Dr. Jose Gregorio Pereira ),

" (Dr. Jose ), " Initial clinical experience with Micro-US in a real-life clinical scenario:

the Humanitas research Hospital series" (Dr. Giovanni Lughezzani ),

(Dr. ), " Prostate biopsy with Micro-Ultrasound: Our results" (Dr. Andrea Sanchez),

(Dr. Andrea Sanchez), " How to manage PI-RADS 3 lesions. Can enhanced TRUS solve the problem?" (Dr. Georg Salomon ), and

(Dr. ), and "Will ultrasound replace to magnetic resonance? What can be the current diagnostic algorithm?" (Moderators: Dr. Jose Gregorio Pereira / Dr. Georg Salomon ).

There will also be a live broadcast of high resolution micro-ultrasound biopsy cases moderated by Dr. Jose Gregorio Pereira and the real-time micro-ultrasound targeted biopsy procedures being performed by Dr. Andrea Sanchez and Dr. Mikel Gamarra.

"With so much growing evidence for the ExactVu platform from multiple sites in so many different countries, it is exciting to see the rapid adoption of our new technology," Randy AuCoin, Exact Imaging's President and CEO, said. "The team at IMQ have been early adopters of our technology and have always had the highest standards in terms of patient care. Creating this Congress is another example of how they are creating open discourse amongst subject matter experts to share best practices, continually improve urological techniques and expertise, and ultimately improve outcomes. We are honored to be included in the clinical program and for our ExactVu platform to be part of their daily workflow for detecting prostate cancer."

The ExactVu micro-ultrasound and its newest feature, the FusionVu micro-ultrasound/MRI fusion application will also be on display in the exhibition area and demonstrated by Medicina Analitica Consumibles MAC S.A., a leading provider of clinical products and Exact Imaging's exclusive distributor of the ExactVu platform in Spain.

About Exact Imaging:

Exact Imaging (www.exactimaging.com) is the world's leader in high-resolution micro-ultrasound systems enabling real-time imaging and guided biopsies in the urological market for prostate cancer. Exact Imaging's ExactVu micro-ultrasound platform operates at 29 MHz and enables a whole new level of resolution with the benefits of ease of use, affordability, and being an extension of the current urological workflow. Using the Exact Imaging platform, urologists are able to visualize areas of interest in the prostate and specifically target biopsies at those areas, aided by the PRI-MUS (prostate risk identification using micro-ultrasound) evidence-based micro-ultrasound protocol. For the minority of cases where MRI might assist (i.e., prior negative biopsies), FusionVu is the forthcoming micro-US/MRI fusion application operating on the ExactVu micro-ultrasound platform. The ExactVu micro-ultrasound system has received regulatory approval in the European Union (CE Mark), the United States (FDA 510(k)) and Canada (Health Canada medical device license).



SOURCE Exact Imaging

Related Links

www.exactimaging.com


DALLAS, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Expense Reduction Analysts warmly welcomes Glenn Leingang, the new Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales. In his role, he will oversee all franchise sales and lead ERA's increasing growth in the US market.

Leingang is a seasoned franchise executive with a proven track record of business and sales development. "Glenn is dynamic, professional, and his love of franchising and entrepreneurship is evident in all he does," says Michael Nicholas, CEO of ERA Americas.

Glen Leingang, Senior VP of Franchise Sales

Leingang started his professional career as a commodities broker for the largest precious metals firm in America. After a decade, he could no longer fight his entrepreneurial spirit and developed a franchise, which he later sold. Through this experience, Leingang developed a passion for people, franchising, and business development, and has never looked back.

He sees his role with ERA as the next chapter in a successful career:

"The decision to join the team at Expense Reduction Analysts checked all the boxes for me from a career perspective. I was intrigued by the challenge to be a part of a team that desires explosive growth in America. We will hit our targets by embracing the process, understanding our purpose, and remaining passionate about people."

About Expense Reduction Analysts

Established in 1992, Expense Reduction Analysts is a specialized cost and supplier management consultancy focused on delivering improved business performance to clients of all sizes in both the private and public sectors. Operating in over 25 countries with more than 650 consultants, Expense Reduction Analysts provides deep industry expertise in a wide variety of expense categories, such as Logistics, Facility Management, Operational and Medical Supplies, Corporate and Personnel Services, Banking and Financial Services, as well as Telecommunications and Information Technology. Expense Reduction Analysts' clients include thousands of mid-sized companies and many well-known names. To find out more, visit www.expensereduction.com

Media Contact: Jackie Burnes, 469-310-2986 / [email protected]

SOURCE Expense Reduction Analysts

Related Links

http://www.expensereduction.com


Successfully conducting globally certified Yoga TTC programs in the 200, 300, and 500 Hour category, Rishikul Yogshala has revealed the latest details about their YTTC Curriculum divulged across the Yogshala's various campuses in the yogic droves of India, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160406/798673 )



Walking forward with their motto, 'Revealing the Wisdom and its Cause', the intent and purpose of the YTTC programs at Rishikul Yogshala is simple - 'To deliver an entity on the enlightening path to becoming a true yogi with traditional authenticity and perfection.'

For a yoga program to be whole, an intensive curriculum is as crucial as the need for great yoga teachers, and an inspiring ambiance. A yoga program can thrive only when these co-exist. Rishikul Yogshala levels with this realization and hence ensures the best of each to all its students who set foot on its sacred premises. The curriculum of Yoga TTC at Rishikul Yogshala is given special significance. It has been developed under the vigilance and driven workmanship of the highly-esteemed teachers of Rishikul while the school also strictly follows the guidelines and standards set by the honorable governing body of Yoga, the Yoga Alliance. Owing to this, the students at Rishikul shall get the opportunity to acquire authentic yoga experiences while developing into internationally recognized yoga teachers and practitioners.

Since the school is an avid preacher and follower of the traditional values, education, and discipline of the science; the core subjects of the courses shall be no less classical. Some of the key subjects taught in the YTTC programs at Rishikul Yogshala include Detailed Study of Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga, Practical Implications and Study of the Traditional system and discipline of a true Yogic Lifestyle through Yoga Philosophy, Study and Exercising the Breath towards heightened Asana and Meditation practices during the Pranayama Session, Exploring the various Meditation techniques for Mindful and assimilated experiences, Detailed Study of Yoga Anatomy and its relevance to the Asana practice, Study of unique Adjustment and Alignment techniques for deriving specific results and for ensuring an injury free practice, Complete Mental and Physical Detoxification through the study and practice of the six traditional Yogic Cleansing Works or the Shatkriyas, Sanskrit Annotations, Mantra Yoga, and many more. In addition with these subjects, sessions on the art of yogic cooking for a continued healthy yogic lifestyle, Laughter Yoga (Hasya Yoga) sessions for mental and physical elation, Chair Yoga session for the sedentary and immobile souls, etc., are also included for versatility and for fulfilling the fast-paced, contemporary lifestyle requirements.

The month-long 200 Hour Yoga TTC at the Yogshala shall reveal the foundational stage of the subjects with a concentrated focus on imparting the primary series of Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga. While the 300 Hour YTTC is aimed at directing the 200 Hour RYTs (Registered Yoga Teacher) to advance their study and practice of the yogic science with a much deeper exploration and an in-depth, much wider study of the subjects taught in the 200 Hour YTTC. Beginner level yogis aiming to take a leap to explore the dimensions of yoga from its origin can apply for 200 Hour YTTC at the Yogshala. The 500 Hour Yoga TTC at the school is a comprehensive 2-month long program ideal for those aspiring to emerge as full-fledged yoga practitioners without exerting any gap in between. The curriculum of 500 Hour YTTC at the Yogshala is a perfect amalgamation of 200 Hour and 300 Hour YTTC Curriculums.

The curriculum at Rishikul Yogshala during each program is imparted via different media ranging from theory sessions, practice sessions, workshops, demonstration, and self-practice. The inclusion of Teaching Methodology sessions shall expose the students to the discipline and ethics of becoming a great yoga teacher and shall also introduce them to the practical intricacies of taking an excellent yoga class. With references from the traditional books of Yoga, Yoga Upanishads, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Gheranda Samhita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and Bhagavad Gita, the entire curriculum of each yoga program at Rishikul Yogshala is imparted with in-depth precision and diligent intricacy for enlightening and highly-transformative experiences. The time-honored resources along with a team of highly experienced, revered yoga teachers and gurus, and the breath-taking locations of the school eminent for yogic espionage has always imparted an edge to the school over others. Acknowledging the truth that no two yogis are same, the experts at Yogshala tailor the curriculum according to the physical and mental frequency and requirement of each individual attending the program. The Yogshala provides 'more than just training' to its students. It offers them an experience that blesses them for an entire lifetime. The students of Rishikul Yogshala shall find a warm and nurturing second home at the ashram. Apart from the ingrained teachings of yoga, the school also organizes cultural trips and excursions for its students so they can rejuvenate and gain holistic experiences during the tenure of the program.

Since 2010, Rishikul Yogshala has been spreading the education of Yoga across the globe through Yoga Alliance certified 200 Hour, 300 Hour, and 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training programs. With its headquarters in the yoga capital 'Rishikesh' India, the school is spanned across various sacred locations such as Kerala, Nepal, Mysore, Khajuraho, Dharamshala, Thailand, Vietnam, and Iran.

Being an accomplished registered Yoga School and an avid believer in the yogic laws and discipline, Rishikul provides a nudging stay to the students at the ashram. While the students are well-facilitated with spacious and airy accommodation in the lap of nature's most resplendent reserves, the school also takes care that each room is furnished with contemporary amenities to provide them with a wonderful and a highly hygienic, rested stay at their facility. Fresh produce is sourced from the organic farmlands of the destination for preparing wholesome yogic meals which are served to the students thrice a day. The food is prepared in Vedic fusions by professional chefs excelling in Ayurvedic cooking.

About Rishikul Yogshala

Rishikul Yogshala is an internationally acclaimed Yoga and Meditation school centered in Rishikesh with branches at several locations in India and neighboring countries since 2010. The school has been approved by Yoga Alliance USA and Yoga Alliance International. Rishikul Yogshala offers 200, 300, and 500 hour Yoga TTC courses along with 7 and 15-day yoga retreats. In addition to the Yoga TTC programs and retreats, the school actively hosts and organizes various yoga fests and events across the globe.

For more information, visit https://www.rishikulyogshala.org/.

Media Contact:

Manmohan Singh

+91-7060060954

[email protected]



SOURCE Rishikul Yogshala
1. Why do we need research about guns?

In order to prevent gun injuries and deaths, we need accurate information about how they occur and why. While police reports and FBI data can provide some detail, they dont include the thousands of cases that go unreported each year. Between 2006 and 2010, the Bureau of Justice Statistics estimated that more than a third of victims of crimes involving a firearm did not report the crime to police. The National Crime Victimization Survey, which collects victimization data from about 90,000 households each year, helps to fill in this gap. However, even this survey has its drawbacks. It doesnt collect data from youth younger than 12, it doesnt include murder, and it doesnt help us fully understand the offenders motivations and beliefs.
RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) is mourning the death of its longest serving director, James A. Parke, who passed away on February 21, 2018, after a long illness. He was formerly Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of GE Capital Services and Senior Vice President of General Electric Company ("GE"), and became a member of the Genworth Board of Directors upon Genworth's spinoff from GE in May 2004.

"We are deeply saddened by Jim's passing," said James S. Riepe, Genworth non-executive chairman of the board. "As the only GE director retained after GE completed its sale of Genworth, Jim brought to the board an understanding of the business that was very helpful to us all, and was a strong and engaged Chair of our Audit Committee. He was a good partner, extremely loyal to Genworth and we will miss him. Our hearts go out to his wife, Marilyn, and his family and friends."

Parke retired as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of GE Capital Services and a Senior Vice President at GE in December 2005. He had served in those positions since 2002. From 1989 to 2002 he was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at GE Capital Services and a Vice President of GE. From 1981 to 1989, he held various management positions in several GE businesses.

About Genworth Financial

Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) is a Fortune 500 insurance holding company committed to helping families achieve the dream of homeownership and address the financial challenges of aging through its leadership positions in mortgage insurance and long term care insurance. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Genworth traces its roots back to 1871 and became a public company in 2004. For more information, visit genworth.com.

From time to time, Genworth releases important information via postings on its corporate website. Accordingly, investors and other interested parties are encouraged to enroll to receive automatic email alerts and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds regarding new postings. Enrollment information is found under the "Investors" section of genworth.com. From time to time, Genworth's publicly traded subsidiaries, Genworth MI Canada Inc. and Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia Limited, separately release financial and other information about their operations. This information can be found at http://genworth.ca and http://www.genworth.com.au.

SOURCE Genworth Financial, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.genworth.com


NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Glossier Inc., the community-driven, direct-to-consumer beauty company, announces a $52 million Series C fundraise, bringing its total funding to $86 million. This round was led by existing investors IVP and Index Ventures.

Glossier is best known for its proprietary portfolio of top-rated products across the skincare, makeup, body, and fragrance categories. Launched in 2014, the company's inclusive, customer-centric approach to brand-building has made it a leader in the rapidly evolving global beauty industryexpected to grow from $433 billion today to $750 billion by 2024.

With this latest round of funding, Founder & CEO Emily Weiss, said the company is focused on creating the best beauty shopping experience in the world. "E-commerce has made buying easier and more efficient, but discovery less fun and meaningful. Our direct-to-consumer model has enabled us to build uniquely powerful relationships with every single one of our customers on a personal level. We know that our customers are driven by the excitement of finding a new beauty product that they love, through someone they trust. This breadth of human connection and celebration of personal choice is core to who we are, and something we want to further facilitate and develop through new digital productsand, indeed, across all of our customer touchpoints. We are building a people-first ecosystem, to help and to inspire."

In 2017, Glossier expanded into two new countries and two new product categories. The company also opened offices in London and Montreal, after acquiring the Canadian tech agency, Dynamo. Customers can shop the full range of products directly through its website and at the company's New York showroom. Glossier currently ships to the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Amy Snook

Head of Communications

Glossier

[email protected]

This release was issued through WebWire(R). For more information visit http://www.webwire.com.

SOURCE Glossier Inc.

Related Links

http://www.glossier.com


Primary focus of 2018 exploration strategy is to gain a stronger understanding of the scale of the Wassa Underground Gold Mine ("Wassa Underground") deposit at depth (B Shoot South and F Shoot South)

Secondary focus is to continue Mineral Resource expansion drilling at the Prestea Underground Gold Mine ("Prestea Underground") and to investigate five new underground targets

The objective of the exploration strategy is to investigate the potential to increase Golden Star's high grade, low cost production profile and to extend the life of mine of the Wassa and Prestea complexes

high grade, low cost production profile and to extend the life of mine of the Wassa and Prestea complexes First phase of 2018 exploration program is expected to comprise approximately 46,000 metres ("m") of drilling  further drilling may be conducted subject to the results received

$6.6 million budgeted for first phase of 2018 exploration program, including $2.4 million allocated to Wassa Underground (36%)

budgeted for first phase of 2018 exploration program, including allocated to Wassa Underground (36%) 2018 drilling has commenced at Wassa Underground, Prestea Underground and the South Gap

Sam Coetzer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Star, commented:

"The initial results from the 2017 exploration program demonstrated that Wassa Underground remains open to the south and in 2018 we will be doing further work to assess the scale of the deposit at depth. We believe that Wassa Underground represents a significant exploration upside opportunity and we are excited to further investigate its potential. We will also continue to explore Prestea Underground's potential for Mineral Resource expansion and to review five new underground targets, which may be able to provide additional high margin ore to fill our two mills. I look forward to releasing the drilling results during the course of the year as our focus turns to expanding our high margin production profile and increasing the lives of our mines."

2018 Budget

Phase one of the 2018 exploration strategy comprises approximately 46,000m of drilling. If the results are positive, it is expected that further drilling will be conducted. Golden Star stated in its 2018 guidance for capital expenditures that $6.6 million would be allocated to exploration. The breakdown by asset is as follows:

Breakdown of 2018 exploration budget by asset1,2

Asset Planned

Drilling (m) Expected

Cost ($ million) Wassa Underground



B Shoot and F Shoot South Step Out 11,665 2.4 Prestea Underground



West Reef 18,825 2.3 Main Reef 4,155 0.5 Five underground targets



242 FW, South Gap and Mansiso 11,550 1.4 TOTAL 46,195 6.6

Notes 1. This budget includes drilling and assay costs but excludes exploration fixed costs. 2. The above table shows the Company's current plans with respect to its planned drilling targets,

the metres planned to be drilled and the approximate costs thereof. However, the Company may determine it

appropriate to change the above drilling plan for various business reasons.

Wassa Underground

Golden Star believes there is strong exploration upside potential at Wassa Underground as the deposit remains open to the south. As previously announced, drilling results have confirmed that the B Shoot extends approximately 50m to the north of the current planned stoping area and that the B Shoot and F Shoot extend approximately 180m to the south of Wassa's Inferred Mineral Resources1.

If additional Mineral Resources are delineated at depth there is expected to be potential to increase near-term production and to extend Wassa Underground's mine life, without the requirement for significant additional capital expenditures. This is due to the twin decline and processing plant, which both have excess capacity. Exploration at Wassa Underground represents 36% of the 2018 budget and it is the Company's primary exploration focus in 2018.

2018 Targets

The objective of the 2018 drilling program is to further delineate the southern, down plunge extensions of the B Shoot and F Shoot's Inferred Mineral Resources. This is designed to increase Golden Star's understanding of the geometry of the down plunge extensions of the higher grade zones and to increase Wassa Underground's Inferred Mineral Resources. The total cost of the phase one deep drilling at Wassa, is expected to be $2.4 million.

Notes 1. See press release entitled 'Golden Star extends high grade B Shoot zone through step out drilling at

Wassa Underground Gold Mine', dated September 19, 2017, and press release entitled 'Golden Star reports

further high grade drilling results from Wassa Underground Gold Mine', dated February 14, 2018

Prestea Underground

Golden Star's secondary exploration focus in 2018 is to expand Prestea Underground's Mineral Resources as this would provide compelling potential for increasing near-term production.

2018 Targets

Phase one of the 2018 exploration program will target both the West Reef and the Main Reef at Prestea Underground. The objective of the West Reef drilling is to demonstrate that the ore body extends beyond the current Mineral Resource estimate, targeting the projected up and down plunge extensions of the West Reef Mineral Reserve.

Similarly, the objective of the Main Reef drilling is to test the ore body for potential Mineral Resource addition. Golden Star has not tested the Main Reef thoroughly between 17 and 24 Levels, due to the lack of underground infrastructure historically. If the drilling is successful it presents the opportunity to include material from the Main Reef into the mine plan in the medium term.

The total cost of phase one at Prestea Underground is expected to be approximately $2.8 million.

Five New Underground Targets

The other element of Golden Star's exploration strategy in 2018 is to investigate five potential new underground targets. The Company's transition into an underground-focused gold miner has led the exploration team to review its 9561 square kilometre concession area in a different way: previously known exploration targets were re-evaluated for underground mining potential, as well as surface mining. As a result of this change in approach, five targets have been generated, all of which are within trucking distance of either the Wassa or Prestea plants.

To view further diagrams of the five targets, please visit:

http://www.gsr.com/operations/exploration

The targets are detailed below in order of priority to Golden Star's exploration strategy:

1. Father Brown/Adiokrom

The Father Brown and Adiokrom deposits are located approximately 85 kilometres, south of the Wassa processing plant, with an existing haul road in place. Father Brown and Adiokrom were last mined by Golden Star in 2014, however, high grade Mineral Resources remain within the two deposits, which may have the potential to be mined via underground techniques.

Golden Star is in the process of reviewing the drill database to assess the deposits' underground mining potential and it is expected that the Inferred Mineral Resources could be increased substantially through additional drilling. This drilling is not included in the 2018 budget however the Company plans to build a conceptual block model, which will eventually form the basis of a mining plan, and drilling may be scheduled as a result of that work.

2. 242 FW

The 242 trend occurs in the western limb of the Wassa deposit scale fold. As announced on February 14, 20182, the 242 FW target was discovered in 2017 and it is the first time that Golden Star has investigated the potential of the footwall horizon.

The objective of the 2018 drilling is to define the extents of the 242 FW target. The 2018 exploration budget includes 5,250m of drilling and this is estimated to cost approximately $660,000.

3. South Gap

The South Gap is a two kilometre portion of the Ashanti Gold Belt, located on the extreme southern end of the nine kilometre strike of the historical Prestea Underground workings, between the Bondaye and Tuapim shafts.

Seven holes were drilled in this target in 2017 to test the continuity of the area. The results for these holes are expected to be released later in the first quarter of 2018. Initial metallurgical test work indicates gold recoveries in excess of 85%, which confirms that the material is non-refractory.

An additional 2,500m of drilling is planned for the South Gap in 2018, with the objective of further testing the extents of economic gold mineralization.

4. Mansiso

Mansiso is located approximately 30 kilometres to the north-east of the Bogoso processing plant and 12 kilometers south of the previously-mined Mampon deposit.

Golden Star plans to drill 3,800m at Mansiso in 2018 and conduct initial metallurgical test work. The objective of this drilling is to define Inferred Mineral Resources in order to assess the viability of underground mining. Mansiso is a high grade quartz vein target, which was drilled by the previous concession holders but has not been explored extensively by Golden Star.

5. Subriso West

Subriso West is located approximately 50 kilometres along the existing Hwini-Butre Benso (HBB) haul road, south of the Wassa processing plant. As with Father Brown and Adiokrom, Golden Star's exploration team plans to construct a conceptual block model, based on the current drilling information, to determine if the target could support an underground mining operation. If the results are positive, a detailed drilling program is expected to be conducted.

Notes 1. Golden Star chose to relinquish two exploration licences in 2017 as a result of the high cost of maintaining

them. The Company is in the process of relinquishing one further exploration licence so the total 956 square

kilometres quoted above excludes these three licence areas. 2. See press release entitled 'Golden Star reports further high grade drilling results from Wassa Underground

Gold Mine', dated February 14, 2018

All monetary amounts refer to United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Company Profile:

Golden Star is an established gold mining company that owns and operates the Wassa and Prestea mines in Ghana, West Africa. Listed on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Ghanaian Stock Exchange, Golden Star is focused on delivering strong margins and free cash flow from its two high grade, low cost underground mines. Gold production guidance for 2018 is 230,000-255,000 ounces at a cash operating cost per ounce of $650-730. As the winner of the PDAC 2018 Environmental and Social Responsibility Award, Golden Star is committed to leaving a positive and sustainable legacy in its areas of operation.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information

This press release contains "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Golden Star. Generally, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases (including negative or grammatical variations) or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking information and statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, information or statements with respect to: the number of metres of drilling planned and the cost of such drilling; the ability of Golden Star to gain a stronger understanding of the Wassa Underground ore body through exploration; the ability of Golden Star to extend the mine lives of its operations and increase near-term production through exploration; the ability of Golden Star to delineate new targets to provide high margin ore to its two processing plants; the ability of Golden Star to demonstrate that the West Reef ore body extends beyond the current Mineral Reserve at Prestea Underground; the potential to mine Father Brown/Adiokrom via underground mining techniques; the viability of mining Mansiso via underground mining techniques; the ability of Subriso West to support an underground mining operation; the timing for obtaining and releasing drilling results; and the Company's 2018 production and cash operating cost per ounce guidance.

Forward-looking information and statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of Golden Star to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Golden Star will operate in the future, including the price of gold, anticipated costs and ability to achieve goals. Forward-looking information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Golden Star to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information and statements, including but not limited to: risks related to international operations, including economic and political instability in foreign jurisdictions in which Golden Star operates; risks related to current global financial conditions; risks related to joint venture operations; actual results of current exploration activities; environmental risks; future prices of gold; possible variations in Mineral Reserves, grade or recovery rates; mine development and operating risks; accidents, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities and risks related to indebtedness and the service of such indebtedness. Although Golden Star has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information and statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information and statements. Forward-looking information and statements are made as of the date hereof and accordingly are subject to change after such date. Forward-looking information and statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company's operating environment. Golden Star does not undertake to update any forward-looking information or forward looking statements that are included in this news release except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Technical Information

The technical contents of this press release have been reviewed and approved by S. Mitchel Wasel, BSc Geology, a "Qualified Person" pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). Mr. Wasel is Vice President Exploration for Golden Star and an active member and Chartered Professional of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Additional scientific and technical information relating to the mineral properties referenced in this news release are contained in the following current technical reports for those properties available at www.sedar.com: (i) Wassa - "NI 43-101 Technical Report on feasibility study of the Wassa open pit mine and underground project in Ghana" effective date December 31, 2014; (ii) Prestea Underground - "NI 43-101 Technical Report on a Feasibility Study of the Prestea Underground Gold Project in Ghana" effective date November 3, 2015; and (iii) Bogoso - "NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources and Reserves Golden Star Resources Ltd., Bogoso Prestea Gold Mine, Ghana" effective date December 31, 2013.

SOURCE Golden Star Resources Ltd.

Related Links

www.gsr.com


VANCOUVER, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - GoldMining Inc. (the "Company" or "GoldMining") (TSX-V: GOLD;OTCQX: GLDLF) is pleased to announce BRI Mineracao Ltda. ("BRI"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, has entered into a royalty purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with certain royalty holders (the "Vendors") on the Cachoeira Project. In addition, further to its press release dated January 16, 2018, the Company has filed a National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") technical report (the "Technical Report") for its Crucero Project located in the Department of Puno, southeastern Peru.

Paulo Pereira, President of GoldMining, commented: "We are pleased to have reached an agreement with several of the royalty holders on the Cachoeira Project, which extinguishes a portion of the current advance royalty payment, as well as making it more attractive in the future when the deposit is developed or sold. In 2018, we will continue to look at innovative ways to advance our portfolio of resource-stage gold projects in the Americas to maximize value for our shareholders".

Royalty Purchase Agreement

Pursuant to the Agreement, BRI will acquire the Vendors' 66.66% interest in the existing 4.0% net production royalty (the "Royalty") on the Company's Cachoeira Project, in consideration (the "Consideration") for US$133,320 payable in cash to the Vendors, and 698,161 common shares of the Company.

The common shares of the Company to be issued under the transaction are subject to a four month and one day hold period and certain resale restrictions pursuant to the terms of the Agreement.

Crucero Technical Report

The Technical Report, dated effective December 20, 2017, is titled "Technical Report on the Crucero Property, Carabaya Province, Peru". The Technical Report was authored by Mr. Greg Z. Mosher, M.Sc., P.Geo. of Global Mineral Resource Services, who is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101 and is independent of the Company.

The Technical Report includes the following resource estimate for the Crucero Project at a 0.4 g/t gold cut-off (Tables 1 to 3).

Table 1: NI 43-101 indicated resource estimate for the A1 deposit.

Gold Cut-off Tonnage Grade Contained Metal (g/t) (Mt) Gold (g/t) Gold (Moz) 2.0 876,000 2.3 64,000 1.0 13,504,000 1.4 606,000 0.8 19,617,000 1.2 783,000 0.6 25,378,000 1.1 912,000 0.4 30,653,000 1.0 993,000 0.2 33,019,000 1.0 1,013,000 0.0 33,341,000 0.9 1,013,000

Table 2: NI 43-101 inferred resource estimate for the A1 deposit.

Gold Cut-off Tonnage Grade Contained Metal (g/t) (Mt) Gold (g/t) Gold (Moz) 2.0 827,000 2.4 63,000 1.0 14,265,000 1.4 656,000 0.8 21,662,000 1.3 874,000 0.6 28,958,000 1.1 1,038,000 0.4 35,779,000 1.0 1,147,000 0.2 38,706,000 0.9 1,173,000 0.0 39,479,000 0.9 1,174,000

Table 3: Assumptions utilized to establish the conceptual pit for the purposes of the above resource estimate.

Parameter Value Unit Gold Price 1,500 US$/oz Mine Operating Cost (Mineralization and Waste) 1.60 US$/t mined Process Operating Cost 16.00 US$/t milled Overall Pit Slope 47 Degrees

The Crucero Project occurs within the Puno Orogenic Belt, which is host to orogenic gold deposits and associated extensive alluvial deposits in eastern Peru and Bolivia. The Project is road accessible by paved road from Juliaca to the town of Crucero, approximately 150 km to the northeast, with the remaining 50 km to the site by gravel road. High-power electrical lines pass within 8 km of the property.

The A1 deposit, as currently defined by trenching and drilling, strikes northwest and dips vertically to steeply to the northeast. The deposit is approximately 750 m long by 100 m in width and has been traced to a vertical depth of 400 m, but most of the drilling is confined to within 250 m of surface. The deposit is open at depth and along strike to the northwest and southeast. The structurally controlled gold mineralization is associated with sulphide veins hosted within strongly deformed metasedimentary rocks.

Historic exploration programs have focused on the A1 deposit, however geophysical and geochemical surveys have identified additional targets for follow-up exploration.

Qualified Person

The resource estimate disclosed herein on the Crucero Project was prepared for GoldMining by Mr. Greg Z. Mosher, B.Sc., M.Sc., P.Geo., of Global Mineral Resource Services (the "Qualified Person"). Mr. Mosher is recognized as a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101, is independent of the Company and has reviewed and approved the disclosure regarding the resource estimate for the Crucero Project disclosed herein.

Paulo Pereira, President of GoldMining Inc. has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Pereira holds a Bachelors degree in Geology from Universidade do Amazonas in Brazil, is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and is a member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario.

Cautionary Note

Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in the "measured", "indicated" and "inferred" categories will ever be converted into mineral reserves with demonstrated economic viability or that inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and/or indicated categories through further drilling. In addition, the estimation of inferred resources involves far greater uncertainty as to their existence and economic viability than the estimation of other categories of resources. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of pre-feasibility or feasibility studies.

About GoldMining Inc.

GoldMining Inc. is a public mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of gold assets in the Americas. Through its disciplined acquisition strategy, GoldMining now controls a diversified portfolio of resource-stage gold and gold-copper projects in Canada, U.S.A., Brazil, Colombia and Peru. Additionally, GoldMining owns a 75% interest in the Rea Uranium Project, located in the Western Athabasca Basin of Alberta, Canada.

This document contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of GoldMining with respect to its business and future events, including expectations and future plans respecting its acquisition strategy and the completion of the acquisition of the royalty interest, and future plans respecting the Project and statements with respect to the details of the mineral resource estimate. Forward-looking statements are based on the then-current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about the business and the markets in which GoldMining operates, including: (i) that the acquisition of the royalty interest will complete as contemplated and that the conditions under the Agreement will be satisfied, and (ii) the inherent risks involved in resource estimation and the exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in resource estimation and interpreting drill results and other exploration data, the potential for delays in exploration or development activities, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with GoldMinings expectations, accidents, equipment breakdowns, title and permitting matters, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in operations, fluctuating metal prices, unanticipated costs and expenses, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, including to fund any exploration programs on the Project. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including: that the parties may not satisfy all of the conditions under the Agreement, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future. These risks, as well as others, including those set forth in GoldMinings filings with Canadian securities regulators, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information, or the material factors or assumptions used to develop such forward looking information, will prove to be accurate. GoldMining does not undertake any obligations to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, nor its Regulation Services Providers (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE GoldMining Inc.

Related Links

www.brazilresources.com


BANGKOK, and DALLAS, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hitachi Consulting Corporation, a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd (TSE: 6501), and a leading provider of consulting-led solutions and services, today announced that is has been retained by Frasers Property and TCC Group, to assist in the design of "smart city" services for One Bangkok. One Bangkok is Thailand's first fully integrated district that is built on people-centric principles and a focus on environmental sustainability and smart city living.

Mixed-use urban projects are a major opportunity for businesses, and one that's already in the engineering phase is One Bangkok. A massive complex of nine towers in Thailand's capital, it is expected to offer over 1.8 million square meters of floor space. Despite the project's enormous scale, the owners are working to integrate smart services in energy, water, telecommunications, predictive maintenance, video analytics, security, traffic and parking. Everything will run on a single IoT-driven platform and command centermade all the more complex because the project includes office, retail, hospitality, residential, and cultural areas. Embedded sensors and analytics capabilities will enable the property managers to continually adjust and optimize building operations and the ongoing resident experience. Expected to open in 2021 and to serve more than 60,000 people who will live and work there, One Bangkok will be a demonstration site for existing sites as well as greenfield applications. The developers expect to deploy many of these smart services to existing properties throughout their international portfolio.

Hitachi Consulting brings to the project extensive experience in "smart city" strategy and planning, IT and smart infrastructure.

For example, Hitachi Consulting will define the high-level design, technical concepts, and technical requirements for a Smart City Sensor Grid and Smart City Platform. These components comprise the backbone that connects, integrates, monitors, and manages all One Bangkok systems and operations management, temperature, photo, noise and air quality sensors and predictive maintenance of building systems. The Platform will have the potential to support a wide variety of services such as highly efficient energy and water to ensure reliable operations as well as a property-wide closed-circuit television system. Hitachi Consulting is looking at leveraging the deep resources of other Hitachi Group Companies on future phases of the project.

"The convergence of cloud-based computing, big data and the Internet of Things (IoT), are enabling social innovations at One Bangkok that will enhance people's lives and support environmental sustainability," said Andrew Hamilton, Global Client Partner for Hitachi Consulting and Lead for the Hitachi Social Innovation Business in Asia.

"We are proud to be engaged with a project that is consistent with Hitachi's commitment to social innovation  making the world a better place through technology  while fulfilling the One Bangkok vision of deploying technology systems that deliver operational and environmental efficiencies and digital connectivity that enhance the overall quality of life for residents, employees and visitors," he added.

Anthony Arundell, Director of Smart Cities and Sustainability for One Bangkok, said, "Smart City services and sustainability are among our top priorities, which is also in line with Thailand 4.0, the government's industrial policy that aims to transform the Thai economy. We selected Hitachi Consulting based on its expertise in IT, Facility Management Operational Systems, and the Internet of Things. We are working together to create a smart, innovative and sustainable city development that will be a showcase for the new urban living experience."

The One Bangkok project will be a featured topic at the second Hitachi Social Innovation Forum 2018 BANGKOK, on February 23, 2018 at The Athenee Hotel, in the capital of Thailand. Hosted by Hitachi, Ltd and Hitachi Asia Ltd., this event supports the Thai Government's Thailand 4.0 initiative to achieve a smart and sustainable society to benefit Thailand and its citizens. Hitachi Social Innovation Forum Bangkok will explore Hitachi's Social Innovation technologies and solutions in digital transformation, information and communication technology (ICT), as well as the Internet of Things (IoT).

About Hitachi Consulting Corporation

Hitachi Consulting is the global solutions and professional services organization within Hitachi Ltd., a global innovation leader in industrial and information technology solutions and an early pioneer of the Internet of Things. Hitachi Consulting is a business integrator for the IoT era and a catalyst for digital transformation. Using our deep domain knowledge, we collaborate with clients to help them innovate faster, maximize operational efficiency and realize measurable, sustainable business and societal value. As a consulting-led solutions company, we can help clients leverage data as a strategic asset to drive competitive differentiation, customer loyalty and growth. For more information visit www.HitachiConsulting.com.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2016 (ended March 31, 2017) totaled 9,162.2 billion yen ($81.8 billion). The Hitachi Group is a global leader in Social Innovation and has approximately 304,000 employees worldwide. Through collaborative creation, Hitachi is providing solutions to customers in a broad range of sectors, including Power / Energy, Industry / Distribution / Water, Urban Development, and Finance / Government & Public / Healthcare. For more information, please visit http://www.hitachi.com.

About One Bangkok

One Bangkok, a joint venture between TCC Assets (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Frasers Property Limited, is a fully integrated district located in prime central Bangkok at the corner of Wireless and Rama IV roads, right next to Lumphini Park, with unsurpassed accessibility through direct connections to the city's mass transit systems. Starting with a comprehensive master plan and iconic architecture, One Bangkok will set new standards in terms of design, quality, connectivity, and sustainability. It will be the most prestigious corporate address in the city, a vibrant lifestyle destination combining new-to-market retail, hospitality, art & cultural experiences, and the ultimate in luxury residences. With almost half of the site footprint designated as public realm, One Bangkok will be accessible, inclusive, and inspire new forms of public participation in the city. For more information visit http://onebangkok.com.

SOURCE Hitachi Consulting

Related Links

http://www.hitachiconsulting.com


FRANKFURT AM MAIN, Germany, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The HolyMoly website made a real boom in the gambling sphere on the 8th of February, 2018, when the new design was introduced to the public. It isn't only appealing, but also comfortable to navigate. Now the customers can find more filters by different parameters, two types of ratings and new funny casino reviews. Many other features are going to appear shortly too, so stay tuned.

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HolyMoly Score VS Global Score

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Press Contact Information:

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[email protected]

Website URL: https://holymolycasinos.com

Related Links

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SOURCE HolyMoly Casinos

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AUSTIN, Minn., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a leading global branded food company, today reported results for the first quarter of fiscal 2018. All earnings per share estimates assume a fiscal 2018 full year tax rate of 17.5 - 20.5 percent.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Record diluted earnings per share of $0.56 , up 27% from 2017 EPS of $0.44

, up 27% from 2017 EPS of Sales of $2.3 billion , up 2%; Organic net sales 1 up 1%

, up 2%; Organic net sales up 1% Volume of 1.2 billion lbs., down 4%; Organic volume 1 down 2%

down 2% Cash flow from operations of $304 million , up 56%

, up 56% Operating margin of 13.2%

First quarter earnings benefited from $63 million , or EPS of $0.12 , in one-time tax events

, or EPS of , in one-time tax events The lower statutory tax rate will provide approximately $110 to $140 million in additional cash flow in fiscal 2018

to in additional cash flow in fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2018 effective tax rate guidance reduced to 17.5 - 20.5 percent from 32.3 - 33.3 percent due to U.S. corporate tax reform

Fiscal 2018 earnings guidance raised to $1.81 to $1.95 per share from $1.62 to $1.72 per share

COMMENTARY

"We are pleased to report a strong quarter of earnings growth. In addition to the benefit from tax reform, Grocery Products delivered excellent earnings growth which was partially offset by continued challenges at Jennie-O Turkey Store and higher-than-expected freight costs," said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president, and chief executive officer. "This quarter we also completed the strategic acquisition of Columbus Craft Meats. The Columbus brand is on-trend with today's consumer and meaningfully changes our presence in the deli while helping us become a broader food company. Tax reform had a positive impact on our business, and the additional funds will allow us to invest in profitable growth, invest in our employees and communities, and return cash back to shareholders," Snee said.

"For the quarter, Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, and International met our expectations. Organic sales growth was led by many key brands including retail sales of Hormel Black Label bacon, Wholly Guacamole dips, Muscle Milk protein beverages, and SPAM products in addition to foodservice sales of Hormel Bacon 1TM fully cooked bacon and Hormel Fire BraisedTM meats."

"We recently announced the creation of a new deli division in Refrigerated Foods which will consolidate all our deli businesses across the enterprise including Columbus Craft Meats, the Jennie-O Turkey Store deli division, the Hormel and Di Lusso deli brands, and Hormel Gatherings party trays. This new deli organization will help retailers drive growth in this on-trend and growing category with an unmatched array of innovative solutions. Our new deli division represents almost $1 billion in annual sales and will be the Company's next growth engine."

IMPACT OF THE TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT

Investment for Growth

"Tax reform will have a clear benefit to all Hormel Foods stakeholders - our shareholders, our employees, and the communities in which we operate. The ongoing cash tax benefit will provide additional funds, allowing us to accelerate the growth of our business. We intend to make additional strategic, disciplined capital investments into innovation, technology, and automation which will improve our operating efficiencies and enhance margins. We also plan to invest a portion of the tax benefit back into our business to drive incremental sales and earnings growth. Our priorities are to invest in growing key domestic brands such as Jennie-O, Hormel Pepperoni, Skippy, Muscle Milk, and our new plant-based protein brand Evolve."

Investing in Our Employees and Communities

"In addition to awarding our over 20,000 employees stock options, we will raise our starting wage for all employees to $13 per hour by the end of fiscal 2018 and to $14 per hour by the end of fiscal 2020. We also pledged an additional $25 million in donations over the next five years as supporting our communities through product and monetary donations is important to us."

Returning Cash to Shareholders

"Our unwavering commitment to returning cash back to our shareholders in the form of consistent dividend increases and share buybacks will not change. With 52 consecutive years of dividend increases, we are an S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrat and we intend to continue that track record."

Financial Impact

The passage of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017 lowered the Company's long-term effective tax rate. In the first quarter, the Company recorded a one-time non-cash tax benefit of $68 million related to revaluing deferred tax liabilities and a $5 million charge related to mandatory repatriation tax. The one-time tax events and reduction in the federal statutory tax rate were the main drivers of the Company's first quarter effective tax rate of 0.6 percent versus 33.7 percent last year.

For fiscal 2018, the Company expects an effective tax rate of between 17.5 to 20.5 percent compared to original guidance of 32.3 to 33.3 percent. The change is due primarily to the decrease in the statutory tax rate, one-time discrete tax events, and the adoption of new accounting standards related to stock compensation. The full year cash flow benefit is expected to be between $100 - $140 million. For Fiscal 2019 and beyond, the Company expects an effective tax rate of between 21.5 to 24.5 percent.

SEGMENT HIGHLIGHTS  FIRST QUARTER

Grocery Products

Volume down 1%

Net sales up 1%

Segment profit up 8%

Beginning this quarter, the Specialty Foods segment was merged with, and is reported in, the Grocery Products segment. Strong sales growth from Wholly Guacamole dips, Muscle Milk protein products, Hormel Compleats microwave meals, Herdez salsas, and the SPAM family of products more than offset declines from our contract manufacturing business. CytoSport posted volume and sales gains with Muscle Milk and Evolve protein products delivering strong double-digit sales increases. Segment profit increased due to strong earnings growth from the Wholly Guacamole and Herdez brands and a one-time tax gain in our MegaMex joint venture; lower selling, general and administrative expenses; and improved earnings from our Justin's and Skippynut butter brands.

Refrigerated Foods

Volume down 8%; Organic volume 1 down 1%

down 1% Net sales up 5%; Organic net sales 1 up 4%

up 4% Segment profit down 18%

Sales increases were related to the inclusion of Columbus and Fontanini but were partially offset by the divestiture of the Farmer John business. Foodservice sales of Hormel Bacon 1TM fully cooked bacon and Hormel pizza toppings and retail sales of Hormel Black Label bacon and Applegate natural and organic products contributed to the organic sales growth. Segment profit declined due to one-time transaction costs of two cents EPS for the Columbus acquisition, the divestiture of the Farmer John business representing one cent EPS, and increased freight expenses. Harvest volumes decreased by 17 percent due to the divestiture of Farmer John and harvest reductions in our Midwest production facilities. Hog markets were higher than last year but in line with expectations.

Jennie-O Turkey Store

Volume down 4%

Net sales down 7%

Segment profit down 27%

Volume and sales declines were due primarily to lower harvest volumes and lower turkey commodity prices as a result of continued oversupply of turkeys in the industry and excess meat in cold storage. Sales declines of whole birds were partially offset by increased retail sales, led by Jennie-O lean ground turkey and Jennie-O Oven Ready products. Segment profit decreased as a result of lower profits from whole bird and commodity sales, and increased freight expenses. Lower selling, general, and administrative expenses offset a portion of the earnings decline. Feed costs were flat to last year and in line with expectations. Commodity turkey breast markets remain at multi-year lows, and inventories continue to be elevated. Commodity markets for whole birds were significantly below last year and below our expectations.

International & Other

Volume up 14%; Organic volume 1 down 3%

down 3% Net sales up 19%; Organic net sales 1 up 2%

up 2% Segment profit down 3%

International sales increased due to the addition of sales by the Ceratti business in Brazil, increased export sales, and strong results in China. Earnings decreased as higher costs of goods for exports were partially offset by the inclusion of the Ceratti business and improving profitability in China due to lower raw material costs.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DETAILS

The Company will webcast a presentation of first quarter earnings at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference on February 22, 2018, in lieu of an earnings conference call. As such, incremental commentary relating to the financial statements is provided.

Income Statement

Advertising expenses were $40 million compared to $52 million . The decrease is related to timing. Full year advertising expenses are expected to increase by more than 20 percent.

compared to . The decrease is related to timing. Full year advertising expenses are expected to increase by more than 20 percent. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased due to transaction costs of two cents EPS related to the Columbus Craft Meats acquisition.

EPS related to the Columbus Craft Meats acquisition. Operating margin was 13.2% compared to 15.6%. Higher hog costs, one-time transaction expenses related to the Columbus acquisition, and increased freight expenses were the primary contributors to the operating margin decline.

Cash Flow Statement

Working capital decreased to $625 million , primarily related to an increase in short-term debt and lower accounts receivable.

, primarily related to an increase in short-term debt and lower accounts receivable. Capital expenditures were $54 million compared to $38 million last year. Full year capital expenditures are expected to total $425 million . Key projects include bacon capacity increases in our Wichita, Kans., facility, a new whole bird facility in Melrose, Minn. , modernization of the Austin, Minn. , plant, and projects designed to increase value-added capacity.

compared to last year. Full year capital expenditures are expected to total . Key projects include bacon capacity increases in our Wichita, Kans., facility, a new whole bird facility in , modernization of the , plant, and projects designed to increase value-added capacity. Depreciation and amortization expense was $39 million compared to $31 million last year. Full year expenses are expected to be approximately $145 million .

compared to last year. Full year expenses are expected to be approximately . Share repurchases totaled $25 million , representing 0.7 million shares purchased.

, representing 0.7 million shares purchased. The Company paid its 358th consecutive quarterly dividend at the annual rate of $0.75 per share, a 10 percent increase over the prior year.

Balance Sheet

Cash on hand decreased to $386 million as a result of the Columbus Craft Meats acquisition.

as a result of the Columbus Craft Meats acquisition. Total debt increased to approximately $880 million as a result of the Columbus Craft Meats acquisition. The debt is split between short-term borrowings of $255 million and long-term borrowings of $625 million .

as a result of the Columbus Craft Meats acquisition. The debt is split between short-term borrowings of and long-term borrowings of . The Company remains in a strong financial position to fund any other capital needs.

OUTLOOK

"Fiscal 2018 brings both opportunities and challenges," Snee said. "Tax reform will have a clear benefit and allow us to increase investments into our business to drive long-term profitable growth. We continue to build earnings power through our three recent strategic acquisitions and increased capital investments for value-added capacity. While our expectations for Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods and International have not changed, we project a slower-than-expected recovery at Jennie-O Turkey Store as we continue to work through a difficult operating environment in the turkey industry. Freight costs will continue to be a headwind for the balance of the year and we are working to mitigate the impact through long-term sustainable solutions across our entire supply chain."

"Taking all factors into consideration, we are increasing our earnings guidance to $1.81 - $1.95 per share while leaving our sales guidance unchanged. Our plan remains back-half weighted aided by acquisitions, innovation, and cost efficiencies."



Revised Outlook Original Outlook Net Sales Guidance (in billions) $9.70 - $10.10 $9.70 - $10.10 Earnings per Share Guidance $1.81 - $1.95 $1.62 - $1.72

PRESENTATION

The Company's presentation of its first quarter earnings at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference will be webcast live at 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 22, 2018. Access is available at www.hormelfoods.com. The webcast replay will be available at 6:00 a.m. CT, Friday, February 23, 2018, and will remain on our website for one year.

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS - Inspired People. Inspired Food.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $9 billion in annual revenues across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Skippy, SPAM, Hormel Natural Choice, Columbus, Applegate, Justin's, Wholly Guacamole, Hormel Black Label and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens" by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for the ninth year in a row, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. In 2016, the company celebrated its 125th anniversary and announced its new vision for the future - Inspired People. Inspired Food. - focusing on its legacy of innovation. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com and http://csr.hormelfoods.com/.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking information based on management's current views and assumptions. Actual events may differ materially. Please refer to the cautionary statement regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors which appear on pages 31 - 35 in the Company's 2017 annual report, which can be accessed at www.hormelfoods.com under "Investors - Filings & Reports - Annual Reports & Proxy Statements."

1 COMPARISON OF U.S. GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASUREMENTS

The non-GAAP adjusted financial measurements of organic net sales and organic volume are presented to provide investors additional information to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. The company believes these non-GAAP financial measurements provide useful information to investors because they are the measurements used to evaluate performance on a comparable year-over-year basis. Non-GAAP measurements are not intended to be a substitute for U.S. GAAP measurements in analyzing financial performance. These non-GAAP measurements are not in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

Organic net sales and organic volume are defined as net sales and volume excluding the impact of acquisitions and divestitures. Organic net sales and organic volume exclude the impacts of the acquisition of Columbus Craft Meats (November 2017), the acquisition of Fontanini Italian Meats and Sausages (August 2017), and the divestiture of Farmer John (January 2017) in Refrigerated Foods and the acquisition of Ceratti (August 2017) in International. The tables below show the calculations to reconcile from the non-GAAP adjusted measures to the GAAP measures in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017.

NON-GAAP1 VOLUME AND SALES DATA

1st Quarter



























Volume (lbs.)

FY 2018

FY 2017



(in thousands)

Reported (GAAP)

Acquisitions

Organic (Non-GAAP)

Reported (GAAP)

Divestitures

Organic (Non-GAAP)

Organic % change Grocery Products

334,217







334,217



338,792







338,792



(1.4)

Refrigerated Foods

562,495



(31,660)



530,835



614,425



(80,454)



533,971



(0.6)

Jennie-O Turkey Store

208,431







208,431



216,643







216,643



(3.8)

International & Other

85,449



(12,833)



72,616



75,049







75,049



(3.2)

Total Volume

1,190,592



(44,493)



1,146,099



1,244,909



(80,454)



1,164,455



(1.6)





























































Net Sales

FY 2018

FY 2017



(in thousands)

Reported (GAAP)

Acquisitions

Organic (Non-GAAP)

Reported (GAAP)

Divestitures

Organic (Non-GAAP)

Organic % change Grocery Products

$ 613,870







$ 613,870



$ 610,374







$ 610,374



0.6

Refrigerated Foods

1,176,456



(111,017)



1,065,439



1,123,039



(100,231)



1,022,808



4.2

Jennie-O Turkey Store

390,648







390,648



420,989







420,989



(7.2)

International & Other

150,319



(21,855)



128,464



125,825







125,825



2.1

Total Net Sales

$ 2,331,293



$ (132,872)



$ 2,198,421



$ 2,280,227



$ (100,231)



$ 2,179,996



0.8



























































Statements Follow

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION SEGMENT DATA (Unaudited) (In thousands)













Thirteen Weeks Ended







January 28,

2018

January 29,

2017

% Change NET SALES











Grocery Products

$ 613,870



$ 610,374



0.6

Refrigerated Foods

1,176,456



1,123,039



4.8

Jennie-O Turkey Store

390,648



420,989



(7.2)

International & Other

150,319



125,825



19.5

Total

$ 2,331,293



$ 2,280,227



2.2





























OPERATING PROFIT











Grocery Products

$ 99,977



$ 92,376



8.2

Refrigerated Foods

142,949



173,808



(17.8)

Jennie-O Turkey Store

49,874



68,180



(26.8)

International & Other

24,655



25,463



(3.2)

Total segment operating profit

317,455



359,827



(11.8)

Net interest and investment expense (income)

1,423



577



146.6

General corporate expense

10,971



4,621



137.4

Less: Noncontrolling interest

104



156



(33.3)

Earnings Before Income Taxes

$ 305,165



$ 354,785



(14.0)



HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share amounts)





Thirteen Weeks Ended



January 28,

2018

January 29,

2017 Net sales

$ 2,331,293



$ 2,280,227

Cost of products sold

1,829,114



1,727,947

GROSS PROFIT

502,179



552,280

Selling, general and administrative

219,122



210,217

Equity in earnings of affiliates

23,531



13,299

OPERATING INCOME

306,588



355,362

Other income & expenses:







Interest & investment income

3,306



2,449

Interest expense

(4,729)



(3,026)

EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

305,165



354,785

Provision for income taxes

1,954



119,482

(effective tax rate)

0.64 %

33.68 % NET EARNINGS

303,211



235,303

Less: net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest

104



156

NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HORMEL







FOODS CORPORATION

$ 303,107



$ 235,147











NET EARNINGS PER SHARE







Basic

$ 0.57



$ 0.44

Diluted

$ 0.56



$ 0.44











WEIGHTED AVG. SHARES OUTSTANDING







Basic

529,453



528,585

Diluted

543,482



540,064











DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE

$ 0.1875



$ 0.1700



HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Unaudited) (In thousands)





January 28,

2018

October 29,

2017 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS







Cash and cash equivalents

$ 385,775



$ 444,122

Accounts receivable

569,099



618,351

Inventories

973,221



921,022

Income taxes receivable

176



22,346

Prepaid expenses

15,581



16,144

Other current assets

4,417



4,538

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

1,948,269



2,026,523

INTANGIBLES

3,980,785



3,146,827

OTHER ASSETS

636,728



599,307

PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT, NET

1,293,066



1,203,251

TOTAL ASSETS

$ 7,858,848



$ 6,975,908





















LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT CURRENT LIABILITIES







Short-term debt

$ 255,000



$ 

Current liabilities excluding debt

1,068,514



1,058,212

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

1,323,514



1,058,212

LONG-TERM DEBT  LESS CURRENT MATURITIES

624,726



250,000

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

114,688



98,410

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

640,546



629,589

SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

5,155,374



4,939,697

TOTAL LIAB. & SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

$ 7,858,848



$ 6,975,908



HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (In thousands)





Thirteen Weeks Ended



January 28,

2018

January 29,

2017 OPERATING ACTIVITIES







Net earnings

$ 303,211



$ 235,303

Depreciation and amortization of intangibles

39,123



31,319

Decrease (increase) in working capital

58,879



(77,043)

Other

(97,036)



5,670

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

304,177



195,249











INVESTING ACTIVITIES







Proceeds from sale of business





135,944

Acquisitions of businesses/intangibles

(858,102)





Net purchases of property/equipment

(52,943)



(33,969)

Decrease in investments, equity in affiliates, and other assets

5,746



3,596

NET CASH USED IN (PROVIDED BY) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

(905,299)



105,571











FINANCING ACTIVITIES







Net proceeds (payments) from short-term debt

255,000





Net proceeds (payments) from long-term debt

374,726





Dividends paid on common stock

(89,814)



(76,629)

Share repurchase

(25,199)



(30,588)

Other

23,455



7,398

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

538,168



(99,819)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

4,607



(6,323)

(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(58,347)



194,678

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

444,122



415,143

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF QUARTER

$ 385,775



$ 609,821



SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation

Related Links

http://www.hormel.com


"The tourism industry is a vital part of our state's economy, not only providing revenue from our visitors, but supporting jobs and quality of life benefits for residents across the state," said Cory Jobe, Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism.

The Governor's Conference provides an opportunity for professionals of all kinds  from small family restaurant owners to luxury hotel managers  to learn about the latest trends and best practices contributing to one of the fastest-growing industry sectors in Illinois.

Cory Jobe will present the annual State of the State Tourism Address on Wednesday, February 28, at 10:30 a.m. He will reflect on the success of Illinois Tourism's marketing initiatives and partnerships throughout the past year, as well as offer a look ahead to new programs being unveiled in 2018, including special initiatives to celebrate the state's Bicentennial this year.

Conference highlights and presentations include:

 TRAVEL TREND REPORT WITH BRAND USA, Carroll Rheem, Brand USA VP of Research

Opening keynote session with travel industry expert Carroll Rheem, Brand USA's VP of Research & Analytics. Rheem will report on the latest tourism industry trends, how to reach international travelers in 2018 and what's on the horizon for destination marketing.

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

 CRISIS MANAGEMENT & TOURISM SECURITY, Dr. Peter E. Tarlow, Tourism Industry Expert

Dr. Tarlow is a world-renowned speaker and expert specializing in the impact of crime and terrorism on the tourism industry, event and tourism risk management and tourism/economic development.

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 1:15-2:15 p.m.

 KEEP CALM AND BRING A CARRY ON, Anirban Basu, Economist

Acclaimed economist Anirban Basu shares insights on how travel and tourism will impact the economy in 2018, including the latest statistics and travel trends. Monday, Feb. 26, 2-3 p.m.

 ILLINOIS GOVERNOR'S MANSION PRESENTATION, First Lady Diana Rauner

First Lady Diana Rauner will make her Governor's Conference debut with a presentation on the Illinois Governor's Mansion renovation and the effort to raise $15 million to complete the project. The renovation is supported solely through private funds, raised by the Illinois Governor's Mansion Association, chaired by the Illinois First Lady.

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 9-9:15 a.m.

 THE EVOLUTION OF DIGITAL STORYTELLING, Cat Jordan, Travelzoo VP of Communications

Travelzoo Head of Communications, Cat Jordan, brings her expertise and shares the latest digital tools and best practices to inspire travelers in 2018 - from Facebook Live, to influencers, to the email marketing renaissance. Tuesday, Feb. 27, 4-5 p.m.

 ILLINOIS EXCELLENCE IN TOURISM AWARDS

Illinois Excellence in Tourism Awards dinner will honor and celebrate the most innovative tourism marketing initiatives throughout the state, including Best of Show. Monday, Feb. 26, 7-9:30 p.m.

For a complete conference schedule and full list of speakers at this year's Illinois Governor's Conference on Travel and Tourism, visit www.ilgovconference.com

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.

MEDIA CONTACT: MARLA CICHOWSKI

[email protected]



SOURCE Illinois Governors Conference on Travel & Tourism

Related Links

http://www.ilgovconference.com


MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagion Biosystems Limited (ASX:IBX) (Imagion or the Company), a company dedicated to improving healthcare through earlier detection of cancer, announces the appointment of Farideh Bischoff, PhD, as Vice President of Clinical Research. Dr Bischoff will lead the clinical program for the company's MagSense cancer detection technology, working to achieve regulatory approval as a diagnostic device for the early detection of malignant tumor cells.

Dr Bischoff adds a wealth of relevant experience in oncology product commercialisation to the leadership team at Imagion Biosystems. Her accomplishments include scientific development, regulatory submission and successful commercialisation of molecular diagnostics for Biocept. She has led numerous productive collaborative studies, including the NIFTY NIH Fetal Cell Study, composed of individuals from academic, pharmaceutical and biotech organisations.

She is widely recognised in the fields of rare cancer cell detection, molecular cytogenetics, diagnostic assay development and validation. Dr Bischoff holds a PhD from the University of Texas Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Houston. Her doctoral thesis led to the discovery of the p53 tumor suppressor gene and the emergence of a productive new avenue of global cancer research.

"We are very pleased to welcome Dr Bischoff to Imagion Biosystems as we progress toward first-in-human clinical studies," said Imagion Executive Chairman and CEO Bob Proulx.

"Dr Bischoff has the background and experience to help us move into the clinical setting, an area where she has worked for many years," he added.

"I'm excited to be joining Imagion Biosystems as the company advances MagSense technology to the first-in-human clinical trial," said Dr Bischoff.

"The role at Imagion enables me to follow my passion for improving the lives of cancer patients. There is a large unmet medical need for earlier detection of malignant tumors."

About Imagion Biosystems

Imagion Biosystems is developing the MagSense bioimaging system to detect cancer and other diseases earlier and with higher specificity than is currently possible. With MagSenseTM technology, the company has the potential to optimize patient care and reduce mortality rates across various cancer indications. Imagion Biosystems listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in June 2017.

SOURCE Imagion Biosystems

Related Links

https://www.imagionbiosystems.com


This year is the 40th anniversary of Proposition 13, the iconic property tax limit measure that California voters overwhelmingly endorsed in 1978.

Its only a slight exaggeration to say that its also the 40th anniversary of efforts to repeal or alter Proposition 13s provisions, and those on the left side of the political ledger  unions, particularly  may be trying once again this year to undo it.

An initiative awaiting clearance for signature-gathering would create a so-called split roll, preserving Proposition 13s property tax limits for homes and residential rental units, but removing them for other commercial and industrial properties.

The upfront proponents are such good government groups as the League of Women Voters, which contend that the states schools and local governments are seriously underfunded.

Standing in the shadows, however, are public employee unions that would benefit from having more money flowing to schools and local governments, especially since their budgets are being squeezed very hard by fast-rising pension costs.

How much more?

The Legislatures budget analyst, Mac Taylor, estimates that a split-roll could generate net annual revenues of $6 billion-$10 billion.
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Julian Chu, Director, Global Customer Experience, Google, will be moderating a panel discussion on Revolutionary AI? Yes. But How Do I Get There? at the 14th Annual Customer Contact East: A Frost & Sullivan Executive MindXchange, taking place April 8 - 11, 2018 at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, Florida.

Expert panelists including Gabriele Masili, General Manager, Windows and Devices Group Support Business Unit, Microsoft, Crystal Collier, Head of Strategy, Programs & Insights, Electronic Arts (EA), and Adrian Guenther, Vice President, Individual Annuity Customer Service, Lincoln Financial Group, will be sharing their current thinking and approach to automation and AI. They will discuss the necessary tools, processes and responsibilities in implementing AI, including how to engage talent in integrating automated solutions and important lessons learned.

To register for the 14th Annual Customer Contact East: A Frost & Sullivan Executive MindXchange, or to view the event agenda, please visit: www.frost.com/ccs

Renee Cacchillo, Senior Vice President, Customer, Brand and Technology, Safelite Group, will give a keynote presentation, Safelite's Journey to Customer Excellence: Transforming Business by Being Purpose Driven. Renee will explain how when Safelite became more agile as an organization, it drove superior customer engagement, satisfaction and truly memorable customer service. Key take-aways will include guidelines on how to avoid the fear of moving from a traditional organizational structure to one that provides flexibility and takes advantage of cross-team talent. Renee will highlight the best ways to listen to your customers, move fast to provide the tools they need to do business with you, and have them walking away feeling they were in control the entire time!

Renee brings a wealth of experience and best practice knowledge to her role at the Safelite Group, including delivering results in fast-paced, consumer-focused businesses such as Bob Evans and Mimi's Cafe Restaurants, Bath & Body Works/Limited Brands, Hallmark and Dillard's Department Stores. At Accenture, she led large scale system implementations in change management.

This interactive event will offer solutions to meet the complex communication demands presented by today's multi-channel customer. The event will offer customer contact industry Vice Presidents, Directors, Managers and other senior level executives the opportunity to benefit from:

Current case studies and emerging best practices

Dynamic industry collaboration zones

Expert panel discussions

Peer-to-peer networking opportunities

For additional information about Customer Contact East, please email [email protected]

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion

Contact:

Francesca Valente

Corporate Communications  Americas

P: +1 (210) 348 1012

E: [email protected]

http://www.frost.com

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

Related Links

http://www.frost.com


Powerful Combination Targeting 5G Smartphones

The companies plan to collaborate on 5G mobile platform combining Intel modems with Spreadtrum application processor technology

SHANGHAI, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As a core subsidiary of Tsinghua Unigroup, Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA - a world leading fabless semiconductor company with advanced technology in mobile communications and IoT, and Intel Corporation officially announced a long-term strategic collaboration on 5G. The companies plan to develop a 5G smartphone platform for the China market that will feature an Intel 5G modem and will be targeted to coincide with 5G network deployments in 2019.

Integrating Intel's strong technical expertise in modems with Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA's solid experience in chipset design, the companies will collaborate on 5G and develop Spreadtrum's first Android-based high-end 5G smartphone solution utilizing an Intel modem and Spreadtrum's application processor technology.

"We are very excited to collaborate with Intel to build a leading 5G mobile platform. Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA and Intel share the vision on transforming the mobile communication industry in the 5G era through technological innovation and innovation-driven revolution," said Mr. Jingming Wang, Vice President of Tsinghua Unigroup and COO of Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA. "Drawing on the strong potential for global industry development and Intel's profound technology experience, Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA will persist on cultivating the 5G market and setting ourselves as a leading Chinese 5G high-end chipset brand."

"Undoubtedly, China will be an important market at the forefront of 5G. Together with Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA, Intel looks forward to making the 5G smartphone experience a compelling reality for consumers in China," said Mr. Chenwei Yan, Vice President, Client Computing Group and General Manager, Connected Products and Programs at Intel. "Intel is working with industry partners and network operators to accelerate 5G technology innovation across network, client and cloud. Through this effort, we will bring our modem expertise from years of research and development in driving standards, conducting trials, and building platforms to create a seamlessly connected, powerfully smart 5G future."

This new collaboration on 5G between both parties is a long-term engagement including a series of product collaborations utilizing Intel XMM 8000 series modems in multiple product lines targeting diversified markets.

The collaboration also marked the kick-off of "5G Global Leading Strategy" of Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA. The company will continue increasing all-round investment in 5G technology aiming to be one of the world's leading 5G chipset brands. Based on the positive industry outlook and strong confidence in its 5G R&D process, Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA plans to launch its first 5G commercial mobile platform in the second half of 2019.

In 2014, Intel announced a minority stake investment in the holding company under Tsinghua Unigroup, which owns Spreadtrum Communications & RDA Microelectronics. The existing relationship created a solid foundation for mutual trust and set the stage for additional cooperation on 5G.

SOURCE Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Intersolar and ees North America 2018, the premier solar and energy storage events in North America, today announced two new California Pavilions, hosted in partnership with the California Solar & Storage Association (formerly CALSEIA), and an expanded Powerhouse Pavilion, hosted in partnership with Oakland-based incubator Powerhouse. The three exhibition pavilions provide a platform for emerging companies and promising start-ups to present new products and services. The pavilions underscore Intersolar North America and the co-located ees North America's commitment to delivering unparalleled information and networking opportunities that help move the North American market forward.

Now in its 11th year, Intersolar and ees North America have been the premier industry platform for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, service providers and partners in the solar plus storage industries. As the first major solar and storage event of the year in North America, it is a critical meeting place for industry executives, policymakers, project developers and financers. Located in San Francisco, the epicenter of technological innovation in the United States, attendees often look to the events for a big-picture perspective on the latest market trends impacting the marketplace.

"In the past decade, the solar industry has seen explosive growth along with areas of uncertainty due to shifts in the policy landscape," said Florian Wessendorf and Daniel Strowitzki, managing directors of Intersolar and ees North America, in a statement. "We've weathered trade cases, policy debates, and market consolidations. We are no strangers to the 'solar coaster,' and work to ensure that Intersolar and ees North America will provide valuable opportunities for the industry to connect and learn how best to respond to these rapidly changing market dynamics."

Each year, Intersolar and ees North America is the place to hear industry insights and see technology innovations first. The event draws on the input from its long list of partners to inform its exhibition and conference schedule. This year, attendees can expect to see special attention paid to the recent tariffs passed by the Trump Administration in response to a Section 201 trade complaint. The conference program will feature 40 sessions and workshops that focus on leading edge of policy development and new market trends that are shaping the future of the industry.

Despite the tariffs, new GTM Research expects the solar industry to deploy more than 10 gigawatts of installations in the United States in 2018 and 11.9 gigawatts in 2019, with continuous growth through 2022. Many states are in the process of fulfilling their renewables mandates -- California is on-track to meet its Renewables Portfolio Standard RPS, reaching 50 percent of generation as specified by California Energy Commissioner David Hochschild.

"There's still every reason to be bullish about the California solar and storage market in the long term," said Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar & Storage Association (formerly the California Solar Energy Industries Association). "We will still have a state that is committed to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and increasing our demand for renewable energy. These larger forces are not stopping or slowing down because of mini-blips in state and federal policy decisions."

Expo Floor Spotlights Industry Trends at Expo Stages and Pavilions

During the Intersolar/ees North America exhibitions, industry leaders and innovative startups will return to three special pavilions, the California Solar and Energy Storage Pavilions and the Powerhouse Pavilion, which will provide a first look at the technologies that are poised to disrupt the industry.

The California Solar Pavilion returns for its fourth year, joined by the inaugural California Energy Storage Pavilion to showcase member companies from the California Solar & Storage Association. Members can reserve their space now, and enjoy a reduced exhibition rate.

Hosted by Powerhouse, the world's only incubator and accelerator dedicated to solar, the Powerhouse Pavilion will bring together entrepreneurs and early stage energy companies that are changing the face of the industry. It is located on Level One of Moscone West.

"Cutting-edge clean energy startups attend Intersolar to meet and mingle with industry leaders," said Emily Kirsch, founder and CEO of Powerhouse. "The Powerhouse Pavilion will showcase the latest innovations in solar and storage  it is where deals get done and long-lasting connections are made."

Intersolar and ees North America attendees will be able to leverage this year's conference program to learn about technological innovations, gain insight into emerging trends and participate in workshops and demonstrations across both stages. There will be a variety of additional networking events offered both on the expo floor and off where attendees can share information. Exhibition opportunities and registration are available online.

About Intersolar North America

Since 2008, Intersolar North America has served as the industry's go-to source for invaluable information and premier networking opportunities that move the North American market forward. Co-located with ees North America, Intersolar North America's exhibition and conference sit at the cross-section of solar technology, energy storage, and smart transportation. The event takes place annually in San Francisco, California, the heart of energy innovation, and is co-located with SEMICON West.

More than 530 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors from over 80 countries participated in Intersolar North America 2017. The conference and exhibition program featured 40 sessions and educational workshops with more than 200 speakers.

Intersolar North America is organized by Solar Promotion International GmbH, Pforzheim and Freiburg Management and Marketing International GmbH (FMMI). For more information on Intersolar North America, please visit: http://www.intersolar.us

Intersolar Global is the world's leading exhibition series dedicated to the future of clean energy. With more than 25 years of experience, Intersolar has the unique ability to bring together members of the energy industry from across the world's most influential markets and supply chains. Intersolar exhibitions and conferences are held annually in Munich, San Francisco, Mumbai, Sao Paulo, and Dubai. These global events are complemented by the Intersolar Summits, which take place in emerging and growing markets worldwide.

For more information on Intersolar Global, please visit: http://www.intersolarglobal.com

SOURCE Intersolar North America

Related Links

http://www.intersolar.us


LONDON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CleanEquity is an annual invitation-only event hosted by Innovator Capital, the London based specialist investment bank. The conference provides an intimate and collegiate setting for inventors and entrepreneurs to share their stories with delegates - key decision makers looking to assist them with reaching their commercial and strategic goals.

Other partners and sponsors include Prince Albert II of Monaco's Foundation, Covington & Burling, Cision, Cranfield University, Hobbs & Towne, the Monaco Economic Board and Parkview.

Invenia has been identified by an expert panel as one of the world's most innovative sustainable technology companies and has been selected to present to selected sovereign, corporate, family and professional investors & acquires, policy makers, end users and international trade media.

About Invenia

Invenia uses machine learning to optimise electricity grids, ensuring that demands are met at least-possible prices and minimum pollution. Invenia's work reduces CO2 emissions and other forms of pollution, while improving the reliability of the grids and increasing their economic efficiency. Invenia has the DNA of a research lab, and its team are mostly researchers with backgrounds in machine learning, mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering, and economics. In addition to being researchers, the team at Invenia is interested in problems that have an impact on the world, specifically complex systems that involve economic and environmental efficiency, human health, and AI safety.

To contact Invenia in the UK, please email [email protected].

About Innovator Capital

Innovator Capital, established in 2003, is a specialist investment bank advising emerging technology companies on corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions. Its expertise includes intellectual property and multi national strategic partnering.

www.cleanequitymonaco.com

SOURCE Innovator Capital

Related Links

http://www.innovator-capital.com


CHANTILLY, Va., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded Koniag Services, Inc.(KSI) the Alliant 2 SB Government-wide Acquisition Contract. In total, the Alliant 2 SB contract has a 10-year term (five-year base with one five-year option) and a $15 billion contract ceiling. The contract provides all Federal government agencies and other eligible entities the ability to perform all current, leading edge and/or emerging integrated Information Technology (IT) services to satisfy all IT services requirements anywhere and anytime worldwide embodying their "Anything IT Anywhere" philosophy. Because technological advances over the term of this contract are inevitable, the scope of this Master Contract takes into consideration that Task Order Requirements are permitted to include any future IT services with their integral and necessary Ancillary IT components and services as they arise during the entire term of this contract.

"Koniag Services, Inc. has served the federal marketplace since 1994, and we have consistently demonstrated our ability to apply industry best practices that deliver high performance IT solutions to government organizations," said Kelly Mire, President of KSI. "We look forward to helping our federal clients achieve their business objectives through our participation in Alliant 2 SB."

About Koniag Services, Inc.

Koniag Services, Inc. (KSI) is an Alaskan Native-owned, small disadvantaged business supporting Federal, State and Local governments since 1994. KSI is part of the Koniag Government Services sector and provides Application Development, Maintenance, and Enhancements, Enterprise IT Infrastructure Solutions, Cyber Security, and Integrated Program Management services across 50 states and 4 Territories. KSI provides support across multiple business functions including: Finance, Health, Defense, Social Services, Consumer Protection, and Insurance. KSI is a CMMI DEV 3 assessed organization and holds an ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management certification. For more information, please visit http://www.ksikoniag.com.

Media Contact:

MaryAnn Hoadley

Koniag Government Services

703-488-9303

[email protected]

SOURCE Koniag Services, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ksikoniag.com


NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Kryon Systems, the leading provider of intelligent Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions, has announced an RPA Platform as a Service (PaaS) available on the cloud. This new level of accessibility enables Kryon's customers to plug into intelligent Robotic Process Automation activities through an enterprise-ready platform. Kryon's cloud-based offering allows enterprises to access and expand workplace automation processes via web-based internet browsers and applications. Businesses will now be able to implement Kryon's technology immediately through the cloud without technical infrastructure configuration traditional to the RPA space, saving time and costs in implementation.

Kryon's RPA cloud solution will help the enterprise to decrease the overhead costs and efforts related to infrastructure deployments, maintenance, configuration and support. Cloud accessibility will allow the robots to be more easily deployed, while better serving virtual environments with no footprint on an organization's core business infrastructure. The platform is flexible and extendable, can be installed on premises, or on a private or public cloud. Kryon's out-of-the-box ready PaaS is supported through online or onsite training.

"To be a partner for global enterprises, we at Kryon know that RPA technology must not only move at the speed of business, but also exceed it," said CEO of Kryon Systems, Harel Tayeb. "RPA is already showing significant results in decreasing operational costs and the benefits of shifting towards cloud services will provide even more value and increased flexibility to grow and scale without overhauling existing IT infrastructure."

As part of this implementation, Kryon Systems is partnering with leading and trusted names in the cloud security space to ensure sophisticated protection of company data. The server is responsible for managing and controlling security and access to content, and makes said content available for privileged users while blocking others. It can seamlessly integrate with the organization's Active Directory to enable single-sign-on (SSO) authentication. In addition, the server is able to provide predictive and insightful analytics to increase RPA activity within the organization and makes it more efficient and effective. It also provides a full audit trail & logs of the virtual workforce activities.

"The use of cloud services within RPA execution is one of the most secure investments enterprises can make in protecting sensitive company information. Our clientele are able to scope out the exact access rights that robots are privy to," added Raanan Yogev, Vice President of Product at Kryon Systems. "We are committed to the data security and scalable growth efforts for our customers and look forward to continued partnership efforts to meet their goals."

Learn more about Kryon Systems and the numerous Fortune 500 organizations already benefiting from its products at www.kryonsystems.com

About Kryon Systems

Kryon Systems delivers innovative, intelligent Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions empowering companies to transcend the processes which consume their most valuable resource  time. While other RPA vendors provide tools that focus solely on automating repetitive process-oriented tasks, Kryon aims for a complete and lasting solution, ultimately removing these tasks entirely from the day-to-day workflow of enterprises. Using patented visual and deep learning technologies, Kryon's RPA enables companies to discover the innovators and creators amongst them by reducing the noise, complexity, errors and wasted time which go hand in hand with process execution. Kryon's intelligent RPA is changing the reality of today's process-focused business world by offloading the repetitive, soul-crushing processes to a digital workforce not only for the increased productivity, reduced error rates, and lower operating costs, but also so that companies can focus on what they want to be  creative, imaginative, revolutionary, and with greater revenue.

SOURCE Kryon Systems
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lastline Inc., the leader in advanced network-based malware protection, will be leading industry discussions on security at InfoSec World 2018 Conference and Expo. CEO and co-founder, Dr. Christopher Kruegel, will present, "No File Required: The Emergence of Fileless Attacks," focusing on the increase in fileless malware that threatens businesses, and why it is so difficult to detect. Co-founder and CTO, Dr. Giovanni Vigna, will present, "From Trapping to Hunting: Intelligently Analyzing Anomalies to Detect Network Compromises," in which he'll explain how a hunting strategy can lead to improved breach detection and enterprise security.

"Enterprises today face a wide range of increasingly sophisticated threats that can potentially affect their businesses, customers, employees, and reputations," said Dr. Christopher Kruegel, co-founder & CEO, Lastline. "Dr. Vigna and I both look forward to meeting with InfoSec World attendees and discussing emerging risks such as the fileless threats, as well as the leading-edge strategies and best practices for improving enterprise security and reducing the risk of a damaging and costly data breach."

Event Details:

Session: "From Trapping to Hunting: Intelligently Analyzing Anomalies to Detect Network Compromises"

Speaker: Dr. Giovanni Vigna, co-founder and CTO, Lastline

When: Monday, March 19, 2018, 11:00am ET

Session: "No File Required: The Emergence of Fileless Attacks"

Speaker: Dr. Christopher Kruegel, co-founder and CEO, Lastline

When: Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 9:40am ET

InfoSec World 2018 Conference and Expo takes place March 19-21, 2018 at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The conference features expert keynote addresses, stimulating panel discussions and interactive roundtables, hands-on tech labs, as well as informative breakout sessions.

About Lastline

Lastline provides breach protection products that are innovating the way companies defend against advanced malware with fewer resources and at lower cost. We deliver the visibility, context, analysis, and integrations enterprise security teams need to quickly and completely eradicate malware-based threats before damaging and costly data breaches occur. Headquartered in Redwood City, California with offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia, Lastline's technology is used by Global 5000 enterprises, is offered directly and through resellers and security service providers, and is integrated into leading third-party security technologies worldwide. www.lastline.com

About InfoSec World Conference and Expo

For more than 20 years security professionals have made InfoSec World the "business of security" conference. Produced by MIS Training Institute (MISTI), InfoSec World assembles information security professionals from every industry and field of study, from around the world. For more information on the conference, please visit: https://infosecworld.misti.com.

SOURCE Lastline Inc.

Related Links

http://www.lastline.com


TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- LegUp Computing, Inc. announced today that it closed a seed funding round led by Intel Capital. LegUp offers a cloud platform that enables software developers to program, deploy, scale, and manage FPGA devices for accelerating high performance applications without requiring hardware expertise. The technology enables the next generation of low-latency and high-throughput computing on the vast amount of real-time data processed in the cloud. LegUp Computing, Inc., was spawned from years of research in the Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto to commercialize the award-winning open-source LegUp high-level synthesis tool.

LegUp Computing team from left to right: Omar Ragheb, Zhi Li, Dr. Andrew Canis, Ruolong Lian, Dr. Jongsok Choi, and University of Toronto Professor Jason Anderson (Photo: Jessica MacInnis)

Today's datacenters rely on general purpose CPUs augmented with accelerators like GPUs and TPUs for specific tasks. FPGAs have traditionally been used to implement specialized functions, such as network switches, but now FPGAs have been deployed in several cloud service providers. These FPGA compute nodes can offer orders of magnitude higher performance at lower power than traditional servers along with flexibility to handle evolving workloads, an example being Bing search by Microsoft.

In critical enterprise applications, real-time data must be processed by machine intelligence to make decisions in millisecond timeframes. These applications include real-time bidding for advertisements, fraud detection, video analytics, and elastic search. In-memory databases that require high-throughput; speech recognition, which is latency sensitive; and other workloads such as genetic sequencing also can be run on these FPGA compute platforms. Traditional servers are overwhelmed by millisecond real-time requirements that can easily be met by FPGAs. LegUp unlocks and democratizes the FPGAs that are already deployed in public clouds, making them accessible to software engineers.

Dr. Andrew Canis, the CEO of LegUp Computing, Inc., said: "We envision LegUp enabling the next generation of real-time computing in the datacenter, as FPGAs are capable of directly connecting to the network layer offering throughput of 40-400 Gbps. LegUp abstracts away the low-level hardware details and allows software engineers to leverage FPGA capabilities. Because of our relationship with Intel, LegUp is poised to take advantage of Intel's Stratix 10 FPGAs to deliver optimized solutions for database, networking and machine learning applications."

LegUp offers a novel C/C++ based programming model using threading libraries familiar to software engineers, and maps software threads into parallel hardware on the FPGA. The company offers software libraries to support a dataflow streaming model, well suited to accelerating network-connected applications. LegUp supports multiple FPGA vendors and platforms, including embedded SoC boards and cloud FPGAs at leading cloud service providers. With LegUp-generated hardware, NoSQL databases with sub-millisecond latencies handling millions of requests per second become possible. LegUp will also offer compression, encryption and machine learning modules for processing the growing amount of data in the cloud. Value-added customizations and tooling for enterprise customers will include real-time decision making systems, big-data analytics, artificial intelligence, genomics, video transcoding, cyber security and financial trading.

According to Jason Anderson, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto: "The deployment of FPGAs in the cloud is a game-changer for domain-specific compute acceleration. LegUp's technology overcomes a key obstacle to using FPGAs, namely, the need for hardware-design skills. The Intel funding round of LegUp Computing, Inc. will help transition the important early work done at the university to successful commercial viability."

Mike Mayberry, chief technology officer and senior vice president of Intel Corporation and managing director of Intel Labs, stated: "The investment in LegUp Computing, Inc. is part of a worldwide effort from Intel Labs and Intel Capital to identify promising new startups from university collaborations. FPGAs provide unique technical advantages in a variety of applications, including compute acceleration, and are an integral part of Intel's comprehensive product offering."

About LegUp Computing, Inc.:

LegUp Computing, Inc. provides a cloud platform that enables software developers to program, deploy, scale, and manage FPGA devices for accelerating high performance applications. The LegUp technology offers a novel programming model, originally developed at the University of Toronto, that allows threaded C/C++ software to target FPGA platforms connected to high-bandwidth networks for efficient processing of low-latency database and machine learning workloads. Founded by Dr. Andrew Canis, Dr. Jongsok Choi, Ruolong Lian, and Professor Jason Anderson in 2015, LegUp Computing, Inc., offers solutions for cloud-based and embedded compute acceleration leveraging FPGAs. LegUp is supported by UTEST, a University of Toronto accelerator. For more information, visit http://www.legupcomputing.com or follow @legupcomputing.

About Intel Capital:

Intel Capital invests in innovative startups targeting artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, workload accelerators, 5G connectivity, virtual reality and a wide range of other disruptive technologies. Since 1991, Intel Capital has invested US $12.2 billion in 1,520 companies worldwide, and more than 665 portfolio companies have gone public or been acquired. Intel Capital curates thousands of business development introductions each year between its portfolio companies and the Global 2000. For more information on what makes Intel Capital one of the world's most powerful venture capital firms, visit www.intelcapital.com or follow @Intelcapital.

Contact

Andrew Canis

[email protected]

SOURCE LegUp Computing, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.legupcomputing.com


EAST HANOVER, N.J., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Pazoo, Inc. (OTC: PZOO) is pleased to announce that MA & Associates LLC, (DBA: MA Analytics), a cannabis testing laboratory located in Las Vegas, Nevada partially owned by Pazoo, has made significant strides in completing operations and procedures ahead of the laboratory's final inspection by the State of Nevada.

MA Analytics is finalizing the policies and procedures as well as the operations ahead of the above mentioned final inspection and its much anticipated opening for business to customers. The lab has completed some and is close to finishing the remaining standard operating procedures including methods and validations while ensuring everything is up to the rigorous testing and compliance policies set forth by the State of Nevada.

Additionally, in preparation for working with customers, the lab has hired a general manager with extensive experience in sales, marketing, and professional relationship building, and client acquisition. She has already started selling activities.

The State Inspection is the last step before the lab can open and start generating revenue. The testing performed by MA & Associates LLC, as required by Nevada, will protect consumers from contaminants, chemicals and other impurities within the cannabis plant, ensuring the consumer is getting the best possible product.

Pazoo's acting CEO Steve Basloe said, "We are very pleased to announce that the lab is close to scheduling the State inspection, the last major step needed in order to finally be open and start generating revenue. We are excited to start the sales and marketing of the lab along with our general manger. We understand the frustration in delays in the lab opening but we are ensuring that as the State continues to tighten their testing limits and standards, we are not making the mistakes some other labs have made in the past. We look forward to getting the lab open and making this a profitable business moving forward."

About Pazoo, Inc.

Pazoo, Inc. is focused on health, wellness and safety. Through our investment in MA & Associates LLC, in connection with the projected opening of the lab, Pazoo will provide industry leading laboratory testing of cannabis. Upon its opening, the lab will provide best-in-class laboratory testing of cannabis and cannabinoids to protect consumers from impurities, contaminants and other irregularities.

Safe Harbor Statement

This update includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as Pazoo, Inc. or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Pazoo, Inc.

Related Links

www.pazoo.com


California's marshes are already at a disadvantage compared to the East Coast and Gulf Coast, researchers noted, because of the steep cliffs along much of the coastline.

"Naturally, even without the people, there's limited opportunities for the marshes to adjust by moving inland," said Richard Ambrose of UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, another author of the study. "But even in places like Newport or Morro Bay, where there might be places naturally for them to move, we've got the roads and we've got buildings.... Adding humans on top of our natural coastline gives these marshes really nowhere to go."

Beyond losing the hundreds of species that depend on this unique ecosystem, Ambrose said, the disappearance of these marshes would have a devastating impact on flood protection.

When there's this buffer of vegetation between land and sea, a storm surge cannot build up as much, he said. During Hurricane Katrina, for example, there was significant flooding in areas that once had marshes.

"Louisiana lost miles and miles and miles of wetland, and lost it for two main reasons: One is they channelized the Mississippi River," Ambrose said. "The other is all the oil and gas development -- they dug a bunch of canals, which cut up the wetlands and made it easier for the wetlands to drown."
SAN DIEGO, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA), the first-ever publicly traded cannabis company in the United States, subsidiary HempMeds Mexico celebrates the second anniversary of its historic permits granted by Mexico's Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks, COFEPRIS. These permits opened doors for the development of a new cannabis product market in Mexico and broadened access to cannabidiol (CBD) hemp oil to Mexicans in need.

Those first permits, granted in February 2016, allowed for families to import the Company's CBD hemp oil, Real Scientific Hemp Oil-X (RSHO-X). This product has no psychoactive ingredients and complies with current national regulations. Maria Paula and Alina were the first two children to have legal access to these products, and since, hundreds of Mexicans have benefited from the same health and wellness benefits of CBD.

Since February 2017, COFEPRIS has granted hundreds of permits for importing HempMeds Mexico's RSHO-X. HempMeds Mexico was the first company approved by COFEPRIS to distribute its CBD hemp oil products. These products are available through an import process established by COFEPRIS, which requires a medical prescription and importation approval.

"We are proud to be the first company to work with Mexican cannabis and health experts to show the safety and efficiency of RSHO-X," said HempMeds President of Latin America, Raul Elizalde. "Our operations in Mexico are growing daily and now we are waiting for the government's secondary cannabis regulation that will allow the importation of CBD products that have trace amounts of THC. We hope that Mexican authorities will consider the research that has been conducted by leading doctors and scientists and also the recommendation made by the World Health Organization in November 2017 to not schedule CBD as a drug."

"HempMeds Mexico has been one of our fastest-growing subsidiaries and has taken the cannabis industry in Mexico by storm," said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus. "We look forward to growth in the country and in other Latin American countries as well."

Since the establishment of HempMeds Mexico, the Company has worked to promote access to CBD products by supporting non-profit organizations that help provide quick access and by working with the government to establish an importation process that allows patients to get RSHO-X with ease.

About HempMeds Mexico

HempMeds Mexico is a Mexico-based company that made history by being the first company to receive a COFEPRIS federal government import permit for the cannabis product RSHO-X for a medical indication. HempMeds Mexico plans to work directly with the Mexican government to safely and legally provide access to CBD hemp oil products. For more information, please review the company's website at: http://www.hempmeds.mx.

About Medical Marijuana, Inc.

We are a company of firsts. Our mission is to be the premier cannabis and hemp industry innovators, leveraging our team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create awareness within our industry, develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value. For details on Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s portfolio and investment companies, visit www.medicalmarijuanainc.com.

To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s corporate video, click here.

Shareholders and consumers are also encouraged to buy CBD oil and other products at Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s shop.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Medical Marijuana, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein.

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.

LEGAL DISCLOSURE

Medical Marijuana, Inc. does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US.CSA). These companies do grow, sell, and distribute hemp-based products and are involved with the federally legal distribution of medical marijuana-based products within certain international markets. Cannabidiol is a natural constituent of hemp oil.

CONTACT:

Public Relations Contact:

Andrew Hard

Chief Executive Officer CMW Media

P. 858-264-6600

[email protected]

www.cmwmedia.com

SOURCE Medical Marijuana, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com


Prior to coming to MemorialCare, Ferrer was the Executive Director, Medi-Cal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families & Medicaid Expansion of L.A. Care Health Plan  the nation's largest public operated health plan, servicing more than two million members in five health plans.

Ferrer has directed many helms of L.A. Care, working in member services for nearly 30 years. She has shown a record of exceeding goals, and building and expanding programs throughout her career. Her collaborative leadership style has helped advance the growth of access to health care in the community. Ferrer received her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from University of the Redlands.

Her robust experience makes her uniquely suited to take the helm of Seaside Health Plan, a California licensed Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan, providing its members with access to more than 80 primary care physicians, a large network of specialists, and a network of modern, full-service health care centers. Seaside was created in 2013 as a Managed Care program that focuses on providing individuals with Medi-Cal, Medicare or Commercial coverage with convenient access to quality, evidence-based medicine, superior value, exceptional service and a network of integrated providers through multiple contracts with various health plans.

"Maribel is an outstanding member-facing leader committed to engaging and encouraging employees and physicians to reach the highest level of service and care," says Barry Arbuckle, President & CEO, MemorialCare. "Ferrer will be an asset to help us grow membership in the Commercial, Medi-Cal and Medicare Advantage markets, as well as expand our provider network to bring more primary care physicians on board."

As the CEO for Seaside Health Plan, Ferrer's primary responsibilities will be oversight of Seaside Health Plans' strategic direction, operations and ensuring regulatory compliance. She will provide the overall direction and administration of programs and services provided by the health plan and implementing programs when needed. This includes working with the Board of Directors, Seaside Health Plan's executive management team and MemorialCare's senior leadership to establish both short-term goals and facilitate long-range strategies, plans and policies.

"Growing up in Los Angeles County and facing this always changing healthcare industry, it's fulfilling to join an organization like MemorialCare that is transforming health care with compassion and excellence for what's best for the communities we serve," says Ferrer.

About MemorialCare:

MemorialCare is a nonprofit integrated health care delivery system that includes leading hospitals  Long Beach Medical Center, Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach, Community Medical Center Long Beach, Orange Coast Medical Center, and Saddleback Medical Center; award-winning medical groups  MemorialCare Medical Group and Greater Newport Physicians; Seaside Health Plan; and convenient outpatient health centers, imaging centers, breast centers, surgical centers, and dialysis centers throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

SOURCE MemorialCare
NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Executive Summary



Internet of Things technology gives miners greater insights on the working condition of their equipment. Sensors on the mining machinery drives predictive maintenance that in turn reduces the likelihood of unplanned, unscheduled downtimes that often drain the resources of mining companies. IoT technology gives realistic insights on machine wear and tear rates that enable miners to plan maintenance schedule accordingly.







Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05312929







Mining is the process of extracting minerals, metals and other valuable materials from the earth crust. Metals and minerals extracted from raw materials are widely used in industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, utilities, communication, and construction. Sand and gravel, coal and stone are non-metallic products of the mining industry.



The Mining market in this report is segmented into coal, lignite, and anthracite mining, metal ore mining, support activities for mining, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc mining, stone mining and general mineral mining segments.



Asia Pacific was the largest region in the mining market in 2017, accounting for around 64% market share. This is mainly because most countries in the region have significant demand for these minerals and large mineral resources.



Asia Pacific makes up almost two-thirds of the global non-ferrous mineral exploration expenditure. North America was the second largest region accounting for over 10% market share. Middle East was the smallest region accounting for less than 3% market share.



The Mining Global Market Report provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the global mining market.



Reasons to Purchase

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 Stay abreast of the latest customer and market research findings

 Benchmark performance against key competitors.

 Develop strategies based on likely future developments.

 Utilize the relationships between key data sets for superior strategizing.

 Suitable for supporting your internal and external presentations with reliable high quality data and analysis

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 Report will be updated with the latest data and delivered to you within 3-5 working days of order.



Description:

Where is the largest and fastest growing market for the mining? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The mining market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.



The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography. It places the market within the context of the wider mining market, and compares it with other markets.

 The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.

 The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market and forecasting the future. Drivers and restraints looks at the external factors supporting and controlling the growth of the market.

 Market segmentations break down market into sub markets.

 The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers all the regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets. It draws comparisons with country populations and economies to understand the importance of the market by country and how this is changing.

 Competitive landscape gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.

 The trends and strategies section highlights the likely future developments in the market and suggests approaches companies can take to exploit this.

 The mining market section of the report gives context. It compares the mining market with other segments of the mining market by size and growth, historic and forecast. It analyses Expenditure Per Capita, The Mining Market Indicators Comparison.

 The industry metrics section looks at critical drivers while the macro-economic section looks at the market in relation to the overall economy.



Scope

Markets Covered: Support Activities For Mining; General Mineral Mining; Stone Mining And Quarrying; Copper, Nickel, Lead, And Zinc Mining; Metal Ore Mining; Coal, Lignite, And Anthracite Minin



Companies Mentioned: BHP Billiton Ltd, Glencore Plc, Vale SA, Rio Tinto Group, CRH Plc



Countries: Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, Russia, UK, USA and Australia.



Regions: Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East And Africa



Time series: Five years historic and forecast.



Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP, Expenditure Per Capita, The Mining Market Indicators Comparison.



Data segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.



Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05312929



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.



__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

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MONTREAL, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Shakepay, a Montreal-based fintech startup connecting users with their digital money, today announced the beta launch of its latest platform, a multi-currency, peer-to-peer mobile wallet that allows Canadians to buy and sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Shakepay users can now purchase Bitcoin directly from their phones with just one click.

Shakepay

Built for mobile, the platform also allows users to send and request Canadian Dollars and Bitcoin, directly on the app, to and from other Shakepay users. Funds are added to their Shakepay mobile wallets via Interac e-transfers, an especially convenient method for those just getting started with digital assets. Users can also cash out their CAD balances to their Canadian bank accounts, with their funds being deposited within 24 hours. Shakepay charges a competitive 1.75% fee on top of BTC-to-CAD and CAD-to-BTC market rates. There is no fee to send and receive CAD and BTC to and from other Shakepay users. Additionally, Shakepay does not charge users a fee to transfer CAD to their mobile wallets.

"We're seeing a huge rate of adoption in the cryptocurrency space and we're excited to launch the new Shakepay product to the Canadian market, one that is severely underserved," said Jean Amiouny, Co-Founder and CEO. "Shakepay is the fastest way for Canadians to buy and sell digital currencies directly from their mobile phones."

Shakepay has recently joined the sixth cohort of Creative Destruction Lab at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. "CDL connects us with seasoned Canadian entrepreneurs to help us turn Shakepay from a startup to a high-growth company," said Roy Breidi, Co-Founder at Shakepay. "We are committed to working towards a seamless crossover between the current financial system and the digital asset world. We are driven to build products that meet the exploding consumer demand in the space."

Shakepay was founded in 2015 by Jean Amiouny, CEO, and Roy Breidi, CTO. Under their leadership, the company successfully raised $1 million last year in venture capital from Boost VC, Amphora Capital, and a handful of angel investors.

To learn more about Shakepay and its multi-asset, peer-to-peer mobile wallet, visit https://shakepay.co

Shakepay is currently hiring in Montreal and Toronto. For a listing of employment opportunities, visit https://angel.co/shakepay/jobs.

About Shakepay

Shakepay, a financial services company based in Montreal, powers transactions for thousands of users worldwide using blockchain technologies. The company was founded in 2015 by two McGill University alumnae: Jean Amiouny, CEO, is a Next 36 Canadian entrepreneur and guest lecturer at McGill University Faculties of Law and Management; and Roy Breidi, CTO, worked as a technology associate at Morgan Stanley.

Media Contact

Pola Hallquist

Apothecary Communications for Shakepay

[email protected]

1-866-213-9210 x801

SOURCE Shakepay

Related Links

https://shakepay.co


COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Napatech (OSLO: NAPA:OL), the leading provider of reconfigurable computing platforms, announced a solution for 5G mobile network operators that delivers more than 10 times the performance for software-based applications running on standard server platforms. The solution for 5G mobile radio access networks, which is a unique combination of Napatech SmartNICs based on Xilinx FPGAs, Radisys RAN software and Silex Inside crypto technology, enables software-based NodeB, Radio Network Controllers, Mobile Stations, gateways, testing equipment and other mobile network applications to scale from 1G to more than 10G on standard servers.

Mobile network operators are using standard server platforms to deliver 5G applications and services. In many cases, those systems struggle to meet network performance requirements due to the heavy CPU usage needs of networking and cryptography workloads. This smart, reconfigurable and virtual PDCP accelerator provides an optimized power and cost solution supporting long-term evolution (LTE) and 5G applications to address those needs. The solution will be at Napatech's Booth 6J21 at Mobile World Congress 2018 and will demonstrate:

Efficient use of CPU resources: The solution offloads the heavy networking and cryptography tasks from host CPUs to Napatech's FPGA-based SmartNICs, freeing up general-purpose processors, thereby increasing the performance of the NFV infrastructure.

The solution offloads the heavy networking and cryptography tasks from host CPUs to Napatech's FPGA-based SmartNICs, freeing up general-purpose processors, thereby increasing the performance of the NFV infrastructure. Increased throughput and lower latency: With the Napatech SmartNICs offloading encryption and decryption of mobile traffic, as well as the Open vSwitch (OVS) dataplane for de-multiplexing traffic into the VMs hosting the PDCP application, the overall throughput is increased significantly, while lowering the latency of mobile applications. This is a major advantage over traditional NFV solutions that implement virtual switching and cryptography in software running on standard processors.

With the Napatech SmartNICs offloading encryption and decryption of mobile traffic, as well as the Open vSwitch (OVS) dataplane for de-multiplexing traffic into the VMs hosting the PDCP application, the overall throughput is increased significantly, while lowering the latency of mobile applications. This is a major advantage over traditional NFV solutions that implement virtual switching and cryptography in software running on standard processors. Cost and power optimization: The solution provides telecom carriers with a smart, virtual, PDCP accelerator function that reduces power consumption while reducing CPU usage in addition to the increased system-level performance. Combined, this provides an optimized price-performance and performance-per-Watt solution for LTE and 5G applications, providing an attractive investment that scales with network requirements.

Jarrod J.S. Siket, CMO of Napatech, said: "The current NFV deployment model for virtualized RANs uses x86 servers, but it is experiencing major performance bottlenecks in practice. By offloading the complex network and security tasks to FPGA-based SmartNICs, operators can maintain the NFV model of using commodity server infrastructure for VNF processing without compromising the performance, latency cost and power goals that LTE and 5G applications require."

Farhad Shafai, vice president, Communications Markets at Xilinx, said: "Perpetual bandwidth explosion, continuous increase in system complexity and shrinking timelines are some of the constants in communications networks. On top of this, multifaceted 5G applications are adding new dimensions and challenges, including rapid service deployment and management; network slicing; and on-demand, scalable, extensible networks. The integration of the Xilinx FPGA-based Napatech SmartNIC and Radisys RAN Software into an NFV Accelerated RAN solution is the beginning of a new network paradigm that offers inherent adaptable-compute power to address these challenges and fully realize the potential of 5G."

Neeraj Patel, vice president and general manager, Software & Services Solutions of Radisys, said: "By collaborating with Napatech and Xilinx to deliver an accelerated RAN offload solution that frees up valuable x86 CPU resources for other NFVi applications, we are meeting our customers' goals for increased performance in a smaller footprint as required in the path to 5G. In addition, Radisys provides end-to-end software systems integration for our mobile operator customers to enable even faster time-to-market with reduced risk."

Visit the Napatech booth in Hall 6, booth 6J21 at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, for a demonstration of the solution.

About Napatech

Napatech helps companies to reimagine their business by bringing hyperscale computing benefits to IT organizations of every size. We enhance open and standard virtualized servers to boost innovation and release valuable computing resources that improve services and increase revenue. Our reconfigurable computing platform is based on a broad set of FPGA software for leading IT compute, network and security applications that are supported on a wide array of FPGA hardware designs. Additional information is available at: www.napatech.com

No Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements which are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to, business conditions, trends in the industry and markets, global economic and geopolitical conditions, macro-economic factors, and other risks and uncertainties set forth in Napatech's reports. The matter discussed in this release is based on current expectations and maybe subject to change. Napatech will not necessarily update this information. For details, visit us at www.napatech.com.

Media Investor Relations Shannon Tierney, Nadel Phelan Niels Hobolt +1.831.440.2409 +45.8853.7003 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Napatech

Related Links

http://www.napatech.com


HOUSTON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- NCI Building Systems, Inc. (NYSE: NCS) announced today a change to its reportable business segments, effective for the quarter ending January 28, 2018, to align with changes in how the Company manages its business, reviews operating performance and allocates resources.

As of the first quarter, the Company will begin reporting results under four reportable segments which will be Engineered Building Systems, Metal Components, Insulated Metal Panels and Metal Coil Coating. Previously, operating results for the Insulated Metal Panel product line were included in the Metal Components segment. In addition, CENTRIA's coil coating operations which have also been included in the Metal Components segment, since the Company's acquisition of CENTRIA in January 2015, will now be reported within the Metal Coil Coating segment. The Company will begin reporting its financial results under the new reportable segments with the filing of its Form 10-Q for the quarter ending January 28, 2018.

Two years of historical financial results for previously reported quarterly and annual periods for fiscal 2016 and 2017 have been recast reflecting the four new business segments and will be made available by the filing of a Form 8-K after market close on February 28, 2018.

Prior Reporting Segments New Reporting Segments

Engineered Building Systems Engineered Building Systems

Metal Components Metal Components

Metal Coil Coating Insulated Metal Panels



Metal Coil Coating



The Company has scheduled a conference call to discuss its new reportable segment disclosure on Thursday, March 1, starting at 9:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. CT).

By Phone: Dial 1-877-407-0672 or 1-412-902-0003 at least 10 minutes before the call. A telephone replay will be available through March 15, 2018 by dialing 1-877-660-6853 or 201-612-7415 using the access code 13676347#.



By Webcast: Visit the Event Calendar, Calls & Webcast section of the Investor Relations page of NCI's website. Please log on at least 10 minutes in advance to register and download any necessary software. A replay will be available shortly after the call and will be accessible for approximately 90 days.

About NCI Building Systems

NCI Building Systems, Inc. is one of North America's largest integrated manufacturers of metal products for the nonresidential building industry. NCI is comprised of a family of companies operating manufacturing facilities across the United States, Canada and Mexico with additional sales and distribution offices throughout the United States and Canada. For more information visit www.ncibuildingsystems.com.

Contact:

K. Darcey Matthews

Vice President, Investor Relations

281-897-7785

SOURCE NCI Building Systems, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ncibuildingsystems.com


NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Appointments are now available at the new Aspen Dental-branded practice at 7426 Niagara Falls Blvd. scheduled to open on Thursday, March 1.

Office hours will be Monday through Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. as well as select Saturdays. Walk-in and emergency patients are welcome. The office is located next door to Five Star Urgent Care, which provides quick, convenient, quality care to treat all non-life threatening ailments.

The new dental office is led by Dr. Frederica Skormin, who received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Skormin and her team will provide dental services ranging from dentures and preventive care, to general dentistry and restoration.

The new Aspen Dental office offers patient-friendly programs and services, including:

Personalized treatment and friendly service. Each patient receives a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan designed by the dentist with long-term oral and overall health in mind.

Each patient receives a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan designed by the dentist with long-term oral and overall health in mind. Affordable dental care. The practice works with insurance providers and handles the paperwork to save patients time and hassle, and offers free new-patient exams and X-rays to those without insurance. Patients will have peace of mind with detailed treatment cost estimates and a variety of financing options.

The practice works with insurance providers and handles the paperwork to save patients time and hassle, and offers free new-patient exams and X-rays to those without insurance. Patients will have peace of mind with detailed treatment cost estimates and a variety of financing options. On-site denture lab and Denture Money Back Guarantee. The practice's on-site denture lab facilitates quick turnaround of custom-crafted dentures, repairs (on all dentures  not just those purchases at Aspen Dental), relines or adjustments. If patients are dissatisfied with their dentures  the practice will refund the cost of the dentures when patients return them within 90 days.

To make an appointment, patients can go to www.aspendental.com and click on Schedule a New Patient Appointment; or call (716) 371-4284 or 800-ASPEN DENTAL (800-277-3633).

About Aspen Dental Offices

Aspen Dental-branded practices are committed to breaking down the barriers to better dental care, better smiles and better lives by making dentistry easier for patients. With more than 660 offices in 36 states, Aspen Dental practices provide a wide range of general dentistry and denture-related services and offer patient-friendly programs and services, including convenient locations, onsite labs and extended hours. Together, Aspen Dental practices cared for more than 1.7 million patients in 2017.

About Aspen Dental Management, Inc.

With an innovative model that takes care of non-clinical business and administrative services so that providers are free to focus on patient care, the team at ADMI is driven by one overarching purpose: To care for the people who care for the patients. ADMI makes it easier for clinicians to have the careers they've always dreamed of, delivering care to their patients with the support of a team of experienced business professionals who are committed to making their practices a success. Support provided by ADMI includes services and recommendations related to finding the right locations, leasing, acquiring equipment, accounting and marketing.

SOURCE Aspen Dental

Related Links

http://www.aspendental.com


TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Appointments are now available at the new Aspen Dental-branded practice at 1218 W. Irvington Road scheduled to open on Thursday, March 1.

Office hours will be Monday through Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. as well as select Saturdays. Walk-in and emergency patients are welcome.

The new dental office is led by Dr. Sarah Kym, who received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific. Dr. Kym and her team will provide dental services ranging from dentures and preventive care, to general dentistry and restoration.

The new Aspen Dental office offers patient-friendly programs and services, including:

Personalized treatment and friendly service. Each patient receives a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan designed by the dentist with long-term oral and overall health in mind.

Each patient receives a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan designed by the dentist with long-term oral and overall health in mind. Affordable dental care. The practice works with insurance providers and handles the paperwork to save patients time and hassle, and offers free new-patient exams and X-rays to those without insurance. Patients will have peace of mind with detailed treatment cost estimates and a variety of financing options.

The practice works with insurance providers and handles the paperwork to save patients time and hassle, and offers free new-patient exams and X-rays to those without insurance. Patients will have peace of mind with detailed treatment cost estimates and a variety of financing options. On-site denture lab and Denture Money Back Guarantee. The practice's on-site denture lab facilitates quick turnaround of custom-crafted dentures, repairs (on all dentures  not just those purchases at Aspen Dental), relines or adjustments. If patients are dissatisfied with their dentures  the practice will refund the cost of the dentures when patients return them within 90 days.

To make an appointment, patients can go to www.aspendental.com and click on Schedule a New Patient Appointment; or call (520) 330-3307 or 800-ASPEN DENTAL (800-277-3633).

About Aspen Dental Offices

Aspen Dental-branded practices are committed to breaking down the barriers to better dental care, better smiles and better lives by making dentistry easier for patients. With more than 660 offices in 36 states, Aspen Dental practices provide a wide range of general dentistry and denture-related services and offer patient-friendly programs and services, including convenient locations, onsite labs and extended hours. Together, Aspen Dental practices cared for more than 1.7 million patients in 2017.

About Aspen Dental Management, Inc.

With an innovative model that takes care of non-clinical business and administrative services so that providers are free to focus on patient care, the team at ADMI is driven by one overarching purpose: To care for the people who care for the patients. ADMI makes it easier for clinicians to have the careers they've always dreamed of, delivering care to their patients with the support of a team of experienced business professionals who are committed to making their practices a success. Support provided by ADMI includes services and recommendations related to finding the right locations, leasing, acquiring equipment, accounting and marketing.

SOURCE Aspen Dental

Related Links

http://www.aspendental.com


W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ASTM International's new committee on exoskeletons and exosuits (F48) held their first meeting Feb. 13-14 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, near the organization's global headquarters. The need for technical standards has grown alongside the rising use of exoskeletons in manufacturing, military, health, and other applications.

One of the group's first new standards will support terminology that defines vocabulary, fosters a common understanding of key terms, and supports future technical standards (WK60882). Other subcommittees and task groups will focus on:

design and manufacturing issues such as energy storage systems, passive versus active systems, and more;

human factors and ergonomics issues including usability, safety, training, anthropometric variables, and more;

task performance and environmental considerations broken down by application (consumer, public safety personnel, industrial, medical, and military)

maintenance and disposal issues, including decontamination; and,

security and information technology, including data privacy.

Donald R. Peterson is the committee's first chairperson. He is the dean and a professor of mechanical engineering at the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University.

Many major industry stakeholders attended the first meeting. This included companies such as Apptronik, Boeing, Briotix, Cyberdyne, Dow, Humotech, Sarcos, and Wuhan Hyetone Robotics. It also included key groups such as the Wearable Robotics Association and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. U.S. government agencies also attended, including the National Institute for Standard and Technology, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the Food and Drug Administration.

Others are welcome to join (www.astm.org/JOIN).

The F48 committee formed last year as a result of the burgeoning industry's need to address safety, quality, performance, ergonomics, and other issues. The group's vision is to create standards that will apply to systems and components throughout the life cycle of exoskeletons and exosuits.

For more information on the committee on exoskeletons and exosuits, please watch this video.

About ASTM International

Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life. We integrate consensus standards  developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts  and innovative services to improve lives Helping our world work better.

Media Inquiries: Dan Bergels, tel +1.610.832.9602; [email protected]

Committee Contact: Pat Picariello, tel +1.610.832.9720; [email protected]

SOURCE ASTM International

Related Links

http://www.astm.org


I will cherish the fact that Daddy Bill didn't allow differences to get in the way of his love for people. He understood that regardless of position, wealth, political affiliation, race, gender or any other defining characteristic, all are made in the image of God and are in need of his love. Though some Christians criticized Daddy Bill for being too ecumenical or compromising, I witnessed his love for people open doors for him to be the hands and feet of Jesus to many who had been ignored, marginalized or simply written off by the ones doing the criticizing.

Daddy Bill's genuine love for others has been a significant influence in the work I do addressing abuse issues inside the church. He understood the fundamental truth that Jesus never walked by the wounded laying on the side of life's roads. Daddy Bill's life pointed me to the Jesus who not only notices these precious people, but stops everything in order to move towards them, serve them and dignify them. It is my hope and prayer that the work I do will in some small measure reflect this same humanizing love for others.
The lawsuit alleges that 150 homes were destroyed by massive infernos during Hurricane Sandy. However, plaintiffs' attorney Keith Sullivan of Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP , does not hold Mother Nature solely responsible for the losses. "If LIPA and National Grid acted responsibly in preparing for the storm my clients would be living in their homes with all of their life's possessions and the communities would not have looked like war-zones after the storm passed through. Industry protocol and common sense called for de-energizing the electric system. However, LIPA and National Grid chose to keep the dangerous electric flowing into the beachfront communities during the worst storm this area has ever seen without any oversight or monitoring of the hazardous electricity."

The lawsuit alleges that while LIPA was entrusted with the power and authority to distribute the electricity, they passed that responsibility off to National Grid by paying them an annual base of $224 Million with various added incentive bonuses to operate and maintain the electrical transmissions.

In ruling against the defendants, the court held "We reject defendants' claim that the magnitude of the disaster, without reference to the circumstances and nature of the specific act or omission alleged  i.e., the failure to de-energize  renders LIPA's conduct governmental as a matter of law."

Sullivan added, "Unquestionably, the court reached the right decision. This is a tremendous victory for our clients. Sadly, some of our clients are still not back in their homes and businesses are not yet opened, but the defendants chose to spend five years pushing this invalid defense."

In a concurring opinion Justice Rivera characterized the immunity defense as "an argument that has no possibility of success."

Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP is a law firm with offices located in Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact Keith Sullivan at (718) 843-0300.

SOURCE Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP

Related Links

https://www.sullivangalleshaw.com


STAMFORD, Conn., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Newbury Partners LLC ("Newbury") has held a final close of its fourth fund, Newbury Equity Partners IV L.P. ("NEP IV"), at the hard cap with capital commitments of $1.447 billion. This exceeds an original target of $1.25 billion and its prior fund size of $1.10 billion. The limited partner base consists of both new and existing investors; the firm did not retain a placement agent.

NEP IV brings the firm's assets under management to more than $4.2 billion. The funds' limited partner base includes leading pension funds, family offices, insurance companies, endowments, and corporations across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

NEP IV will continue to target privately-negotiated, small and mid-sized transactions in the private equity secondary market, which Newbury believes provides investors with attractive risk-adjusted returns and consistent cash distributions compared to those available from primary investments in newly formed private equity funds. Newbury's transactions typically range from $1 million to $100 million in size, which the firm sees as a less competitive space given the focus of market intermediaries and large secondary funds on larger transactions.

Newbury Partners was established in late 2006 by an experienced team of senior investment professionals focused on the secondary private equity market. The firm manages more than $4.2 billion of capital commitments on behalf of more than 200 limited partners worldwide. Since the firm's inception, the Newbury team has completed more than 140 secondary transactions and more than 40 co-investments.

Media Contact:

Karen Morstad

President

Morstad

203-661-1090

[email protected]

Interview Requests:

Gerry Esposito

Chief Financial Officer

Newbury Partners LLC

203-428-3609

[email protected]

SOURCE Newbury Partners LLC
PASADENA, Calif., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Russ Reid & Grizzard, a leading agency serving the nonprofit sector, today announced its new name: One & All.

The agency was created last year with the merger of Russ Reid and Grizzard, two independent industry leaders responsible for many of the practices used in modern fundraising. The name change follows an extensive re-branding effort, in partnership with global branding firm, Siegel+Gale, to define the combined agency and inspire further reinvention of nonprofit giving.

"One & All literally means everyone," said Alan Hall, chief executive officer of the agency. "It speaks to the deep emotional connection and shared purpose that people experience when they engage with nonprofits. It taps into the power of sharing, the sense that we can achieve more through cooperation than competition, and that by donating, we are paying back what we have received in life. It's the basis of the Golden Rule."

Last year's merger combined the best of the two agencies into one: the integrated, multi-channel capabilities of Russ Reid; the efficiency and technical expertise of Grizzard; and the scale of the combined agency to streamline and optimize resources more effectively on behalf of clients. The combined agency has also attracted a wide array of new talent with diverse skills, helping expand its range of services, create partnerships with corporate, media and technology brands and fashion new ways of giving.

"Our new name is built on the legacy of our two brands, and launches us into the future of nonprofit fundraising because it conveys the idea that everyone can have a collective part in doing good," said Jane Chong, chief innovation officer of One & All. "Our clients face greater challenges now more than ever in gaining share-of-giving. Not only do we need to be more insightful and data driven, we need to be more creative in developing solutions for clients that go beyond just raising money. Our task is to help organizations achieve their goals, and we take a broad view on how we can do that."

This fresh perspective will be carried through in the agency's new tagline: The Power of We. The line conveys a spirit of collaboration that operates on multiple levelsbetween the two formerly independent agencies, between One & All and its clients, and between the donors One & All brings together to share in a client's mission.

"For nearly 100 years, our job has been to unlock the potential contained in that simple pronoun, we," said Mr. Hall. "Inspired by our new name and positioning, we are looking for ways to foster that collective mindset  to activate The Power of We, help our clients have more impact and, ultimately, change the world."

About One & All

One & All exists to help nonprofit organizations solve the world's most pressing problems. For nearly a century, the agency has been providing data-driven solutions that create real and powerful connections between nonprofit organizations and people to fuel growth and impact. With offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Toronto, One & All helps clients through direct response fundraising, brand strategy and advertising, analytics, consulting services, and digital and social campaigns. Consistent growth has been driven by long-tenured relationships and results for The Salvation Army, Operation Smile, American Red Cross, World Vision, Mercy Ships, more than 70 humane societies and over 250 rescue missions and food banks.

One & All is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group.

About the DAS Group of Companies

The DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), is a global group of marketing services companies. DAS includes over 200 companies in the following marketing disciplines: specialty, PR, healthcare, CRM, events, promotional marketing, branding and research. Operating through a combination of networks and regional organizations, DAS serves international, regional, national and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

Press Contact

Dana Glaser, 646-935-4266, [email protected]

SOURCE Russ Reid & Grizzard
Northwestern Mutual Debuts Art Exhibit Designed to Catalyze Community Involvement

Giving Gallery: Community in Process, now open to the public, embodies the spirit of philanthropy
FRISCO, Texas, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Nurture Ranch today announced that it is a finalist in the NEXTY Awards, which recognize the most progressive, innovative, inspiring and trustworthy products in the natural products industry. Nurture Ranch produces 100% grass-fed beef raised in the tall lush dells of East Texas without antibiotics, hormones or grain. Each Nurture Steer is traceable from birth to harvest through Nurture Tracker, a technology that individually monitors and tracks each steer throughout the nurturing and harvest process. No two steers are ever co-mingled in pack, including hamburger, hot dogs and sausage.

"Our mission is: better nutrition with exquisite taste, tenderness and transparency. We are thrilled to be recognized by the coveted NEXTY Awards for our marrying of digital technology and old-school ranching to fulfill on that mission," said Rodney Mason, Nurture Ranch CEO.

Nurture Ranch is a finalist in the Best New Transparently Sourced Product category of the NEXTY Awards, which recognize products that display exemplary standards, innovation or traceability through supply chain. The awards are managed by New Hope Network, and winners will be announced at 2018 Natural Products Expo West , taking place in Anaheim, March 7-12. Nurture Ranch will be exhibiting Friday March 9-11 at booth #8613 at the Anaheim Convention Center Level 300.

Nurture Ranch partners with 5th generation ranchers to implement a proprietary nurturing process that raises healthy, happy Black Angus cattle on nutrient-rich grasses that naturally yield the highest caloric intake without upsetting the cattle's stomachs. Its products are sold directly to consumers through Amazon Fresh and to finer restaurants and institutions across the US.

About Nurture Ranch

Nurture Ranch partners with restaurants, retailers & meal kits at the pinnacle of quality in their respective categories to provide traceable, 100 % grass-fed beef. Nurture Ranch beef is nurtured in tall, lush dells without grain, antibiotics or hormones. It boasts the Super 7 Difference that makes its beef Better in 12 Ways than traditional beef, and is certified by the American Grassfed Association.

CONTACT: Jennifer Tramontana 303-929-9636, [email protected]

SOURCE Nurture Ranch

Related Links

http://www.nurtureranch.com


The formal launch of WGU Ohio will take place in late spring of this year. Prior to the launch, WGU will be working with business and community leaders to secure start-up funding. After start-up, WGU Ohio will be self-sustaining on flat-rate tuition of about $6,500 per year.

"WGU offers degree programs in fields that will help our state address critical workforce needs," said Chancellor Carey. "WGU's affordability and online, competency-based learning model provide another option for busy adults to earn a degree as they balance work and family responsibilities. We look forward to the launch of WGU Ohio later this year."

"WGU was founded by U.S. governors who knew that expanding access to quality higher education is fundamental to helping individuals change their lives as well as ensuring the economic health of their states," said WGU President Scott D. Pulsipher. "Today, WGU has more than 101,000 graduates, and we serve 94,000 students in all 50 states, including 2,100 here in Ohio. We look forward to playing an integral role in helping more Ohioans earn the degrees they need."

One of the nation's fastest growing universities, WGU's four colleges offer accredited bachelor's and master's degrees in business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. WGU programs are competency-based, a learning model designed to meet the needs of busy 21st century students. Competency-based education focuses on measuring learning rather than time spent in class. Students study and learn on a schedule that fits their lives, supported by faculty who work with them individually, advancing as soon as they demonstrate mastery of material. This allows students to apply prior learning and experience to move quickly through material they already know while they spend more time on what they still need to learn. This more personalized approach to learning allows many WGU students to accelerate their time to a degreethe average time to a bachelor's degree is about two and a half yearssaving both time and money.

About WGU

Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves 94,000 students nationwide and has 101,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation's leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 21 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today's rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

Follow WGU:

http://www.facebook.com/wgu.edu

http://www.linkedin.com/companies/western-governors-university

http://twitter.com/wgu

http://www.youtube.com/WesternGovernorsUniv

http://google.com/+wgu

http://news.wgu.edu/news/news.xml

Contact for media inquiries:

Joan Mitchell  VP of Public Relations

801-428-5463

[email protected]

Contact for enrollment information:

866-225-5948

wgu.edu

SOURCE Western Governors University; WGU Ohio

Related Links

http://www.wgu.edu


BROOKLYN, N.Y., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Established over a decade ago, OKMerchant Payment Solutions is a Brooklyn, New York-based credit card processing platform which is an independent office of Card Connect a First Data Corporation that helps businesses of all sizes reduce and/or eliminate maintenance and transaction charges when they accept credit or debit card payments from their customers.

"My goal is to examine your business's credit card processing statements and get rid of all the fees that you, the business owner, may consider to be legitimate," says Director of Sales and Operations Michael Luchen. "At OKMerchant, we examine not only the percentage that your business pays but also the transaction fees, batch fees, statement fees, etc. We can likely reduce your fees by up to 40% - a 'win-win' for business owners."

OKMerchant has been in business for over 10 years while enjoying the impressive standing of an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and receiving zero complaints. The company enjoys a huge client brand list and has successfully reduced transaction costs for all major credit card companies, including American Express. OKMerchant is the only company in the US to include every nationwide bank, and to pay Interchange + 0 and $0 per transaction at all stores, both online and physical.

Processing fees make sizable inroads into a business's bottom line; OKMerchant can increase a company's profit margin by eliminating these fees. Contact Michael Luchen today to find out how to stop wasting money on credit card transaction fees or for more information as to how OKMerchant can help your business.

About OKMerchant

OKMerchant is a credit card processing platform with over 10 years of registered activity. Its aim is to serve all business clients regardless of the niche or size of business. OKMerchant helps with reduction and elimination of different transaction and maintenance charges associated with various credit and debit cards, including American Express. More information can be found on http://www.michaelluchen.biz/. Prospective clients can also request details at 929.441.8903.

Press Contact:

Michael Luchen

Phone: 929-441-8903

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.MichaelLuchen.biz

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE OKMerchant Payment Solutions
HOUSTON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Pelican Energy Partners is pleased to announce the completion of fundraising for Pelican Energy Partners III LP ("Pelican III"), which was substantially oversubscribed, and accepted $233 million of capital commitments within three months of commencing fundraising. The first and final closing took place on February 15, 2018, with commitments from top-tier investors, including endowments, foundations, family offices and public pensions. Pelican III continues the momentum of its predecessor fund, Pelican Energy Partners II LP, which closed with $210 million of commitments in July 2016.

"We continue to be focused on the lower end of the middle market where we see the most compelling investment opportunities. We are grateful for the continued support from our existing investors. We are very fortunate to have a great team and we are pleased with the results of our strategy," said Mike Scott, Founder and Managing Partner at Pelican Energy Partners.

Pelican Energy Partners focuses exclusively on energy service and equipment investments in small companies with differentiated offerings. Its team of 15 investment and operating professionals, including five individuals who have worked as CEOs in the energy sector, have deployed an aggregate of over $500 million of equity capital over their careers as entrepreneurs, operators and investors.

Champlain Advisors, LLC served as the exclusive placement agent and Baker Botts L.L.P. served as legal counsel.

About Pelican Energy Partners

Pelican Energy Partners, through its private equity funds, is a market leading Houston-based energy private equity firm focused solely on energy service and equipment company investments. For more information, visit www.pelicanenergypartners.com or contact Mike Scott at (713) 559-7112.

About Champlain Advisors, LLC

Champlain Advisors, LLC provides fund placement, advisory and investor relations services to alternative investment managers. Champlain's team has raised over $28 billion of institutional capital globally and is an SEC registered Broker/Dealer and FINRA/SIPC member firm. Please visit www.champlainadvisors.com or contact Terry Crikelair at (212) 686-7949 x112 for additional information.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company's plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future bookings, acquisitions, business trends, executive compensation, and other information that is not historical information. Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Contact: Mike Scott

Pelican Energy Partners

(713) 559-7112

SOURCE Pelican Energy Partners

Related Links

http://www.pelicanenergypartners.com


"We were pleased to see the very robust response to this luxury auction offering, especially given that the home failed to sell after a listing period of 2 and  years," stated David Enriquez, Platinum's vice president of operations. He added that during the 5-week promotional program in advance of the sales date, more than 14,900 international website hits were registered to the property's page on the Platinum site, which resulted in 99 bona fide buyer inquiries and 7 registered bidders on auction day.

The winning auction bidder was described by Mr. Enriquez as a private individual who has owned multiple properties on Kiawah Island. The buyer was actually traveling abroad during the live auction, but participated via telephone with a representative who was stationed on-site to place the phone bids in real time.

The tri-level beach estate sits on a 0.7-acre lot offering 25 feet of direct beach frontage. The parcel's lengthy, rectangular shape includes a gently winding walkway leading directly to the beach.

The main residence provides 4 bedrooms, 5 full and one-half baths, and more than 5,700 square feet of living space, while a separate guesthouse - which also serves as a cabana - adds another bed, full bath, and 350 square feet of interiors. Prominent features of the home include a large salon with oversized windows offering ocean views, an elevator, gentlemen's study, and a large master suite occupying the entire third level.

In addition to the guesthouse/cabana, outdoor amenities include multiple terraces and patios with ocean views, a large sundeck surrounding a private pool, and an outdoor shower for rinsing off the surf and sand.

The sale is scheduled to close within 30 days, although Platinum noted that the all-cash sale might close sooner, at the request of the buyer and seller. Additional information on this transaction is available online at KiawahLuxuryAuction.com, or by contacting Platinum's offices at 800.262.5132.

About Platinum Luxury Auctions

Platinum Luxury Auctions is responsible for developing the luxury auction model for high-priced real estate auctions, and owns the rights to the term "luxury auction." The firm specializes in the non-distressed sale of multimillion-dollar properties within and beyond the United States. Platinum's team has closed more than $732 million in luxury real estate auction sales to date, while consulting on more than $2.3 billion in additional luxury properties worldwide.

SOURCE Platinum Luxury Auctions
Luxury travel advisors from Protravel will be present to offer travel advice and inspiration to the close to 8,000 daily attendees at the Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village featuring Mastercard Grand Tasting Tents & KitchenAid Culinary Demonstrations event taking place on Miami's South Beach on Friday, February 23 through Sunday, February 25.

"We are thrilled to once again be a part of the fabulous SOBEWFF," says Stacey Gallagher, Manager of Protravel's Miami office. "Our advisor Carol Press has been booking travel for the celebrity chefs coming to SOBEWFF for the last 10 years. And, for the last two years, a team of Protravel's Florida agents have joined in to share their expertise in designing wine and food-focused trips and more with attendees under the tents on South Beach at the Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village."

In keeping with its mission to give back, Protravel has also worked with its partners to donate close to $60,000 in travel experiences to be auctioned off during silent and online auctions to benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University.

"What's better than food, wine and travel?" says Gail Grimmett, president of Protravel and Travel Leaders Luxury Brands. "We are proud to support the Chaplin School and be present for the incredible Tribute Dinner event honoring Bobby Flay and Michael Clarke. We teamed up with some of our top luxury travel supplier partners to donate compelling auction prizes we know will be well-received by Tribute Dinner and festival attendees."

Six luxury vacation packages will be auctioned during a silent auction at the sold-out Tribute Dinner honoring Bobby Flay and Michael Clarke of Treasury Wine Estates taking place Saturday evening. Other gifts were donated to the online auction open to the public and taking place through March 7.

Protravel's donations to the silent auction at the Tribute Dinner include:

14-night Celebrity European Cruise for Two on Celebrity Cruises

Four-day Luxury African Safari for two in Botswana with ProAfrica and Wilderness Safaris

with ProAfrica and Wilderness Safaris Four Nights in Stunning Grenada at Silversands Hotel and Private Villas

Seven-night Luxury River Cruise for Two on the Mekong with AMA Waterways

One Glorious Night in a Luxurious Three-Bedroom NYC Duplex Penthouse at The Marmara Park Avenue

Four Nights in Romantic Tahiti with Two Nights at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa and Two Nights at The Brando

Attendees can enter a contest sponsored by Protravel to win a prize at the event or online.

Protravel luxury travel advisors who will attend the Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village include:

Stacey Gallagher , Protravel Miami

, Protravel Miami Leslie Young , Protravel Miami

, Protravel Miami Vanessa Cohen , Protravel Miami

, Protravel Miami Jayne-Louise Webb , Protravel Miami

, Protravel Miami Maggie Maranga , ProAfrica, New York

, ProAfrica, Kim Cornick , Protravel Boca Raton

, Protravel Boca Raton Eugene Cornick , Protravel Boca Raton

, Protravel Boca Raton Hope Yonge , Protravel Boca Raton

For more information about Protravel visit: https://www.protravelinc.com/

For more information about the SOBEWFF visit: http://sobewff.org/

About Protravel International, LLC:

Protravel International, LLC is a Travel Leaders Group company. Founded in 1984, Protravel International, LLC is a full-service, dynamic travel company with an award-winning reputation. Protravel is headquartered in New York City and supports 20 locations throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, plus a network of hosted agents in all corners of the U.S. Today, approximately 1,000 people make up the Protravel organization. Our expertise in destination, international faring and competitive products  coupled with our superior network of contacts in the airline, hotel, cruise and hospitality industry  makes Protravel one of the most powerful selling forces in the travel industry.

About Travel Leaders Group

Travel Leaders Group is transforming travel with a commitment to our vacation and business travel clients through our progressive approach toward each unique travel experience. Having already assisted millions of travelers, Travel Leaders Group manages leisure, business and franchise travel operations under a variety of diversified divisions and brands. With over 7,000 agency locations, Travel Leaders Group ranks as one of the industry's largest traditional travel agency companies.

About the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival

EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE. All proceeds from the Festival benefit the students of the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management who also assist Festival organizers with sponsorship fulfillment, restaurant and exhibitor recruitment, logistics, and inventory as well as working alongside some of the world's greatest celebrity chefs and winemakers. To date, the Festival has raised more than $26 million for the School. In September 2017, BizBash named the Festival the #1 Food & Restaurant Industry event in the United States for the fifth year in a row.

The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival is produced by Florida International University and Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information about the Festival, visit sobewff.org or call 877-762-3933. For more information about Florida International University visit fiu.edu, for the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management visit hospitality.fiu.edu and for more information about Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits visit southernglazers.com.

SOURCE Protravel International

Related Links

https://www.protravelinc.com


The Qualtrics Community members include some of the most prolific Qualtrics users in their fields, compiling thousands of years of combined expertise across business, technology, and academic industries, to name a few. The community is open to expert and novice users alike, and is a forum to discuss the projects that drive them, trade tips and tricks, and to enable networking with other users.

The Qualtrics Community aims to facilitate education and collaboration, allowing users to ask for advice on how best to build their projects using the Qualtrics Experience Management Platform. Experts are available across many domains, including customer experience, employee experience, product experience, brand experience and market research domains. Members can comment and tag the responses they find to be the most helpful. The Qualtrics Community Team is also present to help foster meaningful connections and keep community members on their toes by running competitions and challenges where they can earn points and badges to move up in rank in the community.

"I love being able to quickly ask questions of other users of the Qualtrics platform to find alternative solutions, or even have a discussion on best practices. This exchange of knowledge has saved me hours across projects," said Rachel Cvetkovski, an Associate at THREE. "I've never had a community of people outside my own company to use as a resource, so I'm very grateful for the collaboration."

"Everything we do at Qualtrics is focused on building amazing software for our customers and then helping them to best utilize those tools to create amazing experience programs," said Paul Sheets, Head of Global Operations at Qualtrics. "While we offer world-class training and support programs, sometimes users just want to quickly bounce an idea or problem off another user who has been in their shoes. We created the Qualtrics Community as part of our ongoing commitment to helping our customers learn, collaborate and succeed. It's a place where novice users can connect with experts, obtain high quality information and create new professional connections, or even friends, along the way."

To join the Qualtrics Community, go to https://www.qualtrics.com/community and sign in with your Qualtrics account credentials. Other resources for Qualtrics users include a library of support topics, formal certification programs and 24/7 support via chat, email or phone.

Meet other users of the Qualtrics Community in person at the X4 Summit, a three-day master class in experience management, on March 6-9, 2018, in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, go to https://www.qualtrics.com/x4summit.

About Qualtrics

Qualtrics is a single system of record for all experience data, also called X-data, allowing organizations to manage the four core experiences of businesscustomer, product, employee and brand experienceson one platform. Over 8,500 enterprises worldwide, including more than 75 percent of the Fortune 100 and 99 of the top 100 U.S. business schools, rely on Qualtrics. To learn more, and for a free account, please visit www.qualtrics.com.

Press Contacts

Julia Giona, Qualtrics

+1 (415) 828-4775

[email protected]

McKenzie Haggard, Method Communications for Qualtrics

+1 (801) 850-3624

[email protected]

SOURCE Qualtrics

Related Links

http://www.qualtrics.com


SALT LAKE CITY and SEATTLE, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Qualtrics, the leader in experience management, was listed as one of Fast Company's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Enterprise for 2018. Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies recognizes pioneering companies who have had an outsized impact on entire industries and on the larger communities where they operate.

More than 8,500 organizations worldwide utilize the Qualtrics Experience Management Platform to manage the four core experiences of business: customer, employee, brand and product experience. The Experience Management or XM Platform allows organizations to uncover key business drivers, predict future customer needs, and retain employees and customers.

"It is an honor to be listed as one of Fast Company's most innovative enterprise companies. Every organization in the world needs an experience management platform," said Ryan Smith, co-founder and CEO of Qualtrics. "The XM Platform is changing the way companies interact with their customers and employees and it's reshaping how organizations think about building products and brands."

In addition to creating the experience management category, Qualtrics has also played a catalyzing force across the world helping raise funds for cancer research through its 5 For The Fight campaign, which invites everyone to donate $5 to the fight against cancer.

Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy. "This year's list is an inspiring and insightful window into how many companies have embraced innovation and are working to make meaningful change," said Fast Company deputy editor David Lidsky.

To learn more about Qualtrics and the XM Platform join the X4 Experience Management Summit in Salt Lake City, March 6-9, 2018, or visit www.qualtrics.com.

About Qualtrics

Qualtrics is a single system of record for all experience data, also called X-data, allowing organizations to manage the four core experiences of businesscustomer, product, employee and brand experienceson one platform. Over 8,500 enterprises worldwide, including more than 75 percent of the Fortune 100 and 99 of the top 100 U.S. business schools, rely on Qualtrics. To learn more, and for a free account, please visit www.qualtrics.com.

Press Contacts

Mike Maughan, Qualtrics

+1 (385) 203-4564

[email protected]

McKenzie Terry, Method Communications for Qualtrics

+1 (801) 850-3624

[email protected]

SOURCE Qualtrics

Related Links

http://www.qualtrics.com


PHOENIX, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CampusLogic, higher education's leading student financial services platform, today announced its continued rapid growth in 2017, having achieved a 4-year compounded annual growth rate of 215%. This reflects a shift in how colleges are organizing around the financial needs of students, and leveraging technology to do so.

According to recent research, more than three million students drop out of higher education each year due to financial constraints. The challenge stems, in part, from an array of manual and generic processes in students' finance journeys, including inefficient financial aid processing systems, poor student communication, and poor organization of scholarships. In response, colleges and universities are increasingly adopting technology to make student financial services easy, mobile, and personalized.

Since launching its first product in 2014, CampusLogic's ongoing innovation and measurable impact on student access has attracted the attention of colleges and universities of all types and sizes. At the end of 2017, CampusLogic increased its total number of college and university customers to more than 440, up from only 4 at the end of 2014.

The CampusLogic platform enables universities to execute on best practices that bring transparency and ease to financial aid processes for students, and efficiency for university administrators. At schools like Fullerton College and North Central Texas College, financial aid staff now utilize CampusLogic's technology to reduce aid processing time, freeing up more time to advise students. Arizona State University recently launched a new, interactive award letter with CampusLogic to personalize and explain financial awards for families. Earlier in the year, CampusLogic acquired Cegment, maker of the most widely-used commercial net price calculator, which allows students to see the cost of their degree, including financial aid eligibility, loan debt, and estimated post-graduation monthly loan repayments.

Among the hundreds of institutions that have joined CampusLogic in 2017 are University of Oklahoma, Temple University, Auburn University, University of California, Irvine, Purdue University, and Ivy Tech Community College. CampusLogic technology is now being used by over 440 colleges serving 3 million students. In 2017 alone, schools used CampusLogic's platform to send 2.6 million text messages, 3.3 million emails, and nearly 1 million mobile award offers to students.

"We are excited by the rapid growth we're seeing because we know it reflects a growing emphasis on de-mystifying financial services for students and families," said Gregg Scoresby, founder and CEO of CampusLogic. "By streamlining student financial services, technology can help remove barriers and keep more students on a path to success. We are grateful to work with and learn from so many innovative colleges and universities committed to making every student interaction easy, mobile, and personalized."

About CampusLogic

CampusLogic transforms the way higher education delivers student financial services with the firstand onlycomprehensive platform. Easy. Mobile. Personalized. CampusLogic's innovative software removes barriers from the student finance journey for a faster, more efficient path to enrollment and retention. More than 440 schools serving 3 million students boost enrollment, streamline efficiencies, improve retention, and simplify compliance with CampusLogic. For more information visit www.campuslogic.com.

Follow CampusLogic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/campuslogic

Blog: http://campuslogic.com/blog/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/campuslogic

SOURCE CampusLogic

Related Links

http://www.campuslogic.com


WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International religious freedom issues are growing in urgency and importance worldwide. It is against this backdrop that today 21Wilberforce released the 115th Congress Interim International Religious Freedom Congressional Scorecard. The intent of the Scorecard is to increase congressional awareness of international religious freedom issues, to encourage legislators to take bold action in support of this cause, and to publicly recognize the work of religious freedom champions in Congress.

"The need to protect and promote religious freedom is more critical now than ever. I am hopeful the Interim International Religious Freedom Congressional Scorecard will spur the 115th Congress to more proactively address the continuing and escalating religious freedom crisis worldwide," said former Congressman Frank Wolf, Distinguished Senior Fellow at 21Wilberforce.

Members were evaluated on their public engagement with international religious freedom based on their sponsorship of bills, resolutions, and amendments, as well as related caucus work and votes in the Senate and the House. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY) earned the top scores for the 115th Congress Interim IRF Scorecard. In addition, 48 legislators (28 Democrats and 20 Republicans) are recognized as "Notable Leaders" for the first year of the 115th Congress. Results in this Scorecard demonstrate that international religious freedom issues can transcend the partisan divide.

"The Interim IRF Congressional Scorecard has an incredibly important story to tell," said Katrina Lantos Swett, President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice. "As religious freedom abuses have proliferated around the world, America's efforts to advocate for this bedrock human right have not kept pace. This vital tool tells us who in our Congress is leaning forward in defense of the First Freedom and who is leaning back. This is information we need to know so that all of us can better protect the conscience rights of people around the globe."

A project of 21Wilberforce, the International Religious Freedom Congressional Scorecard is an educational tool and should not be perceived as an effort to support or endorse specific legislation or candidates. The International Religious Freedom Scorecard can be read online or downloaded at: https://IRFscorecard.org.

SOURCE 21Wilberforce
AUBURN, Calif., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Riskalyze today announced that industry veteran Lori Hardwick has been appointed to serve on its Board of Directors. Hardwick is the Founder and President of Advisor Innovation Labs and has previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Pershing (a BNY Mellon Company), and Group President at Envestnet.

Hardwick is a renowned leader in advisor technology, having worked with the industry's largest broker-dealers, RIAs and institutions. She helped build Envestnet from the ground up, as one of the firm's founding partners, and served as a senior leader of the company as the team took the company public in 2010 and scaled to over 4,000 employees.

"We are thrilled to have an executive of Lori's caliber join us for the next phase of our journey as a company," said Aaron Klein, CEO at Riskalyze. "Lori's extensive relationships with industry leaders, and her deep grasp of the issues facing our institutional customers, will be invaluable on the board. As Riskalyze continues to grow at a rapid pace, we look forward to seeing the benefits of Lori's counsel."

The Riskalyze board now has six members, including Klein, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer Mike McDaniel, Board Chairman Andy Swan, and Board Directors Ryan Shanks, Brad Bernstein and Hardwick.

"What Riskalyze has accomplished in its short history is nothing short of amazing and I'm proud and honored to join the board of this incredible company as it enters its next phase of growth," said Hardwick. "I've had the great privilege of building and leading extremely talented teams at some of the industry's top firms, and I look forward to sharing my perspective and advice with Aaron, Mike and their team to help them maximize the opportunity that Riskalyze has ahead of them."

About Riskalyze

Riskalyze is the company that invented the Risk Number, which powers the world's first Risk Alignment Platform, empowers advisors to automate client accounts with Autopilot, delivers the first risk-centric 401K experience with Riskalyze Retirement Solutions, and enables enterprises to develop real-time visibility, increase revenue, spot issues and navigate changing fiduciary rules with Compliance Cloud. Advisors, broker-dealers, RIAs, asset managers, custodians and clearing firms use the Riskalyze platform to empower the world to invest fearlessly. To learn more, visit riskalyze.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

FiComm Partners

Jessica Torchia

[email protected]

917-636-4804

SOURCE Riskalyze

Related Links

http://www.riskalyze.com


NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rubenstein Partners, L.P. (Rubenstein), a vertically-integrated real estate investment manager headquartered in Philadelphia and specializing in value-added office property opportunities in major U.S. markets, has hired Ferhat Guven as Director of Investor Relations. In this senior role, Mr. Guven will lead Rubenstein's capital raising efforts in coordination with the firm's senior leadership team. Mr. Guven joins Rubenstein with more than 15 years of fundraising and direct investment experience for a variety of real estate strategies, and will be based in the firm's New York City offices.

"As our firm expands, we continue to refine the roles of our senior leadership and make select hires for key positions," said David B. Rubenstein, Founder and Senior Managing Partner of Rubenstein Partners. "Ferhat is the latest senior-level addition to the Rubenstein team, and we believe that his capital raising experience will be a significant asset for us as we move forward."

Mr. Guven joins from Threadmark, LP, the U.S. arm of a U.K.-based placement agent, where he served as Senior Vice President. Previously he founded Altitude Advisors, where he raised capital for a variety of direct real estate strategies. Prior to that, he worked in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America for Jamestown, Paladin Realty Partners and UBS.

At Jamestown, Mr. Guven was a managing director responsible for capital raising and investor relations as part of the group's founding international investment team. During his tenure at Paladin Realty Partners, Mr. Guven was a London-based managing director responsible for fund raising and investor relations in Europe and the Middle East.

Mr. Guven graduated from the London Business School with a Masters of Science degree in management, where he was a Sloan Fellow, and from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and History.

About Rubenstein Partners

Rubenstein Partners, founded in September 2005, is a private real estate investment management and advisory firm with operations throughout the United States. The firm is led by its founder, David Rubenstein, and a group of senior real estate executives, and is focused on directing and managing value-added office real estate investments in major U.S. markets. Rubenstein Partners' predecessor company, The Rubenstein Company, LP and affiliates, founded in 1969, was one of the largest private owner operators of Class A office real estate in the Mid-Atlantic, owning and operating a portfolio of assets valued at approximately $1.2 billion at the time of its disposition in 2004. Since 2005, Rubenstein Partners has, on behalf of its investors and clients, invested in more than 10 million square feet of office real estate assets throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.rubensteinpartners.com.

Contact :

Great Ink Communications, Ltd.  212-741-2977

Eric Waters

Tom Nolan

[email protected]

SOURCE Rubenstein Partners

Related Links

http://www.rubensteinpartners.com


Posted by Mark Williams | February 22, 2018





Vehicles Affected: Approximately 8,800 2017 model-year Toyota Tundra and 30,000 model-year 2018 Toyota Tundra pickup trucks

The Problem: In the 2017 models, one or more of the bolts attaching the left rear seat to the floor may not have been properly fastened. A seat with improperly fastened bolts could lead to an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. In the 2018 models, a vehicle diagnostic function may unnecessarily turn off the vehicle stability control system and affect other systems, increasing the risk of a crash. If this occurs, warning lights, messages and a chime will display and sound. Turning off the VSC to stop the warnings could also increase the risk of a crash.

The Fix: Toyota dealers will tighten the bolts to the proper specifications in the 2017 Tundra and update the software in the electronic control unit of the 2018 Tundra free of charge.

What Owners Should Do: Toyota will begin notifying owners by first-class mail in the middle of March. Owners can call the manufacturer at 800-331-4331, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit its website to check their vehicle identification number.

Need to Find a Dealer for Service? Go to Cars.com Service & Repair to find your local dealer. To check for other recalls, and to schedule a free recall repair at your local dealership, click here: Toyota Tundra.

Manufacturer image
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that more than $1 billion in low-interest disaster loans has been approved for 28,106 Puerto Rico residents and businesses recovering in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria which struck in September 2017.

"Recovery for Puerto Rico has a long way to go. The SBA is still on the ground, making sure that island residents and businesses are getting the help they need to rebuild. The agency will continue its outreach to make sure those who need the help are aware of the long-term recovery assistance that's available," SBA Administrator Linda McMahon said. "Meanwhile, SBA mobile business recovery centers have visited all 78 Puerto Rico municipalities, with 4,500 business owners attending sessions to learn about SBA disaster assistance and get help with online disaster loan applications."

The filing deadline for physical property damage disaster loan applications for Hurricanes Irma and Maria is March 20, 2018. The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is June 11, 2018 for Hurricane Irma, and June 20, 2018 for Hurricane Maria.

For information about local recovery centers and SBA's disaster assistance program, call the Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or email [email protected]. To learn more about SBA's disaster assistance program, and to apply for a loan online, visit www.sba.gov/disaster.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and is a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses, and recover from disasters. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. To learn more about SBA, visit www.sba.gov.

Release Number: 18-11

Contact: Carol Chastang (202) 205-6987

Internet Address: www.sba.gov/news

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SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration

Related Links

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RUEIL-MALMAISON, France, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has just launched Go Green in the City 2018, its global contest to find bold ideas and innovative solutions for smarter, more energy-efficient cities.

Now in its eighth year, Go Green in the City has become a major event for business and engineering students worldwide. In 2017, nearly 20,000 young innovators from 3,000 universities in 180 countries took part, including 58% women. The stakes for Go Green in the City competitors are high, with mentoring, networking, travel, cash prizes and business/job opportunities all on the horizon.

Three new topics added in the competition to focus on digitization

In 2018, the competition should attract even more interest, thanks to a wider range of topics. Students are invited to submit their bold ideas in one of five categories: sustainability and inclusivity, the digital economy, smart supply chain, cyber security, or "no boundaries/bold idea for going green" (any topic). "Sustainability and inclusivity", "no boundaries" have been popular topics for many years. Newly added these three categories reflect a greater focus on digitization, along with a "sky's the limit" approach to innovation.

Olivier Blum, Chief Human Resources Officer at Schneider Electric commented: "Schneider Electric has a bold vision to solve our planet's energy paradox. Go Green in the City was designed as a platform for young innovators to become a part of this vision. Helping students to develop their bold ideas for new sustainable solutions, and gain a foothold in our industry is a great way for us to accelerate positive change."

This enthusiasm is shared by participants. Raja Jain and Nimisha Gupta from IIT Roorkee in India won first place in the 2017 Go Green in the City final for their "Evacool" air-cooling system. They stated: "Go Green in the City has been a dream come true! Winning the competition has given us such a great sense of achievement, as well as a rich learning experience. If you care about how technology can promote greener practices and sustainability, you will not get a better opportunity than this!"

An ever-increasing success

Teams must be composed of two students attending accredited business or engineering schools in the same country for the duration of the competition. Each team should include at least one female member, in line with Schneider Electric's policy of promoting Diversity and Inclusion. The deadline for submissions is June 1st, 2018.

All shortlisted teams will receive mentoring by Schneider Electric experts to produce viable business cases to present at one of seven regional semi-finals over the summer in Europe, North America, China, India, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South America. Each of the seven regional winners will then be invited to prepare for the competition final, along with one outstanding all-female team and two "wild-card" teams (additional teams selected from the semi-finalists).

After this second round of mentoring the North America semi-finalist event will be held at Schneider Electric's U.S. headquarters in Andover, Massachusetts the week of July 16. The North American semi-finalist winners will each receive a $500 cash prize. In addition, ten teams will meet at the global final in the United States (city to be announced) in the autumn. The global winning team selected by the executive jury, will be offered the chance to start a career at Schneider Electric, after an international travel to visit any two locations of their choice worldwide, where Schneider Electric offices are present.

For more information, please visit: www.gogreeninthecity.com, http://china.gogreeninthecity.com

About Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is leading the Digital Transformation of Energy Management and Automation in Homes, Buildings, Data Centers, Infrastructure and Industries.

With global presence in over 100 countries, Schneider is the undisputable leader in Power Management  Medium Voltage, Low Voltage and Secure Power, and in Automation Systems. We provide integrated efficiency solutions, combining energy, automation and software.

In our global Ecosystem, we collaborate with the largest Partner, Integrator and Developer Community on our Open Platform to deliver real-time control and operational efficiency.

We believe that great people and partners make Schneider a great company and that our commitment to Innovation, Diversity and Sustainability ensures that Life Is On everywhere, for everyone and at every moment.

www.schneider-electric.com

Discover Life is On

Follow us on:

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LinkedIn

Google Plus

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Shneider Electric Blog

Hashtags: #GGitC #GGitC2018 #WhatsYourBoldIdea #MeaningfulPurpose #Sustainability

SOURCE Schneider Electric

Related Links

https://www.schneider-electric.us/en


WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Council on Disability (NCD)  an independent federal agency that makes policy recommendations to the President, Congress and other federal agencies  welcomes its newest Member, Andres J. Gallegos, who was appointed to NCD by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Minority Leader Schumer announced the appointment on February 7, and Mr. Gallegos swore his oath of office and began work with NCD today.

"The Council extends a warm welcome to its newest Member. We look forward to putting Mr. Gallegos's legal and healthcare expertise to work for our current NCD projects as well as for ongoing policy discussions happening on Capitol Hill," stated NCD Chair Clyde Terry. "I am also glad to have Mr. Gallegos's experiences and perspectives as a veteran and as Board Chairman of Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago."

With the incoming of Mr. Gallegos, NCD also sends its collective gratitude to outgoing NCD Council Member Bob Brown of Las Vegas, Nevada for his three years of service on behalf of the Council and his commitment to public service.

Appointments to NCD are made by the President of the United States, the Senate Majority Leader, the Senate Minority Leader, the Speaker of the House, and the House Minority Leader pursuant to Section 451 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (Pub. L. 113128).

Biography of Mr. Andres J. Gallegos, Esq.:

Andres J. Gallegos, Esq. is a shareholder with the law firm of Robbins, Salomon and Patt, Ltd., in Chicago, Illinois, where he focuses his practice on disability rights and healthcare law. Andres founded and directs the law firm's disability rights practice, which has as its emphasis on improving access to healthcare and wellness programs for persons across all types of disabilities. Andres is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, Chicago's Center for Independent Living, and is a recent two-term past-member of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois, having been appointed by the governor. Andres is the 2015 recipient of the Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award from the American Association of People with Disabilities. He has written numerous articles for national and state professional healthcare and legal organizations on matters relating to the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act to healthcare providers, and is a highly-sought out lecturer on accessible healthcare and disability rights. Andres graduated with Honors from the University of Southern Mississippi, with a B.S. in Business Administration, and he attained a Juris Doctorate from the St. Louis University School of Law. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving honorably for 14 years.

About the National Council on Disability: First established as an advisory Council within the Department of Education in 1978, NCD became an independent federal agency in 1984. In 1986, NCD recommended enactment of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and drafted the first version of the bill which was introduced in the House and Senate in 1988. Since enactment of the ADA in 1990, NCD has continued to play a leading role in crafting disability policy, and advising the President, Congress and other federal agencies on disability policies, programs, and practices.

SOURCE National Council on Disability
PORTSMOUTH, N.H., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Service Credit Union (SCU) was named the top auto lender in the New England/New York region and 10th nationally for 2017 by CU Direct. CU Direct works with auto dealers and credit unions throughout the U.S. to streamline the auto buying process.

Last year, the credit union funded more than 21,000 auto loans at approximately $545 million through the dealerships bringing SCU's indirect auto loan portfolio to just shy of a billion dollars.

"We focus on access and convenience," said Michael Douglas, Assistant Vice President of Indirect Lending at SCU. "My dedicated staff is willing to do what it takes to build relationships with our new and existing members and the auto dealerships."

Douglas manages a team of 17, including 11 loan officers who specialize in consistent and timely dealer interactions, prompt decision-making and funding, and 24/7 availability.

About Service Credit Union

As a dynamic, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, Service Credit Union is dedicated to offering quality financial services and products. In 1957, the credit union was established to provide affordable credit to the Pease Air Force Base community. Now the largest credit union in New Hampshire, with over $3.2 billion in assets and 51 branch locations in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, North Dakota and Germany, we continue to serve our communities and provide a better future to our members. For more information, visit https://servicecu.org or call toll free 1-800-936-7730 in the U.S. and 00800-4728-2000 internationally.

SOURCE Service Credit Union

Related Links

https://servicecu.org


NEW YORK and SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Shoptalk, the world's largest retail and ecommerce conference, and Commerce Ventures, a leading early stage venture capital firm focused on commerce technology, today announced the launch of Shoptalk Ventures. Shoptalk Ventures is a program that will commit $1 million over the next 24 months to a target of 20 ecommerce and retail technology startups.

As a catalyst for the evolution of retail and ecommerce, Shoptalk will help identify some of the most promising companies in the industry, and become a limited partner in Commerce Ventures. The investment review, selection and due diligence will be managed independently by Commerce Ventures.

"Our goal with Shoptalk Ventures is to further support the early stage startup ecosystem that's enabling retail and ecommerce as it continues to transform for a digital age," said Anil D. Aggarwal, founder and chief executive officer of Shoptalk. "We're thrilled to partner on this program with Commerce Ventures, which has a successful, sector-specific track record of working with the investment community to fund promising new companies."

"We look forward to working with Shoptalk to identify and fund the next generation of ecommerce and retail technology leaders. Shoptalk has become the gathering place for next-generation industry thinkers and was a natural partner for this program," said Dan Rosen, General Partner of Commerce Ventures. "This is a unique opportunity to bring the commerce community together and we are excited to engage with retailers as well as other investors to make this program a success. "

Visit www.shoptalkventures.com if you are:

A company interested in securing investment from Shoptalk Ventures,

A retailer interested in participating in the program, or

An investor looking to co-invest with Shoptalk Ventures.

About Shoptalk

Shoptalk organizes the world's largest conferences for retail and ecommerce. Held in the US and Europe, Shoptalk is an unprecedented global gathering of individuals and companies reshaping how consumers discover, shop and buy. Shoptalk events are platforms for large retailers and brands, startups, tech companies, investors, media and analysts to learn, collaborate and evolve. The next Shoptalk will be held on March 18-21, 2018 at the Venetian in Las Vegas. For more information, visit www.shoptalk.com.

About Commerce Ventures

Commerce Ventures is a leading venture firm focused on technology innovations in the retail and commerce ecosystem. Thus far, the firm has invested in over forty portfolio companies, including leading ecommerce and retail technology startups such as Estimote, Forter, Narvar, RetailNext, SessionM, Theatro, and Tulip Retail. For more information, visit www.commercevc.com.

SOURCE Shoptalk

Related Links

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LONDON, Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Another year, another President's Day, and this holiday is always a reminder of the importance of working together to achieve great things for the nation. In order to get a sense of how well people work together across the country, career discovery platform Sokanu has revealed how cooperative the people of America are, state by state.

The most cooperative workers in America live in Utah, Massachusetts and Georgia  with the least cooperative workers living in West Virginia, Idaho and Maine, new research from Sokanu reveals.

Career test platform Sokanu has revealed new data that shows the most and least cooperative States of America

The company's renowned Career Test gathers data from over 100,000 workers across the country every month. Their research examined professional characteristics over 180 personality and interest types to reveal the states with the highest volume of good-natured team players  qualities that many associate with a harmonious and satisfying workplace.

The research revealed a correlation between the most cooperative workers and the most populous states. California, Florida and New York are three out of four of the most densely populated states in America, and all ranked in the top 10 list of the most cooperative states. People in these highly populated areas have seemingly learned how to work together to build integrated, unified and friendly workplaces and communities.

Commenting on the research, Spencer Thompson, CEO of Sokanu, said: "Cooperation is one of the most important traits in determining fit with a career. Our data is helping workers understand which states are best at attracting workers are the most cooperative. Our career test is designed to not only match people to their ideal career, but also understand what types of successful workers end up in which states, and why."

STATES WITH THE MOST COOPERATIVE WORKERS:

1. Utah

2. Massachusetts

3. Georgia

4. Arizona

5. Maryland

6. North Dakota

7. Florida

8. New York

9. Mississippi

10. California

STATES WITH THE LEAST COOPERATIVE WORKERS:

41. Kentucky

42. Arkansas

43. Wisconsin

44. Wyoming

45. Alabama

46. South Dakota

47. New Mexico

48. Maine

49. Idaho

50. West Virginia

For more information and to view the full map, click here.

Resource: High-resolution image of Sokanu map and quotes can be found in our media pack.

Credit: Please credit the map and information to: Sokanu

About Sokanu:

Launched in 2013, Sokanu is a career discovery platform that helps people find their ideal career. It offers a free career test that links your compatibility with over 800 careers. The company's mission is to fundamentally change the way people prepare for the workforce by helping them to find the career that is right for them and the unique path to getting there.

Media Contact:

For further information or media enquiries, please contact: Kiera Fitzgerald at [email protected]

SOURCE Sokanu

Related Links

https://www.sokanu.com


10:46

The AAP has alleged that the Delhi Police pressured Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's adviser VK Jain to change his statement about the alleged attack on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by the party's MLAs. Senior AAP leaders Ashutosh and Sanjay Singh claimed that this was a ploy to destabilise the party's government in Delhi.





Ashutosh also targeted Lt Governor Anil Baijal, calling him an "agent of the BJP" for not acting on a complaint about attack on Delhi minister Imran Hussain and Delhi Dialogue Commission vice-chairman Ashish Khetan, despite being provided evidence.





Jain was apparently at Kejriwal's residence in the Civil Lines area on Monday night, when AAP legislators allegedly attacked Prakash. Singh said Jain, in his first statement to the police, had stated that when the alleged assault happened he was in bathroom and he did not know what had happened in the room.





"However, the police state that today Mr Jain is claiming that when he returned from the bathroom, he found Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash searching for his spectacles, indicating the possibility of an assault. Why did Mr Jain change his stand within a day? Under whose pressure was he forced to change his statement?" Singh said.





He claimed that Jain was picked up by the Delhi Police last morning and was pressured to change his statement. "How is it that the same Mr Jain who emphatically said that he witnessed no assault during the entire time that he was present there, has now claimed otherwise?" he added.





Reacting to the allegations, the chief spokesperson of the Delhi Police, Special CP Dependra Pathak, said the department was only following rules and procedures.





"As per due process, a statement was recorded first by the police and then the statement was recorded before the court," Pathak said. Singh alleged that Aam Aadmi Party MLAs were being arrested for an "assault" for which there was no proof. On the other hand despite there being video evidence of officials assaulting Delhi cabinet minister Imran Hussain, no action was taken by the Delhi Police, he added.





The party also named a few Delhi government officials seen in the video purportedly showing the attack on Hussain and Khetan. "The Lt Governor is acting like an agent of the BJP and his loyalty is not towards the Constitution of India," Ashutosh alleged.





He said Delhi government officials going on strike following the alleged attack on Prakash was "unfortunate". Ashutosh said the medico-legal case report of Prakash states he was assaulted after 12 am but the CCTV camera footage shows he left Kejriwal's residence at 11.30 pm. -- PTI
ST. LOUIS, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

"Today's decision is a result of Spire's success in becoming an even more efficient, customer-focused company. While we are still analyzing the impact of the final order from the Missouri Public Service Commission, and will seek to clarify the decisions on several issues, we are pleased to announce Spire customers will see a rate decrease starting March 28.

"We agreed to lower rates, despite the federal tax cuts happening outside of the review period for our case, because it's the right thing to do for our customers. The outcome of this case will help us recover our incremental costs, and by becoming the first Missouri utility to share the benefits of the tax reduction, we can still pass along a net rate decrease for our customers. These rates will also provide more funding to help customers better manage their bills, from energy assistance for low-income customers to efficiency programs to help conserve energy use.

"Our Missouri natural gas customers pay less today than they did a decade ago for service that is better and more reliable thanks to an improved customer experience through our new web portal and hundreds of miles of pipeline upgrades. For more than eight years we have been able to forego increasing base natural gas rates for anything other than investments in safety-related and mandated public improvements. That's because our growth into the nation's fifth-largest publicly traded gas utility has produced more than $70 million in annual savings for Missouri natural gas customers.

"Spire employees have worked tirelessly to remake our company with the aim of providing even better, more cost-effective service for our customers, while supporting our communities. The results have been extraordinary. I want to thank every single one of our employees for their efforts to transform Spire. We couldn't be prouder."

Steve Lindsey, EVP and COO of Distribution Operations and Gas Utilities

About Spire

At Spire Inc. (NYSE: SR) we believe energy exists to help make people's lives better. It's a simple idea, but one that's at the heart of our company. Every day we serve 1.7 million customers making us the fifth largest publicly traded natural gas company in the country. We help families and business owners fuel their daily lives through our gas utilities serving Alabama, Mississippi and Missouri. Our non-utility operations include Spire Marketing, which provides natural gas marketing and related services. We are committed to transforming our business and pursuing growth through 1) growing organically, 2) investing in infrastructure, 3) acquiring and integrating, and 4) innovation and technology. Learn more at SpireEnergy.com.

Investor Contact:

Scott W. Dudley Jr.

[email protected]

314-342-0878

Media Contact:

Jessica B. Willingham

[email protected]

314-342-3300

SOURCE Spire Inc.

Related Links

http://www.spireenergy.com


ASBURY PARK, N.J., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of its second anniversary, the strategic communication firm Poplar Plum today announced the launch of its new website www.PoplarPlum.com.

Designed by creative design studio Al Stampa, the new site serves to introduce Poplar Plum to new clients while providing a summary of the firm's philosophy and approach as well as an overview of services offered such as brand building, communication planning, crisis and issue management, franchise relations, media relations and more.

"Our new site visually showcases how we bring together the disparate messages and pieces of an organization to create a compelling narrative for each business," said Poplar Plum Founder Christine Da Silva. "We couldn't be happier to introduce our new site on our second business anniversary. Most of our business to date has come to us via word-of-mouth so it is especially exciting to move into this next phase with a new site that will help us connect with prospects around the world."

Poplar Plum works globally with businesses big and small across a variety of industries. The firm offers a highly personalized approach to each client, providing the level of service and support that each business needs and delivering a message that resonates with both the brand and its audience.

About Poplar Plum

Poplar Plum is a strategic communication firm founded in February 2016 by Christine Da Silva, a global communicator working from an unconventional mindset to help brands and businesses deliver authentic and impactful messages that resonate with internal and external audiences. With extensive experience delivering integrated communication strategies that drive growth, sales and awareness for matrixed, public and private organizations, Poplar Plum serves as a trusted partner to great business minds and visionaries, from those in the C-Suite to first time entrepreneurs. To connect, please visit www.poplarplum.com.

About Al Stampa

Offering everything from logo design to website design to marketing pieces, Al Stampa works with clients around the world to visually tell their stories. Founded by Alex Labriola and currently based in Amsterdam, Al Stampa specializes in illustration, branding and letterpress. To learn more, visit www.alstampa.com.

Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Poplar Plum

Related Links

http://www.poplarplum.com


TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Strategic Storage Growth Trust, Inc., a public non-traded real estate investment trust sponsored by SmartStop Asset Management, LLC, announced today its purchase of a 695-unit self storage facility in the Tampa suburb of Riverview, Florida. Marcus & Millichap, a leading commercial real estate investment services firm with offices throughout the United States and Canada, brokered the sale of the new facility, completed earlier this month.

"A focus of Strategic Storage Growth Trust is to acquire self storage properties that have the opportunity to add value to our portfolio through active management," said Wayne Johnson, chief investment officer. "This newly constructed, Class A property is located in an area with growing demand for self storage and provides an amenities package that we believe will be particularly attractive to our customers."

Located at 9811 Progress Blvd., the approximately 3.4-acre property includes approximately 54,000 square feet of space, including more than 28,000 square feet of climate-controlled space. The multistory facility is situated within the U.S. Highway 301 corridor. The property is monitored by video surveillance and includes a computerized gate or lobby access to units, as well as keypad entry to individual units.

Michael A. Mele and Luke Elliott, self storage investment specialists at Marcus & Millichap represented both parties in the sale.

"This transaction resulted after working with the sellers since the mid-2000s, strategically advising and ultimately coordinating the successful sale to a strong operator, creating a very beneficial scenario for the buyer and seller," said Mele.

Riverview is a part of the Greater Tampa Bay Area, one of fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Florida and the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Located South of Brandon, Riverview is near recently constructed apartment complexes and residential homes. Riverview is located in Hillsborough County, where the U.S. Census Bureau reports a population growth of 12 percent between 2010 and 2016.

About Strategic Storage Growth Trust, Inc. (SSGT)

SSGT is a public non-traded REIT that focuses on the acquisition, development, redevelopment and lease-up of self storage properties. The SSGT portfolio currently consists of 23 operating self storage facilities located in 10 states comprising approximately 15,300 self storage units and approximately 1.7 million net rentable square feet of storage space. Additionally, SSGT owns two development properties in the Greater Toronto Area which will be comprised of approximately 1,700 self storage units and 170,000 net rentable square feet of storage space once completed, and one development property in Asheville, North Carolina which will be comprised of approximately 650 self storage units and 72,000 net rentable square feet of storage space once completed.

About SmartStop Asset Management, LLC (SmartStop)

SmartStop is a diversified real estate company focused on self storage assets, along with student and senior housing. The company has approximately $1.4 billion of real estate assets under management, including 111 self storage facilities located throughout the United States and Toronto, Canada, comprised of approximately 70,000 units and 8.1 million rentable square feet. SmartStop's managed portfolio also includes five student housing communities with approximately 2,800 beds and 1 million square feet of space. SmartStop is the sponsor of Strategic Storage Trust II, Inc., SSGT and Strategic Storage Trust IV, Inc., all public non-traded REITs focusing on self storage assets. The facilities offer affordable and accessible storage units for residential and commercial customers. In addition, they offer secure interior and exterior storage units as well as outside storage areas for vehicles, RVs and boats. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at www.SAM.com and more information regarding SmartStop Self Storage in the United States and Canada is available at www.smartstopselfstorage.com.

This press release may contain certain 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. Such forward-looking statements can generally be identified by our use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "continue," or other similar words. Because such statements include risks, uncertainties and contingencies, actual results may differ materially from the expectations, intentions, beliefs, plans or predictions of the future expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and contingencies include, but are not limited to: uncertainties relating to changes in general economic and real estate conditions; uncertainties relating to the implementation of our real estate investment strategy; uncertainties relating to financing availability and capital proceeds; uncertainties relating to the closing of property acquisitions; uncertainties related to the timing and availability of distributions; and other risk factors as outlined in SSGT's annual report. This is neither an offer nor a solicitation to purchase securities.

Contacts Lauren Burgos Julie Leber Spotlight Marketing Communications Spotlight Marketing Communications 949.427.5172 ext. 704 949.427.5172 ext. 703 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Strategic Storage Growth Trust, Inc.
SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --Thales, a leader in critical information systems, cybersecurity and data security, announces the results of its 2018 Thales Data Threat Report, Federal Edition, issued in conjunction with analyst firm 451 Research. In the past year 57% of federal respondents experienced a data breach. This marks a huge jump from the 2017 report (34% of breached) and the 2016 report (18%). In contrast only 26% of non-U.S. government agencies worldwide experienced a breach this past year.

Click to Tweet: 57% of U.S. federal IT pros say breached in last 12 months, 3x higher than two years ago https://dtr-gov.thalesesecurity.com

The new report finds that 68% of U.S. respondents believe they are 'very' or 'extremely' vulnerable to a data breach, up from 48% in the 2017 report. Among their global government counterparts, however, only 42% claim to be 'very' or 'extremely' vulnerable. While there are a number of factors to consider when addressing U.S. federal government data insecurity  such as budget restraints and issues with staffing  this year a couple stand out.

IT modernization and cloud deployments go hand-in-hand

In May 2017, the Trump administration issued Executive Order 13800, "Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure." The federal government's push for IT modernization  one that has spanned multiple administrations  is also driven in part by concerns about the cost and difficulty of defending outdated legacy systems. "The Report on Federal IT Modernization," issued by the American Technology Council in December, directs agencies to put a new focus on security at the data level, as opposed to the perimeter.

A data-centric security approach is needed largely because of the growing use of commercial cloud services. According to the 2018 report, nearly half (45%) of U.S. federal respondents used more than five Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) vendors and nearly half (48%) used more than 100 Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications. Over two-thirds (72%) of respondents expressed concerns about increased vulnerabilities from shared infrastructures, followed by custodianship of encryption keys (62%) and security breaches in the cloud (68%).

Garrett Bekker, Principal Analyst for Information Security at 451 Research says:

"The massive adoption of cloud computing does not correlate with implementations of data security tools suited to protect these new environments. Although 78% view data-in-motion and 77% view data-at-rest encryption as the most effective tools for protecting data, only 23% of U.S. respondents have implemented encryption in the cloud. Additionally, only 31% claimed cloud computing security was a top spending priority."

Overall security spending is up, but how effective is it?

While cloud computing security is not a top budget priority, almost all (93%) of respondents are increasing spending this year. On the surface this may appear encouraging, but a deeper dive reveals 56% still plan to spend the most on endpoint security and 48% on network security. Only 19% will spend the most on data-centric security solutions, such as encryption and tokenization.

Nick Jovanovic, Vice President of Thales eSecurity Federal, a division of TDSI, says:

"Encryption can be viewed as complex, and the management of encryption keys challenging for organizations dealing with budget and staffing limitations. But federal government agencies can start by selecting encryption and key management technologies that offer a smart, centralized approach and work across clouds, on-premises and in data centers. A good example of this is the 47% of respondents who plan to implement 'bring your own key' solutions to remotely manage their cloud deployments, which will assist them in better protecting and controlling their data."

Please download a copy of the new 2018 Thales Federal Report for more detailed security best practices.

For industry insight and views on the latest data security trends check out our blog. You can follow Thales eSecurity on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

About Thales eSecurity

Thales eSecurity is the leader in advanced data security solutions and services that deliver trust wherever information is created, shared or stored. We ensure that the data belonging to companies and government entities is both secure and trusted in any environment  on-premises, in the cloud, in data centres or big data environments  without sacrificing business agility. Security doesn't just reduce risk, it's an enabler of the digital initiatives that now permeate our daily lives  digital money, e-identities, healthcare, connected cars and, with the internet of things (IoT), even household devices. Thales provides everything an organisation needs to protect and manage its data, identities and intellectual property, and meet regulatory compliance  through encryption, advanced key management, tokenisation, and privileged-user control and high-assurance solutions. Security professionals around the globe rely on Thales to confidently accelerate their organisation's digital transformation. Thales eSecurity is part of Thales Group.

About Thales

Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets. With 64,000 employees in 56 countries, Thales reported sales of 14.9 billion in 2016. With over 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design and deploy equipment, systems and services to meet the most complex security requirements. Its exceptional international footprint allows it to work closely with its customers all over the world.

Positioned as a value-added systems integrator, equipment supplier and service provider, Thales is one of Europe's leading players in the security market. The Group's security teams work with government agencies, local authorities and enterprise customers to develop and deploy integrated, resilient solutions to protect citizens, sensitive data and critical infrastructure.

Thales offers world-class cryptographic capabilities and is a global leader in cybersecurity solutions for defence, government, critical infrastructure providers, telecom companies, industry and the financial services sector. With a value proposition addressing the entire data security chain, Thales offers a comprehensive range of services and solutions ranging from security consulting, data protection, digital trust management and design, development, integration, certification and security maintenance of cybersecured systems, to cyberthreat management, intrusion detection and security supervision through cybersecurity Operation Centres in France, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Hong Kong.

SOURCE Thales
More than five million brags globally were analysed by an Artificial Intelligence tool. Using a combination of Tweet data that included links to Instagram posts and innovative AI technology, the tool identified and grouped brag types based on travel keywords and destination mentions to give an overview of what people show off about on social media while traveling.

TOP 10 GLOBAL THEMES

Museum Rooftop bar Old Town Modern Art Opera Sunshine Olympic Games Cathedral Gallery Ballet

In the U.S., New York, San Francisco, New Orleans, Miami and Las Vegas are among the global travel brag destinations with top brags from travelers at the following landmarks:

Ritz Carlton, San Francisco

Times Square, New York City

Miami Beach , Miami

, Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Union Square , San Francisco

, Mob Museum, Las Vegas

French Quarter, New Orleans

This travel bragging trend echoes the findings from the recent Hotels.com Mobile Travel Tracker* report, which revealed that one in six travelers search social media before their trip to plan the photos they'll take #inspo. And 56% of Americans admit to spending more than an hour a day on their smartphones while on vacation.

While travelers naturally brag about taking in the tourist hotspots and cultural offerings, more people than ever are sharing foodie 'grams, shopping stories and luxe posts.

#Foodporn

You're never more than an Insta-scroll away from #FoodPorn and the brag lists are brimming with culinary treats. Cakes in Stockholm and curry in Toronto spice up the brag lists, and New York steak and pizza both made the cut. Perhaps more surprisingly, enchiladas proved twice as popular as modern art in Mexico City, ice cream scooped 10% of all San Francisco brags and Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant in Hong Kong took second place in the Hong Kong chart with more than 20,000 brags.

Shop 'til you drop

Shopping is a must-do for most travelers. Those visiting Paris brag more about the Rue Vieille du Temple, famous for its boutiques, than Le Louvre! Other top shop-spots included Bal Harbour in Miami, the Harbour City mall in Hong Kong, vintage shops in Melbourne and the stylish Cecile Copenhagen fashion brand made the Danish capital's top 10.

Five-star luxury

When travelers check into a posh, luxury hotel they naturally want the world to know. The stunning 5-star Ritz Carlton in San Francisco topped the city's brag list, the Four Seasons in Singapore proved brag-worthy and the Park Hyatt came in at number one in Seoul  most likely for its awe-inspiring rooftop pool.

Scott Ludwig at Hotels.com said, "Bragging about your travel experiences on social media has become the norm - if you didn't get social kudos out of it, it didn't happen! With travel posts being so plentiful on social media, Americans are checking out what others are bragging about to get tips for their next trip."

"This #TravelBrag analysis shows just how diverse travelers are. Whether its enjoying rooftop cocktails in Bangkok, checking out Camden Town in London or visiting the mob museum in Vegas, social bragging is out in full force."

Start planning your next adventure now and head to the Hotels.com Blog to check out the biggest brags from more than 30 destinations. Download the Hotels.com mobile app to choose from hundreds of thousands of places to stay (and brag!) around the world.

For further information, please contact;

Alex Lee

Phone: (214) 613-0025

Email: [email protected]

Notes to Editors

The data analyzed is from October 2017  January 2018. The data shows the top keywords that people brag about per country by counting the number of times those keywords appear in search results. These keywords are then augmented by searching for more keywords within the existing results, through Natural Language Processing (NLP). Natural language processing (NLP) is a branch of artificial intelligence that helps computers understand, interpret and manipulate human language. We define a brag as a Tweet containing travel related search terms, a mention of a location, and a link to Instagram, meaning that someone took a picture and shared it with an accompanying text which contains those keywords.

*Mobile Travel Tracker research conducted by One Poll in November 2017. Data based on 9,000 respondents across 30 countries.

About Hotels.com

Hotels.com is the place to go if you're looking for a place to stay. We really love travel and we know you do too. That's why we make it really easy to book with us. With hundreds of thousands of places to stay around the world and 90 local websites in 41 languages, Hotels.com has it all. So, whether you're looking for value in Vegas, treehouses in Thailand or villas in Venezuela, it's all just a click away. And with our "Reward-winning" loyalty program you earn free* nights while you sleep and get access to instant savings like Secret Priceswhat could be better? Booking just got smarter too. With over 25 million real guest reviews and an app so easy to use that it's been downloaded more than 60 million times, you can be sure to find the perfect place for you.

*Free night does not include taxes and fees.

 2018 Hotels.com, LP. Hotels.com, The Obvious Choice, Hotels.com Rewards and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. CST #2083949-50

SOURCE Hotels.com

Related Links

http://www.hotels.com


QUEBEC CITY, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - World-renowned composer and pianist Steve Barakatt has been invited by the Korean Pops Orchestra to conduct his composition "He is from Seoul, She is from Pyonyang" at the Seoul Arts Center on March 6, 2018.

Written in 2011, Steve Barakatt's composition has gained more and more attention over the years among his South Korean fans and took on a very special meaning recently during the recent diplomatic efforts between South and North Korea at the 2018 Olympics.

"Having initially created the composition as a message of peace & hope, I see this performance as a unique opportunity for using the universal language of music to share a message of peace to the world, especially in such a significant context and at such an important period of history" commented Steve Barakatt.

Since the beginning of his career, Steve Barakatt has been involved in several humanitarian campaigns. He composed and launched the international campaign "Lullaby, The UNICEF Anthem" and participated in UNICEF's Imagine campaign as well as Amnesty International's project "Make Some Noise". He also presented an historic concert at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow to mark the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the presence of ambassadors and diplomats from 35 countries.

Last year, Steve Barakatt received a plaque of appreciation from South Korean prime minister Lee Nak-yeon.

The March 6 performance in Seoul will be recorded and broadcast on several TV networks.

SOURCE Abaca Group Inc.

Related Links

www.stevebarakatt.com


NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The following roundup is a collection of stories dealing with Toy Fair 2018 II and is appropriate for special sections and for general use.

For each story included in this package, you will find the first paragraph of the release below, as well as its headline linked to the full text.

This is the latest in a series of event-related roundups PRN will carry as part of its regular Cision Roundup News Service. Coming up in 2018 are roundups on:



Roundup Name Slug Distribution Date Mobile World Congress 2018 I Mobile World Congress 2018 I Feb. 23 Mobile World Congress 2018 II Mobile World Congress March 2 HIMSS 2018 I HIMSS 2018 I March 7 HIMSS 2018 II HIMSS March 14 NAB 2018 I NAB 2018 I April 6 NAB 2018 II NAB April 18 InfoComm 2018 I InfoComm 2018 I June 14 InfoComm 2018 II InfoComm June 20



Toy Fair 2018 II Cision Roundup

1. Creative Teaching Press Gives Free Books to Children Worldwide

CYPRESS, Calif., Feb. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Family-owned supplemental educational publisher Creative Teaching Press (CTP) announces today the launch of its exciting new Learn to Read: Buy One, Gift One! Program, an initiative to promote literacy and encourage the love of reading in children worldwide. CTP's mission for this program is to gift a book to a deserving child each time a Learn to Read book is purchased. To find out more, please schedule an appointment with Jim Connelly at Toy Fair by contacting Bunny Benson at [email protected].

2. Fat Brain Toys Showcasing Kid-Invented "Door Pong" as the Highlight of Its Product Introductions at 2018 Toy Fair

ELKHORN, Neb., Feb. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fat Brain Toys, regarded for its innovative, design-inspired toys, games and brainteasers, will introduce 37 new products at the American International Toy Fair kicking off this weekend in New York City. In a first, the company is honored to be launching a toy invented by an 11-year-old.

3. Exciting New Games And Puzzles From Winning Moves USA

DANVERS, Mass., Feb. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Winning Moves Inc. (dba Winning Moves Games USA), a leader in specialty toys & games, unveils their new product line at the American International Toy Fair, Feb. 17-20 in New York City.

4. Moose Toys Debuts New Toys, New Categories And Celebrates 10 Seasons Of Shopkins!!!

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Top toy company and global leaders in innovation Moose Toys will next week unveil their much anticipated 2018 portfolio at the North American International Toy Fair.

5. Ozobot Announces New Evo Play Pack At Toy Fair 2018

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Feb. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ozobot, maker of award-winning coding robots for the next generation of creators, announced a new way to play and create at New York Toy Fair 2018: the Space Islands Play Pack. Play Packs are powered by Ozobot's Evo robot and inspired by hundreds of thousands of educators, students, and home users who already use Ozobot's robots to learn coding and spark creativity. Ozobot will be showing the Space Islands trailer at Toy Fair 2018 on Saturday and Sunday, February 1718, at Booth #5942 on Level 1.

If you would like a copy of the complete schedule, or if you would care to comment, please email [email protected]. We welcome suggestions. Copies of previous packages will be available for the media. Cision roundups and photos are also available on the PR Newswire Web site, http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/feature-news-latest-news.

Photos that accompany releases are available via the PRN Multimedia Desk, 800-317-7677, or via the PR Newswire Photo Archive. Select photos are available via AP PhotoExpress and AP Images.

SOURCE PR Newswire Association LLC
ALBANY, New York, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

As farmers from several parts of the world continue to fight plant diseases, pest infestations, and harmful fertilizer outbreaks, the demand for effective seed treatments continues to gain traction. Traditional success of organic mercurial seed treatments has paved way for growing popularity of biological seed treatments. A range of options available for biological seed treatment ensure that the crop survives through the toughest conditions. Farmers are actively adopting biological seed treatment services to extend their farm produce and create a disease-free environment for their farming landscape. Companies namely, Syngenta AG, BASF SE, Bayer CropScience, Monsanto Company, Italpollina SpA, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Koppert B.V., INCOTEC Group BV, Plant Health Care, Inc., Precision Laboratories, Inc., Verdesian Life Sciences, LLC and Valent Biosciences Corporation are partnering with farmers and extending their presence as key players in the global biological seed treatment market.

Transparency Market Research has observed that these companies will instrument the growth of the global biological seed treatment market during the forecast period, 2017-2026. The report estimates that by the end of 2026, the global biological seed treatment market will have touched a US$ 714 Mn valuation, reflecting a value CAGR of 10.2% over the forecast period.

Get PDF Brochure for more Professional & Technical industry insights: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=5123

Bacterial Treatment of Seed to Register High Value Growth

In 2017 and beyond, biological seed treatment will be predominantly directed towards protecting the plant for bacterial infection. The long-term advantage of bacterial seed treatment will boost the overall produce in terms of quantity as well as quality. The report further estimates that the adoption of biological seed treatment against bacteria will gain traction due to increasing incidence of bacterial infestation in GMO cultivation practices. By the end of 2026, more than US$ 300 Mn worth of biological seed treatments will be adopted across the globe to protect the seeds from bacteria. The report also reveals that fungi-type and botanical-type biological seed treatment will register fastest revenue growth at a similar value CAGR of 11% during the forecast period.

Request For Custom Research: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=CR&rep_id=5123

Biological Treatment of Corn Seeds to Translate High Revenue Growth through 2026

Corn seeds will be widely treated for their vulnerabilities against harsh weather, pesticides and insects. Biological treatment of corn seeds is expected to account for more than 40% of the global market value towards the end of the forecast period. The report also observes a growing demand for biological seed treatment of wheat and soybean. Biological seed treatment of cash crops such as cotton will also drive the market growth. Over the forecast period, biological seed treatment of cotton is estimated to register a 9.5% CAGR in terms of value.

Purchase this Premium Research Report at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=5123<ype=S

North America to Register High Demand for Biological Seed Treatment

In 2017, North America's biological seed treatment market has been estimated to be worth nearly US$ 115 Mn. Worsening farming conditions in the US and Canada, coupled with high incidence of plant diseases has spurred the overall demand for biological seed treatment in North America. The report also observes the Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region as a lucrative marketplace for biological seed treatment. Over the forecast period, the biological seed treatment market in APEJ region is expected to expand at 9.9% CAGR in terms of value. The report also reveals that biological seed treatment will be predominantly playing the key function of biostimulants. On the other hand, biological seed treatment for biofertilizer treatment is expected to witness speed revenue growth 10.8% CAGR over the forecast period.

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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. TMR's 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, TMR's syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.

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SOURCE Transparency Market Research
DENVER, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/-- University of the Rockies is joining sister institution Ashford University as the Safe and Warm Sponsor of the American Red Cross Mile High Chapter's 2018 Heroes Soiree for the second straight year.

University of the Rockies has supported the American Red Cross over several years in its efforts to alleviate pain and human suffering in the face of emergencies through financial donations and volunteerism.

"It is through the generosity of our partners, like University of the Rockies, that we are able to fulfill our mission. We are thankful to live and work in such a generous community," said Jeff Riley, Chief Development Officer, American Red Cross of Colorado & Wyoming.

"We are proud to be able to support the Red Cross through this sponsorship," said Dr. Dawn Iwamoto, president and CEO of University of the Rockies. "The Red Cross provides services to military families, and supports our students and faculty during times of need."

Event details:

Date: Friday, March 9, 2018

Time: 5:30 PM  9:30 PM

Location: Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 East Academy Blvd, Denver, CO

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is a leading graduate school of the social and behavioral sciences that offers programs for students seeking their PhD, PsyD, or Master of Arts degree. Based in Denver, Colo., the University provides students with the convenience of an online education. While working toward a degree from anywhere in the country, students enjoy access to industry professionals, research, and publishing opportunities. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu/, www.twitter.com/URockies, www.facebook.com/UniversityoftheRockies, or call Jana Mathieson, Sr. Communications and Community Relations Manager at 866.621.0124 x11870.

About American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross and locally @COWYRedCross

Contact: Jana Mathieson, Sr. Communications/Community Relations Manager

866.621.0124 x11870  [email protected]

SOURCE University of the Rockies

Related Links

http://www.rockies.edu


LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Wedbush Securities is pleased to announce the firm has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Wayzata, Minnesota based Kluis Companies LLC, including Kluis Publishing, Lafayette Trading Academy, and Kluis Commodities. As part of the asset acquisition, grain commodity leader Al Kluis will join the new Wedbush department, Kluis Commodity Advisors, as its Managing Director. Kluis Commodity Advisors ("KCA"), will debut alongside Wedbush Futures at the Anaheim Commodity Classic from February 27 to March 1 in Anaheim, California (Booth: 840).

Al Kluis has been in the agricultural business for more than 40 years and his expertise in the field is highly sought after. KCA will expand on the Kluis brand by broadening its products and services for the farming community, including training and education, margin funding, research, advice and product marketing.

"This is a great move for our customers and our staff," states Al Kluis. "Having access to more capital and being able to finance hedges will be a great new product we can offer our farmers."

Rich Jablonski, Executive Vice President of Wedbush Securities and CEO of Lime Brokerage adds, "With Al's expertise and industry relationships, we are in a great position to invest time, energy, and capital, which all serves a direct benefit to our farmers."

About Wedbush Securities

Since our founding in 1955, Wedbush has been a leader in the financial industry providing our clients with a wide range of services; including institutional sales, correspondent clearing services, equity research, corporate and municipal finance, equity market making, fixed income trading, prime brokerage, and wealth management. Headquartered in Los Angeles, with 100 registered offices, the firm focuses on dedicated service, client financial safety, continuity, and advanced technology.

Follow us on Twitter @Wedbush.

About Kluis Commodity Advisors

The Kluis Commodity Advisors ("KCA") team is made up of commodity experts, who provide farmers with a full set of tools to help take control over their grain marketing. Through our five product suites, seminar series, publications, weekly reports, and market updates, KCA enables farmers to make and act upon a marketing plan that fits their operation.

SOURCE Wedbush Securities
"Since 1979, William Raveis has pioneered premium sales and marketing of exceptional properties, enabling our Luxury Property Specialists to be the best they can be and flourish in a supportive, family environment," said Ryan Raveis. "We are honored that this approach has been recognized by the largest network of the most powerful luxury real estate brokerages in the world."

WRRE was presented with this prestigious Luxury Portfolio International Award during the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Conference Week in Las Vegas. Luxury Portfolio International is the luxury face of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, the largest global network of premier locally branded companies dominated by many of the world's most powerful independent luxury real estate brokerages. Luxury Portfolio International attracts a global audience of visitors from over 200 countries/territories every month and marketed over 50,000 luxury homes to over three million high-net-worth visitors last year.

"The Top Luxury Portfolio Brokerage Award is a recognition we give each year for the member broker that has done an exceptional job engaging with the tools of our program and embracing the Luxury Portfolio brand," said Stephanie Anton, the executive vice president of Luxury Portfolio International. "William Raveis' luxury team has done an outstanding job this year and is a pleasure to work with. The award is very well-deserved."

Bill Raveis launched William Raveis Real Estate in 1974 in Fairfield, Conn. Today, with 130 offices in nine states and more than 4,000 agents, William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance, is the number one family-owned real estate company in the Northeast and the number eight real estate company in the United States, according to REAL Trends. Co-Presidents Chris Raveis and Ryan Raveis have been ranked the 36th most powerful and influential real estate leaders on the Swanepoel Power 200 (SP200) for 2017/2018. The firm runs an online magazine called www.RaveisEscapes.com, which is focused on localized content serving their nine-state footprint. For more information, visit raveis.com, or blog.raveis.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Marni Lane, [email protected], 617.671.8332

Susan Kriskey, [email protected], 917.836.5250

SOURCE William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance

Related Links

http://raveis.com


MIAMI, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- World Trade Center Miami will host a workshop and awards luncheon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Miami Airport Convention Center East Hall on March 8, 2018. The workshop program will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will cover the topic of Recognizing and Dealing with Sexual Harassment in the Workforce. Keynote speaker, Laura Lane, President of Global Public Affairs for UPS will give an update on Trade Agreements and the UPS Women's Trade Initiative during the luncheon. The awards luncheon will begin at 12 noon and will honor women who have made significant contributions in advancing international trade and business in Florida.

World Trade Center Miami

15th International Women's Day Award Honorees:

Dina Amato , Center Director of the Miami Field Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

, Center Director of the Miami Field Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Sandra Bridgeman , Chief Financial Officer, Miami-Dade Aviation Department

, Chief Financial Officer, Miami-Dade Aviation Department Donna Hrinak , President, Boeing Latin America

, President, Boeing Latin America Michelle Porter , Port Operations Manager, Maersk Line

, Port Operations Manager, Maersk Line Alexandra Villoch , President and Publisher, Miami Herald Media Company

A discussion panel, moderated by Romaine Seguin, President of UPS International Inc. Americas Region; and Immediate Past Chair of the World Trade Center Miami, will discuss the importance of identifying and dealing with sexual harassment in today's workplace. Moderators for this panel include:

Kelly-Ann Cartwright , Partner, Holland and Knight and Executive Partner/Miami Office

, Partner, and Knight and Executive Partner/Miami Office Charnley Conway , V.P. Human Resources, UPS International, Americas Region

, V.P. Human Resources, UPS International, Americas Region Wendy Kallergis , President, Greater Miami & Beaches Hotel Association

, President, & Beaches Hotel Association Michael Farrell , District Director, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission-Miami District

Charlotte Gallogly, president of World Trade Center Miami, states, "Now, more than ever, is the time to recognize and celebrate women business leaders in Florida's trade community to make way and inspire future female leaders."

This event is a part of the World Trade Center Miami's "1000 Women Strong Trade Initiative" a pledge to advocate:

Empowering women to raise their voices in support of international trade and of ongoing and new initiatives in gender parity in the international trade arena.

Strengthening U.S. free trade agreements to provide equal access to opportunities for women-owned businesses and promote gender equality in the workplace.

Automating the U.S. and global trade processes, which remove barriers to trade and growth, and in turn, creates opportunities for workplace advancements for women.

Investing in South Florida's trade-related infrastructure, and creating exciting new business opportunities for women entrepreneurs and executives in our community.

trade-related infrastructure, and creating exciting new business opportunities for women entrepreneurs and executives in our community. Enhancing career and professional opportunities for women in South Florida through leadership and mentoring programs.

To reserve a seat for this conference please go to iwd.worldtrade.org. For sponsorship opportunities please contact the World Trade Center directly at 305-871-7910 or email [email protected].

Media Contact:

Yendi Alvarez

Phone: 786-366-1762

Email: [email protected]

Related Links

World Trade Center Miami Homepage

International Women's Day Event Site

SOURCE World Trade Center Miami

Related Links

http://www.worldtrade.org


SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Zephyr, the world's leading provider of software test management solutions, is pleased to welcome Tom Alexander as Global Vice President of Marketing. Tom will lead the marketing team to enhance global brand recognition of the Zephyr end-to-end suite of software products and magnify the success of the company's rapidly growing client roster.

"Tom brings deep experience in building B2B sales and client relations as well as a fresh perspective to communicating the Zephyr brand story and related value propositions," said Scott Johnson, Zephyr CEO. "Tom joins us at a pivotal time of tremendous global growth and product expansion and I'm thrilled with the contributions he'll make as part of our executive leadership team."

Tom has held senior executive positions with the world's largest media and marketing companies, including Comcast, Time Warner (Turner Broadcasting), Frankel & Co. (now Arc Worldwide), and most recently with high-growth digital media and technology companies including SeatGeek and TopTix. Tom has received numerous industry awards and recognition for his breakthrough B2B and consumer marketing campaigns, and is widely regarded as an excellent motivator, collaborator and proactive problem solver.

Zephyr is created for teams of all sizes with a full range of functionality and scale requirements, facilitating deployment through Zephyr Teams for small to mid-size groups and Zephyr Enterprise for large groups and company-wide roll out. A full suite of Zephyr plug-ins to Jira is also available on the Atlassian Marketplace, including the industry-leading Zephyr for Jira, Capture for Jira, and Zephyr Blueprints for Confluence.

About Zephyr

Zephyr provides the world's most widely used software test management solution, powering more than 17,000 customers and 5 million users across 100 countries. Zephyr is leading a global transformation to DevOps and Continuous Testing Agility through widespread adoption of its advanced quality management, automation and analytics tools. Leading Product and IT teams in Finance, Healthcare, Media, Mobile, IT Services and Enterprise leverage the Zephyr family of products to keep pace with accelerating software delivery lifecycles. Driven by an agile company credo  to help organizations spend less time testing and more time building  Zephyr launched the first testing solution natively inside Jira nearly a decade ago. Today, companies and teams of all sizes rely on Zephyr and its end-to-end solutions, unmatched scalability and support to move from ideas to impact with increasingly greater velocity and quality of collaboration. Zephyr is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with regional offices in Philadelphia, Europe and India.

SOURCE Zephyr

Related Links

https://www.getzephyr.com


"Dr. Li is an accomplished scientist with significant experience in all aspects of ingredient delivery systems, including encapsulation, carrier materials, and emulsification," explained Dr. Charles Beetz, Zoom's chief scientist. "We anticipate Jason will have an immediate impact on future developments of our patented Zooming low-temperature drying process as well as other low-temperature process opportunities."

Dr. Li joins Zoom from Ingredion, Inc. where he held the title global technical leader for delivery systems and was responsible for guiding research efforts in emulsifiers, encapsulation, and pharmaceutical excipients. Dr. Li's experience also includes an assignment in China as Ingredion's head of greater China technology.

"Dr. Li's experience and skill-set are ideally suited to drive the continued development of our low-temperature process technologies," commented Robert Corbett, Zoom's CEO. "Eliminating heat is key to our Zooming drying process, allowing our powder flavors to deliver unparalleled aroma and taste. Our goal is to expand our ability to reduce the impact of heat across a range of ingredients further enhancing the quality and efficiency of our powder flavors which is critical for brands that believe taste matters."

Dr. Li earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in physics from Peking University in China. He also holds a doctoral degree in polymer science from Stony Brook University in New York. He did his postdoctoral work on colloidal systems at Exxon.

ABOUT ZOOMESSENCE, INC.

ZoomEssence, Inc. develops custom flavors bursting with aroma and taste in a powder form for leading food and beverage brands. The company's game-changing, patented, low-temperature technology, called Zooming, encapsulates flavor and aroma without heat, delivering a superior powder format at significantly reduced costs. The resulting DriZoom powder retains flavor from the source ingredients allowing for new authentic combinations of flavors and ingredients. Zoom's custom designed flavors deliver exceptional aroma and taste to capture the highest level of consumer appeal, creating unique brand experiences. DriZoom powder flavors are found in millions of pounds of name brand flavor-loving products all around the world. ZoomEssence, Inc. operates facilities in Sayreville, N.J. and Hebron, Ky.

See more at ZoomEssence.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Contact:

Lori Smith

ZoomEssence, Inc.

1139 Victory Place

Hebron, KY 41048

Phone: 844.DRI.ZOOM

[email protected]

SOURCE ZoomEssence, Inc.

Related Links

http://ZoomEssence.com


GUEST OBSERVER

Companies spend tens of billions of dollars each year on wellness programs - on gyms, health funds, yoga classes, and the like. But research shows only mixed success, with low take-up rates among employees and a poor return on investment for companies.

People attending work while sick costs the Australian economy about A$34.1 billion each year through lost productivity.

Rather than promoting these wellness programs, companies should instead design the workplace itself to support wellness. Sleep pods, air filtered by green walls, and selectively placed healthy food are already realities in some workplaces.

Through this kind of design, employees are opted-in to an environment that supports their health and well-being during the day. They dont have to choose to take a walk at lunchtime or think about taking the stairs. The design of the workplace is engineered around creating these positive choices.

It isnt just presenteeism (showing up to work in spite of medical problems such as back pain, headaches, or mental health issues) that is a problem. The cost of absenteeism in Australia is estimated at A$7 billion a year.

Meanwhile, the prevalence of chronic disease including obesity, diabetes and heart disease continues to rise among the workforce.

Modern work practices contribute to these diseases through the largely sedentary nature of modern office work. Increased sitting, for example, has been associated with higher risk of chronic disease.

Wellness programs that work

Wellness programs have become increasingly popular as companies and researchers have realised that productivity lies in the health of individual workers. The focus has also shifted to prevention of health problems rather than treating them after the fact.

Traditionally, this was accomplished by offering a range of services, from discounted health fund and gym memberships, and medical screening services, to activity-based programs such as in-house massages and yoga classes.

But simply giving employees lots of information about their health and telling them what to do doesnt work. Research has shown that these programs dont often change behaviour or help us to build new habits. If we are faced with too many choices, for example, our self control is quickly depleted.

So instead of simply presenting employees with options that are good for us, companies can borrow from behavioural economics and nudge us to change our behaviour.

Many workplaces are already using this design, covering a range of factors including lighting, air quality, materials, furniture, physical activity, and food.

Take the stairs, for example. In traditional offices lifts are generally positioned centrally, making them the easiest option. If you wanted to take the stairs that often means using the fire stairs, with the added risk that you might be locked out when you try to re-enter on another floor.

By simply moving the staircase into a central position you can make them the most convenient option for quickly moving between floors. This is common practice now at a wide variety of companies such as the Boston Consulting Groups New York offices.

But lets not stop there. By using experience design, employees can be incentivised in other ways to take the stairs.

Timber walls, natural lighting, art and music can be used to align with our natural preferences for attractive and calming environments, and nudge employees to take the stairs. At the offices of Delos in New York, sensors in the stairs record the number of trips employees take during the day.

Every time an employee uses the stairs, a drop of water is added to an electronic waterfall display. The more times you take the stairs, the bigger the waterfall gets.

This use of technology represents a bit of gamification within the workplace. Its like a scorecard for stair use, and every trip comes with a visual reward that gradually adds up.

Author provided

By creating well-designed, centrally located eating areas and providing healthy food choices, organisations can also encourage employees to make better food choices.

In one study researchers from Yale teamed up with Google to try and nudge employees towards healthy choices. Simple changes in the office cafe had huge results. Replacing loose M&Ms with small packages reduced serving sizes by 58%, and putting up prominent signs increased the number of employees eating certain vegetable dishes by 74%.

Research also shows that air quality and lighting at work can have significant effects on brain function and productivity. Poor oxygen levels, toxic gases from furniture, and toxic chemicals are commonplace in modern workplaces, while poor lighting can cause headaches, eye strain, and tiredness.

Workplaces can be designed to counter some of these problems, by using circadian lighting systems for instance. Circadian lighting follows the patterns of natural light over the course of a day. Sleepy in the morning? The system will provide the right amount of light to wake you up. Circadian lighting results in your body releasing melatonin at the right times, helping employees unwind after work and improving sleep quality.

Using air filtration systems, as well as materials and furniture that dont contain chemicals like formaldehyde, can significantly contribute to employees well-being and productivity. Providing natural ventilation, views of nature, and greenery in the workplace have also been shown to improve employees wellbeing and productivity.

Investing in office design has been seen as a nice to have, but the research shows it can also be seen as an investment. The costs of employee illness and lost productivity are high and even simple changes can have huge impact.

And while employees may be concerned about companies designing environments to engineer behavioural choices, this inclusion of behavioural insights is widespread, and can be seen in areas as diverse as city planning and retail.

By providing environments that support and encourage employee well-being organisations can ensure that well-being is not something that people have to make a choice to opt-in on.

Libby Sander, Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour, Bond Business School

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Main photo: Author provided
Woodford is the Brisbane suburb that has had a dramatic decline in its house listings.

Investar suggests the decrease of sale stock is around 59%, from 68 houses this time last year to its current 28 offerings.

A four bedroom house currently on the market is priced at $469,990 (pictured below).

It came with open plan living area and large media room.

Town centre is within walking distance.

Another Woodford four bedroom house currently on the market is priced at $447,600, but yet to be built.

Schools including primary and high school and major sporting fields are in short car trip.

There was also another four bedroom house at Heather Court that sold for $500,000 last year (pictured below).

Located at 10 Heather Court, Woodford, it came with two bathrooms, large media room and three car accommodation.

Investar puts it the suburb median rental at $320.

The median house price of Woodford sits on $395,000 according to CoreLogic.
Lauri Hornik and Julie Strauss-Gabel at Penguin Young Readers have acquired North American rights to To Night Owl from Dogfish, a middle grade novel co-written by Holly Goldberg Sloan (l.) and Meg Wolitzer. Told entirely through correspondence, the book is a Parent Trap-with-gay-dads kind of story about two very different girls on opposite sides of the country who are forced to become friends when their fathers fall in love. The book will be co-published by Dial and Dutton in spring 2019; the deal was co-brokered by Amy Berkower at Writers House and Suzanne Gluck at William Morris Endeavor.

Laura Godwin at Henry Holt/Godwin has preempted North American rights for two books in Japanese author Nahoko Uehashi's (l.) bestselling The Beast Player series, translated by Cathy Hirano. Set in a medieval fantasy world, the series follows the life of a young healer set on protecting a kingdom's most prized possession, despite efforts to control this otherworldly beast. Publication for book one is scheduled for winter 2019; Allison Hellegers at Rights People negotiated the deal on behalf of Adam Freudenheim at Pushkin Press.

Christopher Myers has bought Pet by Akwaeke Emezi for his Make Me a World imprint, in partnership with Knopf. The young adult novel is about finding monsters in a world that claims they don't exist anymore, and a teen who frees a creature from her mother's painting. Erin Clarke will edit. Publication is set for fall 2019; Jacqueline Ko at the Wylie Agency did the deal for U.S./Canadian rights.

Stacey Barney at Putnam has acquired Gumiho, a debut YA contemporary fantasy by Kat Cho, set in modern-day Seoul and based on Korean mythology. A girl who must kill to survive falls in love with a boy after she rescues him from a goblin, changing the course of her immortal life. The first book in the planned duology is slated for fall 2019; Beth Phelan at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency brokered the two-book deal for world English rights, while at the Bent Agency.

Nikki Garcia at Little, Brown has bought Mary Crockett's YA novel How She Died, How I Lived. The contemporary novel is about a teen girl who fails to respond to a former classmate's text to hang out, and then learns that he brutally murdered the only girl out of five who did answer. A year later, on the eve of his sentencing, she is still dealing with her survivor's guilt, while also becoming romantically involved with the victim's boyfriend. Publication is planned for fall 2018; Emily Mitchell at Wernick & Pratt Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.

Jessica Garrison at Dial has acquired, in a preempt, world English rights for Shana Youngdahl's debut, As Many Nows As I Can Get. The book is about overachievers Scarlett and David, who plunge into a swirl of romance, particle physics, and questionable decisions the summer before they leave for college. Publication is scheduled for spring 2020; Elizabeth Bewley at Sterling Lord Literistic brokered the deal.



Matt Ringler at Scholastic has bought Stephanie Kate Strohm's That's Not What I Heard. Pitched as John Hughes meets Bye Bye Birdie, the YA comedy follows what happens when a longtime couple splits during their senior year of high school and the whole town takes sides in the breakup. Publication is slated for spring 2019; Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.

Reka Simonsen at Atheneum has bought Codename: Badass, How Virginia Hall Became America's Greatest Female Spy by Outwitting the Nazis, Helping to Build the French Resistance and Falling in Love Behind Enemy Lines by Heather Demetrios. Told in a Code Name Verity meets Drunk History style, this YA biography of World War II amputee spy Virginia Hall tells the story of the woman whom the Gestapo called "the most dangerous of all Allied spies." Publication is scheduled for winter 2020; Brenda Bowen at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates handled the deal for world English rights.

Liesa Abrams at Aladdin has acquired The Revenge of Magic, a seven-book fantasy series by James Riley, author of the bestselling Story Thieves and Half Upon a Time series. A long-dead power has re-awakened on Earth, and with it come rampaging monsters. After witnessing the first otherworldly attack, one child is recruited to a government-run school for magic where he's trained with others to fight back. The first book, The Revenge of Magic, pubs in spring 2019; Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret did the deal for North American rights.

Nancy Paulsen at Penguin/Paulsen has bought Count Me In, a middle grade #ownvoices novel by Varsha Bajaj, in which a 12-year-old girl and the white boy next door become reluctant activists after witnessing a racially charged attack on her traditionally dressed Indian grandfather, and the photos she posts for friends and family go viral. Publication is set for 2019; Jill Corcoran brokered the deal for world rights.

Joy Peskin at Farrar, Straus and Giroux has acquired Tanya Guerrero's debut middle grade novel, The Wild Side, inspired by the author's multicultural background (Filipino and Spanish). The contemporary story follows a 12-year-old boy named Pablo whose anxiety issues are exacerbated both by his mother's decision to move with him to the Philippines, where she works as a zoologist, and to take in a foster child with an as-of-yet-unrepaired craniofacial anomaly. Publication is planned for winter 2020; Wendy Schmalz at Wendy Schmalz Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.

Sheila Keenan at Viking has acquired Edison Beaker, Creature Seeker, a two-book series by Frank Cammuso. The middle-grade graphic novels follow the adventures of a boy whose family pest-control business is really about monster wrangling. Publication for the first book, The Night Door, is slated for fall 2018; a second, untitled graphic novel will follow in fall 2019. Judith Hansen at Hansen Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.

Jenne Abramowitz at Scholastic has bought the first two books in Catherine Hapka's new chapter book series, Dolphin Island. Abby's life changes when her family moves to their very own island, and its own cove full of friendly dolphins. Publication of the as yet untitled first book is set for fall 2019; Jordan Hamessley at New Leaf Literary & Media negotiated the deal for world rights.



Holly West at Feiwel and Friends has acquired, at auction, world rights to Spy Penguins, a chapter book series by Sam Hay, illustrated by Marek Jagucki. Pitched as James Bond meets Happy Feet, the series follows the adventures of two young penguins who are desperate to become secret agents. In the first book, planned for September 2018, they investigate some fishy business at the City Aquarium. Gemma Cooper at the Bent Agency represented the author in the three-book deal; the illustrator was unagented.

Lynne Polvino at Clarion has signed John Parra to illustrate Miranda Paul's Little Libraries, Big Heroes, which tells the story of the Little Free Library organization from founder Todd Bol's first installation to the creation of more than 50,000 mini-libraries around the world. Publication is scheduled for fall 2019; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Adriana Dominguez and Stefanie Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary represented the illustrator in the deal for world rights.

Adrienne Szpyrka at Running Press Kids has bought, with Julie Matysik editing, world rights to Sheri Dillard's (l.) Cowhide-and-Seek, a picture book featuring a cow who is determined to be the winner of hide-and-seek, even though she's the only one playing. Jess Pauwels will illustrate; publication is set for spring 2019. Liza Fleissig at Liza Royce Agency represented the author, and Arabella Stein of Bright Group represented the illustrator.
The Hildafolk graphic novel series by U.K.-based cartoonist Luke Pearson is making a big leap to the small screen as a Netflix original series, to air beginning in fall 2018. The series, which is produced by Silvergate Media and Mercury Filmworks, makes its world premiere at the New York International Childrens Film Festival on February 25.

Pearsons graphic novels take place in what Pearson describes as a semi-fantastical, vaguely Scandinavian world that isnt too different from ours, but is home to trolls, elves, giants and other mysterious creatures and characters. The books star the eponymous Hilda, who has a penchant for meeting and often befriending these mythical beings. Speaking with PW, Pearson referred to Hilda as a girl whos grown up amongst the mountains with her single Mum and pet deerfox, who is reluctantly relocated to the city of Trolberg. The show follows her adventures and those of the friends she picks up along the way.

In a 2016 New Yorker article, Pearson described the origins of his Hilda character, saying that she was inspired in part by a vacation his family took to Norway when he was a child, and that Hilda first came to him as a curious image of a child with blue hair. Other influences he has mentioned include Tove Janssons Moomin series and Icelandic (as well as other) folktales.

There are now five Hilda books, all published by Nobrow: Hilda and the Troll, Hilda and the Midnight Giant, Hilda and the Bird Parade, Hilda and the Black Hound, and Hilda and the Stone Forest. Pearsons other work includes a comic for adults, Everything We Miss (Nobrow) and several short form projects. He also writes and creates storyboards for the animated TV series Adventure Time. But despite this behind-the-scenes experience with animation, having his own books being adapted to the screen is very new and exciting, Pearson said. Just getting to see and learn how something like this comes together has been endlessly interesting in itself.

He has worked closely with the writers on the project, drafting two scripts and providing input on all of the others. He admitted, Its quite strange seeing the finished episodes as they come in, as its visually a lot closer to my drawing style than I ever expected it to be. Its weird being able to see your hand in things you havent actually drawn.

The original Hilda stories from the books are being expanded for the show and many new adventures are in store for Pearsons heroine. All the stories and characters from the books are present in some form, he said, some parts sticking extremely close to the books, others less so. While the show will likely draw an audience of viewers who may not be familiar with the graphic novels, he added, I certainly hope it means more people discover the books!
Special Counsel Robert Mueller is continuing to use a controversial 35-page dossier financed by the Democratic National Committee and the 2016 Hillary Clinton campaign as a "road map for investigative leads, sources familiar with his investigation say.

Muellers team has also used information gleaned from surveillance court-approved wiretaps on former Trump adviser Carter Page that were secured by citing material in the dossier, the sources say.

Christopher Steele.

And a detail previously reported last fall  that Muellers investigators traveled overseas last year to debrief the dossiers London-based author, Christopher Steele, a former British spy  takes on a new cast with the disclosure this month that FBI agents abruptly stopped using Steele as an informant in late 2016 after concluding that he had lied to them.

The FBIs reliance on Steeles past credibility was misplaced, since he concealed from the FBI unauthorized media contacts with numerous outlets and his anti-Trump bias, according to an addendum to the so-called FISA memo released Feb. 2 by the Republican majority on the House Intelligence Committee.

Special Counsels Office spokesman Peter Carr told RealClearInvestigations, We will decline to comment on Steele and the dossier.

Muellers use of the dossier  opposition research described by former FBI Director James Comey as largely salacious and unverified  was reported by several news outlets last year. But word that Mueller has continued relying on it despite the House memo and other disclosures raises new questions about the special counsels investigation as it expands beyond indictments last week of 13 Russian nationals and three Russian companies.

While those charges highlighted an ineffective operation to propagate divisive political themes and generally sow discord" on social media during the election, the dossier, largely based on unconfirmed reports from Russians with suspected ties to the Kremlin, may have been a far more consequential tactic for sowing American national discord.

It has served as basis for the ongoing, divisive investigation of the president of the United States; it was used to wiretap American citizens and it was central to a series of resignations and demotions of top officials at the FBI and Justice Department that undermined public confidence in the rule of law.

Law enforcement experts note that in typical circumstances, investigators use of unverified information is unexceptional. They necessarily sift and sort broad streams of information to arrive at the truth. But critics argue the dossier is different for its seminal role in sparking and guiding Mullers investigation.

There is no Mueller investigation without the dossier, said Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch, a Washington-based government watchdog group.

Adam Schiff, vice chairman, and Devin Nunes, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

Learning precisely how Mueller is using that information is complicated by restrictions the House Intelligence Committee has placed on itself, a concession to the vice chairman and ranking minority member, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif). Under the concession, the panel has not been investigating Muellers tenure.

Consistent with its bipartisan commitment not to impede any ongoing investigation, the committee has not sought documents or information post-dating the appointment of the special counsel in May 2017, says a recent set of House Intelligence Committee talking points defending the release of the FISA memo.

That means that much about Muellers work, and the extent to which it continues work begun under Comeys FBI, could be kept out of the public eye, including details of his investigative leads and personnel. The latter include a senior investigator, Peter Strzok, and lawyer, Lisa Page -- who both worked on the email investigation that exonerated Hillary Clinton and had to be removed from the Mueller probe after text messages revealed their anti-Trump, pro-Clinton bias.

Fitton says the Houses self-imposed cutoff for its investigation is a mistake in light of the raft of new questions that have emerged from the investigation into the FBIs dossier-based applications for surveillance warrants against the Trump camp.



He said Congress has a pressing oversight duty to find out when Mueller learned "that the dossier, which is apparently the basis for his entire investigation, was paid for by the DNC on behalf of the Clinton campaign.

Fitton added that its imperative to know if Mueller hired Steele or any of the researchers" he worked with on the dossier, including Glenn Simpson, the journalist-turned-opposition researcher who hired Steele on behalf of Clinton and the DNC.

In recent congressional testimony, Simpson said he and his company, Fusion GPS, are still investigating ties between President Trumps 2016 election campaign and Russia, even though the Clinton campaign stopped paying him long ago.

Who are his new clients? Simpson refuses to say.

Glenn Simpson arrives for his Nov. 14 hearing.

What I do in terms of my other work is not something I am in a position to talk about, Simpson told the House Intelligence Committee staff during his Nov. 14, 2017, closed-door hearing, according to a recently released transcript. I am not going to get into my current work.  I am not going to answer that."

In response to other questions, Simpson conceded that he was personally "opposed to Donald Trump while helping Steele compile the dossier on Trump for Clinton. He also allowed that Fusion GPS regularly contracts with attorneys in federal cases to help them dig up financial and other records during the discovery phase of their trials.



Congressional investigators say Simpson, a former Wall Street Journal reporter, has been feeding Democratic leaders in both the House and Senate investigations tips regarding Trump and his associates, including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Last fall, Simpson urged Democrats specifically to look into the bank records of Deutsche Bank, which has financed some of Trumps businesses, because he suspects some of the funding may be linked to Russia.

Around the time Simpson was working with Democratic investigators, Mueller subpoenaed Deutsche Bank for financial records on Manafort and other individuals affiliated with Trump.

Though Mueller didn't apply for the original warrants to conduct surveillance on former Trump campaign adviser Page, sources familiar with his probe say his team has been privy to information collected from the warrants, which ran through at least September of last year, as well as warrants for other Trump officials obtained during the election campaign.

Carter Page.

They say a federal grand jury impaneled by Mueller has interviewed Page at least once. The dossier alleges that Page agreed to take a bribe from Kremlin officials during the campaign in exchange for ending U.S. sanctions on Russia if Trump became president. Page has repeatedly denied the accusation under oath and claimed he never even met the officials named in the dossier.

Under federal investigation for the past 16 months, Page has not been charged with a crime, and he told RealClearInvestigations that he has not been warned by Muellers office to expect an indictment. He also said that he was interrogated for several hours last year by investigators for both Mueller and Comey, and that during those interviews the dodgy dossier was the centerpiece of their questions."

Sources say Muellers office also inherited collections from a separate wiretap of Manafort, who, like Page, was the target of FBI eavesdropping during the election. (Manafort was indicted by Mueller for financial crimes unrelated to the Moscow collusion activities alleged against Manafort in the dossier.)

Sources add that Muellers investigators and prosecutors have access to any communications from Trump associates and officials swept up in the wiretaps of Page and Manafort. Trumps own communications may have been "incidentally collected" as a result of the questionable, dossier-based surveillance warrants.

Among other unsubstantiated accusations of criminal activity, the dossier alleges that Trump and his campaign conspired with the Kremlin to hack the Democratic campaign and leak embarrassing emails to help Trump win the election. To date, none of the allegations of felonies has been confirmed.

Fitton and other critics assert that Muellers continued use of the dossier reveals a broader political bias on the part of investigators who seem receptive to scurrilous allegations against Trump.

At least 11 of the 16 publicly disclosed prosecutors and attorneys on his team have donated almost exclusively to Democratic candidates for public office, including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. For instance, Muellers top prosecutor, Andrew Weissmann, not only gave thousands of dollars to Clintons presidential campaign but attended her election-night party in New York City in November 2016.

There, in the Javits Center, some shocked and angry Clinton supporters were already talking -- even before the candidate herself had conceded  of impeaching the newly elected president.
'Keep It in The Ground' Movement Needs a Dose of Reality

Investment companies, under pressure from green groups, are divesting themselves of their energy investments. It's bad for the economy and for their investors.
Is That Russia Troll Farm an Act of War?

According to the indictment by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, Russian trolls, operating out of St. Petersburg, took American identities on social media and became players in our 2016 election.

On divisive racial and religious issues, the trolls took both sides. In the presidential election, the trolls favored Bernie Sanders, Jill Stein and Donald Trump, and almost never Hillary Clinton.

One imaginative Russian troll urged Trumpsters to dress up a female volunteer in an orange prison jump suit, put her in a cage on a flatbed truck, then append the slogan, "Lock Her Up!"

How grave a matter is this?

This Russian troll farm is "the equivalent (of) Pearl Harbor," says Cong. Jerrold Nadler, who would head up the House Judiciary Committee, handling any impeachment, if Democrats retake the House.

When MSNBC's Chris Hayes pressed, Nadler doubled down: The Russians "are destroying our democratic process." While the Russian trolling may not equal Pearl Harbor in its violence, said Nadler, in its "seriousness, it is very much on a par" with Japan's surprise attack.

Trump's reaction to the hysteria that broke out after the Russian indictments: "They are laughing their (expletives) off in Moscow."

According to Sunday's Washington Post, the troll story is old news in Russia, where reporters uncovered it last year and it was no big deal.

While Mueller's indictments confirm that Russians meddled in the U.S. election, what explains the shock and the fear for "our democracy"?

Is the Great Republic about to fall because a bunch of trolls tweeted in our election? Is this generation ignorant of its own history?

Before and after World War II, we had Stalinists and Soviet spies at the highest levels of American culture and government.

The Hollywood Ten, who went to prison for contempt of Congress, were secret members of a Communist Party that, directed from Moscow, controlled the Progressive Party in Philadelphia in 1948 that nominated former Vice President Henry Wallace to run against Harry Truman.

Soviet spies infiltrated the U.S. atom bomb project and shortened the time Stalin needed to explode a Soviet bomb in 1949.

As for Russian trolling in our election, do we really have clean hands when it comes to meddling in elections and the internal politics of regimes we dislike?

Sen. John McCain and Victoria Nuland of State egged on the Maidan Square crowds in Kiev that overthrew the elected government of Ukraine. When the democratically elected regime of Mohammed Morsi was overthrown, the U.S. readily accepted the coup as a victory for our side and continued aid to Egypt as tens of thousands of Muslim Brotherhood members were imprisoned.

Are the CIA and National Endowment for Democracy under orders not to try to influence the outcome of elections in nations in whose ruling regimes we believe we have a stake?

"Have we ever tried to meddle in other countries' elections?" Laura Ingraham asked former CIA Director James Woolsey this weekend.

With a grin, Woolsey replied, "Oh, probably."

"We don't do that anymore though?" Ingraham interrupted. "We don't mess around in other people's elections, Jim?"

"Well," Woolsey said with a smile. "Only for a very good cause."

Indeed, what is the National Endowment for Democracy all about, if not aiding the pro-American side in foreign nations and their elections?

Did America have no active role in the "color-coded revolutions" that have changed regimes from Serbia to Ukraine to Georgia?

When Republicans discuss Iran on Capitol Hill, the phrase "regime change" is frequently heard. When the "Green Revolution" took to the streets of Tehran to protest massively the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009, Republicans denounced President Obama for not intervening more energetically to alter the outcome.

When China, Russia and Egypt expel NGOs, are their suspicions that some have been seeded with U.S. agents merely marks of paranoia?

The U.S. role in the overthrow of Premier Mossadegh in Iran in 1953, and of Jacobo Arbenz in Guatemala in 1954, and of President Ngo Dinh Diem in Saigon in 1963 are established facts.

When the democratically elected Marxist Salvador Allende was overthrown in Chile in 1973, and committed suicide with an AK-47 given to him by Fidel Castro, the Nixon White House may have had no direct role. But the White House welcomed the ascendancy of Gen. Augusto Pinochet.

What do these indictments of Russians tell us? After 18 months, the James Comey-Robert Mueller FBI investigation into the hacking of the DNC and John Podesta emails has yet to produce evidence of collusion.

Yet we do have evidence that a senior British spy and Trump hater, Christopher Steele, paid by the Hillary Clinton campaign and DNC to dig up dirt on Trump, colluded with Kremlin agents to produce a dossier of scurrilous and unsubstantiated charges, to destroy the candidacy of Donald Trump. And the FBI used this disinformation to get FISA Court warrants to surveil and wiretap the Trump campaign.

Why is this conspiracy and collusion with Russians less worthy of Mueller's attention than a troll farm in St. Petersburg?

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In the wake of last week's school shooting that left 17 people dead and sparked an unprecedented wave of youth activism about guns in America, Florida finds itself at the center of the political universe.

In the more immediate term, the Republican-led state legislature is under pressure to consider proposals spurred by the mass shooting before the legislative session ends on March 9; the outcome could be a harbinger for federal gun measures. And it could also shape high-profile races in November, as the state will be hosting competitive contests for governor, U.S. Senate and multiple congressional seats.

For example, term-limited Republican Gov. Rick Scott is expected to challenge Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson for the U.S. Senate. House Speaker Richard Corcoran is likely to wage a bid for governor, facing a primary against Rep. Ron DeSantis, who is backed by President Trump, and state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who has made gun-owner rights a pillar of his campaign.

Meanwhile, Democratic candidates for these offices are united in calling for a ban on assault weapons and enhancing other gun-control policies, a signal of where their base is on the issue even in a purple state.

Florida has long been considered a bastion for expanded gun rights and looser restrictions, leading the way on issues like concealed carry and Stand Your Ground laws. Governor Scott signed two new laws during his tenure that were ultimately deemed unconstitutional by the courts: one that would expand the current Stand Your Ground law and another that would bar doctors from discussing guns with their patients. The state legislature did not take action on guns after shootings at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, which killed 49 people in 2016, and at the Ft. Lauderdale airport, which killed five people last year.

And earlier this week, as student survivors from the Parkland shooting filled the state capitol in Tallahassee, the legislature voted down a motion to consider a ban on semi-automatic rifles.

Yet there have been some signs to indicate that the politics could be shifting under the new public pressure.

In a CNN-sponsored town hall in Broward County Wednesday night, Sen. Marco Rubio said he would support increasing the age limit for purchasing rifles and putting in place restraining orders that would take guns from those considered mentally unstable. He also said he would oppose arming teachers, after Trump suggested doing so earlier in the day. Perhaps most notably, Rubio, who voted against a bipartisan measure to expand background checks in 2013, said he would reconsider his opposition to banning high-capacity magazines, a centerpiece for gun-control advocates.

The Florida Republican said he learned information through the Parkland shooting that he couldn't reveal but that caused him to revisit the issue. While such a ban would not have prevented the shooting, he said, it might have saved the lives of three of four students. "I believe we can reach a compromise in this country and that I am willing to reconsider because I do believe that in this instance, it wouldnt have prevented the attack but it made it less lethal," he said amid jeering from the audience.

Rubio's Democratic counterpart, Nelson, advocated for a permanent ban on assault-style rifles, calling it one of the "common-sense solutions" to mass shootings during the town hall. Nelson said he grew up on a ranch in Florida and still hunts, but insisted that an "AR-15 is not for hunting, it's for killing."

At the CNN-sponsored event, Nelson took a swipe at his expected rival for his absence. "Our governor did not come here, Gov. Scott, but Marco did," he said. Scott declined CNN's invitation, citing work on the issue in Tallahassee.

Despite the state's conservative history on gun laws, Democrats see little liability in running on the issue statewide. While Trump won Florida in 2016, he carried it by just over one percentage point. And Scott won his gubernatorial re-election by a single point in 2014, which was considered a banner year for Republicans. And last week, Democrats flipped a state House seat in a Sarasota district that Trump had won overwhelmingly, indicating that opportunities exist for Democrats in suburban areas.

"If you add this gun control issue to so many of the other things that have incensed and incentivized Democrats and independent voters around the country, this could make a difference," said veteran Florida Republican strategist Mac Stipanovich. "If anything close to this intensity and commitment continues, it could be very significant. Typically, the passion of the young, if it doesn't wane it at least wanders."

Stipanovich said action taken by the legislature in the coming weeks will be key in determining how the gun issue plays in November. If lawmakers are unable to come up with some gun-related provisions, however narrow, that could complicate Scotts path in the general election for the U.S. Senate. The advocacy group founded by Gabby Giffords, the congresswoman who was shot in the head during a constituent event in 2011, launched a six-figure ad buy this week going after the governor on guns.

But in the race to succeed him, the pressure is being felt in the competitive primaries. Corcoran, the House speaker considering a run, said the legislature would unveil measures by the end of the week. Some new proposals being talking about in Tallahassee include raising the age limit for purchasing assault weapons, adding a waiting period to purchase, and taking guns from those deemed mentally ill.

But Corcoran, who is running anti-sanctuary city ads that warn constituents about getting killed by undocumented immigrants, signaled there would be little appetite for changes to gun laws. "Being in elected office, you have to be very, very, very careful how much authority and power you bring to government," he told students at the capitol this week, according to the New York Times. "The greatest atrocities known to mankind have been committed by governments

Putnam, the agriculture commissioner, recently described himself as a "proud NRA sellout" and pushed for a bill that would provide concealed-carry permits if background checks werent completed in time. In the wake of the shooting, however, Putnam advocated postponing action on the measure.

And U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, who represents the Jacksonville area and is also running for governor, has named a different culprit in aftermath of the shooting: "Catastrophic failure by the FBI re: the Parkland killer. Protecting society requires a basic level of competence by the authorities. Having members of the public identify threats won't be effective if the authorities fail to act," he tweeted. DeSantis is a top Trump ally in Congress, and the president has endorsed his gubernatorial bid.

Republicans say Trump could be a wildcard on the issue. While his level of engagement on the legislative front remains to be seen, he could eventually provide political cover for party members running in Florida.

On Wednesday, Trump held an hour-long, televised listening session at the White House with students and families of victims from various shootings. In addition to proposing an end to gun-free school zones, Trump also said he would push for stronger background checks and would support increasing the age limit for buying firearms. Earlier this week, he directed the Justice Department to propose ways to ban the use of bump stocks, the mechanism used in the Las Vegas shooting that effectively turn semi-automatic rifles into fully automatic weapons.

Still, other states have offered warning signs for local legislatures. Colorado passed a package of gun laws after a shooter killed 12 people in a movie theater in 2012. The following year, however, voters recalled two Democratic state lawmakers for their votes on the measure.

While that kind of pushback may be concerning to Republicans in Florida, Democratic candidates there seem undeterred. Three Democrats running for governor have immersed themselves in the issue, calling for stricter gun laws. Former U.S. Rep Gwen Graham, the daughter of former governor and U.S. senator Bob Graham, tweeted Wednesday: "The Legislature had better get out of bed with the gun lobby and DO SOMETHING. NOW.

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum also joined student protests around the capitol, telling them: "I believe that weapons of war belong in the military and not in our city streets."

And former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine launched a television ad calling for a permanent ban on assault rifles, in addition to other regulations. "And if the legislature won't do it, we will," he said.


"Darkest Hour" follows Winston Churchill's struggle to rouse Britain to confront the Nazi menace. Winning the war was step two. Step one, the movie's theme, was to get the country to agree to wage war.

And he did no buttering. "I have nothing to offer," Churchill famously told his nation, "but blood, toil, tears and sweat." And that's what it got as the price for saving civilization.

There's no mention of Donald Trump, obviously, but it's hard to see the movie without feeling some heartbreak for an America now enduring a dark hour -- that is, Russia's ravaging of our democratic core. Our political culture is under threat, but we have no Churchill to fight back.

We don't even have a Neville Chamberlain. With the World War I bloodbath still haunting Europe, Chamberlain held that appeasing Hitler would save Britain from annihilation by the superior German war machine. But he never questioned who was behind the Nazi peril.

Vladimir Putin does not hold the whip hand against the United States. We have the technological genius and creativity to defend ourselves in this information war and exact a price for the Russian aggression. Putin holds the whip hand only against Trump.

Trump won't go so far as to verbally criticize Putin. There's much speculation on why he seems so ghastly afraid of the Russian leader. Putin may possess embarrassing video or hard evidence of collusion during the campaign. He undoubtedly controls the Russian bankers who could harm the Trump real estate empire if the president doesn't jump high enough.

These suspicions grew after the Mueller investigation's indictment of Russians for interfering in the 2016 election. The report noted that its American targets were unwitting dupes, which Trump at first heralded as proof of "no collusion" on his campaign's part. His mood soured as the reality sank in that prosecutors were referring only to "this indictment." That does not preclude findings of collusion in future indictments.

A courageous Trump could have become a movie antihero -- the personally flawed man who suddenly rises to serve a cause greater than himself. So his helpers paid off porn stars and centerfolds. If Trump led America to victory in an information war against a hostile power, much would be forgiven.

But as American democracy is being hijacked, Trump won't even harden the cockpits. The scariest part is how many Republicans don't seem to mind.

Churchill stirred his nation to fight to the last man and woman. To think, today's information war need not involve shooting, and Trump nevertheless remains in hiding.

In any case, why would the Russians bother shooting Americans when they can get Americans to shoot one another? They've been pretty good at it so far:

Just unleash trolls to stoke hatred and resentment among various groups. Gum up the public discourse with bald lies. Drum up support for the NRA and its sick willingness to flood the United States with military-style weapons.

It clearly doesn't matter to the NRA whether these weapons of war get into the hands of the obviously unhinged, such as Nikolas Cruz, who's charged with taking 17 lives at his Florida school, or of the not-obviously unhinged, such as Stephen Paddock, who massacred 58 innocents in Las Vegas.

Churchill put the stakes in stark terms. "Without victory," he said, "there is no survival." Letting Britain turn into a colony of Nazi Germany was not his idea of survival.

America could go on, one supposes, as a former democracy run by autocrats, an Orwellian satellite of Russian propaganda. This information war could be won without a Churchill, but there must be someone to lead the troops. Trump is plainly not interested.

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The Pennsylvania Supreme Courts redrawing of congressional district maps this week threw confusion and uncertainty into the competitive and closely watched special election for a House seat in Western Pennsylvania next month.

The new maps do not alter the district lines or ballots for the March 13 election in the 18th Congressional District. But the change for November has implications both minor and far reaching that could affect both the outcome next month and the approach from both parties to races in the area come the midterms.

Republicans are challenging the redrawn lines, which are said to benefit Democrats, in the U.S. Supreme Court, adding another layer of confusion as both sides wait to see whether the state courts action will prevail.

Its another thing you have to do in that maelstrom of a special election, said Christopher Nicholas, a longtime Republican strategist in the state. Specials are always very special and can be pains in the butt, and this is another level of pain for folks in both camps.

Mike Mikus, a veteran Democratic strategist who ran a 2010 special election in the area, said the situation is unprecedented, meaning there is no campaign playbook for how to handle the change or communicate about it to voters.

I dont remember ever seeing a situation like this anywhere in the country, let alone here, Mikus said. We really dont know, and anybody who says they know is lying.

The race was highly competitive before the courts decision threw a wrench into it three weeks before Election Day. President Trump won PA-18 by nearly 20 percentage points in 2016, but Democrats see an opening with Conor Lamb, a veteran and former prosecutor, as their candidate against state Rep. Rick Saccone. (The seat opened up when Rep. Tim Murphy resigned amid a sex scandal.) A public poll showed Saccone with just a three-percentage-point lead last week.

Strategically, the new map likely changes nothing for either party. National Republicans and GOP outside groups have spent heavily on Saccones behalf, running millions of dollars worth of ads backing him and attacking Lamb, hoping to stave off an embarrassing defeat in a Trump-heavy district. House Republicans campaign committee introduced a new ad Wednesday going after Lambs record as a prosecutor, while a super PAC aligned with Speaker Paul Ryan launched an ad tying him to Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. (Lamb has said he would not support Pelosi continuing in that role.)

National Democrats, meanwhile, have avoided wading in except for limited television advertising, concerned both about raising expectations and nationalizing a close election in unfriendly territory. Lambs campaign has been on the airwaves without national support to push back against the GOP onslaught, and released an ad Wednesday from the former U.S. attorney for Western Pennsylvania pushing back on the attacks.

But while the new district lines didnt change the overall importance of the race or the broader strategies from either side, the implications are far-reaching. Neither candidate will live in the same district come November: Lamb would be redrawn into the neighboring 17th District, a GOP bastion that would be newly competitive if the map holds up in November. Saccone would also be drawn out of the current 18th District and into the newly formed 18th, which would include mostly Democratic areas represented by Rep. Mike Doyle. It would force Saccone to choose between a highly improbable campaign against a Democratic incumbent or running in a more GOP-friendly district where he doesnt live (which is legal). The period for collecting signatures to appear on the ballot in November begins before they face voters in the special election.

Lamb, in a statement, reiterated that he would run for a full term in 2018, but did not specify in which district, saying he is entirely focused on the special election.

Im concentrating on the election on March 13th and protecting the people of the 18th District from extreme budget cuts, he said. I am running for this seat now and I will be running later no matter where they draw the lines."

Saccone, in a statement, criticized the court, saying it should not insert itself into drawing congressional maps, but was equally vague about the particulars of his decision after March.

I'm going to run and win in whatever district I compete in because it's not about the lines that are drawn, but about the values I represent, he said.

If Lamb does prevail, it would make a potential challenge to GOP Rep. Keith Rothfus in the neighboring district easier. That district would be significantly less Republican under the new map, and Lamb would get a boost in name recognition and fundraising from being an incumbent congressman, albeit for only eight months. For Republicans, meanwhile, defeating Lamb now could be an early blow against his potential run in November.

If he loses this race  there will be criticism of how or why he lost. Everyone is an expert after the fact, said Mike Butler, a Democratic strategist based in Pittsburgh. If he wins and has the momentum, it makes him more compelling against Keith Rothfus.

On the flip side, the stakes for Saccone have increased as well. Though he doesnt currently live there, he could run in the neighboring 14th District, which will include a significant chunk of the district hes currently running in. Being the incumbent for a large number of those voters would be a boost, and could ward off potential primary challengers. If he loses the special election, other Republicans are likely to consider entering the race.

Still, even before those decisions come, the courts announcement could cause trouble for either candidate in the next three weeks. Saccone is relying on strong turnout from the Republican base, given Trumps continuing popularity in the district, and Lamb is hoping for a surge from the Democratic base and potential crossover voters who no longer support the president. Any voters who lose enthusiasm or choose not to vote out of confusion because of the new district lines could be a major loss for either candidate.

Mikus, the veteran Democratic strategist, said he expected Lambs campaign to redouble efforts in areas that are being shifted into new districts come November, making sure those areas dont see a drop-off in support. Butler said Lambs campaign would probably have to focus literature and campaign mail on reminding voters that despite the courts ruling, nothing has changed ahead of this election. He said a drop-off could hurt Lamb more than Saccone.

They dont have any margin for error, so they cant afford to lose any voters out of confusion, Butler said.

Local Republicans, meanwhile, are infuriated by the courts ruling  some have even called for impeaching the state justices  and are seeking to use it as an energizing force ahead of the next months election.

The message that we are immediately telling anyone who calls and complains is that if you really want to send a strong message on how you feel about this, vote for Rick Saccone on March 13, said Michael Korns, Republican chairman of Westmoreland County, most of which will fall into the newly formed 14th District.

But even as they use the courts action as a rallying cry, some Republicans acknowledge the potential problem: Its difficult enough to get voters to remember to turn out for a special election; its much harder to do that when the winner wont even be their congressman for a year.

Youre going to have to encourage people who will not be represented by this person in eight months to come out and vote in this special election, said one GOP operative, who requested anonymity to speak frankly. There is a high level of confusion right now as far as turnout goes.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Trump administration Tuesday spelled out a plan to lower the cost of health insurance: give consumers the option of buying less coverage in exchange for reduced premiums.

The proposed regulations would expand an alternative to the comprehensive medical plans required under former President Barack Obamas health law. Individuals could buy so-called short-term policies for up to 12 months. But the coverage would omit key consumer protections and offer fewer benefits, making it unattractive for older people or those with health problems.

The plans would come with a disclaimer that they dont meet the Affordable Care Acts safeguards, such as guaranteed coverage, ten broad classes of benefits, and limits on how much older adults have to pay. Insurers could also charge more if a consumers medical history discloses health problems.

Nonetheless, administration officials said they believe the short-term option will be welcomed by people who need an individual health insurance policy but dont qualify for the ACAs income-based subsidies.

Those in this largely middle-class crowd make too much for subsidies and have absorbed years of price hikes. Some say they now face monthly, mortgage-size payments of well over $1,000 for health insurance. Then they usually have to pay a deductible of several thousand dollars. Research indicates the uninsured rate among these customers is growing.

If you are not subsidized, the options can be really unaffordable for folks, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told reporters. The administration estimates monthly premiums for a short-term plan could be about than one-third of what a comprehensive policy costs.

Democrats swiftly branded it a return to junk insurance, and the main insurance industry lobbying group said it was concerned the Trump plan could divide the healthy from the sick in the market and make it more expensive to cover those with health problems.

Democrats say the solution is to increase government subsidies, so that more middle-class people will be eligible for taxpayer assistance to buy comprehensive coverage. The Obama administration had limited short-term plans to periods of no longer than three months, making them impractical for many consumers.

We shouldnt be in the business of providing people with worse care, said Sam Berger, a former Obama aide now with the liberal Center for American Progress. What we should be focusing on is finding ways of reducing the cost of high-quality care.

Trump administration officials reject the notion that theyre trying to undermine the ACA. Instead, they say they are trying to make things more workable for people who are not being helped by the health law.

The administration estimates that only about 100,000 to 200,000 people will drop coverage they now have under the ACA and switch to cheaper short-term policies. They also say they expect short-term plans could attract many people among the estimated 28 million who remain uninsured.

What we see right now is that there are healthy people sitting on the sidelines without coverage, and this is an opportunity to provide them with coverage, said Seema Verma, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which also administers the Obama-era health law.

A government economic analysis that accompanied the proposal forecast a moderate increase in premiums among customers sticking with their ACA plans through HealthCare.gov. Because subsidies are tied to the cost of premiums, taxpayers would end up spending more.

Administration officials said theres no final decision on whether consumers will have a legal right to renew coverage under one of the new short-term plans.

One major health insurance company, United Healthcare, is already positioning itself to market short-term plans.

But others in the industry see them as a niche product for people in life transitions, like being in-between jobs, moving to another state, or retiring before Medicare kicks in.

I certainly wouldnt recommend them to someone receiving a significant subsidy or who has ongoing health issues, but there are certain times and certain places where it makes sense, said Jeff Smedsrud, an insurance entrepreneur whose companies sell short-term plans.

Consumer advocates say customers should read the fine print carefully to make sure the plan will cover their expected bills.

The administrations proposal will be open for public comment for 60 days. Plans would be on the market later this year.

However, short-term coverage wont count as qualifying coverage under the Obama health law for 2018. That means consumers with such plans would legally be considered uninsured, putting them at risk of fines. That wouldnt be a problem next year, when repeal of the ACA requirement that most Americans have coverage takes effect.

Tuesdays proposal follows another administration regulation that would allow groups to offer association health plans also exempt from ACA requirements to small businesses and sole proprietors. Having failed to repeal Obamacare, Trump is now chipping away at it through regulations and waivers.

The plan doesnt affect people with job-based coverage, still the mainstay for workers and their families.

_________

Associated Press Health Writer Tom Murphy contributed to this report.
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Athens was just one of the many locations across the nation that hosted protests to advocate for more gun control after the shooting at Marjor
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The University of Georgia should protect all its students as much as possible, and expanding the free speech zones on campus would not be protecting its students.
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WEST HAVEN  Eight Republican hopefuls for governor sparred over guns, school safety and economic development Wednesday night in the third of five debates aimed at publicizing the party while underscoring the case against second-term Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

It was standing room only in the 500-seat Collins Theater at Notre Dame High School as the contestants offered their outsider credentials and targeted Democrats.

Everywhere I go in the state of Connecticut, people are concerned about whether tomorrow will be better than today, said Tim Herbst, the former Trumbull first selectman. I am here to tell you that we can change course. We cant keep electing politicians that are focused on the next election.

The Democrats will throw everything at us and make it a nasty campaign, said Steve Obsitnik, a Westport tech executive and failed congressional candidate. Im a proven fighter and I plan to reinvent Connecticut and make Connecticut a jobs engine once again.

David Walker, a former federal comptroller general under two presidents, said rising property taxes for his Bridgeport home, along with rising local taxes and surging deficits in Hartford, prompted his candidacy. We decided were going to fight.

Mike Handler, of New Canaan, Stamfords chief financial officer, said experience is a crucial requirement for the next governor. Im the only candidate before you that has the experience of solving the financial mess left behind by Dan Malloy. For all of us that live and work in this state, the future starts now.

Peter Lumaj, an Albanian-born Fairfield immigration lawyer, said he is the only conservative in the field. Ive seen socialism, he said. Ive seen socialism fail. He called for armed guards in all Connecticut schools in response to the recent mass shooting at a Florida school.

Public safety is extremely important, said state Rep. Prasad Srinivasan, a Glastonbury physician who hailed the impending end of Gov. Dannel P. Malloys eight years in office. He also called for better school safety.

Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton stressed that he has led his city to 16 balanced budgets, and believes that has given him the experience for becoming governor.

It is time to have a conversation on how we can bring the Connecticut comeback, Boughton said. I can bring that same attitude to Connecticut, he said, vowing to phase-out the income tax over the next 10 years.

Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti highlighted a 26-year tenure that has brought low taxes and large-scale economic development to the city. This is a proven ability that people have talked about. What they want to do, I have done for a quarter of a century.

In response, Democrats said the two-hour GOP contest was the product of a party under fire nationally and which sustained some major losses in last Novembers municipal elections.

Christina Polizzi, communications director for Connecticut Democrats, said the GOP field looks like a plethora of Trump wannabes.

From gun violence prevention, to womens reproductive rights, to fair wages, to rolling back collective bargaining, Republican gubernatorial candidates are on the wrong side of the issues that matter to Connecticut, Polizzi said on Wednesday. These candidates are showing Connecticut voters exactly who they would be as governors: a rubber stamp for Trumps agenda.

Political scientists said finding the breakout candidate is a challenge for Republicans, with the eight candidates invited for the debate, and other potential hopefuls, such as New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart, left on the sidelines for now. But it was also an opportunity to break out of the pack.

Thats always the challenge with a multi-candidate field, said Ronald Schurin, a University of Connecticut political scientist.

While Boughton has high name-recognition among people who pay attention to state politics, others, such as Walker and Lumaj, do not.

The partys rules, which narrowed the debate Wednesday to the best-financed candidates, might be hurting the party because of the absence of New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart and Sen. Toni Boucher of Wilton, politics watchers said.

I knew what the rules were ahead of time, but that doesnt mean Im not disappointed by them, Stewart said Wednesday. Ill be sharing my thoughts with the public on Twitter. If people want to see me on the stage at the next debate, please help me do so by donating.

This debate was targeted toward 3rd Congressional District voters. The 4th District debate will be held March 7 in New Canaan and the 5th District gathering will be held in April.

Its a wide open race, said Gary L. Rose, a Sacred Heart University political scientist and professor. Its kind of all under the radar. Someone will emerge as a front-runner, but these people, I know, are really cultivating delegates who will serve as their mouthpieces back home.
TORRINGTON  U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., visited FuelCell Energy Wednesday to discuss a tax credit for fuel cell technology and to see the recently expanded factory.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 extended an investment tax credit to the fuel cell industry, according to Blumenthals office.

Such credits for other industries, including solar and wind power, were included in the December 2015 omnibus spending bill, which kept the government running through Sept. 30, 2016. Credits for fuel cells were not included, as noted at the time by U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-Conn.

The situation continued through past continuing resolutions, Blumenthal said. But after the latest budget act, those installing fuel cells will receive a tax break, which Blumenthal compared Wednesday to tax credits people receive for their home mortgages.

He said the measure would drive down the cost of fuel cells and aid the industry.

The tax credit is going to measurably and importantly drive down the cost of fuel cells for customers around the world  around America, for sure, said Blumenthal. It will encourage sales and use of fuel cells, and thats why we fought for it, and thats why were going to continue to advocate for it.

FuelCell Energy provides an economic and environmental boon for Connecticut and for Torrington, Blumenthal said.

This expanding and growing facility is going to drive economic progress for Torrington. Its also going to mean a lot of clean energy  really, tons of clean energy  for Connecticut and America, he said. Its going to mean that Connecticut can become the fuel cell capital of the world, because it will be a model for other facilities as well.

Jennifer Arasimowicz, senior vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary with FuelCell, welcomed Blumenthal to the facility Tuesday.

The incentive tax credit, she said, would provide stability for the business  a quality that Blumenthal cited in his remarks  and allow the company to more competitive. She praised him for his work on behalf of the company.

Senator Blumenthal has worked tirelessly to advance the fuel cell industry here in Connecticut, said Arasimowicz. The senator has stood by us steadfastly, and worked hand-in-hand with us to ensure that Connecticut, led by FuelCell Energy and all of you here, is in fact the stationary fuel cell capital, of not only the United States, but of the world.

Blumenthal and company officials also toured the Torrington factory Wednesday, which was expanded  more than doubling in size  following a December 2015 announcement.

The company has had a presence in Torrington since the late 1990s, according to vice president, CFO and treasurer Michael Bishop. It was founded as a research-and-development project in Connecticut nearly 50 years ago, and has found the state a suitable home, he said.

This company has grown up in Connecticut, built up our employee base in Connecticut, and its a great state for the types of jobs that we have, both in the factory  high-tech manufacturing jobs  as well as ... different engineering disciplines, Bishop said.

Fuel cell technology creates power through an electro-chemical reaction, without the pollution that comes with combustion-based technology, Bishop said.

FuelCell Energy creates power plants  including a 15-megawatt facility in Bridgeport and a five-megawatt facility on the Groton campus of Pfizer.

The technology allows power systems to be constructed quickly  the Pfizer plant took less than a year, Bishop said  without the expense of traditional transmission lines. They produce power 24/7 and can continue functioning when the mainstream grid goes down.

You can put the power where its needed in a very clean way, Bishop said. You avoid combustion and you also (avoid costly transmission), by doing distributed-generation configurations. So our projects can be built and sited very quickly.

Bishop said the technology forms part of a larger clean energy infrastructure, along with wind, solar and geothermal. It provides both environmental and economic benefits for Connecticut, he said.

The soundbite  marrying environmental policy, energy policy, and economic development all together in the state  is something that we can do very nicely, Bishop said.
WINSTED  Special Olympics continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018 at the Winsted Penguin Plunge on Saturday, March 3 at Highland Lake, located on Lake Street in Winchester. Check-in begins at 10 a.m. and the plunge begins at 12 p.m. To find out more and register for the event, visit soct.org.

Penguin Plunge participants jump into the chilly waters of a lake or ocean and earn incentive prizes by raising money online to support Special Olympics year-round sports, health and fitness programs for people of all abilities.

Event highlights will include music, refreshments, a parade of plungers and an awards ceremony. To join in, participants must raise a minimum of $100 and be at least 8 years old. Costumes and team outfits are encouraged. In addition to incentives that include apparel and backpacks, awards for best costume, top fundraising individual and top fundraising group will be handed out. Signing up early helps participants reach their fundraising goals and ensures they receive a free event t-shirt. To register or donate to support a participant, visit soct.org. Questions? Call 203-230-1201 or email specialolympicsct@soct.org.

American Red Cross offers disaster prep workshop

NEW HAVEN  Small to medium-sized businesses and organizations across Connecticut have been invited to take part part in the American Red Cross Ready Rating Business Continuity and Resilience Workshop on Thursday, Marcy 15.

The free two-and-a-half-hour training workshop, conducted by members of the American Red Cross National Young Professionals Council, is designed for key personnel from businesses and organizations to learn about and utilize tools that will allow them to reopen  and stay open  in the face of any emergency. The workshop will provide participants with valuable insight to creating an all-hazards continuity plan, and it will help prioritize preparing for emergencies that are most likely to impact their business and community, members said in a statement.

In addition to learning about the most important features of business continuity planning, workshop participants will complete key components of building their organizations continuity plan; learn about the American Red Cross Ready Rating program and resource center; receive free resources and tools to advance their organizations readiness after the workshop concludes; and proactively contribute to overall community resiliency.

This workshop is such a powerful way to build community we couldnt be more excited to facilitate this training to help Connecticut small businesses and organizations rest assured they will be able to open their doors after any emergency, said Mario Bruno, Chief Executive Officer of the Connecticut and Rhode Island Region of the American Red Cross, in the statement. The workshop, which essentially is a commitment that these businesses are making to planning, will surely contribute to community resilience after any disaster, no matter how great or small.

For more information about these workshops or to register for this free event, contact cristen.hodgers@redcross.org. Registration must be received by March 5.

Winter Harvest Dinner set in Litchfield

LITCHFIELD  The Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market will host a Winter Harvest Dinner, Saturday, March 3, 6-10 p.m. at the Litchfield Community Center. Executive Chef Samantha Tilley, of Mockingbird Kitchen and Bar, will create a dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients in the middle of winter right here in Northwest Connecticut. Pastry Chef Barbara Mojon-Gugnoni of Troy Brook Bakery will create another unusual and exquisite dessert. With Sam and Barbara at the helm, the food will be a delight to see, taste and smell  mouth-wateringly appealing to all of our senses.

Dinner ingredients are provided by vendors and other local producers including Bantam Bread, Laurel Ridge Farm, Savor Cookies, Beltane Farm, Maple View Farm, Sun One Organic, Berry Ledges Apiary, March Farm, Troy Brook Bakery, Brookside Farm, Mohawk Mountain Mushrooms, Wave Hill Bread, Cato Corner Farm, Olive Oil Factory, Wild Carrot Farm, Earths Palate Farm, Plum Brook Chocolate and Winding Drive Jams. All proceeds from the event will support the markets educational programs.

Tickets are $100 per person. Reservations confirmed with receipt of payment, first come first served. Tickets are available online at www.litchfieldfarmersmarket.org. Or mail a check to Winter Harvest Dinner, c/o LHF-FM, PO Box 607, Litchfield, CT 06759.

The Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market goal is achieved through connecting sustainable agriculture, local food and active, healthy lifestyles in our community.

For more information about Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market please visit the website: www.litchfieldhillsfarmfresh-ct.org

Spring Crop set for April 7

TORRINGTON  The Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department is hosting the annual Spring Crop on Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 835 Riverside Avenue in Torrington. The event allows craft enthusiasts to work for 12 hours uninterrupted.

Registration is $40 and includes a space for crafting as well as meals and snacks throughout the day. There will be raffle prizes and onsite craft vendors. All proceeds will benefit the Departments General Fund.

Email drakevilleladiesaux@gmail.com or contact Nikki Maccalous at 860-307-9044 or Gabrielle Palladino at 860-806-1504 to reserve your spot.

Author to lead writing workshop

MORRIS  Susan Strecker, the award-winning author of Night Blindness and Nowhere Girl (Thomas Dunne Books), will host a writing workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Morris Public Library, 4 North Street, Morris.

Writing novels, especially an authors first, can feel overwhelming and difficult to keep on track and finish. Susan will discuss, step-by-step, the eight tips and tricks for writing a novel. Some guidelines include finishing the first draft before polishing and letting the novel rest before beginning the first major rewrite.

She will also discuss with participants the seven essential elements of successful books. These include starting the novel with a powerful kicker and including the protagonists flaws and poverties. Lastly, Susan will help the group understand the importance of hooking the reader and will hear from any member who wants to share the beginning of their book to ensure that each contains a fabulous hook.

Writers of all experience and ability levels are welcome. Feel free to bring your laptop or a pad and a pencil to take notes. To register, call 860-567-7440
Frustrated with the lack of action in Washington, the governors of four Northeastern states on Thursday pledged to do what they can to stop the senseless gun violence that has rocked the nation.

"We are not waiting for federal action," New York Gov. Andrew Coumo said during a conference call with reporters and the governors of Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Jersey.

"All of our states are already ahead of Washington on this issue," Coumo said, referring to gun control. "We hope Parkland will spur federal action, but we are not going to hold our breathe. "

The quartet of Democratic governors conceded they cant collectively ban assault weapons nationally or strengthen national background checks. But they said they can work together to take steps to prevent massacres such as what happened in Parkland, Florida or Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

They pledged to jointly resume studies on gun violence terminated by the Trump administration, share law enforcement data and information on mentally ill residents, trace and intercept weapons and stop people denied a gun in one state from jumping to another state to buy a weapon.

"This is coordinating and deepening coordination and intelligence sharing," said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who dubbed the new task force the Coalition States for Gun Safety.

"Its something that in light of that awful tragedy [in Florida] we felt we wanted to accelerate," Murphy said. "And in the absence of action in Congress, we said lets form a coalition of like-minded states."

Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo said she her family watched the coverage of Parkland on television.

"My daughter asked me,Mom, what are you going to do about it. Raimondo said. They want answers and they want action and they are afraid.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said there is much the governors can accomplish by working together.

"Lets work across the border," Malloy added. "Lets advocate for better laws across the region and reach out to other governors and ask them to participate as well. Its a way of saying we cant wait for the federal government to act.

The effort came as Parkland students marched and advocated for a ban on the type of assault weapon used to kill 17 of their classmates on Valentines Day. They pushed for age restrictions on who can buy weapons and beefed up background checks.

President Donald Trump met Wednesday with the students, and victims of Sandy Hook, and backed improved background checks while advocating arming teachers - a move the governors opposed.

Arming teachers, that makes sense, Coumo said sarcastically. All it does is bring more money to gun manufacturers, and the NRA more money.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn, also blasted Trumps plan to arm teachers.

"The idea of arming teachers is inane and insane  and soundly rejected by the education community  despite both the NRA and President Trump continuing to tout it," Blumenthal said.

"I will fight for real reforms  inspired by the energy and courage of students who have marched in the street  including banning assault weapons, limiting high capacity magazines and universal background checks," Blumenthal added.

Not rocket science

Malloy said Connecticut banned assault weapons after Sandy Hook and enacted other measures. He said the regional cooperation by the governors will help keep guns out of cities such as Bridgeport and New Haven.

"We know what happens down South," Malloy said. Those guns get on I-95 and make it to Bridgeport or New Haven or other places. They are used for crime on the street."

Raimondo said shes disappointed with the response from Washington on gun violence.

"We cant wait for Washington to the right thing, Raimondo said. We are taking concrete practical action steps. Gun laws save lives."

Raimondo said Rhode Island still allows the sale of assault weapons and pledged to push for a ban.

"Im going to be working with the legislature to fix that, Raimondo said. "We will try to convince other governors to join us. We can send a message that it is possible to improve our gun laws."

Coumo said New York passed strict gun controls after Sandy Hook.

Im not especially optimistic that the federal government is going to be responsible, Coumo noted. Trump has pledged allegiance to the NRA. Its not rocket science, it takes political courage.

Coumo added I have the political scars for what we did. Politicians like [U.S. Sen.] Marco Rubio [R-Florida] should be ashamed of themselves. They have nothing meaningful to propose.

The New York governor said regional cooperation among states "is the next evolution" of action to protect residents from gun violence.

Malloy added "This gives us a different level of protection and it makes sense to share information across borders."
The London-based rights group Amnesty International on raised concerns over continued attacks on Hong Kong's traditional freedoms, as the ruling Chinese Communist Party takes a more hands-on approach to the former British colony.



"Freedom of expression in Hong Kong came under attack as the government used vague and over broad charges to prosecute pro-democracy activists," the group said in its annual report, published on.



"The repeated use of vague charges against prominent pro-democracy movement figures appeared to be an orchestrated and retaliatory campaign by the authorities to punish and intimidate those advocating democracy or challenging the authorities," the report added.



It cited the charging last March of the founders of the 2014 pro-democracy movement with public order offenses for their role in the "Occupy Central" civil disobedience campaign, as well as the disqualification of newly elected pro-democracy lawmakers whose oaths of allegiance were judged insufficiently "solemn and sincere" by a ruling from Beijing.



The jailing last August of three former student leaders of the Occupy movement, Joshua Wong, Alex Chow and Nathan Law, to six, seven and eight months imprisonment respectively for their part in the movement was also a matter of concern, the report said.



And while a district court in the city sentenced seven police officers to two years' imprisonment last February for assaulting Occupy protester Ken Tsang, the decision was followed by "an orchestrated campaign attacking Hong Kong's judiciary" in the state-run Chinese media, it said.



The groups Hong Kong director Mabel Au hit out at a string of prosecutions under "vague" public order charges.



"In 2017, we saw a lot of these kinds of charges, a situation that is far from ideal," Au said. "This will have a chilling effect, and citizens will think that they could be arrested and tried on some vague charge if they take to the streets in protest."



"These were clearly peaceful gatherings, and yet we still had these criminal charges, for example, causing a public nuisance, which is totally vague, really," she said.



During the 2014 protests, which called for fully democratic elections for chief executive and Legislative Council (LegCo), a panel of 18 independent experts working for the U.N. Human Rights Committee said Beijing's insistence on vetting electoral candidates for the post of Hong Kong's chief executive was in violation of international human rights treaties.



Hong Kong has signed and ratified the U.N.'s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, passed by the General Assembly in 1966, while Beijing has signed but not ratified it.



'Ruthless campaign' in China



Across the internal immigration border in mainland China, the Chinese authorities are continuing an unprecedented crackdown on dissent, Amnesty's annual report said, citing a "ruthless campaign of arbitrary arrests, detention, imprisonment and torture and other ill-treatment of human rights lawyers and activists."



It said the authorities are continuing with the widespread use of "residential surveillance in a designated location."



"[This is] a form of secret incommunicado detention that allowed the police to hold individuals for up to six months outside the formal detention system, without access to legal counsel of their choice, their families or others, and placed suspects at risk of torture and other ill-treatment," the report said.



It has been used to curb the activities of human rights defenders, including lawyers, activists and religious practitioners, it said.



Amnesty International China researcher Patrick Poon said the human rights situation in mainland China continues to deteriorate.



"We don't expect to see any improvement in the human rights situation in the short term," Poon said. "Unless the government comes to understand clearly that they are an important member of the international community, and, as such, have a duty to abide by human rights convenants that they have signed."



Chinese human rights lawyer Xie Yan, who was charged with "incitement to subvert state power" amid a nationwide operation targeting the legal profession that began in , said the administration of President Xi Jinping has no interest in applying the rule of law.



"Legally and constitutionally speaking, it is not a wise move to persecute lawyers, because it will in fact destroy the whole legal system," Xie told RFA. "Trust in the legal system is also trust in this government, and its constitutional right to rule."



Amnesty's report singled out the northwestern region of Xinjiang in particular, saying that Beijing has increasingly used national security as justification for restriction of human rights and detention of activists



In Xinjiang, a new emphasis on social stability resulted in increased technological surveillance, armed street patrols and security checkpoints and implemented an array of intrusive policies violating human rights, it said.



"Authorities set up detention facilities within the [region], variously called counter extremism centers, political study centers or education and transformation centers, in which people were arbitrarily detained for unspecified periods and forced to study Chinese laws and policies," it said.



Reported by Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Shi Shan for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
The 1989 military crackdown on the weeks-long student-led democracy protest on Beijing's Tiananmen Square shocked the world as China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) used armored cars, tanks and machine guns to quell the movement. The bloodshed, which resulted in an unknown number of deaths, was ordered by then supreme leader Deng Xiaoping and carried out after initial resistance from within the PLA itself. Lt. Gen. Xu Qinxian served a five-year jail term for refusing to lead his 38th army troops into Beijing on the eve of the crackdown, as his former military driver Liu Jianguo recalls in an interview with RFA's Cantonese Service. Former student leaders have said that they were expecting the army to use water cannons and rubber bullets, but diplomatic archives recently declassified by the U.K. government said the army was ordered to "spare no one" as they used dum-dum bullets, automatic weapons and armored vehicles to carry out mass killings in Beijing:



RFA: How long had you been in the army when the events of , 1989 took place?



Liu Jianguo: I joined the army in , and I worked for the 38th Army for 10 years in all. During the incident, our commander Lt. Gen. Xu Qinxian refused to implement the high-level massacre plan and was persecuted for it. I was implicated in the loss of this combat plan and was persecuted for a long time. At the end of 1992, I was prematurely decommissioned on the grounds that I was no longer fit for the armed forces. In , I went to do office work in the Beijing Civil Affairs Bureau as a retired army officer.



RFA: And how did Xu's refusal come about?



Liu Jianguo: Before the imposition of martial law in Beijing, Lt. Gen. Xu Qinxian had been recovering from an illness in the Beijing 301 Hospital. One morning, before the crackdown, a group of officers from the Beijing Military District came to visit him, bringing him a battle plan. I was waiting by the door, and I felt that there was something unusual about the way they all filed out after they were done talking.



RFA: How did Xu come to be relieved of his command?



Liu Jianguo: That same day, in the afternoon, a group of people from the general political department of the ministry of defense came to Xu Qinxian's ward without prior notice and politely told him that the 38th Army was now under the command of someone else. Initially, Xu Qinxian remained in the 301 Hospital, recuperating and receiving treatment. He told me: "Young man, you can pack your things and go back to your unit. I won't be needing you here any more." I haven't seen him since.



RFA: So what happened next?



Liu Jianguo: During the , 1989 crackdown, I was still reporting to the head of the general's transportation team, but I wasn't told to do anything important. When the 38th Army had done its job suppressing the protests in Beijing, the "clean-up" operation began in our unit. Also, the leaders thought that a copy of the battle plan given to Lt. Gen. Xu had gone missing. This battle plan was cast-iron proof of the military operation in Beijing.



RFA: So who actually signed the order [to send troops into Beijing]?



Liu Jianguo: The battle plan was signed by President Yang Shangkun, who was vice chairman of the Central Military Commission at the time. The refusal of Lt. Gen. Xu Qinxian to carry out those orders made a number of people in the Central Military Commission very unhappy, even furious. The commanding officers of the 38th Army were very worried about future repercussions over Lt. Gen. Xu's rebellion, and that it would prevent anyone in the 38th Army from receiving any medals. The other army chiefs were not particularly sympathetic to him but were very annoyed, because many people felt that they would lose out, and that they would inevitably be implicated in any future investigations. After Lt. Gen. Xu was relieved of command, the new army leadership demonstrated its determination by carrying out the crackdown orders with particular resolve.



RFA: What was the situation on Tiananmen Square?



Liu Jianguo: The 112 armored cars division went in ahead to clear the square for the rest of the troops. Their commanders wore a white scarf around their necks, but they had men armed with automatic weapons sitting right behind them. They told the soldiers: "You see those officers with white scarves? They're the leaders of this operation, and you've got to let them have a free hand. If you don't, we'll be finished." There wasn't much response they could make to that.



Reported by Ma Lap-hak for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.


A Chinese vendor hands change to a North Korean customer who gave him a US $100 bill at an international trade fair in the North Korean capital Pyongyang, Sept. 25, 2017.

Wealthy North Koreans and high-ranking regime officials in Pyongyang are quickly exchanging Chinese yuan they have acquired into much-coveted U.S. dollars or euros, because the two Western currencies are giving them a bigger bang for their buck, sources inside the country said.

U.S. dollars, euros, Japanese yen, and Chinese yuan have long lubricated the isolated countrys struggling economy, which has endured further blows from international sanctions imposed in 2017 and earlier this year to punish the regime for nuclear tests and missile launches under its illicit arms program.

The foreign notes offer currency stability and a means for the regime to enhance its coffers in a country whose native bills  North Korean won  are relatively worthless and only used by ordinary citizens for everyday transactions inside the country.

Though Chinese yuan has been the most readily available foreign currency brought in mainly by traders who live in areas bordering China, the use of yuan notes has fallen off considerably among the elite in North Koreas capital.

The use of Chinese yuan in Pyongyang has recently dropped, a source who declined to be named told RFAs Korean Service. Most of the wealthy and high-ranking officials prefer U.S. dollars, euros, or Japanese yen. Chinese yuan is hardly seen.

Chinese yuan began disappearing at the end of last year, though it is not certain whether the implementation of new and harsher sanctions is to blame, he said.

But people began to avoid using Chinese yuan for any transactions, the source said.

A lot of Chinese yuan held by the rich and high-ranking officials in Pyongyang has already been exchanged into U.S. dollars or euros, he said. Those who use Chinese yuan are considered to be behind the times.

The use of U.S. dollars has become common as if the U.S. dollar is North Koreas own currency, and is especially increasing among high-ranking officials who give American bills as gift money to their families on holidays or other special occasions, the source said.

Most desired currency

A source from North Hamgyong province told RFA that on former leader Kim Jong Ils birthday, known in North Korea as the Day of the Shining Star, and on Lunar New Years Day  both on Feb. 16 this year  people observed a considerable change in the use of foreign currency.

Merchants from the cities near the border, influenced by Pyongyang residents, began exchanging Chinese currency for U.S. dollars, he said.

The reason that U.S. dollars, euros, and Japanese yen are popular on the black market is because of the difference in their value, he said.

One U.S. dollar is worth 8,000-9,000 North Korean won, while one Chinese yuan is worth only 1,200 North Korean won, the source said.

There is big difference in value, he added.

U.S. dollars are in great demand, even though North Koreas state-owned broadcaster Korean Central Broadcasting and the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Korean Workers Party, has branded the United States as the Norths archenemy and has propagandized class struggle even more than before, the source said.

Despite the propaganda, the U.S. dollar is becoming the most desired currency over the euro and Japanese yen, he said.

The amount of U.S. dollars  the currency of the North Korean regimes mortal enemy  that one possesses draws the line between the wealthy and the poor in Pyongyang, he said.

North Koreans inside the country typically earn less than a dollar a day paid in won in their official jobs, though they usually pull in extra income by working in local markets and performing labor.

Though the authorities emphasize the destruction of anything that goes against socialism and decorum, rich people and high-ranking officials who possess U.S. dollars are showing off the power of the U.S. dollar, the source said.

Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Two women were killed and at least 22 left injured when a bomb exploded on Wednesday at a bank in Lashio in northeastern Myanmars Shan state, a region torn by fighting between government forces and ethnic separatist armies.



Speaking to RFAs Myanmar Service, Lashio Youth Group member Tun Myint said that he and several others had arrived quickly on the scene to help those wounded in the blast.



We got there as soon as we heard about the explosion, and we sent the injured people to the hospital, he said.



The bank building was totally destroyed.



No suspects were identified in the attack at the Yoma Bank branch, and police said an investigation was under way, according to a report by the Reuters news service.

The two women killed in the blast were identified as bank employees, Reuters said.

Myanmars civilian government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi continues to grapple with ongoing hostilities between various ethnic armed groups and the government military, and has also been slammed by rights groups and the international community over violence directed against Rohingya Muslims during an army crackdown in northwestern Myanmars Rakhine state that began in August.



The government is meanwhile trying to pull together a third round of nationwide peace talks, a key peace initiative spearheaded by Aung San Suu Kyi to try to end decades of civil wars between ethnic militias and the Myanmar army.



Reported and by Nay Rein Kyaw for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Richard Finney.
At least 10 people have been killed in two separate incidents in Afghanistan's southern Ghazni and Zabul provinces, officials say.

"Unfortunately, eight local police were killed and another one was injured," said Arif Noori, a spokesman for the provincial governor, after a large number of Taliban militants attacked and overran a police checkpoint in Deh Yak district in Ghazni Province early on February 22.

Security forces also reported inflicting heavy casualties on the insurgents, but could not give precise numbers of dead and wounded.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack on Twitter, saying that militants had detained one local police officer and killed nine others.

Separately, two civilians were killed and two were wounded in a roadside bomb blast in Sewray district of Zabul Province, said Gul Islam Sial, a spokesman for the provincial governor.

On February 20, at least 26 Afghan police officers were killed and several others injured in Taliban attacks security checkpoints in Farah and Helmand provinces.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa
Amnesty International has taken aim at U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders the global watchdog says are abandoning human rights, accusing them of setting a "dangerous precedent" for other governments to follow.

In an annual report released on February 22, Amnesty International Secretary-General Salil Shetty warns that in the current political climate "it is abundantly clear that none of us can take our human rights for granted."

"The specters of hatred and fear now loom large in world affairs, and we have few governments standing up for human rights in these disturbing times," Shetty says.

"Instead, leaders such as al-Sisi, Duterte, Maduro, Putin, Trump and Xi are callously undermining the rights of millions," he says, referring to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"Last year our world was immersed in crises, with prominent leaders offering us a nightmarish vision of a society blinded by hatred and fear," Shetty continues. "This emboldened those who promote bigotry, but it inspired far more people to campaign for a more hopeful future."

The report, titled The State Of The World's Human Rights, singles out Trump's controversial travel ban to the United States that targets people from six predominantly Muslim countries.

The travel ban -- a revised version of a plan Trump introduced early in his term -- severely restricts the ability of people from Iran, Chad, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen to enter the United States.

"The transparently hateful move by the U.S. government in January [2017] to ban entry to people from several Muslim-majority countries set the scene for a year in which leaders took the politics of hate to its most dangerous conclusion," Shetty says.

Amnesty's report includes a survey of 159 countries and territories in an exercise to show how people have been suffering from conflict, displacement, discrimination, or repression.

Signs of regression cited in the report also include restrictions on the right to protest in France and attempts to roll back womens rights from the United States to Russia and Poland.

The annual report also says that the "feeble response" to crimes against humanity and war crimes from Burma to Iraq, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen underscore the lack of leadership on human rights.

"We saw the ultimate consequence of a society encouraged to hate, scapegoat, and fear minorities laid bare in the horrific military campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya people in Myanmar," Shetty says, using another name for Burma.

In addition to the negative effects, the report also says that regressive policies have "inspired" many people to join long-standing struggles, with human rights activists helping to secure many victories across the globe.

These include lifting the total abortion ban in Chile, achieving a step toward marriage equality in Taiwan, and securing a landmark victory against forced evictions in Abuja, Nigeria.

"Defenders of human rights around the world can look to the people of the United States to stand with them, even where the U.S. government has failed," says Margaret Huang, executive director of Amnesty International USA.

"As President Trump takes actions that violate human rights at home and abroad, activists from across the country remind us that the fight for universal human rights has always been waged and won by people in their communities," she adds.

Amnesty also says that the rise of "the willingness of prominent leaders to tout fake news" has increased the importance of the role of free speech in the battle for human rights.

Central Asia

The space for civil society continued to shrink across the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, and a discourse hostile to human rights remained prevalent, Amnesty says.

Human rights defenders, activists, the media and political opposition were frequently targeted by authorities. Across the region, the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly and the right to freedom of opinion and expression came under attack.

Public protests were met with a range of restrictive measures and excessive use of force by police. Governments continued to implement counterterrorism measures that disproportionately restricted peoples rights in the name of security, the report says.

Afghanistan

According to Amnesty International, widespread human rights violations and abuses resulted from the continuing conflict pitting the Taliban and other extremist groups, including Islamic State (IS), against the government.

Thousands of civilians were killed or injured in the violence, while the number of people internally displaced by conflict rose to more than 2 million. In addition, about 2.6 million Afghan refugees lived outside the country.

Violence continued against women and girls, by state and non-state actors, with a reported increase in armed groups publicly executing and lashing women.

Human rights defenders received threats from both state and non-state actors while journalists faced violence and censorship, Amnesty said.

Armenia

Amnesty says there was limited accountability for the unnecessary and excessive force" authorities used to suppress largely peaceful demonstrations in Yerevan the previous year.

The trials of opposition members accused of hostage-taking and other violent crimes violated the right to a fair trial, according to Amnesty, which also said that a human rights defender faced criminal charges.

Azerbaijan

The report accuses authorities of intensifying a crackdown on the freedom of expression, particularly following what it said were revelations of large-scale political corruption.

It noted that independent news outlets were blocked and their owners arrested and critics of the government continued to face politically motivated prosecution and imprisonment following unfair trials.

Members of the LGBT community were arbitrarily arrested and ill-treated, the report says, adding that suspicious deaths in custody were still not being investigated effectively.

Belarus

Amnesty says the countrys security authorities violently cracked down on peaceful protests and returned several people who were seeking international protection to their home countries despite fears of torture and other ill-treatment.

It says heavy legislative restrictions on media, NGOs, political parties and public assembly remain in place.

It also notes that the government in Minsk continued to refuse to cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Belarus.

Bosnia-Herzegovina

The report says minorities continued to face widespread discrimination and threats and attacks against journalists and media freedom persisted.

Meanwhile, access to justice and reparations for civilian victims of war remained limited.

Georgia

The country continues to be plagued by an impunity for human rights abuses committed by law enforcement officials, which underlines the need for an independent investigation mechanism, according to Amnesty.

A legal dispute over a pro-opposition TV channel has sparked concerns about judicial independence and media freedom, while the fencing of the de facto borders with the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia continue to have a negative impact on local residents economic and social rights.

Iran

The report says Iranian authorities heavily suppressed the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as well as freedom of religion and belief, and imprisoned scores of people who voiced dissent.

In the justice system, trials were systematically unfair and torture and other ill-treatment such as floggings and amputations were widespread and committed with impunity.

The authorities endorsed pervasive discrimination and violence based on gender, political opinion, religious belief, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Hundreds of people were executed, some in public, and thousands remained on death row, including people who were under the age of 18 at the time of the crime occurred.

Moldova

Amnesty says the government recalled a draft law on NGOs which contained undue restrictions for organizations that receive foreign funding.

The report is critical of an unfair trial where nine activists were convicted of attempting to organize mass disturbances in 2015 and given conditional prison sentences.

It also notes that an LGBTI Pride in the capital Chisinau was stopped by police due to alleged security concerns, while President Igor Dodon made homophobic statements and discrimination against Roma persisted.

Pakistan

Amnesty says a crackdown on freedom of expression intensified last year, with The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 being used to intimidate, harass and arbitrarily detain human rights defenders for online comments.

Enforced disappearances were widespread and impunity was prevalent.

It highlighted blasphemy-related violence that claimed the life of a student, triggering rare condemnation from the government. Meanwhile, large demonstrations in support of blasphemy laws, which were used to convict people expressing opinions online.

Journalists were attacked by unidentified assailants and minorities continued to face discrimination in the enjoyment of economic and social rights. Killings of women continued in so-called honor crimes, despite a 2016 law criminalizing the practice, and attempts to restrict child marriage were blocked by parliament.

Russia

Amnesty says that there were further restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly in Russia. Harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders and independent NGOs continued. Cultural rights were reduced, including through reprisals and self-censorship. Religious minorities continued to face harassment and persecution.

It said the right to a fair trial was frequently violated and that torture and other ill treatment persisted with the work of independent monitoring bodies for places of detention eroding further.

Serious human rights violations continued in the North Caucasus and migrants and refugees were denied protection of their rights. Some forms of domestic violence were decriminalized.

LGBT people continued to face discrimination and violence. For example, it says gay men in Chechnya were targeted through a coordinated campaign of abduction, torture, and killings by the Chechen authorities.

Ukraine

An investigation into the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) for its alleged secret prisons failed to make any progress, according to the report, while law enforcement officials continued to use torture and other ill-treatment.

The Ukrainian authorities increased pressure on their critics and independent NGOs, including journalists and anticorruption activists. They launched criminal investigations and passed laws aimed at restricting the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of association, among other things, Amnesty said.

The de facto authorities in the separatist-controlled territories continued to unlawfully detain and imprison their critics. In Russian-controlled Crimea, critics of the authorities faced intimidation, harassment, and criminal prosecution.

The number of attacks on LGBT events rose across the country and the government failed to adequately address sexual and domestic violence.


Lawmakers in the lower house of the Dutch parliament overwhelmingly passed a resolution recognizing as "genocide" the 1915 massacre of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, a move certain to heighten tensions with Turkey.

"The motion is accepted," parliamentary speaker Khadija Arib said on February 22 after the 142-3 vote in favor of the proposal.

The lawmakers also passed a separate resolution calling for sending a government representative to Armenia's capital, Yerevan, in April for the commemorations of the killings and every five years afterward.

The World War I-era mass slaughter and deportation of up to 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks is a highly sensitive issue for Armenia and Turkey.

Armenia says it is one of the first examples of genocide in modern history, predating the Holocaust. Turkey objects, saying that Armenians died in much smaller numbers and because of civil strife rather than a planned Ottoman government effort to annihilate the Christian minority.

At least 23 countries, including France and Germany, recognize the killings as "genocide."

The Armenian Foreign Ministry welcomed the parliamentary vote, saying: "With this step, [the] parliament of the Netherlands once again reconfirmed its commitment to universal human values and the noble cause of prevention of genocides and crimes against humanity."

However, the Turkish Foreign Ministry "strongly" condemned the move, saying in a statement that the decision was not legally binding or valid. It noted that the Dutch government had said it would not become the official policy of the country.

Earlier on February 22, Dutch acting Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag said the government would not follow the lawmakers' lead in recognizing the killings as genocide.

Kaag said the cabinet would "continue to exercise restraint" in the issue and continue to discuss "the question of the Armenian genocide."

Kaag also said an official representative would be sent to the commemoration ceremony in Yerevan on April 24, but insisted that it was not a sign that the Dutch government recognizes the massacre of Armenians as genocide.

"This cabinet wants to be very careful about relations with Turkey, which have been better," she said in comments before the vote.

Relations between Turkey and the Netherlands worsened in 2017, when Netherlands refused Turkish ministers access to the country to campaign for a referendum, which eventually passed, giving President Tayyip Erdogan more power.

On February 17, Turkey summoned the Dutch charge d'affaires to Ankara to express its unhappiness with the proposed parliamentary resolutions.

With reporting by AP, dpa, AFP, and Reuters
BRUSSELS -- The European Union is urging Moldova to press ahead with judicial reforms and undertake a "more decisive fight against corruption," according to a draft text seen by RFE/RL.

The draft expresses EU concerns over the prosecution of lawyers, judges, and political opponents and the "selective use" of law enforcement and justice proceedings which, it says, undermines the "public's respect and faith in the judicial system."

The draft by the EU Foreign Affairs Council will be presented to the bloc's foreign ministers for approval on February 26.

The remarks reflect longstanding demands by the EU for Chisinau to make substantial reforms to its judicial system and to crack down on corruption in what is one of Europe's poorest countries.

In October 2017, the EU said it would not transfer a final tranche of loans worth 28 million euros ($35 million) to support a revamp of the justice system, saying the authorities had not fulfilled the blocs conditions for receiving the money.

The disbursement of other EU funding, including a 100 million euro ($118 million) microfinancial-aid package, has also been delayed.

EU sources familiar with the matter told RFE/RL that the first payment in that funding package could be made in April, and that it would depend on Moldova's judicial, media, and electoral reforms.

The draft does not state specifics, but says that "the council recalls that EU assistance to the Republic of Moldova is based on strict conditionality, and is linked to satisfactory progress in reforms."

The reluctance to commit more funds to Chisinau is also linked to what the EU regards as the lack of progress of the investigation into a 2015 bank fraud that resulted in the disappearance of up to $1 billion from the country.

The draft states that the fraud should be subject to a thorough, impartial and comprehensive investigation and prosecution, with a view to recovering the misappropriated funds and to bringing all those responsible to justice, irrespective of any political affiliations.

Controversial Electoral Reform

The EU draft text also includes criticism of a bill introducing a mixed electoral system that was approved by lawmakers and signed into law by President Igor Dodon in July 2017 despite mass protests in Chisinau and criticism from the EU and the United States.

The law provides for half of the lawmakers to be elected on party lists and the other half in individual constituencies.

Critics say the changes favor Moldovas two largest political parties -- the ruling pro-Western Democratic Party and the opposition Russia-friendly Socialists. They say the Democratic Party initiated the changes to improve its chances in 2018 parliamentary elections amid declining popularity.

The draft text underlines that "the consequences of the new electoral law system should be thoroughly and closely monitored during the electoral process, including during the campaign, on election day, and the period thereafter, with respect to their impact on democracy in general and on the multi-party system in particular."

It said that with the law "majoritarian candidates may be influenced by businesspeople or other actors who follow their own separate interests."

Moldova is not in the EU, but an Association Agreement between the bloc and Chisinau, signed in 2014, fully came into force in July 2016.

The country has been marred by widespread corruption and high migration, as well as the frozen conflict with the Moscow-backed breakaway region of Transdniester.
German police say a 70-year-old German-Russian dual national has been arrested and accused of "politically motivated" attempted murder after he attacked three asylum seekers with a knife.

The bloody attack, which occurred outside a church in the western city of Heilbronn on February 17, left a 17-year-old Afghan badly wounded. A 25-year-old Iraqi and a 19-year-old Syrian were also wounded, police said on February 22.

The suspect, who was apparently drunk at the time of the attack, was overpowered with the help of passersby until police arrived and detained him.

He was initially charged with assault and released but on February 21 prosecutors raised the charge to "politically motivated" attempted murder and issued a formal arrest warrant.

The man was rearrested after police had further questioned the victims, witnesses, and the suspect, police said in a statement.

The suspect voiced anger at Germany's asylum policy that brought more than a million refugees and migrants to the country in recent years, police said.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Iran remains in compliance with the 2015 nuclear accord signed with six world powers, the United Nations atomic watchdog says.

In its confidential quarterly report seen by U.S. media on February 22, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicated that Tehran was meeting the accord's key requirements.

The report comes four months ahead of a deadline set by President Donald Trump for Congress and European allies to fix what he called "disastrous flaws" in the deal or face a U.S. withdrawal from the deal.

Trump and other U.S. officials claim Tehran is violating the "spirit" of the deal and that it is using its ballistic-missile program to circumvent nuclear restrictions.

Iran denies the allegations, insisting it is adhering to the accord and that its nuclear program is strictly for power-generation purposes.

Trump has also expressed concerns that some terms of the deal, signed under his predecessor, will expire in 2026.

The deal, signed by Iran with the United States, Britain, France, Germany, China, and Russia, put limits on Iran's nuclear program in return for the easing of economic sanctions against the country.

The IAEA reports have consistently shown Iran adhering to the deal in the two years since it took effect.

Naval Propulsion Plan

According to the latest report, the number of centrifuges to enrich uranium, Iran's total stockpile of low-enriched uranium, and the volume of heavy water -- a reactor coolant -- have all remained below the agreed maximum.

Lowly enriched uranium can be used for peaceful applications such as power generation, Iran's stated aim, but also for a nuclear weapon if processed to a higher level.

The report also said that Iran had told the IAEA by letter of a decision that "has been taken to construct naval nuclear propulsion in future."

The UN atomic watchdog requested "further clarifications and amplifications," the report said, adding that, if a decision had been reached to build new facilities for naval nuclear propulsion, it needed to supply initial design information.

Tehran had yet to respond, according to the report.

Iran insists its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes, while the United States and other countries claim it has been trying to develop nuclear weapons.

With reporting by AFP, AP, Reuters, and dpa
Iran has threatened to withdraw from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers if there is no economic benefit from it and major banks continue to fail to do business with Tehran.

"If the same policy of confusion and uncertainties about the JCPOA [nuclear agreement] continues, if companies and banks are not working with Iran, we cannot remain in a deal that has no benefit for us," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on February 22 in a speech at the Chatham House policy institute in London.

Under the July 2015 agreement between Iran and six major powers -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States -- Tehran pledged to restrict its nuclear program in return for relief from crippling international economic sanctions.

But U.S. President Donald Trump delivered an ultimatum to European powers on January 12, saying they must agree to fix the terrible flaws of the Iran nuclear deal or he would refuse to extend the U.S. sanctions relief on Iran that it calls for.

U.S. sanctions will resume unless Trump issues fresh waivers to suspend them on May 12.

"The deal would not survive this way even if the ultimatum is passed and waivers are extended," Araqchi said.

Araqchi and other Iranian officials arrived in London for "political talks" on February 21, Iranian semiofficial news agency ISNA reported.

Based on reporting by Reuters and ISNA
BISHKEK -- A Kyrgyz lawmaker who was detained in Kazakhstan on suspicion of smuggling last week has Kazakh citizenship, the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry says.

Interior Ministry spokesman Murat Azymbakiev told RFE/RL on February 22 that Kazakh officials provided Bishkek with documents confirming that Damirbek Asylbek-uulu is a holder of two passports, Kyrgyz and Kazakh.

Kyrgyz law does not allow individuals with dual citizenship to be lawmakers.

Asylbek-uulu, a lawmaker from a party called Kyrgyzstan, was detained during a special operation in Kazakhstan along with 35 suspects, including two other Kyrgyz nationals.

His colleagues in the Kyrgyz parliament have contended Asylbek-uulu has nothing to do with the illegal activities he has been charged with.
[February 22, 2018] Zignal Summit 2018: Top Brand Speakers To Address The New Realities of a Fast-Paced Digital Communications Landscape SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zignal Labs today announced its Summit 2018 Conference to be held April 26th, 2018 in San Francisco. The one-day, invitation-only gathering brings together purpose-driven brands, communications and marketing leaders, policy experts, and digital strategists to explore how advances in media and social intelligence are driving tangible business results and meaningful business transformation.

Speakers include leaders from Boeing, Citrix, Facebook, Forrester, FleishmanHillard, LendingClub, MSLGroup, NVIDIA, The Public Good Project, United Technologies, Vulcan Inc. and other top brands. The agenda will focus on the role digital transformation is playing across every enterprise and how analytics, AI and digital platforms are driving smarter communications strategies. Experts and speakers will share how they are building and protecting their brands across key stakeholder segments and audiences, and employees. This years theme, Reimagine, Reinvent, Reconnect illustrates how digital transformation is driving major change across every enterprise, said Josh Ginsberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Zignal Labs. Earned, owned and shared channels are blending. The speed of digital communications is getting faster. Bots and fake news are wreaking havoc on brand reputations. Analytics and AI are the new table stakes for marketing and communications teams. Through keynotes and breakouts, Zignal Summit 2018 will empower attendees to reimagine their future in this fast-paced digital landscae. Topics and breakouts will focus on: How data and analytics are accelerating the convergence of communications and marketing teams.

The emergence of modern media metrics that measure brand impact and communications effectiveness against business objectives.

The changing  and blurring  nature of earned, owned, paid and shared media channels.

The growing threat of bots and fake news against corporate brands and valuations.

The increasing role that data, analytics and artificial intelligence are playing in day-to-day and strategic decision-making.

Establishing a unified center of excellence for communications and marketing teams.

Leveraging data-driven insights to guide government relations strategies.

Protecting and building brand reputation through corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives. Zignal Summit will be held April 26, 2018, at the Hilton San Francisco  Financial District, and is tailored for members of marketing, corporate communications, digital strategy, public relations, social media, and public and government affairs teams. From keynote presentations to breakout sessions, hands-on demonstrations and networking opportunities, attendees will gain valuable lessons from industry experts and fellow customers. For registration and to stay up-to-date on the program, visit Zignals Summit 2018 page. About Zignal Labs

Zignal Labs is reinventing how companies use media data to measure the brand and business impact of their communications. Through real-time and predictive analysis of the full-media spectrum, Zignals centralized platform empowers corporate communications, marketing and executive teams build and protect brand reputation, inform strategy and take action. Headquartered in San Francisco, and with offices in New York City and Washington D.C., Zignal serves customers around the world including Airbnb, Citrix, IBM, NVIDIA, Uber, The Sacramento Kings and FleishmanHillard. To learn more, visit: www.zignallabs.com.



Media Contact

Zignal Labs

Leslie Hobbs

leslie@gracestrategygroup.com

628-333-4806

[ Back to the Next Generation Communications Community's Homepage ]
PODGORICA -- A Serbian-born assailant threw an explosive device at the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro before blowing himself up outside the compound in an attack in the middle of the night, authorities in the Balkan country said.

Prosecutors and police on February 22 identified the attacker as Dalibor Jaukovic, a former Yugoslav Army soldier who had expressed anti-NATO sentiments.

U.S. and Montenegrin officials said nobody at the embassy was injured in the attack in the capital, Podgorica, which the government said occurred at 12:30 a.m. on February 22.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said late on February 22 that the department doesn't believe the attack "is part of an ongoing threat" and that the embassy shut down its consular services for the day only "out of an abundance of caution."

Officials said the attacker, who was born in the Serbian city of Kraljevo in 1976, activated an M75 hand grenade, and that the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was involved in the investigation.

Police officials had told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity that the assailant had been living in Podgorica.

Photos posted on what appears to be his Facebook profile include an award that he won for service in the Yugoslav Army in 1999 that seems to be signed by the late Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic. There was no immediate official confirmation of his military past or awards.

Jaukovic wrote "No to NATO" in a May 2017 Facebook post.

Seventy-eight days of NATO air strikes against Serbia brought to an end the war in Kosovo in 1999, when Montenegro was still part of Yugoslavia.

Montenegro, the smallest former Yugoslav republic, became the 29th country to join the NATO military alliance in May 2017, a step that was bitterly criticized by Russia and opposed by some Montenegrins who advocate closer ties with Moscow.

Police said earlier that embassy officials "found a lifeless body across the street from the embassy, close to the Moraca River bank" after citizens reported an explosion.

The investigation indicated that the man was "killed after detonating an explosive device and after he threw an explosive device...into the embassy compound," a police statement said, adding that there was no damage other than a crater from the explosion.

Eyewitnesses saw the assailant throw an object over the wall of the embassy compound, according to Steve Goldstein, the U.S. State Department's undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs.

Goldstein said the man who set off the blast was killed but that there were no injuries among staff at the embassy, which was closed for the night, The New York Times reported.

The embassy building was not damaged and diplomatic security officials who swept the grounds found no other explosives, Goldstein said.

The spot where the government said the attacker was standing when he threw the device is close to the embassy compound but not within throwing distance of the main embassy building.

Interior Minister Mevludin Nuhodzic said that the ministry and government "strongly condemn the attack on the U.S. Embassy," expressing regret and saying he authorities were committed to "securing the full safety and security" of embassy staff.

In a tweet earlier, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said that there was a "small explosion near the U.S. Embassy compound."

Goldstein said the State Department did not know what the motive for the assault was or whether it was meant to be a suicide attack.

Residents in the area heard two explosions, local media reported.

The embassy canceled all services on February 22 and issued a security alert warning U.S. citizens to stay away until further notice.

It also advised Americans to avoid large gatherings in the capital and monitor local media for updates on the situation.

The European Union is following the "developments on the ground," Maja Kocijancic, a spokeswoman for EU foreign-policy chief Federica Mogherini, told RFE/RL.

"Of course, violence is not something that we would condone, but we are waiting for the results of this investigation," Kocijancic said.

Montenegro, the smallest former Yugoslav republic, became the 29th country to join the NATO military alliance in May 2017, a step that was bitterly criticized by Russia and opposed by some Montenegrins who advocate closer ties with Moscow.

The attack came as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was in neighboring Serbia on a two-day visit to the country, which is juggling its close, warm ties with Moscow with an effort to join the European Union.

Russia and the United States have accused each other of stoking tension in the Balkans, a flashpont of animus between the two countries -- as well as some cooperation -- during the wars in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s and in their wake.

The incident in Podgorica came exactly 10 years after demonstrators attacked the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade and set part of it on fire amid large protests over Kosovo's strongly U.S.-supported declaration of independence from Serbia.

There was no immediate indication of any link.

Montenegro became an independent state after a majority of its citizens voted in May 2006 to split with Serbia instead of maintaining a union with its larger neighbor.

The Adriatic coastal country of 640,000 is also seeking to join the EU, which has indicated that both Serbia and Montenegro may gain entry by 2025 if they fulfill conditions.

Montenegro has traditionally warm ties with Russia, but its relations with Moscow were strained by its accession to the Western military alliance.

The government has accused several Serbian and Russian citizens of plotting a coup in 2016 parliamentary elections, claiming they planned to assassinate the prime minister and install a pro-Russian leadership to halt Montenegro's bid to join NATO.

The Kremlin has denied claims that "Russian state bodies" were involved in the alleged plot.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Balkan Service, AP, Reuters, AFP, dpa, Portalanalitika.me, and The New York Times
As investigators tried to piece together the motive in a grenade attack on the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro, concerns that the incident could shatter improved stability in the Balkans showed just how fragile the situation remains as the West and Russia battle for influence in the region.

A 43-year-old Serbian war veteran threw an explosive device onto the U.S. Embassy compound in Podgorica overnight on February 22 before blowing himself up outside the compound, the Balkan country's police said.

The U.S. State Department said it did not know the motive or whether the assault was meant to be a suicide attack.

But regional experts said it highlights how volatile the situation remains just below the surface in Montenegro, the NATO security alliance's newest member, and the region as a whole.

"Since January 1, we've seen a political assassination in Kosovo, a bombing attack in Montenegro, and Russian-trained paramilitaries assisting the rearming of the Dodik regime in Bosnia. The temperature keeps rising in the Balkans but few in Brussels or Washington seem concerned," said Jasmin Mujanovic, a political analyst and author of Hunger And Fury: The Crisis Of Democracy In The Balkans," based in Durham, North Carolina.

"We will have to see how this develops, as a political point and narrative especially, within the context of the broader confrontation between Russia and the EU and NATO in the region; the target is highly symbolic and charged in that regard, especially given the attacker's apparent military background. And also because of Montenegro's only recent NATO accession, the apparent Russian [attempted] coup to thwart it, and the looming elections which are paving the way for the return of [former Prime Minister] Milo Dukanovic," he added.

Although it's at the center of a historically volatile part of Europe, Montenegro split from Serbia in 2006 without the violence that accompanied similar moves by other republics in the former Yugoslavia, such as Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, and Kosovo.

Podgorica has recognized nearby Kosovo as a sovereign country -- something Serbia has refused for a decade to do -- yet it also has a sizable Russian population, attracted by its coastline and fair weather.

Still, the Balkan nation of around 600,000 is in the process of tightening cooperation with Washington after becoming the newest NATO ally in June. Its access to the Adriatic makes it a strategic asset for the security alliance, but the move has irked the Kremlin, which is fighting to maintain influence in the region.

Montenegrin officials have accused several Serbian and Russian citizens of plotting a coup in 2016 parliamentary elections, claiming they planned to assassinate the prime minister and install a pro-Russian leadership to halt the NATO bid.

'Constant Decline In Democracy

The embassy incident also came while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was on a two-day visit to neighboring Serbia, which is juggling its close, warm ties with Moscow with an effort to join the European Union.

"The security situation in the Western Balkans did not worsen in the past years in terms of violence, firearms use, or stability in general. However, the region continues to be a volatile geopolitical arena, with different players involved," said Marika Djolai, a conflict, peace, and development consultant and a London-based member of The Balkans In Europe Policy Advisory Group.

"Issues such as corruption, money laundering, trafficking of drugs, people, and firearms continue to reinforce fragility and threaten stability. There is a trend of constant decline of democracy where the security continues to be an additional burden rather than part of a solution for this problem, showing clear disconnect," she added.

Very Short Fuse

Even if it may no longer be the powder keg it once was, analysts warned, the Balkan region remains a crisis zone with a very short fuse.

Kosovo, which celebrated a decade of independence earlier this month, is still deeply divided between its dominant majority ethnic-Albanian population and its minority Serbs. The depth of that rift was seen in January with the assassination of a relatively moderate Serbian politician in the northern Kosovar city of Mitrovica and reactions that included Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj's suggestion of "institutions beyond Kosovo."

Mitrovica is a divided city, a front line in the extended standoff between Belgrade, which does not recognize Kosovo, and Pristina. Hardly a month goes by without an incident there, despite the presence of EU and NATO forces.

In Bosnia-Herzegovina, reports of the formation of paramilitary formations and news of major arms purchases by the Bosnian Serb police from neighboring Serbia have raised fears that the frozen Yugoslav civil war may be thawing.

Meanwhile Macedonia, which also has a sizeable ethnic-Albanian minority, last year almost descended into chaos when scores of demonstrators stormed parliament and attacked several lawmakers after an ethnic Albanian deputy was elected speaker, part of a two-year political crisis that sparked four elections, none of which produced a stable government.

"To prevent political radicalization and ethnic polarization that could ignite armed conflicts, a more vigorous Western Balkan strategy led by Washington is urgently needed," according to Janusz Bugajski, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) in Washington.

"Drift and delay in dealing with the Western Balkans can give a false sense of security. After years of relative peace and progress, a new crisis can erupt when ambitious nationalist politicians and foreign governments are intent on provoking armed conflicts to gain power or expand their influence," he added, saying it was too early to determine the impact of the Montenegro attack on policy or the region.


Police in Montenegro have identified the man who carried out a hand-grenade attack against the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica as Dalibor Jaukovic, a Serbian-born Kosovo war veteran.

Jaukovic was a member of the Yugoslav armed forces in the late 1990s when the United States launched 78 days of air strikes against Serbia to bring an end to the 1998-1999 Kosovo war.

Jaukovic died when he detonated a second explosive device outside the embassy compound early on February 22 after throwing a Yugoslav-made M75 "Kashikara" grenade over the compound wall, police said.

Although Montenegro's government initially said Jaukovic committed suicide, authorities said later on February 22 that they were still investigating whether he accidentally set off the explosion that killed him.

Jaukovic, a resident of the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica, was born in 1976 in Kraljevo, Serbia, which is located about 50 kilometers north of Kosovo.

Montenegrin police said on February 22 that they were still investigating the motives for the attack, which came on the 10th anniversary of mass protests in Belgrade against Kosovo's declaration of independence in which demonstrators set the U.S. Embassy ablaze.

Resentment Toward U.S.

There are indications on Jaukovic's Facebook page that he felt strong resentment toward the United States for its air campaign against Serbia during the Kosovo war and its role as a strong advocate for Kosovo's independence from Serbia.

The United States was among the first countries to recognize Pristina's February 17, 2008 declaration of independence.

Photographs posted on Jaukovic's Facebook page include a medal and a certificate for his service in the "Defense and Security of the Federal Yugoslav Republic."

The certificate, dated June 16, 1999 and carrying the signature of then Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, was awarded to Jaukovic less than a week after Milosevic ordered the withdrawal of Yugoslav forces from Kosovo following 78 days of NATO air strikes.

Milosevic gave the award to 4,200 veterans of the conflict.

The certificate indicates Jaukovic was a "soldier" but does not specify whether he served in the Yugoslav National Army (JNA) or was a member of paramilitary forces active in Kosovo during the 1998-99 Kosovo war.

Jaukovic was also a member of a Serbian-language Facebook group called "Russophiles," where on February 15 he posted the message: "Shame on Montenegro. Fascists are closer to us than Russians."

Anti-NATO Sentiments

In a May 2017 Facebook post, Jaukovic expressed his anti-NATO sentiments by declaring "No to NATO."

Jaukovic's Facebook posts also belittled Milo Djukanovic, the president of Montenegro during the Kosovo war who later became a pro-Western prime minister and put the country on its path to NATO membership.

A meme posted to Facebook by Jaukovic in 2016 features a well-known 1919 painting by Uros Predic called Kosovo Maiden, but with Djukanovic lying wounded among the soldiers who fell in the 1389 Battle of Kosovo.

That medieval battle between the Serbian and Ottoman armies at northeastern Kosovo's so-called Field of Blackbirds had been used as a symbol by Milosevic and other Serb ultranationalists to rally support during the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s

Another political meme, posted to Jaukovic's page on January 2, expresses support of Marxism and Leninism.

Among the things Jaukovic listed among his "likes" on Facebook were a 1970s television series from Yugoslavia called Povratak Otpisanih -- The Return Of The Written-Off.

He also liked a Serbian-language Facebook group with more than 57,000 members called "Sometimes Life Breaks You So Much That You Don't Have The Strength To Fight Anymore."

Jaukovic declared on his Facebook page that he attended the "SSSh Ivan Uskokovic" technical school in Podgorica.

Written by Ron Synovitz with material by RFE/RL's Balkan Service.


A Russian activist charged with attacking a police officer during an antigovernment protest in March 2017 has been sentenced to one year in prison.

A court in Moscow found Dmitry Borisov guilty and sentenced him on February 22.

Anticorruption rallies held in Moscow and about 100 other Russian cities on March 26, 2017, were among the largest protests since a wave of demonstrations in 2011-12. Many were held without government permission.

Police detained more than 1,000 people in Moscow alone, including Aleksei Navalny, the Putin foe and anticorruption crusader who called for the protests.

Seven people, including Borisov, were arrested on suspicion of attacking police officers at the Moscow rally. Four of them have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from eight months to four years.

Some of them were sent to serve their terms in so-called colony settlements, penitentiaries in which convicts live close to an industrial facility or a farm where they work.

Borisov and four other March 26 protesters have been recognized by the Moscow-based human rights group Memorial as political prisoners.

Based on reporting by Dozhd TV and TASS
A movie theater in Moscow has been fined 100,000 rubles ($1,750) for showing the banned satirical film The Death Of Stalin.

Russia's Culture Ministry withdrew permission last month for the British-directed film to be shown in theaters, just days before it was supposed to premiere in Russia.

The Pioner movie theater, which specializes in foreign-language films, opted to screen The Death Of Stalin before having received official notice of the ban, but stopped showing the film after two days following a police raid.

A court in Moscow on February 22 found the theater's owner, the Chentromobile-Pioner company, guilty of screening the movie in defiance of the official ban.

Pioner's representatives argued that they screened the banned movie before they received an official letter from the Culture Ministry.

The movie focuses on the power struggle in the Soviet Union immediately after dictator Josef Stalin's death in March 1953.

The film premiered in Britain in October. Prominent Russian conservative figures criticized the movie as a mockery of Russian history.

Pioner Cinema is owned by oligarch Aleksandr Mamut and is popular among the Russian liberal elite.

Based on reporting by Interfax, Rapsinews, and dpa
Russian opposition politician Aleksei Navalny says he was briefly detained by police and accused of an administrative offense that could result in a 30-day jail term.

Navalny and a senior ally, Leonid Volkov, were both detained separately on February 22, weeks before a presidential election in which Navalny has been barred from challenging incumbent President Vladimir Putin.

The developments raised the prospect that Navalny and Volkov could be in jail during the March 18 election, which the vocal Putin foe is calling on Russians to boycott.

Hours later, Volkov tweeted that he had been sentenced by a court to 30 days in jail, meaning he will not be released until after the March 18 election, which Navalny is calling on Russians to boycott.

Navalny's press secretary, Kira Yarmysh, said Volkov had been found guilty of organizing illegal protests, and that it was "obvious" he was being punished for Navalny's calls for a boycott of the election.

Navalny tweeted that he had gone to the dentist because "my tooth hurt," and that police approached him as he was leaving the dentist's office and told him, "You're detained."

He later tweeted that he had been taken to a police station and then released after being served with notice that he was accused of repeated violations of what Kremlin critics say are draconian laws restricting public assembly.

Navalny, who has organized protests and published reports alleging corruption in Russia's ruling elite, has been prohibited from running in the election due to a conviction on financial-crimes charges he contends were fabricated.

He wrote on Twitter earlier in the day that Volkov, who headed his campaign before he was barred from the ballot, was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport. Volkov had been due to fly to the Bashkortostan region to meet with supporters.

Navalny has been detained numerous times and served short jail terms for organizing unauthorized protests and other alleged infractions.

He and other Kremlin critics say they suspect Putin's government wants to put him and his senior associates behind bars on or around election day in order to thwart their plans to hold more protests and monitor the vote for evidence of fraud.

"The [Kremlin's] aim is to neutralize the monitors and avert post-election protests," political scientist Yekaterina Shulman wrote on Facebook. She predicted the authorities would "isolate" Navalny and Volkov "on election day itself and immediately afterward."

Navalny was previously detained on January 28 on his way to a rally in Moscow that was part of a nationwide protests he organized to support his call for a boycott of the election, which he has dismissed as a farce and the "reappointment" of Putin.

Navalny said at the time that he suspected he was not brought to a court hearing right away because authorities wanted to make sure that he would be jailed for up to a month closer to March 18 in order to keep him behind bars on election day.

"If they jail me on January 28 then I will be released on February 28. But Putin wants me be isolated right on the eve of the election, and most likely on the day of the election. Therefore, I suppose they will jail me later to make sure that I am in a cell on March 18," Navalny wrote in his blog.

On February 20, police in Moscow detained Roman Rubanov, the chief of Navalny's Anticorruption Foundation, which has published the reports alleging graft among allies of Putin. A court ruled that he violated the law on public gatherings and handed 10-day jail term.
A plaque honoring slain Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov will be mounted on the apartment building where he lived in Moscow, the city's mayor says.

Moscow Mayor Sobyanin said in a tweet on February 22 that the city authorities had decided to put the plaque to honor the politician who was shot dead on a bridge near the Kremlin on February 27, 2015.

Sobyanin added that the decision to place the plaque was made following a request from a presidential candidate Ksenia Sobchak.

According to Sobyanin, the plaque will be created using public funds and placed on the building if other residents in the building agree.

Supporters of Nemtsov mounted a plaque on the building in September, but it was removed by a pro-Kremlin activist group five days later.

Moscow authorities said at the time that the plaque was installed illegally because, they said, by law such plaques can only be put up in public 10 years after a person's death.

The law says the waiting time for memorial plaques can be reduced to two years with permission from a special commission.

Moscow city authorities had previously prevented activists from installing a similar plaque on the bridge where Nemtsov was shot dead.

Nemtsov supporters have established a makeshift memorial to Nemtsov on the bridge.

Activists have organized a permanent watch at that memorial, which is made up of flowers and Nemtsov portraits, because it has been repeatedly ransacked or removed by police or unknown people.

In August, an activist died in hospital after he was attacked while guarding the makeshift memorial near the Kremlin.

In July, a Moscow court found five men from Russia's North Caucasus region of Chechnya guilty of Nemtsov's murder.

But Nemtsov's relatives and associates say they think the killing was ordered at a higher level.

They say justice will not be served until the person or people behind the slaying are identified and prosecuted.

As with previous killings -- including the killing of investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya in 2006 -- government critics have voiced suspicion that the culprits will never face justice because an honest investigation could lead to figures who are close to Moscow-backed Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov or to Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle.
Russia is opposing a bid by the United States and its allies to include language condemning Iran for allegedly violating an arms embargo imposed on Yemeni rebels in a United Nations resolution renewing that embargo this month.

"We don't like condemnations at all, in general," Russian UN Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said on February 21. "The resolution is about Yemen...not about Iran."

The UN Security Council is negotiating over a draft resolution offered by Britain in consultation with the United States and France that would condemn Iran for violating the arms embargo on Yemen's Huthi rebel leaders and include a council commitment to take action over the violation.

The United States has been lobbying for weeks for the UN council to hold Iran accountable for allegedly supplying weapons to the Shi'ite Huthi rebels, who have been battling Yemen's government in a civil war for years.

A UN panel of experts last month corroborated U.S. allegations that ballistic missiles the Huthis fired at Saudi Arabia last year were manufactured in Iran. It said Iran violated the arms embargo, if not by supplying the missiles directly to the Huthis, by allowing the weapons to fall into Huthi hands.

While Iran openly backs the Huthis, it has denied arming them.

Britain's draft resolution would threaten action against Iran for "failing to take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer" of short-range ballistic missiles, drones, and other military equipment to the Huthis, UN diplomats said.

The Security Council is expected to vote on the draft resolution next week, as the existing arms embargo is due to expire on February 26.

Russia, as one of five world powers sitting permanently on the Security Council, has the power to block any new sanctions against Iran by vetoing the resolution.

The Yemen conflict has turned into a proxy war between Iran and its regional rival Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally that intervened in the civil war in 2015 by putting together a Gulf Arab coalition to wage air strikes against the Huthis on behalf of the Yemeni government.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to pull out of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers unless more is done to curb Iran's ballistic-missile development and role in such regional conflicts, saying the agreement's failure to address such matters was among its "disastrous flaws."

The draft resolution offered by Britain would expand the Yemeni arms embargo to include "any activity related to the use of ballistic missiles in Yemen."

But UN diplomats say Russia is opposing such language in negotiations over the text, with one UN diplomat telling Reuters that Russia viewed Britain's draft text as "unacceptable."

With reporting by AFP and Reuters
PUSHKINSKIYE GORY, Russia -- A Pskov school's new "antiterrorism" fence looks like one of the three little pigs built it -- and not the smart one.

But the rickety stockade erected last month out of donated scrap lumber turned out to be worth 2.14 million rubles ($37,700).

That's the amount local authorities finally allocated after seven years of requests from the school administration for funds to build a security fence in order to bring the public facility into compliance with federal law.

"The idea with the scrap lumber was pure genius," said Pskov Oblast lawmaker Lev Shlosberg, of the liberal Yabloko party. "They squeezed the money for their fence [from the government]."

But that's really just the end of the story.

The tale began in 2011 when the Pushkinskye Gory boarding school for children susceptible to tuberculous received a letter from the regional court "about the necessity of taking measures for the antiterrorism security of the facility." Specifically, the court ordered the school to build a perimeter fence at least 1.6 meters high along its entire 830-meter property line.

The school promptly applied to local authorities to fund the wall, but the regional legislature balked. Ironically, from 2011 to 2016, the school's director, Arkady Vasilyev, was a lawmaker himself from the ruling United Russian party. Each year that he was in office, he dutifully voted for a regional budget that ignored his own school's request.

Threat Of Prison And A Fine

Meanwhile, each year, Vasilyev applied to the regional court for an extension on the implementation of the order, and each year his request was granted.

And each year the school stood, unprotected. In fact, although it is located in a small provincial town, the school is in a fairly high-traffic area because it is just a stone's throw from the grave of the patron saint of Russian literature, Aleksandr Pushkin.

In December, the court's patience ran out and rejected the appeal for another extension. On December 22, marshals appeared at the school with a demand that a fence appear within a month. If Vasilyev failed to comply, he faced up to two years in prison and a 200,000-ruble ($3,500) fine.

Desperate, Vasilyev turned to the community for help. Local businessman Gennady Nikolayev came through, giving the school all the bark-trimmings that they needed from his lumberyard. School staff spent several days delivering the scraps with the school's old Gazel delivery van. Then they built the rickety fence themselves. One of the builders was local union leader Ulyana Mikhailova, who herself was also elected a United Russia regional lawmaker in 2011.

Dedication Ceremony

The school then held an ironic dedication ceremony on February 13, featuring Vasilyev and Mikhailova snipping a red ribbon that seemed to be the only thing holding the fence upright. The goal was to get the images to go viral and shame the authorities into coughing up the money.

"We sincerely hope that a proper evaluation of our activities by society will help the directors of many educational or health facilities to recognize their executive role in the budget process and to more actively demand from the authorities the funds needed for them to carry out their mandated functions," Mikhailova said at a press event following the ribbon cutting.

Vasilyev emphasized that the wooden construction was a "forced, temporary measure."

"We understand this is not a completely proper fence, and we knew that when we built it," he said. "It is temporary and I think that within two or three months we'll get a new, proper fence."

And the stunt worked. The regional government has already sent the school 2,140,000 rubles for a metal fence, and a tender is under way.

"By the end of the spring, we hope that we'll have a fence that isn't made of scrap lumber but is the real thing," Vasilyev told RFE/RL.

Federal-Local Disconnect

Although the fence dispute may be resolved, the school's woes continue. It owes the local utilities company nearly 5 million rubles ($88,000).

The story of the Pushkinskiye Gory fence is not unique, lawmaker Shlosberg said.

"It's a classic example of how the state establishes standards at the federal level but does not provide a single ruble from the federal budget for meeting those standards," he said. "And then along comes a federal enforcement agency and they start issuing warnings, including fines."

In 2016, a school in the Pskov Oblast town of Slopygino faced the same problem. School director Lyubov Zhiltsova told RFE/RL that the authorities told them to put up some fence posts and fill the space between them with scrap wood.

"But we refused," she told RFE/RL. "After all, it isn't a corral for livestock."

The school appealed to local businesses for help, and some wire mesh and concrete fence posts were donated and the school put up the fence itself. In order to do so, however, with the donated materials, the school had to surrender its playground, which now lies outside the reduced perimeter.

When the fence was finished, Zhiltsova recalled, local officials paraded to the site to have their photographs taken with the new local improvement.

Written by RFE/RL senior correspondent Robert Coalson on the basis of reporting by RFE/RL Russian Service correspondent Svetlana Prokopeva


Warplanes and artillery bombarded eastern Ghouta -- a rebel enclave near Syria's capital, Damascus -- for a fifth straight day on February 22, as the United Nations pleaded for a halt to one of the fiercest air assaults of the seven-year civil war.

The UN's humanitarian coordinator for Syria, Panos Moumtzis, said that at least 370 people have been killed and 1,500 injured since the Syrian government and its allies escalated their offensive on the region on February 18.

In New York, the UN Security Council met to discuss a draft resolution calling for a 30-day nationwide cease-fire.

Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the meeting that there was no agreement on the draft text, sponsored by Sweden and Kuwait, and that he had proposed amendments.

The developments come amid a growing outcry from Western capitals, the United Nations, and humanitarian groups over what UN relief chief Mark Lowcock called an "entirely known, predictable, and preventable humanitarian disaster unfolding before our eyes."

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said that Russia "bears unique responsibility" for what she called "the devastation and the deaths" in Syria.

Earlier, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told her country's parliament that Iran and Russia had "a particular responsibility" as they are both supporting Syria's government forces which she said are "not fighting against terrorists, but against its own people."

However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied that Russia has any responsibility for the situation in eastern Ghouta, saying, "Those who support the terrorists are responsible."

Russian news reports, meanwhile, said Moscow has sent more warplanes to Syria, including its latest Su-57 fighter jets.

Russia and Iran have given Assad's government crucial support throughout the seven-year-old war in Syria, which began with a government crackdown on protests in 2011.

Moscow helped turn the tide of the conflict in Assad's favor by a launching a campaign of air strikes in 2015 and stepping up its military presence on the ground.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and the BBC
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia -- Russia is abuzz with media reports that dozens -- perhaps hundreds, by some accounts -- of Russian mercenaries were killed or wounded in the eastern Syrian city of Deir al-Zor on February 7-8 in fighting with the U.S. military and its Syrian-rebel allies.

The Russian government has been reluctant to talk about the incident, saying on February 15 that "about five" Russians "may have been killed" and, on February 20, that "several dozen" Russian and other former Soviet citizens were injured. The United States has estimated that about 100 fighters were killed in the incident, without specifying their nationalities.

Many of the wounded mercenaries from the Vagner commercial security firm have been evacuated to Russia and are being treated in military hospitals. RFE/RL Russian Service correspondent Yelizaveta Mayetnaya visited one such hospital outside St. Petersburg, where she spoke with Yevgeny Shabayev, the ataman of the Khovrino Cossack organization and a sometime mercenary.

Shabayev had just finished visiting eight of the wounded mercenaries. He agreed to talk with RFE/RL about the fighting in Syria and about how and why Russians end up going there. His assertions -- including about burials and casualties, remuneration and compensation, deployments, or purported meetings in the Kremlin -- have not been corroborated by RFE/RL.

RFE/RL: You've just finished visiting the wounded soldiers. What did they tell you about the night they were injured?

Yevgeny Shabayev: My friend who was brought back as "cargo 300" [wounded] from the battle in Syria told me a pretty depressing story when I saw him in the Khimkinsky [Central Military] Hospital. Our Vagner fighters -- more precisely, from the 5th and 2nd sections -- came under attack from the air. It might have been drones, but he couldn't confirm that since it was night and later there was already mopping up by helicopters.

When 550 men come under fire in the desert at night, not many of them are going to survive. He said that about 200 men emerged uninjured. He couldn't say what happened to the rest, but surviving there would have been very hard.

And that is for one simple reason: There was no helicopter cover or evacuation support because the Vagner units do not have helicopters. Knowing that, you can draw your own conclusions about the number of dead. [Ultranationalist State Duma deputy Vladimir] Zhirinovsky says it was more than 300. [Nationalist military analyst] Viktor Alksnis says it was 334. I think these numbers are pretty accurate, based on my information from various sources from various regions. Over the last weekend [February 17-18], they already buried the 15th guy who died that night.

RFE/RL: How long did it take to recover the wounded?

Shabayev: That is a very difficult question, since reinforcements came from the Vesna [Spring] battalion. That is a Donbas battalion (named after a region of eastern Ukraine where Russia-backed separatists control territory) which, unfortunately, gets paid rather less than the Vagner regulars, although it is technically part of the Vagner force.

At least 100 Russians died and our government is worried about the deaths in American schools.

They also came under attack from the air -- not such a heavy attack, but still something pretty serious. It is really hard to evacuate people in the desert. It isn't like Afghanistan or Chechnya. So I can't really say precisely when they managed to evacuate them, but they started arriving in Russia around February 11-12, while the battle itself was the night of February 7-8.

RFE/RL: Were they evacuated by Russian military aircraft?

Shabayev: I can't confirm that, but I think, yes, since there are no other aircraft there.

RFE/RL: How long was your friend in Syria before he was wounded?

Shabayev: Quite a while, but I can't say for sure. There have been five "waves" of Vagner recruits. This wasn't my friend's first trip [to Syria].

RFE/RL: What types of wounds did you see among the Vagner fighters you visited at the Khiminsky hospital?

Shabayev: Mostly belly wounds from shrapnel. They were very serious wounds; these patients were not really transportable. The fact that they were brought here is up to the tremendous heroism of our medics. Thank you to them. We can't name their names for one simple reason -- they can be kicked out of the hospital because this is a military hospital, and private military companies -- any private military companies -- are illegal in Russia.

And there is one more reason why I don't mention their names. All of them, right down to the nurses, are obligated by law to report to the police and prosecutor's office any gunshot wounds or other similar injuries. Naturally, a criminal case would be opened, and people would be sent to prison.

RFE/RL: It is strange that, knowing full well that mercenary activity is illegal and carries a 15-year penalty, they still went there anyway...

Shabayev: The main reason why they go there is that they have no life here. No work and no social or economic status, neither as former military with specific experience nor as simple citizens. They went as hired soldiers to protect [oligarch] Yevgeny Prigozhin's pipeline, since they were guarding the oil fields around Palmyra.

Then they were ordered to grab another plot that was, let's say, "available." But it turned out that they were under the control of an alternative business company that takes the protection of its clients pretty seriously. I mean a private American company. (Editor's note: According to the U.S. Defense Department, the attack by the Russians and pro-government Syrian forces on February 7 was repulsed by fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces and U.S. military personnel -- not mercenaries.)

RFE/RL: Have you heard of cases when the relatives of slain Vagner fighters were not paid death benefits?

Shabayev: The contracts that mercenaries sign when they go to Syria have no legal status in the Russian Federation. Generally, they include provisions that 1 million rubles ($18,000) will be paid in the event of injury and 2 million ($36,000) in the case of death. The recruiters who send these guys to Syria are responsible for these payments, but there have been many problems. I heard of a case from the Krasnodar region where a Vagner fighter was killed and his relatives did not get anything.

RFE/RL: Did the majority of mercenaries in Syria fight previously in the Donbas?

Shabayev: Even before our troops were sent to Syria, they say there was a meeting in the Kremlin where, according to what I've been told, [Donbas military commander Aleksandr] Borodai was given the order to "utilize" the large number of people who had seen with their own eyes that you can change the government by, let's say, nonelectoral means. Such people are not needed in our country.

You can find in one trench in Syria guys who were trying to kill each other in the Donbas.

So, in addition to our oil-related goals, there was also the issue of "utilizing" the Donbas veterans. That, basically, is what they are doing. The majority of the first three Syria recruitments were people who had undergone serious training, and they have been cleared out. More precisely, they were sent to storm Syrian cities before artillery bombardment.

RFE/RL: And who is paying for the treatment of those who were wounded in Syria?

Shabayev: The [Russian] government. They are in government hospitals. I'd like to stress that for the United States, private military companies are not state structures, since we ourselves [i.e., the Russian state] do not recognize them. So they [the United States] had no obligation to warn [Russia] about their attack. On the contrary, they confirmed their action publicly.

Instead of expressing "serious concern" like our beloved leader [Foreign Minister Sergei] Lavrov always does, the Russian government just ignored the situation and spoke out instead about events in Florida. That is, at least 100 Russians died, and our government is worried about the deaths in American schools. I never really noticed that [U.S. President Donald] Trump was ever much worried when someone in Ulan-Ude kills schoolkids with an ax.

If our Russian government doesn't want to support our citizens, if it doesn't protect them and forgets about them even after they are killed, then that state is serving something besides the national interests of the Russian people. Most likely, it is serving commercial interests. Probably some business project in which people are nothing but biomass. On the other hand, they use us like biomass here in Russia, too. You pay for housing, for communal services, but they kill you. The country is going extinct; it's just that over there [in Syria], the living are destroyed more quickly.

RFE/RL: Now, following these major losses in Syria, [there is reportedly] a new, sixth mobilization. Are people signing up?

Shabayev: We have a prison in Donetsk and a prison in Luhansk [conflict zones in eastern Ukraine] where people, including Russian citizens, have been held for more than three years since the signing of the Minsk agreements [that ushered in a shaky cease-fire in Ukraine]. These people didn't want to stop. They wanted to attack further and defend their motherland. And they were thrown in prison without any charges. There are no lawyers there -- everything is done on orders. (Editor's note: Russian officials insist despite mounting evidence that no regular Russian troops are active in Ukraine.)

So these people have been sitting for three years. And a recruiter comes up to them and says, either you can rot in here or you can go and fight and maybe earn some money too. When you are confronted with such a choice, you go and fight. And not for 150,000 rubles ($2,650) per month like the main Vagner fighters. You go into Vesna or Karpaty, where you get less than 100,000 ($1,770). The recruiters also work in Ukraine. There are veterans of the [Ukrainian government's] Antiterrorism Operation in Syria as well. No one now cares who shows up there. You can find in one trench in Syria guys who were trying to kill each other in the Donbas.


A court in Moscow has handed lengthy prison terms to six Tajik nationals charged with an attempt to bomb a minibus.

In a February 22 ruling, the Moscow Regional Military Court sentenced the six men to prison terms ranging from 12 to 18 years after convicting them of plotting a terrorist attack, being members of a terrorist group, and illegal possession of explosives.

Four of the men pleaded guilty and two pleaded partially guilty.

Investigators said at the trial that the defendants planned to set off a bomb inside a minibus in the Moscow suburb of Lyubertsy in 2016.

Investigators claimed the defendants were loyal to the extremist group Islamic State (IS) and planned to join IS militants in Syria after the attack.

Officials say thousands of men and women from Russia and other former Soviet republics have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join IS in recent years.

Rights activists in Russia say that migrants from Tajikistan and other Central Asian states have little access to effective legal representation or protection from unjust treatment by the authorities.

Based on reporting by Rapsinews and Interfax


KYIV -- Several female Ukrainian journalists say police officers forced them to undress and undergo invasive security checks in order to attend a Kyiv court hearing where President Petro Poroshenko testified via video link.

The security checks, which occurred February 21 during the treason trial for Poroshenko's ousted predecessor, caused an uproar on social media after some of the journalists posted about their experience, resulting in a public apology from Poroshenko's administration.

Valeriya Egoshyna, an investigative journalist for RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, said she was had passed through a security check at Kyivs Obolon District Court when a female officer demanded she remove her jacket and show that she was fully clothed as male officers stood by.

Egoshyna asked why only women were being examined and men were allowed to walk through unchecked. The female officer replied, "women have such things as two [breasts]."

The male officers nearby laughed, Egoshyna said.

Egoshyna left the courthouse when she found out Poroshenko would not be testifying in person and would appear only via video link.

Told To Strip To The Waist

Other female journalists opted to enter the courtroom to watch his testimony and were reportedly subjected to more invasive checks.

Another RFE/RL Ukrainian Service journalist said police officers ordered women into a bathroom or another empty room. There, female officers demanded they remove clothing above their waists to show they did not have political inscriptions drawn onto their bodies, reporter Olya Komarova wrote in a post to her Facebook page.

Police later explained to RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that they were looking for members of the Ukrainian protest group Femen, who often demonstrate topless and with political statements scrawled across their bodies.

Members of the group have focused their attention on Poroshenko in recent weeks; in one incident a topless member set fire to large stuffed bears outside a candy shop owned by the president.

Oksana Lischuk, spokeswoman for the Obolon district police department, said the heightened security measures were aimed at thwarting possible outbursts while Poroshenko testified in the high-profile treason trial of disgraced former President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled the country four years ago.

Poroshenko ultimately gave testimony via video-link, rather than in person.

Lischuk said police removed one Femen activist, who was filmed by the Strana news site being led away.

The Institute of Mass Information, a Kyiv journalism watchdog, condemned the measures that singled out women journalists, calling them "humiliating" and "excessive," and demanding apologies from the officers involved.

'Unacceptable' Actions

On February 22, presidential press secretary Svyatoslav Tseholko issued an apology in a post to his personal Facebook page, saying Poroshenko considers the officers' actions "unacceptable" and promising an investigation.

The National Police, however, defended the actions. Spokesman Yaroslav Trakalo said the measures were necessary due to the president's possible attendance. He did not explain why women were singled out.

The incident drew criticism from lawmakers, as well.

"I completely share your indignation with the actions of those representatives of the security forces who yesterday resorted to a humiliating inspection of women media representatives," Iryna Herashenko, deputy chairman of parliament and a former journalist, wrote on her Facebook page.

"As a representative of the authorities, I apologize to you, dear colleagues, for these strange actions," she added. Sorry."

Yanukovych, who fled to Russia in February 2014, is being tried for treason for, among other things, allegedly ordering riot police to open fire on protesters in Kyivs central square amid violent clashes that ultimately led to his ouster.


The United States has warned governments around the world that they could face sanctions over any "significant transactions" they make with Russia's military, senior U.S. officials have said.

The warnings officials disclosed on February 21 to reporters in Washington follow the U.S. State Department's claim this week that the threat of U.S. sanctions on Russia's defense industry has already cost Moscow some $3 billion in lost military sales.

The senior U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a couple of "big countries" were reconsidering defense purchases from Russia as a result of the global warning sent out by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration following its publication of a list of Russian defense and intelligence agencies and companies targeted by U.S. sanctions.

The officials confirmed that Turkey, which is negotiating the purchase of S-400 missile defense systems from Russia, is one of the countries that received the warning. Turkey has said it is also looking at alternative systems to purchase from NATO allies.

The Kremlin's spokesman earlier on February 21 suggested Russia was not worried about U.S. sanctions hurting defense sales.

"I can just say that everything is fine, everything is fine," Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow.

He said Russia was "trying to hedge risks related to instances of unfair competition on the part of the United States in the market of military-technical cooperation."

The briefing for Washington journalists by senior administration officials was part of a push to show that Trump has been tough on Russia, countering what they said were news reports portraying him as soft on Russia.

The officials said the administration recently set up a "task force" to address potential Russian meddling in the upcoming congressional elections in November. They said more sanctions could also be expected soon over Russian election meddling and cyberattacks.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters
Uzbek authorities have arrested the country's former prosecutor-general, the latest in a series of top government officials who have been caught up in an apparent purge by the administration of President Shavkat Mirziyoev.

An official with the countrys Prosecutor-Generals Office told RFE/RL that Rashid Qodirov was arrested on February 22, and was being questioned by investigators in Tashkent.

The official, who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity, said two other former prosecutor officials, who worked under Qodirov, were also arrested the same day.

The agencys press service said it could neither confirm nor deny the arrest.

The moves comes roughly three years after Qodirov was sacked amid a purge of officials connected to the investigation of Gulnara Karimova, the elder daughter of late President Islam Karimov.

Karimova has been imprisoned since 2014, and was reportedly sentenced last year, for a multinational, multiyear bribery extortion campaign that ensnared, among other things, major telecommunications companies.

Qodirov, who served as the country's top law enforcement official for 15 years, was the prosecutor in charge in 2014 when Gulnara was charged.

Qodirov's arrest also comes about 10 days after his son, Alisher, fled the country.

Since succeeding Karimov after his death in 2016, Mirziyoev has been gradually moving to sack or remove large numbers of government officials.

At a meeting of ministers last August, Mirziyoev excoriated the Prosecutor-General's Office, calling officials there "the biggest thieves." Most observers interpreted his comments as specifically targeting Qodirov.

The country's finance minister has reportedly dismissed some 1,000 employees since December, after being called out publicly by Mirziyoev.

More recently, on January 31, Mirziyoev removed the long-serving head of the country's powerful SNB security service. In recent weeks, he criticized the security agency, and last week, accused it of committing atrocities, targeting innocent people, and "exceeding its authority."

He has also publicly criticized other government agencies, including the tax agency, the health-care system, and other state entities.

Under Islam Karimov, who ruled the country with an iron fist after the Soviet collapse, Uzbekistan had largely become isolated and economically stagnant.

Mirziyoev has since moved to open up the country, calling for a relaxation of onerous visa rules, a stop to the use of forced labor in the annual cotton harvest, and releasing some dissidents and independent journalists.

Authorities have also relaxed hard currency rules for businesses and individuals.
Isroiljon Xoldorov, an Uzbek opposition politician and human rights activist who was imprisoned over the 2005 Andijon massacre, has been released after almost 12 years behind bars.

Rights advocate Saidjahon Zaynobiddinov told RFE/RL that Xoldorov was released on February 21 and has rejoined his family in his native Andijon, in eastern Uzbekistan.

Xoldorov, chief of the opposition Erk (Freedom) party's branch in Andijon, was a key source of information about the bloodshed in Andijon on May 13, 2005, when security forces shot dead scores -- or hundreds, by some accounts -- of antigovernment protesters and then tried to cover up the massacre.

The killings came after weeks of peaceful protests in Andijon against the jailing of 23 businessmen whom the Uzbek government, under then-President Islam Karimov, accused of being Islamic extemists. The demonstrators said they were being victimized for their political views.

Uzbek authorities put the death toll at 187 and said most of those killed were either armed terrorists or had been killed by terrorists. The massacre caused an international outcry and led to European Union sanctions, which have since been eased.

Xoldorov was arrested in 2006, convicted of plotting activities against the constitutional order and illegal border-crossing. He was sentenced to six years in prison.

Xoldorov's sentence was prolonged twice while he was in prison.

After his release on February 21, Xoldorov expressed gratitude to President Shavkat Mirziyoev and to domestic and international human rights organizations for contributing to his release.

Several public figures, journalists, and politicians jailed on politically motivated charges have been released since Mirziyoev came to power following Karimov's death in 2016.


TASHKENT -- An Uzbek financier has been convicted of fraud and sentenced to prison over a pyramid scheme in which tens of thousands of people lost money.

The Tashkent regional court handed down the verdict and sentence against Ahmad Tursunboev on February 21.

The court sentenced Tursunboev to 13 years in prison but shaved off one-quarter of that under an amnesty and said that the term should be counted as having started on the day of his arrest in June 2016.

Authorities say Tursunboev, known in Uzbekistan as Ahmadboi, created a financial pyramid promising investors big dividends. Officials estimate that investors lost millions of dollars over the five years that the scheme operated.

Another nickname for Tursunboev was the "Uzbek Mavrodi" -- after Russian businessman Sergei Mavrodi, whose MMM pyramid scheme deprived millions of Russians of their money -- in some cases leaving them destitute -- in the 1990s.

Authorities say Tursunboev and his associates acquired significant wealth in Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country of 30 million that is struggling with economic problems.

Investigators have said they confiscated millions of dollars in cash, luxurious homes, cars, and other possessions from Tursunboev and his associates, and that Tursunboev had wired substantial amounts of money abroad.
Playa del Carmen ferry explosion leaves 26 with minor injuries

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  A boat explosion that sent dozens of passengers scrambling at a Playa del Carmen dock was the result of a mechanical failure.

Wednesday, a Barcos Caribe boat that had just let off passengers suddenly exploded from its side, sending a mass of fire into the air shocking nearby passengers. The incident happened at around 1:15 p.m. at the main ferry dock in Playa del Carmen just after the boat landed.

Passengers had already left the Cozumel-Playa del Carmen ferry when the explosion occurred. The Governor of Quintana Roo, Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez, said that the explosion points to a technical failure and that investigations are being carried out by corresponding authorities.

The investigations are in the charge of the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), the Federal Police (PF) and the Attorney Generals Office (PGR) who will make the appropriate verification, he explained.

The governor reported that 26 people were injured, including an employee of the ferry company who remains under medical observation. Of the others injured, all were discharged.

Of those 26 injured, four were Americans with minor injuries who have already been discharged. One that is employed by the company is under observation. He went to intensive care for a breathing issue, but apparently is stable, the governor explained. The balance of the passengers were Mexican nationals.

Alicia Ricalde Magana, General Director of the Integral Administration of Quintana Roo, said that according to the preliminary report the explosion was the result of a mechanical failure.

Fortunately, there were no deaths in the explosion that occurred on one of the Barcos Caribe boats that covers the federal route of Playa del Carmen a-Cozumel, said Ricalde Magana. Further investigations are expected to continue.
In the real world, your past uniquely determines your future. If a physicist knows how the universe starts out, she can calculate its future for all time and all space.

But a UC Berkeley mathematician has found some types of black holes in which this law breaks down. If someone were to venture into one of these relatively benign black holes, they could survive, but their past would be obliterated and they could have an infinite number of possible futures.

Such claims have been made in the past, and physicists have invoked "strong cosmic censorship" to explain it away. That is, something catastrophic -- typically a horrible death -- would prevent observers from actually entering a region of spacetime where their future was not uniquely determined. This principle, first proposed 40 years ago by physicist Roger Penrose, keeps sacrosanct an idea -- determinism -- key to any physical theory. That is, given the past and present, the physical laws of the universe do not allow more than one possible future.

But, says UC Berkeley postdoctoral fellow Peter Hintz, mathematical calculations show that for some specific types of black holes in a universe like ours, which is expanding at an accelerating rate, it is possible to survive the passage from a deterministic world into a non-deterministic black hole.

What life would be like in a space where the future was unpredictable is unclear. But the finding does not mean that Einstein's equations of general relativity, which so far perfectly describe the evolution of the cosmos, are wrong, said Hintz, a Clay Research Fellow.

"No physicist is going to travel into a black hole and measure it. This is a math question. But from that point of view, this makes Einstein's equations mathematically more interesting," he said. "This is a question one can really only study mathematically, but it has physical, almost philosophical implications, which makes it very cool."

"This ... conclusion corresponds to a severe failure of determinism in general relativity that cannot be taken lightly in view of the importance in modern cosmology," of accelerating expansion, said his colleagues at the University of Lisbon in Portugal, Vitor Cardoso, Joao Costa and Kyriakos Destounis, and at Utrecht University, Aron Jansen.

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As quoted by Physics World, Gary Horowitz of UC Santa Barbara, who was not involved in the research, said that the study provides "the best evidence I know for a violation of strong cosmic censorship in a theory of gravity and electromagnetism."

Hintz and his colleagues published a paper describing these unusual black holes last month in the journal Physical Review Letters.

Beyond the event horizon

Black holes are bizarre objects that get their name from the fact that nothing can escape their gravity, not even light. If you venture too close and cross the so-called event horizon, you'll never escape.

For small black holes, you'd never survive such a close approach anyway. The tidal forces close to the event horizon are enough to spaghettify anything: that is, stretch it until it's a string of atoms.

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But for large black holes, like the supermassive objects at the cores of galaxies like the Milky Way, which weigh tens of millions if not billions of times the mass of a star, crossing the event horizon would be, well, uneventful.

Because it should be possible to survive the transition from our world to the black hole world, physicists and mathematicians have long wondered what that world would look like, and have turned to Einstein's equations of general relativity to predict the world inside a black hole. These equations work well until an observer reaches the center or singularity, where in theoretical calculations the curvature of spacetime becomes infinite.

Even before reaching the center, however, a black hole explorer -- who would never be able to communicate what she found to the outside world -- could encounter some weird and deadly milestones. Hintz studies a specific type of black hole -- a standard, non-rotating black hole with an electrical charge -- and such an object has a so-called Cauchy horizon within the event horizon.

The Cauchy horizon is the spot where determinism breaks down, where the past no longer determines the future. Physicists, including Penrose, have argued that no observer could ever pass through the Cauchy horizon point because they would be annihilated.

As the argument goes, as an observer approaches the horizon, time slows down, since clocks tick slower in a strong gravitational field. As light, gravitational waves and anything else encountering the black hole fall inevitably toward the Cauchy horizon, an observer also falling inward would eventually see all this energy barreling in at the same time. In effect, all the energy the black hole sees over the lifetime of the universe hits the Cauchy horizon at the same time, blasting into oblivion any observer who gets that far.

You can't see forever in an expanding universe

Hintz realized, however, that this may not apply in an expanding universe that is accelerating, such as our own. Because spacetime is being increasingly pulled apart, much of the distant universe will not affect the black hole at all, since that energy can't travel faster than the speed of light.

In fact, the energy available to fall into the black hole is only that contained within the observable horizon: the volume of the universe that the black hole can expect to see over the course of its existence. For us, for example, the observable horizon is bigger than the 13.8 billion light years we can see into the past, because it includes everything that we will see forever into the future. The accelerating expansion of the universe will prevent us from seeing beyond a horizon of about 46.5 billion light years.

In that scenario, the expansion of the universe counteracts the amplification caused by time dilation inside the black hole, and for certain situations, cancels it entirely. In those cases -- specifically, smooth, non-rotating black holes with a large electrical charge, so-called Reissner-Nordstrom-de Sitter black holes -- an observer could survive passing through the Cauchy horizon and into a non-deterministic world.

"There are some exact solutions of Einstein's equations that are perfectly smooth, with no kinks, no tidal forces going to infinity, where everything is perfectly well behaved up to this Cauchy horizon and beyond," he said, noting that the passage through the horizon would be painful but brief. "After that, all bets are off; in some cases, such as a Reissner-Nordstrom-de Sitter black hole, one can avoid the central singularity altogether and live forever in a universe unknown."

Admittedly, he said, charged black holes are unlikely to exist, since they'd attract oppositely charged matter until they became neutral. However, the mathematical solutions for charged black holes are used as proxies for what would happen inside rotating black holes, which are probably the norm. Hintz argues that smooth, rotating black holes, called Kerr-Newman-de Sitter black holes, would behave the same way.

"That is upsetting, the idea that you could set out with an electrically charged star that undergoes collapse to a black hole, and then Alice travels inside this black hole and if the black hole parameters are sufficiently extremal, it could be that she can just cross the Cauchy horizon, survives that and reaches a region of the universe where knowing the complete initial state of the star, she will not be able to say what is going to happen," Hintz said. "It is no longer uniquely determined by full knowledge of the initial conditions. That is why it's very troublesome."

He discovered these types of black holes by teaming up with Cardoso and his colleagues, who calculated how a black hole rings when struck by gravitational waves, and which of its tones and overtones lasted the longest. In some cases, even the longest surviving frequency decayed fast enough to prevent the amplification from turning the Cauchy horizon into a dead zone.

Hintz's paper has already sparked other papers, one of which purports to show that most well-behaved black holes will not violate determinism. But Hintz insists that one instance of violation is one too many.

"People had been complacent for some 20 years, since the mid '90s, that strong cosmological censorship is always verified," he said. "We challenge that point of view."

Hintz's work was supported by the Clay Mathematics Institute and the Miller Institute for Basic Research in Science at UC Berkeley.
The hormone helps prime cells for implantation, a vital stage in early pregnancy when a fertilised egg attaches to the womb lining, the study suggests.

The discovery -- made by testing tissue from women aged in their forties -- could help scientists develop ways to improve fertility.

Each month, as part of the menstrual cycle, hormones send chemical signals to cells in the womb lining to create conditions to support pregnancy. Fertilised eggs are extremely sensitive to changes in the womb lining, but the exact environment needed for healthy implantation is unknown.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh tested the effects of a hormone known as DHEA on healthy tissue donated by women undergoing unrelated surgery.

They found that treating womb lining cells with DHEA in a dish doubled the level of key proteins associated with healthy implantation in the tissue.

DHEA treatment also increased the production of active androgens -- hormones found in high levels in men -- suggesting that these could underlie the improvement.

The study also suggests that levels of DHEA -- which are known to decline significantly with age -- could play a role in infertility in later life, researchers say.

They caution that it is too early to say if treatments could help women with fertility issues.

The study, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC).

Lead author Dr Douglas Gibson, from the MRC Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, said: "A fertilised egg will implant only if the conditions are just right and we were excited to see that DHEA and androgens might help improve this environment in cells. The findings will help us develop studies for potential therapies but more research is needed before we can tell if this approach could be used to help women who are struggling to conceive."

Dr Stephen Meader, Programme Manager for Reproductive Health at the MRC, said: "This study is important in learning more about what's required for a successful implantation and healthy pregnancy. This research may be in its early stages, but it's worthwhile because it lays the groundwork to uncovering potential treatments down the road to help women trying to conceive."
New research shows that males and females of the same species can evolve to be so different that they prevent other species from evolving or colonising habitats, challenging long-held theories on the way natural selection drives the evolution of biodiversity.

According to Darwin's theory of natural selection, first introduced in his book On the Origin of Species (1859), new environments such as mountains and islands with abundant food and habitats, offer species the 'ecological opportunity' to colonise an area using those resources.

New research from the UK has shown that exactly the same mechanism of evolution that creates new species also operates within the same species when males and females compete for the ecological resources available in different habitats, such as bushy areas or stony patches with abundant food. The conflict between the sexes can lead to one sex becoming bigger, more colourful or adapting to eat different food, just like a traditional process of evolution by natural selection can lead an ancestor to split into two different species.

This process of evolution between the sexes expands the biodiversity of the area -- a development that evolutionary biologists previously thought only occurred when the number of different species using different resources or 'niches' increases. This new research challenges that assumption, showing that different species and different sexes of the same species can occupy these niches.

This new research which explored the evolution of lizards in the Chilean Andes Mountains and Argentinean Patagonia, shows that different sexes of the same species can fill niches as well, meaning new species are actively prevented from evolving. This is because there is no new environment for them to occupy -- a necessary condition for new species to evolve under Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Conducted by academics from the Universities of Lincoln, Exeter and Sheffield, the study demonstrated that biodiversity can now be seen as the formation of new, different species, or, as the formation of different sexes which are distinct enough to be equivalent to different species in the way they 'saturate' ecological niches.

Dr Daniel Pincheira-Donoso, Senior Lecturer in Evolutionary Biology at the School of Life Sciences at the University of Lincoln and lead researcher on the study, said: "Our research reveals evidence for this intriguing phenomenon that the evolution of sexes within a species could replace the evolution of new species, which begins to add a new layer to our understanding of the evolution of biodiversity.

"It is important to stress that the diversity of life on our planet applies not only to the evolution of different species, but also to the independent evolution of males and females within the same species, which potentially has very important implications."
Scientists have found the first major evidence that Neanderthals, rather than modern humans, created the world's oldest known cave paintings -- suggesting they may have had an artistic sense similar to our own.

A new study led by the University of Southampton and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology shows that paintings in three caves in Spain were created more than 64,000 years ago -- 20,000 years before modern humans arrived in Europe.

This means that the Palaeolithic (Ice Age) cave art -- including pictures of animals, dots and geometric signs -- must have been made by Neanderthals, a 'sister' species to Homo sapiens, and Europe's sole human inhabitants at the time.

It also indicates that they thought symbolically, like modern humans.

Published today in the journal Science, the study reveals how an international team of scientists used a state-of-the-art technique called uranium-thorium dating to fix the age of the paintings as more than 64,000 years.

Until now, cave art has been attributed entirely to modern humans, as claims to a possible Neanderthal origin have been hampered by imprecise dating techniques. However, uranium-thorium dating provides much more reliable results than methods such as radiocarbon dating, which can give false age estimates.

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The uranium-thorium method involves dating tiny carbonate deposits that have built up on top of the cave paintings. These contain traces of the radioactive elements uranium and thorium, which indicate when the deposits formed -- and therefore give a minimum age for whatever lies beneath.

Joint lead author Dr Chris Standish, an archaeologist at the University of Southampton, said: "This is an incredibly exciting discovery which suggests Neanderthals were much more sophisticated than is popularly believed.

"Our results show that the paintings we dated are, by far, the oldest known cave art in the world, and were created at least 20,000 years before modern humans arrived in Europe from Africa -- therefore they must have been painted by Neanderthals."

A team of researchers from the UK, Germany, Spain and France analysed more than 60 carbonate samples from three cave sites in Spain -- La Pasiega (north-eastern Spain), Maltravieso (western Spain) and Ardales (south-western Spain).

All three caves contain red (ochre) or black paintings of groups of animals, dots and geometric signs, as well as hand stencils, hand prints and engravings.

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According to the researchers, creating the art must have involved such sophisticated behaviour as the choosing of a location, planning of light source and mixing of pigments.

Alistair Pike, Professor of Archaeological Sciences at the University of Southampton and co-director of the study, said: "Soon after the discovery of the first of their fossils in the 19th century, Neanderthals were portrayed as brutish and uncultured, incapable of art and symbolic behaviour, and some of these views persist today.

"The issue of just how human-like Neanderthals behaved is a hotly debated issue. Our findings will make a significant contribution to that debate."

Joint lead author Dirk Hoffmann, of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, added that symbolic material culture -- a collection of cultural and intellectual achievements handed down from generation to generation -- has, until now, only been attributed to our species.

"The emergence of symbolic material culture represents a fundamental threshold in the evolution of humankind. It is one of the main pillars of what makes us human," he said.

"Artefacts whose functional value lies not so much in their practical but rather in their symbolic use are proxies for fundamental aspects of human cognition as we know it."

Early symbolic artefacts, dating back 70,000 years, have been found in Africa but are associated with modern humans.

Other artefacts including cave art, sculpted figures, decorated bone tools and jewellery have been found in Europe, dating back 40,000 years. But researchers have concluded that these artefacts must have been created by modern humans who were spreading across Europe after their arrival from Africa.

There is evidence that Neanderthals in Europe used body ornamentation around 40,000 to 45,000 years ago, but many researchers have suggested this was inspired by modern humans who at the time had just arrived in Europe.

Study co-author Paul Pettitt, of Durham University, commented: "Neanderthals created meaningful symbols in meaningful places. The art is not a one-off accident.

"We have examples in three caves 700km apart, and evidence that it was a long-lived tradition. It is quite possible that similar cave art in other caves in Western Europe is of Neanderthal origin as well."
Gilead Sciences is expanding its investments in cancer treatments, announcing Thursday that its subsidiary Kite will pay biotech company Sangamo Therapeutics up to $3 billion for its gene-editing technology.

The Bay Area companies will use the technology to jointly develop oncology therapies, focusing initially on blood cancers.

It is the latest move by Gilead, the Foster City biopharmaceutical giant that has long dominated the market for HIV and hepatitis C drugs, to add gene therapy for cancer to its portfolio. Sangamo, based in Richmond, will receive $150 million up front and up to $3 billion in subsequent payments if it meets regulatory and commercial milestones.

Last year, Gilead made its largest acquisition in company history, a $12 billion deal to buy Kite Pharma, a Santa Monica firm that makes Yescarta, a cutting-edge cell therapy treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. It quickly followed with a second acquisition, the Emeryville startup Cell Design Labs, for a price that could reach $587 million if milestones are hit.

The goal of both deals was to bolster Gileads development of an emerging cancer therapy known as CAR T, which involves extracting a patients own living cells from their blood, genetically modifying them and reintroducing them to the persons body to attack cancer cells.

The Sangamo deal could advance Gileads cell-therapy portfolio a step further because its technology enables a safer transfer of cells from healthy donors to sick patients. This transfer would be faster than the 17 days it takes to complete the process of extracting, modifying and reintroducing a patients own cells into their bodies with Yescarta. Sangamos gene-editing technology enables the removal of proteins from the donors cells that could potentially harm the recipients cells and tissues.

We look forward to working with Sangamo to accelerate our efforts to develop next-generation cell therapies, and other treatments for people living with cancer, Gilead CEO John Milligan said in a statement.

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Sangamo stock closed at $25.40, a 17-year high and a 14 percent jump from Wednesday. Gilead stock closed at $79.40, a 2 percent dip from Wednesday.
Marilyn Nieves/Getty Image

A former Southwest Airlines Baggage handler pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to his role in a drug smuggling ring that operated out of Oakland International Airport, officials said.

Keith Mayfield, 37 of Oakland, pleaded guilty to charges of entering an airport area in violation of security requirements, conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to launder money.
Certain pockets of San Francisco have remained virtually unchanged for decades, untouched by impressive new fonts or avocado toast. Take, for example, a little stretch of Ocean Avenue thats still home to a travel agency, tiny dentist offices and an Italian restaurant and banquet hall that has remained the same for 40 years.

Despite a sidewalk sign, Villa dEste is easy to miss from the street if one were rolling by, past all of the available parking spaces and low-key neighborhood regulars on the stretch between 19th Avenue and Junipero Serra Boulevard. The restaurant sits back from the sidewalk, behind the flyer-filled windows of a real estate office at the end of a brick courtyard. The exterior is covered in signage painted right on to the building that screams in red cursive, Brunch, Cocktails, Banquet facilities, Dinner.

The restaurants front door resembles that of a castle  its round and rather dramatically opens to a tiny bar and lounge where on Friday nights, Jonnie Brooks sings Music you love, songs you remember. Up a set of stairs is the massive dining room. It also serves as a banquet hall for midday weddings and anniversary celebrations. The ambiance resembles that of an Italian villa owned by Neptune, the mythical god of the sea. Large stucco curtain shapes are built into the wall, and two extraordinary lighting structures hang from the ceiling, their porcelain feathers painted silver.

I bought it like this, said Ramon Oropeza, who has owned Villa dEste since 1978.

Oropeza moved to San Francisco from Jalisco, Mexico, in 1958. He had family here, and his plans for college had fallen through. Soon after arriving in town, Oropeza went to work at the Gold Mirror, a Parkside district restaurant even more old-school than Villa dEste.

I was very aggressive in the kitchen, Oropeza said of his early days in the industry. The chef would tell me to get out of the way, but I would say, I want to cook. Teach me! and eventually he did.

When the previous owners of Villa dEste were ready to sell, Oropeza was ready to buy. He toiled day and night to pay for his new venture and still maintains that work ethic. The 73-year-old works seven days a week and takes on almost every role in the restaurant, from head chef to head server. When I called to set up an interview with him, the soft-spoken Oropeza answered the phone himself  in the middle of dinner service.

I think it keeps me healthy, he said of his breakneck work schedule.

Oropezas seven children grew up working in the family restaurant, and so have many of his 13 grandchildren. They all live in family-owned houses in the Excelsior.

We have three generations of customers and three generations of family members working here, Oropeza proudly announced while he fried up bacon on a Sunday morning in Villa dEstes large kitchen space.

Oropeza is no longer so aggressive in the kitchen. Hes organized now, slow and steady. He seamlessly moves from one task to the next, shifting the potatoes to a family-size plate before finding another bottle of Champagne for brunch guests. After all, every Sunday brunch order includes a complimentary glass of Champagne in the classic coupe Champagne glass.

Touches like free Champagne are a trademark of Oropezas. Dinner comes with assorted antipasti, a cup of minestrone and an iceberg salad. A scoop of spumoni for dessert is standard. When asked how hes survived in the San Francisco restaurant industry, Oropeza cites his consistency  the menu and setting have barely changed in decades  and his willingness to bus tables and fold napkins. Chefs today, Oropeza said, are not interested in doing hands-on work.

You know why I think Ramon Oropeza has survived 40 years in San Franciscos restaurant industry? I think its because his livelihood is located in a pocket of San Francisco that never gets included in top restaurant roundups or bloggers must-try lists. Ironically, Villa dEste is probably one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in town.

In the past 60 years, Ramon Oropeza has built a beautiful life in San Francisco, a life that many now find impossible to create.

I was very lucky, Oropeza said. He paused for a moment and announced more to himself than to me, I believe that luck doesnt come to you. You gotta create your own luck.
Living over the Stockton Street tunnel, almost next door to the Ritz-Carlton, Catherine Luciano has noticed, with growing dismay, street debris that has accumulated on one side of it. Along the south wall of the hotel along Pine Street, she emails, the debris, clothing, food, liquor bottles, shoes, Styrofoam containers, cardboard mattresses and other unmentionables have littered the street. Luciano says shed call the hotel about once a week to say that the area needed monitoring and cleanup.

On Tuesday, Feb. 20, she couldnt stand it any more. She put on a rather stylish pair of green latex gloves, picked up a large trash bag, went outside and cleaned it all up myself, in our Arctic weather of 47 degrees. ... Virtually minutes later, with the Hefty trash bag happily stuffed and now filthy gloves, that block of Pine Street between Grand and Stockton proudly shimmered, having improved in appearance tenfold.

Whereupon she went into to the lobby and up to the front desk, telling the clerk of her deed, in hopes the general manager might be notified. The clerk seemed somewhat stunned as I placed my gloves and the well-fed trash bag on their counter, writes Luciano. By the time Luciano turned to leave, the clerks mouth was still dangling wide. But, Luciano added, an elderly woman whod witnessed the encounter touched my elbow and winked, saying Atta girl! as I walked away.

The hotels communication specialist Travis Jay said he didnt have any comment, but suggested that I reach out to the hotels corporate PR people, located in another city.

Consuming interests:

Contemplating the Sale signs in front of Graffeo Leather in San Carlos, Darryl Forman and a group of fellow walkers were drawn into the store. She couldnt resist going inside, but she kept repeating to her pals, But I dont need anything. The store owner advised her: If we bought only what we need, wed only shop at Safeway and CVS.

Johns Grill owner John Konstin is just back from Sydney, where the price of a pack of Marlboros is $40. There were hardly any smokers on the streets, and in a small alcove in front of his hotel, the Sydney Four Seasons, mostly Asians and European hotel guests were smoking.

Although David Sedaris told the New York Times a few years ago that his favorite thing to do when traveling is to shop, and although he said in that interview that Tokyo really is the best city for shopping, there are certain things that one must buy in San Francisco. On their way back from Japan, Sedaris, his husband, Hugh Hamrick, and his sister Amy stopped at MAC on Grove Street. There, they are said to have bought Belgian clothes from Dries Van Noten and Walter Van Beirendonck penis-print socks. Beats a cable car key chain.

When I saw Word for Words new production, Lucia Berlin: Stories, at the Z Below Theater on Sunday, Feb. 18, I thought about Nicolas Cages portrayal of an alcoholic  I was going to write drunk, but the word drips with disdain  in Leaving Las Vegas. But finding a term that really covers everyone who drinks too much is like finding a word that would cover everyone suffering from cancer. Every victim of the disease is a victim in another way.

For me, watching the Cage character on screen had been a visit to a strange place. But getting acquainted with the main character in Lucia Berlins stories  acknowledged before the writers death as a semiautobiographical figure  was like encountering someone I might have met before, on the job, at a meeting, in the supermarket. Her alcoholism leads her down terrible paths, but it seems that so often, many of us know some similar path, desperate to hide obsessions that take over our lives.

Many of the Bay Areas best talents were involved in this production, starting, of course, with the writer, who lived here for a long time. The two directors, Nancy Shelby and JoAnne Winter are among the founders of Word for Word. The vivid projections that serve as settings for the stories are by artist Naomie Kremer, and an inventive but unassuming jazz score by Marcus Shelby lets the words tell the story, exactly the Word for Word mission.

Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, (415) 777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchik

Public Eavesdropping

If you fall off, Im going to be rich.

Woman to husband at edge of Grand Canyon, overheard by Patricia Stoyanoff
Union membership in the United States has declined steadily in recent decades, but it remains plentiful among public employees like teachers and social workers. Theyre more than five times as likely as their private-sector counterparts to belong to a union.

That situation is likely to change, however, because of a case to be argued Monday in the U.S. Supreme Court.

The justices will hear arguments on behalf of a child-support worker for the state of Illinois, and the Trump administration, challenging the fees that public-employee unions charge to those who choose to be nonmembers for the cost of representing them at the bargaining table over pay and working conditions. Fees charged to nonmembers are allowed by laws in 22 states, including California.

The court unanimously upheld those so-called fair-share fees in 1977, reasoning that while unions could not impose their political views on nonmembers  and thus could not charge them for the costs of lobbying and other political activities  they could recoup the costs of basic representation, which the unions are required to provide to all workers by federal law. The fair-share fees equal 60 to 70 percent of regular union dues.

The 1977 ruling has come under attack by conservative groups such as the National Right to Work Foundation, which represents the current plaintiff. And they have gained allies on the court in recent years, led by Justice Samuel Alito, who has argued in several rulings that every aspect of a public unions dealings with the government is political and that nonmembers, protected by the constitutional guarantee of free speech, shouldnt have to pay for it.

The court appeared to be on the verge of repealing the ruling two years ago in a case brought by nonunion teachers in California. But a month after the hearing, and before a new ruling could be issued, conservative Justice Antonin Scalia died, leaving his colleagues deadlocked 4-4.

The unions reprieve probably will not last long. President Trumps appointment of the equally conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch to succeed Scalia has set the stage for Mondays hearing of the suit by Mark Janus, an Illinois state employee who objects to paying any fees to the union that represents him.

Im not against unions, Janus told the Associated Press. But the right to say no to unions is just as important as the right to say yes, and, he added, the wages and benefits this union seeks would cause financial harm to the state.

Even though the earlier ruling was supposed to prohibit use of nonmembers fees for political activities, Trumps Justice Department told the court that to require employees like Janus to subsidize any of their unions costs is to force him to support private political and ideological viewpoints with which he may strongly disagree.

If those views prevail, as most legal commentators expect, a 5-4 ruling by the end of June will outlaw the fees in 22 states, which have about 5 million public employees. In addition to losing fees from hundreds of thousands of nonmembers, the unions will likely lose some of their current members.

Why should they pay, when they get the same conditions and benefits without paying? asked William Gould, a Stanford law professor and former chairman of the National Labor Relations Board, who has joined other labor law professors in a court filing supporting the unions.

When Wisconsin, a onetime labor stronghold now led by Republicans, passed a right-to-work law banning mandatory union membership and fees, Gould said, membership dropped at least 4 percent.

And the political consequences are also predictable.

This will shut off one of the main avenues for contributions to the Democratic Party, Gould said, noting similar impacts in Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana that have coincided with a decline in union membership. Unions are also a major source of Democratic campaign workers.

And thats another reason nonmembers shouldnt have to support them, said Daniel DiSalvo of the conservative Manhattan Institute.

Union political activity is so one-sided, and mandatory fees are like being forced to associate with a political party, DiSalvo said. Although the 1977 ruling bars unions from using nonmembers fees for political activity, he said, that line is often hard to draw, and the Constitution protects freedom of association as well as speech.

The ruling threatens the status of unions that now represent 34.4 percent of the nations public employees, compared with 6.5 percent membership in the private sector. As the unions see it, elimination of the nonmembers fees that state law now allows them to collect would saddle them with free riders.

The case, solicited and bankrolled by billionaires and corporate executives, is intended to weaken public sector unions by encouraging employees ... to refuse to pay dues, while they enjoy the rights and benefits of a union contract and representation, said National Nurses United, which plans rallies Thursday in nine California communities, including Martinez and San Mateo, in protest of the anticipated ruling.

Thats not how Elizabeth Bitsy Galaska, a nonunion teacher in Birdsboro, Pa., sees it. She is a plaintiff in a suit, similar to Janus case, challenging fees charged by the states chapter of the National Education Association.

I never asked the union to work for me, she said in an interview. Im not really a free rider. Im more of a forced rider.
The essence of Californias pension crisis was on display last week when the California Public Employees Retirement System made a relatively small change in its amortization policy.

The CalPERS board voted to change the period for recouping future investment losses from 30 years to 20 years.

The bottom line is that it will require the state government and thousands of local government agencies and school districts to ramp up their mandatory contributions to the huge trust fund.

Client agencies  cities, particularly  were already complaining that double-digit annual increases in CalPERS payments are driving some of them toward insolvency, and the new policy, which will kick in next year, will raise those payments even more.

What we are trying to avoid is a situation where we have a city that is already on the brink, and applying a 20-year amortization schedule would put them over the edge, a representative of the League of California Cities, Dane Hutchings, told the CalPERS board before its vote.

But CalPERS itself may be on the brink, and the policy change is one of several steps it has taken to avoid a complete meltdown.

The system, once more than 100 percent funded, now has scarcely two-thirds of what it would need to fully cover all of the pension promises to current and future retirees  and that assumes it will hit an investment earnings target (7 percent per year) that many authorities criticize as being too optimistic.

The trust fund lost about $100 billion in the Great Recession and never has fully recovered. By lowering its earnings projection  it had been 7.5 percent  while moving to a more conservative investment strategy and cutting the amortization period, CalPERS hopes to avoid another disaster were the economy to turn sour.

Officials fear that were it to experience another big investment loss, it would pass a point of no return and never be able to pay for pension promises.

Protecting CalPERS, however, means getting more money from its client agencies, which could drive some of them into insolvency, as Hutchings said. Three California cities have gone bankrupt in recent years, in part because of their ever-increasing pension burdens, and payments have escalated sharply since then.

So on one hand, CalPERS is doing what it has to do to remain financially solvent, but on the other hand its self-protective steps threaten local government solvency. Thats the crisis in a nutshell.

One way out would be to modify benefits in some way. City officials, for instance, have suggested reducing automatic cost-of-living escalators in pensions over a certain mark, such as $100,000 a year.

However, the CalPERS board, dominated by public employee organizations and sympathetic politicians, has spurned such pleas.

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Our members have expressed frustration that you keep coming to them asking for more while at the same time not providing a lot of other options and assistance for them, Dillon Gibbons of the California Special Districts Association told the board.

Everyone involved is waiting for the state Supreme Court to rule on pending pension rights cases, and were it to overturn the so-called California rule that bars changes in benefits, it would open the door to pension modification.

CalPERS officials also are concerned that should it become insolvent, or pension payments force some cities into bankruptcy court, it would revive long-dormant plans for a statewide pension reform ballot measure.

This crisis will haunt California for many years to come and will be a big headache for the next governor.
San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon on Wednesday announced new efforts to combat the citys spiraling vehicle break-in crisis, including a proposed task force dedicated to finding and prosecuting offenders.

The unit would be made up of prosecutors, analysts and investigators who seek to bust up rings of prolific auto burglars. Gascons office has asked the mayor and Board of Supervisors for $1 million to fund the task force.

Gascon also introduced a new hotline and website where people can deliver crime tips. Officials hope the system, coupled with an expanding database where residents and merchants can register the locations of private security cameras, will yield valuable evidence to prosecute criminals.

Our crime strategies unit has been working to prepare for the effort, Gascon said at a news conference, going over thousands of records, cameras, license plate readers, police reports, seemingly unconnected pieces of information, in order to understand the scope of the work and what needs to be done to be successful.

Most of the citys nearly 30,000 reported auto break-ins last year, he said, were committed by organized groups of people often using stolen vehicles or rental cars to make a quick getaway. The boosted property can change hands repeatedly as it moves through complex fencing operations.

Earlier this month, officials in Santa Clara County announced a bust in a multimillion-dollar operation in which valuable electronics were stolen in the Bay Area, including in San Francisco, before being shipped overseas.

What were hoping to do is bring in as much information as we can, Gascon said. That information will be shared on a daily basis  sometimes in real time  with the police, depending on the nature of the investigation.

He said prosecutors will work more closely with police and with witnesses to identify criminals and ensure the district attorneys office has enough evidence to successfully prosecute cases.

San Franciscos residents, workers and tourists suffered through the worst year on record for car break-ins in 2017, with reports from victims up more than 25 percent from the previous year.

Police Chief Bill Scott has announced steps including dedicating officers at district stations to focus on property crime and increasing foot patrols in problem areas.

For two years, the Police Department had a citywide task force dedicated to investigating auto burglaries, but the chief announced in August that he was disbanding it. He said trying to stop criminals before they act is a more effective strategy than pursuing them later.

Gascons proposed task force would be patterned after a team deployed in the 2016 takedown of a theft ring known as the Rainbow Crew.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

For several years, thieves packed into high-end stores in San Franciscos Union Square, overwhelming store employees  sometimes violently  while making off with merchandise from stores like Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior.

The crime strategies unit eventually connected suspects to 23 thefts in San Francisco and at least 10 in other jurisdictions around the West Coast and in Hawaii, and grand juries handed down more than 20 indictments.

Gascon said he hopes to use the same analytical, data-driven approach to target networks of criminals ransacking vehicles. By the end of 2018, he said, authorities should be able to reduce auto break-ins by 20 percent. In three years, his goal is to help transform the epidemic into a manageable problem.

The new tip line can be accessed at www.sfdistrictattorney.org/auto-burglary-tipline or by calling (415) 553-7337.
The clock is ticking for Californias bail system.

Attorney General Xavier Becerra, the states top law-enforcement official, announced he wouldnt challenge a lower courts ruling that outlaws the practice of holding criminal defendants in jail solely because they cant afford to pay their way out.

We must continue to pursue changes in our bail system to ensure its rooted in principles of fairness, and prioritizes public safety for all, Becerra said in a statement.

Late last month, an appeal court ordered a new bail hearing for Kenneth Humphrey, a 64-year-old San Francisco man whod been held in jail for more than eight months after the lower court set bail at $350,000. Humphrey had been charged with stealing a bottle of cologne and $5 from a neighbor at a residency hotel.

The district court stated that the trial court must inquire into and determine his ability to pay and consider nonmonetary alternatives to bail.

By agreeing with the lower court, Becerra has issued a body blow to our current bail system.

Nearly two-thirds of California inmates are being held while theyre awaiting trial. Indeed, fewer than 3 percent of criminal cases go to trial in California; most cases resolve in guilty pleas, often because it is the quickest way out of jail. Reforming the bail system could substantially reduce the number of inmates in our jails, freeing up money for the costs of alternative pretrial assessments as well as other law enforcement priorities.

Bail reform is also the right thing to do.

The decision to release a defendant should be based on his or her risk to the public  not on the depth of his or her pockets.

Other places have already gotten the message.

Kentucky, Oregon, Wisconsin and Illinois have overhauled their bail systems, allowing defendants to deposit 10 percent of their bail amounts with the court and receive it back if they make their court appearances.

New Jersey and Washington, D.C., overwhelmingly rely on pretrial assessments of defendants and have dramatically reduced the use of cash bail.

A task force appointed by state Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye recommended the adoption of a similar system for California  risk-based pretrial assessment and supervision programs for defendants, rather than bail. A bill to do just that, from state Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys (Los Angeles County), and Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Alameda, is awaiting hearing in the Assembly.

The path forward is clear, but it wont be easy.

Many law enforcement institutions and their unions are skeptical. The bail-bonds industry, which sees an existential threat in reform, is likely to sue California if it proceeds.

Still, California should push forward. We must penalize crime  not poverty.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
Earthquakes are a fact of life in California, but so is the ability to warn the public as tremors rumble through the earth. Other major nations have warning systems that reliably pump out alerts 30 to 60 seconds before danger hits.

But thats not the case in California. This state is nursing a system to life, but it needs more money and support, especially from Washington. Thats why its infuriating that for a second year, the Trump administration wants to cut money and jobs from a federal agency leading the effort.
These days, the popular web media seems to be moving from knee-jerk disinformation to heavy-handed censorship, and much of the world (China, Russia, Vietnam, Pakistan, etc. ) has been cheering on this trend. Certainly, its a most dangerous road to go down, as censorship promotes the privileged few while drowning out the voices of democracy and freedom.

Facing pressure from Congress, the normally egalitarian YouTube recently announced it will label content from Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and PBS as government-sponsored content. When a viewer clicks on content from these outlets, they will see those words on the screen. Thus, people will be more likely to doubt the message they are seeing.
WASHINGTON  The school shooting in Florida that left 17 people dead is cracking open a debate on gun control that has been in lockdown for years, with President Trump cautiously considering support for a handful of modest measures to restrict the deadliest firearms.

Modest measures, however, may be all that gun-control advocates can hope for. Legal and political impediments to restricting the availability of even the deadliest firearms  those originally designed to inflict maximum casualties on the battlefield  are so steep as to appear nearly insurmountable.

Trump held a listening session at the White House on Wednesday with survivors, parents and others affected by school shootings, a day after he ordered the Justice Department to draft regulations to ban bump stocks  devices that turn semiautomatic rifles into machine guns. After I listen, were going to get things done, Trump said.

Evan Vucci/Associated Press

The president said he would be open to increasing reporting compliance for background checks, as legislation by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, would do.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the idea of raising the age limit to buy an AR-15  the assault weapon that the alleged 19-year-old Florida killer used  was on the table for us to discuss. And she said Trump hasnt closed the door on reinstating a federal ban on assault rifles, which expired in 2003.

But Trump also suggested several measures in reaction to the killings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., that were more in line with conservatives reactions to mass shootings. They included allowing teachers to carry concealed weapons and bolstering governments ability to hospitalize or otherwise restrain mentally ill people.

Trump campaigned against restrictions on gun ownership and benefited from more than $30 million in campaign spending by the National Rifle Association.

However, political pressure on Trump and Congress has intensified since last weeks killings. Students from the Parkland school have held rallies, confronted Florida lawmakers and promised a tireless crusade for tighter gun laws.

I dont really have anything to base this on other than just gut feeling, but it really does feel different this time, said Rep. Mike Thompson, a gun-owning St. Helena Democrat who has headed a task force on gun violence for his party since 20 children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., in 2012.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

We have a whole new generation of voters coming forward who dont have the same thoughts and beliefs about guns that this generation has, Thompson said.

Thompson welcomed Trumps movement on the issue. But he also noted that during his years-long investigation into gun regulations and the options available to Congress, the government agency responsible for gun regulations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, told his task force that the executive branch cannot ban bump stocks through regulations  the avenue Trump is suggesting.

Instead, the ATF told Thompson, Congress would have to pass a law banning the devices.

Legislative action on guns, however, continues to be a tall order. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., proposed a ban on bump stocks after a gunman used a gun equipped with the device to kill 58 people and injure 851 at a country music concert in Las Vegas in October. She said Tuesday that Republicans are blocking the legislation.

Words are one thing, Mr. President, but we need meaningful action, Feinstein said. If you want these devices off the street, call congressional Republicans and tell them to stop blocking our bill.

NRA President Wayne LaPierre told conservative talk show host Sean Hannity that bump stocks are worthy of additional regulation  but said he did not endorse legislation that would ban or confiscate them.

The bill by Cornyn that Trump has endorsed is also backed by the NRA, so it might not be dead on arrival in Congress. It would tighten the National Instant Criminal Background Check System by creating a financial incentive for federal agencies to report offenses, which they are already required to do.

However, it would do nothing to extend background checks to people who buy their guns in private sales instead of from a licensed gun dealer. An estimated 42 percent of guns in the U.S. are bought through such sales, according to a 2017 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Not that (the Cornyn bill) is bad, but theres nothing you could do that would be less significant and still call it gun regulation, said William Vizzard, a professor emeritus at Sacramento State University and a former agent with the ATF.

Vizzard pointed to two landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions, District of Columbia vs. Heller in 2008 and McDonald vs. City of Chicago in 2008, as major barriers to any effort by Congress to limit gun ownership. The decisions struck down efforts by cities to restrict gun ownership as unconstitutional under the Second and 14th amendments.

If you really wanted something that would work over time, you would do what Australia did, and just say, OK, you can have manually operated rifles and shotguns. End of story. Well pay you for the rest of them. Turn them in, Vizzard said.

That might be reasonable in almost any other country, he said, But in the United States its a total fantasy.

The Supreme Court has upheld background checks and waiting periods to buy a gun. Feinstein is working on legislation to extend the waiting period before a buyer can take possession of a gun. Thompson said closing the loophole in federal law that allows anyone to escape a background check by simply purchasing a gun from an unlicensed dealer would be an effective if modest step.

We know it works; we know it saves lives, he said. But Thompson hasnt been able to get House Republicans to allow a hearing on the proposal. And he noted that the Trump administrations proposed 2019 budget would cut $12 million from the background check system.

The only legislation that has passed the House in reaction to the spate of recent mass shootings is a bill to allow nearly anyone with a permit to carry concealed weapons across state lines  even into states such as California that restrict them. More than a dozen permitless states have almost no restrictions on gun ownership, and several more have loose concealed-carry laws.

There is one major gun bill pending in the House  the Hearing Protection Act, to roll back decades of restrictions on gun silencers.
Televisions continuing fascination with analyzing a crime from several sides has produced great series that remind us that there are degrees of morality beyond absolute guilt or innocence in any human story. The genre isnt new, but shows like American Crime Story and Law & Order: True Crime have come a long way from the cops-and-lawyers setup of the original Law & Order series.

ABCs American Crime was among the best of these shows for three seasons until its regrettable cancellation in May. One of its stars, Emmy winner Regina King, now stars in the new Netlfix series Seven Seconds, whose first season is available for streaming on Friday, Feb. 23. Kings presence is only one of the reasons the new show evokes memories of American Crime and makes comparison unavoidable.

Seven Seconds was created by Veena Sud, her first new show since the groundbreaking The Killing, which premiered in 2011. The new series focuses on how life can radically change direction in only a matter of seconds, not just for the victim and perpetrator, but also for many others. Its the butterfly effect applied to human behavior.

Peter Jablonski (a superb Beau Knapp) is driving his sport utility vehicle on a snow-packed road through a northern New Jersey park, using his cell phone because his wife, Marie (Michelle Veintimilla), has gone into early labor. He hits something, stops the car, and sees a kids bike under his wheels when he gets out.

What happens next cannot be undone, and the strength of the series is how often we are reminded of that fact. Jablonski is persuaded by fellow Jersey City cop Mike Diangelo (David Lyons) and other officers to flee the scene. We so much want him to make the right decision, knowing already that what he is about to do will inevitably catch up with him. But Jablonski caves, and his fate is set.

We dont see the face of the injured bike rider for quite a while, just flashes here and there, but he is the teenage son of Isaiah and Latrice Butler (Russell Hornsby and King). Their lives are of course most deeply impacted by those seven seconds, but so are the lives of many others, including Jablonski and his wife, Jersey City Detective Joe Fish Rinaldi (Michael Mosley) and a young, alcoholic assistant district attorney, KJ Harper (Clare-Hope Ashitey). Rinaldi is driven to finding out the truth about the accident, suspecting involvement by the cops. One of his challenges is to keep KJ sober enough to focus on the case.

The series moves slowly, too slowly, in fact, slogging from character to character, taking its not-so-sweet time trying to make sure we havent missed the point and, in doing so, constantly underestimating the audience.

As it plods along, Seven Seconds is often redeemed by superb performances from actors who are constantly called on to make the best of overwritten and not always credible dialogue. King, of course, is the emotional center of the story, but there are equally effective performances from Knapp, Mosley, Lyons, Gretchen Mol as a cold-blooded defense attorney and especially Ashitey. KJ Harper is perhaps the most troubled and complex character in the series, and Ashitey wisely underplays her to make her not only credible but also empathetic. The creation of a flawed crusader for justice is one of Suds smarter decisions.

As the story builds, so does the excess. We get a ton of heavy-handed symbolism involving the Statue of Liberty, and high moral posturing that represents the key difference between the unerring quality of American Crime and the sometimes watchable mess that is Seven Seconds. John Ridley knew to build his messages into the characters and plots of the three American Crime seasons. Eventually, Sud all but abandons her characters in favor of out-and-out preaching in the series long-awaited final episode when some but not all of the plot elements are resolved many in too-convenient ways.

Along the way, we get alcoholism, racial prejudice, police corruption, gang affiliations, secret gay romance, drug addiction, witness murders and general over-freighting by a show creator who doesnt trust either her characters or her audience.

I would have gladly given Sud a few extra seconds to edit Seven Seconds into the series it wants to be, the series that both the cast and the audience deserve.

David Wiegand is an assistant managing editor and the TV critic of The San Francisco Chronicle. Follow him on Facebook. Email: dwiegand@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @WaitWhat_TV

Seven Seconds: Dramatic series. 10-episode first season available Friday, Feb. 23, on Netflix.
A former Google employee who alleges he was fired for defending women and minorities in the companys internal chat platforms is suing the company, claiming discrimination, wrongful termination and retaliation.

Tim Chevalier, a software developer who filed the suit in San Francisco Superior Court on Wednesday, alleged that Googles internal social networks were a tool for harassment and that he was terminated for comments criticizing discrimination against minorities.

According to the lawsuit, Chevaliers supervisor repeatedly criticized him for engaging in social activism. Chevalier, who is transgender and has post-traumatic stress and sleep disorders, also alleged that he was subject to discrimination because of his gender and disabilities. He asked to transfer to a new team, but was denied.

On Googles internal chat platforms, Chevalier replied to posts that he found dismissive of racism and structural discrimination, such as a memo by Google engineer James Damore that suggested women were biologically unsuited to technical jobs. Damore was later fired for his memo and also filed a discrimination suit.

Chevaliers response, which called the memo misogynistic, was among the posts reported to the human resources department that prompted an investigation.

In a conversation with a human resources staff member, Chevalier was told that his use of the term white boys could be interpreted as a generalization about race and gender, the suit alleged. The HR inquiry into Chevalier was allegedly started when the individuals Chevalier was criticizing reported his posts defending women and minorities.

It is a cruel irony that Google attempted to justify firing me by claiming that my social networking posts showed bias against my harassers, Chevalier said in a statement. The anti-discrimination laws are meant to protect marginalized and underrepresented groups, not those who attack them.

Chevalier alleges that he was fired in November for his political posts. In a statement, Google said that any decision to terminate an employee was not connected with the individuals political views.

An important part of our culture is lively debate, Google spokeswoman Gina Scigliano said. But like any workplace, that doesnt mean anything goes. All employees acknowledge our code of conduct and other workplace policies, under which promoting harmful stereotypes based on race or gender is prohibited.

The suit is the latest in a series of litigation actions against the tech giant that center on issues of diversity and discrimination. In January, Damore sued the company for discriminating against him based on his political views.

Damore was fired in August for his memo arguing that women were biologically inferior to men as software engineers. The memo also suggested that employers should not shut down such discussions of biological merit.

In September, three women who were former Google staffers sued the company for failing to pay them as much as men with the same work experience or less. At the same time, the Department of Labors preliminary findings in an audit indicated that Google paid its female employees less than men.
A woman is being credited for her quick thinking after stopping the attempted kidnapping of a 12-year-old girl in Southern California, police said.

Amy Martinez was heading towards her school in Santa Ana on foot Wednesday morning, when she said was approached by a strange woman. Amy said the woman came up to her and grabbed her in a bear hug "and then she started walking with me away."

A woman who was driving by saw Amy struggling against the stranger and thought that "something doesn't look right," Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna told news outlets.

"So she makes a turn, comes around and asked the young victim, 'Are you OK?' and the victim looked at her and shook her head no, and she could see the fright in her eyes,'' Bertagna said.

The good Samaritan quickly thought up a plan, telling the suspect she was Amy's mother and demanding the subject let the child go.

The suspect then released the 12-year-old.

The good Samaritan drove Amy to school and called police. Officers arrived in the area and the good Samaritan provided a description of the suspect, leading to the arrest of Claudia Hernandez Diaz, 34, who was believed to be homeless.

Courtesy Santa Ana Police Department

Diaz was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a minor younger than 14.

Amy's mother, Sandra Martinez, said she was stunned over the ordeal, but was glad Amy's rescuer, who preferred to remain unnamed, "was there at the right time and the right spot."

"I have no way to describe how I felt when the principal told me," she told the Orange County Register. "You don't expect it to happen to you and when it does you don't know how to react."

Amy was thankful to her rescuer, telling KTLA, "I want to say thank you for saving my life, and you're my hero."

Martinez told the Register that Amy will be taken to school by a family member from now on.
A rat infestation has temporarily closed the restaurant in Marin County's iconic blue-roofed Civic Center, Frank Lloyd Wright's last commission.

The rodent activity was first discovered on Feb. 9, and the cafeteria in the San Rafael building has been shut down for a thorough cleaning including a deep-steam cleaning.

"We have a contractor that is using nontoxic measures, but most of the work has been with our Building Maintenance staff removing equipment (sinks, stoves, burners, cabinets, etc.) and looking for openings around utilities, drains and conduits and sealing all openings with sheet metal, wire mesh or foam," Eric Steger, assistant director of Marin County Department of Public Works, told SFGATE in a statement.

The cafe serves some 1,000 meals a week to government employees and the general public who visit the Civic Center and the Marin County Superior Court of California.

The County of Marin owns the Civic Center building and is responsible for addressing the vermin problem. The county has a concessionaire contract with Los Altos-based Epicurean Group to operate the cafeteria.

SFGATE reached out to Epicurean and didn't hear back before publishing this article.
It has only been a few short months since the 1,070-foot tall Salesforce Tower officially opened. The skyscraper has dramatically altered the San Francisco skyline, and its status as the city's tallest tower has come with lots of opinions from residents.

Whenever a photograph with the new tower is posted on the SFGATE Instagram page, the comments and arguments soon follow:

"The Salesforce building ruined the iconic San Francisco skyline."  @itsmesandyq "It's hard to even recognize our beautiful city anymore."  @farleygal "A beautiful modern addition to SF's ever changing downtown skyline. Funny how people resist change. I love it!"  @seenbymarky "I hate that atrocious spectacle to money - every time I see it I want to cry"  @mc_niall_of_the_9_hostages

The skyscraper has also become a lightning rod not only for its height but also for what it represents: the change of San Francisco to the capital of the tech industry.

"The city is losing its heart to outside corporate greed. Yes, I'm bitter." @pandaddy1620

(Click through the slideshow above for more comments about the Salesforce Tower)

Worried about the "Manhattanization" of San Francisco in the 1980s, the city capped building heights at 550 feet. In 2007, partly to help pay for a new Transbay Terminal, building height limits were relaxed around the transit terminal property. That allowed the Salesforce Tower to be built over 1,000 feet.



Although many popular Bay Area Instagram photographers have incorporated the tower into their photos, their emotions about it are also mixed.

"Me and other Bay Area photographers have had a love/hate relationship with it," explained photographer Vincent James. He was particularly unhappy with the tower while it was being built.

"I'm not personally a fan of how it dominated the skyline," said photographer Louis Raphael. "I feel like they could have built something that blends better with the rest of the buildings. Its height is really offensive at times."

Salesforce Tower is 217 feet taller than the Transamerica Pyramid and its top is even 93 feet higher than Sutro Tower.

It's not the first time a new San Francisco skyscraper has elicited negative responses. The Transamerica Pyramid was called a "pseudo-architectural stunt" by former Chronicle architecture critic Allan Temko. Eventually, most of the city's residents embraced the skyscraper and it became as much of a landmark as the Golden Gate Bridge.

RELATED: Symbol of a new San Francisco: Soaring Salesforce Tower reflects a changing city



Raphael concedes there are times when he doesn't mind photographing Salesforce Tower. "There are a few vantage points in the city that can provide angles that give the illusion that it's smaller than it is. Also, the way the sun reflects color off of it at sunset is quite nice," he said. "And I'm looking forward to the way it's supposed to light up at night."

"Now that it is done [the Salesforce Tower] and some time has passed, it's actually quite fun to work with it and pushes me to find new interesting viewpoints," added James.
Many around the Bay Area noticed a strange streak of light in the sky a little after 6:30 a.m. Thursday.

Nope, it wasn't a UFO.

That was a SpaceX rocket carrying a Spanish satellite into orbit.

The launch of the Falcon 9 occurred at 6:34 a.m., more than 250 miles to the south of the Bay Area at Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc.

Typically, launches from Vandenberg aren't visible from the Bay Area but the conditions were just right to create a show that extended to the north.

Jan Null, a consulting meteorologist with Golden Gate Weather Services, saw the launch from San Jose.

3 1 of 3 Jan Null / Golden Gate Weather Services Show More Show Less 2 of 3 @shamptonian / Twitter Show More Show Less 3 of 3





"There are only a couple opportunities per year when the time of day (i.e., pre-sunrise) is right and the trajectory is high enough to be seen this far north as more launches are southward," Jan says. "The sky was just starting to light up so you had some illumination but the sky wasn't so bright that it washed it out."

SFGATE received reports of people seeing the light streak as far north as the wine country.

"It looked like a giant jellyfish in the sky," Scot Hampton (Twitter @shamptonian) of Rohnert Park told SFGATE.

Shortly after liftoff, Spain's PAZ satellite successfully entered orbit. The satellite carries an instrument to make radar images of the Earth for government and commercial purposes.

Secondary test satellites for a proposed space-based internet system were to be released later.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
If you want to understand the priorities of a technology company, first look at the seating chart.

At Googles Mountain View headquarters, CEO Sundar Pichai now shares a floor with Google Brain, a research lab dedicated to artificial intelligence.

When Facebook created its own artificial intelligence lab at its offices about 7 miles away, it temporarily gave AI researchers desks next to the fishbowl of a conference room where CEO Mark Zuckerberg holds his meetings.

I can high-five Mark and Sheryl from my desk, and the AI team was right next to us, said Facebook Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer, referring to Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg, the chief operating officer.

Even Overstock.com, the online retailer from the Salt Lake City area, now runs a mini research operation, called OLabs. It sits directly outside the office of CEO Patrick Byrne.

A growing number of tech companies are pushing research labs and other far-reaching engineering efforts closer to the boss. The point is unmistakable: What they are doing matters to the CEO. It may even be the future of the company.

The world is moving faster and faster. It is being driven by technology and innovation, said John Kotter, an emeritus professor at Harvard Business School who has written several books on business leadership. And a lot of these businesses are concluding that the speed of technological innovation should be the heart of everything.

A year ago, the Google Brain team of mathematicians, coders and hardware engineers sat in a small office building on the other side of the companys campus. But over the past few months, it switched buildings and now works right beside the loungelike area where Pichai and other top executives work.

Jeffrey Dean, the celebrated Google engineer who oversees the Brain lab, is a short walk from Pichai. So are Ian Goodfellow, the researcher behind a new AI technique that generates lifelike images on its own, and Norm Jouppi, who explores ways of accelerating AI research through a new breed of computer chip.

Any CEO thinks a lot about where people are sitting  who they can walk around and have casual conversations with, said Diane Greene, who oversees Googles cloud computing team and sits on the board of Alphabet, Googles parent company. It is a very significant statement that he has moved that group right next him.

Google is placing big bets on AI being explored by researchers like Goodfellow. Many questions still hang over the progress of this research. But Pichai and the rest of the Google leadership hope it will accelerate the evolution of everything from smartphones and home appliances to internet services and robotics.

To Byrne, shaking up the seating chart at Overstock was a bit like a common management tactic in the military, when an officer will work closely with a small command initiatives group that is considerably more nimble than the rest of the organization.

We were getting bureaucratic, Byrne said. And this was a way of creating added competition outside the bureaucracy.

These big companies are trying to duplicate the vibe of a Silicon Valley startup, where the boss is next to everyone. As startups grow, they often put key technology teams next to the chief executive. Greene, who was the chief executive of the software company VMware, said she had always made a point of sitting beside the top engineers because they saw the companys future.

There are limits to these arrangements. When Facebook built a team to explore the future of virtual reality on its vast social network, it made a similar desk move. The group is no longer seated next to Zuckerberg. Facebook said this was because the group had grown too large. But across Silicon Valley, virtual reality is no longer the buzziest of topics. That honor belongs to artificial intelligence.

Where you sit has mattered for years at Facebook. The companys ad group traditionally sat far away from Zuckerberg. But after Facebook went public and started a big push for revenue, key members of the ad team moved next to the boss, said Antonio Garcia Martinez, who wrote a book about his experiences at Facebook.

At Overstock, Byrne walks past his small research team every time he leaves his office. Like Greene, he sees this as an opportunity for spontaneous interaction. The team members can discuss their work with him, and Byrne, a doctor of philosophy with a long history of unorthodox business choices, will share his far-reaching ideas with them. And he gets to hear, without the pressure of a formal presentation, what the engineers are excited about.

It was undeniable that proximity sparked conversation, said Judd Bagley, a kind of roving technologist and strategist who once worked in this group. Patrick prides himself on being able to walk up to anyone at the company, say hello, and occasionally even eat french fries off the plate on their desk.

Through OLabs, Overstock became the first major retailer to accept payment in the bitcoin digital currency, and the lab eventually produced a company spinoff that seeks to apply the bitcoin ethos to financial trading. Now, in an echo of the AI labs at Google and Facebook, the operation is focused on machine learning, which involves systems that can learn tasks on their own by analyzing large amounts of data.

If a chief executive is close to these researchers, he or she is learning from them. But the boss is also showing them how important they are to the company. That is enormously valuable for engineers and mathematicians who are not necessarily generating immediate revenue, said Kevin Quennesson, a startup executive who ran an AI team at Twitter.

He also warned that companies risked putting too much pressure on researchers to produce results from work that was, by definition, a trip into the unknown. Amid so much spontaneous conversation with the CEO, Bagley said, it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between the formal direction and informal brainstorming.

Status at Facebook was defined by how close your desk was to Zuckerberg, Martinez said. And if you were close to the boss, other groups resented you.

Priorities also tend to ebb and flow. At Overstock, a new bitcoin project will squeeze in beside OLabs. And at Facebook, the AI lab is no longer side by side with Zuckerberg because it also grew too large.

Still, this work is particularly important to the company as it works to ensure the safety and integrity of our community  which has become Facebook code for guarding against false, misleading or dangerous activity on its social network, Schroepfer said. And the AI team is still only a short walk from Zuckerberg.
Police on Thursday found a man stabbed to death in Concord, authorities said.

Officers and paramedics responded to reports of a man who was not breathing at 5:22 a.m. on Lodge Drive, according to a Concord Police Department statement.

The man, whose name was not released, was pronounced dead at the scene.

ALSO: 3 men found dead on San Francisco street in possible drug overdoses

RELATED VIDEO: How crime in San Francisco compares with other US cities

Detectives linked the crime to a Pittsburg resident who was arrested on suspicion of murder. His name has also not yet been released.

ALSO: Novato man allegedly beat wife to death before hanging himself
A shooting Wednesday night in Antioch left a man dead and woman critically wounded, police said.

Antioch police received reports of a shooting at At 7:59 p.m. on the 900 block of W. 3rd Street. Officers responded and found a man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds, police said. The man died on the scene, while the woman was taken to the hospital and remains in critical condition.
A man robbed a Wells Fargo bank Thursday morning in San Franciscos Financial District, police said.

A caller reported the bank robbery at 10:37 a.m., said Officer Robert Rueca, a San Francisco Police Department spokesman.

ALSO: 3 men found dead on San Francisco street in possible drug overdoses

Investigators learned that a man entered the bank, located at 460 Sutter St., and passed a letter demanding money to the teller, who complied. The robber then left with an undisclosed amount of money.

RELATED VIDEO: 2017 SF crime stats

Staff and patrons did not mention the robber having a weapon, Rueca said. No injuries were reported.

Wells Fargo representatives confirmed that the robbery happened at the Sutter Street branch and the company is assisting the police departments investigation.
Six former commanders and two firefighters at a San Francisco fire station who were reassigned amid a sexual harassment investigation in 2016 sued the city Wednesday, saying they were discriminated against because the alleged harassment victim was having an affair with a battalion chief.

Firefighters at Station 2 on Powell Street in Chinatown were accused of waging a three-month campaign of sexual harassment against a female co-worker starting in late 2015, in which they allegedly taunted her, urinated in her bed and smeared feces in her bathroom.

Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White later ordered the transfer of all command officers from the station, citing egregious harassing and retaliatory behavior by firefighters at Station 2 that created a hostile work environment based on gender, according to a confidential document obtained by The Chronicle.

Six of those commanders  Battalion Chief Samson Lai, Deputy Chief Raymond Guzman, Capt. John Rocco, Lts. David Thompson, Michael Thompson and Luis Ibarra-Rivera  along with firefighters Richard Miles and Daniel Molloy said in their lawsuit that the reassignments amounted to retaliation and discrimination based on their gender. All eight plaintiffs are men.

We have not been served with the lawsuit yet, and we cant comment on something we have not seen, said John Cote, a spokesman for the city attorneys office.

The plaintiffs claim that the female firefighter who was allegedly harassed was in a relationship with Sam Romero, one of the stations battalion chiefs, who is also a defendant in the case.

After working a handful of shifts at the Chinatown station, the woman filed a complaint with the city Department of Human Resources falsely accusing Station 2 firefighters of harassing her based on her gender, Burlingame attorney Raven Sarnoff wrote in the lawsuit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court.

In fact, it was plaintiffs who received differential treatment based on gender due to Romero and (the womans) affair, Sarnoff wrote. Firefighters observed that (the woman) did not sleep in her own bed in the dorm at the firehouse, and observations made all the more obvious by the fact that (her) alarm clock would go off in the mornings, sometimes for as long as 45 minutes, with no one in her bed to turn it off.

Guzman, one of the plaintiffs, saw the female firefighter running from Romeros room during one early-morning fire call, the suit says. Guzman filed a report with the Fire Department about the incident, the suit says.

The plaintiffs claim that the two often called in sick at the same time or switched shifts so they could be on duty simultaneously.

The widespread sexual favoritism created a hostile and abusive work environment for the male firefighters who worked at Station 2, the suit says. Romero was fiercely protective of (the woman), and aggressively retaliated against anyone who he and/or (she) perceived as having slighted her.

Several of the plaintiffs said they told officials with the Fire Departments human resources officials about the alleged affair around the time they were being investigated over the harassment complaint.

In August 2016, the entire command staff at Station 2 was transferred and told they could not return to the station for three years.

In February 2017, Daly City police arrested Romero at a bar after he allegedly slapped the woman across the face, officials said. Romero was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence and pleaded not guilty.

Efforts to reach Romero and the woman were not immediately successful.
The Bay Area's crypto universe has reached a critical mass. The explosion of bitcoin is interfering with scientists' ability to search for extraterrestrial life. City officials in Berkeley say they're considering use a cryptocurrency fundraiser to help house the homeless. A new spin of Neopets has people investing in digital litters of CryptoKitties and waiting to get rich.

It seems only fitting that the crypto-mania would intersect with another of the Bay Area's most pressing topics: housing. Tucked away on a street in North Beach sits Serendipia, a "lifestyle cooperative" which will soon handle all of its financial transactions in cryptocurrency.

Serendipia Nest says it's a home for "entrepreneurs, startups, journalists, digital nomads, artists, changemakers, risk takers ... crypto anarchists to sleep, work, and play in Silicon Valley." Serendipia will soon be listed on Beenest, a short-term rental marketplace created by the new San Francisco company called Bee Token, aka"Airbnb on the blockchain."

Story continues below.

Serendipia's founder, Jean-Loick Michaux, is a 26-year-old Belgian national who moved to San Francisco to pursue a masters degree in social entrepreneurship.

Michaux had already built the Serendipia brand before it became a "nest." In 2014, he began to run events with other "digital nomads" that related to mindfulness, innovation, meditation, and personal development. Soon after, he started an education company in Zimbabwe with classmates from San Francisco, but the enterprise started to fall apart. It was at that time, around 2016, that Michaux decided to concentrate on building a hacker-type-house that would function as, he calls it, a network of solutionners.

Michaux lives among his network of digital nomads as well. The nest hosts four bedrooms, all of which are shared either by two or three people. They host large-scale crypto meet-ups in their garage, and on Sunday evenings, a fellowship dinner.

But unlike a typical hacker-house, Michaux says, Serendipia's members are dedicated to infusing consciousness into every aspect of their lifestyle.

"We are focusing on creating a more mindful, conscious, and sustainable world," he said. "We are still trying to make an ecosystem more human-centered."

Which is where the crypto-currency fits in. Serendipia's members are creating a new token which they've named symbiosis. Their token will work to incentivize sustainable development, like an endeavor via one of their own members, who is currently pursuing a Ph.D in "green-nudging."

By  eventually  creating a crypto ecosystem for "social good," Michaux said, the Serendipia community will be free to forgo traditional, existing currencies, which "do not incentivize good social impact."

One of the "social good" enterprises members are involved in, Michaux said, is an innovation camp in Thailand. On a local level, he noted, the residents compost, and host yoga, meditation, and painting workshops.

However, when asked whether or not Serendipia's community had any social change projects built around perhaps the most vexing social issue for San Franciscans  homelessness  Michaux said only that residents occasionally donate clothes to the homeless.

Read Annie Vainshtein's latest stories here. Send her news tips at avainshtein@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @annievain
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  A week after a shooter slaughtered 17 people in a Florida high school, thousands of protesters, including many angry teenagers, swarmed into the state capitol Wednesday, calling for changes to gun laws, a ban on assault-type weapons and improved care for the mentally ill.

The normally staid Florida Statehouse filled with students, among them more than 100 survivors of the Feb. 14 attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, on the edge of the Everglades. They held signs, chanted slogans and burst into lawmakers offices demanding to be heard.

The teens were welcomed into the gun-friendly halls of power, but the students top goal  a ban on assault-style rifles such as the weapon used in the massacre  was taken off the table a day earlier, although more limited measures are still possible.

Moreover, the sheriff of the county where the school shooting took place ordered all deputies who qualify to begin carrying rifles on school grounds. Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said at a news conference Wednesday that the rifles will be locked in a patrol car when not in use until the agency secures gun locks and lockers.

Many protesters complained that lawmakers were not serious about reform, and they said they would oppose in future elections any legislator who accepts campaign contributions from the National Rifle Association.

Weve spoke to only a few legislators and ... the most weve gotten out of them is, Well keep you in our thoughts. You are so strong. You are so powerful, said Delaney Tarr, a senior at the high school. We know what we want. We want gun reform. We want common sense gun laws. ... We want change.

She added: Weve had enough of thoughts and prayers. If you supported us, you would have made a change long ago. So this is to every lawmaker out there: No longer can you take money from the NRA. We are coming after you. We are coming after every single one of you, demanding that you take action.

Outside the building, the crowd burst into chants of Vote them out as speakers called for the removal of Republican lawmakers who refuse to address gun control issues. One sign read, Remember the men who value the NRA over childrens lives and then listed Republicans in Floridas congressional delegation. Other signs said, Kill the NRA, not our kids and These kids are braver than the GOP.

Also, teens in at least a dozen South Florida schools walked out of class to protest gun violence and commemorate the shooting victims. About 2,000 students, parents, teachers and supporters held hands and chanted outside the Parkland campus.
WASHINGTON  Spilling out wrenching tales of lost lives and stolen security, students and parents appealed to President Trump on Wednesday to set politics aside and protect Americas school children from the scourge of gun violence. Trump listened intently to the raw emotion and pledged action, including the possibility of arming teachers.

I turned 18 the day after the shooting, said a tearful Samuel Zeif, a student at the Florida high school where a former students assault left 17 dead last week. Woke up to the news that my best friend was gone. And I dont understand why I can still go in a store and buy a weapon of war. An AR. How is it that easy to buy this type of weapon? How do we not stop this after Columbine? After Sandy Hook?

Trump promised to be very strong on background checks. And he suggested he supported allowing some teachers and other school employees to carry concealed weapons to be ready for intruders. But largely he listened, holding handwritten notes bearing his message to the families. I hear you was written in black marker.

The president had invited the teen survivors of school violence and parents of murdered children in a show of his resolve against gun violence in the wake of last weeks shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., and in past years at schools in Connecticut and Colorado. The latest episode has prompted a renewed and growing call for stronger gun control.

Trump invited his guests to suggest solutions and solicited feedback. He did not fully endorse any specific policy solution, but pledged to take action and expressed interest in widely differing approaches.

Besides considering concealed carrying of weapons by trained school employees, a concept he has endorsed in the past, he said he planned to go very strongly into age, age of purchase. And he said he was committed to improving background checks and working on mental health.

Most in the group were emotional but quiet and polite.

But Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was killed last week, noted the previous school massacres and raged over his loss, saying this moment isnt about gun laws but about fixing the schools.

It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it and Im pissed. Because my daughter, Im not going to see again, said Pollack. King David Cemetery, that is where I go to see my kid now.

A strong supporter of gun rights, Trump has nonetheless indicated in recent days that he is willing to consider ideas not in keeping with National Rifle Association orthodoxy, including age restrictions for buying assault-type weapons. Still, gun owners are a key part of his base of supporters.

The NRA quickly rejected any talk of raising the age for buying long guns to 21.

Legislative proposals that prevent law-abiding adults aged 18-20 years old from acquiring rifles and shotguns effectively prohibits them for purchasing any firearm, thus depriving them of their constitutional right to self-protection, the group said in a statement.
WASHINGTON  Pressured to respond to burgeoning sexual misconduct allegations, the House easily approved a bipartisan measure Wednesday requiring annual antiharassment training for lawmakers and aides after a debate that rang with lawmakers own accounts of such episodes.

Voice vote passage came as Congress waged year-end battles over Republican tax cuts and a potential government shutdown but has been diverted to also address allegations against some of its own. The accused include liberal heroes Rep. John Conyers and Sen. Al Franken and far-right GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore of Alabama.

With Conyers being pressed to resign from Congress by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and others, Pelosi seemed to suggest it was time for the long-serving liberal and civil rights hero to step down.

No matter how great the legacy, it is not a license to harass and abuse, Pelosi, D-San Francisco, said without mentioning the 88-year-old Michigan Democrats name. She said Congress must tolerate no abuse, no matter your contribution to our country.

Conyers attorney, Arnold Reed, said on Wednesday that the lawmaker has no plans to leave Congress and will fight the accusations against him tooth and nail.

The House debate also saw Rep. Robert Brady, D-Pa., describe conversing with a female colleague in the chamber as a congressman he didnt identify walked by and groped her from behind. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, D-N.H., recounted a story shes told before about being sexually assaulted while a congressional aide four decades ago by a distinguished guest of the United States Congress.

Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, a sponsor of the training measure, said a woman told her of being on the House floor when a man grinded up against her and then stuck his tongue in her ear. Speier, who offered no names and has described the incident previously, has said she herself was sexually assaulted by her offices chief of staff when she was an aide years ago.

Earlier, House Speaker Paul Ryan said there should be no room for sexual harassment in any workplace, let alone in the United States Congress. Ryan, R-Wis., told reporters that having a hostile environment on Capitol Hill is a disgrace.

Ryan and others said one upcoming target for examination is the secretive practice lawmakers use to settle complaints using federally financed payments. No information is publicly released and recipients must promise silence.

Many such settlements go through Congress obscure Office of Compliance, which has said its paid more than $17 million over the past 20 years to resolve claims of sexual harassment, pay disputes and other disagreements. Its provided no detail. Rep. Gregg Harper, R-Miss., who chairs a committee that oversees that office, said hes requested figures on settlements involving sexual harassment by lawmakers.

Ryan sidestepped a question on whether lawmakers should more vocally address some womens claims that they were sexually harassed by Donald Trump before he became president. Trump has denied the allegations.

Right now were focused on making sure this place works the right way, Ryan said.

Juliet Linderman is an Associated Press writer.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  A prominent Florida eye doctor once accused of bribing Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey received a 17-year sentence Thursday for stealing $73 million from Medicare by persuading elderly patients to undergo excruciating tests and treatments they didnt need for diseases they didnt have.

Dr. Salomon Melgen was convicted of 67 crimes including health care fraud, submitting false claims and falsifying records in patients files. Prosecutors showed that between 2008 and 2013, he became the nations highest-paid Medicare doctor, building his practice by giving elderly patients unnecessary eye injections and laser blasts on their retinas that some compared to torture.

Melgen, 63, was ordered to pay $42.6 million in restitution to Medicare and could be ordered to pay more in the future.

The sentencing came after four days of hearings spread over December and January, with prosecutors arguing he stole $136 million but his attorneys insisting the proven total was $64,000. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Marra said the evidence shows the theft was at least $73 million.

Marra could have given the Harvard-trained, Dominican-born physician a life sentence. Prosecutors had been seeking 30 years. Defense attorneys sought less than 10 and argued that Melgen should be released immediately with a sentence of time served. They plan to appeal the conviction.

Melgen has been in custody since his April 28 conviction. Separately, in November a federal jury in New Jersey hung after a 2-month trial where prosecutors tried to prove Melgens gifts to Menendez were actually bribes. In return, they said, Menendez interceded with Medicare officials investigating his practice, obtained visas for Melgens foreign mistresses, and pressured the State Department to intervene in a business dispute he had with the Dominican government.

Menendez and Melgen denied wrongdoing, saying the European and Dominican vacations and other gifts were tokens of their longtime friendship. After a judge threw out some of the charges, prosecutors decided Jan. 31 not to retry the bribery case.

During Melgens two-month Medicare fraud trial, prosecutors pointed to tests that should take five minutes or more, yet were done in seconds, making them useless for diagnosis, but enabling Melgen to bill Medicare up to several hundred dollars each, for as many as 100 patients a day.

The doctor pocketed millions more by splitting single-use vials of an expensive eye drug into four doses  there was enough extra medicine in each  and billing the government separately for each injection, they said. Melgens attorneys argued that this cost the government no extra money, as Medicare would have purchased four vials if he had followed the instructions.

Melgen became politically active in 1997, after treating Florida Democratic Gov. Lawton Chiles, who appointed him to a state board.

He was soon hosting Democratic fundraisers at his 6,500-square-foot North Palm Beach home, and eventually became friends with Menendez.
Students, parents and teachers confronted politicians at a CNN's "Stand Up" town hall Wednesday night, and many directed their ire at Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, who was in attendance.

One of the more fiery exchanges with Rubio came from 17-year-old student Cameron Kasky, who is a survivor from the school shooting that killed 17 people last week in Parkland, Fla. During the conversation, Kasky pointedly grilled the senator on his ties to the National Rifle Association, asking Rubio point-blank:

"Senator Rubio, can you tell me now that you will not accept a single donation from the NRA in the future?"

Rubio did not directly answer the question, instead replying that he publicly supports the Second Amendment and that he was elected on those views.

"The answer to the question is, people buy into my agenda, and I do support the Second Amendment," Rubio said in response.

"And I also support the right of you and the right of everyone here to be able to go to school and be safe," Rubio continued. "I do support any law that would keep guns out of the hands of a deranged killer."

When Kasky reiterated his question about whether Rubio would accept NRA donations in the future, Rubio replied, "That is the wrong way to look at it. First of all, the answer is, people buy into my agenda."

"You can say 'no'," Kasky replied.

Rubio insisted that the NRA doesn't influence his agenda, but the people do: "The influence of these groups comes not from money," Rubio said to Kasky. "The influence comes from the millions of people that agree with the agenda, the millions of Americans who support the NRA and who support gun rights."

When asked a third time about NRA donations by Kasky, in response Rubio said, "I will always accept the help of anyone who agrees with my agenda."

There may be a reason for Rubio's reluctance to distance himself from the NRA: CNN stated that Rubio accepted $9,900 from the NRA in 2016, which notably goes beyond the cap of $5,000 donated per election cycle. According to the news channel, Rubio accepted one donation of $4,950 during the Senate primary in Florida, and another $4,950 after winning the Republican nomination.

By other estimates, however, he has received much more than that. Rubio has apparently accepted over $3.3 million from the NRA during his career as a politician, according to a piece released by the New York Times in October. In it, the Times ranked senators by their donated amounts from the NRA, placing Rubio at sixth on its list (Arizona Sen. John McCain is No. 1, with an estimated $7.7 million in NRA funding).

Despite the exchanges and heckling from the audience, a few students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School also thanked Rubio for attending the town hall.

"Yes, I know how everyone feels about Rubio and trust me I'm with you on that, but he was the only one from his party to show up, so for that, I thank him," wrote student Sarah Chadwick on Twitter.

"But that's all I'm thanking him for," she stated.
WASHINGTON  In a dramatic escalation of pressure and stakes, special counsel Robert Mueller filed additional criminal charges Thursday against President Trumps former campaign chairman and his business associate.

The filing adds allegations of tax evasion and bank fraud, and significantly increases the legal jeopardy facing Paul Manafort, who managed Trumps campaign for several months in 2016, and longtime associate Rick Gates. Both had already faced the prospect of at least a decade in prison if convicted at trial.
1 Reversing Christie: New Jerseys new Democratic governor signed legislation Wednesday setting aside about $7.5 million for family-planning and womens health. Its the first bill that Gov. Phil Murphy has signed into law since succeeding Republican Chris Christie last month. Christie vetoed similar legislation throughout his two terms, saying the funding circumvented the budget process. The funding for providers like Planned Parenthood is a small fraction of the states nearly $35 billion budget. Democrats say funding is needed for preventive care, including breast and cervical cancer screenings and praised the bills passage.

2 Nasal spray: A federal panel of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says its OK for doctors to start using a kid-friendly nasal spray flu vaccine again. Two years ago, the advisory group pulled its recommendation for FluMist vaccine after research found it wasnt working against the flu bug making most people sick. But the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices voted Wednesday to recommend the nasal spray as an option for next winters flu season. The vaccines maker, AstraZeneca, said a small study shows a new version appears to work better.
Some people think the history of oppression can be erased. As if to ink through the painful record, destroy the monument to tyranny, you might somehow reset time. Undo the harm.

Memory is a powerful weapon, and noxious memory is all the more potent. Destroy the evidence, though, and you blunt the authority of recollection.

A quiet but intensely powerful exhibition at the nonprofit gallery Kadist refutes the idea that we can shed the pain by turning away from it. If These Stones Could Sing, on view through April 21, presents only nine works, though it can take more than an hour to view the four videos that comprise the bulk of the show.

Organized by Marie Martraire, a French curator in charge of Kadists Asia programs, the exhibition is meant to call attention to the human body and its prospective relationship to public monuments: soft versus hard, mobile in opposition to fixed, flexible in the face of the brittle. Movement and gesture are central to this poetic theme, and even the exhibition layout requires the viewer to make bodily accommodations  looking up, as if at a figure on a pedestal, turning downward as one would toward a grave. An excellent brochure considers aspects of this constructed space we call history.

A four-minute performance by an Israeli group called Public Movement, the nominal opening work of the exhibition, must be experienced either on a limited schedule or in the minds eye. Falling Wall involves the wall of its title and a small troupe of dancers, embodying the physicality of a memorial, its frail hold on history and the threat it might pose as destiny.

The photographer Shitamichi Motoyuki contributes three photographs of Shinto gates, originally erected on the American island of Saipan and places in Russia and Taiwan by Japanese occupiers during World War II. Overgrown, forgotten, or toppled and repurposed as park furniture, these former symbols of military and religious conquest are now become pitiable markers of weakness.

Stone Deaf is the title of two works included by the Colombian artist Milena Bonilla. The first is a video that bears witness to the meanderings of insects across a stone carved with an inscription we cant make out at such close range. The second appears later in the exhibition: a graphite rubbing of the entire stone, on which we read its commemorative text.

In Aldona, Emilija Skarnulyte follows a blind woman through a park populated by ghostly stone remnants of the Soviet era in Lithuania. The old woman sees with her hands the silenced heroes who, in life, would have been far out of reach.

Bangkok artist Arin Rungjang and New Zealander Sriwhana Spong both employ dance in their video works. Spongs piece is the least directly engaged in the exhibition theme of monument, though the body itself is presented as a structure in the landscape, a monument to a place no longer accessible.

Rungjangs 2017 work, the last in the show, runs a sometimes tedious three quarters of an hour, but it repays the time investment with a dreamlike interweaving of history, Thai and German, recent and Nazi-era. A famous Bangkok landmark, audaciously called the Democracy Monument, plays a central role.

Charles Desmarais is The San Francisco Chronicles art critic. Email: cdesmarais@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Artguy1

If These Stones Could Sing: Noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturdays. Through April 21. Free. Kadist, 3295 20th St., S.F. (415) 738-8668. www.kadist.org
The states judicial disciplinary agency has accused Steven Bailey, a former judge now running for California attorney general, of multiple acts of misconduct, including accepting improper gifts, steering court business to his son and using his judicial title to promote his candidacy.

Bailey engaged in willful misconduct in office and conduct that brings the judicial office into disrepute, the Commission on Judicial Performance said Wednesday in a detailed statement of formal proceedings against the now-retired judge.

Since Bailey has left the bench, the commission could no longer impose its most severe penalty, removal from office. But it could censure him if a panel of hearing officers upholds the charges.

Bailey, a former criminal defense lawyer, was elected to the El Dorado County Superior Court in 2008 and served until stepping down at the end of August to run as a Republican candidate in the June primary for attorney general. He has cast himself as a law-and-order candidate, received an endorsement from Gun Owners of California and called Democratic Attorney General Xavier Becerra a soft-on-crime politician.

Campaign spokesman Corey Uhden said Wednesday the commission, dominated by liberal appointees, was engaged in an unfounded attempt to disparage a respected former judge and a highly qualified candidate for attorney general.

The commission includes six public members appointed by legislative leaders and Gov. Jerry Brown, two lawyers appointed by Brown, and three judges appointed by the state Supreme Court.

The commission said Bailey, in his last year on the bench, spoke at numerous political events and sent notices to potential supporters identifying himself as Judge Steven Bailey, candidate for attorney general. Those actions violate ethical rules barring judges from engaging in political activity that is inconsistent with the independence, integrity or impartiality of the judiciary, the commission said.

The commission also said Bailey, in numerous criminal cases, had ordered defendants to use electronic monitoring services from a company called CHI without disclosing that his son works there. In one case, the judge, in response to a letter from his son, improperly ordered a defendant to pay the company $140 for its services, the commission said.

In another case, the commission said, Bailey appointed attorney Bradley Clark to monitor a court-ordered development plan at South Lake Tahoe, at $350 an hour, without disclosing that Clark was a personal friend who had been a consultant to his 2008 judicial campaign.

Bailey also accepted $827 in improper gifts from Clark, a group of court-appointed advocates and a law school between 2009 and 2012, the commission said. Under ethical standards, judges are not supposed to accept gifts, loans or favors that would reasonably be perceived as intended to influence the judge in the performance of official duties.

And after a fellow judge complimented him about a shirt he was wearing at a courthouse meeting in 2015, the commission said, Bailey replied that he had gotten it from a gay man so I know it is a nice shirt, as the gays only have nice clothes, and really know how to dress.

Even if he meant it as a compliment, the commission said, the comment violated an ethical ban on conduct that would reasonably be perceived as bias or prejudice.
Recommendations of recent books from the staffs of a rotating list of Northern California independent bookstores. This weeks list is from Face in a Book, 4359 Town Center Blvd., El Dorado Hills. (916) 941-9401. www.getyourfaceinabook.com.

Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder, by Caroline Fraser: Frasers thorough and fascinating biography examines the more complex story of Wilders family and her life as a homesteader and writer.

Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How It Changed the World, by Laura Spinney: More than an epidemiologists view of the scourge, Pale Rider examines the science of viruses and details of epidemics from ancient to modern times.

Last Hope Island: Britain, Occupied Europe, and the Brotherhood That Helped Turn the Tide of War, by Lynne Olson: This superb account of spies, soldiers and resistance fighters shares the triumphs (and tragic missteps) of many extraordinary individuals who risked all in the struggle.

A Wilder Time: Notes From a Geologist at the Edge of the Greenland Ice, by William E. Glassley: In evocative prose, he describes the startling beauty of Greenland and speculates on the nature of perception and the wonder inspired by wilderness.

FICTION

Lincoln in the Bardo, by George Saunders: This thought-provoking novel explores a vision of death and life, using the occasion of the death of Abraham Lincolns beloved son, Willie, and the presidents subsequent visits to Willies burial site and those who inhabit the transitional state known in Tibetan Buddhism as the Bardo. Now in paperback.

How to Stop Time, by Matt Haig: A charming time-traveling novel that recounts the many lives of one man, Tom Hazard, who suffers from a condition that makes him look perennially young while he ages.

The Great Alone, by Kristin Hannah: A teenage girls struggles to survive family tragedy are set against a backdrop of the many crises of the late 70s in this gripping tale.

The Book of Boy, by Catherine Gilbert Murdock: The title character sets off on a pilgrimage to capture the seven relics of St. Peter, making discoveries about himself along the way.
Scientists in Connecticut are key players in an effort to unravel a salty, 300-year-old mystery found in a shipwreck off the coast of Cape Cod.

Over the next few weeks, scientists from the University of New Haven's Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences will attempt to extract DNA from a long-buried leg bone  a femur, to be exact, found next to an ornate pistol wrapped in a scarf or sash  then try to connect it to a living person an ocean away and generations removed.

In doing so, theyll try to unravel the burning question:

Could this ancient bone  and the long-buried gun found near it, among remnants of the 1717 wreck of the pirate ship Whydah off Wellfleet, Mass.  really be that of legendary pirate captain Samuel Black Sam Bellamy?

Were really excited to find out what happens next, said author Casey Sherman, the investigative team leader working with the Whydah Pirate Museum in West Yarmouth, Mass., and Barry Clifford, who found the shipwreck.

If it is Sam Bellamy that weve found, our ultimate goal is to bring him home to his family, said Sherman, who during research over the past couple of months has found a male relative of Bellamy, who was born in Devon, England.

Its the remains of a pirate who has been at sea for 300 years, said Sherman, who also is a partner in a film production company. Its time to bring him home.

Bellamy was just 28 when he died, according to the museum. The relative is a descendant of Bellamys older brother, and we will be taking his DNA sample soon, said Sherman.

Whatever happens, the work to get to the bottom of the mystery is likely to be even more fun than the forensic mysteries the UNH scientists unravel on a regular basis, said assistant professor Claire Glynn, a member of the team that will do the DNA analysis.

Absolutely, Glynn said. I mean, youre bringing history alive!

It was Sherman, author of The Finest Hours, among other works, who got the university involved.

Sherman also is the nephew of Mary Sullivan, who at 19 was the youngest and last victim of the Boston Strangler. During a high-profile re-investigation of his aunts murder in 2000, which Sherman later wrote about in his 2003 book, A Rose for Mary: The Hunt for the Real Boston Strangler, he met professor Timothy Palmbach, now chairman of the Forensic Science Department at UNH.

When Casey got involved in this effort by the museum, he called Palmbach for help.

At a press conference Monday, what is believed to be Bellamys femur  found inside a concretion of hardened sand and silt pulled up from the wreck site  was turned over to Palmbach and Glynn.

Theyll work with associate professor of forensics David San Pietro on the effort to extract and analyze DNA from the bone.

Neither Glynn nor Palmbach are sure how it will turn out.

Anytime you talk about a bone thats been on the bottom of the ocean for 300 years, youre talking about a forensically-challenged problem, said Palmbach.

Were hopeful, Palmbach said. What we have in our favor, was, this stuff was all, more or less, protected ... in the area off Cape Cod where this was found ... buried in 10 feet of sand and silt.

Anything of value was buried in sand and silt, he said. That gives us a reasonable shot to make this happen.

But the effort is not without its challenges.

The biggest task will be finding usable DNA  it is over 300 years old, said Glynn, although she agreed that the fact that the bone has long been encased could be good for us.

But any usable DNA is not just sitting up on the surface of the bone, she said. We need to break it down and grind it up, and the DNA that is there is likely to be in very small amounts.

Well cut out a small section of the bone  dig into it  and well basically sterilize the outer surface of it and then well grind it up in a really fine powder, Glynn said. It basically opens up the bone, increasing its surface area ... allowing us to get into the DNA content.

Glynn is not sure how long the analysis will take, but said the team will try several techniques to find the one with the greatest success.

With 300 years between them, too much has changed to make a direct DNA comparison using standard DNA profiling, she said.

So what were going to do is look at the Y chromosomes. The good thing about that is, the Y chromosome is only passed along in the paternal lineage, Glynn said.

If that that doesnt work, well have to go to mitochondrial DNA, passed down through the maternal line, she said.

Both Sherman and Palmbach said that the proximity of the femur bone  and a pelvis that is still embedded in the concretion  to what they believe is Bellamys pistol points to the bone being his.

One of first things that they found was a pistol, and the pistol had sort of decorative adornments and was wrapped in a piece of silk, said Palmbach.

That kept oxygen away, which is really good. That kept sunlight away, which is really good, he said.

Sherman said the pistol was very ornate and was covered by a silk sash that had been given to Bellamy by his betrothed on Cape Cod at the time.

He said it did not appear to be the gun of a common seaman.

Palmbach said that work will ernestly begin next week ... Our best guess is it will be 30-day process, he said.

We hope that well find out one way or another by mid-April, hopefully, who this man might be, said Sherman.

The Whydah Galley  loaded with treasures from 54 seized ships  sank during a storm off Wellfleet in April 1717, killing the famed pirate Bellamy and his crew, according to a news release from the Whydah Museum.

The shipwreck was discovered in 1984 by explorer Barry Clifford and his diving crew, which included the late John F. Kennedy Jr.

In the years since, Clifford has recovered millions of dollars worth of gold and silver from the estimated $120 million in buried treasure on the ship, along with 60 cannons and thousands of other rare artifacts.

Forbes Magazine, in a 2008 story, wrote, The highest-earning pirate ever was Samuel Black Sam Bellamy, an Englishman who made his bones patrolling the New England coast in the 18th century. By our calculations, Black Sam plundered an estimated $120 million over the course of his career.

The Whydah  a former slave ship  actually was part of Bellamys greatest windfall, Forbes wrote. He captured it in February of 1717, along with the more than 41/2 tons of gold and silver it carrried, then gave one of his old vessels to the defeated crew.

Though Bellamys known career as a pirate captain lasted little more than a year, he and his crew captured at least 53 ships under his command  making him the wealthiest pirate in recorded history before his death at age 28, according to the pirate museums release.

Black Sam also was known his mercy and generosity toward those he captured on his raids, the release said.

This reputation earned him another nickname, the Prince of Pirates, the release said. He likened himself to Robin Hood, with his crew calling themselves Robin Hoods Men.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

Three men were found dead in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood early this morning, a police spokesman said.

Officers responded at 4:35 a.m. to a call requesting police to check on three unresponsive people in the 1500 block of Page Street, Officer Robert Rueca said.

They arrived to find the three men still unresponsive. Medics also came to the scene and pronounced the men dead, Rueca said.

There were no signs of foul play and the city's medical examiner's office will investigate the trio's causes of death, according to Rueca.

He said the men were not related and did not reside at the location where officers found them. Their names have not yet been released.

Officers have since cleared the scene and Urban School of San Francisco, a high school located nearby at 1563 Page St., is unaffected, Rueca said.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

Four people were injured in two separate violent robberies in San Francisco Tuesday night, police said Wednesday.

Three women, two of whom are elderly, were robbed and beaten around 8:50 p.m. in the 800 block of Clay Street, according to police. The three were walking down the street when a car pulled over and three men jumped out and attacked them, police said.

The men, all teenagers, beat the women - a 64-year-old, a 59-year-old and a 33-year old - and stole their purses, according to police.

The womens' cellphones, wallets, cash, keys, credit cards, ID cards and access cards were taken, police said.

Two of the victims had injuries and one was taken to a hospital with injuries not thought to be life-threatening, police said.

An 18-year-old suspect and a 16-year-old suspect were arrested and booked into jail, according to police. The other two suspects are 18 and 19 years old.

In the second robbery, a woman and a family member were unloading their vehicle in the unit block of Stoneyford Avenue around 9:30 p.m. when two men drove up, police said.

One of the men grabbed the woman's purse, police said. The 53-year-old woman fought back, but the suspect got away with the purse, a tablet, vehicle keys and a book, police said.

The woman was taken to a hospital with injuries not deemed life-threatening, according to police.

No arrest was made in this case.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

A rash of stabbings took place in San Francisco Monday and Tuesday, sending four people to the hospital in four separate incidents, police said.

Around 7 p.m. Monday, an alleged shoplifter slashed a person who tried to stop her as she left carrying stolen goods at a location in the 1300 block of Stockton Street, according to police.

The suspect, a 25-year-old woman, shoplifted toiletries, according to the victim, a 33-year-old man. When he attempted to stop her, she cut him with a sharp object, causing a laceration.

The suspect fled and the victim was taken to the hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening, according to police.

Two stabbings in two different parts of the city followed, both at 7:30 p.m., police said.

A man was walking to his vehicle with a friend in the vicinity of Taylor and Ellis streets when three men approached them, according to police.

The man tried to get between the three and his friend and one of the three men stabbed him with a knife, police said.

The suspect fled and the 20-year-old victim was taken to the hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening, police said.

Also at 7:30 p.m., a man tried to stop an apparent robbery in progress at Union Square but was stabbed by one of the two men involved, according to police.

The 27-year-old victim said the suspects used a knife. He was taken to the hospital with injuries not thought to be life-threatening.

On Tuesday around 1:40 a.m., a suspect snatched a man's backpack off his back and stabbed him, police said.

The incident took place at a bus shelter in the vicinity of Mission Street and Silver Avenue, according to police. The suspect drove away in a vehicle.

The victim, a 40-year-old man, was robbed of his wallet, backpack and clothing. He was taken to the hospital with injuries police said did not threaten his life.

No arrests were made in any of the four stabbings.
Hundreds of high-school and middle-school students staged walkouts and gathered in front of the Capitol in support of gun control on February 21, 2018. Photo: OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP/Getty Images

After years of fighting for more action on the issue of gun violence, gun-control groups are facing a welcome but unexpected quandary: how to embrace a swell of grassroots activism, while making it clear that the student survivors of last weeks massacre in Parkland, Florida, are still the driving force behind the push for new gun laws.

Reports from The New Yorker and BuzzFeed tell the story of how Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students shaken by the killing of 17 of their classmates and teachers quickly channeled their grief and anger into activism. After venting their feelings on social media, the teens received invitations to discuss gun violence in the national media. Realizing that people were responding, Cameron Kasky invited friends over to discuss how to turn the energy into a movement. Within days they had connected with other classmates hoping to make political change, and in appearances on the Sunday talk shows they announced they would hold a rally in D.C. next month.

The teens are uniquely positioned to make the case for laws to address gun violence, social-media savvy and old enough to express themselves eloquently, but still children who should not have to face the horror of gun violence at school. Nevertheless, theyve received attacks and skepticism from the right. The most well known is a despicable conspiracy theory claiming that 17-year-old David Hogg is actually a crisis actor pretending to be a grieving student for the medias benefit. But there are also reports that cast doubt on the movements authenticity more subtly, like a Washington Times piece that notes the students are receiving help from seasoned left-wing activists. It goes on to cite a tweet from former Milwaukee sheriff David Clarke declaring the students effort has GEORGE SOROS FINGERPRINTS all over it, and ends with a quote from the Resurgents Peter Heck accusing mainstream media anchors of child abuse for interviewing traumatized students (some of whom are old enough to buy firearms).

Its true that the students are now receiving assistance from a wide array of seasoned left-wing activists, but that doesnt mean they didnt come up with the idea to band together and push for new gun laws themselves, while sitting in their parents living rooms. (Are we supposed to believe that since 2012, these shrewd left-wing activists passed up 239 opportunities to turn a school shooting into a nationwide movement?)

The Washington Post reports that in their efforts to further the most promising push for new gun laws in years, gun-control groups have been careful to make it clear that theyre following the students lead. Groups including Everytown for Gun Safety, the Brady Campaign, and Giffords, formerly Americans for Responsible Solutions, say theyve only connected students with other gun-violence survivors, provided information, and started to talk about how they could help with the rallies planned for March.

Its important to recognize that in every single way possible this is an authentically grassroots, student-led movement, said Peter Ambler, Giffords executive director. Of course were reaching out and trying to lift them up, and give them the resources we can muster to make them successful. But we have been sort of at arms length, in the background doing whatever we can to support them.

The students have enlisted Deena Katz, co-executive producer of Dancing With the Stars, to help organize the rally in Washington, D.C., on March 24. Its a complicated process involving many logistical issues, from planning marching routes to obtaining portable toilets. She filed a permit application for the National Mall on Monday that says the organizers expect 500,000 people, and plan to set up 14 jumbotrons and 20 tents.

Katz is the co-executive director of the Womens March Los Angeles Foundation, but shes not representing that group in setting up the March for Our Lives. Still, thats added fuel to the right-wing speculation about Soross involvement, as he has donated money to about a fifth of the progressive groups listed as partners in the Womens March. A representative from Soross Open Society Foundation told the Post that while he supports the students efforts, he hasnt given them any money.

The students have received plenty of encouragement from other figures on the left. On Wednesday night Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, who have been cautious about involving themselves in protest efforts that sprang up after Trumps election, voiced their support for the students gun-control push.

Im in total awe of the extraordinary students in Florida. Like every movement for progress in our history, gun reform will take unyielding courage and endurance. But @barackobama and I believe in you, were proud of you, and were behind you every step of the way.  Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) February 22, 2018

Parkland students, you have shown so much courage in standing up for truth, for your right to attend school safely, & now against these disgusting smears. The good news is, it will only make you louder & stronger. https://t.co/yclbV9i2UX  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 21, 2018

Parklands teen activists also received $500,000 donations from a number of celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and George Clooney. But Cameron Kaskys father, Jeff Kasky, told the Miami Herald that the students fundraising efforts came about organically as well. He said that after the students announced a national rally they did some quick research on what that would entail, and started a GoFundMe page on Sunday night with the goal of raising $1 million. Thanks to the celebrities contributions, and the small donations of nearly 21,000 people, they now have around $3.5 million at their disposal.

Jeff Kasky said Clooney spoke with some of the students parents on Tuesday to address concerns about whether there would be an adult in the room, and assisted the group in bringing in attorneys, administrative help, and a public-relations firm. But he said Clooney is only assisting the students.

These people putting their money in  not a single one of them has said anything along the lines of Ill donate but you have to listen to what I say. Nobody is pulling the strings for these kids, Kasky said. I have to make clear: [Clooney] is not directing them, nor is anybody. I dont know if theyve even spoken. But at least some pressure is off them.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

As of Tuesday, the San Francisco Sheriff's Department has formally implemented new policies for inmates at city jails who identify as transgender, gender variant or non-binary, San Francisco Sheriff Vicki Hennessy said today.

The new policies and procedures were first announced a year ago while reforms for housing transgender inmates have been underway at San Francisco jails since at least 2015. The new policies were enacted gradually while the sheriff's staff was trained, according to the sheriff's department.

The new policies will allow inmates to declare their preferred name and gender identity at intake and to indicate a gender preference for the deputy who will search them.

Sheriff's deputies have been instructed to address inmates by their preferred gender pronouns and any inmates identifying as transgender, gender variant or non-binary will be moved from a 12-person cell at the main jail to a separate housing pod, where they will have access to classes and services.

More than 800 of the sheriff's roughly 850 deputies and 200 civilian staff have been re-trained in a four-hour course on gender awareness. All new employees will receive the same training, sheriff's officials said.

"Our number one priority is safety for all: staff, inmates, visitors and service providers," Hennessy said in a statement. "We thoughtfully and carefully considered and vetted every policy and procedure, which impacts our TGN inmates to ensure they feel protected, respected and have full access to the County Jail's educational, vocational, recovery and life skills classes and services."

The San Francisco Sheriff's Department is one of the first agencies in the nation to address the needs of transgender, gender variant and non-binary inmates in its jails, according to the sheriff's department.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter had to make an emergency landing in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park this morning.

The helicopter crew was returning from a search prompted by an alert beacon that went off, but was returning after about 30 minutes of searching at about 7:45 a.m. when a warning alerted them of an apparent tail rotor malfunction, Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Kroll said.

Kroll said the crew decided to land "as soon as possible" because of the critical function of the tail rotor to the helicopter, and happened to be flying over Big Rec Field, located in Golden Gate Park near Lincoln Way and Seventh Avenue.

The helicopter landed safely and crews will be inspecting it and possibly make repairs before clearing it for takeoff again later today, Kroll said.

All previously scheduled activities for the day at Big Rec Field have been canceled, according to the city's Recreation and Park Department.
OAKLAND (BCN)

An Oakland orthopedic surgeon who surrendered his medical license last year on grounds of sexual misconduct and unprofessional conduct has now also been suspended from participating in California's workers' compensation system, a state agency said.

The action against Dr. John David Warbritton III was announced by the Division of Workers' Compensation, which is a division of the Department of Industrial Relations.

The Division of Workers' Compensation said Warbritton was one of 20 medical providers it recently suspended from participating in the workers' compensation system, bringing the total number of providers suspended to 197.

It said the providers were suspended for fraud or other criminal actions, or for the loss of their license.

Warbritton, who had an office at Frank Ogawa Plaza in Oakland, surrendered his medical license on April 7, 2017, after the California Medical Board accused him of sexually harassing two of his workers' compensation patients.

A complaint filed against Warbritton by Kimberly Kirchmeyer, the executive director of the state Department of Consumer Affairs' medical board, says that Warbritton engaged in unprofessional conduct and sexual misconduct with a female patient who was referred to him by an insurance company in 2009 when she was 59 to be evaluated for a work-related back injury.

The complaint says that Warbritton made inappropriate comments to the woman during her frequent visits to his office and on one occasion he moved his hands up her thigh underneath a gown she was wearing.

The complaint also says that Warbritton cupped the breast of another female patient who was first referred to him in 2008 when she was 59.

Warbritton is also facing felony criminal charges in federal court for allegedly transporting child pornography.

The criminal indictment, which was filed on Oct. 13, 2016, alleges that Warbritton violated federal law by knowingly transporting child pornography and demanded the forfeiture of his laptop computer and iPhone.

522-6734
Kaiser Permanente responded to 32 union protests being held across California during February and March by calling them "uncalled for and counterproductive."

Kaiser Permanente's Vice President of Communications John Nelson said that the picketing and "misleading and inaccurate statements" about Kaiser does not mean employees are striking and that operations will go on normally during scheduled picketing from Feb. 14 to March 15.

Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West protested today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kaiser in Santa Clara against "plans that will undermine patient care."

According to the SEIU-UHW, outsourcing jobs and wage cuts are being threatened by Kaiser Permanente. Spokespeople said that Kaiser Permanente said they wanted to reduce wage rates by 20 percent in the Central Valley and 10 percent in the Sacramento area.

The SEIU-UHW also alleged that Kaiser Permanente plans to outsource 245 pharmacy warehouse jobs in Oakland, Livermore and Downey and lay off 700 employees in Southern California to move the jobs where the corporation can pay workers $2 less an hour.

Kaiser Permanente responded to the outsourcing allegations by saying that they only outsource work when it keeps their quality care at affordable prices.

"We sometimes find it necessary to outsource work that is ancillary to our core mission, and which can more effectively be performed by outside experts," Nelson said.

Nelson said that when it is necessary to outsource work, employees can utilize protections represented by the company's labor-management partner unions, which include a one-year period in which affected employees can continue to be compensated with pay and benefits while the company looks to "redeploy them."

The supposed 700 layoffs in Southern California "are simply not true," according to Nelson.

To the wage concern, Nelson said that wage cuts are not being proposed to any current employees in any region of the Kaiser centers.

Kaiser Permanente's spokesman went on to state that they have concluded that an external pharmacy storage and distribution is the best option for meeting the needs of their members. They are not sure yet how many positions will be affected so any specific claims by the SEIU-UHW are "premature and may in fact be wrong."

While SEIU-UHW clarified that their contract with Kaiser ends on Sept. 30, 2018, Kaiser Permanente said that they are not contract bargaining and that they have not offered wage proposals for SEIU-UHW members.

"We certainly may make additional improvements and changes in the future, and we will communicate them as we always do: transparently and thoughtfully," Nelson said.

The next protest put together by the SEIU-UHW will take place at the Kaiser Permanente facility in San Jose Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Local farm bureaus like Monterey County Farm Bureau are standing in solidarity with the California Farm Bureau Federation's statements issued today against the proposed immigration act that stands before Congress.

The federation stated that they do not support a part of the House Resolution 4760, also known as the Securing America's Future Act, that addresses agricultural employees.

The Agricultural Guestworker Act, or AG Act, would create a new agricultural visa program, according to federation President Jamie Johansson. In the current draft, the AG Act would mandate the use of E-Verify electronic workplace eligibility, which would affect a large portion of current agricultural employees, Johansson said.

"As now written, the AG Act just wouldn't work for California farms and ranches," Johansson said in the statement. "There's a longstanding need to create a workable temporary-visa program for agriculture that provides greater stability and opportunities for agricultural employees and their families."

Monterey County Farm Bureau director Norm Groot said that the bureau has been involved in discussion on this legislation for the last few years and agrees that there are too many provisions to the AG Act.

"The E-Verify program will wipe out our labor force," Groot said. "Those here illegally that would be forced to touchback to their own country have been a part of this community for many years now."

Groot said that he believes there needs to be a program similar to the green card system set up for undocumented workers. He suggested it allow them to stay in the U.S. for 10 to 11 months when crop season takes place and then return them home to their families for the holidays.

"The bureau supports an option for these workers where they aren't paying huge amounts to a coyote to get them across the border," Groot said. "It's not a matter of trying to overstay their visas or sneak into the country. These workers want to go home when they can, they just don't have the option to."

Monterey County heavily relies on their agricultural industry, as $4.49 billion of Monterey County's economic output comes from agriculture, according to the bureau's website.

The website also states that crops in Monterey County supply large percentages of total national pounds produced each year: 61 percent of leaf lettuce, 57 percent of celery, 56 percent of head lettuce, 48 percent of broccoli, 38 percent of spinach, 30 percent of cauliflower, 28 percent of strawberries and 3.6 percent of wine grapes.

The federation acknowledged that some other organizations have offered their support towards the immigration reform, such as the American Farm Bureau, but said that they "must advocate for a solution that works for our members and their employees."

The federation works on behalf of nearly 40,000 members statewide and as a part of a national network of more than 5.5 million members.

561-5550
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

Police last week arrested a transient man who allegedly stole hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry in three separate burglaries at a store in San Francisco.

On Jan. 23 and Feb. 11, officers responded to a department store in the Stonestown Galleria mall to investigate reports of burglaries that occurred after the stores were closed, police said.

As a result of the burglaries, which were captured on surveillance cameras, the store lost $3,000 in cash and more than $80,000 in fine jewelry, police said.

Then at about 10 p.m. last Friday, the same suspect targeted the store again. Employees were present at the time of the crime and immediately contacted police.

Officers responded to the scene, set up a perimeter and captured the suspect as he tried to flee the building, police said.

The officers recovered more than $150,000 worth of fine jewelry that the suspect allegedly stole from the store.

The suspect was identified as 32-year-old transient Toby Kessler. Investigators were able to link him to the two earlier burglaries, police said.

Kessler was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of burglary, grand theft, possession of burglary tools and stolen property, police said.

The case remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the San Francisco Police Department tip line at (415) 575-4444 or can send a text to TIP411 and begin the message with "SFPD." Anyone providing information can remain anonymous, police said.
Two California senators Wednesday unveiled a bill that aims to tap $2 billion of the state's budget surplus for homeless and affordable housing projects statewide.

SB 912, authored by State Sens. Jim Beall, D-San Jose, and Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, would use $2 billion of this year's higher-than-anticipated state revenue as a one-time investment to deal with homelessness and the shortage of affordable housing, according to the senators' offices.

Under the bill, the Department of Housing and Community Development would direct funds to cities and counties for programs serving the homeless as well as existing housing programs dedicated to housing low- and moderate-income families.

SB 912 would help the state deal with the effects of cuts to federal housing programs and also support the call from the mayors of California's 11 largest cities for funding to combat homelessness, the senators' offices said.

"There can be no better investment than to immediately put these dollars to work to shelter the homeless, the aged and the children," said Beall, who chairs the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee, in a statement.

"Seeing the increasing numbers of tent cities and homeless encampments, it's obvious we have an urgent issue that needs immediate attention," Skinner said.

Earlier this month, the mayors of Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Bakersfield, Long Beach, Oakland, Anaheim and Santa Ana called on state leaders to increase state spending to combat homelessness.

According to the senators, recent actions by President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans defunding affordable housing tax credits, combined with anticipated cuts to safety net programs, are anticipated to worsen California's homeless problem.

SB 912 is designed in hopes of making up for federal cuts and expediting investments needed in communities, the senators' offices said.
ST. HELENA (BCN)

A suspicious suitcase found at St. Helena Primary School during an early half-day dismissal this afternoon was empty and not a threat, a St. Helena police officer said.

Police received a call about the adult-size rolling suitcase around 1:40 p.m. after an off-duty police officer, who was picking up his child, noticed it unattended against the wall of a building at the K-3 school at 1701 Grayson Ave., St. Helena police Officer Justin Tharp said.

Remaining staff at the school were evacuated and went home for the day, and the Napa County hazardous devices team responded to the school, Tharp said.

Police closed Grayson Avenue at the intersection of Valleyview Street/South Crane Avenue, Tharp said.

The team X-rayed the suitcase and determined it was empty, Tharp said.
A woman died at Stanford Hospital after her vehicle crossed over the median on Oregon Expressway in Palo Alto and hit a food delivery truck head-on early this morning, a police spokesman said.

A silver sedan traveling in the westbound lanes of Oregon Expressway crossed over into the eastbound lanes and hit the truck at 4:42 a.m., causing both vehicles to spin out, Sgt. Brian Philip said.
OAKLAND (BCN)

BART Police Chief Carlos Rojas today strongly defended the actions of an officer who fatally shot a man near the West Oakland BART station in January.

Speaking at a news conference at BART's Oakland headquarters, Rojas said he believes a video from Officer Joseph Mateu's body camera that the transit agency released today indicates that 28-year-old Sahleem Tindle didn't have his hands up when Mateu shot him three times on a sidewalk in the 1400 block of Seventh Street across the street from the West Oakland station at about 4:40 p.m. on Jan. 3.

However, the video appears to show the officer shooting Tindle three times in the back as Tindle was struggling with another man on the sidewalk and shows that Tindle raised his hands after he was shot.

Rojas said multiple independent investigations by the Oakland Police Department and the Alameda County District Attorney's Office will decide whether Mateu's use of force was justified and if he should face criminal charges.

However, Rojas said he released the video today and talked about his interpretation of what it shows to "dispel misinformation that's placed out there" and discuss "the facts as I see them."

The Oakland Police Department, which is investigating the shooting because it happened on the city's property, recently showed the video to Tindle's family and Rojas said "somebody surreptitiously recorded it" on their cellphone and released part of it on social media.

Rojas said Mateu was investigating a fare invasion incident at the West Oakland station when he heard two gunshots across the street.

Rojas said, "As people were running into the station away from the gunfire, Officer Mateu ran across the street toward the gunfire. I call that courage."

The BART chief said within less than a minute Mateu "was confronted with a situation he didn't create."

Rojas said he believes the video indicates that Tindle fired two shots at the man with whom he was struggling and that there was a gun on the ground near him, describing that initial shooting as either an assault with a deadly weapon or an attempted homicide.

The chief also said he thinks the video indicates that the hands of the man who Tindle was struggling with were empty, which he believes shows that the man hadn't possessed a gun.

Rojas said, "I want to remind folks to reserve their judgment as to the conduct of our officer until the investigations have run their course."

Oakland police officials said shortly after the shooting that Tindle was armed and refused commands when Mateu shot him.

Civil rights attorney John Burris, who represents Tindle's family, disputed the police account at a rally at the West Oakland station last week, saying that Tindle did not appear to be armed when he was shot and was given insufficient time to comply with Tindle's command to let him see his hands.

Burris said Tindle, who was the father of a young boy and girl, had "a puzzled look" on his face when the officer shot him, as if he wondered why the officer was shooting him.

Burris also said Mateu should be charged with murder for the fatal shooting and said he has filed a claim with the BART Police Department on behalf of Tindle's family.

Mateu was hired as a community service assistant for BART police in May 2003, was sworn in as a police officer in November 2007 and was promoted to senior police officer in January 2010.

Mateu initially was placed on paid administrative leave but was cleared to return to work two weeks after the shooting, Rojas said.

BART officials have made the video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKLikYUloXc.
Is the purpose of the Second Amendment really to ensure that these militia dudes get to stockpile arms to fight what they consider to be state tyranny? Photo: AP/REX/Shutterstock

Every time we have a wide-ranging debate on gun regulation in this country, an especially sinister argument emerges from certain conservative precincts. National Reviews David French articulates it very clearly:

[A]n assault-weapon ban (along with a ban on high-capacity magazines) would gut the concept of an armed citizenry as a final, emergency bulwark against tyranny. No credible person doubts that the combination of a reliable semiautomatic rifle and a large-capacity magazine is far more potent than a revolver, bolt-action rifle, or pump-action shotgun. A free citizen armed with an assault rifle is more formidable than a free citizen armed only with a pistol. A population armed with assault rifles is more formidable than a population armed with less lethal weapons.

Yes, and a population armed with tanks, artillery, and weapons of mass destruction would be even more formidable. But I digress.

French writes as though everyone understands and accepts that the Second Amendment was intended eternally to protect a collective obligation to defend liberty against state tyranny. Its actually a fringe position that has crept into mainstream politics very recently. When Ted Cruz embraced it during the 2016 Republican presidential nominating contest (as did Mike Huckabee and Ben Carson), his rival Lindsey Graham was clearly horrified:

Well, we tried that once in South Carolina. I wouldnt go down that road again, Graham said, in an apparent reference to the Civil War. I think an informed electorate is probably a better check than, you know, guns in the streets.

Grahams sarcasm may have obscured an effort to expose what some of these lofty invocations of the Second Amendment as a bulwark against state tyranny really suggest. The idea is that we need to arm Americans to the teeth in case it becomes necessary or convenient for them to begin shooting policy officers and members of the military as agents of tyranny. Where exactly is the line between normal government and tyranny? Thats a question Second Amendment ultras never answer. During the Obama administration, the word tyranny was tossed around on the right like a beanbag, applied to outrages ranging from Obamacare to tax rates to executive orders on immigration  not to mention entirely imaginary conspiracies like the psychotic Agenda 21 delusion (the notion that local government land-use regulations are part of a U.N. plot to destroy capitalism) that seeped out of the John Birch Society and infected a remarkable number of regular Republican politicians in recent years.

You get the sense on occasion that what many of these defenders of a right of armed revolution have in mind by tyranny is gun regulations themselves. The logic is perfectly circular: If we need every patriotic American to stockpile weapons to protect our freedoms, then any effort to restrict that right is ipso facto an act of tyranny justifying even more weapons stockpiling. And underneath the surface, the contempt for law enforcement is corrosive. Once you begin thinking of the police and the military not as defenders of liberty and order but as potential enemies, its a short jaunt to the fever swamps where NRA president Wayne LaPierre once famously referred to federal ATF agents as jack-booted government thugs.

As always, when I hear this right of revolution talk (invariably trucked up in the tricolor garb of the American Revolution, as though we need fear today that we will again become the subjects of a foreign colonial power), I wonder how its proponents would feel about similar arguments coming from the left. What if members of the New Black Panther Party started showing up with their shooting irons at NRA rallies to cheer the Second Amendment? How about antifa? They most definitely think America is sinking into what David French calls true authoritarianism. And many millions of Americans fear thats where we are headed via Donald Trump. Should they be buying up assault rifles and becoming familiar with techniques for piercing the body armor of the local police?

Yes, thats a horrifying image. But we need to invoke it whenever we hear casual references to violent revolution as a viable option for freedom lovers, and an excuse for unlimited gun ownership. Lethal weaponry is not just a symbol or a cultural totem or a deterrent; its purpose is to kill and maim. And the victims of armed insurrection would not be abstractions like tyranny or authoritarianism, but flesh and blood fellow Americans, some of them the people we now regale in public spaces with the words Thank you for your service.
PALO ALTO (BCN)

A woman who died in a crash on Oregon Expressway in Palo Alto early this morning was the passenger and wife of the man driving the vehicle that crossed over the median, causing the head-on crash, according to police.

A preliminary investigation by police revealed that the silver 2018 Kia Optima was exiting the off-ramp from southbound U.S. Highway 101 to Oregon Expressway when the driver, a man in his 60s from Livingston in Merced County, crossed over the median shortly after 4:40 a.m., police said.

The sedan collided with a food delivery truck, a white 2011 Ford Transit van, which was driving in the farthest left-hand lane of eastbound Oregon Expressway. Investigators said that the driver of the van is a man in his 30s.

The impact caused both cars to spin out and each vehicle sustained major damage, police said.

Both drivers suffered minor to moderate injuries and were taken to Stanford Hospital. Police said they are both expected to survive.

The woman was found in critical condition at the scene and succumbed to her injuries at the hospital, police said.

A Palo Alto police sergeant previously said this morning that the deceased was the driver of the Kia, but the department clarified in a later news release that she was the passenger.

The Santa Clara County medical examiner's office said that the victim's identity is not yet being released to the public.

Police received multiple calls at their 24-hour dispatch center of the major injury collision just east of West Bayshore Road and arrived on scene right away.

After police arrived, they shut down the eastbound lanes of Oregon Expressway from the time of the collision until 9:35 a.m.

The lane closures prevented access to Highway 101 in both directions from Oregon Expressway during the morning commute. Drivers were redirected to Embarcadero Road or San Antonio Road as alternatives, police said.

Police said that they do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision. Both drivers spoke to investigators at the hospital.

The driver of the Kia was not cited or arrested, police said.

Anyone with information on the case should call the 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413. Those who wish to remain anonymous can email paloalto@tipnow.org or text or call (650) 383-8984.

The Palo Alto Police Department also has a free mobile smartphone app where tips can be submitted anonymously.

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Don McGahn in the Trump Tower lobby on November 15, 2016. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

The day after Donald Trump fired Acting Attorney General Sally Yates over her refusal to defend his hastily conceived travel ban, the White House counsel, Donald McGahn, tried some damage control of his own. On the fly, he attempted to patch things up by amending the meaning of the slipshod executive order  which by then had already been blocked by the courts and unfurled untold chaos at airports nationwide. By issuing a memorandum to the departments in charge of enforcing the ban  McGahn called it interpretive guidance  he wanted to remove any confusion about the travel restrictions and make clear that they did not, in fact or by law, apply to legal permanent residents of the United States.

The courts werent exactly thrilled about McGahn playing Trump for a day. The White House counsel is not the President, and he is not known to be in the chain of command for any of the Executive Departments implementing the ban, wrote a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit last February. McGahns words, no matter how official they looked on paper, carried no force of law.

From the early days of the Trump administration through the ongoing Robert Mueller investigation and the latest domestic abuse scandal roiling the White House, McGahn has been at the center of it all, freestyling legal advice and doing his best to insulate his client from liability and embarrassment of all kinds, to little effect. A common misconception is that the White House counsel represents the president, but the client is in reality the institution of the presidency  its interests, its policy goals, the integrity of its personnel, the processes by which all of these things are held together. Which would also include telling Trump no whenever he wants to do something that would harm his presidency. John Dean, Richard Nixons White House counsel during Watergate, told NPR last year that he saw his role as being aware of whats going on, so he can protect the office.

But Trump only cares about protecting himself. And rather than sound the alarm about his excesses, as Dean did with Nixon, McGahn has been a soldier of the cause, happily carrying Trumps water and serving as a kind of errand boy for him, no matter how grossly inappropriate the errand may be vis-a-vis his lawyerly role. Last week, the Washington Post reported that Trump deputized McGahn to pressure the Department of Justice to then pressure James Comey, the FBI director, to publicly exonerate him in the Russia investigation. McGahn failed in his efforts, but thats largely irrelevant: The episode shows how compliant the White Houses chief legal officer has been in satisfying demands that, in the aggregate, could well amount to obstruction of an ongoing investigation. Its no different from the time McGahn, at Trumps request, implored Jeff Sessions to not recuse himself from overseeing a probe in which the attorney general was deeply, irreconcilably conflicted. McGahn also failed there, as he should have.

And so it is with the rest of McGahns public record, which is littered with instances of his providing a legalistic gloss to actions that more prudent attorneys wouldve flatly advised against. When the White House was caught in a tug of war with the Justice Department and the FBI over the release of a four-page set of talking points about the Steele dossier prepared by Devin Nuness staff on the House Intelligence Committee, it was McGahn who provided cover for the documents declassification and release  while ignoring the staunch opposition to disclosure from Trumps own law enforcement agencies. Jack Goldsmith, a former Office of Legal Counsel attorney under George W. Bush and now a law professor at Harvard, took McGahn to task for signing off on the stunt, suggesting in no uncertain terms that he is, at worst, an enabler rather than a public servant who cares about whats best for the American people. The view is not that McGahn is doing anything unlawful, Goldsmith wrote in Lawfare, where hes already offered his share of biting commentary about the current White House counsel. It is that he is acting dishonorably, and is personally and ethically on the hook for Trumps mendacious, institution-destroying efforts.

Thats putting it mildly. McGahns failure to serve as an honest broker for Trump in the Nunes imbroglio is already exposing the Trump administration to skepticism from the judiciary, which has been dealing with a raft of litigation seeking documents related to the Russia investigation. Typically, the federal government resists disclosing these materials while a particular probe is ongoing, reasoning that disclosure could impair its law enforcement functions. But the release of the Nunes memo has created a strange universe where the Justice Department may not be able to object for long to releasing certain sensitive records, or even issue the stock blanket response refusing to acknowledge that the records exist. According to Politico, a federal judge overseeing one of these cases marveled at the mess that McGahn helped create. I dont know of any time the president has declassified the fact of a counterintelligence investigation, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said during a hearing last week in Washington. This is a new frontier and it has an impact. Talk about shooting your own government in the foot.

Then theres the shameful Rob Porter affair  arguably McGahns biggest lapse in judgment yet, legal or otherwise. The New York Times Maggie Haberman has suggested that he, and not Trumps chief of staff, John Kelly, should be the one bearing the brunt of the criticism for keeping Porter employed  an accused domestic abuser without a permanent security clearance who, as staff secretary, nonetheless had access to the nations most closely guarded secrets. In a normally functioning White House, the buck of that whole imbroglio shouldve stopped with McGahn. A lawyer with direct knowledge of how the Obama White House vetted personnel told New York in an interview that the White House counsel at the time wouldve prevented on Day One the hiring of anyone facing credible allegations that he laid hands on his two ex-wives. That entire operation reported to the White House counsel, the person said. This is the only way to protect the White House, the lawyer added. What happened to Porter is exactly what happens when you put your head in the sand, because everything comes out.

There is a reason why McGahn is still in his job though. For all of his baggage  which includes being a key witness in the obstruction and Michael Flynn portions of the Mueller investigation  he has given conservatives the biggest trophy of Trumps chaotic presidency: The Supreme Court appointment of Neil Gorsuch as well as of a record number of federal appeals judges during the first year of the administration. Under McGahns watch, a number of patently unqualified judicial nominees have embarrassed the White House and ultimately withdrawn. But those who havent and have been confirmed represent his saving grace in this administration  atonement for his many sins as one of the worst, if not the worst, White House counsels in the history of the role. During a rare public speech at a conservative lawyers convention in November, McGahn seemed content with his performance on this front. Im very fortunate to serve a president who is very committed to what we are here, which is nominating and appointing committed originalists and textualists, he told the crowd, using buzzwords that Justice Antonin Scalia liked to throw around for himself. Hes made good on what he said.
Change we cant believe in. Photo: Irfan Khan/LA Times via Getty Images

Last night in Sunrise, Florida, the unthinkable happened: CNN provided its audience with riveting  and civically productive  prime-time programming.

In the United States, elected officials answer, on a near daily basis, to the big-dollar donors who fund their campaigns  and almost never to the constituents who suffer most from their policies. But for two hours at the BB&T Center, a Republican senator and an NRA spokesperson were forced to explain themselves to the victims of the gun violence that they had abetted. For one night, politics ceased to be a low-stakes parlor game; tough questions stopped serving as occasions for congressmen to showcase their skills at verbal tap-dancing. Marco Rubio had to stare into the face of a survivor of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and explain why he would gladly accept more money from the NRA. For progressives, the spectacle was thrilling, uplifting, and cathartic.

But it was also, intermittently, disconcerting.

Much of Wednesday nights discussion proceeded from the premise that American schools are exceptionally unsafe places, and that mass shootings are a top-tier threat to the lives of Americas young people. Neither of these assertions is true.

Schools in the United States are safer today than at any time in recent memory. Criminal victimization in Americas education facilities has declined in tandem with the nations collapsing crime rate. Meanwhile, as of 2013, the year after the Newtown massacre, mass shootings accounted for only 1.5 percent of all gun deaths in the United States, or 502 total fatalities. That figure is unacceptably high. But it nonetheless represents a minuscule portion of our overall gun problem, and a tiny fraction of the lives lost each year to countless other social crises, from the opioid epidemic, to workplace safety violations, to the unaffordability of health insurance.

Illustration: National Institute of Justice

Illustration: Vox

When protesters and pundits elide these realities while advocating for life-saving gun restrictions, its hard for liberals to object. The cable news media simply isnt interested in treating Americas epidemic of firearm suicides or urban gun violence as headline news. The lurid spectacle of mass shootings concentrates national attention on our gun violence crisis like nothing else does. So, there is a strong tactical temptation to exaggerate the prevalence of such events. In the wake of the Parkland shooting, progressive activists and commentators (including this one) repeatedly claimed that there had been 18 school shootings since the start of this year. When the Washington Post looked into that statistic  and found that it included a suicide in the parking lot of a long-closed elementary school, and that there had only been five incidents that resemble the popular understanding of a school shooting  some progressives mocked the paper for its callous pedantry.

This sort of response struck me as defensible  until the victims at CNNs town hall began using the supposed ubiquity of school shootings as a justification for policies other than gun control.

Last night in Sunrise, Lori Alhadeff, mother of one of the teenagers killed in last weeks atrocity, demanded to know why Congress hadnt responded to the Newtown massacre  by turning every school into an armed fortress:

In 2013, the NRA released a 225 page report to call for more security at schools. It detailed security guards, teacher training, bomb sniffing dogs, expanded police presence in schools. Here we are five years later and nothing has been done. Our teachers need to be properly trained to teach our children how to handle a code red. We can visually mark hiding areas in the classrooms to protect our children from being gunned down.

Where are our metal detectors? Where is our bullet proof glass?

One student survivor of the Parkland shooting echoed this line of thought, asking, Why dont we have Kevlar vests in classrooms for our students? Why dont we build our walls with Kevlar so that kids arent being shot through their own walls because theyre so cheaply built?

Shortly thereafter, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel called on Congress to expand the power of law enforcement agents to unilaterally commit mentally ill suspects to psychiatric facilities.

If the bulk of Americas 30,000 annual gun deaths were the product of mentally ill people shooting up schools  as some media coverage and political rhetoric would lead one to believe  there might be a rational case for these measures. But such events account for an infinitesimal fraction of American gun deaths; and from a progressive perspective, the downsides of these proposals are massive.

The best available research suggests that putting police officers in schools does not significantly deter crime on campus  but does increase the number of students who end up incarcerated for minor youthful indiscretions. As Voxs Dara Lind writes:

A 2009 study by Matthew Theriot of the University of Tennessee compared student arrest and court records from one group of schools that had a school resource officer stationed on school grounds with those of schools that didnt. Controlling for socioeconomic status, the researcher found that there wasnt much difference in serious crime between the schools that had SROs and the schools that didnt. Students at policed schools were much more likely to get arrested than students at unpoliced schools, but they werent any more likely to actually be charged in court for weapons, drugs, alcohol, or assault. (In other words, students at policed schools were much more likely to get arrested in cases where there wasnt enough evidence to actually charge them with a crime.)

The exception: Students at policed schools were almost five times as likely to face criminal charges for disorderly conduct (which apparently didnt rise to the level of an assault). In other words, when there was a police officer roaming the halls, students were much more likely to be arrested and brought into court for behavior that was disruptive, but not violent.

Illustration: Vox

There is a real risk that by exaggerating the prevalence of school shootings, progressives could abet an expansion in our nations (already scandalously high) juvenile incarceration rate. As of this writing, the only direct policy response to the shooting in Parkland has been an increase in the number of rifle-carrying sheriffs deputies on the grounds of Broward Countys public schools.

The downside risks of installing metal detectors at all schools  or lining their walls with Kevlar  might be less grave. But Americas schools dont have a whole lot of surplus funds to waste on security theater. Last month in Baltimore, students shivered their way through classes held in schools without heat.

Meanwhile, the hazards of making it easier for police to involuntarily commit the mentally ill to in-patient facilities should be obvious. In my view, there is a reasonable (though, not necessarily convincing) case for restricting the ability of the severely ill to purchase firearms  not because such individuals are especially likely to commit homicide (they arent), but rather, because more than half of all gun deaths in the United States are the result of firearm suicides. And a wide range of mental illnesses increase a persons risk of suicidal ideation.

But the notion that mental illness renders a person exceptionally likely to commit mass violence is a dangerous fiction, one that could exacerbate our countrys already-calamitous tendency to criminalize psychological distress.

All of which is to say: The politics of mass shootings have real perils for progressives. Even more mundane and mainstream policy responses  like stiffening sentences for existing gun crimes  threaten core left-wing objectives, such as ending mass incarceration. Generally speaking, the left and its ideals do not thrive when voters fear for their physical safety.

There have been signs that gun control advocates  not least, the heroic teenage protesters of Parkland  are capable of keeping the political conversation from veering off into ill-advised directions. The crowd at CNNs town hall last night evinced zero tolerance for the presidents preposterous proposal to arm teachers. And yet, that audience was decidedly more receptive to the idea of packing schools with armed police, or criminalizing against the mentally ill.

So, as the (vital) debate over gun violence proceeds, progressives must remain as vocal in their opposition to counterproductive and authoritarian policy responses as theyve been to the prospect of no policy response at all.
Paul Manafort leaves federal court in December. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Did Donald Trumps former campaign manager Paul Manafort promise a Chicago banker a job in the Trump White House in exchange for $16 million in home loans? Special Counsel Robert Mueller is trying to find the answer, NBC News reported Wednesday.

Mueller is reportedly investigating whether there was a quid pro quo in place between Manafort, who left the Trump campaign in August of 2016, and Stephen Calk, president of Federal Savings Bank, who joined Trumps Council of Economic Advisers that same month.

Manafort would later receive three separate loans from Calk, who reportedly went against the advice of other officials at his bank to issue the loans. According to NBC News, At least one of the bank employees who felt pressured into approving the deals is cooperating with investigators.

The loans in question were made to Manafort in December of 2016 and January of 2017 and relied on his homes in the Hamptons and Brooklyn as collateral. Though Calk never did receive a White House job, he has benefited from his proximity to Trump. In July, Bloomberg reported that Calks Federal Savings Bank won a seven-figure investment from real-estate magnate Howard Lorber, whom Trump once described as his best friend.

Muellers interest in the deal between Manafort and Calk comes months after Manafort was indicted as part of the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Despite the indictment, the special counsel has clearly not stopped looking into Manaforts business dealings. In a court filing Friday, Mueller referred to a series of bank frauds and bank fraud conspiracies that amounted to additional criminal conduct by Manafort.

News of Muellers new angle on Manafort comes just as new charging documents were filed against him and his longtime aide Rick Gates. The documents, which are sealed, were filed Wednesday and, Politico suggests, likely involve new charges being added to those that Manafort was slapped with last year.
A new public option proposal shows theres more than one progressive way to skin the cat of universal health coverage. Photo: Justin Lane/EPA/REX/Shutterstock

A new framework for a comprehensive health-care plan just released by the prominent center-left think tank the Center for American Progress is drawing attention for two very different reasons. Its heart is a new program based on Medicare, dubbed Medicare Extra, that would be open to all Americans and that would soon absorb Medicaid and CHIP, and presumably the private insurance sold on Obamacares exchanges.

One way of looking at it is as a notable shift to the left on health-care policy by a staid, Establishment organization that usually reflects a consensus among staid, Establishment Democrats. Thats Jonathan Cohns read on it:

Some will call this plan a single-payer proposal, because its easy to imagine, someday, everybody being part of this new version of Medicare. Some will say its not a single-payer proposal, because it envisions a permanent, potentially large role for private insurance  as a provider of highly regulated plans that would function more or less the way private plans for seniors on Medicare operate today.

But whatever the proposals label, its plainly a more ambitious  and more progressive  health plan than the Democratic Partys most influential thinkers have embraced in the past. And thats what makes it noteworthy.

Alternatively, you can view the CAP proposal as representing a more centrist entry in the health-care-policy field to compete with full-on single payer, as proposed most notably by Bernie Sanders, which has become the default concept whereby progressives show they are not satisfied with the Affordable Care Act.

Because its displacement of private health insurance would be voluntary and gradual, not immediate and mandatory (as would be the case with single payer), the huge new taxes that provide the sticker-shock element of Medicare for All would be mitigated (indeed, the plan would explicitly depend for some of its cost savings on less money for providers instead of offering them unlimited tax subsidies).

Politically, theres an even more basic advantage to CAPs approach, as noted by David Leonhardt:

The crucial difference between the Sanders plan and the CAP plan is that the CAP version would not force people to give up their current employer insurance coverage. Those who are covered through their jobs could either keep that plan or enroll in Medicare Extra. The Sanders plan, by contrast, would eliminate employer-provided insurance in favor of a single federal system.

It is hard to overestimate the political risk of discomfiting people who are happy with their current health insurance, as the fallout from Barack Obama having to backtrack on his if you like your health plan you can keep it assurance showed.

As Leonhardt also observes, though, the CAP plan cannot even begin to compete with single payer from another politically important perspective: simplicity. CAP does try to suggest an easy-breezy and universal-sounding label for its proposal: Medicare Extra for All.

The big progressive health-care consensus of the future may have to strike a balance between simplicity and consistency with the more popular features of the current system, which is the opposite of simple. When you really drill down into the details of the systems in other countries that are so often labeled single payer, they sometimes resemble the CAP plan as much as Bernies. If only because this is a big brawling country with many variations in opinion, its probably a good thing to have more than one or two items on the left side of the health-care-policy menu.
January 2018 was New York Medias best month ever in terms of web traffic, with 42.3 million users at sites nymag.com, Vulture, the Cut, Daily Intelligencer, Select All, the Strategist, and Grub Street (Google Analytics). This was a 20 percent increase over December 2017 for the network as a whole, and each vertical saw growth over the prior month. The previous high was 36.4 million users in November 2016.

The top stories driving traffic for the month included the cover story adaptation of Michael Wolffs new book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, a post on YouTube star Logan Pauls visit to a suicide forest in Japan, a ranking of every episode of Black Mirror, Moira Donegans essay on creating the media men list, a profile of Glenn Greenwald, and a leaked video of Chris Matthews joking about his Bill Cosby pill before interviewing Hillary Clinton.
NWSC MD Eng Silver Mugisha

Uganda has applied to host the 2020 African Water Association (Afwa) congress, expected to attract more than 1,500 delegates from national water and sewerage utilities across the continent.

Kampala faces stiff competition from Senegals Abdijan, the seat of Afwa headquarters.

National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) managing director Eng Silver Mugisha, who leads Ugandas campaign to bring the congress to Kampala, says the event is a big chance to brand and market the country.

Hosting a conference of this calibre is part of our public relations campaign as an organisation but would present an opportunity to showcase Ugandas tourism potential as well, Mugisha said while speaking to Kampala Water staff last evening (Wednesday February 21).

Neighbouring Kenya hosted the Afwa congress in Nairobi in 2016.

In a related development, NWSC will host an International Water Association (IWA) meeting to discuss solutions to intermittent supply next year.

The gathering is equivalent to Afwas Scientific and Technical Council (STC) forum through which member countries share knowledge and innovations in the sector.

Mugisha, who is the first African vice president of IWA, says such forums have created opportunities for NWSC to learn the best global practices as they seek delivery models for better services in the country.

Meanwhile, Kampala Water (which covers Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso districts) has reported increased new connections to the utility in the last six months.

According to NWSC corporate and public affairs manager, Sam Apedel, connections increased from 256,000 to 259,000 customers, raising expected income from Shs 15 billion to 16.7 billion.

mugalu@observer.ug




Editor's note: SFGATE and The Chronicle ordinarily refrain from publishing vulgar language unless it is judged to be an essential part of the story. In this story, the term President Donald Trump used in his discussion of immigrant communities meets that standard.

Airbnb has released a new ad titled, "Expletive-filled Interest," promoting Airbnb's business in Haiti, El Salvador and Africa, which is undoubtedly a jab at President Trump's "shithole countries" controversy.
Twice a week, The Chronicle features a home on the market that caught our eye for its architecture, history or character. More photos: www.sfgate.com/columns/walkthrough

Address: 750 Lovell Ave., Mill Valley

Asking price: $4.995 million

Description: This Neo-Nantucket-Georgian Revival stands on more than 3 acres and sees Cascade Creek pass under one end of the house. Redesigned and expanded by Padan Prichard in 1985, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home enjoys cherry cabinetry, bookcases and doors fashioned by San Francisco furniture builder Richard Gatti. A carved marble fireplace warms a living room with an 18-foot ceiling. Thermador, Wolf, Gaggenau and Bosch appliances outfit a chefs kitchen that leads to a dining area and large deck.

Dont miss: The owners suite, which has a sitting area and private balcony overlooking the water.

Built: 1964

Square feet: 3,738

For more information: Ann Murphy, McGuire Real Estate, (415) 317-6731, amurphy@mcguire.com
A cold, quick-moving storm sweeping across Northern California on Thursday afternoon brought spotty hail showers to parts of the Bay Area.

There were reports of pea-sized hail in the North Bay in Occidental, Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Vallejo after 1 p.m.

"The showers are not blanketed, they're scattered around," says Brian Mejia, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Bay Area. "They are producing moderate to heavy rain and some small hail."

Mejia says rain and hail are in the forecast through midnight Thursday and skies should clear early Friday morning. Thunderstorms are also possible.

While temperatures around the Bay Area were in the 50s Thursday afternoon, the temperatures in the upper atmosphere were cold enough to produce the hail.

"This is a pretty cold core system," says Mejia. "Whether hail is produced depends on where the freezing line is on the surface. The lower the freezing line is the more of a chance for hail."
1 U.S. drone strike: The U.S. military said Wednesday that it carried out a drone strike against al-Shabab extremists in Somalia, killing three terrorists. The U.S. Africa Command statement said the air strike occurred Monday in the Middle Juba region. The U.S. has carried out a growing number of drone strikes in the Horn of Africa nation in coordination with Somalias government. Most are against al-Shabab but a small number have targeted Islamic State-affiliated fighters in the Puntland region in the north. The U.S. carried out more than 30 drone strikes last year after President Trump approved expanded military efforts against al-Shabab. The U.S. says it has carried out four such strikes this year.

2 French soldiers killed: Two French soldiers died in Mali when their armored vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. The office of French President Emmanuel Macron said a soldier and an officer were killed Wednesday in the attack. They were part of an operation to fight terrorism in the West African country. Frances 4,000-strong counterterrorism force in Mali, part of Operation Barkhane, is meant to fight extremist groups in the African region of the Sahel, which also includes Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania and Niger.
Telecom operator Vodafone has collapsed and consequently applied for bankruptcy protection.



In a notice of issue of an interim protection order, the Civil Division of the High court has appointed Donald Nyakairu as Vodafone's provisional administrator.

The notice reads thus: "Take notice that on the 15th of February 2018, the High court of Uganda (Civil Division) issued an order confirming the application of Mr. Donald Nyakairu as the provisional administrator of Afrimax Uganda Limited, and an interim protective order was granted to the company for a period of three (3) months pursuant to Section 139 of the Insolvency Act, 2011".



Afrimax is the holding company of the Vodafone brand in Uganda. A protective order is a request to a court to issue a legally enforceable document preventing a person or entity from taking a specified action.

Protective orders are often used in bankruptcy to bar unsecured claims by creditors or the release of confidential or potentially harmful information. In the Vodafone case, for instance, a protective order may bar any collection activities by creditors against the debtor.



Vodafone posted a statement on their website today saying the provisional administrator manager is to help the company improve commercial and operational efficiency.



"Dear customers, this is to inform you that the directors of Afrimax Uganda Limited T/A Vodafone Uganda recently appointed a provisional administrator manager, Mr. Donald Nyakairu, who has been charged with restructuring and reorganizing the company in a bid to improve commercial and operational efficiencies."



In the interim transition period, the statement says, customers will experience a temporary deterioration in the quality of network services as the administrator implements the required changes and negotiates with suppliers.



"We apologise in advance for any disturbances and inconveniences caused and reassure all customers that any unused data will be reimbursed once our network is fully restored," the statement reads further.



In another statement, also posted on the website today, February 22, the telecom company describes Donald Nyakairu, the newly appointed provisional administrator, as "a highly experienced corporate commercial lawyer with particular expertise in the information technology and telecommunications sector, with over 29 years' experience, has been appointed provisional administrator of Vodafone Uganda."



For a while now it had been known that Vodafone was in turbulent water, owing to a small subscription base and high cost of doing business.

Vodafone customers have been experiencing regular service downtimes since last year after the company was reportedly taken off masts after failing to pay rent fees.



The company that had positioned itself as the leader in internet and data services found stiff competition from established players like Africell, Airtel and market leader MTN.



In addition to having a nationwide coverage unlike Vodafone which operated in Greater Kampala, the three competitors have embarked on a cut-throat competition leading to lowering of prices, especially for data.



Recently, government came to the rescue of Uganda Telecom, cutting its massive debt and ordering government ministries, departments and agencies to subscribe to its services, further narrowing the market for Vodafone.



The collapse of Vodafone points to the ruggedness of the Ugandan market which is increasingly becoming a graveyard for many a telecom operator. The company also recently reportedly suffered from internal fraud when its system was hacked into and over Shs 700m worth of airtime serial codes stolen.



Vodafone's crash comes hard on the quiet bow-out of Smart, a telcom owned by the powerful and wealthy Aga Khan Foundation.



Another telcom, K2 Telecom, linked to Buganda Kingdom is also struggling to penetrate the market dominated by MTN, Airtel and Africell.



Telcoms that have either collapsed or sold out include Celtel, Zain and Warid.
BEIRUT  World leaders called Thursday for an urgent cease-fire in Syria as government forces pounded the opposition-controlled eastern suburbs of the capital in a crushing campaign that has left hundreds of people dead in recent days.

The U.N. Security Council heard a briefing from U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock on what he called the humanitarian disaster unfolding before our eyes in the rebel-held suburbs known as eastern Ghouta.

Sweden and Kuwait were seeking a vote on a resolution ordering a 30-day cease-fire to allow relief agencies to deliver aid and evacuate the critically sick and wounded from besieged areas to receive medical care.

But Russias U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, who called Thursdays meeting, put forward last-minute amendments, saying the proposed resolution was simply unrealistic.

Russias amendments would rule out an immediate cease-fire and instead demand that all parties stop hostilities as soon as possible and work for an immediate and unconditional de-escalation of violence and 30-day humanitarian pause.

The Russian proposal would also condemn the relentless shelling of Damascus from eastern Ghouta, and deplore the ongoing attempts by terrorist groups to retake areas and attack civilians and civilian objects.

In eastern Ghouta, medical workers said they hadnt been able to see their families for days as they worked round the clock at hospitals that have been moved underground to protect them from bombing, while their spouses and children stay in shelters.

You cant be above ground for even 15 minutes, said a nurse in the town of Kafr Batna, who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect the identity of family members still living in government areas.

In the background, the deep boom of a bomb could be heard exploding as the nurse spoke by Skype to The Associated Press. He said a barrel bomb had fallen less than one-third mile away.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said 400 people, including dozens of children, have been killed since Sunday.

Also Thursday, the Trump administration says it doesnt need new legal authority from Congress to indefinitely keep U.S. military forces deployed in Syria and Iraq, the New York Times reported.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said U.S. troops will stay in Syria to curb Iran and prevent the Syrian government from reconquering rebel-held areas.
Samsung, Indias biggest and most trusted consumer electronics brand, launches its Wind- Free Roam Air Conditioner & Systems Air conditioner in India. This revolutionary air conditioner, which saw massive success in the Europe and Korean markets, is now available in India within the price range of 50,950-74,260.

Commenting on the occasion, Vipin Agrawal, Director, System Air Conditioning Business, Samsung India, says, In the air conditioning segment, direct cold air dispersion and sky rocketing electricity bills are two problems that todays customers are weary of the most. The worlds first Wind-Free Room Air Conditioner & Systems Air Conditioner from Samsung addresses both of these issues together, providing unparalleled cooling comfort, while guaranteeing optimum energy efficiency. Customer centric innovation lies at the core of our brand promise and this product picots around this very approach. The new technology is especially designed to cater to Indian consumers specific needs and preferences, given the severe climatic conditions here.

Designed specifically for Indias harsh climatic conditions, the new air conditioners are integrated with Samsungs Wind-Free technology through which the cold air is gently dispersed through 9,000-21,000 micro air holes, and the two step cooling system creates still air once the desired temperature is achieved. The company mainly focuses on customer preferences and with this new technology, energy consumption can be reduced up to 72 per cent, depending on the temperature set by the customer. The newly upgraded wider inlet draws more air at once and the outlets angle and width ensures air is cooled and expelled faster, farther and wider to reach every corner of the room.

Read more news:

How Short Term Lender Wonga Went Worldwide

How to Fit Five-a-Day into even the Busiest Schedule
Concerned chicken fans in Slough can rest easy.

Despite the crisis that has gripped the nation following disruption to the international brands supply chain, both stores in the town are reported to be operating normally.

According to reports, hundreds of the chains restaurants were forced to close or reduce opening hours this week due to delivery problems.

However, according to the firms website both Slough stores, in Farnham Road and Bath Road, are open as normal.

The Maidenhead branch, in Bridge Avenue, remains shut at the time of writing, but a message from the company to concerned customers assures them the colonel is working on it.
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EnWave Acquires Remaining 49% Non-Controlling Interest in NutraDried LLP

Posted by Publisher Internet

EnWave Corporation (TSX-V:ENW | FSE:E4U) (?EnWave?, or the \Company\  https://www.youtube.com/) today announced it has purchased an additional 49% interest in NutraDried LLP (?NutraDried?) and now owns 100% of the business. The 49% was sold by NutraDried Creations LLP (?Creations?), a Washington State concern. Total cash consideration for the acquisition was US $1,800,000 (CAD $2,266,000) (the ?Acquisition?).

NutraDried has been the most profitable business unit for the Company. Fiscal 2017 net income was $716,000 and revenues were $6,556,000. Based on the $2,266,000 purchase price for the 49%, the purchase price multiples were 6.5 times income and 0.7 times revenues.

EnWave expects NutraDried to continue contributing positive earnings, revenue growth and cash flow for the Company. NutraDried?s revenues have been increasing each year, reporting $6,556,000 for fiscal year 2017, up 30 times in three years from $221,000 in 2014, its first year of operations.

The Acquisition enhances EnWave?s strategy to commercialize its industry-leading Radiant Energy Vacuum (?REV??) dehydration technology on a global basis. NutraDried has served as an integral sales tool for the Company as it showcases the commercial viability of REVTM in the consumer-packaged goods sector. To date, EnWave has leveraged the success of NutraDried?s Moon Cheese? product to attract eight other companies to sign royalty-bearing commercial license agreements for cheese snack production internationally. Additionally, the high-volume, continuous nutraREV? line has de-risked the technology investment for prospective royalty partners.

The Acquisition will allow NutraDried to pursue additional product opportunities using its installed 100kW nutraREV? processing line, including new product line extensions, and will demonstrate the value proposition for using REV? to introduce new healthy snacking alternatives. It is not EnWave?s intent to compete directly with current or prospective royalty partners; rather, the Acquisition will allow the Company to develop new product demonstration concepts to promote further and more rapid commercialization for REVTM products.

EnWave?s primary business focus will continue to be its royalty-licensing business model and the rapid deployment of REV? machinery for use in multiple market verticals around the globe.

NutraDried manufactures and distributes Moon Cheese?, an all-natural dried cheese snack produced using REVTM technology. NutraDried produces Moon Cheese? in cheddar, gouda, mozzarella and pepper jack flavours at its manufacturing facility located in Ferndale, Washington, and distributes it in over 20,000 retail locations across Canada and the United States. Notable retail points of distribution include Starbucks, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, Safeway, Loblaws, Save-On-Foods, and most recently, Costco?s Midwest division.

About EnWave

EnWave Corporation, a Vancouver-based advanced technology company, has developed Radiant Energy Vacuum (?REV??) ? an innovative, proprietary method for the precise dehydration of organic materials. EnWave has further developed patent-pending methods for uniformly drying and decontaminating cannabis through the use of REV? technology, shortening the time from harvest to marketable cannabis products.

REV? technology?s commercial viability has been demonstrated and is growing rapidly across several market verticals in the food, and pharmaceutical sectors including legal cannabis. EnWave?s strategy is to sign royalty-bearing commercial licenses with industry leaders in multiple verticals for the use of REV? technology. The company has signed over twenty royalty-bearing licenses to date, opening up nine distinct market sectors for commercialization of new and innovative products. In addition to these licenses, EnWave has formed a Limited Liability Partnership, NutraDried LLP, to develop, manufacture, market and sell all-natural cheese snack products in the United States under the Moon Cheese? brand.

EnWave has introduced REV? as the new dehydration standard in the food and biological material sectors: faster and cheaper than freeze drying, with better end product quality than air drying or spray drying. EnWave currently has three commercial REV? platforms:

1. nutraREV? which is used in the food industry to dry food products quickly and at low-cost, while maintaining high levels of nutrition, taste, texture and colour;

2. powderREV? which is used for the bulk dehydration of food cultures, probiotics and fine biochemicals such as enzymes below the freezing point, and

3. quantaREV? which is used for continuous, high-volume low-temperature drying.

An additional platform, freezeREV?, is being developed as a new method to stabilize and dehydrate biopharmaceuticals such as vaccines and antibodies. More information about EnWave is available at www.enwave.net.

EnWave Corporation

Dr. Tim Durance

President & CEO

For further information:

John P.A. Budreski, Executive Chairman at +1 (416) 930-0914

E-mail: jbudreski@enwave.net

Brent Charleton, CFA , Senior Vice President, Sales and Business Development at +1 (778) 378-9616

E-mail: bcharleton@enwave.net

Deborah Honig, Corporate Development, Adelaide Capital Markets at + 1 (647) 203-8793

E-mail: dhonig@enwave.net

Safe Harbour for Forward-Looking Information Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking information based on management\-\-s expectations, estimates and projections. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the Company\-\-s strategy for growth, product development, market position, expected expenditures, and the expected synergies following the closing are forward-looking statements. All third party claims referred to in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate. All third party references to market information in this release are not guaranteed to be accurate as the Company did not conduct the original primary research. These statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

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.
Carriers for mechanical release

There is an ongoing wafer thickness reduction in the semiconductor industry since years. The market is demanding for smaller devices, cost reduction and increased number of functions. Therefore smaller package sizes need to be generated. Mainly consumer applications are driving this progression but the demand for smaller package sizes is also associated with technical advantages. This could be a better electrical performance and an improved thermal management. Thin wafers also enable 3D packaging of sensors such as CMOS image sensors and others.

Producing thin wafers in high quantities puts high requirements on handling and processing tools.

Due to their low thickness, semiconductor wafers are vulnerable to stress and breakage. Warping of the wafers during handling and processing causes a high yield loss or even makes it impossible to handle the wafers any more. This means, a Thin wafer handling technology with a high grade of flexibility on wafer and substrate sizes is needed.

One of the most common techniques is the temporary bonding of the thick device wafers to a rigid carrier of high accuracy by using a polymer based adhesive. After handling and processing the device wafer in standard semiconductor process tools the release (de-bonding) is done by various techniques: These typically are chemicals which dissolve the adhesive, heat which decreases the viscosity of the adhesives or by laser which reduces the adhesive force.

A pretty smart approach is mechanical release since it requires no costly tools and processes and the active areas of the devices wafers are not getting in contact with chemicals or heat. The wafers are bonded to a carrier in two different zones. The outer zone in the perimeter (edge zone) with a high adhesion and the inner zone (center of wafer) with low adhesion. This results in a low force needed for separation of wafer and carrier.

Plan Optik is producing such carriers used for mechanical release in processes such as Zone Bond ?, Edge Zone Release ? and Edge Zone Debond ? by Brewer Science respectively EVG. Since a variety of glass materials with different coefficient of thermal expansion can be used as carrier wafers, there are cte adapted carriers for all standard semiconductor device wafer materials such as Si, GaAs, InP or even SiC. Additionally due to it?s tranparency for visible light it enables an easy and save monitoring of the temporary bonding process.

Carriers for mechanical release are available at a ttv as low as 1?m (depending on diameter and thickness) and from many cte adapted materials. These carriers can be re-used up to 50 times.

In order to guarantee the highest quality, Plan Optik employs a quality management system certified as per IATF 16949, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001.
Buikwe district woman MP Judith Babirye (R), interacts with Dr Patience Rwamigisa of the ministry of Agriculture

Buikwe district woman MP Judith Babirye has promised to persuade fellow legislators to increase funds allocated to the agriculture sector in the coming national budget.

Speaking at the launch of One Acre Fund in Uganda in Buikwe district yesterday, Babirye said funds allocated to the sector are very inadequate, bearing in mind that over 80 per cent of Ugandans depend on agriculture.

Agriculture is the backbone of this economy, but we should also keep in mind that our revenues are still meager, said Babirye. But I believe as our incomes and taxes increase, even the budget allocation will increase.

According to the Budget Framework Paper for the 2018/19 financial year, Shs 831.659 has been proposed to be allocated to the sector, compared to Shs Shs 828.515 billion which was allocated in the current financial year. By September 2017, Shs 169.101 of the approved budget had been spent.

Operating in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi and Uganda, One Acre Fund is a not-for-profit organization that provides quality agricultural inputs and knowledge on agro-credit to farmers.

The organization provides inputs such as maize seed, fertilizers, practical skills on modern farming methods, and market linkages, among other services.

Since piloting in Uganda in 2013, the programme has served 6,876 farmers in Kamuli, Iganga, Jinja and Buikwe and is set to serve 13,000 more farmers in the four districts.

Babiryes reaction was triggered by Dr Patience Rwamigisa, the commissioner for agricultural extension services in department of agricultural extension and skills management in the ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.

Rwamigisa had said that as the country concentrates on building factories, there is need to invest in agriculture to provide raw materials.

Our agricultural policy is focusing on causing an agricultural revolution in Uganda, and one of the tools for causing that transformation is agriculture transformation, said Rwamigisa. My request to honorable Babirye is that she should form a coalition in parliament to advocate for a budget increase for agriculture.

He added that agricultural transformation cannot be achieved as long as government continues to allocate three per cent of the budget to agriculture when you have 80 per cent of your people in the sector.

Parliament is the authority for provision of budgets; therefore, when we see allocation of these budgets, the blame is more to parliament than government, he said, adding that the ministry of Agriculture recommends at least six per cent of the budget be allocated to them.

To this, Babirye said parliament is concerned and has the good will to increase the budget.

He [Rwamigisa] has sent me; I am a messenger, and I will take the message to parliament and more so to the committee on agriculture and the budget committee and see whatsoever happens because in parliament we work as a team, not as an individual, she said.

matsiko@observer.ug
A rendering of the new Town Hall for Pawleys Island. Town Council approved a $675,000 bid for the project Feb. 12.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a pre-flown first stage successfully delivered to orbit today (Feb. 22) the first two prototypes for the company's huge Starlink satellite-internet constellation, along with a Spanish Earth-observing spacecraft.

The two-stage Falcon 9 lifted off from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base today at 9:17 a.m. EST (1417 GMT; 6:17 a.m. local California time) and successfully delivered its main payload, the Paz radar-imaging satellite, into its intended orbit. In a first, SpaceX also attempted to recover the protective nose-cone-like payload fairing in the Pacific Ocean with a net-carrying boat called Mr. Steven.

The launch kicked off the second space trip for the rocket's first stage, which also helped loft a Taiwanese Earth-observing satellite in August 2017. Last year, the first stage came back to Earth for a pinpoint landing on a SpaceX "drone ship" in the Pacific Ocean. But there was no repeat performance: SpaceX did not try to recover the booster during today's mission. [In Photos: SpaceX's Double Rocket Launches and Landings of October 2017]

The main goal today was getting the Paz satellite aloft for Spanish operator Hisdesat. If all goes according to plan, Paz will observe Earth in radar wavelengths from a 319-mile-high (514 kilometers) perch in quasi-polar orbit, gathering data for the Spanish government and other customers over the course of a mission lasting at least 5.5 years.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Paz radar-imaging satellite and two of SpaceX's prototype Starlink broadband network satellites launches from Space Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Feb. 22, 2018. (Image credit: SpaceX)

Paz "will be able to generate images with up to 25-[centimeter, or 10 inches] resolution, day and night and regardless of the meteorological conditions," SpaceX representatives wrote in a mission press kit.

The two SpaceX satellite-internet prototypes, known as Microsat-2a and Microsat-2b, rode along today as secondary payloads.

"These are meant to gather data in advance of deploying and operating a satellite constellation that will provide internet service," Tom Praderio, a SpaceX firmware engineer, said during live launch commentary. "Even if these satellites work as planned, we still have considerable technical work ahead of us to design and deploy a low-Earth satellite constellation."

The Spanish Paz radar-imaging satellite (center) separates from the upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket after a successful launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Feb. 22, 2018. SpaceX's two prototype Starlink broadband satellites can be seen still attached to the second stage in the foreground. (Image credit: SpaceX)

The two experimental craft will help get SpaceX's Starlink satellite-internet constellation off the ground. If everything works out, this meganetwork, which company founder and CEO Elon Musk first announced in 2015, will eventually consist of thousands of satellites. Together, these spacecraft will provide low-cost internet to people around the world, with services beginning in 2020, on at least a limited basis, SpaceX has said.

"This system, if successful, would provide people in low to moderate population densities around the world with affordable high-speed internet access, including many who have never had internet access before," Praderio said.

SpaceX hasn't said much about Starlink publicly; indeed, the company didn't even announce the presence of Microsat-2a and Microsat-2b on today's mission until yesterday (Feb. 21), when Musk tweeted about the duo. The spacecraft are mentioned in documents SpaceX filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), however.

On Wednesday (Feb. 21), Musk did reveal on Twitter that the name for the Starlink satellites was inspired by the romantic novel "The Fault in Our Stars," by John Green.

"If anyone is curious, the name was inspired by The Fault in Our Stars," Musk wrote.

See more

SpaceX isn't the only company with satellite-internet dreams. The FCC has already approved such projects being developed by OneWeb, Space Norway and Telesat. The FCC hasn't officially green-lit Starlink yet, but commission Chairman Ajit Pai recently endorsed the project and said he had urged the other four commissioners to do so as well.

Musk has said he plans to funnel the profits from Starlink into SpaceX's overarching goal: helping to establish a human settlement on Mars. The company is developing a huge new rocket-spaceship combo called the BFR for this purpose, aiming to use that craft to get a million-person Red Planet city up and running in the next 50 to 100 years.

Developing fully and rapidly reusable rockets and spacecraft is key to achieving Mars settlement and other ambitious spaceflight goals, Musk and others have stressed.

Today's launch further showcased SpaceX's progress on that path: This liftoff was the ninth involving a used Falcon 9 first stage. The company has successfully landed and recovered 23 such boosters, two of them during the maiden launch of SpaceX's huge Falcon Heavy rocket on Feb. 6.

SpaceX also tried to recover the clamshell-like payload fairing that protects the Paz and Starlink demonstration satellites during their ascent into space. After the fairing separated from the Falcon 9's second stage, it fell back to Earth and deployed a parafoil to slow its fall to the Pacific Ocean. SpaceX has built a fairing recovery boat, called Mr. Steven, which is equipped with a huge net held in place by giant metal arms to catch Falcon 9 payload fairings.

See more

Musk announced on Twitter that the parafoil deployment occurred.

"Made it back from space and fairing parafoil just deployed," Musk wrote on Twitter. "Now trying to catch it."

Earlier, he shared a photo of the Mr. Steven boat on Instagram.

A photo posted by on

"Going to try to catch the giant fairing (nosecone) of Falcon 9 as it falls back from space at about eight times the speed of sound," Musk wrote on Instagram. "It has onboard thrusters and a guidance system to bring it through the atmosphere intact, then releases a parafoil and our ship, named Mr. Steven, with basically a giant catcher's mitt welded on, tries to catch it."

Ultimately, SpaceX was unable to catch the payload fairing with the net on Mr. Steven, but it was close, according to Musk.

"Missed by a few hundred meters, but fairing landed intact in water," Musk wrote on Twitter. "Should be able to catch it with slightly bigger shutes to slow down descent."

This morning's liftoff was originally scheduled to take place last Sunday (Feb. 18), but SpaceX pushed things back to accommodate final checks of the Falcon 9's payload fairing, the nose cone that protects satellites during launch. Another launch attempt yesterday was foiled by high winds.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 10:26 a.m. ET to include the results of SpaceX's attempt to recover the Falcon 9 payload fairing.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
Touring Commercial Space

Kim Shiflett/NASA

When Vice President Mike Pence went to Florida for the second formal meeting of the National Space Council on Feb. 21, 2018, he took a tour of NASA's Kennedy Space Center and commercial spaceflight facilities in Cape Canaveral, including Boeing, Blue Origin and the United Launch Alliance.



Here: United Launch Alliance (ULA) president and CEO Tory Bruno (left) leads Pence on a tour of ULA's Horizontal Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Model Rockets

Kim Shiflett/NASA

United Launch Alliance (ULA) president and CEO Tory Bruno (left) shows Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence the ULA Horizontal Integration Facility, where the Delta IV Heavy rocket boosters are being processed for NASA's upcoming Parker Solar Probe mission. NASA acting administrator Robert Lightfoot (right) tagged along for the tour.

Boeing's New Spacecraft

NASA/Kim Shiflett

Vice President Mike Pence checks out the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft during a tour of Boeing's Commercial Crew and Cargo Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 21, 2018.

Admiring New Shepard

Kim Shiflett/NASA

Inside the Blue Origin Manufacturing Facility near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen examine the flown New Shepard crew capsule.

Leaving His Mark

Kim Shiflett/NASA

On Feb. 20, 2018, Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen signed the guest book at the Blue Origin Manufacturing Facility while Blue Origin CEO Robert Smith looks on. NASA's acting administrator Robert Lightfoot waits in the background. The tour took them through the facility, where they viewed the flown New Shepard crew capsule and booster. The booster was the first launch vehicle used to demonstrate reusability.

New Shepard Crew Capsule

Kim Shiflett/NASA

Near NASA's Kennedy Space Center, inside the Blue Origin Manufacturing Facility, Vice President Pence and his wife, standing to the left, admire the New Shepard crew capsule, which has flown seven times.

Comparing Rockets

Kim Shiflett/NASA

Blue Origin CEO Robert Smith explains a diagram comparing different types of rockets to Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen tour the Blue Origin Manufacturing Facility with acting NASA Administrator Robert Light foot.

Viewing Today's Space Tech

Kim Shiflett/NASA

Mr. and Mrs. Pence, Blue Origin CEO Robert Smith and NASA acting administrator Robert Lightfoot tour the Blue Origin Manufacturing Facility on Feb. 20, 2018.

Looking Forward to Future Missions

Kim Shiflett/NASA

On his visit at the United Launch Alliance's Horizontal Integration Facility, Vice President Pence, his wife Karen, and NASA acting administrator Robert Lightfoot viewed the Delta IV Heavy rocket boosters for the upcoming Parker Solar Probe mission.

The ULA HIF

Kim Shiflett/NASA

The vice president and his wife, alongwith United Launch Alliance (ULA) president and CEO Tory Bruno and acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot, toured ULA's Horizontal Integration Facility, where the Delta IV boosters being prepped for the upcoming Parker Solar Probe mission.

Space at Its Finest

Kim Shiflett/NASA

At the Blue Origin Manufacturing Facility, CEO Robert Smith shows NASA's Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot and Vice President and his wife Karen the high tech facility. Behind them stands the New Shepard rocket booster, which was the first launch vehicle to demonstrate a vertical landing and rocket reusability.
The Falcon Heavy is a large cargo-lifting rocket developed by private spaceflight company SpaceX. When it launched on its maiden voyage on Feb. 6, 2018, the rocket was the most powerful booster in operation at that time. (The Saturn V, which launched the Apollo moon missions, was the most powerful ever.)

On that debut test flight, the Falcon Heavy met almost all of its major objectives, including (notably) flying company founder and CEO Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster, carrying a mannequin named "Starman," to space.

More flights are planned for later in 2018 as the company begins to seek out more customers for the Falcon Heavy. Eventually, perhaps by 2020, Musk plans to use the experience in developing the Falcon Heavy to make an even bigger rocket, named the Big Falcon Rocket (BFR), for Mars exploration.

Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster and Starman cruise away from Earth in this final photo from the car after its launch on SpaceX's first Falcon Heavy rocket on Feb. 6, 2018. (Image credit: SpaceX)

Brief development history

SpaceX was founded in 2002, backed by Musk, who previously co-created and sold the companies Zip2 and PayPal. After successfully developing and flying the Falcon 1 rocket, SpaceX received funding from NASA to develop a spacecraft  the Dragon capsule  that, in 2012, became the first commercial (nongovernment) spacecraft to bring cargo to the International Space Station. To get to space, the Dragon required a heavier-lift rocket called the Falcon 9, which SpaceX developed and then first flew in 2010.

Musk first announced a bigger rocket  the Falcon Heavy  in 2011. At the time, he said the rocket would carry 117,000 lbs. (53,000 kilograms) of cargo to orbit  twice the capacity of the space shuttle. Musk also predicted the first Falcon Heavy flight would come in 2013.

As is common in spaceflight, however, that date was pushed back several years during development. There were two catastrophic failures of the Falcon 9 rocket, in 2015 and 2016. Flights were suspended both times while the cause of the failures was investigated, and that likely contributed to pushing back the timeline of the Falcon Heavy.

SpaceX completed a static-fire test of the Falcon Heavy center core in May 2017. By September of that year, all three boosters planned for the first flight completed static testing.

Rocket specs

According to SpaceX's website, the Falcon Heavy is 230 feet tall (70 meters) and can lift nearly 141,000 lbs. (64 metric tons) of payload to low Earth orbit  about twice the payload capacity of its closest competitor, United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy.

The rocket has two stages. The first stage has three engine cores. The center core is flanked and supported by two boosters. Each core is equivalent to the first stage of a Falcon 9 rocket and houses nine engines. The boosters separate after liftoff and land upright back on Earth, possibly to be used again. Meanwhile, the heavier center core aims for a drone ship, carrying its payload in the second stage.

The 27 engines on the first stage of Falcon Heavy, working together, are capable of more than 5 million pounds force (22,819 kilonewtons) of thrust at liftoff  the same force as about 18 747 aircraft at full power.

Maiden flight and next planned steps

The Falcon Heavy rocket lifted off for the first time on Feb. 6, 2018, from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Cape Canaveral, Florida, using Launch Complex 39A, the pad that used to host moon-bound Apollo astronauts and space shuttle crews. An estimated 100,000 spectators crowded the area's beaches and roadways to watch the rocket launch. Millions more watched a livestream showing the launch and events afterward.

During the launch, two boosters separated from the Falcon Heavy and landed at SpaceX landing sites at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station near KSC. The core stage was supposed to touch down on a drone ship dubbed "Of Course I Still Love You," but instead, it hit the Atlantic Ocean at 300 mph (480 km/h). The livestream continued for more than 4 hours after launch, showing the rocket's payload: a red Tesla Roadster and a spacesuited mannequin called "Starman." The Falcon Heavy then fired its engines to put it in an orbit around the sun that could extend past Mars. (The car itself might rip apart due to radiation in a year, Space.com sister site Live Science reported.)

SpaceX plans to follow up its launch with two Falcon Heavy missions in 2018. The first will launch the Arabsat 6A communications satellite. The second will launch Space Test Program 2 into orbit for the U.S. Air Force, along with a solar-sail mission for The Planetary Society. The company will sell Falcon Heavy launches for about $90 million per flight, compared with the $62 million SpaceX charges for single-core Falcon 9 launches. Over time, SpaceX plans to reduce the cost of Falcon Heavy launches because of their reusable boosters. If SpaceX wants to target the lucrative military launch market, for example, certification will take between two and 14 successful launches, a SpaceX spokesperson told SpaceNews in early February 2018.

Meanwhile, SpaceX continues cargo flights to the International Space Station with its Dragon spacecraft. A human-rated version of Dragon  called the Crew Dragon  is also under development, and the first test flight for that spacecraft is anticipated to occur in late 2018. [Related: SpaceX Launched the World's Most Powerful Rocket. So What's Next?]

In the coming years, SpaceX plans to develop the Big Falcon Rocket (BFR), a system that would dwarf the Falcon Heavy. According to Musk, BFR could be used to bring hundreds of passengers at a time to different destinations around the world, and on to Mars; in September 2017, Musk delivered an updated version of his ongoing Mars colonization plans that would include use of the BFR. Musk has said that the BFR will likely replace the Falcon Heavy and Falcon 9 rockets during the 2020s.

Additional resources

SpaceX: Learn more about Falcon Heavy, Falcon 9, Dragon and more at the company's website.

Read NASA's account of Falcon Heavy's successful launch.
Two experimental SpaceX satellites known as Tintin A and Tintin B deploy from one of the companys Falcon 9 rockets on Feb. 22, 2018. The two spacecraft are designed to help lay the foundation for Starlink, a huge SpaceX constellation that will provide internet service from low-Earth orbit.

SpaceX's huge internet-satellite constellation is one big step closer to reality.

The company launched two experimental satellites today (Feb. 22) designed to help lay the foundation for Starlink, a network that, if all goes according to plan, will consist of thousands of spacecraft providing broadband internet service to people around the world.

"First two Starlink demo satellites, called Tintin A & B, deployed and communicating to Earth stations," SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk tweeted today. [In Photos: SpaceX's 1st Falcon Heavy Rocket Test Launch Success!]

"Tintin A & B will attempt to beam, 'hello world,' in about 22 hours when they pass near L.A.," he added in another tweet.

See more

The experimental craft launched today as secondary payloads atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The primary payload was the Paz Earth-imaging radar satellite, which will be operated by Spanish company Hisdesat. Paz was delivered to its desired orbit as well, Musk said.

SpaceX representatives have said they hope to have Starlink operating, in at least a limited capacity, by 2020. Tintin A and Tintin B will gather data necessary to help meet the Starlink goal, but a lot remains to be done, company representatives stressed.

"Even if these satellites work as planned, we still have considerable technical work ahead of us to design and deploy a low-Earth satellite constellation," Tom Praderio, a SpaceX firmware engineer, said during live launch commentary today

"This system, if successful, would provide people in low to moderate population densities around the world with affordable high-speed internet access, including many who have never had internet access before," he added.

Musk revealed the broad outlines of Starlink in 2015, but SpaceX has been relatively quiet about the constellation since then. Last week, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai announced that he had endorsed Starlink, but the plan has yet to garner official FCC approval.

The FCC has approved the requests of other companies that aim to establish big satellite-internet constellations, including OneWeb, Space Norway and Telesat.

Today's launch also featured SpaceX's first attempt to pluck a Falcon 9's falling nose cone out of the sky using a speedy, net-equipped boat named Mr. Steven. The attempt failed, barely: Mr. Steven was within a few hundred meters of the nose cone when it splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, Musk said today.

The $6 million nose cone, also known as a payload fairing, appeared to survive its journey to space and arrive back in good shape, Musk said. Photos from Mr. Steven show the fairing bobbing on the Pacific's waves, without any serious damage visible.

SpaceX wants to reuse fairings, just as it reuses Falcon 9 first stages, to lower the cost of spaceflight and help open the heavens to exploration.

Today's Falcon 9 launch featured a first stage that had flown once before, back in August 2017.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
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Former Buyende district police commander Muhammad Kirumira has been granted bail by the police disciplinary court.

The court chaired by Denis Odongpiny released Kirumira this afternoon after he presented assistant commissioner of police Sam Omalla as his surety.

Odongpiny directed Kirumira to report to the Police Professional Standards Unit (PSU) at 9:30am every working day as a condition of his bail terms. Kirumira is also not supposed to intimidate witnesses and or speak to the media until the matter is concluded.

Police chasing after journalists who were covering the Kirumira's arrival at the police disciplinary court Prior to his release, the prosecutor Steven Ojala presented two witnesses to pin Kirumira for alleged misconduct during his last appearance before the same court contrary to police standing orders. Prior to his release, the prosecutor Steven Ojala presented two witnesses to pin Kirumira for alleged misconduct during his last appearance before the same court contrary to police standing orders.

The two witnesses, Steven Ovulu and Catherine Kusemererwa told court that during his last appearance, Kirumira protested the bail terms and rudely stormed out of the dock.



They also claimed that Kirumira didn't salute the officers who were presiding over the disciplinary court as required and roughed up officers who tried to restrain him.

Kirumira denied the charges and challenged the prosecution witnesses to produce statements or any evidence implicating him. Since there was no evidence, Ojala raised no objection to Kirumira being granted bail.

In his ruling Odongpiny, said he was compelled by the rules of natural justice to grant Kirumira bail. Kirumira is facing charges of corruption, bribery, unlawful arrest and excessive use of authority.



He was dramatically arrested on February 1 after police cut off his front door to gain access to his house where he had locked himself. He was held at Railway police station, a designated detention facility for senior police officers. Police claims that Kirumira committed the offences during his reign as the officer in charge of Nansana police station and Old Kampala as division police commander in 2013 and 2014 respectively.



He was transferred to Nalufenya police detention facility. However, the police court ruled last week that Kirumira was wrongly locked up in Nalufenya since it isn't a recognized remand facility by the court.

Kirumira's father Abubaker Kawooya had threatened to petition the Supreme court over what he called 'unfair' treatment of his son by the police disciplinary court.

JOURNALISTS ASSAULTED

Unlike previous court sessions at the police headquarters in Naguru, today journalists, family and friends of Kirumira were blocked from covering or attending the trial.

Police officers led by assistant inspector of police Abinuku assaulted and manhandled Posiano Nsimbi, a news reporter attached to state-owned Bukedde newspaper.

Speaking to Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ), Nsimbi said that he was beaten using big sticks by AIP Abinuku and other police officers. Much as he managed to save his camera from any damage, he says his right hand and leg were severely bruised.
FBI SPECIAL AGENT ISLER ASKS SPECIAL AGENT PRIDE FOR HELP WITH AN OFF-THE-BOOKS OPIOIDS THEFT INVESTIGATION HE IS PERSONALLY INVESTED IN, ON NCIS: NEW ORLEANS, TUESDAY, FEB. 27Derek Webster Guest Stars as FBI Special Agent Raymond IslerThe Last Mile  FBI Special Agent Raymond Isler (Derek Webster) asks Pride for help with an off-the-books opioids theft investigation he is personally invested in. Also, Percy is sent undercover as a getaway driver with Isler as the muscle for a job tied to the case, on NCIS: NEW ORLEANS, Tuesday, Feb. 27 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.CHEAT TWEET: FBI Agent Isler (#DerekWebster) asks #NCISNOLA for help with an off-the-books opioids investigation that sends Percy & Isler undercover together Feb. 27 10pm #CBS http://bit.ly/2s9CmbFREGULAR CAST:Scott Bakula (Special Agent Dwayne Pride)Lucas Black (Special Agent Christopher Lasalle)Rob Kerkovich (Forensic Agent Sebastian Lund)Daryl Chill Mitchell (Patton Plame)Shalita Grant (Special Agent Sonja Percy)Vanessa Ferlito (Special Agent Tammy Gregorio)CCH Pounder (Dr. Loretta Wade)GUEST CAST:Derek Webster (FBI Special Agent Raymond Isler)WRITTEN BY: Chad Gomez CreaseyDIRECTED BY: Stacey K. Black
Brussels, Feb 22, 2018 (SPS) - The European Parliament Intergroup "Peace for the Saharawi people" expressed on Wednesday "deep concern" over the European Commissions "lack of transparency" during its negotiations with Morocco, about an additional agreement to the Association Agreement, in order to comply with the ruling of the European Court of Justice, of December 2016.

"The Intergroup is deeply worried about the manner in which the European Commission has modified the EU-Morocco Association Agreement," it wrote in a letter to the EP's Committee on International Trade.

The Intergroup members said they were also "deeply worried" by the attempts of European Commission to circumvent the judgment of the Court.

The Intergroup deemed that the manner in which the talks proceeded are "in contradiction to the promises of the European Commission chairman Jean Claude Juncker" who pledged that the Commission would show "transparency during those commercial negotiations."

The Intergroup members stress that the "EU must comply with the decisions of its Court" because its "credibility is put at stake."

On 21 December 2016, the European Court of Justice issued a ruling clearly stating that the EU-Morocco Association Agreement is not applicable in Western Sahara territory.SPS

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Driving while high has not risen to the level of havoc caused by drunken driving but it has become enough of a problem that government officials in Colorado and the states marijuana industry have teamed up to address it.

In 2016 alone, the state had 77 fatal wrecks that involved drivers with THC in their bloodstream, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. THC is the chemical ingredient in cannabis that is psychoactive - in other words, its what causes the high feeling.

Officials in the Rocky Mountain State have partnered with the marijuana industry to launch a new project that offers state residents the chance to participate in a Cannabis Conversation by taking an online survey.

The survey is designed to gather the opinions of state residents regarding the drugged driving issue and collect information on their habits and behavior regarding marijuana use and driving.

That information will, in turn, guide public officials and the marijuana industry on practical ways to reduce drugged driving. Its a multi-year effort. Its also needed because both law enforcement officials and businesses involved with legal marijuana recognize past efforts have not worked.

Related: Cannabis Industry Likely to Employ More Than 400,000 By 2021, Study Projects

Complicated and controversial

Driving under the influence of cannabis is a complicated, and even controversial, topic for many reasons. State police, academic researchers and private companies are still looking for ways to accurately determine whether a driver is impaired. There is continued debate over what even constitutes driving while impaired by cannabis.

The issue also has been politicized. Fatality figures such as the one from 2016 in Colorado are used by marijuana opponents to argue against legalization.

Industry advocates point out such numbers have not been treated as a litmus test for legalization of products. Our own federal government reports that more than 16 million Americans live with diseases caused by cigarette smoking. Also, excessive use of alcohol led to about 88,000 deaths every year between 2006 and 2010.

That offers perspective, but no one argues drugged driving is an issue that can be ignored.

Related: The Business of Cannabis (Infographic)

The Colorado Approach

Both Colorado officials and marijuana industry leaders have led public education efforts in the past to educate against drugged driving. The state Department of Transportation reports that those efforts have reached 90 percent of those who use marijuana in the state. They now understand they can get a DUI for drugged driving. However, more than 50 percent of marijuana users consistently report they drove while high in the last 30 days.

What gives? State officials suspect that people have a different view of drugged driving than they do drunk driving. They hope the Colorado Conversation will provide insight into peoples attitudes on the issue, as well as more information on how often they do it and under what circumstances.

Sam Cole, safety communications manager at Colorado Department of Transportation, told the CBS affiliate in Denver that the initiative is about hearing from many different voices on the topic of driving high and understanding how we can more effectively connect with people about the dangers of doing so.

Cole also noted that while drunk driving has been a topic in the national conversation for decades we arent having the same conversations about driving high.

Kristi Kelly, executive director of Colorados Marijuana Industry Group, said cannabis businesses are partnering with the state on the program because responsible consumption and reducing marijuana-impaired driving is a shared priority.

Follow dispensaries.com on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest cannabis news.

Related:

Colorado Starts a 'Cannabis Conversation' On Driving While High

Cannabis Industry Likely to Employ More Than 400,000 By 2021, Study Projects

Despite Being Illegal Under Federal Law, Cannabis Has Grown Into a $9 Billion Industry In States Where It Is Legal.



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


Giving employees autonomy is important. But even as those employees dig into their work and appreciate that autonomy, they may be failing to pay enough attention to another, crucial aspect of the job: goals.

Related: How to Set Goals That Will Turn an Average Team Into All-Stars

A December 2017 Accountemps survey of more than 1,000 U.S. workers, for instance, found that 11 percent of employees polled said they never discussed goal-related progress with their managers.

This lapse, in turn, derives from another problem with how many organizations approach goals: the lack of collaboration.

Placing responsibility on employees to check in with their managers ignores the need for a collaborative process. In other words, assigning an employee a goal and then waiting for the results is a mistake.

Managers need to be more involved in setting and tracking progress toward those goals; and you, as their leader, need to show them how.

Preach clarity of purpose.

Before setting goals, Celeste Giampetro, vice president of marketing at the New York City direct mailing company PebblePost, likes to meet with her team. She says she discusses where team members are in their careers and how they want to develop. This allows her to better align her company's organizational and individual goals.

Related: 15 Bulletproof Strategies for Achieving Your Goals

"The benefit of including your team in goal-setting is, they take more ownership and feel more empowered to chart their course," Giampetro told me in an email.

This has to start at the top. Meet with managers, and give them a list of questions to ask each member of their team. Have them focus on individuals' career goals. What skills do those employees want to learn? What specific career path do they desire to take?

Once managers have this information, discuss ways in which they can align these smaller goals with the organization's overall objectives. For example, if a sales representative wants to improve his or her customer-service skills, and the company is looking to retain more customers, provide training. That way, both goals are met.

Set clear expectations.

Never assume an employee knows the best way to reach a goal.

Recently, Leah Weiss, a leadership consultant and lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, had an employee who kept dropping the ball. After speaking with the employee, Weiss told me, she discovered that the employee didn't understand what was expected of her and was too afraid to ask.

"I spent time breaking things down on a call and carefully explaining each step that would lead to success," Weiss recalled via email.

Make sure your own managers understand what "success" looks like at your company. It's one thing to say "Increase sales," but it's another to show managers exactly how to reach that goal. When possible, provide concrete examples of how an individual can contribute. Then, managers can pass this information on to their team and monitor day-to-day progress.

Break goals down into smaller pieces.

Big goals can be overwhelming. That's why John Kobs, CEO and co-founder of the San Francisco-based apartment-search site Apartment List, advises setting one smaller goal a day. "[People] tend to get overwhelmed trying to do too many things; and, by virtue of that, you're actually not focused," he told me.

Distraction and multitasking only lead to employees approaching each goal with less than their best effort. But, when a big goal is broken down into achievable, daily tasks, there's greater success. It also provides managers a way to track progress.

Make goal-setting part of the daily routine. Instruct managers to collaborate with their teams to set daily goals one week at a time. Consider displaying those goals on a calendar in the office. Then each time a goal is completed, the manager in charge can cross it off the list. This will keep everyone motivated, by seeing and celebrating progress.

Stretch employees, but don't push them.

At their core, goals should be inspirational. They can be demotivating if they're either too simple or seemingly impossible.

Jeff Miller is the senior director of talent management at Los Angeles-based HCM software company Cornerstone OnDemand. He discussed with me the likelihood of success and failure when you're setting a goal with an employee.

"By focusing on the anticipation of failure, you can discuss very clearly the difference between challenges that are within one's control or outside of one's control," Miller said via email.

Practice this conversation with managers by role-playing. Pretending to be an employee, ask each manager to break down the challenges of meeting each goal. Then, describe (as the employee) the concerns you see as likely to arise.

Provide feedback about the manager's problem-solving techniques and encouragement (or lack thereof). That way, when that same manager sits down with the team's members, he or she will be prepared to motivate them effectively.

Be accepting of change.

Goals aren't static. In fact, Linda Adams, Denver-based author of The Loyalist Team, says that leaders should expect goals to change. She encourages managers to be in a constant conversation with employees about progress.

"If conversations and check-ins are happening frequently," Adams said in an email, "employees are more likely to provide updates on what isn't going well, so that timely adjustments can be made."

It's not enough to discuss progress toward goals during the occasional one-on-one with employees. To be successful and anticipate change, these conversations need to occur regularly. So, have managers meet with employees on a monthly basis to discuss individual work goals -- and nothing else.

Related: Even If Your Goals Seem Out of Reach, Stay Motivated With These 6 Strategies

To help set the tone for these monthly check-ins, meet with managers to discuss goal expectations, progress updates and overall feedback. When managers know what you, as leader, expect, they'll be better prepared to act as your surrogate, leading those all-important one-on-one employee goal discussions.

Related:

The Real Reason Your Company Isn't Achieving Its Goals

This Bestselling Author Says These 4 Simple Mistakes Are Holding You Back From Planning Your Future

5 Reasons why Entrepreneurs Seriously Need to Take a Break



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


Stamford police / Contributed

STAMFORD  Police say a second man has been charged with racking up $56,000 on a Stamford residents credit card to buy two all-terrain vehicles.

Anthony Evans, 33, of Hamden, has been charged with first-degree larceny and eight counts of illegal use of a credit card. He was held Wednesday by Stamford police on a $50,000 court appearance bond.
P leasing all your shareholders all the time can be an impossible task.

Anglo American bosses must have realised this today as they saw shares take a tumble despite the mining giant posting solid numbers.

The FTSE 100 miner slashed its debt pile by 47% over the year, to $4.5 billion (3.2 billion), well below its $7 billion target. It also declared a full-year dividend of $1.02 a share  its biggest in a decade  as rising commodity prices put it back on the front foot.

But analysts said investors wanted more cash spent on a bigger dividend, adding that too much was used to cut debt. Anglos dividend was only in line with its earnings payout policy, whereas other miners have generally added a sweetener on top.

Paul Gait, analyst at Bernstein, said: The figures are fine by me but the market was looking for the dividend. Investors wanted a higher dividend and less debt to be paid down  which is not what happened. There were also issues over production at its operations in Brazil, in particular at its Minas-Rio operation  which has had long-running licence delays. Production expectations have been lowered for this year.

Shares fell 71.2p, or 3.5%, to 1726.2p as other miners also fought falling metals prices. Rival Rio Tinto plunged 87p to 3928.4p, Glencore lost 7.8p to 396.6p and Antofagsta was 22.8p off at 879.2p

Overall, the FTSE 100 stumbled to a 70.25 point loss at 7211.32 points.

Severn Trent took a knock after Environment Secretary Michael Gove promised to give the regulator Ofwat new powers.

He questioned why Ofwat had not done more to monitor prices, leaks, executive pay and payments to shareholders.

The privatised water companies have come under attack in recent years after studies revealed that they had increased their levels of debt and paid out big dividends to shareholders. Severn shares were down 4p at 1710.5p.

Among the small caps, Morgan Sindall was enjoying a bumper session after it announced profits had increased 48% for the year from 43.9 million to 64.9 million.

There was a notable improvement in its construction division and shares rose 57.3p to 1291.3p.

But shares in easyHotel were in the red as the chain announced a 50 million fund raising in order to build eight new budget hotels. Shares were down 0.2p at 114.3p.

It was also a turbulent session for South Africa-focused miner Lonmin after a sudden plunge in the shares of its potential new owner  Johannesburg-listed Sibanye.
B rexit has been sold as a way for the UK to realign itself with the rest of the world and decide which relationships this country holds most dear.

According to Brexiteers trade deals with New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the Middle East are potentially worth more than the current existing arrangements with the European Union. It is hard to gauge how these new trade deals will pan out, but looking at recent merger and acquisition activity is a decent measure for analysing whether different countries work cultures and business practices can fit our own.

Australia for one is not a country the UK has had much success with lately when it comes to M&A. Our cousins look like us, share the same language and play our sports  but they do not shop like us, as the retail DIY conglomerate Wesfarmers recently found out.

The Aussie group spent 340 million on struggling Homebase back in 2016 and the plan was to revive the DIY chain by turning them into Bunnings  the hugely popular home improvement stores Down Under.Wesfarmers marketing department duly went into overdrive and on a cold, damp February day in 2017 the media was invited to a pilot store opening in leafy St Albans, Hertfordshire, where the first 19,000 sq ft centre was unveiled.

Customers were fed the infamous Bunnings sausage sizzles  a sausage in a bun  in the car park unaware that these had achieved cult status in Australia. The barbecues are so popular that newlywed couples have been known to have their wedding feasts at the stores.

Over the coming months, as some stores were rebranded as Bunnings, it became clear that the Aussies brand had been lost on the British public and Wesfarmers was on to a loser. Yesterday the company announced that profits had fallen 86.6%, largely as a result of a 584 million writedown at Homebase.

It is also looking at closing 40 Homebase stores at a cost of 2000 jobs. Bryan Roberts, analyst at TCC Global, says: It was arrogance and a failure to research the competitive landscape and the audience. The great retailers like Ikea know how to tweak their winning formula for different markets and different countries. This has been a colossal failure.

In fairness to Wesfarmers it is not the only Australian firm to have been burnt recently in the UK. National Australia Bank, one of the nations largest, pulled out of Britain in 2016 after struggling with an acquisition of Clydesdale Bank, and law firm Slater & Gordon made a 600 million writedown on Quindells professional services arm in the same year.

One M&A banker warned that there is a sense that deals with our antipodean friends are cheered to the rafters  only for them to quickly unravel  whereas any tie-ups with Europe are treated with disdain from the outset. He pointed to last years failed merger between the London Stock Exchange and Deutsche Borse, with value for investors being shoved aside as politicians and regulators fought a proxy war.

The deal got so dirty that Deutsche Borse chief executive Carsten Kengeter was hounded out of office for alleged insider trading not longer after the EU competition regulator gave the thumbs down to the tie-up on the grounds it would create a monopoly in the crucial area of fixed income instruments.

But the reality is that marriages which have been given the go-ahead with our European counterparts have generally been successful.

Major deals in the airline sector (such as the Iberia and British Airways merger), energy  EDFs foray into UK gas and electricity  and cars (Rolls Royce is BMW- owned) have had their difficulties but managed to stand the test of time. With Brexit around the corner and hundreds of trade deals to be signed it may be wise to study the recent past with our antipodean friends and question whether or not they really can be relied upon.

What we need now is snazzy Brit-tech

When will the UK finally build a consumer facing tech giant such as a Facebook, a Google or a Twitter? The UK and Europe top the list when doing the unglamorous back-end grunt work such as making accounting platforms and payroll programs. German software giant SAP is a prime example, as is FTSE 100 listed and Newcastle- headquartered Sage.

This week an investment vehicle backed by Lord Rothschild vowed to plough 125 million into financial technology firms and though this is great news, it still does not solve our Google problem.

Technologists say this is down to how Silicon Valley and London approached the internet back at its inception in the early Nineties.

American techies understood early on that digital would come to encompass every aspect of everyones lives, whereas the UK treated it first and foremost as something functional.

The reality is that for all the consumer-focused tech start-up fundraisings in London, only a handful have gone on to make it big time.
Ethiopia is hosting the 2018 Regional Nile Day Celebration in commemoration of the establishment of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) on February 22, 1999 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants from Nile riparian countries will converge in our capital, Addis Ababa, to observe this big event.

February 22 marks a groundbreaking event in the history of the Nile Basin. It is on this date that, for the first time ever, all riparian countries that share the Nile came together and vowed to develop, manage, protect and conserve as well as utilize water resources on the basis of a commonly formulated and adopted shared vision which still provides the guiding principle for our collective action.

The shared vision objective is an aspirational statement which enunciates our desire to achieve sustainable socio-economic development through the equitable utilization of, and benefit from, the common Nile basin water resources.

In order to realize this shared vision objective, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan Tanzania and Uganda established the Nile Basin Initiative as a transitional institution with two component programs:

(a) a shared vision program to build water resources management, development-related technical and institutional capacities at country and basin level, as well as trust and confidence;

(b) subsidiary action programs to embark expeditiously on much-needed investment preparation. In its nearly two-decade lifetime, NBI has achieved significant results through these two programs, about which all member countries and the international community that supported us should rightly be proud of. By way of illustration, I would like to single out three major areas of success.

First, Nile Basin countries agreed to work together on the basis of new modus operandus, which respects their sovereignty. That is to say, they agreed to negotiate a new treaty that would supersede and replace all preceding colonial and post-colonial treaties which were perceived as inequitable and not all-inclusive.

The Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA), whose 10-year negotiation was concluded in 2010, is a breakthrough and a milestone achievement by itself.

Second, the Nile Basin Initiative is the only common institution to date that offers basin-wide platform for countries to dialogue, consult, plan and work together.

NBI has been delivering results that provide a firm technical and institutional foundation until it is replaced by the permanent Nile River Basin Commission which would be established upon ratification of the CFA by at least six signatory countries.

Third, we understand the river with its challenges better than before. Each Nile Basin country has now a clear picture how to access and utilize the common Nile Basin water resources.

There is better appreciation of the upstream-downstream interdependencies and mutuality as well as both the challenges and opportunities this phenomenon poses to all concerned.

Not only we appreciate the vulnerabilities, needs and aspirations of each of our countries, but also we are now increasingly aware of our collective custodianship, responsibility and duty to husband, protect and conserve the Nile for future generations.

We are more aware of the potential damages we could inflict on the Nile if we perpetuate unfettered, unilateral and competitive utilization.

That is to say, thanks to having collaborative discussions via the platforms NBI provided to us, Nile Basin countries no longer consider Basin Cooperation an option, but an existential imperative.

Notwithstanding our achievements, the Nile has several challenges ahead of it, which requires more basin-wide cooperation. We need to prepare for the adverse climate change impacts our basin is likely to face and towards which our countries hardly contributed.

We are likely to be compelled to live with more frequent extreme events such as floods and droughts. Moreover, we do not own definitive knowledge yet about their duration and immensity. All the same, we need to have an in-depth understanding and it has to be urgent.

Demand for the finite Nile waters together with high rates of economic growth, high rates of urbanization and rapid growth of population across the basin is escalating.

For example, the Nile Basin population is projected to double to one billion in less than two decades. Our watersheds are facing increasing degradation and our unique biodiversity is facing extinction.

All the above trends indicate that change is happening.

The question, therefore, is whether our modus operandi, which is the way we do our water resources planning, management, and development, be it at a country, sub-basin or basin scales, is nimble, flexible and dynamic enough to cope and manage these changes.

Despite the pressure and temptation to work in the same time-worn fashion, we need to abandon old habits and patterns of thinking and mindsets in terms of policy making, policy planning and trans-boundary institution-regime-building.

Instead, we need to be prepared to pioneer innovative, bold policies at multiple levels that enable us create new values, new synergies and more collective vigorous and adaptable competencies. We still can choose not to be hostages of the past.

This said, though, I still see reasons for hope. We are learning to cooperate and work together, craft common agenda, embark on cooperative ventures while not always agreeing on everything.

For example, despite its reservations on CFA, Sudan resumed participation in the NBI in 2012, after two years of absence. We want to believe that it is a matter of time before Egypt will rejoin the NBI family.

Despite the disagreements over aspects of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Egypt and Ethiopia, along with Sudan, have signed the Declaration of Principles (DoP) and are working together to craft modalities for the eventual filling and operation of the dam.

Summing up the foregoing, one thing is evident, that is, our shared vision is as relevant as it was when it was first formulated in 1999. The emphasis on a common resource, which is the Nile, and an equitable utilization of its resource, are still valid.

But then, utilizing and benefiting from a common resource also requires concomitant obligation to protect and conserve that resource. In other words, a shared river requires collective action, which entails a mandatory cooperation for everyone concerned.

It is my firm belief that no Nile Basin Member State would entertain the idea that the tragedy of the commons may befall our great river.

The tragedy of the commons occurs when communities sharing a common pool resource such as water bodies are so focused on competition to ensure exclusive maximization of individual benefits, which in the long-run and ultimately threaten that shared resource itself.

Killing the proverbial goose that lays the golden eggs is not rational. We, therefore, could and should benefit from cooperation and collective action.

This could, for example, be manifested by coordinating our investment plans, our operations and finding ways to internalize social and environmental costs, building common strategies to prepare for and cope with climate change impacts, putting in place common measurement systems, standards, analytical frameworks to help us better monitor, plan and manage the Nile, reconcile individual country-requirements and needs with basin-wide strategic priorities, etc.

In terms of broadening and deepening our collective action, we only have started scratching the surface.

A lot remains to be done! A lot of potential remains to be tapped! Suffice to say, that Nile Basin cooperation is necessary and irreversible.

To reiterate, it is my earnest conviction that Nile Basin Cooperation is happening now and will be sustained for years to come, for posterity.

After all, this great River that weaves and bends and passes through all our countries is the umbilical cord that connects and nourishes us all.

The motto for Celebrating Nile Day this year Shared River, Collective Action is apt and descriptive enough of our common duty to cooperate.

On behalf of the FDRE and the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity, I welcome all participants to the 2018 Nile Day Celebrations, and to Addis Ababa.

The author is the Minster of Water, Irrigation and Electricity of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE)
S erco chief executive Rupert Soames on Thursday called for a new code of conduct to be set up between the Government and outsourcers in the wake of Carillions collapse.

Soames made the plea as he warned of a probably bumpy road ahead for the government contractor business, which saw revenues slip 2% to 2.95 billion last year.

The grandson of Sir Winston Churchill said: There has been a loss of trust and confidence in the ability of private suppliers after the Carillion failure. We think that taxpayers have a right to know what they are getting for their money.

He wants outsourcers to agree to pay subcontractors on time, maintain solid balance sheets and properly fund pension schemes. From the Governments side, they shouldnt impose demands that are unreasonable.

Sercos trading profits last year fell to 69.8 million from 82.1 million. However, the firm expects profits to grow this year and next.

Shares in the business rose 5p to 95.95p.

Recent contract wins include a 1.5 billion deal to run Grafton Prison which is in New South Wales and the biggest jail in Australia.
C abinet members meet today at Chequers for home-made cream tea and to resolve a homemade Tory mess about customs unions.

The referendum decision to leave the EU did not imply Britain had to leave the Customs Union we have with our European export markets.

After all, Turkey is a member of that Customs Union but not the EU. Had we decided there and then to remain in the Customs Union, yes, we would have foregone the illusory prospect that Britain might in future sign free-trade deals with China and America to allow more Chinese steel imports and US firms to bid for NHS contracts.

But we would have avoided all the current arguments about the Irish border, the Good Friday Agreement, the queues at Dover, the need for thousands more customs staff, the uncertainty for British exporters and the extra cost for British consumers of European imports.

Instead of making a clear decision, Downing Street havered.

A year ago, speaking at Lancaster House, the Prime Minister said she had an open mind about our post-Brexit customs arrangements and floated the idea of becoming an associate member of the Customs Union (the capital letters are important in this complex debate).

Last month, held to ransom by the Brexit hardline minority in the party, No 10 shifted position and ruled out any membership of a customs union  without explaining how this act of protectionism is remotely consistent with streamlined tariff-free trade with Europe and an open border with Ireland.

Now the Brexit Committee meets to try to reach some compromise between the Brexiteer ideologues like the Foreign Secretary and the Tory pragmatists led by the Chancellor, all against a backdrop of todays GDP downgrade, which confirms that a UK that once grew faster than the rest of Europe is now clearly growing more slowly.

Although the PM has not revealed her position to anyone, all the official advice she is receiving is that, at the very least, Britain should stay in a customs union with the EU for the trade in goods.

We will see what, if anything, emerges from the wood-panelled room on the first floor of the Jacobean stately home in Buckinghamshire.

Future prosperity

Perhaps it no longer matters. For the Tory divisions and ideological obsessions have left the door open for the Labour Opposition to lead on this.

Jeremy Corbyn unusually raised trade policy at PMQs yesterday and will give a speech on Monday on a jobs-first Brexit.

Almost all his shadow cabinet are urging him to commit to membership of a customs union, and he told engineering companies that we have to have a customs union.

At the same time, it looks like a growing number of Conservative MPs  pushing back against the ransom letter to Mrs May from the Brexit hardliners this week  would vote to stay in a customs union.

Outriders Anna Soubry and Ken Clarke have tabled the amendment, and with Labours support it would almost certainly be carried  the surest sign of which is that Tory whips have just delayed the vote.

All of this internal party debate may feel like pointless intrigue. But it matters hugely to our future prosperity.

Remember, the Governments internal analysis shows that membership of a customs union would reduce the damage to our economy by trillions of pounds  especially in manufacturing heartlands like the North-East and West Midlands.

It also matters for the broader battle between the parties over who can be trusted with the economy.

It would be an irony if the Marxist-sympathiser Mr Corbyn emerged with a more pro-business policy than the Tories  but that is what the Brexiteers have opened the door to.
T he war in Syria is escalating on many fronts, with the rebel-held district of Eastern Ghouta suffering the worst violence  100 people are being killed daily by the Syrian government bombardment. What is needed is a safe corridor out of the besieged enclave for the 350,000 civilians trapped inside.

The war in Syria and Iraq has been a war of sieges conducted mercilessly by all sides. Some are highly publicised while others are never heard of by the wider world. All outcomes are grim for the besieged but the least worst  as happened in East Aleppo at the end of 2016  is when a mass evacuation of civilians and fighters to a safe area is arranged and no final assault takes place.

The greatest loss of life was in the nine-month siege in Mosul, Iraq, last year when Islamic State killed any civilians who tried to escape the US air force and Iraqi army air and artillery strikes. Thousand died and their bodies are still being found under the rubble.

The siege of Eastern Ghouta will eventually come to an end because it is the last of the big rebel strongholds that once ringed the centre of Damascus. President Bashar al-Assad has won the war for the capital and probably for Syria as a whole. Eastern Ghouta can only hold out because it is so large but its fall is inevitable and what is desperately needed is a negotiated formula for an organised exodus that reduces the loss of life.

But an ominous development in Syria is that just as some sieges are drawing to close, others are beginning. In the north, the Kurdish enclave of Afrin, similar in population to Ghouta, is nearly surrounded by the Turkish army and its militia allies who are trying to cut it off from the rest of Syria.

The Kurds have called on Assad for help and pro-government militiamen from nearby Shia villages have been rushing into Afrin over the past couple of days. As their convoys race down the single government-held road, they are coming under shellfire from Turkish artillery, a sign that we may be at the start of a Syria-Turkey confrontation.

Another horrific siege is in the making in Afrin, with the multiple participants in the Syrian civil war capable of blocking their opponents but not strong enough to win themselves.

Turkey is promising to defeat the Kurds there, something it will only be able to do in the face of stiff resistance by the Kurdish forces, who are now supported by the Syrian government in Damascus and possibly by Russia.
T he past few years has seen the London art scene in the grips of photography fever.

New museums dedicated to the click of the camera are popping up all over the shop, and exhibitions of photography are receiving top billing at the major London galleries too.

Are you an insatiable Instagrammer, a film aficionado or a DSLR devotee?

If so, here's our guide to the best places to see photography in London.

The Photographers' Gallery

Man in makeup wearing ring. Photograph from a photo booth, with highlights of color. United States, circa 1920. / Sebastian Lifshitz Collection/Courtesy of Sebastian Lifshitz and The Photographers Gallery

The Photographers' Gallery opened in 1971 as the first public photography-dedicated gallery in the UK, and still maintains a sterling reputation. Its 2019 programme will feature German photographer Arno Schidlowski and four artists shortlisted for the Deutsche Borse Photography Foundation Prize 2019.

16-18 Ramillies Street, Soho, W1F 7LW; thephotographersgallery.org.uk

Hamiltons

Hamiltons was a trendsetter for photography-filled private galleries when it opened in 1977, and has since hosted some of the biggest names in the business. Specialising in modern masters, the likes of Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn and Robert Mapplethorpe have graced the walls over the years. This year, the gallery is showing the works of Sir Don McCullin, a British photojournalist known for his war photography.

13 Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2EU; hamiltonsgallery.com

Proud Galleries

If you like your photographs packed with famous faces, then Proud Galleries has a veritable galaxy of stars on display at any given time. Rock stars, fashion models and the Swinging Sixties make a regular appearance at Prouds exhibitions, with a month long 2017 exhibition dedicated to the life and times of much-missed music superstar Prince. This year will see the lens focus on the contemporary fine art paintings by British artist Mark Thompson.

32 John Adam Street, WC2N 6BP; proudonline.co.uk

15 exhibitions to look forward to in 2018 1 /15 15 exhibitions to look forward to in 2018 Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up V&A Museum, June 16 - November 4; vam.ac.uk Aperture All Too Human: Bacon, Freud and a Century of Painting Life Tate Britain, February 28 - August 27; tate.org.uk The Estate of Francis Bacon Hope to Nope: Graphics and Politics 2008-2018 Design Museum, March 28 - August 12; designmuseum.org Bristol Street War Modern Couples: Art, Intimacy and the Avante-garde Barbican Centre, October 10 - January 27; barbican.org.uk John Kasnetsis RA Summer Exhibition Royal Academy, June 13 - August 20; royalacademy.org.uk John Bodkin Picasso 1932 - Love, Fame, Tragedy Tate Modern, March 8 - September 9; tate.org.uk Tate Aftermath: Art in the Wake of World War One Tate Britain, June 5 - September 16; tate.org.uk The estate of Winifred Knights Michael Jackson: On the Wall National Portrait Gallery, June 28 - October 21; npg.org.uk David LaChapelle Andreas Gursky Hayward Gallery, January 28 - April 22; designmuseum.org Andreas Gursky/DACS, 2017 Monet & Architecture National Gallery, April 9 - July 29; nationalgallery.org.uk President and Fellows of Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachusetts Charles I: King and Collector January 27 - April 15, Royal Academy; royalacademy.org.uk Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2017 Edward Bawden Dulwich Picture Gallery, May 23 - September 9; dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Estate of Edward Bawden Joan Jonas Tate Modern, March 14 - August 5; tate.org.uk Joan Jonas / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / DACS, London Artists at Work Courtauld Gallery, March 28 - August 12; courtauld.ac.uk/gallery Somewhere in Between Wellcome Collection, March 8 - August 26; wellcomecollection.org

Atlas Gallery

The Atlas Gallerys artist list reads like a whos who of twentieth century photography. From Irving Penn to Robert Capa, Man Ray to Henri Cartier-Bresson, this is one to get your autograph book out for. Upcoming shows include a spring exhibition on Bauhaus artist Florence Henri.

49 Dorset Street, Marylebone, W1U 7NF; atlasgallery.com

Huxley-Parlour

Untitled, from the series Mannequins, 2003 / Valerie Belin courtesy Huxley-Parlour Gallery

Formerly known as Beetles+Huxley, the newly monikered Huxley Parlour gallery is based in Mayfair, a short jaunt away from the Royal Academy for those looking to keep on arting. Several exhibitions run throughout the year, with previous exhibitions featuring big British names Cecil Beaton, Bill Brandt and Patrick Lichfield. This year will the venue will showcase ten new works by Jem Southam alongside the later works by British abstract painter Sandra Blow.

3-5 Swallow St, Mayfair, W1B 4DE; huxleyparlour.com

Fotografiska - The London Museum of Photography

An artist's impression of the new London Museum of Photography (Fotografiska)

Hailing from Stockholm, Fotografiska are the team behind The Swedish Museum of Photography. Autumn 2018 saw them them open their first international venture in East London, occupying 89,000 sq ft of the new 10 Whitechapel High Street.

10 Whitechapel High Street, London E1 8DX; fotografiska.com/london

V&A Photography Centre

Naked man walking down a set of stairs on his hands; From Animal Locomotion; By Eadweard Muybridge / Victoria and Albert Museum, London

The V&A is already the doyenne of Londons design museums, but 2018 saw a huge focus on photography at the South Kensington venue. As part of the V&As considerable expansion plan, a new Photography Centre was added to its artistic arsenal in October 2018, housing the 270,000 photographs acquired from the Royal Photographic Society collection. This new haul includes some of the earliest examples of photography from the 1820s, right up to works by contemporary photographers including Martin Parr and Sir Don McCullin.
E ver since you first played monopoly, you knew Mayfair was special. And it will come as no surprise that this part of London has more Michelin stars than anywhere else in the capital.

That doesnt necessarily mean its the part of London that has the most dynamic dining scene, of course, and Mayfair has rightly been charged with some stuffiness in the past.

Thats starting to change, slowly but surely, as the area embraces Londons exciting new wave of dining.

From Park Lane to Piccadilly, here are the best restaurants in Mayfair.
W ith a 1990s renaissance helping Shoreditch leave its down-at-heel past in the rear-view mirror, successive waves of creative newcomers have helped shaped the areas buzzy, patchwork feel.

Led by artists and since followed by savvy entrepreneurs, hoteliers and tech startups, Shoreditchs dynamism plays out among its graffiti-strewn streets that house a constantly shifting array of shops, pubs and restaurants.

Although not quite the loose, experimental clash of cultures it once was (thanks in no small part to soaring real-estate costs), Shoreditchs more grown-up current form has seen it become a true foodie destination with warehouses, art schools, shipping containers and chic hotels all fair game for a new wave of restaurateurs

From slow-food to fast-food and pop-up to permanent, weve picked out some of the areas undisputed highlights.

Rochelle Canteen

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Sat on the southern side of the leafy Arnold Circus, Rochelle Canteen is an oasis hidden from the bustle of Shoreditch. Set in a converted bike shed at the Rochelle School, this low-key but super-stylish space  complete with furniture by Alvar Aalto and Ercol  was opened by Melanie Arnold and Margot Henderson back in 2004 and remains the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch, especially if you can nab an outdoor spot. After locating the buzzer that gains you entry, expect an artsy crowd and a menu that changes daily, offering innovative but unfussy plates that champion top-end ingredients, including those grown in the adjacent garden.

Merchants Tavern

Having gilded her reputation with her lauded Murano and Cafe Murano ventures, chef Angela Hartnetts latest endeavour with partner Neil Borthwick sees her deliver high-end European fare in a cavernous former apothecary. The sophisticated setting  think exposed brick and butter-soft leather booths  is matched by a shifting menu that displays all the finesse youd expect from those behind the stoves. Beyond the bar, which offers classic cocktails with a twist, the dining room serves up dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients. Highlights include roasted quail, a head-turning cote de boeuf sharing plate and standout Sunday roasts. Plus, the recent addition of a Monday wine club, which sees a rotating cast of small-batch wines at half price, makes it all the more attractive.

Popolo

Translating as 'people' in Italian, Popolo's pocket-sized spot on Rivington Street has swiftly won over the good folk of Shoreditch, not to mention the Michelin judges who recently awarded it a Bib Gourmand. At night, its shabby-chic interior gleams in the candlelight while seats at the thick-set concrete counter are the perfect spot to observe an open kitchen helmed by Jon Lawson, whose team dish up traditional Italian cuisine (with influences from Spain and the Middle East) in the form of sumptuous small plates.

Fresh pasta is prepared each afternoon (look out for the pig-cheek agnolotti) while freshly landed Dorset seafood features prominently with Galician octopus and scallops appearing alongside chimichurri-seasoned bavette and grilled aubergine. And Popolo's hand-picked list of natural and low intervention wines from small producers provides the perfect accompaniment.

Clove Club

Isaac McHale's characterful blue-tiled restaurant took up the mantle of Britain's top-ranked restaurant on this year's World's 50 Best Restaurants list and the Scottish chef's exquisite tasting menus are perfectly formed without feeling too fussy. Having made his name at the Ledbury and as part of the Young Turks collective, McHale's brought his Michelin-decorated haute cuisine to the area with simple, direct dishes that channel the best of British cuisine (with Scottish and Far Eastern twists), while high-grade bar snacks and cocktails make lingering at the bar an enticing option.

Andina

Martin Morales has flown the flag for Peruvian cuisine ever since the acclaimed DJ and entrepreneur launched Ceviche in Soho in 2012. His lively space on Shoreditch High Street builds on the theme, with the bright and breezy 'picanteria and pisco bar' showcasing Peru's finest fare with a special focus on Andes-inspired cuisine. With a zingy list of chilli-spiked ceviche, piquant grilled meats and fish and lashings of the nation's ubiquitous drink in the form of life-affirming pisco sours, Andina's menu is a highly effective culinary journey to a place far removed from its E2 postcode

Smokestak

Having graduated from London's street-food scene to a permanent spot on Sclater Street last year, Smokestak founder David Carter has established himself as one of London's true barbecue stars. After spending time in the US and importing his own 4.5-ton Texan smoker back to the UK, authenticity is central to his woodsmoke-infused roster of silky brisket, pastrami and ribs, with coal-roasted aubergine and grilled mackerel providing alternatives to the carnivorous main event. The menu is rounded out by starters, slaws and sides and comes complemented by a first-class craft ale selection by 40ft, Kernel Brewery and Brew By Numbers.

Lyles

Set in a bright, pared-back space beneath Shoreditch House, Lyle's has swiftly become a favourite since launching in 2014, picking up a Michelin star a year later. Head chef James Lowe  formerly of St John Bread and Wine and part of the prolific Young Turks collective  creates daily set menus that take in Scandi influences and foraged ingredients over five courses that might include the likes of gull's egg, blood pudding and Dexter beef flank. For those who aren't in the mood for a lengthy affair, an impressive a la carte menu is available at lunchtime.

Hoi Polloi

The arrival of the Ace Hotel to Shoreditch High Street in 2013 signalled a hip awakening of a thoroughfare that had suffered an identity crisis following Shoreditch's emergence as a nightlife destination for out-of-towners. Signing up boutique brands and businesses from artisan doughnut makers to florists to operate in its floorspace, it's a model that's since been imitated across the capital.

It's through the doors of said florist that you access Hoi Polloi, which is a go-to for brunches and power lunches thanks to a high-end menu of modern British fare, including substantial salads, toasties and heartier dishes including a standout bavette steak. An excellent value prix fixe menu rewards early-evening diners, while an eclectic calendar of art events, DJ'd dinners and queer cabaret provides plenty of reason to pay return visits.

Redemption

Its sugar-free, wheat-free, alcohol-free vegan offering may not float everyone's boat but Redemption - with a sister restaurant in Notting Hill  is leading the clean-eating charge with a virtuous menu of plant-based dishes and drinks. Whether it's an early-morning bulletproof coffee and energy ball or a holier-than-thou meal (think kelp noodles, quinoa and vegetable sushi and beetroot linguini) Redemption's visually immaculate delivery of the good life is tailor-made for the Instagram generation and comes high on feel-good factor.

The Curtain

The glitzy arrival of the Curtain hotel earlier last year brought with it rich pickings for foodies and A-listers alike. Marcus Samuelsson's much lauded Harlem restaurant Red Rooster has taken up residence on the ground floor, bringing Southern soul food to Shoreditch in the form of Barack Obama-approved fried chicken and waffles, meatballs with dumplings and shrimpngrits.Live music also plays a key part with rootsy performances throughout the week and the redemptive Gospel Brunch perform at weekend sittings.

For swifter satisfaction, Samuelsson's all-day taqueria, Tienda Roosteria, offers a small but perfectly formed menu, with cochinita pibil and butter-soft fried chicken tacos among its standouts. It goes without saying that its margaritas (and iced negroni variant, the frozita) - make the perfect accompaniment.

Pizza East

A poster boy for industrial chic decor, Pizza East shook up the area when it took up residence in the Tea Building back in 2010 and is still a trusted spot for reliably good pizzas. The sleek, stripped-back space, run by the Soho House Group, provides a polished setting for a menu of rustic pizzas that feature daily specials. With toppings including truffle and taleggio, veal meatballs or creamy burrata, these are elevated takes on the ubiquitous pizza and, when paired with Pizza East's substantial antipasti selection, standout desserts  including cannoli and cinnamon doughnuts  and cocktails, there's plenty to admire.
A ndrew Morton is the author of one masterpiece, Diana: Her True Story, his first book, published in 1992. His subject truly gave him the story, we now know, but he nonetheless told it remarkably well, using a wonderfully sly form of style indirect libre. Its a classic and the royalties are still rolling in.

Since then Morton has published not entirely reliable biographies of Monica Lewinsky, Posh & Becks, Madonna, Tom Cruise, Angelina, and William & Catherine. Now he has turned his hand to re-telling the story of Wallis Simpson, the already twice-married American for whom Edward VIII abdicated in December 1936.

Its a tale thats been told before often enough  notably by Michael Bloch, who treated it as one of the great tragic romances of all time, while at the same time suggesting that the duchess may have been sexually indeterminate, incapable of full intercourse and in fact died a virgin, never allowing any of her husbands below her Mason-Dixon line, even the duke.

Morton has a different thesis to flog. Having, at so late a date  the duke died in 1972, the duchess, long demented, in 1986  few fresh sources to uncover, he has come up instead with a total re-interpretation of the familiar story, as announced in the subtitle. He believes Simpson only ever loved one man and it was not the Duke of Windsor. Rather, it was the man who gave her away to the duke at their marriage, Herman Rogers, a sporty, wealthy New Englander whose first wife, Katherine, Wallis knew.

Whats the evidence? Not much. It has long been known, or rumoured, that Simpson told Rogers she had not slept with her first two husbands. Wallis told Herman everything, even her sexual desires and preferences. Even in todays more liberated times it is unusual for a single woman to discuss these matters with a married man, however close their friendship, says man of the world Morton.

WORLD WIDE PHOTOS

His clincher, though, is a conversation he reports between Simpson and Rogerss second wife Lucy at their wedding in 1950. Claims Morton: Wallis seized Lucy by the hands and told her: Ill hold you responsible if anything ever happens to Herman. Hes the only man Ive ever loved. Lucy let those final seven words linger long enough for the enormity of what Wallis had said to sink in. Then she replied: How nice for the duke, looking hard into Walliss eyes.

Cat-fight! It reads almost as if he was there in between them, taking notes, doesnt it? Morton gives a cryptic source note for his great coup, author interview, February 2016, confirming to me by email whats not clarified in the book, that this was an interview with Lucys daughter-in-law Kitty Blair. So, at one remove at least, and 66 years later.

If he doesnt prove his main case, Morton nonetheless builds up a convincing picture of the horrific relationship that developed between the dim, infatuated duke and the disappointed, domineering duchess. As time passed she no longer liked, let alone loved, him. Will I be going to bed in tears tonight? he would ask pathetically, when tormented by her. Buzz off, mosquito, she rudely told him at nightclubs. In restaurants, with nothing to say to each other, the duchess insisted that they recite the alphabet to one another so that other diners would see their animation.

Here Morton has discovered one sadly revealing new source. Julie Chatard Alexander  then 26, from Baltimore as it happened, just like Wallis  was the night nurse on call for the duke in his last days in the royal apartment in the Bois de Boulogne. She has recently told Morton that the duchess never visited the duke in his last two weeks, as he lay dying of throat cancer.

She never came to see him or kiss him goodnight or see how he was. Not once. Poor fellow. He would call her name over and over: Wallis, Wallis, Wallis, Wallis. Or darling, darling, darling. It was pitiful and pathetic. Just so sad, like a lamb calling for its mother. Pitiful rather than tragic, perhaps. The duchess claimed the duke died in her arms. Julie Chatard Alexander says it was, alone, in hers. Right city, wrong woman.

Andrew Morton is now writing a book, due for publication in April, about another American divorcee marrying into the Royal Family. Meghan Markle has definitely studied Diana: Her True Story, he believes.
W here to drink

Hop across the Brooklyn Bridge to trendy Fort Greene and pull up a bar stool at Romans, where bearded millennials sip organic orange wine and beautiful girls nibble on fava bean hummus.

The wine list is superior, the food excellent and the scenery well worth the cab ride.

Roman's NYC

Where to day trip

Interior designer Patrick Mele has the elegant knack of making a house a home. Now hes transported his eclectic and inspiring New York vision to Greenwich, Connecticut. Jump on a train and travel an hour north up the coast to his ever-changing salon, which is full of mirrors, lamps, chairs, cushions, tapestries, vases, Wayne Pate artwork and jewellery.

What to see

Skip the overcrowded uptown majors and head to the Lower East Side outpost of Galerie Perrotin. Youll get kudos for dodging the tourists and will be brushing shoulders with the collectors of the future.

Look out for the upcoming Artie Vierkant show; colourful, modern installation-painting hybrids to tantalise the senses.

Where to shop

So you know your Eckhaus Latta from your Ellery? Prepare to do some serious damage to your holiday budget at Totokaelo. This cutting-edge fashion store began life in uber-cool Seattle and has recently moved into its new home in SoHo.

Here youll discover the best new labels alongside the catwalk pieces of the moment. Plus, they have a really nice homeware section with chic, suitcase-friendly gold teaspoons and candleholders.

Where to stay

Four-hundred-and-fifty yards from the Empire State (and double that to Macys), The Redbury is the NoMad districts coolest place to rest your head. If the MoMA is high on your agenda, the contemporary Parisian stylings of The Baccarat are just a short stroll down the road.

Moxy offers both comfort and elegance on the corner of Times Square, while Ian Schragers Public was last years most hyped opening and is now a Lower East Side institution.

Moxy Hotel

Where to eat

Youll need to book in advance for a seat at King since a slew of glowing reviews has made this cosy West Village neighbourhood restaurant the most sought after table in town.

Masterminded by two Brit chefs  Jess Shadbolt and Clare de Boer, alumni of River Cafe  and American Annie Shi, who met the girls while working at Londons Clove Club, this ode to Tuscany and Provence opened in 2016. The chargrilled rosemary Lombatello steak will be one of your lasting holiday memories.
J immy Donal Wales, born 7 August, 1966 in Huntsville, Alabama, also known as Jimbo Wales, is an American internet entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Wikipedia, an online non-profit encyclopedia, and the for-profit web hosting company, Wikia.

I cribbed that from Jimmy Wales Wikipedia page  Im sure he wont mind. Wales is unusual among founders of unfathomably popular websites (Wikipedia is the fifth most visited on the web) in that he is a) incredibly nice, b) not a billionaire, and c) presides over a website that doesnt produce paroxysms of disgust and derision whenever you mention it. We make the internet not suck, is how he likes to put it. Those three qualities might be linked, you see.

While the open-source, community-created encyclopedia that he launched in 2001 has its faults, it is open about them. When most websites talk about community, they just mean the general public, he tells me, while busying himself with a plate of eggs and avocado. With Wikipedia, the community actually know each other: they get in fights, they make up, they keep each other in check in a kind and thoughtful way over a long period of time. It requires a lot of nurturing. And it requires that you forget about the way youre supposed to build a website.

So it is not perfect but it works. He cites one particular example that always makes him laugh, which is that the Wikipedia entry for poor Jemima Goldsmith features a supremely unflattering picture for someone so glamorous. She just thinks its funny. I keep telling her, just give us another photo.

Jimmy Wales

Were talking over breakfast at The Ivy Kensington Brasserie, not far from the Notting Hill home Wales shares with his wife, Kate Garvey, and their two daughters, four and six. Garvey used to be Tony Blairs diary manager and now runs Project Everyone, a campaign to promote the UN Global Goals (Sustainable Development Goals), with Richard Curtis. Wales has described his wife as the most connected woman in London and that was certainly the impression you might have had from their 2012 wedding. Alastair Campbell played the bagpipes, the Blairs, David Miliband, Lord Adonis, Mick Hucknall and Lily Cole were guests, as was another Siliconminster power couple: Steve Hilton (David Camerons former advisor) and Rachel Whetstone (currently vice-president of communications at Facebook, who formerly held senior lobbyist roles with Uber and Google). Wales likes to cook and they regularly hold dinner parties.

Indeed, Wales and Garvey are so at home among the international elite, they met at the Piano Bar at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. It remains a romantic place for them both. Now we stay in the same room in the same hotel every year  its like coming home, Wales says between forkfuls. (The eggs are unexpectedly delicious! he exclaims.) His voice is less Alabama and more business American with a few Anglicisms thrown in. Hes forthright and funny, a little rough around the edges, like Wikipedia, but this is part of the charm. And no, the other tech CEOs dont tease him about not being a billionaire. (An old section of his Wikipedia page, since revised, pinned his fortune at less than $1 million.) Launching Wikipedia with no ads, no paywall, was a series of bad business decisions, but thats how Ive built my career so far, he smiles. I said that to [Google co-founder] Larry Page and he just laughed and said, Just keep doing what youre doing.

An open book: Jimmy Wales

Wales is freshly back from Davos, where he spoke about his new site, WikiTribune, which he hopes will harness Wikipedian principles of transparency, community and neutrality for the era of misinformation and alternative facts. I had a stomach bug for the first days so it was kind of grim, he says of this years conference. And then the President spoke and we all had stomach aches. Ha ha

In the event, Donald Trump didnt declare nuclear war or call anyone a pussy. He stuck to the script and didnt say anything new. Here are his positions, you can agree with some and disagree with others. If he behaved like that all the time, it would be significantly less frightening.

It was the rise of Trump  as well as Brexit  that prompted the launch of WikiTribune in October. Wales is concerned about the collapse of local journalism and a click-based online advertising model which results in stories going unreported.

In the past, if you were a boat manufacturer and you wanted to sell boats youd say: Well, who buys boats? Its men in their early 50s who are having a midlife crisis. So youd work out what publications we read. But now they can just follow that demographic around the internet. I can be on the spammiest website or message board and I see boats. That means quality newspapers arent just competing with each other, theyre competing with everything. The idea of WikiTribune is to allow a Wikipedian community worldwide to suggest stories, collate information, crunch data, write and edit articles. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, he has taken on 10 journalists full-time. Its a start, he says.

Love hearts: Jimmy Wales and Kate Garvey on their wedding day / Dwayne Senior /eyevine

Since Trumps election, the public mood has turned against the tech giants: Esquire recently characterised the big four tech companies (Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple) as a tax-avoiding, job-killing, soul-sucking machine. Wales doesnt appear to disagree with that characterisation, but isnt sure what to do about it. He isnt necessarily in favour of breaking down the monopolies. Im not sure what that means, he says. But never mind what I think ought to happen, they are under a lot of pressure and theres going to be a lot of hard public policy questions around this. He notes that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg becoming President might not be a bad idea, by the way, if were going to have a billionaire president.

What?! I say. Thats a terrible idea. Awkward laughter from Wales. Youve probably met him a bunch of times, right? I have. Hes a very sweet guy. But anyway, hed be a better President than Trump  Im not exactly going out on a limb there.

Wales has now been in London for about seven or eight years and will be eligible for a British passport next year  just when it will become useless because of Brexit! And he feels very much at home here. Indeed, it all seems very cosy, this tech-politics love-in. Are people right to be suspicious of this?

He laughs. Im not really on the inside of lots of things, but I do know all these people. Often, people have some kind of conspiracy mindset about the elite. They literally have no idea how incompetent we all are. Oh, I wouldnt say that. Wales puts in a word for Jeremy Corbyn. Whatever you may think of him  and Im not a fan, Ive never bumped into him at a dinner party in London  he is not part of a Westminster bubble. Neither, he points out, is Theresa May. But he suggests that the fact that members of opposing parties might occasionally meet over dinner isnt such a bad thing. There is a Westminster set, people who know each other socially and so on  and that helps with a bipartisan approach. Its not as completely broken down as it is in the US.

Wales and Lily Cole / Frankowski/REX/Shutterstock

Regulating the sector, he says, is an ongoing problem. He feels that things went downhill in this country when Second Home co-founder Rohan Silva left No10 (thats David Camerons former tech advisor, now an Evening Standard columnist). He believes Government debates about removal of encryption are insane: Its the dumbest thing ever. It makes zero sense. Its an incredibly important barrier against cybercrime. The truth is, they had a brief golden era when they could spy on everyone they wanted  and now its become significantly harder again.

Overall, he sees plenty of reasons to be cheerful. He struggles with smartphone addiction  who doesnt?  but sees an elegant solution in Arianna Huffingtons new app, Thrive, which limits your usage. I think I need to download that and try it. And Im thinking about going on to Twitter and just unfollowing everyone. And completely rebooting. Lately, hes been finding solace in Instagram. You never get sucked into a black hole. Its just pictures. Friends. Kids. Its nice.
T he earth will be plunged into a 15-day blackout, warns Nasa!

Morgue employee cremated while taking a nap! Denzel Washington says Donald Trumps election saved us from an Orwellian police state! You can stop fretting about the darkocalypse, slapdash crematoriums and Denzels sanity. These headlines are, of course, fake news  fabrications from the warped world of hoaxes-for-hits and viral videos with a veracity void.

In the past two years, tall tales have flooded Facebook and Twitter, and climbed to the top of Google searches. A whole industry has sprouted up; more than 100 US political fake news sites have been registered in the small Macedonian town of Veles. Now both politicians and tech firms promise a crackdown. Earlier this month, MPs in the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee  led by Damian Collins  took a field trip to Washington to grill Facebook, Google and Twitter about Russian interference in the EU referendum and election, including the use of phoney news. And at the Web Summit in Lisbon in November, the usually self-congratulatory sector turned self-reflective about how to tackle the mendacity in its midst (the subtext: were partly to blame for Trump).

Tech executives admit that fake news endangers their brands credibility and thus bottom lines (earlier this month, the consumer goods giant Unilever threatened to pull investment from sites that failed to address the problem), so their efforts to combat fake news are rooted in self-interest. Were in the trust business, says Richard Gingras, Googles vice-president of news. If people lose trust, theyll stop using our services. As with poison, a few drops can pollute the pond.

Gingras adds that those sharing a link dont necessarily believe the content. But a Buzzfeed study found that three quarters of US adults who see untrue headlines do believe them. And why wouldnt they? These sites often look like polished products. And when friends post articles on Facebook, theres no context to make you doubt their veracity; the friends name looms large, the sources is small.

There are two main motivations for spawning these scams: ideological and financial. The political falsehood machine  Hillary Clinton sold weapons to Isis; the Pope endorsed Trump  is dominated by right-wingers, especially in the US. Oxford University researchers found that 96 per cent of Trump supporters who use Twitter shared fake news ahead of the State of the Union address.

Alongside political falsehoods are the even more common cash-for-clicks stories, of the FBI finds 3,000 penises during a raid on a morgue workers home ilk. They spread like wildfire and have copycats, says Jane Lytvynenko, a Buzzfeed journalist who specialises in fake news. Some scams have only a headline and photo, and theyre still shared.

So how are the tech firms responding? Last month at Davos, Google execs privately floated an idea to fellow attendees: that the company could advise users on the trustworthiness of articles, potentially with an extension for the Chrome browser. However, no product is believed to be in the pipeline yet.

Both Facebook (where some staff were rumoured to be in revolt over fabricated stories) and Google have toughened their stances on fake news in recent months. Tessa Lyons-Laing, product manager on the news team at Facebook in the US, explains: Anything which violates our standards  such as hate speech  we remove entirely from the platform. Then there is content that doesnt violate our standards, but isnt consistent with our news feed values [like fake news]. We do not remove that content; we work to reduce it.

The first line of defence against fake news involves chipping away at the financial incentives (advertising sold based on the number of hits web pages receive) to produce it. Google now prevents websites that run hoaxes from using its AdSense advertising network. We have rejected more than 100,000 sites that were propagating misinformation from using our ad platforms, says Gingras. Meanwhile, Facebook is trying to prevent those who keep sharing false stories from advertising on the site.

Then theres the technological fightback. Facebook has changed the way it recognises inauthentic accounts, identifying them by patterns of behaviour like repeated posting of identical content, and has removed tens of thousands of fake accounts in the UK alone. The site has also ensured that users now see fewer posts in their news feed that link to poor-quality pages. Algorithms alone cannot identify all nefarious content, so Google has also introduced a fact check label to show if information has been vetted and its veracity, with authoritative publishers and fact-checkers doing the fact checking. And when a major story breaks, YouTube marks authoritative sources top news in search results.

Education is also essential. In the UK, YouTube runs Internet Citizens workshops for teenagers to warn them about hoaxes and scams  and last April, Facebook posted a temporary notice at the top of users feeds to help them spot falsehoods, such as being sceptical about headlines and checking the sources of stories. Speaking at the Web Summit, the European Commissions Ann Mettler said, I see a world in which we as consumers of news will have to become our own editors, able to discern what is real news and what is fake.

Finally, Google and Facebook have tried to build closer ties with reputable news organisations. This charm offensive involves stumping up cash (Google has a 133m fund for European publishers digital news projects), product development (as part of its Journalism Project, Facebook collaborates with media firms to create new advances, while the Google News Lab works to adapt tools and YouTube provides free video hosting for 50 European news publishers under Player for Publishers) and offering training for journalists. Google is also a founding member of the First Draft Coalition, which trains journalists to determine whether eyewitness accounts are real, and both sites have worked with independent fact-checkers like PolitiFact, Snopes and Full Fact to scrutinise content that users flag as suspicious.

Twitters response lags behind the other two, particularly when it comes to engagement with critics. The micro-blogging site refused my requests for an on-the-record interview for this article, instead sending an eight-month-old blog. When you speak to staff off-the-record, they often say that Twitter mirrors society, seemingly abdicating responsibility for the content published on the platform. James Ball, the author of Post-Truth, says this attitude extends to politicians: Twitters political response seems designed to piss off world governments.

While working at Buzzfeed, Ball found a network of 13,000 Russian bots on Twitter that pumped out pro-Brexit propaganda in the run-up to the referendum. We shared details with Twitter and the company  characteristically  refused to comment but deleted the bot accounts.

Ball believes, however, that Facebook has been let off too lightly on this  its easier to find bot activity on Twitter because the platform is more open than Facebook, but Facebooks audience is much bigger.

There are other concerns too. According to research by Lytvynenko and her colleagues Craig Silverman and Scott Pham, despite Facebooks efforts, the top 50 most viral fake stories of 2017 were shared and commented on more than the top 50 the year before. Efforts to address fake news are also patchy, with many advances only available in a smattering of countries (even Facebooks mini guide to fake news was only in 14 countries). And many of the fixes are imperfect. Back in 2016, The Guardian journalist Carole Cadwalladr found that when you typed did the Hol... into Google search and clicked on the autocomplete suggestion, Did the Holocaust happen, top of the results list was a link to the neo-Nazi site Stormfronts article, Top 10 reasons why the Holocaust didnt happen. Currently, the first result is combating Holocaust denial. So far, so good. Except my autocomplete option now offers did the Holodomor [Ukrainian famine of 1932-33] happen?, and high on the results list is the Kremlin-backed Sputnik news, claiming it never did.

Moreover, do we really want tech firms to be the arbiters of truth? Its very difficult for Google and Facebook to be curating free speech, says Lytvynenko. Why are they the people to decide at what point it switches from being hyper-partisan content to being fake news?

Theres also a bigger tension here between tech firms and the media, which feels short-changed. Earlier this year, Rupert Murdoch argued Facebook should pay news publishers a carriage fee for using their stories. Last year, I attended an off-the-record dinner for journalists hosted by one of the tech titans. Few conversations over a free meal can ever have been so frosty. The journalists were angry that tech firms threaten their business models, but they were also frustrated that these firms wouldnt admit to being publishers and take responsibility for their content.

Ball explains that their position is a hangover from when internet providers didnt want to be responsible for everything users found online. This was then extended to websites, where the case is much weaker, he says. People already accept that internet companies should have responsibilities, such as taking down child porn from their sites  so I think journalists are fighting the last fight here. He believes Google, Facebook and Twitter should talk more to newsrooms and experts on misinformation: They should be being transparent, but they are so used to acting as though everything is secret and thinking the wisdom of the algorithm trumps all.

There is a role for government here, too. In January, Germany launched a new law which means social media firms have 24 hours after a complaint to take down fake news and hate speech, or face fines of up to 50 million (44m) in the case of the latter. Tech bosses are worried other countries could follow. The age of the internet Wild West is coming to a close, and the sheriffs (regulators) may finally have some bullets in their guns.

Fake news is one of the growing pains of the tech titans, a war without any obvious end date. As companies, they are slowly waking up to the idea that far from being the worlds saviours, the geeks may have unleashed dark forces. But as Ball points out, thats not entirely on them: Lets not forget  people have an appetite for this stuff. Perhaps fake news shows that we end up with the social media we deserve.
Breaking his silence on the controversial invite to convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal for a dinner at Canadian High Commission in New Delhi, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the event unfortunate. Trudeau said that Atwal never should have received an invitation by the High Commission.

Atwal was convicted for 20 years in prison for trying to kill the then Punjab Cbinet Minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986. Atwal even had confessed that he was the shooter. He was also a member of the International Sikh Youth Federation, which is now banned.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said India is trying to find out how the convicted Khalistani terrorist managed to get a visa. "Canadian side has already clarified that the invitation has been withdrawn. About the visa, I don't know how it happened. We will ascertain from our Commission," the MEA spokesperson said.

The invite to Atwal for the Delhi dinner was rescinded after it created a furore. The Canadian High Commission said, "We have rescinded Jaspal Atwal's invitation (for dinner reception with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau in Delhi). We do not comment on matters relating to the PM's security."

Atwal no longer figures in the Home Ministry's blacklist of Sikh extremists. The central government time-to-time reviews the blacklist of the Sikh extremists taking into account intelligence inputs and activities of the persons concerned, a home ministry official told PTI. Names of nearly 150 wanted terrorists and their associates were removed from the blacklist in the last few years, it said.

Speculations have been running rife about the possible reason for the cold shoulder meted out to Canadian PM Justin Trudeau by the Modi government. One of the reasons is Trudeau's less-than-ambiguous stand on the Sikh separatist movement.

This controversy could not possibly have emerged in a worse possible time. Only yesterday, the PM met Punjab CM Amarinder Singh, who had been vocal about his displeasure with Trudeau's stand on the Khalistan movement. Singh had even refused to meet Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan last year when he was visiting India, and called him a "Khalistani sympathiser".

Nevertheless Trudeau had said in an event, "We of course reject violence and hate speech. But at the same time let me assure that my position, Canada's position, has not changed. We support one, united India." The Canadian MPs who have accompanied Trudeau on this visit are also on the same page and have said that they believe in a "united India".

After the meet with the Canadian PM yesterday, CM Amarinder Singh had said that he raised the Khalistan issue during the long meeting. Singh gave Trudeau a list of nine Category A operatives based in Canada who are involved in hate crimes, terror activities and are trying to radicalise the youth.

The CM's office had also said after the meeting that categorical assurance from Trudeau came when Captain Amarinder sought the Canadian Prime Minister's cooperation in cracking down on separatism and hate crime by a fringe element, constituting a miniscule percentage of Canada's population.

Photographs of Atwal with Canadian PM Trudeau's wife Sophie Trudeau in an event on February 20 has emerged.

Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist who was active in the banned Int'l Sikh Youth Federation, photographed w/Canadian PM's wife Sophie Trudeau at an event in Mumbai on 20 Feb. He was also invited for formal dinner with Canadian PM, invite being rescinded now (CBC News) pic.twitter.com/pT7P3eLq1L - ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi, photographed with Jaspal Atwal at in Mumbai on 20 Feb. Atwal, a former member of banned terrorist group Int'l Sikh Youth Federation, was invited for dinner with #JustinTrudeau in Delhi, today (CBC News) pic.twitter.com/cO3h3YcUUA - ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Jaspal Atwal was convicted of the attempted murder of Punjab minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986, he was one of four men who ambushed & shot at Sidhu's car. (Pic: Invite to Jaspal Atwal for dinner with Canadian PM #JustinTrudeau, Source: CBC News) pic.twitter.com/dqZpWEwgls - ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Atwal was also photographed with Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Soni during the same event in Mumbai.The invite specifies that the dinner reception in Delhi was to celebrate Canada and India ties on the occasion of Trudeau's visit.
W ith the grown-ups stalling, Americas teenagers are taking control of the countrys stymied debate over gun laws. Provoked by last weeks shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which left 17 dead, they are swarming over social media and taking their protests to state houses, legislatures and even the White House.

Already, the scale and intensity of their campaign to restrict access to the kind of automatic and semi-automatic guns most often used in mass shootings is drawing comparisons with the great anti-Vietnam protests of the Sixties. The movement has attracted money and support from celebrities such as George and Amal Clooney, who gave $500,000 to March for Our Lives, a protest against gun violence being led by Stoneman Douglas students. Marches are being planned in Washington DC and across the US for March 24.

Steven Spielberg and his wife and Oprah Winfrey have matched the Clooneys donation. Winfrey tweeted: George and Amal, I couldnt agree with you more. I am joining forces with you and will match your $500,000 donation to March for Our Lives. These inspiring young people remind me of the Freedom Riders of the Sixties who also said weve had ENOUGH and our voices will be heard.

Student Cameron Kasky, aged 17, took on Senator Marco Rubio yesterday. At a town hall debate, Kasky urged Rubio to stop accepting donations from the National Rifle Association. Rubios response was inadequate and Kasky pressed him, saying: In the name of 17 people, you cannot ask the NRA to keep their money out of your campaign? The story went viral, with the world on the side of Kasky. He now has 131,000 Twitter followers.

Student Cameron Kasky (L) asks Senator Marco Rubio if he will continue to accept money from the NRA during a CNN town hall meeting / REUTERS

The most prominent organiser of the protests has been Emma Gonzalez. Last Wednesday she was just another 18-year-old counting down the 110 days to graduation.

But on Saturday she was invited to speak at an anti-gun rally in Fort Lauderdale, and her pugnacious, emotional speech went viral.

Every single person up here today, all these people should be home grieving, she began. But instead we are up here standing together because if all our government and President can do is send thoughts and prayers, then its time for victims to be the change that we need to see.

She attacked President Trump for taking $30 million in campaign funding from the NRA. And she blasted companies for trying to make caricatures of the teenagers these days, saying that all we are self-involved and trend-obsessed, with the implication that they are not worth listening to. With one 11-minute speech, Gonzalez became the face of the protest.

Emma Gonzalez reacts during her speech at a rally for gun control / AFP/Getty Images

These protesters are social media- smart  Twitter accounts Never Again MSD has 739,000 followers, and Gonzalez has 296,000 followers. She set the account up two days after the shooting.

On Wednesday Trump spoke to a group of students and parents of those killed at Stoneman Douglas. What was intended to be a discussion of potential policy responses quickly became raw and emotional. Trump proposed arming teachers and other school employees so they can fire back at attackers, and tightening up background checks.

Samuel Zeif, 18, survived the attack on Stoneman Douglas. He texted his family from the schools second floor as he feared he would soon be killed. At the White House he sobbed as he told the President: Lets never let this happen again  please, please.

On Tuesday, three busloads of students drove 400 miles from Parkland to Floridas capital, Tallahassee, to request tighter gun control from the state.

The few who arrived early saw lawmakers in the Republican-dominated state Capitol rush through a vote refusing even to debate a ban on the sale of assault weapons. Those students in the balcony stood open-mouthed, crying at the vote.

Tearful students arrive in state capital for gun control rally

By Wednesday, hundreds more students from schools across Florida arrived to protest. What was planned as a series of orderly meetings in which politicians would engage in discussions with Stoneman Douglas students soon descended into rowdy confrontation.

Teenagers mobbed the door into the office of Governor Rick Scott, a Republican and supporter of gun rights, screaming: Shame on you! Shame on you! Shame on you! Elsewhere in the building they shouted at Republicans to Face us Down and challenged them on the availability of the AR-15 assault rifle, used by the accused killer, Nikolas Cruz.

The AR-15 was developed for the military with a simple purpose, to inflict as many fatal injuries in as short a period as possible. Yet it has become broadly available and is the weapon most often used in Americas mass shootings. It can fire 30 high-velocity bullets without reloading, and each bullet causes devastating physical damage.

ADAM Lanza used an AR-15 to kill 20 primary school children and six staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012, and a version of the AR was used by Omar Mateen to kill 49 people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in 2016. But such is the power of the NRA and its supporters, they remain easy to buy.

Getty Images

Democrats are pushing to make gun control a central issue in elections later this year. They see it as a political no-win for Republicans, so many of whom, including the President, have taken the NRAs money.

Last April, Trump became the first sitting President since Ronald Reagan to speak at the NRAs annual convention. He told a delirious crowd: As your President, I will never, ever infringe on the right of the people to keep and bear arms. Never, ever. Freedom is not a gift from government, freedom is a gift from God. He promised he would never, ever let you down.

He has been true to his word. His administration has discreetly backed two NRA-supported bills to allow Americans to carry concealed firearms from state to state, and to making it easier to buy silencers.

In their initial responses to the Stoneman Douglas murders, Trump and many other Republicans took the standard NRA line after such events, focusing on the mental health of the killer rather than his access to guns.

Cruz suffered from depression and had been undergoing treatment for his mental health. He also played violent video games compulsively, for up to 15 hours a day, and five months ago wrote on someone elses YouTube page: Im going to be a professional school shooter.

The focus on Cruzs mental state, however, angered Emma Gonzalez for one. In her speech she said: We know that they are claiming mental health issues, and I am not a psychologist, but we need to pay attention to the fact that this was not just a mental-health issue.

He would not have harmed that many students with a knife.

Critics on the Right have accused the Left of using the Stoneman Douglas students to sentimentalise the debate and inject unhelpful emotions, turning all the anger on the availability of guns in the United States.

CQ-Roll Call,Inc.

That position has looked increasingly fragile this week. The students mastery of both traditional and social media has exploded the usual gun debate. Their punchy tweets are a far reaching counter argument.

Carl Hiaasen, the novelist and columnist at the Miami Herald, wrote following the Stoneman Douglas murders: This is how we live today in America, where any demented soul can get his hands on an AR-15. It is not enough to lecture our kids about wearing seat belts, or not texting while they drive. Now we need to lecture them about what to do when bullets start flying.

US citizens destroy their guns in viral #Oneless campaign in wake of Florida school shooting

But this time the lectures are coming from the kids themselves.

After what they went through last week, the students at Stoneman Douglas are politically untouchable and feeling their power. While many are still too young to vote, to the rising concern of the politicians holding back reforms to Americas gun laws, they wont be for much longer.
A n Italian restaurant in the West End which may have served up puddings topped with mouse droppings has been hit with a 75,000 fine and 1,875 in court costs and fees.

Health inspectors found rodent faeces in dessert glasses and on top of a sugar shaker during a probe at the Marylebone branch of Made in Italy.

A customer had reported a smell of mouse urine at the restaurant to Westminster council last January.

Inspectors discovered droppings in the basement, under the pizza oven, and on knives and cleaning cloths.

The restaurant was shut down for a week and did a deep clean, but had an infestation of cockroaches when it was inspected again six months later, Westminster magistrates court heard. District Judge Michael Snow said it posed a significant risk to human health. "Im scandalised by this."

Mouse droppings were found on top of a sugar shaker. The contamination is going straight on the food, he said. The reputation of London is going to be dragged through the mud if this sort of thing is allowed to continue.

Brothers Giuseppe and Angelo Corsaro, of the family-run Made in Italy chain, appeared at court yesterday to plead guilty on behalf of the business to three health and safety breaches.

Prosecutor Champa Gurnani said the inspector visited on January 11 last year. The officer decided there was an imminent risk to public health and the premises must be closed.

The court heard cockroaches were then found in an inspection in July. There had been little to no improvement. In October 2017, mouse faeces were found, said Ms Gurnani.

Jeremy Woodgrave, in mitigation, said the Marylebone restaurant was the only one in the Made in Italy chain which has suffered hygiene problems.
P olice are investigating after a a Sikh man allegedly had his turban ripped from his head in a racist attack outside Parliament.

Ravneet Singh was waiting near Portcullis House on Wednesday afternoon when he was approached by a man who allegedly shouted "Muslim go back" before attempting to remove his head covering.

Mr Singh, 37, is a Sikh project manager for an environmental firm based in India. He was visiting Labour MP Tanmanjeet Dhesi as part of a three-week trip to the UK.

He told the Independent: "He was pulling at my turban strongly. It half moved and I grabbed it. Before he could do anything else I shouted at him and he ran.

He made a racist comment in another language that I didnt recognise. He was a white man, but he didnt sound English. He said something like Muslim go back.

Mr Dhesi told the Standard: "I experienced a similar attack when at school but thought at the time that maybe that was due to the perpetrator 'being a kid' and not realising the importance of the turban to Sikh identity.

"I was distressed when I had to deal with such racist behaviour but coped thanks to family and friends.

"Unfortunately many children and adults have experienced this all too often."

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police confirmed officers were called to the scene at Portcullis House, which houses offices for MPs and their staff, at around 5.20pm.
H eroic Londoners banded together to save a drowning woman after she fell into the River Thames on central Londons bustling South Bank.

Witnesses said the woman was being dragged out by the waters strong current when quick-thinking members of public threw rope to pull her back towards the bank.

She desperately tried to keep her head above the water before police and a lifeboat arrived to drag her onto dry land.

Australian Brad Hancock was passing by on Wednesday evening when he noticed a group of people gathered near the Oxo Tower.

He told the Standard: I was walking on my way to Waterloo as I do every night. And there was all this commotion in front of ITV studios.

At first I thought was a stunt but I fast realised a women was in the water. I dont know how she got in there.

People were trying to throw things in the water because the current was dragging her further out.

She was struggling to keep her head above the water so I ran along the promenade and found a red box with a rope and safety device.

I opened it and threw it in and she luckily caught it and I tried to calm her until the RNLI and police came.

She sank underwater a few times but I told her to wrap the rope around her body and I wouldnt let go.

Someone also found a life ring and threw it in but because she was completely clothed, she struggled to hold it.

The 36-year-old, who works as head of digital at a leading asset management firm, said the Met Police and Tower RNLI arrived within minutes.

He said: Once the water police arrived with the RNLI they managed to pull her out of the water.

Im just glad we all managed to think quickly and I found that rope. It saved her life.

Everyone did what they could to help the poor women until the real heroes arrived. I did what any person would have done to help save a life.

Mr Hancock, who has lived in London for 12 years, added: I was just doing my duty as a Londoner and as all the Londoners did to help someone in distress.

It restored my faith that people do care for each other. And Im happy I played a very small part in that.

He said the lifeboat then sped off on the water with the woman.

A spokesman for Tower RNLI said: We were called at 5.35pm to a person in the water near the Oxo Tower.

We recovered a female and took them to a place of safety before handing them into the care of London Ambulance Service.
T heresa May has hit back at Stormzy's fierce Brit Awards performance in which he attacked her over funding for survivors of the Grenfell tragedy.

The London grime artist paid tribute to those who lost their lives and homes in the fire with a free-style rap in the middle of his live performance asking the PM: "Where's the money for Grenfell?".

He was widely praised for his politically-charged set  with many commending him for using his platform as a global star to speak out.

But his remarks were dismissed by a Downing Street spokesman on Thursday who said the Prime Minister had committed almost 60 million to help those affected in the fire.

PM: A Number 10 spokesman said the PM was 'committed' to helping victims of the fire / Stefan Rousseau/PA

A Number 10 representative said the Prime Minister did not watch the awards on Wednesday night and had no plans to contact Stormzy over his comments.

But the spokesman assured reporters Mrs May was "absolutely committed" to supporting Grenfell victims and set up inquiry not just to look at what happened but why "people were ignored for so many years".

Tragedy: The Grenfell Tower fire / Jeremy Selwyn

Reporters said the spokesman also acknowledged that the initial response to the June tragedy was too slow.

Since the fire, 58.29 million has been committed to helping those displaced in the west London blaze and the community, according to the Government.

Stormzy, who won two of the top gongs of the night, closed the awards ceremony at London's O2 Arena with his emotional set that saw him direct the pointed question at the Prime Minister.

In a freestyle rap, he said: "Theresa May where's the money for Grenfell? What you thought we just forgot about Grenfell?

Stormzy called out Theresa May over Grenfell at the Brits / Getty Images

"You criminals, and you've got the cheek to call us savages, you should do some jail time, you should pay some damages, you should burn your house down and see if you can manage this."

London politicians praised the star, with Labour MP David Lammy tweeting: Respect @Stormzy1 speaking truth to power. BRITs2018."

Labour MP for Kensington Emma Dent Coad tweeted: "Thank you for speaking truth to power, @Stormzy1. In Kensington we will never forget. We will never stop fighting for Justice. No justice, no peace."

Last week, a series of billboards were paraded through central London to highlight the "lack of progress" made since the Grenfell Tower fire in June last year that killed 71 people.
A big fall in the number of EU citizens moving to Britain to either work or look for a job has led to a new drop in the overall inflow of Europeans, official figures revealed today.

The Office for National Statistics said that 122,000 Europeans came to the UK for employment during the 12-month period to the end of last September.

That was 58,000 down on the equivalent total a year earlier. Most of the decline was down to fewer EU citizens coming to search for a job, although there was also a fall in the number arriving to take up a definite post. At the same time the number of Europeans leaving this country has also risen with the latest total of 130,000 departures at a level not seen since 2008 during the financial crisis. But despite these changes, there were still 90,000 more arrivals during the year from the EU than departures. There was also a net inflow from the eight east European countries that joined the EU in 2004 and the older EU15 nations. Arrivals from Romania and Bulgaria also outstripped departures.

Statisticians also published their latest update on net migration into the UK. It showed an overall net inflow of 244,000 people during the 12 month period. This was down by 29,000 on the total a year earlier.
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by spore-forming bacteria. Flu-like symptoms and distinctive lesions usually appear with seven days. Infection can occur by breathing the bacteria, ingesting it or through contact with the skin. In 2001, powdered anthrax spores were mailed in five letters to media outlets in New York, a week after the September 11 terror attacks. Another two letters were sent to US senators three weeks later. Five people were killed in the anthrax attacks. Anthrax hoaxes have soared since then. On February 13, Donald Trump Jrs wife was taken to hospital as a precaution after opening a letter containing unidentified white powder. White powder was also sent to Barack Obamas office in DC on the same day. The substance is thought to have been baby powder.
H aiti has suspended Oxfam operations pending an investigation into sexual misconduct by employees of the aid group.

The country is investigating whether anyone from Oxfam sexually abused minors while working in the country, the countrys Minister of Planning and External Co-operation Aviol Fleurant said.

Mr Fleurant announced the two month suspension on Thursday.

Authorities consider it a "serious crime" for an adult to have sex with anyone under 18, he said.

He said the Haitian government is "shocked at the highest level" about reports of misconduct by employees of the organisation.

Oxfam Great Britain is one of four divisions of the international organisation working in Haiti.

Seven Oxfam workers were fired or resigned in 2011 after a whistleblower accused staff members of misconduct while working in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake that devastated the country.

The organisation has admitted that some of its employees used sex workers.

British government officials and the UK charity regulator have said that Oxfam did not tell them the allegations included sexual misconduct until the Times newspaper revealed details of the case earlier this month.

Since then, thousands of people have cancelled donations to the group in anger.

Oxfam International, the umbrella organisation, has apologised to the people of Haiti and said it has created a new plan to improve oversight of its employees.

Oxfam Great Britain contributes about 20 per cent of the budget to the organisation's overall work in Haiti and the group expects the suspension will have a "significant impact" on its efforts in the country, the group said in a statement following the announcement.
P aramedics have told of their anger after a fake patient dialled 999 and pretended he could not walk to get a lift to hospital to see his friend.

Shaun Gerrard, emergency medical technician at North West Ambulance Service said the man claimed he had "reduced sensation in his legs and that his mobility was poor."

He was rushed to hospital by paramedics but when he arrived he simply walked off and said he had faked his illness so he could get a lift to see his friend.

Mr Gerrard said in a series of tweets: "A patient rang for an ambulance last night as he had reduced sensation in his legs and mobility was poor.

"We took him to hospital for him to then get up and walk off on arrival.

"He admitted he faked the whole lot just to get a lift to hospital to see his friend!"

North West Ambulance Service shared the tweet, adding: "This is what we're dealing with day in, day out."

The man's action were met with outrage from other paramedics and first responders who called for the man to be prosecuted for wasting the time of the emergency services

First responder Terri Bentley said: "Should be made to pay for abusing the service."

And HCPC Paramedic Gary Page commented: "Used to be a common thing this but how that would not be an offence I have no idea. You can be charged for wasting police time so I don't get why they wouldn't be charged for this."

While another member of staff at North West Ambulance service replied: "Unbelievable! We had a patient many years ago who we found was booking ambulances to a hospital 20 miles away once a month (accompanied by her "medical escort") so they could have a day out together and get their hair done at the hospital hairdressers!"
A Royal Navy patrol ship escorted three Russian warships as they travelled through the English Channel.

It is the third time in two months that the Royal Navy has been scrambled to keep a watch on Russian vessels passing the UK.

Spy ship Feodor Golovin, landing ship Alexander Ostrakovskiy and tanker Yelnya have been supporting the country's operations in Syria and were believed to be returning to their base ports in the Baltic and Barents seas.

HMS Mersey and a Wildcat helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton were sent out travel with them as they passed through British waters on Thursday.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: "Portsmouth-based Mersey and her 34 crew broke off from a regular fishery protection patrol in home waters and sailed to meet the Russian trio as they approached the Channel, taking over from the French Navy which has monitored the task group's progress through the Bay of Biscay.

"The patrol ship has spent 72 hours tracking the Russians as the vessels made their way into the North Sea, handing over to the Dutch Navy once the three ships had passed through the Strait of Dover."

Lieutenant Alexandra Karavla, the patrol ship's executive officer, said: "Ships like HMS Mersey are the eyes and ears of the Royal Navy around the UK, we are at sea for 320 days a year, so Mersey provides the Navy with a ship ready to respond at short notice like this.

"Although her routine business is patrolling UK waters and helping to enforce fishery legislation, HMS Mersey was tasked to locate, meet and escort the ships through the English Channel.

"In this we have been well supported by a Royal Navy Wildcat from 815 Naval Air Squadron and by Nato colleagues. Operations like this would not be possible without such support and co-operation.

"This tasking proves why HMS Mersey is vital to UK Defence."

Able Seaman Ryan Flynn, a warfare specialists who has been tracking the Russian ships' progress, said: "Exciting operations like these are why I joined the Royal Navy.

"I love these ships because one day I will be conducting a fishery protection boarding and the next day I will be following Russian warships off the South Coast. It's the best job in the world."

At the beginning of the year, frigate HMS Westminster was dispatched to keep track on the activities of two Russian frigates and their support vessels returning to the Baltic after operations in the Middle East, while HMS St Albans monitored the new Russian warship Admiral Gorshkov at Christmas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has finally welcomed his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau five days after the latter arrived in India through a tweet. PM Modi took to Twitter saying that he is looking forward to meeting the Canadian PM on Friday. Trudeau arrived in India for his first state visit with his wife and three children.

"I look forward to meeting PM JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries," PM Modi said in a tweet.

In a following tweet, Modi wished that Trudeau and his family had enjoyed their stay so far and said he particularly looks forward to meet the three children of the Canadian PM. The tweet was accompanied by a picture of Modi with Trudeau and his daughter Ella-Grace, taken during his 2015 Canada visit.

"I hope PM JustinTrudeau and his family had a very enjoyable stay so far. I particularly look forward to meeting his children Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. Here is a picture from my 2015 Canada visit, when I'd met PM Trudeau and Ella-Grace".

The tweets come in the wake of speculations that Delhi is giving a cold shoulder to Trudeau during his visit. By now, the Canadian PM had visited Agra, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Amritsar, but not a word had been heard from Modi. He didn't even accompany Trudeau to Ahmedabad like he usually does with other state guests.

I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries. - Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2018

I hope PM @JustinTrudeau and his family had a very enjoyable stay so far. I particularly look forward to meeting his children Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. Here is a picture from my 2015 Canada visit, when I'd met PM Trudeau and Ella-Grace. pic.twitter.com/Ox0M8EL46x - Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2018

Matters have remained tense between Indian and Canada over the latter's alleged support to Khalistan separatists. During his Amritsar stay, Trudeau reportedly received a list of nine operatives in Canada from Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. According to a report by India Today, the persons in the list have been involved in hate crimes in Punjab by financing and supplying weapons for terrorist activities, and also engaged in trying to radicalise youth and children in the state.

An invite to Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal by the Canadian High Commissioner to India for a dinner party in Trudeau's honour stood to make things worse, before the invitation was cancelled. The incident was termed unfortunate by the Canadian leader, who has clarified in the past that Canada does not support Khalistani separatists.

"Canadian side has already clarified that the invitation has been withdrawn. About the visa, I don't know how it happened. We will ascertain from our Commission," the MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said.

Atwal was convicted for 20 years in prison for trying to kill the then Punjab Cabinet Minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986. Atwal even had confessed that he was the shooter. He was also a member of the now banned International Sikh Youth Federation.
T he group behind Japanese restaurants ROKA and Zuma signed up to the Standards Last Straw campaign today by committing to go plastic straw-free in weeks.

The Azumi Group, which owns Zuma in Knightsbridge and four ROKA restaurants in central London, is the latest major signing for our campaign to get all businesses in the capital to replace plastic straws with green alternatives.

Their other restaurant, Oblix in the Shard, is also set to go plastic straw-free by the end of next month.

The group has been slowly moving away from plastic straws across all its sites after figures showed it used three million a year.

Join The Evening Standard's campaign against plastic straws

The initiative was kickstarted by its Zuma Hong Kong location a year ago. Sven Koch, CEO of the Azumi Group, said: All of our restaurant locations will be plastic straw-free by March 2018. We are also making a conscious effort to reduce the amount of beverages we serve with biodegradable straws.

As an industry we need to do our bit to help reduce the amount of plastic waste and this campaign is a major first step that were thrilled to be a part of.

High street Japanese restaurant chain Itsu has also committed to being completely plastic straw-free by Spring 2018. The brand has begun phasing out plastic straws from all 73 stores across the UK, replacing them with a biodegradable paper version. It had been using 500,000 plastic straws a year.

Itsu founder Julian Metcalfe said: We are committed to phasing out plastic from our shops as quickly as we can. Many of our salads, sushi and wraps use compostable recycled, unprinted trays and we are introducing melamine bowls and metal cutlery to many shops.
B elgian police sealed off a street in southern Brussels amid reports of a gunman at large.

Armed officers were pictured on rooftop and hiding behind buildings in the Forest neighbourhood of the Belgian capital on Thursday.

Belgian media said an armed suspect may be hiding in a building in the suburb.

A police spokeswoman denied reports that a gunman was hiding in the area.

An armed officer pictured in Brussels / Reuters

She said that the special units of the federal police had been deployed after a Polish man reported that someone had been murdered in the morning.
D onald Trump has been condemned for holding a cue card reminding him to offer sympathy when he met survivors and families of the Florida school massacre.

The president took the card into a listening session at the White House, which was organised after 17 people were killed in a shooting at Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School in Parkland last Wednesday.

The officially marked card also included the phrases: What would you most want me to know about your experience?" and "What can we do to help you feel safe?"

A picture of the card in Mr Trumps hands drew widespread criticism online, with many accusing him of feigning empathy.

The president was joined by students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for the listening session / AP

Hillary Clintons political advisor, Adam Parkhomenko, wrote: "Trump brought Cliff notes to the gun violence listening session. Final note 'I hear you'".

Twitter user Cveronica wrote: "What kind of person needs notes to show empathy to children who were under heavy fire from a maniac? Kids who lost 17 people in the time it took the killer to aim his rapid fire AR15".

Another person added: "Trump needed a cheat sheet written by someone else to remind him to say I hear you to people affected by gun violence."

Among the group of 40 people were six students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas, including the student body president, along with their parents.

Also present were Darrell and Sandra Scott, whose daughter was killed in the Columbine, Colorado, shooting, and Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden, who lost children in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.

Donald Trump endorses armed teachers during White House session over school shootings

During the session, Mr Trump promised to be "very strong on background checks," also suggesting that teachers and other school employees could carry concealed weapons.

He was faced with grieving families looking for answers, with some suggesting raising age limits for buying assault weapons.

Florida school shooting: Rally - In pictures 1 /10 Florida school shooting: Rally - In pictures Arrival: the students were welcomed by fellow teens in the state capital Reuters The group plan to hold a demonstration on Wednesday Reuters A high school student places a candle representing one of the victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School outside the North Carolina State Capitol building during a demonstration calling for safer gun laws, in Raleigh, North Carolina Reuters Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School survivor Ryan Deitsch arrives with fellow students at Leon High School in Tallahassee AP Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are welcomed as they arrive at Leon High School, prior to their meetings the next day with Florida state legislators, following last week's mass shooting on their campus in Tallahassee, Florida Reuters Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School survivors arrive at Leon High School in Tallahassee AP Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School survivors Tanzil Philip (left) is comforted by fellow student Diego Pfeiffer as Philip speaks to Leon High School students after arriving in Tallahassee AP Proitest: Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School hold signs while waiting to board buses in Parkland, Florida EPA Trip: the grieving students travelled 400 miles to the Capitol in Florida EPA High school students observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, during a demonstration calling for safer gun laws outside the North Carolina State Capitol building in Raleigh Reuters

Parkland student Samuel Zeif said he has heard of 15-year-olds buying rifles. Cary Gruber, father of a Parkland student, implored Mr Trump: "It's not left and right," adding "if you can't buy a beer, shouldn't be able to buy a gun".

A strong supporter of gun rights, Mr Trump has nonetheless indicated in recent days that he is willing to consider new ideas including age restrictions for buying assault-type weapons.

The student body president at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Julia Cordover, tearfully told Mr Trump that she "was lucky enough to come home from school".

She added: "I am confident you will do the right thing."

On Wednesday, student survivors of the Florida school shooting marched in the state capital Tallahassee to call for tougher gun laws.

US citizens destroy their guns in viral #Oneless campaign in wake of Florida school shooting

The protests came closer to Mr Trump too, with hundreds of students from suburban Maryland attending a rally at the Capitol and then marching to the White House.

On Tuesday, Mr Trump directed the Justice Department to move to ban devices like the rapid-fire bump stocks used in last year's Las Vegas massacre. The White House has also said Mr Trump was looking at a bill that would strengthen federal gun background checks.
D onald Trump has lavished praise on the National Rifle Association, saying the controversial and powerful US gun rights lobby are "great American patriots" and "work so hard".

As the US president waded deeper into the gun control row in the wake of Florida mass shooting, he wrote of his support for the organisation amid a flurry of tweets.

He said: What many people dont understand, or dont want to understand, is that Wayne, Chris and the folks who work so hard at the NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots.

They love our Country and will do the right thing."

He concluded: "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

It came as NRA leader Wayne LaPierre used his address to the conservative conference CPAC on Thursday to lash out at anti-gun campaigners.

He said supporters of gun control were exploiting the mass school shooting, in which 17 students and staff were killed, to promote an anti-gun agenda.

Mr LaPierre hit out at Democrat politicians and the national media, claiming they were eager to blame the NRA for the tragedy.

He said: They hate the NRA, they hate the second amendment, they hate individual freedom.

NRA executive vice president and CEO Wayne LaPierre speaks on Thursday / EPA

The elites dont care not one wit about Americas school system and school children. If they truly cared, what they would do is they would protect them.

For them, its not a safety issue, its a political issue.

They care more about control, and more of it. Theyre goal is to eliminate the second amendment and our firearms freedoms so that they can eradicate all individual freedoms.

Mr LaPierre added in his address: They fantasise about more laws stopping what other laws have failed to stop", adding "so many existing laws were ignored.

US gun control laws: Outside the gun store where Florida shooter purchased weapon

He said: "They just want to get more laws to get more control over people. But the NRA, the NRA does care.

Mr LaPierre also bolstered a call by Mr Trump to arm teachers following the Parkland shooting, and offered free training.

"We must immediately harden our schools," he said. "Every day, young children are being dropped off at schools that are virtually wide open, soft targets for anyone bent on mass murder."

The massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland was the second-deadliest shooting at a US public school and has spurred youth-led protests in cities across the country.

Former US President Barack Obama took to Twitter on Thursday to praise those who are taking a stand.

He said: "Young people have helped lead all our great movements.
T housands of people including teenage survivors of the Florida mass shooting poured into state capital Tallahassee to demand lawmakers limit sales of assault rifles.

Some demonstrators wore t-shirts and carried signs reading "We call B.S.", one of the slogans of the movement started by students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where 17 students and educators were killed.

During last week's massacre, gunman Nikolas Cruz used an AR-15 semiautomatic assault rifle to carry out the second-deadliest shooting at a US public school.

The attack was the latest in a long series of deadly US school shootings and stirred the nation's long-running debate about gun rights and public safety, prompting officials including US President Donald Trump to consider new action.

"Nikolas Cruz was able to purchase an assault rifle before he was able to buy a beer," said Laurenzo Prado, a Stoneman junior, referring to a Florida law that allows people as young as 18 to buy assault weapons. "The laws of the country have failed."

Florida lawmakers in Tallahassee said they would consider raising the age limit to 21, the same standard for handguns and alcohol, though the state Senate on Wednesday opted not to take up a gun control measure.

Florida Senate President Joe Negron, a Republican, met with students and declined to answer their questions on whether he would support any specific gun control measures.

"That's an issue we're going to look at as we work to develop legislation," he said.

The legislative session wraps up on March 9.

Ashira Boxman hugs her father, Rabbi Bradd Boxman of Congregation Kol Tikvah, which lost three members in last Wednesday's mass shooting / AP

Meanwhile students scattered across the US walked out of classes in sympathy protests.

Hundreds of teens from the Washington suburbs gathered at the White House, where Mr Trump met with families of school shooting victims and survivors.

"I came out here because I don't feel safe in my school," said Allyson Zadravec, 15, of Northwood High School in Silver Spring, Maryland.

"I want to make sure that everyone who can do something about it hears that I dont feel safe in my school."

Similar walkouts were held or planned in Florida, Phoenix, Arizona; Pittsburgh and Chicago, according to witnesses and local news media accounts.

Mr Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos sat in a semicircle, listening to stories and pleas from about 40 students, teachers and families.

The group included Nicole Hockley, who lost a child in the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting in Connecticut, and family members of Parkland students.

The meeting came a day after Mr Trump said his administration would take steps to ban "bump stocks", an accessory that enables a rifle to shoot hundreds of rounds a minute.

Under pressure after Parkland, Mr Trump on Tuesday directed the Justice Department to quickly complete a proposed rule that would treat the devices as machine guns, which could effectively outlaw them in the United States.

Last October, bump stocks were used to kill 58 people at a Las Vegas outdoor concert, the deadliest attack by a single gunman in US history.

They have not played a prominent role in other recent US mass shootings.

Mr Trump's support for any tightening of gun laws would mark a change for the Republican, who was endorsed by the National Rifle Association gun lobby during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Florida high school shooting - February 2018 1 /20 Florida high school shooting - February 2018 Emergency personnel at the scene of a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School EPA Parents wait for news after a reports of a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School AP Students are evacuated by police from Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School AP The suspect is arrested and put in the back of a police car Reuters Students hold their hands in the air as they are evacuated by police AP People wait for loved ones Getty Images Law enforcement personel work the scene Getty Images AP The suspect is escorted into Broward Jail after being checked at hospital Reuters Students are reunited with parents and family EPA A law enforcement officer rushes toward Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School AP Fire Rescue personnel work the scene Getty Images Students released from lockdown AP People are brought out of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School after the shooting Getty Images Police and rescue workers attend the scene REUTERS A family reunites following a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School AP Florida Gov. Rick Scott (right) walks with Sheriff Scott Israel of Broward County to a news conference near Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School AP Students released from lockdown AP Students are released from lockdown AP Students are comforted by parents and family after a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High Schoo EPA

The NRA opposes an outright ban on bump stocks but has said it would be open to restrictions on the devices.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer urged Mr Trump to back legislation, instead of a regulation, on bump stocks.

"The only way to close this loophole permanently is legislation," Schumer said.

In Tallahassee, a group attempted to deliver a petition to Republican Governor Rick Scott's office but was turned away.

"What happened in Parkland is a tragedy but a preventable tragedy," said Florida State University student Elianna Cooper, 19, who joined the lobbying effort.

"There are things our elected officials can be doing, but they refuse to have a conversation."
T he father of a teenage girl killed in the Florida massacre angrily confronted Donald Trump over mass shootings in schools.

Andrew Pollack, whose 18-year-old daughter Meadow was among the 17 people killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week, was a guest at a White House event held in the wake of the tragedy.

How many schools, how many children have to get shot? asked Mr Pollack. It stops here with this administration and me. I'm not going to sleep until it is fixed. And Mr. President, we'll fix it. Because I'm going to fix it. I'm not going to rest.

Standing feet from the President, Mr Pollack shouted: Im pissed. It was my daughter I am not going to see again. She is not here. She is not here. She is in North Lauderdale at whatever it is, King David Cemetery, that is where I go to see my kid now.

My beautiful daughter, Im never going to see her again. Its simple. Lets fix it, he added.

Shooting victim: Meadow Pollack

Other parents attacked Mr Trump and Florida Senator Marco Rubio for their pathetically weak remarks about gun control.

Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter Jamie was among the victims of the Florida shooting, told former Republican presidential candidate Mr Rubio: Look at me and tell me guns were the factor in the hunting of our kids in school, and look at me and tell me you accept it and you will work with us to do something about guns.

He added: Your comments this week and those of our president have been pathetically weak.

Senator Rubio was booed at the meeting organised by CNN as he sought to play down the role US gun rights played in the bloodbath. He maintained the killings cannot be solved by gun laws alone while claiming he backed demands to raise the age Americans can buy rifles from 18 to 21 and improve background checks on buyers. He was also criticised for accepting more than $3.3 million (2.4 million) from the National Rifle Association during his political career.

Florida school shooting: Survivors take on politicians and NRA

He refuses to back calls for legislation that would ban assault-style weapons, including the AR-15, used in last Wednesdays massacre, insisting it would not stop school shootings.

Mr Guttenberg said: Senator Rubio, my daughter, running down the hallway at Marjory Douglas, was shot with an assault weapon, the weapon of choice. It is too easy to get. It is a weapon of war. The fact that you cant stand here and say that, Im sorry.

The attack came just hours after Mr Trump ignited a new firestorm by suggesting that school shootings may not have been so devastating if teachers and school staff were armed.

Donald Trump endorses armed teachers during White House session over school shootings

If you had a teacher who was adept with the firearm, they could end the attack very quickly, said the president, adding that schools could arm up to one fifth of their teachers to stop maniacs who may try to attack them.
M cDonald's has announced plans to bring back its popular Szechuan sauce after a limited run left punters desperate for more.

The fast food chain said it planned to bring back "much, much more" of the condiment to US restaurants after an earlier shortage led to the police being called to a number of restaurants.

McDonald's released a small supply of the sauce in April last year, after it featured in recurring gag in popular cartoon Ricky and Morty.

It was originally released as a promotional item in the US to celebrate the release of the 1998 animated film Mulan.

It is understood there are no current plans to bring the sauce to the UK.

A McDonald's spokesman said: "Our super-limited batch, though well-intentioned, clearly wasnt near enough to meet that demand. We disappointed fans and we are sorry.

"Weve worked every day since October to bring back much, much, more of the sauce our fans have been craving.

"And were excited to announce that starting Monday, February 26, 20 million packets of Szechuan Sauce will be available across all US McDonalds restaurants."

One woman reportedly traded her car for a single packet of Szechuan after last year's shortage.

Many more were left disappointed when they queued for hours to find each branch only had 20 packets. Police were called to Wellington in Florida after fans grew angry and began chanting, with widespread reports of rioting and anti-social behaviour elsewhere.

The producers of Rick and Morty were not involved with the promotion. Co-creator Dan Harmon wrote on Twitter: "Yes can I get a McBlatantly Unlicensed Integration Meal done not well, hold the permission, extra awkward".
T he 14-month-old baby of a rabbi has reportedly been burnt with white spirit in her pram in what is being treated as a malicious attack.

The child's buggy was left out in the hallway at her grandmother's house in Bron, near Lyon, France, on Sunday night, according to local reports.

When the pensioner placed the baby in the pram the next day, it took an hour and a half for her to realise the child had lacerations on her back, buttocks and thigh.

The stroller had been laced with the corrosive liquid overnight, according to reports.

The father of the baby, a 35-year-old rabbi, reported the incident to police in Bron and an investigation has been opened.

"We take this case very seriously," a police source said, according to French paper Le Parisien.

"But we still do not know if this case is an anti-Semitic act, a neighbourhood quarrel or gratuitous damage committed by thugs."

French president Emmanuel Macron called on the country in January to "rise up" against "disgusting attacks" on Jewish people.
A t least 13 schoolgirls are still missing after Boko Haram attacked a village in Nigeria and reportedly kidnapped around 100 students.

The militant group is believed to have attacked a boarding school in northeastern Dapchi on Monday  causing teachers and students to flee into the nearby bush.

At least 91 people were unaccounted for after a roll-call at their school on Tuesday morning and parents reported seeing the girls being taken away in trucks.

According to Reuters, the army found two of the girls dead although their cause of death is not yet clear.

Police and state officials, who often downplay reports of kidnappings, said that there was no evidence that the girls had been abducted.

Chibok: More than 200 girls were kidnapped in 2014 / AFP/Getty Images

But the government later said in a statement that the military had rescued some of the students from Boko Haram.

"Everybody is celebrating their coming with songs and praises to God almighty," said Babagana Umar, one of the parents whose daughter had disappeared. The only sad news is that two girls were dead and no explanation."

The Boko Haram militants arrived in Dapchi on Monday evening in trucks, some mounted with heavy guns and painted in military camouflage, witnesses told Reuters.

They went directly to the school, shooting sporadically, sending students and teachers fleeing, the witnesses said, adding that some people had returned to Dapchi after spending the night hiding in the bush.

Parents and witnesses who told Reuters of the missing students spoke on condition of anonymity because they said they had been warned by Nigerian security and government officials not to disclose the disappearance.

The country is still haunted by Boko Haram's abduction of more than 270 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok in 2014.

That case drew global attention to the nine-year insurgency, which has sparked what the United Nations has called one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
A university has been forced to apologise after collard greens, ribs, corn bread, and watermelon-flavoured water were put on the menu for a Black History Month meal.

Nia Harris, a student at New York University, slammed the "racially insensitive" menu in a social media post beginning: "This is what it's like to be a black student at New York University."

"You go to a dining hall during February and you see 'Black History Month Meal' plastered outside the entrance," she wrote.

"You walk inside the dining hall only to find ribs, collard greens, and mac and cheese.

"You note that this is stereotypical, but you decide not to make a big deal."

She added: "Then you see the beverages, Red Koolaid and watermelon water."

Ms Harris added that when she asked to speak to the head chef about the menu, he said the meal items had been suggested by black cooks.

She concluded: "It breaks my heart that at this allegedly 'diverse' and 'global' institution, black students are faced with issues like this one."

Stunned students offered their support, with one writing: "This is insane."

Another wrote: "It's not the only school that's done it, other schools are even putting out grape Kool-aid! Unbelievable."

NYU president Andrew Hamilton said in a statement the university was "shocked" to learn of the "inexcusably insensitive" menu offered by third party caterer Aramark.

"That error was compounded by the insensitivity of the replies made to a student who asked Aramark staff on site how the choices were made," he said.

"The drink and food choices for this meal were not discussed with NYU beforehand," he added.

Aramark has suspended the director for dining at the Weinstein hall where the incident took place.

Victoria Pasquale, regional vice president of Aramark, said in a statement: "We apologise for an inexcusable menu mistake that occurred at Downstein.

"We are extremely disappointed by the insensitive and offensive actions taken by one of our employees who did not follow policy and processes.

"The individual acted independently in a way that runs counter to our values and compromised our longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The anti-trust regulator, the Competition Commission of India, seems to have let Google off with just a rap on the knuckles. Google allegedly abused its dominant position in how websites were listed on its search engine. While the European Union's anti-trust regulator fined the online search giant $2.7 billion for a similar infraction, the CCI fined it a mere Rs 136 crore (5 per cent of Google's India turnover). Experts said they were expecting a fine of about 10 per cent since the CCI's investigation wing had prepared a searing indictment of Google.

The CCI has gone easy on the company, say critics, noting that unlike the EU anti-trust regulator, the CCI has only asked for disclaimers but not insisted that Google remove its specialised search boxes. Meanwhile, the battle is far from over, as both the parties - the complainant (matrimony.com) and the respondent - will appeal against the verdict.

By Dipak Mondal
D ua Lipa and Stormzy were the big winners at this years BRIT Awards, picking up two prizes each, while Ed Sheeran was honoured with the Global Success Award.

Rising British star Lipa won Best British Female Artist and Best British Breakthrough, bringing her two young siblings on stage with her as she praised a landmark year for female artists.

Thank you to everyone pulled this through for me, she said.

I also want to thank every single female who has been on this stage before me who has given every girl in the music and every girl in society something to aspire to and be inspired by. Here's to more women on these stages, more women taking home awards and women taking over the world.

Winner: Stormzy picks up the Album of the Year / REX

Stormzy, who closed Wednesday nights ceremony, beat friend Ed Sheeran to win to the Best British Male Artist and the coveted Album of the year.

Firstly all the glory to God, this is all you I know lot every time I have the glory to God seems a strange thing but this is all him, he told the audience.

Brit Awards 2018: red carpet fashion 1 /41 Brit Awards 2018: red carpet fashion Brit Awards 2018 PA Brit Awards 2018 Dua Lipa PA Brit Awards 2018 Hailey Baldwin Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Emma WIllis Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Ella Eyre Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Abbey Clancy Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Arielle Free Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Anna Friel and Gracie Friel Dave Benett/Getty Images Brit Awards 2018 Alesha Dixon Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Adwoa Aboah Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Abbey Clancy Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Dave Benett/Getty Images Brit Awards 2018 Rita Ora Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Nadine Coyle Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Mollie King Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Millie Bobby Brown Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jesy Nelson and Perrie Edwards of Little Mix Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Kylie Minogue Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Jennifer Hudson Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Helen McCrory and Damian Lewis Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Este Haim, Danielle Haim and Alana Haim of HAIM Dave Benett/Getty Images Brit Awards 2018 Rita Ora PA Brit Awards 2018 Mabel McVey Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Camila Cabello PA Brit Awards 2018 Emma Bunton PA Brit Awards 2018 Pixie Lott PA Brit Awards 2018 Ellie Goulding Invision/AP Brit Awards 2018 Jessie Ware PA Brit Awards 2018 Clara Paget PA Brit Awards 2018 Raye PA Brit Awards 2018 Holly Willoughby PA Brit Awards 2018 Jess Glynne PA Brit Awards 2018 Jorja Smith PA Brit Awards 2018 Grace Chatto PA Brit Awards 2018 Caroline Flack PA Brit Awards 2018 Singer Anne-Marie Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP Brit Awards 2018 Paloma Faith PA Brit Awards 2018 Maya Jama PA Brit Awards 2018 Jo Whiley PA Brit Awards 2018 Stefflon Don PA Brit Awards 2018 Myleene Klass PA

Also, Gang Signs and Prayer was the hardest thing. Ive never given my entire being, my entire emotion. I didnt have anything left after we made something undeniable. I love you guys.

Liam Gallagher stepped in for Ariana Grande to perform a moving tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena terror attacks, performing hit Live Forever.

Grande has been due to make a surprise appearance at the ceremony but had to pull out after reportedly falling ill.

Brit Awards 2018: Artists show white rose support for #MeToo and #TimesUp

Gorillaz awkwardly had their acceptance speech for Best Group cut short as three members made speeches on stage.

Damon Albarn told the crowd: I've got one thing to say and it's about this country. This country is believe it or not a small little thing, it's a lovely place and it's part of a beautiful world but don't let it become isolated. Considering our size we do incredible things. Dont let politics get in the way of all that s***."

Despite missing out on Best British Male, Sheeran won the prize for Global Success, presented to him by Ronnie Wood.

Sir Elton John paid tribute to his friend via video ink, but managed to mispronounce his name in the VT.

Liam Payne and Cheryl arrived on the red apart together, despite reports that they had split, and even gave a brief live interview with list Jack Whitehall.

The bizarre exchange saw Whitehall ask what Paynes safe word was for Cheryl to reply: Dont stop.

Other winners on the night included Foo Fighters for Best International Group, Kendrick Lamar for Best International Male and Rag n Bone Man for Best Single.
L iam Gallagher paid a moving tribute to those killed in the Manchester Arena bombing at the Brit Awards after Ariana Grande was forced to pull out.

The American pop star was due to honour the 22 people that died at her concert in May last year, but was too ill to travel to the UK.

Instead the former Oasis frontman stepped in to perform a moving orchestral rendition of the bands track Live Forever.

Gallagher, who was introduced by Gary Barlow, said the victims "will always live on forever in our hearts, in our minds and in our memories".

Liam Gallagher agreed to perform after Ariana Grande pulled out due to illness / Getty Images

Fans were quick to praise Gallaghers emotional tribute to the Manchester victims online, saying he had saved the day.

Before the performance, Take That star Barlow said: "May 22 2017 will always be remembered for the saddest of reasons. That night 14,000 people were having a wonderful time watching Ariana Grande at the Manchester Arena.

"These innocent, beautiful music-loving people were blissfully unaware that in just a few moments their lives would change forever.

Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims 1 /16 Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims Nell Jones, 14, who died in the Manchester attack PA Jane Tweddle, 50 of Blackpool, was also killed 'Inseperable couple' Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19 Scottish teenager Eilidh MacLeod, 14, was confirmed to have been killed in the blast PA Michelle Kiss died in the blast. Her family have said they are "absolutely devastated" PA Saffie-Rose Roussos eight, from Lancashire, had been at the concert with her mother and sister when she was killed in the blast Wendy Fawell died in the attack Collect Olivia Campbell, 15, is also confirmed among the dead after a desperate search to find her Ariana Grande superfan Georgina Callander, 18, was one of the first victims to be named Lisa Lees and Alison Howe were killed while waiting in the foyer to collect their children Facebook Kelly Brewster died shielding her niece from the blast John Atkinson, 26, was also killed in the suicide blast Polish couple Angelika and Marcin Klis are confirmed among the dead in the Manchester attack Credit: Family photograph Victim: Martyn Hett has been confirmed as one of those killed in the attack Confirmed dead: 14-year-old Sorrell Leczowski Facebook Victim: Elaine McIver, an off-duty police officer Greater Manchester Police

"A horrific terrorist attack took place, stealing the lives, dreams and futures of 22 people while injuring and maiming hundreds of others.

"Lives changed irreparably forever. A few weeks later Ariana returned to the city to host the One Love Manchester concert, helping the families of the victims and survivors of the tragedy.

"It was an event that epitomised the human spirit, an event that showed hate will never win, and fear will never divide us.

"In a tribute to the people we so sadly lost that day but who will always live on forever in our hearts, in our minds and in our memories, please welcome on stage, Liam Gallagher."

On Wednesday afternoon, the chief executive of the Brit Awards confirmed that Grande was unable to travel to the UK.

Geoff Taylor told BBC Radio 5 Live: "We think it's really important to recognise that terrible atrocity and the impact on so many lives so I can confirm we did have Ariana Grande lined up to make a performance tonight.

"Unfortunately she was not able to travel on doctor's orders, she's not well, and I can say that there will be something tonight."
C illian Murphy could soon be taking on one of the most coveted roles in cinema to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond.

The Irish actor, 41, has had his odds slashed from 33/1 to 12/1 to play the iconic 007 agent after it was reported Danny Boyle is in talks to direct Craigs final outing as the British spy.

Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: Boyle and Murphy have collaborated in the past, and the betting suggests punters are putting two and two together for the next 007 film.

Fans of Peaky Blinders would love to see Tommy Shelby become James Bond.

Popular: Cillian Murphy as Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinder / BBC/Caryn Mandabach/Robert Viglasky

Boyle and Murphy previously collaborated on 28 Days Later and Sunshine.

Variety reported earlier this week that Boyle has long been a favourite of MGM and Eon to helm Bond 25. The franchise has a history of directors working on multiple titles including Sam Mendes, Terence Young and Guy Hamilton.

Tom Hardy, who starred alongside Murphy in hit BBC show Peaky Blinders, recently had his odds slashed to take over from James Norton in the race to play the famous spy.

Pierce Brosnan: Daniel Craig's 007 can be the rock of agents

Hardy and Norton are the current joint 3/1 favourites. Fellow actor Jack Huston is the third favourite with odds of 6/1.

Norton previously shut down talk of taking on Bond, telling fans to keep you money in your pockets after he became the odds on favourite to replace Craig in the wake of his role in BBC spy drama, McMafia.

Daniel Craig - In pictures 1 /52 Daniel Craig - In pictures Dave Benett Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz Getty Images An early publicity shot ahead of Casino Royale's release Footage featured during the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games starring Daniel Craig playing James Bond escorting The Queen through the corridors of Buckingham Palace Daniel Craig emerges from the waves in Casino Royale in 2006 Daniel Craig kisses his actress wife Rachel Weisz while they attend The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund's Royal Film Performance 2015 of the 24th James Bond Adventure, "Spectre" at Royal Albert Hall Getty Images In the opening pre-title chase scene of Casino Royale In the opening pre-title chase scene of Casino Royale Seducing Solange (Caterina Murino) in Casino Royale Battling Le Chiffre across the card table at Casino Royale Making his move against the villain Le Chiffre in Casino Royale With Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) in Venice near the end of Casino Royale On the hunt for the organisation responsible for Vesper's death in 2008's Quantum of Solace Seeking solace from his own Vesper cocktail in one of Bond's most vulnerable scenes of the series With Agent Fields (Gemma Arterton) arriving with Camille at an airfield in Bolivia Bond with Camille (Olga Kurylenko) Bond with Camille (Olga Kurylenko) Fighting Dominic Greene in Quantum's final battle (Mathieu Amalric) Bond in shadow as he stalks his prey in the opening of Skyfall in 2012 With the mysterious with Severine (Berenice Marlohe) Ready to pull the trigger with Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) watching in the background MGM Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON Productions On the move in a motocycle chase scene Fighting Patrice (Ola Rapace) on top of a moving train Face to face with Skyfall's villain Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) Skyfall saw a new and younger Q (Ben Whishaw) Classic Bond stance with the DB5 Bond went to his family home, Skyfall, in his bid to save M (Judi Dench) from Silva 'Enjoying death' - Bond starts 2015's Spectre in a mask at the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico Being fitted with a tracker by Q Dressed in black, Bond is the Spectre at the funeral of Marco Sciarra Monica Bellucci is Sciarra's widow Lucia Seducing Lucia moments after saving ehr by dispatching a Spectre hit-squad Bond meets an old friend, Mr White as he pieces together Spectre's plot Cutting a dashing figure in the Alps In one of Spectre's set-piece action scenes, Bond chases the villains down a mountain in a plane, crashing it into their vehicle. As you would With Madeleine Swan (Lea Seydoux) The End? Bond at the climatic end of Spectre before he drives off with Madeleine Daniel Craig speaks onstage during The New Yorker Festival 2016 Getty Images Daniel Craig takes a selfie with fans as he attends the German premiere of the new James Bond movie 'Spectre' Getty Images Lea Seydoux, Daniel Craig and Monica Bellucci attend the Royal Film Performance of 'Spectre' at Royal Albert Hall Getty Images Naomie Harris (L) and British actor Daniel Craig (R) pose during an event to launch the 24th James Bond film 'Spectre' at Pinewood Studios at Iver Heath AFP/Getty Images Daniel Craig and his wife Rachel Weisz attend "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" premiere in Madrid Getty Images Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz take a romantic walk hand-in-hand to lunch in 2012 at a Japanese restaurant in NYC Splash News Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig in 'Dream House (2011) Daniel Craig takes a bow during opening night curtain call for the broadway production of "A Steady Rain" at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on 29 September 2009 in New York Getty Images Daniel Craig in Defiance (2009) Daniel Craig with Sienna Miller in 'Layer Cake' (2004) Daniel Craig in 'Layer Cake' (2004) Daniel Craig in 'Layer Cake' with Colm Meaney (2004) Daniel Craig during the photocall of his film 'Road to Perdition' at the 59th International Venice Film Festival in 2002 PA

Speaking to Radio Times in December he said: Its really humbling and flattering, but to have my name [talked up for Bond] next to the likes of Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender is just mad.

If youre thinking of putting a bet on me, keep your money in your pocket.

The latest odds come weeks after Craig confirmed his return to the role after months of speculation. The actor has enjoyed four outings as the British spy in Skyfall, Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Spectre.

Announcing the news on US chat show The Late Show, he told host Stephen Colbert: I just want to go out on a high note, and I can't wait.
C heryl and Liam Payne shocked viewers with a racy joke about their love life as they put on a united front at the Brit Awards.

The couple arrived beaming at the awards ceremony at Londons O2 Arena earlier in the evening, fending off rumours of a possible split.

During the live show, presenter Jack Whitehall sat down with them to speak about the One Direction singer's performance of his Fifty Shades Freed song For You with Rita Ora.

Whitehall said: "You're performing later, you're doing a performance from the Fifty Shades movie, it sounds pretty saucy - is there a safe word?"

Payne pointed at Cheryl and joked: "She knows that."

Cheryl then leaned into the microphone and said that the safe word is "don't stop".

Cheryl and Payne laughed as a stunned Whitehall said: "Wow, OK... It's time for a break!"

Presenter Jack Whitehall left awkwardly after the admission / Getty Images

On the red carpet before the show, the couple held hands and gazed into each other's eyes as they posed for pictures.

In recent days, they have been at the centre of rumours that they are on the verge of splitting up.

On Tuesday, 34-year-old Cheryl had briefly responded to the speculation, declaring that "none of that matters" as she opened a Prince's Trust centre in Newcastle.

On the red carpet, Cheryl sported a one-sleeved black mini dress with a ruffled detail across the chest and down the arm.

She held up a white rose in support of the anti-sexual harassment campaign Time's Up that has made its way to the Brits after being a fixture at film award ceremonies the Baftas and the Golden Globes.

Payne, who missed out on the two awards he was nominated for - British single and British artist video of the year - opted for a pale grey suit jacket and black trousers.

2018 Brits red carpet: On the London music scene

Cheryl and Payne welcomed their son Bear in March last year after being an item since 2016.
L abour leader Jeremy Corbyn has praised Stormzy after he slammed Theresa May on stage at the Brit Awards in a ferocious rap verse, asking: Wheres the money for Grenfell?

The grime star called out the Prime Minister in the middle of his performance during the glitzy ceremony at Londons O2 arena  in which he picked up two awards.

Yo Theresa May, wheres the money for Grenfell?" he rapped, as water showered down onto him.

"What, you thought we just forgot about Grenfell? You criminals, and youve got the cheek to call us savages, you should do some jail time, you should pay some damages, you should burn your house down and see if you can manage this."

Brit Awards 2018: Highlights from the show

The Grenfell Tower fire claimed 71 lives last June after flames engulfed the 24-storey tower block in Kensington.

Mr Corbyn tweeted his praise for the "powerful performance", writing: "Congratulations @Stormzy1 for winning your first #BRIT award, and what a powerful performance. #Grenfell."

Viewers were also hugely impressed by Stormzy's unexpected rap, with some praising the south London artist for producing "the greatest moment of the awards' history".

"Seriously this is exactly what you want young people looking up to. Someone who comes from where they come from and wont allow himself be stereotyped ," said one fan on Twitter.

Another added: "Big up to #Stormzy for staying true to his roots. Some normally shy away from controversies on the biggest stage."

Labour MP David Lammy also praised the rapper, writing:: "Respect @Stormzy1 speaking truth to power."

Emma Dent Coad, Labour MP for Kensington, added: "Thank you for speaking truth to power."

The rapper earlier broke down after triumphing in the best album category and fending off competition from Liam Gallagher and Ed Sheeran to win the British male solo artist award.

Accepting his second prize, the rapper told the audience: "Firstly, I always give all the glory to God, God this is all you, this is all you God.

"I know that a lot of people, when I give the glory to God, it seems such a strange thing, but if you know God, you know it's all him."

He thanked his family and his team, and added: "Gang Signs And Prayer, this was the hardest thing, I've never worked on something like this in my life, I've never given my entire being, I didn't have anything left after... we made something I feel that is undeniable, that I can stand by today."

The ceremony featured a tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing in the form of an appearance by Liam Gallagher who was called upon after Ariana Grande was forced to pull out due to illness.

The American pop star was due to take to the stage to remember the victims of the attack that took place at her concert in May last year, but was not well enough to travel to the UK.

Dua Lipa, who also won the British breakthrough artist accolade, was one of the stars who carried a white rose in support of victims of sexual harassment and assault.

The star paid tribute to women who had been on the Brit Awards stage before her as she collected the prize for British female solo artist.

She thanked "every single female that has been on this stage before me, that has given girls like me - not just girls in the music industry - but girls in society, a place to be inspired by, to look up and have allowed us to dream this big."

Brit Awards 2018: red carpet fashion 1 /41 Brit Awards 2018: red carpet fashion Brit Awards 2018 PA Brit Awards 2018 Dua Lipa PA Brit Awards 2018 Hailey Baldwin Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Emma WIllis Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Ella Eyre Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Abbey Clancy Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Arielle Free Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Anna Friel and Gracie Friel Dave Benett/Getty Images Brit Awards 2018 Alesha Dixon Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Adwoa Aboah Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Abbey Clancy Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Dave Benett/Getty Images Brit Awards 2018 Rita Ora Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Nadine Coyle Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Mollie King Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Millie Bobby Brown Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jesy Nelson and Perrie Edwards of Little Mix Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Kylie Minogue Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Jennifer Hudson Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Helen McCrory and Damian Lewis Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Este Haim, Danielle Haim and Alana Haim of HAIM Dave Benett/Getty Images Brit Awards 2018 Rita Ora PA Brit Awards 2018 Mabel McVey Dave Benett Brit Awards 2018 Camila Cabello PA Brit Awards 2018 Emma Bunton PA Brit Awards 2018 Pixie Lott PA Brit Awards 2018 Ellie Goulding Invision/AP Brit Awards 2018 Jessie Ware PA Brit Awards 2018 Clara Paget PA Brit Awards 2018 Raye PA Brit Awards 2018 Holly Willoughby PA Brit Awards 2018 Jess Glynne PA Brit Awards 2018 Jorja Smith PA Brit Awards 2018 Grace Chatto PA Brit Awards 2018 Caroline Flack PA Brit Awards 2018 Singer Anne-Marie Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP Brit Awards 2018 Paloma Faith PA Brit Awards 2018 Maya Jama PA Brit Awards 2018 Jo Whiley PA Brit Awards 2018 Stefflon Don PA Brit Awards 2018 Myleene Klass PA

She added: "Here's to more women on these stages, more women winning awards and more women taking over the world."

Stormzy appeared overwhelmed as he accepted his first ever Brit - British male solo artist - fending off competition from Sheeran and Gallagher.

He said: "I don't even know how I have managed to achieve this, this is the grace of God!"

Accepting his prize for British album of the year for Gang Signs And Prayer, the rapper told the audience: "Firstly, I always give all the glory to God, God this is all you, this is all you God."

Despite losing out on two awards to Stormzy, Sheeran won the Global Success award.

Other winners included British single for Rag'n'Bone Man for his track Human, Kendrick Lamar won international male solo artist, and Foo Fighters won best international group.

Lorde was named international female solo artist, and Damon Albarn-fronted group Gorillaz won the British group award.

Harry Styles won the British artist video of the year award for Sign Of The Times, fending off competition from fellow One Direction star Liam Payne and ex-member Zayn.

Stars performing on the night included Justin Timberlake, Rita Ora, Foo Fighters and Sam Smith.
E d Sheeran has denied that he has secretly wed Cherry Seaborn after he was spotted wearing what appeared to be a wedding band.

The Shape Of You singer, who proposed to Seaborn last year, was spotted with a silver band on his ring finger as he attended Wednesday nights BRIT Awards, days after he sported the same ring at a gig.

Seaborn, who accompanied Sheeran to the event, was also wearing a silver ring that was clearly visible as she embraced him following his Global Success win.

Supermarket Flowers: Ed Sheeran performed during the ceremony / Dave Benett

But Sheeran told Good Morning Britain that he is still just engaged, saying: Im not married. Im wearing an engagement ring as well.

I feel like, you know, you both should, he added.

Later, Sheeran told ITV's Lorraine that his ring was made by Seaborn, out of silver clay.

Sources close to the 27-year-old previously told The Sun: Ed is wearing a ring to show his commitment to being engaged to Cherry but hes not married yet.

Brit Awards 2018 Show - In pictures 1 /21 Brit Awards 2018 Show - In pictures Dua Lipa performs on stage during the 2018 Brit Awards show, held at the O2 Arena, London Victoria Jones/PA Cheryl and Liam Payne and put on the spot in an on-air impromptu interview with host Jack Whitehall ITV Stormzy performs at The Brit Awards 2018 held at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Kendrick Lamar performs at The Brit Awards 2018 held at The O2 Arena Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake perform on stage during the 2018 Brit Awards show Victoria Jones/PA Liam Payne and Rita Ora perform on stage during the 2018 BRIT Awards show, held at the O2 Arena, London Victoria Jones/PA Dua Lipa accepts the award for British Breakthrough in front of her siblings at The Brit Awards 2018 held at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Foo Fighters perform at The Brit Awards 2018 held at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Elton John presents Ed Sheeran with the award for Best International Act during the 2018 Brit Awards show, held at the O2 Arena, London Victoria Jones/PA Host Jack Whitehall during the 2018 Brit Awards show, held at the O2 Arena, London Victoria Jones/PA Rita Ora Performs during the 2018 Brit Awards show, held at the O2 Arena, London Victoria Jones/PA Dua Lipa performs on stage during the 2018 Brit Awards show, held at the O2 Arena, London Victoria Jones/PA Spectators wear Kim Jong-un masks as they impersonate the North Korean cheerleaders at the Winter Olympic Games at the Brit Awards Hannah McKay/Reuters Liam Gallagher performs at The Brit Awards 2018 held at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Ed Sheeran performs at The Brit Awards 2018 held at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Haim photobombs an on-air interview between Jack Whitehall . Liam Payne and Cheryl ITV Damon Albarn and Gorillaz accept the Best British Group award at The Brit Awards 2018 held at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Sam Smith performs at The Brit Awards 2018 held at The O2 Arena Dave Benett Justin Timberlake performs on stage during the 2018 Brit Awards show, held at the O2 Arena, Londo Victoria Jones/PA Holly Willoughby adjust Phillip Schofield's hair during the Brit Awards 2018 whilst Jack Whitehall delivers a cheeky joke ITV Rag 'n' Bone Man and Jorja Smith perform on stage during the 2018 Brit Awards show, held at the O2 Arena, London Victoria Jones/PA

Hes amused by the fuss its caused however has no intentions of taking it off, so itll be on his hand during his BRITs performance.

The superstar took to the stage during the ceremony to perform ballad Supermarket Flowers.

Stormzy and Dua Lipa were the most successful acts on the night, both with two gongs each.

The rapper took home British Album of the Year and Male Solo Artist while 22-year-old Lipa scooped up British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist.
Can you hear the drumbeat of war? It is getting louder. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on the final day of the Munich Security Conference that Israel might go a step beyond striking the proxy powers and instead take direct action against Iran. He was especially concerned about the possibility of a land bridge stretching from Iran to the Mediterranean Sea. According to the PM, Iran represents an existential threat and its permanent military presence in Syria is unacceptable to Israel.

The Feb. 10 incursion of what Israel called an Iranian drone from Syria into Israeli airspace has spiraled into a major fight, resulting in the downing of an Israeli jet and a broad wave of strikes against military targets in Syria alleged to be linked to Iran. This was the first time Israel has used force directly against Iran.

If Iran itself is attacked, its sites related to its nuclear program will top the list of the prime targets for Israels F-35, F-15, F-16, and Kfir fighters, drones, and intermediate-range Jericho missiles. There are different routes they could take, but all of them would require flying through the airspaces of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, or Turkey. None of these Muslim countries will openly allow Israel to use their airspace, but anti-Iran sentiments are strong in the Sunni-dominated Arab states. Some of them might be willing to look the other way. A clandestine agreement to tacitly allow Israeli aircraft to cross their air space is entirely possible. Anger could be vented publicly once the mission has been completed.

Iraq is not focused on monitoring its airspace  it has many other problems to deal with and Israel could take advantage of that. The route through Iraq looks like it might be the best option.

The distance that would need to be covered would be between 1,500 km (930 miles) and 1,800 km (1,120 miles). The aircraft will also have to make a return trip, so in-flight refueling will be a necessity. Israel is only believed to own between eight and ten large tanker aircraft (such as Boeing 707s). That will hardly be enough. The Israeli military is not particularly adept at aerial refuelling. If the aircraft have to fly undetected, the F-35s will have to forgo their externally mounted weapons in order to preserve their stealth capabilities. Then their payload will be reduced to only two JDAM-guided bombs in the internal bay. Pretty underwhelming.

Then Irans radars will have to be spoofed, and its air defenses, especially the Russian-made S-300, will have to be knocked out. It wont be easy.

Israel has a few dozen laser-guided bunker buster bombs (the GBU-28). The Jericho III is an Israeli three-stage solid propellant missile with a payload of more than a ton and capable of carrying multiple low-yield independently targeted reentry warheads. All the targets in Iran fall within its range of up to 6,500 km (4,038 miles). These missile strikes are capable of destroying every command and control site, as well as all major nuclear facilities.

The Heron-2 and Eitan drones can hover in the air for more than 20 consecutive hours to provide guidance and intelligence and to jam Iranian communications and confuse its radar.

Israel would wage electronic warfare against Irans military and civilian infrastructure, such as its electric grids and Internet, creating interference with Irans emergency frequencies.

After the war has begun, Israel will come under rocket and missile attack from Irans proxies: Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hezbollah has up to 150,000 rockets that can reach anywhere in Israel. It is true however, that Israel possesses a sophisticated, multilayer, air-defense shield. A first-class intelligence and early-warning system will mitigate the fallout, but substantial damage will be unavoidable.

Israeli troops will have to deploy in the Strip and move across the Lebanese border. But the Shia group will have to fight on two fronts: in Syria to prop up the Assad government, and in Lebanon against Israel. Syria is likely to find itself involved in combat operations. Israel will go to any length to keep Iran and Hezbollah away from its border.

Iran may try to block the Strait of Hormuz. But even if it does not, global oil prices would go up. Iran or its proxies might attack US forces in the Middle East, primarily in Syria and Iraq. Should that happen, Iraq would likely become a battleground between US forces and Iranian proxies, with American reinforcements rushing in. Iran could punish the Americans for their support of Israel in Afghanistan.

A conflict between Israel and pro-Iranian forces would douse the light at the end of the tunnel so recently kindled as a result of the diplomatic initiatives in Syria by Russia, Turkey, and Iran. Once the shooting starts, all that work will go down the drain. This scenario could be prevented. As we have seen in some other situations, Russia is the only actor capable of effectively mediating. The US has become openly hostile toward Tehran and may have a hidden agenda in which peace is not the goal. There may be forces interested in sparking any conflict that would exacerbate the situation in Syria and bring a large-scale war against Iran even closer.
The atmosphere in the United States regarding possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election is something like hysteria, with a real danger that bilateral relations might break down completely as a result. Indeed, a number of politicians and senior government officials have described the allegations that Moscow sought to influence the election results as an act of war with Congressman Jerold Nadler even declaring that it was similar to Pearl Harbor.

Assuming that the indictment against 13 Russians and 3 Russian companies filed last week by Special Counsel Robert Mueller is accurate, the reported activity of the Internet Research Agency could indeed have been part of an intelligence operation seeking to influence developments in the US, but the organizations employees also displayed considerable amateur behavior, suggesting that they were not professional spies, supporting the stronger argument that it was not a Russian government-run operation at all.

And the United States is hardly innocent when it comes to interfering in the domestic politics of both friends and enemies. That is very often what intelligence agencies are designed to do, and no one is more active in interfering in foreign governments and elections than the United States of America. The Russian election featuring Boris Yeltsin in 1996 was arranged by Washington working with the International Monetary Fund, and more recently there was the $5 billion invested in bringing democracy to Ukraine in 2014. The US was also involved in many of the elections in post-war Europe, most particularly in countries whose own democratic systems were still evolving. The CIA worked to keep communists out of the government in Italys 1976 national election. Conservative parties received sacks of money and articles warning about communism appeared in all the major newspapers. The major covert action proceeded even though Italy was a NATO member and the corruption that the intervention brought with it has blighted Italian politics to this day.

And then, there are Americas friends who in similar fashion interfere in US politics to support their own national agendas. Most active recently have been Israel and Saudi Arabia, both of which have an identical foreign policy goal, which is to end what they describe as the Iranian threat in their region. As neither has the resources to go it alone, both seek to involve the United States in what would likely be a catastrophic war for all involved, leaving Riyadh and Tel Aviv standing on the sidelines to pick up the pieces.

The Saudi lobby in the United States operates largely below the surface, working on individual congressmen and through the funding of think tanks. Israels manipulation of the US is, however, much more in the open. One can argue that what we are now calling Russiagate all started when Trump National Security Adviser designate Michael Flynn called Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, on December 22, 2016. The call was made at the direction of Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, who, in turn, had been approached by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to change a U.N. vote critical of Israel.

Kushner asked Flynn, the soon-to-be National Security Adviser, to help Israel by undermining what was being done by the still-in-power American government in Washington headed by President Barack Obama. In legal terms this most certainly could be construed as covered by the conspiracy against the United States statute that the Mueller investigation has exploited in the recent Russian indictments.

Muellers indictment specifically claimed that the Russians created false US personas while also stealing actual identities. But the Russians are being accused of involvement in activity that Israel engages in openly. It has interfered in US elections, to include promoting Mitt Romney over Barack Obama in 2012, and has a powerful and well-funded lobby in AIPAC that intervenes aggressively in American foreign and domestic policy. And the Israeli governments propaganda arm uses its hasbara to use false internet identities to confuse and deflect critical stories. They do so routinely and do not even try to hide what they are doing. Part of their agenda is to smear critics and elect politicians favorable to them.

So, when will Mueller and the several congressional committees that are investigating the Russians move on to the topic of Israel and Saudi Arabia to find out what really effective foreign influencing operations looks like? Given the power of Israel and the Saudis over Congress, probably never.
Since becoming independent in 1991 Ukraine has become one of the ten largest exporters of major conventional weapons. Rationale for this was that after 1991 the Ukrainian government cut defense spending, leaving few opportunities for domestic procurement. The newly independent Ukraine had inherited a surplus of military equipment that it didnt have the ability to maintain. Since independence defense exports became one of the few ways the country can pay for its military suffered from much smaller defense budgets in the 1990s.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union Ukraine acquired an extensive collection of mostly modern combat vehicles. The T-54/55/62 main battle tanks, the conceptual heirs to the World War II T-34 tank were mainly in training units that tended to be further east, away from Ukraine which was considered a front line area of the Soviet Union. As such what Ukraine did have a lot of were more modern tanks like the T-80, T-72, and T-64.

Ukraine found there is a market for updated versions older tanks and other armored vehicles. This included production of a new, modernized version of the Soviet era T-72. Many of these upgraded T-72s were produced in the massive Ukroboronproms Kyiv factory in the last few years for the Ukraine Army, especially units facing Russian forces in the east (Donbas). Production concentrated T-72AB and T-72AMT models, enhancing them with the dynamic 'contact' protection system used on the T-64BV model. New BTR-3DAs have also been delivered, and numerous armored vehicles damaged in Donbas fighting have been restored and repaired.

Ukraine inherited 1,320 T-72 tanks from the Soviet Union. But because the manufacturing plant - Uralvagonzavod - was now in Russia, Ukraine decided to sell most of its T-72 tanks while maintaining the locally produced T-64s instead. Thus 863 T-72 tanks were sold to export customers between 1992 and 2015. The last delivery of 14 T-72 tanks to Nigeria took place after the fighting began in Donbas.

Until 2015 all Ukrainian T-72 tanks were fully equipped but spare parts all came from factories in Russia. After the conflict in Donbass broke out improvised parts production was started in Ukraine. By the end of 2016, Ukraine had about 300 T-72s, mostly older models, in service. The remaining inventory of T-72 tanks were in storage and available for use after some factory refurbishment. Only a small number of these vehicles took part in Donbas fighting and two were captured. One, a T-72B1 (the most modern T-72 in the country's arsenal) was described as a Russian T-72B3 by Ukrainian media and presented as evidence of Russian intervention. In early 2018 Ukraine has only 72 T-72 tanks operational although some 385 more remain in storage awaiting parts.

There were other problems. Ukraine had to concentrate on building a new version of the T-72 because the locally produced T-64 had performance problems and did not benefit much from upgrades. The T-72 was simply a better design. Although Ukraine has lost its former ability to produce new, modern tanks in large quantities, the armor vehicle industry does retain significant capabilities in the fields of repair and modernization.

The T-72 tank was considered by the Soviet military as a 'mobilization' tank, meant for second-tier divisions. Therefore, Soviet tank units within Soviet Ukraine and Crimea were primarily equipped with T-64 tanks, which was considered a foundation tank. In the early 1990s, the newly formed Ukrainian armed forces, which inherited a total of over 4,000 main battle tanks, only adopted the T-64s into service. T-72s were sent to the reserves, or used as training units. Ukraine also inherited 487 advanced T-80 tanks but over half of these were sold off to other countries in the 1990s. In 1991 Ukraine's inventory of modern tanks included 2,340 T-64s, approximately 1,320 T-72s, and 487 T-80s.

Among its inventory of T-64s, 227 are T-64R first generation tanks that required modernization and upgrades to prepare it for modern combat. Multiple T-64R tanks and 120 T-64BM Bulat tanks were updated for combat use against the Russian backed Donbas rebels. Current inventory in 2018 also includes 550 updated T-64BV tanks. There are an additional 1,000 T-64B tanks in storage that are considered tier four (bottom of the barrel) equipment and only useful as a source of spare parts.

During combat operations in eastern Ukraine in 2014 and early 2015, over 50 T-64s were captured by the rebels, with another 200 destroyed or damaged beyond repair. There are currently 670 combat-ready T-64s remaining in Ukraine's inventory. Accounting for the cannibalization for spare parts of stored vehicles and in the absence of significant combat losses, it is possible for Ukraine to maintain this level of combat ready tank operations in combat-ready condition for a relatively long time. However, getting new ones is out of the question.

Ukraine also operates 167 gas turbine powered T-80 tanks. In terms of components, these tanks have a lot in common with the T-64. The initial inventory that Ukraine had of these tanks was 487. But Ukraine sold 320 units to Pakistan for $650 million and these were delivered between 1997 and 1999. The remaining 167 T-80 tanks were put into long term storage in 2004 but because of the Donbas War in 2015, Ukraine decided to bring them back for frontline service after a complete overhaul. Restored T-80s are sent to Ukraines highly mobile assault forces. Each of the seven brigades of Ukraine's Airborne Troops is assigned a company of 10 T-80 tanks. To date, about 60 T-80s have been restored and delivered to the troops. Some 20- 40 more modernized T-80s will be delivered to the Ukrainian Army in 2018 and beyond. One caveat to the tank, however, is its use of a gas turbine engine, a finicky design requiring support from weapons maintenance specialists which are becoming increasingly difficult to find in the country.

Ukraine is also now producing its first indigenous tank, known as the T-84 Oplot. Ten T-84U tanks were produced before 2014 and were placed in storage. Six of these tanks are currently being restored to active service. The remaining four and ten additional T-84 tanks were ordered into service or production by Ukraine in February 2018. These tanks can certainly support Ukraines punitive military operations in the Donbas for the foreseeable future but in any possible conflict with Russia, Ukraine's tank forces would be immediately and hopelessly outmatched.  Ryan Schinault
Set to expand its operations in India, Kia Motors will soon hire 3,000 employees. These new recruits will operate company's upcoming facility in the country. As part of its plans to expand operations in India, the South Korean car company is investing $1 billion in a manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh.

"Kia Motors India will soon start recruiting the 3,000 employees needed to operate the plant," Kia Motors said in a statement. The company held a installation ceremony at the unit on Thursday. The plant is spans over 23 million square feet with an annual capacity of three lakh cars and will employ around 3,000 personnel when fully operational.

Kia Motors is currently in discussions with the Andhra Pradesh government to hold a joint training programme at the state government level to inculcate the necessary manufacturing skills among local residents, the statement added.

"We are here to build more than just great cars. We aim to set a new standard of automotive lifestyle experience by providing Indian consumers with world-class products and service, but also deeply engaging with the Indian people and giving back to the community whenever possible," said Kia Motors Corporation President and CEO Han-Woo Park speaking on the occasion.

The construction of manufacturing plant is one month ahead of schedule, Kia Motors said. The Andhra Pradesh plant will be up and running as early as by the end of the first quarter of next year, with vehicle production earmarked to begin later in 2019.

At the recently concluded Auto Expo, Kia Motors had said it would introduce a range of vehicles, including an India-exclusive compact electric vehicle in the country between 2019 and 2021.

The company unveiled its SP Concept, an SUV designed and developed for the Indian market. It will be the first product to go on sale in the country in the second half of next year.
The military government confirmed that it is taking a soft approach to the growing number of illegal (according to strict rules imposed by the military) demonstrations against military rule and policies the military has implemented. The government warned that it would still go after those who are financing protests but the fact is (and the generals know it) that nearly all the protests are carried out by Thais doing it out of conviction, not because someone is paying them.

These demonstrations are not the only problem for the unpopular government. A recent survey showed most Thais believe corruption had gotten worse since 2014 coup. One of the main reasons the military took over the government was to deal with corruption and according to most Thais they have not done so. The survey showed Thais believe corruption is getting worse despite all the claims by the military that they have reduced corruption. Worse, the economy got worse after the military coup and four years later GDP growth in Thailand is the lowest in the region and the military is blamed.

To make matters worse several generals in the government are accused of corruption (because of obvious wealth that cannot be explained) and, as Thai generals usually do, the accused are acting like they are untouchable and waiting for all the media attention to go away. That has worked for many generations, but that was before cell phones and the Internet. Political power no longer guarantees control of local media. Note that all the coups since the 1930s have ended when the generals realized there were limits to their power and sense of impunity. That is happening again and the military is trying to prepare for another reversion to an elected government followed byyears of elected officials trying to curb the power and sense of impunity among the generals.

Slave Trade Survives

In the south the locals continue to complain, without much impact, about the continued use of slavery by fishing companies. Men from Bangladesh and Burma are recruited for jobs in Thailand but, once they arrived, were forced to first work for nothing to pay for their transportation and the recruiting fee. This form of debt slavery is a common scam in the region, especially in remote areas where it will not be noticed. This sort of thing is illegal in Thailand, but police dont do anything unless a violation is reported. The persistent poverty in Burma and Bangladesh has led to an increase in this sort of people smuggling to Thailand, which has been the economic powerhouse in the region and a magnet for millions seeking jobs. The smugglers charge a lot of money, and those smuggled (also illegal) in then become slaves for years until the fees are paid off. Sometimes the slaves are offered paying jobs once their debts are paid off but the system tends to keep the slaves in debt for life. In Thailand these debt slaves are common on rubber plantations as well as aboard fishing boats.

China Requests

Last November there was a jail break in the south (Songkhla province, just north of the three Moslem provinces and also bordering Malaysia). Twenty Chinese Uighurs who had been arrested for illegally entering Thailand escaped from a migrant detention center near the Malaysian border. Within a week six were recaptured, one of them across the border in Malaysia. China demanded that the six recaptured Uighurs be returned to China but the escaped Uighurs all denied they were Chinese and popular opinion in Thailand (especially the Moslem south) is against automatically sending illegal migrants in Thailand back to China. Few of these Uighurs migrants have had anything to do with Islamic terrorism and ignoring that when China demands automatic expulsion back to China of Uighurs is seen as Thailand surrendering to Chinese bullying. That sort of thing is very unpopular. Nevertheless there have been some Uighur involvement in Islamic terrorism.

But now China is pressuring Malaysia (a Moslem majority country) to return eleven of these Uighurs that Malaysian police arrested. Both Malaysia and Thailand have agreements with China to extradite criminal suspects but the problem here is the eleven Uighurs are apparently not criminals in China, although they broke local laws by illegally entering Thailand and then Malaysia. In the last few years the military government in Thailand has been quick to return Uighurs who made it to Thailand (usually on their way to Malaysia). While the Thai generals are not Moslem and dependent on China the Malaysian politicians are Moslem and rather more hostile to Chinese demands. This stalemate remain unresolved as China pressures Malaysia and Malaysia insists there is no pressure.

February 16, 2018: Someone posted a video on the Internet showing sixty Bangkok policemen from four different stations lining up to receive cash bribes in red envelopes from the owner of an illegal gambling operation. The red envelopes are in honor of the Lunar (Chinese) New Year celebration, which is a traditional time to give gifts to faithful servants. Several days later the police announced an investigation of corruption in the Bangkok police. Police officials also ordered an investigation into who took the video and posted it. A week earlier the national police issued a warning to police commanders to make sure there were no such New Year Red Envelope bribes, which ethnic Chinese gangsters are fond of.

The Burmese army commander-in-chief visited and the Thai military arranged for the Burmese general to a high royal honor (medal); the Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant. This good will gesture was appreciated by the Burmese general, who is under criticism by the Moslem world and the UN for the way the Burmese has been handling their Moslem Royhinga minority. Thailand continues having problems with the drug trade in neighboring Burma, where the northern tribes fight to resist government efforts to suppress the drug production. Because of this the leaders of both countries try to cooperate in controlling and containing this drug trade.

February 15, 2018: In the south (Yala province) Islamic terrorists used a roadside bomb to attack a school. This resulted in three students, three local defense volunteers and four civilian bystanders wounded. This is the fourth such attack on schools in the south this year.

The navy received five more M21 patrol boats. This comes after four M21 patrol boats were received in September and the first three entered service in 2013. Fourteen have been received or are on order so far and these 21 meter (65 foot) boats are the backbone of the naval patrol force the navy is updating to control smuggling and poaching in coastal waters. The M21s carry a crew of nine, can stay out for 24 hours at a time and are armed with a 20mm autocannon, 12.7mm machine-gun and 81mm mortar.

February 14, 2018: In the south (Pattani province) police disarmed a bike with a time bomb installed in a water bottle. Two more bike bombs went off on the 11th but caused few injuries. Two others were found and disarmed.

February 13, 2018: The United States has improved joint defense cooperation with Thailand in the last year. This cooperation had diminished after the 2014 coup but this year the U.S., alarmed at the growing presence of Chinese military influence in Thailand (and unease among most Thai military leaders over the Chinese efforts) improved ties with the Thai military. A tangible example of that was the arrival of 6,800 American troops (twice as many as 2017) for the annual Cobra Gold joint military exercise. This year 29 nations will send troops to participate or observe. Since 1982 Thai and American troops have held Cobra Gold each year. Usually the event are held in Thailand and over the years has come to include troops from other countries in the region. In 2014 Cobra Gold included Chinese troops for the first time. China was invited to watch. There were only 17 Chinese troops in attendance, but it was a big deal because Chinas neighbors would rather be training with Chinese troops than confronting them. Many believe the Chinese are just there to take notes on how more experienced and better regarded troops do what they do. Two months after the 2014 Cobra Gold exercise the Thai military staged their coup.

In the south (Narathiwat province) two men were shot dead for unknown reasons.

February 11, 2018: The military is trying a new approach to eliminating the separatist violence in the south. In effect it is offering men identified as key leaders of the separatist groups and offer them amnesty and substantial economic rewards if they renounce the separatist violence.

February 10, 2018: Prominent pro-democracy advocates led a demonstration in the capital demanding that the military government hold elections as they have been promising but regularly postponing. The pro-democracy leaders were not arrested because of the illegal demonstration (all demonstrations are now illegal without military permission) and within the week the military filed a formal complaint against seven of the protest leaders. The military charged the protest leaders of threatening public order, which the military sought to deal with in 2014 when they ousted an elected government. There was a similar demonstration in January and over thirty of those demonstrating were arrested. Some of these were protesting again today. And later announced they were organizing a schedule of regular protests until democracy returns.

February 7, 2018: In Malaysia peace talks between Thailand and southern separatists resumed and made progress by agreeing to establish one safety zone in the south as a pilot test to settle disagreements over the concept. Until now lack of unity among the separatist groups made it difficult to get agreement on the details. The basic idea is that security in the south would be supervised by representatives from separatists and the government and when this worked (neither side attacked) the safety zone would be expanded until it included all three southern provinces that were majority Moslem. The government could then expand economic development and infrastructure projects. Islamic terrorism and radicalism is no longer as much of an issue as it used to be. That particular cause is generally seen as counterproductive and lacks much local support.

A lot of the negotiations are an effort to create some trust. For example the BRN (Barisan Revolusi Nasional) the oldest (founded in 1960) separatist group in the south as well as one of the largest had long rejected the safety zone proposal. The main objection was the government refusal to allow foreign observers to monitor any peace agreement. BRN considers the Thai government an occupying force but the government refuses to accept that label. These attitudes are the main reason why it has been so difficult to get peace talks going at all, much less make any progress. The government openly blames disagreements among the southern separatist organizations for the difficulties in achieving a negotiated settlement.

February 6, 2018: In the south (Pattani province) two separate incidents in the last two days have left two Moslem village leaders dead. It is unclear if this is local politics, gang feuds or Islamic terrorist/separatist related. All three tend to get mixed up in the south.

January 25, 2018: In the central Thailand (Samut Prakan Province) a tip from locals led police to raid a warehouse where they found a Chinese lumber smuggling operation. Five Thais were arrested and later two Chinese while a third Chinese citizen is being sought. The warehouse was used to process rosewood logs and box them up to be smuggled to China where this rare lumber is highly valued. There were fifteen tons of rosewood (logs and planks) in the warehouse, all illegally cut down in Thailand and Cambodia and apparently getting past customs inspection while leaving Thailand. Police are looking into that. This sort of illegal lumber business is unpopular in Thailand because it is all about China destroying rare Thai rosewood trees and smuggling the lumber back to China. This sort of thing takes place all over Southeast Asia and is one reason why China is hated, and feared.

January 22, 2018: In the northeast (Nakhon Phanom Province) Thai Navy patrol boats on the Mekong River noted some suspicious activity with a boat crossing from Laos to Thailand. Police inspected the boat and found 11 million methamphetamine tablets from Burma. This was the largest seizure of this stuff from Laos ever, and this batch was worth over $100 million when sold to users. Called "yaba" ("crazy drug") locally, most of it is smuggled out via Thailand but doing so via Laos and Thailand is something new. Since 2010 production of yaba tablets has soared in northern Burma. The meth labs are easier to conceal than poppy fields and the meth labs are believed to produce several hundred million tablets a year. But only as long as they can get the industrial chemicals required to make meth. The tribal rebels, especially ethnic Chinese tribes (like the Wa, who apparently produced the seized tablets) use the profits to buy more weapons for their fighters, and run their rebel organizations. Since 2016 India has sought to shut down the illegal chemical smuggling. China is also trying to shut down the corruption that enables drug gangs to bribe chemical shipments past border security. Burma knows it is the center of all this illicit drug activity and has been more willing to cooperate with neighbors to curb the problem. Despite efforts in Burma and China to shut down the yaba production and smuggling the drug continues to get produced and smuggled to customers in China and throughout East Asia.

In the south (Yala Province) a bomb set off in a market killed three and wounded 22.

January 19, 2018: In the south (Narathiwat) the widow of a village leader killed by Islamic terrorists in 2015 was herself shot dead in a similar fashion.
Simon Bridges

National MP

simonbridges.co.nz

Thats the feedback Im getting from Tauranga business people about the removal of the 90-day trial for businesses with more than 20 staff.



Im really lucky to have the opportunity to visit businesses regularly. Its a good chance to hear how things are going for them, whats going well and whats not.



Right now they are telling me that they are very worried about the employment law changes and the impact they will have on their ability to maintain and grow their organisations.



The changes proposed include the end of the starting out wage, the removal of 90-day trials for businesses with more than 20 staff (including casual and part timers), big leaps in the minimum wage, reduced employment flexibility and 1970s style standardised wage bargaining.



All of these are concerning. As a result, we are seeing a loss in business confidence both in Tauranga and across the country.



In the past, businesses have been able to take a risk on people.



Perhaps the person applying for a job doesnt tick all their boxes, but they decided to employ them anyway knowing they have the protection of the 90-day trial.



If they dont work out, they dont have to continue employing them.



Once the trial period is removed they will not risk being stuck with someone who doesnt cut it. This means the good ones miss out too.



New Zealand has a great track record. Our unemployment rate is at its lowest level since the GFC in 2008.



The government needs to explain the reasons behind its reforms.



Why fix something that isnt broken?
The leftovers of an ex-tropical cyclone are coming towards New Zealand - but not how you might think.



The remnants of what was Cyclone Kelvin, which made landfall the other day in north western Australia, will drift out over southern Australia and the Great Austraian Bight over the next few days to merge with a Southern Ocean system and form a new low on Monday over southern New Zealand.

"To help form this new low a sub-tropical northerly flow will be developing over New Zealand on Sunday thanks to a departing high to our east, while at the same time a Southern Ocean southerly will be pushing into the southern Tasman Sea - all of this merging around the remnants of Kelvin," says WeatherWatch.co.nz

"A large area of low pressure - not a storm at this stage though - will develop over the South Island bringing very heavy rain on the West Coast then some isolated downpours for western New Zealand by Sunday. Winds may be a bit gusty through the mountains and Cook Strait and may be gale in a few places due to wind tunnels but damaging winds arent forecast."

The humidity will also return to northern New Zealand ahead of this low, but it wont last too long - perhaps two or three days followed by a west to south west change early to mix next week.

The southerly in the South Island after this low will briefly make a dent in the daytime highs for the lower South Island mid next week too.
Police are apologising after a operation in the Coromandel, allegedly targeting cannabis, went slightly awry when blue liquid was left staining sand at a popular local beach.

A helicopter was spraying planted areas of Kennedy Bay on Monday but spilled some of the liquid while refilling the tank at the beach.

The blue marker dye was non-toxic and environmentally safe, says Waikato District Commander Superintendent Bruce Bird in a statement.

But local Whetu Paitai, who filmed it, says the police spray cannabis plants in the area at least once a year and he thinks it was weedkiller.

Once the helicopter took off, the other officers drove off. Mr Paitai said he then flagged them down to ask them to clean up the blue liquid where his children play.

"One officer got a paper bag and exercise book and started scooping up the sand and the other moved it around with his feet," says Mr Paitai.

"At the end of the day I would have had to clean it up so I just stood back at that stage and let them fiddle about and then eventually they just stood up, tied the bag off, looked at me and said, all right no worries thanks for that, shook my hand, jumped in the car and drove off."

Mr Paitai collected a barrel full of contaminated sand the officers had missed, he said.

"The fact that they just left it and paid absolute lip service to the idea of the environmental well-being of our beach was mind-blowing."

Mr Paitai followed up with Waikato Police, who sent the officer in charge of the operation, Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greene, to visit him.

At morning tea yesterday, Mr Paitai and Mr Greene had a cup of tea and Mr Greene acknowledged the police needed more training in environmental best practice, which Mr Paitai was pleased with, he said.

"For once the police are taking responsibility doing the right thing that they need to do to fix it. Not trying to minimise things and pretend like they werent in the wrong. And I thought wed had a bit of a win there, I think everyone did."

In a statement, police apologised to the people of Kennedy Bay for the conduct during the aerial spraying operation.

"The police are conscious of the environment and made efforts to clean up the area," said Superintendent Bruce Bird.

But Mr Paitai says he was worried most about whether there was weedkiller in the mixture, not the blue dye.

"They spilled weedkiller on a public beach, the concerned locals expressed their concern at the time. They pointed out that thats where their kids play. Someone in that group should have taken note and fixed it."

The police would debrief fully at the end of the operation but would not confirm or deny whether the aerial operation was targeting cannabis plants, it said.

Mr Bird had asked to talk to Mr Paitiai, who was considering what to do next.
A shortage of Lead Maternity Carers in the Coromandel area has led Waikato DHB to urge pregnant women in the area to contact the Birthing Unit at Thames Hospital if they cant find a midwife.

The number of self-employed midwives in the Coromandel has dropped from 11 to four in the last three years and has left many pregnant women struggling to find a local midwife for their pregnancy care.

Waikato DHB clinical midwife director Jo Clarke says the shortage of LMCs is a problem nationwide, but particularly in remote rural areas.

We have a number of hot spots in the Waikato like South Waikato and the Coromandel where there are not enough LMCs for the population.

"We are very concerned about the situation in the Coromandel. We know already of five women in Thames who have made contact with our birthing unit as they are unable to find a local midwife."

She says it is important that women who cant find an LMC to get in touch with the Thames Birthing Unit who can provide support for the women with antenatal care like important scans, blood tests and blood pressure checks.

"Its important that women contact Thames within the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy for these vital antenatal checks, it will also allow us to pick up any issues or risk factors early that might need referral to Waikato Hospital.

LMCs are self-employed and provide primary maternity care, while the DHB provides back up primary care at Thames and its three rural hospitals and secondary and tertiary care at its Waikato Hospital.

Waikato Hospital was fully staffed for its own midwives, but was recently given resources for 15 more which the DHB is currently recruiting for.

Last April there were 163 LMCs registered for an access agreement to birth at Waikato Hospital, and while this years number wont be known until April, a survey to all these LMCs last year found that 44 were considering leaving the profession in the coming year.

Community midwives, employed by the DHB, of which there are four based in Hamilton, are looking after some women who cant find a midwife.

The DHB is writing to local GPs in the Coromandel to let them know about the shortage and advising them to refer women to the birthing unit. Women can ring the Thames Birthing Unit on: 07 868 6009.
Click the image above to watch the video

In todays weather forecast we are expecting fine spells, but with a chance of showers until evening. Also light winds and sea breezes.

Its a one-clothing layer day today with a high of 24 and an overnight low of 15 degrees. Humidity is 92 per cent.

High tide is at 1.10pm and low tide at 7.10pm. Theres a sea swell of 0.4m, sea temperature is 22 degrees and sunset tonight is at 8.01pm.

If youre going fishing today, the best fish bite time is between 6 and 8pm.

This day in NZ history in 1904 nearly 1 million hectares of far western Southland and Otago was set aside as a national reserve.

This was the first step in creating the Fiordland National Park. In 1940 100,000 welcomed home the HMS Achilles crew.

The Battle of the River Plate in December 1939 was the Allies first naval victory of the Second World War. The involvement of the cruiser HMS Achilles, more than half of whose crew were New Zealanders, was greeted with jubilation in New Zealand.

In world history on this day in 1540 the Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado began his unsuccessful search for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold in the American Southwest. In 1821 poet John Keats died of tuberculosis at the age of 25. In 1846 the Liberty Bell tolled for the last time, to mark George Washingtons birthday.

In 1921 an airmail plane set a record of 33 hours and 20 minutes from San Francisco to New York. In 1936 in Russia, an unmanned balloon rose to a record height of 25 miles. In 1954 mass innoculation began as Salks polio vaccine was given to children for first time.

Today is the birthday of German composer George F. Handel, who was born in 1685. Its also the birthday of physicist Allan MacLeod Cormack. Born in 1924, he developed the CAT scan.

Handel once wrote "I should be sorry if I only entertained them. I wish to make them better." And Allan MacLeod Cormack wrote "There is also hope that even in these days of increasing specialization there is a unity in the human experience."

To check out whats on today, please go to our Whats on page.

Have a great day!
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Errors Found In Dutch Tax Rulings

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

21 February 2018

The Netherlands could restrict the number of tax rulings it issues after an investigation of 4,462 tax rulings by the Dutch tax authority found that procedural errors were made in 78 cases.

The investigation was launched following a report by Dutch daily newspaper Trouw last year, which showed that the correct procedures were not applied when a tax ruling was issued to consumer goods company Procter and Gamble.

According to the Ministry of Finance, although in the majority of cases internal procedures were followed correctly, they were not "followed flawlessly in all cases."

The investigation found that of the 3,101 rulings issued by the department concerned with advanced pricing agreements and advanced tax rulings, it could not be established that the correct procedures were followed in six cases.

Of another 1,361 cross-border rulings studied as part of the investigation, a further 72 were found to have contained errors.

In a letter to the lower house of the Dutch parliament, State Secretary for Finance Menno Snels wrote that while the Government intends to retain the practice of issuing rulings on uncertain tax positions, the results of the investigation show that certain changes to the system need to be made.

"Prior consultation and giving certainty in advance are core elements in the supervision of the tax authorities and are an important pillar of our business climate," Snels wrote.

Snels suggested that, in future, only companies with sufficient economic substance in the Netherlands would be entitled to apply for a tax ruling.

"The question is, given the Cabinet's intention in the coalition agreement to counter letter box companies, whether certainty needs to be given in advance to companies that make a limited contribution to the real economy," Snels wrote.

Snels said that the Government intends to consult on changes to tax ruling practices this year, ready for a new system to be in place by January 1, 2019.
A recent letter from state-run telecom operator BSNL to its vendors has generated debate on cell phone numbers in the country. The letter said that "it was decided that 13-digit M2M numbering plan will be implemented from July 1, 2018". Some people were quick to jump to the conclusion that mobile numbers in India will now have 13 digits instead of 10 digits presently, and how it will lead to great disorder. Hang on! The new 13-digit numbering series will be used for SIM-based M2M devices which are different from regular mobile phones and tablets that use SIM cards to access calls and use data.



So what are these M2M devices? M2M devices are machines that interact with each other constantly using the cellular network. M2M is an evolving technology which has applications across various areas - homes, power grids, traffic management, offices, among others. The idea of M2M devices is to make people's lives easier. For instance, a M2M-capable washing machine could send notifications to the owners' smart devices once the clothes are washed.



But why there's a need for 13-digit numbers? As per a DoT report titled M2M Gateway and Architecture dated November 2015, the government estimates that there will be a requirement of 10 billion numbers to uniquely identify the (M2M) devices working on both mobile and fixed-line networks. It's estimated that the existing 10-digit scheme will run out of numbers to cater to the requirement of SIM-connected devices.



The increased number scheme may not affect consumers as such; it will require telecom operators to make changes in their networks.



The report adds that the after studying the global scenario, it's suggested that a new number range (13-digit) will be required to tackle the projected growth in the number of connected devices. "It is estimated that of the total connected objects, approximately 40 per cent will use cellular connections. Since the number of M2M devices in the next 15-20 years using cellular connections is likely to be around 10 billion (40 per cent of 24 billion), it is apparent that the number of digits in the numbering plan must be increased," the report added.



In December 2016, the DoT has already approved the 13-digit numbering scheme for SIM-based M2M devices which will co-exist with the existing 10-digit mobile numbering scheme.



While each country is free to choose any kind of numbering plan, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN agency for information and communication technologies, limits the length to 15 digits, including the international prefix that can extend up to 3 digits. Some countries like Singapore and Hong Kong have already adopted increased number length.
IoM Budget Includes Plan For Bank Tax

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

22 February 2018

The Isle of Man's 2018 Budget maintains the zero percent company tax rate, and announces a banking tax review, which will look at taxing all banking profits at the 10 percent rate from next year.

To address aggressive tax planning by individuals, new legislation will be implemented to stop certain practices enabling some individuals to receive tax-free payments via the sale of goodwill or unquoted shares to their own companies, in preference to taxable ones such as dividends.

The island's Assessor has been given the Government's full support in using her wide anti-avoidance powers against individuals who exploit their relationship with their companies and do not pay their "fair share of tax." The Assessor has been instructed to charge the 60 percent penalty in full.

The GBP400 reward businesses can pay to employees free of tax is to be increased to GBP600.

The soft drinks industry levy will be deferred for one year until April 2019.

Road fuel duty will be frozen for the seventh year and the basic rate of air passenger duty is to remain unchanged at GBP13 (USD18) for 2018/19.

The statutory income tax cap, which limits the amount of income tax payable by resident individuals, will rise by GBP25,000 to GBP150,000 per annum.

The tax-free personal allowance for a single person rises to GBP13,250, an increase of GBP750, meaning a jointly assessed married couple or civil partners can earn GBP26,500 before they pay income tax.

The annual contributions limit for all pension schemes is to be reduced to GBP50,000.

Further, the Government will legislate to allow pension funds of up to GBP142,000 to be paid out in full, and a new pension scheme will allow full access after age 55 and transfers from current approved schemes for a 10 percent fee. The new scheme will allow full tax relief on contributions and will be taxed at the usual rate but have a large tax-free lump sum of 40 percent.

As previously announced, the abolition of Class 2 national insurance contributions has been put back until April 2019. This means Class 2 self-employed contributions are payable for the whole of the 2018/19 tax year and will be collected in the normal way.

National insurance paid by employees, employers, and the self-employed for the 2018/19 tax year is frozen so that the island continues to remain a competitive place to do business.

The Lower Earnings Limit, which is the point at which an employee starts to build up entitlement to national insurance funded benefits, rises by GBP3 from April 6, 2018, to GBP116 per week, in line with the threshold in the UK.

Class 3 voluntary national insurance contributions increase from GBP14.25 to GBP14.65 in line with the increase announced in the UK.

New state pension proposals will be brought forward next month and the Government will press ahead with plans to end contracting out from April 6, 2019. The UK abolished contracting out from April 6, 2016.

The Government says it is on track to deliver a new single-tier Manx state pension in April 2019. An order will be brought to next month's parliamentary sitting, which will bring the new Manx pension into law.

The Government has confirmed it intends to keep the island within the UK customs union post-Brexit.

Last year's benefit in kind exemption for bicycles used to cycle to work is extended to include electric bicycles, and allowable payments qualifying for relief as nursing expenses will now include physiotherapy costs. The maximum relief available for nursing expenses remains GBP12,500 at the 10 percent rate.
Last week, we saw the Kiss in for Rees-Mogg in response to Jacob Rees-Mogg coming to speak at the Union.

Earlier in the academic year, we saw rallies for decolonising faculties and in support of the #TimesUp movement. These protests are good, and help put issues in the public eye. But in terms of impact, they cant compare to sustained legislative engagement and campaigning on a political and judicial level. Getting in the headlines by protesting a situation is nice  changing the situation through practical policy is better.

Broadly speaking, there are two purposes to any campaigning movement- to raise awareness, and to enact change. The protests outside the Union against ReesMogg and outside the UL for the #TimesUp movement fulfil the first purpose  anyone walking past them will have been made aware of what was being protested and (presumably) why.

But they failed in the second: protests do not change laws, nor do they necessarily change the minds of the opponents to a policy.

A protest without engagement risks existing in a vacuum; participants feel that something is being said, and that action is being taken. But, outside the protest, little change occurs.

Legislative engagement, on the other hand, can enact real change. To demonstrate this, we can look at the Civil Rights movement in the US.

he March on Washington made excellent headlines, and ensured that the campaign for Civil Rights remained in the public eye. However, it did not lead to change by itself  change came from legislation pushed by Congress and the Presidency.

To pass Civil Rights, President Johnson did not go on protests, or hold placards in the street; instead, he compromised when necessary, did the legislative legwork (or had his allies in the House and Senate do it for him), and worked as part of a coalition to ensure that Civil Rights were achieved in the face of organised resistance from the Southern Caucus in Congress.

History is seldom made by the headline grab  it certainly wasnt in the case of Civil Rights.

It was made by careful dealing, legislative pressure, and shepherding fragile laws and ideas through the political system. The March on Washington, or protestors standing outside statehouses, did not get the Civil Rights Act passed  Hubert Humphreys manoeuvring to get enough Senate votes to end Robert Byrds filibuster did.

Protests look good, and eases the consciences of their participants. But they cannot stand alone.

We live in a community defined by laws, and institutions of government  to enact change, we must engage with those institutions and seek to use them to attain our goals. Equal Marriage was not achieved through protests  it was passed through a parliamentary vote in the UK, and a Supreme Court decision in the US.

Looking at the current political climate, those ideas of nationalism, protectionism, and xenophobia that have come to define the modern Republican Party and the Trump Presidency had a substantive effect not when their proponents started protesting, but when they worked out how to pressure legislators and put their own idealogues into legislatures (and, finally, the White House).

A movement may be virtuous. It may have widespread support. But it cannot achieve anything substantive without engaging with governmental institutions.

If you want to keep the Rees-Moggs of this world from enacting policy, dont just hold protests and risk being dismissed or falling into a virtuous echo chamber.

Campaign for candidates you agree with; hold your representatives to account; participate in the political process in order to make the world you want. Because if you dont, the people you disagree with will.

Dont remain in the cell of impractical protest, salving your conscience while shouting into a void.

Bismarck said that politics is the art of the possible  it is also the art of compromise, wheedling, and legwork. You sometimes have to shake hands with the devil in order to build a world of the angels.

Words are a start. But deeds? Deeds are how you change things.
Thursday nights Union debate on the process of Brexit was a welcome deviation from the usual virtues of in, or out theme. Instead, Jacob Rees Mogg tussled with Andrew Adonis, Karan Bilimoria and former education secretary Nicky Morgan on the the motion that no deal is preferable to a bad deal. Despite this, it seems that few in the room noticed the nuance, with debate swiftly devolving into the usual partisan model of public Brexit discussion. What I think this served to illustrate is that debate has evolved minimally since June 23rd 2016.

Rees-Moggs politeness was visible even in his 5-minute speech: at any critical interjection from audience members, the floor was handed over in good spirits. On the other hand, the opposition appeared too interested in their case to yield time to students. Quite possibly, this is due to their perception that they were preaching to the choir. Lord Adonis speech opened with this attitude, asking the audience for a raise-of-hands on whether they would vote to remain in a second referendum. It was an unanimous yes, suggesting that debtaing the notion might be fruitless.

It also further alienated the audience from the actual topic at hand: the nature of the deal upon exiting the EU. This is perhaps an indication that the left has failed to learn how to ingratiate itself with anyone other than itself, a skill it desperately needed to re-learn after 2016.

While perfectly acceptable to suggest that those enthusiastic about Britains place outside the EU are, as one audience member put it, romanticising a distant past before the EU, it is important to be aware of the past before acusing people of romanticising it.

The youths tendency towards romanticising the recent past before we left the EU often goes ignored as a result. Most of those at Thursdays debate had never lived without the EU, making membership a comfortable status quo to uphold.

It was unsurprising to see the usual conflations from audience members and speakers alike: one being that the Erasmus scheme is soon to be in dire jeopardy, despite being established in 1987 when the European Union as we know it only came into existence under the Maastricht treaty. The usual allusions to the Daily Mails enemies of the people headline and the Home Offices report of a 41% increase in hate crimes in 2016 were also made.

That said, it was certainly eye opening to see two Life Peers of the house of Lords celebrate the virtues of another unelected body: the European Commission.

One student protester argued that Jacob Rees-Moggs intolerance, demonstrated both in his despicable voting record and his public statements, is unacceptable and should not be invited into our university. I heard no despicable statements from Mr Rees-Mogg on Thursday evening.

Debate has evolved very little since June 2016, but opinion has. Thursdays result was close, with 40% in favour of ReesMoggs motion and 46% in opposition. Despite the over-representation of support for the EU, at such events, we might dare to assume that this is indicative of a wider trend towards embracing our exit.
Whilst anti-fur protests during fashion week are nothing new, they have dominated London Fashion Week 2018. From activists storming the runway to top-less PETA supporters painted with wear your own skin slogans across their torsos, anti-fur demonstrations have grabbed the headlines at London Fashion Week. Moreover, the decades of protests appear to have made a mark as 95% of designers taking part in London Fashion Week have confirmed to the British Fashion Council that they will not be using fur. With these recent proactive developments in the fashion world, it seems like 2018 will be the year that the fashion industry finally begins the movement against the unethical, cruel, and outdated use of fur.

As demand for ethically made clothing is growing, brands are responding to pressure to provide ethical faux alternatives. Michael Kors was the newest joiner to the assembly of major fashion brands vowing to go fur free, including Gucci, Armani, Yoox, Ralph Lauren and Stella. Michael Kors announced that due to technological advances in fabrications, they will create a luxe aesthetic using non-animal fur.

Fur farming has been illegal in the UK for nearly two decades, but fur can be imported from overseas. However, another recent victory for the fur free movement is the announcement of Norway, one of Europes largest fur producers, to introduce a total ban on fur farming. The ban will put an end to the 700,000 minks and 110,000 foxes killed every year.

However, the optimism for a movement against fur in the fashion industry is not universal. One of Britains bestselling fashion magazines, British Vogue, decided to feature a full-page advert for the International Fur Federation in their February issue. The IFF advert promoted the tagline Furnow and Forever. Meanwhile, Cara Delevingne down the runway for Burberry in a rainbow-striped cape made entirely of faux fur. Similarly, Kendal Jenner sparked outrage at Milan fashion week for wearing what appeared to be real fur. One Twitter user wrote: @KendallJenner Wearing #fur in 2018 is not beautiful, it shows youre an ignorant and pretty empty being. #FurIsDead

These actions mark that the battle against fur is not over yet. However, with harsh backlash for their actions in the media, we can only hope that the remaining fur promoters learn from their mistakes and their public shaming deters others. The strong backlash is another sign that fur no longer has a place in fashion. To quote Marco Bizzarri, CEO of Gucci, fur is no longer modern.
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Three corporate giants on Tuesday announced they were banding together to provide healthcare for their 1.1 million employees.

The companies  Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan Chase  plan to form a company free from profit-making incentives and constraints in order to improve employee satisfaction with their healthcare coverage as well as reduce costs.

The company initially will focus on technology solutions that provide U.S. employees and their families with simplified, high-quality and transparent healthcare at a reasonable cost.

The ballooning costs of healthcare act as a hungry tapeworm on the American economy, said Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett.

Our group does not come to this problem with answers, he continued, but we also do not accept it as inevitable. Rather, we share the belief that putting our collective resources behind the countrys best talent can, in time, check the rise in health costs while concurrently enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Ready for Challenge

The companies are keenly aware of the difficulties in front of them, said Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.

Hard as it might be, reducing healthcares burden on the economy while improving outcomes for employees and their families would be worth the effort, he maintained. Success is going to require talented experts, a beginners mind, and a long-term orientation.

The trios healthcare initiative could reach beyond their employees, suggested JP Morgan Chairman Jamie Dimon.

The three of our companies have extraordinary resources, and our goal is to create solutions that benefit our U.S. employees, their families and, potentially, all Americans, he said.

Still in the formative stages, the healthcare initiative will be led by Todd Combs, an investment officer of Berkshire Hathaway; Marvelle Sullivan Berchtold, a managing director of JPMorgan Chase; and Beth Galetti, a senior vice president at Amazon.

Hurting Margins

Although the details havent been hammered out yet, the initiative has the potential to disrupt the healthcare industry.

Since the three together have over 1 million employees, potential solutions could range from simply leveraging those numbers to gain favorable rates from HMOs to more aggressive moves, like creating their own network of caregivers, said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

Right now, everything is on the table, he told TechNewsWorld.

If the new entity does throw the weight of its employee base around, it could hurt the balance sheets of others in the market, noted Paddy Padmanabhan, CEO of Damo Consulting.

The new company will likely be a big buyer of healthcare products and services with pricing leverage that can hurt the profit margins of existing healthcare players, he told TechNewsWorld.

Healthcare Disrupter

Amazons technology prowess also could change the market for existing players.

Its clear that healthcare consumerism is on the rise, and there is a need for better user experiences, observed Padmanabhan.

Amazon is well known for its intuitive customer interfaces, use of advanced analytics, and its negotiating power with suppliers in the e-commerce space, he explained. They will likely use these skills to disrupt the markets for healthcare products and services.

One motive driving these companies is the desire to make employees healthier, said Jack E. Gold, principal analyst at J.Gold Associates.

What theyre trying to do here is establish a program that lowers cost by making people healthier and using technology to do that, he told TechNewsWorld. If we can make people healthier, insurance costs should go down because they wont be in doctors offices so often.

Reform Needed

While the Amazon and friends venture could disrupt the healthcare market and increase competition, it still wont address the fundamental problems with the industry, maintained Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies at the Cato Institute.

Healthcare needs more than competition. It needs reform, he told TechNewsWorld.

Its going to be hard for Amazon and the others to have a transformative impact on healthcare because theyre fighting perverse incentives baked into federal law. Without reforming those perverse incentives, theres very little good that entrepreneurs can do, Cannon argued.

Those perverse incentives are due to the fact that everyone is spending someone elses money, so theres no incentive to control costs, he explained.

If Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan were to succeed despite the challenging circumstances, their 1.1 million employees could benefit, Cannon acknowledged, but I do not think it can benefit other consumers in the healthcare system without fundamental reform.
Netflix in mid-2016 announced it was working on a reboot of the 1960s sci-fi classic Lost in Space. The projects first season will debut on April 13 in its entirety, Netflix revealed today.

Accompanying the launch date announcement is a teaser trailer providing our first look at the shows core cast as they board a ship destined for Alpha Centauri. Those familiar with the original series may remember that things dont exactly go according to plan.

The show will focus on the Robinson family, forced to come together in a time of crisis as they are stranded light years from their intended destination. Netflix described the reboot as equal parts family drama and sci-fi adventure as the crew battles a strange new alien environment and their own personal demons.

Maybe its just me but something seems a bit off about the trailer. I cant pinpoint exactly what it is but it just feels cheesy or dare I say, low-budget? I really hope I'm wrong as the franchise has loads of potential.

What do you think about the trailer and the reboot in general? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Found is a TechSpot feature where we share clever, funny or otherwise interesting stuff from around the web.
Twitter has long been synonymous with spam bots, but as the Russia investigation continues, the microblogging site is cracking down on the practice with a new set of guidelines that limit the use of automated tweets.

Twitter's bots are thought to have played a major role in spreading divisive content in the run-up to the 2016 US election. Last week, 13 Russians and three Russian companies, including the infamous Internet Research Agency, were charged by the office of U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller for attempting to sow discord in the U.S. political system.

According to the new guidelines, third-party apps will no longer allow people to simultaneously post identical or substantially similar content to multiple accounts. This applies even if the tweets are scheduled at different times. Twitter suggests auto retweeting content from one account to another as an alternative, but this isnt allowed in very high volumes.

To be clear. Twitter prohibits any attempt to use automation for the purposes of posting or disseminating spam, and such behavior may result in enforcement action, the company said.

Additionally, the apps are banned from using multiple accounts to Like or Retweet a post and to follow a user. Theyre also prohibited from posting updates from multiple accounts using a specific hashtag to try and push the topic into Twitters trending section.

Twitter notes that it does make a sole exception to these new rules: applications that broadcast or share weather, emergency, or other public service announcements of broad community interest (for example, earthquake or tsunami alerts).

If the apps do not remove the features by March 23, they will face "enforcement action, up to and including the suspension of associated applications and accounts." The same rules are being applied to Twitters own TweetDeck platform.
While the company is better known as a maker of luxury vehicles that can climb mountains, Land Rover also releases phones. Its latest model, the Explore, looks quite different from your usual bezel-less, full-screen handset, but then it is supposed to be the toughest phone in the world.

The rugged new device was built with help from Bullitt Group, a UK firm that has also worked with Caterpillar, Kodak, and JCB on their phones. Land Rover says the Explore is inspired by its Discovery vehiclethe phone features a front grille resembling the one found on the SUV.

While the handset boasts the same IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating as several flagship handsets, it can also stand drops of up to 1.8 metres (5.9 feet), has a fitted screen protector, and is designed to survive "freezing cold to blistering heat, thermal shock, intense humidity and vibration exposure."

Specs-wise, the phone boasts a 4000mAh battery that offers two days typical use, a deca-core 2.6 GHz MTK Helio X27 processor, 5-inch full HD screen, 4GB of RAM, Android 7 Nougat, a 16MP rear camera, an 8MP front snapper, and 64GB of expandable internal storage.

Aside from its ruggedness, possibly the most compelling aspect of this phone is its Moto Z-like modular attachments. The Adventure Pack lets you magnetically connect an extra 3600mhA battery and a 25mm ceramic patch GPS antenna to the pins on the back, bringing your battery life up to 7600mhA and improving the GPS signal; helpful if youre planning to spend a couple of days traveling in remote locations. Theres also another pack that adds an extra 4,370mAh battery to the phone, and a pack for attaching the handset to a bikes handlebars.

Other outdoor-focused features include a compass and SOS light, a touchscreen that can be used while wearing gloves and when its wet, and access to topological maps from ViewRanger. Users can also receive wind, tide, and weather information.

The Land Rover Explore will cost 599 (around $800) when released on April 26. That may be pricey for a phone with mid-range specs, but its likely to appeal to fans of the great outdoors.
Alex Wong/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Special Counsel investigators have spurred a flurry of court activity this past week as pressure mounts on two key targets who sources close to the case say are weighing whether to keep fighting the charges or cut deals to cooperate with the probe.

One day after reaching a plea deal with a former associate of onetime Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and his deputy, Rick Gates, federal prosecutors showed up at the federal court with additional charging documents  filed under seal  in the case against the duo.

Gates is also currently facing a looming deadline to settle on his legal team.

The new secret court filings that arrived Wednesday were added to a binder in the clerks office that documents charges filed in the courthouse. This could indicate that prosecutors have submitted a superseding indictment  new charges -- against Manafort, Gates, or even unknown individuals. Or, it could be the first signal that Manafort or Gates has reached an agreement that would leave them facing lesser charges

Both men were indicted on October 30 on charges of money laundering, failing to register as foreign agents, and lying to federal officials in connection with lobbying and other activities that occurred prior and unrelated to the Presidential campaign, and both pleaded not guilty. Manafort has been on strict home confinement, and Gates has been allowed slightly more lenient conditions though he, like Manafort, wears a GPS tracking device and must obey a curfew.

Prosecutors have given no indication when the new filing will be unsealed. The Special Counsels Office declined to comment when asked about the filing by ABC News.

So far, no charges against either Manafort or Gates have been related to their time on the Trump campaign. Last week, prosecutors used public filings in a bail negotiation to make public their belief that Manafort had committed additional financial crimes that have not yet led to public charges. The government opposed a more lenient bail package for Manafort in light of additional criminal conduct that we have learned since the courts initial bail determination, adding that the conduct in question includes a series of bank frauds and bank fraud conspiracies.

Gates has been to court with one set of attorneys, even though he has also acknowledged hiring veteran criminal defense attorney Thomas Green, who has been in discussions with the Special Counsel over a possible plea deal. Those talks have been ongoing and intense, sources tell ABC News.

Green, a former federal prosecutor, appeared last Wednesday near the end of a status conference for Gates and Manafort, though he was not there in an official capacity. Green and Gates huddled outside the courtroom, speaking animatedly together, and Green accompanied Gates back inside the courtroom for a closed-door appearance before the judge.

The stated purpose of the hearing was to discuss Gates current legal team, which has sought to pull out of the case, according to court filings. Gates requested one additional week with that legal team, which had been preparing for a trial, and the judge agreed, pointing to a possible deadline of today for some kind of deal to be reached, barring another request for a delay.

This all comes as Muellers team of prosecutors announced Friday that they would charge 13 Russians and three Russian groups with violating federal law for meddling "with U.S. elections and political processes.

Just days later, Muellers team netted yet another guilty plea, its fourth, this time from Dutch national Alex Van Der Zwaan, 33, who prosecutors say made false statements about communications in 2016 with Gates and an unnamed person.

According to top Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissmann, Van Der Zwaan worked for a law firm that did work in Ukraine in 2012 and worked closely with Gates who  alongside his boss, Paul Manafort  did extensive work for the government of Ukraine.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved
Senate disallowed discussion on sending Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: The Upper House of Parliament on Wednesday disallowed an adjournment motion moved by a PPP senator to discuss the decision of sending Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia while bypassing the unanimously adopted parliamentary resolution affirming neutrality in the ongoing military conflict in the region.



Senator Farhatullah Babar tried to move the adjournment motion but Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani didnt allow him to present it. Rabbani was of the view that the defence minister had already made a policy statement and a number of senators had spoken on the subject, therefore further discussion was not necessary.



Pressing his point, the PPP senator said that the ISPR announced the decision last week after a meeting between chief of army staff and Saudi ambassador in Islamabad which was preceded by a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia during which the COAS also met the crown prince and some military commanders.



Babar listed two questions which, he said, remained unanswered and necessitated further discussion on the subject through the adjournment motion. One: whether during the recent meeting of the army chief with the Saudi crown prince, the Pakistani ambassador in Saudi Arabia was also present and whether a representative of the Foreign Office was present in a subsequent meeting between the Saudi ambassador and the army chief at the GHQ. Two: even without disclosing the location of the troops to be dispatched to Saudi Arabia, what was the guarantee that they would not be deployed along the Yemen border.



Babar said that several other questions remained unanswered, including the nuanced FO statements condemning the Houthi missile attacks as a threat to the kingdom and the Holy Mosques.



Minister for Energy Awais Khan Leghari dispelled the impression that China was tilting towards India regarding China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Giving ministerial response to a matter of public importance, he said that CPEC was part of the Belt and Road Initiative and a bilateral project between Pakistan and China with no third country part of it. He said that the project would usher in an era of development in Pakistan as well as the entire region and that other countries could also benefit from it.



Regarding another matter of public importance, Awais Leghari said that there was no ban on launching renewable energy projects in Pakistan.



The Senate adopted the report of the special committee on PIA constituted to probe the circumstances under which a PIA Airbus 310 was allegedly sold to a German firm. The committee was mandated to determine who played what role and how the former CEO, a German national, was allowed to leave the country despite his name being on the ECL.



A sub-committee headed by Senator Farhatullah Babar and including Senator Nauman Wazir and Tahir Mashhadi had been formed to probe the matter. The report said that the sale of the airbus was unauthorised, with glaring flaws in the tendering process. The normal procedure was bypassed and the plane was sold at a very low price, it said, adding that entire blame could not be laid on the shoulders of just two individuals and the culpability was much wider.



The report recommended that the former CEO be brought back to Pakistan and in this connection the Foreign Office should take up the matter with the German Embassy in Islamabad on whose guarantee and commitment the permission was granted.



The Senate was informed that energy projects with a total capacity of 17,045 megawatts would be executed under the CPEC. Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal, while responding to a question during the Question Hour, said that projects with a capacity of 1,110 megawatt were on the advanced stage. He said that the Chinese experts were also undertaking studies to fund hydel projects on River Indus, like Diamer-Bhasha, Bunji and other projects. He said that China had agreed in principle to fund hydel projects on River Indus.
Disney has lost its copyright lawsuit against Redbox in a big way. A California District Court judge not only issued a judgment against the studios attempt at an injunction against the rental company but also went as far as accusing Disney of copyright misuse in his ruling.

As we reported back in December, Redbox does not have a direct distribution deal with Disney like it does with other studios such as Warner Bros. Instead, the company supplies its rental kiosks with retail versions of Disney flicks. These retail versions often come in bundles which include a DVD, a Blu-ray and a digital download code for the video.

Redbox would disassemble these bundles, placing the DVDs and Blu-rays in the kiosks and repackaging the download codes for sale. This enraged Disney, so the studio filed suit claiming the action infringed on its copyrights. It also sought an injunction to stop the practice.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney claimed these resales constituted contributory copyright infringement, a breach of contract, interference, false advertising and unfair competition.

Disneys reasoning behind this claim was that it is clearly stated on movie packaging and on the Disney Movies Anywhere and RedeemDigitalMovie websites that download codes are non-transferable.

Redboxs defense, in part, was that Disney was engaging in copyright misuse. It said the studio was attempting to stifle competition to more smoothly launch [its] own digital content streaming service, maximize the price other services like iTunes and Amazon (and their customers) pay for Disney movies and secure a greater market share for Hulu.

In his ruling, Judge Dean Pregerson not only agreed with Redbox but took it a step further.

The copyright misuse defense is not so narrow as Disney would have it. Indeed, copyright misuse need not even be grounded in anti-competitive behavior and extends to any situation implicating the public policy embodied in the grant of a copyright. The pertinent inquiry, then, is not whether the digital download services restrictive license terms give Disney power over some entirely unrelated product, but whether those terms improperly grant Disney power beyond the scope of its copyright.

In Pregersons opinion, distribution rights of a single copyrighted piece end when the holder places the work into the stream of commerce. This protection is important. Without it, there would be no used bookstores, no GameStops or anything else that redistributes previously purchased copyrighted goods. It would be like telling someone who just bought your painting that they cannot resell it.

This improper leveraging of Disneys copyright in the digital content to restrict secondary transfers of physical copies directly implicates and conflicts with public policy enshrined in the Copyright Act, and constitutes copyright misuse, the judge wrote.

So instead of snuffing out the Redbox problem with its lawsuit, Disney has opened up a whole other can of worms. The studio is now looking at a countersuit by Redbox which thinks the company should face punitive measures for the copyright misuse including suspension of its enforcement privileges so long as it continues to engage in the abuse.

It goes without saying that Disney will throw all of its substantial legal power into ensuring this does not happen.
President Lopez Obrador highlighted the importance of respecting the sovereignty of the world's peoples during his celebration speech. | Read More
Colombia Hoy



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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!


A Ballarat businessman who lost millions of dollars investing with Macquarie Group has told a senate committee that his broker admitted to ramping stocks and illegally trading through his fathers account.

Disgruntled investor Brendan James told members of the Senates Economics Reference Committee on Thursday that former Macquarie divisional director Michael Rosenbaum had made an unbelievable string of admissions during a phone call on August 3 last year.

The committee was sitting in Melbourne to hear evidence about claims that several Macquarie advisors had artificially inflated the share price of Cleveland Mining Group between 2011 and 2013 before a sudden collapse wiped out hundreds of investors.

Three Macquarie executives denied any unlawful share trading in Cleveland shares, other than one client who had received incorrect advice based on their risk profile.
"We are committed to this transaction, we fully support it and we believe the transaction will be fully executed okay,'' Mr Lowy said.

When asked if there was a Plan B in case the deal should not succeed, for ''whatever reason'', he maintained that "there is no Plan B, I would not get drawn on any speculation.

In an at-times testy exchange with Macquarie Equities analyst Rob Freeman, Mr Lowy was adamant the deal would go ahead as planned.

Westfield's co-chief executive Peter Lowy has staunchly defended the shopping centre group's $30 billion takeover deal with Unibail-Rodamco, saying there was "no Plan B" amid market speculation the French retail giant may have to sweeten its bid.

''From the family's point of view and the company's point of view, there has been no change in the strategic rationale of what we put out in December of why we are doing this, and why we are moving forward with this and why we are recommending .. strongly recommending it.

''From a strategic point of view, we see no change in where we were in the last couple of months.''

Mr Lowy, when pushed further on why Westfield did not issue a 2018 earnings guidance, pointed to takeover documents to be released in April, which would include further information. "You can ask that question a 1000 ways to Sunday, but the answer is going to be the same'', he told analysts.

Macquarie Equities, which is not advising on the deal, has been arguing that there could be a counter bid given the price of the scrip and cash bid has slipped due to share price and currency movements. Unibail-Rodamco has offered investors $US2.67 per share plus 18.44 Unibail shares for every 1000 Westfield securities.

In December, that equalled to $10.01 a share in Australian dollars, but with exchange rates and sharemarket movements, it is now worth about $8.62 per Westfield share.
A blunder at a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange let investors briefly buy bitcoins for free - though none were able to profit from the mistake.

Zaif, a government-registered exchange run by Osaka-based Tech Bureau Corp, said on Tuesday that a system glitch had let seven customers buy bitcoin with no yen value during a 20-minute window last week.

The exchange voided the trades after discovering the error, which happened on February 16 - though it was still trying to resolve the issue with one customer who tried to transfer the knock-down bitcoins from the exchange, a spokesman told Reuters.

Zaif's operator had already faced checks after last month's theft of $US530 million ($680 million) in digital money from Coincheck Inc, with regulators fearing its systems were at risk from cyber-attacks.
It is the centenary of Muriel Spark's birth, and so a reminder of what a dazzling and delicious writer she was. She was born working class in Edinburgh on February 1, 1918, and is one of the greater Scottish writers since Robert Louis Stevenson at the very least. Spark, who died in 2006, was an absolute original, a woman with a vision that scares the stars out of the sky but also a pitch-perfect master of English prose, one of those rare fiction writers who has the absolute precision of a poet of the first rank.

Spark came to fame  fortune too  in 1961 with The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, which was published as a whole issue of The New Yorker and made into a film featuring one of Maggie Smith's greatest performances in the title role. The book is utterly extraordinary and deserves its reputation as the most perfect novel in the language since Ford Madox Ford's The Good Soldier. And, yes, Spark makes you want to use "perfect" as a comparative, wrongly, because anything she wrote barely admits of blemishes.

Muriel Spark: Touches the enchantment of the every day. Credit:Sueddeutsche Zeitung Photo / Alamy Stock Photo

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is the story of a schoolmistress, single but not exactly chaste, who takes her "gels" and exposes them to the heady charms of her "prime", to her own example and ego, the great shimmering narcissism of her mighty mirroring sense of self and allows them to swim or drown in its vast and heartless expanse.

It is the supreme example in postwar fiction, perhaps in all fiction, of a novel that is comic in its flaunted stylistic hijinks, its Wildean grandiosity and precision of comic effect and yet comes across in the end as grave and sad and as full of the moral stab of emotional reality as any book.
So there's this writer in a small Australian town working on a book about disappearing towns. He drinks beer in a pub with no customers while others ride in a bus with no passengers and a radio host plays music with no listeners.

Perhaps this is a grim metaphor for the writer with no readers. But if that was Shaun Prescott's intention, he's doing better than he might have expected. His debut novel, The Town, was a sensation at last year's Frankfurt Book Fair, where publishers and agents from around the world look for new titles. It's been sold into multiple territories, including Britain, the US, France, Germany and Spain.

Josephine Wilson, the 2017 winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award, now has international readers.

This is particularly impressive because The Town was only the second book from a very small press, The Lifted Brow, which says the deals are "terrific news for a quiet, sincere, critical and darkly funny work of Australian fiction". As literary scout Catherine Eccles says: "This is a metaphor for our times that interestingly comes from a tiny start-up at the bottom of the world."

The Australia Council's Literature Director, Wenona Byrne, told the story of The Town in a recent speech to a conference organised by the Small Press Network. She must have been excited when an editor with a German publisher at Frankfurt told her, "Oh, I'm reading an Australian book at the moment. I'm about a hundred pages into it and it's amazing! Apparently there is a lot of interest so I'm reading quickly."
Local communities in the far west of NSW remain "voiceless" on issues such as the health of the Darling River, with the state's biggest shire council stuck in administration until 2020.

Central Darling's shire council was taken over by the state government in 2014 in what has been dubbed by academics "Australia's first example of local government financial failure".

Good times: waters flooding back into Lake Menindee after record winter rains in western NSW. Credit:Nick Moir

The 1800-odd residents of the giant shire, which covers 53,500 square kilometres, or about 80 per cent of the size of Tasmania, won't get to vote for local representatives until after the next state election.

Darriea Turley, mayor of neighbouring Broken Hill, said residents were being left "in the dark" on matters such as the lack of flows in the lower Darling River.
This close to the 40th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, you'd be hard-pressed to find something that elicits more glee than the prospect of seeing Cher in real-time. That's unless you count the brilliant schadenfraude accompanying the epic tale of Australia's most famous baby daddy: the boot-avoiding, bonk ban-inspiring former Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce.

On Wednesday night, Joyce and his partner, Vikki Campion gave their first interview since their political infidelities went global; from the comfort of Joyce's "bachelor pad", to Fairfax Media.

Barnaby Joyce at home in Armidale. Credit:PETER HARDING

It was everything you'd expect from the sentient potato: He resented how questions of his personal life had shifted from "inquiry to malice". He loathed any inference that his love child would be "less worthy than other children", and abhorred the idea that said youth would grow up as a "public display". Talk of his secondary relationship while Campion worked with Senator Matt Canavan, was a case of "don't ask, don't tell", he said.

It's one thing to see a politician with a track record of opposing LGBTI rights for traditionalist reasons cop it after violating binding matrimony. But when said pollie makes a call for kindness  after subjecting countless Australian citizens to pain and suffering in the name of the same-sex marriage postal survey, and then refusing to vote on the subsequently laid-out bill at all  you wonder if the universe has a sense of irony.
You can usually choose your fund. There are two main types of funds  industry funds that return profits to members and retail funds run by financial institutions such as banks for a profit. Industry funds have historically out-performed retail funds on average, but there are good and bad in both categories. You don't have to work in an industry to join the applicable industry fund  there's nothing to stop a waiter joining Local Government Super, for example. I wrote recently about a child actor who found all his super was eaten away by fees and insurance premiums. Judging by the response, this is a very common problem, not just for kids but anyone who earns a low or sporadic income. If this is you, look for a low-fee fund. When the balance is low, minimising fixed fees is more important than the investment returns. SuperRatings has a list of the top 10 funds with the lowest fees. Second, choose the right investment option. When you're young, you should probably be in a growth fund. It's higher risk but over the long term should deliver higher returns. If you've got decades to go before you retire, you can usually afford the risk. Third, consolidate your accounts. Otherwise you could be paying multiple sets of fees and insurance premiums. There's a good guide to how to do this on ASIC's MoneySmart website. Fourth, review your insurance needs. By default you have life insurance, which pays out on death and also total and permanent disablement (TPD), and sometimes income protection insurance. You can opt out but think carefully before you do. If you have dependants (usually children) or liabilities (such as a mortgage), then life insurance is important. In some cases you'll want to increase your cover.

Fifth, consider making a small personal contribution. That's if you're not madly saving for a house or trying to pay off a mortgage. Behavioural economists know that people adjust to their take-home salary  so if you can force yourself to save before you even get the money, you probably won't even notice it. Your 20s and 30s are a great time to contribute to super, because of the magic of compound interest. Time is your greatest asset when investing, and superannuation is the most tax-effective way to invest. You can contribute through salary sacrifice if it's offered by your employer. But there's also a new law that means you can do it yourself and claim a tax deduction at the end of the year. You can set up a direct debit so the money drips into your super account frequently, or even use tools such as the Acorns app to sweep digital "spare change" into your super account. By contrast, many employers only deposit super every three months ... if at all (unpaid super entitlements are a big problem in Australia). The downside is that you don't get the tax deduction until the end of the year  but if you like getting a tax refund, then you might consider that a benefit. Sixth, make sure your binding death benefit nomination is up to date  that is, letting your fund know who should get your money if you die. Seventh ... nope, that's job done, actually. Forget about it for a while. Make a date to spend an hour or two reviewing it in a year's time, or maybe two. Don't get sucked into fiddling around with your investment options constantly. You pay transaction costs every time you buy and sell and you're probably not as good at it as you think. If you could time the market, you'd have made a motza from share trading and be retired already. If you want to try, do it with your "play money" not your super.

This also means you shouldn't worry about whether your fund has a great app or mobile experience. There are new disruptors that make this a selling point, but it's more important that the investment returns are good and fees are low. Don't buy into the fearmongering about how much you need in retirement. Some very smart people think the super industry's definition of a "comfortable" retirement is inflated. The super industry, naturally, disagrees. I reckon there's plenty of fat in it, but take a look for yourself. The average young person will have a lifetime of compulsory super of at least 9.5 per cent of your salary and this is slated to rise to 12 per cent. If you're aged under 54 now, you can't get to your super until you're at least 60 and you can bet they'll put the age up before you get there. Loading If you think you might need money to buy a home or any other important purpose before you're allowed access to your super, then keep your money outside the system  or use the new first home super saving scheme. You can invest outside of super and earn similar returns  it's not as tax effective, but that's the price of freedom.
Organisers of this weekend's cancelled Color Run say they did publicise it well, despite complaints they didn't.

Radford College, meanwhile, held its own version of the colour run on Thursday, happy to go with the Australian spelling.

Radford College principal Fiona Godfrey and head of junior school Paul Southwell get pelted in the school's own colour run on Thursday. Credit:Jonquil Mackey

The company behind the American-originated Color Run, due to start from Commonwealth Park on Sunday, cancelled it due to low numbers, with only 1606 people signing up.

Comments on social media on Thursday suggested it was too expensive to enter. But some people also said the event had not been publicised well enough.
For Immediate Release

A coalition of medical and humanitarian organizations, some working inside besieged eastern Ghouta, have urged the United Nations Security Council to vote for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow urgent humanitarian assistance to all areas in need in Syria.

The Security Council is expected to vote today on a resolution aimed at implementing the cessation of hostilities and lifting sieges on areas like eastern Ghouta. More than 300 people have been killed there by Syrian government and allied forces since Sunday while more than 20 health facilities were subjected to bombardment. The resolution would also prevent further indiscriminate attacks from armed opposition groups in Damascus, where at least 15 have been killed since Sunday.

The coalitions call will be heard loud and clear in New York today, where three billboards are currently circling the United Nations building, calling out the Security Council and demanding answers for its inaction. Mirroring a tactic from the Oscar-nominated film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, the billboards say 500,000 dead in Syria / And still no action? / How come, Security Council?

Photos and video footage of the billboards will be made available here throughout the day.

"The situation inside Ghouta is catastrophic. So many people are dying that the numbers of the dead keep flowing into each other, we can't keep count," said Dr. Hamza, a doctor with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) in eastern Ghouta. "The amount of terror we are going through cannot be described."

He said that families are holed up in basements, terrified of the strafing planes and bombardment. Because of the lack of medical attention and poor living conditions, skin diseases such as scabies are rampant and chronic diseases continue to be exacerbated.

In its joint call to the UN Security Council, the coalition calls on all members to support the passage of a humanitarian resolution and use their influence to make the cessation a reality. They are asking for:

A humanitarian pause/cessation of violence throughout Syria; Sustained humanitarian access through weekly UN humanitarian aid convoys to all areas in need, including those in opposition-held areas; Emergency medical evacuations with necessary safety guarantees to patients in need of urgent treatment outside of besieged areas; Commitments from all parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international law to prioritize the protection of civilians and guarantee the protection of hospitals and other medical facilities; Lifting of the sieges, most urgently eastern Ghouta being the one in most acute need, with the vast number of besieged. According to the United Nations, around 400,000 people live in besieged eastern Ghouta. The siege that was imposed in 2013 has left the residents of eastern Ghouta starving and its patients dying.

These messages, as well a guide to how the public can lend their voices to the call for the UN to act, can be found on the website www.SaveGhouta.com.

Dr Hamza continued: "I just treated a woman in her twenties who spoke her last words just three hours ago. She was seven months pregnant and we couldn't save her. There is a huge shortage of medicines and equipment to treat patients in Ghouta. None of those being killed are military targets, they're all civilians."

Refusal to deliver medical supplies prevents doctors from fulfilling their duties. Trauma drugs and surgical equipment are non-existent, and in Syria they are systematically removed from humanitarian convoys without any justification.

One of the biggest challenges doctors face is the refusal of medical evacuation requests for critically ill patients, including those with tumors and serious heart problems. In the rare cases where they are able to evacuate patients, many die while waiting for a medical evacuation out of Syria or treatment inside the country. Currently, more than 700 patients require medical evacuation.

The recent onslaught of violence comes on top of one of the worst hunger crises since the beginning of the Syrian conflict, with the UN reporting that 12 percent of preschoolers in eastern Ghouta are suffering from acute malnutrition.

Notes to Editors:

PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE THE UN FOR EASTERN GHOUTA ARE AVAILABLE FOR USE BY ALL MEDIA HERE .

The coalition is made up of: Care International; CCFD-Terre Solidaire; International Rescue Committee (IRC); Independent Doctors' Association (IDA); Medecins du Monde (Doctors of the World); Mercy Corps; Physicians for Human Rights (PHR); Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS); Save the Children; and Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM).

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is a New York-based advocacy organization that uses science and medicine to prevent mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. Learn more here.
The University of Canberra has offered staff cash to resign, telling employees applications for voluntary separations would be rejected "only in exceptional circumstances" but assuring those interested they could reapply for their own position if it was later readvertised.

In a statement sent to staff, the university said the voluntary separation program would help ensure its long-term financial sustainability and align its workforce with Distinctive By Design, the institution's five-year strategic plan.

University of Canberra vice chancellor Deep Saini. Credit:karleen minney

The program does not carry targets for financial savings or reductions in positions and staff have been assured there will be no redundancies. There is no cap on the number of voluntary separations that will be accepted.

A University of Canberra spokeswoman said: "With the federal government's recent changes to university funding as part of the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook 2017-18, the university needs to ensure its long-term financial sustainability and align the workforce with its strategic plan goals.
Sydney must decide how much density it can handle, as it plans for 2.4 million extra residents over the next three decades, amid mounting community backlash towards perceived overdevelopment.

Infrastructure Australia, the nations independent infrastructure body, on Friday released landmark report proposing three alternative visions of Sydney in 2046, when the population is projected to hit 7.4 million.

The modelling provides a side-by-side comparison of managing Sydneys rapid growth, either by maintaining the urban sprawl to the citys fringes, by heavily densifying the inner city suburbs with multi-storey apartment blocks, or by a rebalancing growth across the city in medium density housing.

Under each 30-year scenario, Sydney's infrastructure will be placed under significant pressure, and the average number of hours spent on congested roads during the morning peak will more than double.

Demand for schools will increase by about 70 per cent, while access to hospitals declines under each model. Public parks and open spaces will also become increasingly crowded.
Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk has boosted employees' pay packets, bypassing a ballot that was to be taken before the wage increase was applied.

The council had been negotiating a wage increase with 11 unions representing council workers since October 2016.

Unions go on strike outside City Hall. Credit:Ruth McCosker

The existing EBA expired in October 2017, and hundreds of council staff went on strike during the negotiations process.

The new EBA was to be agreed to in August, when every council employee would have been given the chance to vote yes or no to the offer of a 2.5 per cent wage increase.
A Russian-designed anti-anxiety drug, easily bought online, was still considered the main culprit as police awaited toxicology results following a mass overdose at a private Gold Coast school.

Phenibut as listed on Mind Nutrition Facebook page

Seven Saint Stephen's College students were rushed to hospital from the prestigious Upper Coomera school on Wednesday afternoon after they were seen falling in and out of consciousness.

Five Saint Stephens College students remained in hospital on Thursday evening as police sought to confirm whether they had taken a Russian-designed drug known as phenibut, available online.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Aubort said officers had recovered what appeared to be a powdered drug from the school.
Under the microscope, they look like little red bubbles, swelling with green slime. The bubbles stretch, and then burst in a shower of goo.

This never-before-seen process may be a crucial trigger for autoimmune diseases like arthritis.

It was midnight when Professor Benjamin Kile first saw the vision, sitting awake at midnight at his computer in the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute.

I felt like I was part of NASA, getting pictures from the dark side of the moon, he said. It was obvious immediately that this was something no one had ever seen before.
Two men are on the run after a man was shot inside a tattoo parlour in Melbourne's south-east on Thursday, with bullets spraying into nearby businesses and narrowly missing occupants.

The victim, believed to be in his 30s, was shot in what police believe was a targeted attack at the Nitro Ink tattoo parlour on Fordholm Road in Hampton Park about 1.20pm. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and is now listed as stable, but serious.

A police officer guards the Nitro Ink tattoo parlour. Credit:Joe Armao

The tattoo parlour is linked to the national president of the Comanchero outlaw bikie gang, Mick Murray, along with the Nitro Gym in the neighbouring suburb of Hallam. He is believed to be a silent owner of both operations.

Inspector Michael Daly said a silver sedan parked outside the tattoo parlour moments before two men in black balaclavas got out of the car and ambushed the store.
A man who was ambushed by two gun-wielding thugs in Melbourne's south-east managed to wrestle the weapon out of one of the attacker's hands.

Police believe the attackers approached the man, in his 40s, outside a Dandenong home, about 6.20am on Thursday.

A short scuffle ensued, with the victim managing to wrestle the firearm from the man, a police spokeswoman said.

The pair then ran off.

A large police operation was under way on Fillmore Road, where the attack took place, this morning, and was still ongoing at 1pm.
Mr Broad said he had a resolution from his Nationals branch calling on Mr Joyce to resign and he would take those views to a party room meeting in Canberra on Monday. Responding to the attack, Mr Joyce told Fairfax Media: "Andrew Broad has expressed these sentiments before. The proper venue for the discussion of these issues is within the party room, which we will do on Monday". Asked if he would be leader after Monday's meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister said simply "yes". Mr Joyce's deputy, Bridget McKenzie, said Nationals senators would not attend Monday's meeting - reducing attendance from 21 to 16 - because of Senate estimates commitments. She did not explicitly back her leader but said there was "no stronger advocate for regional Australia than Barnaby Joyce".

A supporter of Mr Joyce predicted Mr Broad's move would fall well short of the required numbers to remove the leader. It remains to be seen whether enough members of the 21-strong Nationals party room will lock in behind their besieged leader or fall behind the push to remove him over coming days. The Nationals have only removed one sitting leader in their history. Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Senior ministers on Thursday warned against the "extreme" media pressure being placed on the Nationals leader and his new partner, but that pressure has now been trumped by moves within his party.

Mr Joyce's decision to grant a third significant interview this week, in which he complained about being forced out of his rent-free Armidale townhouse, was seen by colleagues as a further error of judgement because it has made a mockery of his time away from the spotlight and gave the story new life. Mr Broad, known for his strong commitment to social conservatism, said Mr Joyce must now step down for the good of the party and the Turnbull government. After a week spent in his Mallee electorate talking to supporters, Mr Broad said members of the Federal Electorate Council had expressed a clear view. "Barnaby has made a great contribution to Australia, a great contribution to the National Party but at this time it is time he takes a step back, regains some credibility and work through some issues he needs to work through, and my guys are telling me ... that he needs to step down as leader of the National Party," Mr Broad said.

Citing the example of former Nationals leader John Anderson, who was acting prime minister during the September 11 attacks in 2001, he questioned whether Mr Joyce was fit for the level of leadership required during an emergency. "I need to know as a member of Parliament that the person who is going to be the acting prime minister has got their mind on the job, that they have dealt with the concerns that they might have going on in their own personal life, and at this point in time, it's not fit for Barnaby to be able to step up as the acting prime minister." Mr Broad noted he did not wish to be leader. Frontbenchers Michael McCormack and David Littleproud, and former infrastructure minister Darren Chester have been floated as options to replace Mr Joyce. Fellow Nationals MP and known Joyce critic Ken O'Dowd also hinted at a showdown when MPs return to the capital. "I have nothing further to comment on the leadership until after we meet as one in the Nationals Party room in Canberra on Monday," the Queensland MP told Fairfax Media.

"What will be, will be". Senior Liberal ministers contacted by Fairfax Media on Thursday declined to comment for fear of "feeding" the story. However one pleaded for Mr Joyce to be given "a bit of breathing space" to settle his fraught personal circumstances. Loading Acting Prime Minister Mathias Cormann also attempted to hose down the controversy. "As far as Barnaby is concerned, he had to deal with some deeply personal matters which spilled over into the professional sphere. He has taken a week off in order to put some order into some of these matters and that is entirely appropriate, and that is really all there is to it," Senator Cormann said.
Millions more Australians would learn a trade and public TAFE would be at the centre of the higher education system under a major rethink being planned by Labor.

The party is also looking to undo the damage caused by its own bungled deregulation of the private vocational education sector, which it now regards as "unhealthy competition" to TAFE.

Labor will today announce it would hold a "once-in-a-generation" inquiry into tertiary education, with an emphasis on repairing the TAFE "crisis" and elevating it to equal status with universities.

Labor education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek said the system was "both fragmented and rigid", and in crisis.

"The number of students attending TAFE has collapsed due to funding cuts and unhealthy competition from private providers accessing government subsidies," she said.
Four senior figures in the Turnbull government have rejected former prime minister Tony Abbott's calls to cut immigration to ease pressure on infrastructure and wages, increase housing affordability and reduce ethnic crime.

Acting Prime Minister Mathias Cormann, Trade Minister Steve Ciobo and Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton have now dismissed the position championed by their former leader, adding weight to comments made by Treasurer Scott Morrison earlier in the week.

"Tony Abbott is wrong," Senator Cormann said on Thursday morning.

"To criticise the experts and say that somebody who is not an expert knows better is not the right approach."
Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion has urged the Northern Territory government to be open and transparent about the circumstances leading up to the alleged rape of a two-year-old in Tennant Creek, with revelations emerging that welfare services had repeatedly been contacted about the household in question.

A 24-year-old man has been charged over the alleged rape of the toddler, who was hospitalised in Alice Springs on Friday before being transferred to an Adelaide facility and then released to her family on Wednesday.

The NT government's Territory Families department has confirmed it received more than 20 notifications about the house from August 2015 onwards but, according to the department, only six were substantiated and none were of a "sexual nature".

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Senator Scullion, who is travelling to the remote outback town in the aftermath of the incident, said he was "shocked and appalled" by the allegations.
Melbournes acting lord mayor Arron Wood has ruled out running in the citys upcoming election, which was triggered by the resignation of Robert Doyle amid sexual harassment allegations.

The field remains open, with a number of high-profile potential candidates, including philanthropist and businesswoman Susan Alberti and PR professional Ann Peacock, no longer in contention.

Arron Wood has said he won't run for lord mayor and will remain as deputy. Credit:AAP/James Ross

Mr Wood conceded that the council had been through a a period of serious instability and a pretty torrid time'' in recent weeks but his main reason for not standing was that he wanted to spend more time with his young family.

Ive got a four-year-old ... and a nine-month old and Im not seeing a lot of them lately,'' Mr Wood told 3AW host Neil Mitchell. ''Just contemplating that Id miss out on key milestones that you just dont get back, that was the number one reason I wont run.
Melbourne is on course to lose its status as one of the worlds most liveable cities, unless smart decisions are made now about how to accommodate almost three million extra people, Infrastructure Australia warns.

The federal governments infrastructure adviser says in a new report that Melbourne and Sydney are at watershed moments in their histories, as population growth pushes them to a future where they will resemble megacities more like todays Hong Kong, London and New York.

Melbourne CBD is fast becoming dominated by high rises. Credit:Paul Rovere

On current projections, Melbournes population will grow by 2.8 million to 7.3 million by 2046.

Infrastructure Australias report, Future Cities, released on Friday, models three potential futures: a centralised high-rise version, where growth is concentrated in the inner city and along major transport corridors; a sprawling version based on continued low-density growth in the outer suburbs; and a medium-density scenario that involves more intensive development in Melbournes middle suburbs.
As Lovani, the horse that sparked the biggest racing scandal in recent memory, prepares to return to the track for her new trainer at Rosehill on Saturday, Victorian racing minister Martin Pakula has publicly questioned Racing Victoria's integrity unit.

As text messages from the brief in the Aquanita inquiry continue to be made public, Pakula made his thoughts clear on Melbourne radio.

Eye of the storm: Lovani at Flemington in July 2017. Credit:AAP

"There is no doubt that integrity in the past has not been as strong as it should be," he said. "There is no doubt integrity has been on a journey and it has improved over time.
Phnom Penh: Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Sen has threatened protesters who burn an effigy of him when he visits Sydney in March, saying he will beat them up.

I am determined. If they burn an effigy of me I will pursue them to their homes and beat them-up, Hun Sen, a former commander of the murderous Khmer Rouge, said during a speech to garment workers.

I tell you in advance. I want to make clear. If they have a right to burn me I have the right to go to their homes and seize them, he said.

Hun Sen making the threat in a speech on Wednesday to garment workers which has been broadcast across Cambodia.

Video of the speech shows Hun Sen pointing angrily and looking agitated.
London: British police are investigating after a package containing a mysterious substance, which media reported was addressed to Prince Harry and his US fiancee Meghan Markle, was sent to a royal palace.

Counter-terrorism officers are also treating a letter which accompanied the package as a racist hate crime, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement on Thursday.

The St James's Palace detachment of The Queen's Guard turns out in Colour Court, St James Palace Credit:WPA Pool

The package was sent to St James's Palace on Monday and police later confirmed the substance it contained was non-suspicious.

"Officers are also investigating an allegation of malicious communications which relates to the same package, and it is being treated as a racist hate crime," the police statement said.
High School student Emma Gonzalez comforts a classmate during a CNN town hall meeting. Credit:MICHAEL LAUGHLIN "My daughter, running down the hallway, was shot in the back with an assault weapon, the weapon of choice," Guttenberg told the forum as Rubio stood stone-faced. "It is too easy to get. It is a weapon of war. The fact that you can't stand with everybody else in this room and say that, I'm sorry." The room erupted in applause for Guttenberg and repeatedly booed as Rubio sought to explain his opposition on a proposed assault weapons ban. The bill, he said, is riddled with loopholes that would make it easy for criminals to get around. Parent Fred Guttenberg watches a monitor honoring the 17 students, including his daughter, and teachers who were killed at Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School. Credit:MICHAEL LAUGHLIN "First, you have to define what it is. It basically bans 220 specific models of gun," Rubio said, prompting applause from the audience.

He continued, saying that the bill also allows for "2,000 other types" of guns that operate the same way but are not classified as assault weapons. Loesch repeatedly deflected questions about the need for more restrictions on the availability of guns, insisting instead that keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally ill or people with criminal records would keep students safe. "I don't believe that this insane monster should have ever been able to obtain a firearm, ever," Loesch told Emma Gonzalez, a senior at the high school. "None of us support people who are crazy, who are a danger to themselves, who are a danger to others, getting their hands on a firearm." But her answers prompted angry taunts from the audience. At times, she struggled to answer, but she steadfastly refused to back down on the NRA's position opposing new gun restrictions. She said the group opposed raising the legal age for purchasing an assault weapon to 21 from 18, an idea that Trump had earlier signalled support for. Students who are old enough to serve in the military should be allowed to own firearms, she said.

Diane Wolk Rogers, a history teacher at the high school, confronted Loesch by asking her to defend the idea that allowing the suspect, a 19-year-old, in the killing to own an assault rifle represents "a well-regulated militia" as is written in the Second Amendment. Loesch said the phrase was meant to protect the rights of anyone who "could operate and service their firearm," an answer that drew loud yelling and more boos from the audience. Rubio, for his part, had offered opening remarks that he clearly hoped would deflect criticism during the event. He expressed grief for those who were affected by the shooting, but he said that people in the United States needed to find ways to disagree "without accusing one another of being evil people." But the audience, including Guttenberg, did not hold back in criticising Rubio's position on gun control. Guttenberg repeatedly asked whether Rubio believed that "guns were the factor in the hunting of our kids." The senator said he agreed, but he insisted that other types of laws would better prevent such attacks in the future. He said that he would support a bill to increase the minimum age for the purchase of an assault weapon to 21. And he said that he backed improvements to background checks and a ban on bump stocks, which can convert semi-automatic weapons to fire automatically.

Students and teachers at the event also had questions for Florida's other politicians, including two Democrats, Senator Bill Nelson and congressman Ted Deutch. One young student talked about how her best friend was gunned down in front of her, and she asked Nelson about background checks, and how to improve them. Another student, whose brother was killed in the shooting, bluntly said to Deutch that "my friends and I are worried that we are going to be murdered in our classrooms." He asked what Deutch was going to do about it. "As a starter," the congressman said, "I'm going to introduce legislation to make sure that assault weapons are illegal in every part of this country." The audience burst out in applause.

But Rubio, who ran for president in 2016, was the primary target of ire from people at the forum, who repeatedly challenged the senator's positions on gun control and his willingness to accept donations from the NRA. The issue of donations was raised by a junior at the high school, who stood just metres from Rubio and asked him whether he would renounce money from the gun advocacy group in the future. When Rubio refused, the audience booed loudly. "People buy into my agenda and I do support the Second Amendment," Rubio said, repeatedly refusing to say he would stop accepting money from the group. "The influence of these groups comes not from money, the influence comes from the millions of people who support the agenda." Deutch at one point engaged in a brief debate with Rubio, saying that a gun that allowed the shooter to fire off 150 rounds in six to seven minutes "should be banned." Later, Chris Grady, a student at the high school, thanked Rubio for appearing at the forum, unlike Trump and Scott, who both turned down invitations from CNN to participate.
Washington: US President Donald Trump suggested on Wednesday that arming teachers could help prevent massacres such as last week's mass shooting at a Florida high school.

Trump voiced support for the idea during an emotional White House meeting with students who survived the shooting and a parent whose child did not.

"If you had a teacher ... who was adept at firearms, it could very well end the attack very quickly," said Trump, who acknowledged the idea would be controversial.

He sat in the middle of a semi-circle in the State Dining Room of the White House, listening intently as students wept and pleaded for change. He vowed to take steps to improve background checks for gun buyers.
LIMA: At least 44 people died and 20 others were injured in southern Peru on Wednesday when a passenger bus fell off a cliff on the nation's most important highway  the second such bus accident this year on the notoriously dangerous road.

The two accidents prompted outrage that the authorities are not doing enough to prevent such tragedies. In January, 51 people died when a bus plunged off a cliff along a foggy stretch of road so infamous it is known as the "devil's curve."

A crashed bus lays on the bottom of a cliff in Arequipa, Peru, killing at least 44. Credit:AP

Both accidents occurred on the Pan-American Highway, which stretches the length of the country parallel to the Pacific Ocean. Despite its importance, most of the road is narrow, with a single lane going each way as it meanders through the Andean hills.

Sadly, the roadside is dotted with crosses memorialising where people have died in road accidents. The bus that plunged 260 feet off on Wednesday had passed a sign saying "Drive Carefully." A few feet away, a sign pointing in the other direction warned drivers of the serpentine road ahead.
Chicago Auto Show Announces Best of Show Winners







For the 13th consecutive year, consumer voters selected their favorites in five categories in the Chicago Auto Show's "Best of Show" balloting. The Chicago Auto Show is the only major auto show that polls its attendees' favorite vehicles and exhibit.

In voting conducted over the 10-day public run of the nation's biggest auto show, winners in the contest's five categories were:

Best All-New Production: 2018 Jeep Wrangler

Best Concept Vehicle: Cadillac Escala

Best Green Vehicle: 2019 BMW i8

Best Exhibit: Jeep

Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway: 2018 Ford GT

"We think of our attendees as one enormous focus group that we can leverage to analyze data and assess trends," said Chicago Auto Show General Manager Dave Sloan. "Best of Show voting has become a benchmark measure of what the public deems the most exciting, impressive and innovative on the show floor."

Each of the first four winners beat out seven other vehicles. The eight finalists in Best All-New Production Vehicle, Best Concept Vehicle, Best Green Vehicle and Best Exhibit were selected by a jury of automotive experts. In the fifth category, "Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway," voters could choose from any of the hundreds of vehicles on the show floor.

According to the results, voters considered the 2018 Jeep Wrangler the Best All-New Production Vehicle. Though the Wrangler was a runaway favorite, the Chevrolet Silverado and Chicago Auto Show world introduction Volkswagen Arteon also garnered a considerable number of votes, finishing second and third, respectively.

The stunning Cadillac Escala narrowly beat out the Lexus LF-1 in a hotly contested contest for Best Concept Vehicle. The all-new 2019 BMW i8 took the honors for Best Green Vehicle - the second year in a row a BMW has claimed this honor.

After a two-year run by Chevrolet, Jeep reclaimed honors for Best Display. Highlighting the Jeep display was the Camp Jeep Test Track - a staple since 2005. Camp Jeep offered ground clearance stairs, maneuverability moguls, extreme break-over rocks, 18-ft. 30-degree ascent/descent hill, off-camber/low-crawl boulders and articulation berms.

Every year the tightest race of all is the pick for "Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway." This year was no different as the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford GT battled neck and neck to the last day. Blue Oval fans mashed the gas on the final day to put the Ford GT on top.

The manufacturer awards for Best of Show will be presented to the winners at the annual Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally, held annually at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

For more information about the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, please visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.

###

About the Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America, spanning more than one million square feet of production, concept and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2.5 million annually for 18 vital Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2018 public show is Feb. 10-19. For more information, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com or www.Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.



The 2018 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs.



About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association

Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is one of the nation's largest metropolitan dealer organizations. It is comprised of more than 420 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 20,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world-famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit www.CATA.info.
DEARBORN, Mich.-Ford Motor Company today announced key changes to its senior management team as it continues to strengthen its automotive business, improve the companys operational fitness, and accelerate a strategic shift to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

In announcing the leadership changes, Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett said Ford is very fortunate to have an experienced and committed executive team in place driving every day to significantly strengthen our business while building toward our vision of becoming the worlds most trusted mobility company, designing smart vehicles for a smart world.

Kumar Galhotra, 52, is appointed group vice president and president, Ford North America, effective March 1. Galhotra will be responsible for leading all aspects of Fords North American business. He will report to Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president and president, Global Markets.

Galhotra, a 29-year veteran of the company, has served in a variety of senior-level engineering and product strategy positions around the world. In addition, since 2014, he has led Lincoln Motor Company, revitalizing the luxury brands model lineup and developing a world-class customer experience. He also has been serving as the companys chief marketing officer since last year.

Kumar is an incredibly talented executive with a special feel for product and brand. He is also a seasoned leader who knows how to drive a business transformation, Farley said. Kumar is the right person to lead our North American business to new levels of operational fitness, product and brand excellence, and profitability.

Reporting to Galhotra will be Stuart Rowley, 50, who is named vice president and chief operating officer, Ford North America, effective March 1. Rowley, who was previously vice president, Strategy, Ford Motor Company, will be responsible for driving the redesign of the North American business to improve its overall fitness.

Joy Falotico, 50, is named group vice president, Lincoln Motor Company and chief marketing officer, succeeding Galhotra. Her appointment is effective March 1.

In this role, Falotico reports to Farley and is responsible for leading the continued evolution of Lincoln as a world-class luxury brand. She oversees all Lincoln operations globally, including product development; marketing, sales and service; and all team members supporting the brand. She will also lead the companys Marketing function and efforts to connect more closely with customers by identifying new opportunities to serve them. Falotico will remain chairman of the Ford Motor Credit Company board of directors.

Since October 2016, Falotico has been group vice president and chairman and CEO, Ford Motor Credit Company, a leading global automotive financial services company with $151 billion in receivables and Fords second-largest profit contributor. In 29 years at Ford Credit, she has served in a number of executive positions around the world, including leading Marketing and Sales, working side-by-side with Ford to support sales and dealer success, and strengthening consumer and dealer service.

Joy has been a driving force behind not only Ford Credits consistently strong financial performance but also its business model innovation and transition to a digital customer platform, Farley said. She brings marketing experience and a deep customer focus as Ford enters a very busy new product launch period to drive growth in revenue and profitability.

Succeeding Falotico is David McClelland, who is named vice president of Ford Motor Company and CEO, Ford Credit. A 25-year veteran of Ford Credit, McClelland, 48, has served in a variety of leadership positions, including most recently as executive vice president, Marketing and Asia Pacific. McClelland has been instrumental in Ford Credits growth in China, as well as Ford Credits move into new fintech and mobility initiatives, such the Canvas vehicle subscription service and online financing. His appointment is effective March 1 and he will report to Bob Shanks, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

John Lawler is appointed vice president, Strategy, succeeding Rowley. Lawler, 51, who joined Ford in 1990, brings a deep background in finance and general management into the strategy role, including his current position as Fords corporate controller. Lawler also previously served as chairman and CEO, Ford China. He will report to Shanks in the new role effective March 1.

Lawler will support Hackett in advancing the global initiatives underway to dramatically improve Fords operational fitness. He also will help lead the companys execution of strategic choices that define where Ford allocates capital in the future to win and grow.

Cathy OCallaghan, 49, is named vice president and corporate controller, and CFO, Global Markets, succeeding Lawler. OCallaghan, who joined Ford in 1990, brings a wealth of finance experience having held several senior level positions globally. She is currently chief financial officer, Ford South America. OCallaghan will report to Shanks in her role as corporate controller and Farley in her role as CFO, Global Markets. Her appointment is effective June 1 and her replacement will be the subject of a future announcement.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 202,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
On a recent evening, I was having drinks with a male friend  a single and actively-looking-for-a-long-term-relationship friend  when he asked me why there seemed to be so many married women on Tinder. According to him, they appeared on the app, boldly describing themselves as married or in an open marriage. Were they actively looking for sex, he wondered? Did they just want to flirt? He didnt know many married women, and he thought of me as an emissary of the tribe, which is a reasonable way to think of me. Ive been married for almost 15 years; I am ignorant of the swipe-romance, the point-and-click marriage. My husband and I met at a party on a quiet street in a college town. In the years since, Ive spent a lot of time thinking and talking and writing about marriage, and Id begun to notice more and more women subverting, reimagining, or challenging received notions surrounding the institution, specifically when it came to monogamy. More women were beginning to see opening their marriages as a legitimate and in many ways appealing option. I wondered if Tinder, which brought the world of dating within finger-tap distance, was accelerating the shift? It seemed common knowledge that apps like Tinder had transformed single life and dating. Were they transforming marriage as well? I was curious.

A few days later, I asked my husband if hed mind if the two of us set up profiles and tried out the app. No sex, I told him. Just texting and chatting. After a decade and a half together, we werent in any acute crisis. We werent fighting constantly or sleeping in separate bedrooms. We shared a house, political viewpoints, the responsibility of raising two small kids. For our birthdays, we bought each other things like electric blankets and warm wool socks and a Vitamix blender for making soup. So maybe there wasnt much in the way of romance. Maybe there wasnt much in the way of excitement, novelty, or fun. Maybe we didnt pine for each other or take off our pajamas for sex, but we still loved each other. I wouldnt have called myself unhappy, exactly.

Nothing like this existed when we were single, I said to Pete. Wouldnt it be interesting to see how the world beyond marriage had changed? He looked at me the same way hed looked at me when I suggested we move in together, or marry, or breed, an expression equal parts terror and love. Okay, he said. Why not? And so we did.

The first step in the process was to set up our profiles, which we decided to do together. Unlike most of the activities we shared (laundry, taxes, attending birthday parties at inflatable bounce house venues), this turned out to be a lot of fun. We picked each others profile pictures, bounced off the others possible bios. We both agreed that the most appealing descriptors seemed to be the shortest. Pete went with Writer. Married. Terrible at introductions. Lets get a beer and talk about books. I settled on, simply, Married woman.

Within a few hours of beginning the experiment, my matches accumulated. I received one message after another, plenty from creeps but plenty from seemingly respectable suitors. For the first time in 16 years, men who were not my husband looked at me (or at least at pictures of me), and told me they liked what they saw. As a single woman, I might have rolled my eyes at their ogling. Now I blushed. It reminded me of how tipsy I got from the first beer I drank after nine months of pregnancy abstention. Monogamy had made me capable of getting drunk on the male-attention equivalent of Miller Lite.

I had suspected that when I told these Tinder men I was happily married and just experimenting, many would lose interest. Instead, their responses were effusively and unanimously positive. Thats awesome! one swiper responded. Right on. Good for you, wrote another. I find that appealing and intriguing. Fabulous. Courageous. Thats amazing. Thats exactly what Im looking for. It sounds perfect. You sound perfect. I cant wait to meet you. When can we meet? Goddess, Kim, one wrote. May I call you a goddess? May I belong to you? Tell me how I can please and serve you?

In just a few days, men Id never met had offered to date me, to degrade me, to make me come a dozen times, to take me to dinner, to take me to Paris, to make me couscous. Ive always felt like an average-looking woman, a solid 6 or maybe a 7 if I bother to wear mascara, but swiping through my matches and messages, I felt like a special species. I felt coveted and appreciated and valued and desired. Why isnt every married woman in the world on Tinder, I began to wonder. It all felt the way romance was supposed to feel playful and exciting and unserious. At the same time, I could feel how exhausting the very same experience would be were I a single person looking for a committed life partner, a person with whom I wanted to live and own property and raise children. Perhaps, I thought, the less one needed from men, the more one could enjoy them.

In just a few days, men Id never met had offered to date me, to degrade me, to make me come a dozen times  to take me to dinner, to take me to Paris, to make me couscous.

One evening Pete and I sat side by side on the sofa while I conducted a conversation with a pleasant-enough-looking man from Berlin, who was in town only for a week and who would very, very, very much like to meet me. Also, he went on, Id like to please you orally. [Wink emoji]. Thats what Id really like to do most of all. To perform oral sex on you. [Wink emoji.] I love pleasing a woman with my mouth. [Wink emoji.] [Wink emoji.]

Why does he keep winking? I asked Pete. Isnt winking what you do when youre not being explicit? Hes being explicit. So why is he winking?? Pete winked at me. Then we winked at each other for a few minutes, back and forth. I looked at my messages. Another guy had asked me what I was into. Im not sure, I answered. My husband and I are experimenting with Tinder and Id like to have some new experiences. What are you into? He responded: I like to use a lot of alcohol and hard drugs and then have sex. It really enhances the experience. Beyond that, Im into basically whatever. Just not really hard-core stuff like coprophilia (pooping on each other). Oh, I said. Im not into that, either. Great, he replied. Looks like were a match!

A few days into the experiment, I still wasnt sure Id actually connect with anyone who Id want to meet in person, when I matched with a man who was British, erudite, and polite. He worked as some kind of consultant for an NGO and had been stationed for a year in a war-torn African country. We had a pleasant exchange of texts, a couple of warm conversations with decent rapport. After a day or two, he told me he was coming to Chicago for a friends wedding and asked if he could take me out for dinner. I was considering the proposal when he said that after dinner, hed really like me to come with him to his hotel room. And also, hed really like me to bring a beautiful married friend along. My immediate reaction was repulsion, followed by a kind of morbid curiosity. Id only encountered this level of male entitlement in other peoples personal essays. Was there something to learn here? When I told him I didnt think this would be possible, he grew angry and sullen, sent a stream of raging texts. He tried begging. He tried calling. In one aggrieved text he wrote, I work so hard at my job. All year I work day and night trying to help people who have nothing. When I come to the States for a holiday, all I want is to have fun and relax and enjoy a threesome with two beautiful, married women. Is that so much to ask, Kim? Is it?

I considered blocking him, but feeling suddenly and unexpectedly vulnerable, I decided to try deescalation. I understand, I texted back. I cant even imagine how much stress you must be under. I really hope you get your married threesome. I just dont think you and I are looking for the same thing.

I put down the phone and waited for him to reply. I understand, he wrote at last. Thank you for your honesty and good luck on your journey.

I closed the app and took a very long shower. Pete was sleeping by the time I got in bed. I kissed his forehead and his eyelids and felt grateful for him.

As for Pete, he was learning that married men on Tinder did not get quite the same level of positive feedback (or harassment) as married women. Matches were harder to come by, and when Pete reiterated to the women he matched with that he was in fact married, they did not think it was fabulous or awesome. Go fuck yourself, one wrote. Gross, wrote another. When he countered that experimenting with dating apps had been his wifes idea, not his, they doubted and derided him. One woman with whom he had a pleasant text exchange for a day or two before fully revealing his status told him that hed hurt her badly, that he was the first educated person shed met on Tinder in months, and that hed given her the push she needed to permanently swear off internet dating.

They hate me, he said.

I told him it wasnt that they hated him, they just wanted things he didnt have to offer  commitment of time, resources, and exclusivity.

They wanted the things I used to want, and I in turn wanted what they had  freedom, excitement, interesting conversations that didnt center on styles of child-rearing or real estate, the experience of moving through the world not exclusively as a wife or mother but as a sexual being, a full and complicated and multifaceted person, the experience of being wooed, wanted, admired, acknowledged, and seen. Perhaps married women were simply beginning to want what married men have always wanted and come to expect: more.
Cameron Kasky Jr., (L) and other students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School speak with Broward County Sheriff officers, Brad Griesinger and Jamie Rubenstein (L-R) who were guarding the front gate of the school on Feb. 18, 2018, in Parkland, Fla. Police arrested 19-year-old former student Nikolas Cruz for the mass shooting that killed 17 people on Feb 14, 2018. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

After Florida School Shooting, Deputies Will Now Carry AR-15 Rifles on School Grounds

Broward County sheriffs deputies have started carrying AR-15s on school grounds following the school shooting in Parkland last week, the sheriff said.

Schools as soft targets need to be fortified, Broward Sheriff Scott Israel said during a news conference late Wednesday.

Only deputies who are qualified and trained will carry the rifles, he added, reported NBC.

When they are not carrying the rifle, until we look for gun locks and gun lockers, the only place when theyre not slinging the rifle, that will be allowed to be stored, will be in their locked police vehicle, said Israel.

The Broward County Chiefs of Police Association is working with the school district to identify certain offices where the rifles could be locked during the day when the officers arent using them, reported the Sun-Sentinel.

Several police departments have asked the district to allow that for years, according to Margate Police Chief Dana Watson.

If the car is in the parking lot, it might not be as accessible, he said. The police car can be a half-mile away. You have to run past the shooter to get your rifle?



Coral Springs Police Chief Tony Pustizzi said hes even offered to have his agency pay for safes to put in schools to store the guns.

Officers cannot compete with assault rifles with their regular duty handguns, Pustizzi said. We have to go in and combat militaristic tactics and weapons.  It looks bad: Can you imagine someone videotaping an officer running away from the school?

Nikolas Cruz has confessed to shooting at teachers and students on Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, leaving 17 people dead and a number of others wounded.

Cruz was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder the next day.

The high school had one armed resource officer inside at the time of the shooting but the officer never faced the shooter.

Israel said the actions of the officer on that day are part of the investigation into the shooting.

The FBI was warned multiple times about Cruz but didnt respond before the shooting.

Cruz made threats online on multiple social media websites, prompting people to report him. However, the FBI said that it could not identify Cruz despite him using his given name as his screen name on all of the sites.

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Bank Sues Customer for Misusing Faulty ATM That Gave Out $100 Bills Instead of $5s

A Kansas bank is reportedly suing a woman who they accuse of making dozens of withdrawals from a faulty ATM that was dispensing $100 bills instead of $5 bills.

According to The Wichita Eagle, the Central National Bank in Wichita filed a lawsuit on Jan. 22, claiming that Christina C. Ochoa quickly realized the ATM was not functioning properly, and then used it to withdraw as much money as possible.

The bank said Ochoa made more than 50 withdrawals from the malfunctioning ATM over a five-day period from Jan. 13 to Jan. 17, most of which were made in the early hours of the morning, according to court and bank records, reports the paper.

The ATM should have dispensed $1,485 to Ochoa, the bank claims. Instead, the machine spat out almost 10 times that amount$14,120.

The bank is reportedly seeking the return of $11,607.36 plus interest.

Ochoas mother, Christy L. Ochoa, is also named in the suit because she drove her daughter to make the withdrawals.

The lawsuit contended: The first time the ATM dispensed more money than what was due Christina, Christina and Christy had a duty to return the surplus funds to the bank.  Not only did they fail to [do] so, but they capitalized on the situation by making a series of over fifty [50] structured withdrawals, most within minutes of each other, and transacted at all hours of the night in order to expose Central to more loss, reported the outlet.

Christy Ochoa, who spoke to The Wichita Eagle, said her daughter did nothing wrong. Her daughter kept the receipt for each transaction, and did not receive any $100 bills, the mother said.

She had every transaction receipt, Christy said. My daughter never stole that kind of money.

Christy said the reason why they made so many withdrawals was because her daughter wanted to make a money cake using $5 bills as a gift for a friend, and the bank wasnt open to give her the exact number of fives she needed, the paper reports.

You cant type in the number of fives you want at the ATM, so thats why we did multiple transactions, Christy said.

According to the paper, Christy said she could not recall how many fives were used to make the money cake or when they gave the cake to the friend.

A money cake is made up of rolled bills assembled in the shape of a cake.

When the bank realized the error, they contacted Christina to demand payment of the extra amount, but she wholly refused to do so, the paper said, citing the lawsuit.

To settle some of its losses, the bank reportedly seized the balance in Christinas bank account, as well as a direct deposit of around $600 made by her in late January.

The bank is also seeking to recoup its losses by confiscating two cars the Ochoas bought during the period when they were making the withdrawals. The $3,000 deposit paid for one vehicle was made up entirely of one hundred dollar bills, the lawsuit claimed, said the paper.

Christy Ochoa said they bought the cars with funds from a student loan and the proceeds from a car wreck.

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Barnaby Joyce speaks in the House of Representatives on Feb. 11, 2016 in Canberra, Australia. (Stefan Postles/Getty Images)

Barnaby Joyce and Vikki Campion Said Public Should Move On From Affair

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and his former media adviser, Vikki Campion, have given their first media interview together about their controversial affair that has drawn national attention.

In an interview with Fairfax, Joyce said the couple had endured malicious attacks and were pestered out of their rent-free apartment after their affair was swept up by national headline two weeks ago.

The couple now has a simple message to the public and politicians: Its time to move on.

This should be a very simple story  a bloke whose marriage broke down is in a relationship with another person and they are having a child, Joyce told the newspaper.

Now it seems to have gone into some sort of morality discussion. Thats between me and my God, he added.

Joyce said he has made a commitment to Campion, who is pregnant with their child, and his relationship with her is not other peoples business.

I dont want to say have sympathy for me, he told the newspaper.

I just want people to look clinically at the facts and basically come to the conclusion he is not getting a gold star for his personal life, but he has made a commitment, he is with her, theyre having a child, and in a 2018 world there is nothing terribly much to see there.

Speaking about his children and unborn son, Joyce said that he shows the same amount of affection to all of his children and that he is worried that his son would grow up as some sort of public display.

I love my daughters. I have four beautiful daughters and I love them to death. And now I will have a son. I dont pick winners, Im not gonna love one more than another, but Im not going to love one less than another either, Joyce told Fairfax.

I dont want our child to grow up as some sort of public display. I have to stop it from the start. Its a fact we are having a child, its a fact its a boy, its not more or less loved than any of my other children.

The one thing that has deeply annoyed me is that there is somehow an inference that this child is somehow less worthy than other children, he added.

The couple said they were also going to move out of the apartment that was provided by friend and businessman Greg Maguire. They said that they wanted the interview with Fairfax to be conducted at the apartment to debunk the popular opinion that the apartment was a palace.

Mate, this is a bachelors pad, Joyce said during the interview.

Joyces six-month rent-free period at the apartment is estimated to worth around $14,000, reported Fairfax. It has been declared as post-election residual of six-month tenancy on Armidale premises in his register of interests  a public listing of any interests which may, or may be seen, to conflict with the MPs duties.

The couple has spent only 14 nights at the apartment since January but said they needed to move out because they are being hounded by media, reported the newspaper.

Calls for Resignation

The National Party leader has refused to resign despite some politicians calling for his resignation as Nationals leader. Joyce told Prime 7 that he still has the confidence of his party, reported the ABC.

I believe I have the confidence of my party and the numbers in my party. Im never scared of democracy, democracy is a wonderful thing, he said.

Today, Nationals MP Andrew Broad called on Joyce to step down as party leader and go to the back bench, reported AAP.

Backbencher Andrew Broad is the first federal Nationals MP to call for the @Barnaby_Joyce's resignation https://t.co/iVFRfEYc8u #auspol pic.twitter.com/a2ER73BmnO  ABC Politics (@politicsabc) February 22, 2018

Broad is the first federal National MP to call for his party leader to resign over the extramartial affair.

It is time he takes a step back, Broad told ABC radio on Feb. 22, reported AAP.

Joyce still claims that he did not breach the Ministerial Code of Conduct, and insists that Senator Canavan and Mr Drum were not savvy to his affair with Campion when she left Joyces office to work for them.

No one ever asked us. Dont ask, dont tell. I wasnt in breach of the code [of conduct]. We werent partners. I knew the ministerial code, Mr Joyce said.

She wasnt my partner when she started, she wasnt my partner when she worked for Matt. We didnt breach the code.

With the prime minister left to judge whether Joyce had been in breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct, without any independent enforcement, Malcolm Turnbull ruled in favour of his deputy despite unleashing some harsh words and calling the affair with a shocking error of judgment.

Turnbull last week went on to amending the Code to ban any sexual relations between ministers and their staff.

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Bodies of Missing Illinois Family Found in Rockford Park

The bodies of a missing Illinois family were found in a Rockford park on Thursday, Feb. 22.

The Rockford Police Department confirmed that the bodies found in Blackhawk Park were Danielle Son, 22, and her boyfriend Sergio Quiroz, 25.

Son and Quiroz went missing earlier this week.

The suspect in the deaths was killed during a chase.

Hand Son, the estranged husband of Danielle Son, led police on a chase after officers saw him around 4 a.m. on Thursday, following the issuing of a warrant.

Officers tried to persuade Son to surrender but he refused. He killed himself with a gunshot before officers could apprehend him, police told NBC.

As detectives were approaching the suspect vehicle, they heard a single gunshot from inside, Rockford Police Chief Dan OShea said at a news conference Thursday, reported the Rockford Register. They located Hand Son inside with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head.

OShea indicated that it was a domestic violence case.

Its something we continue to struggle with, and its something we continue to work on, Rockford Police Chief Dan OShea said at a news conference Thursday, WIFR reported.

Going forward, our detectives continue to work with the city on domestic violence initiatives and hopefully we get further along.

Two counts of kidnapping were filed against Hand Son before he killed himself.

Danielle Sons two children were found safe in their home on 10th Avenue and were taken to their grandparents.

Previously, Danielle Sons father said it was devastating not knowing where his daughter was.

Its devastating right now, not knowing whats going on, whats happened. Where they could be, if theyre safe, if theyre dead or alive, anything, said Danielle Sons father John Feldberg.

Danielle Sons grandmother said she felt lost without her.

This is something that happens to somebody else, you know, not to us. And thats why its so devastating, said Donna Lee.

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A man faces charges in connection with what the police say was a fabricated carjacking to make a fraudulent insurance claim. (Google Maps)

Carjacking Victim Made Whole Thing Up to Collect Insurance Payout, Police Say

An Australian man who told the police he had been carjacked at knife-point faces charges of making the whole thing up to collect an insurance payout.

According to WAToday, a 28-year-old Ashby man told the police that he was sitting in his car on February 7 when two men approached and forced their way in.

He claimed that the men threatened him with a knife and forced him to drive them around Perth for about two hours before kicking him out of the car.

According to the West Australian, the man also told detectives that he walked about 90 minutes to his brothers home and contacted the authorities from there, because the carjackers had stolen his cell phone.

The vehicle was recovered a day later in a suburb of the city and taken by investigators for forensic tests. The police now believe the man who lodged the complaint had fabricated the incident.

Following the incident, the victim lodged an insurance claim with his vehicle insurer, which it will be alleged was a false claim, a police spokesman said, WAToday reported.

The man, who has not been named in the reports, faces charges of creating false belief and attempt to gain benefit by fraud and is scheduled to make a court appearance on March 23.

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A social media post about Zhang Koukou, who turned himself in after murdering three men who were involved in his mother's death two decades ago. (Screenshot via NTDTV)

Chinese Netizens Side With a Murderer, Highlighting Injustice in Chinas Legal System

A recent murder story has captured the attention of Chinese media and netizens.

And unlike most murder cases, many people are siding with the killer.

On Chinese New Year eve, 35-year-old Zhang Koukou sought revenge on the three people who were involved in his mothers death. Zhang witnessed his mother getting beaten to death when he was only 13.

More than two decades later, he embarked on his revenge mission, killing Wang Zixin and his two sons, Wang Zhengjun and Wang Xiaojun.

On Feb. 15 shortly after noon, 71-year-old Wang Zixin was on his way home to prepare the big holiday dinner for the Chinese New Year. Zhang, reportedly a former special forces soldier, appeared out of nowhere and stabbed him multiple times with a knife. Zhang then used a gun to kill Wang Zhengjun and slashed the throat of Wang Xiaojun.

After the incident, Chinese media, including Beijing News, interviewed local villagers in Zhangs hometown of Wangping village in Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province, to understand why Zhang had committed this violent crime. Some details are inconsistent among different media reports, but the main thread of the story revolves around an incident back in 1996. Zhangs family got into a dispute with Wangs family, who were neighbors. Zhangs mother got into a tussle with one of the Wang sons. Eventually, Wang Zhengjun hit Zhangs mother on the head with a wooden club, leading to her death. At the time, Wang Xiaojun was the local village chief, a low-level government post. It was Wang who used his clout to allow his brother to get off lightly for the murderjust seven years of imprisonment. Villagers said the brother only ended up serving three of those years.

Faced with such injustice, Zhang turned to revenge. He set fire to Wang Xiaojuns car but told villagers who had gathered around to make sure the fire was controlled, because he was worried it would spread to nearby homes.

After he took care of that business, Zhang went to his mothers grave to give offerings. He ate a bowl of noodles at a local shop then turned himself in to the police.

Other members of the Wang family were unharmed.

The news led to an outpouring of sympathy from Chinese netizens, who thought Zhang did a righteous deed in order to avenge his mother.

Some wrote long essays in his defenseincluding a mini-biographic tale written in classical Chinese style. Many noted that the ancient Chinese would regard avenging wrongs done to ones parents as an act of honor and filial piety, listing off examples of notable figures from Chinese history. The Classic of Rites, a seminal text in the Confucian canon, states: If ones parents are killed, the children and their mortal enemy cannot live under the same sky, netizens wrote.

One Party official, the head of a state-affiliated law research institute, took to WeChat, a popular social media platform, to call for Zhangs release.

Others asked who were the ones who protected the murderer, back in 1996? Are those people still in positions of power? In a society without impartial rule of law, power can always stand above the law, said China political commentator Wu Xiaohua. Those without power or influence will thus resort to violence to seek justice, Wu said.

After news of Zhangs murder case went viral, local police gave their version of the story, based on sentencing documents that were issued after Wangs trial in 1996. Zhangs mother had walked by the Wang family house and spat in his face, igniting the confrontation. When Zhangs mother used an iron tool to hit him, Wang Zhengjun retaliated and hit her head, causing her death. Many netizens cried foul, however, and didnt believe the story.

On Feb. 21, WeChat account Cloud Media conducted an interview with Zhangs father and sister, who denied this version of the story. Zhangs sister, Zhang Libo, said the Wang family bribed villagers to testify against the Zhang family in court.

Zhang Dun contributed to this report.
Claremont Killer Charged With Murder of Third Victim

Police in Western Australia have charged an alleged killer of two women with the slaying of a third victimSarah Spiers.

Bradley Robert Edwards, 49, already faces murder charges in the deaths of Ciara Glennon and Jane Rimmer, ABC news reported, in what have been dubbed the Claremont serial killings.

Western Australian Police commissioner Chris Dawson remarked that the new charges being brought against Edwards were a significant development, but declined to provide details on the case.

The decades-long investigation has been the largest and most expensive in Australian history, ABC reported, citing former WA Police Commissioner Karl OCallaghan, who spoke to reporters in December 2016.

This has already been the biggest and most complex police investigation in WA history, he said. Hundreds of police officers have worked on this case over the [past] 20 years.

Operation Macro has been a massive body of work involving thousands and thousands of investigative actions.

And now, investigative efforts within the cold case homicide squad have led to additional murder charges being brought against Edwards.

Police investigating #Claremont serial killings charge Bradley Robert Edwards with murder of Sarah Spiers after her disappearance more than two decades ago https://t.co/TVRbvUMp9b pic.twitter.com/MVavIIpRAh  ABC Perth (@abcperth) February 22, 2018

This development follows extensive inquiries by the Macro investigation team within the cold case homicide squad, Dawson said, according to ABC.

Dawson also told reporters that the family had been notified and urged sensitivity in their coverage of the new developments.

This is a very traumatic time for the Spiers family, so I urge the media to please respect their privacy and do not attempt to contact them, he said.

Sarah Spierss family has expressly told the WA Police Force that they do not wish to make any comment about todays development.

Spiers was 18 when she went missing after a night out on Jan. 27, 1996, and her body was never found. She called a taxi to take her home from a nightclub, but when the cab arrived she was nowhere to be found.

All three victims disappeared between January 1996 and March 1997.

Rimmer went missing from the same nightclub in June 1996 and her body was found in some bushland near Perth two months later.

Glennon vanished from Claremont in March 1997 and her body was found in a northern suburb of Perth a month later.

Last month, police called on the public to assist in identifying a white Toyota Camry thought to be linked to the disappearance of Spiers.

A white 1992 Toyota Camry station wagon linked to the Sarah Spiers case is yet to be found, police say  they've again appealed for help to locate it after charging Bradley Robert Edwards with her murder https://t.co/bOPhS6fZ1X #Claremont pic.twitter.com/ypXUiosYtx  Scott Holdaway (@holdaways) February 22, 2018

Edwards has been charged with a total of eight offenses in relation to attacks on other women, over and above the three charges of murder in the Claremont serial killings.

According to ABC, these include deprivation of liberty, breaking and entering, and sexual assault.

In a media release published by the police, it is stated that Edwards is due to appear in court on Feb. 28 to face both new and previous charges.

Police have charged Bradley Robert Edwards with the murder of Perth teenager Sarah Spiers, who disappeared from Claremont in 1996. Her body has never been found. He is back in court next week @westaustralian #perthnews pic.twitter.com/Mw38tdFnhI  Clarkie1972 (@Clarkie1972) February 22, 2018

The accused has been remanded in custody since his arrest.

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Police guard the entrance to the United States embassy building in Podgorica, Montenegro, Feb. 22, 2018. (Reuters/Stevo Vasiljevic)

Explosive Device Thrown at US Embassy Building in Montenegro

PODGORICAAn unknown person threw an explosive device, probably a hand grenade, at the United States embassy building in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, before blowing himself up, the government said on Thursday.

Messaging in English on its official Twitter account, the government said that half an hour after midnight local time, An unknown person committed suicide with an explosive device.

It added, Immediately before, that person threw an explosive device from the intersection near the Sport Center into the U.S. embassy compound.

It said, Most probably, the device was a hand grenade, adding that police investigation and identification were underway.

A Reuters photographer in Podgorica said a police vehicle blocked the street where the embassy is located, adding that no damage was visible.

The embassy warned U.S. citizens to stay away until further notice.

The U.S. embassy in Podgorica advises U.S. citizens there is an active security situation at the U.S. embassy in Podgorica, it said on its website. Avoid the embassy until further notice.

Earlier, media in Montenegro had said the attack occurred minutes before midnight.

Montenegro, the smallest of all former Yugoslav republics, was the 29th country to join NATO last May.

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Hero Stops Woman From Kidnapping 12-Year-Old Girl in California

A good Samaritan is being hailed a hero after she prevented a woman from kidnapping a girl who was on her way home in California, police said.

The situation unfolded when a 12-year-old Santa Ana girl was walking home from school on Wednesday.

The girl, Amy Martinez, said that she was confronted by a woman who she believes was homeless.

She just came up to me and went like this, Amy told KTLA, simulating a bear-hug. And then she started walking with me away.

The suspect wrapped her in a one-handed hug and began dragging her away, Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna told The Orange County Register.

Amy said she screamed for help, prompting the woman to tell her in Spanish not to cry.

Thats when a woman who had just dropped her child off at a nearby school saw what was happening.

According to Bertagna, the good Samaritan pulled into the parking lot, rolled down the window of her car, and asked if Amy was OK.

He then said it took about five seconds to think of something. Then she begins yelling, Shes mine. Give her back, he said.

The woman took Amy to school and called the police.

Amy said the woman who saved her is a hero.

I was thinking, Oh my gosh, Im going to live,' the girl said.

Her motherly instincts kicked in. She saw something and she acted, Bertagna told The Orange County Register. We believe because of her actions she prevented the girl from being abducted

Police officers later found the woman who attempted the kidnapping, identified as 34-year-old Claudia Hernandez-Diaz. She was booked into Santa Ana City Jail on suspicion of kidnapping a child under the age of 14.

From now on, Amys mother said, Amy will be driven to school every day.

I have no way to describe how I felt when the principal told me, she said. You dont expect it to happen to you and when it does you dont know how to react.

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Acting Deputy FBI Director David Bowdich at the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 22. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

High Ranking FBI Official Says Agency Made Mistake in Handling Tip on Parkland Shooter

WASHINGTONDeputy FBI Director David Bowdich said on Feb. 22 that his agency made a mistake in handling a tip it received on the Parkland high school shooter.

The FBI had received a call about 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz just weeks before he carried out a mass shooting at a high school that killed 17.

Let me be clear, there was a mistake made, Bowdich said at the Justice Department.

Bowdich said that all nationwide tip calls are funneled through the FBIs center in West Virginia, where they are vetted and then sent to field offices around the country.

FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered a review of the FBIs handling of the tip after the mass shooting.

According to Bowdich, the FBI received 765,000 calls with tips last year and 750,000 tips through the internet. Less than one out of every ten turned into a lead.

It is not easy work. I am not making excuses, because what happened was a tragedy, truly a tragedy, said Bowdich.

The ignored tip on Cruz that the FBI received on Jan. 5 said that he had a desire to kill people as well as erratic behavior and disturbing social media posts.

In response to the shooting, President Donald Trump said he would push for comprehensive background checks, with an emphasis on mental health, and an increase of the age requirement to purchase certain guns.

Earlier this week Trump ordered Sessions to craft legislation banning so-called bump stocks. The add-on devices for semi-automatic rifles received nationwide attention following a mass shooting in Las Vegas in October last year.

The device makes it possible for semi-automatic weapons to fire in a similar fashion to automatic weapons, which are illegal in the United States.

Charlotte Cuthbertson contributed to this report.

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Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein speaks at a press conference on the investigation into the murder of federal prosecutor Tom Wales at the U.S. Attorney's Office Western District of Washington in Seattle on Feb. 21, 2018. Seattle Mayor and former U.S. Attorney, Jenny A. Durkan, stands behind him. (Karen Ducey/Getty Images)

In Cryptic Development, FBI Raises Reward in Prosecutor Murder Case to $1.5M

In a cryptic development to one of the highest-profile cold-case investigations in the United States, the FBI raised the reward for information on the murder of federal prosecutor Tom Wales to $1.5 million on Wednesday, Feb. 22.

The second highest official at the Department of Justice, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, flew out to Seattle to attend the announcement, further underlining the importance of the probe to federal authorities.

In addition to raising the reward, investigators announced that they now believe that a small circle of people conspired to kill Wales and that his murderer may have been a hired hand, Seattle Times reported.

Wales left a potentially lucrative career in New York to become an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Seattle. He prosecuted fraud cases and was well liked when he was killed while at his computer in the basement of his home in 2011, one month after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Any attack on a law-enforcement officer is an attack on the entire justice system, said Rosenstein during a news conference held in a room named after Wales at the U.S. Attorneys Office, according to Seattle Times.

I intend to leave no stone unturned in the search for the killer who murdered Tom Wales, Rosenstein added. We will continue to pursue this case for as long as it takes to achieve justice.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions attended a similar conference last year and Eric Holder, the attorney general under Barack Obama, did so on the tenth anniversary of the killing, The Atlantic reported.

After pursuing 2,345 investigative avenues in the case, a single lead suspect remains on the FBIs radaran airline pilot who was prosecuted by Wales. The pilot was never charged with a crime and has asserted his innocence for years.

The scope of the investigation is vast, with some investigators having dedicated the equivalent of an entire career to the inquiry. The case has generated 51,000 investigative documents, three times that generated in the Enron case, a giant accounting-fraud scandal that brought down a massive corporation.

Progress is being made, said Seattles FBI Special-Agent-in-Charge Jay Tabb Jr., adding that the case has a special purpose.

Asked why raising the reward might bring a breakthrough in the case, Tabb said, Another way to look at it is, people talk. People arent good at keeping secrets. Other people might have talked about it in those past seven years.

Investigators are asking people who have a tip to call Seattle FBI at 206-622-0460, or to send an email to walestips@fbi.gov. Tips can also be mailed to the FBI at 1110 Third Ave., Seattle, WA., 98101.

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Israeli Intelligence Helped Australia Stop Airliner Attack

JERUSALEMPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday Israeli intelligence services had prevented the downing of an Australian airliner as part of wide-ranging international intelligence-sharing but gave no details.

His comments, during a speech in Jerusalem to U.S. Jewish leaders, followed a statement from the Israeli army that a branch of military intelligence known as Unit 8200 had foiled an aerial attack abroad by Islamic State, also known as ISIS.

Israeli media said the army statement referred to an attempted bombing in July of an Etihad Airways flight due to leave Sydney for Abu Dhabi, which was foiled by Australian security forces before the plane took off.

An Australian man had sent his unsuspecting brother to Sydney airport to catch the flight carrying a home-made bomb disguised as a meat-mincer, built at the direction of a senior ISIS commander, Australian police said.

Police detailed what they called one of Australias most sophisticated terrorist plots and said the bomb was built to release poisonous gas in a public area.

AFP and NSWP discuss the Two sydney men charged over alleged terrorist acts https://t.co/wgi6mDvFhx  AFP (@AusFedPolice) August 3, 2017

Days after the plot was revealed, Lebanons interior minister said Beirut had monitored the brothers for more than a year and had worked with Australian authorities to disrupt the attack.

Netanyahu said: We revealed today that Israels intelligence services prevented the shooting down of an Australian airliner and I can tell you that this is one of many many such actions that we did preventing terrorism around the world.

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The German shepherd mix named Capitan that stayed at his owners grave for 11 years before passing away on Feb. 19, 2018. (Screenshot via Lavoz comar/Youtube)

Loyal Dog that Stayed at his Owners Grave for 11 Years Passes On

The dog in Argentina who sat by his owners grave for over a decade may now finally get to be with his master.

The dog, a German shepherd mix named Capitan, died on Monday, Feb. 19, after struggling with renal failure, Argentinian newspaper La Voz reported. He was about 15 years old.

The dog had an insufficient kidney that slowed him down since he was 4 years old and for that, he was getting special food that the people at FUPA [Fundacion Protectora de Animales] gave him. Sadly, his age and condition got the best of him. We were going to hospitalize him, but he would have died at the veterinarians, and so we preferred to let him be and attended to him in the cemetery where he lived and felt calm, veterinarian Cristhian Stempels told El Voz.

Before his death, the dog had trouble walking and had lost vision in one eye, El Heraldo reported. His struggling kidneys caused him to throw up and he often slept, El Pais reported.

Capitan had been a present from Miguel Guzman to his 13-year-old son, Damian, in 2005. A year later, Guzman died, and Capitan disappeared.

The family assumed that he had found a new family or had gotten hit by a car. But a while later, the family went to pay their respects at Guzmans grave and found Capitan at the cemetery.

Damian started shouting and the dog came, barking as if he were crying, Guzmans widow Veronica Moreno told El Voz.

Capitan followed them back home, but he went back a short while later. He went home occasionally after that, but he kept returning to the cemetery. Starting around January 2007, he stayed there. Since then, the cemetery is the home of Capitan, Moreno told El Voz.

What baffled them is how he knew where Guzman was buried.

Murio "Capitan", el perro cordobes que visito la tumba de su dueno durante casi 11 anos https://t.co/7WSnaUQ70I pic.twitter.com/swolVoj6QQ  Clarin (@clarincom) February 20, 2018

En Argentina murio 'Capitan' el perro que estuvo por 10 anos cuidando la tumba de su amo en Buenos Aires ?? https://t.co/Jv1hhSm51L pic.twitter.com/cAFW2DWYz9  Noticias RCN (@NoticiasRCN) February 21, 2018

Guzman died in a hospital in Villa Carlos Paz and his body was then transferred to a funeral home far from the familys home.

They said they never took Capitan to the cemetery where Guzman was buried, neither after his death nor before.

Hector Baccega, the director of the municipal cemetery for Villa Carlos Paz, told La Voz that the dog had appeared there alone and had circled the cemetery until he came to the tomb of his owner. No one brought him there. And that isnt all. Every day at 6 in the evening, he went and lay down at that tomb.

Capitan went around the cemetery with me every day. But when it reached that time, he went to the bottom [of the cemetery] where the tomb of his beloved is.

That dog gave us a lesson. I believe that humans should appreciate more the memories of those that have left us. Animals teach us such fidelity.

Cemetery workers didnt see him walking around the cemetery as they usually did on Monday . Later, they found his body in the bathrooms of the cemetery.

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Police block off the area around the US Embassy in Montenegro's capital Podgorica on Feb. 22, 2018. (Savo Prelevic/AFP/Getty Images)

Man Throws Explosives at US Embassy in Montenegro, Then Kills Self

The U.S. embassy in Montenegro was attacked with a thrown explosive device by a suicide bomber.

The attack occurred at 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 22, in the capital city of Podgorica, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported. The embassy was closed at the time and nobody was injured except the attacker, who blew himself up with a second device. Montenegro state television said the attacker was a 43-year-old man who was born in Serbia but resided in Podgorica.

U.S. Embassy in Podgorica advises U.S. citizens there is an active security situation at the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica. Avoid the Embassy until further notice. Follow @USEmbassyMNE and @TravelGov for updates. https://t.co/LIrKnCAD87  Department of State (@StateDept) February 22, 2018

Nothing was damaged but the explosion left a crater in the ground, according to a police statement, via RFE/RL. The attacker was not within throwing range of the main embassy building. The U.S. State Department is not aware of a clear motive for the attack, according to Steve Goldstein, the U.S. State Departments undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs, via RFE/RL.

The attacker was identified as Dalibor Jaukovic, a former Yugoslav Army soldier. He held anti-NATO feelings, according to RFE/RL. The radio network said he wrote No to NATO in a Facebook post. The posts on his page appear to be publicly inaccessible.

The embassy remained closed for issuing visas on Feb. 22 and people were warned to avoid the area, Express reported. RFE/RL said that Americans were advised to avoid large gatherings in the capital city and pay attention to updates on the situation.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was in neighboring Serbia during the attack. Serbia is trying to build closer ties with Moscow.

At 00:30, in front of the @USEmbassyMNE building in #Podgorica, #Montenegro an unknown person committed suicide with an explosive device. Immediately before, that person threw an explosive device from the intersection near the Sport Center into the US Embassy compound. (1 of 2)  Govt. of Montenegro (@MeGovernment) February 22, 2018

Montenegros government accused some Serbian and Russian citizens of plotting a coup in the 2016 elections. The government claims they wanted to assassinate the prime minister and install a pro-Russian government to prevent Montenegro from joining NATO, RFE/RL reported.

Montenegro joined NATO in 2017. Russia objected to the move, along with pro-Russia supporters in Montenegro.

The incident this morning occurred exactly 10 years after demonstrators attacked the U.S. embassy in Serbias capital, Belgrade. They didnt agree with U.S. support of Kosovos independence from Serbia. They protested and set part of the embassy on fire.

In 1999, 78 days of NATO airstrikes on Serbia ended the war in Kosovo.

The last time a U.S. embassy was attacked was in 2015, in Uzbekistan. No one was injured in that incident, as well.

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Mothers Take Sons to Police Station to Apologize for Misbehavior

When two mothers saw a video on social media of their sons misbehaving, they decided to confront the problem head-onby getting the police involved.

On Feb. 20, Watsonville Police Department in California shared on its Facebook page that it was recently contacted by two mothers.

The mothers said they discovered a video shared on social media that depicted one of the sons running on top of one of the departments patrol cars, while the other son filmed. In the footage, one son allegedly jumps on the hood of the car, runs along the roof, and then finally jumps off.

While there was no damage to the patrol car, the mothers wanted their sons to face some consequences for their actions, the post said. So they brought the boys to the police station to apologize to the officers.

Last week, both boys, accompanied by their mothers, spoke to a group of about 20 officers and apologized for their actions, the police said.

The mothers told police about how they planned to make their children make amends for what they did. One mother said her son would do community service at the local food bank during the spring break. The second mother, on the other hand, got the whole family involved in washing the departments patrol cars to make up for her sons actions.

The post is accompanied by pictures of the family smiling and washing the cars.

Since its sharing, the post has garnered an overwhelmingly positive response, with many users commending the mothers initiative and parenting skills.

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No Specific Concerns Before Two-Year-Old Girl Was Allegedly Raped in Family Home

Territory Families is maintaining that its officers had no specific concerns about a two-year-old girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted in her family home in a north Australian outback town last week.

The government body, which was established for the welfare of children and families in the Northern Territory, has said it received more than 20 notifications about the unnamed toddler dating back to August 2015, but only six of them had been substantiated, reported ABC.

An unnamed relative said eight notifications had been made to the department within the last two months before the incident.

Chief executive of Territory Families Ken Davies said the 21 reports made about the household did not relate to the little girl but instead to domestic violence and alcohol, reported the national broadcaster.

In terms of the notifications we received, there were no specific concerns that came to Territory Families about particular harm to this child of a sexual nature, Davies said, reported ABC.

They were not substantial enough to take the child out of this household and away from the mother.

What we did was where these issues were substantiated, we responded and we put in family support services to support the family and the mother in that household, he added.

Territory Families deputy CEO Jeanette Kerr said the appropriate action was taken regarding the reports, reported the Herald Sun.

From our perspective, there is nothing to indicate that the mother has not been protective, she said.

On Wednesday, Feb. 21, the Northern Territory Government ordered an immediate investigation into the departments handling of the 2-year-olds case.

Indigenous leaders urge NT Government, police to address 'rampant' sexual abuse in Tennant Creek  https://t.co/Tv3nDr2lMK pic.twitter.com/fORWapVp8p  ABC Darwin (@abcdarwin) February 21, 2018

The Northern Territory acting chief minister Nicole Manison and Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw spoke in front of frustrated community members who perceive that the current actions by the government and police have failed the child, reported the Herald Sun. The Herald reported that community members are also angry at themselves for the failing to care for the child.

We need to do more, because its unacceptable to see we have failed this child, Manison said.

We will look at this situation and what happened in this particular case and why we failed this child, and what we must do to make sure we dont fail any more children the same way, she added.

During a conference in the town, Manison announced that Territory Families would be reviewing all files in which multiple calls have been made about a child.

Kershaw said the two-year-old girl was safe and would be returned to the care of her family once she is released from hospital, reported the ABC.

The baby girl was allegedly attacked in her Tennant Creek home, about 500 kilometres (310 miles) north of Alice Springs, on Thursday evening, Feb. 15. Before the incident, a party involving alcohol was held at the house, a source told the NT News.

The girl was flown to the closest regional hospital in Alice Springs on Friday, and then transferred to Adelaide on Saturday where she was put into an induced coma, reported the NT News.

A 24-year-old man has been charged with sexual intercourse without consent in relation to the assault. He appeared in Tennant Springs Local Court via video link on Tuesday, Feb. 20, where he was denied bail. Police have yet to disclose the mans identity.

The incident only became known to the general public on Tuesday as police had not publicly reported on the incident, reported ABC.

The man is due to appear in court again on April 19.

NTD Reporter Cathy Zhang contributed to this report.

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A cross and a basketball outside the home of a slain two-year-old in Chicago. (Screenshot via Video Elephant/Fox 32)

Police Arrest Person of Interest After Chicago Boy Found Nearly Decapitated

Chicago authorities arrested a person of interest in connection with the murder of a two-year-old boy who was found nearly decapitated at his home on Wednesday, Feb. 21, according to police.

Officers found the body of Mateo Garcia Aguayo inside a trash bag on the kitchen floor at 1:55 p.m., Chicago Tribune reported. The boy suffered severe trauma from lacerations and fatal stab wounds, police said in a statement.

I saw a young man was running around here looking for some kind of help, and then I approached him, you know, in order to see whats going on. He told me that he couldnt talk because he was shaking a lot. So he asked if we could call the police or something, said Rafael Abrago, a neighborhood resident, told ABC7.

Chicago FBI agents and Illinois State Police detained a male person of interest after a traffic stop in Kankakee County later on Wednesday afternoon, according to a tweet from Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.

Man will be returned to Chicago to be interrogated by Detectives, Guglielmi wrote.

The person of interest is believed to be a family member, though no details have yet been released.

Fox32 reported that a suspect was seen running from the scene drenched in blood.

Its very devastating. Very sad for anybody, any age to be murdered. So Im just devastated, Quenshoda Howard, a neighbor, told ABC7.

The boys relatives were seen on the street near his home as investigators worked the crime scene. Police officers guarding the area offered their cars to the family members to warm up.

Its heartbreaking, a neighbor told Fox 32. Its more so because I have kids of my own, so it hits home.

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Rape Suspect Dies After Drinking Poison During Police Car Chase

A rape suspect pursued by police in a southern California car chase killed himself by drinking poison, authorities say.

The 33-year-old man, who has no been identified, was pronounced dead shortly before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, after a police chase that ended with his vehicle stopping near the center strip of the 101 Freeway in Ventura County, said California Highway Patrol (CHP) spokesperson Officer Kevin Denharder, reported the Los Angeles Times.

According to the Times, CHP said its officers identified the man driving on the freeway at around 7:30 a.m. after receiving an alert from Los Angeles police that undercover officers were following a rape suspect in a black Nissan Versa.

Officers attempted to pull over the vehicle, but the driver refused. A chase then ensued, continuing for six miles, until the car veered across all three left lanes and struck the center divider, reported CBS Los Angeles.

The suspect was found lying motionless next to the vehicle. According to Denharder, officers later discovered a liquid in the mans car, and determined he had died from self-inflicted poisoning.

He drank something he had concocted, Denharder said.

Police didnt reveal exactly what the liquid was.

Denharder added there were no shots fired by the suspect, despite earlier reports.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles police, Officer Rosario Herrera, told the Times that the suspect was wanted for a sexual assault that occurred in early January.

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A consumer watchdog group says the CRTC is abdicating its responsibility by refusing to launch a public inquiry into the sales practices of the country's major telecommunications service providers. (The Canadian Press/Graham Hughes)

Regulator is Throwing Consumers to Telco Sales Dogs, Says Advocate

OTTAWAA consumer watchdog group says Canadas telecom regulator is abdicating its responsibility by refusing to launch a public inquiry into the sales practices of the countrys major telecommunications service providers.

The Public Interest Advocacy Centre called for the inquiry early last month to investigate media reports about high-pressure sales tactics used by at least one major company.

PIAC executive director John Lawford said vulnerable consumers, including older Canadians, grieving spouses, and blind customers were being targeted by aggressive sales people.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission responded earlier this month, telling Lawford that consumers already have a number of places to turn if they feel theyve been wronged by their telecom service provider, including the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecom-Television Services (CCTS).

CRTC commissioner Ian Scott noted that the complaints body experienced a high satisfaction rate for resolving complaints last year among both consumers and service providers. The CRTC letter also said Canadians may contact the Competition Bureau with their concerns.

But Lawford said the CRTC neglected to mention that the complaints commission doesnt normally deal with sales practice complaints, and explicitly refuses to deal with misleading advertising.

Sending Canadians to these bodies to try to extract themselves from poor deals after the fact instead of proactively investigating them and restoring the public trust in the market is a major abdication of responsibility by the CRTC, Lawford wrote in a media statement under the headline CRTC throws consumers to telco sales dogs.

Lawford launched his call for an inquiry after CBC news reported last fall that dozens of Bell customers had voiced various complaints about misleading sales practices, and that a flood of past and present Bell employees had later spoken out about the stress they felt from pressure to meet sales targets.

From The Canadian Press
Stepmother of Missing 5-Year-Old Kansas Boy Arrested

The stepmother of a 5-year-old Kansas boy missing since Saturday, Feb. 17, has been arrested in Wichita, Kansas, on child endangerment charges, police said.

Police announced on Wednesday, Feb. 21, that Lucas Hernandezs stepmother, Emily Glass, had been booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on two counts of child endangerment, reported KAKE.

The charges are related to new information gathered during this investigation, Deputy Police Chief Gavin Seiler told reporters.

Officers and investigators have been working on this case non-stop, he added.

Regarding the missing child Lucas Hernandez, we will have a media briefing at 3:30pm.  Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) February 21, 2018

Seiler did not give details about the alleged child endangerment incidents but said it related to Lucas and a 1-year-old child. He hinted that more charged could be added.

Glass reported that Lucas was missing on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. When police arrived, stepmother said she last saw the child at 3:00 p.m. in his bedroom before she took a shower and fell asleep.

His disappearance sparked an extensive search of his home, neighborhood and Chisholm Creek Park. The FBI also joined in on Feb. 19 as the search for the missing boy continued.

Relatives of Lucas said they were concerned about the welfare of the child.

The great-aunt of Lucas Hernandez said that she noticed signs of abuse before the boy disappeared.

Sally Rasmussen, who lives in New Mexico, told ABC News that she saw marks on the boys arms and cheek in a photo she saw of him last May.

Rasmussen said that shes worked with at-risk youth before so is familiar with potential signs of abuse.

She reported the marks to Child Protective Services, and made another report in November when Lucas and his father, Johnathan Hernandez, visited her.

Missing Child. Name: Lucas Hernandez 12/3/12 W/H/M, brown hair and brown eyes, approx 4 feet tall and 60lbs. Last seen wearing black sweats, white socks, a grey shirt with a bear on it. Last seen at approximately 3:00pm inside his bedroom. Any information please call 911. pic.twitter.com/56gvb5ffBq  Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) February 18, 2018

She emphasized that she did not believe it was the father abusing his son but rather that the abuse was from Lucas stepmother.

The father was out of town for work when Lucas disappeared, she said.

Authorities wouldnt confirm they received reports of abuse.

Currently, Wichita Police investigators, FBI investigators, and members of the FBI Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team continue to speak to individuals regarding the case and following up on any leads received through our tip line, Wichita Police Department Public Information Officer Charley Davidson told KWCH on Feb. 21.

The search for Lucas continues and police urge anyone with information to contact the tip hotline.

Lucas was born Dec. 12, 2012, has brown eyes and hair, is around 4 feet in height, and weighs about 60 pounds. The boy was last seen wearing a gray shirt with a bear on it, black sweatpants, and white socks.

We hope we are going to be able to find Lucas and that he is alive and well, Seiler said.

NTD Reporter Zack Stieber contributed to this report.

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Student Dies After Shooting Himself in Ohio School Bathroom

A student in Ohio who shot himself in his schools bathroom has died from wounds, police said.

The seventh-grader shot himself at Jackson Memorial Middle School around 7:50 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Feb. 20.

He was rushed to the hospital but died late Wednesday, reported the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

The boy was identified as Keith Simons, 13.

Keith had a .22-caliber long gun but investigators arent sure yet how he obtained it or was able to bring it into the school. The gun came from his mothers home.

There was a report that Keith had a Molotov cocktail on him but Jackson Township Police Chief Mark Brink denied the claim, calling what Keith had on him in addition to the gun a distraction device.

The 7th grader who shot himself at Jackson Memorial Middle School has now died. Investigators are trying to figure out what he was planning. They say he hid the rifle under his clothes and carried distractionary devices in his backpack @wkyc pic.twitter.com/eiAIi460DH  Tiffany Tarpley (@TiffanyTarpley) February 22, 2018

It is not a bomb, I can tell you that; [its] something you could distract people with for whatever reason, Brink said during a news conference.

Brink also noted that Keith had brought extra ammunition.

Officers arent sure if Keith meant to kill himself or if he was preparing for something else, such as an attack on other students.

Brink said that officers are going to go through Keiths phone as well as other electronics to try to figure out what he was planning, reported Fox8. He also noted that it is going to take quite a bit of time to get through all the evidence and speak to everyone.

The school will remain on alert for the rest of the week.

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A sign outside a grocery store in Brossard, Quebec, reminds shoppers to bring their own bag. A bylaw prohibiting the distribution of plastic shopping bags by businesses in the municipality of Brossard has been in effect since 2016. (The Canadian Press/Paul Chiasson)

The Pros and Cons of Banning Plastic Bags: Critics Weigh In

Banning the ubiquitous bags may have unintended consequences, some experts say

As environmentalists celebrate the banning of single-use plastic bags in a growing number of Canadian cities, critics claim the bans may actually increase the countrys carbon footprint and have other unintended consequences.

At the start of 2018, Montreal was the first major city in Canada to ban plastic bags. Victoria is next in line; it has approved a bylaw to ban retailers from offering or selling plastic bags that will go into effect July 1. Edmonton, Halifax, and Vancouver are also taking steps to initiate bans, while other cities mull steeper fees and taxesall in an effort to rid the petro-carbon bags from the environment.

By reducing the estimated 915 billion plastic bags Canadians use each year, advocates and city officials aim to decrease litter and carbon emissions, as well as prevent the bags from entering landfills, waterways, and oceans, which harms various species and marine life.

But critics say forcing people to use alternatives to plastic bags may have undesirable results.

If you are looking at a more environmentally sustainable solution, the answer [is that banning] disposable plastic bags is actually [worse for the environment], said Lee Harding, a research associate with the Winnipeg-based Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

When regular plastic bags are replaced with either thicker permanent plastic bags, paper bags, or even reusable cloth bags, the inputs required for all these alternatives equal more carbon emissions while inconveniencing consumers, Harding said.

Harding points to a 2006 study commissioned by the Environment Agency of the United Kingdom that says a cotton reusable bag would have to be used 131 times before it starts to create fewer emissions than single-use plastic bags. In contrast, reusable plastic bags would have to be reused 11 times in order to reduce emissions.

According to research done at the University of CaliforniaBerkeley, paper bag usage went up more than 31 million kilograms per year in California after several counties starting banning and taxing plastic bags in 2008. Single-use paper bags also require more energy to make, transport, and recycle than plastic.

Governments are fond of doing things that appear to be green, and this is a very convenient one for them because they just have to ban something that wont cost any public resources or tax dollars, and administrations gain the reputation as being green, said Harding.

One of the other major arguments ban advocates use is the amount of damage plastic bags wreak on marine life. But Harding notes that only a tiny fraction of plastic waste found in the Pacific Ocean is from bags, while 60 percent actually comes from discarded fishing gear.

Single-use a misnomer

Other critics say the term single-use is inaccurate because many people reuse plastic shopping bags repeatedly since most are sturdy enough for multi-use.

Its really a misnomer to call them single-use bags, as people use lots of them for multiple reasons such as lining trash bins, removing waste from pets, and carrying items from one place to the next, said Frank Stephenson, an economics professor at Berry College in Georgia.

Stephenson studied banning plastic bags extensively and wrote a chapter on the subject published by the Mercatus Center, a university think tank based in Arlington, Virginia. He thinks the intended results may not be achieved and bag bans could in fact do more harm than good.

One of the supposed goals of bag bans is to reduce carbon emissions, as plastic bags are a petroleum derivative. But when one bans or taxes them, then people are still going to need bags for other uses to accomplish the same goals, he said.

According to the Berkeley study, after bans were enforced in California, thicker kitchen garbage bags and large trash bags purchases rose by as much as 67 percent. In Ireland, where a significant levy is added to plastic bags, such sales went up 77 percent.

The main findings of the Berkeley study show that an 18 million kilogram reduction of plastic from the elimination of plastic carryout bags in California is offset by an additional 7 million kilograms of plastic from increased purchases of garbage bags.

A 95 percent reduction

Melissa Gorrie is an environmental lawyer and volunteer at Earth General Store in Edmonton, which began a petition to ban plastic bags in the city and is now in talks with officials to work out the best strategy for the ban.

I think we are seeing a movement across the world, Gorrie said. There are hundreds of jurisdictions that have already enacted either a bylaw that bans single-use bags or puts a higher fee on them, and we are seeing results of up to 95 percent reduction. So to me, the proof is in the pudding.

Gorrie said removing single-use and disposable bags will have a net positive effect if everyone gets on board.

Eliminating them is emblematic of a bigger cultural shift that needs to happen in terms of being responsible for our choices and reducing the amount of single-use items that we have that are clogging our landfills, and waterways, and oceans and killing other species, she said.

For Montreal city councillor Jean-Francois Parenteau, its a no-brainer that dropping single-use plastic bags is a win for the city and for the ecosystem.

The reusable bag is really popular here and the people keep it and reuse it for years. I have had mine for almost seven years and its in very good condition. So for sure in the long run its better than using [disposable plastic bags], he said.

Jared Gnam is a freelance reporter based in Vancouver. He broke into the world of journalism covering the Stanley Cup Riot in 2011.
Cameron Kasky Jr. (L) and other students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School speak with Broward County Sheriff officers, Brad Griesinger and Jamie Rubenstein (L-R) who are guarding the front gate of the school on Feb. 18, 2018, in Parkland, Fla. Police arrested 19 year old former student Nikolas Cruz for the mass shooting that killed 17 people on Feb. 14, 2018. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Threats Against Schools Across US Increase Since Florida Shooting

Threats against schools across the United States have increased since the shooting in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14.

The Educators School Safety Network said it has recorded about 50 threats a day on average since the shooting, which left 17 students and teachers dead and others wounded.

The Ohio-based organization said that the normal average is around 10 threats a day.

Four school days since the FL tragedy. More than 257 threats during that time. 110 shooting threats, 33 bomb threats, 93 general threats, 11 guns found on school property. All in four days., the network said via Facebook.

More than half were delivered via social media. The most frightening? At least 3 thwarted plots.

Most of the threats have come from California, with Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, and Illinois rounding out the top five.

Arrests have been taking place across the nation due to the increased threats.

The thwarted plots include one against El Camino High School in the Whittier area in California.

School resource deputy Marino Chavez overheard a student making a shocking statement.

The 7th grader who shot himself at Jackson Memorial Middle School has now died. Investigators are trying to figure out what he was planning. They say he hid the rifle under his clothes and carried distractionary devices in his backpack @wkyc pic.twitter.com/eiAIi460DH  Tiffany Tarpley (@TiffanyTarpley) February 22, 2018

I guarantee you the school will be shot up in three weeks, the 17-year-old student was heard telling a classmate, reported The Los Angeles Times.

Chavez called the police, who rushed to the students home and recovered two AR-15 rifles, two handguns, and 90 high-capacity magazines.

A middle school student in Ohio shot himself in a bathroom this week and died the next day in the hospital.

Officials said theyre investigating whether the Jackson Memorial Middle School seventh-grader had plans to kill his peers before changing his mind or accidentally shot himself.

Two students in Maryland were arrested this week for making a mass threat to Leonardtown High School.

Officers seized 24 guns from their home as well as ammunition.

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President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with state and local officials on school safety in the White House in Washington on Feb. 22, 2018. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Trump Says Without ICE, California Would Be a Crime Mess

President considers pulling ICE agents out of self-proclaimed sanctuary state California

WASHINGTONPresident Donald Trump said on Thursday that he is considering pulling federal immigration agents out of California, ostensibly in retaliation against the sanctuary state.

He said if he pulled Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol out, it would be a crime mess like youve never seen in California.

Trump criticized Californias sanctuary policies that forbid local and state law enforcement to communicate and cooperate with immigration authorities, with very few exceptions. Law enforcement officers are subject to civil action if they violate the new policy, including by communicating with ICE about illegal aliens in their custody.

Frankly, its a disgrace, the sanctuary city situation, the protection of these horrible criminals, Trump said during a discussion with local and state officials on school safety on Feb. 22.

If we ever pulled our ICE out, if we ever said hey, let California alone, let them figure it out for themselves, in two months theyd be begging for us to come back, they would be begging. And you know what, Im thinking about doing it.

On Jan. 1 this year, Californias Senate Bill 4 came into effect, which made the whole state a sanctuary for illegal aliensincluding convicted criminaland shields them from immigration enforcement.

California had already instituted policies to go easy on illegal aliens. In 2014, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that reduced the maximum sentence of a misdemeanor to 364 days, down from 365. Immigrantslegal and illegalare subject to expedited deportation if they receive a sentence of 365 days or more.

Nearly one quarter, or more than 2 million, of the countrys estimated illegal alien population live in California, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

ICE did not respond to a request for comment.
President Donald Trump during a Public Safety Medal of Valor award ceremony at the East Room of the White House in Washington, on Feb. 20, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Trump Vows New Actions to Prevent Mass Shootings

President Donald Trump on Thursday vowed to push for comprehensive background checks, with an emphasis on mental health, for gun purchases.

The President also said he would be in favor of raising the minimum age for buying certain guns to 21, and expressed hope Congress would act on the issue.

I will be strongly pushing Comprehensive Background Checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise the age to 21 and end sale of Bump Stocks! Congress is in a mood to finally do something on this issue  I hope!, Trump wrote on Twitter on Feb. 22.

I will be strongly pushing Comprehensive Background Checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise age to 21 and end sale of Bump Stocks! Congress is in a mood to finally do something on this issue  I hope!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2018

Earlier this week, Trump instructed Attorney General Jeff Sessions to craft regulations banning so-called bump stocks, which effectively add a rapid fire function to semi-automatic rifles.

According to a number of media reports, Trump is considering raising the age to purchase certain types of weapons to 21.

Citing an unnamed White House Source, Axios reported that the rise in minimum age would apply to semi-automatic weapons, such as those used in the shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida, last week.

Seventeen people were killed at the high school when a gunman opened fire on students and teachers.

On Wednesday, Trump held a listening session with high school students and teachers on guns at the White House.

Trump Comes to Defense of NRA

Trump also used Twitter to come to the defense of the National Rifle Association, which has been criticized by some following the Parkland shooting.

What many people dont understand, or dont want to understand, is that Wayne, Chris and the folks who work so hard at the @NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots. They love our Country and will do the right thing, Trump wrote on Twitter on Feb. 22.

What many people dont understand, or dont want to understand, is that Wayne, Chris and the folks who work so hard at the @NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots. They love our Country and will do the right thing. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2018

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The Trinity River near Great Trinity Forest Way in Dallas, Texas. (Screenshot via Google Maps)

Update: Rescuers in Dallas Call Off Search for Car Reported Sinking in River

A search for a car reported to have gone missing in a Dallas, Texas, river has been called off after conditions became too dangerous for the rescue crew to continue.

According to the Dallas Morning News, the search had to be called off at about 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, after the water level rose too high.

One of the boats used by Dallas Fire-Rescue had engine trouble and another boat had to go out and rescue the stranded searchers, who clung to a tree while they waited to be rescued, according to Fox 4 affiliate, KDFW-TV.

Dallas Police said someone called 911 a little after 10 a.m. to report that a vehicle was in the Trinity River just east of Interstate 45 in Dallas, Fox 4 reported.

@DallasFireRes_q still searching on scene at Great Trinity Forest and the Trinity River after individual drove car into river. Reportedly went under and has not been seen since. https://t.co/85Cg2YK1nv pic.twitter.com/GX60Z0ayvQ  DALLAS FIRE-RESCUE (@DallasFireRes_q) February 21, 2018

An employee of the city told Fox 4 that they saw a man in a small white vehicle go into the water and sink.

Dallas Fire-Rescue said someone reported seeing an upright vehicle in the water that later flipped and was swept away, radio station WBAP reported.

The search ended without rescuers finding the vehicle or the person who was reportedly in it.

The weather conditions are too bad [to continue the search], Dallas Fire-Rescue spokesman Jason Evans told the Dallas Morning News. River conditions are only worsening.

He added that if the search resumes later, it will likely be a recovery operation and not a rescue.

Water rescue taking place in Trinity River off Loop 12 in Dallas (somewhere behind trees). No details yet. Well have the outcome on @CW33 NewsFix at 5. pic.twitter.com/wz9h24cIOT  Brian Sandler (@_BrianSandler) February 21, 2018

Heavy rains hit northern Texas overnight. At the time the search was called off, the water level of the River at Dallas was 36 feet, about six feet above what is considered flooding, NBC 5 News reports.

As of 2 p.m. on Wednesday, a flood warning was in effect for the Trinity River at Dallas.

The water level in the river was predicted to rise on Wednesday night but fall down below flood levels by Thursday night.

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Vice President Mike Pence: The United States does not stand with murderous dictatorships

Vice President Mike Pence responded to media coverage of his trip to South Korea for the Winter Olympics earlier this month.

Many American news outlets, including The Washington Post, CBS News, and USA Today, had criticized the Vice President for not standing for the athletes of the combined North and South Korean team.

For all of those in the media who think that I should have stood and cheered with the North Koreans, I say the United States of America doesnt stand with murderous dictatorships, Pence said in a speech at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Feb. 21.

Pence also took aim at media who had reported glowingly on the sister of North Korean communist dictator Kim Jong Un.

The New York Times published an article headlined, Kim Jong-uns Sister Turns on the Charm, Taking Pences Spotlight, while CNN published an article headlined, Kim Jong Uns sister is stealing the show at the Winter Olympics.

Kim Yo Jong serves as the director of North Koreas Department of Propaganda and Agitation, an agency common in communist dictatorships.

The New York Times praised Kim Yo Jong, stating that she flashed a sphinx-like smile and without ever speaking in public, and brought a different message from President Donald Trumps policy of sanctions, to instead deliver messages of reconciliation.

North Korea has threatened to attack the United States as well as allies South Korea and Japan with nuclear weapons dozens of times over the past six months.

In December, the regime test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile, which Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said can reach anywhere in the world.

Many in the mainstream media seem quite taken with anotherfor all the media fawning over the sister of the North Korean dictator, Pence said.

I think its important that every American knows who this person is and what she has done. The sister of Kim Jong Un is a central pillar of the most dramatic and oppressive regime on the planet.

Since coming to office last year, President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance against the North Korean nuclear threat. He has demanded the complete denuclearization of North Korea as the only solution to the crisis.

In response to the increased threat, the United States has deployed additional military assets to the region and stepped up military drills.

Weve made it clear to North Korea. The era of strategic patience is over, Pence said.

The strategy of strategic patience was applied by the Obama administration but did not result in North Korea abandoning its nuclear weapons program. It instead allowed the regime to continue its nuclear program which now poses a genuine threat to the United States.

Trump has frequently criticized previous administrations for failing to respond adequately to the North Korean threat. Despite multiple agreements made with previous presidents, North Korea was able to break these and continue its nuclear program.

The Trump administration has also put an emphasis on increasing military spending.

In just a few weeks [President Trump] will sign the largest investment in our national defense since the days of Ronald Reagan, Pence said in his CPAC speech.

Additional reporting by Epoch Times reporter Emel Akan.

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NORWALK  Senior Caila Degrandi felt uneasy about going back to Norwalk High School on Wednesday, after students were sheltered in place for several hours Tuesday because of a report of a possible weapon on the campus.

Although she was aware that Norwalk police did not find any firearms after their school-wide search, she and other students still had questions.

Why was it called a drill at first? Degrandi asked. A lot of kids were upset that we were told one thing and it was something different. But I think weve handled it well.

Senior Sofia Henao said that question was raised at one of the follow-up assemblies Wednesday morning, but she was not satisfied with the answer.

Students also asked if the school would consider adding metal detectors in the building for more security.

They were just saying like, Oh the drill and the real thing should be conducted the same way. But either way, we would want to know if it was a drill or its not a drill, Henao said.

More News Investigation prompts heavy police presence at Norwalk High...

While the assemblies were set up as an opportunity for students to ask questions and to review safety protocols, some students felt it should have been longer than 10 minutes for each grade level  given the current climate surrounding school security.

Both Degrandi and Henao felt students had more questions after the assembly was done.

Shayla Khan, a sophomore at the school, agreed, saying the assembly was a reiteration of what she and others already knew.

I dont know if a 10-minute assembly would really help us, Khan said. We already knew about Anonymous Alert.

While the district has no official comment about how the assemblies went, spokeswoman Brenda Wilcox-Williams said the school handled the assemblies as an in-school event and no follow-up is expected.

In addition to the polices efforts, school staff conducted a secondary search of classrooms, lockers and backpacks before students returned Wednesday, according to Norwalk police Lt. Terry Blake.

As of Wednesday early afternoon, Blake said the investigation was closed.
WESTPORT  Harvey Weinstein sold his two remaining properties in Westport to town resident Andrew Bentley for $16 million earlier this month.

The Feb. 2 sale came in the wake of sexual assault and harassment allegations leveled against the media mogul and little over a week before New Yorks attorney general filed a lawsuit against the Weinstein Company, the film studio founded by Weinstein and his brother.

Weinstein bought the Greens Farms early-1900s colonial home at 26 Beachside Ave. with his first wife, Eve Chilton, in 1994 and co-owned the beachfront property until the couple divorced in 2004 and Weinstein became the full owner, according to tax assessor records. In 2000, Weinstein bought the adjoining property at 28 Beachside Ave. for $4,000,000 and kept it as an empty lot.

While not his primary home, Weinstein held fundraisers for both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton on the properties.

Down the street from the film producer, married couple Andrew Bentley and Fiona Garland bought 124 and 128 Beachside Ave. in 2010 for $2,100,000 and $11,585,300, respectively. In the years since, Bentley has gobbled up three more properties on Beachside Avenue, the most recent acquisitions being Weinsteins former properties.

Ive never met or seen Weinstein, Bentley said of his former neighbor, who was known to spend weekends at his Westport home with his former wife Georgina Chapman and the couples two young children before a slew of sexual assault and harassment allegations against Weinstein came to light in October.

Bentley said the property transaction was completed through the real estate company Coldwell Banker. Tax assessor records show Bentley bought 26 Beachside Ave. for $10 million and Weinsteins adjoining property for $6 million.

In the coming months, Bentley said he plans to work with the architectural firm Roger Ferris and Partners, which has an office in Westport, to come up with ideas for the property, and ostensibly a new home to put on the currently empty 28 Beachside Ave. property, which Bentley said is zoned as a building lot.

Well let them use their imagination and come up with the coolest thing they can think of, Bentley said.

As for Weinstein, he has since been fired from the company that bears his name. It was on the verge of a fire sale until New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman filed a suit Feb. 11 against the Weinstein Company for allegedly violating state and local gender discrimination and sexual abuse and harassment laws. The purchase may be back on, however, following a productive talk on Wednesday between Schneiderman and the group of interested investors, according to TheWrap.
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The Analysts Liked What They Heard From Cisco Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) held its first investor day in 4 years and the analyst walked away with good feelings. The purpose of the event was to recap the company's progress since the last investor day and to highlight its plans for the future.

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New food businesses love to hang their concept on a hot new food trend. Splashy pics and an interesting narrative will have us craving charcoal ice cream, and loaded poutine and pierogies.

The brothers behind Parallel, a new restaurant on Geary Ave. near Dufferin St. would like you to get addicted to sesame butter, a.k.a. tahini. Its not nearly as photogenic  or caloric  as many of the latest treats, but its got potential just the same.

Our goal is to introduce sesame butter to North America, says Guy Ozery, one of the three brothers partnering in this new venture. Hes working with big brother Alon, and youngest Aharon.

The plan is to manufacture high quality, cold-pressed sesame paste in a range of flavours and styles, and wholesale it across the continent, as well as develop an audience for sesame-butter products such as halva. So little is known about the use of it, so we opened a restaurant to showcase it, he adds.

For those who already make their own hummus, tahini dressing or routinely slather sesame butter on whatever, theres a shelf at the front of the restaurant offering jars of the companys products: pure, smoky and beet ($4.99 for 12 oz). (Seeds are sourced from the Humera region of Ethiopia, as the brothers say they are the best in the world.)

The rest can start by checking out the menu put together by Alon with chef Tomer Markovitz, whom the brothers call a food genius. Here, tahini shows up in a smoothie, along with banana and nuts ($9), the hammshuka, which is shakshuka (a tomato egg dish) served on a bed of hummus ($14) and in arais, a lamb and beef kebab filled pita, dressed with tahini ($14).

Word has it that Markovitzs herb falafel is the best around ($10). Expect more creations as the restaurant, which is currently only open for weekday lunches, expands to offer brunch and then dinner.

Most menu items come with generous offerings of pita bread, all courtesy of the Ozery Bakery, the familys other business.

That dates back to 1996 when dad Al and Alon, along with Alons wife Hadas, opened a sandwich shop in downtown Toronto. Customers loved the thick, tasty pita they served, and often spiked with ingredients such as flax and garlic  there wasnt much on the market at the time.

Two years later  with middle brother Guy now involved (he became a full partner later)  they opened up a manufacturing facility in Vaughan. Now, Ozery Bakery runs a 100,000 square-foot facility with about 200 staff members and sells its bread products across North America.

But entrepreneurs are seldom happy with straightforward success. In 2016, Guy opened Sweat and Soda with his wife Yoona Hong. (She takes care of the day-to-day for that still thriving business on Queen St. E.).

We wanted to innovate, do new things, says Guy of their plan to come up with yet another family concept.

A few years ago, Alon was on a trip to Israel  the brothers were born in Canada and grew up in Israel  and called home one day. How about tahini?

Middle Eastern treats like falafel, baba ganoush and kebab were seeing a spike in popularity in the U.S., the brothers knew, and of course, sesame paste synched up well with the famous Ozery Bakery pita.

Around this time, youngest brother Aharon came home from a stint in Germany and Israel as a working artist. He took over the design of the new space (and he runs it day-to-day while Alon splits his time between the two businesses and Guy gets involved in big picture strategy and focuses mostly on the bakery).

Aharon came up with the name: the 2,500 square foot location backs into the tracks, running parallel to them. He opened up the back of the restaurant so when the train goes by, its like a moving art piece framed by large windows.

He favoured raw metals and wood for the look. Above the main counter he mounted one of his creations: an aluminum sculpture thats circular in shape.

It mimics one of the most important features in the 70-seat restaurant: a stone mill that cold presses the sesame seeds right in front of customers. (The stone rotates on a base, which is technically parallel too, so thats another inspiration for the name.) You can watch it rotate and smell the rich, nutty aroma as the butter gets made.

Yes, the mills pretty cool and sesame has an interesting story, as do the brothers behind this venture. Sesame butter may lack social media sizzle, but its healthy, tasty and versatile. It may even have what it takes to go beyond a trend and turn into a North American staple.
The Trudeau governments third budget, to be delivered on Tuesday, is likely to be an uneventful affair.

And thats worrisome.

The country is strong, to be sure. And the Liberals can look back on their ambitious first budget as one of the reasons why Canadians have made gains in household income, the Canadian economy outperformed all G-7 countries last year and unemployment is at a four-decade low.

But an estimated 450,000 Canadian children live in poverty. An estimated 1.7 million Canadian families are inadequately housed  in many cases a euphemism for slum conditions. And quality of life in First Nations communities is scarcely better than when Justin Trudeau first took office with a vow to put Indigenous peoples at the top of his agenda  the first federal government to do so.

To be sure, Tuesdays budget will likely touch on and embellish some promising and familiar themes that the Trudeau government has emphasized since taking power in 2015.

These include measures to further strengthen Canadas middle class, and more investment in science. There will likely also be measures to provide an additional bolstering of Canadas innovation prowess.

But the Liberals recently unveiled supercluster initiative is indicative of the confused sense of purpose that characterizes much of this government.

Earlier this month, Ottawa said that it and the provinces will invest as much as $950 million to create five concentrations of innovation activity across the country.

That will not turn any heads in Silicon Valley, the Liberals stated inspiration in creating a Canadian tech ecosystem that, in truth, has been taking form nicely on its own.

Bill Morneau, the federal finance minister, will probably put some gloss on the superclusters gambit in his budget presentation Tuesday. But he will likely not explain why we need five of these clusters, which dilutes the Silicon Valley model.

Worse, the $950 million will seep out over 10 years. In the real Silicon Valley, a decade is a millennium, given the rapid and ever-accelerating pace of technological innovation.

And its doubtful the headline $950 million will be spent. Instead, portions of the allotted funds will be diverted to suddenly more urgent causes, by both Ottawa and its provincial partners. And some of it will simply be hoarded by Ottawa, in a bid to at least come within hailing distance of the balanced 2019-20 budget Trudeau campaigned on in 2015, and is a goal now hopelessly out of reach.

The desultory nature of that high-profile initiative is common to many of this governments signature goals.

On Tuesday, Morneau will likely unveil several measures intended to bridge the gender gap. These may include commendable steps like boosting womens participation in the skilled-trades sector from the current woefully low 4.5 per cent, perhaps by attaching strings to the annual $2 billion in labour-market transfers to the provinces and territories.

But the surest way of achieving genuine gender equality is with universal daycare, modeled on the longstanding Quebec model, and recently emulated by B.C.

Meaningful gender equality also requires adequate affordable housing, so that low-income working women arent preoccupied with where they will live next month. And it requires more and better-targeted tuition assistance, especially in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) where women are also under-represented.

Yet, at least in this budget, the Liberals will likely shun those necessary measures to bring about the inclusivity with which they intend to brand this budget.

On the crisis in affordable housing, for instance, the Liberals ballyhooed National Housing Strategy commits an impressive-sounding $40 billion, jointly funded by Ottawa and the provinces, to rescue low-income families from substandard shelter.

But those funds will dribble out in $4-billion increments over the next 10 years. And even those funds, modest relative to the pressing need, dont begin flowing until 2020. It will be many years before those 1.7 million Canadian families in acute housing distress begin to see relief.

A couch-surfing woman living with parents and then with friends for two-week intervals, because she lacks secure housing, or is unable to leave an abusive partner for lack of alternative shelter, is not going to be part of the gender-parity solution.

At the most recent Davos conclave, Justin Trudeau cited the estimated $150-billion boost to the Canadian economy if women were fully participant in the workforce. But that prospect is la-la-land absent the upfront investment in safe affordable housing. And until women are relieved of the $12,000 or so annual cost of daycare for an infant or toddler.

Certainly we have some work to do on inclusivity, which is a measure of living standards. By that measure, Canada ranks a dismal 17th among 29 advanced countries, the World Economic Forum reported last month.

Surely if inclusivity means anything, it requires prompt action in relieving Canadians from misery.

But on Tuesday, Morneau will likely re-commit to Ottawas go-slow approach on the housing crisis. And Morneau will likely similarly re-commit to the stunted renaissance in Indigenous communities.

As he rises in the Commons to deliver his third budget, 91 aboriginal communities across Canada will still be struggling with long-term drinking water advisories.

Many First Nations communities are beset by a range of complex challenges. Provision of pure water should not be among them, but rather a straightforward fix.

Yet after more than two years in power, this government has managed to reduce the number of Indigenous communities with unsafe-water advisories by just 16 per cent. Its plan wont see an end to the crisis for another three years.

Why the achingly slow pace? In December, the Parliamentary budget officer reported that Ottawa is spending, at most, only 70 per cent of the $3.2 billion required to build proper First Nations water and wastewater-treatment infrastructure.

We will probably hear more about the governments stated top priority Tuesday when Morneau promises reforms to First Nations child-care practices.

But the promise of such avowals has to be matched against Ottawas sloth in providing the basic essential of pure water.

Morneau said Feb. 16 that he will not take impulsive steps in response to last years U.S. corporate tax cuts or the continued uncertainty over the North American Free Trade Agreement. Each of those factors raise the spectre of a decline in Canadian business investment.

And yet, the governments half-hearted action on the policy goals that got it elected is a sign that Ottawa is allowing external forces to dull its reformist promise, to the point where some of its key goals now seem amorphous.

Is this gradualism, this lack of resolve, the stuff Canadians are made of? Alas, nothing Morneau says on Tuesday will give cause to think otherwise.

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New construction home sales  houses and condos  declined by 48 per cent in January in the Toronto region, compared to the frenzied real estate market in the same month last year.

It's a 31 per cent drop from the 10-year average and reflects a supply shortage that has also helped push up prices in the same period, says Toronto's building industry association.

The single-family benchmark home price rose 19.6 per cent year-over-year last month to $1.23 million  up from about $1 million last January.

Condo prices climbed about 41 per cent year-over-year to a benchmark of $714,430, said the Building and Land Development Association (BILD).

Prices remained flat, however, from December, according to the research compiled by Altus Group.

Of the 1,251 new construction homes sold last month in the Toronto region, only 365 were single-family units. That marks a 10-year low and a 53 per cent decline from last year.

Condo sales were down 47 per cent year-over-year, 5 per cent below the 10-year average.

The supply of new homes increased by 350 units in January from December to 11,750  a three- to four-month supply based on the pace of sales in the last year.

"A healthy new home market should have nine to 12 months' worth of inventory," said BILD in a Thursday press release.

"The GTA is expected to grow to 9.7 million people by 2041. How are we going to house them," said the association's CEO Dave Wilkes in the release.

Meanwhile, despite the high cost of new-build housing in the region, there are some good values available to consumers, says an analysis of searches on BuzzBuzzHome, an online hub for new home developments.

The website had more than 1 million hits last month, up 58 per cent from January 2017, with first-time buyers the biggest segment searching online for a home, according to its Residential Real Estate Round Up Report.

The analysis looks at the size, location and price of low-rise and high-rise housing developments throughout the Toronto region.

The east end of the GTA will give buyers the most bang for their buck, but there are some good values to be had in the west, where condos in Brampton and Mississauga are under-valued compared to other kinds of homes in those communities, said Ben Myers of Bullpen Research and Consulting, the report's author.

The most popular floor plans that home buyers searched were three-bedroom townhouses and four-bedroom detached homes.

Downtown Toronto continues to be the hottest condo market, with units at 357 King attracting the most searches. Those buyers are looking for smaller, less expensive apartments. The most popular units tend to be studios and small one-bedrooms between 375 sq. ft. and 550 sq. ft., priced for less than $500,000.

Interest in condos is also spreading to secondary markets such as Hamilton and Waterloo, said Myers.

In Hamilton, the average condo was priced under $300,000. Projects in that city drew 44 per cent more page views in January compared to December, says the report.

Empty nesters looking to cash out of the city are looking at secondary condo markets such as Grimsby, Collingwood, Barrie, Guelph and Orillia, said Myers.

He warned that the continued price growth in the condo market will push rents higher as investment buyers look for returns on their purchases.

Average asking price for new construction homes

$1.6 million

Detached house

$988,343

Townhouse

$903,054

Semi-detached house

$782,488

Condominium

Source: Research by Altus Group for the Building and Land Development Association

Correction  February 23, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that said The GTA is expected to grow by 9.7 million people by 2041.
Because there are no city-sized theme parks in Southern Connecticut, you must find your thrills there in real life. I had just come from helping to herd a crew of second-graders through the Visitor Center at the PEZ factory in the town of Orange, a fragrant, colourful diversion for the nations devoted army of PEZ Heads and for civilians like us, who just like popping dispenser heads and downing 12-packs of chewy PEZ bricks. I was now rolling in an easterly direction along Interstate 95, toward Mystic Seaport.

To get there and live to tell you about it, I had to steer past locals cruising at nearly triple-digit speeds in fits of driving mania that were one part homicidal and the other part suicidal. No matter how confiscatory the speeding ticket I risked summoning, I could barely keep a succession of young woman in vehicles with Connecticut plates from plowing their front bumpers up my tailpipe. One drew so near, I could see the drivers scowling visage clearly enough to critique her eyeliner. Another got so frustrated, she motioned, in a sweeping gesture with her right hand, to get out of the way. Now frustrated by the repetitious peril, I responded with a single-digit gesture perhaps more common to my home in New York City but recognized everywhere as an emphatic rebuke.

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I was trying to have a relaxing road trip, but I felt a sparkle of accomplishment when I reached Mystic. I took a room at a simple but hospitable hotel near the seaport, had a forgettable dinner at an already-forgotten eatery, and settled in for a tranquil night.

As a German national, I have been accused (as it can come across sounding that way in the USA) of punctuality: I was the first to arrive at the seaport the next morning, but soon the place filled with other weekending families. The seaport is a museum but an interactive one in traditional (nondigital) sense: real things happen, put into effect by humans. For starters, the harbour, once used by New England wailers and fishermen, is authentic, as are the ships, boats and repurposed antique shoreside infrastructure. To enter the museum, which covers an impressive 19 waterfront acres, is to participate abstractly in the economic life of the region during that brief but essential period in which American ports supported themselves with manually operated machines and optically sighted instruments.

Back when you lit your home with whale-oil lamps (this was long before saving the whales became a moral imperative), the ships that did the brutish but then-necessary work were powered by sail. My first job this morning, therefore, was to join other visitors in helping museum staffers set a mainsail on the Charles W. Morgan. The stout, tall ship is the last surviving wooden whaler  a type of maritime commercial hunter represented by the Pequod in the novel Moby Dick. As two women climbed aloft to release the sail (back in the day, the crew was all-male), we able-bodied not-quite-seamen pulled in unison on the rope that hoisted the sail, the heaves coming on our refrain, offered in response to the stanzas sung by our young guide. The song concerned the plight of a Boston tailor who went to sea  and although we never heard the end, we understood, with each yank in unison, what that landlubber found himself up against.

At the print shop, I was shown how a crank-action printing press works: with muscle power. The shop had two open cases, one above the other, fixed with type for ready use. The uppercase held capital letters and the lowercase held the others  and that, I learned, was the origin of the term upper and lowercase.

Throughout most of history, almost anyone, regardless of the level of his cultures technological sophistication, could get into a boat and go somewhere. What separated the developing seafaring nations from the rest of humanity was in knowing actually where they were going and, even more important, how to get back. There were important political implications  those who could do that colonized those who could not.

To understand a bit of the know-how involved, I took the Navigation Quest, which is free and fun to do as a family activity. There are two courses, and you are given one; it consists of four white boxes positioned around the museum grounds. Each box contains a card explaining an exhibit and clues to the location of the next box, which you find with the aid of the navigation tools given at the start: a map, telescope, compass and GPS. I did well enough until the third box, which I had trouble locating; fortunately, I was safely directed to my destination by an 8-year-old boy following the same route, compass in hand.

Given that this is a maritime museum, it seemed only sensible that I end our visit with a boat ride. From the available options, I chose a short harbour tour aboard a former Navy launch, and I can recommend the experience. Only when you see a commercial harbour from its business end can you really understand, if only by feel, its present or former power, grace and consequentiality.

It came time for us to leave the museum  and exercise the nuclear option. I drove the short distance to where the worlds first nuclear submarine, the USS Nautilus, which is the main attraction of the Submarine Force Museum. To get there, I had to pass the main entrance to the Naval Submarine Base New London, where a long line of vehicles stood beside the entry gate, waiting to have security credentials checked. Every submarine in the United States Navy is powered by a nuclear reactor, and a fearsome number are armed with the nuclear-tipped missiles that are the nations front-line back off message to potential menaces to peace.

Like all major navies, that of the United States has drawn officers from naval families. Adm. Hyman Rickover stood out  because he was born Jewish (later converted Episcopalian) in Russian Poland and because he served longer (63 years) than any other member of any of the U.S. armed services. He took the Navy into the nuclear age by spearheading the development of the Nautilus, a 3,533-ton (surfaced displacement) masterpiece of 1955 technology. Today, you enter from over the bow and make your way slowly to the stern, from the torpedo room (the menacing contents of which were the whole point behind the vessels expensive existence) through the control stations and wardrooms, then to the exit at the stern. Although large by the standards of its era, the Nautilus proves why a submarine is no place for a claustrophobic  or anyone with a body mass index north of average. By the time you step and shimmy past the well-laid out and self-explanatory exhibits and resurface outdoors, you are ready for a breath of fresh seafront air.

Darkness intruded as I drove to surrender the automobile to Hertz, in New York City. The twilight seemed to discourage, but not entirely eliminate, the tailgating that that had filled the rearview mirror the day before. With me were a few souvenirs: fudge from the seaports gift shop, a chart of all U.S. naval vessels and, it goes without saying, plenty of PEZ.
OTTAWAThe federal government is blurring lines around privacy protections as they look for new ways to collect data on Canadians, documents obtained by the Star suggest.

The documents, prepared for privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien, suggest the 35-year-old Privacy Act may be too permissive in how the federal government can collect and use Canadians personal information.

The Privacy Act governs how departments and agencies must handle that sensitive data. But while the act was designed to be tech-neutral, it was also written in the 1980s  before things such as big data analytics or ubiquitous social media platforms were a reality.

Weve seen numerous instances where  despite government itself not seeking to identify or track individuals  their program delivery decisions risked doing precisely (that), remarks prepared for Therrien, obtained under access to information law, read.

It may be our (Privacy Act) is too permissive given the current context of significantly heightened risk.

Therriens warning was aimed at a select group of senior bureaucrats tasked with examining new ways to deliver government services using digital means, while balancing concerns around privacy and transparency.

Canadians expect faster, better and more convenient services, and some departments have turned to tools such as big data analytics or artificial intelligence for answers. But those tools present not only a risk to Canadians privacy rights, but the reliability of the data the government collects.

Take, for example, collecting social media posts. The documents show that Employment and Social Development Canada recently had a pilot project where it collected and analyzed Canadians social media posts. The analysis was meant to replace traditional satisfaction surveys and gauge how satisfied Canadians were with things such as passport services or employment insurance programs.

Therriens office raised a number of red flags about using un-vetted social media posts to drive government policy.

In an era of fake news, disinformation campaigns and partisan distortion, the dangers in relying on non-vetted social media data for any sensitive decision making point continue to increase, the documents read.

In the past, this was less of a problem for government as the information it collected on citizens en masse was through very structured, calibrated instruments (like the census) or it was taken indirectly from the individual one-to-one (typically, an application form).

The privacy watchdog also argued that just because a Canadian posts something on such platforms as Twitter or Facebook it doesnt mean the information is fair game for government collection and analysis  a point theyve raised going back to at least 2014.

The Liberal government has committed to overhauling the Privacy Act, but has not yet begun promised public consultations on the issue. The Star requested an interview with the Department of Justice and minister Jody Wilson-Rayboulds office for this article, but had not received a response.

In late 2016, a parliamentary committee recommended a host of changes to the Privacy Act, including strengthening guiding principles including limiting the governments collection, use and disclosure of Canadians private information.

The recommendations also included requiring departments and agencies to have explicit safeguards for private information, creating consequences for departments that fail to safeguard that information, and setting clear rules around the governments collection and use of personal information harvested from publicly available sources on the internet.

Any Canadian review of privacy laws would take place against the backdrop of sweeping new data protection rules in the European Union, which come into force later this year. The General Data Protection Regulation creates new obligations for businesses collecting data on their customers and new protections for citizens.

Commitment to the privacy rights of citizens  as part of their fundamental human rights and newer emerging digital rights  must be part of 21st century governance, Therriens remarks conclude.

Precisely how Canada is going to master that emergent field of data oversight will be a subject of considerable complexity in the public discussions to come.
OTTAWAWelcome to the age of total information warfare.

A startling new report released by Canadas spy agency suggests Western democracies are facing a wide range of threats from disinformation and propaganda campaigns.

The culprits range from a 20-something in Kosovo pushing out fake news to make a quick buck, to hyper-partisans trying to influence domestic politics, to sophisticated influence campaigns from hostile nations trying to exploit existing divisions in Western society.

But the report points to a common thread: the use of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to publish disinformation at a time when traditional journalisms authority is under threat.

Increases in data transmission capacity coupled with a shift toward programmatic advertising have resulted in a precipitous decrease in the ability of traditional journalism to mediate the quality of public information, the report, compiled by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, stated.

Conventional journalism has been partially displaced by a torrent of data from an infinite number of originators. Within that torrent is a current of lies and distortions that threatens the integrity of public discourse, debate and democracy.

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A spokesperson for CSIS said that the report was the result of a day-long workshop the agency held with outside academics, and doesnt necessarily represent the agencys official views.

But the report shares some of the conclusions made by CSISs sister agency, the Communications Security Establishment, in a public report last year. CSE determined that it was very likely that groups will attempt to influence the 2019 election.

Whats not clear is who those groups will be.

The CSIS-released report warned against focusing too closely on campaigns by hostile nations, like the Kremlin-backed influence operations in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, or the deployment of fake social media bots accounts to influence the Brexit vote.

The problem of disinformation cannot simply be attributed to  deliberate actions of government-funded trolls, the report reads.

University of Ottawa researcher Elizabeth Dubois said while social media companies like Facebook have been forced to grapple with the issue of election interference by players like Russia, comparatively little attention has been paid to independent actors domestically who may want to influence a political race.

One, Canada is not the U.S. in terms of power and in terms of who is going to be interested in manipulating our election results, Dubois said.

(But) what nobody is focused on, that I can see so far, is how these social media companies might help us deal with (domestic) third parties  Its never been as easy for a third party to make an advertisement and get it out to a wide portion of the public.

Figuring out how we deal with that, I think, is even messier than how we deal with foreign interference, Dubois added.

The Canadian government has been grappling with this issue since early 2017, as the evidence of Russian meddling in the U.S. election continued to mount. CSE has offered support to all parties as they prepare for the 2019 election, in the hopes that Canada can avoid the types of hacks and influence campaigns seen in the U.S., France, and the U.K.

The Star reported earlier this month that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned a senior Facebook executive the company needs to fix its fake news problem or face tighter regulation. Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould, speaking recently with CBC, said she wanted robust steps from social media companies to combat the issue within six months.

But briefing notes prepared for Heritage Minister Melanie Joly, obtained by the Canadian Press, warned there was little the government could do even if it identified fake news intended to derail an election.

The memo suggested that a government flagging fake news could backfire and result in readers believing the stories more forcefully and sharing them more widely.

The report released by CSIS concluded there are things governments can do to combat disinformation, including promoting digital and news literacy initiatives, or confronting producers and purveyors of disinformation.

Finally, those who are involved in the study of disinformation, who publicly confront the issue and the state and non-state actors engaged in the activity, need to keep in mind that there are no passive observers, the report states.

There are no front lines  the war is total  and there is no neutrality.

Clarification  February 22, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version to make clear that although CSIS released this report, the views in this report does not necessarily reflect the views of CSIS, but of academics hosted by CSIS at a conference in 2017.

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The cost for the St. Lawrence Markets long awaited north building has surpassed the $100 million mark, with construction expected to begin this spring.

Toronto council originally approved a $75 million budget in 2008 for the redevelopment of the historic site. A decade later the cost has increased to $102 million, most recently because construction bids were more than city staff anticipated and extensive archeological work delayed the project 14 months, according to a staff report. City staff also increased the contingency fund to handle unexpected costs that might pop up.

These costs total $9.5 million and were approved by council at its budget meeting this month. Councillor Lucy Troisi (Toronto Centre-Rosedale) said the new market building will be worth the increased budget.

Its not just a neighbourhood market, its one of the gems of the city, Troisi said. The built heritage of Old Toronto is very fragmented so it is very important to have places that celebrate that history.

The idea to redevelop the St. Lawrence markets north building was pitched to council in 2002. A staff report from that time described the north building as cheaply constructed and not built for a market style use.

The north market was a vibrant destination throughout the week but was certainly underutilized, Troisi said. This new market is designed to be attractive for tradeshows, events, receptions and a cafe. That will keep the market very busy.

This is not the first time the north building has been reconstructed, said the report. The first of its kind was built around 1850, rebuilt in 1904, and again in 1968. The market has operated in the area of the north building since 1820.

Because of the historical significance of the site, the province ordered an archeological dig that began in September 2015 and ended in April 2017, causing a delay in construction. Archeologists unearthed 15,000 artifacts.

One of the major findings was an 1831 central drain that will be highlighted at a viewing area, accompanied by video and text displays that will tell the story of the market, Torisi said.

Following a competitive process, the city expects to award the construction contract by March 2018 and complete the building in late 2020, said spokesperson Natasha Hinds Fitzsimmins.
The double execution of two young Toronto men was an attack on the justice system, a prosecutor said at the sentencing hearing Wednesday of the man convicted of luring them to their death and pulling the trigger.

Justin Waterman, 18, and Jerome Waterman, 22, were shot to death in a North York parking garage stairwell on Feb. 20, 2012.

Last week, a Superior Court jury found that Don Johnson was responsible and guilty of two counts of first-degree murder.

The Crowns theory in the case was that Johnson killed the brothers, whom he knew, because Justin breached the code of silence, by sharing information with police that implicated Johnson in a crime.

This is an attack on the justice system and an assault on members of the community who wish to speak to the police about criminal offences with impunity, Crown attorney Sheila Cressman told court.

On behalf of the Crown we can only hope that a message is sent to individuals who hold criminal values that our justice system will not tolerate violence towards people who speak to the police.

The boys mother, Dina Renaud, fought to preserve her composure as she recalled the horror of learning from police that her two sons had been murdered.

I hit the ground, I hit the ground so hard that my nose started bleeding, Renaud, said reading her victim impact statement from the witness box.

With tearful family members looking on, Renaud described the devastating effects of her sons deaths on the family. Losing Jerome and Justin destroyed us, she said, adding she has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Making things even more anguishing was enduring two murder trials. A hung jury in 2015 forced a mistrial.

Having to live this twice was a reopening of my wounds.

Superior Court Justice Brian OMarra, noting that Jerome had just become a father days before his murder, sentenced Johnson to two mandatory life sentences, to be served concurrently, with no parole eligibility for 25 years. The prosecution did not ask that the sentences be served consecutively.

Johnson committed the killings when he was 18.

Asked if he wanted to address the court, Johnson spoke some words in Hebrew, then added God bless everyone. Its a crazy world we live in and crazy things go on. And Id like to say God bless everyone in this room and hopefully good things happen. Many of his family members were also present.

Outside the courtroom, the victims family hugged and thanked investigators, Det.-Sgt. Hank Idsinga and Det. Paul Worden. Renaud said she was deeply indebted to the prosecutors and police for listening to my family.

Worden said the two trials has been a long haul but the family finally got the justice theyve been seeking.

The verdict shows there is a consequence for retribution killings.

Mr. Johnson didnt get away with it. Hes now going to be serving 25 years for his crime, thats the only thing we have left to hang our hat on for an upside because the two young men have lost their lives.
More than a year after the province introduced legislation banning arbitrary police stops, a judge from Ontarios highest court is bringing his review of carding to Toronto, part of an ongoing cost-benefit analysis of the controversial police tactic.

Court of Appeal Justice Michael Tulloch was tapped last year to conduct a thorough examination of new regulations on carding, also known as street checks  the stopping and documenting of citizens not suspected of a crime, a practice that disproportionately impacts racialized groups.

Coming into effect for all police services in January 2017, the legislation set limits on how and when officers can stop and collect information from civilians, though critics have said there are too many exceptions to effectively ban discriminatory stops.

Tulloch, the first Black judge on the Court of Appeal, is reviewing a long list of issues stemming from the regulations  including the central question of whether carding is required in modern-day policing.

Hes keeping a very open mind, said Christine Mainville, a Toronto lawyer acting as counsel to the review, when asked if Tulloch is considering if the tactic is necessary.

On Thursday, Tulloch and his review team will host the first of three Toronto public consultations on the carding regulations. They have already met with other groups, including police services, and held a public meeting in Thunder Bay.

Other public consultations are scheduled in the next few months in Brampton, London, Ottawa, Hamilton and more.

The review team is conducting a detailed cost-benefit analysis on the practice, Mainville said, including examining data with the hopes of understanding the true impact of carding in crime-solving.

While some police services, including Peel Regional Police, have said the practice is instrumental to solving crime, critics have decried the lack of evidence to back up the claim.

Most recently, the Ottawa police union claimed the decrease in street checks had led to a rise in violent crime in the city, a conclusion the chair of that police board called premature.

Under the new Ontario rules, all police officers must inform anyone they stop for the purposes of carding that they do not have to provide any information and must tell them why they are requesting it. Police must also provide anyone they are carding with a receipt, indicating the officers name and badge number.

Police are also prohibited from stopping and questioning someone based on race or for being in a high crime neighbourhood.

Among the issues Tulloch is tasked with examining is whether the regulation actually ensures that police-public interactions are conducted without bias or discrimination and if police services have fulfilled their various obligations, including the elimination of officer performance targets tied to carding interactions.

The judge is also expected to consider major concerns about the retention of personal information that was collected over the years through stops now considered to be discriminatory. The provincial legislation allows individual police services boards to grapple with the complicated issue of what to do with historical data.

Torontos police board determined that for legal reasons it cannot simply delete historical information, but developed a system whereby access to the information would be highly restricted, allowed only when there is a significant public interest or to comply with a legal requirement.

Tulloch was asked to conduct the carding review just weeks after completing another challenging undertaking: a detailed examination of police oversight in Ontario. That review prompted swift change, including greater transparency from the provinces civilian police oversight agencies.

The carding review team is expected to release its report early next year.

Wendy Gillis can be reached at wgillis@thestar.ca
The lawyer for a female Toronto police officer alleging she was sexually harassed on the job is urging the forces civilian police board to intervene, claiming his client had to delete a crowdfunding website after being threatened with professional consequences.

In a letter sent to the Toronto police board this week, Barry Swadron asks chair Andy Pringle and board members to investigate the source of the threats allegedly made to his client, Sgt. Jessica McInnis, that she may face a misconduct charge under Ontarios Police Services Act if she didnt take down her GoFundMe page.

The crowdfunding page was established by a friend of McInnis last week to help cover the legal costs of her ongoing human rights complaint alleging sexual harassment and a poisoned, sexist work environment within the Toronto Police Service.

According to Swadrons letter to the board, soon after the page went up she received information from her former police division  where she alleges the harassment occurred  that the page needed to be taken offline or there would be penal consequences.

Needless to say, she was intimidated, Swadron writes in the letter, saying the page was subsequently taken down.

He asks the board to probe the incident then make it clear that Sgt. McInnis is free to reinstate it without penalty.

Mark Pugash, spokesperson for the Toronto police, said he cannot comment on specific cases where an officer may be under investigation by the professional standards unit.

He said there is no policy preventing officers from creating crowdfunding sites for various causes, but said that as with any online behaviour there may be consequences for unprofessional, offensive or illegal content.

Toronto police board chair Andy Pringle did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Late last year, McInnis initiated a complaint to the provinces human rights tribunal alleging gender discrimination within the Toronto police and sexual harassment by a colleague  her former police partner, Det. Mark Morris.

McInnis, a 43-year-old officer with 20 years with Toronto police, alleges that Morris sent her a sent her a steady barrage of unsolicited sexist, sexual, harassing and obscene messages. She also claims he belittled and undermined her in front of colleagues.

Morriss lawyer, David Butt, has said McInniss claims will be vigorously contested in the appropriate legal forum, calling them false or deliberately misleading.

Earlier this month, McInnis asked the Toronto Police Association if it might consider covering her legal fees, saying she expected to face an expensive and lengthy tribunal process.

Mike McCormack, president of the police union, said he does not discuss specific cases but said generally the TPA does not provide funding for human rights cases. (According to Swadrons letter, she has been told the TPA will not provide funding for the complaint).

The legal fees of Morris and other officers named in McInniss complaint, meanwhile, may be covered by the City of Toronto insurers. If thats the case, the anticipated tremendously high costs in this case will be borne by the taxpayer and the victim, Swadron said in his letter.

In response to McInniss complaint, Toronto police board member Shelley Carroll has asked Chief Mark Saunders  who is named in McInnis complaint  for a detailed report on the services sexual harassment policies. The report is expected in April.

Wendy Gillis can be reached at wgillis@thestar.ca
Toronto police have arrested two men after they say a woman was forced into the sex trade, shuttled to various Airbnb rentals in the GTA, and eventually shot.

Investigators have noticed an uptick in pimps using Airbnb rentals in recent years. Thats likely because theyre more anonymous, and its more challenging for police to get information about them, compared to traditional hotels and motels, said Det.-Sgt. Nunzio Tramontozzi.

There has to be more due diligence on the part of the people that are renting out their properties, Tramontozzi told a news conference Thursday. We have a good relationship with Airbnb. We have brought our concerns to them, and theyre working with us to try and rid pimps of using their properties in Toronto.

Police starting looking into the case on Feb. 10 after investigators were notified of a shooting victim at a Brampton hospital.

The 19-year-old woman told Peel police she was shot at the Idlewood Inn in Scarborough.

Police allege the woman was forced into the sex trade in early January. They say her ID was taken, she was photographed in various degrees of undress, and ads were posted for her sexual services online.

Two men shuttled the woman to Airbnb rentals throughout the GTA and forced her to serve clients.

On Feb. 5, the woman got into a verbal argument with the men at a Scarborough motel, said Tramontozzi.

She no longer wanted to be an escort, he said.

At this point, police allege, one of the men handed the other a loaded .45-calibre semiautomatic handgun. Police say the gunman pointed the gun at the womans face. When she tried to push it away, he became angry and fired, shooting her in the buttocks area.

In the days that followed, police allege the woman was transferred to various locations in the GTA, but the men refused to get her medical attention.

She had the courage and fortitude to get away from her captors, Tramontozzi said. He declined to say how she got to a local hospital, saying that evidence will come out in court.

On Tuesday, Toronto police arrested Tyrel McLean, 18, in Hamilton. They also seized a large amount of money, ammunition and a .45-calibre handgun.

The same day, investigators executed a search warrant on a Brampton home and arrested Dante Thaxter, 18. Police seized money and ammunition, along with a loaded 9-mm handgun.

Thaxter and McLean face charges related to human trafficking, firearm possession, forcible confinement and threatening death. Thaxter is also charged with careless use of a firearm, and discharging a firearm with intent to wound or endanger life.

They were scheduled to appear in court in Toronto on Wednesday.

The victim continues to recover and is receiving help, said Tramontozzi. He wouldnt say how the victim knew her captors, but said she wasnt homeless and thought the men were people she could trust.

Shes doing better than she was, Tramontozzi said. Shes in a safe place.
A 21-year-old Toronto man has been charged in a fatal shooting near the University of Torontos Scarborough campus last week.

Anik Stewart, 21, was shot at 271 Old Kingston Rd., near Military Trail, at about 1 a.m. on Feb. 15. Stewart was rushed to hospital, but died from his injuries.

Aruran Suthakaran of Toronto was arrested Wednesday evening, charged with second-degree murder.

Stewarts death was Torontos seventh homicide of 2018.
The Toronto Police Service will nearly double the number of Tasers in their arsenal after its civilian board approved a $950,000-request for more of the weapons  a move police say will reduce the likelihood of fatal encounters.

The approval came over the protests of members of the mental health community, who stressed the still-unknown health impacts of conducted energy weapons (CEW), particularly on those with addiction and mental health challenges.

The decision was one of many on a packed agenda at the board meeting Thursday, which plowed ahead while overshadowed by the release earlier in the day of an unfavourable poll by the Toronto Police Association showing apparent discontent in the ranks.

A so-called non-confidence voteheld by the union found that 86 per cent of officers polled said they did not have confidence in Chief Mark Saunders leadership.

Participation in the vote, however, was less than half of the 7,300 association members, which includes uniform cops and civilians, but not senior officers (anyone above the inspector rank). The vote is also an wholly symbolic gesture, as the police chief is hired and employed by the Toronto Police Services Board.

Mike McCormack, president of the Toronto Police Association, said the chief and the board, nonetheless, must listen to more than 2,600 people saying weve lost confidence. We feel that the directions wrong.

You cant dismiss that. Its coming from our members, McCormack said.

The vote came after months of the union raising concerns about staffing levels, claiming that changes made as part of Toronto polices continuing efforts to modernize the force have resulted in slow response times and low morale.

In response to the vote, Toronto police board chair Andy Pringle read out a statement on behalf of the board at the onset of the meeting, stressing its full and unequivocal support for Saunders.

We understand that the strongly prefers the status quo. The TPA has been invited to the table and we have sought its input from the outset, Pringle said.

The message was echoed by Mayor John Tory, a member of the police board, who said that anyone in any position of leadership is always going to face criticism.

This is the kind of thing that can happen when you are trying to bring about change. There are people who are unsettled by that change, Tory told reporters after the meeting.

Saunders said he was taking everything in context, noting to reporters that it was an election year for the Toronto police union.

At the end of the day, I think its important that I do listen to the voices and concerns of the members, Saunders said after the board meeting. (The vote) hasnt changed anything; I continue to listen. I always have and always will.

But Saunders said he will keep moving forward with modernization efforts within the service, which include changes to officer deployment and staffing levels, although 80 new recruits have been hired.

Two recent demands made by the Toronto police union were in fact acted upon at the police board meeting Thursday: a move to equip more frontline officers with naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and a decision to buy 400 Tasers.

The Taser purchase brings the number of the weapons owned by the service to about 900.

Toronto police deputy chief Barbara McLean stressed to board members that officers will continue to be trained to make de-escalation their first option during tense encounters. But she said there was a gap in the tools provided to officers.

We believe that it is a tool that has the potential to save lives, McLean said.

The board, however, heard from members of the public and mental health groups concerned about the purchase, particularly when the impact of Tasers on the health of people in crisis are not understood.

Police services should limit their use of (Tasers) to situations where the only alternative would be the use of deadly force. (Tasers) should only be the used as a last resort and after all other de-escalation techniques have proven unsuccessful, wrote Steve Lurie and Camille Quenneville, with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), in a letter to the board.

Uppala Chandrasekera, the newest member of the board and the director of policy and planning at CMHA, said she could not support the expansion of Tasers, saying it could undo some of Toronto polices good work.

I think moving in this direction is going to lose a lot of trust with the mental health community, she said.

The board demanded changes to how it oversees Tasers, upping the number of usage reports from annual to quarterly reports.

Wendy Gillis can be reached at wgillis@thestar.ca

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A sentencing hearing for a babysitter who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2014 death of 30-month-old Jazara Garrison-Downey dissolved into a shouting match Wednesday, forcing the judge to clear the court.

Shes going to kill more babies, shouted a family member of the toddler at supporters of the accused, a young woman who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act because she was 17 when the little girl died.

After the screaming and swearing subsided, Superior Court Justice John McMahon resumed giving his reasons for sentencing the young woman to the maximum three years under the YCJA.

The woman, who has been under restrictive bail conditions for three and a half years, will serve two years in a provincial facility and one year under community supervision. She will be taken into custody in mid-March after the judge agreed to allow her to receive dental care, a decision that triggered one of several courtroom outbursts.

Ja'zara was dropped off at the teen's downtown Toronto apartment on Boxing Day in 2013 where she was staying with her own six-month-old infant, a nephew and boyfriend.

Over the course of a few days, the child suffered horrific and inhumane trauma, yet the teen did nothing about it, said Superior Court Justice John McMahon.

Theres no clear evidence as to who inflicted the injuries, though a bite mark on her arm was forensically linked to the babysitter. Altogether, she suffered 21 injuries possibly caused by a belt, whip, rope and spanking.

The babysitter acknowledged that she was aware of the childs injuries but did nothing to treat them, except to apply Polysporin to some wounds.

Jazaras cause of death was ketoacidosis, which can be caused by stress and starvation.

The babysitter failed in her legal responsibility as Jazaras guardian to care for the child, the judge said. She pleaded guilty to manslaughter last fall on the eve of a trial for second-degree murder.

On Jan. 3, 2014, the babysitter called her mother to say Jazara wasnt breathing. Her mother instructed her to call police to the apartment near Sherbourne St. and Wellesley St. E.

Toronto police pronounced Jazara dead at the apartment.

The babysitter attributed the injuries to a number of scenarios, including a Christmas tree falling on top of her.

Court heard Wednesday the babysitter had a challenging upbringing, with a substance-abusing mother and abusive boyfriend.

Correction - February 23, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that said Ja'zara was dropped off at the babysitter's home a few days before Christmas in 2013. Incorrect information was read into the court record.
Ontario must replace its patchwork of child care services with a universally accessible system of high quality care that is affordable for all families, say low- and moderate-income parents who responded to a survey in the run-up to this springs provincial election.

High parent fees, wait lists for space and fee subsidies as well as the lack of programs with hours that accommodate increasingly precarious work schedules are among the problems raised in the survey being released Thursday by Ontario ACORN, a member-supported anti-poverty group.

Parents care about child care, and they are going to vote accordingly, says a report on the survey, titled Head, Shoulders, Fees and Woe: The devastating impact of high child care costs in Ontario.

They are looking to the provincial parties to take leadership on the issue of affordable child care, to make Ontario a province where parents can afford to raise families without compromising on basic necessities.

The report, based on surveys of 212 ACORN members across Ontario over the past two months, notes more than 90 per cent of respondents said they are likely, or very likely, to vote for a candidate who makes child care a priority in the 2018 election.

None of Ontarios three political parties has an adequate plan to address the problem, adds the report, to be released at a downtown Toronto child care centre.

Ontario has the highest child care fees in Canada, with parents having to shell out an average of $1,236 a month for infant care. In Toronto, monthly care for infants tops $1,758.

ACORN wants fees geared to parent income and capped at $10 a day or about $216 a month for all age groups. It is also calling for more provincial funding for public and non-profit child care centres to help raise worker wages and keep fees low.

Over 61 per cent of survey respondents who use full-time, licensed child care pay more than $1,200 per month and many said it meant they had to cut back on food and extra-curricular activities, and rely on food banks to make ends meet. The high cost also prevented them from saving for their childrens education and having more children.

More than 60 per cent cited high fees as a barrier to accessing licensed child care while 42 per cent said there is not enough licensed care in their area.

Almost 38 per cent of single mothers surveyed, including Scarborough parent Sonali Shah, said the high cost of child care prevented them from working.

I had to pay private babysitters when I went to job interviews. For years, I suffered financially because I couldnt get (affordable) child care, said Shah, 41, who lived on welfare with her son, Jiaan, for almost four years.

When she finally got a child care subsidy, Shah says she volunteered and worked as an unpaid intern for nine months while looking for a full-time job, so she wouldnt lose her subsidy.

Her search paid off last fall when she was hired as an accountant for a tow-truck company in Torontos west end. But unreliable public transit means she has to leave work 45 minutes early to pick up her son by 6 p.m. from his licensed after-school program.

I am taking a pay cut to get to the daycare in time, she said in an interview. At least I have a job. But I wish daycare hours were more flexible.

Most survey respondents were in two-parent households where both spouses worked full-time, earning combined incomes of more than $85,000. The majority of single parents had incomes between $10,000 and $40,000.

Of those surveyed, 18 per cent receive a fee subsidy and 5 per cent are on a subsidy wait list.

One Toronto parent surveyed for the report said the lack of affordable care in the city means her mother-in-law, who lives in London, Ont., has to stay with the family to care for their young child or take him to London when she needs to be home.

This has put a lot of strain on our family and is not ideal for anyone involved, the parent wrote.

The Liberal government has promised to create 100,000 licensed spaces for children under age 4 by 2022 and has increased spending on fee subsidies and wage supplements to boost child care worker pay. Education Minister Indira Naidoo-Harris has signaled a desire to transform the current patchwork of services, but the Liberals have yet to introduce any measures that would create a universally accessible system, ACORN says.

A proposed child care tax rebate included in the Progressive Conservatives campaign platform  now in doubt due to the partys leadership crisis  would do nothing to help low- to moderate-income families, an ACORN spokesperson said.

To get a rebate you have to have enough money to pay for care in the first place, she said.

The NDP has said new provincial funding should go to public and non-profit programs only. But the party has said nothing about how it would transform the system.

ACORN Canada, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, champions the interests of low- and moderate-income residents and has more than 113,000 members in 22 neighbourhood chapters across the country.
Micheline Saint-Cyr did not get a warm reception when she arrived in Toronto from Hull, Que., with her husband and five kids in 1966.

People threw eggs at Saint-Cyrs family, lit fires in their garage and scrawled graffiti on their walls with slurs like Frogs live here. For francophones in Toronto at the time, this kind of hostility was not uncommon.

Against this backdrop, Saint-Cyr sought to foster a community of francophones in the city, building institutions focused on education and the arts.

More than five decades later, a French elementary school has been named after the woman who committed much of her life to francophone education.

Ecole elementaire Micheline-Saint-Cyr will have its inauguration ceremony Friday, after it opened in south Etobicoke last September. The school has 80 students ranging from kindergarten to Grade 6.

She started right at the beginning, trying to improve French services in the city, said Claire Francoeur, a spokesperson for the Conseil scolaire Viamonde, southwest Ontarios French-language school board.

She was up front making sure francophones had their rights, especially on the cultural side.

School options for parents who wanted their children immersed in French were also very limited, but Saint-Cyr worked to change that. She organized other francophone parents in the city, and Ecole secondaire Etienne-Brule, the first French public school in the city, was founded in 1969. All of her children attended.

People were being bussed from all over the GTA to go to that school, said her son Renaud, executive director of Alpha-Toronto, a literacy and essential skills centre that Micheline started in 1988.

Not everyone was thrilled with the school, which regularly received bomb threats for years.

In 1968, Saint-Cyr created La Chasse-Galerie, a cultural centre for francophones in the city. It had an art gallery and art classes, film screenings, concerts and a bookstore. It lasted until 1980.

My mother believed language, culture and education went hand in hand, said her daughter, Chantal Hebert, political columnist for the Toronto Star.

It was to give us an opportunity to have access to music, art and films in French as we were growing up in Toronto that she went down the road to creating a cultural centre.

The elementary school picked its name last May, after getting input from parents. A selection committee picked Saint-Cyr unanimously.

As her son, Im very pleased, Renaud said. She was a woman working in a time when women werent really in positions of leadership . . . I think shes a fantastic role model for all the young girls in that school.
Halton Region is launching a legal challenge against Canadian National Railway to ensure its four municipalities have a say in plans for a controversial truck-rail project planned for Milton.

The Region, and its four municipalities  Milton, Burlington, Halton Hills and Oakville  filed the papers in court this week amid frustration that they have no jurisdiction when it comes to decision-making around the 400-acre rail and truck distribution facility that CN, a former Crown corporation, wants to build between Britannia Rd. and Lower Base Line.

The municipal leaders say they have been told that the project is a matter of exclusive federal jurisdiction, and outside the regulatory realm of the municipalities and the province.

CNs absolute rejection of provincial and municipal jurisdiction leaves the Halton municipalities no choice but to pursue legal action to confirm their legitimate role is assessing the truck-rail project, wrote Regional Chair Gary Carr, in a letter to Premier Kathleen Wynne on Wednesday, asking the province to support their position.

Carr said that while some elements of the project such as construction and the use of rail lines and loading and unloading of trains are federally mandated, there are other elements, such as the use of regional roads, and heavy truck traffic that should be managed in conjunction with local government.

Carr says the plans for the truck-rail site were put forward well after the Region had submitted its official plan in 2006, that set out future industrial and residential development.

We did our official plan in 2006, and at the time they came in a delegation and said we arent going to put in a yard there, he said. In late 2014, they came in after our entire plan had been approved, and said we are going forward, and said we dont have to meet any of your requirements, he said.

Its unacceptable in this day and age that a private corporation thinks they can become the regulators of the environment, of the roads, just based on their needs, said Carr. We are going to take them to court, and we are going to ask the courts to rule in our favour  to say that if you are going to come into a Region or municipality, you have to meet the standards that are already in place, he said.

In an email response, Patrick Waldron, a spokesman with CN said he could not comment on the legal action, but said the project was still under review.

CNs proposed $250 million investment in Milton remains the subject of a comprehensive federal regulatory review by a joint panel of the Canadian Transportation Agency and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency he said. CN has engaged, and continues to engage, local and provincial governments, Aboriginal groups, and community members on the project itself, to discuss solutions to mitigate potential effects of the proposed hub, and on ways to enhance potential local benefits of this critical infrastructure project.

The proposed project would provide much-needed infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods through the region and across North America, he added. One intermodal train can transport the equivalent of 280 long-distance heavy trucks, alleviating congestion on 400-series highways.

Municipal leaders said they are concerned that the site, that will operate 24/7, transferring containers between trains and trucks, and will see over 1,600 truck trips planned for the site every day, will negatively impact traffic, the environment, and the lives of residents in south Milton.

This project is going to be build adjacent to subdivisions, said Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz. Its going to have pretty significant ramifications on the quality of life of residents.
OTTAWAJustin Trudeaus efforts to reassure Indian political leaders that his government repudiates violent Sikh extremism suffered an embarrassing setback Wednesday with the revelation that a Canadian Sikh convicted of trying to assassinate an Indian cabinet minister in 1986 has been invited to attend events with the prime minister during his visit to India.

The prime ministers office rescinded an invitation to a reception in Delhi to a man who was convicted of trying to assassinate an Indian cabinet minister in 1986.

A senior official from Justin Trudeaus office says an invitation to Jaspal Atwal issued by the High Commission to India for Thursdays reception was a mistake and was corrected as soon as it was found out.

But the error wasnt caught until after Atwal had already attended a reception with Trudeau on Tuesday evening.

CBC News reported late Wednesday that Atwal attended a prime ministerial event with the Indian film industry in Mumbai on Tuesday, where he posed for photographs with Trudeaus wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, and Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi.

He was also invited by Canadas high commissioner to India to dine with Trudeau at a formal reception Thursday in Delhi. CBC reported that the invitation was rescinded after the public broadcaster asked the Prime Ministers Office about it.

According to CBC, Atwal was a member of the International Sikh Youth Federation, a banned terrorist group in Canada and India, when he was convicted of the attempted murder of an Indian cabinet minister. He was one of four men who ambushed and shot Malkiat Singh Sidhu on Vancouver Island in 1986.

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CBC reported that Atwal has also been convicted in an automobile fraud case and was charged, but not convicted, in connection with a savage 1985 attack on Ujjal Dosanjh, a staunch opponent of the Sikh separatist movements push for an independent Sikh state of Khalistan. Dosanjh went on to become premier of British Columbia and a federal cabinet minister.

A spokesperson for the Prime Ministers Office did not respond to a request to explain how Atwal could have ended up on the guest list for events during Trudeaus tour.

But his presence raised questions about the adequacy of both security and diplomatic preparations for Trudeaus trip.

The news of Atwals involvement came just hours after Trudeau reassured the chief minister of Punjab, Amarinder Singh, that Canada supports a united India and condemns violent extremism.

Singh has in the past called four Sikh ministers in Trudeaus cabinet Khalistani sympathizers and last year refused to meet with one of them, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan.

Tensions between Canada and India have risen in recent years over Indian concerns about a rise in Sikh extremism coming from some of Canadas Sikh communities. Trudeaus appearances at some Sikh events where extremist supporters also showed up caused unhappiness in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised the issue with Trudeau several times and it likely will come up again when the two leaders meet Friday in Delhi.

After his meeting Wednesday with Singh, Trudeau reiterated his position that Canada supports a united India and absolutely condemns violence for any cause, but will not crack down on those advocating peacefully for an independent Sikh state because that is a freedom of speech issue.

We will always stand against violent extremism, but we understand that diversity of views is one of the great strengths of Canada, Trudeau said. I was able to make that very clear to him.

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Jordana Judson heard the news that a family friend was killed in the Parkland school shooting near her childhood home. She jumped in a Lyft and raced over to New Yorks LaGuardia Airport, thinking it might be easier to buy a ticket and get on a flight home if she was there in person.

When her ride dropped her off at the airport early Thursday morning, Judson, 23, stood on the curb sobbing for a moment thinking about her friend, Meadow Pollack, 18, and her former high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the site of the deadly rampage.

She was hysterically crying. We approached her and asked if she was all right, said New York state Trooper Thomas Karasinski, 26. She wasnt able to get a lot of words out, but she was talking about the shooting in Florida.

Karasinski and his partner, Trooper Robert Troy, who were on duty patrolling the curbside area of the airport, pointed the distraught Judson toward the ticket counter.

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Judson made her way inside, and a ticket agent told her a one-way flight that would get her to Meadows vigil later that day would cost $700, an expense she couldnt afford. She called her mother and cried into the phone.

With the phone pressed against her cheek, she looked up and saw the two troopers who had helped her outside by the curb. They were handing the ticket agent their credit cards to pay for her flight.

I said, You dont need to do that, Judson said. I cant let this happen.

They said: Its done. Go be with your family.

Judson, who works in public relations in New York, said she could barely fathom their generosity and didnt know what to say. She gave them both a hug.

Karasinski said it was the first day hed ever worked with Troy, 27, and the two didnt discuss paying for Judsons ticket. They just assessed the situation, and each reached for his wallet to pay for the ticket, which had been lowered to $600.

Actually, Karasinski said, Troy, who has been on the force for two years, reached in his pocket about a second ahead of Karasinski.

He went first for his wallet, and I didnt hesitate, I grabbed my credit card, as well, Karasinski said. The ticket agent was shocked for a second. Jordana looked up and was in shock.

She then thanked them profusely, Karasinski said. She was still hysterically crying, she was in a terrible state, he said.

Karasinski, who has been with the force for three years, said hed never paid for someones plane ticket before. But helping people is not new for him.

Going above and beyond is what we do, said Karasinski, who is from New York. It might sound cliche, but thats what we do. Every day we try to find someone to help.

Judson made it home just in time to get to the vigil for Meadow, who was a senior.

Judson, who graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2012, had a special connection to Meadow. Judsons brother Ryan has been close friends with Meadows brother Hunter since they were small children. Judsons father died of cancer when she was 8, and Meadows father stepped in and was like a father figure to her brother.

Jordana Judson and Meadow, while several years apart in age, were almost like family to each other.

Judson went to Meadows parents home for Shiva, a Jewish tradition of a solemn gathering at the mourners home, and said the Rabbi ended his service by starting to tell Judsons story from the airport in an attempt to end the evening on a positive note. Judson got up and told the crowd of about 200 people her story in her own words. She said she hoped it brought some relief, if fleeting, for the mourners.

What the officers did provided comfort in the moment, it made my heart full, said Judson. It was just a selfless act of humanity. We need to see more of that to balance out all the bad in the world.

She added that for years she has volunteered to help people less fortunate than her, something she learned from her mother. When shes having a bad day, she said, shell buy coffee for someone who is in line behind her at Starbucks.

People need to step up and do good things, she said. It makes the bad things a little less bad.
Even before a gunman opened fire at a Florida school last week, killing 17, a national effort had been underway to arm and train teachers and administrators to defend against mass shootings.

That effort has gained momentum in recent days. Legislators have moved to permit concealed weapons in schools. Sheriffs offices have offered to train school staff members in armed response.

But one assistant high school principal who survived a school shooting  after loading his Colt .45 pistol, then chasing and detaining the suspect at gunpoint  says the idea is misguided.

Read more:

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Trump proposes arming teachers and staffing schools with military veterans in meeting with massacre survivors

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Teachers have to teach and thats what they should be doing, said Joel Myrick, the former assistant principal at a high school in Mississippi. It doesnt matter what a pistolero you are, or think you are, you dont need to be in school in charge of protecting children.

Before Columbine, Sandy Hook or Stoneman Douglas  indeed, before school shootings became devastatingly routine  there was Pearl High School, near Jackson, Miss.

Myrick, 56, remembers the day clearly  Oct. 1, 1997  as well as the exact time the first shot rang out, 8:06 a.m., but it is still a tough topic for him to discuss. He had acute stress for about six months afterward. Nightmares. Misery, he said.

Thats one of the first things I thought about when I heard about Florida. Thousands of people whose life will never be the same, said Myrick, a longtime educator who now teaches polymer science at a technical high school in Hancock County, Miss. It kind of exhausts me to talk about it.

At Pearl High, the gunman was Luke Woodham, a 16-year-old student who woke up, stabbed his mother to death, then came to campus carrying a .30-30 lever-action rifle, traditionally used for killing deer.

Myrick was crossing a school commons when he heard the first shot, immediately recognizing it as gunfire. When Woodham shot a student in the gut, then turned to reload his gun, Myrick ran to his truck, where he kept a pistol.

Ive always carried one since I started driving, Myrick said. I always kept a gun or pistol of some kind in my truck. Unloaded, stowed away. Not ready to fire.

He loaded and took aim at Woodham, but did not fire out of fear of hitting someone in the background. I knew not to shoot because the backstop was not safe, he said. I didnt just go blasting away.

After seeing Myrick pointing his gun, Woodham retreated from campus, got in his car and began to drive away. As Myrick ran after him on foot, the car spun out and came to a stop 20 steps away from Myrick. He had his gun trained on Woodham when the police arrived.

Two students, including Woodhams former girlfriend, were killed and seven others injured. Woodham is serving a life sentence at the Mississippi State Penitentiary.

Despite Myricks firm stance against arming faculty members, he has long advocated placing trained personnel, possibly retired law enforcement officers, in every school, as a deterrent. We protect our banks that way, he said. We protect things we love. America protects things it loves. We dont care if its expensive.

Myrick said he was not a member of the National Rifle Association. And not because I dont think the Second Amendment is important, but theres got to be some common sense, he said.

Grief and shock after school shootings have long given way to fierce debates over gun control and firearms in schools. But calls to arm teachers grew especially loud after the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., where 20 first-grade children and six staff members were killed.

U.S. President Donald Trump says he's considering backing proposals to promote concealed carrying of weapons by trained school employees to respond to campus shootings.

An NRA task force recommended in 2013 that schools increase their police presence, install security guards and designate staff members  including teachers and administrators  to be armed and trained. In introducing the NRA recommendations to reporters, Asa Hutchinson, now the Arkansas governor, invoked the Pearl High School shooting and Myrick.

The task force also suggested that states relax restrictions on who can carry guns at school, an idea that is gaining support in a number of states.

The American Federation of Teachers, an education trade union, has opposed training teachers and other school personnel  an idea that has also taken hold in Missouri  saying it would not keep children safe but instead flood schools with more guns.

An Ohio group, the Buckeye Firearms Association, has trained 1,300 school personnel in that state alone. The groups program, called Faster Saves Lives, is spreading to 11 other states.

Dean Rieck, executive director of the association, said the idea for Faster Saves Lives began about five years ago, after Sandy Hook.

In Ohio, people thought we were nuts to suggest this, he said. But five years later, schools are contacting the organization asking for the training, he said. The group has held classes in 76 of 88 Ohio counties, he said, with some schools requesting only trauma first-aid training.

Participants in the gun training are school personnel who already have concealed-carry permits.

It puts very well-trained concealed-carry people inside the school, Rieck said. If something happens, theyre able to respond faster. Thats the entire point of the program.

Melissa Cropper, president of the Ohio Federation of Teachers and a former teacher, disagreed. I think it masks what the real problem is, she said. It places an unfair burden on teachers. Lets talk about what type of guns should not be available to people.

That was a topic Myrick, who vividly recalls the damage that a relatively slow lever-action rifle caused on a high school campus, wanted to discuss, too. If Luke Woodham had an AR-15, he probably would have killed 20 people instead of two, he said. Theres not a soul on the planet who needs an AR-15 except military.
WASHINGTONEmerging from their defensive crouch, officials from the National Rifle Association, Americas top gun-rights lobby group, went on the attack Thursday with a series of wild claims  accusing members of the media of being happy about mass shootings and the Democratic Party of being infested with America-hating socialists and saboteurs looking to seize control of the country.

NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch and executive vice-president Wayne LaPierre, both known for inflammatory rhetoric, delivered consecutive speeches filled with conspiratorial and aggressive assertions at the Conservative Political Action Conference outside Washington  just before a speech by Vice-President Mike Pence.

Loesch accused the reporters in the room and the companies they work for of secretly enjoying massacres like the mass shooting in which 17 people were killed at a Florida high school last week.

Ill say it really slowly so all the people on the platform in the back can hear me loud and clear: Many in legacy media love mass shootings, she said, emphasizing each word. You guys love it. Now, Im not saying that you love the tragedy. But I am saying that you love the ratings. Crying white mothers are ratings gold to you and many in the legacy media in the back.

Her remark was roundly condemned by members of the media.

Ive covered a lot of mass shootings, and no, journalists dont love them. May God have mercy on your soul, you horrible person, television host Soledad OBrien wrote on Twitter.

The NRA had remained quiet in the days following the Florida massacre even as gun control advocates seized public attention.

Their temporary silence was absolutely standard practice, said Robert Spitzer, a professor and chair of political science at SUNY Cortland who has written five books on gun policy: the organization typically adopts a duck-and-cover strategy following a massacre, waiting for the storm to pass, he said.

They didnt wait long this time.

LaPierre, like President Donald Trump did on Wednesday, argued that the solution to school shootings is more armed employees and other security measures in schools; he said schools must the most hardened targets in this country. But his speech was not limited to a defence of gun rights.

U.S. President Donald Trump says he's considering backing proposals to promote concealed carrying of weapons by trained school employees to respond to campus shootings.

The NRA has morphed from a single-issue entity, focused on guns, into an open supporter of the Republican Party. As is his usual practice at CPAC, LaPierre launched a broadside at the Democratic Party, alleging that Democratic leaders are not progressives or left-wingers but socialists bent on destroying American values like faith and patriotism.

Read more:

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How a despicable Parkland conspiracy video hit No. 1 on YouTube

Last night I told my wife I would take a bullet for the kids

LaPierre painted a frightening picture of the state of American society, warning conservatives to be afraid of lurking dangers to their liberty. The goal of elites, he said, is not to protect children but to eliminate the Second Amendment and our firearms freedoms so they can eradicate all individual freedoms.

LaPierre offered little or no evidence for many of his claims. Much of his rhetoric about a hidden socialist menace  he warned that many college students are being assigned to read the Communist Manifesto  hearkened back to the Cold War.

But this was no old-fashioned CPAC. The conference, one of the countrys top conservative gatherings, was thoroughly suffused with Trumps influence.

The days first panel was titled An Affair to Remember: How the Far Left and the Mainstream Media Got in Bed Together. Shortly after Pence, the conference was to hear from Marion Marechal-Le Pen, a member of Frances far-right National Front political dynasty. In between, a radio host taped a show featuring controversial former Trump adviser Sebastian Gorka, who railed against the Russia probe.

Le Pen complained about what she said was a growing influence of Muslim immigrants in France.

I want America first for the American people, Britain first for the British people, and France first for the French people, Le Pen said to cheers  referring both to a Trump slogan and the name of a British extreme-right party.

Trumps impact was felt in both NRA speeches. Loesch and LaPierre departed from the organizations typical effusive praise of law enforcement to denounce the FBI  not only for its failure to heed warnings about the Florida shooter but over the investigation into the Trump campaigns ties to Russia.

Even the FBI is not free of its own corruption and its own unethical agents, said LaPierre, complaining that nobody at the organization had stood up against its rogue leadership.

Trump offered praise for LaPierre and his NRA colleagues soon before the speech.

What many people dont understand, or dont want to understand, is that Wayne, Chris and the folks who work so hard at the @NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots. They love our Country and will do the right thing. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump wrote on Twitter.

Pence followed LaPierre with a well-received speech in which he listed Trumps conservative accomplishments, from cutting regulations to withdrawing from the Paris climate accord. He declared that 2017 was the most consequential year in the history of the conservative movement.

He also complained that there is too much anger in America.

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BRUSSELSBelgian police sealed off part of a Brussels suburb Thursday and searched two apartments, warning residents to stay inside following witness reports that an armed man could be at large.

The area in the Forest neighbourhood was reopened after about three hours and police spokeswoman Kathleen Calie later confirmed the incident was not terror-related.

During the search, Associated Press television images showed armed police officers hiding behind buildings and staking out a rooftop.

Masked police, some with automatic weapons, were aiming their guns high at a building near the Place Saint-Denis. A police helicopter flew overhead.

The incident began after a Polish man reported what he said was a murder, Calie said. When police arrived at the address they found nothing. It seems he may have expressed himself badly, Calie said.

But witnesses there said that an incident had happened at a nearby building and they reported seeing an armed man, so officers from Belgiums special federal police force were called in, she said.

We can rule out terrorism, Calie said.

Earlier, broadcaster RTL quoted Forest mayor Marc-Jean Ghyssels as saying that police suspect the presence of an armed man. The area was sealed off at around 12:15 p.m. local time and people were warned to stay in their homes.

A suspect in the deadly Paris attacks in November 2015, Salah Abdeslam, hid in Forest and was caught up in a shootout with police in a nearby apartment.

Belgium recently lowered its threat level after almost two years on high alert. In March 2016 suicide bomb attacks on the Brussels airport and an underground station killed 32 people.
WASHINGTONU.S. President Trump held a worthwhile listening session Wednesday featuring a range of views on how to combat gun violence in schools. And while Trumps at-times-meandering comments about arming teachers will certainly raise eyebrows, for the most part he did listen.

Thanks in part, it seems, to a helpful little reminder.

Several photographers in the room captured an image of Trumps notes. The one above is from Carolyn Kaster of the Associated Press.

Read more:

Analysis | Daniel Dale: Trump proposes arming teachers and staffing schools with military veterans in meeting with massacre survivors

Florida shooting survivors confront state lawmakers in Tallahassee, demand action

No, these Florida school shooting survivors are not paid actors. Thats ridiculous

Yep, right there at No. 5 is a talking point about telling present that he was actually listening. After what appear to be four questions he planned to ask those assembled, No. 5 is an apparent reminder for Trump to tell people, I hear you. Even No. 1 is basically a reminder that Trump should empathize. What would you most want me to know about your experience? the card reads.

So at least two-fifths of this card is dedicated to making sure the president of the United States assured those assembled that he was interested in what they had to say. (Its not clear what No. 3 said, and No. 4 was a call for ideas.)

Thats at once pretty striking for a president and not at all striking for Trump. Through tragedy after tragedy, empathy has been the quality clearly missing from Trumps reactions. He has focused on first-responders rather than victims. He has joked around when he probably should have been sombre. He has attacked a political leader who wasnt appreciative enough. Through it all, its been clear that expressing that he feels others pain just isnt his strength.

Which is apparently why he needed a couple little reminders Wednesday.

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Earlier this month, the Toronto Star published an opinion piece, We dont have to choose between jobs and saving woodland caribou where the authors attempted to establish a link between American protectionism, caribou, and dwindling forestry jobs in Northern Ontario.

The op-ed went as far to suggest that Premier Wynne was placing the demands of large forestry companies above the interests of everyone else. This left me wondering why such a positive and responsible step by our provincial government could be taken so far out of context, and how something so categorically untrue can be published in our nations media landscape.

On Jan. 19, Ontarios Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) published a regulation proposal for a period of 45 days for public comment. If approved, this proposal will allow time for an independent panel to provide advice on species at risk in forest management and help MNRF in achieving a better understanding of the impacts of climate change, the cumulative effects of all activity on a broad, dynamic landscape and a much better appreciation for the socio-economic implications. During this time, forest companies must continue to follow government-approved plans, guides, and manuals that manage and conserve species at risk  as we have done for many years.

Spinning this balanced, independent and science-based approach as a blanket exemption from caribou habitat protection is a convenient narrative, but is not true. In reality, this complex issue goes well beyond forestry, caribou, and even Northern Ontario  this is about all species, including species at risk, multiple sectors, and all regions of the province. Vilifying government for taking this evidence-based approach to such a complex issue in order to push a self-serving agenda is a disservice to the people of Ontario.

Activists have sold the public a story that outright protectionism and more off-limit areas will help caribou  again, this simply isnt true. As forests in the boreal become older, they begin to decline, fall down, transition to different forest types that are less suitable for caribou, and release carbon dioxide. Other Canadian jurisdictions, where policy has also focused on habitat protectionism, have seen a trend toward older and more unhealthy forests. This has contributed to catastrophic natural events, such as the insect outbreaks and wildfires we have seen recently in British Columbia. We want to avoid the same happening here in Ontario.

Putting a glass dome over caribou habitat will not solve the issue  forestry has the ability to create new habitat with the added benefit of capturing carbon dioxide in solid wood products and regenerating new, healthy forests.

The authors state, If real forestry jobs are lost in our community, it will be the result of many factors  but not from protecting the furred and feathered co-inhabitants with whom we share our incredible northern forests and waters.

More convenient hyperbole. An independent study completed by the MNRF, and verified by Ontarios Ministry of Finance, concluded that up to 2,800 jobs could be lost and $271 million in reduced provincial GDP as a direct result of proposed caribou rulesets. There are 27 other species at risk for which the impacts have not been assessed. The economic threat to the industry is very real, and there is no reasonable assurance that this will actually help caribou recovery. For example, policy drafted to date has not considered the impacts of climate change and the issue of suitable habitat shifting north.

Perhaps the most disheartening argument presented in the op-ed was an attempt to downplay the role of forestry and the forest sector to the economies of Northern and rural Ontario. I have spent a lot of time in Thunder Bay where there truly is a rich and diverse economy of young entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and students.

Towns across Northern Ontario, such as Hearst, Ignace, Atikokan, Kapuskasing, Longlac, Terrace Bay, Cochrane, and Hornepayne are also experiencing their own and unique version of a renaissance. However, it is because of the long-term and foundational presence of the forest sector, and other resource-based industries, that diverse business and the arts can then build upon.

In 2015, manufactured forest product sales in Ontario increased more than $1 billion dollars over the year before, and our exports of forest products have increased each year since 2012  with the total value of our wood product exports more than $6 billion in 2015. The forest industry, along with the 172,000 people directly and indirectly employed by the sector, remains an economic pillar in this province. To be clear, advocating for new off-limit areas without understanding how wood supply and allocation functions is irresponsible.

Everyone, including the forest sector, wants to see species at risk thrive. The question of how we achieve this is more complicated to answer. Premier Wynne and the Ontario government are proposing a short window of opportunity for us to begin seeing the forest for the trees. Lets make sure we get it right for the people of Ontario.

Correction  February 23, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version to update the photo credit.

Ian Dunn lives in Toronto and is a registered professional forester. He has a masters degree in forest conservation and is the director of forest policy at the Ontario Forest Industries Association.
With the acquittal of Gerald Stanley, Colten Boushie has joined the shamefully long list of Indigenous lives taken with impunity in Canada.

Boushie, a 22-year-old Cree man, was shot by Stanley at point-blank range in the back of his head, after Boushie and his friends drove onto Stanleys farm with a flat tire.

Only 3 per cent of homicide cases in Canada end with acquittals, according to recent Statistics Canada data. And yet, a jury comprised entirely of non-Indigenous Canadians managed to find Stanley not-guilty not only of second-degree murder, but of manslaughter too  apparently believing Stanleys far-fetched excuse that his handgun accidentally fired into Boushies head, even though an expert witness testified that the gun was not malfunctioning.

Since the exoneration of Stanley, many commentators have described Canadas criminal justice system as broken. But the system isnt broken; it was built this way.

Think about everything that First Nations people have survived in this country: the taking of our land, the taking of our children, residential schools, the current criminal justice system, wrote Mohawk legal scholar Patricia Monture-Angus. How was all of this delivered? The answer is simple: through the law.

In 2015, another all-white jury acquitted Bradley Barton for killing Cindy Gladue, a Cree woman who died from an 11-centimetre-long wound in her vagina that Barton admitted he inflicted.

The acquittal followed a trial process in which Gladue was so dehumanized that she was repeatedly referred to as a prostitute and native girl instead of by her name, and her vagina was displayed as evidence in the courtroom. (The Supreme Court is currently deciding whether a retrial is necessary.)

As I write this, a jury is deliberating whether to acquit or convict Raymond Cormier, accused of murdering 15-year-old Anishinaabe girl Tina Fontaine; Gladue and Fontaine are two of 4,000 Indigenous women murdered or missing in Canada.

Indigenous communities are simultaneously under-protected and over-criminalized. According to criminal law professor Kent Roach, Indigenous people are more likely to be wrongfully convicted, and less likely to have wrongful convictions remedied.

Canada has been constructed on the devaluation of Indigenous lives. This is how European settlers rationalized the treatment of Turtle Island as terra nullius (nobodys land): by pretending that Indigenous peoples were too savage to be considered fully human, allowing Europeans to commit inhumane acts of savagery against them.

Mikmaq lawyer Pamela Palmater estimates that colonial policies and practices  including deliberate infection, forced sterilization, and mass starvation  have killed as many as two million Indigenous people in Canada. And Indigenous people continue to die from Canadian negligence and racism.

A 2015 Statistics Canada report found that Indigenous people are twice as likely as non-Indigenous people to suffer preventable deaths.

For example, the epidemic of child suicides in Pikangikum First Nation has been so severe that it prompted a 2011 study by the chief coroner of Ontario. It concluded that young people in Pikangikum are hopeless and desperate because they are denied basic necessities of life, like food, water, education, and housing.

According to analysis by criminologist Scot Wortley, Indigenous people are six times more likely than white people to be killed or injured by police in Ontario. Cases of Indigenous people dying after being shot, beaten, or dumped in remote areas in the dead of winter and left to freeze by Canadian police are legion.

At Grassy Narrows First Nation, the Ontario government concealed evidence of industrial mercury contamination for almost three decades, while 90 per cent of residents showed signs of mercury poisoning and babies were being born with brain cancer.

In the wake of Stanleys exculpation, many Canadians have opined that Boushie got what he deserved for daring to trespass on Stanleys farm  forgetting that settlers were only permitted to farm there in the first place because Indigenous nations made treaties agreeing to share, but not surrender, the land. More than 3,000 people have donated to a GoFundMe campaign for Stanley, raising more than $210,000 in just 10 days.

But the oppression of Indigenous peoples is not sustained solely by such flagrant displays of individual racism. It is also perpetuated by Canadian political leaders, who may express grief for homicide victims like Boushie, yet continue to forcibly dispossess Indigenous nations to build pipelines and dams.

And it is perpetuated by all of us who are non-Indigenous Canadians, when we treat Canada as our home and native land, while routinely turning a blind eye to the ongoing violence involved in making that home on stolen Indigenous land.

Donations to support Colten Boushies family can be made here.

Azeezah Kanji is a legal analyst.
I just received my third summons to appear for jury duty in Toronto and the communication process seems to be much more difficult than it used to be.

So as the complex conversations around jury lists, jury pay and jury selection continue, maybe we could tackle something a little simpler  communication with potential jurors around scheduling.

Having served on a jury  listened to testimony, participated in deliberations and been in the courtroom when a verdict was delivered  I can tell you that it was a sobering experience that we all took very seriously.

Afterward, the juror we had chosen to deliver the verdict confided he was taken aback by how much he felt the weight of responsibility when he stood to tell the judge what we had decided. And our trial didnt involve a death.

Completing jury duty will never be easy but scheduling it shouldnt be an obstacle.

The first time I was summoned was in the 1990s. I was a fairly new classroom teacher and felt I couldnt miss class time, especially if selected for a long trial, so called and asked for a deferral until the summer. The deferral was granted; I appeared for duty and served on a jury. As I recall, I called once and spoke to a person directly to make arrangements.

The next time I was summoned, it was the early 2000s; I had just given birth and was breastfeeding my baby. I called. Someone answered and I asked if bringing a newborn to jury selection could be accommodated. I was excused.

I received my most recent summons on a Monday instructing me to appear in five weeks time. Since I am currently teaching a university course, I thought it would be best for me and for my students to defer until after the term ended so I called the number printed on my summons. Multiple times.

I always received the recorded message that I had reached the correct number but the office might be closed or they were busy helping other potential jurors. I was encouraged to call again at a different time or try an alternate method of communication.

So, I emailed my request and received an autoreply ending with, Thank you in advance for your patience as we respond to emails in priority sequence. Of course, it said I could also check the website, call, go in person or send regular mail with my questions.

In the meantime, I contacted the university and prepared my documentation. I also tried to call at different times on the following two days with no success. Then, I realized I would be close to the courthouse later in the week so went to see if I could make arrangements in person. No luck.

I was told very politely that there were only two people who answered the phone. They had stacks of regular mail and email to go through and they wouldnt get to me for weeks because my date was still too far in the future. It might have been possible to arrange things in person if I had not already entered the email queue.

So I have to wait. But how am I supposed to plan?

My schedule is quite flexible compared to others. I live in Toronto within a short subway ride of the courthouse. Im willing and able to fulfil my civic duty. However, Ive already spent many hours trying to navigate the scheduling process. What of others with much more challenging circumstances?

With the technology available today, it would seem reasonable to believe that managing the jury pool would be easier than it was in the 1990s. But that does not appear to be the case.

So, a simple first step to improving the jury process might be to look at how the jury pool is summoned and scheduled. If something as simple as scheduling cant be improved, how can we hope for anything else?

Catherine Little is a Toronto-based educator, consultant and writer.
Purdue Pharma recently announced it will stop advertising opioids to doctors in the United States after pleading guilty to misleading marketing more than a decade ago.

This is a major, albeit belated, departure from the companys playbook of marketing opioids aggressively to physicians. A recent U.S. Senate report excoriated Purdue Pharma and other opioid manufacturers for funding patient advocacy groups for years.

Several American states have already successfully sued Purdue Pharma and others may follow. Purdue has already paid hundreds of millions to American governments.

We have the same tragic opioid crisis here in Canada relative to the U.S.  3,000 deaths per year in Canada compared to 30,000 in the United States  and trail only the U.S. when it comes to opioid prescribing rates. But unlike our neighbours, Canadian governments have not taken similar actions against Purdue Pharma.

Canadians pay for this inaction.

Although the hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties paid in the U.S. are not trivial amounts, they are still a small fraction of Purdue Pharmas profits from the opioid crisis.

And there are now many companies selling the types of products that Purdue flogged at the start of the crisis. Drug manufacturers are sure to do the simple arithmetic: huge profits minus small penalties equals lucrative profits.

The math is even simpler in Canada. There are no government penalties here.

Health Canada regulates drug manufacturers, but it has never sanctioned Purdue Pharma. Not once. The federal Competition Bureau enforces the Competition Act, which prohibits false and misleading marketing, but it has shown no interest in the opioid crisis. The Patent Medicine Prices Review Board has also been silent on the issue.

Provincial governments continue to publicly fund high dose opioid products made by Purdue Pharma and other companies. The Ontario government even awarded Purdue Pharma a $4.9 million grant in 2007, the same year the company pleaded guilty in the U.S. And in advance of Ontarios leading push toward increasing transparency for drug company payments to prescribers, Purdue Pharma ended up disclosing $3 million in payments to health providers in Canada during 2016 alone.

The message sent by Canadian governments to Purdue Pharma and other drug makers is clear: we are not prepared to hold you accountable for a crisis you helped manufacture. That message is surely received by other drug manufacturers as well.

To be sure, this is an extreme example of a company that has already pleaded guilty in another country. If Canadian governments cannot muster the strength to respond in this case with hundreds of deaths each month attributed to opioids, will they ever prosecute self-admitted misbehaviour by a pharmaceutical company?

The settlement in the 2017 Canadian class-action lawsuit against Purdue Pharma shows why Canadian governments must act quickly. The people harmed by the opioid crisis decided to accept a small settlement rather than try to take on a behemoth in the courtroom. That makes perfect sense.

Stunningly, Canadian governments left those harmed by the crisis to fend for themselves and agreed to a settlement of just $2 million dollars in total for all of the harms associated with the opioid crisis. Both Purdue Pharmas revenues and the toll of the opioid crisis in Canada are measured in the billions.

We believe a criminal investigation into the marketing of opioid products in Canada should be opened. This has already been openly recommended by the Minister of Health for Ontario.

Purdue Pharma may decide not to risk an open airing of the evidence and instead plead guilty as they already did in the U.S. But even an unsuccessful prosecution will remind Purdue Pharma and other opioid manufacturers that there are laws in this country too and provide at least a semblance of justice.

In the meantime, both the marketing to physicians that Purdue Pharma voluntarily stopped in the U.S. and the funding of advocacy groups must also be halted in Canada. Too many lives have already been lost.

As Canadian communities continue to feel the brunt of the opioid crisis, it is well past time that Canadian governments finally stand up to Purdue Pharma.

Nav Persaud is a family physician and an assistant professor at the University of Toronto and an expert adviser with EvidenceNetwork.ca.Andrew S. Boozary is a resident physician at the University of Toronto and visiting scientist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
What do they want? Snacks. When do they want them? Now!

That's the one thing packaged food executives agreed on at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York's (CAGNY) conference on Tuesday, Feb. 20, and Wednesday, Feb. 21, pointing to the growing segment of millennials and Gen Z consumers who snack a lot more than previous generations.

"The millennials have not only arrived, but they're taking over," Campbell Soup Co. (CBP) CEO Denise Morrison said. She added that thanks to new food preferences, 90% of all consumers snack multiple times a day. he snacks business today comprises a $89 billion market in the U.S.

Campbell isn't alone in shifting toward snacks. The cereal company Kellogg Company (K) - Get Kellogg Company (K) Report is moving away from breakfast to what's called in the industry all-occasions eating.

"Breakfast is a key occasion clearly, but so is late-night snacking, and on-the-go meal replacement, and a snack as a meal accompaniment," Kellogg CEO Steven Cahillane said during his CAGNY presentation. He added that Kellogg is now "predominantly a snack company."

Kellogg will be spending $50 million annually on brand building to support its banner brands like Rice Krispies Treats and Pringles, the company said Wednesday, as well as what it calls its healthier products like Nutri-Grain and newly acquired RxBar.

Mondelez International Inc. (MDLZ) - Get Mondelez International, Inc. Class A (MDLZ) Report also underscored the importance of its snacks sales, which constitutes 85% of its revenue  considerably better established than Campbell's 31% snacking segment.

"Consumers today are working longer hours," Mondelez CEO Dirk Van de Put said at CAGNY. "As a result, people snack more in-between meals and as a replacement of meals. That gives about $1.3 trillion being spent on products, on snacking products, every year."

That's why, he continued, snacking growth is outpacing the broader packaged food category.

Conagra Brands Inc. (CAG) - Get Conagra Brands, Inc. Report , too, is taking a "new approach" to its $2 billion snacking segment as it grows faster than its other offerings. And who's driving those sales?

"Millennials are growing rapidly and we're going to take full advantage of this," said Conagra CEO Sean Connolly. Connolly added that marketing addressing impulse consumption and price research are part of Conagra's plan.

M&A Streak Will Continue

To court the millennials and gain more market share in snacks, all four companies mentioned future acquisitions.

"We see M&A as being another important way that we can shift our portfolio's growth profile," Kellogg's Cahillane said."[Food CPG players] can go two routes for future acquisitions: healthy or convenient," Prashant Malaviya, the senior associate dean of MBA programs in the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University, told TheStreet last week. "The necessity is innovation, and they can achieve [it] internally through talent and externally through M&A. Most companies realize they need a healthy combination of the two."

But the clock is ticking. There are only so many independent packaged food companies left, after all.
Raj Nair, executive vice president and president of Ford (F) - Get Ford Motor Company Report North America, has been forced out of his job after an internal investigation into reports of inappropriate behavior.

The review determined certain behavior by Nair was inconsistent with the automobile company's code of conduct.

"We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration," said Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett, in a press release. "Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture, and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values.

Nair joined Ford in 1987 as an engineer, according to BoardEx, a relationship mapping service of The Street Inc. In June 2017, Nair became the Regional President of North America for Ford. Before that, he served as Ford's head of global product development and chief technical officer.

"I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviors consistent with the principles that the Company and I have always espoused," Nair said in the press release issued by Ford. "I continue to have the utmost faith in the people of Ford Motor Company and wish them continued success in the future."

Ford shares fell about 0.3% to $10.60 in trading on the New York Stock Exchange today. The shares are down about 15 percent since the start of the year.
Procter & Gamble (PG) - Get Procter & Gamble Company Report CEO David Taylor didn't mention activist investor Nelson Peltz once during a nearly hour-long presentation Thursday at a conference in Boca Raton, Fla.

However, his focus on P&G's new product lines, revised pay packages tied to total shareholder returns and an effort to hire from outside the packaged goods company's internal ranks all suggested that he's taking action in anticipation of Peltz's arrival.

There is an increased likelihood that Procter & Gamble's other directors will start listening to Peltz, considering that P&G's shares have been on a downward trajectory, dropping more than $10 a share to $80.54 since the company agreed to add him to its board. That's after P&G reported last month what analysts suggested was a mediocre quarter. Also consider that Peltz was a key driver in the ouster of Action Alerts Plus holding General Electric Co. (GE) - Get General Electric Company (GE) Report CEO Jeff Immelt in June.

Peltz is scheduled to join an expanded 13-person P&G's board after Taylor and the iconic packaged goods company reluctantly agreed earlier this year to add the dissident investor following what turned out to become the largest boardroom battle in the history of director skirmishes. The proxy war concluded with Peltz receiving the backing of roughly half of shares voted in a director fight that took place at the company's annual meeting in October but didn't really end until the two sides settled in December.

During the battle the Peltz team has argued that there has been a significant lack of innovation at the company in recent years and that the last major P&G innovation was the Swiffer, which was created almost 20 years ago. Peltz can be expected to have a strong voice on pushing for a new approach to R&D and innovation as he was approved to join P&G's Innovation & Technology subcommittee, according to a Feb. 16 securities filing.

During the heat of the battle, Peltz had been seeking a wholesale re-evaluation of P&G's R&D strategy, something that Taylor has suggested would be "very dangerous" and result in the complete elimination of the R&D department.

Seeking to combat concerns about a lack of innovation, Taylor on Thursday offered a laundry list of innovative P&G products, many of which also carried a sustainability message. He touted P&G's single-dose Tide Pods laundry detergent, fabric-enhancer scent beads, always discreet underwear and SK-II skin care products. He also lauded P&G's Olay cell science product and its peptide formula, which purportedly delivers "visible skin transformation in 28 days."

"The outstanding combination of product, performance, packaged communication and retail execution deliver a level of consumer delight that support's SK-II's premium price," Taylor said at the annual Consumer Analyst Group of New York, or CAGNY, conference in Boca Raton. "Consumer's see the value and in markets in which we compete, SK-II is running neck and neck for the number one position in super-premium skin-care category with Estee Lauder."

Taylor offered up three TV commercials for CAGNY participants to view, including one in Japan focusing on its Ariel Science Plus laundry detergent products, which seek to remove bacteria and odor.

In addition, a key part of Peltz's campaign focused on the activist's view that P&G has historically had an overly insular culture. Peltz's Trian Fund Management noted during its campaign that the company didn't have anyone in its senior executive ranks in an operating role who had any substantial experience outside of the packaged goods company.

Seeking to respond to those concerns, Taylor said P&G has changed its approach to talent development and career planning to focus on hiring from outside in addition to training within.

"P&G is fortunate to consistently source and develop very strong talent. But there are time when the best talent for a role may not be inside our organization," Taylor said. "We're supplementing internal development with hiring from the outside to add the skill and experience needed to win and build the best team possible."

And, while not mentioning Peltz, Taylor did acknowledge that shareholder input helped drive P&G's board to revamp its compensation program, to one that focuses more closely on total shareholder returns, a metric that activist investors prefer. The new program takes effect July 1.

"Based in part on shareholder input, the board's compensation and leadership development committee has modified the performance stock program to include relative sales growth metrics and total shareholder return modifier to ensure awards reflect performance vs. externally competitively competitive benchmarks," Taylor said.

Editor's note: This story 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.
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..
Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc. engages in the production and sale of cellulose products, which is a natural polymer commonly used in the production of cell phone and computer screens, filters, and pharmaceuticals. It operates through the following segments: High Purity Cellulose, Forest Products, Paperboard, Pulp and Newsprint, and Corporate. The High Purity Cellulose segment manufacture and market high purity cellulose, which is sold as either cellulose specialties or commodity products in U.S., Canda, and France. The Forest Products segment manufacture and market construction-grade lumber in North America through seven sawmills located in Canada. The Paperboard segment comprises paperboard products. The Pulp and Newsprint segment involves in the production of pulp and newsprint in Canada. The Corporate segment consists senior management, accounting, information systems, human resources, treasury, tax, and legal administrative functions that provide support services to the operating business units. The company was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, FL.

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L3 Technologies, Inc. provides aircraft sustainment, simulation and training, night vision and image intensification equipment, and security and detection systems used on military, homeland security, and commercial platforms in the United States and internationally. It operates in three segments: Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems; Communications and Networked Systems (C&NS); and Electronic Systems. The company offers engineering, modernization and sustainment, space avionics and imaging payload, counter unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS) mission, cyber and electronic warfare, special mission command and control, modeling and simulation, and life cycle support services for ISR, airborne sensor, warrior sensor, space and sensor, aircraft, and intelligence and mission systems, as well as for military aviation services and advanced programs. It also provides network and communication systems, secure communications products, radio frequency components, satellite communication terminals and space, microwave and telemetry products, and secure data links in various business areas, such as broadband communication, naval power, space and power, and maritime sensor systems, as well as in advanced communications. In addition, the company offers components, products, subsystems, and systems, as well as related services to military and commercial customers in various business areas, including commercial aviation solutions, precision engagement systems, link training and simulation, and security and detection systems. It serves the United States (U.S.) Department of Defense and its prime contractors, the U.S. Government intelligence agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, foreign governments, and commercial customers. The company was formerly known as L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to L3 Technologies, Inc. in December 2016. L3 Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. operates as a multinational, specialty pharmaceutical, and medical device company that develops, manufactures, and markets a range of pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter (OTC) products, and medical devices. The company operates through three segments: Bausch + Lomb/International, Branded Rx, and U.S. Diversified Products. The Bausch + Lomb/International segment provides pharmaceutical products, OTC products, and medical device products, primarily consist of Bausch + Lomb products, with a focus on the vision care, surgical, consumer, and ophthalmology Rx products in the United States; and pharmaceutical products, generic pharmaceutical products, OTC products, medical device products, and Bausch + Lomb products in Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. The Branded Rx segment sells gastrointestinal and dermatological products in the United States. The U.S. Diversified Products segment offers pharmaceutical products, OTC products, and medical device products in the areas of neurology and certain other therapeutic classes, including aesthetics. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Laval, Canada.

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Everest Re Group Ltd. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of reinsurance and insurance services. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Reinsurance, International, Bermuda, and Insurance. The U.S. Reinsurance segment writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including marine, aviation, surety, and accident and health business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies primarily within the U.S. The International segment offers foreign property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re's branches in Canada and Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami, and New Jersey. The Bermuda segment comprises reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets through brokers and directly with ceding companies from its Bermuda office and reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets through its UK branch and Ireland Re. The Insurance segment writes property and casualty insurance directly and through brokers, surplus lines brokers, and general agents within the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartere

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Albany

SUNY Polytechnic Institute's plans to build a $90 million factory for Silicon Valley LED manufacturer Soraa outside of Syracuse was kept a secret back when it was negotiated in 2015, even from local officials typically involved in such projects, according to state Sen. John DeFrancisco, who represents the area.

DeFrancisco, who announced last month that he is running for governor, said at a public hearing last month that he was kept in the dark about the Soraa deal, which was announced in 2015 but collapsed last year after Soraa decided to remain in California.

"It took me by surprise - and I represented this district then, and I do now - because I knew nothing about it," DeFrancisco said at the Jan. 19 hearing held by Empire State Development at the town of Dewitt municipal building.

SUNY Poly has since attracted another firm called NexGen Power Systems that makes power electronics chips, to locate to the facility instead of Soraa and create 290 jobs.

The state is requesting an additional $15 million in funds, which is why ESD held the hearing, although DeFrancisco recently blocked final approval of the money pending additional documentation he wants to see, although he ultimately wants to see the project move forward.

Although the ESD board has previously approved the $15 million grant to SUNY Poly for the NexGen project, the state's Public Authorities Control Board pulled the item from the agenda of its Feb. 16 meeting due to concerns raised by DeFrancisco.

Now, ESD spokesman Jason Conwall says the project could be in peril.

"ESD will not undermine ongoing negotiations with a business, which would set a precedent that could hurt our ability to attract companies in the future," Conwall said in a statement Wednesday. "We have responded to every single request from both the senator and (the) PACB in a prompt and professional manner. If they have further questions or concerns, they have yet to express them to us directly. To be clear, continued delays could jeopardize this project and the hundreds of jobs that would benefit central New York."

DeFrancisco is a member of the Central New York Economic Development Council, one of 10 set up by the Cuomo administration so that localities could better control and shape state economic development resources and funding.

DeFrancisco said that he and even the co-chairs of the council were shocked to learn that SUNY Poly was going to build a $90 million facility for Soraa in the Syracuse suburb of Dewitt using state grant funding that was awarded to the Central New York council.

Dozens of prominent political and business leaders are named to the boards, which put together annual proposals for state grants, although the members are not typically involved in negotiations with companies. Those talks involve high-ranking ESD officials using non-disclosure agreements.

The state originally announced in 2013 that Soraa would relocate to Buffalo as part of the Buffalo Billion project that includes Solar City.

But in 2015, the Soraa project was shifted to Syracuse, where SUNY Poly also built a film hub that has also come under fire and faces legal challenges.

DeFrancisco is actually quoted in an Oct. 29, 2015 press release from the governor's office announcing the Soraa project and calling Gov. Andrew Cuomo a "partner" and thanking him.

"The jobs and investment that Soraa is bringing to Central New York will play a vital role in the transformation of this community," DeFrancisco said. "The governor has been a close partner and a leader in revitalizing the upstate economy  and thanks to that commitment, places like central New York are being given real opportunities to lift themselves up and transition into the new economy."

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Despite that, DeFrancisco says he and others were "baffled" by where the project had come from.

"It took me doubly by surprise since I'm a member of the regional economic development council," DeFrancisco said. "I never heard of the project and I'm on the board, and I know, because I've talked to both of them, the chair, the co-chairs of the group, knew nothing about it either."

The Soraa facility where NexGen is planning to relocate was built by Cor Development of Fayetteville, one of the companies tied up in the ongoing federal political corruption trial in Manhattan involving former Cuomo aide Joe Percoco. A second trial involving former SUNY Poly president Alain Kaloyeros is scheduled to take place later this year.

Howard Zemsky, who leads ESD for Cuomo, defended the state's dealings with Soraa and NexGen at budget hearings held by the Legislature last month.

Zemsky said the Soraa deal was terminated because Soraa asked for more money, and the state wasn't willing to agree to that. Zemsky said that the NexGen deal is structured in a much better way, with NexGen spending $40 million of its own money.

"It made no sense for us to do that (with Soraa)," Zemsky told the legislators. "I hope you give it an opportunity to succeed. We're trying to purpose that facility in a positive way."

DeFrancisco said at the Jan. 19 hearing that he actually wants the NexGen project to move forward, hopefully creating good jobs for his district, after receiving assurances from ESD that the state could get its $15 million back if NexGen doesn't come through with its promises.

"This started in a bad way," DeFrancisco said. "It's good that there's another company willing to come in. It's good that there's security at least to the extent it is right now, and that we are now in a situation that this town at least has a chance to salvage that building and who knows, maybe this thing will be very successful. So that's where I stand right now."
Albany

FirstLight, the Albany-based broadband network provider, is being sold by the New York City private equity group that bought it in 2016 to a European investment firm known as Antin Infrastructure Partners.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Antin has offices in Paris, London and Luxembourg.

The New York City firm Oak Hill Capital Partners has only owned FirstLight since 2016, purchasing it from a Boston private equity firm.

"We have tremendous respect for all that FirstLight has accomplished to date. We are delighted to be backing Kurt Van Wagenen and his talented team to continue the company's growth strategy, leveraging the success that Antin has had with communications and fiber investments in Europe," Kevin Genieser, a senior partner at Antin said in a statement.

The transaction is expected to be finalized in the second half of this year.

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"We are thrilled about this exciting development. Antin is an experienced fiber investor and an ideal partner to support our growth strategy. With this acquisition, FirstLight remains well positioned to continue providing the highest levels of service and expanded offerings to enterprise and carrier customers," Wagenen, CEO of FirstLight, said in a statement. "We are grateful to Oak Hill for the vision, support and incredible partnership we have built over the past few years."

Under Oak Hill, FirstLight quadroupled its size through several mergers.

"We are proud of the significant growth and strategic transformation accomplished during Oak Hill's ownership of FirstLight. But more importantly, we are grateful for the strong partnership and outstanding performance of FirstLight's talented management team and dedicated employees. We wish FirstLight and Antin continued success as the Company further expands its high-quality fiber network," said Scott Baker, a partner at Oak Hill and a member of the FirstLight board of directors.
We're at the Macy's end of Crossgates Mall. Go up the escalators to the springy mezzanine level, where Le Bistro is part of Spa Mirbeau, a "day resort concept" offering in-the-mall amenities and services of the Mirbeau resort spas (in Skaneateles, Onondaga County, and Plymouth, Mass.).

You'll need an appointment, club membership or a day pass to gain access to the inner sanctum yoga and spin classes, rock forms and plunge-pool waterfall. Mall-side, La Boutique will appeal to those who like spa creams that smell like cake and glittery soap to make your privates sparkle. But Le Bistro & Wine Bar, with its French doors flung encouragingly wide, is open to all. Which is intriguing. White-robed guests can order Le Bistro from the privacy of the Aqua Terrace, but who else will hurry in? Fixating on this, I stop by three times in one week.

On our first visit, we're one of three tables: Suited businessmen are surely fresh from the office and not the spa, and three mature ladies have a birthday to celebrate. Our banquette seats vibrate throughout dinner like a 50-cent motel bed thanks to the spa washer-dryers on the other side of the wall. In spite of cocoon-like decor in soothing, earthy browns, Le Bistro remains firmly attached to the mall. The "ceiling" strung with courtyard lights is a hollow opening to the mall's pitched glass roof; the open entrance frames the illuminated huge sign for Dick's Sporting Goods.

More Information Le Bistro & Wine Bar at Spa Mirbeau Crossgates Mall (near Macy's) Guilderland Phone: 844-647-2328 Web: spamirbeau.com/dining Reservations: Suggested, not required. Credit cards: All major. Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Main menu and small plates available all day. Parking: Crossgates parking lots. Disabled access: Yes. Attire: Casual. Prices: Small plates, $6 to $9; appetizers, $8 to $18; salads, $10 to $18; entrees, $15 to $34; sides, $5 to $6; desserts, $10; dessert cocktails, $12 to $14. Food: (**1/2) Largely pleasant execution of familiar standards: steak, salmon, salads, shrimp; burgers and pocket-friendly small plates. Beverage: (***) Full bar with spa-inspired cocktails created by bar manager Youssef Benouahoud ($11 to $14); simple beer list ($4 to $7, though World of Beers is downstairs); accessible wine list (by the glass, $8 to $24; by the bottle, $29 to $130, with most in the $40 range). Service: (**) Pleasant. Inconsistent speed between courses. Ambiance: (*) Pleasant, but unavoidably open to the mall. Personality: (*) Wine bar/bistro within a mall setting. Overall Rating: ** See More Collapse

Out on the "patio"  the mall-walkers' runway  our small plates and late afternoon wine work like bait. Hurried mall shoppers look from our nonshopper composure to les petits plats on a chalkboard and gravitate to the hostess-stand like moths to a flame. A woman bristling with Macy's bags announces her hunger and is ushered inside; parents with strollers steer in to read the menu with its $17 burger and $18 Raspberry Point oysters before accelerating off.

If you can get past the mall-side location and gawking shoppers, Le Bistro holds pleasant appeal. Perhaps it's the thought of rewarding a thankless afternoon of swimsuit shopping with a citric lavender fizz ($12), its exotic indigo hue from butterfly pea blossoms steeped in the botanical Empress 1908 gin. Or the idea that Saratoga juice in the Mirbella, or kombucha in a Mir-Bucha, puts cocktails on the right side of healthy.

We're shown only the main menu on our first visit, but small plates, priced from $6 to $9, are well worth a look. Michael Morelli, a American Culinary Federation-certified executive chef with a packed resume, cuts his $34 filet mignon steaks from whole tenderloins, and the small pieces end up as filet mignon skewers with potato chive croquettes for a pocket-friendly $9. That's your shopportunist scoop.

Other than a lovely, loose duck liver pate with crostini and sweet raspberry coulis ($8), les petits plats have forgotten to be French. We munch thickly battered fried artichokes and spicy sriracha dipping sauce that would make TGI Fridays proud; a trio of flag-waving shiny American beef sliders ($7) grilled a perfect pink and tarted up with pancetta and avocado puree; and crisp mushroom arancini (rice balls, $6)  these fellas are straight-up Italian  finished (like me) with truffle oil.

For a menu associated with a spa, it's a bit risque. This is no spandex-wearing, nibbly ode to colonic health, but a mash-up of Mirbeau's destination-resort menus. Dishes selected by CEO Michael Del Pas are tweaked and executed by Morelli and sous chef Scott Murphy. I imagine the cheese and charcuterie boards, salads and shrimp cocktail (hanging on since the '80s) are popular items by the Aqua Terrace plunge pool. But will The Freshly Pampered sink their forks in a dense flourless chocolate cake, or despoil spin-class bods with a blondie ice cream sundae under a chocolate dome theatrically melted with warm caramel?

Pricier dishes are respectful. Take Faroe Island salmon encrusted in smashed fingerlings, and velvet-soft rare filet mignon ($34) thick-cut like Chateaubriand and served with hand-cut truffle fries that rely nicely on the natural saltiness of Parmesan cheese. For a French-inspired restaurant, the au poivre sauce is cloyingly thick and peppery enough to choke. We pluck crisp, green asparagus from a comfortingly creamy mushroom risotto ($23)  so often tricky  though a squad of pale shrimp is absent a more flavorful sear.

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Oddly, burgers fare less well. For $17, the beef bistro burger with portobello and caramelized onions is a flimsy Five Guys doppelganger cooked a solid well done, but we coo over a cursive M tattooed on the brioche lid. I'll reserve real fire for the veggie burger ($14), a pasty horror with the texture of wet falafel left overnight in the car. Points for the spiralized, sauteed zucchini slaw topping, but the thick tzatziki cream cheese that gums burger to base has preservation levels of salt.

There are surprise flourishes: warm popovers and honey-drizzled butter as dinner bread; fennel pollen on grilled oysters with panko and chive fondue (six for $19); and a glorious, crisp-crumbed, wobbly soft-boiled egg that steals the show in a warm mushroom salad ($13) already lively with red pepper and artichoke.

And there are mild disappointments: A salad's sherry vinaigrette is a touch too sweet, and delicate tuna crudo ($14) is diced and stacked as tartare instead of sliced elegantly thin. With it, crisp wontons and wakame seaweed salad  yes, tasty for sure  refuses to admit ahi tuna nachos long jumped the shark.

It's a safe, pleasant menu with nothing that slays. For spa-goers, a glass of bubbly and bistro bites make tremendous sense. But Le Bistro diners unshielded from Crossgates' shopping scene must decide if they can make peace with the mall. With a preteen pushing for more than twice yearly trips to the mall, I'll go. Given speedy service for pate and a glass of wine, it could be a win-win.

Dinner for three  including two appetizers, three entrees, one dessert and complimentary cocktails  came to $182.28 with tax and 20 percent tip. Lunch of one small plate and a glass of wine would cost less than $20.

Susie Davidson Powell is a British freelance food writer in upstate New York. Follow her on Twitter, @SusieDP. To comment on this review, visit the Table Hopping blog, blog.timesunion.com/tablehopping.
Albany County officials are proposing renewable energy options as the state Power Authority revisits whether alternative energy could be used to power Empire State Plaza.

After facing pressure from opponents of the proposed Sheridan Hollow natural gas-fired power plant earlier this month, the Power Authority said it would hold listening sessions on renewable energy options for its microgrid project.

The authority has dismissed renewable energy as not feasible, and its project currently calls for two natural-gas fired turbines totaling 16 megawatts on Sheridan Avenue to help power and heat the 96-acre plaza.

County Executive Daniel McCoy on Wednesday sent a letter to the authority offering the Times Union Center parking garage roof as space to develop solar carports to provide clean power to the plaza.

Incorporating renewables into the Empire State Plaza microgrid project is the best option for New York State and the health of Albany County residents, McCoy wrote in a letter to the authoritys President Gil Quiniones. I ... am hopeful that renewable energy will be meaningfully incorporated into any future proposals.

Environmental Advocates of New York praised McCoys initiative to provide options to NYPA. The group would like to see the project powered 100 percent by a different renewable energy sources.

Once again, McCoy demonstrates both the environmental leadership and entrepreneurial spirit he has become known for, said Peter Iwanowicz, executive director of the group in an emailed statement. We urge the Power Authority to take his and any other offers seriously so that the Empire State Plaza is powered by 100 percent clean, renewable energy not dirty and dangerous fossil fuels. It will take this type of outside the box and collaborative thinking to get there but get there we must.

Later Wednesday, county Legislator Merton Simpson, who lives in Sheridan Hollow, released a proclamation signed by 24 Albany lawmakers urging the project be halted and a new request-for-proposal be issued focusing on geothermal energy technology and storage.

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Simpson and others who have led the charge against the microgrid proposal through the Sheridan Hollow Alliance for Renewable Energy agree that the Sheridan Avenue site isnt practical for solar or wind power, but believe it has the potential for geothermal. This creates power based on temperature differences between outside air and drilled underground wells, or in this situation from water taken from the nearby Hudson River.

Opponents have been critical of the authoritys initial RFP limiting developers responses only to projects using natural gas turbines.

The Power Authority looks forward to reviewing the county executives proposal and to working with him and others to find the best solution for the Empire State Plazas energy needs, NYPA spokesman Paul DeMichele said, noting the listening sessions the authority is holding to gather further input.
NEW YORK  It might be the most expensive classroom chart in history.

Instead, it became evidence Wednesday in the federal corruption trial of Joe Percoco, a former top aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo who is on trial with three businessmen who allegedly paid him more than $300,000 in bribes.

Some of those bribes were allegedly funneled through Percoco's wife Lisa, a former New York City school teacher who in February 2016 submitted a voucher for $7,500 for a final month of work for Competitive Power Ventures. She had earned that monthly income since December 2012 although CPV paid her through an obscure Connecticut LLC to conceal the fact that it had hired the wife of a gubernatorial aide while the company was seeking favor from state officials as it developed a controversial power plant in Orange County.

But in her final month at the job, Lisa Percoco's entire contribution was proposing the use of the one-page, color-coded worksheet diagram to teach kids about electricity, according to the testimony of Yanina Daigle, her former supervisor.

As Daigle testified, prosecutors showed the jury the diagram, which featured light bulbs and cords and the question, "Which color will turn the light bulbs on?"

"Are you aware of her doing anything else in February 2016?" Assistant U.S. Attorney Janis Echenberg asked Daigle.

"Besides preparing her invoice, no," she replied.

Daigle previously testified that Lisa Percoco was denied the final payment because she had stopped working at her job the month before.

Prosecutors say Percoco was paid nearly $287,000 over three years as an education consultant for CPV. She worked at a program called "CPV Educates," which taught children about energy.

Federal prosecutors allege the post was a "low-show" job to cover bribes to her husband arranged by CPV executive Peter Galbraith Kelly, a defendant in the case.

Daigle previously testified that Lisa Percoco was an enthusiastic teacher when she met with students but displayed "often sloppy" work. A chart showed during her testimony showed that Lisa Percoco only taught classes 19 times over the three years she worked at the consulting job - and that she never was there longer than three hours.

On Wednesday, under questioning by Kelly's attorney, Daniel Gitner, Daigle testified that at times Lisa Percoco may have worked as much as 15 to 20 hours a week.

Later, as the attorney delved deeper into the topic, Judge Valerie Caproni asked Daigle, referring to Lisa Percoco, "What was she doing?"

Daigle responded: "That is a good point, your honor."

Daigle said she was speculating.

"We're going to strike all of that (testimony) because the witness is guessing," the judge said.

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Daigle has also testified that Kelly went to great lengths to keep Lisa Percoco's involvement with the program hush so people would not get the "wrong impression" about the program.

The classes involved meeting with students in Woodbridge, N.J.

Echenberg asked Daigle: "Is it fair to say that Joe Percoco's name would be less known in New Jersey than New York?"

"Yes," Daigle testified.

The judge took harsh exception - several times - with Gitner for what the judge said was an inefficient use of time cross-examining witnesses and "wasting the jury's time."

The other defendants are Steve Aiello and Joseph Gerardi, executives with the Syracuse-based COR real estate development company, who are accused of bribing Percoco with $35,000 in payments to his wife through former lobbyist Todd Howe, the government's star witness.

Prosecutors are expected to rest their case Thursday after calling Andrew Ball, a deputy secretary to the governor, and another witness to summarize parts of the case.

The defense will then start calling witnesses. Gitner said there was a more than 70 percent chance he would call Lisa Percoco to the stand but made no promises. Former Cuomo administration official Howard Glaser is also a possible defense witnesses.

Aiello and Gerardi could testify as soon as Friday in their own defense, but their attorneys said they want to know first see if the judge will allow them to be asked questions about the upcoming "Buffalo Billion" federal corruption case, in which both men are also charged.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and several states are investigating an outbreak of salmonella illness linked to kratom, an unregulated herbal supplement that is sometimes used for pain, anxiety and opioid-withdrawal symptoms, the CDC said Tuesday.

The agency, which urged consumers to not use kratom in any form because of the possibility of contamination, said the infections started in October and have affected 20 states. Eleven people have been hospitalized, and no one has died. Most of the people sickened have reported consuming kratom in pills, powder or tea, according to the CDC, which didn't name any specific brands or suppliers.
State Police say they cannot corroborate a Whiteface skier's belief he was driven across the country in a tractor-trailer after he vanished earlier this month from the Adirondack ski resort.

Maj. John H. Tibbitts Jr., whose Troop B is leading the investigation, said none of the hauling companies contacted by investigators have a driver who admitted taking Constantino "Danny" Filippidis across the country.

"We're very interested in any possible trucking company that would have come through that area," Tibbitts said.

Filipiddis, a captain with Toronto Fire Services, was skiing with friends when he vanished Feb. 7 from the Wilmington resort. He showed up Feb. 13 in Sacramento, Calif.

State Police investigators interviewed Filippidis, 49, last week and expect to interview him again.

Troopers said his story has not changed: Filippidis has no clear memory of how he got from the Adirondacks to the California capital, a road trip of nearly 3,000 miles.

"He wants to find out where he was as badly as we want to find out where he was," Tibbitts said.

Filippidis flew from Sacramento to upstate New York on Feb. 14 to be interviewed by the State Police. Investigators are now "working to verify what he said to them," State Police spokesman Beau Duffy said Wednesday.

The firefighter returned home Friday, Feb. 16.

"I know it has been difficult for him and his family," Frank Ramagnano, president of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters' Association said. "Trying to figure out what happened during those days has been frustrating."

Filippidis is on medical leave from work, Ramagnano said. The firefighter has declined media interviews.

Police in Sacramento found Filippidis still wearing the ski clothing he had on when he disappeared, including his helmet and goggles, the union president said. Filippidis was given medical attention and taken to a local hospital, where he later spoke with his two children on the phone, Ramagnano said.

Filippidis told deputies he remembered little, but thought he'd suffered a head injury, rode in a "big rig-style truck" and slept "a lot," Sgt. Shaun Hampton of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department told the Post-Standard of Syracuse.

Tibbitts said investigators are trying to determine how Filippidis left the resort.

His disappearance prompted a massive search of Whiteface Mountain with search-and-rescue crews poring over the mountain while other skiers passed by on the trails. Filippidis contacted local authorities from a Sacramento area airport Feb. 13, ending a massive six-day search, troopers said.

The search included at least six government agencies, two ski patrols and several local volunteer groups. More than 135 people spent a combined 7,000 hours on the rugged mountain in varying winter weather conditions, officials have said. A helicopter and search dogs were also called in to assist.

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State officials have declined to estimate the cost.

Before he resurfaced, Filippidis had been last seen at the Whiteface Mountain ski resort's mid-station about 2:30 p.m. Feb. 7. He was part of a group of Toronto firefighters making their annual ski trip. His colleagues reported him missing at 4:30 p.m. when he did not return from his last run of the day. Police found his car, passport and other identification cards at the resort, officials said.

Six days later, Filippidis called his wife, who was in Lake Placid meeting with the search party, Ramagnano said.

"Apparently he was confused and he wasn't able to give direct answers," Ramagnano said during a news conference in Toronto broadcast by CTV.

"He called her by a nickname. She quickly recognized the voice and that it was him, and then they lost contact. He contacted her again and they kept him on the phone and asked him to call 911 to get him help as soon as possible."

Filippidis said he bought an iPhone to call his wife and told deputies that a truck dropped him off in downtown Sacramento, where he got a haircut, Hampton said.

Police Feb. 13 distributed a picture of Filippidis taken in California, hoping people who recognize him can help solve the mystery.

Anyone who recalls seeing Filippidis between Feb. 7 and 13 is asked to call State Police investigators at 518-873-2750.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
ALBANY - Governors from four northeast states, including New York, announced Thursday they have agreed to create a multi-state database to share information on firearms and law enforcement.

The initiative will include efforts to stop the illegal flow of out-of-state guns into New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island. The coalition also will create a gun-violence research consortium to "better inform" policy makers, they said.

"It's not at all unusual for states to create coalitions, especially where there's a void in leadership from the federal government," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said during a Thursday conference call with Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo.

The announcement took place following last week's shooting deaths of 14 children and three teachers at a Broward County, Fla., high school. The accused shooter, Nikolas Cruz, 19, had obtained nearly a dozen firearms despite a history of mental illness and police calls to his residence.

President Donald Trump this week said he is considering a series of new safety measures, including arming school employees, raising the age to 21 for the purchase of certain types of weapons, and banning "bump stock" devices that can increase the firing capacity of high-capacity rifles.

A memorandum of agreement between the four Northeast states includes the creation of a multi-state database to supplement the federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System.

Murphy said the initiative is called "States for Gun Safety" and "this is something we have been talking about for a year or more." He said in New Jersey more than 80 percent of gun-related crimes are committed using weapons that came from another state.

"This is not a reaction, I think I can say, I'll say for myself, I think for all of us it's not a reaction to Parkland, that awful tragedy we saw play out yet again last week, but it is something certainly that in light of that awful tragedy I think we felt we wanted to accelerate," Murphy said. "And all of this, obviously, in the context of complete and utter inaction in Congress."

Malloy said Connecticut is one of seven states that have banned the sale of assault weapons.

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"We've taken many other steps including mental health steps and school security steps and we have waited for Washington to do something and, of course, that never quite happens," he said. "Of course, we've been lectured, I might add, by Republican leaders that the time of a shooting is not the time to talk about the things that we could do to make ourselves safer. And, of course, that's utterly ridiculous and it's a stalling tactic. What we're doing today is very different. It's saying, 'Hey, we can't wait for the federal government to act.'"

Raimondo said Rhode Island has some of the nation's toughest gun laws, "but of course our nation has some of the world's weakest gun laws and we know that stronger gun laws save lives."

Despite Rhode Island's laws, Raimondo added, it's still legal to carry concealed firearms there into state buildings and schools and to buy military-style weapons.

"It's still legal in Rhode Island to buy a high capacity magazine and I'm going to be working with my legislature to fix that, to change that because we need to do better," Raimondo said. "I hope we're able to convince other governors to join us because if we get together, we governors, we can send a powerful message to the country that it is possible to improve our gun laws and save lives and we can all look at our kids and when they ask us what are we doing about it we can give them a good answer, which is, we are taking action that will make a difference, that will make our schools and communities safer."
TROY  Emily Taylor was 15 years old and sitting in history class when she learned that a young man carrying a semiautomatic rifle shot dead 20 children and six adults at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn.

Just over five years and more than 200 school shootings later, the now 20-year-old student at Russell Sage College is sick of watching nothing change.

"I was shocked," she told several dozen people at a candlelight vigil on the Troy campus Thursday night. "I was really shocked and I said to myself, 'This will never happen again. This is ridiculous.' And then over and over and over, this happened again."

The vigil brought people together to remember the 17 people shot dead at a Parkland, Fla., high school last week  the worst school shooting since the 2012 rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, and the latest in what has since become a scourge of mass shootings across the country perpetrated by young men armed with semiautomatic weapons.

It came as young people in Florida and across the nation have come forward to speak out and demand change that will make their schools safe. Thoughts and prayers, they say, are no longer enough. Politicians and lawmakers who offer condolences but refuse to take action to reform rules on guns in America will be voted out of office by the up-and-coming generation, they warn.

Taylor, who reflected on the shootings before she and several fellow students read the names of victims aloud inside Bush Memorial Hall, shared similar sentiments. A mix of solutions are needed, she said, including common-sense gun reform, an enhanced focus on mental health and simple kindness.

"We let these people slip through the cracks and it's time to stop letting people slip through the cracks," she said. "Sit next to people you don't know. Sit next to people who don't look like you or talk like you or think like you do. Then we'll have some solutions  because kindness can fix a lot of this. It's time to take care of one another. It really is time."

The vigil was organized by the Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung Center for the Promotion of Mental Health and School Safety, which formed on the Sage campus in the aftermath of the Newtown shootings. Hochsprung was the Sandy Hook principal and a doctoral student at Sage when she was shot dead trying to protect her students.

Led by Jerome Steele, a former school superintendent in Colonie, the center's mission is to explore, develop and share solutions that promote the mental health of children and safe learning environments.

The center focuses on addressing root causes of such incidents, including the isolation that inevitably foreshadows mass murder. It conducts conferences and lecture series aimed at sharing best practices with schools for identifying students in need.

Steele believes it's also time for the nation to stop labeling mass shootings as the result of one thing or another. Leaders should be looking at multiple ways to end the scourge, including gun reform and improved mental health services, he said. He expects young people will lead the charge.

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"Not since the 1960s have I heard such strong voices coming from our students," he said. "It's incredible."

Earlier Thursday, the New York Sheriffs Association called for state lawmakers to provide funding to hire armed officers to guard elementary and high schools. There are about 4,750 public schools and nearly 2,000 private schools in New York. The sheriffs estimated the cost would be about the equivalent of adding a teacher to each school.

This will be an expensive undertaking, said Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts, president of the association in a news release. But we owe it to our children, and their parents, to provide a safe place for education to take place.

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple supports having officers in schools but is uncertain about public funding.

"I just don't know where we would get the funding," Apple said. "I support it, I just don't know if it will ever come to realization. The problem is this came up after Sandy Hook, after Columbine; it slowly fizzles out until there's another tragedy."
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President Trump is right about one thing: They must be "laughing their asses off" in Moscow.

At him.

Faced with compelling evidence that Russian cyber-saboteurs worked to sway the 2016 election, influencing swing-state voters with lies on social media and even staging real-life campaign rallies, Trump's only response has been a frantic and pathetic attempt to protect his own delicate ego. "But wasn't I a great candidate?" he pleaded Sunday on Twitter.

Protecting our democracy obviously concerns Trump not at all. But you're probably not surprised.

In a stunning indictment announced Friday, Special Counsel Robert Mueller laid out in painstaking detail how a group of paid internet trolls based in St. Petersburg, Russia, worked diligently to "sow discord in the U.S. political system." They began with the aim of creating general mischief, but "by early to mid-2016, Defendants' operations included supporting the presidential campaign of then-candidate Donald J. Trump ('Trump Campaign') and disparaging Hillary Clinton."

There it is, in black and white: Trump was elected with the active help of Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Putin is not named as a co-conspirator, the man behind the scheme  an oligarch named Yevgeniy Prigozhin  is a longtime crony known in Russia as "Putin's chef." The idea that he would meddle in a U.S. election without orders from Putin is ludicrous.

The 13 named defendants are presumably in Russia, beyond the reach of U.S. justice. Mueller's account of what they allegedly did is simply infuriating. Voters who saw the Russians' Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts were led to believe they were being lobbied by their fellow citizens  not by an adversarial foreign power.

They tried to convince Muslim voters that Clinton was anti-Islam and convince anti-Muslim voters that she favored imposing sharia law. They tried to suppress the African-American vote with an Instagram account named "Woke Blacks" that called Clinton "the lesser of two devils" and argued "we'd surely be better off without voting AT ALL." They purchased online ads calling Clinton "a Satan," falsely accusing her of voter fraud and claiming that "Donald Trump is the one and only (candidate) who can defend the police from terrorists."

They organized and promoted actual pro-Trump and anti-Clinton rallies in Florida, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, according to the indictment, and they targeted their social media campaigns at other swing states. To pay for all of this, they established fraudulent U.S. identities and bank accounts so that no one would know they were heeding political advice from Russians.

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Mueller's big splash sent Trump into a full-fledged Twitter conniption that by Monday showed no sign of easing. He tried to claim that the indictment proves two things: Whatever the Russians did had no impact on the outcome of the election; and there was no collusion between the Russians and the Trump campaign.

Deep down, he must know the indictment says nothing of the sort.

As for collusion, it's true that Mueller does not allege that anyone from the Trump campaign knowingly participated in the Prigozhin conspiracy. But the Russians did much more: Intelligence officials say they hacked into the email accounts of the Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, and then leaked that material to do maximum damage to Clinton's prospects. We don't know if there was collusion in that scheme  or in other schemes we might not yet know about.

Late Saturday night, past his usual bedtime, Trump was awake and still tweeting: "The only Collusion was between Russia and Crooked H, the DNC and the Dems. Remember the Dirty Dossier, Uranium, Speeches, Emails and the Podesta Company!"

Stop laughing, Vladimir Putin. You'll hurt yourself.

Eugene Robinson's email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.
This years World Thinking Day (22 February)  a day when Girl Guides celebrate their international friendships - has special significance for a Thurles Irish Girl Guides Leader. It is the first time in five years Cate OConnor will be celebrating the event in Ireland. For the past five years she celebrated with Girl Guides from around the world at Sangam World Guiding Centre in Pune, India, where she was Deputy World Centre Manager.

World Thinking Day is a day when Guides across the globe give thanks for the international friendships they enjoy through the Guiding movement and raise money to deliver life-changing opportunities for girls in developing countries. This years World Thinking Day theme is impact and Irish Girl Guides 12,000 members are joining with 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts across the globe celebrating the impact that Guiding has on them and that they, in turn, have on their local communities and the wider world.

Cate, who is a Leader with Thurles Senior Branch (Senior Branch is the branch of Irish Girl Guides for 14-30 year olds) and whose day job is Community Youth Worker with Youth Work Ireland Tipperary, says, Everything we do in Girl Guiding has an impact on our lives and the lives of people around us. My own life has been hugely impacted upon since joining at age seven. By taking part in relevant, exciting and fun activities our members experience positive change within themselves. As they develop different skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, commitment and citizenship, they get motivated to make a positive change in the community and wider world. Hence, Girl Guiding impacts individually and collectively.

Cates time in India was life-changing. What an amazing country! From the colours, the noise, the festivals, the vibrancy, the hustle and bustle and the warmth of the people, it was a real honour calling this country my home, she says.

A big honour for me was getting to represent the Irish Girl Guides and when I got to see the Irish flag flying high at the opening ceremony of the 107 events that happened during my time at Sangam. There was lots of fun and laughter had when I attempted to teach Irish dancing at international nights and special memories of enjoying Tayto sandwiches while watching and explaining Moone Boy with the Sangam family.

During my time at Sangam I got to meet over 5,000 Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from all around the world! I also got to work closely with 13 other international staff, 36 Indian staff and volunteers in training from the local community, 71 volunteers and interns and 125 tare (community programme participants). So on a daily basis I got to experience the true friendship and sisterhood of global Guiding, have such interesting conversations, learn so much about other cultures. I am so privileged to have friends I can visit around the world from Australia, Chile, Costa Rica, Canada, Japan, Kenya, Nepal, Rwanda, Slovenia and Sweden, to name but a few places.

Cate considered herself very lucky to be part of Sangams 50th birthday celebrations from the early planning stages in March 2013 right through to the big day on 16 October 2016 when 1000+ friends from around the global and local community joined in Sangam campsite for a massive celebration.

She was delighted to discover that amazing, wonderful, exciting things can happen when youre brave enough to try and take the chance on new and scary opportunities.

She continues, By getting on the plane on 19 July 2012, just days after Irish Girl Guides international camp CAMP 101, despite being so nervous, anxious, doubting myself and so tired, I got to experience so much from the kindness of strangers who are now lifelong friends, to being able to call the amazing country of India my other home to having dared myself to do all of the following from driving a rickshaw and scooter, trying Bollywood dancing, hanging upside down in an ariel yoga hammock, abseiling off the Sangam water tower, to travelling solo in India, including taking an overnight sleeper bus and finding my way around Delhi train station at midnight.

This all happened because I took that first step to apply! So I would encourage you to BE BRAVE when new opportunities come your way, just GO FOR IT!

Irish Girl Guides welcomes new members from age 5+ and volunteer Leader from age 18+. To find out more, see www.irishgirlguides.ie or telephone 01-6683898.
The family of toddler Evan Jones, who passed away in 2017 following an eight month battle with a rare form of cancer, have raised a total of 33, 285 for the St. Johns Oncology Ward in Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin.

The Newport family, who raised the money through a sponsored fun run last year, say they have been blown away by the unwavering support they received. Over 1,400 people lined out last October to remember the little toddler and raise money for the hospital unit that had lovingly cared for Evan throughout his treatment after he was diagnosed with a malignant Rhabdoid Tumour in the summer of 2016.

Every single cent raised by Team Evan Jones will go towards the St. Johns Ward in Crumlin for frontline care. We were very conscious that the money would be put to the best possible use and the staff in St. Johns are an amazing group of people who know exactly what is needed in the unit, Evans father, Paddy, told the Tipperary Star.

Following the toddlers diagnosis with a rare form of cancer in mid 2016 he was placed on an intensive round of chemotherapy and radiation treatment as well as undergoing a nine hour operation to remove a tumour. But despite every obstacle in the brave toddlers path, he remained a bright and cheerful ray of light which helped inspire people the length and breath of the country.

We had so many people following Evans story and even today people who had never met him come up to us and tell us how much he encouraged and inspired them, says proud dad Paddy who adds it was Evans cheeky, cherub smile that helped to capture the hearts of so many in his native hometown of Newport and further afield.

Central to the success of the fun run was the Team Evan Jones committee, made up of nearly 40 volunteers, and who Paddy describes as the hardest working group hes ever met, who worked tirelessly to get as many joggers, walkers and runners out pounding the pavement in October.

We want to make the Team Evan Jones Fun Run an annual event and we are determined to run it again this year. Evan was an inspiring little boy and although he was only here for a short time, he made a huge impact on everyone he met and we feel it very important to continue his legacy, he adds.
Corbellati  its not a brand youre probably familiar with, but it is known to artists, art enthusiasts, and jewel collectors. History aside, the family brand has decided to branch out into the automotive world, and its first attempt is a big one. Im talking about, of course, the Corbellati Missile  a car thats billed with the high expectation of being the worlds fastest car, Buggati, Koenigsegg , and Hennessey be damned. Little about the car is known at this point, but it does sport a purely Italian design and promises 1,800 horsepower and a top speed that breaches the 310-mph range. The power credentials are certainly there, but whether or not it will live up to the hype remains to be seen. Skepticism aside, the made its debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, so lets take a closer look!

Corbellati Missile Exterior

Its pretty clear that this baby was born and raised in the heartland for fine automobiles, the home of brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, and Alfa Romeo.

At this point, almost nothing is certain about this Italian-bred hypercar outside of the seemly outrageous claims of power and speed. We do, however, have a full view of this monster of a car.

Its pretty clear that this baby was born and raised in the heartland for fine automobiles, the home of brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, and Alfa Romeo. Up front, the car reminds wholeheartedly of the Ferrari 250. It has a similar nose setup with that wide but thin air inlet positioned right in the middle of near-vertical headlamps that are integrated into the tall, but extra long front fenders. To be more specific, it looks like someone took the front end of a Ferrari 250 and stretched it out a bit.

The side profile is defined by a simple, wavy ambiance that carries along from the nose all of the way to the rear haunches where things flatten out, on an incline, to provide the sweet spot for the engines air-intake passage. The muscular rear quarters match the front well, keeping things even from front to rear, while the door managers to sit right in the middle, only identifiable because of the necessary gaps required. The windshield and door glass come together, almost as one, to create a huge, 180-degree field of vision  a feature that also accents the slenderness of the greenhouse and sheer width of the body below the waistline.

The bubble-butt look is strong here, with the rear haunches being much wider than the front fenders.

Corbellati took a very interesting approach to the rear of this thing. The bubble-butt look is strong here, with the rear haunches being much wider than the front fenders. Of course, you can imagine that with 1800 ponies at its disposal, itll need some rather wide tires back here. The taillights are simple round units with integrated reverse lights in the center. You can see the frame through the rear grille, which does allude to a but of laziness, but hey, its the power thats important, right?

All told, the missile is 183-inches long, 80-inches wide, and 46-inches tall. It has a wheelbase of 112 inches and a ground clearance of just 4.72 inches  you could say its a low-rider, huh? Its pretty clear that this thing is Italian and, if I didnt know any better, Id say theres some Ferrari DNA in there, but well leave that speculation here for now.

Corbellati Missile Interior

The interior of the Missile is shrouded in a cloud of mystery at this point

The interior of the Missile is shrouded in a cloud of mystery at this point. Based on the rearward engine-position, this thing clearly doesnt have a back seat, so dont expect one. Of course, for all we know, this thing could be a single-seater, with the drivers home positioned right in the middle  a feature that harkens back to the McLaren F1 and more recent developments that point to the central drivers position making a comeback. For now, however, well just speculate a bit, with the expectation that the interior will be lavish with fine materials and there is, more than likely, more than enough tech inside. After all, this thing is billed as being the fastest car in the world  you dont get there by being light in the tech department. An f1-like steering wheel, or at least something small, is likely and you can bet that the seats  or seat  is just a hair down from being a full-blown racing seat. A five-point harness is damn near guaranteed to be standard equipment. But, who knows whats really going on inside there? Corbellati sure didnt have anything to say at the Geneva Motor Show.

Corbellati Missile Performance

According to Corbellati, the Missile can deliver a cool 1,800 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission straight to the rear wheels

Corbellati didnt let us hear the Missile run. In fact, very little was said about it, but there is some detail to share here. First off, the chassis is built from carbon fiber as are the body panels. Keeping this thing sturdy in the turns is a double wishbone suspension in the front and rear, paired with inboard adjustable dampers and controlled air springs. Power is delivered by a 9.0-liter V-8 with two monster turbos (we assume) and a light alloy engine block. The cylinder head rocks four valves per cylinder, and there are four overhead camshafts (2 on each bank, 1 for exhaust one for intake.)

According to Corbellati, the Missile can deliver a cool 1,800 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission straight to the rear wheels. The rear axle has a limited slip differential, and the steering is handled by your typical rack and pinion setup. And, just as important as the power produced is the stopping power. Monoblock six-piston calipers squeeze against carbon ceramic discs on all four corners.

And thats it. Thats all we know. No 0-to-60 mph times to praise, or anything of this nature. However, Corbellati promises a top speed of 310 mph, which would make it the fastest car in the world should it ever actually hit that mark. Well certainly be standing by for that so stay tuned.

Conclusion

At this point, its hard to explain what kind of emotions a car like the evokes on ones self. Theres a bit of excitement, skepticism, even denial. Theres no way a car can be that fast, right? Then again, the Venom F5 did hit 301 supposedly, so its really not that far off. The horsepower figures are certainly there but what about the limitation of tires? Is there a driveline out there strong enough to support such a deadly amount of power, even in a fairly short burst? I remained tremendously optimistic but, for now, I guess well just have to wait and see.

References

Read more Geneva Motor Show news.
Theres nothing fun about seeing a supercar getting loaded onto a tow truck. Its even less fun when the said supercar is yours. A man in the U.K. found that out the hard way when his Ferrari 458 Special Aperta was seized and towed away in London because the car wasnt insured. The incident predictably caused a commotion as stunned onlookers captured video of the limited edition Ferrari getting whisked away to God-knows-where.

Police officers in London noticed the Ferrari 458 Aperta when it blocked traffic in a busy road section in London

According to the Daily Mail, police officers in London noticed the Ferrari 458 Aperta when it blocked traffic in a busy road section in London because the man behind the wheel of the car was trying to park his car behind a Porsche 918 that reportedly belonged to his father. Police officers eventually pulled the neophyte parallel "parker" over and discovered that his name wasnt on the insurance. Not long after that, a tow truck arrived and loaded up the 458 Aperta, before driving off with the Italian supercar in tow.

Its unclear as to whats going to happen to the limited edition Ferrari, but history has shown that cars that get impounded are often sent to an auction. Its happened before, most notably with the car collection of London kingpin and drug trafficker Alexander Surin back in 2015. Granted, his crime was far more nefarious than driving an uninsured car in London, but still, theres probably little to no chance that the driver of that Ferrari 458 Aperta will get to see his car again unless he buys it again in an auction.

And, if theres one thing we learned here, dont mess with London PD when it comes to driving uninsured cars in the British capital.

References

Read our full review on the 2015 Ferrari 458 Special Aperta.

Read more Ferrari news.

Source: Daily Mail
Lexus has finally introduced its first compact crossover, and it is the first Lexus model to feature the brands new GA-C platform. In the looks department, it looks like a slightly blown up but more proportional LC500 with a family-oriented look too it. Meanwhile, the interior is very German-like in design, to a point, and yet ergonomic and stylish at the same time. Instead of shifting around engines from other models to piece together its new crossover, Lexus put together an all-new four-banger for the entry-level UX 200 model while a different but new gas engine and a fourth-gen hybrid system found their way into the UX 250h.

2019 Lexus UX Exterior Design

Some LC500 Styling Cues

Thin, stylish headlights

Sporty design

F-Sport styling kit

Unique rear end

The hood gets an aggressive and sharply curved tone to it while the headlights also mimic the LC500 with a slightly different design and a different LED strip.

The first thing the mind wonders to when looking at the front end is LC500 and, you cant really question why. After all, the spindle grille is nearly identical sans the extra trim insert at the bottom, and there are even the weird corner slits, albeit a bit more extreme. The hood gets an aggressive and sharply curved tone to it while the headlights also mimic the LC500 with a slightly different design and a different LED strip. As an F-Sport model, the example that you see here also has the extra front lip in black.

That lip, by the way, matches the extra fender flares on the sides as well as the side skirts. When you add in the black-colored mirror caps and roof rack, you have just the right amount of contrast all of the way around. Meanwhile, the all so familiar body line swooping along the front of the wheel well and angled towards the mirror makes an appearance here while the other two body lines help to facilitate a raked look. Of course, those same body lines also blend in well with the multi-tiered design of the body make the overall appearance aggressive but not too muscular.

Around back, the overly enthusiastic look continues, almost to the point that the rear end distorts space and time altogether

Around back, the overly enthusiastic look continues, almost to the point that the rear end distorts space and time altogether. Seriously, with the way the taillights, lines on the rear fascia, and body lines on the rear hatch all come together, you quite literally have to give it a second look just to be sure youre not losing your mind. Not that its a bad thing, it just catches you off guard at first. The rear overhang on the rear hatch is accentuated with F Sport-styled side wings, which are a nice touch, while the rear fascia gets an F Sport insert as well. Its hard to imagine the UX without F Sport styling, but hopefully, it will look just as good without all the extra trim.

2019 Lexus UX Interior Design

Two-tone interior

Digital instrument cluster

Large infotainment display

Touch pad control

Three-tier dash

Wrap-around interior look

Contrast stitching

The Lexus UX sports an interior design the almost appears to blend the best of all worlds.

The Lexus UX sports an interior design the almost appears to blend the best of all worlds. Theres some German DNA in there, some Japanese DNA in there, and even some American DNA. Its quite attractive and yet still manages to retain its own identity not only in the lineup but in the market as well. The infotainment display has a large, cellphone-like look to it with an integrated digital display and an embedded appearance  quite similar to the look of Audi a few years back.

The dash has a curvature to it that gives the driver a sense of command, while the digital instrument cluster is flashy and functional. There is a whole swath of thumb buttons on the steering wheel that might be confusing for some and another host of buttons on the dash. The infotainment system is controlled by the touch sensitive pad to the right of the gear shifter while most other functions are controlled by the aforementioned array of buttons.

Even with a driver-oriented cabin, the passengers get the same general amenities. The seats are perforated and supportive

Even with a driver-oriented cabin, the passengers get the same general amenities. The seats are perforated and supportive. High-quality stitching can be found throughout with some contrast on the steering wheel. A thick leather pallet adorns the middle tier of the dash which also appears to have white contrast stitching. The leather shifter boot gets the same treatment. On that note, I should point out that Lexus made an interesting play here, with the top portion of the door trim meeting the dash while the lower portion of the door trim, at the HVAC vent, seems to disappear into a black hole of nothingness.

Little has been disclosed as to technical specs, but well be sure to update you with the details as soon as we get them, so stay tuned.

2019 Lexus UX Performance

New 2.0-liter with 168 HP

UX 350h with 176 HP

CVT transmission

Fourth-gen hybrid

New 2.5-liter

Hybrid, rear-axle motor

Temporary AWD system

Lexus pulled out all the stops for the UX and brought about an all-new 2.0-liter gasoline engine for the UX 200. It, according to Lexus, offers high-speed combustion, multi-hole direct fuel injectors, variable cooling system and oil pump, and intelligent variable valve timing. Lexus claims a thermal efficiency of around 40-percent which is apparently an exceptional number for a passenger vehicle engine. Shifting duties of this engine are handled by Lexus first Direct Shift CVT. Its said to have a direct driving feel and has a more linear acceleration feeling. To put that in normal-people terms, you wont feel it shift.

On the plus side, that transmission should help to offer decent fuel efficiency, however, Lexus hasnt gone into details as to just how efficient the engine is. It does deliver 168 horsepower which seems a little low but really isnt bad for a vehicle this size. No torque figures as of yet but its hard to imagine anyone wanting to tow with this thing anyway, and its certainly not a performance vehicle.

On that note, theres also a UX 250h that is said to use a new-gen hybrid power system with a new transaxle and power control unit that maximizes power

On that note, theres also a UX 250h that is said to use a new-gen hybrid power system with a new transaxle and power control unit that maximizes power. Engine speed is synchronized with vehicle speed to offer immediate and continuous acceleration. Alright, all that is PR bull-ish. Honestly, Lexus hasnt disclosed hardly anything except that it delivers a projected 176 horsepower total. This could simply be a revamped version of the 2.5-liter from the NX downtuned as it delivers some 194 total horsepower  this would make sense, but well have to wait for further details to dive much deeper than this.

On the other hand, We do know that the UX 250H has all-wheel-drive capability thanks to an extra electric motor at the rear axle. The driveline is optimized on demand during acceleration, cornering, and on less-than-stellar surfaces, and can send as much as 80-percent of the power to the rear as needed. This system is only active up to 43 mph, however, as its only intended to help with stability and not serve and a permanent AWD system.

2019 Lexus UX Pricing

Pricing for the Lexus UX has yet to be released, but production starts this fall with sales commencing in December of 2018. Pricing will be disclosed closer to the on-sale date. As of now, the NX is Lexus smallest crossover, and it starts out at 35,985 for the gasoline-powered model and $38,385 for the hybrid model. As such, you can expect the UX to start around $30,000 with the hybrid commanding closer to $35,000.

Lexus UX Competition

The current Q3 might not be around much longer as Audi works to move the 2019 model onto its popular and versatile MQB platform that underpins seemingly everything under the Volkswagen wheelhouse. As such, the next-generation Q3 will have access to a slew of new technology and drivetrain options, including advanced active safety systems and hybrid powertrains. The compact crossover has already proved its value to Audi thanks to the explosion in popularity of the crossover craze.

Currently, the 2018 Audi Q3 offers room for five, 16.7 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row, and comes powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 200 horsepower, 207 pound-feet of torque, and getting up to 28 mpg on the highway. Every Q3 comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and Audis quattro AWD.

Prices for 2018 start at $32,900 for the base Premium model and $35,800 for the Premium Plus.

Read our full review on the 2018 Audi Q3.

The X1 is BMWs answer to the compact crossover craze and an expansion of its lineup of SUVs that originated with the X5 back in 1999. Unlike the mid-size X5, the X1 is far more of a crossover due to is FWD-based architecture an on-road bias. It does have the option of BMWs xDrive AWD system, but its geared toward all-weather applications. As for interior accommodations, there is room for five (four comfortably) and an impressive 27.1 cubic feet behind the second row.

A single engine is offered  a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is almost a dead ringer for the Lexus NXs 2.0-liter turbo-fours output. An eight-speed automatic sends power to the front wheels unless xDrive is ordered, in which case, all four wheels are powered.

Pricing starts at $33,900 for the 2018 28i model. Opting for the xDrive 28i pushed the base price to $35,900.

Read our full review on the 2017 BMW X1.

Conclusion

Lexus managed to blend luxury, utility, and aggressiveness all into one highly attractive vehicle and you really have to hand it to the brand for that. However, you really have to wonder how tight the pricing between the NX and UX will really be. Dropping anywhere below $30,000 would position the UX in the economy-car range, and thats not exactly where the Lexus brand belongs. Lexuss pricing them usually separates its model line by anywhere between $7,000 and $9,000, so there is a bit of mystery here. From the look of things, the UX will certainly be worth the money as long as its priced below the NX, and its certainly a looker  and more aggressive than any other crossover or SUV in the Lexus lineup

Love it Aggressive styling Entry into Lexus SUV lineup Pricing should be competitive

Leave it Cargo room compromized Luxury options likely locked in expensive packages



References

Read our full review on the 2016 Lexus UX Concept.

Read more Geneva Motor Show news.

Read more Lexus news.
Featured interactive: NEPADs impact on the continent

The CSAE Conference 2018 (18-20 March, Oxford) includes four trade panels: the preliminary papers have been posted

Selected preview of todays EAC Heads of State Summit in Kampala: All is set for Somalia to join EAC fraternity. The inclusion of Mogadishu will make the East African Community to now own The Horn of Africa, and boast the longest coastline of the Indian Ocean on the continent. The joint population of Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South-Sudan and (if admitted) Somalia, will be close to 190 million in total, which is essentially the same number of people as Nigeria.

Francis Mangeni: RECs experience provides vital lessons for faster implementation of the Continental FTA (EA Business Week)

The presidents of Africa will meet in Kigali on 21 March 2018, hosted by President Paul Kagame, in an extra-ordinary Summit, to sign the framework Agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area. This follows protracted negotiations over a record period of about two years and two months, since the launching of the negotiations on 15 June 2015 which effectively started in February 2016. Attached to the CFTA Agreement will be the protocols on trade in goods, trade in services, and dispute settlement. The protocol on trade in goods will have a number of annexes, covering rules of origin, non-tariff barriers, technical standards, health standards, customs, trade facilitation, transit trade, and trade remedies. A few outstanding issues remain to be sorted out, and legal scrubbing has to be done: but there should be enough time up to 21 March to get all this done.

Practical application of regional integration programs reveals areas for creativity and innovation, which continuously results in new pathways at REC levels. Realism would therefore suggest that REC policy formulation and programs should continue full blast, for it is unlikely that continental frameworks would move as fast as those of smaller coherent RECs. The CFTA long transition periods of 10 to 15 years and lower thresholds for market opening of around 90% of total product lines, mean that the Tripartite and the RECs, which are more ambitious, have the responsibility of keeping the continental market integration agenda functional; for it will be long before the CFTA regime fully kicks in. Experimental learning has been the ethos of African Economic Integration. Beginning with unique entry points, the RECs got the African regional integration programs off the ground from different vantage points that reflected specific critical developmental challenges at the time in the region. Positioning the RECs as learning organisations remains an important strategic orientation.

Africa growth prospects for 2018 (Afreximbank)

But the resilience of African economies is also attributed to a number of other factors, most notably growing cross-border trade and investments which are reducing the exposure of the region to adverse global volatility and external shocks. A growing number of African industrialists are playing an increasingly important role in the process of economic growth and investment. In particular, they are injecting the patient capital which is required to drive the process of structural transformation and mitigate the risk of sudden stop and capital outflows triggered by the challenging global environment of rising uncertainty and volatility. Most recent estimates place annual intra-regional investment at $15bn, over 24% of total foreign direct investment to the region. Moreover, cross-border investment undertaken by African entrepreneurs and industrialists is directed primarily towards labour-intensive manufacturing industries which are both growth and welfare-enhancing. [The author: Dr Hippolyte Fofack, Chief Economist of the African ExportImport Bank]

Poverty, welfare and income distribution implications of reducing trade costs through deep integration in Eastern and Southern Africa (Journal of African Economies)

We examine regional and unilateral policies to reduce three kinds of trade costs in Eastern and Southern Africa. Our article is the first CGE-microsimulation model to assess the impacts of the reduction of trade costs on poverty and income of the poorest 40% of the population. We estimate significant reductions in the poverty headcount and increases in income for the poorest 40%. We find that trade facilitation would increase the share of income of the poorest 40% of the population, however, services reform decreases the share. We find and explain why our three types of trade costs have very diverse impacts across the countries. [The authors: Edward J Balistreri, Maryla Maliszewska, Israel Osorio-Rodarte, David G Tarr, Hidemichi Yonezawa] [Note: This article is available to subscribers only]

Will Ghana lead Anglophone West Africa to a single currency? (Deutsche Welle)

Whats behind the new push to introduce a West African single currency, the Eco? A statement by Ghanas finance minister indicates Accra may be making one last attempt to realise this elusive goal. The single currency for 2020 vision is: lets find two, three or four countries that are ready. Once they meet up, we follow through with the others cascading in, said Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghanas finance minister, at a meeting of West African ministers in Accra on Wednesday. Ofori-Attas statement appears to be clearly directed at Nigeria, the West African regions economic powerhouse that has put up stiff resistance to the Eco. Nigeria, however, is not convinced about the benefit of a single currency to its mega economy, whose GDP quadruples the rest of the others combined, with the exception of Ghana.

Kenya embraces IGAD Regional Protocol on Free Movement of Persons (IGAD)

Kenyas Cabinet Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Hon. Patrick Ole Ntutu launched the National Consultative Workshop towards the development of the Regional Protocol on Free Movement of Persons in Naivasha yesterday. Some of key benefits that we will enjoy by facilitating free movement of persons and opening up our borders to the world include among others higher tourism and trade volumes, competitive economy, skilled labour exchange and education opportunities as well as social and cultural integration, the newly appointed government official stated, adding that there is need to put in place mechanisms for better migration management, mobility and free movement of persons in the region. Speaking on behalf of Amb Dr Monica Juma, who was recently promoted to Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Kenya, Amb Anthony Andanja pointed out that the New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants was an affirmation by global leaders at the highest level of their unequivocal political commitment. He however added that the issue of refugees and migrants is manifestly divisive  while some see it through the lens of moral obligations to assist fellow humans at risk, others views migration as a threat to security and national identity. The difficulty as a whole is not the overall capacity to absorb refugees, but the politics of how to share the burden, Amb Andanja concluded.

Rail cargo movement increases in East Africa (Daily Monitor)

Latest report from the Kenya Ports Authority published this month shows that containers delivered up-country by rail from the Port of Mombasa recorded 671 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEUs) registering an increase of 233 TEUs compared to the previous week. Imports population breakdown indicated that there were 3,170 TEUs locally bound (Kenya) and 4,873 TEUs for transit destinations. Uganda bound containers recorded 3,825 TEUs, out of the 4,873 TEUs making it the biggest customer. This was followed by Tanzania bound containers that registered 444 TEUs, South Sudan with 233 TEUs, and Democratic Republic of Congo with 162 TEUs and Rwanda with 157 TEUs.

COMESA to introduce seed labels and certificates to boost regional trade (COMESA)

Dr Cheluget added that although COMESA is home to some of the major seed producing countries in Africa such as Egypt, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi and Uganda, the levels of supply remain stagnant with each country differing in the laws, procedures and systems applied to the seed value chain. He said: Companies are left to focus only on the domestic markets and thus unable to supply other markets in the region that may have greater demand. Once operational, the COMESA Regional Seed Certificate will be issued by national seed authorities upon verification that a seed lot registered on the COMESA Variety Catalogue was inspected, met COMESA field standards and underwent laboratory analysis. Speaking at the same forum, the Permanent Secretary in Zambias Ministry of Agriculture Mr Julius Shawa said the country is committed to introducing harmonized seed trade regulations.

South Africa: Trade Probe, February edition (NAMC)

This issue of Trade Probe (pdf) covers the following topics: (i) Trade profile of water, include natural water; (ii) Confronting climate change: understanding and addressing the hotspots; (iii) Trade profile of live goats; (iv) Trade analysis of grain sorghum; (v) Market profile of the South African macadamia nuts industry; (vi) Assessing trade performance of oranges destined for Asian markets.

US Commerce Secretary releases steel and aluminum report: potentially impacting on South African steel exports? (AGOA.info)

Secretary Ross has recommended to the President that he consider the following alternative remedies to address the problem of steel imports: (i) A global tariff of at least 24% on all steel imports from all countries, or (ii) A tariff of at least 53% on all steel imports from 12 countries (Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, India, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam) with a quota by product on steel imports from all other countries equal to 100% of their 2017 exports to the United States, or (iii) A quota on all steel products from all countries equal to 63% of each countrys 2017 exports to the United States. Each of these remedies is intended to increase domestic steel production from its present 73% of capacity to approximately an 80% operating rate, the minimum rate needed for the long-term viability of the industry. Each remedy applies measures to all countries and all steel products to prevent circumvention. The President is required to make a decision on the steel recommendations by 11 April 2018.

China in Africa: Much ado about investment - Part 2 (China Africa Research Initiative)

Keeping in mind this difference, these two activities each illustrate, in their own way, Chinas presence in Africa; they show clearly that China is a services provider rather than an investor, that Africa is rather a customer than a partner. This conclusion would be even more evident if the services were to be added to the Chinese goods bought by African countries or, more accurately, to the growing African merchandise trade deficit with China. In my final post, using examples from Algeria, I will explain how the many kinds of Chinese enterprises in Africa further complicate efforts to understand Chinese FDI. [The author, Dr Thierry Pairault, is research director at Frances CNRS]

A multidimensional approach to trade policy indicators (IMF)

We present and discuss a set of indicators to help assess countries trade policies. The indicators relate to three policy areas  trade in goods, trade in services, and FDI. Given concerns about the direction of global trade policy, we also consider a set of more granular measures that reflect the evolution of countries policies since the 2008 financial crisis. We propose a simple approach to present the multidimensional aspects of trade policy that, by shedding light on relative openness across areas, can facilitate policy discussions. [The authors: Diego A. Cerdeiro; Rachel J. Nam]
It costs 2,000 times more too.

As Glastonbury Festival bans plastic bottles, and as communities around the world promote refill stations and water fountains over bottled water, it's worth revisiting an oft-forgotten fact about bottled water:

Most of it is literally the same water we get out of our faucets anyway.

In fact, according to a new report from Food & Water Watch, a whopping 64% of bottled water sold in the US comes from municipal supplies. What's more, bottled water can cost 2,000 times more than what we pay for at the tap (and four times the price of gasoline!), and is now being marketed aggressively to people of color and low income families as brands look to make up for falling soda sales. (Supermarket 'own brand' bottled water is often a particularly egregious example of such predatory marketing.) As if that wasn't enough, we all end up paying for it at the other end toowith municipalities paying upwards of $100 million a year for plastic bottled water waste disposal.

Luckily, movements are underway to counteract this expensive and rather pointless consumer trend. In the UK, for example, high street coffeeshop chain Costa Coffee is teaming up with water utilities to offer free drinking water refills at its 3,000 locations as part of a broader nationwide drinking water refill network, and Network Railwhich manages many large railway stations and is one of the nation's biggest retail landlordsis installing water fountains and refill stations to help cut plastic bottle waste. Meanwhile, membership-based, filtered "refill stations" are cropping up all over New York, although Lloyd thinks they reenforce the message that tap water just isn't good enough.

Just in case saving money wasn't enough motivation for you, it's worth noting that BP is predicting that efforts to reduce plastic packaging will actually put a dent in oil demand growth over the coming decades.
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Carry your medication in their original packaging and for added surety get a letter from your doctor stating your medications.

I have never had any problems traveling from Australia with prescription medication.
Hello,

I have a T-mobile simple global plan, but when I'm in Vietnam and calling to the US, it's $5.99 a minute to call, which is a lot. Essentially, I'm wanting to know what are some of the best options for calling abroad when NOT connected to wifi (but perhaps out and about or in a taxi) that are either free or much cheaper than what t-mobile offers. My parents want me to be able to make either cheap or free international calls at anytime, anywhere.

I know many people buy Vietnamese SIM cards, but if I have an iphone SE, can I still access my apps, etc as normal with a new SIM card? I'm also not sure I can unlock the phone, so I'm looking for alternatives.

I will also be in China for a period of time, so it would be great if whatever is suggested could work there too. I've been looking at whatsapp or wechat or skype, but I'm really confused.

Thank you in advance for any information.
Hi, I'm planning to go to Japan for my first time on 26 May until 2 June 2018 (8 Days). I enter Japan via Tokyo (Haneda Airport) and departing back from Osaka (Kansai Airport). I originally planned to only spend times at Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka.

Is it possible to squeeze Tateyama Alpine Route & Shirakawago during my trip?

If yes, kindly suggest the itinerary.

And is it worth it to visit those places at the end of May? Since I guess it is nearly the "end" of spring and summer is begin to start.

Thank you very much!

Edited: 3 years ago
Hi everybody,

I would like to travel Tokyo - Kyoto by bullet train and I have a travel bag of "normal" size - about 20 Kg, not too big but not carry on either. Will I be able to take it on the train ? From what I've read, it is allowed - but on the other side people saying there is no place for bags except of overhead carry on.

So is it possible or not? Please, explain
Re: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima help please

3. Re: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima help please

We are planning a similar trip same days and itinerary for July and would appreciate any input or suggestions as we are getting ready to book.

It seems like a long time in Tokyo (Mon-Sat) but for me it only really leaves 3 full days for Tokyo. I arrive on a Monday afternoon but that day is a wash due to jet lag....then the itinerary will be:

-Tues, Weds and Thurs touring Tokyo (3 days)

-Friday a day trip to Hakone (day subject to change based on weather).

-Saturday - morning leave on bullet train for Kyoto/balance of day Kyoto

-Sunday - Kyoto

-Monday -Day trip to Nara and evening Osaka on way back to Kyoto

-Tuesday Day Trip to Hiroshima/Miyajima (could stay overnight but I think I am satisfied with a day trip)

-Wednesday - Kyoto

-Thursday bullet train back to Tokyo/balance of day Tokyo

- Friday Fly home

Is there any other destination I could squeeze in and not sacrifice much time at the others? All input appreciated!! Thank you.
<<<We will be there for 10 nights and are looking for an island that offers some adventure, we love river rafting, snorkeling, diving, ect. and we also love great food. A little nightlife would be a treat>>>

I would suggest you stay say 3 nights on the mainland at one of the resorts on the mainland like the Yatule Resort and spa so you can maybe do some river rafting or other tours. The resort Tour desk should be able to assist.

Once Completed you could spend the next 6 -7 nights on somewhere like Blue lagoon or Octopus Island.

Diving trips can be arranged from the resorts.
In Kenya, stock investments will never run out of style since big companies are always operational and present stock market opportunities. The Nairobi Stock Exchange was established in 1954 and currently, it continues to avail new products such as REITs, ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds), Carbon Credits, Financial and Commodity Derivatives as well as Mobile based products for example M-Akiba. The products traded at NSE are shares/equities and bonds/debt instruments.The NSE is located in the central business district of Nairobi, on the first floor of the Nation Center building. Trading takes place only five days a week Monday to Friday and between 10 am and noon.

How to invest in stock market in Kenya

When an individual buys stock, he/she is buying a piece of the company. On the other hand, when the company needs to raise money, the company will issues shares through an IPO (Initial Public Offering) where the price of the shares will be set based on the number of shares being issued and the estimated net worth of the company. As a result, the company keeps the money that is raised and continues to grow the business while the shares/stocks are traded on the stock market in Kenya.

A potential investor must establish how much he plans on investing and what he aims at accomplishing from the investment before partaking in the stock market in Kenya today. For example, before you invest in shares, you should set short term or long term goals which will help you choose the appropriate investment vehicle to invest. Investing in stocks is an excellent way of building wealth over time, but a positive return is never guaranteed.

Stock Market Analysis Kenya

After setting defined investment goals, an investor can arrange for a meeting with a licensed stockbroker often known as an intermediary of the NSE to receive investment advice and execute orders from the investor. The stockbroker will assist the investor by conducting a stock market analysis Kenya of the investment vehicles. The investor can then make well-informed decisions based on the risks involved, returns and the period taken to receive the profits. Just like other investments, stocks has its advantages and disadvantages, therefore; it is advisable to get advice from the stock experts before buying any shares.

How to trade in stock market in Kenya

Individuals can trade stocks by buying shares from companies that are listed under the NSE. There are two ways in which people can make money from stocks, and they include:

When dividends are given to the shareholders after the companies they have bought shares from are making a profit.

Buying shares then waiting for them to gain value before reselling.For example, you can purchase 2000shares from a company at Kshs 10 per share meaning you will have spent Ksh 20,000. You can then wait for the company to gain value to Kshs 15 per share and re-sell the shares. As a result, the

Ksh20,000 will grow to Ksh 30,000 thus making a profit of Ksh 10,000.

For foreign investors, the brokerage firm can accommodate your investments as well through email and telephone communication to facilitate both buying and selling of shares.Also, an investor is allowed to open multiple CDS accounts and trade in them separately, but they can only open one account with one agent.

History of the stock market in Kenya

The NSE began when Kenya was still a colony under the British in the early 1920s. Back then, the stock market was an informal marketplace for local shares and stocks. The stock market was not formal, therefore, it did not have rules and regulations to govern the trading activities. During this time, stock trading was a side business done by lawyers, accountants, real estate agents and auctioneers who met and exchanged prices based on a gentleman's agreement.

In 1951, Francis Drummond, an estate agent, established the first professional stock exchange firm. Francis approached Sir Ernest Vasey, the finance minister of Kenya back then who suggested the setting up a stock exchange market in East Africa. Later on, in July 1953, the two approached the London Stock Exchangeand the London officials accepted to recognize the setting up the NSE as an overseas stock exchange.

In 1954, the NSE became officially recognized as an overseas stock exchange by the London Stock Exchange. After gaining independence from Britain, the NSE continued to grow and eventually became a major financial stock exchange institution.In fact, the NSE has now adapted the automated trading system and currently trades over a 100 million shares per month. The official website of NSE offers investors a chance to monitor their movement of stocks and trading action.

How to join the stock market in Kenya

Any potential investor has to open an account with a licensed stockbroker. Currently, there are over twenty brokers that trade on the stock market indices in kenya. It is advisable to go for the brokers that offer online trading platforms so that you can buy and sell shares at your convenience. The amount of these fee required to invest in the stock exchange market in Kenya varies depending on the broker. In most cases, the broker will need approximately Ksh 1200 to open an account and Kshs 100 monthly to keep the account active. In other cases, you will require Kshs 5000 if you want to invest in shares depending on the company you want to invest in.

You will also be required to provide your broker with a copy of your ID card or passport, two color sized passport photos and a signed CDS-1 form to open an account. Also, some brokers will require a copy of your PIN certificate, current bank statement and a copy of a recent utility bill paid.Once the process is complete, it will take a day for one to own a Central Depository System (CDS) account which is an electronic account that stores shares that you will own. Afterwards, the broker will advise the investor how to fund the CDS and placement of orders when buying shares.

Source: Tuko.co.ke
- Raila's die hard fan from Zimbabwe traveled 230 kilometers just to quench his thirst of meeting the opposition leader

- The man identified as Rukudzo Kahlari described Raila as a democratic leader not only in Kenya but Africa as a whole

- The National Super Alliance leader traveled to Zimbabwe Monday, February 19 to attended burial of Zimbabwe's opposition leader and his longtime ally

The National Super Alliance (NASA) chief-principal Raila Odinga has on many occasions been described as an enigma with the most influential figure in Africa ranking.

One of his die hard fans from Zimbabwe could not let his once in a life time opportunity to meet the opposition leader go by and nothing would stop him.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

READ ALSO: Abiria akatiza safari ya ndege kwa kunyamba

Raila's die hard fan travels 230 kilometers just to see the opposition chief

READ ALSO: Up close with Kenya's renowned herbalist who has 18 wives and 32 children

TUKO. co.ke understand Rukudzo Kahlari traveled for over 230 kilometers from Harare to Buhera just to meet the opposition icon.

"I travelled 230 killometers from Harare to Buhera just to see this man called RailaOdinga yesterday." read Rukudzo's tweet.

The thrilled young man described the opposition leader as great democratic figure in Africa.

"What a giant of democracy in Africa . Hope you enjoyed your stay in Zimbabwe chief."

Raila's die hard fan travels 230 kilometers just to see the opposition chief.Photo: Rukudzo Kahlari/Twitter

READ ALSO: Kisii church trains special pastors to deal with rampant witchcraft in the region

Rukudzo was not the only Zimbabwean excited to see Raila, the opposition leader was received with a huge applause from the mourners who seemed to be excited to see the influential leader.

Raila Odinga left the country on Monday, February 19 in the company of his daughter and later joined by Kisumu Governor, Anyang' Nyong'o to attend the burial of his long time friend and Zimbabwe opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai.

A report by TUKO.co.ke indicated that thousands of Zimbabweans gathered on Tuesday, February 20 to bid farewell to opposition veteran Morgan Tsvangirai who succumbed to Colon cancer.

Thousands of opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters jammed the usually sleepy village among them Political foes and allies.

Zimbabweans climbed into tree tops and onto bus carriers in a heavy downpour on to give opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai an emotional burial in his rural home of Buhera.

ALSO WATCH: Do you support Raila Odinga's call for fresh presidential election? on TUKO tv

Source: Tuko.co.ke
- Ahead of his 94th birthday, Robert Mugabe looked tired and sad, while the former first lady seemed gloomy

- As he observed his 94th birthday in private, there was no lavish parties that marked the occasion during his nearly four-decade rule

Former Zimbabwe president, Robert Mugabe, turned 94-years-old on Wednesday, February as a private citizen for the first time in 37 years.

During his rule in Zimbabwe, Mugabe enjoyed great prestige and high honour as he personified the state he led for almost four decades as he tightened his grip.

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READ ALSO: Abiria akatiza safari ya ndege kwa kunyamba

Mugabe celebrates 94th birthday for the first time without national fanfare day after Tsvangirai's burial.Photo: The Altruist: Twitter

READ ALSO: Raila's die hard fan travels 230 kilometers just to see the opposition chief

But two months after his dramatic stepping down from power following a military intervention, he cuts a lonely figure.

In past years, Mugabes birthday was marked by lavish fetes thrown by his ruling ZANU-PF party, where loyalists would feast on dishes ranging from elephant to buffalo meat.

TUKO.co.ke has gathered a couple of photos from Mugabe previous birthday parties to compare with his sober 94th birthday.

READ ALSO: Kisii church trains special pastors to deal with rampant witchcraft in the region

Mugabe celebrates 94th birthday for the first time without national fanfare day after Tsvangirai's burial. The Alturist/Twitter

During Mugabe's 93rd birthday. Photo:BBC

During Mugabe's 88th birthday. Photo: BBC

During Mugabe's 89th birthday.Photo: BBC

During Mugabe's 92nd birthday. Photo: BBC

Mugabe celebrates 94th birthday for the first time without national fanfare day after Tsvangirai's burial.

ALSO WATCH: Do you support Raila Odinga's call for fresh presidential election? on TUKO tv

Source: Tuko Breaking News Latest
- NASA co-principal Musalia Mudavadi has disagreed with his co-principal Rala Odinga over his call for fresh election in August this year

- Speaking to a local TV station on Wednesday, February 21, Mudavadi said calling for another election in 2018 was being unrealistic

- He argued that there are no legal and financial frameworks to allow for a fresh poll in Kenya anytime before 2022

- Odinga had called for a fresh presidential election to be held in August 2018 and insisted that the August 8, 2017 election was rigged

- The NASA leader had also taken a controversial oath as the people's president, an exercise that was snubbed by his co-principals including Mudavadi

Amani National Congress (ANC) party boss and one of the National Super Allaince (NASA) coalition principals Musalia Mudavadi has sharply disagreed with his co-principal Raila Odinga over his call for fresh presidential poll in August 2018.

Speaking to NTV Kenya on Wednesday, February 21, Mudavadi said Odinga's call for another election this year was being unrealistic and a long shot because there are currently no legal and financial frameworks to support it.

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"There are those who may think that just do what is perceived to be popular, but there are also those who have the courage to sometimes tell people that that is not the right path," he said.

READ ALSO: Abiria akatiza safari ya ndege kwa kunyamba

Amani National Congress (ANC) Party boss and NASA co-principal Musalia Mudavadi believes another election will not be possible before 2022.Photo: Media max.

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The ANC boss further disclosed that he asked NASA Members of Parliament (MPs) if they had factored in a budget for another election and they said there was no such budget at the moment.

"I asked them if they had made any provisions for a fresh presidential election inside the budget, and they said no. Now, issues of democracy of this nature must always be financed by the citizens themselves, and that can only be done through Parliament," he argued.

READ ALSO: Raila Odinga finally takes oath as the People's President

As was earlier reported by TUKO.co.ke, Odinga called for a fresh presidential poll to be held in August 2018, insisting that the August 8, 2017 election was rigged in favor of Uhuru Kenyatta.

We want another election, and going by our timetable, that should be by August this year (2018), he disclosed during an interview with an International media.

READ ALSO: The full 90-word oath that Raila Odinga took at Uhuru park

The NASA leader on January 30, 2018 took a controversial oath as the people's president, an exercise that was snubbed by his co-principals Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula.

Do you support Raila Odinga's call for fresh presidential election? - On Tuko TV

Source: Tuko
- Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has urged Court to resume her defamation case against NASA leader Raila Odinga

- Waiguru argued there is no reason why the case she had filed against the former prime minister in 2015 should not proceed

- The former Devolution CS had accused Odinga of maligning her good name during a press briefing over the National Youth Service (NYS) corruption scandal

- Odinga asked the Court to suspend the case until he appeals an earlier Court ruling that allowed Waiguru not to disclose crucial information on her lifestyle

Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru has expressed disappointment over delay in hearing of defamation case she filed against National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga in 2015.

TUKO.co.ke has learned that the former Devolution Cabinet Secretary (CS) now wants High Court to resume her case against Odinga without any more delays, arguing that it is not in the best interest of justice to stay the proceedings.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

I am getting concerned that continued delay of this case will prejudice me by compromising the availability of my witness. It is not in the interest of justice that proceedings are stayed as had been requested by Odinga," she said as quoted by Daily Nation.

READ ALSO: Abiria akatiza safari ya ndege kwa kunyamba

The former Devolution CS and currently Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru had sued Raila Odinga for dragging her name into the NYS scandal.Photo: Facebook/Anne Waiguru

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Waiguru emphasized that there is absolutely no reason why the case she had filed against the former prime minister about three years ago should not be heard.

She argued that the defamatory words that Odinga allegedly used were believed by many Kenyans, especially his supporters, and some continue to believe them. This, in her view, continues to hurt her reputation.

READ ALSO: Raila Odinga finally speaks to Anne Waiguru after Court order and this is what he said

NASA leader Raila Odinga had accused Anne Waiguru of being one of those who were behind the NYS scandal.Photo: Facebook/Raila Odinga.

Source: Facebook

In the defamation lawsuit, the former CS accused Odinga of dragging her good name into the National Youth Service (NYS) graft scandal that involved disappearance of KSh 791 million - some sources claimed the figure could be higher.

Odinga requested the Court to suspend the case until he appealed an earlier Court ruling that allowed Waiguru not to disclose all information on her lifestyle.

READ ALSO: This Are The Faces Behind 791 Million NYS Scandal

The former prime minister wanted the Court to compel Waiguru to reveal crucial information about her finances, including salaries and allowances, and properties owned by her.

In her rebuttal, Waiguru argued that Odinga never filed the appeal in time and only succeeded in delaying the case on numerous occasions.

Do you support Raila Odinga's call for fresh presidential election? - On Tuko TV

Source: Tuko
- Charles Khainga, a primary school teacher disappeared mysteriously on February 16, 2015 moments after obtaining a KSh 150,000 loan from a Sacco in Kakamega town

- The 53-year-old's remains were later discovered at a forest in Uganda the following year and police used his documents to identify him

- It is suspected Khainga was abducted and his killers took him to Uganda where they dumped his body

- The family has finally managed to bring his bones back home for burial, two years after he disappeared

- Elders will conduct a ritual to protect other family members from a similar incident

A family from Indulusia village in Kakamega North has traced the remains of their kin who went missing early 2015 in a forest in Uganda.

Charles Khainga, 53, a Primary school teacher, left home on February 16, 2015 never to return only for his remains; bones and a skull, to be found this week.

At one moment, the Teachers Service Commission wrote to Shihome Primary School head teacher demanding explanation on Khaingas whereabouts.

READ ALSO: Ndoa ya Ababu Namwamba yayumbayumba? Ujumbe wa mkewe wazua gumzo

The employer wanted the teacher punished for deserting duty oblivious that Khaingas body was decomposing in a foreign land thousands of miles away.

Family members suspect their kin was abducted and led to Uganda by his attackers.

Khainga, according to relatives went to a teachers' Sacco in Kakamega town and borrowed KSh 150,000 loan on the fateful day.

The deceased's son Bernard Khainga said Uganda authorities contacted their counterparts in Kenya over the remains of his fathers body discovered in a forest by youth who were clearing bushes.

READ ALSO: Rocky start for new Lands CS Farida Karoney as vicious fight to eject her neighbours from their land takes new twist

Red slippers he was wearing on that particular day, his national Identity Card and an ATM card were also discovered alongside the bones at the scene in Uganda making it easy for authorities to identify the body, he said.

The family was informed that Khaingas skull had earlier been discovered in the forest in August 2016 and kept at a police station.

Life has not been a walk in the park for us since our father disappeared, it has not been easy looking after my younger siblings, Bernard told TUKO.co.ke.

With assistance of police from Busia, the family was able to go to Uganda and collect the remains which are currently being kept at Kakamega County General and Referral hospital.

READ ALSO: Raila's die hard fan travels 230 kilometers just to see the opposition chief

Khaingas home was a hive of activities on Tuesday,February 20 during a meeting to raise funds to help offset mortuary bills and cater for burial of the former teacher.

Elders said cleansing rituals will be conducted to appease ancestors so that a similar thing does not happen in the family.

The family is appealing to the Teachers' Service Commission to compensate them for the teacher's demise.

We hope TSC and the Ministry of Education will come to our aid and ensure that all benefits entitled to our late father can be released, said Bernard.

Story by Joe Tinga-Correspondent,Kakamega County

Source: Tuko News
- Embu Governor Marthi Wambora lost his seat after the High Court declared he was not validly elected

- The court ruled that the poll was marred with irregularities which undermined the entire electoral process

- The Wambora petition had been filed by his bitter rival Lenny Kivuti whom he beat with a narrow margin in the August 8, 2017 election

- Wambora becomes the third governor to lose his seat after governors Mohamed Mahamud (Wajir) and Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay)

- The Embu Governor said he will appeal the High Court decision

The election of Embu County Governor Martin Wambora has been nullified by the High Court after finding out that massive irregularities undermined the whole electoral process.

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, February 22, the High Court seemed to bring to an end the proverbial 9-lives-of the governor who has previously survived attempts to kick him out of office.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

READ ALSO: Ndoa ya Ababu Namwamba yayumbayumba? Ujumbe wa mkewe wazua gumzo

Wambora announced that he would appeal the decision made by the High Court as he believes he won free and square even as the Court called for a fresh election.

READ ALSO: Self-proclaimed opposition leader Ekuru Aukot names shadow cabinet

Wambora's election was contested by his rival Lenny Kivuti who had cited numerous electoral irregularities which he believed denied him of victory.

In the results used to declare Wambora winner, the electoral agency said he had beat Kivuti by 985 votes.

Wambora becomes the third governor to lose his seat after the election of his Wajir counterpart Mohamed Mahamud was invalidated on Friday, January 12 nullified following a successful petition filed by former county boss.

READ ALSO: Wiper and ODM MPs clash in Parliament over PSC slots as Jubilee legislators cheer on

Homa Bay governor Cyprian Awiti was the second county boss to be kicked out after his election was on Tuesday, February 20, nullified by the High Court.

TUKO.co.ke understands that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has said it is ready to hold by-elections in areas where seats have been declared vacant.

Homa Bay shook as governor Cyprian Awiti is out | TUKO TV - on TUKO TV

Source: Tuko
National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) is an online portal for managing and automating education data and other related administrative functions. The main objective of the NEMIS portal is to help the Ministry of Education gather accurate and real-time information on learners and learning institutions.

Photo: canva.com (modified by author)

Source: UGC

Since the inception of the 2-6-3-3-3 skill-based education system, several changes in the sector came forth. One of them was the introduction of the NEMIS system. How can you access the platform? Do you need it?

NEMIS portal Kenya guide

What is NEMIS? This is a website managed by the Ministry of Education in Kenya that has automated end-to-end education data management and other associated administrative functions.

The platform collects, analyzes, and provides real-time information that is often used in making critical education decisions. Administrative functions can also be handled here without undergoing the usual manual and tedious process that consumes a lot of resources and time.

The system has a database that stores entities in the education sector. These include information about schools, students, principals, teachers, and other educational officers.

Why do we need NEMIS?

NEMIS helps in managing complex data in the education sector. It, in return, enables the harmonization of data.

Gives real-time information to the students.

NEMIS addresses the issues of better governance, which includes accountability, transparency, and efficiency. This helps the country develop a sound education system.

The government will be able to monitor and evaluate education information. This will help enhance quality and assurance.

Who is supposed to use NEMIS?

The following stakeholders should have access to this platform:

Ministries, departments, and agencies

Ministry of Education

Teachers

Learners

ICT professionals

Parents/guardians

Kenya primary school heads association

Development partners

Kenya secondary school heads association

Kenya private school association

National secondary school association

Who can access NEMIS Portal?

Any person can log into the information system NEMIS. However, this will depend on the nature of the information he/she wants and his/her level. Parents will all be able to track their children's performance online.

To access the system, you must have a username and password assigned by the system administrator. NEMIS portal users include the Ministry of Education, development partners, National Treasury, KNEC, TSC, and other interested parties in education statistics.

Information to be captured in NEMIS

The Ministry of education uses the system to capture all information relating to the student, which includes;

The names of the student as they are on the birth certificate

Date of birth

The nationality of the student

The student home county and sub-county

Gender

Special needs, if any

Parent contacts

Parent/ guardian identification number

Parent/ guardian contact number

Email address

What is UPI in NEMIS?

Once you register on NEMIS, you will be given a Unique Personal Identification, commonly known as the (UPI) number you will use to access the system. Students can log in to NEMIS with the number and track their academic performance from primary school to high school and even tertiary levels. Parents can also access the same to monitor their children.

System requirements for accessing NEMIS

You will need the following to access NEMIS efficiently:

A laptop or desktop running on Windows Vista or a higher Operating System.

The PC must have a processor with a speed of not less than 2.4 GHz

You must have 1 GB and above of Random Access Memory (RAM)

120 GB of free hard disk space is also required for your PC.

You can use any browser. But for the best user experience, consider Google Chrome over the other browsers.

Applications such as Open Office, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Excel are needed to access the documents downloaded from the system.

You will need access to the internet. The source must have a speed of more than 2MBPS. You can only achieve this speed with 3G, 4G or 5G connectivity.

A digital camera is required for capturing images of your students.

You will need a Printer.

IT support personnel might be needed if your school population is enormous.

NEMIS registration procedure

Follow the steps below to enrol in the platform:

Open your browser. Go to the NEMIS portal. Initiate the registration process: Tap the Register (if new) button.

NEMIS portal registration dashboard. Photo: @Nemis

Source: UGC

4. Enter your personal information: You will be asked to key in the following data:

Your organization

Username

Surname

Other names

Gender

ID number

Title (Position held)

Responsibilities

Department and category

Email

Mobile number

A password

5. Save the details: Once you have filled all the text boxes, tap on the Save button.

6. Successful registration: You will receive a notification if the process was a success.

NEMIS portal successful registration preview. Photo: @Nemis

Source: UGC

How do I access NEMIS?

Here are the steps to login:

Open your browser Enter NEMIS education address Step two above will direct you to the NEMIS login Enter your password and then click login

NEMIS modules

The following four key segments make up this system:

Institutions module

It captures registration and other physical aspects of an individual institution. Below are the six sub-modules in the segment:

Institution registration : You should register your institution in this section.

: You should register your institution in this section. School infrastructure: All equipment and other fixed assets are captured here.

All equipment and other fixed assets are captured here. School utility: Details of utility name and its type are found here.

Details of utility name and its type are found here. Co-curricula: Co-curricular activities are captured in this section. This might include the time and all the highest achievements for the school in question.

Co-curricular activities are captured in this section. This might include the time and all the highest achievements for the school in question. Teaching and learning material : Quantities of learning materials like the course and supplementary books are entered.

: Quantities of learning materials like the course and supplementary books are entered. Emergency reporting: Necessary for emergencies and disasters that befall your school.

Learners module

The following details are recorded here:

Unique personal identifier: Birth certificate, ID, or unknown numbers are entered so that the NEMIS system auto-generates a UPI.

Birth certificate, ID, or unknown numbers are entered so that the NEMIS system auto-generates a UPI. Learner registration: Contact details of the learner should be entered.

Contact details of the learner should be entered. Student mobility: Caters for all the changes if a student moves or changes an institution. It indicates the mobility type.

Caters for all the changes if a student moves or changes an institution. It indicates the mobility type. Performance progression : The learner's performance in question will be captured right from the primary level to the tertiary level.

: The learner's performance in question will be captured right from the primary level to the tertiary level. Learner talent: Lists the areas where the student is good at.

Staff module

Teacher mobility: For teachers, transfers, and history

For teachers, transfers, and history Teaching areas: Indicates the subjects taught by the tutor in question

Indicates the subjects taught by the tutor in question Study areas: Includes the training pursued.

Includes the training pursued. Teachers responsibilities: Lists all the responsibilities assigned to a teacher

Finance module

The income and expenditure details of an institution are captured in this section. They include:

Fees: Indicates the fee structures

Indicates the fee structures Capitation: Sets up capitation for disbursement to the public school in question.

Sets up capitation for disbursement to the public school in question. Income returns: Lists all the money received by the school during a specific year

Lists all the money received by the school during a specific year Development fund: Includes all projects funded by the government in a particular year.

Includes all projects funded by the government in a particular year. Expenditure returns: The amount of money a school spent, achievements made by the funds, and other details are captured.

How to register a school in NEMIS

To add a new institution to NEMIS, use the procedure below:

Login to your account: You should first create an account using the process above. After you can access the platform Via the steps above. You will need your NEMIS number and email address to login. Go to the Institutions Module: You will see this option on the main menu once you have logged in to the system. Tap Institutional Registration: You will see this option under the Institutions Module. Register your institution: Fill in the given form. Make sure you give out the correct information. Confirm and proofread for errors and omissions. Once you are sure everything is okay, submit the forms. Note the give UPI number: You will be issued a UPI number for secondary school or the primary school you have added to the system.

You will be using this number to access the institutions NEMIS account. If you encounter any technical difficulties, do not hesitate to reach out to the support team via the NEMIS contact numbers in this article.

How to register Form 1 students in NEMIS

Use the procedure below to add new Form 1 students to the education system:

Get their admission letters: The first step should be collecting their school reporting documents. These documents have important information you will need in this procedure. The NEMIS admission letters for National, Extra County and County schools students can be downloaded from the education website. Log into the NEMIS platform: Use your school UPI and password to do so. Ensure you have all the requirements listed above to access this system efficiently. Go to the Learner module: You will see this option as soon as you are redirected to the dashboard. Tap Admit/Capture request: This option is visible from the drop-down menu. Search for the Student details in the system: You only need to type in his/her KCPE Index number or UPI number. Once done, tap on the search button. NEMIS will retrieve the particular student's information and display it for you. Admit the student: Tap on the "ADMIT" button to enrol the student on your institution.

Confirm if their details are correct: Tap on View Learner from the Learners tab. Edit any misleading information.

How to register primary school pupils

The procedure to register primary school learners is a little bit complicated. This is because the learners are not in the system and need their details captured from scratch. Use the procedure below:

Login to your account: Use your institutions login details to do so. Go to the Learners module: This option will be visible as soon as you can access the dashboard. Go to the registration tab: Remember that you are registering a new student, so do not confuse that with admitting. Capture their details: Enter their name as it appears on their birth certificates, their grade, talent, and so forth. Make sure the information entered is correct. Attach their photo: Use your digital camera or phone to take this passport-sized photo. The picture must be clear. Save the information: Proofread what you have entered, correct all the mistakes and omissions, then save the details to the system.

How to receive a transferred student

NEMIS portal student registration. Photo: @Nemis

Source: UGC

Use the procedure below to admit students coming from other schools:

Login to your account: Use your school NEMIS details to do so. Go to the Learners module: The module will be visible as soon as you login to the system. Tap Receive Learner: This option can be found on the Learners tab drop-down menu. Search for the student: Enter his/her UPI number or Index number. Tap on the search button. NEMIS will process your request within seconds. Once you see the student's profile, move to the next step. If you can't, then chances are they are not registered, or you have entered the wrong UPI/Index number. Admit the student: Click on the Admit button to do so.

The admission request will be moved to the "List of Admission Requests" tab. You can admit the student as soon as the relevant Ministry approves your request of Education officers.

How to release students for transfer

If one of your students wants to join another school, use the following procedure to remove him/her as one of your admitted learners:

Login to your account: Use the correct login details to access the NEMIS system. Go to the "Learners" tab: The option is visible from your dashboard. Tap Release Learner: Once you place your cursor on the "Learners" tab in the main menu, this option will be in the drop-down menu that will appear under the module. Search for the student you want to release: Go to the students profile Release the student: Under their profile, you will see this option to remove any of the students who need to transfer.

NEMIS registration deadline

NEMIS registration deadlines change every year. For instance, in 2021, the deadline was on 30th March. To avoid missing the mush needed disbursements from the government, you must register your learns on time. Follow the Ministry of Education social media pages for news about upcoming deadlines.

NEMIS contacts

If you have any complain or issue about the system, reach out via the following:

Ministry of Education

Physical location: Jogoo House B, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi County.

Jogoo House B, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi County. Postal address: PO Box 30040-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

PO Box 30040-00100, Nairobi, Kenya Phone number : +254-020-3318581

: +254-020-3318581 Email: cs@education.go.ke

Helpdesk

Reach out to the support team via:

Phone 1: +254-020-3318581

+254-020-3318581 Phone 2: +254700000000

+254700000000 Email 1: nemissupport@education.go.ke

nemissupport@education.go.ke Email 2: nemis@education.go.ke

NEMIS portal Kenya is an incredible invention in the education sector. It saves on time, addresses transparency, accountability, and efficiency in schools. Its staff module aids in deploying additional facilities and workforce as needed.

Tuko.co.ke published an article about KUCCPS admission letters 2020/2021. Now that KUCCPS application results are out, it is time to hear from the institution that considered you for a study program. KUCCPS admission letters are official documents indicating provisional admission to university studies for a particular degree program.

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has unveiled a list of universities that have already issued admission letters to successful applicants for the academic year 2020/2021. You can check out the comprehensive list and print your admission letter from the institution that accepted your application.

Source: Tuko
An entire home was pulled down in less than two hours by a landslip in Claxton Bay today.
Russian-backed militants launched 13 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area in Donbas over the past day.

This is reported by the ATO Headquarters press center.

In Luhansk direction, illegal armed formations fired 122mm artillery, mortars of different calibers and weapons on infantry combat vehicles on Ukrainian positions near Troitske (69km west of Luhansk). The enemy also used 82mm mortars outside Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk) and Katerynivka (64km west of Luhansk). ATO troops near Luhanske (59km north-east of Donetsk), Novoluhanske (53km north-east of Donetsk) and Zalizne (39km north of Donetsk) came under grenade launcher, heavy machine gun and small arms fire. Militants also launched provocative attacks on Ukrainian positions outside Zaitseve (67km north-north-east of Donetsk), using small arms.

In Donetsk direction, illegal armed formations used 120mm and 82mm mortars and grenade launchers to shell Ukrainian defenders of Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk). Ukrainian strongholds in Avdiivka (18km north of Donetsk) came under small arms fire.

As a result of the enemy shelling, one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and another two soldiers were wounded.

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Ukraine's cooperation with NATO in the field of defense will deepen.

"Ukraine's cooperation with NATO in the field of defense will deepen," Former head of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), member of the Supervisory Board of Ukroboronprom Anthony Tether told journalists.

Commenting on the priority plans and immediate steps of the Concern Ukroboronprom, which now includes 134 defense enterprises, he described three aspects of the international audit: operational audit (analysis of company management), assessment of real financial capacity and accurate financial accounting and, most importantly, implementation of the results of this analysis.

He expressed a firm conviction that Ukraine's cooperation with NATO in the field of defense "will be surely in-depth" and facilitated with a planned audit. Speaking about the supply of military equipment and weapons to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which is already being provided by Ukroboronprom, Tether noted: "Good work is already being done. They [the Concern's enterprises] have clearly studied the needs of the Ukrainian army on the basis of real experience and understanding the modernization of the army."

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Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded and another one was injured as a result of the enemy shelling in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area in Donbas over the past day. Another soldier died as a result of careless handling of weapons.

Ukrainian Defense Ministrys Spokesman for ATO issues Dmytro Hutsuliak said this at a briefing on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Three Ukrainian servicemen were wounded and another one was injured as a result of the shelling by Russian occupation forces. They were immediately taken to a mobile hospital. The health condition of one of the servicemen was reported as difficult and of other three defenders as satisfactory. In addition, unfortunately, one Ukrainian soldier died as a result of careless handling of weapons, he said.

Russian-backed militants launched 13 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the ATO area in Donbas over the past day, the ATO Headquarters press center reported.

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The Government of Ukraine has started consultations with seven international companies, which are interested in joint management of Ukraine's gas transportation system within the consortium.

"The consultations under the chairmanship of [Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine] Volodymyr Kistion have started today with seven international companies, which showed interest in joint management of Ukraine's gas transportation system," Deputy Energy and Coal Industry Minister of Ukraine Natalia Boiko posted on her Facebook page.

As reported, late December 2017, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine officially started to select a partner for joint operation of Ukrainian gas transportation system.

The Cabinet formed a working group for search and selection of the international partners for the joint management of the Ukrainian GTS. Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Kistion was appointed as the chairman of the working group.

As of now, the companies from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Italy, Romania, Greece and Germany expressed interest in joint management of the national gas transportation system.

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The need for investment in the Ukrainian financial technology sector is estimated at $40-75 million.

Team Lead for Digital Finance at the USAID-funded Financial Sector Transformation Project Rostyslav Diuk said this during the presentation of a study "The First Catalog of the Ukrainian FinTech Market: A Way to Financial Inclusion" on February 22, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Forty percent of FinTech companies that took part in the study were founded before 2015, while 60% appeared over the past three years. About 80% of FinTech companies have already started offering products and services. The need for investment in the Ukrainian FinTech sector is estimated by market players at 40-75 million [dollars]," Diuk said.

At the same time, he said that the areas of specialization of Ukrainian FinTech companies were payments and money transfers (31.6% of all companies), investment in technology and infrastructure (19.3%), lending (14%), marketing (7%), the insurtech sector (5.6%), digital banking (5.3%), financial management (5.3%), mobile wallets (5.3%), blockchain (3.4%) and cryptocurrencies (1.75%).

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin and Foreign Minister of Albania Ditmir Bushati exchanged the first drafts of free trade agreement between the two countries.

Klimkin said this at a joint press conference with the Albanian counterpart, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We have exchanged the first drafts of free trade agreement and believe that we have very good prospects for mutual attraction of business," Klimkin said.

As noted, after the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister of Albania Ditmir Bushati will meet with First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine - Economic Development and Trade Minister of Ukraine Stepan Kubiv to discuss the FTA between Ukraine and Albania.

"This should give an additional impetus to our cooperation," Klimkin added.

Albania's compliance with EU sanctions against Russia was touched upon during the talks.

"We have discussed the cases of deliveries from the occupied Crimea to Albania. The Albanian authorities found out the reason, and there will be no such cases in the future," Klimkin assured.

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It is planned to create a test site for implementation of Hyperloop project in the city of Dnipro.

Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan said this at a press conference on February 22, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"I want to highlight the Ukrainian partners: the National Academy of Sciences, which provided scientific assessment and scientific substantiation of the project, Ukroboronprom, Yuzhmash company, Kakhovka Plant of Electric Welding Equipment, Interpipe, Unit city, Ukrainian Institute for the Future, the Innovations Development Platform. We jointly create the Center for Transport Innovations Hype.ua, within the framework of which we want to give a scientific substantiation, develop a technology and build the first test site in the city of Dnipro for the development of this new mode of transport [Hyperloop] in our country," the minister said.

According to him, the project will help preserve the young staff potential of Ukraine.

Hyperloop is a mode of transport that propels a pod through a low-pressure tube at theoretical speeds of up to 760mph. The low air resistance allows the pod to travel faster than conventional trains. The Hyperloop concept was proposed by Elon Musk, CEO of the aerospace firm SpaceX.

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Ukraines infrastructure minister has confirmed that Irish low-cost airline Ryanair will start to fly to Ukraine in the autumn of 2018.

Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan said this during a press conference today, February 22, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We did hold negotiations with the company's management today. Ryanair will start to fly in the autumn of 2018," the official said.

He also notes that Ryanair will conduct flights from the two main airfields of the country - Boryspil and Lviv.

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On February 21-23, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Albania Ditmir Bushati will be on an official visit to Ukraine.

Ukrinform learnt this from the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine.

In particular, during the visit, a meeting between the Albania foreign minister and the Ukrainian foreign minister will be held on February 22.

Following the meeting, the ministers will hold a joint press conference.

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Ukrainian border guards have banned former Georgian President and leader of the Movement of New Forces party Mikheil Saakashvili from entering Ukraine for three years - until February 13, 2021.

He wrote this on his Facebook page on Wednesday, February 21.

"The head of the Mostyska border detachment banned me from entering Ukraine for three years," Saakashvili wrote.

At the same time, he promised to return to Ukraine "very soon, much earlier than in three years."

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U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan states that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine should adopt a law on national security as soon as possible that provides for the introduction of civil control over the defense sector.

He said this during a speech at the Academy of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine, the press service of the U.S. Embassy to Ukraine reported.

"Its important that the Rada quickly adopt the law on national security that strengthens civilian and democratic oversight of the defense and security sector," Sullivan said.

He added that "adopting such a law will deepen Ukraines alignment with Euro-Atlantic standards and help provide Ukraine with a professional, sustainable defense force capable of fully protecting Ukraines territorial integrity."

Earlier, Sullivan stated that he would urge the leaders of the EU countries not to ease sanctions against Russia until Ukraine's territorial integrity was fully restored.

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The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe approved the Action Plan for Ukraine for 2018-2021, where the promotion for implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement was for the first time indicated on the initiative of the Ukrainian side.

"It is symbolic that the Action Plan was approved in the days when Ukraine marked the fourth anniversary of death of the Heavenly Hundred and the beginning of Russian aggression. However, today we should look forward and take advantage of the possibilities of the Action Plan to implement the reforms and European integration. On our initiative, the new Action Plan of the Council of Europe will contribute to the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. The strong successful Ukraine will be the best tribute to the heroes of the Revolution of Dignity and the war with Russia, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the Council of Europe Dmytro Kuleba commented on the adoption of the Action Plan.

As the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the Council of Europe states, the Action Plan is a strategic document of cooperation with the Council of Europe for four years, which defines that the key partners from Ukraine are the central and local government bodies and non-governmental organizations.

The estimated budget for the Action Plan is  29.5 million, which has already been funded by Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Liechtenstein and the European Union. The action plan aims to bring Ukrainian legislation, institutions and practices in line with the European standards in the field of human rights and the rule of law and democracy," the Ukrainian mission explains.

In accordance with the Action Plan, the Council of Europe will continue to provide Ukraine with assistance in reforming the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, enforcement of court decisions, as well as in the area of decentralization and combating corruption. Particular attention will be paid to the protection of rights of the internally displaced persons and to the safety of journalists.

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A total of 17 trucks with humanitarian aid from the Mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross arrived in Donetsk through the Novotroitske checkpoint.

This was reported by the State Border Service of Ukraine. "Through the Novotroitske checkpoint, 17 trucks carrying more than 320 tons of food and hygiene kits from the Mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross arrived in the city of Donetsk," the report reads. ish
Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) President Eugene Czolij will travel to Austria, Slovakia, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates and Serbia to promote Ukrainian interests during events in the OSCE, the European Parliament and the UN.

This has been reported by the press service of the Ukrainian World Congress.

"From February 22 till March 7, 2018 Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) President Eugene Czolij will travel to Austria, Slovakia, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates and Serbia where he will further Ukrainian interests during events of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), European Parliament and United Nations (UN), meetings with high-ranking officials of international organizations and states, and Ukrainian communities within the UWC network," the report reads.

The UWC president will participate in a side event during the winter session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (Vienna, Austria), initiatives of the European Parliament (Brussels, Belgium) and an event of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Dubai, United Arab Emirates), where he will deliver thematic addresses and discuss current Ukrainian issues with high-level officials of international organizations.

In addition, Ukrainian issues will also be the focus of official meetings of the UWC president with state government officials, as well as the Ukrainian communities and their leaderships in Austria, Slovakia, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates and Serbia.
The Council of Europe will continue to provide Ukraine with assistance in reforming the judicial system, law enforcement agencies, as well as in the areas of decentralization and combating corruption.

The Council of Europe has approved an Action Plan for Ukraine in support of reforms for 2018-2021 with an estimated budget of EUR 29.5 million.

As noted in a statement by Ukraine's Permanent Mission to the Council of Europe on Facebook, the new CoE Action Plan for Ukraine will facilitate the implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU.

In particular, it is noted that on Feb 21, 2018, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe decided to approve the CoE's Action Plan for Ukraine for 2018-2021.

"The action plan is a strategic document of Ukraine's cooperation with the Council of Europe for a four-year term. Key partners on the Ukrainian side are central and local government bodies and non-governmental organizations," the report said.

In this regard, it is noted that "the estimated budget for the Action Plan is EUR 29.5 million, already funded by Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Ireland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Liechtenstein and the European Union".

"Measures in the framework of the Action Plan are aimed at supporting specific reforms that should bring Ukrainian legislation, institutions, and practices in line with European standards in the field of human rights, the rule of law, and democracy," the report said.

Also on the initiative of Ukraine, the Action Plan for the first time clearly states that it should contribute to the achievement of objectives of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.

Read alsoCoE recommends Ukraine tighten anti-money laundering laws"In accordance with the Action Plan, the Council of Europe will continue to provide assistance to Ukraine in reforming the judicial system, law enforcement agencies, enforcement of court decisions, as well as in the area of decentralization and combating corruption. Special attention will be paid to protecting the rights of internally displaced persons and the safety of journalists," the message says.

At the same time, the adopted Action Plan is the fifth document, which continues the tradition of program cooperation between Ukraine and the Council, launched in 2005.

"The adoption of the Action Plan was a symbolic act in the days when Ukraine sadly celebrates the fourth anniversary of the death of the Heavenly Hundred heroes and start of Russian aggression. But today we must look at the future and grasp the opportunities of the Action Plan for the implementation of reforms and European integration. On our initiative, the Council of Europe's new Action Plan for Ukraine will facilitate the implementation of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement. A strong and successful Ukraine will be the best dedication to the heroes of the Revolution of Dignity and war with Russia," said Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, Dmytro Kuleba.
If Ukraine successfully wages a campaign to defeat corruption, it will disprove Russian propaganda depicting a failed Ukraine.

Speaking at the Ukrainian Diplomatic Academy on Wednesday, Deputy U.S. Secretary of State John Sullivan encouraged Ukrainians to push back against a corrupt and authoritarian past as "corruption eats away at the fabric of Ukrainian society in several ways".

He said it "deters foreign investment and drags down GDP, discourages economic initiative and entrepreneurship, robs the state of tax funds paid by hardworking Ukrainians to line the pockets of the powerful, breeds poverty, and crushes the hopes of those who play by the rules", according to a report by the U.S. Department of State press service.

"Do not accept business as usual. Because you deserve better," the official said.

"Ukraines fight against corruption is no less essential than its fight against Russian aggression. These two struggles are two sides of the same coin. Prevailing in both is a matter of national security. It is absolutely critical for Ukraine to press forward with deep, comprehensive, and timely reform," John Sullivan believes.

Read alsoSullivan in Kyiv: U.S. will never accept trading one region of Ukraine for anotherThe diplomat added that fighting corruption was also about creating a thriving, self-sufficient market economy, based on the rule of law for the benefit of all Ukrainians and to attract foreign  and domestic  investment that creates jobs. "Winning the fight against corruption is the only way Ukraine will truly be prosperous and free," the official said.

"Ukraines success in strengthening the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office could not be more important. These independent, anti-corruption institutions are instrumental to defeat graft, and they need to be well-resourced and protected to do so. Ukraine also needs a genuinely independent Anti-Corruption Court  one that is fully compliant with Venice Commission recommendations," said John Sullivan.
The Staff of the "United Forces" will be headed by a "man with combat experience."

Chief of the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces Gen. Viktor Muzhenko says the Ukrainian Armed Forces are completing the Anti-Terrorist Operation in Donbas, while a new Operation of the United Forces will start.

"The law, which was signed by the president of Ukraine on Feb 20, systematizes the use of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) to perform tasks they were assigned in the ATO and changes the format of the main Operation. The ATO will be completed and we will move on to the Operation of the United Forces. This implies a clear command structure, subordination of certain forces and resources to the military, setting up a joint operational staff as the main controlling body of the Operation in the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions," Muzhenko said, RFE/RL's Ukrainian service reports.

Read alsoPoroshenko enacts law on re-integration of DonbasThe change in format will allow for systematizing the involvement of the Ukrainian army units as well as units and forces of other components of the security sector, and "using the AFU more effectively within the legal framework."

The Staff of the United Forces will be headed by a "man with combat experience". "We have appropriate candidates. They require a certain approval procedure, and after that, their names will be submitted to the president of Ukraine in the shortest possible time to approve such a candidate. It will be a person with combat experience and sufficient skills, knowledge, and practical experience to perform such tasks," Muzhenko said.

As UNIAN reported earlier, on Feb 20, President Poroshenko signed a bill on Donbas re-integration into law, designating Russia as an aggressor state.
Poland sees great importance in observing the principle of countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz says Poland stands for the deployment of a UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas since this is important for its own security.

Speaking about Ukraine after the ministerial debates at the UN Security Council in New York on Wednesday, Czaputowicz noted that he would welcome the UN decision to also participate in the resolution of conflict in eastern Ukraine by deploying peacekeeping forces in the area, PAP reports.

"It's difficult to reach an agreement on the issue, but the work is ongoing... Poland is one of the most active countries to this end, because the situation in Ukraine is very important for the security of our country," Czaputowicz said.

Read alsoHistorical dispute should not weaken Poland-Ukraine ties  Polish foreign ministerThe minister has noted that Poland sees great importance in observing the principle of countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity, recalling Russia's actions beyond the principles of international law, such as the annexation of Crimea and support for Donbas militants.

As UNIAN reported earlier, on September 20, 2017, President Poroshenko, speaking at the general debate of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly, said that the UN peacekeeping mission should be deployed throughout the occupied Donbas, including the uncontrolled section of the border with Russia.

Read alsoU.S. questions how much it can trust Russia on peacekeepers in UkraineBefore that, Putin agreed to the deployment of UN peacekeepers only along the contact line in Donbas to "ensure safety" of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. He claimed that issue could not be resolved without Ukraine's direct contact with the "leaders" of Russian-backed militants in Donbas. Russia then sent the UN leadership a draft resolution on a peacekeeping mission in Donbas.

The United States, in turn, insists that the UN peacekeeping mission should have access to the Ukrainian-Russian border and should exclude Russian citizens.
The Yanukovych trial was anticipated for these four long years only because everyone wished to hear the truth about how the Russian annexation of Crimea had actually taken place since high-ranking witnesses are likely to voice facts under oath rather than some speculations.

Four years ago, the situation in Ukraine was developing so rapidly that it was impossible to keep track of them in real time and not miss anything in the process. While Kyiv was trying to grasp the idea what kind of monster one should be to greenlight so easily the murder of own citizens in the heart of the capital, just a step away from Kyiv's main square, the Russian operation "Crimea is Ours" kicked off in Crimea.

Although the Russian propaganda continues to feed the Russians fairytales about Crimea's voluntary accession to Russia, the Ukrainian legislation stated the official date for the beginning of Russian aggression - February 20, 2014. Of course, at first the Kremlin denied this in every way possible. In particular, on March 14, 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that "little green men" who had been marching across Crimea since mid-February 2014 were just some "local self-defense forces". A month later, on April 17 of the same year, Putin said that "our forces stood behind self-defense forces", and six months later, on November 17, 2014, he confessed that "our armed forces blocked the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Crimea"...

One of the witnesses in the Yanukovych treason case, ex-deputy of the Russian State Duma, Ilya Ponomarev, testified in court that the decision to annex Crimea had been made "on Putin's initiative on the night of February 22-23, 2014", while the plan to seize part of the Ukrainian territory "arose very emotionally for Putin." "There was no clear plan. There was some kind of plan, probably, but it was not the only one, and the events did not exactly develop according to it. The decision that Russia will annex Crimea was taken on the night of February 22 to February 23, including on military action," he said during the court session.

However, the main evidence of lies, including personally those of Vladimir Putin and the entire Russian political elite regarding the fact that Russia had not been preparing to annex Crimea, but rather acting spontaneously after "the overthrow of the legitimate president of Ukraine, Yanukovych," on February 22, 2014, became the award of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the medal "For the return of Crimea". It clearly engraved the dates of the Operation - "February 20-March 18, 2014". That is, the "return" had been plotted before Yanukovych fled.

Throughout these four years, both in Moscow and Kyiv, dozens of versions have been voiced of how the seizure of Crimea took place. Some of them I just wanted to believe, while some looked like an outright fake... Today, high-ranking participants in those events, being under oath, testify in court in the treason case of ex-president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, who fled to Russia. This gives grounds to believe that it's the facts that are being voiced, not fiction. Having analyzed testimonies, UNIAN tried to recreate the real picture of the annexation of Crimea, in order to understand why four years ago the Ukrainian autonomy, as they say, was "surrendered" without a fight.

Where did the "little green men" come from?

Evidence of the deployment of Russian military from other regions of the Russian Federation to Crimea came via the recognition by troops themselves made to the Russian media. For example, a year after the annexation, a Kambarka (Udmurtia) resident Konstantin Fedorov told the Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda that he "served under the contract as a Marine in the Krasnodar Territory. On February 22 [when Yanukovych, according to the testimony of an employee of his security service, ex-guard of the runaway ex-president, Viktor Reznichenko, was still in Kharkiv] we were put on alert and transported to Sevastopol within a few days, and then to Kerch. We were tasked with guarding the city port and a Ukrainian military base."

"We behaved as politely as possible and talked to no one. Provocations happened often. Young people would set up rallies near us, some front women would shout: 'Bring back our sons!", one of the "polite people" told Russian journalists.

It should be noted that those "provocations" to which he draws attention indicate that not everyone in Crimea was happy about the emergence of Russian military without insignia, and did not really seek to go back "to their native harbor".

Also, in 2015, in an interview with the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, ex-commander of the Black Sea Fleet of Russia, Admiral (Rtd) Igor Kasatonov admitted that the unidentified "little green men" in Crimea - "polite people" - were Russian army special forces. That is, there was nothing like "self-defense forces of Crimea".

According to him, "the Black Sea Fleet prepared a foothold, officers knew what was going on and where the Ukrainian bases were located, while scenarios for the developments had been worked out on maps. That is, the Black Sea Fleet coped with its tasks - "polite people" were deployed, and on February 27-28, the Supreme Council of Crimea was seized."

He also said that, in fact, the transfer to Crimea of subversive units, gunners, and stalkers who acted together with the Fleet's grouping was disguised as a routine rotation of the Black Sea Fleet troops: "I was told that the Ukrainians received information that in February, landing of three helicopters was announced at Kacha, while it was actually six helicopters that landed. The landing of a single Il-76 transport flight was announced at Gvardiyske, while three of them landed..."

Now, four years later, former Acting Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Colonel-General Mykhailo Koval, says the same thing in his testimony, with some adjustments. For example, there were eight IL-76 aircraft, not three; there were eleven helicopters, not six. "They stated one Il-76 plane was to land at the airfield in Gvardiysk, while eight arrived. There you have your 'little green men'! The 31st Airborne Peacekeeping Brigade from Ulyanovsk and the 104th Parachute Regiment from Pskov Region ... In a short while, instead of three announced helicopters, eleven arrive for the Black Sea Fleet 'drills'. They just laughed in the face of a lady border guard," he said.

According to Koval, the presence of the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea made it possible "under the guise of experts to conduct reconnaissance to their facilities, have guides from among the locals and to promptly deploy at the sites after landing."

Actually, the fact that the Russians felt at home both in Crimea and the adjoining regions of Ukraine allowed two Russian helicopters to land near mainland Berdyansk on the night of February 22-23 to fly Yanukovych and his entourage to Crimea. According to the operative of the security service, Viktor Reznichenko, those helicopters made several flights between Crimean airfields, where Russian troops had already been.

It turns out that Ukraine knew about the strengthening of the Russian military grouping on the peninsula, but did nothing?

Response to intervention

All the participants in the Yanukovych trial acknowledge that they knew something and did what they could.

According to the ex-chief of the General Staff, Colonel-General Volodymyr Zamana, intelligence data claiming that Russians intensified their actions in Crimea had been obtained a month before the "return of Crimea", on January 20, 2014. But Yanukovych's regime simply ignored that intelligence. However, even after Yanukovych fled, the situation did not change drastically. According to Zamana, he personally reported on the situation in Crimea to acting president Oleksandr Turchynov and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Andriy Parubiy: "But I was told that our European partners suggest that we not make sharp movements"...

Therefore, despite the fact that at that time the Russian "little green men" were already shuffling around Crimea, Kyiv, in the first days of the Russian intervention, did not lose hope to agree with the Crimean authorities and calm the situation down. For example, Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov and Acting Head of the SBU Valentyn Nalyvaychenko told the court that they had flown to Crimea on February 23-24 to meet with Yanukovych. But, as it was said above, they returned to the capital with nothing. The only thing they accomplished was to try to calm down Crimean residents, telling them at a press conference that "the country is returning to a peaceful dialogue". "Yanukovych knew that I arrived in Crimea. He avoided the meeting, disappeared at the Russian military base," said Avakov.

According to Nalyvaychenko, it was on February 24, 2014, that the SBU began to collect evidence of annexation. In particular, it's about the Yanukovych letter to Putin with an appeal to introduce Russian troops to Ukraine. "This letter formed the basis of those two UN resolutions that recognize Russia as an aggressor," he said.

Unfortunately, the Crimean issue back in those days was still in the background in Kyiv. The first thing on agenda was to prevent anarchy in the capital city. But while Turchynov managed to somehow keep the supreme authority, the Verkhovna Rada, in the working condition, the situation in the regions left much to be desired.

In other words, those few days when the parliament spent on its own reformatting and appointing officials to key positions in the state in place of those who fled with Yanukovych were missed, which, as a result, led to the seizure by the Russian "polite people" of the Supreme Council of Crimea and the Council of Ministers of Crimea on the night of February 27.

The next day, February 28, while current president of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, then a deputy of the Verkhovna Rada, authorized by colleagues to negotiate with the leadership of the Crimean parliament, flew to see the closed doors of the Supreme Council of Crimea, he "personally saw that the building is closed and surrounded by 'little green men' - regular military forces of the Russian Federation - and a chain of persons sporting camouflage, who called themselves "Crimean self-defense", but coordinated by special services officers of the Russian Federation". Meanwhile, a historic NSDC meeting took place in Kyiv, the transcript of which appeared in media in 2016 and literally blew up the information space.

Turchynov then voiced fears that "the leadership of the Russian Federation is really considering the question of annexation" of Crimea. This was, in particular, evidenced by reports on the transfer of Russia's military to Crimea. "The planes are landing on an airfield they control in accordance with the agreement on the basing of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation," said Viktor Hvozd, then head of the Foreign Intelligence Service.

"Write it down in the resolution: immediately close the airspace over Crimea," Turchynov said.

"This will not help. They will land their planes with the help of military dispatchers. But we must do it," said Minister of Defense of Ukraine Ihor Tenyukh.

Today, in a court hearing, Teniukh is saying that his plan to "make a breakthrough" toward Crimea was not supported. However, at the notorious meeting of the National Security and Defense Council on February 28, it was he who said that "a maximum of 1,500-2,000 [Ukrainian servicemen] will be ready to follow the order to use arms." At the same time, according to him, Russian units, including special forces of the GRU of the Russian Federation, at the time already exceeded 20,000 troops. Moreover, he said that Russia, of course, has no right to increase the number of its military contingent without notice, but "we do not control the increase of their troops both by air corridors and by sea - their landing ships can arrive at any location along the coast."

Indeed, later, in March, in its very first days, Teniukh, according to his testimony, gave the order and permission to open fire on those who would cross into military bases in Crimea. "I set the task of "maintaining defense lines", not allowing the seizure of bases, so that we had time to bring our forces into a state of readiness, before the political leadership decided to use the Armed Forces," he said.

But, for various reasons, this order was not performed in Crimea.

Chronicles of betrayal

One of the reasons is the lack of an army capable of repelling the Russians. Moreover, the testimony of the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, then-acting president, Oleksandr Turchynov, says that there was no sufficient number of combat-ready units, neither on the peninsula nor on mainland. Although he, as well as other politicians back in those days, declared high combat capability of the army. "I think that the court understands. If I went out back in those days and said: 'Friends, we have no army, no one to protect you, no one, unfortunately, to carry out my orders', chaos could have ensued," he told the court.

In fact, the situation, he said, was deplorable. "When in the morning [of February 27, 2014] I was informed that the special forces of the Russian Federation seized administrative buildings in Crimea, I immediately gave orders to the leaders of the internal troops based in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea to surround the Parliament and Cabinet, prepare for their seizure and conduct an operation for their liberation. A few hours later I was informed that, unfortunately, they could only surround these buildings, but, being under the pressure of aggressive civilians, could not accomplish the task and were forced to disperse," Turchynov said.

"We learned about the invasion of Russian troops not on February 24, but on the 27th, when the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea was seized. Although in reality the invasion began on February 20," he said, adding that officials and officers from Crimea did not hurry to report this to Kyiv. According to him, in those days several factors worked on the peninsula against Ukraine. The first one was that the Ukrainian military, surrounded by Russian commandos in their Crimean bases, could not at the time overcome the psychological barrier and shoot at the invaders.

The second one was that they were prevented from doing so due to the tactics of Russian special forces who, during the seizure of military facilities, put civilians in front of them. Yes, that's the very thing voiced by Putin on March 4, 2014: "we will stand behind the backs of women and children."

And the third thing was the betrayal of the oath of allegiance by many servicemen who lived and served on the peninsula. In particular, in his testimony, former Defense Minister Ihor Teniukh noted that out of 12,000 Ukrainian soldiers in Crimea, 10,000 flipped sides. Among the traitors was the ex-chief of the General Staff of the Supreme Council of Ukraine, Yuriy Ilyin. In turn, the ex-commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Serhiy Haiduk, testified that among the traitors was also the commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Denys Berezovsky, which allowed the Russians to increase the intensity of their seizure of Ukrainian military bases.

As for claims to the country's political leadership over why they did not ensure the liberation of Crimea with the help of the Ukrainian army from the mainland, Turchynov explained that a threat of the invasion of the 200,000-strong Russian army from the north and east was looming over Ukraine. "According to reports of Ukrainian intelligence and foreign partners, Russian army forces started amassing on the northern and eastern borders of Ukraine to prepare an invasion of mainland Ukraine," he said.

Therefore, according to him, 5,000 combat-ready troops were transferred to defend these lines.

"Those who fled to the Russian Federation handed in a lot of classified information... Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Viktor Hvozd, informed me that according to the data he received from his sources in the Russian Federation, on March 1 [2014] a decision of the Russian parliament was being prepared on the introduction of troops in Ukraine. He also said that, according to him, there was an appeal by Yanukovych to this end," Turchynov said.

Actually, all of this, in part, can also explain the fact that politicians did not dare to introduce martial law in the country. Firstly, that's because there was simply no one to provide for it. Secondly, it would not allow holding elections and consolidating the legitimacy of authorities.

*** What happened next is no secret. Yanukovych's letter to Putin requesting troops to be introduced was a poor explanation of the annexation of Crimea in the UN Security Council, but a good reason for Russia to continue aggression, hiding behind the messages about "protecting the Russian-speaking population" in Ukraine.

Tatyana Urbanskaya

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The bill was submitted by Dutch Minister of the Interior Kasja Ollongren.

The Lower House of the Dutch parliament on Thursday voted to make it impossible for citizens to demand a referendum on future EU treaties, as they did with the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine.

Seventy-six lawmakers from the four coalition parties supporting Mark Rutte's third government voted to support the bill, which regulates the cancellation of the current law on a non-binding referendum, the Ukrainian online publication Europeiska Pravda wrote, citing the Dutch publication NOS.

The bill was submitted by Dutch Minister of the Interior Kasja Ollongren.

Sixty-nine lawmakers from the opposition parties voted against the bill, claiming it takes away a democratic tool from citizens after it was only used once in practice.

Read alsoDutch foreign minister resigns after lying about Putin meeting - mediaIn several weeks, the bill should pass the Upper House of the Dutch parliament, where the government's parties have a strong majority.

Since July 1, 2015, Dutch citizens have had the right to demand that a non-binding referendum is held on any adopted bill, if they are able to gather 300,000 signatures of support, according to EUObserver.

A week after the new law went into force, the Dutch senate approved the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, which governed trade relations between the two, but also contained political commitments.

An initiative was launched to vote on the Dutch approval bill, and the required signatures were gathered within three months.

The plebiscite was held on April 6, 2016, and the 32% of voters who showed up overwhelmingly rejected the treaty  61% voted against it.

While the Dutch government did not have a legal obligation to follow the referendum result, the political establishment had put itself into a difficult position by saying before the vote that they would take the results into account if a threshold of 30% turnout was achieved.

For months, Rutte declined to simply accept or reject the public's verdict on the Ukraine treaty, but instead lobbied his fellow EU leaders to help him find a solution.

That attempt was delayed by the Brexit vote, and it was not until a summit in December 2016 when Rutte convinced his colleagues to adopt a political declaration about the treaty.

The declaration was said to address the concerns of the Dutch 'No' voters, even though it did not change the treaty itself.

The law on the ratification of the EU-Ukraine deal, which was passed by the Dutch Senate on July 8, 2015, was published in the Netherlands on June 14, 2017. Prior to that, the law was signed by King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander on June 1, 2017.
First instance court has earlier sentenced to 9 years in prison on charges of assisting a terrorist organization.

The Kyiv Court of Appeal overturned the conviction of ex-journalists of Ukraine's 17 TV channel Dmytro Vasylets and Yevhen Tymonin, accused of involvement in the terrorist project "Novorossiya TV".

"Thus, the court overturned the decision of the Andrushovsky court of Zhytomyr region and decided to have the case reviewed in the first instance.The judge ruled to release Vasylets and Tymonin from custody in the courtroom and obliged to remain at their place of residence wearing an ankle monitor, lawyer Natalia Vozniuk told the Ukrayinska Pravda online newspaper.

House arrest shall be applied for a 2-month period, the lawyer added.

Read alsoEU court overturns sanctions against Ukraine's Klyuyev

As reported earlier, two accomplices of the pro-terrorist "Novorossiya TV" were on Sep 28, 2017, sentenced to 9 years' imprisonment in Zhytomyr region. The court recognized the men guilty of assisting the terrorist organization.

In June-July 2014, the two men delivered equipment, advised and provided practical assistance to representatives of the Novorossia TV channel for setting up live broadcasts and airing news pieces covering operations of the so-called "DPR".
Police later explained to RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that they were looking for members of the Ukrainian protest group Femen.

Security checks and searches by Ukraine's police on February 21 during the treason trial for ousted president Viktor Yanukovych caused an uproar on social media after some female journalists had posted about their experience.

Several female Ukrainian journalists say police officers forced them to undress and undergo invasive security checks in order to attend a Kyiv court hearing where President Petro Poroshenko testified via video link, Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) said.

Valeriya Egoshyna, an investigative journalist for RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, said she was through a security check at Kyiv's Obolon District Court when a female officer demanded she remove her jacket and show that she was fully clothed as male officers stood by.

Egoshyna asked why only women were being examined and men were allowed to walk through unchecked. The female officer replied, "women have such things as two [breasts]."

The male officers nearby laughed, Egoshyna said.

Egoshyna left the courthouse when she found out Poroshenko would not be testifying in person and would appear only via video link.

Told To Strip To The Waist

Other female journalists opted to enter the courtroom to watch his testimony and were reportedly subjected to more invasive checks.

Another RFE/RL Ukrainian Service journalist said police officers ordered women into a bathroom or another empty room. There, female officers demanded they remove clothing above their waists to show they did not have political inscriptions drawn onto their bodies, reporter Olya Komarova wrote in a post to her Facebook page.

Police later explained to RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that they were looking for members of the Ukrainian protest group Femen, who often demonstrate topless and with political statements scrawled across their bodies.

Read alsoReuters: Topless woman shouts 'Zeman  Putin's slut' at Czech president during vote (Photos, video)Members of the group have focused their attention on Poroshenko in recent weeks; in one incident a topless member set fire to large stuffed bears outside a candy shop owned by the president.

Oksana Lischuk, spokeswoman for the Obolon district police department, said the heightened security measures were aimed at thwarting possible outbursts while Poroshenko testified in the high-profile treason trial of disgraced former President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled the country four years ago.

Poroshenko ultimately gave testimony via video-link, rather than in person.

Lischuk said police removed one Femen activist, who was filmed by the Strana news site being led away.

The Institute of Mass Information, a Kyiv journalism watchdog, condemned the measures that singled out women journalists, calling them "humiliating" and "excessive," and demanding apologies from the officers involved.

'Unacceptable' Actions

On February 22, presidential press secretary Svyatoslav Tseholko issued an apology in a post to his personal Facebook page, saying Poroshenko considers the officers' actions "unacceptable" and promising an investigation.

The National Police, however, defended the actions. Spokesman Yaroslav Trakalo said the measures were necessary due to the president's possible attendance. He did not explain why women were singled out.

The incident drew criticism from lawmakers, as well.

"I completely share your indignation with the actions of those representatives of the security forces who yesterday resorted to a humiliating inspection of women media representatives," Iryna Gerashchenko, the deputy chairperson of Ukraine's parliament and a former journalist, wrote on her Facebook page.

"As a representative of the authorities, I apologize to you, dear colleagues, for these strange actions," she added. "Sorry."

Yanukovych, who fled to Russia in February 2014, is being tried for treason for, among other things, allegedly ordering riot police to open fire on protesters in Kyiv's central square amid violent clashes that ultimately led to his ouster.
Militants were provoking Ukrainian soldiers near the village of Zaitseve by firing from small arms in their direction.

Russia's hybrid military forces mounted 20 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas in the past 24 hours, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action (KIA) and another four as wounded in action (WIA).

"In the Luhansk sector, the enemy used 122mm artillery systems, mortars of various calibers and infantry fighting vehicles against the Ukrainian fortified positions near the village of Troyitske," the press center of the Ukrainian Anti-Terrorist Operation Headquarters reported on Facebook on Thursday morning.

Read alsoU.S. Embassy hands over to UA troops more night vision devicesIt is reported the occupiers fired 82mm mortars near the villages of Krymske, Novo-oleksandrivka, and Katerynivka. The invaders also employed grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, and small arms against the defenders of the villages of Luhanske, Zalizne and Novoluhanske, as well as anti-aircraft guns against the defenders of the village of Maiorsk. Moreover, the militants provoked the Ukrainian soldiers near the village of Zaitseve, using small arms.

In the Donetsk sector, the enemy opened fire from 120mm and 82mm mortars and grenade launchers near the villages of Vodiane and Lebedynske in the Mariupol direction. In addition, the Ukrainian positions near the town of Avdiyivka came under fire from small arms.
Most likely, they are members of Russia's regular army, Ukraine's military intelligence agency says.

About 200 Russian officers have arrived in the Russian-occupied areas of Donbas, eastern Ukraine.

"About two hundred Russian servicemen have arrived in the occupied Donbas. Not to lose control over the temporarily occupied part of Donbas and illegal armed formations, supervisors from the Kremlin have recently sent unusual humanitarian aid  about two hundred officers," the Headquarters of Ukraine's military operations in Donbas said on Facebook on February 22.

Read alsoUkraine's Gen. Staff says ATO over, new Operation in Donbas kicking offAccording to military intelligence reports, most likely, they are members of Russia's regular army.

They are stationed at the Vostochny training ground outside the village of Manuilivka in Donetsk region.

"After 'acclimatization,' they will obviously replace other war criminals holding positions on a rotation basis in the so-called military units of the illegal armed formations," the HQ added.
The officials did not provide details on when the administration would reach a decision or what measures were under consideration.

The Trump administration is considering new sanctions against Russia in response to election meddling and a devastating cyber attack last year, senior U.S. officials said on Wednesday, pushing back against criticism that it has been slow to act.

Both Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress, which nearly unanimously passed a new sanctions bill against Russia last summer, criticized President Donald Trump for not punishing Moscow and accused him of being soft on his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, as reported by Reuters.

Their recrimination followed a decision by the Trump administration in January not to announce sanctions against Russia for now under the new law.

Read alsoSullivan in Kyiv: U.S. will never accept trading one region of Ukraine for anotherIn a briefing for a group of reporters, three senior administration officials involved in sanctions work described a process that is slow moving for legal reasons and cannot be accelerated in response to negative headlines.

They did not provide details on when the administration would reach a decision or what measures were under consideration.

"The process on sanctions is long; it's arduous; it's not pretty, but when the evidence is there and we're ready, we go ahead with the sanctions," one official said.

The officials said there is an active review under way on how to respond to last week's designation of Russia as responsible for the devastating "NotPetya" cyber attack last year.
The Kremlin's spokesman earlier on February 21 suggested Russia was not worried about U.S. sanctions hurting defense sales.

The United States has warned governments around the world that they could face sanctions over any "significant transactions" they make with Russia's military, senior U.S. officials have said.

The warnings officials disclosed on February 21 to reporters in Washington follow the U.S. State Department's claim this week that the threat of U.S. sanctions on Russia's defense industry has already cost Moscow some $3 billion in lost military sales, RFE/RL wrote.

The senior U.S. officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a couple of "big countries" were reconsidering defense purchases from Russia as a result of the global warning sent out by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration following its publication of a list of Russian defense and intelligence agencies and companies targeted by U.S. sanctions.

The officials confirmed that Turkey, which is negotiating the purchase of S-400 missile defense systems from Russia, is one of the countries that received the warning. Turkey has said it is also looking at alternative systems to purchase from NATO allies.

The Kremlin's spokesman earlier on February 21 suggested Russia was not worried about U.S. sanctions hurting defense sales.

Read alsoSullivan in Kyiv: U.S. will never accept trading one region of Ukraine for another"I can just say that everything is fine, everything is fine," Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow.

He said Russia was "trying to hedge risks related to instances of unfair competition on the part of the United States in the market of military-technical cooperation."

The briefing for Washington journalists by senior administration officials was part of a push to show that Trump has been tough on Russia, countering what they said were news reports portraying him as soft on Russia.

As UNIAN reported earlier, the Trump administration is considering new sanctions against Russia in response to election meddling and a devastating cyber attack last year, senior U.S. officials said on Wednesday, pushing back against criticism that it has been slow to act.
Kruik told border patrol that the purpose of their arrival in Britain was tourism.

Two Ukrainians, a former ballet dancer and a chef, have been jailed in the UK for trying to smuggle in six of their fellow nationals.

The court in Portsmouth sentenced Vladyslav Kurtoglu, 50, to six years in prison on charges of assisting unlawful immigrationn. His accomplice, Dmytro Kruik, 29, will spend three years and nine months in jail, RFE/RL's Ukrainian service reports.

The men were detained on May 20, 2017, after they were caught in a yacht at Hayling Island where they had arrived from north-west France.

Read alsoHow can Ukraine keep qualified workers from leaving countryKriuk - who took a grinning selfie while on the Tazik yacht - admitted assisting unlawful immigration at an earlier hearing. Vladyslav Kurtoglu, 50, was convicted of the same offense after a trial.

Kruik told the border patrol that the purpose of their arrival in Britain was tourism.

A prosecutor told the court how there had been "significant planning and resources" invested into the botched illegal people smuggling voyage. Forged documents were also used over the authenticity of the boat and right to sail to the UK.
(@FahadShabbir)

The Punjab government has approved PC-1 of South Punjab's biggest model cattle market to be established here at a cost of Rs 1.199 billion

MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Feb, 2018 ) :The Punjab government has approved PC-1 of South Punjab's biggest model cattle market to be established here at a cost of Rs 1.199 billion.

The PC-1 was approved by Planning and Development department which would be established at 43 acre area at Mauza Jangle Jaswant Singh, Samorana bypass link road, and would be operational for five days a week, says Managing Director Cattle Markets Dr Hammad Ali in a statement here Wednesday.

The market would have all basic facilities, including a bank, mosque and 44 sheds for cattle heads.

Work on the boundary wall of the model cattle market would start the next month, Dr. Hammad said adding that the whole project would be completed in 18 months.

He appreciated the untiring efforts of commissioner Multan division Bilal Ahmad Butt that resulted in approval of the model cattle market project. The temporary cattle market operational at Mauza Balail, Shujabad Road, would be shifted to the new cattle market after completion of the project.

All modern facilities would available for commission agents, cattle rearers at the model cattle market.
(@FahadShabbir)

The European Central Bank insisted Thursday that it has no power to investigate and stamp out criminal activity such as money laundering, even within its capacity as eurozone banking supervisor, a role it took over in 2014.

Frankfurt am Main, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :The European Central Bank insisted Thursday that it has no power to investigate and stamp out criminal activity such as money laundering, even within its capacity as eurozone banking supervisor, a role it took over in 2014.

The ECB has found itself under fire for not taking more robust action sooner, after it recently froze payments of a Latvian bank accused of wrongdoing by US authorities. But it pointed out Thursday that money laundering cases lie outside its jurisdiction.

"Breaches of anti-money laundering can be symptomatic of more deeply rooted governance deficiencies within a bank, but the ECB does not have the investigative powers to uncover such deficiencies," the head of the ECB's supervisory arm, Daniele Nouy, said in a statement.

"Only when such breaches have been established by the relevant national authority can the ECB take these facts into consideration for the purposes of its own tasks." Her remarks come after the US Department of the Treasury last week named Latvian lender ABLV "an institution of Primary money laundering concern" and accused it of having connections to North Korea's weapons development programme.

Latvia joined the single Currency in 2014 and the ECB was obliged to suspend payments by the tiny Baltic state's third-largest bank this week to give it breathing space. ABLV's financial health was in peril after its access to the financial system was cut off following the allegations from Washington on February 13.

At the same time, the Latvian central bank chief Ilmars Rimsevics -- who sits on the ECB governing council by virtue of his position -- was arrested on suspicion of soliciting bribes, in an unrelated case.

Riga's Corruption Prevention Bureau (KNAB) has since banned Rimsevics from carrying out his duties after he refused to resign. The two simultaneous cases are a rare challenge for the ECB, notably in its relatively new role as top eurozone banking supervisor.

Hoping to harness the central bank's strong international reputation to restore financial stability, governments added the supervisory role to its monetary policy tasks in late 2014 following years of crisis in the 19-nation single currency area.

Since then, the ECB has directly supervised more than 100 of Europe's largest and most significant banks, and worked closely with national authorities to bring supervision of smaller lenders into line.

But observers have criticised the ECB's response to the Latvian cases. The lack of communication from top ECB officials so far "won't do," Bloomberg news wrote in an editorial on Thursday, before Nouy's statement was released.

"The ECB should acknowledge that the scandals affect its own ability to discharge its responsibilities, make clear it's following events closely, and do whatever it can to help lift this cloud."
President of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Ghazanfar Bilour has hailed a statement of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Revenue, Haroon Akhtar Khan assuring full government support to Thar coal projects for their timely completion.

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :President of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Ghazanfar Bilour has hailed a statement of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Revenue, Haroon Akhtar Khan assuring full government support to Thar coal projects for their timely completion.

Bilour said that with completion of the Thar coal projects, the country would become self-sufficient in power sector, and that industry and trade would be relieved of the high power tariff. He said that in the past, no effort was made towards coal-fired power projects to overcome shortage of energy.

The present government's interest and pursuance for earliest completion of the Thar Coal project was commendable, he said. The FPCCI President said that the power generation from the Thar coal projects would also help us in saving foreign exchange of the country, being spent on import of fuel.

'FPCCI assures government to extend full support in implementation of all the projects aimed at boosting of our economy,' he said.
China has encouraged Pakistan to attract foreign investment from multiple sources to alleviate concerns that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would make the latter economically too dependent on it

BEIJING, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :China has encouraged Pakistan to attract foreign investment from multiple sources to alleviate concerns that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would make the latter economically too dependent on it.

"The CPEC mega project is mainly funded by China at present. There are worries within Pakistan that the CPEC will make the country economically too dependent on China. If Chinese and foreign enterprises can cooperate on the project, that will help alleviate the concerns," according to an article published in Chinese newspaper Global Times on Thursday.

A media report that Pakistan, under Chinese pressure, had turned down a cheaper loan offer from a third country for infrastructure projects is unconvincing, it observed. The economic corridor is not a bilateral project, but an open initiative.

China has repeatedly emphasized that it invites and welcomes more countries to join in. Under the CPEC, China and Qatar have jointly developed the Port Qasim plant, a coal-fired power plant at Port Qasim in Karachi.

The newspaper remarked that the CPEC, a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative, is aimed at enhancing interconnectivity between China and Pakistan and promoting common development.

China will invest a total amount of $62 billion in Pakistan for power plants, roads and railroad construction to give its infrastructure a much-needed upgrade as it seeks to emerge from years of political instability.

However, some countries have continued to hype China's strategic intentions behind the CPEC and are hesitant to join in the project as their concerns. They are not excluded from the CPEC by China and Pakistan, but by themselves.

China is facing the same threats as its Western counterparts when investing in Pakistan, but China has not flinched. The Balochistan Province that the economic corridor passes through poses numerous security and political challenges.

China is trying hard to explore new ways to promote cooperation, improve the investment environment, and curb the spread of extremism through economic development. This will not only benefit Pakistan, but also other foreign investors.

All in all, China's investment in the CPEC actually takes into consideration the all-round development of the region, including anti-terrorism. It will also provide basic infrastructural facilities to other foreign investors and encourage them to invest in Pakistan. Reports that Pakistan has turned down investments from third countries under China's pressure is empty rhetoric.
(@FahadShabbir)

Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) has welcomed the European Parliament's International Trade Committee's decision that voted to approve continuity of preferential duties on exports for the next two years under Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) scheme for Pakistan.

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) has welcomed the European Parliament's International Trade Committee's decision that voted to approve continuity of preferential duties on exports for the next two years under Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) scheme for Pakistan.

In a statement here on Wednesday, Chairman Pakistan Textile Exporters Association Shaiq Jawed termed the approval from EU's committee for International Trade as a good sign for textile exporters and the economy as well.

He appreciated the Government's progress in promoting good governance and sustainable development that helped bring positive results of the second review of EU's preferential duties facility. GSP plus incentives helped Pakistan to build up its capacity to become more effective and competitive partner in international economics by opening new avenues of opportunities.

With this facility, not only Pakistan's market share had increased but exports to EU had also jumped from 4.

54 billion Euros in 2013 to 6.29 billion Euro, he added. GSP plus status had provided the Pakistan an opportunity to improve its relations with EU in terms of not only trade but also economic and political relations.

This had contributed to reduction of poverty and promotion of sustainable development and good governance by giving a boost to the trading industry, he added. Terming textile export sector as major beneficiary of duty waiver facility, he said that overall textile exports surged to 4.87 billion Euro in 2016 from 3.14 billion Euros in 2013, which represented an increase of 54.8 percent.

The exports of textile apparel and knitwear had grown from 1.4 billion euro to 2.47 billion Euros in 2016, indicating an increase of 76.4%. The second biggest share went to home textiles which surged to 1.56 billion Euros from 980 million Euros, representing an almost growth of 60%.

The export of cotton, fabric and yarn also increased from 739 million Euros to 805 million Euros increasing by 9 percent, he added.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the Sindh Health Department to work out a plan to start non-stop paediatric OPDs in all government hospitals from 8 am to 8pm.

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the Sindh Health Department to work out a plan to start non-stop paediatric OPDs in all government hospitals from 8 am to 8pm.

He issued these directives while chairing a meeting in which ChildLife Foundation, a government partner, gave him a presentation on child health in Sindh, said a statement on Thursday. The foundation told the CM Sindh that 250 children under the age of five die every year while around 21,000 children are brought to hospitals every day and 43 per cent children belong to poor families that is why they face different health issues.

The CM Sindh said that he was worried about the health of children whether they belong to poor or well-oof families. It becomes the responsibility of the government to provide free of cost and non-stop health services to everyone.

The Childlife Foundation told the chief minister that by the end of April 2018 all the teaching government hospitals in Karachi would have full-fledged separate child health service facilities.

Similar facilities are being developed in Larkana, Jamshoro, Shaheed Benazirabad and in various other districts.

The CM Sindh said that the OPDs for children are operated in government hospitals from 8a.m.

to 2p.m. "I want children OPDs from 8a.m. to 8p.m. and then ailing children could be taken to emergency," he said. He directed the Health Secretary that new 6000 doctors have been appointed and the shortage of doctors have been overcome to a considerable extent.

He asked to prepare a plan for establishing a well-equipped children health facility in every DHQ and even in taluka hospital where children OPDs must be made non-stop from morning to 8p.m., he said.

Adding that he would prefer to engage private sector so that service quality, management and non-stop OPD services could be ensured. The CM Sindh directed the health department to prepare a software for keeping date-wise, time-wise, name-wise record of OPDs, emergency and admitted patients with the medicines given to him/her, laboratory tests and such facilities.

This would help to assess the health issues and services in Sindh apart from miuse/under use of laboratories and medicines, he said. The CM Sindh said that he would personally focus on children health services by reviewing meetings time to time.
Punjab Minister for Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education (SH&ME) Kh Salman Rafique has said that provision of healthy blood is the basic right of every patient.

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Punjab Minister for Specialized Healthcare and Medical education (SH&ME) Kh Salman Rafique has said that provision of healthy blood is the basic right of every patient.

He stated this while presiding over a meeting of Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority (PBTA) to review the various steps for improving the blood transfusion service in the committee room of Institute of Blood Transfusion here on Thurday.

Secretary PBTA Dr Muhammad Athar, Additional Secretary Technical SH&ME Dr Salman Shahid, members of the board, representatives of public as well as private hospitals/blood banks and representatives of different thalassemia foundations, Punjab Thalassemia Prevention Program (PTPP) and PITB attended the meeting.

Keeping in view the importance of provision of health blood, a system is being evolved to provide screened and healthy blood to patients admitted in the private hospitals from the public sector blood banks.

He said that this system would not only be helpful to provide healthy blood to the patients but it would also discourage the business of sub-standard and inadequate blood banks. He disclosed that instead of the patient, the private hospital would be responsible to ensure provision of blood for which these hospitals could go in MoU with the public sector blood banks.

A committee is being constituted to finalize the procedure for this purpose. The participants of the meeting presented proposals for improving the blood transfusion facilities in the province and appreciated government's efforts in this regard.
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MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) ::Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Akram Chaudhry Thursday approved a Rs 4.24 million grant for 53 employees for wedding of their sons and daughters.

A Mepco spokesman said in a statement that the approval was granted after it was sanctioned by the Mepco board of Director. Each employees would get Rs 80,000 financial assistance, the release concluded. APP/ifi/asm
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Steps are being taken for the preservation of historical sites, buildings and cultural heritage situated in Shaheed Benazirabad Division, said Divisional Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Phull while addressing a meeting of District Heritage Committee.

NAWABSHAH, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Steps are being taken for the preservation of historical sites, buildings and cultural heritage situated in Shaheed Benazirabad Division, said Divisional Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Phull while addressing a meeting of District Heritage Committee.

Commissioner directed Deputy Commissioners of Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar and Naushehro Feroze Districts to take steps for conservation of historical places and their necessary repairs. As a first step, boards showing a brief history of the site be affixed, he said adding that boundary wall should also be constructed around such sites.

He said that Provincial Department of Culture be pointed out about the historical building to declare it cultural heritage. Commissioner also instructed for printing of book containing history of district and non printed matter in this regard.

Deputy Commissioner SBA Nouman Siddique Latki informed that Provincial Cultural Department has endorsed two historical sites including Chanhyoon Jo Darro and Dalel Dero Fort as cultural heritage and steps were afoot to preserve and reinstate the status of these heritage sites.

He said that Cultural Department was communicated for the preservation of tombs near Shahpur Jahania constructed in the era of Mian Noor Muhammad Kalhoro.Additional Deputy Commissioner Sanghar said that steps are being taken for the printing of three books about District Sanghar, DC Naushehro Feroze said that district has three historical sites, one Manghan Mal Minar at Darya Khan Mari, ancient Mahrab Masjid at Mehrabpur and a historical temple.
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Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak has said that development of backward districts and provision of all basic civic facilities on the pattern of big cities on fast track basis also remain the priority of provincial government.

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak has said that development of backward districts and provision of all basic civic facilities on the pattern of big cities on fast track basis also remain the priority of provincial government.

He was addressing launching ceremony of the extension phase of the Community-Driven Local Development (CDLD) Programme at local hotel here. The ceremony was also addressed by EU Ambassador Jean-Francois Cautain, team leader CDLD Brian Fawcett, Secretary Planning & Development Zahir Shah Khan and others who highlighted the people friendly and transparent policies and reforms of the provincial government.

The speakers termed the LG system introduced by KP government as the best and historical one not only in the country but world over. The function besides Senior Minister for Local government Inayatullah, Secretary local government Syed Jamaluddin Shah, District Nazims and senior officers of the concerned 12 districts, was largely attended by EU delegates, LG representatives and people from cross section of life.

EU provided 64 million Euros against the provincial government funding of Rs. 4.7 billion for the first phase and has committed additional funds of 34.4 million Euros while the provincial government has committed Rs.

5.981 billion for the second phase. 1457 developmental projects completed and over 3.7 million people benefitted in the first phase while the second phase will also greatly help in gearing up the pace of development in the newly selected six districts of the province.

The chief minister said CDLD program has been launched in six most backward districts of Malakand division in collaboration with European Union since 2014 to improve road infrastructure and municipal services in all urban and rural areas of these districts that yielded positive results.

Hence, he said this programme was being extended to six more districts of the province including Kohistan, Battagram, Torghar, Buner, Haripur and Nowshera to develop the infrastructure and ameliorate lot of common people there.

Pervez Khattak reiterated that the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is committed to its agenda for change and this agenda encompasses the improvement of social, economic and human capital indicators of the province.

The last four years, he said, have seen major reform initiatives in this direction. "Creation of an effective and enabling environment for local governance is a top priority of our Government. Today this province is custodian of the best of local governance systems in Pakistan", he added.

The Chief Minister said it is heartening that first phase of CDLD Programme was successfully implemented in six districts of Malakand Division and based on that successful implementation the Programme is now extended to six more districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said the Programme would then cover almost half of the backward areas of the province. For that, he congratulated the local government department, district government officials, and the district governments for playing their role effectively.

He also appreciated the contribution of Human Dynamics, as key implementing partner of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He directed the local government department, district based officers of all government departments and elected representatives of local governments in the CDLD districts to continue working together and replicate the successful implementation of the first phase of CDLD Programme which has provided a platform for optimal utility, better planning and better implementation.

Later, the Chief Minister gave away shields of commendation to the EU team members, district Nazims, DCs and other officers of districts administration for outstanding performance in making CDLD program a success story.
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The Sialkot-based leading export tycoons assured full cooperation to the Faisalabad businessmen enabling them to establish their international airport on self help basis.

SIALKOT, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :The Sialkot-based leading export tycoons assured full cooperation to the Faisalabad businessmen enabling them to establish their international airport on self help basis.

Sialkot business community leader Riazud Din Sheikh announced this while addressing a meeting with the visited delegation of Faisalabad-based leading industrialists which visited the Sialkot International Airport (SIAL) here on Thursday.

Chairman SIAL Khawar Anwar Khawaja presided over the meeting. President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) Shabir Hussain Chawla and Vice President Usman Rauf jointly led this delegation.

Riazud Din Sheikh said that the Sialkot exporters made their dream of having an international airport true by establishing the international airport on self help basis.

He said that the management of the SIAL and Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) would provide guidance, support and technical assistance to the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), enabling them to establish their own international airport in Faisalabad on self help basis.

Addressing the meeting, President FCCI Shabir Hussain Chawla and VP Usman Rauf highly hailed the Sialkot exporters for establishing the SIAL. Later on, they also discussed in details matters of mutual interest during a meeting with the management of Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL).

On this occasion, Chairman SIAL Khawar Anwar Khawaja gave detailed briefing to the visiting delegation of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) about the airport.
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Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani Thursday said he had been saying for long time that the supremacy of the parliament and political structure in the country was in danger.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani Thursday said he had been saying for long time that the supremacy of the parliament and political structure in the country was in danger.

Institutional dialogue were need of the hour, he said while speaking with regard to a point raised by Farhatullah Babar. Raza Rabbani opined that the decision announced by the Supreme Court Tuesday would not affect the Senate elections.

Leader of the House Raja Zafarul Haq said no one could deny to accept the apex court's decision. He met the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and gave him the new forms of the candidates for the Senate election signed by his as the chairman of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

The CEC, he said, had sought time for consultation, but now he came to know that the CEC had rejected the forms. Speaking on the point of order, Farhatullah Babar said he had already expressed his reservations that something ultra vires to the Constitution was being planned to set up a government of technocrats.

He said he feared in case the Senate elections were postponed then a technocrats' government would be set up for a long period. Both the political structure and supremacy of the parliament would be in danger which would have serious repercussions, he added. Sardar Azam Musakhel, Barrister Saif Ali and Ghaux Bakhs Niazi also expressed similar concern.
Punjab Minister for Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Khawaja Salman Rafique has rejected the allegations levelled by PTI leader Fawad Chaudhary.

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Punjab Minister for Specialized Healthcare and Medical education Khawaja Salman Rafique has rejected the allegations levelled by PTI leader Fawad Chaudhary.

In a statement issued here on Thursday, Salman said that his family always practised politics of principles and served the nation with dedication and honesty. "Political struggle of our family is a story of sacrifices and our love for supremacy of democracy and rule of constitution is our tradition," he added.

He said that Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique was being targeted and politically victimised due to his firm stance and unchangeable political idealogy.

"Saad Rafique is not owner of any housing society and name of his company is Saadain Associates," he added.

Khawaja Salman said that their family had never got any plot, permit, quota, contract or loan, adding that their family never did business with the government and it would never do any business with the government.

He said that whatever earned by the family was Halal, tax-paid and declared. He alleged that Fawad Ch was habitual liar of the PTI and he would soon be served with defamation notice besides a defamation suit against him.
Haryana to reopen schools for Class 1 to 3 from Sep 20

Markfed products to be available now on 5000 PDS depots of neighbouring Himachal Pradesh
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Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti on Thursday said government would provide security to all NGOs working for the well being of citizens in far flung areas of province.

QUETTA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti on Thursday said government would provide security to all NGOs working for the well being of citizens in far flung areas of province.

He stated this while addressing an event organized by "Insaniyat Bachao" NGO here. The event was organized to mark the success of rehabilitation process initiated by Insaniyat Bachao organization.

Till date, 920 drug addicts have been treated and are now leading a normal life.

On the occasion, Secretary Information Mir Tayyab Lehri, Director DGPR Shahzad Farhat Jan Ahmad Zai, Head of Insaniyat Bachao Organization Dr.

Mohammad Ramzan, other social workers and officers were also present. The minister said that drug addicts are financial burden on their families and demoralize the values of the society. He said that youth are the future of the country and it is our responsibility to educate them and prevent them from all kinds of social evils.
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A delegation led by Deputy Ambassador of Netherlands to Pakistan Josephine Frantzen met Punjab Minister for HR&MA Khalil Tahir Sandhu on Thursday at his camp office. Matters of mutual interests were discussed in details.

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :A delegation led by Deputy Ambassador of Netherlands to Pakistan Josephine Frantzen met Punjab Minister for HR&MA Khalil Tahir Sandhu on Thursday at his camp office.

Matters of mutual interests were discussed in details. The delegation comprised on Javed William and Elaine Alam. The minister apprised the Netherlands Ambassador of the measures taken by the Punjab government for the welfare of minorities such as allocation of five per cent quota in government jobs, six month's remission in sentences on Christmas, 20 additional marks for learning religious book by heart, setting up of minority advisory councils and educational scholarships for students.

Khalil Tahir Sandhu informed the Netherlands delegation that Human Rights Department had promoted harmony and tolerance among youth and awareness in the people of their respective areas about the protection of human rights.

The Netherlands ambassador appreciated the measures taken by the Punjab government for the protection of human rights and welfare of minorities and stressed the need for promotion of relations and cooperation between Pakistan and Netherlands in different sectors. APP/rnb/asm
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Central Leader, Pakistan Muslim League-N Hamza Shahbaz MNA on Thursday stressed the need for inculcating moral education in students with the bookish knowledge so that responsible and able generation could be ensured for the secure future of Pakistan.

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Central Leader, Pakistan Muslim League-N Hamza Shahbaz MNA on Thursday stressed the need for inculcating moral education in students with the bookish knowledge so that responsible and able generation could be ensured for the secure future of Pakistan.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of The Prism School here in Marghazar Colony, Hamza Shahbaz said that special focus should be paid on the cafes around educational institutions so that students could be saved from any kind of addiction.

Similarly, in the campuses, the use of mobile phones should be avoided. He said, so much work was still to be done to make Pakistan the real picture of dreams of Quaid and Iqbal.

He said, during the present tenure country had been put on the right path and many achievements had been made.

He said that progress and prosperity would be achieved, if present democratic system continues. Earlier, Hamza Shahbaz inaugurated The Prism School where kids presented him bouquets and along with administration he took visit of the school.

He was told that including swimming modern facilities have been provided to the students in The Prism School. On this occasion, MNA Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmed, PML (N) chief organizer Syed Tauseef Shah, Secretary Information Imran Ali Goraya and Deputy Mayor Mehr Mahmood and a large number of party workers were present.
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:Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary has said that no one would be allowed to violate kite flying ban and the authorities concerned have been directed to take strict action in accordance with the law against the violators.

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary has said that no one would be allowed to violate kite flying ban and the authorities concerned have been directed to take strict action in accordance with the law against the violators.

The Commissioner also urged the citizens not to allow their children to violate kite flying ban imposed by the provincial government else the violators would be sent behind the bars. Talking to APP he said, the strings including chemical being used nowadays for kite flying are not only harmful for humans but also for the birds.

Hundreds of birds are also grievously injured every year by glass-coated kite strings, he added. The youngsters should not play with the lives of the citizens, he said adding, the ban violators would be dealt with iron hand.

Meanwhile, a police spokesman said, over 115,000 kites were recovered during January and February with 4500 kites flying string rolls while 290 accused were sent behind the bars. Six Suzuki pick-ups, six motorcycles and a rickshaw being used for transportation of kites were also impounded.

He said that police have registered 250 cases during this season while violators were sent behind the bars.

He said, on the directive of the authorities concerned, strict action is being taken against the ban violators.

Now, it has been decided that FIRs would also be registered against heads of the families whose children being found violating the ban or their rooftops being used for kite flying. The DC and Commissioner have directed the authorities to conduct regular operations against the ban violators and also launch an awareness campaign to acquaint the citizens about risks involved in kite flying.

The CPO also requested the parents to stop their children from getting involved in such activities as a crackdown against kite flyers had already been started in the city. The spokesman informed that special squads have been formed to net the violators while Deputy Superintendents of Police and Station House Officers are also taking part in the operation.

It is pertinent to mention here that the arrangements are being finalized to celebrate Basanat on Feb 22 and 23. According to sources, over 100,000 kites and thousands of kite flying string rolls including chemical have been stocked up in the stores and on the recommendations of old customers, the kite sellers are supplying kites and string rolls to new customers.
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Members of the Pakistan-China Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Senate and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing Thursday agreed on enhanced parliamentary exchanges between the two countries to further boost their historic bilateral relations.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Members of the Pak-China Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Senate and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing Thursday agreed on enhanced parliamentary exchanges between the two countries to further boost their historic bilateral relations.

The meeting of the Friendship Group was held here at the Parliament House with Senator Saleem Mandviwala in the chair and was attended by senators Taj Afridi, Seher Kamran, Daud Achakzai, Kalsoom Parveen and Sassui Palijo, Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing and Director General China at Foreign Office Ms Ayesha Ahsan, said a press release.

Both the sides also agreed on the importance of taking parliamentarians into confidence on the developments on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Chinese ambassador appreciated the idea of regular interactions with the members of Friendship Group as well as with senators from the provinces, which were a vital part of the CPEC.

Ayesha Ahsan gave a comprehensive briefing on political system of China, its state organisational structure, Pakistan-China bilateral relations, parliamentary exchanges, economic and trade relations, developments in the free trade agreement between the two countries, foreign direct investment, work on the CPEC and way forward for enhanced interactions.

The briefing was followed by an interactive question answer session in which senators asked pertinent questions, which were responded to by the ambassador. Senator Mandviwala stressed upon bridging the gap of information that lay among different stakeholders on the development and scope of the CPEC. Regular interaction would diminish the doubts that arose due to uncertainty, he added.
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Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal Thursday said since both Pakistan and the United States were stakeholders in peace and stability hence they should join hands to achieve this goal.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal Thursday said since both Pakistan and the United States were stakeholders in peace and stability hence they should join hands to achieve this goal.

Expressing Pakistan's commitment to peace and stability in Afghanistan, he said, this called for Pakistan and the US to work together as if they failed even for a day such a situation will translate into a "big bonus" for the elements who were trying to destabilize the region.

The interior minister was speaking at a formal ceremony held here at the US Embassy to celebrate the US National Day and the President's Day. He said both Pakistan and the US have special relationship and geo-politics of the region have made it inseparable, therefore they need to cooperate for peace and stability in the region.

The minister said if there was peace in Afghanistan, Pakistan would get dividends and if there was instability there, it would suffer. Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan and the United Stated needed to work for strengthening the longstanding relationship.

He said that trade between the two countries was now at the highest level because the private sectors from the two sides had done a good job. Now it was for the diplomats of two countries to achieve such level of cooperation in other fields as well, he added.

The Interior Minister appreciated the US role in giving scholarships to Pakistani students under the Full-bright Program, adding he wanted more students from Pakistan to be in the best US universities.

US Ambassador David Hale in his remarks on the occasion said that America had built roads, dams, hospitals and schools in Pakistan and wanted it a safe and prosperous country both for Pakistanis and the Americans.

He said the United States had spent billions of Dollars for development and upkeep of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. The Interior Minister also joined the US ambassador in cutting the cake to mark the day.

Among others, the ceremony was attended by a large number of people including ambassadors of various countries, politicians and members of the parliament. Hot'topics of 'participants were the Supreme Court 'Wednesday's 'verdict declaring former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif ineligible to hold the office of the president of the PML(N).' The first president of 'the United States 'George Washington's birth day is Feb 22, 1732 which is state holiday 'and is celebrated as National Day and Presidents' Day since 1885.

In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform 'Monday 'Holiday Bill, which moved several 'Federal holidays to Mondays.'During the debate on the bill, it was proposed to have birthday of George Washington be renamed as Presidents Day to honor the birthdays of both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, on the invitation of presidents of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, will pay an official visit to Turkmenistan and Afghanistan from February 22 to 23 to participate in the ground-breaking (link-up) ceremonies of Turkmenistan- Afghanistan, Pakistan, India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, lines of electricity transmission and fibre optics.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Feb, 2018 ) :Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, on the invitation of presidents of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, will pay an official visit to Turkmenistan and Afghanistan from February 22 to 23 to participate in the ground-breaking (link-up) ceremonies of Turkmenistan- Afghanistan, Pakistan, India (TAPI) gas pipeline project, lines of electricity transmission and fibre optics.

During his visit, he would be accompanied by Minister of State for Energy Jam Kamal Khan, PM Office media wing in a press statement Wednesday said. The ground-breaking ceremonies will be jointly attended by prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Malikgulyevich Berdimuhamedov, President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani and Indian Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar.

The first leg of the ceremony would be held in Serhetabat, Turkmenistan. During his stay, the prime minister will hold a bilateral meeting with the Turkmen president and also attend an arts and culture exhibition showcasing cultural performances and artistic pieces from the four member countries, including Pakistan, followed by the link-up ceremony where he would make a statement along with leaders of other member states.

He will then proceed to Herat, Afghanistan on the same day to attend the Afghan leg of the groundbreaking ceremony. The prime minister will also hold a bilateral meeting with the Afghan president after the groundbreaking.
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A youth was killed after taking toxic liquor in a wedding ceremony in Jaranwala police limits on Thursday.

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :A youth was killed after taking toxic liquor in a wedding ceremony in Jaranwala police limits on Thursday. A police spokesman said Azhar of Chak No 125-GB took part in a marriage function of his relative in Chak No.62-GB where he was reportedly served toxic liquor.

He was shifted to a hospital but he expired on the way. The police took body into custody and started investigation.
The newly appointed Ambassador of Turkey Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul to Pakistan Thursday called on President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan to discuss matters of mutual interest.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :The newly appointed Ambassador of Turkey Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul to Pakistan Thursday called on President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan to discuss matters of mutual interest.

Extending his best wishes to Ambassador Yurdakul on assuming his new appointment, the president hoped that Ambassador Yurdakul's tenure will prove to be productive in furthering the friendly relations between Turkey, Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, a press release said.

Ambassador Yurdakul expressed his pleasure on assuming his new assignment and said he will use his position in promoting the already close and cordial diplomatic relations between Turkey and Pakistan, as well as Azad Kashmir, particularly in the spheres of economic and cultural ties.

President Masood paid tribute to Turkey saying that it inherits a rich history of Muslim civilization. Today, he said, Turkey's initiatives were connecting the continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa by building new diplomatic junctions and concourses.

He said Turkey was emerging as a symbol of Islamic community's glory and unity, as well as a great force of peace and sagacity at the international level. He thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for raising the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during his historic address to the Joint Session of the Pakistani Parliament in Islamabad and for taking up the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the former's visit to India.

Ambassador Yurdakul said Turkey strongly believed that initiatives should be taken to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir issue through dialogue and diplomacy.

President Erdogan, he said, believes that international community must help the people of the Indian occupied Kashmir out of their unending plight and their human rights must be respected under all circumstances.

The president said the people of Jammu and Kashmir believe in a peaceful solution to the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council's resolutions and with the support of its friends like Turkey which can talk to India and persuade it to come to the negotiating table.

He conveyed his gratitude to the Turkish ambassador for Turkey's steadfast support to the Jammu and Kashmir cause in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir and at the United Nations.

Sardar Masood Khan said Turkey and Azad Kashmir enjoyed a new affinity. After the 2005 earthquake, our Turkish brothers helped to reconstruct the dilapidated cities of Azad Kashmir. Because of the Turkish-led reconstruction, Muzaffarabad now has a distinct Turkish imprint and style of architecture, he said.

He expressed his satisfaction over the growing educational ties between Azad Kashmir and Turkey. Students and faculty were enrolling in the Turkish Universities and Turkish Language courses were being promoted in the University of AJK. He also invited the popular Turkish envoy Muzaffarabad to inaugurate Turkish Language courses.
Two men were killed in road accident in Shahpur police limits on Thursday

SARGODHA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Two men were killed in road accident in Shahpur police limits on Thursday. Police sources said that Ghulam Sarwar, resident of chak 243/RB (Faisal Abad), along with his son Muhammad Muzammil,was travelling in a loader truck towards Jandanwala when due to rash driving the vehicle overturned near Mitha Tiwana morr.

Both father and son died on the spot.

Police have handed over the bodies to the family after legal formalities.
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The use of tea whitener as milk is harmful for human health especially for kids and only fresh milk should be used for tea to avoid serious ailment said Additional Principal Veterinary Officer, Livestock & Dairy Development, Nasim Fawad.

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :The use of tea whitener as milk is harmful for human health especially for kids and only fresh milk should be used for tea to avoid serious ailment said Additional Principal Veterinary Officer, Livestock & Dairy Development, Nasim Fawad.

Addressing the students here on Thursday at Government Girls High School, Girja, she said the students to ensure use of fresh milk for tea. She said, the message is being disseminated under school Focused Programme for public awareness about negative affects of tea whitener and impure milk.

Nasim said the students should share the message with their friends and relatives to avoid formula milk which can cause diseases particularly kidneys and heart. A similar session was also arranged at Government Boys High School, Girja where Dr.

Javed Munir Shah highlighted the harmful affects of impure and dry milk.

Among others Headmistress Qamar un Nisa and Headmaster Muhammad Arif also attended the sessions. On this occasion, Dr. Maddihia Tariq from Livestock & Dairy Development Rawalpindi demonstrated documentaries in which the messages of nutrition and medical experts were disseminated with regard to hazardous use of dry formula milk.

She said on the directives of Secretary Livestock & Dairy Development Punjab Nasim Sadiq and Divisional Director Livestock & Dairy Development Rawalpindi Dr. Ghulam Hussain Bhutta, the School Focused Programme is successfully being implemented in different Union Councils to create awareness among the citizens with special emphasis to educate students so that they could further promote this message for the protection and safety of human lives.
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunications Anusha Rehman Thursday said that ministry had launched the projects of Rs 20 billion for providing broadband services in Balochistan.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunications Anusha Rehman Thursday said that ministry had launched the projects of Rs 20 billion for providing broadband services in Balochistan.

Speaking in the National Assembly during question hour session, the minister said that through these projects, a massive broadband coverage was being given to different areas of the province. She said that many of these projects were near completion adding, the broadband services was a gift for the people of Balochistan.

She said that now the 3g services were being provided in those areas of the province where even ptcl was not providing its services. Now all cellular companies were ready to provide their services in Balochistan on the demand of people of the area, she added.
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Two Turkish soldiers were killed on Wednesday in an attack by Kurdish militants in rural southeastern Turkey close to the border with Iraq, the army said

Ankara, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Feb, 2018 ) :Two Turkish soldiers were killed on Wednesday in an attack by Kurdish militants in rural southeastern Turkey close to the border with Iraq, the army said.

Another soldier was wounded after a handmade bomb was detonated by the "separatist terrorist organisation" -- Turkey's official term for the the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) -- in the province of Hakkari, the military said in a statement.

The PKK has waged a three-decade insurgency against the Turkish state and is classed as a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies. Fighting between the Turkish security forces and the PKK has intensified since a two-year ceasefire collapsed in 2015.

The Turkish military often conducts air raids against PKK militants who have bases in the Qandil mountain area of Iraq, and troops sometimes stage incursions into the area. Ankara on January 20 launched a cross-border air and ground operation in northern Syria supporting Syrian rebels against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia.

Turkey says the YPG is a "terrorist" offshoot of the PKK, though the militia has been working with the United States against the Islamic State extremist group in Syria.
A total of 200 China-aided vehicles were handed over to the Fijian government here on Thursday

SUVA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :A total of 200 China-aided vehicles were handed over to the Fijian government here on Thursday. Both sides believe that the much-needed vehicles for the South Pacific island state will contribute to a better service in education, healthcare and other sectors in both urban and rural areas.

Speaking at the handover ceremony of the vehicles, Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama thanked China for the vehicles which include 50 school buses, 30 ambulances, 50 police cars, 50 minibuses and 20 panel vans.

"I'd like to begin by thanking the government of China for making (such) a donation that will contribute to assisting my government to achieve this objective.

China has been a steadfast friend, and we are deeply appreciative of this assistance," he said.

The prime minister also hoped that he will work with the Chinese side to make the strong partnership between China and Fiji even stronger. For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo said that the vehicle project is made possible under the direct attention from both Chinese and Fijian leaders who witnessed the signing of the vehicle project agreement.

This project demonstrates the strategic partnership between China and Fiji based on mutual respect and common development.
Pakistan and the United States worked together to defeat the evil forces of Al-Qaeda and must continue their cooperation to fight the menace of terrorism and ensure peace and stability in South Asia, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said here.

PITTSBURG, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Pakistan and the United States worked together to defeat the evil forces of Al-Qaeda and must continue their cooperation to fight the menace of terrorism and ensure peace and stability in South Asia, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said here.

The Ambassador was in Pittsburg in the US state of Pennsylvania for public talk at the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University and at the World Affairs Council. He also addressed a gathering of the Pakistani American community in Pittsburg.

Emphasized the need for strong Pakistan-U.S. relations, the Ambassador recalled that the two countries have a long history of friendship and collaboration in a broad range of areas from education, health, commerce, information technology, and above all, in fighting the global threat of terrorism.

He particularly mentioned about the effective cooperation between Pakistan and the United States in defeating the evil forces of Al-Qaeda and said the two countries needed to work together to achieve the common objective of peace and stability in the region, especially Afghanistan.

The Ambassador underlined that Pakistan had been on the forefront of fighting global terrorism and made great sacrifices to defeat extremism and purge the country of terrorists who are now on the run and have taken refuge in Afghanistan.

Ambassador Chaudhry said that Pakistan successes both in security and economic domains must be recognized and appreciated and the nation expect the Pakistan-US relationship to be based on mutual respect and trust.

He noted with appreciation the growing bilateral trade and investment ties, and the interest that corporate America was taking in the economic opportunities being unleashed in Pakistan due to recent upswing in the economy of Pakistan.

Addressing "Distinguished Speaker's' Luncheon Series" at the World Affairs Council, where he was welcomed by the institution's President Ms.

Angelica Ocampo, the Ambassador highlighted the achievements and sacrifices of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.

He said that Pakistan had made concrete progress in eradicating the scourge of terrorism from the soil of Pakistan. Terrorists are now on the run, and through intelligence-based operation Rad-ul-Fasaad the remaining terrorist elements are being tracked down.

Referring to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, the Ambassador expressed the concern that the instability in Afghanistan could undermine the peace and stability of the region.

During a Question-Answer session, the Ambassador emphasized that there was no military solution to the Afghan problem, and urged a comprehensive political approach to achieve a lasting peace in Afghanistan.

He highlighted the role that effective border management could play in interdicting the cross border movement of terrorists. He also urged the early repatriation of Afghan refugees as increasingly Taliban and other militants were morphing into the refugee camps.

The Ambassador also addressed the Pakistani American community at a separate gathering where he appreciated their important contributions to the progress and prosperity of the United States. He said that Pakistani diaspora was serving as a strong bridge between Pakistan and the United States.

He also noted Pakistani diasporas increasing participation in political life of their adopted homeland. He assured them that the Embassy and the four consulates remain committed to serving the consular needs of the community. He also appreciated the role of the community in promoting the values of tolerance, harmony and understanding.
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Russia on Thursday announced a temporary ban on imports of some Belarusian dairy products including milk, citing "repeated violations of veterinary and sanitary norms".

Moscow, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Russia on Thursday announced a temporary ban on imports of some Belarusian dairy products including milk, citing "repeated violations of veterinary and sanitary norms".

The neighbouring countries have been wrangling over the key dairy sector for months. Russia's agricultural industry regulator Rosselkhoznadzor announced on its website that "from February 26 we are forced to introduce temporary restrictions on imports to Russia of goods that have seen the largest number of violations." The stakes in the standoff are high for ex-Soviet Belarius, whose economy is extremely closed and highly dependent on Russia, the destination for almost all its food exports.

The measures affect milk and cream as well as condensed and powdered dairy products and dairy products used in industrialised food production. Russia said they will remain in force until negotiations with Belarusian food hygiene regulatory bodies resolve the situation.

Around 25 percent of dairy products in Russia are imported, many of these from Belarus. According to Russia's national union of milk producers, Soyuzmoloko, between 78 and 92 percent of dairy products imported to Russia from January to November last year came from Belarus.

Russia has introduced restrictions on Belarusian exports and businesses in recent months, softening or intensifying them in turn. In recent years, Moscow has frequently imposed such trade restrictions on countries when diplomatic and political relations deteriorate.

Since 2014 Russia has banned the import of large numbers of foods from Western countries in response to US and EU sanctions over its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and the backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Russia's veterinary services have accused Minsk of taking advantage of this to import produce of inferior quality, while Belarusian producers accuse the Russian authorities of deliberately placing obstacles in their path.

The dairy sector is key to Belarus, which has large numbers of dairy farms, and also for Russia, which is unable to produce enough dairy products for its consumers. Russians are loyal to what they see as high-quality Belarusian products.
Spain's Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the arrest of a former Catalan MP who is in self-imposed exile in Switzerland to avoid jail while she is investigated over her role in the region's secession drive.

Madrid, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Spain's Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the arrest of a former Catalan MP who is in self-imposed exile in Switzerland to avoid jail while she is investigated over her role in the region's secession drive.

Anna Gabriel had been due to appear before the court in Madrid on Wednesday on charges of sedition and rebellion over her alleged role in Catalonia's failed independence push but she failed to turn up.

"I won't go to Madrid. I'm wanted for my political activities and the government press has already declared me guilty," she told Swiss daily Le Temps on Tuesday. In a written statement sent to AFP on Wednesday Gabriel said the police searches carried out as part of the investigation "have not provided any evidence" of the crimes she is accused of and merely collect "public statements" she made as a lawmaker in the Catalan parliament.

Gabriel, a law professor, added she expects the case to be shelved and that she would "not have to ask for political asylum in any country." Supreme Court judge Pablo Llarena said he had ordered Gabriel's arrest after she failed to turn up in court "without giving legitimate cause".

The arrest warrant applies only "nationally", a court spokesman told AFP. Public prosecutors had asked the court to issue an arrest warrant for Gabriel and ask Swiss authorities to extradite her.

- Fiery speeches - Gabriel, a top member of the far-left separatist CUP party, is the latest separatist to leave the country after deposed Catalan president Carles Puigdemont and four former regional ministers went to Belgium shortly after the Catalan parliament voted to declare independence on October 27.

Spain's central government responded by imposing direct rule on the region, sacking its pro-independence government, dissolving the parliament and calling early elections. The CUP held the balance of power in Catalonia's parliament during that time, as ousted Catalan president Carles Puigdemont's ruling coalition lacked a majority and relied on the smaller party's 10 seats to pass legislation and advance his independence "roadmap." Gabriel, the party's most famous member, is popular with CUP supporters for her fiery pro-independence speeches in parliament.

Puigdemont and several of his former ministers left for Belgium just hours before he and other separatist leaders were charged with rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds. Like Gabriel, they face arrest if they return to Spain.

While the CUP saw the number of seats it has in the Catalan assembly fall from ten to just four following a snap election on December 21, pro-independence parties won a majority of 70 seats in the 135-seat parliament. Puigdemont wants to be sworn in again as president of Catalonia from Brussels, a move fiercely opposed by Madrid.
Sweden's intelligence service on Thursday warned "foreign powers" could try and meddle in the Nordic nation's upcoming general election, singling out Russia in light of alleged interference in the last US vote.

Stockholm, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :Sweden's intelligence service on Thursday warned "foreign powers" could try and meddle in the Nordic nation's upcoming general election, singling out Russia in light of alleged interference in the last US vote.

However, the Swedish Security Service (Sapo), which is responsible for tackling espionage and terrorism, said in an annual report that Sweden's "robust" and "decentralised" electoral system was tough to influence.

"It cannot be ruled out that certain foreign powers will take advantage of the Swedish election campaign to enhance conflicts in Swedish society and attempt to weaken the democratic system," said Sapo head Anders Thornberg in the document, which was written last year.

"Russian espionage constitutes the greatest security threat" against non-NATO member Sweden, Sapo warned, adding that a third of Russian diplomats in the country were spies. "Russia is in Sweden's vicinity and could be linked to a potential military conflict," Johan Olsson, a Sapo chief for countering security threats, said in the report.

Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told a January security conference that a new agency would be formed to protect citizens from "external influence" for the September 9 general election. "To those who are considering to try to influence the election outcome in our country: stay away!" Lofven said.

"We won't hesitate to recklessly expose those who will try... Russia has been pointed out in many reports," he added. In a January 10 report, the US Senate accused Russia of spreading "disinformation" and "propaganda" to interfere in the elections of other countries to undermine Western sanctions against Moscow.

Russia's government on Monday insisted there was no evidence that it meddled in the US elections, after Washington indicted 13 Russians for alleged covert efforts to sway voters.
(@FahadShabbir)

In at least 60 incidents over the last year and a half journalists in South Sudan were killed, beaten, detained, denied entry or fired for doing their jobs, a UN report said Thursday.

Juba, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :In at least 60 incidents over the last year and a half journalists in South Sudan were killed, beaten, detained, denied entry or fired for doing their jobs, a UN report said Thursday.

State security officers were responsible for the majority of the incidents verified by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and UN Human Rights Office between July 2016 and December 2017. The effect has been a "chilling effect" on freedom of expression, "further shrinking the space for debate and dissent," said UNMISS head David Shearer at a press conference in the capital Juba.

The UN said it verified 60 out of 99 allegations of incidents affecting at least 102 people. The incidents included two killings, 58 arbitrary arrests and 16 sackings as well as "intimidation, harassment, and other forms of violence".

It said nine media outlets faced restrictions, three were shut down or suspended, four websites were blocked and eight articles in two newspapers censored. The vast majority of attacks targeted South Sudanese journalists, but some foreign correspondents were also affected.

Twenty foreign reporters were also denied entry to the country after publishing reports the government disliked.

"Those targeted were deemed to be critical of the government and accused of tarnishing the country's reputation," Shearer said.

South Sudan's four-year-old civil war has killed tens of thousands of people and forced millions from their homes. Criticised for continuing their battle for power while disregarding the suffering of the people, both government and rebel sides have grown increasingly hostile towards the independent media.

UN researchers were unable to travel to rebel-held areas to verify allegations there. In government territory they found that security forces -- including the army, police and intelligence agency -- were "responsible for two-thirds of the verified cases." The National Security Service (NSS) was singled out for using its broad powers of surveillance, arrest and detention against journalists and for placing officers at newspaper printing presses in order to censor stories, said Eugene Nindorera, who heads the UNMISS human rights office.

The result, he said, was a mounting trend towards self-censorship and lack of open debate.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold a closed-door meeting on Thursday to vote on a draft resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire in Syria to allow deliveries of humanitarian aid and medical evacuations, diplomats said, Petra reported

NEW YORK, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2018 ) :The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold a closed-door meeting on Thursday to vote on a draft resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire in Syria to allow deliveries of humanitarian aid and medical evacuations, diplomats said, Petra reported.

Sweden and Kuwait requested the meeting of the top UN body on Wednesday as Syrian government forces continued to shell militant-held Eastern Ghouta, killing scores in some of the worst bloodshed in years.

Russia has called for an urgent council meeting late Wednesday to discuss the crisis in Eastern Ghouta, which Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia described as a "complex situation", but It remains unclear whether Russia would resort to its veto to block the draft resolution.

The push for a vote came after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for a halt of the "war activities" in Eastern Ghouta, Syria's rebel enclave which has come under a fierce bombing campaign by government forces.

The draft resolution would pave the way for the truce to go into effect 72 hours after the adoption of the measure and for aid deliveries and medical evacuations to begin 48 hours after that. It demands the immediate lifting of all sieges including in Eastern Ghouta, Yarmouk, Foua and Kefraya and orders all sides to "cease depriving civilians of food and medicine indispensable to their survival."
Afghanistans ministry of defense has announced the creation of a new militia force comprising about 36,000 men to defend areas that military-led operations have cleared of Taliban insurgents.

The move comes despite long-running accusations of rights abuses against the existing Afghan Local Police, which consists of local militias trained and paid by the U.S. military.

Defense Ministry spokesman, Dawlat Waziri, said in a brief statement the new force will consist of 7,500 officers of the Afghan National Army, or ANA, and 28,500 other personnel. The recruitments will be made from Afghan government-controlled areas where they ultimately will be deployed after undergoing military training to keep insurgents from staging a comeback.

He emphasized that the new Afghan militia force being raised will work under the direct command and control of the defense ministry. Waziri did not say when the recruiting process will begin.

Patricia Gossman, senior Afghanistan researcher at Human Rights Watch, has swiftly criticized the announcement, saying accountability of forces operating outside the normal ANA structure has been a persistent problem.

What remains unclear is whether these recruits would come from existing militia forces, and if so, how the [Afghan] ministry would ensure that they would be held accountable, noted Gossman told VOA.

The New York-based watchdog has been closely monitoring and documenting past allegations of rights violations against Afghan militias.

Oversight mechanisms go unexplained

Gossman notes that Afghan authorities have not explained what kind of oversight mechanisms will be put in place to hold members of the new militia force responsible in instances of abuses against civilian population. Allegations against ALP members included sexual abuse of boys.

What lessons has the Defense Ministry learned from the problems with the ALP? No one has really answered these questions, she added.

Afghan officials maintain, however, that by placing the new militia force under the armys control will help prevent the abuse and misuse of authority.

Thursdays announcement comes amid fierce clashes between Afghan security forces and Taliban insurgents across the country, with both sides claiming to have inflicted heavy casualties on their opponents.

The Taliban controls or contests about 44 percent of the Afghan territory and insurgents continue to stage deadly attacks against government forces.

Under U.S. President Donald Trumps new Afghan war strategy, American forces have stepped up airstrikes against insurgent targets, hoping the battlefield pressure will push the Taliban to the negotiating table for talks with the Afghan government to end the conflict.

The insurgent group has vowed to resist the pressure, though, and to intensify battlefield attacks in the coming spring fighting. The Afghan conflict killed and wounded more than 10,000 civilians while pro-government forces reportedly lost about 10,000 personnel in 2017.
Amnesty International's annual report documents human rights violations in nearly 160 countries and claims 2017 saw the politics of hate and fear normalized by some of the most powerful leaders in the world.

In its newly released report, Amnesty says actions by leaders in Egypt, the Philippines, Venezuela, China, Russia and the United States have been undermining the rights of millions.

They have openly defied human rights laws or call for others to defy human rights laws. In the case of the Philippine President [Rodrigo] Duterte he has actually called on people to go out and kill those they suspect to be drug dealers, Amnesty's executive director Margaret Huang said.

The report criticizes U.S. President Donald Trump on his immigration policies, for undermining press freedoms and for his record on women's rights. VOA reached out to the White House and State Department for comment, but did not get a response.

One of the most egregious examples is his adoption of the Global Gag Rule ... So organizations that have long offered counseling, advice and information about abortion and other reproductive health services have to make a choice between [offering abortion advice to] their patients or getting funding from the U.S. government, Huang said.

Officially known as the Mexico City Policy, the ban on U.S. State Department and USAID funding to international organizations that provide abortion counseling has been on and off the books since 1984, depending on which party controls the White House. Under President Trump the policy was broadened to cover all U.S. international health care funding, based on the argument that it is intended to protect the lives of the unborn.

A women's rights advocacy group says the Global Gag Rule has cost organizations like their's millions of dollars in lost funding.

So already in places like Madagascar, Uganda, Zimbabwe we have seen programs particularly serving vulnerable women, things like the voucher programs we use to help the private sector serve women to access contraception have already stopped to be able to be accessed by women, said John Lotspeich, director of partnerships and resource mobilization at Marie Stopes International.

However a U.S. State Department report this month found that the great majority of overseas health partners have accepted the policy provisions and received new funding. The report found areas where further guidance is needed and recommended a further review of the policy by December when more extensive experience will enable a more thorough examination of the benefits and challenges.

The Amnesty report claims free speech suffered in 2017, and pointed to China, Egypt and Turkey as the biggest offenders. VOA contacted the embassies of those countries in the U.S. but they have not yet replied.

Turkey has imprisoned more than 50,000 people over the last couple of years including both the chair and director of Amnesty Turkey ... This by a government that is led by someone who once was an amnesty prisoner of conscience ... and now he has turned around and arrested our human rights leaders as part of an effort to arrest anyone who has been critical of the government, which is the same kind of situation we are seeing in Egypt and China, Huang said.

The report does note signs of progress in the Womens March and #metoo movements. It also applauded Taiwan for its decision to allow gay marriages.
A leading opposition politician has called on one of Prime Minister Hun Sens sons to publicly explain himself after sexual assault allegations circulated on social media.

Last week, numerous videos were published on social media purporting to show messages between Hun Many and a number of women who had allegedly been assaulted by him. Before the videos were posted online, Hun Manys office released a statement saying that his Facebook pages named Mani Hun and Hun Many had been compromised by hackers. Facebook is Cambodias dominant social media platform.

In one of the messages, it appeared that one of the women had been hospitalized after her encounter with Hun Many, who is a lawmaker for Kampong Speu province and president of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia.

Since the messages have been published, several of the women have come forward on social media to distance themselves from the allegations.

Seeks explanation

Mu Sochua, a former lawmaker for Battambang province with the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), which was dissolved by the Supreme Court in November, demanded that Hun Many explain the messages.

As we have already seen in the hacked video and photos, it was really serious to the point where one lady wanted to commit suicide. Moreover, what I worry about most is those ladies could possibly suffer from acid attacks, or murder, and they never get justice, Mu Sochua said.

I am not accusing Hun Many. I am asking him to explain and if he really is innocent, with his power and title, he could create a campaign to protect women who are sexual assault victims, Mu Sochua added.

When contacted by VOA, Hun Many declined to comment on the leak, instead calling for a face-to-face interview, which must be applied for in writing.

Thida Khus, head of Silaka, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to gender equity, agreed with Mu Sochuas call for Hun Many to publicly explain the messages.

Since he is a public figure, he should defend himself and explain it, Thida Khus said.

Heated political atmosphere

Hun Many is a member of parliament and belongs to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP), the party of his father, Hun Sen.

The allegations against Hun Many have emerged during campaigning for Cambodias Senate election on Sunday, and the run-up to national elections in July.

The dissolution of the CNRP effectively leaves the country as a one-party state after more than 25 years of U.N.-backed democracy-building efforts.

The CPP dominates the government, the military and the judiciary. Many members of the opposition, including Mu Sochua, fled the country in September after CNRP leader Kem Sokha was arrested Sept. 3 and charged with treason for an alleged plot to take power with U.S. help.
A fourth national Senate election campaign is in full swing in Cambodia, with candidates fanning out to rural areas to drum up support among commune councilors, who will elect 62 senators Feb. 25.

Normally in Cambodia, political campaigns like this would be an occasion for discussion and debate about the merits of different parties and policies; but this year, things are different.

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court's dissolution of the main opposition party in November, publicly supporting the Cambodia National Rescue Party, or CNRP, has become risky and, in some cases, illegal.

The elected Senate seats are filled by indirect ballot  only 11,572 commune councilors and 123 National Assembly members can vote  meaning senators answer to political parties, not ordinary Cambodians. Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party, or CPP, is expected to win all 62 seats in what is effectively a one-party state because any CNRP supporters once eligible to vote in the election have either defected to the ruling party or been replaced by CPP loyalists.

Wary of socializing

It is not just ex-CNRP officials who are fearful. Last week, even low-level supporters and those who had no formal affiliation with the CNRP told VOA Khmer they are scared to discuss politics and even meet with each other socially.

In the Romeas Hek district of Svay Rient province, senior ruling party official Sok Eysan was on the campaign trail for a Senate seat he seems certain to win. Rather than discussing the issues facing the area, he spent much of his stump speech mocking former opposition leaders Kem Sokha  in jail since his arrest last year on charges of seeking to overthrow the government  and exiled opposition figure Sam Rainsy  whom he repeatedly called a "son of a traitor."

"We don't lie like the wind-and-smoke words of the contemptible Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha," Sok Eysan said.

Near the campaign event, in Chantrey commune, villagers told VOA they were anxious about publicly discussing even the most persistent problems in their area, such as the lack of electricity or running water, and the unpaved road through the commune where dirt is kicked up night and day.

Along that road, Neth Samun, 56, runs a small grocery store often coated in a layer of dust. She and her customers used to chat about social issues, particularly the loneliness and lack of social cohesion in their village since so many young people have migrated away to find work in factories near Phnom Penh. Several of her 11 children are among the migrants, and she cares for one grandchild whose mother is a garment worker.

"Before, we talked about garment factories, garment workers' pay, and our nation's issues, but now we don't dare to talk," she said. "Before, there was a lot of talk when the CNRP existed. But now no one dares."

Pen Samath, 52, who also owns a small shop along the road selling groceries and gasoline, said she was concerned about the potential loss of land to Vietnam, which borders the district.

Alleged Vietnamese border encroachment has been a potent political issue for the CNRP in past years, but most of the opposition's loudest voices on the issue are now in exile.

Pen Samath said she used to discuss Vietnam-Cambodia relations with other villagers and the local CNRP commune chief, Mey Dara. Now, he doesn't stop by her shop.

"I don't dare to talk," she added. "I'm afraid of being mistreated. So I keep silent like the others."

'Is it OK to talk?'

The situation is more intense for those who had a formal affiliation with the opposition party.

Mey Dara, the former CNRP commune chief, said that he was being watched so closely that he hardly left his house.

Without a job or income, the 60-year-old tends to a small rice paddy and vegetable patch near his home. To earn extra money to replace his lost government salary, he and his wife rent out a loudspeaker they own and sell herbal medicine.

"If there is a gathering of four or five people, they will come to watch us," he said, looking at the dusty road in front of his house where small cars and big trucks are passing.

"I can't communicate with villagers like before," he added. "I am afraid that people will be accused of something."

As he spoke, Chab Torn, his 61-year-old wife, got up from a nearby hammock and interrupted her husband. "Is it OK to talk?" she asked. She proposed moving inside the house so nobody could see the couple speaking with a journalist.

Tith Marong, 66, an ex-CNRP district chief and Romeas Hek district councilor who also lost his post, said he was also being watched and feared traveling.

Mey Dara and Tith Marong, who are longtime friends, rarely communicate anymore.

"Now we just meet when joining things like weddings and other religious ceremonies, and we just ask each other about other things, not about politics," Marong said.

'Follow and watch'

The new CPP commune chief, Leuk Sakhun, who inherited the position after Dara was stripped of the role, admitted freely that villagers were under surveillance.

He said former opposition members were being watched in case they "form a group," although the Cambodian constitution guarantees the right to free assembly and association.

"We follow and watch them," he said.

One result of this has been that ordinary people rarely come together to talk about politics, the commune chief said.

"People have been silent after the party was dissolved," he said. "No one talks. Previously, after the local election, people talked more."
Chinese officials have denied reports that they are in contact with separatist militants in Pakistans restive Baluchistan province to secure tens of billions of dollars worth of infrastructure projects planned for the area.

A report in the Financial Times this week said that quiet talks between the two sides had been ongoing for five years and that Beijing had been in direct contact with the militants.

However, a senior Chinese official dealing with the region said he had never heard of it. The official did not want his name mentioned in the media.

Sher Muhammad Bugti, a representative of a separatist group the Baluch Republican Party, also denied having any negotiations with China.

We do not know of any talks, nor have we been contacted [by China], he told the VOA Deewa Service from his exile in Switzerland.

However, some other separatist leaders have demurred from issuing a similar denial.

China is planning the largest segment of its One Belt One Road initiative in Pakistan called the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. The primary aim of the network of roads and railway lines is to connect Xinjiang province in Western China through Pakistan to the Indian ocean, reducing its international shipping time by weeks and slashing the cost. The port city Gwadar, the lynchpin of the project, is in Baluchistan province.

CPEC, as the network is commonly known, is also hailed as a regional connectivity framework, with impact on Iran, Afghanistan, India, Central Asian Republic, and the region, according to its official website under the Pakistan government.

However, it passes through areas in Pakistan, particularly in Baluchistan, that have long faced an insurgency demanding more autonomy and control over local resources. Baloch separatists view CPEC with suspicion, fearing it is another attempt by the federal government of Pakistan to plunder the assets of their province without giving them a due share in the profit. However, officials say employment and prosperity generated by CPEC projects will benefit the local population.

The $60 billion Chinese investment plans have also materialized at a time when Pakistan is facing increased tensions with the United States, which recently suspended all military aid to the country for failing to act against militants that the U.S. said are operating against neighboring Afghanistan and India from its soil.
Early this month, the Egyptian army launched a military campaign in the North Sinai and areas of the Nile Delta, all of which have seen major terrorist attacks in the past year. But experts say it will take more than security measures to eradicate terrorism in Egypt.

The military says it plans to clear the areas of militants, protect Egyptian society from the threats of terrorism and extremism, and address other crimes affecting security and stability.

That military plan might not be enough, according to Allison McManus, director of research at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy in Washington.

What has been lacking is a longer-term vision that would require not just the brute force, which at times as we have seen actually exacerbates the problem and caused greater antagonism among the local population, as well as the destruction of livelihood, McManus said.

McManus thinks that military force must be supplemented with economic opportunities and good governance, which can make local populations partners in combating terrorism.

Increasing problem

In late November, President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi called on the military to use whatever force necessary to eliminate militant violence within three months.

Since 2013, terrorism has increasingly disrupted life in Egypt, especially in the Sinai. According to the Tahrir Institute, Egypt has suffered more than 1,700 attacks over the past four years.

In Sinai Province, the local Islamic State affiliate has claimed credit for about 800 attacks. And in recent months, the attacks have crept closer to Cairo and targeted more civilians.

The new military campaign began a few months after more than two dozen extremists carried out the deadliest terrorist attack in modern Egyptian history. The raid  which involved setting off bombs inside a Sufi mosque, then shooting from outside at worshippers as they fled  killed more than 300 people and injured scores more in the northern town of Bir al-Abed.

Almost 1,000 police officers and soldiers have been killed while fighting extremists and insurgents in the past four years.

Politically, there is widespread public support for the military campaign, although people are waiting to see if Sissi can deliver on his lofty promise of eradicating terrorism.

McManus says the timing of the campaign comes down to military and political factors.

One, which would be a very positive thing, is that as opposed to previous campaigns, the military is gathering intelligence on the locations of terrorists, hideouts, training camps, et cetera," she said.

The second factor, she said, "is the upcoming presidential elections at the end of March. We have seen a pretty strong propaganda campaign showing the strength of the military in carrying out these operations; drumming up the political support for the campaign, which could be tied to build some support for Sissi in advance of the elections.

While the campaign against militants is in its early stages, some experts are uncertain of how successful it might be.

Stick, no carrot

David Des Roches, a professor at the National Defense University in Washington, who previously served in Sinai, thinks it will be next to impossible to fully eradicate the terrorist threat.

There has to be some elements of force; there are determined fighters here, but what you have in the Sinai is really more of an insurrection, and that requires a significant stabilization, reconstruction and civilian government efforts, as well. Unfortunately, I do not think we are seeing that, which is why this insurrection was harder to eradicate than the Egyptians thought it would be, he said.

The Egyptian military has long operated with heavy force in North Sinai. It has been conducting regular air and land strikes, destroying fields and property to wipe out hideouts.

The Egyptians will learn through a very hard experience that you have to have a carrot and a stick, and it seems that the effort in the Sinai is just the stick, and either one of these in isolation almost never succeed, Des Roches said.

Des Roches said an over-reliance on military activity has antagonized local communities that are critical to intelligence gathering and appears to have led to further radicalization.

Bedouin in Sinai accuse government forces of indiscriminately bombing their villages as militants hide among the local population.

The U.S. State Departments latest human-rights report expressed concern over the Egyptian government's excessive use of force by security forces, deficiencies in due process, and the suppression of civil liberties.

The Egyptian State Information Service says the government rejects allegations of excessive force. This week, the agency blamed the Muslim Brotherhood and its allies for the problems, and said some international media outlets propagate lies that civilians and their properties in Sinai have been harmed by the military.
Even as he faces a potential deportation from Israel, 30-year-old Eritrean asylum seeker Johny Goytiom Kafl brims with satisfaction as he looks out upon thousands of fellow protesters rallying against the impending expulsions, all while peacefully secured by police.

Its such displays of civil action that he most admires about his adoptive home of the past nine years since he escaped one of the worlds most oppressive regimes, and then faced torture, kidnapping and abuse during his exodus throughout Africa.

You are treated like a human being in Israel, he said in fluent Hebrew. Here I am not afraid. In Eritrea, I was afraid.

Kafl, along with tens of thousands of other Africans, now fear their stay in the Holy Land is coming to an abrupt end. Israel has given many of them until April 1 to leave for an unnamed African destination - known to be Rwanda - in exchange for $3,500 and a plane ticket. Otherwise, they face open-ended incarceration.

Seven people from Eritrea were jailed this week, Israeli Interior Ministry spokeswoman Sabine Haddad said Thursday.

Israel considers the vast majority of the nearly 40,000 migrants to be job seekers and says it has no legal obligation to keep them. The Africans, nearly all from dictatorial Eritrea and war-torn Sudan, say they fled for their lives and face renewed danger if they return.

As the world grapples with the worst refugee crisis since World War II, the issue has struck a raw nerve in Israel - established on the heels of the Holocaust.

Critics at home and in the Jewish American community have called the governments proposed response unethical and a stain on Israels image as a refuge for Jewish migrants.

The optics of black asylum seekers accusing the country of racism has turned into a public relations liability for Israel, and groups of Israeli doctors, academics, poets, Holocaust survivors, rabbis and pilots have all appealed to halt the plan. But the government remains steadfast, bristling at what it considers cynical comparisons to the plight of Jews in Nazi Germany.

The Africans started moving toward Israel in 2005 after neighboring Egypt violently quashed a refugee demonstration and word spread of safety and job opportunities in Israel. Tens of thousands crossed the porous desert border before Israel completed a barrier in 2012 that stopped the influx.

But Israel has struggled with what to do with those already in the country, alternating between plans to deport them and offering them menial jobs in hotels and local municipalities.

Kafl, like many of his compatriots, fled Eritrea to escape its lifelong military conscription in slavery-like conditions and fears death if he returns.

He has experienced both sides of Israel. His asylum request is still pending, and he has been locked up in a massive detention center in the remote southern desert. But he is also deeply grateful to the many Israelis who welcomed him and sympathized with his plight. He said he hopes to one day return the favor if the Eritrean regime is ultimately toppled.

I knocked on the door of the country and said save me. I will never forget the soldier who said welcome, gave me food and called for a doctor. I got his kind of respect in Israel, not in Eritrea, he said.

After the initial warm welcome, however, many turned against the migrants, particularly in the working class neighborhoods in south Tel Aviv, which have become known as Little Africa.

They are abusing our democracy to live off our backs, said Shefi Paz, who leads the local residents opposition. Theyve ruined our community and ruined our lives.

The government, dominated by nationalist parties, has denounced their prolonged stay and recently voted to begin deporting them to African countries with which they have reached secret agreements. They are believed to be Rwanda and Uganda, close allies of Israel, though they both deny any deal exists.

The government says it is going out of its way to accommodate humanitarian concerns. Women, children and families, for example, are exempt from the deportation order, as are those who escaped the genocide in Sudans western region of Darfur. It says it is expediting its refugee vetting process, and notes the Supreme Court has ruled the arrangement is legal and does not imperil those dispatched.

But thats not what the migrants and their backers contend.

Sigal Rozen, of the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants advocacy group, said Israels processing has been disingenuous, noting that of the 15,000 African refugee status requests, only 11 have been approved.

She said the 4,000 migrants who accepted previous offers to go to Rwanda did not find refuge there. Nearly all had their travel papers seized and money taken and were then pushed into neighboring Uganda to embark upon a second refugee ordeal.

Unable to return home, they have been forced to traverse though Africa, where many reported being tortured, raped and starved in Libya en route to Europe. An Eritrean Christian who had left Israel was beheaded on a Libyan beach by the Islamic State group in 2015.

How can Israel know if these people are genuine refugees if they didnt check their asylum requests? said Rozen. As Jews, we are morally obliged to protect these people from the horrible things that they ran away from.

At a parliamentary hearing Monday, Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely said Israel had no obligation toward what she called job seekers who imposed unacceptable migrant terror that includes violence and sexual harassment toward the people of south Tel Aviv.

Monim Haroon said it hurt to hear Israel refer to him as an infiltrator. Now a 28-year-old university student in Jerusalem, he fled Darfur five years ago and has lost family members in the genocide.

I escaped my country because I wanted to stay alive and to say that I am just a migrant worker, that is very painful to me, he said at a demonstration outside the Rwandan Embassy in Tel Aviv.

Lior Birger, a researcher who published a recent study of 19 migrants who voluntarily left Israel and managed to reach Europe, said Israels promises were not being kept. One Eritrean testified to being extorted in a Sudanese prison and then beaten in a Libyan torture camp and shoved into a small room with 800 people. Another said he watched his wife drown in the Mediterranean and later tried to kill himself. She said everyone had a uniform message: Better a prison in Israel than dying on the way.

A recent poll by the respected Israel Democracy Institute found two-thirds of the Jewish public agreed with the planned expulsions. The migrants best hope may be the governments lack of preparation. Prison authorities are skeptical they will be able to process the expected 15,000 to 20,000 to be jailed.

For many of the Africans, there is no good choice.

I dont care about the money and I never even planned to reach Israel. I was just looking for a safe area, said Halofom Sultan, 37, who escaped Eritrea seven years ago and has been separated from his wife and two children since. I hope there will be a change in my country and I can go back. Otherwise, I dont know.
A young politician who was the rising star of France's far-right National Front until she left politics is stepping into the limelight on the other side of the Atlantic, appearing Thursday as a speaker at a major forum for American Conservatives.



Former lawmaker Marion Marechal-Le Pen, 28, disappeared from the public eye last year after aunt Marine Le Pen, president of the National Front party, suffered a crushing loss in France's presidential race to Emmanuel Macron.



She is scheduled to follow U.S. Vice President Mike Pence at the podium on the opening day of the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland. President Donald Trump is to address the group on Friday.



French media suggests the appearance of Marechal-Le Pen, tipped to be a potential leader for the National Front, foreshadows a return to politics as her aunt struggles to give new life  and perhaps a new name  to the party.



But the ambitions of Marechal-Le Pen  whose views are more conservative than her aunt's  appear more far-reaching. She says she wants to open a political science academy to spread the conservative gospel.



"Our vocation? To detect and train the leaders of tomorrow,"' she wrote in a commentary in this week's edition of the conservative magazine Valeurs Actuelles. She did not provide details of when and where the school would be launched.



"We want to be the place where all currents of the right can meet and flower," she wrote.



Marechal-Le Pen has managed to stay out of the Le Pen family feud pitting aunt Marine against her grandfather, Jean-Marie Le Pen, who was expelled from membership in the National Front he founded in 1972 for racist and anti-Semitic remarks.



A court confirmed recently that his title of honorary president for life cannot be withdrawn. Doing away with that status is among measures to be voted on at a party congress next month.



Marechal-Le Pen has reportedly not remained in touch with either her aunt or grandfather.
They're angry. They're anxious. They're afraid.

And they're demanding action. Now.

They are warriors of a new youth crusade for stricter American gun laws  an impromptu movement born out of frustration and outrage over last week's mass shooting at their Florida high school.

They are leading the charge with a simple message  "Never again"  and they say they will continue to speak out until their demands are met, unlike protests that broke out and then quickly faded away after other mass shootings in recent years.

WATCH: Student protests

In the week since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School left 17 people dead, students at the Parkland school have unleashed what they hope will become a movement.

Rallies around country

At rallies in Florida and elsewhere, in television interviews and on social media pages, they've called out politicians with ties to the National Rifle Association, the nation's main gun lobby, spewed anger at the NRA, and expressed frustration at state and national legislators' failure to pass laws that they say would have prevented the tragedy.

"What we need is action, and we need it now more than ever because people are losing their lives and it is still not being taken seriously," Alfonso Calderon, a 16-year-old junior at Stoneman Douglas, said Wednesday at a rally in Tallahassee.

The students are working on two fronts. In Florida, they're lobbying local politicians to pass stricter gun laws. In Washington, they are planning to converge next month to urge Congress to enact tougher background checks for gun buyers and impose a ban on assault rifles.

Some are of voting age. Since the Florida House of Representatives rejected a ban on many semiautomatic guns on Tuesday, the youths have been putting state politicians on notice that they can't take their votes for granted.

"The more that I know  me and my friends, we are turning 18. I am a senior; I'm 18 myself now. I can vote, and I know who I am not voting for," Ryan Deitsch said at the Tallahassee rally.

The crusade has been joined by students and activists elsewhere. While the Tallahassee rally was going on, students across the country staged walkouts to express solidarity with their peers in Florida and demand new gun laws. In Washington, about a hundred students converged outside the U.S. Capitol.

"I think that this current fight for gun control is a fight that students and teenagers and children are having to fight," Juliet Cable, a student at Newton South High School in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, told VOA in Washington. "We're the ones who need to stand up and call attention to it and change it."



Walkouts planned

The organizers of the Women's March, a group that staged a large protest rally in Washington the day after Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017 and a second march last month, are planning a National Student Walkout on March 14.

According to the group's website, at 10 a.m. in every U.S. time zone, students, teachers and staff will walk out for 17 minutes to remember the victims of the Florida shooting and to protest what they see as congressional inaction.

A second national walkout has been organized by a student at a Connecticut high school not far from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, site of a 2012 shooting that left 26 people dead. The walkout is planned for April 20, the 19th anniversary of shootings at Columbine High School in Jefferson County, Colorado, in which two students killed 12 fellow students and one teacher.

The plan, according to organizer Lane Murdock, 15, a sophomore at Ridgefield High School in Ridgefield, Connecticut, is for students across the country to stand in silence for 17 minutes to remember each of the 17 the victims of the Florida shooting.

"We are the students. We are the victims. We are change. Fight gun violence now!" Murdock wrote in an online petition.

As of Wednesday, her petition on Change.org had been signed by more than 120,000 people.

One gun-control advocate said she had never seen anything else like the movement that has sprouted in the wake of the Florida school shooting.

"We've certainly seen a groundswell of anger rise up following mass shootings in the past, but nothing like this in terms of the momentum or youth's engagement," said Kristin Brown, co-president of the Brady Campaign, a Washington-based advocacy organization.

The youth movement's ultimate aim, organizers say, is to stop mass shootings, which have grown in frequency and lethality over the past two decades. According to Gun Violence Archive, a not-for-profit group that provides public access to information about U.S. gun-related violence, there were 34 mass shootings in 19 states and the District of Columbia in the first 51 days of 2018.

"We're going to be the kids you read about in textbooks," Emma Gonzalez, another survivor of the Florida shooting, said on Fox News on Sunday. "We're going to be the last mass shooting."

Gun violence in U.S.

That's a tall order. Gun violence is a leading cause of death in America  there were 15,592 gun-related deaths last year, according to Gun Violence Archive  but tightening gun laws has long been a polarizing political issue.

While gun-control advocates want to tighten laws to prevent someone like alleged Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz from buying an assault weapon, opponents say the existing laws are already too tough.

"I don't think this could possibly lead to any kind of radical change in American firearms policy," said James Jacobs, director of the Center for Research in Crime and Justice at New York University School of Law. "What might come out of it is some kind of marginal law."

Gun-safety advocates have been meeting with student organizers to educate them about gun laws.

"It's important for us in the advocacy moment to ensure that the kids are focused on policy changes that actually make a difference," Brown, of the Brady Campaign, said.

Representatives of the Brady Campaign, the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence and other advocacy organizations were in Tallahassee on Wednesday to speak at the rally and meet with students and state lawmakers.

Conservative critics

The students are not without their detractors.

Some conservative critics have accused them of being used as pawns by progressive activists intent on undermining Americans' constitutional right to own guns.

Yet the students' message appears to be resonating  and not just among the usual proponents of gun safety.

In the wake of the shooting, Trump has shown an openness to raising the minimum age for buying certain guns, expressed support for enhancing background checks, and ordered a ban on a device that allows semiautomatic rifles to fire at nearly the rate of fully automatic weapons.

He met with students, parents and teachers at the White House on Wednesday for a "listening session" on mass shootings, vowing to find a solution to a problem that he said "has been going on too long."

Pro-gun-rights politicians are feeling the heat from unlikely sources.

Al Hoffman Jr., a real estate developer and prominent Republican donor, announced after the shooting that he would stop supporting candidates and political groups that do not support a ban on assault rifles.

In Congress, there is a proposal to ban assault rifles, a bill introduced last year by Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein of California.

Just what kind of legislation Congress will ultimately pass in response to the shooting remains to be seen.

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, however, tweeted this week that Trump's support for bipartisan legislation to improve background checks signaled that "the politics of gun violence is rapidly shifting" in the wake of the Florida shooting.

Murphy and Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas are co-sponsors of a bipartisan bill that would tighten FBI background checks of people who are attempting to purchase a gun.
Haitian and Salvadoran immigrants sued President Donald Trump on Thursday, arguing that the Republican administration's decision to end special protections shielding them from deportation was racially motivated.



The lawsuit filed in federal court in Boston seeks to block the administration from terminating temporary protective status for thousands of immigrants from Haiti and El Salvador. It claims Trump's move to rescind the program was rooted in animus against immigrants of color, citing comments made by Trump on the campaign trial and in office.



"Many of the plaintiffs have lived in the United States for decades," said Patricia Montes, executive director of Centro Presente, a Massachusetts-based Latin American immigrant organization that's also a plaintiff in the case. "If TPS is terminated, they are at risk of losing everything  the homes and the businesses they have built, the families they have raised and the money they have invested into their communities,'' she said in a statement.



Temporary legal status provides temporary safe havens for people from countries experiencing armed conflicts, natural disasters and other challenges.



In January, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said it was ending special protections for Salvadoran immigrants, giving them until Sept. 9, 2019, to leave the U.S. or face deportation. Months earlier, the administration ended the protection for Haitians, requiring them to leave or adjust their legal status by July 22, 2019, and for Nicaraguans, giving them until Jan. 5, 2019. A decision is expected later this year for Honduran immigrants.



The Department of Homeland Security said that conditions in Haiti have improved significantly since the 2010 earthquake and the country is now able to "safely receive traditional levels of returned citizens."



The Obama administration had extended protections for Salvadorans in 2016, saying the country was still suffering the lingering effects of earthquakes in 2001 that killed more than 1,000 people. The Trump administration said last month that the country has received significant international aid to recover from the earthquake, and homes, schools and hospitals there have been rebuilt.



The lawsuit calls the administration's stated reasons for ending the protections "nothing but a thin pretextual smoke screen for a racially discriminatory immigration agenda."



The complaint was filed by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice on behalf of eight immigrants enrolled in the program, including a Salvadoran restaurant owner in Massachusetts and a 19-year-old Haitian immigrant living and attending community college in Boston.



It points to reports that Trump questioned why the U.S. would want to admit more people from Haiti, used a vulgarity to describe countries in Africa and said he would like to see more immigrants from countries like Norway. It also cites separate reports that Trump said Haitians who received visas to enter the U.S. last year "all have AIDS" and comments he made about immigration during the campaign, including that Mexican immigrants were "bringing crime" and were "rapists."'



The NAACP and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund filed a similar lawsuit in Maryland last month challenging the termination of the protections for Haitian immigrants.


The Haitian government Thursday suspended the operations of the British charity Oxfam in the country pending the outcome of an investigation into employees' alleged sexual exploitation of Haitians after the country's devastating 2010 earthquake.



Planning and External Cooperation Minister Aviol Fleurant said the charity committed a "serious error" when it failed to inform Haitian authorities about the alleged misconduct. Fleurant said a decision about when or if Oxfam will resume operations in Haiti will be made in about two months.



The government issued a statement saying, "These reprehensible acts, alleged crimes, acknowledged by the perpetrators as well as the NGO [non-governmental organization], are a serious violation of the dignity of the Haitian people."



The suspension comes two days after Oxfam Chief Executive Officer Mark Goldring said the organization was investigating 26 new cases of sexual misconduct involving the charity's international operation.



Goldring's revelation was made as legislators questioned him over the alleged use of prostitutes in Haiti after the earthquake. An Oxfam report released Monday into the behavior of aid workers sent to Haiti revealed seven of them were accused of using prostitutes at an Oxfam-funded home and three of them physically threatened a witness in the investigation.



Four staff members were fired for gross misconduct and Oxfam's director for Haiti, Roland Van Hauwermeiren, and two others were allowed to resign.



Goldring apologized to the lawmakers on behalf of Oxfam and said the charity would launch its own investigation into abuses in the foreign aid sector. Last week, the charity formally apologized to Haiti and announced a plan to combat sexual abuse, including a new vetting system for potential employees.



Allegations of sexual misconduct have rattled the aid sector, prompting Britain and the European Union to review funding for Oxfam, one of the world's largest disaster relief charities. Haitian President Jovenel Moise has called for investigations of other charitable organizations as well.
Israel and the United States say they have successfully tested an anti-missile system designed to protect the Jewish state from long-range missile attack. Monday's test of the Arrow 3 interceptor comes eight days after Iran displayed a new version of a missile with a 2,000-kilometer range that puts Israeli territory within reach. Iran has vowed to continue its missile program. As VOA's Michael Lipin reports, Israel is debating how far it should go to protect itself from Iranian missiles.
The "facade" of free press in Cambodia "collapsed" in 2017, according to the annual report of the country's preeminent media watchdog, released Wednesday.

Optimism that media development in the country was headed in the right direction has evaporated, the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM) survey finds.

Of the 75 journalists working within both pro-government and more independent outlets who were anonymously surveyed for the report, 92 percent considered the closure of scores of radio stations and other media outlets last year to be politically driven.

"A sector that once offered a semblance of democracy with pockets of free and critical news coverage  amid a sea of ruling party affiliated television and newspapers  has been cut down and left reeling," it concluded.

"Reporters say they work with a keen awareness that they could be next targeted for their work."

In the lead-up to this July's national election, the government has orchestrated a prolonged crackdown on dissent that has seen the only viable opposition party dissolved, its leader jailed and its senior members banned from politics.

Thirty-two radio channels across 20 provinces that broadcast non-government-aligned and often critical content were forced to close last year by the government.

The Cambodia Daily newspaper was ordered to shut down over a disputed tax bill, and Radio Free Asia suspended its in-country operations citing threats, and amid a dispute over its tax status.

Two of Radio Free Asia's former reporters, who allegedly continued to communicate with their head office afterward, have been charged with espionage, as has an Australian journalist for reasons that remain largely unexplained.

Within this context, CCIM's survey found those who felt the industry was headed in the right direction had plummeted from 71 percent in 2015 (a report was missed in 2016) to 11 percent in 2017.

Journalists who reported verbal or physical attacks at some point had risen 12 percent since 2015, while 47 percent said they had been threatened  an 18 percent increase on the previous survey. Increasingly, journalists and sources were communicating through encrypted messaging, fearing reprisals.

The biggest problems for journalists were identified as government influence and control (49 percent), and prosecutions or legal threats (18 percent).

One positive note from the report was an increase in previously low rates of training that journalists said they had received, though much of that training appears to have come from government-affiliated entities.

Mixed reactions

Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith, who was shown an advanced copy of the report, and his undersecretary of state, Mean Sophorn, both canceled their scheduled appearances at the launch of the report.

Those who did attend as guests at a panel discussion at the launch had mixed reactions to the report.

Club of Cambodian Journalists President Pen Bonnar, who also is the news director of ruling party Senator Ly Yong Phat's TV station, PNN, said the report's findings were a bit overblown.

"For me, for the closure of two or three media outlets as a journalist, I am sorry. I do not want to see the newspapers or radio shut down," he told VOA on the sidelines.

"But the closure of those offices, I think it's not as bad as the report said  that it is the catastrophe in Cambodia  I do not think so, because there is lots of news media, listeners can find other sources."

Huy Vannak, president of the Union of Journalist Federations in Cambodia, who simultaneously works as an undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Interior and in a senior capacity at several pro-government news outlets, suggested the idea of journalistic independence was largely a myth anyway.

"For me, in politics I speak one thing, and in journalism I speak another. But I don't lie to the people. There is no one-size-fits-all resolution. There are varying issues in the media sector," he said.

What is important is integrity and professionalism, he maintains, while also dismissing concerns about the security of journalists.

Sometimes, Vannak said, he has had to report journalists with "mental illnesses" who cursed authorities at the Ministry of Information, and he said he urged reporters to avoid causing headaches by focusing on politics too much.

Kulachada Chaipipat, advocacy manager of the Southeast Asian Press Alliance in Bangkok, said it was a major concern to see one of the beacons of press freedom in the region backsliding.

"Compared to the other countries in the region, the picture here is not unique but it only adds up to a bad score on the regional media landscape," she said.

"For Cambodia it is alarming, alarming because it is the country being viewed by outsiders beyond this region or media or press advocacy groups in the region as one of the shining examples of countries ruined from years of war and then to emerge as a vibrant democracy in transition," Chaipipat said.

'Fake news'

Government officials took aim at one of the few independent media voices left in Cambodia this week, accusing local newspaper The Phnom Penh Post of misreporting that Germany had suspended preferential travel visas for some Cambodian officials.

Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng reportedly called the article "fake news" fabricated by the opposition, despite the fact it was sourced from an official German parliamentary document later verified by the member of parliament who wrote it.

Asked about the matter, Huy Vannak said he could not make a judgment, as it required further investigation, while Pen Bonnar told the audience he did not think the newspaper had done anything wrong.
Last year, Zimbabwe's government declared the birthday of longtime leader Robert Mugabe a public holiday. Oh, what a difference a few months make. There was none of the usual fanfare today as the now former president celebrated his 94th birthday. But the official holiday still went on.



The holiday was first announced last August, just three months before Robert Mugabe was forced out under military pressure. Since then, the former president has not spoken in public.



Some Zimbabweans thought the holiday might be forgotten. But this morning, Zimbabweans woke up to this message from state-owned radio and TV stations: "President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the 21st of February of every year a public holiday."



Still, it is a stark contrast to years past when the ruling ZANU-PF party would mount massive birthday celebrations.



The price tag for last year's party was estimated to be at least $1 million, with a birthday cake reportedly weighing in at a whopping 93 kilograms.

Pupurai Togarepi, ZANU-PF's current youth leader, said the party decided to go low-key this year.



"It is a day we look at what he has done for this country to improve the lives of people, including the youths. We also look at the livelihoods of the youths, opportunities that are there. We are not going to have rallies, or big bashes as we used to do," said Togarepi.



In his final years in office, Mugabe faced fresh protests over the failed economy and rights abuses.



There is nothing to celebrate on this February 21st, said Harare resident Stan Shava.



"It's just a reminder of the 37 years that Robert Mugabe was in power. Otherwise, when we really look at it, it does not have any value addition. Of course, coining it the Youth Day tries to give us an insinuation that there is so much that people should look forward to in terms of youth development, but when you look at the name that is coming through, 37 years, in terms of the youth, nothing really good is there for us to talk about," said Shava.



But, analyst Alexander Rusero from Harare Polytechnic College School of Journalism said it would have been wrong to cancel the holiday. He said Mugabe is still an important figure to Zimbabwe.



"He [Mugabe] was dethroned from power specifically to restore his legacy. So you cannot restore the legacy of Mugabe by undoing a day specifically set to commemorate what he stood for. So what is happening is an acknowledgement that Mugabe-ism is within ZANU-PF and within Zimbabwe for as long as it takes. Mugabe-ism is a philosophy which calls for upliftment of black Zimbabweans," said Rusero.



On Wednesday, all banks and government offices were closed, so were most shops and traffic in the capital was lighter than usual, a day of reflection as the nation grapples with the past and looks to the future.
Dramatically escalating the pressure and stakes, special counsel Robert Mueller filed additional criminal charges Thursday against President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman and his business associate.

The filing adds allegations of tax evasion and bank fraud and significantly increases the legal jeopardy facing Paul Manafort, who managed Trump's campaign for several months in 2016, and longtime associate Rick Gates. Both had already faced the prospect of at least a decade in prison if convicted at trial.

The two men were initially charged in a 12-count indictment in October that accused them of a multimillion-dollar money-laundering conspiracy tied to lobbying work for a Russia-friendly Ukrainian political party. Manafort and Gates, who also worked on Trump's campaign, both pleaded not guilty after that indictment.

The new charges, contained in a 32-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Virginia, allege that Manafort and Gates doctored financial documents, lied to tax preparers and defrauded banks  using money they cycled through offshore accounts to spend lavishly, including on real estate, interior decorating and other luxury goods.

The new criminal case, assigned to U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III, comes a week after a separate Mueller indictment charged 13 Russians and three companies in a conspiracy to undermine the 2016 U.S. presidential election through a hidden social media propaganda effort. The charges against Manafort and Gates don't relate to any allegations of misconduct related to Trump's campaign, though Mueller is continuing to investigate potential ties to the Kremlin.

The charges against Manafort and Gates arise from their foreign lobbying and efforts that prosecutors say they made to conceal their income by disguising it as loans from offshore companies. More recently, after their Ukrainian work dwindled, the indictment also accuses them of fraudulently obtaining more than $20 million in loans from financial institutions.

The new indictment increases the amount of money Manafort, with the assistance of Gates, is accused of laundering to $30 million. It also charges Manafort and Gates with filing false tax returns from 2010 through 2014 and in most of those years concealing their foreign bank accounts from the IRS.

Ongoing turmoil

The indictment contains references to other conspirators who are accused of helping Manafort and Gates in obtaining fraudulent loans. It doesn't name the conspirators but notes that one of them worked at one of the lenders.

In a document that accompanied the new indictment, prosecutors said they had filed the charges in Virginia, rather than Washington where the other case is pending, because the alleged conduct occurred there and one of the defendants objected to them being brought in Washington. It did not say which defendant objected.

The indictment comes amid ongoing turmoil in the Manafort and Gates defense camps. Manafort has been unable to reach an agreement with prosecutors over the terms of his bail and remains under house arrest, while Gates' lawyers withdrew from the case after acknowledging "irreconcilable differences" with their client. A new lawyer, Thomas Green, entered an appearance Thursday on Gates' behalf.

Green confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday evening that he represented Gates but did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new charges.

Flurry of activity

Mueller was appointed in May to investigate potential coordination between Russia and the Trump campaign. He took over an ongoing FBI investigation into Manafort's foreign lobbying work.

After a two-month stretch that produced no charges, the new indictment is part of a flurry of activity for Mueller's team within the past week.

Besides the charges against the Russians, Mueller's team on Tuesday unsealed a guilty plea from a Dutch lawyer who admitted he lied to investigators about his contacts with Gates.

Two other people who aided Trump in the campaign or in the White House  former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former campaign foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos  have pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about their foreign contacts. Neither man has been sentenced. Both are cooperating with the investigation.

Mueller is also examining whether Trump obstructed justice through actions including the firing last May of FBI Director James Comey. His team has expressed interest in interviewing the president.
Pakistans chief diplomat said Tuesday that a U.S.-led motion to put Pakistan on a global terrorist financing watch list has been deferred for three months.

The final decision of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is expected to be announced Thursday.

Pakistans foreign minister, Khawaja Asif, who is on an official visit to Russia, made his announcement in a tweet Tuesday.

Asif also mentioned that the financial watchdog has instructed the Asia Pacific Group (APG), an entity of FATF, to consider another report in June on the matter.

The South Asian country has been trying hard to avoid being added to the FATF list of countries that have failed to adhere to FATF guidelines and regulations and take adequate measures to crack down on terror financing and money laundering.

US stance

The U.S. State Departments spokesperson Heather Nauert, however, told reporters Tuesday that the final decision on the motion is expected later this week.

So, I dont have just independent confirmation that a decision was made early. Were anticipating that the final decision would be made on Thursday of this week, Nauert said

Financial Action Task Force, and its where a lot of countries have come together, and they look at various nations who we believe and those other countries believe are not doing enough to crack down on terror financing, counterterrorism and the like, Nauert said. Pakistan is one of those countries that theyre taking a close look at, she said.

The member countries of FATF have held meetings in Paris this week to discuss Pakistans designation, among other pressing global issues.

The United States, Britain, France and Germany have reportedly put forward a motion to put Pakistan on the FATF list, stating the country has failed to comply with anti-terrorist financing and anti-money laundering regulations.

Economic impact

This is not the first time Pakistan faces scrutiny by FATF. The country was on the global watch list from 2012 to 2015.

The country fears going back on the list could hamper foreign direct investment and hurt Pakistans access to international financial markets.

In an attempt to demonstrate compliance with the international antiterrorist financing regulations, Pakistan amended its antiterrorism law last week.

The change authorizes the government to blacklist charities linked to Hafiz Saeed, a U.S.-designated global terrorist.

Saeed has been wanted by the United States since 2012 for allegedly planning the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed 166 people, including six Americans.

Also under scrutiny are Hafiz Saeeds Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and its subsidiary, the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), which allegedly serve as the front organizations for Lashkar-e-Taiba, a U.S. and European Union-designated terrorist organization, accused of carrying out terror attacks in India and Afghanistan.

How many times have we talked about the person who Pakistan let out of house arrest, who was responsible for the Mumbai attacks back in 2008 that killed so many people, including Americans, too? Nauert said, referring to Saeed during her press briefing on Tuesday.

If Pakistan does get a deferment Thursday, the country will still face scrutiny again in three months if it does not meet the demands of the FATF.

Possibility remains

Some experts remain concerned that Pakistan could still be added to the list in June and suffer economic damage.

Pakistan has in the recent past tried to invite foreign investors for infrastructure projects and take part in CPEC [China Pakistan Economic Corridor]. If sanctions are imposed, international financers and different investors will face difficulty to come to Pakistan, Ata Muhammad, a Paris-based analyst told VOA.

Some experts also criticized the country for failing to make a convincing case for its efforts against terrorism.

The country has worked according to Financial Task force guidelines, and its financial monitoring unit has worked aggressively to choke terror financing by filing thousands of cases, Zahid Gishkori, a Pakistan-based journalist said.

Banned outfits were generating around 2 billion rupees, the state curbed it. Pakistan has also frozen around 5,200 accounts related to terror financing. There was a list of actions that were done, Gishkori added.

Echoing Gishkoris assessment on Pakistans failure to make its case, U.S.-based security analyst Kamran Bokhari says Pakistan needs to take more effective action against terror groups of all kinds across the country.

Pakistan had been accused of playing double-games and not dealing with all the terror networks indiscriminately and has not shown its commitment against those terrorists who launch attacks in India and Afghanistan, Bokhari said.

Washington suspended $2 billion worth of aid to Pakistan last year and is pressuring Islamabad to cut its alleged ties to Islamist militants waging war in Afghanistan and India.

Pakistan denies the charges and maintains that it has carried out military operations against terror groups throughout the country indiscriminately and that there are no terror safe havens in the country.

VOA Urdu contributed to this report.
Cameroon says a wave of attacks by armed elephant poachers has killed at least eight soldiers and rangers in a northern national park. The poachers killed elephants too, further shrinking the population of the increasingly endangered animals.



A decomposing carcass of an elephant without its tusks lies in Cameroon's Bouba Ndjida national park some 17 kilometers from the border with Chad.



Forest ranger Lamza Abdoulahi says two of his colleagues were killed less than a week ago by heavily armed poachers. It was just one of several attacks within the past month.



The ranger, Abdoulahi, said the poachers invaded Cameroon through its northern border with Chad, killed so many elephants and people who tried to resist and then escaped across the border before military reinforcement could come.

He said the rangers' old weapons, like the rusty rifle he carries, are no match for the poaching gangs. Village self-defense groups protecting the park have just machetes and spears.



Jean Abate, governor of the north region of Cameroon where Bouba Ndjida is located, said eight soldiers and forest rangers as well as several members of village self-defense groups have been killed.



He said the government of Cameroon has taken energetic measures to stop the attackers. He said the protection of Cameroon's territorial integrity and all of its resources must be assured to secure the population and prevent a mass killing of elephants like what happened in 2012 when the park lost 200 of the majestic animals.



In 2012, officials reported incursions by Sudanese and Chadian poachers armed with machine guns and also operating in gangs on horseback. Prior to that year, Bouba Ndjida was home to an estimated 1,000 elephants. Conservation groups say the park lost at least 400 elephants in 2012, double the government estimate.



Eric Kaba, of the international conservation group the Last Great Ape, said Cameroon is not alone. Vast numbers of elephants in Africa have been slaughtered to feed consumer demand for ivory in Asian countries.



"In 1990, about 450,000 elephants existed in the wild, and you find a situation where 30,000 to 50,000 elephants are killed in a year. If current trends continue, one thing is very clear is that in a very short term, we are going to lose our elephants in the wild. The children coming up may only see the elephant in the zoo," said Kaba.

In 2012, Cameroon deployed hundreds of soldiers to the park to stem the attacks, but the soldiers' numbers have since been reduced amid other security challenges, like the war against Boko Haram. The military says it is preparing a fresh deployment to Bouba Ndjida in response to the fresh wave of attacks.



China, which was once the world's biggest market for ivory, has banned all trade in ivory and ivory products. The measure, which was announced last year, went into effect January.



African countries have meanwhile been burning large stockpiles of seized wildlife products to discourage poachers and traffickers. In 2016, Cameroon burned some 2,000 illegally trafficked elephant tusks and hundreds of finished ivory products.
Authorities in Ethiopia's Somali region have released about 1,500 people from prison, the latest step in a campaign to ease long-running political tensions.

Mohammed Bilal Hassan, media adviser to the regional president, told VOA's Horn of Africa service that the prisoners were released Thursday, hours after regional officials announced such action would be taken. He said they include people arrested under Ethiopia's anti-terrorism law and "other criminals."

Up to 6,000 prisoners across Ethiopia have now been released within the last month.

Last week, the government freed several prominent critics and opposition leaders, including journalist and blogger Eskinder Nega, who had been serving an 18-year prison sentence.

Rights groups have long criticized Ethiopia's government as repressive and undemocratic. Authorities arrested thousands of people during a wave of sometimes violent anti-government protests, mainly in the Oromia and Amhara regions, during 2015 and 2016. Most were charged with treason or incitement to violence. Activists said the government was attempting to silence dissent.

The government declared a state of emergency last week after Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced he plans to resign. The declaration included restrictions on free expression and the right to assembly.

The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa said the move "undermines recent positive steps toward creating a more inclusive political space, including the release of thousands of prisoners."

VOA's Horn of Africa Service
Moscow may have deployed two of its latest-generation stealth warplanes to Syria, according to video footage of a pair of Su-57s landing at a Russian airbase in the war-torn country.

The reported deployment, seen on social media, comes amid rising alarm that the Syria conflict that started out as an uprising against President Bashar al-Assad and is now split into several separate struggles could erupt into a wider regional clash between outside powers.

The video allegedly shows a pair of Su-57s  Moscow's most advanced combat warplanes  landing this week at Russia's Hmeimim air base southeast of the city of Latakia on Syria's Mediterranean coastline. It quickly circulated Thursday on social media sites.

Downplays threat

The U.S. Defense Department on Thursday declined to confirm the deployment of Russia's newest stealth jets to Syria, but voiced concern despite downplaying the threat.

"The addition of fifth-generation fighters into Syria would certainly not be in keeping with Russia's announced force drawdown," Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon said in a statement.

"We do not consider these jets to be a threat to our operations in Syria, and will continue to deconflict operations as necessary," Pahon said.

"We call on all parties, however, to remain focused on defeating ISIS, de-escalating and resolving the Syrian conflict, and protecting innocent civilians," he added, using an acronym for the militant group.

U.S. officials have repeatedly accused Russia of using Syria "literally as a showroom" for its military and defense industries.

"They have absolutely made an effort to show off a bunch of military capabilities," a U.S. official previously told VOA, regarding Moscow's use of airpower and missile technology.

If Russia has deployed Su-57s, it would mark a significant addition to Moscow's firepower in a theater of war that now features a dizzying array of competing forces and increased military involvement by outside sponsors, including Russia and Iran on Assad's side; Turkey, which is determined to stop Syrian Kurds from establishing an autonomous state of their own; and the U.S., which has aligned with the Kurds to defeat the Islamic State.

On Thursday, Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned of the risk of the multisided fighting in Syria spreading, with regional players being brought into direct conflict.

"Fear of war is everywhere in our region," Araqchi said.

Use of drones

In an interview with the BBC, he refused to confirm that Iran had flown a drone in Israeli airspace launched from Syria earlier this month. The overflight sparked a confrontation leading to the downing of an Israeli fighter jet and major retaliatory Israel airstrikes on Syria's air defense system and Iranian military bases in Syria.

Araqchi said the drone belonged to the Syrian army, and accused Israel of flying drones over Syria and other neighboring countries.

"They shouldn't be angry when they are faced with something that they are doing against others on a daily basis," he said.

Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at an international security conference in Munich, dramatically brandished what he said was a piece of the Iranian drone Israel had shot down, saying Iran was the "greatest threat to our world."

Israel has been mounting increasing airstrikes in recent weeks in Syria, fearful that the radical Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah, sponsored by Iran, will consolidate bases in Syria from which to threaten Israel's northern border.

Every day in Syria's crowded airspace, warplanes from a half-dozen countries are flying in ever closer proximity, increasing the dangers of a clash, which could turn a war of proxies into an all-out confrontation between jostling outside powers, all of whom are determined to shape the outcome of the messy Syria conflict.

Footage posted Thursday by Syrian political activists purported to show four Su-35 fighter jets and four Su-25 strike aircraft escorting the Su-57s as they came in to land at the Hmeimim air base.

WATCH: Video purportedly showing Su-25 in the skies of Latakia

Operational

Russia has manufactured a dozen Su-57s. The single-seat, twin-engine jets are due to enter operational squadrons formally next year after years of problem-plagued development. Nicknamed the "F-22 killer," the Su-57 has been earmarked by the Russian military as a direct competitor to America's U.S. F-22 Raptor.

Russian and Syrian officials have not commented on the unverified video footage, but pro-Assad news sites welcomed the additional firepower.

Beirut-based Al-Masdar News, which boasts close links with the Syrian military, said: "With the arrival of the Su-57s (and additional warplanes in general), it appears that Moscow is expecting major escalations in Syria during 2018 and  having been caught off-guard in the past  wants to be fully prepared for any drastic situation that may arise."

In December, Russian leader Vladimir Putin declared Moscow's mission in Syria had been accomplished  a declaration coinciding with confirmation that he'd seek a fifth term as Russia's president in elections in March. He said Russia would start a military drawdown.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced on the same day as Putin's victory declaration was made that 38 warplanes had returned to Russia.

Airstrikes in Syria

But Moscow has remained trapped in Syria, say analysts. Its military power has been needed by Assad to support offensives against remaining rebel holdouts in the northwestern province of Idlib and in the Damascus suburb of eastern Ghouta, which has seen in the past four days some of the most intense airstrikes of the seven-year Syria conflict.

Overnight Thursday, Russian warplanes carried out reportedly hourslong airstrikes on eastern Ghouta, adding to a dayslong aerial bombardment of the shattered suburb that has left more than 300 people dead this week and as many as 2,000 injured, say opposition activists.

"Russia, overall, finds its ability to control the complex Syrian conflict particularly the interplays between the parties involved  much diminished," Pavel Baev wrote in an analysis for the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think-tank.

He argues Russia is facing "a series of new challenges" in Syria as other outside adversaries maneuver to secure zones of influence and consolidate footholds via proxies or using their own forces.

"Putin thought that he figured out a proper balance of key drivers in the convoluted war, but its new mutation has caught him unprepared. The space for maneuvering between regional adversaries is narrowing," Baev wrote.

Clashes involving outside forces in Syria this past month have included Turkish troops firing on pro-Assad militias which attempted to reinforce Afrin, a Kurdish enclave besieged by the Turks, and U.S. warplanes on February 7 striking pro-Assad forces, including Russian contractors, as they advanced on an oil facility east of the Euphrates controlled by the U.S.-aligned Kurds.
National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre criticized advocates of tougher gun control laws Thursday, saying they won't prevent mass school shootings like the one that killed 17 people recently in Florida, instead touting enforcement measures such as armed security in U.S. schools.

"Schools must be the most hardened targets in this country and evil must be confronted immediately with all necessary force to protect our kids," LaPierre said in his first public comments since the February 14 killing of students and staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

LaPierre, the head of one of the most powerful lobbying organizations in the United States, strongly defended the nation's gun laws at the Conservative Political Action Conference, an annual event outside Washington attended by thousands of conservative politicians, strategists and activists.

LaPierre criticized "Democratic socialists" for promoting the need for more stringent gun control laws and warned the country would be adversely affected if they gained representation in state legislatures and in Congress.

"Our American freedoms could be lost and our country will be changed forever, and the first to go will be the Second Amendment of our Constitution," he said.

WATCH: NRA Chief Says Members Mourn Loss of Victims

LaPierre made no mention of the student survivors of the Parkland shooting, who have sparked an unprecedented wave of youth-led gun-reform protests across the U.S.

Also addressing the issue was Vice President Mike Pence, who vowed President Donald Trump will "make the safety of our nation's schools and our students our top national priority" when he meets with U.S. governors next week in Washington.

WATCH: NRA Chief Discusses Democrats, Media and Gun Control

"President Trump and our entire administration will continue to take strong action to make our schools safe and to give law enforcement and our families the tools they need to deal with those struggling with dangerous mental illness," Pence said.

Earlier Thursday, Trump refined his gun control views, saying he wants only the most trained 20 percent of teachers to carry concealed weapons to thwart school massacres. Trump also called for comprehensive background checks of gun buyers, raising the age to buy assault-style rifles from 18 to 21 and ending the sale of "bump stocks" that increase the fire power of some weapons.

Pence and North Korea, IS, Israel

The vice president used the event to tout the administration's progress during the past year, including its resolve to stand firm against North Korea, a country he said is governed by "the most tyrannical and oppressive regime on the planet."

"The United States of America doesn't stand with murderous dictatorships. We stand up to murderous dictatorships," Pence said. "And we will keep standing strong until North Korea stops threatening our country, our allies, or until they abandon their nuclear and ballistics once and for all."

Pence also praised the administration for participating in the campaign to defeat the Islamic State militant group, declaring, "ISIS is on the run, their caliphate has crumbled."

He added the administration's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital has restored the country's global reputation. "America once again stands without apology as leader of the free world."

Trump is the featured speaker at the four-day event and will address the audience Friday. At last year's conference, an annual event hosted by the American Conservative Union, Trump was considered too controversial to attend.
The European Central Bank has set a deadline of Friday for Latvia's third-largest bank to plug a financing hole, the country's finance minister said, as the Baltic state faced its worst financial difficulties in almost a decade.

Earlier, ABLV said it had asked for a 480 million euro ($591 million) emergency loan from the country's central bank as part of efforts to reopen for business after being forced to halt all payments in the face of money laundering accusations.

The request for credit comes amid frantic efforts by ABLV's management to keep the bank afloat after U.S. authorities singled it out for money laundering and moved to block it from doing financial deals in dollars.

ABLV has denied any such wrongdoing. "We want to give an opportunity ... for the bank to ensure its short-term liquidity, so that it can continue operating," the Baltic state's finance minister, Dana Reizniece-Ozola, told a news website, Delfi.lv.

The ECB has imposed a moratorium stopping savers withdrawing their funds or making payments. It declined to comment about the deadline.

In an interview with Reuters, a senior ABLV executive appealed for the group to be spared closure.

"We believe that the bank has a future, on the basis of a substantially reduced business," Vadims Reinfelds, deputy chief executive, said.

"What we are looking for here is a medium term or even longer term solution. If that is not possible, then resolution is the alternative," he said, referring to a possible winding down. "The business can be restructured without resolution," Reinfelds said, adding the bank was solvent.

He warned the bank was "systemic"  a reference to its significance for the financial system and an indication that its problems could spill over to affect others.

The finance minister, however, played down such concerns.

The crisis at ABLV comes alongside a separate police investigation into whether the head of Latvia's central bank took a bribe of more than 100,000 euros.

Ilmars Rimsevics has dismissed the allegations and said he is the victim of a smear campaign, while the Ministry of Defense has suggested that disinformation may be to blame.

The ministry did not say who was behind this but drew parallels with campaigns before the U.S. elections in 2016. Russia has denied it was behind those campaigns and says it does not meddle in elections in the West.

The episode has cast a shadow over Latvia, which belongs to the euro zone and whose top officials hold influential posts both at the European Commission and European Central Bank.

Experts have said the events raise questions about the ECB, which is responsible for supervision of ABLV and other banks around the euro zone. The ECB has said it is not its responsibility to police money laundering.

Latvia was one of the hardest hit countries in the global financial crisis, falling into recession as the government sought an international bailout, nationalized Parex Bank and made spending cuts amid a wave of emigration.
Donald Trump Jr. said that any talk of his family profiting from his fathers presidency is nonsense during a trip to India that has raised ethical concerns about using the name of the American president to promote international business ventures.

The eldest son of President Donald Trump, who is in India to meet the promoters and buyers of Trump brand luxury homes in the country, said his family is actually missing out on business opportunities because his father pledged to conduct no new foreign business while he was in office.

Trump Jr., who along with his brother Eric now runs the Trump Organization, told Indian television channel CNBC-TV18 on Tuesday that when critics talk about them profiteering from the presidency and all this nonsense they forget about the opportunity cost of the deals that we were not able to do.

It's sort of a shame. Because we put on all these impositions on ourselves and essentially got no credit for actually doing that ... for doing the right thing, he added.

Trump Jr.s visit prompted one Democratic senator to press the American ambassador to India to explain if the embassy in New Delhi had provided any aid or guidance to the presidents son.

"I expect that the U.S. State Department, including U.S. Embassy Delhi will treat Mr. Trump no differently than it would any other American individual visiting on private business , and will take every effort to avoid any perception of special treatment or a conflict of interest, Sen. Robert Menendez wrote to U.S. ambassador Kenneth Juster on Wednesday. Menendez is the ranking Democratic on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In the letter, Menendez asked Juster if American diplomats in India had briefed Trump Jr. during his visit or provided any support staff. Menendez also asked Juster whether any steps were taken to make clear to the Indian government and citizens of the country that Mr. Trump in no way speaks on behalf of the United States government.

Trump Jr. was scheduled to speak about Indo-Pacific relations during a business summit attended by Prime Minister Narenda Modi.

On Tuesday, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Trump Jr. was visiting as a private person and said U.S. diplomats had not interacted with him regarding his meetings or speech.

For at least a week before Trump Jr. arrived in India on Tuesday, several major Indian newspapers carried glossy, front-page advertisements boasting, Trump has arrived. Have you?

The ads promised that buyers who order apartments in a new Trump-brand luxury real estate development in a suburb of the Indian capital by Thursday will get a conversation and dinner with Trump Jr. a day later.

He is expected to visit and promote business in all the Trump-brand projects across four Indian cities. Media access to his events in the country has been limited and only news organizations chosen by his team have had access to him.

The Trump Organization has licensing agreements with all its Indian business partners. They build the properties and acquire the Trump name in exchange for a fee. With five projects in India, the country is the brands largest market outside the United States. A luxury complex is already open in the central city of Pune, with other developments in varying stages of construction in the coastal cities of Mumbai and Kolkata, and two in Gurgaon.

All the projects were signed before President Trump took office, but promoting even existing business has raised ethics concerns.

The president should be putting the publics interest before his business interests. That cant happen if his son is flying around the world trying to trade on the fact that his father is sitting in the Oval Office, said Scott H. Amey, general counsel for the non-partisan Project on Government Oversight in Washington.

Amey added that several foreign deals touted by the presidents two adult sons have stretched the definition of what ventures were previously in the works.

Trump Jr. has made several visits to India over the years and has repeatedly talked of great business opportunities in the country.
U.S. President Donald Trump refined his gun control views Thursday, saying he wants only the most trained 20 to 40 percent of teachers to carry concealed weapons to thwart school massacres.



"These would be people that actually would want them. And it would be a small percentage but it would be a lot of people. And once you do this you will have a situation where all of a sudden this horrible plague will stop," Trump said in reply to a question from VOA at the end of a 55-minute White House session on school shootings.

The U.S. leader said if capably trained teachers are armed with concealed weapons they could "immediately fire back if a savage sicko came to a school with bad intentions. Highly trained teachers would also serve as a deterrent to the cowards that do this. Far more assets at much less cost than guards."

He offered his gun thoughts in a string of Twitter comments a day after meeting at the White House with survivors of schoolhouse shooting rampages and relatives of victims.

Trump said schools in the U.S. that have declared themselves as "gun free" are a "magnet for bad people," but that if some teachers were armed, "ATTACKS WOULD END!"

Trump's support for arming teachers drew modest support at his White House "listening session" a week after a man armed with an AR-15 assault-style rifle gunned down 14 students and three adults at a high school in Parkland, Florida, setting off a storm of protests over school safety in the U.S.

Nineteen-year-old troubled former student Nikolas Cruz is being held without bond on 17 counts of premeditated murder at the Broward County jail.

At one point while talking about arming teachers, Trump asked: "Does everybody like that idea?"

A few people raised their hands. The president then asked who opposed it and more hands went up from the estimated 40 people in the room, mainly students, family members and educators directly affected by school shootings. Some prominent U.S. educators also said they oppose arming teachers.

In another of his Thursday tweets, Trump said, "History shows that a school shooting lasts, on average, 3 minutes. It takes police & first responders approximately 5 to 8 minutes to get to site of crime. Highly trained, gun adept, teachers/coaches would solve the problem instantly, before police arrive. GREAT DETERRENT!"

He added, "If a potential 'sicko shooter' knows that a school has a large number of ... weapons talented teachers (and others) who will be instantly shooting, the sicko will NEVER attack that school. Cowards wont go there...problem solved. Must be offensive, defense alone wont work!"

Trump also praised Wayne LaPierre and Chris Cox, two officials at the National Rifle Association (NRA), the country's top gun lobby, that is opposing almost every restriction that gun opponents have advanced in the aftermath of last week's rampage. Trump called them "Great People and Great American Patriots (who) love our Country and will do the right thing."

Hours after Trump's White House gathering, CNN staged a town hall event in Florida that included survivors of last week's shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Florida Senator Marco Rubio told the audience he does not support arming teachers and defended his acceptance of more than $3 million in political campaign donations from the NRA.

Under questioning by students, parents and teachers, Rubio also said tighter gun laws alone will not prevent future shootings, while he does support a minimum age for buying rifles and a ban on the bump stocks that can allow some weapons to shoot more bullets more quickly.

Scott Israel, the sheriff in the county that includes Parkland, said trained deputies would carry rifles on school grounds, but he also rejected the idea of giving guns to teachers.

Trump is set to hold another meeting on school safety Thursday at the White House, this time with state and local officials.
U.S. President Donald Trump in recent days has been lashing out at his predecessor, President Barack Obama, for not having done enough to counter Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential elections.

On Wednesday, Trump appeared to suggest in a tweet that Attorney General Jeff Sessions should investigate Obama concerning Russias meddling.

Question: If all of the Russian meddling took place during the Obama Administration, right up to January 20th, why arent they the subject of the investigation? Why didnt Obama do something about the meddling? Why arent Dem crimes under investigation? Ask Jeff Sessions!

VOA looked at the some of the comments made by Trump and actions taken by the Obama administration regarding Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

What did the Obama administration do about Russian meddling?

In September 2016, top U.S. intelligence officials, including then-CIA Director John Brennan, asked their counterparts in Moscow to stop all activity aimed at influencing the election. Obama personally warned Russian President Vladimir Putin not to tamper in the polls.

In October, James Clapper, then-director of National Intelligence, and Jeh Johnson, former secretary of Homeland Security, issued an official statement blaming the Kremlin for directing the recent compromises of emails from U.S. persons and institutions, including from U.S. political organizations.

The administration also reached out to Congress in an effort to issue a bipartisan statement but was rebuffed by Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

After the U.S. presidential election was over, Obama issued sanctions against nine Russian individuals and entities for election meddling. Obama also expelled 35 Russian government officials and ordered two waterfront compounds closed in the U.S. that Washington said the Russians were using for intelligence-gathering operations.

Trump says Obama didnt act because he thought Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton would win.

Former Obama administration officials have acknowledged that the White House was reluctant to take stronger actions against Russia because of the presidents concern that he would be seen as trying to tip the scales in favor of Clinton. Some have also said it was also because Obama wanted Russia to play a greater role in the negotiations with Iran about its nuclear program. He was also trying to get Moscow to unite with the West in its efforts to end the Syrian civil war.

Trump says he has been much tougher on Russia than Obama.

Trump has yet to accept the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia deliberately tried to influence American voters in favor of his candidacy. He also has yet to levy any sanctions on Russia for the election meddling, even though Congress last year passed legislation requiring him to do so by Jan. 29, 2018.

Trump has often spoken glowingly about Putin, predicting that they would have a great relationship. In fact, when Moscow insisted that the U.S. reduce its diplomatic staff in retaliation for some Treasury Department sanctions, Trump thanked Putin, saying we are trying to cut down on payroll.
Turkey's foreign ministry on Thursday condemned the Dutch parliament's approval of a motion recognizing as genocide the massacre of as many as 1.5 million Armenians in 1915.

The ministry said in a written statement that the decision was not legally binding or valid, and noted that the Dutch government had said it would not become the official policy of the Netherlands.


Turkeys ongoing military offensive against a Kurdish militia in Syria's Afrin enclave is showcasing the growing prowess of the Turkish armaments industry. In recent years, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sought to dramatically reduce his countrys dependency on imported arms.

Almost all of the armored carriers (operating) in Afrin are domestically produced. I thank our friends who produced them, said Erdogan Wednesday at a meeting at his presidential palace. The Turkish military, alongside allied Syrian rebels, is seeking to seize Afrin, a Kurdish enclave, from the control of a Kurdish militia that Ankara accuses of being a terrorist group linked to an insurgency inside Turkey.



Erdogan went on to blame the deaths of Turkish soldiers fighting in Afrin on the failure of countries to sell Turkey sophisticated weapons, including armed drones. He did not name the countries to which he was referring.

Last year, Erdogan issued a presidential decree putting Turkeys armament industry directly under his control. The government has poured billions of dollars' worth of investments into expanding the defense industry. Further investments are on the way. A total of 55 projects worth $9.4 billion were evaluated, according to a presidential statement in January at a meeting of Turkeys Undersecretariat for Defense Industries.



In the past there was no money, but now there is a lot of money slushing around, and the AKP has the vision to realize this project. This is a success story of the AKP, said political analyst Atilla Yesilada of Global Source Partners, referring to the ruling party. We used to procure 80 percent of our (armament) needs from abroad; now we are producing our own rifles, simple drones, armored vehicles. It saves foreign currency, it develops an industry which has some export potential and reduces foreign dependency.

Trimming foreign dependency on imported weapons is a key priority of the Turkish government. The current Afrin operation has served as a reminder to Ankara of the vulnerability of such dependency. Germany is currently blocking a key upgrade of Turkish-owned, German-made Leopard tanks because of their use in the Afrin operation.



But the Afrin campaign is also showcasing Turkeys armaments industry.

There are many new military technologies. Turkey has developed armed drones, helicopters, smart munitions and for the first time, they are all being tested in action abroad, said defense analyst Metin Gurcan, who also served in the Turkish military. I am sure all these new systems will be tested and after that, upgraded accordingly. Systems that are combat proven result in their prices going up, Gurcan added.



Along with developing strategic arms independence, Ankara has an eye on the lucrative international arms market. Analysts suggest Turkey is unlikely to try and compete with the world's major players, but rather will try and find a niche. Turkey has been trying to become a very important player in the arms exports market, in the region of the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, said Gurcan.

Turkey is very flexible, ready to accept proposals for technology transfer joint production, also at a cheaper price, than the normal market prices. I think Turkey's arms industry is emerging as a new exporter that can provide, more efficient, low cost, battle tested, and less problematic for arms buyers, he said.



Gurcan points out Ankara is using close diplomatic ties, with central Asian countries and Qatar, to secure several arms contracts.



Turkeys defense industry, however, may be approaching a ceiling in reducing its dependency on arms imports.

Turkey does not produce its own microchips, not even the general use chips. So anything that requires specialized circuitry you have to buy from abroad, points out analyst Yesilada. If you are producing a guided missile you cant (in Turkey) because you dont have a similar domestic industry where you can draw on their experience.



The Turkish defense industry says it has started to produce so-called smart bombs, but analysts suggest they fall short of the capability of munitions imported from the United States and Europe. Turkish forces are relying heavily on such specialized munitions in their ongoing Afrin operation, with hundreds of air sorties already carried out. A Western diplomat with knowledge of the subject says Ankara is starting to reach out to allies to replenish its stocks of such weapons.



Bridging the technology gap is a priority for Ankara. It has made technology transfers a key demand for purchases of sophisticated weapons, particularly its efforts to buy a surface-to-air missile system. Several bids, including from the United States, of its Patriot missile system broke down in part because of disputes over technology transfers. Such failings are reasons given by Ankara for its controversial decision to buy an S-400 missile system from Russia. Turkey's NATO allies had warned against doing so, citing compatibility issues.



It's (a deal) already done. Turkey paid 40 percent of it and the rest is given as a credit by Russia, and the first delivery is by 2020, said international relations expert Huseyin Bagci of Ankaras Middle East Technology University.

It remains unclear whether Moscow has met Ankaras technology transfer demands and the details of the deal remain unclear. Bagci suggests that Turkeys defense industry has hit a ceiling for now.

Turkey is buying big jet fighters, smart bombs, etc., and is selling small munitions, artillery, etc. Turkey is definitely not yet a giant of weapons production; it is not, Bagci said.
The United Nations atomic agency has concluded that Iran is continuing to restrict its nuclear program in compliance with the 2015 international accord aimed at curbing Tehrans nuclear weapons development.

A quarterly International Atomic Energy Agency report Thursday said Iran is honoring key aspects of the deal that the United States, China, Russia, France, Germany, Britain and the European Union reached with Iran in exchange for the lifting of sanctions that hobbled the Islamic Republics economy.

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized what he says are disastrous flaws in the agreement. He has pushed the countries that agreed to the Iran pact to overhaul it, but they have rebuffed him and have continued to support the agreement. Trump has threatened to pull the U.S. out of the agreement and has a May deadline to again consider whether he will waive reimposition of sanctions against Tehran.

Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contended Thursday in a London speech that Trumps frequent complaints about the deal represent a violation of the terms of the accord and have hurt his countrys ability to secure new foreign investment money. He threatened that Iran could pull out of the deal no matter whether Trump again forgoes new sanctions against Iran.

If the same policy of confusion and uncertainties about the (deal) continues, if companies and banks are not working with Iran, we cannot remain in a deal that has no benefit for us, Araghchi said. Thats a fact.

The report said Iran has not exceeded limits on its stocks of low-enriched uranium and heavy water, and did not enrich uranium beyond a limit of 3.67 percent purity required by the agreement.

The deal, long in the negotiating, was aimed at extending the time Iran would need to build a nuclear bomb, if it wanted to, from a few months to roughly a year.

The U.N. agency said that Iran told it in a letter that it had decided to construct naval nuclear propulsion in (the) future.

In response, the IAEA requested further clarifications and amplifications, adding that if Iran went ahead with its naval nuclear propulsion plans, it would need to supply initial design information. Iran has yet to respond, the report said.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed Wednesday to the Security Council to approve an urgent 30-day cease-fire across Syria and to help the 400,000 besieged residents of eastern Ghouta, who he said, "live in hell on earth." VOA UN Correspondent Margaret Besheer has more.
The U.N. refugee agency has evacuated more than 1,000 highly vulnerable people from Libya in a three-month operation that began last November. The agency hopes to evacuate hundreds more and is searching for more lasting solutions for people who are held in detention centers in Libya, and whose conditions have been described as inhumane.

UNHCR officials say they have been working to evacuate mainly women and children, including single mothers and unaccompanied minors  people who have been held in detention centers in Libya. UNHCR spokesperson in Italy Carlotta Sami says arriving in the country means new hope and a chance at a life without violence or abuse.

For those that are most vulnerable and in a very difficult situation, the evacuation is a solution. It is a life-saving solution, said Sami.

They are mainly nationals from Eritrea, South Sudan and Somalia. An agreement has been reached with the Libyan authorities to release hundreds of these refugees who are in situations of extreme hardship.

Among those arriving in Italy on an evacuation flight this month is Amanuel, an Eritrean who fled to Libya. He is a self-taught artist, and is deaf. Speaking to the UNHCR through his cousin, Anouif, he explains how drawing in the camp helped him cope with hardship, as he dreamt of the safety of Europe.

His cousin says Amanuel started drawing when he was seven. As he grew, his work got better.

Anouif explains Amanuel inspired others at the camp in Libya to get through the difficult times.

Because of everything he has been though, his cousin explains, he is accepting. Why are we victims like that? he asks.

The two cousins are among the more than 300 refugees who arrived on two recent flights from Tripoli to Rome. Hundreds of others have been airlifted to Niamey in Niger where they were taken to safe houses.

U.N. officials say that in the first six weeks of this year, more than 8,000 have made the risky journey to Europe by sea, often at the mercy of unscrupulous smugglers.

What we have to do is to avoid (that) these people to go and risk their lives in the hands of the smugglers, said Sami.

The UNHCR provides medical check-ups, food and warm clothes. The refugees are transferred to reception facilities across Italy. They then receive assistance with asylum requests, information on training opportunities, and help in finding a job. But Sami is urging European countries to do much more.

We asked for 40,000 places in Europe to receive specific vulnerable refugees. Till today we have received pledges for a bit over 13,000. So, we need more places. That is clear! said Sami.

She says the UNHCR hopes to evacuate at least another 1,000 people this year, but those plans are uncertain. Finding them places is not easy as European nations hesitate to take in any more asylum seekers.

The migrant crisis saw more than a million people, mostly Muslims, enter Europe in one year alone. Public pressure since then has prompted governments in Europe to rethink their migration policies and restrict the numbers of people they accept.

How many people the flights continue to bring to Europe will depend on how many places are made available.
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote Friday at 11 a.m. in New York (1600 GMT) on a draft resolution intended to implement a 30-day pause in fighting across Syria and lift the siege on the town of eastern Ghouta to allow humanitarian aid and medical evacuations.

Russia expressed objections to the draft Thursday and proposed amendments to the resolution submitted by Sweden and Kuwait. It was not immediately clear how Russia, a staunch ally of the Syrian government, would vote.

Swedens ambassador said they would first review the amendments put forward by the Russians.

We are trying to find a way forward that will work for everyone, but of course that has meaningful implications on the ground, Olof Skoog told reporters.

On Thursday, the United States harshly criticized Russia and Iran over the bombing of eastern Ghouta.

U.S. State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said at a news briefing that Russia has a unique responsibility for the more than 400 people horrifically killed by the Syrian regime in the Damascus suburb.

Without Russia backing Syria, the devastation and the deaths would certainly not be occurring, Nauert said.

The resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by any of the five permanent members of the council: Russia, China, the United States, Britain or France.

Kelley Currie, deputy U.S. ambassador to the U.N., said that while Russia had asked for the meeting to find a way out of the situation, it appeared intent on blocking any meaningful effort to do so.

The United States is ready to vote on this resolution right here and right now, Currie said.

At the Security Council meeting the Russian ambassador dismissed as not possible the proposed cease-fire and accompanying aid deliveries, along with large-scale medical evacuations.

Here what we need is not symbolism, not decisions for the sake of decisions, but measures undertaken commensurate with the realities on the ground, Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia told council members. The Security Council needs to reach agreement on feasible  not populistic, severed from reality  decisions.

Nebenzia criticized media coverage of the military operations on the besieged rebel enclave of eastern Ghouta, as a massive psychosis and said there is a campaign to tarnish Syria and Russia. As he has previously done, he accused the civil society first responders known as the White Helmets of being close to terrorist groups and acting as part of a misinformation campaign.

There is an impression that all of eastern Ghouta is comprised of hospitals alone and that the Syrian army is fighting against those hospitals, Nebenzia said. This is a well-known tactic in information warfare.

The U.S.-based medical relief organization the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) said Wednesday that 13 medical facilities had been targeted in a two-day period. Four were destroyed and two had to temporarily close.

U.N. humanitarian chief, Mark Lowcock, who briefed council members via video link from Geneva, urged support for the humanitarian pause.

You are all as member states aware that your obligations under international humanitarian law are just that: binding obligations, Lowcock said. They are not favors to be traded in a game of death and destruction.

He warned that counterterrorism efforts must not supersede the duty to protect civilians, and he noted that the U.N. Human Rights Office has documented at least 346 civilian deaths this month and some 900 injuries.

The international community must take urgent and concrete action, Lowcock said. What we need is a sustained cessation of hostilities and we need it desperately.

On Wednesday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to the council to approve the cease-fire and especially to help the 400,000 besieged residents of eastern Ghouta, whom he said, live in hell on Earth.

Last year, the enclave was designated as one of four de-escalation zones in a deal with Syrian President Bashar al-Assads supporters, Russia and Iran, along with Turkey.

But fighting has escalated as the Syrian military and its allied forces appear to be launching an all-out operation to retake eastern Ghouta, which is one of the last areas near Damascus still under control of the armed opposition.
A U.N. report says South Sudans government continues to censor the media and restrict freedom of expression. The report (Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression in South Sudan) warns that restrictions on freedom of expression are having a chilling effect and are shrinking the space for debate in South Sudan.

Over the past 18 months, researchers with the U.N. Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, and the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights interviewed victims, witnesses, activists and journalists across South Sudan and documented 99 allegations of rights abuses.

Researchers of the 30-page report released this week said they had verified 60 incidents in which the rights to freedom of expression of 102 victims were violated.

According to a Cessation of Hostilities agreement signed by the government and various South Sudanese stakeholders in December, harassing of media personnel is a violation.

UNMISS chief David Shearer told reporters in Juba on Thursday that most of the incidents occurred in government-controlled areas, and many of the victims were media members.

Muzzling free speech

Journalists and media workers account for a quarter of these victims. These incidents include the killing of two people, arbitrary arrest and detention of 58 others,16 people who have been dismissed from their jobs, the closure or suspension of media houses, censorship of newspaper articles and blocking of websites. Those targeted were deemed critical of the government and accused of tarnishing the countrys reputation, Shearer said.

The report named the National Security Service, or NSS, the police, the army, and government officials at national and state levels, along with the South Sudan Media Authority as responsible for muzzling free speech.

The report also singled out the National Security Service as the main perpetrator responsible for 33 percent of the violations, followed by the South Sudan army, the SPLA.

No comment from military

VOA's South Sudan in Focus program made repeated calls to the Ministry of Information and government spokesperson Michael Makuei for comment on the report but has received no response.

South Sudan military spokesman Brigadier General Lul Ruai Koang told South Sudan in Focus he had not seen the U.N. report and could not comment in detail. He said he was not aware of any government soldiers muzzling the media.

Since I assumed office about two years ago, it has not been reported in our office that the SPLA had harassed or arrested any foreign journalists. The primary responsibility lies with the South Sudan Media Authority  that is the body that allows foreign journalists to come into the country, said Koang.

Elijah Alier, head of the media authority, declined to comment on the report, adding he needed time to read it.

Security Service embeds officers

Eugene Nindorera, who heads the human rights division at UNMISS, said most of the verified incidents occurred in government-controlled areas.

He said researchers could not travel to rebel-controlled areas to investigate reported abuses because of a lack of security.

Nindorera said South Sudans National Security Service embeds its officers in some newspapers printing establishments, forcing South Sudanese journalists to employ self-censorship.

But Nindorera said the government showed a gesture of goodwill last month.

A number of positive initiatives were undertaken by the government, civil society and other stakeholders. This includes release of several political activists and journalists who have been arbitrarily held in government custody; provisions of educational opportunity to strengthen national capacities for responsible journalism; training of state authorities and permissible restriction to the exercise of freedom of expression; and efforts made to address certain incidents of hate speech. However, the report highlights that gaps remain, said Nindorera.

Atem Simon, an editor at the Juba-based al-Mougif newspaper, said his organization struggles to report stories in a professional way.

We have faced many challenges, especially under government directives that we should not balance our stories; we have to report from one side, report on a very crucial issue that needed the stories to be professional, Simon told South Sudan in Focus.

Report welcomed

Denis Elamu, another Juba-based journalist, said he welcomed the report, saying it highlighted the biggest challenge facing the media industry across South Sudan.

There must be some kind of solution to end this conflict, because this all is a result of the ongoing conflict, Elamu told South Sudan in Focus.

The report said genuine reconciliation and lasting peace could be achieved in South Sudan only if people are free and safe to express their opinions regardless of ethnic or political affiliation.
A U.S. drone strike has killed several al-Shabab militants in southern Somalia, officials tell VOA.

Local sources said missiles fired Wednesday targeted a rickshaw carrying five al-Shabab militants near Jamaame, in the southern Lower Juba region.

"I can tell you that the airstrike hit a rickshaw and that five militants were killed. It was carried out by U.S. drone, helping our intelligence forces on the ground," a Somali government official told VOA Somali on the condition of anonymity.

The attack was confirmed by witnesses and local residents, who also asked for anonymity because they feared militant reprisals.

Somali officials said they were investigating the identity of those targeted. Some sources said two of those in the rickshaw were civilians traveling with three militants.

A statement Thursday from the U.S. Africa Command said the strike was carried out by the U.S. military "in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia." The statement said the strike killed four terrorists and no civilians.

On Tuesday, local residents in the region reported another airstrike that destroyed an al-Shabab training camp in the nearby town of Jilib. That airstrike, also confirmed by U.S. Africa Command, killed three militants.

The U.S. military has carried out dozens of airstrikes against al-Shabab and Islamic State militants in support of Somalia's federal government.
When U.S. lawmakers return to Washington next week, a groundswell of renewed public pressure to stem gun violence in America will be put to the test in Congress, an institution that for years has ignored or rebuffed efforts to enact gun control.



President Donald Trump sent conflicting messages after last week's slaughter of 17 Florida students. He praised a powerful gun rights lobby, the National Rifle Association, on Twitter Thursday, one day after telling school shooting victims' families and classmates, "We will not stop till we get there [end mass shootings]."



Meanwhile, students in districts across the nation have mobilized as never before to demand changes to gun laws, mounting high-profile protests and confronting state and federal representatives. Public opinion polls have shown a rise in support for new gun legislation.

"The ground is shifting [politically] somewhat," said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. But he added that only limited reforms, like expanding background checks for firearms purchases, have a chance of becoming law this year.



"You're not going to ban assault weapons that's the number one goal of these students," Sabato said. "You are not going to have President Trump and the Republicans in Congress, both houses, cross the NRA. It's not going to happen," Sabato said.



Recent history underscores Sabato's view. The last time Congress enacted significant restrictions on firearms occurred in 1994 when the federal government outlawed semi-automatic assault weapons and banned gun ownership for certain groups of people, such as convicted domestic offenders.

1994 Assault weapons ban

The assault weapons ban expired in 2004. The years since brought seven of the 10 deadliest mass shooting incidents in U.S. history, from Virginia Tech in 2007 to Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012 to an Orlando nightclub in 2016 to Las Vegas in 2017 to this month's killings at a Florida high school.

After each incident, gun control advocates sometimes joined by victims' grieving family members demanded action from Washington to prevent a repeat. And after each incident, Congress held moments of silence but did nothing to strengthen gun restrictions.

In early 2013, with America still reeling from the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings that claimed the lives of 20 children, the Senate debated a bill to restore the assault weapons ban and expand background checks for firearms purchases.

The proposal was defeated when it failed to get the three-fifths backing required to advance in the chamber. The only significant action Congress has taken on guns since came last year  nixing an Obama administration regulation that would have aided federal authorities in flagging those with mental illness when conducting background checks for firearms purchases.

Enacting laws requires sustained engagement and activism, and Sabato noted that while public outrage spikes after each mass shooting, the furor eventually wanes.



"It's a long process to get legislation onto the president's desk," he said. "They [the NRA] know how to delay things. They know how to push the pause button until we shift to other subjects."



On Thursday, the NRA's executive vice president, Wayne LaPierre, warned of an effort "to eliminate the Second Amendment and our firearms freedoms."



LaPierre repeated the NRA's longstanding proposal to make schools safer: arming teachers and administrators.



"Evil walks among us, and God help us if we don't harden our schools and protect our kids," he said.

Trump has asked the Justice Department to draft regulations banning so-called "bump stocks" that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire with far greater rapidity. He also signaled he is open to other proposals, including the NRA's.

Senate renews push

Meanwhile, key senators, including several Republicans, are promising a renewed push for gun legislation beginning next week.



Republican Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania announced he will reintroduce legislation to expand background checks. Another Republican, Arizona's Jeff Flake, tweeted that he is working with Democrat Dianne Feinstein of California on a bill to raise he minimum purchase age for semi-automatic weapons to 21, up from 18.



More ambitious proposals, like reinstituting the assault weapons ban, could become politically viable next year if large numbers of gun rights-backing lawmakers are defeated in the November midterm elections, according to Sabato.



"It's too early to predict what's going to happen. We'll see," he said.
A major liberal policy group is raising the ante on the health care debate with a new plan that builds on Medicare to guarantee coverage for all.

Called "Medicare Extra for All,'' the proposal to be released Thursday by the Center for American Progress gives politically energized Democrats more options to achieve a long-sought goal.

Still, the plan would preserve a role for employer coverage and for the health insurance industry. Employers and individuals would have a choice of joining Medicare Extra, but it would not be required.

That differs from the more traditional "single-payer'' approach advocated by Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, in which the government would hold the reins of the health care system.

Even though the plan has no chance of passing in a Republican-controlled Congress, center president Neera Tanden said, "We think it's time to go bolder. There is consensus on the progressive side that universal coverage should be the goal and health care is a right.''

Picking up on the leftward shift among Democrats, Republicans are already working up rebuttals. President Donald Trump tweeted earlier this month that "Dems want to greatly raise taxes for really bad and non-personal medical care. No thanks!''

The Center for American Progress is a think tank that was closely aligned with President Barack Obama and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. A 2005 proposal from the center foreshadowed Obama's Affordable Care Act.

Medicare Extra would use Medicare's thrifty payment system as framework to pool working-age people and their families, low-income people now covered by Medicaid, and seniors. A major missing piece: There's no cost estimate for the plan, although its authors say that's in the works.

The proposal comes at a time when polls show intense interest among Democrats and some independents in a government-run system that would guarantee coverage and benefits while reducing the complexity and out-of-pocket costs associated with private insurance. The future of health care is expected to be a defining issue in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, and political messages will be tested and honed in this fall's midterm elections.

A nonpartisan expert who independently reviewed the Medicare Extra plan said it could provide Democrats with a middle way to achieve their longstanding goal of coverage for all.

"It's an attempt to capture the enthusiasm for a single-payer system among the Democratic base, but trying to create a more politically and fiscally realistic roadmap,'' said Larry Levitt of the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation.

To be sure, taxes would rise and the federal government would take on a larger role.

"It is in some ways 'repeal and replace,' but from the left rather than the right,'' Levitt added.

Medicare Extra envisions a complex transition that would take the better part of a decade. Among its major elements:

-All U.S. citizens and lawful residents would be automatically eligible for coverage.

-Preventive care, treatment for chronic disease, and generic prescription drugs would be free. Dental, vision and hearing services would be included.

-Low-income people would pay no premiums or copays. Premiums and cost-sharing would be determined according to income for everyone else.

-Employers would have the option of maintaining their own plans or joining Medicare Extra. Workers could pick the government plan over their employer's. The proposal would preserve the tax-free status of employer-provided health care, subject to a limit.

-Seniors with private Medicare Advantage insurance plans through Medicare would be able to keep similar coverage, although the program would be redesigned and called "Medicare Choice.'' Seniors would gain coverage for vision, dental and hearing services not now provided by Medicare. Long-term care services would be covered.

-Government would negotiate prices for prescription drugs, medical devices and medical equipment.

Although costs and financing are not spelled out in the proposal, its authors acknowledge significant tax increases would be required. Options include rolling back some of the recently enacted GOP tax cuts for corporations and upper-income people, raising Medicare taxes on upper-income earners, and higher taxes on tobacco and sugary soft drinks.
U.S. law enforcement officials on Thursday announced what they labeled as the largest ever fraud enforcement action involving elderly Americans in U.S. history, charging more than 200 people and bringing civil actions against dozens more.



The defendants, many of them foreign nationals living outside the United States, are accused of robbing more than one million elderly Americans of more than $1 billion, the officials said.



The action was made public at a press conference in Washington by top officials from the Justice Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Trade Commission and other law enforcement agencies.



"It's a despicable crime these people are doing," U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "They're the kind of people we need to be effective in targeting."



The enforcement action was coordinated among state, federal and international law enforcement agencies.



Over the past month, the Justice Department's Consumer Protection Branch and U.S. Attorney's office have filed cases against more than 40 defendants who were collectively responsible for a majority of the cases, Sessions said.



In recent days, agents from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service, have executed search warrants at 14 locations that some of the same fraudsters have run for years, Postal Chief Inspector Guy Cottrell said.

And on Thursday, officers from the Vancouver Police Department in Canada served dozens of search warrants as part of the enforcement action, Sessions said.



"These warrants are being carried out against members of transnational criminal organizations that have allegedly defrauded tens of thousands of Americans and people all over the world," Sessions added.



The alleged fraudsters targeting elderly Americans typically notified them via mail that they'd won a sweepstakes prize and all they needed to do to claim it was to pay a processing fee and money for taxes. While many stopped sending money after realizing they had been duped, others continued to do so in hopes of claiming the prize.



Millions of people around the world fall for the scam.



"The losses are staggering: More than $30 million a month in the United States and globally it's over $100 million," said Cottrell.



According to the Justice Department, an estimated $3 billion is stolen or defrauded from millions of elderly Americans every year.



"And this threat is only growing," said Sessions.



In 2016, the Senate Special Committee's fraud hotline received twice as many reports as it did in 2015, Sessions said.



Last year, the FBI opened more than 1,500 financial crimes cases, including 200 involving senior Americans, said Acting FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich.

The cases involved investment fraud, such as Ponzi schemes, internet fraud such as romance and lottery schemes, reverse mortgage scams and outright theft, Bowdich told the press conference.

The perpetrators included people the victims "should have trusted, including attorneys, financial advisers, guardians and caretakers," said Bowdich.

In one case, the FBI apprehended a lawyer who stole money from the estate of an elderly person with dementia and then used it to support a lavish lifestyle, he added.
Afghanistan will host leaders from Turkmenistan, Pakistan and India on Friday for the ground-breaking ceremony of the Afghan section of a much-delayed multi-billion dollar gas pipeline connecting the four nations.



The $10 billion mega project, known as Turkmenistan-Pakistan-Afghanistan-India, or TAPI, will connect Central Asia with South Asia and is expected to become operational this year.

The 1,814-kilometer pipeline will carry an estimated 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually for the next 30 years from the world's fourth-largest reserves in Turkmenistan.

Officials say India and Pakistan would buy around 14 billion cubic meters each, while the remaining five billion would go to Afghanistan.

Fridays inaugural ceremony will take place in the western Afghan city of Herat where President Ashraf Ghani, his Turkmen counterpart, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Indias Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar will be in attendance.



Turkmenistan launched construction of its section of the pipeline in December 2015.



Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan and India have since deteriorated over allegations Islamabad is not doing enough to stop terrorist groups from using its soil for attacks against the neighboring countries.Pakistani officials deny the charges.



But despite the tensions, energy-deficient India is showing renewed interest in TAPI and pushing for its operationalization, according to Indian media reports.

"Today, given the energy requirements in India, there are several gas pipeline proposals before us. We are, however, strongly committed to TAPI pipeline project," Akbar was quoted as saying.

The project is more than the sum of four nations interests and creates a benchmark for regional cooperation, he added during an implementation committee meeting in Turkmenistan.

Economic milestone

The Afghan government and business community also see the pipeline as a milestone in the war-shattered country's economic development. Kabul is expected to earn up to $500 million annually in transit duties and the project will help create as many as 25,000 jobs, local media quoted Afghan analysts.



The pipeline mostly runs through parts of southwestern Afghanistan where the Taliban insurgency controls or influences many districts. But a spokesman for the insurgent group, Zabihullah Mujahid, says it supports the project and will ensure the pipeline's protection.



Herat Governor Mohammad Asif Rahimi told VOA the Afghan and Turkmen presidents will additionally inaugurate work on the construction of a railway link between the two countries, as well as fiber optic connection along the TAPI route.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed the idea of arming educators in the classroom during an emotional exchange Wednesday with students and parents victimized by school shootings.

Also, spreading former military service members throughout schools "could very well solve your problem," Trump said in the White House State Dining Room. "We're going to be looking at it very closely."

At one point, Trump asked: "Does everybody like that idea?"

A few people raised their hands. The president then asked who opposed it and more hands went up from the approximately 40 people in the room, mainly students, family members and educators directly affected by school shootings.

Trump also called for an end to gun-free zones near schools, declared his administration was "going to be very strong on background checks" and that it would also examine raising the minimum age for purchase of guns (28 states have no such restrictions).

"If he's not old enough to go buy a beer, he should not be able to buy a gun. It's just common sense," said student Samuel Zeif, who survived last week's shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a 19-year-old former student has been charged in the killing of 17 people.

"It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it, and I'm pissed. Because my daughter, I'm not going to see again," said Andrew Pollack, whose daughter, Meadow, was shot nine times and died. "King David Cemetery, that is where I go to see my kid now."

Pollack questioned, "How many children have to get shot?"

The school's student body president, Julia Cordover, told Trump she was "lucky enough to come home from school" and "I am confident you will do the right thing."

Some students from the school declined invitations to attend Wednesday's White House event and instead rallied at Florida's state Capitol in Tallahassee to call for gun-control reforms.

Mental health issue

The president also referred to shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz as a "sick guy  who should have been nabbed." Cruz is being held without bond on 17 counts of premeditated murder at the Broward County Jail.

Trump put more emphasis on the mental health issue than gun control in his remarks, saying "there's no mental institution, there's no place to bring them" in many communities.

"It's about the guns and the person behind the gun," responded Nicole Hockley, who lost her 6-year-old son, Dylan, in the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut.

At the beginning of the session, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, reading prepared remarks, said that no student or teacher should ever have to endure what those in the room had.

"My heart is broken. We're here to have an earnest conversation. We're here to listen to gain your important perspective on ways to reduce violence and protect students," DeVos said.

The president on Tuesday ordered the Justice Department to look at outlawing bump stocks  attachments that allow semiautomatic guns to be fired faster  that were used in the shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada, last October that killed 58 people and wounded 851 others.

Backlash

The Trump administration and lawmakers are facing a backlash from critics  including from some of the student survivors of the latest school mass shooting  who say they are too focused on the mental health of gunmen rather than the weapons they carry.

A Washington Post-ABC News poll released this week said 86 percent of respondents who identified themselves as Democrats said stricter gun control laws could have prevented the Florida shooting, while 67 percent who identified as Republicans said stricter laws could not have prevented the massacre.

The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence on Wednesday called for Congress to immediately pass legislation to make it significantly harder for deadly weapons to be used by dangerous people.

"Americans of every age and background are calling 'BS' on the lack of action from Congress and the president. Americans aren't more dangerous or more criminally inclined than people in other nations, but we have the highest rate of gun deaths in the developed world. That's because our laws continue to allow easy access to the deadliest weapons, and it is well past the time to change those laws," said Brady Campaign Co-president Avery Gardiner.

The organization and others blame the powerful National Rifle Association and other gun-rights groups for their campaign contributions to lawmakers for a lack of action.

"With all 435 seats in the House and 34 seats in the Senate up for re-election in November, it is time for them to act. If not, we'll vote them out," said Gardiner.

The Brady organization is named after former White House press secretary James Brady, who was shot along with President Ronald Reagan outside a Washington, D.C., hotel in 1981.
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Mystery surrounded the identity of the Rome artist behind the saintly Einstein poster.

Selecting covers for our magazine is often a random process. Sometimes they are submitted by galleries, sometimes we request permission directly from artists to publish their work, other times we stumble on images by chance. Our February cover fell into the latter category.

After spotting an Instagram snap featuring a poster of a saintly Albert Einstein in the Collatino suburb, posted by Roma Street Art, an internet search led us to the website Fotografia Errante which documents the city's street art phenomenon extensively. Valentino Bonacquisti, the person behind the site, was happy for us to publish his high-resolution photograph of Einstein but acknowleged that the artist was "unknown."

Days after the February edition was published we received notifications from several Roman street artists, including Gio Pistone, who recognised the cover artist: Stefano Maria Girardi, a painter, illustrator and designer based in the Tiburtina district.

When contacted Girardi said his works  always unsigned  are designed with book cover publication in mind. However the surprise of learning from his peers that his anonymous Einstein had been picked up and published on Wanted in Rome left him feeling immensely pleased."

For details of Girardi's work see website.

Photo Valentino Bonacquisti, Fotografia Errante.
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Shares of United Technologies rose 3 percent Thursday, a day after its CEO indicated a willingness to consider the question of breaking up the Farmington-based conglomerate whose divisions include Otis, Pratt & Whitney, and UTC Aerospace Systems which has a major plant in Danbury.

Only this past January, UTC shareholders voted in favor of the companys proposed $30 billion acquisition of Rockwell Collins, with the Iowa-based giant to bolster UTCs aerospace division with aircraft avionics and flight-deck systems among others.
As the jury room door closed behind the seven women and four men who are now deliberating on the evidence against Tina Fontaines accused killer, Thelma Favel rose from the chair shes occupied for most of Raymond Cormiers second-degree murder trial.

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This article was published 21/2/2018 (1302 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As the jury room door closed behind the seven women and four men who are now deliberating on the evidence against Tina Fontaines accused killer, Thelma Favel rose from the chair shes occupied for most of Raymond Cormiers second-degree murder trial.

Almost every day over the past three weeks, Favel, the woman who raised 15-year-old Tina, has sat right up front, directly across from the jury box, listening, sobbing and soaking in disturbing details of the teens last days that have come to light over the course of Cormiers second-degree murder trial.

FACEBOOK Tina Fontaine was found dead Aug. 17, 2014.

On Wednesday afternoon, after Court of Queens Bench Chief Justice Glenn Joyal instructed the jury and sent them off to be sequestered until they decide whether 56-year-old Raymond Cormier is guilty of killing Tina, Favel got up and hugged Crown prosecutor Breta Passler. It was one of many moments, this one shielded from jurors, that have long since proven the emotional impact of the case and the lasting power of Tinas legacy.

Tinas death sparked a public outcry that renewed calls for a national inquiry into disproportionately high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls across Canada, and the criminal trial for the man accused of killing her hasnt happened in a vacuum.

Many of these past cold, winter days, men dressed in camouflage have stood in front of the Law Courts building downtown, waving the red and yellow flags that became a symbol of an uprising, a fight for Indigenous justice, in the Idle No More movement.

"Justice for Tina!" is their refrain.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Thelma Favel (centre), Tina Fontaines great-aunt, leaves court with family members after listening to closing arguments Tuesday.

Those words, written in the snow in front of the courthouse one day while the trial continued, caused Crown and defence lawyers handling Cormiers case to briefly express concern about outside influence on the jury. Chief Justice Joyal reminded jurors a few times throughout the trial to ignore anything theyve seen or heard outside the courtroom.

While the jury is sequestered, sheltered from the wider implications of this case, there is "a calm before the storm," said Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak grand chief Sheila North, speaking to reporters outside the courthouse Wednesday afternoon.

Six years ago, North coined the social media hashtag #MMIW to represent missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada  an identifier that has since followed an outpouring of news about Tina, from the discovery of her body on Aug. 17, 2014 to Cormiers arrest in December 2015 to ongoing social media updates on his criminal trial. She was present for the judges instructions to the jury Wednesday, after which she said the verdict will be devastating either way.

"I hope that the rest of Canada is looking at this as a chance for all of us to reconcile because I think, you know, what happened to Tina actually brought a lot of Canadians together and started to realize that this issue is real and is happening to real people that are affected every day like this. So its important to remember that were talking about a real, live child that this happened to, and shes not a statistic to us," North said.

"I know that the family, especially Thelma, she doesnt want any more violence, she doesnt want any more injustices, she doesnt want any more grief. She wants to be healed, and I think thats what we all have to remember, is that we have to keep the peace and maintain the peace no matter what because thats who we are as people. Were resilient, weve faced so many hardships like this and well make it past this one, too, whatever the verdict is. But its going to be hard either way. Its going to be really hard emotionally, for the family especially, and I hope it is hard for Cormier, too, either way," she told reporters.

Marilyn Courchene, a band council member of Sagkeeng First Nation, where Tina and her family are from, said it was heartbreaking for her to be in the courtroom to hear the offensive and profane words 56-year-old Cormier used when he talked about 15-year-old Tina, words that were repeated over and over as lawyers, and then the judge, summed up for jurors the case against Cormier this week.

"I couldnt stand being in there. None of us could," Courchene told reporters.

"The details, you know, the outbursts of things happening in there, the words that were used that were terrible, who uses those kinds of words against a child?"

As Tinas relatives and supporters listened in shock to details of Cormiers sexual attraction to Tina and the words he used to describe her and what he wanted from her, many gasped, wept or cried out in grief. "F---ing sick bastard!" one woman shouted at Cormier, prompting the judge to excuse the jury. He then asked anyone who couldnt control their emotions to leave the courtroom so as not to distract the jury.

The jurys work needs to be done properly, Courchene said.

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"Im just hoping that they dont make a decision so hastily or fast, they take their time, that theyre calm about every situation that was said, and all the witnesses that theyve seen," she said.

Courchene said one woman on the jury belongs to "our culture," suggesting she is Indigenous. Racial backgrounds of jurors cant be confirmed because Manitoba doesnt ask prospective jurors for that personal information, but it appears as though some of the jurors are visible minorities.

"Were talking about a life of a child here. Were talking about, you know, a child that was taken advantage of, and thats how I feel. If it was your daughter, Im sure everyone would be upset about this. And we cant say, you know, whether Cormiers guilty or not guilty. We can say there was a child that was taken. Thats what we can say."

 with files from Melissa Martin

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay
OTTAWA  Almost two-thirds of federal public servants in Manitoba arent being paid properly, documents tabled in Parliament show.

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This article was published 22/2/2018 (1302 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  Almost two-thirds of federal public servants in Manitoba arent being paid properly, documents tabled in Parliament show.

Some 6,464 people employed by federal agencies and departments are being underpaid or overpaid, or have had problems with their benefits. That accounts for 64 per cent of the 10,087 civil servants in the province.

The Liberals released the data after Quebec NDP MP Karine Trudel asked how many public servants are affected by the disastrous Phoenix pay system and where they work.

Her colleague, Transcona MP Daniel Blaikie, said the pay issue comes up often in Ottawa, but its putting immense stress on workers across the country.

"Ive had people in my office that are looking at defaulting on their mortgage because theyre not being paid properly," Blaikie said. "Its disappointing to think that our federal government cant get its act together to pay its employees."

Phoenix went online in 2016, with the intention of centralizing payments for a quarter-million federal employees. It instead has led to unpaid student workers, overpaid employees who face stiff tax deductions and others grappling to access their benefits.

Its unclear how many agencies and departments are affected in Manitoba. Of the thousands of affected employees in the province, 97 per cent are administered by a central payment centre that serves 55 departments.

That number includes: the Canadian Grain Commission, headquartered on Main Street in Winnipeg; Correctional Services Canada, which operates Stony Mountain Institution; Health Canada, which runs the National Microbiology Laboratory on Arlington Street; and Parks Canada, which is in charge of Riding Mountain National Park. Its unclear whether employees at those specific workplaces are affected.

Other departments specified the number of employees affected: 183 work for Transport Canada (six in Churchill, the rest in Winnipeg), 25 at a branch of Industry Canada, 14 at Statistics Canada, and one each for both the federal archives and Canadian Human Rights Commission.

The Transcona-based Freshwater Fish Marketing Corp. and the Winnipeg branch of the Royal Canadian Mint are not listed.

The former Harper government purchased and launched Phoenix while the Trudeau government expanded it to other departments.

Last November, the auditor general estimated the problem couldnt be fixed until after the October 2019 election. By that time, Ottawa will have spent $1 billion fixing problems caused by a system that was supposed to make payments more efficient.

Manitoba is among the least-affected provinces. The National Post has compared all regions in the data and found 94 per cent of New Brunswicks federal civil servants had problems with Phoenix, making it the hardest-hit. Saskatchewan came in second, with 92 per cent of federal employees affected.

Blaikie said he had a civilian employee of the RCMP ask him to make sure members of the force werent rolled into the Phoenix program. He raised the issue with Treasury Board president Scott Brison last November. Ottawa eventually decided to delay those plans.

For Blaikie, it illustrates the wasted time spent in Parliament and the bureaucracy trying to rectify Phoenix issues.

"Paying employees in any organization is a bread-and-butter issue that you really need to get right, or youre not going to be able to focus on what it is youre doing."

This week, the news website iPolitics reported the federal Liberals were looking at moving to a system other than Phoenix, while they resolve outstanding cases.

"You may find there is a new way that can actually address this issue faster," Public Services Minister Carla Qualtrough said. That conflicts with the auditor generals assessment that it would be impossible.

Qualtroughs office did not respond to a request for comment.

Blaikie said it would be "unconscionable" if the Liberals were to switch to the new system without keeping the old one running.

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"Phoenix is in disarray by the governments own admission," he said.

"It just strikes me as really odd that, in the 21st century, that this is a problem for government."

He couldnt say what the NDP would do if it inherited the problem.

Blaikie noted union groups have offered to help Ottawa sort things out, and executives overseeing the troubled program have received bonuses.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada did not respond to a request for comment.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Members of Parliament mulling options for publicly funding medications will likely take their sweet time. Theres no rush for them, because they already have the type of access to medications contemplated for other Canadians.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 22/2/2018 (1302 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

Members of Parliament mulling options for publicly funding medications will likely take their sweet time. Theres no rush for them, because they already have the type of access to medications contemplated for other Canadians.

While approximately three million Canadians dont take medications as directed because of the cost, MPs and other lawmakers enjoy platinum medication plans for themselves and their families.

Im glad our elected leaders have access to life-saving medications such as insulin and treatments for HIV-AIDS. It would be absurd to allow our leaders to die preventable deaths while holding elected office.

But its also absurd that most taxi drivers or daycare workers, for example, must either pay for medications or suffer. The consequences of untreated diabetes include heart attacks, strokes and death. Are we prepared to allow people who work as food servers, artists or small business owners to die from treatable conditions?

While we should celebrate the fact that Parliament is becoming more diverse, the House is still very different from the rest of the country. Twenty-six per cent of MPs are women  less than the number of low-income families headed by a woman in our country (34 per cent) and, of course, about half of the number it should be. We dont have a clear tally of the self-reported ethnicities of MPs, but you can decide where youre more likely to encounter racial diversity: on Parliament Hill or behind the counter of a fast-food restaurant (or in another low-wage job).

New Canadians can and do make it big here, but thats not true for immigrants cut down in their prime by a stroke that could have been prevented by high-blood-pressure treatments.

Publicly funded medicine provisions for lawmakers could even delay needed policy changes. MPs and other lawmakers are insulated from our frayed patchwork system, where some people have public or private plans but others dont.

Studies in the United States have shown that lawmakers who have children in private schools are less likely to vote for laws that support public schools. Canadian lawmakers may be slow to support publicly funded mediation access for all Canadians because they wouldnt be affected by the change  their coverage is already great.

During the past 40 years, multiple reports have recommended public funding of medications. Witnesses who recently appeared before the parliamentary committee repeated overwhelming arguments for including medications in our publicly funded health system. According to surveys, Canadians overwhelmingly reject the idea that your access to medications should depend on your job.

People understandably worry about taxes going up if medications are publicly funded. But, in fact, were already paying more than $1,000 per person in Canada, or a total of $30 billion per year, on medications. Government spending represents 40 per cent of that whopping amount and the rest is insurance fees and out-of-pocket charges.

We should be able to publicly fund the most important essential medicines for every person in Canada for the amount were paying now. Bulk purchasing should reduce prices per pill the way it has in countries that are smaller than Canada, such as Sweden and New Zealand. We wouldnt need to pay for both public and private administrative systems for medications and the drug budget wouldnt end up as profit for insurance companies.

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The World Health Organization has created a model list of essential medicines that more than 100 countries have adapted to their own circumstances. We could do the same in Canada and that list could be the basis for an equitable publicly funded medication policy.

There are two ways to level the playing field between lawmakers and everyone else.

We could publicly fund essential medications for everyone in Canada, just like we publicly fund essential health-care services, such as seeing a doctor or having an X-ray.

Or we could give lawmakers the same medication coverage plans as food servers and see whether that speeds up their deliberations about publicly funding medications.

Nav Persaud is an expert adviser with evidencenetwork.ca, a physician and scientist in Toronto and an assistant professor at the University of Toronto.

 Troy Media
The man who has been called America's pastor and the world's best-known evangelist, Billy Graham, died Wednesday morning at his home in the hill country of North Carolina. He was 99. Graham had retired from active evangelism in 2005 after a crusade in New York, but his influence continued through the ministries he established or energized and the millions of lives he touched during over 60 years of public activity.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 21/2/2018 (1302 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

In this June 26, 2005 file photo, the Rev. Billy Graham speaks on stage on the third and last day of his farewell American revival in the Queens borough of New York. A spokesman said on Graham has died at his home in North Carolina at age 99. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)

The man who has been called America's pastor and the world's best-known evangelist, Billy Graham, died Wednesday morning at his home in the hill country of North Carolina. He was 99. Graham had retired from active evangelism in 2005 after a crusade in New York, but his influence continued through the ministries he established or energized and the millions of lives he touched during over 60 years of public activity.

Over the years Graham conducted crusades around the world and in the early years he would extend them if people kept responding. That happened in London in 1954 where Harringay arena had been secured for three months, though a series of meetings were planned for six weeks. At the end of that time the team decided to go the full three months. And when that time ended, Wembley Stadium, seating 100,000 was secured, and a second, White City Stadium, seating 65,000 as well, for a grand final service. Both were filled, and at the last moment, Wembley was opened to another 22,000 people who sat on the turf.

During his months in England, he prepared 50 sermons on the days he preached and lost 30 pounds. He also appeared to win over a largely cynical press. After a face to face meeting with Graham, one who had earlier written a very clever denunciation, commented, "I never thought that simplicity could cudgel us sinners so damned hard."

When Graham returned to England more than a decade later, he was greeted at one event by 52 Anglican clergmen sitting on the platform, all of whom had been converted during the Harringay crusade. London did for Graham internationally what the Los Angeles crusade did for him in America.

The story of the breakthrough crusade in Los Angeles that made Graham known across America has often been told. "Puff Graham," William Randolph Hearst is supposed to have told his editors. The Hearst papers did so. Graham later acknowledged the support and the effect it had night after night for three weeks as people flocked to his 6,000 seat canvas cathedral. Thousands made commitments to Christ.

He became known around the world and in later years he would have crusades from Stockholm to Sydney, West Africa to West Germany, Paris to Paraguay. He was in Winnipeg as well as in Toronto during Canada's Centennial year. His meetings in Winnipeg filled the old arena night after night.

In 2007, after Graham had retired, his organization estimated he had preached to more than 215 million people in countries around the globe and reached hundreds of millions more by videos, film and television.

Graham stood in a long tradition of American evangelists stretching back decades, but he also reimagined it in ways that were unique. No one has likely spoken to a wider audience spanning the entire globe than he. He preached in Moscow already in 1959 and even to a "repressive leader like Kim Il Sung of North Korea," as the New York Times put it.

It helped, of course, that Graham's father-in-law, physician L. Nelson Bell, had been a missionary to China, and Graham's wife, Ruth, had spent part of her life in that part of the world.

Born in North Carolina and converted in a crusade by another evangelist, Mordecai Ham, and given a Bible college training in two southern schools, Graham might have followed a very traditional path. But that was not to be.

Early in his life, he also chose to attend the leading American evangelical school, Wheaton College, near Chicago, and then became part of the early Youth for Christ movement, an innovative ministry to post-Second World War youth. It was the training ground for a generation of leaders. They were known for engaging the imagination and energies of the young. Some of the circle of men who stayed with Graham virtually all of his years of public ministry came from time.

Graham was open to using every means to reach people with a Gospel message. Even during the London meetings, when the team learned that during war the British had found a way to use phone lines to pipe sound into gatherings, they were able to set up 400 such lines to communities around the country.

For years he could be heard weekly on radio, a publication called Decision entered hundreds of thousands of homes, television specials appeared periodically, he wrote a weekly column for newspapers, wrote 30 books, and films produced by his organization told stories of faith.

Graham and his father-in-law founded a paper in the 1950s called Christianity Today that remains the strongest voice for historic evangelicalism in America. Bell became its first executive editor. In later years, Graham became the major force for gatherings of evangelists from around the world at World Congresses on Evangelism in cities such as Berlin and Amsterdam.

If Graham is known as America's pastor, it is perhaps as much for the relationship he had with national leaders as it is for the impact he had on John Doe in Peoria. He met and prayed with every president from Harry Truman to Barack Obama. With some he had a close relationship, starting with Richard Nixon and later Ronald Reagan. When Graham learned about some of Nixon's actions, he was appalled. Nonetheless, he stayed close to other presidents. He was at the White House overnight in 1991 just before George H.W. Bush declared war on Iraq.

Later in life, Graham wrote that if he could do it over again, he "would avoid any semblance of involvement in partisan politics." He says at times he "stepped over the line between politics and [his] calling as an evangelist." It was something he regretted.

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Graham's son Franklin has not heeded his father's advice, generating a great deal of criticism in recent years for his statements about Muslims and LGBT folk, more recently, his support for President Trump.

Graham's crusades had a number of signature traits. In America's south or in South Africa he refused to allow them to be segregated. He invited church leaders of all Christian denominations to join his crusades as long as they were comfortable to do so. He often invited well-known figures to tell their faith stories. While crusades had large choirs led by Cliff Barrows, a longtime associate, they also included the wonderful bass soloist George Beverly Shea, and very often guest soloists like Johnny Cash or Ethel Waters.

Throughout his life, Graham never had a whiff of scandal relating to his personal life or his finances. He drew a salary, but it was modest. He was never alone with a woman other than his wife. He took opportunities wherever he could to appear in public if they allowed him to explain the gospel.

Above all, as an evangelist Graham saw himselfas he explained it in his autobiography Just As I Am  as "a person sent by God to announce the Gospel." And that involves conveying the "unchanging" message "centered in Christ and what he has done for us by his death and resurrection and the need for us to respond by committing our lives to him." No crusade ended without an invitation to come forward to indicate the desire to repent of sin and follow Jesus.

In his declining years, his wife already gone, Graham suffered from several ailments, including prostate cancer and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. He is survived by his sons, Franklin and Ned, and daughters Virginia Tchividjian, Anne Graham Lotz and Ruth Graham McIntyre.

Harold Jantz was the founding editor of ChristianWeek, a national evangelical newspaper printed locally in Winnipeg.
People concerned about robots taking away jobs might want to consider fields where its already happened. Machines with varying levels of intelligence have quietly taken over the most glamorous, coveted and admirable job in the world: space exploration.

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This article was published 22/2/2018 (1302 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

People concerned about robots taking away jobs might want to consider fields where its already happened. Machines with varying levels of intelligence have quietly taken over the most glamorous, coveted and admirable job in the world: space exploration.

Its not that people cant still be astronauts  its just there arent nearly enough jobs for all the people with the desire and ability to do it. And in terms of gathering data, we cant catch up to the robots, which have in recent years been plunging beneath Jupiters thick cloud cover and exploring the exotic moons of Saturn with their methane lakes and roiling ice geysers. At more than 11 billion miles from home, the unmanned space probe Voyager 1 has finally reached the edge of the suns "atmosphere" of solar wind particles and sampled true interstellar space.

Perhaps human space flight will start to take a cue from Elon Musks Roadster now playfully speeding away on an orbit around the sun. In the future, going into space might become less of a solemn duty carried out by a hand-selected few, and more of an adventure, done both for learning and fun. This will take some attitude adjustment, given that the U.S. has been the traditional leader in space exploration, and we are a puritanical people, deeply suspicious of fun.

Robots didnt take over space in any sort of hostile way. Its still the people who are doing the exploration, using technology to boldly go to places with toxic atmospheres, crushing pressure, deadly X-rays and extreme temperatures.

We biological beings are the ones whose curiosity drives the missions. "Ive explored Pluto and the distant reaches of the universe from the comfort of my living room," said Tod Lauer, an astronomer with the National Optical Astronomy Observatory in Arizona. "We can make the decisions and judgments remotely. We can make new missions based on what weve learned." When their missions end, robots go without question or complaint. The Cassini spacecraft collected some final data as it plunged to its demise in Saturns atmosphere.

That said, Lauer added that it would be fun to go into space. And even more fun than going into space would be going to Mars. Getting to our neighbouring planet isnt just Elon Musks dream  its the destination recommended by the National Academy of Sciences. In a 2014 report on the future of space flight, a panel of experts identified Mars as the most reasonable new place NASA could send humans.

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The panels co-chair, Cornell University planetary scientist Jonathan Lunine, said they concluded that science alone isnt quite enough to justify sending people on a Mars mission. But sending humans to Mars could give the U.S. a chance to display leadership in peaceful international co-operation, he said, and could inspire the public. So the justification for going to Mars would combine scientific goals with "economic, political and aspirational" ones.

What is "aspirational" if not a respectable term for fun and adventurous? Lunine said his panel concluded it would take another 30 years to get humans to Mars, during which time robot technology may advance in ways we cant predict. They may be able to make the journey safer and better in ways we cant imagine now.

Meanwhile, robotic missions will help answer the big questions. Scientists are still hoping to learn more about how our solar system formed. The search for alien life continues, boosted by the surprise finding there are seas with the potential for harbouring life on Saturns moon Enceladus, as well as on Jupiters Europa. And now instead of just nine planets, we have eight planets and scores of other worlds out beyond Pluto  Makemake, Quaoar, Sedna and Varuna, to name a few. Its human nature to want to see whats out there, even if we cant go in the flesh.

Commercial vehicles such as SpaceXs Falcon Heavy, which launched the spacefaring Roadster, will probably figure into the quest, Lunine said, since theres a shortage of powerful rockets and no shortage of ideas for missions that need to be lofted far into space. Scientists have drawn up plans for potential missions to look closer at those distant moons of Jupiter and Saturn for signs of life, and there are plans for exploring Uranus and Neptune, which hold particular fascination since astronomers have found many bodies like them in other solar systems.

Perhaps these missions will be long ago accomplished by the time that car is predicted to swing close enough to be visible from Earth  roughly estimated to be around 2073. If history is any guide, we and our robots will still be exploring, launching missions to answer new questions that nobody has yet thought to ask.

Faye Flam is a Bloomberg View columnist.
Former prime minister and current head of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda Zia, was convicted and sentenced to five years jail this month after a special court found her guilty of corruption. She was imprisoned on February 8.

Zia was accused of embezzling nearly 21 million taka ($US250,000) in foreign donations meant for an orphanage trust established when she was prime minister from 2001 to 2006. The trust was named after her late husband and former Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman. Her son, Tarique Rahman, the current BNP vice-chairman, received a 10-year sentence.

Although Zia has been detained many times during her 35-year political career, this is the first time she has been convicted. Early this week she lodged a High Court appeal, but faces dozens of other charges.

Dhaka University law professor Asif Nazrul told the media it was a controversial verdict and many people in Bangladesh viewed it as a way of demonising a political opponent.

The conviction is a clear attempt by Prime Minister Sheik Hasinas Awami League government to bar Zia from contesting Decembers general elections. According to Bangladesh law, anyone convicted of an offence with a sentence of more than two years cannot contest elections. By removing her main rival from the elections, Hasina hopes to secure her government a third consecutive term.

More than 5,000 police officers were mobilised in Dhaka on the day of Zias conviction. They violently attacked thousands of BNP supporters who rallied near the court. Ain o Salish Kendra, a Dhaka-based human rights group, reported that more than 1,780 people, including several BNP leaders, were arrested. The police operation was a clear indication that Hasinas government is not going to tolerate any dissent over the sentence.

Before the last general elections in January 2014, the BNP called for the ballot to be conducted under a neutral caretaker government. When the Awami League administration rejected this, the BNP boycotted the elections and engaged in protests.

The BNP-led demonstrations were marked by vandalism, arson and firebombing of vehicles and property, killing more than 120 people and injuring hundreds more.

While the Awami League secured a two-thirds parliamentary majority, the protests impacted heavily on Bangladesh businesses. According to the Centre for Policy Dialogue, a think tank, gross domestic product fell by 0.55 percent, or 49 billion Taka ($US630 million), between January and March 2014. Some estimates claim that the total damage, including the informal sector, was around 1.25 trillion Taka.

The brutal repression unleashed by Hasanis government was another demonstration that her administration would stop at nothing to implement its austerity measures and pro-market reforms.

The governments main target is not the BNP, the ruling elites other major political faction, but the working class, especially garment workers, and the rural poor.

By suppressing her rivals in the ruling elite, Hasina is attempting to strengthen her hand to combat the growing opposition of workers to low wages, slave labour conditions and declining living standards.

Bangladesh is a cheap labour platform for the international apparel industry. According to the US-based Forbes magazine, a Bangladeshi garment worker earns $0.13 an hour, compared to $7,283 an hour (pre-tax) for one of the top 350 US clothing company chief executive officers.

A recent Center for Policy Dialogue report noted that the income share of the poorest 5 percent of households in Bangladesh dropped to 0.23 percent in 2016, down from 0.78 percent in 2010. The income share of the wealthiest 5 percent of households increased to 27.89 percent in 2016, up from 24.61 percent in 2010.

The Bangladesh capitalist class, which depends heavily on foreign remittances from expatriate workers and export income, fears a slowdown in the global economy, ongoing military conflict in the Middle East and a slump in global oil prices. A majority of Bangladeshi expatriate workers are employed in the Middle East.

Another indication of the Hasina governments increasing repression is the growing number of people being disappeared. According to human rights organisations and the media, over 90 people disappeared in 2016 and 48 in the first five months of last year. In April 2017, a senior Rapid Action Bureau officer admitted during a secretly-recorded interview with Swedish Radio that the counter-terrorism police and military unit routinely pick up people, kill them and dispose of the bodies.

The government is banking on US and Indian support for its suppression of the BNP. Commenting on Zias conviction, a US State Department spokesperson called on the government to guarantee a fair trial and defend the right of all individuals to freely express their political views, without fear of reprisal. This amounts to a tacit endorsement of the repression.

Indias ruling elites prefer an Awami League administration, rather than a BNP-led government. New Delhi recently signed various trade deals as part of its efforts to undermine Chinese political and economic influence in Bangladesh (see: India strengthens its relations with Bangladesh). Historically the Indian ruling class has been close to the Awami League, having supported its campaign for separation from Pakistan in 1971. The BNP consistently uses anti-Indian chauvinism to divert mass anger into nationalist channels.
Some 370 coal miners will lose their jobs, with layoffs starting next month, due to the planned closure of the 4 West Mine in southwestern Pennsylvania.

On March 2, 191 miners will be thrown out of work when the 4 West Mine, located in Greene County, about 60 miles south of Pittsburgh near the West Virginia border, stops coal production. Another 175 miners will be laid off by June 1 after the company removes underground equipment and seals the mine. Another four miners will be let go when the mine officially closes on December 31.

The mine is operated by Dana Mining Company, which is owned by Mepco LLC. It provided coal for a nearby power plant operated by a related company. The company said it was able to buy outside coal cheaper than could be produced at their own mine.

The mine is being permanently closed because the aging of the mine and adverse geological conditions have impaired the productivity of the mine and forced higher costs of coal production, Brian Osborn, senior vice president of operations at Mepco, told the Greene County Messenger.

The 4 West Mine simply cant compete in todays steam coal market as most of our competitors have the advantage of better mining conditions and the higher production rates associated with longwall mining, added Osborn.

The closure will be another blow to workers living in the area, which already suffers from high unemployment and poverty. It is estimated that for every coal mining job destroyed, another five people will lose their jobs in supporting industries.

This is going to be devastating, a coal miner from another mine told the World Socialist Web Site .

The coal companies just took as much as they can and leaving the people with nothing. These people have families to support, he said, noting that there were no other jobs in the area.

The gas companies are doing the same thing. Greene and (neighboring) Fayette County are two of the three poorest counties in Pennsylvania, yet you see gas drilling everywhere.

A few people make some money, but most people end up with nothing and now have to drive on even worse roads then they had before because they have been torn up by the gas trucks driving up and down them.

Fewer than half of the population is in the labor force. The median household income in the county is 10 percent below the state average and one in every seven residents live in poverty.

After the mine closes there will be just two underground mines in the entire county. Consol Energy operates the Bailey mine complex, and the Cumberland Mine near Waynesburg is owned Contura Energy Inc., which was formed out of the bankruptcy of Alpha Natural Resources.

Greene County once had a dozen major mines and many smaller ones, with thousands of coal miners employed there. Most closed in the 1980s and 90s. The most recent closure was in 2015, when the Emerald Mine near Waynesburg was closed, throwing 500 miners out of work.

Workers at the Bailey complex are also worried that their jobs may not last long. The Bailey complex consists of three underground mines: Bailey, Enlow Fork and the Harvey mine. They are the largest underground mines in the country, running five long wall and 15-17 continuous miner sections. The three mines are able to produce on average 26 million tons of coal each year.

In November of last year Consol split into two companies, one controlling the coal mines and the other its more profitable natural gas business. The mine side of the business was saddled with $908 million in Consol debt.

We are just running coal, they are not spending anything on maintenance to keep the equipment going, a miner at the Bailey complex told the WSWS.

Consol, in its most recent statement, shows that it sold 100 percent of its coal produced in the last quarter for 2017, making it a record production year. In a presentation to investors earlier this month, the company stated that it already has contracts to sell 70 percent of coal produced this year and 24 percent in 2019.

They dont care about the miners, said the miner at the Bailey complex. Theyve already eliminated our health benefits and they are just trying to make as much money as they can. When the company cut the health benefits, some of the older miners were given cash settlements and some were substantial, $75,000 or $100,000. But in reality, that only pays for insurance for four or five years and if you or your wife ends up with cancer or something, that money will be gone very fast.

Greene County voted by nearly a 70 percent margin for Trump in the 2016 presidential elections, largely due to his demagogic promise to bring back coal jobs and anger at the Obama administration over mine closures and layoffs that have exacerbated the conditions of grinding poverty facing many in the area.

Since the election, the Trump administration has helped fatten the profits of the coal companies through tax cuts and reduced environmental and safety regulations. While there was a modest increase in coal production in 2017, the benefits have largely gone to the coal operators. Miners meanwhile saw fatalities last year nearly double.

For its part Consol states that it will see significant benefits ... in 2018 and beyond under the new tax laws. Consol is set to gain $250 million from the Trump administration tax cuts for the wealthy. Meanwhile, the Trumps budget proposal for 2019 cuts training programs for laid-off miners.
A report released by the United Nations International Childhood Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reveals that worldwide, 7,000 newborns die each day. While most of the countries that ranked poorly for newborn mortality are impoverished, fragile states, extreme income inequality in a number of wealthy countries costs the lives of thousands of children each year.

Released on Tuesday, UNICEFs Every Child Alive: The Urgent Need to End Newborn Deaths opens by pointing out that 2.6 million babies yearly die before they turn one month old. Of that number, 1 million die on the same day they are born and an additional 2.6 million infants are stillborn every year. While child mortality rates overall have fallen, the UNICEF report asserts, newborn deaths now account for a greater, and growing, share of all deaths among children younger than 5.

The report ranks the newborn mortality rates of the worlds nations based on statistics from 2016. Pakistan, where one in 22 infants dies before turning one month old, had the highest newborn mortality rate. Japan had the lowest infant mortality rate, with only one death per 1,111 births.

Predictably, the countries with the highest newborn mortality rates were those plagued by poverty, war, and lack of sanitation. After Pakistan, the countries with the poorest outcomes for newborns were the Central African Republic, Afghanistan, Somalia, Lesotho, Guinea-Bissau, South Sudan, Cote DIvoire, Mali, and Chad. Eight of those countriesSomalia, Central African Republic, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Pakistan, Cote DIvoire, Guinea-Bissau, and Maliare designated as fragile states, characterized by instability, crisis, social inequality, and human flight.

The countries with the lowest newborn mortality rates in 2016 were Japan, Iceland, Singapore, Finland, Slovenia, Estonia, Cyprus, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Norway and Luxembourg.

That a baby born in Pakistan is almost 50 times more likely to die before reaching one month of age than his or her Japanese counterpart is hardly surprising. A mother in rural Pakistan, after all, faces obstacles to prenatal care, nutrition, and safe, sanitary spaces that mothers in Japan do not. There are also fewer qualified health care providers in poorer countries. In Somalia for instance, there is only one skilled health professional per 1,000 people, while in Norway, there are 218.

Greater wealth, however, does not necessarily translate to lower newborn mortality rates. The average newborn mortality rate in wealthy countries is about 3 deaths per 1,000 births; yet in a high-income developing country such as Trinidad and Tobago, the rate is 13, comparable to that of low income countries.

The United States and Kuwait both had newborn mortality rates of 4; in these high-income countries, newborns fare only marginally better than newborns in the low-to-middle income countries of Ukraine and Sri Lanka, which both had a rate of 5. The United States and the United Kingdom both had higher death rates than Cuba and South Korea. Equatorial Guinea, an upper-middle-income nation, placed among the 20 countries with the highest newborn mortality rates with 32 out 1,000 babies dying before they are one month old.

Most newborn deaths are attributable to birth complications, prematurity, infection, and malnourishmentalmost all of which are preventable. Yet as UNICEF states, a nations wealth makes little difference if there is no political will to confront the social issues underlying infant mortality. This is a resounding indictment of countries such as the United States, which consistently has higher child mortality rates than nations of comparable wealth.

Keeping Every Child Alive highlights the vast social inequalities, not only between poor countries and wealthy ones, but also between the poor and the rich in the worlds wealthiest nations. The report states that Babies born to the poorest families are more than 40 per cent more likely to die during the newborn period than those born to the least poor.

If we consider the root causes, these babies are not dying from medical causes such as prematurity or pneumonia. They are dying because their families are too poor or marginalized to access the care they need, the report notes.

Two of the hallmarks of a fragile state are economic inequality and deterioration of social services. The United States is marked by both; year after year, increasing social inequality and decreased spending on social services serve to underwrite ever expanding military operations and preparations for even larger wars. Seen from this perspective, the US relatively poor newborn mortality rates are of a piece with the shocking rates of newborn deaths in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia, countries that have been targeted by the imperialist war machine.

The report concludes: When we talk in the cold language of statisticsof rates, averages, percentages, indicatorsit is easy to forget that we are talking about the lives and deaths of real babies babies who deserve to survive, to grow up healthy and contribute to their societies. This report shines a light on the fact that millions of newborn babies are denied this opportunity, dying too soon from causes that are almost all preventable.

UNICEF outlines concrete steps that would lower newborn mortality rates; yet without confronting the capitalist system, which is the crux of the global social crisis the report outlines, the worlds most vulnerable children remain endangered.
With the entry of a convoy of militias backing the government of President Bashar al-Assad into the Syrian canton of Afrin on Tuesday and Turkish troops responding with heavy artillery bombardment, the danger of a direct military confrontation between Turkish and Syrian troops has increased.

It opens the door to a further escalation in the civil war in Syria, where Turkish and Syrian armies, Iran-linked militias backing the Damascus government, Russian and US troops, and several proxy forces, including Kurdish nationalists and several Islamic groups, are present.

According to Reuters, the pro-government forces were welcomed by the Kurdish People Protection Units (YPG), which have set up three autonomous cantons in northern Syria, including Afrin, since the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011. Ankara regards this as a threat because of the links of the YPG to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been engaged in a guerilla war inside Turkey for three decades.

On January 20, Turkey launched its Operation Olive Branch to clear YPG militants from Afrin. According to Turkish officials, this operation has cost the lives of 1,651 Kurdish fighters and 32 Turkish troops, while 7 Turkish civilians were killed and 125 wounded in cross-border attacks launched by the YPG. With its operation Euphrates Shield, the Turkish army began direct intervention in northern Syria in August 2016 to stop the YPG linking Afrin along the Turkish-Syrian border to other largely Kurdish-populated territories in northeastern Syria.

Speaking to the parliamentary group of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) earlier on Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara had worked with Russia to prevent any deployment by pro-Syrian government forces. Preparations in the field take some time. In the coming days we will lay siege to Afrin city. Its very important that every place we go remains secure, he said. Thanks to the siege, the YPG will have no room to bargain with the Syrian regime.

In an attempt to belittle the growing danger of escalation, Erdogan stated later in the day that the issue of the entrance of the pro-Damascus militia in Afrin was closed for now. At a press conference with his Macedonian counterpart Gjorge Ivanov, he said: Yesterday, we agreed on these issues in talks with Putin and Rouhani. Unfortunately, you know, these kinds of terrorist organisations have taken the wrong step with the decision. On Monday, Erdogan had discussed the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in separate telephone conversations.

In a parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday, Devlet Bahceli, the leader of the fascistic Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the main ally of Erdogan, warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad about the consequences of a possible support to Kurdish forces. He said: If he enters Afrin and stands with the PKK/PYD/YPG, he will suffer the consequences. On February 6, Bahceli declared before his parliamentary group that Afrin should be destroyed and the terrorists should be set on fire.

On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an interview with Kanal 24, a private broadcaster, It is obvious that they [the regime] did not enter [Afrin] yet, but more terrorists are coming to the region especially from the East. Emphasising that it does not pose any problem for Turkey, if Syrian regime forces enter Afrin to fight the terrorist group, he added: But if the regime enters there to support and protect YPG/PKK-Daesh [Arabic abbreviation for the ISIS], no one can stop the Turkish army.

Cavusoglu was answering a question about a report by Syrias state-run news agency SANA, that the pro-government militia Popular Forces would enter Afrin soon. SANAs report, however, left no doubt that the popular forces are to arrive in the Afrin area soon to support locals against the aggression launched by the Turkish regime on the area since January 20.

According to SANA, The Turkish regime has been waging a barbaric aggression on Afrin area for almost a month, using various types of weapons and shells including the internationally prohibited chlorine gas, killing and injuring hundreds of civilians and destroying infrastructure, properties, and historical landmarks.

Meanwhile, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and government spokesman Bekir Bozdag has called SANAs report unrealistic, saying Although Syrian official news agency SANA reported that some forces linked to the Syrian regime will enter Afrin, this news has not been confirmed by the official authorities. It is unrealistic, not related to the fact.

The Turkish Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin dismissed an agreement between the YPG and Syrian government as propaganda on his official Twitter account. He wrote: It is clear that the reports about a deal between the regime and the PYD/YPG have the purpose of propaganda. But that does not mean there has not been a set of dirty and secret negotiations.

These comments came after Badran Jia Kurd, an adviser to the Kurdish-led autonomous administration in northern Syria, told Reuters on Sunday that a deal had been struck for the Syrian army to go into Afrin soon to help fight the Turkish assault.

But YPG spokesperson Nouri Mahmoud denied on Monday that such an agreement with the Damascus government had been reached, adding that pressure from Russia had prevented the deal from going ahead so far. Mahmoud said that there was only a call from us for the Syrian army to come in and protect the borders.

According to a press statement from the Kremlin on the phone conversation between Putin and Erdogan, In discussing the situation in Syria special attention was paid to ways of further enhancing cooperation in the Astana format [a reference to the deal reached in talks in Kazakhstan last year]. The readiness was confirmed for tight coordination of efforts by Russia, Turkey and Iran for the sake of achieving effective operation of the de-escalation zones and advancing the political process in line with the agreements achieved by the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi.

Speaking Monday at the opening of the Valdai Discussion Clubs conference, dubbed Russia in the Middle East: Playing on All Fields, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed Russias concerns over Syrias sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling on Washington not to play with fire in Syria.

We cannot but observe with concern attempts to disintegrate Syria. Such concerns arise after studying the plans which the US is starting to implement on soil, chiefly east of the Euphrates [the largely Kurdish-populated area controlled by the YPG]. ... I once again call on our American colleagues not to play with fire and measure their steps proceeding not from immediate needs of todays political environment, but rather from long-term interests of the Syrian people and of all peoples of this region, including the Kurds, of course, be it Syria or Iraq or other countries of the region, Lavrov said.

Referring to US support to the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its YPG militia, Lavrov also accused the US of taking provocative steps in Syria, which led to an escalation of tensions with Turkey, adding, and you know what is now going on in Afrin.

Previously, Lavrov accused Washington of seeking to isolate a vast part of the Syrian territory from the rest of the country in violation of Syrias sovereignty and territorial integrity. In an interview with the Euronews television channel on Friday, February 16, the Russian foreign minister said: A US taskforce and other units are illegally staying in Syria, without any invitation from Damascus (the legitimate government) or a United Nations Security Council mandate.  Obviously, the United States has some strategy, which, I think, is geared to keep its military presence in Syria forever.  They are seeking to do the same in Iraq and in Afghanistan, in spite of all their previous promises.

Not only Moscow but also Tehran have reiterated the necessity of respecting Syrias sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a phone call with the Turkish president late on Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that fighting terrorism, driving terrorists out of Syria and countering separatist moves in the region are among the common goals of Iran and Turkey, As the Fars News Agency reported, Rouhani added, Iran and Turkey are pursuing common goals in regional and international developments.

In September of last year, Ankara and Tehran applied punitive measures against the Kurdish regional government in Iraq and launched military exercises on their borders in support of the Iraqi central government, as the KRG proceeded with an independence referendum. Faced with imminent sanctions and the prospect of a military intervention, however, the KRG had to retreat.

Russia, Turkey and Iran are currently in a tacit alliance that has sidelined the US in much of the diplomatic negotiations over Syrias future, but they have distinct and not necessarily compatible interests in the region.

Having given its approval to Turkeys push into northern Syria, providing that the operation remains within certain limits and does not confront Assads forces, Moscow was playing on the divisions between the two NATO allies, Ankara and Washington, to strengthen its hand in Syria against the US.

The Putin regime, however, has also the aim of moving the Syrian Kurdish nationalists away from the Pentagon, and retains close ties with them, in contrast to both Ankara and Tehran. Thus, the Kurdish question has once more become a factor bringing Iran, Turkey and Iraq closer together, not only as a historically unsolved common problem but also due to the US involvement that increases their fear of Kurdish separation. This may also include the Syrian government.

This development has revealed the reactionary character of Ankaras invasion in Afrin as a reckless move that would exacerbate the conflicts raging across the Middle East and intensify the danger of war between the major powers, which can be prevented only through the building of a socialist and international anti-war movement in the working class.
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This Week's Deals With Gold Include Call of Duty: WWII, Destroy All Humans! and DOOM
Black Panther has become a Hollywood hit on a level that few other films have ever achieved: It is now only the fifth film ever to post an opening weekend of over $200 million and is guaranteed to hit $1 billion worldwide within the next month.

Given its African American director, Ryan Coogler, and 10 leading black stars, Black Panther has especially been embraced by the African American community, who see the movies success has a potential bellwether for Hollywood to embrace more films by and featuring people of color.

The Marvel films success comes three years after the #OscarsSoWhite controversy raged  and follows the critical and commercial success of films like Straight Outta Compton, Wonder Woman, Coco, Get Out, and last years Oscar Best Picture winner Moonlight. Time and time again, moviegoers have made the message clear: Diversity isnt just culturally importantits profitable too.

Also Read:'Black Panther' Director Ryan Coogler Thanks Fans in Emotional Letter, Says He's Moved 'to Tears'

Its clear that representation matters, and moviegoers have responded every time weve answered that demand, said Dave Hollis, Disneys President of Theatrical Distribution. We are trying to make movies that resonate with a global audience, and that means making movies that allow people to see themselves represented on screen.

Audiences are certainly responding with overwhelming enthusiasm, transforming this films release into a major cultural moment. Analytics group Shareablee notes that there was three times more Twitter traffic for Black Panther than for Wonder Woman and nine times more on Instagram.

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Celebrities like Octavia Spencer and Snoop Dogg are organizing field trips for underprivileged schoolchildren to go see the film. And directors like Barry Jenkins and Ava DuVernay  as well as former First Lady Michelle Obama  are praising Black Panther as a game changer.

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Also Read:'Black Panther' Will Hit $1 Billion at the Box Office - The Only Question Is When

It wouldnt be the first time a major blockbuster prompted studios to rethink strategy. The runaway success of Jennifer Lawrences The Hunger Games in 2012 is often credited with playing a major hand in unleashing a slew of female-fronted blockbusters on the marketplace.

In the years since Katniss Everdeen took on the Capitol on the big screen, actresses like Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road, Daisy Ridley in the new Star Wars trilogy, and Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman. Meanwhile, Universal found success with female-fronted comedies like Girls Trip and the Pitch Perfect trilogy, and later this year audiences will get to see Oceans 8, an all-female revamp of Oceans Eleven.

But Darnell Hunt, dean of social sciences at UCLA, cautioned that the recent success of films like Black Panther and Get Out is no guarantee of long-term changes. He pointed to the success of 12 Years a Slave four years ago, which instead of triggering more stories of the African American experience led to an all-white Oscar nominee list the following year triggered the #OscarsSoWhite movement.

We see all these big movies come out every year, but when we do our annual diversity study at UCLA, the numbers for women and [people of color] in front and behind the camera havent changed, Hunt said. Every year we see a series of exceptional films like Moonlight that tells a different story and features women or POC, but they have always prove to be exceptions to the rule. We see a bump here and there, but nothing that points to a sustained trend.

Also Read:'Black Panther' to Top 'Justice League' Total U.S. Box Office in Just 4 Days

Hunt also said that theres been proof that diverse films can sell long for a long time, pointing to Universals Fast & Furious franchise, eight films that featured actors of different ethnicities such as Ludacris, Dwayne Johnson,and Sung Kang, as well as directors like Justin Lin and F. Gary Gray. (Last year, Gray became the first black director to make a $1 billion hit with The Fate of the Furious.)

Theres been data that has gone back for years proving that movies made by and starring minorities can make money, yet our study hasnt found any noticeable change, he said.

Todd Boyd, professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, pointed to the explosion of blaxploitation films in the 1970 which were cheap to produce and financial hit. These films played a big part in helping some studios stay afloat during some very difficult economic times, Boyd said. Then Jaws and Star Wars came out and the industry forgot about those movies and moved on.

Also Read:No, 'Black Panther' Was Not Named After the Black Panther Party

Too often, mainstream Hollywood forgets about underserved audiences  even when its in their financial interest to appeal to a diverse pool of moviegoers.

Hollywood is cyclical, Boyd said. Weve seen all these films do very well, but we could have this conversation again two years from now and be back to the situation we were in two years ago [] While everyone else is getting caught up [with Black Panther], what I see Hollywood doing what it does best, and that is capitalizing on a market that it had not previously pursued.

At the very least, the success of blockbusters like Black Panther can help elevate those involved and build interest for futre projects. Daniel Kaluuya, hot off his Oscar-nominated performance in Get Out, has earned even more praise for his performance as WKabi, the head of Wakandas security. Danai Gurira, already known for The Walking Dead, has become an overnight icon for black women as the fierce Dora Milaje leader Okoye. And Letitia Wright, arguably this films biggest breakout star, will continue to have a presence in cinemas this spring with roles in Ready Player One and Avengers: Infinity War.

Also Read:'Black Panther' Crosses $201 Million, 5th Film to Earn $200 Million-Plus in 3 Days

Then theres director Ryan Coogler, who was already a critical darling with his indie debut film Fruitvale Station and his Rocky spinoff Creed, but now has his blockbuster calling card as the director of one of the biggest hits Hollywood has ever seen.

His next project, Wrong Answer, will see him return to his roots with a retelling of the 2009 Atlanta public school scandal. But with a blockbuster under his belt, he now joins a short list of go-to directors on studio call sheets.

For the success being seen now with Black Panther to translate into widespread industry change, Boyd believes its going to take more than just diverse blockbusters that make money hand over vibranium-clawed fist. Its also going to take more films like Moonlight and Mudbound getting greenlit by studios, and more than that, its going to take a change at the highest levels of Hollywood.

It needs to be across the board. Every aspect needs to change because, lets be honest, Hollywood has never been diverse. And until that happens, we can return to the points where there was nothing to really talk about. Its important that there are people in positions of power throughout the industry who reflect diversity  in executive suites, in agencies  and when you see that, I think we can talk about long-lasting change.

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'Black Panther' Will Hit $1 Billion at the Box Office  The Only Question Is When

Find Out Why 'Black Panther's' Michael B. Jordan Has to Do Push Ups for Co-Star Lupita Nyong'o

Michelle Obama 'Loved' Marvel's 'Black Panther': 'It Will Inspire People of All Backgrounds'
Christian evangelist and ordained minister Billy Graham, the influential Baptist preacher who shared a close friendship with Queen Elizabeth II and provided spiritual counsel to numerous U.S. presidents, died Wednesday morning at his mountaintop home in Montreat, North Carolina. He was 99.

Grahams spokesman Mark DeMoss confirmed the news to PEOPLE.

The preacher had been treated in recent years for cancer, pneumonia and other ailments, and was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease in 1989.

Billy Graham

Billy Graham

Billy Graham

Graham spent six decades preaching on television and radio  principally on the Billy Graham Crusades, which he began in 1947. Thought his numerous sermons (and 34 books), Graham has said to have reached more than 200 million people throughout his lifetime of work. He retired in 2005.

His crusade ministry began in 1947 when he was just 29. Over the next 57 years, Graham conducted more than 400 crusades on six continents. His final crusade was held in 2005 when he was 86, over three days at New Yorks Flushing Meadows Corona Park. More than 230,000 people attended.

He was an outspoken advocate for racial integration in the 1950s and 60s, even working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Billy Graham

He was a spiritual advisor to a sea of American presidents, praying with every U.S. commander in chief from Harry Truman to Barack Obama  earning him the nickname Americas Pastor. He frequently provided spiritual counsel to Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard Nixon. Ronald Reagan gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983, Americas highest civilian honor. George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton all attended the Billy Graham Museum and Library dedication in 2007 in Charlotte.

On Wednesday, George H.W. Bush released a statement on the passing of his dear friend Graham, with Bush spokesman Jim McGrath noting on Twitter that the pastor was with the Bushes in the White House residence the night Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait commenced Jan 16 1991.

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Graham also had a close friendship with Queen Elizabeth II and was frequently invited by the royal family to special events. Their friendship was seen onscreen in the second season of Netflixs The Crown.

Queen Elizabeth II and Billy Graham

With all my heart, I want to leave you with the truth  that [Christ] loves you [and is] willing to forgive you of all your sins, he added.

Billy Graham

Graham was married to wife Ruth McCue Bell for 64 years before her death in 2007 at the age of 87. He has five children  daughters Anne Graham Lotz, Gigi Graham and Ruth Graham, and sons Franklin III Graham and Nelson Graham  as well as 19 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He is survived by all of them, as well as his sister, Jean Ford.

A private funeral service is planned at the Billy Graham Library, on a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts for the ongoing ministry of evangelism at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association may be made online at BillyGraham.org
CNN has responded to a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students claim the network tried to script his question at its Wednesday night town hall.

Collton Haab told a local Florida TV station he declined to appear at the networks town hall on gun violence, because CNN wanted him to read a scripted question.

CNN insists it did not provide or script questions of any of the participants at Wednesday nights televised town hall at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, attended by Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Bill Nelson, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch.

Haabs father withdrew his sons name from participation before the forum began, CNN says, adding that it respected that decision, though it would have liked Colton to have participated. CNN said has invited Colton to come on the air Thursday to discuss his views on school safety.

Wednesday night, Haab told Miami ABC affiliate WPLG-TV, CNN had originally asked me to write a speech and questions, and it ended up being all scripted. The high school junior said hed written a question about school safety that included a suggestion veterans be used as security guards.

CNN previously interviewed the 17-year-old ROTC member last Friday; he told John Berman he used Kevlar to shield students when a student who had been expelled from the school opened fire with an AR-15 and gunned down 17 people on Valentines Day.

CNNs statement:

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The Empire State Building Will Go Dark Tonight to Honor Victims of Florida Shooting

New York Citys most famous building will go dark on Wednesday night to honor the victims of the Florida school shooting.

The Empire State Building, usually a bright beacon over Midtown Manhattan, will display dimmed lights and a rotating orange halo, according to the buildings website. Orange is often associated with the movement to end gun violence, stemming from the Wear Orange campaign begun in 2015 after the shooting death of a Chicago student. Julianne Moore, director Spike Lee, and President Barack Obama have all supported Wear Orange.

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This is not the first time that the tower has used its iconic lights to honor victims of gun violence. In October 2017, the tower went dark in remembrance of the victims of the deadly mass shooting in Las Vegas.

The lights, which were upgraded to computer-controlled LEDs in 2012, are also used to mark holidays and other occasions. The system is capable of displaying 16 million colors, which can change instantaneously, according to the buildings website.

Seventeen people were killed last Wednesday when a 19-year-old former student who had been expelled allegedly opened fire with a military-style semi-automatic rifle at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

The suspect, Nikolas Cruz, 19, is in custody and is being held without bond. He has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder, and has not yet entered a plea.
The staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, had been told to expect a surprise emergency drill this semester, yet the fire alarm that rang near the end of classes on Valentines Day felt strange to English teacher Melissa Falkowski: No drill would be scheduled to interfere with regular class dismissal, she thought.

But following the procedures shed learned and taught to her students, she began shepherding them into her second-floor hallway and toward the buildings exit. She was 15 to 20 steps outside her classroom door when a school safety officer urgently turned the group around.

Go back!, the officer yelled. Code red!

The verbal alarm sent Falkowski and 19 kids into her classroom closet where, hidden in darkness broken only by the light of their cell phones, they learned of the horror unfolding on their campus.

Theres a shooter in my hallway, one teacher texted Falkowski. Another said shed lost two students and been grazed by a bullet.

 For more on the Florida school shooting and the steps taken students to end gun violence, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up this weeks issue, on newsstands Friday.

By the time police freed them from the closet an hour and 15 minutes later, 17 innocent victims had been fatally wounded, sprayed with bullets from an AR-15 assault rifle allegedly wielded by a former student, Nikolas Cruz, 19, now charged with 17 counts of murder, who had been expelled for disciplinary reasons.

 Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.

We were running from the shooter, and I didnt know if he was getting closer, student Jordyn Luadanno, 17, tells PEOPLE in this weeks issue. After being found and rescued by SWAT officers from another closet she shared with dozens of others, they told us, Keep your eyes forward and straight ahead. They didnt want us to see any blood or dead bodies.

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In the aftermath, amidst the usual call for thoughts and prayers, the schools surviving students themselves seized the moment with demands for change. Several have now launched the March 24 March for Our Lives, urging students around the country to take action to stop the epidemic of mass shootings.

Emma Gonzalez

We are going to be the kids you read about in textbooks, 18-year-old senior Emma Gonzalez told a gun-control rally in Fort Lauderdale three days after the massacre.

Gonzalez tells PEOPLE, This is the worst thing that has ever happened to us, and added, Were taking care of business the only way that we know how.
WASHINGTON  President Trump has all the legal authority he needs to keep U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq indefinitely, the Pentagon and State Department said in a pair of letters released on Thursday. The letters also warned that the United States reserves the right to take military action to defend its anti-ISIS allies in Syria, potentially setting the stage for new clashes with regime forces and their Russian partners.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., to whom the letters were addressed, sharply criticized the administrations reasoning and said in a statement that Trump risks acting like a king by unilaterally starting a war.

Borrowing arguments first advanced by the Obama administration, the Pentagon and State Department argued that the undeclared war on ISIS  and the presence of some 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria and 5,200 more in Iraq  is legal under the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) and the 2002 AUMF that set the stage for the invasion of Iraq. In late January, the Trump administration signaled that it would not seek a new vote to authorize the mission in Syria.

Like Obama, Trump contends that, because of its origins as an al-Qaida offshoot, the so-called Islamic State is covered by the 2001 legislation. The 2002 AUMF gave the president the power to use force to confront the continuing threat posed by Iraq.

Now the Trump administration is going even further, claiming that the 2001 AUMF also allows the U.S. military to strike pro-Assad forces in areas devoid of ISIS to protect our Syrian partners who seek Assads overthrow, Kaine said Thursday. It is clear the Trump administration is crossing a constitutional line.

While the U.S.-led coalition has routed ISIS and shattered its claims to a caliphate, the Pentagon said in its letter that the terrorist group has morphed into a dangerous insurgency and that U.S. forces need to remain in both countries to ensure its permanent defeat.

Just as when we previously removed U.S. forces prematurely, the group will look to exploit any abatement in pressure to regenerate capabilities and reestablish local control of territory, David Trachtenberg, the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, wrote to Kaine.

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Tim Kaine; Donald Trump. (Yahoo News photo illustration; photos: Susan Walsh/AP, Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The United States does not seek to fight the Government of Syria or Iran or Iranian-supported groups in Iraq or Syria, Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs Mary Waters said in her letter to Kaine. However, the United States will not hesitate to use necessary and proportionate force to defend U.S., Coalition, or partner forces engaged in operations to defeat ISIS and degrade al-Qaida.

The United States struck forces loyal to Syrian strongman Bashar Assad several times in 2017, notably striking an airfield in April in what Washington described as a response to the regimes use of chemical weapons against civilians. More recently, a U.S. counterattack reportedly killed Syrian forces but also Russian mercenaries.

Kaine, who has tried for years to get his colleagues to debate and vote on authorizing the war against ISIS, warned in January that the U.S. mission in Syria was evolving and risked putting American forces on a collision course with regime troops and their Russian backers.

Kaine outlined his concerns a day after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson laid out plans for an open-ended presence in Syria.

In remarks at Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution, Tillerson said U.S. forces would stay in the war-racked nation to ensure ISIS does not reemerge, but also to set the stage for Assads removal from power through political means and to contain Iranian influence.

Iran has stepped up what America considers its destabilizing activities, including support for Assad and extremist groups, since the death of its archenemy Saddam Hussein and in the aftermath of the 2015 nuclear deal that Tehran signed with great powers including the United States. The Trump administration has vowed to confront the Islamic Republic more forcefully.

Read more from Yahoo News:
By Desire Thompson

Several survivors of the Parkland shooting in Florida have been the subject of criticism from right wing pundits for speaking out against President Donald Trump and the lack of gun control legislation.

Since the Feb. 14 incident that left 17 students and faculty of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School dead, mini rallies and demonstrations led by students have drawn more attention to the need for gun control. As students like Emma Gonzalez and student reporter David Hogg continued to share their experience and demands for change in the state, conservatives have downplayed their tragedies with cheap conspiracy theories.

Why would the child of an FBI agent be used as a pawn for anti-Trump rhetoric and anti-gun legislation? Lucian Wintrich wrote on The Gateway Pundit about Hogg, who is the son of a retired FBI agent. Hogg, a Sun Sentinel Teenlink reporter, conducted interviews with students during the shooting and has been seen on CNN and CBS. Because the FBI is only looking to curb YOUR Constitutional rights and INCREASE their power. Weve seen similar moves by them many times over. This is just another disgusting example of it. He also claimed that the students were milking the death of their peers for careers. on Twitter.

Wintrich-Tweet

Credit: Media Matters America

Hogg has also been called a crisis actor which he denied Tuesday (Feb. 20). Another story pushed by The Gateway Pundit suggested it, with Donald Trump Jr. liking the story on Twitter.

An aide to Florida state Rep. Shawn Harrison (R) spread the troubling narrative after speaking with Tampa Bay Times reporter Alex Leary. Both kids in the picture are not students here but actors that travel to various crisis when they happen, the unnamed aide Leary.

Hogg responded to Anderson Cooper about the claims on AC360. Im not a crisis actor, Hogg said Tuesday evening. Im someone who had to witness this and live through this and I continue to be having to do that, Im not acting on anybodys behalf.

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We need to do something, Hogg also shared with CNN earlier this week. We need to get out there and be politically active. Congress needs to get over their political bias with each other and work toward saving childrens lives. Were children. You guys are the adults.

Just days earlier, Gonzalez responded to those who believed she should be grieving instead of speaking out. This is the way I have to grieve, Gonzalez told The New York Times. I have to make sure that everybody knows that this isnt something that is allowed to happen.

Popular Republicans like Bill O Riley and Dinesh DSouza helped spread the noise on social media where they equally bashed the teens. ORiley attempted to blame the media for giving the teens a voice while DSouza made insensitive comments about the students.

Worst news since their parents told them to get summer jobs, he said in regards to a tweet about Florida lawmakers rejecting a bill on banning assault rifles. Genuine grief I can empathize with. But grief organized for the cameraspolitically orchestrated griefstrikes me as phony & inauthentic, he continued on Twitter. While the media exploits the Parkland shooting, my heart goes out to the parents & family members who are grieving the loss of loved ones.

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He later apologized about the tweets, but didnt delete them.

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I think its very despicable that he would even have the audacity to say that, student survivor Brandon Abzug told reporters. Especially in the wake of a tragedy, we really show who we truly are. Just because were young we cant make a difference is not right.

READ: Florida Gunman Wanted To Be A Professional School Shooter

This post Trump Supporters Target Parkland Shooting Survivors By Calling Them Crisis Actors first appeared on Vibe.
Emotional survivors and parents of the school shooting last week in Parkland, Florida, confronted President Donald Trump on Wednesday during a listening session at the White House.

Among them was Sam Zeif, a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School whose best friend was killed in the shooting.

Im here to use my voice because I know he cant, said Zeif, who was in school at the time of the shooting along with his 14-year-old brother.

I lost a best friend whos practically a brother, and thats why Im here, Zeif said as he openly wept beside Nicole Hockley, whose son Dylan, 6, was murdered in the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012. I turned 18 the day after [the Parkland shooting], woke up to the news that my best friend was gone. And I dont understand why I can still go in a store and buy a weapon of war, an AR. I was reading today that a person, 20 years old, walked into a store and bought an AR-15 in five minutes with an expired ID. How is it that easy to buy that type of weapon? How have we not stopped this after Columbine, after Sandy Hook? Im sitting with a mother that lost her son. Its still happening.

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We need to do something, and thats why were here, Zeif tearfully added. So lets be strong for the fallen who dont have a voice to speak anymore and lets never let this happen again. Please, please.

President Donald Trump (center)

Andrew Pollack, a parent whose daughter Meadow was killed in the shooting in Florida, was also overwhelmed with emotion and anger as he stood next to his sons to address the president.

Im here because my daughter has no voice, Pollack said. She was murdered last week and she was taken from us. Shot nine times on the third floor. We as a country failed our children. This shouldnt happen.

We need to come together as a country and work on whats important, and thats protecting our children in the schools. Thats the only thing that matters right now, he said. Its simple. Its not difficult. We protect airports, we protect concerts, stadiums, embassies, the Department of Education that I walked in today, that has a security guard in the elevator. How do you think that makes me feel?

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Im very angry that this happened because it keeps happening. 9/11 happened once and they fixed everything. How many schools, how many children have to get shot? It stops here with this administration and me. Im not going to sleep until its fixed. And Mr. President, were going to fix it.

Pointing to his three sons, Pollack said, My boys need to live with this.  Me, Im a man, but to see your children go through this  buried their sister.

There should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it, Pollack continued, his voice raising in anger. And Im pissed! Because my daughter, Im not going to see again. Shes not here.  I would have been at the school every day if I knew it was that dangerous. Its enough! Lets get together, work with the president and fix the schools. Thats it. No other discussions. Security, whatever we have to do.

Im never going to see my kid again, he said. I want you all to know that. Never, ever will I see my kid. I want it to sink in. Its eternity. My beautiful daughter, Im never going to see again. And its simple. We could fix it!

President Trump nodded silently along for much of the meeting, which was billed as a listening session intended to discuss ways to prevent school shootings. He began the session by vowing to do something about this horrible situation and said, Were going to get it done. There will be action, not just talk.

The meeting was also attended by Vice President Mike Pence, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and local parents, students and teachers, as well as people from groups representing survivors of the Sandy Hook and Columbine shootings.

The White House previously said the goal of the meeting was to have a conversation on how to improve school safety and that the president looks forward to an open discussion on how we can keep our students safe. Trump is also slated to meet with state and local officials on school safety ??at the White House next week.

Ahead of Trumps meeting with advocates in the State Dining Room, protesters gathered outside the White House Wednesday afternoon to call for gun control reform, chanting slogans such as What do we want? Gun control! When do we want it? Now! and Hey Hey! Ho Ho! The NRA has got to go!

The president and First Lady Melania Trump met with victims of the shooting in Florida on Friday, and the president documented the visit with several photos on his Instagram.

Our entire Nation, with one heavy heart, continues to pray for the victims and their families in Parkland, Florida, read a caption from his Instagram. To teachers, law enforcement, first responders and medical professionals who responded so bravely in the face of danger: We THANK YOU for your courage  and we are here for you, ALWAYS!

Trump has been criticized for his responses to the shooting, including one in which he appeared to blame people who knew the shooter, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, was a big problem who should have been reported to the police, and another in which he faulted the FBIs admitted failure to follow up on a report about the school shooter.

One student who spoke at Wednesdays listening session said that Trumps new push to ban bump stocks, devices that turn weapons into machine guns, was a step in the right direction, but many, including Sandy Hook mom Nicole Hockley, urged the president to go further.

You have the ability to save lives today, please dont waste this, she told Trump, pointing to gun legislation available to you right now.
Students all over the country are protesting gun violence in the wake of a February 14th shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Survivors of the shooting organized a nationwide protest, and students in Washington, D.C. staged a lie-in outside the White House on February 19th. And today, February 20th, the protests continued as Florida students across the state walked out of school.

Students protested in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, Florida. But the largest demonstration took place among students and staff at West Boca Raton Community High School, who marched about 10 miles to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas campus. The marchers chanted We want change as they walked toward the site of the Valentines Day massacre, which has been closed since the shooting.

The West Boca protest began as a moment of silence to honor the victims of the Parkland shooting. But according to the Miami Herald, when Principal Craig Sommer ordered the students to return to class after 30 minutes, at least 1,000 students ignored the order and continued on their march.

Sommer eventually abandoned his attempts to call students back to school, telling the Herald, This is history.

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While the West Boca students marched, students from the Parkland school boarded a bus to Tallahassee, where they were scheduled to meet with Florida state legislators to discuss gun control. Once they arrive, the students will reportedly lobby for a ban on assault rifles like the one that gunman Nikolas Cruz used in the Parkland shooting.

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The survivors of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas have repeatedly called for lawmakers to take action in the days following the shooting. They have criticized politicians like Donald Trump for offering his condolences without referencing guns, both on Twitter and in interviews. And their March For Our Lives to call for gun control is scheduled for March 24th in Washington, D.C. Its apparent that, for these Florida students, now is the time for change. We applaud them, and all protesters nationwide, for standing up for what they believe in. We hope that legislators will finally listen.
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez were spotted together for the first time since touching down in Jamaica to celebrate Justin's dad, Jeremy, and his fiance, Chelsey Rebelo's wedding. For the occasion, Justin chose to wear a pair of hot pink shorts, coupled with a bright white button-down shirt. He accessorized with a bright pink bow-tie that perfectly matched his bottoms. To finish it off, he wore a pair of white Gucci loafers that he interestingly paired with sporty ankle socks. Selena coordinated her look with her date's, but opted for something a bit more subtle. In the photos, she can be seen laughing and looking radiant in a flowy peach-colored floral wrap dress that is perfect for the warm Jamaica weather.

This isn't the first time the couple has coordinated their looks. They've been spotted all over Los Angeles in the last few months wearing matching athleisure. This also isn't the only time we've seen Justin show off his love for all clothing bright and cheery. In May he was spotted at the airport in India, rocking a bright pink hoodie.

As we know from their dates, this is probably not the end of their matching couple style. Perhaps next we'll see a red carpet appearance and get some inspiration for prom? One can dream.

Related: Selena Gomez Wore the Most Romantic Look as Justin Bieber's Wedding Date

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Photo credit: Megyn Kelly

From Good Housekeeping

Billy Graham died Feb. 21 at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, at the age of 99.

Kathie Lee Gifford is an evangelical Christian who often revered the late pastor.

She paid tribute to Graham on Megyn Kelly Today after learning of Graham's passing.

Hours after a spokesman confirmed the death of "America's Pastor" Billy Graham on Wednesday, Kathie Lee Gifford appeared on Megyn Kelly Todayto pay tribute to her late friend.

The host revealed she had a joyous reaction to learning of Graham's passing because he had been dealing with several health struggles for years. "Thank you, Lord. Thank you," Gifford said were her first words.

According to the Associated Press, spokesman Mark DeMoss said Graham had long suffered from cancer, pneumonia and other ailments. "He had been lingering and languishing," Gifford told Kelly. She then shared how she had last seen the evangelical pastor at his 95th birthday party  four years ago  and that his appearance was "quite frail" even then. "I knew in my heart it would be the last time I'd see him," she added.

Gifford also revealed to Kelly, and in a separate Today segment, below, that her relationship with God was strengthened because of the Graham's televised broadcasts. "My entire family came through faith through Billy," Gifford said.

[youtube ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=undxdVjuswM[/youtube]

Graham built Evangelicalism into a force that rivaled liberal Protestantism and Roman Catholicism in the United States, the Associated Press reports. Several presidents have commended the influential pastor over the years, including Donald Trump who tweeted there was "nobody like him!" on Wednesday.

[twitter id="966317112565420033"]https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/966317112565420033[/twitter]

Gifford also continued to celebrate Graham's memory on Twitter. "Rejoicing with my precious friend, Billy Graham," she wrote. "Without a doubt, the finest man I ever knew. So grateful that I am among the millions that he led to faith in Jesus and the promise of eternal life.

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[twitter id="966348652489961472"]https://twitter.com/KathieLGifford/status/966348652489961472[/twitter]

In 2014, Gifford interviewed three of Graham's 19 grandchildren on Today after they compiled a book of letters that expressed different people's gratitude toward the famous preacher. "I think my whole life is a thank you letter to Billy," Gifford said.

[youtube ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NTZnuDiQcw[/youtube]

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From Cosmopolitan

On March 24, students from across the country will gather in Washington, D.C. for the March For Our Lives, a protest against gun violence planned by the survivors of last week's Parkland, Florida shooting. The movement already has three major celebrity supporters. Oprah Winfrey tweeted on Tuesday afternoon that she would join George and Amal Clooney in donating $500,000 to the march.





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After 17 people were killed in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week, student survivors went viral for calling out major politicians on Twitter and confronting the National Rifle Association in speeches. They decided to plan a march in the nation's capital and all other major cities across the country in response to the many people telling them it was too early to talk about gun control.





March For Our Lives is created by, inspired by, and led by students across the country who will no longer risk their lives waiting for someone else to take action to stop the epidemic of mass school shootings that has become all too familiar, their mission statement reads. Change is coming. And it starts now, inspired by and led by the kids who are our hope for the future.





In an interview with CNN, Marjory Douglas Stoneman junior Cameron Kasky says there's a time to grieve and a time to act, and the march is intended to call attention to the politicians who don't support gun reform and take money from the NRA. "My message for the people in office is: You're either with us or against us. We are losing our lives while the adults are playing around."





You can learn more about the March For Our Lives here.





Follow Emma on Instagram.
Youre either with them or against them.

That is the message that was clearly articulated by survivors of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during a heated two-hour Town Hall hosted by CNN last night in Broward County, FL. Students, along with friends and family of those killed, spoke face-to-face with Florida bipartisan legislators and confronted them about gun control and the urgency of making schools safer in the United States.

The real showdown happened as Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and National Rifle Association (NRA) Dana Loesch exchanged words with outraged family members of those that were among the 17 killed in last weeks mass shooting.

Fred Guttenberg, father of 14-year-old Jaime Guttenberg who was shot and killed by Nikolas Cruz at Marjory Stoneman, was one of the first speakers in the 7,000 seat arena to forcefully address Rubio about his stance on gun issues.

Your comments this week and those of our president have been pathetically weak, Guttenberg said to an arousing applause. You and I are now eye to eye. Because I want to like you, look at me and tell me that guns were the factor in the hunting of our kids in this school this week. And look at me and tell me you accept it and you will work with us to do something about guns.

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Rubio took a moment to respond to Guttenberg as the audience continued to drown him out.

Absolutely, of course they were, Rubio replied to Guttenberg. I absolutely believe that in this country if you are 18 years of age you should not be able to buy a rifle. I will support the banning of bump stocks. I will support changing our background system.

Rubio was the only Republican legislator that appeared in last nights open forum, which included Florida Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL). President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Rick Scott refused to attend.

Rubio  who isnt known for making coherent speeches  was actually very well-spoken throughout the evening and was able to discuss the complexities of gun laws, and gave a break down of how guns are constructed which is why he argued that its difficult to ban assault rifles. However, his words were no match when confronted with his NRA donations.

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Student Cameron Kasky  one of the most vocal leaders of the Never Again movement that generated from the shooting in Parkland  asked him point blank about the millions in campaign donations he receives from the NRA.

Senator Rubio, can you tell me right now that you will not accept a single donation from the NRA in the future? Kasky asked.

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So number one, the positions I hold on these issues of the Second Amendment  Ive held since the day entered office in the city of West Miami as an elected official, Rubio began, Number two  no. The answer to the question is that people buy into my agenda. And I do support the Second Amendment. And I also support the right of you and everyone here to be able to go to school and be safe.

Kasky soon cut him off and asked once again: No more  no more NRA money?

Rubio responded by saying that people buy into his agenda, meaning, people who contribute to his campaign agree with what he stands for, not the other way around. He added by saying the NRA is the influence  from the millions of people that agree with the agenda.

Kasky once again jumped in but this time to say: In the name of 17 people, you cannot ask the NRA to keep their money out of your campaign? Rubio responded by saying: I think in the name of 17 people, I can pledge to you that I will support any law that will prevent a killer like this from getting a gun.

No, Kasky said, but Im talking about NRA money.

The NRAs Dana Loesch took the stand, so to speak, along with Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, during the second portion of the Town Hall. Surprisingly, Sheriff Israel directly said he is 100 percent supportive of the Never Again movement and demanded gun control from lawmakers and the NRA  which is extremely rare to hear law enforcement stand for firm gun law legislations.

I understand youre standing up for the NRA and I understand thats what youre supposed to do, Sheriff Israel told Loesch. But you just told this group of people that you are standing up for them. You are not standing up for them until you say, I want less weapons.'

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An 18-year-old kid should not have a rifle. Bump stocks should be illegal, Israel added. They should be outlawed forever. Automatic rifles should be outlawed forever. And anybody who says different  were calling BS on that.

He added that the only way to make a change to gun laws is to vote for candidates who feel the same way you do.

(Featured photo by Don Juan Moore)
Students and Survivors Rally for Gun Reform in Florida: 'We Will Not Let Those 17 Beautiful Souls Die for Nothing' Survivors of the Stoneman Douglas school shooting were joined by thousands of other students across Florida and the nation in a massive rally for gun control at the Florida State Capitol.

In the wake of one of the country's most devastating school shootings, a group of intrepid students from Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, have been relentless in pushing for gun reform in both their home state and the country at large. On Wednesday they were joined by thousands of their peersboth in Florida and across the countryas scores of teens walked out of their classrooms in an effort to bring even more attention to the Parkland students' mission.

The shooting survivors turned activists had traveled to the State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida, to meet lawmakers and push for a ban on assault-style weapons. In addition to those meetings, a massive rally was organized by organizations including the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, which was founded after the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando. Survivors of the Pulse shooting even joined the throngs of students at the State Capitol in an incredible display of solidarity.

"I attended the rally at the Capitol because of the students from Stoneman Douglas," Florida State University junior Sydney Otis told Glamour. "Their passion and determination reminded me that even though we often feel helpless in the current political climate, there is action to be taken. There is a lot that needs to change. I want to see assault weapons and high-capacity magazines banned. I want to see stricter processes for buying guns, which includes closing loopholes, creating registries for guns, not letting people with a history of domestic violence buy guns, and removing guns from domestic abusers. Attending the rally seemed like the first tangible step I knew I could take."

While Florida lawmakers are showing some support for deeper background checks and tighter gun rules for people with mental health issues, the rally came a day after the Florida House voted against a motion to take up a bill that would ban assault rifles and large capacity magazines.

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Demonstrations and walkouts for gun control led by students are heating up all over the country, with students staging a "lie-in" at the White House Monday, and hundreds of D.C.-area students walking out of class Wednesday and marching to the Capitol to demand gun control. Large-scale actions to come are the March for Our Lives on March 14 and the National School Walkout on April 20.

tallahassee_rally Courtesy of Sydney Otis

At the rally the survivors of the school shooting took a somber note in regard to the tragedy at their school but were seriously fired up about the government's lack of action on gun reform. Here's why they think gun control is the most important topic for lawmakers to be discussing right now:

"Everyone wants change, and we're all trying to work together to do that," said student Jenna Waldman. "You shouldn't have to go to school fearing for your life every day. You should have to go to school worrying about your tests and your school supplies."

"With other shootings by this point most people would have forgotten about us. But not this time," said Sophie Whitney, 18, a senior. "My classmates and I are probably the most determined group of people you will ever meet. People are talking about how we're not serious because we're children, but have you heard my friends talk? We're serious. How many people have to die before something changes? We will not let those 17 beautiful souls die for nothing, because we are going to make a change."

"The AR-15 is a senseless weapon that by default can shoot out over 600 rounds. It does not take 600 to stop an intruder in your home. It does not take 600 rounds to shoot a deer for food. These weapons are not hunting-issued. They are military weapons. People, I call upon everyone here and everybody who is not here to act. Soon enough many of us will be old enough to vote [out] these people who choose inaction in silence over the rights of our people. And to the many people who doubt us, if you are so strung up over your Second Amendment rights, then respect our First Amendment, the right to petition," said a survivor of the shooting at the rally.

"We're what's making the change. We're going to talk to these politicians. We're going to keep pushing until something is done because people are dying and this can't happen anymore," said Alfonso Calderon, a 16-year-old junior.

If a ban on assault weapons would save one more life, it would make a massive difference to our friends, their family, and their community. If a ban on assault weapons would save one more life it would be worth it, said a survivor of the shooting at the rally.

"We're not going to be the school that got shot, we're going to be the school that got shot and made something happen. A change is going to happen," said Rachel Catania, 15, a sophomore.

"We cry, we mourn, and most importantly, we ask why. I've been asking that question a lot lately," said Sarah Chadwick, a junior. "I haven't gotten an answer that has satisfied me. So we came up with a solution that we've never gotten, and it has a name: Never Again. Because never again should a child be afraid to go to school. Never again should students have to protest for their lives. Never again should an innocent life be taken while trying to gain an education."

We are too young to vote, but soon we will be able to vote, and we will vote you out," said Florence Yared, 17, a junior.
In the wake of the devastating mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a 19-year-old gunman killed at least 17 people on Feb. 14, a unique group of veteran grief workers were on the scene within 24 hours to help the mourning community of students and adults cope during the aftermath.

Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs deployed 19 animals and 37 handlers at the request of school administrators. No strangers to human heartache and tragedy, this specially trained group of AKC-registered golden retrievers are part of a ministry that began with four dogs in 2008. Galvanized by the events of Hurricane Katrina, this comfort animal network has grown to approximately 130 dogs stationed throughout 23 states. The LCC dogs visited Las Vegas in the fall, and have also visited those affected by the tragedies in Orlando, Sandy Hook, Sutherland Springs, Boston and more.

The dogs begin training at 8 weeks old, and they are taught to work with multiple handlers, so that they can work every day. They arent owned by the handlers or individuals, rather they are owned by Lutheran Church Charities or the church or school where they are placed.

Dogs like Sasha, Jacob, Tobias and more are not only trained to comfort students and parents, but they also work alongside veterans and police officers (active and retired), who act as their handlers. From a young age, these pups become accustomed to working with all ages of people from all walks of life.

When there is a crisis or disaster, they only go where they are invited. Once we get the invite, we try to put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours, Tim Hetzner, President & CEO of the Illinois-based Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs, tells PEOPLE. We had a dog on the ground that evening [in Parkland, Florida] doing some prayer vigils, and the rest of the dogs came in the next day serving that community in the centers where the high school kids were gathering.

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Currently, the dogs and handlers in Parkland are offering their unique service to about a thousand people, students and adults, who have gathered in places like Pine Trails Park. Hetzner tells PEOPLE the dogs will be visiting seven local schools in total.

When somebody pets a dog, they relax. And when they relax, theyre more likely to talk about what theyve gone through. Thats a key part of the healing process, says Hetzner. A person will open up quicker with the presence of the dog than without. Were there to listen, to hug [and be hugged]. The dogs are trained to either sit or lay on the ground. Theyre not aggressive. They dont bark or bite. A lot of the time, the dogs will just lie on the ground and people will lie on top of them. I call them rugs with a heartbeat.

Hetzner tells PEOPLE that the dogs in deployment now will be flipped in about six or seven days. At the point, theyll bring in another group of dogs and handlers, because their work is so emotional.

The dogs take on the emotions of the people who pet them, says Hetzner. We have to give our dogs a break every hour and a half or two hours; take the vest off, chill out a little bit, play a little ball and then come back on. Same with our handlers. You cry with those who cry.

Its important to note that the ministry does not call the animals therapy dogs or service dogs. They are called comfort dogs for several reasons, and the difference in the training is multifold.

Our dogs start at 8 weeks old, so we know the whole history of the dogs. We have apprentice trainers, which are volunteers that work with a professional trainer on our staff, and that dog is trained right from the beginning to work with multiple people, says Hetzner.

They work with all age groups, and theyre trained not to jump up, not to be distracted from any type of noise, including gunshots because they [work at] military funerals. Theyre very highly trained  to the level of a service dog  but we dont call them that because were not disabled. No groups that I am aware of have this extensive of a training program, which follows a minimum of one year to generally 18 months until the dog is ready to be placed.

The dogs also work with multiple handlers, at least five different people, so theyre able to go to work every day.

With some other comfort dogs, youre at the whim of the schedule of the individual for the dog to go out, but in our case we have multiple people who can take the dog out to work. All our dogs are trained with the same commands, Hetzner tells PEOPLE. We also train caregivers: The dogs have two sets, a primary and secondary, and thats where they go at night. The responsibility of the caregiver is to take the comfort dog vest off, let the dog be a dog, make sure theyre brushed, feed the dog, play ball with them, make sure their vet records are all kept up to par and love on them. Then, in the morning, the dogs are picked up and they go to work. They work every day  hospitals, nursing homes, funeral homes.

Much like other professionals, all of the LCC comfort dogs have their own email, Facebook and Twitter accounts. They also have business cards with their face on it.

We dont do that to be cute, we do that because anyone who pets one of our dogs gets their business card, explains Hetzner. Many times they will message the dog and talk to the dog as if its a person. We have to type for our dogs to respond, but its an extension of the ministry.

Hetzner say that even though all the dogs are golden retrievers, theyre each unique. They look different and have distinct personalities.

When theyre vested, they know theyre working. They connect with people, and thats the key with helping with people. When people pet a dog, they relax. And when they relax, they talk about what they went through, thats part of the healing process  to talk about what happened in a safe environment. Thats what we have in Florida right now, says Hetzner.

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Each crisis is different, he says, and they try not to compare one with another.

What we have down in Florida is some students whose grief [is being] taken out in anger to make a change, which can be a good thing. But dealing with your grief in anger is also not always the best way of dealing with grief. So, were allowing the kids who are very angry to just chill out a little bit and pet a dog, Hetzner tells PEOPLE.

When Sandy Hook happened, we had dogs there the first day the schools opened back up. We have had a dog in that school every day since, even when they moved to a new school. In fact, we have two dogs placed in that area. Our dogs regularly go into schools. They help with tragic deaths, suicides, the death of a well-loved teacher. They are there for the people to pet the dog and talk to it about the person who is deceased. It brings a healing aspect in so many different situations.

The more the dogs go out, the more media coverage they get. People now know to just call and ask for an emergency site visit. The organization pays all of its own expenses, including transportation, hotels and meals. (To help donate towards these services, click here.)

Cant get enough of cats, dogs and other furry friends? Click here to get the cutest pet news and photos delivered directly to your inbox.

The beauty of a dog is they have a sixth sense to know when somebody is hurting. Plus, our dogs are very good listeners. Theyre confidential, they dont take notes and theyre not judgmental. I dont have too many friends who have all those qualities at one time, but a dog does, says Hetzner.

Even though I refer to them as Christian dogs, not one of our dogs has gotten into a theological argument with anybody. Theyre a gift from God to engage and help people during times of crisis.
Jerusalem (AFP) - Hundreds of African migrants launched a hunger strike to protest Israel's implementation of its controversial policy to expel or indefinitely imprison them, a spokesman for the group said Wednesday.

Israel has resolved to expel thousands of Eritreans and Sudanese who entered illegally over the years, giving them an ultimatum to leave or risk being imprisoned indefinitely.

As the migrants could face danger or imprisonment if returned to their homelands, Israel is offering to relocate them to an unnamed third country, which the migrants and aid workers say is Rwanda or Uganda.

Authorities on Tuesday transferred seven Africans from the Holot detention centre to a nearby prison, prompting the 750 men held in Holot to launch a hunger strike that evening, said Abdat Ishmael, an Eritrean held at the southern Israel open facility.

On Wednesday, another five were taken to prison, Ishmael told AFP.

A spokeswoman for the Israeli interior ministry confirmed they had begun implementing the deportation or prison policy on Holot detainees ahead of the April 1 mark for the rest of the Africans who had entered Israeli illegally.

Ishmael said they would prefer prison over deportation to Africa.

"We saw what happened to people who went (to other African countries) a year or two ago, they don't receive asylum and can die," he said.

Migrants began entering Israel through what was then a porous Egyptian border in 2007. The border has since been strengthened, all but ending illegal crossings.

Israel's deportation or imprisonment plan has drawn criticism from the United Nations' refugee agency as well as some in Israel.

According to interior ministry figures, there are currently some 42,000 African migrants in Israel, half of them children, women or men with families, who are not facing the April deportation deadline.

Israeli officials stress that no one they classify as a refugee or asylum seeker will be deported.
LONDON (Reuters) - The crisis in Myanmar and reported massacres of Rohingya Muslims are the consequence of a society encouraged to hate and a lack of global leadership on human rights, Amnesty International said on Thursday.

The human rights group said in its annual report covering 159 countries that "hate-filled rhetoric" by leaders was normalising discrimination against minorities.

"We saw the ultimate consequence of a society encouraged to hate, scapegoat and fear minorities laid bare in the horrific military campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya people in Myanmar," said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty.

Last week, the United States urged the U.N Security Council to hold Myanmar's military accountable for what it said was the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims.

Nearly 690,000 Rohingya have fled Rakhine and taken refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh since the Myanmar military launched a crackdown on insurgents at the end of August, according to the U.N..

More than 6,500 Rohingya are currently trapped on a strip of unclaimed land between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Amnesty said the international community had failed to respond robustly to "crimes against humanity and war crimes from Myanmar to Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen".

It said that leaders in countries such as the United States, Russia and China were not standing up for civil liberties and instead were "callously undermining the rights of millions".

Amnesty said President Donald Trump had taken backward steps on human rights that were setting a dangerous precedent. Shetty described his move to ban people from several Muslim-majority countries in January last year as "transparently hateful".

Last year's report accused Trump of "poisonous" rhetoric.

Free speech will be a key issue for those concerned about human rights this year, the report said.

Amnesty said its staff were arrested at an unprecedented rate in Turkey in 2017, which along with Egypt and China was also among the biggest jailors of journalists.

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Two Reuters reporters in Myanmar were arrested while investigating the killing of Rohingya Muslims. Court proceedings are ongoing.

"In 2018, we cannot take for granted that we will be free to gather together in protest or to criticise our governments. In fact, speaking out is becoming more dangerous," Shetty said.

(Reporting by Alistair Smout; editing by Andrew Roche)
Last year, Emma Gonzalez was leading Marjory Stoneman Douglas High Schools Gay Straight Alliance and working on a science project that launched a camera into space. Cameron Kasky played Motel (the miracle of miracles guy) in the schools production of Fiddler on the Roof.

But now these teenagers have taken up a new extracurricular activity: changing the lax gun laws that allowed a troubled former student to obtain a semi-automatic rifle and massacre 17 of their friends and teachers at the Parkland, Fla., high school last week.

It should not be harder for me to get this girl in fourth period to call me back than it is to get an AR-15, Kasky told TIME Wednesday.

As the students movement gains visibility, they have faced backlash from bots and trolls who spread conspiracy theories about them and accuse them of being crisis actors. But the kids just laugh it off. You should have seen me in Fiddler on the Roof, Kasky says. Who the hell would pay me to act?

Indeed, the kids #NeverAgain movement is adding a powerful new dimension to the conversation about gun violence. The Parkland students now occupy a unique position in the debate: theyre the first school-shooting survivors who are old enough, angry enough, and media-savvy enough to force the nation to grapple with a problem that adults have failed to solve.

Were old enough to speak out and organize but young enough to be attacked in school, says Kasky. We stared down the barrel of the AR-15 ourselves. We were there. People keep telling us that we dont know what were talking about. We were there. Were the experts. Were the experts on knowing what its like to be in that kind of anguish and hysteria and fear.

Gonzalez agrees. They dont know what its like to not feel comfortable in a crowd anymore, or to have to change where you sleep because you dont want someone breaking into the window in your room, you cant listen to a loud noise because you think someones going to run around the corner and fire 18 bullets in you, says the high-school senior. Every single person at our school who was there on that day and lots of people in our families understand how that feels.

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Across the U.S., students have marched on capitols and walked out of school to protest gun violence. Hundreds of students protested at the Florida state capitol in Tallahassee on Wednesday, chanting What do we want? Gun control! When do we want it? Now! Around 200 people, including students, rallied at the Vermont state capitol Tuesday morning to urge the State Senate to require background checks for private gun sales. Protesters gathered everywhere from Littleton, Colo.site of the tragic Columbine High School massacreto Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Hoschton, Ga., where some students played Uno during the walkout, according to public Snapchats. Washington was not exempt: Maryland high school students swarmed the U.S. Capitol chanting Hey, hey NRA, how many kids did you kill today? By mid-afternoon, the citys Union Station was jam-packed with students carrying signs against gun violence.

Our entire lifetime has been the lifetime of school shootings in America, said 18-year old Leo from Marietta, Ga., who was interviewed by Buzzfeed News at the Tallahassee rally. Elementary school children from Sandy Hook couldnt change your mind, so now the high school and college students are gonna change your mind, Dana, a 20-year old college student, told Buzzfeed at the event. Get ready, because this sh-ts not stopping.

Experts see the massive youth uprising as a shift from the gun debates that typically follow a mass shooting. It is something new, and some of them have spoken very powerfully. I think the novelty by itself has seized a lot of attention, says Robert Spitzer, a professor of political science at SUNY Cortland who has written five books about gun policy. Its possible they could enact some changes in the national debate.

So far, the movement has few tangible wins. The Florida legislature rejected an assault-weapons ban this week. A Miami Herald survey of state lawmakers found that few Republicans were planning to budge on the topic, though some said they might consider other restrictions that make it harder for troubled young people to get guns.

But the #NeverAgain movement is just getting started. This is a crusade that is as much about young Americans finding their voice as it is about gun policy. Weve been having political discussions non-stop all through high school, and weve been looking for an opportunity to show that weve been learning, says Gonzalez. Its incredibly frustrating to be looking at things and not be able to vote.

But now Gonzalez can. Kasky, who will turn 18 just a few days after the midterm elections, wont be able to vote this year. But part of their movement is expanding youth-voter registration and boosting voter turnout so that every eligible high school and college student shows up to vote against NRA-endorsed politicians in November.

Everyone who can vote is going to be voting, Kasky says. Especially since we just had a gun to our heads.
An audience of about 7,000 people booed Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) multiple times at a CNN town hall on school shootings Wednesday when he refused to say he would stop accepting donations from the National Rifle Association.

High school junior Cameron Kasky, who survived the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High last week in Parkland, Florida, in which 17 people died, asked Rubio, Can you tell me right now that you will not accept a single donation from the NRA?

Rubio replied that he would continue to take the NRAs money because people buy into my agenda  and I do support the Second Amendment.

Kasky continued, So, right now, in the name of 17 people, you cannot ask the NRA to keep their money out of your campaign?

There is money on both sides of every issue in America, Rubio replied, and where that leaves us in policymaking is to look at the issues and make a decision based on what we think is right.

Rubio has accepted $3,303,355 in donations so far from the NRA in his political career.

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The simple questions were the most devastating during the sometimes heated town hall, called Stand Up: The Students of Stoneman Douglas Demand Action Why do we have to march on Washington just to save innocent lives? student Ryan Deitsch asked Rubio.

Rubio replied that there would be changes as a result of Deitsch and his classmates advocacy.

Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter was killed in last weeks shooting, also confronted Rubio. Look at me and tell me: Guns were the factor in the hunting of our kids in this school this week. And look at me and tell me you accept it and you will work with us to do something about guns, he said.

Dissatisfied with Rubios response, Guttenberg then called the senator and President Donald Trump pathetically weak.

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Kasky told Rubio it was hard to look at him without looking down the barrel of an AR-15, referring to the weapon authorities believe the gunman used in the massacre at Kaskys school.

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He then asked Rubio if he could tell a classmate sitting in the audience if he would live long enough to be able to enlist in the Army.

Not only are you going to live to serve our country, but you, and all of you, have the chance to change our country, change not just our laws but the way we talk about our laws, Rubio said.

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A couple have been arrested for suspicion of child abuse and face charges after their four adopted children were found locked inside the Tucson, Arizona, family home without access to food or water on Saturday.

Carol, 64, and Benito, 69, Gutierrez have been charged with three counts of child abuse and were arrested after deputies responded to a call in the 4100 block of North Flowing Wells Road.

One of the children had escaped through a window of the family's home and alerted the police from a Family Dollar store in the area. The clerk noted the child's age and disheveled condition and dialed 911.

Trending: Will Kawhi Leonard Play for Spurs Again? Gregg Popovich Says Star Forward Is Done for the Year

Gutierrez

Pima County Sheriff's Department

Four children aged between 6 and 12 were found locked in separate bedrooms and were immediately removed from the home.

The media release from the Pima County Sheriff's Department said that the children discovered "were kept in separate bedrooms, which were locked from the outside, with no access to food, water, lights or bathroom facilities for up to twelve hours at a time." Only one of the bedrooms was found to have a bucket that was used as a toilet.

The sheriff's department investigation is ongoing.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from Newsweek
Vienna (AFP) - Staunchly anti-nuclear Austria lodged a legal complaint with the European Court of Justice on Thursday against the EU's approval of the expansion of a nuclear plant in neighbouring Hungary.

The approval, granted by the European Commission in March, would allow the expansion of the Paks nuclear plant outside the Hungarian capital Budapest with a 10 billion euro ($12.4 billion) Russian loan.

The plant is Hungary's only nuclear facility and supplies around 40 percent of its electricity needs.

"For our nature, our environment and our unique landscape, we must take up this David and Goliath struggle," sustainability minister Elisabeth Koestinger said in a statement, confirming the launching of the complaint at the Court of Justice of the European Union.

"Nuclear energy must have no place in Europe. We will not budge one centimetre from this position!" she added.

In its decision the European Commission judged that the project met EU rules on state aid, but Austria disputes this.

Austrian environmental campaigners praised the new centre-right government for pursuing a legal action that had been planned by the Social Democrat voted out of power late last year.

The Paks plant was built with Soviet-era technology in the 1980s during Hungary's communist period.

The construction of two new reactors at the site is part of a 2014 deal struck between Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Victor Orban and ally Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The work, to be carried out by Moscow's state-owned nuclear agency Rosatom, is set to more than double the plant's capacity.

Hungary's opposition has criticised the awarding of the contract to Rosatom without holding an open tender.

In 2015, the Hungarian parliament voted to keep the details of the deal secret for 30 years, something Orban's Fidesz party said was necessary for "national security reasons" but which critics said could conceal corruption.

Since the late 1970s, Austria has been fiercely anti-nuclear, starting with an unprecedented vote by its population that prevented the country's only plant from providing a watt of power.

Austria filed a complaint against EU-approved state aid for the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant in Britain in 2015, arguing that atomic energy was unsustainable and high-risk.
Tallinn (AFP) - US President Donald Trump will welcome his counterparts from the Baltic states in Washington on April 3 to discuss security and economic ties, the Estonian presidency said Thursday.

The presidents of fellow NATO members Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania -- Kersti Kaljulaid, Raimonds Vejonis and Dalia Grybauskaite -- last met with Trump in Warsaw last year.

"Our security cooperation is very good, and all four countries are contributing at least two percent of GDP to national defence in 2018," Estonian presidential advisor Lauri Kuusing said, according to Baltic news agency BNS.

The Baltic trio are among only eight NATO allies expected this year to meet the defence spending benchmark repeatedly insisted upon by Trump.

Grybauskaite's top foreign policy advisor said the Baltic leaders will discuss preparations for the Western defence alliance's next summit on July 11-12, where Lithuania expects decisions to strengthen air defence capabilities.

"It will be a good chance to discuss the NATO summit in Brussels and present our point of view," advisor Nerijus Aleksiejunas told AFP.

The three countries on NATO's eastern flank have been spooked by their Soviet-era master Russia's actions since Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics said Thursday that the Baltic meeting with Trump is "proof of our strategic partnership".

All three Baltic foreign ministers will visit the US on March 5 to meet with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Rinkevics told reporters after a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan in Riga.

The US visit can be seen as a sign of how the Baltic states are now firmly anchored in the West, 100 years after declaring independence.

"This meeting on the 100th anniversary of our independence once again reaffirms the special bond and good cooperation between the Baltic countries and the United States," Kuusing said.
Rome (AFP) - Despite a fraud conviction and sex scandal, Italy's 81-year-old former leader Silvio Berlusconi has one last political victory in his sights in general elections less than two weeks away.

Temporarily banned from returning to public office himself, the billionaire media mogul still hopes to influence the country's political direction by leading a right-wing coalition in the March 4 polls.

"I'm pretty confident of the result of the election and going to form a government with our centre-right allies," he told a rally of youth activists from his Forza Italia party in Rome on Wednesday, in a typically outspoken address.

"I can tell you how to stay young," he added. "I'll tell you the brand of my suppositories."

Berlusconi "wants to win one last time before retiring," his biographer Alan Friedman was quoted as saying by the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

The three-time former prime minister heads a coalition made up of Forza Italia and two far-right forces: the League and Brothers of Italy.

Recent opinion polls indicate the coalition has about 38 percent support overall -- the highest score out of Italy's three major electoral groupings.

But it falls short of a majority and surveys suggest millions of voters remain undecided.

- Tax, sex scandals -

Berlusconi is banned from public office due to a 2013 tax fraud conviction.

He also faces charges that he bribed witnesses to lie at his earlier trial for paying for sex with a minor.

In spite of it all, he remains the leading figure of the Italian right almost a quarter of a century after first taking power.

His own party has surged by eight points to 18 percent support in the opinion polls in the past year.

Forza Italia's edge in the polls would give Berlusconi the upper hand in naming the coalition's pick for prime minister.

He and his coalition partners would field wildly different candidates, as they have little in common apart from a desire to win.

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Berlusconi and the League's leader Matteo Salvini "can't stand each other," says Roberto D'Alimonte, director of the political science department at Luiss University in Rome.

First the coalition would need to win a working majority.

This year's election is the first under a complex electoral law introduced last year.

A mix of proportional representation and first-past-the-post, it enables a party or coalition to obtain a majority with around 40 to 45 percent of the vote -- which may be just out of the right-wing coalition's reach.

- Economic promises -

The coalition spans the range of Italian right-wing politics, from the pro-European conservative moderates within Forza Italia to former northern secessionists the League and Brothers of Italy, which has roots in post-war neo-fascism.

Together they form a broad church that is ahead of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the centre-left coalition led by the ruling centre-left Democratic Party (PD), who are respectively polling at around 28 and 27 percent.

In the tight three-way fight, candidates have made economic promises that have observers scratching their heads given Italy's huge public debt, which at 132 percent of GDP is one of the highest in Europe.

The leading parties are promising everything from the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants to higher pensions and lower taxes.

One of the M5S's flagship proposals is a monthly universal basic income of 780 euros for those living in poverty.

La Stampa newspaper calculated that Italy would need to spend "the stratospheric sum" of over one trillion euros to make them all a reality.

None of these big promises will be fulfilled if no group wins a majority under the new system.

In that case, the PD under current Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni could remain in power, at least for the next few months.

Pro-European forces within the PD and Forza Italia could create a German-style grand coalition. Or euro-sceptics from the League and the Five Star Movement could team up.
Billy Graham, a Christian evangelist and adviser to several US presidents, has died.

Graham died at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, aged 99, a spokesperson for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said.

He had long suffered from cancer, pneumonia and other ailments.

Graham reached more than 200 million people through his appearances and millions more through his pioneering use of television and radio (Getty)

Graham transformed religious life in America through his preaching and activism and became the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history.

He reached more than 200 million people through his appearances and millions more through his pioneering use of television and radio.

His message and service to US presidents from Dwight Eisenhower to George W Bush earned him the nickname Americas Pastor.

Grahams ties to the White House were mutually beneficial as they enhanced his reputation as a preacher, while boosting the presidents standing with religiously inclined voters.

Graham, who became a counsellor to several US presidents, with John F Kennedy at the White House (AP)

In the early half of his career, Graham often spoke his mind on social and political issues of the day, regularly expressing strong anti-communist sentiments.

He dismissed Vietnam War protesters as attention-seekers and, while he eventually refused to hold segregated revival meetings, did not take an active role in the 1960s civil rights movement.

Graham waded into the gay marriage debate in 2012 when he came out in support of a state amendment to ban same-sex marriages in North Carolina (AFP/Getty)

As he grew older, Graham said he felt he had become too involved in some issues and shifted to a middle-of-the-road position in order to reach more people.

However, he did dive into the gay marriage debate in 2012 when he came out in support of a state amendment to ban same-sex marriages in North Carolina.

He also met with Mitt Romney in the same year and told him he supported the Republicans run for the presidency.

In 2002, Graham apologised after the release of secretly recorded tapes from 1972 in which he and Richard Nixon, who was President at the time, agreed liberal Jews dominated the US news media.

Graham was heard referring to Jews as pornographers and saying the Jewish stranglehold has got to be broken or the countrys going down the drain.

He was listed on Gallups annual US poll of most admired people 61 times, including in 2017, more than any other world figure  though he never made first place.
In this June 27, 1954 file photo, Evangelist Billy Graham speaks to over 100,000 people at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany: AP

Reverend Billy Graham, the influential evangelical preacher who counselled presidents and held sermons across the globe, has died aged 99.

Beside his ministry, he became famous for the so-called Billy Graham rule that governed his private conduct.

But what was it?

The rule

Rev Graham famously did not dine alone, or travel or meet alone, with women who were not his wife.

Why not?

As a young man Rev Graham held a conference with a small number of Christian associates in Modesto, California. Each of them came up with a list of problems in the evangelical community and determined ways to counter them, he wrote in his autobiography.

High on the list was sexual immorality among some preachers who were often away from their families for extended periods.

The men pledged to avoid situations that may appear suspicious in order to remain above reproach.

From that day on, I did not travel, meet or eat alone with a woman other than my wife, Rev Graham wrote.

Does anyone still follow the rule?

US Vice President, Mike Pence is perhaps the highest-profile adherent of the rule, or a version of it.

A committed Christian, the veteran politician does not dine alone with a woman other than his wife Karen. He also does not attend events where alcohol is served without her.

The couples private decision about their marriage came to light in a Washington Post profile of the Vice President.

It sparked a debate about discrimination, faith, propriety and the sexualisation of women in wider culture.

Did Rev Graham come up with any other rules?

Three other resolutions the Modesto group pledged to uphold to related to money, publicity and refraining from criticism of local churches.

Some evangelical preachers had faced accusations of impropriety relating to offerings collected at church, so Rev Graham and his companions Cliff Barrows, Grady Wilson and George Beverly, resolved to avoid financial abuses and play down requests for donations from parishioners.

The group also believed some travelling evangelists tended to work apart from local churches or to criticise their work  an un-Biblical approach, they thought.

Story continues

We determined to cooperate with all who would cooperate with us in the public proclamation of the Gospel, and to avoid an anti-church or anti-clergy attitude, Re Graham wrote later.

Finally, all four men vowed they would not puff themselves up, exaggerate their successes or otherwise engage in deceptive publicity as others, they believed, had done, so discrediting the movement.

The promises made on those days in 1948 became known as the Modesto Manifesto.

Anything else?

On his website in October 2016, Rev Graham reflected on the Modesto meetings.

He wrote: It did not mark a radical departure for us [because] we had always held these principles.

"It did, however, settle in our hearts and minds, once and for all, the determination that integrity would be the hallmark of both our lives and our ministry.
Steve Irwin in 2005 with his daughter, Bindi, and a 3-year-old alligator named Russ at Australia Zoo. (Photo: Newspix/Getty Images)

Bindi Irwin is feeling extra sentimental today.

Feb. 22 marks what would have been Steve Irwins 56th birthday. Its a birthday Steve shared with his mother, Lyn. Bindi, 19, posted a photo of her late father and grandmother with a sweet note attached.

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The Crocodile Hunter legend was killed after being stung by a stingray in 2006 off the coast of Australia while filming the underwater documentary Oceans Deadliest. Bindi was only 8 when Irwin died; her brother, Robert, was 2. Their grandmother had tragically passed away six years earlier, after a car accident.

Steves legacy lives on through his kids. It was recently revealed that Bindi, Robert, and their mom Terri would be headed back to Animal Planet, the same network that was home to The Crocodile Hunter. The new show was teased during the Super Bowl with an old clip of Steve talking about his passion for wildlife conservation and the dream of his familys involvement one day.

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The show will follow the family as they manage the Australia Zoo and their nonprofit organization, Wildlife Warriors. Working with animals is a part of who we are, its not just what we do, Bindi told the Today show last month. We do want to carry on in Dads footsteps, and make sure everything he worked so hard for continues on.

Bindi has the support of her boyfriend, Chandler Powell, on this bittersweet day. Powell, who hails from Florida, recently relocated to Australia.

Im so lucky that Ive met someone who is excited and up for the challenge of our wonderful busy life, Irwin recently told People. He is just amazing. Were having a great time throwing Chandler into everything  in the afternoon Robert has been taking him out to feed the freshwater crocodiles and the gators.

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She has also said her father wouldve loved Powell.

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London (AFP) - Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald on Thursday warned Britain's departure from the EU was "a clear and imminent threat" to Ireland, and said Northern Ireland staying in the European single market post-Brexit was "the only way" to secure its two decades-old peace accord.

McDonald said Brexit was "not compatible" with the 1998 agreement that ended deadly violence and gave devolved government to Northern Ireland.

She said the British province must remain in the EU's single market and customs union when the UK leaves the bloc as planned next March.

"We very much believe that is the only way to do it," she told reporters during her first visit to mainland Britain since taking over from veteran Republican leader Gerry Adams this month.

"The reality is that Brexit, whether it is hard or soft, represents a clear and imminent threat to the economic, social and the political functioning of Ireland in its totality."

British Prime Minister Theresa May, and the pro-Brexit Democratic Union Party (DUP) which props up her minority government in Westminster, have steadfastly ruled out treating Northern Ireland differently from the rest of Britain.

But McDonald said Thursday "that's a matter for them."

She added: "We have red lines too, and my red line is peace, stability and prosperity in Ireland".

The Sinn Fein leader warned the re-introduction of any kind of border on the island after Brexit must be avoided.

"To impose such a measure would be catastrophic in terms of our commerce, in terms of our access to services... in terms of how people live their day to day lives."

McDonald criticised recent comments by several British lawmakers suggesting the 1998 peace accord -- known as the Good Friday Agreement -- should be revisited.

"That's a deeply shocking and, in our view, deeply deeply irresponsible position for anybody to take," she said.

Story continues

Northern Ireland has been without a devolved government for more than a year after Sinn Fein and the DUP pulled out of a joint executive amid political disagreements.

Months of talks, including with British Prime Minister Theresa May this week, have so far failed to bridge their differences.

The Sinn Fein leader said a Northern Irish referendum on reunification of the island -- called for under the peace accord only once there are signs of majority support -- had been put "up in lights" by Brexit.

She called it "an obvious option to be on the table", and that it would happen within 10 years.
By James Macharia JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Britain has warned of a threat of attacks by Islamists on foreigners in South Africa after two British nationals were kidnapped in a small town there, but South African police said they had no evidence militants were behind the incident. Africa's most industrialized country has a large expatriate community and attracts many tourists, and has seldom been associated with Islamist militancy. No attack followed a similar warning by Britain and the United States in June 2016. South Africa's elite police unit Hawks said the force was investigating the kidnapping, which took place on Feb. 12. Britain's Foreign Office (FCO) said on its website the main threat was from Islamic State. In an email to Reuters on Thursday, the FCO said: "We have updated our travel advice to include this recent incident", referring to the kidnapping. "Our travel advice already states that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in South Africa. This remains our assessment." The FCO declined to give details on the kidnapping. A spokesman for the Hawks, Lloyd Ramovha, said two suspects had been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of the British couple. Police have not identified the couple, who live in Cape Town. They were kidnapped in the small town of Vryheid in the eastern KwaZulu-Natal province, Ramovha said. Police were still investigating why they had traveled there. "The couple are still missing at this stage. No ransom has been demanded. Our investigation so far has not revealed any links to terrorists, let alone ISIL," Ramovha said, using an acronym for Islamic State. "Besides that, South Africa has measures to counter terrorist threats. We are more than ready to deal with such." "The car the couple was driving in was found yesterday (Wednesday), and is now undergoing forensic tests," he said. The couple, a 74-year-old man who moved from Britain to South Africa in the 1970s and his South African-born wife, 63, both have British and South African nationalities. Security officials and experts say there are no known Islamist militant groups operating in South Africa, where Muslims make up less than two percent of the population. The FCO said terrorists were likely to try to carry out attacks in shopping areas in major cities and said news reports suggest that a number of South African nationals had traveled to Syria, Iraq and Libya and were likely to pose a security threat on their return. Jasmine Opperman, director of Southern Africa Operations at the Terrorism, Research and Analysis Consortium think tank, said the British alert was "alarmist". "South Africa's vulnerability for attack is there, but are there solid indications of attacks now as we sit here? There are none," she said in an interview with eNCA television. (Reporting by James Macharia)
On Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, model and actress Brooke Shields spoke about running into Michael Jacksons daughter Paris at New York Fashion Week last fall. Brooke and Michael had been friends since the early 1980s and remained close until his death in 2009. In fact, she spoke at his memorial service, and thats the last time she had seen Paris, who was 11 at the time.

Of the touching reunion, Brooke said, I recently met Paris at the Calvin Klein show.  She turned to me and she said, So youre my dads friend. And I was so  because Id only seen her when she was a baby and she didnt remember me. So I said, Yes, I am. I waited awhile, looked back at her and said, I really miss your dad. She looked at me and said, Me too. It was just a pure moment.

Brooke also remembered the last interaction she had with Michael before he died.

He sent me a beautiful, beautiful floral arrangement when my dad died, Brooke said. I still have the vase.

Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen airs Sundays through Thursdays at 11 p.m. on Bravo.

Check out the cringeworthy pickup line Donald Trump used on Brooke Shields:

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Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has threatened to "shame" Australia and block the release of a joint statement at a regional summit in Sydney next month if he faces pressure over a political crackdown at home.

The strongman has been chastised by Western countries for taking a hammer to Cambodia's democracy in recent months by dissolving the main opposition party, shuttering independent news outlets and pursuing critics in the courts.

In a speech on Wednesday the notoriously brash leader said he would not tolerate any pressure on domestic politics when he attends a summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) hosted by Australia in March.

"Hun Sen can block the release of any statement between ASEAN and Australia... Australia cannot pressure Cambodia. Don't dare," he said of a regional bloc that operates by consensus.

"If you treat me inappropriately, I will hit back and leave shame on your face at the scene," Hun Sen added.

The premier also warned would-be protesters in Australia, where there is a sizeable population of Cambodian refugees from the Khmer Rouge years, not to burn his image in any demonstrations.

It would not be the first time Cambodia has used its intransigence to block or dilute an ASEAN statement.

In 2012 ASEAN foreign ministers failed to release a joint communique for the first time at the end of their annual gathering, with the Philippines blaming event host Cambodia for blocking criticism of Beijing's actions in the South China Sea.

Cambodia was also accused of forcing the group to water down criticism of Beijing in a statement issued at the end of a 2016 meeting.

Cambodia's crackdown in recent months has pushed it closer to China, which has lavished the country with cash, while rattling relations with the US and EU, who pulled support for July elections after the opposition was disbanded.

An official source at Germany's foreign ministry told AFP on Thursday that the government had suspended preferential visa treatment for private travel by Cambodian government members including Hun Sen and his family, and had encouraged EU partners to take similar steps.

"The suspension was taken as a measure to react on the intensifying repression against political opposition and the press," the source said.

Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the decision "hypocritical" and an example of double standards, "considering its (Germany's) different treatment towards various countries on the similar issue of democracy and respect for human rights".
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admitted Thursday that a convicted Sikh extremist had been invited to dine with him in New Delhi, just the latest controversy to dog his visit to India.

Trudeau said the invitation to Jaspal Atwal -- who was found guilty of trying to assassinate an Indian minister in 1986 -- had been revoked and those at fault had taken responsibility.

"Obviously, we take this situation extremely seriously," he told reporters in New Delhi.

"The individual in question never should have received an invitation and as soon as we found out we rescinded the invitation immediately."

Trudeau has been at pains during his visit to quash long-simmering perceptions in India that his administration is soft on Sikh extremists.

This latest scandal emerges on the eve of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been notably absent during Trudeau's week-long trip throughout India with his family.

Atwal was convicted for a botched assassination attempt on an Indian cabinet minister in Canada in 1986 and was sentenced to 20 years by a Canadian court.

He reportedly attended an event in Mumbai on Tuesday, where he was photographed alongside Trudeau's wife Sophie Gregoire, according to Canada's public broadcaster CBC.

The Canadian High Commission would not comment on whether Atwal was part of Trudeau's official delegation, although reports in Canada said Trudeau's office had denied this.

"We do not comment on matters relating to the PM's security," the high commission said.

Trudeau, who is accompanied by several Sikh members of his cabinet, said the "member of parliament who included this individual" had taken responsibility for their actions.

- Convicted militant -

Atwal was a member of the International Sikh Youth Federation, an organisation outlawed in India and Canada, among other places, that seeks an independent Sikh state of Khalistan.

India's foreign ministry said it was investigating how Atwal -- a Canadian passport holder of Indian origin -- managed to obtain a visa to travel to India.

Story continues

Canada is home to roughly half a million Sikhs and Trudeau's administration has been accused of being too cosy with those agitating for a separate homeland in India's northern Punjab state.

Trudeau particularly riled New Delhi last year when he attended a parade in Canada at which Sikh militants were feted as heroes.

Tensions over the Khalistan issue have marred Trudeau's visit, and fuelled speculation the prime minister was being snubbed by his Indian hosts.

But Modi late Thursday tweeted a welcome note for the visiting dignitary, posting a picture of him with Trudeau and his daughter Ella-Grace from a meeting in 2015.

"I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres," he said in a tweet ahead of Friday's formal meeting between the two premiers.

Critics had cited Modi's grand gesture of personally receiving several visiting heads of government at the airport with bear hugs and cheerful photo-ops, compared to a junior minister who was rolled out to meet Trudeau and his family on Saturday evening.

Government officials greeted the Trudeaus at the Taj Mahal and in Modi's home state of Gujarat, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was last month personally escorted by the Indian leader.

Trudeau on Wednesday visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar -- the holiest shrine in Sikhism -- before assuring Punjab's chief minister that Canada did not sympathise with extremist movements.
San Salvador (AFP) - Five Central American nations are to sign a free trade deal with South Korea on Wednesday after more than two years of talks to ease tariffs and barriers on a range of products, El Salvador's government announced.

Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama will seal the pact with the Asian country, sending their economy ministers to the signing ceremony.

Six Central American countries had been involved in the negotiations, but one of them -- Guatemala -- was staying outside the deal at this stage.

Guatemala said it had yet to finalize trade discussions with South Korea. Belize was not involved.

Talks on the pact started in June 2015 and covered 21 chapters addressing market access, rules of origin, trade facilitation, health and phytosanitary measures, trade defense, investment and technical obstacles to trade.

The agreement "is an example of how an adequate balance can be found between opening new market opportunities for products and, at the same time, respect the sensitivities of productive sectors," the Salvadoran economy ministry said in a statement.

After the signing, the accord is due to be submitted for ratification to the participating countries' legislatures.

In 2016, Central America imported $1.08 billion from South Korea and exported $143 million to the country.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China said on Thursday it was "futile" to try to make an issue of a program on state television in which a Chinese actress was made up to appear African, which has provoked accusations of racism. The actress, Lou Naiming, appeared on stage at the widely watched Lunar New Year television gala in colorful garb with her face and arms colored brown, carrying a fruit basket on her head, and accompanied by someone dressed up as a monkey. The scene sparked criticism on Chinese social media that it was racist and it has also been widely reported on by Western media. The week-long Lunar New Year holiday ended on Wednesday. Speaking at a daily news briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had consistently opposed any form of racism. "Recently many media, especially Western media, have reported on and commented on this matter," said Geng, who said he had seen reports about the skit. "I want to say that if there are people who want to seize on an incident to exaggerate matters, and sow discord in China's relations with African countries, this is a doomed futile effort," he added. Public discussion of racial discrimination is unusual in China, which is dominated by the ethnic Han majority but is also home to dozens of minority groups as well as a growing influx of foreign residents, including Africans. Geng said China and Africa had weathered many storms and their cooperation had been successful. "How relations are between China and Africa and whether or not cooperation is good, African countries and the people of Africa know in their hearts exactly how things stand." State television did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China is hosting the heads of many African nations later in the year at a once-every-three-years summit between China and Africa. In 2016, a laundry detergent company in China apologized after running an ad in which a black man was stuffed headfirst into a washing machine only to emerge a moment later as a fair-skinned Asian man. China has forged increasingly close ties with many African nations in its hunt to satisfy demand for commodities in its booming economy. It has rejected accusations of neo-colonialism in Africa, saying its aid there has no strings attached and is widely welcomed. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Nick Macfie, Robert Birsel)
The Chinese military has published photos of recent air force drills that at least one expert quoted in ruling party media identified Tuesday as a direct message to neighboring India.

Tensions between the two Asian powers have once again risen after they threatened to come to blows over a border dispute last summer. Officials have swapped provocative words in recent months, reigniting a potential crisis as rhetoric turned into military preparations. In the latest move, China's armed forces, known as the People's Liberation Army (PLA), published Friday rare images of Chengdu J-10 and Shenyang J-11 fighter jets landing in Tibet, the western region that borders India, after exercises that Chinese military expert and commentator Song Zhongping linked to recent escalations.

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"Strengthening the 3.5-generation fighter jets or even stationing more advanced fighters in the Western Theatre Command has been urgent for the PLA," Song told Chinese Communist Party organ The Global Times in an article then posted to the official China Military Online.

"With India importing new jets, China will continue strengthening its fighter jets in the Western Theatre Command," he added.

ChinaJ10Tibet

Chen Qingshun/China Military Online

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Song noted that such upgrades to China's defenses have often been first implemented in its southern and eastern commands. The western command, however, has received more attention as the rivalry with India heated up.

Story continues

China and India have long quarreled over stretches of territory along their shared border and this even exploded into a war between the two in the early 1960s. One region, known as Doklam or Donglang, that borders India's Sikkim State, Chinese Tibet and the Ha Valley of the tiny kingdom of Bhutan, revived hostilities last summer. India argued that Chinese construction near the trilateral border area last June threatened Bhutan's claim to the region and deployed troops to confront the Chinese military in the area.

The standoff lasted nearly a month and a half and was believed to have resolved after both sides withdrew. Chinese President Xi Jinping was seen shaking hands with his Indian counterpart Nehru Modi on the sidelines of the September 2017 BRICS Summit in Xiamen. This detente, however, has been undermined by recent statements from both sides claiming they won last summer's dispute and could take on the other in a future fight.

Most popular: "I Do Not Fear Death": Billy Graham Reflects on Politics, Scripture and Mortality in a 2006 Newsweek Profile

During a regular press conference Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang criticized a visit earlier that day by Modu to the nearby disputed Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claimed as part of Southern Tibet. Geng said China was "firmly opposed to the Indian leader's visit to the disputed area" and would "lodge stern representations with the Indian side."

ChinaSpringFestivalSoldiers

Liu Yishan/China Military Online

The Chinese military has also used recent remarks from Indian generals to justify its own urgent transformation into a force fully prepared to fight a war between states. Xi's ongoing, massive bid to revolutionize his armed forces had the dual purpose of modernizing China's military power and streamlining it to make it capable of protecting not only Chinese borders, but Chinese interests abroad. He's also sought tight ties with Pakistan, a crucial Chinese economic ally and India's traditional foe.

Following last week's air force drills in Tibet, the Chinese military continued training through the week-long Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, holiday. The Chinese navy and army were also pictured conducting maneuvers aimed toward realizing Xi's goal of preparing his armed forces to handle any external threat.

This article was first written by Newsweek

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(Photo: New York Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

Rev. Billy Graham, the famous evangelist who died on Wednesday, was a charismatic preacher, a counselor to presidents, and a leading figure in American evangelicalism.

As news of his death spread, many Christians took time to reflect on the 99-year-old pastors long life and legacy.

During his more than six decades as an evangelist, Graham invited millions of people to make a personal commitment to Christ during revival meetings around the world, which he called crusades. Thousands responded to his altar call, often to the tune of one of his favorite old hymns, Just As I Am.

But the gospel of salvation that Graham preached never invited queer Americans to come the altar just as they were. The pastor also held conservative views about women. And while he opposed racial segregation, he was not as active as other Christian leaders during the 1960s civil rights era.

Still, with his crusades and fiery preaching, he inspired a spiritual revival in the lives of generations of Christians. Hes praised for being nonpartisan about politics, at least later on in his life  meeting with every president from Harry Truman to Barack Obama.

On Wednesday, many reposted on Twitter a quote attributed to Graham, in which the pastor reveals his beliefs about death.

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Others quoted a well-known Bible verse to honor Graham. In the parable, an employer congratulates his servant for wisely using the gifts given to him, saying, Well done, good and faithful servant.

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The tributes poured in from prominent evangelical leaders ...

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... and from other strains of American Christianity.

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Some pointed out that his legacy was mixed, especially for LGBTQ Americans and others who are harmed by conservative interpretations of Christianity.

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But many gave him his due as a towering figure in Americas religious history.

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Also on HuffPost

Future evangelist Billy Graham at six months old in this photograph with his mother, Mrs. Morrow Graham. He was born on Nov. 7, 1918, and christened William Franklin Graham, Jr.

Graham wears a cap and gown at age 17 on his graduation from Charlotte High School. Shortly before this date, Billy had embraced a charismatic, evangelical form of Christianity at a local revival meeting.

As a young Baptist evangelist, Graham preaches to a large crowd in Los Angeles, California, in 1949. The event drew thousands and helped to kickstart his career as a preacher.

A canvas tent, seating over 6,000, was erected for Graham's revival in Los Angeles, California, in 1949.

About 4,000 students and faculty members listen to Graham at MIT on April 21, 1950.

Graham at home with his wife on March 13, 1952.

Kneeling in prayer on the White House lawn after their meeting with President Harry Truman are left to right: Jerry Beaver; Cliff Barrow; Dr. Billy Graham, and Grady Wilson. The Baptist clergymen prayed with Truman for aid in the Korean War.

Graham addresses an estimated crowd of 30,000 people at the U.S. Capitol, calling on Truman to proclaim a day of national prayer in the U.S.

Then-Vice President Richard Nixon sits with Graham, left, and National Commander Merton B. Rice, at a memorial service during the Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention at Boston University on Aug. 28, 1955.

A 35-year-old Graham with a smile upon his arrival in Southampton, England.

Graham addresses a crowd in Trafalgar Square in London.

Crowds listen with rapt attention to a Graham sermon at Wembley Stadium in London on May 16, 1955.

Nixon chats with Graham at a huge Yankee Stadium rally arranged by the minister to cap a six-week tour in New York. Nixon flew in from Washington, D.C., to appear beside him and lend his personal support to the campaign.

More than 30,000 people jammed Wall Street to hear Graham preach what he termed his 'greatest service' of his New York Crusade. The evangelist gave a 20-minute extemporaneous sermon from an improvised pulpit on the steps of the Federal Hall Memorial. In the foreground of the picture is the foot of the George Washington Statue. At rear is the New York Stock Exchange.

Graham raises his fist as he speaks to members of the 24th Infantry Division in Korea in February 1956.

Graham, wearing a garland presented to him by welcomers in New Delhi, raises his hands in Indian greetings to crowds on hand for his arrival.

Graham meets former Japanese Prime Minister Tchiro Hatoyama in the latter's office.

Graham embraces his family upon his return from his 'Crusade for Christ' tour in the mid-1950s. Clockwise from left: His wife Ruth, daughter Anne, Graham, daughter Ruth, and daughter Virginia.

In spite of the 90-degree-plus heat, 100,000 people packed Yankee Stadium to hear Graham warn that America 'is facing its gravest crisis in history.' Police reportedly turned thousands away. The Graham organization requested that planes departing from Laguardia Field avoid flying over the ball park.

Graham preaches on May 20, 1957, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Graham and U.S. President Lyndon B Johnson talk together at the Annual Presidential Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 5, 1964.

President Ronald Reagan presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Graham at the White House.

Graham with his four children and wife at his home in North Carolina.

Graham looks at some racy magazines and books in a bookstore during a stroll through New York's Times Square. "Anyone walking down Times Square can see why New York is in need of a great spiritual and moral awakening," he said.

Graham unveils the plaque commemorating the site of his first crusade that launched his career. At the ceremonies, he preached part of the same sermon that he gave in 1949, warning that America must repent of its sins or face the judgement of God.

Graham meets privately with Texas Governor and Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush, on Nov. 5, 2000, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Graham (second left) with his wife Ruth and the Queen, Prince Philip and the Queen Mother, when he preached at Sandringham Parish Church. The Rector of Sandringham, Rev. Gerry Murphy, is on the right.

Graham delivers a message on Sept. 20, 1986, in Paris, France.

Graham gives the invocation at the beginning of the inauguration ceremony for Bill Clinton's second term as president.

Graham (left) is joined by His Eminence William Cardinal Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore (center) and Orthodox Church of America Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan Herman, during the 55th Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service at the National Cathedral in Washington on Jan. 21, 2005.

Former U.S. presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter pose with Graham and his son Franklin Graham before the Billy Graham Library Dedication on the campus of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 31, 2007.

President Barack Obama meets with Graham at his house in Montreat, North Carolina, in this handout photograph taken and released on April 25, 2010.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
A haircut dubbed the Meet Me at McDonalds has gained popularity at a British school  and the headmaster is not lovin it.

As the Independent reports, the Great Yarmouth Charter Academy in Norfolk, England, has issued a ban against several unacceptable boys hairstyles, including the one named, for reasons unknown, in honor of a well-known fast food joint.

A parent posted a letter from school headmaster Barry Smith, which notified families that students have until Feb. 26 to restyle their hair or risk being sent home or put in isolation.

(Photo: Getty Images)

The list of seven forbidden cuts includes variations of the style known as Meet Me at McDonalds,' described by Metro as featuring shaved sides and a full, poufy top, which is typically curly or even permed.

Smith also put the kibosh on shaved parting lines, Mohawks and their ilk, high top styles, hair teased to great heights, noticeably longer tops that are not layered in and combined with sharply contrasting sides and back, and heavy, overgrown bangs that cover the face.

Smith specified that students hair should use a minimum of product and have grown-in sides and a trimmed top.

According to the Independent, many parents in Great Yarmouth  which, incidentally, has two McDonalds locations  are calling the ban ridiculous.

Even so, it sounds like the local barbers will be busy. How about one last Big Mac for the road, fellas?

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The idea that mass shooting victims and witnesses are hired performers serving a dark purpose has over the last decade migrated from the farthest margins of conspiracy media

On Tuesday on CNN, Parkland survivor David Hogg was asked by Anderson Cooper about the plethora of right wing websites and social media accounts spreading conspiracy theories about him.

In response, Hogg said: Im not a crisis actor. Im someone who had to witness this and live through this and I continue to be having to do that.

Those with little experience of the febrile world of conspiracy theory may not fully understand what Hogg is being accused of. But the idea that mass shooting victims and witnesses are hired performers serving a dark purpose has over the last decade migrated from the farthest margins of conspiracy media.

Thanks to a range of right wing media actors, it is now much closer to the mainstream: on Tuesday, a Florida Republicans aide was fired after he suggested the survivors were actors.

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The first thing to understand is that the crisis actor conspiracy theory has a slender tie to reality. Crisis actors do exist, though there is nothing underhanded about them: they are simply performers hired to play disaster victims in emergency drills or wounded combatants in military exercises. They provide a degree of realism for people practicing for real emergencies further down the line.

But in recent years, the term has been appropriated by conspiracy theorists claiming that mass shootings are staged. Social media users, broadcasters and even political staffers now routinely allege that events like the Parkland shooting are orchestrated by shadowy actors in order to effect some political goal. Lately, they are likely to nominate the deep state as a culprit  by which they mean segments of the intelligence community and unelected officials who are held to be working against Donald Trump and working towards the confiscation or regulation of firearms.

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Google trends searches show that searches for the term in the last decade have spiked around high profile mass shootings. There was a small flurry earlier, at around the time of the Tacoma Mall shooting near Seattle in 2005. But by far the biggest spike came at the time of the Newtown shooting, where 26 elementary school students and adults were shot dead at Sandy Hook school.

By this time, conspiracy culture had already bedded down the concept of false flag attacks. This is the idea that powerful forces routinely arrange massacres or terrorist atrocities, and make it appear as if some other individual or group did them, in order to achieve their sinister political goals. 9/11 conspiracy theories had long asserted that while it appeared that the al-Qaida terrorist network was responsible for the attacks in New York, they had really been orchestrated by the Bush administration, Mossad, or some other actor in order to provide a basis for war in the Middle East.

The crisis actor concept augments the false flag idea. It offers an alternative narrative for incidents of mass violence: that government agencies or other powerful actors stage shootings, and then employ actors to play victims, witnesses, and bystanders.

If this is true, conspiracy theorists think, it means that Americas gun violence crisis is not real, and has been manufactured in order to disarm the populace. Some conspiracy theorists will then argue that this is part of a larger plot to subjugate Americans to tyranny.

The evidence presented is often the resemblance between people featured in media reporting of mass shootings and people who have been present at other events. Here, YouTube and other video services provide both the raw materials for conspiracy theorizing, in the form of shareable, reusable video, and a venue for the propagation of the resultant investigations.

Its no coincidence that the cottage industry of false flag allegations has grown in tandem with the mass uptake of social media  theories are absorbed and spread rapidly online by a range of groups. Conspiracy broadcasters have large, international audiences, and some polling suggests that up to half of Americans believe in at least some signature conspiracy theories.

Some outlets spreading crisis actor theories, like Alex Jones and True Pundit, have been lent credibility by the president or members of his family. And there has been some suggestion that conspiracy theory has now been automated, with tall tales about the Parkland massacre being spread by a network of bots.

As with 9/11 conspiracy thinking, Alex Jones acted as a major popularizer of crisis actor meme. Jones said back in 2012 and 2013 that Sandy Hook was a false flag and that no one died. He claimed that the children killed were acting for the cameras, and that the parents had faked their own childrens deaths.

Under pressure, Jones has sometimes tried to back away from his role in propagating the theory. But in other incidents since  from Orlando to Las Vegas, Joness first resort in his broadcasts and on his website has been to assume that the official accounts are elaborate lies, and that many on the scene are in on the deception.

Jones and others often take advantage of the inevitable confusion that attends complex events like mass shootings to freely speculate on the events, and lodge their explanation in the minds of their audience.

These theories would be laughable, and unworthy of our attention, were it not for their real world impacts, and the fact that so many people accept them. When Jones was interviewed by Megan Kelly last year, parents of Sandy Hook victims took to the airwaves and the Internet to protest. They said that on top of their grief, they had been harassed for years since the massacre by people who, thanks in part to Jones, believed that they and their dead children were lying.

The teens who are bravely speaking out after the attack will not only have to contend with conservative media bottom-feeders questioning their competence to speak about the massacre. They will also have to deal with people who think that they are knowingly participating in an elaborate hoax.

 This article was amended on 22 February 2018 to correct a misspelling of Parkland from Parkville.


JOHANNESBURG -- When Jacob Zuma delivered his final state of the nation address as president of South Africa last year, he spoke to a parliament under siege, rocked by protests both inside the national assembly chamber and at its gates.

So unpopular was Zuma that the address, a gala event held each February to mark the official opening of parliament, had become an annual occasion for mass revolt. Street protests were met with increasingly heavy security: riot police held back crowds with stun grenades and tear gas. Soldiers in armored vehicles stood at the ready. In the national assembly, protesting members of the Economic Freedom Fighters, a leftist opposition party, were dragged from the chamber.

A year later and Cyril Ramaphosa, freshly sworn in as the fifth president of post-apartheid South Africa on Feb. 16 delivered his first state of the nation address to a calm, clapping parliament, and widespread popular support.

After nearly nine years of Zuma's increasingly divisive leadership, Ramaphosa has come into power with an unusual advantage: positive consensus. A former union leader turned wealthy businessman, he has the backing of labor and civil society groups, as well as business.

This is largely a reaction to the extreme unpopularity of Zuma, who presided over economic decline and rising poverty levels, and is currently facing the potential reinstatement of corruption charges related to an arms deal.

Afrobarometer, an independent research network that conducts surveys in Africa, reviewed data from Zuma's time in office and noted a dramatic drop in support, from 64 percent in 2011 to 36 percent in 2015.

"Over his full tenure, Zuma's government was perceived to have performed especially badly in reducing crime, managing immigration and the economy, and fighting corruption," an Afrobarometer report said.

Other polling firms charted a further decline closer to the end of this time in office. According to a survey released in September by global research firm Kantar TNS, only 18 percent of South Africans living in major cities said Zuma was doing a good job.

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Ramaphosa was narrowly elected leader of the ANC at a party conference in December, winning over a candidate favored by Zuma. Despite the lack of a decisive victory, Ramaphosa has since gathered momentum and power within the party.

This year's state of the nation speech was postponed from Feb. 8, an unprecedented delay after the ruling party decided that Zuma should not be given the national platform.

In the week that followed the postponement, the ANC's national executive committee demanded that Zuma quit the presidency. When he refused, the party threatened to support a non-confidence vote in parliament brought by the opposition. Facing certain ouster, Zuma finally resigned.

SEE: [The 10 Most Corrupt Countries, Ranked By Perception]

Ramaphosa has been working behind the scenes to extend his base of support within the party, says Susan Booysen, a professor at the University of the Witwatersrand's School of Governance in Johannesburg. A pressing challenge for the new ANC leader, says Booysen: Rooting out party officials implicated in corruption under Zuma. "It is positive in his favor that he has got such a strong public mandate to act on corruption."

A lawyer by training, Ramaphosa also has the advantage of shrewd negotiating skills honed in his role leading the ANC side during talks to end apartheid. He has spoken out strongly against corruption and is viewed as a market-friendly pragmatist who will focus his attention on boosting the country's flagging economy.

Under Zuma, economic growth stagnated and last year the country briefly dipped into a recession. Gross domestic product is expected to expand by 1.4 percent this year, according to South Africa's Reserve Bank, a slight improvement over 0.9 percent in 2017.

Two major credit rating agencies cut the country's sovereign debt to sub-investment grade status in 2017 in decisions that highlighted the problem of political uncertainty. Unemployment is officially at 36 percent when "discouraged workers," a term for people who have given up looking for jobs, are taken into account. It is even higher among youth.

"It has been a missed decade for South Africa," says Daniel Silke, director of the Cape Town-based Political Futures Consultancy. "We have lost time."

Ramaphosa has already boosted confidence among businesses and investors, both in South Africa and abroad, Silke says. This was seen at the recent World Economic Forum in Davos where Ramaphosa, at the time still deputy president to Zuma, led a team that offered a reassuring outlook on the country's prospects.

"You can change sentiment quite quickly," Silke says. "What you can't do is turn unemployment around so quickly."

A Ramaphosa presidency could also signal greater engagement between South Africa, the most sophisticated economy on the African continent, and its regional neighbors. Under Zuma, South African policy had pivoted inward and "the ANC had little concept of what was happening in the rest of world never mind the rest of Africa," Silke says.

But mindful of Zuma's time in office, South Africans will be watching their new president carefully. Ramaphosa will be facing an election in a little over a year, and will have to move quickly to exact reforms.

"He is there on a very particular set of expectations: to clean things out, get the economy going and act decisively on corruption," Booysen says.

South African voters have "lost their innocence" when it comes to their leaders. "They will not give Ramaphosa the same blank check that Zuma got. At the same time, civil society has become very mobilized in a focused way, in terms of extracting accountability from government," she says.

"That, in a way, is a positive spinoff from the Zuma era."

Erin Conway-Smith is a journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Follow her on Twitter.
The appearance the NRA spokeswoman at a CNN town hall with Florida shooting survivors signals a change in tactics by the gun lobby

In the days after a mass shooting, the National Rifle Association usually stays completely silent, its social media accounts on lockdown.

Even in less fraught times, the USs leading pro-gun lobby group usually refuses to participate in most news coverage of the firearms debate, choosing instead to attack the media from a distance.

But as students who survived the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Florida last week continue to speak out publicly against the NRAs blood money, the gun-rights group has announced that it will send spokeswoman Dana Loesch to participate in Wednesdays CNN town hall conversation with Parkland shooting survivors.

The move comes as the NRA appears to be attempting to dial down attention to the speech that longtime leader Wayne LaPierre is scheduled to give at CPAC later this week. Instead it is putting Loesch in the spotlight.

A longtime conservative talk radio host, Loesch sparked outrage last year for an NRA recruitment ad in which she railed against the left for using their media to assassinate real news and said NRA members needed to confront this violence of lies with the clenched fist of truth.

The ad sparked a broad backlash, with one critic calling it a whisper shy of a call for full civil war.

This NRA ad is an open call to violence to protect white supremacy, Black Lives Matter activist Deray McKesson wrote in response. If I made a video like this, Id be in jail.

Shannon Watts, a leading gun control activist, criticized CNNs choice to include Loesch in Wednesdays discussion.

The Parkland students are recovering from trauma and have only been studying gun policy for a week, she wrote on Twitter. Is it really necessary for CNN to pit them against a vicious, dishonest and radicalized NRA lobbyist?

She added: This is like inviting tobacco lobbyists to explain to kids who have lost loved ones to lung cancer how we can prevent smoking deaths. Lobbyists dont deserve a seat at this table.

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Once an influential mommy blogger, Loesch was already a prominent gun rights advocate when she joined the NRA in early 2017 as a special assistant to NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre. The cover of her popular 2014 book, Hands Off My Gun: Defeating the Plot to Disarm America, shows her holding a rifle while wearing extremely tall heels. The book attacks arguments for gun control. People need to learn what existing laws we have regulating an issue before proposing new, already existing laws, Loesch tweeted on Tuesday.

Since the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, many of Americas most prominent gun control activists have been women, and they have argued for gun control using the the rhetoric of motherhood and safety. The NRA, which has made steps to attract a more diverse membership, is still overwhelmingly old, white, and male, as are its most prominent leaders. As women have organized against the NRA and gun rights advocates, Loesch has been a prominent female defender of gun rights, explaining how her support for gun ownership fits into her roles as mother and citizen. Even before she joined the NRA, Loesch frequently feuded on Twitter with Watts, a former public relations executive from Indiana who founded Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, now part of the countrys largest gun control group. Loesch has also attacked the organizers of the Womens March.

Loesch has highlighted the abuse and insults she receives on Twitter for defending her gun rights views. Last October, she wrote that she and her family had been forced to move due to repeated threats from gun control advocates.

One guy hunted down my private cell phone number, called when police were here, threatened to shoot me in my front yard, she wrote. Another guy created a string of social media accounts, posted photos of my house, threatened to rape me to death. She tagged the posts #MeToo.

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Loeschs role at the NRA has reflected the organizations position as right wing culture warriors, ready to fight against the left and for Donald Trump on a far broader range of issues than simple gun policy. She has made multiple attack ads criticizing the New York Times, calling the newspaper an old gray hag and almost setting a copy of the paper on fire on camera. The Times recently profiled her as the NRAs telegenic warrior.

But Loesch herself was not initially a Trump supporter, writing a post on her website in early 2016 about why she did not trust Trumps transformation on Second Amendment issues, and listing a long set of concerns about his business associates and business dealings. She endorsed Ted Cruz in January 2016. In contrast, the NRA as an organization, which spent at least $30m to put Trump in the White House, was an early and loyal supporter of the president. LaPierre, the groups executive vice president and CEO, was treated as Trumps left-hand man after the president assumed office.

At times, Loeschs tweets have not represented the NRAs official position  including once when she criticized newly-appointed White House spokesman Anthony Scaramuccis past anti-gun and pro-gun control tweets.

A Tea Party conservative, she built a career as an influential writer and commentator, working for Andrew Breitbart and hosting her own radio show. Her book Flyover Nation: You Cant Run a County Youve Never Been To, describes an America split between Coastals and Flyovers.

Coastals think they understand firearms because they watched a TV movie about Columbine, as her book jacket puts it. Flyovers get a deer rifle for their thirteenth birthday.
The Trump-Russia collusion story might be the talk of Washington, but its not the case in the rest of the country

Donald Trump with Vladimir Putin last year. Will Mueller be able to find conclusive evidence of collusion? Photograph: Jorge Silva/AFP/Getty Images

The investigation into Russias influence on the 2016 presidential elections is the talk of the town again. Since special counsel Robert Mueller indicted 13 Russians last Friday, social and traditional media have exploded with speculations about the next step, because, in the end, the only question everyone really seems to care about is whether Donald Trump was involved  and can therefore be impeached for treason.

Democratic party leaders once again reassured their followers that this was the next logical step in the inevitable downfall of Trump. And on Twitter Trump attacked everybody and everyone, from Hillary Clinton to Oprah Winfrey, to keep the topic on the agenda and spin it in his own favor.

While Democrats believe that time is on their side, this is highly doubtful. The longer the investigation lasts, the bigger the charge will have to be to justify the time and money spent. Sure, the Republicans wasted massive amounts of time and money on the Benghazi investigation, which had even less evidence to support it, but they controlled Congress. With Trump shouting witch-hunt and Republicans talking waste of resources, Mueller will have to come up with a smoking gun soon, and Im not talking fraud or golden showers.

I seriously doubt he will. While there is no doubt that the Trump camp was, and still is, filled with amoral and fraudulent people, and was very happy to take the Russians help during the elections, even encouraging it on the campaign, I do not think Mueller will be able to find conclusive evidence that Donald Trump himself colluded with Putins Russia to win the elections. And that is the only thing that will lead to his impeachment as the Republican party is not risking political suicide for anything less.

Issues like immigration, taxes and health care are all considered much more important, also by most Democrats

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But maybe the Democrats dont really believe in collusion and are just riding the Russia investigation to win the next elections. After all, the Republicans kept the Benghazi investigation going for years. But the difference is they were pandering to a much more emotional base, which is more easily mobilized. And they targeted Hillary Clinton, the liberal demon that many conservatives had hated for decades.

At first sight, polls seem to indicate that the Democrats do have a potential winner in the Russia investigation. When White House spokeswomen Sarah Sanders said that no one cares about this issue, the Washington Post claimed to prove her wrong by showing that nearly half  49%  of Americans believe Trump tried to interfere with the Russia investigation in a way that amounts to obstruction of justice. Indeed, other polls confirm that a plurality of Americans believes Trump acted improperly when it comes to any alleged coordination between the Russian government and Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign. But that was not Sanders point!

While Sanders definitely exaggerated when she said that no one cares, she did have a point when she elaborated its certainly not the thing that keeps people up at nigh.. Only 35% of Americans said that the investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia should be a top priority for Congress. Another 18% says it should be an important, but lower priority. While this amounts to 53% overall, even that number was lower than that for any of the other seven issues included, with the exception of Trumps much desired wall on the US-Mexico border.

In other words, the Russia-Trump collusion story might be the talk of the town in Washington, but this is not the case in much of the rest of the country. Just four in 10 Americans believe the Russia investigation is extremely or very important to them, while issues like immigration, taxes and health care are all considered much more important, also by most Democrats. These are the issues that will bring them out to vote, not the Russia investigation.

Unlike the Democratic Party leadership in Congress, nominally Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders does get the point. Already two months before Sanderss statement, he said on NBCs Late Night with Seth Meyers, Americans are not staying up every day worrying about Russias interference in our election and called upon his colleagues to focus on the bread and butter issues that mean so much to ordinary Americans. With the midterm elections less than nine months away, I hope the Democratic Party will at l(e)ast listen to him.

Cas Mudde is Associate Professor in the School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Georgia. He is the author of Populism: A Very Short Introduction and The Far Right in America

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By Stephanie van den Berg THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The Dutch parliament on Thursday passed a motion recognizing as genocide the massacre of as many as 1.5 million Armenians in 1915, although the government said it would not become official policy of the Netherlands. The motion, which was opposed by just three lawmakers out of 150, risks further straining relations between The Hague and Ankara, which have been tense since the Dutch barred a Turkish minister from campaigning in the Netherlands last year. Turkey denies that the killings, which took place at the height of World War One, constitute genocide. Its foreign ministry strongly condemned the Dutch parliament's approval of the motion and noted the Dutch government's response to it. "The government will not follow the judgment of the parliament," Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag told Dutch television before the vote. She urged "utmost caution when applying the term 'genocide' to past events". "This cabinet wants to be very careful about relations with Turkey, which have been better," she said. Relations between the two countries, both members of NATO, plunged last year when the Netherlands deported a Turkish minister who had come to campaign among the Dutch Turkish minority for a constitutional referendum in Turkey. The Turkish statement made reference to the 1995 Srebrenica massacres, in which victims were killed after being turned away from a Dutch-run United Nations base where thousands had sought refuge towards the end of the Bosnian war. "Baseless decisions taken by the parliament of a country that turned a blind eye to the still painful genocide at Srebrenica have no place in history or in justice," the Foreign Ministry's statement said. "Turkey's attitude towards the events of 1915 is based on historical facts and legal norms." Turkey summoned the Dutch charge d'affaires to Ankara on Saturday to express unhappiness with the impending vote. Nearly a dozen other EU countries have passed similar resolutions. On Feb. 5, the Netherlands said it would not attempt to appoint an ambassador to Turkey for now. A second motion passed on Thursday calls for a high-level Dutch government official to attend Armenia's formal genocide remembrance day on April 24. In the past, the Dutch ambassador has attended. Kaag said the government would consider how best to represent the Netherlands. Most scholars outside Turkey consider the killings were a genocide, or an attempt to destroy a people in part or whole. Turkey accepts that many Christian Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were killed during World War One, but contests the figures and denies that the killings were orchestrated. (Reporting by Toby Sterling and Daren Butler in Istanbul; Editing by Alison Williams and Kevin Liffey)
Hackers from the Israeli Defense Force helped stop an Islamic State terror attack that aimed to take down a civilian airliner traveling from Australia to the United Arab Emirates last summer, local officials said.

We revealed today that Israeli intelligence forces prevented the shooting down of an Australian airliner, and I can tell you that this is one of many, many such actions of preventing terrorism around the world, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during a press conference Wednesday.

The Israeli Defense Forces elite hacker group, Unit 8200, gathered information that helped stop the attack against the airliner, according to officials.

Trending: Washington Man Arrested Over Attempted Knifepoint Rape of Bikini Barista

"Unit 8200 provided exclusive intelligence that led to the thwarting of an airliner bombing by Islamic State (ISIS) at the end of 2017," the IDF said in a statement.

"The cooperation with the Israeli intelligence community allowed for the transfer of information to the local security authorities and led to the arrest of the suspects, who were in the advanced stages of preparations and close to executing the attack, IDF noted.

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THOMAS COEX/AFP/Getty Images

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Australian authorities arrested four men in July over an alleged plot to take down an airliner. Police at the time said that the plot was connected to Islamic militants, but they did not mention which terror group was involved. The men arrested were allegedly planning to use an improvised device to take down an airplane. However, Australian officials did not provide details about how they had gathered intelligence about the planned attack or if the Israeli military was involved.

Instead, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the thwarted terror attack was an example of the outstanding work of Australias joint counter-terrorism team. Australian officials were unable to confirm Israels claims to Newsweek in time for publication.

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The Israeli militarys Unit 8200, known as shmone matayim in Hebrew, is a high-tech spy unit that military experts consider one of the best in the world. Start-up Nation, the 2009 book on Israels booming start-up culture, described Unit 8200 and the Israeli militarys other elite units as the nations equivalent of Harvard, Princeton and Yale."

The group also recently helped stop Iranian hackers from carrying out cyberattacks against organizations in Israel, the military said.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from Newsweek
MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia's embattled deputy prime minister, under pressure over an extramarital affair, faced a call to step down as leader of his party on Thursday, the first such call from a member of the party, which is part of the ruling coalition.

Barnaby Joyce who has campaigned on "family values" and who has been married for 24 years, refused to resign when it was made public he was expecting a child with his former staffer.

"He needs to step down as leader of the National Party, take a step back into the back bench for a time," Andrew Broad a member of parliament from Joyce's National Party told state-owned broadcaster the ABC.

The National Party is in a ruling coalition with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's Liberal Party. The coalition holds a one-seat majority in parliament.

Turnbull has called Joyce's affair a "shocking error of judgment".

Broad said he would take up the issue of Joyce's leadership at a party meeting in the capital, Canberra, on Monday.

His call is the latest sign that support for Joyce from within his rural-based party is eroding, amid concern disapproval of the affair could undermine support in state elections.

A state branch of the party withdrew its support for Joyce this week because of the affair.

Two-thirds of voters want Joyce to resign over the affair, according to the Australian newspaper's Newspoll.

(Reporting by Melanie Burton; Editing by Robert Birsel)
By Robin Emmott BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union will start preparing sanctions against Myanmar generals over killings of Rohingya Muslims by formally calling on the bloc's foreign policy chief next week to draw up a list of possible names, two diplomats said. Any new travel bans and asset freezes would be the EU's toughest measures yet to try to hold the military accountable for the abuses, likely joining U.S. and Canadian sanctions already in place. "Ministers will call on (Federica) Mogherini to propose restrictive measures on senior members of the Myanmar military for systematic human rights abuses, without delay," one diplomat said on Thursday, referring to EU sanctions. Foreign ministers will also ask Mogherini and the EU's foreign service, the EEAS, on Monday to look at ways to strengthen the bloc's 1990s-era arms embargo on the Southeast Asian country that remains in place. In a statement expected to be released on Monday at a regular gathering of EU foreign ministers, the bloc is also expected to reiterate its call for the release of Reuters reporters detained on Dec. 12 over accusations that they violated Myanmar's Official Secrets Act. The two had been working on a Reuters investigation into the killing of 10 Rohingya Muslim men who were buried in a mass grave in Rakhine state after being hacked to death or shot by ethnic Rakhine Buddhist neighbors and soldiers. No names of generals to be targeted for sanctions have been yet discussed, the diplomats said, but the United States said in December it was sanctioning Major General Maung Maung Soe, who is accused of a crackdown on the Rohingya minority in Rakhine. EU sanctions lists are often coordinated with Washington. The EU's decision to consider sanctions reflects resistance to such measures in the U.N. Security Council, where veto-wielding powers Russia and China said this month they believe the situation in Rakhine was stable and under control. The United States, as well as United Nations, have described the military crackdown in Myanmar as "ethnic cleansing". About 655,000 Rohingya have fled Rakhine for shelter over the border in Bangladesh, according to the United Nations. (Reporting by Robin Emmott; editing by Robert-Jan Bartunek and Mark Heinrich)
A European Union officials threat this month that Europe would block any attempt by the United States to reimpose sanctions on Iran showed a new level of desperation to deter President Donald Trump from leaving the Iran nuclear deal in May. But with their access to the U.S. financial system hanging in the balance, European banks know that, in the end, the EU must satisfy Trumps demands to fix the deal or be prepared to fully comply when U.S. sanctions return.

The latest salvo from Denis Chaibi, the head of the Iranian task force at the European External Action Service, echoed previous threats from David OSullivan, the EU ambassador to the United States, that if America tried to reimpose its secondary sanctions on Iran, the EU would revive 1990s-era blocking regulations ordering European businesses not to comply.

Unsurprisingly, supporters of the Iran deal in the United States use these threats as evidence that the accord, along with Euro-Iranian commerce, could survive regardless of a U.S. decision to exit it. They point to a recent survey of international business managers as proof that blocking legislation could work.

When first asked what European and Asian companies would do if Trump brought back U.S. sanctions on Iran, only 4 percent of respondents thought businesses would ignore U.S. sanctions. But when asked whether European regulations to prevent U.S. authorities from penalizing your company over Iran business would positively affect their decision to invest in Iran, 54 percent said yes.

If such an antidote to Americas secondary financial sanctions existed, European threats to ignore U.S. sanctions might be credible. But these threats are based on outdated understandings of Americas Iran sanctions policy.

In 1996, Congress passed the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act, which in part threatened a menu of U.S. sanctions against any foreign entity that invested in Irans energy sector. Europe responded by issuing blocking regulations and threatening action against the United States at the World Trade Organization.

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Back then, the United States took Europes threats seriously because of how the U.S. law was drafted. It required then-President Bill Clinton to impose meager sanctions that a foreign company could painlessly ignore. At the time, the upside of trade with Iran far outweighed the downside of U.S. sanctions. Facing certain embarrassment, Clinton backed down.

But this changed in 2010 when Congress passed a new law leveraging Americas greatest strength against the fulcrum of global commerce with Iran: financial transactions.

After years of blacklisting most financial institutions in Iran for their involvement in various illicit activities, Congress recognized that it also needed to punish third parties for doing business with these criminal enterprises. Thus, it declared that any foreign bank that maintained a correspondent banking relationship with a designated Iranian bank would forfeit its banking relationships in the United States.

In 2011, the United States extended this prohibition to transactions conducted with the Central Bank of Iran and, in 2012, to transactions conducted in connection with a wide range of Iranian economic sectors and activities.

If Trump decided to enforce these sanctions again, banks around the world would immediately be at risk of losing their correspondent accounts in the United States. Blocking regulations might shield a company from American-levied fines, but they cannot shield a British bank from losing its access to the U.S. financial system. This time around, the downside of U.S. sanctions would far outweigh the upside of Iranian trade.

This raises serious questions about what would happen if Trumps deadline arrived and Europe remained unwilling to fix the nuclear deal by eliminating its sunset provisions, requiring inspections of Iranian military sites, and prohibiting Iran from further developing or testing any ballistic missiles. If Trump leaves the deal, Americas toughest sanctions could snap back immediately. And while diplomats in Brussels may want to stare Trump down and see if he flinches, banks will not want to take that risk.

The British, French, and German governments could help avoid this potential crisis by taking a more thoughtful approach on the Iran deal. Agreeing to repudiate its sunsets would avoid a transatlantic train wreck today without violating the agreement for years to come. Demanding verification of the agreement with visits to Iranian military sites would be a step toward enforcing the deal, not breaking it.

Furthermore, nothing in the Iran deal prohibits Europe or the United States from reimposing sanctions related to any Iranian entity  even the central bank  if it is connected to non-nuclear activities such as ballistic missile development and terrorism. Thats a view shared by both Democrats and Republicans in the United States  and given Europes direct security interest in curbing Irans missile program and regional expansion, its a view that European diplomats should adopt as well. If they do, they just might avoid the consequences of a U.S. reimposition of secondary financial sanctions.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Billy Graham became the best-known preacher in the United States during 70 years in the pulpit. Following are reactions to his death on Wednesday.

"The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man."

- U.S. President Donald Trump on Twitter

Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff at U.S. government buildings, including military bases, naval ships and embassies, on the day Graham is interred.

"Billy Graham was a humble servant who prayed for so many - and who, with wisdom and grace, gave hope and guidance to generations of Americans."

- Former President Barack Obama in a tweet

"Billy Graham was a consequential leader. He had a powerful, captivating presence and a keen mind. He was full of kindness and grace. His love for Christ and his gentle soul helped open hearts to the Word, including mine."

- Former President George W. Bush, who said in a statement that Graham inspired him to seek sobriety

"Billy Graham was America's pastor ... I think Billy touched the hearts of not only Christians, but people of all faiths, because he was such a good man."

- Former President George H.W. Bush in a statement

"His powerful words and the conviction they carried touched countless hearts and minds ... I saw him live that faith fully in the constant kindness, encouragement, and counsel he extended to Hillary and me."

- Former President Bill Clinton in a statement on behalf of himself and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who said Graham counseled her when her husband was involved in a White House sex scandal

"He shaped the spiritual lives of tens of millions of people worldwide. Broad-minded, forgiving and humble in his treatment of others, he exemplified the life of Jesus Christ by constantly reaching out for opportunities to serve. He had an enormous influence on my own spiritual life, and I was pleased to count Reverend Graham among my advisers and friends."

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- Former President Jimmy Carter in a statement

"Billy Graham's ministry for the gospel of Jesus Christ and his matchless voice changed the lives of millions. We mourn his passing but I know with absolute certainty that today he heard those words, 'Well done good and faithful servant.' Thank you Billy Graham. God bless you."

- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Twitter

As anyone growing up in the 1950s and 1960s can tell you, it was hard not to notice and be impressed by the Reverend Billy Graham. There was no question that the Dolans were a Catholic family, firm in our faith, but in our household there was always respect and admiration for Billy Graham and the work he was doing to bring people to God."

- Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, in a statement

"Billy Graham has always been and will always be a hero in our home. Next to my own father, Reverend Graham was the most humble and gracious man I ever knew. I am honored to call him a friend and a mentor."

- Televangelist and "megachurch" pastor Joel Osteen on Twitter

"His kindly manner and unpretentious nature made him a trusted confidant to twelve U.S. presidents, reassuring generations of Americans that their leaders could count on this humble man of God for counsel and support."

- U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in a statement

(Compiled by Bill Trott; Editing by Frances Kerry and and Peter Cooney)
Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - A Boko Haram attack on a girls school in northeast Nigeria has revived fears of another Chibok-style mass kidnapping, even as the government claims the jihadists are on the verge of defeat.

Dozens of heavily armed fighters stormed Dapchi village in the Bursari area of Yobe state on Monday evening, firing shots and setting off explosives.

Students and teachers at the Girls Science Secondary School fled into the bush for safety, fearing the Islamist militants would abduct them.

The potential for a repeat of what happened some 275 kilometres (170 miles) away by road in Chibok, in neighbouring Borno state, has not been lost on many Nigerians.

Both were state-run boarding schools in rural areas teaching girls of a similar age a so-called secular curriculum; Boko Haram fighters came in a convoy of pick-up trucks at night.

Boko Haram, whose name translates from Hausa to "Western education is forbidden", has kidnapped thousands of women and young girls since beginning its bloody insurgency in 2009.

But it was only the mass abduction of 276 girls in Chibok, in neighbouring Borno state in April 2014 that brought global attention to the conflict for the first time.

Fifty-seven girls managed to escape in the immediate aftermath while 107 have been found, escaped or released since May 2016; 112 are still being held.

- 'A dirty game' -

Some locals maintained Boko Haram deliberately targeted the school.

But with all those who fled not yet returned and the institution now closed, it is still not clear exactly what happened.

Some security analysts and those closely involved in the conflict said the attack may have been motivated by knowledge of payments to secure the release of the Chibok girls.

Last May, at least two million euros ($2.5 million) is said to have been paid for the release of a batch of 82 students in an exchange with jihadist fighters in Nigerian government custody.

Amaechi Nwokolo, a security analyst at the Roman Institute for International Studies in Abuja, said ransoms had become "a new way of financing" Boko Haram activities.

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"They need money for arms, ammunitions, vehicles, to keep their army of fighters moving across the borders. They're spending a lot of money on arms and logistics," he told AFP.

Payment of a kidnap ransom is often seen as the only way of securing a person's release but civilian militia said the government risked being dragged into "a dirty game of money".

Boko Haram has not specifically targeted a girls school since Chibok.

But one militia leader said should they ever emulate the feat, "the government will be under intense pressure to secure their release, which means giving them money".

"The reality is whether girls from Dapchi school were taken or not, the importance of the attack is that this could be a new strategy for the group to raise money.

"So we have to be careful."

- Wider tactics -

Nigeria's military and government have repeatedly claimed that Boko Haram is on the run after a sustained fight-back by troops since early 2015.

A senior military source in the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, said operations had "destabilised Boko Haram and they have realised they have nowhere to hide".

Kidnapping for ransom could purely be a way of making money for after the end of the conflict, he suggested.

Others, including Babaji Katagum, a security analyst and former Nigerian Army captain, pointed out that Boko Haram had only ever made a ransom demand for the Chibok schoolgirls.

Persistent raids across northeast Nigeria were now primarily about survival -- the need for food, fuel and medication, he added.

"You can see from the attacks in the villages in the Dapchi area last night. No one was killed. It was all about looting," he said.

"I believe the attack on the Dapchi girls school was not meant to abduct anyone. They were just there looking for food and other supplies, which they got.

"If the school was their target, they would have gone straight to the school unannounced, like they did in Chibok."

Yan St-Pierre, a counter-terrorism specialist with the Modern Security Consulting group, agreed and said he saw kidnapping as part of its wider, long-established tactics.

"They do so every week, regardless of ransoms... or the pressure put on them by military operations," he said.
Marco Rubio and NRAs Dana Loesch grilled over gun control

Raw emotion and tough questions at extraordinary CNN debate

Emma Gonzalez, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas student, comforts a classmate during the CNN town hall meeting on Wednesday night. Photograph: Reuters

Faced with a furious crowd of Florida students demanding a renewed ban on assault weapons, Republican senator Marco Rubio offered one concession after another.

He said he supported legislation to raise the legal age to purchase a rifle to 21 from 18. He said he supported a law to create gun violence restraining orders, which would give family members and law enforcement a way to petition a court to take away a dangerous persons guns. He said he opposed Donald Trumps proposal to prevent school shootings by arming teachers or putting more armed security in classrooms.

Finally, Rubio said he was reconsidering supporting a ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines, what experts call the most substantive part of the assault weapon ban. Rubio said that yet-to-be-announced details from the investigation on the attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school would show that limits on ammunition magazines might have saved several lives in the shooting.

None of this was enough for the passionate crowd of more than 7,000 people at CNNs town hall discussion in Florida on Wednesday night. They applauded, cheered and gave standing ovations in support of a full ban on the kind of military-style rifle and ammunition used in the Parkland shooting. A loophole-ridden federal assault weapon ban had passed in 1994, in the wake of a school shooting in California, and expired a decade later, in 2004.

Students at the town hall, where there was much talk of the need to ban assault weapons. Photograph: Reuters

Rubio, the only national Republican politician who agreed to answer questions from the Florida shooting survivors, seemed to watch the political ground of the gun debate shift under his feet. At one point, he argued that it did not make sense to ban only a subset of semi-automatic rifles based on certain cosmetic military features.

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You would literally have to ban every semi-automatic rifle thats sold in America, he began, before being cut off by huge whoops and cheers from the crowd.

Fair enough, fair enough, Rubio said. That is a valid position to hold.

When Rubio pressed the Democratic congressman Ted Deutch, who was also on stage, on whether or not he would support a full ban on semi-automatic rifles, he dodged. Deutch said that he supported banning weapons that fire 150 rounds in seven or eight minutes, but did not specifically say he supported banning all semi-automatic weapons, which automatically reload and do not continuously fire.

Deutchs cloudy response highlights what may be a dramatic gap between the type of sweeping gun bans that students and parents want, and what Democrats in Washington are willing to fight for.

Cameron Kasky, one of the Stoneman Douglas organizers of the planned student march on Washington, asked Rubio the most pointed question.



Can you tell me right now you will not accept a single donation from the NRA?

Rubio, who was backed by the NRA in his last race to the tune of more than $1m, refused to make that promise, arguing that his belief in the second amendment was shaped by long principle, and that people buy into my agenda, I dont buy into theirs.

In their questions to Rubio and other lawmakers, the students and parents of Marjory Stoneman Douglas were disciplined and unrelenting, and the crowd around them was deeply involved. It was the rare televised political event where it seemed that the ordinary citizen questioners were the ones in charge.

Teenagers who have become nationally recognized political activists in the past week stood toe-to-toe with politicians and an NRA spokeswoman who had honed their talking points over years.

The NRAs Dana Loesch tried to praise Emma Gonzalez, the Stoneman Douglas student whose passionate speech decrying the political influence of the NRA had gone viral. Loesch said no one should attack her for her activism.

Gonzalez told Loesch that even if she was not willing to take action to protect her own children, the Stoneman Douglas students were.

The crowd repeatedly booed and hissed Loesch, who focused on states failures and tried to blame law enforcement errors for the Parkland shooting, a striking choice for a five-million member conservative organization that includes large numbers of police and law enforcement officials.

And they returned again and again to the need to ban assault weapons.

Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter Jaime was killed in the shooting, described Stoneman Douglas kids being hunted in their own school.

Look at me and tell me guns were the factor, he told Rubio. Look at me and tell me you accept it, and you will work with us to do something about guns.

Rubio said that he did not support an assault weapon ban. He told Guttenberg: If I believe that that law would have prevented this from happening I would support it. But I want to explain to you why it would not.

Over boos from the crowd, Rubio made the common Republican argument about a renewed assault weapon ban: that it targets a small set of 220 semi-automatic rifles with certain cosmetic military-style features, but left thousands of other guns that function in the exact same way un-banned.

Are you saying you will start with the 200 and work your way up? Guttenberg persisted.

Senator Rubio, my daughter running down the hallway at Marjory Stoneman Douglas was shot in the back. With an assault weapon, the weapon of choice. It is too easy to get. It is too easy to get. It is a weapon of war. The fact that you cant stand with everybody in this building and say that  Im sorry.

Rubio admitted: I did not grow up in a school or an era in which children were shot in classrooms.

Several students asked how politicians could ensure that it was actually safe for them to return to school.

Ryan Deitsch said last weeks shooting had been the second time he had to hide with classmates from an active shooter. The first time had been in fifth grade.

Wed like to know, why do we have to be the ones to do this? Deitsch asked the lawmakers. Why do we have to speak out to the Capitol? Why do we have to march in Washington just to save innocent lives?
In the aftermath of last weeks deadly school shooting in Florida, hundreds of teachers and administrators have expressed interest in carrying a firearm to defend themselves and their students, according to one county sheriff from Ohio.

Sheriff Richard Jones of Butler County, Ohio, published an open call on his Twitter page offering free concealed-carry classes to any employee of any school in his county. The sheriff, who last came under fire for his comments about immigrants, offered the class to 50 candidates, but then opened it up to more after what he described to Newsweek as a deluge of positive responses.

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We have reached our limit. We had to cut it off at 300, he told Newsweek on Wednesday. But the responses have been incredible."

Jones, who was voted sheriff in 2004 and was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump during the 2016 election, said he has long supported arming school faculty. He described it as a "last resort" and a "reality" that people need to face. The classes will start on Monday and run through the week, with potential weekend dates, as well.

Sheriff Richard Jones

Butler County Office of the Sheriff

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"Even if you hate guns in school, you need to know they are there," Jones said. "You need to know how they sound, how to respond. And we're going to give [school faculty] the tools they need to understand this."

Jones added that people cannot depend on legislation or legislators for their safety, opining that harsh gun laws won't prevent criminals or mentally ill people from owning guns.

"It's up to us," he said. "We can't expect the government to do much of anything other than fight over who won the last election."

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Florida school shooting

Joe Skipper/Reuters

In the United States, the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 makes it illegal for anyone to possess a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school. There are, however, some exceptions. A 2013 NBC News investigation found more than a dozen states that allow school employees to carry a gun on campus so long as there is prior approval from a top-ranking school administrator.

As the discussion about gun control finds itself reinvigorated following Floridas shooting, so too does the debate about arming teachers. A proposed bill in the Alabama legislature would go so far as to arm teachers and provide the funding for it. The bills author, Republican Rep. Will Ainsworth, told AL.com he has already received support from law enforcement for the bill. Alabama Senator Doug Jones, however, called it the dumbest idea Ive ever heard.

Florida school shooting

Jonathan Drake/Reuters

Yet despite the apparent popularity of Sheriff Jones' offer, and the possibility of Alabama sponsoring faculty gun ownership, studies have shown teachers are generally against arming themselves and their colleagues. The National Education Association polled 800 of its members nationwide and found that 68 percent of respondents resoundingly reject the specter of armed administrators. About 75 percent of teachers in the same poll said they support the ban of military-style assault and semi-auto weapons, such as the AR-15 used in the Florida shooting spree.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from Newsweek
(PARKLAND, Fla.)  Students who survived the Florida school shooting began a journey Tuesday to the state Capitol to urge lawmakers to prevent another massacre, but within hours the gun-friendly Legislature had effectively halted any possibility of banning assault-style rifles like the one used in the attack.

The legislative action further energized the teens as they prepared to confront legislators who have quashed gun-control efforts for decades in a state where 1.3 million people have concealed carry permits.

Theyre voting to have shootings continually happen. These people who voted down the bill havent experienced what we did. I want to say to them, It could be you,' 16-year-old Noah Kaufman said as he made the 400-mile (640-kilometer) trip to Tallahassee.

Three buses carried 100 students who, in the aftermath of the attack that killed 17 people, want to revive the gun-control movement. The teens carried sleeping bags and pillows and hugged their parents as they departed, many wearing burgundy T-shirts in their school colors.

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They spent the seven-hour ride checking their phones, watching videos and reading comments on social media about the shooting, some of which accused them of being liberal pawns.

As the grieving Florida students demanded action on guns, President Donald Trump on Tuesday directed the Justice Department to move to ban devices like the rapid-fire bump stocks used in last years Las Vegas massacre. It was a small sign of movement on the gun violence issue that has long tied Washington in knots.

We must do more to protect our children, said Trump, a strong and vocal supporter of gun rights. He added that his administration was working hard to respond to the Florida rampage.

Meanwhile at the Florida Statehouse, a Democratic representative asked for a procedural move that would have allowed the Republican-controlled House to consider a ban on large-capacity magazines and assault-style rifles such as the AR-15 that was wielded by the suspect, Nickolas Cruz.

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The bill had been assigned to three committees but was not scheduled for a hearing. The House quickly nixed the Democratic motion. The vote broke down along party lines, and Republicans criticized Democrats for forcing the vote.

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Because the committees will not meet again before the legislative session ends March 9, the move essentially extinguishes hope that lawmakers would vote on any sweeping measures to restrict assault rifles, although other proposals could still be considered.

No one in the world with the slightest little hint of a soul isnt moved by this tragedy, Republican strategist Rick Wilson said. The discussion has to be a longer, bigger and broader discussion.

Lizzie Eaton, a junior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, spent the day lobbying senators of both parties and concluded that lawmakers were just not listening to us.

The vote was heartbreaking, she said. But were not going to stop.

The students planned to hold a rally Wednesday to put more pressure on the Legislature.

I really think they are going to hear us out, said Chris Grady, a high school senior aboard the bus.

The Feb. 14 attack initially appeared to overcome the resistance of some in the states political leadership, which has rebuffed gun restrictions since Republicans took control of both the governors office and the Legislature in 1999. However, many members of the party still have strong resistance to any gun-control measures.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate say they will consider raising age restrictions for gun purchases and temporarily revoking someones guns if that person is deemed a threat to others. Gov. Rick Scott, also a Republican, convened groups assigned to propose measures for protecting schools from gun violence.

Lawmakers will probably say that getting a new bill passed is nearly impossible with only two and a half weeks left in the legislative session. Some lawmakers who are thinking of running on a statewide ticket are mindful of their sensitive positions, since gun owners make up huge voting blocs in some parts of the state, especially the Panhandle.

Wilson said he knows the students want something to happen, and they need a moment to come and make their case.

But, he said, the thought that you get to wave a wand and change the law is something that is probably going to collide with reality.

The Parkland students also plan to meet Wednesday with top legislative leaders, including Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron.

Florida has a reputation for expanding gun rights. Negron sponsored a 2011 bill that Scott signed into law that banned cities and counties from regulating gun and ammunition sales.

Authorities said Cruz, 19, had a string of run-ins with school authorities that ended with his expulsion. Police were repeatedly called to his house throughout his childhood. His lawyers said there were many warning signs that he was mentally unstable and potentially violent. Yet he legally purchased a semi-automatic rifle.

The Senate is also considering boosting spending on mental health programs for schools and giving law-enforcement greater power to involuntarily hold someone considered a danger to themselves. The chamber will also look at a proposal to deputize a teacher or someone else at school so they are authorized to have a gun.

Kyle Kashuv, a 16-year-old student at the high school, said he was pro-gun prior to the shooting.

I had no issue with anyone having a gun of any caliber, said Kashuv, as he rode in the bus to Tallahassee. I was all for it. But after the situation, I realized we have some issues in our society and it has to be addressed.

The fact that someone who was so steadfast in support of gun rights now acknowledges the need for changes really shows how important what were doing is, he said.
Demonstrators lie on the ground a "lie-in" protest near the White House supporting gun control reform: Getty Images North America

While Florida's lawmakers refuse to consider banning assault weapons following the Parkland school shooting, some local politicians say they want to act.

But they are powerless to do so because of state legislation which threatens mayors with removal from office if they attempt to enforce stricter gun controls.

They can also be fined $5,000 (3,600) under the law, which applies to local government staff as well as elected officials.

Floridas statute gives the state sole authority to regulate firearms.

Towns, cities and counties have been banned from making their own gun laws since the 1987, but it was only seven years ago that the states Republican-controlled House introduced the threat of penalties.

Since 2011 any knowing and wilful attempt to enforce local gun regulations instead of state firearms law can be punished with removal from office or dismissal, as well as civil fines.

The penalties apply to all elected politicians and appointed local government officials, as well as the heads of any administrative agencies involved.

Authorities and officials can also be sued by gun owners whose rights under state laws have been violated by local regulations, and face damages of up to $100,000. Mayors and officials are barred from using public funds to fund their legal fees, meaning they could be landed with potentially unlimited costs.

I think its outrageous, Philip Stoddard, the Democrat mayor of South Miami, told the Miami Herald. Why should the cities be prohibited from protecting their citizens?

Firearms law is one of many areas where Florida state legislation overrides local regulations. But gun rules are thought to be the only section of the statute where ignoring state law lead to such penalties.

It goes far beyond simply saying we cant regulate the sale and use of guns at the local level, said Tallahassees Democrat mayor Andrew Gillum earlier this year.

It says not only cant you do that, but if you do do that, there are going to be severe penalties levied against you as an individual.

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Two weeks before 17 people were killed in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Mr Gillum won a legal battle in a federal court against two gun advocacy groups which claimed a decades-only ban on using firearms in the citys public parks violated state law.

He was represented pro bono because Floridas statute prohibited him from using city funds to mount the legal defence.

Lawmakers who backed the introduction of the penalties in 2011 argued it was important for Florida to have blanket firearms regulations across the state.

But Mr Gillum told City Lab the penalties were intended to send a strong chilling effect to local government: Dont you even dare.

We cant do a damn thing at the city or county level, or we will be punished, said Sally Heyman, a former state lawmaker. Ive been there with the deaf ears in Tallahassee.

On Tuesday, the Florida House voted 36-71 against a motion to consider legislation to outlaw assault rifles and large capacity magazines.

The vote came as members of Congress, state legislators, governors and student survivors of the Parkland shooting called for tougher gun control laws. Students from the high school had travelled to the State House in Tallahassee to watch the vote and looked on from the gallery as their lawmakers voted against considering the bill.

Democratic State Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, who sponsored the bill, said it was shameful lawmakers refused even to discuss it.
During a heated CNN-hosted town hall event on Wednesday night, National Rifle Association spokeswoman Dana Loesch told survivors of the Parkland, Florida school shooting that she was fighting for them. But Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel was quick to shut her down.

Interrupting Loeschs response to a question about assault weapons, Israel stressed that she was not standing up for survivors of gun violence.

I understand that youre standing up for the NRA  but you just told this group of people that youre standing up for them, he said. You are not standing up for them until you say, I want less weapons.

The sheriffs words were met with cheers and a standing ovation.

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Loesch was roundly lambasted at the town hall and on social media for various comments she made about gun control, many of which were misleading.

She repeatedly said that 19-year-old school shooter Nikolas Cruz, who legally purchased an AR-15-style assault rifle and other weapons, should not have been able to buy the firearm because he was an insane monster and nuts.

People who are crazy should not be able to get firearms, Loesch said, echoing a common misconception that mental health issues are a primary cause of gun violence. Her remark also ignores the fact that the NRA has also vocally advocated against gun bans on people with mental illness.

Netizens took to Twitter to challenge her remarks.

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Loesch was repeatedly booed by the audience at the town hall, including at this moment when she suggested that the legal age to buy a gun should not be raised so young people can protect themselves from sexual assault:

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Loesch was also roundly criticized on social media for suggesting that fully-automatic firearms existed during the time of the founding fathers.

Responding to a comment made by a grieving mother that the Second Amendment was written during a time of muskets and not the weapons of today, Loesch responded that at the time there were fully-automatic firearms that were available, the Belton gun and the Puckle gun.

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Twitter did not hold back their ridicule.

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Also on HuffPost

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Nikolas Cruz, the alleged Florida shooter, was able to escape the Valentine's Day massacre undetected due to a mix-up with the security camera footage.

A 20-minute delay on surveillance footage caused police to believe Cruz, 19, was still on campus when he had already exited the premise, reported local news.

Cruz was believed to have fled Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School at around 2.28 p.m., after fatally shooting 17 people and injuring at least 14 others, last Wednesday. Police caught him an hour later in a nearby neighbourhood.

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Officers from the Broward County Sheriffs Office reportedly arrived on the scene approximately at the same time Cruz was escaping but the 20-minute video delay stalled the police and allowed the shooter to slip away.

He went from the third floor to the second floor Theyre monitoring him on camera, an officer said over a radio transmission, heard by the Sun Sentinel.

Were on the second floor, we dont see him, another cop responded.

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Authorities looked for the gunman for 26 minutes before realising that he wasnt actually on school grounds anymore, reported the Sun Sentinel.

Its about a 20-minute delay theyre following him on video, on the camera, an officer reportedly said on the transmission. They have him exiting the building, running south.

Coral Springs Police Chief Tony Pustizzi confirmed the security camera video mix-up to the Sun Sentinel. The surveillance tapes were delayed 20 minutes and nobody told us that, he said.

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Pustizzi added: It made it harder to identify where the guy was. Somebody would say hes on the second floor, and we had guys on the second floor saying were on the second floor, we dont see him. Thats when we figured out theres a tape delay.

Story continues

A picture is slowly forming of the suspected shooter, who was arrested shortly after the incident and briefly taken to Broward Health North hospital in Pompano Beach, before being transferred to the Broward Sheriffs headquarters.

Broward Sheriff Scott Israel confirmed that Cruz was a former student at the school expelled last year for unknown "disciplinary reasons."

According to Cruzs attorneys, the teenager has been on suicide watch since his arrest and is reportedly sad and remorseful. One of the attorneys said Cruz had the mental state of a child.

What was relayed to me was he is such a child, Gordon Weekes, a chief assistant for Broward Countys public defenders office, told the Sun Sentinel. Thats the impression our attorneys are getting.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from Newsweek
The advert shows children escaping the Florida school shooting and the words of survivor David Hogg: 'We're the children. You guys are the adults  Get something done.'

Two gun control groups have spent $230,000 on a massive New York Times advert listing the names and telephone numbers of 276 members of Congress who take NRA money but refuse to take action to pass gun safety legislation.

The two-page ad, paid for by Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, also details how much money each Congress member is alleged to have received from the NRA during their career. The list appears beside a photo of students leaving Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School during last weeks shooting, with the words of 17-year-old survivor David Hogg: We are the children. You guys are the adults  Get something done.

Above and below the list of Congress members and their telephone numbers, the advert urges: "Tell your member of Congress that your vote is going elsewhere unless they act ... If they won't act, it's up to us to elect leaders who will."

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Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America said: This ad is a list of names of lawmakers who have wilfully chosen to be on the wrong side of history.

Gun violence is senseless, devastating and preventable. Every lawmaker who fails to act is allowing this crisis to continue.

The advert follows days of criticism of US legislators for allegedly being in thrall to the National Rifle Association (NRA) and other gun rights organisations which together spent nearly $54m in the 2016 election cycle to support candidates of whom they approved.

The advert was published on Wednesday, the day that survivors of the shooting in Parkland, Florida, were due to march to the state capital Tallahassee, to demand a ban on assault rifles of the kind used in last weeks shooting.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School pupils have already watched as state legislators blocked a motion to consider legislation to outlaw assault rifles on Tuesday, while voting to label pornography a public health risk.

Among the 14 Florida Congress members listed is Senator Marco Rubio who reportedly received an A+ rating from the NRA during his 2016 US Senate re-election campaign and more than $1m in donations from the group over the course of his career as an elected official.

Story continues

The day after the Florida high school shooting, Mr Rubio told the US Senate that most previous gun control proposals would not have prevented, not just yesterday's tragedy, but any of those in recent history."

He added: It is a tough issue  It isnt fair or right to create this impression that somehow this attack happened because there is some law out there that we could have passed to prevent it.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School pupils who survived the mass shooting, however, have emerged as powerful advocates of gun control.

They are helping to organise a March for Our Lives movement, which will see students all over the US staging demonstrations in support of gun control on March 24.

George and Amal Clooney have announced they will be donating $500,000 to the campaign, as has Oprah Winfrey.

John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, said: The public is united behind common-sense gun laws. Members of Congress can step up or voters will throw them out.
After surviving a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 people dead, many of the student survivors have become vocal advocates for gun control and changes in mental health care and school safety.

Just days after they lived through the worst high school shooting in U.S. history, theyre being targeted by conspiracy theories that claim they are paid crisis actors involved in a shooting hoax.

Other, more mainstream conservatives are questioning whether the survivors are little more than pawns manipulated by Democrats, gun-control activists and even the FBI.

The conspiracy theories are being promoted by fringe right-wing media outlets and social media accounts. An aide to Florida state Rep. Shawn Harrison was fired on Tuesday after he falsely told a Tampa Bay Times reporter that two Stoneman Douglas students were actually actors that travel to various crisis when they happen, using a conspiracy video to back up his claim.

Some claims are threatening to go mainstream because of attention from President Donald Trumps son. Donald Trump Jr. liked two tweets spreading a conspiracy theory about student David Hogg, accusing him of working with the FBI to criticize the president.

As students, politicians and tech companies continue to respond to the conspiracy theories, heres what to know about the controversy:

What are the hoax conspiracy theories?

The false conspiracy theories have focused heavily on Marjory Stoneman Douglas student David Hogg, the high schools student news director who has been one of the most most visible and vocal advocates in the wake of the shooting. Hoggs father is a former FBI agent  a detail that conspiracy theorists pounced on because the FBI is facing criticism for not investigating tips that were made about the Parkland shooter. President Trump has linked that failure to investigate with the ongoing investigation into Russian interference with the 2016 presidential election.

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Postings on numerous right-wing Facebook pages and other social media outlets have also fueled false claims that Hogg is a crisis actor, hired to act as a victim in the wake of a mass tragedy.

That claim and others have been promoted by far-right sites and have spread quickly on social media. The Gateway Pundit, a site that has promoted debunked conspiracy theories about Hillary Clinton in the past, accused Parkland students of plotting with liberal activists to further anti-Conservative rhetoric and an anti-gun agenda.

How are Parkland students responding?

These people saying this is absolutely disturbing. And I am not an actor in any sense, way, shape or form, Hogg said in an interview with CNN on Tuesday. I am the son of a former FBI agent, and that is true. But, as such, it is also true that I go to Stoneman Douglas High School, and I was a witness to this. Im not a crisis actor, I am somebody that had to witness this and live through this.

The fact that Donald Trump Jr. liked that post is disgusting to me, he added.

Emma Gonzalez told BuzzFeed that she and her classmates having some fun at the expense of the conspiracy theorists.

Its actually really funny to us, last night we kept showing the pictures to each other of the actors that were supposed to be and could not stop laughing  it was nice, we havent had such a good laugh in what feels like years, she told BuzzFeed. It just shows how weak the other sides argument is, like they have to attack the messengers since the message is airtight. Also Im thankful that there are people out there finding my doppelganger for me, always wanted to have a party with a room full of people who look like me.

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Sarah Chadwick, a student whose tweets demanding action from President Trump went viral last week, joked that Hogg cant act to save his life.

How are tech companies responding?

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Facebook said Wednesday that it is working to remove posts that falsely label Parkland survivors as crisis actors working for liberal activists.

YouTube faced criticism for prominently featuring a video that claimed Hogg was a crisis actor. The company said it is working to fix the problem.

This video should never have appeared in Trending. Because the video contained footage from an authoritative news source, our system misclassified it. As soon as we became aware of the video, we removed it from Trending and from YouTube for violating our policies. We are working to improve our systems moving forward, a YouTube spokesperson told CNBC.

How are politicians responding to conspiracy theories?

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio called the false crisis actor conspiracy theories the work of a disgusting group of idiots with no sense of decency.

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Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton called the conspiracy theories disgusting smears and praised the students for speaking out.

Florida state Rep. Shawn Harrison  the lawmaker whose aide, Benjamin Kelly, promoted the conspiracy theory  called it an insensitive and inappropriate allegation and then fired him. I am appalled at and strongly denounce his comments about the Parkland students. I am again sorry for any pain this has caused the grieving families of this tragedy, Harrison said on Twitter.

This has happened before

Conspiracy theories have emerged after past shootings, even though they have been repeatedly debunked. Conspiracy theorists have alleged that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting did not happen and argued that the gunman in Las Vegas was joined by other shooters. Both claims are false.
Managua (AFP) - Nicaragua's ambitious dream of building a canal to rival Panama's famous waterway looks in peril as doubts pile up over whether its Chinese investor can cough up the $50 billion needed, analysts say.

The project "has remained completely unfinanced because it doesn't meet reliability requirements," said Eliseo Nunez, a former opposition lawmaker who is now a university professor.

The Chinese billionaire who came forward to bankroll the project is Wang Jing, through his HKND (HK Nicaragua Canal Development) Group.

Five years ago, he won the contract given by the government of President Daniel Ortega to build and run a 276-kilometer (171-mile) canal that would slice across the country, linking the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

The deal made world headlines, both for its sheer scale but also as a sign of growing Chinese involvement in a region once considered the United States' backyard.

If seen through, it has the potential to change the fortunes of Nicaragua, one of the poorest nations in Latin America.

Panama earns nearly $2 billion a year in tolls from ships using its waterway, built by France and the US and opened a century ago.

Wang said in 2014, as he inaugurated the start of the project, that he wanted to see Nicaragua become one of the richest countries in the region.

- Stalled work -

But a year later, the Chinese telecoms tycoon lost a big chunk of his fortune, which was estimated at $10 billion by the financial news agency Bloomberg. Since then, he has cut a low profile.

"He's a ghost. We haven't seen him since," said Monica Lopez, a lawyer specialized in the environment who wrote a book on the proposed canal.

Feasibility studies have been carried out but never published. Other countries interested in the project, such as Iran, no longer talk about it. Excavations started in 2016 have stopped, as has construction of freeways giving access to the canal.

When contacted by AFP, Nicaragua's Canal Authority denied work had halted.

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"It's true there have been delays, but this company (HKND) is still working on it. It's a very big project. It's going ahead slowly but normally," the authority's chief, Manuel Coronel Kautz, said.

Observers are skeptical.

The canal "lost its interest once the Chinese investor got weaker, and the Nicaraguan government doesn't have the capacity to move the project along by itself," said Victor Campos, director of the environmental Humboldt Center.

There's another factor posing a challenge: Panama dropping relations with Taiwan to establish diplomatic ties with China last June.

"China is going to invest $25 billion (per year) in different Latin American countries, but Nicaragua isn't on its radar," said a former diplomat, Mauricio Diaz.

- Expropriation anxiety -

Monica Lopez said there was always suspicion that the Chinese government was behind Wang's investment. "But the 19 trade accords China signed last year with Panama show that its interest is focused" on Panama, a wealthier nation with an already functioning canal, she said.

Eliseo Nunez noted that Wang's investment was described as a private initiative.

"I'm not sure that China was behind the canal. It seems that Wang was acting alone" and "Nicaragua fell into a sort of international scam," he said, highlighting legal uncertainties that have dogged the project.

If the project ends up being scrapped, it would remove "a sword of Damocles" hanging over the heads of thousands of poor rural landowners across Nicaragua at risk of having their properties expropriated to make way for the canal, said Violeta Granera, an opposition leader.

But as long as the plan stays on the statute books, "we won't stop fighting" it, said Francisca Ramirez, head of an anti-canal movement that has stepped up protests.
By Andreas Rinke BERLIN (Reuters) - Macedonia is making headway in its bid to join the European Union, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday, praising recent reforms by Skopje and the prospect of settling its chronic name dispute with Greece. Macedonia is among six Western Balkan nations seeking membership. The EU, though wary of admitting a region scarred by ethnic wars and with a reputation for organized crime, but also keen to blunt creeping Russian influence there, has launched a new integration campaign. Merkel, at a joint news conference in Berlin with Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, welcomed recent judicial reforms in the former Yugoslav republic and steps to improve transparency. "It is also necessary because it is part of the conditions for moving ahead with talks on EU membership," said Merkel. She homed in on progress in a dispute with Greece over Macedonia's name which has thwarted Skopje's ambitions to join NATO and the EU. The two have agreed to step up talks this year to try to resolve the row before a NATO summit in the summer. Greece, which belongs to both NATO and the EU, objects to the landlocked Balkan country's use of the name Macedonia, arguing that it could imply territorial claims over its own northern region of the same name. "I am very pleased and relieved that .. there is movement in the talks," Merkel said. "In the last 10 years, the solution has not been as close as now and it would be wonderful if the remaining difficulties can be bridged." Zaev said: "For Macedonia, there is no alternative to NATO and EU membership. There is no alternative for the whole region." Talks between the two states have been inconclusive since 1991, when Macedonia withdrew from former Yugoslavia. It was admitted into the United Nations in 1993 under the name Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). But Skopje said earlier this month it was ready to add a geographical qualifier to its name to help resolve the dispute. The other western Balkan states are Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Bosnia and Albania. In an interview with Reuters, Albanian Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati said he believed his country, and its neighbors, could join the EU in a decade. Asked about the degree of sway Russia, Turkey or China hold in the region, he said: "The Western Balkans are viewed as a geostrategic chess board." Albania welcomes investment from other countries, including Japan, he said, but stressed there was no alternative to the EU membership process. Merkel also promised to try to speed up the sometimes slow process of freeing up EU funds earmarked for the Balkans. "We Europeans sometimes need too long. It's not necessarily a question of how much but of how long it takes," said Merkel, pointing to lengthy planning procedures for projects such as motorway construction which could frustrate local people. (Additional reporting by Belgrade bureau and Thomas Escritt in Berlin; Writing by Madeline Chambers; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Dubai (AFP) - Human Rights Watch called on Kuwait to agree to greater protection for migrant workers as a Philippine delegation was due in the emirate Thursday to discuss an outcry over alleged abuses of Filipinos.

But the New York-based watchdog also criticised a ban imposed by the Philippines last week on migrants leaving to work in Kuwait, saying it was likely to increase the number resorting to unregulated channels that exposed them to a greater risk of abuse.

President Rodrigo Duterte imposed the ban in response to the murder of a Filipina maid whose body was found stuffed in a freezer in Kuwait earlier this month.

He triggered a diplomatic row with Kuwait by alleging that Arab employers routinely raped their Filipina workers, forced them to work 21 hours a day and fed them scraps.

"Kuwait should confront the outcry over deaths, beatings and rapes of domestic workers by taking immediate steps to reform the kafala system, which traps workers with abusive employers," HRW's Middle East women's rights researcher Rothna Begum said in a statement late Wednesday.

The kafala or sponsorship system, widely prevalent in the oil-rich Gulf states, ties migrant workers' visas to their employers, prohibiting workers from leaving or changing jobs without prior consent.

"The Philippines should work with Kuwait to protect workers rather than ban them from migrating, which is more likely to cause harm than to help," Begum said.

"Both Kuwait and the Philippines have an opportunity to work together to increase protections for domestic workers and fix the gaps that are leaving workers vulnerable to extreme abuse."

Kuwait has said it is investigating reported deaths and abuses, and insisted there were only a small number considering that there are more than 250,000 Filipinos working in Kuwait.

It has invited Duterte to visit the emirate but he has yet to respond.

The Philippine delegation due in Kuwait later on Thursday is headed by Labour Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad.

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It is due to travel on to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, two other Gulf states with large Philippine migrant workforces.

In all, there are more than two million Filipinos working in the region, whose remittances are a lifeline to the Philippine economy.

Lagunzad said Duterte had ordered the delegation to ensure that the passports of Filipino workers are deposited with the Philippine embassy.

Duterte also wants Filipinos to have access to cellphones so they can call for help in case of abuse, Lagunzad said.
Students at high schools across the U.S. are staging walkouts to protest gun violence in the wake of last weeks deadly school shooting in Florida.

The demonstrations took place Wednesday at schools from Maine to Arizona. Some lasted 17 minutes in honor of the 17 people killed one week earlier at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Students at many of the protests called for stronger gun control and said theyre taking action to protect schools because Congress hasnt.

Hundreds of students in Maryland left class to rally outside the U.S. Capitol, some carrying signs saying Make Our Schools Safer.

Students at Simon Kenton High School near Cincinnati marched around their school chanting Never again.

More walkouts are already being planned for March 14, a month after the Florida shooting.

Students participate in a protest against gun violence February 21, 2018 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

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London (AFP) - The husband of a British-Iranian citizen jailed in Iran delivered a petition for his spouse to the country's embassy to Britain Wednesday, as Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi visited London.

Richard Ratcliffe, whose wife Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is serving a five-year sentence in Tehran for alleged sedition, was forced to leave the papers on its doorstep, he told AFP.

"We left them on the door with them promising to pick them up once the press had gone," Ratcliffe said after visiting the embassy, in the Kensington neighbourhood of the British capital.

"Today's event might be seen as provocative, but it is not intended to be," he added. "It is a chance for the Iranian government to affirm its humanitarian credentials."

Iranian authorities accuse Zaghari-Ratcliffe of links to mass protests in 2009, which she denies, and sentenced her to five years in jail for sedition.

Ratcliffe was joined by campaigners from Amnesty International, which has designated Zaghari-Ratcliffe a "prisoner of conscience".

The documents, delivered to coincide with Araghchi's visit, featured an Amnesty-organised petition signed by over 100,000 people calling for the release of Zaghari-Ratcliffe.

They also included letters sent by her supporters to Evin prison in Tehran, which had returned them claiming she was unknown there.

Ratcliffe also handed off an open letter to Araghchi, to whom he had previously sent an invitation to meet during the visit to Britain which went unanswered.

"He's here to improve relations between Iran and the UK and we want Nazanin to be right at the front of that," Ratcliffe said.

The "Free Nazanin" campaign issued a statement Tuesday saying Iranian prosecutors have said the case has been transferred from the judiciary to the ministry of foreign affairs.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe's lawyers have requested she is released temporarily to her parents' house, as fears mount over her mental health while the case drags on.

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The couple's young daughter, Gabriella, was in Iran with her mother at the time of her detention and has remained there in the care of relatives.

"This week Nazanin's lawyer was informed that rather than being granted furlough she and Gabriella could be moved under house arrest in a specially guarded house while diplomatic discussions continue," the campaign said.

"The family have rejected this. Nazanin's psychological symptoms continue to worry."
By Fergus Jensen JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's president on Thursday said water from the Citarum River should be made drinkable within seven years under a new cleanup project for the Java island river often ranked among the world's most polluted. Running 300 km (190 miles) from a spring in West Java to the sea near capital city Jakarta, the Citarum feeds three hydro power stations and is used for 400,000 hectares of rice paddies. The Citarum basin supports 28 million people, although the river is choked with household waste and polluted with dangerous levels of dyes and heavy metals pumped by factories into its tributaries. "The Citarum river, which was once clear is now the most polluted," President Joko Widodo tweeted after visiting the source of the river in West Java on Thursday. "We are trying to clean it as quickly as possible and hopefully in seven years' time it can be a source of drinking water," he said. The government also plans to replicate the Citarum project in other basins that need cleaning, said Widodo. The Asian Development Bank approved a $500 million loan to Indonesia in 2009 to help clean up the river. The bank did not respond to emailed questions on the matter. Tubagus Haeru, an official at the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Ministry, which is overseeing the cleanup project, said previous attempts to clean the river had been expensive and had not worked. "Ministries have been working by themselves, local governments working by themselves and the community has been working by itself," Haeru told Reuters. Research carried out by the Blacksmith Institute in 2013 found levels of lead in the Citarum at more than 1,000 times U.S. standards for drinking water, while aluminum, manganese and iron were significantly higher than recommended levels. "The fact is the Citarum is still like that, and several media have been saying it's the dirtiest river in the world," Haeru said. The latest cleanup effort began earlier this month and involves police, military, government departments, organizations and the public in the 25 districts the river passes through. (Reporting by Fergus Jensen; Editing by Ed Davies and Tom Hogue)
Kyle Mizokami [timestamp]

Security,

We break down the facts.

Firearm Faceoff: Glock 17 vs. Sig Sauer P226 (Which Gun Is Best?)

The Glock 17 and Sig Sauer P226 are two of the most popular handguns on the American firearms market. Both found success in the military and law enforcement markets because they are known as practical, reliable handguns that pack serious firepower. Although similar from the outside, the two have considerable differences on the inside.

The 1980s saw the invasion of the so-called "Wonder Nine" pistolshigh capacity nine-millimeter handguns that often used advanced lightweight materials and were primarily European in origin. These new, innovative handguns took America by storm, riding high on their technological sophistication in a market still dominated by older semi-automatic pistols and revolver designs.

The Glock 17 was in the vanguard of the European invasion. Invented by novice gunmaker Gaston Glock for an Austrian Army handgun competition, the Glock 17 benefitted from Glocks relative lack of knowledge and willingness to piece together his design from a variety of sources. The short recoil locked breech design came from the 1911-series handgun, while the double-stack magazine came from pistols like the Browning Hi-Power.

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One major difference from other designs was Glock's use of a striker firing system, in which a striker is partially cocked when the slide is pulled back and released. The trigger pull fully cocks a striker fired pistol, so a resting, loaded pistol is inherently unable to shoot. As the trigger is pulled, a Glock handgun disengages two further safeties that otherwise prevent accidental discharge. The downside is that the Glock cannot be decocked without removing the magazine from the firearm, pulling back the slide, and removing the live round from the barrel.

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The Sig P226 followed the Glock in the American market and achieved considerable success, particularly among police departments that insisted on a manual safety or decocker. A product of the Swiss-German partnership of Sig Sauer, the P226 was an evolution of one of the most accurate and well-made handguns ever made, the Sig P210. The P210s design was updated for the U.S. Army handgun competitions of the 1980s. While it failed to win the Army contract, it did become the handgun of U.S. Navy SEAL commandos.

One of the significant differences between the P226 compared to the other "Wonder Nines" was the Sig's operating system. Unlike the Glock 17, the P226 retained the more traditional hammer and firing pin system of earlier semi-automatics. A double action/single action gun, the Sig's hammer could be cocked back for a lighter, shorter trigger pull or fired with the hammer down, resulting in a longer, heavier trigger pull. The P226 also featured a decocker that allowed the hammer to be dropped safely without unloading the gun.

The P226 had also made earlier inroads into the U.S. military service. Navy SEALs, wary of the Beretta M9 after a handful of incidents involving cracked slides and injuries, adopted the P226 as the Mark 25. The Pentagon was slower to adopt Glock handguns, but the Austrian handguns eventually found their way into the 75th Ranger Regiment and Delta Force. In the world of law enforcement, on the other hand, Glock handguns hold a commanding lead over all other brands, although the P226 does enjoy a level of popularity.

Dimensionally the two handguns enjoy the lead in various areas. The P226 is shorter but wider, whereas both guns barrel lengths are almost identical. The Glock weighs two ounces less than the all-metal Sig fully loaded while fitting two more rounds in the magazine. Both have a reputation for accuracy and reliability.

Overall, the Sig Sauer P226 and Glock 17 both have their advantages and disadvantages. The Sig is appealing to those who desire a slightly shorter handgun and a manual safety or decocker. The lighter Glock, on the other hand, is a little easier to carry on a daily basis. Neither is decisively better than the other, leaving the choice between the two a matter of priorities and taste. The European invasion of the 1980s changed the gun industry for the better, leaving American gun owners and operators with more quality choices than ever before.

Kyle Mizokami is a defense and national security writer based in San Francisco who has appeared in the Diplomat, Foreign Policy, War is Boring and the Daily Beast. In 2009 he cofounded the defense and security blog Japan Security Watch. You can follow him on Twitter: @KyleMizokami.

Image: Creative Commons.

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LONDON (Reuters) - Iran's commitment to not seek nuclear weapons is permanent and there is no so-called sunset clause in the Iran nuclear deal, the country's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Thursday. The United States wants flaws in what it calls sunset clauses in the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal to be reworked. "There is no sunset clause in the JCPOA," Araqchi said. "Although the U.S. administration and Trump are talking about sunset clause and that JCPOA is just for 10 years, that is not true," he said. "Irans commitment in the JCPOA not to go for the nuclear weapon is permanent." (Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, writing by Guy Faulconbridge, editing by Costas Pitas)
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - A Palestinian man died after a confrontation with Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank on Thursday that the Palestinian Authority condemned as a "cold-blooded execution". The Israeli military said the man had attempted to attack troops and that it was investigating the incident. In security camera footage posted on social media and carried by Israeli news sites, soldiers could be seen kicking and striking a man, identified by Palestinian officials as Yassin Omar Serda, after detaining him in the town of Jericho. In a statement, the military said the man was armed with an iron rod and ran toward the soldiers in an attempt to strike them. The troops, it said, were on a raid to arrest "suspects" in the town. "In response to the immediate threat, the troops fired toward the assailant and confronted him from close range and were able to stop him," the military said. "A knife was also found in his possession. Troops evacuated him to a hospital to receive medical treatment. His death was later announced. The incident is being reviewed." The Palestinian Information Ministry said about 20 soldiers had administered a "heavy beating" to Serda, especially on his stomach and back. "The Information Ministry views (his) martyrdom ... shortly after his arrest a cold-blooded execution," it said. Serda's family said it was seeking to have an autopsy performed. Israeli troops frequently mount raids in the West Bank to detain suspected militants. Israel captured the territory in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek to establish a state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. An Israeli soldier, Elor Azaria, was sentenced last February to 18 months imprisonment for killing a wounded and incapacitated Palestinian assailant in the West Bank town of Hebron in 2015. He was convicted of manslaughter, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. His trial was one of the most divisive in Israeli history. Supporters argued he was justified in shooting a Palestinian whom they said had intended to kill Israelis. The military said he violated standing orders and that his conduct was unbecoming of an Israeli soldier. (Writing by Jeffrey Heller; Additional reporting by Ori Lewis, Mustafa Abu Ganayeh and Ali Sawafta; Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Jennifer Lawrence doesn't address the public on social media much, so when she does, it's best to listen.

Today, she's here to defend her decision amidst what she calls the "'Jennifer Lawrence wearing a revealing dress in the cold' controversy."

While attending a press call for her latest film Red Sparrow yesterday, Lawrence joined her co-stars on a balcony in London on a blistering winter's day to snap a few promotional images. Lawrence's choice of dress managed to upstage the event and sparked "controversy" online.

Her cast mates were all bundled up in coats, while she posed in a dress that apparently too much for some folks who took to Twitter to share their unnecessary thoughts on her wardrobe choices.

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"This is not only utterly ridiculous, I am extremely offended," she wrote on Facebook, responding to the comments. "That Versace dress was fabulous, you think I'm going to cover that gorgeous dress up with a coat and a scarf? I was outside for five minutes. I would have stood in the snow for that dress because I love fashion and that was my choice."

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"This is sexist, this is ridiculous, this is not feminism. Over-reacting about everything someone says or does, creating controversy over silly innocuous things such as what I choose to wear or not wear, is not moving us forward," Lawrence continued, responding to the many tweets, like the ones above, commenting on her dress.

If you're worried about her, don't be. Lawrence insured everyone she has full autonomy as an adult human over what she wears. "Everything you see me wear is my choice," she wrote. "And if I want to be cold THAT'S MY CHOICE TOO!"

Some folks, like celebrity fashion experts Tom and Lorenzo, have pointed out that photo calls are generally casual affairs and there may be a calculated reason for her dress.

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"Shes selling a film in which she stars as a super-sexy femme fatale spy," they wrote. "No one else in the cast is selling that story in their clothing because theyre not playing super-sexy femme fatale spies in this film."

Regardless, let her be cold if she wants to be cold. You can read her full post below:
Jennifer Lawrence is not happy with alleged criminal Harvey Weinstein for using her name to defend himself.

The disgraced movie mogul is facing a class action suit filed by six women who claim that Weinstein and his company threatened female staff and covered up Weinstein's alleged sexual misconduct.

On Wednesday, legal representatives for Weinstein attempted to block the suitaccording to court documents obtained by Page Sixby name-dropping several famous Hollywood women who publicly supported Weinstein previously. The document cited Jennifer Lawrence, who told Oprah Winfrey she had known Weinstein since she was 20 years old and said he had only ever been nice to me, and Meryl Streep, who stated publicly that Weinstein had always been respectful to her in their working relationship."

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Lawrence caught wind of her former producer's legal tactics and denounced them in an interview with TMZ on Thursday. "Harvey Weinstein and his company are continuing to do what they have always done, which is to take things out of context and use them for their own benefit," the 27-year-old Red Sparrow actress said. "This is what predators do, and it must stop."

She added, "For the record, while I was not victimized personally by Harvey Weinstein, I stand behind the women who have survived his terrible abuse and I applaud them in using all means necessary to bring him to justice whether through criminal or civil actions. Time's up."

GettyImages-167112809

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for GLAAD

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Lawrence worked with The Weinstein Company on the 2012 film Silver Linings Playbook, which earned the actress an Academy Award.

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Nearly three months after the New York Times and New Yorker published pieces on Weinstein's alleged misconduct, Lawrence called Weinstein "paternal" in an interview with Oprah published by The Hollywood Reporter. "I had known him since I was 20, and he had only ever been nice to meexcept for the moments that he wasn't, and then I called him an asshole, and we moved on."

She did not, however, doubt the stories of any of the accusers, and went on to say that she felt "sick" listening to the audio of Weinstein attempting to coerce Filipina-Italian model Ambra Battilana Gutierrez into showering with him.

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Lawrence wasn't alone in condeming Weinstein's lawyers's tactics to defend the accused rapist. Streep also forcefully denounced the producer in a statement given to E! News.

"Harvey Weinstein's attorneys' use of my (true) statementthat he was not sexually transgressive or physically abusive in our business relationshipas evidence that he was not abusive with many OTHER women is pathetic and exploitive," she said. "The criminal actions he is accused of conducting on the bodies of these women are his responsibility, and if there is any justice left in the system he will pay for themregardless of how many good movies, made by many good people, Harvey was lucky enough to have acquired or financed."

This article was first written by Newsweek

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Deb Haaland says President Donald Trump is way out of touch with regular Americans. Hes never had to struggle." (Photo: Deb Haaland campaign)

WASHINGTON  Deb Haaland wishes people could just ignore President Donald Trump.

Every time he says something stupid, it gets on the front page, said Haaland. We need to be talking about climate change. We need to be talking about oil companies wanting to lease land, like my ancestral homeland in Chaco Canyon, so they can frack there.

If she gets her way, Haaland, 57, will soon have a powerful platform for keeping people focused on these issues. Shes running for Congress.

A single mom based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Haaland isnt new to politics. She chaired the states Democratic Party from 2015 to 2017, and was the Native American vote director for Barack Obamas presidential campaign in 2012. Thats in addition to nearly two decades of volunteering on Democratic campaigns, and a failed bid for lieutenant governor in 2014.

But if she wins her race, it will be her first time in the House and the Houses first time having someone like her. An enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, Haaland would be the first Native American woman to serve in Congress.

Crazy, right? she said during a recent sit-down with HuffPost. Its 2018.

She could end up sharing the historic distinction with Sharice Davids, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, who is also running for Congress this year. Davids, a Democrat, is taking on Rep. Kevin Yoder (R-Kansas).

Haaland said the last thing she could do in Congress is speak on behalf of any tribes. But she does understand what life is like for native people living on reservations or in rural areas, and said they deserve a voice at the table when policy issues are being debated. She noted, for example, that tribes didnt get to weigh in at all on the GOPs massive tax reform bill that became law late last year. It does nothing to address economic development disparities affecting Indian Country.

She also knows what its like to be poor. Haaland describes a childhood of used clothes, working at a bakery for $1.95 an hour and later in life being denied food stamps for Thanksgiving. She didnt go to college until she was 28 because she didnt know she was supposed to go. Neither of her parents, who were both in the military, went to college. Haaland ended up getting a degree in English, and later a law degree.

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Most members of Congress cant relate to people who grew up in poverty, she said, and Trump definitely cant.

When youre insulated by private schools and money and everything you could ever dream of, its hard to put yourself in the position of an everyday American. Hes too selfish, Haaland said. Hes never had to struggle.

Deb Haaland with some supporters in Albuquerque. (Photo: Deb Haaland campaign)

Asked how her friends and family in tribal communities are feeling about Trumps presidency, Haaland laughed.

He is not liked, she finally said.

Its not surprising that the president would be unpopular in Indian Country. Never mind Trumps plans to shrink national monuments that Native Americans consider sacred land, or his budgets massive proposed cuts to job training programs that directly help Native Americans. Hes just flat-out insulting.

Trump routinely mocks Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) as Pocahontas, referring to her contested claims of Native American ancestry. He even made the crack at a White House event honoring Native American war heroes. Attendees responded with silence. It didnt help that Trump held the event in front of a portrait of President Andrew Jackson, a man nicknamed Indian Killer for being a forceful proponent of Indian removal.

Tribal communities are absolutely paying attention to slights like this, said Haaland. Andrew Jackson is the worst Indian hater weve ever had.

She has been going after Trump ever since he became a presidential candidate. As state Democratic Party chairwoman, Haaland held multiple press conferences denouncing his rhetoric and wrote a scathing May 2016 op-ed about his disrespectful use of Pocahontas name in his attacks on Warren.

My point in defending Elizabeth Warren is its not up to him. Its not up to him, she said. He doesnt get to decide who is Indian and who is not Indian.

Haaland is vying for the seat currently held by Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), who is running for governor. Its a safe Democratic seat, but because the incumbent is leaving, Haaland has stiff competition. Six Democrats are competing in the June 5 primary.

Shes doing pretty well financially, having raised roughly $385,000 as of Dec. 31 for her campaign, which is focused largely on clean energy and jobs. But one of her opponents, Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, had raised about $505,000 by then. And both Lopez and another candidate, Damon Martinez, had more cash on hand than Haaland.

Money isnt everything, of course. Haaland has endorsements from a dozen members of Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus and the National Organization for Women PAC. Nearly four dozen national and state tribes and pueblos are also behind her.

She points to her successes as chairwoman of the state Democratic Party as one thing that sets her apart in the race. On her watch, Democrats increased their seats in the state Senate, won two out of three statewide elections and made New Mexico one of just two states to flip its state House from GOP to Democratic control.

But clearly, its her fight for Native American priorities that distinguishes her time in public office. As state party chair, she traveled to Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota and joined people protesting the planned construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which threatens the regions clean water and ancient burial grounds. She also led an effort to divest the states party from Wells Fargo over the banks investments in the pipeline.

Is there anyone in Congress who went to Standing Rock to stand up for Native folks? No, Haaland said, though Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) did go. I can tell you one thing: If Im in Congress, I would go.

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of this article did not point out that Rep. Tulsi Gabbard did go to Standing Rock during the pipeline protests.

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By Mohamed Junayd

MALE (Reuters) - The extension of a state of emergency in the Maldives was unconstitutional, the country's prosecutor general has said, according to two sources and local media on Wednesday.

Parliament approved on Tuesday the extension sought by President Abdulla Yameen, but it was passed without the constitutionally required quorum of 43 lawmakers.

The prosecutor general, Aishath Bisham, had told police in a letter the state of emergency was unconstitutional, two senior officials of the Prosecutor General's office told Reuters.

"The prosecutor general said that she believed the vote was unconstitutional and as a result the state of emergency is also unconstitutional," one official said.

"She did not ask the police to release the state of emergency arrestees, but she said that she could not see any legal basis for keeping them under arrest."

Prosecutor General's letter comes after several travel advisories since Yameen declared the state of emergency on Feb. 5 and several tourists have been cancelling hundreds of hotel bookings every day despite government assurances that all is normal in the resort islands, far from the capital.

When parliament approved the extension of emergency, the ruling party legislators also sought a Supreme Court opinion through a resolution on the approval without the quorum.

In his request to extend the emergency, Yameen said a threat to national security had not diminished and a constitutional crisis had not been resolved.

Yameen imposed a state of emergency on Feb. 5 for 15 days to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed convictions against nine opposition leaders and ordered his government to free those held in prison. The emergency ended on Tuesday.

The Supreme Court after the parliament vote on Tuesday issued a temporary stay, asking all state institutions to follow the state of emergency declaration until it deliberated on a resolution submitted to the court by the parliament.

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The resolution raised questions about the legality of the vote to extend the state of emergency.

Abdul Raheem Abdulla, the vice president Yameen's Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) said the Supreme Court's stay order means that the Court has seen the state of emergency declaration vote as "something that can be lawfully done".

Ahmed Mahloof, an opposition spokesperson, said the president was forcing the police to keep the people arrested in detention, despite the prosecutor general's letter.

"The chief justice and a judge of the court are detained illegally," Mahloof told reporters. "The Supreme Court can't deliberate without the chief justice. They can't even use the seal of the court without the permission of the chief justice."

Police dispersed night protests by opposition supporters who have been demanding the detention of president Yameen and release of opposition leaders.

Under the emergency, Yameen's administration has arrested the chief justice, another Supreme Court judge and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on allegations of attempting to overthrow the government.

Though Yameen has ignored the court rulings, he has stopped short of saying he will not obey them. He has, however, fired two police chiefs who said they would uphold the rulings, and he continues to jail opposition members.

(Writing by Shihar Aneez; Editing by Larry King and Lisa Shumaker)
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., endorsed more gun control legislation after intense questioning from survivors of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Wednesday night.

Rubio faced a hostile crowd at the CNN town hall in Sunrise, Fla., with audience members booing frequently and holding up phones with photos of victims. The former 2016 presidential contender was confronted about accepting over $3 million in donations from the National Rifle Association.

Slideshow: Remembering the victims of the Parkland, Fla., high school shooting >>>

Senator Rubio, will you tell me right now that you wont accept a single donation from the NRA? asked Cameron Kasky, a survivor of the Feb. 14 shooting, which left 17 dead.

The question received a standing ovation, but Rubio defended his record, saying that his position on the Second Amendment had been consistent and that people had agreed with that agenda.

As the audience jeered Rubio, Kasky countered, You could have said no. He offered to raise enough money to match the donations given Rubio by the NRA.

Kaskys question was complemented by a tweet from fellow survivor and newly minted activist David Hogg, who divided the total of Rubios NRA donations by the number killed in last weeks shooting.

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Rubio was the only Republican politician at the town hall; both President Trump and Florida Gov. Rick Scott rejected invitations. He was joined onstage by Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., whose district includes Parkland. Questions were asked directly by those affected by the attack: students whose siblings were murdered, parents whose children died and a student who was shot.

Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime died in the attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, watches a video honoring the 17 students and teachers killed. (Photo: Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

Over the course of the evening, Rubio said he supported raising the legal age to buy a rifle to 21, rejected Trumps suggested plan of arming teachers, and would consider restricting the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines. (Rubio voted no on the Manchin-Toomey legislation in 2013 that would have expanded background checks in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.)

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Slideshow: Mourning those lost in the Parkland school shooting >>>

Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter Jamie was among those gunned down at Marjory Stone, started his question to Rubio by labeling the senators comments over the previous week pathetically weak, a criticism that drew an ovation from the crowd. Rubio responded by saying the 1994 assault weapons ban was a failure.

Another low point for Rubio occurred when he attempted to point out the possibility of banning every semiautomatic rifle in America, a suggestion that caused the audience to break into raucous applause.

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Fair enough, conceded Rubio, before stating that his colleagues on stage did not support such a measure. Deutch responded by saying that he would ban all weapons of war for use by the public and that he would like to sit down with Rubio and work on legislation.

Slideshow: Florida school shooting prompts gun-control rallies >>>

NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch was on stage later in the evening with Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel. Loesch drew jeers from the audience, including for stating that semiautomatic rifle ownership for people under 21 would help prevent rape. She was also rebutted by Israel, who said she couldnt stand up for the survivors in attendance unless she stood for fewer weapons.

National Rifle Association spokeswoman Dana Loesch takes questions with Broward Sheriff Scott Israel during the CNN town hall meeting. (Photo: Michael Laughlin/Pool/Reuters)

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Read more from Yahoo News:
By Ardo Hazzad BAUCHI, Nigeria (Reuters) - More than 90 Nigerian schoolgirls are feared missing after Islamist insurgent group Boko Haram attacked a village in the northeastern state of Yobe, two sources told Reuters on Wednesday. Their disappearance, if confirmed, would be one of the largest since Boko Haram abducted more than 270 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok in 2014. That case drew global attention to the nine-year insurgency, which has sparked what the United Nations has called one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. A roll-call at the girls' school on Tuesday showed that 91 students were absent, said the two people with direct knowledge of the matter. "I saw girls crying and wailing in three Tata vehicles and they were crying for help," said a witness from the nearby village of Gumsa who was reportedly forced to show the insurgents the way out of the area and then released. Reuters was unable to verify the witness's account that Boko Haram had abducted girls in the attack on Dapchi on Monday evening. Nigerian police and the regional education ministry denied any abductions had taken place, but parents and other witnesses also told Reuters some girls were still missing. The two sources, several parents and other local witnesses who spoke to Reuters did so on condition of anonymity because they had been warned by Nigerian security and government officials not to disclose the disappearance. Seven parents told Reuters their daughters were among the missing. "I hope my daughter is not one of those abducted as we learned that over ninety of them were not seen after going through their register book," one parent said. SHOTS FIRED AT SCHOOL The Boko Haram militants arrived in Dapchi on Monday evening in trucks, some mounted with heavy guns and painted in military camouflage, witnesses told Reuters. The insurgents went directly to the school, shooting sporadically, sending students and teachers fleeing, the witnesses said, adding that some people had returned to Dapchi after spending the night hiding in the bush. Nigerian security forces have begun a search and rescue mission, two people said. Yobe state Police Commissioner Sumonu Abdulmaliki on Tuesday told reporters Boko Haram had not abducted any girls in Dapchi. "They fired shots and left the town toward Gaidam... in the night, where they abducted three people," he said. The state ministry of education also said there had been no established case of abduction, but shut the Dapchi school for a week to allow students to be reunited with their families. More than 20,000 people have been killed and two million forced to flee their homes in the northeast of Africa's most populous nation since Boko Haram began its insurgency in 2009. Of around 270 girls originally abducted from their school in Chibok in April 2014, about 60 escaped soon afterwards and others have since been released after mediation. Around 100 are still believed to be in captivity. Last month, the group released a video purporting to show some of the Chibok girls still in its custody, saying they do not wish to return home. Aid groups say Boko Haram has kidnapped thousands more adults and children, many of whose cases are neglected. (Reporting by Ardo Hazzad in Bauchi, Ola Lanre and Ahmed Kingimi in Maiduguri and Percy Dabang in Yola; Writing by Paul Carsten; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Concept art for Disney Worlds Star Wars resort. (Image: Walt Disney Resorts)

Unless you were stuck in a Sarlacc pit, you know that Disney is in the midst of construction on Star Wars: Galaxys Edge, matching Star Wars-themed lands with rides, VR experiences, and shops in the Mouse Houses Florida and California amusement parks set to open in 2019. Making the experience even more immersive, the Orlando outpost will have an adjoining resort hotel that promises to provide a complementary experience for those looking to voyage to that galaxy far, far away.

The unnamed resort will allow visitors to seamlessly move between hotel and theme park without ever leaving the Star Wars ecosystem. As the Disney World blog puts it, Families visiting this resort will board a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during their voyage through the galaxy  and every window has a view of space! Start saving your credits now.

Today, Disney released new concept art of the resort (below) that shows 2019 cant get here fast enough.

Concept art for Disney Worlds Star Wars resort. (Image: Walt Disney Resorts)

Concept art for Disney Worlds Star Wars resort. (Image: Walt Disney Resorts)

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:
By Ola Lanre DAPCHI, Nigeria (Reuters) - The governor of Nigeria's Yobe state told residents of the village of Dapchi in person on Thursday that 76 of their schoolgirls who were reported to have been rescued from Islamist Boko Haram kidnappers were in fact still missing. His government on Wednesday said the schoolgirls had been rescued by the military, sparking celebration in the streets. But a day later, Ibrahim Gaidam told villagers the girls were still unaccounted for, according to an apologetic statement from his spokesman. "The government said yesterday the girls have been found, then the governor came today to say the soldiers are yet to find them," said Ali Maidoya, who lives in Dapchi. "Why did they lie to us before?" The students' disappearance may be one of the largest since Boko Haram abducted more than 270 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok in 2014. That case drew global attention to the nine-year insurgency, which has sparked what the United Nations has called one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. A roll-call at the girls' school on Tuesday showed that 91 students were absent, two people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. Boko Haram insurgents drove into Dapchi on Monday evening in trucks, some of them camouflaged and mounted with heavy guns, and attacked the girls' school, sending hundreds of students fleeing. On Wednesday, one witness told Reuters he had seen three trucks filled with weeping girls as he was forced by the militants to guide them away from the region. CONFUSION OVER NUMBERS There is confusion over the number now missing, with estimates ranging from around 50 to more than 100. State police, the Yobe government and others have all given different figures. Monday's Dapchi attack is likely to have been carried out by a faction of Boko Haram allied with Islamic State, two people briefed on the matter told Reuters, declining to be identified because they were not authorized to speak to media. Until now, that group, led by Abu Musab al-Barnawi, has typically attacked military targets, those people said. The other major faction, led by Abubakar Shekau, which purports to hold some of the remaining Chibok girls, frequently uses suicide bombers to try to kill civilians. Last year, President Muhammadu Buhari's administration agreed to pay millions of euros to secure the release of some of the Chibok girls, as well as ransoms for kidnapped university staff, after negotiations with Boko Haram aided by Switzerland and the Red Cross. The kidnapping of the Dapchi schoolgirls may have been carried out in the hope of securing a similar multi-million euro ransom, said one of the people briefed on the matter. The shadow of Chibok hangs over Dapchi in other ways too. Nigerian authorities at the time denied and played down the Chibok kidnapping, as they have done for more recent abductions. Residents now fear the same is happening in Dapchi. "We were happy yesterday when the government said they have found our daughters. Now the story has changed," said Ali Yari. On Wednesday, parents and other local witnesses told Reuters they had been warned by Nigerian security and government officials not to disclose the students' disappearance. Soldiers now prowl Dapchi and guard the perimeter fence of the school, which is almost deserted except for a few police. (Reporting by Ola Lanre in Dapchi; Additional reporting and writing by Paul Carsten in Abuja; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
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Step aside, Denmark. North Korea is gunning for that No. 1 spot among the worlds most petulant political trolls, with the 2018 Winter Olympics serving as its latest launchpad. After sending Kim Jong-uns sister to PyeongChang for the Opening Ceremony, the North will kick things up a notch at Sundays Closing Ceremony with a delegation led by a man connected to the murder of dozens of South Koreans.

That man, according to CNNs Taehoon Lee, is Kim Yong-chol, the Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee. The Souths Ministry of Unification announced on Thursday that Kim will join Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the country, and six support staffers, who are scheduled to arrive in South Korea together by way of the Gyeongui rail line mere hours before the ceremony begins.

Before he was one of the power players on the Party Central Committee, Kim was the chief of North Koreas Reconnaissance Bureau, a military intelligence unit thats been pegged by Seoul for playing a role in a torpedo attack that, back in 2010, sunk Cheonan, a South Korean warship, and killed 46 of 104 personnel on the vessel that day. South Koreas findings in the tragedy stemmed from an investigation that included input from the United States, Sweden, Great Britain and Australia.

General Kim Yong-chol will reportedly be part of North Koreas delegation to the Closing Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Despite the Norths decision to send a potentially divisive figure like Kim, the South struck an optimistic tone toward what the upcoming interaction could mean for relations across the Korean Peninsula.

We expect the high-level delegations participation in the closing ceremony of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics to help advance the process of settling peace on the Korean Peninsula including the improvement of inter-Korean relations and denuclearization, South Korea said in a statement.

Seoul, though, has no plans to help Pyongyangs emissaries connect with those coming from the United States, including First Daughter Ivanka Trump.

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The Blue House will not facilitate a meeting between Ivanka and North Koreas high-level delegation, a government spokesman said.

All told, the Norths choice of representatives figures to put the South in yet another diplomatic pickle. Kim Yong-chol is the subject of sanctions from both the U.S. and South Korea, including travel restrictions imposed from afar. Theres no word yet whether Kims trip would violate those specific sanctions.

Still, the heat will once again be on South Korea to figure out how to play nice with both North Korea and the U.S. without offending one or the other. As far as dirty jobs are concerned, then, South Korean President Moon Jae-in deserves some air time with Mike Rowe, however he handles this delicate detente.

More Olympic coverage from Yahoo Sports:

 North Korean cheerleader breaks protocol, cheers USA

 The Olympics worst skier might be the most inspiring

 Ivanka to represent U.S. at Olympic Closing Ceremony

 Canadian women suffer historic curling loss

 A bittersweet ending for Lindsey Vonn
The head of the National Rifle Association (NRA) Wayne LaPierre has claimed gun control advocates hate freedom but failed to directly address the young survivors of the latest mass shooting in Florida who have been so vocal in calling for change in the wake of the tragedy.

In a fiery speech that was full of deeply divisive language, Mr LaPierre told the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) that Democrats such as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California and Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy were eager to blame the NRA and were calling for even more government control.

He also went after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), mental health laws and opportunists who seek to smear the NRA.

The leader of Americas biggest gun rights lobbying group, Mr La Pierre did not suggest any changes to existing gun laws, despite an increasing outcry over the death of 17 students and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Relying on the old NRA trope of bemoaning the elites who hate the Second Amendment, Mr LaPierre set out a staunch defence of the NRAs position as he played to the conservative crowd.

They [the elites] care more about control  and more of it. Their goal is to eliminate the Second Amendment, Mr LaPierre said.

Their solution is to make you  all of you  less free. They want to sweep right under the carpet the failure of school security, the failure of family, the failure of Americas mental health system and even the unbelievable failure of the FBI, he added, referring to the FBIs admission it had not fully investigated some tips about regarding the suspected Florida shooter, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz.

The combative tone of the rhetoric Mr LaPierre used in his speech had been set in an earlier address by NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch, who accused Democrats and media outlets of exploiting the Florida shooting for ratings gold.

Many in legacy media love mass shootings, you guys love it, she said. Now Im not saying that you love the tragedy, but I am saying that you love the ratings. Crying white mothers are ratings gold.

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Mr LaPierre said that his organisation mourned the loss of lives in the Florida shooting  but he did not expressly address the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who have spent days lobby political officials in Florida and Washington and organising protests advocating gun control. One such protest at in Floridas state capital Tallahassee involved a blunt and impassioned warning to politicians: take action or we will vote you out. One shooting survivor also appeared with Florida Senator Marco Rubio at a town hall event organised by CNN on Wednesday night and called on him to turn down future funding from the NRA.

Mr LaPierre appeared on stage in the wake of a ringing endorsement of President Donald Trump, who tweeted just ahead of Mr LaPierres appearance: What many people dont understand, or dont want to understand, is that Wayne, Chris and the folks who work so hard at the NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots. They love our Country and will do the right thing. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Trump had reiterated on Twitter he would advocate for tightening background checks for gun buyers, with an emphasis on mental health, and lifting the age limit to buy some kinds of guns despite a change in age limits being opposed by the NRA.

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However, Mr LaPierre did take a leaf out of Mr Trumps playbook in seeming to blame everything for the shooting, other than the largest element  the availability of weapons. He called Democrats and others opportunists for trying to exploit the tragedy, something Carly Novell, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student, said was disrespectful and insensitive  even if Mr LaPierre did not directly aim it at survivors.

I just think thats disrespectful and insensitive to call us opportunists when all were trying to do is to make sure this doesnt happen to anyone else in America, she told CNN.

Mr LaPierres stance was condemned by the Democrats Senate leader Chuck Schumer, who said the NRA was once again spewing pathetic, out-of-touch ideas, blaming everything but guns.

On Wednesday, Mr Trump had met with students and parents from Parkland, along with local officials, in an hour-long listening session at the White House. During the event, which included frequently emotional testimony from students who survived the attack but lost friends and classmates, the President said he was interested in the idea of arming teachers as a way of ensuring safety at schools.

He admitted not everyone agreed with the proposal  something that was proven by opponents of the idea, many of them teachers, who said it would add an additional and unfair responsibility for educators.

That coach was very brave, saved a lot of lives, I suspect, Mr Trump said, referring to Aaron Feis, a coach at Stoneman Douglas who reportedly died using his body as a shield to protect students.

But if he had a firearm, he wouldnt have had to run, he would have shot and that would have been the end of it.

In a sign that any difference between Mr Trump and the NRA would not become a major issue, Mr LaPierre bolstered the Presidents call by portraying the NRA as the true protector of the countrys schoolchildren and offering free training to those who want to bear arms to protect schools.

We must immediately harden our schools, Mr LaPierre said. Every day, young children are being dropped off at schools that are virtually wide open, soft targets for anyone bent on mass murder. It should not be easier to shoot up a school than a bank or a jewellery store, he added.

Speaking after Mr LaPierre at CPAC, Vice President Mike Pence said that in a meeting with governors at the White House next Monday, Mr Trump and the state leaders will make the safety of our nations schools and our students our top national priority.

At the White House, Mr Trump met with other officials as part of what he has insisted is a promise to address gun violence, particularly mass shootings in school, and doubled down on the idea of arming teachers  using some of the same language that Mr LaPierre had used earlier.

We have to harden those schools, not soften them, Mr Trump said. A gun-free zone, to a killer, or somebody that wants to be a killer, thats like going in for the ice cream. Thats like saying, here I am, take me, the President added.

Instead of advertising, This school has no guns, we are gun-free, you let the people know the opposite. No one is going to attack that school, believe me, he said.

Despite the mixed reaction to the suggestion of arming teachers, with many opposing such a move, Mr Trump said that he would approve of teachers carrying a weapon if they had the aptitude for it.

If they have the aptitude, I think a concealed permit for having teachers and letting people know that there are people in the building with guns... you won't have these shootings, he said, loosely suggesting they would need to re-qualify maybe once or twice a year. He even floated the idea that any such teachers should be paid a a bit of a bonus.

[Attackers are] not going to walk into a school if 20 per cent of the teachers have guns, Mr Trump said. It may be 10 per cent or may be 40 per cent. And what Id recommend doing is the people that do carry, we give them a bonus... Theyll frankly feel more comfortable having the gun anyway. But you give them a little bit of a bonus, he added.
Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - A Palestinian died after attacking Israeli soldiers and being shot during clashes overnight in the occupied West Bank, the army said Thursday.

Protests broke out when the Israeli army entered the Palestinian city of Jericho in a bid to arrest suspects.

"A Palestinian assailant armed with an iron rod ran towards (Israeli) troops," an army statement said.

"The troops fired towards the assailant and confronted him from close range and were able to stop him. A knife was also found in his possession."

The man was identified by the Palestinian Prisoners' Club as 33-year-old Yassin al-Saradeeh, from Jericho.

A video online appeared to show Saradeeh running at soldiers with a heavy object before being shot, beaten and detained.

Since US President Donald Trump's controversial December 6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, 27 Palestinians and two Israelis have died in attacks, clashes and air strikes.

Palestinians consider at least the eastern part of the city as the capital of their future state.
Nikolas Cruz faces 17 charges of premeditated murder in the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Before the shooting, he exhibited dozens of warning signs, but was able to legally purchase firearms. (Photo: POOL New / Reuters)

Nikolas Cruz was depressed. He cut his arms and posted videos on Snapchat. He killed animals. He threatened fellow students. He hit his mother. He brought bullets to school. Someone close to him called the FBI to report his desire to kill people, erratic behavior, and disturbing social media posts, as well as the potential of him conducting a school shooting.

Despite this, Cruz, 19, was able to legally acquire an arsenal of firearms, including the AR-15 police say he used to slaughter 17 people last week at his former high school in Parkland, Florida.

Without a criminal record or a court declaring him mentally incompetent, Cruz was free to arm himself as heavily as he could afford in his home state.

This would not have been the case in the five states that allow law enforcement or family members to petition a court to temporarily remove guns from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.

The policy, alternately called a red flag law, gun violence restraining order, or extreme risk protection order, is getting more attention since the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Federal law prohibits some individuals from buying or owning guns: those who have been convicted of a felony or a domestic violence misdemeanor, are an undocumented immigrant or fugitive from justice, were dishonorably discharged from the military, or have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution.

Some states have gone further, passing laws to prevent individuals who are exhibiting red flags, but havent yet committed a crime, from possessing firearms, explained Robin Lloyd, the director of government affairs at Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization established by the former congresswoman and shooting survivor Gabrielle Giffords.

California, Washington, Oregon, Indiana and Connecticut have approved measures that allow a court to temporarily strip gun rights from people who show warning signs of violence.

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While each state differs, heres broadly how they work: A concerned family member or police officer asks a judge to remove guns from an individual they believe is at risk of hurting themselves or others.

A temporary order, which typically lasts for a few weeks, can be issued immediately if theres evidence its needed to prevent imminent danger.

Individuals are given notice of a final hearing, where a judge will decide if they should be prohibited from gun possession for a longer period of time, generally a year. They may contest the evidence against them, and can appeal the decision.

In Cruzs case, its entirely possible that there could have been an intervention beforehand to remove firearms if Florida had a red flag law, said Lloyd, noting that police responded to his family home on dozens of occasions. We know this is a life-saving measure.

California was the first state to allow family members to petition a court to remove guns from individuals who exhibit alarming warning signs.

The legislation was passed in 2014, a few months after the Isla Vista rampage, in which Elliot Rodger killed six people and injured 13. A month before the massacre, his mother contacted mental health officials, saying she was worried about disturbing videos he was posting to YouTube. Law enforcement performed a welfare check, but said their hands were tied. There was nothing legally preventing him from possessing a gun.

Similar legislation has been proposed in 18 other states this year. Elizabeth Avore, legal and policy director for Everytown for Gun Safety, said passing red flag laws was a top priority for her organization, even before the Florida mass shooting.

We see over and over again that these mass shooters have demonstrated warning signs prior to the act of violence, Avore said. After the Florida school shooting, there is renewed interest  and bipartisan interest  in these laws.

Florida state Rep. Lori Berman (D) introduced a red flag bill last year, and told HuffPost it received no bipartisan support at the time. Now, it seems like her bill may pick up steam. Prominent Florida Republicans, such as former presidential candidates Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush, have come out in support of the approach.

We havent had a serious discussion about gun safety in the state of Florida, Berman said, noting that she has introduced at least seven bills on gun violence prevention during her time in the legislature. None has ever even received a hearing.

It saddens me that it took this event to have this discussion, Berman said.

Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) introduced federal legislation last year that would encourage states to adopt red flag laws with grant money. Carbajal said the approach is sensible and reasonable, and may have prevented Cruz from committing a mass shooting.

The Second Amendment is important, but it doesnt mean that we have to be extreme and permissive with the sale of guns to anyone and everyone, Carbajal said. There are reasonable parameters that can be enacted.

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The Daily Beast

YouTubeThe boyfriend of a 22-year-old woman who vanished in Wyoming last month while the couple was on a road trip together released a statement Tuesday, breaking his silence as he reportedly refuses to speak to her family or the police. Brian Laundrie, 23, and Gabrielle Petito had been on a cross-country trek together in a white 2012 Ford Transit Connect, documenting their van life via a shared YouTube channel. Police in Moab, Utah, told Fox that they had responded to an incident involving th
Pennsylvania Republicans again asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block Pennsylvanias new, court-ordered congressional map on Wednesday, marking the latest in a series of attempts to halt a plan that would make congressional elections more competitive in the state by reducing the impact of gerrymandering.

In an emergency application, Pennsylvania House Speaker Michael Turzai (R) and Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati (R) asked the Supreme Court to prevent the new map from going into effect. They say the state Supreme Court overstepped its authority by drawing a new congressional map.

The GOP challenge comes just two days after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a new congressional map for the state to be used in 2018 and 2020 elections. In January, the court said the congressional map in place since 2011, drawn by Republicans, so severely benefited the GOP that it violated the states constitution.

The court gave lawmakers three weeks to reach an agreement on a new map, and when the parties couldnt do so, the court stepped in to draw its own. Several analyses showed the courts map will make elections more competitive and give Democrats a better chance of winning seats in districts currently held by the Republicans.

In the emergency application, lawyers for Turzai and Scarnati wrote that the court did not give the lawmakers a meaningful chance to draw a new map. The timeline was so compressed, they say, that it ensured that the

court would get to draw the map it wanted, instead of being crafted through the

legislative process.

At all stages, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court set this case on a path whereby only it would draw Pennsylvanias new congressional districtsa task delegated to the Legislaturein violation of the Elections Clause, they wrote.

(Photo: Supreme Court of Pennsylvania)

Republicans signaled last week they would challenge the courts map and have been dragging their feet over complying with court instructions.

Even though the court struck down the 2011 map based solely on the state constitution, Republicans maintain there are federal issues at stake. They say the U.S. Constitution only grants legislatures the ability to draw congressional districts and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court cannot step in to draw its own map.

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Some legal observers are skeptical that argument will go anywhere in federal court. Republicans already used the same reasoning before the U.S. Supreme Court in January when asking the high court to step in and block the state courts order for a new map.

Conservative Justice Samuel Alito, who oversees applications from Pennsylvania, denied the request without even referring it to the full court. Court watchers say that was a clear signal the high court was likely to agree with the argument that the state court has the authority to draw its own congressional map. But Drew Crompton, a top aide to Scarnati, said Friday he believes the court might be willing to take another look now that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has actually issued a map.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs accused Turzai and Scarnati of wasting taxpayer money.

At the risk of repeating ourselves, there was no good argument three weeks ago, and there is no good argument now for the U.S. Supreme Court to step in and undo a final judgment and remedy issued by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, R. Stanton Jones, a lawyer with Arnold & Porter, who helped represent the plaintiffs, said in a statement. Legislative leaders should stop wasting taxpayer funds and accept that Pennsylvania voters will finally get to cast ballots in free and fair congressional elections this year.

Republicans have tried several maneuvers to try and put off implementing a new map for this years midterm elections. They argued that the new plan should be put off until 2020 because implementing a new map would cause confusion this year.

They also unsuccessfully moved to disqualify the vote of a Democratic justice on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court because, as a candidate for the states high court, he said he was opposed to gerrymandering. Some Republicans have also called for the impeachment of the five Democrats on the state Supreme Court over their votes against the old congressional map.

J.J. Abbott, a spokesman for Gov. Tom Wolf (D), who supported the challenge to the 2011 map, said in a statement Wednesday evening that the governor was complying with the state Supreme Courts order by making sure preparations for the states May 15 primary were running smoothly.

Related Coverage

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Strikes Down State's Congressional Map, Saying It Illegally Benefits GOP

Supreme Court Won't Let Pennsylvania GOP Delay Drawing New Congressional Map

Pennsylvania's Supreme Court Explains Why It Struck Down Congressional Map Favoring GOP

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Issues New Congressional Map To Replace Gerrymandered One

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MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday he would extend the tour of duty of the country's police chief "a little bit longer" to carry out reforms in a law enforcement agency at the forefront of his war on drugs. Ronald dela Rosa, director-general of the Philippine National Police (PNP), was supposed to step down upon reaching the retirement age of 56 in January but Duterte had asked him to stay on for three more months until April. But the president said he would keep the stocky, fiercely loyal general, nicknamed "Bato" (Rock), beyond that date. "I still have to institute continuing reforms with the police, and police has always been a problem," Duterte said in a speech at an event with businessmen. He said there were "scoundrels and scalawags in every organization" and he needed dela Rosa to finish the job of cleaning up the police. "Because he enjoys my trust and confidence, I will extend his term for a little bit longer," he said, without saying how much longer. Dela Rosa, who is known for his animated comments and occasional teary-eyed moments when on television, has been the driver of Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign, under which about 4,000 Filipinos have been killed in what police call legitimate operations against "drug personalities". Human rights groups say many of those are executions, and the victims are users and small-time peddlers. The police deny that and say those killed had resisted arrest. Duterte had previously said he would appoint dela Rosa as chief of the Bureau of Corrections when he retires from PNP. He gave no details about the reforms he wanted dela Rosa to implement at the PNP. The police deny carrying out illegal killings during the anti-drugs campaign, but openly admit that corruption, abuse of power and insubordination are problems in the force. Duterte and dela Rosa are among those named in a complaint by a Philippine lawyer alleging crimes against humanity that the International Criminal Court has started a preliminary examination into. (Reporting by Enrico dela Cruz; Editing by Martin Petty)
Los Angeles (AFP) - Police in California found a stash of weapons in the house of a teenage student who had threatened to shoot up his school, the Los Angeles County sheriff's department said Wednesday.

Sheriff Jim McDonnell said police had arrested the 17-year-old student, who made the threat during an argument with a teacher on Friday, two days after a teenager killed 17 people in a gun rampage at a school in Florida.

They found two AR-15s -- the semi-automatic rifle used in the Florida shooting -- when they searched the student's family home in South Whittier on the outskirts of Los Angeles.

Police also found two handguns and 90 high-capacity ammunition magazines, the sheriff said.

The youth had allegedly threatened that "he was going to shoot up the school some time in the next three weeks," McDonnell said.

The threat was overheard by a school security guard who alerted the authorities.

"Deputies learned that the 17-year-old had an extensive discipline history at the school," McDonnell said. "They also learned that a Smith & Wesson semi-automatic weapon was registered to his home address."

The student's older brother, a 28-year-old army veteran, said the guns belonged to him, although only one of the AR-15s was registered under his name.

The student was arrested for making criminal threats while his brother was also detained on unlicensed weapons charges.
Warsaw (AFP) - Poland's main opposition party Tuesday tabled an amendment to the government's controversial Holocaust bill, which was meant to defend Warsaw's image abroad but instead stoked tensions with Israel, Ukraine and the US.

However, the liberal Civic Platform (PO) party's proposal has no chance of being adopted since the governing right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party controls both houses of parliament.

"The political crisis triggered by clumsy and disastrous diplomacy, by thoughtless remarks, has brought us to a point where we politicians are forced to react," Platform leader Grzegorz Schetyna told reporters.

"We are proposing a draft amendment that should correct the mistakes."

The Holocaust legislation, which takes effect next week, penalises statements attributing Nazi German crimes to the Polish state with a jail sentence of up to three years.

But Israel sees it as a bid to deny the participation of individual Poles in the extermination of Jews, an accusation rejected by Warsaw.

Critics also worry that because of vague wording the legislation could open the door to prosecuting Holocaust survivors for their testimony.

Poland's opposition suggests replacing the bill's controversial passage with penalties against "anyone who publicly and contrary to the facts attributes to the Polish state responsibility or co-responsibility for the German Third Reich's creation of concentration and death camps, as well as for the genocide that took place there, or who minimises to a flagrant degree the responsibility of the real authors of these crimes by using the terms 'Polish death camps' and 'Polish concentration camps'."

The PO also suggests deleting a passage concerning crimes committed against Poles by Ukrainians, which according to Kiev presents Ukrainians as nothing but "nationalist criminals" and "Third Reich collaborators".

The senate speaker and PiS member Stanislaw Karczewski had called on the opposition to refrain from tabling the amendment which he said would only "stoke the fire".

The bill has drawn criticism from several governments and Jewish organisations, as well as media outlets around the world.

It has also triggered public debate in Poland, where the Israeli embassy noted an increase in anti-Semitic statements.
AR-15s for sale on Feb. 15, 2018 in Orem, Utah. (Photo: George Frey/Getty Images)

A new poll from Quinnipiac University has found the highest support its ever surveyed for universal background checks for firearms purchases, with nearly 100 percent of those polled supporting the gun control measure.

According to the findings released Tuesday, 97 percent of respondents support the checks, with 2 percent opposing and 1 percent declining to respond. Even among gun owners polled, support is at 97 percent.

Overall support for the policy is 2 percentage points higher than what the university measured in December, and has been steadily on the rise since Quinnipiac University first started polling on this topic in 2013, when just 89 percent of respondents supported such background checks.

The school conducted the survey days after a gunman used an AR-15 assault-style rifle to kill 17 students and faculty members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, last week.

If you think Americans are largely unmoved by the mass shootings, you should think again, Tim Malloy, the Quinnipiac University Poll assistant director, said in a statement about the overall polling results.

The poll also found majority support for a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons and a mandatory waiting period for all gun purchases and other gun control proposals.

In the last two months, some of the biggest surges in support for tightening gun laws comes from demographic groups you may not expect, independent voters, men, and whites with no college degree, Malloy said.

The poll surveyed 1,249 voters nationwide from Feb. 16-19.

While support for background checks is nearly universal, there are some apparent cracks in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, the federal program that handles these checks to ensure certain criminals are not able to purchase firearms.

In November, it was revealed that the gunman who killed 26 people in a Texas church should have been prohibited from buying the firearm he used because of a domestic violence conviction hed received while serving in the Air Force. However, the Air Force admitted that it had failed to submit that information to the background check database.

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U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions subsequently ordered a review of a government background check system. Trump has signaled interest in a bipartisan proposal that seeks to address flaws in the system, the White House said Monday.

Also on HuffPost

Parents wait for news after a reports of a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018.

Medical personnel tend to a victim outside of Stoneman Douglas High School.

Waiting for word from students at Coral Springs Drive and the Sawgrass Expressway just south of the campus of Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., after a shooting on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett/Sun Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)

People are brought out of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Students are released from a lockdown outside of Stoneman Douglas High School.

An officer tells parents waiting at Coral Springs Drive and the Sawgrass Expressway to go to the Marriott hotel to meet up with their kids from Stoneman Douglas High School.

Waiting for word from students at Coral Springs Drive and the Sawgrass Expressway just south of the campus of Stoneman Douglas High School.

Students are evacuated by police out of Stoneman Douglas High School.

A family reunites outside of Stoneman Douglas High School.

A video still shows students being evacuated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Students and adults leave following a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Students are released from a lockdown outside of Stoneman Douglas High School.

Parents meet at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel.

Students react following a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

A young woman who just walked out from the direction of the high school, who refused to give her name, gets a hug as she reaches the overpass at Coral Springs Drive and the Sawgrass Expressway just south of the campus of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Students react at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Students are brought across Coral Springs Drive from the the campus of Stoneman Douglas High School.

People embrace while leaving the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel after a deadly shooting at Marjory Soneman Douglas High School.

Students react following a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Waiting for word from students at Coral Springs Drive and the Sawgrass Expressway just south of the campus of Stoneman Douglas High School.

Students react at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Rescue workers help a victim near Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Police put a suspect in handcuffs near Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

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Istanbul (AFP) - Turkey's main pro-Kurdish party accused the government of "spreading misinformation" about no civilian deaths in its latest Syrian offensive on Thursday, calling on Ankara to halt the operation.

Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said earlier Thursday that no civilian had been killed -- or suffered so much as "a nose bleed" -- in Turkey's air and ground campaign in the Kurdish enclave of Afrin in northern Syria.

But Pervin Buldan, the newly elected co-head of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), told reporters in Istanbul that many civilians had died in Afrin, including women and children.

"The government is spreading misinformation by saying that there are no civilian deaths and that 'terrorists' were only killed. It is a lie," Buldan said on Thursday, adding that Turkey will "gain nothing" from the offensive.

"In Turkey we have also seen the coffins of many soldiers killed. This is why the Afrin operation should stop," she added.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 112 civilians have been killed since the operation began on January 20 -- a claim which Ankara denies, insisting the Turkish army is taking the "utmost care" to avoid civilian casualties.

Ankara says the YPG is a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is proscribed as a terror group by Turkey and its Western allies. The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984.

But the YPG has been working closely with the US against the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria and makes up the bulk of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters.

"The world knows that the YPG is part of the SDF which fought Daesh (IS). We believe the SDF should be part of a peace resolution in Syria," said Sezai Temelli, HDP's other co-leader.

Temelli and Buldan replaced the popular Selahattin Demirtas, who has been imprisoned since 2016 over alleged links to the PKK, and Serpil Kemalbay as HDP leaders earlier this month.

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Ankara accuses the HDP, the third Turkish largest party and the only political group in parliament to oppose the Afrin offensive, of being a political front for the PKK, which the party denies.

More than 200 pro-Ankara rebels and 209 YPG members have been killed since the Afrin operation began, the Syrian Observatory has said.

Thirty-two Turkish military personnel have been also been killed.
By Dan Williams JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Qatar is helping Israel avoid another Gaza war by funneling relief money to impoverished Palestinians with Washington's blessing, a Qatari diplomat said on Thursday, describing the cooperation as evidence of Doha's distance from Islamist Hamas. Since coming under an embargo last year by its U.S.-allied Gulf Arab neighbors, Qatar has made its aid to the Gaza Strip - and the coordination with Israel needed for disbursement - a focus of its diplomatic contacts with the Trump administration. "Gaza is on the verge of collapsing," Ambassador Mohammed Al-Emadi told Reuters in an interview in Jerusalem, after he met Israel's regional cooperation minister and security officials. "This is what we are preventing: a war, the next war. We don't want the next war," he said of some $800 million in Qatari assistance to Gaza since the last Hamas-Israel conflict in 2014. "The work that we are doing is keeping peace for both nations," said the Qatari relief director for the Gaza Strip. Israel has voiced alarm at the deepening poverty in Gaza, which it and neighboring Egypt keep under embargo in what they say is a precaution against Hamas arms-smuggling. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and commercial ties with Qatar in June for allegedly supporting militant groups such as Hamas, meddling in their internal affairs and backing regional foe Iran's agenda. Qatar denies all the accusations, and pushed back with outreach to the United States - including several leaders of its pro-Israel Jewish community. "If we are helping Hamas, do you think the Israelis (would) allow us to go inside and come out?" Al-Emadi asked. "It's impossible. They know we are not helping Hamas." Responding to Israeli and U.S. requests, Qatar ceased hosting Saleh al-Arouri, the Hamas deputy leader, Al-Emadi said. He added that "every single penny" of Qatari money given to Gaza was monitored to ensure it is spent on humanitarian needs. "We feed Washington the correct information about what we are doing, and these people ... right away, they are with us," Al-Emadi said. Qatar's image, he added, "is improved, because ... when we tell them what is there on the ground, what we are doing there (Gaza), it is good work". Al-Emadi said he has visited Israel 20 times since 2014. The trips were previously kept under wraps, but the envoy has been increasingly visible in recent months. By contrast, Israeli officials declined to comment on Al-Emadi's visits, a reticence that one diplomatic source attributed to their reluctance to upset other Arab powers. (Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Alison Williams)
Yahoo News photo Illustration; photos: AP, Getty

Ive never thought much of Mitt Romney. I described him once in a book as a vast reservoir of inner nothingness, which wasnt very nice.

This is not only because, during his two presidential campaigns, he scrupulously avoided any contact with me, or really with anyone who might have asked him anything that required a complex answer about his own phantom-like agenda.

No, its because Romney is a man who seems to lack any fixed point in public life. Hes always approached his ideological convictions the same way he does his allegiances to the various states where he has homes  as strategic assets to be shuffled around whenever its convenient, to the point that I doubt even he knows where he truly resides.

And yet, despite all that, I admired Romneys decision to jump back into the political arena last week, and Im hoping he can do more than just win Utahs Senate seat in what will likely be the last chapter of his political odyssey.

Romney is exactly what his party needs at the moment, if he can at last summon the courage to be what the moment demands.

Romneys small band of loyalists, of course, would argue that hes never lacked for courage  only emotional fervor and self-righteousness. In their view, Romney is the ultimate corporate analyst, a conservative problem solver who stalks an issue from all sides and then pounces on it with ruthless efficiency.

The former Massachusetts governor may not have been an intrepid candidate, they argue, but he had more than enough inner steel and intellectual heft to govern the country well.

The problem with this formulation, though, is that campaigning and governing arent separate; as President Trump has amply demonstrated, how you do one says a lot about how you will do the other. There has never been a timid, equivocating presidential candidate who became, all at once, a fearless and resolute president.

And too often, Romney has treated principled rhetoric like a stretchy suit he can hurriedly change into in a phone booth, then throw into a trash can when no ones looking.

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Thus did Romney stand up almost exactly two years ago, after the first round of Republican primaries, and deliver a caustic, unusually personal rebuke of everything Trump represented as a candidate. In an address carried live on all the cable networks, he used words like bully, phony and fraud, and said Trump was playing the members of the American public for suckers.

It was Romneys finest moment. He had emerged from the shadows to defend the conservative conscience.

Except that he hadnt, really. What calculating Romney had calculated, it was clear even then, is that Trump didnt have a majority of the Republican vote, and thus a brokered convention might be in the offing, and with it perhaps the chance to be nominated again.

We know this now because, when it came down to it, after Trump had gone on to win both the partys nod and the presidency, that same Romney basically threw himself to the floor and licked the boots of the Great Fraud himself.

In what has to be one of the most pathetic displays in the history of presidential transitions, Romney somehow allowed himself to be humiliated in front of the entire country, publicly fawning over Trump and auditioning to become his secretary of state, when it should have been clear to anyone watching that Trump was just being cruel and would sooner have appointed Rosie ODonnell to the job.

The high point came when Trump took the erudite Romney to a French restaurant so he could grovel awkwardly in front of the cameras. Revenge is a dish best served in bechamel sauce.

At important moments in Trumps presidency, Romney has again felt emboldened to vent his disgust, and in surprisingly eloquent terms. In a Facebook post last summer, after white supremacists brought filth and tragedy to Charlottesville, Romney excoriated Trump, saying his reaction to the violence caused racists to rejoice, minorities to weep, and the vast heart of America to mourn.

So naturally, when Trump decided to endorse Romney for Senate this week, Romney, having finally learned his lesson, let the president know in blunt terms that he was running to repudiate the dystopian, divisive brand of politics that Trumps Republican Party represents.

No, Im just playing with you.

Heres what Romney actually fired back: Thank you Mr. President for the support. I hope that over the course of the campaign I also earn the support and endorsement of the people of Utah.

So thats how it is. No wonder the general sentiment on social media was that Romney, in pursuit of yet another prize, was about to toss aside the Trump resisters in his own party, yet again.

Im not going to write off Romney just yet, though. And Ill tell you why.

For one thing, you have to give the man credit for rushing into a burning building when everyone else is leaping from the ledges. A few weeks shy of his 71st birthday, with a legion of grandchildren and an estimated $250 million in the bank, Romney certainly doesnt need to come to Washington at a time when a lot of sensible Republicans, having been thoroughly marginalized, are packing up and going home.

Youd have to conclude his belief in service and sacrifice is real, which ought to count for something among his detractors.

And maybe, just maybe, Romney can see, looking through his unfailingly opportunistic lens on the world, that there is a vacuum here begging to be filled.

The partys governing wing has surrendered to Trump, its leaders in full retreat to the hills, its elder statesmen hiding in exile. The Bushes have gone back to their estates in Texas and Florida. John McCain battles a grave illness. Newt Gingrich joined the occupiers, and Haley Barbour is practicing law somewhere in Mississippi.

Mitt wont be president; that dream is dead, and he should know it. But he could yet become something hes never managed to be: the most influential figure in the Republican Party outside of the White House.

If the Romney who gave that speech in 2016 showed up for this campaign in Utah, and went on as a senator to make the case for a more enlightened and less mean vision of conservatism, he might give lesser-known Republicans the courage they need to defy Trumps ardent base, which they imagine still to be more numerous than it really is.

He could go down in history not as the one-term governor and twice-failed candidate who prostrated himself for a job he couldnt get, but rather as the aging eminence who returned to government, one last time, to fight for the party he loves, after most of his contemporaries had given up.

Maybe there really is a vast reservoir beneath Romneys eerily placid surface. And who knows? Maybe this time theres actually something in it.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Moscow (AFP) - The Kremlin on Wednesday denied involvement in air strikes on Syria's rebel-held Eastern Ghouta enclave that monitors say have killed at least 250 civilians since the start of the week.

"These are groundless accusations. It is not clear what they are based on. No specific data has been given. We do not agree (with them)," said presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov in response to a US briefing saying that Russia was responsible for the attacks.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has also blamed Russian warplanes for the strikes.

Bombardment of the enclave on the outskirts of Damascus on Tuesday killed 106 civilians, including 19 children, the Observatory said.

It was the second straight day that the civilian death toll topped 100, after 127 were killed Monday in Eastern Ghouta's bloodiest day in four years.

The strikes left an important hospital out of action, further limiting the little medical aid accessible to besieged civilians.

The rebel-held region is nominally included in a "de-escalation" deal meant to tamp down violence, but President Bashar al-Assad appears to be preparing troops for a ground assault to retake it.

The Russian military has fought a campaign for over two years in Syria, launched in September 2015 in support of Assad, helping to turn around the multi-front war.
By Clement Uwiringiyimana KIGALI (Reuters) - A number of Congolese refugees were killed in clashes with Rwandan police on Thursday as officers dispersed a protest at a U.N. office against a cut in camp rations, police said. Officers fired teargas at the group of around 3,000 protesters who police spokesman Theos Badege said were pelting them with stones and pieces of metal. The refugees had been there since Tuesday after traveling around 15 km (10 miles) from the refugee camp in Kiziba to the U.N. office in Karongi, western Rwanda, to demonstrate against the 25 percent cut in food provided by the U.N. refugee agency. The UNHCR agency said in January it was having to reduce the rations due to funding shortages. "It was necessary for the police to tell (them) to show respect and warn them but as the police addressed them, they started throwing stones and police used necessary power, Badege told Reuters. He said police started firing teargas in the air and at the refugees when some officers were injured by the protesters. "That was done today and they left the place. Unfortunately some of them were injured and though we are yet to get figures, some of the refugees died, he said. Other refugees said police had also shot at them and at least one person had been killed. We were shot at the UNHCR offices as we were trying to speak up our rights. My nephew Mucyo Christian died and my siblings were injured," refugee Bakunzi Emile told Reuters by phone. Refugees said police used live bullets there but Badege said it was not true. Refugees said police also attacked them in the Kiziba camp. Badege said they went there to rescue an immigration officer who had been taken hostage by refugees. Rwanda hosts about 174,000 refugees, including 57,000 people from neighboring Burundi who fled violence in 2015. Most of the rest fled the Democratic Republic of Congo during bouts of instability there over the past 20 years. The Kiziba camp houses 17,000 Congolese. UNHCR said in a statement on Thursday that its funding appeal of 2018 for Rwanda of $98.8 million was only 2 percent funded, and the World Food Programme has warned of more cuts if its monthly requirements of $2.5 million were not met. "UNHCR urges the refugees to respect local laws and express grievances through dialogue, while calling on authorities to handle the situation with calm and restraint," it said. Jeanne d'Arc DeBonheur, Rwanda's minister for disaster management and refugees affairs, said earlier police had to act for security reasons. "They must leave that place and go to the camp. Even we agreed with UNHCR that they cannot get any support while they are still camped there," she said. (Reporting by Clement Uwiringiyimana; Writing by George Obulutsa; Editing by Alison Williams)
LONDON (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia has freed nine Iranian fishermen detained two years ago, Iranian state TV said on Thursday but a tenth fisherman was killed in the initial incident, his brother said. Tension between Shi'ite Iran and Saudi Arabia's conservative Sunni monarchy has run high in recent years. The two countries have backed opposing forces in wars across the Middle East, usually along sectarian lines. Saudi authorities released the men in a boat in Iranian waters on Wednesday and Iran's state television showed pictures of them being welcomed by their families. Saudi authorities could not immediately be reached for comment. The country broke all ties with Iran in 2016. Saudi coast guards arrested the men in the Gulf somewhere between Farsi and Arabi Islands and accused them of entering its waters, Tasnim news agency quoted a local official in Iran's Fisheries Organization in southern city of Bushehr as saying. The coast guards shot the boat's owner and "no sign of him has been found," Ahmadi said. A fisherman told state television "his brother was killed" in the incident and "his body remains in a morgue in Saudi Arabia". State TV said other Iranian fishermen remain in custody in Saudi Arabia. (Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin; Additional reporting by Katie Paul in Riyadh; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg)
Cairo (AFP) - Seven Egyptian soldiers and 71 jihadists have been killed since the launch of a wide-ranging operation to quell an Islamic State group affiliate in Sinai earlier this month, the military said.

"As a result of the heroic combat operations by our armed forces...seven heroes of the armed forces were martyred," military spokesman Colonel Tamer Rifai said at a press conference aired Thursday on state television.

"71 extremists have been killed and five arrested," he said.

Rifai added that 1,852 other suspects have been rounded up in the operation that began on February 9, following an ultimatum by the President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to end the deadly insurgency.

IS attacks have killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers in the Sinai Peninsula. The group has also killed over 100 Christians in the past year and targeted tourists.

Sisi ordered his security commanders to put an end to the attacks following a massacre at a northern Sinai mosque in November that killed more than 300 worshippers.

IS is believed to have carried out the attack on the mosque, frequented by Sufi Muslims, but it has not claimed responsibility.

The group's Egyptian branch has used the north of the Sinai Peninsula, which borders Israel, as a staging ground for its attacks.

Officials say IS has tried to move fighters to Sinai following defeats in Iraq and Syria, where it has lost most of its territory.

Egypt is holding a presidential election next month, which Sisi is expected to easily win.
WASHINGTON  A controversial North Carolina sheriff who was among 10 local officials joining President Trump at Thursdays White House meeting on school safety has acknowledged that his officers circulated an email containing an offensive joke about Narcan, the lifesaving drug used to reverse opioid overdoses.

Charles McDonald, the sheriff of Henderson County, has also faced questions about his spending and comments he made about anti-Trump protesters last year. He was sued by a former deputy for discrimination last month.

McDonald acknowledged in December that his officers had circulated an email, part of an internal analysis of crime statistics, that showed a syringe and the legend: Narcan: Robbing Darwin of his bountiful harvest since 1971.

After a local TV station publicized the memo last December, McDonald put out a statement that called it a tasteless attempt at humor.

Regarding the offensive slide, there is no excuse for it regardless of the intention, the sheriff said. Im told it was an attempt at dark humor, but it was in no way humorous, and I know it does not reflect the true heart of the actual sender, or that of our staff and volunteers.

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McDonald acknowledged a lapse in judgment in his department, according to local news accounts, and said it had been dealt with appropriately according to our policies and guidelines. It isnt clear from the accounts when McDonald became aware of the joke, which originally circulated last May.

That was not the first time McDonald, who became sheriff in 2012, has courted controversy. Last February, a monthly newsletter on his sheriffs office website, The Guardian, described participants in the Womens March against the incoming Trump administration as anarchists and questioned their right to protest.

Rule of Law? We dont need no stinking law! This seems to be the message of those protestors destroying businesses and property while restricting free speech and interfering with the rights of fellow citizens to peacefully drive or walk on public streets or byways, McDonald wrote. What entitles them to scream vulgarities and to physically attack and ridicule those who dare question their myth-based, passion-inflamed, anarchist ideology?

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I believe many of the vile and disgusting protests that are taking place across our nation are not a result of the differences between Americas traditional political parties. Rather, they appear to be the result of an anti-American social progressive movement with the goal of subverting our great Republic and replacing it with something akin to the social economic governance that continues to decimate Western Europe to this day, McDonald wrote.

I believe that many in this nation from all parties awoke at the last moment and saw the face of the beast that was poised to consume us all, McDonald wrote, apropos of the 2016 presidential election.

Earlier this year, a former Henderson County deputy sued McDonald for allegedly discriminating against him as a disabled veteran. McDonald has also faced local opposition for firing county officers soon after taking office and for his spending. Though McDonalds own website boasts that Henderson County has the lowest crime rate in North Carolina for a community of its size, he sought $20 million for a law enforcement training center and purchased armored vehicles that he has posed with in promotional materials.

The White House did not respond to an email from Yahoo News to ask if officials were aware of McDonalds remarks before he was invited to be one of the local leaders participating in the meeting with the president. McDonald also did not respond to a request for comment.

A crowd fills the streets of Washington during the Womens March on Jan. 21, 2017. (Photo: Oliver Contreras/For the Washington Post via Getty Images)

McDonald addressed what he described as a firestorm of criticism that erupted in response to his comments about protesters in the March 2017 edition of his newsletter. The sheriff claimed that he did not intend to refer to peaceful protesters in his comments.

I wrongly assumed that the fact that I referred to violence and the disregard for the rule of law would make it clear that I was not referring to those who protest peacefully and with respect. That, however, was not the case, wrote McDonald.

While the protests against Trump were largely peaceful, there were instances of violence and vandalism, and more than 200 people were arrested in the nations capital during the inauguration festivities.

I have said repeatedly as a sheriff, particularly one who fully values and believes in our Constitution, I not only support their right to protest, but I am sworn to protect it! I never said or meant to imply that the protests in our county were anything other than peaceful, McDonald wrote.

_____

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BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - Slovakia will not ratify a European treaty designed to combat violence against women, Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Wednesday bowing to opposition from junior coalition partner and religious groups. Two weeks ago, Bulgaria, which now holds the EU's rotating presidency, has also rejected the treaty, highlighting resistance in the more socially conservative countries of the former eastern bloc to the liberal values of wealthier western Europe. Slovakia's government signed the 81-article document in 2011 and parliamentary ratification would have been the next step. In all, more than 40 countries have signed. But Fico said that though Slovakia would adopt into law all measures aimed at combating violence against women, it would not ratify the treaty, which he said was a controversial document that could violate the constitution and lead to the introduction of same-sex marriage. Slovakia effectively banned gay marriage when it passed a constitutional amendment in 2014 that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. It does not recognize any form of same-sex civil partnership either. "We can not pass measures that would clash with beliefs and feelings of people in some states," Fico, a Social Democrat, said. The European convention "needlessly questions natural differences between men and women and calls them stereotypes" while pursuing the fine goal of eliminating violence against women, he said. A junior coalition Slovak National Party (SNS) said on Thursday it would go as far as demand that Slovakia withdraws its signature from the document. The critics dispute the treaty's definition of 'gender' as "social roles, behaviors, activities and characteristics that a particular society considers appropriate for women and men". The Roman Catholic Church said the document may lead to discrimination of religious freedom in the country of 5.4 million people, where 62 percent identify as Roman Catholics and 6 percent as Protestants, according to a 2011 census, the latest available. EU members Bulgaria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Britain, Croatia, Greece and Ireland have not signed treaty yet and neither have Council of Europe members Azerbaijan and Russia. (Reporting By Tatiana Jancarikova; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
(Reuters) - Snap Inc's Snapchat on Tuesday responded to a Change.org petition that sought a reversal of the messaging app's latest redesign. In its response, Snapchat did not agree to the petitioners' demand but promised to roll out a new update in the coming weeks that will bring some changes to the 'Friends and Discover' section in the app. (http://bit.ly/2FjMWjo) Last week, Chief Executive Evan Spiegel told an investor conference in San Francisco that he was pleased with the redesign and thought it was a more logical setup for users. The petition titled 'Remove the new Snapchat Update', which has been signed by over 1.2 million people so far, said the new update made many features difficult to use. The petition said it aimed to convince Snap Inc to change the app back to the version prior to the 2018 update. (Reporting by Munsif Vengattil in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
On Wednesday night, a raw, emotional town hall about gun control on CNN emerged as a pivotal moment in the debate over gun control.

As a crowd of several thousand cheered and jeered, the survivors and families of the victims of last week's shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, pushed back on Senator Marco Rubio and NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch more than any member of the media has.

SEE ALSO: Amy Poehler blasts NRA after they tweeted a 'Parks & Rec' GIF

This movement is being led by a group of brave and mature-beyond-their-years teenagers who are unafraid to express their fury at an inactive government and the big money that enables them. And it finally feels like this time, finally, something is different.

That it was all broadcast on a national platform like CNN was even more crucial, and it provided a stark contrast to the usual empty talking points that are circulated by six-pundit panels on cable news. While such town halls are often devoid of substance, the students and their tenacity not only broke the cycle of these pointless made-for-TV debates, but also changed the conversation in the process.

Students like Emma Gonzalez and Cameron Kasky have given voice to the anger and grief we've collectively felt too many times. They've channeled their outrage and exasperation in a way that, though sometimes uncomfortable, refused to let apathy sink in, cracking the shiny facade of cable news and pushing the gun debate forward.

Emma Gonzalez, Sheriff Israel refuse to let Dana Loesch off the hook

Emma Gonzalez has already gained notice for her passionate speech in the wake of the shooting, and on Wednesday night she was one of many students bravely stood their ground against those in power  including NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch.

Loesch has caused controversy in the past with her pro-gun statements for the NRA, but that didn't rattle Gonzalez, who not only didn't blink in the face of one of America's most (in)famous gun advocates, but wouldn't let Loesch get away with ducking the question, proving herself to be a tougher questioner than so many reporters have in the past.

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And Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel followed up on Gonzalez's questioning, refusing to let Loesch off easy for her stance, telling her, "You're not standing up for [the students] until you say 'I want less weapons.'"

The one-two combo of a student survivor and a respected law enforcement official  whose jurisdiction includes the school where the shooting occurred  was an undeniable show of unity against an organization that has sunk countless millions into making sure guns like the one used in this (and other) mass shootings remain obtainable.

Cameron Kasky and Fred Guttenberg corner Senator Marco Rubio

When given the chance to directly confront an elected official that is supposed to represent the people, it's reasonable to think that the heat of your argument might dim a little because of the weight of the moment.

But not in the case of Cameron Kasky. Another student survivor of the shooting, Kasky called Rubio out on his acceptance of NRA campaign contributions and challenged him to start turning them down as cheers from attendees rained down.

The debate around the NRA's lobbying efforts is another milestone in the familiar cycle of mass shootings. Those lawmakers that accept the NRA's money are called out, time and again. Yet few of them have had to face down survivors of a mass shooting like Rubio did on Wednesday night in front of a national television audience.

SEE ALSO: Powerful New York Times ad calls out lawmakers funded by the NRA

Kasky wasn't the only one who pressed Rubio hard. Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was killed in the shooting, told Rubio point blank that statements made by him and by President Trump in the wake of the shooting were "pathetically weak."

Rubio was forced to look into the eyes of a parent who'd lost his child and address his views. The in-person audience hurled boos at Rubio while an anguished parent lambasted him in a way he's not used to. It was raw and riveting and beyond any television CNN or its competitors have produced in a long time.

It was also probably the toughest questioning Rubio has ever faced  on CNN or any other news channel. And that it came from a high school student and a grieving parent shouldn't be lost on us. A new bar for holding politicians accountable has been set.

Sheriff Israel takes the lead

While the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have been at the forefront of the renewed debate, they have a powerful ally in the aforementioned Sheriff Scott Israel. That a leading law enforcement member has so vocally backed the students only gives legitimacy to their point of view.

To say that law enforcement has become a lightning rod in our current divisive political environment is a brutal understatement.

But Sheriff Israel has been an ardent supporter of the students' initiatives since the shooting. Doing so on a national stage, standing with the students in front of a national audience and leaving no wiggle room for those looking to twist his words, was a powerful show of unity to a nation that badly needs it.

The students refuse to go quietly

Perhaps the most cathartic moment came at the conclusion of the town hall, when students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School sang "Shine," an original song written by the students about love and defiance in the face of tragedy.

While the song features moving lyrics, especially considering the context in which the students wrote it  "We're not gonna let you win / We're putting up a fight / You may have brought the dark / But together we will shine a light"  it was the spoken interludes from the students that delivered the biggest punch.

When one student emotionally delivered the line, "We refuse to be ignored by those who refuse to listen," it was easy to believe her. The fiery resolve was evident to anyone watching the town hall and listening to the song.

SEE ALSO: Parkland shooting survivors call for a march on Washington, D.C.

So often these events are dominated by politicians who excel at spinning direct questions in banal talking points and by "commentators" who sometimes mean well but ultimately spout the same sound bites over and over, a circle of "analysis" that sounds all too familiar.

But the students and their allies  law enforcement, teachers, the parents of their slain classmates  made the most of the platform they were given Wednesday night, transforming the typically made-for-TV event into something rawer, more emotional and, ultimately, more powerful than anyone could have possibly imagined.
Wearing saggy pants is less a fashion statement than it is a political one  and yet another state is trying to make it illegal.

South Carolinas Bill 4957 dictates that anyone caught wearing pants hanging more than three inches below the hipbone and exposing skin is charged with a noncriminal offense. Notably, the bill targets men, not women.

First-time offenders would be charged $25, second-time offenders would pay $50 or fulfill up to three hours of community service, and people caught three or more times would pay $75 and complete up to six hours of community service.

Rep. Wendell Gilliard tells Yahoo Lifestyle he originally co-sponsored the bill, but on Wednesday, he withdrew his name due to priorities related to the Feb. 14 Florida school shooting. However, the bill is still under consideration, and Gilliard would like to see the issue pursued on a local level.

Pants should be worn at the waist as a matter of decency and respect, Gilliard tells Yahoo Lifestyle. This is a fad from the music industry and kids of all races participate.

Saggy pants are already unlawful in other South Carolina cities, as well as parts of Georgia, Louisiana, Florida, and New Jersey. Plenty of nightclubs and restaurants have banned the style on the grounds of decorum, despite a general backlash that the rule has racial undertones. And in 2013, a McDonalds franchise owner placed signs that read No Sagging Allowed in This Restaurant in several of his Dallas-based restaurants (children under the age of 3 were reportedly exempt).

Photo: Getty Images

Hilariously, lawmakers in Pikesville, Tenn., argued that saggy pants impair the ability to walk. According to the ordinance, there is evidence that indicates that wearing sagging pants is injurious to the health of the wearer, as it causes improper gait. According to NPR, the mayor even referenced a study (which turned out to be an internet hoax) claiming that men who wear saggy pants suffer from premature ejaculation.

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Even former President Barack Obama weighed in on the trend, telling MTV in 2008, Heres my attitude: I think passing a law about people wearing sagging pants is a waste of time. We should be focused on creating jobs, improving our schools, getting health care, dealing with the war in Iraq. Any public official who is worrying about sagging pants probably needs to spend some time focusing on real problems out there.

Obama added, Having said that, brothers should pull up their pants. Youre walking by your mother, your grandmother, and your underwear is showing.  Whats wrong with that? Come on. There are some issues that we face that you dont have to pass a law [against], but that doesnt mean folks cant have some sense and some respect for other people. And, you know, some people might not want to see your underwear  Im one of them.

The motivation behind saggy pants bans has been debated, with many claiming theyre racist or classist.

For example, according to local station SCNow, councilwoman Cheryl Qualls rejected a 2016 saggy pants bill in Timmonsville, S.C., saying, It will increase racial profiling on some of our children here in Timmonsville and across the country. When one child can afford $50 for a pair of pants thats designed to show underwear and another child cannot and they are together and the child who cannot afford the $50 designer pants is also dressed identical to his friend, then youre now taxing the mother of the child who cant afford it.

According to Anita Jones Thomas, dean of the College of Applied Behavior Sciences at the University of Indianapolis and a specialist in multicultural psychology, the origins of saggy pants help explain the controversy.

Around the late 1980s, prisons banned belts due to concerns that inmates would use them to commit suicide, Thomas tells Yahoo Lifestyle. It was a response to a mental health crisis that largely affects African-Americans, who disproportionately fill the prison systems.

At the same time, the laid-back style was adopted by rap artists who turned the look into a fashion trend. Today, many African-American churches run etiquette programs in which they educate boys on the history of the saggy pants style, Thomas adds.

But the issue of whether saggy pants laws are unconstitutional isnt clear-cut. At face value, the answer is no, but it all depends on how the laws are applied, Shaundra Young Scott, executive director of the South Carolina chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. If theyre being used to discriminate against a certain group of people or conduct race-based stops, the answer is yes.

She adds: We need to ask, who has the privilege of defining decency? One might argue that the hijab, goth clothing, or certain hairstyles are indecent. There are many ways to interpret fashion bans.

Heres the crux, says Scott: The majority of people who wear saggy pants are minorities or poor people and banning saggy pants could reinforce discrimination or harassment that they already deal with every day.

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Less than a week after a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., left 17 dead, survivors announced that theyre planning a March for Our Lives for March 24 in Washington, D.C., to pressure members of Congress to pass stronger gun-control legislation. Meanwhile, dozens of D.C.-area students have already staged a die-in outside of the White House  and more are in the works  and national school walkout days are planned for March and April. Their goal, as expressed in the name of their movement, is that such a thing should Never Again happen.

With the U.S. national voting age at 18, such actions are one of the few ways available for most high-school students to make their voices heard at the national political level. As Amy Campbell-Oates, a 16-year-old who organized a protest at South Broward High School near Parkland, told the New York Times, Some of us cant vote yet but we want to get to the people that can.

And, while the platforms that young people are using to speak out may be new, theres a long history of Americans who were too young to vote shifting the national conversation on social and political issues.

A Childrens Crusade

In fact, because the national voting age wasnt lowered to 18 until 1971, its worth remembering that a fair amount of the most memorable civil rights and antiwar protests of the 1960s were staged by people who couldnt vote yet. But children  children much younger than 18  were also part of the history of activism before that point.

The labor and socialist movements had youth affiliates going back to the beginning of the century, says Maurice Isserman, professor of History at Hamilton College and co-author of America Divided: The Civil War of the 1960s.

In one of the more dramatic examples, Mary Harris Mother Jones put children in animal cages to raise awareness of child-labor issues, and led the March of the Mill Children campaign that took place in July of 1903. During that episode, dozens of children were among the marchers who followed Jones from Philadelphia to New York to protest labor conditions, earning the event the moniker of the childrens crusade. (The name comes from a 13th century youth movement.)

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Though that particular campaign didnt lead to immediate change, the idea  that showing the world the children who were directly affected by policies about which they could not vote  was a powerful one.

A Little Child for Civil Rights

Three demonstrators join hands to build strength against the force of water sprayed by riot police in Birmingham, Alabama, during a protest of segregation practices in May of 1963.

The Civil Rights Movement was a natural place for that idea to be reborn. Young people were both involuntary martyrs of the movement  most famously after the August 1955 lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till  and leaders seeking change in their own lives. One early example of a young person organizing an act of resistance on her own took place on April 23, 1951, when 16-year-old Barbara Johns led a walkout at the all-black Robert Russa Moton High School in Virginia to protest abysmal conditions. Johns contacted the NAACP, which took her case all the way to the Supreme Court, where it was one of the five cases involved in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education desegregation ruling. The Brown ruling, argues Rebecca de Schweinitz, a professor of History at Brigham Young University and author of If We Could Change the World: Young People and Americas Long Struggle for Racial Equality, put school children at the center of the nations struggle for racial equality.

In explaining why she had to act when she did, Johns quoted the Bible: Our parents ask us to follow them, a classmate later recalled her saying at the time, but in some instancesa little child shall lead them.

People too young to vote played a key role in the movement in the years to follow  for example, four college freshmen led 1960s famous Woolworths lunch counter sit-in  and soon Martin Luther King Jr. and his fellow activists realized another unique role that children could play in their movement. That realization gave rise to an even more famous Childrens Crusade.

On May 2, 1963, more than 1,000 children in Birmingham, Ala., skipped class to demonstrate as part of the controversial protest. According to Kings colleague James Bevel, a key organizer of the campaign, part of the idea was that they knew the participants would likely be arrested, but a high-school student  unlike a worker  could spend time in jail without creating an economic problem for the community.

But the impact the students ended up having was more than just economic. Television footage of Birmingham police commissioner Bull Connor turning police dogs and firehoses on the children was a game-changer for politicians at the national level. That incident, followed by the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in September, which killed four young girls, helped pave the way for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. King scholar Clayborne Carson has described the Childrens Crusade as having turned the tide of the movement.

Despite the brutality they saw during the Childrens Crusade, young people remained at the center of the movement. For example, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee trained African-American children at Freedom Schools, which taught teens everything from black history to how to deal with hostile white peers.

Joined during 1964s Freedom Summer by young men and women who attended colleges in the North, SNCC activists honed in on voting rights as their main goal, even though many of them were not yet old enough to vote themselves. They realized that the surest way to achieve change was through electoral politics, getting African-Americans right to vote, so they could elect people to act in their political and economic interests, says Kevin Gaines, a professor of Africana Studies at Cornell University and author of Uplifting the Race: Black Leadership, Politics, and Culture During the Twentieth Century.

As todays student gun-control activists of the Never Again movement also hope to demonstrate, they showed that being old enough to vote is not a prerequisite to helping to determine who gets elected.

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Anti-War, Pro-Voting

Demonstrators at the University of California, Berkeley, started incorporating SNCCs mass disobedience tactics for campus demonstrations in the fall of 1964. That December, hundreds of students occupied a campus building in what Isserman calls the formative campus confrontation over, among other matters, the rights of students to protest. Inspired by the student protests at Berkeley, student demonstrations spread at campuses nationwide, especially as the war in Vietnam escalated. And the protests werent just at colleges and universities.

A 13-year-old was at the center of one of the cases that significantly weakened that principle of in loco parentis, the idea that students surrender some rights when they go to school, as the school takes on the parental role. Junior high school student Mary Beth Tinker was suspended in 1965 for wearing an armband to school to protest the war in Vietnam. About four years later, in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.

Young people [were] claiming rights and winning them, Isserman says, and changing the legal structure of the country in the process.

Politicians took note of this new level of political activism among students. Along with the War in Vietnam  which led to the refrain Old enough to fight, old enough to vote  recognition of that generations high level of formal schooling and civic education was a factor that led to the movement to lower the voting age to 18. As de Schweinitz writes in Age in America: The Colonial Era to the Present, [it] was hardly accidental that the issue sprouted in 1968, a watershed year when militant youth protests broke out over the Tet Offensive, the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, the release of the Kerner Commission Report, and particularly heated Democratic and Republican national conventions.

By 1970, de Schweinitz notes, Americans in the 18-to-21 age range were already participating in political activities, student-led demonstrations, voter registration drives, and political campaigns. The young person can take the time to look at the system, question it, and attempt to change it, as a 1968 White House report put it.

At 18, 19, and 20, young people are in the forefront of the political processworking, listening, talking, participating Mike Mansfield, the Senate Majority Leader at the time, said during discussion of the matter in 1970. I think those of us above the age of 30 could stand a little educating from these youngsters.

The 26th Amendment, lowering the voting age to 18, was ratified in 1971.

Patricia Keefer at her office in Washington, D.C. in 1971, holding up placards urging 18-year-olds (who have just received to right to vote) to use their power and vote.

What Comes Next

Its too soon to tell what kind of impact the survivors of the school shooting in Parkland will have on the national gun-control debate, but American history suggests that there are two sides to the matter.

On the one hand, it can be hard to sustain a movement that is centered on a place from which its participants are supposed to graduate. Student movements tend to be evanescent, Isserman says. When students graduate, they move on, and its left up to whoever comes along to continue [it]. They rarely leave a kind of institutional framework.

On the other hand, todays student protesters have tools at their disposal that their forebears lacked. While their predecessors in the civil rights movement had local radio DJs spread the word about protests using code words, and student activists today can address the public directly through social media. Plus, at least one idea thats been floated in the wake of the Florida shooting does have historical precedent.

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While theres no major national movement to lower the voting age underway at the moment, one thing about young protesters is already certain. Though eventual graduation can be an obstacle for a student movement, aging out isnt entirely a downside. After all, the young people who march next month for gun control, like the students who marched for civil rights or against war, eventually become the voters they once hoped to convince.
BEIRUT/ANKARA (Reuters) - The Syrian Kurdish YPG militia said on Thursday that fighters backing the Syrian government were deploying on the frontlines to help repel a Turkish assault, but that assistance would be needed from the Syrian army itself. In a move that may ease one of the Syrian government's complaints about the YPG, the militia withdrew from an enclave it holds in Aleppo on Thursday, saying its fighters were needed for the battle in Afrin. "Groups aligned to the Syrian army came to Afrin, but not in the quantity or capacity to stop the Turkish occupation," YPG spokesman Nouri Mahmoud told Reuters. "The Syrian army must fulfill its duty ... to protect Syria's borders." Pro-Damascus militias arrived in the northwesterly Afrin region late on Tuesday in response to a request by the YPG to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government. Hundreds of those fighters have deployed on front lines in Afrin battling Turkish forces, Mahmoud said. But Assad did not send the army itself, a move that could have sparked a wider direct confrontation with Turkey. Ankara, a pro-Assad commander and Kurdish officials have all said recently that Russia intervened to stop Damascus sending the army to defend Afrin after reports of a deal with the Syrian Kurdish forces. While Russia is Assad's strongest ally in the war, it is also working with Turkey, which backs rebel factions, to negotiate a wider settlement to the conflict. "NO DEAL" On Thursday, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said he believed there was no deal in place between the Syrian government and the YPG. "We have information that they have not reached a deal," Bozdag said in a televised interview. However, the YPG commander of a Kurdish-held enclave in Aleppo said the government had regained control over districts there after the militia pulled out to help relieve Afrin. Earlier on Thursday, a witness and a war monitoring group said government forces had moved into the enclave. Assad has repeatedly said he wants to take back every inch of Syria, but the state had tolerated Kurdish control over the Kurdish-majority Sheikh Maqsoud area and nearby Aleppo neighborhoods that the YPG captured from rebels in late 2016. The government and the Kurdish forces control more of Syria than any other side in the war, and any signs of deals between them are closely watched. Both Assad and the YPG regard Turkey as an enemy. Ankara was one of the biggest powers supporting anti-Assad rebels early in the war, and is now targeting the Kurdish militia, which it sees as an offshoot of the PKK insurgency it is fighting at home. Turkey launched its air and ground offensive on Afrin last month, seeking to drive out the YPG, which it deems a security threat along its border. The offensive began slowly as Turkey and its allies struggled to gain ground in the hilly region, but it has begun advancing more quickly. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a U.S.-backed alliance of militias of which the YPG is the strongest part, complained in a statement on Thursday of Turkish air and artillery attacks on the region. Turkey has also accused the YPG of shelling civilian areas. (Reporting by Ellen Francis in Beirut and Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Peter Graff and Kevin Liffey)
By Jon Herskovitz

AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - A trio of inmates are scheduled to be executed on Thursday, one each in Alabama, Florida and Texas, raising the possibility that U.S. prison authorities will carry out three death sentences on the same day for the first time since 2010.

The circumstances behind each case could halt any of the executions, including the one in Texas, where the convict received an unprecedented clemency recommendation. The state has conducted all three of this year's U.S. executions.

In Florida, questions were raised about holding an execution based on a majority, not unanimous, jury decision. In Alabama, lawyers have said the death row inmate is too ill to be executed.

On Tuesday, the Texas parole board in a unanimous decision recommended clemency for Thomas Whitaker, 38, based on his father's request.

The younger Whitaker was convicted of masterminding a 2003 plot against his family in which his mother Tricia, 51, and brother Kevin, 19, were killed. His father, Kent, was shot in the chest and survived.

A devout Christian and retired executive, Kent Whitaker said he had forgiven his son and that his family did not want him to be executed. In a clemency petition, the father said if the death penalty were implemented, it would make his pain worse.

Republican Governor Greg Abbott has the final say. A few hours ahead of the execution, scheduled for 6 p.m. (0000 GMT), he had not yet announced if he planned to commute the sentence to life in prison.

Thomas Whitaker has been moved to a holding cell near the state's death chamber in Huntsville and his father plans to witness the execution if it goes forward, family lawyer Keith Hampton said.

Alabama plans to execute Doyle Hamm, 61, at 6 p.m. (0000 GMT) for the 1987 murder of motel clerk Patrick Cunningham.

Hamm's lawyers have said he has terminal cancer, adding that years of intravenous drug use and untreated lymphoma had made his veins unstable for a lethal injection.

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A court-appointed doctor examined Hamm on Feb. 15 and found he had usable veins, according to court filings.

Florida plans to execute Eric Branch, 47, for the 1993 murder of University of West Florida student Susan Morris.

Lawyers for Branch appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, citing arguments including that the court previously blocked a Florida provision that allows executions for a non-unanimous jury decision and should do so again in this case.

The last time three executions were held on the same day was in January 2010 in Louisiana, Ohio and Texas, according to the non-profit Death Penalty Information Center.

(Reporting by Jon Herskovitz; Additional reporting by David Beasley in Atlanta and Bernie Woodall in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Editing by Grant McCool and Peter Cooney)
Mexico City (AFP) - Jose Antonio Meade, the presidential candidate trying to keep Mexico's deeply unpopular ruling party in power, insisted Wednesday he can still win the July 1 election despite trailing in the polls.

Meade, a well-respected former finance and foreign minister, is struggling under the baggage of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which is so disliked in Mexico these days that it tapped a non-party member as its presidential candidate for the first time in its 89-year history.

After nearly six years of corruption scandals and brutally violent crime under President Enrique Pena Nieto, most voters appear to be looking for change -- either a radical one, in the form of fiery leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (widely known as AMLO), or a more moderate one, in the form of conservative Ricardo Anaya.

Recent polls give Lopez Obrador just over 30 percent of the vote, with Anaya in the 20s and Meade in the teens.

That scenario would make AMLO the winner in Mexico's first-past-the-post election system -- a prospect that makes the business world and the political establishment nervous.

Meade insisted Wednesday his rivals are only ahead because while he was busy serving the country, they were in permanent campaign mode -- Lopez Obrador as a two-time presidential runner-up, Anaya as the former leader of the National Action Party (PAN).

Meade vowed a turnaround once campaign season officially opens on March 30.

"The campaign hasn't even started yet," he said at a briefing with foreign correspondents.

"Honestly, given that we started from zero, as a candidate who had never been on the ballot and never appeared in a campaign ad, we're starting the race in a very competitive position. It would have been impossible to start any better."

He said that while the PRI is being punished as the party in power, voters are also fed up with Lopez Obrador's party, Morena, and Anaya's PAN.

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"They're not just angry with one party. They're angry with all of them," he said.

Meade, 48, has to walk a fine line between disowning and defending the unpopular Pena Nieto.

He praised the outgoing administration for leaving a "transformed Mexico" through sweeping reforms in sectors such as energy, education and telecommunications.

But he also admitted shortcomings, especially on the issue of crime.

"I recognize and assume responsibility for the fact that we're in bad shape in terms of security," he said, after 2017 set a record as the most murderous year ever in Mexico, with more than 25,000 homicides.

But he slammed a proposal by Lopez Obrador to grant amnesty to drug traffickers as a "bad idea."

He put forward a his own proposals to fight the violence blamed on the country's powerful drug cartels, including a crackdown on gun trafficking and massive investment in the country's police.
By Malini Menon NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau traveled to the holiest site of Sikhism in northern India on Wednesday where government leaders said he assured them his country won't support anyone trying to revive a separatist movement in India. Canada is home to an influential Sikh community and Indian leaders say there are some fringe groups there that are still sympathetic to the cause of an independent Sikh state called Khalistan, carved out of India. Trudeau visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest Sikh shrine, and later met Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and addressed the concerns of his hosts, the state leader said. "I am very impressed with my meeting with the prime minister. I raised the issue of Khalistan, because that is our primary issue," Singh said, adding he had received a categorical assurance from Trudeau. "His words are a big relief to all of us here in India and we look forward to his government's support in tackling fringe separatist elements," he said in a Tweet. Former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi sent the military to the Golden Temple to flush out separatists at the height of the revolt in 1984. A few months later, Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards at her home in Delhi. Indian media reports suggested that Trudeau, who is on an extended tour of India along with wife and children, had received a lukewarm reception because of concerns that he was a bit soft on Sikh extremist groups in his country. (Editing by Sanjeev Miglani and Nick Macfie)




Guwahati : A businessman was shot dead by unidentified miscreants in Guwahati this evening.





The incident was took place at Kailashnagar area under Hatigaon police station in the city at around 8-30 pm.





According to the reports, two bikers had shot the businessman identified as Hemanta Chauseria while he returned from his wholesale shop.





The businessman was immediately rushed to a city based private hospital but doctor declared him brought dead.





Police had recovered one 9mm fired cartridge from the area.





Guwahati city police has started investigation into the incident.




President Trump holds notes, including a reminder to say I hear you, during a Wednesday listening session with high school students and teachers affected by school shootings. (Photo: Carolyn Kaster/AP)

On Wednesday, President Trump met at the White House with students and families affected by shootings at schools, including Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The overall goal was to discuss what can be done to prevent school shootings in the future. Eagle-eyed photographers, meanwhile, noticed that the president was holding a briefing note containing prompts for talking points during the session.

The note included reminders to ask the questions What would you most want me to know about your experience? and What can we do to make you feel safe? and to ask survivors for resources they may need and ideas they had, per the Guardian. But the final note, and the one getting the most media attention, seems to be a prompt on what the president should say to convey sympathy to families: simply, I hear you.

Trump didnt actually use any of the questions or phrases that were on the card during the meeting, I hear you included, but he did thank everyone who attended the session. Thank you for pouring out your hearts, he said. The world is watching, and were going to come up with a solution.

President Trump participates in a listening session on gun violence with high school students, teachers, and parents in the State Dining Room of the White House. (Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg)

While Trump didnt say I hear you, the phrase can be powerful when used appropriately. Most people dont feel heard, David Klow, licensed marriage and family therapist, founder of Chicagos Skylight Counseling Center, and author of the book You Are Not Crazy: Letters From Your Therapist, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. Perhaps they feel like others sometimes listen, but often they feel like others are not really hearing what they are saying. Thats why sometimes a simple I hear you can go a long way.

I hear you can convey that youre actually listening to what someone says, youre really taking it in, and really considering it, Gail Saltz, MD, a psychiatrist and the author of The Power of Different: The Link Between Disorder and Genius, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. It may even imply that youre going to respond to it in some way. That is really important in just about any valued relationship, she says. It implies empathy and the ability to listen.

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But intention matters, too. The phrase I hear you is not as important as the genuine intent of a person to listen to the pain of the other person and listen with empathy, clinical psychologist John Mayer, author of Family Fit: Find Your Balance in Life, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. When the phrase is overused, it can actually accomplish the opposite: It can show a lack of empathy, he says.

Saltz agrees. Saying I hear you repeatedly and not actually listening or doing anything to help can make someone come across as untrustworthy, she warns.

If you are, in fact, able to listen to someones pain, it can make them feel like theyre not alone, Mayer says. Empathic listening, i.e., listening and responding to the person in a way that establishes understanding and trust, is a powerful healing tool, Mayer says.

President Trump greets Samuel Zeif, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student. (Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg)

Thats especially true when it comes from a parent or other person in a position of authority. It is soothing, because they are seen as figures that can make a difference in your pain, Mayer says. Authentic listening by people who are in positions of power can also cause tremendous healing for people who are suffering, Klow says.

If you want to use this phrase in your life, Mayer recommends that you do so genuinely. If you dont feel that its right for a particular situation and you still want to convey comfort, he suggests saying something more like, I cant imagine what you are feeling right now, but I can feel your pain and Im here for you. Ultimately, making someone feel heard and appreciated when theyre struggling can go further than any catchphrase.

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This article first appeared on the Council on Foreign Relations site.

President Donald Trumps non-stop flight from Riyadh to Tel Aviv is being described as the first ever non-stop flight between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

That the Saudis allowed this direct flight, usually banned, reflects the fact that the relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia, like that of Israel with a number of Gulf states, has been quietly but perceptibly thawing in recent years.

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This thaw reflects the growing convergence between Israel and the Sunni states of the Arab world, all who share a view that Iran is the biggest threat to their security and regional stability.

Matching that convergence was the message conveyed by President Trump, first in Saudi Arabia and then in Israel, of a geo-strategic shift in U.S. policy.

It was just one year ago that then-President Obama, seeking a modus vivendi with Tehran, said that Americas Gulf allies need to share the Middle East with the Iranians. That view of the Middle East was decisively repudiated this week, with Trump clearly aligning the United States with the majority of the Sunni Arab world, and Israel, against Iran.

Yet despite this shift and some hints of an improved tone, President Trump carried no explicit public message of peace from Riyadh to Tel Aviv on Air Force One. Nor did he explaineither in Riyadh, or in Israelthe specific possibilities for peace between Israel and the larger Arab world.

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Instead, President Trump focused on Palestinian President Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as the committed partners for peace, adding only that the Arab world would like to see the two leaders reach a bilateral agreement.

Without integrating the leaders of the Arab states he just met in Riyadh into a new framework for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, President Trump is unlikely to achieve the peace he seeks. The Arab states have a crucial role to play, both in incentivizing the Israelis to make sacrifices for peace, and in supporting the Palestinians in concluding a conflict-ending agreement with Israel.

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MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty

Perhaps most striking was President Trumps choice not to mention the Arab Peace Initiative (API), which Israel and the Arab states agree can serve as a basis for a comprehensive approach.

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While the API, when proposed by Saudi Arabia in 2002, originally offered peace between Israel and the Arab world after a complete Israeli withdrawal to boundaries existing prior to the 1967 Six Day War, the proposal has since been modified by the Arab states to make it more palatable to Israel.

For several years now, the Arab states have suggested that the plan can serve as a basis for negotiations, and that progress toward Israeli-Palestinian peace can be met with parallel progress toward peace between Israel and other Arab states. Recognizing these changes, Netanyahu last year broke over a decade of official Israeli silence and spoke positively at the Knesset of the API.

Contrasting with President Trumps focus on Israeli-Palestinian peace and his relative silence regarding a regional approach are the comments of Israeli and Arab officials themselves. In Riyadh, it was Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir who praised President Trump for going to Israel as part of an effort to move away from conflict toward partnership.

And it was Netanyahu who noted alongside President Trump that the only variable that may have changed to make peace more attainable is the regional environment, noting that common dangers are turning former enemies into partners. And thats where we see something new and potentially something very promising.

Perhaps in the weeks and months ahead, President Trump will seek to exploit the regional goodwill he hinted at and which exists to facilitate Israeli-Palestinian peace. Other than the new Middle East regional environment, there is little to suggest that myriad obstacles that have prevented a bilateral peace agreement between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palestinian President Abbas before can now be overcome, particularly pursued the same tried and tested way through direct bilateral negotiations.

Unless President Trump adopts a new approachone that integrates the Arab states as active participants in support of a deal, not as bystanders to another round of Israeli-Palestinian negotiationsthere is scant reason to believe the new U.S. president will have any greater success in brokering a peace deal between these two Middle Eastern leaders than did the previous administration.

Robert Danin is senior fellow for Middle East studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also a senior fellow at the Belfer Centers Middle East Initiative at Harvard Universitys Kennedy School.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from Newsweek
Amid a national debate over U.S. gun laws in the wake of last weeks deadly school shooting in Parkland, Fla., President Trump on Thursday pledged action and laid out his ideas for school safety  even as the National Rifle Association is resisting calls for change.

No better time to discuss it than right now, Trump said during a meeting with state and local officials at the White House. I think were making a lot of progress.

The president said he saw a great feeling, including at the NRA, and among legislators of both parties, in favor of action.

Specifically, he endorsed increasing the minimum age, which is currently 18, for buying certain firearms.

It should all be at 21, Trump said. And the NRA will back it.

The NRA has yet to signal for any changes to current gun laws. On Wednesday, the gun lobby said it opposed any new legislation increasing the age requirement on firearm purchases.

The president said he was not concerned.

Theyre ready to do things, they want to do things, Trump said. You know, theyre good people. Theyre patriots. They love this country.

The president said lawmakers must tackle the issue of mental health, calling the suspected gunman in the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School a sicko.

Trump said he is pledging to take action on guns, unlike his predecessor, President Obama.

For many years  people sitting in my position did not take action, Trump said. Were going to take action.

But Obama did take action, or tried to. Following the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., he created a task force to study possible actions and backed a bipartisan bill to expand background checks. But the legislation failed to pass the Republican-controlled Senate. Obama called it a pretty shameful day for Washington. In 2016, Obama announced a series of executive actions to reduce gun violence.

President Trump speaks at a meeting on school safety with state and local officials. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP)

At the White House Thursday, Trump said he called many senators the night before to gauge their support for expanded background checks.

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Theyre into doing background checks that they wouldnt be thinking about maybe two weeks ago, the president said.

Earlier Thursday, Trump doubled down on the suggestion he made at a meeting Wednesday with school shooting survivors and family members that teachers and administrators ought to be armed.

In a series of tweets, Trump suggested giving guns to adept teachers with military or special training experience  or about 20 percent of U.S. teachers, he said  so that they could immediately fire back if a savage sicko came to a school with bad intentions.

Highly trained teachers would also serve as a deterrent to the cowards that do this, Trump added. Far more assets at much less cost than guards. A gun free school is a magnet for bad people. ATTACKS WOULD END!

At the school safety meeting, Trump floated another idea: paying teachers a little bit of a bonus to carry guns.

I want my schools protected just like I want my banks protected, the president said. We have to harden our sites.

Trump said that for would-be killers, gun-free zones  such as those at U.S. schools  is like going in for ice cream.

We need offensive as well as defensive, he said. If we dont have offensive measures within these schools, youre just kidding yourselves, folks.  Unless youre going to have offensive capability, youre wasting your time.

The president suggested violent imagery on the Internet and in video games are also to blame for shaping the thoughts of troubled teenagers.

We have to look at the Internet because a lot of bad things are happening to young kids and young minds and their minds are being formed, and we have to do something about maybe what theyre seeing and how theyre seeing it, Trump said. And also video games. Im hearing more and more people say the level of violence on video games is really shaping young peoples thoughts. And you go one further step and thats the movies.

Trump also said he sees active shooter drills, which have been commonplace in schools since the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado, as a very negative thing.

I dont like it. Id much rather have a hardened school, Trump said. I think its crazy. I think its very hard on children.

Trump also turned his attention to other issues beyond school safety, including the Justice Departments prosecution of MS-13 gang members.

Theyre killing people  not necessarily with guns, cause thats not painful enough, Trump said. This is what they think. They want to do it painfully and they want to do it slowly. So they cut them up with knives. They dont use guns, they use knives, because they want it to be a long, painful death.

Trump deplored inaction by so-called sanctuary cities in California on assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in deporting MS-13 members. The president threatened to pull ICE from the state altogether.

Were getting no help from the state of California, Trump said. Frankly, if I wanted to pull our people from California, you would have a crime nest like you would never see.

Read more from Yahoo News:
By Jeff Mason and Zachary Fagenson WASHINGTON/TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Reuters) - Students galvanized by the deadly mass shooting at a Florida high school confronted lawmakers on Wednesday with demands to restrict sales of assault rifles, while President Donald Trump suggested arming teachers as a way to stop more U.S. rampages. The unprecedented lobbying effort by groups of teenagers and parents at the White House and at the Florida statehouse in Tallahassee played out as fellow students staged classroom walkouts and rallies in cities across the country. Trump held an emotional, hour-long meeting with students who survived the Florida shooting and a parent whose child did not. He said arming teachers and other school staff could help prevent future mass shootings, voicing support for an idea backed by the powerful National Rifle Association gun lobby. The Republican president, who has championed gun rights and was endorsed by the NRA during the 2016 campaign, said he would move quickly to tighten background checks for gun buyers and would consider raising the age for buying certain types of guns. The attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 17 students and educators were killed on Feb. 14 in the second-deadliest shooting at a U.S. public school, has revived the long-running U.S. debate over gun rights. Investigators said the assault was carried out by 19-year-old former Stoneman Douglas student Nikolas Cruz, who purchased an AR-15-style assault weapon nearly a year ago. "Nikolas Cruz was able to purchase an assault rifle before he was able to buy a beer," said Stoneman Douglas student Laurenzo Prado, referring to a Florida law that allows people as young as 18 to buy assault weapons. "The laws of the country have failed," he told reporters at the Florida state capital. Lawmakers in Tallahassee said they would consider raising the age limit to 21, the same standard for handguns and alcohol, although the state Senate opted on Wednesday not to take up a gun control measure. The U.S. Constitution protects the right of Americans to bear arms, a measure fiercely defended by Republicans. However, Trump has come under pressure to act. Trump spoke at length during the televised White House "listening session", attended by students, parents and people affected by other U.S. school shootings, about how armed teachers and security guards could frighten off potential shooters and prevent more deaths. "If you had a teacher ... who was adept at firearms, they could very well end the attack very quickly," he said, while acknowledging the proposal was controversial. Some of the meeting participants indicated support. Others were opposed. Mark Barden, whose son was killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut, said his wife, Jackie, a teacher "will tell you that school teachers have more than enough responsibilities right now than to have to have the awesome responsibility of lethal force to take a life." 'WEAPON OF WAR' A task force backed by the NRA recommended more armed guards and teachers in schools after the Sandy Hook shooting. Trump listened intently to ideas from about 40 people, including those from six students who survived the Florida shooting. "I don't understand why I could still go in a store and buy a weapon of war," said Sam Zeif, 18, sobbing after he described texting his family members during the attack. "Let's never let this happen again, please, please." Trump sat in the middle of a semi-circle in the White House State Dining Room. Photographers captured images of his handwritten note card with questions and responses such as: "What would you most want me to know about your experience?" and "I hear you." In Tallahassee, students demanded that lawmakers restrict sales of assault rifles. Some wore T-shirts and carried signs reading: "We call B.S.," one of the slogans of the movement started by the survivors. Trump also said he was open to looking at age limits, among other measures, and lamented the closure of many mental institutions that helped assess violent people. "There's no ... middle ground of having that institution where you had trained people that could handle it and do something about it," Trump said. 'PATHETICALLY WEAK' Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter was killed at Stoneman Douglas, told Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida at a town hall program televised on CNN on Wednesday night his comments and those of the president's in the past week had been "pathetically weak." Rubio, under fire for saying the problems could not be solved by gun laws alone, said he would support a law that would prevent 18-year-olds from buying a rifle as well as a ban on "bump stocks," an accessory that enables a rifle to shoot hundreds of rounds a minute. Ashley Kurth, a Republican teacher who protected more than 60 people in her classroom, questioned Rubio about Trump's proposal to arm teachers. "Am I supposed to get extra training now to serve and protect? ... Am I supposed to get a Kevlar vest? Am I supposed to strap it (the gun) to my leg or put it in my desk?" Rubio responded that the idea of arming teacher was wrong. NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch told the crowd of several thousand people the gun lobby wanted to prevent people with mental illness that make them a danger to themselves and others from getting firearms, and that authorities needed to do a better job of following up on warning signs. "I don't believe that this insane monster should have ever been able to obtain a firearm. This individual was nuts," she said of the suspected school shooter. Trump directed the Justice Department on Tuesday to work on a regulation that would effectively ban bump stocks. Last October, a retired real estate investor used multiple assault rifles equipped with bump stocks to kill 58 people at a Las Vegas outdoor concert, the deadliest attack by a single gunman in U.S. history. Bump stocks have not played a prominent role in other recent U.S. mass shootings. The NRA opposes an outright ban on bump stocks but has said it would be open to restrictions on them. (Additional reporting by Katanga Johnson in Parkland, Fla., Bernie Woodall in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas, Keith Coffman in Denver and Roberta Rampton, Richard Cowan, Susan Heavey, Doina Chiacu, Mohammad Zargham and Eric Beech in Washington; Writing by Scott Malone, Roberta Rampton and Jeff Mason; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe, Peter Cooney and Paul Tait)
WASHINGTON (AP)  Spilling out wrenching tales of lost lives and stolen security, students and parents appealed to President Donald Trump on Wednesday to set politics aside and protect America's school children from the scourge of gun violence. Trump listened intently to the raw emotion and pledged action, including the possibility of arming teachers.

"I turned 18 the day after" the shooting, said a tearful Samuel Zeif, a student at the Florida high school where a former student's assault left 17 dead last week. "Woke up to the news that my best friend was gone. And I don't understand why I can still go in a store and buy a weapon of war. An AR. How is it that easy to buy this type of weapon? How do we not stop this after Columbine? After Sandy Hook?"

Trump promised to be "very strong on background checks." And he suggested he supported allowing some teachers and other school employees to carry concealed weapons to be ready for intruders. But largely he listened, holding handwritten notes bearing his message to the families. "I hear you" was written in black marker.

The president had invited the teen survivors of school violence and parents of murdered children in a show of his resolve against gun violence in the wake of last week's shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and in past years at schools in Connecticut and Colorado. The latest episode has prompted a renewed and growing call for stronger gun control.

Trump invited his guests to suggest solutions and solicited feedback. He did not fully endorse any specific policy solution, but pledged to take action and expressed interest in widely differing approaches.

Besides considering concealed carrying of weapons by trained school employees, a concept he has endorsed in the past, he said he planned to go "very strongly into age, age of purchase." And he said he was committed to improving background checks and working on mental health.

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Most in the group were emotional but quiet and polite.

But Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was killed last week, noted the previous school massacres and raged over his loss, saying this moment isn't about gun laws but about fixing the schools.

"It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it and I'm pissed. Because my daughter, I'm not going to see again," said Pollack. "King David Cemetery, that is where I go to see my kid now."

A strong supporter of gun rights, Trump has nonetheless indicated in recent days that he is willing to consider ideas not in keeping with National Rifle Association orthodoxy, including age restrictions for buying assault-type weapons. Still, gun owners are a key part of his base of supporters.

The NRA quickly rejected any talk of raising the age for buying long guns to 21.

"Legislative proposals that prevent law-abiding adults aged 18-20 years old from acquiring rifles and shotguns effectively prohibits them for purchasing any firearm, thus depriving them of their constitutional right to self-protection," the group said in a statement.

Several dozen people assembled in the White House State Dining Room. Among them were students from Parkland along with their parents. Also present were parents of students killed in massacres at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, and Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. Students and parents from the Washington area also were present.

The student body president at the Parkland school, Julia Cordover, tearfully told Trump that she "was lucky enough to come home from school."

She added, "I am confident you will do the right thing."

Trump later tweeted that he would "always remember" the meeting. "So much love in the midst of so much pain. We must not let them down. We must keep our children safe!!"

Not all the students impacted by the shooting came to the White House.

David Hogg, who has been one of the students actively calling for gun control was invited but declined, said his mother Rebecca Boldrick.

"His point was (Trump needs) to come to Parkland, we're not going there," she said.

Throughout the day Wednesday, television news showed footage of student survivors of the violence marching on the Florida state Capitol, calling for tougher laws. The protests came closer to Trump, too, with hundreds of students from suburban Maryland attending a rally at the Capitol and then marching to the White House.

Inside the executive mansion, Trump said at the end of an hour listening to tales of pain and anguish, "Thank you for pouring out your hearts because the world is watching and we're going to come up with a solution."

Television personality Geraldo Rivera had dinner with Trump at his private Palm Beach club over the weekend and described Trump as "deeply affected" by his visit Friday with Parkland survivors. In an email, Rivera said he and Trump discussed the idea of raising the minimum age to purchase assault-type weapons.

Trump "suggested strongly that he was going to act to strengthen background checks," Rivera said.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said Wednesday they would introduce a bill to raise the minimum age required to purchase rifles from gun dealers, including assault weapons such as the AR-15.

"A kid too young buy a handgun should be too young to buy an #AR15," Flake said on Twitter. A buyer must be 21 to purchase a handgun from a licensed gun dealer.

Trump embraced gun rights during his presidential campaign, though he supported some gun control before he became a candidate, backing an assault weapons ban and a longer waiting period to purchase a gun in a 2000 book.

On Tuesday, Trump directed the Justice Department to move to ban devices like the rapid-fire bump stocks used in last year's Las Vegas massacre. The White House has also said Trump was looking at a bill that would strengthen federal gun background checks.

But those moves have drawn criticism as being inadequate, with Democrats questioning whether the Justice Department even has authority to regulate bump stocks and arguing that the background check legislation would not go far enough.

The department said its review of whether bump stocks are federally prohibited is ongoing but did not say how Trump's order would affect that.

An effort to pass bump stock legislation last year fizzled out.

On background checks, Trump has suggested he is open to a bipartisan bill developed in response to a mass shooting at a Texas church. It would penalize federal agencies that don't properly report required records and reward states that comply by providing them with federal grant preferences.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said the bill is "a small step," but said Democrats want to see universal background check legislation.

Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania said Wednesday that he'll probably reintroduce bipartisan legislation that would require background checks for all gun purchases online and at gun shows. He said he planned to discuss the idea with Trump.

That bill first emerged with backing from Toomey and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia following the 2012 slaying of 26 children and adults in Connecticut's Sandy Hook Elementary School. It failed then and at least one more time since.

But Darrell Scott, the father of Columbine High School victim Rachel Scott, said he felt the president had been moved by the group's words.

"I feel like there's a different tone in the air," he said, "than there has been before."

___

Associated Press writers Jill Colvin and Sadie Gurman contributed from Washington. Marc Levy contributed from Harrisburg and Alina Hartounian from Phoenix.
Angelica Jade Bastien tells the story of her mental illness. (Photo: Getty Images, design by Quinn Lemmers for Yahoo Lifestyle)

What does it mean to be black today? For Black History Month, Yahoo Lifestyle will explore this question in wide-ranging personal essays, video features, and Q&As that focus on the nuances of black culture. In this personal essay, writer Angelica Jade Bastien tells the story of her mental illness and how its been complicated by the Strong Black Woman archetype.

In late November 2017, just as the air grew crisp in Chicago and jack-o-lanterns still lined the streets, I was institutionalized in the wake of a suicide attempt.

This was not my first hospitalization. At ages 13 and 17, I had found myself in similar circumstances. But at 28, such an event had an even bigger effect, a profoundly destabilizing effect  the wave of its impact far wider than any I had previously known. Months later, I am still mired in recovery, still parsing out the circumstances that led to my hospitalization.

Much of what happened remains bundled into emotions I havent fully untangled, but what I do know is this: Outside help pulled me through. My friends and colleagues rallied around me, and it was they who, the day after I tried to take my own life, were able to connect me with the executive director of the Chicago branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She stayed with me on the phone throughout that afternoon and ultimately accompanied me to the hospital where I planned to get a psychiatric referral. In that day after I had been trying to die, her voice was my tether to reality.

When we arrived at the hospital, a crisis worker decided that my desire for a mere psychiatric referral wasnt enough; I needed in-patient hospitalization. I didnt voluntarily decide to be hospitalized. I was so distraught after the night before that I couldnt comprehend what was going on. I didnt understand that the crisis worker was leading me deeper into the hospital in order for me to be held under supervision, to be stripped of my clothes and belongings. Upon admission, I was left alone and confused in a cold, small room. When I asked for clarity, I was given muddled answers until the crisis worker returned to tell me the decision she had made: hospitalization. I got angry. I panicked.

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I remember holding onto small details: the buzzing of the fluorescent lights above me, the muted conversations among the nurses, who avoided my gaze as I wailed in agony. In that moment, the neat fictions I had been wrapping myself in  namely that I was as unerringly strong as people believed me to be, that my successful career as a writer was enough to fill me with happiness, that I was a Strong Black Woman  all shattered, leaving me with nothing but the chilling realities I had been ignoring all along. I required far more care than I had previously afforded myself. I had been putting a Band-Aid on a gaping psychological wound. I needed help. I couldnt do this alone.

When we arrived at the hospital, a crisis worker decided that my desire for a mere psychiatric referral wasnt enough; I needed in-patient hospitalization. (Photo: Getty Images, design by Quinn Lemmers for Yahoo Lifestyle)

In this strange holding area where I was kept before being sent to the psych ward, countless increasingly terrifying scenarios ran through my mind in prismatic detail: Id lose my job or, at best, the esteem of my colleagues; my two cats would starve without me to care for them; no one would visit me; Id be here for weeks, my holiday season a mordant debacle of lukewarm turkey dinners and middling group therapy. I saw in my future cold nights punctuated only by the watchful eyes of nurses, tracking my every move to make certain my suicidal impulses werent manifesting into real-world possibility. The reality turned out to be quite different.

The initial hours of my nearly weeklong stay were dehumanizing. But after the first couple of nights, I felt renewed. I was able to focus in ways that I hadnt for months. I actually ate three meals a day and slept eight hours a night. I woke up at 6:15 a.m. every morning like clockwork when a nurse doing her rounds would come to check my vitals. In the mental hospital, I felt like my best self  better than Id felt in two years. Through group therapy and psychiatrist sessions, I became acutely aware that I had adopted an archetype in my non-hospital life  the Strong Black Woman. I had taken this persona on in order to distract myself from the tangled knots of trauma that had taken over my life and brain. The suicide attempt proved one thing to me: My Strong Black Woman exterior wasnt working. I couldnt circumvent my issues any longer; the only way out was through.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, colloquially referred to as NAMI, notes on its site that African Americans are 20 percent more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population. When looking at the myriad factors that often make it difficult for black people to find care  cultural, financial, social, religious  I am not surprised. How can you ask for help when you never learn the language of vulnerability? How can you be expected to trust psychiatrists and therapists when the world never acknowledges black womens humanity  let alone our pain?

The Strong Black Woman is an archetype Ive rallied against in all its cultural manifestations. The Strong Black Woman is a trap  but its an easy trap to fall into. I know, I did. I adopted the appearance of strength as a way to isolate myself, to harden myself against the world. If I appear unbreakable and ignore my pain, perhaps it will cease to be, I thought. Perhaps its this curated visage that has deluged my inbox with messages from advice-seeking young girls and black parents reaching out for help. Yes, in many ways, I am strong. Ive survived a lot. I have a remarkable self-awareness. I have a successful career. But I am human, not an archetype.

The Strong Black Woman doesnt cry. She doesnt ask for help. She doesnt drink and spend too much money to blunt the pain. She doesnt learn to hold onto small joys  a sunny day in the middle of winter, a surprising call from a close friend, a warm hug from a cherished lover, the last of her own crawfish etouffee made only for her delight. But now, I do.

I dont have all the answers, even for myself, but I do know the appearance of endless strength can hide a deep well of yearning and unspoken vulnerability. And I do know that our culture often pushes black women into feeling that a facade of strength is the only way to deal with pain.

When navigating conversations about strength in white spaces, I feel a prickling trepidation. White colleagues have grown tongue-tied discussing my work and acknowledging the racial history that fuels it. Its as if they think Im made of glass: One false move, and Ill crack. Other times, I worry that people see me as already broken or even worse, another damaging archetype altogether, a Crazy Black Bitch. These interactions have sparked an important belief that has been cultivated only in recent years: the importance of being treated by mental health professionals with a shared cultural understanding.

The reality of thriving with mental illness as a black woman shifts through the prism of upbringing and sexuality, class, and culture. As an Afro-Latina dealing during my hospital stay with bipolar type II and a tentative diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, I can only speak fully to my own experiences. For the first time in my adult life, I have the insurance and financial capability to get the care I need. I see a therapist every week. I recently joined an intensive outpatient group I meet with three times a week that uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I hope to learn new coping skills, reframe the often venomously negative way I think about myself, and adhere to structure. Ive been lucky to have a black woman as a therapist for the past year. I am lucky that the psychiatrist assigned to me in the hospital was also a black woman, and that when I turned our conversations to specific cultural norms that affected my care, she looked at me not with confusion but with understanding.

Accessing such care is immensely difficult if you dont have the privileges I have recently gained, but it is possible. (Photo: Getty Images, design by Quinn Lemmers for Yahoo Lifestyle)

Accessing such care is immensely difficult if you dont have the privileges I have recently gained, but it is possible. If youre looking for help, ask therapists about sliding-scale payments. If that doesnt work, turn to clinicians in training at universities, as they offer very affordable therapy. NAMI also has great programs. The NAMI Chicago executive director took time out of her day to calm me down and even accompany me to the hospital to make sure I didnt try to hurt myself again, in an act of kindness so surprising and beautiful it gave me hope in the world that I wasnt sure I would ever find. Use meditation apps. Keep the basics in check  get sleep, eat well, get exercise. Think of the people you have around you. Is there one person you trust to lend support when you struggle to find strength within yourself? Reach out to them when you need to. None of us dealing with mental illness can survive alone.

There are a few widely held narratives about black women with mental illness, and those that exist often end in tragedy. The only other option society seems to recognize is to live as a Strong Black Woman. But what about living as a black woman who is strong, who is managing her mental illness, who is vulnerable, and smart, and knows when to ask for help?

The great actress Jenifer Lewis, currently appearing on Black-ish, used her recent memoir, The Mother of Black Hollywood, to interrogate the lived reality of her bipolar disorder and sex addiction. We are as sick as our secrets, so I tell everything, she told People Magazine about her book. This is a truth black people deserve to hear and understand. In revealing our traumas and mental health struggles to the right caregivers, we can find peace, rather than only pain. And its only in confronting the truth of mental illness  culturally, racially, personally  that grace is ever possible.

And so, I tell everything.

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Turkey has raised the possibility of opening a new dialogue with Syria as its supporters threatened to join Kurds in resisting a Turkish invasion in the northwestern district of Afrin.

Ankara initially denied Tuesday that a massive convoy of fighters supportive of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad an ally of both Russia and Iranentered the Kurd-held enclave and later claimed that Turkish airstrikes turned the incoming forces back. Videos surfaced of pro-Syrian government and Kurdish fighters chanting "one Syria," in celebration of an alliance that Ibrahim Kalin, spokesman for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said Wednesday would have "serious consequences" for Assad partisans.

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Kalin also said in a televised address, however, that Turkish intelligence officials "may establish direct or indirect contact when it is required to solve certain problems under extraordinary conditions," Bloomberg News reported. His remarks hinted at the potential for renewed contact between the neighbors, who have been on poor terms since Turkey helped sponsor a 2011 uprising against Assad.

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Assad has called Turkey and the U.S. "invaders" because their military presence backed non-state actors in Syria. Turkey, the U.S. and Gulf Arab states backed various insurgent groups opposed to Assad's rule, but this opposition has become severely splintered by ideological infighting and competition with jihadi groups such as the Islamic State militant group and others affiliated with Al-Qaeda.

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Turkey remained a supporter of the rebel Free Syrian Army, but the U.S. switched its focus to Kurdish militias that later formed most of the Syrian Democratic Forces. Turkey has criticized the U.S. over its backing of Kurdish groups such as the People's Protection Units (YPG) because Ankara alleged they were linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party, a militant group responsible for decades of violence across Turkey.

While the U.S. remained a staunch opponent of Assad's leadership in Syria, Pentagon-backed Kurds have been more concerned with greater autonomy in northern Syria than total regime change. Syrian Kurds have long protested Assad's policies seen as suppressing their cultural identity, but Turkish backing for the Syrian opposition has more seriously alienated them, resulting in frequent clashes between formerly CIA-backed Syrian rebel groups and the Pentagon-backed Kurdish force.

In at least two incidents both factions blamed on each other, unprecedented violence broke out between pro-Syrian government fighters and the U.S. coalition-backed, majority-Kurd Syrian Democratic Forces in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor. The Syrian military has still continued to allow Kurdish fighters to move freely throughout the wide swaths of the territory it has retaken with the help of Russian airpowerand an array of mostly Shiite Muslim local and international militias backed by Iran.

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Despite warnings by the U.S.-led coalition that it would not support Kurds leaving the fight against ISIS in Deir Ezzor, Kurdish fighters have continued arriving in Afrin. Although Russia urged its own Syrian partners to seek dialogue with Turkey, Syrian pro-government militias have heeded Kurdish calls to join the fight against Ankara and its partnered Syrian rebels.

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The U.S. has criticized the Turkish operation in Afrin as "impeding the task to eliminate ISIS" in eastern Syria, but it has stopped short of taking action against its NATO Western military alliance partner. Russia also appealed to Ankara, but it neglected to intervene against another third of the Russia-Iran-Turkey partnership that Moscow has championed as the most effective way to bring an end to the nearly seven-year civil war in Syria.

Erdogan previously suggested he may be open to talks with Assad in November, but only based on the understanding that the Syrian leader would turn against Kurdish groups his supporters now appeared to have joined forces with. The decision by Assad's father and presidential predecessor, Hafez al-Assad, to expel Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan in 1998 allowed the two states to grow relatively close. They fell out over the 2011 rebellionwhich has been largely overcomebut it has left Kurds in control of much of northern Syria and lucrative oil fields in the east.

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Thousands of people are being arrested and jailed each year because of outstanding civil debts, despite the United States banning debtors' prisons nearly 200 years ago, according to a new report from the American Civil Liberties Union.

An estimated 77 million Americans have debt that has been turned over to a private collection agency, the ACLU claims. The union has alleged that private debt collectors are partnering with local courts and prosecutors' offices to use the criminal justice system to punish debtors and to try to force repayments, even when debts are in dispute.

The ACLU said it found courts in 26 states and in Puerto Rico where judges has issued arrest warrants for alleged debtors at the request of private debt collectors.

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Debtors prisons were abolished by Congress in 1833, but the ACLU said courts have issued tens of thousands of arrest warrants every year for people who fail to show up in court to deal with unpaid civil debt judgments.

"The private debt collection industry uses prosecutors and judges as weapons against millions of Americans who cant afford to pay their bills, said Jennifer Turner, the principal human rights researcher at the ACLU and author of the "A Pound of Flesh: The Criminalization of Private Debt" report, which the union has touted as the first-ever glimpse into the impact of cooperation between courts and the private debt collection industry.

Consumers have little chance of justice when our courts take the debt collectors side in almost every caseeven to the point of ordering people jailed until they pay up," Turner added in a statement provided by the ACLU.

The Urban Institute estimates that one in three adults in the U.S. has had a debt that has been turned over to a private collection company, with more than 6,000 of these companies operating in the U.S.

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The ACLU said that thousands of these debtors have been arrested and jailed, with many more being threatened with imprisonment. The report tells the stories of dozens of people who said they have been threatened with arrest over their outstanding debts.

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Tracie Mozie of Dickinson, Texas said two armed U.S. marshals entered her bedroom in 2014 to arrest her for failing to appear in court over a $1,500 federal student loan she took out in 1986 to pay for truck-driving school.

They had a warrant for my arrest and I asked them for what, he didnt say what it was for. He said, Hell tell you later, Dickinson told researchers.

Mozie said she had a prosthetic leg, which she had to put on before marshals could shackle her feet and waist before taking her into custody.

She said she could not afford to pay back her loan, which had grown to more than $13,000 with interest and fees, because she is unemployed and living on disability benefits.

Mozie described how she is still shaken from the experience of being jailed overnight, telling researchers: Im scared someone is going to come to my door and get me again.

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In another case cited in the report, a single mother in Missouri told researchers she was arrested and jailed for three days after she failed to pay back a high-interest payday loan of $425.

The tyranny of the private debt collection industry causes financial ruin for people already struggling to make ends meet, and courts are willing to routinely violate peoples due process rights to do debt collectors dirty work, Turner said.

Our courts have become mills for these companies, approving without evaluating scores of arrest warrants, wage garnishments, property seizures, default judgments, and other legal actions against consumers accused by debt collectors of owing money," she added.

The ACLU said researchers analyzed more than 1,000 cases in which judges issued arrest warrants for alleged debtors and found that courts helped debt collectors "coerce alleged debtors to pay up, even when there's no evidence the debt is owed or when the person isn't legally required to pay."

"For example, many judges issue the requested warrants without checking whether the person has the ability to pay," the ACLU said.

Turner also said the use of the court system to collect debt impacts "Black and Latino people most harshly because of longstanding gaps in poverty and wealth."

"The impact of predatory debt collection practices falls most heavily on minority communities, who often lack the savings, financial assets, or inherited wealth to avoid financial disaster," she said. "And some studies show there are marked racial disparities in which communities debt collectors choose to target for lawsuits.

The ACLU report calls for legislation that would prohibit courts from issuing arrest warrants in debt collection proceedings and ensure that people cannot be jailed over civil debts that they "haven't been notified about, can't pay or aren't legally obligated to pay."

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The man who blew himself up in front of the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro on Thursday was a Serbian national who espoused a dislike of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on his social media pages.

The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Dalibor Jaukovic from Kraljevo, Serbia, threw an explosive device at the U.S. Embassy and then killed himself with a second explosive. No one was injured in the attack aside from Jaukovic, and little damage was done to the embassy, police said.

According to posts on his Facebook page, Jaukovic served in the Yugoslav army in 1999, the year NATO bombed Yugoslavia to put an end to massacres taking place in the country. He had been living in Montenegros capital, Podgorica, until his death, on Thursday.

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In May 2017, Jaukovic posted a picture of a letter signed by the late Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevicwho ruled the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia between 1997 and 2000and a picture of a Yugoslav army medal. Our mothers didnt weep for NATO, the caption reads.

The most recent post on the suspects Facebook was a meme generator that created an image of President Donald Trump commenting on the suspects Facebook profile picture. Dalibor, with this photo you win dinner in the White House with Melania, the generated caption read.

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Montenegro became the 29th and most recent NATO member in June 2017. The regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin has worked incessantly to curb NATOs influence in Europe, specifically in countries like Montenegro that Russia considered an ally.

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Many Serbs feel an antipathy toward NATO and NATO membership due to their experience with their 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia, and Russia exploits this sentiment to spread its own influence in the region.

Its clear that NATO membership remains contentious in the region, at least among self-professed Serb nationalists. And its a sentiment Russia has ably manipulated through both its media networks and official diplomacy to achieve its aim of keeping the Balkans militarily neutral, Jasmin Mujanovic, a U.S.-based Balkans analyst, told Newsweek.

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Still, as Podgorica realized, NATO is imperative for truly stabilizing the region, for ensuring [a] democratic process can take place in an environment of permanent security, Mujanovic continued.

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In July, Montenegro launched a trial against 14 people accused of attempting to foment a coup detat in 2016, as well as to assassinate the countrys Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, who spearheaded the countrys entry into NATO. The government of Montenegro says a group of Russian and Serbian nationals had plotted to kill Djukanovic to prevent the countrys NATO membership.

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Kohima: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said that, religion should never surface during election time and that religion and politics should never be mixed.





During an election campaign rally of BJP candidate of 30 A/C Alongtaki A/C, Temjen Imna Along, at Longto in Mokokchung district Rijiju said that, religion is above everything. Christianity is serving the humanity, all are children of God and all are equal.





Politics is a daily democratic affair and in a democracy elections are held every five years. Therefore, even if one supports a certain political party, they should not condemn another political party, Rijiju said.





The Union MoS for Home said that, every day the BJP is becoming more popular and in the last four years of BJP rule in the country, there has not been a single case of corruption against the BJP ministers or leaders.





As the popularity of BJP is growing everyday in the state, some people are spreading false rumours and trying to create confusion. Mixing religion with politics is a sin. Who are these people misguiding the people, Rijiju said.





Rijiju further said that, in the last 60 years of Congress rule, the Congress had not brought any significant development in the country and therefore had nothing to boast of its achievements but only criticize the BJP.





The minister further reiterated that the BJP government under Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has special concern for the Nagas.





He said when election was declared for the state of Nagaland, every political party including the NPF and NNDP wanted to have an alliance with the BJP.





Rijiju said that, if the BJP was really hungry for power, then it would have contested all 60 seats on its own. However taking into consideration the future and aspirations of the Naga people, the BJP decided to have an alliance with a regional party.





So finally, the party leadership met in Delhi took a decision that Nagaland being a sensitive state and its problem unique and with the ongoing political negotiations, the need for a regional political party led by a tall and senior leader when the framework agreement is signed for the greater interest of Nagas, Rijiju said.





To escalate the BJPs election campaign in Nagaland, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the poll bound state and to address an election rally in Tuensang along with the Myanmar border.





Rijiju said that, Modi choose to come to ENPO area as the Eastern Nagas were facing the most hardships.





He said Modi himself would announce what he can offer to the Eastern Naga people.




An unknown assailant threw an explosive device at the U.S. embassy in Montenegro early Thursday before killing himself with another explosive.

The attacker threw the device into the embassy complex, the government of Montenegro confirmed, before being killed in a second explosion.

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The blast did not injure anyone within the embassy compound, which was closed at the time, or damage the building, a State Department official told the New York Times. The official also confirmed that embassy staff had been asked not to come in to work Thursday as a security precaution.

The embassy released a notice warning American citizens to avoid the complex until further notice due to anactive security situation. Local police sealed off the area around the embassy, located in Podgorica, the countrys capital.

At this time, embassy officials are working closely with police to identify the assailant(s), State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement on Twitter, referring questions about the evolving investigation to local authorities. The embassy is currently conducting an internal review to confirm the safety of all staff, Nauert said.

Montenegro, a country of 600,000 people, is located in Europes southeastern Balkan region. It declared independence from neighboring Serbia in 2006, and became the newest NATO member country last year.Speaking with TIME last year, pro-western Prime Minister Dusko Markovi?, touted the countrys strategic position as a bulwark against expanding Russian political and military influence.
(Reuters) - AstraZeneca Plc said on Wednesday an advisory committee of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the use of its FluMist Quadrivalent vaccine in the upcoming flu season, reversing its earlier position. In 2016, the agency advised doctors not to use the nasal spray citing data that demonstrated it was not effective at preventing influenza. (http://reut.rs/2sJavQ5) The latest recommendation follows results from a U.S. study in young children that showed vaccines containing a 2017-2018 strain of H1N1 flu virus performed better than the 2015-2016 strain that had shown decreased effectiveness, AstraZeneca said. The announcement arrives in the midst of the most severe flu season the country has experienced in decades. As of Feb. 3, 63 infants died this season, the CDC reported earlier, adding outbreaks were likely to linger for several weeks and cause more deaths. The company said limited quantities of the vaccine continue to be available for the current season. FluMist, made by an AstraZeneca subsidiary, was first approved in 2003. (Reporting by Tamara Mathias in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
TIRANA (Reuters) - The United States urged Albania on Wednesday to avoid "careless language" after its prime minister suggested a single president and single security policy for both his country and neighboring Kosovo in a speech that infuriated Serbia. Serbia is sensitive to any talk of unification of its former province of Kosovo, which has a majority ethnic Albanian population, and Albania. Addressing Kosovo's parliament on Sunday on the 10th anniversary of the country's independence from Belgrade, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said: "Kosovo and Albania will have a single foreign policy and not just the same embassies and diplomatic representations, but why not one president, a symbol of national unity, and one national security policy." Rama later complained that his comments had been taken out of context, but the European Union said they were "not helpful" and Serbia accused the Albanian premier of seeking to build a "Greater Albania" in the region. The U.S. embassy in Tirana expressed disappointment with Rama's comments. "Careless language alluding to unification is unhelpful and damaging to Albania's relationships with its neighbours. We call on all leaders to be good neighbours and abandon the divisive language of the past," it said in a statement. The United States spearheaded NATO's bombing of Serbia in 1999 that eventually led to Kosovo's declaration of independence, but is anxious not to undermine the stability of the Balkan region. Albania, Kosovo and Serbia all aspire to join the EU one day, but Washington still wields more influence in Tirana and Pristina than does Brussels. Albania is also a member of the U.S.-led NATO alliance. (Reporting By Benet Koleka; Editing by Gareth Jones)
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The UN Security Council is expected to vote, probably on Thursday, on a draft resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire in Syria to allow deliveries of humanitarian aid and medical evacuations, diplomats said.

Sweden and Kuwait, which drafted the measure, requested the vote "as soon as possible," the Swedish mission said Wednesday, adding that it will likely be scheduled for Thursday.

It remained unclear whether Russia would resort to its veto to block the draft resolution.

The push for a vote came after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for a halt of the "war activities" in Eastern Ghouta, Syria's rebel enclave which has come under a fierce bombing campaign by government forces.

As the death toll from airstrikes escalated sharply, Guterres said life for the 400,000 civilians of Eastern Ghouta had become "hell on earth".

Russia called for an urgent council meeting on Thursday to discuss the crisis in Eastern Ghouta which Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia described as a "complex situation."

"There are terrorists there who the Syrian army is fighting and the terrorists are shelling Damascus," Nebenzia said.

"It's a complex situation and not just a one-way street," he said, according to remarks released by the Russian mission.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley shot back, saying it was "simply preposterous to claim that these attacks on civilians have anything to do with fighting terrorism."

"It's time to take immediate action in the hopes of saving the lives of the men, women, and children who are under attack by the barbaric Assad regime," she said in a statement.

The United States will support the draft resolution "as should every member of the council," Haley added.

- No truce with Al-Qaeda, IS -

The draft resolution would pave the way for the truce to go into effect 72 hours after the adoption of the measure and for aid deliveries and medical evacuations to begin 48 hours after that.

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It demands the immediate lifting of all sieges including in Eastern Ghouta, Yarmouk, Foua and Kefraya and orders all sides to "cease depriving civilians of food and medicine indispensable to their survival."

In a concession to Russia, the draft was amended during tough-going negotiations last week to specify that the ceasefire does not apply to the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda.

That would allow the Syrian government offensive to continue against Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists in Idlib, the last province in Syria outside the control of Damascus.

Some diplomats said they were hoping that Russia will abstain.

Sweden and Kuwait presented the measure to the council on February 9, but negotiations have dragged on as Syrian forces backed by Russia escalated their fierce offensive.

Close to 300 civilians have been killed since Sunday in Eastern Ghouta including 24 Syrians who died when government planes dropped barrel bombs on the town of Kafr Batna on Wednesday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

More than 340,000 people have been killed and millions driven from the homes in the war, which next month enters its eighth year with no end in sight.

More than 13.1 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian aid, of whom 2.9 million live in besieged and hard-to-reach areas.
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Indya Moore was one of the many celebrities in attendance at the Met Gala on Monday, but for the Pose star, it will likely be their last. In a lengthy Instagram post on Wednesday, the 26-year-old actor and model got super candid about why this year's gala in particular has pushed them to "think long and hard about why I came and if it is truly in alignment with what I want to accomplish in this life, the stories I want to tell and the messages I want to share."
Washington (AFP) - The US Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a claim by US citizens wounded in a suicide bombing in Israel in 1997, who were demanding the seizure of Iranian antiquities held in a Chicago museum as compensation.

The ruling, by eight judges to none, put an end to a long-running legal battle by nine Americans who wanted Iran to pay compensation for its backing of the Palestinian group Hamas, which claimed responsibility for the bomb attack that wounded them.

The decision confirmed an earlier appeals court ruling that the thousands of 2,500-year-old clay tablets on long-term loan to the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute could not be seized, because Iran was not using them for commercial purposes.

The plaintiffs had successfully sued Iran for $71.5 million in a US federal court, but the Islamic Republic has few assets frozen in the United States, so the Americans had turned to the tablets from the ancient Persian capital of Persepolis as a potential source of compensation.

The university and museum had feared losing their prized collection of artefacts if the judgement had gone against them.

The sensitive case reflected the difficulty victims have in obtaining compensation from sovereign states deemed as supporters of terrorism by Washington.
CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's opposition coalition said on Wednesday it could not participate in a "fraudulent, illegitimate" presidential election on April 22 due to unfair conditions created by President Nicolas Maduro's government.

The announcement by the Democratic Unity movement, which confirmed a Reuters story on Monday, leaves Maduro on track for re-election but is likely to fuel international condemnation of democratic shortcomings in the socialist-ruled OPEC nation.

Maduro's two strongest opposition rivals are both barred from running against him: Leopoldo Lopez is under house arrest, while Henrique Capriles is prohibited from holding office due to accusations of misconduct when he was a state governor.

Furthermore, the pro-government national election board already banned the Democratic Unity coalition, plus some of its main parties, from running under their party names.

"The premature event announced for next April 22 lacking proper conditions is a show by the government to give an impression of legitimacy that it does not have in the midst of Venezuelans' agony and suffering," the coalition said in a statement, referring to the country's economic crisis.

"In the name of the immense majority of Venezuelans, we challenge the Maduro government to measure itself against the people in real elections" later in 2018, it added.

The Democratic Unity's decision leaves Maduro facing just one confirmed candidate so far: a little-known evangelical pastor named Javier Bertucci.

Another likely candidate is opposition leader Henri Falcon, a former state governor who parted with the socialists in 2010. He has expressed his desire to run against Maduro and may break with the coalition decision to boycott the vote.

Falcon's candidacy will likely infuriate Maduro's adversaries, many of whom see him as a Trojan horse seeking to help Maduro legitimize a rigged vote.

Maduro has faced calls in Latin America and internationally to improve conditions for the vote, with the United States pondering oil sanctions to pressure him.

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He says the country is victim of an "economic war" led by the opposition with the help of the United States.

"We'll get to the elections whether there's rain, thunder, or lightning - with or without the (Democratic Unity Coalition)," Maduro told a news conference in response to the opposition's announcement.

He added that he supports a proposal to hold an early congressional vote on April 22, adding that elections should be held the same day for state and local legislatures.

(Reporting by Corina Pons, Deisy Buitrago, and Andrew CawthorneEditing by Cynthia Osterman and Matthew Lewis)
On September 7, 1936, the death of a zoo animal named Benjamin marked the last time the world would ever see a living Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine. With Benjamin, we lost untold knowledge about this tan, striped, dog-like marsupial and how it grew and lived.

But not all was lost. Today, mounted taxidermy specimens and skeletons still exist in museums, which demonstrate the uncanny resemblance thylacines have to canines. But these extinct mammals are actually more related to kangaroos and wombats, and when they were alive they would hold baby joeys in their back-facing pouches. Luckily, museums have kept and maintained 11 specimens of thylacine joeys in jars for study.

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Now, Australian and Czech scientists have made use of these joey specimensthey have CT scanned and documented their bodies, skeletons, and organs. The scientists published their results in the journal The Royal Society of Open Science, and you can see videos of the scans above.

CT, or Computerized Tomography, is ideal for studying wet specimens, or dead animals kept in jars of preservative liquid. With CT scanning, you can see inside an animal, and how its bones lie and how they grow and develop, without cutting into it. The scientists used the CT scans to make 3D computerized models of the animals bodies, skeletons, and organs, and used the different specimens as a sort of timeline of development.

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They found that thylacines didnt really develop into their dog-like forms until relatively late in their pouch life. Before then, they kind of just looked like big-headed, toothless fetuses, very similar to a possum in a pouch.

They look so similar to other marsupials, in fact, that one might mistake another marsupial baby for a thylacinewhich is exactly what happened. While collecting the specimens from the worlds museums, the scientists initially believed that they had 13 thylacine joeys. But the first thing that they discovered upon reviewing the scans was that two of the specimens werent even thylacines, but some other type of marsupial.

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Collection: Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

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Despite the fact that the thylacine joeys had been born before they diedthey had left the uterusthey look strangely similar to the developmental stages of fetuses, which is why it's so hard to tell them apart from other marsupials like Tasmanian devils at that stage. Marsupial animals still have a lot of developing to do in their mothers pouches before theyre ready for the outside world. Unfortunately for the baby thylacines, they never had the opportunity to grow up. Decades ago, Tasmanian settlers had killed mother thylacines and pulled some of the joeys from their pouches during a campaign to slaughter all the Tasmanian tigers.

When farmers in Tasmania grew concerned that thylacines were attacking their sheep, the government started offering bounties on their pelts. Between 1888 and 1909, Tasmanian officials paid people to kill more than 2,000 thylacines. Its generally believed that the eradication attempt was successful, although occasionally people claim to spot them in the wild.

Some scientists have even tried to clone the thylacine, bringing it back from its human-caused extinction. This research may prove useful in further resurrection attempts, or at least in understanding the legacy of the animals that we officially lost with Benjamin.

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Washington (AFP) - The White House is weighing additional sanctions against Russia, senior administration officials said Wednesday, pushing back against allegations that Donald Trump has been a soft touch on Moscow.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, officials said a "task force" has been set up to address potential meddling in the 2018 congressional elections and work is underway to introduce more sanctions in response to Moscow's 2016 campaign.

Highlighting one potentially far-reaching step, a senior administration official said they have already warned governments around the world that they could face sanctions for "significant transactions" with the Russian military.

That includes NATO ally Turkey, which has publicly announced the purchase of a Russian S-400 air defense missile system, which is seen as a challenge to US air superiority.

A second official said that "a couple of big countries" were reconsidering their purchases as a result of the global diplomatic "demarche."

Those type of third country sanctions were part of a package of measures passed by Congress approved last July, that were opposed by the White House.

Trump's vocal opposition to the package -- which entered into law earlier this year -- and his regular praise of Vladimir Putin has raised questions about whether the administration is dragging its feet.

Several members of Trump's campaign have been charged or admitted to lying to the FBI about their contacts with Kremlin-related officials who are accused of trying to sway the 2016 vote in Trump's favor.

US officials on Wednesday admitted no specific sanctions had been introduced yet, but said that was because the administration was doing its due diligence, rather than an attempt to slow-walk the process.

- 'National security issue' -

The first official also stressed the need to avoid leaks that could tip off potential sanction targets, allowing them to move money out of bank accounts or take other mitigating steps.

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"We are doing an awful lot of work, we are taking this very seriously, it is a national security issue," the official said, answering criticism.

"I would hope you would just give us a little bit of an indulgence to do some of these things behind the scenes and be able to reveal them when we can."

"We would like to get after these guys and we would like to catch them in the act and not enable them to change course  so that we have a harder time detecting them."

One example given was the shuttering of the Russian consulate in San Francisco, which was ordered closed late last year, taking Moscow by surprise.

"The Russians did not see that coming" said the first official, adding, "which is an absolute bloody miracle frankly" given reporting before a decision was made.

A third administration official hit back directly at unfavorable comparisons to Barack Obama's administration.

"The categorical thing that I've seen in so much coverage... that it is an abject fact that the previous administration was tougher than this administration is provably false," a third official said.

Trump has recently tried to shift the blame for election meddling -- which he had once decried as "fake news" -- onto Obama, arguing it occurred on his watch.

"Question: If all of the Russian meddling took place during the Obama Administration, right up to January 20th, why aren't they the subject of the investigation?" he tweeted on Wednesday morning.

"Why didn't Obama do something about the meddling? Why aren't Dem crimes under investigation? Ask Jeff Sessions!" he added, urging his Attorney General to act.
Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: AP

WASHINGTON  A year into his administration, President Trumps most notable contribution to political communications  from a technical perspective, anyway  has been his use of a personal Twitter feed in which @realDonaldTrump speaks out candidly, often bluntly.

Trumps volcanic pronouncements have left some of his aides privately voicing hopes that their boss will learn the value of having some unexpressed opinions. Meanwhile, lawmakers in his own party and even his own chief of staff sometimes profess not to follow his tweetstorms in order to duck questions about them. But reporters, government officials, and diplomats scan these tweets and rely on them as official  if sometimes quickly reversed  political and policy positions.

The president is the president of the United States, so theyre considered official statements by the president of the United States, former White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters in June.

The focus on @realDonaldTrump has yielded one curious result: The devaluing of the official presidential twitter feed, @POTUS. That government-run account boasts 22.2 million followers  not even half its more volatile rivals 48.1 million. And its frequently left to retweet what Trump says on his personal platform. On Thursday, for example, @realDonaldTrump tweeted official video of his remarks about the mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla. @POTUS had no original posts, and only retweeted its personal counterpart.

And the administration promotes his personal Twitter feed as well. Visit @WhiteHouse on Twitter, and the profile invites you to [f]ollow for the latest from President @realDonaldTrump and his Administration. There is no mention of @POTUS. Go to www.whitehouse.gov, and the highlighted presidential tweet is from @realDonaldTrump, not @POTUS. And even @POTUS refers readers back to the presidents personal account  which does not reciprocate.

Screen capture from Whitehouse.gov.

In terms of tone, a chasm divides the two accounts. The most retweeted @POTUS tweet is from Jan. 21, 2017, and reads: I am honored to serve you, the great American People, as your 45th President of the United States! More than 43,000 users shared that message. Over on @realDonaldTrump, the most retweeted comment was a GIF of Trump beating up Vince MacMahon  but with a CNN logo covering the pro-wrestling entrepreneurs face. More than 354,000 users have seen fit to promote that.

Story continues

Asked about the White House promotion of Trumps personal account, an aide expressed surprise. Does anyone still even read the @POTUS account? the aide asked.

In some ways, Trump could boast that this is yet another way in which he has dismantled his predecessors legacy. Barack Obama signed personally composed @POTUS tweets with his initials -BO, and while the @BarackObama account is now his personal venue, during his time in office it was chiefly used for political messages.

Trumps freewheeling Twitter jabs sometimes get deleted and replaced when they have typos. Such an event happened Wednesday morning after he tweet-asked his own attorney general, Jeff Session, to investigate Democrats instead of him.

But the @realDonaldTrump tweets are preserved in compliance with the Presidential Records Act, according to deputy White House press secretary Hogan Gidley.

Its far too early in Trumps presidency to say for sure what his technical contribution to presidential communications will be  though his use of Twitter is clearly the leading contender.

Oval Office occupants tend to build on their predecessors work. But the presidents most associated with a given medium are rarely the ones who used it first. Obamas unprecedented use of in-house media products  videos and photos from events from which the news media was often excluded  drew on George W. Bushs BarneyCam Christmas video. Bush built his White House website thanks to Bill Clinton, who was the first to have an internet presence. Clintons sax playing on the Arsenio Hall Show owed a debt to Richard Nixons appearance on a 1968 episode of the TV comedy show Laugh-In. Every modern president has tried to put the commander in chief in front of striking backdrops, a nod to Ronald Reagans peerless image-making. If John F. Kennedy is remembered for having fully grasped televisions power in politics, it was Dwight D. Eisenhower who, years before, held the first televised press conference. Ike even won an Emmy in 1956. Every student of political communications learns about Franklin Roosevelts Fireside Chats on the radio, but far fewer know that Warren Harding was the first to use that medium.

In June 2013, Obama became the first president on Twitter. But its hard to imagine that the medium wont forever be associated with @realDonaldTrump.

While not at all presidential, Trump began one social media missive last October, I must point out that the Sloppy Michael Moore Show on Broadway was a TOTAL BOMB and was forced to close. Sad!

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It is hard to find a measure of Asma Jahangiras greatness. She was a brilliant intellectual, a superb humanist, a great political leader, an epitome of kindness, a personification of indomitable courage.

Asma was all these things a and much more. Professionally she excelled as a magnificent lawyer, who did more than anyone else I can think of to defend and save helpless people from the unjust wrath of authoritarians and tyrants. As one of the most distinguished human rights lawyers in the world, Asma used her legal knowledge to protect the vulnerable and unimaginably strengthen peopleas rights.

As it happens, Asma Jahangiras first legal victory came before she became a trained lawyer. She won a great legal victory in freeing her father, Malik Ghulam Jilani, a parliamentarian and critic of the military who had been unjustly incarcerated by the government. At the time of her victory at the Supreme Court (in a case celebrated as aMiss Asma Jilani vs the Government of Punjaba), Asma was barely twenty years old. Later, with professional legal training and far-reaching vision, combined with her exceptional intelligence, Asma became the leading defender of human rights in Pakistan, in the company of other great human rights activists like I A Rehman and Dorab Patel.

It is extraordinary to see how much the Pakistan Human Rights Commission has achieved in the cause of justice, without even having the firm legal a and constitutional a status that, say, the Indian or the South African Human Rights Commission can comfortably rely on (those commissions have a much easier job than the Pakistan Human Rights Commission, which a despite that legal handicap a has achieved no less, particularly through powerfully mobilising public opinion and involvement).

I personally think that in understanding Asmaas success, it is important not only to appreciate the strength of her skilled arguments, her trained reasoning and her deep-rooted courage, but also the tremendous warmth of her personality including her radiating friendliness. She generated enthusiasm across the world, but particularly on the two sides of the sub-continental divide. Asma was loved in Pakistan, but no less in India, and whenever she gave a talk in India, the room a whatever its size a was always overfull. She communicated an amazing closeness that was felt by all. It was her companionable personality, in addition of course to the force of her reasoning, which helped her to bring judges, even in most difficult cases, to see her arguments with sympathetic clarity. It is amazing how Asma won case after case against what seemed like insurmountable adversity.

I have been extraordinarily privileged to have Asma as a close friend for nearly two decades. I first met her when we were both members of a joint Indo-Pakistani initiative to engage the citizens of the two countries to talk more with each other (Asma was the co-chair of the group, along with former prime minister I K Gujral on the Indian side).

I was awestruck by the clarity of Asmaas mind as well as her boundless humanity and warmth. We had the chance to talk a great many times in many different places when we met (as we did frequently), but we had the most wonderful opportunity to talk endlessly when she and her wonderful husband, Tahir Jahangir, stayed with us at the Masteras Lodge of Trinity College in Cambridge. We were often joined by her younger daughter Sulema, also a lawyer. I learned a huge amount from Asma about how to think about oneas priorities and duties in the most complex of circumstances.

One of the most fulfilling moments of my life came last year when Asma spoke at the London School of Economics, in a lecture named after me a I have not done anything to deserve it (I hasten to add) but the LSE has such an annual series. Asma explained to nearly a thousand students and teachers at the LSE how to fight injustice related to religious intolerance, using democratic means (a subject that seems to become more and more important across the world). Her ideas were buzzing around the LSE for many weeks.

Activist lawyers, especially those who lead human rights movements, are often in danger of violent attack by people whose despotism and oppression are threatened. In Shakespeareas aHenry the Sixth, Part Twoa, when Jack Cade with recently acquired a indeed ill-acquired a power talks about his policy priorities, one of his followers, Dick the Butcher, says, aThe first thing we do letas kill all the lawyersa (4, 2, 1, 78).

Asma had to face many such Dick the Butchers in her committed and dedicated life. But my fearless friend continued to speak, argue, plead, guide, and lead the movements she had founded and built, without being at all deterred. Threats and dangers could not stop her. Nor could they reduce the force of her reasoning. Nor diminish her extraordinary warmth and humanity which captivated all.

Even though Asma has left us, we can still not only bask in her glory, but also continue to be guided by what she has taught us. The angel of humanity may have gone, but the great inspiration and the penetrating education we have got from her are here to stay. At this tragic moment, there is comfort in that thought a and we can have pride in having known so perfect a human being.

The writer made these remarks at the remembrance for Asma Jahangir organised by her friends and admirers on Feb 17, 2018 at the Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge MA.
In January 2016, law student Marcelle Mancuso was going through her normal workout at her gym in Brazil when something went terribly wrong. The 23-year-old law school graduate was doing an inverted sit-up  a move that requires hanging upside down from an apparatus and doing sit-ups in that inverted position. In the midst of it, the strap holding Mancusos legs above her body broke.

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The accident sent Mancuso flying headfirst to the floor, where, upon landing, she broke her fifth vertebra. I lost all the movements from the neck down when I hit my head on the floor, she remembered of the event. I could move my eyes. I had to keep calm and began to pray.

Once at the hospital, doctors told Mancuso that she was likely going to be tetraplegic  meaning she would be paralyzed from the neck down. The doctors did not know if I would walk again or if I would stay on a bed forever, she told the Independent. With a rigorous physical therapy practice and a bit of luck, Mancuso beat the odds, posting an Instagram six months later of her walking.

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Although Mancuso is fully recovered, her accident raises concerns about inverted sit-ups.

Who should do inverted sit-ups?

According to experts, inverted sit-ups should only be done by advanced trainers. Since personal trainers consider upside-down sit-ups (another term for inverted sit-ups) the peak of ab fitness and training, they should be done only by those who have strong core muscles and experience with inversions.

What muscles does it work?

In a video demonstrating the movement, a training expert with Livestrong explains that the move works three different areas of the body: hips, lower back, and abdominals. Breathing, considering youre working three areas at once, is crucial.

What precautions do you need to take with this exercise?

One of the most important parts of this exercise is making sure your legs are secured. Whether this means wedging them between bars or  like Mancuso  using an apparatus with a strap, its critically important to make sure your legs are stable. Training experts say the key to avoiding injury, once youre safely in the move, is to keep your movements slow and controlled.

Story continues

What are the risks associated with inversions?

Falling during an inversion is, of course, the biggest risk, and as Mancusos story proves, this is extremely dangerous. But even if your legs are fully secured, there are other potential problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, being suspended upside down increases your blood pressure meaning anyone suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, or glaucoma should talk to a doctor before trying it.

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By Brendan Pierson

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A former plumbing assistant from New York City pleaded guilty on Wednesday to attempting to provide material support to Islamic State.

Sajmir Alimehmeti, 24, also pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer in Manhattan to committing passport fraud in order to facilitate an act of terrorism, federal prosecutors said. Prosecutors accused Alimehmeti of trying to help an undercover law enforcement agent travel to Syria to fight with Islamic State.

Alimehmeti is scheduled to be sentenced by Engelmayer on June 7. He faces up to 20 years for attempting to support Islamic State and 25 years for passport fraud.

Susan Kellman, a lawyer for Alimehmeti, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Alimehmeti, a U.S. citizen, was arrested at his Bronx residence in May 2016. Authorities said they found an Islamic State flag, a martial arts weapon and combat-survival knives in his home.

Prosecutors said Federal Bureau of Investigation and New York City Police Department officials posing as Islamic State sympathizers began meeting with Alimehmeti after the UK twice denied him entry in 2014.

In 2016, they said, Alimehmeti helped an undercover official obtain travel documents and equipment in order to go to Syria to join Islamic State.

Alimehmeti told undercover operatives that he and his brother planned to travel to Syria but his brother was arrested in Albania, where his parents live, and that he had saved $2,500 to go to Syria but needed a passport, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors also charged that Alimehmeti applied for a new U.S. passport in October 2015, making false claims about losing his old one amid concerns the UK rejection stamps it carried would raise suspicions.

Alimehmeti attracted more attention after his arrest when prosecutors charged that he was among the New York City jail inmates who received Islamic State propaganda from Ahmad Khan Rahimi, the man known as the "Chelsea Bomber" who was found guilty of planting two bombs in Manhattan and injuring 30.

Rahimi was sentenced to life in prison last week.

(Reporting by Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Most of the Palestinian security prisoners who were released towards the end of 2013, as part of understandings between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, spent more than two decades in prison.

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In a series of interviews they gave Ynet after being released from prison, they said that over the years they often had high expectations for a release, but their hopes were shattered time and again for various reasons. At first, they thought the Oslo Agreements would bring their prison term to an end, but reality kept striking them in the face.

Esmat Mansour, who took part in the 1993 murder of Haim Mizrahi in Beit El. We were abandoned for 20 years

Most prisoners felt they had been abandoned, Esmat Mansour, who took part in the 1993 murder of Haim Mizrahi in Beit El, says about the weeks after the Oslo Agreements were signed. And not just them, but all the issues we had fought for. We hoped we would be released earlier, but we were abandoned for 20 years. There has been mutual recognition between the Palestinian Authority and Israel for the past 20 years, but Israel hasnt recognized the PAs prisoners. As a prisoner, I felt there was something wrong here. What are you making peace for? What are you shaking hands for?

A report about Haim Mizrahis murder before the Oslo Agreements (Photo: Yedioth Ahronoth Archive)

Hazaa Mohamed Sadi, who murdered Yosef Eliyahu and Leah Elmakayes in 1985, believes the Palestinian leadership mishandled the prisoner issue. I was disappointed by the fact that when they were working on the Oslo Agreement, they let Israel decide how the prisoners would be released. I think they shouldnt have agreed. Even our leadership told us it had been wrong about this issue.

Rizq Salah, who murdered IDF soldier Guy Friedman with an explosive device in 1990, has an even stronger opinion: In the beginning, we felt betrayed by the Palestinian leadership in the West Bank. We got a copy of the Oslo Agreement and failed to find a single article in it about us. There were 15,000 prisoners like us in Israeli jails, and not a single segment about us. I nearly went wild.

Daily schedule: Roll-calls, walks and cigarettes

The conversations with Ynet shed light on the security prisoners life behind bars. The prison has a regular daily routine: At 6:30am, there is an hour-long roll-call during which the prisoners must stand while the wardens visit their cells. Later, a limited number of inmates is allowed to go out to the prison yard for a non-compulsory workout. Then they return to their cells for a shower and a meal.

Rizq Salah, who murdered IDF soldier Guy Friedman. We felt betrayed, I nearly went wild

Later, the prisoners are allowed to take a walk or sit in the yard if they want to. Then the cells open up for a limited period of time, and the inmates are free to visit their friends in the other cells in the wing.

The wardens check the cells to rule out any attempts to escape or saw through the bars, etc. At this time, the prisoners are removed from the examined cell.

A report about Guy Friedmans murder (Photo: Yedioth Ahronoth Archive)

At 12pm, the inmates must return to their cells for the afternoon roll-call. Once it is over, the cells reopen and assigned prisoners clean the wing and the yard and dispose of the trash. They also hand out food to the other inmates in their cells. Surprisingly, the prisoners say they enjoyed being on duty, as they considered it a routine-breaking activity that helped them pass the time more efficiently.

Between 1-5pm, the prisoners are permitted to take a second walk in the yard, in several rounds. They return to their cells in the afternoon hours, and the evening roll-call is held at 7pm. In between, they have dinner. After the evening roll-call, the cells are locked until the morning, and the inmates are free to watch television.

Hazet Saadi, who murdered Yosef Eliyahu and Leah Almakais

There is no official lights-out policy, and its basically up to the inmates. Some say they used to go to sleep relatively early, at around 10pm, while others liked to stay up until the middle of the night.

The number of prisoners per cell varies between the different prisons. At the Hadarim Prison, for example, there are three inmates per cell, while at the rest of the prisoners there are eight to 10. Smoking is permitted in the cells without any restrictions.

A report about the murder of Yosef Eliyahu and Leah Almakais (Photo: Yedioth Ahronoth Archive)

According to the prisoners rating of the different jails, the Ashkelon Prison is the worst while the Ramon Prison is the best. Most interviewees described the infrastructure at the old-fashioned Ashkelon Prison as very poor.

We broke his hand

The security prisoners created their own set of strict rules for prison conduct. An inmate who commits an offense goes on trial in an internal court and is punished according to the severity of his act. The punishment system is secret and the prisoners do everything in their power to prevent the Israel Prison Service from finding out about it. Issa Abed Rabbo agreed to give us a rare peek into what is considered taboo among the prisoners.

Issa Abed Rabbo, who murdered Revital Seri and Ron Levi

Abed Rabbo, who murdered Revital Seri and Ron Levi near Bethlehem in 1984 and was considered one of Fatahs top prisoners, lives in the Dheisheh Refugee Camp.

There are committees in every prison, he says in the interview. Each wing has a committee. In each cell, there are one or two people in charge whose job is to solve problems. If there are problems between two people, they are raised and discussed. The one who is found to be at fault is punished. The punishment is decided by the small committee, and the senior committee signs and approves it.

A report about the murder of Revital Seri and Ron Levi (Photo: Yedioth Ahronoth Archive)

What are the punishments?

If someone hit someone else, he will be hit on the hand 20 times and will be denied the right to buy from the prison canteen.

What was the most serious offense committed by a prisoner?

One prisoner cut another prisoners face with a razor.

How was he punished?

We broke his hand. He did the worst thing possible as far as we were concerned, raising a knife on a friend.

How do you break a persons hand?

Every bunk bed has an iron ladder. You put his hand between the rungs of the ladder, and then one inmate kicks his hand and it breaks.

Thats brutal.

Yes, its hard, but he did something very serious.

How is a trial conducted?

Its begins very fast. Because of the prison management, you cant wait patiently. If something like that happens, the committee starts by questioning the stabbed inmate and then going to the other guy and asking him why he did it. The punishment will be quick. The trial is held on the spot. They dont wait for the prison management.

Snitches are sometimes killed

The inmates know that heavy punishments like a broken hand cant be concealed from the prison management. The injured prisoners are taken to the hospital, and the prisons intelligence officer tries to figure out what happened.

Palestinian President Abbas greets Palestinians released from Israeli prisons as part of an Israeli gesture in August 2013 (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

According to Abed Rabbo, there is a code of silence between the security prisoners about the internal punishment system, which must not be violated. If he is a good guy, he wouldn't talk, he says. Hed say his hand broke because he fell out of bed. Hed never tell. Some people did tell the management what had happened to them. Those who discuss it with the management dont come back to us.

Other punishments imposed by prisoners on fellow inmates include cleaning toilets and rooms and refraining from smoking for a certain period of time.

Palestinians celeberate prisoner release (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

The security prisoners also deal with the issue of collaborators among the inmatesthose who provide information on the things taking place inside the wings and the cells, likely in exchange for different perks. They are referred to as aSaafiir (birds).

We manage our life in jail very well. We know what every person is doing, even what he drinks, Abed Rabbo adds. We have good friends in every cell, and they write down the exact things every person in the cell is doing. We write down everything and send the report to the security chief at the Palestinian apparatuses. Thats how we know what every person is doing.

And what happens if you suspect someone is an uSfuur (bird)?

Sometimes we interrogate him, and sometimes, if its a prisoner who has a month or two left in jail, we send it to the Palestinian Authority and the apparatuses question him when he gets out.

If you find an uSfuur in prison, do you punish him?

Of course. There are lots of punishments. If he did small things, he gets an easy punishment. If he did something big, they would sometimes kill him.

Lets assume the management finds a cellphone during a search, and you suspect one of the prisoners tipped off an officer. Is it considered a serious offense?

No, thats a small thing. He will be suspended from the organization for a limited period of time and will be punished by being beaten up or something else.

10 minutes a week with a smuggled phone

Phones smuggled into jail have become increasingly important for the prisoners over the past 15 years. They are willing to pay a lot of money for a smuggled cellphone, which serves as their connection to the outside world, whether for conversations with family members or for coordination purposes between the prisoners leaderships in the different prisons.

Mudqaq Salah, who murdered Israel Tenenbaum. Two or three cellphones in every wing

A smuggled cellphone, they say, costs NIS 35,000-70,000, and the price increases in accordance with the devices technological abilities. Sometimes, especially among Hamas prisoners, these phones are used for guiding terror attacks.

There are two or three cellphones in every wing, says Mudqaq Salah, who murdered Israel Tenenbaum in Netanya in 1993. Everyone knows about it, and its shared by everyone. Once a week, during the weekend, you are entitled to 10 minutes on the phone. There are phones with cameras, so you can talk and see your family.

A report about Israel Tenenbaums murder in 1993 (Photo: Yedioth Ahronoth Archive)

Abed Rabbo admits some prisoners used cellphones to carry out terror attacks. Ill tell you honestly, there were prisoners who misused the phones. Wanting to kidnap, wanting to kill. But most prisoners used the cellphones to talk to their families. I treated the phone in my cell like gold. I used it only to talk to my mother.

If we know theres a collaborator in the cell, we say the phone has been hidden in a certain spot so he will inform the management. And if they come looking, the phone is in an entirely different place.

Abed Rabbo says the prison management knows there are smuggled phones in the cells, but it usually prefers to turn a blind eye to maintain a calm atmosphere in the prison.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot told Security Cabinet ministers that the return the body of Nimer Jamal, who murdered three Israelis in Har Adar in September of 2017, at the end of last week was "an error" and took responsibility for it.

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Eisenkot said that the body was returned by mistake, adding that "lessons will be learned from the investigation conducted on the subject."

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eisenkot (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

The Israeli government decided to return to the Palestinian Authority Friday the bodies of two terrorists, one of whom was Jamal. The return was criticized for being done under the radar in "a hush hush manner."

Avi and Michal Arish, the parents of Or Arish who was murdered in the terrorist attack perpetrated by Jamal, said they were shocked by the release of his body and by the scenes of the huge funeral held in his honor.

The Arish family sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu through the Honenu organization, demanding that a committee be set up to examine the misstep.

"How do they return a body while there are still families waiting for the bodies of their children?" said Avi Arish, Or's father, in reference to the bodies of Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin , who was killed in Operation Protective Edge and whose remains have been held by Hamas ever since.

"I do not understand who made the decision to transfer the body of the terrorist," he added. "All done quietly, without informing the families. They transferred the body on Friday before Shabbat, and we see this (funeral) procession and are shocked."

"If the defense minister would have lost his son and they would have transferred the body. Would they still say, 'There was an error?'" the father asked angrily. "I cannot believe we are being treated like that. We are bleeding with sorrow and suddenly his body is returned? I cannot figure out how such a thing can occur."

Jamal's victims, for L to R: Or Arish, Staff Sergeant Solomon Gavriya, and Youssef Ottman

On January 2017, the Political-Security Cabinet decided Israel will hold onto the bodies of terrorists who "carried out an exceedingly grave attack" as well as "bodies of terrorists affiliated with Hamas."

Following the return of the bodies, the family of Hadar Goldin submitted an urgent appeal to the High Court of Justice Sunday seeking an interim injunction and decree nisi temporarily blocking the government's decision to return the bodies of terrorists who carried out attacks against Israelis to their families for burial.

The HCJ is currently discussing a petition against the Cabinet's January 2017 decision.
The Israel Police and defense establishment are investigating a report that a number of right-wing extremist Israelis from the settlement of Yitzhar in the Samaria region of the West Bank beat a Palestinian shepherd and slaughtered several of his sheep.

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The Judea and Samaria Police launched an investigation into the matter and police scoured the area around Yitzhar. The shepherd was taken to hospital and police plan to gather his version of events.

One of the slaughtered sheep

According to a statement issued by the IDF Spokespersons Unit, a report was received about a few masked settlers who descended from the direction of Yitzhar to Einabus, hit a shepherd and harmed a number of sheep.

We emphasize that the security forces take seriously incidents such as these and they will act to arrest those involved, the statement said. The details have been transferred to the Israel Police.

Last week, car tires were punctured belonging to a number of Palestinian vehicles near Nablus. Security forces suspect that an IDF soldier from the Golani Brigade was involved in the vandalism.

The initial investigation indicates that one of the combat soldiers was involved in the incident, an IDF statement said at the time. This is an exceptional and grave incident, that is inconsistent with that which is expected from an IDF soldier. The incident will be investigated and the soldier will be dealt with, it read.

Settlers allegedly hit a shepherd and harmed a number of sheep

In the same incident, hateful slogans and words were sprayed onto cars, such as revenge and death to Arabs.

Arriving at the scene, IDF soldiers and other security forces gathered evidence and testimony from the Palestinian owners of the vehicles before an investigation was opened by the Judea and Samaria Police and the Shin Bet.

The defense establishment had detected a rise in the number of "price tag" incidents in the West Bank in recent weeks, following the murders of Rabbi Raziel Shevah and Rabbi Itamar Ben Gal in Samaria.

Last week, according to defense sources, radical Jews vandalized windows and a water tank in the village of Qabaliya, near the settlement of Yitzhar. A day earlier, "Death to Arabs" and "Transfer now" graffiti were spray-painted in the village of Jit near Kedumim.

Other "price tag incidents" have been recorded since early February in the village of Nabi Salih against the Tamimi family and in the village of Khirbet Zakaria in Gush Etzion. In other incidents this month, Jews hurled stones at Palestinian vehicles near Ramallah and near a square south of Nablus, wounding a Palestinian.
Ilan Yeshua, the CEO of the Walla website, has provided police investigators in recent days with recordings in which Bezeq's controlling shareholder, Shaul Elovitch , is heard pressuring him to give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his family flattering coverage.

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The Elovitch recordings provided the breakthrough in the investigation of Case 4000, in which the police are looking into suspicions that Elovitch and Bezeq received regulatory benefits from the Communications Ministry in return for the favorable coverage.

Shaul Elovitch. Pressured Walla CEO to provide Netanyahu with favorable coverage (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

In his recent testimonies to the Israel Securities Authority (ISA) and the police's Lahav 433 Unit, Yeshua indicated that he planned to cooperate with the investigators and reveal how Elovitch pressured him and issued editing instructions for the website.

They were astounded, however, when Yeshua told them that he had realized the pressure was inappropriate and begun recording his conversations with Elovitch. When Yeshua presented the first recording to the investigators, their jaws dropped as they heard Elovitch issuing the explicit order.

Filber: Glad to come full circle

A source in the law enforcement system said that the recordings "was one of the main things that broke down Shlomo Filber's resistance and led to the state's witness agreement," after Filber realized what had been taking place behind his back while he provided Elovitch with benefits as the Communications Ministry director-general.

The source added that after his decision to cooperate with the police , Filber shook hands with the ISA investigators, who he was familiar with from his previous interrogations, and said: "I'm glad to come full circle with you."

Filber in court. The recording 'broke his resistance' (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

Meanwhile Wednesday, Yeshua was forced to confront Elovitch and Nir Hefetz, Netanyahu's former media advisor, as part of the ongoing corruption investigation.

Yeshua that Hefetz was the mediator in the Prime Ministers Office and that Elovitch asked him to be in contact with him.

Police investigators brought Elovitch into the interrogation room and asked Yeshua, among other things, to repeat his testimony, according to which Elovitch gave the explicit order to portray the Netanyahu family in a more positive light.

During the exchange, police presented Hefetz with the claims that Yeshua had made in his testimony and asked him if they were true.

Everything I have to say I answered you in the open testimony, he responded in the Lahav 443 fraud investigation unit in Lod next to the investigators from the Israel Police and the Israel Securities Authority.

Elovitch is suspected of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Hefetz is suspected of taking bribes and obstructing justice.

The Walla news website's former news anchor, Dov Gilhar, and one of the website's senior editors, Avi Alcalay, testified Thursday at the Israel Securities Authority as part of Case 4000.

The police are expected to ask the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court on Thursday afternoon to keep Hefetz, Elovitch, his wife Iris and his son Or in custody.

On Wednesday, the court extended Filber's remand by 15 days. The remand of Bezeq CEO Stella Handlers and the company's Strategy and Business Development Manager Amikam Shorer by was extended by six days each.

Now that the gag order has been removed, I can say unequivocally that this case raises reasonable suspicion and is based on even more serious corruption, everyone with his share, everyone with his own condition, said Judge Ronit Pozanski-Katz when extending the remand.

The acts were allegedly carried out by senior officials in the government and Bezeq, she said.

Handler, who was expected to be brought to trial after the first part of the case, was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of giving bribes, Offenses under the Securities Law, fraud, disrupting legal process and breach of trust.
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Human rights organization Amnesty International says in its 2017-2018 report that Israel violated Palestinians' rights by detaining citizens without a trial, expanding the settlement, restricting freedom of movement and demolishing homes in the West Bank and in the Negev while forcibly evacuating their inhabitants.
Israel Railways notified the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange on Wednesday that the opening of the high-speed train between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem would be delayed by another half a year.

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The company reports that many of the regulatory permits needed to operate the line for commercial passengers, as detailed in the periodic report, have yet to be received.

Therefore, by the companys estimate, operations are expected to be postponed for six months, subject to the receipt of all the (necessary) permits, the company stated.





Transportation Minister Katz at the new Jerusalem railway station (Photo: Ohad Tzvigenberg)

As recently as mid-January, Katz posted on social media: I promised and I fulfill! By the coming Passover, the high speed train between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem will begin operation (and the journey will) take 28 minutes The journey will be free, as promised.

Katz's post on his Facebook page

Katz planned on opening the train line the day before Passover with two trains an hour running in each direction and at no cost for the first free months.

(Photo: Ohad Tzvigenberg)

At a meeting Tuesday, Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh met with railway personnel and representatives of emergency services where they discussed the operation of the train and the necessary security measures and drills needed to operate the line commercially. Alsheikh vetoed the earlier date for safety reasons as the infrastructure is still lacking vital electrical and safety work.

Beginning Passover time, a select number of passengers who sign up in advance will be able to ride on some of the test runs.

Meanwhile, work on the line continues and this week, trains stopped running between Tel Aviv and Haifa due to line electrification work being carried out in the area of Herzliya.

Delays caused by rail electric work

Test runs in the electrified section of the line have already begun, training operators and other train staff is also underway. In the coming weeks, test runs including passengers, and other safety drills will begin, subject to approval by police and safety units.

Gil Yaakov, Director of 15 Minutes, a transit advocacy group, responded to the latest announcement by the railway: Delaying the opening of the high speed rail line requires the Transportation Ministry to find solutions for passengers who are stuck in traffic on the way to Jerusalem.

The stubbornness of Transit Minister Yisrael Katz in not allotting a public transportation lane on the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway is astounding, harms half of the travelers on the highway during rush hour and encourages private car usage, he continued.

In addition, the ministry should use the coming six months to advance express bus lines to the Jerusalem Central Station from the various city neighborhoods. Travel times for public transit in Jerusalem are long and do not encourage switching (from private cars) to public transportation, he concluded.
controversial law that makes it a criminal act to blame Poles for Holocaust crimes they did not commit will not lead to criminal charges, a Polish government official said Wednesday.

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The recently adopted law has sparked a bitter conflict with Israel, where it is seen as trying to whitewash the actions of some Poles during World War II. It takes effect February 28. In reaction to criticism, it is to be reviewed by Poland's constitutional court, which can order changes.

Auschwitz. Government says law is intended to defend Poland's good name and fight slander (Photo: AP)

Deputy Foreign Minister Bartosz Cichocki said late Tuesday that no criminal charges will be brought, but Poland might demand the retraction of untrue statements. The government says the law is intended to defend Poland's good name and fight slander.

In the event of false accusations, Poland will "react, demand clarifications, argue against them, but no means of prosecution will be implemented," Cichocki said on TVN24.

The law allows prison terms of up to three years for blaming Poles for Holocaust crimes that were committed by Nazi Germans, who occupied Poland during the war.

Cichocki heads Poland's team for discussing legal and historic issues with Israeli representatives. The Polish and Israeli prime ministers decided to hold the discussions in response to the controversies stemming from Poland's law. The two sides have not yet met.
The crisis in Myanmar and reported massacres of Rohingya Muslims are the consequence of a society encouraged to hate and a lack of global leadership on human rights, Amnesty International said on Thursday.

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The human rights group said in its annual report covering 159 countries that "hate-filled rhetoric" by leaders was normalizing discrimination against minorities.

"We saw the ultimate consequence of a society encouraged to hate, scapegoat and fear minorities laid bare in the horrific military campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya people in Myanmar," said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty.

Palestinians clash with security forces in Jeurslaem in July 2017 (Photo: Reuters)

Israel was mentioned in the Amnesty report 115 times. "June marked 50 years since Israels occupation of the Palestinian Territories and the start of the 11th year of its illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip, subjecting approximately 2 million inhabitants to collective punishment and a growing humanitarian crisis," the chapter about Israel stated.

"The Israeli authorities intensified expansion of settlements and related infrastructure across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and severely restricted the freedom of movement of Palestinians.

"Israeli forces unlawfully killed Palestinian civilians, including children, and unlawfully detained within Israel thousands of Palestinians from the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), holding hundreds in administrative detention without charge or trial.

The human rights organization further accused Israel of "torture and other ill-treatment of detainees, including children."

Report accuses Israel of 'continuing to demolish Palestinian homes in the West Bank and in Palestinian villages inside Israel, forcibly evicting residents' (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

According to the report, "Israel continued to demolish Palestinian homes in the West Bank and in Palestinian villages inside Israel, forcibly evicting residents. Conscientious objectors to military service were imprisoned. Thousands of African asylum-seekers were threatened with deportation.

"Palestinians carried out stabbings, carrammings, shootings and other attacks against Israelis in the West Bank and in Israel. The attacks, mostly carried out by individuals unaffiliated to armed groups, killed 14 Israelis and one foreign national. Israeli forces killed 76 Palestinians and one foreign national. Some were unlawfully killed while posing no threat to life."

'Trump had taken backward steps on human rights'

Last week, the United States urged the UN Security Council to hold Myanmar's military accountable for what it said was the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims.

Nearly 690,000 Rohingya have fled Rakhine and taken refuge in neighboring Bangladesh since the Myanmar military launched a crackdown on insurgents at the end of August, according to the UN.

Reuters reporter arrested in Myanmar (Photo: EPA)

More than 6,500 Rohingya are currently trapped on a strip of unclaimed land between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Amnesty said the international community had failed to respond robustly to "crimes against humanity and war crimes from Myanmar to Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen."

It said that leaders in countries such as the United States, Russia and China were not standing up for civil liberties and instead were "callously undermining the rights of millions."

Rohingya refugee (Photo: AFP)

Amnesty said President Donald Trump had taken backward steps on human rights that were setting a dangerous precedent. Shetty described his move to ban people from several Muslim-majority countries in January last year as "transparently hateful."

Last year's report accused Trump of "poisonous" rhetoric.

Free speech will be a key issue for those concerned about human rights this year, the report said.

Amnesty said its staff were arrested at an unprecedented rate in Turkey in 2017, which along with Egypt and China was also among the biggest jailors of journalists.

Two Reuters reporters in Myanmar were arrested while investigating the killing of Rohingya Muslims. Court proceedings are ongoing.

"In 2018, we cannot take for granted that we will be free to gather together in protest or to criticize our governments. In fact, speaking out is becoming more dangerous," Shetty said.
The Judicial Selection Committee convened Thursday morning at Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked's office to select two new nominees for the Supreme Court.

Shaked said at the start of the meeting, "One year ago today, we selected four judges for the Supreme Court, and today we are adding two more. In total, they make up 40 percent of the Supreme Court. All 24 candidates are outstanding and I'm certain we will select the most suitable ones."
LONDON - Iran's commitment to not seek nuclear weapons is permanent and there is no so-called sunset clause in the Iran nuclear deal, the country's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Thursday.

The United States wants flaws in what it calls sunset clauses in the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal to be reworked.

"There is no sunset clause in the JCPOA," Araqchi said.

"Although the US administration and Trump are talking about sunset clause and that JCPOA is just for 10 years, that is not true," he said. "Iran's commitment in the JCPOA not to go for the nuclear weapon is permanent."
Maj. Gen. (res.) Menashe Arbiv, the former head of the Israel Police's top investigative unit Lahav 433, was convicted Thursday of failing to perform his duty as a police officer.

Arbiv was suspected of enjoying "benefits" over the years from Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, who served a one-year sentence for bribing Arbiv's superior, Brig. Gen. Ephraim Bracha.
Maj. Gen. (res.) Menashe Arbiv, the former head of the Israel Police's top investigative unit Lahav 433, was convicted Thursday of failing to perform his duty as a police officer.

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Arbiv, who also served as the Israel Police's representative in the United States and the deputy Tel Aviv District commander, was suspected of enjoying "benefits" over the years from Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto, who served a one-year sentence for bribing Arbiv's superior, Brig. Gen. Ephraim Bracha.

Despite their close ties, Pinto's lawyers provided the police with details on the "benefits" Arbiv had received from the rabbi's associates, leading to the launch of an investigation into the senior police officer.

Maj. Gen. (res.) Menashe Arbiv in court, Thursday (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

According to the original indictment, in which he was charged with fraud and breach of trust, Arbiv first met Pinto in early 2010, while the rabbi was dividing his time between the city of Ashdod in Israel and New York City.

Arbiv formed ties with both Pinto and his close associates, including the rabbi's personal aide in Israel, Yossi Amos.

Those ties were based on aligned interests: Pinto wanted a connection to a source of power, like a senior police officer, while Arbiv sought personal ties to the influential rabbi, who had connections in Israel and abroad.

As part of their alliance, the indictment claims, Arbiv made different requests for help from the rabbi and his associates for personal needs, all the while making sure to maintain his ties to the rabbi.

Among other things, Arbiv asked Pinto for help in finding a job in New York for his son and daughter-in-law, as well as help in obtaining a discount to purchase an apartment in a prestigious complex in Tel Aviv.

According to the indictment, Pinto and his associates did help Arbiv's daughter-in-law find a job and helped her obtain a US work visa, paying $2,650 for it.

Arbiv, left, with Pinto

Arbiv and his relatives also stayed several times at the Metro Apartments in New York, which at the time was owned by Pinto's aide, Ben-Zion Suky. The Metro employees refused to receive payment for these guests, and Arbiv and his family left cash money in envelops for the stay, based on what they thought was appropriate to pay.

According to the indictment, the close ties between the two continued even after Arbiv learned Pinto was a suspect in a criminal investigation into his Jerusalem-based Hazon Yeshaya non-profit organization. Furthermore, Arbiv failed to report his ties to Pinto to the relevant authorities in the police.

At a later stage, Pinto allegedly offered Arbiv $60,000 to interfere on his behalf to close the investigation. Arbiv did not report this offer to the relevant police bodies, nor did he report the fact Pinto was aware of this covert investigation concerning him.

Arbiv also handled a request by the FBI for information on Pinto, despite his ties to the rabbi and while failing to disclose said ties.

Moreover, Arbiv failed to disclose the information he had when the investigation into Pinto trying to bribe his superior, Brig. Gen. Ephraim Bracha, came to light in late 2012, despite the fact he knew his information was valuable to the investigation.

Pinto being released from prison (Photo: Dana Kopel) (Photo: Dana Kopel)

When asked about his ties to Pinto during the investigation into Pinto's bribes to Bracha, Arbiv provided a false version, once again leaving out of his testimony vital information.

Arbiv's defense team said in response, "For three years, an investigation has been ongoing at the Police Investigation Unit probe against Maj. Gen. (res.) Menashe Arbiv over suspicions of bribery. To that end, the State Attorney's Office signed an outrageous state witness agreement with Rabbi Pinto to try and establish the suspicions against Arbiv. The indictment left out any of the bribery allegations.

"The facts, as they were presented in the indictment, did not lead to a disciplinary hearing in other similar cases, and the prosecution chose to file an indictment in this case only because of the agreement reached with Pintoan agreement harshly criticized by the Supreme Court.

"It's important to emphasize that there was no alliance of interests between Arbiv and Rabbi Pinto, as described in the indictment."
The Syrian Kurdish YPG militia said on Thursday that hundreds of pro-Damascus fighters had deployed on frontlines in Syria's Afrin region to help counter a Turkish offensive.

"Groups aligned to the Syrian army came to Afrin, but not in the quantity or capacity to stop the Turkish occupation," YPG spokesman Nouri Mahmoud told Reuters. "The Syrian army must fulfill its duty... to protect Syria's borders." Mahmoud also denied that any Syrian government forces or institutions had entered a district in Aleppo under the control of Syrian Kurdish fighters.
The State Attorney's Office signed a plea bargain deal with two defendants accused of killing a Sudanese migrant in 2016. According to the deal reached at Lod District Court, 22-year-old Dennis Barshovitch of Petah Tikva will confess and be convicted of manslaughter.

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The prosecutor will ask for up to 10 years incarceration. The second defendant was 16 at the time of the incident and will only be convicted of committing intentional injury; his sentence, however, will be determined by the court.

Footage of the attack

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Some days after the incident, video footage of the two attackers venting their anger on a Sudanese man, Babikir Ali Adham-Abdou, was released. The victim was taken to Beilinson Medical Center, where he succumbed to his severe wounds four days later.

The original indictment stated that the defendants arrived at Municipal Square in Petah Tikva on the night o of November 14, 2016, where three girls were sitting and chatting at the time. The victim approached the girls and they were frightened and shouted at him to leave them alone.

The underage defendant approached the victim and shouted at him. The victim then raised his hands and began to leave the area. As he was walking, the youth kicked him in the back and threw a beer can at him.

He then continued to viciously beat the victim until he fell on his back. The kicking continued, hitting the victim in the upper body, his back, neck and head as he was lying on the ground.

The attack

Barshovitch then came running over and as Adham-Abdou attempted to get up, Barshovitch kicked him down forcefully and the victims head hit the ground. He continued kicking and punching the man several times and the victim was gargling before the defendants fled the scene.

Prosecutor concerned a full acquittal

At first, the defendants were not charged with murder due to the spontaneous nature of the incident. According to the pathological report, the victim died of multiple wounds and it was not possible to determine which of the two defendants caused Adham-Abdous death.

Prosecutors also feared that the youth would be acquitted since the young man attacked several times and the youth only once. They therefore feared that acquitting the youth would lead to the acquittal of the young man.

The maximum sentence for manslaughter and intentional injury is 20 years. However, when the attack is committed without weapons, such sentences are rarely imposed.

In accordance with the developments in the case, an arrangement was signed whereby the prosecution will demand that Barshovitch be sentenced to ten years incarceration. His defense counsel may ask for a lower prison sentence. In addition, each of the defendants will compensate the victim's family for NIS 50,000.
LONDON - Iran will withdraw from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal if there is no economic benefit from it and major banks continue to fail to do business with the Islamic Republic, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Thursday.

The July 2015 agreement between Iran and six major powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - obliged Iran to restrict its nuclear program in return for relief from sanctions that have crippled its economy.
A Palestinian man was killed early Thursday during an IDF operational activity in the West Bank city of Jericho.

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Footage from a security camera that captured the incident shows the man, Yassin Omar al-Saradih, running towards the Israeli force and being shot.

At the end of the video, a soldier is seen beating the Palestinian with his rifle before he succumbed to his wounds.

Dcoumentation distributed by Palestinians in Jericho

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The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said in response: "A violent disturbance developed during an activity in search of wanted men in the city of Jericho, in which a terrorist armed with an iron rod ran towards an IDF force and tried to attack the soldiers.

"In response to the immediate threat, the troops fired towards the assailant and confronted him from close range and were able to stop him," the IDF said.

"A knife was also found in his possession. Troops evacuated him to a hospital to receive medical treatment. His death was later announced. The incident is being reviewed."

The suspect running with an object in his hand

The Palestinian Information Ministry said about 20 soldiers had administered a "heavy beating" to al-Saradih, especially on his stomach and back.

"The Information Ministry views (his) martyrdom ... shortly after his arrest a cold-blooded execution," it said.

Man being knocked down by the soldiers

Al-Saradih's family members also claimed he was violently attacked by soldiers who arrived to arrest him and was taken away from his home. The family is seeking to have an autopsy performed.
Scores of people have gathered outside the Russian consulate in Istanbul to protest attacks on the rebel-held suburb of eastern Ghouta in Syria's capital.

The group, including prominent Syrian opposition figures, on Thursday chanted Syrian songs and slogans denouncing a Syrian government forces' bombing campaign that has targeted hospitals, apartment blocks and other civilian sites.

Hundreds of people have been killed or wounded in the campaign in recent days.

The protesters chanted: "Russia get out of Syria" and "Iran get out of Syria" in Turkish and Arabic.

Former Syrian opposition leader George Sabra and former Syrian cosmonaut Mohammed Faris took part in the demonstration.
An Israel Securities Authority (ISA) representative told the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court during a remand hearing Thursday that Nir Hefetz , Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's former media advisor, was failing to cooperate with his investigators and remaining silent throughout his questioning.

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Hefetz, who was allegedly involved in the Bezeq affair (Case 4000), is also suspected of trying to bribe former District Court president judge Hila Gerstl into tossing out an investigation against Sara Netanyahu in return for being appointed attorney general. Hefetz will remain in custody until Sunday for his part in the Gerstl affair and until Monday for his part in the Bezeq affair.

The media consultant, who is suspected of taking bribes and of obstruction of justice, complained to the Israel Prisons Service (IPS) about his arrest conditions.

Nir Hefetz in court, Thursday (Photo: Yaron Brener)

"There was a fight between prisoners in the cell, which was an hour or two that I couldn't sleep," Hefetz said. "I woke up in the morning with hundreds of flea bites, and my entire body was covered in blisters. When I got to the interrogation this morning, I asked for a doctor so I could can get a salve. The answer I got was 'You don't die from this. You'll get treatment from the IPS.' I had hundreds of blisters in my hands and body, and I cannot believe the criterion to see a doctor is when your life is at risk."

He spoke of another incident, in which he was apparently recognized by security prisoners. "On Sunday when I was arrested, I got to one of the IPS facilities at night. There, I don't know how, I was apparently recognized by security prisoners from Gaza and a commotion erupted. I heard shouting in Arabic, the name 'Netanyahu,' and there was a great commotion," he said.

He also asked to see a doctor on his first day under arrest. "After the interrogation concluded, I was left there for three hours and the exhaustion after having been asked questions led to me collapsing. It was only then that they brought a medic that checked my blood pressure, etc. It ended with me falling to the floor," he said.

The court also extended the remand of Shaul Elovitch, the controlling shareholder of the Bezeq telecommunications company, until Monday. His wife Iris will remain in custody until Monday too.

Shaul Elovitch allegedly pressured Walla CEO to provide Netanyahu with favorable coverage (Photo: Yaron Brener)

The police are looking into suspicions that Elovitch and Bezeq received regulatory benefits from the Communications Ministry in return for the favorable coverage of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his family.

"The investigation is hard on him as it is," Elovitch's lawyer Jack Chen told the court. "His investigators told him that his life was over, and that he would end up as a supermarket guard."

On Wednesday, the court extended Communication Ministry Director-General Shlomo Filber's remand by 15 days after he signed a state's witness agreement

The remand of Bezeq CEO Stella Handlers and the company's Strategy and Business Development Manager Amikam Shorer was extended by six days each.

Now that the gag order has been removed, I can say unequivocally that this case raises reasonable suspicion and is based on even more serious corruption, everyone with his share, everyone with his own condition, said Judge Ronit Pozanski-Katz when extending the remand.

The acts were allegedly carried out by senior officials in the government and Bezeq, she said.

Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth reported Thursday morning that Ilan Yeshua, the CEO of the Walla! News website, has provided police investigators in recent days with recordings in which Elovitch is heard pressuring him to give Netanyahu and his family flattering coverage.

Yeshua also told investigators he had realized the pressure was inappropriate and began recording his conversations with Elovitch. The first recording he played them had Elovitch issuing the explicit order.

A law enforcement source said that the recordings "were one of the main things that broke down Shlomo Filber's resistance and led to the state's witness agreement," after Filber realized what had been taking place behind his back while he provided Elovitch with benefits as the Communications Ministry director-general.

The Walla! News website's former news anchor, Dov Gilhar, and one of the website's senior editors, Avi Alcalay, testified Thursday at the Israel Securities Authority as part of Case 4000.
About 1,000 asylum seekers and activists from the Stop the Expulsion movement protested Thursday near the Holot detention center in the Negev Desert. They then held a protest march from Holot to the nearby Saharonim Prison after seven of their fellows were taken from the center and imprisoned due to their refusal to leave Israel.

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The Israeli government made things difficult, said 27-year-old Mular Gabrihiyaut, who came to Israel seven years ago from Eritrea and is one of those being transferred to the prison. The government gave me 30 days to decide whether to leave the country. We are calling out for help. We are asylum seekers, protesting for our rights, we are human beings.

Eritreans protest march to Saharonim

left to Rwanda and did not receive a thing there. He set out for Europe and unfortunately we lost him in the Sahara Desert. He is dead, and I am choosing prison.

Theadorus Mubasah, 29, who came here six years ago, said: This really hurts. We are here (at Holot) for a year and they tell us to go to Rwanda or Uganda. Over there, nobody cares for you, you are not given any status, you are not a citizen, I do not know those countries and their language.

The seven asylum seekers are the first to be jailed since the government announced the intended expulsion plan which included the closing of the Holot detention center at the end of March.

(Photo: Roee Idan)

The seven Eritreans were the first to receive letters, about a month ago, informing them that they must leave to Rwanda or be imprisoned for an indefinite amount of time, as per the government decision.

The seven were summoned for a hearing earlier this week and at its conclusion were immediately taken to Saharonim Prison. In protest, the 700 migrants being held at the detention center launched a hunger strike.

Tsafazgi Asgudum, 33, is one of the strikers who came to Israel six years ago. A few months ago they decided to expel some of our brethren. They notified them of the choice: Leave or be imprisoned. They chose prison. They were sent to prison without a chance to collect their things and were separated from their friends and locked in a small facility. As a result, we are on a hunger strike and we will march to free them. They should at least treat refugees humanely, morally, he said.
WASHINGTON  A US air strike against al Shabaab militants in Somalia killed four members of the al Qaeda-linked Islamist insurgency group, the US military said in a statement on Thursday.

The strike, which took place on Wednesday near the town of Jamaame, was coordinated with the Somalia's government and the US Africa Command said it did not assess that any civilians had been killed in the strike.
UNITED NATIONS  Former US president Jimmy Carter is warning that the two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict "is being overtaken by a one-state reality which will have dire consequences for Israel in the long-term."

Carter concluded that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state "is in Israel's best interest."

In a statement to the Security Council read Thursday by former US ambassador Richard Murphy, Carter said that a two-state solution "must be anchored on 1967 borders with agreed upon adjustments and with Jerusalem as the capital for both Israelis and Palestinians."

He said Gaza "is teetering on the brink of a humanitarian disaster" and warned that another war in the Hamas-ruled territory is "a real possibilityand the consequences would be catastrophic."
A large delegation of senior Hamas officials from Gaza and abroad, including leader Ismail Haniyeh, has been in Cairo for the past two weeks for talks with top Egyptian intelligence officials and for internal discussions.

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An initial delegation, led by Haniyeh, left Gaza in early February without prior notice and has since been joined by additional members of the organization's leadership for an unusually long visit.

Haniyeh was joined by Khalil al-Hayya, Rohi Mushtaha and Fathi Hamad. Several days ago, Mousa Abu Marzouk, Izzat Al-Rishiq and Mohammed Nasser also arrived in Cairo.

Humanitarian crisis in Gaza

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Hamas claimed the visit was meant to discuss ways to ease the suffering of Gaza residents amidst the humanitarian crisis in the strip, but it appears this is not the main or only reason for the trip.

Reports from different sources indicated Marwan Issa, the deputy Hamas military leader, joined the talks in Cairo along with other senior officials in the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigade.

Sources in the Gaza Strip told Ynet that the arrival of the delegation from Hamas's military wing had to do with talks over a possible prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel, but there has been no significant development on the matter so far.

Haniyeh with other Hamas officials

However, it is believed the main reason for the Hamas delegation's extended stay in Cairo has to do mostly with the crisis in the reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah, after having reached a stalemate yet again. It is unlikely any progress will be achieved, due to the deep disagreements and the fact each side remains entrenched in its positions.

The Hamas delegation has been discussing several alternatives for the current situation, in which the Palestinian Authority has some level of civilian control in the strip, but not enough to manage daily lives.

One such option is to establish a "national rescue government" in the Gaza Strip only, which will in effect remove the national unity government from the strip and run it instead. This new government would be no different to the administrative committee that operated like a government before the signing of the reconciliation agreement four months ago.

This option could lead Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to increase his sanctions on the Gaza Strip in an effort to further pressure Hamas and egg the local population to rebel against the terror group.

Another possibility being discussed is establishing an administrative body for the strip with Abbas's rival, former Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan. This possibility was raised even before the reconciliation, and some say it pushed Abbas to sign the reconciliation agreement to prevent his sworn enemy from taking over the Gaza Strip.
RAMALLAH, West Bank Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has gone into hospital in the United States for a routine check, a senior Palestinian official told Reuters on Thursday.

"He is in the hospital now doing ordinary checks," the official said by telephone, without giving further details.

Abbas, 82, addressed the UN Security Council in New York on Feb. 20 and called for an international conference to be held by mid-2018 to kick-start the stalled peace process with Israel.

He was expected to leave the US for Venezuela for an official visit, according to his office in Ramallah. That visit was scheduled to start on Feb. 21.

In October 2016, Abbas was taken to hospital in the West Bank without prior public announcement for heart function tests which, a doctor said, showed normal results.
Qatar is helping Israel avoid another Gaza war by funneling relief money to impoverished Palestinians with Washington's blessing, a Qatari diplomat said on Thursday, describing the cooperation as evidence of Doha's distance from Islamist Hamas.

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Since coming under an embargo last year by its US-allied Gulf Arab neighbors, Qatar has made its aid to the Gaza Stripand the coordination with Israel needed for disbursementa focus of its diplomatic contacts with the Trump administration.

"Gaza is on the verge of collapsing," Ambassador Mohammed Al-Emadi told Reuters in an interview in Jerusalem, after he met Israel's regional cooperation minister and security officials.

Qatar's Ambassador to Gaza Mohammed Al-Emadi

"The work that we are doing is keeping peace for both nations," said the Qatari relief director for the Gaza Strip.

Israel has voiced alarm at the deepening poverty in Gaza , which it and neighboring Egypt keep under blockade in what they say is a precaution against Hamas arms-smuggling.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and commercial ties with Qatar in June for allegedly supporting terror groups such as Hamas, meddling in their internal affairs and backing regional foe Iran's agenda.

Palestinians work at the Qatari-funded Hamad City housing complex in Khan Younis, Gaza

Qatar denies all the accusations, and pushed back with outreach to the United Statesincluding several leaders of its pro-Israel Jewish community.

"If we are helping Hamas, do you think the Israelis (would) allow us to go inside and come out?" Al-Emadi asked. "It's impossible. They know we are not helping Hamas."

Responding to Israeli and US requests, Qatar ceased hosting Saleh al-Arouri, the Hamas deputy leader, Al-Emadi said. He added that "every single penny" of Qatari money given to Gaza was monitored to ensure it is spent on humanitarian needs.

Al-Emadi visits Gaza (Photo: AFP)

"We feed Washington the correct information about what we are doing, and these people ... right away, they are with us," Al-Emadi said. Qatar's image, he added, "is improved, because ... when we tell them what is there on the ground, what we are doing there (Gaza), it is good work."

Al-Emadi said he has visited Israel 20 times since 2014. The trips were previously kept under wraps, but the envoy has been increasingly visible in recent months.

By contrast, Israeli officials declined to comment on Al-Emadi's visits, a reticence that one diplomatic source attributed to their reluctance to upset other Arab powers.
We all love to take breaks from the daily routine. In that sense, the holidays present the best time to relax, spend time with family, and get to catch up with friends. 8 to 5 p.m. employees can't fully explain how holidays are important. The Ghanaian public holidays provide are always welcome for many worker to have that much need break. Check out the holidays we've listed below and mark them on your 2018 calendar.

Ghanaian holidays are either public holidays or some social observances. These public holidays for instance are celebrated and commemorated by all and the government provides that employers give their employees a day off from work to observe the day. Here are the Ghana national holidays according to the 2018 calendar:

READ ALSO: Upcoming Holidays in Ghana 2018

Ghana National holidays

They can also be referred to the Ghanaian public holidays.

First is the 1st January which is a new years public holiday denoting the beginning of a year.

March 6th is remembered as the Independence Day, a memory of when Ghana gained independence in 1957 from United Kingdom.

April 2nd is Easter Monday

May 1 is International Labor Day

May 25 is the African Union day; a day celebrated to mark the unity of Africa.

The end of Ramadhan is celebrated on June 15 as Eid ul Fitr and Eidul Adha is on August 22 for this year although this dates vary from one year to the next based on the lunar cycle.

Ghana became a republic on 1st of July 1960 and so this day is commemorated as a Ghanaian Public holiday.

The founding father and the first president of Ghana are celebrated on September 21st as the Founders day.

The first Friday in the month of December is always the farmers day.

Following is the world most festive season, December 25 the Christmas day celebrating the life of Jesus Christ.

December 26th which is the Boxing Day.

This follows the observance of December 31st, the New Years Eve, which ushers in the New Year.

Other Ghanaian holidays

Ghana has not really gazetted these type of holidays.

March equinox is observed on March 20th.

Easter holy Saturday and Sunday for 2018 will be on April 1st and 2nd.

Mothers day is celebrated on 13th many while fathers day on 17th Jun.

21st of June and 23rd of September is observed as an equinox.

December 24th and 31st are observed at Christmas and New Years Eve respectively.

READ ALSO: 5 smart ways to avoid gaining weight during the holidays

Source: Yen.com.gh
Ghana is a magnet whose forces come from its rich history, landmarks and natural resources. The people in this country also make the country a home for everyone. Ghanaians popularly known for their hospitality will not allow you to suffer when they can offer a helping hand. It is almost impossible to pass a Ghanaian on the streets without greetings.

Tourist attractions in Ghana can be counted in so many resources, starting with Nzulezo village to Lake Bosumtwi. This West African gem, offers both serenity and fun packed environment for your travel needs. All you have to do is define your needs and create a schedule that you will follow throughout your journey across this expansive country. Below are five important facts that you should know about the tourist sites in Ghana.

READ ALSO: One Checklist that You Should Keep in Mind Before Visiting Tourist Sites in Ghana

1. Ghana has some of the best beaches in Africa and the world

Among the most notable tourist sites in Ghana, beaches hold a high position. The land in Ghana towards the coast ends in a stretch of white sands, ushering in the clear waters making the beaches one of the most beautiful places in Ghana. The water from the beach extends deep into the Atlantic ocean. These beaches are complemented with buildings and resorts of all financial categories. In line with this, you can find a home on the beaches in the gulf of guinea. Below are the regions along the gulf with beautiful beaches;

 Great Accra

 Volta region

 Western region

 Central region

2. Ghana holds the history of the worlds famous salve trade

Tourism in Ghana is also influenced by the history of slave trade and the evidence of the same, apart from lakes, beaches and mountains in Ghana. Slaves were supplied to slave markets in the south through the northern Ghana slave routes. Evidence of slavery can be seen through relics of holding campsites, water troughs and rivers where the slaves were permitted to fill their bellies and wash their bodies.

3. Rich in natural resources

Some of the most preferred Ghana destinations are nature sites. Right from umbrella rock to mount afadjato, you can find great hiking sites in Ghana. This is not all. Natural sceneries can be found in the virgin forests, highland villages and Sahelian savanna.

4. Ashanti kingdom

The Ashanti kingdom is known all over the world, making it one of Ghana points of interest. Ashanti has its capital Kumasi, which is the second largest city in Ghana. Ghanaians find much of their traditional history in the Ashanti kingdom.

READ ALSO: 7 Facts You Never Knew About Tourist Sites in Ghana

5. Accra is the capital city of Ghana

With a population beyond two million, Accra boasts to host some of the major tourist sites in Ghana. It is hard not to find somewhere nice Accra, as the places to visit in Accra ranges from hotels to great beaches. It is one of the most preferred places to visit in Ghana. In addition to this Accra houses some of the most crucial landmarks in Ghana including the James Town Lighthouse.

With the five facts about Ghana in mind, it is only wise that you get your travellers bag on and your papers updated for the next tour to Ghana. The lakes in Ghana among other Ghana tourist sites will always deliver the relaxation, bewilderment and escape you need. You, however, have to ensure that you bring with you the friendly and hospitable face when visiting Ghana.

Source: Yen
- The Vice President is urging the Armed Forces to be vigilante and deal with criminals

- Dr Bawumia says government will support the Armed Forces with logistics in order to carry out their duties

The Vice President of Ghana, Dr Alhaji Bawumia, was spotted at Burma Camp in Accra on Wednesday, serving some officers of the Ghana Armed Forces at a lunch.

The Vice President did the honors after delivering an address on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, at the 2017 General Headquarters West African Soldier Social Activities (WASSA), as the special guest.

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Dr Bawumia serving some officers at lunch

READ ALSO: Medikal's mother speaks for the first time on Ebony's death

Dr Bawumia who delivered a short address at the event commended officers of the Ghana Armed Forces for their continual sacrifice in ensuring the peace and stability of the country.

He also pledged some logistical support to the Armed Forces in order to carry out their lawful duties as expected of them.

The Vice President in his address encouraged the officers to lawfully deal with the unruly activities of criminals who have taken the laws into their hands with impunity.

READ ALSO: Cecilia Marfo, Ernest Opoku planned destroying me - Gospel musician

To those criminal groups, environmental degraders, and all whose activities pose security threat to our country, I wish to advise that opportunities exist in the economy for them to channel their energies into more productive and rewarding enterprises that will earn them a decent livelihood, Dr Bawumia said.

The event was attended by some high profile dignitaries, including the Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu and his colleague Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu.

WASSA is an annual event celebrated by the various arms of the Ghana Armed Forces to bring together family members to fraternize in order to strengthen the bond of comradeship.

Star Gist on YEN brings you an exclusive interview with upcoming music star S3fa:

READ ALSO: Ghanaian toddlers born with blue eyes to become super models

YEN.com.gh is building a platform where Ghanaians can share local news and own experiences with each other. Witnessing an incident? Want to tell about a local problem? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Message us on Facebook now

Source: Yen.com.gh
- Dancehall artiste Ebony died in a gory accident on the Kumasi-Sunyai High with two other people

- Franky is the the name of the closest friend of Ebony Reigns who was on board the Jeep car

- A mammoth one-week observance was held for Ebony in Accra on Sunday

Some persons on social media have criticised the organisers of the one-week memorial for the late Ebony Reigns, for neglecting Franklina Kuri and Francis Atsu Vondee, who died with the dancehall artiste.

The conversation on social media have questioned the total neglect of Franky and Francis during Ebonys one-week observance on Sunday at the St Martins De Porres School at Dansoman, which attracted thousands of people from all walks of life.

The late Ebony Reigns died at age 20

READ ALSO: 6 Ebony songs that will live in our hearts forever

The late Ebony Reigns died in an accident when travelling from Sunyani to Accra together with her best friend, Franklina Kuri, otherwise called Franky, and Francis, a soldier with the Ghana Air Force, believed to be Ebonys bodyguard.

In an earlier publication, the Ghana Armed Forces said it went for Atsus body and would later release it to the family.

Meanwhile, Frankie, will be buried on March 3 before Ebonys funeral on March 17.

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Franky, 27, was born Franklina Maame Yaa Teboa Nkansah.

As of Tuesday, there were no indications of their families planning something together.

Franky Kuri

Ebony, born Priscilla Opoku-Kwarteng died with two others around 11:45 PM at Nyame Bekyere near Mankranso in the Ahafo Ano South District of the Ashanti Region on Thursday, February 8.

According to a police report, on reaching a section of the road between Nyamebekyere and Nsuta, there was a heap of sand in the lane of Ebonys Jeep, and her driver, in trying to avoid running into the sand, swerved onto the opposite lane and grazed the near side portion of a VIP bus.

The late soldier who died together with Ebony and Franky, Francis Vondee Atsu

The Jeep then plunged into the railings at the edge of the road, killing the music star as well as Franklina Nkansah, aged 27 years; and Lance Corporal Vondee Francis Atsu, aged 29 years.

YEN remembers Ebony with a lovely video:

READ ALSO: An Ebony tattoo goes wrong on man's scalp

Send us a message via our official Facebook and/or Instagram page to get it published on YEN.com.gh

Source: Yen
- A Tanzanian woman has been arrested for smuggling cocaine to Ghana

- The cocaine she smuggled was worth $70,000

- Investigations are underway over how she came about the drugs

Investigations are underway over how a Tanzanian woman managed to smuggle cocaine into Ghana.

Basaida Zena Jafari who sells food in Tanzania was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport after efforts to smuggle $70,000 worth of cocaine proved futile.

READ ALSO: Police chase robbers who left their car and snatched motorbikes to flee

The Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) has confirmed that the middle-aged woman was arrested when she was going through arrival formalities at the Kotoka International Airport.

"Mrs. Zena on interrogation admitted ownership of the parcel and confessed that they were given to her by one Mandanje Omari in Tanzania to be delivered to someone in Accra for an undisclosed amount of money," the Board said.

So far, it remains unknown how the Tanzanian woman got hold of the hard drugs as there are suspicions it could have been given to her as a parcel. She was jailed for 5 years.A recent report shows that Ghana and Nigeria are the two top countries with most cases of smuggled drugs.

According to the report, Ghana and Nigeria were the leading sub-Saharan countries most prone to this development and that the main trafficking route continues to be from West Africa to South America and Latin America.

The report also ranks Ghana the 20th in the world when it comes to the consumption of cocaine - a development which comes at a time when the government is putting structures in place to clamp down on the illicit drug trafficking.

It has also emerged that close to 300,000 thousand Ghanaians are currently sniffing cocaine or using it in other devious forms. This revelation is documented to have skyrocketed the prevalence of Hepatitis B in sub-Saharan Africa as most of the drug abusers rely on the use of syringes to satisfy their urge.

READ ALSO: Prophet who 'saw' Ebony's death says another popular musician will die before March ends

This report comes in the wake of various scandals in Ghana related to illicit drug trade with the most noticeable being the cocaine turned baking soda scandal and also the Nayele Ametefe saga.

Star Gist on YEN brings you an exclusive interview with upcoming music star S3fa:

Send us a message via our official Facebook and/or Instagram page to get it published on YEN.com.gh

Source: Yen
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.
Bowman to deliver keynote address at UWI Open Campus graduation ceremony

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The University of the West Indies Open Campus will hold its Annual Recognition of Graduates Ceremony at the Methodist Church Hall, today, Friday, February 23 at 9 a.m.

Thirty-seven graduates, who have successfully completed their course of study at all four campuses of the University, will be formally recognized for their academic and professional achievements in various disciplines, including Medical Sciences, Management Studies, Education, Accounting and Natural Sciences.

Andrea Bowman, educator and former headmistress of the St Vincent Girlsa High School, will deliver the feature address at the ceremony, while head of the Open Campus, Deborah Dalrymple, will lead the Academic Procession.

This year, Dr Veronica Simon, head of the Open Campus St Lucia, will perform official duties on behalf of the Chancellor. Hannah Hamilton (BEd Educational Leadership and Management graduate with First Class Honours) is this yearas valedictorian.
Cannabis growers see recent developments as stepping stone to other objectives

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On February 19, more than 25 persons representing cannabis growers and consumers from several communities throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines met at the Victoria Park to discuss Governmentas announcement to legalize medical cannabis.

The meeting, which was called by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cannabis Revival Committee (SVGCRC), presided over by Junior aSpirita Cottle, president and Ajit Duncan, vice-president, also looked at the restructuring of the organization to enable it to operate more effectively.

The SVGCRC has been calling for alternative livelihoods for growers, medical cannabis and decriminalization, as well as the legal right of Rastas to use cannabis as a religious sacrament.

In the fight for the reform of cannabis laws, concessions are more often given to consumers of the plants rather than the producers, who have little or no other form of livelihood, and who see their crops often eradicated.

The SVGCRC supports the move to legalize medical cannabis, as it continues to call for the decriminalization and the religious freedom of the herb as a sacrament.

The CRC views medical cannabis as a stepping stone to our other objectives.

To this end, we call on the Unity Labour Party Government to ensure that our traditional farmers become an integral part of the process, that the new law reflects the interest of the growers, and that our country and people become the principal benefactors of any such industry to be established.

We also call on the Opposition New Democratic Party to support us on our way forward.

The following persons were elected to fill some vacancy as executive members:

Fitz Allan Lewis, Frankie Paul, Conliff Pompey, Wyclioffe Dickson, Berkley Delpleshe, Osborne Caine and Sydney Joseph.
End illegal occupation of Guantanamo

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A release from the St Vincent and the Grenadines/ Cuba Friendship Society

The St Vincent and the Grenadines/Cuba Friendship Society joins peace-loving peoples, organizations and countries all over the world in once again calling for the illegal occupation of Cuban territory, Guantanamo Bay to be specific, to be brought to an end by the Government of the United States of America, for the withdrawal of its military forces stationed there, and for the closure of the prison camp on that base.

Guantanamo is but one of about 800 US military bases worldwide, but its existence on Cuban soil is in direct contradiction to the will of the Cuban people and Government, who have consistently demanded its closure.

February 23 marks the 115th anniversary since Guantanamo was occupied by US military personnel, ostensibly to aguaranteea Cubaas independence.

Since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, Cuba has been demanding the return of the 45 square mile base and has consistently refused to collect the pittance of a aleasea for the territory. It has taken the matter right to the United Nations and year after year the vast majority of nations in the UN family vote in favour of ending the occupation.

However, the USA steadfastly ignores the democratic will of humanity and not only continues to defy it by continuing to occupy Guantanamo, but has also placed a prison camp there, violating the rights of persons forcibly held and tortured there.

The SVG/CUBA Friendship Society notes and supports the position of CARICOM countries, including our own, in calling for the return of Guantanamo to Cuban sovereignty and appeals to our people and civic organizations to lend their voices to this just cause.

Renwick Rose

SVG/CUBA FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY
PM steps down from Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank

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Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines has stepped down from the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).

This paves the way for his son a the new Vincentian Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves, to take over.

The Vincentian Prime Ministeras departure was announced at the just concluded 90th meeting of the Monetary Council in St Kitts-Nevis.

Chair of the Authority of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Prime Minister Allen Chastanet indicated that PM Gonsalvesa tenure was characterized by sagacious advice and astute strategizing that has helped to preserve the integrity and strength of the Eastern Caribbean currency.

aPM Gonsalves has the distinction of being one of the signatories of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre, which was signed on the 18th June 2010 and throughout his long tenure in office he has been an anchor of OECS regional integration and a pillar of institutional continuity in the Monetary Council,a the OECS chair said on Saturday.

aIn his capacity as chair of the Ministerial Subcommittee on Insurance, Prime Minister Gonsalves led the Monetary Council response to the BAICO/CLICO Insurance situation.

aAs a consequence, well over $100 million have been paid to thousands of BAICO policyholders, thereby bringing some much needed relief,a Chastanet observed.

The ECCB serves as a central bank for Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts-Nevis, Montserrat and Anguilla.(The Gleaner)
PSU celebrating 75 years of existence

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MESSAGE TO COMMMORATE THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY

OF THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES PUBLIC SERVICE UNION

FROM BRO ELROY BOUCHER a PRESIDENT

On February 21, the Public Service Union celebrates 75 years of existence as a Trade Union, under the theme a75 Years of Resilience a Moving Forward Towards a Stronger Public Service Union.a

The Public Service Union, formerly the Civil Service Association, was founded in 1942 and registered on February 27, 1943 under the Friendly Society Act as the Civil Service Association. On February 21, 1954, the Civil Service Association was registered as a trade union under the Trade Union and Dispute Act of 1951. The General Meeting of 1981 saw a change in name to the Public Service Union.

The rich history of the Public Service Union cannot be ignored. Over the past 75 years we have experienced setbacks and triumphs and have fought long and hard to ensure that workersa rights were protected and benefits increased and secured. We have also fought, and continue to fight to secure equal opportunities for all workers and to protect workers against unfair treatment. Truly it has been 75 years of resilience.

Our rich history cannot be spoken of without mention being made of the trailblazers who paved the way. Many of these stalwarts are living today. Mention must be made of Leon Huggins, Cadman Lewis, Julian Caruth, (all deceased), Sebastian aBassya Alexander, Robert Sandy, Careitha Turentine, Desmond Pompey, Margaret London, Aubrey Burgin, Arnhim Eustace, Bernard Morgan, Conrad Sayers, Owen Jackson, among others. This list is in no way exhaustive. The hard work put in by the mentioned presidents has enabled us today to continue moving forward towards a stronger Public Service Union.

Throughout the years we have faced many challenges, both internal and external. Some of these challenges have threatened the very existence of the organization. However, by the grace of God we were able to be resilient and emerged stronger.

Today, there are many challenges confronting us that require us to stand firmly together. I wish to bring attention to some of these challenges:

a REFUSAL OF GOVERNMENT TO ENGAGE IN THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PROCESS

While collective bargaining is recognized and practised among some of the statutory bodies, within the public service it is non-existent. It must be noted that collective bargaining is at the heart of the trade union movement. In 2010, the Public Service Union submitted, on behalf of public servants, a collective agreement for discussion and negotiation. To date we have had no response from the authorities.

a GOVERNMENTaS RELUCTANCE AND OBJECTION TO NEGOTIATING SALARIES AND WAGES

Our government has found it easier to legislate wages and salaries, instead of completing negotiation.

a PENSION REFORM

While we agree that there is a need for pension reform, the Public Service Union has the responsibility to ensure that when the pension reform process is completed, public servants are not left at a disadvantage. We must learn from our mistakes. In 2014, NIS effected parametric reforms. These reforms saw over 400 low income public servants and many more workers from statutory bodies being affected negatively. These workers had an expectation that when they retire at age 60, they would receive a full pension. Instead they had to wait up to five years before receiving their pension and furthermore any pension taken before received a penalty of 6 per cent for each year taken before the set NIS retirement age. All of these workers were therefore left with no income until they reached the NIS retirement age. None of the reformers thought about these vulnerable workers, and the unions took their eyes off the ball. In the case of the pension reform of the public service pension system, the Public Service Union must be vigilant and ensure the protection of the pension rights of public servants

a Failure of the Public Service Commission to observe principles of fairness, transparency and objectivity in exercising its functions under the Public Service Commission Regulations

a Element of fear that exists throughout the public Service

a Lack of growth in the economy that has resulted in increased taxation on workers.

To navigate these and many more challenges, we have to maintain our resilience and continue moving towards a stronger Public Service Union. We must remember that building resilience is an important part of growth and change, so we must be prepared to undergo positive change, while maintaining our values and principles. Thus, this 75th year of celebration should usher in a call for all workers, to stand with the Public Service Union. If ever a time that we, as workers, need to stand together, it is now.

I wish to share with you the following quotation which was delivered by the Hon Dr Ralph E Gonsalves, on August 29th, at the 29th Annual Conference of the Caribbean Public Service Association. The Prime Ministeras comments appears more relevant today, as we celebrate 75 years as a trade union than at the time of his address. It brings to light how critically important our role as a trade union movement is, especially today, and also speaks to the times we are living in as workers within St Vincent and the Grenadines.

aBut in the final analysis, the public worker, individually and collectively, must put on the agenda all the relevant issues. An apathetic public service which is easily cowed by the powers-that-be, will not be able to do more than survive. Those public officers who take no interest in the union or who fail or refuse to tackle aggressively their own concerns will be trampled upon by a manipulative, Machiavellian government. Public workers must support their unions; pay their dues; participate fully in their collective branches; display utmost vigilance in their hard-won rights; build the requisite industrial and political alliances on an on-going basis; and serve the public well and faithfully. When all that and more is done, the public worker will not only survive; he or she will prosper and advance.a

In the words of Lane Kirkland awe have Come too far,Struggled too longSacrificed too much and have too much left to do,to allow that which we have achieved for the good of all, to be swept away without a fight. And we have not forgotten how to fight.a

Finally, I urge all public servants throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines, whether you are working within the government service or the private sector, to stand up for your rights as citizens of our blessed country. It is only then you can ensure that you are not taken for granted and your rights not trampled upon. We, as Vincentians, have a responsibility to ourselves and to our country to guarantee we are receiving our rightful benefits which are protected by our countryas Constitution. The past 75 years has proven that we are a people who are always progressing and our desire for a better standard of living is always our ultimate goal; it is only through strength and unity we can acquire what is truly ours as public servants of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
SVGCC to host WI students debate

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The St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) will host the second Windward Islands Debating Competition (WIDC) among Community Colleges in the Windward Islands from March 2nd a 3rd at the Lecture Theatre 2 at the Villa campus, commencing at 9 a.m. each day. The other three participating colleges are the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) from St Lucia, Dominica State College and the TA Marryshow Community College, representing Grenada. The debate will run over the two-day period, with teams participating in a semi-final and final round.

The competition follows a 45-year tradition of a similar competition in the Leeward Islands. Head of the Caribbean Research Center at Medgar Evers College (CRC/MEC) Dr JA George Irish initiated the Leeward Islands competition and proposed that the Windward Islands adopt this programme as part of a strategy for Caribbean Youth Leadership Development. The aim of the WIDC is also to reinforce the multidisciplinary approach, which is needed to assess the needs of Caribbean societies and nurture critical thinkers who will help shape the democratic societies of the Caribbean region. It will also serve to promote regional integration, collegial information sharing and cultural exchanges.

The Windward Islands Debating Competition will be held under the patronage of His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Frederick Ballantyne. It also has the support of the Eastern Caribbean Debating Foundation Incorporated.
Butcher charged with receiving stolen goats

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A well-known businessman has been arrested and charged with receiving stolen goods.

Terry Gibson, 58, a butcher of Dauphine, was arrested on Friday, February 23, charged with aknowing or believing two ewe goats to be stolen goods, dishonestly received same for his own benefits at Cedarsa at about 3 pm on February 4, 2018.

Gibsonas arrest came after 68-year-old Carl Young appeared before the Kingstown Magistrateas Court on February 20, charged with stealing two ewe goats, one brown and black, the other brown and white. The offence is said to have been committed between February 2 and 3 at Cedars.

During his testimony in court, Young told the court that he had sold the goats to Gibson.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett asked the police why wasnat the butcher in court before him as well. The police responded by saying that Gibson was not there when they went looking for him.

aYall have to lock up the men who are buying these things. I keep saying it over and over again,a Burnett stressed.

Gibsonas matter is scheduled to be heard before the Biabou Magistrateas Court.
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February 22, 2018

Florida Supreme Court finds that state's Miller fix statute to death with Eighth Amendment problems has Alleyne Sixth Amendment problem

The Florida Supreme Court issues an interesting ruling today dealing with juvenile sentencing in Williams v. Florida, No. SC17-506 (Fla. Feb 22, 2018) (available here). Here are the basics from the start of the ruling:

This case is before the Court for review of the decision of the Fifth District Court of Appeal in Williams v. State (Williams II), 211 So. 3d 1070 (Fla. 5th DCA 2017). In its decision, the Fifth District ruled upon the following question certified to be of great public importance: DOES ALLEYNE V. UNITED STATES, 570 U.S. 99, 133 S. Ct. 2151, 186 L. Ed. 2d 314 (2013), REQUIRE THE JURY AND NOT THE TRIAL COURT TO MAKE THE FACTUAL FINDING UNDER SECTION 775.082(1)(b), FLORIDA STATUTES (2016), AS TO WHETHER A JUVENILE OFFENDER ACTUALLY KILLED, INTENDED TO KILL, OR ATTEMPTED TO KILL THE VICTIM? Id. at 1073. We have jurisdiction. See art. V,  3(b)(4), Fla. Const. For the reasons explained below, we hold that Alleyne requires a jury to make the factual finding, but conclude that Alleyne violations are subject to harmless error review. Where the error cannot be deemed harmless, the proper remedy is to resentence the juvenile offender pursuant to section 775.082(1)(b)2., Florida Statutes (2016).

As the opinion goes on to explain, the statute here was passed when Florida had to comply with the Supreme Court's Eighth Amendment Miller ruling precluding mandatory LWOP sentences for juvenile murderers. The statute provides that a finding that "a juvenile offender actually killed, intended to kill, or attempted to kill the victim leads to a minimum forty-year sentence with a sentence review after twenty-five years  whereas a finding that the offender did not actually kill, intend to kill, or attempt to kill the victim results in there being no minimum sentence and a sentence review after fifteen years."

The Florida Supreme Court was unanimous here in concluding that this statute has to comply with Alleyne's Sixth Amendment ruling that jury trial rights extend to any fact that raises a binding minimum sentence. Hard-core sentencing proceduralists might still want to check out the Court's discussion, especially because there is an interesting partial dissent that starts this way:

I agree with the majority that under Alleyne v. United States, 570 U.S. 99 (2013), the factual findings provided for in section 775.082(1)(b), Florida Statutes (2016), must be made by the jury and that the absence of such jury findings in this case requires reversal of the sentence imposed under section 775.082(1)(b)1. and resentencing in the trial court. But I dissent from the majoritys direction regarding the remand, which requires imposition of the less severe sanction available under the statute. Because the issue of the remedy on remand has not been briefed in this case, I would simply direct remand for resentencing rather than preclude jury proceedings that might result in imposition of the more severe sentence under the statute.

February 22, 2018 at 01:00 PM | Permalink

Comments

Yes, I have a son who has been incarcerated since he was 61 years ole, Micheal Shaw #272166, at his trial his DNA was none found of Micheal Shaw 23 counts of samples; in fact, the duration of his incarceration his appeals were denied. As a mother, I question the legal system for years, and I had the privilege to meet a person who was there at the center where the accusation originated from, He told me that the defendants vow to put it on the Niger from Clear water, Fla. My son was from another county, Pinellas and due to come home in three days from the crime committed, Michael was railroaded into prison, and always admitted not being involved and confessing his innocence to the courtroom, prosecutors, judge, attorney and families. He has now been incarcerated 26 years til this date, I am his mother Nora Ellen Shaw Grover have written a book, "Beyond the Pain" and vowed to live to see him free. What makes a person elaborate, collaborate, and confess a lie under oath, juveniles. My son has suffered enough, someone please help me! At the age of 44, his birthday this year on November 5th, 2019...The State of Florida has incarcerated him , since he was 16 years old with a DNA that was none found of Michael Shaw, on the testimony of accused defendants, prosecutor, and bigot handicapped judge who passed down, an illegal sentence in 1994, Michael's attorney Mark Albrand stated, and confirmed it. Where is he now, the attorney who represented my son???

Is there anyone who can help me? Michael had a hearing on July 8th, and no one had the appropriate information, the courtroom in Lee's Count was backlogged, and when his name was called I ask to approach the bench to give my name and state who I was; a court DNA officer came over and rudely demanded that No! saying sit down without asking me any questions pertaining to my reasoning's....LEE'S county is still 50m years behind the times, very bias in their motivation in concepts, without serving the people appropriately. The Governor of the State needs to address these many issues,because many people have served illegal and unethical sentences, along with being over sentenced, by Lee's County Court systems.

Thank you,

Nora Ellen Shaw Grover

Posted by: Nora Shaw Grover | Jul 10, 2019 12:48:35 PM

I am a student working on my Bachelor's, and I have an Associate with a Major in Psychology; in fact, I plan to start a Dual Diagnosis Center, for Domestic Violence, Substance Abuses, and Prison Reform, along with a K-12 department for educating youth about the laws, Bill of Rights', and the Constitution, the importance of ethical and moral backgrounds within self-esteem, self-motivation, and self-awareness. The Emotional Intelligence concepts and practices, along with educational skills in academics, vocational, and life skills to be all that a person can be in life with challenges. I am investing my own proceeds from my book, along with personal families interests, and government funding; such as, grants to combat mental illnesses, traumatic situations, and school shootings. The issues that no ones seems to want to address such as mine, the issue of having a son incarcerated for 2/3's of his natural life, How? Why? When? Where? and What to do, if this happens to you....I am still dealing with this mountain and climbing it everyday I am living!

Nora Ellen Shaw Grover

SPC Student

Clear water, Fla 33755

727-337-8345

Posted by: Nora Shaw Grover | Jul 10, 2019 12:58:55 PM

To who this may concern:

Re: Michael Shaw #272166

Dear Sir or Maam's,

Is there anyone who can help me?

Posted by: Nora Shaw Grover | Jul 10, 2019 1:00:18 PM

I must prepare myself to do battle with whoever is an opponent of the Court's in Lee's County, because of their ruling over 26 years ago with a DNA test results, none found of Michael Shaw...The DNA test is an accuracy of accountability, within the FBI standings for crimes of various kinds, why not for a 16 year old Black male who was originally from Hightstown, New Jersey. Living in Clear water, Florida since 1990, by a family who was getting use the the area.

Posted by: Nora Shaw Grover | Jul 10, 2019 1:04:35 PM

I am ready to leave these post for an individual to read and get back to me.

Posted by: Nora Shaw Grover | Jul 10, 2019 1:05:16 PM

Thank you,



Nora Ellen Shaw Grover, read my book" Beyond the Pain" check out the prison chapter, it tells Michael's story, too!

Posted by: Nora Shaw Grover | Jul 10, 2019 1:06:48 PM

Thank You,

Nora Ellen Shaw Grover

Posted by: Nora Shaw Grover | Jul 10, 2019 1:07:23 PM

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Last year I remember reading this local article about former US District Judge Kevin Sharp leaving the federal bench after only six years. The former judge's complaints about mandatory minimum sentencing realities were partially spelled out in that article, but now I see this notable new Cato piece titled "Powerless on the Bench" which reprints Sharp's accounting for his decision. I recommend the piece in full, and here are excerpts:

Like a lot of judges who take the bench, I had limited experience in criminal law. Criminal law is fairly simple  much simpler than the tax code or some of the other things that I had done. But it soon became the hardest thing I did on the bench. In civil cases, my rulings generally concerned money. But in criminal cases, when I said the sentence is imposed as stated, somebody was placed in handcuffs and led away by a U.S. marshal.

Early on, I sentenced a young man, Antonio, who was 27. He was charged as a felon in possession of a firearm. He had been convicted of two armed robberies at 17 years old. At 27, Antonio is doing what we all hope a criminal defendant does after being convicted: he gets a job. He is in contact with his family. He does not do drugs . He does not drink. But Antonio had been doing one thing that he should not have been.

Antonio was driving down the street and, without being too graphic, he and his girlfriend were engaged in an activity that caused him to cross slightly over the double-yellow line. The police saw it and pulled him over. The police suspected his girlfriend was a prostitute, so they split Antonio and his girlfriend up and asked them questions. The police realized based on her answers that she in fact was Antonios girlfriend. Then, the police said, OK, we are going to let you go. Oh, by the way, do you mind if we search your car? Antonio, forgetting that he had an unloaded pistol under the front seat of his car, responded, No, go ahead.

Antonio was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Because he was convicted as an adult in his prior crimes, his mandatory minimum sentence was 15 years. I read his case and thought this could not be right. Fifteen years? What are mandatory minimums? I did not fully understand what they were at the time. I spent the next several days trying to figure out how to get around the minimum sentence  it cannot be done.

Regrettably, I did what I had to do. I sentenced Antonio to 15 years. I thought to myself, What in the world are we doing? Why would the government take away my ability to fashion a fair sentence? I know what a judge is supposed to consider in determining how to fashion a sufficient sentence. What I have done is in no way, shape, or form an appropriate sentence.

Several years later, I had the same conversation with myself. This time, the case involved a 22-year-old kid, Chris Young. He was caught up with a group of members of the Vice Lords, a gang known for running cocaine and crack through middle Tennessee. Chris was not a member of this gang. He was an aspiring rapper who would hang out with members of the Vice Lords because one of the gang members had a studio. He was occasionally asked to make crack, but he did not know how.

Chris was arrested as part of a 30-person indictment for drug conspiracy. Chris was such a minor player in the drug conspiracy  he did not even know how to make crack. I think the only reason the DEA arrested him was because he happened to be at a gas station when they took down the Vice Lords leader. He was at the wrong place with the wrong group at the wrong time. The only evidence showing Chriss connection to the gang were tapes from their wiretaps where Chris is talking to the gangs leader about how he cannot figure out why the crack he has cooked did not turn out right. The leader gets frustrated and finally says, Ill just come over and do it myself. That was basically the extent of it.

The prosecutor told Chris, You can plead guilty, and we will give you twelve years. Chris is 22 and thinks, 12 years, no! Im so minor in all of this, I will go to and win at trial. His lawyer convinces him that he should not go to trial, given his two prior drug convictions (one for less than half a gram of crack, which is about a sugar packet of crack) and the penalty he could face if convicted again  a mandatory life sentence. At this point, the prosecutor changes his mind and says, 12 years was last weeks price  this weeks price is 22 years, and if you turn this down, next weeks price may be higher. A 22-year-old, Chris thought, 22 years is life! Ill take my chances at trial. Only three people of this 30-person group arrested, by the way, went to trial. Everybody else pled guilty. At trial, these three people, who happened to also be the lowest members of this conspiracy, all got life in prison. Every single one of them. Yes, the Vice Lords were selling a lot of drugs, but not Chris, and not the other two defendants who also decided to go to trial. They all are behind bars for life.

Chris Young grew up in the projects, did not know his father, and saw his mother in and out of jail for her drug addiction. When his mother had been sent to jail, Chris and his brother would stay in the house without electricity, water, or money for food. They would eat out of garbage cans or ask neighbors to give them food. When they were tired of the way that they smelled, they asked neighbors if they could take a shower. This is how Chris grew up. His brother eventually died. It is unclear as to whether he committed suicide or was murdered. I could not consider any of his hardships. I could only look at how he was charged, and his charges led to his mandatory life sentence....

Members of Congress, in their desire to be elected and reelected, often show how tough on crime they can be, and they say, Look, mandatory minimums are necessary so that we can take discretion away from the judges. But these legislators have not taken away discretion, they have just moved it to the prosecutor, who has a dog in the hunt. If somebody said, Well wait a minute, lets not allow the prosecutor to do it but the defense counsel, they would say Youre insane! Why would you do that? My position, then, is why would you give discretion to the prosecutor?

Because of the way that I grew up, as I saw criminal defendants come through my court, I would think about how I may have gone to high school or have worked at an oil refinery with these people. These were real people who faced real consequences. And, despite my position, I was told what to say. I was just a messenger. And I thought to myself, Somebody else can be a messenger. If real change is going to be made, then I need to do that on the other side of the bench. Sure, I am giving up a lifetime appointment, but am I going to walk in here every day and do things that I do not think are just? The government can pay me for life to do that, but that is not enough for me. The government does not pay me enough for this  I cannot be paid enough to do this.
Recently, South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has worked with the Vietnamese ministry to negotiate cooperation in fields including electricity plant building, oil and gas, renewable energy, support industry, safe energy management, automobile, garment, distribution system and logistics.



They have also discussed ways to boost Vietnamese seafood, farm produce and processed food export to South Korea.

The two countries export turnover is expected to reach $100 billion by 2020. South Korea now ranks first in the number of investment projects in Vietnam with 1,287 projects and total capital of nearly $7.7 billion.

HCMC Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (HEPZA) said many European business delegations had required to come to the city and learn about local investment environment in the first week of the Lunar New Year. The most interested fields have been real estate, renewable energy and construction.

By PHUNG VAN  Translated by Hai Mien
Drew Angerer/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- A firm run by Keith Schiller, the loyal bodyguard who followed Donald Trump from the boardroom to the Oval Office and then abruptly departed in September, has been added to the payroll of the Republican National Committee, federal campaign filings show.

Schillers firm, KS Global Group LLC, has received several payments totaling $75,000 for security services  beginning in October, just weeks after Schiller left his White House post as director of Oval Office operations.

KS Global Group is a company bearing Schiller's initials and was incorporated in Florida under his name in October 2017. It appears to be a branch of a company formed in Delaware in October 2015, according to corporate records. The story was first reported by CNBC.

An RNC official tells ABC News Schillers company has been retained to provide security consultation for the RNC's 2020 convention site selection process, which is currently underway.

Keith Schiller has not responded to a request for comment from ABC News. expressed hope he will be found alive in a press conference Wednesday afternoon.

A former New York City police officer, Schiller has been a fixture at Trumps side for decades, serving as a body man for the New York developer, and a previous longtime point of contact for people trying to get in touch with Trump.

Schiller testified before the House Intelligence Committee behind closed doors late last year. At the time, a source familiar with the matter said Schiller was asked in part about Trump's 2013 trip to Moscow for the Miss Universe pageant. Schiller joined Trump on that trip, which is the focus of some of the salacious, unverified allegations in the controversial dossier produced by former British spy Christopher Steele.

Steele was hired by the political research firm Fusion GPS to dig up dirt on Trump. The firm was retained by the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clintons presidential campaign after initially working for the Washington Free Beacon, a conservative news organization, during the 2016 GOP presidential primary.

In May 2017, Schiller hand-delivered Trumps letter firing former FBI director James Comey to FBI headquarters. Special counsel Robert Mueller has been investigating the circumstances around Comeys firing.

He was also known on the campaign trail as Trumps enforcer, physically removing Univision anchor Jorge Ramos from a 2015 press conference, and hitting a protester in the face outside another event at Trump Tower in New York.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on February 22, 2018

2018/02/22

Good afternoon everyone. I assume you all had a very nice time during the Spring Festival holiday. During the break, we received a lot of faxes, emails and phone calls for questions. We salute you for such professionalism and dedication. You are our role model.

Now let us begin our today's press briefing.

Q: In the 2018 CCTV Spring Festival Gala, there was a skit in which a Chinese actress was wearing blackface, pretending to be an African. This caused a fair amount of angry reaction on the Chinese Internet as well as internationally. I was wondering if the Chinese side believes that this skit was racist?

A: This does not seem like a diplomatic question. Do you honestly believe that it has reached the diplomatic level?

Reporter: It is kind of a diplomatic question because it is about China's image in the eyes of Africans, especially because in September, we will have the China-Africa Cooperation Forum summit in Beijing and many African leaders are expected to be here.

A: If you want to ask something about the Spring Festival Gala, you may contact its organizer.

As the Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, I can tell you that China opposes racism in all its manifestations.

I do have read some reports and comments made by many media, especially western media. If someone is trying to make use of this issue to drive a wedge between China and Africa, I have to say that they are doomed to fail. China and Africa have forged impregnable friendship after going through hardships hand-in-hand, and the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides has yielded substantial outcomes. As regards how the China-Africa relations and cooperation have fared, no one knows better than the African countries and people.

Q: The ROK Foreign Ministry said that after the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, the ROK side will strictly follow the Security Council sanctions against the DPRK. It will make diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the nuclear issue by making good use of the ROK-DPRK interaction momentum created by the Olympics. The ROK will endeavor to persuade the DPRK to talk with the US at an early date and sees DPRK-ROK and US-DPRK talks as pillars of any dialogue aimed at denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. What is your comment?

A: We have taken note of these remarks made by the ROK side. As a close neighbor to the Korean Peninsula, China welcomes and supports these positive interactions and friendly cooperation taken place on the stage of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

We have been saying that the only way to break the deadlock where the Korean Peninsula situation has been stuck in a vicious cycle is to have dialogue and negotiation. Now with the ROK and the DPRK having taken the first precious steps, we hope that all the other relevant parties could jointly preserve and sustain such hard-won momentum of engagement, so that interactions between the ROK and the DPRK would be expanded to those among all parties, especially between the DPRK and the US, and we will be nearing the goal of pushing open the door for dialogue to resolve the Korean Peninsula issue.

We hope that all parties could refrain from provocative and aggravating behaviors, since what is needed now is our best efforts to ensure a relatively stable Peninsula and create enabling conditions for dialogue and negotiation. As this window of opportunity presents itself, we hope that the DPRK and the US could seize it, demonstrate goodwill, and work towards the same direction, something that should be cheered on by the international community.

Q: There was a report saying that China has been involved in talks with Baluchistan separatists in Pakistan, asking them not to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Obviously, this is somewhere where China is investing a lot of money, especially for the Belt and Road projects. Is this true and can you give us any details of the talks?

A: I have never heard of such things as you mentioned. The Chinese and the Pakistani governments have been working in coordination on security matters regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). We appreciate that Pakistan has already taken a series of important measures for the effective protection of the CPEC projects and Chinese citizens. We hope and believe that the Pakistani side will continue with these efforts to ensure the safety of the CPEC.

Q: Japan's Foreign Ministry said on February 20 that it had spotted what seemed like a cargo transfer between a small ship with Chinese characters on it and a DPRK vessel, possibly in violation of UN sanctions. Does China have any comment on that?

A: We attach great importance to the relevant information and are carrying out investigation.

China has been fully and strictly implementing the Security Council resolutions and discharging its international obligations. Some time ago, the relevant departments of the Chinese government issued a notice which follows the Security Council resolutions in explicitly prohibiting smuggling by ship-to-ship transfer. If any individual or company under China's jurisdiction is found violating the Security Council resolutions, China will act upon solid evidence and seriously handle that in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.

Q: Nepal's new Prime Minister K. P. Oli said in an interview that China and India are major neighbors of Nepal. He wants to deepen ties with China and get more leverage in his dealings with India through implementing the current cooperation agreement between Nepal and India. What is your comment?

A: China congratulates Mr. Oli on taking office as the new Prime Minister of Nepal and stands ready to work with the new Nepali government to carry forward China-Nepal friendly cooperation in various fields and realize common development so as to contribute to regional stability and prosperity.

As neighbors that are important to each other, China, Nepal and India should enhance positive interactions for greater mutual benefits and win-win results.

Q: Reports say that the Chinese military is strengthening air defenses along the China-India border, which has been reported as a counteraction to the threat from India. What prompted this particular measure by the Chinese military, especially in the light of the efforts by both countries to work out a kind of de-escalation after last year's standoff in Dong Lang?

A: I am not aware of the specifics, and suggest you try the Defense Ministry.

What I can say is that we hope that India could work with us to maintain peace and stability in the border areas, which serves the common interests of the two sides.
The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.
On March 20, the Broward County Commission will vote on the plat for the proposed Walmart at 670 E. Oakland Park Blvd., the former Kmart site.

Under Florida law, platting is the process of the subdivision of property and is used by Broward to evaluate the impact developments will have on the region. The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. in room 422 of the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.

Steven Wherry, the Fort Lauderdale attorney representing Walmart, said that the opening has been delayed and hes not sure now when it will open.

The proposed 121,345 square foot store, which is 4,000 square feet bigger than the former Kmart, was approved by Oakland Park commissioners at the end of 2016 and will employ an estimated 300 to 350 people. The site will have 510 parking spaces and solar panels will be installed to provide some of the buildings energy needs. Walmart will also hire an off-duty BSO deputy to provide extra security.

Under the citys code, Walmart could have occupied the old Kmart building without approval from the commission.

Some residents in Oakland Park and Wilton Manors were for the new Walmart and some were against. Before Oakland Park approved the project, City Attorney D.J. Doody advised commissioners that it would be hard for the city to prevail if Walmart had sued. The city would have a challenge in defending an action brought in approving the plat. It would be a challenge to defend relative to a ministerial act, said Doody.

The main concern expressed by the public and city commissioners in Wilton Manors was the impact traffic might have on the surrounding area. Wherry said truck drivers would not make right-hand turns onto Northeast 6 Avenue. We can make a commitment like that and stick to it. We can be flexible, said Wherry in August of 2015.

When it does open, if given final approval by the county, the store hours will be from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily and it will only be open 24 hours during three days chosen by Walmart. Per an agreement with the city, the only way the store can be open 24 hours on more than those three days is if the city allows one of Walmarts competitors to open 24 hours. Wherry said the days chosen by Walmart will most likely revolve around high-traffic shopping days, such as Black Friday.
Perhaps the most flummoxing part of coffee for non-professionals is how exactly a pour-over can taste so good when made at a cafe and so, so badso badwhen made at home. Am I not pouring correctly? Are my ratios wrong? Are they using sugar water? Do they keep all the good beans and sell me the junk to make me feel bad about myself? Because it's working.

But there's a new book looking to make you feel less bad about yourself by helping you, the home brewer, make better coffee. Craft Coffee: A Manual is a one-stop shop to improving your coffee across a number of brewing methods. Written by Jessica Eastoa book editor and non-coffee personwith the help of her husband Andreas Wilhoff of Chicago's Halfwit Coffee, Craft Coffee is well-written and easy to understand, providing tips and recommendations for home users with varying degrees of interest in coffee. Whether you are looking to buy your first piece of coffee brewing equipment or have every gadget under the sun, this book has useful information on how to make better coffee. And more than just telling you what to do, Craft Coffee tells you why you're doing it, providing the theories to back up the suggestions.

Coffee professionals will also find this book to be a worthwhile read. Even if none of the information is exactly new, it serves as a concise refresher course on all the moving parts that go into a properly brewed coffee. I know personally, I found myself being much more mindful and deliberate when making my morning Chemex, and the results were evident in the cup.

To learn more about the book, Sprudge sat down with author Jessica Easto (via electronic communique), where she tells us all about how a non-coffee person ended up writing a coffee book, describes her desert island coffee setup, and gets put on the spot to defend claims she made in her book about the siphon.

Hi Jessica. Thanks for taking the time to talk to us today. This book is written from the perspective of someone who isn't a coffee person, meaning you aren't in the coffee industry. So then, who are you and how did you come to get involved with coffee?

I dont think I had one a-ha momentI kind of stumbled into coffee. I didnt know anything about it for a really long timemy parents never drank coffee or kept it in the house. Because of this, I (1) never thought to use cream and sugar when I started drinking it, and (2) did not know how to operate a coffee machine. Pathetic as that sounds, the former helped me quickly realize that some coffee tasted much better than others (not that I knew why), and the latter meant I bought a cone dripper on the internet because it seemed easier and more practical (not that I knew how to use it properly). So I did that for a few years, and then I met Andreas, who had been a barista, in grad school. He told me what I was doing was called pour-over and that there were cafes that specialized in it (I had no idea because I never lived anywhere [near] them). That was kind of the start of things.

Of course the catch-22 of it all is that now that the book is published, you are officially a coffee professional.

I suppose Im now a professional coffee writer, which is pretty cool, but thats a lot different than being in the thick of it. Im still kind of orbiting.

But you had the help of a professional. What was Andreas' role in the book?

He taught me a lot of stuff before I wrote the book, so that was crucial. There was also a lot of me asking him, would a coffee professional agree with this? As someone on the periphery, I noticed that there is often a communication gap between professionals and hobbyists (or customers) like me (one of the reasons I wrote the book), and that I approached some topics from a slightly different angle or perspective than a barista, for example, would. I had him read parts of it several times to make sure I wasnt totally off base, and to make sure I could defend what I was saying in case someone challenged me (my worst nightmare). He also helped me develop the methods. We included some devices that we werent 100 percent familiar with, so he would test methods, then I would test and rewrite the methods, and then I had someone who was completely unfamiliar with coffee test the methodsso we had people coming at them from all skill levels.

There's a lot of information and it's well organized. How long have you been thinking about this idea and how long did it take for this book to come together?

I had been thinking about the idea of the book since 2014. I started writing it in earnest in 2016I actually wrote it fairly quickly, most of it between August and December 2016. I already knew the topics I wanted to cover and the basic order I wanted to cover them in, so it was more just getting the info on the page and filling in the gaps in my research. And then the publishing process (editing, production, printing) took the next nine or so months. And here we are!

The book seems to meet a wide range of home brewers at their level. Who would you say this book is geared toward?

I certainly wrote it for home brewers. And the thing about home brewers is that they exist on a spectrum. They may all love coffee, but they dont all love it the same. Im not as fanatical as some, and many are not as fanatical as me. I noticed that some people have a hard line and they dont want to cross it. They may give into a burr grinder, but theyd be damned if they are going to start measuring water in grams. So I wanted to show people that there are ways to optimize a cup, even within certain boundariescost, time, skill, etc.and thats fine. You brew you.

So is this a book a coffee person would get their parents or vice versa? Or is it both?

I think both. I tried to organize it in such a way that if you had some skills and wanted to go deeper, you could, or if you had zero skills and wanted to just skim the basics for now, you could. We've gotten a lot of great feedback from coffee people (baristas, roasters, etc.), saying there is something in there for everyone. I mean, I'm not sure it would teach a World Barista Champion anything, but Andreas says a barista at the beginning of their career or someone who works for a place without a training program would find it useful. Several coffee shops are selling the book and positioning it as a resource for their customers who want to know how to use their beans, and Andreas and I hope to get it into more shops in the future. It also looks mighty fine on a bookshelf.

In the book, you expressly use the term craft coffee as opposed to Third Wave or specialty. It's been a vague term in the coffee lexicon but you give it a more rigid definition. How do you think that will help readers of the book that are new to this coffee world better understand what's going on?

I think its important for people who want to understand coffee to know what separates specialty coffee from the rest of the coffee in the world, and then, under the specialty umbrella, how this smaller subset of Third Wave or craft coffee actually distinguishes itself. I mean, Starbucks is specialty coffee, but what they do is much different from what, for example, Ruby in Wisconsin or Onyx in Arkansas are doing. I also cannot stand the way the mainstream media talks about Third Wave coffee. Its basically a punchline at this point, which is so, so unfortunateit reinforces misconceptions and muddies the waters. Lets just say theres a lot of voices, and some of them are saying stupidand flat-out wrongthings. I think the alternative name craft coffee (at least how I use it in the book) is less sullied and more accessible to readers because of the obvious parallels that can be drawn to craft beer. Craft beer is accepted and even practiced by a wide range of people, including my dad.

Let's say a person has all the requisite equipment outlined in the bookincluding fresh coffeewhat is the single piece of advice you can give someone that will have the greatest impact on improving their coffee making at home?

I would say: Start with one device and practice until you understand it inside and out, and remember that it takes a certain level of patience to perfect a cup to your liking. For someone like me, who doesn't make and taste coffee full-time, it can take awhile to develop a palate, develop preferences, and thoroughly understand all the elements at playand then there's always something new to learn. I, for one, am still developing all my skillsmaybe you never stop doing that. Make and make again, and taste and taste again!

This being about coffee brewing, there are going to be disagreements about something or other, so please indulge me. No one has ever been more wrong about anything in the history of opinions than when you say the siphon is a consistent brewing method that doesn't require a lot of technique. Defend this indefensible claim.

Uh oh! My worst nightmare! So I think its a consistent and relatively low technique. The method we use in the book is adapted from a Blue Bottle recipe, and they, to understate it, know what they are doing. First, you dont have to pour anything with any kind of controlI personally think timing any kind of pour (especially when you arent practicing over and over) is more difficult than the siphon method, in which you mostly just stand there. The steps of the siphon method are triggered by very clear checkpoints, like is your water boiling? and does the thermometer read 202F? You let the design of the device and physics do most of the work. Its relatively passive! I guess taking care of the filter is sort of finicky and cleaning it up is kind of a pain. And its appearance and the open flame make it seem complicated. But none of that is part of the brewing method! Andreas and I recently had a nasty siphon brew from a lauded restaurant (who shall remain nameless), so maybe not all methods are great. But the one in our book is pretty good!

I don't like it, but I'll accept it. Ok, last question. You're stranded on a desert island, and a box washes ashore marked coffee. What are your ideal contents of that box?

I'm going to pretend the desert island is in prime coffee-growing territory and there is some delicious, juicy, slightly fruity heirloom variety that I can somehow learn to roast perfectly over a campfire and that there is a natural spring of perfectly mineralized water for coffee making at my disposal. (What a life!) In that case, my (properly padded) COFFEE box would include (1) a solar-powered gram scale/calculator combo (I am bad at math), (2) a high-quality hand-crank burr grinder, (3) a Walkure Karlsbad brewer, and (4) a Kalita kettle. The Walkure is my favorite device because its design (which has been the same for generations) makes pour-over really user-friendly, and its crazy cross-hatch built-in filter gives you a surprisingly clean cup without the use of paper filtersa plus on a desert island. And I just really love the Kalita kettle.

Thanks Jessica.

Craft Coffee: A Manual retails for $19.95 and is available through Agate Publishing and major book retailers.

Zac Cadwalader is the news editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.

Photos courtesy of the author.
Today (Thursday, February 22) was the scheduled day for an official announcement in regard to the future of Kawartha Downs. The announcement has been delayed, though, and officials have been cited as saying that the delay is a positive development.

News of the situation comes courtesy of a Thursday report by Global News.

Kawartha officials opted to not go into detail regarding the change in plans, which has taken place within the last 24 hours, according to the report. Global News was able to quote the unnamed KD officials as saying that a major development has caused the cancellation.

Cavan Monaghan Township Mayor Scott McFadden has commented on the situation via social media, stating Last minute developments resulted in the announcement being cancelled ... expect an announcement within a couple weeks. Orazio Valente is doing an amazing job to secure long term sustainability of harness racing at Kawartha Downs and Im very optimistic because of his leadership.

News of Kawarthas desire for more race dates in 2018 had been front and centre during recent months. On the heels of a strong 2017 live campaign in which it hosted 18 race dates and brought in new ownership and a new general manager, Kawartha applied for 40 live race dates for the 2018 season, despite the regions new gaming operator, Ontario Gaming East Limited Partnership, intending to relocate the tracks gaming offerings to the new Shorelines facility in Peterborough. Ontario Racing later denied the tracks request for 40 race dates in 2018, which led to much feedback and fireworks at Queens Park.

Earlier this month, Jeff Leal, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, had intimated that an announcement in regard to Kawarthas future could be coming soon, and that he had been discussing a plan with Ontario Finance Minister Charles Souza. Leal stated at the time that he was not at liberty to divulge any specifics in regard to the discussions.

Kawartha Downs, which is located just south of Peterborough, has been open since 1972.

The Peterborough Examiner has also penned an article on Thursday's developments, which includes comments from many of the parties involved. To read the article, click here.

(With files from Global News)
The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association has announced that Hanover Shoe Farms has donated a breeding to Explosive Matter, to benefit the MSOAs Collegiate Scholarship Fund.

Hanover Shoe Farms has been a longtime partner with the MSOAs scholarship program, donating breedings for the past several years that have helped the sons and daughters of area horsemen with their college expenses.

We cant thank Hanover enough for their continued support, said MSOA President Rich Gillock. Our scholarship program would not be as successful as it is without the support of partners like Hanover.

Explosive Matter took a lifetime mark of 1:52.3 and earned over $1.5 million in his career. The son of Cantab Hall stands for a fee of $5,000.

The breeding will be auctioned on the website ongait.com starting today (Thursday, February 22) at 12:00 p.m. The auction will run for seven days.

(MSOA)
Fiesta Hermosa will be back for Labor Day weekend, but with a new local look, slightly different name
Woman's body recovered from Buriganga

UNB, Keraniganj :

Police recovered the decomposed floating body of a young woman from the Buriganga River in Hasnabad area of the upazila on Tuesday.

The identity of the woman, aged about 30, could not be known yet, said sub-inspector (SI) Abdur Rahim of Dakhshin Keraniganj Police Station. Being informed by locals on Monday night that a woman's body was floating in the river, police recovered it from near Montu Mia Dockyard on Tuesday morning.

Later, the body was sent to Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy, the SI added.
2 cops among 4 held for looting Satkhira trader`s money

Detectives arrested four people, including two policemen, on Wednesday on charge of looting Tk 9.5 lakh from a cattle trader.



The arrestees are assistant sub-inspector Abdur Rauf and constable Nadim of Dumuria Police Station in Khulna, and Moni Driver of Kamalnagar village, and Raju Hossain Ghospara village in Sadar upazila of Satkhira.



Akkas Ali, officer-in-charge of Khulna Detective Branch of police, said the two policemen snatched Tk 9.45 lakh from cattle trader Liton Sarder of Nalkura village in Satkhira Sadar upazila from Chuknagar in Khulna on February 15.



Later, the victim filed a general diary (GD) with Dumuria Police Station accusing the duo.



Khulna DB police arrested the policemen from the police station after the allegation was found to be true in primary investigation.



Later, the two others were arrested from Satkhira as per the information given by the policemen.



Two years back, ASI Abdur Rauf was arrested on charge of snatching gold from a smuggler in Patkelghata upazila of Jhenidah.-- Satkhira, UNB
Todays Events



Discussion

Bangabandhu Shiksha O Gabeshana Parishad organises a discussioin on the occasion of International Mother Language Day in Sagor-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity at 4 pm.

Prize distribution

Debate for Democracy organises a prize distribution programme on the 9th Debate Competition titled 'Bitarka Bikash' at FDC in the city's Tejgaon at 10 am.



Book publication



The publication of a book titled 'Nara-Nari Samparka' written by Dr Parvin Boby will be held at 'Morak Unmochan Mancha' in the city's Suhrawardy Udyan at 5 pm.
Pakistan to get first Hindu woman senator

PTI, Lahore :

Krishna Kumari Kohli from Thar in Pakistan's Sindh province will become the first-ever Hindu woman Senator in the Muslim-majority country, the Pakistan People's Party said today.

The Election Commission of Pakistan has accepted the papers of the 39-year-old who was nominated by the ruling PPP for a Senate seat on minority from Sindh Assembly. The election will take place on March 3.

"Kohli will be the first-ever Dalit woman in Pakistan who becomes a Senator," a PPP spokesman said in a statement today.

Ms Kohli's caste is mentioned at No. 23 in the Pakistani Schedule Castes Ordinance-1957. "The honour to nominate first-ever non-Muslim Senator is also enjoyed by the PPP, which elected a Dalit, Dr Khatumal Jeewan, as Senator in 2009 on a general seat. Likewise, Engineer Gianchand is the second Dalit to be elected as Senator in 2015 by the PPP also on a general seat," the spokesman said.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari-led PPP also nominated and got elected Hariram Kishorilal as Senator on seat reserved for non-Muslims from Sindh in 2012.

"With the election of Krishna Kohli and Anwar Laldean, a Christian worker of the party, the number of non-Muslims elected so far as Senators by the PPP would grow to six, an unmatched representation in the Upper House for minorities by any other political parties in the 70 years history of Pakistan," the spokesman added.

Ms Kohli belongs to a remote village in Nagarparkar district of Thar in Sindh province.

Born to a poor peasant, Jugno Kolhi, in February 1979, Ms Kohli and her family members spent nearly three years in a private jail owned by the landlord of Kunri of Umerkot district. She was a grade 3 student at the time when held captive.

She was married to Lalchand at the age of 16, when she was studying in 9th grade. However, she pursued her studies and in 2013 she did masters in sociology from the Sindh University.

She had joined the PPP as a social activist along with her brother, who was later elected as Chairman of Union Council Berano.




Merkel calls for Europe to step up to global challenges

Chancellor Angela Merkel addresses the German parliament on the upcoming EU summit in Berlin, Germany on Thursday.

Reuters, Berlin :

The European Union must develop a response to growing global political and economic pressures and this will be the spirit of an EU summit this week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday.

Merkel pointed to the crisis in Syria and the growing importance of Asian economies as needing a European response.

"More than ever we need European answers to the pressing, big questions of our time," she told Germany's Bundestag lower house of parliament.

French President Emmanuel Macron in September offered an ambitious vision for Europe, but has had to wait for a response from EU powerhouse Germany, with much on hold in Berlin as Merkel attempts to cement a governing coalition.

In her remarks to the Bundestag, Merkel made clear that the future of the European Union would be a top priority in her fourth term as chancellor, provided the coalition between her conservatives and the pro-European Social Democrats (SPD) goes ahead.

"It is no coincidence that the first chapter of the coalition agreement is on Europe".

The parties have agreed on a deal but SPD members are voting to approve it, with the result due on March 4.

Merkel also said the forthcoming debate about a new budget for the 27-member bloc after Brexit was an opportunity to rethink the system.

"The debate about the future financial framework is also a chance to look at the finances of the EU as a whole," she said.

The budget is one of the topics to be discussed at the EU leaders summit this week.

Merkel also sought to reassure some in her party who are more sceptical about deeper EU integration, and in particular about paying out for poorer members.

"The stability and growth pact will remain the compass for Europe," she said, adding that in future structural funds within the bloc should be linked to the taking in migrants.

"Solidarity cannot be a one-way street," she said.

"With the distribution of structural funds, we must ensure that the allocation criteria in future reflect the engagement of many regions and municipalities in absorbing and integrating migrants."




Leaked paper says Britain may want longer Brexit transition

An agreement between Britain and the EU cannot be concluded until it has actually left the bloc.

AFP, London :

Britain on Wednesday raised doubts about an EU-proposed deadline of December 31, 2020, for ending a post-Brexit transition period allowing time for the two sides to strike an agreement on future trade ties.

According to a leaked document published by British media, the government said that it was still aiming for the transition period to last around two years after Britain leaves the European Union on March 29, 2019.

But it said the precise duration of the period "should be determined simply by how long it will take to prepare and implement the new processes and new systems that will underpin the future partnership".

Britain "wishes to discuss with the EU the assessment that supports its proposed end date," it said.

An agreement on the future partnership between Britain and the EU cannot be concluded until it has actually left the bloc and current negotiations are over the conditions of withdrawal and the transition.

The document was a response to conditions set out by Brussels for a transition period requested by Britain with the intention of allowing businesses and the general public time to adjust to life after Brexit.

It said that there was "broad alignment" and "only a small number of areas requiring discussion".

A spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May played down the document saying there was "nothing remotely new".



Britain has said it wants to leave the European single market and customs union at the moment of Brexit but then continue trading with the European Union "on current terms" during the transition period.

The EU has said this can only happen if Britain agrees to follow all current EU rules including freedom of movement for citizens.

Pro-Brexit MPs have warned this risks Britain becoming a "vassal state" of the EU during the transition period.

The government document issued on Wednesday also called for "arrangements" to ensure "mutual good faith" regarding any new EU laws adopted during the transition period, without giving further details.

A group of pro-Brexit Conservative MPs known as the European Research Group (ERG) also on Wednesday sent a letter to May with a number of suggestions for securing a successful Brexit.

The letter, which was signed by 62 lawmakers, in particular emphasised that Britain should be able to negotiate its own free trade deals with other countries as soon as it leaves the bloc.

It also said that any transition period "should be based on WTO principles".




The 45th board meeting of Chittagong Wasa was held on Wednesday at the Board Room of Chittagong Wasa. Chairman of Wasa Board Prof Engineer SM Nazrul Islam presided over the meeting.
Man hacked to death in Pabna

UNB, Pabna :

Some unidentified miscreants hacked a man to death at Poyda village in Sadar upazila on early Wednesday.

The deceased was identified as Abdul Alim, 30, son of Abu Bakkar of the village.

Being informed by locals, police recovered the body from Poyda playground and sent it to Pabna General Hospital morgue for autopsy, said Abdur Razzak, officer-in-charge of Pabna Sadar Police Station.

Police said the victim might have been killed over previous enmity.






Alternate Drying and Wetting irrigation technology saves 30 percent water

BSS, Rangpur :

Experts at a training course have said adoption of the Alternate Drying and Wetting (AWD) irrigation technology while farming Boro rice could save up to 30 percent irrigation water and increase 15 percent rice production at reduced costs.

The Northwest Focal Area Network under financial assistance of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) organised the course styled 'Participatory AWD Technology Dissemination' at RDRS auditorium here on Tuesday, a press release said on Wednesday.

Sixteen sub-assistant agriculture officers and 12 field level staff of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) from six northern districts of Thakurgaon, Nilphamari, Rangpur, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts took part in the course.

Principal scientific officer of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) here Agriculturist Dr Md Abu Bakar Siddique Sarker conducted the training course as the main resource person.

Rangpur Regional Betar Farm Broadcasting Officer of Agriculture Information Service Agriculturist Md Abu Sayem and Senior Coordinator (Agriculture and Environment) of RDRS Bangladesh Agriculturist Md Mamunur Rashid were present as assistant trainers.

Deputy director of the DAE Agriculturist Dr Md Sarwarul Haque inaugurated the training course as the chief guest with IRRI consultant at its Dhaka Office Agriculturist Dr Ahmad Salahuddin in the chair.

Agriculturist Mamunur Rashid said 360 farmers are adopting the AWD irrigation method in cultivating Boro rice this season on their 384 acres of land in six northern districts with Northwest Focal Area Network assistance under supervision of five NGOs and nine farmers' federations.

"Adoption of the technology could reduce 5 numbers of irrigation, save up to 30 percent underground water, 30 litres diesel and electricity for irrigation in addition to producing 500 kg more Boro rice per hectare," Rashid added.

Agriculturist Abu Sayem said the farmers generally use 3,000 to 4,000 litres irrigated underground waters to produce one kg Boro rice, whereas it needs only 1,500 to 2,000 litres when the AWD used.

"Due to climate change, the agriculture sector faces severe threat," he said and favoured for crop zoning to cultivate more irrigation water consuming crop in the southern zones and less water consuming crop in the drought-prone northern zones.

The chief guest suggested the participants to popularise the AWD technology among the farmers in farming Boro rice to produce additional crop at lower costs and ensure food security saving huge underground water and improving environment and ecology.




Sustainable land use to address Barind challenges stressed

BSS, Rajshahi :

Speakers at a participatory discussion here yesterday said highest importance should be given on ensuring reasonable and sustainable use of land to address the existing challenges of Barind region.

They viewed that time has come to stimulate innovative possibilities with building a shared understanding to amplify the potentials and reduce the adversities in the dried areas, adding measures should be strengthened to conserve environment and huge crops production.

The observation came at the inaugural session of a two-day workshop titled "Barind Integrated Landscape Multi-stakeholder Platform (BIL-MSP)" in Rajshahi city.

Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) organized the workshop in its conference hall in association with Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and 2030 Water Resources Group.

Around 100 high-level representatives from regional public, private and civil society are joining the two-day workshop.

With BMDA Chairman Dr Akram Hossain Chowdhury in the chair, BINA Director General Dr Biresh Kumar Goswami, RDA Director General Dr Abdul Matin and Director General of Bangladesh Crops Research Institute Dr Amzad Hossain shared their expertise on the issue.

Director (Collaborative Management) of Eco-agriculture Partners Dr. Louise Buck, Sayef Tanzeem Qayyum from IFC and Bastiaan Mohrmann from 2030 Water Resources Group attended the function.

Dr Chowdhury said farmers in the Barind area need time-fitting trainings and motivation to cultivate more less-irrigated crops to lessen the existing pressure on groundwater.

He viewed there is no alternative to encourage the farmers to promote various cereal crops and vegetables instead of only Irri-Boro paddy on the dried land to face the water stress condition as its groundwater level has gradually been declining.
Bangladesh will be Fistula free: Bethany Cole

Staff Reporter :

Global Project Manager of Fistula Care Plus Project New York, USA- Ms. Bethany Cole met with Pro-vice Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Professor Dr. Sharfuddin Ahmed in a courtesy visit on Sunday. As the Chairperson of University Fistula Center, Professor Dr. Sharfuddin Ahmed informed her about the current activities and future plan of the center.

Ms. Bethany Cole pledged unequivocal and continues support of Fistula Care Plus Project and would continue to work for the expansion and quality improvement of the center. University Fistula center is running a fistula ward with the technical support from Engender Health and funding from USAID. It is currently working towards building technical skills of physicians and nurses on fistula care, and providing medical care for the fistula patients coming from various corners of the country.

It is also working on building awareness about fistula prevention and care at the field level. To end fistula by 2030, University Fistula Centre is extending its assistance to goverment and private organizations. Ms. Bethany Cole expresses her satisfaction over the activities of Fistula Care Plus Project and hopes that Bangladesh will be Fistula free with the comprehensive effort of all in future. n


Aid groups race against Bangladesh's looming monsoons

Kelli Rogers :

Severe weather could further devastate an already dire situation in Cox's Bazar, where aid groups are scrambling to better prepare the overcrowded, hilly Rohingya refugee settlements for flooding and landslides.

As Bangladesh nears cyclone season, which will see heavy rain and high wind tear out of the Bay of Bengal from March through July, the humanitarian response in the world's largest refugee camp could quickly turn from immense challenge to catastrophe, aid groups warn.

"We are facing a major humanitarian emergency within a major humanitarian emergency," Daphnee Cook, Save the Children's communications and media manager for the Rohingya response, told Devex. "We know that the weather will wreak havoc, the question is one of degrees of damage."

Because the country experiences two cyclone seasons every year, the government of Bangladesh is experienced in cyclone response and is working with the Inter Sector Coordination Group to extend its preparedness program to cover the refugee settlements, according to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. But cyclone response plans usually hinge on the establishment of community shelters and evacuation points - two aspects that will be impossible to provide for 1 million Rohingya refugees due to the highly congested site, said Caroline Gluck, UNHCR senior public information officer deployed to Cox's Bazar.

Instead, "It is a race against time to try to mitigate some of the likely impacts," Gluck said of the emergency preparedness group that's been established to coordinate efforts.

Already, UNHCR has distributed around 30,000 upgraded shelter kits, which include bamboo, extra tarpaulin, string, rope, wire, and nails to be used to enforce and attempt to waterproof individual shelters, while sandbags are being used as anchors.

But more major earthworks and relocation will be necessary ahead of heavy rain in order to better protect the nearly 700,000 refugees who have fled violence in Myanmar since August, Save the Children's Cook said: "We know that within 24 hours of a deluge, roads in the camps can turn to mud, while hills stripped of vegetation - now covered with huts made of bamboo and plastic - are highly susceptible to landslides," she said.

An initial mapping survey conducted by UNHCR, the International Organization for Migration, REACH, and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center estimated that 371 households in the largest camp - Kutapalong-Bulakhali settlement - are living on slopes of 45 degrees or more, which are 85 percent more likely to disappear in a landslide.

The same landslide and flood risk hazard mapping revealed that at least 100,000 people in Kutapalong-Balukhali are in grave danger from associated risks and require relocation to new areas or within current neighborhoods, according to the most recent ISCG Situation Report.

With evacuation currently out of the question, UNHCR will soon start a pilot project to relocate up to 20 families at a time, while work is carried out to reduce the slope steepness where they were initially living. Families would then be relocated back to their original areas. Bangladesh-based NGO BRAC, too, is looking to implement a pilot project in one of the zones it supports, where about 100 families will be shifted in order to level and raise the existing land, then relocated back. Aside from large-scale mechanized work, there is still more engineering to be done throughout the camps, such as ensuring drainage systems are repaired and cleaned to allow free flow of surface rain water, building stairs and railings to ensure people can walk even when it's wet, and reinforcing retaining walls for soil stabilization.

Despite ongoing and increasingly hurried preparation, the mounting fear is that severe weather will also exacerbate existing problems, according to Roberts Sila Muthini, site manager for BRAC's humanitarian crisis management program.

Many shelters and WASH facilities have been constructed in vulnerable areas, deep in valleys or high on cliffs, while other key services like tube wells and health centers are also at risk of washing away. Lack of land and severe congestion has continued to hamper solid waste management and overall garbage collection and disposal, all of which "have a bearing to monsoon preparedness because there is a danger of contamination if solid waste [or] garbage mixes and is washed away by water into muddy fields," Muthini said.

Health professionals, having just battled an outbreak of diphtheria, are particularly concerned about the potential for the spread of waterborne diseases in the event of heavy flooding.

In the meantime, early warning systems are being put in place, with public information campaigns underway to alert the refugee populations about likely risks - a challenge compounded by a population with no previous experience of landslides, having largely fled from low-lying plains in Myanmar's Maungdaw area of Rakhine state.

The Communications with Communities group is working with other sectors to coordinate content using door-to-door mobilizers and signage, and IOM is distributing radios to facilitate the wider sharing of recommended safety measures - such as identifying high points where people can seek safety during flooding, and encouraging people to make contingency plans with relatives and friends whose shelters are in more secure places and who can help share accommodation in emergency situations, according to IOM Communications Officer Fiona MacGregor.

Still, in a camp where access remains a top challenge in providing basic care, "competing priorities, such as service provision at the moment, have not been adequately addressed, and as such, little time has been prioritized for disaster preparedness," BRAC's Muthini said.

(Kelli Rogers is a global development reporter for Devex. Based in Bangkok, she covers disaster and crisis response, innovation, women's rights, and development trends throughout Asia).
Japan's interest in big projects

MEDIA report said more than a dozen Japanese companies have shown interest to invest in eight big infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, including a second Padma bridge and another metro rail. We welcome the Japanese companies' interest to vigorously involve in developing major infrastructure projects in our country that will hopefully transform the country's face to join the status of developing nations from the least developed one so far.



Japan is a trusted development partner of Bangladesh offering highest foreign aid to the country's socio-economic development. The interest of the Japanese companies showed us once again the continued interest of the country's investors to put their money in Bangladesh to the mutual benefit of both the nations.



As per information by Bangladesh's Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) the Japanese companies will invest under the government-to-government arrangement without bidding. At the first Japan-Bangladesh Joint PPP meeting in last December in Tokyo, Dhaka has sought multi-billion dollar investment in 18 infrastructure projects. They include a second Padma Bridge at Paturia-Goalanda, inland container depot near Dhirasram Railway Station in Gazipur, multimodal hubs at Kamalapur Railway Station and Dhaka Biman Bandar Railway Station, circular railway line around Dhaka city, Outer Ring Road connecting six transportation hubs, Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (MRT Line-2), and improvement of Chittagong-Cox's Bazar Highway.



It appears Japanese investment will bring a big boost to the country's development. But what is important is that Bangladesh should increase the capacity and efficiency of the bureaucracy and the competence of the political leadership to quickly develop the projects documents, give approval to them and provide the material support to project officials to implement them without waste of time and money. Corruption should also be held in check for smooth implementation of the projects.



The other issue involves is giving contracts to Japanese companies for implementation of those projects without soliciting tenders from competitive bidders. Our experience suggests it keep the project cost exorbitantly high and Bangladesh will have to bear the load at the end. In our view Japanese government should allow a limited bidding among Japanese firms to keep the project cost relatively low. Bangladesh wants the fruits of development and high project cost should not make them liability at the end.
Trump wants guns for teachers

President Donald Trump takes part in a \"listening session\" on gun violence with parents, students and teachers at the White House. Internet photo

US President Donald Trump has said arming teachers could prevent school shootings like that which left 17 people dead last week in Florida. Teachers carrying a concealed gun could end attacks "very quickly", he said.

Mr Trump floated the proposal - long-championed by the powerful NRA gun lobby - as emotional survivors of the 14 February massacre urged him to take measures to stop similar attacks. The US leader called for improved background checks on gun buyers. "It's not going to be talk like it's been in the past," he said.

President Trump listened to pleas for gun reform on Wednesday from about 40 students, teachers and families in the executive mansion's state dining room. Hundreds of teenagers from the Washington DC suburbs rallied outside at the time - some voicing support for arming teachers. Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow died in last week's attack - the second-deadliest shooting at a US public school - said: "We, as a country, failed our children." Mark Barden - whose son Daniel was killed in the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut - said more guns was not the answer.

"Schoolteachers have more than enough responsibilities right now, than to have to have the awesome responsibility of lethal force to take a life," he said. At his White House event, Mr Trump promised to look "very strongly" at calls for educators to be armed with guns - a position long held by the National Rifle Association (NRA). "If you had a teacher who was adept at firearms," he said, "they could very well end the attack very quickly." "Where a teacher would have a concealed gun on them," he said, while acknowledging the plan was controversial, "they would go for special training and they would be there, and you would no longer have a gun-free zone. Throughout his presidential campaign he endorsed the idea of an armed citizenry as a defence against attacks.

But during the 2016 election campaign, he denied that he was in favour of guns in classrooms.

Stoneman Douglas High School had an armed guard on duty during last week's attack - but he never discharged his gun. The local sheriff told reporters the deputy never encountered the shooter.

But putting an armed teacher in every classroom is a divisive topic - a 2013 poll by the National Education Association found only 22% of teachers said they approved of the idea of arming staff, while 68% of teachers said they were opposed. And 72% of teachers said they would not want to carry a gun even if the law allowed.

In Colorado, free training is provided for teachers who wish to arm themselves - part of which involves imagining one of their own students entering the classroom with a gun. A ban on some types of weapons, advocated for by many students, is unpalatable for supporters of the second amendment - which governs the right to bear arms.

Lawmakers in Florida's state legislature rejected a proposal on Tuesday to even debate banning such weapons.

They said, however, that will consider raising the minimum age to buy assault rifles - like the one police say was used in the massacre - from 18 to 21.

Mr Trump's listening session came a day after he directed his administration to take steps to ban gun "bump stocks". The accessories - which enable a rifle to shoot hundreds of rounds a minute - were used by a gunman who killed 58 concert-goers in Las Vegas last October.

The NRA - which contributed an estimated $30m (21m) to help elect Mr Trump - opposes a total ban on bump stocks but supports some regulation of the devices and some changes to background check legislation. Is there a mood change? In Florida, survivors of the shooting poured into the state capital to demand lawmakers restrict sales of assault rifles. It was the first organised protest of the youth-led anti-gun movement that has swept the US since the attack in Parkland, Florida. Other students in Chicago, Illinois; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Phoenix, Arizona walked out of classes in solidarity. The issue formed a main part of a "town hall" debate staged by CNN on Wednesday night, where Florida Senator Marco Rubio felt the articulate anger of a bereaved parent. Mr Rubio was repeatedly booed and later said banning semi-automatic weapons was "a position well outside the mainstream".


ACC seeks PW for Khaleda

Court Correspondent :

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) yesterday (Thursday) submitted a petition to Special Court-5 of Dhaka for producing Begum Khaleda Zia in the court in the Zia Charitable graft case.

On behalf of the ACC, Prosecutor Mosharraf Hossain Kajal submitted the petition seeking Production Warrant (PW) to the special court of Dr Md Akhteruzzaman on Thursday. The court accepted the petition, however it did not pass any order on the petitionEarlier, on February 1, the same court fixed February 25 and 26 for hearing in the Zia Charitable Trust graft case.

Earlier, the judge of the court heard the arguments on behalf of defence counsel Aminul Islam for accused Ziaul Islam Munna. On February 1, Khaleda appeared before the court in the case. The ACC filed the case on August 8, 2011, with Tejgaon Model Police Station accusing four persons including BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia of abusing power to raise funds for the Trust from unknown sources.

Other three accused persons are: Harris Chowdhury, Khaleda Zia's political secretary when she was the Prime Minister between 2001 and 2006, Ziaul Islam Munna, assistant private secretary to Harris Chowdhury and Monirul Islam Khan, APS to former Dhaka City Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka. Of the accused, Harris is on the run.


Khaleda`s bail hearing Sunday

Staff Reporter :

The High Court (HC) on Thursday admitted the appeal petition filed by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia against a lower court verdict that sentenced her to five years imprisonment in Zia Orphanage Trust case.

At the same time, the court also stayed the lower court fine of Tk 2.10 crore on Khaleda Zia and asked the lower court to forward the case records in the High Court within 15 days.

The HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Shahidul Karim passed the order after primary hearing on the appeal petition.

Meanwhile, the HC fixed Sunday for hearing on the bail petition filed by the BNP Chairperson till disposal of the appeal. The court will hear the appeal at 2.00 pm on that day.

Advocate A J Mohammad Ali, Advocate Zainul Abedin and Barrister A M Mahbub Uddin Khokan took part in the hearing in the court on behalf of BNP Chairperson while Attorney General Mahbubey Alam and Deputy Attorney General Farhad Ahmed stood for the State. Advocate Khurshed Alam Khan defended the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

After the court sat at 10.00am yesterday, Deputy Attorney General Farhad Ahmed informed the court that they have received the copy of the appeal petition just few times ago. So, they needed time to be prepared for appeal hearing.

The court fixed 12.00noon for holding hearing though the state side sought time till 2.00pm. But a noise environment was created in the courtroom as because of the huge crowd of pro-BNP lawyers.

Then the Attorney General told the court that it was not possible to hold hearing in this environment. He prayed to the court to limit the number of the lawyers for both sides. The pro-BNP senior lawyers agreed with the proposal after the court handled this. The court started hearing about 12.00noon after the environment became calm.

Advocate A J Mohammad Ali said, "We have filed the appeal petition according to the Section 10(1) of the 'Criminal Law (Amendment) Act. An appeal petition is automatically allowed according to the section. It's a custom. I am praying to hold hearing on the appeal petition. The bail petition will be submitted if the court admits the appeal. The trial court sentenced the convict under Section 409."

The court then asked if they had only the appeal petition or any other petition with it.

A J Mohammad Ali said that they were praying to the court for admitting the appeal and their petition was as usual.

Sighting the documents the court said, "There is provision for staying the sentence. But is there any provision to stay the conviction? There is no provision to stay the conviction as per 'Criminal Law (Amendment) Act. But you sought for staying the conviction too."

A J Mohammad Ali said, "It will be sentence. We will make correction there. We are not giving the importance on suspension of sentence or conviction. Please admit the appeal for hearing." Then the court passed the order admitting the appeal petition for hearing.

A J Mohammad Ali said, "She is in custody for 15 days. As she was sentenced for a short term, we are praying her bail. She can be granted bail considering her age and social status."

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam then said, "The court already admitted her appeal petition. We received the bail petition today (Thursday) morning. It should be heard after listed in the cause list."

Then the court said, "The appellant's sentence is shorter. It is a custom of the court to grant bail to a convict like this."

The Attorney General said, "We want to hear it. So, documents should be come in the court. The case has merit to hear. So, we want to hold hear on the case after its coming in the cause list."

ACC's lawyer Khurshed Alam Khan said, "We did not find the chance to hold hearing on the appeal admission."

The court said, "We have given you the chance when you need." Then the ACC's lawyer said, "The ACC is eligible to get reasonable time to take preparation for holding hearing on the cases filed under special act."

After hearing the all sides the court said, "There are many orders from the Appellate Division which allowed bail to the convicts who are sentenced shorter. But those orders were passed before formulating the Special Act. We are fixing Sunday 2.00pm for holding hearing the bail petition granting time to the ACC as per the ACC law."

Judge of the Special Court-5 of Dhaka, Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman, sentenced former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to five years imprisonment in Zia Orphanage Trust case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The special court also sentenced Khaleda Zia's eldest son and BNP Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman, and four others to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment and slapped a fine of Tk 2.10 crore each.

The other convicts are Kazi Salimul Haque, ex-BNP lawmaker from Magura, Sharfuddin Ahmed, a businessman, Mominur Rahman, a cousin of Tarique Rahman and Kamal Uddin Siddique, former Principal Secretary to the PM.

After receiving the certified copy of the judgement, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on February 20 in 2018 filed an appeal petition with the High Court (HC) challenging the lower court verdict.

In the 1222-page appeal petition, Khaleda Zia prayed to the High Court to acquit her of the corruption charge and grant her bail in the case on 42 grounds, Advocate Zainul Abedin, a lawyer for the BNP chief, told The New Nation.

Advocate Abdur Rezzak Khan filed the appeal petition in the concern section of the High Court on behalf of the BNP chief.

Khaleda Zia also prayed to the court to stay the lower court verdict that also fined her Tk 2.10 crore claiming her innocent. She mentioned 42 grounds in the petition on which the HC may consider her prayer, the lawyer said.




Will the BB's heist fund be retrieved?

Ministry convenes high-level meet on Sunday

Kazi Zahidul Hasan :

The Ministry of Finance will convene a high-level meeting on Bangladesh Bank's reserve heist amid growing uncertainty over retrieving major chunk of US$ 81 million stolen fund from the Philippines.

The meeting would be held at the conference room of the ministry on Sunday with Finance Minister AMA Muhith in the chair. High officials of the ministry, Bangladesh Bank and representatives of concerned government agencies will also attend the meeting.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has so far been able to get back only about $15 million out of the total stolen fund despite repeated assurance from the Philippine government and an international probe involving the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Unidentified hackers stole $81 million from Bangladesh Bank's account at the New York Fed on February 4, 2016, using fraudulent orders on the SWIFT payments system. The money was sent to accounts at Manila-based Rizal Commercial Banking Corp and then disappeared into the casino industry in the Philippines.

"The meeting was convened amid looming uncertainty over recovering US$66 million more from the Philippines as a result of RCBC's denial to compensate BB for funneling the fund through it," a Finance Ministry official told The New Nation yesterday on condition of anonymity.

He said the process to retrieve the heists fund from Philippines has also plunged into the country's lengthy legal systems causing concern to the government. "There has been no success yet in bringing back the remaining US$66 million making the government wary of the reserve recovery efforts by a taskforce. "The meeting will review the progress of the heist fund recovery from Philippines and discuss the next course of actions to speed up the fund recovery process. The meeting is expected to produce policy decisions, including filing a lawsuit against the RCBC, in this regard," said the official adding that the scope of filing a case against the Manila-based bank would remain valid until February 2019".

He, however, said that bilateral negotiation between Bangladesh and Philippines is still on to settle the issue mutually.

The government on April 2016 formed a high-powered taskforce to speed up the recovery of the reserve fund. But it is yet to show any success in this regard.

A BB high official told The New Nation yesterday that the Philippines authorities initially assured of providing full support to Bangladesh to get back the heist fund. Several Bangladeshi ministers, central bank governor and BB high officials visited Manila amid high hopes from Manila. But we're not getting their warm response right now making the process complex and lengthy.

"We were assured of getting back the fund. But they're now lingering on it. That is why we're thinking about legal action against RCBC, which was fined a record one billion pesos ($20 million) by the country's central bank in 2016 for its failure to prevent the movement of the stolen BB fund through it," he said.








Nation pays tributes to language martyrs

Marking the Amar Ekushey, Language Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day, the altar of Central Shaheed Minar bedecked with flowers on Wednesday.

The grateful nationon Wednesdaypaid glowing tributes to the martyrs of the 1952 historic Language Movement, marking 'Amar Ekushey', the Language Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day.

The great Language Movement, a significant event in the nation's history, was aimed at establishing the right of the mother tongue as well as protecting self-entity, and culture and heritage.

People from all strata of life paid their deep respects to the heroes of the Language Movement for their supreme sacrifice for achieving the recognition of Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan, walking barefoot to the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka andother Shaheed Minars across the countrywith wreaths and flowers singing 'Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano Ekushey February'. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the nation in paying the homage by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar at one minute pastmidnight. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived at the Central Shaheed Minar seven minutes before the clock struck12 midnight, while President Abdul Hamid reached the Central Shaheed Minar five minutes before the zero hour. The President and the Prime Minister proceeded to the altar of the Central Shaheed Minar together in slow pace as the immortal song on Amar Ekushey-'Amar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano Ekushey February'-was playing. The President was the first to lay the wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar. Just after the President, the Prime Minister placed the wreath at the Shaheed Minar.

They stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the language heroes. Ministers, advisers to the Prime Minister, parliament members, the chiefs of the three services, diplomats, senior Awami League leaders, and high civil and military officials were present on the occasion.

Flanked by cabinet members and senior leaders of the party, Sheikh Hasina, also the President of Bangladesh Awami League, later placed another wreath at the Shaheed Minar on behalf of the party.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Raushan Ershad along with her party's MPs also paid homage to the Language Movement martyrs by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in the wee hours.

BNP central leaders, led by its secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and standing committee member Khandaker Mosharref Hossain, went to the Central Shaheed Minar around11:30 amand placed wreaths at its alter. Different political parties, theirassociate bodiesas well as socio-cultural organisations paid their homage to the language martyrs throughout the day with various programmes.

On February 21, 1952, students and the common people in Dhaka took to the streets in protest against the then Pakistani government's denial of Bangla as the national language and imposition of Urdu as the only official language of Pakistan. Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar and a few other brave sons of the soil were killed in police firing on this day in 1952 when students came out in a procession from the Dhaka University campus breaching section 144 to press home their demand for the recognition of Bangla as a state language of then Pakistan.

Being a source of ceaseless inspiration, Amar Ekushey (Immortal Shaheed Day) inspired and encouraged the nation to a great extent to achieve the right to self-determination and struggle for freedom and the Liberation War. With the bloodshed passages of Language Movement, the nation got the recognition of Bangla its mother tongue and attained its long-cherished independence under the charismatic leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1971.


BNP's movement aimed at saving 'thief': PM

UNB, Rajshahi :

Criticising BNP leaders for their movement to have their party chief Khaleda Zia released, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said if their movement is for the thief who has landed in jail for plundering money.

"Today, BNP leaders are carrying out a movement. For what is this movement? Their leader has landed in jail for looting money. Is the movement for the thief?" she said while addressing a public rally at Rajshahi Government Alia Madrasah Maidan in the city. "She (Khaleda) is enduring the punishment today as she couldn't provide orphans the money to orphans that came for them in the last 27 years," the Prime Minister said. Where the orphanage is, how many orphans are there and have the orphans got a single penny? said Hasina adding that BNP could not answer to these questions. Sheikh Hasina said the money was brought from abroad for setting up an orphanage in 1991, but they embezzled it resorting to anomalies.

"Looting and stealing are their characters. Bangladesh was the world champion in corruption index for five consecutive years when BNP was in power," he said. Seeking vote for 'Boat', the election symbol of Awami League, in the next parliamentary elections and upcoming elections to local bodies, the AL chief said her government is developing the country and this trend of development will continue. "We'll make the country prosperous and free from hunger." Hasina said when AL comes to power, the country sees development, but BNP indulges in looting when it comes to power. "If anyone fails to contain greed of plundering orphans' money, what will he or she do for the country?" she added. Talking about Bangabandhu Memorial Trust fund, she said the caretaker government desperately searched for possible anomalies in the trust fund aiming to implicate her in the case, but it found nothing. "Now you can think what welfare they can do, who can burn people to death," Hasina said. Describing various development works carried out by the AL government, the Prime Minister said her government's main objectives are to carry out development programmes and ensure the welfare of people.



Referring to Bangla Bhai, the Rajshahi region was a sanctuary for terrorists, militants and Bangla Bhais, and one people could not sleep in peace when BNP-Jamaat was in power. "BNP-Jamaat clique had made Rajshahi a city of terrorism and created Bangla Bhai." She said though the AL-backed mayoral candidate was not elected in the last election to Rajshahi City Corporation in 2013, the government allocated huge funds for the development of the city, but the mayor failed to implement the development projects.

Observing that there is no Monga (famine) in the northern region anymore, she said her government removed the famine taking effective steps against it. AL Rajshahi district and city units jointly arranged the rally with its city unit president AHM Khairuzzaman Liton in the chair. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister opened 20 development projects and laid the foundation stones of nine others by unveiling their plaques at the madrasah maidan in the city.








Ekushey Boi Mela Book sale yet to get momentum

Noman Mosharef :

The sale of books in this year's Boi Mela is not hopeful, said the publishers.

The visitors used to arrive in the Ekushey Boi Mela to meet the authors and poets only, and not to buy books.

Some publishers expressed their frustration at the political chaos prevailing in the country. City residents do not feel free to walk after nightfall.

Md Yunus of Katha Publication told The New Nation, "The book selling this year is disappointing although the Boi Mela is overcrowded."

Nurul Fakir, Assistant Manager of Tamrolipi Publication echoed the same.

Onnya Prokash Publications Public Relation Officer Alauddin Tipu's experience is bitter.Visitors are not showing any interest to books. This is not a good sign.

A scholar said: The backbone of a nation is its educated



class. But unfortunately this class is interested in making money only. Jalal Ahmed, Director of Bangla Academy said, the gathering and sale of book in Boi Mela is better than previous year.

He said, they have taken all security measures to avoid any unexpected situation.

He said, 250 close circuit cameras have been installed around roads and streets surrounding the venue which will be decorated with sufficient streetlight. Members of police, Rapid Action Battalion and intelligence units are always ready to meet the emergency.

The volume of sale on Friday was really encouraging.The book stalls traded about Tk. 10 lakh.

A sad thing is that the famous and heart reading song "Aamar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano Ekushey February Aamiki Bhulite Parie (My brothers blood Stained Ekushey February, Can I forget it?) is nearly absent from all the television channels and newspapers this year. But why, asked a student? The teacher had no answer with him, perhaps, it is because, politics dominate everything.




Netanyahu's confidant agrees to testify against him

AFP

One of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's closest confidants has agreed to testify against him in a graft probe, Israeli police said Wednesday, in a fresh threat to his long tenure.

Two new corruption investigations announced this week, hot on the heels of a police recommendation that Netanyahu face charges in two other cases, have fuelled growing speculation he could be forced to step down or call an early election.

Shlomo Filber, a Netanyahu ally for more than 20 years and former director general of the communications ministry, is expected to agree to turn state witness in exchange for avoiding jail, according to Israeli media reports confirmed by police.

A gag order prevented publishing any details of the deal.

Filber was arrested on Sunday in connection with allegations that Shaul Elovitch, the controlling shareholder of Israeli telecommunications giant Bezeq, gave Netanyahu positive coverage on his Walla! news site in exchange for policies benefiting the business.

Filber is suspected of mediating between Netanyahu and Elovitch and promoting regulatory changes worth millions to Bezeq.

Two senior Bezeq employees also detained on Sunday, CEO Stella Handler and Amikam Shorer, appeared Wednesday in court, where their remand was extended until February 26.

The prime minister himself has not been named as a suspect in the investigation.

In another case announced this week, two Netanyahu allies are alleged to have offered a judge promotion in exchange for dropping a case against the premier's wife.

The two men have been identified as Nir Hefetz and Eli Kamir, both former media advisers for the Netanyahu family.

Their alleged offer was to Hila Gerstel, a judge involved in a graft probe into Sara



Netanyahu over alleged misuse of public funds.

Additionally last week police said there were grounds to indict the prime minister himself in two other cases for bribery, fraud and breach of public trust.

Netanyahu, 68, has rejected all the allegations, and released a new video on his Facebook page late Tuesday strongly denying any wrongdoing.

In an address to American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem late on Wednesday, an upbeat Netanyahu ignored his legal woes, expounding instead on Israel's success in diplomacy and technology while reiterating his position on the danger Iran posed to the Jewish state.
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Over 300 industry leaders are expected to congregate at the upcoming 13th World Takaful Conference in Dubai, UAE.



Convened by Middle East Global Advisors, a leading financial intelligence platform, in strategic partnership with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the forum will take place at the Dusit Thani Hotel on April 9.



The forum will feature keynote addresses by Ebrahim Obaid Al Zaabi, director general, UAE Insurance Authority (IA) and Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO, Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC), amongst others.



To be held under the theme of Differentiation, Innovation & Profitable Growth, WTC 2018 will feature thought-provoking discussions, actionable insights and connectivity among global industry leaders gathered from across the world  ranging from key markets for Takaful such as the GCC and Southeast Asia, to emerging markets such as Europe and Africa.



Ehsan Abbas, chairman of Middle East Global Advisors, said: It is with great pleasure that we announce the 13th edition of the annual World Takaful Conference. Although Takaful markets have not grown in tandem with the sukuk and Islamic banking markets, the global Takaful sector is projected to reach $86 billion by 2022, from $31 billion in 2012, signifying the massive opportunities the sector harbours.



However, fragmented markets, a lack of uniformity in standards, and undifferentiated competitive strategies are some of the key obstacles that block the niche industry from unlocking its full potential.



Additionally, in light of the recent regulatory and economic developments in the GCC region, it becomes critical for the industry to unite on a common platform and deliberate on the apt way forward. Since its inception in 2006, The World Takaful Conference has been a significant contributor to enhancing growth, excellence and innovation in the global Takaful industry, an endeavour we set forth to continue in its 13th edition, he added.



Salmaan Jaffery, chief business development officer at DIFC Authority, said: With Islamic finance assets expected to grow to $3.8 trillion by 2022, there is a massive opportunity for Islamic Finance. This sector remains a key focus area for DIFC in line with Dubais vision to be the worlds capital of the Islamic economy.



With cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, automation, big data, and blockchain being integrated into insurance, the need for takaful and insurance operators to differentiate their offering and adopt new technologies is crucial to unlocking long term profitable growth. The discussions and decisions being made at the 13th World Takaful Conference (WTC) will help to unlock those opportunities.



Interestingly, the Takaful industry is highly concentrated in the GCC, other Mena and Southeast Asia regions with Saudi Arabia taking the top spot in terms of total Takaful assets. Other countries that dominate the global market include Iran and Malaysia with these 3 countries making for 82 per cent of global Takaful assets in 2016 (ICD Thomson Reuters 2017).



While the Takaful sector in the GCC grew 6 per cent to $19 billion in 2016, the sector has been affected by recent regulatory and economic developments in the aftermath of the dwindling oil prices. Some of these notable developments include industry consolidation, the introduction of VAT, and the extension or introduction of mandatory health insurance schemes. Additionally, the Saudi governments decision in September 2017 to allow women to drive is expected to boost the Saudi takaful sector through increased premiums from motor insurance.



Since its inception in 2006, The World Takaful Conference has been committed to push the envelope with each edition. In light of the constant disruption of the insurance industry, WTC 2017 took stock of the most pressing issues affecting the industry at large, and conceptualized a dedicated stream in the form of InsurTech Integrated to tackle the prevalent disruption in the insurance industry.  TradeArabia News Service
The GCC Financial Forum, held February 20 and 21 in Manama, Bahrain, put digital transformation in the financial industry in the spotlight and reinforced the significance of pursuing a forward-thinking approach.



Euromoney Conferences and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) welcomed Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance, Zayed R Alzayani, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, and Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).



Shaikh Ahmed gave an opening keynote interview and spoke about Bahrain's commitment to diversifying the local economy and continuously driving innovation across all key industries on its path towards Vision 2030.



An important part of this endeavour has been the creation of a strong infrastructure and ecosystem for economic growth, aiming to maintain global competitiveness and further enhance the quality of life for Bahrainis. He underlined the importance of embracing new technologies to stay relevant, inspired by best practice approaches from around the world.



Alzayani highlighted that creating a fertile business environment for investors is crucial to supporting the growth of the financial industry. The commercial registration portal Sijilat, launched in 2016, has already helped the country to achieve a substantial increase in inward FDI flows. He highlighted that this development is set to expedite Bahrains journey towards digital transformation by helping to attract more international companies and best practice approaches from around the world.



Al Maraj said: What we have to keep in mind is that FinTech solutions have the potential to optimise cost structures by cutting out the middle man. We encourage all Bahraini financial institutions to take the leap and embrace the new technologies. The Central Bank of Bahrain is committed to not only keep up with the changes, but enable them for the benefit of our local economy and our people.



This years agenda included two high-profile global speakers including, Mohamed A El-Erian, chief economic advisor at Allianz, who brought a global perspective to the conference. Lord Mervyn King, economist and Former Governor of the Bank of England, spoke about the global history of transformation in the banking sector, drawing a comparison to the technological innovation drive witnessed currently.



Khalid Al Rumaihi, chief executive of the Bahrain EDB, said: It has been a privilege to co-host the GCC Financial Forum with Euromoney in Bahrain for the seventh year, bringing together some of the sectors leading minds to explore the challenges and opportunities ahead.



This is a particularly interesting time for the financial services sector, which is on the cusp of significant disruptions and innovations, from AI and blockchain to the evolution and growth of mobile payment solutions and peer-to-peer funding. The conversations and announcements that have taken place over the past two days demonstrate that we have the talent, infrastructure, connectivity and supportive ecosystem in place in Bahrain and the GCC to embrace these opportunities and help shape the future of financial services globally.



Mahmood H Alkooheji, chief executive officer of Mumtalakat, talked about the significance of finding new approaches to expanding and continuously reinvigorating their business model through fruitful partnerships and joint ventures for the benefit of the Bahraini economy.



Looking back on the rapid development of the company, which saw the number of Mumtalakat portfolio companies more than double over the past years, Alkooheji underlined that despite this successful track record, he still sees significant potential for further growth, particularly in Bahrains thriving financial sector.



The conference also featured a series of panels, the first of which focused on Innovation and the shape of the financial system of the future, bringing together speakers from Bank ABC Group, C5 Accelerate, Amazon Web Services and IBM. There was a lively debate on how the financial sector of the future will look in 20 years time, covering topics such as; cryptocurrency, big data, cloud computing, reg tech and artificial intelligence.



The second panel focused on the fast-changing payments sector and gathered speakers from Mastercard, PayTabs, TransferWise and Tap who examined the future potential of the sector, looked at what will differentiate the winners from the losers in the payments space and considered the impact of Bitcoin and other digital currencies.



The final panel, featuring participants from Finalytix, Trafigura, Beehive, and FinTech Consortium, explored the requirements for the creation of an innovation economy and covered topics such as data, privacy and security law to IoT, infrastructure and financing.



Over the course of the past seven years, the GCC Financial Forum by Euromoney Conferences and co-hosted by the Bahrain EDB has developed into the regions leading platform for financial industry professionals to gather, network and debate crucial topics that shape the future of the financial system in the region. In 2018, the two-day event brought together more than 700 regional and international economists, policy makers, financiers and fintech leaders.



The GCC Financial Forum 2018 closed with and culminated in the official opening of Bahrain FinTech Bay, which will provide the regions first dedicated ecosystem to nurture and develop new technologies that aim to revolutionise the delivery of financial services.  TradeArabia News Service
Bahrain's Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) is set to build a pilot power plant that will produce up to five megawatts (MW) of electricity from renewable resources, said a report.



The project, which will come up on 12 hectares of land at Al Dur in the Southern Region of Bahrain, is being built at a cost of around BD6.5 million ($17.1 million).



The plant will produce 3 MW of solar energy and 2 MW of wind energy, reported BNA.



The project comes in line with the National Renewable Energy Plan approved by the government to achieve five percent of the total renewable energy consumption in Bahrain by 2025, it stated, citing the country's Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza.



He was speaking to the media after visiting the renewable energy pilot project site accompanied by EWA's chief executive Shaikh Nawaf bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa and officials of the Sustainable Energy Unit.



The minister said this is the first time wind energy was being used in Bahrain.



Dr Mirza said the interest in renewable energy comes at the directives of the wise leadership to encourage the use of clean energy to achieve sustainable development.



"The efforts by the EWA are an important step towards achieving the national sustainable development goals (SDGs)," he added.
Salini Impregilo, a specialist in the construction and civil engineering business, has won a major housing project contract from Saudi Arabia National Guard.



The project comprises housing and urban planning on a large scale with the construction of 6,000 villas in an area covering 7-million sq m to the east of Riyadh, said the company in a statement.



It will have a main road running more than 160 km long with secondary routes and related services, a sewage treatment plant and waters above and below ground. The contract is expected to be completed in five years.



This contract strengthens Salini Impregilo's role in the building and transport sectors of Saudi Arabia, which is seen investing $88 billion in infrastructure in the next five years, it stated.



The Italian group which has a major presence in the Middle East region, is a key player in the prime markets of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman.



Salini Impregilo is one among the foreign infrastructure groups with the biggest portfolio of contracts by value for large, complex projects in the region, said the company in a statement.



At the global level, the group has been a leader for the past five years in the water sector and one of the leaders in the transport sector, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
More than 650 companies in the pharmaceutical industry from 75 countries around the world will participate at the upcoming 23rd edition of Dubai International Pharmaceutical and Technology Conference and Exhibition (Duphat 2018), next week in Dubai, UAE.



The event is being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of Dubai Health Authority, and will take place from February 27 to March 1, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.



This year, Duphat, which is one of the most important scientific events in the pharmaceutical industry in the Middle East, will occupy a total area of 18,000 sq m with and will is expecting the attendance of 27,500 visitors and participants including university professors, consultants, heads of pharmaceutical associations and specialists in the pharmaceutical industry, said a statement.



In conjunction to event, Duphat Tech, a specialised exhibition for pharma technology will be showcasing pharma technology and packaging of pharmaceutical products, dermatological products for pharmacies, and smart storage techniques and solutions in the pharmaceutical industry, it said.



Dr Ali Al Sayed, director, Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and Duphat Conference chairman, said: Over the last two decades, our event has evolved significantly into becoming a comprehensive and distinguished global pharmaceutical conference and one of the largest events related to the pharmaceutical industry.



DHA has played a leading role in making Duphat, a major conference in the region and abroad. Every year, the event looks to attract professionals, researchers, academics, scientists, doctors, students and other health care professionals through its extensive scientific programme, which includes workshops and scientific sessions in the field of pharmacy and pharmaceutical industry, he said.



It will also highlight the latest scientific and technological developments in the pharmaceutical industry, he added.



Moreover, participants attending Duphat this year will have the opportunity to attend exclusive workshops and highly specialised scientific sessions on various topics in the field of medicine and pharmacy while also getting the chance to learn about new latest research and smart technologies. The event will feature 26 workshops and 520 scientific poster presentations.



It is worth mentioning also that the conference this year will also witness a notable participation from GCC delegates in scientific sessions that will be presented by pharmaceutical societies and associations from Saudi, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.



Dupaht is organised yearly by Index Conferences and Exhibitions Organisation Est.  member of Index Holding, and the conference is accredited by the Ministry of Health & Prevention in the UAE, Dubai Health Authority, and The Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Australia, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service


Bahrain-based Batelco, a regional telecom group with operations across 14 countries, has posted revenues of BD379.4 million ($1,006.4 million) for the full year 2017, as compared to BD367.1 million ($973.7 million) in 2016 marking a 3 per cent rise.



Organic gross revenue, which grew for the first time since 2009, was boosted by double-digit growth in broadband and digital services, reporting 16 per cent and 13 per cent growth respectively. Quarter on quarter gross revenues also reported an 8 per cent increase compared to 2016 of BD101.9 million ($270.3 million) in Q4 2017 compared to BD94.1 million ($249.6 million) in Q4 2016.



Group operating profit grew by 2 per cent notwithstanding voluntary employee retirement costs of BD8.1 million ($21.5 million) incurred in Batelco Bahrain. Adjusted net profit, excluding impairments and one-off gain on land, was more than BD40.0 million ($106.1 million).The Groups balance sheet remains robust, with cash in hand of BD158.7 million ($421.0 million).



The Board of Directors has recommended a full year cash dividend of BD41.6 million ($110.3 million), at a value of 25 fils per share to be agreed at the Groups Annual General Meeting, of which 10 fils per share was already paid during the third quarter of 2017 with the remaining 15 fils to be paid following the AGM in March 2018. The dividend is consistent with previous years and is an example of Batelcos commitment to its shareholders.



Batelcos chairman Shaikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, said: We continue to progress well in order to execute our strategic plan. The business is in great shape, with strong fundamentals, a solid subscriber base and a local market that is outperforming. However, some of our international businesses continue to feel the impact of the political and economic instability across the region and we are providing them with all the support necessary to get them through this difficult period.



Overall, I am pleased to see that our hard work is paying off. We have maintained a robust cash position and we will pay our shareholders a dividend this year consistent with prior year payouts. I am highly optimistic for the future of Batelco Group as we continue into 2018. We have a sound strategy, an accomplished executive team and a pipeline of products and services to support us in our path forward. As we look ahead, our goal is to build on this recent success and continue to be a national champion for Bahrain.



The Groups net profits have previously been impacted by the reduction in the carrying value of its international investments and goodwill; whereas management and the Board of Directors prudently and promptly took the necessary impairments to reflect the fair value of these investments.



Batelco Group CEO Ihab Hinnawi said: 2017 saw Batelco Group perform well despite a challenging regional operating environment, as demonstrated through our strong financial performance and transformational programmes, which saw a 3 per cent increase in revenues from the previous year. The growth from the past year was mainly driven by our operations in Bahrain, Jordan and the Maldives, and through our diversified revenue streams  primarily digital and broadband services.



While we reported a decline in net profit, this was primarily due to the prudent and conservative strategy of our management team to impair certain assets in Yemen and Jordan, and is not a reflection of the overall health of Batelco. We believe the Group is fundamentally in great shape and we expect net profits in the range of BD40  45 million in 2018.



Batelco Bahrain CEO Mohamed Bubashait said that Bahrain remains one of Batelcos most robust markets, reporting a 3 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue for 2017, boosted by the growing success of fixed broadband and digital services. Batelcos domestic growth in broadband services was driven by heavy investment in its Fibre Rollout Programme to accommodate the demand for faster internet services, which contributed to a 32 per cent YoY increase in broadband subscribers.



Looking ahead, we will continue to invest in Bahrains digital future and to contribute to the Kingdoms social and economic growth, specifically through investing in world class datacenter services, fintech solutions and new technologies. All of this supports the Kingdoms transition to a digital and diversified economy, Bubashait added.



Shaikh Mohamed said: Looking ahead, we are planning to expand our business scope, scale and performance to enhance customer value as much as we can. Our core focus areas are digital services, fixed and mobile data, and multi-play offerings.



We are confident in our future guidance, and believe we have a solid strategy in place to help achieve our target revenue and net profit for the full year 2018, he concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
A cryptocurrency is a speculative instrument, and a collapse in its market value would be just a ripple across the financial services industry, too small to disturb stability or affect the creditworthiness of banks, said S&P Global Ratings.



A cryptocurrency, in its current version, is a speculative instrument, and a collapse in its market value would be just a ripple across the financial services industry, too small to disturb stability or affect the creditworthiness of banks, said S&P Global Ratings in a new report.



Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that use encryption techniques to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, added the RatingsDirect report.



They have attracted a significant amount of attention from the market over the past 12 months. Cryptocurrencies are independent from central banks, and the risk of them infiltrating the traditional financial systems, exposing them to a possible bubble burst, is raising eyebrows at regulators.



If the value of cryptocurrencies dropped substantially, retail investors would endure most of the impact, while rated banks wouldn't feel the hit since they are largely insulated thanks to their limited direct and indirect exposures and cautious approach so far.



The future of cryptocurrencies will depend on the coordinated approach of global regulators and policymakers, but we note that their underpinning technology could strengthen operations, notably with regards to money transfers and financial market infrastructure companies.



Cryptocurrencies do not meet the basic two requisites of a currency: An effective mean of exchange and an effective store of value. First, cryptocurrencies are still not widely accepted as payment instruments, although the list of companies accepting them has increased over the past few years. Second, the volatility that we have observed over the past 12 months in the valuation of some cryptocurrencies and their market cap is the most meaningful evidence that they fail the test of value storage.



For example, in the first 10 days of February 2018, the market cap of cryptocurrencies dropped by around $185 billion from Jan. 28, 2018.



S&P also doesnt view cryptocurrencies as an asset class. For starters, the total outstanding aren't big enough yet. At Feb. 10, 2018, there were 1,523 outstanding cryptocurrencies with a market cap of around $394 billion. By way of comparison, at the same date, this is well below the market capitalization of Apple Inc., around $794 billion.



The oldest and most renowned cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, which emerged in the aftermath of the global financial crisis as a decentralized peer-to-peer payment instrument. It intended to restore the credibility of the payment system by removing intermediaries such as banks and central banks from the equation and relying on end users' powered network.



Bitcoin was originally used as a means of payment for transactions but its credibility dipped when it was allegedly associated with illegal transactions. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies reemerged in 2017 when their market cap increased exponentially. However, we believe that their usage changed from a payment instrument to a speculative instrument when buyers began to largely bet on their future value instead of using them for transactions.



Bubble or no bubble



Cryptocurrencies are most like a speculative instrument, versus an asset class or a currency. S&P Global is of the view that the current version has many characteristics of a traditional bubble, mainly based on the following three reasons:



 The offer of the oldest cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) is limited by definition to 21 million coins of which around 16.9 million are already in circulation. One could argue that an infinite number of cryptocurrencies could be created, but we believe that this process takes time, as these currencies need to earn their credibility. As such, the top 10 cryptocurrencies represent roughly 80 per cent of their total market cap.



 The volatility of the value of cryptocurrencies is extremely high. Over the past 12 months, cryptocurrencies' market cap has increased 33x from $17 billion to $579 billion at Jan. 28, 2018 compared with an increase of 1.4X over 2014-2016. In the first 10 days of February 2018, the market cap dropped by around $185 billion reaching $394 billion.



That was reportedly underpinned by the crackdown of some countries, particularly China and South Korea. Moreover, the single-name concentration in the holdings of these instruments is high. For example, at Feb. 10, 2018, 1,650 users (addresses) with more than 1,000 Bitcoins in their portfolio controlled as much Bitcoins as the 26.3 million users with less than 100 Bitcoins in their portfolios. We believe that this concentration, along with the unregulated nature of this instrument makes it prone to market manipulation for example.



 Finally, cryptocurrencies do not benefit from the backing of cash flows or a credible central issuer, which would give it an intrinsic value. Market perception/sentiment rather drives their valuation.



If cryptocurrencies were to take off and become an effective currency issued in a decentralized manner, the impact on monetary policy implementation would be deep, since central banks might lose their ability to control money supply.



Conversely, if central banks were to back cryptocurrencies, the central banks would be better positioned to predict money demand and therefore adjust supply accordingly. It is still too early to tell in which direction this instruments will move.  TradeArabia News Service
The times when all that our TV sets could do was show us regular TV stations are now over. These days, such old-school TVs are increasingly being replaced with their smart successors, which we can use for streaming video and audio, playing games, browsing the internet, and downloading and using apps  all of that thanks to their internet connectivity.



This evolution is part of a wider trend that involves connecting consumer electronics and everyday objects to the internet, creating a rapidly growing mass of various Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices in the process.



However, the internet connectivity of smart TVs and the perilous state of security in the IoT space in general open the floodgates to a deluge of threats to our privacy and security.



Research has shown that various attacks against smart TVs are possible and practicable, often requiring no physical access to the device or interaction from the user. It has also been demonstrated several times that, once compromised, an Internet-enabled TV can serve as a springboard for attacks at other devices within the same network, ultimately targeting a users personal information stored on even juicier targets such as PCs or laptops.



Watch you(r) back



Now, you probably enjoy watching your smart TV, but chances are that you dont want it to watch you, too. But watch its watchers is precisely what these TVs can do.



Back in 2013, researchers demonstrated that, by exploiting security holes in some models of Samsungs internet-capable TVs, it was possible to remotely turn on the built-in camera and microphone. In addition to converting the TVs into all-seeing, all-hearing devices, they were able to take control of embedded social media apps, posting information on the users behalf and accessing files. Another researcher showed off an attack that allowed him to insert fake news stories into the browser of a smart TV.



Malware, too, can find its way into smart TVs and convert them into bugging devices. In this attack vector, which has also been proven practicable, hackers could create a legitimate app before releasing a malicious update that would then be automatically downloaded onto a smart TV fitted with a built-in microphone.



In 2014, a loophole in a widely used interactive TV standard known as HbbTV came to light. It emerged that attack code could be buried into rogue broadcasts and target thousands of smart TVs in one fell swoop, hijacking these as well as other devices in the network, stealing logins, displaying bogus adverts, and even sniffing for unprotected Wi-Fi networks. In addition, the attack was found not to require any special hacking smarts.



Issues with HbbTV were in the spotlight again in 2017. A security researcher demonstrated a technique for deploying a rogue over-the-air signal to compromise internet-enabled televisions. Once taken over by the attacker, the TV could be used for an apparently endless list of malicious actions, including to spy on the user via the TV's microphone and camera and to burrow deep into the local network. As many as 9 in 10 smart TVs sold in recent years were estimated to be prone to this hack. As with the earlier example, the victim would spot no outward signs of something being amiss.



In February 2018, US non-profit organization Consumer Reports released the results of hack tests on internet-connected TVs of five brands, each of which features a different smart TV platform. Millions of smart TVs can be controlled by hackers exploiting easy-to-find security flaws, said the organization. The devices were found to be susceptible to rather unsophisticated hacks that would enable an attacker to flip through channels, crank up the volume to blaring levels, install new apps, and knock the device off wi-fi  all of that remotely, of course.



The review also found that users need to consent to the collection of very detailed data about their viewing habits  unless theyre ready to forgo the smart features of their new smart TV. Over the years, several manufacturers have been found to engage in the behind-the-scenes acquisition of, and trafficking in, data about the viewing habits of consumers.



Having a listen



Concerns about the implications of smart TVs for privacy were also raised in 2015, when Samsungs voice recognition function as another layer of convenience that enables you to give voice commands to your smart TV came to the fore. The company warned its customers who use the voice activation feature on their smart TVs that their private conversations would be among the data captured and shared with third parties. In addition, the voice information picked up in such official snooping was not always encrypted, potentially enabling intruders to listen in on private conversations.



All told, the security conversation is here to stay, as a range of private and security concerns persist while more and more consumers are snapping up smart TVs. According to one projection, over 750 million smart TVs will be in use worldwide by the end of 2018.



Smart TVs afford us the opportunity to use them for purposes that are more commonly associated with computers. In fact, thats what these TVs have become  internet-connected computers, much like mobile phones. It would no doubt help if we thought of them as such and treated them accordingly.



About the author



Tomas Foltyn is a security writer at ESET, a leading anti-virus and firewall company.




InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the worlds leading hotel companies, has announced the opening of Holiday Inn Express Moscow  Sheremetyevo Airport.



Located within walking distance to terminals D, E and F at Sheremetyevo International Airport, Russias largest airport by passenger numbers, the hotel is in a prime location to accommodate Russian and international travellers, as well as the crew of leading airlines.



Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport is the largest hi-tech terminal complex in Eastern Europe with 35 million passengers a year (according to Aviaport agency) and is a leading Russian cargo hub. The convenient location of the hotel to the Aeroexpress terminal allows guests to travel to the centre of Moscow in just 35 minutes by train to Belorussky station.



The hotel has 190 Next Generation Holiday Inn Express rooms, designed in line with guest feedback. Each feature wide beds with noise-absorbing headboards, bed-side built-in USB ports, plasma screens that can be connected to personal media devices and free wi-fi available throughout the hotel. The rooms are inspired by business class seats on airplanes, creating a unique working space and combining it with a traditional relaxation zone.



The hotels interior and its color scheme add to the state-of-the-art design which is fresh, dynamic and cosy at the same time. The smart design of the Express Cafe & Bar as well as the lobby area make the hotel a stylish spot to meet with colleagues or relax with friends after a long flight or while waiting for take-off.



Mike Greenup, vice president, Brand Management for Holiday Inn Express commented: The Holiday Inn brand family remains IHGs key growth driver in the region, and we are proud to have opened our second Holiday Inn Express in Moscow located within walking distance to Sheremetyevo, which is currently the largest airport in Russia. We are sure that both business and leisure guests will enjoy a comfortable stay and the welcoming service which the Holiday Inn Express brand is famous for." - TradeArabia News Service


Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham JBR was again recognised at the recent UAE Business Awards organised by MEA Markets magazine, taking home the the title of 'Best Short Stay Accommodation in Dubai'.



A back to back win, the property was also named as the 'Most Accommodating Resort in Dubai' at UAE Business Awards 2017.



Samer Rafie, hotel manager, commented: On behalf of my team, I would like to thank UAE Business Awards for recognising our efforts in providing top-quality accommodation to our valuable guests. We are truly honoured to receive this prestigious award as this further inspires us to enhance our service, especially in todays highly competitive market. Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham JBR will continue to strengthen its position as the preferred hotel in our location not only for short stays, but also for business trips and extended holidays.



UAE Business Awards is designed to celebrate the talent that has provided some of the best products and services in one of the largest influential business regions from across the globe. The awards celebrate the very best that the UAEs business market has to offer and to acknowledge the accomplishments made by the individuals responsible for their thriving industry  from oil and gas, tourism and construction, to technology, food & beverages and Islamic Finance. - TradeArabia News Service


The Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that Al Ain will be the first Arab destination to host the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart, a report said.



Expected to attract several delegates from the associations member-countries, this years edition - from February 21 to 24 - will build on the success of past events and focus on facilitating networking and relationship-building within the industry, said a report in WAM.



Held under the theme "Adventure in a New Era," the event offers delegations from across the Asia Pacific region an opportunity to exchange knowledge and unlock the full potential of the adventure tourism sector in the digital era.



The event brings together industry experts and visionaries from across the globe to discuss pertinent issues in the adventure tourism sector. Keynote speakers include Dr. Mario Hardy, chief executive officer, Pata, Thailand; Norie Quintos, editor at Large, National Geographic Travel and Independent Communications Consultant, USA, and Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, executive director, Tourism Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, the report said.



"We are excited to participate in the thought-provoking discussions that will be taking place throughout this event. There is no doubt that technology is disrupting the industry and the way in which destinations interact with travellers. As such, this platform is invaluable as it helps all members-countries gain important insights and analysis to develop national strategies for sustainable tourism as well as preserve their natural landmarks and environment. The Pata conference is the ideal forum to promote Al Ain regions status as a destination of distinction for tourists looking for culturally enriching, authentic experiences. Over the last couple of years, Abu Dhabi has seen a surge in the number of guests emerging from this region India, China, and Australia being priority markets which we are keen to further boost in the coming years," Al Dhaheri said.



Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director of Promotions and Overseas Offices at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: "We are very proud to become the first Arab city to host this event, only two years after becoming a member of the association. This is a strong indication of the emirates rising status as a leading destination for business tourism and Mice travel. The Asia Pacific region is one of our priority markets, which is showing consistent growth year-on-year. As part of Pata, we have unique in-roads to our top source markets across this vibrant region, which help us showcase our world-class destination and rich diversity of culture and attractions. We look forward to working with member-countries to encourage the hosting of business events in Al Ain region."
The Louvre Abu Dhabi announced on Thursday the appointment of Dr Souraya Noujaim as its first scientific, curatorial and collections management director.



Dr Noujaim has been working on the Louvre Abu Dhabi project as curator for Islamic Art at Agence France-Museums over the past four years and headed the museums section dedicated to medieval times, based in Abu Dhabi for the majority of her tenure.



In her new role, she will oversee the scientific, curatorial and the museum collection management services, said a statement from the Department of Culture and Tourism  Abu Dhabi.



Welcoming the appointment, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, the chairman said: "Dr Noujaim has consistently brought passion and dedication to her work on the Louvre Abu Dhabi project. She was nominated based on the intergovernmental agreement between the government of Abu Dhabi and France."



"We are now delighted to appoint her to this fundamental role, in which she will continue to contribute significantly to Louvre Abu Dhabis vision as a universal museum," he stated.



Manuel Rabate, the director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: "The Scientific, Curatorial and Collections Management Department plays a vital role in our core mission - it is primarily responsible for assembling and helping visitors understand their path through the museum, organised around central themes of humanity."



"The path is illustrated by Louvre Abu Dhabis rich collection of masterpieces and artefacts, which originated from across the world. Souraya Noujaim has been instrumental not only during Louvre Abu Dhabis path to the opening but also for the conception of the scientific and cultural project. We are confident that she will also contribute substantially to the museums future success," stated Rabate.



Dr Noujaims appointment underscores the museums commitment to building an exemplary scholarly team to manage its distinguished and growing collection and presentations of artworks in its galleries and includes working in close collaboration with the teams of Agence France-Museums, said the statement.



The museums expanding collection of exceptional treasures now comprises more than 620 important artworks and artefacts spanning human history around the world, from ancient archaeological finds to decorative arts, neoclassical sculptures, paintings by modern masters, and contemporary installations.-TradeArabi News Service
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[February 22, 2018] PortaSwitch B/OSS & Softswitch Platform Eases Growing Pains For South African Telecom

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Like many startups, TalkTalk began with a powerful idea: offer VoIP-based business communication services that were more reliable, more complete, and more customer-focused than anything else on the market. Five years later, TalkTalk, a joint venture of CipherWave and Vlocity Communications with offices in three South African cities, has found its successand everything that comes with it, most notably the need to accommodate the pressures of its phenomenal growth. "From the start, our goal was to own and operate our own infrastructure," said Jonathan Mason, CEO of TalkTalk. "As we added customers, however, we began to reach our limit on the number of concurrent calls our system could handle. The softswitch we were using at the timea workable but rather generic productwas simply not able to handle the rate of expansion." Just as challenging was the amount of staff work. On the business side, administrative personnel were tasked with a huge number of manual billing operations, and generating performance reports was both tedious and time-consuming. Developers were also struggling with the company's software platforms. "We were having reliability issues with our softswitch, and the API was cumbersome," Mason recalled. "It seemed that every task our technical staff was called upon to complete, required multiple steps that slowed down our level of responsiveness." TalkTalk's menu of services, from SIP trunking to hosted PBX, mobile VoIP calling, last mile access and more, was growing fast. Its customer base of SMEs in dozens of industries was expanding as well. It was time to look for better alternatives for its core business and telecom platforms. Remarkably, TalkTalk was able to meet all its needs with a single solution: PortaOne's PortaSwitch unified softswitch and Business and Operation Support System(B/OSS).



"Not only is PortaSwitch immensely scalable, but it also brings automation to a totally different level," noted Mason. "It eliminates a lot of manual work." PortaSwitch, a unified platform for voice, messaging, and data traffic, combines a scalable Class 4/5 softswitch with all the business capabilities necessary to support next-generation telecoms, ISPs, MVNO, and NGN operators. Mason pointed to PortaSwitch's API as a key element. "That component really simplifies our administrative tasks. We can replace five [coding] steps by pressing a single button. The ability to modify our infrastructure for new services or increased network capacity takes us to a completely different level of flexibility."

Mason commented that with the DID inventory feature, all Direct Inward Dial (DID) numbers are kept in one place. "We have four environments and manually it was difficult to distribute DIDs. PortaSwitch makes it easy," said Mason, adding that the automated invoicing and reporting functions have also eased staff workloads. "With PortaSwitch we have direct access to the MySQL database. The ability to quickly output in Crystal Reports covers all our operational needsand it reduces our operating expenses," he stated. Since the addition of PortaSwitch, TalkTalk has extended use of the switch to both CipherWave and Vlocity Communications. Mason pointed to several unique benefits of PortaSwitch as reasons why the expansion has been problem-free. "The strong technical support, along with scalability and reliability, of PortaSwitch has given us a firm foundation for growth," Mason noted. "With PortaSwitch we have the flexibility we need, along with a fantastic vendor relationship. We're more than satisfied with PortaSwitch and PortaOne in the development of TalkTalk." For more information about PortaOne and its PortaSwitch unified B/OSS and softswitch, email PortaOne at contact@portaone.com, or call 866 SIP VOIP (866 747 8647) or +1 604 628 2508 outside North America. About PortaOne:

Based in Canada, PortaOne is a leading global software developer for modern telecoms. The company's OCS) and switching (SBC & Class 4/5) products enable telecommunication service providers and carriers to run a broad line of retail, enterprise, SME, and wholesale services on a single integrated software platform. PortaOne's flagship platforms, PortaSwitch and PortaBilling are fundamental parts of the business infrastructure for over 400 service providers and telcos in 85 countries worldwide. Over two-thirds of 300 PortaOne staff are support engineers providing the best-in-industry 24/7 technical support services for clients involved in hosted IP PBX and SIP trunking services, calling cards and wholesale VoIP, IPTV and residential triple-play, MVNO and MVNE, SMS, data and voice over LTE, and more. To learn more, visit https://www.portaone.com/. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/portaswitch-boss--softswitch-platform-eases-growing-pains-for-south-african-telecom-300602555.html SOURCE PortaOne

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A tense international security situation set the tone for this years Munich Security Conference (MSC), and neither Europe nor the United States seemed to have any plan to address the threats facing them both.

These risks were spelled out in brutal detail in the course of the conference: the situation in the Near and Middle East, North Korea, the risk of cyber warfare, the spread of weapons of mass destruction, the growing power of illiberal superpowers. The clearer the picture of the dangers facing the West became over the three days, the more worrisome the lack of any concrete strategy to minimize these risks. The West, which finds itself locked in conflict with illiberal states, seems to be paralyzed by complex challenges and deep divides within its own camp.

EU Governments are ready to cooperate

Over the first two days, discussions focused on the state of the European Union and NATO; PESCO, or permanent structured cooperation, a defense framework the EU launched last year, was one of the central themes. The EU defense initiative, which will also coordinate funding in EU member states, was spurred by three developments: first, reduced confidence in the USA since the election of President Donald Trump; second, a need to demonstrate the resilience of the EU in the face of Brexit; and third, a desire to better coordinate the growing defense expenditures the EU states were making in the course of meeting the 2 percent of GDP goal NATO demands.

The criticism of PESCO that has been expressed in recent weeks also appeared in both official statements and informal conversations in Munich  an unpleasant surprise for Europeans, who had assumed that the USA would see a strengthening of the EUs defense capacities as a step in its own interests. This fact was pointed out by NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg, who said that stronger defense cooperation in Europe is not an alternative to NATO, and stressed that the non-EU members of the defense alliance would not be at a disadvantage; after all, with the Brexit decision 80 percent of NATO defense spending will soon come from non-EU countries.

Some participants indeed thought they could see Washingtons fingerprints on Stoltenbergs statement. The American government is concerned that the USA could lose access to the EU market and be excluded from future developments. In unofficial discussions, representatives of the smaller EU member states also worried that they themselves could be among the losers, in particular if the European defense industry should consilidate. So far, however, despite all criticism, PESCO remains a project the NATO planning staff is firmly committed to. At the same time, over the coming months and years it will need to be evaluated against the hopes that have been placed upon it.

Germany and France seem ready to get going

Additional ideas came from Berlin and Paris during the joint appearance by acting German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen and her French counterpart Florence Parly. Von der Leyen underlined the foreign policy stance of the recently concluded coalition agreement: We want to remain transatlantic, but become European. She supported a PESCO that would also serve European foreign policy  that is, the possibility to proceed further as a smaller group that would make decisions by majority. Parly underlined the new level German-French defense cooperation had reached since the German-French summit in July 2017, both operationally, as in the stabilization operation in Mali, and in terms of its equipment and procurement. That being said, behind the German-French dynamic on stage, it was clear that differences of opinion remain. Parly highlighted the European Intervention Initiative, which is seen as something of a second priority to PESCO in Berlin. Germany wants to build up the EUs capacities, while France wants to build up its own operational strength, leaving PESCO a less significant role.

On the following day, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker underlined the EUs desire for independence in its foreign and security policies, though he stressed that this was not directed at the US or NATO. He also expressed strong support for majority-based decision-making in these areas. However, appearances by new Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz made it clear that this enthusiasm is in no way shared throughout the entire EU.

Post-Brexit cooperation with Great Britain remains unclear

British Prime Minister Theresa Mays speech brought long-hoped for clarification on a few issues related to the Brexit process. The Prime Minister suggested a security alliance between the EU and UK following Britains departure from the union. Within this framework, cooperation in the area of internal security would be continued, according to May. In saying this, she made an important concession: in cooperating with the EU authorities, London will respect the decisions of the European Court of Justice.

Despite these statements, Mays speech lacked a clear unifying message: While she did clarify that Great Britain was unconditionally committed to the defense of Europe, her warning that disunity would damage both sides revived fears that London would use its security assets as negotiating leverage. The general reaction to Mays speech in Munich was hence mixed.

The USA: continuity against Trump

The mission of US participants to the 2018 Munich Security Conference was clear: they needed to convince their NATO allies that the transatlantic relationship was sturdy, that guarantees made to allies were trustworthy, and that US foreign policy would maintain continuity. From the German side, the friendlier tones were welcomed, and acting German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel warned in his speech that Germany would have to contribute more to making Europe stronger and more capable of acting on its own, and in doing so improve the cooperation with the USA. Europe cannot shape the world or defend the liberal order that it has profited from by itself, according to Gabriel.

General H. R. McMaster, US President Donald Trumps national security adviser, delivered a mostly classic pro-transatlantic speech: he stressed the common values the USA shares with Europe, and labeled three issues as particularly high priorities in the USAs foreign policy: the prevention of the spread of weapons of mass destruction, the war on terror, and the strengthening of international organizations; the last of these, admittedly, appeared slightly disingenuous in light of the massive criticism Trump has leveled at these same organizations. Unlike in the previous year, when Vice President Mike Pence and US Secretary of Defense Mattis vanished from the podium after their talks, McMaster was prepared for a dialogue in Munich. In the course of this discussion, McMaster distanced himself from the president in confirming that it was now indisputable fact that Russia had acted to influence the US presidential election. Trump reacted furiously on Twitter over the weekend.

Asked about the Hobbesian views he sketched in an op-ed he published in the Wall Street Journal with Trumps chief economic adviser Gary Cohn in May 2017 namely, that he saw the world as an (economic) war in which every nation had to fend for itself  McMaster clarified in Munich that his thesis only applied to the competition between free and unfree states, and that he in no way meant to include the relationships between allies, a tactical re-interpretation that is nevertheless contradicted by many of the things Trump himself said throughout 2017.

On the annual MSC Congressional Panel, the four speakers worked across party lines to present a credible image of continuity in US foreign policy. Should the White House deviate from the previous line, Congress would intervene, as for example in the case of the Russia sanctions or the State Departments financing.

Escalatory rhetoric instead of dialogue

The panel, focused as it was on communicating continuity, also showed what has changed leading up to the start of the 2018 MSC: From Washingtons point of view, North Korea has become the most significant risk, while at the past MSC, terrorism had topped the list. The fact that Trumps escalatory rhetoric has made inroads among the foreign policy-makers in Congress was demonstrated by Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), who warned that any military action from Pyongyang would fail massively and bring loss and destruction of biblical proportions. During the panel on nuclear arms control, US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and former Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergei Kislyak accused each other of pursuing aggressive nuclear arms policies. They traded the kind of verbal blows that one would hardly expect to hear even at the height of the Cold War.

In general, there was little from the US side about national maximization of utility and transactional dealmaking. In fact, the opposite was true: the Americans present worked to restore greater credibility to Washingtons place in the Western alliance and the Western community of values. In this they were only partially successful. Participants still considered Trumps word to be final, whatever his representatives might say.

From the post-Western world to systemic conflict

In 2017, the fall of the West and its international relations paradigm and the rise of a post-Western world, created by Russia and Iran among others, was one of the central topics of discussion. In the 2018 MSC, however, debates about the international security situation were held against the backdrop of a more and more openly acknowledged systemic conflict between Western, liberal democracies and authoritarian, sometimes protectionist regimes. Foreign Minister Gabriel said, for example, This new world, which is much more complex than the world of the Cold War, is defined by systemic competition between developed democracies and authoritarians.

The Americans who were present worked to deliver a clear statement on this systemic conflict, one that would place them on the side of Europe. In this context, former Vice President Joe Biden attacked Russia directly: Putin is doing everything he can to destroy the transatlantic alliance and the international liberal order. According to Biden, it was easier for the Russians to attack the West than to repair the political, economic, and social fractures in their own society.

Russia upholds its positions

In fact, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovs appearance showed that Russia still sees itself as a victim of Western expansionism above all, and is still far removed from the political mainstream. In a speech that was gloomy even for Lavrov, the foreign minister liberally mixed Nazi revisionism with developments since the 1989 fall of the Soviet Union, and characterized the charges filed against 13 Russian citizens by Special Counsel Robert Mueller due to their interference with the US election as gossip. Turning to the conflict in Syria and the conditions necessary for a regional security structure, he showed little interest in returning to productive cooperation with the West.

The elephant in the room: China

Chinas roll warrants further reflection. In the plenary session, Foreign Minister Gabriel was the only one to explicitly refer to it; he interpreted the Belt and Road Initiative as an attempt to establish a comprehensive system to influence the world in line with Chinese interests. China is a counter-balancing force in the systemic conflict, and at the moment the only one pursuing a thoroughly thought-out global strategy. The EU has to develop more internal consistency and help the member states develop a common sense of their interests in the unions foreign relations. It must then develop strategies and instruments to implement these interests together.

China was otherwise relegated to the fringes of the discussion, although even here it was clear that certain things were being thought of differently: belief in Chinas transformation, for example  both in terms of its step-by-step democratization and in its transition to a market economy  seemed to no longer be present, even among representatives of the business community. The Belt and Road Initiative is seen as a threat, and not only because China is strategically investing to secure access, undermine Western norms, and build up its own position, but also because it has the potential to divide inner-European unity.

Dealings with China, Central Asia, and the Eastern neighborhood of the EU are themes for which the EU currently has no persuasive strategy. At the same time, with the USAs withdrawal the EU will have to learn to work with the powers in these regions.

This new significance of the relationship with China was hardly seen at the conference. Investments in dialogue with China are urgently necessary. In Fu Ying, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Peoples Congress, the Chinese sent an experienced diplomat and a representative of the Chinese nomenklatura to the MSC discussion on nuclear arms control; otherwise, however, the challenges posed by China, India, and a rising Asia remained largely unaddressed.

There were few actual programmatic discussions in Munich; with the exception of Foreign Minister Gabriels, the closest were delivered by the emir of Qatar, Sheik Tamim Al-Thani, and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. The last suggested an inclusive security structure for the Gulf Region, one built step by step, but simultaneously rejected the notion that Tehran was responsible for the current tense situation and dodged a question about Israels right to exist. It was also typical of the political environment that when there were specific suggestions made there was hardly any reaction.

The EU: more strategy, more ability, more engagement!

Cooperation within the EU paints a mixed bag: There has been progress with the creation of structures and processes in the area of defense, and despite initial skepticism the Central and Eastern Europeans seem to be on board. However, strategies for handling the most significant risks, whether an escalation of the situation in the Middle East, the actions of North Korea, or a destructive cyber attack, were absent on both sides of the Atlantic.

Thus the hoped-for step back from the brink failed to occur during the Munich Security Conference. Instead, several debates seemed much more suited to spur on ongoing conflicts, as with the debate about the situation in the Middle East on the final day. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in particular used his talk as a reproach to Tehran more than anything else: in the course of his address, he held up a part of an Iranian drone recently shot down in Israeli airspace.

No one should expect the international situation to quiet down. German and European international policy-makers have great tasks ahead for which they are not yet sufficiently prepared. As Foreign Minister Gabriel demanded, they must become much more strategically capable, as well as more active and innovative, in order to succeed in this new systemic conflict and help reduce instability. There isnt much time left.
Three new and unique solutions were launched in Dubai, UAE at the 3rd Session: International Innovative Platform for Islamic Economy Products (IIPIEP 2018). Trade Arabia reports in its artilce New Islamic economy products launched in Dubai that the event, which was organized by Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (Dafza) in cooperation with International Center of Islamic Economy (ICIE), helps to establish Dubais leading position as the capital of Islamic Economy across the globe.



The first product launched was the Exchangeable Sukuk, which has been created to mobilize resources using Sukuk that are tradable and dont require the utilization of bank assets. Other specific properties for the Sukuk include obtaining high credit card ratings and allowing for additional returns to economize on the costs of the structure. The Sukuk was developed by a team of experts at the Islamic Development Bank in collaboration with international investment banks. It was also approved by the Shariah Committee of the Islamic Development Bank and cleared by several technical committees.



The second product announced was the Awqaf Fund which aims to create a new simple sustainable product for anyone who wants to put their money into waqf - an endowment made to a religious, educational or charitable cause. The Awqaf Fund will be combined with a number of diverse financial risk products allowing greater control over assets in order to achieve better returns on capital.



The Flexible Credit Card was the third product launched at IIPIEP 2018, which seeks to combine investment with funding, whereby the customer gets balance in credit and at the same time an investment account. This product falls under Sharia compliance for both investments and funding.



Nasser Al Madani, assistant director general at Dafza highlighted the key role that IIPIEP 2018 plays in supporting the growth of the national economy and specifically Islamic Economy. He said: IIPIEP provides the ideal platform for innovative Islamic Economy products, services, and mechanisms that support the development of the sector and increases public trust and awareness in Islamic banking.



IIPIEP supports the three main pillars of Dafzas strategy for Islamic economy, which is based on detailed and insightful market studies and research. The strategy aims to attract direct foreign investments and new investment opportunities. In order to realize these objectives, the market must have a well-established legal and procedural system, as well as developed services that foster trust amongst investors, he added.



Abdullah Mohammed Al Awar, chief executive officer of the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, said: "It is important that we witness innovation of this type as it sets a great precedent within Islamic economy. These innovations have helped us create products that are focused on achieving important goals, such as sustainability, growth and economic and social fairness. These solutions mark a qualitative shift in the functionality of investment and reflect the essence of culture within Islamic economy, which shifts the balance from elite to social.



Sultan Al Howymel, CEO of the International Center of Islamic Economy commented: This global platform is dedicated to establishing a culture of innovation and an integrated approach to the advancement of the Islamic economic system. They key aim is to achieve a sustainable economy.



Held at Grand Hyatt Dubai, the event was attended by industry experts, innovators, and decision-makers. It was supported by Alinma Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, sponsored by National Bonds and National Commercial Bank. The 1st Session of IIPIEP was launched in 2015, and aims to encourage innovation and creativity in developing new products and services that are compliant with Islamic Shariah principles.
Turkey signaled its ready for communication with Syria as Russia sought to avert a direct clash between the two countries over a Turkish military offensive against a Kurdish enclave.

Bloomberg reports in its article Turkey Signals Readiness for Talks to Avoid Clash With Syria that Turkish intelligence officials may establish direct or indirect contact when it is required to solve certain problems under extraordinary conditions, President Recep Tayyip Erdogans spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, said in televised remarks on Wednesday. This wouldnt amount to official contacts with the Syrian regime, Kalin said.

He spoke a day after Syrian pro-government fighters moved to join Kurdish forces in the northwestern border town of Afrin, where they are battling a Turkish incursion. With Syrian flags plastered on their armored vehicles, the forces left Aleppo in what state-run Syrian TV said was an initiative to help defend our people against the Turkish aggression. More pro-government forces arrived in Afrin on Wednesday, the official SANA news service said.

The deployment raised the specter of military conflict between forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey, which is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. While Assad has managed to reassert control over a large part of his country after seven years of war, the Syrian conflict is entering a dangerous new phase amid spiraling tensions between outside powers including Russia, the U.S., Iran and Israel.

U.S. strikes may have killed more than 200 Russian mercenaries attacking American-backed forces in Syrias eastern Deir Ezzor region earlier this month. Israel also in February launched its biggest strikes in Syria since the 1982 Lebanon war after one of its warplanes was shot down in the wake of the destruction of an apparent Iranian spy drone over Israeli territory.

The Turkish campaign in Syria aimed at expelling Kurdish fighters from the border area is in its second month. Turkish officials view Kurdish YPG fighters in Syria as an extension of the Kurdish PKK separatists that the governments fought in eastern Turkey for decades. While the Kurds in Syria have inflicted some losses on the Turks, hundreds of people have been killed in punishing aerial and artillery bombardments, according to officials in Moscow.

Turkey should enter into negotiations with Syria to resolve the issue, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday. I am certain that Turkeys legitimate security concerns can be fully addressed and satisfied through direct dialogue with the Syrian government, he told reporters in Moscow.

Turkey is doing what is necessary for its national interests, Kalin said. Our response to calls that the Afrin offensive should stop is that we dont owe an explanation to anyone.

Security Belt

Russias mediation may be the only way for Erdogan to get out of a difficult situation, said Elena Suponina, a Middle East expert at the Russian Institute for Strategic Affairs, which advises the Kremlin. Turkey is unlikely to pull out completely from northern Syria but were talking about an end to the military operation in Afrin.

Turkey may be offered a small security belt that prevents Kurds in Afrin from linking up with another Kurdish area in Syrias northeast, said Sami Nader, head of the Beirut-based Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs. In return, Syria will expect Turkey to turn a blind eye to the government assault on the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta, one of the last major rebel-held areas along with Idlib in the northwest, he said.
The Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas slammed the US, which he said could no longer be the sole peace mediator

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday called for an international conference on Middle East peace in mid-2018 followed by UN recognition of a State of Palestine. Deutsche Welle reports in its article Palestinian leader Abbas calls for Middle East peace conference, sidelining US role that in a rare speech at a monthly UN Security Council meeting on Middle East issues, Abbas called for an end to the United States' traditional role as the main mediator between Israel and Palestine.

"It has become impossible today for one country or state alone to solve a regional or international conflict," Abbas said. "It is essential to establish a multilateral international mechanism emanating from an international conference."

The Palestinians are furious at US President Donald Trump's announcement in December recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and accuse Washington of being biased towards the Jewish state. The Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

Abbas also lashed out at US threats to close the Palestinian Liberation Organization office in Washington and the decision to cut to US funding of UNRWA, the UN agency that aids Palestinian refugees.

Reducing US influence

Abbas said the conference should include the Palestinians, Israel, the five permanent UN Security Council members  the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France  and the United Nations. Such an arrangement would reduce the weight of the United States' influence. Israel wants direct negotiations with the Palestinians, which give it an upper hand.

The goal of the conference should be full UN membership for Palestine, mutual recognition of Israel and Palestine and a new mechanism for a final peace settlement, Abbas said.

The Trump administration is talking up a Middle East peace plan, but has provided few details or explained how unilaterally recognizing Jerusalem as Israeli's despite overwhelming international opposition was supposed to advance a two state solution.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said the US was "ready to talk" as it finalizes a peace plan proposal. Highlighting Palestinian perceptions of bias, she was joined by Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, adviser on Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, and US Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt. Both are supporters of Israeli settlements.

Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon said Abbas' words and actions made it clear he was "no longer part of the solution. You are the problem."
The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Kazakhstan opened "Never again" photo exhibition dedicated to the tragic events in Khojaly of Azerbaijan, Rwanda, Cambodia, Kazakhstan (the Kazakh Famine of 1932-1933), and Europe (the Holocaust), Kazinform reported.

The exhibition, consisting of dozens of archival photographs made by famous photojournalists, is divided into five sections dedicated to various tragic events occurred in the world. The photo materials on Asharshylyk (Famine) in Kazakhstan in 1932-1933 were provided by the Institute of the State History under the Kazakh Ministry of Education and Science.

The opening of the exhibition was accompanied by a musical performance by Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, Assistant Professor of the Baku Musical Academy Islam Manafov. Yesterday, February 20, he gave a concert timed to the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
Russias federal security service FSB has detained a migrant from Central Asia for plotting a terrorist attack in St. Petersburg, TASS reports.

"The federal security service on February 22, 2018 detained a Central Asia-born suspect for plotting a terrorist attack at transport facilities and crowded sites," the local FSB office said in a news release.

Search and detective work and investigation are in progress. The mans identity is not disclosed.
A ceremony of laying the first border markers on the Azerbaijani-Russian border was held in Zukhul village of countrys Gusar district on Feb. 22, APA reported.

Delegations of the Azerbaijani State Border Service (SBS) and the Border Service of the Russian Federal Security Service, members of the State commissions on border delimitation and demarcation between Azerbaijan and Russia attended the ceremony.

After the laying the first border marker on the Azerbaijani-Russian border, Chief of the SBS, Colonel General Elchin Guliyev, Chairman of the State commission on border delimitation and demarcation between Azerbaijan and Russia, Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov, Chairman of the State commission on border delimitation and demarcation between Russia and Azerbaijan Vadim Postnov, Head of the delegation of the Border Service of the Russian Federal Security Service, Lieutenant General Alexey Buyerov addressed the event.

It was noted that the demarcation of the state border will successfully be finalized in the near future.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the heads and deputy defense ministers of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Venezuela, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Mongolia, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan, invited to a solemn evening on the occasion of the Defender of the Fatherland Day at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Trend reported citing website of the Russian presidential administration.

"You, as people in uniform, have a special attitude towards arms, the army, the entire power component of the state. You understand more than anyone how carefully you need to treat this and how highly credible is the trust in such a sensitive area as military affairs", Russia's president noted

"I want to wish success in ensuring the security of your states", Putin said.
The European Union welcomes the idea of holding the first official summit of the heads of state of Central Asia in Astana, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Ambassador Peter Burian, said at the international conference in Astana.

Burian stressed that the European Union welcomes such positive changes in the Central Asian region. "We believe that integration and cooperation are an important tool for overcoming such challenges," the EU Special Representative concluded.
Iran will withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal if there is no economic benefit and major banks continue to shun the Islamic Republic, its deputy foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said.

"The deal would not survive this way even if the ultimatum is passed and waivers are extended," Araqchi said in a speech at the Chatham House think tank in London.

"If the same policy of confusion and uncertainties about the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) continues, if companies and banks are not working with Iran, we cannot remain in a deal that has no benefit for us. Thats a fact," Reuters cited the minister as saying.

US President Donald Trump told the Europeans on January 12 they must agree to "fix the terrible flaws of the Iran nuclear deal" or he would re-impose the sanctions Washington lifted as part of that pact.
Yeni Yuzyil, Bahchechehir and Aydin Universities will hold memorial conferences in Istanbul dedicated to the 26th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, the Azerbaijani parliament said.

Azerbaijan's MP Nagif Gamzayev will address these memorial conferences. During his speech, the deputy will provide information on the history of the Karabakh conflict and the Khojaly genocide.

Turkish deputies, rectors, heads of municipalities, heads of NGOs and media representatives will also take part in the event.

During the conferences, the universities will organize exhibitions of photos, books and other documents about the tragedy.
Resolution of the protracted conflicts, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, remain top priority for the OSCE, Italys Undersecretary of State of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Vincenzo Amendola said answering question within the winter session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna on Feb.22, Trend reports.

"Protracted conflicts remain top priority of our action. This is not just a prolonging state of a diplomatic approach, but a reality, the fact that we have to check the situation," he said.

Asked about the expansion of the Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Amendola reminded that the sides agreed on the issue at the Krakow meeting this January.

The Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia met in Krakow on Jan.18 with the participation of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Andrew Schofer (USA), Stefan Visconti (France) and Igor Popov (Russia), and Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.
Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad bin Amin Madani has issued a statement on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the commemoration of the massacre in the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly, paying tribute to all those who lost their lives in the 1992 atrocity.

The statement said that the Khojaly incident was a result of the illegal occupation of Azerbaijani territory by Armenia.

The secretary general referred to the Cairo Final Communique of the 12th Session of the Islamic Summit and resolutions adopted by previous sessions of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, which considered the actions perpetrated against civilian Azerbaijani population in the occupied Azerbaijani territories as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

Iyad bin Amin Madani reaffirmed the OICs full support to the initiatives and efforts of Azerbaijan to put an end to the occupation of its territories and to restore its territorial integrity, AzerTAc reported.
The Azimut Airline has announced new flights from Saint Petersburg to Grozny and Stavropol, as well as from Moscow to Grozny, the press service of the company said.

"Starting from April 1, the company's aircraft will fly from St. Petersburg to Grozny four times a week, and starting from April 3 - to Stavropol three times a week. Moscow-Grozny-Moscow flights will be operated daily starting from May 1, 2018," TASS cited the press service as saying.
Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili was banned from entering Ukraine for three years after Kiev deported the opposition leader earlier this month.

Ukrainian border service spokesman Oleg Slobodyan said that Saakashvili was banned on the orders of the commander in charge of the border section he illegally crossed in September.

Saakashvili had been living in exile in Ukraine before being detained by masked men at a Kiev restaurant and deported to Poland on February 12, AFP recalls.

A court in September found Saakashvili guilty of illegally crossing Ukraine's border after he forced his way back into the conflict-riven country with the help of hundreds of supporters, pushing aside border guards.

Ukraine stripped him of his citizenship in 2016, rendering him stateless as he had already lost his Georgian citizenship.
US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman, responding to questions from Twitter users at the official page of the US Embassy in Russia, said that Russia and the United States are friends.

"I think that we are already friends. And I think our friendship will deepen the more we find solutions to some common problems and find ourselves more at the negotiating table," Huntsman said, adding that the peoples of the two countries have more in common than one might think, Gazeta.ru writes.

The director of the Roosevelt Fund of Study of the US at Moscow State University, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Yuri Rogulev, speaking with a correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that such statements are part of the US ambassador's duties.

According to the expert, Huntsman's harsh statements against Russia would lead to the complete failure of his ambassadorial mission. "The ambassador can promote the development of relations, in this case his mission could be successful," he said.

At the same time, the expert added that he agrees with Huntsman's statement that our two peoples have a lot in common. Rogulev stressed that there had never been a conflict between the peoples of the United States and Russia, which could lead to irreconcilable hostility. "We have never been at war with each other, there have been no conflicts. We have no border conflicts, we do not have any ethnic, racial or other contradictions between states that could lead to such an aggravation of relations. I agree with Huntsman that we have much in common. In fact, there is no basis for hostility other than political," the analyst said.

In addition, Rogulev added that there are different points of view on relations with Russia among the US leadership. "Not everyone adheres to a rigid policy towards Russia. It's one thing to criticize another state, but it's another thing to try to isolate it, crush it, and so on," he concluded.

The director general of the Institute for Caspian Cooperation Sergey Mikheyev, said that such a statement by Huntsman is related to the need for the US ambassador to demonstrate his achievements in the new post. "His task is to establish friendly relations, or at least, demonstrate it," the expert believes.

He also added that the US ambassador's statement on friendship between the two countries does not directly coincide with the statements of Washington.

"The ambassador has his own personal task, he needs to prove that he is in his place," the expert said.

The deputy head of the Council of the Russian Diplomats Association, Andrey Baklanov, expressed hope that the statement of the US ambassador would be the beginning of the improvement of relations between Moscow and Washington.

According to him, in recent years, already complicated relations between the countries have been more complicated by the fact that the US ambassadors in Russia have taken wrong steps. "I would like Huntsman's career here to be more effective," the diplomat said.

Baklanov noted that the current relationship between Russia and the US is in crisis, so it is necessary that the words of the ambassador be backed up by concrete actions.

In addition, he added that Huntsman's desire to normalize relations between Moscow and Washington is supported by some US authorities.
A young woman has been killed in Tbilisi. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a 21-year-old girl was stabbed to death, InterPressNews reported.

"A young woman's body was discovered in the morning in the Temka settlement of Tbilisi. The deceased has been identified as A.N. born in 1997. Investigation has been launched into premeditated murder, says the Ministry.
HA NOI  Viet Nam imported flowers and ornamental plants worth US$18 million from December 1, 2017, to January 31, 2018, for the Lunar New Year.

This is a sharp increase of 46.8 per cent against last year, according to the General Department of Customs.

The countries witnessing a high surge in export value of these products to Viet Nam included the Netherlands (up 76 per cent to $5 million compared to before Tet last year) and China (up 80.8 per cent to $3.6 million).

This years imported products included fresh flowers and living ornamental plants reaching $7.9 million, accounting for 43.8 per cent of the total import value. They included orchids, rhododendron, dumb cane plants and cedrus bonsai trees.

Of these, flowers and plants worth $3.3 million, including orchids reaching over $2 million, were imported from mainland China, while the imports from Taiwan and Japan were worth $2.7 million and $1 million, respectively.

Viet Nam imported flowers having tuberous plants worth $7.6 million, accounting for 42.1 per cent of the total import value of flowers and ornamental plants.

Lilies reached an import turnover of $4.4 million from the Netherlands, $1.1 million from New Zealand and $1 million from France.

The General Department of Customs said flowers in the form of branches reached an import value of $2.4 million, down slightly from $2.5 million before Tet last year.

Notably, fresh orchids imported from Thailand reached an import value of $2.2 million.  VNS
HA NOI  The industry-real estate-finance conglomerate T&T Group now has the highest chance to become the strategic partner of Viet Nam Southern Food Corporation (Vinafood 2), cafef.vn reported on Wednesday.

Vinafood 2 plans to offer 25 per cent of its charter capital, or 125 million shares, to the strategic investor after the company launches its initial public offering (IPO) on March 14.

As the price of shares offered to the strategic investor is expected to stay at least level to the IPO starting price of VN10,100 (45 US cents) per share, T&T Group may have to pay at least VN1.26 trillion ($56 million) to purchase those 125 million shares.

Vinafood 2 had only received the filed proposal from T&T Group by December 15, 2017, on which Vinafood 2 must finalise its equitisation plan and submit the plan to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the business news website reported.

Local media had previously reported that T&T Group and the information-telecommunication-technology group FPT Corporation had expressed their interest in purchasing the strategic stake in Vinafood 2.

However, only T&T Group had filed legal documents on the deal while FPT Corporation had submitted its copies of required documents, thus, FPT Corporation had been disqualified from the race.

Therefore, Vinafood 2 had proposed the agriculture ministry approve T&T Group as its new strategic investor and submit the equitisation plan to the Prime Minister for approval.

According to the companys equitisation plan, the strategic partner must be financially healthy so that it could help the firm restructure its financial system and is able to assist Vinafood 2 seek new markets and open new distribution channels in both domestic and overseas markets.

The strategic investor must meet some standards such as having operated in the agriculture sector for at least three years; having total assets of at least VN10 trillion by December 31, 2015; and achieving net profits for three consecutive years and reaching a return-on-equity ratio of more than 5 per cent.

Under its equitisation plan, Vinafood 2 has a charter capital of VN5 trillion with 51 per cent possessed by the State.

The company will sell nearly 23 per cent of its capital (114.8 million shares) at the IPO on March 14, offer 125 million shares to the strategic investor and the remainder to its employees and workers at a preferential price level.

Vinafood 2 operates in importing-exporting food, processed food, agricultural products and trade of those products, but it has been struggling with the current business model as the finance, production and market and product development policies have been implemented ineffectively.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam has been actively working to implement the European Commission (EC)s recommendations since it announced a yellow card on Vietnamese fisheries on October 23 last year.

According to Vu Van Tam, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, the issuance of the ECs illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) yellow card has gained positive results as the number of illegal fishing vessels has decreased.

The central coastal province of Khanh Hoa is one of several key provinces for tuna fishing with a large offshore fishing fleet. Being aware of the issue of illegal fishing, the province has tried drastic solutions as well as disseminated information among its fishermen to understand and practise responsible fishing.

Vo Khac En, Deputy Director of Khanh Hoa Fisheries Sub-Department, said IUU fishing in the province was rare. However, after several cases of illegal fishing were reported recently in the adjacent areas, the sub-department immediately informed the fishermen about the range and geographic coordinates within which fishing was permitted.

When the fishing vessel returns to the port, the sub-department sends its staff to the port to get information. If the fishing vessel is found to have violated any norm, it will not be granted fishing permit and will not get State preferences. In fact, the fishing vessel will be recovered permanently if it violates fishing norms a second time, said En.

Quang Trong Thao, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Kien Giang Province, said after the Prime Minister signed the official letter 732/C-TTg on preventing, minimising and stopping Vietnamese fishing vessels and fishermen from illegally fishing in foreign seas, the provincial Peoples Committee had drastically implemented the directive.

The department has actively cooperated with Border Guards, provincial police and local authorities to patrol and examine and handle violations to prevent illegal fishing vessels and fishermen in foreign waters.

The department has also set up teams to disseminate information and raise awareness among fishermen, in compliance with Vietnamese and foreign laws, of exploiting marine products and not infringing upon foreign waters.

Tam said along with official letter 732, the Prime Minister also issued Instruction 45 on urgent solutions to have the yellow card withdrawn within six months (before April 23, 2018). The ministry has also proposed suggestions to revoke the yellow card.

Institutional improvement based on the newly revised Fisheries Law has incorporated most of ECs recommendations on IUU. These include regulations on IUU fishing activities and strict sanctions placed on ship owners and captains, with seven times higher penalty than the value of illegally exploited fisheries (individuals may be fined up to VN1billion), regulations on the withdrawal of fishing licences for individuals and organisations that illegally exploit foreign seas, regulations for non-reissuance of fishing licences to organisations and individuals that have fishing vessels on the IUU list and those without control equipment for fishing activities.

In addition to these, legal normative documents have also been developed to integrate regulations in line with international rules, such as Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, FAOs international plan of action against IUU, FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU fishing and measures taken by the coastal countries to ensure that legal documents are effective at the same time as the 2017 revised Fisheries Law, which will come into effect on January 1, 2019.

Meanwhile, Viet Nam has promoted training for fishermen, ship owners and enterprises as well as the State management system of aquatic resource exploitation, making them aware about the impact of yellow cards on the reputation of Vietnamese seafood.

Tam said the country continued to focus on practical implementation, including actions of fishermen and ship owners, who must follow criteria such as noting diary, installing equipment for controlling fishing itinerary, sending reports to the fishing port management agency, identifying the origin of seafood to fight against IUU fishing and certificating export batches of seafood following the demand of the European Union and other markets.

It is imperative that ships that are 15-24m high will have to install equipment for controlling fishing itinerary as regulated and remain open 24 hours a day for inspection, said Tam.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Dung, Director of Directorate of Fisheries Scientific, Technological and International Cooperation Department, said another important solution was to expand international cooperation, including top-level negotiation with EC to review its nine recommendations, to learn from other countries on fighting against IUU fishing.

We need to negotiate and cooperate with other countries, such as Papua New Guinea, Brunei and New Caledonia, on this issue and take part in international forums to affirm Viet Nams efforts in combating IUU fishing, Dung said.

Tam said the agriculture ministrys leaders had recently visited almost all the island countries of the Pacific region to share information and build cooperation. We have increased our participation in international forums to express the governments view that it will never tolerate illegal fishing activities.  VNS
HA NOI  The pedestrian space around Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword) Lake will not be expanded to the Old Quarter area.

City head Nguyen uc Chung rejected the expansion proposal of Hoan Kiem District authorities at a recent conference.

According to Chung, Ha Noi Peoples Committee recognised the districts efforts in improving the condition of pedestrian streets, but he said it was currently impossible to expand the space up to the Old Quarter area. Instead, the district authorities must invest to organise more attractive cultural activities and promote the Vietnamese tradition among tourists, he said, noting that trade violations and noise pollution required urgent attention.

As soon as the district authorities take proper action to address the more pressing issues, the city Peoples Committee will consider the expansion of pedestrian streets, the conference report said.

At an earlier press conference on November 14, 2017, inh Hong Phong, deputy head of Hoan Kiem District Peoples Committee, said the pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem Lake connected with the Old Quarter area, creating a landmark for the capital city.

After one year of piloting, pedestrian streets now welcome up to 70,000 visitors a day.

We are researching to open up the walking space to the streets of inh Liet, Gia Ngu, Cau Go, Hang Be, etc., Phong told zing.vn.

Pedestrian zones around Hoan Kiem Lake officially opened on September 1, which include ten streets of Hang Buom, Ma May, ao Duy Tu, Hang Giay, Luong Ngoc Quyen, Ta Hien, Hang Ngang, Hang ao, Hang uong and ong Xuan.

These streets are open to the public from Friday night to Sunday night. The timings are 7pm to 12pm in summer and 6pm to 12pm in winter. All shops and bars in the zone remain open until 2am.  VNS
NAM INH  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc paid a visit to farmers in Hai Hau District, the northern province of Nam inh, encouraging them to promote agricultural production and tree planting.

Hai Hau is among the four districts in Viet Nam selected to become the nations exemplary models of new-style rural building. Economic development as part of new-style rural building has given the area a facelift, with average production value per hectare of the local arable land amounting to VN112 million (US$4,920).

Talking to leaders of Nam inh and Hai Hau, the Prime Minister lauded local farmers working spirit from the beginning of the lunar year.

He urged Nam inh to strive for the goal of 100 per cent of its districts meeting new-style rural standards and Hai Hau becoming an exemplary new-style rural locality.

The PM directed local authorities to continue with agricultural restructuring in the direction of creating favourable conditions for businesses to invest in the sector. Without businesses and cooperatives collaborating with farmers to reorganise the countryside, eradicating poverty would be a tough task, he said.

He emphasised the need to develop a comprehensive rural economy model, including services.

As part of his visit, PM Phuc and local leaders planted trees in Hai Haus Yen inh Town to launch a new-year forestation festival that was set to see thousands of fruit and shade trees planted along roads and coastal areas across the district.

The PM also toured paddy fields in Hai Haus Hai ong Commune and a waste treatment site in Xuan Truong District.  VNS
THANH HOA  Six people were seriously injured after a pick-up truck lost control and crashed into three motorbikes and a taxi on Wednesday afternoon in the central province of Thanh Hoa.

The pick-up truck was travelling from Phu Son Ward to Rung Thong Town in ong Son District when the accident took place. The truck crashed into three motorbikes, throwing off the six passengers riding them, who suffered serious injuries.

It then collided with a taxi before coming to a halt. The driver, whose identity could not be ascertained, fled from the scene. The victims were rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Provincial police are investigating the case.  VNS
WASHINGTON  US President Donald Trump suggested arming teachers to deter mass shootings as he faced broken voices, tears and demands for action at a meeting with survivors of the gun rampage that killed 17 people at a Florida high school.

Trump also promised "very strong" background checks on gun owners during the poignant "listening session," in which he heard first-hand accounts from bereaved parents and friends, and schoolchildren who narrowly escaped with their own lives.

"A gun-free zone, to a maniac -- because they are all cowards -- a gun-free zone is Lets go in and lets attack," Trump said.

"If you had a teacher who was adept at firearms, they could very well end the attack very quickly," Trump said, suggesting that 20 per cent of a schools teachers could be trained to carry concealed weapons.

"This would only be obviously for people who are very adept at handling a gun," Trump added.

The televised White House meeting came as students staged street protests across the country to demand stricter gun laws following the murder of 14 teens and three teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Holding signs reading "Never Again" and "Be The Adults, Do Something," teenaged survivors of last Wednesdays shooting rallied outside the Florida state Capitol in Tallahassee.

"No longer can I walk the halls I walked millions of times before without fear and sadness," Stoneman Douglas student Florence Yared told a crowd that included thousands of supporters.

My daughter has no voice

"No longer can I walk the halls without imagining bloodstains and dead bodies," the 17-year-old junior said. "All because of the damage that a single AR-15 rifle caused."

The White House meeting was attended by Stoneman Douglas students, their parents and also the parents of victims of the Columbine, Sandy Hook and other shootings.

Andrew Pollack, whose 18-year-old daughter Meadow was among the Stoneman Douglas victims, told Trump it was far too easy for people such as the 19-year-old shooter gunman Nikolas Cruz to acquire weapons.

"Im here because my daughter has no voice. She was murdered last week and she was taken from us, shot nine times," he said. "We as a country failed our children. This shouldnt happen.

"We protect airports. We protect concerts, stadiums, embassies," Pollack said, his voice seething with rage. "I cant get on a plane with a bottle of water, but we leave some animal to walk into a school."

Justin Gruber, a 15-year-old Stoneman Douglas student, said "there needs to be significant change in this country because this has to never happen again.

"People should be able to feel that when they go to school they can be safe," Gruber said.

Samuel Zeif, who lost a close friend at Stoneman Douglas last Wednesday, said it was important to "be strong for the fallen who dont have a voice to speak anymore."

"Lets never let this happen again. Please," he told the president, later adding: "I dont understand why I can still go in a store and buy a weapon of war."

Urgent calls for action following the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre, which left 20 children and six teachers dead, had failed to break the national deadlock on gun control.

But students have vowed to make the Parkland tragedy a turning point, with youths inspired on social media by the activism of their peers staging walkouts from high schools in Florida and elsewhere on Wednesday.

NRA has got to go

Hundreds of students descended on city hall in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and marched in other cities, including Chicago, the Midwestern metropolis racked by gun violence.

In Washington, hundreds more gathered outside the White House chanting slogans against the National Rifle Association (NRA), the powerful gun lobby, and demanding action from Trump.

"Hey hey, ho ho, the NRA has got to go," they chanted.

Students are planning a march on Washington on March 24, with sister rallies planned across the country.

Trump -- who received strong backing from the NRA during his White House run -- has shown a new-found willingness to take at least some steps on gun control following the Parkland shooting.

The president threw his support Tuesday behind moves to ban "bump stocks" -- an accessory that allows a semi-automatic rifle to be fired nearly as fast as an automatic weapon.  AFP
LONDON  Britain on Wednesday challenged the EUs proposals to end a post-Brexit transition period on December 31, 2020, saying the date should reflect the time needed for both sides to strike a deal on future trade ties.

The government says it remains committed to limiting the transition, fixing a date around two years after Britain leaves the European Union on March 29, 2019.

But in a "draft text for discussion", it said the precise duration "should be determined simply by how long it will take to prepare and implement the new processes and new systems that will underpin the future partnership".

Britain cannot sign an agreement on new trading and security ties with the EU until after it ceases to become a member of the bloc.

"The UK agrees this points to a period of around two years, but wishes to discuss with the EU the assessment that supports its proposed end date," it said.

Britain requested the transition to give businesses and the public time to adjust to life after Brexit, and negotiations on its terms are currently underway.

The government document says there is "broad alignment" with the EUs position, with "only a small number of areas requiring discussion".

In a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in London on Wednesday, Prime Minister Theresa May repeated that she hoped a deal could be agreed by March.

This would allow talks on the future trading relationship to begin the following month.

EU negotiator Michel Barnier warned earlier this month that the transition was "not a given", saying significant differences remained.

However, a senior EU official said Wednesday that any delay to a transition agreement would not hold up preparations for the trade talks.

EU President Donald Tusk will issue guidelines for the negotiations on the future relationship at a summit on March 22-23 as planned, the official said in Brussels.

Never-ending transition

Britain has said it wants to leave the EUs single market and customs union at the moment of Brexit but continue trading with the bloc "on current terms" during the transition period.

The EU has said this can only happen if Britain agrees to follow all current EU rules, including freedom of movement for citizens.

Pro-Brexit MPs have warned this risks Britain becoming a "vassal state" of the EU during the transition period.

The government document called for "arrangements" to ensure "mutual good faith" regarding any new EU laws adopted during the transition period, without giving further details.

Pro-European opposition lawmaker Chuka Umunna said that questioning the end-date suggested ministers were planning a "never-ending road to nowhere".

"It appears the government wants transition to last indefinitely... because the cabinet cant agree on our future trading relationship with the EU," he said.

May will retreat to her official country residence with senior ministers today to thrash out their differences.

She is due to set out the governments position on the future ties in a speech expected next week.

A group of pro-Brexit Conservative MPs known as the European Research Group (ERG) on Wednesday sent May a letter laying out their suggestions for securing a successful Brexit.

The letter, which was signed by 62 lawmakers, emphasised that Britain should be able to negotiate its own free trade deals with other countries as soon as it leaves the bloc.

"Any implementation period must not restrain the UK from negotiating or signing other trade agreements," they said.  AFP
Dr. Anton Reece to Speak at March Chamber Breakfast

Feb. 22, 2018

By Feb. 22, 2018

PADUCAH, KY - The President of West Kentucky Community and Technical College, Dr. Anton Reece, will speak for the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce March Power in Partnership breakfast. The event will be held on Thursday, March 1, at 7:30 am at the Julian Carroll Convention Center. The cost is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for non-Chamber members.



Dr. Reece became the second president of West Kentucky Community and Technical College on October 1, 2016. He has served more than 26 years in higher education. A native of Barbados, he is an honor graduate with a bachelors degree in broadcast news and a masters degree in counseling from Eastern Kentucky University, 24 hours above his masters degree from Murray State University, and a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.



He started out at what was then Paducah Community College, (now West Kentucky Community and Technical College), in 1990 as a Minority Affairs Coordinator and Counselor. By the time he joined the administrative team at University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2003, he was WKCTCs Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment.



While at the University of Tennessee, he successfully served students in various roles, including Coordinator of Academic Support, Director of Student Activities, Executive Director of Student Success and Associate Vice Provost of Academic Affairs.



Dr. Reece and his wife, Cornelia, have two daughters, Tina and Kiana



If you are not a Power Card holder, please make reservations no later than Tuesday, February 27th, at 5 pm to the Chamber at: paducahchamber.org, by calling 270-443-1746, or e-mail info@paducahchamber.org.
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The sentiment across the country and in Port Clinton is this: It could happen anywhere.

"God forbid, it could happen to a school like ours and I do not want that," said Nikki Stitak, a Junior at Port Clinton High School.

Wednesday at noon, students in the high school and middle school staged a school-approved walkout.

"It's an opportunity for our kids to have a voice and be heard and we absolutely support that," explained Superintendent of Port Clinton Schools, Pat Adkins.

The demonstration was in honor of those killed during the school shooting in Parkland, FL.

Students got the idea for the walk out from social media, where many teenagers across the country are planning similar demonstrations.

"Showing our support it really impactful and powerful and that's why I definitely wanted to be a part of it today," added high school Junior Maddy Kodak.

One of the organizers, Cinara Hicks, also a Junior, read aloud a poem as students stood in silence. It said, in part, "I'll stand in the rain for the 17 lives that have been taken from a cruel young man without any hesitation. I'll stand in the rain to make a change ... So get up, stand up, make a difference, because life's too short and you don't want to miss it."

During the demonstration, administrators, staff and Port Clinton Police were on hand to supervise.

After 17 minutes, the students returned to their buildings.
Feb 19, 2018 | By Tess

When we talk about 3D printing construction we often focus on concrete or cement-based materials being used to build up sturdy walls and structures. But we tend to forget about other building materials that can benefit from additive manufacturing processes.

Fortunately, a team from the University of Hong Kongs architecture robotic fabrication LAB is there to remind us of the possibilities. The students recently unveiled an amazing pavilion made from 3D printed terracotta bricks.

The impressive structure, called the CeramicINformation Pavilion, is currently being exhibited at the Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture (UABB) in Shenzhen, China.

Terracotta, a versatile clay-based material, has a long history in construction and building all across the globe. In China, the earthenware material was used to produce intricately decorated Chinese Imperial roofs, and elsewhere it is commonly used for roof tiles and sometimes walls.

In HKUs recent project, a team explored the possibility of 3D printing terracotta bricks to build new and innovative structures. In the pavilion currently on display at UABB, roughly 1.5 million lines of code were required and each 3D printed brick contains aroung 1,400 individual target points.

This is not the first time weve seen 3D printed terracotta, however, as the same HKU-based lab presented an architectural pavilion in September 2017 made using the same technology. This project, entitled Ceramic Constellation Pavilion, consisted of over 2,000 3D printed terracotta bricks.

This particular iteration explores the process of construction, and seeks to find an appropriate level of automation suitable for emerging and transitioning economies, said Christian J. Lange and Donn Holohan, two of the projects leaders.

Each of the approximately 1,000 components that make up the experimental structure is unique and has a specific immanent relationship to its neighbors. This approach allowed the complex construction to be realized using unskilled labor, over a short period, without the need for typical architectural drawings.

It reportedly took 20 days to 3D print the terracotta bricks for the pavilion, which were then transported to Shenzhen and carefully assembled on site. The impressive structure, which measures about three square meters, will be on display at UABB until March 15, 2018.

(Images: Christian J. Lange)

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Feb 22, 2018 | By Tess

German engineering and electronics company Robert Bosch GmbH (better known as Bosch), has made a significant investment in Dutch 3D printing company Ultimaker. Ultimaker, which was selected as a 3D printer supplier by Bosch after comparative tests and evaluations, will supply Bosch with Ultimaker 3 Extended 3D printers for its facilities across the globe.

The Ultimaker 3 Extended 3D printer, which integrates dual extruders, will be deployed to various Bosch facilities in Germany, Hungary, China, India, the United States, and Mexico for a range of applications. The FDM 3D printers will primarily be used for additively manufacturing prototypes, tooling parts, jigs, and fixtures.

We are very happy that this well-respected, leading supplier of technology and services chose our desktop 3D printers after an intensive selection procedure by its Additive Manufacturing department," commented Jos Burger, CEO at Ultimaker.

The team at Ultimaker is working hard to make 3D printing accessible by continuously improving our hardware, software, materials and services, Burger continued. This global investment of Bosch confirms that our 3D printing ecosystem is ready to advance innovation on a global scale. The quality and speed of our service is the same in all countries, which helps our clients to go from an idea to manufacturing validation in just a few days, no matter where they are in the world.

By integrating 3D printing into its workflow processes, Bosch is aiming to cut back on turnaround times for new product designs and to reduce overall prototyping and development costs. Through the adoption of the Ultimaker 3 Extended 3D printer at its many global facilities, the company is expecting to benefit from the use of a uniform 3D printing solution with materials, training, and global support.

And fair enough: for a company with a broad global reach and a diverse product offeringincluding parts for cars, industrial equipment, consumer goods, and moreit makes sense to have as many manufacturing constants as possible.

The Ultimaker 3 Extended 3D printer, which retails for 3,695 ($4,540), has a build volume of 215 x 215 x 300 mm (or 197 x 215 x 300 mm with dual extrusion), and is equipped with a heated build plate and live camera for monitoring prints.

Posted in 3D Printer Company

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Peter York wrote at 2/23/2018 12:32:40 PM:So, they don't believe on their own products (Dremel printers)!?




Martin Goodman at the LARB:

THE DESTRUCTION OF Jerusalem by Roman troops in 70 CE demanded a religious explanation. If God, the supreme ruler of the universe, had allowed such a disaster to be visited on his people, it must be as part of a divine plan. The author of an apocalyptic text that purports to describe the prophetic visions of Ezra, the priest and scribe of the fifth century BCE, but which must in fact have been composed in the last decades of the first century CE, envisaged divine vengeance on the Roman empire. He pictured Rome as a three-headed eagle destined for destruction during the last days that had now come upon the earth:

The Most High has looked at his times; now they have ended, and his ages have reached completion. Therefore you, eagle, will surely disappear, you and your terrifying wings, your most evil little wings, your malicious heads, your most evil talons, and your whole worthless body, so that the whole earth, freed from your violence, may be refreshed and relieved, and may hope for the judgement and mercy of him who made it.

But we have no idea how many other Jews shared in this eschatological hope. IV Ezra is preserved only through copies and translations made by Christians, among whom the text proved immensely popular, presumably in part because of their strong interest in the imminent end times, but it is not known whether the text held similar appeal for non-Christian Jews.

more here.


Infill Drilling Results Returned

Perth, Feb 22, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Cardinal Resources Limited ( ASX:CDV ) ( TSE:CDV ) ( OTCMKTS:CRDNF ) ("Cardinal" or "the Company") is pleased to advise that it has now received the final tranche of assay results from its current phase of infill resource drilling at the Namdini Gold Project in Ghana. These encouraging results follow on from the previously announced drilling results (refer to ASX/TSX announcement of 22 January 2018), and will now form the basis for an update to the Mineral Resource estimate which is expected to be delivered at the end of the March quarter.Cardinal's Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director, Archie Koimtsidis said:"These are the final tranche of drill results from the infill drilling programme which was specifically designed with the objective of increasing the confidence level by targeting our 3.1Moz of Inferred Resources into the Indicated Mineral Resource category which currently contains 4.3Moz at a 0.5 g/t gold cut-off grade. The Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources will drive our Pit Design and Mining Schedule for the Pre-Feasibility Study that is well underway, and expected to be completed by mid-2018."While we are continuing to work towards upgrading our current Mineral Resource base at Namdini by Q1 2018, we also have drill rigs actively testing our highly prospective regional exploration licences for new discoveries, and we look forward to providing information from these first pass drill programmes".HIGHLIGHTS- 17m at 5.4g/t Au from 216 - NMDD149- 10m at 4.8 g/t Au from 377m - NMDD139- 50m at 2.3g/t Au from 101m - NMDD141- 11m at 3.0 g/t Au from 494m - NMDD149- 16m at 2.3g/t Au from 436m - NMDD151- 34m at 2.4 g/t Au from 345m - NMDD149- 18m at 2.0 g/t Au from 510m - NMDD149- 19m at 2.2 g/t Au from 477m - NMDD151- 37m at 2.0 g/t Au from 98m - NMDD139- 20m at 2.1 g/t Au from 99m - NMDD142- 27m at 1.8 g/t Au from 145m - NMDD140- 19m at 2.0 g/t Au from 286m - NMDD140- 42m at 1.6 g/t Au from 255m - NMDD139- 31m at 1.5 g/t Au from 232m - NMDD141- 53m at 1.4 g/t Au from 150m - NMDD142- 51m at 1.3 g/t Au from 199m - NMDD139Individual gold intersections are >0.5 g/t Au with no more than 3m of consecutive internal dilution at <0.5 g/t Au.Detailed results of the drill programme are included below and in the attached schedules (see link below).DISCUSSION OF RESULTSAll drilling results from the current phase of infill drilling have been returned from the comprehensive campaign designed to increase the confidence in the current Namdini Mineral Resource and enable the establishment of a maiden Ore Reserve. The current phase of drilling specifically focused on Mineral Resource conversion by infilling the existing drill pattern to within a nominal 50m x 50m spacing targeting a vertical depth of approximately 400m below surface. In total, the Company has now completed 96,228m of drilling comprised of 62,935 HQ diamond drill metres and 33,293 5.5' RC drill metres for the Namdini Mineral Resource. The results strongly support the continuity of mineralization and increase the confidence in the current Mineral Resource.The Namdini Project currently has an estimated Indicated Mineral Resource of 4.3 Moz of gold and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 3.1 Moz of gold (refer to ASX/TSX announcement on 18 September 2017 for details) at 0.5 g/t cut-off grade. The infill drilling is expected to upgrade a significant portion of the current Inferred Mineral Resource into a higher category thereby increasing the current Indicated Mineral Resource base. Optimisation studies will commence after the Mineral Resource update due Q1 2018, which will then underpin the Company's maiden Ore Reserve. The Ore Reserve will then form the basis of the Pre-Feasibility and Definitive Feasibility Studies that the Company is progressing for the Namdini Project.Figure 1 (see link below) illustrates a plan view of the collar locations of drill holes and a typical interpretive section through the mineralization which is displayed in Figure 2 (see link below). Meta Data for significant intercepts are tabulated in Table 1, Schedule 1 (see link below). Details of all significant intercepts are provided in Table 2, Schedule 1 (see link below).To view tables and figures, please visit:About Cardinal Resources Ltd

Cardinal Resources Ltd (ASX:CDV) (TSE:CDV) (OTCMKTS:CRDNF) is a West African gold exploration and development Company that holds interests in tenements within Ghana, West Africa.

The Company is focused on the development of the Namdini Project with a gold Ore Reserve of 5.1Moz (0.4 Moz Proved and 4.7 Moz Probable) and a soon to be completed Feasibility Study.

Exploration programmes are also underway at the Company's Bolgatanga (Northern Ghana) and Subranum (Southern Ghana) Projects.

Cardinal confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in its announcement of the Ore Reserve of 3 April 2019. All material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning this estimate continue to apply and have not materially changed.
Many people rarely consider adding visits to historical buildings to their itinerary when they travel. Such visits can help them expand their knowledge and can also be a great way to reinforce lessons. Some of these historical buildings have hands-on exhibits and tours which add to the visitors' experience. This said, Nigeria has no shortage of these historic buildings, sites and landmark.

Nogle Travels

, the leading online travel agency highlights some of the historical buildings to visit.
Firefighters from the North State spent nearly a month battling the Thomas Fire in Southern California.

It's being called the largest fire in state history and burned a total of 281,000 acres.

Firefighters risk their lives to save people and homes everyday without ever needing a thank you, but the Hamilton City Fire Department was truly touched to receive these thank you cards from kids down in Ventura.

One card addressed to the Chief reads "thank you for sending your men to help fight the Ventura fires."

Other cards show hand drawn pictures of fire creeping up on a home depicting crews saving the day.

One 3rd grader asked in the card if the fire crews were scared of fighting such a big fire.

A hamilton city firefighter tells us they plan on writing back to the kids to answer some of their questions and thank them for the cards.
Most likely to opt out are 60-64 year old women, as figures show only 62% of this demographic remain in their workplace scheme compared to 70% of men. The overall opt out rate for 60-64 year olds is 33%. Men aged 22-29 are least likely to opt out of workplace pension saving with just 3% opting out. This compares with 5% of women in the same age group. The overall opt out rate for 22-29 year olds was 4% at the end of 2017. Troy Clutterbuck, Interim CEO, NOW: Pensions said: The data shows two clear trends. Firstly, women across all age groups are much more likely to opt out of pension saving than men. Secondly, as people get older, their propensity to save into a workplace pension rapidly declines. The reasons for this behaviour are undoubtedly far from simple. It might be that older people think its too late or dont believe theres any benefit of being in a workplace pension as they get close to retirement. It could be that they already have enough put aside. For women, who are more likely to be part time workers and lower earners, it might be that they simply dont feel they can afford it. For these groups, arguably more needs to be done to drive home the value of the employer contribution, tax relief and the tax free lump sum.
Like you, I am the parent of a young adult with autism. Unlike you, I believe that vaccine injury is by far the most plausible explanation for my sons onset of autism in his second year of life. Through extensive education and work with groups that you dub anti-vaccine, I came to understand that vaccine-induced encephalopathy, which can manifest with features of autism, is a well-known phenomenon. Indeed, colleagues and I revealed that the federal Vaccine Injury Compensation Program has been compensating such cases of brain injury, with concomitant autism, since the programs inception in 1988.

Dear Dr. Hotez: It is with sadness and distress that I read of your inaugural Victor J. Dzau Global Health Lecture Series at Duke University. Based on reporting in the February 20, 2018 Duke Chronicle, I understand that you accused those whom you brand anti-vaccine as a hate group that hates their family and hates their children. Let me explain why I find your remarks both offensive and off-the-mark.

Professor Mary Holland of NYU Law School has penned a letter to Dr. Hotez. We join her in sentiments and demand an apology from Dr. Hotez for his smear of vaccine injury families and the organizations who represent them in their fight for full informed consent in vaccination.

Hotez reported remarks include the claim that, there is no link between autism and vaccines, and that vaccine safety and choice advocacy groups, including Texans for Vaccine Choice and NVIC, are [Anti-vaccine organizations] camouflage themselves as a political group, but I call them for what they really are: a hate group, Hotez said. They are a hate group that hates their family and hates their children.

From our friends at Health Choice : On Tuesday, February 20th, the Duke Chronicle reported that vaccine researcher, Dr. Peter Hotez spoke at the Duke Global Health Institute in the first lecture of the Victor J. Dzau Global Health Lecture Fund Series, established by Dzau in 2017, as part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Global Health Matching Grant.

My mother, the late Dr. Jimmie C. Holland, a psychiatrist, was an early female graduate of Baylor College of Medicine in 1952; she was one of three women in her class. In 1992, the College honored her with its Distinguished Alumni Award. I regret that she died at the end of 2017, but until that time, she loved her grandson with autism with all her heart. She actively supported my advocacy to look more deeply into questions of vaccine-induced autism, making invaluable contributions to the Elizabeth Birt Center for Autism Law and Advocacy, the Autism Action Network, the Center for Personal Rights, and Health Choice, all organizations focused on the links between the autism epidemic and the sharp rise in infant vaccines since the late 1980s. Was my mother, a distinguished alumna of Baylor College of Medicine an anti-vaxxer who hated her family? Really?

The powerful #MeToo movement has made the country understand that for too long, girls and womens assertions of sexual violence and abuse have been marginalized, disparaged and rejected. Doctors, like Dr. Larry Nasser, and prestigious universities, like Michigan State University, have played shameful roles in these crimes against children and women. The parallel to the female-dominated vaccine choice and vaccine safety movement is all too obvious. Ad hominem (or more accurately ad hominae) arguments, like labeling those who disagree with you as hate groups, does your viewpoint no favors.

The appropriate role for vaccines in national public health deserves serious discussion among all stakeholders, including those who advocate for vaccines, those who oppose them, and every stripe in between. This is a serious, contentious debate, implicating fundamental questions of prior, free and informed consent; the medical principle of first do no harm; public health; science; and even the role of government itself. Academic institutions and leaders should be embracing this conversation, not seeking to squelch it.

I would welcome the opportunity to debate these questions with you in an open, respectful, academic setting. I would be pleased to invite you to come to the NYU School of Law, where I am on the faculty, or I would be pleased to come to Baylor or Duke or any place else to engage in such discourse.

I believe we would make far more progress in this thorny area by openly discussing the issues together than by making inflammatory, hurtful and simply false attributions to those with whom we disagree.

Sincerely yours,

Mary S. Holland, Esq.

Cc: Dr. Linda A. Livingstone, President, Baylor University
Scientists warned that it would give credence to debunked theories, while a Trump spokeswoman denied any decision had been made .

The son of former US attorney general Bobby Kennedy met Trump in New York during the presidential transition in January last year and announced that he had been asked to chair a commission to review vaccine safety.

From Guardian UK: Donald Trump appears to have abandoned plans to investigate the spurious link between childhood immunisations and autism, a move welcomed by experts but condemned by Robert F Kennedy Jr , a vaccine sceptic.

Then, a year ago this week, Kennedy told reporters he had met many times with members of Trumps transition team, trading documents about what the commission would look like. But little has been heard of the plan since then.

I would say theres zero progress, Kennedy told the Guardian last week. We were told President Trump wanted to meet directly with us. Not only did nothing happen, theyve cut off all communication with people who care about this issue. The administration has decided to go in another direction.

Kennedy, 64, has had no contact with the White House for at least six months and made no secret of his dismay. Ive seen a tremendous deflation among a community of parents and childrens health advocates across the country who believed the promises that President Trump made to the campaign, who put tremendous faith in him and now are feeling enormous betrayal and disappointment.

Childhood vaccines have been linked to autism by activists despite multiple scientific studies around the world proving that incorrect. Trump was willing to fan the flames. In 2012 he tweeted: Massive combined inoculations to small children is the cause for big increase in autism. During a 2015 Republican primary debate, he claimed that a child of some of his employees of his had become autistic after getting vaccinated.

Kennedy describes himself as pro-vaccine but has campaigned against the use of thimerosal, a preservative used in vaccines made from mercury, and launched a group called the World Mercury Project, backed by anti-vaxxers. He argues that parents should choose whether their children are vaccinated.

In 2005 Kennedy wrote an article for Rolling Stone magazine and Salon claiming that the government was conspiring to cover up the connections between autism and thimerosal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence of harm caused by thimerosal, which has not been used in vaccines for children since 2001 but is still used in some flu vaccines. Rolling Stone and Salon later retracted the article.

Kennedy blamed the presidents shift on high-level corruption tying the administration to the pharmaceutical industry, which he claims has historically blocked research into vaccine safety to protect its own interests.

Much of what happens in this administration is obscure so there hasnt been transparency, he said. Read more here.
U.S. Denies Asylum to Dozens of Iranian Christians Fleeing Persecution

The Trump administration has reportedly denied asylum to dozens of Christians fleeing the Islamic Republic of Iran who now have about two weeks to leave Austria. World Magazine senior editor and author Mindy Belz reports that about 76 to 80 Iranian religious minority asylum applicants were notified Monday that there applications for asylum in the United States have been denied. The applicants have been waiting in Vienna for over a year for their applications to be processed. They were invited to seek asylum in the U.S. under a Soviet-era law that now facilitates resettlement of persecuted religious minorities from Iran called the Lautenberg Amendment. Belz states that the Assyrian and Armenian Christians are "a group the Trump administration repeatedly has said it aims to help in new and more restrictive refugee protocols." The group also includes other religious minorities such as Zoroastrians, Mandeans, and at least one Jewish family. According to an applicant that Belz spoke to, her case and about a dozen others are still "under investigation." The source indicated that none of the 100 Iranian applicants have been officially approved for resettlement. A State Department spokesperson said in a statement provided to media outlets that the applicants who were denied went through the extensive refugee screening process, which activists say can take up to 18 months to complete. "These individuals were subject to the same rigorous process for resettlement as all refugees and, following input from all relevant departments and agencies, the applications for resettlement were denied," a State Department spokesperson said Monday. The spokesperson added that the applicants still have the option of requesting a review of the decision. However, Belz warned of the irregularity in the handling of these 100 Iranians compared to others granted asylum under the Lautenberg Amendment in the past. "Under Lautenberg provisions, those who reach Vienna already have passed initial U.S. screening procedures and successfully documented their cases. The Austrian government issues them visas at the request of the State Department, in what amounts to an invitation from the United States to apply for asylum," Belz explained. "At that point, most Iranians sell their belongings, cutting ties to their homeland on a reasonable assurance of receiving U.S. admission. Once in Vienna, they undergo additional interviews by Department of Homeland Security officers and a medical exam." Belz stated that in the past, the cases only took as long as two to three months to "process to completion" and that the acceptance rate was nearly 100 percent. Belz asserted that the Iranians in this case "appear to have completed these steps a year ago." Belz spoke to a relative of one of the applicants who live in the United States. The relative explained that "their cases became stuck." "One, an Assyrian Christian from Iran who has lived for 18 years in the United States, told me his nephew in Vienna learned early in 2017 he had passed his medical exam and his final background check, and would be issued a U.S. visa," Belz wrote. "But the visa never came through, and he did not receive information on his case until he learned Monday his case had been denied. Authorities also informed him he had two weeks to leave Austria." A State Department spokesperson told the Washington Free Beacon that it would not force any of the applicants to return back to Iran, which is ranked as the 10th-worst country in the world when it comes to the persecution of Christians. "The United States, the Government of Austria and others are working together on protection options for denied applicants that could include resettlement or asylum elsewhere," the spokesperson explained. Human rights activist Nina Shea of the Hudson Institute told the Washington Free Beacon that it is possible for the administration to find an alternative solution should the applicants be denied due to security concerns. She pointed to the fact that the Obama administration was able to find former Guantanamo Bay detainees a new home in Bermuda. As for the Iranian Christians, Shea said that it would be "unconscionable" to send them back to Iran. "We did not even do that to Taliban terrorists at Gitmo prison, those from China whom we feared would face persecution if we sent them back home," Shea said. "Instead, we found a permanent home for them in Bermuda." A State Department spokesperson told Belz that at least 800 Iranian religious minorities have been approved for admission to the U.S. since January 2017. The news of the asylum denials come as the Trump administration resettled 27,000 fewer Christian refugees in the first year of Trump's presidency than to those resettled by the Obama administration the year before. For fiscal year 2018, the Trump administration set the lowest refugee cap of any year since 1980 by vowing to resettle just 45,000 refugees.
When the work is done for the day, and you're anxious to sit down with a meal or a drink on the porch, your first option is probably your own outdoor seating.

There's nothing wrong with taking it easy on your own time, in your own space.

But, you might have even more fun by taking your rest and relaxation to the streets.

Here are 20 Alabama restaurants and bars with worthwhile outdoor accommodations, perfect for anyone anxious to bask in the Alabama sunshine.

Facebook: Yellowhammer Brewing

Yellowhammer Brewing

Location:

2600 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35805,

How about a pint of a local beer outside this Huntsville-based brewery? There are a host of options to sample, alongside their popular pizzas.

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The Bone and Barrel

Location:

311 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532,

You gotta give this wooden deck area some credit, because it has withstood some serious dancin' feet! It'd be hard not to dance underneath the twilight at this romantic little dive.

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Lulu's Gulf Shores

Location:

200 E 25th Ave, Gulf Shores, AL 36542,

Jimmy Buffett's self proclaimed "Crazy Sista", Lucy "LuLu" Buffet, has held her own, creating a name for herself on the Gulf Coast. And its all thanks to her fervor and passion for the eccentrically sweet at this popular waterfront eatery.

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Dave's Pizza

Location: 1819 29th Ave. S., Homewood, AL 35209, (205)871-3283

Dave's hypes itself up on family friendliness and its longtime dedication to being "So Homewood". So, if they don't know your face just yet, pop a squat outside and give them a reason to commit you to memory.

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College Football on a Saturday night! Posted by The Hangout on Saturday, October 14, 2017

The Hangout

Location:

101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542,

Even when its namesake music festival isn't in town, The Hangout is an ideal bar for an impromptu beachside party.

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Great having the Birmingham chapter of #lesdamesdescoffier with us for lunch today! Posted by Chez Fonfon on Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Chez FonFon

Location:

2007 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205,

The name of the game at this French-styled spot, is "Boules". No. Literally, that's the name of the bocce-esque ball competition available right on the lawn.

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Humphrey's Bar and Grill Downtown

Location:

103 Washington Street Northeast, Huntsville, AL 35801,

Love that funky New Orleans flair, but too far from the Gulf Coast to take a little trip? Humphrey's doesn't just boast NOLA-inspired items, such as po-boys and gumbo? They've taking things a step further with a quaint French Quarter-esque outdoor dining area.

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Patio bar is stocked and Happy Hour has begun! Come enjoy the weather Posted by Southern Ale House on Thursday, April 17, 2014

Southern Ale House

Location:

1530 Mcfarland Blvd N, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406,

If the fresh air isn't enough to interest you in a siesta on the Southern Ale House porch, how do sweet potato tots sound? Because that's a thing here.

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Kazoola Eatery & Entertainment

Location:

558 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602,

Love jazz? How about rhythm and blues? Cool. You'll love chilling next to a tiki torch in the courtyard of this restaurant and nightclub. It's quickly becoming a staple in the downtown Mobile entertainment scene.

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Fancy's on Fifth

Location:

430 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222,

You'd have a tough time not making a friend at Fancy's large, spool tables. On a hopping night, they seat separate parties at the same table when things begin to crowd. So, keep a solid cache of small-talk handy and you'll be just fine eating alongside a social stranger.

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Heeeey Errrrrrrrrbody, TODAY is Drag Queen Brunch Sunday!! Woop , Its a beautiful day with sunny mild weather and perfect for courtyard fun!  Doors open at 10am & show starts at 1:30. #werkit #NOcover Posted by OK Bicycle Shop on Sunday, January 21, 2018

OK Bicycle Shop

Location:

661 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36602,

No one would dare blame a visitor to Mobile for their confusion when they hear a place called "The Bike Shop" is one of the best places to grab a quick refreshment. But, it's large outdoor patio can be a festive affair with regular events such as their dog-friendly happy hours and Gospel Drag Queen Brunch.

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Capitol Oyster Bar

Location:

617 Shady St, Montgomery, AL 36104,

AL.com's

pick

for 2016's

"Alabama's Best Oyster"

actually won the competition on its commitment ambience, rather than it's food. Trust me, the food is nothing to scoff at, but once you taste it while two-stepping at a down-home blues show, overlooking the Montgomery Marina, you won't care what they serve you, so long as you can keep on jigging.

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Slow braised short rib pizza is what's for dinner! Come join us at Pane E Vino! Posted by Pane E Vino on Saturday, June 4, 2016

Pane e Vino

Location: 300 Church Street SW, Huntsville, Alabama 35801, (256) 533-1180

A fine Italian experience overlooking the Big Spring. Would you say no?

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Flora-Bama Yacht Club

Location:

17350 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, FL 32507,

Grab a bite. Grab a cocktail. Grab a seat right in the sand.

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Carrigan's

Location:

2430 Morris Ave, Birmingham, AL 35203,

Up on its roof, Carrigan's provides a nice, upscale pub environment.

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Callaghan's Irish Social Club

Best burger. The South's Best Bar. One of Alabama's oldest bars. Callaghan's is always racking up the accolades. Add one more to the list. This place's patio might not look like much, riding through Mobile's Oakleigh Garden District on an off-night. But, when the bar's window's open up, it's the best seat in the city to hear some of the region's most electrifying musical acts.

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Cotton Row Restaurant

Location: 100 Southside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801, (256) 382-9500

Looking for a fine experience, but still need a bit of a breeze? Look no further than Cotton Row. Just remember which fork you're supposed to use for the entree.

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SiP Sunday! Beautiful day to enjoy a stogie and drink of your choice on the patio! Half off Irish  Coffee and Bourbon... Posted by SiP on Sunday, February 18, 2018

SiP

Location:

111 Greene St NE, Huntsville, AL 35801,

Stogie fans, this one's for you! You're already outside. Go ahead. Enjoy a stick outside this upscale cigar lounge!

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Habitat Feed & Social

Location:

2655 Lane Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223,

This outdoor deck inside the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook is as sleek as the Alabama summer is sweltering. But, while keeping cool at night, it's certainly the closest thing to a James Bond movie scene you'll find in Alabama.

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Facebook: Robin Rolison

Serda's Brewing

Location:

600 Government St, Mobile, AL 36602,

Mardi Gras has already rolled on through the Gulf Coast, but spring time is still the perfect season to linger along this brand new bar, adjacent to a (would-be) parade route. There's still plenty left on tap!

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Furniture Factory Bar and Grill Posted by The Pragmatics on Thursday, August 3, 2017

Furniture Factory

Location:

619 Meridian St N #200, Huntsville, AL 35801,

Kinda person who likes to get down and dirty with the locals? Here's your bar. No frills. And if your idea of a perfect patio is one that's peaceful and serene, skip it! You come to the Furniture Factory to break loose!
Doyle Lee Hamm survived his date with the executioner Thursday, as Alabama was unable to begin the procedure before the death warrant expired at midnight.

It was after 11:30 p.m. when word came that the execution had been called off. Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn said medical personnel had advised officials that there wasn't enough time to ensure that the execution could be conducted in a humane manner. However, Dunn declined to detail the exact medical factors behind the decision, and said he didn't want to characterize them as a problem.

Hamm, 61, was convicted of killing Cullman hotel clerk Patrick Cunningham in January 1987. Recent appeals in his case involved the question of whether cancer had left him healthy enough to be executed without excessive suffering. His advocates had argued that his veins were in such bad shape that it wouldn't be possible for the state to carry out its lethal injection protocol cleanly.

One of Hamm's attorneys, Bernard Harcourt, was among those waiting outside death row at Holman Correctional Facility near Atmore. Afterward, via Twitter, he speculated that "they probably couldn't find a vein and had been poking him for over 2 1/2 hours."

Dunn avoided any detailed description of the actions taken by prison medical personnel between 9 p.m., when a temporary stay was lifted, and about 11:15 p.m., when they recommended the execution not proceed. He said only that they felt they would be unable to have Hamm ready by midnight. The state's protocol "has a lot of moving parts," Dunn said.

The commissioner said that Hamm had been returned to a holding cell and would receive another medical exam in the morning, which he described as standard procedure. For another execution attempt to proceed, the state's Supreme Court would have to assign a new date.

Asked if the issues that had thwarted Thursday's attempt would be likely to prevent another, Dunn said, "I wouldn't necessarily characterize what we had tonight as a problem. I don't have any indication at this point that that in fact is the case. The only indication I have is that in their medical judgement it was more of a time issue, given the late hour."

Thursday night's execution originally was set for 6 p.m. A temporary stay from the U.S. Supreme Court was lifted at about 9 p.m., leaving the state clear to proceed. But from that point, things moved slowly. It was 10 p.m. before media observers and other witnesses were transferred to Holman Correctional Facility.

Once on site, they were kept in vehicles outside the actual death row facilities. Such waits are not unusual, but this one lasted well over an hour. Shortly before 11:30 p.m., Department of Corrections officials and guards could be seen conferring, though it was not immediately clear what was happening.

There's a recent precedent for late executions: That of Tommy Arthur, in May 2017, began only a few minutes before midnight, the time when Alabama's death warrants expire. Arthur's time of death actually was after midnight, but the warrants only specify that the process must begin before midnight.

Shortly after 11:30 p.m., officials began to ferry witnesses away from the prison. Reporters were told the execution had been called off because there was insufficient time to prepare.

Harcourt, now a professor of law at Columbia University, has represented Hamm since 1990. Among other efforts, he worked to illustrate extenuating factors in Hamm's life and alleged flaws in the prosecution.

A 2016 New Yorker article drew on Harcourt's research for a chilling summary of Hamm's early life: "Hamm grew up in northwest Alabama, the tenth of twelve children; his father worked as a carpenter and cotton picker, made his own moonshine, drank every day, beat his children with a switch, and was a frequent resident of the county jail (on charges of public drunkenness). Hamm's sister later described their childhood home as 'constant hell all the time.' She also recalled their father telling the children, 'If you don't go out and steal, then you're not a Hamm.' Growing up, Hamm flunked first grade, drank beer and whiskey mixed together, graduated to sniffing glue several times a day, quit school in the ninth grade, ingested Valium and Percocet and Quaaludes, watched his six older brothers all go to jail, and eventually acquired his own extensive rap sheet, including arrests for burglary, assault, and grand larceny."

Despite Harcourt's prolonged efforts, which have been the subject of criticism from at least one judge and the Alabama attorney general's office, in 2016 the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review the case. In December, the Alabama Supreme Court set a date for his execution.

By then Hamm had received partial treatment for cancer first diagnosed in 2014. The Alabama Attorney General's office has argued that the cancer is in remission. Hamm's supporters have said there are signs that it has returned and has caused his health to deteriorate to the point where his veins can't sustain the lethal injection process.

In 2018, the case bounced back and forth between Judge Karon O. Bowdre, U.S. Chief District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama, and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. In late January Bowdre granted a stay. The appeals court ruled she had gone too far in basing the stay on "a substantial likelihood of success" with an appeal. The correct standard, it said, was that a "significant possibility of success on the merits" was needed for a stay.

On Tuesday, Bowdre issued an order saying the execution could proceed, provided the state used veins in Hamm's lower extremities and did not attempt to use veins in his arms. Harcourt appealed that ruling; on Thursday, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Bowdre's order.

"We conclude that the district court (Bowdre) did not abuse its discretion when it ruled that Hamm cannot show a significant likelihood that execution by intravenous injection would violate his Eighth Amendment rights," the 11th Circuit stated in its ruling to affirm Bowdre's order. "Hamm has two peripheral veins accessible for a lethal injection, and his central veins are likewise accessible for a lethal injection. Finally, the conditions rendering the central veins accessible in Hamm's case--the availability of ultrasound equipment and an advanced practitioner--exist here."

Thursday afternoon, Harcourt again asked the U.S. Supreme Court to consider the case and to grant a stay. The Alabama attorney general's office filed a response asking the court to reject that request, saying an independent medical examiner's report showed that, contrary to claims made on Hamm's behalf, the veins in his legs were suitable and his medical condition presented no obstacles to execution in "a constitutional fashion."

Hamm was one of three men scheduled to die Thursday evening in the U.S. At about 5:30 p.m., The Associated Press reported that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had spared the life of Thomas "Bart" Whitaker, commuting his sentence to life without parole. Less than an hour later, it confirmed that Florida had executed Eric Scott Branch shortly after 7 p.m. Eastern time.

In between those two developments, word reached Atmore that the U.S. Supreme Court had issued a temporary stay in Hamm's case, putting the execution. The stay was lifted about three hours later, shortly before 9 p.m., with the Supreme Court deciding not to intervene.

Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor dissented from the decision to lift the stay and to avoid a review of the case. Justice Stephen Breyer's position was that he would prefer to reconsider the constitutionality of the death penalty itself rather than develop a "constitutional jurisprudence that focuses upon the special circumstances of the aged," but respected the majority decision to lift the stay.

According to information on the Alabama Department of Corrections website, as of Thursday afternoon the state had 182 inmates on death row. Their average age was 32.

Of the 182, only five were women. The state classed 93 as black, 86 as white and three as "other."

Background on the case of Dole Lee Hamm:

Several groups wrote to Gov. Kay Ivey asking her to grant clemency for Hamm.

The slaying

According to court records, here's what happened the Saturday Cunningham was killed:

At approximately 10:30 p.m., a woman who was traveling from Florida stopped at Anderson's Motel to rent a room. While at the front counter, the woman saw a white male enter the lobby and ask Cunningham about a room for three. Cunningham told the man he needed to have a reservation, and the man left.

As she was leaving the lobby minutes later, the man came back with another white man. Cunningham told the woman, "[It] looks like there is going to be trouble," and he quickly pointed her to her room.

When the woman walked outside and got back in her car, she looked back inside the lobby and saw the second man pointing a "shiny-looking revolver" at the reception desk where Cunningham had been standing. She saw the first man standing near the door and a "banged up" car parked just outside.

She quickly drove to a phone booth and called police, telling the dispatcher the motel was being robbed. She met police at the scene, and described what she saw.

Cunningham's body was found on the floor behind the reception desk. He had been shot in the head with a .38-caliber pistol. Evidence showed Cunningham was lying on the floor when he was shot in the temple, from a distance of approximately 18 inches. Police also said the victim's wallet -- which his wife said had about $60 -- and the motel cash drawer -- which should have had over $350 -- was missing.

After his arrest, Hamm denied any involvement in the killing. Court records show the day after he was arrested, however, Hamm admitted to the robbery and murder.

He did not testify at either his trial or sentencing, and his two co-defendants received lesser charges for testifying against him.

His execution date was set in December by the Alabama Supreme Court.

In the courts

Earlier this month, Bowdre issued a stay of execution after a hearing with attorneys from both parties. Days later, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals granted the state's emergency motion to vacate Hamm's stay. The appeals court ordered Bowdre to appoint an independent medical examiner to evaluate Hamm's condition. That evaluation was done Feb. 15, and the results were revealed in Bowdre's order Tuesday.

Doyle Lee Hamm before his conviction in 1987. He is scheduled to be executed on Feb. 22, 2018, at 6 p.m. (Contributed)

The medical evaluation showed the veins in Hamm's arms and hands are hard to access, but veins in his legs and feet should be easily accessible for the DOC to insert the catheter needed for the execution drugs. Bowdre stated in her order the state agreed to only use drugs in Hamm's lower extremities.

According to information discussed in hearings and through court records, Hamm was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and underwent treatment. The DOC said Hamm's cancer went into remission in March 2016, and no scans from an oncologist have been performed since. In spring 2017, Hamm complained of lumps on his chest and abdomen area. An X-ray was performed, but no PET scans or biopsies were completed. Earlier this month, doctors said there was no evidence of cancer in his clavicle, but they did not have a definitive answer about the other lumps.

Hamm's longtime attorney, Columbia law professor Bernard Harcourt, has said Hamm's cancer and subsequent treatments have made his veins inaccessible and unable to handle the catheter. He has referenced affidavits from Department of Corrections nurses who say they have had to "stick" Hamm several times before being able to draw blood.

Assistant AG Thomas Govan argued in court that there is no evidence Hamm's veins are significantly smaller or more difficult to access than they were several years ago. He also said, even if Hamm's chest and abdomen lumps are cancerous, they would not affect his veins.

Following Bowdre's order about the state's agreement to use only lower veins, Harcourt filed a petition to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals court ordered the state to provide affidavits from those who will be involved in Thursday's execution to guarantee the IV procedure agreement, and the state provided one from the prison's warden.

Because of a federal court decision requiring an inmate to suggest an alternative method of execution, Harcourt has said Hamm should be killed via oral injection. The AG's office argued its drug protocol, which includes the sedative midazolam, cannot be used for oral injections.

AL.com reporter Ivana Hrynkiw contributed extensively to this report.
The husband of a Calera wife and mother has been arrested in the blunt-force killing of the online exhibitionist.

After more than a month-long investigation that has brought national interest to the small Alabama town, authorities charged 44-year-old William "Jeff" West with murder, Calera Police Chief Sean Lemley said Thursday morning.

"He was a suspect in the very beginning,'' Lemley said of Jeff West at a press conference.

The Calera Police Department had four detectives assigned to the homicide investigation, two of them working on no other cases. The chief said they interviewed dozens of witnesses, and submitted volumes of evidence for testing in the case.

Kitty Kat Wests husband Jeff West arrested in her murder: Authorities in Calera are holding a press conference to discuss the arrest of William Jeff West in the murder of his wife, Kat West, 42. More in the pinned link below: Posted by al.com on Thursday, February 22, 2018

Analysis of the final piece of evidence was returned to Calera from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences on Tuesday, Lemley said. The case was then submitted in its entirety to the Shelby County District Attorney's Office for review and warrant consideration. "A lot of evidence was collected and it takes time to process,'' he said.

Lemley said there were few details he could release about what led up to the homicide and what, specifically, made Jeff West their primary suspect. "We know exactly what happened that night,'' Lemley said. "And we do have evidence to support that."

The challenges in the case, he said, were that Kat West's body was found outside the home, when most domestic-related killings are inside the home. Also, he said, the fact that she was partially-nude also complicated the investigation.

He said investigators spoke twice with Jeff West prior to his arrest Thursday. "In the times that I have seen him,'' Lemley said, "he didn't seem to be very upset."

Though the couple seemed happy in a liquor store surveillance video taken the Friday night before her body was found, Lemley said he couldn't say for sure what happened between then and the killing. Calera police had not responded to any prior domestic incidents at the couple's home.

"Unfortunately,'' he said, "domestics turn bad pretty quickly."

The couple's 12-year-old daughter was not at home when the killing took place. Jeff West also has a teen son from a previous relationship.

Lemley said the entire situation is a tragedy for all involved, but especially the daughter. "She's having to deal with the fact she's lost a parent, and now this arrest has been made,'' he said. "It's definitely a tragedy."

West was taken into custody Thursday morning without incident at his home. He was taken to police headquarters and then, within the hour, was en route to the Shelby County Jail.

Shelby County District Attorney Jill Lee said Jeff West's bond is set at $500,000. "West will be prosecuted to the fullest extent the law allows,'' Lee said in a statement. "However, it should be noted that this is an arrest based upon a determination of probable cause and West remains innocent until proven guilty."

The body of Kathleen Dawn West, 42, was discovered sometime around 5 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, in the 100 block of Green Wood Circle where the couple lived with their 12-year-old daughter. Neighbors said they didn't hear any commotion Friday night or Saturday morning at the West home.

One man, who asked that his name not be used, said his daughter made the gruesome discovery Saturday morning when she was heading to work. She saw the woman in the roadway and went back home to get her father. He said West was face down, partially in the street and partially in the grass of the across-the-street neighbor's yard. He touched her back to see if she was breathing, and she was not, he said.

About that time, he said, Jeff West walked out of the couple's home and said, "What's going on? That's my wife,'' the witness said.

He was told Kat West was dead and, at that point, Jeff West put his cigarette out in the street and walked back inside. "He didn't cry, didn't show no facial expressions,'' the witness said.

The 19-year-old young woman who initially found Kat West's body spoke Thursday for the first time. She told AL.com she was on her way to work at a fast-food restaurant and was actually running late when she made the discovery.

The teen said at first she didn't believe what she was seeing. "It was so early,'' she said. "I was scared and I started crying. I was upset for a long time after that."

She also described Jeff West's demeanor that morning, echoing what her father said. "It was odd. It was very odd,'' she said. "He walked out like it didn't even matter to him."

The witness said she's tried to not keep up with the case, because it was all so upsetting to her. She said she saw the police at the West home Thursday morning, but left the neighborhood.

"For a long time I had to get my brother walk me to the car,'' she said. "I'm doing a lot better now."

Jeff West and the victim's parents have not responded to requests for interviews. As the case began to garner national attention, West removed his Facebook page but later reinstated it with limited access to the general public.

Jeff West is former military and now works as an unsworn police officer at Birmingham Southern College in the campus police department, where he has been on leave since his wife's slaying. College officials on Thursday said he is in the process of being terminated.

Neighbors said the couple mainly kept to themselves. They lived at the home, which they built in 2015, with their daughter. Kat West's parents also live in the Shelby County area.

Kat West was often seen mowing their lawn, and was known to have a fascination with Marilyn Monroe. One neighbor said he had hear what he believed to one argument at the home a while ago, but it wasn't alarming enough to warrant him going to make sure everything was OK or alert the police.

Kat West touted herself on social media as a stay-at-home mom but also had a subscription-only website, where she went by the name Kitty Kat West. Her Twitter and Instagram accounts, also under the name of Kitty Kat West, featured revealing photos of West, and directed viewers to her paid adult website, which cost $15.99 per subscription.

Friends and family have been tight-lipped on Kat West's death. She was a member of a Facebook group called The Cougar Club, which emphasized that it is not a dating site, but rather a place to "spread the word that a Cougar is a beautiful, intelligent, classy older woman who men of all ages find attractive."

The administrator for that page declined a request for an interview but sent AL.com this statement: "We're heartbroken to hear that such a beautiful, sweet young woman had her life ended so suddenly. Although we never spoke with her, any correspondence with her was always pleasant and professional. We will miss her and pray for her family and friends."

A private service was held for Kat West on Monday, Jan. 22.

The slaying shocked the normally-tranquil neighborhood, the community and beyond. Calera is a city with few violent crimes, and averages only about one homicide a year which typically are domestic-related killings.
Rumors of a Mountain Brook High School student arrested with a gun and ammunition on campus Thursday are just that, according to the city's police chief.

The misunderstanding apparently all began with a fire drill, said Police Chief Ted Cook. A conversation between two students was misunderstood and then quickly got out of control. "It spread from there as rumors do,'' Cook said.

The information was quickly investigated by school officials and Mountain Brook police school resource officers. "We determined it was not an actual threat made,'' Cook said.

As a precaution, police did a sweep and found no gun or any other weapon.

The student whose statement was misunderstood did nothing wrong and is not in trouble. "There is no disciplinary action being taken,'' Cook said. "It was all one big misunderstanding."

Here is Cook's full statement: "

"Rumor and misunderstanding has come to Mountain Brook, much as it has to numerous communities across the Country after recent tragic events. Know this first; No Student has been in danger in our MB City schools today. No student has been arrested at MB City schools today. No gun has been found at any MB School today. No "threat" was made at MB City schools today.

High School officials and the MBPD SRO were made aware of a possible threat made during a scheduled fire drill at the High School today. School Officials and the SRO immediately began gathering information and following our established protocols for Student/Faculty safety. Parties involved in a conversation were gathered and interviewed. No threat was determined to have been made. The statement that lead to the misunderstanding was something to the effect of, "What if this is just someone getting us together to pop us like in Florida."

Somehow that statement evolved to: MBPD having arrested a student with a gun at the High School. That simply did not happen!"
One person died and another was injured Wednesday during a police pursuit that ended when the fleeing car left the roadway and struck several trees in Calhoun County, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Moses McElroy III, 19, of Oak Park, Georgia, was pronounced dead at WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta, Georgia Wednesday, troopers said. He was a passenger in a 2017 Nissan Altima involved in a police pursuit with deputies with both the Calhoun County and Cleburne County Sheriff's Office and the Piedmont Police Department, troopers said.

The driver of the Nissan, Chancey Conway, 21, of Detroit Michigan, was airlifted to WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, troopers said.

Deputies with the Cleburne County Sheriff's started pursuing a 2017 Nissan Altima on U.S. 78 in Fruithurst around 12:33 p.m., troopers said.

The pursuit continued through Heflin and into Calhoun County on Highway 9, troopers said.

Piedmont police tried to use spikes to stop the vehicle near the 237 mile marker of Highway 9, but the driver swerved into the southbound lane to avoid the spikes, troopers said.

The driver then lost control, left the roadway to the left and struck several trees, troopers said.

Troopers later learned the car was stolen from Hertz Rental at the Wayne County Airport in Michigan.

Alabama state troopers were not involved in the pursuit, but ALEA is investigating the crash. ALEA is calling this crash a traffic homicide investigation.

Additional details about the crash were not immediately available.
A 10-year-old boy from Alabama is on a mission to thank police officers across the country for their service. He made his most recent stop at the Los Angeles Police Department Wednesday, according to NBC 4 Los Angeles.

Tyler Carach arrived at LAPD armed with donuts and wearing a cape that reads "I donut need a reason to thank a cop."

"He's been doing this for 17 months now, and he's been to 27 different states and given out over 50,000 donuts," said his mother, Sheena Carach, told NBC 4.

Tyler said the journey began at a local store when he lived in Florida.

"There was four cops and I asked my mom if I could buy them mini-doughnuts with my own money and when we left I said I wanted to thank every cop in America," he recalled.

Updates on Tyler's journey are posted on his Facebook page, I DONUT need a reason to THANK a cop.

Video 5 of 10 LAPD Headquarters and LAPD Rampart Division and LAPD - Central Traffic Division Posted by I DONUT need a reason to THANK a cop, Inc. on Wednesday, February 21, 2018

At every stop, he wears his donut cape and serves donuts from local bakeries or franchises.

Wednesday in Los Angeles, he served about 300 doughnuts and coffee from Dunkin' Donuts.

Tyler's mother, a former law enforcement officer, told NBC 4 police are excited to see her son's kind gesture.

"It's just amazing to see the response from the officers and see how excited they are to meet him and to have him hug their necks and say thank you and really just appreciate what they do everyday," she said.
Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee

A much-debated bill to add new state regulations for church-affiliated child care centers moved within a step of becoming law today.

The Senate Judiciary Committee, without opposition, approved the Child Care Safety Act by Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee. That moves the bill to the Senate floor. The House of Representatives passed it by a vote of 86-5 three weeks ago.

The Alabama Department of Human Resources licenses and regulates child care centers and requires them to meet minimum standards for child-to-staff ratios, staff qualifications, indoor and outdoor activity space, learning activities, meals and snacks, transportation and many other measures.

But almost half of the state's roughly 1,900 child care centers are exempt from licensing and minimum standards because they claim an affiliation with a church or nonprofit religious school.

Warren and those supporting her bill say that while many church-affiliated centers are safe and offer quality care, the lack of uniform regulations leaves some children in substandard or unsafe care.

A 5-year-old Mobile boy died last year after being left in a van by a driver for an unlicensed child care center.

Warren's bill would not require all church-affiliated centers to be licensed. But it says centers that receive state or federal subsidies or that operate for a profit would have to be licensed.

Other centers that would remain exempt from licensing would be subject to new state regulations.

Each year they would have to send DHR a list of employees' names and criminal background checks, records of health and fire inspections and proof of property, casualty and liability insurance.

Warren's bill would give DHR the authority to inspect a license-exempt facility if it has reasonable cause to believe the center is not following the law or child safety is at risk. And DHR would inspect any new license-exempt center before it could open.

Warren's bill passed the House last year but did not make it through the Senate.

"With one last hurdle to clear, we are closing in on a real victory for the children of Alabama," Warren said today in a press release. "I hope this will be on the floor of the Senate in the coming days and it will continue to get the bipartisan support it has so far. It's wonderful to see everyone working together to make sure not one more little one gets harmed."
The daughter of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King says she stands in solidarity with the survivors of the Florida school shooting as they seek solutions to school violence.

Speaking Thursday at The King Center in Atlanta, the Rev. Bernice King said the Feb. 14 massacre of 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School "gives us an opportunity to lay aside for a moment our differences and really look at how we can come together as humanity and move forward with these injustices and these evils that continue to beset us."

King commended the surviving students and said she plans to join and support them during the March for Our Lives in Washington next month and in other planned efforts.

King said that as the 50th anniversary of her father's assassination approaches, she hopes we can "look toward solutions as these young people are forcing us to have the conversations, bipartisan conversations."
An extremely rare cardinal has birders and biologists flocking to Shelby County, Alabama this week, as images of a yellow cardinal have circulated around social media.

Auburn University biology professor Geoffrey Hill said the cardinal in the photos is an adult male in the same species as the common red cardinal, but carries a genetic mutation that causes what would normally be brilliant red feathers to be bright yellow instead.

Alabaster resident Charlie Stephenson first noticed the unusual bird at her backyard feeder in late January and posted about it on Facebook. She said she's been birding for decades but it took her some time to figure out what she was seeing.

"I thought 'well there's a bird I've never seen before'," Stephenson said. "Then I realized it was a cardinal, and it was a yellow cardinal."

Stephenson said she would not give out her address or specific location due to fears that people would flock in to get a look at the bird, but said she lives near the new Thompson High School in Alabaster. She shot some video of the bird, embedded below.

The yellow cardinal is still around, she said.

"Every time I watch the bird feeder, I can see him," she said. "The cardinals in my back yard typically come in the morning and again in the evening and I can only bird-watch on weekends until the time changes, but on weekends, I'll sit there and watch for him.

"Every time we've looked for him, he'll show up at least once that day."

Jeremy Black, a professional photographer who is friends with Stephenson, saw the posting and asked if he could come to her backyard and try to photograph the bird.

On Feb. 19, after about five hours of quiet waiting, Black was able to capture the images he provided here to AL.com.

"As soon as I saw it on her social media, I was kind of curious and I wanted to go explore and see if I could find it," Black said. "I finally saw it after about five hours.

"I started out sitting in her backyard hoping that maybe I would see it. A lot of cardinals came by and none of them were yellow, so I decided to be a little bit more evasive and hide on her screened-in porch. About two or three hours after I moved to the porch, it finally showed up."

'One in a million mutation'

Hill -- who has literally written books on bird coloration -- said the mutation is rare enough that even he, as a bird curator and researcher has never seen one in person.

"I've been birdwatching in the range of cardinals for 40 years and I've never seen a yellow bird in the wild," Hill said. "I would estimate that in any given year there are two or three yellow cardinals at backyard feeding stations somewhere in the U.S. or Canada.

"There are probably a million bird feeding stations in that area so very very roughly, yellow cardinals are a one in a million mutation."

Photo of a yellow cardinal on a fence post in Alabama, Ala. The bird has a genetic mutation that causes its feathers to be yellow instead of red.

Hill said that cardinals and other songbirds need to consume substances called carotenoids (found in sweet potatoes and carrots) from the environment around them to achieve their bright colors.

"Songbirds like cardinals almost never consume red pigments; rather they consume abundant yellow pigments," Hill said. "So, to be red, cardinals have to biochemically convert yellow pigments to red."

Hill was part of the research team that identified the enzyme -- called CYP2J19 -- that, for most cardinals, converts all that yellow pigment into red feathers.

Hill is on sabbatical in Australia this semester -- he responded to AL.com's questions via email -- but said he would love to get some DNA from the yellow cardinal (via feathers) to perform more tests and pinpoint the mutation that changed the bird's color.

Stephenson said she hadn't realized how rare the bird was when she saw it back in January.

"I'm used to being a birder and you see some leukocytic ones, you see some albino ones," she said. "But I thought this was something else and then I learned how rare it is."

Black, meanwhile, is hoping to capture more images of the bird while it's in Shelby County. He's a full-time photographer who does some wildlife work amongst portraits and weddings.

"I'm trying to get a unique photograph and that is the yellow cardinal next to a traditional North American red cardinal," Black said. "My current goal is to try and visit her backyard or neighborhood as frequently as possible and see if I can get that shot with both birds together."

*UPDATED at 12:16 p.m. with comments from Stephenson and video added.
This article was updated at 10:00 p.m. to include comments from a attorney for one of the defendants.

A chiropractor and two of his employees were jailed on federal charges for fraud and conspiracy charges related to alleged falsification of records related to USDOT physical exams, the Department of Justice announced Wednesday.

Dr. Kenneth G. Edwards, 64, of Columbus, Georgia, and two of his employees, Joann Bush, 58 and Andrea Daigle, 40, were arrested Tuesday after they were indicted by a federal grand jury, said U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin Sr. in a statement.

The indictment alleges that Edwards and his employees schemed to submit false documents to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). These documents were related to the mandatory physical exams for truck drivers and prospective truck drivers, Franklin said.

All three defendants face conspiracy, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges. Additionally, Dr. Edwards and Joann Bush are charged with making false statements and falsification of federal records, Franklin said.

The USDOT requires that all truck drivers undergo an initial physical examination before receiving a commercial driver's license (CDL), and that they have subsequent examinations every two years thereafter to maintain the license.

According to the indictment, Edwards and his staff did not perform physicals that met the USDOT standards. Edwards and his staff are accused of sending the falsely certified forms--telling the USDOT the truck drivers had passed the physical exam requirements.

Edwards owns and operates a chiropractic practice in Phenix City. Bush and Daigle are from Smiths Station.

"The allegations in the indictment are serious. Because of the complexity and volume of the evidence, the court has set a trial date in October," said Andrew Skier of Skier & Associates in Montgomery. "We intend to use this time to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and we look forward to having our day in court."

Skier is representing Bush in the case, according to federal court records.

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan S. Ross and Steven H. Lee are prosecuting the case.
Law enforcement and education officials around the country are on alert after a viral social media post threatened violence against a school dubbed only "SHS."

The vague threat traces back to a Facebook user calling himself "Ray Andres." In the first message, the poster says "Yes, SHS is the school I want." That's followed by another post saying "I will not begin telling people what my name is, but I will bring a gun to school Tomorrow, so be prepared to hear gunshots."

The common initials - SHS - had law enforcement across the country on alert, including some in Alabama.

In a robocall Thursday morning, Madison County Superintenent Matt Massey said the "SHS" in question had been identified and was not Sparkman High School.

Madison County Sheriff also responded:

There may be some Facebook post raising concern tonight in MadCo. We are aware of it and it traces back to this link in Oregon today. We will however be diligent in giving additional attention beyond our SRO presence at Madison County Schools in the coming days and weeks.  Madison Sheriff AL (@mcsosheriffAL) February 22, 2018

Other law enforcement in Alabama have responded to the threat.

The Scottsboro Police Department has received numerous calls in reference to a facebook post by a user Ray Andres. The... Posted by Scottsboro Police Department on Wednesday, February 21, 2018

The post made its way across the country.

Social Media Post Threatening SHS

SPD has investigated the enclosed post made by Ray Andres that is circulating social media. We believe the SHS referred to in this post was directed at Springfield High School in Springfield, Ohio.

More info: https://t.co/aTYGYudec4 pic.twitter.com/zmTTTU9OJ2  Starkville PD (@Starkville_PD) February 22, 2018

The source of the threat appears to originate from Springfield, Ohio, according to law enforcement, and is believed to be referring to Springfield High School. Springfield officials were made aware of the threat Monday night and beefed up their presence at local schools.

Law enforcement in Springfield said they do not believe the threat to be credible.
A student was removed from Central School in Ryland Pike Wednesday for allegedly making threats against the school, according to AL.com news partner WHNT News 19.

School officials from Bob Jones High School also confirmed someone was arrested after Madison police investigated "a case" at the high school, said Madison City Schools Superintendent Robby Parker.

WHNT reported Central School Principal Alex Hughes told parents in a message the student was taken to the office and questioned by administrators and a Madison County School Resource Officer.

In an email to AL.com, Lt. Donny Shaw confirmed an SRO responded to the school and a student was removed.

He said the SRO went to the school after officers left Madison County High School, where a gun was found in a student's car.

WHNT reported the school is working with the Madison County Sheriff's Office.

"Our students did the right thing and I am proud of them," Hughes wrote. "Please encourage your student to speak up if they see or hear something that they feel may be a threat."

Central School is a K-8 school in the Madison County School system.

School officials at Bob Jones High School said someone was arrested after Madison police investigated a tip from the school district's anonymous tip line Tuesday, Parker said.

A weapon was not involved and no students were ever in danger, he said.

"It is an unfortunate incident, but we are grateful the tip line worked. We encourage anyone to come forward with any safety concern, whether there is a threat against others or an individual posing harm to himself or herself," Parker said.

He did not say what the "case" was.

In the email, Parker said he encourages students to save the "Text to Protect" phone number in their phones. The number is 256-604-2345.

The sheriff's office said in a Tweet Wednesday night that concerns rose Wednesday after an article from Oregon was shared on Facebook.

There may be some Facebook post raising concern tonight in MadCo. We are aware of it and it traces back to this link in Oregon today. We will however be diligent in giving additional attention beyond our SRO presence at Madison County Schools in the coming days and weeks.  Madison Sheriff AL (@mcsosheriffAL) February 22, 2018

"We will however be diligent in giving additional attention beyond our SRO presence at Madison County Schools in the coming days and weeks," the tweet said.
Three inmates across the country are set to be executed on Thursday.

According to the Death Penalty Information Center, Thomas Whitaker is set to be executed in Texas, Eric Branch in Florida, and Doyle Lee Hamm in Alabama.

If the three executions are carried out, it will be the first time in eight years that three executions happened on the same day, the non-profit organization reported.

According to Reuters, 38-year-old Whitaker is set to die for masterminding a 2003 plot that left his mother Tricia and teenage brother Kevin dead. His father was also shot, but survived his injuries and has asked the state for clemency for his son. Yesterday, the Texas paroles board also recommended clemency in a unanimous decision. The governor has not responded to those requests.

Branch, 47, is planned to be executed for a 1993 killing of a college student. Reuters reported the jury in Branch's case did not unanimously recommend the death penalty, and the state has blocked similar cases from executions in the past.

Hamm, 61, is set to die Thursday at 6 p.m. at Homan Prison. He was convicted in the 1987 murder of Cullman motel clerk Patrick Cunningham. A federal judge denied his lawyer's request for an emergency stay of execution yesterday, but Hamm's legal team is currently arguing the case in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
For the past five years on Nov. 23, the Baldwin County Sheriff's Department gathers to honor Deputy Scott Ward on the anniversary of his 2012 death while he was on duty.

Ward was 47 at the time he was killed during a shootout in Marlow, south of Fairhope. His death was the last one in Alabama to occur to a police officer in the line of duty that resulted from gunfire until Monday's killing of 27-year-old Justin Billa of the Mobile Police Department.

"The effects reach far back," said Baldwin County Sheriff Huey "Hoss" Mack on Wednesday. "They reach to dispatchers to the first responders, the EMS and those in the emergency room. We are all first responders and deal with (difficult situations) daily. When it becomes one of our own, it's different."

For the Mobile Police Department, Mack said, the impact from Billa's death will last long after the media attention surrounding Tuesday's tragedy subsides.

"One of the things we learned, looking in retrospect, is it affected our sheriff's office for a full year after (Ward's) death," Mack said.

Counseling, resources

Billa, who joined the Mobile Police Department in 2016, was shot and killed during a shootout with 72-year-old Robert Hollie while police were setting up a perimeter around his house north of downtown Mobile. Hollie was later found dead inside his home from what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Hollie was the suspect in the murder of his ex-wife, 58-year-old Fonda Poellnitz. She had been found dead around 9:40 p.m. near her own home.

In the tragedy's aftermath, the department's executive staff traveled to different precincts to speak with officers. Chaplains were available at each location. Officers have also been encouraged to seek additional counseling services if they need it.

"Sometimes in this job, we like to think we are Teflon and sometimes don't ask for the help we need," Mobile Police Chief Lawrence Battiste said. "We want to make sure from a command level position that everyone knows if they need additional counseling and things of that nature, the department is here to support them."

Said Mack: "Our prayers and resources are behind them. We are there for them as they were for us when Deputy Ward was killed."

'Alarming' trend

Billa's death is the latest in a recent spike of gun-related deaths to police officers during the first two months of 2018. From Jan. 1 to Feb. 21, there have been 14 gun-related officer deaths in the U.S., up 133 percent from the six that occurred during the same time period last year, according to data tracked by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a nonprofit aimed at honoring officers and improving safety.

"It's too soon to say if this is a trend," said Steve Groeninger, spokesman of the fund. "Is it concerning and alarming? Absolutely."

The early spike in gun-related officer deaths comes one year after 2017 saw 44 police officers shot and killed in the line of duty, a 33 percent drop from 66 in 2016. Overall, 128 officers died in the line of duty in 2017, a 10 percent drop from 2016, when 143 officers were killed.

Since 2014, Alabama has had 11 officer deaths while in the line of duty. Of those, five were from automobile crashes, four were caused from heart attacks, and one was from a stabbing. An Alabama Department of Corrections K9, a male beagle, was shot and killed during an incident in 2014.

The largest number of fatal shootings continue to occur while officers respond to domestic disturbances, similar to what Billa was doing before Hollie began firing on police.

"Last year, we did see a decline in a small way, but I always remind folks that when we are talking about numbers, it's important that each one of these officers is a lost brother or sister or mother or father," said Groeninger. "It's a lost colleague within the department or agency. It has a huge ripple effect."

'Forever' support

Randy Sutton, national spokesman with the Blue Lives Matter - an ad hoc agency group of police officers whose aim is to promote law enforcement - said national organizations such as Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) provide resources for victim families long after a police officer is killed. The organization, formed in 1984, has 50 chapters nationwide and provides training to police agencies on how to cope with tragic losses.

"They have retreats for the wives, children, siblings and parents and they have a tremendous peer support organization that is essential when dealing with the loss of a loved one who is involved in law enforcement," said Sutton, a retired police lieutenant with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. "They provide support services for the families, literally, forever."

Mack, the Baldwin County sheriff, said that local support for Ward has continued years after his death. An annual 5K run is done each year in his honor. The Sheriff's Department has dedicated two fitness rooms in Ward's memory.

And each November, Mack said his staff gathers around to share stories about their memories of Ward.

But Baldwin County officials had to deal with a fallout back in 2012. "We had one deputy sheriff get out of law enforcement completely. We had others who needed more extended time and counseling where others were able to cope sooner and were able to go back to work."

Tribute wall: A collage of fallen Mobile police officers is display at the front entrance of the Mobile Police Headquarters building in Mobile, Ala. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

Mack said there are more options for grief counseling now than in previous years before a rash of high-profile police shootings sparked protests in the aftermath of the 2014 killing of a black man in Ferguson, Missouri, by a white police officer.

"When you look at it from a couple of years ago, we had one of the highest law enforcement mortality rates we've had," Mack said. "Unfortunately, it used to be something you only dealt with for an extended period of time, but now it seems like we are dealing with it (more frequently)."

Billa's line of duty death is the first one to occur in Mobile since Feb. 3, 2012, when Officer Steven Green, 36, was stabbed by a robbery suspect he was transporting to jail.

Inside the front entrance to the Mobile Police Headquarters is a framed picture of Green hanging on a wall with the 18 other Mobile police officers who have been killed while in the line of duty. Alabama, in the state's history, has had 509 police officers killed while on duty.

"The law enforcement community of Mobile is mourning," said Sutton. "Everyone across the nation who is in law enforcement is mourning with them. Law enforcement is a family in many ways, and many times it's a dysfunctional family. But a loss in Mobile is felt across the country."
Mobile Police Officer Justin Billa's death Tuesday night has garnered sympathetic messages from around the U.S. But the death of 58-year-old Fonda Poellnitz also hasn't gone unnoticed.

Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Police Chief Lawrence Battiste, during a Wednesday news conference, linked Pollenitz's murder to an epidemic of domestic violence.

"We know that domestic violence cases are the most dangerous calls of action that a policeman can have," Stimpson said. "They happen every day not just in our community but across America."

Stimpson urged victims of domestic abuse to seek help, referencing the Penelope House in Mobile as a resource. The nonprofit shelter is one of about 15 agencies in Alabama providing services for women dealing with domestic violence.

"I give kudos to the mayor and police chief for recognizing her as a victim of domestic violence," said Tonie Ann Torrans, executive director with Penelope House. "When we see an officer go down, it's totally heartbreaking and overwhelming and if the focus was strictly on that, her death might not have been seen as important."

She added, "There are plenty of domestic violence homicides and I didn't want to see that overlooked."

Troubling statistics

The state's law officers dealt with 25,188 violent offenses in 2016, the most recent year surveyed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Eighteen percent of those - 4,611 -- involved domestic abuse, assault or worse: 43 were homicides.

The 2016 statistics marked a notable increase from 2010, when domestic violence constituted 12 percent of the overall violent crimes committed. Of those 2,193 domestic offenses, 36 were homicides.

In both years, three-quarters of the victims in such cases were women. In both years, about half the victims were white and half were African-American.

Penelope House takes in 800-1,000 victims each year, a range that hasn't moved much in years, according to Torans. She said her shelter doesn't "turn people away" and has, at its highest level, sheltered 72 victims at once.

She said that Pollentiz's death "reminds everyone" about the social problem of domestic violence.

"In years past, when people looked at domestic violence, they think it's a family problem and might not affect them," Torrans said. "But it's not an isolated event. It impacts everyone in the community. One of the messages that comes out is that we don't see it just as a victim who died, but now it's a police officer who died."

'Challenging calls'

Pollentiz was shot and killed by her ex-husband, Robert Hollie, who then barricaded himself inside his house. He shot and killed 27-year-old Officer Billa while police set up a perimeter around the house.

Hollie was later found dead in the house from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Billa was the first law enforcement killed in the line of duty in Alabama from gunfire since 2012. But his murder comes at what law enforcement officials say is a recent and troubling rise of gun violence on police officers during the first two months of 2018. The most recent U.S. tragedy occurred on Wednesday, when an off-duty police officer was shot and killed while helping a woman during a domestic incident in Baltimore.

"Responding to a domestic call is often the most challenging an officer can make," said Steve Groeninger, spokesman with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a nonprofit aimed at honoring officers and improving safety.

He said, "You really don't know what you're getting into when you arrive on the scene. Often tensions escalate to the point where someone calls authorities ... domestic disturbance calls are especially dangerous."

Said Battiste, Mobile's police chief: "Domestic violence is so impulsive. When you have impulsive violence, it's hard to predict what's next."

Joanne Barfield, executive director of Lighthouse Robertsdale - a shelter providing services to domestic violence victims in Baldwin, Escambia, Monroe and Conecuh counties - said the calls can lead to frustration.

"When a victim calls, they want someone to come out and intervene and stop the abuse," said Barfield. "But the victim can become too scared to prosecute. Sometimes it becomes a choice between abuse or homelessness and it's an easy decision for them to make especially when you have dependent children. Law enforcement is putting their lives on the line, and each time they go to that house, it gets more dangerous."

Legislative route

Lawmakers around the U.S. continue to look for ways to stem domestic violence, and some are aiming for stricter gun laws. In Georgia, for instance, legislation has surfaced requiring anyone served with a protective order to surrender or sell their gun to a licensed firearm dealer.

In Georgia, of 72 people killed in 2016 in connection with a domestic dispute, more than half were fatally shot. In Alabama, of the 43 domestic homicides in 2016, 63 percent were committed by someone wielding a firearm, state records show.

At present, Alabama is not looking at any proposal like the one in Georgia

Alabama lawmakers, however, are considering HB59, which would increase penalties against someone who commits domestic violence in front of a minor. The GOP-backed measure passed the House by a vote of 79-5, and has moved on to the Senate, where it awaits a committee hearing.

Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope, the House sponsor, said he hopes the new law will be enacted and can serve as an important deterrent.

"If a kid grows up in a house like that and knows that mom and dad act that way, they think the behavior is OK and may act like that someday when they become adults," Harbison said. "They should know it's not normal and that they shouldn't act like that."

Harbison, himself, is a former law enforcement officer, said the tense situations involving police and domestic offenses can be "difficult," but he admitted he wasn't sure if there was a legislative solution. "I am open to suggestions as far as ideas on what we can do to help fix the problem," he said.
A proposal to widen and deepen the Mobile Ship Channel will be the subject of a Thursday evening town hall meeting in downtown Mobile.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold the meeting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center. The Corps describes the event as "an opportunity for the public to receive an update on the proposed project's status and upcoming milestones, and to ask questions and/or make comments related to potential impacts associated with the project."

In 2014 the Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA) asked the Corps to consider expanding the channel, which allows deep-draft cargo ships to travel up the relatively shallow bay to port facilities on the Mobile waterfront. The channel currently has a nominal depth of 45 feet and a width of 400 feet for most of its run, widening as it opens into the Gulf of Mexico.

ASPA Director Jimmy Lyons has said that channel improvements are critical if the state docks are to keep up with the demand for container traffic, which has been marked by a trend toward bigger and bigger ships. Container traffic has been booming at the Mobile container terminal run by APM Terminals, and ASPA has invested in an ongoing series of expansion projects.

However, some interested parties are concerned that enlarging the channel will increase its effects on water flow and salinity levels in the bay, with side effects that could include ecological damage and harm to the local seafood industry. Representatives of Dauphin Island also have raised concerns about the Corps' plans, saying the channel contributes to erosion of the island and that handling of the dredge spoil could be a chance to mitigate the damage depending on where it's dumped.

The 2014 request for the Corps to study the issue triggered a four-year, $7.8 million study. Corps officials have said they plan to complete that study in 2019; Thursday night's meeting is part of the process for gathering public feedback for the study.

According to the Corps, free parking for the meeting will be available at 11 Government St., a lot just south of the Convention Center.

For more information, including downloadable reports, visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District website and click on "Mobile Harbor General Reevaluation Report." Documents available on the site include the Corps' latest biweekly update on the project, issued in mid-January.

Among other details, the update says that "Based on preliminary costs and benefits developed thus far and coordinated within our vertical chain, the team initially identified modified channel dimensions of 50 feet deep with a five-mile widener of 500 feet located in the lower bay to consider for impact assessment. As the impact assessment and economic analysis has progressed it has become apparent that these dimensions may be reduced to provide an economically justified project. ... The economic analysis of deepening the ship channel optimized at a 51 foot depth, however the study is moving forward with further analysis of the 48 to 50 foot depths."

Previous discussions had suggested that a depth of 55 feet and widening to 550 feet had been under consideration; those were the maximum dimensions authorized by the federal 1986 Water Resources Development Act. Since late July, the Corps' biweekly updates have described a 50-foot depth and 500-foot sectional widening as the basis of planning. The January update is the first to mention the possibility that a depth in the 48- to 50-foot range could be considered in order to make the cost of the project feasible.

Recent updates say that the economic analysis "includes benefits that are expected from the projected traffic increase resulting from the development of the new Walmart distribution center." That massive facility is under construction west of Mobile and will begin operations this summer.
America. Land of the weak and home of the afraid.

What happened to us?

We want to build walls to protect ourselves from the world. Because nobody buys that melting pot stuff anymore.

We're scared. Of terrorists and shooters and people who look and act funny.

We build bunkers. And bunker mentalities.

Now there's bipartisan support in Alabama - Republican Gov. Kay Ivey and Democratic Sen. Doug Jones are for it - to install metal detectors in schools. Because that'll solve everything.

Belts and shoes, kids. Recess is over.

Because we're afraid. Afraid for our lives. Afraid someone will take our weapons so we won't be able to deal with life. Afraid to debate issues that might polarize for fear we'll be shunned by our tribes.

Afraid.

FDR told us the only thing we had to fear was fear itself. And that was when Hitler was taking control of Germany. But that doesn't apply anymore.

Because the thing to fear now is us. An "us" driven to such depths by fear that all our answers come with guns, from political rhetoric designed to exploit the worst in us.

There are answers out there.

A Republican friend - a Trump appointee at that - told me this week he wants to see schools staffed with mental health officers to help people before they turn to violence. More counselors and healthcare professionals. More attention and focus and care. Those are solutions. Good ones. Just not the ones that satiate our fears with false and easy promises.

In an election year.

Sheryl Acquarola, a 16 year-old junior from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School is overcome with emotion in the east gallery of the House of Representatives after the representatives voted not to hear the bill banning assault rifles and large capacity magazines at the Florida Capital in Tallahassee, Fla., Feb 20, 2018. Acquarola was one of the survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that left 17 dead, who were in Tallahassee channeling their anger and sadness into action. (AP Photo/Mark Wallheiser)

There are plenty of those, too. State Rep. Will Ainsworth of Guntersville wants to arm teachers to prevent mass school shootings. Because he's running for lieutenant governor and guns solve everything.

Here's a handgun Mrs. Busby. If one of our students walks in with an AR-15, drop your chalk and take him down.

Trained cops wouldn't even want that job. Most teachers sure don't.

And come on. If we could count on educators to always use good sense, they wouldn't have opened Guntersville Elementary School for Ainsworth to hold his self-serving, political presser.

What has become of us?

In the land of the free we build walls and prisons. We criminalize whole populations to make us feel safe. America's crime rate falls and its incarceration rate climbs higher than Russia, and far higher than China.

Liberty or death? This America is content with neither.

This America is afraid, with a fear fueled by social media and bots and knee-jerk political reactions. Politicians are scared of the NRA and people have lost faith in institutions that used to calm them.

It's killing us.

Fear of others. Fear of change. Fear that we ourselves lack the wherewithal to debate or diffuse a situation.

It is fear that makes us wary of those who are different.

It is fear that makes us solve our disputes with weapons.

It is fear that makes us lash out at different points of view, rather than consider them.

It is fear that makes us build bunkers. And that bunker mentality.

It is courage that resists all those things. It is courage that reminds us of the things America really stands for: Goodness, and hope, and opportunity.

If you want to know what it looks like, watch those who have lived it.

Like students from Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and others across the country who are standing up in their high schools, in the shadow of death and disdain, to demand change.

You know what that looks like?

The land of the free. And the home of the brave.
A look at how and why predictions of environmental disaster were ignored in a country recovering from war and disease.

I first became aware of the environmental crisis facing Freetown while living there in the summer of 2006.

That year, the rains that usually begin towards the end of April came late. As May became June, Sierra Leones government began to ration drinking water from the Guma Dam, the primary water source for the capital.

By July, Guma had fallen to its lowest level since records began.

I watched in disbelief as people on the streets of the nations capital scooped water out of sewage ditches to take home and boil, and helped the family I was living with build a rainwater capture system on their rooftop.

In the end, the rains came, but the implications were alarming. Population growth, deforestation and lack of planning were bringing Freetown to the brink of sustainability.

Loss of forest cover affects the capacity of the hills to absorb rainwater and control its flow. But water shortages were only part of the problem. Heavy runoff and siltation of the citys drainage system, coupled with poor waste management, were leading to flooding in urban slums during the rains.

Up in the hills, multistorey houses were being built on perilously steep slopes once covered by trees.

Paul Glynn (on camera) filming at Sugarloaf Mountain in Regent, Sierra Leone, the site of the landslide. [Al Jazeera]

Shortly after I returned, I began to work with architect and filmmaker Nazia Parvez on Lost Freetown, a documentary film that sounded a stark warning of where the city was headed.

Nazias film was completed and screened to NGOs and local stakeholders, to a positive response.

But little was done to address the problems.

Land was  and still is  doled out freely by politicians to their loyalists. Permits and paperwork are issued regardless of the location of the property being built. Shacks that are marked for demolition remain standing, and catchment areas are encroached upon with impunity.

Aftermath of the deadly mudslide

In October 2017, I flew to Sierra Leone to film the aftermath of the worst natural disaster the country has ever seen.

The causes of the landslide, which had killed 1,141 people and struck a crippling blow to the community of Regent, were hotly debated.

The mayor of Freetown, bizarrely, suggested an earthquake. Some thought it was an act of God: a once in a lifetime event with no precedent and no significance.

But there were others who knew the truth. They saw a link to the flooding and water shortages that now affect Freetown every year. They remembered the landscape of the Freetown peninsula before the civil war drove people to the city: a landscape of dense forests and clear streams.

Some thought it was an act of God: a once in a lifetime event with no precedent and no significance.

Today, those tracts of forest are being stripped from the hillsides, leaving bare and eroded peaks that shed their silt when the rains fall. And the rains themselves, driven by climate change, are getting worse.

Of those who have spoken out, the most passionate and committed has been Bala Amarasekaran, founder and director of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. An accountant by training, Bala converted to conservation after adopting a baby chimp, and set up Tacugama to protect the species. The sanctuary grew, and Balas cause soon moved beyond chimps and towards wider protection for Sierra Leones environment.

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Two weeks before the landslide, Bala and his team stood beneath the Sugarloaf Mountain in Regent and told local school students about the dangers of deforestation, of the risks of landslides, of the importance of the peninsula forest in providing clean water for the people.

They delivered their message to school kids, in part because they knew those in power would not listen.

Two weeks later, dozens of those same children were dead  lost beneath the thousands of tonnes of earth and stone that slipped off the mountainside on the morning of August 14.

The staff at Tacugama were among the first to respond: setting up relief stations where displaced people could be fed and raising money for those orphaned by the disaster to continue their education.

C orruption and lack of political will 

Visiting London following the tragedy, Bala joked that he was glad he wasnt in Sierra Leone or Id be in jail by now.

Fiercely outspoken, he had little time for the crocodile tears shed by government officials in the wake of the disaster  a disaster that was easily foreseen.

The laws in Sierra Leone, he points out, are on the books. The institutions and ministries are there and are staffed in many cases by educated and sympathetic people who understand the issues, but corruption and lack of political will have stifled any efforts to move forward.

The country is poor, and climate change is looming. Action is needed now.

There is no silver bullet that would have prevented the Regent landslide  no single cause for the disaster.

A report by the World Bank points to a complex of issues that caused the slope to collapse: record-breaking rainfall and the nature of the slope itself played a major part, compounded by human interference.

Landslides have happened in the past, although none have caused such catastrophic loss of life.

But the links between what happened last August and the wider issues facing Freetown is undeniable. These problems are not insurmountable.

Bala Amarasekaran, founder and director of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, on Sugarloaf Mountain. [Al Jazeera]

Sierra Leone does not have a population problem. Vast empty plains stand outside the city, ripe for development and human habitation. With planning and help, trees can grow back quickly  as Bala has proved again and again.

Nor is Sierra Leone unique. Similar problems are faced elsewhere in Africa, and other countries have overcome them in the past. But the relationship between Freetown and the forested peninsula that surrounds it is acute.

The country is poor, and climate change is looming. Action is needed now.

The international community has rushed to the aid of those affected by the landslide, and rightly so. But it is Sierra Leones political and professional class that have the biggest role to play in solving these problems.

To neglect the situation further will only increase the cost in years to come, a cost the country is ill-equipped to pay. Those with a proven commitment to Sierra Leones future and to solving the challenges that lie ahead must be listened to, and we should support them at every turn.

Authors note: Id like to express my deep gratitude to Bala, as well as to architects Manilius Garber and Gwyn Jay Allan, for giving their time and expertise and speaking out on these issues for this film, and to Nazia Parvez for permission to use excerpts from Lost Freetown.




Despite what President Kabila and his supporters may say, everything is not fine in DR Congo.

On January 21, Therese Kapangala, a 24-year-old Congolese woman studying to be a nun, left her home in Kinshasa to attend church in the Commune of Kintambo. Therese never returned home. She was shot by security forces outside her church, just after Sunday mass. The bullet entered her arm and went to her heart. She died on the way to the hospital.

On that day, many others, including Serge Kikunda, Packson Kabadiatshi, and Hussein Ngandu were also killed by security forces. The Catholic Church and civil society organisations suspect many others have also been killed by regime forces across the Congolese capital on the very same day. But Congolese officials insist that only six people have died.

Of course, enormous discrepancies in death toll estimates are quite common in the Democratic Republic of Congo  the repressive regime frequently tries to downplay the number of its victims.

Yet, there was something unique in the regimes account of the events of January 21. This time, Kinshasa not only tried to whitewash the scope of the violence, but also attempted to brand its victims, including Therese, Serge, Packson, and Hussein, as terrorists.

If one were to believe Congolese Minister of Communication Lambert Mendes incoherent account of the events, delivered on Al Jazeeras UpFront earlier this month, one would think that the victims of the January 21 violence were bomb-strapping ideological lunatics who had to be stopped by heroic Congolese soldiers.

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No, sister Therese was not a terrorist; neither were Serge, Packson, or Hussein. Contrary to Mendes claims, these were young Congolese citizens fed up with being repressed by an ineffective government. They died because they dared to hope for a better Congo. They died because they lived and experienced a radically different Congo than one Lambert Mende and Bruno Tshibala, the Congolese Prime Minister, try to portray.

Tsihibala recently said that everything is fine in the DRC.

But no, everything is not fine in the DRC. Joseph Kabila has managed to extend his presidential mandate, which expired on November 28, 2016; wanton warlords continue to rule eastern regions of the country, and inter-ethnic conflicts continue to plague some Congolese localities. If things do not change, many more Congolese citizens will inevitably become victims of the draconian insensitivity of Kabilas regime.

St. Sylvestre Agreement

The chain of events that led to Thereses death started in December 2017, when the Lay Coordination Committee of the Catholic Church (CLC), a group backed by many priests and bishops in the majority-Catholic country, asked the Congolese government to respect the St Sylvestre Agreement. Signed between the government and the opposition a year earlier in December 2016, as result of the Congolese governments inability or indeed reluctance to organise a new presidential election, the St Sylvestre Agreement stipulated that:

All Congolese political actors would abide by the Constitution, specifically noting the two-term limit in regard to the presidency; Presidential elections were to be organised no later than December 2017; Political prisoners were to be liberated, and political exiles would be able to return home freely.

Considering that by the end of 2016 Congo President Joseph Kabila had already served two terms (from 2006 to 2016) in addition to the transitional period from 2001 to 2006, amounting to a total of 15 years in power, the St Sylvester Agreement meant that Kabilas days in power were numbered.

But surprise, surprise!

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By December 2017, the Congolese government was still not ready to organise a presidential election. That was when the CLC went nuclear on Kabila. Spokeswoman Leonie Kandolo and the CLC leadership warned that if the conditions of the St Sylvestre Agreement were not met by December 15, 2017, the people would take it to the streets.

That is exactly what has happened not once, but twice so far. On December 31, the Catholics marched in Kinshasa and in other parts of the Congo. Marchers were heavily repressed, with many of them sustaining injuries. In reaction to the brutal repression of the protests on New Years Eve, the CLC called for a second march on January 21. Police repression was heavier this time, resulting in the killing of Therese, Serge, Packson and Hussein.

A tale of two Congos

These days, there seems to be two Congos existing simultaneously. On one hand, there is the Congo of Kabila, Mende, and Tshibala where everything is fine, and people can freely challenge the government and demand accountability. On the other hand, there is the Congo of the CLC and the Congolese people where calling the government into account is an act of defiance to Kabila, and speaking out against repression can land you in jail, in exile, or in the grave.

CLC spokeswoman Kandolo and many of her colleagues have now gone underground, as there is an arrest warrant on their names. But, in spite of the threats, the CLC is already planning to organise a third Christian march on February 25. Will this be the straw that breaks the camels back?

Among all the devastating photos that document the events of January 21, there was one demonstrating the reality of Congo the best. In the photo, a young Congolese man is kneeling on a street in Kinshasa. His hands are halfway raised in a prayer pose, his eyes are raised in reverence, and a rosary is dangling from his right hand. Around him, chaos runs amok, smoke bombs are fuming, and an inert body is lying nearby on the ground. Yet, the kneeling Catholic protester keeps praying while looking towards the soldiers attacking him and his fellow protester.

What do we make of this? In a country where armed conflicts have directly and indirectly caused the deaths of millions, where countless people have been internally displaced, and thousands of others have fled to neighbouring countries, surrendering to the very possibility of death is an act of hope, a triumph of life and freedom over death and repression.

The current political instability in Congo is no longer a question confined within the binary of stability and security against democratisation and political liberalisation. As of now, the most pertinent question is whether the Congolese people will finally have a say in the determination of their political future. For the time being, it is most likely that an ongoing confrontation between the Congolese government and the CLC will continue to erode Kabilas legitimacy, or whatever is left of it.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
2017 was a year when many oppressed people across the globe made a defiant declaration in unison: Thats it.

Salil Shetty is the Secretary-General of Amnesty International. A long-term activist on poverty and justice, he leads the movement's worldwide work to end the abuse of human rights. Prior to joining Amnesty International, he was the director of the United Nations Millennium Campaign.

As a celebrated Amnesty International prisoner of conscience once eloquently said; Human beings want to be free and however long they may agree to stay locked up, to stay oppressed, there will come a time when they say, Thats it.

2017 was a year when many oppressed people across the globe made that defiant declaration in unison: Thats it.

It was the year when, in response to a lack of principled leadership on the world stage, millions decided to take matters into their own hands.

From Caracas to Warsaw; Harare to Washington, DC; Moscow to Tehran, people hit the streets to demand their rights in the face of bad governance, wide-ranging abuses of power and an increasing crackdown on freedoms.

For the leaders that callously undermined those rights, it should be a wake-up call  a message that there are political consequences for failing to meet the needs of the people.

One example comes from Poland, where the governments attempts to extend its grip across the judiciary, NGOs and the media were met with massive protest as thousands joined marches to try to force the authorities to back down. And, in part, it worked as two repressive judicial reform bills were vetoed by the president at the 11th hour.

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But the fight goes on. Not least for the protesters who may yet face prosecution for participating in demonstrations, and others who continue to face arrest for daring to speak out.

In Hungary, the space for protest has shrunk further still. Combined with a rapidly growing surveillance state and an extraordinary callousness towards refugees, there has been an alarming crackdown on independent voices under Prime Minister Viktor Orbans increasingly repressive regime.

NGOs have been especially targeted with draconian measures designed to restrict their work and even put them out of business, Amnesty International among them.

Orbans fearmongering rhetoric was emblematic of a disturbing global trend towards intolerance and discrimination  a scene that was set in January by the US governments move to ban the entry of people from several Muslim-majority countries.

Amid a vacuum of global leadership on human rights, it was left to the people to stand up for justice. And when they did, it raised the political cost of repressive actions  as the protests in Poland showed.

In this year of resistance, shoots of hope sprouted in some unlikely locations as the backlash against regressive policies secured important victories for human rights. These included the lifting of the total abortion ban in Chile, achieving a step towards marriage equality in Taiwan and securing a landmark victory against forced evictions in Abuja, Nigeria.

We have also recently witnessed the fall of two divisive African leaders, as both Zimbabwes Robert Mugabe and South Africas Jacob Zuma were pressured out of office after years of unrest and protest. The resignation of Ethiopias Hailemariam Desalegn, weeks after he announced the release of thousands of prisoners, has also sparked hopes of positive change in Ethiopia. Time will tell if these countries new leaders truly deliver human rights reform.

Many activists, old and new, were inspired to protest for the rights of women, from Latin Americas Ni Una Menos movement  which denounced violence against women and girls  to the #MeToo phenomenon that spread on social media.

This resurgence of activism showed the importance of people standing up and making the case for hard-won values while demanding their economic and social rights.

In the words of that eloquent Amnesty prisoner of conscience; Suddenly, they find themselves doing something that they never would have thought they would be doing, simply because of the human instinct that makes them turn their face towards freedom.

The quote comes from Aung San Suu Kyi, for years the face of the struggle for human rights in Myanmar, but whose commitment to justice was gravely questioned in 2017. Her failure to speak out against the militarys campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya people was one of this years most sobering reminders that we cannot rely solely on our leaders to protect our human rights for us.

Faced with this realisation, people across the world have found strength and unity in each other, and created new ways to organise and resist. By standing with those who face injustice and oppression, by joining them in saying Thats it we can all play a part in this powerful resistance.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
Twenty-six refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo have died from acute diarrhoea in Uganda, where 552 cases have been identified, the UNs refugee agency said.

Aid organisations are stepping up the efforts to prevent the contagious disease from spreading as refugees fleeing inter-ethnic violence in Ituri province continue to arrive in the Kyangwali settlement, UNHCR spokeswoman Duniya Aslam Khan said on Thursday.

Nearly 43,000 refugees have arrived in Uganda from Congo since the beginning of the year.





More than 27,000 crossed Lake Albert from northeastern Ituri, fleeing clashes between Hema herders and Lendu farmers.

Another 15,435 refugees arrived in Uganda from North Kivu, running from armed groups and military offensives.

In the second week of February, thousands arrived by fishing boats or canoes each day amid reports that armed men had killed civilians and more than 1,000 houses had been burned down in Ituris Djugu.

The number of new arrivals has declined, Khan said on Thursday.

Initially we were facing problems of overcrowding because we had to transport all those who were arriving. Even now we still have about 4,000 people waiting to be transported from a reception centre at the Kyangwali settlement.

A decades-old conflict between the Hema and Lendu killed tens of thousands between 1998 and 2003. In recent years, the two groups have maintained a low-level conflict with occasional flare-ups in violence.

Last year, conflict forced 1.7 million people across Congo to flee their homes.
African refugees on hunger strike in Israel

Israel has given many African refugees three months to take up a cash offer to leave for Rwanda or face indefinite time in jail.
Leaked document says the group, which Spanish authorities view as terrorist, is internally voting on its future.

A document prepared by Basque separatist group ETA says their end is coming after months of discussion and internal votes, according to reports.

The group, which waged a campaign of bombings and armed attacks against the Spanish state over 60 years that killed at least 840 people, including 340 civilians, has been of finalising their end since they disarmed in April 2017.

The end of [the groups life cycle] becomes more evident after their decision to give up arms, the document, released on Wednesday and seen by the Basque media outlet Gara, says.

The document, prepared in 2017, says that while the group is coming to an end, its fighters will continue to support the political movement of left-wing Basque nationalism that has sufficiently demonstrated maturity and the ability to fight for the independence of the Basque country.

Centre-right National Basque Party, which nominally supports independence, currently runs the regional Basque parliament.

A history of violence

ETA was formed in the 1950s. It grew in strength under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco who ruled Spain from 1939 to 1975.

Francos policies pushed for a unification of the Spanish state, outlawing minority languages and cultures.

The Basque are an indigenous people whose language is unrelated to any others. Research shows they are genetically distinct from other populations, too.

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ETA, which attacked Spanish police and armed forces during its lifespan, played an important and violent role in Spains transition to democracy.

In 1973, the separatist groups assassinated Admiral Luis Carrero Blanco, the head of government and Francos chosen successor.

The ETA assassins dug a tunnel under a street that Carrero Blancos car travelled on to reach a church in Madrid.

The tunnel was filled with explosives and detonated as the admiral was on his way to Mass.

The explosion threw Carrero Blancos car over a five-storey building onto an adjacent plaza.

Franco then named exiled King Juan Carlos as his successor. The king supported a democratic transition after assuming control in 1975.

Independence is over

Some of ETAs deadliest years came Francos death and Spains transition to democracy.

In 1987, the group bombed a supermarket car park in Barcelona, killing 21 people  mostly civilians  and injuring another 45.

The Barcelona attack, the deadliest in ETAs history, was widely criticised.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, another region in Spain with its own language and culture.

Catalonia is currently in a smouldering political crisis after the regional parliament declared independence from Spain in October.

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Former Catalan President Carles Puigdemont fled to Belgium after declaring independence.

Mariano Rajoy, Spanish prime minister, used an untapped constitutional power to dismiss the Catalan government and assume control of the region.

Madrid called snap elections in December to reinstate order in Catalonia but pro-independence parties maintained their majority in the regional parliament.

There is a public effort to re-install Puigdemont as president of Catalonia, but the independence drive is over, according to alleged text messages sent by Puigdemont.

The messages were sent to former Catalan health minister Toni Comin and were caught on camera by a Belgian television programme on which Comin appeared.

They were aired by Spanish channel Telecinco in January.

Two pro-independence civil society leaders, Catalan politicians Joaquim Forn and former Vice President Oriol Junqueras remain in prison.

While Catalonias current push for independence is hobbled, ETA plans to release before summer the outcome of their vote to cease armed operations and continue with the political process, Gara, the media outlet, said.
Family and rights group demand release of a Canadian citizen imprisoned in Ethiopia for alleged terrorist crimes.

A Canadian family is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to negotiate the release of a citizen imprisoned in Ethiopia saying there will never be a better time than now to get him home.

Canadian Bashir Makhtal, 49, has been imprisoned in Ethiopia since January 2007 on charges of terrorism.

Authorities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopias capital, accuse Makhtal of being a ringleader for the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF)  a rebel group pressing for self-rule in Ethiopias eastern Ogaden region  and he was sentenced to life in prison.

Ethiopia classifies the ONLF as a terrorist organisation.

The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union, however, do not.

Makhtal, whose grandfather was a founding member of the ONLF, has always declared himself innocent, saying he was in the region to promote his clothing business.

Now, more than a decade on, the Ethiopian governments recent release of thousands of political prisoners and peace talks with the ONLF have given Makhtals family further impetus in campaigning for his release.

There is hope

Asiso Abdi, Makhtals wife, told Al Jazeera that Ethiopian authorities could be persuaded to include Bashir among those freed, if Canada applies adequate diplomatic pressure.

If the government of Justin Trudeau is willing to get Bashir home, there will never be a better time than now, Abdi said. When there is a life, there is a hope.

Canadian officials say they are exploring every possible option to bring Makhtal back to Canada.

Omar Alghabra, parliamentary secretary to Canadas minister of foreign affairs, met Makhtal during a diplomatic visit to Ethiopia in April 2017.

Negotiating Makhtals release is a priority for the Canadian government, he told Al Jazeera.

Our objective is to see this happen as soon as we can At every opportunity, the discussion with Ethiopian officials regarding Mr Makhtal happens, Alghabra said.

[But] these conversations are not easy The Ethiopian government see him as someone who has been convicted and is serving a sentence.

Despite mounting diplomatic pressure, Ethiopian officials continue to deny Makhtal is a political prisoner and block his release from jail.

Metasebia Tadesse, Ethiopias ambassador to Qatar, told Al Jazeera recent prisoner releases were specifically intended to create a broader political space within the country, and will not affect Makhtals status.

Bashir Makhtal is not an Ethiopian, he is imprisoned due to the terrorist crimes he committed, Tadesse said. One cannot mix his case with the current measures taken by the Ethiopian government.

When questioned, Tadesse refused to provide Al Jazeera with further details regarding the nature of the terrorist crimes.

An unfair trial

Rights group Amnesty International said Makhtal has been held unfairly.

Once charges were laid against Makhtal we pressed for him to be provided with a fair trial and an opportunity to mount an effective defence, such as by having full access to allegations, evidence and witnesses against him, Alex Neve, secretary-general of Amnesty International in Canada, told Al Jazeera.

That was not the case, nor was his appeal hearing a fair process, Neve said.

We continued to insist that he be immediately released if not provided with a fair trial. After so many years, now we are simply calling for him to be released and allowed to return home to Canada.

Lorne Waldman, Makhtals Canada-based lawyer, told Al Jazeera that Ethiopia had subjected his client to a number of extrajudicial measures: including an illegal extradition and torture.

Bashirs version of events has been the same since the beginning, that he was in Somalia doing business  [and] when there was the [Ethiopian] military incursion into Somalia he, like thousands of others, fled to the Kenyan border, Waldman said.

He was detained at the border and taken into custody in Nairobi, and from Nairobi he was illegally spirited on a private plane to Ethiopia without any formal extradition proceedings, he added.

Then he was tortured and charged under the anti-terrorism provisions in Ethiopia, before being prosecuted in what people generally felt was an unfair trial, convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

Extraordinary rendition

Amnesty said Makhtals transfer to Ethiopia was tantamount to an instance of extraordinary rendition, adding it was very likely he had been subjected to torture or other forms of cruel treatment in Ethiopia.

The prevalence of torture in Ethiopia  described as a major problem in Human Rights Watchs 2018 report  and Makhtal being held incommunicado at the beginning of his detention support Amnestys concerns regarding mistreatment, Neve said.

Authorities in Ethiopia did not acknowledge they had imprisoned Makhtal until July 2007, six months after his arrival in Addis Ababa, his relatives told Al Jazeera.

Nearly 11 years later, Makhtals family still has little clarity about whether Ethiopia will release him.

Some 12,000km away from his prison cell in Ethiopia, Makhtals absence in Canada continues to be felt every day, Abdi told Al Jazeera.

They took my husband and with him my future happiness, she said.

I have already missed 11 wedding anniversaries with him, 11 years of my life have gone. Im missing a half of me deep inside the dark cell of an Ethiopian prison.
Britains financial sector will be the servant of industry not the masters of all if the opposition Labour Party gets into power, its leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Tuesday, accusing bankers of taking the economy hostage.

Corbyn, a socialist who has won over many voters with promises to renationalise services and increase public spending, has long-targeted Londons lucrative financial sector, saying politicians have been in thrall to moneymakers for too long.

In a speech to a manufacturers conference, Corbyn renewed his pledge to reprogram Britains economy if he wins power in an election not due until 2022. He said a Labour government would give businesses clarity over Brexit by repeating its stance on agreeing on a customs union with the European Union.

For a generation, instead of finance serving industry, politicians have served finance. Weve seen where that ends: the productive economy, our public services and peoples lives being held hostage by a small number of too-big-to-fail banks and casino financial institutions, he said.

I simply say no more. The next Labour government will be the first in 40 years to stand up for the real economy  We will take decisions and decisive action to make finance the servant of industry not the masters of all.

Big business has been cautious towards Labour, with financial services company Morgan Stanley warning investors that Corbyn winning power was a bigger political risk than Brexit.

But they have also started engaging with the party, and Corbyns deputy, Labours finance policy adviser John McDonnell, took his message that capitalism was living on borrowed time to the global elite at the World Economic Forum in Davos this year.

Any deep mutual understanding looks far off for now.

TheCityUK, Britains most powerful financial lobby, claimed the sector brought to the country, not only to London. It said the finance industry had created 2.2 million jobs and paid more than 87 billion pounds ($120bn) in tax towards funding public services.

But in a speech welcomed by many in the audience at the annual conference of the EEF manufacturing group, Corbyn said he was determined to end the spread of finances extractive logic that prioritized short-term performance and narrow shareholder value  over long-run growth and wide economic benefit.

To applause and some laughter, the 68-year-old leader also called media reports that he had given secrets to a Communist spy in the 1980s nonsense, saying he felt sorry for some newspapers. Others in his party have gone further, accusing some right-leaning media of mounting a smear campaign against Corbyn.

Asked if he was a spy, he replied: No.
Cyprus accuses Turkey of obstructing gas exploration

Turkish Cypriots want a revenue-sharing agreement to be finalised before any drilling off the divided island can start.
A Paris court has ordered the continued detention of Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan, who faces preliminary rape charges.

A French judge has denied a request to release Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan, who has been detained on preliminary rape charges, local media and news agencies reported.

The Paris Court of Appeal on Thursday denied a request to release Ramadan after a medical expert said his health status did not preclude him from staying in detention, Le Monde newspaper reported.

Ramadan, a Swiss citizen and Oxford University professor of Islamic studies, was detained in early February as part of a preliminary probe into rape charges.

He has denied the allegations against him.

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Ramadan, who was briefly hospitalised recently, refused to be present for the hearing on his possible release on Thursday, AP news agency reported.

He reportedly suffers from multiple sclerosis and neuropathy, Le Monde said.

Two women came forward last October to accuse Ramadan, 55, of rape in relation to two separate incidents that allegedly occurred in 2009 and 2012, respectively.

Both women filed charges against him.

About 80 people rallied outside the Paris courthouse late on Thursday to call for Ramadans release from detention, Le Monde reported.

Ramadan is one of the most prominent Islamic scholars in Europe.

He is also the grandson of Hassan al-Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Canadian PM Trudeau says he rescinded invite to a former member of a Sikh terrorist group as soon as it became known.

A former member of a Sikh terrorist group was invited to a formal dinner in New Delhi alongside Canadas Justin Trudeau, an invitation the Canadian prime minister said was immediately rescinded once it came to his attention.

Jaspal Atwal should never have received an invitation to the event, Trudeau told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday, after the incident garnered widespread media attention in both India and Canada.

Obviously we take this situation extremely seriously. The individual in question never should have received an invitation and as soon as we found out, we rescinded the invitation immediately, Trudeau said.

He said a Canadian parliament member will assume full responsibility for the invitation, which was extended to Atwal for a dinner organised by the Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi in honour of Trudeaus visit.





Atwal is a former member of the International Sikh Youth Federation, which supports the creation of an independent Sikh state in Indias Punjab province, Canadian media reported.

The Canadian government lists the organisation as a terrorist entity.

Atwal was also convicted of attempted murder of an Indian cabinet minister in the Canadian province of British Columbia in 1986, CBC News said.

Support for united India

Tensions over Canadas alleged support for Sikh separatism have dominated the Canadian prime ministers first official trip to India.

Earlier this week, Trudeau rejected allegations that members of his government support the Sikh separatist movement known as Khalistani.

Trudeau on Thursday conveyed his support for a united India during a meeting with the chief minister of Punjab, Amarinder Singh.

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Singh, for his part, welcomed Trudeaus categorical assurance  that his country does not support any separatist movement.

Meanwhile, Indias Ministry of External Affairs said it was looking into how Atwal was granted a visa to come to India in the first place.

The Canadian side has already clarified that the invitation has been withdrawn. Let us not presume things and decide how he managed to come, said Raveesh Kumar, a ministry spokesman, the Times of India reported.

Atwal is no longer on an Indian governments blacklist of suspected Sikh extremists, the newspaper said.

Trudeau is expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, Canadian media reported, a day before his visit formally concludes.
Government retracts earlier statement that some of the girls had been rescued after Boko Haram attacked their school.

Dozens of schoolgirls are still unaccounted for days after suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked their school in northeast Nigeria.

The Yobe state government issued a statement on Thursday that retracted an earlier one that some of the missing girls had been rescued by the military.

We have now established that the information we relied on to make the statement was not credible. The Yobe state government apologises for that, said Abdullahi Bego, spokesman for Yobe Governor Ibrahim Gaidam.

Late on Wednesday, Bego had said some girls had been rescued by gallant officers and men of the Nigerian army from the terorrists who abducted them.

Bego did not give a specific number of those saved.

Police said on Wednesday that 111 girls from the state-run boarding school in Dapchi, in Yobe state, were unaccounted for following an attack by the armed group on Monday night.

But exact figures have been difficult to confirm.

On Thursday, parents said 101 children were still missing, The Associated Press reported, while unidentified sources told Reuters 91 were gone.

The students were reported to have fled the attack with their teachers at the sound of gunfire.

More than 20,000 people have been killed and two million others forced to flee their homes in northeastern Nigeria since Boko Haram launched a campaign in 2009 aimed at forming a breakaway state.

Over the years, the armed group has kidnapped thousands of adults and children.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari recently said the era of Boko Haram violence is gradually drawing to end.

However, the group continues to launch attacks in the countrys northeast, and its leader remains at large.
Details sketchy on deployment of more than 1,000 soldiers on train and advise mission in the kingdom.

Islamabad, Pakistan  Pakistans government has refused to share details on the deployment of a contingent of more than a thousand soldiers to Saudi Arabia, prompting concerns that the troops could support the kingdoms ongoing military campaign in Yemen.

The Pakistani government and military both deny that the troops, whose deployment was announced last week, would operate outside the borders of Saudi Arabia.

On Monday, Khurram Dastgir-Khan, Pakistani defence minister, told the countrys senate that the troops would operate in a train and advise capacity.

The contingent, once deputed in Saudi Arabia, will perform its training and advisory mission while remaining within the geographical boundaries of the kingdom, he said.

The ministers briefing to the Senate was met, however, with dissatisfaction from Raza Rabbani, the Senate chairman, who said it failed to provide basic details on the troops role in the Gulf kingdom.

This is shedding no light on the decision that has been taken by the prime minister. I am sorry, but this statement is inadequate, Rabbani said.

The new deployment would be an addition to an existing force of 1,600 troops currently stationed in Saudi Arabia, and would be governed under a 1982 agreement between the two countries on military cooperation.





The agreement allows for Pakistani troops to train their Saudi counterparts, as well as to support internal security missions.

Since 1967, Pakistan has trained more than 8,200 Saudi armed forces personnel, and the two sides have also held several joint military exercises.

In 2015, Saudi Arabia requested a number of allies to support the military intervention in Yemen, where the country launched operations to support forces loyal to Yemens UN-recognised President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi against a Houthi rebellion.

The conflict has since escalated to a full-scale war, with the UN aid chief terming it the worlds worst humanitarian disaster for 50 years.

In April 2015, Pakistans parliament passed a joint resolution urging dialogue to end the conflict, and saying Pakistani troops could only be deployed if they were being used to defend the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia or Islams holy sites in Mecca and Medina.

The apprehension that our troops will become somehow entangled in the war in Yemen is incorrect. It is a very clear rules of engagement  a strict and clear declaration has been made that the current deputation and the additional deputation will be within the remit of the 1982 protocol, Dastgir-Khan, the defence minister, told the Senate earlier this week.

Walking a tightrope

Analysts caution that the increased engagement could further pull Pakistan into tensions between Saudi Arabia and regional rival Iran.

The timing and circumstances of the deployment has raised many questions, said Zahid Hussain, an Islamabad-based security analyst.

The government of Pakistan is not willing to come out in detail about it, and that makes things much more suspicious.

Defence Minister Dastgir-Khan refused to provide details to the Senate on the exact location of the militarys deployment, and what kinds of training would be imparted.

Even if it is for training purposes, the numbers are quite large. There are already some troops there [] 2,600 soldiers is quite a significant number.





In a statement announcing the deployment last week, Pakistans military also said that it would not be employed outside [Saudi Arabia].

Hussain said that while it is unlikely the troops will be engaged outside of Saudi Arabias borders, they will likely provide help with internal security, substituting for Saudi troops that are involved elsewhere.

James Dorsey, a Singapore-based academic and journalist who has studied Saudi-Pakistan relations for decades, agreed with that assessment.

Despite fears in Pakistan that the latest troop deployment will suck Pakistan into the Yemen quagmire, it is highly unlikely that they will be directly involved in the hostilities, he said.

Obviously, by training Saudi forces, Pakistani troops would have an indirect association.

Dorsey said the latest deployment appears to be aimed at compensating for Pakistans earlier refusal to send troops to Yemen.

The deployment should be seen, he said, as part of Pakistans diplomatic tightrope act, as it aims to balance the tensions between major ally Saudi Arabia and southwestern neighbour Iran.

It also part of a balancing act that increasingly resembles a tightrope as conflicts and disputes in the Gulf mushroom, he said.

Pakistan is in a delicate position when it comes to both the Saudi-Iranian rivalry and the Saudi-UAE-Qatar dispute. Depending on whether and how these conflicts escalate Pakistan could find itself in an ever tighter position.

Follow Asad Hashim on Twitter: @AsadHashim.
Video of the killing shows Palestinian man being beaten by soldiers after a raid by Israeli troops in the West Bank.

A Palestinian man has been killed by Israeli security forces following a confrontation in the occupied West Bank on Thursday.

A Palestinian official described the killing as an execution, while the Israeli military said it was in self-defence.

Yassin Omar al-Saradih, 33, died shortly after being taken into custody by Israeli security forces in Jericho early on Thursday, Palestines Maan news agency reported.

The Israeli troops had launched an operation to arrest suspects in the town, the Israeli military said in a statement without elaborating.

Video footage of the incident  published by Israels Haaretz and Times of Israel news sites  showed soldiers kicking and striking a man, identified by Palestinian officials as al-Saradih, after appearing to have shot him.

The Israeli military confirmed the video shows an incident that took place early Thursday in Jericho, Hareetz reported.





Issa Qarage, head of the Palestinian Committee of Prisoners Affairs, said al-Saradihs death was caused by severe blows to his head.

The killing was a crime, execution, and premeditated murder at the hands of [Israeli] occupation forces, Maan quoted Qarage as saying.

The Israeli military said the man had attempted to attack soldiers and it was investigating the incident.

In response to the immediate threat, the troops fired toward the assailant and confronted him from close range and were able to stop him, the statement said.

A knife was also found in his possession. Troops evacuated him to a hospital to receive medical treatment. His death was later announced. The incident is being reviewed.

The killing comes a week after Israeli forces detained more than 30 Palestinians in raids across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Israel occupied the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem in 1967. Today, between 600,000 and 750,000 Israeli settlers live in more than 200 Jewish-only settlements on occupied land, which are illegal under international law.
Turkish officials say infrastructure will be rebuilt in Afrin for voluntary returns after military offensive ends.

Tens of thousands of Syrians are expected to return to the Kurdish region of Afrin after Turkey finishes its military offensive against the YPG militia and secures the area, Turkish officials said on Thursday.

Turkey  together with the Syrian opposition Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebel group  last month launched an air-and-ground operation into Afrin in the northwest of Syria to vanquish the US-backed Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) fighters near its border.

Turkey hosts the vast majority of refugees who fled the war in Syria with 3.4 million displaced within its borders, according to the Turkish government. About 5.6 million Syrians have left the war-torn country since March 2011.

Turkey will try to enhance the infrastructure and resources in Afrin after it is secured for them to return, said Yasin Aktay, a chief adviser to Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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Turkey considers the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) in Syria and its armed wing YPG to be terrorist groups with ties to the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The PKK has waged a decades-long armed fight against the Turkish state that has killed tens of thousands of people.

Aktay, also a senior member of parliament, said he expects tens of thousands of refugees to return to Afrin once the military operation is over.

We know that many Syrian refugees in Turkey want to return home if a secure environment is established in their region of origin. However, others prefer to stay in Turkey until the whole country is secured, Aktay told Al Jazeera.





140,000 returned

Another official familiar with the issue, who asked to remain anonymous, said there are refugees in Turkey who left Afrin because of the Kurdish militia and they, in particular, would be the focus of any return.

There are Kurdish refugees who escaped the group there, the official said.

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We cannot give any expected numbers as all returns are going to be voluntary. We are in no position to force them to return to their home country.

He noted 140,000 Syrian refugees returned home after Turkeys previous cross-border operation  dubbed Euphrates Shield  that ended in March 2017 after seven months.

During that offensive, Turkey and the FSA captured the border town of Jarablus by the Euphrates River, removed Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) fighters from the 100-km stretch of border, and advanced to the southern city of al-Bab, which was also under ISIL control.

The FSA, supported by Turkish troops, are still in control of the 200,000-square metre area.

Follow Umut Uras on Twitter: @Um_Uras
Rapper praised for challenging governments lack of support to victims of deadly fire as Number 10 goes on defensive.

A British artist has taken Prime Minister Theresa May to task, rapping about the governments failure to provide support to the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.

After Stormzys 40-second verse on stage at the 2018 Brit music awards on Wednesday evening won him praise, Number 10 defended its record over the deadly London blaze in June, 2017, in which at least 71 people died.

In his lyric, Stormzy said: Yo, Theresa May wheres the money for Grenfell? What, you thought we just forgot about Grenfell? You criminals, and you got the cheek to call us savages? You should do some jail time, you should pay some damages. You should burn your house down and see if you can manage this.

In response, a spokesman for the prime minister said on Thursday: I think the PM has been very clear that Grenfell was an unimaginable tragedy that should never have happened and should never be allowed to happen again.

The spokesman admitted May had not watched the performance by Stormzy, who won the award for Best Male Solo Artist at the ceremony.

The government, he said, had allotted $82m for victims of the disaster.

However, the Conservative-led administration has been accused of failing the victims, many of whom remain without permanent housing.

An online petition, calling on PM May to build public trust in the Grenfell Tower inquiry, has gathered almost 30,000 signatures.

Bereaved families and survivors call on [the prime minister] to exercise her powers under the Inquiries Act 2005 to appoint additional panel members, with decision-making power, to sit alongside the chair in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry: to ensure those affected have confidence in and are willing to fully participate, the petition reads.

National treasure

The clip of Stormzys rap has been viewed more than 1.5 million times on social media, with many praising the artist as a national treasure.

Later in the rap, 24-year-old Stormzy targeted Britains right-wing Daily Mail news for negative rhetoric against minorities and praised recent successes of black figures in popular culture, such as the model Jourdan Dunn and actor Daniel Kaluuya.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, was among those who had praised the artists performace, writing on Twitter: Congratulations @Stormzy1 for winning your first #BRIT award, and what a powerful performance. #Grenfell.

Editor Elizabeth Pears tweeted: Stormzy brought religion, politics, and road to the #BRITs Backed it for Grenfell, gave a shout out to Daniel Kaluuya & Jourdan Dunn, sang in the rain, and didnt get muted once. Hes a legit national treasure.

Liam Young, an author, took to the social media site to describe Stormzy as an activist.

Jourdann Dunn, the model Stormzy praised in his lyric, wrote on Twitter: Stormzy for Prime Minister.

Akala, a rapper and activist, showed solidarity with Stormzy, writing: A pop star from the hood got on national TV at the peak of his career and called the PM a criminal. Bro we got you, differently.

On June 14, 2017, a fire ripped through Grenfell Tower, an apartment block in west London, claiming the lives of scores of residents.

Victims ranged in ages from a stillborn baby to an 84-year-old woman.

Most residents were from lower-income backgrounds and their flats were subsidised by the council in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea  a wealthy, but deeply divided area.
Speaking to shooting survivors, Trump suggested teachers who are adept at firearms could help stop a school shooting.

US President Donald Trump has been slammed for suggesting that teachers should be armed to help prevent school shootings.

Trump made the divisive proposal on Wednesday during a listening session with survivors of last weeks mass shooting at a Florida high school.

Following the remarks, families of victims of gun violence, survivors of mass shootings, gun control advocates, teachers and some politicians called the idea terrible and said the administration should instead focus on reforming gun control legislation.

Its not personally something that I support, Nicole Hockley, whose son Dylan was killed during the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, told Trump.

Rather than arming them with a firearm, I would rather arm them with the knowledge of how to prevent these acts from happening in the first place, she said.

Trump, who admitted it was a controversial idea, said he believed a teacher who was adept at firearms  could very well end the attack very quickly.

He added: I really believe if these cowards knew that the school was well-guarded  I think they wouldnt go into the school to start off with, it could very well solve your problem.

Trump in the past has said it was wrong of anyone to suggest that he was in favour of bringing guns into the classroom.

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At least 17 people were killed last week when a gunman opened fire on students and teachers at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. According to police, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz confessed to carrying out the shooting rampage.

There was an armed guard on duty at the Parkland high school last week, but he was not able to engage with the gunman before the shooting ended.

Teachers meant to be educators

Alfonso Calderon, a survivor of the shooting, said arming teachers was a terrible idea.

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I dont know if Donald Trump has ever been to a public high school, but as far as Im aware, teachers are meant to be educators, Calderon told CNN on Wednesday night.

They are meant to teach young minds how to work in the real world, he added.

They are not meant to know how to carry AR-15s, they are not meant to know how to put on kevlar vests for the other students or for themselves. This is not what we stand for. We stand for small policy changes and maybe possibly big ones in the future  I would never want to see my teachers [carrying arms] and neither do they want to do that.

Scott Israel, who is the sheriff in the county where the Florida shooting took place, said he doesnt believe in arming teachers.

I dont think teachers should be armed. I think teachers should teach, Israel said during a CNN Town Hall on Wednesday.

But thats exactly whats wrong with this country. We have people in Washington, DC  telling teachers what they should do, without asking teachers what do you want to do.

Several teachers took Twitter to highlight the consequences of being armed in the classroom. Many added that they dont want to be armed.

I taught for 15 years  I know schools. I've been thinking about the consequences of arming teachers. Here's what I think may happen. Prove me wrong. pic.twitter.com/DxbJhfbyQf  Mike Stuchbery  (@MikeStuchbery_) February 22, 2018

What the hell, USA. Arming teachers is among the stupidest ideas I have ever heard. I am a teacher. I've trained with firearms as well, in my time in the territorials. In no way, shape or form would I wish to combine those two things. Don't do this.  My name is Scott and I'm a Tweetaholic (@LostArcNZ) February 22, 2018

Trump supports arming teachers. I AM a teacher, and I dont want to be armed! Even with proper training I wouldnt feel comfortable using it, and thats not part of my job description.  Margaret (@profmom14) February 22, 2018

I have been a teacher for 20+ years. I have never fired a gun! I am not comfortable with the idea of arming teachers. Im trained in learning not weaponry.

The idea of the 2A is to defend oneself. How do you defend yourself against an AK15? Giving me a pistol is not the answer.  Mr Fan2zzo (@RHfan2zzo) February 21, 2018

Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who is from Trumps Republican party, also said the idea of arming teachers had practical problems.

The notion that my kids are going to school with teachers that are armed with a weapon is not something that, quite frankly, Im comfortable with, Rubio said during the CNN Town Hall.

Florida Democratic Senator Bill Nelson added that he believes it is a terrible idea.

The suggestion, which was also brought up after the Sandy Hook school shooting in 2012, has garnered support from some.

A few raised their hands when Trump asked those present at the listening session if they were in favour of the idea.

According to a Washington Post-ABC poll after the shooting, the majority of Republicans surveyed (59 percent) said they believe that arming teachers could have prevented last weeks school shooting.

Trump prepared questions card for Wednesdays listening session includes a reminder to say I hear you [Jonathan Ernst/Reuters]

Politicians in at least six states have proposed bills this year that would make it easier to allow firearms on campuses, according to Politico.

Responding to criticism, Trump tweeted on Thursday that he never said give teachers guns'. He said that he was suggesting legislators look at the possibility of giving conceal guns to gun adept teachers with military or special training experience.

He added: Highly trained teachers would also serve as a deterrent to the cowards that do this. Far more assest at much less cost than guards. A gun free is a magnet for bad people. ATTACKS WOULD END!

Trump, who was endorsed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) during the 2016 presidential election, also said he would be in favour of stricter background checks for gun buyers.

Earlier this week, the president called for a ban on bump stocks, a device that allows semiautomatic rifles to fire at the rate of a machine gun.

We need action

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, students nationwide continued their protests against gun violence.

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Students throughout southern Florida walked out of their classrooms to demand stricter gun control.

Thousands also descended on the Florida state capitol under the banner never again.

Wednesdays protests followed a week of near-daily demonstrations, organised by students.

Next month, a nationwide march and walkout is being planned by those who organised the Womens March.

Students in allies are organising the national school walkout to demand Congress pass legislation to keep us safe from gun violence at our schools, on our streets and in our homes and places of worship, the group wrote on Facebook.

We need action.
UN: Food aid to Palestinian refugees likely to run out in June

UNRWA is missing millions of dollars from its budget after the US cut funding to the agency. Now, it cannot guarantee food distribution for the rest of the year.
UN childrens agency deputy steps down saying past allegations threaten to damage UNICEF and entire aid industry.

The deputy director of the United Nations childrenss agency has resigned saying he doesnt want allegations of sexual misconduct made against him to damage the agencys work.

Justin Forsyth said in a statement on Thursday his decision to step down from the UNICEF role was not because of mistakes made while head of UK-based charity Save the Children.

Female colleagues of Forsyths at Save the Children raised complaints against him in 2011 and 2015, alleging he had sent inappropriate text messages and commented on what junior female staff members were wearing.

Forsyth said on Thursday the cases had been dealt with through a proper process many years ago.

I apologised unreservedly at the time and face to face. I apologise again. There is no doubt in my mind that some of the coverage around me is not just to  rightly  hold me to account, but also to attempt to do serious damage to our cause and the case for aid, he said.

UNICEF operates in 190 countries around the world, according to the agencys website.

Its work is funded entirely by voluntary donations from governments, private organisations and some six million individual supporters.

UNICEFs Executive Director Henrietta Fore accepted Forsyths resignation, a spokesperson for the organisation told Al Jazeera.

We are grateful to Mr Forsyth for his work over the past two years to advocate for the most vulnerable children and help advance UNICEFs mission to save childrens lives. This mission is now more important than ever, the spokesperson said.

Forsyths resignation comes amid significant turbulence in the aid sector.

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Oxfam employees had paid sex workers while on an aid mission in Haiti, following the countrys devastating 2010 earthquake.

Oxfam has received 26 new claims of sexual misconduct, allegedly by its staff, since the scandal broke on February 9.

The European Union and UK government have said they will review their funding of Oxfam in light of the allegations.
Regressive policies and hateful rhetoric by Trump, Putin and Xi undermining rights globally, Amnesty International says.

World leaders are undermining human rights for millions of people with regressive policies and hate-filled rhetoric, but their actions have ignited global protest movements in response, a rights group said.

US President Donald Trump, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and Chinas President Xi Jinping were among a number of politicians who rolled out regressive policies in 2017, according to Amnesty Internationals annual human rights report published on Thursday.

The human rights body also mentioned the leaders of Egypt, the Philippines and Venezuela.

The spectres of hatred and fear now loom large in world affairs, and we have few governments standing up for human rights in these disturbing times, Salil Shetty, Amnestys secretary-general, said.

Instead, leaders such as el-Sisi, Duterte, Maduro, Putin, Trump and Xi are callously undermining the rights of millions.

Amnestys The State of the Worlds Human Rights report cites Trumps controversial travel ban prohibiting entrants to the US from six Muslim-majority countries, Venezuelan authorities use of force against demonstrators and unlawful killings in the Philippines anti-drug war as evidence of policies resulting in an international regression on human rights.

More than 20,000 people have been killed since June 2016 in Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes anti-drug campaign, according to an internal report.

Zeid Raad al-Hussein, the UNs human rights chief, has denounced Venezuelas excessive use of force against anti-government protesters, stating pro-government security forces and armed groups were responsible for dozens of demonstrator deaths between April and July last year.

New era of activism

The regressive approach to human rights adopted by a number of world leaders has, however, inspired new waves of social activism and protest, Amnesty said, highlighting the example of the Womens March in January last year, which began in the US before becoming a global protest.

Margaret Huang, Amnestys executive director in the US, said the movement had showcased the power of public protest.

Defenders of human rights around the world can look to the people of the United States to stand with them, even where the US government has failed, Huang said.

Activists from across the country remind us that the fight for universal human rights has always been waged and won by people in their communities.

The Womens March movement saw rallies take place in several US cities, and more than 600 locations worldwide, during January 2017 in protest over perceived anti-women comments made by Trump during his successful presidential election campaign.

Warning Washington

Trump is setting a dangerous precedent on human rights, Amnesty warned as it released the report at a press conference in Washington, DC, citing the presidents discrimination of transgender individuals, verbal attacks on the media, and anti-immigration rhetoric.

It is the first time Amnesty has published its annual human rights assessment  started in 1961  in the US.

Leslie Vinjamuri, an associate fellow with the US and the Americas Programme at the UK-based Chatham House Institute of International Affairs, told Al Jazeera Trump has rejected core principles of human rights.

From his effort during his first weeks in office to implement a Muslim [travel] ban, to his initial response to the violence in Charlottesville, the presidents words have been racist and discriminatory, Vinjamuri said.

Words matter, they send a clear signal that enables certain kinds of activity and inhibits others.

The number of hate groups in the US grew by more than four percent last year, according to US-based civil rights watchdog the Southern Poverty Law Center, marking a 20 percent rise since 2014.

The US Department of State told Al Jazeera it welcomes constructive scrutiny of the US human rights record by NGOs and other governments.

We do not ask of others what we would not demand of ourselves. We are mindful of, and take seriously, advice from domestic and international civil society about how we can improve, a State Department official said anonymously.

Promoting, protecting, and advancing human rights has long been and remains the policy of the United States.

Global crises

Amnestys report  covering 159 countries  arrives amid a number of ongoing humanitarian crises worldwide.

In Yemen, more than 22 million people  about 75 percent of the population  are in need of humanitarian assistance following almost three years of civil war, according to the UN.

Fighting between a Saudi Arabia-led coalition and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels has killed more than 10,000 people since the conflict broke out in March 2015.

The Saudi-led coalition has undertaken a major campaign of aerial bombardment against the Houthis in Yemen, aimed at restoring the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

Elsewhere, in Myanmar, a government crackdown against the countrys mostly Muslim minority Rohingya population led to more than 655,000 refugees fleeing into neighbouring Bangladesh in the final five months of 2017, according to the UN.

The number of refugees has since risen to nearly 690,000 in recent weeks, the UN has said, making it the fastest-growing refugee crisis in the world.

Myanmars history of discrimination and segregation of the Rohingya were early warning signs of the ongoing crisis, Amnestys report said, which was sparked by Rohingya ARSA fighters attacking more than 30 police sites in the countrys western Rakhine State during August 2017.

The UN has said the crisis may amount to genocide.

This episode will stand in history as yet another testament to the worlds catastrophic failure to address conditions that provide fertile ground for mass atrocity crimes, Shetty said.

The transformation of discrimination and demonisation into mass violence is tragically familiar, and its ruinous consequences cannot be easily undone, he added.

The feeble response to crimes against humanity and war crimes from Myanmar to Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen underscored the lack of leadership on human rights. Governments are shamelessly turning the clock back on decades of hard-won protections.
The newly opened Taco Bell, located at 1404 W. University Ave., will host an event from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday to invite customers to buy 50-cent tacos, among other food.

During its customer appreciation weekend, the restaurant will raffle off a 50-inch TV, gift cards, and T-shirts, said Kayla Lampp, the Mexican fast-food chains general manager. Lampp said she hopes the event will attract the college students who werent in town for the soft opening in December.

Its kind of like to tell them, you know, were here right across from the school, and were ready for them now, she said.

Although customers can munch on all the quesaritos and crunchwraps their hearts desire, theyll have to wait a bit longer for booze-filled Baja Blasts, their Mountain Dew-flavored signature drinks. The cantina doesnt have an anticipated date for a liquor license yet, Lampp said.

Thats something we were looking into later on down the line, she said.

Gabrielle Grilli, a UF English junior, said she has quickly become one of the cantina-style Taco Bells most loyal customers.

Im like kind of obsessed with Taco Bell, so Ive been there quite a few times so far, she said.

Despite a busy weekend, the 20-year-old doesnt plan on passing up 50-cent tacos and giveaways.

I think its really nice being so close to the campus because its going to make people want to go there, she said.

Contact Jessica Giles at jgiles@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter at @jessica_giles_.

A cantina-style Taco Bell in Las Vegas.

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As Brandon Taylor scrolled down the list of those killed in the Parkland shooting last Wednesday, he didnt expect to see the name of a 15-year-old student he used to tutor.

Taylor, 20, a UF computer science engineering sophomore, tutored then 10-year-old Peter Wang at the Kumon Math and Reading Center in Coral Springs, Florida.

He was just one of the happiest kids ever, Taylor said. He was there learning stuff beyond his years. He couldnt be happier about it.

Wang, 15, died as he held the door open for his fellow students to escape, according to the New York Times. The violence was too close to home for Taylor, who is determined to have his voice heard. He is one of 20 UF students organizing a bus trip for students to attend the March For Our Lives in Washington D.C., a national march to pressure government officials to enact gun reform and to support victims, on March 24.

In the past, everybody knew about it, but nothing happened, he said. "Now everybody knows about it, and everybody will have to listen.

Taylor is raising money for the buses needed to make the trip on GoFundMe. His goal is $15,000, and he already raised more than $2,700 in a day.

Any extra money will be donated to the Broward Education Foundations GoFundMe campaign to raise money for victims and their families, Taylor said.

Jaimie Ivers, 20, a UF public relations sophomore, posted on the UF Class of 2020 Facebook page asking students if they were interested in a bus trip from UF to D.C. The group is also looking into organizing a march in Gainesville on March 24, she said.

The post received more than 300 likes and 150 comments from students interested in both hosting a march in Gainesville and traveling to D.C. She said more than 500 students on four UF student Facebook pages have shown interest in the ideas.

I wanted to bring UF to help support Parkland and help end gun violence in America, she said. Parkland really should be the last mass shooting.

The tragedy also mobilized her roommate Julia Tiplea, 19, a UF marine science sophomore.

She said the outpour of national support encourages her to make it to the march and seek justice for gun violence victims.

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It makes me feel good to know that people around the country, like strangers I dont even know, are donating to our cause just to get UF students to march for our rights, Tiplea said.

Tiplea knows the reality of mass shootings too well. Her friend, 20-year-old Quinton Robbins, was the second youngest victim during last years Las Vegas shooting. Not even a year later, her 15-year-old brother, Luke, a Stoneman Douglas sophomore, hid in a closet for more than three hours before leaving the school.

The Stoneman Douglas students who organized the #NeverAgain movement against gun violence give her hope for the future.

Young people are powerful, and we shouldnt be discredited just because were young, she said.

Contact Amanda Rosa at arosa@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter at @AmandaNicRosa.

Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and supporters march in Tallahassee for gun control after 17 were shot and killed at the school Feb. 14.
Posted on: February 22, 2018 11:45 AM

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is backing Pope Francis call for tomorrow (Friday, 23 February) to be set aside as a day of prayer and fasting for South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Backing the Popes call, which has been endorsed by Anglican leaders around the globe, Archbishop Justin Welby said: Tomorrow, Pope Francis is calling for a day of fasting and prayer for the people of South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo. He is inviting non-Catholic brothers and sisters to join him. I support this call and invite you to join us  and people around the world  in praying that these terribly suffering populations will know peace.

On my visits to both countries in recent years, its been impossible to describe the overwhelming scale of destruction. These conflicts are causing terrible loss of life. Huge numbers of people have been forced to flee their homes, which is tearing apart families and communities.

There are more than a million new internally displaced people. Famine is causing great suffering and danger. In South Sudan, up to six million people face starvation. Sexual violence and humiliation are being committed on the most atrocious scale in both countries.

Recalling his last visit to South Sudan, Archbishop Justin said: I listened to a political leader tell me about the suffering and slaughter of her people. I visited a refugee camp in Uganda filled with South Sudanese children whose families had fled their homes to escape death.

We are called to pray fervently for the millions of people who simply cannot take any more of this war.

He offered four pointers for people who wanted to pray but who were unsure how:

For the leaders of South Sudan and DRC to turn their hearts from war to peace  and a peaceful solution to political problems.





For all refugees from these countries.





For forgiveness, healing and new relationships.





For the local churches doing so much to look after people who are suffering, and to bring peace.

He continued: In the words of the acting Anglican primate of South Sudan, Archbishop Peter Munde Yacoub: Jesus says if we pray faithfully, the mountains can fall into the sea. We have mountains in front of us: the evil war and the killing of innocent people. Pray that Almighty God will remove this evil war and bring us peace, and remove the suffering of South Sudanese people.

As the Pope says, our heavenly Father always listens to His children who cry to Him in pain and in anguish. He heals the broken hearted and binds their wounds (Psalm 147, 3).

The Pope is asking that we also hear this cry  and that each of us, before God, asks ourselves: What can I do for peace?

He continued: Please make some time tomorrow to pray, and to fast in some way if you can.

Lets get behind the Popes appeal and come together as one united body of Christ to pray for our sisters and brothers in South Sudan and DRC. Almighty God, bring peace.
(ANSA) - Rome, February 22 - Amnesty International said Wednesday Italy was steeped in racism and rightwing parties were at fault for stoking anti-foreigner sentiment.

Amnesty said Italy was "steeped in hatred, racism and xenophobia, and unjustified fear of the other".

It said 95% of discriminatory, racist, and hate speech on the Internet came from the centre right, The anti-migrant League led by firebrand leader Matteo Salvini led the way at 50% of such speech, Amnesty said in its report.

It was followed by the nationalist, neo-Fascist Brothers of Italy (FdI) led by Giorgia Meloni at 27%, the Amnesty report said. In third place came Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia (FI) at 18%. Anti-migrant League leader Salvini on Thursday said he wanted to meet Amnesty International over the report. "I want to restore tranquility to Italy, respect for the rules and dignity of work," Salvini said. "No violence, no xenophobia, no racism.

"Limited and controlled immigration will guarantee serene and peaceful co-existence.

"That is why I have asked to meet representatives of Amnesty International to explain to them what the League is and does where it governs to guarantee everyone's rights "I hope to have this meeting in the coming hours".


(by Bianca Maria Manfredi) (ANSA) - Milan, February 20 - It took three years to prepare a new show on Albrecht Durer and the German Renaissance opening Wednesday at Milan's Palazzo Reale through June 24.

Featuring a selection including 12 paintings, three watercolors and 60 engravings, graphic works and books, the exhibition will show the mutual impact of Italian and German art in the 16th century. It will display the works by the Nuremberg master alongside those of contemporaries such as Lucas Cranach, Albrecht Altdorfer and Hans Baldung Grien in Germany; and Giorgione, Andrea Mantegna, Leonardo da Vinci, Andrea Solario, Giovanni Bellini and Titian in Italy. The painting chosen by curators as the symbol of the exhibit 'Durer and the Renaissance between Germany and Italy' is the Portrait of a Young Venetian Woman on loan from Vienna's Kunsthistoriches Museum - a masterwork highlighting the strong bond connecting German and northern Italian art.

The exhibit will be opening at Palazzo Reale after a hugely successful show on Caravaggio, which was extended until February 4 and visited by 420,000 people.

Curated by Bernard Aikema with Andrew John Martin's cooperation, the Durer show includes six sections.

The first is dedicated to 'Durer, German art, Venice, Italy' with two 'Venetian' masterworks - Feast of the Rosary and Christ among the Doctors.

Another room focuses on 'Geometry, measure, architecture' as Durer was not only a painter and engraver bur also a scholar.

The third part focuses on Nature with a selection of landscapes and the fourth on portraits.

A separate area showcases parts of his Apocalypse, a famous series of scenes from the Book of Revelation, likely the first book that was illustrated and published by an artist, and the series on the Large Passion, exhibited together with Melancholia, Durer's most famous engraving, on loan from the National Gallery.

The last section is on Classicism and its alternatives.

Milan's culture councilor, Filippo Del Corno, said the city is hosting a retrospective dedicated to Durer "for the first time".

Promoted and produced by Milan city council's culture department, Palazzo Reale and 24 Ore Cultura, the exhibit will also be open on Easter Sunday and Monday, April 25 and May 1.


(ANSA) - Amsterdam, February 22 - European Parliament delegation chief Giovanni La Via said after inspecting the temporary Amsterdam home of the European Medicines Agency Thursday that "it's an intense moment, we asked a lot of questions and there weren't very many answers" from Dutch officials. He said "in fact we discovered that the adjustments to the office won't envisage a tender, and they think they'll be able to do it in time".

He added "it also emerged that there is no alternative plan.

If the work isn't ready in time there is no alternative".

Italy has appealed against a November 20 decision to assign the EMA to Amsterdam rather than Milan amid concerns the Dutch city may not be ready to host the agency after it moves from London after Brexit.

The temporary office is housed in the Spark Building, while the permanent home has yet to be built.


Migrants: academics and politicians meet in Barcelona Studies on phenomenon and effects on society and cities

NAPLES - The situation of refugees in Europe, the flows affecting Mediterranean society, inter-cultural relations in the area, the search for a political dialogue and a joint Euro-Mediterranean policy on migration are some of the issues on the agenda of the annual Imiscoe conference, the European network of academics and researchers dealing with migration to be held in Barcelona on July 2-4.



The conference, the network's 15th annual event, vies to discuss migration as an opportunity to connect societies and cities in Europe. It aims to promote dialogue between academics and policy makers to open a forum of discussion, connecting the Mediterranean to studies on migrations.



During the two-day event, studies on trans-nationalism, solidarity, diaspora and development will be discussed together with principles like human rights, democracy and liberalism.



Twenty researchers from Mena countries will participate.




BEIRUT - In the latest Syrian regime bombing on the opposition-held Eastern Ghouta, the number of civilians killed in two weeks has risen to at least 400, 94 of which are minors. A draft resolution is being drawn up at the UN headquarters in New York for a "humanitarian truce", while the estimated 400,000 civilians in Eastern Ghouta are in dire need of food, water and medicine.



On Wednesday, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said that 13 healthcare facilities supported by the organization had been targeted and damaged or destroyed in only 3 days. The UN Security Council is working on a draft resolution for a humanitarian truce that will last at least 30 days. Sweden and Kuwait have pushed for the resolution to be voted on Thursday, especially to be able to evacuate the seriously ill and injured. The truce proposed in the resolution would not stop attacks on the Islamic State (ISIS) or Al-Qaeda affiliates.

Russia is willing to consider a UN Security Council resolution for a 30-day truce so long as it leaves "out of any ceasefire the terrorist formations like Islamic State, Jabhat Al-Nusra (JaN) or other related ones that collaborate with them", Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in Belgrade on Thursday. "Unfortunately our Western partners do not agree to exclude terrorists from the truce", he added.
TEL AVIV - Hundreds of asylum seekers, most of whom Africans, protested on Thursday outside the Holot migrant detention camp in central Israel.

Media reports say that the protestors are against the Israeli government policy of imposing deportations towards African nations including Rwanda. During the protest, seven migrants were reportedly arrested who had refused to be deported. Many in Israeli civil society are against the policy and many demonstrations in support of the migrants have been held.
ROME - Italy has regressed in a frightening manner on the issue of immigration, the director of the Italian branch of Amnesty International, Gianni Rufini, told ANSAmed.

He added that it is a country ''where racism, xenophobia, and violent hatred of migrants is growing to an ever more concerning extent'', such as in the case of the Macerata shooting spree that targeted migrants. Rufini was speaking during the presentation of the organization's 2017-2018 report in Rome. ''We see that these attitudes of hatred and violence, across the entire political sphere, are poisoning our society,'' he stressed. He added that ''Italy has gone from being the country where its state forces save those drowning in the central Mediterranean and then start procedures for asylum or other forms of protection to being the country that pushes them back directly from the sea into Libyan concentration camps and that has prevented NGOs from continuing their rescue operations.'' The steep drop in landings at the end of 2017 ''is not helping Italy to develop a welcoming atmosphere. There continues to be yelling about a lack of security said to have been caused by migration (...). Italy is one of the safest countries in Europe today,'' he said, ''and yet citizens continue to think that there are dangers and a lack of security.''
Moscow sends new SU-57 stealth jets to Syria SU-35 and SU-25 also returning

(ANSAmed) - MOSCOW, FEBRUARY 22 - Russia has deployed two fifth-generation SU-57 stealth fighters to its Khmeimim air base in Syria, according to Russian online daily Meduza, citing blogger Wael Al Hussaini, who published a video on Twitter showing the two fighter jets.



The SU-57 jets are the Russian air force's "crown jewels", and Moscow allegedly also sent four SU-35 jets, four SU-25 jets, and one A-50U reconnaissance aircraft.



The Russian Defence Ministry has not issued a statement.



Russian-language business daily Vedomosti said the deployment of the jets, along with the A-50U, should be "read not only as a desire to test the jets on the battlefield, but also as a show of Russia's determination to support the (Syrian) government forces' operation in Ghouta".



The A-50U was pulled last December after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared "mission accomplished" in Syria.



The return of the SU-35 and SU-25 jets are a de facto rebuilding of Russia's core air power in Syria.(ANSAmed).




Palestinian killed in Jericho in West Bank Following clashes with Israeli Army. Accounts of events differ

(ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, FEBRUARY 22 - A Palestinian man was killed on Wednesday morning following clashes with the Israeli Army near Jericho in the West Bank, according to Israeli Army and Palestinian sources, whose accounts of events differ.



The Israeli Army said the man, identified as 33-year-old Yassin al-Saradeeh, tried to attack one of its soldiers with an iron bar and tried to steal the soldier's rifle.



It said the man was also found to be carrying a knife.



Palestinian news agency WAFA, meanwhile, said al-Saradeeh "was beaten to death by at least 20 soldiers" after being arrested and placed in custody.(ANSAmed).




Amnesty International criticises France on migration

(ANSAmed) - PARIS, FEBRUARY 22 - France is still "not up to its responsibilities" on welcoming the exiled and foreigners, according to Amnesty International in its annual report. The report was released Wednesday, just one day after the presentation of the country's draft law on asylum and migration, which contains a crackdown on detention and expulsion for irregular migrants.(ANSAmed).




Iran says fear of war 'everywhere' in region Deputy foreign minister says Iran sought to fight terrorism

(ANSAmed) - ROME, FEBRUARY 22 - Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the BBC on Thursday the situation with its ally Syria is "very complicated" and that fears of a regional war are growing.



He said Iran's presence in Syria was not to create a new front against Israel, but rather to fight terrorism.



"Just imagine if we were not there. Now you had Daesh [Islamic State group] in Damascus, and maybe in Beirut and other places," Araghchi told the BBC.



He refused to confirm that Iran sent a drone this month from Syria into Israeli airspace.



He did confirm the drone belonged to the Syrian army, but he said the Israelis "shouldn't be angry when they are faced with something that they are doing against others on a daily basis".



(ANSAmed).




Italy has slipped dangerously backwards on migrants, Amnesty Concern voiced during 2017-2018 report presentation

(ANSAmed) - ROME, FEBRUARY 22 - Italy has regressed in a frightening manner on the issue of immigration, the director of the Italian branch of Amnesty International, Gianni Rufini, told ANSAmed.



He added that it is a country ''where racism, xenophobia, and violent hatred of migrants is growing to an ever more concerning extent'', such as in the case of the Macerata shooting spree that targeted migrants. Rufini was speaking during the presentation of the organization's 2017-2018 report in Rome. ''We see that these attitudes of hatred and violence, across the entire political sphere, are poisoning our society,'' he stressed. He added that ''Italy has gone from being the country where its state forces save those drowning in the central Mediterranean and then start procedures for asylum or other forms of protection to being the country that pushes them back directly from the sea into Libyan concentration camps and that has prevented NGOs from continuing their rescue operations.'' The steep drop in landings at the end of 2017 ''is not helping Italy to develop a welcoming atmosphere. There continues to be yelling about a lack of security said to have been caused by migration (...). Italy is one of the safest countries in Europe today,'' he said, ''and yet citizens continue to think that there are dangers and a lack of security.'' (ANSAmed).




Royal Jordanian has invited its Jordanian fans, customers and frequent flyers to take part in renaming the airlines loyalty programme, by submitting their suggestions through RJs social media channels.

The renaming campaign will last until Feb. 27, 2018.

The name should follow certain criteria: a one- or two-word name that should work in both Arabic and English, and reflect pride; it should relate to Royal Jordanian and flying. The tone should be premium and elegant, yet the name itself should be catchy and easy to read and pronounce.

RJ President/CEO Stefan Pichler said: We listen to our customers. Royal Jordanian listens to the Jordanian people. We are the proud national carrier of Jordan and its ambassador of goodwill overseas, which contributes to the countrys growth and prosperity.

He added: We want all Jordanians to share their suggestions with us to shape the new and improved member-award programme by suggesting a name for it. This name should reflect the inspirational and unifying Royal Crown which is part of our strong brand.

Pichler said: The frequent flyer program is a major asset for our company as it could help increase customers loyalty to the airline and encourage the purchase of additional products. That is why we are moving to promote the program and develop a sound and profitable business model.

We care about our customers opinion and feedback, and that is what keeps us constantly looking to improve the services we offer to our guests. Waiting for your suggestions!
TAV Airports Holding increased passengers served 10% and reached 115 million.

The company increased revenue 3% and reached EUR 1,143 million. The company will continue to create social benefit to foster economic growth in its operating geography.

TAV Airports Holding Executive Board Member & CEO Sani Sener said:

The main theme of 2017 for us and the aviation sector in general was a sharp recovery from a very difficult 2016.

In 2017, our consolidated revenue increased 3% and reached EUR 1143 million. EBITDA increased 13% and reached EUR 519 million with improved cost control. We served around 115 million passengers in 2017, indicating 10% growth compared to 2016. We finished the year with 9% growth in Istanbul Ataturk Airport international O&D passengers and 7% growth in Istanbul international passengers. Our net profit grew at 37% and reached EUR175 million. In all items we have either met our revised guidance or have performed better than guidance, due to better than expected passenger recovery.

In 2017, we distributed TRY248 million in dividends in line with our smart growth strategy and our official dividend policy of 50% payout. Similarly, for 2018, our Board of Directors has resolved to submit for shareholder approval, a dividend of TRY406 million, out of 2017 earnings at the General Assembly meeting, which corresponds to a payout of 50%. We will continue to produce value for our investors both through regular dividend payments and addition of new concessions to our portfolio for further enhancement of future returns.

We are expecting another strong year in 2018 with 10 to 12 percent growth in total TAV passengers Under our traffic and FX assumptions and assuming Istanbul Ataturk Airport will operate for the full year in 2018, we expect 6 to 8 percent growth in Istanbul Ataturk Airport international passengers, 9 to 11 percent growth in Istanbul Ataturk Airport international O&D passengers, 2 to 4 percent growth in consolidated revenue, 5 to 7 percent growth in EBITDA, double digit increase in net profit and approximately EUR 80 million capital expenditures compared to 2017.

Sener concluded: I would like to thank our shareholders, our employees and all our stakeholders for building one of the truly global Turkish brands. We will continue to serve the world proudly with the best-in-class know how that we developed in our home country. 
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The conviction of an Artesia man charged in the 2010 murder of his girlfriend has been upheld by the New Mexico Court of Appeals.

Attorney General Hector Balderas announced this afternoon that the appeals court has confirmed the conviction and sentence of Dallas Hnulik, 30, for the murder of his girlfriend, Brandy Capps. Balderas office prioritized the case early in his administration, and Hnulik was convicted of second-degree murder in July 2015.

My office will continue to work with local law enforcement across New Mexico to attack violent crime and keep the most dangerous criminals behind bars, said Balderas. Violence against women and domestic violence will not be tolerated in New Mexico, and I am thankful for the hard work of the Eddy County Sheriffs Office and Pecos Valley Drug Task Force.

I am also very proud of the Office of the Attorney General prosecutors for securing this conviction and our Criminal Appeals Division for working to have this hard-fought conviction upheld.

Hnulik, then 23, shot Capps  who was seated in the passenger seat of a vehicle parked at a North 13th Street residence while he sat in the backseat  in the head at close range with a single-action revolver on July 31, 2010.

The defense had attempted to allege the gun discharged accidentally. Firearms experts discounted that claim, and state attorneys also pointed to a history of domestic disputes between the couple.

A Fifth Judicial District Court jury deliberated for just two hours before finding Hnulik guilty in the summer of 2015. He was sentenced by Judge Lisa B. Riley to 12 years in prison.
Banks said to be directly or indirectly affected by the scam include SBI, Allahabad Bank and Union Bank of India.

New Delhi: The finance ministry will soon call a meeting of top officials of scam-hit Punjab National Bank and other lenders to amicably resolve the issues concerning payment liabilities of Rs 11,400 crore arising from the alleged fraud, sources said.

Indias second largest bank PNB has said it will honour all its bonafide commitments after the scam surfaced involving allegedly fraudulent use of Letter of Undertakings (LoUs) by jeweller Nirav Modi and his associates.

The government is of the view that the issue is between PNB and other public sector banks and it should be resolved amicably as soon as possible, sources said.

Keeping this in mind, the department of financial services would soon call a meeting of top officials of all the banks involved in the matter, sources added.

The PNB fraud pertains to issuance of fake Letters of Understanding (LoUs) to companies associated with billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi by errant PNB employees, which enabled these companies to get buyers credit from international branches of other Indian lenders.

Banks said to be directly or indirectly affected by the scam include SBI, Allahabad Bank and Union Bank of India.

In January, PNB had lodged an FIR with CBI stating that fraudulent LoUs worth Rs 280.7 crore were first issued on January 16. At that time, PNB had said it was digging into records to examine the magnitude of the fraud.

In the complaint, PNB had named three diamond firms  Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds - saying they had approached it on January 16 with a request for buyers credit for making payment to overseas suppliers.

The case is already being probed by multiple agencies and the CBI has arrested a general manager-rank officer of the Punjab National Bank in connection with the alleged fraud.

Rajesh Jindal, who was the head of the Brady House, Mumbai, branch of the bank during 2009-11, was also taken into custody on Tuesday night. It is alleged that the issuance of Letters of Undertaking (LoU) to Nirav Modi group firms without sanctioned limits started during his tenure.

Mr Modi runs an international jewellery empire that reaches from India to New York, with a string of high-end brands. He and his family fled India weeks before the bank registered a criminal case with the CBI on January 31.
The maverick filmmaker apparently mocked Bollywood stars associated with films 'pitted' against his 'Kedarnath.'

Mumbai: The row between producer Prernaa Arora and director Abhishek Kapoor over Kedarnath seemed all set to snowball into a major one, possibly even a legal turn.

However, things now appear to be on the mend as the duo is trying their best to resolve the matter, as revealed by the former recently.

But before the row reached this stage, Abhishek Kapoor, who has reportedly always struggled to get along with his colleagues, was apparently furious at not just Prernaa but even other Bollywood stars related to films 'pitted' against his.

The director apparently ridiculed Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Janhvi and Rohit Shetty to his close ones, according to a report in DNA.

One of the first cracks in Abhishek-Prernas equation came over the clash between their film and Shah Rukh Khans Zero on December 21 with the producer suggesting a change in release date.

Her suggestion hurt Gattus ego. So, he tweeted that Kedarnath would release with Zero, even after Prernaa had officially announced that the film would come on a different date," a source told the daily.

Abhishek was furious and even Shah Rukh was at the receiving end of his remarks. Right before the Zero teaser was released on January 1, Gattu sent out a text saying he had watched the teaser and the song and felt SRK looked like an alien in it. He has been ridiculing the actor and his look as a dwarf ever since. He is confident that his film will be better than Zero," a source revealed.

Moreover, 2018 has also been termed as the year of the star kids and particularly the girls Sridevis daughter Janhvi and Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singhs daughter Sara have been pitted against each other. Abhishek was not too pleased with the first poster of Janhvis Dhadak, produced by Karan Johar and reportedly slammed it.

He sent a few texts saying he feels its a rehash of a South film. He also said that the posters lacked steam. Hence, he didnt consider Janhvi as a threat to Sara, a source revealed.

Also with Rohit Shetty and Ranveer Singhs out-and-out masala entertainer 'Simmba' coming a week after Kedarnath, the films prospects would definitely suffer. But Abhishek is sure such a situation wouldnt arise.

He is extremely sure that Rohit wont be able to wrap up Simmba in time, and it wont hit theatres on the decided date, another source stated.

We wonder if Abhishek has gone too far in ruffling feathers of the some of the most prominent names in the industry.
Pant Mein Gun from Welcome to New York, featuring the Punjabi star, seems to have offended some members of the Sikh community.

It seems Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjhs latest song Pant Mein Gun has rubbed some people the wrong way. Mumbai resident Harjeet Singh, who claims to be offended by the song from Welcome to New York, has filed a complaint against Diljit, lyricist Danish Sabri and music composer Sajid-Wajid for obscenity.

Vibhav Krishna, the lawyer representing the films producer, says, Our client, Pooja Films, has been receiving numerous telephone calls. Many police complaints and pleas have been filed in objection to the lyrics. All these allegations are false and baseless.

Wajid is genuinely stunned by the allegations. Mera TashanPant Mein Gunis my brother Sajids catchphrase and we used it to create a climactic song sequence for Diljit, who plays a guy with a do-or-die chance to perform on stage. Vulgarity ka toh koi sawaal hi nahin hai. In all the years that my brother and I have been composing songs for films, weve never resorted to double meanings or suggestive lyrics.

As for a section of the Sikh community being offended, Wajid says, We would never ever dream of causing offence to any community. Diljit is a fine and responsible member of the Sikh community. He heard the song and he loved it. He is actually on the stage in the film with a gun in his hand. So where is the question of a double meaning?

He feels people who protest should take up causes that are more meaningful. I seriously think protesters should stop barking up the wrong tree. They should look at the songs and music videos that deliberately objectify women and portray them in a crude and offensive manner, he concludes.
Atwal was convicted of the attempted murder of Punjab minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986.

Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, who was active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation, posed with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife Sophie Trudeau at an event in Mumbai on February 20. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: Hours after controversy erupted over the invitation of a convicted Khalistani terrorist to an official dinner reception supposed to be attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canadian MP Randeep S Sarai on Thursday apologised over the issue.

Sarai took the responsibility for inviting pro-Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's reception dinner in New Delhi, which is scheduled to take place later on Thursday.

"I alone facilitated his request to attend this important event. I should have exercised better judgment, and I take full responsibility for my actions," Sarai said in a statement.

Photographs from a dinner event for the Trudeaus in Mumbai triggered controversy after it showed convicted Khalistani terrorist, who was active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation, posing with Trudeau's wife Sophie at an event on February 20.

Also read: Khalistani terrorist 'invitee' at Trudeaus Mumbai event, sparks controversy

According to reports, Atwal who was active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation was also invited for a formal dinner with the Trudeau, hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi.

Atwal was convicted of the attempted murder of Punjab minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986 with three others.

Canada PMO clarified that his invitation has been rescinded.

Trudeau said his government has taken the issue very seriously. He said the Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal should never have received an invitation.

Also read: Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal no longer in Home Ministrys blacklist

Canadian Minister Kirsty Duncan also reacted strongly to the situation stating that "this person of course should not have been invited".

"Invitation has now been rescinded. We are looking into how it happened," the minister added.

The Ministry of External Affairs said there are two aspects to the issue -- presence and visa. However, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the ministry was not aware of how it happened.

"We have ascertained information from our Commission," he said.

He also called for not making any assumptions on how the convict managed to enter India. "In due course, we will be able to come up with a reason that how he managed to come in India," he said.

Here's the apology statement of Canada MP Randeep S Sarai shared by Canadian journalist Abigail Bimman on Twitter:




Rawat also said, the Centre is seriously contemplating to address issues in the Northeast with its Act East Policy to encourage development.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat made the statement while addressing the 'North East Region of India Bridging Gaps and Securing Borders Summit,' in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said that Pakistan and China are behind illegal immigration in the Northeast.

He made this statement while addressing the 'North East Region of India Bridging Gaps and Securing Borders Summit,' in New Delhi on Wednesday.

"Migration from Bangladesh is due to two reasons. One, they are running out of space. Large areas get flooded during the monsoon and they have constricted area sto stay. So, people will continue coming into our place," the Army chief said.

He added, "The other issue is a planned immigration that is taking place because of our western neighbour (Pakistan). They will always try and ensure that this area is taken over through proxy warfare. This proxy game is being played very well by our western neighbour and supported by our northern neighbour (China).

Read: Will receive Pak infiltrators to bury them 2.5 ft below ground: Bipin Rawat

He said we need to understand the problem in the Northeast.

"Is it identity problem? Is it a problem of development? Is it a problem of security? Or, is it a problem with the demography that is happening right now? I think it is all-encompassing and we will have to look at it holistically," the Army chief said.

He also said that the Centre is seriously contemplating to address issues in the Northeast with its Act East Policy and looking at development from Central perspective.

"Development is the main issue and identifying the population of this area (Northeast) with the population of mainland becomes important. The Centre is looking at Northeast with right perspective and time will not be far when we will be able to amalgamate this region and with development will take control of people of this region," said the Army chief.

Also Read: Terrorist bases in Pak aiming to revive insurgency in J&K: Rawat

Maintaining that it was difficult to change the population dynamics of the Northeast, General Rawat said, "There is a party called AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front). They have grown in a faster time-frame than the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). When we talk of Jan Sangh with two MPs and where they have reached, AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam."

The AIUDF is a political party active in the Indian state of Assam. It is the champion of Muslims in Assam.

The Army chief said, "We have to live with the people of the region, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or sex. If we understand that then we will be able to live together happily. We will have more trouble in segregating people."

Talking about Arunachal Pradesh, he said, "Arunachalis speak pure Hindi so amalgamating them with us is not a problem."

China claims parts of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory.
Officials say Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, no longer figures in the home ministry's blacklist of Sikh extremists.

Japal Atwal was a Sikh separatist active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation when he was convicted of attempt to murder of Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, whose invitation to a dinner in honour of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was rescinded following a controversy, no longer figures in the home ministry's blacklist of Sikh extremists, officials said.

The central government time-to-time reviews the blacklist of the Sikh extremists taking into account intelligence inputs and activities of the persons concerned, a home ministry official said.

Names of nearly 150 wanted terrorists and their associates were removed from the blacklist in the last few years, the official said.

"Atwal's name no longer figures in the current blacklist ," the official said.

The review of the blacklist is always done in consultation with the Punjab government and central security agencies.

Most of the persons whose names have been deleted from the wanted list are believed to be currently based in countries like Pakistan, the US, Canada, Norway, France and Germany.

After the government removed them from the blacklist , they could move freely around the world and even return to India.

Perhaps taking advantage of the central government's decision to remove his name from the blacklist, Atwal arrived in ndia and subsequently got the invitation to the dinner being hosted in honour of Trudeau by High Commissioner of Canada Nadir Patel, the official said.

Atwal was a Sikh separatist active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation when he was convicted of attempt to murder of Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

Sidhu was shot at twice on a road and survived, but was later assassinated in India.

A judge called it "an act of terrorism" and sentenced Atwal and three others to 20 years in prison.

It is not yet immediately known as to how Atwal got an Indian visa and why he was cleared to attend official events here.

Atwal is said to have been active in Canadian politics in recent years.
She undertook the sortie from IAF's Jamnagar base on Monday, he said.

Three women pilots, Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh, had undergone strenuous training programme to fly fighter jets. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: Scripting history, flying officer Avani Chaturvedi has become the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft, an IAF official said.

"Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo when she flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo flight," the official said.

She undertook the sortie from IAF's Jamnagar base on Monday, he said.

Three women pilots, Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh, had undergone strenuous training programme to fly fighter jets.

They were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.

The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for the fighter stream.
Maldives president has overlooked India's repeated appeals, urging to roll back emergency provisions imposed early February.

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen on Tuesday extended a draconian state of emergency by another month, bolstering his grip on power in the troubled Indian Ocean island nation. (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: India, which has being trying to persuade Maldives to restore democracy, has reacted sharply against President Abdulla Yameens decision to extend emergency in the island nation by 30 more days.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said: We are deeply dismayed that the Government of Maldives has extended the State of Emergency for a further 30 days. The manner in which the extension of the State of Emergency was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Constitution of Maldives is also a matter of concern.

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has overlooked repeated appeals from India urging him to roll back the emergency provisions imposed early February; the last one made just a few hours before he announced the 30-day extension.

New Delhi stressed that the extension of emergency would lead to consequent delay in the resumption of the political process and the continuing suspension of the functioning of democratic institutions including the judiciary is likely to further delay restoration of normalcy in Maldives.

Maldives President Yameen on Tuesday extended a draconian state of emergency by another month, bolstering his grip on power in the troubled Indian Ocean island nation.

President Yameen has initially imposed 15 days emergency on February 5, curtailing the powers of the judiciary and the legislature after the country's Supreme Court ordered the release of a group of Opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. Among them was exiled ex-president Mohamed Nasheed. The court had also reinstated 12 members unseated from the parliament last July for floor-crossing.

Under Maldives Constitution, matters that require compliance by citizens can only be passed if more than half of its total members are present in the House.

Because the opposition parties refused to consider extending emergency, President Yameen was not able to fulfil this basic requirement. He has attempted to work around the provision by claiming that the state of emergency would not apply to law-abiding citizens but only "those alleged to have carried out illegal activities".

According to a Reuters report, Maldives prosecutor general Aishath Bisham had told police that the extended state of emergency was unconstitutional. There has, however, been no word from the police on this communication. President Yameen had earlier removed two police chiefs who had refused to follow his directions.

President Yameen's soldiers had responded by storming the Supreme Court and charging the country's two senior judges and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom with bribery.

Since then, the remaining judges of the top court have, one by one, surrendered their power to decide cases individuals and struck down provisions of the February 1 Supreme Court verdict that had triggered the crisis for President Yameen.
Modi said, 'If Meghalaya is properly connected with rest of India through road, rail and air, then it can transform lives of people.'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address election rallies in Nagaland and Meghalaya this week to drum up support for the BJP in the north-eastern states. (Photo: ANI)

Phulbari (Meghalaya): In order to give a push to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) victory prospect in poll-bound Meghalaya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that they would ensure good governance guided by the philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' in the state.

"The enthusiasm and support that people of Meghalaya have towards the BJP is overwhelming. I thank the people for coming out in large numbers. I urge people of Meghalaya to give us a chance to serve the state. We will ensure good governance guided by the philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing a public rally in Meghalaya's Phulbari in West Garo Hills district.

"It is due to the 125 crore Indians that the entire world sees India as a new ray of hope," he added.

Further lashing out at the Congress party, Prime Minister Modi questioned them as to why were they blaming 'Modi' for all causes and not discussing development.

"Why is the Congress government in Meghalaya not discussing development? Why are they not telling the people about their development works? They are only busy in blaming 'Modi'," he said.

Pointing to the major developments in the state, Prime Minister Modi said "Meghalaya needs a double engine for growth. A BJP led Government at Centre and a BJP government in the state. If Meghalaya is properly connected with rest of India through road, rail and air, then it can transform lives of people in the state."

"These elections in Meghalaya are about freeing the state from scams of Congress government. Also, what is the reason that Congress government could not ensure electricity for all in the state? Through the Saubhagya Yojana, we will ensure power for all," he noted.

Moreover, to ensure opportunities for the people in Meghalaya, Prime Minister Modi said, "We want to further strengthen the 'Act East Policy.' This will open up opportunities for people in the state and in the entire Northeast".

"Meghalaya has immense potential for the growth of tourism sector but the state lacks tourists. No efforts were made ever to strengthen the sector. We will ensure more and more tourists arrive here. This will generate income opportunities for people," he stated.

Taking a jibe at Meghalaya Chief Ministe Mukul Sangma, Modi said that despite him being a doctor, the health infrastructure was bad in the state.

"The Chief Minister of Meghalaya is a doctor but look at the condition of health infrastructure in the state. It is in ruins. Women and children have to suffer due to lack of proper health facilities," he said.

"Centre allocated funds for construction of houses in Meghalaya but those funds were never utilized. The state government did not build houses for the poor. It was our government that brought back our nationals who were stranded in worn-torn areas of Iraq, Yemen and Afghanistan. We closely monitored every situation and ensured they reached back home safely," he asserted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address election rallies in Nagaland and Meghalaya this week to drum up support for the BJP in the north-eastern states.

There are six assembly seats in Tuensang district in the eastern part of Nagaland.

The BJP has fielded candidates on four seats, while its ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) nominees are in the fray on the rest two constituencies.
Gen Bipin Rawat spoke of proxy warfare in the Northeast by Pak with China's help and 'planned' influx of Bangladeshi immigrants.

Gen Rawat had referred to Badruddin Ajmals AIDUF in connection with reports of increase in Muslim population in several districts of Assam, observing that the party has grown 'faster' than the BJP in the 1980s. (Photo: ANI)

Guwahati: All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) president Badruddin Ajmal on Thursday said General Bipin Rawat has been "misinformed and misguided" after the Army Chief on Wednesday hinted that an influx of illegal Muslim migrants into Assam had led to the growth of the former's party.

"We respect General Rawat a lot but I think he has been misinformed and misguided," AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal said in Guwahati.

The controversy started after General Bipin Rawat spoke of proxy warfare in the Northeast by Pakistan with help from China and the planned influx of Bangladeshi immigrants.

Also read: Army says nothing political or religious in Bipin Rawats comments

Clarifying on how the party has maintained equality, Ajmal said his party had always given "20-25 seats to Hindu brothers in all elections," and urged that they be allowed to "live with the dignity of an Indian."

"If Army chief is saying that demographic change is happening in Assam then it is the government's job to check it. We are the only party which said that shoot anyone who infiltrate into our borders," he further said.

He also said that the party has sought appointments with the President, Prime Minister and home minister to "clarify their position."

Earlier on Thursday, Ajmal expressed shock over Rawat's statement and termed it as political in nature.

Gen Rawat had referred to Ajmals AIDUF in connection with reports of increase in Muslim population in several districts of Assam, observing that the party has grown "faster" than the BJP in the 1980s.

The Army came to Rawat's defence stating that there was nothing political or religious in his statement.
However, senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi has shown to us an order passed (by Justice Lokurs bench) on Wednesday (to defer the matter).

New Delhi: A larger bench of the Supreme Court will hear on Friday matters relating to land acquisition following a judicial disagreement over decisions of two different three-judge benches in the award of compensation to those whose lands were acquired for development projects.

Two two-judge benches of the apex court on Thursday referred matters listed before them to the CJI for a hearing on Friday and deciding an appropriate bench to take up the land cases.

The urgency for referring the matters to the CJI seems linked to a batch of over 30 cases relating to land acquisition in Gujarat listed for hearing on March 6 soon after the Holi holidays.

On Thursday, a bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Amitava Roy referred a matter to CJI for constituting an appropriate bench to deal with the piquant situation that has arisen after a controversial order was passed by a bench of Justices Madan B. Lokur, Kurian Joseph and Deepak Gupta on Wednesday asking two-judge benches to defer hearing land acquisition matters that had been listed on Thursday and Friday.

Another two-judge bench, comprising Justices A.K. Goel and Uday Lalit, also sent Haryana-related land case to the CJI for deciding an appropriate bench for its hearing.

Justice Goel and Justice Lalit noted, On April 18, 2016 this matter was directed to be listed after the decision in Indore Development Authority case. As a three-judge bench of Justices Arun Mishra, A.K. Goel and Shantanagouder had decided the matter on February 8, this matter is posted before us today.

However, senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi has shown to us an order passed (by Justice Lokurs bench) on Wednesday (to defer the matter).

The issues involved in the matter need to be resolved by a larger bench at the earliest. These matters may be placed before the appropriate bench tomorrow i.e. February 23, as per orders of the Chief Justice of India, it said.

On February 8, the three-judge bench led by Justice Mishra, in the Indore Development Authority case, had ruled that in a land acquisition case, once the amount of compensation has been unconditionally tendered and it is refused, that would amount to payment and the obligation under section 31(1) of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act stands discharged. The bench had upheld IDAs land acquisition proceeding on this ground.

During the hearing, Justice Mishras bench had overruled a 2013 verdict of a different three-judge bench headed by former CJI R.M. Lodha in a land acquisition matter related to the Pune Municipal Corporation.

A piquant situation arose in the Supreme Court on Wednesday when Justice Lokurs bench did not agree with the February 8 verdict by Justice Mishras bench overruling the decision given by a bench headed by former CJI Lodha.

Pending the reference, Justice Lokurs bench requested all the high courts not to render any final decision on petitions relating to higher compensation for land acquisition under the 2013 fair compensation law.

The bench had said, We are not going into the merits or correctness of the decision by Justice Mishras bench. We are only concerned with judicial discipline. Can a three-judge bench overrule the judgment of another three-judge bench. If they differ on the correctness of an earlier decision, they can only refer the matter to the CJI for a decision by a larger bench.
They also told the court that since January 15, 49 cases of glanders were detected and in several cases the animal had to be culled.

New Delhi: The Delhi high court on Wednesday directed the race club here to ensure that stabled horses do not participate in any races till further orders, while asking the AAP government to test serum samples of the equines to find out if they were suffering from the fatal glanders disease.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher, however, allowed the Delhi Race Club and an association of owners of the equines to exercise the animals, but in small groups, and listed the matter for further hearing on March 5.

The court directed the Delhi government to test all or some of the 422 horses at the club to ascertain whether any of them suffer from the disease, which has no cure or vaccine, and to place a report before it of the results.

It also told the government to be a little bit practical and apply its mind as it did before the Republic Day celebrations in which the horses of the armed forces as well as the Presidential Guard had participated despite outbreak of the fatal disease in the national capital.

The order came on a plea by the Delhi Race Horses Owners Association challenging the Delhi governments February 13 communication to the race club to postpone or cancel the North India Derby horse race scheduled for February 27 as the national capital has been declared as a controlled area.

Senior advocates Rajiv Nayar and Dayan Krishnan, appearing for the association, told the court that all the 422 horses have already been tested by an accredited lab and declared free of glanders, an infection by bacterium burkholderia mallei caused by ingestion of contaminated feed or water.

Its symptoms include formation of nodular lesions in lungs and ulcers in respiratory tract with acute cases resulting in coughing, fever, and septicaemia.

The associations lawyers also contended that 11 races have already been held between December last year and February 13, so why this sudden glanders anxiety now?

In response, Delhi government standing counsel Ramesh Singh and additional standing counsel Naushad Ahmed Khan contended that once Delhi has been declared as a controlled area, under the provisions of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, the consequence would be a bar on holding any activity involving grouping or herding of any species of animals.

The government lawyers argued that in view of the consequential bar under the Act, no races can be held in the national capital and the horses should not be exercised in large groups. They also told the court that since January 15, 49 cases of glanders were detected and in several cases the animal had to be culled.
Kejriwals adviser V.K. Jain says he saw AAP MLAs Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal thrashing Anshu Prakash.

New Delhi: In a major embarrassment to chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, his advisor V. K. Jain has told the police that the AAP MLAs had surrounded and assaulted chief secretary Anshu Prakash at the CMs residence. In his statement to the police, the officer has said that he himself had seen the CS lying on the ground. Jain, the advisor to the chief minister, has told the Delhi police that he saw Aam Aadmi Party MLAs, Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal, surrounding and thrashing the chief secretary on Monday night. The Delhi police picked up Jain on Wednesday morning from his residence at Maharani Bagh in connection with the case.

Mr Jains statement before police contradicts the official statement of the Aam Aadmi Party, which called the alleged assault on the Delhi bureaucrat a lie and a conspiracy.

A Delhi court on Thursday sent the Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan and Deoli MLA Prakash Jarwal to judicial custody for 14 days. Metropolitan magistrate Shefali Barnala Tandon said that orders on the bail pleas of AAP MLAs and also on their police custody would be pronounced on Friday.

On Wednesday, Tandon had refused a Delhi police plea for police custody of the MLAs and sent them to judicial custody till Thursday. The chief secretary alleged that he was beaten up by the two MLAs in the presence of Kejriwal at his residence on Monday night, where he had been called for a meeting.

While Jarwal was arrested on Tuesday night, Khan surrendered at a police station on Wednesday afternoon. The ruling AAP had tried to give the arrest a communal colour, saying its two MLAs were arrested in the case without any inquiry because they belonged to the dalit and Muslim community, respectively.

The police on the other hand moved a fresh application in court seeking custodial interrogation of the MLAs.

According to the police, there have been as many as eight cases registered against Khan, while over five cases are against Jarwal.

Meanwhile, the AAP on Thursday alleged that the Delhi police pressured chief minister Kejriwals adviser Jain to change his statement about the alleged attack.

Senior AAP leaders Ashutosh and Sanjay Singh claimed that this was a ploy to destabilise the party's government in Delhi.
Thane Municipal commissioner in the absence of a tree authority being constituted by the civic corporation.

The court took cognisance of the complaint of the petitioner stating that many trees were being cut. (Representational Image)

Mumbai: The Bombay high court has stayed the amendment to the Tree Act that allows the commissioner of any municipal corporation to permit cutting off up to 25 trees without permission from the tree authority. The court took cognisance of the complaint of the petitioner stating that many trees were being cut. While restraining commissioners from passing such orders, the court asked the state to explain the logic behind the amendment.

A division bench of justices A.S. Oka and P.N. Deshmukh while hearing a public interest litigation filed by activist Rohit Joshi was informed that there was large scale tree cutting going on in Thane through the permissions of the Thane Municipal commissioner in the absence of a tree authority being constituted by the civic corporation.

Advocate Zoru Bathena appearing for another petitioner on similar issues concurred and informed the court about an amendment which stated that such applications need not approach the Tree Authority. Bathena told the court that in the backdrop of this amendment many trees had been cut indiscriminately.

While staying the amendment, the court asked the state to justify the same and provide answers to questions raised by the court and the petitioners In light of urgency by an intervenor from Thane, the issue of cutting of Thane trees will be heard on March 7 while that of Mumbai trees will be heard on March 23.
State board claims it was wrongdoing on part of students.

Pune: Despite stringent measures being adopted to prevent cheating, the Class 12 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams started on a sour note on Tuesday following reports about an English paper being allegedly leaked on Whatsapp in a Solapur education institute within an hour of the exam commencing.

The images of certain portions of the English paper were allegedly circulated over social media in an Ashramshala in Tambewadi village in Solapur districts Barshi taluka, said sources. While details are yet to emerge, state board authorities denied that a leak had occurred, terming the incident as a misdemeanor on part of some students.

Speaking to The Asian Age, Shakuntala Kale, chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHE) said, We are probing the case. I would not say the paper was leaked. This appears to be a case of wrong doing on part of the students. Flying squads are collecting information on the matter.

According to state board officials, on the first day of the HSC exams around 62 cases of copying were detected by the flying squads across all the nine regions in the state. While Mumbai did not have any cases, Amravati region led the pack with 21 cases being detected. Nashik and Nagpur followed with 11 and 10 cases, respectively.

The issue of paper leak through social messaging applications has become prominent. However, it is difficult to ascertain whether the question paper was sent on the social messaging applications prior to the scheduled start of the exams, said the coordinator of an exam centre in the western suburbs.

Last year, four persons were arrested by the Navi Mumbai police for circulating sections of the Class 12 Secretarial Practice question paper to different WhatsApp groups minutes before the exam started.

The MSBSHE has a strict entry-exit policy in place and students will not be allowed inside the examination hall after 10.30 am, unlike previous years when they were given a window of 30 minutes.
According to citizens, there has been rise in cases of jaundice in the city, especially in eastern suburbs like Kurla.

Mumbai: Actor Irrfan Khan has been diagnosed with a severe case of jaundice. The 51-year-old actor was set to leave for Chandigarh to shoot for his Amazon Prime series but now will be staying back to receive appropriate treatment, according to a release by his spokesperson on Wednesday.

The actor, who was scheduled to start the promotions for his next release, Blackmail, has been prescribed bed rest. The actor will start shooting for director Vishal Bhardwaj's next and Hindi Medium 2 after recovery.

According to citizens, there has been rise in cases of jaundice in the city, especially in eastern suburbs like Kurla.
In an experiment of sorts, the NCP leader spoke to a jam-packed audience at Punes BMCC ground.

Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said that there should be no cast based reservations. Only economically backward sections should get benefits of reservations he told Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, in an interview, which was a first of its kind. In an experiment of sorts, the NCP leader spoke to a jam-packed audience at Punes BMCC ground.

Mr Pawar, who is used to giving political advice to the Prime Minister, said Mr Narendra Modi is working monotonously and there is a lack of teamwork in the government. He praised Congress president Rahul Gandhi and said that the Congress has the strength to provide an option for the BJP in the country.

When the MNS chief asked Pawar, which side would he prefer to back, Mr Pawar immediately replied, I will go with Congress. Rahul Gandhi has changed in the last few years and he is making efforts to understand the issues. He is travelling across the country and mixing with all sections of the society. He is getting support from youth. Mr Pawar has praised the Congress leadership and said that it is an indication of the future politics in the state.

Mr Pawar criticised the bullet train project and remarked that, Considering the number of passengers, there is no need for a special train. But the government is going ahead with the project. No one from Mumbai will go to Ahmedabad, but people from there will come to Mumbai.  He said that he doubted that, there might be possibility of taking financial control in their hands. Bullet train project is required on Mumbai-Delhi route or Mumbai-Chandrapur route. Now education boards in Virar-Palghar area are changing from Marathi to Gujarati.

While criticising PM Modi, Mr Pawar said that, Ruling in one state like Gujarat is not same as ruling the country. Teamwork is needed while ruling in the country, which is completely lacking and no one is taking responsibility.
Khans detractors are having a field day mocking his latest attempt to find a suitable spouse.

Exactly a hundred years ago, a wedding took place in Bombay (now Mumbai). It was Spartan in its simplicity, covert in its execution, and dramatic in its audacity.

On April 18, 1918, a beautiful young socialite  the only daughter of wealthy Parsi parents  converted to Islam to marry the love of her life. The following day, again without telling her parents, she left their palatial home and with nothing more than an umbrella and her faithful dog, she walked to the house of an affluent Muslim lawyer, whose house on Mount Pleasant Hill stood yards away from her former home. After a small, very private ceremony witnessed by strangers but not their families, Rattanbai Petit became Maryam Jinnah.

Their marriage, which lasted almost 11 years, more than defied convention at the time; it remained impervious to rational analysis. Biographers of the Jinnahs  from Hector Bolitho (1954) to Jaswant Singh (2009)  grappled with the conventional image of Ruttie  a beautiful, flighty, highly strung socialite still in her teens when she fell in love with a man 24 years her senior, and the lofty insularity of M.A. Jinnah  an established barrister with a flourishing practice, known for leading a rigorously disciplined life, in which human emotions had little place.

Since the Quaids death in 1948, despite the fact that Pakistanis eschew statues in public places, we have petrified the Quaid into our national monument. He has been fabricated by his followers into a two-dimensional billboard. Had the British biographer James Pope-Hennessy met M.A. Jinnah, he might have applied the same sharp description to him that he did after observing the Duchess of Windsor. She is flat and angular, Pope-Hennessy wrote, and could have been designed for a mediaeval playing card.

Sheela Reddys painstaking study Mr & Mrs Jinnah: The Marriage that Shook India (2017), has finally provided a newer generation of Pakistanis with an almost tangible holograph, in which they are able to see both the Jinnahs in the round. Her biography, like every good piece of sculpture, extracts significant form from a solid mass.

Her research began with her discovery of a cache of letters written by Ruttie to her friend and confidante Padmaja, the daughter of Congress freedom fighter and poetess Sarojini Naidu. Naidu had been one of his earliest admirers, lauding his virile patriotism and calling him in 1916 the Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity.

It is clear Ruttie Jinnah never intended her private letters ever to be published. Had that been her aim, she might have been more circumspect in her outbursts. She wrote as she spoke, and she lived as she willed. She died on February 20, 1929, on her 29th birthday. One of her last letters to her husband contained this heartrending plaint: Try and remember me beloved as the flower you plucked and not the flower you tread on.

It must be admitted that by temperament, the Quaid was seen as an undemonstrative, often unfeeling man. How else can one explain his neglect of his bride on her first birthday after their marriage, or his forgetting their first wedding anniversary? Or the curt instruction he gave to his sister Fatima Jinnah to vacate his house when his bride Ruttie moved in?

Yet, the love he nurtured for Ruttie was deep, sincere and sustained. His grief at her funeral in February 1929 was not simulated, nor was the remorse he expressed when he stopped at her grave before leaving Mumbai for the last time in August 1947. As a politician, Jinnah grew stronger after political defeats; as a man, he never recovered from the failure of his marriage.

Now, a hundred years later, a modern Pakistani political leader has made a third marriage which can be described also as Spartan, covert, dramatic. After weeks of needless speculation, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has admitted that its leader  the 66-year-old Imran Khan  has married his spiritual counsellor. She is a middle-aged lady whose husband obligingly divorced her so that she could marry Imran Khan. Apparently, she convinced him that their union would propel his political career into an upward trajectory. One wonders how future biographers and social historians will analyse this unusual union.

Mr Khans detractors are having a field day mocking his latest attempt to find a suitable spouse. That is not fair. As an individual, he is entitled to his privacy. As a politician, though, his every move, his every statement, his every commitment will be under scrutiny. If there is disappointment at the manner in which his latest nuptials were conducted, it is because the public had expected him to demonstrate his virile patriotism in a more discreet way.

Pakistan is already short of heroes. The few left are proving to be effigies sculpted in ice.

By arrangement with Dawn
K.P. Olis statements on taking office were certainly not intended to soothe nerves in India.

Ties with Nepal and Bhutan, our small but crucial Himalayan neighbours which form a buffer with a China eager to expand its footprint, look distinctly unsettled.

In Nepal, two Communist parties  Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist) and Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre)  that together won the national elections recently, have just drawn up a blueprint (keeping their pre-election pledge) for merger to form the Communist Party of Nepal, which could seek to leverage Beijing against New Delhi.

Prime Minister K.P. Oli (CPN-UML faction), who will alternate with Pushpa Kumar Dahal Prachanda (Maoist faction) as government and party leader, is a Sinophile and not particularly well-disposed toward India, more so after the Narendra Modi government gave him little comfort on the Madhesi issue during the Constitution-making in Nepal in 2015, when he was last PM. Mr Olis statements on taking office were certainly not intended to soothe nerves in India.

In Bhutan, after Indias military standoff with China in the Doklam plateau ended last summer, Beijing has continued to mount diplomatic pressure on Thimphu to exchange territories so that Chinese troops may legally have a base in an area near Sikkim, and potentially threaten North Bengal.

To counteract Beijings moves, India last week sent a team comprising the foreign secretary, national security adviser and the Army Chief to Bhutan to bolster ties. Unlike Nepal, the ties with Bhutan have always been excellent on the whole. Even so, its not clear how much pressure tiny Bhutan can handle from a menacing world power neighbour without India raising its game.
As North American chief, Nair was responsible for operations that generate about 90 percent of Ford's global profits.

Nair's departure comes after several high-profile business leaders and politicians have quit or been fired in the past year following accusations of sexual harassment. (Photo: AP)

Detroit: Ford Motor Co said on Wednesday that Raj Nair, its president for North America, was leaving the company immediately after an internal investigation found his behaviour was "inconsistent with the company's code of conduct."

Ford did not give any details on what that behavior entailed. A company spokesman said the review was launched in the past few weeks after Ford received a report of inappropriate behaviour.

Nair's departure comes after several high-profile business leaders and politicians have quit or been fired in the past year following accusations of sexual harassment, with the social media movement known as #MeToo pressing for more accountability in corporate cultures.

"We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration," said Ford Chief Executive Jim Hackett in a statement. "Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values."

As North American chief, Nair was responsible for operations that generate about 90 percent of Ford's global profits.

Nair apologized, without elaborating.

"I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviours consistent with the principles that the Company and I have always espoused," Nair said in Ford's statement.

The company is not investigating other executives for similar cases, a Ford spokesman said.

Nair, 53, was appointed to his current position last May when Hackett became CEO of the No 2 US automaker.

Nair previously served as Ford's chief technical officer. He joined Ford in 1987 and rose through the automaker's manufacturing and engineering ranks to become head of global product development in 2015.

Nair stands to lose about USD 4.8 million worth of Ford restricted shares he was granted in May 2017 that would have vested had a remained with the company until May 2020.

In August, Ford agreed to pay up to USD 10.125 million to settle an investigation into sex and race harassment at two plants in Chicago conducted by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The EEOC said female and African-American employees had been subjected to sexual and racial harassment and found the automaker retaliated against employees who complained about the harassment or discrimination.

In an open letter after the New York Times published a widely read article on the matter, Hackett wrote "there is absolutely no room for harassment at Ford Motor Company."

"We don't want you here, and we will move you out for engaging in any behaviour like this," he wrote.

Ford has been working to effect a turnaround in its operations to improve profitability as Ford's automotive profit margins have shrunk.

In emailed commentary, Michelle Krebs, executive analyst at Autotrader, the online market for cars, said this comes "at a particularly bad time for Ford."

"Investors and analysts have been unhappy with the seeming lack of a clear direction for Ford," she said. "The pressure is on Jim Hackett... to lay out a clear road ahead for Ford."

The company's margins have fallen behind rivals General Motors Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV.

Year to date, Ford shares are down 14 percent.

In extended trading on Wednesday, Ford shares were unchanged from their official close of USD 10.60.
In all, 21 priests have been murdered in Mexico since President Enrique Pena Nieto took office in 2012, according to Church statistics.

In all, 21 priests have been murdered in Mexico since President Enrique Pena Nieto took office in 2012, according to Church statistics. (Photo: AFP)

Acapulco: When 15 armed men descended on his church in 2017 demanding a blessing, Father Jesus Mendoza asked them to leave their guns outside.

"I can't bless you if you're armed," said the Catholic priest, who works in the violent southern state of Guerrero.

The drug cartel enforcers agreed to put down their rifles, and Mendoza in turn agreed to pray for them.

"God, please touch the hearts of those who forget that we are brothers, and cause suffering and death," he said.

The story is one of many that show the uneasy relationship between priests and drug traffickers in heavily Catholic Mexico, where some Church officials say they have no choice but to engage with the powerful cartels that have de facto control over the regions where they work.

The issue erupted into the headlines again in February when two priests were murdered in Guerrero in a carjacking that had the hallmarks of a drug hit.

In all, 21 priests have been murdered in Mexico since President Enrique Pena Nieto took office in 2012, according to Church statistics.

After the latest murders, Salvador Rangel, the bishop of Chilpancingo, Guerrero was vocal in insisting that Church leaders must engage in dialogue with drug traffickers to prevent a repeat of such incidents in the state.

"I'm trying to make sure there are no more murders," he said.

That clashes with the stance of the Mexican government, which sent the military into the streets to fight drug cartels in 2006 and has been fighting a bloody war with them ever since.

The drug war has unleashed a wave of violence on Mexico. In 2017, more than 25,000 people were murdered, setting a new record. Guerrero had the most of any state: 2,318.

Heavy Toll

The Mexican bishops' conference has publicly backed Rangel.

"The bishop is bravely doing his job, and we support him," the group's secretary, Father Alfonso Miranda, said.

In Guerrero, Father Mendoza has spent more than 20 years dealing with the problem on the ground.

He sees Bishop Rangel's reaction as an "emergency tactic."

"It's something we have to do, to reduce the level of violence in some areas," said Mendoza, 65, who served for years at a church in the violent port city of Acapulco before being transferred to a rural congregation outside the city for his own protection.

In the two decades Mendoza worked in the city, he saw Acapulco go from a quiet resort town to a scene of bloody cartel turf wars with several murders a day.

"I started reaching out to families whose loved ones were murdered or missing. It was something that caught us all by surprise," said the gray-haired priest, wearing a simple blue shirt that made him blend in with his congregation in the rural community where he works now, known simply as "Kilometer 30."

He spent eight years working on a support program for victims and their families, and also reaching out to drug traffickers until the violence became too much for him.

"For years, I was bearing the weight of all this every day. And I probably didn't take care of my own emotional health as well as I should have," he said.

One day, he simply collapsed.

After that, his health plunged into a downward spiral. He lost sight in one eye and had to take a five-month leave of absence.

"It all starts to erode your health after a while," he said.

God Brought Them To Me

But despite it all, he went back to his work.

Now, in Kilometer 30 a village in the middle of cartel country, where there is virtually no sign of the police, local government or any other presence of the Mexican state his door remains open to all, he said.

"When I cross paths with (cartel) gunmen, I greet them. As a pastor, I try to send the message, 'I'm here for you. If you need me for anything, I'm here to serve you,'" he said.

He recalled how in Acapulco, the drug cartel that controlled the area where he worked posted a "hawk," or lookout, outside his church every day for seven years.

"I always made an effort to get to know these young men. There were 15 of them over the years. They would change them. Which meant that the previous one had been killed," Mendoza said.

"Each time, I tried to treat them as brothers. I would tell them, 'I'm here for you if you need anything.'" He even invited some of them to join his parish.

When the group of 15 armed men showed up at the church he now leads, he said, he saw it as an opportunity.

"God brought them to me. They had a spiritual need, and I had to help them," he said.

"I tried to use that opportunity to help them understand."
This was one of the rare disagreements between Saudi Arabia and the administration of President Donald Trump.

Noting that the Trump administration is angry with Pakistan's inadequate efforts to combat terror groups, the US has sought to ratchet up pressure on Islamabad. (Photo: File)

Washington: China, Saudi Arabia and Turkeythe three close allies of Pakistanhave joined hands to block a move by the Trump administration to place Islamabad on an international terror-financing watch list, a US media report said on Thursday.

While Pakistan has claimed a victory of sorts, the US was working behind the scenes during the ongoing Paris meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) so as to take action against the country which it believes has not acted against terrorist financing and the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions.

The Wall Street Journal which first reported about the development said this was one of the "rare disagreements" between Saudi Arabia and the administration of President Donald Trump.

Saudi Arabia, it said was acting on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The report said the US is still trying for the FATF to take a decision on this by Thursday.

Pakistan on Wednesday claimed it had foiled US-led efforts to place it on a terror financing watch-list after the country was granted a three-month reprieve by the Paris-based international watchdog FATF.

Also Read: As US scrambles to put Pak on terror watchlist, watchdog gives 3-month pardon

The FATF, a global body that combats terrorist financing and money laundering, met in Paris amid reports that the US with the support of some European allies was trying to place Pakistan on a list of countries that financially support terrorism.

"The officials said the US effort, which included pressure on the Saudis, raised the possibility of a fresh vote on action against Pakistan as soon as Thursday. The Pakistanis were scrambling to shore up support," the WSJ report said.

Noting that the Trump administration is angry with Pakistan's inadequate efforts to combat terror groups, the daily said the US has sought to ratchet up pressure on Islamabad.

In February, it froze some USD 2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan.

The US says Pakistan is not taking action against terror groups like the Haqqani network and the Taliban. Islamabad has denied those allegations.

China, Pakistan's all-weather ally, has repeatedly blocked efforts by India, the US and the UK to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar a terrorist under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee.

Pakistan being added to the "list of countries deemed 'high risk' for doing too little to curb terror financing," would have a financial implication for the country.

As a result of this inclusion, banks, other lenders and international companies seeking to do business with Pakistan could rethink financial ties, putting a damper on its already struggling economy, the daily said.

The FATF meeting is expected to continue till Friday.

On Wednesday, US state department spokesperson Heather Nauert said the FATF is expected to take a decision by Thursday on adding Pakistan to the 'grey list' of countries not doing enough to comply with terrorist-funding regulations.
The crash occurred on a curve on the Panamericana Sur highway in the Ocona district.

My condolences to the relatives of the victims of the transit accident in Arequipa, President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski wrote on Twitter. (Photo: AP)

Lima: At least 44 people died in Peru on Wednesday when a bus hurtled some 100 meters into a ravine in the mountainous south in the country's second major bus crash in 2018, a local official said.

"According to a report from the Peruvian National Police, there are 44 confirmed deaths as of now," Yamila Osorio, the governor of the Arequipa region, wrote on Twitter.

The bus was carrying some 45 passengers, according to operator Rey Latino, but police said the figure was likely higher because additional passengers boarded along the route and did not appear in the initial register.

The crash occurred on a curve on the Panamericana Sur highway in the Ocona district. Road accidents are common in Peru, where roads are considered unsafe and bus drivers lack training.

"My condolences to the relatives of the victims of the transit accident in Arequipa," President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski wrote on Twitter. "We have taken all steps to provide immediate rescue support and transfer victims to the closest health centres so they can be attended immediately."

At least 48 people died in early January when a bus collided with a truck and careened off a cliff near the area of Pasamayo on the Pacific coast.
The Journal of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada has just published guidelines for physicians outlining the information that women need to know if they are considering freezing their eggs. http://www.jogc.com/article/S1701-2163(17)30800-9/fulltext

According to Dr Niamh Tallon, a fertility specialist with a special interest in egg freezing at Olive Fertility Centre, the guidelines couldnt be more timely. Women need to be empowered with information that allows them to make informed decisions about their fertility. At Olive we have been seeing a growing number of younger women who want to freeze their eggs as insurance for the future.

Olive Fertility Centre will be offering a free information session for women interested in egg freezing on Thursday, February 22nd at 6:00 pm at Olive Fertility Centre. http://olivefertility.com

A 2012 Statistics Canada study shows that infertility rates in Canada have almost doubled in the last two decades. This is, in part, due to the fact that, on average, women are starting their families later in life. Currently, the average age of women having a first birth in Canada is 30 years of age, and 24% of all births are to women over 35.

Not only does the quantity of eggs decline as a woman ages, but the quality declines as well. Poor egg quality leads to a higher rate of infertility, more frequent miscarriages, and a greater risk of chromosomal disorders in the offspring.

I see women in their late 30s and early 40s who exercise, eat well and look young for their age, and they cant understand why they are having trouble getting pregnant, says Dr Tallon. The fact is that 40 is not the new 30 when it comes to fertility. Our eggs are exactly as old as we are. We want women to know there is an option for them if they want to preserve their fertility when their eggs are young and healthy, in case they want to get pregnant at a later time.

Natalie Grunberg, a patient at Olive Fertility Centre, froze her eggs at the age of 37 and is now pregnant at 41 years old.

Like many women who defer pregnancy, Natalie had just not found the right partner to have a child with. I didn't delay getting pregnant for any other reason than I couldn't find an appropriate partner. I decided I needed to take my fertility into my own hands, and that's when I decided to have the egg retrieval," said Grunberg. She felt that freezing her eggs alleviated what she called a burden of wanting a child but not having a partner.

My doctor at Olive explained that there were no guarantees, but once I decided to go ahead, I gave a mental sigh of relief. I felt that I was taking control of my future. It felt very empowering to realize that I didnt have to wait for the right man to come along. That I could be my own family.

The egg freezing process begins in exactly the same way as traditional IVF, which involves injecting medications that stimulate egg growth to the point they can be harvested. However, instead of fertilizing the eggs with sperm, they are frozen unfertilized and stored until a woman is ready to conceive sometime in the future. At that point, the eggs are thawed and fertilized to hopefully result in viable embryos that can then be transferred into the uterus.

Egg freezing should not be considered a sure thing, cautions Dr Tallon. Unfortunately, even freezing numerous eggs cannot guarantee a healthy pregnancy will be possible. However, recent evidence suggests the success of egg freezing is now on par with traditional IVF, and is especially favourable in women under 37.

While egg freezing does not offer any guarantees, it can provide women with some peace of mind, knowing that they can complete their education or find a partner without feeling overwhelmed by the ticking of their biological clock.

Olive Fertility is offering a free information session.



Olive Fertility Egg Freezing Social

Thursday, Feb 22nd, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

OLIVE FERTILITY CENTRE / RECEPTION 3rd Floor

300 East Tower, 555 West 12th Avenue.

To register go to www.olivefertility.com

ABOUT: Olive Fertility Centre is one of Canadas largest fertility clinics, offering an advanced IVF lab, personal care teams and innovative programs that include the CCS, specialized genetic testing, egg freezing, and prenatal NIPT testing.
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By Isobel Ronai, University of Sydney

from www.shutterstock.com

Australias gene technology regulations have not been revised since 2001 - despite many game-changing advances in genetic technologies over the past 17 years.

A review of the regulations by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (a Federal government body) involved a public call for submissions and has also triggered some fears about what changes are to come. Will it mean genetically modified organisms (GMOs)  plants, animals or even humans  will not be regulated?

We argue that the proposed changes to the regulations will actually involve more oversight of genetic techniques, including the poster-child of new approaches: CRISPR.





Read more:

What is CRISPR gene editing, and how does it work?





CRISPR (or more precisely, CRISPR-Cas) is a molecular technology that has been developed from a naturally occurring mechanism in bacteria, and is used to alter DNA.

Prior to the proposed amendments by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, the regulation of CRISPR-Cas was a bit ambiguous. Rather than opening the door for genetic editing to become more widespread, the proposed changes more tightly regulate the use of CRISPR-Cas technology.

How CRISPR works

The CRISPR-Cas technique is prized by researchers because it is an efficient and precise way to alter DNA (as well as other molecules such as RNA).

There are two main applications of CRISPR-Cas: to increase genetic variation (that is, slight changes in the DNA sequence), and to edit the DNA (an approach similar to cutting and pasting, where known bits of DNA are taken out and alternatives added back in).

Traditionally, genetic variation arose naturally and individuals with desirable traits were selectively bred by humans. We have been doing this for thousands of years, and selective breeding is responsible for a lot of the food that we eat today. About a century ago, X-rays and chemicals started to be used to increase the amount of genetic variation of organisms (typically plants) which can be selectively bred. This has generated more than 3,000 horticultural plant varieties that we consume today, none of which are classified as GMOs.

CRISPR-Cas can be used in a similar way to X-ray and chemical methods, but with an advantage: it can target specific sequences of the DNA, minimising unwanted, bystander effects in other parts of the DNA. In the proposed regulation changes, CRISPR-Cas-induced variations of this kind would be classified in the same way as other technologies achieving the same outcome  they are not GMOs.





Read more:

Perceptions of genetically modified food are informed by more than just science





As well as inducing variation, CRISPR-Cas is best known as an editor which can cut and paste particular bits of DNA. When DNA is added to an organism, they are classified as GMOs, and would still be according to the proposed regulation changes.

When CRISPR-Cas technology is used for editing, it can also be used to create changes in the DNA of an organism that will then spread in subsequent generations - this is referred to as a gene drive. But CRISPR-Cas is not the only way to achieve this, and the proposed changes increase the regulations for the use of all kinds of gene drives.

Fearmongering

Columnist Elizabeth Farrelly recently argued that proposed updates to Gene Technology Regulations entail the deregulation and declassification of CRISPR-Cas such that it would no longer count as genetic modification in Australia. This is not the case.

The column also appears to argue that changes to the legislation mean that designer babies are both technically possible and imminent.

But in Australia, both the current (2001) and proposed changes to the regulations by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator do not cover the use of CRISPR-Cas technology in humans - only other organisms that are not destined for human food. Further, the 2015 International Summit on Human Gene Editing put a moratorium on gene editing in viable human embryos.

Worries about designer babies stemming from the current and proposed genetic technology regulations are not substantiated.





Read more:

Human embryo CRISPR advances science but let's focus on ethics, not world firsts





Focus on outcomes, not process

The lesson here is not that we should blindly trust scientists and regulators when it comes to new technology. We agree that emerging technologies can pose risks.

Rather, the take-home message is that technological regulation needs to focus on outcomes of the technology, not the technology itself.

Lets consider another technology: 3D printing.

Advances in 3D printing means that the opportunities for creating new products are endless. You can print a house, a car, a prosthetic limb - and also a weapon. Does this make 3D printing something to be afraid of?

We think not. 3D printing can have many uses, malevolent or life-transforming. Scaremongering about 3D printing technology, rather than considering the uses of the technology, is a misguided approach to regulation.

A 3D-printed cast should be regulated differently to a 3D-printed gun. And this kind of regulation is exactly what the proposed updates to the Gene Technology Regulations hopes to achieve.

What the updates do address is a change from a process based assessment of technology to an outcome based one. In the same way that we might not want 3D printing banned in Australia, some regulation on the various outcomes arising from new genetic technologies are necessary.

Isobel Ronai receives funding from The Australian Government (Endeavour Research Fellowship).

Kate Lynch receives research funding from The Australian Research Council, The John Templeton Foundation, and Horticultural Innovation Australia.

Originally published in The Conversation.
Photo courtesy of Europcar

Europcar Group announced the launch of its Drive & Share solution in Germany and Denmark together with SnappCar, the second-largest international peer-to-peer car sharing player in Europe, the companies announced.

Drive & Share is dedicated to people who want to enjoy the flexibility of owning a car but who dont need to use it often. With Drive & Share, customers have access to a long term car rental to answer their mobility needs and which they can share on SnappCar platform with all the members when they dont need it.

After a first successful pilot phase in France, Drive & Share solution is launching in Germany and Denmark, with Europcar Group as a significant investor.

Drive & Share includes vehicle, insurance, and maintenance.

Customers select a package based on their preferred vehicle category and rental package (rental period ranging from three to 12 months; mileage and insurance package). A monthly rental fare is set based on the package selected.

If the owner commits to share the vehicle at least two times a month, he or she will receive an attractive rate plus the SnappCar rental earnings.
Joseph Luiz can be reached at 395-7368 or by email at jluiz@bakersfield.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @JLuiz_TBC.
Not guilty pleas were entered on behalf of four men Wednesday who are charged with murder and gang participation in the stabbing death of a ma
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The Clearwater Ferry has enjoyed such strong ridership numbers transporting people from downtown to the beach that the business plans to expand their service to Dunedin in the next few months, according to marketing manager Camille Hebting.

Clearwater ferry expanding service to Dunedin

Water taxi started service in 2015 between Clearwater and Clearwater Beach

Officials hope to have service running by summer

Clearwater Ferry

Weve been talking with the City of Dunedin for a very long time, Hebting said. Our ridership has been asking us to do go to Dunedin from the very beginning.

The water taxi first began offering service to Clearwater Beach on March 15, 2015. Hebting said that year 29,890 riders used the Clearwater Ferry. Last year, those numbers more than doubled to 70,259.

Its been a fantastic ride so far. No pun intended, said Hebting. Weve had great growth with adding vessels to our fleet and adding staff to our family.

It costs $4 each way to ride the Clearwater Ferry, seniors and children get a discount. Hebting said they hope to have a direct link from Dunedin to Clearwater Beach operating before the summer.

Its going to be a Friday through Sunday service, from 11am to 9pm, she said. Were hoping to start that in May.

Hebting said itll take about 35 minutes to ride from Dunedin to Clearwater Beach. The ride from downtown to the beach takes about 10 minutes. During spring break it can take more than an hour to drive that same stretch over the bridge.

We tell people, guess what? Theres no traffic on the water. Come see it for yourself, said Hebting. The number one thing that people like about us is that were reliable and we offer a comfortable ride for a low price.

Passengers on board the Clearwater Ferry on Wednesday said they enjoyed the breezy, fun ride.

Its a wonderful experience, said Gary Adams, visiting from Indiana. You get to enjoy this beautiful water scenery.

For more information visit: clearwaterferry.com
Polk County Public Schools celebrated its top educators and employees Wednesday night.

Polk Schools celebrate top educators, employees

Michelle Dinwiddie named Teacher of the Year

Margie Foreman named School-Related Employee of the Year

Michelle Dinwiddie, a 10th-grade English teacher at Lake Gibson High in Lakeland, was announced as the 2018 Polk County Teacher of the Year.

School officials say Dinwiddie sets a tone in her classroom that promotes openness and fearlessness. Serving as a role model, Dinwiddie stresses that each student "Be a Pro"--professional, productive, and proficient.

She also encourages students to display good character and leave her classroom knowing that a tucked-in-shirt, a kind word, a diligent heart, and a capable attitude can take them further than they imagine.

Margie Foreman, a clinic nurse at James E. Stephens Elementary, was named the district's 2018 School-Related Employee of the Year.

School officials say Foreman compassionately attends to all of the bumps and bruises, as well as tummy aches and loose teeth at the school.

She also takes care of hungry kids by overseeing a program that sends backpacks full of food home with needy students so they can have something to eat at home.

Dinwiddie and Foreman were chosen from more than 200 candidates who were nominated by individual schools throughout Polk County Public Schools.

The two overall winners, along with 12 finalists, received cash awards and other prizes from event sponsors.

Both winners will move on to compete for state titles.

Each year, the Florida Department of Education names a Florida Teacher of the Year, choosing an educator who has demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.

The Florida School-Related Employee of the Year award recognizes outstanding education support personnel for contributions to their schools and communities.
The hit-movie All Saints has lifted the hearts of Christians everywhere, reminding us that God has the power to do so much.

All Saints follows the true story of the salesman turned pastor Michael Spulock (played by John Corbett) whose first assignment is to close down a small church. The church had dwindling membership and an astronomical mortgage it could no longer pay. The land is set to become a big-box store.

However Spulock allows the church to welcome in refugees from Southeast Asia, and takes on a new mission. Nelson Lee plays Ye Win, an ethnically Karen man from Burma, a refugee from brutal civil war, who has just arrived with a group of families in the United States. Lacking support and resources, he turns up at All Saints church. When the needy Karen land on his doorstep, Michael decides that he speaks to a higher power than money  and that God has instructed him to plant a farm on the church land to feed the Karen people and pay the mortgage. Along with the Burma refugees, the pastor works to plant seeds to help save the tiny church.

The film focuses on community and how God helped bring a group of people together. The actors and producers of the film talked about the true story behind All Saints and the great things it led to. The film was shot on location at the real All Saints Church in Smyrna, Tenn., and many members of the church play themselves on-screen.

You can now buy All Saints on Blue-ray and DVD. Watch the official trailer below.
For Immediate Release, February 22, 2018 Contact: Sarah Baillie, (520) 623-5252 x 308, sbaillie@biologicaldiversity.org Today: Hundreds of Endangered Species Condoms to Be Given Away at Denver Zoo Adults-only Event Program Highlights Effect of Human Population Growth on Wildlife DENVER Hundreds of free Endangered Species Condoms will be given away this evening at The Watering Hole, an adults-only educational event at the Denver Zoo. The distribution is a part of the Center for Biological Diversitys Pillow Talk program, created to get visitors to zoos, museums and science centers across the country talking about the effect of human population growth on wildlife. The Watering Hole is an opportunity for visitors to learn about what it takes to care for the thousands of animals that call the zoo home. The Centers Endangered Species Condoms, which will be given away at the event by volunteers, feature colorful packages depicting species threatened by population growth. They bear slogans like Wrap with care, save the polar bear and When youre feeling tender, think about the hellbender. Denver Zoo is committed to protecting wild species and wild places as we advance our mission of securing a better world for animals through human understanding, said Jake Kubie, spokesperson for the Denver Zoo. This means partnering with other like-minded organizations, like the Center for Biological Diversity, to engage our audience while conveying a solution-oriented message. In the past 50 years, as human population has more than doubled, wildlife populations have been halved. The United Nations predicts that global population will reach 9.8 billion by 2050 and exceed 11 billion by 2100. At the end of 2017, there were nearly 326 million people living in the United States. There are more than 7.6 billion people on the planet, with the United States ranked as the third-most populous country. Pillow Talk helps people understand how conscientious family planning can protect wildlife in our increasingly crowded world, said Sarah Baillie, Endangered Species Condoms coordinator at the Center. As our population grows and urban sprawl and agricultural development destroy wild spaces, species we know and love pay the price. Pillow Talk events have taken place at dozens of venues across the country since its launch in July 2017. At the events Center volunteers distribute hundreds of condoms, answer questions and help visitors get a better understanding of the environmental costs of daily actions. The Centers Population and Sustainability program uses creative media to promote a range of common-sense solutions, including access to family planning and reproductive health services, as well as education, opportunity and equal rights for women and girls.
For Immediate Release, February 22, 2018 Contact: Robert Ukeiley, (720) 496-8568, rukeiley@biologicaldiversity.org

Lawsuit Launched to Fight Trump EPA's Delays in Protecting Louisville From Deadly Soot Pollution LOUISVILLE, Ky. Conservation and public-health groups filed a formal notice of intent today to sue President Trumps Environmental Protection Agency and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt for failing to ensure that the city of Louisville has enforceable limits on dangerous soot pollution. Soot air pollution causes thousands of early deaths every year and triggers heart problems, asthma and lung disease. Todays notice seeks to force the EPA to ensure that Louisville has a local limit on soot pollution, as required by the U.S. Clean Air Act. The deadline for the city to have the local soot limit in place passed more than five years ago. Soot, otherwise known as particulate matter, is generated from fossil fuels used in coal-fired power plants, cars and other industrial facilities. Every day of delay on cleaning up Louisvilles air puts more people at risk for asthma and heart attacks, said Robert Ukeiley, an environmental health senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. The Clean Air Acts one of Americas most successful tools for protecting our health, so we cant let the Trump administration and corporate polluters sacrifice lives through delay. The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to set nationwide health and public-welfare-based standards for particulate pollution. It also sets mandatory deadlines to develop plans to achieve and maintain air-quality standards. Todays notice, submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity and Center for Environmental Health, demands that EPA chief Pruitt ensure that theres a local limit on how much soot can foul Louisvilles air. This illegal delay in getting a local soot limit in place is further evidence that Pruitts claims about respecting the rule of law and working to reduce air pollution is really just a smoke screen, Ukeiley said. While Trump and Pruitt are pandering to polluters, people in Louisville are left breathing dirty air. In his previous role as Oklahoma attorney general, Pruitt repeatedly sued the EPA to block lifesaving pollution-prevention measures. He is under investigation for misrepresentations about his use of a personal email account while attorney general of Oklahoma to communicate with the oil and gas industry about weakening the EPAs environmental standards. Background

Soot, referred to as particulate matter by the EPA, is produced by the burning of fossil fuels. Particulate matter is made up of tiny particles, about 30 times smaller than the width of the average human hair, that can lodge deep in the lungs. It causes a range of health problems for people and wildlife; results in regional haze; harms plants; and acidifies water bodies. An EPA study found that Clean Air Act programs to reduce fine particle pollution prevented more than 160,000 deaths, 130,000 heart attacks and 1.7 million asthma attacks in 2010 alone. The Clean Air Act has also helped keep the U.S. economy healthy by creating jobs, with more than 1.7 million Americans employed in the environmental technology industry helping to keep our air clean.
For Immediate Release, February 21, 2018 Contact: Michael Robinson, (575) 313-7017, michaelr@biologicaldiversity.org Mexican Wolf Numbers Up by Just One Animal From Last Year 'Lobo' Gravely Endangered by Inadequate Recovery Effort SILVER CITY, N.M. The U.S. population of critically endangered Mexican gray wolves in New Mexico and Arizona increased by just one animal  from 113 to 114 during 2017, according to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service census announced today. Those numbers include 51 wolves in New Mexico and 63 in Arizona. Appointees to a federal Mexican wolf recovery team estimated the population needs to reach 750 individuals to no longer be at risk of extinction.



This stagnation in numbers is troubling because the Mexican gray wolf faces so many challenges to recovery that every individuals survival counts, said Michael Robinson, a conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity. This is a warning bell that the Fish and Wildlife Service needs to release more captive animals to increase the health of the wild population. The Center and other conservation groups sued the Service in January because the newly finalized Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan is not supported by solid science. The plan calls for releasing an insufficient number of captive wolves to ensure genetic diversity and population growth in the wild. It sets a population recovery goal of only 320 wolves, less than half of what biologists estimate is necessary for recovery. Under the plan, wildlife officials would release only 70 wolves over 35 years, although they expect only 22 would survive to breeding age. Fewer than 22 are expected to reproduce. The Service began reintroducing Mexican wolves to the wild in 1998 after being sued by the Center and allies, but officials seldom actually release the animals from captivity. The Service planned to release two family packs during 2017, but actually released just four pups and did not release either of the two packs. Releasing new wolves is imperative. Because of mismanagement of wild Mexican gray wolves, the captive population of 281 animals in 55 facilities retains much more genetic diversity. In the wild, almost every wolf is related to every other as if they were full siblings. Background

Since 2014, when there were just 110 wolves, the population has barely risen. That year was the first time the population topped 100 animals, an objective the Service predicted would be reached by 2006. The new, controversial recovery plan for the first time establishes actual target numbers of wolves as a goal for recovery: 320 in the U.S. Southwest and 200 in Mexico. In contrast, the Services own Mexican Wolf Recovery Team  which was sidelined in the recovery plans development  calculated that at least 750 wolves would need to live in three interconnected populations before the Mexican wolf could be taken off the endangered species list. That team, which includes highly regarded independent scientists, determined habitat in Mexico would not support many wolves and that new populations should be established near the Grand Canyon and in the southern Rocky Mountains. There are 37 wolves living in the wild in Mexico. They stem from a reintroduction program begun in 2011.
For Immediate Release, February 22, 2018 Contact: Paulo Lopes, (202) 849-8401 x 105, plopes@biologicaldiversity.org New Report: Attacks on Public Lands, Oceans Surged During Trump's First Year Alaska Lawmakers Top Updated 'Public Lands Enemies' Analysis WASHINGTON Congress unleashed an unprecedented attack on public lands and waters during President Trumps first year in office, according to a new Center for Biological Diversity report released today. The analysis finds that the 115th Congress introduced 124 bills in 2017 to strip protections from public lands and waters, including national monuments, parks, wildlife refuges and forests  an increase of more than 25 percent compared to the 114th Congress. Our public lands and waters have never been under greater threat, said Paulo Lopes, a public lands policy specialist at the Center. Cherished places Americans thought were protected forever are now being put on the chopping block to benefit fossil fuel companies and other special interests. No public lands are safe under the Trump administration and this Republican Congress. Todays report also identifies the top six members of Congress trying to attack public lands, weaken environmental safeguards, or turn over control of public lands to states and local governments  led by Alaskas Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Don Young. Alaskas congressional delegation, led by Young and Murkowski, introduced more than 25 bills  nearly 20 percent of all legislative attacks on public lands  including bills to allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and privatize more than 175,000 acres of other public lands in Alaska. All told the top six 2017 public-lands enemies introduced nearly 50 anti-public-lands bills and collected more than $3 million from fossil fuel companies and other extractive industries. The top 2017 Public Lands Enemies are: Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska)

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.)

Sen. Jeff Flake (R- Ariz.)

Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.)

Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) These six members of Congress are trying to turn Americas public lands into an ATM for corporations, Lopes said. Private companies reap all of the financial benefits while the American public is left with fewer places to enjoy nature and tarnished lands for future generations. This new report is a follow-up to the Centers Public Lands Enemies report, published in March 2017, which covered public-lands attacks during the previous three congressional sessions. Americas public lands span more than 600 million acres and include some of the most beloved places in America, from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Grand Canyon and the pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the vast Sagebrush Sea of the West. Publicly owned ocean waters cover nearly 4.5 million square miles, including ancient Pacific coral reefs and vast undersea volcanos. These iconic lands and waters are all held in trust by the federal government for the benefit of current and future generations of Americans. More than 90 percent of Americans from both political parties say its important to protect and maintain forests, national parks, national monuments and other public lands and waters for future generations.
For Immediate Release, February 22, 2018 Contact: Chris Nagano, (916) 765-9097, CNagano@biologicaldiversity.org Lawsuit Launched to Speed Endangered Species Protection for Giant California Fly Hummingbird-like Flower-loving Fly Faces Extinction Following Federal Delay LOS ANGELES The Center for Biological Diversity today filed a notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to protect the San Joaquin Valley giant flower-loving fly under the Endangered Species Act. The giant fly has been lost from more than 99 percent of its former range and survives in only one population about 15 miles east of Bakersfield, where it is under immediate threat of extinction from sand mining at Sand Ridge. Although once found in scattered sandy habitats throughout the San Joaquin Valley north to the Antioch Dunes of Contra Costa County, the fly is now so rare that it was thought to be extinct until two populations were rediscovered near Bakersfield in 1997. One of those two, at a site 10 miles south of Bakersfield, was exterminated by sprawl development in 2006. The Fish and Wildlife Service needs to stop sitting on its hands while this unique species is pushed toward the brink of extinction, said Chris Nagano, a senior scientist and entomologist at the Center. We should protect all imperiled creatures great or small, because every species plays an important role in the web of life. The San Joaquin Valley giant flower-loving fly resembles a stealth fighter. It can hover in mid-air and then instantly fly away at speeds difficult for the human eye to follow. Detailed studies of the high-speed, aerobatic flight and the structure of the eyes of a related fly led to advances in the U.S. Air Forces missile tracking systems. Two California entomologists petitioned for emergency protection of the San Joaquin Valley giant flower-loving fly in June 2014. The Service determined in April 2015 that protection may be warranted, but has failed to either propose or deny listing. The decision is now more than three years overdue. The giant flower-loving fly was first identified as being in need of federal protection by the Service in 1991. The fly is close in size to a small hummingbird, with a 1.5-inch body and long proboscis, or tongue. The species plays a critical role in its sand-dune ecosystem, serving as food for birds and other predators and feeding on other invertebrates in its early stages. Surprisingly, the extremely active adults have never been observed to feed. Insects are understudied worldwide, but many are highly threatened and our wildlife agencies should start prioritizing protection for this important group of animals, said Nagano.
In the wake of the success of the Black Panther movie which opened globally last week, CNN Marketplace Africa this week examines Africa's ever-increasing influence in Hollywood.

Cape Town Film Studios.

Cape Town film mecca

Marketplace Africa hears how this ranges from inspiring the costume designs for the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Black Panther, to accommodating large-scale productions which are filming in South Africa.Host Eleni Giokos reports from Cape Town where she meets Oscar-nominated costume designer, Ruth Carter, who has sought to embrace the colour and dynamism of Africa in the plans for her latest project, Black Panther.Carter explains to Giokos why she turned to the continent for inspiration: The Black Panther is from Wakanda, which is a fictitious land in the centre of Africa. It honours the African culture for Africans and African Americans, and shows how they have not stripped it down but how they have kept it intact.Previously nominated at the Academy Awards for designing costumes for both Spike Lees Malcom X and Steven Spielbergs Amistad, CNN hears how finding a balance between an Afro-futuristic nation whilst staying true to African culture was a challenge.When asked whether Hollywood is appropriating or celebrating African culture, Carter tells the programme: I had shoppers in Ghana and other parts of the continent that were actually buying directly from the people who are selling goods to support their families. That to me is the best way, to not appropriate, but to give back.Marketplace Africa learns that Carter collaborated with local buyers, taking in inspiration from Ethiopia down to Kenya and Zululand, going beyond the traditional tourist spots in the search of authenticity. Whilst no pieces were used in the movie, the costume design team carefully crafted replicas using a $3 million budget, with many of the materials used also sourced from Africa.In the same show, Giokos reports from Cape Town Film Studios, which is bringing blockbuster productions to South Africa. Spread over 200 hectares of land, Cape Town Film Studios was founded in 2003, with current CEO Nico Dekker joining the company in 2008.He explains the initial challenges he faced to Marketplace Africa: In a survey we did, 95% of the people in our film industry said it will never work. I immediately implemented my vision, my ideas You must aim at a world class once off in a lifetime facility. Something that will make people from across the world say: You won't believe when you go to Africa, you won't believe what you're going to see there.With a long-term view required, Dekker states that the studio is a high-end investment, and he credits the production of Black Sails as a key turning point for the company. Dekker tells Giokos: It was the first high end show to come to Africa for a long-term basis. Very risky, but it worked you know...?It was really tough because you got one shot. You've got enormously nervous shareholders. You've got enormously nervous international partners. Nobody's done that before.To date, productions which have used the studios have employed about 70,000 people and with an investment of about $250 million.Marketplace Africa asked where Cape Town Film Studios is looking to expand next. Dekker explains: We'll see where things are going. My dreams are not dreams that you can always fulfil. But if I can have it my way, I would transform the studio to the kind of Universal Studios for Africa.
According to FAO Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo in her keynote address to an international conference on halting deforestation, changing the way we manage lands, food production and forests is key to guaranteeing food security.

Photo by Chelsea Bock on Unsplash

Innovative approaches to land management

SOUTH AFRICA A garden that stretches across Africa

The international conference

Rapid population growth accelerates global demand for forest products and services including timber, fibre, fuel, food, fodder and medicine. The demand for wood alone is expected to triple to 10 billion cubic meters by 2050. On the other hand, the population growth also increases demand for agricultural production and converting forests to arable land to meet this demand remains one of the major drivers of deforestation, in particular in tropical and low-income countries.Noting that in the last 25 years, over 20 countries managed to improve food security while maintaining and even increasing forest cover, Semedo said: "This shows that we have the knowledge and tools to stop global deforestation. The right mix of policies on afforestation, reforestation and integrated land-use can lead to real success. But this calls for ambitious, concerted action across all agricultural sectors and beyond, underpinned by political and societal will. Addressing these interlinkages requires innovations in institutions, governance and policies," she added."Over the past 25 years, the rate of net global deforestation slowed by more than 50%," said Manoel Sobral Filho, director of the United Nations Forum on Forests, in his keynote address to the conference. "If the current trend of slowing forest loss, combined with forest restoration and plantation efforts continues, a future where we achieve zero net global deforestation can go from being an aspiration to reality."In his address, Amedi Camara, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Mauritania and president of Council of Ministers of the Pan-African Agency of the Great Green Wall, stressed the importance of the Great Green Wall initiative for the African continent for its major contribution to combatting desertification, sustainable management of natural resources and the fight against poverty and climate change.In her keynote address, Christiana Figueres, an internationally recognised leader on global climate change and champion of the Paris Agreement, advocated a human-centred approach based on individual motivation and unleashing the potential of those local communities that would benefit the most from halting deforestation.Tony Simons, director general of the World Agroforestry Centre, provided convincing arguments in his keynote for addressing underlying causes of deforestation and forest degradation in an integrated manner. Solutions must be rooted in economic realities.Theis the first major technical conference on forests since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the first-ever United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030 (UNSPF).As most of the drivers of deforestation lie outside the forest sector, the conference brings together officials from ministries from different sectors, including forestry, agriculture, livestock and environment, as well as the private sector, small producer organisations, civil society, and indigenous peoples associations.The three-day event aims to promote dialogue across sectors and stakeholder groups on how to collectively achieve the globally agreed targets of halting deforestation and increasing forest cover. The outcomes will be brought to the attention of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development of the United Nations that will review progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 15 on "Life on Land" in July of this year.
Google-Getty deal is good, but more needs to be done

SAFREA applauds the partnership between Google and Getty Images that was announced earlier this month with a view to preventing photographic copyright infringement.

The two digital media giants signed an agreement that provides Google with a multi-year licence allowing the use of Getty's images in its products, with a few conditions attached.



For one thing, Google has to more clearly display copyright attribution for the images that are found in its search tool. For another, its "View Image" option falls away  a change that will ostensibly see fewer illegal downloads of photographs and illustrations.



The deal has been finalised partly in response to a complaint Getty had made to the European Commission in 2016. Google's image search had, it was said, facilitated the simple viewing and downloading of copyrighted images (including many from Getty's library).



While Google has long allowed the filtering of images according to the licencing rights they carry, it was fairly easy to ignore copyright and download the works of others without checking where they were being used, or by whom.



It is hoped that the agreement will go some way towards preventing such piracy, and encourage users to visit the website that a particular image appears on.



While the partnership is a positive step in the direction of building better protection for photographers' copyright, it is clear that much more needs to be done in the digital realm.



Honouring the rights of media professionals, photographic and otherwise, is still largely the responsibility of the internet user, and piracy remains rampant. With just a few clicks and detours, it is still possible to download copyrighted images  and this needs to be addressed.



For example, by right-clicking on an image in Google and opening it in a new tab, one seems to be able to save it. And in other search engines like Bing, "View Image" buttons continue to be displayed.



SAFREA, as an organisation that includes many freelance photographers, would like to see further steps being taken to uphold copyright online.




The heavily anticipated superhero movie Black Panther hit the screens on 12 February 2018, after being predicted to become the biggest ever Marvel film. The film sold more advance tickets in the US in its first 24hrs than any Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie, critics have so far been unanimously positive about the film.

The cast of Black Panther at the Johannesburg premiere.

2018: the year of celebrating black culture

Princess Shuri make-up inspired tutorial by Too Much Mouth, February 2018.

Natural hair is in the spotlight

Pantene Gold Series TV advert behind-the-scenes, March 2017.

is MCUs first black superhero, with the movie boasting a predominantly black cast as well as lauded for its representation of strong female characters, and set in the imaginary African nation of Wakanda. The movie will feature fashion and beauty looks inspired by Africa, whilst the Hollywood premiere celebrated African royalty with attendees dressed in looks inspired by the continent.The popularity of the movie ahead of its release highlights the importance and need for representation and diversity in popular culture. Mintels colour cosmetics 2015 research showed that 18% of UK women who wear make-up agree that there are not enough women of different ethnicities in beauty advertising. This reflects that its not just black and other ethnic minorities who wish to see better representation, but its a desire from consumers across all ethnic backgrounds.Movie-inspired make-up and hair looks can become iconic, from Mia Farrows pixie cut in Rosemarys Baby to Uma Thurmans nail colour in Pulp Fiction. It is likely that 2018 beauty looks will be inspired by, particularly with the movies strong focus on aesthetics and maintaining authentic African looks.A number of bloggers have already recreated looks inspired by the movie using bold colours, suggesting that the movie may drive the trend for pigmented make-up in 2018.Fenty Beauty, arguably the most successful beauty brand of recent years to cater for women of all ethnic backgrounds, launched the Mattemoiselle range of lipsticks at the end of 2017. This features an array of intense shades from navy to hot pink.Beauty brands are catering to a larger range of skin tones, with 2018 seeing MAC team up with African beauty blogger Nyma Tang to create a shade of lipstick suited to darker skin. The YouTuber is known for her Darkest Shade series of videos where she reviews shades for darker skin tones.Natural hair will feature in themovie, with the majority of the cast wearing natural hairstyles. In 2017, Pantene launched the Gold Series range designed for women with textured hair. The range is said to have been 15 years in the making, and has been developed by scientists and dermatologists with textured hair themselves.Whilst the need to cater for black and ethnic minority groups in beauty has always existed, brands and marketers have shied away from targeting a consumer group which is comparatively smaller than the typical Caucasian market. However, the popularity of both Fenty Beauty andshow that representation matters, and consumers will spend on products and movies that reflect them.
The Constantia Valley is part of the reason I'd really, like really, struggle to move out of the southern suburbs. Consisting of nine wine farms, the valley is also, in fact, the oldest wine-producing region in the Southern Hemisphere - with an uninterrupted history of winemaking that spans over 300 years! Beat that.

Jacques du Plessis, Caroline van Schalkwyk, and Duran Cornhill

Canapes by Sushi Box, paired with some delish MCC

Delectable chocolates we tasted at Alexander Avery Fine Chocolates, also paired with an MCC.

Where else in South Africa can you so easily find a setting with views of vineyards and mountains; quality wines, food, and another delicatessen; and a rich heritage dating back to the 1600s a mere 20-minute drive from the city and 10 minutes from the beach?

Constantia Valley is all about honouring heritage

Get out there!

I recently had the honour of being hosted at Constantia Uitsig for a winetasting and fine dining experience with the winemaker of Constantia Uitsig, Jacques du Plessis, the winemaker of Eagle's Nest, Duran Cornhill, as well as Steenberg Vineyards' marketing manager, Caroline van Schalkwyk.A lot has been happening on the Uitsig property recently - from a brand new wine cellar and five-star tasting facility, to the gorgeous heritage market with its breathtaking panoramic views.The heritage market contributes something unique to the valley. Made up of five cute cottages built in the old Dutch style, each one features a unique treasure: Sushi Box, Alexander Avery Fine Chocolates, Kristen's Ice Cream, Aegir Brewery, Nest Deli, and the Uitsig Wine Shop.Needless to say, the evening consisted of lots of food and wine pairings, with each winemaker sharing more about the farms and their wines and why the valley is special to them. As they were speaking, I realised once again why I love this valley so much.Groot Constantia, being Simon van der Stels original farm, has subsequently been subdivided into smaller farms, Constantia Uitsig is now one of a select handful of wine estates that together make up the Constantia Valley Wine Route.Constantia's history dates back to 1685 when Van der Stel named his property after the daughter of the benefactor who granted him a farm nestled beneath a picturesque mountain range. The lush setting and moderate temperatures bode well for farming and Van der Stel set to work planting orchards and vineyards. Steenberg Vineyards was actually the Capes first farm, established in 1682. History records that in that year, Catharina Michelse, also known as The Widow Ras, asked Simon van der Stel for a portion of ground at the foot of the Ou Kaapse Weg and he agreed to lease 25 Morgen to her. After he became the owner of Groot Constantia in 1685, she asked him for a legal title deed and a mandate was granted to her in 1688 to "cultivate, to plough and to sow and also to possess the farm below the stone mountain."Legend has it this was one hardcore lady, and you'd miss out not to read more about the crazy events of her life which add just something extra to the appreciation of the farm...A newer one in the tribe, Eagle's Nest is cradled in the undisturbed valley high up on the slopes of the historic Constantia mountain range, which forms part of Table Mountain. The farms origins can be traced back to 1836 when it was used as a refreshment station between the area now known as Wynberg in the east, and the harbour of Hout Bay in the west. In order to make this journey, travellers had to cross the mountain pass, now known as Constantia Neck.In 1984, the 38ha farm was purchased by the Mylrea family. After devastating fires that raged through the Cape in the summer of 2000, the farm was mostly destroyed, except for the historic buildings. Being part of Constantia Valley, known for its award-winning wines, they decided to plant the farm with varieties that best suited the unique terroir of Eagles Nest.If you don't know the valley all too well, or have maybe never been aware of all the stunning wine farms in the area (gasp!), be sure to make a day of it soon. In addition to these three, other farms to explore in the valley include Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Groot Constantia, High Constantia, Beau Constantia, and Constantia Glen.For more, go to the Constantia Wine Route website
Africa's agricultural sector is of immense importance to the world. With one-quarter of the world's arable land, Africa is expected to play a leading role in ensuring the global population - expected to grow to nine billion by 2050 - has access to a secure source of food. This has led the World Bank to predict that Africa's agricultural sector will grow to $1 trillion by 2030.

Kate HoltAusAID via Wikimedia Commons

Paul McKane, Industry Value Advisor: Consumer Industries at SAP Africa

The challenge of productivity

Digitising Africa's agri-industry

By equipping Africas smallholder farmers with productivity and quality-boosting technology tools, and ensuring they have access to market opportunities beyond their immediate environment, the continents agricultural sector can start delivering on its potential to feed the world.

Improving access through innovation

However, despite 65% of the continent's labour force engaged in agriculture and 32% of the continent's GDP stemming from this sector, Africa only contributes 10% of global agricultural output. Key factors contributing to this is a lack of access to markets and financing, as well as productivity levels that are well below developed world standards.For Africas agricultural sector to reach its potential and meet the food needs of a growing global population, improvements in four key areas need to be achieved, namely:, including access to financing and education, integration of end-to-end processes to track farm-to-fork, and affordable access to machinery;through track-and-trace of the origin of products at every step of the logistics chain, as well as reducing the use of pesticides;by professionalising the marketing of African agricultural products, and enabling access to regional and global markets for smallholder farmers who constitute the majority of Africa's agricultural sector; and, aimed at guiding production and export and prioritising securing food and nutrition needs of local populations.Africas agri-sector consists mostly of a large number of subsistence farmers, who generally sell or trade their produce locally. Their output is often limited by their access to equipment and information: only 5% of the cultivated land on the continent makes use of irrigation, compared to 38% in Asia, while the spare use of fertiliser  as little as 7.4kg per hectare in Ghana compared to 100kg in South Asia  contributes to further underperformance. Many have no access to farming machines to automate some of the more time-consuming and physically demanding work.There is also a prevailing disconnect between smallholder farmer production and real-time market needs, which hampers government efforts to steer the industry strategically to serve local economic and food security needs. One free trade agreement in the east of the continent was suspended after one of the governments involved identified that the food being exported was much-needed locally.On the topic of exports: even Africas leading agricultural producers have limited access to global markets. Egypt and Nigeria may produce one-third of the continents agricultural output, but due to a lack of monitoring and unclear origin, the produce from these two agricultural powerhouses often fail to inspire confidence in global buyers, leaving smallholder farmers with only local market access to sell their goods.This has created an urgent need to develop a holistic technology-led approach to addressing productivity and quality concerns across the entire agriculture value chain. Encouragingly, a number of powerful new technologies are emerging to digitise Africas agricultural sector and bring a slew of new advances in productivity and quality.Digital farming combines several key technologies to make farming more efficient and sustainable, and to create opportunities for rural farmers to gain access to the global marketplace.The megatrend of, is connecting every market participant and machine, from farmers and seed producers to equipment manufacturers, commodity markets, governments and other stakeholders. Smallholder farmers in Africa are enjoying the benefits of hyperconnectivity throughthat enable farmers to get SMS notification of weather information, market prices, and best practice.for crops and livestock are generating huge amounts ofthat is processed byalgorithms to optimise production activities such as irrigation, fertiliser use, and crop protection. This enables farmers to increase yields and maintain global quality standards while saving input resources, minimising any negative effects on the environment.By increasing transparency, digital agriculture also enables smallholder farmers to have end-to-end track-and-trace for certification requirements to fully integrate them into the supply chain. The Rural Sourcing Management solution developed by SAP in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and other private sector partners, is integrating smallholder farmers into regional and global value chains.It not only connects them to global markets, but a built-in e-learning component helps to deliver critical information and best practice to enhance the quality of their produce. By tracing produce from farm to fork, the Rural Sourcing Management solution also enables smallholder farmers to sell produce at market-related prices, increasing their revenue and opening up new markets in the process.A new digital agriculture think-tank is also leveraging SAP's startup initiatives on the continent - such as the MakeIT initiative in Nigeria conducted in partnership with GIZ - to develop new solutions for Africa's agri-industry. The aim is to find niche solutions such as Hello Tractor, which functions as a sort of Uber for tractors by provisioning on-demand tractor services to smallholder farmers, or Ghana's AgroCenta, a fair-trade initiative aimed at improving access to markets among the region's smallholder farmers.By equipping Africas smallholder farmers with productivity and quality-boosting technology tools, and ensuring they have access to market opportunities beyond their immediate environment, the continents agricultural sector can start delivering on its potential to feed the world. As the global population expands and food demand increases, Africas smallholder farmers are set to become key players in the global economy of the future.
A landmark ruling by the Western Cape High Court last month, which declared part of the Regulation of Gatherings Act unconstitutional, is to be challenged by the State and the Minister of Police in the Constitutional Court.

A landmark ruling by the Western Cape High Court which declared part of the Regulation of Gatherings Act unconstitutional is to be challenged by the state and the Minister of Police in the Constitutional Court. Photo: Ciaran Ryan

On 24 January, Judge Thandazwa Ndita ruled that the section of Regulation of Gatherings Act 205 of 1993, which criminalises the gathering of more than 15 people if no notice is given, was invalid and unconstitutional.The case was brought by the Social Justice Coalition (SJC) against the state and the Minister of Police. Equal Education, the Open Society Justice Initiative, and The UN Special Rapporteur were admitted as friends of the court.In September 2013, 21 members and supporters of the SJC were arrested and charged with contravening the Regulation of Gatherings Act (RGA). They had chained themselves to the railing of the Civic Centre in Cape Town, demanding to see Mayor Patricia de Lille.In February 2015, ten members of the group, identified as the conveners of the protest, were convicted under the Act for not submitting a notice for their protest to the City. The remaining 11 were acquitted.The SJC appealed the convictions in 2016. One of the convicted SJC members, Nolulama Jara, died in August 2015, but Jaras name is still listed in the court documents.In her ruling, Ndita set aside the convictions of ten SJC members. She said the criminal sanction in the Act was disproportionate to the offence.In the papers submitted on 13 February, the Minister of Police said that Nditas order could only come into effect once it has been confirmed by the Constitutional Court.The Minister maintains that the Act does not limit or infringe on the right to freedom of assembly, that giving notice was a simple and straightforward procedure, and that it ensured protest takes place peacefully and with due regard to the rights of others.The Minister said notice allows the state to adequately prepare and facilitate the right to protest, and makes the deployment of police easier in light of the scarcity of police resources.Axolile Notywala of the SJC told GroundUp that the organisation had also approached the Constitutional Court to have Nditas decision upheld. We are still waiting for a directive from the Court.Should Nditas ruling be upheld by the Constitutional Court, it will have important implications for civil society activists, poor communities and other citizens engaged in protest action against the state or powerful private organisations.
Harare City Council has banned commuter omnibuses from the central business district (CBD) and is ordering them to operate from new ranks.

Routes

Coventry Rank - Rotten Row - Robert Mugabe Way - fourth St Rank through Copacabana Rank.



Fourth St Rank - Fifth St - George Silundika Rd - Fourth St - Jason Moyo - through Copacabana - Rotten Row to Coventry Rd Rank.



Seke Rd Rank - Seke Rd - Robert Mugabe Way - S. Muzenda Rank (Fourth St Rank).



Coventry Rd Rank - Rotten Row - Charter Rd - Market Square Rank - Bank St - Kenneth Kaunda - S. Muzenda Rank (Fourth Street) and back.



Seke Rd Rank - Dieppe Rd - Chiremba Rd - Robert Mugabe Way - Robson Manyika - Charge Office.



Coventry Rd Rank - Cripps Rd - Dieppe Rd - Glenara Rd - S. Machel Rd - Rotten Rd - Coventry Rd Rank.

In a statement earlier this week, Harare City Council corporate communications manager Michael Chideme said the new development is effective as of 21 February 2018."The City of Harare advises residents, the commuting public and commuter omnibus operators that with effect from Wednesday, 21 February 2018, no commuter omnibuses will be allowed in the central business district," he said.The commuter omnibuses will terminate their journeys at the new peripheral ranks, from Charge Office to Seke Road and Dieppe Road (Coca-Cola), From Copa Cabana and Market Square to Coventry Road and Rotten Row rank.Chideme said the council will only allow shuttle services to be provided into the CBD using specific routes."Shuttle services in and out of the CBD will be provided from the new ranks and the buses will follow specific routes," he said.Chideme said the routes would be as follows:Chideme said the routes will be improved in the long run."This move was long overdue. We want to restore order in our city like we promised. The routes will continue to be improved as we implement this strategy," he said.
Dr William Mapham.

Image  Christopher Larson/Scott Gorman.

The Vula app. The referral note still in his patients notebook.

How it works

The process. click to enlarge Operation Sight  Rob@flamingpencil.co.uk via Design Indaba.

To Africa and beyond

Mapping the eye for diagnosis. Capturing burns for diagnosis.

And the future?

The dream is videos  like a Suzelle of how to do medical procedures.

One of the triggers for the idea was bumping into a patient after he worked in a rural hospital in the Eastern Cape, where he had written a referral to see a specialist in Umtata as he did not know how to treat him due to lack of expertise at that stage. Seven years later, he learned that the patient had lost vision in one eye, as he had never got to the specialist. Mapham knew that he had had access to the information at the time, the medication had been actually available in the clinic and he would have been able to save an eye.To give you a better perspective, in South Africa, the private health care system has about 1 doctor and 1 specialist for 1,500 people, and in the public system, there is 1 doctor for 4,500 people and only 1 specialist for 18,000 people. Mapham recalls when working in a clinic in the Eastern Cape even trying to get a telephone installed in a rural area proved trying as they need a street address in order to install a landline. Long story short, he ultimately gave the address - No 1, Dirt Road, Elliotdale  a town 45 minutes away, and eventually someone came out. Even so, they could only manage to get a radio link instead of a landline, but it was clear that something had to change and the advent of mobile became the enabler.Essentially the Vula app helps ensure patients get the right care when they need it. Its a secure medical chat and referral application thats designed to help healthcare workers to, quickly and efficiently, make and receive referrals with 4,000 medical specialists in 15 specially fields  ophthalmology, cardiology, orthopaedic, burns, HIV, dermatology, ENT, paediatrics, oncology, gynaecology, family medicine, general surgery, internal medicine and neurosurgery at present.The chat functionality helps the health workers and specialists who are time sensitive work in an asynchronistic way and current response times are under 15 minutes  weirdly enough they find the least tech people respond the fastest!Not only has it been a great success in treating patients, but also the educational aspect of self-training is high. From a doctor at Baragwanath to a sister in Vredendal who trained herself case by case remotely and managed to raise money from Japan to open her own clinic. Plus the amount of crowd-sourced data captured  they currently hold over 80,000 photographs  is so significant its proving to be an invaluable asset not only to health workers and specialists but health organisations, too.When asked what happens with the data, Mapham said, The heads of departments can actually monitor what is going on in real-time, which enables clinical governance, which is how they actually manage peoples actual care. People have never seen this before because you cant monitor everyones landline phone call, but we are monitoring all the advice going out and it's being used in teaching cases.So what about expansion plans? His answer was, we get asked all the time, not just from African countries, but the likes of Cambodia, New Zealand and others and the challenge there is, Who is the health worker? the biggest problem is validation. In SA we have access to medical records, so we know exactly who is a health worker, and only health workers are allowed onto Vula. In fact, he joked at the beginning of his talk he is probably the only person who doesnt encourage the general public to download the app.He carries on, The biggest problem and actually its a design problem, but how do we role out to countries that dont have that? In Namibia for example, all the health records are in a room  you cant send someone to check every time someone tries to register, so the design team is looking at ways to solve that and once thats done we can say yes to people overseas, but until now we have actually resisted.As a start-up, Vula has always battled with funding, and the development of the app so far has been largely reliant on money from prizes for innovation and entrepreneurship.Initial funding came via a flash grant (R50,000) from the Shuttleworth Foundation and donation of time to design and create a prototype by Debre Barrett and her team at Flow Interactive (now part of Deloitte Digital), which helped Mapham win the SAB Foundation Social Innovation Award in 2013. That prize money ensured the launch of the Android and iOS app in 2014 and since launch, they have won Most Innovative App at the MTN App of The Year in 2015, first prize at the 2016 Clearly Vision Prize awards and more recently a Platinum Award at the Impumelelo Social Innovations Awards.The company was almost flatlining (his words) in 2016, but after Barrett joined on a permanent basis, they started to see some exponential growth and a huge increase in uptake and by default the value of the app became a much more viable option for investors and interested parties  which Will Green now handles from a commercial point of view.They have developed a tiered system for the likes of the banking, insurance and medical industries to gain access over the 4,000 time-pressed medical practitioners. Not only will it facilitate corporate involvement, but the partnerships will enable keeping the app free.Mapham finished his talk with a video, which was captured after performing cataract surgeries on several patients in De Aar recently. One lady had not been able to see for 9 years and had to be helped all the time. Then through one surgery, suddenly she could see  her thankful tears made us all cry, too and the standing ovation that followed reiterated his opening words: Some people say nothing good comes out of the Eastern Cape  Mandela came from thereTo find out more, click here
Although the high octane action film 24 Hours To Live was originally set in Washington D.C, the film took on another persona when filmmakers decided to shoot it in Cape Town.

Personal and emotional ride

Cape Town is a pivotal part of the overall narrative

Smrz at the forefront

It was the powerful human story underlying the action inthat caught the attention of Thunder Road Films producer Kent Kubena when he read the script co-written by Ron Mita and Jim McClain  who originally set the story in Washington D.C. The film takes on a genre that is so much more than just an action film, says Kubena.The high-octane film follows a career assassin (Ethan Hawke) who is given a chance at redemption after his employer brings him back to life temporarily, just after being killed on the job.Multiple Oscar nominee Hawke leads the international cast with many South African actors including Tyrone Keogh, Nathalie Boltt, Claire Berlein, Tanya van Graan, Brendan Murray, Bjorn Steinbach, and Aydan Whytock.Executive producer Jon Kuyper describes the film as an entertaining tale with some sort of morality and poetry weaved into it. This poetry comes in the form of protagonist Ethan Hawkes character, Travis Conrads ability to seek some form of redemption in his last 24 hours to live. The audience can go on a very personal, almost emotional ride with this character with great action.marks Smrzs first feature film as a director. Smrz, who is highly regarded for his stunt work on blockbuster action films - likeand- says he was drawn to the unique concept of the script and immediately wanted to tackle the material.The idea of a guy being brought back to life to redeem himself is a fun start. I liked the friendship, the betrayal, honour among killers, so that, combined with the concept of a guy brought back to life, is really fun for me.The action film genre is a great purveyor of high-speed car chases, death-defying stunts, shootouts, and plots that call for great physical prowess.While these are all components in, Smrz interweaves them with the personal narrative of one mans search for redemption.Academy Award-winning production designer Colin Gibson states, Ethan also has a lot of experience and hes working closely with Brian on both the action and on the character development as we go. The collaboration was to get what is essentially an action movie to give it a resonance for the rest of the world.Gibson, who landed the Oscar for designing the spectacular sets in George Millers multiple Academy Award-winning, says he always strives to create spaces that are unique to their genre, and enhance the scenes and the characters. George always says, look for the purple cow in the herd. On, we tried as far as possible to find new references so that we dont repeat ourselves, or fall back on easy responses.We shot a movie in Cape Town several years ago and fell in love with the area and we wanted to bring something unique to this unique concept  a strong human drama in the action genre  so Cape Town as the space where the film is set was a unique decision and a pivotal part of the overall narrative, says Kubena.Kuyper, who has successfully shot eight films in the city, which is one of the worlds most popular off-shore filming destinations  with a diverse offering of locations  opines: One of the most compelling things for me is the opportunity to shoot Cape Town for Cape Town, which is really rare, and Ive always wanted to do that.The fact that Cape Town is such a pivotal part of the unfolding of the narrative adds to its distinctive character.Most filmmakers who make films and commercials in Cape Town often shoot these assets for other places. Our aim was to try and showcase the city, all the colour, and contrasting culture. Gibson is also inspired by the fact that  purely based on the variety of locations in and around the city  Cape Town serves as a canvas that can be converted into an array of other spaces and places. We shot out in the veld, in the lagoons, on the beach, and sequences set in the township Khayelitsha, an informal settlement in close proximity to the city. These all added layers of great colour, vibrant culture, and diverse communities. We were able to use the old city buildings to sort of sell what we call the United Nations, the goodies in our group: Interpol against the baddies who are headquartered in Red Mountain.Gibson shares that some of the old architecture in Cape Town influenced the design of many of the sets, with beautiful old colonial buildings, old courthouses and city halls its a great place to find scale and history in which we can play off the opposing forces.For the headquarters of the ominous private security organisation, Red Mountain, Gibson created a futuristic, slightly military, industrial complex. Describing this as a great juxtaposition to the historical buildings, Gibson says that for him this was the most interesting set build. Originally we were going to do it as a location, but as these things happen locations fall through. So we built it as a set - and the more you build the more you can blow up - there are only certain parts of Cape Town where we were permitted to set off explosions. Utilising our own set gave us the relative freedom to the final showdown in the story. The environment works to create an impact of the action.Given Smrzs considerable reputation in the action genre generated excitement among the producers when he decided to captain theKuyper stresses that Brian Smrz is long overdue to move into the role of director. Its been a pleasure working with him.Brian has always kind of been in the background and we saw this as a great opportunity to bring him to the forefront, and hopefully launch him as a big, first unit director, says Kubena.Smrz carefully balances the action element so it doesnt eclipse the human story of the harrowing personal journey Hawkes character makes in the last 24 hours of his life.Brian has a passion for action movies, he is intimate with action, says Hawke who adds that when making a decision to be involved in a film he tries to sniff out if people are sincere in loving movies. You know, because if you love movies and you have the right team behind you, you can do something valuable, its a certain kind of energy that you have that makes a good movie, and I felt that Brian really has this.
by Kristina Knight

Kristina: What is driving this new phishing attack?

Asaf Cidon, VP of Email Security, Barracuda.com: Cyber criminals are attempting to steal login credentials in order to commit fraud or to launch targeted spear phishing campaigns within an organization to steal the crown jewels - typically a wire transfer (according to the FBI 2017 BEC report, the average fraudulent wire transfer is about $125,000), PII (e.g. social security numbers) or additional credentials.

Kristina: What are the dangers in this type of attack?

Asaf: Based on what we're seeing in our customer base, these attacks represent the biggest email security threat of 2018. In order of magnitude, they're five to ten times more common than phishing emails that impersonate employees. These threats are able to bypass traditional email security systems because:

 The links themselves are not the links that were used before in a phishing attack, so they will not appear on blacklists.

 Some links even lead to a legitimate small business website, where the attacker will put in a fake sign-in page within that website.

 The emails are often personalized, such as including the recipient's name.

These threats place a huge burden on IT staff. When the attackers succeed in stealing an employee's login credentials, they proceed to send out hundreds of additional emails from those accounts, which means that IT has to delete all of those emails and reset all the passwords.

Kristina: How can businesses protect themselves/their employees from this type of attack?

Asaf: You don't hear much about this threat in the security industry because most companies have not figured out how to address it. Microsoft can't stop emails that impersonate Microsoft, and Google can't stop emails that impersonate Google. Additionally, link protection solutions such as "safe links" do not work for these attacks.

Barracuda Sentinel, by leveraging artificial intelligence, can be taught to automatically detect and quarantine these emails in real-time. We trained the system to understand a typical email from Microsoft or Dropbox, which we expect to come from specific email addresses or an affiliated domain, and to contain links that to go to specific websites affiliated with the company. So an email that comes from a phony address and links to an obscure website will raise a red flag.

In general, organizations should incorporate a holistic risk prevention strategy with the latest email security technologies and regular security training in order to effectively protect against email threats such as these and many others.

Tags: Barracuda, business safety tips, cloud document trends, phishing attacks, phishing trends
PR Newswire

OAK BROOK, Ill., Feb. 21, 2018

OAK BROOK, Ill., Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) announced today the appointment of Matthew E. Rubel to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Rubel is joining the Board to complete the remainder of the term of Board member Terdema L. Ussery who has resigned effective immediately. Mr. Rubel will stand for election in the 2018 Proxy. George V. Bayly will replace Mr. Ussery as Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Linda K. Massman will take Mr. Ussery's place on the Board's Compensation Committee.

Sam K. Reed, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of TreeHouse Foods, said, "We are delighted to welcome Matt Rubel to our board. He is a highly accomplished executive and board leader who brings to our team extensive leadership experience across the retail consumer product and private equity landscape. I am confident that his background will be instrumental to TreeHouse as the retail grocery landscape continues to evolve and our TreeHouse 2020 initiatives strive to simplify, reshape and optimize our manufacturing and distribution footprint so that we are better positioned to capture the private label opportunity."

Mr. Rubel most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of Varsity Brands. He currently serves as Executive Chairman of the Board at KidKraft, Inc. and as the Lead Independent Director of The Joint Corporation. He is also an Independent Director at Hudson's Bay Company. In 2010, Mr. Rubel became a Presidential Appointee to the House Advisory Council on Trade Policy Negotiation.

Mr. Rubel has extensive private equity, as well as executive experience. He has served as a Senior Advisor to both TPG Capital, L.P. and TPG Growth, as well as Roark Capital Group. Prior to his advisory roles, Mr. Rubel served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Collective Brands, Inc. from 2005 to 2011, including his time as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Payless Inc. which saw the acquisition of brands including Sperry Topsider, Saucony, Stride Rite and Keds. From February 1999 to July 2005, he served as the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Cole Haan. Mr. Rubel has been an executive and director of numerous multi-national retail and consumer branded companies, including Supervalu from 2010 to 2016 and HSNi from 2012 to 2017.

Mr. Rubel earned his Bachelor of Science in journalism from Ohio University and holds an MBA from the University of Miami.

ABOUT TREEHOUSE FOODSTreeHouse Foods, Inc. is a manufacturer of packaged foods and beverages with a network of manufacturing facilities across the United States, Canada, and Italy that focuses primarily on private label products for both retail grocery and food away from home customers. We manufacture shelf stable, refrigerated, frozen and fresh products, including beverages (single serve beverages, coffees, teas, creamers, powdered beverages, and smoothies); meals (cereal, pasta, macaroni and cheese, and side dishes); baked goods (refrigerated and frozen dough, cookies, and crackers); condiments (pourable and spoonable dressing, dips, pickles, and sauces) and snacks (nuts, trail mix, bars, dried fruits, and vegetables). We have a comprehensive offering of packaging formats and flavor profiles, and we also offer natural, organic, and preservative free ingredients in many categories. Our strategy is to be the leading supplier of private label food and beverage products by providing the best balance of quality and cost to our customers.

Additional information, including TreeHouse's most recent statements on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, may be found at TreeHouse's website, http://www.treehousefoods.com.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/treehouse-foods-inc-appoints-matthew-e-rubel-to-the-board-of-directors-board-accepts-resignation-of-terdema-l-ussery-300602446.html

SOURCE TreeHouse Foods, Inc.
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There is more confusion than clarity on the auction of Delhis iconic Taj Mansingh hotel. MSTC, the agency hired for the e-auction, continued to flash February 21 as the date of auction on its website on Wednesday. However, the day passed without any auction taking place.

Earlier this month, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), which owns the property, had revised the auction date for the second time to February 21. The first revision had rescheduled it for February 7. The date has now been extended for the third time to March 7  five weeks after the first date of ...
Indian refiner Essar Oil is looking to raise over $1 billion from trading houses after its new Russian owners could not raise loans from major Western banks due to sanctions on Russia. Essar wants to borrow the money for 3-4 years and repay it with cargoes of refined products as it seeks to cut its reliance on lending from Indian banks, banking and trading sources familiar with the discussions said. It would be the first large multi-year pre-payment deal by Essar, which has previously engaged only in short-term deals. Russian oil major Rosneft, fund UCP and Swiss ...
Ford Motor Co said on Wednesday that Raj Nair, its president for North America, was leaving the company immediately after an internal investigation found his behaviour was "inconsistent with the company's code of conduct." Ford did not give any details on what that behaviour entailed. A company spokesman said the review was launched in the past few weeks after Ford received a report of inappropriate behaviour. Nair's departure comes after several high-profile business leaders and politicians have quit or been fired in the past year following accusations of ...
The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the embattled real estate firm to furnish by Thursday details of 47 residential towers, which are nearing completion, and how much money it had taken from flat buyers as well the amount invested.

A bench of justices Arun Mishra and Amitava Roy said that the company should also give details about the funds which have been frozen after the start of insolvency proceedings.

"Our ultimate concern is that home buyers should get their flats as early as possible. You (Amrapali) should give the details by tomorrow of how much money of yours has been frozen. How much money you have taken from home buyers and how much money you have invested?," the bench said.

The top court asked senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for Amrapali Group, to submit by Thursday details of 47 residential towers, which the company claims to be nearing completion in next 14-16 months.

"We can ask them to deposit the money in the court-monitored bank account and that fund will be given to you only after the developer finishes the work in 47 towers," the bench said while clarifying that it will adjudicate the issue phase wise.

Kumar told the bench that it will need around Rs 130 crore to finish the work in 47 towers, but he will furnish the exact details by Thursday.

The bench posted the matter for Thursday.

The firm has sought permission of the court to rope in other builders to complete its various housing projects and hand over possession of flats to the hassled homebuyers.

The company, which is facing insolvency proceedings initiated by the creditor bank for not repaying the loan, had told the top court in an affidavit that it was not in a position to complete the projects and hand over possession of flats to over 42,000 home-buyers in a time-bound manner. It had said the properties were needed to be developed with the help of co-developers.

It claimed that many firms have expressed interest in taking over and completing these housing projects.

Apart from the massive inventory which has been sold and is at various stages of development, the ongoing projects of have vacant land available (earmarked for future development) which can be developed with the assistance of co-developers and, subsequently, sold to prospective buyers.

"This would provide for the necessary liquidity and cash flows for payment to the creditors and also investments in projects that unfortunately have negative cash flows, the company had said in its affidavit.

It had urged the court to allow co-developers "to come in to construct, develop and deliver homes in certain under-construction projects of the group.

"The plan will not only provide for speedy construction of houses but would also facilitate and ensure payments to all the creditors, including those who have already approached the NCLT for insolvency proceedings," it said.

The top court had on January 31 asked the firm to submit a comprehensive plan with a time line on how it would complete its pending projects.

It had also asked the authorities of Noida and Greater Noida, Committee of Creditors, the Interim Resolution Professional (IRP) and other parties to file their responses to the proposal submitted by the company.

The bench had said this was a "serious issue" and a "complicated case" wherein it has to go into the details of the money paid by home buyers and the loans and mortgage made to secure that loan.

Amrapali's counsel had said one Galaxy Developers has come forward to develop the flats in a timely manner.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had earlier admitted insolvency proceedings against and appointed an interim resolution professional to manage the affairs of the company on September 4 last year.

The top court is hearing a batch of pleas filed by flat buyers who have sought quashing of the September 4 last year's NCLT order and said the moratorium imposed under the provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, is violative of Article 14 (equality before law) of the Constitution.
Uber Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dara Khosrowshahi on Thursday called India a core market, putting to rest all speculation that had gained currency ever since SoftBank, the largest and the newest shareholder at Uber, had said it should concentrate on markets such as the US and Europe for profitability. If we can succeed in India with our product in terms of price and quality, it will be a laboratory for the next six billion consumers who will have access to our products, Khosrowshahi, who is in India for the first time, said.

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How safe is the profession of the fourth estate in India? Not much, says Transparency International (TI) in its latest report on Corruption Perceptions Index. It clubbed India with the Philippines and the Maldives as the worst nations in the Asia Pacific so far as press freedom is concerned. "Philippines, India and the Maldives are among the worst regional offenders in this respect (press freedom).

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Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

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The CBI on Thursday registered a case and booked five persons on charges of uploading and circulating child pornography through a Whatsapp group that had 119 members from both India and abroad.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) busted the racket involved in what they called a "global crime" on the basis of intelligence inputs.

The group -- KidsXXX -- included members from foreign countries like the United States, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Kenya, Nigeria, Mexico and New Zealand, besides India.

Administrators of the Whatsapp group were identified as Nikhil Verma, Satyendra Omprakash Chauhan, Nafees Raja, Zahid and Adarsh. A case has been filed against them under Section 67-B of the Information Technology Act and the provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said two of the accused -- Nafees and Zahid -- belong to Delhi while Nikhil and Adarsh are residents of Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj and Noida, respectively. The fifth accused Satyendra hails from Kandivali in Mumbai.

He further said that 20-year-old unemployed B.Com graduate Nikhil, whose father works at a jewellery shop, has been arrested from his hometown in Kannauj and that he will be brought to Delhi for further questioning.

According to the official, the Whatsapp child pornography group had been active for about two years.

After busting the racket with the help of field intelligence and monitoring of mobile locations and IP addresses of the computers being handled by the accused, the central agency is now planning to write to the investigators in foreign countries concerned, whose members are part of the Whatsapp group.

The minor victims in the videos and photos are, however, yet to be identified, the CBI spokesperson said.

The agency on Tuesday also searched the premises of the group's administrators in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra and recovered computers, hard disks, phones and incriminating videos and photos of children being sexually abused.

The CBI official said they are investigating all angles in this case, including a well-organised racket shooting children's sexual abuse videos and selling them in the virtual world.
The Supreme Court on Thursday asked if a roving inquiry could be ordered into the "issue of consent" between two adults who married at will and if the Kerala High Court order annulling the marriage of Hadiya, an alleged victim of 'love jihad', was justified.

The questions from a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud came during the hearing of the Kerala conversion case.

"What troubles us is that whether there can be a roving inquiry into the issue of consent between two adults who have agreed to marry," the bench said.

Whether the high court was justified in nullifying the marriage is a pure question of law, it added.

"Marriage and investigation are two different things. As far as marriage is concerned, it does not warrant any investigation. Investigation has nothing to do with it. You can investigate any other thing," the court said.

Hadiya, the 25-year-old woman who is at the centre of an alleged love jihad controversy, had on Tuesday filed an affidavit before the top court claiming that she willingly converted to Islam and wants to live with her husband Shafin Jahan.

The matter had come to fore when Jahan had challenged the Kerala High Court's order annulling his marriage with Hadiya and sending her to her parents' custody.

On November 27 last year, the apex court had freed Hadiya from her parents' custody and sent her to college to pursue her studies, even as she had pleaded that she should be allowed to go with her husband.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Hadiya's father, said it was a case of vulnerable adults and the high court was justified in nullifying the marriage by exercising its power under Article 226 of the Constitution.

"In this case, marriage was used as a pretext to keep it out of the court's jurisdiction," Divan said.

Hadiya had urged the court to set aside the judgement of the Kerala High Court that had annulled the marriage terming it an instance of 'love jihad'.

The top court had earlier ordered an NIA probe into a "pattern" where some women were allegedly being converted to Islam.

Later, the court decided to hear the woman and interviewed her in an open court when she made an appeal for her freedom under the Constitution.

In her affidavit, the woman told the court that "horrendous sufferings" were meted out to her for converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim man.

The apex court had on January 23 made it clear that the National Investigation Agency cannot probe the marital status of Hadiya and Jahan.
Religious minorities, particularly Muslims, in India faced increasing "demonization", global rights group Amnesty International said on Thursday, accusing Indian authorities of using laws to stifle freedom of expression in the country.

In its latest annual report released, the group paints a bleak picture of situation in South Asia. With reference to India, it said incidents like cow vigilantism and lynchings in the name of beef-eating plagued India over the past year, alleging inaction by the government.

"In India, dozens of hate crimes against Muslims took place across the country against the backdrop of a wave of Islamophobia under the Hindu nationalist government.

"At least 10 Muslim men were lynched and many injured by vigilante cow protection groups," it said, adding many of them seemed to operate with the support of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Some arrests were made, but no convictions were reported. Some BJP officials made statements which appeared to justify the attacks."

The report also speaks about issues like a threat to journalists and killing of Gauri Lankesh, an editor who was shot dead outside her residence in Bengaluru last year.

"Several journalists and defenders lost their lives. Freedom of expression in universities also remained under threat. Lankesh, an outspoken critic of Hindu nationalism and the caste system, was shot dead outside her home in Bengaluru by unidentified gunmen in September. Criminal defamation cases were brought against several journalists."

It said: "Repressive laws were used to stifle freedom of expression...state governments banned books, and the central film certification board denied the theatrical release of certain films, on vague and overly broad grounds."

Minar Pimple, Director Operations, Amnesty, said politics of populism and demonisation was spreading in the world but was is being met by resistance in the US and in India with 'Not in My Name' campaign.

Biraj Patnaik, Regional Director South Asia, said space for civil society in the whole of South Asian region was shrinking and "India's neighbours are learning all bad things" from the country like variants of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, Cybersecurity Act were being initiated in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The report draws a dark picture of the plight of human rights, citing examples and of caste-based discrimination, communal violence, crimes against women and children in India.

It stressed that the Supreme Court and High Courts delivered several progressive judgments but some rulings undermined as India "failed" to respect its human rights commitments made before the UN Human Rights Council.

Over 338,000 crimes against women were registered and over 106,000 cases of violence against children were reported.

"Activists remained critical of amendments to child labour laws which allowed children to work in family enterprises."

In Jammu and Kashmir, security forces continued to use inherently inaccurate pellet-firing shotguns during protests, blinding and injuring several people.

Impunity for human rights abuses persisted, it maintained.

In June, a military court set up under the paramilitary Border Security Force acquitted two soldiers of killing 16-year-old Zahid Farooq Sheikh in 2010.

It also noted that in July, the Supreme Court refused to reopen 215 cases in which over 700 members of the Kashmiri Pandit community were killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989, citing the passage of time.

"The same month, an appellate military court suspended the life sentences of five army personnel convicted by a court-martial of the extrajudicial executions of three men in Machil in 2010," it argued.

The report said that hate crimes against Dalits remained widespread as official statistics released in November stated that more than 40,000 crimes against Scheduled Castes were reported in 2016.

"Authorities were openly critical of human rights defenders and organizations, contributing to a climate of hostility against them," the report said, citing the deaths of two Dalit men who were killed by members of a dominant caste in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, following a clash.

"Activists said that at least 90 Dalits employed as manual scavengers died during the year while cleaning sewers, despite the practice being prohibited," it stated adding that many of those killed were illegally employed by government agencies.

It also highlights that an estimated 40,000 Rohingya people in India were at risk of mass expulsion. They included more than 16,000 who were recognized as refugees by UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, it said.
Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, whose invitation to a dinner in honour of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was rescinded following a controversy, no longer figures in the Home Ministry's blacklist of Sikh extremists, officials said.

The central government time-to-time reviews the blacklist of the Sikh extremists taking into account intelligence inputs and activities of the persons concerned, a home ministry official said.

Names of nearly 150 wanted terrorists and their associates were removed from the blacklist in the last few years, the official said.

"Atwal's name no longer figures in the current blacklist," the official said.

The review of the blacklist is always done in consultation with the Punjab government and central security agencies.

Most of the persons whose names have been deleted from the wanted list are believed to be currently based in countries like Pakistan, the US, Canada, Norway, France and Germany.

After the government removed them from the blacklist, they could move freely around the world and even return to India.

Perhaps taking advantage of the central government's decision to remove his name from the blacklist, Atwal arrived in ndia and subsequently got the invitation to the dinner being hosted in honour of Trudeau by High Commissioner of Canada Nadir Patel, the official said.

Atwal was a Sikh separatist active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation when he was convicted of attempt to murder of Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

Sidhu was shot at twice on a road and survived, but was later assassinated in India.

A judge called it "an act of terrorism" and sentenced Atwal and three others to 20 years in prison.

It is not yet immediately known as to how Atwal got an Indian visa and why he was cleared to attend official events here.

Atwal is said to have been active in Canadian politics in recent years.
With questions raised over his silence so far ever since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's arrival in India on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening welcomed him on his visit and said that he looked forward to meeting him on Friday.

In a separate tweet, Modi said that he hoped Trudeau had an enjoyable visit to India so far and that he particularly looked forward to meeting Trudeau's three children Xavier, Ella-Grace and Hadrien.

I hope PM @JustinTrudeau and his family had a very enjoyable stay so far. I particularly look forward to meeting his children Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. Here is a picture from my 2015 Canada visit, when I'd met PM Trudeau and Ella-Grace. pic.twitter.com/Ox0M8EL46x  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2018

He also posted a picture of him along with Trudeau and Ella-Grace during his visit to Canada in April 2015.

Modi's comments came even as a row broke out about an invitation being extended to convicted Khalistan separatist Jaspal Atwal by the Canadian High Commission here for a reception on Thursday night in honour of the visiting dignitary.

I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2018

The High Commission has since rescinded the invitation and the Indian External Affairs Ministry has said that it is being ascertained how India issued a visa to Atwal.

In 1987, Atwal and three others were found guilty of the attempted assassination of a Punjab state minister who was on a visit to Canada the previous year and were sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The incident was the latest to happen amid wide speculation of Modi and his government cold-shouldering Trudeau during his eight-day state visit to India that started on February 17. The visiting dignitary and his family have since visited Agra, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Amritsar.

While Modi did not accompany Trudeau to Ahmedabad, a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh at Amritsar on Wednesday was organised only at the last moment.

Ties between New Delhi and Ottawa have been frosty in recent times as Canada is being seen as offering a platform to separatists demanding an independent Khalistan.

The visit of Trudeau, who assumed office in November 2015, comes after the visit of Modi to Canada in April that year.
A major fire broke out in a cloth mill in suburban Goregaon on Wednesday morning, but no casualty was reported.

The blaze erupted on the ground floor of the three-storey building in the Italian Industrial Estate near Oberoi Mall, an official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's disaster management unit said.

The fire brigade control room received information about the fire at 7.19 am, he said.

Eight fire engines along with water tankers and ambulances rushed to the spot.

The fire brigade personnel managed to douse the flames after about five hours, he said, adding that no one was reported hurt.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, he added.

On January 19, a massive fire had broken out at the Navrang studio in the Todi Mills Compound in Lower Parel area.

On January 8, there was a fire on the third floor of the sessions court building which had been accorded a heritage status.

Prior to it, on January 6, a huge fire broke out at the Cinevista Studio in suburban Kanjurmarg, claiming one life.

In yet another incident on January 4, four persons, including two children, were killed and five others seriously injured after an upper floor of a residential building in suburban Marol caught fire.
Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the upcoming by-election in the state is not a selection between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), rather the people have to choose between Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and him.

Leaving no stone unturned to sweep the upcoming by-polls in the state, the Congress leader asked the people to make a choice between the two.

"The selection is not between Congress and BJP; it is between Shivraj and me. Now the people have to decide what they want Scindia or Chouhan," Scindia said.

Scindia, while participating in a road show on Wednesday, further hit at the ruling party in the state and accused the State government of ignoring the region for last 14 years.

"No BJP minister was seen here for past 14 years. But after the death of MLA Mahendra Singh, the government is so interested in Mungaoli as if it is going to be capital of Madhya Pradesh instead of Bhopal," he said.

Scindia's roadshow crossed 30 villages of this constituent assembly.

On the other hand, the Chief Minister also paid a visit to the constituent to garner the support of the people.

Interacting with the people, Chouhan credited his party for bringing development in the state.

"Only BJP brought development in Madhya Pradesh, while the Congress party did nothing for the public," the Chief Minister said.

He even assured that development would be their prime agenda if they came to power in the region.

"Give us five months, the people of the region would see the development of five years", Chouhan said.

Chouhan's roadshow crossed at least 40 villages of Mungaoli Assembly.

With few days left for by-polls in Mungaoli and Kolaras assembly seats, the BJP and the Congress have intensified their campaigning.
They added that Modi had replied to the ED's investigating officer (IO), who is probing the role of the diamond merchant and his uncle Mehul Choksi, the promoter of Gitanjali Gems, in the Rs 114-billion alleged fraud at the Punjab National Bank (PNB), and cited the temporary suspension of his passport and pending business issues as reasons for his non-appearance. Modi was summoned by the ED under the Prevention of ...

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Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said that Pakistan and China are behind illegal immigration in the northeast.

He made this statement while addressing North East Region of India Bridging Gaps and Securing Borders Summit in New Delhi on Wednesday.

"Migration from Bangladesh is due to two reasons. One, they are running out of space. Large areas get flooded during the monsoon and they have constricted area to stay. So, people will continue coming into our place," the Army Chief said.

He added: "The other issue is a planned immigration that is taking place because of our western neighbour (Pakistan). They will always try and ensure that this area is taken over through proxy warfare. This proxy game is being very well played by our western neighbour and supported by our northern neighbour (China).

He said we need to understand the problem in northeast.

"Is it identity problem? Is it a problem of development? Is it a problem of security? Or, is it a problem with the demography that is happening right now? I think it is all encompassing and we will have to look at it holistically," the Army Chief said.

He also said that the Centre is seriously contemplating at addressing issues in the northeast with its Act East Policy and looking at development from Central prospective.

"Development is the main issue and identifying the population of this area (northeast) with the population of mainland becomes important. The Centre is looking at northeast with right perspective and time will not be far when we will be able to amalgamate this region and with development will come the control of people of this region," said the Army Chief.

Maintaining that it was difficult to change the population dynamics of northeast, General Rawat said, "There is a party called AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front). They have grown in a faster time-frame than the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) grew over the years. When we talk of Jan Sangh with two MPs and where they have reached, AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam."

The AIUDF is a political party active in the Indian state of Assam. It is the champion of Muslims in Assam.

The Army Chief said, "We have to live with the people of the region, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or sex. If we understand that then we will be able to live together happily. We will have more trouble in segregating people."

Talking about Arunachal Pradesh, he said, "Arunachalis speak pure Hindi so amalgamating them with us is not a problem."

China claims parts of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory.
Convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal, who kicked up a controversy over an invitation to him by the Canadian mission in India to dine with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, today said it was unfair to raise his "criminal conviction" for a shooting incident in 1986.

Trudeau's India visit plunged into controversy over the dinner invitation to Atwal by the Canadian High Commissioner to India.

High Commissioner Nadir Patel cancelled the invite for the dinner, hosted tonight for Trudeau, while the external affairs ministry said it will "ascertain" how Atwal entered India.

Atwal told Canada's Postmedia that he did not plan to attend the dinner as he was in Mumbai on business, The Vancouver Sun reported.

Atwal said it was unfair to raise his criminal conviction for shooting a visiting Punjabi cabinet minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu on Vancouver Island in 1986 given how long ago the crime occurred, the daily said.

He blamed "enemies" for circulating the photos obtained by Postmedia and stressed that he travelled to India on his own on February 11 and is not part of any official government delegation.

Atwal said in a series of text messages yesterday that he was in India for Media Waves, a Surrey online radio station.

The pictures of him and Gregoire Trudeau, as well as Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi, were taken at an event in Mumbai, Atwal said.

At the time of the 1986 shooting, Atwal was a Sikh separatist active in the pro-Khalistan International Sikh Youth Federation.

He and three others were convicted in 1987 of trying to kill Sidhu on an isolated road near Gold River. The then Punjab minister was visiting British Colombia for his nephew's wedding.

Sidhu was struck twice and survived the attempt on his life, but was later killed in India. The trial judge called the attack "an act of terrorism" and sentenced Atwal and the others to 20 years.

Atwal later admitted to the parole board that he was the shooter that day, the report said.
Among the many hazards of making a living in the vast capital territory of Delhi, none perhaps is more hazardous than doing business from a Delhi address. No one, including the municipal authorities can certify that the trade is being conducted from premises that are building bye-laws compliant.

The citys urban planning, such as it has been and such as it is, proceeded on the principle of segregating residential and shopping areas and a demarcated industrial area, usually on the outskirts of the city limits. Most urban planners followed this norm, and as migration into the ...

Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal. They do not reflect the view/s of Business Standard.
Malaysian state energy firm Petroliam Nasional Berhad, or Petronas, said on Thursday it has signed its first term agreement to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) in India. Petronas has signed a sale and purchase agreement to supply LNG to H-Energy Mideast DMCC (HEMD), it said in a statement. The value of the deal and the volume of LNG were not disclosed. Dubai-based HEMD is part of the LNG arm of Indian real estate group Hiranandani Group. Earlier this month, an Indian government official said India's push to more than double the share of natural gas in its energy mix to ...
Government sources told news agency ANI that implementing this section would enable the creation of a National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) that would give the government regulatory control over chartered accountants and audit firms to penalise them for their misconduct. 4) ED seizes Nirav Modi's Rolls Royce Ghost and other luxury cars: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday said it had frozen mutual funds and shares worth Rs 945.2 million (Rs 94.52 crore) of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups in connection with the money laundering probe against them in the Rs ...

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Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

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As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.



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Thats the view of the National Space Council, which held its second gathering Wednesday to address what the Trump administration says are outdated, overly burdensome regulations that were written for an earlier era when the US government was the prime actor off-planet and rocket launches were both rare and prohibitively expensive. As billionaires such as Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson and Elon Musk line up to cash in on the final frontier, the administration is keen to streamline US rules around how the government licenses space ...

Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

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Famed evangelical Christian pastor Billy Graham, a charismatic figure for decades in the US and counsellor to Presidents, died on Wednesday at the age of 99. Popularly known as the Christian evangelist, he died due to prolonged illness.

Graham dubbed as 'America's Pastor' passed away at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, his spokesman Jeremy Blume told CNN.

He had dealt with a number of illnesses in his last years, including prostate cancer, hydrocephalus and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

In a 60-year career, he is estimated to have personally preached to 210 million people and prayed with every US President since Harry Truman.

Several Presidents, including Lyndon Johnson, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, relied closely on his spiritual counsel.

Graham was a frequent guest at the White House and he delivered the invocations at presidential inaugurations and national political conventions.

In the royal chapel at Britain's Windsor Castle, he preached before Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. He travelled to combat zones in South Korea and Vietnam to pray with US servicemen.

Graham is reported to have persuaded over 3 million people to commit their lives to Christianity and his preaching was heard in 185 of the world's 195 countries, according to the Evangelistic Association.

"He was probably the dominant religious leader of his era; no more than one or two popes, perhaps one or two other people, could come close to what he achieved," said William Martin, a former historian at Rice University and the author of "A Prophet with Honor: The Story."

Graham kept himself untarnished by sex and money scandals that brought down evangelists and religious broadcasters like Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart in the 1980s, the New York Times reported.

The Grahams lived in a 200-acre mountain retreat in Montreat. His wife, Ruth Bell Graham, died in 2007.

He preached his final revival meeting in New York in 2005 at the age of 86.

Graham is survived by his sons, the Rev. William Franklin III and the Rev. Nelson Graham, known as Ned; three daughters, Virginia Tchividjian, Anne Graham Lotz and Ruth Graham McIntyre; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.



Graham, who abandoned narrow fundamentalism to engage broader society, had a huge following.
US President Donald Trump's daughter and advisor Ivanka Trump may come face to face with a top North Korean general, as both are set to attend the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics in South Korea this weekend.

Ivanka will be leading a high-profile American delegation to the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics, being held in Pyeongchang, the White House announced yesterday.

North Korea will also send a high-level delegation to the event, to be held Sunday, South Korean officials were quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency today.

Kim Yong-chol, a vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK)'s central committee, will lead the eight-member delegation, which will stay in the South for three days, according to Seoul's unification ministry.

President Trump and North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong-un have been hurtling insults at each other in the last few months. But the tension mellowed down a bit since the Winter Olympics began on February 9 with North Korea participating in it.

US vice president Mike Pence had attended the opening ceremony of the mega event where Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong was also in attendance.

"I am honoured to lead the US delegation to the closing ceremonies of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics. We look forward to congratulating 'Team USA' and celebrating all that our athletes have achieved. Their talent, drive, grit and spirit embodies American excellence, and inspire us all," Ivanka, 36, said.

Other members of the delegation include James E Risch, Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counter-terrorism, Sarah H Sanders, Press Secretary and General Vincent K Brooks, Commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and US Forces Korea.

According to a senior administration official, the delegation would be in South Korea to not only cheer on American athletes, but also reaffirm the US-South Korea alliance and reach out to and meet athletes from all countries, particularly from South Korea, and the South Korean people.

During the transition and at the beginning of the administration, Ivanka was involved in conversations with the Olympic committee about the mega event coming over to Los Angeles, another administration official said, explaining the reason for her being selected for the delegation.

Ivanka, during her stay in South Korea, would have a meeting with the South Korean President, the official said.

"A big part of our message, with regard to the Korean peninsula, is also standing shoulder to shoulder with a vital ally, celebrating the success of that ally and the remarkable transformation and rise of its society and economy over the past more than half century since the Korean War ended in 1953," the official said.

The official added that this will make clear to the world that the US and South Korea stand together as partners in this alliance, in a relationship and a friendship that "transcends the alliance", that's economic and cultural and so on.

"So, that's the fundamental, core message that she's going to be carrying. It's not meant to, nor does it detract from any other message, or indicate that we're turning away from any other message.

"But we think that, the appropriate message for this delegation to take, at the close of a successful game, is to say 'Well done and congratulations' to the South Korean people and forward to many more years of fruitful partnership between the two countries," said the official.
Malaysia's biggest telecoms firm Axiata Group Bhd reported a fourth-quarter net profit of 24.7 million ringgit ($6.31 million) after a net loss of 309.5 million ringgit a year earlier, helped by cost-cutting and rising data earnings. Revenue climbed 8.2 percent to 6.3 billion ringgit, powered by a strong performance from the group's main mobile units in Indonesia, Malaysia and Bangladesh. Axiata, Malaysia's biggest telecoms firm by market value, said the revenue rise was fuelled by the data business that contributed 49.2 percent to service revenue compared to 37.9 ...
Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has turned down UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' offer to mediate between him and the opposition in the ongoing political crisis, Guterres's Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

"He offered to the President (Yameen) UN mediation but the President conveyed that mediation was not wanted at this stage," Haq said on Wednesday.

Asked about Maldives extending the state of emergency that was set to expire on Wednesday for another 30 days, he said: "The Secretary-General is following the situation in the Maldives closely and with concern."

The crisis in the island nation began on February 1 when the Supreme Court unanimously overturned the terrorism conviction of former president Mohamed Nasheed as well as that of eight other politicians on several charges.

In response, Yameen clamped down the state of emergency and arrested Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and another judge along with several politicians on February 6.

The three judges remaining on the Supreme Court overturned the court's unanimous ruling ordering the release of the nine politicians.

On Wednesday, Yameen reiterated his offer to hold negotiations with the opposition.

Responding to an earlier offer of talks by Yameen, the Joint Opposition led by Nasheed's Maldivian Democratic Party wrote to Guterres asking him to mediate and to oversee the talks.

The opposition leaders expressed scepticism about the talks offer saying they was concerned that it was a ploy to ease reaction to its recent actions, according to the Colombo Gazette.

Earlier this month Guterres, who has called for restoration of democracy, reiterated "his belief in finding a solution to the political stalemate in the Maldives through all-party talks, which the UN continues to stand ready to facilitate".
A number of girls missing for several days after a Boko Haram attack on their school in northeast Nigeria have been found, a state government official and a senior military source said.

Police said yesterday that 111 girls from the state-run boarding school in Dapchi, Yobe state, were unaccounted for following an attack by the jihadists on Monday night.

The disappearance sparked fears of a repeat of the 2014 mass kidnapping of more than 200 girls from a similar school in Chibok, in neighbouring Borno state.

But Abdullahi Bego, spokesman for Yobe state governor Ibrahim Gaidam, said late yesterday that "some of the girls... have been rescued by gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army from the terrorists who abducted them".

He added: "The rescued girls are now in the custody of the Nigerian Army."



Bego's statement was the first confirmation the girls were abducted.

Initially, the students were reported to have fled the attack with their teachers at the sound of gunfire.

The governor's spokesman did not specify the circumstances in which the girls were rescued nor how many were recovered, and said more details would be released in due course.

But a senior military source in the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, told AFP: "They were found abducted on the border between Yobe and Borno.

"The girls were abandoned with their vehicle. It had broken down and the terrorists panicked because they were under siege by pursuing soldiers.

"The fear is that some of the other girls (from Dapchi) may have been taken along by the terrorists because the girls were not in a single vehicle.

"Only those in the broken down vehicle were lucky."



A student who escaped Monday's attack said some of her classmates had jumped over a perimeter wall at the sound of gunfire, and got into vehicles parked nearby.

It was thought the vehicles were then taken by the Islamist militants.

Inuwa Mohammed, whose 16-year-old daughter, Falmata, was missing, said: "We have been told that our girls have been found.

"But we haven't seen them yet and we don't know how many of them have been found. So we will wait until we see them to have a clearer picture of the situation."



A federal government delegation including Nigeria's defence and foreign ministers was due in Dapchi today.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The recent judgment on former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court of Pakistan might create havoc in the country, according to a meeting chaired by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

An exigent meeting of MQM's Coordination and Central Executive Committees was held under the chair of Convener Dr. Nadeem Ehsan.

The meeting deliberated upon the ongoing overall situation in Pakistan particularly the latest judgment of the apex court of Pakistan.

The meeting unanimously rejected the Supreme Court's judgment, which has barred Nawaz Sharif to lead his political party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as its president.

The meeting said the judgment was entirely one-sided, unconstitutional and completely unlawful, which would prove devastating for Pakistan.

The SC's unfair judgment would throw the country into political unrest and anarchy, which in return would put the country's integrity on stake.

The meeting also requested the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar and others judges of the apex court to review their judgment against Sharif.

It said that the national institutions of the key role including the apex judiciary should understand that the peoples' elected Parliament is the supreme and leading institution of the country and discriminatory actions and judgments would prove fatal to the country.

The meeting was of strong views that since leaders live in hearts of their people so their love could not be removed from the hearts of the supporters.

It said that in recent past, the military establishment imposed a ban on Altaf Hussain, the father of the Mohajir nation and the founder leader of the MQM.

The military establishment used force in the country, restricted media to publish his statements and pictures, but despite all such draconian acts, the military establishment failed to stop his supporters in millions to hold him in high esteem and adhere to his ideology.

The meeting prayed for Pakistan's key institutions for moving in the right direction and working within their constitutional defined ambit of responsibilities.
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Uber US ride hailing giant Uber will continue to burn capital in India as it looks to edge out homegrown rival Ola, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in an interview with a news channel. Khosrowshahi also dismissed the speculation that a merger between the two ride-hailing firms was on the charts.

Uber says it will leverage the profits it makes from developed markets in the US and Europe to fund the losses of its Indian business. This had been one of the key contentions for Ola to seek protection from the Indian government against the ...
Leading stock exchange NSE on Thursday said derivative trading in would be stopped if the company fails to submit its financial results for last two quarters by March 1.

Fortis has failed to meet the deadlines for submission of its financial results for the September and December quarters.

The company, on February 13, had intimated to the stock exchanges that its board will consider the financial results of September and December quarters in its meeting to be held on February 28.

"In case Fortis fails to submit to the exchange the financial results duly considered and approved by March 1, 2018 then exchange... shall exclude Fortis from equity derivative segment," NSE said in a circular.

In separate circulars, both top exchanges BSE and NSE said that all the existing futures and options contracts across all expiries of Fortis in equity derivative segment would be expired on March 28.

Accordingly, no futures and options contracts of Fortis shall be available for trading in equity derivatives segment with effect from March 29, 2018, the exchanges said.

Fortis is under scanner of the regulator Sebi over alleged regulatory lapses in the transfer of funds to some promoter-linked firms. The regulator has asked the company to furnish the information by February 26.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday upheld a trial court order granting anticipatory bail to Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in two anti-Sikh riots cases of 1984.

Justice Anu Malhotra dismissed the plea by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the riots cases, saying that as per the records, Kumar was available throughout the investigation.

According to media reports, it also said that the SIT was not able to make out any ground for cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Kumar.

Earlier on February 15, the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee submitted two CDs against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in connection with his alleged involvement in regards to the same case.

The court also reprimanded the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for its slow investigation into the case. The court also directed Superintendent of Police (SP) to file a status report on February 24.

Earlier on February 9, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Naresh Gujral met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, seeking the arrest of Tytler in regards to the same.

Badal, along with Gujral, urged the Home Minister to initiate a probe into the matter.

Akali Dal leader Manjit Singh GK earlier claimed of having a CD, in which Tytler admitted his role in the riots.

According to official records, about 2,800 Sikhs were killed across India, including 2,100 in Delhi, during the pogrom that broke out after the then prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At least five workers of the Afghan intelligence agency, National Directorate of Security (NDS) have been killed in a militant attack in Afghanistan's northern Parwan province.

The incident took place in the vicinity of Bagram district, according to the local government officials.

District administrative chief of Bagram Abdul Shukoor Qudoosi confirmed that the deceased individuals belonged to the Afghan intelligence agency, reported Khaama Press.

No comments have been received from the anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents on the report by far.

According to the report, Parwan is among Afghan's relatively volatile provinces where the Taliban insurgents are actively operating in some of its remote districts and often carry out insurgency activities.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid widespread protests in Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Pakistan, advocate Ehsan Ali, the detained President of Supreme Court Bar Association and founding leader of Awami Action Committee, was released from jail by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) here on Monday.

Accepting Ehsan Advocate's bail application, the ATC Judge, Raja Shahbaz, ordered the release of the lawyer leader whose arrest over sharing of a post on Facebook had triggered national and international outcry.

Awami Workers Party, several leftist groups, and lawyers community of Gilgit-Baltistan had been protesting for the last week against the detention of Advocate Ehsan Ali.

A protest was held at Skardu on February 14 against the illegal detention of Advocate Ehsan Ali. The protest was jointly organised by Baltistan Student Federation (BSF), Imamia Students Organisation (ISO) and Gilgit-Baltistan Youth Alliance (GBYA).

The protesters stated that the allegations are concocted and were registered with the intention of persecuting Ehsan Ali for his political activism.

Advocate Ehsan Ali, who was also the former head of Awami Action Committee (ACC) was arrested on February 12 on the charge of re-sharing an allegedly 'Anti-Religion" post on social media.

He had later removed the post by sharing an apology on social media for 'unintentionally hurting' the sentiments of some people.

The protesters, while paying rich tribute to the leader, expressed that Advocate Ehsan Ali, a promoter of peace and harmony was always a leading voice in the GB region against the constitutional and political deprivations.

He was also role model in bringing people from all sects and walk-of-life together.

Separately, another protest was organised on February 13 in Karachi by the Inqilabi Socialists Karachi (ISK) to pressurise Gilgit Baltistan government to release political prisoners including Baba Jan.

The protesters also demanded to end the repression and human rights abuses in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The protest was attended by Dr Riaz Ahmed and Sartaj Khan of International School of Karachi (ISK), Political and Human Rights activists Ayub Qureshi, Saeed Baloch, Naghma Sheikh and Wahid Baloch.

(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 Thursday lashed out at the Central Government for not fulfilling the promises made in the state reorganisation act.

While addressing the Kia Motors installation programme at Anantapuram district, the Chief Minister accused the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party of not allocating adequate funds to the state.

He demanded the Centre to give hand holding to the state until it developed at par with the other South Indian states.

He refused to compromise in terms of the resources given to the state and claimed to develop at a great speed, provided the state was given a special status.

He said, "Andhra Pradesh would have witnessed greater development had it been provided special status and its revenue deficit would be covered by the centre".

Further, dwelling on the demand of the special status, the Chief Minister pointed out at the low per capita income of the state and further compared it to South Korea.

He said, "The state has the least per capita income among all the southern states. Though, due to the constant hard work of the citizens, the situation has greatly improved since 2014".

He added that " South Korea is a small nation but as the countries went on to set up the industries there, it grew manifold. Similar steps could be taken for the welfare of Andhra Pradesh".

Post the Union Budget session, the Andhra Pradesh ruling government Telugu Desam Party and the opposition Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party had criticised the budget for ignoring the interests of the state, including the unified demand for granting a 'special status' to the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday staged a walkout from the Karnataka assembly after the ruling Congress party accused them of being corrupt.

Amidst the on-going state budget session in Karnataka legislative assembly, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of being 90% corrupt.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, "If our party is 10% corrupt then the BJP ruling at the centre is 90 % corrupt".

MLA Jagadish Shetter further asked the Chief Minister to prove his allegations and accused the party of committing corruptions across all the economic sectors.

The BJP then marched out of the assembly as the session had to be adjourned following an uproar from both the ruling and the opposition party.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar has said, with the introduction of bullet train project, nobody will go to Ahmedabad, rather Mumbai will be overcrowded, adding nothing can break off Mumbai from Maharashtra.

Pawar's statement comes after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray, during a conversation with Pawar, asked whether the proposed bullet train was intended to break off Mumbai from Maharashtra.

"I feel it is a plan to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra," Thackeray asked Pawar, in an interview session organised by Jagtik Marathi Academy here, to which the latter replied, "Nobody will go to Ahemedabad but Ahemedabad people will come to Mumbai and the crowd will increase. Even if you come down from there nobody can break Mumbai from Maharashtra".

When Thackeray asked if is 'risky' to be truthful in politics, the NCP leader replied, "It is imperative to be truthful in politics, but when there are difficulties, it's better to keep quiet".

Thackeray further questioned, why does Prime Minister Narendra Modi take all foreign leaders only to Gujarat and "why cannot he show them all other states, including Maharashtra?"

Pawar replied, "The Prime Minister has the ability to work hard. But running a state and the governing of a country are two different things. For managing the country, you need a team, which is lacking here".

Prime Minister Modi's dream project of bullet train is underway in Mumbai Thane, and the under the sea tunnel may complete by August 15, 2022.

The bullet train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai will run a total length of 508 km, of which 21 km will be covered in the tunnel under sea.

The cost of the tunnel is estimated at Rs 3,500 crores.

The cost of the total train project is Rs 1.10 trillion, and Japan is giving a loan of Rs. 88,000 crores for the same at a minimal interest of 0.1 per cent, which has to be repaid over 50 years.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland on Thursday said that her country, which was facing separatist challenges, supported a strong and united India.

"We are familiar with separatist challenges at home, Canada supports a strong and united India. Terrorism, in all forms, is a threat, Freeland said during her speech in New Delhi. Adding that, all democracies should be united in its condemnation.

The remarks came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is on a visit to India, received backlash over his wife Sophie Trudeau's photo with convicted pro-Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Trudeau said the matter was being taken "extremely seriously."

"Obviously, we take this extremely seriously. He should never have received an invitation," the Canadian Prime Minister said in the context of Atwal, who is one of four men convicted for ambushing and shooting Punjab Minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu at Vancouver Island in 1986.

Atwal was invited to dine with Trudeau at a formal event hosted by Canadian High Commissioner to India Nadir Patel on Thursday. The invite was later rescinded.

Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Randeep S. Sarai took responsibility for inviting Atwal to Trudeau's reception dinner in New Delhi, which is scheduled to take place later today.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Randeep S. Sarai has taken responsibility for inviting pro-Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's reception dinner in New Delhi, which is scheduled to take place later on Thursday.

"I alone facilitated his request to attend this important event. I should have exercised better judgment, and I take full responsibility for my actions," Sarai said in a statement, which Canadian journalist Abigail Bimman shared on Twitter.

".@randeepssarai takes responsibility for inviting Jaspal Atwal and apologizes. Full statement here. #cdnpoli," Bimman tweeted.

The Canadian journalist further added that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to the media and said Sarai "has and will" take responsibility for inviting Atwal, adding that, Sarai will not be kicked out of caucus.

"PMJT spoke to media at 3:30pm IST - said @randeepssarai "has and will" take responsibility for inviting Atwal. PMO confirms he will not be kicked out of caucus," Bimman said in her follow-up tweet.

Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, who was active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation, was invited for a formal dinner with the Canadian Prime Minister, hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi.

He was convicted of the attempted murder of Punjab minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986 for which he was convicted with three others.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is on a visit to India, has been under immense pressure to answer concerns about Sikh separatism in Canada.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Thursday apprehended two passengers with 40,000 Malaysian currency at the Chennai airport.

The accused have been identified as Krishnan Padmanaban and Karunanithi Rajathi, who were supposed to travel to Kuala Lumpur via Colombo by Sri Lankan Airlines Flight. They were carrying cash worth Rs 6.4 lakh.

"Our team noticed suspicious activities of two passengers while entering the terminal. During the screening of their hand baggage, images of currency bundles were found. The matter was then informed to the customs official," the CISF officials said.

"Both the passengers along with the recovered cash have been handed over to customs officials for further legal action," the CISF added.

A case has been registered and an investigation is underway.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China has denied arson as the cause of a fire at a Tibetian Buddhist temple in Lhasa, its state media reported on Thursday.

The report further said that the Buddha statue did not suffer any damage.

According to Xinhua, the fire broke out last week on the second floor of the Jokhang Temple. The fire had reportedly damaged the temple's golden roof. However, the fire was doused out.

No casualties were reported and the temple has been reopened to the public.

The temple had been closed to the public on Saturday, Xinhua previously reported, citing local sources.

Robert Barnett, an expert on Tibetan Buddhism, posted videos and photos on Twitter which showed that the Buddha statue had suffered "considerable" damage.

The incident occurred as the Tibetans were celebrating Losar, the traditional Tibetan New Year that began last week and coincided with the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The Jokhang temple is a UNESCO Heritage Site, situated in the heart of old Lhasa in Tibet.

It is Tibetan Buddhism's most sacred site and is the home to the Jowo Shakyamuni, a revered Buddha statue.

According to the UNESCO, the Jokhang Temple is home to numerous priceless cultural artefacts, including over 3,000 images of Buddhas, idols of other deities and historical figures such as treasures and manuscripts.

China's efforts to censor reports of the fire raised concerns among the academics and Tibetans abroad that the authorities were hiding the extent of the damage of the temple, considered to be a sensitive religious site.

China has ruled Tibet since the 1950s and has been accused of trying to eradicate its Buddhist-based culture through political and religious suppression.

In 2008, protests by Tibetan monks in Lhasa escalated into deadly violence targeting China's majority Han ethnic group and the Hui, a Muslim minority group.

In the same year, dozens of monks burst into the Jokhang Temple to interrupt a state-run foreign media press tour intended to showcase the Tibet region's harmony and stability and accused the Chinese government of inciting the protests.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The ruling Communist Party in China is distributing around 300,000 television sets to people in the rural areas of the country in order to spread its propaganda deeper into the Chinese society.

Also, the measure taken by the authorities is a step taken to tackle poverty in China's poor rural areas, The Telegraph reported.

"Delivering television sets to local people enables us to feel the loving care of the Party and the country," Yuan Guanggen, from China's central Hubei province, who received a television, told the Xiangfan Daily newspaper.

"The scheme will help solve difficulties that impoverished families face in watching television and enrich their spiritual lives," said the Anhui Daily, the party mouthpiece newspaper in the eastern province of Anhui.

"It will help to better disseminate Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era," the report added, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping's political theory.

Xi became the most powerful Chinese leader since founder Mao Zedong when his theory was included in the Communist Party at its national congress meeting in Beijing last year.

Tsinghua and Peking universities, China's top academic institutions opened new departments dedicated to Xi's political theory last month. Many Chinese universities are planning to launch research institutes, focussing on the new theory.

Red banners and posters espousing the 'Xi Jinping thought' have been erected on street corners, modern tower blocks and shopping centres across the country.

Local authorities said the deliveries of the televisions to the rural areas were hampered due to 'poor weather conditions".

An official said in a statement, "Local governments also took on the challenge and mobilised whatever transportation tools on hand - cars, tractors, motorbikes and even horses to deliver the televisions to households for installation.

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Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal have been sent to judicial custody for 14 days in connection with an alleged assault on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash.

Earlier, a Delhi Court had dismissed the police's application seeking their custody.

Both the AAP MLAs were named in the FIR lodged by Prakash. They were arrested by the Delhi police on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the Chief Secretary had lodged a police complaint and alleged that he was manhandled at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence by the two lawmakers.

The Chief Secretary said that he was attacked in the presence of Kejriwal after being summoned to discuss Aadhaar-related problems.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The first chapter of the Wire Impact Series by Business Wire India, the global platform for news distribution, was held on February 16, 2018 at Business Wire India's Gurgaon office.

The event saw representation from corporates, media, and communication experts, brought together to discuss the timely theme 'Targeted news distribution as key to building a strong brand'.

Participants included Arneeta Vasudeva, Vice President, Ogilvy; M Rajendran, media expert; RajnishWahi, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Communications, Snapdeal; Saurabh Shukla, Founder and Editor in Chief, News Mobile and Partner, Republic TV; Sudeshna Das, Executive Director, ComConnect; Akhilesh Shukla, Chief Editor, UC News India; Nidhi Mehra, Account Director, Hill+Knowlton Strategies India; and Taru Agarwal, Managing Director, Business Wire India. AtreyeeGanguly, General Manager, Business Wire India, was the session moderator.

The discussion covered digital media and how news gathering and consumption of news has transformed enormously. With digital platforms offering huge potential for widespread news distribution and consumption, and the fact that almost one third of the online population in India consumes news whilst 'second-screening'*, customizing news content with the right mix has never been more important. Incorporating videos and other multimedia elements, a local-focus, and segment-wise content targeting, all came out as important elements in making news relevant and engaging.

Soundbites from the roundtable:

RajnishWahi, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Communications, Snapdeal said, "Increasingly more readers are consuming news online and they prefer news capsules to long press releases."

On content, he said not enough analysis was happening while disseminating the news. "We need to understand how news should be projected so that audience identifies with the same in the context of their own need for information and consumption," he said.

M Rajendran, spoke on the transformations taking place in legacy media. "Earlier, a reporter's responsibility ended with writing a report or a story. Now they have to decide how it is going to be seen on mobile, laptop, social media platforms, etc. With digital era, the whole system of news gathering has changed," he said, adding that customization is missing in the print media. "Give it a local mix, both in print and digital, then it will make a huge difference," he said.

Akhilesh Shukla, Chief Editor, UC News India, said the boundary between news and content is blurring. "Quality of content will have to be increased. If a press release is not interesting, then it won't be consumed," he said, adding that digital and print are completely different platforms.

Saurabh Shukla, Founder and Editor in Chief, News Mobile and Partner, Republic TV, said with digital era, news is being consumed through smartphones and web portals, and not by looking at newspapers. "The way people consume content has changed completely, especially young people. They need a quick story, visual story, even videos make a big impact. Having just a quote here and there will not make a difference. Digital media is about democratization of news," he said. "Creativity and flexibility are important in digital, and score over traditional media," he added.

Sudeshna Das, Executive Director, ComConnect, said, "It is important to check authenticity of a news item prior to reporting it. In addition, it is also useful to glean out the insights rather than merely presenting facts."

Taru Agarwal, Managing Director, Business Wire India, pointed out that PR and wire services are preventing fake news from spreading. "News distributed through a wire platform is authentic and genuine," she said. "Checks and balances are there for fake news. Also with a validated database of journalists, we are ensuring that last mile delivery is happening."

Nidhi Mehra, Account Director, H+K India, spoke on the emergence of bloggers as a new community in the digital platform. "Now the ask is how to get into the digital space besides the traditional media. Corporates want to see this new community of bloggers to be evangelized regularly so that their brand is visible across platforms," she said.

The next chapter of the Business Wire India Wire Impact Series will take place in Bangalore. To find out more, contact Sushant Lahori.

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Former Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Nasimuddin Siddiqui, along with his supporters, joined the Congress Party on Thursday.

Siddiqui was a close-aide of BSP chief Mayawati and also held the post of a cabinet minister in her state government in Uttar Pradesh, before getting expelled from the party.

Mayawati had expelled Siddiqui from the party in May 2017, following the BSP's humiliating defeat in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election.

Siddiqui had also been accused of usurping party funds.

Post expulsion, he had also floated a new party - the Rashtriya Bahujan Morcha.

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Assam has organised a tribal festival called 'Aadi Mahotsava' at Gandhi Mandir Indoor stadium field here to celebrate the ethnic tribal culture of the country.

The 10-day festival is being conducted by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in an attempt to celebrate the rare art and culture of the tribal communities.

The local artisans from 20 different cities, including Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal and north-eastern states Manipur and Assam, have participated in the event to showcase handcrafted artifacts and products.

The Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the event on Friday in the presence of other state dignitaries.

He told ANI, " the great silhouette shown by the artisans of India to the people of northeast and Assam will go a long way in increasing the number of participants in the coming future and more importantly the tribal communities from all across the country will get an opportunity to earn their income through such festival. If the income of the farmers' increases, peace will prevail in the country always".

Further, the event also includes dedicated stalls displaying the ethnic tribal cuisines and handcrafted shawls and handlooms including Mekhelas, chador and Naga waistcoats.

One of the exhibitors of Nagaland informed that handloom shawls and wooden artifacts received a good response from the visitors.

He said, "We have displayed handloom and handicraft items like shawls, wooden artifacts and have received good response from the elderly customers as well".

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Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Secretary Anand Kumar on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and France President Edouard Philippe will jointly hold an International Solar Alliance (ISA) Summit at the President house in New Delhi on March 11.

"It was conceived by India and jointly launch by India and France on the sidelines of Paris climate summit," Kumar said in a media briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The head of governments, representatives and ministers from 50 countries will also be attending the event.

Kumar further said that two new programmes on scaling solar e-mobility and storage, and on rooftop solar will be inaugurated during the summit.

"French President will be here in New Delhi on March 11, he said, adding that, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid will also take part.

The ISA is the first treaty-based intergovernmental organisation to be based in India that aims to help sunshine-rich developing countries to tap solar energy at more affordable prices through aggregating both demand and risks in order to bring down costs and secure investments of solar developers.

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The Jharkhand Government has banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) for spreading anarchy in the state.

Action has been taken after the Law department gave its consent on the proposal of the Home Department/ police.

PFI has been banned under Section 16 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1908.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Anant Ojha hailed the decision and said it will bring positive changes in the region.

"I want to congratulate the Chief Minister for acting against such elements which spread anarchy," Ojha said.

The PFI even celebrate its Foundation Day on February 17 in Jharkhand's Pakur district.

The PFI is an extremist and militant Islamic fundamentalist organisation in India formed as a successor to the Development Front (NDF) in 2006.

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The Jharkhand Police on Thursday raided a training center of Popular Front of India (PFI) in Pakur district of the state.

The police also seized party's banners, stamps and other documents.

The move came after the Jharkhand Government banned the organisation for allegedly spreading anarchy in the state.

The action was taken after the law department gave its consent on the proposal of the Home Department and police.

PFI has been banned under Section 16 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1908.

The PFI is an extremist and militant Islamic fundamentalist organisation in India formed as a successor to the Development Front (NDF) in 2006.

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A convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal, who was active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation, posed with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife Sophie Trudeau at an event in Mumbai on February 20, during the Canadian first family's visit to India.

Jaspal was also invited for a formal dinner with the Canadian Prime Minister, hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner on Thursday in Delhi.

However, the invite is being rescinded now, as per reports of Canada's CBC News.

"I can confirm that the High Commission is in the process of rescinding Mr. Atwal's invitation," PMO spokeswoman Eleanore Catenaro said, as per the report.

Atwal has also been photographed with the Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi in Mumbai on February 20.

Jaspal Atwal was convicted of the attempted murder of Punjab minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986.

At the time of the 1986 shooting, he was a Sikh separatist active in the pro-Khalistan International Sikh Youth Federation. He and three others were convicted in 1987 of trying to kill Malkiat Singh Sidhu.

Trudeau, who is in India on a week-long state visit, has been under pressure throughout his tour to answer Indian concerns about Sikh separatism in Canada.
Canada on Thursday assured that the Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal "is not part of the official delegation to the PM's visit to India, nor was he invited by the Prime Minister's Office."

Describing the Khalistani terrorist as an "individual", the Canadian Prime Minister's Office (PMO), in a statement, said, "It's important to be clear that this individual is not part of the official delegation to the PM's visit to India, nor was he invited by the Prime Minister's Office. As is the case with international trips, individuals sometimes travel on their own to the location of the visit."

In a recently released photo, Atwal was seen posing along with Canadian Prime Minister's wife Sophie Trudeau at an event in Mumbai on February 20, during the Canadian first family's visit to India.

Atwal has also been photographed with the Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi in Mumbai on February 20.

"This individual should never have been invited to any event on the program, and his invitation has been rescinded. We are in the process of looking into how this occurred," the statement added.

Canadian Prime Minister, who is currently on a week-long State visit to India, has been criticised for being soft on pro-Khalistan groups based in Canada.

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The Canadian High Commission on Thursday confirmed that the invitation to Khalistani terrorist to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's reception has been rescinded.

"The High Commission has rescinded Mr.Atwal's invitation. We do not comment on matters related to the PM's security," Canadian Consulate in Mumbai told ANI.

Jaspal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, who was active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation, was invited for a formal dinner with the Canadian Prime Minister, hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner, scheduled to take place later in the day, Canada's CBC News reported earlier.

Jaspal Atwal was convicted of the attempted murder of Punjab minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986.

At the time of the 1986 shooting, he was a Sikh separatist active in the pro-Khalistan International Sikh Youth Federation. He and three others were convicted in 1987 of trying to kill Malkiat Singh Sidhu.

Trudeau, who is in India on a week-long State visit, has been under pressure throughout his tour to answer Indian concerns about Sikh separatism in Canada.

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After receiving backlash over his wife Sophie Trudeau's photo with convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal, Canadian Prime Minister on Thursday said the matter was being taken "extremely seriously."

"Obviously, we take this extremely seriously. He should never have received an invitation," the Canadian Prime Minister said in the context of Atwal, who is one of four men convicted for ambushing and shooting Punjab Minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu at Vancouver Island in 1986.

Atwal was invited to dine with Trudeau at a formal event hosted by Canadian High Commissioner to India Nadir Patel on Thursday. The invite was later rescinded.

"As soon as we received the info, we rescinded it. A Member of Parliament had included this individual (Atwal)," Trudeau explained.

The Prime Minister also said Canada and India were "committed to pursuing and upholding democracy".

"We are the two largest democracies in the world, one by size and one by population," he added.

The Ministry of External Affairs, however, said it was trying to find out how Atwal managed to come to India.

"This is something which we are trying to find out. In due course, we will be able to come up with a reason that how he managed to come in India," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
Amid the ongoing Uttar Pradesh (UP) Investors' Summit, LOTS Wholesale Solutions, a 100 percent subsidiary of Siam Makro, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state government, whereby the company will open wholesale outlets in the state in the next three years with a proposed investment of Rs. 250 crore.

LOTS Wholesale Solutions expects to generate 1500-2000 direct and indirect employment within the state of UP through their stores.

The company had recently announced their plans to launch 15 stores across North India in the next three years, with the first two stores to open in Delhi and Noida within 2018. The next phase will see extension into other major cities of Uttar Pradesh such as Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi, Kanpur, Meerut, and Allahabad.

"Uttar Pradesh is one of the most progressive states in the country and we are keen to be a part of the initiatives that create a win-win for both sates and businesses. This MoU paves the way for an extensive retail rollout by us which will provide multiple opportunities small and medium suppliers to grow their as well as Kirana and HoReCa segment who will receive service par excellence. We aim to work closely with local farmers to improve their yield and enhance quality of product through our global expertise," said LOTS Wholesale Solutions Managing Director, Tanit Chearavanont.

"Our first store will be rolled out in Noida this year and soon we will open stores across Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Allahabad and other cities in UP. Our stores will create jobs for the talented youth of UP and also impart trainings that will enhance their skills. We are very positive about our entry into UP and are thankful to government for the support we have got in-terms ease of doing business," added Lots Wholesale Solutions Director, Sameer Singh.

LOTS Wholesale Solutions will establish special collection centres in key locations within the state of UP to source raw material from farmers directly and support local handicraft like khadi through manufacturing of uniforms. The company brings benefits of convenience aided by technology and digitisation, last mile delivery at competitive pricing for its customer base of HoReCa, traders and service customers.

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that it will look into how the convicted Khalistani terrorist, Jaspal Atwal, managed to attain a visa to enter India and attend an event in Mumbai, where Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also present.

"There are two aspects to it- presence at the event and Visa. The Canadian side has already clarified that it was an oversight and the invitation has been withdrawn. On the Visa part, I can't say immediately how that happened. We have ascertained information from our Commission," Raveesh Kumar, MEA Spokesperson told press here, adding that any information received would be duly shared.

A photograph of Atwal with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife at an event in Mumbai ruffled feathers, given that he is active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation

Jaspal was also invited to a formal dinner with the Canadian Prime Minister, hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner on Thursday here.

With speculation doing rounds about the terrorist getting access to such a high-level event, Kumar further said, "Let us not presume things and decide how he managed to come. This is something which we are trying to find out. In due course, we will be able to come up with a reason that how he managed to come to India."

The Canadian Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has also clarified that Atwal "is not part of the official delegation to the PM's visit to India, nor was he invited by the Prime Minister's Office."

Jaspal Atwal was one of four men convicted for ambushing and shooting Punjab Minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu on Vancouver Island in 1986.

At the time, he was a Sikh separatist active in the pro-Khalistan International Sikh Youth Federation. He and three others were convicted in 1987 of trying to kill Malkiat Singh Sidhu.

Trudeau, who is in India on a week-long State visit, has been under pressure throughout his tour to answer Indian concerns about Sikh separatism in Canada.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has said that he would fight with the Centre against its 'non-cooperation' for the development of the state.

"The Congress party, which had bifurcated the state, made several promises in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act for the development but did nothing. Now, the Democratic Alliance (NDA) came into power, but it has also failed to extend cooperation for development of the state. It is yet to fulfill the promises made in AP Reorganisation Act," Naidu said during a meeting with Sadhikara Mitra team at his residence at Undavalli on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister also reiterated the need of Special Category Status to the state.

"The Centre has not implemented even the special package. I went to Delhi 29 times and met Prime Minister and his Cabinet Ministers which yielded no results. We need Special Category Status to the state. We want more industries for Andhra Pradesh," he said.

He also stated that the people of Andhra Pradesh had reposed faith in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and that the party would help the State to overcome the crisis after bifurcation.

"I will not relent and fight with the Centre until funds are released to AP. They have responsibility towards AP. The five crore people of the state had shown faith on the BJP and that the party would help the State to overcome the crisis after bifurcation. Now, all the people in the state are waging united fight against the Centre demanding justice to Andhra Pradesh," he concluded.

Naidu also interacted with women self-help groups of Kurnool district.

More than five lakh women were recognized as Sadhikara Mitras.

The Andhra Pradesh government has recently started the concept of "Sadhikara Mitra" in which each woman will be responsible for 35 families and she has to explain about the benefits of government schemes, create awareness in the public, and also follow up with the government to ensure that the benefits reach the rightful stakeholders.

Ministers like Nara Lokesh, P Narayana and P Sunita also attended the programme.

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The Investigative Agency (NIA) arrested a carade of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) in connection with the ambush on 6th Dogra Battalion of the Indian Army.

The 22-year-old accused, identified as Moirangthem Nimaichand Meitei, hailed from Imphal.

The accused has been sent to seven days custody by a special NIA court.

Meitei was part of the team, which was involved in the ambush near Paraolen village in Chandel district of Manipur in June 2015, where 18 Army personnel were killed and 15 were injured.

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In the wake of the continuous ceasefire violations in Jammu and Kashmir, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday said that Pakistan restores to incessant firing across the border because they don't want India to have a peaceful atmosphere.

"Pakistan doesn't want India to have a peaceful atmosphere. This is why they do such violations. There was a ceasefire violation yesterday too," Sonali Mishra, Inspector General of BSF told ANI.

Mishra further averred that the BSF and Army have given a befitting reply to the attackers.

"BSF and Army gave a befitting reply and according to our reliable sources there are two casualties on their side," added Mishra.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Army restored to unprovoked and indiscriminate firing in Jammu and Kashmir's Charunda Uri sector.

Yesterday, Pakistan violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Karnah Tangdhar of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir.

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The Pakistan Army on Thursday restored to unprovoked and indiscriminate firing in Jammu and Kashmir's Charunda Uri sector.

As of now, no casualties or loss of property have been reported.

Meanwhile, gunshots were heard in Kashmir's Bandipora district.

Search and cordon operation by security forces is underway.

More details are awaited.

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150 police constables, who have been absent from the Patna Police Line without any permission from the department, were sent notices on Thursday.

The police department has no information about their whereabouts. Some of these constables have gone absent without leave (AWOL) for several months and some for nearly a year.

The issue came to light during an internal investigation carried out by Rajesh Kumar, Deputy Inspector General (DIG).

Normally, one gets to hear about criminals absconding or escaping from the police custody or prison, but in this case, 150 police constables have gone missing.

After the investigations, two constables have been suspended with immediate effect.

According to the PRO of Patna, police notices have been sent to these absentee police constables asking for an explanation for their absenteeism.

There are indications of some major action against the violators.

There is a perpetual shortage of staff in the Bihar police. According to a survey carried out by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), there is just one policeman for every 839 citizens in the city.

With such gross inequality in the police civilian ratio, the absence of these 150 police constables AWOL is a case of gross negligence on the part of the department itself.

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Continuing the crackdown on all suspects in the Punjab Bank (PNB) - Nirav Modi fraud case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday filed a case against the branch manager of the bank's Barmer branch in Rajasthan.

The accused, Inder Chand Chundawat, allegedly transferred a number of government schemes worth Rs 1.57 crore and Mudra loans worth Rs 62 lakh to private accounts.

The investigative agency filed two FIRs in this connection.

A total of five PNB officials have been arrested in the case, so far, including a General Manager (GM) rank officer of the PNB, Rajesh Jindal.

For those unversed, the PNB detected a 1.77 billion dollar (Rs 11,400) scam, in which jeweller Nirav Modi acquired fraudulent letters of undertaking from one of its branches for overseas credit from other Indian lenders.

The scam started in 2011 and was detected in the third week of January this year, after which the PNB officials reported it to the concerned agencies.

Security agencies have been cracking down on the properties of Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, but have been clueless about their whereabouts ever since the scam unfolded.

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President Ram Nath Kovind met Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini (The Aga Khan IV) here on Thursday.

Welcoming Prince Aga Khan to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President congratulated the global Shia spiritual leader on the diamond jubilee of his leadership of the Ismaili community.

He said that the Prince has lead with great humility and has been a shining example of goodness for humanity.

The President added that India deeply appreciates the development initiatives Prince Aga Khan is supporting in India and other parts of the

He stated that the programmes of AKDN and India's flagship initiatives complement each other, be it Swacch Bharat, Skill India, heritage conservation, women empowerment or income generation in rural areas.

The President was happy to note that AKDN has partnered India not only in social sector projects but also in restoration of historic monuments and urban renewal.

Pointing to the inauguration of the restored Sunder Nursery in Delhi on Tuesday, the President said that India appreciates AKDN for helping in several restoration projects.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met the Prince.

Aga Khan arrived in the country on Tuesday on a 10-day official visit at the invitation of the Government of India.

He will further travel to Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Mumbaim, where he will meet with the Governor and Chief Minister of Gujarat, the Governor, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana and the Governor and Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday lauded the state Investors Summit and said that an investment of Rs 4,28,000 crore was approved.

The two-day event was attended by more than 5,000 delegates from around the world and over 100 speakers had addressed the gathering.

"This summit is a unique initiative which will bring Uttar Pradesh to the front. Investment of Rs 4,28,000 crore hase been approved in the summit," Adityanath said while addressing a gathering here.

"I am pleased to announce that we have the proposal of further investment of Rs 4 lakh crore in the state," he added.

The summit is an attempt to establish Uttar Pradesh among the developed states and its focus areas include food processing, dairy, handloom and textile, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Information Technology (IT), start-ups, electronic manufacturing, films, tourism and civil aviation.

Earlier in the day, Amplus Energy Solutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government to set up a solar power with a capacity of 500 megawatts (MW) in the state, subject to an investment of Rs 2,200 crore over the next five years.

Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley termed urban infrastructure as an "engine of growth", adding that it is crucial for investment in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

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The Supreme Court will on Thursday hear the plea filed by Kerala Haj Committee challenging the Centre's guidelines in Haj pilgrim selection.

On February 19, the Committee had filed a plea challenging Centre's guidelines.

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to file a reply as to what are the states and their quota status with respect to giving quota to Haj pilgrims.

Earlier in January, the Union government scrapped the Haj subsidy for pilgrims as the fund will instead be used for the empowerment of minorities from this year.

Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the Haj subsidy funds will now be used for the education of girls and women of the minority community.

However, there is an exception to the rules for the poor and people over 70 years of age.

Naqvi also stated that Muslim women in India have been allowed to travel for Haj without a 'Mehram', or a male guardian.

On January 14, a bilateral agreement was signed in connection with Haj 2018, during the meeting between Naqvi and Saudi Arabia's Haj and Umrah Minister Muhammad Benten.

A total of 1,70,000 Indian pilgrims are expected to travel for Haj in 2018.

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The Department of and Sustainability at the TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI-SAS) recently organised the International Conference on Business, Economics and Sustainable Development (ICBESD).

The conference was inaugurated by Pinaki Misra, President, National Green Tribunal Bar Association and Member of Parliament; Professor Sunita Singh Sengupta, the Head and Dean, Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University; Subhash Chandra Vashist, Director, Swayam; Dr. Rajiv Seth, Pro - Vice Chancellor, TERI SAS, Professor Prakash, Professor TERI SAS and Professor Manipadma Datta, Professor TERI SAS.

They discussed the need, challenges, and roadmap to approach long-term viability of without compromising on profitability, competitiveness, and sustainable development.

Introducing the conference to the audience, Dr. Rajiv Seth, Pro-Vice Chancellor of TERI-SAS informed that an overwhelming 160 papers have been received from across the globe, including Spain, Mexico, Poland, Bangladesh, Nepal, the USA and Canada, which were totally in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) suggested by the United Nations.

"Sustainable development for businesses requires radical and systemic shifts and innovations that provide firms with a holistic framework to envision and implement sustainable practices which create ecological, economic, and social value. I am happy that deliberations at the conference will enable businesses with new management tools for transition management providing insights for understanding and advancing sustainable development," said Dr. Rajiv Seth, Pro-Vice Chancellor TERI SAS.

Pinaki Misra said, "We are lacking right intent and effort to change the lot of the posterity." He was largely critical about the short-sightedness of the system and the gradual marginalisation of the National Green Tribunal in India.

He added, "At the National Green Tribunal, our efforts have always been to foster 'sustainability change'. With an unprecedented new horizon opening up for the future of India, this conference is a timely congregation of experts, researchers, academicians, and corporate world executives for in-depth discussions to identify new sources of opportunities, advancement of new knowledge on sustainable business practices as well as on required institutional changes by exploring strategies that are enabling, enhances environment-friendly growth which ultimately meets the rising challenges that businesses are facing in India today."

Sunita Singh Sengupta emphasized the need for internal introspection to initiate the process of a sustainable eco-system.

Manipadma Dutta, Conference Chair and Professor at TERI SAS, said, "We strongly believe that ICBESD 2018 will provide the researcher fraternity to come together and share ideas to further the cause of sustainable development. Our only objective is to provide a platform for those committed to the cause of sustainable development, both from academia and industry, to achieve the goal of making our planet more habitable for the posterity."

He drew attention to the point of value sharing and fair distribution of value created.

ICBESD 2018 will discuss around 160 research papers in two days.

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The association of Cauvery Delta Farmers staged a protest here on Thursday, demanding a meeting with Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami regarding the distribution of Cauvery river water.

The farmers demanded to meet the Chief Minister to put forward their demands regarding the water sharing and loan waivers.

As part of the protest, the farmers blocked the State Secretariat and restricted the movement of Deputy Chief Minister O Pannerselvam.

They claimed that the association wanted to have a peaceful meeting with Palaniswami over the issue, but they were not allowed to meet him.

They told ANI, "Farmers are cheated in the name of a meeting".

The association further highlighted the plight of the farmers in the Cauvery Delta.

They said, "We had come to press our demands. The plight of the farmer in the state is very unfortunate".

On February 16 the Supreme Court had passed a verdict Cauvery water sharing dispute as part of which the Karnataka's share had been increased to 177.25 TMC.

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday arrived at Jama Masjid here, along with wife and children. Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan was also present.

When ANI questioned Trudeau about an invitation sent to Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal for a dinner reception, the Canadian Prime Minister preffered not replying to it.

Jaspal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, who was active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation, was invited for a formal dinner with the Canadian Prime Minister, hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner, scheduled to take place later in the day, CBC News reported earlier.

However, the invite has been rescinded now, the Canadian Consulate told ANI.

On Wednesday, Trudeau met with Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh in Amritsar, where, the latter shared the concerns about militancy issue related to the separatist movement of Khalistan.

Singh said, "I raised the issue of Khalistan, it's the primary issue, as there is money coming in from various countries including Canada."

"I took up the militancy concerns with Trudeau, the militancy concerns we have and he has assured us that they will look into this matter," he added.

The Canadian Prime Minister, who is on a week-long State visit to India, visited Amritsar's Golden Temple, along with his wife and children before meeting the Punjab CM.

"What an honour to be so well received at such a beautiful, meaningful place. We are filled with grace and humility," Trudeau penned down in the visitors' book at the Golden Temple.

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Allahabad Bank fell 1.44% to Rs 51.40 at 10:25 IST on BSE after the bank said it has an exposure of Rs 516.79 crore to crisis-hit Rotomac group.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 21 February 2018.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 92.18 points, or 0.27% to 33,752.68.

On the BSE, 88,000 shares were traded in the counter so far compared with average daily volumes of 2.82 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 51.45 and a low of Rs 50.50 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 92.50 on 12 May 2017. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 48.80 on 19 February 2018.

The stock had underperformed the market over the past 30 days till 21 February 2018, falling 28.22% compared with 6.35% fall in the Sensex. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one quarter, falling 33.27% as against Sensex's 0.76% rise. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one year, falling 26.45% as against Sensex's 17.25% rise.

The mid-cap bank has equity capital of Rs 800.21 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

Responding to a clarification sought by exchanges on news article, "Rotomac owner flees India after taking Rs 800 crore loans", the Allahabad Bank said the Rotomac group is having an exposure from the bank since 2006.

There is an outstanding of Rs 43.09 crore to Rotomac Exim as a sole banker, Rs 314.56 crore to Rotomac Global as multiple banking and Rs 159.14 crore to Rotomac Exports as a consortium arrangement with Bank of India as a lead banker. These three loans amount to Rs 516.79 crore.

The aforesaid accounts of Rotomac group are classified as non-performing assets (NPAs) as per IRAC norms of RBI and the required provision has been made, the bank said in a regulatory filing.

The bank said the accounts of Rotomac Global and Rotomac Exports have been filed in National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and was admitted on 20 September 2017. The recovery process under SARFAESI is in process by the bank for the third Rotomac group company, namely, Rotomac Exim, it said.

Allahabad Bank reported net loss of Rs 1263.79 crore in Q3 December 2017 as against net profit of Rs 75.26 crore in Q3 December 2016. Total income declined 5.4% to Rs 4755.33 crore in Q3 December 2017 over Q3 December 2016.

Government of India holds 68.32% stake in Allahabad Bank (as on 31 December 2017).

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Steel Strips Wheels rose 2.17% to Rs 1,006 at 11:59 IST on BSE after the company said it commissioned brand new truck steel wheels plant.

The announcement was made during trading hours today, 22 February 2018.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 109.83 points, or 0.32% to 33,735.03.

On the BSE, 859 shares were traded in the counter so far compared with average daily volumes of 5,348 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 1,021 and a low of Rs 980.15 so far during the day. The stock hit a record high of Rs 1,225 on 10 January 2018. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 678.80 on 22 February 2017.

The stock had underperformed the market over the past 30 days till 21 February 2018, falling 12.43% compared with 6.35% fall in the Sensex. The scrip had outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 13.20% as against Sensex's 0.76% rise. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one year, rising 43.66% as against Sensex's 17.25% rise.

The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 15.56 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

Steel Strips Wheels (SSWL) announced commissioning of its Chennai truck wheel plant from February 2018. This plant will add 1.2 million wheels capacity to the already existing 1.8 million wheels capacity for the truck/trailer segment of SSWL. The total capacity of truck wheel segment now stands at 3 million wheels and With this SSWL will be the largest truck steel wheel maker in India.

The plant is operating at 90% utilization for the month of February and expected to attain 100% utilization from April 2018 onwards with firm order book from domestic and export customers.

The plant is strategically placed to help SSWL service customers in Southern region in India and being near to the Sea port will provide leverage for serving export customers as well. Supplies will be to all key original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India i.e. Ashok Leyland, Daimler India, Tata Motors and several truck/trailer OEMs in Middle East, Europe and US.

SSWL announced during trading hours yesterday, 21 February 2018, that it secured another export order from German OEM, BMW. SSWL's Chennai plant will supply approximately 46,000 steel wheels to BMW's Leipzig plant in Germany from the next financial year onwards. SSWL said it has been in strong business relationship with BMW since last 8 years. Shares of SSWL rose 1.67% to settle at Rs 984.60 yesterday, 21 February 2018.

Net profit of Steel Strips Wheels rose 43.58% to Rs 18.12 crore on 19.43% rise in net sales to Rs 397.44 crore in Q3 December 2017 over Q3 December 2016.

Steel Strips Wheels designs and manufactures automotive steel wheels and is among the leading supplier to Indian and global automobile manufacturers.

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Tata Communications is joining forces with Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's largest mobile network operator, to bring global connectivity to consumer electronics and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Tata Communications MOVE - IoT Connect allows IoT devices to be deployed quickly both locally and internationally by leveraging Tata Communications' ecosystem of mobile network operators worldwide. As part of this ecosystem, Chunghwa Telecom will be able to tap into additional revenues by connecting IoT devices through Tata Communications MOVE.

The Taiwanese electronics industry output is expected to be worth USD$ 228 billion (NT$6.65 trillion) in 2018, and the wearables market grew at double digits in both volume and value terms in 2017.

Chunghwa Telecom looks to capitalise on this growth through the existing IoT roaming services it provides, and by offering its device manufacturer and enterprise customers' IoT services instant global reach through Tata Communications MOVE - IoT Connect.

One of Chunghwa Telecom's first Tata Communications' MOVE - IoT Connect customers is TaiDoc, which manufactures premium medical devices to improve people's health and the quality of life. TaiDoc will use Tata Communications MOVE - IoT Connect to extend the reach of its devices seamlessly to countries such as China, Thailand and the US.

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Border Security Force personnel on Thursday seized foreign currency worth $30,000 from West Bengal's Krishnanagar sector but failed to arrest the smuggler, a BSF official said.

Acting on a tip off about smuggling of foreign currency in the area, BSF troopers from Vijaypur outpost laid an ambush along the India-Bangladesh border and challenged a motorcyclist on Thursday morning.

"BSF tried to stop the motorcycle rider but he ran away towards the Indian side of the fence leaving behind his two wheeler and a few packets.

"On thorough search the troopers recovered two packets of foreign currency worth $30,000 (Rs. 19.5 lakh) from the area," Deputy Inspector General of BSF's south Bengal frontier RPS Jaswal said in a statement.

"The seized currency and the motorcycle have been handed over to the customs officials in Banpur for further legal action," he added.

--IANS

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A day after Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat attributed the rise of Assam-based political party AIUDF to illegal immigration from Bangladesh, the party on Thursday hit back saying his remarks were "political" and "uncalled for".

The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) found its views echoed by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and the civil society which asked General Rawat to stay away from as that is not the Army's domain in India.

AIUDF chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal said the cause of his party's rising popularity was not illegal immigration of Bangladeshi Muslims but disenchantment of the public with larger national parties -- a trend Ajmal said was visible across the country including in Delhi where Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) got a landslide victory in the last assembly elections.

The Army chief had on Wednesday said at a symposium here that Pakistan, with support from China, was pushing illegal migrants from Bangladesh into India. Though he didn't name the two countries but made his references obvious by calling them India's "western neighbour" and "northern neighbour".

"We will continue to see some migration happening. The solution lies in identifying the problem and holistically looking at it... There is a party called AIUDF. If you look at it, they have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP grew over the years... Finally, what will be the state of Assam, we will have to take a call," Rawat said.

The AIUDF, which has three Lok Sabha members and 13 MLAs in the Assam assembly, strongly objected to the remarks, asking why the heavens were falling over the electoral success of a "secular, democratic" party.

In its maiden electoral battle, the AIUDF won 10 seats in the 2006 Assam Assembly polls. The number went up to 18 in 2011.

Ajmal said he respected the Army and its chief but demanded to know if Gen Rawat's comments against a democratic political party were not a violation of the Constitution.

He said the Army chief's remarks came at a time when the work of compilation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam is nearing completion and once the NRC is completed, it would deflate the false claims and apprehensions raised by communal forces of increasing immigration from Bangladesh.

He also underlined that the AIUDF is not a party just for the Muslims and by the Muslims, but people from all sections and communities are its members as well as voters.

Ajmal said he planned to meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue for an inquiry into the remarks that implied that the AIUDF's rise was on account of Muslim migration encouraged by Pakistan and China.

Owaisi, Lok Sabha Member from Hyderabad, reminded the General that the Army will always work under an elected civilian leadership in India.

"If illegal migrants are entering from Bangladesh what is the Modi government doing? The internal security is dealt by IB, police, not military. We have seen the draconian consequences in our neighbouring countries when Army got involved in domestic politics," Owaisi tweeted.

The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM), an umbrella body of various Muslim organisations, asked the Defence Minister to take notice of Ganeral Rawat's remarks and clarify whether the Union government approved of the political commentary of the Army chief.

"The AIMMM considers the statement of Gen. Rawat as unfortunate and sees it as a beginning of the dangerous trend to politicalise the institution of Army which is revered by all, irrespective of political ideology and affiliation," its President Navaid Hamid said.

The Army, however, defended its chief, saying there was nothing political or religious in Rawat's comments made during a seminar on the northeast at DRDO Bhavan.

"There is nothing political or religious in the talk. The Army chief just mentioned amalgamation and development in the seminar," the Army said.

--IANS

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The Indian Army on Thursday defended its chief General Bipin Rawat's comments about the growth of the AIUDF, a political party in Assam, allegedly because it enjoyed the support of the Muslim population as Pakistan and China were pushing illegal Bangladeshi migrants into India.

AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal took strong objection to the "shocking" remarks.

The Army said there was nothing political or religious in General Rawat's comments made in a seminar on the northeast at DRDO Bhavan on February 21.

"There is nothing political or religious in the talk. The Army Chief just mentioned amalgamation and development in the seminar," the Army said.

"Gen Bipin Rawat has made a political statement, shocking! Why is it a concern for the Army Chief that a political party, based on democratic and secular values, is rising faster than the BJP? Alternative parties like the AIUDF, the AAP have grown because of the misgovernance of big parties," Ajmal tweeted.

Ajmal asked if by making such a statement, the Army Chief was "indulging in which is against the constitutional mandate given to him".

He tagged President Ram Nath Kovind (@rashtrapatibhvn) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@PMOIndia) asking them to "please take note" of his tweets.

Ajmal said if the Army was clarifying there was "nothing political" in the General's statement, "why was the Army Chief dragging a political party in his speech, whose representatives are democratically elected by Indian citizens."

In his remarks on Wednesday, the Army chief said Pakistan, with support from China, was pushing illegal migrants from Bangladesh into India though he didn't name the two countries but made his references obvious by calling them India's "western neighbour" and "northern neighbour".

"They will always try and ensure that this area is taken over, playing the proxy dimension of warfare where they do not have to confront a stronger nation through conventional operations.This proxy game is being well played by our western neighbour and supported also by the northern neighbour."

Rawat said the government was looking at the northeast with the right perspective now to make sure that the population dynamics of this region could no longer be changed.

"There is a party called AIUDF. It has grown at a faster rate than the BJP has over the years... The AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam."

--IANS

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Human rights group Amnesty International on Thursday accused US President Donald Trump of practicing "hateful" and said his policies mark "a new era of human rights regression" in the US and around the world.

"Trump takes actions that violate human rights at home and abroad... his backward steps on human rights are setting a dangerous precedent for other governments to follow," the rights group said in its annual report released at an event in Washington.

It said world leaders failed to prevent abuses such as the persecution of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. Instead, many had offered a vision of fear, Amnesty alleged in its "State of the World's Human Rights" report for 2017.

Amnesty put Trump in the same group as the leaders of Egypt, Russia, China, the Philippines and Venezuela, the BBC reported.

It said Trump and other leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, "are callously undermining the rights of millions".

"The spectres of hatred and fear now loom large in world affairs, and we have few governments standing up for human rights in these disturbing times," said Amnesty head Salil Shetty.

The Amnesty report called Trump's travel ban, implemented days after he took office in 2017, a "transparently hateful move".

"The transparently hateful move by the US government in January to ban entry to people from several Muslim-majority countries set the scene for a year in which leaders took the of hate to its most dangerous conclusion," said Shetty.

In its report, Amnesty criticized the willingness of world leaders to cry "fake news" -- a phrase popularised by Trump -- in their attacks on the media.

It also attacked the "weak and inconsistent" response of social media companies to a wave of abuse against women and minorities.

Among the many issues highlighted in the 400-page report are the "crimes against humanity" and war crimes in Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen, attempts to roll back women's rights in the US, Russia and Poland as well as sweeping crackdowns on LGBT communities in Chechnya and Egypt.

--IANS

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Britain does not want Brexit to damage its security relations with the European Union (EU) after the country leaves the 28-nation bloc, the former head of its domestic security service has said.

"We work extraordinarily closely on security with Europe and the UK does not want that damaged," Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller, a former head of security service MI5, told Xinhua news agency on Thursday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Saturday called for talks with the EU about a new security treaty after London left the bloc as she addressed the Munich Security Conference.

Manningham-Buller on Thursday took the opportunity on the sidelines of a press briefing at the Wellcome Trust, where she is the chair, to underline her support for May's initiative.

May told world leaders on Saturday gathered at the security event in the southern German city of Munich that "we must do whatever is most practical and pragmatic in ensuring our collective security".

May hopes Britain can stay closely aligned with EU on security policy.

She urged EU leaders to start the negotiations with Britain as soon as possible in order to conclude the treaty by end of 2019.

Britain is set to leave the EU at the end of March 2019, and all its arrangements with the bloc, including security, need to be rearranged.

Manningham-Buller had a 33-year career in MI5, which ended in 2007 when she stood down as its chief.

--IANS

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The high-pitched campaigning for the February 24 bypoll for the Bijepur Assembly seat in Odisha's Bargarh district came to an end on Thursday with all political parties making last-ditch efforts to woo the voters.

The counting of votes will be held on February 28.

As per the Election Commission guidelines, all political leaders, functionaries and party workers who are not registered voters in the constituency will have to leave ahead of the polling.

Leaders and workers of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress conducted door-to-door campaigning on the last day of canvassing.

BJD President and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, several Union Ministers and BJP leaders, including Smriti Irani, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Jual Oram, and senior Congress leaders extensively canvassed for votes for their respective candidates during the campaigning.

The death of Congress MLA Subal Sahu in August last year necessitated the bypoll.

While Subal's wife Rita Sahu is the BJD candidate, the Congress has fielded Pranaya Sahu. The BJP has put up Ashok Panigrahi.

Security was beefed up ahead of the polling day.

"We are taking all steps to hold peaceful and free byelection. We will make sure all critical booths are equipped with webcast facility. Micro observers will be deployed and we are trying to source additional Executive Magistrates from nearby districts for poll duty," state Chief Electoral Officer Surendra Kumar said.

--IANS

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West Bengal Irrigation Minister Rajib Banerjee on Thursday accused the Central government of stopping the funds for various irrigation projects in the state despite its mandate of bearing 50 per cent of the expense.

"The centre has a step-motherly attitude towards Bengal irrigation projects. The ongoing flood management schemes in the state are getting hampered due to the non-availability of central funds," he alleged.

"In a number of state projects, there has been no response from the centre even after completion of necessary procedural formalities and repeated persuasion," he said.

Banerjee also said that the investment clearance of Ghatal Master Plan for flood control in West Midnapore district has been withheld even after compliance of all formalities and that the Central government is not paying necessary importance to the state's demand in certain projects.

"If a state level minister writes a letter, an executive of the Central government sends a reply. Such is the indifference," he added.

The state faced severe flood situation in many states of north Bengal as well as Gangetic West Bengal last year due to excessive rain.

The state government including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the government-owned Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) of constantly releasing water from its dams in spite of warning from the state, that further worsened the flood situation.

--IANS

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Domestic smartphone brand CENTRiC Mobiles on Thursday announced to invest Rs 648 crore towards setting up a research and development and manufacturing unit for mobile phones in Uttar Pradesh.

The state-of-the-art Complete Knock-Down (CKD) manufacturing facility will cater to both "CENTRiC" and "FRND" mobile phones, manufactured by Priyanka Technologies (India) Pvt Ltd, as well as other mobile phone manufacturers globally, the company said during the UP Investors' Summit here.

"The company plans to invest Rs 648 crore in setting up an R&D and manufacturing unit in Uttar Pradesh," Manish Agarwal, Founder, Priyanka Technologies (India) Pvt Ltd, said in a statement.

The project is expected to generate employment for over 1,500 people at various levels, the company said.

CENTRiC Mobiles recently launched its budget smartphone CENTRiC "L3" in India for Rs 6,749.

The device features a 1.3GHz quad-core processor with 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory which can be expanded up to 256GB.

The phone comes with a 13MP rear auto-focus (AF) camera and a 5MP front shooter. There is a 5-inch HD IPS display with 2.5D curved glass.

The dual-SIM budget device has a fingerprint sensor, 4G LTE support and a 3,050mAh battery.

--IANS

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China is not a threat to Australia because it lacks "any hostile intent", Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said here on Thursday as he embarked on his US visit.

Turnbull while speaking to the media, sought to play down a more hostile approach to China by the US, rejecting the "out-of-date cold-war prism" of seeing the two super-powers as in competition, reports the Guardian.

Asked if the US viewed China as a "strategic threat", unlike Australia, Turnbull replied that "a threat is a combination of capability and intent".

"China has enormous capability, and of course it's growing [as it becomes] more prosperous but we do not see any hostile intent from China.

"We do not describe China as a threat," the Prime Minister said.

According to the Prime Minister, Australia and US President Donald Trump, did not view the Asia-Pacific region "through an out-of-date cold-war prism", citing Trump's business experience to demonstrate he "understands the economic significance of China's rise and its opportunity".

"Of course there are issues between Washington and Beijing, and there always will be. But the two leaders and I've had privilege of being with both of them, see those issues and address them in a very clear-eyed and candid way."

Asked about a joint regional infrastructure scheme being developed by Australia, the US, India and Japan as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative, Turnbull said the media always looks for cold war-style rivalry but "that's not the way we see the region", the Guardian reported.

"We want to maintain the rule of law, the rules-based order, that has enabled this international growth and prosperity," he said.

Turnbull added the region needed "trillions of dollars of additional infrastructure investment" and to widen the pool of investors by improving legal and governance frameworks.

--IANS

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The Congress will contest the 2018 Rajasthan Assembly polls under the stewardship of party President Rahul Gandhi and without declaring a chief ministerial candidate, a party leader said on Thursday.

The decision is perceived as a blow to Rajasthan's senior party leader and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who held the post from 1998 to 2003 and again from 2008 to 2013.

The issue was discussed at a meeting here of state Congress leaders with Rahul Gandhi, attended by Gehlot, state Congress chief Sachin Pilot, Rajasthan Congress Legislature Party leader Rameshwar Lal Dudi and former Union Minister Bhanwar Jitendra Singh.

Talking to IANS after the meeting, Congress General Secretary and incharge of Rajasthan's party affairs Avinash Pande said the state leaders assured Gandhi of keeping aside their differences and unitedly fighting the coming elections.

"Elections will be fought under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. No CM candidate will be declared. After the elections, the MLAs will elect the Chief Minister and the high command will take a decision," Pandey told IANS.

He said all senior state leaders, including Gehlot, have assured Gandhi of jointly campaigning in the state and making it a success.

The meeting was convened by the Congress chief to sort out differences among senior party leaders like Gehlot, Pilot, Singh and former Union Minister C.P. Joshi.

Rajasthan Congress President Sachin Pilot told IANS that the meeting was held to discuss the roadmap ahead of the Assembly elections and chart out a campaign strategy.

According to Congress sources, the party has finalised slogans like "Hamara agenda, Congress ka jhanda".

The party has also finalised a flagship organisational programme "Mera booth, mera gaurav" and pledged to make it successful and discussed how to make it a success.

In Gujarat, the Congress contested the Assembly polls without declaring its chief ministerial candidate. Instead, Rahul Gandhi was at the forefront of the party's campaign in the western state.

In a bitterly fought contest in Gujarat, the Congress could not manage to capture power though it raised its MLA tally from 61 to 78 in the new house.

The Congress won byelections to the two parliamentary constituencies of Alwar and Ajmer and the Assembly constituency of Mandalgarh in Rajasthan held in January. In four years, the Congress has won 20 of the 22 Assembly byelections.

--IANS

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With an aim to help transform and research in India, 3D Experience major Dassault Systemes on Thursday extended its global initiative "La Fondation Dassault Systemes" to the country.

"La Fondation Dassault Systemes", currently operational in Europe and the US, is dedicated to transforming the future of and research with the learning and discovery capabilities of 3D technology and virtual universes.

It will provide grants, digital content and skillsets in virtual technologies to qualified non-commercial, non-profit projects proposed by schools, universities, engineering/science colleges, researchers, museums and other foundations in the country.

"Dassault Systemes in India has been running many academia programmes with the objective of transforming engineering With the formation of 'La Fondation Dassault Systemes' in India, we will take our contribution to transform education to the next level," said Sudarshan Mogasale, CEO of Dassault Systemes R&D centre (3DPLM) and Chairman of La Fondation in India.

The foundation has already announced two projects in India: an 'Innovation Hub' at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Muktangan Exploratory Science Centre in Pune and the design and development of 'Solar Powered Passenger Vehicle and Charging station' -- a project undertaken by Pimpri Chinchwad Education Trust's Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering in Pune.

"Dassault Systemes Foundation India will launch its full-fledged operations in the next quarter and will call for non-commercial projects in the education and research domains," he added.

The foundation will help foster greater knowledge in the 3D content, technology and simulation applications that have long been used by industry for the design, engineering and manufacturing of most of the products society relies on today.

The foundation started its operations in Europe in 2015 and in the US in 2017.

"It seems relevant to extend our action to India, because of its large percentage of young population, out of which 1.5 million engineers graduate every year. La Fondation Dassault Systemes in India will support projects to enhance their skills, the applicability of their knowledge to the future of the industry," noted Thibault de Tersant, President, La Fondation Dassault Systemes.

--IANS

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Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitaraman on Thursday said low cost of land and low wage rate with adequate supply of manpower will provide an impetus to the proposed Rs 20,000-crore Defence Industrial Corridor, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced for Bundelkhand on Wednesday.

Speaking at the plenary session of the Investors Summit 2018 in Lucknow, the Minister said that in turn, the project will serve as an "engine for economic development and growth of regions of Uttar Pradesh, especially Bundelkhand region".

"The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, proposed on a stretch covering Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, and also Kanpur and Lucknow, will leverage the existing ordnance factories and defence public sector establishments in the state," Sitharaman added.

Highlighting the benefits of the Corridor, Sitharaman stated that Bundelkhand will also benefit from the six-lane highway, which the state government has proposed to build from Chitrakoot to Jhansi, and will provide necessary infrastructural support to investment units in India.

She said that the initiatives of the Ministry of Defence to promote industry investment in defence production will also provide impetus to the Defence Corridor.

"The Ministry will, apart from taking steps to promote private investment, set up infrastructure for blast testing of arms and ammunition in the proposed corridor."

The Finance Minister in his budget speech announced setting up of two Defence Industrial Corridors in the country.

Taking the proposal forward, the Prime Minister in the inaugural address at the Investors Summit announced that one such Corridor will be set up in Bundelkhand region.

--IANS

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Democrat lawmakers have slammed US President Donald Trump's stance towards Cuba saying that his administration's decision to reverse the thawing of relations with Havana was a mistake.

Since taking office, Trump has tightened the US embargo against Cuba and withdrawn most staff from the American embassy in Havana in reaction to alleged "health attacks", reports Efe news

"The embargo makes no sense and the reversal of the policies that Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro negotiated doesn't help the United States or Cuba," Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy said during a press conference Wednesday at the US Embassy here.

The US delegation, also comprising Sensators Ron Wyden, Gary Peters and Representatives Jim McGovern, Susan Davis and Kathy Castor, arrived in the island last weekend.

The purpose of their visit was to evaluate the impact of Trump's new policies toward Cuba as well as to follow-up on the investigation into the mysterious illnesses afflicting US diplomats stationed in Havana.

Though a joint investigation - including the participation of the FBI on the ground in Havana - found no evidence the illnesses resulted from any hostile acts, the US pulled out most of its embassy personnel in October and expelled 17 Cuban diplomats from Washington.

The Trump administration also imposed new limits on travel to Cuba and warned potential visitors to the island of health risks.

"I have the impression the Cubans have offered whatever cooperation we want, in discovering what if anything happened," Leahy said.

"I don't see that they have any advantage to doing something to harm our personnel, the certain result of it is to harm relations between both countries."

McGovern said that Cuban citizens were suffering from the staff cutbacks at the US Embassy.

"Making it virtually impossible for the average Cuban to go the United States, whether it's for a funeral, wedding, or to be able to be with their families, betrays our values. It's not the way we should be approaching this. And that's why we all want our staffing issues addressed here," he said.

The Massachusetts lawmaker went on to describe US policy toward Cuba as "guided by paranoia and suspicion" and said that it was a mistake for Washington to turn away as Cuban President Raul Castro prepares to step down in favour of a successor to be chosen in April.

"Cuba is changing," McGovern said. "Regrettably at this historic moment in Cuban history, US engagement is limited."

The US delegation with Raul Castro on Tuesday to discuss Cuba's coming political transition.

Leahy said that the 86-year-old President agreed with the US lawmakers regarding the need for the next Cuban administration to maintain the thaw in relations with Washington.

--IANS

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Thomas Schumacher, the president and producer of Disney Theatrical Productions and the chairman of the Broadway League, has been accused of harassment and using inappropriate language by the company's former employees.

Schumacher is the head of the theatrical division at Disney, the arm of the studio behind Broadway shows like "The Lion King" and "Aladdin".

Allegations against Schumacher, detailed in the Wall Street Journal, include harassment, inappropriate comments and compliments, and openly lewd remarks, reports variety.com.

One former employee, Bruce Williams who spoke on record, said he complained about ongoing harassment by Schumacher, although in the article Disney responded by saying it had no record of the complaint.

According to the publishing house, complaints by another former employee, Jane Buchanan, over inappropriate language culminated in Buchanan leaving the company with severance pay and a non-disclosure agreement.

--IANS

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President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday accused the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of funding a local news website critical of the Philippines government, after the US intelligence agency said he posed a threat to democracy in Asia.

In a televised press conference from Iloilo -- a city located 460 km south of Manila -- Duterte said Philippines-based Rappler was "sponsored" by the CIA as "it takes every chance to undermine" his administration in order to destabilize it.

"That is the history of America's CIA. They take care of the political dissenters because eventually they will choose a candidate that they can manipulate like this," the leader said.

Duterte's remarks came days after an intelligence report by the US suggested Duterte was a "threat to democracy" in Asia and compared him to autocratic heads of state in the region, including Cambodia's Hun Sen.

The document referred mainly to Duterte's "war on drugs", which has led to over 7,000 deaths in the Philippines, according to estimates, as well as other controversial proposals of the President, Efe news reported.

According to the report, "Duterte has suggested that he could suspend the Constitution, declare a "revolutionary government", and impose nationwide martial law".

Duterte did not offer further details or proof to back his accusations against the site.

In mid-January, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revoked Rappler's license to operate, which international organisations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, described as an attempt by the government to silence critical voices.

Although SEC's decision is not final and Rappler continues to operate legally, Duterte this week banned Rappler reporters from the presidential palace, a move that has sparked fresh condemnation from local press unions and international organisations.

--IANS

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Essel Infraprojects Ltd (EIL), the infrastructure arm of Essel Group on Thursday, announced its foray into the electronic vehicle (EV) segment by committing investments worth Rs 4,250 crore for the sector in Uttar Pradesh.

"EIL inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect at the UP Investors Summit in Lucknow on Wednesday," the company said in a statement, adding it has committed to an investment of Rs 3,000 crore for bringing out 1,000 E-buses from intrastate UP to the National Capital Region.

The company said that it will invest Rs 500 crore for development of e-rickshaws with battery charging and swapping stations.

It will put in another Rs 750 crore for development of bus terminals in the state, the statement said.

The proposed investments will generate over 54,000 employment activities in the state, said Essel Group Chairman Subhash Chandra.

--IANS

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Expelled Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui on Thursday joined Congress here in presence of senior party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and Uttar Pradesh Congress President Raj Babbar.

He also merged his political outfit Rashtriya Bahaman Morcha into the party.

Siddiqui, one time the closest confidante of Mayawati, joined Congress along with BSP leaders O. P. Singh, Liyakat Ali, Achhe Lal Nishad, Arshad Khan, Begum Husna Siddiqui, Raghunath Prasad, Anil Awana, Vijendra Vyas and many others. About 100 former BSP leaders and workers also joined the party.

The new entrants later also met Congress President Rahul Gandhi.

Azad, General Secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh, told media persons that the entry of all these leaders shows "that situation on the ground is changing and the future of Congress is bright" as under Rahul Gandhi, people from other parties are willing to join it and work with him.

To a question whether this will hamper the prospects of 'Mahagathbandhan' in UP, Azad said: "I do not think so because 'Mahagathbandhan' is formed keeping in view totally different considerations at the state level or national level.

"If you remember, last year only, Congress in UP started a crusade against the then ruling state party, we had named it - '27 Saal Behaal'. But subsequently we realized that times we cannot fight so many forces, the regional forces and the national forces at one time. Samajawadi Party also felt the same way and with the mutual understanding, we forged an alliance.

"It's another matter, whether we succeeded in our mission or not. That is secondary but our huge campaign against the state government and their campaign against us did not come in the way of forging an alliance because that was keeping in view number of other considerations at the national level," he added.

Asked if Mayawati won't get offended, Azad said: "Many of the leaders were expelled by her only, and 90 per cent of them had resigned after they were expelled. After all, they had to join some party. Before assembly elections, when they (BSP) made our MLAs defect to their party, we did not get offended. So, she should also not get offended."

BSP supremo Mayawati had thrown out Siddiqui and his son Afzal from the party on May 10, after which Siddiqui had levelled serious charges against the four-time Chief Minister, even alleging that she had sought Rs 50 crore from him. He had also released some audio tapes of his telephonic conversations with her.

--IANS

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Future of humanity depends in the development of girls, who are meant to be nourished right from their early days, Canadian Prime Minister's wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau said on Thursday.

"In my past 20 years of interaction with girls across the world I have found that girls live in fear and anxiety while growing up.

"Owing to cultural beliefs, girls have been taught to be small, disappear and not take our full place in society. But that is not what we are meant to be," she said at an event organised by Nutrition International -- a Canada based non-profit organisation working in India since 1998.

"Girls are womb of humanity, nucleus of the family and are supposed to become fully participant citizens in our own countries," said Sophie Trudeau, who, along with her husband and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and their three children, is on an eight-day official visit to India.

"The core of the problem needs to be addressed, which begins with nutrition in the earliest phase of our lives," she said.

The targeted interventions by the organisation include fortification, nutrition education, training of health worker and weekly iron and folic acid supplementation and they aim to reach almost seven million girls to reduce incidences of anaemia by 2020.

Nutrition International works for the needs of women and girls in rural areas of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The organisation's "Right to Start" programme with an aid of (Canadian) $11.5 million aims to support India's priority for addressing malnutrition, combating anaemia and educating girls.

Sophie Trudeau also met 12 adolescent schoolgirls from Gujarat and heard their goals and the barriers they faced in achieving them.

"We as a world are responsible for our (girls) security, education and potential to bloom so that they grow up to become amazing girls and women," she said, as she urged them to remain vocal and one day "become the voices of those who are not heard".

As part of the event, she also launched the Asian component of the Nutrition International's "She'll Grow into it" Campaign.

According to the "Global Nutrition Report 2017", more than half of Indian women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia and the country is facing a serious threat of malnutrition.

Nearly 38 per cent of the children in India under five are affected by stunting and nearly 21 per cent of children under five have been defined as "wasted" or "severely wasted", the report said.

"It is cheap to invest in nutrition now, but expensive to fix it later," Joel Spicer, President and CEO, Nutrition International, told reporters.

The "She'll Grow into it" Campaign, which serves to challenge social norms and highlight that a girl's future should be powerful, progressive and limitless everywhere, would be launched in nine countries including India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Kenya, Bangladesh, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.

--IANS

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Aiming to introduce Indian consumers to the concept of responsible lending practices, the Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB) and IIM Lucknow have released a report titled "Navigator of Responsible Lending-India", a statement said on Thursday.

"Focusing on small ticket (up to Rs 15,000) personal and consumer durable loans across both banks and NBFCs (non-banking financial company), the first-of-its-kind research aims to introduce the Indian consumers especially first time borrowers to the concept of responsible lending practices," it said.

The first edition of the report seeks to set the standards of responsible lending in the country, identifying the key parameters and creating an industry-wide institutional matrix and tool for self-regulation that will serve as the defining contours for responsible lending, it added.

"Within the context of lending and borrowing, both the parties have mutual responsibility towards each other, to fulfil their respective obligations, with overall objective of making seamless experience for all," said Ranjeet Mudholkar, Vice Chairman and CEO, FPSB India.

"The aim of the study is to establish a framework of responsible and healthy relationship, which could result in secured and pleasant experience mutually."

The statement said industry players were evaluated through secondary research of customer touch-points such as website, Points-of-Sale (PoS) experience and company literature as well as by speaking to market players across a few geographies for qualitative inputs.

According to the study, Axis Bank, Fullerton Credit India, Home Credit India and Standard Chartered Bank -- in the personal loan category -- excelled in following a higher degree of responsible lending practices than peers through the "loan application process", whereas only Standard Chartered Bank and Tata Capital stood out for the "financial inclusion" parameter.

"Responsible lending is about transparent processes, ensuring affordability, transparency of terms and conditions and supporting a borrower to repay loans comfortably," said Devashish Das Gupta, Associate Professor of Marketing Management, Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow.

"Through this study, our aim has been to explore, evaluate and educate the sector and 'Navigate' them towards these best practices."

--IANS

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Reacting to Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat's remark that the AIUDF has been growing faster than the BJP in Assam, the Congress party said the government and the BJP are trying to divert attention from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

Rawat triggered a major row with his remark that the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has been growing faster than the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam allegedly on the support of the Muslim population as Pakistan and China push Bangladeshi migrants into the northeast to destabilise India.

"I would not like to comment on this. But, I would simply say that in the coming days, you will get to hear many outrageous things. The BJP will point fingers at many leaders, many parties in order to divert the attention away from Punjab National Bank fraud case.

"So, the BJP ministers and spokespersons will move heaven and earth to divert the attention of people. For a change, I would like to congratulate the electronic media that they have kept the focus constant on the issue and this has attracted the attention of the entire nation," said senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.

In the present BJP government, why every "fraud-wala" was going to London and not coming back and why all of them had some nexus with the top leadership of the present government - directly or indirectly, he asked.

"For diverting the attention, they will do anything because now PNB fraud has caught the attention of the entire nation. Entire nation has started questioning the present government, the failure of the government.

"They have not been able to stop the scam, they have not been able to get any person back to the country. Now to divert the attention of the media - both at the national level and regional level - they would keep trying different things," he added.

--IANS

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A day after US President Donald Trump eldest son, Donald Trump Jr visited the city, the income tax officials on Thursday conducted a "search operation" in the offices of RDB Group, one of whose firms is a partner of Kolkata Trump Tower Project.

"A search operation is being conducted at offices of RDB Group in Kolkata. The investigation is going on and there were some alleged financial irregularities," an I-T official told IANS.

The RDB Group could not be contacted. Calls to the office number were unreachable.

Trump Jr. was in the city to celebrate the success of Trump Tower, Kolkata which was claimed to be the fastest selling project in India.

Trump Tower Kolkata is developed by Tribeca Developers, Unimark Group and RDB Realty.

--IANS

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Iran may withdraw from the 2015 international nuclear deal if it cannot receive economic benefits, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday.

"If the policy of confusion and uncertainties about the JCPOA (or nuclear deal) continues, if companies and banks are not working with Iran... we cannot remain in a deal that has no benefit for us," Araghchi said at a speech at Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, reported Xinhua new agency citing, Press TV.

Araghchi said US President Donald Trump "has created an atmosphere of uncertainty which is like a poison for the business community in working with Iran".

"The (nuclear) deal would not survive this way even if the (US) waivers are extended," he added.

On January 12, Trump once again extended the waivers that are mandatory under the deal reached between Iran and six major world powers in 2015, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Trump said he extended the sanctions relief on Iran for the last time, threatening to withdraw from the landmark pact unless US Congress and European allies can fix the alleged "disastrous flaws" in the deal.

Trump has constantly criticised the pact inked between Iran and Russia, Britain, France, China, the US and Germany, in which the West promised to relieve sanctions on Tehran in exchange for a halt in Iran's efforts to develop a nuclear weapon.

Iran said it will not take any measures beyond its commitment to the JCPOA, nor will it accept changes to this agreement now or any time in the future.

The US is the only party that has threatened to scrap the deal, a stance that has been opposed by other participants.

Since 2017 when Trump took office, the US has sanctioned around 100 individuals and entities involved with Iran's ballistic missile program and other activities which the US deems as "illicit."

Iran has dismissed the US calls for halting its missile programme development, saying it is only for deterrent purposes.

--IANS

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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is actively wooing Indian investors -- especially software firms and airlines -- pitching itself as the gateway to the markets of mainland China, northeast and southeast Asia.

"There are a number of fundamentals about Hong Kong that are very attractive," Stephen Phillips, Director General of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) who was on a visit to India this month, told IANS in an exclusive interview.

Stating that it is a very vibrant international city, Phillips said it is a "fantastic financial and professional services centre with a depth of talent and expertise to structure finance and business ventures across the region".

"It is a great location with a lot of talent that can help Indian businesses tackle not only the Hong Kong market but China, northeast Asia and Southeast Asia," he said.

InvestHK is a government department of Hong Kong responsible for attracting businesses and entrepreneurs to set up a business and facilitating foreign direct investment into the city.

It offers free advice and services to support overseas companies from the planning stage right through to the launch and expansion of their business.

Pointing to the centrality of Hong Kong's location, Phillips said that almost all major cities within Northeast and Southeast Asia, home to around half of the world's population, are within four hours flying distance.

Stating that the city's business environment is very conducive for companies, he said that Hong Kong has a very simple tax regime.

"The standard profits tax for companies is 16.5 per cent and there are plans to reduce that to 8.25 per cent after crossing HK$2,000,000 (HK$1=approximately Rs 8)," the InvestHK chief said.

"There will also be legislation put in place to encourage R&D investment in Hong Kong with a super deduction for R&D expenditure of about 300 per cent after HK$2,000,000 and 200 per cent thereafter. So, it enables businesses to do R&D and develop and rise in the heart of Asia in proximity to the mainland markets, to scale up manufacturing in mainland China."

There are over 8,000 foreign companies registered in Hong Kong, out of which over 4,000 have their regional headquarters there.

At a cost of about HK$5,000 and no minimum capital requirements, one can set up a company in Hong Kong within four working days.

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has double taxation avoidance agreements with 37 jurisdictions globally, while negotiations with 13 jurisdictions are in progress.

Hong Kong is a free port with no import and export duties and visitors from over 170 countries enjoy visa-free entry into the city.

During his stay in India, Phillips visited New Delhi, Surat, Mumbai and Hyderabad and met representatives of over 20 companies.

So, what kind of companies are being targeted in India?

"We are seeing some strong ICT, software companies," he said. "We are also seeing some aircraft, airlines companies as Hong Kong has a very attractive regime for aircraft leasing. So, we are talking to some of the airlines about how they might use Hong Kong."

With Hong Kong being home to a vibrant Indian diamond trading community, Phillips also met with diamond companies during the course of his visit.

"We are also seeing a couple of companies in professional services. So, it is across the economy," he said.

Stating that the existing Indian investment in Hong Kong is already quite broad-based, he added: "There are opportunities, whether it is in consumer sector or business sector or, increasingly, in real innovation-led sectors. So, I think some of the very exciting areas around AI, or artificial intelligence, around fintech where we know there are some very strong companies here in India, around smart cities."

(Aroonim Bhuyan can be contacted at aroonim.b@ians.in)

--IANS

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Maldives Fisheries Minister Mohamed Shainee on Thursday denied that the government is opposed to the UN mediation in all-party talks to resolve the ongoing political strife in the Indian Ocean nation.

Shainee made the declaration following reports quoting the deputy spokesperson of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as saying that President Abdulla Yameen had refused to allow the UN's participation as a mediator in the talks.

Refuting reports as "blatant lies", Shainee told en.mihaaru.com that Yameen himself had requested the UN's assistance for the discussions, to which the organization had agreed.

He insisted that the government had openly invited Maldives' international partners to send envoys to mediate in the talks.

"Those reports are not true. The government had not rejected any such notion. Because from the start the government has been looking to work closely with the international community."

Stating that the UN had requested the government to establish an environment conducive to the talks, Shainee said that the government on multiple counts had extended invitations to all the political parties to attend the discussions without presenting prior conditions or the parties' individual interests.

He said that the government had invited the parties twice after the Supreme Court's ruling on February 1 to release high-profile political prisoners, including former exiled President Mohamed Nasheed and reinstate expelled legislators.

However, the only parties that had agreed to the talks unconditionally were Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) and Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), which make up the ruling coalition.

All the opposition parties have refused the government's terms and presented multiple conditions, demanding the state to comply with them first, said Shainee.

"The international community had called for dialogue without any pre-conditions. The opposition needs to come to terms with that. No one goes to a dialogue with pre-conditions," he added.

A 15-day state of Emergency was declared on February 5 after the surprise top court order. The order was, however, rescinded shortly after the declaration of the state of Emergency.

On Tuesday, Yameen had got the Parliament contentiously extend the state of Emergency by another 30 days.

--IANS

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Hollywood veteran Meryl Streep does not appreciate being part of disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein's legal defense, and says it is a pathetic move.

On Wednesday, the actress released a statement, via her representative Hannah Donohue, that Weinstein's inclusion of her words in a legal filing was "pathetic and exploitive", reports usatoday.com.

"Harvey Weinstein's attorneys' use of my (true) statement -- that he was not sexually transgressive or physically abusive in our business relationship -- as evidence that he was not abusive with many other women is pathetic and exploitive," Streep said.

She added: "The criminal actions he is accused of conducting on the bodies of these women are his responsibility, and if there is any justice left in the system he will pay for them -- regardless of how many good movies, made by many good people, Harvey was lucky enough to have acquired or financed."

Weinstein's lawyers on Tuesday said in federal court in New York that the proposed class-action lawsuit filed by six women should be rejected. They lawyers said that the alleged assaults took place too long ago.

The defense also cited comments made by Streep -- that Weinstein was not abusive toward her during their business relationship -- in support of Weinstein.

Weinstein's filing also included mentions of Jennifer Lawrence and Gwyneth Paltrow, who have said they felt "petrified" and "sick" about Weinstein, respectively, since allegations about him surfaced, reports usatoday.com.

On the work front, Streep is looking forward to the 90th Oscars. She is nominated in the category -- Actress in a Leading Role for "The Post".

Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the award ceremony will be held on March 4 at the Dolby Theatre here. It will be aired in India live on Star Movies and Star Movies Select on March 5.

--IANS

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Assuring that the Centre is working towards finding an honourable settlement to the vexed Naga issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to the state electorate to vote the BJP and ally NDPP to power for political stability in the hill state and its development.

"We are working to end the political problems in Nagaland. I believe we'll be able to hammer out a political solution to the Naga problem within the next few months, which will be honourable and well-deserving for the people of Nagaland," he said at a public rally in remote Tuensang district.

The Prime Minister said the Centre had kept the door open for talks with anyone for finding a lasting solution to the Naga issues.

"We have kept open the option for talks with everyone. We are ready to talk to civil society and other groups at any time. We are ready to talk with the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation also. I admit that the ENPO area is very backward. We are also going to consider special packages and schemes for the development of ENPO area," Modi assured.

On August 3, 2015, the Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah) had signed a Framework Agreement to end the seven-decade-old insurgency. Last year, the government had signed an agreement with a Working Committee of six Naga national political groups.

In January, the Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations had urged the Election Commission to defer the Assembly elections till a solution to the protracted Naga insurgency was found.

Eleven political parties in Nagaland had also decided not to issue tickets or file nominations to press for an early solution to the seven-decade-old insurgency.

Modi said the National Democratic Alliance government is giving special priority to the northeast and making efforts to enhance prosperity in the region. "Our government is committed to ensure all-round development of the northeastern states", he said.

Beginning his speech by saluting the Naga people in the Nagamese language, Modi said if the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and BJP alliance came to power in Nagaland after the February 27 elections, development will reach the grass roots in the state.

"People of Nagaland have been striving for peace and stability. The development of Nagaland will gain speed only when we all move together. We must now go beyond political instability, which has been in the state for the last several years. Swearing in of four Cabinets in four years is a drag on development," the Prime Minister said, emphasising the need for a strong and stable government in Nagaland to work for its development.

"My vision for the northeast is transformation by transportation, and in less than four years, we have added 500 km of national highways and plan to invest more than Rs 10,000 crore in the roads of Nagaland, he added.

"We would ensure that the funds released for your state reach you. With the help of technology, we will plug the loopholes which are causing wastage of public money", he said.

Informing that the central government has approved the construction of 8,500 houses in Nagaland, Modi said that for the construction of new houses and completion of old schemes for houses, we have decided to provide Rs. 160 crore to Nagaland.

"Under National Health Mission, Nagaland has been provided Rs 400 crore and the government will spend around Rs. 1800 crore for making Nagaland's capital Kohima a Smart City," he promised.

The Prime Minister said corruption posed a big challenge.

"It is imperative for development that every penny from the Centre reaches the common man. The then Prime Minister (Rajiv Gandhi) had once said that only 15 paise reaches the common people as against every Re 1 released by the Centre. This must change. Our government is working towards this end and plugging loopholes and leaks."

The Prime Minister said that every resource earmarked for Nagaland's development would be spent on public welfare and there would be no tolerance towards corruption.

"Connectivity in Nagaland is a priority for us. We have ensured development of National Highways in the state. We will invest more money here in future to further strengthen the road network. We are also focusing on increasing rail and air connectivity," Modi said.

He also saluted the culture of the Naga people. "The Constitution of India respects Indian diversity and also calls for living in harmony with all sections of society. The culture of Nagaland is our pride and we will do everything possible to preserve and promote it," he added.

The BJP has fielded 20 candidates and its alliance partner NDPP 40 for the February 27 elections to the 60-member Assembly.

--IANS

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Pitching for a preferential tea trade agreement between India and China, Tea Board Chairman P.K. Bezbaruah on Thursday said both the countries were not competitors.

"India and China were not competitors as far as tea was concerned, but rather complemented each other," he said before a 22-member business delegation from Dali, a prefecture in China's southwestern Yunnan province, visiting the city.

Bezbaruah also said duties at present, in both the countries, were prohibitive which was restricting exports from both the directions and required to be lowered.

About 81 per cent of China's annual tea production is green tea and 18 percent of Oolong variety, while 98 per cent of the tea produced in India annually is black tea.

China's annual production was 2600 million kg, while India's output was half of that, he said.

India exports around seven to eight million kg of tea to China, while the the latter's exports of green tea to India was not significant.

Bezbaruah also advocated harmonisation of maximum residue limit for different pesticides by both the countries.

The Dali delegation was headed by Chen Jian, Secretary of Committee of the CPC of Dali Prefecture and Honorary Chairman of Dali People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries

They were to explore opportunities for possible tie-ups in the fields of tourism, education, culture and commerce - such as walnuts, textiles, tea, and natural spring water.

--IANS

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The non-profit Fortify Rights on Thursday urged the government of Myanmar, led by Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, to free all political prisoners and ensure that human rights defenders can conduct their work.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners of Myanmar, 229 people have been persecuted for their political activities in the country, including 45 who are serving sentences and 51 prisoners facing trials.

"Freedom of expression is a right, not a privilege. The government of Myanmar needs to free the country's remaining political prisoners and ensure that freedom of expression is protected for everyone," Fortify Rights CEO Matthew Smith said in a statement cited by Efe news.

The call came after Myanmar authorities on Thursday released activist Khaing Myo Htun after he served 18 months in prison for alleging that the Myanmar Army used forced labour and tortured civilians.

The NGO's statement mentioned other such cases, including that of the two Reuters journalists arrested on December 12, 2017, on charges of revealing state secrets.

It also cited the example of Dumdaw Nawng Lat and Langjaw Gam Seng -- religious leaders of the Kachin minority -- who were sentenced to 51 and 27 months in prison, respectively, on October 27, 2017, under the Unlawful Association Act and other charges.

Both leaders were arrested when they were helping journalists investigate alleged human rights abuses by the Army in the northern Shan state in 2016.

The most serious allegations of human rights abuse in Myanmar were related to the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority, with over 688,000 Rohingyas seeking refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh after fleeing violence in the western state of Rakhine.

The mass exodus started after the military carried out a campaign in retaliation against an attack by a Rohingya rebel group on August 25, 2017, in a province inhabited by around one million members of the minority.

The UN and human rights organisations repeatedly said that there was clear evidence of rights violations in Rakhine, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called the violence an example of "ethnic cleansing".

On Thursday, Amnesty International criticised the "demonisation" of Rohingyas in Rakhine and the alleged apathy of world leaders towards what it called ethnic cleansing and the exodus of refugees.

--IANS

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National People's Party President Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday released the People's Document for Meghlaya at an election rally here.

The "People's Document" highlights key aspects of governance in areas of economic planning and development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, public utilities delivery systems, agriculture, employment generation, youth welfare, women empowerment and environmental protection.

Senior NPP leaders Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, NPP candidates from Jaintia Hills and other party functionaries were also present at the rally.

"This is not just another election manifesto; rather, it is the foundation on which the contractual obligation between the party and the people of Meghalaya stands upon. It is not only our guiding light, but will also act as a constant reminder of our promise to the people of Meghalaya which we must honour at all costs," Sangma said.

He said that the main thrust of the People's Document is to bring about much-needed change, which the people of Meghalaya are desperately longing for.

"This is a very important moment in the history of Meghalaya because the National People's Party, along with the people will rise to the challenge of re-imagining and re-creating not only the destiny of the state, but most importantly, the present reality of our people," he said

Sangma said that the ruling Congress has been trying to communalize the election, as they were scared of NPP's growing popularity.

On the National Green Tribunal ban on coal mining, the NPP accused Chief Minister Mukul Sangma failed to take up the issue with the Central government.

--IANS

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The US' National Rifle Association (NRA) has rejected ideas to raise the minimum age for purchasing rifles, the media reported.

The idea of keeping people younger than 21 from buying rifles including AR-15 style firearms has been proposed, including in a bill that will be introduced in the Senate, reports CNN.

NRA Public Affairs Director Jennifer Baker said in a statement in Wednesday: "Federal Law prohibits adults under the age of 21 from purchasing a handgun from a licensed firearm dealer. Legislative proposals that prevent law-abiding adults aged 18-20 years old from acquiring rifles and shotguns effectively prohibits them for purchasing any firearm, thus depriving them of their constitutional right to self-protection.

"We need serious proposals to prevent violent criminals and the dangerously mentally ill from acquiring firearms. Passing a law that makes it illegal for a 20 year-old to purchase a shotgun for hunting or an adult single mother from purchasing the most effective self-defence rifle on the market punishes law-abiding citizens for the evil acts of criminals."

Baker added that "the NRA supports efforts to prevent those who are a danger to themselves or others from getting access to firearms.

"At the same time, we will continue to oppose gun control measures that only serve to punish law-abiding citizens. These are not mutually exclusive or unachievable goals."

Following the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, youngsters across the country have called on lawmakers for tougher gun laws to avoid any other such massacres.

Former student Nikolas Cruz gunned down 17 people -- 14 students, three teachers -- at the school on February 14.

--IANS

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Hundreds of people on Thursday blocked the Delhi-Jaipur-Mumbai National Highway here in Manesar for hours over the death of a 21-year-old man, who died due to alleged medical negligence at a private hospital here, police said.

The protesters kept the body of the deceased at IMT Manesar Chowk here, which caused a heavy traffic jam and blocked the National Highway-48.

Deepak Yadav, who was a B.Tech second-year student at Amity University in Haryana, was admitted to the hospital on February 20, and died on Thursday due to the negligence of the doctors, the family alleged.

"Patient was admitted to the hospital on the night of February 20, following a complaint of fluid in the lungs. During the procedure of draining the fluid, air entered into his lungs and Deepak died due to air embolism," a family member, who is also a medical student, told IANS.

"The doctors tried to show that the patient suffered a heart attack. They also put the body on a ventilator to mislead us and divert us from the real cause of the death. He died on early hours of Thursday," he said.

The protesters wanted Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to come to the spot and were demanding stringent action against Paras Hospital and the doctors who treated Deepak Yadav.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Ashok Bakshi reached the spot and assured the protesters of strict legal action against the hospital and the doctors after which the highway was cleared.

"Orders have been issued to register an FIR against the accused. Post-mortem report is awaited," Bakshi said.

No one from Paras management was available for comment.

"I will convey your message to doctor and hospital management. They will contact you, if they wish," Neeraj Kumar, assistant of doctor Arunesh Kumar, who was leading the team treating Deepak Yadav, told IANS.

--IANS

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Filmmaker Madhu Mantena on Thursday said he has signed an MoU with the Uttar Pradesh government to make his upcoming film "Ramayana" in the state,.

The agreement was sealed at the second and final day of the ongoing UP Investors Summit 2018 in Lucknow, he said.

At the meet, Mantena also shared his vision of making "Ramayana" as India's most expensive film with a budget of 500 crore, adding he regarded the project as an effort to retell Indian mythology to all the generations in all its audiovisual glory with the help of the latest technology and visual effects. He said that his vision was inspired by the life work of Ananth Pai ('Uncle Pai') of the popular Amar Chitra Katha comics.

Uttar Pradesh's Principal Secretarty and Film Bandhu Chairman Awanish Kumar Awasthi announced that Film Bandhu will fully support the efforts of making Ramayana in UP.

Introducing Mantena as the producer of India's first 100 cr film "Ghajini", the UP Government personnel expressed their confidence in the project.

Mantena is also the co-founder of the production house Phantom Films that produced films like "Queen", "Udta Punjab", "Raman Raghav 2.0", "Trapped" among others.

"Ramayana" is backed by a triumvirate of film producers, Allu Aravind, Namit Malhotra and Mantena who have collaborated for the first time to make India's most ambitious project.

The film will be shot in 3D and will be released as a three-part series and will release in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With the country's young population increasingly using smartphones and other digital devices for news consumption, going digital has never been more important for news distribution, a group of experts has said.

Customising news content with the right mix is equally important, said the experts at a discussion on digital organised here over the weekend by Business Wire India, a platform for press release distribution.

In this digital age, incorporating videos and other multimedia elements, a local-focus, and segment-wise content targeting are some of the important elements in making news relevant and engaging, they added.

"The way people consume content has changed completely, especially young people. They need a quick story, visual story, even videos make a big impact," said journalist Saurabh Shukla, Editor-in-Chief of News Mobile.

The group of corporate and experts at the discussion said that traditional plus digital is the approach companies must take for brand targeting.

Nidhi Mehra, Account Director, H+K India, a marketing communication company, spoke on the emergence of bloggers as a new community in the digital platform.

"Now the task is how to get into the digital space besides the traditional Corporates want to see this new community of bloggers to be evangelised regularly so that their brand is visible across platforms," she said.

"We need to understand how news should be projected so that audience identifies with the same in the context of their own need for information and consumption," said Rajnish Wahi, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Communications, Snapdeal, adding that more and more readers are now consuming news online.

Taru Agarwal, Managing Director, Business Wire India, contended that PR and wire services are preventing fake news from spreading.

"News distributed through a wire platform is authentic and genuine," she said.

"Checks and balances are there for fake news," Agarwal added.

--IANS

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's adviser V.K. Jain on Thursday told police that he saw AAP MLAs Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal "physically assaulting" Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, according to Jain's statement recorded by the Delhi Police.

The AAP defended by stating that Jain had initially told police that he did not witness any assault and police has threatened Jain to change his statement.

On Tuesday, the Chief Secretary had alleged that he was beaten up by the two AAP MLAs in the presence of Kejriwal at the Chief Minister's residence on Monday night, where he had been called for an emergency meeting.

The AAP had denied the charges of assault and said that the Chief Secretary was making allegations at the behest of the BJP.

Police later arrested Khan and Jarwal and they were sent to judicial custody till Thursday.

According to the Chief Secretary, the Chief Minister's adviser had called him over the phone and asked him to come to the Chief Minister's residence for the meeting and Jain was also present there.

On Thursday, the Delhi Police submitted Jain's statement at a city court, which said that Jain had gone to the washroom during the meeting and as he came out he saw the two AAP MLAs "physically assaulting" the Chief Secretary.

According to the statement, Jain also saw that the Chief Secretary's spectacles had fallen to the ground and the Chief Secretary picked them up and left the room.

The statement was recorded under Section 161 of the CrPC, which means that it was recorded in front of the police and not a magistrate.

Sources told IANS that Jain later recorded his statement in front of a magistrate under section 164 of the CrPC.

"The statement under section 164 was later recorded with the magistrate in front a camera, without the presence of police. In that statement also he (Jain) has said that he saw the two MLAs physically assaulting the Chief Secretary," a police officer privy to the case told IANS.

The officer said that the statement under section 164 has also been submitted to the court.

Jain was first questioned on Wednesday morning and then again on Thursday and his statement was recorded on Thursday.

The change in Jain's statement that the AAP was referring to was from a "question and answer" with Jain recorded by police after questioning him on Wednesday.

According to a copy of Wednesday's "question and answer" recorded by police, when asked whether Jain saw the Chief Secretary being manhandled, he replied that he had gone to the washroom in between the meeting and he could not say what happened during that time.

"By putting pressure on him (Jain) throughout the day (Thursday) and by threatening him, police has forced him to change his statement," AAP MP Sanjay Singh told the media here on Thursday.

Singh said that the whole issue was a conspiracy to "bring down the Delhi government" and to "defame the AAP".

"How is it that the same Jain who emphatically said yesterday that he witnessed no assault during the entire time that he was present there has now claimed otherwise?" he asked.

Singh said that AAP MLAs were being arrested over an alleged assault of which there was no proof.

"But on the other hand, despite there being video footage of officials assaulting Delhi Cabinet Minister Imran Hussain, there is no action taken against the guilty by the Delhi Police," the AAP MP said.

The court on Thursday sent the two AAP MLAs, arrested on charges of assaulting the Chief Secretary, to judicial custody for 14 days.

Orders on the bail pleas of the two AAP MLAs and also on their police custody will be pronounced on Friday.

Meanwhile, scores of Delhi government employees across the city observed a five-minute silence outside their respective offices as a protest against the alleged assault on the Chief Secretary.

The IAS Association said that officers would continue the protest every day, till steps are taken to "ensure safety and dignity" of government staff in the city.

The AAP also hit out at Lt Governor Anil Baijal by stating that he was "working as a BJP agent" and demanded action against those involved in "manhandling and beating up" Hussain and his aide at the Delhi Secretariat on Tuesday.

--IANS

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There has been a status quo in Doklam ever since the stand-off with China was defused in August last year and Bhutan still firmly stands with India, senior government officials told a parliamentary panel on Thursday.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, that met on Thursday, was briefed by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra on various aspects of the India-China relations with a focus on Doklam.

The Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a standoff for two-and-a-half months in Doklam in the Sikkim sector starting June 16 last year after India objected to the building of a road in the disputed tri-junction by the Chinese Army.

Sources privy to the discussion in the meeting said the senior officials termed as "hypothetical" apprehensions raised by Congress President Rahul Gandhi and some others as to what would be India's position if Bhutan agreed to transfer some land to China in the Doklam region in exchange for territory in another area.

They said Bhutan stood "firmly" with India.

Gandhi, who is a member of the panel, also enquired about reports of a "major Chinese buildup near Doklam". The officials, however, said that there is status quo since the stand off, that nothing has been done in the Indian territory and the two countries are continuing cooperation.

Earlier, the Committee was also briefed by former Army chief Deepak Kapoor, former Indian ambassador to China Nalin Surie and retired army officer Col Vinayak Bhat on Sino-India relations including the Doklam issue, border situation and cooperation in international organisations.

--IANS

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PMK founder S.Ramadoss on Thursday condemned the Tamil Nadu government for not taking action to get around 2,700-3,000 Tamil persons out of jails in Andhra Pradesh.

In a statement issued here, Ramadoss said the Tamil detainees were languishing in the jails on false charges of smuggling Red Sanders tree.

Ramadoss said nearly 90 per cent of detainees were arrested in Tamil Nadu and not in Andhra Pradesh.

Even if there is a bail, the Andhra Pradesh police book the detainees again under a different case preventing their release, he claimed.

He said there were around 25 cases against each Tamil detainee lodged in the Andhra jails.

--IANS

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US President Donald Trump has challenged Attorney General Jeff Sessions to launch a probe into his predecessor Barack Obama's administration for failing to do enough to stop the 2016 election foreign interference, the media reported.

Trump's Wednesday remark was the latest in a series where the President has faulted Obama for not doing enough to stop Russian meddling. But it was the first time Trump suggested that Sessions was not doing enough, reports CNN.

"Question: If all of the Russian meddling took place during the Obama Administration, right up to January 20, why aren't they the subject of the investigation?" Trump tweeted.

"Why didn't Obama do something about the meddling? Why aren't Dem (Democratic) crimes under investigation? Ask Jeff Sessions!"

Trump and Sessions were in the Oval Office together on Tuesday during an event honouring law enforcement officials.

The two, according to a source, did not interact much while taking photos, reports CNN.

Trump has nursed a grudge against Sessions ever since the former Alabama senator decided to recuse himself from all Justice Department investigations into the 2016 campaign, including the ongoing Russia probe.

--IANS

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US President Donald Trump met survivors and families of the victims that were killed in the Florida school shooting and suggested that teachers and staff members should be provided with arms to avert such massacres, the media reported.

Trump's comment came during a White House "listening session" on Wednesday which was attended by families and students including six survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a 19-year-old man Nikolas Cruz armed with an assault rifle killed 17 people on February 14, reports CNN.

The event brought Trump face-to-face with students and parents who have demanded action on gun violence.

"If you had a teacher who was adept with the firearm, they could end the attack very quickly," he said, stating that schools could arm up to 20 per ent of their teachers to stop "maniacs" who may try and attack them.

"This would be obviously only for people who were very adept at handling a gun, and it would be, it's called concealed carry, where a teacher would have a concealed gun on them. They'd go for special training and they would be there and you would no longer have a gun-free zone," Trump said. "Gun-free zone to a maniac -- because they're all cowards -- a gun-free zone is 'let's go in and let's attack because bullets aren't coming back at us'."

Acknowledging that the idea was controversial, Trump said that his administration would give it serious study.

The President also called for more mental institutions and hospitals in addition to the idea of arming teachers.

Trump's idea of arming teachers and school staff was met with support from many of the attendees, CNN reported.

Fred Abt, father of Parkland shooting survivor Carson Abt, said he had discussed with Secretary Betsy DeVos that rather than waiting for first responders to arrive, it would be more efficient to have firearms locked on school campuses.

"One possible solution, which may not be very popular, would be to have people in the school, teachers, administrators who have volunteered to have a firearm safely locked in the classroom who are given training throughout the year," he said.

"There are plenty of teachers who are already licensed to carry firearms, have them raise their hands to volunteer for the training, and when something like this starts, the first responders are already on campus.

Andrew Pollack, a father of one of the 17 victims who died in the Florida shooting, said he was speaking because his daughter couldn't.

"We as a country failed our children... This shouldn't happen."

The President, flanked by the students, went around the room and shook hands before commencing the session.

Trump also later tweeted he would "always remember" the event, adding "we must keep our children safe".

"I will always remember the time I spent today with courageous students, teachers and families," he tweeted, along with a link to the full event.

"So much love in the midst of so much pain. We must not let them down. We must keep our children safe!!"

--IANS

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The members of the UN Security Council may vote on a temporary ceasefire for Syria's besieged Eastern Ghouta region, a day after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres deplored the plight of the civilians trapped there as "hell on earth".

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said on Thursday that 335 people had been killed in Eastern Ghouta since Sunday evening, with 79 children and 50 women among the dead.

A draft resolution put forward by Sweden and Kuwait on Wednesday called for a 30-day halt in the fighting in the rebel-held Damascus suburb, where heavy shelling by Russian-backed Syrian regime forces took a heavy toll this week.

CNN cited the SOHR as saying that the bombardment injured another 1,745 civilians. Syria says it is targeting terrorist groups in the area.

Twenty medical facilities had been targeted by regime strikes since Monday, according to the Syrian American Medical Society, adding to the pain of civilians desperately short on food, water and drugs after years under siege.

"I am deeply saddened by the terrible suffering of the civilian population in Eastern Ghouta: 400,000 people who live in hell on earth," the UN chief said on Wednesday.

"My appeal for all those involved is for an immediate suspension of all war activities in Eastern Ghouta, allowing for humanitarian aid to reach all those in need," he said.

The UNSC's deliberations came as international outcry over the plight of civilians in Eastern Ghouta gathered force.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday said that European nations -- and Syria's backers -- must do more to halt the violence.

"What we currently see, the dreadful events in Syria, a regime fighting not against terrorists, but against its own people, the killing of children, the destruction of hospitals, all this is a massacre which needs to be condemned. We clearly say no, yet it calls on us to try and play a bigger role so that we can end such a massacre," she said.

"This call also goes for the allies of the Assad regime, especially Iran and Russia. There is a responsibility there."

In a statement late Wednesday condemning the Eastern Ghouta attacks, the White House singled out Russian and Iranian support for the Syrian regime.

"Assad and his deplorable regime must stop committing additional atrocities and must not be further abetted by backers in Moscow and Tehran," it said.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May also called for Syria and its backers to ensure that the violence stops and help is allowed in.

French President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile, accused the Assad regime of using the fight against terrorism as a "pretext" to target civilians.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin put the blame for the crisis on the rebel groups. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said those who support terrorists were "responsible for the situation in Eastern Ghouta," Russian state news agency Tass reported.

--IANS

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Swiss chocolatier brand Lindt & Sprungli has sued the Weinstein Company alleging that it has not been reimbursed for its sponsorship of the company's cancelled Golden Globes party.

Lindt & Sprungli claimed that the company owes the manufacturing brand a sum of $133,000, in the suit filed in the New York Supreme Court, reports variety.com.

Lindt has been the presenting sponsor in the confectionery category for the Weinstein Co.'s Golden Globes parties since 2016.

The company paid a $400,000 fee, in three instalments, for the privilege.

As part of the deal, Lindt employees got tickets to the events and the company was able to offer its chocolates to party guests.

After the Weinstein scandal consumed the company last fall, where disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexually harassing Hollywood actresses and models last year, the 2018 party was cancelled.

Lindt asked for a refund of its sponsorship fee, and Weinstein Co. employees acknowledged a breach of the agreement and promised that payment would be made by the end of December or early January, according to the suit.

However, despite repeated entreaties, the bill still has not been paid, the suit alleges.

The suit alleges breach of contract, conversion, and unjust enrichment.

The Weinstein Co. is attempting to negotiate a sale to an investor group backed by Ron Burkle. If that fails, the company is likely to declare bankruptcy.

--IANS

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Double Brit Award winner rapper Stormzy used his performance at the 2018 gala to take a swipe at British Prime Minister Theresa May over the Grenfell tragedy that left 71 dead and hundreds homeless last year.

In his freestyle rap on Wednesday night, the British Male Solo Artist winner said: "Yo, Theresa May where's that money for Grenfell? What you thought we just forgot about Grenfell?", the BBC reported.

The tower inferno on June 14, 2017, was the worst blaze that London witnessed in many years.

In the November 2017 budget, Chancellor Philip Hammond said an extra 28 million pounds would be going towards helping victims of the Grenfell fire. But apparently that compensation was still coming.

"You criminals, and you got the cheek to call us savages, you should do some jail time, you should pay some damages, we should burn your house down and see if you can manage this," reported guardian.com.

Stormzy was one of those featured on the charity single to raise money for the victims of the inferno.

At the Glastonbury festival in 2017, he had called out the response to the tragedy, saying: "We urge the authorities to tell the f***ing truth, first and foremost.

"We urge them to do something. We urge the f***ing government to be held accountable for the fu**ery, and we ain't gonna stop until we get what we deserve."

Hammond had said that funding would go to Kensington and Chelsea Council in west London - where the tower is - and would pay for mental health services and regeneration.

It was also suppose to pay for a new community space and refurbishment of the Lancaster West estate.

Stormzy speaking to the media about his rap and the Grenfell fire, on Thursday, said: "I didn't want to just come here as an artist like 'It's the stormzy show' [and] clean up at the Brits - it's all about me. This is bigger than me [and] if I can use my voice to say something that's bigger than me."

The rapper was praised for his performance on social media, including by opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Downing Street, however, did not offer any comment.

--IANS

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There was a time when the Government of India told companies in certain key industries how much to make, where to sell it and at what price. Those days now lie in the mists of unpleasant memory, but businesses today could be forgiven if they fear the return of the fell hand of officialdom in the nitty-gritty of corporate decision-making.

Three moves over the past eight months reinforce this notion. They are: Anti-profiteering rules under the goods and services tax (GST); the income tax (I-T) departments ruling that online retailers discounts and marketing expenses be ...
Nick Leeson, the rogue trader who captured our imagination way back in 1995, has come alive in various conversations ever since the Punjab National Bank (PNB) -Nirav Modi scam broke last week. The two are not quite the same but the drama linked to any scandal is often similar, if we were to look at how events unfolded and how the authorities reacted.

In the case of PNB, everyone seems to be posing questions to the other at this point. The government is asking regulator Reserve Bank of India (RBI) why it wasnt able to detect the chain of wrong-doings, the RBI is querying PNB and ...
This refers to Why Prasar Bharati (February 21). Like in aviation, the government does not have any right to be in the broadcasting business. It is an open secret that Prasar Bharati does not run independently.

The appointment of an IAS officer to a post and recommendations of two journalists at a specific salary bracket are not isolated cases. There is no love lost between Prasar Bharati and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, hence it is not surprising that the former has turned down a resolution passed by the ministry to appoint an IAS on the board. They ...
Only the has the ability to challenge the country's ruling BJP presently, and its 'acche din' will come, predicted Nationalist Party President Sharad Pawar on Wednesday.

The veteran politician was replying to blunt questions thrown by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj Thackeray who was "interviewing" him at a mega public function organized by Jagtik Marathi Academy.

"In the past, the had a strong organisational presence in the districts, states and all over India. That is not so now... the party is changing. However, even the (Congress President) Rahul Gandhi is also changing. He is willing to learn," Pawar said.

"Only the Congress can give a challenge to the Bharatiya Janata Party. With Rahul maturing and learning, I think 'achhe din' will dawn for the Congress," Pawar said, responding to wide-ranging questions for nearly 90 minutes.

The encounter at the jampacked BMCC grounds created the desired fireworks, with Thackeray throwing political missiles and Pawar skillfully grabbing them or dodging them as he deemed fit as the two leaders shared a dais after more than 10 years.

When Thackeray asked if is "hazardous to speak the truth in politics," Pawar replied that "it is imperative to be truthful in politics, but when there are difficulties, it's better to keep quiet".

In an indirect barb at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pawar said irrespective of differences in political ideologies, "elders must be accorded respect always" and said that the recent attack on India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru "was not proper."

He pointed out how former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had set principles in political life - "which is lacking now," and compared how when Modi was the Gujarat Chief Minister, he "used to make personal attacks on (then) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh".

"That was the reason why Congress Chief Ministers were bitter about Modi, but I used to intervene to sort out issues," Pawar said.

Replying to a question, Pawar said responsible leaders should think of the country as a whole and "not just Gujarat or Ahmedabad".

"Why does Modi take all foreign leaders only to Gujarat? Why can't he show them all other states, including Maharashtra?" he asked.

To a question by Thackeray if Modi - who once described himself as a student of Pawar - listens to the NCP chief, Pawar replied: "I have amicable relations with Modi. I advised him many times, but he never heeded me anytime."

"Modi has the ability to work hard but running a state and governing a country are very different. For managing the country, you need a team which is lacking for Modi," he added.

He expressed concern how, in recent years, casteism is raising its head, "but it will not survive for long" and advised Thackeray to propagate the principle of his uncle (the late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray), who never believed in caste, creed or community, but was a staunch nationalist.

When Thackeray asked whether the proposed Bullet Train was intended to break off Mumbai from Maharashtra, Pawar replied "as nobody will go from Maharashtra to Gujarat, the Bullet Train will lead to overcrowding of Mumbai.."
A total of 1357 posts of doctors are lying vacant in state-run health centres across Chhattisgarh, Health Minister Ajay Chandrakar told the Legislative Assembly today.

In a written reply to a question raised by Leader of Opposition T S Singhdeo, the minister said 1357 posts of doctors, surgeons and specialist doctors are lying vacant in 6162 primary, sub and community health centres.

"As on December 31, 2017, the state has 793 primary health centres, 5200 sub-health centres and 169 community health centres," as per the reply.

As on January 15 this year, 730 posts of specialist doctors were sanctioned, of which 691 posts were remaining vacant in these health centres, it said.

As against the sanctioned 163 posts of specialist surgeons, 149 are vacant while out of 1379 sanctioned posts of doctors, 517 posts are lying vacant.

Similarly, out of 4338 sanctioned posts of staff nurses, 1413 are lying vacant, it stated.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court today upheld a trial court order granting anticipatory bail to Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in two anti-Sikh riots cases of 1984.

Justice Anu Malhotra disallowed the plea by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the riots cases, seeking to cancel the anticipatory bail of Kumar, saying that according to records, he was available throughout the investigation.

The available records indicate that pursuant of the orders (of the trial court), Sajjan Kumar has made himself available for investigation and it has been submitted on his behalf that he shall continue to do so, the court said in its 132-page order.

It, however, said that Kumar will not ask for a questionnaire from the SIT to answer to its queries during investigation, subject to protection enshrined under the Constitution.

The court directed him to comply with all the conditions imposed on him by the trial court at the time of granting him anticipatory bail.

It also said that the SIT was not able to make out any ground for cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Kumar.

On consideration of the totality of circumstances put forth, it is held that presently there are no grounds made out by the petitioner (SIT) for cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Kumar on December 21, 2016, the court added.

It, however, allowed the SIT's plea to expunge certain adverse remarks made against it by the trial court in the bail order, saying the lower court could not have pre-judged the issues involved.

The high court had on December 12 last year reserved its order on the SITs plea seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail. The SIT had contended that the trial court order granting anticipatory bail to Kumar was perverse and overwhelming circumstances were ignored.

The Congress leader was granted anticipatory bail by the trial court on December 21, 2016 in two cases of killing of three Sikhs during the riots which had occurred after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Kumar had submitted that his name was never taken earlier and it was a case of fresh allegations coming up after 32 years which was not allowed.

There two cases filed against Kumar fall in the jurisdictions of Janakpuri and Vikaspuri police stations in West Delhi.

The complaint in Janakpuri pertains to the killing of two Sikhs, Sohan Singh and his son-in-law Avtar Singh, on November 1, 1984 and in the other, where another Sikh, Gurcharan Singh, was burnt on November 2, 1984 in the jurisdiction of Vikaspuri police station. Gurcharan, who was half burnt, had remained bed-ridden for 29 years. He died three years ago.

In January, the Supreme Court appointed former Delhi High Court judge S N Dhingra as chairman of its Special Investigation Team, to further investigate 186 riot cases which were closed by the earlier SIT.

The government SIT was set up on February 12, 2015, following a recommendation by the Home Ministry-appointed Justice (retd) G P Mathur committee, to reinvestigate 'serious cases' filed in Delhi relating to riots that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi.

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Two foreign tourists are among three persons who suffered dog bites in the last few days prompting the civic body here to launch a campaign against stray animals on the streets of the city, an official said.

A tourist from Chile suffered a dog bite yesterday in Menpura village, while a British tourist and her travel agent were bitten by dogs on Tuesday, a Nagar Parishad official said.

The tourists were given primary treatment at the local hospital, he said.

We are shifting stray dogs to other places. Also, NGOs have also been called for effectively running animal birth control programme, Nagar parishad official Jabar Singh said.

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At least four persons were killed and three others sustained serious injuries today when their jeep skidded off from a hilly road in Dailekh district in Nepal, police said.

The injured were admitted to a local hospital for treatment, they police.

The jeep, heading from district headquarters Dailekh to Mahabu Rural Municipality, fell 200 metre down from the hilly road. The reason for the accident was not known yet, police added.

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The commerce ministry has given more time to six special economic zone (SEZ) developers including TCS and Mahindra World City (Jaipur) for implementing their projects.

The decision to extend the validity of formal approvals to these developers was taken during the meeting of the board of approval (BoA) on February 5.

The board is the highest decision-making body on SEZs. It is headed by Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia.

TCS SEZ Indore has sought more time for its IT zone in Madhya Pradesh. It has got time till February 2019.

Similarly, Mahindra World City (Jaipur) has proposed to set up a IT and hardware manufacturing zone in Jaipur. "The board approved extension of the validity of the formal approval for a period of three months up to April 30," the minutes of the BoA meeting said.

Other developers which received more time include G P Realtors, SEZ Biotech Services and Brooksfields Real Estate.

SEZs are export hubs which contribute about 16 per cent to the country's total outbound shipments.

The commerce ministry is taking steps to revive investors interest in these zones. It has time and again asked the finance ministry to extend sops like rollback or reduction in the minimum alternate tax.

Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu had recently assured SEZ developers and units to take up their issues with respective ministries, including finance, for resolution.

Units in SEZ enjoy 100 per cent income tax exemptions on export income for the first five years, 50 per cent for the next five years thereafter, and 50 per cent of the ploughed back export profit for another five years.

Till December 1, 2017, the government had approved 423 SEZs, of which 222 are operational.

During April-September 2017-18, exports from these zones grew 13 per cent to about Rs 2.67 lakh crore.

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A minister in the Delhi government and several MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were detained by the police today when they were trying to stage a demonstration in front of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's residence at Akbar Road here, in protest against the arrest of the party's Dalit MLA, Prakash Jarwal.

The detained AAP leaders and workers were taken to the Tughlaq Road and Parliament Street police stations, from where they were released subsequently.

"Our Dalit MLAs were whisked away by the police as they were attempting to stage a protest in front of Rajnath Singh's residence, while no action was taken against the BJP workers who demonstrated in front of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence," senior AAP leader Ashutosh told reporters.

The AAP MLAs and workers had given a call to gherao the home minister's Akbar Road residence.

As many as 89 persons were detained around 12 noon, Delhi Police PRO, DCP Madhur Verma said.

Fourteen women and 75 men, including Delhi minister RP Gautam, five other MLAs and six councillors of the AAP, were among those detained, he added.

Two AAP legislators, including Jarwal and Okhla MLA Amantullah Khan, were arrested by the police yesterday in connection with an alleged assault on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash during a meeting at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence on Monday night.

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) today told the Delhi High Court that the 20 disqualified AAP MLAs in an office-of-profit case were afforded ample hearing by it and there was no violation of the principle of natural justice as they had "willfully and deliberately" abstained from participating in the proceedings.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Chander Shekhar was informed by the Commission that the MLAs were now taking a "vague defence" that they wished to adduce evidence in their support but had failed to do so when they were afforded the opportunity.

The poll panel submitted that the legislators had "willfully and deliberately" abstained from participating in the proceedings before the poll panel.

On the issue of recusal of then Election Commissioner OP Rawat, the ECI said it was necessitated after a statement made by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal questioning the former's independence.

The ECI said it afforded the MLAs ample opportunity to come and participate in several hearings, which clearly demonstrated and proved that the principles of natural justice have been duly complied with and adhered to.

"However, it's a matter of fact that the MLAs herein gave only illusory responses, the ECI's counsel Amit Sharma contended.

The counsel was responding to the claim of the AAP MLAs that they were held guilty of holding office-of-profit by the ECI without giving them an opportunity to explain their stand and flouted the principles of natural justice.

The ECI, however, said the defence of violation of principles of natural justice was not available to the MLAs in the present case. It also said that no evidence was ever produced by the Chief Minister of Delhi either by himself or through the MLAs to the ECI regarding the allegations against Rawat.

"Thus, it is clear that the aforesaid statement made by the Chief Minister of Delhi was nothing but an attempt to malign the image of the said Election Commissioner and ensure his recusal from the proceedings, and to obfuscate the issues much less, to cause obstruction and delay in the proceedings, which ultimately would frustrate or obstruct the course of justice," the ECI's counsel submitted.

The court was hearing the plea of the disqualified MLAs, found guilty of holding office of profit as parliamentary secretaries to ministers in the AAP government after it came to power in 2015. The MLAs had approached the high court challenging their disqualification after President Ram Nath Kovind gave his approval to the ECI's recommendation.

The arguments on behalf of the ECI, which remained inconclusive, will resume on February 26.

The high court had on January 24 refused to stay the Centre's notification disqualifying them, but restrained the EC from taking any "precipitate measures" such as announcing dates for by polls to fill the vacancies. The EC had recommended the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs on January 19. The President had accepted the EC's opinion the very next day.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed firm resolve that the Act East Policy would be made a reality in order to connect the people of the Northeast with South East Asian countries to foster speedy development.

He emphasised that the development of the Northeast was an essential component to realise the dream of a developed country.

Modi underlined improvement in connectivity of the Northeast to achieve the target.

"Transformation of the region by transportation is being worked out to bring about faster development in the region," he said.

Modi was addressing a poll rally at Tuensang Town public ground in Nagaland ahead of assembly poll on February 27.

He affirmed that the BJP-led NDA government was committed to the transformation of Nagaland.

"The dream of having a new India will go alongside with the vision of the Naga people towards having a new Nagaland," he said.

"Unless Northeast is developed, the dream of having a developed country will not be achieved and therefore BJP government is paying special attention to the requirement of the region," Modi said.

He flagged connectivity issue of the Nagaland and said his government was working to overcome the problem.

"Connectivity is a huge challenge in Nagaland. We are working relentlessly towards it. In less than four years, we have added 500 km of national highways. We have also planned to invest more than Rs 10,000 crore in the roads of Nagaland," he said.

Modi lauded the efforts of the Naga people towards peace and tranquillity in the region.

He emphasised on checking leakage of developmental fund provided by the Centre and said the loopholes would be plugged with the help of technology.

"With the help of technology, we will plug the loopholes which are causing wastage of public money."



Apparently referring to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's comment that villages received only 15 paise out of Re 1 from the Centre, he said "with determination, we need to change this situation."



"Every penny of developmental fund sanctioned by the central government should reach the grass-root level," he said.

Dwelling on the prime focus of Naga people - solution of vexed Naga political issue, Modi asserted that his government was making all efforts with all seriousness.

He also exuded confidence that within next few months an honourable and acceptable solution would be achieved for which all have to come together.

"Solution of the Naga political problem will strengthen the democracy of the country and therefore we will make all efforts to solve the problem," he said.

Making a reference of the problems faced by the people of eastern Nagaland, Modi asserted that his government was willing to have talks with the organisations of the area to hammer out a solution.

"Eastern Nagaland Public Organisation (ENPO) area is a huge area and therefore we will pay special attention for the area", he said adding the Centre was serious towards the protection of the Naga tradition and culture.

Modi also announced that his government will spend around Rs 1,800 crore for making Nagaland's capital Kohima a smart city.

Making a statement in the Nagamese dialect, Modi said, "The BJP-NDPP alliance power te ahise koele development apuni laga bosti te punchai dibo". (If BJP-NDPP alliance comes to power we will bring development to your villages)



"We want to provide a stable, inclusive and corruption-free government in the state", the prime minister said while urging Nagas to elect BJP-NDPP candidates to bring about a change in the state.

"I assure you that NDPP-BJP will form a new government in Nagaland. This government along with that at the centre will drive Nagaland forward," he added.

The BJP has fielded 20 candidates and its alliance partner the NDPP 40 for the February 27 elections to the 60-member Nagaland assembly.

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The government is looking at four options before it for retaining a stake in the disinvestment-bound Air India, which include keeping 49, 26, 24 or zero per cent stake in the national carrier with itself, according to a senior official.

The ministry of civil aviation has prepared a draft expression of interest, which was placed before the empowered committee at a meeting last week. The draft will also be examined by the core group on disinvestment and the group of ministers constituted to prepare a strategy for the privatisation of Air India, he said.

The latter will take a decision on the various proposals following which an Expression of Interest will be formally invited.

"The draft EOI prepared by the ministry gives different options to the decision making authorities. It gives the pros and cons for different options, which include retaining 49, 26, 24 or zero stake," a senior official of the ministry of civil aviation said on the condition of anonymity.

He added that there was clarity in the government that at least 51 per cent of ownership of Air India would be transferred to a private player.

Aviation think-tank CAPA had last month suggested that the government should exit Air India completely and that "any level of equity retention will deter investors due to concerns about the prospect of continued government interference post-privatisation."



Last June, the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs approved disinvestment of Air India and constituted a group of ministers, headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, to work on the modalities of the stake sale.

The proposed EOI will also address the issue of Air India's employees and their future, the official said.

"The draft talks about employees of Air India and the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) guidelines that need to be met such as the minimum benefits to be offered to the employees, when and how can their services be terminated, among others" the official added.

The document prepared by the ministry also recommends which subsidiary companies should be sold together and which can be sold as independent entities. The official hinted that the government is unlikely to keep any of the subsidiaries with itself.

The Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha had said earlier this month that more than 51 per cent of ownership of Air India will be offered to a private entity.

He said that the national carrier would be offered for bidding as four different entities -- Air India, its low-cost arm Air India Express and subsidiary AISATS would be one entity, while regional arm Alliance Air, Air India Air Transport Services Ltd (AIATSL) and Air India Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) would be sold separately.

Air India has a debt of over Rs 50,000 crore. Under the turn-around plan approved by the previous UPA regime Air India has to receive up to Rs 30,231 crore from the government over a ten-year period starting from 2012. The airline has already received over Rs 26,000 crore under the package.

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The Delhi University president of left-wing students' union AISA today alleged that a group of ABVP members "threatened to kill" her when she had gone to attend a discussion programme at the Satyawati College.

Right-wing ABVP has dismissed the allegations levelled by Kawalpreet Kaur, accusing her instead of "trying to instigate" students.

"I had gone to Satyawati College this morning as a speaker for a talk on Digital Safety conducted by Google. When the talk was about to get over, many ABVP people gathered in the auditorium and started disrupting the event," she claimed.

"They manhandled the professors and were after me," she alleged.

"When police came to my rescue, they (ABVP members) asked the police - where are you taking her? We will take her life," Kaur said.

The group also threatened to burn down the auditorium hosting the event if she was not sent out of the venue, Kaur claimed.

She said she has filed a complaint with the Bharat Nagar Police Station in this regard.

Meanwhile, ABVP member and the College's Students' Union General Secretary Kunal Yadav said they were protesting against Kaur's presence in the college as the principal "had banned her entry" after she had allegedly abused some students there a few months ago.

He also denied the charge of manhandling her. "She doesn't even have a scratch. She was not even touched by anyone."



"In fact, she pushed and verbally abused students of our college. She was constantly trying to instigate male students. A video footage released by us clearly shows how violent she became after which she had to be taken out of the auditorium by the police and college security guards," Yadav claimed.

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Actors Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra today offered prayers at the Golden Temple along with director Vipul Amrutlal Shah before kick starting the Amritsar schedule of their upcoming movie 'Namastey England'.

Shah is looking forward to shoot the film is Amritsar, which will be followed by Ludhiana and Patiala.

Arjun and Parineeti visited Golden Temple to seek blessings before commencing their Amritsar schedule.

The lead pair is all set to play Punjabi characters in the film and there would be no better start than seeking blessings at Golden Temple, Amritsar.

Shah, who begins with Amritsar schedule today, earlier said that this is the perfect time to be in Punjab as the weather is neither too hot nor too cold and the crops will make for stunning visuals.

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AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal today criticised Army Chief Bipin Rawat for his "politically driven comments" and said his responsibility is to lead the armed forces for the security of the nation and not to monitor the growth of a political party.

The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief said that he would meet President Ram Nath Kovind , Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home minister Rajnath Singh to seek clarification.

"We respect Rawat as the Army chief but the comments made by him on AIUDF is not within his constitutional jurisdiction and we have sought appointment with the President, Prime Minister and Union Home minister to seek clarification," Ajmal told reporters here.

Ajmal's tweets came in response to Rawat's statement yesterday that AIUDF's growth has been "faster" than that of the BJP in the 1980s. The Army chief was referring to reports of increase in Muslim population in several Assam districts.

Addressing a seminar in New Delhi yesterday, the Army chief had also said that a "planned" influx of people from Bangladesh into the Northeast is taking place as part of proxy warfare by Pakistan with support from China with an aim to keep the area disturbed.

Ajmal said he was deeply hurt by the "politically driven comments" of the Army chief.

"The Constitution has given army chief the responsibility to lead the armed forces for the security of the nation and not to monitor the growth of a political party," he said.

The Army chief's comments that the AIUDF has grown at a faster rate in Assam due to immigration from Bangladesh is "absolutely false and politically motivated," he said.

"We have an emotional relationship with our armed forces who protect us and provide us security facing immense hardships. We are proud of our soldiers and it is our duty to boost their morale. General Rawat, as the head of such a force, has undermined the dignity of his post by making such statements," he said.

He said that the Army chief's comments are "absolutely baseless as is evident from the results of the last three Assembly polls.

AIUDF had won 10 seats in 2006, 18 in 2011 and 13 in 2016, Ajmal, party MP from Dhubri said.

Noting that Assam has a Muslim population of 34 per cent, he said, according to the Army chief's statements, AIUDF should have got the entire Muslim vote but it secured only 13 per cent Muslim votes in the last election.

He said that the growth of the AIUDF is not abnormal but that of the BJP can be called meteoric as it won more than 60 seats in the last Assembly elections compared to only five polls before that.

AIUDF is a democratic and secular party which has given tickets to many non-Muslim candidates in the elections and "we have representatives from other communities in both the state Assembly and Parliament," he said.

Regarding the demographic change in Assam, Ajmal said it is the responsibility of the central government to deal with the situation.

"AIUDF is committed to the updation of the national register of citizens (NRC) and maintains that any person who has entered the state after the cut-off date of March 25, 1971 from Bangladesh should be sent back," he said.

It was the BJP which wanted to delay the NRC updation process and the Supreme Court had to intervene to fix the date for the release of the final draft.

"We want a correct NRC and genuine citizens should not be harassed. It is an insult for any genuine citizen to be accused of being a foreigner which we will not tolerate," Ajmal said.

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Legislators of Assam Assembly today praised Bollywood movie 'Padman' for creating awareness on menstrual hygiene and demanded distribution of free sanitary napkins to women, especially in rural areas.

BJP MLA Mrinal Saikia requested the government to make the R Balki directed movie tax free and screen it in rural areas.

"The film has beautifully presented a sensitive issue. Because of unhygienic napkins during periods, women can be affected by many diseases. Moreover, since our childhood, we have been taught that it is like the issue of untouchability," another BJP MLa Angoorlata Deka said.

She said many village panchayats in other states have appointed "Pad Men" to aware people and demanded that Assam government distribute sanitary napkins for free or at a minimum cost in schools.

Congress MLA Nandia Das said Assam had a scheme to distribute sanitary napkins free of cost since 2015, but it is not functioning at present.

Assam Assembly Deputy Speaker Dilip Kumar Paul asked Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary to talk to the health minister, who is not present at the House, and see if free napkins can be distributed in schools and among women self help groups.

Patowary assured the House that the government will take necessary step to create awareness in the society for use of sanitary napkins.

"In 2017-18, the Centre had sanctioned Rs 3.9 crore for purchasing 6.12 lakh sanitary napkins. For 2018-19, we have sent a proposal of Rs 6.20 crore to benefit 6.45 lakh girls," Patowari said.

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Bangladesh's High Court today accepted petitions by imprisoned former premier and main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia seeking bail and challenging a five-year jail term given to her by a lower court on graft charges.

The 72-year-old three-time former prime minister was sentenced by Dhaka's Special Court on February 8 in connection with the embezzlement of 21 million taka (about USD 250,000) in foreign donations meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust, named after her late husband Ziaur Rahman, a military ruler-turned-politician.

"The (two-judge) bench accepted the petitions and fixed Sunday for hearing her bail prayer particularly," a High Court official told newsmen.

He said the bench comprising judges M Enayetur Rahim and Shahidul Karim simultaneously stayed fine of Tk 2.10 crore (US$1=Tk80) that the trial slapped on Zia alongside the prison term and asked authorities concerned to forward the case records in 15 days for hearing on the appeal petition.

The High Court order came as Zias counsels filed two petitions two days after the defence counsels challenged her conviction against the lower court verdict.

Zias lawyers earlier said in their 1,223-page prayer they cited 25 grounds for her acquittal alleging that the verdict was politically motivated to debar her from contesting upcoming elections, an allegation denied by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas government.

Political analysts feared the BNP was facing political crisis after Zias conviction, which is likely to disqualify her from contesting elections.

The BNP had boycotted the general election in 2014 and spearheaded a protracted street campaign enforcing a nationwide blockade coinciding with its first anniversary that saw some 500 people dead in arson attacks.

Zia, however, appears to be seeking to contest the next polls set for December this year.

BNPs secretary general Mirza Falhrul Islam Alamgir last week told a protest rally that the party would not take part in polls discarding Zia saying "no national election will be held without BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia".

But Prime Minister Hasina said her government could do nothing if BNP again decides to boycott the upcoming polls. The elections will be held in due time, she added.

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: Barbeque Nation, one of the leading casual dining chains, today said it has plans to add 25 more outlets in India and several other countries, by the end of the next fiscal.

The restaurant chain, which presently has 98 outlets in India and two in Dubai, will open 25 restaurants, including in eastern and northern parts of India, Malaysia, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Singapore by the end of the next fiscal, its Senior Marketing Manager Shubham Kumar Shukla told reporters here.

With an average investment of Rs two crore to Rs three crore per outlet, depending on the size, the company will invest Rs 75 crore on this expansion, he said.

He also said in South India, it has 42 outlets, including 12 in Tamil Nadu, contributing 45 per cent to the company's revenue.

The eat-all-you-can buffet at Barbeque Nation showcases an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian spread and also a menu of desserts, Shukla, here to open a new outlet in nearby Tirupur said.

Barbeque Nation, founded with a simple vision offering a complete dining experience to customers at affordable prices, opened its first store in Mumbai in 2006.

In 2015, 'Live Counters' was introduced at the outlets, where a chef cooked food according to customer's preferences, he said.

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The Delhi Police today told a city court that the owner of the firecracker storage unit in Bawana industrial area, where a blast killed 17 people last month, was present there on the day of the incident and had locked the workers inside when they were working.

The submission was made by the police in its status report filed before Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gagandeep Singh in pursuance to the court's order for further investigation.

The police said it had recorded the statement of injured worker Roop Prakash who had said that Lalit Goyal, partner of main accused and factory owner Manoj Jain, and Jain's son Aditya were present in the premises on January 20 when the blast took place. They had locked the main gate from outside, it said.

The police also told the court that one of the supervisors of another firecracker factory, owned by the same persons, was needed to be interrogated in connection with this matter, but he has not joined the investigation despite repeated attempts.

The supervisor has not joined the investigation despite repeatedly calling him and now he has switched off his mobile and gone to his native village in Uttar Pradesh, the cops said in the status report.

The police said that it was also awaiting the postmortem reports of the 16 deceased persons and efforts were underway to get the details of one unidentified woman.

The court had on January 31 remanded the owners of a firecracker storage unit judicial custody. Jain was arrested on January 21 and Goyal on January 27 and sent to police custody.

The counsel, representing a few victims of the tragedy, had also moved an application seeking an independent probe into the matter by agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The plea sought transfer of the probe from Delhi Police, alleging that "no fruitful investigation" had been made so far.

A fire had broken out in the storage unit on the ground floor of the two-storey building in Bawana on January 20 and ripped through the structure. Of the 17 killed, 10 were women. A man and woman were injured in the incident.

The court had earlier dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Goyal saying the charges against him were "serious".

The police had alleged that both the accused were running the factory without licence and explosive materials were procured from outside Delhi. It had also claimed that the explosive materials were brought to the city without any permission or checking.

An FIR was registered under various provisions of the IPC relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible material. The maximum punishment for the offences is 10 years.

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Bhutan is "firmly" with India on the Doklam issue, top government officials today told a parliamentary panel and reiterated there had been no troop buildup by China in the region since its standoff with India ended in August last year.

This was conveyed by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, which is looking into various aspects of the India-China military standoff at Doklam, a source who was present in the meeting said on the condition of anonymity.

Bhutan was firmly with India on the Doklam issue, the source quoted the top officials as telling the panel while replying to queries on the recent visit of Army Chief Bipin Rawat, NSA Ajit Doval and Gokhale to that country.

The members also asked the officials about reports on the possibility of land being transferred by Bhutan to China in the Doklam region in exchange for territory in another area.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed tri-junction by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off ended on August 28.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is also a member of the panel, asked what China's goal was on Doklam and why Beijing chose the region to create a confrontation.

Gandhi also asked about reports of a major Chinese buildup near Doklam, to which the officials replied that nothing has been done in Indian territory.

Members also questioned the foreign secretary about the "one belt one road" (OBOR) project and the scale of Chinese investment in India.

Gokhale replied the project was not in India's interest, another source said.

At the beginning of the meeting, BJP members expressed concern over the Doklam issue coming up again when the foreign secretary and other top government officials had already briefed the panel more than once on the matter, the sources added.

BJP MP Sharad Tripathi also wanted to know why other experts had been called when the foreign secretary and defence secretary were already there to brief the panel.

Earlier in the day, the panel was briefed by former Army Chief Deepak Kapoor, former Ambassador to China Nalin Surie and military intelligence veteran and retired Army officer Vinayak Bhat.

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The external affairs ministry has received a complaint from a woman in Bihar alleging sexual harassment by an official of a UN body.

Confirming the development, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the ministry has asked for response from the UN body.

"We received a complaint against the UNFPA official of sexual harassment. Given their (UN official's) status, MEA asked for a response from them. The response now has been forwarded to the complainant," Kumar told reporters.

According to reports, the former consultant at the United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA) Bihar office, has accused the agencys India representative and two women staffers of verbal abuse and character assassination.

In a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, the 30-year-old woman alleged that she was harassed for providing "evidence of misconduct by UNFPA staff, including religious intolerance, conspiracies on sexual harassment" at workplace, the reports said.

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Delhi BJP workers and leaders today staged protests across the city, including at Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence, against the AAP government.

The demonstrations were held to protest against the "autocratic, anarchic and corrupt" Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a statement by the Delhi BJP said.

Kuljeet Singh Chahal, general secretary of the Delhi unit, led the protest at Sisodia's residence.

"People of Delhi are dejected to see the Arvind Kejriwal government violating the constitutional provisions laid by Baba Saheb Ambedkar," Chahal said.

BJP workers of the New Delhi Assembly segment, represented by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, held a prayer meeting outside the Birla Mandir.

They said the prayer was held so that Kejriwal opened an office in his constituency to help the local people.

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Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel has cancelled tonight's dinner invitation to Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist.

Patel was hosting the dinner for the visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his delegation.

"The High Commission has rescinded Mr. Atwals invitation.? We do not comment of matters relating to the PM's security?," the Canadian High Commission here said.

Atwal was convicted for trying to kill the then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

The cancellation comes at a time when Trudeau's pro-Khalistan approach is being criticised by many including Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who raised the issue with the Canadian prime minister during a meeting.

On his part, Trudeau assured Singh that his country does not support separatism in India or elsewhere.

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Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland today said that Canada "supports a strong and united India", but made it clear that it is very, very proud of her country's diverse society, which includes the Sikh community.

Freeland said Canada is mindful of the menace of terrorism and the scars and deaths that India has endured, which she described as mind-boggling.

Her remarks came amid criticism faced by her Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his pro-Khalistan approach.

Freeland said the issue was discussed during her meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today.

I did discuss the issue with the (Indian) foreign minister and I will leave it to her to comment on her impressions of the conversation. But I felt it was a very constructive and useful discussion we had, Freeland said.

She was responding to a question at an event organised by the Observer Research Foundation, a thinktank which provides analysis on security, strategy, economy, development, energy and resources.

Last year, the Ontario Assembly in Canada carried a motion that described the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as genocide, a move New Delhi termed misguided. Trudeaus participation in pro-Khalistani events have also not gone well with India.

Trudeau, during his meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh yesterday, assured that his country did not support separatism in India or elsewhere, as he pitched for greater cooperation, according to an official.

Our prime minister (Trudeau) has said on a number of occasions, at home and on this trip, that the foreign policy of the government of Canada is to support a strong and united India. And we are very clear about that, she said.

Canadas foreign policy is clear and unambiguous in its support for a united India," she added.

Canada has more than 1.4 million people of Indian origin, a significant number of them being Sikhs.

Referring to the Quebec separatism movement, Freeland said it is familiar with the challenges separatist forces throw.

And, our own party is a federalist party that also believes in united and federal Canada. We are also very clear in our condemnation of terrorism of all forms, she said.

I truly understand the concerns here in India and I do want to really underscore the fact that we in Canada, and my prime minister, whose name is Trudeau, whose father (Pierre Trudeau) was one of our great, great fighters for a united Canada, she added.

Freeland, who is a part of the delegation accompanying Trudeau, said Canada is really, really proud of its diverse society and welcomes Canadians from all communities, diverse backgrounds and different parts of the world.

We are very proud that our high commissioner to India can speak in Gujarati to your Prime Minister (Narendra Modi). We think he is the only high commissioner who can do that and that is quite unique. One of the communities that is significant in Canada, which traces its roots to India, is the Sikh community which also contributes very much to our country, she said.

"India is rightly proud of itself as being a successful, plural, diverse democracy. In Canada, we pride ourselves on that as well. We are a diverse society. We are proud saying that our diversity is our (strength). We are really, really proud," she added.

Responding to another question on India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), she said the two countries are in the middle of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement.

Freeland said she had a discussion on this with Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu.

She said India now occupies an important role in the world and Canada would like to strengthen its relations with the largest democratic country and take the relationship to a new level.

She lauded India's efforts in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission.

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Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland today said that Canada supports a strong and united India, and asserted that it is very, very proud of its diverse and plural society, including the Sikh community which contributes very much to her country.

Her remarks come amid criticism faced by her Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his pro-Khalistan approach.

Freeland said the issue was discussed during her meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today.

I did discuss the issue with the (Indian) foreign minister and I will leave it to her to comment on her impressions of the conversation. But I felt it was a very constructive and useful discussion we had, Freeland said.

She was responding to a question at an event organised by the Observer Research Foundation, a thinktank which provides analysis on security, strategy, economy, development, energy and resources.

Trudeau, during his meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh yesterday, had assured that his country did not support separatism in India or elsewhere, as he pitched for greater cooperation, according to an official.

Our prime minister (Trudeau) has said on a number of occasions, at home and on this trip, that the foreign policy of the government of Canada is to support a strong and united India. And we are very clear about that, she said.

Referring to the Quebec separatism movement, Freeland said it is familiar with the challenges separatist forces throw.

And, our own party is a federalist party that also believes in united and federal Canada. We are also very clear in our condemnation of terrorism of all forms, she said.

Freeland, who is a part of the delegation accompanying Trudeau, said Canada is really, really proud of its diverse society and welcomes Canadians from all communities, who come from a diverse background and different parts of the world.

We are very proud that our high commissioner to India can speak in Gujarati to your Prime Minister (Narendra Modi). We think he is the only high commissioner who can do that and that is quite unique. One of the communities that is significant in Canada, which traces its roots to India, is the Sikh community which also contributes very much to our country, she said.

"India is rightly proud of itself as being a successful, plural, diverse democracy. In Canada, we pride ourselves on that as well. We are a diverse society. We are proud saying that our diversity is our (strength). We are really, really proud," she added.

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The CBI today questioned three deputy general managers of Punjab National Bank in connection with its probe into the fraudulent issuance of Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) to jewellers Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, agency officials said.

The agency also confronted the 12 accused arrested by it with the material seized during searches, documents and each others' statements so far, the officials said.

The CBI had arrested Vipul Ambani, president (finance) of Fire Star Diamond, executive assistant Kavita Mankikar and senior executive Arjun Patil (all of Modi's companies) on Tuesday.

Kapil Khandelwal, CFO of Nakshatra group and Gitanjali group, and Niten Shahi, manager of Gitanjali group were also arrested by the agency same day. An authorised signatory of Modi's company was also arrested.

From PNB, the agency had arrested Rajesh Jindal, a general manager, retired official Gokulnath Shetty and Single Window Operator Manoj Kharat besides three other officials - Bechhu Tiwari, Yashwant Joshi and Praful Sawant.

Shetty and Kharat allegedly sent messages of the LoUs using an international messaging system for banking systems called SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication), which is used to pass instructions among banks globally to transfer funds, but did not make entries in the bank's system to avoid detection.

Based on these instructions and guarantees, funds were released by overseas branches of Indian banks.

It is alleged that Rs 11, 400 crore of LoUs were fraudulently issued to the firms of Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi.

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China on Thursday downplayed an official media report that its military is upgrading air defence along the Indian border and said both countries should work together to uphold peace and tranquillity along the border areas.

State-run Global Times on February 20 reported that China is upgrading air defence of its Western Theatre Command, which looks after the security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), to "confront any threat from India".

Asked about the report during a media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, "I am not aware of the information mentioned by you. I may refer you to the military."



Geng said, "We hope the Indian side can work with China to uphold the peace and tranquillity of the border areas because this is in common interests of both sides."



The Chinese Defence Ministry is yet to comment on the report.

In the report, the daily also quoted an expert as saying that the measure is aimed at "confronting any threat from India" in the light of India acquiring new fighter aircraft, an apparent reference to India's acquisition of Rafale fighter jets from France.

The Global Times report was based on the Chinese military releasing photographs of a J-10 jet fighter, a lightweight multirole fighter aircraft along with J-11 a single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter, conducting high-altitude plateau in western China during the current Chinese New Year.

The jets are attached to an aviation brigade of the air force under the PLA Western Theatre Command, the website of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) said.

China has also recently commissioned its stealth fighter, the J-20, which is first in the region.

The Western Theatre Command is mainly responsible for mountain warfare at the border area with India. The LAC stretches 3,488 km including the high altitude Tibetan plateau.

India and China have been trying to reset their ties after last year's 73-day standoff between the two sides at Doklam in Sikkim section of boundary.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's adviser V K Jain has given contradictory statements about the alleged attack on Anshu Prakash by AAP legislators, the Delhi Police today told a court here.

It has said that "new facts" have emerged after the interrogation of Jain, who disclosed that MLAs Prakash Jarwal and Amanutullah Khan surrounded Chief Secretary Prakash and he saw them assaulting the senior bureaucrat, additional public prosecutor Atul Shrivastava told Metropolitan Magistrate Shefali Barnala Tondon.

Jain had previously said he had not seen anything as he had gone to the washroom at the time of the incident on Monday night.

"New facts have emerged in the case. The advisor to the CM is being interrogated and his statement under Section 164 of the CrPC has been recorded. He has given us four names. The police custody of both the MLAs is required to unearth the whole conspiracy," the prosecutor said moving a fresh plea for their custody.

Khan and Jarwal were today sent to a 14-day judicial custody in Tihar Jail by the court, which reserved its order on their bail pleas for tomorrow.

During the hearing today, Shrivastava told the court that Jain had called the chief secretary for a meeting at 08:45pm on Monday, and at 10:00pm the officer confirmed to him that he would attend the meeting.

Advocate Rajiv Mohan, appearing for Prakash, also supported the plea for police custody, saying the alleged attack on the officer was pre-meditated and was witnessed by the CM's adviser.

In his statement, Jain said when the meeting started, Kejriwal said that MLAs wanted to discuss certain issues but randomly all of them started questioning the chief secretary about the delay in the release of funds for AAP government's media publicity on its achievement in education and fighting corruption.

Jain was picked up by the Delhi Police yesterday morning from his residence at Maharani Bagh in connection with the case.

The chief secretary has alleged in his complaint that he was sitting on a sofa flanked by Khan and another AAP MLA during the meeting.

"Khan and the other MLA, without provocation from my side started hitting and assaulting me with blows on my head and temple," he alleged in his complaint.
In a major development, estranged allies the Congress and the NCP in Maharashtra today decided to jointly contest the upcoming polls in a bid to defeat the BJP-led NDA government in the state.

The announcement was made after a joint meeting between Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan and his NCP counterpart Sunil Tatkare at the residence of Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly.

"We have decided to come together for all the upcoming polls to defeat the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena government. This was a primary discussion. We will meet once again to deliberate on the seat-sharing strategy," Chavan told reporters.

Stopping short of announcing a formal alliance, Tatkare said, "Both parties have created an atmosphere that is conducive for an alliance. Our first focus is the bypolls to be held for the Bhandara-Gondia and Palghar seats."



The bypoll to the Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seat in east Maharashtra was necessitated following the resignation of its BJP MP Nana Patole, who returned to the Congress.

The Palghar Lok Sabha seat, neighbouring Mumbai, fell vacant after the death of its BJP MP, Chintaman Wanaga, last month.

The schedule for the bypolls is yet to be announced by the Election Commission.

The Congress and the NCP are, however, yet to arrive at a consensus on the contestants for both the seats.

Bhandra-Gondia is the pocket-borough of NCP stalwart and former Union minister Praful Patel, who had lost to Patole in the 2014 general election.

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar had yesterday said that though weakened, the Congress was the only alternative to the BJP.

"Even though the Congress is considerably weakened over the years, Rahul Gandhi has shown willingness to learn and engage with the people. If the people support him, the Congress can be revived and the fact is that a strong opposition is required to strengthen democracy," he had said.

The NCP was part of the Congress-led UPA governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra earlier.

The Congress-led Democratic Front (DF) government in Maharashtra, of which the NCP was a crucial component, had won three successive terms before it was dislodged by the BJP in the 2014 state Assembly polls.

Both the parties had contested the 2014 Assembly polls separately.

Interestingly, the Congress recently expressed "practical difficulties" in renewing its alliance with the NCP for the 2019 Lok Sabha election and Assembly polls in Maharashtra.

In the saffron camp, the Sena and the BJP do not see eye to eye with each other.

The Sena has been sulking ever since it was made to play the second fiddle to the BJP, which had won more seats than the Uddhav Thackeray-led party in the 2014 polls.

Following severe strains in ties with the BJP, the Sena had last month announced to contest the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections on its own.

Recently, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had held a closed-door meeting with Thackeray, triggering a speculation that the Sena was still keeping its alliance options open.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The opposition Congress MLAs today staged a walkout in Assam Assembly when the Speaker did not allow a discussion over their adjournment motion on "deteriorating law and order".

Before the House began its businesses for the day, the Congress submitted an adjournment motion to Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami for a discussion in the wake of the killing of a trader yesterday night in Guwahati.

Congress MLA Abdul Khaleque raised the issue even before starting of the Question Hour.

Goswami asked him to sit down saying he will take a decision on it as per rule.

After the Question Hour ended, Khaleque and his party colleague Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha again drew attention of the Speaker, who again turned it down.

"A businessman was shot dead in the middle of the city. The law and order is collapsing drastically. This is a serious issue," Khaleque said.

With the Speaker refusing to adjourn all businesses to discuss the issue, Congress MLAs staged a walkout in protest.

Goswami later said in the House that an adjournment motion can be brought only if the matter is of urgent public importance.

"It is nothing like that law and order has collapsed in the state. A matter, even though is urgent, can be discussed in the House by bringing in through other instruments than adjournment motion. So, I disallowed the motion," he said.

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The Congress will not declare its chief ministerial face ahead of the Rajasthan Assembly polls, party general secretary in-charge for the state Avinash Pande said today, stressing that it has been the party's "tradition".

He said the party's Rajasthan leaders will put on a united performance to ensure victory "as they did" during the recently-held bypolls in Ajmer and Alwar parliamentary seats and Mandalgarh assembly segment in the state.

"It has been the Congress tradition that it never declares a CM face, barring exceptional cases, ahead of assembly polls. The high command decides about the Chief Minister after discussing it with elected MLAs. This tradition will be followed in Rajasthan too," Pande said.

Earlier in the day, Congress president Rahul Gandhi held a meeting with Rajasthan Congress leaders, including former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, state unit chief Sachin Pilot and others on the party's activities for the next six months.

Pande maintained that the leadership issue in connection with the state assembly polls, scheduled to be held later this year, did not figure during the meeting.

"We sought the final approval for the party programme for next six months (from Gandhi). All the leaders in unison assured that the programme will be implemented jointly. Rahul ji wished them good luck," he added.

Pande also said that the leaders have decided that the state unit's 'Mera Booth, Mera Gaurav' programme will be implemented in all the assembly segments of the state, which goes to polls later this year.

"Hamara hoga ek hi agenda, Congress ka jhanda (Our only agenda is to see Congress flag flies high)," Pande added.

Asked about the meeting with Gandhi, Pilot said it was decided that the party will undertake a mass outreach programme in all the 200 assembly segments of the state.

"We have now a lot of weight on our shoulders (following the success in bypolls). Expectations are very high from the Congress and we must not rest and immediately start a mass outreach programme the youth, farmers, middle class, rural areas in 200 constituencies. The meeting discussed the details of the same," Pilot added.

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Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri today said "contours of the solution" to the problem of the ongoing sealing drive in the national capital was "almost ready" and asked for "slight patience" to provide relief to traders.

The traders in Delhi have been protesting against the sealing of commercial establishments running from residential areas or premises.

The housing and urban affairs minister said the Delhi Development Authority (DDA had attended to 700-800 formal submissions by various stakeholders on the proposed amendments in the Delhi master plan 2021 to ease the problem, besides having an oral hearing to the suggestions and grievances of the public.

Work is more or less complete and I can assure you that we have contours of the solution to the problems of the Delhi almost ready, he told reporters on the sidelines of an event here.

Noting that the sealing in Delhi was carried out on the directions of the apex court, Puri said the authorities concerned, including the housing and urban affairs ministry and DDA, would file an affidavit in the court regarding the matter.

He said the DDA has also approved proposed changes in the Delhi master plan 2021.

It is all work in progress. All I request is slight patience, the minister said.

The DDA had proposed to amend the master plan by providing uniform Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for shop-cum-residence plots or complexes on par with residential plots, as given to properties on mixed-use street.

The FAR is the ratio of a building's total floor area (gross floor area) to the size of the piece of land on which it is built.

The immediate problem (in Delhi) was created due to sealing which was carried out on the directions of the Supreme Court. All I can tell you that the Delhi LG, the DDA vice chairman, myself and my ministry's secretary and other senior officers have been working non-stop for the last 15 days (on it), he said.

The Supreme Court had earlier observed that the rule of law over sanction to construct buildings had "completely broken down" in Delhi and expressed concern over illegal construction.

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A former Singaporean Church leader was charged in court today for attempting to flee the country, before he was to start serving a jail sentence for being part of a group that misappropriated SGD 50 million in church funds.

Former City Harvest Church (CHC) leader Chew Eng Han was arrested by the Police Coast Guard yesterday from a motorised 'sampan' (small boat) off a Singaporean island, Pulau Ubin, according to media reports.

Chew, on bail of SGD 1 million, was today due to start serving a jail term of three years and four months for his role in the misappropriation of SGD 50 million of church funds, the largest fraud involving charitable funds in Singapore's history.

Chew, 57, was arrested at sea at 8.47 am yesterday for leaving the country from an unauthorised point of departure "without being compelled by accident or other reasonable cause," court documents stated.

The 'sampan', piloted by Tan Poh Teck, was intercepted by the Police Coast Guard in Singapore waters about 2.4 kms away from Pulau Ubin.

Tan, 53, was also charged today with abetting Chew's attempted illegal departure by taking him on his fishing boat bound for Malaysia.

The pair had claimed to be on a fishing trip when they were arrested. The coast guard, which intercepted the boat following a tip-off, said a preliminary investigation revealed the men were headed to Malaysia.

The authorities seized SGD 5,000 in cash and fishing equipment from the boat, reported Channel Asia.

Chew, a former journalist turned businessman and church leader, had boarded the boat at Pulau Ubin, where he had travelled from the mainland on his own, according to media reports.

He had sought several deferments to fight the 2015 conviction. He was convicted with five other church leaders who have been serving their jail terms since last April.

The six CHC leaders had channelled SGD 24 million from the church's building fund into Xtron and glass maker Firna in the form of sham bonds.

The money were used to fund the pop career of CHC founder and leader Kong Hee's wife, Ho Yeow Sun, in a church mission known as the Crossover Project, according to media reports on the case.

The group then misused a further SGD 26 million to cover up the misdeed, said the reports.

Now both Chew and Tan face one charge under the Immigration Act of attempting to leave Singapore unlawfully at an unauthorised point of departure.

If convicted, both men face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to SGD 2,000.

Meanwhile, authorities have also arrested Chew's older brother Chew Eng Soon, 61, yesterday.

Chew Eng Soon had helped his brother flee the country, authorities allege, but he has not yet been charged.

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AAP MLAs and Prakash Jarwal, arrested for allegedly assaulting Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, were today sent to 14-days judicial custody in Tihar Jail by a Delhi court which reserved its order on their bail pleas for tomorrow.

The two MLAs, on expiry of their one-day judicial custody, were produced before Metropolitan Magistrate Shefali Barnala Tondon who heard their bail applications and put up for hearing a fresh application filed by the Delhi police seeking their custodial interrogation to ascertain why the Chief Secretary was called at the midnight.

Arguments of both the parties have been heard. The prosecution and the defence have relied on certain judgements. The court needs time for perusal of the same. Put up for order on bail and police custody tomorrow, the court said.

During the proceedings, the police moved the fresh plea seeking police custody of the accused persons saying they were required to be interrogated to find out why the Chief Secretary was called at the midnight to CMs residence.

Advocate B S Joon, appearing for the MLAs, said there was no fresh ground for seeking custody and the police was relying on the same old arguments.

The court had yesterday termed the alleged assault on the Chief Secretary was a "highly sensitive" case, but refused the plea of the Delhi Police to quiz them in custody for two days, saying the legislators were ready to cooperate in the investigation and no case property was to be recovered from them, which was the basic purpose of police custody.

The two MLAs were arrested in connection with the alleged assault on the bureaucrat during a meeting at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence on the night of February 19. While Jarwal, an MLA from Deoli, was arrested on Tuesday night, Khan was taken into custody yesterday afternoon.

While seeking custodial interrogation of the accused, Additional Public Prosecutor Atul Shrivastava today said there were numerous criminal cases pending against both the MLAs since 1995. He (Khan) had started with slapping a junior engineer and today he has assaulted a chief secretary, he said.

The prosecutor said the Chief Secretary was made to sit between Khan and Jarwar who threatened him to sign a document for release of funds for an advertisement relating to corruption and education.

Prakash was then physically assaulted and slapped by the MLAs, he said, adding that the two accused were required to be interrogated to find out why the Chief Secretary was called at midnight.

The prosecutor also argued that the injuries received by the Chief Secretary show that the offence under section 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the IPC was also committed by the accused. He said the police required time to go through the CCTV footage of the place where the meeting was going on and a minimum of 10 hours was required for that.

Advocate Rajiv Mohan, appearing for the Chief Secretary, argued that the accused should be sent to police custody to unearth the entire conspiracy behind the incident. He said the court should look into the antecedents of both the MLAs and the gravity of offence before passing any order.

He told the court that Chief Secretary was called for a meeting at the CMs residence to discuss civil supply issue. But when the CS reached the camp office of the CM, he was surprised to see that 11 MLAs were already sitting there.

11 MLAs were gathered to force me to sign the advertisement by showing me muscle power. Bureaucracy is not needed if this is how bureaucrats will be treated, Mohan said.

Joon, appearing for the MLAs, said there is no fresh ground for seeking custody and the police was relying on the same old arguments. Instead of moving a fresh police custody plea, they should have challenged yesterday's order but did not do so.

He also refuted the submission of the police seeking time to record the statement of VK Jain, advisor to the CM, and added that his statement was already with the police which had deliberately not submitted it in the court yesterday.

With regard to the allegations that the CCTV footage was tampered, the advocate said the truth could only be found out by experts and not the police.

Joon said the police, instead of acting on the complaint of Jarwal on an earlier matter, moved swiftly to register an FIR on the bureaucrat's complaint. No action has been taken on Jarwal's complaint against the Chief Secretary for allegedly using derogatory and casteist remarks against him and another MLA, he added.

Countering the submission of the police regarding criminal cases pending against the MLAs, he said all the cases were lodged against the accused while trying to raise their voice for the public and investigation in them were pending.

He said the entire FIR was fabricated and a number of facts were invoked much later at the instance of senior officials in the bureaucracy and the issue of advertisment as raised by the complainant is not mentioned in the FIR.

He reiterated that the incident was a repercussion of the ongoing power tussle between the Centre and Delhi.
Targeting Lt Governor Anil Baijal for not acting on complaints of attacks on Delhi minister Imran Hussain and Delhi Dialogue Commission Vice-Chairman Ashish Khetan, the AAP today alleged that he was working as a BJP "agent".

AAP leader Ashutosh also questioned the veracity of the medico-legal case (MLC) report of Delhi's Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash and said attempts are being made to destabilise the Arvind Kejriwal-led government by using the alleged attack as a pretext.

The party also named a few officials of the Delhi government, who were allegedly involved in an attack on Hussain and Khetan.

"The Delhi Police arrested our MLAs only on the compliant of the chief secretary, who did not have any evidence. We have a video footage of the attack on Imran Hussain and Ashish Khetan, yet there is no action on their complaints. The Lt Governor is acting as an agent of the BJP and his loyalty is not towards the Constitution," Ashutosh told reporters.

The Delhi Police has arrested Prakash Jarwal and Amanatullah Khan, AAP MLAs from Deoli and Okhla respectively, for allegedly assaulting Prakash. They were yesterday sent to one-day judicial custody.

Ashutosh said Prakash's MLC report states that the attack on him took place after 12:00 PM, while in the CCTV footage, he is seen walking out of the chief minister's residence at 11:30 PM.

"Why do the LG, the Delhi Police, the Centre have double standards? The law is equal to every citizen. So, why no action has been taken against the chief secretary for using casteist remarks against our Dalit MLAs," senior AAP leader and party MP Sanjay Singh said.

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Miffed at the decision of bureaucrats to boycott meetings in wake of the alleged assault on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia today ordered secretaries of his departments to submit status of pending proposals every week in writing.

The move came two days after IAS and DANICS associations announced that officers would only maintain written communication with AAP ministers until Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal apologies for the alleged assault on Prakash at his residence on Monday night.

Citing Rule 17 of Transaction of Business Rules (1993), Sisodia ordered that principal secretaries (education) and secretaries (art, culture & languages) will submit statements to him on proposals and matters and their expected time-line every week.

In separate orders to two department heads, the deputy chief minister also sought lists of proposals and projects on which details would be submitted every week.

"If any matter relating to education department is pending with any other department, then it is the responsibility of the principal secretary (education) to find out the current status and give the reasons for the delay and include it in the report.

"Merely stating its pendency with another department will not suffice," he said in the order to principal secretary (education).

Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, said an order had been issued on December 29, 2016, for submission of weekly reports but these reports have not been submitted for the past several months.

"This is to reiterate that weekly reports are required to be submitted under Rule 17 of the Transaction of Business of Government of NCT of Delhi Rules, 1993 (TBR) and submission of weekly reports should resume from February 26, 2018 positively," he said in his order to the education department principal secretary.

For the past two days, IAS and Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS) are not holding meetings with Delhi ministers, including Chief Minister Kejriwal in protest against the alleged assault on the chief secretary.

All employees of the Delhi government have also decided to observe a five-minute silence every day outside their respective offices at 1.30pm during lunch on working days to express their anguish over the "breach of faith" by political executive of the city government.

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The agitating post-graduate students of the Calcutta University withdrew their three-day-long sit-in demonstration this evening after holding talks with the authorities, Vice-Chancellor Sonali Chakraborty Banerjee said.

Of the 78 students of the Bengali department, who do not have adequate attendance, 30 were taking part in the demonstration, demanding permission to appear for the first and third-semester examinations, beginning February 27.

"The 30 agitating students informed me about their decision to lift the sit-in after prolonged talks with me and the Bengali department teachers," the VC told PTI.

It was asserted by the authorities that the cut-off attendance figure of 55 per cent could not be lowered and the students understood this, she said.

Of the 78 students, who were not allowed to sit for the two examinations, some had submitted proof of their hospitalisation when the classes were held and a committee had allowed them to appear for the tests on medical grounds, the VC said.

The VC, who left the campus last night after about 26 hours following the students' stir, came to the campus at 2 pm today and spoke to the agitating students.

She made it clear that the other absentee students would have to skip the first and third semester examinations.

A representative of the agitating students said, "After talking to the VC and the teachers, we are withdrawing the sit-in. We have faith that the VC will ensure that the academic career of all the PG students is safeguarded."



The sit-in was launched at 8 pm on February 20.

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Anand Kumar Tewari, an IPS officer posted in Assam, has been removed from service after the government found it to be "unsatisfactory", an official said.

The 1994 batch police officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre was removed as he was a "deadwood" due to his "unsatisfactory" service records, the home ministry official told PTI.

Tewari is the sixth IPS officer in two years to be removed.

The performance of the IGP-rank officer was reviewed by a home ministry-appointed committee and it found him to be unfit to continue and hence ordered him to go on compulsory retirement.

The performance review of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers was conducted to weed out "deadwood", the officer said on condition of anonymity.

According to rules, performance review of an all-India service officer is conducted twice - first after the completion of 15 years of qualifying service, and then after 25 years.

The order removing him was issued by the home ministry last week after approval by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to the service rules, the central government may, in consultation with the state government concerned, require a member of the service to retire in public interest, after giving at least a three-month notice in writing or as many months pay and allowances.

Tewari was initially avoiding the notices served by the home ministry and finally he has received the order sending him to go on compulsory retirement, the official said.

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Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today steered clear of Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remarks about the rise of the AIUDF party in Assam and the changing demography in the northeast, saying she would not like to react to it.

"I don't want to react to anything...Somebody said something, somebody talking about....why should I react?" she told journalists on the sidelines of Uttar Pradesh Investors Summit when she was asked to comment on Rawat's remarks.

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Delhi is almost "unlivable", Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri today said, underlining that people buying cars could not be blamed for congestion in the city as it lacked a better public transport system.

In a veiled attack on the AAP government in the national capital, he said a shortage of public buses in the city was a "criminal negligence".

He also denounced the Delhi government for the delay in the Delhi Metro's Phase IV and the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System project.

"Delhi is almost unlivable... The city is short of 7,000 buses... This is not a shortage but a criminal negligence," he said at an event here.

Puri said people buying cars cannot be blamed for congestion in the city as it lacked a "better public transport system".

"Delhi has the fourth largest metro network in the world. We have a decision on Phase IV pending for three years. We have RRTS corridors pending for two years," he said.

All stakeholders should act swiftly to make Delhi "livable again", he added.

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One persons from from Malaysia today donated Rs one crore to the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala near here with a request to utilise money for the temple run Praanadaana Trust here



The trust was established in 2001 with an aim to provide free medical facilities at the temple run super speciality hospital to the poor suffering from life threatening diseases, temple sources told PTI.

The devotee Kevin Sugumaran handed over DD for the amount to K S Srinivasa Raju, Joint Executive Officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, that governs the hill temple, they said.

Last week Shobhana Ramachandhran, Managing Director, TVS Srichakra Limited, Madurai, made an offering of Rs one crore here with a request to use the donation for a temple-run Trust managing a hospital meant for handicapped patients, they said.

Earlier this month the Chennai based Sri Guru Chandrikananda Samiti Trust had donated Rs one crore with a request to utilise the offering for a temple-run Vedic Trust, the sources said.

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Pakistan's ruling PML-N today suffered another blow as the country's Election Commission rejected the new tickets issued to party's candidates for the upcoming Senate polls, a day after the apex court declared all decisions taken under ousted premier Nawaz Sharif's leadership as "null and void".

The tickets were given by party chairman Raja Zafar-ul-Haq, who along with other party leaders visited the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and submitted papers of party candidates for the March 3 election of the Senate, the upper house of parliament.

The decision of ECP means that technically PML-N is out of race of Senate elections as time for fresh nominations has already expired, a statement said.

Yesterday, Sharif, 68, was disqualified by the Supreme Court from leading his party.

The apex court not only barred Sharif from leading PML-N but also declared all his decision as party chief as "null and void" since his disqualification on July 28 as prime minister for alleged corruption in the Panama Papers scandal.

Among other decisions, Sharif had allotted tickets to party candidates. The ECP announced that nominees issued tickets by Sharif would be treated as "independent candidates" since he was not authorised to issue the tickets, the statement said.

Practically, the candidates need support of the PML-N for victory as they are elected by the provincial assemblies and after winning the election they will join the party.

But it would have long-term impact on the PML-N as anyone of these members would be allowed to vote against party policy without facing the threat of being disqualified.

Party members are bound under the law to follow party policy in the house but those joining parties after winning the elections as independent are not bound by this law.

The consequences of the court verdict could be worse for PML-N as ECP considered several options including one to bar the candidates named by Sharif or postpone the elections, according to the ECP statement.

But it settled for holding polls on time and let the Sharifs nominees contest as independent candidates.

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The ED today said it has frozen shares, deposits and luxury cars worth over Rs 100 crore of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups in connection with amoney laundering probe against them in the Rs 11,400-crore alleged PNB fraud.

Enforcement Directorate officials said they have frozen mutual funds and shares worth Rs 86.72 crore belonging to Choksi and his group and Rs 7.80 crore owned by the Modi group.

While the total value of these shares and mutual funds is Rs 94.52 crore, the costly four-wheelers are worth a few crores and hence the total seizure value stands to be over Rs 100 crore, the officials said.

The total seizure in the case is now Rs. 5,826 crore, which the agency has said is being independently valued.

Choksi is Modi's uncle and promoter of the Gitanjali Gems group and other jewellerybrands.

The central probe agency also seized nine high-end cars belonging to Modi during the raids that were launched against him and Choksi on February 15 under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The searches continued for the eighth day today.

The seized car brands include a Rolls Royce 'Ghost', a Mercedes Benz, a Porsche Panamera, three Honda models, a Toyota Fortuner and an Innova.

Modi, Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies after the fraud came to light recently following a complaint by the Punjab National Bank. The complaint alleged that they cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of Rs 11,400 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

The CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the case. Both Modi and Choski are said to have left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them.

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The employees of diamond merchant Nirav Modi's firms, located in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) here, staged a protest today, demanding the payment of their salaries.

The firms were unable to pay them after their bank accounts were frozen by the ED and the CBI in connection with the alleged Rs 11,400-crore scam at the Punjab National Bank (PNB), they claimed.

"Some 700 employees of two of Nirav Modi's firms in the SEZ have lost their jobs as the management has locked the units and asked us to search for jobs elsewhere. We are in a big trouble. We have not been given any assurance about the payment of our outstanding salaries," Deepak Ingle, an employee, said.

A week ago, ED officials had conducted raids at Firestar Diamond International Pvt Ltd and Firestar International Pvt Ltd and seized a stock worth over Rs 900 crore. Both these units were part of Nirav Modi's empire, the ED officials had said.

"The management has told us they cannot pay the outstanding salaries for January and February as all the bank accounts have been frozen by the ED and the CBI. We want the government to think about us and un-freeze at least one account to facilitate the payment of our salaries," Ingle said.

The ED had first registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Modi, his uncle and business partner Mehul Choksi and others on February 14, based on a CBI FIR that was lodged following a complaint from the PNB.

Modi (46) was booked by the CBI, along with his wife, brother and Choksi, on January 31 for allegedly cheating the state-run bank to the tune of Rs 280 crore. The bank had subsequently sent two more complaints to the CBI, saying the scam was worth more than Rs 11,400 crore.

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Essel Group firm Essel Infraprojects Limited (EIL) today announced its foray into electric vehicles (EV) segment with a planned investment of Rs 4,250 crore.

EIL has inked Memorandum of Understanding to this effect at the UP Investors Summit in Lucknow, the company said in a statement.

"EIL has committed an investment of Rs 3,000 crore for bringing out 1,000 E-buses from intrastate UP to the NCR region. In addition, Rs 500 crore will be used for development of e-rickshaw with battery charging and swapping stations," it added.

The company further said will also be investing Rs 750 crore for development of bus terminus in the Uttar Pradesh, where it expects to generate more than 50,000 employment opportunities from its EV venture.

Under the MoUs signed with the state government, Essel Infraprojects will cover sectors like energy, roads and tourism, the statement added.

Besides, Essel has also pledged to invest in projects of waste management, water supply and smart cities in the state.

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Expelled BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui and some former Uttar Pradesh ministers today formally joined the Congress, which said the development implied "changing times" in its favour.

The announcement in this connection was made at a briefing here byAll India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge for Uttar Pradesh Ghulam Nabi Azad and Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar.

Besides Siddiqui, who was considered as the Muslim face of the Mayawati-led party, three former UP ministers, including OP Singh and Liyaqat Ali and ex-MLAs, also joined the party.

We welcome these leaders and their supporters. This implies changing times, Azad said at a briefing at the AICC headquarters here.

Last month, disgruntled BJP MP from Maharashtra Nana Patole had returned to the Congress. Patole had joined the BJP ahead of the 2014 general elections.

Meanwhile, several of Siddiqui's supporters had gathered at the AICC head office in large numbers as he entered the UPA major.

He also announced that the Rashtriya Bahujan Morcha, he floated after being expelled from the BSP, was merged with the Congress.

Siddiqui was expelled on May 10 last year for allegedly carrying out anti-party activities in the wake of its debacle in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

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Hailing women as the "womb of humanity", Canada's first lady Sophie Gregoire Trudeau today asked young women to be fearless and face the world with their heads held high.

Addressing a group of Indian women students here at the Asia launch of the global campaign -- 'She Will Grow Into It' -- she also asked them to speak up for those who cannot, and "have fun".

The wife of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said many cultural beliefs have asked women to have "small space in society or disappear sometimes" from it, but that will not happen.

"Girls and women are the womb of humanity and they will be fully participative citizens... And men are our allies in the quest for equality," she said.

Twelve students from Gujarat's Patan district today interacted with Trudeau as part of the campaign and shared their stories.

After listening to the story of a Class 11 student, who aspires to become a poet, Trudeau appeared emotional and teary.

"There is a lot that you will face growing up as a girl. And you may also feel fearful. While it is normal to feel fear, I want to tell you that you should be courageous and fearless in facing the world.

"Face the world with your head held high. Speak up, and be the voices of those who cannot. And, while doing all that have fun," Trudeau said, and said, you all are like "my daughter, our daughters".

Wearing a yellow dress with floral prints, she hugged all the 12 students when she walked into the hall and later also posed for pictures and selfies.

The Trudeaus and their three children are on a week-long visit to India. They have been creating a buzz on social media, especially for wearing traditionally Indian clothes while attending different programmes, from Delhi to Amritsar.

Canada's Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan also interacted with the young women and described them as "powerful agents of change".

"Every child has a gift and endeavour to accomplish your inner potential and realise what you dream to become," he said.

The campaign led by a Canada-based non-profit organisation Nutrition International was launched globally in Ottawa on the International Day of the Girl Child.

"It serves to challenge social norms and highlights that a girl's future can answer should be powerful, progressive and limitless, everywhere." the organisation said.

Sophie Trudeau, when asked by a student, what she wanted to become, said, "I wasn't very clear at your age, but part of me wanted to do, what I am doing today, to bring smile on people's face. And, part of me wanted to draw art works. Today at 42, I have realised that to spread love, joy, peace, is what my heart desires."



"I have met kings and queens and celebrities, but I feel the happiest meeting girls of your age," she said.

Sajjan said he was going to share the stories of the girls back home with "not only my daughter, but also with my son too".

The Nutrition Internationals Right Start programme, funded by Canada, aims to support Indias priority for addressing malnutrition, combating anaemia, and educating girls, an official of the organisation said, adding that it spans nine countries in Asia and Africa.

"Your body has great potential, it can give birth to a boy or a girl. Nourish yourself and go after your dreams. And, yes, experience please and have fun," Trudeau said.

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Canada's Indian-origin Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan today said he "faced discrimination" in that country's military because he "looked different".

Sajjan, who moved to Canada as a young boy, said this in the presence of Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, currently on a week-long visit to India.

"I was born in India and moved to Canada, when I was five... When I was 18 and joined the military there, I faced discrimination, even though I am a Canadian...because I looked different," he said, during the Asia launch of the global campaign -- 'She Will Grow Into It' here.

Sajjan is travelling along with Trudeau and his wife, and yesterday they visited Amritsar and even offered 'sewa' (volunteer service).

"I hail from a small village and lived a very simple life, before migrating to Canada," he said.

Sajjan, who became the defence minister in 2015, also shared an anecdote from his youth days to underline the message of equality.

"I was 12, and I came across a girl in India, with round, beautiful eyes, who came towards me begging for money and I asked her to go away...Years later in Canada, when I faced discrimination, her face flashed in front of my eyes, and I realised she was begging because she was hungry," he said.

The Canadian minister said that then he realised how it felt to be treated unequal.

"Sixty per cent of the world's malnourished people are women, and this campaign seeks to fill the gap," Sajjan said.

During his interaction with young women from high schools, he described them as "powerful agents of change".

"Every child has a gift and endeavour to accomplish your inner potential and realise what you dream to become," he said, adding, that "But, when you find you dream and success, go back and serve people".

The campaign, led by Canada-based non-profit organisation Nutrition International, was launched globally in Ottawa on the International Day of the Girl Child.

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The number of Indians migrating to the UK dropped by a significant 10 per cent last year compared with the 2016 figures, according to the data released here today.

The UK's Office of National Statistics (ONS) data showed that Indian nationals continued to dominate the skilled migrant force of the country, with over half of all skilled work visas last year going to Indians.

It found that while Indians continued to account for the largest migrant group from outside the European Union (EU), the numbers were 10 per cent lower in 2017 when compared with 2016.

The data is based on compulsory National Insurance number registrations made by both short and long-term migrants to Britain.

NINo [National Insurance No] registrations, from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), are for all nationalities and include both short and long-term migrants they can provide useful insights into trends of different nationalities, the ONS said.

There were 32 NINo registrations by Indians last year, followed by 12 from Pakistan, 11 from Australia and China and 10 from the US as the top five non-EU nationalities coming to live in Britain in 2017.

The data stated that study visas also showed a high percentage of Indians coming to study at UK universities, with China, the US and India collectively accounting for over half (53 per cent) of the study-related visas granted in 2017.

The largest number of visas were granted to Chinese nationals 88,456 or 40 per cent of the total with Indians getting 14,445. The figure marks a 28 per cent hike in student visas granted to Indians last year, compared with the previous year.

The statistics also indicate a Brexit impact on the flow of migrants to the country, with the number of EU citizens leaving the UK at its highest level.

It estimates that 220,000 EU nationals came to live in the UK last year which is 47,000 fewer than 2016, the year of the referendum in favour of Britains exit from the economic bloc. Net EU migration stood at 90,000 in 2017, the lowest for five years.

"Brexit could well be a factor in people's decision to move to or from the UK, but people's decision to migrate is complicated and can be influenced by lots of different reasons," said Nicola White, head of international migration statistics at the ONS.

Net migration the difference between migrants coming in and leaving the country is estimated to have fallen by 29,000 to 244,000 last year, a figure which is still well short of the UK government's target to reduce net migration to below 100,000 annually.

Opposition parties in Britain have attacked the annual migration cap as unrealistic and attacked the Tory government for creating a "hostile" environment for migrants in the country.

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Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah today paid obeisance at the famed dargah of the 12th century sufi saint Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti and prayed for peace and harmony in the state and country.

The 80-year-old veteran politician was accompanied by Provincial President Jammu Devender Singh Rana, a statement said.

Abdullah prayed at the dargah and took a round of the sanctum sanatorium, it said.

He also offered a chhadar, a ceremonial cloth inscribed with religious verses, and flowers at the acclaimed saint's mausoleum in the dargah.

Abdullah prayed for universal peace and communal harmony, prosperity and well-being for the people of the country.

The National Conference President prayed for the restoration of peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and an end to the cycle of violence that has led to destruction and bloodshed for years in the state.

He prayed for the progress and prosperity of the people of the state and the country.

He prayed for the success of country's multicultural diversity and the state's pluralistic ethos.

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Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials destroyed 7700 litres of adulterated milk worth Rs 2.42 lakh it had seized from two centres recently, an official said today.

"Acting on a tip-off, sleuths of FDA from Pune division raided Sangram milk collection centre, run by one Dhanaji Pawar in Pandharpur taluka, and recovered 30 cans of cow milk (approximately 1200 litres).

"Milk in the cans smelled like oil and was tasteless. Upon raiding the house of Pawar, we found powder and soyabean oil in large quantity, which were used for adulteration," an FDA officer said.

He said samples of the milk and other products were sent for forensic examination and 1200 liters of milk was destroyed.

"During the investigation, it was revealed that Pawar used to supply the adulterated milk to Srichakra Milk Products Pvt Ltd in Pandharpur taluka. We then raided the firm and took samples of the milk and destroyed approximately 6500 litres milk," said the officer.

He said the process of cancelling the permit of Sangram milk collection centre has begun.

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Training its guns on the recently-held event 'Magnetic Maharashtra' business summit, the Bombay High Court today said the state government had time to hold such mega events but had still not decided on the allotment of land to set up the Mumbai campus of the Maharashtra National Law University.

A division bench of Justices S C Dharmadhikari and Bharati Dangre said the issue of allotment of land for the university has been pending since a year-and-a-half and that now it was "fed up" with the delay.

"The government has time to hold mega events like the one held last week. Now before the next mega event is held, we want this issue to be resolved," Justice Dharmadhikari said.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed last year by an advocate, Pradeep Havnur, claiming that no concrete steps were being taken to hand over the land to set up the MNLU.

"We do not understand why this issue has been pending for one-and-a-half years now. We are fed up. We direct the principal secretary of the state revenue and forest department to appear before us with all concerned files on February 28," the court ordered.

The government announced the project with much fanfare but then took no steps later, the court said.

The bench was informed by the petitioner's counsel, Milind Sathe, that a government resolution was issued in June 2016 allotting a plot of land, admeasuring 60 acres, in suburban Gorai but a major part of the land was later handed over to the Airports Authority of India.

Sathe said the concerned state department was now trying to identify another plot for the university.

Irked by this, the court said, "We do not understand how such confusion could be created at a senior level. This is, simply, lack of coordination."



The bench also noted that the government, by allotting part of the Gorai land to the AAI, was also toying with the safety and security of lakhs of persons who use the city airport.

The land, which was allotted to the AAI to shift some offices from the airport in order to decongest the latter, is now embroiled in litigation.

"Have you (government) seen the congestion at the Mumbai airport? It is like a calamity waiting to happen. There is no open space around the airport. There is a parking lot 40 meter away. There are hutments and so many other structures just meters away," the court said.

"We should salute the pilots for finding the air strip in Mumbai and landing properly. Hats off to them," Justice Dharmadhikari said.

According to the petition, the MNLU is presently operating from a temporary transit-type ground-plus-one structure.

It contended that the National Law Universities Act 2014 was enacted to establish such universities in states for the development and advancement of legal education, to impart specialised and systematic instructions and training and research in law.

The bench today said because of the delay on the part of the government, it was losing good law students to private colleges.

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Gulf states today urged an end to the deadly assault on Syria's rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta, as rival Saudi Arabia and Qatar joined ranks in calling for an immediate truce.

Regional titan Riyadh, which leads a four-state Arab bloc boycotting Qatar over accusations of ties to both Sunni Islamists and Shiite Iran, demanded the regime of Bashar al-Assad end the violence that has left more than 300 people dead and sparked international outrage.

The statement however stopped short of outright condemnation, appealing instead to Damascus to adhere to UN Security Council resolution 2254, which calls for a nationwide ceasefire and a political transition.

"We stress the need for the Syrian regime to stop the violence, to allow in humanitarian aid, and to take seriously the path of a political solution to the crisis," the Saudi foreign ministry said on Twitter.

"We are concerned over the continuation of Syrian regime attacks on Eastern Ghouta and the impact on civilians there."



The UAE, a military ally of Saudi Arabia that is also boycotting Qatar, expressed concern at the escalation of violence and called for an "immediate truce" to halt the bloodshed and protect civilians. It also called for allowing humanitarian and medical aid to civilians.

Rival Qatar, however, slammed the assault as an outright "massacre".

"The State of Qatar expresses its strong... condemnation of the massacres and intensive aerial bombardments carried out by the forces of the Syrian regime," read a statement released by Qatar's foreign ministry.

Gulf states, mainly Saudi Arabia, have been key backers of Syrian opposition groups fighting President Bashar al-Assad and Riyadh has hosted meetings of the opposition.

In recent months Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have softened calls for ousting Assad, instead urging a political settlement to the seven-year conflict.

Syrian jets have been raining bombs on the eastern suburbs of Damascus in recent days, killing hundreds and prompting a diplomatic outcry.

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The death toll for five days of bombardment by the Syrian regime and its allies on the rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta passed the 400 mark today, a monitor said.

"Five days of air strikes and intense artillery fire by the regime and its Russian ally have killed 403 civilians, including 95 children," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

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The security forces are on high-alert along the borders to foil any BAT attacks by Pakistani troops, a senior BSF official said today. "Alertness is on the high-level always, but because of the inputs we have received, we have increased our alertness and all the forces are on high-alert to stop any ceasefire violation, BAT action or sniper-fire," Inspector General of BSF, Kashmir Frontier, Sonali Mishra told reporters on the sidelines of a wreath-laying ceremony of BSF jawan S K Murmu in Humhama area on the outskirts of the city. Murmu was injured in sniper fire by Pakistani troops in the Tangdhar sector along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, and later succumbed to injuries. Mishra said Pakistan was regularly targeting Indian posts along the borders as it does not want a peaceful atmosphere. "They do not want peace and calm on the borders and so they continue such actions like ceasefire violations, sniper-fire, BAT action. There was a ceasefire violation yesterday too. The BSF and the Army gave a befitting reply and according to our reliable sources, there are two casualties on their side, she added. Mishra said at least 175 militants were waiting at the launching pads to infiltrate into the Valley. Their launching pads are always active and they leave no opportunity to infiltrate. As the snow is less this time, that could be a reason that they are trying to infiltrate. But, the BSF is ready to tackle any challenge and give a befitting response to them, she said.

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The Gujarat government today formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the death of Dalit activist Bhanubhai Vankar, who allegedly set himself on fire outside the Patan Collector's office on February 15.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had decided to set up an SIT which would be headed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Narsimha Komar, said Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja.

Other members of the SIT would be retired additional secretary Kirit Adhvaryu and IPS officer Makrand Chauhan, Jadeja said.

The SIT will submit its report after a thorough probe by March 31, he said.

Vankar (62), was associated with the Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch.

Demanding allocation of land to a Dalit family from Dudkha village in Patan district, he allegedly set himself on fire outside the Patan Collector's office on February 15.

Vankar had alleged earlier that authorities were not heeding the family's just demand for several years.

He died at a private hospital in Ahmedabad the next day.

The death triggered violent protests in several parts of state, including Ahmedabad.

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Actor-politician Kamal Haasan today opposed "saffronisation," saying all sections of people should be given their space and respect.

Using the national flag as a symbol to convey his political message, the actor denied the accusation that he was denigrating the Hindu right wing ideology.

Haasan, who launched his political party Makkal Neethi Mayyam yesterday, has said his politics will be free of caste and religion.

In November last year, the actor had faced flak for his "Hindu extremists" remark from the BJP and other right wing outfits. However, he had clarified then that he was not anti-Hindu.

"Some say that Kamal Haasan is denigrating saffron. It is wrong. Saffron has been given its rightful place for its sacrifice, what is more, even the national flag has a place for it," he said writing in his column in Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan.'



The actor-turned-politician said, "I say that saffron should, however, not spread to the entire flag. Let us give space and respect for others. It is the pledge we have taken and that is what has been mentioned in the Constitution too."



He, however, did not name or blame any political party in this respect.

Also, he did not name any specific incidents or give a context or the trigger for raising the matter immediately after launching his party.

Claiming that a video appeared in YouTube in which some were shown taking a pledge to remove the word secular from the Constitution, he asked how such a change came through in about 50 years.

"Can sacrifice (of pluralistic values) to such an extent be made for the sake of votes," Haasan said and raised a question mark if such a thing was not worse than a war.

He said during olden times even warfare had its own set of dharmic values.

Sans such ancient values, a "politics that involved bloodshed all the time should be changed and that is my desire," he said.

Great leaders like Gandhiji and Dr Ambedkar had worked for the country despite differences among them and such lessons should not be lost, Haasan said.

"I am beginning my journey as a postman making you remember it (working for the nation despite differences)," he said.

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Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today conveyed to the NITI Aayog his concerns about a report brought out by the policy think tank which made it appear that the state's performance in the health sector was declining.

Khattar conveyed to NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar his concerns about the use of sampling data in a recent report titled 'Healthy States, Progressive India'.

During a meeting between the two, the chief minister clarified that data for 2016-17 was readily available at the time of the report and had it been taken into consideration, significant improvements registered by Haryana on all indices compared to 2015 would have easily been recognized, said an official release.

In a note that the chief minister handed over to Kumar, it was clarified that Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) had actually shown a two point decline from 24 in 2015 to 22 in 2016 whereas the report cited the previous increase from 23 in 2014 to 24 in 2015.

Similarly, the under five mortality rate has declined from 42 in 2015 to 37 in 2016 whereas the report cited the previous increase from 40 in 2014 to 42 in 2015.

The full immunization coverage which the report shows increased from 82.54 in year 2014 to 83.47 per cent in 2015 has further improved to 89.13 per cent in 2016.

It is further clarified that as per the NITI Aayog report, sex ratio at birth (SRB) as per Sample Registration System (SRS) has declined from 866 per 1000 to 831 from Base Year 2012-14 to reference year 2013-15.

This is based on Sample Registration System in which 251 sampling units in rural and urban areas covering only 2,35,000 population of state and providing information for the state only not district wise, the release said.

However much more realistic information is captured through Civil Registration System (CRS) of Registrar General of India (RGI) that is capturing real time monthly data of all birth registered.

As per latest SRS 2014-16 the sex ratio at birth is 832 and as per CRS report the SRB was 900 for year 2016 and 914 for year 2017. The SRB data of CRS was also validated by third party agency



He said that it clearly reflects the efforts made by the State to improve the sex ratio at birth after launch of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Abhiyan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Offering lessons in parenting, gender equality and self-sufficiency, particularly in the kitchen, Canada's first lady Sophie Gregoire Trudeau today said her children, the eldest nine and the youngest four, can rustle up a "basic meal".

The tips on parenting came during a question-answer session with 12 high school girls from Gujarat, who interacted with her as part of the Asia launch of the global campaign, 'She Will Grow Into It'.

A student from a government school in Patan said boys and girls ate separately in her family and wanted to know the norm in the Trudeau household.

"Oh, there is chaos," Trudeau said, adding that she has three children, aged four, eight and nine, and is quite busy.

She then recalled an incident from about a month ago when the children were left at home.

"I had stepped out of home and only later realised that they were without any supervision. I rushed back and when I entered the house, saw that they had made an omelette," Trudeau said, as the audience cheered.

"And, it was my daughter, who had made it for my youngest son," the wife of Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said with a proud smile.

Trudeau added that she had taught all her children to cook and they could cook a basic meal.

The Trudeaus and their three children -- Hadrien (4), Ella-Grace (8) and Xavier (9) -- are on a week-long visit to India.

Yesterday, the Trudeaus and two of their children visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar and offered 'sewa' (volunteer service).

They went to the Guru Ram Das Jee Langar hall where the family tried their hand at rolling out chapatis.

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Vikas Khanna was seen giving tips to the family on ways to make the 'parshada' (offering at the temple) with a rolling pin.

Canada's Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan also tried tried to make some chapatis, or rotis as they are sometimes called.

India-born Sajjan, who moved to Canada as a young boy, said, "My mom taught me to make rotis. We made rotis yesterday in Amritsar. And, I can make quite a round 'roti'.

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The Hyderabad High Court has directed the executive officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the famous Tirumala Venkateswara temple, not to terminate the services of its non-Hindu employees till further orders.

A division bench of acting Chief Justice Ramesh Ranganathan and Justice K Vijaya Lakshmi was hearing petitions filed by some of these employees yesterday, challenging the show cause notices issued to them by the administration.

The TTD recently issued notices to 42 non-Hindu employees, following allegations that they were 'propagating' other religions.

Y Balaji, the TTD counsel, said the temple authorities had received several representations from the Hindu devotees, saying that people from other religions, while working for the TTD, were "propagating" other religions, and they should be removed.

Following these representations, the TTD decided to terminate the services of the non-Hindu employees and issued them show cause notices (as to why their services should not be terminated), he said.

"Yesterday the high court stayed the termination...but the petitioners have been asked (by the court) to respond to the show cause notices," the lawyer told reporters.

The TTD lawyer also submitted before the court that the petitioners, when they were hired, had given an undertaking that they would not propagate other religions, he said.

The hearing has been adjourned to the next week.

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The Madras High Court today issued notice to the state government on a petition challenging the appointment of a Tamil Nadu Assembly employee to a top post in the House.

Justice T Raja, before whom the petition from L S Vasanthimalar, Additional Secretary, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and B Subramaniyam, Joint Secretary, came up for hearing, issued notice to the government and to the governor's secretary and posted the matter for further hearing to March 1.

The petitioners challenged the appointment of K Srinivasan as special secretary of the assembly by the government, vide an order dated December 14, 2017.

They said the staff of the assembly are governed by Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretariat Service Rules 1955 according to which the governor is the appointing authority to all Class I posts in the state.

The petitioners submitted that in such a scenario the government appointed Srinivasan, who is private secretary to the speaker, as special secretary in a newly- created post.

Only officials holding post of additional secretary in the General Administrative Wing can be appointed special secretary or secretary, they contended.

The petitioners also submitted that Vasanthimalar is legally entitled to be appointed secretary to the assembly after the retirement of the K Boopathy, now the secretary on February 28, according to seniority and rules.

They sought a direction from the court for a declaration that the post of special secretary and secretary in the assembly can be held only by persons holding posts of additional secretary or joint secretary or deputy secretary in the General Administrative Wing.

The plea also sought an interim injunction restraining the secretary of the legislative assembly and secretary to governor from in anyway appointing or promoting or permitting Srinivasan to take charge or function as special secretary of the assembly pending disposal of the writ petition.

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The Madras High Court today rapped a police official for not receiving a representation sent by post, holding that such act would amount to dereliction of duty by police officials.

Justice M S Ramesh made the observation while allowing a petition by an expelled AIADMK worker of Coimbatore district, seeking permission to hold a function on the occasion of late chief minister Jayalalithaa's 70th birth anniversary on February 24.

G Anandan, in his petition, submitted he had sent a representation to the inspector of Mettupalayam Police Station in Coimbatore district, seeking permission for the event by registered post but it was returned with a postal endorsement "refused" (by the inspector).

He also said he sent the representation by post after the police officials allegedly refused to accept it when he gave it in person.

Coming down on the inspector, the judge in his order said it was common knowledge that representations and complaints were often sent to government officials, as well as to the police personnel, through post.

"The inspector will not be justified, at any point of time, in refusing to receive the said representations sent through post. Such conduct would amount to dereliction of the ordinary duties of their office," he said.

The judge directed the police to permit the petitioner to conduct the function and also allow erection of 50 flex boards for the event.

Earlier, the additional government pleader submitted that the petitioner had not got permission from the appropriate authorities and that if they were permitted to erect flex banners in 110 places, it would cause hindrance to public and also affect traffic.

He also said the petitioner has been expelled from the AIADMK and was not competent to claim permission to hold a function on behalf of the party.

The judge also directed the police officials to impose reasonable restrictions while granting permission for the function and erection of flex banners.

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The Madras High Court bench here today stayed an order of the Tamil Nadu Teachers' Recruitment Board (TRB) cancelling the process of recruitment of polytechnic teachers for 2017-18.

Justice G R Swaminathan was passing interim orders on a batch of petitions filed by 100 candidates who had applied for the posts, seeking to quash the February 9 TRB order, issued in the backdrop of allegations of tampering of the exam coding sheets to inflate the marks of select candidates.

The petitioners had submitted that the results and final key answers for non-engineering lecturers were released on November 7 last year.

But the results were withdrawn and revaluation ordered following some complaints.

During revaluation, discrepancies were noted only in 200 candidates, out of over 1,13,567 who took the examination in September, 2017.

It was unfair to cancel the entire recruitment process for the discrepancies related to 200 candidates, they had argued.

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The Delhi High Court today upheld a trial court order granting anticipatory bail to Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in two anti-Sikh riot cases of 1984.

Justice Anu Malhotra dismissed the plea by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, seeking to cancel the anticipatory bail of Kumar, saying that as per the records, Kumar was available throughout the investigation.

The available records indicate that pursuant of the orders (of the trial court), Sajjan Kumar has made himself available for investigation and it has been submitted on his behalf that he shall continue to do, the court said.

It also said that the SIT was not able to make out any ground for cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Kumar.

On consideration of the totality of circumstances put forth, it is held that presently there are no grounds made out by the petitioner (SIT) for cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Kumar on December 21, 2016, the bench added.

The high court had on December 12 reserved its order on the SITs plea seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail.The SIT had contended that the trial court order granting anticipatory bail to Kumar was perverse and overwhelming circumstances were ignored.

The Congress leader was granted anticipatory bail by a trial court on December 21, 2016 in two cases of killing of three Sikhs during the riots which had occurred after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Kumar had submitted that his name was never taken earlier and it was a case of fresh allegations coming up after 32 years which was not allowed.

There two cases filed against Kumar fall in the jurisdictions of Janakpuri and Vikaspuri police stations in West Delhi.

The complaint in Janakpuri pertains to the killing of two Sikhs, Sohan Singh and his son-in-law Avtar Singh, on November 1, 1984 and in the other, where another Sikh, Gurcharan Singh, was burnt on November 2, 1984 in the jurisdiction of Vikaspuri Police Station. Gurcharan, who was half burnt, had remained bed-ridden for 29 years. He died three years ago.

The SIT had been constituted by the Union Home Ministry in February 2015 to reinvestigate 'serious cases' filed in Delhi relating to riots that followed the assassination of Indira Gandhi.

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IT major HCL Technologies today said it will invest about Rs 160 crore as part of its corporate social responsibility activity in the field of education, health and power.

The company will also be recruiting about 5,000 people in the years to come, Sanjay Gupta, Senior Vice President and Programme Director New Vistas, HCL Technologies, said, adding in the next 12 months, the IT major will be creating 2,000 jobs.

"We will spend an amount of Rs 160 crore as part of our CSR activity, we are also helping the villagers with cleanliness," he said on the sidelines of UP Investors' Summit.

The company has adopted 700 villages in Uttar Pradesh where it is providing medical facility, power, agricultural tools and technology to the villagers, he said.

At the summit, he described UP as "karmabhoomi" (the land where one works) for HCL Technologies.

"HCL began in UP from Noida from a small garage with four people with our chairman Shiv Nadar. At a company which started in 1976 with 4 people... 1.2 lakh people work now and it is a 7.5 billion dollar company....it all started in UP," Gupta said.

He further said that working and expanding business in UP is not a challenge today.

"This was 3 years back it was a myth. When we decided to set up an IT campus in Lucknow, questions were raised. In 2016, we started operations to develop talent in Lucknow and trained and skilling freshers. We have given about 2,000 technical and non-technical jobs. In next 12 months, we will recruit another 2,000 local talent," he said.

Expansion of companies and businesses to tier 2 and 3 cities is very important to retain the talent and stop migration.

The investors summit shows positive signs for the industry particularly the IT. UP meets all requirements to do business such as single window clearance, infra and connectivity.

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Citing a recent study by the Pharmaceutical Price Authority (NPAA), a few health groups on Thursday alleged that unethical practices of private hospitals are an outcome of the "regulatory vacuum" that allows them to monetise the vulnerability of patients.

"The NPAA study that analysed patient bills from four prominent private hospitals is the newest evidence of overcharging and exploitation of patients," a joint statement released by the groups said.

Gopendra Singh Parmar, father of Sourya Pratap who was treated for dengue at a private hospital in Gurgaon, claimed that more than 45 per cent of his bill of Rs 16 lakh was for medicines and consumables, on which the hospital appears to have taken huge margins.

"The government must frame rules to contain the rates charged by hospitals to make them affordable. Otherwise, families will continue to be forced to sell their assets, beg and borrow in their desperation to treat their loved ones, just as in my case," he said.

Non-scheduled drugs and diagnostic services constituted major components of charges billed to patients in the four private hospitals with margins as high as 1,192 per cent, the drug pricing regulator had said recently.

For consumables such as three-way stop cock, BI valve, GS-3040, the margins were even higher. The purchase price of the device for the hospital was Rs 5.77 and a 1,737 per cent margin on procurement price was charged, the NPPA had said.

With regards to existing regulation to control the prices of essential medicines through the Drug Prices Control Order 2013, Mira Shiva, co-convener of the All India Drug Action Network (AIDAN) pointed out several deficiencies.

"Hospitals are easily able to use this to their advantage by choosing to prescribe more expensive medicines... AIDAN has consistently advocated for expansion of the scope of the DPCO to cover all essential and life-saving medicines and to reinstate a method of cost-based pricing that provides reasonable profits to companies," she said.

There is a grave problem of absence of regulation of the rates of diagnostics because of which, according to surveys, diagnostics account for an increasing share of out-of-pocket expenditure in both in-patient and out-patient care, said, Dinesh Abrol, Working Group on Patent Laws.

"The problem is being compounded in large private hospitals because they prey on patients by charging higher than market rates as well as adding on convenience fees," he said.

The health groups claimed that "unethical practices of private hospitals are a direct outcome of regulatory vacuum, which allows them to monetise the vulnerability of patients".
A high-level meeting chaired by a representative of the Union Home ministry will be held tomorrow at Panisagar in North Tripura to work out modalities for the repatriation of some 35,000 displaced people belonging to the Reang or Bru tribe living in camps in the district, officials said today.

The Reangs or Brus began entering Tripura in 1997 from neighbouring Mizoram following the outbreak of ethnic violence.

The meeting, presided over by the ministry's special secretary for internal security, Mahesh Kumar Singla, will be held in the Sector headquarters of the BSF at Panisagar.

The District Collectors (DCs) and SPs of three districts of Mizoram and the District Magistrate (DM) and SP of North Tripura district will be among those attending the meet.

North Tripura DM Saradindu Chowdhury said the DCs and SPs of Lunglay, Kolashib and Mamit districts of neighbouring Mizoram would be present at the meeting.

The Central government has reportedly assured each displaced family a package of Rs 1.3 lakh in cash, free rations for two years after repatriation and a house under the national housing scheme.

During their stay in Tripura, the displaced people were given a cash dole of Rs 5 per adult and Rs 2.50 per minor every day along with some rations and other benefits under a relief package from the Central government.

Singla, who arrived here today, visited a number of BSF camps along the Bangladesh border.

Animesh Debbarma, liaison officer of the MHA envoy, said Singla, a former Director General of the BSF, met officials from Assam Rifles and the BSF at Shalbagaan, the headquarters of the BSF here.

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Following are the top at 1700 hours:



Stories on the wire:



NATION:DEL7ED-NIRAVMODI-ATTACHPNB fraud: ED seizes Rs 94cr assets, luxury cars of Nirav Modi, ChoksiMumbai/New Delhi: The ED today said it has frozen mutual funds and shares worth Rs 94.52 crore of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups in connection with a money laundering probe against them in the Rs 11,400-crore alleged fraud at the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

DEL8



CANADA-KHALISTAN-DINNER



Canada High Commission cancels dinner invite to Khalistan terrorist



New Delhi: Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel has cancelled tonight's dinner invitation to Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist.

DEL21



MEA-ATWAL



MEA ascertaining details from Mission on Atwal getting visa



New Delhi: The government is "ascertaining" details as to how convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal got a visa to enter India, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar today said.

DEL20



BIZ-PNB-REPLY



Enough assets to meet any liability, says scam-hit PNB



Mumbai: State-owned PNB today said it has followed lawful avenues to recover its dues following Rs 11,400 crore swindling of funds allegedly by jewellery designer Nirav Modi and associates.

DEL18



BIZ-PNB-NIRAVMODI



Come up with implementable plan to repay dues: PNB to Nirav Modi



New Delhi: Scam-hit Punjab National Bank (PNB) today asked billionaire diamond jeweller Nirav Modi to come up with a concrete and implementable plan to settle the loss caused to it by fraudulent issuance of Letter of Undertakings (LoU) through one of its branches.

DEL9



BIZ-INDIA-CORRUPTION



India ranks 81st in global corruption perception index



New Delhi: India has been ranked 81st in the global corruption perception index for 2017, released by Transparency International, which named the country among the "worst offenders" in terms of graft and press freedom in the Asia Pacific region.

MDS1



TN-POLITICS-ACTORS



And trend of movie stars joining TN continues



Chennai: Lights. Camera. Action. As it has happened many times in Tamil Nadu, once again the action has moved from the screen to a much larger stage of



CAL1



NL-POLL PM



Nagaland needs strong & stable government: PM Modi



Kohima: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said a BJP-NDPP government in Nagaland would plug the loopholes causing wastage of public money and work towards improving road connectivity in the state.

BOM1



GA-PARRIKAR-DISCHARGE



Parrikar discharged from Mumbai hospital



Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was today discharged from the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, where he was undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment.

DEL13



NIA-MANIPUR-ARREST



NIA arrests terrorist involved in June 2015 attack on Army in Manipur



New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency has arrested a member of a banned Manipuri terrorist organisation who was allegedly a part of the team that carried out an audacious attack on an Army convoy in June 2015, in which 18 soldiers were killed and 15 other injured, an official spokesperson said here.

LEGAL:



LGD3



SC-MARRIAGE



SC asks if Kerala HC was justified in annulling Hadiya's marriage



New Delhi: The Supreme Court today asked if a roving inquiry could be ordered into the "issue of consent" between two adults who married at will and if the Kerala High Court order annulling the marriage of Hadiya, an alleged victim of 'love jihad', was justified.

FOREIGN:



FGN6



TRUMP-SON-LD LETTER



Trump Jr speech will send mistaken message: Democratic Senator



Washington: A Democratic Senator has urged the US Ambassador to India to ensure that President Donald Trump's son is not given any special treatment by the diplomatic mission during his ongoing India visit except that required for security. By Lalit K Jha



FGN15



PAK-SC-SHARIF



Sharif alleges efforts to 'oust' him from for life



Islamabad: Pakistan's deposed premier Nawaz Sharif today alleged that efforts were being made to "oust" him from politics for life, a day after he was disqualified by the Supreme Court from leading his party. By Sajjad Hussain



FGN10



CHINA-INDIA-DEFENCE



China downplays report of upgrading air defences along India border



Beijing: China today downplayed an official media report that its military is upgrading air defence along the Indian border and said both countries should work together to uphold peace and tranquillity along the border areas.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chartered accountants' apex body ICAI today said it has issued show-cause notices to the auditors of Punjab National Bank and Gitanjali Gems in connection with the Rs 11,400 crore fraud at the public sector lender.

Besides, the institute has summoned a deputy general manager of the bank seeking details about the fraud.

Further, the ICAI has also written to the Reserve Bank of India requesting it to provide the list of the corporate borrowers of public sector banks having outstanding loan amount of Rs 2,000 crore and above.

The list would be examined by the Financial Reporting Review Board of ICAI for any possible violation of applicable standards of accounting as well as auditing.

"The Disciplinary Directorate of ICAI has issued show-cause notices to all central statutory auditors of PNB. Similarly, central statutory auditors who have done quarterly review of PNB have also been issued show cause notice.

"Auditor of Gitanjali Gems Ltd has also been issued the show-cause notice in the matter," the ICAI said in a statement.

The deputy general manager of the bank has been summoned "to appear and produce a copy of FIR, all related documents in the said fraud, give details of the modus operandi used in the fraud", it added.

The ICAI has also written to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs requesting it to ask SEBI, CBI, ED and PNB to share their findings to enable it to accelerate the action against any chartered accountant who have played any role in this fraud.

The ICAI has also set up a high powered group to study the systemic issues in the Punjab National Bank matter and suggest remedial measures and improvement in the banking system; and any other matter incidental thereto. The first meeting of the group is scheduled tomorrow.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland today discussed issues of "bilateral interest" during a strategic dialogue, held in the backdrop of the Khalistan controversy shrouding Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit.

Asked if the two leaders discussed the issue of Canadian government's soft approach towards the Khalistan issue, external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar did not give a direct answer and said, "all matters of bilateral interest came up for discussion."



He said it was a "good meeting", during which they had wide-ranging discussions on strengthening relations in trade and investment, security and cyber security, energy, people to people contacts and other relevant bilateral and regional issues.

About the meeting, Kumar also tweeted, "the two plural democracies are keen to build upon the strong complementarities of our existing strategic partnership."



Today's meeting comes a day ahead of Trudeau's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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India will co-host the first International Solar Alliance Summit with France on March 11 in the national capital, where at least 10 heads of state are expected to be present.

Announcing details of the Summit, the government officials also said India will achieve 22 GW solar energy capacity by next month and should be able to meet its target of 100 GW by 2022.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) Summit, to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, will see representation from over 120 countries and multilateral bodies like the UN, World Bank and ADB.

The ISA is a treaty-based international body for promotion of solar energy in alliance with 121 countries, which are lying fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.

"We are expecting heads of state from France, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Ghana, Australia, Venezuela, Bangladesh and Fiji," T S Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations) in Ministry of External Affairs, said here during a briefing on the ISA Summit.

He said India and France will co-host the event in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron while representatives of six multilateral bodies will also be present on the occasion.

He said the Summit would discuss various projects being prepared by different countries in areas including rural electrification, off grid solar, water supply and irrigation.

New and Renewable Energy Secretary Anand Kumar said India has already achieved 17GW of solar power generation capacity and it would touch 22 GW by March end.

He said India would be able to meet its target of 100 GW of solar by 2022 as the government has planned 20 GW of solar auctions by the end of this fiscal and 30 GW each in 2018-19 and 2019-20.

He said there is lag of 18 months in awarding the solar project and its commissioning and the government would complete the auctions by March 2020, so that the 100 GW target is achieved.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The government today signed a pact with Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) for research collaboration in various fields, according to an official statement.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Canada's IDRC to usher the 'programme based research support' in addressing current and future global and local developmental challenges was signed, it said.

During the signing ceremony, the Indian side appreciated the contribution of IDRC in supporting quality research in various fields, including finance, agriculture, industry and health in India, the statement said today.

Since 1972, IDRC has funded 551 research activities worth CAD 159 million in India through institutions, researchers and NGOs.

During the last five years (2012-17), 96 research projects worth CAD 51 million were funded by the IDRC in India.

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An Indian was among five people killed in two road accidents in Nepal, a media report said today.

The Indian was identified as Gauri Shanker Chaurasia, a resident of Siddharthanagar in Uttar Pradesh.

The 50-year-old was killed when a bus hit his motorcycle at Dohani on the Taulihawa-Bhairahawa road section here yesterday, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Chaurasia's body was taken to a hospital for postmortem, it said.

In another accident, at least four persons were killed and three others sustained serious injuries when their jeep skidded off from a hilly road in Dailekh district in Nepal today , police said.

The injured were admitted to a local hospital for treatment, police said.

The jeep, heading from district headquarters Dailekh to Mahabu Rural Municipality, fell 200 metre down from the hilly road. The cause for the accident was not known yet, police added.

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Inequality in India is on the rise for the last three decades, so much so that the total wealth of Indian billionaires is 15 per cent of the GDP, thanks to the "lopsided" policies of successive governments, Oxfam India said in a report today.

It said the wealthiest in India have cornered a huge part of the wealth created in the country through crony capitalism and inheritance, while people at the bottom are seeing their shares being reduced further.

"These inequalities are the result of package of reforms adopted during the big bang liberalisation of 1991 and the subsequent policies adopted," said Oxfam India CEO Nisha Agrawal.

The report noted that by the latest estimates, the total wealth of Indian billionaires is 15 per cent of the GDP of the country; this has risen from 10 per cent only five years ago.

In 2017, India had as many as 101 billionaires.

The report titled 'The Widening Gaps: India Inequality Report 2018', noted that the country ranks among the most unequal countries in the world on all parameters of income, consumption and wealth and the reason behind this is the "lopsided" policy choices made by successive governments.

"Specific policy choices which favoured capital rather than labour, and favoured skilled rather than unskilled labour, are part of the structure of the growth trajectory in India," the report said.

The report analysed various sources of data and describes how the path of inequality has changed in India-from being stagnant in 1980s, to its increase since 1991, and to its subsequent and continued surge in recent years until 2017.

What is particularly worrying in Indias case is that economic inequality is being added to a society that is already fractured along the lines of caste, religion, region and gender. Apart from being a moral concern, reducing inequality is central to the functioning of Indias democracy, said Professor Himanshu, author of the report.

Agrawal further noted that the only way to reverse this trend is to increase tax collection through progressive direct taxation such as introducing wealth and inheritance taxesand spending them on health, education and nutrition for the poor, focusing specially on the early childhood development of the poor.

"Only then can one hope to create a more equal opportunity country and spread the benefits of high growth more widely," Agrawal added.

A report released by the international rights group Oxfam before the start of the World Economic Forum in Davos noted that the richest 1 per cent in India cornered 73 per cent of the wealth generated in the country last year.

The survey also showed that the wealth of India's richest 1 per cent increased by over Rs 20.9 trillion during 2017. On the other hand 67 crore Indians comprising the population's poorest half saw their wealth rise by just 1 per cent.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Sikh environmental activist on a visit to the UK from India has filed a complaint with Scotland Yard after his turban was tugged at by a white man shouting "Muslim go back" during a racist attack outside the parliament.

Ravneet Pal Singh, 37, South Asia Project Manager for EcoSikh, was in the security queue to enter Portcullis House - an extension of the House of Commons complex in Westminster - when a man targeted him yesterday.

The "white Anglo Saxon man" spoke a language other than English but Singh was able to discern the words "Muslim" and "go back" before the attacker ran away. "I am not sure why he was shouting and why he attacked my turban. I was able to prevent my turban coming off and he ran away when I shouted back but it was an extremely distressing experience," said Singh.

"He did not speak English but I could tell he was making racist remarks. I could not make out much of what he said but I did hear him use the words Muslim and go back. The police said the incident has been recorded on CCTV and that they will find the attacker," he said. Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers are investigating the incident after they were called to reports of an assault on Wednesday evening. "An allegation of common assault has been recorded. Officers from Westminster are investigating. No arrests have been made yet," a spokesperson said. Ravneet Singh and his colleague, Jaspreet Singh, who returned to India today, were at Portcullis House to meet British Sikh MP Tan Dhesi regarding the upcoming World Sikh Environment Day on March 14 and to discuss the establishment of EcoSikh as an environmental charity in the UK. "Disgusted to discover today that someone filled with hatred tried to pull off the turban of one of my guests standing in line outside the UK Parliament. I hope the authorities will take urgent action," said Dhesi, the Labour MP for Slough. The President of EcoSikh, an organisation set up to connect Sikh values with initiatives to counter climate change, also condemned the attack on the group's representative.

"It is so sad that such an attack will take place on the sacred grounds of the UK Parliament. It just shows that lot more work is to be done to inform people about who Sikhs are and to promote understanding in the UK," said Rajwant Singh, who is also the co-Founder of the US-based National Sikh Campaign.

The Sikh community in the UK has often been the mistaken target of hate crimes against Muslims that surged after the 9/11 attack in the US.

Last June, an airline passenger mocked a Sikh man's turban and suggested he was a "terrorist" in a series of racist Snapchat posts that sparked outrage on social media.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Indiana state Senate has passed a resolution recognising the "significant" contributions of Sikhism across the US and in the state of Indiana.

The Senate resolution passed last week acknowledged that Sikhism, which was founded over 500 years ago and is currently the fifth largest religion in the world, "preaches a message of devotion, truthful living, equality of mankind and social justice".

"Sikhs believe that people of different races, religions, or sexes are equal in the eyes of God and in the full equality of men and women," the resolution emphasised.

The resolution concludes by highlighting the Sikhs' "significant contributions" in serving the US, Indiana and its communities as well as by stating that the faithful service of the Sikh community to Indiana and America "merits appreciation as an integral thread in the fabric of American plurality".

Authored by Senator Aaron Freeman and Senator Jack Sandlin, the resolution was adopted on February 15 and presented to SikhsPAC, a political action committee representing American Sikhs, chairman Gurinder Singh Khalsa in open session on February 19, a statement said.

"As Sikhs, we hold unity, dignity, respect, social justice, peace and prosperity as key tenets of a healthy, happy, holy life," Khalsa said.

"During the invocation, I shared these values with our great legislators and asked for blessings upon our children, our educational institutions, the wellbeing of our elderly and those serving in the military" he said.

State Senator Sandalin said the traditions and culture of Sikhism contributed to the vibrancy and diversity of the state.

"With about 3,500 Sikh-owned businesses in Indiana, Sikhs have become one of the fastest growing business communities in our state, living a life of devotion and truthful living.

"I was proud to present the Sikh community with a resolution and was moved by the prayer they offered before yesterday's Senate session meeting," Sandalin said.
Iran's top nuclear negotiator for its 2015 deal with international powers warned today that the agreement was under threat unless foreign businesses and banks were able to trade freely in the country.

Deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told London's Chatham House that US President Donald Trump's hostility towards the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was creating a "destructive atmosphere" that meant businesses were afraid of dealing with Iran.

"As far as Iran is concerned, JCPOA is not a successful story," he said.

"Iran is not benefiting from sanction lifting in full."



Under the JCPOA, sanctions were lifted in return for a commitment not to pursue a nuclear bomb, but Iran claims it is not reaping the rewards despite complying with the deal.

The JCPOA was struck between Iran and Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the US, then led by Barack Obama.

But Trump called it the "worst deal ever" and has demanded that European partners "fix the terrible flaws" or he would re-impose sanctions, although he has so far issued "waivers" upholding the deal.

"It is like poison for the business community," said Araghchi.

"I don't think the deal can survive in this way. Even if the waivers are extended... if companies and banks are not working with Iran, we cannot remain in a deal that there is no benefit for us."



He accused Trump's administration of violating JCPOA "on a daily basis almost.""All these statements by President Trump are a violation of the deal, of the letter and the text of the deal.

"We have now a destructive atmosphere."



Tehran would not accept any changes to the deal, including attempts to tie it to Iran's ballistic missile programme, he said.

Much of the criticism of the deal revolves around its so-called "sunset" clauses, which detail when the various restrictions imposed on Iran's nuclear programme expire.

Araghchi denied that Iran would be able to build nuclear weapons after these provisions expire in 10-15 years time and insisted that Iran would not consider making the restrictions permanent.

"Iran's commitment in the JCPOA not to go for nuclear weapons is permanent," he said.

"To change these provisions and make these clauses permanent means killing of the deal.

"We accepted 10-15 years of restrictions for confidence building, it doesn't mean we have to build confidence forever, it's ridiculous."



If the deal did collapse, he warned the world would face "another nuclear crisis that would be very difficult to be resolved.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ivanka Trump will be leading a high-profile American delegation to the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics in South Korea this weekend, the White House has announced.

Vice President Mike Pence had led the US delegation for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics being held in Pyeongchang on February 9.

Ivanka, the eldest daughter and one of the advisors of US President Donald Trump, will be leading her country for the closing ceremony on February 24, the White House said yesterday.

"I am honoured to lead the US delegation to the closing ceremonies of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics. We look forward to congratulating 'Team USA' and celebrating all that our athletes have achieved. Their talent, drive, grit and spirit embodies American excellence, and inspire us all," Ivanka said.

Other members of the delegation include James E Risch, Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia and Counterterrorism, Sarah H Sanders, Press Secretary and General Vincent K Brooks, Commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and US Forces Korea.

According to a senior administration official, the delegation would be in South Korea to not only cheer on American athletes, but also reaffirm the US-South Korea alliance and reach out to and meet athletes from all countries, particularly from South Korea, and the South Korean people.

During the transition and at the beginning of the administration, Ivanka was involved in conversations with the Olympic committee about the mega event coming over to Los Angeles, another administration official said, explaining the reason for her being selected for the delegation.

Ivanka, during her stay in South Korea, would have a meeting with the South Korean President, the official said.

"A big part of our message, with regard to the Korean peninsula, is also standing shoulder to shoulder with a vital ally, celebrating the success of that ally and the remarkable transformation and rise of its society and economy over the past more than half century since the Korean War ended in 1953," the official said.

The official added that this will make clear to the world that the US and South Korea stand together as partners in this alliance, in a relationship and a friendship that "transcends the alliance", that's economic and cultural and so on.

"So, that's the fundamental, core message that she's going to be carrying. It's not meant to, nor does it detract from any other message, or indicate that we're turning away from any other message.

"But we think that, the appropriate message for this delegation to take, at the close of a successful games, is to say 'Well done and congratulations' to the South Korean people and forward to many more years of fruitful partnership between the two countries," said the official.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The J&K National Panthers Party (JKNPP) today held protests against the state government saying it had failed to deport Rohingyas and Bangladeshis from Jammu despite brewing public outrage, and demanded their immediate "repatriation". Activists led by JKNPP chairman Harsh Dev Singh staged a protest at the exhibition ground here and burnt an effigy of the coalition government. The protesters accused the BJP-PDP combine of disregarding the public sentiment with regard to the eviction of "illegally settled foreign immigrants" from Jammu. Singh said if the Rohingyas were settled in Jammu during the Congress rule but the BJP had provided them all amenities and facilitated their stay in and around the winter capital. They had illegally raised fabricated slums at some of the congested colonies in Jammu city and managed to procure PRCs, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, free water connections during the saffron rule, he added. Hitting out at the state government, the JKNPP chairman said the much hyped group of four BJP cabinet ministers tasked to identify unlawful immigrants had only colluded with them and facilitated their settlement in Jammu.

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NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant today said it is "extremely important" for the India-EU free trade pact to be ratified at the earliest as countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam already enjoy preferential access to European markets.

Kant also said the global suppliers will otherwise start looking at other avenues for sourcing as China was slowly ceding ground in the apparel space.

The proposed free trade agreement has been in works for long as the two sides are yet to bridge substantial gaps on crucial issues.

Addressing an event organised by apparel exporters' body AEPC India, Kant said, "Countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam are having preferential access in European markets and hence it is extremely important that we get the FTA with Europe ratified at the earliest.

"As far as Indian apparel exports are concerned, India is heavily reliant on cotton and we need to see how we can move to man-made fibres which can help us to garner more global share."



Kant, CEO of the government think-tank NITI Aayog, acknowledged there has been a reduction in the benefits for the industry after GST rollout.

"We are looking at ways through which we could bring it at par with the rates prevalent in the previous regime. For the benefit of the industry, the central and state levies should be refunded and the government will work with the industry to resolve this issue," he said.

Kant said it is important to resolve the issues like blocked taxes and refund of GST, and exchange rate related concerns to bring back the apparel export and manufacturing sector onto a growth path.

He further said a huge opportunity exists for India in the global apparel space with China moving out of the sector.

"China has started moving out of the apparel sector and there is a huge opportunity for India. Today the wages in China are 2-3 times that of India and given the aging population of China, the cost of apparel manufacturing will continue to rise there," Kant said.

AEPC Chairman HKL Magu said as India is gearing up to move towards WTO-compatible, production-based subsidies from export-based subsidies, it becomes extremely important that the country positions itself strongly as a responsible sourcing destination.

"At the UP Investor's Summit, we have signed a MoU with the UP Government to construct an apparel city in 200 acres on Yamuna Expressway. With AEPC's capability and initiatives, and continued understanding and support of the Government, India's apparel exports are sure to grow from strength to strength while providing international buyers with most superior solutions in fashion and apparel," Magu said.

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Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) chief and Union minister Upendra Kushwaha today met BJP president Amit Shah amid reports that he was unhappy with the senior ally over political equations in Bihar.

Though it was not clear what transpired at the meeting, RLSP sources said the two leaders discussed the political situation in Bihar. Bypolls to one Lok Sabha and two Assembly seats are scheduled to be held in the state next month.

The RLSP is peeved after it was announced that the JD(U) will field its candidate from the Jahanabad Assembly seat. The seat was allotted to Kushwaha's party in the 2015 Bihar Assembly polls by the BJP-led NDA. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) was not a part of the NDA then and had a tie-up with the RJD and Congress.

The RJD candidate had won the seat in 2015. The bypoll was necessitated due to his death.

BJP sources said the seat could not be allotted to the RLSP as Jahanabad MP Arun Kumar, who enjoyed a considerable influence in the region, had parted ways with Kushwaha and thus, the saffron party pursuaded the JD(U) to field its candidate.

Speculation over Kushwaha's future move is rife on account of his rivalry with Kumar.

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Prime Minster Narendra Modi today said he looks forward to holding talks with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau tomorrow to further strengthen relations between the two nations.

"I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries," Modi tweeted.

Prime Minister Modi not receiving Trudeau at the airport, a courtesy he extended to some world leaders in the past, had triggered speculation in Canada that it was a snub to him for the rising Sikh radicalism in that country.

However, government sources here had strongly rejected the speculation, insisting normal diplomatic protocol has been extended to Trudeau.

"I hope PM @JustinTrudeau and his family had a very enjoyable stay so far. I particularly look forward to meeting his children Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien," the PM said in another tweet.

He also posted a picture from his 2015 Canada visit when he had met Trudeau and Ella-Grace.

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The Madras High Court today granted anticipatory bail to M Muthaiah, chief temple architect of the Tamil government, in a gold idol theft case in Kancheepuram.

Muthaiah, chief 'sthapathi' of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department, had last month moved an anticipatory bail plea apprehending arrest by the Idol Wing CID police in the case related to 'hiving off' 5.75 kg of gold from the idol at the Lord Ekambaranathar Temple.

The idol wing had last month registered an FIR against nine people, including the temple executive officer Murugesan, Muthaiah, sculptor Masilamani and priest Rajappa.

While seeking anticipatory bail, Muthaiah had contented that he had no role in the heist and police had not produced any material evidence against him.

Granting the anticipatory bail, Justice R Mahadevan directed him to surrender before the judicial magistrate of Kancheepuram within a week and execute a personal bond for Rs 50,000 with two sureties to the like sum.

The judge also directed him to surrender his passport to the magistrate forthwith.

He was further directed to appear before the Idol Wing IG Pon Manickavel every Monday and Wednesday for three weeks and thereafter as and when required.

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The majority of the Central Reserve Police Force camps, located in Jammu and Kashmir, are running on an ad hoc basis, CRPF Director General R R Bhatnagar told a parliamentary panel today.

The members of the parliamentary standing committee on home affairs questioned the Home Ministry officials on the recent attack on a CRPF camp in Srinagar, asking whether installations of the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir was vulnerable.

During a meeting of the panel chaired by former Home Minister P Chidambaram, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury asked about the steps being taken for the security of the paramilitary camps in the Valley as these were repeatedly attacked by terrorists, a source who was present in the meeting, said on condition of anonymity.

Raising the recent attack at a CRPF camp in Srinagar, Chowdhury asked the top Home Ministry officials, led by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, whether such attacks reflected the vulnerability of the paramilitary camps.

Replying to the question, Bhatnagar said most of the paramilitary force camps were on an ad hoc basis and it was more easy to secure the boundary of the permanent camps.

In his reply, Bhatnagar also said that on various occasions the CRPF has even neutralised the terrorists in such attacks. He also shared the details of various similar attacks with the panel, the source added.

Few other MPs in the panel also supported Chowdhury while he was questioning the officials about the attack.

Earlier this month, an encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in Srinagar following a thwarted bid to attack a CRPF camp in Karan Nagar area in the city.

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Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has rejected an offer of mediation by Secretary General Antonio Guterres, a United Nations spokesperson said today.

"The Secretary-General is following the situation in the Maldives closely and with concern. He offered to the President UN mediation but the President conveyed that mediation was not wanted at this stage," said Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson of the UN Secretary General.

The world body has been keeping a close watch on the developments in Maldives.

On Tuesday, the Maldives' Parliament had extended the state of emergency by another 30 days, bolstering President Yameen's grip on power in the troubled Indian Ocean island nation.

President Yameen had first declared emergency on February 5 after the Supreme Court ordered the release of a group of Opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. Among them was exiled ex-President Mohamed Nasheed. The court said his 2015 trial had been unconstitutional.

The state of emergency will now end on March 22.

India yesterday reacted strongly over the extension of emergency in Maldives saying the manner in which the 30-day extension was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Maldivian Constitution is a "matter of concern".

There has been international condemnation of the Maldivian government's moves, including the imposition of the emergency.

The US also expressed disappointment over the development in Maldives and asked President Yameen to uphold the rule of law in the troubled Indian Ocean island nation.

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Maldives' Supreme Court has issued a temporary order, approving the parliament's decision to extend the state of emergency for another 30 days on the request of President Abdulla Yameen.

On Tuesday, the Maldives' Parliament had extended the state of emergency by another 30 days, bolstering President Yameen's grip on power in the troubled Indian Ocean island nation.

President Yameen had first declared emergency on February 5 after the Supreme Court ordered the release of a group of Opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. Among them was exiled ex-President Mohamed Nasheed. The court said his 2015 trial had been unconstitutional.

The state of emergency will now end on March 22.

The parliament sought apex court's advise on the state of emergency after some MPs said that a vote on the decree for state of emergency can be taken with 43 MPs.

The apex court yesterday issued a temporary ruling, ordering the Parliament and the relevant State authorities to act upon the Parliaments approval and extension of the Presidential Decree, said a statement issued by the President's Office in Male today.

India yesterday reacted strongly over the extension of emergency in Maldives saying the manner in which the 30-day extension was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Maldivian Constitution is a "matter of concern".

There has been international condemnation of the Maldivian government's moves, including the imposition of the emergency.

The US also expressed disappointment over the development in Maldives and asked President Yameen to uphold the rule of law in the troubled Indian Ocean island nation.

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The government is "ascertaining" details as to how convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal got a visa to enter India, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar today said.

A controversy erupted after Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel invited Atwal for a dinner which he was hosting for the visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his delegation tonight.

The high commission later said the invitation to Atwal was cancelled.

"There are two aspects of this. One is his presence at the event. I think this is something which should be addressed by the Canadian side. They have said that it was an oversight. And that is the reason the invitation for the reception tonight has been withdrawn.

"On the visa part, I cannot immediately say how that happened. There are different ways of people coming into India, whether you are an Indian national, or OCI card holder. We are ascertaining details from our mission. We will have to see how this happened," Kumar told reporters.

Atwal was convicted for trying to kill the then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

The cancellation of the invitation comes at a time when Trudeau's pro-Khalistan approach is being criticised by many including Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who raised the issue with the Canadian prime minister during a meeting.

On his part, Trudeau assured Singh that his country does not support separatism in India or elsewhere.

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A minor fire in a 1000-year old temple near here damaged pooja articles, clothes and an almirah kept in the sanctum sanctorum today, police said.

No one was injured in the fire at the Karuppur Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. The blaze was doused by fire and rescue service personnel in an half-hour long operation, they said.

The idol of the deity was intact, they said.

The mishap comes close on the heels of a major blaze in the Goddess Meenakshi temple in Madurai that destroyed 40 shops and anther minor fire at Sri Athi Kumbeswarar temple here earlier this month.

According to police, in the incident today, smoke was noticed around 1 PM by the locals.

Pooja articles, around 50 saris and 30 dhotis and an electronic muscial instrument were destroyed in the fire.

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One of the producers of a planned Rs 500 film on the Ramayana today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh government's cinema arm Film Bandhu.

The MoU was sealed at the UP Investors Summit 2018, today, according to a statement by the producer Madhu Mantena.

Billed as India's most expensive film, the project is also backed by Allu Aravind and Namit Malhotra besides Mantena.

Awanish Kumar Awasthi, principle secretary (information department) and chairman of Film Bandhu, announced that they will fully support the efforts of making "Ramayana" in Uttar Pradesh, the statement said.

There was, however, no official word on the development.

Speaking at the event, Mantena said he was inspired to make the film by the life and work of Anand Pai of Amar Chitra Katha. Pai popularised mythological stories through his Amar Chitra Katha stories.

Mantena, who has produced "Ghajini", said the new project is an effort to retell Indian mythology to all generations in all its audio visual glory with the help of the latest technology and visual effects.

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A Congress delegation today approached the Election Commission (EC) to shift out the Shivpuri district collector and superintendent of police and claimed that Mahendra Singh Yadav, its candidate for the Kolaras Assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh, was attacked.

The delegation comprising Jyotiraditya Scindia, the chief whip of the party in the Lok Sabha, Kantilal Bhuria and Kamal Nath, met Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat and demanded that an FIR be registered in this regard.

Scindia claimed that Congress workers had apprehended a car belonging to Narendra Kushwaha, the Bhind MLA of the BJP. They had also approached the police in this regard, but instead of seizing the car and arresting Kushwaha, the police colluded with him, he alleged.

Scindia further claimed that the police lathi-charged the Congress workers, in which Yadav suffered injuries to one of his eyes.

"The police entered the residence of Yadav and started investigation. So, those who nabbed the criminals are being harassed. We have demanded that the district collector and SP be shifted out of Shivpuri and an FIR be registered," Scindia told reporters.

Nath claimed that the BJP was resorting to such tactics as it was sure of its drubbing in the upcoming bypolls to two Assembly seats.

The bypoll to the constituencies will be held on Saturday.

The Congress has fielded Mahendra Singh Yadav from Kolaras and Brijendra Singh Yadav from Mungaoli, while the BJP has fielded Baisahab Yadav from Mungaoli and Devendra Jain from Kolaras.

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Mahendra Singh Yadav, the Congress candidate for Kolaras Assembly by-election in Madhya Pradesh, suffered injuries when police lathi-charged party workers who were staging a protest at Khatoura in the district, the opposition party claimed tonight.

The by-election is scheduled for February 24.

Congress workers were protesting against the presence of BJP MLA Narendra Singh Kushwaha in the constituency after the end of the campaign at 5 PM, said Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi.

As Kushawaha's SUV was passing, Congress workers surrounded it and deamanded that police search the vehicle on the suspicion that there was cash inside, but the police failed to do so, Chaturvedi added.

The car driver sped off, and enarged workers pelted stones, prompting police to lathi-charge, he said. Yadav, who had rushed to the spot after getting information about party workers' protest, suffered injuries in the lathi-charge, Chaturvedi said.

BJP MLA Kushwaha, on the other hand, told reporters that when he was returning home in his SUV, the vehicle was damaged by Congress workers.

Police searched the SUV and not a single rupees was found in it, he said, adding that he lodged an FIR about the attack on him at the Kolaras police station.

Shivpuri Collector Tarun Rathi said the matter was under investigation. The District Superintendent of Police and Additional District Magistrate had gone to the spot to probe the incident, he said.

Protesting against the incident, Congress workers, led by MLA Ramniwas Rawat, staged a sit-in before the Collector's residence in Shivpuri, demanding action against BJP leaders.

Police could not be contaced for comment about the allegation of lathi-charge.

Senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia raised the issue with the Election Commission in Delhi, Congress spokesperson Chaturvedi claimed.

Madhya Pradesh deputy chief electoral officer S S Bansal said, "We have received complaints on the issue and concerned officers are probing the incident."



The high-voltage campaign for by-elections to Mungaoli and Kolaras Assembly constituencies in Madhya Pradesh ended today. The by-polls, scheduled for February 24, were necessitated due to the death of Congress MLAs Mahendra Singh Kalukheda (Mungaoli) and Ram Singh Yadav (Kolaras).

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Madhya Pradesh Industry Minister Rajendra Shukla today congratulated Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi of the Indian Air Force for becoming the first Indian woman to fly a fighter jet solo.

Both Chaturvedi and Shukla hail from Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh.

"Avani has added a new chapter in the Indian Air Force history and this has raised the honour of people of Madhya Pradesh, especially the Vindhya region," said the minister.

The IAF officer's father D P Chaturvedi, who is posted as an executive engineer with the water resources department at Rewa, told PTI, "She called me after the solo flight and was very happy. She told me it was successful.

"I asked her to keep her confidence level always high," he said.

Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo when she flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo flight from the IAF's Jamnagar base on Monday.

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The New Delhi Municipal Corporation today told the Delhi High Court that it has withdrawn its yesterday's notice sealing certain portions of luxury hotel Le Meridien, which was part of alleged illegal construction.

The court noted that the hotel will seek some documents and inspection reports of the premises from the NDMC. On receiving these documents, the hotel authorities would reply to the NDMC's January 19 show cause notice which had said that the construction carried out in the commercial block of the hotel was unauthorised" and without the prior approval of civic body.

Thereafter, the corporation could take action as per law, the court noted.

The matter had reached the high court after the hotel approached it against the corporation's move to seal certain portions, including restaurant, banquet halls, gymnasium and other common areas. In a late development last night, the court directed it to de-seal the area as an interim relief.

During the day, Justice Rekha Palli was informed by Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain that the NDMC's February 21 sealing order be treated as withdrawn as it was passed without giving relevant documents, including inspection reports, to the hotel authorities.

Jain, however, opposed the hotel's plea challenging the sealing action of the corporation and said the petition was not maintainable.

Senior advocate A S Chandiok, appearing for the hotel, said that after the January 19 show cause notice, they had requested the NDMC to provide them inspection reports and certain other documents based on which they had come to the conclusion that the hotel had carried out any unauthorised construction, but the corporation had refused to give them.

To this, the ASG submitted that the request for documents was overlooked and the sealing order was passed without giving the relevant documents. He said the corporation will now give the inspection reports to the hotel.

Yesterday, NDMC officials had said that 24 portions of the property were sealed, including 10 points in the commercial tower, 11 in the hotel block and three in the basement.

The court noted that the hotel was constructed in 1987 and after 30 years, a show cause notice was issued on alleged deviations or unauthorised construction.

"Do the byelaws say that you will straightaway go and seal the premises? Your officer said there was no need to intimate. Is this the manner a corporation will function," it asked.

Jain said that a list of all the deviations was mentioned in the order given to the hotel.

In September 2017, NDMC had carried out sealing drive at the hotel's commercial tower, which has 98 occupants. However, the tower was de-sealed after one of the occupants filed a writ petition in the high court.

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Jammu and Kashmir Bank today said it had "no direct exposure" to the companies of Nirav Modi and was not affected by the fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) issued by the Punjab National Bank.

"The (Jammu and Kashmir) Bank had no direct exposure to the Nirav Modi Group companies and was not affected by any fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoU) issued by the Punjab National Bank," a spokesman of the bank said in a statement here.

The bank, however, was having a business account of Gitanjali Gems in its business unit at Fort in Mumbai since 2012 wherein the bank had sanctioned a working capital loan of Rs 121 crore under a consortium arrangement of 31 banks led by ICICI bank, the spokesman said.

He said the J&K Bank's share in the total loan facilities of Rs 5,198 crore by the consortium was 2.33 per cent.

In the wake of recent developments surrounding Gitanjali Gems, the spokesman said the consortium recently discussed and agreed that banks may individually decide to recall the facilities and may also freeze all the accounts except for allowing few mandatory and statutory payments.

"Acting swiftly J&K Bank has already initiated freeze on all debits in the account of Gitanjali Gems Limited and issued recall notice to the company which will be followed by legal action," he said.

Reacting to media reports, the spokesman said any other information regarding the matter in some sections of media is factually incorrect.

"The bank had during its clean up and consolidation drive 18 months ago reckoned the account as a stressed account and consciously avoided additional exposure in the company," he added.

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No petition was argued in the Calcutta High Court as a five-day ceasework called by the lawyers' association demanding appointment of judges at the high court entered its fourth day today.

The High Court Bar Association will meet on Monday to discuss the next course of action to fulfill its demand for filling up of vacancies in the judiciary of the oldest high court in the country.

One of the three chartered high courts set up in the country, it is facing a severe shortage of judges, thus delaying dispensation of justice, Bar Association president Uttam Majumdar said.

The high court at present has only 30 sitting judges out of a sanctioned strength of 72. Out of the 30, two judges are permanently on rotation at the Andaman and Nicobar Circuit bench of the high court.

"The association will meet on Monday in an emergency general body meeting to discuss the issue and future course of action for fulfilling its demand," Majumdar said.

The corridors and court rooms wore an almost deserted look in the absence of the men and women in black gowns, even as some litigants turned up hoping for resumption of court hearings.

Judges sat in their court rooms in the morning and petitions were called for hearing as usual.

But with no lawyer appearing to argue the cases, the judges rose from their court rooms later and retired to their respective chambers.

More than 2.22 lakh cases were pending before the high court as on December 31, 2017.

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Persisting with its displeasure over the extension of emergency in the Maldives, India said today it does not see a valid reason for the Maldivian parliament to do so and maintained that it continues to watch the situation in the island nation.

Yesterday, India had expressed "deep dismay" over the Maldivian parliament accepting President Abdulla Yameen's recommendation to extend the state of emergency by another 30 days in a manner New Delhi dubbed as a "matter of concern".

We do not see any valid reason for doing so. We, of course, continue to watch the situation and would continue to urge the government of Maldives to release political prisoners, release the chief justice, implement the Supreme Court order and restore the normal functions of the institutions of democracy, external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Kumar said that Indias sincere desire is to see that democracy in the Maldives is restored and the situation resumes to normal. This is also the desire of the people of Maldives, he added.

The declaration of emergency earlier this month in the archipelago, known for his turquoise waters and beaches, saw the nation plunging into a political crisis.

President Yameen declared emergency on February 5 after the Supreme Court ordered the release of a group of Opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely-criticised trials. Among them, was exiled ex-president Mohamed Nasheed. The court said his trial was unconstitutional.

There has been international condemnation of the Maldivian government's moves, including the imposition of emergency.

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Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced the formation of two special cells in the state for counselling women who are "subjected to violence or abuse".

The two cells in Rourkela and Balasore districts will function in collaboration with the National Commission for Women and Tata Institute of Social Science, the CM said after inaugurating national convention "Emerging Challenges of Violence and Women: Cyber Crime and Witch Hunting" here.

Stating that his government accords topmost priority to the safety of women, Patnaik said 29 investigation units have been set up in various districts to deal with cases of violence and abuse.

"Women are allowed to file FIR in any police station of the state. The complaint can then be transferred to the police station concerned. The government has also established women and children helpdesks in all 537 police stations of Odisha. Six Mahila (women's) police stations have also been set up in the state," Patnaik said.

Although Information Technology has brought about a "revolution" in all fields, it has also made way for cyber crimes, Patnaik noted.

"Cyber Crime is an emerging challenge for the entire country. There is a need for creating awareness among women by way of promoting digital inclusion, empowering women through digital literacy and imparting technology training," he said.

The state government has set up cyber police stations at Cuttack, Sambalpur, Rourkela and Berhampur. Also, cyber crime cells have been established in all police stations of the state, the chief minister said.

Noting that witch-hunting can lead to "lifelong suffering" for women, Patnaik said, "The state government has enacted the Odisha Prevention of Witch Hunting Act, 2013 and has also prepared a composite action plan to tackle the menace of witch hunting."



The convention, organised by the State Commission for Women, was attended by representatives from different states and the NCW, New Delhi.

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Ahead of the February-24 by-poll in Bijepur Assembly seat in Odisha's Bargarh district, the Sub-divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Padampur Laxmi Narayan Panda was today transferred, police said.

"The transfer of Laxmi Narayan Panda has been made by the order of the chief electoral officer (CEO)," Director General of Police (DGP) R P Sharma told reporters here.

Railway Police Officer (GRP) of Jharsuguda, Khirasagar Nayak, has been posted as SDPO, Padampur in place of Panda, Sharma said adding that the outgoing SDPO has been posted at the office of the IG, Northern Range, in Sambalpur.

Earlier, a delegation led by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had moved the Election Commission of India seeking Panda's trasnfer from Padmapur, which is part of the by-poll bound Bijepur Assembly seat.

Pradhan had raised question as to how Panda without carrying out any investigation know that Rs 40.5 lakh seized from a vehicle at Mahulipali on Padampur-Bijepur road on February 17 from one Akash Agarwal, was meant for BJPs election expenses.

The BJP had accused Panda of working for the ruling BJD.

The Odisha govenrment On February 10 had appointed Yamini Sarangi and J N Pankaj as collector and SP respectively of Bargarh in place of Khagendra Padhi and Jugal Banoth following a directive of the Election Commission.

The opposition BJP too had sought transfer of Bargarh district collector and SP.

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A row erupted in the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) over a controversial play on Nathuram Godse being staged on the campus as come students alleged it portrayed father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi in poor light, officials said today.

A video of the play uploaded on the social media had the student community divided on whether it should be staged or not while some angry youngsters filed a complaint with the police over it, they added.

Some of the students raised a strong objection about the performance of Marathi play- 'Me Nathuram Godse Boltoy' (I, Nathuram Godse speaking ) ,which was performed on Tuesday during a three-day cultural festival 'Sanskriti-2018' organised by the arts faculty on the varsity campus, an official said.

Some of the students wrote to the varsity administration protesting the play. They also handed over a complaint at the Lanka police station, alleging that the drama made a mockery of the principle of truth and non-violence, the official said.

They alleged it indicated a larger conspiracy that needed to be probed as to why such a play was allowed, the official said.

The students alleged the play allegedly glorified Nathuram Godse, and also justified assassination of Mahatama Gandhi, whom the play held responsible for the partition of India, the official added.

BHU PRO Rajesh Singh said that students were giving a five-minute performance of the play ,which they had chosen on their own.

"There is no such conspiracy in it or some deliberate intention to perform it and also there is nothing wrong if the student staged the play of his own choice," he said. Some students objected. One of them, Vikas, lodged a complaint with the varsity as well as the police.The varsity is further probing the matter," Rajesh Singh said.

A police official also confirmed that a complaint regarding the play had been received.

When contacted, Vikas said the play was based on a book banned by the Maharashtra government. The play was staged in BHU on Feb 20, on which I lodged my objection by filing complaints with the police and varsity administration, he said.

A video of the play being performed by students was uploaded on social media.

Student website BHU Buzz Buzz was flooded with comments and views of students on the controversial play, with supporting it citing freedom of speech and expression, whereas others said the play was an embarrassment.

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A petition has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking that the police be directed to file a case against DMK MP Kanimozhi, lyricist Vairamuthu and Dravida Kazhagam leader Veeramani for delivering speeches that allegedly hurt Hindu religious sentiments.

The petition was filed by G Radhakrishnan, who described himself as a social worker campaigning for the rights of deprived Hindus.

The petitioner alleged speeches by the three had hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.

When the plea came up today, Justice M S Ramesh directed the government to give its reply on March 1, and adjourned the matter till then.

The petitioner submitted that hurting the feelings of any religion was against the Constitution of India.

Despite filing a complaint, the police did not take any action which prompted him to move court, the petitioner said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at a poll rally here today, batted for the development of Meghalaya and said the north-eastern state was not safe in the hands of the Congress.

He appealed to the people to give the BJP a chance to ''serve the state'' and assured them that the party had the single agenda of development.

The 60-member Meghalaya Assembly is scheduled to go to the polls on February 27.

In a bid to reach out to the majority Christian population of Meghalaya, Modi said the Centre did not remain a ''silent spectator'' when missionaries and workers of minority communities were terrorised in conflict zones.

Modi's rally at Shyamnagar village in Phulbari of West Garo Hills district was the first in the state by a prime minister.

''For 50 years, there has been nothing. We ask you to give us five years and let us undo the damage of the last 50 years. Try us and if we fail, throw us out.

''Give us (BJP) a chance to serve the state. We will ensure good governance, guided by the philosophy of sabka saath, sabka vikas...I promise you that a BJP government in Meghalaya will account for every rupee spent,'' the prime minister said.

Without good roads, there could be no development, he said, adding that in the Garo Hills, the roads had become cultivating fields due to their total disrepair. ''In five years, I assure you that we will bring the change the people want,'' Modi said.

''Wherever I see, there are only people and to think that there can be such a huge support (to the BJP) in this small state is amazing. This is a call for parivartan in Meghalaya and the people are yearning for a change,'' he added.

Reaching out to the Christian population, Modi said, ''We have not remained a silent spectator when Christian missionaries and minority workers were terrorised in conflict zones.''



He cited examples of how the BJP-led government at the Centre had helped rescue 46 nurses from Kerala when they were abducted by terrorists in Iraq.

''Father Alex Premkumar, a missionary working in Afghanistan, had been languishing in terrorist captivity for 18 long months and even his family had given up on his being alive, but we had not. Our government worked tirelessly to ensure his safe return and when I called his sister to inform her about his rescue, she could not believe that the prime minister was calling her and that her brother was alive,'' Modi said.

He also mentioned the help extended by his government to Father Tom to get him safely back from Yemen.

Modi urged the people to demand accountability from the Congress government in the state and spoke about the funds being released annually to the state for development purposes, most of which, he alleged, was not even utilised.

Stating that 80 per cent of the money spent in the state came from the Centre, Modi said, ''Successive governments watched without taking action as funds were misappropriated every year. But when our government came to power in Delhi, we sought accountability.''



This step by the BJP government at the Centre led to the states not being able to continue with their earlier routine of siphoning funds, he alleged and pointed to the monthly visits by central ministers under the Ministry of DoNER to the north-east.

''After we asked for utilisation of the funds and later insisted on spot inspection of the project sites, the Congress government in Meghalaya is now reluctant to seek project funds from New Delhi, Modi said.

Hitting out at the Congress government in the state, he said, ''There is a long list of scams to the credit of the state government and Meghalaya is not safe in the hands of the Congress'' and alleged that the state government was involved in a scam in the recruitment of teachers.

The BJP-led government, Modi claimed, had brought Delhi to the north-east. ''Earlier, the visits by central ministers were few and far between, but in the past four years, each month a Union minister has visited the region,'' he said.

The prime minister said an amount of Rs 470 crore was granted by the Centre to the state for the construction of roads in villages under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), adding that the Meghalaya government was unable to spend even 50 per cent of the funds.

He said funds for highways were enhanced from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore for Meghalaya.

Funds had also been given for the construction of 21,000 houses for the poor, the prime minister said and alleged that the Congress government had stalled the construction of about 16,000 houses.

Stating that the Centre wanted to further strengthen its "Act East Policy", Modi said it would open up opportunities for the people in the north-east.

''We have planned to spend around Rs 180 crore for building the new Shillong airport. It will boost the possibilities of industrial development, besides generating employment opportunities for the common man,'' the prime minister said.

Pointing out that Meghalaya had an immense potential in tourism, he said, "No efforts were ever made to strengthen the sector. We will ensure that more and more tourists arrive here. This will generate income opportunities for the people.''



Taking a dig at Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, he said though the CM was a doctor himself, the healthcare sector was in bad shape in the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive here on a one-day visit on February 25 to participate in the golden jubilee celebrations of nearby Auroville International township.

The visit, first by Modi to the union territory after becoming the Prime Minister, was earlier slated for February 24 but has now been rescheduled to February 25, official sources said today.

Chief Minister V Narayanasamy told reporters that he and his ministerial colleagues would meet the Prime Minister at the airport and seek the Centre's assistance to the Puducherry government for development works.

Arriving by a special flight at 10.40 am, Modi would first visit the Aurobindo Ashram here and pay homage to its founder spiritual leader Sri Aurobindo. He would sit in meditation for a few minutes at the memorial of Aurobindo, sources in the Aurobindo Society said.

Modi will also visit the room where Aurobindo carried out his spiritual experiments.

Later, he would interact with the children of the International School of Education run by the ashram.

Hewill then proceed by road to Auroville (City of Dawn) International Township situated in neighbouring Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu andparticipate in the golden jubilee celebrations.

The international or universal project envisioned by the Mother of Aurobindo Ashram (Mirra Alfassa) is dedicated to the ideal of human unity.

Modi would spend nearly two hours in the township.

From there, he would come back here and address a public meeting organised by the Puducherry unit of BJP before leaving for Chennai.

Security had been stepped up at all places that the Prime Minister would visit and also at the helipad where he would address the public meeting, police said.

Senior Police officers of Puducherry held a meeting with a team of Special Protection Group (SPG).

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Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday said the Rs 114 billion scam at the PNB had pushed the controversy surrounding the purchase of Rafale fighter jets to the back-burner.

"Bigwigs indulge in corruption and leave the country. However, poor farmers, who have taken small loans but are unable to repay them, are forced to end their lives. Until this contrast ends, fixing nets in Mantralaya (to prevent suicides) will not solve the issue. How were loans worth thousands of crores given?" he questioned.

He asked how it was possible for some people to siphon off thousands of crores of rupees in the past two-three years when, during demonetisation, ordinary people were asked several questions when they went to their banks to withdraw cash.

"Scams are coming out in the open one after the other. Due to this issue (the Punjab Bank scam), the Rafale scam has been put on the back-burner," Thackeray said.

He was speaking to reporters here after launching a book by Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe, who completed 20 years in the party.

The Sena chief said there was an atmosphere of suspicion towards banks in the country today as people had deposited their life's savings thinking that banks were safe.

However, when a bank is bust by someone intentionally, the government takes responsibility for just Rs 100,000, he said.

"I have asked Sena MPs to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the finance minister and submit a memorandum, asking that the government take complete responsibility for people's money. If the government can wring our necks and collect taxes, why can't it safeguard our money?" Thackeray questioned.

On a query on his absence from the "Magnetic Maharashtra" business summit, Thackeray said that no actual work was done despite several MoUs being signed and 'bhoomipujan' being conducted.

"I will now go only for the actual inauguration of projects. Many times, policies of the Centre and the state change and projects don't take off. It remains to be seen how many projects actually fructify this time. Care should be taken to ensure that the money, received by way of investments, is not taken away like how (Nirav) Modi did," he said.
Belgian police sealed off several streets in suburban Brussels today after reports of armed men and a murder, but there were no indications of terrorism, officials said.

Armed officers blocked traffic while a helicopter hovered over the scene of the incident in the Forest district, an AFP journalist said.

In 2016, the district was the scene of a shootout with police involving Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam that led to his capture three days later.

A local police spokesman told AFP a Polish man had gone to a local shop today "and said that a murder had been committed at a local residence.

"The residence was visited and there was nothing. But other people spoke of a disturbance nearby."



Local mayor Marc-Jean Ghyssels told broadcaster RTBF that police were called because of the "presence of armed people in a building."



"At this stage it seems to be a private dispute. There is absolutely no link with terrorism," he said.

Belgium recently lowered its terror alert to its second lowest level, nearly two years after the Brussels airport and metro suicide attacks.

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Senior lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani today told the Bombay High Court that the alleged fake encounter case of gangster Sohrabuddin Shaikh was cooked up by a "politically motivated" CBI in 2005, and the agency is now "much more balanced".

Appearing for Rajkumar Pandian, an IPS officer discharged from the case, Jethmalani said Shaikh and his aide Tulsiram Prajapati, who was also killed in another alleged fake encounter, were notorious gangsters, wanted by police in three states.

Arguing before the court against a petition challenging Pandian's discharge, he claimed Shaikh was a terrorist with links to the fugitive mafia don Dawood Ibrahim.

"Sohrabuddin was a terrorist. He had been in touch with Dawood Ibrahim, who had provided him with a large cache of arms to propagate anti-national activities in the country.

"Both Sohrabuddin and Prajapati were criminals and extortionists who had several cases registered against them," Jethmalani said.

Sohrabuddin was wanted by police in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, he said.

"The police had been trying to arrest them. When Sohrabuddin was finally arrested in 2005 and was possibly shot by the police while he was trying to flee, the politically motivated CBI of that time built a story of a fake encounter," Jethmalani said, obliquely targeting the then UPA government.

The high court, which is hearing petitions against discharge of some of the accused, asked what he meant by politically motivated CBI of "that time".

"What are you trying to say?" asked Justice Revati Mohite-Dere.

Jethmalani replied that he was merely saying that the CBI "today is much more balanced."



The judge shot back, asking "Is that why it refuses to provide any assistance to this court?"



Justice Mohite-Dere has been conducting day-to-day hearing of petitions filed by the CBI and Rubabuddin Shaikh, Sohrabuddin's brother, challenging the discharge of five of the 14 police officers accused in the case, since February 9.

Sohrabuddin was killed in an alleged fake encounter by Gujarat police in November 2005, while Prajapati, a witness to the killing, was shot dead in another staged encounter by Gujarat and Rajasthan police in December 2006.

Sohrabuddin's wife Kausar Bi, who was with him, disappeared and was believed to have been killed and her body burnt to destroy evidence.

Of the 38 people charged by the CBI in the case, 15, including senior IPS officers D G Vanzara, Pandian and Dinesh MN, and BJP president Amit Shah were discharged by the special CBI court in Mumbai between August 2016 and September 2017. Shah was the minister of state for home in Gujarat when the encounters took place.

Currently, the HC is hearing the arguments of Pandian's lawyer, opposing Rubabuddin's plea challenging his discharge.

Jethmalani also said that though Pandian was in Ahmedabad on the day of Sohrabuddin's death, the IPS officer had no role in it.

While the CBI's primary evidence was the testimony of Nathuba Jadeja, the driver of the vehicle in which Sohrabuddin and Kausar Bi were taken to the site of the encounter, he was an unreliable witness, the lawyer said.

In his statement before the magistrate, Jadeja had said that Pandian was sitting in the same vehicle, and Pandian and Vanzara were present when Kausar Bi's body was burnt.

However, during his cross-examination before the special CBI court where the trial is under way, Jadeja turned hostile, the lawyer pointed out.

The hearing will continue tomorrow.

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The goverment today said it will continue with the price cap on life-saving coronary stents and asked the industry to be ready to meet the demand for medical devices once the mega health insurance plan is rolled out.

Earlier this year, the government had revised the ceiling prices for bare metal stents and drug eluting ones. Last year, it slashed the rates by up to 85 per cent.

In case of bare metal stents (BMS), the government has increased the prices from current Rs 7,400 to Rs 7,660. The price of drug eluting stents (DES) has been lowered to Rs 27,890 from Rs 30,180.

"We have reduced the stent prices further this year... Price control will continue on stent," Chemical, Fertiliser and Pharmaceuatical Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters here.

Earlier, cardiac patients were not able to afford the stent procedure because of high cost and after the price cut, 1-1.5 lakh more patients are benefiting, he said.

India has over 6 crore cardiac patients, out of which 5-5.5 lakh undergo the stent procedure. About Rs 5,500-6,000 crore has been saved from the price capping of stents, Kumar said.

Stating that the government's national health insurance scheme is a revolutionary step, Kumar said the initiative will provide health security cover to 10 crore vulnerable families.

The scheme has been designed to ensure that the poor is able to get the medical facility, he added.

"I conducted an internal study to know the demographic distribution of medicines. It revealed that 30 per cent of population was consuming 60 per cent medicines, while the rest of the population was consuming only 30 per cent medicines. To correct this, the Modicare has been launched," he explained.

As the demand for pharma and medical products will increase with this mega healthcare initiative, the industry needs to be prepared for that, the minister said.

Not only infrastructure, but also human resources requirement will increase and "all have to be prepared for that," he noted.

Kumar further said that the domestic production of medicine is likely to double to 4 lakh crore in the next five years from the current 2 lakh crore with the implementation of this healthcare initiative.

He further said the government has opened 3,177 Jan Aushadhi Kendras to provide quality drugs at affordable prices across the country. The plan is to open such kendras in each block in the country.

Talking about fertiliser sector, the minister said the work is in progress with respect to revival of sick urea plants and the Ramagundam plant in Telangana is expected to be commissioned by end of this year.

The Gadepan-III urea plant in Kota, Rajasthan will be commissioned next year, while that of Sindri (Jharkhand), Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Barauni (Bihar) units between 2020-2023, he said.

Talking about polymers, Kumar said India's demand for plastics is expected to double to 30 million tonnes by 2022 and the country does not have enough human resources especially plastic engineers and technicians to cater the industry need.

The government has set up 16 centres of the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET) in the last three years taking the total number of CIPET centres to 27 in the country. The aim is to reach 50 centres by next year, he added.

The students passing out from these institutes have increased to 1.7 lakh from mere 40,000 three years before, he said.

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Several protests were held here today demanding punishment to those involved in the rape and murder of an eight-year-old nomad girl in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, even as police foiled a separatists' march toward Lal Chowk area over the issue.

Protests were held by separatists, civil society members and students near the Lal Chowk city centre here in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Separatists, under the banner of the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), led by JKLF chief Yasin Malik, held a protest march near the party head office in Abi Guzar area of the city.

The protesters carried placards demanding justice for the minor girl and punishment of the culprits involved in the crime.

Talking to reporters, Malik said the JRL, comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Malik, resolved to fight for the justice to the victim.

Representatives of Kashmiri Pandit community and Christian community also spoke on the occasion and demanded exemplary punishment to the perpetrators of the crime.

The protesters then tried to march towards Lal Chowk but was foiled by a posse of policemen deployed there. Many separatists, including Malik, were then taken into custody. Later, members of civil society also staged a protest in Pratap Park here, demanding the people involved in the crime be hanged.

"It pains us that some people are supporting murderers and rapists. Is the humanity dead? How can they support rapists and murderers? We want the murderers be given exemplary punishment. They should be hanged," Shakeel Qalander said.

The protest was also joined by five-year-old Jannat, who was lauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter for her efforts to clean the Dal Lake.

A group of students also held a protest march at the Press Enclave here demanding punishment to the people involved in the murder of the girl.

Meanwhile, opposition National Conference working president Omar Abdullah, responding to a reported statement by BJP leader and Union minister Jitendra Singh having no objection in handing over the case to the CBI, tweeted: "The case is being handled by the J&K police. If @MehboobaMufti agrees to hand the case over to the CBI it will be another instalment in the price she's paying to remain CM.

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IAS officers attached to the Puducherry government have condemned the alleged assault on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash and demanded that all those who "abetted, colluded and perpetrated such a despicable criminal attack" should be brought to book.

In a resolution adopted at joint meeting of the officers, including Puducherry Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar, here yesterday, the officers also said safety and security of officers were "non negotiable pre-requisites" in day-to-day governance.

Anshu Prakash had alleged that two ruling Aam Aadmi Party MLAs "started hitting and assaulting" him "with blows on head and temple" during a meeting at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence on February 19. The MLAs have since been arrested.

The Aam Aadmi Party has denied the allegations.

"It was shocking to note that such a grave incident had taken place at the residence of the Chief Minister of Delhi in front of the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister," the resolution, copies of which were circulated to media today, said.

The sequence of events "...reveals that it was a pre-meditated and calculated assault not only to create a fear psychosis but also to coerce, intimidate and destabilise the effective functioning of the Chief Secretary of Delhi government and the entire official machinery," it said.

Asserting that the IAS officers of Puducherry government "strongly stood" by the Delhi Chief Secretary, it said "all those who aided, abetted, colluded and perpetrated such a despicable criminal attack on the Chief Secretary should be brought to book and justice without any delay."



The officers also said that investigations and the trial should be expedited on a fast track basis andguilty punished.

The resolution said other officers in the Delhi government had also been subjected to "threats, vilification, humiliation and ignominy" at the hands of political executives and MLAs in the recent past.

A 'conducive' working environment should be ensured so that officers work in a free and fair environment to uphold the rule of law, it said requesting the Union Home Ministry to intervene in the matter and take suitable corrective measures.

The signatories to the resolution included the Puducherry Chief Secretary, District Collector Satyendra Singh Dursawat and Development Commissioner A Anbarasu.

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Punjab government officials from various departments today gave a presentation to a NITI Aayog team on issues facing the state, an official spokesman said.

The NITI Aayog team, led by Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar, patiently heard the issues during the meeting held at Punjab Bhawan in Chandigarh in presence of Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal and Chairman of Punjab State Farmers' Commission Ajay Vir Jakhar, the official said in a statement.

He said various state government departments, including agriculture, forest, housing and urban development, and school education participated in the meeting.

The agriculture department raised the issues of fixing the MSP for crops, review of sharing pattern of the central government-sponsored schemes, financial assistance to curb burning of crop residues, and special package for modernisation of irrigation infrastructure in the state.

The spokesman said that the school education department called for empowering states by giving central funding to the state.

Other officials participating in the meeting also raised with before the NITI Aayog team the issues facing their respective departments.

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Punjab government is looking to raise extra revenue of Rs 1,000 crore from liquor business in the next financial year, state's finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal said today.

"We are working with the stakeholders. We are aiming at 20 per cent increase (in revenue from excise). Though the excise policy (for 2018-19) is not yet out, we are hopeful of raising revenue from it," Badal said.

"Our focus will be if we can raise extra revenue... between Rs 800-1,000 crore," he said.

Punjab had projected revenue generation of Rs 5,422 crore from the state excise for the current fiscal. The revenue from liquor business constitutes almost 14 per cent of state's own tax revenue.

The Punjab government had earlier proposed to set up a wholesale liquor corporation for liquor distribution to boost revenue and end monopolistic practices in the liquor trade, which is currently completely controlled by private players in the state.

Badal also said the focus of the state budget for 2018-19, which is expected to be presented next month, would be on fiscal consolidation and the government would be able to generate Rs 5,000 crore through cost-cutting and extra revenue generation.

"We want that our expenses should not be more than our revenue. Our medium term goal is to be revenue neutral in the fourth year," he said while emphasizing on saving money through reducing unproductive expenditure.

The finance minister also said the aim is to bring down the losses incurred on account of money spent on the transportation, labour charges, gunny bags etc in foodgrain procurement.

"Our losses from foodgrain are at present Rs 1,800 crore and we are aiming to save Rs 600 crore this year," he said.

Badal said the state government would approach the Centre for reimbursement of the actual expenditure on account of transportation, labour, handling etc for foodgrain.

Punjab government is also betting big on mining sector for additional revenue generation.

"I am looking at raising Rs 600 crore from mining as against miniscule revenue generated during previous regime. Mining has the potential to generate revenue of Rs 1,500 to 2,000 crore," he said.

"Through such steps, we may generate Rs 5,000 crore in next fiscal," Manpreet said.

In its budget last year, Punjab government had projected revenue deficit at Rs 14,784.87 crore for the current fiscal as against Rs 11,362.02 crore for the previous fiscal.

Badal also said a meeting of an interstate council of the northern zone including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and UT Chandigarh will be held either before GST council meeting or on the sidelines of that meeting.

The interstate council meeting would discuss uniformity in taxation on petroleum products, motor vehicle registration tax and tourism promotion.

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Punjab government will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC) , Ludhiana to keep a check on the unauthorised constructions and encroachments in the state.

Local Government Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu today claimed that the remote sensing technology would not only help in mapping all illegal constructions in the state, but also help in revenue generation through collection of taxes from such illegal structures.

He added it is because of the absence of any strong mechanisms that such illegal structures have usually gone unnoticed.

Sidhu, who was the chief guest of National Conference on 'Role of Geospatial Technologies to Bridge the Rural and Urban Divide', while addressing the gathering sought the support of scientists in his endeavour to make Punjab race ahead of other states in the country.

The minister, during the conference, asked the officials of the PRSC to send a proposal in regard of the remote sensing technology helping keep a check on illegal construction, following which he said he would discuss with Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh about signing of the MoU with them.

"Satellite mapping would help in preventing the illegal colonies, structures, and encroachments, both in the urban as well as rural areas," Sidhu said, adding that around 8,500 illegal colonies are there in the state at present.

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Army chief Bipin Rawat's remarks about the rise of the AIUDF and changing demography in the northeast drew a sharp backlash today from the Assam-based party's chief Badruddin Ajmal, who called the comments "politically driven and shocking".

Rawat's was slammed for his remarks by opposition parties, including the Congress and the Left, but the BJP said there was nothing new in what he had said and that the Supreme Court had expressed the same view some time back.

"We respect Rawat as the Army chief but the comments made by him on AIUDF is not within his constitutional jurisdiction and we have sought appointment with the President, Prime Minister and Union Home minister to seek clarification," Ajmal told reporters in Guwahati.

He was responding to Rawat's statement yesterday that AIUDF's growth has been "faster" than that of the BJP. The Army chief was referring to reports of increase in Muslim population in several Assam districts.

Addressing a seminar in New Delhi yesterday, the Army chief had also said that a "planned" influx of people from Bangladesh into the northeast is taking place as part of proxy warfare by Pakistan with support from China with an aim to keep the area disturbed.

Slamming the "politically driven comments" of Rawat, Ajmal said, "the Constitution has given army chief the responsibility to lead the armed forces for the security of the nation and not to monitor the growth of a political party."



The Army, however, said there was nothing political or religious in what Rawat said.

"There is nothing political or religious in the talk. The Chief of Army Staff just mentioned amalgamation and development (of the region) in the seminar on the Northeast organised at the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) Bhawan," said an Army source in New Delhi.

Opposition parties attacked Rawat for his comments, with AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi tweeting: "Fundamental question is Indian army and its chief is apolitical my question to Modi government is do they agree with @ADGPI statement if they are silent then it must be said that the particular statement was given at the behest and with the blessings of govt".

CPI(M)'s Brinda Karat said if the Army was justifying Rawat's comments, it meant that it had the defence minister's approval.

"There is a deeper angle here of politicising the Indian Army and I think that is dangerous for national interest, and it is definitely outside and against the constitutional framework.

"It is condemnable, and the president should take note of it, and take appropriate measures," she ssaid.

Congress leader and former Union minister Jitendra Singh said," He (Rawat) should be more concerned about what Army can do operationally."



BJP leader and an senior Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, however, jumped to the defence of Rawat, insisting the Army chief said nothing new and that the Supreme Court had expressed the same view in the past.

"It is nothing new. The Supreme Court said Assam is facing external aggression from illegal infiltration from neighbouring country," he said.

BJP MP Vinay Katiyar lashed out at Ajmal, saying "Inko seedhe Pakistan ya Bangladesh bhej dena chahiye. (He should be sent to Pakistan or Bangladesh right away) They (Muslims) have no right to be here. I have said this before."



Addressing reporters, Ajmal said the growth of the AIUDF is not abnormal but that of the BJP can be called meteoric as it won more than 60 seats in the last Assembly elections compared to only five in the polls before that.

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A RJD MLA here today berated the state-wide "Samvidhan Bachao Nyay Yatra" of party leader Tejashwi Yadav as "nautanki" (farce) and showered praise on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the progress witnessed in the state under his rule.

The outbursts of Maheshwar Prasad Yadav, who represents Gaighat in the state assembly, came on a day when Tejashwi Yadav's "yatra" reached this crucial north Bihar district.

While the RJD was quick to dismiss the MLA's utterances as "yet another instance of his erratic behaviour", the ruling JD(U) said the MLA has "placed a mirror before" the leadership of his own party.

"Nitish Kumar is Vikash Purush under whose leadership Bihar has witnessed tremendous development. He will take the state to new heights of progress", Yadav told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

Taking potshots at Tejashwi Yadav's "Samvidhan Bachao Nyay Yatra", he said party supremo Lalu Prasad was "in jail under the provisions enshrined in the Constitution.....Lalu's innings has ended while the party is busy promoting the family (of Lalu Prasad), ignoring other senior leaders.

As part of his "yatra", Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the opposition in the state assembly, today addressed a public meeting at Sarfuddinpur high school that falls in Bochahan assembly constituency, adjacent to Gaighat assembly segment.

Asked whether he was planning to join NDA, Yadav said cryptically "I am with Nitish Kumar on the issue of development. You (media persons) can draw conclusions as to where I am heading towards."



In reply to a query, he said "I am in the RJD but I believe that Bihar is witnessing development under Nitish Kumar's leadership and I am with him on this issue."



He also said that Tejashwi's "yatra" was "nautanki", had no meaning and was an exercise aimed at boosting personal image rather than strengthening the party.

JD(U) spokesman and MLC Neeraj Kumar, reacting to the episode, told PTI "Maheshwar Yadav has for long been praising the good work done by Nitish Kumar government. His utterances fly in the face of the diatribe launched against the Chief Minister by Lalu Prasad and his family".

Replying to a query, he said "the JD(U) does not believe in causing disturbances inside other parties. But the Gaighat MLA's words must have placed a mirror before Tejashwi Yadav. The immature heir apparent was upbeat when Sarfaraz Alam joined the RJD a rcently. Now, his silence is deafening".

Alam, who resigned from his assembly seat as also the primary membership of JD(U) earlier this month, is contesting by-poll, as RJD candidate, from Araria Lok Sabha seat, which has fallen vacant upon the death of his father Mohammad Taslimuddin.

RJD national vice-president Shivanand Tiwary, however, dismissed Maheshwar Yadav's remarks as "yet another example of erratic behaviour by an MLA who seems to enjoy holding a contrarian view on everything".

"When Nitish ditched our party last year and joined hands with the BJP, the MLA had inexplicably praised the Chief Minister but voted as per the party whip. His words can not be taken seriously", Tiwary added.

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Luxury car maker Rolls-Royce today introduced the eighth generation Phantom priced at Rs 9.50 crore, as part of plans to widen the product portfolio in the country.

"We have a great partner (KUN Exclusive).. business is booming in South and Chennai is a big automotive hub from Indian perspective," Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Asia Pacific, Regional Director, Paul Harris told reporter here to a query on choosing the city for the launch.

KUN Exclusive is the authorised Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dealer for Chennai and Hyderabad.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars have five outlets in the Southern region.

To a question on the company's business performance last year, he said, India was bit of a strange market last year because of so many changes in "duties, GST and demonestisation."



"From the automotive perspective, definitely there was lack of stability last year. It has to stabilise somehow. You cannot keep tinkering a business area. It needs stability. Well mostly it is on various taxation issues, GST, demonetisation and many many things had an impact," he noted.

"The car pricing involves 214 per cent of import duty plus Goods and Service Tax.. We have seen most changes in shortest period of time and that is definitely not good (for our business)," he said.

To another query on the product line up, he said, "Cullinan will be coming later this year. Then we have Phantom, and Ghost extendable base, Wreath and then Dawn. By the end of the year there will be five model launch plus BlackBadge."



The Phantom VIII is equipped with 6.75 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine that delivers 563hp and 900Nm of torque.

It can reach 0-100km/hr in just 5.4 seconds.

The new Phantom series is 30 per cent lighter than its predecessors and has a laser light technology providing 600 metre range of light at night for enhanced safety.

The Phantom Standard Wheelbase variant is priced at Rs 9.50 crore while the Phantom Extended Wheelbase from Rs 11.35 crore.

The pricing also includes a four-year service package and regional warranty.

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"Deadpool" has become the owner of the Portland-based liquor company, Aviation Gin.

The 41-year-old actor shared the on Twitter and said that he has bought the ownership stake in the company.

"In the long and in no way disastrous marriage of showbiz and alcohol, so happy to announce I'm the proud owner of a gin company Aviation Gin, Reynolds wrote.

The company also tweeted about the news, welcoming their new owner who is an "actor, producer, (and) professional good-looking person".

In a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, the actor said he loved the gin produced by the company and wanted to get involved in some capacity.

Reynolds joins the ranks of Francis Ford Coppola, Justin Timberlake, Marilyn Manson, Dave Matthews, Channing Tatum, Drake and Fergie, who own an alcohol company. George Clooney recently sold his Casamigos tequila company for USD 1 billion.

Reynolds will be next seen in "Deadpool 2" that marks the return of the foul-mouthed superhero with Josh Brolin playing the role of Cable. The superhero sequel also stars "Atlanta" breakout star Zazie Beetz as the mutant mercenary Domino.

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The Supreme Court today granted interim protection of two weeks to the prestigious Delhi Flying Club against an eviction order and asked it to assail the order before the appropriate forum.

The top court said the appropriate authority will be at liberty to pass appropriate orders in accordance with law on the eviction notice issued to the Flying Club which was established in 1928.

Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, former Orissa Chief Minister Biju Patnaik and former Air Chief Marshal and Padma Vibhushan awardee P C Lal were some of the alumni of the prestigious Delhi Flying Club which was launched by.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud considered the submissions of the Club that some time should be given to it to assail the order.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Gaurav Agarwal said that they had licence for operation from Director General of Civil Aviation till 2020 but the rents were enhanced by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Sibal said status quo should be ordered till then as the four weeks time granted by the Delhi High Court on February 2, will expire in the first week of March, when the top court will have holidays.

"Keeping in view the restricted prayer, we grant two weeks' time to assail the order of eviction. Status quo, existing as on today, shall be maintained for two weeks. Be it noted, the appropriate authority will be at liberty to pass appropriate order in accordance with law, and shall not be influenced by our interim protection," the bench said.

The Delhi Flying Club has challenged the order of Delhi High Court of February 2, in which it has been held that the AAI was clearly the competent authority to determine the amount of rent and collect any dues, and its decision to pursue recovery of dues is valid.

The high court had said the Flying Club had a right to challenge the eviction order in the appropriate forum and had given for weeks time to assail it.

On October 9, 2012, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had requested the Chairman, AAI to keep Delhi Flying Club's dues in abeyance until the government formulated a policy with respect to private flying clubs.

On November 19, 2012, the AAI had issued a letter to its Airport Directors informing them that dues from Category 1 flying clubs which include Delhi Flying Club would be kept in abeyance until further notice.

Subsequently, on August 5, 2015, the AAI had made a demand that the Delhi Flying Club clear its dues and a show cause notice was issued on November 20, 2015, by the Eviction Officer.

The Flying Club had challenged the eviction notice before the high court which had directed it to assail it before appropriate authority.

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The Supreme Court today referred a matter relating to land acquisition to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) for constituting an "appropriate bench" to deal with the "piquant" situation that had arisen after yesterday's order by a three-judge bench which virtually stayed the operation of a February 8 verdict.

A bench comprising Justices Arun Mishra and Amitava Roy observed that it would be appropriate if the matter was referred to the CJI for constituting an appropriate bench to deal with it and "to see whether we can proceed with the hearing or not" in the wake of yesterday's order.

The three-judge bench had yesterday observed that if "judicial discipline" and propriety were not maintained, the institution will "go forever" while referring to the February 8 verdict passed by another three-judge bench which had held that compensation not availed within a stipulated five year period would not be a ground for cancellation of land acquisition.

"We do not mind our order being set aside. We had said that the order (passed in 2014) was 'per incuriam' (without due regard to the law) and it was permissible under the law. It is for the CJI to decide which bench should hear it," the bench said today.

"Whether it amounts to judicial discipline or not, it is for the court to see. Whether it is judicial discipline, it will be decided," it said, adding that a two-judge bench should not proceed with the matter in view of yesterday's order by a three-judge bench which "morally binds" it.

"A piquant situation has arisen," the bench said after the advocates appearing in the matter referred to the order passed yesterday by a three-judge bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur.

In its February 8 judgement, the apex court with a 2:1 majority view, had held the 2014 verdict of another three-judge bench in Pune Municipal Corporation case was passed without due regard to the law (as per incuriam) and had said that land acquired could not be quashed due to delay on part of land owners in accepting compensation within five years due to litigation or other reasons.

During the hearing today, Justice Mishra, who was heading the three-judge bench which had delivered the February 8 verdict, said the bench had taken a "considered view" in its judgement running into around 200 pages but "probably nobody would have read it completely".

"You have started attacking it. First read it. Go through it. Let it be set aside. We do not mind," he observed.

"Since larger issue is involved, we refer the matter to the CJI to be dealt with by an appropriate bench," the bench said while observing that yesterday's order also involved land acquisition issues pending before high courts across the country.

The three-judge bench had yesterday said that perhaps there have been a tinkering with judicial discipline in arriving at a conclusion in the February 8 verdict as the issue should have been to referred to a larger bench in case of difference of opinion, as a 2014 judgement had held that non-payment of compensation would be a ground to cancel the land acquisition.

"Taking all this into consideration, we are of the opinion that it would be appropriate if in the interim and pending a final decision on making a reference (if at all) to a larger bench, the High Courts be requested not to deal with any cases relating to the interpretation of or concerning Section 24 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013," it had said yesterday.

The bench had also requested that the matters related to land acquisition listed before other benches of the apex court should be deferred till the case before it was decided as to whether a larger bench should hear the issue.

On February 8, a three-judge bench had held that once the compensation amount for land acquired by a government agency has been unconditionally tendered but the land owner refuses to accept it, this would amount to payment and discharge of obligation on part of the agency.

The court had also then held that it will not be open to the person, who has refused the compensation, to raise the point that since the amount has not been deposited in court or paid to him, the acquisition has lapsed.

The 2014 verdict was rendered unanimously by a three-judge bench which had held that "the deposit of compensation amount in the government treasury is of no avail and cannot be held to be equivalent to compensation paid to the landowners/persons interested".

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The Supreme Court has stayed the Madras High Court order by which it had issued a slew of directions to ensure "free and fair election" to the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry scheduled on March 28.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud also stayed further proceedings in the matter before the high court but said the candidates must disclose their criminal antecedents.

"There shall be stay of the operation of the impugned order (of the high court). There shall also be stay of further proceedings pending before the High Court. However, any candidate who is contesting, shall disclose the criminal antecedents in the form that is going to be filled up," the bench said.

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court had on February 16 quashed a Bar Council of India order deferring its approval to a resolution passed by the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (BCTP), laying down several conditions, including 10 years of continuous practice, for contesting these polls, three days after another bench had stayed the order.

Only members with wide exposure to various laws and sufficient years of standing in the Bar can discharge vital functions of the bar councils, the high court had said.

It had passed orders on pleas filed by some advocates before the Madurai Bench challenging the BCI order, deferring a resolution passed by the BCTP amending certain provisions for contesting the polls.

According to the petitioners, the BCI without approving the amended rules passed by the BCTP simply deferred the matter without taking a decision.

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regulator on Thursday provided two additional measures to listed companies to ensure such entities comply with 25 per cent minimum public shareholding norms. .

These additional methods are  qualified institutions placement (QIP) and sale of shares up to two per cent held by promoters or promoter groups in the open market, the regulator said in a circular.

Under norms, every listed firm would need to maintain a public shareholding of at least 25 per cent. Listed public sector companies have been provided additional time till 21 August, 2018 to comply with the requirements.

Currently, several methods are available to listed companies to comply with the requirements. These include issuance of shares to public through prospectus; offer for sale to public through prospectus; sale of shares held by promoters through secondary market institutional placement programme; rights issue to public shareholders; and bonus shares to public shareholders.

According to Sebi, companies can sell sale of shares up to two per cent held by the promoters/promoter group in the open market. This is subject to five times average monthly trading volume of the shares of the listed entity.

Further, the regulator said that the listed entity will announce the details, to the stock exchange, at least one trading day prior to such proposed sale.

The details include the intention of the promoter to sell and the purpose of sale; the details of promoter, who propose to divest their shareholding; total number of shares and percentage of the stake proposed to be divested; and the period within, which the entire divestment process will be completed.

"The listed entity shall also give an undertaking to the recognised stock exchange(s) obtained from the persons belonging to the promoter and promoter groups that they shall not buy any shares in the open market on the dates on which the shares are being sold by promoter(s)/promoter group," noted.

The regulator has asked listed entities, its promoters to ensure compliance with all applicable legal provisions including that of the Sebi PIT (Prohibition of Insider Trading) and SAST (Securities and Exchange Board of India) Regulations.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said he refused to ratify a treaty safeguarding women because he considers it at odds with the country's constitutional definition of marriage as a heterosexual union.

Just over half of the members of the Council of Europe have ratified the human rights watchdog's 2011 Istanbul Convention, which is the world's first binding instrument to prevent and combat violence against women, from marital rape to female genital mutilation.

While there is no explicit mention of gay marriage in the treaty, many Slovaks view its wording as a threat to the traditional family structure.

"The convention talks about stereotypes and gender equality in the sense of eliminating the so-called traditional roles of men and women in the family. It raises doubts," Fico told reporters.

"Unless there is full compliance of the provisions of the convention with the definition of marriage as a bond between a man and a woman, I will never agree to ratify."



Slovakia's parliament amended its Constitution in 2014 to define marriage as a union between man and woman, which stirred protest among rights groups at the time.

Though against ratifying the convention, Fico said he was committed to incorporate some of its elements into Slovakia's domestic law.

"We will adopt all the necessary legal regulations to ensure that our legislation is at the European level when it comes to the protection of women against violence," he said.

Seventeen EU members have ratified the Istanbul Convention, along with non-members Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland and Turkey.

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Popular author Chetan Bhagat feels scoring high percentage in board examinations is not enough, students should also know how to market themselves.

The author was speaking at a session on the 'Impact of Digital Co-creation in Business Revolution' organised by an engineering college here yesterday.

"Can the guy who scores good marks but cannot communicate get a job?" the 'Five Point Someone' writer asked.

Advising the students that they should know how to market themselves, he said, "Americans are good at marketing, they are the best at marketing."



Sharing his insights on education, the author of many best-sellers such as 'The 3 Mistakes of My Life' and '2 States' said, there is a need to change the present system to enable the students connect their knowledge with real life.

Students must have read in history books that Vasco Da Gama came to India in 1498, Bhagat said.

"Questions came in examinations, we answered and got marks. But then what? It was never taught in schools how Vasco Da Gama established links with the local people in that age of zero network connectivity," he said.

"Nor did we try to know as we were just happy to get those 2 marks for the answer that Vasco Da Gama had arrived in India in 1498," he said.

The author, also a motivational speaker, said he believes that hard work can take people to places.

If the students want success, they should realise that their approach to life should be "Each pain I weather will pave my path (for success)," he said.

Bhagat told the audience, "If you really want to be successful, don't think life is without struggle."



Bhagat, who has also penned scripts for several bollywood films, said, "Just think about Salman Khan who does two hour workout daily to look and stay fit. Considering that he can take it easy after attaining so much success and fame, it is inspiring to see how he struggles and works hard."The writer of several paperbacks including 'One Night at the Call Centre' called upon the young generation to study, work and then have fun at spare time.

An IIT-Delhi and IIM-Ahmedabad alumnus, Bhagat had a high-profile banking job for 11 years. He quit his investment banking career in 2009, to focus on writing.

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The Congress today demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's explanation for allegedly unleashing "multiple engines of corruption" in the country.

The party also sought Modi's response on the decision to undo the backward area region grant which, it said, stifled the growth of the hill states and north-east.

The prime minister must answer on the multiple engines of corruption he has unleashed in the country, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala told reporters here.

The prime minister must also answer as to why did he decide to undo the backward area region grant, which used to help states like Meghalaya and other states, where the districts are backward, get special central funding, he added.

The Congress' fresh salvo on the prime minister followed a scathing attack by party president Rahul Gandhi yesterday, who had described Modi as an "instrument of corruption."



The 60-member Meghalaya Assembly will go to the polls on February 27. The BJP is making a determined bid to dislodge the Congress, which is ruling the north-eastern state for the last 10 years, from power.

Surjewala said, The prime minister must also answer why did he undo the SC/ST sub-plans. A large number of people in the north-eastern states belong to the scheduled tribes and they were beneficiaries of the ST sub-plan.

He added that the stifling of the special grant for Meghalaya, Nagaland and other north-eastern states had hurt them.

The Congress leader also alleged that there was a systematic prosecution of Christians during Modi's rule, adding that brazen attacks on and vandalising of churches had taken place over the last few years.

In 2014-2015 alone, Surjewala claimed that 11 churches were attacked and vandalised in and around Delhi by the Bajrang Dal and the Dharam Sena, both outfits claiming affiliation to BJP-RSS.

No action was taken and no arrest made and yet, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh comes here (Meghalaya) and speaks about law-and-order, he said.

The Congress leader said for the first time in the country's history, the singing of carols at the Rashtrapati Bhavan was stopped last year, despite the fact that it had nothing to do with religion.

He also alleged that December 25 was converted by the BJP from being celebrated as Christmas to "Good Governance Day" to give an adverse message to the Christian community, adding that the move was opposed even by the allies of the saffron party such as the Naga People's Front and the People's Party of Arunachal Pradesh.

Surjewala said no one had forgotten the gruesome incident in which Christian missionary Graham Staines and his two minor sons were burnt to death by Bajrang Dal activist Dara Singh and others in 1999 in Odisha, when the BJP was in a coalition government in the state.

Stating that instead of development, division was being celebrated in the country, he added that this was the difference between the Congress and the BJP and its allies like the NPP.

We celebrate development, brotherhood, cohesion, multi-ethnicity and diversity of customs, languages, food habits, colours of skin. That is what India is about and you cannot convert the country into a regimented, fascist regime, which they (BJP) are trying to do, the Congress leader said.

Responding to a query, Surjewala claimed that the Congress government's performance in Meghalaya was the biggest evidence of delivery on the ground, despite the sinister campaign launched by the BJP and its "puppet", the NPP.

The truth remains that the Congress government has rolled out a new agenda of development on the ground in the last five years. The agenda of development is for the people of the state to see, he said.

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Actor Ashton Kutcher has revealed that he went to the mountains and survive only on tea and water for a week to cope with his divorce from Demi Moore.

Kutcher, 40, and Moore, 55, pulled the plug on their eight-year-old marriage in November 2011. The actor eventually filed divorce documents in December 2012 and the pair finalised their divorce in November 2013.

The actor opened up about the period while talking to his friend Dax Shepard on his podcast "Armchair Expert".

"I went into Big Sky in Montana, and I did no food, no drink - just water and tea. I took all my computers away, my phone, my everything. I was there by myself so there was no talking, and I just had a notepad and a pen and water and tea for a week," Kutcher said.

Kutcher said he enjoyed the extreme solitude and found the whole experience as "really spiritual and kind of awesome".

"I started to hallucinate on day two, which was fantastic It was pretty wonderful. I was doing tai chi with my own energy," he said.

The actor also said that he used the whole experience to reflect on his past relationships and in the process wrote letters to some of his ex partners.

"I wrote down every single relationship that I had where I felt like there was some grudge or some anything and then I wrote letters to every single person and sent the letters on day seven. I typed them all out and sent them. It was almost like an AA exercise, where I was like: 'I probably have done some damage.' So I just cleared (my) palate," Kutcher said.

The actor is currently married to his "That 70's Show" co-star Mila Kunis and the couple have two children together.

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An unknown person blew themself up after throwing a suspected grenade into the US embassy compound in Podgorica, the Montenegrin government said today.

"In front of the @USEmbassyMNE building in #Podgorica, #Montenegro an unknown person committed suicide with an explosive device. Immediately before, that person threw an explosive device," the official government account tweeted, adding that the device was "most probably" a hand grenade.

An AFP correspondent could not see any damage on the spot.

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Tata Communications has teamed up with Taiwan's largest mobile network operator Chunghwa Telecom to bring global connectivity to consumer electronics and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Tata Communications MOVE - IoT Connect allows IoT devices to be deployed quickly both locally and internationally by leveraging Tata Communications' ecosystem of mobile network operators worldwide.

As part of this ecosystem, Chunghwa Telecom will be able to tap into additional revenues by connecting IoT devices through Tata Communications MOVE, said a Tata Communications statement today.

"Our aim is to generate millions of subscriptions from IoT devices in the next three years, and our work with Tata Communications will help us fulfil this ambition, said Ming-Shih Chen, President of Mobile Business Group, Chunghwa Telecom.

"Tata Communications MOVE will give our customers' IoT services borderless network coverage across 200 countries, ensuring a consistently high-quality and reliable user experience.

"At the same time, were able to make extra returns by being part of the Tata Communications MOVE ecosystem of mobile network operators. Its a win-win for us, said Ming-Shih Chen.

One of Chunghwa Telecom's first Tata Communications MOVE - IoT Connect customers is TaiDoc, which manufactures medical devices to improve people's health and the quality of life.

TaiDoc will use Tata Communications MOVE - IoT Connect to extend the reach of its devices seamlessly to countries such as China, Thailand and the US.

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The Tea Board today pitched for a preferential trade agreement in tea between China and India to boost exports of black tea and imports of green tea.

Tea Board chairman P K Bezbaruah said here that India and China were not competitors as far as tea was concerned, but rather complemented each other.

On both sides, the duties at present were extremely prohibitive which was restricting exports from both the directions and needed to be lowered, he said speaking for the preferential trade pact before a 22-member business delegation from Dali prefecture in China.

Eighty percent of China's annual tea production is green tea and 18 percent Oolong variety, while 98 per cent of the beverage produced in India annually is black tea.

China's annual production was 2600 million kilograms, while India's was half of that, he said.

India exports around seven to eight million kg of tea to China, while the the latter's exports of green tea to India was not significant.

About non-tariff barriers in both the sides, he said that there should be harmonisation of maximum residue limit for different pesticides by both the countries.

Bezbaruah also advocated greater collaboration in research with Chinese universities.

The Dali delegation was headed by Chen Jian, secretary of Committee of Communist Party of China (CPC) of the prefecture.

The business delegates comprised areas of walnut, textile, tea, natural spring water, tourism, education and culture.

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The Telangana government would form a coordination committee of farmers with an aim to take various welfare initiatives to the grassroot.

The proposed Telangana Rashtra Rythu Samanvaya Samithi (TRRSS) will function as a non-profit organisation and allocated funds will be used towards achieving its objectives, a government release quoted Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao as saying.

The government is also planning to form farmers' coordination committees at village, mandal, and district levels as well.

Rao today held a review meeting at Pragati Bhavan, the official residence of the chief minister, to discuss the contours of coordination committees, their duties and responsibilities as well as the regional conferences to be held on February 25 and 26.

Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari, ministers Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Etela Rajender, Indrakaran Reddy, attended the meeting, as per the release.

At least 51 per cent of these vommittees would be filled up by farmers from the weaker sections and women, the release quoted the chief minister as saying.

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The Trinamool Congress today ruled out a discussion on the bank fraud issue in the Assembly as demanded by the Opposition, saying it is a sub-judice matter.

Following the denial, the opposition accused the ruling party of having a tacit understanding with the BJP.

"We cannot discuss the PNB issue in the Assembly as the matter is sub-judice and is being discussed in Parliament. A state Assembly cannot discuss such a matter at this stage," West Bengal Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee told reporters.

The Congress and the CPI(M) were quick to hit back and said the denial in holding a discussion is a 'proof' of tacit understanding between the TMC and the BJP.

"When we had submitted the proposal for holding the discussion, we had apprehensions whether it would be accepted or not. Now it has been proved that the TMC and the BJP have a tacit understanding and that is why they don't want to discuss the matter," Leader of Opposition and Congress MLA Abdul Mannan said.

A political slugfest is on between the BJP and the Congress over the PNB scam with both parties blaming each other for allowing Nirav Modi, the alleged kingpin of the PNB scam, and his associates to flourish during their respective tenures.

The PNB, the second largest state-run bank, had on February 14 informed the exchanges about detecting USD 1.77 billion fraud at its Brady House branch in Mumbai and named the firms led by Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi's Gitanjali Group, and some other diamond and jewellery merchants as suspects.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami will lead a delegation of leaders of all parties, farmers and MPs from the state to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Cauvery issue, an all party meet decided here today.

Days after the Supreme Court verdict reduced the quantum of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu by 14.65 tmc ft, the meet resolved to urge Modi to immediately set up the Cauvery Management Board and Cauvery Water Regulatory Authority as per the apex court's order to set up the bodies within six weeks.

A resolution was adopted at the meet endorsing it.

In a show of solidarity, three unanimous resolutions were adopted at the meet, held at the Secretariat, where leaders of parties, including DMK working president M K Stalin and farmers' leaders participated.

Similarly, appropriate action will be taken by consulting legal experts on the cut in the quantum of water for Tamil Nadu, the second resolution said.

This decision to take steps follows acceptance of the views of all party leaders in this respect, an official release here said.

Another resolution said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be urged to immediately implement the apex court verdict's beneficial features for Tamil Nadu.

........................

'Bonhomie' meet after over a decade ....................................

The day-long meet was marked by a rare bonhomie, in which leaders including Palaniswami and Stalin, who is also the Leader of Opposition, exchanged pleasantries.

The all party meet on the issue assumes significance as it takes place after nearly 11 years in Tamil Nadu, the earlier being on April 15, 2007 when DMK chief M Karunanidhi was the chief minister.

At that meet, it was decided to file a review petition in the apex court to seek clarifications and prefer an appeal, if needed, on the final award of the Cauvery Tribunal.

During the previous tenure of Jayalalithaa, no all party meet was held.

In his opening remarks, Palaniswami batted for unity among parties to establish the state's rights despite differences.

He said, "Cauvery water dispute is not only the livelihood issue of our Cauvery Delta farmers' but it is intertwined with the emotions of the state."



He assured action based on their feedback by consulting legal experts.

Assuring his party's full support to the government on the issue, Stalin said steps should also be taken to save, conserve and economically use the Cauvery water by setting up a Water Security Board in sync with a recommendation of renowned farm scientist M S Swaminathan.

He sought a separate department to take up works including rain and flood water harvesting and desilting waterbodies.

BJP Tamil Nadu unit president Tamilisai Soundararjan said her party will stand behind the government in its efforts to secure the state's rights on the issue. ..............................................

Karnataka blamed for "selfishness" ..................................

Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam cited Sangam Tamil literature and said the Cauvery was an intrinsic part in the life of the Tamil Nadu people.

Blaming Karnataka, he said, "the reason for the Cauvery dispute is the selfishness of Karnataka to claim exclusive rights over the river."



That such a "selfish attitude, has not changed to this day is reflected in their recent speeches," he said without naming anyone from the neighbouring state.

Panneerselvam recalled the steps taken by former chief minister J Jayalalithaa for publication of the final award of the Cauvery Tribunal in the central gazette.

"Amma's government had never compromised on Tamil Nadu's rights even a bit," he said.

He urged the participants to air their views to take up "resolute" follow up action.

Some farmers raised slogans briefly while seeking appropriate compensation for crop losses when Panneerselvam came out of the meeting venue.

State secretaries of CPI, CPI (M), R Mutharasan and K Balakrishnan respectively, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief Thol Thirumavalavan, AISMK chief R Sarath Kumar, PMK leader GK Mani were among 39 leaders who took part.

Representatives of 14 farmers bodies including P R Pandian and Vettavalam K Manikandan participated.

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Former vice president Hamid Ansari said today that to deny the existing reality of cultural diversity and the resultant composite culture, and to replace it with any form of "monoculture" in the name of a new nationalism, is to conduct a form of "regressive regimentation".

Delivering a lecture at the India International Centre here, he also said there was a need to assess the impact of "studied subduing" or erasing of diversity in school curricula, text books on history and culture, and funding patterns of cultural institutions and academies.

"There is a difference between promotion of diversity, and its recognition. Diversity in our land are a ground reality, are reflective of our society's historical experience, and are traced in all periods. The exist at the core as also on the periphery and have their own unique characteristics and cannot be homogenised," Ansari said.

The former vice-president was addressing a gathering at the third annual lecture of the city-based think-tank, Centre For Policy Research.

"So, to deny the existing reality of cultural diversity and the resultant composite culture, and to replace it with any form of monoculture in the name of a new, strident, illiberal, nationalism, is to conduct a form of regressive regimentation," he said.

Ansari, who held office from 2007-2017 , in his nearly 25-minute speech, also made a reference to the philosophy of a nation espoused by RSS ideologue M S Golwalkar.

"It is argued that beneath the diversity is a unity, and this unity emanates from a single mainstream premised on a conflation of land, religion, and culture, and that deviations form it must be subsumed in a hegemonic wave demanding national unity.

"This was most author authoritatively articulated by Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar, whose political and religious philosophy was centred on the concept of India as a Hindu Rashtra, founded on the principle of 'one nation' (Hindu), one culture (Sanskrit) and one religion (Hinduism). This necessarily implies a negation of cultural and religious pluralism," he said.

Ansari, who has previously served as the vice-chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), also emphasised that the distinction between "Indic and non-Indic matters" in academic and popular writings should be contested, since it is not sustainable scientifically and its principal purpose in societal matters is to "deny and denigrate".

"Some in today's audience may know of a grouping like the Indic Collective Trust and another promoting Indic scripts. Both ostensibly could be innocuous but both are devoted to pursuits that are focused on furtherance of loaded agenda that are easily discernible," he said in his speech.

Ansari also said, "We need to assess the impact of studied subduing or erasing of diversity in school curricula, text books on history and culture, funding patterns of cultural institutions and academies, projection of soft power abroad through government and cultural agencies."



Later, he fielded some questions from the audience on a range of topical issues, connected with the theme of his lecture "Our Culture: Composite and Unique" but offered subtle answers, without naming any entity.

Ansari, while answering one of the questions, said, "Cultural heritage and political agenda should be kept separate.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Canadian Prime Minister on Thursday said his ongoing visit to India has already yielded investments worth over $1 billion that will generate 6,000 'high quality' jobs.

Underscoring the need for deepening bilateral ties, Trudeau said he is in India to strengthen historic ties between the two nations and the hospitality extended to his family "has been phenomenal".

"In total, this weeks trip has yielded more than a billion dollars in investments between Canada and India and that billion dollars back and forth will create 6,000 high-quality jobs for folks back home and many many good jobs here as well.

"This is a true vote of confidence from the Indian Business community and the desire from companies around the world to set up shop in Canada makes sense," Trudeau said while addressing a business event coordinated by CII here.

The visiting leader said India and Canada must "deepen and broaden" its historic friendship and "that is what this week has been all about".

Trudeau said he has engaged with all facets of Indian society.

"To be competitive in the modern economy, we need to shift from a whole government approach to a whole of country approach. This is how we strengthen our ties, this is how we both succeed," he said.

Addressing the businessmen, the Canadian Prime Minister said his country was a "pretty good place to do business" and there are "tremendous advantages of working together" for the benefit of the two countries and their citizens.

Trudeau said over 400 Canadian companies are present in India and he has "no doubt that this number will increase in the years ahead".

He also called for achieving trade and growth that lifts the poor and historically disadvantaged.

"Just as we recognise that diversity is a crucial element of progress, we also recognise that economic growth must benefit all of our people... We can have trade and investment that is both profitable and benefits society. Too many people have been left behind as global commerce has evolved," Trudeau said.

At the same event, Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said India and Canada have immense scope for cooperation in cold chain and refrigeration.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's maiden India visit plunged into yet another controversy today over a dinner invitation to convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal by the Canadian High Commissioner to India.

Swiftly moving to control damage, High Commissioner Nadir Patel cancelled the invite for the dinner, hosted tonight for Trudeau, while the external affairs ministry said it will "ascertain" how Atwal entered India.

"The High Commission has rescinded Mr. Atwals invitation. We do not comment of matters relating to the PM's security," the Canadian mission said in a statement.

Reacting to the controversy, Trudeau told reporters "Obviously we take this situation extremely seriously. The individual in question never should have received an invitation and, as soon as we found out, we rescinded the invitation immediately... The member of Parliament who included this individual has, and will, assume full responsibility for his actions."



The Canadian PMO also said in a statement that Atwal was not part of Trudeau's official delegation.

Union home ministry officials said Atwal no longer figures in the government's blacklist of Sikh extremists.

Atwal was convicted for trying to kill the then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

When asked how Atwal got a visa, external affairs ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the government is "ascertaining" details how he got a visa to enter India.

"There are two aspects of this. One is his presence at the event. I think this is something which should be addressed by the Canadian side. They have said that it was an oversight. And that is the reason the invitation for the reception tonight has been withdrawn."



"On the visa part, I cannot immediately say how that happened. There are different ways of people coming into India, whether you are an Indian national, or OCI card holder. We are ascertaining details from our mission. We will have to see how this happened," Kumar told reporters.

He also said that the fact the ministry issued a visa means that Atwal is not an Indian national.

On whether Atwal can be arrested in India, Kumar said there were cases against him for which he has served his sentence. The ministry is not aware whether there are cases against him in India, that has to be checked with the law-enforcement agencies, he added.

The invite cancellation comes at a time when Trudeau's pro-Khalistan approach is being criticised by many including Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who raised the issue with the Canadian prime minister during a meeting.

On his part, Trudeau had assured Singh that his country does not support separatism in India or elsewhere.

Reacting to the controversy involving him, Atwal told Canada's Postmedia that he did not plan to attend the dinner as he was in Mumbai on business, The Vancouver Sun reported.

He also said it was unfair to raise his criminal conviction for shooting a visiting Punjabi cabinet minister on Vancouver Island in 1986 given how long ago the crime occurred.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's India visit plunged into yet another controversy today over a dinner invitation to convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal by the Canadian High Commissioner to India.

Swiftly moving to control damage, High Commissioner Nadir Patel cancelled the invite for the dinner, hosted tonight for Trudeau, while the external affairs ministry said it will "ascertain" how Atwal entered India.

"The High Commission has rescinded Mr. Atwals invitation. We do not comment of matters relating to the PM's security," the Canadian mission said in a statement.

Reacting to the controversy, Trudeau told reporters "Obviously we take this situation extremely seriously. The individual in question never should have received an invitation and, as soon as we found out, we rescinded the invitation immediately... The member of Parliament who included this individual has, and will, assume full responsibility for his actions."



Union home ministry officials said Atwal no longer figures in the government's blacklist of Sikh extremists.

Atwal was convicted for trying to kill the then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

When asked how Atwal got a visa, external affairs ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the government is "ascertaining" details how he got a visa to enter India.

"There are two aspects of this. One is his presence at the event. I think this is something which should be addressed by the Canadian side. They have said that it was an oversight. And that is the reason the invitation for the reception tonight has been withdrawn."



"On the visa part, I cannot immediately say how that happened. There are different ways of people coming into India, whether you are an Indian national, or OCI card holder. We are ascertaining details from our mission. We will have to see how this happened," Kumar told reporters.

He also said that the fact the ministry issued a visa means that Atwal is not an Indian national.

On whether Atwal can be arrested in India, Kumar said there were cases against him for which he has served his sentence. The ministry is not aware whether there are cases against him in India, that has to be checked with the law-enforcement agencies, he added.

The invite cancellation comes at a time when Trudeau's pro-Khalistan approach is being criticised by many including Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who raised the issue with the Canadian prime minister during a meeting.

On his part, Trudeau had assured Singh that his country does not support separatism in India or elsewhere.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
American president Donald Trump's son Donald John Trump Jr today announced the completion of the structural framework of its first Trump Tower in the country with local real estate developer Lodha Group.

The entire 78-storey project is however, due for completion only in mid-2019.

"We are proud to announce that Trump Tower Mumbai has reached its highest level of construction," Donald Trump Jr, executive vice president, Trump Organisation, said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held atop the tower here today.

"Mumbai has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for luxury real estate and we are honoured to have a place within the city," he added.

Trump Tower Mumbai was launched in 2014, and the 78-storey tower will comprise 400 luxury residences with prices in the north of Rs 16 crore for a 2 BHK unit.

The US presidents son is on a week-long visit to expand the Trump Organization's real estate business in Asia's third-largest economy.

The New-York based company, since entering the domestic real estate market in 2013, has launched four luxury residential projects with a revenue potential of USD 1.5 billion.

Other than the tie-up with the Lodha group in Mumbai, it's portfolio includes projects across Pune, Gurugram and Kolkata in association with local real estate developers.

The fifth one, which is expected to be a commercial office project, is likely to be launched soon.

India is the USD 9.5-billion Trump Organization's biggest residential real estate market outside the US.

The company, however, has not signed any new project here since Donald Trump took over as the president in January 2017. The company had announced last year that it would not enter into any new foreign deals while Trump is the US president.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Turkey responded firmly to the recognition by Dutch lawmakers of the early 1900s massacre of Armenians under the Ottoman Empire as "genocide", a term Ankara has long rejected for describing the mass killings.

"We strongly condemn the decision taken today by the chamber of deputies of the Netherlands to recognise as genocide the events of 1915," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.

Armenians have long sought international recognition for the 1915-1917 killings in the Ottoman era as genocide, which they say left some 1.5 million of their people dead.

But Turkey -- the Ottoman Empire's successor state -- argues that it was a collective tragedy in which equal numbers of Turks and Armenians died.

In another sign of Turkish irritation at the Dutch MPs, Ankara reminded the Netherlands of the massacre of some 8,000 Muslim men and boys by Bosnian Serbs during the war at Srebrenica in 1995 where Dutch peacekeepers were stationed.

"The unfounded decisions taken by the parliament of a country which closed its eyes to the Srebrenica massacre... have no place in history," the foreign ministry said.

The ministry, however, also "took note" of the Dutch government's position to distance itself from the parliament's motion. The Netherlands official stance has been to speak about "the question of the Armenian genocide.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Actor Jennifer Lawrence has shot at the trolls and media, who criticised her over her revealing dreass, calling the debate "sexist" and "utterly ridiculous".

The 27-year-old actor took to Facebook to give it back to those who had commented that she should have worn a coat in the cold weather of London at the event for her latest Soviet spy thriller "Red Sparrow".

Lawrence wrote she did not think she needed to cover her dress with "a coat and a scarf" and even if she was standing in the snow, it was her "choice" to go for coveralls or not.

She was dressed in black Versace gown with a plunging sweetheart-style neckline and a hip-high slit.

"Wow. I don't really know where to get started on this 'Jennifer Lawrence wearing a revealing dress in the cold' controversy. This is not only utterly ridiculous, I am extremely offended.

"That Versace dress was fabulous, you think I'm going to cover that gorgeous dress up with a coat and a scarf? I was outside for five minutes. I would have stood in the snow for that dress because I love fashion and that was my choice," she wrote.

Social media users and some fashion portals also pointed out that while her co-stars Joel Edgerton, Jeremy Irons, Matthias Schoenaerts and director of the film Francis Lawrence were all dressed in winter clothes, she was "forced" to play dress up as she was the female lead.

Lawrence said the media was "overreacting" over "silly issues", thus veering the attention from more important issues at hand.

"This is sexist, this is ridiculous, this is not feminism. Overreacting about everything someone says or does, creating controversy over silly innocuous things such as what I choose to wear or not wear, is not moving us forward. It's creating silly distractions from real issues. Get a grip people. Everything you see me wear is my choice. And if I want to be cold THAT'S MY CHOICE TOO!" she said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court today asked whether the Kerala High Court was justified in exercising its powers to nullify the marriage of a woman, an alleged victim of 'love jihad', and can a roving inquiry be ordered into the issue of consent between two adults to marry.

A bench of headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra questioned whether the High Court could nullify a marriage between "vulnerable adults" after the father of the 25-year-old woman Hadiya justified the order.

"Can a court say a marriage between the consenting adults is not genuine? We cannot say that she married the right person or the marriage was in her best interest. She came to us and told that she married by her own choice", a bench also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud said.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Hadiya's father Asokan, contended that the Kerala High Court was justified in nullifying the marriage under Article 226 of Constitution and exercised its power considering the facts and circumstances of the case.

"The high court exercised its parens patriae (legal protector of citizens unable to protect themselves) jurisdiction while considering the peculiar facts and circumstance of this case. It considered her (woman) as a vulnerable adult. The materials were before the court to show that a well oiled machinery was working for sending people abroad from Kerala to work as sex slaves in Syria," Divan said.

He said this marriage was used as a "charade" to prevent the High Court from exercising its Article 226 jurisdiction and keep her out of the reach of courts.

To this, the court said, "What troubles us is that can there be a roving enquiry on the marriage of two consenting adults to find out whether there was consent. Was the high court justified in nullifying the marriage of a vulnerable adult under Article 226, is a pure question of law".

Divan said that facts and circumstances are different in this case and read out a transcript of conversation between Hadiya and her father.

She said on telephone to her father that she wants to go to Syria to rear sheep. Her father was alarmed after hearing this, as he can't believe that his well qualified daughter wants to go to Syria to rear sheep. Then he started enquiring and found that there were several cases in Kerala in which people were trafficked abroad on marriage pretext," he said.

However, the court said "Marriage and investigation are two different things. As far as marriage is concerned, it does not warrant any investigation. Investigation has nothing to do with it. You can investigate any other thing."



Divan said the woman was actually a victim of a trafficking exercise in which people were sent abroad for joining extremist groups.

The bench observed that if there was an issue of trafficking of citizens, then the government had all the power to stop it on the basis of credible information.

"If citizens are travelling abroad to be part of trafficking, the government has the authority to stop them. We don't stand in the government's way to stop the people from going abroad in such case. We are not going into that area. But in personal law, we cannot annul marriages because she did not marry the right person, the top court said.

At the fag end of the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Hadiya's husband Shafin Jahan, said Divan was being unfair to the court and denied that the woman wanted to go to Syria to rear sheep.

"Instead, it was her father, upset by her conversion to Islam and subsequent marriage, who told her that she would be trafficked to Syria," he said.

The bench posted the matter for further hearing on March 8.

Hadiya, the woman who is at the centre of an alleged love jihad controversy, had recently filed an affidavit before the top court claiming that she had willingly converted to Islam and wanted to live with Jahan as his wife.

The matter had come to fore when Jahan had challenged the Kerala High Court's order annulling his marriage with Hadiya and sending her to her parents' custody.

On November 27 last year, the apex court had freed Hadiya from her parents' custody and sent her to college to pursue studies, even as she had pleaded that she should be allowed to go with her husband.

The apex court had on January 23 made it clear that the National Investigation Agency cannot probe the marital status of Hadiya and Jahan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury today took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the Rs 11,400 crore Punjab National Bank scam, saying he has become "maunnendra Modi" (silent Modi).

Pointing that Modi had described then prime minister Manmohan Singh as "maun (silent) Mohan Singh" in 2012 for his silence on various issues during the UPA regime, Yechury said now he (Narendra Modi) himself "hasbecome maunendra Modi".

"The Prime Minister is not speaking anything on the scam. But had addressed children on examinations," he said in his address to the 22nd CPI(M) Kerala state conference here.

He also said diamond jeweller Nirav Modi, who allegedly committed the fraud on the bank, had taken part in the World Economic Forum (WEF) meet at Davos which was also attended by the Prime Minister.

Attacking the BJP-led NDA government, the Left leader alleged it had written off Rs 2.40 lakh crore loans taken by big corporates from banks while it did not waive farmers' dues.

He wanted the Prime Minister to make public the list of persons whose non-performing-assets (NPAs) totalling Rs 2.40 lakh crore had been written off.

He claimed that the living condition of the common people had worsened during the tenure of the NDA government and farmers were in distress.

Yechury further alleged that the government had not fulfilled its promises to farmers and youth while 87,000 jobs had been lost.

Assailing the economic policies of the central government, he said public sector companies were being privatised and there was no sector that had not been opened up for foreign direct investment (FDI).

He claimed the shift to digital transactions had hit the country's informal economy that contributes more than half of the GDP, he said.

Hitting out at the RSS, Yechury alleged that it had taken complete control of democratic institutions.

Stressing the need for unity of the Left and democratic forces, he said what mattered was not the choice of leaders -- Narendra Modi or Congress President Rahul Gandhi.

"But what is required is choice of policies -- pro-people policies or looting-people polices. It is not netha (leader), but neethi (policy), which is needed," he said.

"The lessons we need to learn is that there is no partial opposing to neo-liberalism.If you are opposing neo-liberalism, championing peoples interest is the only way in which the Left will consolidate and bring about a radical social change," he said.

Partial opposition to neo-liberalism was like a woman going to gynaecologistsaying she was 'slightly pregnant'.

"You cannot be slightly neo liberal... You have to be very clear that to protect the people, our economy and our economic sovereignty, this opposition to neo liberal reforms has to be done resolutely," the Marxist leader said.

Left forces were required to consolidate in the interest of the people to fight against the policies of the central government, he added.

The four-day state meet, which began today, is being held in the backdrop of the state government facing heat over political killings and the embarrassment over the charges of financial fraud by the party state Secretary, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan's son.

Over 500 delegates, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Prakash Karat and V S Achutanandan, state ministers, MLAs and MPs, is likley to discuss the achievements and shortcomings of the 21-month old LDF government and ways to strengthen CPI(M) from the grassroot level.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing wrongdoing in the banking sector arrested the owner of pen maker Rotomac Global and his son on Thursday, a spokesman said.CBI arrested the men, both directors of Rotomac Global Pvt Ltd, in an ongoing investigation into allegations they had cheated a consortium of banks, the spokesman of the agency said. On Monday, the CBI registered the case against them and officials at various banks in connection with an alleged 29 billion rupees ($450 million) loan, after a complaint from state run Bank of Baroda. The arrests come as ...
By Julia Payne and Dmitry ZhdannikovLONDON (Reuters) - Indian refiner Essar Oil is looking to raise over $1 billion from trading houses after its new Russian owners could not raise loans from major Western banks due to sanctions on Russia.Essar wants to borrow the money for 3-4 years and repay it with cargoes of refined products as it seeks to cut its reliance on lending from Indian banks, banking and trading sources familiar with the discussions said.It would be the first large multi-year pre-payment deal by Essar, which has previously engaged only in short-term deals.Russian oil major ...
After last months Speak to the Mayor program, an anonymous email was sent to KVNU thanking Logan Mayor Holly Daines for reviving the Neighborhood Council meetings. The individual said that during the previous series of meetings they learned a lot about the city and hopes the city learned a lot about its neighborhoods. On this months program on Wednesdays For the People, the mayor said they have held one meeting so far and the turn-out was good.

It was good. Weve met with the Ellis neighborhood, and I appreciate that feedback from the listener. Sometimes you do things and you think, did it make a difference? Did it have an impact? But I am really looking forward to again re-instituting these councils and enjoyed the first discussion with Ellis, said Daines.

I think its just a really important way for us to reach out as a city and to try and hear from our citizens on issues that concern them, for us to be able to take ideas to them and say, Hey, were thinking about this. Is this a good idea? Is it a bad idea? How does it impact your neighborhood?

She said one topic that was addressed at the meeting had to do with leash laws and the current restrictions on dogs in parks. Many other Utah cities do allow leashed dogs and even have dog parks. Daines said this will be on the agenda of other neighborhood council meetings to gauge how residents feel about it. Changing the ordinance is ultimately up to the municipal council.
A Washington, DC based restaurant trade association, concerned with what it calls the hypocracy of Utah State legislator Norm Thurston, expressed as much in a full-page advertisement this week in the Salt Lake Tribune.

Sarah Longwell, Managing Director of the American Beverage Institute (ABI), said the point of the ad was to prove if you are too drunk to be behind the wheel, then you are also too drunk to be handling a deadly weapon.

Our ad is not opposition to gun use said Longwell, but really just the hypocracy for Rep. Thurston to introduce an amendment that you can handle a weapon at .05 blood alcohol level no problem, but that thats the same limit that he recently passed a bill saying that if you drove at that limit, then you are way too impaired to be driving and therefore you should get a DUI, jail time and $10,000 in fines.

Contacted for a response Wednesday, Thurston said I fully agree with her statement. When we made the change last year from .08 to .05, that also impacted possession of a deadly weapon.

So, in December, that will be the same standard. In other words, the same standard will apply to handling a deadly weapon as it does to driving a car. And I am good with that.

Longwell said there is more.

Utah is particularly frustrating in that it passed this .05 law, yet has failed to implement its ignition interlock law which was passed several years ago to target actual drunk drivers, people who had been convicted.

Rep. Thurston said she is wrong on that one.

Thats false. We have implemented very strict ignition interlock laws. They are difficult laws to enforce, difficult here as they are everywhere. As you know, if you are required to have an ignition interlock on your car, you can always borrow a friends car. Thats a fact of life. Were doing the very best we can.

Longwell called on Utah to adopt Rep. Karen Kwans bill calling for a delay of the scheduled implementation of .05 next December.

Rep. Thurston said last fall the National Academy of Sciences released its most careful study ever on this issue.

One of their top recommendations was if states lower from .08 to .05 it will save lives. We knew that before we passed the bill. So why would we want to delay a policy that both we at the state of Utah and the National Academy of Sciences believes will save lives?

Utah is the first state to adopt the .05 threshold; we were also the first to go from .1 to .08. Now, all 50 states have done it. Now were the first go to .05 in 2018. I think you will see .05 becoming the norm.

Longwell said the ABI tries to protect moderate, responsible social consumption, coming down hard on drunk driving.

That is why it is important to make the distinction between what is dangerous drunk driving and what is non-dangerous behavior. This .05 law really blurs that line.
Courtesy of the Cache County Jail

LOGAN  A 36-year-old Millville woman, who is already suspected of trying to help another woman attempt suicide, has admitted to breaking into a family members home and stealing medication.

Teresa Clark appeared in 1st District Court Wednesday afternoon. She pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft and possession of prescription drugs. A date was also scheduled in her attempted suicide trial.

Deputies alleged that last fall, while Clark was out of jail on pre-trial supervision, she broke into a relatives home. Once inside, she stole some prescription medication and later attempted to sell it for money.

During Wednesdays hearing, Clark told the court she stole the pills for her personal use. She explained how she has diabetes, but doesnt have insurance to afford her medication. Judge Thomas Willmore postponed sentencing until her other jury trial is finished. It was scheduled to for May 29 and will last four-days.

In June, police allege that Clark called 911 from a Logan hotel room. She told police that she had found her friend unresponsive inside the room. Officers later determined that she had tried to help the woman take her life several times unsuccessfully.

Inside the hotel room, detectives also found two dogs that were deceased. It is believed that Clark was also responsible for their deaths.

State attorneys later charged her with two counts of attempted aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, a second-degree felony, and two misdemeanors for aggravated cruelty to animals. The case has been delayed after the victim died from an unrelated matter.

During Wednesdays court appearance, Judge Willmore ordered Clark to remain in jail and appear again March 26 for a pre-trial conference.

<hr /><p style=text-align: center;>will@cvradio.com
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  A California state senator accused of sexual misconduct resigned Thursday just ahead of a possible vote to expel him, delivering a scathing resignation letter that called the investigation a farce and underscored the Legislatures struggle to respond to the #MeToo movement.

Democratic Sen. Tony Mendoza of the Los Angeles area said he may still run for the seat this fall, putting his party in an uncomfortable spot. His resignation letter takes aim at the leader of the Senate, a fellow Democrat and his former roommate in Sacramento who was leading the effort to kick him out.

It is clear that Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon will not rest until he has my head on a platter to convince the MeToo movement of his sincerity in supporting the MeToo cause, Mendoza wrote as he resigned.

De Leon, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Dianne Feinstein, said the Legislature wont tolerate abuse of power and a pattern of behavior that violates our harassment standards.

An investigation found that Mendoza likely engaged in unwanted flirtatious or sexually suggestive behavior with six women, including four subordinates, a lobbyist and a young woman in a fellowship with another lawmaker. He is the third California lawmaker to resign over sexual misconduct allegations since the #MeToo movement erupted nationally last fall, leading millions of women to share their experiences on social media.

Mendoza has consistently denied wrongdoing and blasted an investigation that he claimed was unfair, illegal and racially motivated. His complaints illustrate the Legislatures struggle to respond to growing demands for a change in a culture perceived as burying complaints and sheltering offenders.

Removing senators from the process of deciding cases of sexual harassment involving their friends and roommates is imperative, said Sen. Andy Vidak, a Republican who first moved to expel Mendoza in January. The Mendoza mess has brought to light all of the flaws of our sexual harassment policies but hopefully will lead us to some resolution.

The Legislature still hasnt adopted fair and transparent policies for sexual misconduct four months after dozens of women who work at the Capitol sent a letter calling for a change in culture, said Samantha Corbin, a lobbyist and co-founder of a group called We Said Enough that formed in the wake of the letter.

Theres a lot of room for interpretation, theres a lot of ambiguity, and it does neither the victims nor the perpetrators any type of justice, she said. Its unfair for everyone.

Mendozas resignation was the best solution for the women who accused him of misconduct, but it hasnt delivered justice or due process, Corbin said.

Leaders of the Legislative Womens Caucus said more work remains to be done to ensure clear sexual harassment policies. Assemblywoman Susan Talamantes Eggman and Sen. Connie Leyva said the Legislature must ensure harassment claims are dealt with transparently and no one is beyond reproach.

Mendozas resignation letter was hand-delivered by an aide moments after the Senate Rules Committee lifted his suspension so he could return to the Capitol and publicly defend himself against expulsion. His photo was quickly removed from a wall showing the sitting lawmakers and replaced with the seal of the Senate.

Mendoza wrote that he wasnt able to see the evidence against him and was ordered to remain silent about the allegations. He said he couldnt get a fair hearing with so many of his fellow Democrats running for higher office and thinking about their own political futures.

Lawyers who conducted the investigation released Tuesday found that Mendoza more likely than not engaged in behavior such as offering a 19-year-old intern alcohol in a hotel suite at a Democratic event, suggesting a young woman in a Senate fellowship take a vacation with him and rent a room in his house, and asking several women about their romantic lives.

Mendoza, who is 46 and married, said in his resignation letter that more likely than not was a low standard of proof that didnt merit a penalty as high as expulsion. He called the Senates process farcical.

Mendoza had taken leave and then days before he was set to return in January, the Senate Rules Committee suspended him because the independent investigation had not yet concluded.

He doesnt plan to drop a lawsuit he filed last week seeking reinstatement. He alleged his suspension was unconstitutional, among other arguments.

Elected officials need to hold themselves to a higher standard, and the Senate doesnt need to hold itself to the same standard as a court of law, said Kim Nalder, director of the Project for an Informed Electorate at California State University, Sacramento.

So long as theres a process thats transparent and rigorous, thats what we should expect of them.

The Senate could be challenged again soon. An investigation has concluded into Sen. Bob Hertzberg, whom at least three female colleagues say made them uncomfortable with hugs. The findings have not been made public.

Two other Los Angeles-area Democratic representatives, Raul Bocanegra and Matt Dababneh, resigned last fall. Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia has taken leave after she was accused of groping.
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Communist guerrillas said Thursday a Philippine government court petition to have them designated as terrorists is a desperate attempt to alienate them from the people, but insisted they are still open to talks to peacefully settle one of Asias longest-raging insurgencies.

Regional rebel commander Jaime Padilla said by telephone that President Rodrigo Duterte would fail like past leaders to defeat the New Peoples Army rebels so hes resorting to fake news to undermine the Maoist guerrillas, who have managed to wage an insurgency for nearly half a century with what he said was the peoples support.

The Department of Justice asked a Manila court on Wednesday to formally designate the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing as terrorist groups. It cited deadly attacks and violence committed by the insurgents, including bloody internal purges of suspected military spies, in seeking the designation.

Padilla rejected the assertion that the New Peoples Army was similar to extremist groups notorious for beheadings and other atrocities.

The Abu Sayyaf is heaven and earth different from the NPA, Padilla said, referring to the brutal Islamic militant group blacklisted by the U.S. and Philippine governments. Labeling the revolutionary movement as such is a big crazy act.

He said rebels attack government forces who raid or infiltrate guerrilla zones but the guerrillas do not assault innocent civilians or ransack their properties like the Abu Sayyaf.

If they withdraw the petition that will be good because its baseless, said Padilla, who leads a rebel force that has a presence southeast of Manila.

Despite the government legal offensive, Padilla said the rebels remain open to a resumption of negotiations to end the hostilities.

Duterte resumed peace talks with the guerrillas after he rose to power in 2016. He granted concessions by appointing three left-wing activists to his Cabinet, but the cordial relations rapidly deteriorated when he protested continuing rebel assaults on troops and policemen, along with guerrilla extortion of mining firms and agricultural plantations.

Last year, he canceled Norwegian-brokered talks with the guerrillas and signed an order declaring the rebel groups as terrorist organizations in a prelude to his governments formal move on Wednesday.

Duterte has upped his rhetoric against the rebels in recent days, saying troops should shoot female communist rebels in the genitals to render them useless and suggesting troops could decapitate the rebels. The comments have drawn condemnation from rights groups.

Senior assistant state prosecutor Peter Ong said the guerrillas were insincere in their talks with the government and only wanted to grab power.

If approved by the court, designating the communists as terrorists could serve as a legal weapon and basis for the government in securing court clearances to put rebel leaders and fighters under surveillance and freeze their bank accounts and assets, Ong said.

Companies paying the so-called revolutionary taxes to the rebels could be questioned, even though the military said such extortion demands have been done by coercion.

The communist rebel organizations are the second to be targeted by the Philippine government for proscription under a seldom-used 2007 anti-terrorism law. In 2015, a court approved a similar petition against the Abu Sayyaf, which has also been blacklisted as a terror group by the United States.

The communist rebellion has raged since 1969 and left about 40,000 combatants and civilians dead. It also has stunted economic development, especially in the countryside, where the military says about 3,700 Maoist insurgents are still waging a guerrilla war.
GOLD COAST, Australia (AP)  Five teenage boys remained in an Australian hospital on Thursday, a day after suffering drug overdoses at a private school.

Police said some of the students, aged 14 and 15, were critically ill. The Gold Coast University Hospital declined to say how many, but said in a statement they are all steadily improving.

Seven boys were taken from St. Stephens College near Gold Coast city early Wednesday afternoon after staff noticed they were drug-affected and deteriorating.

Two were discharged within 24 hours, the hospital said in a statement.

Detective Senior Sgt. Greg Aubort said the boys had consumed a powdered drug, but he gave few other details about its identity.

Its not your classical illicit drug, Aubort told reporters.

Police were investigating how the group obtained the drug, how much they had taken, and whether others might have more of the substance.

We will follow through in terms of how much was ingested and obviously the barrier here is some of those kids are not able to speak right now, Aubort said.

No illicit drug is safe. Its dangerous and this is a classic example of how wrong it can go when children are pushing the boundaries, he added.

The affected students had taken various quantities of the drug over several hours on Wednesday morning before the effects became obvious, he said.

School principal Jamie Dorrington spent Wednesday evening at the hospital with the students and their families.

Our primary concern at the moment is to ensure their wellbeing, which Im confident is being looked after, Dorrington said Wednesday.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Dutch anti-smoking activists vowed to fight on Thursday after prosecutors rejected their call for a criminal investigation into four major tobacco companies on charges including attempted murder or manslaughter, on the grounds that such a case would be unlikely to lead to a conviction.

The decision was a blow to what Dutch anti-smoking organizations had hoped would be a new legal front in their battle against the tobacco industry, which they argue is criminally liable because it knowingly sells products that can cause deadly disease.

Benedicte Ficq , the lawyer who filed the criminal complaint against the tobacco giants, said she will now petition an appeals court to order prosecutors to investigate.

We wont give up the fight, said Anne Marie van Veen, a lung cancer patient who is one of the complainants.

Van Veen said she might not survive long enough to see the outcome of the appeal, but that she would keep fighting for my children and I hope many will do that with me.

Ficq filed what she called a worlds-first criminal complaint in 2016 seeking a prosecution on behalf of Van Veen, another ex-smoker and a youth smoking prevention organization. Hospitals, doctors and other groups later joined the call.

Ficq had called for the prosecution of Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International and Imperial Tobacco Benelux.

The complaint alleged that the tobacco companies were liable because of the large-scale, decades-long and ongoing production and sale of addictive tobacco products in the Netherlands. It also alleged that tobacco companies deliberately misled laboratory tests to gauge levels of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide.

But the Dutch Public Prosecution Service, or DPPS, said in a written statement that they see no prospect within current laws of a conviction.

Smoking is deadly and the design of cigarettes does add to this but according to the DPPS, the tobacco manufacturers have not acted in violation of either the law or the current regulatory framework, the service said in an English-language statement.

Prosecutors added that tobacco companies cannot be held criminally liable for the deaths or ill health of smokers because smokers knowingly expose themselves to health risks.

Not everyone starts to smoke and there are people who do manage to stop, the DPPS said. This element of freedom of choice in the chain of cause and effect means that the negative consequences of smoking cannot be attributed to the tobacco manufacturers under criminal law.

An Amsterdam hospital that was among those calling for a prosecution said 55 people die each day in the Netherlands as a result of smoking.

Rene Medema, chairman of the board of the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital, said the hospital also would discuss the option of asking a judge to order prosecutors to launch an investigation.

We see the damaging consequences of smoking every day in our patients, Medema said in a statement. We have to make clear to the tobacco industry that their way of working is unacceptable.

When Ficq filed her request, the Dutch association of cigarette and tobacco makers labeled it a publicity stunt and said it was confident that the sale of a legal, heavily regulated product is not a crime in the Netherlands.

Abe Brandsma, a Dutch spokesman for British American Tobacco, said the company agreed with the prosecutors decision.

Our products comply with all applicable regulations and are brought to the market in a completely legal manner, he said.

Philip Morris, the company behind the Marlboro brand, also said it welcomed the decision, adding that it hoped substitute products will soon replace cigarettes entirely.

We agree that smoking causes diseases and believe that addressing the harm of smoking is better served by giving the millions of consumers smoke-free products that are a much better choice than cigarette smoking, it said in a statement.

The Dutch case was being monitored by other anti-tobacco groups looking at similar action.

British group Action on Smoking and Health, known as ASH, is also looking at a criminal case against cigarette makers.

Van Veen said that the case had already won a key victory: That is that an unprecedented discussion has started in society.
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  The Philippine president said Thursday that a ban on the deployment of workers to Kuwait, where a Filipina was found dead in a freezer, will continue and could be expanded to other countries where Filipino workers suffer human degradation.

President Rodrigo Duterte made the remarks after attending the wake of Joanna Demafelis in the central Philippine town of Sara. He said he intends to file criminal charges against her employers, who are being hunted by Kuwaiti authorities.

Demafeliss body was found stuffed in a food freezer on Feb. 6 in a Kuwait City apartment where it had reportedly been kept for more than a year. Duterte has said her body bore torture marks and there were indications she was strangled.

The ban stays, no deployment of Filipinos whatsoever in Kuwait, Duterte said outside the wake, where steamers and shirts worn by mourners bore messages demanding justice for the maids death. The ban applies only to new Kuwait-bound workers and the thousands already there, mostly maids, can continue working.

Duterte said the government is conducting an assessment to find out the places where we deploy Filipinos and our countrymen suffer brutal treatment and human degradation.

Her death is the latest overseas tragedy to befall workers from the Philippines, a major labor exporter with about a tenth of its more than 100 million people working abroad. The workers have been called the countrys heroes because the income they send home has propped up the Southeast Asian nations economy for decades, accounting for about 10 percent of its annual gross domestic product.

Duterte talked with the family of Demafelis and then briefly viewed her remains, gently touching her coffin with his hand.

Philippine officials are under increasing pressure to do more to monitor the safety of the countrys worldwide diaspora of mostly maids, construction workers and laborers.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III told a Senate hearing Wednesday that he has recalled three Filipino labor officers from Kuwait to face an investigation. They failed to act on a request by Demafeliss family for help after she went missing in January last year, he said.

Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration reported that at least 196 Filipinos had died in Kuwait in the last two years, mostly for unspecified medical reasons but also four who committed suicide. That prompted senators to ask why labor officials did not immediately order a ban on the deployment of workers to Kuwait with the spike in deaths.

A Philippine labor delegation left for Kuwait on Thursday to seek better protection for Filipino workers that may prompt the Duterte administration to lift its ban, officials said.

They will demand a stop to the practice of many Kuwaiti employers to hold on to the passports, travel papers and cellphones of Filipino maids, which has prevented them from reporting abuses and calling for help, the officials said.

Kuwaits ruling emir has reportedly invited Duterte to his country next month to resolve the labor issues but Duterte has not said whether he will visit.

The sheer number of Filipino workers abroad makes monitoring their wellbeing an overwhelming task. That is often complicated by workers not having proper travel and work documents, such as in Kuwait, where nearly 11,000 of the more than 252,000 Filipino workers are in the country illegally or are not properly authorized.

Many desperate Filipinos have also chosen to stay in countries where the Philippines has banned Filipinos in the past, such as in war-torn Iraq and Syria.
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP)  The head of Italian energy firm Eni said Thursday that planned drilling in search of gas off Cyprus could be put on hold until Turkey can be convinced to pull back its warships preventing a rig from reaching the site.

Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi made the remarks after Turkeys energy minister earlier insisted that his country wont allow Cyprus government to carry out a unilateral gas search off the east Mediterranean island as long as breakaway Turkish Cypriots dont share the benefits.

For two weeks, citing naval exercises, Turkish warships have prevented a rig from reaching an area southeast of Cyprus where Eni is scheduled to carry out exploratory drilling.

Descalzi said the matter isnt troubling the company which is used to such difficulties, but that the rig  now anchored around 30 miles from the drilling target  would likely be moved soon for drilling scheduled elsewhere and to give diplomacy a chance to work.

Since we have to go somewhere else after this well, its very probable well move in these days and secure the exploration, Descalzi said according to the ANSA news agency. Then, well wait for international diplomacy to find a solution.

Turkish Energy Minister Berak Albayrak said that Turkey would block offshore hydrocarbon searches until there is an accord to reunify ethnically split Cyprus.

As long as a concrete and rational solution is not produced, we have to be effective, Albayrak told an energy forum in Istanbul. If unilateral exploration is conducted, as Turkey we will not allow it.

Turkey says drilling ignores the rights of breakaway Turkish Cypriots to the islands natural resources and also claims part of the areas which the Cypriot government has opened up for drilling licensing.

The Cypriot government says it is its sovereign right to search for gas and will benefit all Cypriot citizens with potential proceeds deposited in a sovereign fund that will be split equitably once the island is reunified. But it insists there can be no peace talks if Turkey continues to unlawfully interfere with drilling activity.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974. Turkey doesnt recognize Cyprus as a state, but is the only country to recognize the independence of Turkish Cypriots in the islands northern third.

Outgoing Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said Thursday that planned exploratory drilling in other areas, where companies including Frances Total and ExxonMobil are licensed to carry out drilling, must continue.

Earlier this month, the Cypriot government said Eni had discovered a potentially substantial gas deposit in an area southwest of the island.



Associated Press writers Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey and Nicole Winfeld in Rome, Italy contributed to this report.
BEIRUT (AP)  World leaders called Thursday for an urgent cease-fire in Syria as government forces pounded the opposition-controlled eastern suburbs of the capital in a crushing campaign that has left hundreds of people dead in recent days.

The U.N. Security Council heard a briefing from U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock on what he called the humanitarian disaster unfolding before our eyes in the rebel-held suburbs known as eastern Ghouta.

Sweden and Kuwait were seeking a vote on a resolution ordering a 30-day cease-fire to allow relief agencies to deliver aid and evacuate the critically sick and wounded from besieged areas to receive medical care.

But Russias U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, who called Thursdays meeting, put forward last-minute amendments, saying the proposed resolution was simply unrealistic.

Russias amendments would rule out an immediate cease-fire and instead demand that all parties stop hostilities as soon as possible, and work for an immediate and unconditional de-escalation of violence and 30-day humanitarian pause.

The Russian proposal would also condemn the relentless shelling of Damascus from eastern Ghouta, and deplore the ongoing attempts by terrorist groups to retake areas and attack civilians and civilian objects.

Several council diplomats who examined the draft, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said it was unacceptable.

Nebenzia accused global media outlets of a massive disinformation campaign that ignored what he claimed were thousands of fighters, including al-Qaida-linked militants, that were shelling Damascus from eastern Ghouta and taking refuge in hospitals and schools.

Council members said they needed to study the Russian proposals.

We will try and find a way forward that works for everyone, Swedens U.N. Ambassador Olof Skoog told reporters, adding that a vote was likely on Friday.

In eastern Ghouta, medical workers said they hadnt been able to see their families for days as they worked round the clock at hospitals that have been moved underground to protect them from bombing, while their spouses and children stay in shelters.

You cant be above ground for even 15 minutes, said a nurse in the town of Kafr Batna, who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect the identity of family members still living in government areas. At any moment I expect to have to treat my relatives for wounds, he said.

In the background the deep boom of a bomb could be heard exploding as the nurse spoke by Skype to The Associated Press. He said a barrel bomb had fallen less than half a kilometer (one-third mile) away.

A spokesman for the Syrian Civil Defense search-and-rescue group said eastern Ghouta was being targeted for extermination.

This is a war against civilians, said the spokesman, Siraj Mahmoud. The civil defense is being targeted as they rescue women and children, evacuate civilians from targeted areas and put out fires.

Four rescue workers of the organization, also known as the White Helmets, have been killed since Sunday, Mahmoud said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said 400 people, including dozens of children, have been killed since Sunday.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said al-Qaida-linked fighters were using civilians as human shields in the rebel-held suburbs outside Damascus.

Al-Qaidas Syria affiliate is not known to have many fighters in eastern Ghouta, and government forces on Thursday concentrated their fire on hospitals, ambulances, apartment blocks and other civilian sites, according to rescue workers, war monitors, human rights groups, and several videos emerging from the war-scarred region.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate suspension of all war activities in the area where he said people were living in hell on Earth.

The Russian military is supporting Assads forces in the assault on eastern Ghouta, as it did in the 2016 campaign that drove the rebels from the enclaves they controlled in Syrias largest city, Aleppo. Then, as now, it cited the presence of al-Qaida-linked groups as grounds for the sweeping operation.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on the European Union to step up pressure on Russia and Iran to end the violence in Syria.

The regime is not fighting against terrorists, but against its own people, killing children, destroying hospitals, and this is a massacre to be condemned, she told Parliament.

Besides President Bashar Assad, Merkel said Iran and Russia have a particular responsibility as they are both supporting the government forces.

We need to do everything in our power to put an end to this massacre, she said.

Lavrov said in remarks in Belgrade, Serbia, that an al-Qaida-linked group blocked a proposal by Russias military earlier this week to allow opposition fighters to leave eastern Ghouta in exchange for ending the governments offensive.

That contradicted an assertion by one of the largest rebel groups in eastern Ghouta, which told the AP that Russia refused to allow al-Qaida fighters to leave in November, and accused Moscow of wanting to keep the fighters there as a pretext for a comprehensive military campaign.

Russian news reports said Moscow has beefed up its forces in Syria with additional warplanes, including its latest fighter jets. The Kremlin wouldnt comment on the reports, referring questions to the military, which has remained mum about the deployment.

Russia has rejected allegations it was responsible for the mounting civilian casualties in eastern Ghouta, but anger has grown along with the death toll.

On Thursday, scores of protesters, including prominent Syrian opposition figures, gathered outside the Russian Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, chanting, Russia get out of Syria and Iran get out of Syria in Turkish and Arabic.

Syrias conflict, which has killed more than 400,000 people and displaced millions in the past seven years, has escalated in recent weeks as Assad and his allies push to retake remaining rebel-held areas in the country.

Turkey has also opened a new front against Syrian Kurdish fighters in the north, launching an air and ground offensive on the Kurdish-controlled enclave of Afrin last month.

Hundreds of pro-Syrian government fighters entered Afrin this week as part of an agreement with the Kurdish militia, known as the YPG, to bolster resistance to Turkeys assault.

Hundreds of people gathered in Afrins main square Thursday, celebrating the pro-government fighters arrival. TV footage showed fighters in camouflage uniforms standing among scores of men who gathered in the square waving posters of Assad.

Turkish warplanes could be heard flying overhead, sending some fleeing the area.

The pro-government daily Al-Watan said some 500 pro-government fighters have entered Afrin since Tuesday, taking positions along the regions borders.

A YPG spokesman, Nuri Mehmud, said the pro-government fighters brought in armored vehicles but said more was needed to withstand Turkeys military campaign.

There needs to be a no-fly zone, Mehmud said. The Syrian army must protect Syrian lands.

Turkey launched the operation to uproot the YPG from Afrin on Jan. 20, saying the group is linked to a Kurdish insurgency inside its own borders.



Associated Press writers Zeina Karam and Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.
Preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) has been a priority for Uzbek-U.S. and Kazak-U.S. relations for decades. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are surrounded by nuclear weapons states and lie at the crossroads of potential WMD trafficking routes. As the U.S. struggles to keep North Korea and Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, deny WMDs from terrorists and other actors, and sustain a major security presence in Central Asia, partnering with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan against WMDs offers low-cost, high-yield opportunities.

BACKGROUND: Since regaining independence, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian and South Caucasus countries have cooperated closely with the U.S. and additional international partners to consolidate, close, and clean former WMD-related facilities as well as prevent illicit movement of WMD-related materials. The contributions of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are important given the two countries regional influence, legacy Soviet-era WMD programs, and proximity to countries with large nuclear, biological, and chemical sectors.

Tashkent and Astana have sustained the legally binding arms control and nonproliferation obligations that they inherited from the former USSR, such as the 1970 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. They have also become parties to additional counter-WMD proliferation and disarmament treaties and agreements like the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have both placed their research reactors under the enhanced safeguards and monitoring of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Kazakhstan has joined the Nuclear Suppliers Group and affirmed its Additional Protocol to its nuclear safeguards agreement with the IAEA.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have pursued their own regional nonproliferation initiatives. In particular, they joined with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan in signing the Central Asian Nuclear Weapons Free Zone, which prohibits the development, manufacture, stockpiling, acquisition, or possession of any nuclear explosive device within their region. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon observed that, The experience of Central Asia, the only zone where nuclear weapons were once present, serves as an example to other states aspiring to create such zones.

Kazakhstan has become a leader of the global movement against nuclear weapons testing, partly due to its horrific experience hosting the Soviet Unions main test site at Semipalatinsk. U.S. and other international programs have enhanced security at the site, which has substantial radioactive by-products from the Soviet era. The Kazak authorities hold periodic events at the site aimed at promoting the entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. President Nursultan Nazarbayev has used his attendance at the Nuclear Security Summits to launch several disarmament, nonproliferation, and nuclear security initiatives.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have consistently discouraged Iranian and North Korean nuclear weapons aspirations. Almaty hosted two rounds of the P5+1 (all five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany) talks that led to a nuclear deal with Iran. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have backed this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Iran as a means of avoiding further nuclear weapons states in Eurasia.

While defending the right of other countries to peaceful nuclear programs, Nazarbayev and other Kazakh officials have urged Iran and North Korea to follow Astanas example, renounce any nuclear weapons aspirations, and recognize that their safety depends on improving economic and diplomatic ties with other countries. Uzbek officials have condemned North Koreas nuclear weapons program as a threat to Central Asia.

IMPLICATIONS: Several factors explain why Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan prioritize nuclear nonproliferation and security. First, both were exploited as WMD suppliers and test beds during the Soviet period. Second, they face serious threats from terrorists, criminals, and other non-state actors seeking WMD materials and technologies. Third, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan can enhance their global reputation and status through their contributions to international security. Finally, both countries aspire to expand their role in international nuclear energy, chemical, and biotechnology markets. Tashkent and Astana therefore want to reassure others that they are responsible suppliers and will avert WMD incidents or accidents.

Under its new President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Uzbek government has intensified opposition to WMD proliferation, called for more nuclear free regions, and pursued measures against WMD trafficking and terrorism. For example, President Mirziyoyev supported creating a nuclear-weapons-free zone in the Middle East while speaking at the 2016 session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Moreover, he called on North Korea to abstain from nuclear weapons when visiting Seoul last year. In line with his commitment to both nonproliferation and enhanced regional cooperation within Central Asia, Mirziyoyev has praised Kazakhstans leading efforts for nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation.

In August 2017, Kazakhstan opened the worlds first international nuclear fuel bank at Oskemen, the capital of the Eastern Kazakhstan region. Under IAEA supervision and with US$ 150 million in initial funding provided by the U.S. and others, the bank will store up to 90 tons of low-enriched uranium (LEU). The hope is that countries pursuing peaceful nuclear energy programs will borrow LEU fuel from banks to avoid the ecological and economic expense of manufacturing their own nuclear fuel through uranium enrichment, a technology that can be misused to make nuclear weapons.

The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Department of State, and other U.S. government agencies have assisted Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan with various threat-reduction programs. These agencies have helped them decrease the amount of WMD items inherited from the Soviet Union, store remaining dangerous agents with greater security, strengthen their borders against illicit radiological trafficking, and tighten controls on the export of dangerous nuclear, biological, and chemical agents. Regarding biological security, the USAID TB Control Program has been working with Uzbekistans Ministry of Health to address a Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis epidemic.

The European Union has financed similar WMD-related programs to help Central Asian countries strengthen their export controls, insider protection measures, nuclear training and education, physical protection systems, and consequence management capabilities. For example, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development funds a program to safely manage radioactive material remaining from Soviet-era uranium mining in the region.

The Trump administration has sustained this vital nonproliferation partnership. In August 2017, the U.S and Uzbek governments signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), based on their bilateral April 2012 Counter Nuclear Smuggling Joint Action Plan, which pledged greater cooperation in preventing nuclear terrorism and trafficking. For instance, the MOU will expand collaboration between the NNSA and the Uzbek State Customs Committee, providing U.S. support, equipment, and other assistance in tracking and detecting smuggled radiological materials.

Last month, Kazakhstan, which is serving a two-year term on the UN Security Council, made nonproliferation a priority of its rotating Council presidency and convened a special session on promoting WMD-related confidence-building measures. Kazakh diplomats have strived to narrow differences between the U.S., Russia, and other Council members on WMD issues. During Nazarbayevs White House visit last month, his first trip to the U.S. since the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit, Trump called Kazakhstan a valued partner in our efforts to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons. Citing his countrys strong nonproliferation record, Nazarbayev said that, Kazakhstan has the moral right to talk to the nations that are seeking nuclear weapons. And this is the way were talking to Iran, and this is the way we will be talking to North Korea.

CONCLUSION: Future U.S. steps to counter WMD terrorism and proliferation in Central Asia should include measures to improve policy coordination between the U.S. and EU. Due to limited resources, these Western governments, which have traditionally funded the bulk of the counter-WMD initiatives in Central Asia, must also engage more deeply with India, China, and other partners that can provide additional support to this critical endeavor of keeping the worlds most dangerous materials away from terrorists and rogue regimes.

AUTHORS BIO: Dr. Richard Weitz is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Hudson Institute Center for Political-Military Analysis.

Image source: By en.kremlin.ru, accessed on 2.22. 2018
| BY Ricki Green |

Following last years sell-out event of over 250 people, Business + Design is back for 2018, held on Thursday, March 22, 6pm-8.30pm at Clemenger Auditorium NGV in Melbourne. Speakers include Broadsheet Media x The Company You Keep, YMCA Playnamsium x McCann Melbourne and Fluff x Love + Money. The event will be hosted by Augusts Richie Meldrum.

Under the banner of AGDAs Design Means Business event series and part during Melbourne Design Week, this is a rare opportunity to explore the inner workings of the design industry.

Members  $35

Public  $65

Students  $25

The Business + Design event will focus on the power of creative collaboration, unveiling the fascinating working relationships between three exciting and diverse organisations and their respective design agencies.
| BY Ricki Green |

Digital agency Isobar has partnered with director and producer Dominic Allen to create Carriberrie, a ground-breaking virtual reality (VR) film celebrating the depth and diversity of Indigenous dance, music and song. The world premiere of the 360 live-action documentary will be held tonight (Thursday 22nd February) at the Australian Museum in Sydney.

Narrated by award-winning actor and dancer David Gulpilil, Carriberrie guides audiences across a stunning array of iconic Australian locations and performances, from the traditional to contemporary.

From ceremonial creation dances in the heart of the Central Desert, to honey gathering songs in the rainforest, bush- punk band The Lonely Boys performing in Alice Springs and Bangarra Dance Theatre at the Sydney Opera House, Carriberrie brings together art, technology and Indigenous performance in inspired new ways.

Dave Budge, director of Isobar Nowlab in Isobar Australia said the agency was proud to be part of a project that brings Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander performance art to a bigger audience.

Says Budge: Isobar is committed to Australian arts and culture, and Carriberrie offered a great avenue for us to use our digital expertise in an innovative forum, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary dance pieces for the first time in VR. Working with Dom, weve been able to truly capture the performances in context, showing the landscape and the country as well as the dancers.

For us its also a great example of what can be done with VR. We believe in the power of VR for storytelling, for immersion and for giving a sense of presence and of place. This project helps show that in a beautiful way.

Says Dominic Allen, Carriberries award-winning director and producer: The Australian Museum has been a great supporter of the project and Im thrilled to present the world premiere of the work here, where I feel a kindred passion for exploring, understanding and helping to preserve First Nations cultures.

Carriberrie  the Sydney language word for corroboree  will screen through March as part of Weave, the Australian Museums inaugural month-long Festival of First Nations and Pacific Cultures.

Carriberrie was created by Reddogs VR in partnership with Isobar, and global VR giant, Jaunt. The creative team included the community cultural advisors Marilyn Miller, director of the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival and former Bangarra choreographer/dancer; and senior Kimberley Walmajarri woman Annette Kogolo. The films script was written by Wiradjuri woman and acclaimed Indigenous author Tara June Winch.

Book tickets here or visit https://www.carriberrie.com/ for more information.

A film by Dominic Allen Produced by  Red Dogs VR

Design & Technical Partner  Isobar

Visual FX & Application Development  AIRBAG

360 Camera Technology  Jaunt

Sound Design  Viva Sound

Production Support- Positive Ape

Production Support  Hase Productions

Production Support  Plot

Film Credits

Executive Producers: Brendan and Grace OBrien

Executive Producer: Virginia Kay

Executive Producer: Jason Byrne

Director/Producer: Dominic Allen

DOP: Josh Flavell

Jaunt VR Producer: Cael Liakos Gilbert

Co-Producer: Madeline Johnson

Editor: Ben Davies

Editor: Ben Crook

Sound Design: Paul McCosh

Sound Record: Eren Pinky

Sound Record: Adam Afiff

Legal: Julia Shiff

Script: Tara June Winch

Advisor: Annette Kogolo

Advisor: Marilyn Miller

ISOBAR: Design & Technology Partner

Dave Budge: Director of Nowlab

Brett White: Creative Director

Mike Fraser: Executive Design Director

Anton Wintergest: Solution Architect

Kara Bombell: Operations Director

Adam Famularo: Client Engagement Director

Jessica Snell: Senior Producer

Xavier Verhoeven: Senior Producer

Veerle Verlooij: Senior Producer

Alberto Talegon: Creative Director

Oliver Brock: Copywriter

Jerry Scott: Art Director

Mathew Dodos: Senior Designer

Tom Stephenson: Designer

Mike Jones: Designer

Lindsay Dryhurst: Designer

Natasha Leporis: Marketing Manager

AIRBAG: Visual FX & Application Development

Steven Nicholson: Creative Technologist

Nick Venn: Producer

Adrian Bosich: Managing Partner

Martin Box: Head of Production

Steven Cheah: 3D Artist

Mike McCusker: 3D Artist

Andres Naranjo: 3D Artist

Dave Abbott: Compositor

Stephen Burns: Developer

Brad Hammond: Developer

Leo East: Quality Assurance
| BY Ricki Green |

GroupM media, content and technology agency, Wavemaker has appointed Jessica Torstensson to the role of group business director, charged with overseeing the Hungry Jacks business.

Torstensson joins the agency from OMD Australia where she was client lead on the McDonalds Australia account. Prior to that, she worked on both agency and client side in her native Sweden, including PHD Sweden, Mindshare Sweden, Disney Channel Scandinavia and telco 3 Sverige.

At Wavemaker she overseas a team of eight servicing the agencys important Hungry Jacks account and joins the management team, taking on a key role in unlocking growth opportunities for all Wavemaker clients.

Says Peter Vogel, CEO, Wavemaker Australia: With 15 years experience across agencies and advertisers, Jessica brings great insight and understanding of clients business needs, as well as an enthusiastic and pro-active approach to business. I am excited to welcome her to the team in this important role.
| BY Lynchy |

Malaysia Airports (Niaga) (MAN), has appointed MullenLowe Malaysia for its creative, communications and digital assignments.

MAN also known as Eraman Malaysia is the largest airport duty-free and travel retail brand, operating more than 50 retail and F&B outlets throughout Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Langkawi and Labuan airports.

Nizfaraz Noor, Business Group Head for MullenLowe Malaysia noted the significant multi-faceted brief that MAN required. In addition to the digital and creative duties, MAN wanted a communication strategy that engaged their target audience at a more personal level. Were excited to help such a significant brand to redevelop their brand repositioning, from concepts and application all the way to web development,
Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 8:11PM

Nest just updated its indoor Cam IQ security camera to add support for Google Assistant. The move seems in line with Nest being merged into Googles hardware division fairly recently. However, Nest made the announcement about this feature back in September but thankfully its finally here. When you use the usual OK Google commands, the Cam IQs blue light will shine to let you know its listening. Itll let you do basic web searches, create shopping lists, set reminders, dim the lights, and change the temperature. But you cant use it to control the Cam IQ itself. You cant use your voice to turn it on and off just yet. But who knows if Google plans to add this in the future. It must also be noted that this update wont be coming to the outdoor version of the Cam IQ.

Source: Engadget
news, latest-news

Hunter Reid was 22-months-old in October, 2016, when he died after battling a brain tumour, the little boy showing so much strength and continuing to find joy in life until the end. "He's a lot stronger than I am," his mother Helen Read said. "We're proud of him, very proud of him." The adorable toddler who loved animals, swimming at the beach and going through the utensil drawer in the kitchen was a delight to his parents, Helen, a nurse at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Canberra Hospital, and Ryan, who runs his own business, Betta Bins. "He loved everything. Everything was exciting. Everything was awesome," Helen said. When Hunter became sick on a weekend in February, 2016, , vomiting, Helen and her local doctor suspected gastritis. She took him to the Canberra Hospital the next day where he went through a number of tests, including neurological. Everything appeared normal.He stayed overnight. "He seemed better in the morning and also a bit happier," Helen said. But only a couple of hours later, Hunter was listless and "really sleepy". As he was sitting on his mum's lap, he had "what looked like a seizure". "He let out this pretty horrendous noise," Helen said. "I'm a nurse in NICU and I've heard that noise before. It's an irritable brain noise. He lent back and went stiff and stopped moving. I just freaked out." Medical staff responded immediately. Hunter underwent scans with thoughts he might have meningitis. He was ventilated in ICU. And then the results came in that Hunter had a brain tumour. "And that seemed like the dumbest thing ever," Helen said. "It was like, 'No, not our kid'." He had a drain put in his head and was flown by CareFlight to the Randwick Children's Hospital. Hunter had been admitted to the Canberra Hospital on the Tuesday, Wednesday he was in Sydney fighting for his life. Friday he was in surgery to remove the tumour. It was removed but had metastasised, sending cancer cells over his brain. Hunter was too young for radiation but did undergo chemotherapy. He was in a coma for a month, receiving the treatment even as he was ventilated. "He did actually wake up. They told us he wouldn't and if he did, he would have extensive brain damage," Helen said. Hunter, for a while, defied the odds. He lost movement in his right arm but that was restored with physiotherapy. He had chemotherapy for 10 months, including with trial drugs, sensitive to his particular cells. He was their little boy, returned. Then the tumour started to grow back in a different spot and he started having major seizures. The anti-seizure medication was so strong he "stopped being himself". His condition deteriorated. Hunter passed away on October 10, 2016. "It became obvious he'd had enough," Helen said. "I could never have done what he did. I've never seen a kid go through as much as he did." To honour Hunter, his parents hold the Annual Hunter Reid Fun Run and Walk. The event is also to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House, his parents staying at the one in Randwick throughout his treatment. "I don't know what we would have done without them. They were like family," Helen said. The fun run and walk is around Lake Tuggeranong on Sunday. Registration is from 7.30am at the stage in Tuggeranong Town Park. There is a 3km option as well as the full 7km route. A raffle and auction will also be held from 11am. There are also 500 gift bags for entrants. Registration is $5 per person. Children under 10 have free entry. There will be Canberra Raiders players in attendance. One of the big auction items will be a 2017 World Cup rugby league jersey signed by the Australian team and donated by Mal Meninga. Champion runner Melissa Breen will also be there. Some of the raffle items include vouchers for hot rock massages and day spa treats. Other items include wine, a night away in Batemans Bay, Stihl blower and Club Lime gym memberships. Helen and Ryan, now have a seven-month-old daughter, Georgia. They will always remember and be grateful for the love and support they received caring for Hunter. "This fun run is very dear to our hearts and it's our way to give back and support the special men and women that work and volunteer at Ronald McDonald House but also the families that are there going through some of the hardest times in their life," Helen said.

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A community mental health organisation is on the hunt for former bullies, victims of bullying and bully bystanders to share their stories to help combat related behaviours among Canberra teenagers. Mental Illness Education ACT is developing a cyber bullying prevention program to roll out to students in grade seven to 12. The organisation centres its programs on sharing lived experiences, a method of teaching chief executive Heidi Prowse said was proven to have a positive impact. Ms Prowse acknowledged it could be difficult for people to share their experiences but said it was an important element of preventing bullying behaviours among younger generations. The final program would help students recognise, understand and unpack bullying behaviour, she said, providing support and hope to victims, bystanders and perpetrators themselves. "What we really want to do is have all the positions of bullying behaviour, how you can approach it and make sure the stories are actually connected to each other," Ms Prowse said. "It's certainly a confronting thing for someone to put their hand up, but those stories are so essential in sharing hope and recovery and we've found individuals are willing to come in and share their story in order to break the chain and make a change." MIEACT won a $26,200 grant last year to develop the program, which will be offered to ACT schools in term two. The federal government's Bullying No Way resource said one in four year 4 to 9 students reported being bullied frequently. People interested in sharing their stories can contact Mental Illness Education ACT on 6257 1195.

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The Sanibel Sea School is getting ready for its major fundraiser, which supports outreach programs for at-risk landlocked youth, a scholarship program and its newest addition  free camps on holidays.

Marking its 12th year, the annual Octifest on the Beach will take place on March 11 at 6:30 p.m. on Island A at the Causeway Islands. Tickets are $150 each, and about 230 people attended last year.

Its our big annual fundraiser, Chrissy Basturk, development coordinator for the group, said.

It provides the largest amount of funding, she added.

The proceeds raised help fund outreach programs organized in partnership with the Pine Manor Improvement Association, Gladiolus Learning and Development Center, The Heights Foundation, PACE Center for Girls and more. The programs aim to build confidence and educate the youths.

It also goes into scholarship funds for our day-to-day kids and campers, Basturk said.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the school organized a free Hurricane Camp for parents whose children were out of school. Due to the great response from the community, it decided to begin offering camps on no-school days, like holidays. The first was held on Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

We realized that there was a need for free days like that for the kids, she said.

The funds will help us expand and subsidize the offerings, Basturk added.

At last years event, a video of the different programming was shown for the first time.

A lot of people didnt know we worked with landlocked kids. People were really touched, she said. We raised enough money (at the fundraiser) to cover all of the groups we worked with last year.

The evening will kick off with a cocktail hour and silent auction.

There will be about two dozen items available to bid on.

Ranging from artwork and day spa packages, to Disney passes and some jewelry, Basturk said, adding that there will also be themed baskets donated by local on-island businesses.

Well do some packages that are Sea School related, she said. Theyre usually fun experiences and things like that that people seem to like.

Dinner will follow, served up by Websters Catering.

Executive Director Bruce Neill will talk about what happened last year.

And what we look forward to accomplishing in the next year, Basturk said.

There is also some island-related trivia planned.

To get everybody engaged and have a little fun, she said.

Next is the live auction, featuring part-time Sanibel resident Victor Mayeron as the auctioneer.

Basturk explained that there are typically about five items up for grabs.

We usually have a Sea School pub crawl, which has been fun in the past, she said. We have a star gazing event planned with Robert Hunt.

Hunt is the owner of the company BIG PUPILS, which utilizes world-class telescopes.

Congress Jewelers also donated a piece for the fundraiser.

We do have a deejay for the evening, Basturk said.

To purchase tickets, call 239-472-8585 or visit www.sanibelseaschool.org/octifest.

The community is encouraged to check it out.

People that come really get to see and feel what we do here at the Sanibel Sea School and that they really do make a difference in these kids lives, she said.

The Causeway Islands is at 19931 Sanibel Causeway, Sanibel.
A Sanibel-Captiva organization has been named as one of 10 recipients for a national award.

Formerly known as the Sanibel Captiva Sail and Power Squadron, the Sanibel-Captiva chapter of Americas Boating Club will be recognized on Feb. 22 by the U.S. Power Squadron in the Boat Owners Association of The United States 2017 Distinguished Civic Service Award Recognition program.

One of the most prestigious awards that a squadron or district can achieve, it recognizes community visibility and service through a variety of local activities, according to the U.S. Power Squadron.

Nominees are judged in the areas of short-term community activity and long-term partnership projects, promotion of boating safety in community events, boating safety and USPS presentations, and more.

With about 300 members, the local chapter covers everything from offering free vessel safety checks and teaching youth about boating, to assisting area marine units and and providing boating courses.

Its all the volunteerism that we do, Commander Pat Schmidt said of the recognition.

We do a lot of of volunteering on the islands, she added.

The club learned about the honor in early January. This week, the U.S. Power Squadron will hold its 2018 Awards Banquet at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, where all 10 recipients will be recognized.

One example of the Sanibel-Captiva chapters work is a partnership with The Sanibel School, where members teach a Boat Smart course to all the sixth-graders. This has been going on for 10 years.

They really learn everything, Schmidt said of the program.

Overseen by club member Marti Squitieri, it introduces the students to local waters from the perspective of a boat owner and covers a broad range of topics. They gain nautical knowledge and skills in areas like using emergency equipment, docking, reading area water charts and more.

At the end, the students can take an exam to earn their boating certification.

For the general public, vessel safety checks are available for free.

One of our members will come out and inspect your boat, club member Jay Brown said.

Members also volunteer their time to participate in SERAT, or the Squadron Emergency Response Assistance Team. The group of about two dozen can assist the U.S. Coast Guard, Lee County Sheriffs Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and others with on-the-water incidents.

Our boaters are trained and work with the city, Schmidt said.

In addition, the Sanibel-Captiva chapter offers a variety of courses and classes for a cost. A couple times a year, it provides the Americas Boating Course, an online safety course and license test.

You understand all the basics of boating, Brown said.

The club also offers advanced courses that cover topics like seamanship and coastal navigation, along with elective classes, including marine electrical systems, cruise planning and engine maintenance.

There are also half-day seminars on things like tides and currents and paddling smart.

Brown noted that there are twice yearly educational cruises.

We do an array of things, Schmidt said.

Recently, the U.S. Power Squadron rebranded itself as Americas Boating Club.

What we want people to do is to identify with the fact that were a boating club, Brown said. People thought we were a Coast Guard auxiliary or a paramilitary organization or something.

The club is open to both boat owners and non-owners.

This is an organization for everyone, Schmidt said. But you must love the water.

The club meets on the third Tuesday of every month. The meetings typically involve a speaker and spotlight a non-profit organization. There are also monthly cruises, potlucks and social events.

We try to offer activities for everyone, she said.

Were serious about boating education and safety, but like having fun while we do it, she added.

For more information, contact 239-985-9472 or patandmikeschmidt@gmail.com.

Information can also be found at www.usps.org/localusps/sancap.
After reading this article I agree up to a point. However, on one point I disagree 100%. "If you're not comfortable driving the speed limit on snowy roads" is what I am talking about. If the road is snow covered, you should not drive the speed limit.

I have been driving for close to 60 years and about half of that time professionally, with a total of somewhere around 3 million kilometers, in all kinds of road conditions, without one single accident. I have stopped countless times when I saw a vehicle in the ditch or even worse, on it's roof, just to see if anybody needed help. Believe it or not, before they even answered my question, the first thing they said "I was not speeding".

I got the impression that there are a lot of drivers out there who think if the sign says 120, that is the speed they have to drive and if you happen to drive a 4x4 or an all wheel drive, you can even exceed that speed. Drive up to Big White a few times and you see that at least 7 out of 10 cars in the ditch belong to the 4-wheel or all wheel category.

I have written several letters over the years about this very same problem and even went as far as saying that we don't have driving schools in this country and I am sticking to it. The so called driving schools should change their names and call themselves "How to pass the Road Test School".

To my knowledge, there is not even a place to practice your skills on a slippery road or how to recover from a slide. If you try that on an empty parking lot, you have to deal with the cops in no time flat.

Roger von Dach
The citizens of Peachland were stunned, as city council defied them by effectively rescinding the citys Official Community Plan (OCP) to allow development that will set the stage for turning our pristine downtown into a massive strip-mall.

Statutory Public Hearings no longer serve as an avenue for public input, when city councillors are just sitting there, stonewalling the citizens. Without the constraints of an OCP, development will be out of control, and so will the costs to serve those developments, and taxes will be spiralling into orbit, as an intransigent city council has put Peachland on a collision course to meet that reality.

Politicians have embraced growth-at-any-cost to pursue their personal and political ambitions and teaming up with developers the doors for corruption are wide open.

The city of Vancouver opened the flood-gates to billions of dollars of drug and off-shore money, and it has destroyed the lower mainland real estate market, radically inflating the cost of housing. Today people are forced out of their homes because of huge increases in property taxes and rental space is becoming smaller and pricier, completely out of reach for the working people.

The Okanagan has not been immune to that tsunami, and city councillors up and down the valley have embraced this fools gold like it was the salvation to make up for their financial shortcomings.

While Peachland city council turned their backs on the people to embrace an out of town developer, the Mayor of Kelowna voted no to the latest application to exceed the height restriction in the citys OCP.

Does that mean there finally is light at the end of the tunnel?

Andy Thomsen
Madison Erhardt

Central Okanagan Public Schools continue to embrace kindness and diversity with the 11th Annual Harmony Day.

Black Mountain Elementary welcomed guests at the front door with passports to tour the school and learn about their seven habits.

"All of the spaces in the entire school opened up for the community to come in and see some of the kids' work that is about character education," said Vice Principal, Adrian Zuyderduyn.

"It's the idea of health mindsets for growth," Zuyderduyn added.

The different grade levels featured a number of various activities including painting, learning how to juggle, and sitting and listening to fellow classmates' ideas and experiences.

"These activities in the classrooms involve different character attributes to get the students thinking about how they live their lives," Zuyderduyn said.

Schools across the Okanagan are participating in Harmony Day.
Photo: Contributed

An overdose warning has been issued by Interior Health for Penticton following reports of increased incidents in the community.

Anecdotal reports of pre-loaded fentanyl syringes led Interior Health to notify community organizations in the city to warn drug users that the risk of overdose had potentially increased.

Dr. Sue Pollock, medical health officer for Interior Health, wrote in a release that those who use drugs experimentally or recreationally should avoid using illegal drugs for the time being.

"We are unable to confirm the number of overdose deaths due to privacy reasons," Pollock wrote.

Pollock also added that for their own safety, those who use drugs should not be using alone. Other safety tips include testing small amounts first and carrying a naloxone kit.

Anyone witnessing signs of distressed breathing or other overdose signs like loss of consciousness or an extremely slowed heartbeat should call 911 immediately.
Colton Davies

The Oliver Fire Department is hosting its bi-annual spring seminar in May, and this year they've shed some light on the course with an eccentric video.

The short video  posted on Friday  was shot in town with members of the volunteer fire department. It was filmed by Erick Thompson, who runs ET2 Media.

"The idea was we wanted to get everybody hyped up and excited for it, and you get a little more interest," Rob Graham said, spokesperson for the Oliver Fire Department.

"Somebody showed us a commercial for a Call of Duty trailer, and we thought it'd be a good idea to spoof that."

Graham said the department received approval from Activision, the maker of COD, and from another company to use their music.

The video had more than 1,500 views on Youtube and nearly 6,000 more on Facebook by Wednesday afternoon, and Graham said the community has noticed.

"I know there are several of the guys who are in the video themselves who have had people stop them at school when they're dropping their kids off, or just stop them in town telling them that they enjoyed watching the video," Graham said.

He said the seminar typically draws about 300 to 400 volunteer firefighters from all over the province.

This year's course goes from May 4 to 6 at the Oliver Fire Hall and the Oliver Community Centre.

"We try to open it up to the public so they can walk through, have a look at what's going on and see just what kind of training is going on, not only at our department but others around the province."

More information on the seminar can be found here, and the full promo video can be viewed here.
Photo: Nicholas Johansen Jeremy Czechowski

The man accused of raping a woman in West Kelowna two years ago took the stand in his own defence Wednesday and painted a very different picture of the night in question than the alleged victim did last week.

Last week, M, who's identity is protected under a publication ban, said she never once gave Jeremy Czechowski consent to touch her in the early hours of Feb. 21, 2016.

After leaving Sapphire nightclub just before 2 a.m., M and her friend B went to a house on Wiig Road in West Kelowna where Czechowski and several others had been drinking.

M testified that shortly after she arrived, Czechowski ripped off her underwear, and proceeded to rape her in an upstairs bedroom after she followed him to retrieve her purse from him.

On Wednesday, Czechowski testified M, who he had never met before, jumped on his lap as soon as she entered the home, and began flirting with him.

He said that as she was on his lap, he pulled at her underwear until it tore, but it was accidental.

Czechowski said he asked M if she'd like to go to an upstairs bedroom, and she said yes.

While the pair were upstairs, Czechowski says B came upstairs twice to check on them, and M told her she was fine. The second time, B said she was leaving, and Czechowski said B was acting jealous because her friend was with me.

After B left, Czechowski said he and M had consensual sex several times.

At one point, B came back to the house with her mother, T, to find M. Czechowski testified M came out to her friend's car, put one foot inside, before running back to the house, telling B she was having fun. B and her mother drove away.

Czechowski says M's demeanour changed at one point when he answered her phone, and he believes it was M's boyfriend calling.

(M) flipped out, like went crazy, he said. I called somebody up, like, 'Somebody come up here and watch this.'

Czechowski's friend came upstairs, and Czechowski says M kicked at him, before he grabbed her and threw her back because she was attacking him.

M then ran outside in her bare feet, before Czechowski's friend found her and brought her back.

She had my keys in her hand and she told me she was looking for her car, and she kept saying, 'Where's (B), where's (B),' and it was explained to her by several people that she didn't have her car there, she got picked up downtown, and (B) left hours ago, Czechowski said.

After talking to her for a little bit she calmed down and went back to being normal ... it was like she went into a psychosis or something, I think she was just drunk.

Czechowski said after M calmed down, they went back upstairs and had sex again. He said she then put her dress back on and left.

Czechowski's version of the events is markedly different from M's, who said at one point during the alleged rape, she ran downstairs to the kitchen to find a knife to protect herself, but was grabbed by the throat by Czechowski's friend and threatened.

A police officer found M in a nearby bush just before 7 a.m. and took her to the hospital. He said she appeared disheveled, intoxicated and terrified.

The Crown's cross examination of Czechowski begins Thursday.
Photo: Castanet Staff

A prolific offender has been handed a 19-month jail sentence after stealing a pickup truck and fleeing from police afterwards.

Penticton court heard that 24-year-old Derek Ledgard crashed a Ford F350 into a Naramata property on the afternoon of Dec. 20  a truck that was determined stolen a day earlier.

When the property owner went to help Ledgard out of the vehicle, that person noticed the ignition had been punched and suspected the truck was stolen.

Ledgard fled the scene when he was questioned by the property owner, according to Crown prosecutor John Swanson.

Police chased Ledgard and three officers eventually arrested him after a fight ensued. One officer had drawn his duty pistol before they were able to detain the suspect.

"You must've had a lot of nerve to run in the circumstances where there's a revolver drawn," Judge Robin Smith said to Ledgard, who appeared by video from the Matsqui Institution in Abbotsford.

Ledgard faced five charges as a result. He pleaded guilty on Wednesday to theft of a motor vehicle, resisting a peace officer and operating a motor vehicle while prohibited.

At the time on Dec. 20, Ledgard was under a driving prohibition that remained from a previous conviction. He also admitted that he was on drugs during the incident.

Crown counsel asked for 19 months imprisonment for Ledgard's convictions  looking for a "step-up sentence" since he recently completed a 14-month sentence for similar crimes.

Defence lawyer James Pennington asked for 16 months, saying his client acknowledged he needs to deal with his crystal meth addiction and that he pleaded guilty at the earliest possible chance.

Smith decided on a 19-month sentence. In his judgement, he noted Ledgard's attempt to flee police and a "significant" criminal record.

Less 108 days of enhanced credit, Ledgard will remain in jail for another 470 days. He will have a three-year driving prohibition when his sentence concludes.
Photo: Skylar Noe-Vack Police swarm near fire department in Penticton.

Numerous police vehicles swarmed an area near the Pentiction Fire Department on Wednesday night.

At least five police vehicles rushed to 250 Nanaimo Avenue West just after 9 p.m.

A witness at the scene said a struggle ensued between emergency crews and a lone man.

One man was loaded into an ambulance and taken to Penticton Regional Hospital.

It is not clear the details of what lead to the incident.
Photo: The Canadian Press A CIBC sign is shown in the financial district in Toronto on August 22, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

CIBC raised its dividend Thursday as it reported better-than-expected results for its first quarter helped by strong results at home and south of the border.

The bank's increased its quarterly payment to common shareholders by three cents to $1.33 per share.

The higher dividend came as the lender reported a profit attributable to shareholders of nearly $1.31 billion or $2.95 per diluted share for the quarter ended Jan. 31, down from $1.39 billion or $3.50 per diluted share a year ago.

However on an adjusted basis, the bank said it earned $1.41 billion or $3.18 per diluted share for the quarter, up from $1.15 billion or $2.89 a year earlier.

Analysts had expected an adjusted profit of $2.83 per share, according to Thomson Reuters.

"In the quarter, CIBC delivered strong results across all four strategic business units," CIBC chief executive Victor Dodig said in a statement. "We are creating value for shareholders by building a relationship-focused bank, diversifying our earnings growth in the U.S. region, improving operational efficiencies and maintaining disciplined capital deployment."

CIBC was the first of Canada's big lenders to report its first-quarter results.

The bank's results included charges totalling 23 cents per share, including an $88-million net tax adjustment due to a cut to the U.S. corporate tax rate that took effect this year. The lender also recorded a $10-million charge in purchase accounting adjustments in connection with acquisitions of The PrivateBank and Geneva Advisors last year.

The acquisition of PrivateBancorp, The PrivateBank's parent company, last year helped boost CIBC's U.S. commercial banking and wealth management division, which reported net income of $134 million in the latest quarter, up $105 million from the same period in 2017.

The lender's Canadian personal and small banking arm reported net income of $656 million for the period, down $149 million or 19 per cent compared with a year ago. However, on an adjusted basis, net income was $658 million, up $97 million or 17 per cent from a year ago.

CIBC's domestic commercial banking and wealth management division's net income for the quarter was $314 million, up 14 per cent compared with a year earlier. Its capital markets net income was $322 million for the quarter, down $25 million or seven per cent from a year earlier.

The bank's common equity tier 1 ratio, a key measure of the bank's financial health, was 10.8 per cent, up from 10.6 per cent in the previous quarter but down from 11.9 a year ago.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The federal government doesn't believe it can do much on its own to stem the growing tide of fake news in Canada, according to briefing notes prepared for Canadian Heritage Minister Melanie Joly.

The documents, obtained by The Canadian Press through an access-to-information request, highlight that even though the government recognizes that fake news could threaten Canada's democratic institutions at a time when traditional news outlets are facing cutbacks and financial challenges, there's not much they can do to stop it.

The government's inability to decide for Canadians what should and shouldn't be considered fake news is one reason it can't take direct action, according to the briefing notes, prepared in November by deputy Heritage minister Graham Flack.

Even if the government did attempt to publicly identify fake news stories, Flack said it could backfire, making readers more convinced the stories are true and increasing the likelihood they'd share the stories.

Overall, the briefing notes concluded that the role of combating misinformation should not rest on the government's shoulders alone and that "there is not likely one single, easy solution".

A trade association representing almost 1,000 digital and print media outlets across the country thinks otherwise.

John Hinds, the CEO of News Media Canada, said that there is a clear solution to the fake news problem.

"The antidote to fake news is real news," said Hinds.

"It's not about reinventing the wheel, it's about supporting the existing infrastructure that can provide Canadians with credible news."

That support may already be on its way. In January, Joly signalled at a meeting with members of a Quebec culture and communications union that the struggling news media industry is set to receive financial help from Ottawa in next week's federal budget.

However, the documents released to The Canadian Press separated the issue of a struggling news media industry as "distinct" from the issues surrounding the rise of fake news.

Instead, the documents point to partnerships between social media networks and media literacy organizations as part of the solution to the misinformation problem, rather than government intervention.

One such initiative  a partnership between social media giant Facebook, which has been widely criticized for not combating deliberate misinformation campaigns, and Canadian not-for-profit media literacy group MediaSmarts  is meant to combat fake news that could influence the next federal election.

MediaSmarts education director Matthew Johnson said that, with funding from Facebook, they are creating a guide for MPs, candidates and parties on identifying online misinformation as well as public service announcement videos and short games for Canadian social media users.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Talk-show host Tavis Smiley is suing his former employer, the Public Broadcasting Service, for breach of contract after he was fired over sexual harassment allegations.

The Washington Post reports that the lawsuit was filed Tuesday in D.C. Superior Court against PBS, based in the Washington suburb of Arlington, Virginia.

PBS fired Smiley in December after it said it received multiple, credible allegations of workplace misconduct by Smiley on his eponymous late-night interview show.

Smiley has acknowledged having romantic relationships with colleagues over his career, but says they were consensual.

PBS called Smiley's lawsuit meritless and an effort to distract the public from his misconduct.

Smiley, who is African-American, contends in the lawsuit that racial bias contributed to his dismissal.
Photo: Contributed

The case of a Montreal writer who said his insurance company refused to pay him disability benefits due in part to online postings is a reminder to people to watch what they put on the Internet, according to legal experts.

Literature professor Samuel Archibald published a letter in La Presse earlier this month detailing his struggles to get disability benefits after being diagnosed with severe depression last fall.

He wrote that while he was on leave from his job at Universite du Quebec a Montreal, the school's group insurer opened an investigation because he had been able to take part in certain activities such as speaking with students, reading poems on the radio and making a 10-minute TV appearance.

They also looked at photos he had posted on social media that showed him jogging or playing with his children.

"They also used this new trick of peeling through the insured's Facebook and Instagram pages in order to prove, in the event of a lawsuit, that he is not depressed," he wrote on Feb. 12.

The article prompted a wave of denunciations from doctors, union leaders and citizens, with some sharing their own stories of being denied claims with the hashtag #avecsam.

It also elicited a response from Archibald's insurance company, which defended its commitment to mental health and promised to review his file.

"Close to half of our group insurance claims are disability cases, and less than five per cent of mental health claims are declined," Desjardins wrote in a statement.

"It's important to note that each claim is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, while consulting with the insured, experts  including the attending physicians  and the employer."

But the story is no surprise to legal experts, who say insurance companies are increasingly turning to social media to investigate claims.

David Share, a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims, says insurance companies have always conducted surveillance and been suspicious of certain kinds of disability claims.

He says that while firms have a responsibility to ensure claims are valid, social media can also offer "a cheaper, quicker way of trying to find grounds to deny a claim."

As an example, he says insurance companies can argue that someone who spends a certain number of hours online is capable of working a desk job or taking calls.

"It's easy to say 'this person doesn't look disabled,' but that's an overly simplistic way of looking at it," he said.

Robert Currie, a lawyer and member of Dalhousie University's law and technology institute, says insurance companies are too often allowed to be invasive and to jump to conclusions that aren't supported by their evidence.

"You can't judge anything meaningful about someone's mental health based on their social media feeds," said Currie.

"One thing we know is that social media feeds are extremely unreliable indicators of anything about a person, 95 per cent of the time."

Both Share and Currie say that while the issue of social media monitoring raises privacy concerns, thus far there are few government regulations in place to stop it.

"The legal system is still trying to catch up with the Internet and the impact that it has, and it's very difficult to prevent companies or investigators from being able to learn how to look things up online," Share said.

Currie said that while people can have some legal recourse if they can show that companies breached strong privacy barriers, it's far easier and less costly to assume that anything posted online can be found.

"A colleague has a sign on her office that reads: 'Dance like nobody is watching; email as if it's going to be read to a deposition some day,'" he said.

"I think people are far too casual about this."
Photo: Contributed

A new poll reveals Canadians are virtually split on the current dispute between B.C. and Alberta over pipelines and wine.

The Angus Reid Institute survey says 50 per cent of Canadians are in favour of the pipeline and 50 per cent are opposed, nationally.

Province by province is slightly different not surprisingly Albertans are gung-ho at 82 per cent support while in British Columbia only 42 per cent of those surveyed support the project.

The Kinder Morgan project would nearly triple capacity of the current pipeline system to 890,000 barrels a day.

The survey reveals that political affiliation is a key driver of opinion, with past Conservative Party of Canada voters overwhelmingly taking Albertas side. Past Liberal and New Democratic Party supporters are more divided.

When asked which province  B.C., which wants to delay the project for environmental reasons, or Alberta, which wants to avoid delays for economic reasons  is making the more compelling argument, Canadians are evenly split, with 50 per cent saying each provinces government is more persuasive.

The poll's findings suggest the federal government will have its hands full trying to decide how to proceed on a project half the country disagrees with but already has its approval.

The margin of error in the poll is plus/minus 2.5 percentage points 19 times out of 20.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Justin Trudeau's turbulent trip to India is drawing domestic political criticism and raising eyebrows internationally as the Prime Minister's Office deals with the fallout of its botched party invitation to a convicted attempted murderer.

Trudeau's office has said an invitation issued to Jaspal Atwal for a reception in Delhi was a mistake and was rescinded as soon as it was discovered.

Erin O'Toole, the Conservative foreign affairs critic, says on Twitter that the prime minister's trip is a profound disappointment that is eroding Canadian relations with an important country.

That's just the tip of the social media iceberg as Indian journalists and international newspaper are reporting a trip gone awry.

Trudeau had to profess his support for a united India after local journalists and pundits accused him of being soft on Sikh separatists.

Numerous pundits have said Trudeau is being snubbed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who he has not met since his arrival in India on Sunday, although the two are to meet on Friday.

However, Modi has tweeted that he is looking forward to meeting Trudeau.

"I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries," Modi's tweet said..
Photo: CTV

General Motors Co. is reportedly extending a cutback in car production at its plant in Oshawa, Ont., into April and May before it begins a second shift to produce pickup trucks later this year.

The automaker had halted production of Cadillac XTS and Chevrolet Impala cars for three weeks in January and brought the plant back online on one shift instead of the previous two shifts for the rest of the first quarter.

But The Globe and Mail, citing a memo it says Unifor sent to workers at the plant, reported Wednesday that GM has now extended the single-shift operation to May 28.

Jennifer Wright, the automaker's manager of corporate communications, told The Canadian Press in an email that current job levels are "anticipated to be retained."

She said production of the Silverado and Sierra pickup trucks began earlier this month and the company plans to "ramp up production over the coming months."

The move comes amid a continuing slump in sales of passenger cars generally in North America and specifically in the U.S. market for the two cars that are built in Oshawa.

GM Canada said in December that it sold a total of 23,612 vehicles in the previous month, a 17.2 per cent year-over-year drop, but Canadian year-to-date sales were up 13.6 per cent to 283,000 thanks to strong sales earlier in 2017.

Wright said the changes in Oshawa were being made to address American preferences because most of the cars made there are shipped south of the border.

"The market is definitely shifting towards compact SUVs and pickups so we've had to adjust our production schedules accordingly," she said.
Photo: CTV

Dawn Douglas is a 66-year-old woman suffering from dementia, her family says the care home she's staying in took her therapy cat and replaced it with a stuffed animal.

Douglas' family says her cat "Snoop" was taken from her at the Sunridge Care Facility in Duncan.

"I've had her since she was a kitten actually and she loves me with all her heart, and I know she's missing me."

Her son Bill Douglas said Sunridge staff told the family the cat would be allowed to move in with Dawn if they made sure it was taken care of.

Park Place, the company that operates Sunridge, told CTV News that the cat was removed after an employee inside the building was hospitalized due to an allergic reaction.

In the interim solution theyve made arrangements to have the cat rehomed with a staff member thats very loving and has promised to look after the cat while we work with the family," said Park Place spokeswoman Lynda Foley.

The company also said the family was never given permission to move Snoop into the facility, which doesn't allow pets.

The cat has since been reunited with Dawn's sons, but they say they won't be giving up their fight to have Snoop returned to his rightful owner.

-with files from CTV Vancouver Island
Photo: The Canadian Press

A Quebec judge has found a man guilty of criminal negligence after his pit bull-type dog mauled a young girl.

Karim Jean Gilles had been on trial near Montreal this week on a charge of criminal negligence causing bodily harm.

On Monday, the girl's mother testified that the dog attacked her daughter Vanessa in the face in Sepember 2015 and dragged her several metres across a park.

Magdalena Biron said the attack left Vanessa with fractures to the cranium and hand, as well as a cheekbone broken in seven places. She still has scars on her face.

In a brief statement on the last day of his trial, the accused suggested to Quebec court Judge Pierre Belisle his animal might have been provoked.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
Photo: BC SPCA

The BC SPCA has announced over $10,000 in funding for communities province-wide to help control cat overpopulation.

February is spay and neuter awareness month, and this is the sixth year that the SPCA has offered this grant program to communities and individuals.

"This years funding is the largest amount that has been available through the BC SPCA Community Animal Spay/Neuter Grant program since its inception, said BC SPCA outreach specialist Marieke van der Velden.

"Were excited to continue the program for its sixth year and continue our work with individuals and groups who are compassionately helping community cats in their region.

The program has supported the spaying and neutering of 3,217 cats, 339 dogs and 100 rabbits since 2013. It aims to help non-profit organizations, First Nations communities, veterinarians and regional governments in mitigating pet overpopulation.

"Preventing unwanted litters through spaying and neutering is the most effective and humane approach to solving environmental, conservation and welfare issues and we are seeing communities across B.C. coming together to help cats, said van der Velden.

In addition to preventing population growth, fixing these cats also improves the health of the individual cats and the human community in which they live."

The BC SPCA is now accepting applications from organizations and individuals interested in receiving part of the funding. According to a release, "Funding will be distributed to projects that effectively better the welfare of a communitys most vulnerable companion animals."

The application deadline is March 21, and can be made online.
Photo: CTV

A southwestern Ontario community remains under a state of emergency after flooding from a swollen river forced thousands of residents from their homes.

Brantford, Ont., Mayor Chris Friel said Thursday the city remains in "response mode" despite an overnight decrease in water levels on the Grand River.

The city declared the state of emergency on Wednesday and ordered nearly 5,000 residents in neighbourhoods near the river to leave their homes. Friel said about 1,000 homes in the area are without gas and power.

"The evacuation order that has impacted the region is still in effect, and will be in effect for a period of time until we have the ability to go in and properly address property issues and safety," Friel said.

More than 100 kilometres north along the Grand River, near Orangeville, Ont., police continued to search for a three-year-old boy who went missing after his mother's van plunged into the water around 1 a.m. Wednesday.

The woman was able to drag her son from the van, but lost her grip, and the boy was swept downstream, provincial police said.

"It's been more than 24 hours, the water is extremely cold there's a very slim change he'd be alive," said Const. Paul Nancekivell. "Our goal right now is to find (his body) and get some closure and peace to the family."

Officials have cautioned the public not to go near the river, saying they do not want to see any more tragedy caused by flooding.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Global fishing efforts are so wide ranging that fleets covered more than 460 million kilometres in 2016  a distance equal to going to the moon and back 600 times.

That startling revelation is contained in a newly published study in Science that quantifies fishing's global footprint for the first time.

"I've been working on fishing for 20 years and it totally blows me away," co-author Boris Worm, a marine biologist at Dalhousie University in Halifax, said of the findings.

The study  which included researchers from Global Fishing Watch, National Geographic, Google and U.S. universities such as Stanford  used satellite feeds and common ship tracking technology known as the automatic identification system (AIS).

It found that commercial fishing covers more than half of the ocean's surface: "Our data show that industrial fishing occurs in 55 per cent of ocean area and has a spatial extent more than four times that of agriculture," the study says.

Most nations appear to fish predominantly within their own exclusive economic zones, but fishing fleets from China, Spain, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea accounted for more than 85 per cent of the observed fishing effort on the high seas.

"The fundamental problem with fishing is the lack of oversight particularly on the high seas," Worm said. "Now we have that oversight  we can see it from space."

The study found some larger fishing vessels undertake surprisingly lengthy travels, he said.

One Japanese vessel leaves its home port to fish off South Africa before moving on to West Africa, then transits the Panama Canal and fishes in the eastern tropical Pacific before returning home.

"I've never had data on it, so now I can actually track single voyages that go straight around the globe," Worm said.

Researchers captured the activity of more than 70,000 vessels, including about 75 per cent of industrial fishing vessels longer than 36 metres, by using 22 billion global AIS positions from 2012 to 2016. They point out the figures represent a small proportion of the world's estimated 2.9 million motorized fishing vessels.

Global fishing hotspots include the northeast Atlantic and northwest Pacific as well as regions off South America and West Africa.

The study found areas of minimal effort in the Southern Ocean, parts of the northeast Pacific and central Atlantic and the exclusive economic zones of many island states "forming conspicuous holes in the global effort map."

The number of areas fished globally is likely even higher, the researchers said, given many regions have poor satellite coverage and a lower percentage of vessels using AIS.

Longline fishing was the most widespread activity and was detected in 45 per cent of the ocean, followed by purse seining at 17 per cent and trawling at 9.4 per cent.

Longliners had the greatest average trip length between anchorages  7,100 kilometres.

Worm said the study found that fishing wasn't disturbed by significant weather events or by such things as the price of fuel.

"They just go out and fish," he said. "I think oftentimes because they are operating, particularly on the high seas, at the margin of profitability they just have to keep those boats running."

David Kroodsma, director of research and development for Global Fishing Watch, said the over-arching goal of the study is to create transparency for an industry that has had little in the past.

Kroodsma said it's hoped the data can be used to improve fisheries governance around the world. He said the global map it produced is hundreds of times higher in resolution than "anything we've had before."

"For me what's most exciting is not just this dataset but what comes next. There are all of these questions about how we fish in the ocean that we can now answer that we could not before," he said.
Photo: The Canadian Press

The Transportation Safety Board says it doesn't know what caused a plane operated by Mount Royal University's flight school to lose control and crash northwest of Calgary.

The crash a year ago killed pilot Jeffrey Bird and co-pilot Reynold Johnson, who were both instructors with the program.

A safety board investigation report says that for unknown reasons the aircraft started spinning during an exercise about a half hour after it took off from the Calgary Springbank Airport.

Bird and Johnson managed to get the plane out of the spin, but by then there was not enough altitude to recover from the ensuing dive.

The board says Mount Royal took a number of safety actions after the crash, acquired different aircraft for multi-engine training and revised operating procedures.

It also clarified roles for when two instructors are on staff training flights together.
Photo: Kari Medig

British Columbia continues to be a big draw for tourists and business people from around the world.

New numbers from Statistics Canada show a three per cent uptick in visitor arrivals in December 2017 over the same month last year.

In total, over 5.7 million overnight visitors came to the province last year - an increase of 3.3 per cent, or 181,700 visitors, over 2016.

The government attributes the growth, in part, to increased access to B.C. from several key international markets, such as Australia, Germany, Mexico, China and France.

Increased air traffic to Vancouver contributes to the vitality of the tourism industry.

Destination BC, the government's tourism marketing agency, works with tourism stakeholders throughout B.C. to market British Columbia as a world-class tourist destination.

Increases for 2017 include:
Photo: CTV

A man facing second-degree murder charges in the deaths of his two daughters made a brief court appearance by video on Thursday in Victoria.

Andrew Berry did not speak during the appearance.

His next court date was set for March 15.

Police were called to an apartment in the Victoria-area community of Oak Bay on Christmas Day and found the bodies of six-year-old Chloe and four-year-old Aubrey Berry.

More than 1,000 mourners attended a funeral service for the sisters last month.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Small business owners in British Columbia say a new health-care payroll tax will result in higher prices for consumers as companies struggle to absorb the cost.

The NDP government announced in this week's budget that it would be phasing out medical services premiums by 2020 and instead will have an employer health tax of 1.95 per cent for companies with a payroll tax over $1.5 million.

Eric Pateman, president of the Vancouver restaurant Edible Canada, says the tax will add about $30,000 to his annual payroll costs of roughly $1.5 million.

He says with profit margins in the restaurant industry range between three to four per cent and there is little room to absorb significant labour cost increases, meaning prices will have to go up for consumers.

Al Hasham, owner of Maximum Express Courier in Victoria, says even small tax increases of one to two per cent stifles the growth of businesses, leading to staffing cuts or higher prices.

Finance Minister Carole James says only five per cent of businesses will be paying the full tax rate and those covering the existing health premiums for their employees will see savings as the fees are cut in half and then eliminated.


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Lee Universitys School of Religion has finished a fundraising project for a Church of God Bible school in a refugee camp in Uganda. The fundraiser was in honor of Lees Centennial year which began this January.

Lee started as a small Bible school 100 years ago, and now we can help another small Bible school get started, said Dr. Rickie Moore, associate dean of the SOR. We thought it would be a great way to celebrate our Centennial. Scripture reminds us in Zechariah 4:10 that the Lord thinks highly of the day of small beginnings.

Dr. Carolyn Dirksen, director of faculty development and a distinguished professor of English at Lee, introduced the project to the SOR. In 2017, she visited Kenya where she met Dichi Joseph Levi, who later was forced to leave his home and move to Pagirinya Refugee Camp in Uganda.

Dichi was my student in a course I taught in East Africa a couple of summers ago, said Dr. Dirksen. His dream is to train people in the Bible so that, when they go back home to South Sudan, they can take the message of the gospel with them. He asked for very little to start this Bible school, and I knew this project would be close to the hearts of the leaders of Lees School of Religion.

Mr. Levi, who was previously a Bible school student in Kenya, recently decided to start his own Bible training school in the camp. He has already started three churches in the refugee camp.

The desire to start the Bible school came after he saw the rapid growth of the churches.

The original goal was $1,400, which Mr. Levi projected as the start-up cost for the new school. Lee faculty, staff, and students exceeded that amount with a total amount raised of $1,875.

Lee University will continue to celebrate its Centennial year for the duration of 2018. Various events will take place across campus over the year to commemorate the humble beginnings in 1918 with Nora Chambers and 12 students at the Bible Training School and celebrate the growth that has made Lee into a nationally-ranked liberal arts university with over 5,000 students enrolled.

For more information about Lees School of Religion, or to contribute to the fundraiser, email Dr. Moore at rmoore@leeuniversity.edu.






The 23-year-old Semedo was detained early Tuesday, accused of tying up, assaulting and threatening another man last week. Authorities say he and two other men allegedly held the victim captive while they robbed his apartment.
Jazmin, a 26-year-old mother of four who lives in the Brighton Park neighborhood, said she hears those concerns frequently in her community. Jazmin, who asked that her last name not be used for fear of reprisal from immigration authorities, came to the U.S. illegally from Mexico when she was 11 years old and has a DACA work permit, but it expires in December and so far Congress has not found a solution for the hundreds of thousands of young people like her who are uncertain if they will be able to stay. Trump in September announced he was ending the DACA program and set a March 5 deadline for Congress to act.
Sears and the state settled that dispute in December, with the state granting Sears the 2016 tax credits and the company agreeing not to seek incentives for its 2017 fiscal year. In total, the company qualified for $51.3 million during the three years it was eligible to earn the tax breaks under an incentive deal inked in 2011  after Sears threatened to move its Hoffman Estates headquarters out of state.
Currently, people can write off alimony paid to ex-spouses, a point divorce attorneys often use to help reach settlements, since both parties can benefit. The person paying support is more willing to agree to higher payments because it reduces his or her taxable income, and the recipient gets more support. But the tax law President Donald Trump signed at the end of 2017 will eliminate that deduction for new divorce agreements, a move divorce attorneys fear could harm separating families and complicate a process often settled outside of the courtroom.
To a lesser extent, a sunroof poses another hazard, but a subsidiary of Hyundai is working on a solution. In October, CNet reported that between 2000 and 2015, 260 passengers in rollover crashes were ejected from the vehicle through an open sunroof. Automakers addressed similar issues with open windows by developing side-curtain airbags, which are now in widespread use. This fall, parts supplier Hyundai Mobis announced that the company has developed an airbag specifically for panoramic sunroofs, which is incorporated into the sunroof hardware and deploys when the vehicles yaw sensor determines a rollover is imminent. It inflates from the back to the front of the vehicle, covering the sunroof opening and providing extra cushioning along most of the vehicles roof. The airbag will also deploy when the sunroof is closed, providing extra protection against a potential shatter.
The Lakeview location looks like an assembly-line setup, though food is made to order. The design is a new one for the company, says Smith, and is meant to expedite ordering. And while its the first location in Chicago, it wont be the last. The chain, with most of its restaurants on the West Coast, hopes to double its national locations in three years, says Smith. In March, a Loop location will open its doors, followed by four more by years end. Following Chicago, Veggie Grill has its sights set on entering Bostons market.
Yet the more Hannah tries to remain in the normal world, the more it conspires to freeze her out of her own life, at levels both drastic and trivial: Family members coldly cease contact, her gym membership is revoked without explanation, while even her lone remaining companion, a cuddly King Charles spaniel, seems to go on hunger strike. (It's unclear whether Hannah's social life was always this staid or diminished after the fact, but pervasive loneliness echoes through every scene as if in an unfurnished house.) Pallaoro's storytelling lets these incidents and insults accumulate with dispassionate patience, our understanding of the apparent depth and collateral devastation of the inciting crime building all the while, as Rampling progressively sheds Hannah's grin-and-bear-it discipline  which was never, let it be said, that heavy on grinning to begin with.
Rauners spokeswoman Rachel Bold did not respond directly when asked whether Rauner was embarrassed by the stunt, but wrote in a statement, This was the event moderators example of diversity that an audience of all ages could see and understand. It was one of two demonstrations at the event, both of which received ovations from the crowd.
In at least three instances in the Southwest side neighborhood, someone has broken into locked residences and stolen property, police said in a community alert.
Kavontay Davis was last seen around 6:30 a.m. in the 7600 block of South Phillips Avenue on the South Side, police said in a missing persons alert.
As a result, security guards will be made available at all times to take sound complaints and issue citations if warranted, Reynolds said. And persistent violations could be grounds for canceling contracts or pulling liquor licenses, he said. In addition, Island Party Hut is working with audio engineers to isolate the music as part of its new facility upgrade, he added.
I told him I was not. But I also made clear that in our party, someones sexual orientation should not be used to disqualify them from running for public office, she said. I think he seemed a bit taken aback that I stood up for myself in that way, but it was very important for me to let him know that I thought that line of questioning was inappropriate.
I didnt say there werent good people on the South and West side, but whats happening is  and youll see this over and over again  Im going to talk about issues, and then Im going to get a personal attack, McCarthy said. And it may not come directly from the opposition, but it will come from people who are serving that master, if you will.
Lawmakers are revisiting the measure in the wake of last weeks shooting in Parkland, Fla., in which 17 people were killed and others wounded by an attacker with an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle. Some lawmakers are calling for an outright ban on those weapons to try to curb mass shootings, an effort that has repeatedly failed in Illinois. But supporters of the licensing bill say the more widespread crisis is handgun violence thats permeated communities on the citys South and West sides.
Of all of the issues that we as a state are facing and that we have the opportunity to present to our citizens in terms of an advisory referendum, I would frankly put this one very low down the list, Nybo said.
A lot of things that Ms. Newman talks about, she plays that somehow its going to magically happen, he said. What we need to do is sit down and work out some compromise. Compromise has become a dirty word in Washington. The Tea Party, the Freedom Caucus are a major problem. Having a Tea Party of the left that makes promises about all these things that can happen magically, its not going to work.
"Since Joe Berrios has been assessor, he has ignored every voice begging him to change a deeply unfair property system," Solis said. "I was deeply troubled to see multiple independent studies confirm that the office is not only tilting the playing field against homeowners, but especially against black and brown families." (Hal Dardick)
Student Cameron Kasky did not mince words telling Rubio, "It's hard to look at you and not look down the barrel of an AR-15 and not look at Nikolas Cruz" before asking squarely, "Can you tell me right now that you will not accept a single donation from the NRA?" The room erupted in cheers as Rubio replied that people buy into his agenda and that he supports laws to keep guns out of the hands of deranged people.
The eldest son of President Donald Trump said his family is actually missing out on business opportunities because his father pledged to conduct no new foreign business while he was in office. Trump Jr. told Indian television channel CNBC-TV18 on Tuesday that when critics talk about them "profiteering from the presidency and all this nonsense" they forget about "the opportunity cost of the deals that we were not able to do."
"Work stoppages by public employees are not lawful in West Virginia and will have a negative impact on student instruction and classroom time," West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Steven Paine said in a statement this week. "Families will be forced to seek out alternative safe locations for their children, and our many students who depend on schools for daily nutrition will face an additional burden. I encourage our educators to advocate for the benefits they deserve, but to seek courses of action that have the least possible disruption for our students."
Heidebrecht long had taken an interest in teaching, and he took a leave from the Christian Service Brigade in 1981 to move his family downstate to begin coursework on a doctoral degree in the history of education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After two years at the U. of I., Heidebrecht returned to the western suburbs to resume working at the Christian Service Brigade. He earned his doctorate from the U. of I. in 1986, authoring his dissertation on the religious activities of Chicago businessmen at the start of the 20th century.
But the mid-20th century was a long time ago. Many things have changed in the country since then. There is a small but growing black middle class. With the rise of Asian- and Hispanic-Americans, who together now make up about a quarter of the U.S. population, diversity is no longer just about black and white. And despite polls showing that white millennials are almost as biased as their parents, racial attitudes may change over time. It's important to look at what economists call revealed preference  how people vote with their feet, not just with their words.
President Donald Trump gestures to the media as he leaves the White House, Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, in Washington, for a trip to his private Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. (Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP)
4847 S. Kimbark Ave., Chicago: $3,200,000 | Listed: July 12, 2021



This six-bedroom home has five full baths, one half-bath, and an original winding carved staircase. The eat-in kitchen, which is large enough to accommodate an eight-foot table, is equipped with a Wolf range and two Bosch dishwashers. The primary bedroom suite has a gas fireplace, two walk-in closets and a spa bath with a double-sized steam shower, soaking tub, and two separate sink areas. The finished basement has a private office, a fully equipped fitness room, a game room, a theater room, a full bath, and a second laundry room. This home has a matching two-story coach house that includes three full garage stalls and a two-bedroom, one-bath apartment that can be used as an office or an in-law suite. A charming storybook playroom, landscaped grounds and a full SportCourt complete this home.



Agent: Robert Sullivan, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, 773-793-0458



*Some listing photos are virtually staged, meaning they have been digitally altered to represent different furnishing or decorating options.



To feature your luxury listing of $800,000 or more in Chicago Tribunes Dream Homes, send listing information and high-res photos to ctc-realestate@chicagotribune.com.



Join our Chicago Dream Homes Facebook group for more luxury listings and real estate news.
"It's a really popular event," she said. "It's a moderated discussion and an open forum. It's a chance to ask questions of the filmmakers and a chance to hear about the process of making a film  what are some of the challenges of making a film. They tell their unique stories about making a film and open it up for questions."
African-American history has been celebrated throughout the month, including at City Hall, where the City Council recently celebrated by recognizing African-Americans who work for the city. They also read a proclamation from Mayor Richard Irvin which recognized many of the "firsts" among Aurora African-Americans  including Irvin himself, as the first black mayor of Aurora.
The project includes a 900-foot, curved pedestrian and bicycle bridge that will connect bike trails on the west and east banks of the Fox River, going over a natural island known as Blues Island. The public parking lots on the West Side of the river will become more accessible to the Transportation Center and RiverEdge Park because of the bridge, city officials said.
The parties include two nurses taken hostage, their husbands, and two other nurses; a patient; Delnor; Kane County; corrections officer Shawn Loomis; and Apex3 Security. The nurses in May anonymously sued the county, Loomis and the security company, while the patient, Victoria Weiland, filed suit in August against those three plus the hospital. The complaints seek a jury trial, along with compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees and costs.
About 200 of the high school's roughly 3,700 students initially were prepared to walk out, district spokesman Tony Martinez said. Administrators told them they would be considered absent and the same protocols would be followed as any other day, and gave students the option to instead go to the school's auditorium where they could have conversations with each other and adults and write to legislators. The district's schools are the most secure places for students during the day, Martinez said.
It is a time to mourn, to remember ... and perhaps to worry. Concerned there is no one on the horizon who can step into the very large shoes left by Graham's death, Brown says that, while there are "many wonderful people" carrying on this icon's message, "when you look at his life and legacy and the lines he crossed, there is no one who can bridge that gap between church, politics, the media, sports, race, the rich and poor ...
"The pub was really the heart of where the music was. Irish music was always passed down through the family. I grew up listening to my dad play around the house. That's where music came from for me. When we first started out we had to overcome some obstacles.
"It goes well with dance because movies oftentimes serve as an escape, which dance can certainly be as well. It's an art form that broadens one's perspective in terms of seeing from another person's point of view. I felt the theme would be relatable and also universal."
He said that after traveling throughout the village Tuesday night he "realized it would be wise to cancel school," not only because of problems students might have in getting to school but also realizing many parents may have had to spend the day cleaning up their homes after being flooded.
In his Tuesday message, the principal said the school staff have reminded that "if they see any student who appears to be emotionally struggling with recent events," they should direct the student to the school's guidance department.
According to school administrators, the district has at times been forced to use its bilingual reading specialists as long-term substitutes in the dual language program at Oak Terrace school, which has reduced the amount of time given students in need of reading support.
Vatamaniuc was 17 when he and two friends were accused of killing Nutter. The friends had arranged to buy marijuana from Nutter but secretly planned to rob him instead, according to authorities and testimony at Vatamaniucs trial. Then the three decided they needed to kill Nutter because they wanted to drive his car into Chicago and knew he wouldnt give it up, authorities said.
"We affirm the trial court's suppression of the evidence derived from the wiretaps on the ground that the (state's attorney's) office simply failed to comply with Article 108B of the Code of Criminal Procedure," the appellate court's written ruling states. "The good-faith exception does not apply, because the error was caused by law enforcement."
The Lake County Major Crimes Task Force was called in to assist in the investigation, and now Police Chief Joel Brumlik said his department has started a homicide task force to solve the murder. The department is asking for the public's help in solving the case.
Zion police released information and surveillance photos Wednesday from an armed robbery that took place at the end of January, asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect.
When he comes to the Lumber Center, he and Rogel will do some songs that never made it on the series. "We also do a song where Randy plays the first half on piano showing how the song sounded when he wrote it. Then after nine months of animation, orchestration, we show what it came out looking like and we run the whole cartoon," he said.
According to the statement, deputies were dispatched around 10:20 a.m. Wednesday to a home in the 23100 block of West Lake Shore Drive, and they made contact with a 19-year-old man who lives in the residence and was also the person who placed the call.
May, who voted in favor of the contract, said Infrastructure Engineering looked like a reputable firm with great experience, but the city should still have a formal process to ensure it's getting "the best firm and the best deal for the money," especially for contracts the size of the one awarded to the company.
The future of this goes to one logical conclusion and its just a question of how much time, Moras said. All municipal wastewater treatment plants at some point will be required to have a full-circle (standard to guarantee) what leaves is affluent drinking water. Were kidding ourselves if we dont believe thats the end game of all of this.
"The whole idea of the concert is you don't have to worry about normal concert etiquette. We want them to dance and have a good time. 'Wigglers welcome' is our motto. It's a chance for the family to go out and have a good time together and they don't have to worry about if their child has trouble sitting quietly because there are literally 500 people there that aren't sitting quietly."
"The bottom line is, at least from my personal opinion, the lives of the students matter far more than anybody else's rights, (and) that includes the purchase of certain weapons and so forth. We have to come to terms with that," he said.
"When I talk to voters, Schakowsky seems to be a very polarizing figure, and after more than 20 years in office, some people feel like she's no longer listening to local concerns, but stuck on federal issues," Rice said. "But the voters I talk to are worried if they will make enough money to put dinner on the table ... they care about school choice, and how their cousin with cancer will get health care."
The discussion centered on both the actual voting systems that are used in elections and the databases that contain voter records. Incidents of actual voter fraud are scant in Lake County but dealing with interference with voter databases is another matter, according to Wyckoff. She said in the last 20 years there have been 25 prosecutions.
A: I try to help newcomers from Turkey integrate into society, and I do translation services for them. I also try to find referrals for them . Since we are a small community, if a family comes from Turkey, you generally know who they are and what services they need. If that family is looking for English education, the closest college is Harper for most of the Turkish newcomers, so we take them there to enroll in English classes. We also have a ladies group at the Moorings in Arlington Heights. We established a one-on-one conversation club with the seniors there and the newcomers from Turkey [so they can practice their English]. We have been having monthly meetings with them for the last four, five years.
"Partnerships such as this one, between my students and me and Mental Health America, is an example of community engagement," he said. "We are acting as consultants to a real nonprofit agency  one that hosts Human Services interns as well. I am able to teach my students by leading them through developing a strategic plan, providing marketing services and writing a grant. We practice these skills in the classroom and then apply them to the agency we 'adopt' for the semester. This is a great experience for our students, and is a free service we provide to a local nonprofit agency."
"The members of our staff have been trained on the specifics of this plan, and we conduct periodic lock down drills to ensure that everyone knows their role during crisis," she said. "Our schools also have specific protocols for entry to our schools, and we appreciate the understanding of our parents and community members as we enforce these protocols for the safety of our children."
"It's a joke," she said of Trump's remarks. "Our government is not listening to us and we need to take a stand. We need to show them that these policies are not OK anymore. We need stricter gun laws.
After the session Young said the gun safety issue needs to be addressed. He said existing funding available on the federal level through grants from the Department of Justice and other entities need to be identified and spent appropriately to ensure safety. It is also necessary to address mental health issues and to make sure those who obtain guns are not suffering from mental illness.
Though the pantry has had water damage before, Wright said it was never as bad as it was Tuesday. The pantry, a community staple for 22 years, moved to the basement of Walt's Place, also dubbed Hilltop Too, five years ago after being located in the basement of Union Community Church and leaving because of flooding there.
"Ms. Arndt and I both want the same thing  the safety of our students  but there are very complex answers to much easier questions," Begley said. "We can lock down this school and make it tighter than a tick, but at what cost in consideration of money needed, time invested and limited resources."
There will always be people struggling with internal demons. Most of them, as studies show, are not violent. But the ones who do act out a deadly scenario against innocent civilians can do a lot less damage with other forms of weaponry if those automatic, fast-firing guns arent accessible. Can you ever justify a situation where a single person with a single gun in a matter of a few minutes can kill 17 in Florida? Or 58 in Las Vegas? Or 49 in Orlando? Or 26 at Sandy Hook?
I think it (embodied) a very clear assumption that people have across the United States about Muslims as always being other, and foreign, and incompatible with the West, despite (the fact that) just two or three minutes before, we were talking about me being born and raised in Oklahoma. So, for me, that was an important moment to really bring to light a lot of assumptions that guide American thinking. But also it makes you think about, well then what does an American sound like? And what is she trying to say? (My) family is affected by U.S. policies, such as the Muslim ban  why am I not allowed to critique the state? And if Im not American, what is American?
For Subscribers CSU Pueblo offers a low-cost academy to help students get into college

Students who were denied admission to college can get a second chance thanks to a new low-cost academy at Colorado State University Pueblo.
By Dezan Shira & Associates

The structure of a salary package payable for each position in a China-based company should be given careful consideration. Certain employees need to be incentivized, while other roles require a more fixed form of salary.

Furthermore, the employer should consider the amount of income tax that will be payable by the employee based on the proposed salary package. This is particularly important if the company offers a net salary package to its employees.

RELATED: Chinas Labor Law on Salary Reduction

Base salary and bonus

The employees base salary needs to be stated in the labor contract. This is the fixed monthly amount that the company guarantees to pay the employee. Employers can also include some one-off payments. For example, many companies make a 13th month salary payment to their employees around Chinese New Year.

Companies should beware including any payments that are separate to the base salary in the labor contract, as they will be legally bound to make the payment. Instead, employers can choose to pay this amount as an annual bonus. In this case, the employer can explain to staff that the company generally pays this amount under normal business circumstances, but is not obligated to do so if performance is below expectations.

The company can also pay bonuses at various points throughout the year. In this case, please note that under Chinese IIT law, employees can use a special tax treatment for a one-off annual bonus to reduce their tax burden (more below).

Allowances

The Chinese Tax Bureau allows foreign staff (including those from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) to deduct certain allowances before calculating the tax burden on their monthly salary, provided that:

In the employment contract (and sometimes also in a board resolution depending on the location of the company), there should be a clear reference to the amount being paid to the employee under the title of each specific allowance;

Each month, the employee should produce evidence to show the company that this money was indeed spent on the services described in the contract; this is done using the ubiquitous fapiao, or official invoice, which should be received whenever an official monetary transaction is completed in China.

Generally, the following allowances are deductible:

Meal allowance : Foreign employees are allowed to deduct a certain amount that they spend on meals each month from their taxable income. Most of the fapiaos submitted should be issued by restaurants, but for some portion of the allowance fapiaos issued by supermarkets may also be accepted. Please note that the fapiao should state that the products purchased were meals or food.

: Foreign employees are allowed to deduct a certain amount that they spend on meals each month from their taxable income. Most of the fapiaos submitted should be issued by restaurants, but for some portion of the allowance fapiaos issued by supermarkets may also be accepted. Please note that the fapiao should state that the products purchased were meals or food. Housing allowance : The amount spent on rental of an apartment may also be deducted. However, please be aware that in China, a private landlord will often be reluctant to issue an official fapiao because in order to obtain one, he/she must pay some percentage of the rental amount received to the Tax Bureau. If a fapiao is requested, the landlord will likely charge a large premium on top of the originally negotiated rental amount. Foreign employees that require a fapiao should negotiate this with the landlord before signing the rental contract. Fapiao issuance should be clearly mentioned in the agreement. Foreign employees living in a serviced residence will not have this problem  the residence will be managed by a company that can issue a fapiao.

: The amount spent on rental of an apartment may also be deducted. However, please be aware that in China, a private landlord will often be reluctant to issue an official fapiao because in order to obtain one, he/she must pay some percentage of the rental amount received to the Tax Bureau. If a fapiao is requested, the landlord will likely charge a large premium on top of the originally negotiated rental amount. Foreign employees that require a fapiao should negotiate this with the landlord before signing the rental contract. Fapiao issuance should be clearly mentioned in the agreement. Foreign employees living in a serviced residence will not have this problem  the residence will be managed by a company that can issue a fapiao. Laundry allowance : This is fairly self-explanatory  an allowance for the dry cleaning of clothes.

: This is fairly self-explanatory  an allowance for the dry cleaning of clothes. Childrens education allowance : Some of the cost of a foreign employees education expense for studying Chinese, or relating to the education of their children, can be deducted. Note that the education must be received in China and, as with the other allowances above, a fapiao must be received.

: Some of the cost of a foreign employees education expense for studying Chinese, or relating to the education of their children, can be deducted. Note that the education must be received in China and, as with the other allowances above, a fapiao must be received. Home visit allowance: Each year a foreign employee is allowed to deduct the cost of one or two return flights back to their home country (usually the cost of a ticket up to business class may be permitted). Note that flights to other destinations are normally not accepted. Cost of hotels and other expenses are also not accepted as this is considered a home visit allowance, not a vacation allowance.

One key point is how much of a foreign employees salary can be allocated to allowances. This is something that is not clearly defined by the law, which stipulates that the allowances should be reasonable. In practice, many companies adopt a proportion of 30 percent of the total salary of the foreign employee and classify this portion as allowances. There is always the possibility that the tax office will challenge the company on this issue, so we recommend that the proportion of allowance should be set at or below this level.

International Payroll & HR Solutions from Dezan Shira & Associates

Mandatory benefits (social security)

The next portion of the salary package is mandatory benefits (social security), often referred to in China as social insurance and housing fund. Contributions are made by both the employee and employer. The employees portion is deducted from their gross salary. The proportions and maximum contributions made by employer and employee vary depending on where the business is located.

Some employers choose to enroll their employees in additional pension plans or other types of wealth accumulation plans. These are legal, but please note that only the mandatory benefits specified in the IIT laws can be deducted before calculation of IIT, unless it is otherwise stipulated by law.

Defining net salary

Normally, net is defined as the amount that employees receive each month after payment of IIT and mandatory benefits. It is more commonly offered to blue-collar workers that may not understand the details of the Chinese social insurance or IIT systems.

Misunderstandings between managers and employees over the definition of net salary are commonplace. If a company intends to offer such packages to employees, we suggest that the HR department draws up a clear example to explain to each employee how their salary package will be structured, and to show the employee how much money they will be able to take home each month.

The total of the base salary, allowances, bonuses, non-mandatory pension plans, and the employers portion of social insurance contribution are added together to form the total compensation and benefits (C&B) amount.

This article is adapted from Human Resources and Payroll in China 2017-2018 A firm understanding of Chinas laws and regulations related to human resources and payroll management is absolutely necessary for foreign businesses in China. This edition of HR and Payroll, updated for 2017/18, navigates Chinas laws and regulations related to HR and payroll management  essential information for foreign investors looking to establish or already running a foreign-invested entity in China.
You are here: Arts

Animated Chinese cartoon series Luo Bao Bei has debuted in Australia during the Spring Festival, giving more Chinese culture to the local audience.



Luo Bao Bei is named after its main character, a spirited 7 year old girl with an active imagination. The show is intended for children between four and seven years old.

As a special program to ring in the "Year of the Dog," the English-dubbed version of the cartoon is airing on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's KIDS Channel at 5 am and 7:30 pm local time.

One episode specially created for the Spring Festival features Chinese elements including lion and dragon dances, as well as a temple fair.

ABC's digital platform iView also created Chinese subtitles to cater to the Chinese audience in Australia.

"We appreciate Australia's diversity in culture and language, as more than one fifth of the Australian people speak languages beside English," said Rebecca Heap, broadcast and digital director for ABC.

Debuting in China in November 2017, the cartoon will reportedly begin airing in more foreign countries in the coming year.
China's scrap steel exports soared in 2017 as domestic demand was dampened, according to data from an industry association.

The country exported 2.2 million tonnes of scrap steel last year, compared with just around 1,000 tonnes in 2016, according to the China Iron and Steel Association.

The surge came despite a 40-percent tariff on scrap steel exports as millions of tonnes of such steel was kept out of the domestic market due to a ban on the production of "ditiaogang," or steel made from scrap metal.

Most exports went to Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. The biggest sources of exports were eastern and southern coastal provinces including Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian and Hainan.

China phased out the production of 140 million tonnes of "ditiaogang" last year as part of efforts to reduce excessive capacity in the steel sector.
More than half of Britain's 900 KFC outlets have been forced to close because of distribution problems that left the company short of chicken.

The difficulties began last week, when the fried-chicken chain switched its delivery contract from South African-owned distribution group Bidvest to DHL, which blamed "operational issues" for the shortages.

A KFC spokesperson said stores will start to reopen as teams "work flat-out all hours to clear the backlog", although the company is unclear when the supply issue will be resolved.

"Each day, more deliveries are being made. However, we expect the disruption to some restaurants to continue over the remainder of the week, meaning some will be closed and others operating with a reduced menu or shortened hours," the spokesperson said.

Despite a special website page by KFC that details whether stores are open or closed, some chicken-lovers expressed confusion about the situation, and a few even called the emergency services.

In response, Tower Hamlets Police tweeted: "Please do not contact us about the #KFCCrisis it is not a police matter if your favorite eatery is not serving the menu that you desire."

The Metropolitan Police confirmed to the Daily Telegraph that people had been making time-wasting calls about the issue.

Neil Coyle, the member of parliament for Bermondsey, said constituents had asked him when they will next be able to eat the fast food.

He tweeted: "I've been contacted by disappointed #KFC customers  today."

Luke Pollard, the member of parliament for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport, wrote on his Twitter account: "Have had my first person get in touch to ask what's happening with #KFC... and the answer is, I don't know (yet)."

John Boulter, DHL's managing director of retail, said the delivery company regretted the "interruption of supply" and apologized for the "inconvenience and disappointment caused to KFC and their customers".

"The reasons for this unforeseen interruption of this complex service are being worked on with a goal to return to normal service levels as soon as possible," he said. "We are committed to step-by-step improvements to allow KFC to reopen its stores over the coming days."
You are here: Business

China has kept the position of the Philippines' top bilateral trading partner for the second year, a senior government official said on Wednesday.



"The Philippines' total merchandise trade with China continues to rise and China has become our top bilateral trading partner surpassing Japan in 2016. This was brought about by imports growth averaging 20.7 percent from 2010 to 2017," Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia told a business forum.

For 2017, he said Philippine exports to China grew 8.4 percent, with top exports mostly being electronic products, close to 50 percent.

As China rebalances to a more consumption-driven economy, Pernia said this will provide opportunities for more exports of consumer goods and agri-products.

On the other hand, he said imports from China increased 8.1 percent comprised mostly of capital goods and raw materials and intermediate goods.

For 2017, Pernia said other exports to China that appear to show promising growth were coconut oil, communication radar equipment, abaca fibers, copra meal or cake, and mangoes.

Meanwhile, Pernia said hefty gains from imports such as professional and scientific instrument, fish products, coal and coke, dairy products, pulp and waste paper were also observed.
China can achieve more inclusive and sustainable development with coordinated reforms that maximize development impact and address its development challenges, according to a report from the World Bank Group.

China's growth has been slowing to a "new normal" and economic rebalancing is underway. Managing this transition in a sustainable manner will be critical to achieving the country's development goals, the report "Towards a More Inclusive and Sustainable Development" said.

Policy to increase productivity-led growth through innovation, market competition and the private sector will support these goals, said the report.

"China's remarkable progress in reducing extreme poverty has significantly contributed to the decline in global poverty," noted Hoon S. Soh, World Bank Program Leader for economic policy for China.

The official said the World Bank Group will continue to support China's goals to eliminate extreme poverty and ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.

Despite the rapid reduction of extreme poverty, China's remaining poor population remains large.

The report projected continued progress towards eliminating extreme poverty with the extreme poverty rate to fall below one percent in 2018, based on the international poverty line of PPP 1.90 U.S. dollars per day.

The challenge for China will be to target assistance to the remaining poor while paying attention to those who are vulnerable to falling into poverty, the report said, adding further improvements to the social security net would help.

Although inequality has been steadily declining since 2008, more can be done to address inequality, the report said, suggesting reforms of the intergovernmental fiscal system and the household registration system.

Other recommendations for China include a greater reliance on market mechanisms and mobilizing more private financing to boost green innovation and reduce environmental costs and waste.

The World Bank Group undertakes a Systematic Country Diagnostic for all its client countries to identify key challenges and opportunities in ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity. The Diagnostic forms the basis for the Country Partnership Framework, which determines the World Bank Group's activities in a country over a four to six year period.
You are here: China

A new research vessel, featuring military and civilian integration, set sail Wednesday from east China's Shandong Province.

The vessel, Haimeng (sea dream), departed from Weihai City for its first trip to the South China Sea. Maritime resource research, ocean environment observation and oil and gas exploration will be among its major tasks.

Initiated by two military universities, the 35.8-meter-long and 14.6-meter-wide vessel was designed by the Weihai Blue Ocean Research Center Ltd., a company co-invested by the Nanhai New Area and private investors.

Nanhai New Area is a national strategic maritime economic zone in Weihai.

The ship is equipped with double engines, double propellers and double helms, with hybrid power of diesel and electricity, said Zhao Mingbo, general manager of the center.

A self-steering system is also installed, said Zhao.

Total cost of the vessel reached 50 million yuan (8 million U.S. dollars).

"The vessel will be a platform for maritime resource exploration and civilian and military integration," he said.
Students from Washington local high schools demonstrate for stricter gun control outside the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on Feb. 21, 2018. U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he has recommended that "bump stocks," devices that enable semi-automatic weapons to fire hundreds of rounds per minute, be banned, while debates on gun rights continue across the country. (Xinhua/Ting Shen)





One more tragic school shooting has happened in Florida recently. With three of the deadliest mass shooting incidents happening in the last five months, the ineffectiveness and inaction of the authorities concerned has left many Americans baffled and seriously worried about their safety. Incurring a varying amount of casualties, these incidents are frequent, with the one in Florida being the 18th this year. Notwithstanding the crisis, the U.S. continues to be one of the few countries  the others being Haiti, Guatemala and Mexico  that consider owning a gun a constitutional right, and this legal right has never been as controversial as it is now.

Enabling easy access to firearms has resulted in the U.S. leading in statistics of gun-related homicides. Though it only constitutes 4.4 percent of the world population, half of civilian-owned guns worldwide are in the U.S. Widespread gun ownership remains the primary reason for frequent shooting incidents. Research has also established that only 4 percent of such incidents are caused by mental instability. Diverting the discourse to focus on mental instability only prolongs the crisis and raises risks for innocent citizens. As categorically stated by Jessica Henderson Daniel, president of the American Psychological Association, "Framing the conversation about gun violence in the context of mental illness does a disservice both to the victims of violence and unfairly stigmatizes the many others with mental illness."

Nowadays, more than one shooting takes place every day on average in America, and since 1995 nearly seven children or teenagers on average have lost their lives every day due to guns. Strict gun control is urgently needed, especially to restrict the availability of war-worthy weapons with high-capacity magazines. Even now, weapons like the AR-15 rifle used in the Parkland school shooting can be legally purchased by almost anybody above 18 years of age; it happens to be the weapon of choice for killers and surprisingly even easier to purchase than a handgun. As Peter J. Forcelli from the Bureau of Firearms and Explosives in Miami emphasized, "No laws were violated in the procurement of this weapon."

The Parkland school shooting incident has received more attention than usual, leading to a lot of soul-searching. Disturbing factors have come to light regarding this incident, such as the right-wing leanings of the accused and the fact that he had recently availed himself of paramilitary training with the Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Designed to encourage youngsters to join the army, this program may have to be offered with more caution in the future.

Moreover, social media posts by the accused revealed he aspired to be a "shooter." Apparently the FBI knew about this but failed to take action, and people are wondering why the authorities were not more proactive. Nothing conclusive has been achieved as yet, and students are quite worried. As 17-year-old student David Hogg from the Parkland school wondered, "If we're constantly having our children worried about getting shot at, what are we telling our future? And that's what these people are killing, our future." Consequently, students have organized nationwide rallies and walkouts to press for stricter gun legislation.

Far and wide, citizens are pressuring their political representatives to take a stand on gun safety and have initiated checks to see which politicians receive hefty donations from the gun lobby. The most powerful organization is the National Rifle Association, with wealthy members and a highly effective and vast grassroots base promoting a "gun culture," equating the pride of owning a gun with that of holding the national flag. People are also vehemently opposing another law yet to be passed, the Concealed Carry Permit, which would allow hidden weapons to be carried state to state. Certainly, a lot more action is being seen this time as people battle for new gun laws.

On the other side of the divide, some Americans continue to insist on owning firearms as a safeguard against shootings and attacks, thus preventing effective gun legislation. Now becoming a vicious circle, the more such incidents happen, the more gun sales increase. Corresponding with the number of guns available, the incidence of mass shootings also tends to escalate.

Such occurrences have happened in other countries as well but were tackled much more efficiently, such as in Australia after a deadly mass shooting in 1996. Banning weapons like semi-automatic rifles was the only answer, and there hasn't been any such event there since. Supporting gun lobbies just because they are influential and powerful, the complacency and insensitivity of U.S. politicians has come under discussion. At the end of the day, gun legislation will be the only way to end the national crisis.

Sabena Siddiqui (Twitter: @sabena_siddiqi) is a foreign affairs journalist and lawyer based in Pakistan.





Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
You are here: Travel

 Flash





The surge in outbound tourism shows no signs of abating over Spring Festival as Chinese travelers continue to embrace their wanderlust.





Increasingly favorable visa policies, easier and more abundant travel options and rising incomes are continuing to fuel Chinese people's enthusiasm for travel.





Zhang Jianxun routinely likes to get away at weekends and during major holidays.





"I felt traveling was the only way for me to relax after intense periods of work," says the 32-year-old resident of Hunan province's capital Changsha.





The owner of a private English language training business often spends two or three days in Shanghai, Guangdong province's Guangzhou or Zhejiang province to recharge his batteries.





"It's nice to have a change of scene in a matter of just a few hours, and the high-speed railway network has made travel short and sweet," he explains.





Zhang recently had an eight-day trip to Dubai with his parents in mid-January.





"I noticed Dubai has a visa-free policy and I have always been curious about the special charm of the Middle East, so I went for it," he says.





Zhang is one of the ever-expanding army of Chinese travelers, who have left their footprint in all four corners of the world.





Chinese people made 129 million overseas trips in 2017, a rise of 9.17 percent compared with the previous year, according to the national tourism work conference meeting held in Xiamen, Fujian province, in early January.





It has consolidated the status of China as the world's biggest source of outbound travelers.





This number is expected to grow by 4.5 percent year-on-year to reach 134 million by the end of this year.
You are here: World

 Flash

The number of deaths from a bus crash on Wednesday near Arequipa in southern Peru has climbed to 44.



The regional head of police, General Walter Ortiz, said that in an interview that 43 had died at the site of the crash, after the bus tumbled down a 200-meter ravine, while one person died in a nearby hospital.

Peruvian radio, RPP, updated the death count from 30 to 35 then to 44, while another 34 people were injured.

The severely injured were airlifted by helicopter to the city of Arequipa by the Peruvian army.

The accident occurred around 1:30 a.m. at kilometer 782 of the South Panamerican Highway.

The bus had left on Tuesday night from the city of Chala to reach Arequipa, with 45 passengers on board, but an unknown number of passengers joined during the journey.

The regional head of civil defense for Arequipa, Jacqueline Choque, said that there was no exact headcount for the number of people on board at the time of the crash.

Initial inquiries found that the driver seems to have fallen asleep and lost control.

This is the second major bus crash in Peru this year, after another accident killed 52 people north of Lima.
 Flash

Forty-six students remained missing following an attack by terror group Boko Haram on an all-girls college in Nigeria's northeastern state of Yobe earlier this week, the Nigerian government said Wednesday.

Some 94 students were earlier noticed to have gone missing after the authorities conducted a headcount at the Government Girls Technical College in Dapchi area of Yobe, following the Boko Haram raid late Monday.

The state government said 28 of the girls returned late Tuesday and 20 more returned early Wednesday, having fled the school premises due to Boko Haram's invasion.

Mohammed Lamin, Yobe's commissioner for education, said the government remained hopeful that the remaining girls would return soon.

State police chief Abdulmaliki Sunmonu dismissed fears that the girls had been kidnapped by Boko Haram, saying the police could not establish that there was a case of abduction during the Monday attack.

"I asked the school's principal if there were abductions or deaths in the school and she said no," Sunmonu said.

A local teacher said the Boko Haram fighters went into the students' hostel, and many of the girls scaled the fence and escaped into the bushes.

Some of the girls who had so far returned told the school authorities that they were rescued by villagers in the nearby bushes.

The attack has sparked off outrage among local people as speculations grow that Boko Haram might have taken away the other missing girls.

About four years ago, 276 girls were seized by Boko Haram fighters who stormed their dormitories at the Girls Secondary School in Chibok town of Yobe's neighboring Borno State.

A total of 107 of the Chibok girls have been rescued or returned amid ongoing government's negotiation with Boko Haram.

Boko Haram has been trying since 2009 to establish an Islamic state in northeastern Nigeria, killing some 20,000 people and forcing displacement of millions of others.
You are here: World

 Flash

Air France on Wednesday said one-day staff strike would prompt major flight disruptions and long delays on Thursday.

In a statement, the national carrier said it will maintain 75 percent of its flights on Thursday, with half of scheduled long-haul flights from Paris to be suspended.

It's also planning to operate 85 percent of its short-haul flights.

According to Air France, 28 percent of its workers, including pilots, flight and ground crews, would take part in the strike to demand better pay.

Meanwhile, it recommended its customers to postpone their trip or change their ticket at no extra cost, and to check their flights before going to the airport.
You are here: World

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The U.S. State Department said late Wednesday that it has confirmed there was a small explosion near the U.S Embassy in Montenegro's capital city of Podgorica at approximately midnight local time.

"The embassy is currently conducting an internal review to confirm the safety of all staff," said U.S. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert in a tweet.

"At this time, Embassy officials are working closely with police to identify the assailant(s)," Nauert added in a second tweet.

A suicide attacker threw an explosive device in the U.S. embassy compound in Podgorica Thursday before blowing himself up with another bomb, announced the Montenegrin government.
 Flash

China expressed its hope Thursday that the recent interactions between the two koreas during the Winter Olympic Games will lead to dialogue among all parties, particularly between North Korea and the United States.

Geng Shuang, a spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to the Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Ministry's recent comment on the Korean Peninsula issue.

"We hope that all concerned parties will work together to maintain the hard-earned momentum of dialogue," Geng said.

According to media reports, the ROK Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that ROK would strictly implement UN Security Council resolutions and sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) after the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Games.

It said ROK will seek "consensus from the international community on the need to create a virtuous cycle" and make diplomatic efforts toward a peaceful solution to the peninsula nuclear issue.

ROK would persuade the DPRK to start dialogue with the United States as soon as possible, and seek to advance denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula on the two wheels of the inter-Korea dialogue and DPRK-U.S. dialogue, the ministry said.

"As a close neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China welcomes and supports the active interactions and friendly cooperation between the two Koreas at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics," said Geng.

He said China hopes that parties concerned could avoid provocative action and maintain the relatively stable situation, creating conditions for dialogue.

"We hope the United States and the DPRK will seize the opportunity, show sincerity and meet each other half way," Geng said.
By Alexander Cornwell, Reuters | Feb. 22, 2018

The United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) body needs to do more to resolve restrictions on air routes stemming from the Gulf crisis, Qatar Airways' boss said on Tuesday.

Last year, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar, saying the country supports regional foe Iran and Islamists -- a charge Qatar denies.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker also told reporters that he believed his airline could nevertheless sustain itself, even if the Gulf crisis dragged on.
TSCHIRN, Germany - Bank manager Juergen Schaller never expected to end up getting a trucker's license and driving 20,000 kilometers per year.

But as brick-and-mortar branches vanish from the rolling Franconia region of northern Bavaria, the neatly dressed savings bank executive jumps behind the wheel four days a week to bring mobile services - including cash machine and consultation room - to tiny countryside villages.

The switch from desk to dashboard has enabled Schaller "to do something else while staying in touch with the customers", he told AFP.
An atheist group based in Wisconsin wants a religious mural taken down in Ohio since it says the Findlay Municipal Building's mural was in violation of the U.S. Constitution.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation stated in letters sent to City Law Director Don Rasmussen and Findlay Municipal Court Clerk David Spridgeon that a "concerned citizen" had told them about the mural. The mural was sprawled on four panels on the wall of the municipal building and had a flying eagle artwork as well as a phrase from Psalm 91 that said, "Under his wings shall you find refuge."

"It is inappropriate for the county to display this religious message on the wall of the Findlay Municipal Court because it conveys government support for religion," FFRF Legal Director Rebecca Markert wrote. "A reasonable observer would view the text as an endorsement of religion by Findlay. The mural calls for viewers to seek refuge in the Christian God."

Markert also reminded Spridgeon in the letter that the municipal court served people from all walks of faith, and the mural with its Christian citation can likely alienate 24 percent of Americans who do not believe in religion.

Spridgeon and Rasmussen acknowledged the receipt of the letter two weeks ago. The latter said the mural would stay on the wall while they reviewed the group's complaint in relation to the laws.

The mural has been in the hallway of the court's administrative offices, and not inside a municipal court, on the third floor of the building since 2012. An unnamed female artist painted the design as her donation to the city. Rasmussen noted that there had not been any complaints about the mural until now.

The FFRF, which has been established since 1978, has over 32,000 members across America and at least 800 members in its Ohio chapter. The group has been working to keep the state and the church or religion separate, as mandated in the U. S. Constitution.
The United Kingdom's Department of Education Secretary, Damian Hinds, intends to remove the faith school admissions cap. Catholic schools, through the Catholic Education Service, commended the secretary for the plan.

A spokesperson for the group acknowledged the statements that Hinds said during his interview with The Sunday Times. The secretary relayed that he was pushing for the abolishment of the cap in new faith schools as other existing institutions not bounded by these rules have been doing fine.

"We welcome the Secretary of State for Education's commitment to parents and their right to have choice in the school system," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added: "As the second largest provider of education in the country, the Catholic Church looks forward to strengthening its ongoing partnership with the Government, providing high quality schools where there is parental demand for them."

The faith schools admission cap was introduced in 2010 and required new institutions to follow a 50 percent enrolment limit on students whose families practice the same religion. The remaining 50 percent should be allotted for students whose families observe other religions, as the government pushes for diversity and inclusivity, as well as do away with prejudice.

The cap, however, meant that Catholic schools had to turn down other Catholic families. According to reports, the Catholic Church had always been so against the 50 percent admission cap that it had not opened any new schools since the ruling. Helen Bates of the diocese's schools service, however, explained the Catholic Church's stand.

"The Catholic bishops do not want to find themselves in a position where a Catholic child is a refused a place in Catholic school because a non-Catholic child has a greater priority for that place," she cited. "That's always a possibility with the 50 per cent cap."

But the Accord Coalition for Inclusive Education called out Hinds for his comments. The group's chair, Rev. Stephen Terry, reminded the secretary of the reason the cap had been established in the first place. He cited that it was supposed to break down barriers, religious division and segregation. A public poll last May 2017 also showed that majority prefers to retain the existing faith schools admission cap.
In the wake of Billy Grahams death, many have recalled the evangelists most pithy phrases and memorable lines in posts across social media. The onslaught of quotes comes as a fitting homage to a man who was known for his words, which brought the good news of the gospel to millions. [Read CTs special tribute issue.]

The most viral quotation from the late preacherat one point shared every 15 seconds on Twitteraddresses Grahams own view of his death:

Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Dont you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.

Its a stirring remark that captures the heart of the evangelists life and messagehis focus on the gospel and his confidence in eternity. No wonder denominational leaders, commentators, Christian musicians, evangelists, reality TV stars, pastors, and thousands of others posted this popular quote attributed to Graham after his death.

The saying makes for a particularly apt tribute given that Graham, the most prominent preacher and evangelist of the 20th century, actually adapted it from the most prominent preacher and evangelist of the 19th century, Dwight L. Moody.

The original version appears in the first line of Moodys autobiography, released in 1900. It reads:

Some day you will read in the papers that D. L. Moody, of East Northfield, is dead. Dont you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now. I shall have gone up higher, that is all; out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortala body that death cannot touch; that sin cannot taint; a body fashioned like unto His glorious body.

Some reading these familiar words might cry foul and accuse Graham of plagiarism, making the recent social media tributes seem tainted with dishonesty. Such a characterization would be unfair. As biographer William Martin observes, Moody was one of Grahams heroes; it makes sense that Graham would pattern himself after that great Chicago revivalist.

Graham never claimed credit for the words, though he identified with the message they express. He was in lockstep with Moodys understanding of life and death and the hope of heaven so much so that he had very little to add.

The most prominent source of Grahams version, which updates Moodys words with 20th century idioms at the end, appears to come from the 1999 photo biography Billy Graham: God's Ambassador, which is cited as the reference for the line in a book of quotes later released by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Justin Taylor, whose initial post of the Someday quote on his Gospel Coalition blog has been retweeted over 200 times, notes that Graham modeled significant aspects of his ministry after D. L. Moody, and undoubtedly came across the quote from Moodywho had died 19 years before he was born.

Since the quote was not really about Moody but about their common identity in Christ and promised destiny, Graham apparently felt the liberty to apply it to his own mortality, he said, especially since he was self-aware enough to know that news of his demise would one day be in the headlines.

This now-viral quote, originally from Moody and appropriated by Graham, draws in Christians with a sense of confidence in eternal hope of the gospel. Its an attitude that typifies the ministry of both men and testifies to their faith in what they preached. Their sermons were not just empty words nor false promises. They both believed that they had no reason to fear death. The gospel was real and eternal hope as concrete as the ground they walked on.

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When it comes down to it, this quote is a 19th century (and later 20th century) paraphrase of Jesus words to the thief on the cross in Luke 23:43, today you will be with me in paradise, and Pauls characterization of death in 1 Corinthians 15:54:

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: Death has been swallowed up in victory.

Moody and Grahams view of heaven stands in contrast to the current pastoral focus on kingdom work in the here-and-now, leaving eternity to theologians and mystics. While the shift has advanced the churchs involvement in social justice and cultural engagement, such a turn away from concrete hope in heaven would have baffled Moody and is certainly nowhere to be found in the preaching of Graham.

Their confidence in heaven did not prevent either great evangelist from being practical. Graham consistently preached on living the Christian life, with sermon titles like How to Live the Christian Life and A Sermon on Change and Happiness listed alongside Time to Come Home and Packed and Ready. Not to mention the institutions that Graham helped to found (such as this very publication) to promote cultural engagement and good works here on earth.

Likewise, Moody is remembered as both as an evangelist and revivalist, and as an educator, someone convinced of the power of God in the lives of ordinary people. He famously said, If this world is going to be reached, I am convinced that it must be done by men and women of average talent. After all, there are comparatively few people in this world who have great talents."

But even this focus on making a difference in our world was still viewed in service of an eternal goal. Both were dedicated to reaching every person, no matter their station, wherever they might be found and however they might be reached.

Moody, unlike other Christian leaders of his day, saw 1893 Worlds Exhibition in Chicago being open on Sundays, as an opportunity to share the gospel. He drew 130,000 attendees to evangelistic meetings he organized on a single day of the exhibition.

Similarly, while Graham is known for record attendance at his evangelistic crusades, the packed stadiums belie the even more massive scope of his television audience. Graham was certainly not the first nor most prolific television preacher, but his broadcasts spread his message beyond their geographical boundaries. His later shift toward evangelism across the globe also displays his continued desire to reach as many people as he could.

It is fitting that the final words inside the back cover of the pictorial biography of the 20th centurys greatest evangelist echo those that mark the opening of the autobiography of the greatest evangelist of the previous century.

Though Moody and Graham have both left this world, their legacies live on. Indeed we can be confident they are more alive now that they have gone up higher and rest in the presence of God. And thanks be to God, through their ministries countless others, who now joyfully join them, can say the same.

Caleb Lindgren is associate theology editor at Christianity Today. For comprehensive coverage of Billy Grahams legacy, see CTs special issue.
In 2020, we were the church on our heels. A global pandemic shut down much of our world. But the church has been on the move since it was birthed; it will continue to be on the move until God makes all things new.
For more than half a century, the most familiar voice in American spiritual life belonged to Billy Graham. When I was a student at his alma mater, Wheaton College, in the 70s, impersonating his voice was almost a varsity sport. To this day, it is the only impression I can do. Charlie Emmerich did it so well that he would do an annual faux-crusade; he got his picture in the yearbook shaking hands with Billy Graham himself.

Perhaps more striking, the evangelist assembled an organization and a team of leaders who served alongside him throughout the decades. There are maybe a handful of people who have sustained that level of fame for that stretch of time. Of those it is difficult to think of any who have retained the same leadership team over decades of challenge and transition.

This kind of stability does not happen by accident. In a day when leaders (including church leaders) are trying to cull leadership lessons from Attila the Hun and swimming with sharks and whatever CEO has not yet capitulated to the scandal du jour, it is ironic that a preacher who fled organizational leadership for evangelism early in his ministry would end up leading a multi-million-dollar organization that developed a film company, publishing ventures, radio and television branches, and educational and training wings through decades of challenges.

Billy Graham was not simply the central character of American evangelicalism; the organization he formed blazed trails for much of the evangelical entrepreneurial energy that has been unleashed over the past 50 years. What lessons can churches and ministry organizations learn from his ministry as they face the future?

Stay focused

Perhaps the most obvious lesson is the power of focused attention. Churches and other organizations regularly spend months, if not years, standing around white boards trying to craft purpose statements, then go through the same process all over again every time top leadership changes. It is almost humorous that the Billy Graham Evangelistic Associations (BGEA) purpose statement was written by business manager George Wilson in a single sittingit was demanded by the paperwork needed to start a nonprofit organization in 1950.

To spread and propagate the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ by any and all ... means.

It was possible to write this so quickly, of course, because the organization and its namesake had a commitment to a single direction that made a compass needle look fickle. Critics on the left and right might argue about how the gospel was being defined, but no one could question the unswerving tenacity to spread and propagate it.

This single-mindedness is all the more remarkable because of the effectiveness and visibility of the ministry. There is a direct correlation between the success of a leader or an organization and the opportunities to get distracted. As churches grow, they get lobbied to start everything from private schools to political action committees. As leaders grow in influence they are begged to use their influence to speak for every cause under the sun. They lose clarity on what businesses call the golden momentat McDonalds, its when a hamburger finally slides across the counter.

In the ministry of Billy Graham, the golden moment came when he called for a decision. The sight of this one man, standing on a platform, head bowed in prayer, having presented the gospel, asking God to move people to respond as the words to Just as I Am are sungthis moment touches deep chords in those of us who call ourselves evangelicals. At Willow Creek, we sometimes referred to the idea of the seeker service as doing a Billy Graham Crusade every weekend. In fact, many churches have been spurred to creativity because they wanted the kind of evangelistic effectiveness associated with Billy Graham to be housed again in the local church.

Never stop growing

A second lesson involves an appetite for what Wallace Stegner once called an explosion of growth. Organizations often speak these days about the necessity of life-long learning. It is difficult to imagine, in retrospect, the kind of life-long development needed for a southern preacher to operate on a worldwide stage, in the eyes of a probing and sometimes skeptical media. When Billy Graham spoke at a Wheaton College chapel after many decades of ministry, he said the area of life where he had to be most intentional about growth was the life of the mind. He said that if he had all his life to do over again he would have spent more years in study. (He also confessed that the reason hed been an anthropology major was because it was supposed to be the easiest field, which spurred a big run on anthropology majors that year.)

The capacity for a strongly anchored faith and a growing mind is evangelicalism at its best. It is part of our heritage as the protestant church: reformed but always reforming. But it has not always been modeled by leaders. Leadership expert Jim Collins noted that perhaps the greatest danger to leaders (or speakers or writers) is that they stick to the single method or book or technique that brought them recognition in the first place and fail to risk growing. Growing churches and organizations require growing leaders. And somehowfrom the sources he quoted to the way he related with political leadersBilly Graham always seemed to be a different leader today than he had been a decade earlier.

Engage the culture

Churches and ministry organizations have also struggled with (or worse, failed to struggle with) engaging the culture. Churches continue to wage worship wars. Ministries and congregations grow as increasingly niched as Nick at Night and Lifetime for Women. There was a tension at work in the Graham ministry that continually thrust it outward. Because it grew out of the fundamentalist movement, evangelicalism has always wrestled with separatism. But because evangelism is by its nature oriented toward those Miroslav Volf calls the other, it can never retreat from the culture. So perhaps it is not surprising that Billy Graham crusades have run the gamut from George Beverly Shea to Ethel Waters to Johnny Cash to Kris Kristofferson to Amy Grant to Delirious.

There was always a sense, growing up evangelical, that Billy Graham represented us. When he went on Rowan and Martins Laugh-In, it was as if there were an evangelical presence in a place where we least expected it. His willingness to preach behind the Iron Curtain in the late 70s and early 80s subjected him to higher-than-usual criticism, but it also caused many evangelicals to think in fresh ways about the Cold War and the arms race. We sensed that it really was possible to be in the world but not of it.

Grow in humility

One of the most winsome lessons offered by Billy Grahams life is the power of humility. This is perhaps part of why the team at BGEA has stayed together so long. One of Lyndon Johnsons biographers noted his Texas-sized ego prompted him to refer to his cabinet members in the first-person possessive. Id like you to meet my secretary of state, hed say, as if the United States government were peopled by his own personal lackeys. You can hear the same language patterns at many churches when senior pastors refer to my executive pastor or my worship leader. Its one thing to master the art of speaking publicly about the value of teams; its something else entirely to have a little community that works together in genuine harmony across decades. That requires humility in a leader that cannot be manufactured.

Over the years, many have spoken about what might be called a trajectory of humility in the ministry. Gary Wills wrote in his Pulitzer-prize-winning account of the Gettysburg Address that Abraham Lincoln may have been the only war leader in history whose rhetoric actually grew gentler as the war progressed. During a war, a nations leader will generally use increasingly harsh language about the enemy to achieve maximum motivation among his own people. Yet by the climax of the Civil War, Lincoln was asking for malice toward none and charity toward all. He was reminding the North of the scriptural injunction to judge not, lest we be judged. Similarly, the Graham ministry has been marked by increased modesty of spirit even as its outward success has grown.

In his early days, Billy Graham would speak confidently about what the square footage of heaven would look like. Over the years, his message gravitated toward that which is most simple, central, and clear. Not long ago, in a national interview, he spoke about the parable where the king would say to his servant, Well done. He was asked about his confidence in his own heavenly reward, if he expected to hear those words as well. I hope so, was his only reply.

Turn the other cheek

Visibility draws criticismespecially in the religious world. One of my favorite stories in Billy Grahams autobiography concerns the time he was speaking in Switzerland. Karl Barth took him mountain climbing and later came to hear him preach. Barth said he agreed with most of the material, but did not approve of giving an invitation, and wished Billy would omit the word must from you must be born again.

Emil Brunner also attended a message, and when he heard about Barths response he disagreed vehemently: Pay no attention to him. Always put that word must in there. A man must be born again. And Brunner voted for giving an invitation as well. You cant please everybody.

But in the evangelical world, sometimes it feels like you cant please anybody. Dallas Willard wrote about a denominational official who said that after he retired he wanted to write a book on why Christians are so mean to one another. Dallas said there really is an answer to this question: Christians are routinely taught that it is more important to be right than to be Christlike. In fact, being right licenses you to practice what Dallas calls condemnation engineering.

It seems like almost every week we read about some wing of evangelicalism attacking another one for not being right on pretty much every issue imaginable. We engage in intramural warfare: groups take out ads, soliciting names on a list to do a little condemnation engineering against other groups. I cant remember seeing Billy Grahams name on such a list. He simply did not use up his capital by engaging in in-house battles or responding to personal criticism.

Maintain integrity

Modesto, California, was the site of a meeting related to yet another theme. Sinclair Lewis fictional character Elmer Gantry colored many peoples idea of the traveling evangelist, so the core members of Billy Grahams ministry drafted what became known as the Modesto Manifesto. They made commitments to certain standards of integrity in the areas that could most damage their ministry. One of them had to do with finances; there were not many models of structural accountability for itinerant evangelists in the late 40s, yet they created a standard of financial restraint and openness that has been above suspicion ever since. They also committed to honesty in reporting the numbers of people who attended crusade events, to accountability and avoiding even the appearance of evil in gender relationships, and to work together with local churches. Their decision to cooperate with all who would cooperate with us led to much criticism when the cooperators included those who were part of the National Council of Churches. But it became a model to help evangelicals cultivate what Rich Mouw calls uncommon decency, the ability to cultivate warm connections while maintaining clear convictions.

The week that I write this, Time magazine has an article about Rick Warren and the influence generated by the success of The Purpose-Driven Life. In talking about his commitment to integrity, he names the person who has been his primary model. Any evangelical from the past 50 years could fill in the sentence.

John Ortberg is pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California.
Though significantly milder than the 1972 Oval Office conversation that was made public in 2002, the latest recording has added fuel to those unable or unwilling to forgive the now-aged evangelist for past anti-Semitic remarks that had even shocked his admirers.

"The newly released Nixon tapes only reinforce what we now know about a formidable, but flawed man who was so deeply infected with anti-Semitism that he was unable to see it, even in himself," Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, said regarding the nation's 37th president.

"Startling, too, is the information that continues to come out about the Rev. Billy Graham's anti-Semitism, showing how he raised the subject of Jews with Nixon and commiserated with him about the 'synagogue of Satan' and Jews who promote pornography and obscenity," he added in a statement. "While never expressing these views in public, Rev. Graham unabashedly held forth with the president with age-old classical anti-Semitic canards."

On Wednesday, however, Graham's longtime spokesman, A. Larry Ross, told USA Today that the world renowned evangelist has never been an anti-Semite and that the remarks should be understood in context, as part of a conversation with the president.

In the 20-minute conversation, dated Feb. 21, 1973, Nixon was expressing grave disappointment in Israel for its "stupid" decision to shoot down an unarmed civilian aircraft that accidentally flew into then-Israeli-controlled airspace. The shooting of Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114 that day resulted in the deaths of 113.

"With a thing like this, they lose all of the support that they have and the world. We're they're only friends anyways. No other country is their friend anymore," Nixon told Graham around 8:14 that evening. "Oh, it's just terrible."

In response, Graham brought up how Jewish leaders were also alienating Christians in the United States and overseas.

The then-54-year-old evangelist referred to reports in newspapers detailing how Israeli leaders were "talking about expelling all Christians from Israel" and how Jewish leaders in America were "damning" Campus Crusade for Christ and other religious groups who were taking part in "KEY '73," a landmark, nationwide evangelistic effort that brought together 130 denominations, church bodies, and para-ecclesiastical groups.

"They are going right after the Church. And there's a great deal of feelings beginning to rise in areas where they've had great friendship," Graham said.

"What I really think is, deep down in this country, there is a lot of anti-Semitism, and all this is going to do is stir it up," added Nixon.

Later in the conversation, Graham talks about the "synagogue of Satan," one of two types of Jews that he said are mentioned in the Bible.

"They're the ones putting out the pornographic literature. They're the ones putting out these obscene films," Graham said.

In clarifying the remark, Ross told USA Today that the "synagogue of Satan," which appears in the Book of Revelation, actually refers to anyone whose "lives and work are not in keeping with traditional Jewish values."

In most translations of the Bible, the "synagogue of Satan" is twice literally described as those "who say that they are Jews and are not."

Graham, who is now 90, has yet to comment himself on the latest recorded remarks and many expect for him not to as they only mildly criticize some Jewish leaders and also include praise for another  the late Rabbi Marc Tanenbaum, who Graham called the "cleverest and most brilliant" of the rabbis.

Graham's 1972 remarks, revealed in 2002, however, led to a public apology from the retired evangelist, who said he had no recollection of the remarks.

"Although I have no memory of the occasion, I deeply regret comments I apparently made in an Oval Office conversation with President Nixon ... some 30 years ago," he stated.

Shortly after, ADL said it had accepted the apology, particularly noting Graham's statement that "racial prejudice, anti-Semitism or hatred of anyone with different beliefs has no place in the human mind or heart."

"These words, unlike his previous words uttered 30 years ago, are full of sadness and repentance. This is the Billy Graham we thought we knew," Foxman had noted.

In the 1972 recording, Graham complained about Jewish domination of the media and also said that he had many Jewish friends.

"But they don't know how I really feel about what they are doing to this country..." Graham added.

On the Web:

Tape

43, Conversation 161 at nixon.archives.gov
Alberto Burri: Artist, poet, and creator of the new

A profile of the Italian artist who inspired Arte Povera and changed art with his use of unconventional materials

Who was Alberto Burri? According to Mariolina Bassetti, International Director of Post-War and Contemporary Art at Christies, Alberto Burri (1915-1995) was an artist, poet, and a creator of the new, who loved discovering new forms in diverse materials. Gallery director Luigi Mazzoleni says, Burri was one of the most important artistic figures of the Italian post-war period, whose works had a fundamental influence, not just on artists of the time, but on younger artists today. Burris artistic innovations helped set the stage for Italys radical Arte Povera  or poor art  movement, led by artists including Alighiero Boetti, Michelangelo Pistoletto and Jannis Kounellis. In the late 1960s and 70s, in particular, these artists and others used everyday materials as a challenge to the commercialised contemporary gallery system. Burris art was characterised by the daring experimentation that came to define the group. He burst onto the Italian and global art scene, offering a highly personal interpretation of Art Informel, explains Mazzoleni.



Alberto Burri (1915-1995), Sacco, 1953. Burlap, fabric, oil, gold and Vinavil on canvas. 39 x 33 in (99.8 x 86 cm). Estimate: 3,000,000-5,000,000. Offered in Thinking Italian on 4 October 2019 at Christies in London  Fondazione Palazzo Albizzini Collezione Burri, Citta di Castello  DACS 2019

What was Burris background? Burri had demonstrated a passion for drawing since he was a young boy, and he spent a short time studying with a geometer. He continued to paint throughout his years at medical school, admiring the work of Piero della Francesca and other Renaissance artists. Dr. Alberto Burri graduated in the summer of 1940, just a few months before Italy entered the Second World War. In October of the same year he was called up to serve as a medic in the Italian army, and toured the Balkans and North Africa. On 8 May 1943, he was captured by Allied forces and interned in a prisoner of war camp in Texas. His fellow PoWs included academics, architects, and the artist Dino Gambetti, and Burri was motivated to pick up his paintbrushes once again. His earliest works depicted a view of the desert from the interior of the prison camp. Burri had always had an artistic vein, comments Bassetti, but it was only in the sobering silence of the prison that he recognised it. A doctor is, after all, a creator of hope.



Alberto Burri (1915-1995), Sacco e Bianco, 1953. Fabric, burlap, oil and Vinavil on fabric. 27 x 22 in (68.5 x 57 cm). Estimate: 2,200,000-2,800,000. Offered in Thinking Italian on 4 October 2019 at Christies in London  Fondazione Palazzo Albizzini Collezione Burri, Citta di Castello  DACS 2019

How did he work? With resources sparse, Burris early methods were necessarily unconventional, and he recycled materials including industrial and commercial canvas. Sackcloth was readily available, and Burri continued using the material following his release in 1946 and return to Rome. He also began experimenting with bark, corrugated cardboard, sheet metal and crushed stone. His first Sacco of 1949 was made with a jute sack, which he brought back with him from the PoW camp in Texas. The material had a strong symbolic value and the work became the first in a series of abstract collage constructions made from torn cloth, roughly stitched together and stretched across the canvas surface.

In the 1950s, Burris methods became more dramatic. Fire became the protagonist which defined Burris forms, explains Mazzoleni. Using a blowtorch, he modified the surface of plastic to create the Combustioni  a process he would repeat in the Legni series, before turning, near the end of the decade, towards an almost traditional use of fire in Ferri, his assemblages of sheets of metalwork.

Alberto Burri (1915-1995), Combustione, 1960. Plastic, oil and combustion on canvas. 2 x 5 in (7.3 x 13.2 cm). Estimate: 280,000-320,000. Offered in Thinking Italian on 4 October 2019 at Christies in London  Fondazione Palazzo Albizzini Collezione Burri, Citta di Castello  DACS 2019

What did these violent processes represent? It depends who you ask. Early commentators were keen to suggest that the patchwork surfaces of the Sacchi series stood as a metaphor for living flesh, violated during warfare  the stitching recalling Burris practice as a doctor. Others suggested the hardship of life in post-war Italy prompted the artist to repurpose sacks originally used to deliver relief supplies. The Trauma of Painting, the Guggenheims 2015 retrospective, associated Burris work with an ambiguous distress  leaving viewers to decide whether this trauma relates to the rips, burns and half-patched holes of the canvas surface, or to the artists own experience of the Second World War and its aftermath. The trauma might also belong to European pictorial tradition  shaken and reconfigured by Burris avant-garde approach. From his early exhibitions, Burri was labelled the artist of wounds, explained Guggenheim curator Emily Braun. Hes attacking the supports and surfaces, the very structure of what a canvas is, and in that way Burri draws the viewer in. We feel these materials as if were feeling these textures in our own body. For Bassetti, Burris art represents a very physical form of creative destruction: He used fire to penetrate material, to go through it and transform it. It was a violent act comparable to birth.

Alberto Burri (1915-1995), Rosso Combustione Plastica, 1957. Plastic, acrylic, fabric and combustion on canvas. 49 x 34 in (125 x 88 cm). Sold for $4,951,500 on 15 November 2016 at Christies in New York  Fondazione Palazzo Albizzini Collezione Burri, Citta di Castello  DACS 2018





What did the the man himself say? If there was a profound metaphorical meaning to his burnt and sutured canvases, Burri kept quiet about it, insisting that his choice of material responded to purely formal concerns. Neutral titles, such as Composition, emphasised a concern with construction rather than metaphor, and, in 1994, Burri vehemently stated, Form and Space! Form and Space! The end. There is nothing else. Form and space! How was this unconventional work first received? People didnt really understand him, and when the visionary Palma Bucarelli, director of Romes Galleria Nazionale dArte Moderna, supported Burri, it was met with front-page scandal, says Bassetti. Bucarelli hosted a major exhibition of Burris work in 1959, which was so controversial that it prompted a government investigation. Burri was still causing scandal a decade later. In the last room of Burris exhibition at the Galleria dArte Moderna in Turin in the early 1970s, there was a notebook in which visitors could write their thoughts on the show. When newspapers published excerpts of these comments, which were divided between the artists supporters and those scandalised by his work, the whole thing turned into a major attraction, says Mazzoleni. The reception wasnt all bad, however. Critics were particularly favourable in America  the place where Burri had first started painting, almost by chance, as a distraction from his imprisonment.

Alberto Burri (1915-1995), Rosso Plastica M1, 1961. Plastic, acrylic and combustion on canvas. 46 x 52 in (117 x 132.5 cm). Sold for 3,442,500 on 16 October 2015 at Christies in London  Fondazione Palazzo Albizzini Collezione Burri, Citta di Castello  DACS 2018





Where can one see Burris work today? In Burris native Italy, the Fondazione Albizzini di Citta di Castello should be a priority. Beyond gallery walls, the Grande Cretto Bianco di Gibellina in Sicily, which was reduced to a pile of rubble when it was the epicentre of an earthquake in 1968, is also well worth seeing. When the mayor of the town asked artists to create commemorative installations, Burri refused, proposing instead to compress the remains of the old city and cover them with iron and cement  creating the Grande Cretto Bianco, or Great White Crack, a monumental work of land art.







Alberto Burri (1915-1995), Bianco plastica P, 1970. Plastic, acrylic, combustion, vinavil on cellotex. 78 x 59 in (200 x 150 cm). Sold for 2,210,500 on 30 June 2015 at Christies in London  Fondazione Palazzo Albizzini Collezione Burri, Citta di Castello  DACS 2018




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CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio - Frank, the notorious turkey that captured locals' hearts, even while terrorizing pedestrians and motorists, has died.

The bird, whose home was near the intersection of State Road and Steels Corners in the Falls, had a robust following on Facebook's Cuyahoga Falls Talk of the Town, whose members named him "Frank."

Last December, he was hit by a car and underwent surgery for a badly broken leg.

"The vet did a very good job and did what he could," said Stephon Echague, supervisor of animal care at Stark Parks, Wildlife Conservation Center, where Frank was moved after the procedure. "The surgery was pretty big."

Stark Parks in Hartville cares for about 2,000 injured and orphaned native wild animals each year.

Once Frank recovered, the plan was to release him into the wild, somewhere safer, where other wild turkeys flock.

But not long after his surgery, the turkey stopped eating. Stark Parks caregivers tube fed him and moved him to an outdoor enclosure, hoping the environment would help.

"It didn't make a difference. Everything went downhill from there," Echague said. "It was so much stress on him, we tried everything to get him back up and running. It just wasn't in the stars."

Locals believe Frank became aggressive, chasing people, bicyclists and cars, often into the busy roadways, after his mate was killed in the same area. Many wild turkeys live near that intersection, which is adjacent to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The bird was such a familiar sight, locals said they looked out for him as best they could. The morning he was hit, a crowd quickly gathered and he was transported by wildlife officials to Stark Parks.

At times, Frank was docile, and was sometimes seen quietly staring at cars in the nearby Cascade Auto Group. That led employees to believe he liked shiny things.

Frank's antics even captured the interest of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which placed ads on buses in the Akron area to encourage everyone to see turkeys as individuals, not food.

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AKRON, Ohio - The government needs to work harder to bring investment into communities like Akron and Youngstown, which essentially feel like they're on their own.

That's the motivation behind a recent bus tour led by U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan D-Ohio and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., that brought a group of venture capitalists on a tour of Akron on Wednesday. The group spent the morning in Youngstown on the same mission.

"We know there is a sophisticated entrepreneurial spirit and business-savvy people and risk takers that just get locked out of investment capital," Ryan said.

Connecting the investors with the community to establish trust and build relationships is key, he said. The investors combined make about $14 billion in investments, but so far, mostly in major cities. They're backed such enterprises as SpaceX, Airbnb, Uber and Spotify.

Part of the goal is to draw investment to Northeast Ohio, but also show people from Silicon Valley that establishing offices here, or hiring skilled workers from this area could be lucrative, with the low cost of living.

"The companies they invest in are always looking for a place to grow," Ryan said. "If an early stage company with 10 to 20 employees needs to grow, they can do that and put second office in Akron."

The group met with Mayor Dan Horrigan, County Executive Ilene Shapiro and myriad entrepreneurs and business leaders.

During a roundtable discussion at Bounce Innovation Hub in downtown Akron, the investors learned about the "Retail Revival" online retail training program recently launched here and in Warren, Ohio, by eBay to help small and mid-sized business succeed.

They then toured several sites that exemplify community connectedness, including the Civic Gateway, Park East and Summit Lake. Those areas are focal points for the work of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, which won a $5 million Reimaging the Civic Commons grant to improve and connect those areas to downtown Akron through local partnerships.

Showing the Silicon valley representatives quality of life here was also part of the goal, Ryan said.

To that end, the tour made a stop at the new Northside Marketplace, an Akron-centric marketplace featuring more than 40 diverse start-ups and small businesses collected in an indoor urban space at 21 Furnace St. The visitors saw popcorn vendors, craft beer bar and champagne bar and Akron Honey Company all under the same roof.

"This is a cool place," he said. "Their workers would enjoy being here and working here because of the quality of life."

The tour will also make stops in Detroit, Flint, Mich. and South Bend, Ind. Ryan would like to see the cities ban together to support one another.

"We need to combine forces to get the government working on our behalf to bring about change we need," he said. "We've got to get all the communities to see they are not fighting a battle on their own, and recognize we're all in the same boat."

Ryan said future bus tours are planned to bring more venture capitalists to Akron.

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BEACHWOOD, Ohio -- Forgery, Cedar Road: At 12:55 p.m. Feb. 14, police arrested an Atlanta, Georgia, man, 25, and a Decatur, Georgia, boy, 17, after the two allegedly attempted to use a stolen credit card at a store at Beachwood Place mall, 26300 Cedar Road.

They were charged with forgery and resisting arrest. The man was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Threats made, Park East Drive: At 4:15 p.m. Feb. 14, a financial institution representative reported that a man called 25 times to make threats against employees.

Theft, Richmond Road: At 8 a.m. Feb. 14, a man reported that his cell phone was stolen from a locker at Lifetime Fitness, 3850 Richmond Road.

OVI, Chagrin Boulevard: At 1:40 a.m. Feb. 15, police stopped a car driven by a Willoughby man, 30, that did not obey a traffic signal device. The man was subsequently found to be intoxicated. He was cited for the traffic offense and charged with OVI.

Theft, Cedar Road: At 1:30 p.m. Feb. 15, a Cleveland woman, 67, was arrested for stealing merchandise worth $258 from Dillard's at Beachwood Place. The woman was also charged with possession of drug abuse instruments.

OVI, Richmond Road: At 10:20 p.m. Feb. 16, a car driven by a Cleveland woman, 42, was stopped after it was seen weaving. The woman was subsequently determined to be intoxicated. She was charged with the traffic offense and with OVI.

Theft, Cedar Road: At 6:35 p.m. Feb. 15, a Cleveland Heights girl, 15, was arrested for shoplifting merchandise worth $48 from Dillard's.

Theft, Cedar Road: At 8:25 p.m. Feb. 15, two Kent women, ages 19 and 18, were arrested for stealing merchandise worth a combined total of $600 from Dillard's.

Theft, Cedar Road: At 2:45 p.m. Feb. 16, police arrested a Woodmere woman, 20, for theft and receiving stolen property. Found on the woman's person was $336 worth of merchandise from various Beachwood Place stores.

OVI, Orange Place: At 2:40 p.m. Feb. 16, a Willoughby woman, 47, was arrested for OVI after having been seen driving erratically on Interstate 271.

Driving under suspension, Green Road: At 4:05 p.m. Feb. 18, police stopped a car for speeding. It was subsequently learned that the driver, a Cleveland woman, 33, was driving with a suspended license.

OVI, Chagrin Boulevard: At 2:25 a.m. Feb. 18, police stopped a car that was weaving and speeding. The driver, a Euclid woman, 37, was found to be intoxicated. She was cited for the traffic offenses, and charged with having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle and OVI.

Assault, Chagrin Boulevard: At 3:45 p.m. Feb. 18, it was reported that a Mayfield Heights man, 73, assaulted a woman, 26, and her mother-in-law, 85, while at Bet Olam Cemetery, 25796 Chagrin Blvd. The man was charged with two counts of assault.

If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page.
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Outgoing Shaker Heights Mayor Earl Leiken has already done his homework on Cleveland Heights' charter form of government.

That was back at Taylor Elementary School in Cleveland Heights, where he grew up.

And he returned the favor to his hometown with an appearance before the Charter Review Commission on Feb. 15 to discuss Shaker's "hybrid" form of government.

Midway through his third term as Shaker mayor, Leiken was tapped last week by Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish to serve as his new chief of staff.

As a result, he will step down as mayor at the end of March. Vice Mayor Anne Williams, appointed earlier this year, will take over in his place for at least 60 days.

From there, Shaker City Council will appoint an "interim" mayor to serve up until an election in November to fill the remainder of Leiken's unexpired term -- leading up to another election in 2019 for a full four-year mayoral term.

Cleveland Heights Charter Review Commission member Sarah West noted that there could be as many as five mayoral "role-holders" in fewer than two years.

Leiken explained that a city charter change was made there in 1999 to safeguard against mayors stepping down early in their terms "because people didn't want council to select the mayor for another 3-3/4 years."

One of the amendments considered by the Cleveland Heights Charter Review Commission is a switch to a strong -- or at least independently elected -- mayor, rather than having City Council continue to select one of its own members, along with a vice mayor, for two-year terms.

In Shaker Heights, council does select its own vice mayor every two years, generally "the most senior member who has not already served" in that capacity, Leiken said.

Over in Cleveland Heights, the Charter Review Commission is also looking at another structural change from the existing "city manager-council" form of government.

Shaker has a combined form of government, with a mayor elected to a four-year term, and since 1974 -- by city ordinance, not by charter -- a "Chief Administrative Officer" who keeps the mayor informed on day-to-day operations, in addition to helping run them.

Leiken believes the change may have resulted from a previous mayor who still wanted to devote time to his law practice. The CAO is appointed by the Shaker mayor.

Retired from the law firm of Baker Hostetler since becoming mayor in 2008, Leiken also handles labor negotiations more than Shaker CAO Jeri Chaikin, since that is part of his legal background.

Leiken, who also serves as the city's safety director, regards both positions as being full-time. Chaikin doubles as the clerk of council. Department directors report to both of them.

"I have been working together with Jeri for 10 years, and we are in continual communication all day long," Leiken said. "We have a close partnership, but the mayor has the ultimate authority."

While he does not have a vote on council, Leiken as mayor does preside over their meetings and is a voting member on the City Planning Commission, along with a council member.

"The mayor is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the city, although there has to be buy-in from council on those directives," Leiken said.

Like Cleveland Heights, all seven Shaker City Council members are elected at-large, in non-partisan races with no primaries.

The Charter Review Commission has also been asked to look at the possibility of electing council seats by geographic wards instead of "citywide."

Leiken thinks the council at-large system works in Shaker, citing the overall effort that has gone into initiatives like Moreland Rising, targeting the section of Shaker that was hit hardest by the economic downturn and mortgage crisis.

"As an at-large council, they all feel vested in our city as a whole and have no more allegiance to where they live than to the entire community," Leiken said.

Asked for any critiques of Cleveland Heights and its government possibly being perceived as dysfunctional, Leiken pointed to numerous collaborative efforts, most recently the Heights-Hillcrest Regional Dispatch Center, located on Severance Circle.

"That perception doesn't exist, that is, the idea that Cleveland Heights does not have a strong form of local government," Leiken said.

As for economic development in Shaker, most notably the Van Aken District set to officially open in September, Leiken said that he has been more involved with the developer and "the structure of the deal."

This has included appearances before the Shaker school board with department director Tania Menesse to discuss tax incentive proposals, while Chaikin has focused more on construction issues.

"And yes, I'm still mayor through the end of March," Leiken said.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cuyahoga County will distribute $1 million in casino tax revenue to 21 community-development projects.

It is the second year awards of up to $50,000 to cities and agencies were given following the 2016 Cuyahoga County Council vote to create the Community Development Supplemental Grant program.

The program, which was supposed to last two years, has been so successful that council plans to vote to continue it, Council President Dan Brady said Thursday at a Community Development Committee meeting.

"This has really turned out really well," Brady said. "We didn't believe that grants of this scale would get the attention."

The county, which receives about $7.3 million a year in casino taxes, had primarily used the money to provide multi-million-dollar loans for economic development projects, many in Cleveland.

Council members wanted to provide grants for projects such as master plans for communities, streetscapes, parks and senior centers.

The first awards were made last year.

Community Development Officer Sara Parks Jackson told the committee Thursday that her office received 37 applications seeking a total of $1.8 million. Twenty-one of the cities and organizations had also applied for the first year of funding.

"What we found is that projects that got started in the first round sought money to continue to complete the project," she said.

Four projects not funded in the first year were funded in this round, she said.

County Council is expected to approve the grants at its March 13 meeting.

Following are the proposed grants.

The 2018 Community Development Supplemental Grant Awards
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Allison Corona remembers every detail about the night in 2005 when she discovered that there might be a cure for her blindness.

She was up late doing research on her computer - with the screen adjusted to show large print - when she found information on Luxturna, a proposed gene therapy for one type of inherited retinal disease. That's the condition that caused Corona's severely limited sight at birth.

"I printed out everything I could find that night," said Corona, 25, of Glen Head, New York. "It was the first time I'd ever seen something being done for the problem I had. I was amazed."

Soon Corona was traveling to Philadelphia for genetic testing to determine if she had the specific gene mutation that Luxturna, then in FDA trials, targeted. She waited three years to hear confirmation that she had the mutation and could be included in Luxturna's 2013 phase 3 trial.

"I was overjoyed; I screamed," Corona said. While she is still legally blind after the treatment, it allowed her to read to a menu in a dimly lighted Italian restaurant and perceive the raised design on a sheet of paper towels.

"I am able to see millions of details I couldn't see before," she said.

Luxturna, developed by Spark Therapeutics of Philadelphia, is a historic breakthrough as the first FDA-approved gene therapy for a genetic disease, and the first and only treatment for an inherited retinal disease, said John Furey, Spark's chief operating officer.

Gene therapy is an experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease. It can allow doctors to treat disease by inserting a gene into a patient's cells, eliminating the need for drugs or surgery.

Seven health care centers across the United States - staffed with retina surgeons trained to administer Luxturna through an injection into the eye - are expected to begin using it this spring, Furey said. The closest center to Cleveland is Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

Its development boosts the field of gene therapy research, which suffered setbacks after a patient died during a gene therapy trial in 1999.

Spark's breakthrough is also a win for champions of orphan diseases, illnesses that affects fewer than 200,000 people nationwide. Only about 2,000 blind Americans have the genetic mutation that Luxturna targets, Spark said.

Pharmaceutical companies rarely make a profit on drugs for such a small market, so they tend not to explore those avenues. Since 1983, the Orphan Drug Act has offered tax credits and other financial incentives for drug companies that develop therapies for orphan diseases.

The limited patient pool is one reason why Luxturna costs $850,000 per patient; that's the total for one treatment for each eye. That much cash could buy a five-bedroom house in Beachwood, or 141 average-priced engagement rings.

Spark set the cost by looking at the direct and indirect societal costs of blindness, including loss of education and income for the blind and caregivers, Furey said. The company also examined jury awards and insurance policy payouts for long-term disability caused by blindness.

The company, which spent 20 years developing Luxturna, is trying to ensure that the treatment is within reach for patients, Furey said. It has agreed to pay rebates to Harvard Pilgrim, a not-for-profit health insurance company based in New England, if a Luxturna patient's eyesight deteriorates after treatment.

"We stand by the performance of our product," Furey said. Spark is also working with the federal government and other health insurance companies to be sure Luxturna is covered by insurance.

Gordon Gund, Cleveland Cavaliers minority owner and co-founder of Foundation Fighting Blindness, hopes Luxturna builds momentum for more research into gene therapy. The foundation provided $10 million in seed funding toward Luxturna research.

"This is a great step forward," said Gund, speaking from his home in Princeton, New Jersey. "It's exciting for everyone with an inherited degenerative disease of the retina."

Gund lost his sight to an inherited degenerative disease, but Luxturna can't help him, because it targets a different gene than the one that caused his blindness.

Inherited degenerative diseases like the ones that afflict Gund and Corona attack the retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye that receives and passes visual information to the brain. Inherited degenerative diseases affect about 10 million Americans, according to the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

The RPE65 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is essential for normal vision. People with RPE65 mutations experience night blindness, involuntary back-and-forth eye movements, tunnel vision and finally total blindness.

Spark's gene therapy copies an intact RPE65 gene and insert it into a vector, in this case an inactive virus, Furey explained. The vector, delivered by injection, transports the working gene into the retina where it places copies of the working gene next to the defective genes. The working gene manufactures the missing proteins.

How much could Luxturna improve sight? It was important for researchers to find a way to measure that.

Inherited retinal degenerative diseases narrow the field of vision until sight is reduced to a pinprick, and also affects sight in low-light conditions, Furey said. "That is not easily measured with a standard ophthalmology test," he said.

Spark tested trial participants' ability to navigate a walk-through maze with obstacles. Patients walked the maze faster, and in dimmer light, after receiving gene therapy, Furey said.

Next, Spark will explore gene therapy for hemophiliacs. But first, the Luxturna team is enjoying its current success. Furey remembers hearing blind patients who participated in trials giving testimony at FDA sessions about how regaining some sight affected them.

"It was humbling and very emotional to listen to patients and the profound effect it had on their lives," Furey said.

That was true of Corona, who dropped out of college after her freshman year because her blindness made it difficult to cope. After her sight improved, she returned to college, and plans to start a master's degree in psychology in the fall.

"To me, this is perfect," Corona said about her vision. "It is a huge, huge step forward and better than I had before."
Jeffrey Derringer

AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron man who used a fake rifle made out of furniture pieces to rob a gas station on Christmas was sentenced Wednesday, prosecutors said.

Jeffrey Derringer, 49, of Olive Street was charged with aggravated robbery. He pled guilty to the charges and was immediately sentenced to four years, according to the Summit County Prosecutor's Office.

Derringer walked into the the Circle K in the 600 block of North Main Street with a hooded sweatshirt over his head and waving what employees thought was a rifle on Christmas.

An employee later realized the rifle was fake and made out of furniture pieces and other items, prosecutors said.

The employee and three store customers helped to capture Derringer, who took off running, shortly after the robbery.

To comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments page.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Sen. Bill Coley introduced a bill Wednesday that would freeze the award of final licenses to 24 medical marijuana growers while state auditors examine how license applications were reviewed and scored.

The Ohio Department of Commerce awarded provisional licenses to 24 companies in November. But licensees have nine months to obtain a final certificate of operation before growing marijuana plants.

Under Senate Bill 264, State Auditor Dave Yost would have 30 days to wrap up his office's audit of the Ohio Department of Commerce's procedures for reviewing and ranking marijuana business licenses. The department would then have 30 days to implement the audit's recommendations or explain why it chose not to adopt changes.

"By doing this we can remove any clouds of suspicion or clouds of impropriety from the medical marijuana process and when that process starts up this fall, everyone can be assured that process was correct and done in the best interest of Ohio taxpayers and patients who are part of the system," Coley, a Liberty Township Republican, said at a Thursday news conference.

Meanwhile, the department could not award final certificates of operation to medical marijuana cultivators, testing labs and processors that make marijuana products. The department could continue awarding provisional licenses to testing labs and processors, Coley said.

Thomas Rosenberger, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association of Ohio, said Coley's bill would delay patient access by several months. Cultivators planned to get final licenses in mid-March, and a 60-day delay from the time the bill passes could push those awards back to June or July.

The first crop of plants could take 16 weeks or more to harvest, according to plans detailed in cultivator applications, and wouldn't be ready in time for the medical marijuana law's Sept. 8 deadline for the program to be operational.

Coley said the audit could show the department needs to rescore the applications with different people reviewing the applications or allow applicants to submit additional information.

Yost's office began examining the cultivator scoring process in early December, following reports the agency unknowingly hired one consultant with a felony marijuana conviction on his record and two others with ties to one of the winning companies.

Concerns about the process have escalated in the past two weeks. Auditors found two state employees had access to application scorers' passwords and could have changed scores or application documents without leaving a trace.

A cleveland.com investigation found the department did not verify several pass-fail criteria during the scoring process.

Three days after the security flaw was made public, the department admitted an unintentional scoring error prevented one company from winning a license.

On Friday, Department Director Jacqueline Williams sought Yost's permission to pause any portion of the medical marijuana control program.

Yost, who had called for a program freeze in December, replied Wednesday that it is too late for such a pause. Some winning companies have begun building facilities, and six unsuccessful applicants sued the state this week over alleged scoring errors.

"We appreciate Sen. Coley's leadership on this issue and will work closely with him and his colleagues in the General Assembly to take the steps necessary to ensure Ohioans have confidence in the medical marijuana program," Yost said in a statement Thursday.

A Department of Commerce spokeswoman declined to comment on Coley's bill but said it plans to move forward with issuing licenses and implementing the program.

"We appreciate the auditor of state's advice to proceed with the program and we will take it, while continuing to seek ways to improve it as we have from the beginning," spokeswoman Kerry Francis said in an email.

Coley said there seemed to be some confusion at the Department of Commerce as to whether they had the authority to freeze the program.

"This bill will make it crystal clear that they do," Coley said.
Gregory Carroll, 57, is accused of groping two women on an American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A 57-year-old man groped two women on a flight from Charlotte to Cleveland Hopkins Airport, police said.

Gregory Carroll of Cleveland is charged with gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony. He was arrested after the flight touched down about 12:45 a.m. Tuesday in Cleveland, according to a police dispatch report.

Cleveland Municipal Judge Joseph Zone on Thursday set Carroll's bond at $5,000 during his first court appearance.

Assistant Cuyahoga County Public Defender Robert McCaleb said during the hearing he believes because the incident happened in midair that the case will eventually be transferred to federal court.

The incident happened Tuesday on American Airlines flight 1713, according to court records.

Carroll was sitting in a seat with two women - ages 51 and 27-- on both sides of him, Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Brian Murphy said during the hearing.

Carroll groped the thigh of a woman seated to his left, court records say.

He then slipped his hand between the legs of a woman seated his right, according to court records. He ran his hand up the woman's legs, court records say.

A police report requested Wednesday by cleveland.com has not yet been released by the city's law department.

An American Airlines spokesman said in an email that Carroll was separated from the two women and that flight staff contacted local law enforcement, who met the flight at Hopkins when it landed. He referred all other questions to police.

Carroll is an executive chef who has worked at prestigious restaurants including the Columbia Club in Indianapolis, along with several Fresno, California-area restaurants and in the Caribbean and Moscow, according to The Fresno Bee.

He appeared at least twice on a local TV station's morning show in Fresno showing how to prepare certain recipes.

McCaleb said during the hearing that Carroll, who has address in multiple cities, is a father of four. He told the judge that he hoped to get a low bond in the case so he could get out of jail and attend his daughter's wedding.

To comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments page.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Some members of City Council expressed skepticism Wednesday that the city will be able to bolster the ranks of the police department as much as it hopes in 2018.

Generally, members of council expressed support for the police when Chief Calvin Williams and Public Safety Director Michael McGrath appeared at budget hearings, but they also voiced frustration that the hiring process is taking so long.

That frustration is bolstered by their concerns about safety on both the East Side and West Side. As Councilman Anthony Hairston put it Wednesday, "as of lately the northeast side has become the wild wild West."

The goal is to get to about 1,600 officers on the force, and Mayor Frank Jackson's budget has funding for that.

But a report presented to council a week ago showed that the city is 138 uniformed officers short of that goal. Nearly 120 of those are patrol officers.

Councilman Mike Polensek, who criticized the administration last year as dozens of jobs funded in the city budget went unfilled, doubts the city will break even in 2018 once attrition is considered.

"Based on the numbers that are in the budget, tell me how you expect to break even," Polensek asked Williams during budget hearings Wednesday.

Polensek noted that 91 people left the police department in 2017, most of them retiring. Two classes of cadets graduated during the year, yielding 71 officers.

A third class started up in 2017. It won't be finished until next month but will provide about 45 more officers.

For Williams, that's a net gain. And he expects a net gain this year, too.

The city estimates about 75 officers could retire.

Councilman Matt Zone, who chairs council's safety committee, said he thinks it will take until 2020 to get up to full force, but expects the city will show progress this year.

Five cadet classes are planned for 2018. They could yield as many as 250 officers. The last of those classes, though, likely would not finish before 2019.

"I think our numbers do add up," Williams told City Council. "We're going to make sure we hire as many people as are available."

Part of the problem is that it takes time to hire police officers. From recruitment through training to joining the police force can take a full year or more. Six months of that time is training required by the state, Williams said.

New Councilman Basheer Jones, who's Ward 7 includes Hough, St. Clair-Superior and other neighborhoods, said part of the problem is that the police do not have a good relationship with the community.

There are levels of distrust that have built for years, culminating in the city agreeing to a consent decree with the federal Justice Department over excessive use of force.

Jones lamented that a program at Martin Luther King Jr. High School that helped groom potential recruits had fallen by the wayside.

"You have to look at it from a historical context," Jones said. "Why aren't people from this community applying.

"If we're serious about recruiting, putting a billboard up is not sufficient," Jones said. "We have to start with high school students and get them the idea that they could be officers."
AKRON, Ohio - An Akron couple were charged with assault after they injured a man with a chainsaw during a fight over borrowed money, police said.

William Mitchell and Aliyah Wiley are both charged with aggravated burglary and felonious assault after they caused several cuts to Marshal Wrenn Jr. with a chainsaw Tuesday night, Akron police said.

Investigators found Wrenn on the couch and covered in blood.

Wrenn, 52, told authorities Mitchell, 32, and Wiley, 23, went to a house in the 800 block of Baird Street about 9 p.m. to confront him over some owed money. Wrenn and Mitchell are former roommates, police said.

Authorities did not disclose how much money was owed.

The three got into an argument. Mitchell and Wrenn soon began to fight in the living room and fell to the floor where a chainsaw was nearby, police said.

Mitchell beat Wrenn with the chainsaw blades and caused severe lacerations to his hands and arms. Wrenn attempted to runaway from the home but was caught by Mitchell and Wiley when he fell. They dragged him back in to the house where the fight persisted, officials said.

Wiley grabbed the chainsaw and started hitting Wrenn on the back and legs. He was cut multiple times, police said.

Wrenn was able to free himself and run to a neighbor's house. He was taken to Akron City Hospital with serious injuries.

After the fight Mitchell and Wiley ran away from the scene.

Officers, who were at the hospital, arrested the couple after Mitchell arrived with a cut to his hand. They are both being held in the Summit County Jail.

To comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments page.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio Casino Control Commission rehired and promoted an employee after he was convicted of dereliction of duty in his past post as the state's deputy tax director.

Rick Anthony's promotion was announced by the commission in a December press release and highlighted in a Thursday report by the Columbus Dispatch.

Anthony started working at the commission in 2011 after a stint as the deputy tax commissioner. A 2013 inspector general's investigation found Anthony was responsible for holding up $9 million in tax refunds for businesses dating back to 1999.

In July 2014, Anthony pleaded guilty to a second degree misdemeanor charge of dereliction of duty.

Anthony was put on leave for seven months in 2013 and resigned as commission operations director days before his guilty plea, the Dispatch reported Thursday.

He was rehired as operations manager in late 2015.

In December 2017, Commission Executive Director Matthew Schuler promoted Anthony to deputy executive director, overseeing all functions related to day-to-day operations of the commission. The announcement touted Anthony's "35 years of experience in state government" and noted his past job as deputy tax commissioner.

The promotion came with a 23-percent raise, to $100,006 a year.

Schuler told the Dispatch the commission did not consider Anthony's 2014 conviction because Anthony's case was sealed. Record sealing restores "all rights and privileges" to the person and Ohio law prohibits questioning job applicants about sealed convictions "unless the question bears a direct and substantial relationship to the position for which the person is being considered," the Dispatch reported.

The commission licenses and regulates Ohio's four casinos and its 9,000 employees.

"Rick, from day one, has been an indispensable part of the commission staff," Schuler told the Dispatch. "He's one of the smartest, hard-working people I know."

Anthony declined the Dispatch's request for comment.

Catherine Turcer, executive director of good-government group of Common Cause Ohio, said in the story that people should have second chances, but the casino control commission should especially should be careful about hiring someone convicted of dereliction of duty.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - In the wake of last week's mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., social media threats of school violence have continually popped locally and across the country.

Sometimes the threats are a teenage joke. Sometimes they're real and are quickly quashed, like these instances in Maryland and California within the past week. And sometimes the threats aren't found, or investigated, and tragedy strikes.

The FBI was aware of threats that the accused Parkland shooter, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, made on social media sites like Instagram and YouTube. However, those threats were not probed, officials admitted.

In Northeast Ohio, two teens were taken into custody in Willoughby on Tuesday after they were accused of posting a social media threat referencing a school shooting. Officials did not give specifics on the threat. And in Alliance, five high school freshman told police that their discussions - both online and in-person - about a school shooting were a joke.

Social media threats were especially disruptive in Stark County, where 11 school districts out of the county's 17 had students arrested, the Canton Repository reports. Sheriff George T. Maier said Wednesday that he has a "zero tolerance" policy, and those arrested will face felony charges.

In the Willoughby case, the 16- and 17-year-old students were charged with various crimes, including inducing panic, authorities said. Similar charges were brought against the Alliance teens.

Beyond police, though, what actions should schools take when these threats are made? How easy (or difficult) is it to tell when a violent statement is a childish joke or a true threat?

Should parents be held accountable if their child makes threats on social media? What about the social media sites; is there something more those corporations can do?

How can these situations be contained?

Join us today from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to discuss your thoughts on how school violence threats on social media should be handled.

In our Talk it Out pre-curated conversation, comments are published after they are reviewed -- promptly -- to ensure they adhere to our community rules, which prohibit indecent, hateful, abusive or harassing comments, personal attacks, vulgar nicknames, personal information including telephone numbers and addresses, email addresses belonging to others, anything inciting criminal behavior and copyrighted material for which you do not own the rights.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Jon Heavey, the Rocky River physician who is attempting a run for governor, said he plans to challenge the secretary of state's decision to boot him from the ballot.

The secretary of state's office kept Heavey, a first time politician who has never held office, off the Democratic gubernatorial ballot Wednesday after he failed to submit 1,000 valid petition signatures.

But Heavey said bigger forces were at play, calling the system rigged.

"The math clearly does not add up," Heavey said in a statement.

Heavey turned in 2,185 petition signatures to the state for the filing deadline, according to the secretary of state's office.

However, only 854 of those were deemed valid, nearly 150 less than Heavey needed.

Heavey said a "professional team" of organizers collected the signatures, which were verified by a separate team using voter files.

Heavey said hundreds of those signatures were disqualified because of legibility issues that do not exist.

He said his campaign would file a lawsuit as soon as Friday.

A spokesman from the secretary of state's office declined to comment since the office hadn't seen an official complaint.

This post has been updated with more signature petition figures.
COLUMBUS, Ohio - One of Ohio's largest insurers is denying payment for emergency room claims when it determines policyholders didn't need emergency care.

The Ohio Hospital Association and state lawmakers are working to combat Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's new practice, which could leave Ohio policyholders with thousands of dollars in ER bills, according to Thursday morning's Capitol Letter, cleveland.com's daily Statehouse newsletter.

Anthem began denying non-emergency claims Jan. 1 in response to rising visits to the ER that can be 10 times as costly as an urgent care center, said Jeff Blunt, an Anthem spokesman. There are some circumstances under which Anthem will continue to pay for non-emergency ER visits - such as for patients under 15 years old or if people live more than 15 miles from an urgent care center, he said.

In Kentucky, an Anthem policyholder with stomach pains rushed to the ER, thinking she had appendicitis. Her condition turned out to be ovarian cysts, according to a news report, and the insurer determined her ER visit was unnecessary. She owed the hospital over $12,000.

Cincinnati Democratic state Rep. Alicia Reece said most patients are not doctors and Anthem is unreasonably requiring people to assess whether they need emergency care.

Reece and Democratic colleagues, Reps. Stephanie Howse and Tom West, said at a Wednesday news conference they were writing to Gov. John Kasich, asking for action on the issue. They also said they are drafting a bill that could prohibit insurers that cut ER benefits from getting state contracts and tax credits. Reece said Cincinnati and Hamilton County employees are covered by Anthem.

Anthem told the Ohio Department of Insurance that it was only denying non-emergency claims for large employers who are self-insured. Anthem is a benefit administrator for some self-insured employers, and verifies and pays claims for the employers.

The company covers 3.4 million Ohioans and didn't answer Capitol Letter's question about how many of those policyholders were affected by the new rule.

"They're looking across all markets potentially to do this," said Chris Brock, a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Insurance.

Brock said Anthem policyholders should reach out to the Department of Insurance if they have an ER bill they think Anthem should have paid. The state may be able to intervene, he said.

Hospitals in Ohio are compiling cases of Anthem policyholders who couldn't get ER claims paid. They will present them to the Department of Insurance in hopes that the state will bar the insurer from denying the claims, said John Palmer, spokesman for the Ohio Hospital Association.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office identified one of the two people killed Tuesday in a Shaker Heights police chase that ended in a crash in Cleveland.

Ashton Rushton, 18, of Cleveland, died in the crash that happened just before 3 a.m. on East 151st Street at Harvard Avenue, the medical examiner's office said.

The medical examiner's office has not released the name of a woman who died in the crash.

Shaker Heights officers chased the stolen 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt before it went off the side of the road and crashed into a tree. The impact threw the driver and a passenger from the car, which broke into several pieces, police said.

Rushton and the woman were pronounced dead at the scene.

Shaker Heights officer saw the Chevrolet speeding about 2:30 a.m. on Warrensville Center Road near Norwood Road. They tried to stop it after learning it was stolen the day before in a Cleveland carjacking.

Investigators have not named Rushton or the woman killed in the crash as suspects in the carjacking.

A Euclid man who works for Western Reserve Catering was delivering meals to Medicaid recipients when the car was taken about noon Monday on West 105th Street near Madison Avenue, according to a police report.

He was parked on the side of the road when an unidentified man walked up, opened the driver's side door and yanked him out. The robber and a second robber got into the car, threw the Euclid man's cellphone out and drove away, the report says.

Two frozen meals and a cooler containing juice and milk were still in the car, the report says.

Shaker Heights officers saw the Chevrolet speeding about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday on Warrensville Center Road near Norwood Road. They learned it was stolen and tried to stop it, police said.

To comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments page.
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Market Introduction: Global Telepathology Market

Telepathology referred as practising pathology from a distance and telecommunication technology is used for facilitating the transmission of pathology image rich data between two distant locations for diagnosis, research and education. Pathology plays a very important role in identifying the characteristics and causes of the diseases in medical field. Electronic medical records also increase the administrative efficiency and reduces the medical cost. There are three modes of telepathology are static (or store-and-forward), dynamic (or real-time) and hybrid (or virtual. Static telepathology refers to the process of pre-selection and digitalisation of representative image by sender pathologist and sending it to the remote pathologist via e-mail or internet. Dynamic telepathology is most appropriate system for frozen-selection telepathology and for understaffed area. This involves transmission of microscopic slide images to recipient in real time via live communication. Whereas, hybrid pathology is combining both static and dynamic telepathology modes, a series of images that automatically stitched together in a software, compressed to a single file form and transmitted on the dynamic telepathology session start.

Market Dynamics: Global Telepathology Market

Global telepathology market is driven by the technological advancements, digitalization of pathology. In addition, extended reach, cost-effectiveness of the services and quick diagnosis are expected to bolster the global telepathology market over the forecast period. Furthermore, ease of operation, increase in government funding for hospitals and growing demand for telemedicine are also expected to further boost the market growth during the forecast period. However, factors such as the high cost of devices, lack of skilled professionals, and lack of infrastructure in underdeveloped and developing countries expected to hamper the market growth over the forecast period. Moreover, monitoring of telepathology requires high amount of investment and errors in interpreting the digital data may act as restraints for the market growth.

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Market Segmentation: Global Telepathology Market

Global Telepathology market is segmented based on services, application and end user

Based on services, global telepathology market is segmented into

 Static Telepathology

 Dynamic Telepathology

 Hybrid Telepathology

Based on application, global telepathology market is segmented into

 Diagnosis

 Education

 Teleconsultation

 Research

Based on end user, global telepathology market is segmented into

 Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Firms

 Hospitals

 Academic Institutions

 Others

To view TOC of this report is available upon request @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/telepathology-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu

Market Overview: Global Telepathology Market

Telepathology market is technology driven segment of medical field. It is an innovative digital imaging and telecommunication technology that is changing the healthcare delivery systems globally. The regional players are involving in acquisition of the pathology providers that present locally and strengthening their position in market. For instance, in November 2016, Visiopharm A/S acquired LRI Imaging AB, a leading diagnostic digital pathology provider in Sweden to become leader in diagnostic digital pathology. Similarly, in June 2016, Philips acquired an Irish digital pathology firm, PathXL and its digital pathology imaging technology. By this acquisition, Philips seeks to accelerate drive to support global medical institutions and their transition to digitalize workflows.

Region Overview: Global Telepathology Market

Geographically, global telepathology market has been segmented into Latin America, Europe, Asia- Pacific, North America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America market expected to grow at significant rates owing to the favourable healthcare policies that use digital pathology systems, well-established healthcare infrastructure and growing ageing population who are more susceptible to the physical problems that require imaging technologies for diagnosis. Europe telepathology market is expected to grow at notable rates owing to prevalence of the diseases such as cancer that require the pathological diagnosis, growing awareness and well-developed healthcare infrastructure. Asia Pacific region is expected to be a fastest growing market for telepathology owing to the developing healthcare infrastructure and digitalization of the medical services in order to deliver the cost-effective services. However, in developing countries such as India and China lack of skilled professionals and training for optimum utilisation of telepathology may hinder the market growth.

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Market Participants: Global Telepathology Market

Some of the players in global telepathology market are Southeastern Pathology Associates (U.S.), Visiopharm A/S (Denmark), Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp) (U.S.), University Health Network (Canada), Canada Health Infoway,Telemedicine Clinic (TMC) (Spain), microDimensions (Germany), AMD Global Telemedicine, Inc. (U.S.), and Polycom, Inc. (U.S.) to name a few.

Key Market Developments: Global Telepathology Market

 In March 2016, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings acquired Pathology Inc. to strengthen its pathology services.

Key Features of the Report:

 The report provides granular level information about the market size, regional market share, historic market (2012-2016) and forecast (2017-2023)

 The report covers in-detail insights about the competitors overview, company share analysis, key market developments, and their key strategies

 The report outlines drivers, restraints, unmet needs, and trends that are currently affecting the market

 The report tracks recent innovations, key developments and startups details that are actively working in the market

 The report provides plethora of information about market entry strategies, regulatory framework and reimbursement scenario

 The report analyses the impact of socio-political environment through PESTLE Analysis and competition through Porters Five Force Analysis in addition to recent technology advancements and innovations in the market

Get access to full summary @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/telepathology-market/
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Market Outline: Bioinsecticides Market

Bioinsecticides are the biological agents used to inhibit the growth of pests, which are harmful to plants. These bioinsecticides uses organic toxins to kill the insects to improve the crop yield, most of the bioinsecticides are derived from the microorganisms include fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Bioinsecticides are used in very small quantities and their mechanism of action is slow and targeted. Bioinsecticides are generally used to prevent the growth of insects and disease carriers such as spiders, ticks, and rats among others. The commercially available bioinsecticides are live microorganisms, hence their action depends on the soil pH, optimum temperature, and humidity.

Market Dynamics: Bioinsecticides Market

Increase in the awareness about the environmental hazards with synthetic insecticides, rise in mutation in natural flora and infertility of soil due to chemical insecticides, cost effective and simple culturing process, and increase in the crop loss due to the insect diseases are anticipated to fuel the bioinsecticides market over the forecast period. Moreover, government initiatives to the change farming practices, development of newer bioinsecticide products, and increase in the demand for healthy food products are expected to propel the bioinsecticides market over the forecast period. However, stringent regulatory policies on pesticides, slow mode of action of bioinsecticides, and lesser shelf life of products are expected to restrain the bioinsecticides market over the forecast timeframe.

A sample of this report is available upon request @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/bioinsecticides-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx

Market Scope: Bioinsecticides Market

Bioinsecticides market is segmented on the basis of insecticide type, mode of application, mechanism of action, formulation type, and crop type

Based on the insecticide type, bioinsecticides market is segmented into the following:

 Beauveria Bassiana

 Bacillus Thruingiensis

 Metarhizium Anisopliae

 Verticillium Lecanii

Based on the mode of application, bioinsecticides market is segmented into the following:

 Seed Treatment

 Foliar Spray

 Soil Treatment

 Post-harvest

Based on the mechanism of action, bioinsecticides market is segmented into the following:

 Anti-feeding

 Mating disruption

 Desiccation

 Suffocation

Based on the formulation type, bioinsecticides market is segmented into the following:

 Solid bioinsecticides

 Liquid bioinsecticides

Based on the crop type, bioinsecticides market is segmented into the following:

 Vegetables and fruits

 Cereals and grains

 Oilseeds and pulses

 Others

To view TOC of this report is available upon request @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/bioinsecticides-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu

Market Summary: Bioinsecticides Market

Bioinsecticides market is growing at a healthy CAGR owing to increase rise in incidence of pest and insecticides attack in the agriculture fields. Market players are focusing on the development of newer bioinsecticides due to low cost of R&D activities and increase in the demand for bioinsecticides than synthetic products. Developed countries have a significant share in bioinsecticides market owing to increase in the awareness about the benefits of bioinsecticide products. Moreover, acquisitions and mergers, collaborations, product approvals, and product launchings are the strategies followed by the companies for increasing their revenue share in bioinsecticides market. For instance, in July 2016, Marrone Bio Innovations received the Mexico regulatory authoritys approval for its bioinsecticide products Grandevo and Venerate. Moreover, in January 2016, Lallemand expanded its plants care unit in Latin America by the acquisition of Labortorio farroupilha including bioinsecticide products.

Regional Analysis: Bioinsecticides Market

Geographically, bioinsecticides market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. North America bioinsecticides marketexhbiting significant growth owing to rise in organic and eco-friendly farming, increase in the demand for healthy food products, rise in the R&D activities for the innovation of newer bioinsecticides, and increase in the production of fruits and vegetables in the region. Europe bioinsecticides market accounted for significant share, owing to increase in the awareness about the bioinsecticides, low cost and better availability of the products, and high adoption of eco-friendly farming are the factors upsurge the revenue of Europe bioinsecticides market. Moreover, Asia Pacific bioinsecticides market expected to grow at significant rate over the forecast period due to increase in the dependence on farming in India and China, increase in awareness about the bioinsecticide products benefits, and low cost of the products are bolster the bioinsecticides market in the region.

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Market Participants: Bioinsecticides Market

Some of the players in Bioinsecticides market are Novozymes A/S (Denmark), BASF SE (Germany), Bayer CropScience AG (Germany), The Dow Chemical Company (U.S.), Marrone Bio Innovations Inc. (U.S.), Syngenta AG (Switzerland), Valent BioSciences Corporation (U.S.), and Koppert B.V. (Netherlands) to name a few.

Notable Market Developments: Bioinsecticides Market

 In May 2017, Marrone Bio Innovations and Agri-Star inked a distribution agreement for the distribution of bioinsecticides Venerate and Grandevo in Mexico

Key Features of the Report:

 The report provides granular level information about the market size, regional market share, historic market (2012-2016) and forecast (2017-2023)

 The report covers in-detail insights about the competitors overview, company share analysis, key market developments, and their key strategies

 The report outlines drivers, restraints, unmet needs, and trends that are currently affecting the market

 The report tracks recent innovations, key developments and startups details that are actively working in the market

 The report provides plethora of information about market entry strategies, regulatory framework and reimbursement scenario

 The report analyses the impact of socio-political environment through PESTLE Analysis and competition through Porters Five Force Analysis in addition to recent technology advancements and innovations in the market

Get access to full summary @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/bioinsecticides-market/
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Multi Drug Resistant Antibiotics Market: Global Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2012 to 2016 and Forecast 2017 to 2023

Market Outline: Multi-Drug Resistant Antibiotics Market

Since the discovery of the penicillin in 1928, large amount of antibiotics are used for human therapy, as well as for farm animals and even for fish in aquaculture, resulted in the selection of pathogenic bacteria resistant to multiple drugs. This multidrug-resistant may be generated by two mechanisms. One is bacteria may accumulate multiple genes, each coding for resistant to the single drug, within a single cell. Another mechanism is increased gene expressions that code for multidrug efflux pumps, effects a wide range of drugs. Multi drug resistant bacteria are formed due to the excessive use of antibiotics in various applications such as prophylactic use for surgery, or immunocompromised patients and other applications. Multi drug resistant antibiotics are the new generation antibiotics that fight against the drug resistant bacteria.

Market Dynamics: Multi-Drug Resistant Antibiotics Market

Multi drug resistant antibiotics market is driven by the increase in prevalence of the drug resistant bacterial infections such as multi drug resistant TB. In addition, increase in R&D activities to develop the new generation multi drug resistant antibiotics by the marketers coupled with the government and non-government organizations initiatives and fundings are expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period. Furthermore, recent drug resistance antibiotic approvals and promising pipeline drugs are expected to bolster the multi drug resistant antibiotics market over the forecast period. However, high cost of R&D and lack of effective antibiotics are expected to hamper the market multi drug resistance antibiotics market during the forecast period.

A sample of this report is available upon request @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/multi-drug-resistant-antibiotics-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx

Market Scope: Multi Drug Resistant Antibiotics Market

Global multi drug resistant antibiotics market is segmented based on type of bacteria, disease and distribution channel

Based on type of bacteria, it is segmented into

 Multi Drug Resistant Enterococci

 Multi Drug Resistant Staphylococci

 Gram Negatives

 Others

Based on disease, it is segmented into

 Drug Resistant Tuberculosis

 Others

Based on distribution channel, it is segmented into

 Hospital Pharmacies

 Retail Pharmacies

 Others

Market Summary: Multi Drug Resistant Antibiotics Market

Emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a major concern, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Multi drug resistance antibiotics market is at growing stage owing to the availability of limited drug resistant antibiotics and there is a huge development need for the novel drugs. The market has many players who are actively participating in the development of the new treatment for multi drug resistant bacterial diseases. For instance, in February 2017, Discuva Ltd., drug discovery company expanded its collaboration with F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG in development of new antibiotic for the life-threatening infections caused by multi drug resistant bacteria and collaboration was originally initiated in February 2014. Furthermore, government and non-government organizations are funding in R&D and spreading awareness related to multi drug resistant antibiotics. Development of novel antibiotics such as plazomicin (in Phase III CL) by Achaogen, Cadazolid (in Phase III CL) by Acetlion Pharmaceuticals and many other companies and their expected commercialization in coming years may drive the market growth furthermore.

To view TOC of this report is available upon request @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/multi-drug-resistant-antibiotics-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu

Region Anaysis: Multi Drug Resistant Antibiotics Market

Geographically, multi drug resistant antibiotics market has been segmented into Latin America, Europe, Asia- Pacific, North America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America multi drug resistant market is expected to grow at significant rates owing to the factors such as growing awareness and increase in R&D activities in developing the novel drugs for multi drug resistant infections and well-established healthcare infrastructure. Europe market is driven by the increase in prevalence of the multi drug resistant infections and developed healthcare infrastructure. Asia Pacific multi drug resistant market is expected to grow at notable rates owing to low cost of R&D and expansion of the multinational companies into the developing countries such as India.

Market Participants: Multi Drug Resistant Antibiotics Market

Some of the players in Multi-Drug Resistant Antibiotics Market are F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Switzerland), Achaogen Inc. (U.S.), Acetlion Pharmaceuticals (Switzerland), Sanofi S.A (France), Johnson & Johnson Servieces Inc. (U.S.), Pfizer Inc. (U.S.), Otsuka Pharmaceutical (Japan), and Eli Lilly and Company (U.S.) to name a few.

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Notable Market Developments: Multi Drug Resistant Antibiotics Market

 In August 2017, U.S. FDA approved The Medicines Companys Vabomere (meropenem and vaborbactam) for adult patients with urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis. Vabomere also inhibits certain types of resistance mechanisms used by bacteria

 In May 2014, U.S. FDA approved Durata Therapeutics (acquired by Actavis) Dalvance (dalbavancin), new anti-bacterial drug for the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections

Key Features of the Report

 The report provides granular level information about The market size, regional market share and forecast from 2017-2023

 The report covers in-detail insights about The competitors overview, key findings and Their key strategies

 The report outlines drivers, restraints, challenges, and trends that are currently faced by The industry

 The report tracks recent innovations, key developments and startups details that are working in The industry

 The report provides plethora of information about market entry strategies, regulatory framework and reimbursement scenario

Get access to full summary @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/multi-drug-resistant-antibiotics-market/

About Precision Business Insights

Precision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.

Precision Business Insights mission is to provide high-quality market research reports and generate key insights to our clients. PBIs approachable strategies are to help clients to make key decisions for business growth.

Precision Business Insights vision is to become most valued partner to fortune 500 companies by providing agile, accurate, and actionable market insights

Contact to Precision Business Insights,

Kemp House,

152  160 City Road,

London EC1V 2NX

Email: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.com

Toll Free (US): +1-866-598-1553

Website @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com
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Market Outline: Synthetic Biology Market

Synthetic biology is a new interdisciplinary area of medical field that involves the application of engineering principles in biology. Synthetic biology combines various disciplines within the both domains such as genetic engineering, biotechnology, molecular engineering biophysics, computer engineering, electrical engineering and other various branches for development of artificial biological systems for research engineering and medical applications. Furthermore, it has various applications in industrial enzymes, vaccines and antibody production, bio-based chemicals as well as synthetic biological life science research.

Market Dynamics: Synthetic Biology Market

Synthetic biology market is driven by the rapid increase in R&D investments in synthetic biology and adaptation of genetically engineered products and DNA sequencing for the treatment and understanding of the diseases progress. In addition, increase in funding from government in life science research and development and advancements in molecular biology expected to boost the synthetic biology market during the forecast period. Furthermore, private institutional contribution to synthetic biology research expected to push the market growth. However, lack of regulatory framework, biosafety and biosecurity issues coupled with government policies may hinder the synthetic biology market growth over the forecast period.

A sample of this report is available upon request @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/synthetic-biology-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx

Market Scope: Synthetic Biology Market

Global synthetic biology market is segmented based on technology, applications and end user

Based on technology, it is segmented into

 Enabled Products

o Pharmaceuticals

o Chemicals

o Biofuels

 Enabling Products

o DNA Synthesis

o Oligonucleotide Synthesis

 Core Products

o Synthetic DNA

o XNA

o Chassis Organism

Based on application, it is segmented into

 Chemicals

 Pharmaceuticals

 Biopharmaceuticals

 Agriculture

 Others

To view TOC of this report is available upon request @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/synthetic-biology-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu

Market Summary: Synthetic Biology Market

Synthetic biology is an evolutionary segment of medical technology and market is in developing stage. Market players and researchers are actively participating in R&D activities to develop and introduce the revolutionary technologies. Furthermore, government funding and support for the research fuelling the market growth. Collaboration and acquisitions are key strategies adopted by the market players to boost their market revenue share in synthetic biology market. For instance, in March 2015, Synpromics Limited, collaborated with iniQure N.V. to develop synthetic promoters with a specific application in the delivery of gene medicines to the liver.

Region Analysis: Synthetic Biology Market

Geographically, synthetic biology market has been segmented into Latin America, Europe, Asia- Pacific, North America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America and Europe expected to be a major markets for the synthetic biology owing to the factors such as increase in government funding for the synthetic biology research. According to Woodrow Wilson Center Report, synthetic biology research received about fund of $ 430 Mn in U.S. During 2005 to 2010 European governments contributed $160Mn fund for synthetic biologists. In addition, well-developed healthcare infrastructure and presence of major market players in both regions are expected to drive the market revenue growth. Asia Pacific region expected to grow at notable rate owing to the developing healthcare infrastructure, emergence of the Asia based biotechnological and synthetic biology firms and growing R&D investments in this region.

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Market Participants: Synthetic Biology Market

Some of the players in market are Agilent Technologies (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), GEN9 Inc. (U.S.), Amyris Biotechnologies (U.S.), Merck KGaA (Germany), Epoch Life Science Inc. (U.S.), Intrexon Corporation (U.S.), Gevo Inc. (U.S.), Gingko Bioworks (U.S) and Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc. (U.S.) to name a few.

Notable Market Developments: Synthetic Biology Market

 In January 2017, Ginkgo Bioworks, a microorganism company acquired a provider of synthetic DNA Gen9. By this acquisition, company seeks to improve its speed and capacity in constructing new organism design for use across the multiple industries

Key Features of the Report

 The report provides granular level information about The market size, regional market share and forecast from 2017-2023

 The report covers in-detail insights about The competitors overview, key findings and Their key strategies

 The report outlines drivers, restraints, challenges, and trends that are currently faced by The industry

 The report tracks recent innovations, key developments and startups details that are working in The industry

 The report provides plethora of information about market entry strategies, regulatory framework and reimbursement scenario

Get access to full summary @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/synthetic-biology-market/

About Precision Business Insights

Precision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.

Precision Business Insights mission is to provide high-quality market research reports and generate key insights to our clients. PBIs approachable strategies are to help clients to make key decisions for business growth.

Precision Business Insights vision is to become most valued partner to fortune 500 companies by providing agile, accurate, and actionable market insights

Contact to Precision Business Insights,

Kemp House,

152  160 City Road,

London EC1V 2NX

Email: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.com

Toll Free (US): +1-866-598-1553

Website @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com
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Six youth start-ups, who were each awarded with investment, promotional support, capacity building and network opportunities after winning CTA's 2017 Pitch AgriHack initiative are looking forward to the new opportunities that 2018, and continuing support from CTA and partners, will bring.

From the initial 130 e-agriculture start-ups led by entrepreneurs aged 1835 who applied for the 2017 PitchAgrihack, 25 were selected for the final round of the contest which took place during the African Green Revolution Forum in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire. The six winners included two start-ups  eFarms and Farmart Ltd  both at an early stage of their business; two at a more advanced stage of development  Bayseddo and AgroCenta; and the best start-ups in Senegal and Ivory Coast, respectively  Aywajieune and ICT4Dev. The award grants, provided by CTA and its partner Suguba, ranged from 2,000 to 15,000.

Innovative ICTs developed by young entrepreneurs

The Senegalese agri-financing platform, Bayseddo, connects farmers who are in need of financing with investors looking to invest in agriculture. In 2018, CTA will support Bayseddo in various activities including improving their website, developing a complementary mobile app that will work offline, and helping to build their administrative capacity to deliver better services.

AgroCenta is an online marketplace for agricultural produce that allows small-scale farmers and farmer organisations in Ghana to access a wider online market outside of their immediate community. To date, more than 10,000 farmers are able to access market information through AgroCenta agents in order to achieve a fair price for their products, and access on-demand truck services in real time. During the next 12 months, the start-up will be supported by CTA to increase the number of farmers it services to 30,000, double the number of buyers and increase staff numbers to provide better coverage in its area of operation.

The Nigerian-based agri-financing and agri-training platform, eFarms, crowdsources funds from farm investors who supply quality seedlings and fertilisers to young smallholder farmers in different locations. CTA will support eFarms during 2018 to lease and cultivate at least 100 ha to 100 smallholder farmers across three locations in Nigeria, and provide 200 graduate farmers with on-farm training in their chosen field of interest. CTA will also support the company to provide 50 farmternships for students enrolled in higher education courses and raise at least 10 million Naira (0.022 million) from a minimum of 50 farm-investors.

The fourth PitchAgrihack! winner was Farmart Ltd, an online platform which markets farmers fresh produce to consumers in Ghana by sourcing local produce from farmers every morning and delivering it to homes and businesses within 5 hours of orders being placed through the website. CTA will support the start-up to acquire a further 1,000 individual customers and 150 businesses by the end of 2018, as well as to help hire and train new staff members. In addition, Farmart intends to start exporting fresh foods to business partners outside Ghana.

CTAs partner, Suguba, also awarded two special prizes to the best start-up in Senegal (Aywajieune) and Cote dIvoire (ICT4Dev). The 2,000 seed funding provided to these winners will allow the start-ups to expand their services.

Aywajieune is an online marketing platform for fish products, which facilitates transactions and directly connects buyers with fish sellers. Orders are collected by a home delivery service which is integrated with the platform and responsible for managing the logistics of all transactions. Meanwhile the virtual market provided by ICT4Dev is a web, mobile and SMS solution for linking sellers and buyers of agricultural products. The platform allows sellers to post offers via SMS while viewing requests sent by customers, and vice versa.

Networking opportunities

The PitchAgrihack start-ups were all provided with additional documentation on business management and entrepreneurship. They will also have the opportunity to network with potential partners at upcoming international and regional events to further help them scale their agribusinesses. Moreover, these young start-up businesses will take part in other activities supported by CTA and partners throughout 2018.

Thanks to the partnership CTA has developed with French institutions working in this field, Bayseddo, AgroCenta, ICT4Dev and Aywajieune were able to participate in the 1st Agri Startup Summit held during 22-24 November, 2017 at La Roche-sur-Yon, in France. At the event, the start-ups had the chance to broaden their network portfolio and meet potential investors and partners.

Pitch AgriHack gives e-agriculture start-ups the opportunity to consolidate, pilot or upscale their platforms and services. The ultimate objective is to strengthen youth engagement in agriculture by helping to develop business services offered by young entrepreneurs, and accelerate the adoption of ICT4Ag by the agri-food sector in ACP countries.
ALEXANDRA RICHARDS

The Evening Standard

February 21, 2018



Police have arrested a woman suspected of being a key member of a sex trafficking gang which used voodoo rituals to tempt, control and scare its victims.



The Spaniard was tracked down to a house in Miles Platting, Manchester, and arrested on a European Arrest Warrant on February 2, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.



Spanish authorities believe she is part of a network which recruited women in Benin and Nigeria, under false promises of a better life, before trafficking them to Spain. Once there, they were forced into prostitution to pay off their "debt".



Investigators believe the victims were coerced using voodoo rituals and controlled through fear that if they did not comply, they or their family would be killed.



As part of the rituals, they would be forced to eat raw chicken hearts and had their fingernails and pubic hair pulled out, the NCA said.



There were also two Nigerian men, aged 39 and 34, at the address who have been held on suspicion of drugs and immigration offences.



The raid by Greater Manchester Police and NCA officers comes as a further 11 suspected network members were arrested in Spain in an operation led by the Spanish National Police with the backing of Europol and Nigeria's National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.



Liam Vernon, of the NCA's Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit, said: "Through close cooperation with the Spanish authorities and Greater Manchester Police, we have located and arrested a woman believed to be a key member of a network that trafficked and forced vulnerable women into prostitution against their will.



"Criminals involved in modern slavery seek out and exploit vulnerable individuals. They treat their victims as a commodity that can generate income over and over again.



"Tackling this threat is a priority for the NCA and we are committed to working with partners in the UK and overseas to pursue and disrupt those responsible."



https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/suspected-member-of-sex-trafficking-network-which-used-voodoo-to-control-victims-arrested-a3772706.html
Jeremy Corbyn's policy since becoming Labour leader has been to present himself as a well-meaning and avuncular fellow who wishes everyone well.

This highly manufactured image is admittedly at odds with his hard-Left past, which included fraternising with IRA terrorists and Islamic extremists, and supporting the lunatic socialist government of Venezuela.

But to an astonishing extent the re-branding  whose chief architect, other than Corbyn himself, has been his PR adviser, the ex-Guardian Marxist journalist Seumas Milne  has worked.

The revolutionary Jeremy Corbyn has been largely concealed within a seemingly reasonable and decent old codger who sometimes sympathetically reads out the hard luck stories of unfortunate people at Prime Minister's Questions. What a kind sort of chap he seems to be.

Jeremy Corbyn (pictured) had three meetings with a Czech spy in London between 1986 and 1989

Until now, that is.

For during the past few days, and in particular in the video which he released via social media on Tuesday, the mask has unintentionally slipped. A darker and more intimidating man has emerged, who I suggest is the real Jeremy Corbyn.

This saga began a week ago when The Sun produced evidence from a Czech archive which showed that as a young MP, Corbyn had at least three meetings with a Czechoslovak spy called Jan Sarkocy in London between 1986 and 1989. This, of course, was a time when the country was still a vassal of the Soviet Union.

Over the following days, Sarkocy told journalists how he had met Corbyn more than ten times.

According to the former spy, the youthful firebrand was regarded by his masters in Prague as an 'asset'. In other words, a potential spy and traitor to his country.

Should we believe Sarkocy? I don't know. He may be telling the whole truth or part of the truth, or he may be inventing a fantasy based on the three meetings he undoubtedly did have with Corbyn.

But contrary to what Corbyn said in his video ('lies and smears'), and the assertions of his various lieutenants, newspapers have not accused him of having been a spy. They have merely suggested there are important questions dangling in the air.

If only the Labour leader had attempted to answer them. But apart from admitting that at least one meeting with Sarkocy did take place, he has issued blanket, angry denials, and made no attempt to explain when, where and why he met the Czechoslovak spy.

It's possible, of course, that there is a wholly innocent explanation, yet his refusal to offer a detailed account of his behaviour has slightly increased my suspicions, though not to the extent of assuming he's guilty.

There was also at the back of my mind the thought that if he did unwisely consort with Sarkocy (I still instinctively doubt that he could have been an actual spy), this relationship happened 30 years ago.

However stupid or dishonourable his conduct may have been, one was inevitably left with the reflection that these events took place in the fairly distant past, and in another world far removed from our own. Mightn't the 68-year-old Corbyn be a very different beast?

The evidence of the past few days is that he hasn't changed  or, at any rate, that he is quite as nasty and menacing today as he can have ever been in the past. All Seumas Milne's painstaking reconstructive work has been blown apart.

The one minute 45-second video released on Tuesday has already been viewed by nearly one million people, most of whom may be Corbyn admirers. Yet to my mind it constitutes an extraordinary self-inflicted political wound. I heartily recommend everybody to take a close look at it.

Part of its oddity is its disembodied quality. Which other British political leader thinks it fitting to communicate with the public through the medium of film? There is something creepy and Big Brother-ish about it.

Sitting in an anonymous room, untroubled by the intrusive questions of pesky journalists, he might almost be a Third World autocrat delivering a homily to the public he does not wish to meet.

But if the approach is unusual, the content is unprecedented. I am willing to bet that, since the dawn of the democratic age in this country, no major political leader has issued such a naked and shameless threat to the survival of a free Press.

Czechoslovak spy called Jan Sarkocy told journalists how he had met Corbyn (pictured) more than ten times

Corbyn builds up slowly, dismissing Sarkocy as a fantasist, and deriding his 'ridiculous smears', without (as usual) tackling any of his specific allegations. It is when he turns his attention to newspapers that he says something inadvertently revealing: 'A free Press is essential for democracy and we don't want to close it down. We want to open it up.'

We don't want to close it down. In denying something which had never occurred to most people  that Corbyn's Labour Party might actually shut down independent newspapers  he manages to introduce the novel and scary thought that this is exactly what it might do.

And then, addressing the 'Press barons' with their 'bad old habits', he incautiously unveils a sinister threat that

sounds incongruous in the mouth of a supposedly democratic politician: 'Well, we've got news for them. Change is coming.'

This can only mean one thing  that the freedom newspapers enjoy to ask difficult questions about any matter of public interest, such as Corbyn's past (and, indeed, the record of any politician) would be curtailed if his hard-Left version of Labour comes to power.

Some people will see this as an idle threat. I don't believe it is. I think we should take what Jeremy Corbyn says very seriously indeed, because he views critical newspapers as a potential impediment to the far-reaching changes he intends to unleash on British society.

What he says is so shocking that I am saddened that the BBC, which, despite everything, must surely believe in a free Press, is not up in arms. Nor have I yet heard any expressions of outrage coming from the Corbyn-supporting Guardian newspaper.

They should be warned. If the Labour leader deals with conservative-minded newspapers to his satisfaction, he will turn on his so-called friends should they dare to stray from the party line.

Am I being alarmist? I hope so. But I fear not. In my worst nightmares I never imagined that the leader of a major political party who, let's face it, could easily become prime minister in these tumultuous times, would threaten the freedom of the Press.

Why shouldn't newspapers ask questions about the nature of his relationship with Jan Sarkocy? It's not an outlandish idea that 30 years ago the Czechoslovaks might have targeted a young hard-Left critic of the US who was also a voluble nuclear unilateralist.

After all, the Soviet KGB recruited others, including the Guardian journalist Richard Gott in the 1960s, and very possibly the Left-wing trade union leader Jack Jones.

As I say, I instinctively doubt that Corbyn was one of their number. But given he had three meetings with a Czechoslovak spy, and that more encounters are alleged to have taken place, there are proper questions for the Press to ask which he should be reasonably expected to answer.

What may have happened 30 years ago is almost certainly less terrifying than what we have discovered over the past few days. I'm grateful for the enlightenment and petrified, too. When the mask slips, Jeremy Corbyn neither thinks nor talks like a democratic politician.
Justin Forsyth (pictured) launched a drive to alleviate poverty after becoming chief executive at Save the Children

When Justin Forsyth took his first job in the charity sector after six years in Downing Street as a key adviser to Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, he was looking to make waves  and he certainly succeeded.

In 2012, two years after taking over as chief executive at Save the Children UK, he launched a drive to alleviate poverty, not in the Third World, but here in Britain.

It was the first time in the charity's 100-year history that it had run an appeal for British children.

It was claimed that 1.6million youngsters were growing up in 'severe poverty' and Forsyth's team produced a tear-jerking video in which a child called Alex had only toast for breakfast and a sandwich for dinner while his parents went without.

But the statistics produced by Save the Children were ridiculed by experts and Forsyth was criticised for using the charity, funded by donors of all political persuasions, to pursue a crude political campaign against the Tory government's austerity programme.

Ministers accused him of leading a 'Labour Party in exile'.

Unabashed, Forsyth's politicisation of the charity went further when he approved plans for its US wing to give a humanitarian award to his old boss, Blair.

This was criticised by a number of Labour MPs furious with Blair for taking Britain to war in Iraq.

There was also opposition within the charity. An internal letter with almost 200 signatures  including those of senior regional staff  said the award was not only 'morally reprehensible, but also endangers our credibility globally', and called for it to be withdrawn.

An online petition noted that Blair was widely regarded 'as the cause of the deaths of countless children in the Middle East'. It gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures.

Apparently admitting he might have gone too far, Forsyth said: 'Yes, it was a global legacy award. It was called that. But actually it was an award very, very specifically for Tony Blair's efforts on Africa and poverty.'

Perhaps it's unsurprising that Forsyth considered Blair's work in Africa so worthy of recognition. After all, he was among the former prime minister's main advisers on the issue.

A Labour man through and through, Forsyth didn't forget his old friends in the party when he joined the charity sector in 2010. In Downing Street, he'd worked with Jonathan Powell, Blair's longtime chief of staff. In 2013, Powell was recruited to the board of Save the Children International.

Mr Forsyth was a key adviser to Tony Blair (pictured) before he got involved with charity work

During Forsyth's time with the charity, its revenue increased by 50million a year. For his part, his salary rose to 163,000, dwarfing the pay of the two PMs he'd served in No 10.

Scottish-born Forsyth was privately educated in Warwick and then went to Oxford Polytechnic (now Oxford Brookes University). He then spent 15 years with Oxfam, starting as a policy adviser in South Africa during the dying days of apartheid.

He rose through the ranks and spent time in Washington setting up Oxfam International before returning to Britain in 1999 as policy and campaigns director. He has claimed the credit for turning Oxfam into a global campaigning force.

In 2004, he left to work for Blair, then in his second term as PM, masterminding the launch of the Make Poverty History campaign.

On Blair's retirement, Brown persuaded Forsyth to stay in Downing Street and he took on the role of strategic communications and campaigns director.

He has been married twice. His second wife, Lisa Stevens, works for the Malala Fund, a charity set up by the Nobel Prize-winning Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai.

Within a few months of leaving Save the Children in 2016, Forsyth resurfaced at another charity after being headhunted by the United Nations to join its children's charity, Unicef.

The UN was so chuffed with the appointment that it was announced personally by the then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

UN officials are perhaps rather less pleased now.

A consummate networker, last year Justin Forsyth was ranked 32nd in an international league table of the most influential players in non-governmental organisations. Whatever decision Unicef takes about his future, he is unlikely to maintain such an exalted position.
Back in the early 2000s I first began to notice it: fewer and fewer of my first-year students seemed to know what the Industrial Revolution was.

One of the most important social changes in British history  the event that defined the class system and underpinned everything they were going to study at university over the next three years  was a complete blank to these young people.

Alarmed and baffled, I asked them who their heroes from the past were. If they didnt admire the great leaders, inventors and reformers of the 18th and 19th centuries, who did inspire them?

That drew another blank. When pressed for answers, some came up with The Beatles and other pop and film stars, but no historical figures seemed to have registered.

Take the Duke of Wellington, for example. They hadnt even heard of the Battle of Waterloo  a conflict which profoundly changed the course of European history.

Even worse, according to the poll by the military charity SSAFA, six per cent said the war had been triggered by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (pictured)

I also discovered that most were ignorant of even the most basic facts about World War II.

So it came as no surprise to me to read yesterday that a poll of 2,000 adults discovered that almost half of millennials  that is the current generation of under-30s  believe Sir Winston Churchill was Britains Prime Minister during World War I. (The names of the holders of the office, H.H. Asquith and David Lloyd George, presumably meant nothing to them.)

It was, however, shocking to discover that one in ten actually thinks Margaret Thatcher was running the country between 1914 and 1918, while a fifth of them believe that Britain was at war with France  our ally  rather than the Germans.

Even worse, according to the poll by the military charity SSAFA, six per cent said the war had been triggered by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

On a personal level, its impossible to teach a social science course unless students have some grasp of how life was lived in the past and the events that influenced it.

Ignorance

Sociology measures change in history, and that cant be done when students think Churchill might have been someone who played centre forward for Manchester United.

This ignorance begins early, and its not fair to heap all the blame onto the young. The real fault lies with teachers, academics and politicians who set the curriculum.

History plays very little part in lessons before pupils are in their early teens, and even then it is taught ineffectually  with little emphasis on facts and even less on chronology.

If they are lucky, they might receive some teaching about World War II, but its unlikely to extend to a thorough groundwork in dates. That renders much of what they learn meaningless: if pupils dont understand the order of events which brought Hitler to power in Germany, for instance, how can they comprehend the significance of each choice, each political move that followed?

Almost half of millennials  that is the current generation of under-30s  believe Sir Winston Churchill was Britains Prime Minister during World War I.

Much more to the point, how will they recognise parallels with contemporary current affairs? To appreciate what is truly going on, both past and present, we have to know the sequence, how the story unfolds. Wars, like every other story in history, have a beginning, a middle and an end. And that means dates.

But teaching dates means expecting pupils to commit facts to memory, learning by heart, and that is at odds with the modern trend for what you might call learning by emotion. Todays educators sneer at rote-based lessons. They think bare facts have no value. They want students to emotionally identify with the past instead.

So they might be invited to write about how it felt to be caught up in a certain historic event  to be a suffragette who was force fed in prison, or a conscientious objector in 1915  rather than what actually happened and why.

Just as disturbing is the fact that when children are taught about World War I, it will almost certainly be from the viewpoint that this was a terrible period in our countrys history  the woe and horror as Iraq war veteran Colonel Tim Collins said this week, and not as a great military victory for Britain and her allies.

In this context, patriotism is despised, the courage of our troops decried as naivety, and the millions who sacrificed their lives are pitied, not admired.

Cynical

The only conclusion to be drawn from that version of history is that theres no point in fighting for anything worthwhile. Its a destructive, cynical attitude.

A century ago, our society held values dear such as heroism, duty, responsibility and courage, but these are not ideals promoted today. They have been replaced by the thinking of trendy educationalists who espouse therapeutic values such as self-esteem, diversity and the importance of feeling good about yourself.

Its small wonder that so many millennials dont know who Churchill was. Their outlook on life  actually very inward looking  is so utterly different to that of 100 years ago that they have no hope of understanding what drove him first as a young soldier and then as wartime leader.

Heroism, a quality that inspired men to sacrifice their lives for their comrades, and women to endure appalling ordeals to win the vote, is regarded now by many under-30s as bone-headed, almost comical posturing. The notion of standing and fighting for a belief is incomprehensible  unless, of course, you can take a selfie while doing it and look good on social media.

One in ten actually thinks Margaret Thatcher was running the country between 1914 and 1918

As amusing as their ignorance is on one level, it should worry us. This isnt just the evaporation of history but the loss of our highest values, which are becoming detached from everyday life.

If we ignore the lessons of history, if it is no longer a source of wisdom for today, then we are abandoning our past.

David Cameron, when Prime Minister, was one of the worst offenders, talking repeatedly about the Bad Old Days of British history. To him, Empire and colonialism meant nothing but racism and brutality, and he was desperate to distance himself  and us  from it.

Sadly, such narrow attitudes and ignorance continue to be perpetuated in the education system, including at even the most prestigious universities.

University College London launched a campaign called Why is my curriculum white? which criticised the domination of Eurocentric writers in the curriculum. This week, the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London announced it was decolonising its curriculums.

Its as though some academics are afraid their students will be infected by the past if they become aware of it.

Any mention of the Victorian era today conjures up images of gloom, disease, child labour, brutal sexism, slavery and exploitation  without any recognition that the 19th century was when our country led the world in beginning to tackle those very issues.

This sense of disconnection from the past percolates through to the way we talk to children. We no longer discuss history in a positive way, but continually portray the past as an unenlightened era populated only by the ignorant and cruel.

Inspiration

We should not be surprised that millennials have no admiration for great figures of the past, and turn to celebrities for moral inspiration.

We have to combat this  and soon. History must be given a more prominent place much earlier in the curriculum. In my view, it deserves to be on an equal footing with basic grammar and mathematics.

And it must be taken seriously, not reduced to a touchy-feely subject that encourages pupils merely to explore their own emotions.

Its not enough to ask them to emote about what it must have been like to be a soldier in the Duke of Wellingtons army  they need to know the chronology of the Napoleonic campaign, how and when Britain stymied the rise of a European dictator  and then did the same thing a century later during World War I.

Britain has so much to be proud of. We need to say that, loud and often, so that the young understand it.

Without that, they will have no sense of who the British are.
The unexpected attendance of the Queen at a London Fashion Week show this week was an impressive coup for U.S. Vogue editor, Dame Anna Wintour  one that reduced the most powerful man in British fashion to tears.

While jaws dropped at the sight of Her Majesty sitting on the front row at the Richard Quinn show on Tuesday, one conspicuous absentee was Edward Enninful, who succeeded Alexandra Shulman as editor of British Vogue last year.

I can reveal that the 46-year-old, who received an OBE from Princess Anne in 2016 for his contribution to the fashion industry, was deliberately kept in the dark by Wintour, who, in cahoots with Caroline Rush, the chief executive of the British Fashion Council, secretly arranged the attendance of the Queen.

The Queen sits next to Anna Wintour (right) as they view Richard Quinn's runway show

Edward was in tears when he found out, reveals my fashion source. He had no idea that it was happening.

Enninful was not even in the country at the time because he had flown out to Italy for Milan Fashion Week, which started on Tuesday.

It is not clear when exactly he learned that hed missed the Queens first  and possibly only  fashion show, which she attended to present the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. But at the time it started at 4pm, he posted a photo on Instagram of him meeting the Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace on Monday.

Edward Ennifield with Anna Wintour. Enninful was not even in the country at the time because he had flown out to Italy for Milan Fashion Week

It was an honour to meet Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace, for the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange, he captioned it.

Wintour, famously the ice queen of the fashion world, also failed to forewarn Vogues international editor Suzy Menkes OBE as well as Jonathan Newhouse, chairman and chief executive of Conde Nast International in London, the company that publishes Vogue.

None of them knew about it. They had all flown to Milan for Milan Fashion week so they werent even in London when it happened, adds my source. To say they are incandescent is an understatement.

It is not the first time that Dame Anna, 68, has pulled rank on her colleagues in London.

In 2011, she co-hosted a London Fashion Week Party at No 10 with the then PMs wife Samantha Cameron. There were raised eyebrows that Mrs Cameron did not choose the editor of British Vogue at the time, Alexandra Shulman, to be her co-hostess, as London Fashion Week was on Shulmans home turf.

Catherine, where's you young boyo's Welsh spirit

Has Catherine Zeta-Jones forgotten her Welsh roots?

Yesterday, the Swansea-born actress, 48, posted this snap of her 17-year-old son Dylans bedroom, which she has lavishly restyled to boast not one but two Union flags  one cushion on the bed, another by the window.

You just need a Welsh flag cushion and it would be perfect, replied one Welsh fan, while another says: Im looking for the Red Dragon pillow but I cant see it.
People will say and do the darnedest things when they are under heavy medication - at least if one hilarious new Twitter thread is anything to go by.

As part of a viral trend sparked by Utah-based Nicole Cliffe, people are sharing details about the strangest things they have done while taking strong painkillers or sedatives, with many users happily revealing a wealth of information about their wild experiences.

Indeed, most of the stories shared are totally nonsensical, with their tellers explaining that they were completely unable to give a reason for why they said or did the things they had - only that their medication made them go slightly crazy for a short period of time.

Under: People are taking to Twitter to share the weirdest things they've said or done while sedated or medicated after surgery

Ice cream: Writer, Nicole Cliffe kicked off the conversation by sharing her own personal experience when she imagined she was a Creamsicle

Lion: One woman explained how she was sedated in the grocery store with her husband and thought a woman in a fur coat was a lion

After Nicole kicked off the conversation saying, 'Okay, I am here for your amusing/terrifying medical sedation stories at the current time,' people could not stop sharing.

Nicole started with her own personal experience, 'I got ketamine after I broke my leg and it was amazing. I was convinced I was a Creamsicle the orange and vanilla kind, to be clear.

'Then they pulled my ski boot off while I was in the k-hole. The break was just above the ankle so I'm glad I was busy being a Creamsicle.'

Another one replied with her own hilarious story saying, 'After a procedure, my husband wouldn't leave me unattended in the car.

'So we're in the grocery store to get my prescriptions. "Tom, Tom, there's a lion!" I say loudly, freezing in the aisle, terrified. It was a woman in a fur coat.'

Bizarre: For no explainable reason, this man preferred Sprite to 7-Up because it was cleaner

Unbelievable: This is a real life text a husband sent his wife while sedated and it's gibberish

Lion King: One girl woke up crying and screaming 'Mufasa died' about the scene from the movie the Lion King

Meow: This woman described what happened when her husband came home after surgery and couldn't stop petting their cat

One very revealing situation happened to one woman who never told her Southern Baptist conservative mom that she was gay.

The woman had dental surgery and woke up from anesthesia asking her mother if she hated her because she was gay and she fully came out to her mom under anesthesia.

A very patient wife shared, 'When I brought my husband home after his vasectomy he made a beeline for the cat and just sat there petting the cat and muttering "fuzzy" over and over again. He swears he doesn't remember a thing.'

One arthroscopic knee surgery patient woke up in the recovery room when the nurse asked him if he wanted a 7-Up and he hilariously replied, 'No, I'd rather have a Sprite, because it has a cleaner finish.'

Crying is a very common side effect when you wake up from sedation after surgery and many people have had some sort of bizarre crying story to tell.

Happy ending: In a twist of events, one highly medicated woman was on her way home from surgery when she made her boyfriend chase after this stray dog who now lives with them

Gross: This woman must seriously hate Arby's if just the thought of it makes her puke

Competitive: After this guy came out of surgery all he wanted to do was play games with the staff

When one girl woke up from surgery she was full-blown sobbing and when the nurse asked her what was wrong she screamed, 'MUFASA DIED.'

In a very sweet and lucky situation, a woman was on her way home from the hospital on painkillers when she saw a tiny stray dog on the side of the road.

She made her boyfriend chase the cat around the neighborhood for hours all while yelling and losing their takeout food.

In the end, they managed to catch the dog who has lived with the couple for three years now in a happy home.

Someone who seriously detests the fast food chain, Arby's, explained what happened when she got home after surgery and saw a commercial for the restaurant on TV.

Poetry: When one boy was in recovery, he started writing bizarre poems on a piece of paper

Uh oh: In this hilarious situation a woman was 22 when she had dental surgery and was dating a man that was 32 and everyone thought he was her dad

Cupid: This patient decided to play matchmaker with the hospital staff while sedated

She explains that while sedated, she opened her mouth to scream, 'I hate Arby's' and instead she projectile vomited on the television screen.

Another hilarious story one woman shared was the time she had her wisdom teeth removed.

She explained, 'I was 22 and was dating a 32-year-old who was my ride home. The nurse woke me up and said "I'll go get your dad."

'I was so amused/drugged that I kept saying "I'm having sex with my dad." People were very concerned.'

Wow: One girl shared that she came out as gay to her mom while under anesthesia

True love: This woman explained she started singing to her husband telling him to love her for who she is

One woman was surprised to learn she was fluent in another language when she woke up from anesthesia.

'I woke up after an endoscopy and could only speak English for an hour which is a bit odd, considering I live in Brazil,' she wrote.

'Half the staff plus my poor grandma who was with me couldn't understand a word I was saying. "Portuguese is so hard," I said.'

In a hilarious text exchange, one woman explained that after her husband had dental surgery, the dentist told her not to leave her husband alone in a car.

She said he was delirious and kept protesting until he finally sent a jumbled up text message to her, only to pass out on the dashboard while drooling blood.
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A young mother with terminal cancer has fulfilled her fairytale wedding after marrying the love of her life.

Cancer-stricken bride Mikaila, 22, and her groom Harley Brisbane, 24, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on February 10 after the community rallied behind the couple to bring their wedding forward.

And the parents, from Wollongong in NSW, have proven their love can overcome any challenge after the mother-of-two was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

The duo cancelled plans to get married last September after Mikaila needed treatment for alveolar soft part sarcoma - an extremely rare soft tissue cancer.

But after a chance meeting with photographer Beth Fernley, their special day was made possible after generous strangers either donated or discounted everything, including the dress, catering and venue.

Bride Mikaila Brisbane (pictured) fulfilled her fairytale wedding after tying the knot in an intimate ceremony on February 10

Her special day was made possible after generous strangers either donated or discounted everything

Mikaila and Harley have proven their love can overcome any challenge after she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer

'Harley and I decided to bring our wedding forward and get married at soon as possible because we didn't know how soon the cancer would take me,' Mikaila told Daily Mail Australia.

'We planned our wedding booked for September last year, but unfortunately I had to get surgery to remove the tumour.'

And earlier this month, the couple - who have a three-year-old daughter Indie and son Reef, aged two - exchanged their vows in front of loved ones.

'Our wedding day was perfect,' Mikaila said.

'It was sunning all day and then right before it ended, it started raining. Harley and I are free-spirited type of people so it was just perfect.

'It was more than just a dream wedding. I was feeling nervous when I saw Harley at the alter but I thought "I don't know why I'm nervous, I've known you for five years".'

The young couple have a three-year-old daughter Indie (right with Harley) and son Reef, aged two (left with Mikaila)

As the mother battles cancer, the family are building fond memories together, as well as compiling a bucket list

Their wedding day was made possible - all thanks to Beth who was moved by Mikaila's heartbreaking battle with cancer

Mikaila said her wedding was 'perfect' after she married the love of her life and the father of her two beautiful children

Their wedding ceremony was made possible - all thanks to Beth who turned their wedding dream into a reality after she was moved by Mikaila's heartbreaking battle with cancer.

'I went to their house for a consult. While there Mik was fiddling with her hair and she asked if I minded if she took off her wig,' Beth recalled.

'She then told me she had cancer and was pretty sick with it. The fact that Mik is only 22 and they have two beautiful babies really upset me but also made me angry.

'As I was sitting there listening to her story, my mind was doing back flips. Looking at this beautiful young couple who so desperately wanted this wedding but also had to battle daily with this disease.

'I asked Mik, "if you could have your dream wedding, what would you want?" So I had the idea to see if I could ask for help, and see if we could put together a dream wedding for Mikaila and Harley.'

The couple were forced to put their wedding on hold last year as Mikaila needed to undergo surgery to remove a tumour

The couple met when Harley was working as an apprentice mechanic working with Mikaila's brother who introduced them

Beautiful day: The couple celebrated their fairytale wedding, alongside their groomsmen and bridesmaids on February 10

And so, Beth - who offered to shoot the beautiful occasion free-of-charge - wrote about Mikaila's story on Facebook, calling on wedding planners to get in touch if they wanted to help the couple with their ceremony.

Much to their delight, the community gave the couple their fairytale wedding.

The couple met when Harley was working as an apprentice mechanic working with Mikaila's brother who introduced them.

And just three months into their relationship, the then-18-year-old fell pregnant with their first baby - daughter Indie. Two years later, they welcomed son Reef.

On Valentine's Day last year, Harley popped the question to his wife-to-be when they were sailing on a cruise.

'It was beautiful,' she said.

During their romantic getaway, Mikaila said she noticed a lump the size of a 'small orange' on her buttock.

The mother was given the shocking diagnosis she had stage 4 alveolar soft part sarcoma following a scan and biopsy

The couple were engaged on a cruise while celebrating Valentine's Day last year - a week later, Mikaila was diagnosed

'I noticed the lump six months prior to the cruise. At the time, I got it checked a few times but I was told I had nothing to worry about,' she said.

'The lump would go away but kind of come back. But it popped up one day suddenly. During the cruise, it became noticeably bigger. It was really unusual.

'It was swelling up really big, it didn't seem normal. I decided to go to the hospital because by that stage, it was getting really hard to sit.'

And just one week later, she was given the shocking diagnosis she had stage 4 alveolar soft part sarcoma following a PET scan and biopsy.

'I immediately knew what that meant, my friend passed away from sarcoma just two years earlier so I highly doubt I'd survive from it,' she said.

'I was very anxious and upset. I have two kids but I do feel pretty well and lucky. There's not much I can do but try to stay positive and live my life. I'm not letting things bring me down.'

Building fond memories together, the family have been keeping their mind off the cancer battle

Their special day was made possible after generous strangers either donated or discounted everything to the couple

She went on a trial drug called a TKI inhibitor - where her condition was stabilised.

'I was stable for a year which was really great. But recently, we found out it got aggressive again. The only thing I can do is get stable.'

The cancer is extremely rare, Mikaila said her chemotherapy treatment doesn't respond well to her condition.

'The prognosis is pretty bad,' she said.

'I'm fighting this hard. I'm trying to hold onto hope because it's all I can do right now. I want to give myself the best chance because I'm only young, and I have two kids.'

But despite her fight, the mother has remained positive as she created a bucket list so she can build fond memories with her family.

'It's quite a big bucket list,' she said.

'I want to visit every state in Australia, go to America, it's my biggest dream to take the kids to Disney - but it's a bit hard because if I get sick over there, it would be very expensive for me because of the healthcare system.

'I would love to go on a holiday with my family, go to Finland with my mother - and just little things like go on road trips. But I'm limited to where I can go so we'll just see how it goes.'

The young mother-of-two was given the shocking diagnosis she had stage 4 cancer after she noticed a lump

Kind strangers are now raising money in an effort to send the loved-up couple on their 'dream honeymoon'

As she continues on her fight against cancer, Beth has started another social media appeal to help raise money in an effort to send the couple on their 'dream honeymoon'.

'We instantly fell in love with Beth the minute we met her,' Mikaila said.

'She's my soul sister now. We do a lot of things together. She's just become such an important person in our lives and we absolutely love her.

'And we would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who made my dream wedding possible. You made that memory for myself, my family, especially my children.'

To make a donation for the couple's honeymoon, please visit the GoFundMe page.
NO says Jeannette Kupfermann

What could be a stronger symbol of the male oppression of women than the corset? So I could scarcely believe my eyes when stars such as Jennifer Lawrence and Lily James appeared at the British Academy Film Awards trussed up in bodices every bit as tight as Scarlett OHaras.

Yes, I was expecting glitz and glamour despite the must wear black style edict for Sunday nights red carpet event at the Royal Albert Hall, but to choose such a restrictive garment when dressing in support of the Me Too and Times Up movements against sexual harassment seemed particularly ironic.

It only seems like yesterday when, as a young feminist in the Sixties, I cast off the girdles and waspies that had proved such a burden for my mother and grandmothers.

I was a size 8 then, with a 23in waist, yet still wore the most excruciating girdles underneath my can-can petticoats, sophisticated fitted dresses, and Audrey Hepburn-style matador trousers. And how well I remember the odd beau whose hand would wander a little too far down my back during a slow dance, only to encounter the rigid panels of the boned and elasticated armour  stopping him dead.

Jeannette Kupfermann revealed she was shocked to see Jennifer Lawrence (pictured) wearing a corset at the British Academy Film Awards

I can still hear my paternal grandmothers dark mutterings as she warned of both the physical (It will ruin your stomach) and moral (Nice women dont go out without a girdle... it just isnt right) implications of rather less restrictive lingerie.

But what bliss it was to dance the night away in a shift dress or cheesecloth smock without sharp boning cutting into your chest.

Remembering that great escape from the very unglamorous blancmange pink foundation garments or black merry widows, it surprises me that the corset should be enjoying such a public revival today, when young women seem at a loss about their position in society and how they should relate to men.

Yet there they were at the Baftas  Jennifer Lawrence in an austere black Dior couture gown with a cinched waist and square-cut front panel, so rigid that it stood out in front of her chest.

Lily James, meanwhile, was dressed more like a Victorian lady who hadnt put her dress on yet  a skintight, black silk corset with defined cups to lift and emphasise the breasts. Add to that a billowing organza skirt that looked like a tulle petticoat.

And the frock, by Burberry, made her look like she was still playing the Disney version of Cinderella at the ball.

The whole trend certainly sends out some very mixed messages in these post-Harvey Weinstein scandal days.

For all the so-called advances that women have made, looking hot is still top priority. Even if these women insist they are doing it for themselves, theyve chosen a fashion vocabulary that undermines their stated wish for change.

Women should be free to look good and express themselves however they want, but why do it by dressing in a way which sets us back centuries?

Victorian and Edwardian womens bodies were literally deformed by their corsets, which were mercifully followed by the loose, drop-waist gowns of Twenties flappers and bra-less Thirties screen sirens. Then came the heavily engineered Jane Russell bras of the Forties, and boned Fifties gowns, not to mention the girdles of my youth.

Letitia Wright (pictured) also wore a corset inspired look to the awards. Jeannette revealed she's concerned that young women are being shown conflicting messages of femininity

But liberation came in the cardigan-style comfort of Chanel, then Sixties shift dresses, and Seventies cheesecloth.

Now, though, we do not call them corsets, we have control, contour and shape wear, which some say are just as oppressive. And the current craze for waist trainers and red-carpet corset dresses that promote hand span waists is a retrograde step. Most worrying is the effect on the young: its not mums with middle-age spread who wear them, its women who are already terribly skinny who end up with the waistline of nine-year-olds.

Todays feminism is confused and confusing. In spite of all the talk of freedom from sexual stereotypes, women seem to want to conform more to male fantasies. There is an obsession these days with appearance that the first feminists didnt share.

These corsets risk exaggerating the female form until it becomes almost a caricature, brainwashed as so many young women are by Disneys hyper-feminine images and by the curves seen in porn. Recently, it was all breasts and boob implants, but tiny waists could now take their place.

I worry about all these conflicting messages, with young women saying: We are free to choose. We are strong. We will stand up to the predatory attempts of men  while primped and preened and barely able to breathe in corsets.

Jeannette likened Lily James's (pictured) outfit to Disney's Cinderella at the ball

In one sense, they have found a voice: in another, the language of clothes keeps them all in thrall.

Interestingly, there was one woman who got it absolutely right on Sunday for the Baftas.

Not Best Actress winner Frances McDormand, who defiantly wore pink and red. Not even the glowingly pregnant Duchess of Cambridge. I mean presenter Joanna Lumley, whose glamorous, cover-all black gown didnt give anything away. She managed to look more elegant than everyone else put together.

Younger actresses take note.

YES says Rowan Pelling

Theres more to a corset than oppression, as I suspect Hollywoods leading ladies are well aware.

They can also be like armour, a barrier against the world.

Lets not forget the word strait-laced comes from the corset  bringing to mind the tight stays and rigid morals of the Puritans at their fiercest.

Thats certainly who Jennifer Lawrence appeared to be channelling at the Baftas. She had the air of a crusading reformer in her austere, yet super-chic, black satin gown.

I was also reminded of Joan of Arc girded-up for battle.

How appropriate  because the stars of the silver screen now see themselves as crusaders intent on reforming Hollywoods moral landscape.

Rowan Pelling believes feminists can wear corsets as a statement of independence. Kate Mara (pictured) had the stamp of a master corsetier at the awards

Other stars had adopted this spectacular form of battle dress, too. Angelina Jolie wore a boned Ralph & Russo black velvet gown.

Lily James was wasp-waisted in her Burberry frock  a black mirror image of her frothy blue Disney Cinderella gown.

Meanwhile, the embellished black dresses of Kate Mara and Letitia Wright both had the stamp of a master corsetier.

So, why did they choose this way to make their feminist statement?

On the one hand, corsets rebuff men by encasing soft curves in rigid form, a statement of independence and power. But on the other  usefully for actresses still wishing to look good  they emphasise the waist and breasts.

A lack of shape and form in womens clothing can send out the message that anything goes  the opposite of the current feeling in Hollywood.

So, in returning to the boned bodice today actresses are signalling certainty, stateliness and clear boundaries.

This is the great secret of the modern corset: it gives the wearer an exquisite silhouette and posture, while remaining comfortable thanks to elasticated fabrics and softer, padded boning.

I own five dresses made by the queen of the corset, Vivienne Westwood, and have danced like a wild thing in all of them.

But no man has ever dared risk an uninvited squeeze while Im wearing one. Theyre simply a bit too daunting for that  just ask Jennifer Lawrence.
If you've ever walked into a swimwear shop and felt there was absolutely nothing built to fit or flatter your figure, you're not alone.

In fact, so strong was Carly Warson and Stephanie Korn's feelings of despair while swimwear shopping, that they founded a business around it.

These days, The Fold caters to women from a D cup and upwards.

Here, FEMAIL speaks to the Sydney-based founders about the need for different swimwear that is suitable for bigger-breasted women - and how their label fulfills that niche.

The Australian swimwear label, The Fold, has been designed to cater to women from a D cup and up (pictured: one of their designs)

Here, FEMAIL speaks to the Sydney-based founders, Stephanie and Carly (both pictured), about the need for different swimwear - and how their label fulfills that niche

According to Carly, 27, and Stephanie, 27 - who are a size 10E and 10DD respectively - it was in 2014 when they jokingly compared their swimwear in despair (pictured: their designs)

'We were laughing about how ill fitting and un-supportive our dowdy contraptions were,' the pair told FEMAIL - and so they decided to design their own label (pictured)

According to Carly, 27, and Stephanie, 27 - who are a size 10E and 10DD respectively - it was in 2014 when they jokingly compared their swimwear in despair:

Bra sizes in Australia * The average bra size for Australian women is now somewhere between a 14C and 12D. * Recent studies show the average woman's bra size has gone up two full sizes since the 1980s. Advertisement

'We were laughing about how ill fitting and unsupportive our dowdy contraptions were,' the pair told FEMAIL.

Because they couldn't understand why brands were only offering a smaller size range, the pair decided to look into designing their own label.

'The Fold was then born with an ethos to fuse fit, function and design,' Carly said. 'All styles are supportive and are designed with a consciousness of the female form.'

Because they couldn't understand why brands were only offering a smaller size range, the pair decided to look into designing their own label

'The Fold was then born with an ethos to fuse fit, function and design,' Carly said. 'All styles are supportive and are designed with a consciousness of the female form'

While swimwear labels might seem a dime a dozen right now, what with the market being so saturated that often means brands have to spend a while honing their point of difference in order to stand out.

This is exactly what happened with Carly and Stephanie.

'We took three years to develop The Fold,' Stephanie said. 'Our first year entailed endless hours online and in stores analysing the current market offering.

'After many changing room visits and online returns, we were confident we had found a gap in the market. We then delved into market research, which allowed us to identify our customer's wants and needs, which not surprisingly reflected our own.'

The entrepreneurial duo took two years to hone their label, while they worked on the brand, the product and the current market offering

Over the course of the next two years, the pair worked closely with 'lingerie patternmakers who were experts in D+ sizes, to ensure all styles were designed to offer superior support and comfort'.

They sampled different styles, details and samples:

'Every detail counted,' Carly explained. 'One millimetre would make all the difference between a rounded, natural breast shape and an unsupported tear drop breast shape.

'Every stitch, line and finish was assessed and tested multiple times until the styles provided superior shape, comfort and product longevity.'

The pair added that after three years of development, they totally understood why no brand had enjoyed much success in the bigger breasted market.

Over the course of two years, the pair worked closely with 'lingerie patternmakers who were experts in D+ sizes, to ensure all styles were designed to offer superior support and comfort'

They made every detail perfect - 'One millimetre would make all the difference between a rounded, natural breast shape and an unsupported tear drop breast shape,' they said

However, The Fold went live online in November 2017 - upon which point several sizes sold out in a matter of weeks.

'We knew our tenacity and years of hard work would pay off, but we never imagined the response we've received,' they said.

'We've received hundreds of brave and exposed emails from women recounting their struggles with their curves. These women are now ending their dislike for their curves and the beach, and feeling supported and empowered.'

When they eventually launched in November 2017, The Fold was met with an influx of people wanting to buy it and sharing their own personal stories

Speaking about what they've learned since creating The Fold - and sharing their tips for starting a business, the entrepreneurs revealed it's all about being passionate

The Fold founders' business tips 1. Write a clear business and marketing plan with a strong mission and vision that you can always refer back to. 2. Don't perfect your product forever - instead, jump into the deep end and get your idea out there before someone else does. 3. Start your business with full involvement in all areas so you can learn the basics of every department. 4. Work with people who are inspired by what you do and eager to be a part of the journey. 5. Engage and communicate with your customers authentically and transparently. Advertisement

Speaking about what they've learned since creating The Fold - and sharing their tips for starting a business, the entrepreneurs revealed that it's all about working with people 'who are inspired by what you do and eager to be a part of the journey':

'Create a brand identity with a clear vision and mission that directly expresses your customer's needs,' they said - and 'always make business decisions with your customer in mind'.

The design duo also explained that, even though they took three years to develop their product, 'you shouldn't try to perfect it forever':

'Jump into the deep end and get your idea out there before someone else does. Refining and perfecting your brand never ends so don't let this hold you up from launching.'

To find out more about The Fold, you can visit the website here. You can also follow the label on Instagram here.
A mother has revealed how her five-year-old daughter 'saved her life' after she noticed an unusual freckle on her shoulder.

Jodie Harper, from Melbourne's Croydon Victoria, was getting ready one morning when little Olivia pointed out that the spot looked different on her back.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the 40-year-old said a conscious decision to get a skin check quickly found the freckle had turned into a deadly melanoma.

Here, the mother explained how her quick-thinking daughter prevented the skin cancer from spreading after the blemish was treated early.

Mother Jodie Harper has revealed how her five-year-old daughter Olivia 'saved her life' after she noticed an unusual freckle on her shoulder (pictured together)

The little girl pointed out the spot on her mother's back looked different. The freckle turned out to be a deadly melanoma

'I was putting my make up on in front of the mirror in a towel when Liv came in to the bathroom and flippantly mentioned the changed freckle on my shoulder,' Ms Harper said.

'I didn't think much of it. Olivia said the freckle was "white" and it wasn't before. My first thought was "oh well, that's okay. White is fine". But I was very wrong.'

Unfazed by the blemish, the 40-year-old mother decided to get her skin checked.

'I knew I had to take it seriously and get it checked because she noticed it. But if I had of seen it myself  I'm not sure I would have acted so quickly,' she said.

'But I wanted to set a good example for my twin daughters Olivia and Leni.'

She decided to get a skin check to set a good example for her twin daughters Olivia and Leni

When she met with a doctor, she was told there was nothing to worry about.

'My GP told me not to worry too much. There was only a five per cent chance of it being anything sinister,' she recalled.

'The plastic surgeon said similar things - there was only a one per cent chance.'

The surgeon removed the spot and told her he will not speak to her again until her post-surgery appointment a week later.

But just two days following the operation, she was diagnosed with stage 1 melanoma.

'The surgeon called me and said: I'm sorry but you are the one per cent,' she said.

'I was in full scale panic. More worried about what to say to the kids.

'But categorically, it would have been a very different, more frightening story if it was undetected.'

Quick-thicker: Olivia saved her mother's life after she noticed a strange spot on her shoulder

By sharing her story, the mother wanted to encourage families to get a regular skin check

Reflecting back at her shock diagnosis, Ms Harper said she still feels stunned that her daughter actually saved her life.

'I feel relieved of course,' she said.

'A little shocked that a five-year-old is aware enough  to understand that a change in a freckle is a bad thing,' she said.

'My amazing dermatologist Rosemary Nixon was so impressed with Olivia's observations.

'I'm very thankful to our childcare centre  who enforced sun safety so well. If they didn't take it so seriously, there's a good chance I wouldn't be here.'

By sharing her story, the mother wanted to encourage other Australian families to get a regular skin check.

'In 99 per cent of cases  people usually say "hmmm I've got [spot] I want to get checked too",' she said.

'There is no sense of urgency though until I tell them my whole story.'
Luxury brand Gucci has been hit with a backlash after sending white models down the runway in Sikh turbans to showcase its fall 2018 collection at Milan Fashion Week.

Actor and model Avan Jogia, 32, who is a dual citizen of Canada and the UK, drew attention to the issue by sharing his disappointment with the creative director Alessandro Michele's decision on Twitter.

The television star, who was born Chutkara Patel Jogia and has roots in Hinduisim and Buddhism, fumed: 'This isn't a good look for you. Could you not find a brown model?'

Avan's followers responded to his tweet saying Gucci had 'hit a new low' and that it was 'offensive and irresponsible' of the brand with celebrity fans such as Rihanna, Blake Lively Gigi Hadid.

Many others who pointed out that the headgear, which is also known as a Dastaar and is important part of the Sikh religion, should not to be used as a fashion statement.

Gucci presented their Fall 2018 collection during Milan Fashion Week, sending models down the runway wearing turbans

Several white models were wearing Sikh turbans as part of the fashion brands looks which offended many people

Actor Avan Jogia, 32, a dual citizen of Canada and the UK, called out the luxury fashion brand for the controversial decision

The model, who has walked for Dolce and Gabbana, asked why Gucci didn't use a 'brown model' instead, urging people of colour to speak out

Many people on social media shared their fury over Gucci's decision saying that it was offensive against the Sikh religion

People took to Twitter in their droves to share their disgust over the use of turbans, which are mandatory for all Sikh men and women.

One woman, who described herself as a practising Sikh said: 'My blood is boiling right now. As a Sikh, I see this as a huge sign of disrespect and disregard towards Sikhism.

What is a Sikh dastaar or turban? A turban, which is also known as a dastaar, is mandatory for practising Sikh men and women as they must cover their heads when in public. The dastaar is an article of faith that represents honour, self-respect, courage, spirituality, and piety. For a Sikh, the dastaar (Sikh turban) is a religious requirement by the Gurus own injunction seen as a 'gift'. Dastaar is an essential article of faith for male Sikhs, about that there should be no misunderstanding: men must wear it, while it is optional for women. Source: Sikhnet Advertisement

'It isnt hard to educate yourself on the significance of a turban. This isnt a mere fashion accessory! Thank you Avan for speaking out on this.'

Another angry person said: 'This is unacceptable and offensive Gucci. Wearing another religions article of faith is not fashion, its appropriation!

'Sikh men are profiled and discriminated against every day for wearing a turban, yet when you put in on a white person, its suddenly fashionable and cool?!?!'

Others suggested that the fashion house and its creative director Alessandro Michele, should have hired a Sikh model instead to avoid the controversy.

The fashion house, which is yet to comment on the furore, also showcased a model carrying a baby dragon, while two others toted around lifelike replicas of their own heads, as well as others dressed in Mexican face masks during the odd collection which was set in a operating theatre.

Alessandro Michele appeared to be aiming for maximum oddity during the show, which was held at the Gucci Hub in Milan on Wednesday.

From the setting (a brightly-lid operating theatre, complete with overhead LED nights and operating tables) to props (which included dragons, severed heads, and Mexican wrestling-inspired face masks), there wasn't a thing that didn't raise eyebrows at the seriously strange presentation.

People raged on Twitter saying that the brand shouldn't use the turban as a fashion accessory

Gucci's collection was extremely controversial, with models donning turbans, Mexican face mask and also carrying snakes, dragons and severed heads

When guests arrived, they sat in what looked like an operating theatre. The walls had been painted a hospital green, and even the chairs were picked to look like those used in waiting rooms.

Operating tables were placed at intervals on the runway, with LED lights hung overhead.

Shockingly, things only got stranger. Several models, both male and female, carried what looked like severed versions of their own heads. The nearly exact replicas gave the impression that they were toting along the heads of their identical twins.

Fashion is coming... Gucci put on a very strange show at Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday  which included a model holding a baby dragon

Weird: The seriously odd collection included colorful masks and clashing prints - as well as some models who carried replicas of their own heads in a very gruesome twist

Ready for an outfit transplant! The room was set up to look like an operating room, complete with beds

Goodness! One model walked down the runway wearing a balaclava and nipple tassels

Experimental: Many of the runway looks seemed pulled together from whatever the model could find in a thrift store

Wrestling masks weren't the only face coverings, though they showed up teamed with lacy breast-baring tops and evening gowns. One model wore a pink lace mask, while another wore an embellished yarn piece.

Several models also wore dragon brooches, with one male model even carrying what looked like a baby dragon from Game of Thrones. According to the brand, the dragon was 'inspired by the "Legend of the baby dragon in the jar," the real story of an author who staged finding a baby dragon in his garage in Oxfordshire, England.'

Dozens more models sported more Yankees logos, turbans, and unflattering 80s frames, but most just piled on layer after layer of clashing prints and colors. All in all, the effect was of a bunch of kids let loose in a thrift store, dressing up in as many crazy pieces as they could find.

The show, which was aptly called 'Cyborg,' was quite clearly about mixing and melding clashing parts to make a new whole.
Princess Eugenie's engagement may have felt bitter sweet for older sister Beatrice - who split from long-term boyfriend Dave Clark less than 18 months ago.

But it appears the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew has been given a new lease of life following the news, showing off a glamorous new makeover over the past few weeks.

Beatrice, 29, has been opting for more daring necklines, as well as fashion forward pieces - including a lingerie-style frock and a leather skirt featuring a daring thigh-high split.

It contrasts to her 'frumpier' fashion choices prior to her younger sister's engagement, which included shapeless coats that hid her figure, as well as trainers for evenings out.

Princess Beatrice, 29, (pictured at a Vogue party at the weekend) has been opting for more daring fashion choices since younger sister Eugenie's engagement announcement, including lingerie style frocks

It contrasts to her 'frumpier' looks prior to the engagement announcement. Beatrice wore a shapeless coat and casual trainers on a night out in Soho in December (pictured)

Commenting on the princess's new makeover, celebrity stylist Rochelle White told FEMAIL: 'I feel that Beatrice is coming into her own and embracing her new style.

'I think her sister getting engaged has giving her a new lease of life and a way for her to become more comfortable and confident in her own style and body.

'Its nice to see her embrace her style choices with more edgy looks such as leather, lingerie and shorter skirts.'

She added that prior to her makeover, Beatrice tended to opt for more 'conservative' looks that didn't suit her age.

Beatrice, 29, has been rocking 'edgier' outfit choices, including this leather skirt featuring a thigh high split at the start of this month

The royal previously tended to choose outfits that didn't necessarily suit her age, according to fashion experts. She is pictured here with Eugenie in May last year

'I think she might have thought that she had to act and dress a certain way as she is part of the royal family,' she explained.

'To be conservative and respectful but not being true to what she liked.'

Beatrice has also been displaying more polished beauty looks of late, including glossy bed-head style locks.

Eugenie, 27, announced her engagement to wine merchant Jack Brooksbank, 31, at the end of January, with the couple set to marry at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in October.

Fashion experts say that Beatrice has been dressing her age since Eugenie's engagement. She wore a chic grey coat and black studded shoes on a night out at the end of January

Beatrice (pictured at the end of January, after Eugenie's engagement) has opted for more fashion forward choices, such as this polka dot midi dress

Prince Andrew's eldest daughter (pictured in November with Eugenie) previously went for a more 'conservative' look

While Beatrice is expected to be maid-of-honour at the royal wedding, she has yet to comment publicly on the engagement.

But royal watchers took to social media to express their sympathy for the royal, with many questioning when it would be Beatrice's turn to find happiness.

Beatrice split up with her boyfriend of ten years Dave Clark in August 2016, reportedly after she gave him an ultimatum to marry.

The American, 33, got engaged to his new girlfriend, advertising executive Lynn Anderson, just months later.

Eugenie, 27, announced her engagement to Jack Brooksbank, 31, at the end of January
Despite the formality of the occasion Prince Charles appeared to be rather giddy during a prize giving in Aberdeen on Thursday.

The Prince of Wales was joined by the Duchess of Cornwall at Buckingham Palace to present awards to those working in higher education.

The royal couple greeted representatives of the universities across the UK during the ceremony of 'The Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education.'

Prince Charles was all giggles as he welcomed representatives from the Universities Buckingham Palace on Thursday. Charles is pictured with University of Birmingham Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood

The bi-annual prize celebrates the work and achievement of twenty-one UK universities and colleges in any subject area, providing it demonstrates innovation and delivers benefit in the economy, society and for people.

Camilla enjoyed polite conversation with each of those she greeted but Charles appeared to be getting on especially well with their guests.

The prince could be seen sharing a joke with one of the representatives which left the pair in fits of laughter.

Charles eventually managed to regain his composure before meeting further prize winners.

Members of the university were receiving awards for The Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education

Camilla looked her elegant best in a chic black two-piece suit as she welcomed their guests

Camilla meanwhile put on an elegant front in a chic black two-piece suit paired with a string of pearls.

She was her typically charming self as she chatted to guests who were dressed in traditional lecturers robes.

The prize, held twice yearly, is supported by the Royal Anniversary Trust - a charity concerned with the advancement of education for public benefit.

It was set up in 1990 with the object of carrying out a programme of events and programmes during 1992, to mark the 40th anniversary of The Queens accession and her years of service as Head of State.

The trust works to promote world class excellence in UK universities and colleges through oversight and management of The Queens Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education, part of the UK honours system.
Jenna Bush Hager's two-year-old daughter Poppy has gotten her first manicure  and the tot didn't hold back when choosing her nail polish color.

The 36-year-old mother-of-two took to Instagram Stories on Thursday to share photos of Poppy and her four-year-old sister Mila getting pampered at tenoverten salon in New York City.

'She wanted BRIGHT red nails. (Of course she did!),' Jenna captioned an image of Poppy soaking her fingers in a bowl of water.

Milestone: Jenna Bush Hager, 36, took to Instagram Stories on Thursday to share photos of her two-year-old daughter Poppy getting her first manicure alongside her four-year-old sister Mila

'Of course she did!' The 36-year-old mom revealed that Poppy wanted bright red nails

Poppy appeared to be enjoying herself at the nail salon, and her mom joked that she was chatting with the woman who was doing her nails.

'Just a little toddler talk. OMG,' Jenna wrote. 'Notice the tat,' she added, pointing out the fake tattoo of a dog that Poppy had on her arm.

Jenna's youngest daughter donned a mustard yellow dress and wore her hair in pigtails topped with a glittery orange bow for her trip to the salon for her very first manicure.

The proud mom also couldn't resist taking a snapshot of Mila and Poppy sitting side-by-side while their fingernails were being buffed and filed.

'Thanks @tenoverten and @adairgood for Poppy's first manicure,' Jenna wrote.

Jenna's daughters stole the spotlight when they turned the Today show studio into their own personal playground on Monday morning.

The Today show star has been filling in for Hoda Kotb while she is covering the Olympics in PyeongChang, and she explained that her two little ones didn't have school on President's Day, which is why she brought them and her husband with her to the studio.

Mini-mes: Jenna's daughter visited her mom at the Today show on Monday morning

Company: The two stole the spotlight when they joined their mom on stage while she was live on air with her co-host Kathie Lee Gifford

Holiday: Jenna explained that her two little ones didn't have school on President's Day, which is why she brought them with her to the studio

At the start of the broadcast, both little girls were seen sitting with their father, Henry Hager, 39, in the audience, but as soon as their mother acknowledged their presence, they decided to make themselves a bit more visible and join her in front of the cameras.

'By the way, my kids are here today,' Jenna said during the show's fourth hour with Hoda's co-host Kathie Lee Gifford, who also remained behind in New York while the majority of the Today team traveled to South Korea.

The audience responded by cheering, while Jenna asked her daughter Mila: 'Are you raising your hands? Do you have something you want to say?'

It turned out Mila, who was sitting on her dad's lap, did have something to declare, and she stated for everyone to hear: 'Mama had a cat.'

Henry and the rest of the audience were slightly confused by the revelation, but Mila's sister Poppy took the moment as an opportunity to break away from her father and run up to the stage and quickly climb up onto her mother's lap.

She was soon joined by Mila, prompting a rather flustered looking Jenna to declare taking her daughters with her to work was 'a terrible idea.'

Audience: Both little girls were initially sitting with their father, Henry Hager, 39

Hi there! When their mom acknowledged their presence, they decided to come up to her on air, with Poppy leading the way

Declaration: When asked if she wanted to say something, Mila proclaimed: 'Mama had a cat.' She was later imitated by Poppy, and both sisters repeated the catchphrase with glee

Kathie Lee, however, delighted in the interaction and jokingly told Jenna: 'You know what? You deserve this.

'This is what your parents said you did your whole life growing up.'

The audience erupted in laughter while Kathie Lee wisely decided to remove glasses of liquor that were left on the table from a previous segment, taking them away from the little girls.

'I'm teaching my children so many important lessons, like booze on a Monday,' Jenna pointed out.

The mother then asked the audience, with her two daughters still at her side: 'Do any of you all ever feel like this, when you're trying to do work and you have two kids hanging on you?'

At this point, Poppy, borrowing Mila's catchphrase, chimed in to repeat: 'Mommy has a cat!'

Kathie Lee jumped at the chance to turn the sentence into a song, asking the audience to join in as she chanted: 'Mommy has a cat, Mommy has a cat, I didn't know that.'

Karma: Kathie Lee delighted in the interaction and jokingly told Jenna: 'You know what? You deserve this. This is what your parents said you did your whole life growing up'

It begs the question: Jenna declared she was sweating, then added: 'At least they chose to say "Mommy has a cat." What if they said something else?'

Parenting woes: The mom asked the audience whether they ever found themselves trying to do work while their little ones disrupted their schedule

Helping: Mila assisted personal trainer Will Weber, who dropped by to demonstrate some exercises, with his segment by climbing onto his back while he did push-ups

Meanwhile: Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb (pictured with figure skater Adam Rippon) are currently covering the Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea

The audience, naturally, joined in on the fun and clapped while repeating 'Mommy has a cat,' while Poppy, visibly aware of the comical effect of the refrain, repeated it once more, quickly joined by her sister.

Jenna declared she was sweating, then added: 'At least they chose to say, "Mommy has a cat." What if they said something else?'

She then encouraged the girls to go back with their father, and while Mila did walk back towards Henry, Poppy apparently wanted to stay with her mother and extended her arms to go back onto her lap.

During the show, Mila helped personal trainer Will Weber, who dropped by to demonstrate some exercises, with his segment.

She was seen hopping onto the trainer's back while he completed a series of push-ups, making the moves harder than usual.

Another member of Jenna's family stepped in last week to provide the anchors with on-air material in the absence of the regular team.

Her mother Laura Bush, 71, paid a visit to her daughter earlier this month, just in time to revisit some of her favorite romantic memories ahead of Valentine's Day.

The former first lady was in New York City to celebrate Valentine's Day with her grandchildren, Mila and Poppy.

Kathie Lee asked Laura to reminisce about several first times in her life, prompting Laura to open up about various memories ranging from touching to just plain funny.

Family time! Laura Bush paid a visit to her daughter on the Today show on Tuesday morning

Team: The former first lady joined Jenna and Kathie Lee during the show 's fourth hour, reminiscing about family memories

Laura reminisced about her first reaction when she found out she was going to have twins, back when she was pregnant with Jenna and Barbara.

'I was so thrilled to have twins,' she said. 'I had sort of pictured two babies and thought "Well, that's so greedy to want two at once." But I was an only child and I really wanted to have more than one child so that they'd have each other, and of course that's what really happened.'

Kathie Lee also asked Laura about the first time Jenna got grounded, joking it must have been one of many times the presidential daughter got in trouble.

'When Barbara and Jenna were born, their grandfather was already vice president,' Laura recounted. 'And one of the things they did as soon as they learned how to dial the phone was call the White House switchboard and prank-call the White House.'

Officials, naturally, figured out where the call was coming from, and Jenna and Barbara became so afraid they would get spanked for misbehaving they put hardcover boots in their pants for protection, Jenna said.

The former first lady also revealed she and Jenna sometimes shared bras, since Jenna has the same silhouette as her mother.

'She inherited the...' Laura said before gesturing in front of her chest as if to suggest large breasts.

Jenna shrieked: 'Mom!' while the audience burst out laughing, and she added: 'Remember when you taught me to love my body? Remember?'

The presidential daughter also revealed her mother had once asked her if she needed a new bra before telling her: 'Here's one of my minimizers.'

Conversation: Laura revealed she and Jenna used to trade bras. 'She inherited the...' Laura said before gesturing in front of her chest as if to suggest large breasts

Reaction: Jenna shrieked: 'Mom!' while the audience burst out laughing, and she added: 'Remember when you taught me to love my body? Remember?'

We're SO excited to have @JennaBushHager's daughters in the studio today! pic.twitter.com/TxkhgwkbtT  Kathie Lee and Hoda (@klgandhoda) February 19, 2018

As for the first time Laura spoiled her grandchildren, she said it happened in Maine, where the Bushes have their summer residence in Kennebunkport.

Laura couldn't resist giving ice cream to Mila even though the baby was just three months old and hadn't had food yet  something Jenna, Mila's daughter, is still shocked by.

Since she will not be at home in Dallas, Texas, to spend February 14 with her husband, Laura revealed she has left him a sweet Valentine declaring her eternal love for him  which Kathie Lee jokingly deemed 'so cheesy.'

Despite her kind attention, Laura doesn't believe George W. Bush, also 71, will return the favor.

'Needless to say, he did not leave me a Valentine,' she said, adding that the former president is 'not really' a romantic.

However, Jenna pointed out that George and Laura are no strangers to romantic gestures, since they got married just three months after meeting.

She also said that her father spoke in poetry or rhymes throughout the first year of his and Laura's marriage, with Laura saying he did so because 'he was just so nervous'.
This is the heart-stopping moment a firefighter waded through a freezing pond to rescue a distressed dog teetering on thin ice.

Rosie found herself stranded when she ventured out onto the ice and was plunged into the cold water when it cracked beneath her.

The pooch's owners noticed she was missing and spotted her struggling in the middle of Harris Pond in Blackstone, Massachusetts so they alerted the local police force.

Brave: This is the heart-stopping moment a firefighter waded through a freezing pond to rescue a distressed dog teetering on thin ice

Trapped: The dog, Rosie found herself stranded when she ventured out onto the ice and was plunged into the cold water when it cracked beneath her

Fortunately for Rosie, the Blackstone Police Department enlisted the help of the local fire department.

Nail-biting footage shows Blackstone firefighter Sam Blake donning his survival suit, which allowed him to venture into the pond's icy depths to save her.

Blackstone Police Lieutenant Joey Sevigny, who supervised the rescue on Sunday afternoon, said, 'Rosie's owners are an elderly couple and they noticed she was missing on Sunday afternoon.

'She got out of the yard and wandered to the middle of Harris Pond.

'It was their nephew that alerted us to the situation.

Stuck: Rosie's owners, an elderly couple, noticed she was missing and saw her struggling in Harris Pond in Blackstone, Massachusetts so they called 911 who sent a firefighter (pictured)

Trapped: The dog underestimated her weight and the thin ice cracked beneath her and she fell into the cold water and was stuck until the fire department came to help

Hero: Firefighter, Sam Blake put on his survival suit and using a tether line, waded through the water to rescue her and they are both safe

'Underestimating her weight, the thin ice cracked beneath her and she fell into the cold water at least once.

'She managed to get up onto the ice again but it was extremely fragile and she got stuck.

'Firefighter Sam Blake suited up and using a tether line, waded through the water to rescue her.'

'It's always a nice feeling to be involved in a rescue like this with a happy ending and it's a credit to both departments and of course Sam.'

Brave dog-rescuer Sam has been hailed a hero by his local community, after a video of the rescue was shared online.

The firefighter thanked everyone for their kind comments on social media and said: 'I was glad to be of service to Rosie, and happy she was okay.'
Gucci's Fall 2018 presentation this week was a truly bizarre spectacle, but nothing earned a bigger double take than a pair of models carrying realistic life-size replicas of their own heads.

What creative director Alessandro Michele was thinking is anyone's guess, but what social media users are thinking is quite obvious: They found the 'accessory' utterly ridiculous.

Since the Wednesday shows, many have taken to Twitter and Instagram to mock the head-carrying models with jokes, snarky comments, and memes  and quite a few have even recreated the looks themselves.

Ahead of the trends? Gucci models carried realistic replicas of their own heads at the Gucci show this week

So weird: Male model Dwight Hoogendijk and female model Unia Pakhomova got the creepy honor

Seriously? The buzzworthy looks have been talked about  and mocked  on social media

Trend: Fashion editor Eva Chen was a fan and recreated the look, then promised to donated $1 to Everytown for every person who followed her lead

Credit: She said she was inspired by someone else on social media

Fans: Dozens have taken funny pictures of their own on Instagram

Props: People used friends, family members, and even dogs

The show, which was held in Milan, certainly earned plenty of buzz thanks to the dragons, balaclavas, and mismatched clothes that hit the runway.

But accessories weren't limited to bags, shoes, and jewels: Two models toted around some eerily realistic renderings of their own heads

Male model Dwight Hoogendijk was one, and he later Instagrammed a photo of himself carrying his own head with the caption 'myself & I.'

Female model Unia Pakhomova was the other, and shared how similarly thrilled she was on Instagram: 'Thank you @gucci @lallo25 @michelatafuri21 @barbaranicolicasting for letting me and my head walk on your incredible show!'

But how 'incredible' everyone else found it is up for debate. Since then, quite a few people have snapped photos of their own versions of look as jokes.

For the most part, they've had others play along and stick their heads under their arms

Chilling: Some mastered it better than others with some very creepy outcomes

Copycats: Eva called it the 'Gucci pose,' like her famous 'Eva pose' in the back of a car with a bag, her feet, and fruit

Frontrunner: Yasmin Sewell, pictured, inspired Eva's call to action in the first place

Fashion it up! Some people did their best to make their entire look seem ripped from the runway

Fun and games: The goofy idea has certainly caught on

Unexpected: Amazingly, it seems Gucci really did start a trend here

Dancer Yasmin Sewell seems to have kicked things off, and she quickly inspired Instagram's director of fashion partnerships, Eva Chen, 38, to do her own version.

Eva inspired others to take snaps as well  and as the trend caught on, she issued a challenge: For every person to post their own version of the look and tag her in it, Eva would donate a dollar to Everytown.

Since then, dozens have joined in, including Kate Lonsdale  a fashion blogger who goes by The Silver Kat who used the decapitated head of a mannequin to perform her best runway model impression.

People roped in their friends and significant others to stand in as their 'heads,' tucking them in under their armpits for the pose.

Other people chose to make jokes in the form of memes, with several pointing out that Alessandro Michele is not the first person to think of a person holding his or her own head.

Lady Gaga did so for a performance on X Factor in 2011, as did the character Gibby on the Nickelodeon show iCarly. One Instagram user edited a still of Jaqen Hghar in Game of Thrones.

High-tech: Some people used Photoshop and Faceswap technology to carry their own heads

Doing good: Eva turned the funny game into a way to help a cause she cares about

Mixing it up: Some people used mannequin heads, and others use their children

Attention! Eva has been sharing images of people who meet her challenge in her Instagram stories

Trending: Laura Atkinson of the Sunday Times participated, too

Hm... Alessandro Michele hasn't commented on the trend he inspired

Pros: Some of the head models really nailed that dead-eyed stare

Amazing: In fact, six months of work went into making Gucci's head replicas

Interestingly, the theme of people holding their own heads also appears in works of art, particularly of a religious nature.

A 'cephalophore'  a Greek word for 'head carrier'  refers to a saint who is depicted carrying his or her own head. They appear most commonly in Christian art, with a prominent example being Saint Denis.

Other cephalophores include Saint Winifred, Valerie of Limoges, Lucian of Beauvais, Solange, Osgyth, Saint Maurice, Nectan of Hartland, and Aphrodisius.

However, according to Michele, the people holding their own heads in his show has nothing to do with religion.

'We are the Dr. Frankenstein of our lives,' he said. 'We exist to reproduce ourselves, but we have moved on. We are in a post-human era, for sure; it is under way.'

Not the first! Other people pointed out that Gucci wasn't the first to do this

Nickelodeon is high-fashion now? Several pointed to a character on iCarly

Weird: The character, Gibby, can be seen with a model of his head

Smart: One Instagram user edited a still of Jaqen Hghar in Game of Thrones

Looks familiar... This Soviet soldier carrying Hitler's head (from a statue) looks very similar

Real thing: A 'cephalophore'  a Greek word for 'head carrier'  refers to a saint who is depicted carrying his or her own head

But only one head here... They appear most commonly in Christian art, with a prominent example being Saint Denis

He claimed he found inspiration in Donna Haraway's 1984 A Cyborg Manifesto: Science, Technology, and Socialist-Feminism in the Late Twentieth Century for the collection, and worked with the Rome-based factory of artisans Makinarium on the replicas.

'Alessandro reached out to us unexpectedly  we didn't know each other,' Leonardo Cruciano, who founded the collective with Nicola Sganga and Angelo Poggi, told Vogue.

'He had very precise ideas about what he wanted to achieve. It was a great collaboration; he's a true artist, with a real passion, a fantasy so intense and inspiring it pushes you forward.'

They revealed that it took six months to make the pieces, which involved using molds of the models' heads, 3D prints, and scans.
McDonald's customers have taken to social media in a flurry of excitement with the launch of the chain's indulgent new Big Brekkie Burger.

The new breakfast item is available exclusively in Australian stores and is made with a hash brown, melted cheese, rasher bacon and a freshly cracked egg.

But the heart-stopping creation doesn't stop there, including a beef patty, a smothering of BBQ sauce and a toasted sesame seed bun.

McDonald's customers have taken to social media in a flurry of excitement with the launch of the chain's indulgent new Big Brekkie Burger

The $6.75 burger is one of the most calorie-heavy items on the menu at 796 calories - more than half the amount of daily calories recommended for the average woman and 270 calories more than a Big Mac

The AUD $6.75 burger is one of the most calorie-heavy items on the menu at 796 calories (3,330 kilojoules) - more than half the amount of daily calories recommended for the average woman and 270 calories more than a Big Mac.

It also has 1,500mg of sodium, 50.3g of carbs, 17.6g of saturated fat and 45g of protein per serve.

There is 45.5g of fat in total per serve.

What is the nutritional breakdown of the Big Brekkie Burger? Per serve: Energy (kJ) Protein (g) Fat, total (g) Saturated (g) Carbohydrate (g) Sodium (mg) 3330 45.4 45.5 17.6 50.3 1500 What should you have per day? According to the Australian Healthy Food Guide, people should eat no more than 2,300mg of sodium (1,600mg if at risk of heart disease), 230g of carbs, 24g of saturated fat and 45g of protein per day. How many kilojoules should you consume per day, according to Sharon Curtain? Woman wanting to lose weight: 6,610kJ Man wanting to lose weight: 9,780kJ On average: 8,700kJ Advertisement

Despite this, customers are going wild for the elaborate creation and UK customers have flooded the company's social pages in a bid to have the burger launched in their stores

According to the Australian Healthy Food Guide, people should eat no more than 2,300mg of sodium (1,600mg if at risk of heart disease), 230g of carbs, 24g of saturated fat and 45g of protein per day.

Despite this, customers are going wild for the elaborate creation and UK customers have flooded the company's social pages in a bid to have the burger launched in their stores.

'Excuse me McDonald'sUK I have seen a clip of a Big Brekkie Burger being sold by yourselves in australia, we need this over here tout suite,' one customer wrote.

The new breakfast item is available exclusively in Australian stores and is made with a hash brown, melted cheese, rasher bacon and a freshly cracked egg

Unfortunately, McDonald's has no plans to release the burger in the UK anytime soon

'Can we have this in the UK please? Our office was well excited for breakfast tomorrow and now all super sad at what could of been,' another added.

Another wrote: 'Dudes, we need the Big Brekkie Burger in the UK now! Yours Sincerely, literally everyone!'

Unfortunately, McDonald's has no plans to release the burger in the UK anytime soon.

'The Big Breakfast Burger is from McDonald's Australia and we have no plans to introduce it to the UK menu,' the company wrote on Twitter.
How to make the perfect cup of tea is a controversial topic - and a new picture guide is bound to stir up debate as it reveals all the different ways people prefer their brew.

The image - a 'Pantone colour-inspired' guide - displays 50 different shades of tea ranging from ultra-milky to dark and strong, inviting tea drinkers to pick the one that looks most like the cup they would choose.

It comes as a study reveals that a third prefer a strong, dark cup of tea, while just one in four prefer theirs white and milky.

With 1 being the milkiest and 50 being the strongest and darkest, this image invites tea drinkers to pick their favourite shade. So, which one do you prefer?

The survey, commissioned by Arla B.O.B milk, found that 33 per cent of the country prefer a dark brew.

However the majority, or four in 10, opt for a classic medium-brown builder's tea when asking for a cuppa, the study found.

How strong a person likes their tea is a divisive topic, as is whether to put the milk in first or the water.

The study found that 73 per cent will put water in before the milk, and 19 per cent opt for milk in first.

This colour was the most popular shade, with 14 per cent of those surveyed picking it as the one they make for themselves

Northern Irish tea drinkers like their brew the strongest and darkest, while those in Scotland and the North East of England are most likely to appreciate a milkier mug with a more subtle flavour.

Tea fans in the South East of England are most likely to leave their tea bag in for longer, letting it brew for an average of 64 seconds, which is seven seconds longer than the national average or 57 seconds.

East Anglians are in the greatest hurry, letting the bag stew for just 48 seconds.

Emma Stanbury, from Arla B.O.B milk, said: 'With more than fifty shades of tea, everyone's favourite cuppa is a little different.'

The survey also uncovered the extent to which the UK workforce depends on the humble brew to keep running as they consume 1,161 cups of tea per worker per year.

One in five employees would consider themselves someone who looks after their colleagues' tea needs before their own.

One in ten have been so unimpressed by their colleagues' efforts to make a tea to their standards they have asked them to throw it away.

When tea is left to go cold, 11 per cent power through and chug the room-temperature liquid down.

Eighteen per cent can't stomach the thought of a chilly tea and chuck it out, while one in six microwave their mug.
Patients undergoing operations while awake will soon be able to put themselves to sleep at just the touch of a button.

They can now control their own doses of propofol - a fast-acting general anaesthetic that combats nerves - thanks to 'pioneering' new technology.

It was tested on 25 patients, who had complete control of how awake or sleepy they wanted to be for their hip or knee replacement.

Developed by researchers at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust and Nottingham Trent University, it could revolutionise the world of anaesthesia.

Patients hold the device in their hands while undergoing surgery, and press a button if they wish to release propofol into their body through an IV drip.

Patients can now control their own doses of propofol - a fast-acting general anaesthetic that combats nerves - thanks to 'pioneering' new technology

Principal investigator Dr Nigel Bedforth, consultant anaesthetist at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, told MailOnline he is delighted with the technology.

He said: 'This is a pioneering project which could have a huge impact on the way operations involving conscious patients are undertaken around the world.'

Such procedures that revolve around patients being awake include: hip and knee replacements and Caesarean sections.

Figures show 160,000 patients have their joints replaced on the NHS and a similar number of C-sections are performed each year in Britain.

But before the new technology is accepted and rolled out across the health service, it will need to be proven to be cost-effective and safe.

Dr David Hewson, who was involved in the original trial, believes the creation will offer ways of reducing costs for the cash-strapped health service.

He told MailOnline: 'It could make a huge difference to the experience patients receive while also creating efficiencies for the NHS.

'In the future this technology could be widened out to other forms of medical or surgical procedure which require patients to be awake.'

It was tested on 25 patients, who had complete control of how awake or sleepy they wanted to be for their routine surgery

Patients hold the button in their hands while undergoing surgery, and press a button if they wish to release propofol into their body through an IV drip

HOW DOES THE NEW TECHNOLOGY TO ALLOW PATIENTS TO CONTROL THEIR OWN SEDATION WORK? Researchers at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust and Nottingham Trent University developed a system to allow patients to control their own doses of propofol - a fast-acting anaesthetic. It allows them to make themselves feel sleepier using the drug, which begins to work and combat nerves in just 40 seconds, at just the touch of a button. The patients are hooked up to an IV drip that releases propofol into their body whenever they press a button on their handheld controller. It has already been tested on 25 patients, who had complete control of how awake or sleepy they wanted to be for their hip or knee replacement. Minimum and maximum limits have been set to prevent patients from potentially overdosing on the drug, which killed the King of Pop Michael Jackson in 2009. An anaesthetist - who control how much sedation patients are given - would remain in the operating theatre throughout the procedure to observe. Advertisement

A year-long trial of the technology, developed thanks to a 376,000 grant from the NHS' research branch, will commence in July.

Patients undergoing hip and knee replacements at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust will be able to give themselves the drug.

A further 80 patients will be able to test the technology that allows them to control their own doses of propofol.

Researchers claim giving patients the handheld device may also allow for swifter recovery times by reducing exposure to the drug.

The original trial, conducted between May 2016 and March 2017, showed patients needed less propofol than what they would have been given by an anaesthetist.

Propofol, which starts to work in 40 seconds, can cause agonising pain, seizures, disrupt heart rhythm, nausea, coughs, confusion and muscle pain.

Professor Philip Breedon, who helped create the technology, told MailOnline: 'Undergoing surgery can be a worrying experience so patients are sedated.

'Propofol is very effective but, like many drugs, it has side effects that can prolong recovery.

'By putting the control of drug delivery directly into a patients hand, less propofol can be used without compromising the patients comfort.'

Developed by researchers at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust and Nottingham Trent University, it could revolutionise the world of anaesthesia (pictured are Professor Philip Breedon, left, and Dr James Sprinks, right, who helped to create it)

Professor Breedon, head of Nottingham Trent University's Medical Design Research Group, said they expect it 'will lead to swifter recovery times'.

The original study, which people volunteered to take part in, revealed that patients also took the drug at different points depending on their nerves.

Those who felt anxious before the procedure tended to use more propofol at the start, and the opposite was also true.

Minimum and maximum limits have been set to prevent patients from potentially overdosing on the drug, which killed the King of Pop Michael Jackson in 2009.

An anaesthetist - who control how much sedation patients are given - would remain in the operating theatre throughout the procedure to observe.

Dr James Sprinks, who is developing the technology, said: 'Because theres no real way of knowing how anxious a person feels, anaesthetists often err on the side of caution and have to administer larger doses to ensure that operations run smoothly.

'But this technology will help ensure that patients receive more suitable doses.

'It will also make patients feel more in control and anaesthetists will be provided with live data on how much the patient is taking.'
Antidepressants are highly effective and should be prescribed to millions more people with mental health problems, researchers declared last night.

After the largest-ever study, the Oxford University-led team said they had wanted to give the final answer to the controversy of whether or not the pills effectively treat depression.

Their study, which examined 120,000 people in more than 500 trials across three decades, concluded emphatically that antidepressants do work.

Antidepressants are highly effective and should be prescribed to millions more people with mental health problems, researchers declared last night (above, the most effective drugs revealed)

And although prescription rates have soared in recent years  with 10 per cent of British adults now on antidepressants  the researchers warned that only one in six people was receiving effective treatment for depression, suggesting that millions more should be given the pills.

They hope their findings will encourage GPs to prescribe the drugs for people with the more severe forms of the illness.

Professor Andrea Cipriani, who led the six-year review of international research, said the findings were proof that antidepressants should be used more. He added: Antidepressants are an effective tool for depression. To under-treat depression is a huge problem we need to be aware of. Not the right people are getting access.

Professor John Geddes, Oxfords head of psychiatry, said: This isnt just a bit of common unhappiness, this is a major mental health problem that really is devastating for an awful lot of human lives. Poor access to available treatment would not be tolerated if it related to high blood pressure or cancer.

Their study, which examined 120,000 people in more than 500 trials across three decades, concluded emphatically that antidepressants do work

The researchers looked at the effectiveness of 21 antidepressants. The study, funded by the research arm of the NHS, found some were more effective than others, but concluded they all reduced symptoms of depression more than a placebo.

It found that half to two-thirds of patients  typically suffering with symptoms including loss of self-worth, tiredness, sadness and disturbed sleep  would benefit from treatment.

Professor Carmine Pariante, spokesman for the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: This analysis finally puts to bed the controversy on antidepressants, clearly showing that these drugs do work in lifting mood and helping most people with depression.

The report comes just months after a report ranked the UK fourth out of 29 Western countries in a league table of antidepressant use. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found people in the UK take nearly twice as many antidepressants as those in France, Italy or Holland, five times as many as those in Korea and eight times as many as in Latvia.

Glyn Lewis, professor of psychiatric epidemiology at University College London, said: Antidepressants often receive a bad press but this paper shows they have a role in the management for people with depression.
A woman dismissed her husband's life-threatening sepsis for man flu.

Rob Bland, 43, a supervisor, initially started shivering and complained about having a headache.

His wife Kirsten Bland, 36, a nurse, did not take her husband's symptoms seriously and thought he was being 'feeble' and 'dramatic', until a bright light in the couple's bathroom revealed he had turned yellow, 'like Homer Simpson'.

Turning yellow is a sign of jaundice and occurs due to a build-up of the substance bilirubin in the body. This can occur if gallstones block bile drainage.

After being rushed to hospital, Mr Bland, from Poole, was diagnosed with sepsis caused by gallstones that had blocked the entrance to his bile duct and become infected.

Doctors managed to control his sepsis with antibiotics and removed his gallstones in time for Mr Bland to be home for Valentine's Day last year.

Ms Bland is speaking out to raise awareness of sepsis, saying: 'more often than not you probably do have man flu  but just that once, it could be sepsis.'

Sepsis kills around 44,000 people in the UK every year.

Kirsten Bland dismissed her husband Rob Bland's life-threatening sepsis for 'man flu'

Mr Bland started shivering and complaining of a headache on February 9 last year

'He looked like Homer Simpson'

Speaking of Mr Bland's symptoms, his wife said: 'I thought it was the dreaded man flu.

'He was acting feeble. I thought he was being a bit dramatic.'

Yet, seeing her husband under bright lights made Ms Bland realise how serious his condition was.

She said: 'In the darkened room he looked okay but, under the bathroom lights, he looked yellow. I was incredibly shocked he looked like Homer Simpson.'

Ms Bland first called her GP, followed by the non-emergency NHS number 111, who arranged for an ambulance to take Mr Bland to Poole Hospital.

Immediately taken to acute care, he was diagnosed with sepsis and given an intense regimen of antibiotics.

After being rushed to hospital Mr Bland was diagnosed with sepsis caused by gallstones that had blocked the entrance to his bile duct and become infected

Ms Bland is speaking out to raise awareness of sepsis, saying: 'more often than not you probably do have man flu  but just that once, it could be sepsis'

'I feel really guilty for thinking he had man flu'

Ms Bland said: 'Rob's gallstones were really painful, but we never thought they would nearly kill him.

'He'd been having ongoing issues with them, was on regular pain relief and was due surgery.

'In the meantime, doctors explained that they would have to hit the sepsis with everything they had.'

Doctors managed to control Mr Bland's sepsis before removing his gallstones and discharging him the following day.

Ms Bland said: 'It was a great Valentine's Day present, having him home, looking a healthy, pink colour.

'He had to have antibiotics, but he went back to work soon afterwards.'

In March that year, Mr Bland had his gallbladder removed in an hour-long operation at a private hospital, but under the NHS.

Now Mr Bland has recovered, his wife said: 'I feel really guilty for thinking he had man flu.

'He had the flu recently, and I was really nervous. I kept panicking.

Ms Bland was supported by The Sepsis Trust.
Surgical sponges were left inside a woman up to nine years after her c-section, a report reveals.

The unnamed woman, 42, believed to be from Chiba in Japan, went to her doctor complaining of bloating that had lasted three years.

A scan revealed two gauze sponges had become attached to her large intestine and the tissue that connects the stomach to other parts of the abdomen.

Scientists believe the sponges were left behind after one of the patient's two Caesarean sections, which took place nine and six years ago. Due to the sponges not being attached to her uterus, the patient would have been able to conceive a second time without problems.

Following the removal of the sponges, the patient's symptoms have improved. She was discharged five days after her surgery.

In the US, up to 6,000 surgical instruments are left inside patients' bodies every year. Of which, around 70 per cent are sponges and the remainder items such as clamps.

Surgical sponges were left inside a woman up to nine years after her c-section (stock)

Surgeon did not take responsibility

According to Dr Takeshi Kondo, a general medicine physician at Chiba University Hospital and a lead author of the report, the patient met with the surgeon who performed her c-sections, who stated there is insufficient evidence to support him being responsible for her symptoms.

The patient had undergone no other abdominal or pelvic procedures.

Dr Kondo added many Japanese hospitals perform routine screening of patients' abdomens before closing wounds to ensure no items are left behind.

The report was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

How serious are surgical instruments left in the body?

Surgical items left in the bodies of patients can cause sepsis and even death. In less severe cases, people may experience pain, discomfort and bloating.

Dr Atul Gawande, a surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital, said: 'In two-thirds of these cases, there [are] serious consequences.

'In one case, a small sponge was left inside the brain of a patient that we studied, and the patient ended up having an infection and ultimately died.'

Such mistakes are considered so shockingly bad they are often referred to as 'never events', which also covers operating on the wrong patient or part of the body.

In the US, up to 6,000 surgical instruments are left inside patients' bodies every year (stock)

What is being done to reduce the risk?

In 2004, the Joint Commission, a US-based nonprofit organisation, published the Universal Protocol, which provides guidelines on how to reduce such never events.

These recommendations include ensuring all medical equipment is accounted for at the end of every procedure, however, this can be challenging considering up to 100 sponges may be used in a single major operation.

Errors also often occur in stressful situations, when changes to the operation procedure happen suddenly or if there are a lot of distractions.

Dr Ana McKee, executive vice president and chief medical officer of the Joint Commission, told CNN: 'If there's music going on or side conversations or someone is on the phone, that does not meet the spirit of the Universal Protocol.'

Many hospitals in the US have switched to sponges and surgical tools with barcodes on them so they can be electronically tracked.
The heartbroken mother of a boy born with half a heart and in desperate need of a transplant revealed she fears her son may die on the waiting list.

Ashley Rayner was speaking this morning about the plight of her six-month-old son, Benjamin, who suffers hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

In an interview on Sky News, she explained her son - who has just half a heart - has 'defied all the odds that were thrown at him', but is 'really desperate' for a new one.

She was speaking ahead of a landmark debate in the House of Commons tomorrow that could see a new opt-out system introduced in England.

The move means patients will be automatically signed up to be organ donors when they die, and they have to opt-out if they don't wish to, if it goes ahead.

Ms Rayner, who is fighting for the move to go ahead, said too many people die on the waiting list and added: 'I don't want my son to be another one of those numbers.'

Ashley Rayner was speaking this morning about the plight of her six-month-old son, Benjamin, who suffers hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Campaigners have long argued for the Government to adopt the system to increase the number of organs available. They estimate it will save 500 hundreds live a year.

When asked how urgently her son needs a heart transplant, Ms Rayner, 32, said: 'He is in desperate need for one.

'He has been on the waiting list for six-and-a-half months, he's gone through surgeries and diaphragm lifting which resulted in him dying in my arms.

'He wasn't meant to be here. He was really, really bad when he was born, but he defied all them odds that were thrown at him.

Ms Rayner, who travels 200 miles from Peterborough to Newcastle whenever she wants to see her son, added: 'He's really fighting and waiting.'

Ms Rayner, whose son was put on the waiting list when he was just three days old, admitted she was supporting the move from an opt-our system 'all the way'.

In an interview on Sky News , she explained her son - who has just half a heart - has 'defied all the odds that were thrown at him', but is 'really desperate' for a new one

She added: 'I've said to loads of people, do whatever you can, we need to support this campaign.'

Ms Rayner believes that if the 'public, MPs and Theresa May' knew what it was really like, then the bill to be proposed in the Commons tomorrow would go through.

In response to potentially receiving an organ from another child, she said: 'We have to believe their baby is going to be living on in my beautiful little boy.'

She spoke a page set-up for Benjamin, which has been flooded by strangers who have revealed they thoroughly support the opt-out system.

Ms Rayner added that her pursuit is 'not just about Benjamin' and is about saving the lives of babies, children, teenagers and young adults.

She said: 'How many people die waiting on that list a year? And, to be honest, I don't want my son to be another one of those numbers.'

Benjamin was diagnosed with heart problems 24 weeks into her pregnancy, The Daily Mirror reports.

But specialists at Great Ormond Street and Birmingham Childrens Hospital warned her that his chances of survival were 'non-existent'.

Ms Rayner eventually gave birth at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle on August 1, last year - but he was quickly rushed to intensive care.

He has already undergone two heart operations, and two separate ones to fix his damaged diaphragm and remove an aneurysm.

She was speaking ahead of a landmark debate in the House of Commons tomorrow that could see a new opt-out system introduced in England

WHAT IS HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME? Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a birth defect, affecting normal blood through the heart and thus the rest of the body. It occurs while the baby is developing during pregnancy, when the left side of the heart doesn't form correctly. HLHS is a congenital heart defect, meaning it's present at birth. Normally, the right side of the heart pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs, and the left side pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. Because This stops the left side of the heart from developing normally. The CDC estimates each year less than 1,000 babies are born in the United States with HLHS. Figures suggest 30 per cent of infants who survive a heart transplant will die before they turn five. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advertisement

It was originally outlined in October at the Tory party conference in Manchester by Prime Minister Theresa May.

Figures estimate that around 6,500 patients are on the waiting list for an organ that could save their life. Such lists can be as long as five years.

And last year 457 people died in England while waiting for a transplant due to the shortage of organs, NHS data showed.

The plan is the polar opposite of the current system, which requires healthy adults to sign up to donate their kidneys, hearts and livers when they die.

Wales became the first country in the UK to adopt the system in 2015, which was deemed a 'significant' and 'progressive' change.

Growing pressure on English health officials, from the media, politicians and doctors, was behind the decision to announce a potential change.

Speaking at the time, Mrs May said: 'Our ability to help people who need transplants is limited by the number of organ donors that come forward.

'That is why last year 500 people died because a suitable organ was not available. And there are 6,500 on the transplant list today.

Ms Rayner, who is fighting for the move to go ahead, said too many people die on the waiting list and added: 'I don't want my son to be another one of those numbers'

When asked how urgently her son needs a heart transplant, Ms Rayner, 32, said: 'He is in desperate need for one'

'So to address this challenge that affects all communities in our country, we will change that system. Shifting the balance of presumption in favour of organ donation.'

Under the proposed opt-out system in England, family members are still given a final opportunity to not go ahead with the organ donation.

It is believed the rule only applies to those who are deemed mentally capable of giving consent.

The announcement came after a poll of 2,000 people last year revealed that two thirds of the public are in favour of the opt-out system.

Commissioned by the British Medical Association, the survey also highlighted how only 39 per cent are signed up to donate their organs.

Aileen Campbell, the Scottish Public Health Minister, announced proposals in June to also sign every citizen on the organ donor register.

Benjamin was diagnosed with heart problems 24 weeks into pregnancy, The Mirror reports

But specialists at Great Ormond Street and Birmingham Childrens Hospital warned her that his chances of survival were 'non-existent'
Randi Fishman was 28, newly married, and ready to start a family when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2011.

The crushing news was made all the more painful when her Maryland doctors said that, even if she overcame the disease, carrying children could be a risk that could cost Randi her life.

She immediately got her eggs frozen, and along with husband Zach, then also 28, started the lengthy and expensive process to find a surrogate to carry their embryos fertilized by IVF.

But after their daughter Parker was born, their Wisconsin-based surrogate revealed she would not be able to carry any more, as she was older and had underlying conditions that could prove complicated.

That's when Randi's older sister Erin Silverman, who had recently had her second and final child, stepped in, offering to carry a sibling for Parker to save them another agonizing few years to complete their family.

Speaking to Daily Mail Online two-and-a-half months after little girl Austyn was born, Randi, now 34, said she is still in shock at her sister's generosity, but 35-year-old Erin said she would do it all again.

Erin Silverman, right, became a surrogate for Randi Fishman, left, and gave her a daughter, Austyn, center, on December 8, 2017

'It was a long process, a long journey and I'm thankful for everything,' said Erin, who at the time of Randi's second diagnosis had only been married for six months and didn't have kids.

'I always told her that when I was done having kids, I would have a kid for her.'

Regardless, mother-of-two Randi remains stunned at how her life has turned around in six years.

She had no symptoms of any kind of illness when her gynecologist found a lump in her breast a year after she tied the knot with Zach.

A few scans and a biopsy later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Tests also revealed she was a carrier of the BRCA1 gene, which dramatically increases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. Her father and younger sister Jamie also tested positive.

'I couldn't believe it was happening to me,' Randi told Daily Mail Online. 'I never heard of someone that young having breast cancer.'

'My family was beyond upset,' she added.

Two weeks after her diagnosis she underwent a double mastectomy.

Three to four months later she opted to freeze 10 of her embryos out of fear that Tamoxifen, a chemotherapy drug, could cripple her ovaries.

She was given the all-clear in late spring, and started embarking on pregnancy plans.

At the time, Randi still thought she would be able to carry her own children. The purpose of the fertility treatment was two-fold: to test the embryo for BRCA1 to ensure she didn't pass the gene down, and to maximize the chances of conceiving using IVF.

That changed in September 2012 when tests revealed the cancer had come back.

Randi underwent a lumpectomy and received radiation treatments as a preventive measure, and has been in remission ever since.

Doctors warned pregnancy could trigger another relapse, since her progesterone and estrogen levels would elevate, and Randi's cancer was made up of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors.

Though a 2017 study has since shown that there is not an elevated risk, even in those with ER-positive tumors, there was little research to that effect at the time and Randi couldn't risk it.

'They didn't think [pregnancy] would be good for my body and my health,' Randi said.

Erin, right, became a surrogate after doctors advised Randi, left, to not have children

Randi' children, Austyn, second to left, and Parker, second to right, with Erin's children

Erin immediately offered to Randi's children, but since she was just starting a family of her own the sisters decided to postpone their plan.

Randi and Zach had been dreaming of starting a family for years, so they found a surrogate in Wisconsin who gave birth to their first daughter, Parker, in September 2014.

Besotted with their little girl, it wasn't long before they started wishing for another child.

'I wanted to give [Parker] a sibling,' Randi said. 'Coming from a family of three, I knew that I wanted a bigger family.'

After Erin had her first daughter in April 2014 and her second daughter in October 2015, she was ready to carry Randi's baby.

She waited until after her youngest daughter turned one years old to undergo the procedure.

Erin said the first embryo implantation attempt - a process in which a fertilized embryo is placed through the catheter and into the uterus for implantation - didn't take in February 2017.

The second attempt in April 2017 was successful, but the pregnancy wasn't an easy one.

Erin had an easy labor and delivery during her first two pregnancies, but during the surrogacy she suffered bleeding in her placenta at the beginning of the third trimester and developed high blood pressure during the last five weeks of her pregnancy which led to bedrest and an induced pregnancy three weeks early.

'It was harder than I anticipated,' Erin said. But she said she was happy she was abble to give her sister a happy and healthy daughter, named Austyn.

Because she has the BRCA1 gene, Randi underwent a hysterectomy to remove her Fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and ovaries as a preventive measure against ovarian cancer.

Randi, left, has a three-year-old daughter, Parker, center, from a surrogate in Wisconsin. Pictured: Randi with her husband Zach, right, in September 2017

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 72 percent of women who inherit the BRCA1 mutation gene will develop cancer compared to 12 percent of women in the general population.

And about 44 percent of those who inherit the gene will develop the ovarian cancer compared to women without the mutation who only have a 1.3 percent risk of developing the disease.

Randi, who has been in remission for six years, said she doesn't plan on having anymore children.

'We are done financially, mentally and emotionally,' Randi said.

But she insisted she is overjoyed, and breast cancer has changed her view on life.

She told Daily Mail Online it's a 'blessing to wake up every day.'

'I can't believe I have two daughters,' she said. 'I didn't think that this was possible.'
Over-stretched A&E staff report more than 70,000 counts of verbal and physical abuse each year.

A&E staff live in fear of being attacked, researchers have revealed after tallying up how many times they were abused in 2016.

Nearly 193 attacks occur daily by angry patients and visitors, as they now consider dealing with violence part and parcel of their job.

It comes amid the 'worst winter ever' for the NHS, with tempers high among patients who are furious about the state of the health service.

Official data confirms the NHS has been crippled by a crisis, with A&E diverts and ambulance delays having reached worrying levels in recent weeks.

The new study, by Lancaster University researchers, uses data from 2016, before the 'humanitarian crisis'. The toll could be higher for 2017.

A&E staff live in fear of being attacked, researchers have revealed after tallying up how many times they are abused each year

Scared nurses and doctors have revealed they have been left with PTSD and serious injuries, and live in fear their attacker may return some day.

The findings suggest clear signs put up in hospitals warning visitors that police and security teams will escort them out the premises are being ignored.

Lancaster University researchers concluded there was a total of 70,555 reported assaults on frontline hospital staff in the UK in 2016.

The findings were made after scientists looked into reports of abuse against medics working in emergency departments in 18 countries.

Around the world, one in four emergency staff suffered some sort of physical abuse, with nurses subject to regular verbal and physical abuse.

Dr Ian Smith, a clinical psychologist and co-author of the study, made the findings by going through questionnaires and surveys by staff.

He said: 'Staff appear to passively accept violence and aggression, often when preventative and reactive strategies were inconsistently enforced.'

One healthcare worker said: 'People can swear at us, spit at us, bite at us...try and hurt us and nobody puts an incident report in.'

HOW MANY CALLS HAVE BEEN MADE TO NHS 111 THIS WINTER? NHS England data, collected from all 137 trusts across the country, show the overall number of calls made to NHS 111 for each week this winter. February 26-4 February 19-25 February 12-18 February 5-11 January 29-4 January 22-28 January 15-21 January 8-14 January 1-7 December 25-31 December 18-24 December 11-17 December 4-10 November 27-3 332,050 334,904 248,855 335,918 324,301 328,412 324,853 322,073 395,704 480,371 396,262 325,042 267,374 300,644 Advertisement

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE AMBULANCES BEEN TURNED AWAY? NHS England data, collected from all 137 trusts across the country, show the amount of times ambulances have been turned away this winter. February 26-4 February 19-25 February 12-18 February 5-11 January 29-4 January 22-28 January 15-21 January 8-14 January 1-7 December 25-31 December 18-24 December 11-17 December 4-10 November 27-3 33 13 23 30 36 43 20 6 32 39 6 30 25 11 Advertisement



It was also seen that some staff saw some patients as being able to control their violence more than other.

Another said: 'If the patient has dementia, that's a bit different than a drunk patient or just a patient angry about waiting time.'

The researchers said some workers often missed signs of increasing aggression before an attack.

Others found it hard to understand why they were being attacked when they were trying to help.

One unnamed medic said: 'My biggest hurdle was that I feel like a victim, rather than getting to be in the "superman" role.'

The study, published in the International Journal of Emergency Nursing, also found staff working on their own can often feel inadequate and guilty.

One member of staff who replied to the survey said: 'Nobody cared at all, not even the head nurse. You feel abandoned.'

It was found experiencing violence and aggression led to feelings of powerlessness, with some reluctant to work in emergency departments.

HOW MANY HAVE BEEN STUCK OUTSIDE IN AMBULANCES? NHS England data show the overall number of patients who were stuck in ambulances outside A&E units for more than half an hour this winter. February 26-4 February 19-25 February 12-18 February 5-11 January 29-4 January 22-28 January 15-21 January 8-14 January 1-7 December 25-31 December 18-24 December 11-17 December 4-10 November 27-3 11,499 12,310 13,302 10,751 11,694 11,061 11,019 12,559 16,690 16,893 11,852 14,323 11,852 10,184 WHAT ARE THE BED OCCUPANCY RATES THIS WINTER? NHS England data, collected from all 137 trusts across the country, show the overall bed occupancy rates for each week this winter. February 26-4 February 19-25 February 12-18 February 5-11 January 29-4 January 22-28 January 15-21 January 8-14 January 1-7 December 25-31 December 18-24 December 11-17 December 4-10 November 27-3 95.2% 95.2% 94.9% 95.0% 95.1% 95.1% 94.8% 94.9% 95.0% 91.7% 90.8% 95.1% 94.5% 94.5% Advertisement

Some staff were said to be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and were left with serious injuries from attacks.

One said: 'I'm always worried whether the person will come back.' Another added: 'I ended up tearing cartilage in my left knee, ended up having surgery.'

The experience of violence and aggression also had an effect on the ability or willingness of staff to do their job.

An A&E staff member said: 'A female patient... came into be treated. For some reason this triggered a post traumatic reaction for me.

'I instantly became very shaky, nauseated, and started crying... I then went to counselling for a couple of months, I think.

'My biggest hurdle... was [that I felt], and still do, feel like a victim, rather than getting to be in the "superman" role.'

Writing in the journal, researchers said: 'These accounts imply that staff's sense of self-worth was dependent on their ability to care and "rescue" patients.

'Violence and aggression in the emergency department can often be an overwhelming yet inevitable experience for staff.

'A strong organisational commitment to reducing violence and aggression is imperative.'

The psychologists also found some staff had become 'less tolerant of aggressive behaviour' which sometimes led to an increasing number of violent incidents.
A never-before-seen structure has been discovered in the tails of human sperm.

Using Noble Prize-winning technology, scientists found spirals within the tubes of sperms' tails.

Study author Davide Zabeo from the University of Gothenburg, said: 'We believe that this spiral may act as a cork inside the microtubules [a collection of tubes], preventing them from growing and shrinking as they would normally do, and instead allowing the sperm's energy to be fully focused on swimming quickly towards the egg.'

Sperms' tails play a critical role in their ability to swim and consequently fertilise an egg.

It is unclear if the spiral discovery could pave the way for future fertility treatments.

Via Noble Prize-winning technology, scientists discovered spirals within tubes in sperms' tails

DOES WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY REDUCE MALE FERTILITY? Weight-loss surgery could make men infertile, research suggested in October 2017. Semen abnormalities occur in 57.1 per cent of men after they undergo bariatric surgery, a study found. Only four per cent of the study's 79 participants fathered children after having the procedure, compared to 13 per cent before, the research adds. Dr Edward Lin, editor-in-chief of the journal Bariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care, which published the study, said: 'This study is one important piece in solving the puzzle of male infertility. 'The challenge is to see if correcting hormonal and micronutrient aberrations are enough to reverse male infertility.' The researchers, from the Hospital das Clinicas in Sao Paulo, analysed men who were attempting to conceive with their partner. Of the study's participants, 23 were followed for at least five years after having bariatric surgery; 23 for two years after having the operation; 18 were obese but did not have the procedure; and 15 were of a healthy weight. All of the participants completed a questionnaire asking them about their sexual quality of life. They were also assessed for their blood glucose, testosterone, vitamin D, zinc and semen levels. Advertisement

'We spotted something we had never seen before'

The researchers used cryo-electron tomography, which produces 3D images of cellular structures and was awarded a Nobel Prize in 2017.

Lead author Johanna Hoog said: 'Since the cells are depicted frozen in ice, without the addition of chemicals which can obscure the smallest cell structures, even individual proteins inside the cell can be observed.'

The scientists initially set out to uncover what human sperm cells look like in 3D.

Ms Hoog added: 'When we looked at the first 3D images of the very end section of a sperm tail, we spotted something we had never seen before inside the microtubules: spiral that stretched in from the tip of the sperm and was about a tenth of the length of the tail.'

The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.

What was already known about human sperm-tails' structure?

Sperm tails consist of around 1,000 building blocks, including structures known as tubulins, which form long tubes.

Attached to these tubes are moving molecules called motorproteins.

These pull and bend sperm tails, enabling them to swim.

Ms Hoog said: 'It's actually quite incredible that it can work.

'The movement of thousands of motorproteins has to be coordinated in the minutest of detail in order for the sperm to be able to swim.'

These spirals (seen more clearly in the top image) are thought to prevent sperms' tails growing and shrinking, which may allow all of their energy to be focused on fertilising an egg

Declining sperm counts could be a ticking time bomb for the human race

This comes after research released in October 2017 suggested declining sperm counts and doubling rates of testicular cancer could be a ticking time bomb for the human race.

Sperm counts have halved in the western world over the past four decades, which, alongside rising testicular tumours, could be behind plummeting fertility rates and couples' increasing dependency on IVF, according to Professor Niels Skakkebaek from the University of Copenhagen.

Hormone-disrupting pesticides sprayed onto everyday food may be too blame as the changes are occurring too rapidly for genetics to be at fault, he adds.

Professor Skakkebaek added: 'Alterations in our genome cannot explain the observations as changes have occurred over just a couple of generations.

'Modern lifestyles are associated with increased exposure to various endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as pesticides that may be harmful to humans even though exposure to individual chemicals is low.'
Government officials controversially asked a doctor to tell a patient they were being deported, it has emerged today.

The anonymous GP was approached by a branch of the Home Office to deliver the notice to an adult with mental health problems.

Union leaders condemned the 'unprecedented' request, that occurred in Liverpool, and blasted it as 'completely unacceptable'.

Despite the doctor's refusal to comply, fears have been raised that this could open the door to a flurry of similar requests.

GPs have flocked to social media to blast the news that a fellow doctor was asked to serve a deportation notice to one of their patients.

Some dismissed the letter as 'outrageous' and 'barbaric', while others stressed 'we are not border guards and immigration enforcement officers'.

The anonymous GP was approached by a branch of the Home Office to deliver the notice to an adult with mental health problems

The letter, leaked to GP Online, reads: 'It is with great regret that [X's] application for leave to remain has been refused.

'From evidence submitted to the Home Office [X] is attending [the practice].

'On the patient's next visit to the surgery, could you serve the refuse decision. This is due to the patient's ongoing mental health.'

Dr Rob Barnett, chairman of Liverpool's Local Medical Committee, confirmed the letter was real.

He told GP Online: 'It is incredible. I am concerned that a GP was in any way brought into this process.

'It cannot do anything to help the doctor-patient relationship in any circumstances. This is nothing to do with health - it is to do with immigration.'

GPs have flocked to social media to blast the news that a fellow doctor was asked to serve a deportation notice to one of their patients

Dr Umesh Prabhu, a medical director in two trusts for 15 year, said the letter was 'outrageous'

A consultant psychiatrist tweeted he is 'categorically refusing' to serve deportation notices

While others stressed 'we are not border guards and immigration enforcement officers'

Other Twitter users described the newly leaked letter as 'unacceptable' and 'barbaric'

CAN THE NHS SHARE DETAILS ABOUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WITH THE HOME OFFICE? Health chiefs have faced calls to stop sharing patient information with the Home Office, which uses the data as part of efforts to locate suspected illegal migrants. NHS Digital has an agreement which allows them to share details such as names and addresses with immigration enforcement authorities. Information can be requested in relation to those who have failed to comply with reporting restrictions, absconded from immigration control, escaped from detention, exceeded their time limit to stay in the UK or sought to obtain leave to remain by deception. NHS Digital can refuse a request if it is not satisfied it is in the public interest. In cases where the Home Office suspects an immigration offence has been committed, it provides what details it has to NHS Digital to check against its own records. If there is a match and the request is accepted, NHS Digital will disclose information from its databases, such as names, dates of birth and last known addresses. Advertisement

The letter, which was sent alongside the deportation notice, was sent by UK Visas and Immigration last August.

Dr Richard Vautrey, chair of the British Medical Association's GP Committee, said the request was 'unprecedented'.

He told GP Online: 'It is unacceptable to ask a GP to do that, and to use information from the patient record in this way.

'We have made it absolutely clear on many occasions - GPs are not an extension of the border agency or immigration service.

'We have never heard of anything like this before, and I hope it never happens again. It should be plainly obvious to anyone that this is completely inappropriate.'

A tweet posted by Dr John Hughes, from Prestwich, Greater Manchester, described it as 'totally unacceptable ethically'.

His post amassed nearly 200 retweets and has seen scores of angry doctors speak of their grave concerns over the request.

It comes just weeks after the NHS was told to stop sharing patient data with the Home Office in order to trace immigrant offenders.

Dr Sarah Wollaston, who chairs the House of Commons health select committee, criticised the deal between NHS Digital and the Home Office.

And health experts have previously warned pregnant and ill migrants are 'too scared to see a doctor' amid fears they will be deported.

MailOnline has approached the Home Office for comment.
Shedding tears could help tell if you have Parkinson's disease, a new study found.

Biomarkers could be simply detected in tears enabling doctors to diagnose the neurological illness that affects one in 500 people.

Scientists found there were minute differences in the levels of a particular protein shed in tears.

The test could help detect the disease years before symptoms develop allowing doctors to prescribe treatments such as drugs to restore dopamine in the brain.

Researchers found differences in the levels of a particular protein, alpha-synuclein, in the tears of people with Parkinson's compared to controls

The disease, which affects 127,000 Britons and 600,000 Americans, is incurable and causes involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body, slow movement and stiff and inflexible muscles.

Professor of neurology Dr Mark Lew said: 'We believe our research is the first to show that tears may be a reliable, inexpensive and noninvasive biological marker of Parkinson's disease.'

He explained tears contain various proteins produced by the secretory cells of the tear gland, which is stimulated by nerves to secrete these proteins into tears.

Because Parkinson's can affect nerve function outside of the brain, researchers hypothesised any change in nerve function may be seen in the protein levels in tears.

The study involved taking tear samples from 55 people with Parkinson's and comparing theses to tear samples from 27 people without Parkinson's but who were the same age and gender.

The researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles analysed the tear samples for the levels of four proteins.

Researchers found differences in the levels of a particular protein, alpha-synuclein, in the tears of people with Parkinson's compared to controls.

Additionally, levels of another form of alpha-synuclein, oligomeric alpha-synuclein, which is alpha-synuclein that has formed aggregates that are implicated in nerve damage in Parkinson's, were also significantly different compared to controls.

They suggested it is also possible the tear gland secretory cells themselves produce these different forms of alpha-synuclein that can be directly secreted into tears.

Total levels of alpha-synuclein were decreased in people with Parkinson's, with an average of 423 picograms of that protein per milligram (pg/mg) compared to 704 pg/mg in people without Parkinson's.

But levels of oligomeric alpha-synuclein were increased in people with Parkinson's, with an average of 1.45 nanograms per milligram of tear protein (ng/mg) compared to 0.27 ng/mg in people without the disease.

A picogram is 1,000 times smaller than a nanogram.

Professor Lew concluded: 'Knowing that something as simple as tears could help neurologists differentiate between people who have Parkinson's disease and those who don't in a noninvasive manner is exciting.

'And because the Parkinson's disease process can begin years or decades before symptoms appear, a biological marker like this could be useful in diagnosing, or even treating, the disease earlier.'

Further studies are planned in larger groups to investigate whether these protein changes can be detected in tears in the earliest stages of the disease, before symptoms start.

The findings of the preliminary study was presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 70th Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.
ASYMMETRY by Lisa Halliday (Granta 14.99)

ASYMMETRY

by Lisa Halliday (Granta 14.99)

American Lisa Halliday hasnt concealed the fact that Ezra Blazer, the novelist star of her debut, is based on her ex-lover, Philip Roth. But Blazer isnt the heart of this book.

Its the young Iraqi-American economist Amar, whose first-person narrative comprises the second of Asymmetrys three artfully unequal acts, who is its most absorbing presence.

Detained at Heathrow while en route to Kurdistan, Amar reflects on his life, faith and the madness of war  none of which apparently have any bearing on the sections concerning Blazer. But the links, though oblique, are there.

Halliday is a dazzling ventriloquist, as a transcript of Blazers Desert Island Discs appearance reveals. But its her ability to inhabit Amars consciousness so fully thats most impressive and, perhaps, the central point of her novel  as Blazer observes, fiction is one way we can get beyond the limits of our own lives to imagine the realities of others worlds.

LOVE AFTER LOVE

by Alex Hourston (Faber 12.99)

LOVE AFTER LOVE by Alex Hourston (Faber 12.99)

Therapist Nancy Jensen seemingly has it all: a lovely house in the right part of London, three well-brought-up children and a gym-toned husband blessed with endless understanding and impeccable taste. Nevertheless, she has risked it all for the past two years to pursue an affair with her colleague Adam: skinny, furrowed and with a receding hairline.

Hourston obviously wishes to emphasise the blindness of love, but theres nothing wrong with Nancys eyesight: her hungry gaze  whether that of the smitten lover or the anxious mother  misses nothing.

The accumulation of forensic detail, which is at first rather addictive, eventually teeters on the brink of too much: it feels as though no outfit, face or soft furnishing is left unappraised.

But stick with it  starting out in psychological thriller territory, this gradually turns into something more reflective and emotionally satisfying.

SAL by Mick Kitson (Canongate 12.99)

SAL

by Mick Kitson (Canongate 12.99)

This debut by Mick Kitson, formerly one half of Eighties pop band The Senators, has been the source of much publishing industry excitement  and with good cause.

Our narrator is Sal: 13 years old and with an impressive array of survival skills gleaned from YouTube and the SAS Survival Handbook.

Shes about to put them to the test  having killed her abusive stepfather, she takes off with her ten-year-old half-sister, Peppa, to the Highlands.

Together the two catch fish, trap rabbits and brew tea made with hoarded McDonalds UHT milk. But when Peppa falls ill, help arrives in an unexpected form: a septuagenarian doctor who left the old East Germany to become a hippie in Sixties England.

Its testament to the strength of Kitsons writing that none of this seems a stretch, and although his characters suffering is conveyed lightly, the complexity of their lives is never compromised (nor, impressively, are the limits of Sals understanding).

Powered by Sals innate sense of justice and her fierce love for her sweary, show-stealing sister, this original, bittersweet tale effortlessly beguiles.
HISTORY

WHAT DID JESUS LOOK LIKE?

by Joan E. Taylor (Bloomsbury 17.99)

We all know what Jesus looked like, dont we? The answer to the question posed in the title of Joan E. Taylors book is surely obvious. Jesus is one of the most easily recognisable figures in world history.

In the art of the Eastern Orthodox churches, he is literally iconic. In Western art, he is the subject of millions of images. He is so familiar that he can even be spotted when his face makes unexpected appearances in cloud formations, on pieces of toast or on Californian pancakes.

We all have a mental picture of what Jesus looks like. Most often he is a tall, European-looking man, with long hair and a beard, dressed in an ankle-length, flowing robe with baggy sleeves.

Yet none of the four Gospels includes any description of Jesuss physical appearance. There is nothing about his hair and beard. And very little about how he dressed. The urge to put a face to the holy name has nonetheless been a powerful one for believers throughout the centuries.

Joan E. Taylor delves deep into history to uncover how Jesus Christ would really have looked

Taylor cites the so-called letter of Lentulus which was once assumed to have been written by a Roman official who was Jesuss contemporary.

Lentulus had apparently seen him and been impressed. Jesus was tall in stature and admirable. He has hair the colour of an unripe hazelnut and it falls smoothly about to his ears. Unfortunately, the letter of Lentulus is a product of the Middle Ages, not the Roman era.

There have long been church relics which allegedly provide direct evidence of what Jesus looked like. There is the story of St Veronica, who is so moved by his suffering on the way to his crucifixion that she wipes his sweat and blood-stained brow with her handkerchief. His image is miraculously transferred to it.

The Veil of Veronica was on display in the medieval period. It may still survive. The most famous of these relics is, of course, the Turin Shroud. People persist in the belief that this is the Shroud in which Jesus was wrapped in his tomb, despite scientific evidence to the contrary.

Radiocarbon dating undertaken in 1988 shows the cloth goes back to the Middle Ages. The Shroud was first exhibited in north-east France at the end of the 14th century. Even then it was denounced by the local bishop as a skilfully painted forgery.

Advocates of its authenticity still claim that the body outlined on the cloth is that of Jesus.

Taylor is more interested in delving further into the past. Do the literature and art of the centuries immediately after his death preserve any real traces of what Jesus actually looked like?

Unfortunately, the first-ever depiction of him isnt much help: the second-century graffito unearthed near Romes Palatine Hill shows him with the head of a donkey, and is obviously intended to deride the new religion. The scene is accompanied by a Greek inscription which translates as Alexamenos says, Worship God!.

WHAT DID JESUS LOOK LIKE? by Joan E. Taylor (Bloomsbury 17.99)

Taylor provides a scholarly analysis of the various forms in which Jesus was shown in the early centuries after his death. The long-haired and bearded Jesus we recognise today can be found in art from the fourth century onwards, but he can also appear as a youthful, beardless, good-looking figure, not unlike Classical sculptures of Roman gods.

Other images have him in the guise of a philosopher, unkempt with tousled hair, as if his mind was so taken up with spiritual matters he had no time to care about how he looked.

One anti-Christian writer of the second century went so far as to claim that he was little and ugly and undistinguished. Even some Christians were prepared to accept this; there was all the more contrast with his spiritual glory.

In truth, the best way to get a picture of the historic Jesus is to examine archaeological evidence of the people living in first-century Judaea and to look at people in the region today.

In all likelihood, as Taylor concludes in this wide-ranging, richly illustrated study, he was probably around 5ft 5in tall, somewhat slim and reasonably muscular. He had olive-brown skin, dark brown to black hair, and brown eyes. He was likely bearded (but not heavily, or with a long beard), with shortish hair.

It turns out that we dont really know what Jesus looked like after all.
Bank of England figures show that borrowing has fallen to pre-crisis levels, though governor Mark Carney (pictured) has warned about economic strategy

Productivity in Britain is growing at the fastest pace for a decade and government borrowing has fallen to pre-crisis levels, official figures showed yesterday.

In a sign that the UK continues to defy warnings of a sharp economic slowdown, official figures showed productivity bounced back strongly in the second half of last year.

The Office for National Statistics also revealed that government borrowing has fallen to its lowest level since 2008 as stronger-than-expected tax receipts boost Treasury coffers.

The double-dose of upbeat figures came as the Bank of Englands chief economist said the fall in the pound since the Brexit vote has worked its magic on the UK by boosting trade.

However, central bank Governor Mark Carney maintained his gloomy tone over Brexit, and warned that the vote to leave the EU has made the country poorer.

Antonio Horta-Osorio, the chief executive of banking group Lloyds, was more upbeat.

The UK faces a period of political and economic uncertainty, but as Ive been saying over the last few years, we see an economy thats resilient and continues to benefit from GDP growth, he said. As an open economy, we also benefit from global growth, which has been increasing.

Productivity - or total output per hour - is crucial to the nations economic health because it is the main driver of living standards and pushes up wages and tax receipts.

But in what has been dubbed a productivity puzzle by experts, it has stagnated since the financial crisis struck a decade ago despite steady economic growth and record levels of employment.

The Bank of England and the Office for Budget Responsibility have grown increasingly gloomy about the outlook for productivity - and as a result remain cautious about how fast the economy can grow and how quickly the Chancellor can return Britain to the black.

But in a report published yesterday, the ONS said output per hour rose by 0..8 per cent in the final three months of last year.

That followed a 0.9 per cent rise in the previous months - adding up to the strongest six months of productivity growth since the recession of 2008.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Elizabeth Truss was more positive about the latest figures and said that they show the government is 'fixing our nation's finances'

Howard Archer, chief economic advisor to the Ernst & Young Item Club, said: UK productivity encouragingly saw a second successive quarter of much-needed improvement. Nevertheless, there needs to be sustained improvement in productivity to ease concerns over the UKs overall poor productivity record since the deep 2008-09 recession.

A separate report from the ONS showed strong tax receipts have pushed borrowing to the lowest level for a decade in a boost to Philip Hammond ahead of next months mini-Budget.

The government borrowed 37.7billion in the first ten months of the tax year, or 123million a day.

That was 7.2billion or 16 per cent lower than in the same period last year and put the Chancellor on course to beat his Budget targets.

It was also the smallest shortfall since 2007-08 and down from record borrowing of 433million a day in 2009-10 when the public finances spiralled out of control under Labour.

The OBR admitted that the forecasts it published just three months ago were too pessimistic.

It now looks clear that borrowing in 2017-18 will undershoot our November forecast by a significant margin, it said.

The OBR had expected the deficit to rise from 45.7billion last year to 49.9billion this year having already been cut from a record 153billion under Labour in 2009-10.

But it is now thought the deficit could come in under 40billion this year.

However, the national debt remains close to a record high above 1.7trillion, or nearly 70,000 per household.

Treasury officials admitted borrowing and debt remain too high.

Chief secretary to the Treasury Elizabeth Truss said: Just eight ago the deficit was the largest in the UKs peacetime history. We have now reduced it by three-quarters thanks to the hard work of everyone in this country. These are strong borrowing figures, which is proof that we are fixing our nations finances and reducing the burden on future generations.

January is typically a good month for the public finances because Treasury coffers are swelled by millions of workers filling in self-assessment tax returns.

The ONS report showed the government raked in 10billion more in tax than it spent on public services in January.

That was the second biggest monthly surplus of all time behind the 11.6billion haul record in January last year.

Receipts from self-assessment totalled 12.9billion last month.

Although that was 500million less than in January last year, when tax changes artificially boost receipts, the deterioration was far smaller than feared.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies suggested the OBR would now be forced to cut its borrowing forecasts when the Chancellor delivers his Spring Statement next month.

It is also likely to raise its forecasts for economic growth as Britain continues to prosper in the wake of the Brexit vote.

Thomas Pope, a research economist at the IFS, said: The Chancellor will doubtless be pleased that the Spring Statement in three weeks time can be expected to contain a downwards revision to the forecast for government borrowing this year.

Andy Haldane, chief economist at the Bank of England, said the fall in the pound since the Brexit vote has boosted the economy at a time of strengthening global growth.

On trade, we shouldnt underplay the improvement that has happened here, he said. A combination of the weakening of the pound and a stronger global economy has worked its magic and that has meant that net trade has been a significant contributor and we expect those effects to continue over the course of the next two or three years. That has been part of this rotation - actually a rather healthy rotation - towards more net trade and somewhat less consumption than would have been the case pre-referendum. Depreciations work and thats how they work.

But appearing alongside Mr Haldane at the Treasury Select Committee, Mr Carney suggested that the fall in the pound had in fact made the country poorer.

Depreciations dont work, he said. They have an economic effect. But they are not a good economic strategy. Its how you make yourself poorer.
Challenger bank Tandem has launched its long-awaited first product - and unlike rivals such as Monzo and Starling it's a credit card rather than a current account.

The Tandem card rewards users with 0.5 per cent cashback on all spending, including while on holiday. Plus it comes with no fee for use abroad.

This makes it the only card on the market which offers fee-free spending and withdrawals abroad (avoiding a typical charge of 3 per cent each) in addition to money back on purchases.

Should you sign up? We take a look.

Tandem: Spenders earn 0.5 per cent back on any purchase over 1

What is Tandem?

Tandem is one of a new breed of challenger banks aiming to entice users by offering smarter online banking and purpose-built mobile apps.

It launched in 2016 having secured a banking licence from the Financial Conduct Authority in late 2015, but subsequently lost it after House of Fraser owner, China Sanpower Group, scrapped plans to fund the bank.

Following this blow, Tandem went on to acquire Harrods Bank, reinstating its banking licence and allowing it to plough ahead with the launch of its services.

Unlike rivals such as Monzo or Starling, Tandem has first concentrated on a credit card rather than a current account.

The new credit card will work with its banking app which offers personalised spending insights.

You can link existing current accounts through the app and pull in information from other banks. The app then allows you to set budgets, see where your money is going and get balance projections based on your regular bills and spending habits.

Ricky Knox, Tandems chief executive, said: 'With our new banking licence, our banking app and our new credit card, 2018 is going to be a great year for Tandem. We are looking forward to getting our colourful cards into the hands of customers  I cant wait to start seeing customers tapping around town'.

What the Tandem card offers

The card will pay a flat rate of 0.5 per cent cashback on any purchase above 1 both at home and abroad.

On a 1,000 monthly spend on the card after a year you would have clocked up 60 in cashback.

Any cashback earned will be automatically deducted from the amount you owe at each statement date.

A word of warning: Of course the more you spend the higher the rewards so these cards are designed to encourage you to spend more.

Remember though, any earnings will be quickly wiped out if you dont clear your balance each month as the card charges 18.9 per cent APR.

Using the card abroad

There are no overseas transaction charges for using the card abroad to spend or withdraw cash.

However interest on all cash withdrawals (at home and abroad) is applied immediately, so you will want to pay it off as soon as possible.

As with most cards, if you pay off the full balance by the date show on your monthly statement you won't be charged interest on purchases made both in the UK and abroad.

Tandem wont load the rate and users receive the MasterCard exchange rate which tends to be more competitive than Visa's.

Smart spending: The app allows you to pull in information from existing accounts to see spending breakdowns and balance projections

Other fees

If you use the card to withdraw cash at home there is a fee of 2.5 per cent (minimum 2.50).

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY Three-year address history in the UK

Over the age of 18

A 'good' credit rating

Employed

A minimum income of 13,000

Interest on purchases and withdrawals is 18.9 per cent APR, although you may be offered a higher rate when you apply depending on your credit score.

The best way to avoid interest is to set up a direct debit for the full amount each month. This also ensure you bypass the 12 late payment fee.

The card offers no balance transfer feature.

Is Tandem's card any better than the rest?

There are few cards on the market offering cashback anymore.

The best cashback credit card on the market for a long time has been the American Express Platinum Cashback Credit Card that pays 5 per cent up to a maximum of 125 on spending for the first three months.

After that, if you spend up to 10,000 per year, you earn 1 per cent.

Spend more than that and you get 1.25 per cent on all spending. It comes with a 25 annual fee. Alternatively the free American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday card has no annual fee and pays 5 per cent up to 100 for three months and up to 1 per cent after that.

Similarly to Tandem Aqua's Reward credit card offers 0.5 per cent cashback and free overseas spending - but there is a cash withdrawal fee of 3 per cent (minimum 3).

The card is geared towards those with a less-than-perfect credit rating offering lower entry requirements, but hand-in-hand with this is a higher APR of 34.9 per cent.

If you just want a good card for spending abroad and are not worried about cashback one of the most popular options is the Halifax Clarity Credit Card.

You can read more about the best cards for spending abroad in our full round up here.
Neil Woodford, Britains most famous fund manager, must be wondering when his luck will change after another of his punts turned sour.

Woodford is the largest investor in roadside recovery firm AA, whose shares dived 28.1 per cent yesterday or 32.72p to 83.58p after announcing a dividend cut and major investment plans.

To rub salt into the wound, he added 6.8million shares to his holding in September, meaning he now owns a whopping 86.7 million shares, or 14.2 per cent of the troubled firm. It meant the value of his stake tumbled by a whopping 28million yesterday.

Neil Woodford, Britains most famous fund manager, must be wondering when his luck will change after another of his punts turned sour

It is the latest high-profile shocker for the fund manager, who also has stakes in struggling doorstep lender Provident Financial and Capita, the outsourcer.

Shares in travel firm Tui were sent flying by hopes that tourists were beginning to return to Tunisia following a devastating terror attack where 38 people died.

Visitor numbers plummeted after a masked gunman opened fire on beachgoers in the resort of Sousse in 2015.

But now the Tunisian government says it is expecting a record 8million tourists this year after travel firms agreed to fly passengers to the country once more.

Last week tour operator Thomas Cook resumed flights for the first time since the atrocity while Tui has pledged to begin flying there again by the summer.

Tourist minister Salma Loumi said: The return of British tourists is a very good signal for us. Tui rose 2.4 per cent, or 36.5p, to 1579p.

The FTSE 100 ended the day up 0.48 per cent, reversing a miniscule loss the day before

The FTSE 100 ended the day up 0.48 per cent, reversing a miniscule loss the day before. Elsewhere, investors in CVS Group, the UKs largest veterinary group, were purring after a ringing endorsement from a major investment bank.

Investec has given the Norfolk-based firm a buy rating and has increased its target price from 1445p to 1470p.

STOCK WATCH: Falcon Oil & Gas Shares in Falcon Oil & Gas soared after it was revealed that the driller could be sitting on vast shale gas reserves in Australia. AIM-listed Falcon is awaiting a decision from the government on whether to lift a ban on controversial fracking techniques  injecting liquid into rock at high pressure to release shale gas. A report yesterday indicating the reserves of shale gas could be greater than first thought, and Falcons shares rose 11per cent, or 1.68p, to 16.98p.

CVS, which has 450 veterinary centres in the UK and the Netherlands, has hoovered up 34 practices over the past year for nearly 34m, with deals worth around 40m in the pipeline.

Investec believes the deals could add as much as 5m to CVSs bottom line next year. Shares notched up 2.6 per cent, or 29p, to 1128p.

However, a glowing broker note had the opposite effect on Hollywood Bowl, the owner of more than 57 neon-clad ten-pin bowling alleys across the country.

Despite Investec giving the firm a buy rating and predicting attractive growth to come, its shares fell 0.5 per cent, or 1p, to 206p.

FairFX, the low-cost travel money provider, bought City Forex in a 6million deal.

City Forex offers payment services to around 2,000 businesses and 8,000 individuals and completes around 200,000 currency orders a year.

Ian Strafford-Taylor, the boss of FairFX, said: The acquisition of City Forex is a key milestone in the evolution of FairFX and will immediately enhance the groups earnings. Shares climbed 6.5 per cent, or 4.5p, to 74p.

Renewed speculation that US firms are eyeing a stake in hospital operator Spire Healthcare proved to be a tonic for the firms falling share price.

FTSE 250-listed Spire runs 39 hospitals, ten clinics and two specialist cancer centres across Britain. At closing, its shares were up 5.8 per cent, or 13.6p, to 246.6p.

AIM-listed miner Papua Mining had a tough day on the markets after announcing John Haggman, its technical director, had stepped down for family reasons.

Haggman was key in closing the deal to buy Australian precious metals miner BGM Investments last year, the firm said. Shares fell 5 per cent, or 0.05p, to 0.95p.
Coca-Cola's strategy director Jan Gustavsson

The strategy director of Coca-Colas bottling company pocketed more than 1.2million this week after he sold 49,000 shares.

Jan Gustavsson offloaded the shares, which are up 26 per cent over the past year, for 24.65 each.

The Swede joined Coca-Cola HBCs senior management in 2001, having served as deputy general council in Coca-Cola Beveragess legal department.

He started his career in 1993 as a lawyer. Last week, Coca-Cola HBC reported a 5 per cent sales rise.
Consumer goods giant Unilever is poised to ditch its UK headquarters, it was claimed last night.

The Anglo-Dutch firm - which owns the Lynx, Dove, Persil and Domestos brands - has offices in London and Rotterdam and has been weighing the decision for months, prompting intense lobbying by officials from both countries.

At the moment it has an unusual dual structure involving two parent companies that are listed and based separately in the UK and the Netherlands.

But after fending off a 114bn hostile takeover bid from Kraft Heinz last year, the company promised investors it would simplify its structure.

Consumer goods giant Unilever is poised to ditch its UK headquarters

Bosses previously said they expected a decision within the first three months of 2018, with a spokesman for Unilever last night saying no decision has been made.

But one British official said the government was braced for Rotterdam to win the struggle.

It wouldnt be a great surprise if it happened, the official told the Financial Times.

Senior figures in the Government have met with Unilever about the issue, with Business Secretary Greg Clark personally lobbying them.

The decision has become even more sensitive because of the UKs impending exit from the European Union, with the loss of the headquarters likely to be seen as a blow to Britain.

Paul Polman, Unilevers boss, said he favoured pausing the process in November because of the political turbulence.

Unilever employs 169,000 people. About 7,500 are based in the UK and 3,000 in the Netherlands.

Last night a British government spokesman played down its efforts to defend the London headquarters, insisting Clark meets with businesses all the time to discuss a range of topics.

He added: The government remains in regular contact with Unilever and we will continue to work with them during this process.

Through our recently published industrial strategy, we are working with companies across the UK to create an environment where businesses can thrive.
British businesses shouldn't be afraid to look overseas for growth with demand for products up a third in the last five years, a study suggests.

International shoppers are prepared to pay up to 22 per cent more for British goods a Barclays global survey shows, with items made here seemingly undertaking a renaissance.

Emerging markets offer growing opportunities according to the bank's data.

More than 60 per cent of consumers in China, India and UAE perceive British products to be of a superior quality and are willing to pay the highest premiums.

This jumps to three quarters when looking at 25-34 year olds in China.

Made in Britain: Barclays global research suggests that shoppers like to buy British

Furthermore, items with the Union Flag has a big pull on younger overseas buyers.

Nearly half of 18 to 34 year-olds said the inclusion of a British flag on a product encourages them to purchase it, compared to a quarter of over-55s.

The perception of quality drives international consumers' willingness to pay extra for British goods the study of more than 8,000 people shows, a good sign ahead of Brexit next year.

Barclays says there is a 3.45billion opportunity for 'Brand Britain' highlighted in its data.

This could be generated in revenue by deploying targeted marketing focused on the provenance of British products.

While the modelling focused on eight key countries, the rewards could be multiplied still further if other markets were to be factored into the analysis.

In terms of premiums overseas buyers are willing to part with, food tops the list, with international consumers willing to pay 22 per cent more for food labelled as British-made.

Cars, clothes and alcohol are other items that international consumers most consider worth paying a price premium for, if they are labelled as being British made.

Baihas Baghdadi, global head of trade and working capital at Barclays, said: 'Brand Britain continues to have widespread appeal abroad, demonstrating the continued scope for UK businesses to trade successfully overseas.

'The picture continues to look positive for Britain's exporters, with international consumers going out of their way to buy British.

'Our research shows that some of the biggest opportunities lie in emerging markets, where British craftmanship is most valued.

'The prize is substantial, and exporters should be looking to highlight the provenance of British products to take best advantage.'

Export trade to non-EU countries increased 1.5 per cent in the three months to December and the research found that the biggest opportunities for British businesses to grow exports is in emerging, high-growth markets.

While the EU and the US remain the biggest trading partners for the UK, there are significant opportunities for British businesses to grow exports to less traditional markets.

Consumers in emerging markets, like China and India, perceive British products to be more reliable and of a higher quality.

The research found that perceptions have a direct impact on the amount consumers are prepared to pay.

This makes emerging markets a prime target for exporters  64 per cent of Indian consumers, 57 per cent of Chinese, and 48 per cent in both South Africa and UAE said they would pay more for goods made in the UK because they believe the quality to be higher.

This is in comparison to our European neighbours, who are more restrained in their praise of British goods.

Just 29 per cent of respondents in France would pay more for goods made in the UK because they perceive the quality as higher.

Meanwhile, an overall 12 per cent believe that British goods are the best in the world.

Moo-ving overseas: Richard Clothier of Wyke Farms says the firm sees big opportunities ahead

'WE SEE BIG OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD'

Wyke Farms, based in Somerset, has been in business for more than 150 years and knows all about the impact of having the Union Flag on their packaging overseas.

The farm began selling cheddar to the French in the 1990s and its managing director, Richard Clothier, says it now probably has a greater distribution in France than the UK.

He said: 'One thing the French taught us is the importance of celebrating our identity  not just our Britishness, but our regional identity too  just as someone from Normandy would do.

'Being from Somerset is a big part of our cultural identity, with the wholesome, natural image that goes with that.

'Britishness has become increasingly fashionable over the last five years. If you look at the Asian markets, the Union Flag is an icon in its own right.

'There's also been a rise in celebrity chefs talking about the virtues of British food and taking that to audiences around the world, and we can boast global icons such as Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin, which are inherently British.

'Driving all that is the perception that we do things properly in the UK. So, if an overseas customer buys something made in the UK, it's perceived as being of the highest quality and standard. We're happy that our cheese fits with that.

'When we sell overseas, our cheese is packaged with a Union Flag film, so it really highlights its Britishness.

'That's especially important when you go to places like China and India, where the British have cultural ties that go back centuries.'

Wyke Farms: The business has been successfully selling cheddar in France since the 1990s

He says the fact it is a family business also helps boost the product's image and says that it often welcomes visitors from overseas who want to see the region.

He adds: 'Despite it being a longer route to market, trading overseas, especially for independent businesses, it can help expand margins and create a loyal customer base.

'We see big opportunities ahead despite the uncertainty. The global population is growing and most of that is outside the EU.

'The challenge for the Government is to do trade deals that give us access to that and to the growth markets where there are more and more affluent people.

'If we're to ride the wave of this desire for British-made products and have a role in global trade in the future, our politicians need to become more ambassadorial in their attitudes, whether that's to Europe or the US.

'There are pockets of opportunity in South America, Asia and Africa, and we want to be there from the very start, so we need a cohesive approach from businesses and government.'
Meghan McCain's feud with her on screen co-hosts is heating up both on air and behind the scenes of ABC's The View, DailyMail.com can reveal.

Sources at the network tell DailyMail.com that tensions between Joy Behar, 75, and Meghan, 33, have reached near nuclear levels and despite efforts to create peace between the Democratic co-host and Senator John McCain's Republican pundit daughter, things have only gotten more bitter.

Last month, the talk show's producers had Behar and McCain work with interior designer Jeremiah Brent to do makeovers on each other's dressing rooms in an attempt to help the two bond.

But the women were pleasant with each other temporarily, and things came to a head on the February 9 show when they faced off in a heated exchange during the Hot Topics segment.

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Tensions between The View co-hosts Joy Behar, 75, and Meghan McCain, 33, have reached near nuclear levels despite efforts to create peace between the two, sources revealed

Things came to a head on the February 9 show (pictured) when they faced off in a heated exchange during the show's Hot Topics. Co-host Sunny Hostin was forced to intervene in an attempt to get the conversation back on course

Behar criticized White House Chief of Staff John Kelly for saying he was 'shocked' about the domestic abuse claims against ousted staff secretary Rob Porter, despite reports that Kelly allegedly knew about his past.

But Behar's comments did not sit well with Meghan, who felt that mocking Kelly was offensive to Porter's ex-wives.

The argument resulted in an on-air blow up with Meghan shouting 'It is very serious and as a Republican, I am offended,' before Behar countered, 'As a Democrat, I am offended by Republicans!'

Even after co-host Sunny Hostin tried to diffuse the situation and get the conversation back on course, Behar and Meghan continued to battle in an argument that mirrored the legendary on-camera spat between former View co-hosts Rosie O'Donnell and Elizabeth Hasselbeck.

'It was like Rosie versus Elizabeth 2.0 without the split screen,' a source told DailyMail.com.

'It just escalated out of nowhere and everyone backstage and in the control room totally freaked out initially. If you think it was uncomfortable watching it on TV, imagine being in the studio audience and the staff behind the scenes.'

Following their squabble, Meghan became withdrawn and didn't participate in the show much.

Although she has only been on the show for nearly five months, DailyMail.com has learned McCain has tried to quit the show twice but was talked out of it

After the show wrapped up both co-hosts retreated to their respective dressing rooms and sounded off their grievances to show producers and network executives, DailyMail.com has been told.

Behar allegedly told producers: 'I'm sick of Meghan's bulls**t. This s**t has to stop.'

She also openly griped that she can't stomach any more of McCain's whining about everyone hating her because she's a conservative and how the audience hates her.

'If she doesn't want to work here let her a** go,' the source said Behar told executives, before adding: 'If I hear her say "my father" one more time on this show, I'm going to puke on live TV.'

Sources said Behar and most people working on the show feel McCain can't go a single episode without namedropping her father, ailing Senator McCain.

Even during their on-air dust-up, Behar yelled: 'Your father is not a part of the Republican party of today.'

When producers and executives met with McCain, she was fuming.

'She kept screaming, "I can't believe she said she's offended by all Republicans. Who does she think she is?"'

McCain went on to vent to producers about how she felt The View was a toxic environment, say sources.

Meghan's previous feud with Sunny Hostin and her ongoing feud with Behar, resulted in producers nicknaming her 'the ice princess' and new tensions with Goldberg has ABC even more concerned about whether McCain will last on the show

'For all of this drama I could have just stayed at Fox News for God's sake,' she griped.

Both women were told not to revisit the conversation on air, as McCain is notorious for wanting to bring up past feuds in new conversations during the Hot Topics segment.

Neither have addressed the blow-up publicly since, but things became awkward again when Behar was criticized by Vice President Mike Pence and conservatives after she made a joke that the VP may be mentally ill for claiming Jesus speaks to him.

'It's one thing to talk to Jesus,' smirked Behar, who identifies as a Christian.

'It's another thing when Jesus talks to you. That's called mental illness if I'm not correct. That's hearing voices.'

Pence was not amused by the joke and despite acknowledging he had not seen the episode, spoke out against the network.

'It is just simply wrong for ABC to have a television program that expresses that kind of religious intolerance,' Pence commented during an Axios event in Washington, DC.

Behar came back later that week and acknowledged that her comments were made as a joke and clarified she didn't actually feel Christians are mentally ill for believing Jesus speaks to them.

But Meghan quickly jumped in and started to politicize the moment sparking tension at the table.

Sources said Behar and most people working on the show feel McCain can't go a single episode without namedropping her father, the ailing Senator McCain. Above she is pictured during an October episode of The View that featured a visit from her father

Show moderator Whoopi Goldberg stopped her in a move that seemed to shock her and the entire table.

'The entire backstage came to a standstill when Whoopi said 'I'm going to stop you' because no one saw it coming.

But any time one of the co-hosts have come under fire in the past for something said at the table, the women stood in unity and had each other's backs,' revealed a source.

'Meghan was trying to use what happened to Joy as a chance to have an "I finally got you" moment and Whoopi wasn't going to allow that to happen on her watch. That was the first time that the public got to see that even Whoopi, a friend of Meghan's father, is tiring of her ways.'

Meghan was reportedly upset that Goldberg stopped her from speaking that day and vented to producers about it. But those gripes fell of deaf ears, as no one at The View pushes back against the EGOT winner, according to the source.

'The View is Whoopi's world and everyone else just exists in it,' the source said.

Meghan's previous feud with Hostin and her ongoing feud with Behar, resulted in producers nicknaming her 'the ice princess' and new tensions with Goldberg has ABC even more concerned about whether McCain will last on the show.

Though only having been on the show for almost five months, DailyMail.com has learned McCain has tried to quit the show twice but was talked out of it.

As a precaution, the network has been having fellow Republican Ana Navarro guest co-host frequently.

'Just in case Meghan bails on the show, they'll have their replacement already lined up,' the source added.

ABC does not, however, have any desire to get rid of McCain whatsoever despite their concerns she may quit.

The show's ratings have gone up a great deal since she's been there and the show is outperforming their direct competition The Talk by the widest margin since 2008.

'Meghan may be hell to work with, but people are tuning in each day to see which co-host she's going to have a fight with next. Her craziness creates good TV for ABC. It's almost like The View is becoming The Real Housewives of Talk Show Hosts with all the constant drama daily,' the source concluded.
The story of how Diana, Princess of Wales leaked tell-all tales for an explosive book on life inside the royal family is to be turned into a stage play.

The Diana Tapes tells how journalist Andrew Morton received secret cassette recordings from the princess before publishing Diana: Her True Story In Her Own Words, which coincided with the breakdown of her marriage with Prince Charles.

Published in 1992, the book revealed Diana had suffered from bulimia and had attempted to take her own life a number of times, described as cries for help, including throwing herself down a flight of stairs while pregnant with William.

Written by James Clements, the play is to hit the London stage this summer more than two decades after Dianas death.

The Diana Tapes tells how journalist Andrew Morton received secret cassette recordings from the princess before publishing Diana: Her True Story In Her Own Words

It moves between Mortons office, the sitting room where Diana recorded her secrets, and the dingy west London cafe where one of her best friends, James Colthurst, handed over the tapes.

The play will make its New York premiere in May before transferring to Londons Stockwell Playhouse at the end of June.

Directed by Sue Dericio, Clements will star as Morton while Ana Cristina Schuler will portray the Princess of Wales.
Special counsel Robert Mueller delivered another bombshell Thursday, charging Donald Trump's former campaign chair Paul Manafort and deputy Rick Gates with running an elaborate scheme to launder $75 million and dodge tens of millions in taxes.

Mueller filed a new superseding indictment Thursday against top former Trump campaign aides Manafort and Gates  accusing them of laundering $30 million out of a total of $75 million they had been paid, to avoid taxes.

The underlying charge is that the man who helped steer President Trump to the White House took extraordinary efforts to avoid paying his own taxes and turned in false tax returns to the IRS.

The new indictment lays out an elaborate scheme where the pair did business abroad for some unsavory clients - including the pro-Russian former Ukrainian regime - set up dozens of LLCs with offshore bank accounts in overseas tax havens, then wired money from them direct to companies they wanted to pay in the United States for their own lavish lifestyles.

Rick Gates, former campaign aide to U.S. President Donald Trump, departs after a bond hearing at U.S. District Court in Washington, U.S., December 11, 2017

Paul Manafort, former campaign manager for Donald Trump, is charged with shielding along with Gates $30 million from the feds

Dramatic move: Robert Mueller's bombshell indictment alleges that the man running Trump's presidential campaign at the time of the Republican nomination was a tax cheat

They lied to the Treasury and IRS that they did not hold foreign bank accounts, and even lied to the people who prepared their taxes, the charges allege.

The pair also masked what was in fact income as loans to avoid paying taxes on it.

When the pro-Russian regime of Victor Yanukovych was deposed in Ukraine, the pair hit money troubles, so turned to mortgage fraud in the U.S., getting loans with the aid of bogus financial documents to ensure a supply of liquid cash.

The new charges hit the pair with conspiracy, fraud, and tax charges - with a total of 32 counts.

The new charges add to the initial 12-count indictment filed in October, and follows reports of lengthy talks with Gates over a possible plea deal.

The slapping of new charges on him appears to signal that talks have broken down  and brings down even more pressure for Gates to submit.

According to the government, more than $75 million flowed through offshore accounts set up by the pair.

Manafort, 'with the assistance of GATES, laundered more than $30,000,000, income that he concealed from the United States Department of the Treasury (Treasury), the Department of Justice, and others,' according to the charges.

The indictment continues: 'GATES obtained more than $3,000,000 from the offshore accounts, income that he too concealed from the Treasury, the Department of Justice, and others.'

Among other revelations from the stunning 32-count indictment:

The pair fraudulently secured $20 million in loans by inflating their balance sheet;

Manafort 'spent millions of dollars on luxury goods and services for himself and his extended family'

They relied on offshore accounts in Cyprus, the Grenadines, and other tax havens;

Manafort and Gates had a total of 33 US companies which had access to offshore accounts

They 'disguised, as purported 'loans' more than $10 million transferred from entities in Cyprus that were in fact income.

Disgraced: Attorney Alex Van Der Zwaan is expected to plead guilty on Tuesday to lying to Robert Mueller's investigators

They are also charged with covering up the scheme. Gates is accused of lying to the IRS even after he had been charged by Mueller with money-laundering.

According to the indictment, 'As recently as October 2017, in preparation for his amended 2013 tax filing, GATES was asked by his tax preparer: 'Did you have any foreign assets/bank accounts during 2013 or 2014?'

His response: 'No.'

Authorities combed through Manafort's tax returns, concluding that from 2008 to 2014, he 'represented falsely that he did not have authority over any foreign bank accounts.'

They also dug through Manafort's array of real estate deals and loans using his homes in New York and Virginia as collateral.

He 'falsely represented the amount of debt he had by failing to disclose on his loan application the existence of' another mortgage on his Union Street [a $3 million townhouse in Brooklyn] home, for example.

The charging document also revealed that the two are alleged to have a 'co-conspirator' working for a bank - one who was involved in the mortgage fraud.

The charges allege: 'When the document [a loan application] was first submitted to Lender B, a conspirator working at Lender B replied: "Looks Dr'd. Can't someone just do a clean excel doc and pdf to me??" A subsequent version was submitted to the bank.'

The array of charges follow a report in the DailyBeast that Gates has fired his lawyer, Tom Green of Sidley & Austin. Green is known as a deal-maker who has negotiated complex plea agreements.

Instead, Gates is now being represented by Barry Pollack of Miller Chevalier, now must contend with the litanny of tax and fraud charges against his client.

The latest court action comes just two days after a Russian oligarch's son-in-law admitted lying to the FBI.

Alex van der Zwaan pleaded guilty at federal court in Washington D.C. in a plea deal with the special counsel.

The Los Angeles Times reported Sunday that Gates will himself plead guilty to fraud charges and will agree to testify against his longtime partner, Manafort.

But Thursday's bombshell raises questions over whether that will now happen.

Court documents also disclose that Manafort and Gates are charged at federal court in northern Virginia, meaning Mueller has not one but two active grand juries.

There remains uncertainty over what is happening in the initial criminal case against Gates as the Daily Beast reported Thursday that he had fired the attorney who was seen as likely to make a deal with Mueller.

MANAFORT'S PROPERTY EMPIRE

NEAR TO THE SEAT OF POWER: BOUGHT FOR $2.75 MILLION

Manafort, who was educated in Washington D.C., has been a long-time resident on the other side of the Potomac, having previously lived in Mount Vernon.

He now owns a large condo in Alexandria, overlooking the river.

In January 2015 he and his wife bought the three-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom unit in this large condo block for $2.75million, through 601 NF Associates LLC.

The 2,779 square foot property is now estimated to be worth $2.9 million.

LOFT IN NEW YORK'S TRENDY SOHO: PAID $2.85 MILLION

As well as a place in the Trump Tower on 5th Avenue, the Manaforts own the entire floor of a SoHo building.

Public records show they bought it through one of Manafort's LLCs, MC Soho Holdings, for $2.85 million in February 2012, with a mortgage for $1.5 million.

The two-bed, two bath property enjoys a huge living area, and sunny views in an area known for its designer clothes outlets and celebrity-friendly restaurants.

In March 2016, the couple became the formal owners of the property in their own name.

They have two mortgages outstanding on it now, both loans from Citizens Bank, totaling $2.042 million.

The court papers filed Monday show that he was renting it out on AirBnB and alleged that he told his son-in-law to mislead a mortgage appraiser that it was his second home.

BROWNSTONE IN BROOKLYN: $3 MILLION FIXER-UPPER

The Manaforts appear to be as much property investors as owners.

In 2012 one of his LLCs, MC Brooklyn Holdings LLC, paid $2.995 million for this four-story unit on Union Street in Carroll Gardens, one of Brookyln's most prestigious areas. His investment was revealed by local blog, Pardon Me For Asking.

There are permits to turn it into a single-family house and work has been under way for some time although city authorities ordered work to be stopped in January this year, apparently because the applicant for permission to work had 'withdrawn'.

This is likely to be linked to the change of ownership that month from Manafort's LLC to him and his wife.

The property now has $6.8 million of mortgages taken out on it, made up of three separate loans all in the couple's names.

Manafort told the New York Post that he plans to finish renovations by the end of the year, after neighbors complained about the state of the 22-foot wide brownstone.

LONGTIME HAMPTONS RETREAT: UNKNOWN MILLIONS

The Manaforts have owned this large detached property in Bridgehampton, on Long Island, since at least 1984.

It is an estimated 5,600 square feet, set far back from a quiet country road.

It puts the couple in walking distance of the beach and allows them access to the Hamptons social scene - although it is unclear how much the couple participate; the Hamptons can offer a very discreet summer retreat to those who do not wish to be widely seen.

An estimate for its value was not immediately available but a nearby 9,000 square ft property on a similar amount of land sold in 2014 for $11 million, suggesting that a price tag of $5m to $6m could be realistic as a starting point - but the huge investment in the home detailed in the Mueller indictment would have to be taken into account too.

THE PROPERTIES WHICH ARE SAFE... SO FAR

NEIGHBOR TO THE PRESIDENT: PAID $3.6 MILLION

Manafort bought his upper-floor apartment in Trump Tower in November 2006, using an LLC he controlled called John Hannah LLC.

Public records show a purchase price of $3.675 million. The condo is thought to be around 1,500 square feet, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is unclear.

Its estimated current value would be likely to be significantly higher.

It was only in January 2015 that the property was transferred from the LLC to direct ownership by the Manaforts.

But in April that year, the Manaforts took out a $3 million mortgage on the property with UBS.

CHINATOWN HOME FOR HIS DAUGHTER: PAID $2.5 MILLION

Manafort and his daughter Andrea bought a three-bedroom, three-bathroom condo apartment in a desirable part of Manhattan's Chinatown in 2007 for $2.54 million.

Public records suggest that it was jointly purchased by Andrea, now 31, and Jesand Investment Corporation LLC, which is controlled by her father.

The 2,100 square foot home has three outdoor terraces, a built-in wine cooler, and is in a doorman building with its own gym and parking.

Andrea is no longer thought to live in New York but public records do not suggest the Manaforts have yet sold the property.

It was listed for sale in 2013 for $4.85 million and put on the market again for $2.6 million in 2014 but no sale appears to have resulted.

She married her husband Christopher Shand, an HR manager for a restaurant chain, in their native Washington D.C.'s St Regis hotel in May 2015.

FLORIDA HOME HANDY FOR MAR-A-LAGO: BOUGHT FOR $1.5 M

The Manaforts enjoy a waterside 4,000 square foot property in Palm Beach Gardens for a sunshine getaway.

They purchased it in September 2007 for $1.5 million and it is thought to have four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

The address is the one which appears to be most commonly used on company registrations for the Manaforts' network of LLCs, suggesting it may be their most common place of residence.

It is in easy reach of Mar-a-Lago, the president's 'Winter White House', which is around 20 minutes drive away.

$2.7 MILLION LOAN TO HELP SON-IN-LAW BUY BEL-AIR MANSION

The complexities of Manafort's property deals involve his son-in-law Jeffrey Yohai, 35.

Public records show that Manafort loaned $2.71million to help yet another LLC buy a Bel-Air property with a 3,746 square feet two-story home set on 1.26 acres of land. It has views over the ocean, making it a prestigious property in one of Los Angeles' most desirable areas.

The five bed, five bath house appears to have been bought by the LLC, which is one of house developer Yohai's vehicles, for $8.5 million, public records suggest.

However Yohai went into Chapter 11 bankruptcy late in 2016, The Real Deal reported, and Manafort is now a creditor to his son-in-law, who had three other properties under development which are part of the bankruptcy petition.

DailyMail.com is not adding his $2.7 interest to the estimate value of his property portfolio.

Separately Yohai was involved in a legal case alleging that he was running a Ponzi scheme in New York.

THE D.C. POWER MANSION: SOLD FOR $1.4 MILLION

Sold: Five-bed, seven and a half bathroom property in Mount Vernon wet for $1.425 million in 2015

The Manaforts sold their long-time Mount Vernon mansion in June 2015 for $1.425 million.

The five-bed, 7.5 bathroom property had one of the area's largest outdoor swimming pools and was where both their daughters were brought up.
This is the touching moment a train worker and her young son were finally able to see each other after a long separation.

The long-awaited reunion lasted just four minutes on a platform in China, but Zeng Xinyi and her child Xiao Ran cherished every second.

They held and kissed each other before Ms Zeng had to go back to her train. The mother broke down in tears as soon as the train's door shut.

Long-awaited reunion: Zeng Xinyi and her son Xiao Ran met on the platform in Ji'an, China

Time to say goodbye: Ms Zeng cried on her colleague's shoulder after the short meeting ended

Lonely: Little Xiao Ran stood on the empty platform after her mother's train left the station

Ms Zeng, a conductor, and her husband, a chef, both work for the Chinese railway system in Fujian Province. As they have to work rotating shifts on different long-distance train routes, it is hard for them to take care of their young son.

Therefore, they decided to take their child to Ji'an in Jiangxi Province to be looked after by his grandparents.

The family of three rarely see each other in a year. When the couple are off, they have to take the train for eight hours just to spend a day with little Xiao Ran, according to Fuzhou Railway System which the couple work for.

So happy: The picture, taken one day before the meeting, shows an excited Xiao Ran

I miss my mum: Xiao Ran play in his home in Ji'an after knowing he could finally see his mother

Get prepared: Xiao Ran gets out of his bed very early on the day as he prepares to see his mum

On February 12 - days before the Lunar New Year - little Xiao Ran was told that his mother's train would pass the Ji'an Train Station, which is his home station, on the next day.

The train would travel from Chongqing in south-west China to Xiamen in south-east China on a 31-hour journey and would stop in Ji'an for four minutes.

The boy insisted his grandparents take him to the Ji'an Train Station so he could meet his mother during a short stopover.

He had not be able to spend the Lunar New Year with his parents for three years due to their busy work.

The next morning, the boy got up earlier than usual, brushed his teeth and got dressed by himself.

Then he took the bus for some 50 minutes with his grandparents to get to the train station. Xiao Ran is said to be especially nervous as the train was arriving at 12:17pm.

Well dressed: Xiao Ran puts on his cardigan by himself before heading out to the train station

Finally here: Xiao Ran's grandparents walk with him on the platform before the reunion

Sad moment: The boy looks glum after his mother had to rush back to the train she worked on

As soon as the train stopped, Xiao Ran ran towards his mother who was stepping off the carriages.

Four minutes passed quickly and Ms Zeng had to return to her post.

A teary Ms Zeng waved at her young son through the glass window. Xiao Ran waved back at his mother until he could no longer see the train.

Xiao Ran is one of the millions of children in China who live apart from their parents due to the parents' work. These children see their mother and father just a few time a year and are usually looked after by their grandparents.

Among these children, more than nine million are 'left behind' in the countryside by their parents who work and live in the city.

In most cases, these so-called 'left-behind' children see their mother and father only once a year around the Lunar New Year.
Ford has ousted one of its top executives after he admitted inappropriate behavior.

North America President Raj Nair is leaving the company effective immediately, Ford said in a statement. His replacement has not yet been named.

Ford would not specify what behavior led to Nair's departure, though said it investigated after an anonymous complaint about Nair was made to the company's 24-hour hotline a few weeks ago.

Raj Nair, Ford's North America President, has stepped down after admitting 'inappropriate behavior' following an anonymous complaint

'We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration,' said Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett in the statement.

'Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values.'

Nair expressed regret in a statement distributed by Ford.

'There have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviors consistent with the principles that the company and I have always espoused,' Nair said.

Nair said he had nothing to add to that statement when reached by phone Wednesday by The Associated Press.

The company is not investigating other executives for similar cases, a Ford spokesman said.

As North American chief, Nair was responsible for operations that generate about 90 per cent of Fords global profits.

Nair, 53, was appointed to his current position last May when Hackett became CEO of the No. 2 U.S. automaker.

Nair previously served as Ford's chief technical officer. He joined Ford in 1987 and rose through the automaker's manufacturing and engineering ranks to become head of global product development in 2015.

Nair's resignation comes after Ford agreed to pay out $10.1million to settle an investigation into racial and sexual harassment of African American workers at two factories in Chicago

Nair stands to lose about $4.8million worth of Ford restricted shares he was granted in May 2017 that would have vested had he remained with the company until May 2020.

In August, Ford agreed to pay up to $10.1million to settle an investigation into sex and race harassment at two plants in Chicago conducted by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The EEOC said female and African-American employees had been subjected to sexual and racial harassment and found the automaker retaliated against employees who complained about the harassment or discrimination.

Hackett, who joined Ford last May, warned employees that Ford had no tolerance for misconduct after The New York Times published the allegations.

'We don't want you here, and we will move you out for engaging in any behavior like this,' Hackett said in a letter to employees.

'Our promise is there will be no retaliation against anyone who speaks up, and no one is above the rules, no matter where they are in the hierarchy. This is absolute.'

Hackett also said Ford had hired more people to investigate charges of harassment or discrimination.

Nair joins numerous business leaders who have been fired or have resigned in recent months because of inappropriate behavior in the workplace.

Casino magnate Steve Wynn resigned from his company earlier this month because of sexual misconduct claims.

Omeed Malik, a managing director at Bank of America, resigned in January over a sexual misconduct claim.

Michelle Krebs, an executive analyst with the car shopping site Autotrader, said companies in every industry are looking at employee behavior in a new light, and the auto industry is no exception.

But the timing is particularly bad for Ford, which has struggled to lay out a clear direction for its future. Nair was a rising star at the company, she said.

Joseph Holt, ethics professor at the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business, praised Ford, saying companies have to take action when their codes of conduct are violated,

'When inappropriate behavior is tolerated or exceptions are made for star employees, then leadership is not clear, credible or consistent in its upholding of professed values, and that invites well-founded employee cynicism,' he said.
A West Australian paedophile already convicted of sexually assaulting two children is now facing charges for a separate incident related to another child 9 News reported.

Vincenzo Mule is facing five counts of indecent dealing with a child and two counts of sexual penetration of a child, it's alleged he committed these offences against a six-year-old boy.

It is also alleged Mule knew the six-year-old boy between August 2014 and October 2015.

A West Australian paedophile already convicted of sexually assaulting two children is now facing charges in the Western Australian District Court (pictured) for a separate incident related to another child

The Western Australian District Court heard Mule already had a previous conviction on his record of luring a four-year-old girl and five-year-old boy into a shed at his residence in April of 2016.

The court was told he used icy poles to lure the children into the shed where he then sexually abused them.

Mule then took the children to Hyde Park before abandoning them there.

Defence counsel Mark Gunning cautioned the jury against allowing the previous conviction, which would no doubt cause distress to the jurors, to cloud their judgement of this separate case.

Mr Gunning said Mule, according to law, is presumed innocent in this case and that the jury must deliver their verdict based only on the evidence provided.

Defense counsel said a past conviction, where the accused sexually abused two children before abandoning them at Hyde Park in Perth (pictured) should not cloud their judgement of the current case in which the defendant is denying the charges.

'You are repulsed by it. It's not the way you live your life. But you've got a job to do,' he told the jurors.

'Your job is as judges of the facts and if you sit there and go 'well, I've heard that, I don't need to hear any further evidence' then why are we here?

'It is very important that we don't become like the wild west.'

Mr Gunning said his client denies the charges, the court will also hear the testimony from the boy, his mother and the Western Australian police.
A toddler has drowned to death during the construction of a backyard family pool.

Jake Rhodes died in hospital one day after he was found face down in an unfinished fibreglass pool in Pimlico, northern New South Wales on January 16, 2014.

An inquest has been opened into the tragic death, to investigate why the unfinished pool was filled with water and why temporary fencing failed to save the child.

Jake Rhodes died in hospital one day after he was found face down in an unfinished fibreglass pool in Pimlico, northern New South Wales on January 16, 2014

A temporary fence was constructed around the pool, but had an opening to allow the trade workers to come and go, The Herald reported.

The opening was ultimately how 21-month-old Jake gained entry to the pool before he was found face down.

Pool builder Brian Bragg told the inquest the pool was partially filled with water by day three of the week-long construction.

He said it was necessary to partially fill a fibreglass pool during the construction period 'to make sure the pool is stable'.

The investigation also considered whether it was feasible to construct a permanent child-proof fence during the construction phase.

The Narellan Pools Northern Rivers franchisee said it would be an 'interference' to build a permanent child-proof fence.

A temporary fence was constructed around the pool (stock) , but had an opening to allow the trade workers to come and go

Jake Rhodes died in hospital one day after he was found face down in an unfinished fibreglass pool in Pimlico, northern New South Wales on January 16, 2014 (property pictured)

'It's a great idea, I'd love to see something permanent, but I think logistically it's impossible,' he told the coroner.

'The temporary fence does its job if it's erected properly. It gives the ability to contractors to do their job without the interference.'

The inquest into Jake's death continues.
Pictured: Luke Perrett (left) will spend less than two years behind bars after pleading guilty to trafficking ice throughout south east Queensland

A Queensland father will only spend two years behind bars despite playing a high-level role in a drug syndicate which sold $17.5million worth of ice in 18 months.

Luke Perrett, 39, made about $20,000 a week as the co-director of a drug supply syndicate which moved 65 kilograms of methamphetamine, mostly throughout south east Queensland, Sunshine Coast Daily reported.

On Wednesday, the father-of-three pleaded guilty to five charges, including trafficking, possessing a dangerous drug and receiving tainted property.

Crown prosecutor Mark Whitbread told Brisbane Supreme Court Perrett made about $1.6million personally from selling the drug to street dealers.

Last year, Perrett turned on his supplier, Ngoc Tan Phan.

He told police the drugs were brought in by the 35-year-old's Vietnamese uncle, who was based in Sydney and imported the ice from China 'every two to three months', The Courier Mail reported.

Perrett was unable to confirm if the uncle was an actual relative, or was simply referred to as one.

Perrett told police his boss in the syndicate, Ngoc Tan Phan (pictured), was receiving the methamphetamine from his Vietnamese 'uncle', who was based in Sydney

Over the course of 18 months, the syndicate trafficked 65 kilograms of methamphetamine, with a street value of about $17.5million (stock image)

He told officers Phan had implied the methamphetamine was brought into the country on houseboats, and that low-level syndicate members would pick the drugs up from Sydney before driving them to Brisbane in broad daylight.

The ice was hidden in secret glove box compartments, or next to the fuel tank. It was sealed in zip-lock bags before being wrapped in newspaper and sprinkled in peppercorns.

Finally, the parcels were vacuum packed and hidden inside the vehicles, which were inconspicuous sedans and 4WDs.

During Perrett's sentencing at the Brisbane Supreme Court on Wednesday, Justice David Boddice told the court the former cafe owner was part of a 'sophisticated' distribution syndicate.

'The magnitude [of the operation] was enormous,' he said.

Perrett was sentenced to six years behind bars and will be eligible for parole in January 2020.
The Broward County Sheriff held a press conference on Wednesday where he told reporters that trained deputies will now carry AR-15 rifles on campuses, following the deadly school shooting that happened on Thursday in Parkland, Florida.

The decision was implemented on Wednesday morning.

Shooter Nikolas Cruz, 19, admitted to shooting and murdering 17 people, and injuring 15 others, at Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School on Valentine's Day.

When the Sheriff was asked about whether a motive behind the shooting had been determined, Israel replied, 'Pure evil, pure evil.'

Mostly discussing ways he'd make students safer moving forward, Sheriff Scott Israel told reporters that we need better gun control, and not everyone in America should be allowed to own a firearm.

'We're at a point in American history where if we're gonna be safe, it's up to the law makers,' he added at the press conference.

For his part, Sheriff Israel said his deputies who are qualified and trained will now be carrying rifles on school grounds, and some will be carrying AR-15s.

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Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel held a press conference on Wednesday to provide updates into their investigation into the deadly school shooting that happened on Thursday in Parkland, Florida

When the rifle is not actually on a deputy's person, it will be stored and locked in a police vehicle, and in no other location, he said.

'We need to be able to defeat any threat that comes on to campus,' he said.

Israel was careful to point out that AR-15 does not stand for 'automatic rifle,' as many people think. AR-15s are named after the company that created the weapon in the 1950s, called ArmaLite. The 'AR' portion of the name, therefore, stands for 'ArmaLite rifle.'

Israel explained that the rifles to be carried by his trained deputies will be semi-automatic, meaning they will allow law enforcement to shoot one bullet per each trigger pull, without having to do anything to prepare the gun to shoot the next bullet.

Semi-automatic means that once a bullet is fired, another is automatically reloaded, as long as there are still bullets remaining in the magazine.

The difference between a semi-automatic and a fully automatic weapon is that if you hold down the trigger on a fully automatic weapon, it will continue to fire multiple bullets, without stopping, until the ammunition cartridge, or magazine, has been emptied.

He added: 'Laws have to be changed, we can't do the same-old, same-old.'

'I'm not a lawmaker, I can only enforce the laws on the books, but things needs to be changed in America,' he said.

'And I'm gonna use my voice and my platform in the Broward County Sheriff's Office to try and get that accomplished.'

'Even if these things don't work out, so what?' the Sheriff asked, rhetorically. His message was that trying is better than doing nothing, and continuing to throw around language about 'having conversations' without taking action.

Shooter Nikolas Cruz, 19, admitted to shooting and murdering 17 people, and injuring 15 others, at Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School on Valentine's Day

Beyond that, the Sheriff discussed his opinions on other ways to better secure schools during the press conference.

'It's a three-pronged approach,' he said. 'I think schools as soft targets need to be fortified. We need to look at how many school resources deputes are being employed at each school. I think the cities and I need to look at that.'

'Certainly every school in the nation should have a school resource deputy, there should be no school that doesn't have at least one,' the Sheriff added, when asked to elaborate on the point.

He continued: 'There are things like CPTED, which is Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.

'I think we could build schools differently, or even with schools that are already built, look at how environmentally we can build things that could protect an egress, an escape route.

'We also need to talk about sensible gun control. There are certain people in this country who shouldn't be allowed to ever have a gun.'

The Sheriff also said that the Baker Act should be expanded, which is the law that allows law enforcement to take individuals into custody, involuntarily, if they are thought to be an imminent threat to themselves or others

Sheriff Israel said his deputies who are qualified and trained will now be carrying rifles on school grounds, and some will be carrying AR-15s (stock image)

The Sheriff also said that the Baker Act should be expanded, which is the law that allows law enforcement to take individuals into custody, involuntarily, if they are thought to be an imminent threat to themselves or others.

He referenced how that would change how officers can deal with people who post things on social media that are of a violent or threatening nature.

'They may not be an immediate threat to themselves or someone else,' he said, 'but if they are at threat or their language is threatening, if they talk about "I want to grow up and be a killer," if they have graphic pictures of blood and gore, and we have through a totality of evidence, a belief that this person needs to be examined by a medical professional, we need to be able to take that person and involuntarily Baker Act them.'

He also added that when a person leaves a mental facility after such an evaluation, they should not be given back any weapons they might own.

They should, instead, be considered to be in a state of rehabilitation, similar to that of people who are recovering from physical injuries and don't immediately return to their previous, everyday lifestyle, he said.

'For people who suffer from mental illness, my heart goes out to them,' Sheriff Israel said.

'I want to see people heal, of course, but when people have just undergone a psychiatric evaluation and we're worried about their mental health, these people need to be away from guns, until they are evaluated, maybe years down the road.'

Regarding his recommendations, the Sheriff said he would be meeting with city officials to try to get these things implemented.

The Sheriff reiterated during the press conference that School Resource Officer and Sheriff's Deputy Scot Peterson was on campus at Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School on Thursday, and armed, at the time of the attack.

But the campus spans 45 acres and he was not located where the shooter carried out the tragic massacre. The SRO did not discharge his weapon, Israel said.

Peterson's actions, as well as the actions of all deputies involved, will be scrutinized, Israel said. 'This is a fluid investigation,' the Sheriff said.

He added that Peterson had the tools and training necessary, should an opportunity have presented himself to contain the shooter.

He said their training and policies are clear that in an active shooter situation in a school, law enforcement are supposed to 'push towards the shooter' and 'contain the threat.'

The Sheriff said his office would be sure to follow up with answers to any questions he wasn't able to provide on Wednesday.

In response to theories that have surfaced on the internet in the days after the attack that student victims who have come forward are actors, Sheriff Scott Israel said that made no sense.

'To anybody who would say that these are actors and these weren't real students, it defies logic and comprehension,' Sheriff Scott Israel said.
Zombie-drug flakka has arrived in the holiday paradise of Byron Bay, with violent users causing havoc throughout the town.

The tourist destination on the New South Wales north coast is fast losing its reputation as an idyllic party town as police struggle with the drug scourge.

Footage taken with officers on nightly patrols show youths snorting drugs in public, violent addicts being arrested and people passed out in gutters.

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Zombie-drug flakka has arrived in the holiday paradise of Byron Bay, with violent users causing havoc throughout the town (pictured is a man passed out in the town)

The tourist destination on the New South Wales north coast is fast losing its reputation as an idyllic party town as police struggle with the drug scourge (pictured are police making an arrest)

The idyllic beachside town of Byron Bay is a magnet for holidaymakers from around the world

Tweed Byron Police Detective Inspector Matt Kehoe said flakka users are a nightmare for law enforcement, and said the drug is worse than ice.

'They have an incredible pain threshold, it has been described as superhuman strength,' he told Seven News.

'It is disappointing, you do see drugs being dealt openly here.'

Shocked tourists are finding themselves victims of assaults, with one woman describing how she was punched in the face while out on the town for her birthday.

Footage taken with officers on nightly patrols show youths snorting drugs in public, violent addicts being arrested and people passed out in gutters (pictured are police making an arrest)

Tweed Byron Police Detective Inspector Matt Kehoe said flakka users are a nightmare for law enforcement, and said the drug is worse than ice (pictured is a police car allegedly smashed by a drug user)

Byron Bay's reputation as an idyllic party town is in tatters as the destination grapples with violent users of the drugs flakka and ice

'The guy lined me up, held my face and punched me in the face,' said Inga Schollbach, in Byron Bay as a tourist.

Another traveller, from North America, said a violent man he feared had a knife threatened to kill him.

While police are busy arresting violent offenders, drunk and drug-affected young men fill the streets at night causing carnage.

Video from the police beat shows a group of men snorting drugs off rubbish bins before scaling the wall to a construction site.

Byron Bay, a popular destination for international tourists and Hollywood power couples such as Liam Hemsworth (pictured, left) and Miley Cyrus (pictured, left), is also dealing with a ice epidemic

While police are busy arresting violent offenders, drunk and drug-affected young men fill the streets at night causing carnage (pictured is Byron Bay)

Others can be seen crowded around a bus stop, acting aggressively and damaging public property.

Police have been criticised for two heavy-handed arrests, including one which took place in front of horrified holidaymakers on a crowded beach.

Last week a female officer was filmed allegedly knocking a teenager unconscious, but police claim the 18-year-old tried to bite the officer.

Pictured is an user of the zombie-drug flakka - which gives users superhuman strength - filmed overseas

What is the zombie-drug flakka? What is flakka? Flakka is a street drug which first appeared in South Florida in 2014 The synthetic drug is made from alpha-PVP, an amphetamine-type stimulant from the cathinone class of drugs Flakka is also known as 'flocka' or 'gravel' and often called the 'zombie-drug' What are the short term effects of flakka? - Aggressive behaviour - Euphoria - Bizarre and uncontrollable behaviour - Alertness - Heart palpitations - Increased blood pressure - High doses can lead to hyperthermia, resulting in muscle breakdown, dehydration and renal failure Flakka has 'comedown' - the period when the drug wears off - effects including depression and fatigue What are the long term effects of flakka? - Addiction - Possible kidney failure - Paranoia and delusions As flakka is a relatively new drug there is scant data on its long term effects, but doctors believe they may be similar to those of other stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines Advertisement

In January footage of four armed police arresting a teenage boy went viral, but police claim the 16-year-old was being aggressive and resisting arrest.

Byron Bay, a popular destination for international tourists and Hollywood power couples such as Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus, is also dealing with a ice epidemic, which locals say costs far less than in capital cities.

At Christmas a Canadian tourist, who police said was high on ice, was arrested after allegedly throwing himself into a police car and smashing the windscreen.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Byron Shire Council and Mayor Simon Richardson for comment.
A father has been injured defending his family against a gang of thugs during a violent brawl.

Garshaw Wakeyo was attacked after going outside his home in Girrawheen, Perth, after going to investigate a group of up to six teenagers looking into parked cars.

As he and others went to check the cars, the 49-year-old was struck in the head with a metal rod, used for fencing, about 1.30am on Wednesday morning.

Garshaw Wakeyo (pictured) was attacked after going outside to check on his vehicle but his first instinct was to protect his wife and daughters

As he and others approached the teenagers, he was struck by a star picket

He was forced to barricade his wife and daughters inside their Girrawheen home as the teenagers tried to storm the house.

'I wanted to save my family first. I don't care about me,' he told 9 News.

He said despite the horrific encounter he feels lucky as he still has his life and his kids.

During the incident two other men aged in their 20s and 60s were assaulted, and they were later taken to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment.

The aggressive youths took aim at cars in the driveway (pictured) and smashed windows

Neighbour Barry Scribens told 9 News Perth residents were terrified.

'They were really angry I mean the ferocity of it had to be seen to be believed - It was full on,' he said.

'They were just going ballisticThere was a big group of people throwing rocks and pulling sticks from around the shrubs... belting cars and throwing rocks through the house.'

Before fleeing the group smashed several house and car windows with rocks.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers.
Terrifying footage showing the full force of Cyclone Gita has emerged, as the storm continues to ravage New Zealand.

Video shows a raging river of mud carrying huge logs down a road on a rural property.

The video was filmed in Woodstock Valley area near Motueka and posted online Diana Wood on Tuesday.

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Video shows a raging river of mud carrying huge logs down a road on a rural property

The video was filmed in Woodstock Valley area near Motueka and posted online Diana Wood on Tuesday.

The area recorded extreme rainfall during Cyclone Gita, with a number of properties and roads being damaged in the wild weather.

New Zealand is being battered by cyclone Gita after the tropical storm devastated the Pacific island nations of Fiji and Tonga last week.

Seven districts - including Christchurch, Grey District and Buller District have declared a state of emergency as the cyclone began to make landfall overnight.

Tens of thousands were without power on Tuesday night as locals were warned to prepare for floods, huge waves and gusts of winds reaching close to 200km/h.

New Zealand defence force troops were deployed as reports came through that homeowners were trapped on their roofs by flood waters.

More than 60 tourists , mostly from China, are reportedly trapped inside two tour buses in Whataroa, on the South Island, as the eye of the storm passes through.

Another video shows flooded roads in Woodstock Valley near the Motueka Tasman District

The area recorded extreme rainfall during Cyclone Gita

Tens of thousands were without power on Tuesday night as locals were warned to prepare for floods, huge waves and gusts of winds reaching close to 200km/h.

The council has urged people to stay inside and not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary.

Even before the storm hit in full force, heavy rains in the centre of New Zealand brought floods in Christchurch, prompting a warning from Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

Seven districts including Christchurch, Grey District and Buller District have declared a state of emergency as the cyclone began to make landfall overnight

'The full impact of the storm will be felt overnight and tomorrow morning,' she said, urging residents of low-lying areas to evacuate.

'We are expecting homes to be flooded.'

Even before the storm hit in full force, heavy rains in the centre of New Zealand brought floods in Christchurch

New Zealand is experiencing the full brunt of Cyclone Gita with flooding and winds expected to reach 200km/h

The full impact of the storm will be felt overnight and tomorrow morning,' she said, urging residents of low-lying areas to evacuate.

Residents are urged to stay inside unless it is urgent during the full brunt of Cyclone Gita

Air New Zealand said all flights to the capital would be grounded from 2.45 pm as weather authorities issued warnings of severe weather and heavy rain.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said troops had fanned out to areas likely to be the hardest hit and the national Civil Defence office in Wellington was on standby to help.

'My message still to people is please look out for your local warnings and expect disruption to travel and please just be careful,' she told reporters at parliament.

Locals were warned to prepare for floods, huge waves and gusts of winds reaching close to 200km/h

The cyclone had since been downgraded to a storm, but forecasters said it was still likely to wreak havoc on Tuesday evening as it traversed the centre of New Zealand

Cyclone Gita hit the Pacific island nations of Fiji and Tonga last week, packing winds up to 275 km/h.

Fiji escaped major damage but Tonga suffered widespread destruction and flooding. Earlier, the storm had caused extensive damage in Samoa and American Samoa.

Tens of thousands were without power on Tuesday night after locals were warned to prepare for floods

Parts of the country are still reeling from a huge storm that prompted authorities to declare states of emergency at the beginning of February

The cyclone had since been downgraded to a storm, but forecasters said it was still likely to wreak havoc on Tuesday evening as it traversed the centre of New Zealand.

Parts of the country are still reeling from a huge storm that prompted authorities to declare states of emergency at the beginning of February.

More than 40 schools and preschools shut in the upper South Island, while mayors urged people to stay home.
A home has been sprayed with bullets in a suspected drive-by shooting early on Thursday morning.

The residence on Thalia Street, in Hassall Grove in Sydney's west, was shot at about 3am.

Police from Mt Druitt Local Area Command responded to reports of gunfire and found damage 'consistent with gunshots' to a front window.

A home has been sprayed with bullets in a suspected drive-by shooting early on Thursday morning (pictured is the scene)

The residence on Thalia Street, in Hassall Grove in Sydney's west, was shot at about 3am (pictured is the scene)

Early investigations suggest the shooting was targeted, police said, but no arrests have been made.

Officers set up a crime scene around the home and the area is being examined by forensic specialists.

No one was injured in the shooting.
President Trump's longtime bodyguard Keith Schiller left the White House in September, but he hasn't left politics for good.

CNBC reported Wednesday that Schiller's private security firm, KS Global Group, has been collecting $15,000 a month to handle 'security services' for the Republican National Committee.

The network found Schiller is performing security consulting on the site selection process for the 2020 Republican National Convention, and was being paid out of the RNC's convention fund, which CNBC described as a 'lightly regulated funding stream.'

Keith Schiller, President Trump's longtime bodyguard who briefly worked in the White House as the director of Oval Office operations is now getting money from the Republican National Committee's convention fund to provide 'security services,' CNBC reported

Keith Schiller, seen in the lobby of Trump Tower, has worked for President Trump since 1999 and left the White House in September, only to start getting paid $15,000 a month by the Republican National Committee from October until January

The White House referred NBC News' questions to the RNC.

In total, Schiller's firm has made $75,000 from the RNC since October, the month after he left his White House gig.

The most recent payment between the two entities was made on January 31.

With the 2020 Republican National Convention about two and a half years away, CNBC calculated Schiller would bring in more than $500,000 for his work at his going rate.

Stephen Spaulding, a former Federal Election Commission official who is now with the group Common Cause, had no problem labeling the pot of money Schiller was getting paid from as a 'slush fund.'

'These sorts of party accounts are notorious for being operated as slush funds  lightly regulated and ripe for abuse,' Spaulding said to NBC News.

'Trump's bodyguard's firm is getting a fat payout from the RNC and its deep-pocketed donors,' Spaulding continued.

The former special counsel for the FEC noted that individuals contributors can give $101,900 a year to a political party's convention account.

CNBC's report also notes that Schiller is being paid more now than when he was working in the Trump White House, where his annual salary was $165,000 as 'director of Oval Office operations.'

During the Trump campaign Schiller's services were worth $10,000 a month.

When it comes to members of Trump's inner circle, Schiller is a member who has gotten considerably less ink  though been on-hand at important moments.

He was, memorably, the member of Trump's team who delivered a letter to the FBI last May to inform then Director James Comey that he was fired.

Meanwhile, Comey found out about his ouster from seeing it on TV.

Schiller also told members of the House Intelligence Committee in November that accusations found in the so-called 'dirty dossier' were untrue.

'Oh my God, that's bulls***,' Schiller reportedly said when he heard some of the tawdriest allegations contained in the dossier, which was funded by a Republican political opponent, and then Hillary Clinton and the DNC, as opposition research against the now-president.

He testified that while women were offered to Trump while the then-businessman was visiting Moscow for the Miss Universe pageant in 2013, 'We dont do that type of stuff,' Schiller told the gentleman extending the prostitutes.

Schiller had worked for Trump since 1999, first as a part-time bodyguard, and then eventually as his director of security.

'It pays to be in Donald Trump's circle of trust,' Dave Levinthal of the Center for Public Integrity told CNBC. 'He has a long history of taking good care of people who do his bidding and cutting off those who don't.'
Jeremy Corbyn arrives for surgery back in 1988

The Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes has drawn a steady stream of visitors since it opened its doors to researchers in 2008.

The concrete building in Pragues Old Town contains the secret files of the Czechoslovakian secret police.

For 40 years until the Velvet Revolution of 1989, friends, neighbours and families were forced into spying on each other by the totalitarian regime.

For many in the Soviet satellite state, it led to persecution, torture, forced labour camps  and even murder.

Archivists have been digitally scanning 4.5million handwritten pages from the files of the Statni Bezpecnost (StB).

Last year, they released files on the activities of secret agents and counter-intelligence officers. Among them is a dossier on Jan Sarkocy, a spy dispatched to Britain in 1986 to recruit possible assets, including Left-leaning Parliamentarians, to the Soviet cause.

In black and white, it gives the lie to Labours attempt to dismiss him as a Walter Mitty fantasist.

THE AGENT

The Sarkocy file runs to 1,500 pages. The A4 sheets, typed or neatly handwritten in Czech, detail his three-year mission in London before he was expelled for spying.

Codenamed Dymic, the 32-year-old was regarded as devoted, ambitious and an open and balanced comrade. His file states: He works regardless of time, and his character features are dedication, realism, ambition and the ability to take risks.

He needed to be good  the Kremlin was reliant on the Czech secret service after 105 KGB spies were expelled from London in the Seventies.

London was Sarkocys first foreign posting. He was born to working-class parents in a rural town near the Czech-Slovak border, and studied electrical engineering.

Working at the grey fortress that was the Czechoslovakian embassy in Notting Hill, west London, under the diplomatic cover of third secretary, Dymics assignment was to connect and build a contact network to penetrate British intelligence. Comrade Sarkocy seems to have wasted little time in commencing his mission.

CORBYN: CONTACT

IN the box 12801 is a document entitled Jeremy Corbyn  establishing contact.

Agent Sarkocy told his handlers he met Mr Corbyn among MPs at a social event of the Left-wing peace group Liberation held at the Houses of Parliament on November 26, 1986. His report describes the relatively young MP as having a Chilean wife and being very well informed about the activities of anti-communists.

He added: I am getting ready to extend the possibilities of upcoming contact with this person to report news for the British peace movement and the possibilities of the next contact.

He seems to be the right person for fulfilling the task and giving information.

He added: Corbyn was interested in upcoming meetings. In his report, Agent Sarkocy requested 1 to reimburse him for an Underground ticket he bought to attend the meeting.

One of the Czech secret police archive buildings in central Prague

SOVIET SUPPORT

A SECOND report two weeks later on December 9 records Mr Corbyns perceived suitability.

The Czech spy sent his handlers an extensive list of personal details about the backbench MP, which appears to have required significant research.

Mr Corbyn was a Catholic, it claims, he kept pet fish and dogs, and his home address was listed.

The report states: Relation to countries of socialist bloc: positive. He supports Soviet peace movements. He is consistent with statements of socialist countries. Under character traits, it says: Easy-going. Behaviour is reserved and courteous, occasionally explosive (especially when defending human rights), though the behaviour is calm and conscientious. The report said the Islington North MP specialises in British foreign and defence policy.

It says that on December 4, Tony Gilbert  the late Left-wing activist who ran the Liberation movement  had confirmed Corbyn is open to upcoming meetings.

Under next steps, the file recommends more meetings with Mr Corbyn, adding: Lets keep the expenses low so Corbyn will not be able to realise he is meeting a spy. Maximum of 30-35 British pounds per meeting. A handwritten annotation, possibly scribbled by Sarkocys handler, says: Agreed. Lets try and keep the contact away from Parliament.

A Czech file lists a meeting with a 'COB' on October 22, as Mr Corbyn was called

CODENAME COB

By March 1987, the files show Mr Corbyn had been assigned a codename: COB.

A note of unknown authorship urges continued contact with the MP.

It adds cryptically: Lets focus on how to obtain a possible motive.

But it warned: Lets approach carefully as Labour MPs are also under control of the British intelligence service.

MEETING No2

Jeremy Corbyn, speaking at a Camden Trades Council marchCamden Trades Council rally, London, in the 1980s

THE spies achieved their aim of getting Mr Corbyn away from prying eyes in Parliament.

On July 3, 1987, the pairs second meeting took place in his Islington constituency  with the prospect of new information.

A memo dated July 10 records: The meeting took place in the RS [person of interest]s office on Seven Sisters Road (North London). The meeting was helpful to consolidate the mutual relationship and deepening relationship. Conditions were created for further meetings and the possibility of obtaining new information, especially after parliamentary holidays. Dymic claimed 43 miles in car mileage expenses  although Islington is only eight miles away.

MEETING No3

THE third meeting seems to have taken place in the Commons on October 22, 1987.

A report says: The meeting was for the conservation and deepening of trust. The conversation was to discuss the problems of the self-liberation movement and the position of Britain, the USA, the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. It complains that Mr Corbyns information was too generic.

The note says Dymic asked Mr Corbyn for a copy of a newspaper article about MI5 clamping down on foreign spies. Mr Sarkocy now claims Mr Corbyn gave it to him as a warning to be careful.

Last night, Mr Corbyns team said he only recalled one meeting with the Czech diplomat to discuss nuclear disarmament.

HIS UK TARGETS

IN June 1989, after three years in London, Dymic prepared a final report summarising his sources. Mr Corbyn was listed second among 128 sources in the document, labelled top-secret. In all, archivists provided 68 pages of secret police files said to be related to Mr Corbyn.

On one page, Mr Sarkocy said of Mr Corbyn: He has an active supply of information on British intelligence services. Dymic boasted that his extensive contact base had thwarted attempts by British security services from fully detecting his network of sources.

Another target was Ron Brown, the Labour MP for Edinburgh Leith who died in 2007. Known as Red Ron, he was registered by Dymic under the codename Bento. Oleg Gordievsky, the KGB colonel who defected to the UK, has said he tried to procure Mr Brown as a Soviet contact but gave up because he could not understand his Scottish accent.

Another source was Dr Peter Jarman, a Quaker and peace campaigner. Mr Jarman confirmed this week he had met the spy and added: We used to assume one third of all diplomats from communist countries were intelligence agents. We never shared privileged information and we were briefed by the Foreign Office. Be assured, we went into it all with our eyes wide open.

Mr Corbyn insists he did not know Mr Sarkocy was a spy.
Thomas Bartlett Whitaker was waiting Thursday for a last-minute reprieve. He was sentenced to death for the 2003 murder of his family

Thomas Bartlett Whitaker, a Texas man who hired a gunman to kill his entire family, was waiting Thursday for a last-minute reprieve after his father - whom he tried to murder - pleaded for his son's life.

Whitaker, who also goes by Bart, 38, was one of three men awaiting execution Thursday in three different US states.

The decision on whether to stay the execution, which was planned for 6:00 pm (0000 GMT), rested with the state's Republican governor, Greg Abbott, after the Texas Pardons and Parole Board made a rare recommendation for clemency on Tuesday.

Kent Whitaker, the condemned prisoner's father, has been moving heaven and earth for years to try to get mercy for his last surviving family member, whom he forgave from his hospital bed.

Whitaker was sentenced to death for hiring the hitman who killed his mother and brother, and wounded his father in 2003 in attempt to claim the a hefty inheritance.

The gunman also shot Bart in the arm, to provide a cover story for the family slaying.

Thomas set up the ambush that killed his mom and brother (right). His father survived the shooting and, after learning to forgive his son, is asking state officials for mercy

Whitaker (left) is one of three set to be executed in one day. Doyle Hamm (center) is facing execution after three decades on death row for murder, while Eric Branch (right) was also set to be executed for murder

Police had originally assumed the shooting had been a botched robbery, although the fact that only Bart Whitaker's cell phone had been taken raised suspicions.

Bart returned to live with his wounded father for seven months before the truth emerged that it was the son who hired the gunman.

Kent Whitaker, the father and a devout Christian, said he had initially been 'mad at God' after being shot in the thorax by the masked assailant who took the lives of his wife Tricia, 51, and his 19-year-old son Kevin.

'I was wrestling with my faith,' he said. 'But God met me in the hospital room on the night of the shootings and helped me arrive at a 'miracle' forgiveness for everyone involved,' he said.

'Long before I ever even suspected that that forgiveness might extend to my own son.'

For years, Kent Whitaker (L) has been moving heaven and earth to try and get mercy for his son Bart Whitaker (R), despite Bart's attempt on his life

Dad Kent, who published the book 'Murder by Family', credits his Christian faith for the forgiveness of his son

Now the grieving father says the execution of his last remaining family member would destroy the relationship he has worked hard over the years to rebuild with his son.

'I live with the extent of the loss every day and am aware of how much it has cost me -- and am completely aware that all of that loss was the result of decisions made by my son,' he said.

'But God helped me reach that complete forgiveness and I think He did that to help me rebuild my relationship with my son.'

- Executing a dying man -

Meanwhile, in Alabama, Doyle Hamm is facing execution after spending three decades on death row. He was condemned to death in 1987 for the murder of a motel employee during an armed robbery.

Kent suggests that his son (pictured) has turned his life around while in prison since the horrific murder nearly two decades ago

Hamm is already dying of cranial and lymphatic cancer, and his lawyers fear execution by lethal injection would be torture, as he no longer has suitable veins.

However, after a bitter legal battle, a court finally ruled on Tuesday that Hamm's execution will go ahead, on condition that he is injected in his legs or feet -- instead of his arms or hands, as would usually be the case.

Finally, Florida is scheduled to execute Eric Branch, handed a death sentence for murdering a student in 1993.

His lawyers have launched final appeals based on the fact Branch was only 21 years old -- and therefore, they say, cognitively comparable to a juvenile -- at the time of his conviction, nor was he sentenced to death by a unanimous jury.

Since US executions resumed in 1977, there have been 13 instances of three executions on the same day -- most recently on January 7, 2010, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

In recent times, the highest number of executions in a single day occurred on December 9, 1999, when Oklahoma, Indiana, Texas and Virginia all executed a prisoner.

But the highest number ever was on December 6, 1862 in Minnesota, when federal authorities hanged 38 members of the Dakota people, a Native American tribe.
President Donald Trump held a cue card between his hands that reminded him to offer sympathy as he met with victims and families of the Florida high school massacre on Wednesday.

A photo from the event shows Trump holding what appears to be a piece of paper with the White House letterhead.

Point number five is clearly visible - a reminder to himself to tell his guests: 'I hear you.' Other questions that were also visible on the card included: 'What would you most want me to know about your experience?' and 'What can we do to help you feel safe?'

It seems the president had to remind himself to tell the dozens of guests who had been directly impacted by the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week, which left 17 dead, including 14 children, that he was listening to their concerns.

At the same event, the President put forward a proposal to arm up to a fifth of teachers.

After listening from a circle of participants, Trump floated his own idea, calling for arming teachers and coaches, and even bringing in Marines.

'Lets say you had 20 percent of your teaching force, because thats pretty much the number' Trump said, describing how it might work.

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'I HEAR YOU': During his meeting with survivors and parents of the Parkland school massacre at the White House on Wednesday, Trump carried a cue card

Other questions that were also visible on the card included: 'What would you most want me to know about your experience?' and 'What can we do to help you feel safe?'

Survivors of the Parkland shooting and their parents begged President Donald Trump to act on gun violence Wednesday at a tearful listening session at the White House. Here, he is seen listening to student body president, Julia Cordover

President Trump (left) shakes the hand of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivors Carson Abt (center) and Ariana Klein (right) during a White House listening session on Wednesday

Trump said the teachers with guns would be 'adept at firearms' and would get 'great training.'

Trump also mentioned Marines, saying those armed on a sprawling campus like the one in Parkland, Florida would be 'spread evenly,' rather than having a single security guard.

He acknowledged it was a controversial idea. 'We can understand both sides. Certainly it's controversial,' he said.

Trump complained that the shooter 'should have been nabbed.'

But with teachers and coaches armed, 'That would've been the end of it.'

Trump didn't appear to actually use the visible prompts at any point during the meeting, but did remember to cast a tender tone.

'To me there can be nothing worse than what you've gone through,' he told the victims, before bringing up reforms to the system that his administration had backed publicly.

He told the survivors of the shooting and their parents that he grieved for them during the listening session at the White House, in which many of the guests implored the president to take immediate action on gun violence.

The meeting came as thousands of high schoolers held walkouts and protests around the country to bring attention to gun control.

Parkland parent Andrew Pollack, who is an avid Trump supporter, told the president he was 'pissed' as he described his daughter Meadow's horrific death to the president and other families present - she was shot nine times.

'I'm very angry that this happened, because it keeps happening,' the bereaved father said, declaring that 9/11 'happened once, and they fixed everything. How many schools, how many children have to get shot?'

Pollack told Trump, 'It stops here with this administration and me. I'm not going to sleep until it's fixed. And Mr. President, we're going to fix it. Because I'm going to fix it. I'm not going to rest.

'Fix it! It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it! And I'm pissed! Because my daughter I'm not going to see again. She's not here. She's not here. She's at, in North Lauderdale, in King David Cemetery. That's where I go to see my kid now.'

Andrew Pollack (center), who is an avid Trump supporter, described how his daughter Meadow Pollack was shot nine at last week's deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He was joined by his sons at Wednesday's White House event

'I'm very angry that this happened, because it keeps happening,' the bereaved father said, declaring that 9/11 'happened once, and they fixed everything. How many schools, how many children have to get shot?'

Pollack told the president he was 'pissed' as he described his daughter Meadow's horrific death to the president and other families present - she was shot nine times

Pollack is seen on the day of the shooting, holding up a picture of his daughter, whom he had not been able to contact since the massacre that claimed 17 lives

After listening to parents like Pollack for some time, Trump said he'd be looking at making concealed carry permits available to teachers, which he admitted after asking for a show of support is certainly 'controversial.'

Trump also endorsed stricter background checks and pledged his administration to considering age limits for the purchase of semi-automatic rifles like the one the Parkland shooter used and new measures to treat mentally ill individuals.

'We're going to pick out the strongest ideas, the most important ideas, the ideas that are going to work and we're going to get them done,' the president said. 'It's not going to be talk, like it's been in the past. It's going on too long. Too many instances. And we're going to get it done.'

Parkland parent Carey Gruber pleaded with Trump to abandon partisan politics and take up reforms that will prevent shootings like the one that could have killed his son Justin.

President Trump was captured bowing his head during Wednesday's White House listening session with families and victims of school shootings. He offered his grief and condolences to the victims and their families multiple times throughout the sit-down

Student Julia Cordover (pictured) told the president that his bump stocks ban is a 'step in the right direction' but more should be done

President Trump briefly reaches down to pick up his hand-written notes, which he didn't seem to need to reference during the discussion

THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION'S STATEMENT AGAINST IMPLEMENTING AGE RESTRICTIONS Federal law prohibits adults under the age of 21 from purchasing a handgun from a licensed firearm dealer. Legislative proposals that prevent law-abiding adults aged 18-20 years old from acquiring rifles and shotguns effectively prohibits them [from] purchasing any firearm, thus depriving them of their Constitutional right to self-protection. We need serious proposals to prevent violent criminals and the dangerously mentally ill from acquiring firearms. Passing a law that makes it illegal for a 20 year-old to purchase a shotgun for hunting or an adult single mother from purchasing the most effective self-defense rifle on the market punishes law-abiding citizens for the evil acts of criminals. Advertisement

'It's not left and right, it's a human issue, and we have to stop this,' Gruber told the Republican president.

President Trump was holding his first of two listening sessions at the White House this week on the topic of school safety.

The discussion with parents and teachers connected to the Parkland, Florida, shooting included more than a dozen student survivors who also urged Trump to take action.

Parents and students affected by the Sandy Hook and Columbine shootings were in the room, as well, alongside local teachers and students who put a spotlight on D.C.'s local crime problem.

The president spoke briefly at the top, and sympathetically asked questions several times in the middle of the meeting that aired live on national television.

Trump promised midway through attendees' passionate accounts that 'two minutes after this meeting' he would begin working on the issue of gun violence in schools and we will 'solve it together.'

'And we don't want others to go through the kind of pain that you've gone through,' he told them.

The president broached the topic of armed guards in school, adding, 'I think a lot of people are going to be opposed to it. A lot of people are going to like it. But the good thing is that you'll have a lot of people with that.

The meeting came as thousands of protesters across the country, many of them students, rallied against gun violence across the country in protests and organized school walkouts. Pictured are protesters on the steps of the old Florida Capitol in Tallahassee on Wednesday

Students of Coral Glades High School, a high school less than four miles from the Parkland shooting scene, hold signs as the participate in a school walk for gun law change

'You know, you can't have 100 security guards in Stoneman Douglas. That's a big school, that's a massive school with a lot of acreage to cover, a lot of floor area,' he said.

'So that would be certainly a situation that is being discussed a lot by a lot of people. You would have a lot of people that would be armed. They would be ready. They are professionals. They may be Marines  that left the Marines, left the Army, left the Air Force  and they are very adept at doing that.'

Parkland high school student Samuel Zeif appealed to Trump to ban guns like the one the shooter used.

'I don't understand why I can still go in a score and buy a weapon of war, an AR. I was reading today that a person 20 years old walked into a store and bought an AR-15 in five minutes with an expired ID,' he said. 'How is it that easy to buy this type of weapon? How have we not stopped this after Columbine, after Sandy Hook? I'm sitting with a mother that lost her son. It's still happening.'

Student Julia Cordover told the president she was at the session 'so that no child, no person in this world' will ever 'have to go through something so tragic and horrific.'

Students marched outside of the White House all day on Wednesday as Trump prepared to hold the listening session. Also in attendance was Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
Tennant Creek, the Northern Territory town where a two-year-old girl was allegedly raped, is drowning in alcohol and law-abiding citizens are under siege.

That is despite it being among the most heavily-policed place in Australia, where any adult buying alcohol has to provide photo identification to prove they are allowed to drink.

The town has a population of 3000, one supermarket and 10 main alcohol retailers, including three clubs, two pubs, three bottle shops and two licensed motels.

Tennant Creek, 1,000km south of Darwin, has 10 alcohol retailers for a town of 3000 residents

A toddler was allegedly raped at Tennant Creek, in the middle of the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory's town of Tennant Creek could be the most heavily-policed in Australia

Bottle shops in Tennant Creek can only trade Monday to Friday between 2pm and 8pm

Alcohol sales for 2013 were equivalent to 70,000 cans of full-strength beer a week - 23 cans for every resident - according to the Tenant Creek Alcohol Reference Group.

The most recent crime statistics showed in the year ending December 31, 2017 there were 319 assaults - more than one for every 10 Tennant Creek citizens - and 13 sexual assaults.

Domestic violence-related assaults had risen 32.7 per cent to 264 in the same period and alcohol-related assaults rose 21.9 per cent to 256 incidents.

There were 260 incidents of property damage (up 28.1 per cent), 104 commercial break-ins (up 33.3 per cent) and 81 home break-ins (up 26.6 per cent).

Until recently, police were stationed at bottle shops. Now customers are forced to produce identification proving they are not on the town's 'banned drinking register'.

Tennant Creek has been in the spotlight since it was revealed a two-year-old girl was allegedly raped in a house there on February 15.

A 24-year-old 'father figure' to the toddler has been arrested, the girl is back with her mother and she may be returned to the house where the alleged abuse occurred.

Tennant Creek has three clubs and two main hotels: The Tennant Creek and Goldfields

A sign in Tennant Creek where domestic violence-related assaults have risen 32.7 per cent

Tennant Creek (pictured) residents drank the equivalent of 70,000 cans of beer a week in 2013

The girl was flown to Alice Springs Hospital last Friday before being rushed to the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide, where she was placed in an induced coma due to the severity of her injuries.

Her parents are understood to have troubled pasts and are known to be heavy drinkers.

The Northern Territory Government has admitted it failed to protect the girl.

On the night of the alleged assault police received almost twice as many call-outs as usual in a 12-hour period. Alcohol was believed to have been behind the spike.

Tennant Creek officers attended 58 incidents between 3pm on the Thursday and 6am on Friday, with police on the evening shift staying back to cover the night.

Duty Superintendent Rob Burgoyne told the ABC the high number of call-outs was unusual for the town.

'In a 24-hour period, we get about 1,000 jobs [in Darwin], so that gives you some idea of how busy it was for them,' he said.

This two-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 'father figure' in a Tennant Creek home

Tennant Creek police (pictured) attended 58 jobs on the night the toddler was allegedly raped

One police officer was taken to hospital after he was kicked in the face and there were four other assaults, including a man who suffered a serious head injury.

A dispute involving a number of people in a house on Bornite Street on February 6 allegedly led to the death of a 44-year-man 10 days later.

Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw told reporters this week more officers would be sent to Tennant Creek, which already had a high police-to-citizen ratio.

'Tennant Creek has always been a challenge,' Mr Kershaw said.

'We've got 41 police for a population of about 3,000. It's probably the highest policed population in Australia.'

Tennant Crrek is the fifth largest town in the Northern Territory with a population of 2991 at the 2016 Census. Slightly more than half its residents  1536 - are indigenous.

The town is on the Stuart Highway, about 1,000 kilometres south of Darwin and 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs.

To buy takeaway alcohol in Tennant Creek customers need to produce photo identification

The 24-year-old man accused of rape will appear at Alice Springs court (pictured) on April 19

A relative of the alleged rape victim told The Australian said there was a mounting crisis in Tennant Creek.

'It's a forgotten town running rampant with violence,' he said.

'Someone has got to be held accountable for this little girl. How many notifications do you have to put in before Territory Families does something?

'If this was a little white kid, it would be all over the papers nationally.

'By putting it in the paper, hopefully the whole of Australia can see whats happening in our little town.'

The Northern Territory Government has ordered an immediate investigation into its handling of the case.

Acting Chief Minister Nicole Manison and Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw addressed a crowd of angry community members on Wednesday.

The toddler allegedly raped at Tennant Creek (pictured) on February 15 and taken to hospital

Northern Territory Acting Chief Minister Nicole Manison says the government failed the girl

The Government has already confirmed there were multiple substantiated notifications made to Territory Families about the toddler in the months before her alleged rape.

Ms Manison said Territory Families would be reviewing all files in the system where minors had multiple notifications.

'We will look at this situation and what happened in this particular case and why we failed this child, and what we must do to make sure we don't fail any more children the same way,' she said.

Since September last year all Territorians have had to show photo identification to buy takeaway alcohol, as part of the Banned Drinker Register program.

A registrar makes decisions about whether to issue a banned drinker order on a person if requested do so by authorised parties, family members, carers or through self-referral.

Tennant Creek, where a two-year-old girl was allegedly raped, is 500km north of Alice Springs

In Tennant Creek, takeaway alcohol can only be bought Monday to Friday from 2pm to 8pm.

On Saturdays and public holidays alcohol can be bought from bottle shops between 2pm to 8pm and on Sundays only from hotels and clubs, if the buyer is a financial member.

Residents cannot drink alcohol anywhere in public - parks, reserves, car parks, ovals or streets - without a special event permit.

Tennant Creek Mayor Steve Edgington has demanded Chief Minister Michael Gunner address the issues plaguing his town following the alleged rape, according to the NT News.

'My reaction is shock and horror, like many residents of Tennant Creek,' Mr Edgington said.

'I think its time for the Chief Minister to have a good look at whats going on in Tennant Creek and come down and have a talk with the Aboriginal leaders and the agencies to see what is there, so that all of the agencies can work together to start identifying solutions.'
Theresa May last night made a staunch defence of a free Press as she condemned Jeremy Corbyns attempts to blame journalists for the Cold War spy row.

She said it was newspapers duty to shine a light into dark corners and ask awkward questions.

The Prime Minister warned it was the job of politicians to provide answers, not to complain about legitimate questioning.

Labour yesterday stepped up its offensive against media scrutiny as the row over Mr Corbyns links with Eastern Bloc agents in the 1980s continued.

Theresa May last night made a staunch defence of a free Press as she condemned Jeremy Corbyns attempts to blame journalists for the Cold War spy row

His aides warned irresponsible reporting had endangered his personal security, as the party threatened to tighten government control of newspapers with a ban on foreign ownership.

It came as:

Mr Corbyn admitted hosting a Czech spy posing as a diplomat in the Commons in 1986, but claimed he could not recall further meetings detailed in intelligence services archives in Prague;

One of his frontbenchers tried to defend him claiming Labour MPs inadvertently meet spies on a daily basis;

Mr Corbyns solicitors demanded an apology, damages and legal costs from Tory party vice-chairman Ben Bradley for a tweet  which was deleted after two hours  that claimed the Labour leader sold British secrets to Communist spies.

Mrs May criticised Mr Corbyn after his chilling threat to newspaper owners on Tuesday night warning change is coming, following reports about his conduct during the Cold War.

A Downing Street spokesman said: The free Press is one of the foundations on which our democracy rests. It performs a vital role in holding to account the rich, the powerful and those who seek or hold high office in this country and that should never change.

Shining a light into dark corners and asking awkward, uncomfortable questions is the Presss job.

It is the job of elected politicians to provide answers, not to complain or seek to the shoot messenger because they are being subjected to legitimate questioning.

At Prime Ministers Questions, Mrs May joked that Mr Corbyn often used the session to ask her to sign a blank cheque, adding: I know he likes Czechs. The Labour leader pretended to yawn.

Records found in the archives of the Czech secret police in Prague suggest Mr Corbyn met a secret agent named Jan Sarkocy at least three times.

The MPs spokesman said he had agreed to the initial meeting with the Eastern Bloc official as during his 35 years in Parliament he has met diplomats and activists of all kinds from many countries.

Labour yesterday stepped up its offensive against media scrutiny as the row over Mr Corbyns (pictured) links with Eastern Bloc agents in the 1980s continued

According to the Labour leaders personal records, they met for about an hour in the Commons. His spokesman said Mr Corbyn recalled it was a discussion about peace and disarmament  issues at the time such as reducing nuclear capacity on both sides.

Asked why Mr Corbyn would host a diplomat from a Communist power, the spokesman said: Jeremy has always believed in international dialogue and negotiation  including with hostile states.

He disputed claims Mr Corbyn attended further meetings, adding: In the original documents, the agent who was at that [first] meeting also claimed to be at other meetings including on 24 October 1987 in London  on that day Jeremy was actually in Derbyshire at the Chesterfield socialist conference  it was the day after his mother died.

'There is no possibility he was meeting with a Czech diplomat or someone posing as a Czech diplomat, on a Saturday in London at the same time.

However, the files record the meeting as taking place on both October 22 and 24, leaving open the possibility that one of the entries was a typing mistake.

Stash 'infiltrated Corbyn peace group' Jeremy Corbyn ran an activist group that was infiltrated by Communist spies, according to secret files. East German agents targeted Labour Action for Peace in the 1980s because its members shared their anti-American and anti-Nato views, a classified Stasi dossier claims. Operatives were also tasked with convincing Labour MPs in the group to back the Communist states policies, it claims. Mr Corbyn was an officer and vice president of the LAP in the 1980s, attending meetings and writing pamphlets, according to website Guido Fawkes which unearthed the document. He later became president of the group, which opposed Britains Trident nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. The Stasi took an interest in the group because its members were sympathetic to many of the views of Communist governments, the file says. The dossier said: The position of leading representatives of the LAP coincides with that of the socialist countries: The blame for the escalation of the nuclear arms race is borne by the US and its Nato allies. A report from February 1987 about an LAP delegations visit to East Germany concluded: The main objective of the mission is to further consolidate the traditionally good relations with the LAP. It said Labour MPs within the group showed interest in an East German plan to create a chemical-free zone within Europe. The file also noted that the activity of the LAP was of special importance ahead of Labours annual conference, when the country was preparing for an election campaign. Asked if Mr Corbyn was aware that the LAP had been infiltrated by East German spies, his spokesman said: No. He added: Jeremy has not been aware of who has been an undercover officer working for any intelligence agency. Founded in 1940, the LAP has previously been linked to allegations of espionage for Communist states. Cynthia Roberts, who ran the group and stood as a Labour Parliamentary candidate, allegedly spied for the Czech government when it was a satellite Soviet state. In 2008 it emerged that Czech files claimed she wrote secret dossiers for the communist regime on Tory politicians after moving to Prague in 1985. Mr Corbyn said at the time: I dont know Cynthia Roberts at all. Of course Im surprised. This was long before I was involved in the organisation. Advertisement

Mr Corbyns spokesman last night declined to provide an alibi for October 22.

Labour yesterday continued to warn the Press about how it could face a clampdown if Mr Corbyn came into power.

Asked if the party could introduce a ban on foreign ownership of newspapers, shadow communities secretary Andrew Gwynne told the BBCs Daily Politics: That is one option that may be on the table.

The Prime Minister warned it was the job of politicians to provide answers, not to complain about legitimate questioning

Mr Corbyns spokesman said negative coverage of the Labour leader put him at risk of a possible assassination attempt.

He told reporters Finsbury Park attacker Darren Osborne had said the Labour leader was his intended target because of his supposed support for terrorism.

The constant repetition both by Government politicians and sections of the Press portraying Jeremy Corbyn as a terrorist sympathiser  which is entirely false, has dangers to it which have been quite clearly demonstrated, the spokesman added.

Labour trade spokesman Barry Gardiner told BBC Radio 4s Today: All politicians are meeting diplomats every day  if people are coming from the embassy there is a possibility they are spies  it doesnt mean that you dont do your job as a politician and stand up for this country.

Mr Corbyns spokesman added: He has met many ambassadors and during the Cold War period, as at every other time, he met diplomats from Eastern Bloc countries, but the details of all those meetings are not recorded.
The pair pulled the bomb from the water, 'making sure it didn't bang against anything', before alerting police

Sydney Harbour was in lock down on Wednesday after an undetonated World War II bomb was found in the water.

The startling discovery was made by divers Tony Strazzari and Paul Szerenga at Jones Bay in Pyrmont at around 11am.

'I've found bullets before, and even a rifle in Maitland, but I've never found anything as unusual as this,' Mr Strazzari told The Daily Telegraph.

Mr Strazzari said he and his diving partner were unsure if the device would explode.

The pair pulled it from the water, 'making sure it didn't bang against anything', before alerting police.

Mr Strazzari then received a call from the bomb squad, requesting he take a photo.

'After we sent the photo, only ten minutes had to go by before the first police car arrived, and soon one turned in to four,' he said.

'We helped the first lot of people to stop people walking by the bomb while more turned up.'

Sydney Harbour was in lock down after an undetonated World War II bomb was found in the water

The unexpected discovery was made by divers Tony Strazzari and Paul Szerenga in Pyrmont just before 11am on Wednesday

A police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the bomb posed no risk to the public.

'About 1pm, Sydney City police were alerted to a WWII bomb in the water at Jones Bay, Pyrmont,' they said.

'As a precautionary measure an exclusion zone was established and military personnel attended to inspect the item.'

The bomb was seized by the Australian Defence Force.
Barnaby Joyce and his pregnant lover Vikki Campion had already set up a nursery at their townhouse - but now claim they have been hounded out of their rent-free 'bachelor pad'.

The couple's preparations for their new baby boy, due in April, were already in full swing at the Armidale townhouse they call home when their affair was sensationally exposed, Daily Mail Australia understands.

The Deputy Prime Minister - on leave to sort out his personal life - told Fairfax Media that the couple is now planning to desert the property because of media intrusion in the past few weeks.

The swish three-bedder was gifted to Mr Joyce - rent-free for six months - by his close mate, the Tamworth millionaire Greg Maguire. Mr Maguire has claimed his friend was in need of a place to live after his marriage breakdown.

Welcome to the love-nest: Barnaby Joyce does the dishes at the Armidale townhouse where he and pregnant partner Vikki Campion are living rent-free, thanks to a millionaire benefactor

Welcome inside: The shiny new Armidale kitchen where Mr Joyce and his new partner have tried to make into a home together

Real estate agents touted the development as 'the most superior residential project ever undertaken in Armidale'

Ms Campion had already set up a nursery at the townhouse, Daily Mail Australia understands - but now the couple are now planning to find a new place for their little boy

Mr Joyce on Wednesday dismissed claims he was living in a 'palace' - telling Fairfax 'mate, this is a bachelor pad' and pointing to TV crews camped out the front as evidence his private life is under the microscope.

The Joyce 'pad' is one of a trio of three-bedroom, two bathroom properties in the complex, which real estate agents touted as 'the most superior residential project ever undertaken' in the regional city.

The apartment was advertised giving occupants a 'true sense of city living' and property records said it had previously been rented out for $550 per week.

The property was donated to Mr Joyce by Mr Maguire late last year - a gift worth about $14,000.

The two-level townhouse also features a second upstairs lounge room, as well as three bedrooms

But the couple say they are planning to leave the home following media attention

That led 2GB radio host Ben Fordham to quip last night: 'Old mate gave up $14,000 rent so Barnaby could stay 16 nights. Crikey.

'Find a mate who looks after you like Barnaby's mate looks after Barnaby.'

Mr Joyce declared the gift on his register of pecuniary interests as 'post election residual of six month tenancy on Armidale premises'.

(His relationship to his spouse was updated to say 'seperated' (sic).

Speaking to Fairfax Media, Joyce vowed his little boy would not be 'less loved than any of my other children'

Greg Maguire, pictured in 2005 file photo

His friend Mr Maguire has long been a dominant presence in New England politics and was a supporter of Joyce rival Tony Windsor before a falling out more than a decade ago.

He is best known as the owner of Tamworth's Quality Powerhouse Hotel.

Speaking about the home donation, Mr Maguire told The Australian newspaper his offer to put Mr Joyce up was all about 'mateship'.

'That's what this story should be about: Australian mateship,' he was quoted saying.

Mr Maguire declined to speak to Daily Mail Australia through a spokeswoman this week.

Mr Joyce and Ms Campion's media interview on Wednesday came despite the Nationals leader previously claiming he wanted to 'keep private matters private'.

He told the ABC's 7.30 program he did not think politicians' private lives should be 'salami-sliced' away.
Sam Nunberg, a former political aide to Donald Trump, will be interviewed on Thursday as part of a U.S. special counsel's investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 election, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

Nunberg started working for then-businessman Trump in 2011, making him one of his earliest political advisers, but he was fired from the Republican's campaign in August 2015 before the heat of the 2016 presidential race.

The sacking came after racially charged social media from Nunberg's past were discovered, going back to 2007.

Former Donald Trump adviser Sam Nunberg will be the latest person on the Special Counsel's hot seat Thursday

Robert Mueller is investigating alleged links between Trump's presidential campaign and Russia

'Meeting Rev. Sharpton today, no joke  he will tell him that his daughter is N---!' read one post dated August 25, 2007.

Another called President Barack Obama a 'Socialist Marxist Islamo Fascist Nazi Appeaser,' 'Farrakahn's [sic] Messiah,' and a 'Pan Arabist Marxist Muslim.'

In 2009 before Obama's inauguration, Nunberg joked on social media that there were 'still tickets available for the Hip Hop Inaugural [sic] Ball  G-D help us!'

Nunberg's interview in Washington with U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is about a week after investigators questioned President Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon. Nunberg visited Bannon in the West Wing and considers him a close friend, according to an interview with Newsmax last year.

Nunberg, 36, is also an associate of Trump ally and longtime political consultant Roger Stone.

He tweeted in 2012 that then-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie 'is a fat slob who should register as a Democrat,' and also has branded former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani a 'punk with a bad lisp.'

Nunberg was let go from the Trump campaign in 2015 when these old Facebook posts were discovered

Patrick Brackley, the attorney who will accompany Nunberg to visit Mueller's team, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Mueller's investigation arose in part from the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia had meddled in the election and that its goals eventually included aiding Trump who won a surprise victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Russia denies the allegations and Trump says there was no collusion between Moscow and his campaign.

Mueller has charged several Trump associates and more than a dozen Russians.

Nunberg has had an on-off relationship with Trump over the years. He was dismissed months into the presidential campaign after reports emerged about his racially- charged Facebook posts. Nunberg said at the time that he did not remember writing them and apologized.

Trump later sued Nunberg seeking damages of $10 million, saying the former aide had broken a confidentiality agreement. The lawsuit was settled in August 2016 and the one-page filing in a New York court did not provide details of the terms.

Nunberg said in a court filing in the case that Trump accused him of being the source for a media report about an argument between two other Trump campaign aides, Corey Lewandowski and Hope Hicks.

Nunberg denied being the source for the media report.

In an affidavit, Nunberg said the argument was part of an affair between Lewandowski, then Trump's campaign manager, and Hicks, then Trumps spokeswoman and now White House communications director.

At the time Alan Garten, a lawyer for the Trump Organization, called Nunbergs allegations 'categorically untrue.'
A man who refused to give a random breath test to police after being stopped allegedly attacked two senior Sydney officers after refusing to take the test.

Grant Thomas Scaysbrook, 35, is alleged to have left one office with a fractured wrist that required surgery and another in hospital after kicking him in the groin as he resisted being taken to the RBT bus.

The 35-year-old Crosslands man was driving a Nissan Navara utility when he failed to supply a breath sample at Belrose, on Sydney's northern beaches, on Friday night, the Daily Telegraph reported.

It is alleged by police the 35-year-old kicked the other male officer in the groin after fracturing the wrist of another officer - bother were taken to Mona Vale Hospital (pictured)

Scaysbrook was arrested, according to police, who say he became argumentative and swore while resisting.

Two senior male officers were later taken to Mona Vale Hospital.

One officer required steel plates and pins to be inserted into his wrist while the other officer was treated for injuries consistent with being kicked in the groin.

Scaysbrook was charged with a number of offences including two counts of assaulting police; resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty; cause grievous bodily harm to police officer in execution of duty; custody of knife in public place and refuse breath test

But his Legal Aid solicitor told the court the facts in the case would be disputed,

'(He) comes before the court ... with no record of any violence whatsoever,' the solicitor said.

The police prosecutor argued however that Scaysbrook was a threat to the community.

'The sheer severity of the allegation does not speak of an incidence that may be a one-off,' the prosecutor said.

Scaysbrook was kept in custody and did not apply for bail.
KFC has opened nearly 70 per cent of its restaurants as the chicken crisis begins to subside - but many fans are spitting feathers at the introduction of limited menus.

The fast food giant has not revealed how many of its restaurants are serving a full menu and many frustrated diners have taken to Twitter to complain about missing their favourites.

Amy Jones tweeted: 'Apparently, the KFC chicken shortage has hit my hometown. They have chicken, but they still have a limited menu because they don't have any lettuce.'

Fried chicken fans were spitting feathers on Twitter after the introduction of limited menus at some stores

Workers have been sent home since the weekend because chaos in a new delivery system meant restaurants ran out of chicken. Pictured: A late delivery at a store in London last night

Another diner, called Phill, said: 'After a long day and can't even get my KFC munch on. Limited menu only.'

Phil W Stained Glass tweeted: 'It's been a strange day! I had a 'limited menu' KFC, mostly cus I had to quiz the staff, they're very friendly but no informative.'



And another Twitter user added: 'The kfc crisis is actually bad, I go into kfc today and they literally don't have half of their menu available.'

Union leaders have demanded cash compensation for thousands of KFC staff who have lost out following mass branch closures, which began on the weekend.

Many are on short-term or zero hours contracts which means they have lost shifts and - potentially - pay.

The GMB union said yesterday KFC and DHL should join forces to make sure affected workers are paid for the hours they have lost.

The union's national officer, Mick Rix, said: 'Our members in KFC franchises are missing out on shifts with no idea when their stores will reopen.

'They've told us they're now being advised to use their holiday entitlement to cover the working time they've lost as a result of this mess.'

A prankster wrote 'no chicken left on board overnight' on the back of this DHL delivery van, pictured near London yesterday

KFC said that it will continue to pay staff it employs directly in company owned restaurants based on an average of normal working patterns.

There were concerns for the more than 19,000 staff employed in the 780 KFC outlets in the UK and Ireland that are run by franchisees.

As of last night, staff in 46 KFC branches have been given no guarantees that they will get any money to make up for lost shifts.

But KFC said today that it had contacted franchise managers who vowed workers would not lose out.

A spokesman told MailOnline: 'Franchisees have confirmed that team members will not be financially worse off this week than they would have been if we were fully operational, either through hourly wages or through taking paid leave.'

Speaking earlier this week, one employee at a branch in Devon said: 'Workers are not getting paid, which we think is unfair as it's not our fault.

'We're not happy about it at all. We have been told to be on standby so we have to be around, so technically we should be getting paid.

'We are being told to put it through as holiday but that means using our holiday pay.

'I've heard staff at other KFC branches are also not getting paid. I have already lost over 30 hours of pay.' The GMB union is demanding all KFC workers, regardless of whether they are employed directly or through a franchise, do not lose out.

Piles of chicken in green pallets are stacked up awaiting delivery in DHL's Rugby depot on Tuesday

The crisis at KFC follows the company's decision to ditch its existing delivery company Bidvest Logistics in favour of DHL, which took over just last week.

A failure in its computer system meant that deliveries out of its vast delivery hub and warehouse in Rugby went into meltdown. Restaurants ran out of chicken and were forced to shut, making KFC a laughing stock.

It has also emerged that DHL failed to register the warehouse as a meat cold storage and distribution centre with the authorities before it took over the delivery contract.

There have been long queues of lorries outside the Rugby warehouse trying to get orders out to restaurants across the country.

Today lorries were seen entering and leaving the depot, signalling the chaos which had forced hundreds of KFC outlets to close may be coming to an end

But at 10am today three lorry drivers were parked up at the side of the road outside the depot unsure what to do.

Union bosses have warned that KFC staff must still be paid as the fast food giant's chicken crisis continues. Pictured: A shut-down store on Tottenham Court Road, London, on Tuesday

One driver told MailOnline: 'I was told to come here and wait for further instruction - this isn't my normal route.

'I have no idea what's going on, what i'm delivering, where i'm taking it - they haven't told me much at all.

'It's all a bit mysterious and very frustrating as I just don't know what's going on.

'My company just told me to come to the DHL depot this morning and wait for a phone call.'

KFC said: 'Deliveries of chicken are winging their way around the country right now, and we're opening more restaurants all the time.

'Some are offering a limited menu - but don't worry, we've focused on your favourites.'
A former Arkansas judge has been sentenced to five years in prison after he admitted giving young male defendants lighter sentences in exchange for sexual favors, including posing for nude photos.

Joseph Boeckmann's lawyer had wanted home detention for the 72-year-old 'broken, ailing man', and prosecutors recommended a three-year prison term, but after hearing from two of the ex-judge's victims, US District Judge Kristine Baker said she had no choice but to impose an even stiffer penalty, which also includes a $50,000 fine and three years of supervised release, according to KARK.

'He acted corruptly while serving as a judge. When his back was against the wall, he obstructed justice,' Baker said. 'That sets his crime apart.'

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Robed abuser: Former Arkansas judge Joseph Boeckmann, 72 (pictured on the bench prior to his 2016 resignation), has been sentenced to five years in prison for offering young male defendants lighter sentences in exchange for sexual favors

Brave: Two of Boeckmann's victims Kyle Butler (left) and Richard Milliman (right) spoke out in court during his sentencing in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Wednesday

Prosecutors said Boeckmann's pattern of misbehavior dated at least to the 1990s, when he was investigated while serving as a part-time deputy Cross County prosecutor. Federal prosecutors decided against charging him after he agreed to give up his post in 1998.

Richard Milliman of Memphis, Tennessee, became one of Boeckmann's victims after being stopped for driving 5mph over the speed limit four years ago, then forgetting his trial date.

The judge summoned Milliman to his house and took photos of him from behind as he picked up cans under the guise of performing community service, then shot photos of some of Milliman's tattoos.

Milliman, then 23, said he refused to pose David-like, even though he was offered $300 to mimic the Michelangelo masterpiece.

Disgraced: Boeckmann (pictured in his mushot) pleaded guilty last year to charges of mail fraud and witness tampering

'I've never felt more betrayed by the justice system,' Milliman told Baker, urging her to hand down a longer sentence than the 30- to 37-month term called for in federal sentencing guidelines. 'How can a mere 37 months be a means to pay back society?'

Boeckmann sat with his lips pursed at the defense table.

Prosecutors said the number of victims could be in the dozens or hundreds. Typically, the former district court judge dismissed traffic citations and misdemeanors in exchange for 'community service' that, in some cases, required some young men to submit to photographs in compromising positions, but in others, required sexually related conduct.

Kyle Butler said he was also forced to pose for photos and was threatened with his life if he didn't recant information he had given to state investigators.

In a letter written before Wednesday's hearing - a portion of which was read to the judge - Butler said that after Boeckmann had helped him following a traffic accident, the judge required him to routinely clean up a laptop computer that had been slowed down by a cache of X-rated pictures and videos.

'I had to do as he said. He held all the keys to my freedom,' Butler said.

Boeckmann's lawyer did not want the judge to consider the 1990s investigations, saying the ex-judge's memory was such that he couldn't refute any allegations.

Baker said she found the misconduct pertinent, given that FBI agents were told then by Boeckmann's secretary about her finding nude photographs of young men in his office.

The ex-judge spoke to Baker briefly and in a barely audible voice said he had tried to convince himself that he wasn't doing anything wrong.

David Sachar, the executive director of the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission, speaks after the judge's sentencing. Sachar's agency investigated Joseph Boeckmann and orchestrated his removal from the bench in 2016

He later added, 'I've had time to reflect' and apologized for 'serious mistakes of judgment in this situation.'

Boeckmann had faced up to 260 years behind bars if convicted of all charges in the 21-count indictment. He pleaded guilty last October to mail fraud and witness tampering.

When Boeckmann left his deputy prosecutor's job in the 1990s, he was able to keep his law license - making him eligible to run for the bench.

As it investigated Boeckmann's behavior more recently, and subsequently negotiated his resignation in 2016, the head of the Arkansas Judicial Discipline and Disability Commission, David Sachar, demanded that the judge agree to never seek any elective office again.

Milliman said it was shame that Boeckmann had another opportunity to prey on more young men who would find it difficult to step forward.

'How are you supposed to talk about another man violating you?' said Milliman, who drew a line at how much Boeckmann could photograph at their only non-courtroom encounter. 'Why wasn't it stopped long before now?'

Milliman and Butler were identified by aliases in court documents but both said Wednesday they wanted to speak openly about the judge's crimes.
A Republican congresswoman from upstate New York who is up for re-election has sparked controversy after she suggested that 'many people' who commit mass murders are Democrats.

US Rep Claudia Tenney made the controversial remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on Talk 1300 Radio while discussing the February 14 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 people dead.

'Yeah, well, obviously there is a lot of politics in it, and it's interesting that so many of these people that commit the mass murders end up being Democrats, but the media doesn't talk about that either,' Tenney told talk show host Fred Dicker without providing evidence to support he claims.

US Rep Claudia Tenney has sparked controversy after saying that 'many people' who commit mass murders are Democrats

Tenney, who represents upstate New York, made the comments while discussing the Florida school shooting on February 14 that left 17 people dead

Former student Nikolsa Cruz, 19, was identified as the gunman. He's been arraigned on 17 counts of premeditated murder

Tenney was responding to a point made by Dicker that the majority of gun victims come from the inner cities, not in mass shootings.

Many Democrats who will be running against Tenney quickly responded to her comment.

Democratic state Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi tweeted: 'First, (Tenney) said Democrats are un-American. Now this. This toxic rhetoric is shameful and a new low even for Ms. Tenney. Inserting politics into a national tragedy is beyond the pale & disgusting. She should apologize now to spare our region any more national embarrassment.'

Evan Lukaske, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said Tenney demonstrated 'how completely unfit she is to serve in Congress.'

'Tenney's comments are unhinged, shameful and disgusting, and show why voters will replace her next November,' he said.

Tenney responded to the backlash saying her comments were taken out of context and were made in response to a question about the failure to prosecute illegal gun crimes.

Tenney said her comments were taken out of context and were made in response to a question about the failure to prosecute illegal gun crimes

'I am fed up with the media and liberals attempting to politicize tragedies and demonize law-abiding gun owners and conservative Americans every time there is a horrible tragedy,' she said. 'While we know the perpetrators of these atrocities have a wide variety of political views, my comments are in response to a question about the failure to prosecute illegal gun crime. I will continue to stand up for law-abiding citizens who are smeared by anti-gun liberal elitists.'

Tenney was first elected in 2016. Her district covers a large swath of central New York including the cities of Binghamton, Utica and Rome.
An eight-year-old boy is lucky to be alive after playing with a deadly blue-ringed octopus.

Noah Soubrier was at Somerton Park Beach in Adelaide when he found the venomous sea creaure inside a shell.

Blue-ringed octopuses have a toxic but non-painful bite that can be fatal in 30 minutes.

An eight-year-old boy is lucky to be alive after playing with a deadly blue-ringed octopus (pictured is the boy's mother, Emma)

Noah Soubrier was at Somerton Park Beach in Adelaide when he found the venomous sea creaure inside a shell (pictured is the octopus)

His relieved mother Emma Soubrier said he came running over in excitement to show her what he had found, she told The Advertiser.

'I could not recognise what it was, but when he grabbed it to take it out of the net, I first thought it was a jellyfish and immediately asked him to stop touching it,' she said.

'Finally in the full light I could recognise what it was, as the blue spots were shining.

'I freaked out when I realised what could have happened to Noah ... he picked it up and was playing with it.'

Para Vista man Sam Avery said his godson Tyson, 10, found a blue-ringed octopus (pictured) while hunting for crabs at Port Noarlunga

Surf life saving clubs across the city warned beach users last week after blue-ringed octopuses were sighted in several different locations.

Jared Thomas said his daughter Delilah, 6, found one on a reef at the mouth of the Onkaparinga River.

Para Vista man Sam Avery said his godson Tyson, 10, found a blue-ringed octopus while hunting for crabs at Port Noarlunga.

Port Noarlunga Surf Life Saving Club president Shaun O'Sullivan said the octopuses are only likely to bite if they are being held, as they sting from underneath.

Jared Thomas said his daughter Delilah, 6, found a blue-ringed octopus (pictured) on a reef at the mouth of the Onkaparinga River

Blue-ringed octopuses are one of the world's most venomous marine animals, but are docile and only dangerous if handled or provoked.

Victims can be unaware they have been bitten until paralysis sets in, since bites are tiny and non-painful.

There is no anti-venom for the sea creature's toxin tetrodotoxin, which can lead to death within minutes if untreated.

Children, people with heart or health conditions and the elderly are particularly at risk, and those bitten should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Justin Forsyth (pictured with Samantha Cameron in 2013) admitted that he engaged in 'unsuitable and thoughtless conversations' with three young female members of staff

The United Nations children's agency was not informed that the former head of Save the Children UK had behaved inappropriately towards women before it hired him as a senior executive.

Unicef last night said it was trying to get a 'better understanding' of Justin Forsyth's behaviour when he led the British charity.

Mr Forsyth admitted on Tuesday that he engaged in 'unsuitable and thoughtless conversations' with three young female members of staff while he was chief executive of Save the Children UK from 2010 to 2016.

He 'apologised unreservedly' to them for sending text messages commenting on how they looked and what they were wearing, which he accepted had 'caused offence and hurt'.

Unicef appointed Mr Forsyth as its deputy executive director in 2016. A spokesman said yesterday: 'Unicef was not aware of the complaints against Mr Forsyth at the time of his recruitment.

'We understand that informal mediation is confidential. We continue to work with him and Save the Children to get a better understanding of the facts.'

The agency added that there have been 'no such [similar] complaints' about Mr Forsyth since he joined Unicef, and called him a 'passionate and effective advocate for children'.

Whistleblowers from Save the Children told the BBC that Mr Forsyth had made comments on their appearance, their clothes and how he felt about them.

It was claimed that if the women did not reply to the texts, he would send them a follow-up email and even call them in for a chat if they still did not respond.

One woman who complained about his behaviour said: 'The complaints of harassment were not treated with the appropriate degree of seriousness.

'It seemed like there was more interest in the organisation in preventing exposure of the misconduct than in protecting its female employees from predatory behaviour.'

In a statement Save the Children UK said its then-chairman Sir Alan Parker, who also worked as a PR executive, oversaw the complaints procedure. It was carried out by the charity's human resources department and two trustees.

It resulted in Mr Forsyth apologising to the women, at which point 'the matters were closed'.

Unicef appointed Mr Forsyth (pictured) as its deputy executive director in 2016

He announced his resignation from Save the Children just months after concerns about his conduct were raised for a second time in 2015. A Save the Children spokesman said: 'We can confirm we are currently in discussion with Unicef about Mr Forsyth. For legal reasons, we cannot comment further on aspects of this case.'

The charity said sorry on Tuesday for historic inappropriate behaviour by its former chief executive and said procedures had not been properly followed in reviewing three complaints against him.

The apology came as charities in the aid sector pledged to overhaul their approach to dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment.

Save the Children UK said concerns were raised in 2011 and 2015 about inappropriate comments and behaviour by Mr Forsyth and reviews in both cases resulted in 'unreserved apologies' to the women involved.

But the charity said human resources processes had not been followed in every aspect.

Tory peer picked to run watchdog Culture Secretary Matt Hancock last night pushed through the appointment of a Tory peer to regulate charities despite objections from some MPs. He said former Lords leader Tina Stowell, pictured, was selected in an 'open, fair and transparent' process to chair the Charity Commission and she has his full backing. Her appointment was opposed by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee which said she lacked the 'experience, neutrality or capability' to do the job. But Mr Hancock made clear he believes her to be the 'best candidate' for the job. He also won the strong backing of No 10. Theresa May's spokesman said the Oxfam scandal showed regulators should be independent. Advertisement

It said current chief executive Kevin Watkins will launch a 'root and branch review of organisational culture', following broader concerns about sexual abuse and harassment in the aid sector.

Mr Forsyth is a former aide to Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He married his wife Lisa in 2012 and now lives in New York.

The revelations come days after Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered Labour MP Jo Cox, a friend of Mr Forsyth and former chief strategist at the charity, quit following separate allegations of sexual misconduct. The pair worked together at Save the Children.

Mr Forsyth was previously married to Catherine McCarthy. They wed in Hendon, north London, in 1991 when he had a senior role at Oxfam.

Miss McCarthy, who now also lives in the US, last night said the behaviour admitted to by her former husband was 'completely out of character'. She added: 'In all the years I have known Justin, I have never seen any of this kind of behaviour.'

Mr Forsyth held senior roles at Oxfam from 1995 to 2004. He took up his special adviser role to Tony Blair until 2007 before becoming Gordon Brown's special adviser until 2010.

Save the Children's new chief executive Mr Watkins has admitted to MPs that the charity had investigated more than 200 complaints of misconduct in 2016 alone.
TV wildlife presenter Martin Hughes-Games has announced that he is quitting BBC2s Springwatch show.

Hughes-Games has presented on the much loved programme and its sibling shows Autumnwatch and Winterwatch for the past twelve years.

But the 61-year-old Briton took to Twitter yesterday to declare his resignation.

Popular Springwatch presenter Martin Hughes-Games (pictured) has announced his resignation from the show after 12 years

He told his 51,000 followers: After 12 great years I have decided to leave the watches. Its good to go when the show is looking strong. MASSIVE thank you for yr support. The news comes after his role on the popular BBC series came under threat back in 2016.

In September 2016 he told his Twitter fans that he was being axed by the BBC, in order for them to meet diversity targets.

The corporation denied his claims, but his role was then changed instead of axed, after he received huge support from viewers.

Hughes-Games supporters claimed he was being marginalised for political correctness.

He told the Radio Times at the time: Whatever I may think its crucially important that high profile shows like the Watches reflect diversity.

Chris, Michaela and I are all white and middle class so a more diverse team must present some of the films that go out.

Its hard for me because its my living but the more I thought about it the more I thought no thats the right decision. It has to be like that.

The presenter from Bristol has not confirmed his reasons for leaving the show, but a colleague said: He hopes that other channels see past the perceived problem that he is middle-aged, middle class, white and male and recognise him on his merits. Some of his fans took to Twitter, blaming BBC politics for his resignation.

Mr Hughes-Games took to Twitter to inform his fans of his decision, although he has yet to explain exactly why he has decided to depart (pictured with other Springwatch presenters)

Ron Smith wrote: I smell BBC politics in this decision, Martin. You were being pushed off last year, as I recall, until viewer kickback intervened. Itll be interesting to see who replaces you. Best of luck. While another replied: I have my suspicions about this. I cant see why hed walk away he seems to love his job on SW. I agree Im thinking he was told he had to go so the BBC can fill in some daft race and gender quotas.

Meanwhile, his decision to quit the series prompted support and sympathy from his social media followers.

Gray Cale tweeted: No Martin please reconsider...you make the show! Stephen Watson wrote: You will be missed!...may I wish you well for your future endeavours. You added a certain intrepid mischief to the shows.

A BBC spokesman told the Radio Times: Martin has been a vital part of the success of the Watches- both on and off screen- for the past 12 years, so were very sad to see him go. We wish him every success in his new ventures. Were excited to be bringing Springwatch back to BBC2 in May.

Hughes-Games graduated with a first class degree in BSc Zoology in 1978.

He then began his career at the BBC in 1978, where he joined the natural history unit.

He then moved over to the Science and Features team in 1979, before re-joining the natural history unit in 1988.
Relatives of a two-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by a 'father figure' are angry the toddler has been returned to her home, which was reported to child protection services 21 times over three months last year.

The toddler from Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory was flown to the Alice Springs Hospital on Friday before being rushed to the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide, where she was placed in an induced coma because of the severity of her injuries.

A 24-year-old man who is said to have a close relationship with the child has since been arrested and charged with sexual assault. He appeared to have been bashed when he appeared in court by video-link on Tuesday. He did not apply for bail.

The girl has been released from hospital into the care of her family and will return to the home where the alleged assault occurred, much to the horror of relatives.

A two-year-old girl (pictured) who was allegedly raped by a 24-year-old man is still with the same carers and may be returned to the house where the abuse occurred

Child protection services and police were repeatedly asked to look into the wellbeing of a Northern Territory toddler who was allegedly raped last week, family and friends have claimed (pictured is Tennant Creek)

The toddler's grandfather said at a heated town meeting on Wednesday that he saw cartons of alcohol being carried into the child's home, according to NT News.

'There had been a number of times the family was frightened of the children staying at the house,' he said.

'There was alcohol, drugs, parties and men that would go there. Us as a family, knowing these things, we should have done something.'

Her parents are understood to have troubled pasts, and are known to be heavy consumers of alcohol. It was previously reported a party was held at the home on the Friday evening, the same night the two-year-old was allegedly sexually assaulted.

'It's understood a party, with alcohol involved, was at the house preceding the incident,' a source said.

'A man died in the house several weeks before.'

The young girl's father was not at the home at the time of the alleged rape. He is behind bars for a domestic violence incident, NT News said.

Territory Families received 21 calls to the troubled residence between August 15 and December 17.

Out of nine investigations, six were substantiated, Territory Families deputy chief executive Jeanette Kerr, who has defended her decision to allow the child to go back home, told the publication.

Acting Chief Minister Nicole Manison said several of substantiated investigations did involve the toddler.

The two-year-old girl from Tennant Creek was flown to the Alice Springs Hospital (pictured) on Friday

Minister for Territory Families Dale Wakefield told The Australian 'the system has failed this child'.

'We have been working with the mum. There have been notifications to the department before around other issues, but none of them has related to sexual violence... we will continue to work with the mum, and we are making sure that we've got the right things in place to support the family.'

Relatives of the child said they believed she was at risk to be harmed almost from birth.

NT Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said specialist sexual assault police officers would be a 'liaison point' for the family who were looking after the little girl.

A man who said he has been 'like a dad' to the young girl told The Australian child protection services and police were alerted to the toddler's well-being by multiple people close to her.

He said the two-year-old's alleged assault was indicative of the issues plaguing Tennant Creek.

'It's a forgotten town running rampant with violence,' the relative said.

'Someone has got to be held accountable for this little girl. How many [child protection] notifications do you have to put in before Territory Families does something?'
In the video, the barista, later identified as Madeline Guinto, is heard screaming 'oh my God' as a 33-year-old suspect grabs her and pulls her into an alley to try and rape her

Shocking surveillance footage shows the moment a knife-wielding man crawled through the window of a coffee stand early Tuesday in an attempt to kidnap and rape a bikini barista in Washington state.

The 33-year-old suspect is seen sliding what appears to be a tip jar out of the way so that he could climb through the window.

In the video, the barista, later identified as Madeline Guinto, is heard screaming 'oh my God' as the man grabs her.

At first it's unclear what the man is saying as he points to something in the coffee stand.

As he drags the woman to her feet, he is heard telling the 30-year-old barista: 'I won't hurt you.'

Shocking surveillance footage shows the moment a knife-wielding man crawled through the window of a coffee stand early Tuesday in an attempt to kidnap and rape a bikini barista in Washington state

In the video, the barista is heard screaming 'oh my God' as the man grabs her

At first it's unclear what the man is saying as he points to something in the coffee stand. As he drags the woman to her feet, he is heard telling the 30-year-old barista: 'I won't hurt you'

Fearing for her life, the woman walks over to the window and climbs out as the suspect climbs out behind her.

The Kent Police Department said the incident occurred around 4.45am at Hottie Shots Espresso.

Authorities said the suspect ordered a drink right before the attempted attack.

The barista later identified herself as Madeline Guinto, and told KVAL that she fought the suspect off after he attacked her.

Guinto said after he crawled in through the window he put a knife to her throat and demanded she turn off the lights.

She refused, and he forced her to climb out the window and then led her down a dark alley. There, he said, he tried to rape her.

But the whole time Guinto said she was fighting as hard as she could to get away from him.

'I'm doing everything I can to stall him,' she told KVAL.

'I'm dragging my feet. I'm giving him dead body weight so it's not easy for him to just walk me over into my death. And I was like "Oh my god, why isn't anyone pulling up?"'

She said that once he had her cornered he started choking her and she tried desparately to grab onto his knife, which he yanked out of her reach.

But suddenly, she said, he got scared and stepped back, giving her the opportunity to run back to her coffee stand and call police.

Fearing for her life, the woman walks over to the window and climbs out as the suspect climbs out behind her

The barista told police that after they climbed out of the window, the man forced her into a dark alley near the stand. She said she was saved after another car pulling up spooked the suspect and he took off

Guinto suffered a few scratches in the attack, but was otherwise fine.

Police released the footage and pleaded for the public's help in finding the man.

'We want to get this guy picked up,' Det. Melanie Robinson told KOMO, before the suspect was caught.

The 33-year-old suspect was later identified as Michael Reynolds (pictured), who has an an extensive criminal history

'He's obviously a coward who preys on young women and females who are working in situations just like this, and he's a coward because there's nobody else around to protect them but themselves.'

Less than a day after police released the footage of the attack, they arrested the Michael Reynolds, who has an extensive criminal history.

Kent police arrested Reynolds on Wednesday at a furniture warehouse, where he worked.

Guinto said she was relieved to hear he had been arrested so he 'won't ever get anyone again.'

'I'm kind of just glad it's over,' she said, expressing that she plans to take a self defense class in the future. She said that this is the second incident at the specific coffee stand after she was robbed there in October, and isn't sure that she will go back to work there.

He was released from prison in September last year after serving a decade for robbery and burglary, according to KIRO-7.

Another barista who works at the coffee stand told told the station that they've 'been robbed a couple times as well'.

'If somebody ever wants something in here, we assume it's the money. This was much more terrifying.'

Prosecutors are reviewing the case and will decide whether to file charges.

Less than a day after police released the footage of the attack, they arrested the Reynolds who has an extensive criminal history
Malnourished children have been rescued from 'squalid and wretched' conditions at a hoarder house they lived at with their dad.

The children were found riddled with worms and headlice when they were discovered at the Bentley Park home in Cairns, far north Queensland, which has been described by police as a 'house of horrors'.

Three children, two boys and a girl aged five, seven and 10, lived among piles of rubbish, cockroaches, flies and maggots before they were rescued from the home in February last year.

Malnourished children have been rescued from 'squalid and wretched' conditions at a home in Cairns - where two dangerously malnourished Staffordshire Bull Terriers were also found to be living (pictured)

There were also syringes found scattered throughout the home, even under the bed all three children shared.

Cairns Police said it was among the worst child neglect cases they had ever seen.

Despite this, the 36-year-old father escaped a jail sentence when he appeared in court on Wednesday.

The man pleaded guilty to a string of offences including cruelty to a child under the age of 16, animal negligence and keeping a protected animal.

He was handed a two and a half year probation order, the Cairns Post reported.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his children, initially blamed the malnourished state of his family on their 'picky eating'.

This was discredited when his eldest son revealed the truth to police officers investigating the case.

The eldest child, 10, told police he and his siblings shared a bed and used couch cushions as pillows (stock)

The boy told police the floor of the home was covered in 20cm of trash, from the bedrooms to the kitchen (stock)

Crown Prosecutor Nicole Friedewald told the court the boy admitted he and his siblings were lucky to eat one meal a day.

'He told police that everyone slept together on the same bed in the same room and that they used couch pillows because they didn't have any bed pillows,' Ms Friedewald said.

'They did not use blankets because they were covered in trash and were dirty, and they slept on a bare mattress without any sheets.'

The boy told police the floor of the home was covered in 20cm of trash, from the bedrooms to the kitchen.

He revealed he and his siblings showered once a week, and brushed their teeth in the bathtub because the kitchen and bathroom sinks were clogged with rubbish and dirty water.

'The conditions of the house can only be described as squalid and wretched,' Ms Friedewald said.

He revealed he and his siblings showered once a week, and brushed their teeth in the bathtub because the kitchen and bathroom sinks were clogged with rubbish and dirty water (stock)

There were also syringes (stock) found scattered throughout the home, even under the bed all three children shared

The court also heard two dangerously malnourished Staffordshire Bull Terriers were rescued from the home.

A wallaby was also discovered to be living inside the house.

The animals were seized by the RSPCA, where they were nurtured back to health.

Defence Barrister Josh Trevino told the court his client did not intentionally harm his children.

He said the father-of-three suffered from undiagnosed chronic depression.

Mr Trevino said his client was working to restore his relationship with the children, and had since been awarded unsupervised visitation rights.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson (pictured) expressed 'serious concerns' about the proposed takeover.

The hostile takeover of the defence giant GKN is to be investigated by MPs amid concern that it could harm national security.

In a rare intervention in a corporate takeover, executives from GKN and the predatory bidder Melrose are being called before the business committee.

MPs want answers about the risk to jobs, pensions and the manufacturing of key military parts if the 7.4billion deal goes ahead.

It came as Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson expressed 'serious concerns' about the proposed takeover.

Giving evidence to the defence select committee, Mr Williamson said he had written to Business Secretary Greg Clark about the deal, adding: 'There is no clarity as to what the true approach is going to be in terms of the GKN military side of the business.

'We sometimes have to ask tough questions as to whether we should raise concerns about the break-up of large, successful, important businesses that have a real impact upon our national security. It would have been remiss if I didn't do that on this occasion.'

Melrose's usual strategy is to sell firms at a profit within three to five years of buying them, raising fears that GKN will be broken up and sold off around the world.

Its bid for GKN, which employs 6,000 people in the UK and 58,000 worldwide, is facing close scrutiny amid concerns over its potential impact. Redditch-based GKN, which is nearly 260 years old, makes parts for fighter jets including the US-UK F-35, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the US B-21 stealth bomber.

It also produces components for civilian aircraft and car firms including Airbus, Mercedes and Toyota.

The Government is investigating whether it could intervene on national security grounds. The business committee is to hold a hearing into the takeover on March 6.

Its bid for GKN, (pictured, a GKN factory) which employs 6,000 people in the UK and 58,000 worldwide, is facing close scrutiny

Committee chairman Rachel Reeves said: 'GKN is an important company for the UK and globally. This session will be an opportunity to hear from Unite [the union] and for GKN and Melrose to set out their case for the future of the business.'

GKN's fate was thrown into doubt last month when Melrose tabled its offer to buy the firm, which was rejected by board members as cheap and opportunistic.

Melrose bosses Simon Peckham, 55, Christopher Miller, 66, and David Roper, 68, are now battling GKN's new American boss Anne Stevens, 69, in the biggest UK takeover bid in nearly a decade.

It emerged earlier this week that Melrose suffered a 28million loss last year and has presided over factory closures and hundreds of job cuts.

The firm said yesterday: 'We welcome the opportunity to appear before the select committee.

'We believe that while there are no competition or national security issues, it is in fact in the national interest for Melrose to be the guardian of GKN's businesses. As a British public company, we are fully aware of our ownership responsibilities.'

GKN said it was happy to give evidence to the committee.
It is enough to put anyone off binge-watching their latest favourite box set.

Spending too long in front of the television can dramatically raise the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.

More commonly associated with long-haul flights and hospital patients, deep vein thrombosis can also occur from sitting too long, cutting off vital blood flow to the legs.

A US study found people who watch television very often are 71 per cent more likely to get a potentially fatal blood clot in their leg.

Spending too long in front of the television can dramatically raise the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis

This type of clot can lead to either deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism - blood clots in the lungs.

Watching television is the most common sedentary activity worldwide, and people who spend too much time in front of the box are more likely to be obese and unfit.

But the study of more than 15,000 people aged 45 to 64 concludes that even people who exercise are at risk.

The studys lead author, Kasuhiko Kubota, from the University of Minnesota, said: These results suggest that even individuals who regularly engage in physical activity should not ignore the potential harms of prolonged sedentary behaviors such as TV viewing.

Avoiding frequent TV viewing, increasing physical activity and controlling body weight might be beneficial to prevent VTE [venous thromboembolism].

A venous thromboembolism is either deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism.

This latest study is the first to focus on a Western population, who are known to be more prone to blood clotting conditions than people of Asian descent

The American participants were asked how often they watched television, from very often to never.

The results show television addicts who answered very often were 1.7 times more likely to suffer a venous thromboembolism than those who watched television seldom or never.

Those at greater risk of DVT include people over the age of 40 and people inactive for a long time in cramped conditions, such as after an operation or a long-haul journey on an aeroplane.

The condition affects 60,000 people a year in Britain and starts with pain, swelling and a heavy ache in the leg.

The US study, published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis, found obesity helped to explain the results in the 15,158 people given questionnaires.

But those watching the most were still at risk, regardless of their body mass.

There were 691 cases of DVT or pulmonary embolism among the study participants, which can lead to breathlessness, chest pain and collapse, requiring urgent medical attention.

Prolonged sitting disrupts the normal circulation of blood through the legs and feet, which slows blood flow and can lead a blood clot to form.

Deep vein thrombosis can lead to a pulmonary embolism when a clot dislodges and travels through the body to the lungs.

Findings from a 2016 study in Japan also highlighted the increased risk of suffering a VTE relative to the hours spent in front of the TV.

This latest study is the first to focus on a Western population, who are known to be more prone to blood clotting conditions than people of Asian descent.
Drug and alcohol abusers claiming welfare because of their addictions will be denied payments under a resurrected government plan, unless they are undergoing treatment.

The federal government will attempt to disqualify drug and alcohol addicts from $814-a-fortnight payments when social services minister Dan Tehan reintroduces the measure, which was blocked in the Senate last year.

The proposed change to the disability support pension (DSP) - which is part of a greater plan to tackle addiction - would deem 450 people a year ineligible, The Australian reported.

But drug and alcohol addicted welfare recipients will still receive payments if they undergo rehabilitation instead of looking for work.

Drug and alcohol abusers claiming welfare because of their addictions will be denied payments under a resurrected government plan (file image)

The federal government will attempt to disqualify drug and alcohol addicts (stock image) from $814-a-fortnight payments

Mr Tehan said the government wants addicts to address their 'problem' if it's a barrier to their employment.

He added: 'It is fantastic that so many welfare recipients have taken up the opportunity to get treatment and address their drug or alcohol problem

'As part of the Welfare Reform Bill, income support recipients won't be able to use drug or alcohol use as an excuse for not meeting their mutual obligation requirements.'

A Parliamentary Budget Office report found the largest group of new DSP recipients are people with psychological conditions, which is often linked with substance misuse.

They were also found to be far younger than average recipients and could receive the pension for more than 20 years.

Previously unpublished data also shows 260 jobseekers have chosen to enter drug and alcohol rehabilitation or treatment instead of finding jobs.

Social services minister Dan Tehan (pictured) will reintroduce the measure, which was blocked in the Senate last year

Drug and alcohol addicted welfare recipients will still receive payments if they undergo rehabilitation instead of looking for work (stock image)

Australian Medical Association president Michael Gannon (pictured) said more people with mental health problems were seeking help because of a lifting stigma

The most 'work ready' unemployed - who are typically on the dole or youth allowance - are allowed to receive addiction treatment in lieu of looking for work as part of the regime introduced on January 1.

Meanwhile, those who are in Stream C - typically receiving the DSP - were already allowed to select this option and are doing so in large numbers.

There are more than 520 welfare recipients in the category receiving treatment, according to the publication.

Australian Medical Association president Michael Gannon said more people with mental health problems were seeking help because of a lifting stigma.

'But I think we are seeing an increased burden in society more generally and a greater demand for services,' he said.
The Eurosceptic backlash threatened to overshadow the meeting of Theresa May's Brexit 'war cabinet'

Britain will be fully out of the EU by the end of 2020, Government sources said last night.

A senior Whitehall source said the so-called 'transition period' would almost certainly be over by the end of December 2020, when the current seven-year EU budget expires.

The declaration came after a day of confusion and claims from some Eurosceptics that the Government's Brexit strategy was becoming 'shambolic'.

Ministers yesterday published negotiating guidelines saying the transition period should be governed by 'how long it will take to prepare' for leaving the EU  suggesting it could be open-ended.

This sparked a Eurosceptic backlash, which threatened to overshadow today's crunch meeting of Theresa May's Brexit 'war cabinet' at Chequers.

Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said the Government document had not been signed off by the Cabinet  and described the handling of the situation as 'chaotic'. 'Who is writing this stuff?' he added.

'We seem to have a government run by officials. A Cabinet minister has told me definitively this is not government policy, yet it appears in a government document. It is shambolic, and it does not inspire confidence.'

Tory MP Philip Davies said: 'Why does it need to be more than two years? All of this foot-dragging and faffing about is unacceptable to the general public.'

To add to the confusion, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte emerged from talks with Mrs May to suggest that any agreement on the length of a Brexit transition could be extended at a later date  an idea that is being actively considered in Brussels.

Brexit minister Steve Baker insisted 'there will be a fixed date' when a deal on the transition period is agreed.

Downing Street said Mrs May was committed to seeking a transition of 'about two years' after the UK leaves in March 2019. A senior Whitehall source said: 'The reality is we will end up with an implementation period that finishes at the end of December 2020.

Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte emerged from talks with Mrs May to suggest that any agreement on the length of a Brexit transition could be extended at a later date

'There is a very strong feeling in Brussels that that is the right date and it fits with our own desire for a period of about two years.' At Chequers senior ministers will try to thrash out the UK's negotiating demands ahead of EU trade talks next month.

They will hear presentations on Brexit's potential impact on car manufacturers, farmers, the digital sector, trade and Northern Ireland, and then try to agree a position, that will form the basis of a speech by Mrs May next week.

A Cabinet source said there was broad agreement on a 'cake and eat it' strategy of demanding extensive single market access with the freedom to set regulations. But another said there was division on the customs union and how quickly Britain should diverge from EU rules.

More than 60 Tory MPs wrote to the PM saying a divorce deal must secure 'full regulatory autonomy'.
A Broadway producer who has turned some of Disneys most popular movies into musical hits has been accused of sexual harassment by former co-workers.

Disneys Theatrical Productions president and producer Thomas Schumacher allegedly created an X-rated work environment where he openly made inappropriate comments about his subordinates, former colleagues told the Wall Street Journal.

While working for Disneys animation arm, where he was involved with The Lion King and Pocahontas, Schumacher allegedly made salacious and inappropriate remarks, former Disney employee Bill Williams said.

A Disney producer, who is currently working on the upcoming Broadway musical 'Frozen', is accused of sexual harassment

Former Disney employees said Thomas Schumacher allegedly made inappropriate comments including telling a worker he had a nice butt and openly talking about his erections while at work

Schumacher is the president of Disney Theatrical Productions and has produced Disney Broadway musicals such as 'Frozen' and 'The Lion King'

Williams told the outlet that Schumacher allegedly told him he had a nice butt while they were working together in the 1990s. Williams said he reported Schumacher and was told by the human resources department that Schumacher had been spoken to and he apologizes.

The company later moved Williams to another department.

Colleagues told the Journal that Schumachers behavior became even worse when he became president of Disneys theatrical department.

Things reportedly got so bad that one female assistant quit after she brought her biracial son to work and Schumacher allegedly made inappropriate comments about black mens prowess.

Another worker accused Schumacher, 60, of wearing a bathrobe to work all day after he got caught outside in the rain. The worker said Schumacher kept making jokes that he wasnt wearing anything under the robe.

Schumacher also openly talked about his erections and pornography, another former employee said. The Broadway boss is also accused of telling his colleagues that he had a naked tanning session with Josh Strickland, who starred in the musical 'Tarzan'.

Schumacher, 60, denies the sexual harassment allegations and Disney said it's investigating the complaints

'Frozen' is set to preview in New York at the Great White Way on Thursday, February 22

Strickland told the Journal that he and Schumacher did tan together but they were not naked. He also said he never felt uncomfortable around Schumacher.

Schumacher denied the sexual harassment allegations, and a person close to him told the Journal that Schumacher has at times acknowledged using inappropriate language and expressed regret.

The allegations surfaced one day before Schumachers adaption of the Disney film Frozen is set to preview in New York at the Great White Way.

Disney has not said what actions it will take against Schumacher, but said in a statement that complaints are thoroughly investigated.
She was widely criticised for wearing a dress with a plunging neckline and thigh-high split to go out in the freezing cold.

But Jennifer Lawrence hit back yesterday, saying the revealing gown was her choice  and she will wear a bikini under a snowsuit next time.

The 27-year-old actress told the Daily Mail during an interview at Claridges hotel in Mayfair that she wore the dress to Tuesdays photoshoot in London for her latest film because it was fabulous.

I wasnt going to cover it up with a coat or why would I wear it? It was Versace, she said. I was outside for five minutes and if I choose to be cold then I choose to be cold.

The Oscar-winning star said she was 'extremely offended' by criticism of her decision to go for glamour over comfort during a freezing photocall for her latest film Red Sparrow (pictured from left director Francis Lawrence, Matthias Schoenaerts, Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton and Jeremy Irons)

I mean, nobody told me I couldnt wear a coat. In any case I didnt want to wear a coat at the photoshoot. I wore a coat to the photoshoot. But why hide the dress for the photographers?

And nobody can tell me what to wear and not what to wear. Its my choice to wear a dress that I feel fabulous in.

Puffing on an e-cigarette, the Oscar-winning Hollywood star added: Feminism is equality. Its social, political and economic equality.

It does not mean I have to wear a coat when you think I should. It does not mean I shouldnt get nude when you think I shouldnt. Im a grown-ass woman and I can wear or not wear whatever I please.

The Hunger Games star said that her dedication to vintage couture was at the heart of her decision to don the black Versace dress despite the weather being close to 3 degrees in London. She told followers: 'Everything you see me wear is my choice'

Bursting out laughing, she asked: Can you tell Ive had a lot of caffeine and that Im fired up?

Seriously though, why is this a controversy? I wore a beautiful dress that made me feel gorgeous. I was with a bunch of men and they were wearing coats. So what?

People make controversies just for sport and its actually just irresponsible, because theres no controversy there.

Ill wear a bikini next time but, OK, I might wear a snowsuit over it if that will make them happy and stop people complaining. But just so were clear, if I dont want to wear a coat then Im not going to wear a goddamned coat.

Miss Lawrence, who presented one of the awards at Sundays Baftas, plays a ballerina-turned-spy in her latest film, Red Sparrow, which opens on March 1.

The role called for nudity, something she has shunned since private photographs of her were hacked into in 2014 and published online.

I felt violated and I just wanted to shut down. I never wanted to share my body, my flesh, with the public ever again, she said.

But reading the script for Red Sparrow was a huge growing point for me. I knew the nudity was relevant for the character and for the story and I felt, OK, if I dont do this movie, they win.

The actress issued a statement on Facebook today, calling calls for her to cover up in London's freezing weather offensive, saying 'If I want to be cold that's my choice too'

However, she had always regarded screen nudity cautiously. She said: I think Americans have a different attitude towards nudity, very generally. I grew up in Kentucky, I grew up in a conservative home, so those factors come into play.

Miss Lawrence said the #MeToo and #TimesUp sex abuse and equality campaigns in showbusiness had allowed her to question her views about on-screen nudity.

Its true, I have been afraid and insecure in ways of sexuality and nudity for so many years that I felt like, finally, I wasnt going to let that ruin my life any more and so I felt freed and empowered by that, she said. She stressed that the nude scenes in Red Sparrow added colour to her character and were not gratuitous. She has been trained to use her body as a seductress but she actually gains her freedom by using her mind, Miss Lawrence said.

She gets ahead by using the forces of being a woman. Shes manipulative, shes cunning, shes brutal and she has rage and she has a brain and she uses all of herself to defend herself and defend others.

Others argued on Twitter that Lawrence knew exactly what she was doing when it came to the fashion statement, with one, @leoalxndr1, saying: 'JenniferLawrence had a coat. She took it off for a couple press photos, yes she was probably cold but she survived. CALM DOWN'

Asked if equality should go as far as leading men revealing more on screen, she replied: Our bodies are definitely more beautiful naked in my opinion. If the role calls for nudity and you want to do it then do it, as long as you feel comfortable. We have the freedom to do as we please as long as there is consent.

I get why men shy away. Our biologies are different, theres a lot a woman can hide with prosthetics but with a man its out there. If I were a man, I dont know how I would approach it.

Despite braving the cold snap, Lawrence was spotted wearing an overcoat over her designer dress when she arrived at the photocall

Another freezing night! On Sunday evening, JLaw braved the British chill again in a stunning bare-shoulders gown as she arrived to present an award at the BAFTAs at London's Royal Albert Hall

Expectation: Leading Women's rights charity, the Fawcett Society said the latest images of Lawrence (pictured With Liam Hemsworth, left and Josh Hutcherson, right, in 2015) proved women still 'have a long way to go'

Miss Lawrence announced this week that she would use a years gap in her film commitments to work for community organisation Represent.Us.

Im trying to get young people engaged politically on a local level, she said.

Ive been to Ohio and New Orleans and there are 48 more states to go. I just want to spark a conversation that can hopefully create change in the way our democracy is run.
A New Jersey woman who was convicted in 2016 of murdering her five-year-old son in 1991 has now sued Middlesex county and its Sheriff for injuries she sustained at trial.

Michelle Lodzinski, 50, filed a lawsuit in state court on Friday claiming county officials breached their duty of caring for her by escorting her too quickly while she was restrained, causing her to fall, and then denying her adequate medical care while she remained in custody after the February 2016 incident, according to Law360.

The personal injury lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and costs for the woman who was found guilty of killing her son, Timothy Wiltsey, in May of 2016, 25 years after he vanished.

She is currently just over a year into serving her 30-year sentence for killing the boy.

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Michelle Lodzinski, 50, who was convicted in 2016 of murdering her five-year-old son in 1991 has now sued Middlesex county and its Sheriff for injuries she sustained at trial

Timothy's body was found eleven months after Lodzinski claimed he went missing from a carnival in Sayeville, New Jersey, in May of 1991.

No one ever saw the boy there and his remains were found buried with a blanket from their home in marshland near where his mother worked.

Lodzinski said nothing as she was given her sentence in January 2017, maintaining still that she did not know what happened to her son.

At present day, her attorney Gerald Krovatin has said she is in pain with loss of feeling in some fingers, as she remains incarcerated at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in Hunterdon County, according to NJ.com.

Prosecutors said the mother killed Timothy Wiltsey, 5, because he was a 'burden' on her

'She's had one surgery and will probably need another,' Krovatin said. 'It looks like she has permanent nerve damage.'

The lawsuit, which sought unspecified damages and costs, said the county breached its duties of care.

A Middlesex County's spokesperson said it was against county policy to comment on a pending lawsuit.

Lodzinksi alleges the source of her injuries to be a fall she sustained while being escorted through the Middlesex County courthouse, to her holding cell in the basement, by three Middlesex Sheriff's deputies.

Timothy was last seen alive on May 25, 1991, and his body was found 11 months later

Lodzinski's complaint claims the convicted killer was 'refused adequate medical care or treatment for her injuries, causing her additional injuries and additional pain and suffering,' despite repeated complaints about her injuries to medical staff and others at the courthouse

The complaint claims the convicted killer was 'refused adequate medical care or treatment for her injuries, causing her additional injuries and additional pain and suffering,' despite repeated complaints about her injuries to medical staff and others at the county courthouse.

Timothy was reported missing on May 25, 1991, when he was five and his mother was just 23.

She claimed to have lost him at a carnival that came to town near where they were living at the time.

Lodzinski however changed her story several times in the months that followed, later claiming he had been abducted.

Lodzinski first claimed to have lost her son at a carnival that came to town near where they were living at the time, and later said he was abducted

During police interviews she said he had been taken by a group of men and women but later changed her description to say the kidnappers had a young girl with them.

When Police found the boy's body just under a year later, they were unable to determine a cause of death because it had decomposed so badly.

A blanket was found nearby alongside a pair of sneakers and balloon with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles logo on the front.

Despite being questioned by police, she was never arrested at the time due to lack of evidence.

Detectives reopened the case years later, and charged Lodzinski in 2014 after receiving an anonymous tip.

Timothy's body was found in marshland near where his mother worked 11 months later

They interviewed his cousin and babysitter who said the blanket had come from the family's home.

Danielle Gerding was with Lodzinski at the carnival when Timothy's mother, who now has two other sons, 'calmly' said he was missing.

They looked for him together in the woods but could not find him, Gerding said.

Others who knew the family remembered seeing the mother there but not Timothy.

Prosecutors said Lodzinski only went to the fair to give herself an alibi after killing Timothy earlier in the night.

'The carnival was a cover-up. It was a way the defendant sought to escape detection. Timothy was in the ditch around the corner from where she worked, with his blanket and a balloon,' prosecutor Christie Bevacqua said at the time of trial.

'She was a young, struggling mother, struggling to survive and take care of her child.

'Timothy was a burden on her. He was just no longer wanted, and her solution was a life without Timothy.'

Alan Rockoff, the Middlesex County prosecutor when Timothy disappeared, now retired, said prosecutors didn't have enough evidence to charge her at the time that he went missing in 1991.

'There was no direct smoking gun,' Rockoff said. 'Justice works slowly, but works surely.'
Pictured: Robert and Jackie Dibb at their home in Hull, back in 2016

A grandmother told by doctors she would be dead in five years blew 10,000 of her savings only to later learn she was misdiagnosed.

Jackie Dibb, 62, now faces a penniless future after 'frittering away' thousands of pounds on holidays and gifts to her family.

Mrs Dibb was given a 'death penalty' in November 2016 by doctors who told her she was suffering from an incurable dementia.

She was told to enjoy the remainder of her life after being diagnosed as suffering from frontal temporal dementia and she went on a spending spree.

But just a year later doctors reviewed her case and told her that she just suffering from severe anxiety.

However by this time she and husband Rob Dibb, 61, had already emptied their pensions of 10,000.

They spent 4,000 on a wet room for their home, 1,500 on a holiday and 700 for a double-door American fridge.

Jackie even tragically said goodbye to her 12-year-old granddaughter after telling her, 'I'll still be here, but I'll be like one of those zombies you see in films'.

Big spenders: Mrs Dibb blew 700 on an American style fridge-freezer and 1,500 on a luxury holiday

However, just 345 days later another scan at Hull Royal Infirmary revealed Jackie never had dementia at all.

Mr Dibb, of Hull, East Yorkshire, said: 'We feel embarrassed to be honest, we said goodbye to family everything - we feel crushed.

'At the moment we are treading water with money - we're up to our noses anyway.

'We emptied our pensions and savings, we flew to Turkey on a big family holiday and bought things we didn't need.

'Jackie wanted a big American-style fridge - so I bought her that and we spent shed loads of money, adapting the home, going on trips - you name it.

'People advised me to just give her whatever she wanted while she could still enjoy it - but she never even had dementia.'

Jackie Dibb (pictured right with husband Rob, left), 62, faces a penniless future after 'frittering away' thousands of pounds on holidays and gifts to her family

Jackie had visited the doctors after her behaviour started to become erratic and doctors initially thought she had had a stroke.

But a CT scan made neurologists deal her the 'death sentence' dementia blow - which later was discovered to be 'severe anxiety and depression'.

A letter from the doctors at Hull Royal Infirmary shows that Jackie underwent the brain scan 'that showed mild frontal temporal involution.a'.

The letter, dated November 21, 2016 and signed by neurology Dr A. Bulture, reads: 'Mrs Dibb has got frontal temporal dementia.

'I have discussed the diagnosis with them today with her and her husband and I have answered questions.

'They seem to have taken the diagnosis quite well.'

Jackie then began to experience splitting headaches 'which made her curl up in a ball' after being put on the Alzheimer's drug Memantine.

Splashing out: The couple spent 4,000 converting their bathroom into a modern wet room

But it wasn't until the result of a further PET scan a year later that it finally revealed she did not have a neurodegenerative disease at all.

He added: 'We were basically handed a death sentence - it was heartbreaking hearing that Jackie would no longer recognise her family.

'They said she had about five to seven years left - but after two years she would no longer recognise her family.

'I was speaking to a different neurologist and he said this is the biggest mistake he has ever heard about.

'They took a half-arsed report and decided to tell us she was going to die - they winged it and gave us the death penalty.

'How they got it so wrong I will never know - I still have questions.'

Mr Dibb made a complaint to the NHS trust Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals following the misdiagnosis and received a letter apologising for the added stress caused.

Mr Dibb made a complaint to the NHS trust Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals following the misdiagnosis and received a letter apologising for the added stress caused

An internal investigation in January this year highlighted the error after stating the actual ailment was down to 'anxiety and depression'.

A letter sent to the couple read: 'Dr Ming has concluded that there appears to be an incorrect diagnosis made.

'He has outlined that one of the causes of memory and mood changes is severe anxiety and depression disorders, which gives rise to 'pseudo dementia'.'

Mr Dibb, who retired early to become a full-time carer for wife Jackie, has vowed not to sue the NHS 'because they've been too good to us over the years'.

He added: 'It is an actual horror story - in the apology letter there are 24 excuses but not a reason why this happened.

'People come up to me and say I'm mad for not suing the hospital - but the NHS have been good to my wife over the years.

'If I could do it individually in a private prosecution it would probably cost me 25,000 and last about four years because the solicitors would drag it out.

'If I sue the NHS then that might be another incubator not on a ward - and a kid who wouldn't have a fighting chance.'

The Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Hospital Trust have been contacted for comment.
Hundreds of mourners - and a large police contingent - have farewelled former Comanchero president Mick Hawi at a Sydney mosque.

Lebanese migrant Mahmoud 'Mick' Hawi, 37, was gunned down by unknown hit men outside his gym, Fitness First Rockdale, last Thursday.

Mosque officials said he would be farewelled at traditional prayers. There, his family washed his body, which was then dressed, as per Islamic custom.

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Slain bikie Mick Hawi pictured with wife Carolina - the Comanchero bikie boss' funeral was held on Thursday

A man named Tony carried a framed photograph of his slain friend, as he led a procession of mourners towards the Al Zahra mosque on Thursday

Women were seen arriving to Arncliffe's Al Zahra mosque to farewell Hawi

One woman was seen covering her face as she walked with other female mourners

Hundreds of people arrived to mourn the former bikie boss a week after he was shot dead

One man conversed with another, who appeared to be the Imam running Hawi's service

Some of the mourners attending the Arncliffe's Al Zahra mosque in Sydney's south flaunted their wealth as they arrived.

A convoy consisting of three Rolls Royces, a Porsche and a Bentley arrived at the mosque, believed to be carrying Hawi's loved ones.

Guests arrived in cars and limos as the family had asked mourners not to arrive in motorbikes, as is often seen at underworld memorial services.

A large police van sat outside the entrance of the mosque shortly after midday and police cars sat on most corners of the block surrounding the place of worship.

Officers said they were there to ensure the funeral did not disrupt traffic.

A large group of men in black T-shirts arrived in three white limousines. A man named Tony carried a framed photograph of the former Comanchero leader down the street.

Undercover officers could be seen photographing attendees as they filed into the service.

Following the service, mourners poured out of the mosque, all dressed in black

One man appeared to give directions, as others looked on with interest from behind

Many appeared moved by the service held for the former Comanchero president

One woman appeared to be wiping tears from her eyes as another appeared distraught as she reached into her bag

Two women, one wearing a shirt with Hawi's face emblazoned on it, kept their heads bowed as they farewelled the beloved former Comancheros president

One woman appeared to reach out and comfort another as they headed towards the mosque

Attendees looked sombre on Thursday as they prepared to farewell their friend

The Lebanese migrant will be then be buried at the city's Rookwood necropolis. Hawi's body was released to the family by investigators on Wednesday, after an autopsy

Mosque officials earlier said he will be farewelled at traditional prayers, where it is understood his body will be washed as per Islamic custom and his family members will spend time with him

A convoy of luxury cars arrived at the mosque just before midday with Hawi's wife Carolina and their two sons, as well as immediate family

One man, dressed in a Gucci shirt with an eye catching snake logo, appeared to be having a heated conversation on the phone ahead of Hawi's memorial

One man wore traditional Islamic clothing (pictured right) for the sombre occasion

Mourners young and old attended mosque on Thursday to pay their respects

Hawi's coffin was taken from the mosque in a black hearse, accompanied by a lengthy funeral procession of white cars, following the service

Both the hearse and Hawi's coffin were covered in a spray of flowers (pictured)

A convoy of luxury cars arrived at the mosque just before midday with Hawi's wife Carolina and their two sons, as well as immediate family.

Up to 200 mourners, many dressed in custom made black tribute t-shirts and jumpers emblazoned with Hawi's face and name on the back, were seen piling into the mosque.

The Lebanese migrant will be then be buried in the Muslim section of the city's Rookwood necropolis. Hawi's body was released to the family by investigators on Wednesday, after an autopsy.

Despite family members requesting attendees of the funeral arrive in cars and leave motorcycles at home, one man appeared to ride a BMW bike to the service

One man held his hand over his heart as he prepared to farewell the father-of-two, while another looked downcast

Up to 200 mourners, many dressed in black tribute t-shirts with Hawi's face and name on the back (right), were seen piling into the mosque

One man wore a religious shirt which appeared to address the end of days and announced 'the awaited saviour'

There was a large media and police presence at the Comanchero boss' funeral on Thursday

Roadblocks and a police van were seen outside the Arncliffe mosque on Thursday

While many dressed in suits for the occasion, some took a more casual approach to the funeral

Police were seen on every corner of the block surrounding the Arncliffe mosque

Huge crowds of men and children were seen in the driveway to the mosque, where a luxury car was parked

He rose to infamy in 2009 for his involvement in a brutal brawl at Sydney Airport which resulted in the death of a Hells Angels associate.

His wife, Carolina Gonzalez, successfully made an urgent application to the New South Wales Supreme Court to obtain a sperm sample, her lawyer submitting she still 'desires' to have more children with her late husband.

Hawi's killers, who remain unidentified, are still on the run despite warnings from police they will not remain anonymous for long.

Many appeared distraught as they left the Arncliffe mosque on Thursday, clutching bottles of water
Russell Bucklew is scheduled to die March 20. A new report reveals the source of Missouri's execution drugs for the past several years

The identity of the pharmacy that secretly supplied Missouri with execution drugs has been revealed.

Foundation Care pharmacy in Earth City, Missouri supplied the state with pentobarbital used in 17 executions since 2014, even though the Food and Drug Administration deemed it a 'high-risk' pharmacy in 2013, Buzzfeed News reported on Tuesday.

The media outlet cited two sources with knowledge of the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of strict state laws prohibiting disclosure or publishing of the identity of the supplier.

Missouri officials took great pains to hide the pharmacy's identity, referring to it by a code name in official documents and paying for the drug with envelopes stuffed with cash - a total of $135,000 since 2014.

Publicly traded healthcare company Centene purchased Foundation Care in October 2017.

Since the purchase in October 2017, Foundation Care 'has never supplied, and will never supply any pharmaceutical product to any state for the purpose of effectuating executions,' said Centene spokeswoman Marcela Manjarrez Hawn.

A partially redacted photograph taken by FDA investigators shows a Foundation Care employee entering the pharmacy's clean room in Earth City, Missouri

Pentobarbital is difficult to obtain, after the only manufacturer permitted to make it in the US required distributors to pledge not to sell it to state executioners (file photo)

It's unclear whether Foundation Care, a compounding pharmacy that mixes custom drugs, made the lethal drug itself or obtained a manufactured form.

Akorn Pharmaceuticals, the only manufacturer permitted to make pentobarbital in the US, requires its distributors to sign an agreement not to sell it to state executioners.

The Missouri Department of Corrections declined to comment on the report from Buzzfeed News and on Centene's promise never to provide execution drugs.

In 2013, after a meningitis outbreak that killed 76 was traced to tainted drugs from a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts, the industry came under federal scrutiny.

Foundation Care tried unsuccessfully to bar FDA inspectors from entering after the outbreak, according to an inspection report. Regulators found numerous sanitation concerns.

Now, the attorney for a man facing execution next month says she has 'very serious concerns' about Missouri's lethal injection method following the Buzzfeed report.

Foundation Care's headquarters are seen in a file photo. A spokeswoman for parent company Centene says the pharmacy will no longer sell execution drugs to any state

Russell Bucklew is scheduled to die March 20 for a 1996 killing. He shot and killed a man he suspected of taking up with his ex-girlfriend before raping the woman.

His attorney, Cheryl Pilate, said on Wednesday that she's troubled by the report and is seeking more information before deciding whether to file a new appeal.

The quality of the execution drug is of particular concern because Bucklew suffers from a rare condition that causes weakened and malformed blood vessels and tumors in his head.

Republican State Senator Paul Wieland, who has sponsored failed legislation to end the state's death penalty, said Tuesday that he still needs to verify what Buzzfeed News reported.

However, he said, it would be 'deeply concerning' if the state has worked with 'unsavory companies or companies that are flying under the radar of state or federal regulation.'

'If the accusations are true, then I think it's something that we need to look into further as a state and make sure that we're dealing with reputable people,' Wieland said.

Missouri's last execution was in January of 2017. Mark Christeson was put to death for killing a woman and her two children in 1998 after he and his cousin broke into the family's rural Vichy, Missouri, home.
A majority of the ocean is undiscovered and every time a different looking fish surfaces the world is captivated by how it looks - but animal lovers everywhere are excited to see an old favourite after a scientific sea voyage.

The blobfish is a slimey-looking fish, paired with sad eyes and a droopy mouth that gives the animal a constant frown that shows just unimpressed he is with every thing.

Nature can be cruel: the cousin of the world's ugliest fish was found during an expedition off the east coast of Australia

They often have a pink and grey hue appearance.

This is the cousin of Mr Blobby who was voted the world's ugliest animal.

Over 3000 contributed to the online poll by the Ugly Animal Preservation Society to find the nastiest-looking critter of them all.

Mr Blobby won with 795 votes to his name.

The species of fish Mr Blobby and his cousin belong to is the psychrolutidae, which is found in the Pacific Ocean.

However they are becoming victim to deep-sea trawling.

Mr Blobby won the title of the world's ugliest animal when he scored 795 votes in an online poll

This faceless fish hasn't been seen since 1873 off the coast of Papua New Guinea

'The Australian and New Zealand deep trawling fishing fleets are some of the most active in the world so if you are a blobfish then it is not a good place to be,' said Marine expert Professor Callum Roberts to the Telegraph.

The cousin of the world's ugliest animal was found during and attempt to explore marine biodiversity off the east coast of Australia.

More than 42,000 fish were found in the trawl than spanned nearly five kilometres deep. In that haul were 100 rarely seen sea life.

The expedition also came across a faceless fish that hasn't been seen since 1873 by the HMS Challenger off Papua New Guinea.

The voyage, which took place last year, found bio-luminescent cookie-cutter sharks and lizard fish.

'The discoveries provide us with a glimpse into how our marine fauna fits into the interconnected abyssal environment worldwide and for the scientists, adds another piece to the puzzle of what affects evolution in the deep sea', said Museums Victoria ichthyologist Martin Gomon.

Scientists will gather in Tasmania to examine the fish more closely this week.
Senator Marco Rubio was slammed as 'pathetically weak' Wednesday night as parents and victims of the massacre in Parkland, Florida, took the stage to confront him at a Town Hall meeting.

Rubio received a chorus of boos when he said that a ban on assault weapons would not have prevented the fatal shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

The Town Hall meeting was hosted by CNN's Jake Tapper, who noted at the beginning that President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Rick Scott both denied requests to attend.

One of the first parents to take the stage was Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was shot in the back as she ran away from the shooter, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, on Valentines Day.

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Senator Marco Rubio was slammed as 'pathetically weak' Wednesday night as parents and victims of the massacre in Parkland, Florida, took the stage to confront him in a Town Hall meeting

One of the first parents to take the stage was Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter was shot in the back as she ran away from the shooter, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, on Valentines day

The Town Hall meeting was hosted by CNN 's Jake Tapper, who noted at the beginning that President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Rick Scott both denied request to attend. Pictured are Marjory Stoneman Douglas students at the Town Hall

'Your comments this week and those of our president are pathetically weak. Look at me and tell me you will do something about guns,' the bereaved father implored.

'Were guns a factor?'

Rubio did say that yes - guns were a factor, but insisted that an all-out ban on assault and semi-automatic weapons was not the answer.

'I will support the banning of bump stocks,' Rubio, who has received $9,900 in campaign donations from the National Rifle Association, said. A student at one point in the rally referred to these donations as 'blood money.'

'I think what you're asking is about the assault weapon ban. If I believed that the passing of that law would prevent this, I would support it, but it does not,' the senator continued.

He said his reason for not supporting the ban is because it would outlaw roughly 200 types of guns - assault rifles - while the purchase of over 2,000 types of 'nearly identical' guns would still be legal.

'Rather than try to chase every loophole that's created, we instead should make sure that dangerous criminals, people who are deranged, cannot buy any gun of any kind,' he said.

'That's what I believe a better answer will be.'

But Guttenberg didn't give up, and pointed out that it would at least be a start.

Rubio went on to say he believes men like Cruz shouldn't be able to buy any kind of gun, and said he doesn't think 18-year-olds should be able to purchase firearms either.

'I absolutely believe that in this country if you are 18 years of age you should not be able to buy a rifle an I will support a law that takes that right away,' he said.

Bringing up the influence that the NRA has on politicians in the United States - student survivor Cameron Kasky took the podium to ask the senator if he would stop accepting donations from the organization in the future

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students and parents wait for the CNN town hall to begin

Broward County Superintendent Robert Runcle spoke before the town hall on Wednesday night

Bringing up the influence that the NRA has on politicians in the United States - student survivor Cameron Kasky took the podium to ask the senator if he would stop accepting donations from the organization in the future.

The question sparked a debate between the high school junior and Rubio, who said he would not refuse future NRA donations because 'people buy into my agenda - and I do support the Second Amendment.

'I will always accept the help of anyone who agrees with my agenda.'

The crowd once again erupted in with waves of loud booing.

Another student, Ryan Schnachter, whose younger brother Alex was killed in the massacre, told his Congressman that he and his friends are now afraid to go back to be school.

'My friends and I are worried that we are going to be murdered in our classrooms,' he said.

'What reassurances can you give me, and what specifically are you going to do to make sure we don't have this fear?'

Florida Representative Ted Deutch, a Democrat, said he couldn't offer any help immediately, but could just tell the teenager where he stands and what he plans to do when he's back in Washington.

'As a starter, next week when we go back to Washington, we're going to introduce legislation to make sure that assault weapons are illegal in every part of this country,' he assured Schachter.

'The best way for us to show that is to take action in Washington, in Tallahassee, to get these weapons of war off of our streets.'

Florida Representative Ted Deutch, a Democrat, said he couldn't offer any help immediately to students who were afraid to go to school because they were worried they might be murdered. He said the best thing to do would be to wait until they were back in Washington

Senior Ryan Deitsch thanked Rubio for his time, and didn't quiz him on specific policy points, but instead questioned why it was up to the students to prevent these attacks from happening.

'Why do we have to be the ones to do this? Why do we have to speak out to the capitol?' he asked the politician.

'Why do we have to march on Washington, just to safe innocent lives?'

A senior who survived the shooting, Chris Grady, told Rubio that students need lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to come together now more than ever.

'We need you and your colleagues on both sides to come together with us and find compromise if we are to ever solve this epidemic that is plaguing our country,' he elegantly implored.

He then asked Rubio to agree that there is 'no place in our society for large-capacity magazines capable of firing 15 to 30 rounds, and if not, more.'

Rubio said he was glad someone asked him that question, admitting that after last week's tragedy he was reconsidering his previous stance on this issue.

'I traditionally have not supported looking at magazine clip size,' Rubio explained.

'And after this and some of the details I've learned about it, I'm reconsidering that position. And I'll tell you why. Because while it may not prevent an attack, it may save lives in an attack.'

Also on the podium were local politicians, including Democratic Senator Bill Nelson.

Tapper asked Nelson if it was a mistake that Democrats didn't address gun control in 2009 and 2010 when they controlled the House, the Senate and the White House, to which Nelson responded an easy yes.

'When the Senate had 60 votes, as we did, until Ted Kennedy died, thats how we got the Affordable Care Act passed, and yes, gun legislation under those circumstances should have been considered, because there had been a lot of massacres up to that point.' he said.

But now, he explained, there aren't many senators who will work to pass new gun control laws, particularly because so many have been financially supported by the NRA.

Senior Ryan Deitsch thanked Rubio for his time, and didn't quiz him on specific policy points, but instead questioned why it was up to the students to prevent these attacks from happening

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel today ordered deputies in schools in the area to Cary rifles on school grounds. But when asked what he thought about arming teachers, he said he 'absolutely' doesn't think teachers should be armed

NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch was also at the event to field questions from survivors and explain the organization's stance on gun restrictions or other laws to prevent further tragedies

Loesch told students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that she was fighting for them, but explained that tighter gun laws wouldn't change things. Instead she said that the majority of the blame is in the hands of the authorities who ignored signs

The comments prompted Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel to interrupt her and say she wasn't genuine in her claim she stands with the students. 'You're not standing up for them until you say, I want less weapons,' he said

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When it was back to Rubio, one of the teachers at the school at the time of the attack took the stage and asked why the president and other Republican lawmakers were proposing teachers be armed on school grounds.

'I'm a registered Republican. I voted for Mr Trump. I still, you know, support the Second Amendment,' Ashley Kruth, a culinary instructor at Stoneman Douglas, said.

'When I had hundreds of terrified children that were running at me, my question to that is, am I supposed to get extra training now to serve and protect on top of educate these children?'

Rubio, though, explained that he was at odds with the president over this particular issue.

'The notion that my kids are going to school with teachers that are armed with a weapon is not something that, quite frankly, I'm comfortable with.'

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel today ordered deputies in schools in the area to Cary rifles on school grounds. But when asked what he thought about arming teachers, he said he 'absolutely' doesn't think teachers should be armed.

'I believe teachers should teach,' Sheriff Israel said.

NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch was also at the event to field questions from survivors and explain the organization's stance on gun restrictions or other laws to prevent further tragedies.

Loesch told students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that she was fighting for them, but explained that tighter gun laws wouldn't change things. Instead she said that the majority of the blame is in the hands of the authorities who ignored signs.

The comments prompted Broward County Sheriff Israel to interrupt her and say she wasn't genuine in her claim she stands with the students.

'You just told this group of people that you are standing up for them,' he said.

'You're not standing up for them until you say, I want less weapons.'

The comment made the room erupt in cheers and applause, and silenced Loesch for a few moments.

President Trump was captured bowing his head during Wednesday's White House listening session with families and victims of school shootings. He offered his grief and condolences to the victims and their families multiple times throughout the sit-down

The Town Hall meeting came just hours after President Trump held a meeting at the White House with some of the victims and families of the Parkland shooting.

He told the survivors of the shooting and their parents that he grieved for them during the listening session at the White House, in which many of the guests implored the president to take immediate action on gun violence.

The meeting came as thousands of high schoolers held walkouts and protests around the country to bring attention to gun control.

Parkland parent Andrew Pollack, who is an avid Trump supporter, told the president he was 'pissed' as he described his daughter Meadow's horrific death to the president and other families present - she was shot nine times.

'I'm very angry that this happened, because it keeps happening,' the bereaved father said, declaring that 9/11 'happened once, and they fixed everything. How many schools, how many children have to get shot?'

Pollack told Trump: 'It stops here with this administration and me. I'm not going to sleep until it's fixed. And Mr. President, we're going to fix it. Because I'm going to fix it. I'm not going to rest.

'Fix it! It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it! And I'm pissed! Because my daughter I'm not going to see again. She's not here. She's not here. She's at, in North Lauderdale, in King David Cemetery. That's where I go to see my kid now.'

After listening to parents like Pollack for some time, Trump said he'd be looking at making concealed carry permits available to teachers, which he admitted after asking for a show of support is certainly 'controversial.'

Pollack is seen on the day of the shooting, holding up a picture of his daughter, whom he had not been able to contact since the massacre that claimed 17 lives

Andrew Pollack (center), who is an avid Trump supporter, described how his daughter Meadow Pollack was shot nine at last week's deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He was joined by his sons at Wednesday's White House event

Trump also endorsed stricter background checks and pledged his administration to considering age limits for the purchase of semi-automatic rifles like the one the Parkland shooter used and new measures to treat mentally ill individuals.

'We're going to pick out the strongest ideas, the most important ideas, the ideas that are going to work and we're going to get them done,' the president said. 'It's not going to be talk, like it's been in the past. It's going on too long. Too many instances. And we're going to get it done.'

Parkland parent Carey Gruber pleaded with Trump to abandon partisan politics and take up reforms that will prevent shootings like the one that could have killed his son Justin.

'It's not left and right, it's a human issue, and we have to stop this,' Gruber told the Republican president.

President Trump was holding his first of two listening sessions at the White House this week on the topic of school safety.

Students of Coral Glades High School, a high school less than four miles from the Parkland shooting scene, hold signs as the participate in a school walk for gun law change

The discussion with parents and teachers connected to the Parkland, Florida, shooting included more than a dozen student survivors who also urged Trump to take action.

Parents and students affected by the Sandy Hook and Columbine shootings were in the room, as well, alongside local teachers and students who put a spotlight on D.C.'s local crime problem.

The president spoke briefly at the top, and sympathetically asked questions several times in the middle of the meeting that aired live on national television.

Trump promised midway through attendees' passionate accounts that 'two minutes after this meeting' he would begin working on the issue of gun violence in schools and we will 'solve it together.'

'And we don't want others to go through the kind of pain that you've gone through,' he told them.

The president broached the topic of armed guards in school, adding, 'I think a lot of people are going to be opposed to it. A lot of people are going to like it. But the good thing is that you'll have a lot of people with that.'

Students marched outside of the White House all day on Wednesday as Trump prepared to hold the listening session. Also in attendance was Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
A tiger snake has been captured after giving Melburnians a fright in one of the city's busiest thoroughfares.

The very venomous snake was found on the corner of Collins and Spencer Streets near Southern Cross Station at about 12.30pm on Thursday, according to The Herald Sun.

Police officers cordoned off the street and closed one of the southbound lanes on Spencer St while waiting for Barry the snake catcher to arrive.

A Tiger snake was found on the corner of Collins and Spencer Streets near Southern Cross Station at about 12.30pm on Thursday (pictured)

Police officers cordoned off the street and closed one of the southbound lanes on Spencer St while waiting for Barry the snake catcher to arrive

Dozens of people gathered to watch Barry bag the venomous reptile at about 1.30pm.

The snake was shown off to the crowd before one of Spencer Street's southbound lanes was reopened to traffic.

Tiger snakes have prominent yellow and black cross-bands and are known for their aggressive behaviour.

They can reach from 1.2metres to 2metres in length.

Dozens of people gathered to watch Barry bag the venomous reptile at about 1.30pm
The tattoo parlour where a customer was peppered with gunshots has been linked to outlaw motorcycle gang boss.

The victim, 35, is fighting for his life at The Alfred Hospital with wounds to his upper body after the incident in Hampton Park just after 1pm on Thursday.

The shooting unfolded at Nitro Ink Tattoo Studio on Fordholm Rood, in Melbourne's south-east, connected with bikie boss Mick Murray.

The gunman remains on the run after the shooting, which police believe was targeted.

Police at the scene of a burnt out car in Robjant St, Hampton Park, near the scene of a shooting at a tattoo parlour in Melbourne

A man has been shot at a tattoo parlour in Melbourne 's south-east, according to reports

Police are at the scene and have placed an entire local shopping centre in lock down

The parlour is linked to the national president of the Comanchero bikie gang, Mick Murray, according to the Herald Sun.

The parlour is reportedly part of Nitro, a group of businesses including gyms, security and tattoo services.

Comanchero boss Murray is currently behind bars, after a top secret investigation by Victoria Police's anti-bikie Echo taskforce earlier this year.

Witnesses at the scene reportedly heard a number of gunshots and screaming, shortly after 1pm.

The witness said there were so many gunshots he 'couldn't count' them.

When questioned at the scene, one man who appeared to work at the parlour told a Herald Sun reporter to 'f*** off'.

Daily Mail Australia's calls to the parlour went unanswered on Thursday afternoon.

The parlour is linked to the national president of the Comanchero bikie gang, Mick Murray (pictured) who is currently behind bars

Daily Mail Australia understands the shooting unfolded at Nitro Ink Tattoo Studio on Fordholm Road

Police are at the scene and have placed the entire Hampton Park Central complex in lock down.

Detectives are hunting the gunman, who is understood to have fled the scene.

Officers are also reportedly investigating whether a torched car discovered near the tattoo parlour is linked the the shooting.

The shooting comes five years after shots were fired at two Nitro Ink shops, one in Dandenong and the other in Hallam, in Victoria's south-east.
The Cambodian prime minister is fighting fire with fire in the lead-up to his arrival in Sydney next month, threatening to beat up any protesters that burn images of him at a summit for Southeast Asian leaders.

Prime minister Hun Sen will be attending the Australia-Association of South East Asian Nations summit in Sydney in mid-March.

Hundreds of Cambodian expats are expected to rally against the controversial leader. But Hun Sen is declaring a hard stance against anyone who opposes him during his Australian visit.

Cambodian prime minister Hen Sun will be attending the Australia-Association of South East Asian Nations summit in Sydney in mid-March, and says that he will 'beat up' anyone who protests against him during his visit

'I want to remind those who plan to demonstrate against me that my visit is an honour for their government,' he said in a recent speech.

'If they burn my effigy... I will pursue them to their houses and beat them up.'

Hun Sen, who has served as prime minister since 1985, has courted controversy in the past for allegations of corruption and his iron-fisted dominance over the mainstream media, among other things.

'I tell you in advance... If they have a right to burn me I have the right to go to their homes and seize them,' he said in a recent speech.

Just last year the country's supreme court dissolved the Cambodia National Rescue Party and jailed political opposition leader Kem Sokha.

And it appears that Hen Sun will be bringing that same militant approach down under next month, as he defends his right to crack down on local protesters.

'I tell you in advance. I want to make clear. If they have a right to burn me I have the right to go to their homes and seize them.'
A teenager who tried to steal a Dominos scooter has bitten off more than he could chew after police used the companys delivery tracker app to hunt him down.

The Honda scooter was taken from the back of the Domino's Auburn store at about 5:45pm on Wednesday.

A Domino's spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that police were able to use tracker technology installed to monitor deliveries to catch the thief.

A 17-year-old stole a scooter from a Domino's pizza chain and was tracked down with the pizza app

'Police were able to use the Companys sophisticated GPS Driver Tracker technology to locate both the scooter and the perpetrator,' said the Domino's spokesperson.

'The scooter has since been returned safely to the store.'

A police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that police were able to track the teenager down about an hour later.

'Police were able to track the Honda to Bright Park at Guildford about an hour later.

'The teenager attempted to flee on foot but was caught and arrested a short time later.'

The alleged thief has been charged and will appear at the Children's Court at a later date

The alleged thief was then taken to Auburn Police Station where he was charged with four offences.

A Domino's spokesperson has assured the public no pizza was hurt in the incident.

He is set to appear at the Childrens Court at a later date.
An Illinois business executive who was fired for spending millions of his employers money to fund a lavish lifestyle with his escort-turned-girlfriend has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.

Scott Kennedy, 43, entered the plea on Wednesday during a brief hearing before US District Judge Elaine Bucklo.

Kennedy, who worked for the France-based drug-delivery company Nemera at its Buffalo Grove location, is accused of racking up $5.8million on his company credit card  without his employers knowledge. The money paid for various expenses, including moving his former girlfriend Crystal Lundberg into a mansion.

Scott Kennedy (left) admitted he spent $5.8million of his company's money to fund a lavish lifestyle for him and his escort-turned-girlfriend Crystal Lundberg (right)

Kennedy met Lundberg on Backpage.com, a website that advertises sexual services

Kennedy was a top financial executive at Nemera, a France-based drug-delivery company

According to an FBI affidavit, Kennedy spent $585,000 to move Lundberg and her children into a San Diego mansion

According to the Chicago Tribune, Kennedy entered his guilty plea as part of a deal which requires him to cooperate against Lundberg, who has pleaded not guilty to the six-count indictment against her.

Federal sentencing guidelines call for up to about six and a half years in prison for Kennedy, but under his plea agreement prosecutors will only push for three and a half as long as he cooperates.

Kennedy was a top financial executive at Nemera when he met Lundberg through Backpage.com, a website that advertises sexual services.

Kennedy gave Lundberg access to his company credit in November 2015 and in less than a year and a half the couple spent more than $5million in unauthorized charges, the Chicago Tribune reports.

According to an FBI search warrant affidavit, Lundberg used his company credit card to move Lundberg, her children and her pets into a mansion in San Diego after she reached out to him for financial help. He also used the card to pay for her $12,000-a-month rent.

After Lundberg was settled into her new home, Kennedy footed a $585,000 bill  again on his company credit card  to help Lundberg open a medial spa called the Royalty Room. The document alleges that he also bought two Rolex watches at a combined cost of $60,000, paid $8,000 a month for a personal driver, bought two purebred dogs for $6,000, hired a maid for $2,500 a month and took trips to Bali, France, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Bora Bora and Fiji.

Kennedy also hired a maid for $2,500 a month and paid $8,000 a month for a personal driver

Kennedy was fired from Nemera last March after an internal investigation revealed improper use of the company's money

The couple also took trips to Bali, France, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Bora Bora and Fiji

Lundberg has pleaded not guilty to the six-count indictment against her

Kennedy said he was duped by Lundberg because he wanted to have a family

Kennedy told the FBI that Lundberg made him believe that she had a $4million trust fund and she would reimburse him the money.

Court records reveal that Lundberg filed for bankruptcy in 2009 and did not mention a trust find in her filing, the outlet reports.

Kennedy was fired from Nemera last March after an internal investigation revealed improper spending of company money. He told the Chicago Tribune in a phone interview last year that he was duped by Lundberg because he wanted to have a family.

I wanted to be loved and cared for. My heart kind of overrid my head and said, Take a chance, he told the outlet. Well it blew up in my face.
An elite Gold Coast school at the centre of a mass drug overdose which left five students fighting for life has been slammed after its principal claimed the incident has been 'exaggerated'.

Seven students at Saint Stephen's College are believed to have purchased a Russian designer drug similar to GHB on the dark web before using the substance at the school over the course of Wednesday.

Two of the boys, who are all aged 14 and 15, have been released from Gold Coast University Hospital, while five others remain in a critical condition and unable to speak with police.

The North Coomera school has come under fire over its handling of the drama after headmaster Dr Jamie Dorrington claimed 'much of what the current media is saying is an exaggeration'.

Seven students at Saint Stephen's College are believed to have purchased a Russian designer drug similar to GHB on the dark web, sparking a mass overdose at the school

The North Coomera school has come under fire over its handling of the drama. Pictured is headmaster Dr Jamie Dorrington

'Wow! Take ownership of what happened under your own roof,' one responded to Dr Dorrington's Facebook post.

In his post, the principal explained that the Queensland Ambulance Service had praised the school's response to the incident.

'It saddens me that the [school's] statement is focused on how the school did the right thing by the students,' one woman responded.

'Nothing was mentioned about the thoughts and prayers for the parents and students at this sad time.

Five studnets remain in a critical condition and unable to speak with police. One of the boys is pictured being taken to an ambulance

Dr Jamie Dorrington claimed 'much of what the current media is saying is an exaggeration'

'Wow! Take ownership of what happened under your own roof,' one responded to Dr Dorrington's Facebook post

'It is not about making the school look good is it about the poor families suffering and having to deal with such a distressing situation.'

The woman added: 'My son knows all of those boys and by no means is the media exaggerating.'

Others quickly jumped to Dr Dorrington's defence.

'Please do not attack our headmaster, he has acted with the children in mind,' one said.

'Very grateful that the SSC handled the situation so well and the [school's] statement in my opinion was very appropriate,' another wrote.

Comments on Dr Dorrington's post were quickly shut down 'out of respect for those involved and their families'.

The incident has shocked the school's community, with parents of other students concerned for their children's safety.

'I'd have to seriously consider if I leave my children at the school, to be honest,' parent one parent told ABC radio on Thursday morning.

In his post, the principal explained that the Queensland Ambulance Service had praised the school's response to the incident

Dr Dorrington sent this letter to the parents and staff members of the college on Thursday

'This is fairly serious, you would think when seven boys are silly enough to want to attempt that at school it's not good.'

Dr Dorrington sent a letter to the parents and staff members of the college on Thursday, saying it had been a distressing and emotional 24 hours.

'As you can appreciate, our primary focus has been on the welfare of the students who are in hospital, and supporting our broader student community through the provision of counselling services and any other support needed,' the letter read.

'Saint Stephen's College takes the welfare and well-being of our students very seriously. We are cooperating fully with the Queensland Police Service's investigation into the incident.

'The police are best placed to thoroughly examine how and why this occurred.'

Police (pictured at the scene) are waiting on the results of toxicology tests after the suspected drug overdose

'It would appear this was an overdose. We believe they have swallowed the drug,' Pat Berry of Queensland Ambulance Service said. Pictured: The school

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Aubort said the college had 'bent over backwards' to help police with their investigations.

The seven students were found on Wednesday falling in and out of consciousness, seemingly under the influence of drugs.

Sgt Aubort said whether the boys bought the drugs over the internet was a line of enquiry.

'We certainly do need to be sure that we can account for all of the drugs that were involved,' he said.

'So if there is any information out there from any person at all, be that a student or family, who has any information about the existence of more of this drug or its uses elsewhere, we'd appreciate that information to come to us.

'No illicit drug is safe. It's dangerous and this is a classic example of how wrong it can go when children are pushing the boundaries.'
It has been 30 years since Roseanne premiered, kicking off a nine-season run during which the show won four Emmys, three Golden Globes and the prestigious Peabody Award.

The show was a sitcom, but one that realistically captured the lives of a working class family living in the midwest, and did not shy away from more serious topics such a domestic abuse, teen pregnancy and homophobia.

And now it is set to return, with nine new episodes airing on ABC starting next month, and the show has not lost any of its real-world edge.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Barr again confirmed that her character would be pro-Trump while also revealing she will be grandmother to a gender fluid grandson and a black granddaughter.

The show will also deal with her husband Dan, played by John Goodman, possibly losing his job to an illegal immigrant, the family's relationship with their Muslim neighbors and in a episode the actors and writers seem most proud of, the opioid crisis.

'People think this show is more political than it is. It's more about how a family deals with a disagreement like that,' said Sara Gilbert, who will reprise her role as youngest daughter Darlene and serve as executive producer.

'But I get it, it creates website clicks.'

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Taking on new problems: Roseanne Barr, front, with from left, John Goodman and Sara Gilbert, Wanda Sykes, as well as Whitney Cummings and Bruce Helford in The Hollywood Reporter

'They were all Trump slams': The 65-year-old said she wanted her character's conservative voice heard, telling the writers: 'You guys have to have a Hillary slam'

Barr confirmed that her character would be pro-Trump while also revealing she will be grandmother to a gender fluid grandson and a black granddaughter

Barr makes it clear however that this will be a balanced show, a point that is made early on in the program when the family argues about the president.

The politicians are never named, but Barr says that she had to push and make sure that the woman who wears a 'pantsuit' was mocked just as much as the man who won the election.

'I thought everybody was pretty liberal, so I was keepin' an eye on it, making sure that it was evenhanded,' explains Barr.

'But the day we went to shoot, I got with the writers, and I'm like, "You guys have to have a Hillary slam." Cause they were all Trump slams.'

Whitney Cummings, who was brought on as the co-showrunner for the series alongside Bruce Helford, says that Barr's vision was a nice wake-up call for the writer's room.

'We so often surround ourselves with people we agree with, so going into the writers room was often like, "Eeeeek,"' says Cuimmings.

'We were challenging each other, and I definitely wanted to go back into my Huffington Post or Vulture cocoon where everyone agrees, but it's really important to be with people you disagree with when you're writing to make sure you're not being elitist aa**holes.'

Barr was quick to acknowledge the contribution of her writers, noting: 'It's a great writers room. The best one I've ever been in.'

Among those writers are some very, very famous names, who were no doubt attracted to work on what many critics believe is the greatest sitcom of all time.

In addition to Barr, Cummings and Helsford the writing staff includes Wanda Sykes and Norm McDonald, who worked on the show during its original run.

It is a diverse group, which has shaped the direction of the revival according to the group, who as an example cite the fact that Roseanne's granddaughter's race is never acknowledged in the first nine-episode run.

'It was Wanda who put it into my head, and it came through in the script: Not only does there need to be some diversity in this show, but we have to show that everybody is going through the same problems,' says Helsford.

Barr reveals that she especially wanted to have a black granddaughter after an episode in the first series where her son DJ refused to kiss a girl because she was black.

'I like diversity, and it's so much a part of the working class where it is not so much part of middle-class stuff. And I know so many people who have mixed families,' says Barr.

'My godson is African-American, and we've known him since he was 3. Now, he's 23. And the conversations that my family was able to get into because of that with his parents and his siblings is just a wonderful part of my life.'

She adds: 'And if we get another season, I'd like to discuss that more.'

Twenty years on: The original cast of the working class family are back, now coping with modern day problems including gender assignment

Sykes meanwhile sees the original series as similar to balck television programs in one key way.

'The thing about the Conners is they were a Midwestern family who have limited means, and you don't see that a lot on TV  except for black people,' explains Sykes,

'Black people are allowed to be poor on TV. But when the Conners came on, it was like, "Here are real people talking about real problems."'

And the ongoing addiction to opioids in this country will be one of those problems.

'Another taboo we addressed was the opioid crisis, which is this thing we're seeing in the news, but it's not being tackled on TV, certainly not network TV,' said Cummings.

'But what I've always loved about Roseanne is the show's ability to have these incredible dramatic moments in a multicamera sitcom with an audience sitting there, not laughing 'cause an incredible dramatic moment is playing out, whether it was when DJ wouldn't kiss the black girl at the school play or Jackie's domestic abuse. We thought maybe this could be one of those episodes.'

And Barr still refuses to hold back, much to the chagrin of her cast mates.

That includes on social media, where she has long been open about her pro-Trump politics.

'I've wanted her off social media forever,' jokes Gilbert.

And Roseanne, 65, made sure her character's conservative voice was heard.

The way they were: The original Roseanne show ran on ABC from 1988 to 1997

'I thought everybody was pretty liberal, so I was keepin an eye on it, making sure that it was evenhanded.

'But the day we went to shoot [the pilot], I got with the writers, and Im like, "You guys have to have a Hillary slam." Cause they were all Trump slams.'

That point of view is shared by much of middle America.

Writer Wanda Sykes dished: 'The thing about the Conners is they were a Midwestern family who have limited means, and you dont see that a lot on TV  except for black people.

'Black people are allowed to be poor on TV,' the 53-year-old continued.

'But when the Conners came on, it was like, "Here are real people talking about real problems."'

Meanwhile, Roseanne, Sara Gilbert, 43, who plays the star's daughter Darlene, and showrunner Whitney Cummings took on the difficult subject of gender identity.

'Darlenes son is gender fluid, and we fought about that one,' Roseanne revealed.

Whitney added: 'The word, even. Is it "gender fluid?" "Gender nonbinary?" '

Sara had the last word on that one, saying: 'But hes not gender fluid; he just likes to dress in more feminine clothing is where we landed.'

Barr also said she was 'way too old to be fighting' and had 'nothing left to prove.'
A Chinese doctor with no Australian qualifications has been granted bail over a fatal breast enlargement operation at a Sydney beauty clinic last August.

Justice Natalie Adams granted Jia Shao, 34, bail on Thursday in the New South Wales Supreme Court.

Shao and co-accused graduate nurse Yueqiong Fu, 29, are charged with the manslaughter of salon owner Jean Huang, 35, after they allegedly used the wrong dosage of anaesthetic when attempting to put fillers into her breasts.

Chinese doctor with no Australian qualifications Jia Shao (pictured), 34, has been granted bail over a fatal breast enlargement operation at a Sydney beauty clinic last August

Shao and co-accused graduate nurse Yueqiong Fu (pictured), 29, are charged with the manslaughter of salon owner Jean Huang, 35

The pair allegedly used the wrong dosage of anaesthetic when attempting to put fillers into Ms Huang's (pictured) breasts

Ms Huang went into cardiac arrest at the clinic in Chippendale, in Sydney's inner-south, and died two days later.

The cause of her death has not yet been identified.

In granting Shao bail, Justice Adams noted there was 'something vaguely artificial' in assessing her flight risk as it was inevitable she would be detained at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre.

Her co-accused has been housed at the detention centre since she was released on bail last September.

Ms Huang went into cardiac arrest at the clinic in Chippendale, in Sydney's inner-south, and died two days later

The cause of Ms Huang's (pictured) death has not yet been identified

In granting Shao (left) bail, Justice Adams noted there was 'something vaguely artificial' in assessing her flight risk as it was inevitable she would be detained at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre

The court was told that in the middle of the operation, Ms Huang sat up and said: 'I can still feel pain, put on another bag of Tramadol' (a painkiller).

On the available material, there were at least four possible causes of death which included analgesics given to Ms Huang, court heard.

Ms Huang 'had indicated she did not have a good tolerance of pain and insisted on more analgesics', the judge said.

Death could also have been caused by the local anaesthetic; by the infills themselves which were inserted in her breasts; or as a result of other medication taken prior to the procedure, based on the fact she vomited some white tablets before her death.

Justice Adams noted Fu was granted bail in September by another judge who concluded the crown case could not be described as 'particularly strong' for the same reasons as she listed in relation to the absence of a determination on the cause of death.
The head of Victoria Police's ethical standards body has admitted to making "crude and coarse" comments online about former colleagues The Age is reporting.

The crude comments directed at former police commissioner Christine Nixon, among others, were made by Professional Standards Command head and Assistant Commissioner Brett Guerin.

Mr Guerin made the comments online using an alias, 'Vernon Demerest', named after a fictional character from the 1970 film Airport.

'I've humiliated myself by doing that,' he said.

Professional Standards Command head and Assistant Commissioner Brett Guerin's online comments through an alias which he described as 'crude and course' have been referred to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.

In an exclusive 3AW interview Mr Guerin also admitted the comments were in bad taste.

'Its certainly crude, coarse ... its not the language I want my mother to read about, my daughters, and theres one person to blame about that.

'I shouldnt have done that. I shouldnt have gotten down that low.'

Mr Guerin made the comments on the website of conservative Sydney radio host Michael Smith.

In those comments he targeted former chief commissioner Christine Nixon and former Police Association boss Paul Mullett.

'She bent the Mulletmeister over and slipped a rather large schl*ng up his date courtesy of the Supreme Court's decision this morning,' he wrote in a 2016 post.

'More importantly, though, how many firefighters knew their union was funding this capricious and doomed-from-the-start private legal escapade with their subscriptions?' he continued.

Mr Guerin made the comments after Mr Mullett unsuccessfully sued Ms Nixon in 2016.

In response to the comments Mr Mullett said he couldn't understand why the Chief Commissioner is yet to suspend Mr Guerin.

'It would be in the community and the members interest that he be suspended,' Mr Mullett said.

Former Police Association boss Paul Mullett was a target of some of Mr Guerin's comments and said he believed Guerin should be suspended, particularly because of the role he holds within the Victorian police service.

'Because on a daily basis hes delegated with the power to make significant decisions against members of the police force for all forms of alleged behaviour,

'Including this type of alleged behaviour.

Mr Guerin's comments have now been referred to the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.

After it was revealed that he was the one making the comments Mr Guerin defended his comments and the use of an alias to do so, saying he was simply defending Ms Nixon and Victoria police.

He also said he was within his rights to use an alias in order to do so.

'I worked with Christine Nixon quite closely for a period of time ... so I thought I would jump in and defend her,' he told The Age.

Mr Guerin said if he posted under his real name it could have had a negative impact on the whole of the Victoria police service.

Mr Guerin said he was jumping in to defend former Victorian Police Commissioner Christine Nixon, who he said he worked closely with, using an alias to avoid undermining the whole Victorian Police Service.

'I dont want to overstate my fame, but if I put a post in relation to something to do with the law or a way a case was disposed of, it becomes a story,' he said.

'I think Im entitled to engaging in reasonable public comment as a private citizen using a pseudonym.'

Mr Guerin next took aim at another former police chief commissioner, Kel Glare, on Facebook.

'When Kel Glare was appointed Chief Commissioner, Ronald Reagan was President of the United States, the internet was still ten years away and mobile phones were yet to appear,' he posted on May 8, 2017.

'Victoria Police shot and killed more people, at a rate more than all others [sic] police forces combined, than in any other time in Australian history.'

He said in the 3AW interview that the future of his role as Professional Standards Command head was in the hands of Victorian Police Commissioner Graham Ashton.

'The language I used ... was completely inappropriate, embarrassing and I can understand people saying 'what the hell is this bloke doing?' he said.

Mr Guerin was appointed to Assistant Commissioner in 2015.
Montenegro officials says an attacker threw a grenade at the US Embassy in the capital of the Balkan state then killed himself with another explosive device.

The area was sealed off by police, and the embassy warned Americans to avoid the area because of 'an active security situation'.

Montenegro's government said the assailant hurled the grenade into the embassy compound around midnight local time and then killed himself with another explosive device.

He was reportedly identified on Thursday as an ex-soldier decorated by former Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic after NATO's bombing of Serbia and Montenegro in 1999.

A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, said the man was Dalibor Jaukovic, 43, who was born in the central Serbian town of Kraljevo but lived in Podgorica.

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Montenegro says an attacker threw a grenade at the U.S. Embassy in the capital of the Balkan state then killed himself with another explosive device. Police block off the area around the US Embassy in Montenegro's capital Podgorica

The area was sealed off by police, and the embassy warned Americans to avoid the area because of 'an active security situation'

Photos posted on his Facebook profile include a plaque honoring his contribution in the fight against NATO during the bombing. The plaque appears to be personally signed by Milosevic. In a May 2017 Facebook post, Jaukavic said "no to NATO."

A neighbour of Jaukovic said he seemed like an "ordinary, normal man."

"He was always a decent neighbor," she said

The government tweeted earlier that 'an unknown person committed suicide with an explosive device'.

It added: 'Immediately before, that person threw an explosive device from the intersection near the Sport Center into the US embassy compound.'

A Reuters photographer in Podgorica said a police vehicle blocked the street where the embassy is located, adding that no damage was visible.

The embassy warned US citizens to stay away until further notice.

'The U.S. embassy in Podgorica advises US citizens there is an active security situation at the US embassy in Podgorica,' it said on its website.

'Avoid the embassy until further notice.' No one else was hurt and there was no major damage.

Montenegro, the smallest of all former Yugoslav republics, was the 29th country to join NATO last May. Montenegro borders the Adriatic Sea in southeastern Europe and its capital is Podgorica.

The US established diplomatic ties with the tiny Balkan state in 2006 after it split from much larger Serbia.

Montenegro's government said the unknown assailant hurled the grenade into the embassy compound around midnight (1100 GMT) and then killed himself with another explosive device
Despite being an island paradise, the area has suffered from pollution due to its booming tourist industry

When Lauren Jubb arrived in Nusa Lemobongan she expected it would be live up to its reputation of an island paradise.

Instead what lay beneath the water's surface was unimaginable, a wasteland of plastic unseen to those who stay above sea level.

In the footage the 23-year-old from Brisbane shot at Manta Point, east of Bali, a lone manta ray is seen swimming between rubbish across the region's bright blue water.

Lauren Jubb, 23, was shocked when she saw the amount of rubbish beneath in the island's water

Snorkeling is a popular pastime with the thousands of tourists who visit each year but the many have noticed an increase in pollution in recent years.

The video has been viewed more than 800,000 times and shows the stark contrast between the tropical waters and the impact rubbish has had on the area.

'On the surface it was stunning,' Lauren said in a Facebook post.

Lauren's video has over 800,000 views on Facebook and pleads with people not to pollute the world's oceans

The video clearly shows a manta ray weaving its way through piles of rubbish

'We saw huge manta rays swimming underneath the boat and it all seemed so magical.

'But when we went underneath the oceans surface, I honestly could have just burst into tears then and there.

'I was horrified and heartbroken when I saw the amount of plastic and rubbish in the bay,' she said.

Lauren says she felt like 'bursting into tears' when she first saw the condition of the water

Nusa Lemobongan is a popular tourist island, east of Bali, known for its beaches and tropical waters

The underwater footage showcases a problem plaguing many of the world's oceans - plastic pollution.

Before Lauren witnessed the manta ray's struggle, she decided to take a stance against plastic use and encourages others to do the same.

'Rather than blaming others for this, we need to support and educate each other. If each and every one of us did our own bit - the greater the impact would be,' she said.

'We created this mess,' added one social media user who watched the footage.
David Glasser, the ousted chief operating officer of the Weinstein Company, announced that he will be suing the company for $85 million just days after he was abruptly fired from his position.

The board of the Weinstein Company dismissed Glasser on Friday, less than a week after he was cited for failing to act on employee harassment complaints.

Glasser is now pursuing a wrongful termination suit, according to his attorney Eve Wagner.

Wagner claims that the board fired Glasser in order to deflect attention from its own role in failing to stop Harvey Weinstein's sexual harassment, according to Variety.

'The simple truth is that the board had no grounds to justify his firing,' Wagner said.

David Glasser (left), the ousted chief operating officer of the Weinstein Company, announced that he will be suing the company for $85 million just days after he was abruptly fired from his position

Wagner said the lawsuit will 'bring to light facts and evidence to demonstrate that the board acted precipitously and with malice'.

'We are confident that a complete airing of all of the evidence will show that our client was scapegoated by the TWC Board of Directors.'

In a statement last week, the studio said its board 'has unanimously voted to terminate David Glasser for cause'. The company has not given a fuller explanation.

The board of the Weinstein Company dismissed Glasser on Friday, less than a week after he was cited for failing to act on employee harassment complaints

Sources told Variety that the board felt Glasser put his own interests ahead of the company's, and failed to keep the board fully apprised of the attorney general's investigation.

'Throughout his tenure at TWC, Mr. Glasser worked tirelessly to protect the employees of the company from Harvey Weinstein's frequent outbursts,' she told the news site.

'Numerous documents and emails clearly show that Mr. Glasser acted appropriately and responsibly whenever allegations of misconduct were brought to his attention,' Wagner added.

A spokeswoman for the Weinstein Company was unavailable for immediate comment.

Glasser, 46, could not immediately be reached for comment.

On February 11, New York's Attorney General Eric Schneiderman sued the Weinstein Company and Weinstein alleging years of sexual misconduct by the movie producer.

The civil suit also accused executives of repeatedly failing to protect employees from Weinstein.

Weinstein, 65, was one of Hollywood's most influential men before more than 70 women accused him of sexual misconduct, including rape.

He has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.

Schneiderman also said that Glasser, who supervised the company's human resources department and was in charge of handling dozens of complaints against Weinstein, should not benefit from any sale of the studio.

Schneiderman said Glasser at the time was in line to be chief executive.

The studio was in talks to sell itself to a group of investors led by former Obama administration official Maria Contreras-Sweet, who were hoping to buy the company for approximately $275 million.

They would have assumed the company's $225 million debt, the New York Times reported.

The deal would also demand that Bob Weinstein, Harvey's younger brother, leave the studio.

Schneiderman's lawsuit, however, put the deal negotiations on hold, said people familiar with the matter.

On February 11, New York's Attorney General Eric Schneiderman (pictured) sued the Weinstein Company and Weinstein alleging years of sexual misconduct by the movie producer

The civil suit also accused executives of repeatedly failing to protect employees from Weinstein. And while it doesn't mention Glasser (right) by name, his title is listed

His lawsuit details that the company sale would have resulted in people reporting to some of the same managers who 'failed to investigate' Harvey Weinstein's conduct.

Responding to Schneiderman's lawsuit on February 11, Weinstein's attorney Ben Brafman said a fair investigation would prove that many of the allegations against his client were without merit.

Back in October, Glasser reportedly told staff: 'We are going to be OK.'

He had planned to leave the Weinstein Company in August of 2015 but later announced he would stay for a new three-year contract. He was commonly referred to being the third brother to the Weinsteins.

'Harvey and I sometimes don't even want to be brothers,' Bob Weinstein once said. 'I don't know why anyone would want to be another brother.'

'Should he (David Glasser) want it,' Bob Weinstein added, 'has become the third brother.'
An email claiming to be from Australia Post is going around at the moment, with authorities warning people that the message could pose a security threat.

Queensland Police Station released a statement encouraging any recipients of Australia Post emails to err on the side of caution, 9 News reports.

'An email is currently doing the rounds claiming to be from Australia Post with details of your purchase and seeking to organise arrangements for delivery,' they said.

Queensland Police are warning people about a malicious email doing the rounds at the moment, which claims to be from Australia Post while asking for personal and financial information

'The email contains malicious software (malware) which is then loaded onto your computer.'

QPS goes on to stress that Australia Post will never ask you to click on email links in order to redeem a package, never contact you for personal or financial information, and never contact you out of the blue for a requested payment.

They are encouraging recipients of any suspicious looking emails to avoid clicking on any links or attachments, deleting the emails instead.
A primary school teacher faces disciplinary action for claiming a transgender prostitute was put where she 'belongs' after being sent to a men's prison.

Perth teacher Melanie Kennedy made the comment on a Perth Now Facebook post about Clayton James Palmer, who was jailed last Friday for infecting a client with HIV.

The transgender prostitute - also known as CJ - was sentenced to six years in a men's prison for causing grievous bodily harm.

Perth primary school teacher Melanie Kennedy (pictured) faces disciplinary action for claiming a transgender woman was put where she 'belongs' after being sent to a men's prison

Prostitute Clayton James Palmer was jailed last Friday for infecting a client with HIV

'At least they put him where he belongs...in a male prison. That is what he is!!!' Ms Kennedy - a primary school teacher at Pickering Brook Primary School - wrote in response to the sentence.

Ms Kennedy's comment received more than 40 'likes' before an outraged reader shot back at the teacher.

'God, let's hope your son isn't transgender,' the Facebook user wrote.

'Let's hope not!' Ms Kennedy replied.

Another person took to her employer's Facebook page, claiming Ms Kennedy was spreading 'uneducated bile' and calling for her sacking.

Prostitute Clayton Palmer will be sent to a men's prison for infecting her clients with HIV

The Perth primary school teacher's Facebook post was liked 44 times on a Facebook page

One critic of the Perth primary school teacher accused her of spreading 'uneducated bile'

The person added: 'Shame you would think someone that is a teacher would be well educated and not a mud flinging neanderthal stirring up hatred for minorities.

'She should not be in a position to mould innocent minds.'

Ms Kennedy's comment was reported to the Department of Education who confirmed she could face disciplinary action, WA Today reported.

'The matter relating to a primary school teacher had now been referred to the Standards and Integrity directorate for assessment,' the Department of Education said in a statement.

Meanwhile Professional Standards and Conduct executive director Eamon Ryan said all Department of Education employees should be familiar with its social media guidelines, which says it's 'vital' teachers ensure material published 'is respectful of all individuals ...'
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has denied sexually harassing a woman as pressure mounts for him to resign over his staffer pregnancy scandal.

Nationals federal president Larry Anthony confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that a complaint had been made against Mr Joyce.

Mr Joyce said he was aware of the allegation, which the Deputy Prime Minister said was 'defamatory.'

'They're spurious, defamatory and they should have been referred to the police if they had substance. We'll leave it at that,' he told Nine News on Friday.

Scandal-hit Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has been accused of sexual harassment as he faces being booted out as leader of the Nationals

The allegation comes as Mr Joyce faces a leadership challenge as National MPs seek to remove him from office as soon as next week.

'He said allegations of wrongdoing should be immediately referred to police so that the veracity of any claim could be properly tested,' the spokesman said.

The allegation was the impetus for WA Nationals leader Mia Davies calling a press conference saying she had told Mr Joyce that 'he no longer has the support of the Parliamentary National Party of Western Australia as the Leader of the Federal National Party'.

Ms Davies refused to comment, but she is not the person who made the complaint.

Nationals MP Andrew Broad said on ABC Radio that Mr Joyce, 50, should 'spend some time on the backbench' after starting a relationship with his former staffer Vikki Campion, 33, who is pregnant with his child.

Mr Broad said he did not want to replace Joyce as leader of the Nationals.

Nationals MP Andrew Broad said on ABC Radio that Mr Joyce, 50, should 'spend some time on the backbench'

The meeting is being held in the Nationals' party room on Monday, where Mr Joyce may face a spill motion calling for him to quit as leader.

Mr Joyce is on leave after taking a break following revelations about his private life, however the Deputy Prime Minister has used his time off to give interviews to the press about the ongoing scandal.

Mr Broad said Mr Joyce's interview with Fairfax Media about Ms Campion and the pending birth of their son was the final straw, the Courier Mail reported.

'He's meant to be taking a break, and he's clearly playing to the media,' Mr Broad said.

'This is an issue we should have let quietly die and get on with the core job but he's not prepared to do that.

'He doesn't hold that view. He should have some time out and clear his head.'

Mr Joyce is on leave after taking a break following revelations about his private life, however the Deputy Prime Minister has used his time off to give interviews to the press about the ongoing scandal

Mr Broad said he didn't believe Mr Joyce was making sound judgment, and that he should stand down as Deputy Prime Minister.

'At this point in time his judgment has erred, he's not thinking in a place where he can be put up as the acting Prime Minister of Australia, he needs some time out to regroup,' he said.

In an interview with Fairfax Media Mr Joyce said only God could judge him regarding his affair with Ms Campion, which resulted in the breakdown of his marriage to wife Natalie.

Mr Broad said Mr Joyce's interview with Fairfax Media about former staffer Vikki Campion (left) and their pending birth of their son was the final straw

In the interview at his townhouse in Armidale on Wednesday, the 50-year-old insisted he will not love his son any 'more or less' than his 'four beautiful daughters'.

Ms Campion was there during the interview but refused to be photographed, saying she is uncomfortable with the media attention.

She said her son's middle names will honour her two brothers because they were the only people who knew about the affair and have supported her after it became public.
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The shooting of a tattoo parlour customer during Mick Hawi's funeral may be linked to the Comanchero kingpin's execution.

As Hawi's family and friends gathered for traditional prayers at a Sydney mosque at 1.20pm today, two masked men burst into Nitro Ink Tattoo Studio in south-east Melbourne and gunned down a customer in a hail of bullets.

The thugs, who are still on the run, escaped in a silver Audi A6 before setting it on fire, police believe.

The parlour used to be owned by the national president of the Comanchero bikie gang, Mick Murray, who is currently behind bars after a top secret investigation by Victoria Police's anti-bikie Echo taskforce earlier this year.

The victim, 35, is in intensive care at The Alfred Hospital with serious wounds to his upper body after the attack in Hampton Park. The gunmen's bullets went through to next-door buildings but no-one else was hurt.

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The shooting of a customer at a tattoo parlour during Mick Hawi's funeral may be linked to the Comanchero kingpin's execution. Pictured: Police investigate a burnt out Audi which they believe the shooters escaped in before setting it alight

As Hawi's family and friends gathered for traditional prayers at a Sydney mosque at 1.20pm today, two masked men burst into Nitro Ink Tattoo Studio (pictured) in south-east Melbourne and gunned down a customer in a hail of bullets

As Hawi's family and friends gathered for traditional prayers at a Sydney mosque at 1.20pm today, two masked men burst into Nitro Ink Tattoo Studio in south-east Melbourne and gunned down a customer in a hail of bullets. Pictured: Victoria police officers monitor the scene of a shooting at a tattoo parlour in Hampton Park in Melbourne on Thursday

The thugs escaped in a silver Audi A6 before setting it on fire and are still on the run, police believe. Pictured: A man named Tony carried a framed photograph of his slain friend as he led a procession of mourners towards the Al Zahra mosque for Hawi's funeral

Asked in a press conference if the shooting was linked to Mick Hawi's murder, Inspector Mick Daly said detectives for the anti-bikie Echo taskforce were probing the possibility.

There were six customers in the parlour when the men stormed in at 1pm. One witness said there were so many gunshots he 'couldn't count' them.

When questioned at the scene, one man who appeared to work at the parlour told a Herald Sun reporter to 'f*** off'.

Daily Mail Australia's calls to the parlour went unanswered on Thursday evening. There is no suggestion the parlour is still linked to Murray or the Comancheros and police said they were not aware of any bikie link.

Asked in a press conference if the shooting was linked to Mick Hawi's murder, a police spokesman said detectives were probing the possibility. Pictured: Police at the scene of the shooting today

Police gather near a burnt out car which they believe was the getaway vehicle after a shooting at a tattoo parlour in Melbourne which left a 35-year-old man fighting for his life

There were six customers in the parlour when the men stormed in at 1pm. One witness said there were so many gunshots he 'couldn't count' them. Pictured: Police at the scene

Slain bikie Mick Hawi pictured with wife Carolina - the Comanchero bikie boss' funeral was held on Thursday and was attended by dozens of family and friends who paid their respects

Former Comanchero chief Mahmoud 'Mick' Hawi was shot dead outside the Fitness First gym in Rockdale, in Sydney's south last Thursday afternoon.

His body of was taken out of a coffin and placed into a grave, as hundreds of mourners watched on in Sydney's south today.

Associates, family, friends and lawyers of the one-time crime kingpin gathered to pay their respects to the Lebanese migrant and father-of-two, 37, at an Arncliffe mosque.

After 1pm prayers at the Al Zahra mosque in Arncliffe, a convoy of luxury cars followed the hearse carrying Hawi's bullet-riddled body to Rookwood Cemetery.

There were no motorbikes in sight, nor bikie colours, as mourners were told by the Hawi family they were a 'no-go'.

Mourners held an empty coffin over their heads at a nearby cemetery following the funeral service

Among dozens of headstones, the massive crowd gathered to bury Mahmoud 'Mick' Hawi at Rookwood Cemetery

Mick Hawi pictured at home. Family and friends gathered for his funeral today at a mosque in Sydney

The service was well attended by men and women, who wore black head scarves and clothing

One woman was seen covering her face as she walked with other female mourners in Sydney on Thursday afternoon

More than a dozen uniformed police officers watched as the family, including wife Carolina arrived at the grave site in a parade of white Rolls Royces, a Bentley and Porsche.

Mosque officials said Hawi's bullet-riddled body was washed at the service and he was dressed per Islamic rites. Traditional blessings were also performed.

At the graveside, prayers were sung and Hawi's body was removed from its casket, as per Islamic tradition.

His body was then lowered into the cement-lined grave and a truck tipped earth on top of him.

Close male relatives and friends finished the burial together with shovels and laid enormous bouquets of flowers for Hawi.

A truck is seen lowering something towards the grave site as mourners gather around

Mourners comfort one another after former Comanchero president Hawi is buried in Sydney on Thursday afternoon

Hundreds attended the burial at Rookwood Cemetery near Lidcombe for the funeral of Hawi in Sydney on Thursday afternoon

Flowers are seen covering the ground around the father-of-two's burial site as mourners pay their respects on Thursday

Islamic Friendship Association president Keysar Trad said followers of the belief 'don't bury with the coffin. We take the cadaver out of the coffins.'

Concrete slabs are often laid at the bottom of graves to meet health requirements, Mr Trad said.

Family and friends, including Hawi's father, then formed a line and shook hands with almost every attendee. Others stayed to pay their respects.

Mourners were asked by Hawi's immediate family not to wear bikie colours nor arrive on motorcycles out of 'respect'.

Many attendees wore shirts or hoodies with photographs of Mahmoud printed on the back.

Most attendees, particularly the men, were photographed by undercover police officers as they arrived at the mosque.

A convoy of luxury cars arrived at Hawi's funeral just before midday, believed to be transporting his wife Carolina and their two sons, as well as immediate family.

Following the service, mourners poured out of the mosque, all dressed in black

One man appeared to give directions, as others looked on with interest from behind

Many appeared moved by the service held for the former Comanchero president

One woman appeared to be wiping tears from her eyes as another appeared distraught as she reached into her bag

Hundreds of people arrived at a mosque in Arncliffe to mourn the former bikie boss a week after he was shot dead

One man conversed with another, who appeared to be the Imam running Hawi's service

As hundreds of mourners descended on the place of worship, a large police van sat outside the entrance, and police cars sat on most corners of the block, surrounding the mosque.

Officers said they were there to ensure the funeral did not disrupt traffic. A large group of men in black T-shirts arrived in three white limousines.

A man named Tony carried a framed photograph of the former Comanchero leader down the street as the others fell in line behind him.

Two women, one wearing a shirt with Hawi's face emblazoned on it, kept their heads bowed as they farewelled the beloved former Comancheros president

One woman appeared to reach out and comfort another as they headed towards the mosque

Attendees looked sombre on Thursday as they prepared to farewell their friend at the Arncliffe mosque

The Lebanese migrant was then buried in the Muslim section of the city's Rookwood necropolis.

Hawi's body was released to the family by investigators on Wednesday, after an autopsy.

He rose to infamy in 2009 for his involvement in a brutal brawl at Sydney Airport which resulted in the death of a Hells Angels associate.

Mosque officials earlier said he will be farewelled at traditional prayers, where it is understood his body will be washed as per Islamic custom and his family members will spend time with him

One man, dressed in a Gucci shirt with an eye catching snake logo, appeared to be having a heated conversation on the phone ahead of Hawi's memorial

The Lebanese migrant will be then be buried at the city's Rookwood necropolis. Hawi's body was released to the family by investigators on Wednesday, after an autopsy

One man wore traditional Islamic clothing (pictured right) for the sombre occasion

Mourners young and old attended mosque on Thursday to pay their respects

Hawi's coffin was taken from the mosque in a black hearse, accompanied by a lengthy funeral procession of white cars, following the service

Both the hearse and Hawi's coffin were covered in a spray of flowers (pictured)

Despite family members requesting attendees of the funeral arrive in cars and leave motorcycles at home, one man appeared to ride a BMW bike to the service

One man held his hand over his heart as he prepared to farewell the father-of-two, while another looked downcast

His wife, Carolina Gonzalez, successfully made an urgent application to the New South Wales Supreme Court to obtain a sperm sample.

Her lawyer submitted she still 'desires' to have more children with her late husband.

An affidavit filed by her lawyer said they were advised by the Coroner that Hawi was 'situated in a locked zipped bag and that bag cannot be unzipped without the presence of detectives.'

Police did not object to a urologist performing the procedure to obtain Hawi's sperm.

Hawi's killers, who remain unidentified, are still on the run despite warnings from police they will not remain anonymous for long. The investigation into his murder continues.

Up to 200 mourners, many dressed in black tribute t-shirts with Hawi's face and name on the back (right), were seen piling into the mosque

One man wore a religious shirt which appeared to address the end of days and announced 'the awaited saviour'

There was a large media and police presence at the Comanchero boss' funeral on Thursday

Roadblocks and a police van were seen outside the Arncliffe mosque on Thursday

While many dressed in suits for the occasion, some took a more casual approach to the funeral

Police were seen on every corner of the block surrounding the Arncliffe mosque

Huge crowds of men and children were seen in the driveway to the mosque, where a luxury car was parked

Many appeared distraught as they left the Arncliffe mosque on Thursday, clutching bottles of water
Maurice Amon, 64, and Tracey Hejailan-Amon, 47, are in a bitter divorce battle

A socialite who allegedly ruined her husband's priceless art collection while blowtorching his safe has claimed that $122,858 a month is not enough to support her lifestyle.

Tracey Hejailan-Amon, 47, was awarded the monthly support payment by a Monaco court, plus $1.26million in back payments, in her bitter divorce battle with Maurice Amon, 64.

Hejailan-Amon blasted the settlement as insufficient, claiming she needed four times that amount - nearly $500,000 a month - to maintain her lifestyle of year-round private plane and yacht travel, Page Six reported. Amon is worth a rumored $1.4billion.

The divorce battle began in 2015, when Amon, the heir to a Swiss company that makes ink for most of the world's currencies, filed for a split after eight years of marriage.

It took a bizzare turn last year, when Amon accused his estranged wife of ruining millions of dollars worth of modern masterpieces.

Hejailan-Amon has said she needs four times the $122,858-a-month settlement to maintain her lifestyle of year-round private plane and yacht travel

Amon claimed Hejailan-Amon took a blowtorch to the safe (pictured) in their $7million Paris apartment on February 4, damaging numerous paintings from their $25million collection

Maurice submitted these photos of safe wiring and electronics on left, busted wall on right

The blowtorch may have caused problems for the 1966 self-portrait of Andy Warhol the couple owns (version seen above at Sotheby's)

In court filings, Amon claimed Hejailan-Amon took a blowtorch to the safe in their $7million Paris apartment on February 4, damaging numerous paintings from their $25million collection in the process.

She did this after being told she would have to wait two days for a replacement key to the vault after misplacing her own, according to the filing.

She left her wedding ring inside the safe and nothing else.

Among the works that were partially or totally destroyed in the act were a Richard Prince, Andy Warhol's 1966 self-portrait and Damien Hirst's most widely-recognized piece, Acridine.

The Hirst painting, along with the other modern pieces in the couple's collection, were said to be possibly beyond repair due to the toxic dust that accumulated on them as a result of the blowtoch.

The filing included multiple photos of the safe and area around it.

The photos show the massive damage that was done to the front and back of the safe, as well as the dust covering coating the ritzy pied-a-terre on the Rue du Cirque.

Hejailan-Amon did not leave anything in the damaged safe except for her wedding ring

Alternate view: The safe was damaged on all sides (wall behind the vault above)and major work is necessary to many things inside the hose according to court papers

Damien Hirst's Acridine (above) was among the paintings at the Paris apartment

'The walls and floor of the apartment were all covered in a fine gray concrete dust that was clearly the result of a safe, located in a dressing room in the back of a apartment, being cut in with an angle grinder,' wrote fine art dealer Christophe Lucien in a report included with the filing.

He went on to note that the 'safe emitted an odor' and 'contained only a wedding band.'

Lucien then wrote that he was able to view the visible damage done to works by Jean-Michael Basquiat, Damien Hirst, Richard Prince, Gerhard Richter, Cy Twombly, Andy Warhol, Martin Jason and Pier Paolo Calzolari.

'I saw with my my naked eye that the majority of the contemporary art sculptures ... were covered by the fine concrete dust generated by breaking into the safe,' wrote Lucien. He said the 'most severely affected' were the 'art sculptures made of porous, painted material and/or covered with nooks and crannies and/or made of fragile materials and/or attached to a fragile stand were the most severely affected.

Amon, the heir to a Swiss company that makes ink for most of the world's currencies, filed for a split in 2015 after eight years of marriage

The Hirst painting is Acridine, which Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics sold at a Sotheby's auction in 2011, fetching just under $1million.

The Basquiat meanwhile is Saxaphone, which almost sold for $6million back in a 2015 auction at Christie's, but that sale was halted when Tracey filed an injunction.

The Warhol in the collection is a 1966 self-portrait.

Hejailan-Amon did not reveal what it was that she needed to retrieve so desperately from the safe on that day.

The estranged wife, who during the marriage was lavished with gifts including a Ferrari, $10million in jewelry and over $75million worth of property during her time with Maurice, said she was completely caught off guard when she got the divorce papers.

Amon entered into evidence these photos of his wife's shoes and wardrobe in their Monaco apartment in an attempt to prove that the principality was their primary residence

The couple have battled over the appropriate venue for the divorce proceedings.

Amon owns an apartment in the famed Monaco high rise Le Mirabeau, and wanted the proceedings held there, where courts often favor the wealthier spouse.

The couple also had homes on New York's Fifth Avenue, a Swiss Chalet, a $7million pad in Paris and some London investment properties.

Hejailan-Amon wanted to settle the divorce in New York, where the court would award her a more generous payout. Without a pre-nuptial agreement, she expected to get as much as $70million in a US court.

Amon countered with a bizarre move, entering into evidence photos of his wife's shoes and wardrobe in their Monaco apartment.

He claimed that the vast shoe collection showed that the Monaco apartment was her primary residence, and thus the principality was the proper court venue.
An accused serial killer has been charged with the murder of an 18-year-old girl who mysteriously vanished on Australia Day 22 years ago.

Bradley Robert Edwards, 49, has been charged with the murder of Sarah Spiers, 18, who disappeared after calling a cab on a night out with friends in Claremont, Perth in 1996.

Ms Spiers was one of three women to go missing in the Claremont area between January 1996 and March 1997, in a spate of crimes that became known as the infamous Claremont serial killings.

Mr Edwards was charged in December last year with the murders of two other girls who both vanished after a night out in 1996 and 1997 respectively.

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Claremont serial-killer accused, Bradley Robert Edwards, 49, has been charged with the murder of Sarah Spiers (pictured) who disappeared 22 years ago after a night out with friends in Perth

Mr Edwards was charged in December last year with the murders of two other girls who both vanished after a night out in 1996 and 1997 respectively

'This development follows extensive inquiries by the Macro investigation team within the cold case homicide squad,' Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said on Thursday.

'Sarah disappeared after a night out with friends in Claremont on Friday, January 26, 1996.'

'She telephoned for a taxi from a phone box near the corner of Stirling Road and Stirling Highway just after 2am on the Saturday morning,' he said.

Mr Dawson said police were unable to provide further details about the breakthrough charge.

Just months after Sarah disappeared, childcare worker Jane Rimmer, 23, went missing after she was last seen outside the Continental Hotel in June 1996.

Childcare worker Jane Rimmer,23, went missing after she was seen outside the Continental Hotel in June, 1996

Ciara Glennon a 27-year-old lawyer disappeared after leaving the same pub. Both of their bodies were later found in bush-land around Perth

Her body was found in bushland in August 1996.

In March 1997, Ciara Glennon, a 27-year-old lawyer, disappeared after leaving Continental Hotel.

Her body was found in bushland at Eglington, in Perth's north, on April 3.

Edwards is also accused of two other sex attacks on other women - the 1995 abduction and sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl at Karrakatta Cemetery and the 1988 indecent assault of an 18-year-old woman in her home.

His case is still in the beginning stages and he will appear in court on February 28 charged over the three murders.

Sarah's body was never found. On top of the three murder charges, Edwards is accused of two other sex attacks on women, one of them a 17-year-old girl who he abducted and the sexually abused in a cemetery.

In 2008 police released CTV footage of Jane outside the hotel. She is leaning on a pole, her jacket swung over her shoulder. She can be seen acknowledging a man who is also standing out the front. The camera changes view and when it moves back, shes gone.

In February, cold case detectives asked for public help to find a white 1992 Camry Toyota station wagon they they believed in linked to her death. The car was de-registered in 2008 and has not been found.

Sarah made her last known phone call was for a taxi, after she was seen leaving the Club Bayview nightclub, but when the cab arrived she was gone.

Her body has never been found.

'This is a very traumatic time for the Spiers family, so I urge the media to please respect their privacy and do not attempt to contact them,' Mr Dawson said.

Jane's body was found in bush-land near Woolcoot Road, south of Perth. Ciara's was found off Pipidinny Road, north of Perth.

'Sarah Spiers's family has expressly told the WA Police Force that they do not wish to make any comment about today's development.'

Sarah's father Don released a statement last year urging anyone with information about the car to contact police.

'We have been kept informed by the police on the status of the investigation (and) we do not want to comment publicly about today's appeal,' he said.
A New York City high school teacher was arrested on Tuesday after police raided his apartment to find seven pounds of what is commonly referred to as the 'date rape drug,' police said.

Steven Rich, 51, was taken into custody after the considerable amount of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) was mailed to his home in Hell's Kitchen, according to the NewYork Daily News.

The teacher has worked at the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change in Harlem for the last eight years.

New York City teacher Steven Rich, 51, was arrested on Tuesday after police raided his apartment to find seven pounds of what is commonly referred to as the 'date rape drug;' He has worked at the Thurgood Marshall Academy high school (pictured) in Harlem since 2008

Police learned Rich would be receiving a package containing narcotics, authorities said.

Law enforcement reportedly had sufficient information about the anticipated delivery to justify obtaining a search warrant.

When they executed that warrant, officers found a large enough amount of GHB to support a high-level felony charge, police said.

GHB, or 'G' as it is sometimes called, is odorless and colorless in its liquid form. It may also be synthesized into a powder.

It's a strong sedative that depressed the central nervous system, and its effects are multiplied when consumed in combination with alcohol.

'Mr. Rich's alleged actions betray the trust of students and families, and he was immediately reassigned away from the classroom pending the outcome of the criminal matter,' city Education Department spokesman Douglas Cohen told the Daily News.

He's been employed by the city school since 2008.

The school, located at the intersection of 135th Street and 7th Avenue in Upper Manhattan, houses 540 students.

Grades 6-12 receive instruction at the campus where Rich was teaching.

He was arrested after authorities raided his apartment on West 34th Street, authorities said.
One of the country's toughest schools is facing a backlash from furious parents after banning a popular haircut dubbed the 'meet me at McDonald's'.

The Charter Academy in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, has sent a letter out threatening male students with isolation or suspension if they sport one of six types of hairstyle.

But families have hit back at the 'ridiculous' rules from headteacher Barry Smith - who previously hit headlines with his stringent guidelines on pupils' bedtimes.

The Charter Academy in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, has sent a letter out threatening male students with isolation or suspension if they sport the popular haircut dubbed the 'meet me at McDonald's' (file photo)

The hard-hitting letter warns that boys who do not change their hair in line with school uniform demands by Monday (February 26) will be sent straight home or ordered into isolation

Headteacher Barry Smith has implemented stringent guidelines at the school

The academy, which has 1,000 students aged 11-16, has written to parents setting out its no-nonsense policy targeting variations of the tousled style which features short sides and floppy fringe, labelling them 'unacceptable'.

The hard-hitting letter warns that boys who do not change their hair in line with school uniform demands by Monday (February 26) will be sent straight home or ordered into isolation.

The school has put up examples of unacceptable haircuts on display boards around the building and says it is happy to provide families with a PowerPoint of styles to avoid.

Posting the letter on social media, furious mother Karen Leeder said it was 'absolutely ridiculous'.

Rachael Havens added: 'You can't take time off sick as it affects your education...but they will happily send you home because they don't like your hairstyle.'

Sophia Soares said: 'I think it is all getting silly now, a hairstyle does not affect a child's learning.'

The school has put up examples of unacceptable haircuts on display boards around the building and says it is happy to provide families with a PowerPoint of styles to avoid

Celebrities to have sported a similar hairstyle include Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar (left) and Olly Alexander, the lead singer of the synthpop band Years & Years (right)

Posting the letter on social media, furious mother Karen Leeder said it was 'absolutely ridiculous' - and it sparked a furious debate among parents

What is the Meet Me At McDonald's hairstyle? The hairstyle dubbed the 'Meet me at McDonald's' originated from a social media trend poking fun at 'chavvy' attire worn by teens who meet up at the fast food giant. In 2015 a Twitter page posted an image of four youngsters with the cut, captioning it 'the Meet us at McDonald's haircut'. There is also a 2016 Facebook page dedicated to the trend, called 'meet me at mcdonalds hair cut.'[sic] The page posted an image of the 'starter pack' for the trend, featuring the hairstyle, an Adidas tracksuit and Nike trainers. Advertisement

The school says that banned hairstyles for boys include:

Noticeably longer tops that are not layered in and combined with sharply contrasting sides and back.

Variations of the style often known as 'Meet me at McDonald's'

Overgrown, heavy fringes brushed forward onto the face

High top styles of excessive height

Shaven parting lines

Hair that is teased to give excessive height

Any type of Mohican hairstyle.

Girls' hair is said to be 'generally not a problem at Charter'.

The letter stresses children have been reminded about hairstyles since before Christmas.

The hairstyle dubbed the 'Meet me at McDonald's' originated from a social media trend poking fun at 'chavvy' attire worn by teens who meet up at the fast food giant - as seen in this Twitter post from 2015

There is also a 2016 Facebook page dedicated to the trend, called 'meet me at mcdonalds hair cut.'[sic] The page posted an image of the 'starter pack' for the trend, featuring the hairstyle, an Adidas tracksuit and Nike trainers

Pop star Justin Timberlake (left) and Neymar (right) have sported hairstyles similar to those now banned at the school

Mr Smith was drafted in after the school got some of the worst GCSE results in England and Wales last summer, with just 30 per cent of students achieving a pass in English and maths

Setting out his rules for the school, Headteacher Barry Smith said youngsters faced losing their mobiles for weeks, warned them to walk in single file in corridors and said teachers were the 'unquestioned authority'

The official Twitter account for McDonald's in the UK even waded in on the furore with a meme celebrating how it was inspiring hairstyles

OTHER SCHOOLS PUNISHING PUPILS FOR HAIRSTYLES Khai Okojie The Charter Academy is not the first to garner attention for banning hairstyles. In December 2017, Khai Okojie, 8, was not allowed to 'represent' Ellenbrook Community Primary in Salford, Greater Manchester, in a carol concert after he got an 'extreme' haircut. Joshua Crossman In July 2016, Joshua Crossman was put in isolation at Budehaven Community School, in Bute, after his mother shaved his head. Chikayzea Flanders In September 2017, Fulham Boys School in London told Chikayzea Flanders to cut his dreadlocks. The 12-year-old Rastafarian was placed in isolation as his mother vowed to fight the ruling. Joey Essex sporting the pompadour And in 2013, Billericay School in Essex warned pupils against 'extreme pompadour haircuts' inspired by The Only Way is Essex star Joey Essex who sported shaved sides with longer hair slicked back on top. Advertisement

The origin of the 'Meet Me at McDonald's' look remains unclear and the school did not elaborate on the term - but it is thought to have come from a social media trend.

Great Yarmouth High School became a Charter Academy last August after being taken over by the Inspiration Trust.

Mr Smith was drafted in after the school got some of the worst GCSE results in England and Wales last summer.

Just 30 per cent of students achieving a pass in English and maths.

Mr Smith is co-founder and former deputy principal, at the strict Michaela Community School in Wembley Park, north-west London.

He had barely set foot at the Academy in Great Yarmouth before he fired off a stinging letter to parents pulling no punches.

He said youngsters faced losing their mobiles for weeks, warned them to walk in single file in corridors and said teachers were the 'unquestioned authority'.

Students were also told they would be given buckets to vomit in if they felt sick in class.

At the start of the academic year in 2017, some 23 students were pulled out of the school by their parents incensed by the new rules.

These included students being told they must track a teacher with their eyes whenever the teacher is talking.

They were also banned from going to the toilet during class time or between lessons - leading to some wetting themselves.

Incensed families set up a Facebook group called Yarmouth High Worried Parents as they vowed to battle the new no-holds-barred crusade.

The Inspiration Trust declined to comment on the hairstyle rules.

One of Britain's leading men's hairstylists Dan Rix said he thought the school's ban on the 'Meet Me At McDonald's' style was 'excessive action' but added: 'In the 1980s I came under the same problem for having a flat top with grade one at the sides'.

Mr Rix, 44, whose barber shop in Southport, Merseyside, is currently ranked Best Independent Barbers Shop by the National Hairdressers' Federation, said: 'I'm not sure where the name has come from but it may just be because McDonald's is a popular hangout for young people. I don't recognise the name myself but I know the style.

'Some young lads even go off to unisex salons and have a perm, then come to the barber's to have their hair shaven at the back and sides. It's like a 1980s' New Romantic look but with a twist. All everyone is doing is following previous trends but with their own interpretation. Fashion comes full circle.

'I don't think it's a particularly extreme haircut.'

Mr Rix, whose shop has won a clutch of other awards and acts as a competition judge for the National Hairdressers' Federation, said that of the other banned haircuts, the shaved parting was 'absolutely dreadful' but high top Afros are 'definitely popular generally' while high top quiffs are so common his salon does them in the 'double digits every day'.
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Britain could face its coldest day in five years next week amid warnings snow could fall anywhere in the country.

The Met Office said the air over the UK will probably be at its coldest since March 2013 and warned London and the South East of England will be first impacted by snow, with 'significant' accumulations expected.

The weather will turn very cold as the week progresses with snow flurries highly likely this weekend and bitterly cold easterly winds, before temperatures drop further on Monday as cold air from Siberia heads to the UK.

Forecasters say the next few days will probably be cloudy with sunny spells and a brisk easterly wind. Daytime temperatures are set to reach highs of just 6C (43F), and overnight frosts will become increasingly severe.

The mercury could fall as low as -6C (21F) in southern England by Saturday night, and even further to -10C (14F) in Scotland overnight into Monday as the cold air known as the 'Beast from the East' arrives from Russia.

March 2013 was one of the coldest Marches on record, dominated by easterly winds and high pressure often to the north blocking milder Atlantic air. The lowest temperature that month was -12.9C (9F).

Minimum temperatures so far this winter in UK January 2018: -13.7C (Sutherland) December 2017: -13C (Shropshire) November 2017: -6.9C (Cumbria) October 2017: -5C (Inverness-shire) September 2017: -1.2C (Sutherland) Advertisement

A Met Office spokesman said today is likely to be 'mainly dry with sunny spells' once some early fog patches have cleared, while tomorrow will turn 'progressively colder'.

The mixture of cloud and sunshine is set to continue into the weekend but the wind will make it feel 'very cold'. The first risk of snow is on Sunday, when there could be wintry showers in areas off the east coast.

A Met Office spokesman said: 'It will be turning much colder next week. Monday and Tuesday will be mainly dry with sunny spells, but snow showers will develop across some eastern and southern areas, where fresh winds will make it feel bitterly cold.

'Through the rest of the week it will remain cold with an increased risk of ice, frost and snow showers. These will be heaviest and most frequent in central and eastern areas, and some spells of more prolonged snow are possible at times, particularly in the east and across southern England.'

Forecasters predict the bitter weather could last well into next month. Met Office forecaster Martin Bowles said: 'The conditions are being brought by cold continental air which is coming all the way from Russia  We don't yet know how much snow could fall at this stage but there could be significant amounts.'

LOWEST TEMPERATURES RECORDED IN SEPARATE COLD SPELLS IN UK Date Station Area Temperature 1 January 10, 1982 Braemar East Scotland -27.2 C 1 December 30, 1995 Altnaharra North Scotland -27.2 C 3 December 13, 1981 Shawbury Shropshire -25.2 C 4 January 13, 1979 Carnwath West Scotland -24.6 C 5 January 20, 1984 Grantown-On-Spey East Scotland -23.6 C 6 January 27, 1985 Lagganlia North Scotland -23.4 C 7 January 13, 1987 Caldecott Rutland -23.3 C 8 January 8, 2010 Altnaharra North Scotland -22.3 C 9 February 18, 1960 Grantown-On-Spey East Scotland -22.2 C 9 December 30, 1961 Cannich North Scotland -22.2 C 9 January 18, 1963 Braemar East Scotland -22.2 C

Milder weather is unlikely to arrive until mid-March, the Met Office's long-range forecast states.

Coral has cut the odds on next month ending as the coldest March on record, from 4-1 to 2-1. The bookmaker's Harry Aitkenhead said: 'With temperatures set to plummet with freezing winds and snow on the horizon we've slashed our odds on next month being the coldest March ever. It's certainly shaping up to be a bleak spring.'

The odds of snow falling in London before the end of February are 4-6 at Coral, while 2018 being the coldest year on record is now just evens.

The coldest March on record was 1962, when overall day and night temperatures averaged 1.9C (35.4F). The long-term average March temperature is 5.5C (41.9F), according to the Met Office.

Average UK daytime temperatures for February range from 9C (48F) in London to 7C (45F) in northern England. The UK's lowest ever February temperature was -27.2C (-17F) in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, on February 11, 1895.

For most of this month Scotland has endured cold air sweeping down from the north-west from Canada. This has brought freezing temperatures and show showers, particularly in the Highlands.

However, a sudden stratospheric warming detected last Monday over the North Pole  and capable of increasing temperatures by 50C  has switched the direction of winds that affect the UK from west to east.

Met Office long-range predictor Professor Adam Scaife said: 'In the past few days we have seen a dramatic rise in air temperature, known as a sudden stratospheric warming, at 30km above the North Pole.

'This results from a breakdown of the usual high-altitude westerly winds and often leads to cold easterly conditions being more likely to dominate subsequent UK weather.'

Scotland has just enjoyed a brief respite from what is set to go down as a colder than normal winter. On Monday, Drumnadrochit in Inverness-shire hit 12.8C (55F) while the French city of Nice only managed 11C (51F).
A high-ranking bikie has been refused bail after he allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted officers in northern New South Wales.

The senior Finks bikie member was accused of assaulting police after he resisted arrest and fled the scene during a vehicle stop in Maitland.

Andrew Manners, 32, allegedly threatened and was aggressive towards police in Strike Force Raptor, a team designed to combat bikie gangs in New South Wales.

High-profile Finks member Andrew Manners (not pictured) threatened and was aggressive towards police

He fled the scene and later returned to Maitland police station where he was arrested

He was travelling through the suburb of Chrisholm when he was pulled aside by police.

Manners went to Maitland Police Station two days later and was arrested and charged with assaulting police, resisting arrest, intimidating police and offensive language.

He appeared at Maitland court before he was refused bail on Thursday and will appear via audio visual link on March 8.

Strike Force Raptor has been in operation since 2009.
A television channel specialising in vintage programmes has been plunged into a row with the regulator over racist language in a 1970s drama.

Talking Pictures TV, watched by two million viewers a week, has been admonished by Ofcom for declining to censor the outdated term  although it reportedly received just one complaint.

The family-run digital channel, which specialises in the likes of Norman Wisdom comedies and Peter Sellers classics, was probed after screening Second World War drama A Family at War, originally broadcast from 1970-72 on ITV.

It argued that although the language was considered offensive, it reflected some people's attitudes during that era.

Talking Pictures TV was probed after screening Second World War drama A Family at War (pictured), which was originally broadcast from 1970-72 on ITV

However Ofcom found the channel to be in breach of the broadcasting code and summoned its executives to a formal meeting, The Times reported.

It is not the first time Talking Pictures has been reprimanded for failing to censor racist words.

They were also used in a 1970s talk show called Tell Me Another and in 1950s crime drama Scotland Yard.

Sarah Cronin-Stanley, who founded the nostalgia channel three years ago with her husband Neill and father Noel, said they would be 'devastated' if they had upset viewers.

But she added that censoring classic programmes meant treating mature viewers like children.

It is not the first time Talking Pictures has been reprimanded for failing to censor racist words. They were also used in a 1970s talk show called Tell Me Another (left) and in 1950s crime drama Scotland Yard (right)

Ofcom found the channel to be in breach of the broadcasting code after airing the programme (pictured), and summoned its executives to a formal meeting

Talking Pictures TV, watched by two million viewers a week, has been admonished by Ofcom for declining to censor the outdated term  although it reportedly received just one complaint

She told The Times: 'Anybody that watches our channel knows that we're nostalgic  we're looking back in time.

'If you're watching films from the Fifties, Sixties or Seventies they will show attitudes that were relevant then.

'Ofcom say we need to advise people before they watch something that it may contain outdated racial stereotyping, but I would say that's babysitting our audience.

'We know that people who make a decision to watch a nostalgic channel will be well-versed in hearing things that are of the time.

'Sometimes it's good to look back on where we came from to help us know where we are now.'

Ofcom said: 'This programme aired repeated racially offensive language and we know from our research that viewers find this kind of language unacceptable'

Ofcom defended its ruling, saying the Family at War episode was broadcast on Talking Pictures TV before the watershed at 8pm and did not alert viewers to its offensive content

She suggested that Ofcom's broadcasting code could be adjusted to make allowances for classic television.

The regulator defended its ruling, saying the Family at War episode was broadcast before the watershed at 8pm and did not alert viewers to its offensive content.

Racist slurs can be screened only if there is sound justification.

An Ofcom spokesman said: 'When we consider potentially offensive content, we take careful account of the nature of a programme and the likely audience for the channel.

'This programme aired repeated racially offensive language and we know from our research that viewers find this kind of language unacceptable.

'No warnings were given before the programme to alert viewers, and this is the channel's third breach of this nature in just over a year.'
Firefighters were faced with a delicate situation after they were forced to remove a spanner stuck on a man's genitals.

South Wales Fire Service issued a warning on Wednesday after helping an unnamed man who had found himself in a spot of bother.

Taking to Twitter, the fire and rescue team said crews from Maindee and Malpas in Newport were called after a man got in trouble with a steel ring spanner.

The emergency services tweeted: 'If you're using tools, make sure you're handling as the manufacturer recommends.

South Wales Fire Service issued a warning on Wednesday after helping a man in a delicate situation

'Crews from Maindee and Malpas had to release a steel ring spanner from a man who took tightening nuts to a new level earlier.'

Chuckling social media users were quick off the mark.

One said: 'What a tool.'

Another posted: 'Dare I ask what size ring spanner?'
This is the harrowing moment a cameraman found his family screaming beneath rubble after a devastating airstrike in a rebel-held town in Syria.

Video shows the man desperately trying to rescue his pregnant aunt, four cousins and grandmother from the ruins of a building in Eastern Ghouta after the area was hammered by Bashar al-Assad's forces.

The cameraman was capturing footage of the dictator's deadly bombing campaign when he heard their haunting cries for help.

A trapped woman with a bloodied face can be seen crying out in agony as rescuers scramble to free her. The face of a badly injured little boy can also be seen.

It comes as UN chief Antonio Guterres described conditions in the area as 'hell on earth'.

Harrowing footage captures the moment a cameraman found his family screaming beneath rubble after a devastating airstrike in a rebel-held town in Syria

The cameraman was capturing footage of the dictator's deadly bombing campaign when he heard the haunting cries and ran to help

Video shows the man desperately trying to rescue his pregnant aunt, four cousins and grandmother from the ruins of a building in Eastern Ghouta after the area was hammered by Bashar al-Assad's forces

The video also shows rescuers carrying a man away from the bombed out remains of a building. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres described the death and devastation that has engulfed Eastern Ghouta since Sunday as 'hell on earth', and joined France in calling for an immediate humanitarian truce

The footage, shown in an ITN report, then shows him sprinting away towards a medical clinic with an injured child in his arms.

But the report revealed that 22 hospitals have been specifically in just 72 hours.

International pressure mounted today to end civilian suffering in the a rebel-held enclave near Damascus where Syrian jets have been raining bombs in a blitz that has killed more than 300.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres described the death and devastation that has engulfed Eastern Ghouta since Sunday as 'hell on earth', and joined France in calling for an immediate humanitarian truce.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for an end to the 'massacre' after fresh air killed another 13 people.

Condemning the Syrian regime for targeting 'its own people', Merkel said: 'The killing of children, the destruction of hospitals - all that amounts to a massacre that must be condemned and which must be countered with a clear no'.

The UN Security Council is expected to vote, probably on Thursday, on a draft resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire to allow deliveries of aid and medical evacuations.

Fresh air raids on several parts of the enclave killed at least 50 civilians, including eight children, and wounded 350 on Wednesday

A rescue worker holds an injured girl in the rebel held besieged town of Hamouriyeh, eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, yesterday

The push for a vote came after the Red Cross demanded access to the area, saying the situation was so dire that its teams should be allowed access to Eastern Ghouta to help overwhelmed doctors and nurses.

Fresh air raids on several parts of the enclave killed at least 50 civilians, including eight children, and wounded 350 on Wednesday.

Many of the region's hospitals have also been targeted, leaving many out of service.

'The fighting appears likely to cause much more suffering in the days and weeks ahead, and our teams need to be allowed to enter Eastern Ghouta to aid the wounded,' said Marianne Gasser, the International Committee of the Red Cross's head of delegation in Syria.

Syrian warplanes have this month intensified their strikes on the area, which lies just east of Damascus and is home to around 400,000 civilians.

'Wounded victims are dying only because they cannot be treated in time,' Gasser said.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, around 1,500 people have been wounded since Sunday in the one of the bloodiest episodes of the seven-year war.

Many of Wednesday's victims were killed when barrel bombs - crude, improvised munitions that usually cause indiscriminate damage - were dropped on the town of Kfar Batna.

The hospital in Douma, the largest town in Eastern Ghouta, is still functioning but the influx of wounded is such that doctors and nurses cannot save everyone.

The UN and an NGO said at least seven hospitals were bombed on Monday and Tuesday.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres described the death and devastation that has engulfed Eastern Ghouta since Sunday as 'hell on earth', and joined France in calling for an immediate humanitarian truce

French President Emmanuel Macron accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime of using terrorism as a 'pretext' to attack civilians

'The regime claims that it's targeting armed groups and terrorists, but the truth is that it only targets civilians,' said Doctor Ahmad Abdulghani, at the Dar al-Shifa hospital in Hammuriyeh, heavily damaged by a strike.

'This is a hospital that treats the sick and civilians, why target it?'

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said at least 76 children were among the 320 people killed in strikes since Sunday.

Syrian state news agency SANA said 18 people were wounded in Damascus by rebel shelling.

Sweden and Kuwait drafted a UN resolution pushing for a month-long ceasefire, requesting a vote 'as soon as possible,' the Swedish mission said.

Guterres told the UN Security Council he was 'deeply saddened by the terrible suffering' of civilians in Eastern Ghouta where he said people 'live in hell on earth'.

French President Emmanuel Macron accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime of using terrorism as a 'pretext' to attack civilians.

Russia, which is Assad's main backer but denies direct involvement in the Ghouta strikes, earlier called for a Security Council meeting on the crisis, which Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia described as a 'complex situation'.

'There are terrorists there who the Syrian army is fighting,' Nebenzia said.

But US Ambassador Nikki Haley said it was 'simply preposterous to claim that these attacks on civilians have anything to do with fighting terrorism'.

Syrian warplanes have this month intensified their strikes on the area, which lies just east of Damascus and is home to around 400,000 civilians

International pressure mounted today to end civilian suffering in the a rebel-held enclave near Damascus where Syrian jets have been raining bombs in a blitz that has killed more than 300

'It's time to take immediate action in the hopes of saving the lives of the men, women, and children who are under attack by the barbaric Assad regime,' she said, urging council members to support the draft resolution.

Anti-regime groups, mostly Islamist factions as well as Al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate, have controlled the area since 2012.

With the ISIS 'caliphate' now wiped of the map, the regime looks bent on completing its reconquest.

Ghouta, on the outskirts of the capital, is a key target.

In recent days, government forces have been massing around Eastern Ghouta, apparently preparing for a ground offensive.

'We have long feared Eastern Ghouta will see a repeat of the terrible scenes observed by the world during the fall of east Aleppo and these fears seem to be well founded,' said Mark Schnellbaecher, the regional head of the International Rescue Committee.

The violence in eastern Ghouta is part of a wider escalation in warfare on several fronts in Syria in recent months as President Bashar al-Assad pushes to end the seven-year rebellion against him

The battle that saw government forces wrest back the country's second city from rebel forces in 2016 caused extensive destruction and suffering that drew comparisons with the World War II era devastation in Stalingrad and the Warsaw ghetto.

'We don't dare go outside,' said Khadija, 53, hiding in a basement in the town of Douma.

Shivering as she gathered several children around her in the darkened room, she said: 'There are planes above us and missiles landing around us: where should we go with our children?'

The regime is also seeking to restore its grip on other areas in the north, including the province of Idlib, the last one that remains largely outside its control.

On Tuesday, regime forces deployed inside the region of Afrin, a Kurdish enclave along Syria's northern border with Turkey.

The move came after Kurdish forces asked Damascus to protect it from a month-old offensive by Ankara.

They quickly came under shelling by Turkish forces, who said they had fired 'warning shots' at the 'pro-regime terrorist groups'.
Mr Carty's wife Lorna (pictured), 54, was among three people from Ireland killed on the day of savagery

The husband of an Irish woman shot dead by a terrorist while on holiday in Tunisia has spoken of finding his wife dead beneath her beach towel.

Declan Carty went looking for his wife after a gunman went on a murdering spree that claimed 38 lives.

Mr Carty's wife Lorna, 54, was among three people from Ireland killed on the day of savagery, alongside Laurence, 56, and Martina Hayes, 55. The majority - 30 - were British.

The inquest into their deaths heard from Mr Carty yesterday, who said: 'I went to the beach, I lifted a towel. It was Lorna... she was lying with her head to one side as if she was lying in the sun.'

Dublin Coroner's Court heard harrowing evidence from tourists staying at the Imperial Marhaba Hotel at Port El Kantaoui in Sousse on June 26, 2015.

Declan and Lorna, from County Meath, had been moved there from another hotel due to construction work.

'There was banging and clattering,' Mr Carty said. 'Lorna explained that I'd had a heart attack and I was on holiday to rest.'

Declan Carty (pictured outside the inquest in Dublin) said: 'There was glass crashing, I could hear a bullet ricocheting. There was shooting and it went on for a while'

On the morning of the attack, Mr Carty was in the hotel room and his wife was at the beach. The couple's bags were packed and they were due to leave that day. Pictured: Tunisian hotel gunman Seifeddine Rezgui

Declan Carty went looking for his wife after a gunman went on a murdering spree that claimed 38 lives. Pictured: Mourners observe a minute's silence after the attacks in Tunisia

The coffin of mother-of-two Lorna Carty, a victim of the Tunisia terror attack, is carried in a hearse and escorted by players from Meath GAA and Dunderry GAA, from the Church of the Assumption Robinstown

The couple was 'delighted' with the new accommodation.

'It was a fine hotel. Quiet. We were enjoying our holiday. We met another Irish couple, the Hayes,' he said.

On the morning of the attack, Mr Carty was in the hotel room and his wife was at the beach. The couple's bags were packed and they were due to leave that day.

'I woke up to what I first thought was fireworks. It sounded like a machine gun. I looked out but everything looked normal. There was a jet-ski and a paraglider moving in the water.'

When Mr Carty saw people running and screaming along the beach, he tried to phone his wife but got no answer.

He ran to the lift where he met a member of staff 'in a panic'.

'She turned white. She was pointing at the key in my hand, she'd no English. There were other guests there and we ran to my room and stayed there for the duration.

When Mr Carty saw people running and screaming along the beach, he tried to phone his wife but got no answer. Pictured: A man prays at the scene of the massacre

The inquest heard Islamic State gunman Seifeddine Rezgui specifically targeted tourists with a Kalashnikov rifle he had hidden in a parasol during the 30-minute attack before he was gunned down by Tunisian authorities. Pictured: A plaque at the scene of the massacre

The jury returned verdicts of unlawful killing for all three deaths. In a statement, the Carty and Hayes families said no words could express their pain and thanked all those who provided support and comfort to them. Pictured: Flower laid at the scene

Giving evidence, Sinead Hayes, 33, the only child of Martina and Laurence Hayes, said her parents went on holiday to mark their wedding anniversary. Pictured: An armed member of the security services stands guard at the scene of the attack

'There was glass crashing, I could hear a bullet ricocheting. There was shooting and it went on for a while.

'I thought we were going to die on the day. I just didn't know what was going to happen,' Mr Carty said.

After the attack, he went looking for his wife. 'She was a nurse, so I knew if Lorna was able to move at all, she'd be looking for me. I knew there was something wrong. I headed for the beach.'

Before he found his wife, he lifted a beach towel placed over a body and recognised the face of Martina Hayes.

Giving evidence, Sinead Hayes, 33, the only child of Martina and Laurence Hayes, said her parents went on holiday to mark their wedding anniversary.

'Unfortunately they never got to fly back,' she said.

The inquest heard Islamic State gunman Seifeddine Rezgui specifically targeted tourists with a Kalashnikov rifle he had hidden in a parasol during the 30-minute attack before he was gunned down by Tunisian authorities.

The jury returned verdicts of unlawful killing for all three deaths. In a statement, the Carty and Hayes families said no words could express their pain and thanked all those who provided support and comfort to them.
Posts hitting back at anti-semitic trolls are shared more times than the vile tweets themselves, research has shown.

A study has found that 15,575 British tweets, out of 2.7million relating to Jewish people, were anti-semitic in 12 months from October 2015.

Abuse peaked around the Brexit vote in June 2016 and during the coverage of anti-semitism in the Labour party last year.

Posts hitting back at an online trolls are shared more times than the vile tweets themselves, research has shown

Cardiff University researchers found that if abuse was shared it was done so to a small 'echo chamber' of similar accounts.

While posts from tweeters hitting back at the vile comments were shared more often.

Positive comments were retweeted five to six times more often than the average tweet.

Authoritative messages circulated for up to a week, but antisemitic posts were retweeted over one to three days.

Academics were commissioned by Jewish charity the Community Security Trust to compile a study after reports of antisemitic incidents on Twitter rose.

Last year Labour was forced suspend a number of its activists after offensive posts were shared on social media.

Laura Stuart, a member of the Hendon Labour Party, in north London, was alleged to have links to a Twitter account which published slurs and holocaust denial, in November last year.

Laura Stuart, a member of the Hendon Labour Party, was one of several people thought to post on @GazaBoatConvoy, which described itself as a pro-Palestine campaign

She was one of several people thought to post on @GazaBoatConvoy, which described itself as a pro-Palestine campaign.

At least one message claimed there 'must still be plenty shekels to be wrung out of the memory of the Holocaust' and used the hashtag #HolocaustIndustry.

Another post claimed 'Jews love money and are a bunch of crooks'.

Daniel Harris, an activist linked to the Momentum group, was suspended after creating an allegedly anti-Semitic video mocking three councillors, in December last year.

Daniel Harris, an activist linked to the Momentum group, was suspended after creating an allegedly anti-Semitic video mocking three councillors, in December last year

Mr Harris posted a video on Facebook featuring the faces of three Labour councillors superimposed on the heads of dancing Jewish figures

Mr Harris posted a video on Facebook featuring the faces of three Labour councillors superimposed on the heads of dancing Jewish figures.

The video, entitled The Dancing Brighton and Hove Councillors, featured city council leader Warren Morgan and his colleagues Anne Meadows and Caroline Penn. It is understood that two of the councillors have close family ties to the Jewish community.

Mr Harris campaigns on housing issues in Brighton and Hove for Momentum, the hard-Left grassroots organisation.
Lucas Hernandez was reported missing on Saturday in Wichita, Kansas

The stepmother of a Kansas boy missing since Saturday has been arrested on two counts of child endangerment, Wichita police have announced.

Emily Glass, 26, was arrested as police continued their search for Lucas Hernandez who she said was last seen in his bedroom on Saturday afternoon.

Police say the charged faced by Glass are related to information gathered during their investigation.

About 100 police officers are searching his home, neighborhood and the 216-acre Chisholm Creek Park. They say that so far they have uncovered no evidence to suggest that Lucas was abducted.

Lucas' great-aunt Sally Rasmussen meanwhile has told ABC News that she reported possible child abuse to Kansas Child Protective Services in May after seeing a picture of Lucas which appeared to show marks on his arms and cheeks.

Other relatives were also reported by CBS News as expressing concerns that the child had been mistreated.

26-year-old Emily Glass was booked on Wednesday afternoon for two counts of child endangerment in relation to the disappearance of five-year-old Lucas Hernandez

Relatives told a local newspaper on Sunday that they knew the family had been investigated by child protective services

Police are searchin the home, surrounding neighborhood and a nearby park for Lucas - so far to no avail

No Amber Alert was issued for Lucas because police have found no evidence he was kidnapped or abducted

Lucas' stepmother has police she woke up from a nap on Saturday to discover that the boy was gone and the back door open

Police Wednesday declined to detail the nature of the child endangerment charges against Glass. But they did reveal that she is also suspected of abusing a one-year-old child.

ucas was last seen wearing black sweats, white socks, and a gray shirt with a bear on it. Police say that the boy's family has been co-operating with their inquires were asking for help to find him.

KAKE News is running Facebook Live feeds with Lucas' picture and information until the boy is found.
Theresa May and her war Cabinet gathered at Chequers for crunch talks on the Brexit 'end state' today - as Brussels launched a pre-emptive strike by dismissing the UK's ideas.

The PM and senior ministers are meeting at her country residence this afternoon in a bid to break the deadlock over Britain's negotiating position.

Mrs May has suggested she wants to stay within single market arrangements for certain industries - such as car manufacturing - while retaining the freedom to diverge completely in others.

But a slide issued by the EU commission last night insists that so-called 'three basket approach' is 'not compatible with the principles' of the bloc.

The discussions at Chequers today involve the 11 most senior Cabinet members.

Downing Street sources have voiced optimism about the prospects of sealing the main points of the UK's negotiating plan.

Theresa May is heading for Chequers with her 10 most senior colleagues (and her right hand man Gavin Barwell, both pictured leaving Downing St today) as they struggle to hammer out a united position on the 'end state'.

Brexit Secretary David Davis arrives at Chequers today amid revelations the EU launched a pre-emptive strike on UK ideas for the Brexit 'end state' today - before Theresa May and ministers have agreed the proposals

A convoy of official cars arrive at Chequers today where the PM is gathering the Brexit war Cabinet at her Chequers country retreat this afternoon in a bid finally to get the negotiating position signed off

A slide issued by the EU commission last night warns that so-called 'three basket approach' favoured by Mrs May is 'not compatible with the principles' of the bloc

Boris Johnson and Amber Rudd, pictured in Downing Street this week, are thought to be urging different styles of relationship with the EU after Brexit

But there are still thought to be significant differences between Brexiteer and Remainer factions on how far Britain should diverge from EU rules after we leave the bloc.

What is Theresa May's 'three basket' Brexit approach? Theresa May has said she wants a 'three baskets' approach to Brexit - which will see the UK stick with EU rules and regulations in some areas and diverge in others. She first presented the idea in her Florence speech last year - the second of her two major speeches on Brexit. Under the approach, the British economy and post Brexit regulation falls into three broad areas. The first are areas where Britain wants to achieve the same regulatory standards as the EU through the same means. The second are ares where the UK wants similar outcomes but want to adopt different rules and regulations to achieve them. And the third are areas where the UK wants to compete with the EU and adopt a different approach to Emerging parts of the economy like robotics artificial intelligence may fall into this final basket. But Eurocrats in Brussels have warned that the three basket approach equates to 'cherry picking' and are opposed to it. Advertisement

A series of previous meetings of the inner circle of ministers have failed to come to firm conclusions.

Mrs May appeared to have enlisted some help to try and get a better outcome today - with a border collie sheepdog seen being driven on to the estate in a Landrover.

The crunch discussions come amid signs that the EU is preparing to take a hard line by rejecting key elements of the UK's proposals.

There will be a total of 11 ministers at the crucial war Cabinet meeting today - which is expected to last until late into the night.

Remainers such as Philip Hammond and Amber Rudd will argue for a softer approach, while Boris Johnson and Michael Gove favour a cleaner break.

The other ministers attending are David Davis, David Lidington, Liam Fox, Karen Bradley, Gavin Williamson and Greg Clark, and chief whip Julian Smith.

The group is carefully balanced between pro-EU and Eurosceptics, with Mrs May theoretically holding the balance between the sides.

The PM's top Brexit civil servant Olly Robbins is expected to give presentations on parts of the negotiations.

There will also be interventions from UK ambassadors to European capitals, including the top diplomat in Paris Ed Llewellyn - David Cameron's former chief of staff.

The Chequers summit is part of a "road to Brexit" series of events intended to set out the Government's ambitions for a post-withdrawal settlement with the EU.

It is due to culminate in a keynote speech by the PM, potentially next Thursday.

Did the PM enlist a sheepdog to help her round up errant ministers as they row over Brexit? Theresa May appeared to have enlisted some unusual help with getting control of her ministers today. A border collie sheepdog was seen being driven on to the Chequers estate in a Landrover before the Brexit war Cabinet meeting. It is not clear whether the animal was engaged in any particular duties - but observers joked it could be useful in rounding up Mrs May's senior team. Downing Street sources have voiced optimism about the prospects of sealing the main points of the UK's negotiating plan. But there are still thought to be significant differences between Brexiteer and Remainer factions on how far Britain should diverge from EU rules after we leave the bloc. A series of previous meetings of the inner circle of ministers have failed to come to firm conclusions. Advertisement

Theresa May (pictured at No10 yesterday) is making another bid to break the Brexit deadlock between ministers

The gathering of the Brexit war Cabinet is being held at the PM's Chequers country retreat, and could last until late into the night

WHO'S IN BREXIT WAR CABINET AND WHERE DO THEY STAND? Prime Minister Theresa May Backed Remain, has since insisted she will push through Brexit, leaving the single market and customs union. Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington A strong Remainer during the referendum campaign, recently made clear he has not changed his mind about it being better if the country had chosen to stay in the bloc. Chancellor Philip Hammond Seen as one of the main advocates of 'soft' Brexit in the Cabinet. Has been accused of trying to keep the UK tied to key parts of the customs union for years after the transition ends. Home Secretary Sajid Javid Brought in to replace Amber Rudd after she resigned amid the Windrush scandal, Mr Javid was seen as a reluctant Remainer in the referendum. Many thought the former high-flying banker would plump for the Leave campaign, but he eventually claimed to have been won over by the economic case. He is likely to focus be guided by evidence about trade calculations in discussions over how closely aligned the UK should be with the EU. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson The Brexit champion in the Cabinet, has been agitating for a more robust approach and previously played down the problems of leaving with no deal. He is unhappy with plans for a tight customs arrangement with Brussels - warning that it could effectively mean being lashed to the EU indefinitely. Environment Secretary Michael Gove Has buried the hatchet with Mr Johnson after brutally ending his Tory leadership campaign in the wake of David Cameron's resignation. Thought to be less concerned with short term concessions that Mr Johnson, but focused on ensuring the UK is free from Brussels rules in the longer term. Brexit Secretary David Davis A long-time Eurosceptic and veteran of the 1990s Maastricht battles, brought back by Mrs May in 2016 to oversee the day-to-day negotiations. He has said the government will be seeking a 'Canada plus plus plus' deal from the EU. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox Another Brexiteer, his red lines are about the UK's ability to strike trade deals with the rest of the world, and escaping Brussels red tape. Business Secretary Greg Clark On the softer Brexit side of the Cabinet, Mr Clark has supported Mr Hammond's efforts to maintain close links with the customs union. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson A close ally of the Prime Minister and viewed by some as her anointed successor. He is believed to be siding with the Brexiteers on customs arrangements and the need for Britain to be able to diverge from EU rules. Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley Supported Remain but a relatively unknown quantity on the shape of a deal. Replaced James Brokenshire, another May loyalist, after he resigned on health grounds last month. Advertisement
A brazen thief's incredible attempt to cover his tracks just moments after he was caught on camera trying to steal as car from a suburban home has been caught on camera.

The footage released by police on Thursday follows the attempted theft in Heidelberg Heights in Melbourne's north east on February 7.

As the man, wearing a black beanie, struggles with the lock for around 15 seconds he then notices he is being filmed after looking directly at the CCTV camera.

Smile, you're on camera: The moment the thief looks directly at the camera as he notices he is being filmed

His response is to flee the scene but not before he tries to cover his tracks by attempting to fake locking the car and pretending it is his own.

Victoria Police are appealing to track down the bemused culprit and his getaway driver companion and believe the incident is linked to an earlier burglary in December.

Detectives said they are investigating the reported burglary and attempted theft of the vehicle.

The house was broken in to on December 8 when a set of car keys were reportedly stolen.

He tries to flee the scene after spotting the camera but also uses it as a bid to try and cover his tracks

Amazingly, he turns around and pretends to be locking the car as though it is his own vehicle

Then, almost two months later, it is believed the same crooks returned to the scene of their original break-in to steal the car.

Vision shows the would-be thief get out of a white sedan at around 7pm on February 7 which was parked outside the house and the man walking up the driveway.

He reaches the rear carport after forcing open the gates into the back yard.

But fortunately the owners of the vehicle had changed the lock on the vehicle after the initial burglary, leaving the thief stumped as to why he cannot get inside.

Vision released by Victoria Police shows the man trying to break into the car with keys detectives believe were stolen previously

Luckily, the owners have changed the locks on the car and the thief is stumped and cannot get in

A spokesman for Victoria Police said: 'Banyule Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a burglary and an attempted theft of motor vehicle in Heidelberg Heights in December and February respectively.

'It is believed the victims Edwin Street home was broken in to on 8 December and keys to a vehicle were taken.

'On 7 February, it is believed offenders have returned to the victim's home in a small white sedan.

'A passenger in the vehicle has exited the car and forced open the front gates of the property.

A bemused look comes across the chap's face when he discovers he's not going to get inside the vehicle

'The locks to the vehicle had been changed and as a result, the offender was unsuccessful in gaining entry to the car.

'The offender fled on foot and returned to a white sedan which was parked in the street waiting for him.

'The two offenders drove off down Edwin Street towards Altona Street.

'Investigators have released images and CCTV footage of a man they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.'

Officers are hoping to track the man and the white sedan (pictured top) after the attempted theft and burglary in Heidelberg Heights

The man who tried breaking into the car is described as Causcasian and around 160-170cm tall with a thin build.

Although his face was covered, police say they believe he his a 'distinctive tattoo on the left side of his neck'.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or can report information confidentially at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
For 60 years, Jack Howlett was puzzled by the message in a bottle that he found on a Queensland beach.

But now the mystery has ended, after a public plea for information uncovered the daughter of the author.

Mr Howlett was 16 when he found a handwritten note and menu from the MV Wanganella's voyage from Sydney to Auckland in 1935.

Jack Howlett was 16 when he found a handwritten note, photos and a menu from the MV Wanganella

The letter was addressed to a Mr and Mrs Robert Hare as well as Billy Hare in Ballarat, Victoria and was dated 1935

The letter was addressed to a Mr and Mrs Robert Hare as well as Billy Hare in Ballarat, Victoria.

'Inside was a menu and a note from the captain and a couple of the people on board, including a young lad,' Mr Howlett told ABC radio.

He sent his own letter to the same address that was written on the bottled message and waited a for a reply.

He never received a one and kept the note safe in his wardrobe.

'It'd been tucked away in a box with all my treasures that come out about once every 20 years,' he said.

William 'Billy' Howlett (middle) was on trip with his to New Zealand when he threw the message in a bottle over board

The letter stayed with Mr Howlett until he moved house and found it, then Mr Howlett's son Kent reopened the search in a radio public plea.

Days later, the daughter of the author stepped forward.

Lindy Hare is the daughter of William 'Billy' Hare the writer of this message in a bottle.

'Billy' grew up to be Professor William Hare AO - Australia's first radiology professor.

He died in 2013 but photos were kept of his childhood trip to New Zealand.

Professor William Hare AO also known as Billy Hare was Australia's first radiology professor

Mrs Hare said it was 'lovely to have something from beyond the grave' of her father.

'All these years later it's extraordinary really isn't it that that could have come to light now,' she said.
More than 100 girls are still missing three days after suspected Boko Haram extremists attacked their school in northern Nigeria, parents have said.

The announcement came after government officials in Yobe state acknowledged that some 50 young women remained unaccounted for in the Monday evening attack on the village of Dapchi.

There have been a number of conflicting reports, in part because of limited access to the area.

One parent, Bashir Manzo, said parents compiled a list of 101 missing children and presented it to the governor.

More than 100 girls are still missing three days after suspected Boko Haram extremists attacked their school in northern Nigeria, parents have said.. Boko Haram recently release a video (pictured) in which they claimed school girls taken in a previous kidnap in Chibok do not want to return to their parents

The state governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, 'told us the girls have not been found and we should continue to pray for their safe return,' another parent, Rabiu Sani, told the AP.

Boko Haram horrified the world when it abducted 276 girls from a boarding school in Chibok almost four years ago.

While some escaped and many others were released as part of negotiations, about 100 remain with their captors.

The extremist group has kidnapped thousands of people over the years.

The jihadists gained worldwide notoriety in April 2014 when they abducted 276 girls from their school in Chibok, in neighbouring Borno state. Fourteen of the abducted girls - three carrying babies - can be seen in the clip, nearly four years after they were seized

Boko Haram are led by Abubakar Shekau and have been fighting the government since 2009

Boko Haram fighters invaded Dapchi on Monday evening, forcing residents, including students of Government Girls Secondary school, to flee into the bushes.

Police and the state ministry of education initially denied claims that students were seized.

Student Aishatu Abdullahi was among those who escaped on foot and spent the night hiding in an abandoned house.

'They were shooting guns and everyone was confused,' she told reporters. 'We saw some people pushing some of the students to enter their vehicles.'

The extremist group released images of the girls it kidnapped in 2014, 112 of whom are still being held

Nigeria's government has repeatedly claimed in the past year that Boko Haram has been defeated, but the group continues to carry out deadly suicide bombings and other attacks.

This latest attack poses a challenge for President Muhamamdu Buhari ahead of next year's elections.

'I share the anguish of all the parents and guardians of the girls that remain unaccounted for,' Buhari tweeted on Wednesday evening.

'I would like to assure them that we are doing all in our power to ensure the safe return of all the girls.'

The Dapchi attack calls into question how far pledges to improve security at schools have been implemented nearly four years after Chibok.

The Chibok abduction in April 2014 brought sustained international attention to the insurgency for the first time, largely via the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls.

A total of 276 girls were seized; 57 escaped in the immediate aftermath; and since May last year, 107 have either escaped or been released as part of a government-brokered deal.

Last month the group, led by Abubakar Shekau, released a new video of the kidnapped schoolgirls claiming they do not want to return to their parents

Security analysts suggested government ransom payments to secure the release of the Chibok girls could have given the under-pressure group an incentive for financing.
The parents of brain-damaged 21-month-old Alfie Evans are to mount an appeal after a High Court judge ruled that doctors could stop providing life-support treatment.

Court of Appeal judges are listed to hear a challenge to a ruling by Mr Justice Hayden at a hearing in London on Thursday March 1.

Mr Justice Hayden on Tuesday gave doctors permission to provide palliative care only.

The judge, who analysed Alfie's case at hearings in the Family Division of the High Court, said he had reached his conclusion with great sadness.

Specialists at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool had asked the judge to rule that life-support treatment could stop.

Alfie's parents Kate James and Tom Evans, who are both in their 20s, wanted treatment to continue.

Mr Evans said he would not give up the fight.

Tom Evans vowed he would never give up fighting for 21-month-old Alfie Evans after a High Court judge ruled that Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool could switch off the little boy's life support

The news comes follows an emotional video Mr Evans published this morning of his son sucking on a dummy.

Alfie has a 'relentless and progressive' neurological condition which has destroyed part of his brain, and he is unable to breathe or swallow on his own.

Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool is set to withdraw ventilation on Friday following Mr Justice Anthony Hayden's decision.

But Alfie's father, Tom, 21, said the fight was not over and today revealed he would appeal against the decision, saying 'doctors should take a step back'.

The family thanked people on the Alfie's Army website who had raised 10,000 to fund an appeal - thanks to a large donation from Everton FC chairman Bill Kenwright.

An in an Instagram post a video shows Alfie moving his mouth as he sucks on a dummy.

An accompanying message read: 'I'm currently sat with Alfie now, and this is what he is doing. This is not seizure activity, and this is not someone whose life should be ending any time soon! Let's get this video public, everyone repost it!'

Speaking today on ITV's Good Morning Britain Mr Evans said: 'I'm going to get my appeal in today and put a stop to what they think is going to happen on Friday.

'Alfie's rights are being ignored and mine and mum's have. We're going to appeal. The appeal is going to go in today. We're going to stop what they believe is a best interest call on Friday, which is removing the ventilator on Friday.'

'I've put the evidence before the judge that [Alfie's] actually not in pain. His pain score is marked down as a zero.'

He added: 'Me and mum are with him more than any other person in that hospital and we see what he goes through and what he doesn't go through.

Mr Evans said the fight was not over and said he would appeal against the court decision

'We see that he does experience pain but he's not suffering in pain.

'He experiences cuddles, he experiences comfort, he feels the comfort, he enjoys the comfort. He's comfortable as he is.

'He shows no signs of pain. Me and mum wouldn't be here if he was in pain. We know what's right and we know what line not to cross.

Alfie Evans (pictured in hospital) is currently being kept alive by a ventilator that could be switched off on Friday after the High Court ruling

Miss James (left, with Alfie) and Mr Evans (right, seen earlier this month) have decided to launch an appeal against the judgment

Alfie has a 'relentless and progressive' neurological condition which has destroyed part of his brain and he is unable to breathe or swallow on his own

Timeline of seriously ill Alfie Evans whose parents are battling the NHS to keep him alive May 2016: Alfie Evans is born apparently perfectly healthy, but misses numerous developmental milestones in his first seven months December 2016: Alfie catches a chest infection causing seizures, and is taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool where he is put on life support. He has been there ever since July 2017: Father Tom Evans says he is seeking US treatment for his son and hopes Charlie Gard's supporters will help after he claimed doctors want to turn off Alfie's life support. December 17: Alfie's parents say they will begin mediation with the hospital in a bid to find a way forward without legal action December 19: Mr Evans claims the toddler is letting them know he wants to live February 1: The case goes to the High Court in Liverpool, where the hospital reveal the parents smuggled a German doctor into hospital in a bid to stop the life support from being switched off February 2: Consultant tells High Court that the child is unresponsive, not conscious of his surroundings and cannot be cured February 5: Parents are told by doctors there is 'no hope for recovery' for their boy who has suffered 'catastrophic degradation' to his brain from a 'relentless' condition February 7: Miss James tells a newspaper that she feels 'physical' pain at the thought of her son's death February 20: Mr Justice Hayden rules that doctors can stop providing treatment to Alfie. February 22: Alfie's father, Tom, 21, said he would appeal against the decision, saying 'doctors should take a step back.' Advertisement

'What we're doing is 100 per cent right by Alfie. He's not in pain and he's doing more than what the doctors say.

'The doctors in my belief should take a step back and look at it from a parent's point of view instead of a medical point of view and respect our point of view instead of going against us as if we're lying when what we're saying is the utmost truth of what Alfie's doing.

'We had to put the evidence before the judge and doctors and they still didn't care in our opinion.'

Alfie's neurological condition is so rare that doctors have never seen it before.

One even suggested it may eventually be named 'Alfie's Disease'.

Mr Justice Hayden, who visited Alfie in hospital, said he accepted medical evidence which showed further treatment was futile, adding that he had reached his conclusion with great sadness.

The court heard that experts across the UK and Europe had assessed Alfie, but all were in agreement that treatment was 'completely futile'.

Mr Evans and Alfie's mother Kate James, 20, believe there is a chance their son will survive if he is taken abroad for treatment.

They had hoped to fly their son to Vatican-linked Bambino Gesu Paediatric Hospital in Rome for treatment.

If that proved unsuccessful they hoped he could be taken for treatment in Hamburg before eventually being permitted to die at home.

Well-wishers have donated more than 65,000 to pay for treatment.

A spokesman for Alder Hey Children's Hospital said: 'We will always seek to reach agreement with the parents of the child concerned, but there will be some rare situations where agreement cannot be reached and the treating team believe the continued active treatment is not in the child's best interests.'
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Gang violence has rocked Australia after hitmen shot a man in Melbourne as a murdered biker criminal kingpin was laid to rest in Sydney, with police investigating whether the cases are linked.

The victim, 35, was sent to intensive care after being gunned down by two masked men outside a Melbourne tattoo parlour today.

It happened while the funeral of Mick Hawi - the leader of the Comanchero biker gang who was shot dead last Thursday - was ongoing in Sydney.

Anti-gang police in Melbourne have said the attack, at the Nitro Ink studio in the Hampton Park area of the city, is being treated as a targeted hit.

Inspector Michael Daly, who called the shooting 'very concerning', said it was too soon to say whether it was biker gang-related but said police were investigating a possible link.

It comes a week after former gang chief Mahmoud 'Mick' Hawi, 37, was shot dead outside a gym in the south of Sydney - three years after he was released from prison for his involvement in a brawl at Sydney Airport.

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The thugs escaped in a silver Audi A6 before setting it on fire and are still on the run, police believe. Pictured: A man named Tony carried a framed photograph of his slain friend as he led a procession of mourners towards the Al Zahra mosque for Hawi's funeral

The shooting of a customer at a tattoo parlour during Mick Hawi's funeral may be linked to the Comanchero kingpin's execution. Pictured: Police investigate a burnt out Audi which they believe the shooters escaped in before setting it alight

As Hawi's family and friends gathered for traditional prayers at a Sydney mosque at 1.20pm today, two masked men burst into Nitro Ink Tattoo Studio (pictured) in south-east Melbourne and gunned down a customer in a hail of bullets

Slain biker Mick Hawi pictured with wife Carolina - the Comanchero biker boss' funeral was held on Thursday and was attended by dozens of family and friends who paid their respects

Asked in a press conference if the shooting was linked to Mick Hawi's murder, a police spokesman said detectives were probing the possibility. Pictured: Police at the scene of the shooting today

As Hawi's family and friends gathered for traditional prayers at a Sydney mosque at 1.20pm today, two masked men burst into Nitro Ink Tattoo Studio in south-east Melbourne and gunned down a customer in a hail of bullets. Pictured: Victoria police officers monitor the scene of a shooting at a tattoo parlour in Hampton Park in Melbourne on Thursday

The vicious fight, in 2009, made Hawi infamous after a Hells Angels member was killed.

Police said the hitmen in Melbourne today escaped in a silver Audi A6 before setting it on fire - and are still on the run.

The victim, thought to have been a customer, is in intensive care at the Alfred Hospital with serious wounds to his upper body after the attack.

Who was Mick Hawi, the murdered leader of Australia's Comanchero biker gang? Mahmoud 'Mick' Hawi, 37, was the chief of the Australian biker gang known as the Comanchero Motorcycle Club. The father-of-two, a Lebanese immigrant, was murdered on February 15 while sitting in his car outside a gym in Sydney. Mick Hawi pictured at home. Family and friends gathered for his funeral today at a mosque in Sydney He was rose to infamy in 2009 after being jailed for a brawl at Sydney Airport, during which a Hells Angels member was killed. The Comanchero gang was created in 1968 by Scottish immigrant William George 'Jock' Ross, who named it after the 1961 John Wayne film. It has clashed with various other biker gangs, including the Bandidos, but its most notorious rivalry is with the Hells Angels. Advertisement

The gunmen's bullets went through to next-door buildings but no-one else was hurt.

Asked in a press conference if the shooting was linked to Mick Hawi's murder, Inspector Daly said detectives for the anti-biker Echo taskforce were probing the possibility.

There were six customers in the parlour when the men stormed in at 1pm. One witness said there were so many gunshots he couldn't count them.

Police gather near a burnt out car which they believe was the getaway vehicle after a shooting at a tattoo parlour in Melbourne which left a 35-year-old man fighting for his life

There were six customers in the parlour when the men stormed in at 1pm. One witness said there were so many gunshots he 'couldn't count' them. Pictured: Police at the scene

It came as Hawi's body was taken out of a coffin and placed into a grave while hundreds of mourners watched on in Sydney.

Associates, family, friends and lawyers of the one-time crime kingpin gathered to pay their respects at an Arncliffe mosque.

Hawi was a Lebanese immigrant and father-of-two.

His killers, who remain unidentified, are still on the run despite warnings from police they will not remain anonymous for long. The investigation into his murder continues.

After 1pm prayers at the Al Zahra mosque in Arncliffe, a convoy of luxury cars followed the hearse carrying Hawi's bullet-riddled body to Rookwood Cemetery.

There were no motorbikes in sight, nor biker colours, as mourners were told by the Hawi family they were a 'no-go'.

Mourners held an empty coffin over their heads at a nearby cemetery following the funeral service

Among dozens of headstones, the massive crowd gathered to bury Mahmoud 'Mick' Hawi at Rookwood Cemetery

The service was well attended by men and women, who wore black head scarves and clothing

One woman was seen covering her face as she walked with other female mourners in Sydney on Thursday afternoon

More than a dozen uniformed police officers watched as the family, including Hawi's wife Carolina, arrived at the grave site in a parade of white Rolls Royces, a Bentley and a Porsche.

Mosque officials said Hawi's bullet-riddled body was washed at the service and dressed per Islamic rites. Traditional blessings were also performed.

At the graveside, prayers were sung and Hawi's body was removed from its casket in accordance with Islamic tradition.

His body was then lowered into the cement-lined grave and a truck tipped earth on top of him.

Close male relatives and friends finished the burial together with shovels and laid enormous bouquets of flowers for Hawi.

A truck is seen lowering something towards the grave site as mourners gather around

Mourners comfort one another after former Comanchero president Hawi is buried in Sydney on Thursday afternoon

Hundreds attended the burial at Rookwood Cemetery near Lidcombe for the funeral of Hawi in Sydney on Thursday afternoon

Flowers are seen covering the ground around the father-of-two's burial site as mourners pay their respects on Thursday

Islamic Friendship Association president Keysar Trad said followers of the belief 'don't bury with the coffin. We take the cadaver out of the coffins.'

Concrete slabs are often laid at the bottom of graves to meet health requirements, Mr Trad said.

Family and friends, including Hawi's father, then formed a line and shook hands with almost every attendee. Others stayed to pay their respects.

Mourners were asked by Hawi's immediate family not to wear biker colours nor arrive on motorcycles out of 'respect'.

Many attendees wore shirts or hoodies with photographs of Hawi printed on the back.

Most attendees, particularly the men, were photographed by undercover police officers as they arrived at the mosque.

A convoy of luxury cars arrived at Hawi's funeral just before midday, believed to be transporting his wife Carolina and their two sons, as well as immediate family.

Following the service, mourners poured out of the mosque, all dressed in black

One man appeared to give directions, as others looked on with interest from behind

Many appeared moved by the service held for the former Comanchero president

One woman appeared to be wiping tears from her eyes as another appeared distraught as she reached into her bag

Hundreds of people arrived at a mosque in Arncliffe to mourn the former biker boss a week after he was shot dead

One man conversed with another, who appeared to be the Imam running Hawi's service

As hundreds of mourners descended on the place of worship, a large police van sat outside the entrance, and police cars sat on most corners of the block, surrounding the mosque.

Officers said they were there to ensure the funeral did not disrupt traffic. A large group of men in black T-shirts arrived in three white limousines.

A man named Tony carried a framed photograph of the former Comanchero leader down the street as the others fell in line behind him.

Two women, one wearing a shirt with Hawi's face emblazoned on it, kept their heads bowed as they farewelled the beloved former Comancheros president

One woman appeared to reach out and comfort another as they headed towards the mosque

Attendees looked sombre on Thursday as they prepared to farewell their friend at the Arncliffe mosque

Hawi was then buried in the Muslim section of the city's Rookwood necropolis.

His body was released to the family by investigators on Wednesday, after an autopsy.

He rose to infamy in 2009 for his involvement in a brutal brawl at Sydney Airport which resulted in the death of a Hells Angels associate.

Mosque officials earlier said he will be farewelled at traditional prayers, where it is understood his body will be washed as per Islamic custom and his family members will spend time with him

One man, dressed in a Gucci shirt with an eye catching snake logo, appeared to be having a heated conversation on the phone ahead of Hawi's memorial

The Lebanese migrant will be then be buried at the city's Rookwood necropolis. Hawi's body was released to the family by investigators on Wednesday, after an autopsy

One man wore traditional Islamic clothing (pictured right) for the sombre occasion

Mourners young and old attended mosque on Thursday to pay their respects

Hawi's coffin was taken from the mosque in a black hearse, accompanied by a lengthy funeral procession of white cars, following the service

Both the hearse and Hawi's coffin were covered in a spray of flowers (pictured)

Despite family members requesting attendees of the funeral arrive in cars and leave motorcycles at home, one man appeared to ride a BMW bike to the service

One man held his hand over his heart as he prepared to farewell the father-of-two, while another looked downcast

His wife, Carolina Gonzalez, successfully made an urgent application to the New South Wales Supreme Court to obtain a sperm sample.

Her lawyer submitted she still 'desires' to have more children with her late husband.

An affidavit filed by her lawyer said they were advised by the Coroner that Hawi was 'situated in a locked zipped bag and that bag cannot be unzipped without the presence of detectives.'

Police did not object to a urologist performing the procedure to obtain Hawi's sperm.

Up to 200 mourners, many dressed in black tribute t-shirts with Hawi's face and name on the back (right), were seen piling into the mosque

One man wore a religious shirt which appeared to address the end of days and announced 'the awaited saviour'

There was a large media and police presence at the Comanchero boss' funeral on Thursday

Roadblocks and a police van were seen outside the Arncliffe mosque on Thursday

While many dressed in suits for the occasion, some took a more casual approach to the funeral

Police were seen on every corner of the block surrounding the Arncliffe mosque

Huge crowds of men and children were seen in the driveway to the mosque, where a luxury car was parked

Many appeared distraught as they left the Arncliffe mosque on Thursday, clutching bottles of water
Belgian-born Acting Prime Minister Mathias Cormann migrated to Australia following an ill-fated love affair and that experience has convinced him the nation needs to import more young migrants.

The 47-year-old senator, who moved to Perth when he was 23, didn't learn English until he was in his twenties.

The senior Liberal cabinet minister, now acting as Prime Minister while Malcolm Turnbull visits Donald Trump in the United States, said his experience showed that Australia can benefit from younger migrants.

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Australia's Belgian-born Acting Prime Minister Mathias Cormann says younger immigrants should be favoured when choosing who is allowed to become a citizen

Senator Cormann (right), who is now running Australia as his boss Malcolm Turnbull (left) visits Donald Trump in the United States, said younger immigrants offered more

'When it comes to the intake of migrants into Australia, the more important debate for us to have is how we can ensure that we attract the right people with the right skills, the right attitude,' he told Sky News on Thursday.

'Preferably young migrants so that as an Australian community we can have maximum benefit from the contribution that they can make.'

Senator Cormann, who was born in the German-speaking city of Eupen in eastern Belgium, graduated with a law degree from the Catholic University of Leuven during the early 1990s.

During his studies he took part in a one-year exchange program at the University of East Anglia, in the English city of Norwich, where he met an Australian woman.

Now 47, Senator Cormann has come a long way since he moved to Australia in 1994 when he was 23 following a romance with an Australian woman

That romance led him to Perth in 1994 when he was 23.

While that relationship didn't survive, his ties with Australia did, and the future politician decided to start a new life Down Under after two visits to his then girlfriend's home city.

He became a senator for Western Australia just 13 years later, in 2007, following stints as an adviser to a state premier and a federal cabinet minister.

The man who has now spent half his life in Australia has rebuffed former prime minister Tony Abbott's call to slash Australia's annual net immigration rate, and believes his adopted home is a migrant nation.

'In years to come, I believe that Australia will continue to be one of, if not the most, successful migrant nation in the world,' Senator Cormann said.

The Finance Minister sits in the Senate with another high-profile immigrant, Kristina Keneally.

This American-born woman served as New South Wales Labor premier, from 2009 to 2011, after meeting her future husband Ben at a Catholic World Youth Day in Poland in 1991.

Senator Cormann told Sky News presenter David Speers Australia would continue to be the most successful migrant nation in the world
A British man has been arrested accused of attempting to smuggle drugs onto the tourist island of Bali, Indonesian customs officials said.

Adam Scott was arrested at Bali's Ngurah Rai airport late last month, customs chief Himawan Indarjono said.

He said officers seized a bottle with 655 Diazepam tablets, also known as Valium, from Mr Scott, a computer analyst who arrived from Bangkok on January 24.

British Adam Scott (pictured centre) was arrested at Bali's Ngurah Rai airport late last month

The amount, which was not reported on his customs declaration, was judged to be more than he needed for personal use.

He said Mr Scott is suspected of violating the Customs and Psychotropic laws, under which he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $22,000 if found guilty.

Two days later, German Siegfried Karl Achim Ruckel, 56, was arrested.

Both Mr Scott and Mr Ruckel were put on display during a press conference on Wednesday wearing black balaclavas an orange jumpsuits.

Another customs official, Husni Syaiful, said Mr Ruckel arrived on January 26 from Doha and possessed 7 grams (0.25 ounces) of heroin, 0.2 grams (0.01 ounces) of amphetamine and 15.3 grams (0.54 ounces) of morphine.

Officers seized a bottle with 655 Diazepam tablets, also known as Valium, from Mr Scott (pictured), a computer analyst who arrived from Bangkok on January 24

Two days after Mr Scott's arrest, German Siegfried Karl Achim Ruckel (pictured) was arrested

If found guilty, he could face up to a death sentence and a fine of up to $730,000.

Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws and convicted smugglers are sometimes executed.

Eighteen convicts, mostly foreigners, have been executed under President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, who took office in October 2014 and declared a war on illegal drugs.

More than 150 people are currently on death row, mostly for drug crimes. About a third of them are foreigners.

Mr Ruckel arrived on January 26 from Doha and possessed heroin, amphetamine and morphine, officials said

If found guilty, Mr Ruckel could face up to a death sentence and a fine of up to $730,000
Jean-Claude Juncker has been accused of cronyism after picking his notorious head of staff Martin Selmayr as the European Commission's most senior Eurocrat.

The unexpected promotion for the German diplomat, who the European Commission president affectionately calls his 'monster', immediately raised eyebrows in the UK.

British officials believe the appointment could complicate the Brexit discussions and pointed to several scandals involving the UK that have been pinned on Mr Selmayr.

The German lawyer was blamed for the highly controversial leaks about a Downing Street dinner between Theresa May and Mr Juncker that caused a diplomatic storm last year.

Martin Selmary (file picture) was blamed for the highly controversial leaks about a Downing Street dinner between Theresa May and Mr Juncker that caused a diplomatic storm last year

The promotion to become the European Commission's secretary general will likely mean that Mr Selmayr remains at the heart of EU decision-making for years after Mr Juncker is expected to leave his post in 2019.

Insiders said that the move cemented his already formidable stranglehold on the operations of the EU's executive arm, where he started as a spokesman in 2004, which is running Brexit talks for the EU.

The German lawyer has developed a fearsome reputation in Brussels, casting an authoritarian reign as Mr Juncker's chief of staff despite remaining relatively unknown to the public.

But his brutal style of ruling - demanding that access to Mr Juncker for even the most senior EU officials is first channelled through him - has also led to a queue of enemies.

His style has led to a variety of nicknames by colleagues, including 'darth vader' and 'rasputin'.

Former European Commission vice president Kristalina Georgieva blamed her resignation on his aggressive style, which she branded 'poisonous'.

British officials have accused Mr Selmayr, who has privately expressed his dislike of Brexit, of 'hating' the UK while describing him as a 'psychopath'.

Syed Kamall, the most senior Tory MEP, said: 'The Commission should be looking at ways to make Brussels more transparent and democratic, yet this appointment resembles nothing more than jobs for the boys.

'How does the Commission expect people to believe that the EU is capable of change and listening to the voters when the process for appointing to top positions is so opaque.'
A heavy metal rocker turned businessman who was wrongly imprisoned for murder is suing the Spanish government for millions.

Gary Owens, whose former band A II Z once supported Black Sabbath, spent two and-a-half years in high-security jails in Spain after he and his wife Jayne were arrested in Tenerife in 1991.

The couple, who have a 21-year-old son, were arrested in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Norwegian-born night club owner Torbjorn Heta, whose body was found in a well in Marbella.

Their lawyer in Valencia, Luis Tatay, confirmed he had filed a claim with the Ministry of Justice in Madrid.

Mr Owens and his wife spent two and-a-half years in Spanish prisons after he was arrested and accused of the nightclub owner's murder

On being released from prison Mr Owens was advised by the British Embassy in Madrid to leave Spain

Mr Tatay said the claim for 5.21 million was based on 'responsabilidad patrimonial' (state liability).

He added: 'Mr Owens has suffered more than 25 years under a criminal investigation, two-and-a-half years in prison and being extradited from the UK to Spain.

'If the Ministry fails to respond to the claim, we have the options of seeking a trial before the Audiencia Nacional and appealing to the Tribunal Supremo.'

On being released from prison Mr Owens was advised by the British Embassy in Madrid to leave Spain.

He returned with his wife to Scunthorpe to set up a cyber cafe, an internet service provider and a publishing company called Merlin in the town.

But in 2008 he was served with an European arrest warrant in Scunthorpe and was taken to London.

Mr Owens, the former lead guitarist and writer with the chart-topping heavy metal band A II Z, was later released on bail of 5,000.

Mr Owens, the former lead guitarist and writer with the chart-topping heavy metal band A II Z, was later released on bail of 5,000

The guitarist whose band A II Z made the UK heavy metal charts in 1980 and played with supergroups like Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. Pictured: Black Sabbath's Ozzy Osbourne performing in the 1980s

The heavy metal rocker turned businessman is now in the process of suing the Spanish government for millions

But he lost his appeals in the High Court, the House of Lords and the Supreme Court against extradition to Spain. In November 2009 he was flown back to Spain and put back in prison.

Three months later he was released after his wife, a former student at Scunthorpe's Outwood Academy Brumby, paid bail of 6,000 Euros.

The bail terms remained until September 2016 when the couple were told there was going to be no court case and later had the bail money refunded.

Twenty-seven years on, the murder of Mr Heta remains unsolved and Mr Owens remains on the Costa Del Sol, continuing his fight for justice.

The Spanish authorities have so far not responded to requests from the Scunthorpe Telegraph for comment.
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Home Secretary Amber Rudd today urged striking university workers to 'get back to work' amid fears that one million students will miss out on lectures and seminars thanks to the mass walkout.

An estimated 45,000 lecturers are striking across 64 universities in a row over pension changes that the University and College Union (UCU) says could cost them up to half their retirement income.

Ms Rudd said: 'I think it is important that this dispute between students, effectively, the universities and their staff is resolved because people need to get their degrees and I would urge the striking lecturers to get back to work.'

Lecturers will refuse to teach on 14 days over four weeks, with classes cancelled and marking not done. They will not make up the teaching afterwards, forcing students to catch up alone.

More than 100,000 students are already threatening to sue universities for the potential damage the strike will cause to their education. They say the 14 days will equate to 1,295 worth of lost teaching per person.

It comes as figures revealed today that university bosses took home pay packages worth more than 268,000 on average last year, with their pay rising by nearly four times the 1.1 per cent increase awarded to staff.

Students from the University of Liverpool take part in a protest targeting their vice-chancellor, Professor Dame Janet Beer

Staff and lecturers strike over the pension dispute outside Firth Court at the University of Sheffield this morning

Students march with placards over Garret Hostel Bridge in Cambridge as university workers begin a month of walkouts today

The strikes in Sheffield are part of a month long protest across 64 universities, organised by the University and College Union

The UCU say that if they do not get a settlement by March 2, they will carry on the strikes into the summer exam season. It could mean many final exams do not take place.

Jeremy Corbyn sent 'solidarity and thanks' to the striking workers, saying he is 'deeply concerned' about proposed changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), as he urged employers to commit to negotiations.

The Labour leader said: 'On behalf of the Labour Party, I want to send solidarity and thanks for all the work you do in our universities and colleges.

'We are deeply concerned by the proposed changes to the USS that would leave our university staff up to 10,000 a year worse off in retirement.

Students are already threatening to sue universities for the potential damage the strike will cause. Sheffield is pictured above

University workers and students hold placards outside the University of Cambridge Sidgwick Site today

Lecturers will refuse to teach on 14 days over four weeks, with classes cancelled. Staff in Sheffield are pictured today

Signs from the UCU Chesterfield branch and Chesterfield and District Trades Union Council are pictured in Sheffield today

'It's been great to see strong support from students for striking staff, but for everyone's sake we need to find a solution which avoids further disruption.

What people are saying about university strikes 'I think it is important that this dispute between students, effectively, the universities and their staff is resolved because people need to get their degrees and I would urge the striking lecturers to get back to work' Home Secretary Amber Rudd 'I am deeply concerned about the impact this strike will have on students, who deserve to receive the education that they are paying for' Universities Minister Sam Gyimah 'I want to send solidarity and thanks for all the work you do in our universities and colleges. We are deeply concerned by the proposed changes to the USS that would leave our university staff up to 10,000 a year worse off in retirement' Jeremy Corbyn, Labour leader 'The scale of these unprecedented strikes reflects just how destructive the proposals would be for staff pensions and their anger at university leaders to come back to the table to negotiate' Sally Hunt, University and College Union general secretary 'UUK remains at the negotiating table, but so far UCU has refused to engage on how best to address the funding challenges facing USS' Universities UK Advertisement

'So I join staff and students in calling for the employers to commit now to meaningful negotiations, through Acas if necessary, to resolve this dispute.'

He added: 'Downgrading the pension scheme will affect recruitment, retention and ultimately our ability to offer world-class higher education. Everyone deserves the dignity and security in old age that comes from a decent pension.'

But Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom told MPs today: 'I must declare an interest since my eldest son is about to study for his finals and now has no lecturers, so at a very personal level I cannot say that I support innocent students who have paid their fees and worked very hard being punished for the resolution of this challenge.'

New polling of undergraduates published by UCU shows that the majority (61 per cent) support strike action by university staff, with nearly a fifth (19 per cent) opposed.

Asked who is most to blame for the pensions dispute, half of those polled agreed it is the university employers, with two per cent saying it is university staff and a fifth saying both parties are equally to blame.

Universities Minister Sam Gyimah has called on both parties to get back to the negotiating table.

'I am deeply concerned about the impact this strike will have on students, who deserve to receive the education that they are paying for,' he said.

'For many, this is a vital time in their studies. I am speaking to both Universities UK (UUK) and the University and College Union (UCU).

'I call on them to get back to the negotiating table, without pre-conditions, and to find a solution that avoids further disruption to students.

'Where any strike action takes place, we expect universities to keep a close eye on the impact on students, and to put in place measures to maintain the quality of education that they should receive.'

Students at about 30 universities are petitioning for refunds. The organiser of one at King's College London, third-year law student Robert Liow, said universities who refused refunds would effectively profit from the strikes as they would not be paying lecturers on these days.

He told the BBC: 'I believe education is a public good and not a service to be sold - but we are being treated as consumers. If we are going to be treated as consumers we are going to ask for our money back if we don't get the service we paid for.'

Members of the UCU are also on strike outside the University of Kent campus in Canterbury this morning

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt urged new education secretary Damian Hinds to intervene to end the strikes by telling vice chancellors to give her members a fair deal.

What is the university pensions row about? The Universities Superannuation Scheme is currently a defined benefit pension scheme, which gives a guaranteed retirement income. But Universities UK want to change this to a defined contribution scheme, which would make their pensions subject to stock market variations. They argue they have a legal duty to suggest a credible plan to reduce a deficit of 6billion by this summer. They claim no reform would see staff and employer pension contributions rising sharply, meaning cuts to other spending by universities such as on teaching - and even redundancies. But lecturers who are members of the University and College Union claim the changes could leave them up to 10,000 a year worse off in retirement. They say younger lecturers would be worst affected and some of them could face losing up to half their pensions. Hundreds of thousands of university workers are understood to be enrolled in the USS pension scheme, mainly those working at older institutions. Advertisement

She added: 'I'm devastated that students will be affected by this. They should not have been caught in the middle, but they are.

'They're in the middle because we haven't had a negotiation. What we've had is an imposition.

'I'm sure there will be individual students who will be very upset and angry.'

Academics will walk out at Cambridge, Oxford, UCL, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham, Exeter, Glasgow, Imperial College, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Queen's Belfast, Sheffield, Southampton, Warwick and York.

Other institutions affected will include Bath, East Anglia, Essex, Goldsmiths, Kent, Loughborough, Reading, SOAS, St Andrews, Surrey and Sussex. The row is over proposed changes to pensions covered by the USS.

Universities UK (UUK), which represents vice chancellors, said in November it would stop offering staff traditional 'defined benefit' pensions, which offer a certainty of income in retirement.

Instead, it wants to shift staff into a riskier, less generous 'defined contribution' plan, which offers no assured pension, to help deal with rising costs as many private sector companies have done.

It came in response to a 6 billion funding hole in the USS, which would need 1 billion a year extra in cash contributions from both university employers and employees to plug.

Vice chancellors say they can't afford to pay the extra money, but the UCU said it could be made up if less were spent on largesse and pet projects.

A UUK spokesman said: 'UUK remains at the negotiating table, but so far UCU has refused to engage on how best to address the funding challenges facing USS.

'It is important now that UCU engages on how best to ensure the long-term sustainability of the scheme.'

UCU has been urged to resolve the 'damaging and avoidable impasse' for the sake of students and reputation of universities

Jeremy Corbyn (left) has sent 'solidarity and thanks' to the workers on strike, while University and College Union general secretary Sally Hunt (right) urged education secretary Damian Hinds to tell vice chancellors to give her members a fair deal

He added that there are scheduled discussions with the UCU on key issues with the USS.

Timeline: How the university pension dispute unfolded July 2009: Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) first suggests the idea of altering employee benefits after its funding level drops due to a rise in salaries and pensions. March 2011: Lecturers at a third of English universities go on strike over changes to the USS, which see an end to final salary pensions for new members. January 2014: University staff stage further strikes over an end to guaranteed pension benefits in the USS. April 2016: Changes are made to employer and member contributions, which reduce the deficit from 12.3billion to 5.3billion July 2017: The USS is revealed to have the largest pensions deficit of any UK pension fund after it increased by 9billon last year to 17.5billion Today: Staff at 57 universities begin strike action over the possibility of a defined contribution scheme, affected by stock market variations. w/c February 26: Four universities are due to join the walkout March 2: University and College Union officials will meet to discuss universities responses to the action w/c March 5: Another three universities are due to join the strike w/c March 12: Five-day walkout planned July 19: The union has a mandate to take action up until this date, covering the period when exams are being taken and marked Advertisement

The spokesman continued: 'The changes proposed will make USS secure and sustainable, safeguarding the future of universities.

'University staff will still have a valuable pension scheme, with employer contributions of 18 per cent of salary, double the private sector average. This makes strike action very disappointing.'

Around 16 per cent of academic staff that are UCU members in the 64 institutions affected voted in favour of strike action, according to UUK.

Hundreds of thousands of university workers are understood to be enrolled in the USS pension scheme, mainly those working at older institutions established before 1992.

In Northern Ireland, a trade union leader said university face an impoverished retirement after a lifetime of dedicated service.

A five-day walkout at Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and Ulster University (UU) either side of this weekend is beginning today in the dispute over pensions.

University and College Union Northern Ireland official Katharine Clarke claimed the universities had 'refused' to exercise their influence to help find a negotiated solution.

'Clearly the managements of our universities are unconcerned about their staff facing poverty in retirement after a lifetime of dedicated service.

'This is totally unacceptable and has left our members with no alternative but to strike to defend the pensions they have paid into over the course of their employment.'

Universities UK, which represents vice-chancellors, has said it is working to make the scheme sustainable while offering the very best pensions that can be afforded.

An Ulster University statement said the reform process was challenging and pension provision was important for employees.

A spokesman said: 'However we are committed to find a solution which is equitable for both the university and its employees.

'The USS pension scheme is facing a significant deficit and an affordable solution is crucial to the sustainability of the higher education sector.

'At a national level, negotiations between Universities UK (UUK) and University & College Union (UCU) have been ongoing for many months to identify a way forward in building a stable and secure pension fund, whilst ensuring contributions are affordable for both employees and the universities, and a proposal is now to be consulted upon.'

Which UK universities are affected by the strike action? Here is the list of 64 universities expected to be affected by the University and College Union strike over the next month: 57 universities affected by strike action from today (week one): Aberdeen, University of

Aberystwyth University

Aston University

Bangor University

Bath, University of

Birkbeck College, University of London

Bristol, University of

Brunel University

Cambridge, University of

Cardiff University

City, University of London

Courtauld Institute of Art

Cranfield University

Dundee, University of

Durham University

East Anglia, University of

Essex, University of

Exeter, University of

Glasgow, University of

Goldsmiths, University of London

Heriot-Watt University

Hull, University of

Imperial College London

Institute of Education

Keele University

Kent, University of

Lancaster, University of

Leeds, University of

Leicester, University of

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Liverpool, University of

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Loughborough University

Manchester, University of Newcastle University

Nottingham, University of

Open University

Oxford, University of

Queen's University Belfast

Reading, University of

Royal Holloway, University of London

Royal Veterinary College, University of London

Salford, University of

Senate House, University of London

Sheffield, University of

SOAS, University of London

Southampton, University of

St Andrews, University of

Strathclyde, University of

Surrey, University of

Sussex, University of

University College London

Scottish Association for Marine Science at the University of the Highlands and Islands

Ulster University

University of Wales

University of Warwick

University of York Four universities joining in week two: King's College London

Queen Mary University of London

University of Edinburgh

University of Stirling Three universities joining in week three: Ruskin College

University of Bradford

St George's, University of London Advertisement

Revealed: University bosses are now earning 268,000 on average as their salaries went up by nearly four times the increase awarded to staff

The university paying the largest amount for the office of vice-chancellor in 2016/17 was Bath Spa University, where Professor Christina Slade (pictured) received 808,000

University bosses took home pay packages worth more than 268,000 on average last year, figures show.

A new analysis reveals that UK vice-chancellors saw their pay rise by just over 10,000 on average (4 per cent) in 2016/17, nearly four times the 1.1 per cent increase awarded to staff.

The data also shows that four higher education leaders shared nearly 1 million between them in payouts as they retired or stepped down.

The figures come amid growing concerns about spiralling pay for university bosses, with several high-profile figures, including ministers, calling for restraint.

The Times Higher Education analysis of university financial accounts examines the cost of the highest office, usually the vice-chancellor, at each UK institution.

It shows that vice-chancellors received an average of 268,103 in salary, bonuses and benefits in 2016/17. This is up 3.9 per cent - 10,180 - compared with 2015/16.

With employer pension contributions taken into account, the average pay package was 289,756, up 3.2 per cent on the year before.

A total of 13 institutions paid more than 400,000 for the office of the vice-chancellor in 2016/17, the Times Higher calculated, while 64 paid more than 300,000.

These figures may be skewed by a number of large payouts handed to leaders that were leaving office.

The Times Higher calculated that if universities that had a change of leadership in 2015/16 or 2016/17 were excluded from its calculations, average pay is 268,291, or 289,259 including pensions contributions.

Among institutions which did not change their leader, Bath University had the highest pay package, with Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell (pictured with Prince Edward in November 2013) taking home at 471,000, including pension and benefits

The university paying the largest amount for the office of vice-chancellor was Bath Spa University.

Professor Christina Slade, who served as head of the institution until August last year, was paid 808,000, including 429,000 as 'compensation for loss of office'.

The university has said that after taking legal advice, the institution had given Prof Slade a sum that 'reflected her contractual and statutory entitlements and was considered to represent value for money'.

The current vice-chancellor, Professor Sue Rigby, is paid 206,500, plus a payment in lieu of pensions contributions of 36,250, and may get a bonus of up to 19,200.

By numbers: University pay figure highlights 268,103 : Average received by vice-chancellors in salary, bonuses and benefits in 2016/17 (up 3.9% compared with 2015/16)

: Average received by vice-chancellors in salary, bonuses and benefits in 2016/17 (up 3.9% compared with 2015/16) 13 : These institutions paid more than 400,000 for the office of the vice-chancellor in 2016/17

: These institutions paid more than 400,000 for the office of the vice-chancellor in 2016/17 808,000 : Amount received by Professor Christina Slade at Bath Spa, the university paying largest amount for office of vice-chancellor

: Amount received by Professor Christina Slade at Bath Spa, the university paying largest amount for office of vice-chancellor 545,000 : Total pay for Sussex University vice-chancellor's office

: Total pay for Sussex University vice-chancellor's office 186,878 : Amount paid to Prof Cliff Allan, who left Birmingham City University in October 2016, as 'compensation for loss of office'

: Amount paid to Prof Cliff Allan, who left Birmingham City University in October 2016, as 'compensation for loss of office' 74,000 : Amount given to Hull University's Calie Pistorius who stepped down last year, 'in connection with his retirement' Advertisement

Pay for the vice-chancellor's office at Sussex University totalled 545,000 in 2016/17. However, they also had a change in leader.

Outgoing chief Professor Michael Farthing, was handed 230,000 when he stepped down in August 2016 'in lieu of notice', according to the institution annual accounts.

In total, he was paid 252,000 including the departure payout, pension and benefits, while his successor, Professor Adam Tickell, had a pay package of 293,000.

Sussex has previously said it has an 'open and transparent' approach to senior staff pay and had met its 'contractual obligations' to Prof Farthing.

There were two other significant payouts, the Times Higher reported.

Prof Cliff Allan, who left Birmingham City University in October 2016, was paid 186,878 as 'compensation for loss of office', in addition to 38,960 in salary, pension contributions and benefits.

A spokesman for the institution said Prof Allan received compensation 'in line with the terms of his contract'.

And at Hull University, Calie Pistorius, who stepped down in January last year, was handed 74,000 'in connection with his retirement from office'.

The institution said he was in post for six months after announcing his retirement, during which time he took a three-month sabbatical, before returning for a handover period.

It means that payouts to these four departing leaders, came to a total of 919,876.

Among institutions which did not change their leader, Bath University had the highest pay package, with Professor Dame Glynis Breakwell taking home at 471,000, including pension and benefits.

Beleagured Prof Breakwell, who has come under fire for her wages in recent months, announced her retirement in November.

University and College Union general secretary Sally Hunt said: 'Despite months of terrible headlines about senior pay and perks in our universities, some vice-chancellors continue to appear only concerned about looking after themselves.

'The lack of self-awareness is staggering as universities plead poverty to keep down staff pay and try to impose changes that would slash staff pensions.'

A Universities UK spokeswoman said: 'It is right to expect that the process for determining senior university staff pay is rigorous and transparent.

'The Committee of University Chair's new remuneration code, currently being consulted upon, will provide important guidance for university remuneration committees to ensure senior pay decisions are fair, accountable and justified, while recognising that competitive pay is necessary to attract first rate leaders.'
Vladimir Putin has sent his fearsome new state-of-the-art Su-57 stealth fighters for combat trials in the Syrian war zone.

Two of the fifth generation Sukhoi warplanes were spotted landing at Russia's Khmeimim Air Base, south-east of the city of Latakia.

The aircraft made its maiden flight in December last year and there was surprise at its deployment in Syria during its testing phase.

Putin has backed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in his battle against rebels and jihadists in the country. Assad's forces have launched a devastating bombing raid on rebel-held positions in eastern Ghouta in recent days, killing more than 300.

Vladimir Putin has sent his fearsome new state-of-the-art Su-57 stealth fighters for combat trials in the Syrian war zone. Two of the fifth generation Sukhoi warplanes have been spotted landing at Russia's Khmeimim Air Base (pictured)

The aircraft (file picture) made its maiden flight in December last year and there was surprise at its deployment in Syria during its testing phase

The ultra-modern warplane is designed for 'air superiority and attack roles', Russian defence chiefs claims

Earlier this month deputy Russian defence minister Yuri Borisov said: 'We are buying Su-57 jets for combat trials. The first stage of state trials has been concluded.'

He said at the time: 'There has only been one flight. Everything seems normal, but as you might imagine, this is a whole range of trials.

'Many test flights must be carried out. As a rule, such testing requires two-three years.'

The ultra-modern warplane is designed for 'air superiority and attack roles'.

It is fitted with a revolutionary avionics system capable of autonomous calculations of the battlefield dynamics to assist the pilot.

The fighter is also equipped with 'airborne active phased array radar', which allows it to 'see' air, ground and naval targets at distances far beyond most modern systems.

Once in full service - expected next year - it will be capable of striking the enemy with a variety of modern weapons, including short, medium and long-range air-to-air, air-to-ground, and special anti-radar missiles.

Built from composite materials, the 'super manoeuvrable' stealth fighter includes an in-flight refueling system.

It comes weeks after it emerged that Russia is developing a new generation of shockproof military 'robo-balls' that have been battle-tested in Syria.

Russia is also developing a new generation of shockproof military 'robo-balls' for use in war zones.

The gadgets cost 18,500 each and have been battle-tested in Syria (pictured, troops using them in the field)

The devices, called, Sphera are used for throwing into hard-to-access sites as a means of gathering video and audio intelligence.

The cost 18,500 robo-balls are fitted with four video cameras allowing a 360 degree view to their controllers. They have diode lights as well as a microphone and transmitter working on radio signals.

They can be thrown into trouble spots sending pictures and audio to receivers some 50 metres away.

Syria 'is where these devices went through combat trials,' said a statement from makers Set-1.

'Their strengths have been noted during use.'

The robo-balls are part of a range of new smart weaponry and intelligence-gathering gadgetry being developed for Putin's military machine, it has been reported.

They can operate in temperatures ranging from minus 20 C to plus 45C, say the makers.

They are seen as especially useful in street-by-street battles for control of urban war zones.
A mother-of-two has slammed an NHS chart calculating healthy body mass after it labelled her five-year-old daughter as overweight.

Jo Bond said she was left unable to even look at her healthy child Sofia after receiving a letter during half-term telling her her daughter was 'very overweight'.

Ms Bond, who insists Sofia's weight of 32kg is fine, because she is very tall at 4ft 1ins, has hit out at NHS bosses for implementing the public health scheme in schools.

Mother-of-two Jo Bond has slammed an NHS chart that labelled her five-year-old daughter Sofia as 'very overweight' following a check-up at her Brighton primary school as part of a public health scheme

The primary school pupil from Mile Oak Primary school was weighed as part of a scheme called the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP).

The public health programme assesses children's body mass indexes (BMI) to determine whether they are a healthy weight, which ranges in different age groups.

Ms Bond, from Brighton, said: 'She isn't the size of a standard five-year-old, she is of a big build. I was similar when I was her age.

'But I just think this letter is an extremely offensive thing to send out.

'It has made me feel awful and made me question my suitability for my job, let alone my own children.

'I don't like the fact that we are measuring children in a blanket form like this when they are five years old.'

Ms Bond is a professional childminder running her own business, Little Beans Childcare, and has a qualification in nutrition.

The mother-of-two, who also has a nine-month-old son, looks after about 15 children all together.

She said Sofia exercises regularly and attends dance classes while eating good, healthy meals every day.

The primary school pupil from Mile Oak Primary school was weighed as part of a scheme called the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). The public health programme assesses children's body mass indexes (BMI) to determine whether they are a healthy weight, which ranges in different age groups

'It's really had a detrimental effect on my family,' Ms Bond said. 'It makes me think how many other families are getting these letters and feeling like this.'

The letter tells Jo her daughter is 'very overweight'.

It also shows a graph indicating Sofia's BMI of 20.5, when it should be about 16.

Ms Bond said she has not told Sofia they received the letter because she and her husband Matt 'do not want to discuss it in front of her'.

The programme was introduced in 2005/06, and is carried out by Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust here.

It was launched to try to tackle obesity in youngsters, help recognise trends and increase public understanding of weight issues.

A spokesman for the trust said: 'Healthcare professionals measures the height and weight of children in reception class and Year 6 to assess overweight and obesity levels.

'Children's heights and weights are measured and used to calculate a BMI centile. In some cases although a child may not necessarily look overweight their BMI can put children as overweight or very overweight.

'If a child's BMI is recorded as very overweight the healthcare professional will make all attempts to contact the parent/carer by telephone prior to the letter being sent, to discuss this and offer advice and guidance.

'If the healthcare professional is unable to reach the parent/carer by telephone they will send them a letter outlining their child's measurement, and are encouraged to make contact with the school nursing team.'

The school did not want to comment because it is the trust's nurses that carry out the tests, not school staff.
The tattoo parlour where a customer was shot in an execution-style attack on Thursday had previously been caught up in gang warfare before.

In 2013, Nitro Ink in south-east Melbourne was blasted in a night-time drive-by just a day after 17 shots were fired into the nearby clubhouse of the Hells' Angels bikie gang.

The parlour, along with nearby Nitro Gym, used to be owned by Mick Murray, the president of the Comancheros who is currently behind bars after a top secret investigation by Victoria Police's anti-bikie Echo taskforce earlier this year.

The gym was also attacked, with windows peppered by bullets at 6am.

The tattoo parlour (pictured) where a customer was shot in an execution-style shooting today has been caught up in gang warfare before

This image shows the glass of Nitro gym smashed after it was riddled with bullets in 2013. The gym was targeted along with Nitro Ink tattoo parlour

Police found two unexploded firebomb devices - two plastic jerry cans filled with petrol and duct-taped to containers full of shrapnel - on the floor of the gym and called in a bomb squad to remove them.

The apparent bikie warfare rocked the local Melbourne community who feared innocents may get caught up in the violence which occurred just meters away from a nursery.

There is no suggestion the parlour is still linked to Murray or the Comancheros and police said they were not aware of any bikie link.

The targeted shooting at the Nitro Ink parlour on Thursday left the victim fighting for his life in hospital.

Nitro Ink parlour, along with nearby Nitro Gym (pictured), used to be owned by Mick Murray, the president of the Comancheros who is currently behind bars after a top secret investigation by Victoria Police's anti-bikie Echo taskforce earlier this year

The shooting of a customer at a tattoo parlour during Mick Hawi's funeral may be linked to the Comanchero kingpin's execution. Pictured: Police investigate a burnt out Audi which they believe the shooters escaped in before setting it alight

It coincided with the funeral of former Comanchero kingpin Mick Hawi in Sydney.

As Hawi's family and friends gathered for traditional prayers at a mosque at 1.20pm, two masked men burst into Nitro Ink Tattoo Studio in Hampton Park, south-east Melbourne, and gunned down a customer in a hail of bullets.

The gunmen escaped in a silver Audi A6 before setting it on fire and are still on the run, police believe.

The 35-year-old male victim, was put in intensive care at The Alfred Hospital with serious wounds to his upper body. The bullets went through to next-door buildings but no-one else was hurt.

As Hawi's family and friends gathered for traditional prayers at a Sydney mosque at 1.20pm today, two masked men burst into Nitro Ink Tattoo Studio in south-east Melbourne and gunned down a customer in a hail of bullets. Pictured: Victoria police officers monitor the scene of a shooting at a tattoo parlour in Hampton Park in Melbourne on Thursday

Asked in a press conference if the shooting was linked to Mick Hawi's murder, Inspector Mick Daly said detectives for the anti-bikie Echo taskforce were probing the possibility.

There were six customers in the parlour when the men stormed in. One witness said there were so many gunshots he 'couldn't count' them.

When questioned at the scene, one man who appeared to work at the parlour told a Herald Sun reporter to 'f*** off'. Daily Mail Australia's calls to the parlour went unanswered on Thursday evening.
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Incredible footage shows US Marines storming the beaches at Iwo Jima and raiding bunkers with flamethrowers before hoisting the Stars and Stripes for the iconic photograph that came to symbolise the brutal battle.

Iwo Jima was one of the most savage conflicts of the Second World War with 6,500 US servicemen sacrificing their lives to take the tiny island, 660 miles south of Tokyo, Japan.

The invasion began on February 19, 1945 and now, 73 years on, rare video has brought the bloodthirsty fighting to life.

Captured by a crew embedded with the US Marines over a month-long period, the footage begins by showing a fleet of landing craft heading towards the coast with troops waiting nervously onboard.

This picture, of US Marines raising the Stars and Stripes at Iwo Jima, became one of the most iconic images of the Second World War

In the recently emerged footage US Marines are captured torching Japanese bunkers with flame throwers during daring raids

The clip also cuts to US aircraft dropping bombs over Japanese bases on the tiny island, 660 miles south of Tokyo, Japan

It then cuts to Marines storming the beaches under heavy fire and an aerial view of Allied aircraft dropping bombs on Japanese bases, as tanks manoeuvre inland.

We later see troops with flame throwers torching bunkers and the corpses of Japanese soldiers piled up in their wake.

Mortar crews bombing positions are also captured in the film, before we see the soldiers erect the Stars and Stripes in a picture that would go on to be one of the most recognizable pictures of the Second World War.

Though they eventually took the island, Iwo Jima was the only battle in the war which saw American casualties outnumber those of their Japanese counterparts.

Besides those killed, about 20,000 Americans were wounded. Only about 200 Japanese soldiers were captured, with the others killed in the fighting.

The colourised image of the marines placing the flag in the ground, which features in author Michael Carroll's new book 'Retrographic; History in Colour', came to symbolise the ultimate moment of victory for the United States in World War 2, with the picture still regarded as one of the most iconic in American history.

Thick clouds of smoke billowing from US Navy ships are captured as the island is fired on prior to the troops invasion

Troops disembark from a landing craft as they storm the beaches at Iwo Jima, a battle that would see 6,500 US servicemen sacrifice their lives

As the troops waited in position and hid among the sand dunes, tanks trundled across the beaches to fight the Japanese

Mortar squads were captured firing on Japanese positions during the invasion footage, filmed over the course of a month by a crew embedded with the US Marines

However all is not as it seems with the image, as Michael explains in his book:

'The true story of the photograph is not quite as straightforward as the celebrated image we see,' he writes.

'Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal was assigned to the US Marine Corps in the Pacific Theatre of operations. On February 19 1945 he was on one of over five hundred US ships that landed a force of one hundred and ten thousand men on the Japanese-occupied and strategically important island of Iwo Jima.

'This image that was later used to portray ultimate victory, was in fact taken just four days into the battle, which lasted another four weeks.

'In total the fighting was to cost six thousand, eight hundred and twenty-one American lives, with over eighteen thousand Japanese also killed. The image was also not of the genuinely historic and spontaneous first flag raising over the mountaintop, but a second, larger flag that was deployed so as to be more visible to US naval ships stationed off the coast of the island.'

While the courage of the US Marine Corps was captured in the IWO Jima footage, a clip of the US Airforce carrying out a bombing raid over Italy in 1945 has also emerged

The video follows a squadron of P-47 Thunderbolt planes as they conduct operations in the final days of Mussolinis reign

The fighters drop bombs and open fire on a bridge in the Italian countryside, before the squadron moves on to a supply train making its way toward Rome, which they stop on its track before destroying its cargo

While the courage of the US Marine Corps was captured in the IWO Jima footage, a clip of the US Airforce carrying out a bombing raid over Italy in 1945 has also emerged.

The video follows a squadron of P-47 Thunderbolt planes as they conduct operations in the final days of Mussolinis reign.

The fighters drop bombs and open fire on a bridge in the Italian countryside, before the squadron moves on to a supply train making its way toward Rome, which they stop on its track before destroying its cargo.

Further clips from the video captures the majestic aircraft soaring through the skies, with a final sequence showing the group opening fire on supply cars making their way along back country roads.
A no-nonsense police officer who calls himself 'Raptor 13' has been filmed at the centre of a confrontation with a group of men on their way to Mick Hawi's burial.

The men were driving to Rookwood Cemetery in western Sydney on Thursday when their limousines were stopped by police on King Georges Road.

Raptor 13, whose real name is Senior Constable Andrew Murphy, was seen drawing his taser and shouting 'You're going to get searched' as tensions flared.

'Brother, there's 30 of us (and) there's two of you... show some respect' one of the men says as Raptor 13 pushes the surging group out of his face.

'I don't care, you're going to be searched, stand against the fence all of you... you're all being searched for firearms and drugs,' he responds.

A no-nonsense police officer who calls himself 'Raptor 13' has been filmed at the centre of a confrontation with a group of men on their way to Mick Hawi's burial

Raptor 13, whose real name is Senior Constable Andrew Murphy, was seen drawing his taser and shouting 'You're going to get searched'

The men were in limousines on their way from the funeral of Mick Hawi (pictured with wife Carolina) at Al Zahra mosque to the cemetery

Pictured: Raptor 13 was seen at the funeral of Mahmoud 'Mick' Hawi on Thursday afternoon

The officer was seen outside the Al Zahra mosque in Arncliffe after searching attendees who were heading towards the service

Raptor 13 was joined by at least one other officer and issued warnings to some of the men before letting the group go.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting any of the men searched committed any crime, or that 'Raptor 13' misused his position of power in any way during the conflict.

The constable is part of Strike Force Raptor, an elite militarised police unit made up of 55 top cops with the primary goal of dismantling violent bikie gangs.

In 2015, Mr Murphy was filmed holding a metal pole to a driver's head during a routine traffic stop.

The officer was seen checking out the luxury cars a number of attendees to Hawi's funeral arrived in

Mr Murphy has built up a reputation online for his blunt approach to law enforcement

The 39-year-old called a motorcyclist a 'galah' after pulling him over for running a red light

In another incident, the 39-year-old pulled over a motorcyclist who was wearing a defective skull-shaped helmet after he ran a red light.

'You want to get your camera out and do a YouTube hero, that's fine, I don't really give a continental mate, I'm used to it,' he told the man as he filmed him.

Mr Murphy then told the rider to move his bike off the busy road.

'Stand up you galah, turn around and you're going to push your bike on to the footpath. Yeah cry, cry mate, you're carrying on like an idiot.'

The cop has previously been filmed appearing to throw a motorcyclist's licence on the ground, pushing away a woman and refusing to show a driver his speed radar.

Mr Murphy was also pictured holding a metal pole to a driver's head during a routine stop in 2015 to show how it could be used as a weapon

Hungry for justice: The constable is part of Strike Force Raptor, an elite militarised police unit made up of 55 top cops with the primary goal of dismantling violent bikie gangs

Mr Murphy was part of a large contingent of police officers stationed in Sydney's south as hundreds gathered for former Comanchero chief Mahmoud Hawi's funeral.

The ex-bikie boss was shot dead outside the Fitness First gym in Rockdale, in Sydney's south last Thursday afternoon.

His body of was taken out of a coffin and placed into a grave, as hundreds of mourners watched on in Sydney's south today.

Associates, family, friends and lawyers of the one-time crime kingpin gathered to pay their respects to the Lebanese migrant and father-of-two, 37, at an Arncliffe mosque.

After 1pm prayers at the Al Zahra mosque in Arncliffe, a convoy of luxury cars followed the hearse carrying Hawi's bullet-riddled body to Rookwood Cemetery.

There were no motorbikes in sight, nor bikie colours, as mourners were told by the Hawi family they were a 'no-go'.

More than a dozen uniformed police officers watched as the family, including wife Carolina arrived at the grave site in a parade of white Rolls Royces, a Bentley and Porsche.

Hawi's body of was taken out of a coffin and placed into a grave, as hundreds of mourners watched on in Sydney's south today

Mosque officials said Hawi's bullet-riddled body was washed at the service and he was dressed per Islamic rites. Traditional blessings were also performed.

At the graveside, prayers were sung and Hawi's body was removed from its casket, as per Islamic tradition.

His body was then lowered into the cement-lined grave and a truck tipped earth on top of him.

Close male relatives and friends finished the burial together with shovels and laid enormous bouquets of flowers for Hawi.

Islamic Friendship Association president Keysar Trad said followers of the belief 'don't bury with the coffin. We take the cadaver out of the coffins.'

Concrete slabs are often laid at the bottom of graves to meet health requirements, Mr Trad said.

More than a dozen uniformed police officers watched as the family, including wife Carolina arrived at the grave site in a parade of white Rolls Royces, a Bentley and Porsche

Associates, family, friends and lawyers of the one-time crime kingpin gathered to pay their respects to the Lebanese migrant and father-of-two, 37, at an Arncliffe mosque

Mosque officials said Hawi's bullet-riddled body was washed at the service and he was dressed per Islamic rites. Traditional blessings were also performed

Family and friends, including Hawi's father, then formed a line and shook hands with almost every attendee. Others stayed to pay their respects.

Mourners were asked by Hawi's immediate family not to wear bikie colours nor arrive on motorcycles out of 'respect'.

Many attendees wore shirts or hoodies with photographs of Mahmoud printed on the back.

Most attendees, particularly the men, were photographed by undercover police officers as they arrived at the mosque.

A convoy of luxury cars arrived at Hawi's funeral just before midday, believed to be transporting his wife Carolina and their two sons, as well as immediate family.

The Lebanese migrant was then buried in the Muslim section of the city's Rookwood necropolis.

Hawi's body was released to the family by investigators on Wednesday, after an autopsy.

He rose to infamy in 2009 for his involvement in a brutal brawl at Sydney Airport which resulted in the death of a Hells Angels associate.

At the graveside, prayers were sung and Hawi's body was removed from its casket, as per Islamic tradition

Mourners were asked by Hawi's immediate family not to wear bikie colours nor arrive on motorcycles out of 'respect'

His wife, Carolina Gonzalez, successfully made an urgent application to the New South Wales Supreme Court to obtain a sperm sample.

Her lawyer submitted she still 'desires' to have more children with her late husband.

An affidavit filed by her lawyer said they were advised by the Coroner that Hawi was 'situated in a locked zipped bag and that bag cannot be unzipped without the presence of detectives.'

Police did not object to a urologist performing the procedure to obtain Hawi's sperm.

Hawi's killers, who remain unidentified, are still on the run despite warnings from police they will not remain anonymous for long. The investigation into his murder continues.
A real-life 'Notebook' couple who met at 17 before sharing a lifelong love story died side-by-side within hours of each other aged 93.

Childhood sweethearts Maire and Gerry Ryan were born just one day apart in Tipperary and enjoyed an eight-decade long romance.

They lived in the same nursing home after Maire developed Alzheimer's and Gerry fell ill.

In their final hours, they had their beds wheeled together so they could hold hands.

Childhood sweethearts Maire and Gerry Ryan, a real-life 'Notebook' couple who met at 17 before sharing a lifelong love story, died side-by-side within hours of each other aged 93

The Notebook stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as a couple who share a lifelong romance before McAdams' character develops dementia

Maire and Gerry's heartwarming story has been compared to hit Hollywood film The Notebook, which stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as a couple who share a lifelong romance before McAdams' character develops dementia.

Maire and Gerry passed away peacefully on Monday surrounded by staff and nurses at the Curragh Lawn Nursing Home in Co Kildare, reports RSVP Live.

And staff at the care home revealed the strength of the couple's love.

Staff worker Sarrita, said: 'Gerry used to hold her hand all the time and remind her about the olden times and their life.

'He used to orientate her to the present every single day. He would sit and tell her poems, he loved Irish poetry, and he used to sing to her at night. I have never seen anything like that.

'I am in the nursing home 13 years and we never saw anything like them. He was so dedicated to her.'

Maire and Gerry tied the knot nine years after meeting when Gerry's Army career brought him to Newbridge, Co Kildare.

After leaving the military Gerry went on to complete a PHD with Maire's help.

The film follows the couple's story from when they met to when the wife is in the grips of dementia

A staff member at Maire and Gerry's care home said: 'Gerry used to hold her hand all the time and remind her about the olden times and their life'

Following a successful career as a teacher at Holy Family Secondary School in Newbridge, tragically, Maire was diagnosed with a severe form of Alzheimer's.

Devoted Gerry became his wife's full-time carer and spent years looking after her at their home.

But he too fell ill, developing severe arthritis which left him unable to walk.

The couple both went to Curragh Lawn Nursing Home.

Two weeks ago, Gerry's health deteriorated and he was transferred to hospital. But care home staff said Maire struggled to cope without him and she went downhill.

She stopped communicating, eating and kept looking for her husband.

When they realised there was nothing more they could do, the hospital sent Gerry back to the care home for palliative care.

And, the day before he died, the loving husband asked to be moved so he could hold his wife's hand one last time.

Maire passed away at 3.45am and Gerry passed away at 5.20pm on the same day.
A Big Issue seller has seen his sales soar after he spent 30 on a contactless card machine - and paid off the investment in a day.

Robin Fabian, 50, has been selling copies of the magazine for seven years on his patch close to the University of Bristol.

But he was struggling to shift copies because so few of his potential customers carried cash.

In a bid to overcome this issue, Mr Fabian invested in a 30 contactless card machine - and suddenly noticed a dramatic rise in sales.

When Big Issue vendor Robin Fabian began noticing fewer potential customers were carrying around actual cash, he decided to invest in a 30 contactless reader

After purchasing the device, Mr Fabian - who has sold copies of the magazine in Bristol for seven years - noticed a substantial rise in sales

Within a single day of trading, the handheld card reader device had paid for itself.

Mr Fabian said: 'I like my pitch. It's in an affluent area and the magazine seems especially popular with students from the university.

'My customers are great.

'They're really nice people, and I just want to thank all of them.

'People look out for me - they bring me things like cheese and eggs, and offer to get me a drink. It means a lot.'

Originally from London, Mr Fabian arrived in Bristol in 2007 after living in Germany with his wife and two children

He added: 'Just before Christmas I invested in a credit card reader, which paid for itself after the first day.

'I reckon since then I've sold about 200 extra issues by having that on me, although I have to hold it on top of my issues so people can see that I have it.

'I think I'm the only vendor in the area who has one, which gives me a bit of an edge over the others.'

He said that when he first returned to the UK he was living in squats and sleeping on friends' sofas, while struggling with an addiction to opiates

Mr Fabian plans to eventually live an independent life, 'completely off grid', and travel around Europe

Originally from London, Mr Fabian arrived in Bristol in 2007 after living in Germany with his wife and two children.

He said that when he first returned to the UK he was living in squats and sleeping on friends' sofas, while struggling with an addiction to opiates.

He became hooked on the drugs after hurting his leg in an accident, but managed to overcome his addiction after enrolling on a drug rehabilitation course in Bristol.

Mr Fabian said: 'I love travelling and sampling other cultures, so in the future I'd like to build myself a house bus and travel around the whole of Europe.

'I eventually want to live a very independent life, completely off the grid - maybe have a farm somewhere like Bulgaria, where property is a lot cheaper.'
Stephanie Davies (pictured), 34, says she is 'living in fear' Christopher Jones, also 34, could walk free, despite being jailed for life alongside his brother Stuart in 2005

The daughter of a woman beaten to death and dumped in an alley is terrified one of her killers will be freed on parole next week.

Stephanie Davies, 34, says she is 'living in fear' Christopher Jones, also 34, could soon walk free, despite being jailed for life with his brother Stuart in 2005.

Her mother Shirley Oliver, 42, was brutally murdered by the Jones brothers after accepting a lift back from a night out in Cardiff on February 5 that year.

There was 'not a bone left unbroken' after the attack, believed to be revenge for a 400 unpaid car repair bill, and her injuries were so bad experts were unable to give an exact cause of death.

After she was hit with a car lock, stamped on, and her hair pulled out, she was left for dead in a side alley.

Christopher Jones was sentenced to 13 years in prison, while Stuart was ordered to serve at least 15 years behind bars.

Now 13 years on, Christopher could be released next week, leaving his victim's family terrified of bumping into him.

Her mother Shirley Oliver (pictured), 42, was brutally murdered by the the Jones brothers after accepting a lift back from a night out in Cardiff on February 5 that year

Christopher Jones (pictured left) was sentenced to 13 years in prison, while Stuart (right) was ordered to serve at least 15 years behind bars

Miss Davies has slammed the Parole Board for the way they have dealt with the case, claiming officials have told her she has 'no right' to know when Jones is going to get out.

She said: 'I have been told I have no right to know the date Christopher Jones will be released or his whereabouts.

'But they have told me he is set for release - and my fear is it will be as soon as next week.'

'Those two monsters ended my beautiful mother's in the most brutal sadistic way, she did not stand a chance against them.

'All I know is that the the pain never, ever goes away - it is a life sentence that will never end for me and my brother and sister.

'Just because someone spends 13 years behind a prison wall doesn't make them sorry for what they did. How can we know for certain he is rehabilitated?

There was 'not a bone left unbroken' after Shirley Oliver's attack, believed to be revenge for a 400 unpaid car repair bill, and her injuries were so bad experts were unable to give an exact cause of death. She is pictured left and right on the night she died

'Never once have either of them showed any remorse or said sorry to our family for killing our mother.

'I still can't believe that Christopher Jones is going to be able to start his life all over again with a blank canvas.

'The fact that I have no idea where he is going to be terrifies me and makes me very angry.

'I could bump into him at the supermarket or the cinema with my children. How can that be right? How can that be allowed?

'We need to know where he is for our own peace of mind.

'He could very well be coming back to our hometown of Cardiff. It's outrageous that we can't be told.'

The mother-of-three claims she has been told Jones' location is to remain a secret 'for his own protection'.

Now 13 years on, Christopher (pictured on T-shirt right) could be released next week, leaving his Stephanie Davies (pictured from behind) terrified of bumping into him

She said: 'The police talk about protecting the criminal but what about protecting the victims? Who is looking after us?'

The Jones brothers were arrested the day after Mrs Oliver's murder on February 5, 2005.

Miss Davies is distraught Jones' Parole meeting came on February 6 - a day after the anniversary of her murder.

She said: 'I have never felt the police have been on our side. I found it incredibly insensitive that the parole hearing for his release was on 6th February - a day after the anniversary of my mother's death.

'It was exactly the minimum sentence he could serve.'

The Parole Board said: 'We can confirm that Christopher Jones is currently undergoing a parole review.

'His oral hearing was in February 2018. We are unable to comment further on the individual details of this case.'
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The incredible story of a brave RAF gunner who fought for his life against the Japanese in the skies over Burma has been finally been revealed 25 years after his death.

A new first-person perspective has shown a light on one of Britain's lesser-known conflicts during the Second World War, bringing to life the exploits of 159 Squadron and air gunner Bill Kirkness.

The gripping tale was co-written by American author Matt Poole, who vowed to complete the memoirs of Mr Kirkness, who also served as a wireless operator, after his death in 1994.

During his years of active service, Mr Kirkness, of Horsforth, West Yorkshire, flew thirty-two B-24 Liberator bomber sorties, twenty-eight of which were against Japanese targets in Burma.

He was credited with downing the night fighter that killed a crewmate and severely damaged his Liberator in April 1944, and was awarded a prestigious Distinguished Flying Medal for his heroism in 1944.

Images from RAF Liberators Over Burma: Flying with 159 Squadron show the gunner and his crew carrying out repairs from their base in India, while troops can be seen preparing the aircraft's machine guns in another.

In one amusing anecdote, Mr Kirkness reveals how he told his family about his impending departure for warn-torn Asia.

He wrote: 'During the evening meal, I told my parents and sister, Sheila, that I was leaving next morning.

'After some initial fuss from Mum, the news was digested along with the Spam and limp lettuce that, together with the National Loaf brown bread, constituted our evening meal.'

Several other shots show the crew together and offer a real insight into what life was like for the RAF men fighting in Asia while many of their fellow servicemen were thousands of miles away in Europe.

An aircrew poses in front of 159 Squadron Mk VI Liberator BZ980, named 'Goofy' by its team, at Digri in 1944. War hero Bill Kirkness. is pictured standing on top of the bomber. Bill's crewmate on sixteen ops, air gunner Jack O'Brien, is pictured in the front row, far right

Bill pauses during the painting of his 'Dumbo Delivers!' nose art design on the forward fuselage of BZ839, a Mk III Liberator at Salbani in 1943. During his years of active service, Mr Kirkness, of Horsforth, West Yorkshire, flew thirty-two B-24 Liberator bomber sorties, twenty-eight of which were against Japanese targets in Burma

An air gunner sits to the right of his twin .303-inch Brownings, which protrude through a closed Mk II Liberator beam hatch. He sights his target through a small window immediately in front of him. Note that this air gunner wears earphones and no helmet; on the Mk II, Bill's crewmates each wore an uncomfortable helmet containing earphones

159 Squadron Gunnery Leader Bob Ustick (left) instructs ground crewman Norman Chambers (centre) and air gunner Billy Clegg at the port beam hatch opening of an unidentified 159 Squadron Liberator. A single .5-inch Browning machine gun protrudes through the opening

A photo recon image looking northward away from the northern environs of Rangoon on 11 April 1944; central Rangoon is to the south. The runways of Mingaladon aerodrome appear as the bright scars below the propeller of the Lockheed F-5's port engine

On 2 April 1944, 159 Squadron Mk VI Liberator EV870, like Bill's crew's EV843 and the squadron's BZ960, was attacked by a fighter over Rangoon. Despite EV870's violent crash landing at RAF Alipore in Calcutta, short of the Squadron's base at Dhubalia, there was no fire. All nine crewmen survived the fighter attack

By the evening of 27 April 1943, 159 Squadron was down to only two flying bombers after Mk II Liberator AL550 crashed into an aircraft shelter with no brake pressure, causing major damage that took weeks to repair. AL550 did not fly again with the squadron until 12 May

Ben Blue and Bill perform their esand dance at Salbani. Ben wears his pilot's wings and Bill wears a half-wing brevet. Several other shots show the crew together and offer a real insight into what life was like for the RAF men fighting in Asia while many of their fellow servicemen were thousands of miles away in Europe

Bill proudly poses for this portrait as a flight sergeant (left). Note the wireless operator's badge above his stripes. Shown right, 159 Squadron engine mechanics work on 'Goofy', a Mk VI Liberator BZ980, at Digri in 1944 shortly before a sortie later on in the evening

The Gauntlett crew pose for a photograph in front of our Mk II Liberator, AL597, at 159 Squadron's base at Salbani, India in the spring of 1943. Left to right: Willy Kirby, Arnie Bridgman, Bill Kirkness, John Gauntlett, Chalky White, Ben Blue, Fred Rozee, and Harry Hartshorn

The crew is pictured on 15 April 1943, the day after Bill's crew crashed in their 159 Squadron Mk II Liberator AL564, wearing Donald Duck nose art, after it pranged at their base at Salbani when the starboard tyre blew out upon landing. The Liberator was a write-off and was replaced by another Liberator shortly after

An unidentified burned-out RAF Wellington on Malta. Bill's crew's Wimpy, ES994, suffered the same fate soon after we arrived there on 12 May 1942. Other images from RAF Liberators Over Burma: Flying with 159 Squadron show the gunner and his crew carrying out repairs from their base in India, while troops can be seen preparing the aircraft's machine guns in another

At Salbani in 1943, 159 Squadron ground crew toil on a Mk II Liberator's No. 1 engine. The new first-person perspective has shown a light on one of Britain's lesser-known conflicts during the Second World War, bringing to life the exploits of 159 Squadron and air gunner Bill Kirkness

What was the role of 159 Squadron during WWII? How RAF Liberators ruled the skies over Burma with reconnaissance missions and bombing raids 159 Squadron served as a Bomber, Mine-laying, Reconnaissance and Transport unit during World War II. It was active from July 1942 until June 1946, operating at first in the Middle East during 1942 before spending the remainder of the war operating over Burma. The squadron's army of Liberators undertook long-range reconnaissance missions and bombing raids on Japanese soldiers in Siam, Malaya, Indo-China and the Dutch East Indies. Initially, the Liberators were permitted to carry a small payload of just 4,000lb of bombs to Bangkok, while raids stretching over 1,000 miles were limited to just 3,000lb. However the appointment of Wing Commander J. Blackburn in 1944 saw the aircrafts stripped of their middle turret and armour plating, with crews swapping a strong defence for a bigger payload of bombs. While such a move would have resulted in a massive surge in casualties in the European theatre of war, the dwindling numbers of Japanese fighter planes was making bombing raids increasingly less dangerous. Following the end of the war, the squadron carried out transport and administrative duties. It also took part in Operation Hunger in late 1945 and early 1946, bringing food rations to starving Burmese civilians. 159 Squadron was finally disbanded on 1 June 1946. Advertisement
Former first lady Michelle Obama has said that she is in 'total awe' of young gun control activists from Florida who are taking their campaign to the highest echelons of government.

'I'm in total awe of the extraordinary students in Florida,' Obama tweeted Wednesday.

'Like every movement for progress in our history, gun reform will take unyielding courage and endurance. But @barackobama and I believe in you, we're proud of you, and we're behind you every step of the way.'

Michelle Obama said that she was proud of the courage displayed by student gun control activists but warned they would need courage and endurance

Students have been at the forefront of a renewed campaign over the last week to enforce tighter gun controls

Student survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, prepare to load their bags on buses ahead of a journey to the state capitol Tallahassee to campaign for gun control

The normally staid Florida Statehouse filled with students, among them more than 100 survivors of the February 14 attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland

Her tweet comes about a week after Barack Obama expressed his grief over the Florida massacre and demanded 'long overdue, common-sense gun safety laws that most Americans want'.

Last week at least 17 people were killed at the Parkland school in Florida, when an ex-student opened fire with an AR-15 assault rifle.

On Wednesday survivors of the shooting and their parents begged President Donald Trump to act on gun violence at a tearful listening session at the White House.

Michelle and Barack Obama have long campaigned for stronger gun control laws in the U.S.

Student Julia Cordover (pictured) told President Trump Wednesday that his bump stocks ban is a 'step in the right direction' but more should be done.

Parkland parent Andrew Pollack said that he was 'pissed' as he described his daughter Meadow's horrific death to the President and other families present Wednesday

Andrew Pollack (center) described how his daughter Meadow Pollack was shot nine at last week's deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He was joined by his son's at Wednesday's White House event

Parkland parent Andrew Pollack said that he was 'pissed' as he described his daughter Meadow's horrific death to the President and other families present - she was shot nine times.

Many of the student survivors have become fierce advocates for gun control in the week since the shooting, demanding that state and national lawmakers work on gun laws.

They have appeared on national TV to exhort lawmakers to act and have organized and inspired rallies in Florida, Washington and across the nation.

The students have also had to rebuff criticisms of their stance from internet trolls and have had to fend off a host of conspiracy theories intended to negate their activism.

Michelle Obama has spoken out in favor of gun control before, Thehill.com reported. She said in 2013 that children living near her family's home in Chicago wake up every day 'and wonder whether they're going to make it out of school alive'.

'I mean, every single kid worries about their own death, or the death of someone, every single day,' she said at the time.

Former President Obama last week also offered his support for those impacted by the shooting.

'Caring for our kids is our first job. And until we can honestly say that we're doing enough to keep them safe from harm, including long overdue, common-sense gun safety laws that most Americans want, then we have to change,' he tweeted one day after the Florida shooting.
Britain faces paying another 5billion to Brussels if the Brexit transition period lasts a full two years, it emerged today.

The government's estimate for the divorce bill being between 34billion and 39billion was based on the implementation phase ending in December 2020 - the timescale proposed by the EU.

But the Prime Minister has suggested she wants the transition to last for around two years, which would mean until March 2021.

Brexit minister Robin Walker was challenged about whether that would mean a higher bill as he gave evidence to the EU Scrutiny Committee today.

The UK representative to the EU Sir Tim Barrow and Brexit minister Robin Walker gave evidence to the EU Scrutiny Committee today.

Chairman Bill Cash, a veteran Tory Eurosceptic, said the Brexit divorce bill would rise significantly if the implementation period lasted two years

Chairman Bill Cash, a veteran Tory Eurosceptic, said the figure would rise significantly if the implementation lasted two years.

Sir Bill said: 'If the transition lasts beyond 2020, then this could require the UK to make payments into the EU budget for 2021 as well, and therefore from January 2021 we'd then be paying into the EU's new long-term budget and the net result of this is that the additional costs could run into billions of pounds, and the estimate is between 4billion and 5billion.'

The minister did not deny the figure, but said there was not much difference between the timescales being proposed by the UK and Brussels.

He also played down Brexiteer concerns that the transition could be open-ended, insisting there would be an 'end date' in an agreement.

Ministers yesterday published negotiating guidelines saying the transition period should be governed by 'how long it will take to prepare' for leaving the EU  suggesting it could be open-ended.

This sparked a Eurosceptic backlash, which threatened to overshadow today's crunch meeting of Theresa May's Brexit 'war cabinet' at Chequers.

Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said the Government document had not been signed off by the Cabinet  and described the handling of the situation as 'chaotic'. 'Who is writing this stuff?' he added.

'We seem to have a government run by officials. A Cabinet minister has told me definitively this is not government policy, yet it appears in a government document. It is shambolic, and it does not inspire confidence.'

The minister did not deny the 5billion figure, but said there was not much difference between the timescales being proposed by the UK and Brussels

Theresa May (pictured at No10 yesterday) is making another bid to break the Brexit deadlock between ministers

Tory MP Philip Davies said: 'Why does it need to be more than two years? All of this foot-dragging and faffing about is unacceptable to the general public.'

To add to the confusion, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte emerged from talks with Mrs May to suggest that any agreement on the length of a Brexit transition could be extended at a later date  an idea that is being actively considered in Brussels.

Brexit minister Steve Baker insisted 'there will be a fixed date' when a deal on the transition period is agreed.

Downing Street said Mrs May was committed to seeking a transition of 'about two years' after the UK leaves in March 2019.
A set of pictures which apparently show two Chinese men proudly wearing the uniforms of WWII Japanese soldiers have caused an outcry in China.

The pair were said to have posed for the photos with mock weapons in Nanjing, eastern China, where some 300,000 people killed by the Japanese army during the Nanjing Massacre in 1937.

The massacre memorial in Nanjing has condemned the two men's behaviour on a social media statement, saying they were 'making fun of the nation's scar'.

The pictures, shared on social media, show two Chinese men donning Japanese soldier's uniforms and happily posing for pictures. The pictures were said to be taken in Nanjing, China

The photos in questions, three in total, were yesterday uploaded to Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter.

The two men, with their faces obscured, can be seen styling themselves after war-time Japanese soldiers. One of them held a sword, and the other a bayonet and a Japanese flag.

The uploader of the pictures claimed that the two men were Chinese and the pictures were taken at the Zijin Mountain in Nanjing.

The two men were said to be standing in front of a fortification, which was used by the Chinese army to defend Nanjing before the massacre occurred.

Along with the pictures, the uploader wrote: 'It's a shame that the soul of the great heroes who fought the Japanese are being trampled on by unfilial grandchildren.'

The two men were said to be standing in front of a fortification, which was used by the Chinese army to defend Nanjing against Japanese soldiers before the Nanjing Massacre occured

The Weibo user, known by the screen name 'God's Eagle_5zn', said that the pictures were provided to him by sources, and they had initially been shared by the two men who were in the photos.

The user told MailOnline that the two men's behaviour was 'extremely ugly'.

'No matter what was the reason [behind the photos], [they] shan't tread on a nation's painful memory,' the user said.

The pictures have been widely shared by Chinese state media. Enraged web users took to the social media to express their anger.

The Nanjing Massacre, also known as the Nanking Massacre, was an episode of mass murder and mass rape committed by Japanese troops against the residents in 1937

Some 300,000 people were said to be killed by the Japanese army in the space of six weeks

In a social media statement last night, the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall condemned the behaviour.

The museum's director Zhang Jianjun said: 'We express strong condemnation and indignation towards those who take pictures for fun while wearing the uniforms of Japanese soldiers who invaded China.'

Mr Zhang said the museum would strengthen its patriotic education on visitors.

Mr Zhang also called on relevant authorities to improve the moral education on young people and to establish relevant laws to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall (pictured) has condemned the behaviour in a statement

Nanjing Massacre is one of the most painful memories to the Chinese people. The country holds a national memorial service every year for those who were killed by the Japanese

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Yu Zhengsheng (right) attended the memorial service on December 13, 2017

The Second Sino-Japanese War, also known in China as the Anti-Japanese War, took place between 1937 and 1945. It later became a part of the WWII's south-east Asian Theatre.

The eight-year warfare remains as a sensitive and painful topic among the Chinese, and anti-Japanese sentiment still runs high in the country.

Just six months ago, four Chinese men were detained by police after posing for a picture outside a war memorial site in Shanghai dressed like WWII Japanese war officers during a military party.

The country holds a national memorial service for the Nanjing Massacre every year.
Justin Trudeau has been ridiculed on social media by Indians for his 'tacky' and over the top outfit choices while on his first visit to their nation as Prime Minister.

While many praised his clothing during the first two days of his trip, patience was wearing thin by the time he attended a Bollywood gala on Tuesday night, before the tide turned against him on Wednesday.

Ministers, authors, journalists and ordinary Indians lined up to mock him on Wednesday, saying his wardrobe was 'fake and annoying'.

Perhaps taking note of the criticism, the Canadian leader donned a suit on Thursday as he visited Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques.

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Justin Trudeau has come in for criticism for his outfit choices while visiting India, with even the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister weighing in

Bestselling author Bhaavna Arora was among the harshest critics, describing his wardrobe choices as 'fake and annoying'

Bombay-based writer Shunali Khullar Shroff echoed the sentiments of many ordinary Indians when she suggested Trudeau looked dressed for a wedding

Kabir Taneja, a think-tank researcher, suggested Trudeau needs to 'chill' after he arrived at the airport in Amritsar in traditional Sikh dress

Leading the criticism was Omar Abdullah, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, who tweeted on Wednesday saying Trudeau's preening was 'all just a bit much.'

'We Indians do not dress like this every day sir, not even in Bollywood.'

Bhaavna Arora, a bestselling Indian author, also chimed in, accusing Trudeau of wearing 'fancy dress' and saying she found it 'fake and annoying'.

Shekhar Gupta, founder of Indian newspaper ThePrint also mocked the Canadian Prime Minister, accusing him of 'running a week-long election campaign in India in fancy dress.'

While India was initially receptive of Trudeau's clothing, the tide seemed to turn on Tuesday night after he donned a gold jacket to meet Bollywood stars (left). Pictured right, he visits the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday

Perhaps sensing the criticism, Trudeau was dressed in a suit on Thursday as he took a tour of the Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques

While Trudeau dressed in formal attire for the occasion, he added a touch of flair with his colorful socks, which can be seen in this image

The Prime Minister kept his suit trousers and shoes on but did don a polo shirt as daughter Ella-Grace and son Xavier practiced cricket later in the day

Kabir Taneja, an associate fellow at think-tank ORF and based in South Delhi, also took issue with Trudeau wearing traditional Sikh dress at the airport.

'Bro Golden Temple is not at the airport,' he wrote. 'Have some chill.'

While Indian newspapers had initially praised Trudeau's attempt to cross cultural boundaries with his outfits - describing the red kurta he wore on the first day of his visit as 'resplendent' and 'festive' - by Wednesday they lost patience as well.

'Too flashy even for an Indian', proclaimed Outlook India while The Print suggested that he looked like he was auditioning to be a model.

The tipping point seemed to have come the day before when Trudeau met the great and good of Bollywood, whose own looks arguably inspired some of his own.

Many observers suggested that it seemed Trudeau was attending a wedding from the way he was dressed (pictured here at one of Ghandi's former homes on Monday)

Others compared him to famous Indian magician PC Sarkar, mocking him for looking over-dressed, even in front of Bollywood stars

While Indians tolerated Trudeau's outfit choices for the first two days of his visit, by Wednesday their patience seemed to have run out

But while the actors dressed down for the occasion, opting largely for black suits and shirts, Trudeau went all-out with a gaudy golden number.

India Today described the choice of clothing as 'tacky', suggesting it was insulting to his guests.

The paper wrote: 'We understand that the Trudeaus do not understand Indian clothing as well as Indian dignitaries do, but for someone who's been fond of wearing Indian kurtas even back home, it's not wrong to expect a touch of class.'

It is not only Trudeau's dress sense that has seen him come under fire on his India tour - he has also been snubbed by Indian politicians because of his past support for Sikh separatist groups.

When he arrived in New Dehli on Saturday, instead of being greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi he was instead welcomed by a junior agriculture minister.

While Modi's office insisted there was no subtext to the move, the leader is usually on hand to greet world leader with a hug at the airport.

Trudeau's trip has also been criticised back home for his lack of official engagements - just one in eight days - making it more like a family holiday than a diplomatic visit.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were at the centre of an anthrax scare after a suspicious white powder was found in a 'racist' letter sent to their Kensington Palace home.

The letter was addressed to both Harry and Meghan at the Palace where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children also live.

The suspect letter prompted a security scare after it was intercepted by staff at the nearby St James's Palace. It did not reach Harry or Meghan - but they have both been informed of the incident.

Police have said they are treating the incident as 'a racist hate crime'.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were sent a package containing suspicious white powder

Counter-terror police and chemical experts were drafted after it was sent to the Palace on February 12, London's Evening Standard reported.

Subsequent tests later found the powder to be harmless.

The troubling incident came a day before police revealed a similar package containing white powder had been sent to the Houses of Parliament.

The second letter is understood to have been addressed to Home Secretary Amber Rudd. That substance was also found to be harmless.

The letter is understood to have been addressed to both Ms Markle and Prince Harry

Police are understood to be examining if the Westminster and Kensington Palace letters came from the same source.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: 'Police are investigating after a package containing a substance was delivered to St James's Palace on Monday, 12 February.

'The substance was tested and confirmed as non suspicious.

'Officers are also investigating an allegation of malicious communications which relates to the same package. No arrests; enquiries continue.'

The incident has raised concerns about security at Harry and Meghan's Royal wedding on Saturday, May 19.

They will marry in a ceremony that is expected to last an hour, starting at midday.

The newlyweds will then embark on a carriage procession around Windsor before ending up at the town's famous castle.

Kensington Palace staff are said to have intercepted the package before it reached the couple

A reception will also be held at St George's Hall for the couple and the rest of the congregation before a private evening reception for close family, hosted by Prince Charles.

It is understood that there are no plans to change any of the details of the wedding in response to the latest security alert.

The alert comes after it emerged a suspected extremist had called on his followers to attack Prince George

Miss Markle will become an official member of the Royal Family following her wedding but she has already been given round the clock protection.

She will also have received a number of briefings on security and how she should react in a threatening situation.

The royal family has been the subject of a number of security alerts in recent years.

It recently emerged that a terror suspect had encouraged attacks on Prince George at his primary school in messages he sent out.

Louise Chantry - described as a 'royal superfan' - also tried to get into Prince George's school, prompting a review of the young prince's protection.

The 40-year-old former holistic healer was later given a caution, meaning she accepts wrongdoing but will not get a criminal record or face any further action.
Katherine Walker, 26, attacked a four-year-old child while looking after her on a two-week holiday with her boyfriend in Western Australia

A dug-addict former nurse who kicked, smothered and slapped a four-year-old girl in a campaign of brutal emotional and physical abuse has been jailed for three years after surviving a joint suicide attempt which killed her boyfriend.

Katherine Walker, 26, attacked the child while looking after her on a two-week holiday with her boyfriend in Western Australia.

She even threatened to kill the girl, telling her: 'Go to sleep before I come in here and pummel you until you die.'

Walker also held a pillow over the girl's face and said 'I want to smother you until you die'.

She tormented the girl by asking 'can you breathe, can you breathe?' and called her a 'stupid c***.'

Walker also lifted the girl up by the hair and dropped her on a tiled bathroom floor after taunting that she failed to wash properly.

While the girl was crying on the floor, Walker kicked her into the wall.

Walker then took the girl into a bedroom where she rolled her off a mattress and kicked her in the back repeatedly.

The former nurse also poked the girl, squeezed her nose, and poured chilli sauce into her mouth while grabbing her hair.

Walker's lawyer claimed she could not recall the five separate assaults because she was high on oxycodone, aka hillbilly heroin, at the time.

She was prescribed it for endometriosis before becoming addicted, he said.

Walker's boyfriend tried to film some of the assaults on his mobile phone in a failed attempt to stop her.

After she was charged, Walker (pictured) and her boyfriend made a suicide pact to take an overdose of drugs. But after the overdose which killed her boyfriend, she was caught on CCTV stumbling out of the apartment they were staying

After she was charged, Walker and her boyfriend made a suicide pact to take an overdose of drugs.

But, after the overdose which killed her boyfriend, she was caught on CCTV stumbling out of the apartment they were staying in, ABC reported.

A judge said he found the suicide pact story 'troubling' and said it was strange that she did not check on her boyfriend before leaving the apartment.

At the District Court of Western Australia, he sentenced Walker to three and a half years in jail for 'extremely serious examples' of aggravated common assault.

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Parkland massacre gunman Nikolas Cruz was able to escape the Florida campus undetected because security guards were watching surveillance footage on a 20-minute delay.

The confusion caused police to believe that Cruz was still on school premises, even though he had already left and was on the way to Subway and McDonald's.

Police searched for the gunman for 26 minutes using security cameras before realizing he wasn't inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

In footage reviewed by the Sun Sentinel officers can be heard saying that they are monitoring him on camera and he's moved from the third to second floor.

Footage shows Nikolas Cruz, 19, making his way towards a McDonald's, on Wednesday, about an hour after the shooting

Cruz reportedly did not purchase anything inside the McDonald's and was detained approximately 40 minutes after

Another cop replied that they were on the second floor and couldn't see Cruz, because he managed to get away unnoticed after his shooting spree where he killed 17 people.

Officers realized from the footage that Cruz dropped his rifle and fled the scene at around 2.28pm and was caught by police an hour later.

Nikolas Cruz was able to leave Majory Stoneman Douglas campus without being detected due to a 20-minute delay on the security cameras

The tapes confirm a malfunction in the cameras as an officer can be heard saying: 'It's about a 20-minute delay they're following him on video, on the camera.

'They have him exiting the building, running south.'

Deputies from the Broward County Sheriff's Office reportedly arrived at the campus just as Cruz was escaping.

There is speculation over whether they responded to the right building at first but this is unable to be determined by the tapes.

Broward Sheriff Scott Israel said at a press conference Wednesday that investigators were 'examining' the tapes and other evidence to see if deputies immediately entered the school upon their arrival.

Criminal Justice Professor Pete Blair said he had never heard of a 'camera delay' problem before.

Officers realised from the footage that Cruz dropped his rifle and fled the scene at around 2.28pm after killing 17 people and was caught by police an hour later.

He added that the 'good information' you think you have is going to slow the process down because it turns out to be misleading.

Coral Springs Police Chief Tony Pustizzi confirmed that the surveillance tapes offered to police by the school were 'delayed 20 minutes and nobody told us that.'

He told the Sun Sentinel: 'It made it harder to identify where the guy was.

'Somebody would say "he's on the second floor", and we had guys on the second floor saying "we're on the second floor, we don't see him", that's when we figured out there's a tape delay.'

He added: 'Once we found that out we were able to adjust.'
This is the tense moment two Australian Muslim women clash and expose a deep divide in the Islamic community.

The mood became uncomfortable when Rita, a bisexual Muslim woman who practises Sufism, proposed reciting spiritual prayers over a meal during the final episode of SBS documentary Muslims Like Us.

This didn't go down well with Anjum, a Sunni religious conservative who covers her face with a niqab in the TV series filmed on Sydney's northern beaches.

The mood became uncomfortable when Rita, a bisexual Muslim woman who practises Sufism, proposed reciting spiritual prayers over a meal on SBS's Muslims Like Us

Rita had explained how Sufis, whose faith began more than 500 years after the Prophet Mohammad's seventh-century death, expressed their devotion to faith by singing and dancing.

However, tensions heightened when Rita explained some adherents of Sufism used 'drugs and intoxication'.

Anjum, who regards alcohol consumption as a sin, objected to the idea of practising Islam in a way that didn't adhere to the life of the Prophet Mohammad.

'You're not allowed to bring it into Islam at all,' she said.

Anjum, who covers her face with a niqab, objected to the idea of practising Islam in a way that didn't adhere to the life of the Prophet Mohammad

'I have heard enough from you.'

Before long, Rita lost her patience with Anjum as she kept interrupting her.

'Enough. Enough. Enough, okay. Stop it. Just stop it,' Rita said.

Tensions heightened when Anjum gestured with her hands and told her to 'relax'.

'No shut up. Shut up. That is enough. I have heard enough,' Rita said.

Before long, Rita (pictured) lost her patience with Anjum as she kept interrupting her. 'No shut up. Shut up. That is enough. I have heard enough,' Rita said

Anjum then walked out of the room after declaring Rita's Sufism wasn't part of Islam

'There is a boundary but she has crossed it time and time again.'

The exchange ended with Anjum standing up at the dinner table and telling Rita her behaviour was not Islamic.

'Look at your behaviour, mate,' Rita said in response.

'Constantly interfering whenever we are trying to talk. Feel free to leave, please.'

Anjum then walked out of the room after declaring Sufism wasn't Islamic.
A lorry driver was on a hands-free phone call and cruise control when he crashed on the M1 motorway - killing eight people in a minibus, a court heard today.

Briton David Wagstaff, 53, and Polish national Ryszard Masierak, 32, are on trial accused of causing the 'entirely avoidable' collision near Milton Keynes.

Wagstaff was on a hands-free call and driving on cruise control when he ploughed into the back of Cyriac Joseph's boxed-in minibus, Reading Crown Court heard.

Ryszard Masierak (left) and David Wagstaff (right, pictured today outside Reading Crown Court in Berkshire) are accused of causing the collision last year

Masierak allegedly stopped for 12 minutes in the slow lane in the early hours of August 26 last year, despite there being miles of hard shoulder available.

His lorry caused an obstruction on the motorway forcing others to slow before moving around him, the court was told.

As minibus driver Mr Joseph waited with his hazard lights on for a chance to go around the heavy goods vehicle, a second lorry driven by Wagstaff smashed into the back of the van, forcing it into and under Masierak's lorry, jurors heard.

Masierak - who is accused of being twice the drink drive limit - had allegedly driven his lorry the wrong way around a roundabout and nearly collided with two other cars just hours before the crash.

The first person on scene was a taxi driver who allegedly saw Masierak sat in darkness in the seat between driver and passenger seats.

He smelled alcohol on the trucker's breath and thought he was drunk, the jury heard and Masierak said had been asleep, or words to effect.

Masierak said to police he had been drinking '21 hours ago' which the prosecutor said was a blatant lie.

The first police officer on the scene then found two empty cans of cider in the Masierak's cab.

The crash happened on the M1 southbound near Milton Keynes on August 26 last year

A motorist who flashed his lights to alert Masierak told police later that there was something not right about him, the court was told.

Driving data was said to have showed his speed had been erratic and on two occasions it had dropped to as low as 11mph.

Oliver Saxby QC, prosecuting, said Wagstaff was on auto-pilot and had completely failed to notice what was ahead of him

The prosecutor told the jury that Maseriak's lorry had been parked on the slow lane for 12 minutes.

At around 3am Mr Joseph came up behind the lorry and had a brief opportunity to move out and overtake but missed it, the court was told.

Wagstaff was travelling at 56mph and had ten seconds to see the minibus and to pull out and avoid it, the court heard.

However, he allegedly failed to see it and smashed into the back of the minibus, pushing it 25 metres (82ft) into the rear and underneath Maseriak's lorry.

A tachograph revealed Wagstaff made no attempt to brake or decelerate.

Ancy Joseph, widow of Cyriac Joseph, accompanied by Matthew John, a spokesman for the family and Ancy's cousin, arrive at Reading Crown Court this morning

Addressing jurors, Mr Saxby said the crash was 'caused by the dangerous driving of these two defendants'.

'In Mr Masierak's case, under the influence of alcohol, parking up in the slow lane of the M1, an act as flagrant as it was dangerous. What on earth did he think he was doing?

'And in Mr Wagstaff's case, on a hands-free call, his lorry on cruise control and he on auto-pilot, completely failing to notice what was ahead of him in full view for some time, inattention on a gross scale.'

Mr Saxby added: 'David Wagstaff simply did not see the minibus, he was not paying attention. We are talking 'driver error' as opposed to anything to do with the lorry itself.

'The minibus had its hazard lights on and, as we will see, the upper trailer lights on the back of the Scania (first lorry) were also illuminated.

'Yet David Wagstaff did not see the minibus. Instead he drove into the back of the minibus - pushing it some 25 metres or so, along the road into the rear of, and underneath the first lorry.'

The jury was also told how earlier in the evening other drivers had spotted Masierak driving in an 'erratic' manner.

A court artist's sketch of Masierak (left) at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court last August

Mr Saxby continued: 'A lorry driver called Dennis Badham was on a roundabout. The roundabout is a substantial one, controlled by traffic lights. When the lights went green, he proceeded onto the roundabout.

'As he did so, he saw an AIM lorry travelling towards him going the wrong way round the roundabout. This was Masierak.

'As to where he went immediately after, the answer is the wrong way down the M69 slip road, where he nearly collided with a car being driven by another witness from whom you will be hearing, Ben Murphy.'

The jury was told that Mr Murphy said in a statement to police: 'It was as though the driver was totally unaware he was travelling the wrong way.'

The prosecutor told the jury that taxi driver Ali Ilias and his two passengers were some of the first to arrive at the scene of carnage on the M1.

The three of them got out of the taxi to help, only to be confronted with a catastrophic scene.

'It was quickly obvious to Mr Ilias, both that there were fatalities and that there were occupants alive but in need of urgent medical attention,' said Mr Saxby.

Concerned there might be a fuel leak, Mr Ilias walked to the front of Maseriak's lorry only to see the Polish man in his darkened cab with his head in his hands.

Karthikeyan Pugalur Ramasubramanian (left), 33, and wife Lavanyalakshmi Seetharaman (right), 32, from the city of Chennai, in south east India, were one of the couples who died

The jury heard that Mr Ilias asked if he was OK to which he replied: 'Yes. Can I go?'

Mr Saxby told the jury: 'Mr Ilias said he could not go because there had been an accident and asked him to step down from the cab. Mr Maseriak declined, adding that he had been asleep - or words to that effect.

'Mr Ilias could smell alcohol on Mr Maseriak and thought he was drunk. 'It was almost as if nothing had happened and he had been dreaming', Mr Ilias told the police in his statement.'

Paramedics and police arrived at the scene and spoke to Maseriak, who by this time had got out of his cab and was standing in front of the lorry.

The court heard that Maseriak initially pretended to officers that he was not the driver of the lorry. Police carried out a search of his cab where they found two empty cans of cider, the jury was told.

He was arrested later that morning and told officers: 'I don't remember what happened.'

The jury heard how Fed-Ex driver Wagstaff told officers at the scene that the collision was his fault and he had 'hit the back of all of them.'

Mr Saxby said: 'Then, in trying to assist the officer with what had happened, he said this: 'It was my fault. They appeared to be stationary and I ploughed into the back of them without touching the brakes at all'.'

Vivek Baskaran (left), 26, from Avaiyambalpuram, Mayiladuthurai, a town in the Tamil Nadu district of Southern India, also died in the crash along with the minibus driver Cyriac Joseph (right), 52, the owner of Nottingham-based ABC Travels

The jury was told how Wagstaff reacted when formally arrested and taken to hospital for his minor injuries, including a broken toe, damage to his knees and bruising to his ribs.

Mr Saxby said: 'At the hospital he (Mr Wagstaff) was always in the presence of a police officer - to whom he made these remarks: 'I know I'm going to prison. I've seen it enough. I was on the phone to my mate at the time, I was on Bluetooth. My phone was in a cradle but I know I'm buggered'.'

A police investigation into the collision found Maseriak was driving erratically before stopping his lorry in the slow lane of the M1 with the lights on, the court heard.

Wagstaff had ten seconds to see Mr Joseph's 'baulked' minibus and avoid it, the jury was told.

'The view presenting itself to Mr Wagstaff comprised not only the minibus' flashing hazard lights but also the rear of Mr Maseriak's lorry - extending above the minibus,' said Mr Saxby.

'Notwithstandig which, Mr Wagstaff ploughed straight into the minibus - without braking or decelerating. In other words, he simply did not see the minibus, or at least appreciate that it was stationary. Presumably because he was not concentrating.'

Mr Joseph and seven of his Indian passengers were killed on the M1 southbound as they travelled to London from Nottingham.

The eight victims of the Bank Holiday horror crash were on their way to Disneyland Paris when the minibus was crushed.

Karthikeyan Pugalur Ramasubramanian, 33, and wife Lavanyalakshmi Seetharaman, 32, who were from the area of Alwarthirunagar in the south eastern city of Chennai, India, were one of the couples who died.

Subramaniyan Arachelvan, 58, and his wife Tamilmani Arachelvan, 50, from the Saket area of Dehli, India, were another couple who lost their lives in the collision.

Also killed were Panneerselvam Annamalai, 63, of Nagar, Chennai, Vivek Baskaran, 26, from Avaiyambalpuram, Mayiladuthurai, in south east India, and Rishi Rajeev Kumar, 27, from Kerala, a province on the west coast of the country.

The minibus driver and owner of Nottingham-based ABC Travels, Cyriac Joseph, 52, from Nottingham, was the only person killed in the crash with a British address.

Four other people were seriously hurt. Masierak, of Evesham, Worcestershire, and Wagstaff, of Stoke, both deny eight counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Masierak faces a further eight charges of causing death by careless driving, while over the prescribed alcohol limit. It is alleged that he had 55 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

Some family and friends of those killed and injured in the crash sat in court for the first day of the trial.

Masierak, who appeared in court wearing a grey sweatshirt, was assisted in following proceedings by a police translator. The trial continues and is expected to last for nine days.
An entrepreneur has cashed in on the KFC crisis by selling 10 bargain buckets for 100 online.

Ceiling fixer Martin Godden, 30, posted adverts for his 'rare 10-piece bargain buckets' on Facebook after the chain was forced to close 160 stores nationwide.

Mr Godden, of Brighton, East Sussex, has managed to sell four buckets at a 1000 per cent mark-up.

But others selling buckets for as much as 1,000 each, have not been successful.

Brighton ceiling fixer Martin Godden (pictured), 30, posted adverts for his 'rare 10-piece bargain buckets' on Facebook after the chain was forced to close 160 stores nationwide

The 30-year-old says he can source the fried chicken from a 'friend' who works at the KFC store 20 miles away in Eastbourne. He claims to have dropped them off at two addresses so far

The 30-year-old says he can source the fried chicken from a 'friend' who works at the KFC store 20 miles away in Eastbourne. He claims to have made deliveries to two addresses so far.

His post reads: 'I'm able to get hold of kfc bargains bucket from a "friend" Only doing buckets in 10pcs. All delivered hot and fresh.'

The father-of-one said he couldn't believe people agreed to buy KFC at such a high price.

He added: 'It's crazy, KFC is not worth 100. It's just about worth the normal price you pay, but it seems people that are 'desperate' will happily pay a huge premium.

'I'm just wondering how they're going feel when in a week or two when it's all back to normal, and them knowing they paid 100 for some chicken.

'The people didn't really say much other than 'thanks, I'm glad you got some', it was me that did the talking more than anything.

'I was totally shocked and kept asking 'are you sure you really want to pay this for KFC?' They couldn't get it out of my hands quick enough.'

Other people selling buckets for as much as 1,000 each, have not been successful

Another seller has posted a KFC Boneless Banquet meal on eBay for 25,100. He has not yet received any bids

He plans to take his wife Zoe and children Edward and Sapphire to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter studio tour in Watford with the money he has earned.

The handyman says he won't be giving up his day job because the Eastbourne store he was depending on has now ran out of chicken.

He added: 'Sadly Eastbourne is now out of chicken so all good things must come to an end.'

Since the closure of KFC restaurants around the country this week, quick-thinking entrepreneurs have been trying to make money by selling meals on the black market for hundreds of pounds.

On Facebook alone bargain buckets are being advertised for 1,000 and 400, with one burger meal priced at 100, minus a delivery charge.

The crisis at KFC follows the company's decision to ditch its existing delivery company Bidvest Logistics in favour of DHL, which took over just last week. Pictured: A late-night KFC delivery to a London store this week

Sellers in London, Liverpool, Brighton, Bristol, Balckpool, Chester, Windsor and Milton Keynes have been jumping on the bandwagon.

One seller said he could include the famous KFC gravy for 20, with someone else trying to sell a KFC meal he found in his hotel room for 2.

Another has posted a KFC Boneless Banquet meal on eBay for 25,100. He has not yet received any bids.

The crisis at KFC follows the company's decision to ditch its existing delivery company Bidvest Logistics in favour of DHL, which took over just last week.

A failure in its computer system meant that deliveries out of its vast hub and warehouse in Rugby went into meltdown.

Restaurants ran out of chicken and were forced to shut, making the chain a laughing stock on social media. Some restaurants have re-opened but still with limited menus.





A DHL van is pictured with the words 'no chickens left on board overnight' and 'KFC LOL' on it
Two Iranian nationals are accused of trying to import 10 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in honey jars on a cargo flight to Australia.

Mehdi Solhi, 28, and Meysam Falahati Roshanagh, 31, appeared before Sydney's Central Local Court on Thursday, charged with importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine.

The two men were arrested by Australian Federal Police on Wednesday following an operation sparked by a drug seizure in Turkey last October.

Two Iranian nationals are accused of trying to import 10 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in honey jars on a cargo flight to Australia. Pictured: One of the jars they allegedly used

The AFP says 1.8kg of methamphetamine, bound for an address in Granville, was seized by authorities in Turkey in 2017, prompting the Australian operation.

The pair did not apply for bail and it was formally refused.

Falahati Roshanagh will next appear at Central Local Court on March 7, while Solhi is scheduled to face the same court on May 9.

This X-Ray image shows honey jars that were discovered to contain methamphetamine found on a cargo flight to Australia
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Tourists are flocking to see an abandoned Boeing jet in the middle of the field on the Indonesian island of Bali  but no-one is sure how it got there.

Surrounded by leafy trees, shipping containers and a hut, the plane rests in a large ditch just off the busy Raya Nusa Dua Selatan Highway.

Adding to the mystery, the enclosed plane has no identification or branding on it.

There is some speculation, from locals and aviation enthusiasts, that its owner had a dream of turning the airliner into a restaurant but couldn't foot the bill to see the project through - and so left it to rust.

Scroll down for video

Tourists are flocking to see an abandoned Boeing jet in the middle of the field on the Indonesian island of Bali

Despite it being behind a locked gate, guarded by security, the plane has become a quirky tourist attraction.

Katka and Mic the couple behind the popular travel blog 'we just travel', went to look at the plane in 2017 after reading about it.

They only had to type 'abandoned plane' into google and they were there in minutes.

They shared insider tips for the best advantage points to view the airliner on their blog.

Surrounded by leafy trees, shipping containers and a hut, the plane rests in a large ditch just off the busy Raya Nusa Dua Selatan Highway

Adding to the mystery is the fact that the plane, which sits on private lan, has no identification or branding on it

You can climb onto the shipping containers for a side-on sightseeing experience but for the best view in the field, you have to part with 10.000 IDR, or $0.000895 Australian cents.

Katka and Mic assured their blog readers this price could be negotiated down to 5.000 IDR.

Another travel vlogger Josh, from Exploring with Josh, visited the airliner in 2016.

'I have no idea how they got this plane to just sit here, but its here,' Josh says in the video. He tries to bribe the guards for a closer look but is quickly denied.

Despite it being behind a locked gate, guarded by security, the plane has become a quirky tourist attraction

You can climb onto the shipping containers for a side-on sightseeing experience but for the best view in the field, you have to part with 10.000 IDR, or $0.000895 Australian cents

But the plane is not the only Boeing 737 to find an unusual home on the island.

A second Boeing 737 sits 8km North, in Kedonganan an area of Jimbaran Beach, famous for it's grilled Seafood restaurants.

This one is right next door to a Dunkin Donuts and so close to the street that its wing hangs over the road.

It has it's engines removed and sits propped up on stilts in an otherwise empty block.

Katka and Mic (pictured) assured their blog readers this price could be negotiated down to 5.000 IDR

Another travel vlogger Josh, from Exploring with Josh, visited the airliner in 2016. 'I have no idea how they got this plane to just sit here, but its here,' Josh says in the video

In his vlog, Josh visits the second Boeing 737 and manages to climb into the cargo pit which is filled with boxes of blankets.

'This is so cool to be inside a plane though. No one could really do this unless you were working for planes or building them,' he said.

Read more: Exploring with Josh, abandoned planes in Bali
Andrej Uspenski, 38, (pictured arriving at Westminster Magistrates Court in London) has been sentenced to a 12-month community order for harassing his ex

A Royal Ballet photographer who sent his dancer ex-girlfriend a sex toy on her birthday and a picture of her dog drowning has been sentenced for his three-month harassment campaign.

Andrej Uspenski, 38, targeted Tatjana Novitjenko, 35, after she ended their relationship in June last year.

Russian-born Uspenski had been dating the dancer for eight months when she dumped him for being possessive.

She became 'very anxious' after receiving a string of aggressive text messages and got a court order to stop him getting in touch.

But the ruling made no difference and he continued to bombard her with texts, emails, flowers, a 'double-ended sex toy' and a picture of her dog drowning in a river.

Upsenki, of Hampstead, north London, admitted violence without harassment earlier this month and was sentenced to a 12-month community order today.

He is also required to undergo rehabilitation for 25 days and pay 170 in costs. The court ruled he must not contact Ms Novitjenko under any circumstances.

He targeted Tatjana Novitjenko (pictured) after she ended their relationship in June last year

Upsenki became a photographer when his dancing career ended, attending events with Ms Novitjenko. They then quickly started a relationship.

Reading Ms Novitjenko's witness statement in court, prosecutor Katie Bryan said: 'It does not make any sense, we had a boring conventional sex life.

'It shows that he has thought about it and that he has put effort into it, the thought process does not make any sense, which is why I am concerned.'

Ms Bryan continued: 'The complainant had been in a relationship with the defendant for eight months.

'It started in September 2016 and they moved in together in January 2017.

'The victim described him as being jealous and protective and they broke up in April 2017.

'He moved out of their shared flat taking most of his belongings and she took the rest to his place of work.

'After that he sent her a number of aggressive messages and there was an order made that he was not to contact her.

'On one occasion he attended a dance studio she attends and told people there she had aborted his baby.

'A harassment notice was then issued but texts continued, asking for receipts from his photography business.

'On 14 September 2017 he sent flowers to her front door which said, 'This time last year I kissed the most beautiful girl in the world

'The police serve a harassment notice but he continues.

'On 19 September he sent two emails, the first written in Russian about recent photos she had taken part in.

'In the email Uspenski asked: 'What's this picture? What poses are these? You want to be on a Baywatch photo shoot.'

'A second was written in English, apologising for contacting her and that he forgot about the seven-year rule.

Upsenki (pictured outside court), of Hampstead, north London, admitted violence without harassment earlier this month and was sentenced to a 12-month community order today

'On or around 20 October, while she was out of the country for her birthday, her flatmate received an odd-shaped package from the defendant which contained a double-ended dildo.

'Initially she thought it was a joke from another friend messing around, but then discovered a note with the defendant's handwriting.

'It said: 'Life is that serious, oh yes, life is that serious, but not really.'

'Attached to the card was a photo of her dog, photo-shopped to make it look like the dog was drowning.'

Raphael Steele, defending, said: 'This was a short, intense and passionate relationship and when it came to an end Mr Uspenski struggled to get over that.

'When they were together the complainant was dealing with Mr Uspenski's finances and that was the reason he was maintaining contact to get details of his accountant so he could continue his business.

'It was quite obvious the messages were unwanted from the harassment warning he received in July.

Uspenski (pictured) danced at the Royal Ballet as first artist and performed in Swan Lake after joining in 2002 but was forced to retire in 2015 due to an injury

'Mr Uspenski was quite upset and distressed, he wanted to try and be amicable with her, to be friendly, he did not mean any malice.

'In the text messages he sent the seven years of silence are of him reading the harassment warning, he meant 'I know I am not supposed to be contacting you but I just want to try and be friends.

'The relationship started professionally, he was helping to develop her social media profiles, so when he saw the images he said were 'Baywatch' he was saying 'I thought we had an idea of where we were going with this.'

'With regards to the present of the double-ended dildo and the pictures on the birthday card Mr Uspenski loved her three Chihuahua dogs.

'He wanted to put in some of her favourite things, the things she likes, a pair of Louis Vuitton shoes, a love heart and her dogs swimming.

'It was not an image of a dog drowning, Mr Uspenski loves the dogs and would never do anything like that.

'With regards to the double ended dildo, it was a long standing joke so that when he went out to the shops she would say what she wanted and then at the end say 'oh and a double ended dildo'.

Chief Magistrate Carolyn Mishon, concluded: 'First and foremost we notice that you have pleaded guilty and we have given you credit for that.

'However, this was very much a pre-planned period of harassment and you ignored the notice that had been given to you by the police.'

Uspenski danced at the Royal Ballet as first artist and performed in Swan Lake after joining in 2002 but was forced to retire in 2015 due to an injury.

He has since gained worldwide notoriety as a ballet photographer and has published several photography books.

He continues to work as a photographer for at the Royal Opera House and said in a 2016 interview: 'It sounds strange, but when I see somebody dancing, I know who they are - dancers are naked on stage.

'It's an inside knowledge from years of dancing myself.'
Hannah Turtle, 22, from Shotton, North Wales, was jailed for murdering her eight-week-old son James

A mother who suffocated her eight-week-old baby to death after poisoning his milk has been jailed for 14 years.

Hannah Turtle, 22, from Shotton, North Wales, admitted murdering her son James, after changing her plea, at Mold Crown Court.

Judge Clive Lewis ordered she should serve a minimum of 14 years and nine months years before she could apply for parole.

The judge said Turtle suffered from a personality disorder which reduced her culpability.

As there was no premeditation, he was not sure she intended to kill her son but to cause him serious bodily harm.

James was vulnerable and she had breached her position of trust as a mother, Judge Lewis told the court.

James' grandmother Kathleen Hughes described Turtle as 'pure evil', in a victim impact statement.

She told the court that what Turtle had done was unforgiveable.

Mrs Hughes also said she 'blamed' herself 'for so many different reasons'.

'I feel I should have noticed that Hannah was in that frame of mind and I should have done more to protect James', she added.

Turtle had denied murder, three charges of ill-treatment and two charges of administering James with her own anti-depression medication in his milk.

But on Tuesday, on day seven of her trial, she admitted all offences and told how she heard voices in her head telling her that she was a bad mother and did not deserve the baby.

Turtle (left, arriving at court chained to a guard earlier in her trial) admitted murdering her son James (right), after changing her plea, at Mold Crown Court

Turtle also received six months for cruelty and 12 months for administering a noxious substance, to be served concurrently.

In an emotional statement, James' family spoke of their heartache.

It read: 'On 13th June 2016 we sadly lost James. We all miss him more than words can say and our lives will never be the same again.

'As a family we have all been to hell and back through the initial loss of James, to the build-up of going to court and finally today now that justice has been served.

'We were all so scared about giving evidence in court, not because we had anything to hide, but just having to face the emotionally challenging prospect of seeing the person who murdered our son.

'She had the opportunity to prevent this additional torment, but she failed to do so.

'As a family we are all still suffering every day and we all feel in our own different way despair at what has happened.

'We will continue to support each other in every possible way that we can.

Ian Hughes (left), the father of James and former partner of Turtle, and Kathleen Hughes (right), grandmother of James, are pictured outside Mold Crown Court in North Wales today

'We have received lots of messages of support from members of the community and all sides of James' family for which we are truly grateful, but as a family we now need some time to continue to grieve.

'We would like to thank North Wales Police for all their hard work and the compassion that they have shown us.

'James will always be our little angel.'

North Wales police praised James' family for their 'dignity' during the trauma of the courtcase.

DCI Andy Williams said: 'We extend our sincerest condolences to baby James' family. This has been a very difficult and traumatic case for officers to deal with, but today justice has been done.

'We have supported the family at every stage of the investigation and we admire the dignity they have shown throughout.

'North Wales Police has been working with the North Wales Safeguarding Children's Board which will now look to complete a Child Practice Review.'

Turtle (pictured) sat in the dock at the court today with her head bowed, crying quietly

Turtle stopped James breathing three times over ten days, and the third episode led to the baby's death, Mold Crown Court heard.

In May 2016, she put her hand over nose and mouth and stopped him breathing despite him struggling against her.

Previously, the trial was delayed when Turtle was said to be feeling unwell.

Half a day was lost when she had apparently self harmed after buying a razor at the prison shop. She was said to have caused herself superficial injuries.

The court previously heard that Turtle had said: 'I wish I had never done it. I know I need help.'

Turtle sat in the dock today with her head bowed, crying quietly. She is expected to be sentenced on Thursday.

The judge said he had read reports from forensic psychiatrists instructed by the prosecution and defence - and he would be able to take those reports into account.

Gordon Cole QC, defending, said the jury had not heard the psychiatric evidence but said there was relevant material available which would go to mitigation.

Infanticide was no longer an issue, but post-natal depression was, he said.

While she had no mental illness it was agreed that she suffered from a personality disorder.

During the trial, prosecuting barrister David Elias QC told the jury that after putting forward different versions of events, she accepted that she had caused his death but did not mean to do it.

Turtle accepted that she stopped him breathing on three occasions within a ten-day period. It was the third episode which led to his death.

On May 31, 2016, she deliberately pinched his nose so that he was unable to breathe and he turned blue. Paramedics were called, he received hospital treatment and he was discharged back to his family, apparently in good health.

But the following day, on June 3, when alone with her son, she deliberately suffocated him again when he became floppy. He was resuscitated, he suffered a fit on the way to hospital, and doctors could find no medical reason for his condition.

The trial at Mold Crown Court (above) was delayed when Turtle was said to be feeling unwell

James returned home on June 6 but three days later the prosecution say she murdered him. Mr Elias said that she put her hand over nose and mouth and stopped him breathing despite the fact that he was struggling against her.

He was flailing his arms about and it went on for between five to ten minutes, he said.

She sat with his life-less body for several minutes, went to check on her mother-in-law, went to the toilet and, on her return to her room, pretended that she had just found him.

James did not recover from the last episode. He suffered brain damage from a devastating lack of oxygen and blood, and died in hospital on June 13 aged 58 days.

Turtle initially denied being responsible but then told a social worker and repeated it to a nurse that she had killed him.

She said she needed help and had heard voices telling her that she did not deserve James. 'I wish I had never done it. I know I need help,' she said.

The jury was told that when refused permission to go to the funeral she made false allegations against her partner Mr Hughes.

But in a later letter to the police she admitted that she was responsible. Turtle had denied murder, three charges of ill-treatment and two of administering poison.
The debate about US mass shootings, gun control, and the NRA and its contributions were brought sharply into focus this month after the Florida school massacre, when suspected gunman Nikolas Cruz shot and killed 17 people at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentines Day.

Following the massacre - the eighth school shooting in the US this year alone - in which 17 people were killed when the gunman fired his AR-15 into five classrooms, survivors and the victims families confronted politicians and the National Rifle Association, asking them why they keep happening.

In a listening session, President Trump, who was endorsed by the NRA during the 2016 US election, told the victims of the shooting that he would look into arming teachers and introducing stricter background checks.

The NRA is one of the most influential organisations in the US with over five million members

President Trump also went on to propose the ban on bump-stocks, which allow semi-automatic weapons to fire at a faster rate, like the one Stephen Paddock used when he gunned down hundreds of people at a music festival in Las Vegas on October 1, 2017.

Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was killed in the shooting, told Trump in the listening session: 'I'm very angry that this happened, because it keeps happening.'

He added that 9/11 'happened once, and they fixed everything. How many schools, how many children have to get shot?'

In a CNN town hall meeting on February 21, 2018 Senator Marco Rubio was branded pathetically weak by the victims of the shooting after he said that he does not support a ban on assault weapons because he doesnt think it would work.

Rubio was also attacked for saying that he would not turn down NRA political contributions in the future. The senator has received more than $3 million in campaign donations from the NRA over the course of his career.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio attended the CNN Town Hall meeting with the shooting victims

Donations which the Florida students branded blood money.

The senator said: 'People buy into my agenda - and I do support the Second Amendment. I will always accept the help of anyone who agrees with my agenda.'

NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch was also in attendance at the town hall meeting to explain the National Rifle Associations stance on gun control and restrictions.

However, she was booed by the audience and chastised by Broward County Sheriff Israel when she said she was on the side of the students.

'You just told this group of people that you are standing up for them,' he said.

'You're not standing up for them until you say, I want less weapons.'

NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch attended the meeting with the Florida shooting victims

Following the Florida school shooting, the NRA released a statement against proposals to raise the minimum age to buy firearms: 'Passing a law that makes it illegal for a 20-year-old to purchase a shotgun for hunting or an adult single mother from purchasing the most effective self-defense rifle on the market punishes law-abiding citizens for the evil acts of criminals.'

What is the NRA?

The National Rifle Association, known as the NRA, was founded in 1871 by two Union soldiers, William Conant Church and George Wood Wingate. The main goal of the NRA was set out to 'promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis', as it says on nra.org, the NRAs official website.

The NRAs political influence began to increase in 1934, when the organisation set up its Legislative Affairs Division, whose remit included keeping NRA members updated about any upcoming bill or legislation, as well as providing analysis and facts on the matters.

That year, the NRA actually lobbied for gun control legislation in the form of the 1934 National Firearms Act, which heavily taxed certain firearms and required them to be registered.

The NRAs support for gun control continued all the way to the 1970s. The organisation supported the 1967 Mulford Act in California, which prohibited the carrying of loaded weapons in public.

However, the NRA changed its ideology in the early 70s when the arrest of an NRA member, Kenyon Ballew by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, put the organisation at loggerheads with the US government.

The NRA lobbied for gun control in the 1930s and supported the 1934 National Firearms Act

By the late 70s, the NRA had shifted and expanded its political influence through the creation of a Political Action Committee (PAC), which would go on to help fund politicians who were supporters of the Second Amendment.

Beginning in the 1970s, the NRA relentlessly promoted the view that the right to own a gun is sacrosanct, James Surowiecki wrote in the New Yorker.

NRA Contributions

The NRA has a reputation as one of the most influential organisations in the United States. According to the New Yorker, the NRAs annual lobbying budget is roughly $3 million and has an annual operating budget of $250 million.

President Donald Trump spoke at the National Rifle Association Leadership Forum in May 2016

The NRA were key players in the 2016 US election, with an audit revealing that the organisations spending rose by $100 million to more than $419 million in 2016, in an effort to get Donald Trump elected. According to Center for Responsive Politics, the NRA spent in excess of $30 million backing Trumps candidacy.

In May 2016, Trump spoke at the NRAs Leadership Forum in Kentucky, and positioned himself as a supported of the Second Amendment throughout the campaign.

The Florida school shooting and Marco Rubios response to it drew attention to the Florida Senators connection to the NRA.

Over the course of his career, Marco Rubios NRA contributions totaled $3.3 million. In the 2015-2016 campaign cycle, the senator reportedly received $90,205 from gun rights groups, as well as an A+ rating from the NRA.

Former pro-gun rights Oklahoma Republican Senator Tom Coburn (right) at the 2014 CPAC

However, many commentators argue that while political contributions and finances are a significant part of the NRAs operation and influence, NRA members are more crucial.

NRA Membership

The NRA has five million members.

'The way you rise up in Republican politics is by supporting gun rights issues, and you do that because there a lot of Republican voters in the coalition who care very deeply about gun rights,' Lee Drutman, a fellow of the New America think tank told Vox in 2017.

Throughout its history, the NRA had many high-profile members. Chuck Norris and Tom Selleck are board members of the NRA, while Sarah Palin is a life member.

Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin inspired a rise in the amount of female NRA members

The former Alaska governor and the 2008 US Republican Vice Presidential picks love of hunting led to a surprising rise in female NRA members, with some calling it the Palin effect.

The former president George HW Bush was a one-time member, although he resigned in 1995.

Who is Wayne LaPierre?

Wayne Robert LaPierre is the executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the NRA. He has been in charge of the organisation since 1991 and has been a member since 1977.

It was during LaPierres leadership that President George HW Bush resigned his membership.

Wayne Robert LaPierre is the executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the NRA

Bush cited LaPierres defense of his description of Federal law-enforcement agents as jackbooted government thugs in the wake of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing as a key reason.

After the Sandy Hook shooting, LaPierre said that the lack of armed guards at the school was the reason the shooting happened.

Who is Dana Loesch?

Dana Loesch has emerged as a prominent NRA figure in the wake of the Florida school massacre. Loesch is an NRA spokesperson who represented the organisation at the CNN Town Hall meeting with the victims and survivors of the shooting.

She is a political commentator who has featured on programmes on networks including Fox News, CBS and CNN.

She also had her own show on Glenn Becks The Blaze, which ended in 2017.

She drew attention in July 2017 when she featured in an NRA recruitment video that has been accused of encouraging Civil War. In the ad, Loesch says that the only way to save our country is with the clenched fist of truth.

Loesch endorsed Ted Cruz in the 2016 US election.

NRA and Russia connection

In the course of Robert Muellers Trump-Russia probe, the investigation was expanded to look into whether a Russian central banker and Putin ally illegally moved money through the NRA to help Trumps 2016 US election campaign.

Democrat Senator Ron Wyden is requesting any documents from the NRA and Steve Mnuchins Treasury Department that show financial links between Russia and the organisation.

Former director of the FBI Robert Mueller is overseeing the Trump-Russia investigation

Mr Wyden wrote to NRA treasurer Wilson Phillips Jr: 'I am specifically troubled by the possibility that Russian-backed shell companies or intermediaries may have circumvented laws designed to prohibit foreign meddling in our elections.'

NRA Convention 2018

Following the Florida shooting, a Dallas city council member said the NRA should move its annual convention from the Texas city.

I am saying to the NRA, reconsider yourselves coming to Dallas, Caraway said.

There will be marches and demonstrations should they come to Dallas and we, Dallas, will be the ones that have to bear the cost and the responsibility and to protect the citizens.
A Los Angeles sheriff's deputy has been charged with sexually assaulting six inmates within six months, police have said.

Giancarlo Scotti, 31, faces six felony counts and two misdemeanor counts of sexual activity with a detainee in a detention facility, the Los Angeles County district attorney's office said.

Scotti's defense attorney, Anthony Falangetti, said his client - who is now on bail - would vigorously deny the charges.

Giancarlo Scotti was accused by lawyers representing the women he was alleged to have abused as being 'the worst of the worst in terms of law enforcement abuse by an individual that was actually tasked with protecting these women'

The abuse is alleged to have taken place at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, California

Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell announced last September the arrest of Giancarlo Scotti, who has now been charged with unlawful sexual activity with detainees

'Sheriff's Deputy Giancarlo Scotti never sexually assaulted anybody,' Falangetti told the Los Angeles Times.

The alleged assaults were reported to have taken place at the Century Regional Detention Facility between March and September last year.

Scotti, who had been working in the department for 10 years, was arrested in September after two women informed a teaching instructor that they had been allegedly attacked.

Police said the two women shared a cell and Scotti was able 'to put himself in a place where he was alone' with them. The attacks took place over the course of an hour, they said.

Prosecutors Wednesday said that Scotti ordered the two inmates to perform oral sex on him and that he later took them to a shower area and had 'unlawful' sex with both of them.

Scotti, 31, vehemently denies the allegation - he faces up to seven years in jail if he is convicted

In August, the lawsuit alleged, a pregnant inmate was changing inside her cell when he approached and ordered her to expose her genitals to him.

Scotti then opened his pants and ordered her to get on her knees, according to the lawsuit. The woman took Scotti's words as an order to perform oral sex and 'felt like she had no other choice but to comply with Deputy Scotti's forcible commands', the lawsuit said.

The second plaintiff in the lawsuit accused Scotti of sexually assaulting her in a shower at the jail the day before his arrest. She saved some of Scotti's semen on a piece of tissue paper, which she provided to investigators, according to the suit.

Inmates cannot legally consent to sexual intercourse with deputies under state and federal law.

A third woman filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in November alleging that Scotti forced her to perform oral sex on him at least a month before his arrest, Losangeles.cbslocal.com reported.

In November, the Sheriff's Department said investigators had interviewed 150 witnesses and presented a case to prosecutors a month earlier that involved three victims. Since then, investigators have identified three additional victims, Nicole Nishida, a spokeswoman for the agency, told the Los Angeles Times.

Nishida said Wednesday that Scotti remained on paid leave. He faces up to seven years in jail if he is convicted.

Justin Sterling, an attorney representing the two plaintiffs, welcomed the charges Wednesday.

'This case represents the worst of the worst in terms of law enforcement abuse by an individual that was actually tasked with protecting these women,' he said. 'It's the start of the process that ultimately gets them one step closer to justice.'
An unlucky bride almost missed her own wedding party after becoming stuck in an elevator for nearly an hour before being rescued by the fire service.

Melissa McNamara Rodger, was heading to her wedding reception at The Providence Biltmore in Rhode Island, when she became trapped in a lift between the 17th and 18th floor.

Her bridesmaids, who were waiting for the 32-year-old, quickly realised something was wrong and raised the alarm.

This unlucky bride (left) nearly missed her own party after being stuck in an elevator for nearly an hour before being rescued by the fire service (right)

Firefighters worked to free the bride and as they did she sipped a glass of champagne that had been handed to her through the open lift door.

Her husband, Justin, met her as she stepped out of the broken elevator and the occupational therapist was handed another glass of champagne.

Melissa said: 'It was quite boring for the first 30 minutes but once the doors opened it was a relief.

'I could see Justin and my family up on the 18th floor and actually speak with the fire chief face to face about what was going on.

Melissa McNamara Rodger, was attending her wedding reception at The Providence Biltmore in Rhode Island, but became trapped between the 17th and 18th floor

'And I was also able to crouch down on the floor to talk with the guests at the cocktail hour on the 17th floor.

'One was able to pass me a glass of champagne to drink while in the elevator.'

While travelling with her two wedding coordinators, Melissa heard a loud noise as the lift shook and came to a standstill.

They acted quickly and contacted hotel reception who rang the local fire services to rescue the trapped trio.

Eventually the lift started to move again, and Melissa was freed and greeted by cheering guests and cocktails

The elevator company arrived to stabilise the lift, turn the whole system off and reboot it all.

Justin said: 'I was shocked that an elevator got stuck going up one floor and worried about her safety.

'I initially thought that the girls would be bustling her dress for a few minutes, take some pictures and be down in 15 minutes.

'Then one of the bridesmaids whispered you need to come with me Melissa is stuck in the elevator.

'As I saw a sea of firemen working I knew she would be safe, but my next thought was "how long will this take?"'

Guests - including new husband Justin - soon rallied around and once the lift doors were open a glass of champagne was handed to the occupational therapist, so she could still enjoy her cocktail hour

New husband Justin (pictured left with Melissa) said: 'I was shocked that an elevator got stuck going up one floor and worried about her safety'

Eventually the lift started to move again, and Melissa was freed and greeted by cheering guests and cocktails.

Melissa said: 'It was a bit of a roller coaster. At first I was totally calm and fine.

'After 20 minutes I was becoming a little anxious to get to my party and not miss my entire wedding.

'Once they opened the doors I was elated but then I saw we were between floors and unable to escape so I quickly became down.

'When the doors closed, and the lift started to move again I was nervous but so excited when I saw light coming through the opening doors on the 18th floor.'
Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz could lose his public defenders after it was revealed that he stands to inherit $800,000 from his late adoptive parents.

Howard Finkelstein, the public defender of Broward County, Florida, filed a motion on Tuesday, asking a judge to conduct an 'indigency determination' of the teen.

If the investigation determines that Cruz has enough money to pay for private lawyers, Finkelstein's defenders could be removed from the case.

'It could result in us being removed from the case,' Finkelstein told ABC News on Wednesday. 'The question here is, are there enough resources to pay for a lawyer?'

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Nikolas Cruz, left, may lose his public defenders after it was revealed he could stand to inherit $800,000 from his parents' estates. Cruz is pictured above with one of his public defenders, Melisa McNeill, during his first court hearing last week

A family friend of Rocxanne Deschamps (pictured), 42, who initially took in the Cruz brothers after the death of their mother, filed a court papers the day after the shooting, expressing interest in the Cruz family estate

Finkelstein asked for the court to look into Cruz's finances after reports surfaced that the woman who initially cared for Cruz after his mother died in November was interested in her and her late husband's estate.

Cruz and his younger brother were sent to live with Rocxanne Deschamps after his adoptive mother Lynda died of pneumonia on November 1.

Her death came nearly 15 years after the death of Cruz's adoptive father. Neither of them left behind a will.

But it looks like they still had a considerable amount of money to hand down to their two children.

Documents obtained by DailyMail.com show that Lynda Cruz tried to get their previous home transferred into her name in December 2016. She went on to sell the home for $575,000, according to property records.

Cruz only spent a few weeks with Deschamps before asking to move in with the family of a former classmate, the Sneads.

Cruz's adoptive mother Lynda died in November, leaving him orphaned. She didn't leave behind a will, but Cruz still stood to inherit hundreds of thousands of dollars from her and her late husband's fortune. Lynda pictured with one of her adopted sons above

The Sneads said Cruz told them that he stood to inherit a combined $800,000 from his adoptive parents' estates.

News of Cruz's potential inheritance broke when it was revealed that Deschamps' lawyers filed a motion the day after the shooting, claiming an interest in the Cruz family estate 'as a family friend...who is caring for a 50% beneficiary'.

Deschamps continues to care for Cruz's younger brother.

Cruz was assigned a public defender because he filled out paperwork after his arrest, claiming he didn't have enough money to pay a lawyer to defend himself.

Finkelstein says his office has never had this issue before.

'We are never involved in probate matters,' Finkelstein said. 'In the public defender's office, nobody has ever come up to me and said, "Hey Howard, our client may be worth $800,000."'

Cruz made his first court appearance last week with one of Finkelstein's public defenders, Melisa McNeill.

After the hearing, Cruz's defense team revealed that he was on suicide watch and that he understood the magnitude of his actions.

If the court determines that Cruz has enough money to pay for his own lawyers, the public defenders will be taken off the case

McNeill told reporters gathered outside the courtroom that her client was sad and remorseful.

'He's sad. He's mournful. He's remorseful. He is fully aware of what is going on, and he's just a broken human being,' she said.

She became emotional while speaking to reporters, saying she's fully aware of the impact the shooting has had on the community, as a parent herself.

'I had to have the exact same conversation that every parent in Broward had to have with their children this morning, then I had to walk and meet with him,' McNeill said. 'I'm fully aware of the impact this has on the people who live here.

Another member of the defense team, Gordon Weeks, was brought to tears as he addressed reporters, telling them that Cruz 'recognizes' what he has done and is 'deeply sad'.

'He is dealing with the shock of all this that's going on,' Weeks said.

McNeill and Weeks said that Cruz suffers from autism, depression and has dealt with significant psychological problems - all without the sort of support system that most people have.

'When your brain is not fully developed, you don't know how to deal with these things,' McNeil said. 'That's the child I'm sitting across from.'

Weeks added: 'The child is deeply troubled and he has endured significant trauma that stems from the loss of his mother.'
Belgian police sealed off several streets in Brussels after reports of armed men and a murder, sending in a massive team of specialist armed units into the neighbourhood where a suspect in the Paris attacks hid from authorities.

They searched two apartments, warning residents to stay inside following witness reports that an armed man could be at large in the in the Forest neighborhood on Thursday.

The area was reopened after about three hours and police spokeswoman Kathleen Calie later confirmed the incident was not terror-related.

Earlier, masked police, some armed with automatic weapons, were aiming their guns high at a building near the Place Saint-Denis while a police helicopter flew overhead.

Belgian police sent in a massive team of specialist armed units into the neighbourhood where a suspect in the Paris attacks hid from authorities

Armed police officers were pictured hiding behind buildings and staking out a building rooftop amid reports an armed man could be at large in Brussels

During the search, they were pictured hiding behind buildings and staking out a building rooftop in the district.

In 2016, it was the scene of a shootout with police involving Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam that led to his capture three days later.

Thursday's incident began after a Polish man reported what he said was a murder, Calie said.

When police arrived at the address, they found nothing.

'It seems he may have expressed himself badly,' Calie said.

But witnesses there said that an incident had happened at a nearby building and they reported seeing an armed man, so officers from Belgium's special federal police force were called in, she said.

'We can rule out terrorism,' Calie said.

Police closed down a street in Brussels in a major security operation involving armed units

Police weren't immediately available to comment on the incident, which began at lunchtime

Local mayor Marc-Jean Ghyssels told broadcaster RTBF that police were called because of the 'presence of armed people in a building.'

'At this stage it seems to be a private dispute. There is absolutely no link with terrorism,' he said.

The area was sealed off at around 12.15pm local time and people were warned to stay in their homes.

But a police spokeswoman denied media reports that an armed gunman was hiding in the area, saying the heavily armed units were responding to reports of a possible murder.

She said the special units of the federal police had been deployed in a major security operation after a Polish man reported that someone had been murdered in the morning.

Belgian police have sealed off part of a Brussels suburb amid media reports that an armed man could be at large

'They are searching the buildings but we can say there has not been any terrorist attack,' she said.

A local police spokesman told AFP a Polish man had gone to a local shop on Thursday 'and said that a murder had been committed at a local residence.

'The residence was visited and there was nothing. But other people spoke of a disturbance nearby.'

Belgian special forces prepare to take position after an area of the Forest commune was closed

Witnesses at the scene told local media that armed police at the scene are ready to fire

Armed police officers were pictured hiding behind buildings and staking out a building rooftop in the Forest neighborhood of the Belgian capital

Witnesses at the scene told local media that armed police at the scene were ready to fire.

'I was behind a bus when all of a sudden, the police came armed, they told us to leave the street,' one told RTBF.

'So I went around and there I saw people start running in all directions.'

Belgium recently lowered its threat level after almost two years on high alert. In March 2016 suicide bomb attacks on the Brussels airport and an underground station killed 32 people.
Heavily-armed police officers swarmed a car at a set of traffic lights in a dramatic confrontation that was caught on camera.

A 21-year-old man was arrested at an intersection off the Roe Highway in Willetton, south of Perth just before 6pm on Wednesday.

Two police cars boxed in the man's white Holden Viva before about a dozen officers jumped out with guns drawn and pulled the driver from the vehicle.

The moment heavily-armed police officers swarm a car stopped at a set of traffic lights has been caught on camera

A 21-year-old man was arrested at an intersection off the Roe Highway in Willetton, south of Perth just before 6pm on Wednesday

Two police cars boxed in the man's white Holden Viva before about a dozen officers jumped out and pulled the driver from the vehicle

He was taken to the ground and arrested in front of onlookers.

A witness told Nine News he had 'no idea' the police were following the driver, who was wanted over a number of offences.

WA Police said they searched the driver's home and seized items, but did not disclose what offences the man had committed.

The video showed plain clothes officers swarmed around the car and opened all four doors while pointing their weapons at the vehicle.

The arrest was made in the middle of peak hour traffic on the busy off-ramp.

He was taken to the ground and arrested, while onlookers watched on

A witness told Nine News he had 'no idea' the police were following the driver, who was wanted over a number of offences
The European Court of Justice has ruled that firms can make pregnant women redundant as long the dismissal is not related to their pregnancy.

In a ruling today, the court rejected an appeal made by a pregnant woman who lost her job at Spain's Bankia in 2013.

Jessica Porras's case revolved around the EU's Directive 92/85, which prohibits the dismissal of a pregnant employee during the period between conception and the end of maternity leave.

In a ruling today, the court rejected an appeal made by a pregnant woman who lost her job at Spain's Bankia in 2013. Pictured: A stock image showing a pregnant woman at work

But the law allows exceptions according to national law so long as the pregnancy is not a reason for the dismissal.

The ECJ ruled that Bankia had explained to workers' representatives - and to Ms Porras personally - that job cuts were incoming.

Ms Porras was given a low grade in a company evaluation of staff and so was let go, the ECJ said.

The ruling explained: 'By todays judgment, the Court rules that Directive 92/85 does not preclude national legislation which allows an employer to dismiss a pregnant worker in the context of a collective redundancy.'

Jessica Porras's case revolved around the EU's Directive 92/85, which prohibits the dismissal of a pregnant employee during the period between conception and the end of maternity leave. Pictured: The European Court of Justice in Luxembourg

It added: 'In such cases, the employer must provide the dismissed pregnant worker with the reasons justifying the redundancy as well as the objective criteria chosen to identify the workers to be dismissed.'

The case was sent to the ECJ by Catalonia's high court after Ms Porras appealed a court ruling in Mataro, near Barcelona.
CNN has denied scripting questions for Wednesday night's town hall meeting on gun control and safety with survivors of the Parkland massacre.

Colton Haab, 17, a member of the Junior ROTC who shielded students with Kevlar vests while the school was under attack from the shooter, said he decided not to attend the televised meeting after the network rejected a question he wanted to ask and presented him with one of their own.

'CNN had originally asked me to write a speech and questions and it ended up being all scripted,' Haab told Miami's WPLG-TV.

The network released a statement on Thursday morning refuting Haab's allegation.

It read: 'There is absolutely no truth to this. CNN did not provide or script questions for anyone in last night's town hall, nor have we ever.

School shooting survivor Colton Haab, 17 (pictured), a member of the Junior ROTC who shielded students while the school was under attack from the shooter, said he decided not to attend a town hall hosted by CNN after he was presented with the prepared question

CNN claimed that Haab's father withdrew his name from participation before the forum began (Pictured, Haab's questions)

CNN aired a town hall on the Florida school shooting that included Florida Senators Marco Rubio (right) and Bill Nelson. Moderated by CNN anchor Jake Tapper (left), students and parents asked questions about gun control and school safety

The network released a statement on Thursday morning that read: 'There is absolutely no truth to this. CNN did not provide or script questions for anyone in last night's town hall, nor have we ever'

'After seeing an interview with Colton Haab, we invited him to participate in our town hall along with other students and administrators from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School,' the statement continued.

'Colton's father withdrew his name from participation before the forum began, which we regretted but respected. We welcome Colton to join us on CNN today to discuss his views on school safety.'

Haab said was planning to ask about school safety, and the possibility of using veterans as armed security guards in schools, but the questions were rejected by CNN.

After allegedly being told he had to ask a scripted question, Haab decided not to attend the town hall.

'I don't think that it's going get anything accomplished. It's not gonna ask the true questions that all the parents and teachers and students have,' Haab said.

Many GOP members have accused survivors of the Parkland shooting to be crisis actors.

A video on YouTube that became the number 1 trending clip on the site claimed that 17-year-old shooting survivor David Hogg was a 'crisis actor'

The video regurgitates a Californian news broadcast from summer 2017 which shows Hogg describing how a friend of his got into an argument with a lifeguard on the beach.

A keen student journalist, Hogg, who was 16 at the time, said he started filming when his friend and the lifeguard got into an altercation.

The teenager and his family moved to Florida from California, where they had lived for years, in 2014.

He shared the video on his own YouTube channel where it gathered hundreds of views and attracted the attention of a local CBS channel which then filmed a segment on the fight.

Because it was taken six months before the shooting at Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and was filmed in a different state, conspiracy theorists deduced that it was proof Hogg is an actor who has been hired to speak around the country.

Rubio (left) was called 'pathetically weak' by a victim's father, Fred Guttenberg (right), for refusing to support an assault weapon ban during Town Hall meeting with Florida massacre victims and families

Also attendants of the town hall meeting were he NRA's Dana Loesch (right) and Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel (left)

CNN aired a town hall on the Florida school shooting that included Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) and the NRA's Dana Loesch and Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel.

Moderated by CNN anchor Jake Tapper, students and parents asked questions about gun control and school safety.

During the town hall, Rubio received a chorus of boos when he said that a ban on assault weapons would not have prevented the fatal shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

One of the first parents to take the stage was Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was killed after being shot in the back as she ran away from the shooter, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, on Valentine's Day.

'Your comments this week and those of our president are pathetically weak. Look at me and tell me you will do something about guns,' the bereaved father implored.

'Were guns a factor?'

Rubio did say that yes - guns were a factor, but insisted that an all-out ban on assault and semi-automatic weapons was not the answer.

He said his reason for not supporting the ban is because it would outlaw roughly 200 types of guns - assault rifles - while the purchase of over 2,000 types of 'nearly identical' guns would still be legal.
A bikini barista who was attacked by a knife-wielding man when he crawled through her coffee stand and tried to rape her says she fought back with all her strength so he couldn't kill her.

Madeline Guinto had just opened the coffee stand at Hottie Shots Espresso at Kent in Washington state 4.45am on Tuesday when the suspect was caught on surveillance climbing through the window.

The shocking video shows the man grabbing Guinto and putting the knife to her throat before eventually dragging her to her feet and forcing her to climb through the window.

Guinto said he took her down a dark alley and tried to rape her.

Bikini barista Madeline Guinto was attacked on Tuesday morning after opening the coffee stand at Hottie Shots Espresso at Kent in Washington state

'He told me that if I didn't get out of the stand he would kill me and when he said that he pressed (the knife) closer to my throat,' she told KVAL of the attack.

'I want people to know I put up a fight.'

Guinto said her survival instincts kicked in and she did everything she could to fight back.

'As he's choking me, I'm shrugging my shoulders to keep the air coming into my lungs and I'm searching for a knife.

'I'm doing everything I can to stall him. I'm dragging my feet. I'm giving him dead body weight so it's not easy for him to just walk him over into my death.

'I was just like, 'Oh God why isn't anyone pulling up'.'

She said that after he cornered her, he suddenly got scared and stepped back - giving her the opportunity to run back to her coffee stand and call police.

The surveillance shocking video shows the man climbing through the window as the victim had her back turned

The man could be seen lunging at Guinto and putting the knife to her throat in the stand

The woman held the woman in the corner of the coffee stand briefly before dragging her to her feet and knife point

The victim said the knife-wielding man forced her through the window before taking her down a dark alley where he tried to rape her

Kent Police, who said the man ordered a drink right before the attack, put out the surveillance footage in a bid to track down the suspect.

They arrested 33-year-old Michael Reynolds the following day.

Reynolds, who has an extensive criminal history, was taken into custody at a furniture warehouse where he worked.

'That's relieving just to know he won't ever get anyone again. I'm kind of just glad it's over,' Guinto said of her attacker's arrest.

'I'm trying so hard not to live in fear, I don't want this to destroy me.'

Guinto suffered a few scratches in the attack and is taking some time off to recover at home.

She said this is the second incident she has endured at the coffee stand after she was robbed there in October.

Guinto said she isn't sure that she will go back to work there.

Guinto said her survival instincts kicked in and she did everything she could to fight back

Michael Reynolds, 33, was arrested over the attack on the bikini barista. Guinto suffered a few scratches in the attack and is taking some time off to recover at home
A man on child sex charges attempted to slit his neck and wrists while he awaited his outcome in front of a regional New South Wales court.

The man allegedly smuggled a sharp object in to the Griffith courtroom to cut himself in front of the judge and jury.

The security lapse has the NSW government under fire for their handling and funding of regional courtroom security.

The security lapse has the NSW government under fire for their handling and funding of regional courtroom security

'Although the Government is secretive about the number of sheriff officers they employ, it seems less than 250,' New South Wales Shadow Attorney Paul Lynch said.

He said: 'There are simply not enough sheriffs officers to provide proper security at our court houses.'

'Its serious enough that several years ago magistrates complained. Despite that, and despite Labor raising this issue, the Government has sat on its hands,' the Western Advocate reported.

The man was taken to Griffith Base Hospital and treated for the self-inflicted wounds

Other regional courts such as Albury and Wagga have metal detectors in place. Wodonga on the border of Victoria and New South Wales has scanners installed and extra security staff.

The man who can not be named for legal reasons was taken to Griffith Base Hospital and treated for the self-inflicted wounds.

He has been refused bail and awaits sentencing.
Barnaby Joyce and his pregnant girlfriend went on a 2,000 kilometre summer road trip taking in scenic beaches in New South Wales and tropical Queensland.

Vikki Campion continued to travel with the Deputy Prime Minister even though she left his office in April 2017.

Weeks before news broke of their relationship, the couple travelled together to scenic beaches up and down the east coast of Australia.

Mr Joyce declined to tell the Daily Telegraph whether the 11-day road trip was paid from the public purse or if it was funded out of the politician's own pocket.

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Barnaby Joyce's work trips with his former adviser Vikki Campion cost taxpayers $42,208 - before they embarked on a summer road trip

Mr Joyce (pictured in the Armidale apartment he lived in rent-free with Vikki Campion) travelled 2,000km with his girlfriend in December 2017 and January 2018

Their itinerary included a stop over at Palm Cove, near Cairns in tropical far north Queensland, where the couple were spotted in a car park near the beach late last year.

Their travels in December 2017 and January 2018 took them 2,000 kilometres from Wooli beach, near Grafton in northern NSW, to north Queensland, including a stop in Townsville.

Ms Campion, a 33-year-old former Daily Telegraph journalist, joined Mr Joyce as a media adviser in May 2016 and continued as a paid staffer with him until April 2017.

During that time, they ran up taxpayer travel bills of $42,208 as they travelled together for work.

But they ran up another set of bills, of $1,238, when she briefly returned to the Deputy Prime Minister's office in August 2017, taking their total tab to $43,446.

Mr Joyce and Ms Campion were photographed together in a bar at Glebe in Sydney's inner-west in February 2017, after flying down from Tamworth

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting anything illegal took place and is not accusing Mr Joyce of misusing public funds.

This publication has examined the records from the Department of Finance and Defence, which operate VIP flights for ministers.

In the same month she left his office, Ms Campion accompanied Mr Joyce on a trip to Gympie, north of Brisbane.

She joined him again in Rockhampton in August 2017, after she had left the office of Nationals cabinet minister Matt Canavan and temporarily rejoined her former boss.

Ms Campion had plenty of treats for Mr Joyce as she accompanied him on trips across NSW, Queensland and Victoria

EXPENSES TIMELINE 27 May 2016  Gold Coast/Tamworth: $11,000  VIP flight 17 June 2016  Glen Innes/Lismore: $1,334  VIP flight 17 June 2016  Lismore/Inverell: $1,334  VIP flight 25 August 2016 - Melbourne/Sydney: $1,135; Comcars: $346 5 October 2016  Orange/Narrandera: $562  VIP flight 5 October 2016  Narrandera/Deniliquin: $351  VIP flight 27 October 2016  Tamworth/Rockhampton: $5,520  VIP flight 27 October 2016  Rockhampton/Orange: $8,280  VIP flight 14 November 2016  Brisbane/East Sale: $8,740  VIP flight 14 November 2016 - East Sale/Melbourne: $2,300  VIP flight 23 February 2017 - Tamworth/Sydney: $356 flight; two night travel allowance: $442; Comcars: $73 25 February 2017 - Sydney/Tamworth: $356 flight; Comcar: $79 Sources: Department of Finance, Defence Advertisement

During that trip last year, the Deputy Prime Minister claimed $744 for two nights of travel allowance and flights from Brisbane to Rockhampton, costing taxpayers $494.

That was before she moved on to work for Nationals whip Damian Drum as a social media adviser.

Mr Joyce's 24-year marriage to his estranged wife Natalie ended after Ms Campion had joined his office.

Ms Campion is due to give birth in April, which means she had sexual intercourse with the Deputy Prime Minister in July 2017, only a month after Mr Joyce appeared at Canberra's Mid-Winter Ball with Natalie Joyce wielding a whip.

When Ms Campion first joined the Deputy PM's office in May 2016, she travelled with her boss on VIP flights to the New South Wales towns of Tamworth, Glen Innes, Armidale, Lismore, as Mr Joyce campaigned for the upcoming July election.

Three months later, in August 2016, the pair caught a flight from Sydney to Melbourne costing taxpayers $1,135 so they could attend an Australian Dairy Industry Symposium.

In October and November 2016, Mr Joyce and Ms Campion took six VIP trips together, costing $25,753, taking them across central-western NSW, Rockhampton in central Queensland, Brisbane and Melbourne.

In February last year, Mr Joyce was photographed with Ms Campion drinking a bar at Glebe in Sydney's inner-west.

During that visit to the New South Wales capital, Mr Joyce claimed two nights of travel allowance worth $442, along with flights from Sydney to Tamworth each costing $356.

Nationals MP Andrew Broad has declared he will raise Mr Joyce's leadership when MPs from the junior Coalition partner meet in Canberra on Monday.

'He needs to step down as leader of the National Party, take a step back into the back bench for a time,' he told ABC radio on Thursday.

The New South Wales central west didn't miss out either, with Mr Joyce and Ms Campion visiting Orange and Deniliquin

The Deputy Prime Minister and his girlfriend also travelled together to Rockhampton in central Queensland when she was on his staff

Ms Campion travelled extensively across Australia with her former boss, flying with him from Brisbane to Victoria (flight receipts pictured above)
The NRA spokeswoman who was booed out of a Town Hall on Wednesday night by the angry survivors of the Parkland school shooting is a former mommy blogger.

Dana Loesch, 39, appeared at the CNN-arranged meeting in Sunrise, Florida, on Wednesday night on behalf of the association to face tough questions from students.

To the youngsters' outrage, she ignored their pleas to outlaw assault rifles and bump stocks and instead focused her arguments on enforcing background checks at a federal level to ensure that only sane, stable people can buy the weapons.

'I don't believe this insane monster should have ever been able to obtain a firearm. Ever. I do not think that he should have gotten his hands on any kind of weapon.

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Dana Loesch, the NRA spokeswoman who appeared at a Town Hall in Sunrise, Florida, on Wednesday night to discuss gun reform. She was booed out afterwards

'This individual was nuts. And I, nor the millions of people that I represent, none of us support people who are crazy who are a danger to themselves, to others, getting their hands on a firearm.

'I don't want anyone to ever be in this position again,' she said.

Loesch's appearance agitated the crowd. When she criticized CNN, the arena audience booed enthusiastically and she received the same disdain as she left the stage surrounded by an entourage.

On Thursday, as she spoke at CPAC, she said she would not have made it out if she didn't have her own bodyguards with her.

'You heard that town hall last night. They cheered the confiscation of firearms. And it was over 5,000 people.

'I had to have a security detail to get out. I wouldn't be able to exit that if I didn't have a private security detail.

'There were people rushing the stage and screaming burn her. And I came there to talk solutions and I still am going to continue that conversation on solutions as the NRA has been doing since before I was alive,' she said.

Loesch, who is from Missouri but lives in Dallas, Texas, was hired by the NRA to be its national spokeswoman in February 2017. Until then, its executive vice president Wayne LaPierre had been its most recognizable face.

Before that, she enjoyed a colorful career in right-wing journalism and punditry and years earlier, penned Mamalogues, a mommy blog where she wrote in a decidedly more liberal tone.

In one entry from 2004, she described being taught by 'the finest minds of the liberal variety'.

Later posts included references to her sons Ewan and Luke and how she and her husband Chris wanted to raise them.

She described her family as 'Jesus Freaks' and proudly shared photographs of her Ephesians arm tattoo which refers to the bible verse which reads in part: 'Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes.'

In 2011, Loesche shut down the website as her public profile grew.

'I will no longer be updating this website.

A self-professed 'Jesus Freak', Loesch has a tattoo on her forearm which references Ephesians 6:12-13 which reads:' For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.'

Before launching her career as a political pundit, Loesch found internet success with her mommy blog, Mamalogues. She was not as outspoken then about her views and told how she'd been educated by the 'finest liberal minds' in St Louis. Above, a picture from her site in 2004

After launching her radio show, The Dana Show, Loesch was hired by the late Breitbart founder Andrew Breitbart in 2010 who she described as her 'biggest cheerleader'. She worked for him on Big Journalism and is pictured with him and the late conservative icon Phyllis Schlafly

'It will remain here for an indefinite period, but because my boys are getting older I'm uncomfortable with documenting their lives as I used to and wish to give them a bit more privacy as they grow into their own.

'If they ever put me into a nursing home, I don't want it to be a bad one because I wrote about their first date online.

'Also, what I do for a living now takes up all the extra time that parenting my children does not,' she wrote.

At the time, she had made appearances on multiple mainstream networks for a variety of subjects and had worked for The St. Louis Dispatch.

Her foray into politics came in around 2008 when she launched her radio show, The Dana Show. She called it 'the conservative alternative'.

A year later, she co-founded the St. Louis Tea Party and a year afterwards, was hired by the late Breitbart co-founder Andrew Breitbart to become the editor of Big Journalism.

Loesch has written two conservative books. The first was released in 2014 (left) and the second was in 2016 (right)

Loesch is pictured on the cover of Guns and Ammo in 2015. At the time, she was a radio host and columnist having gradually become increasingly outspoken and entrenched in her views

Loesch also hosted a show on The Blaze where she sparked controversy in 2016 by labeling Trump supporter Kayleigh McEnany (pictured right) 'flat-chested'. McEnany had both of her breasts removed as a preventative measure to avoid breast cancer. She angered Loesch, who supported Ted Cruz in the primaries, by saying anyone who did not support Trump was not conservative

She would go on to pen columns for Breitbart News until Andrew's death in 2012 after which she sued the outlet.

Details of the dispute are murky but in her complaint, she described a hostile workplace which she claimed was binding her to a contract she no longer wished to be tied to.

It was during those years that she also came into contact with Steve Bannon, Trump's former aide who Loesch once described as 'one of the worst people on God's green earth'.

The mother-of-two continued to film The Dana Show and it gathered pace online, winning her thousands of YouTube viewers.

She started to appear regularly as a pundit on mainstream news networks, offering her conservative view on a variety of topics.

In 2014, she released her first book - Hands Off My Gun: Defeating the Plot to Disarm America.

The mother-of-two is pictured with her husband and manager Chris. They moved from St. Louis, Missouri, to Texas several years ago

Loesch regularly shares photographs from the gun range where she and her husband take their sons Ewan and Luke

Her 49-year-old husband Chris is a keen hunter and her biggest fan

She appeared on the cover in a fitted red dress and stilettos, toting a large assault rifle. Her second book, Fly Over Nation, was released in 2016.

In the same year she joined The Blaze where she often espoused on conservative topics and shared her view of who she was supporting in the then forthcoming presidential election.

Interestingly, it was not Donald Trump who she said she could not stand behind because of his changing 2nd amendment stance and history of making deals with crime figures. Instead, she endorsed Ted Cruz.

The NRA donated $30million to Trump's election campaign.

A link to The Dana Show episode where she first listed why she was not supporting Trump is no longer available. She published it before she was brought on in her new role with the NRA which donated $30million to Trump's election campaign.

Before removing it and withdrawing her opinions on the then-candidate, she sparked fury with an impassioned radio show where she called a Trump supporter who had undergone a double mastectomy to prevent breast cancer 'flat chested'.

Loesch was hired by the NRA in February 2017 and has undergone a conservative make-over since taking the role of national spokeswoman. She is pictured on Thursday at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland

The Trump supporter had claimed that anyone who did not support Trump was not conservative.

Loesch, outraged, fumed: 'Who is this chick? Baby cakes, this was more than just going on television and flashing them pearly whites and your flat-chested, red dress, over sprayed bleach blonde hair while you sit here and you preach all this stuff about who is or isn't a conservative.'

She later argued that she was invoking the president's combative, insult-laden style of debate at the time.

Loesch gently softened her opinion of him gradually and, by inauguration day, was a firm fan.

On her radio show on January 21, 2017, she played celebratory music and screamed: 'It is a new day in America!'

Since being hired by the NRA, she has been the face of several controversies.

In July last year, she was the face of a widely-criticized ad for the association where she said members must fight the 'madness' of women's marches and angry liberalism with 'a clenched fist of truth'. Some said the video incited violence.

In October, after the Las Vegas shooting which claimed 58 lives, Loesch appeared to trivialize the issue of banning semi-automatic and automatic guns with this tweet

She sparked fury in October after the Las Vegas shooting, the deadliest in US history which claimed 58 lives by responding to the calls of doctors to ban automatic and semi-automatic weapons.

'Right after we ban pools, cars, cigarettes, hands, feet and fists. Lives lost due to these constitute an epidemic,' she wrote.

Loesch is vocal on Twitter and shares titbits of her private life on Instagram but is careful not to publicize her children's names or faces.

After the Las Vegas shooting last year, she complained that the family had to move because she had been receiving death threats from anti-gun activists.

One, she said, told her he would 'rape her to death'.
About two-thirds of Americans said they support stricter guns laws, with nearly half of Republicans in agreement, a new Morning Consult/Politico poll found.

As of Tuesday, 64 per cent of registered voters indicated they strongly support or somewhat support tougher gun laws, with 30 per cent standing in opposition.

Among Republicans, pollsters found that there's been an uptick in support for strengthening gun control laws since the June 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, with 45 per cent of GOP voters now expressing some degree of support.

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A new poll shows that President Trump may have some political cover if he decides to push new gun control measures as nearly half of the Republican voters and the Trump voters surveyed said they were supportive of strengthening gun laws

Sen. Marco Rubio put himself in the hot seat at a CNN town hall Wednesday night, but his softening on gun control may not be as politically problematic with Republican voters as it was in the past

Broken down, 21 per cent of Republicans said they 'strongly' support more gun control, while another 24 per cent said they 'somewhat' support going in that legislative direction.

On the flip side, 29 per cent said they strongly oppose new gun control laws, while another 20 per cent said they somewhat oppose toughening firearm restrictions.

These numbers suggest that Republicans, including President Trump and Sen. Marco Rubio  who suggested he was malleable on his gun positions during a CNN town hall Wednesday night  might have some political cover if they decide to support new laws.

Rubio, the sole Republican politician from Florida who appeared at the televised event, told attendees, from the Florida high school that was shot up, that he was 'reconsidering' his position on high-capacity magazines.

'I'll tell you why, because while it may not prevent an attack, it may save lives in an attack,' the Florida Republican said.

He also said age 18 is too young to buy a rifle, and he'd support bumping it up to 21.

Rubio was against arming schoolteachers, but was for strengthening background checks.

Trump, for his part, pushed out a wide array of ideas since last Wednesday's Parkland, Florida shooting, everything from giving teachers guns to banning bump stocks.

The poll showed that Trump voters, who represent a larger segment of poll respondents than registered Republican voters, held nearly identical views, with 45 per cent saying they strongly support or somewhat support toughening gun laws, while 30 per cent said they strongly oppose more gun control measures.

With a third of his voters firmly in the opposition camp, and having accepted the National Rifle Association's endorsement in May 2016, the president has had to kiss that ring too.

'What many people dont understand, or dont want to understand, is that Wayne, Chris and the folks who work so hard at the @NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots,' Trump tweeted Thursday morning. 'They love our Country and will do the right thing. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'
Motorist Nick Watson, 32, who smashed his car into a massive pothole in the Scottish Highlands climbed into the gap to prove it is big enough to have a bath in

A motorist who smashed his car into an enormous pothole climbed into the gap to prove it is big enough to have a bath in.

Nick Watson, 32, was driving through the Scottish Highlands with friends when he hit a massive pothole in the middle of a country road.

The impact damaged one of his tyres and he left the car to inspect the hole on the A82 near Bridge of Orchy, in Argyll and Bute on Wednesday.

Mr Watson's was left stunned when he discovered the actual size of the pothole and then sat in it to show just how big it is.

Mr Watson, from Newcastle, explained how shocked he was at the crash. 'We were literally coming for a photography trip, and just got to Scotland.

'There was four of us in the car and we hit that pothole.

'The pothole is big enough to have a bath in. I'm 5ft 11in tall and it was big enough for me to sit in.

'It's over three feet long, about one-and-a-half feet wide and almost four inches deep.

'Now it's just now going to cost me money to repair that tire but I'm happy it is not the worst kind of damage to happen.

'Hopefully it will manage to get us home safely.'

he impact damaged one of his tyres and he left the car to inspect the hole on the A82 near Bridge of Orchy, in Argyll and Bute on Wednesday

Mr Watson added: 'It's just my luck, to be honest. I am always unlucky when it comes to these things.'

A recent study concluded that Scottish roads are littered with the highest number of potholes in the UK and would stretch to a combined depth of nearly four miles.

It found revealed that a total of 154,310 potholes were reported to Scottish councils last year - around 16,000 more than the next worst-hit region, the South-west of England.

Mr Watson, from Newcastle, explained how shocked he was at the crash. 'We were literally coming for a photography trip, and just got to Scotland. 'I'm 5ft 11in tall and it was big enough for me to sit in'

Scots are reporting around 423 holes each day, triple the amount reported by those in London.

BEAR Scotland, who maintain the A82, have been approached for comment.
A photographer who took the controversial photo of comedienne Kathy Griffin holding up a severed Trump head had Secret Service agents camped outside of his house for weeks after the image was published, according to a new report.

Tyler Shields, 35, forced himself into lock down for three weeks in May last year because of the tremendous backlash both he and Griffin received due to the gruesome and disturbing nature of the photo, reportedThe Blast.

The Los Angeles-based photographer was reportedly receiving death threats and was concerned that he would be hauled in for questioning by officials over the violent imagery of the president.

Shields' concerns were legitimized when he noticed a dark car parked outside his home for 'weeks' and when he approached the vehicle, he was allegedly told they were Secret Service agents.

Ultimately, Shields was not questioned over the ordeal but it left him so shaken that he shelved projects he was working on, including a documentary called Tyler Shields Provocateur that he was making for YouTube Red, the outlet reported.

Tyler Shields, who took the controversial photo of comedienne Kathy Griffin holding up a severed Trump head, had Secret Service agents camped outside of the LA-based artist's house for weeks after the image was published

His documentary premieres on Youtube Red on Thursday.

Shields currently has a photo series on his Instagram that focuses on women reacting to the death of famous people, including a women gasping reading about the death of a president.

The Florida-native has made a name for himself as a provocative photographer whose images include Lindsay Lohan as a blood-soaked vampire and a KKK member being hanged by a black man.

In 2011 he came under fire for a photo shoot with Glee star Heather Morris in which she sported a 'black eye'. Critics said that he made light of domestic abuse.

He later apologized after receiving death threats, adding: 'If you are anti-domestic abuse spread the word about it. Threatening to kill me is not going to help anything.'

The Trump image that quickly drew backlash was taken during a photo session with Griffin in late May 2017.

Shields was not questioned over the ordeal but he shelved projects he was working on, including a documentary called Tyler Shields Provocateur (pictured) that he was making for YouTube Red, which premieres Thursday

The red-haired funny lady stood expressionless in a royal blue dress and raised a bloody, bloated and severed Trump head.

Griffin was emulating the beheadings seen in Game of Thrones, according to reports.

During footage of the shoot, posted on her own website, Griffin said: 'Tyler and I are not afraid to make images that make noise.' The images are no longer on her website.

The shocking images quickly set social media alight, with many calling for her to be locked up for supposedly 'threatening' the president.

Even the Secret Service made an oblique reference to the controversy on Twitter, reminding everyone that any threats against the president are taken seriously.

It was reported that the Secret Service investigated the image as a genuine threat to the presidency.

Griffin quickly made an initial apology after the outcry saying she went too far.

Griffin quickly made an initial apology over the photo after the outcry saying she went too far, but retracted it months later. She returned to the stage in October for the first time after the controversy, wearing the same dress in the infamous photo (pictured)

However, she later retracted her apology, saying in August: 'Stop acting like my little picture is more important than talking about the actual atrocities that the president of the United States is committing.'

In October, the comedienne feasted on her feud with Trump as she boldly returned to the stage for her first stand-up performance since their infamous falling out.

The star walked out on stage and appeared proudly sporting a clean version of the bloody mask which sparked her feud with the president in May.

Wearing the same blue pussybow dress in which she appeared in the controversial photograph with Trump's bloodied, severed head, she then whipped off the mask to reveal her short hair, the result of her decision earlier this year to shave her head in support of her cancer-stricken sister.
Teen Vogue columnist Lauren Duca stirred up a media storm after she posted a tacky message to Twitter telling late evangelist Billy Graham to 'have fun in hell'.

Graham, 99, passed away on Wednesday from natural causes at his North Carolina home.

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Duca tweeted out: 'The big news today is that Billy Graham was still alive this whole time. Anyway, have fun in hell, b****.'

The gaudy message created controversy immediately - and forced Duca to block several followers from her page.

Tacky: Teen Vogue columnist Lauren Duca stirred up a media storm Wednesday after posting a vile message to Twitter about Bill Graham

Gone: Graham, 99, (above in 2005 at his final crusade in NYC) passed away on Wednesday at his home in North Carolina at the age of 99

'That's where you're going,' one person commented on Duca's tweet.

Another said: 'He ain't there, sweetheart. And he spent a fair part of his time here praying for people like you not to go there, either.'

Others slammed the 'Thigh-High Politics' author for being an addition to the 'hatred in this world.'

They wrote: 'I don't know who you are but I hope you don't have to much influence on small children. Because it's people like you that have put this country in the shape it's in.'

Someone else said: 'First off all girl get yourself some class, Second of all why are you so mad?! Third, Sorry to disappoint you but I can guarantee you that he is not in hell.'

And another: 'It is truly sad to read such a twisted and hateful thing about anyone. Clearly, you do not understand what hell is, and your views on Graham are quite skewed.'

And one more: 'Save this for the next time the left wants to lecture you on civility.'

Memes that were shared to the post showed Michael Jordan speaking, while saying, 'Stop it, get some help.'

While one other read: 'Stupid you are... breed you should not.'

Duca has since defended her remarks, while citing a 1993 sermon in Ohio by the minister in which he suggested AIDS could be 'judgement from God'.

According to a New York Times report, the minister however was not recognized for his condemnation of homosexuality and did not make it 'a staple of his preaching'.

She may have also been referring to an 2002 release of an audio tape recording by Richard Nixon decades prior, which hears Graham speak to him about the Jewish community.

'A lot of the Jews are great friends of mine,' Graham said in the tape. 'They swarm around me and are friendly to me because they know that I'm friendly with Israel... but they don't know how I really feel about what they are doing to this country.'

Duca had later informed she blocked a number of people after being attacked for the status

On Wednesday, the passing of 'America's Pastor' brought together other individuals from all walks of life.

This includes President Trump, who honored the pastor and said: 'The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.'

First Lady Melania Trump also added: 'Saddened by the loss of Evangelist Billy Graham. He led an impactful life, touching so many people with his spiritual teachings. He will be deeply missed.'

And Trump's predecessor Barack Obama tweeted: 'Billy Graham was a humble servant who prayed for so many - and who, with wisdom and grace, gave hope and guidance to generations of Americans.'

Influential evangelist Graham is survived by his five children with wife Ruth Bell, who passed away in 2007, as well as 19 grandchildren.

Man of faith: He was a spiritual advisor to multiple presidents, including John F Kennedy (pair pictured above in 1962)

Ally: He was a close friend to Dr. Martin Luther King, who credited him with some of the success of the Civil Rights Movement (pair above in 1957)

Dera Donnie: President Trump and Rupert Murdoch at Graham's 95th birthday bash in 2013

Barack and Billy: Graham and Obama at his North Carolina home back in 2010 (above)

Billy and Billary: Graham and the Clintons at a 1993 prayer breakfast (above)

Dubya and Graham: Graham was born on a dairy farm in North Carolina, and began preaching in college. (President Bush and Graham above in 2010)
A new analysis of special counsel Robert Mueller's team of crack investigators reveals that 13 of them are Democrats and none of them are registered Republican.

The 16 lawyers known to be operating the Russia probe have previously been found to have made $62,000 in contributions to Democrats but just $2,750 to Republicans, based on Federal Election Records.

A new Daily Caller analysis that built on previous document searches by checking state databases, and found two other members of the team that have given to Democrats: Adam Jed, who donated $1,100 to two Democrats at the state and local level, and Aaron Zelinsky, who donated $200 to Democratic candidates at the state and local level.

Voter registration shows 13 of the attorneys are registered Democrats, while three are unaffiliated.

One lawyer, Zainab Ahmad, registered as a Republican at 18 but is now unaffiliated.

Mueller himself is a longtime Republican.

Voter registration shows 13 of special counsel Robert Mueller's attorneys are registered Democrats, while three are unaffiliated.

Trump has branded the Mueller probe a 'witch hunt' and some Republicans have gone after Mueller's team on his behalf. Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida said the team was 'infected with bias.'

House Intelligence Committee ranking Democrat Adam Schiff has charged that Republicans are trying to go after Mueller and his team to try to head off the Russia probe.

Earlier reports had revealed the stark financial breakdown. About half the contributions to Democrats came from one member of Mueller's team, James Quarles, who donated $33,000 to Democrats going back to Michael Dukakis.

President Trump has said agent Peter Strzrok's texts to his lover were a 'treasonous act'

U.S. Attorney Andy Weissmann speaks outside the Federal Court House after bringing charges against former Enron CFO Andrew Fastow October 2, 2002 in Houston, Texas. He helps manage Mueller's team

Attorney Jeannie Rhee donated $2,700 to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign

About half the contributions came from one lawyer, James Quarles

Disgraced: Attorney Alex Van Der Zwaan pleaded guilty to lying to Robert Mueller's investigators. He arrived at the Washington D.C. federal courthouse ahead of a hearing where he pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI this week

Paul Manafort, former campaign manager for Donald Trump, arrives to the U.S. Courthouse for a bond hearing in Washington, D.C. Mueller's investigators have charged him with fraud and conspiracy

Another member, Jeannie Rhee, who like Quarles comes from Mueller's old law firm of WilmerHale, donated $2,700 to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

Although Mueller's crew is stocked with registered Democrats, federal regulations prohibit political affiliation from being considered for appointments.

He removed one member of the team, Peter Strzok, who was found to have sent anti-Trump texts to his lover, fellow agent Lisa Page.

Trump told the Wall Street Journal that what Strzok 'tweeted to his lover is a treasonous act.'
McDonald's has announced it is bringing back Szechuan sauce for a second time after a roll out last year ended in riots because of limited supplies.

The fast food chain announced on Thursday that 20million packets of the dipping sauce have been distributed to every single one of its US stores and will be available from Monday, February 26.

Fans have been begging for a return of the dressing, originally made in 1998 to promote Disney movie Mulan, ever since it featured in cult cartoon Rick and Morty in April last year.

McDonald's has announced the second coming of Szechuan sauce, with a total of 20million packets sent to all its US stores. It will be available from Monday

A severely limited supply of the sauce caused riots in October last year when Rick and Morty fans were unable to get their hands on a packet

The dressing gained cult popularity after bringing it back was revealed to be the main motivation for drunk scientist Rick Sanchez's actions on the show

McDonald's were keen to pour fuel on the fire by teasing a comeback on Twitter, but wildly underestimated demand with some stores only issued 20 packets when it was issued in October.

Police had to be called to one location in Kentucky to disperse the crowd, unconfirmed reports from the time said, announcing through a bullhorn: 'Go home, they do not have the sauce.'

'Give us sauce!' one mob chanted, crowding the dining area of a San Jose, California McDonalds.

The sauce achieved cult status after the premiere episode of Rick and Morty season 3 featured it as a running joke.

Drunken genius Rick Sanchez first eats the sauce while traveling through his memories, which is the only place he can find it since it was discontinued.

At the end of the episode, having single-handedly overthrown the galactic government, he then reveals that bringing back the sauce is his sole motivation.

'I want that Mulan McNugget sauce, Morty,' Rick told his grandson. 'That's my series arc, Morty! If it takes nine seasons!'

Fans packed this New York City McDonald's and were shocked to find that the few packets of sauce there had already been distributed by the promotion's starting time

Police in Philadelphia were called in to disperse angry crowds seeking the Szechuan Sauce

A witness in Kentucky said that a man in costume as Rick made off with all 20 packets of sauce

In a statement uploaded Thursday, McDonald's said: 'Last October, we truly meant well when we brought back a super-limited batch of Szechuan Sauce, but it quickly became apparent we did not make enough to meet the expectations of our fans.

'We did not anticipate the overnight crowds, the cross-state travel and the amazing curiosity, passion and energy fans showed.

'Our super-limited batch, though well-intentioned, clearly wasnt near enough to meet that demand. We disappointed fans and we are sorry.

'To fully make amends, we felt it was important to bring back much more sauce this time.'

The sauce will come alongside the chain's chicken tenders meal, the statement said.

The sauce was featured in the Rick and Morty's season three premiere, when time traveling alcoholic granddad Rick tells the alien holding him captive about the magical condiment

A crowd chanted 'we want sauce!' outside of this Los Angeles McDonald's on Saturday

The disastrous promotion on Saturday was not the first time that the fast food chain had winked back at Rick and Morty about its strange place in the show's universe.

In June, the company sent the show's creators a 64 ounce bottle of the precious Szechaun Sauce, and a note from McDonald's Chef Mike.

'We wish we could have brought more sauce through, but we couldn't risk keeping a portal like that open,' he wrote, adding that they had brought the bottle back from a another dimension where it was 1998 everyday.

'Holy s**t,' show creator Justin Roiland tweeted in response to the package, while Rick and Morty Twitter account added: 'Guys, we f**king did it, we got the sauce.'
An online predator who claimed he wanted to meet a nine-year-old girl to play Monopoly has been sent straight to jail after he was snared by paedophile hunters.

Richard Giles, 24, believed he was talking to a youngster called Clare on chat sites but in fact he was sending sexual messages to members of a paedophile hunting vigilante group.

He told police he invited the girl to travel from London to visit him in Devon to play monopoly but chat logs showed he wanted to have sex with her.

Richard Giles, 24, believed he was talking to a youngster called Clare on chat sites but in fact he was sending sexual messages to members of a paedophile hunting vigilante group

Giles used a false name and profile for the sexualised conversations which ended in him arranging for Clare to visit his home in Torquay.

He gave the address of his next door neighbour but was spotted by the paedophile hunters as he stood in the street waiting for the girl to arrive.

Giles admitted attempting to meet a child after grooming with the intention of taking part in sexual activity.

He was jailed for 18 months by Judge Geoffrey Mercer, QC, at Exeter Crown Court. He was also put on the sex offenders registered and made subject of an order which will allow police to monitor his future internet usage.

The judge told him: 'You arranged to meet a girl in the belief she was nine. You undoubtedly believed she was nine.

'You wanted to meet her and your intention was clearly sexual and was not confined, as you suggested, to playing Monopoly.

Giles told police he invited the girl to travel from London to visit him in Devon to play monopoly but chat logs showed he wanted to have sex with her

'This offence was aggravated by the fact that the girl was not simply under age but was said to be as young as nine. The sentence cannot be suspended. It is too serious and the concern you raise is too great.'

Mr Gordon Richings, prosecuting, said Giles made contact with a decoy profile for Clare in December last year and within 11 days made arrangements for her to visit. He used the false name of Ben Jones.

He sent a stream of sexual messages despite the decoy telling him repeatedly she was only nine. He told her she had a 'nice tight body'. When she repeated her age he replied 'at least I'm right about the rest'.

He arranged for her to visit him two days before Christmas but instead of a child turning up, he was confronted by members of the Plymouth-based paedophile hunting group UKDatabase.

He told them he had been in touch with ten young girls online. The only evidence police found to support this was a chat with a girl on a site called Teen Chat for Teens.

Mr Llewellyn Sellick, defending, said Giles was the sole carer for his blind father and committed the offences at a time when he was drinking heavily.

He said he could not even remember sending the messages to Clare until he was shown logs of the conversations.

He had already started to tackle his alcohol abuse before his arrest.
A former freemason found drunk and naked inside a huge pipe organ has appeared in court accused of damaging the historic instrument - insured for more than $1 million.

Glenn Langford was arrested on Wednesday after allegedly flooding the Brisbane Masonic Memorial Centre and setting off the fire alarms.

The 51-year-old faced charges at the Brisbane Arrest Court on Thursday and was granted bail.

Glenn Langford was arrested on Wednesday after allegedly flooding the Brisbane Masonic Memorial Centre

But he said his intentions were initially well-meaning and the night had got out of hand after downing a bottle of Johnny Walker whisky, 7 News reports.

The court was told he had been meaning to hand out cheeseburgers to the homeless.

Food was left scattered on the floor of the grand hall of the heritage-listed temple in Brisbane's CBD, which features one of the biggest organs in Queensland.

It is feared the organ, installed in the 1930s, may be too damaged to be repaired despite it being insured for $1 million.

The organ inside the hall is supposedly insured for more than $1 million but may be beyond repair

Mr Langford is charged with allegedly damaging a number of organ pipes and destroying part of a decorative wall.

He was also discovered naked along with clothes, a remote controlled police car and toy gun.

The magistrate heard from Mr Langford's lawyer who explained he had last week lost his job and was getting over the breakdown of a 16-year relationship.

Decorative wall was reported to be damaged and the pipes were also allegedly damaged overnight

He was granted bail on the condition that he stayed more than 100 metres away from the centre in Ann Street.

'Things just got a little loose, I was out of it,' Mr Langford told 7 News.

He apologised to 'all the righteous Freemasons everywhere'.

'I did have a lot of cheeseburgers to give to the homeless. I'm going to see a shrink and don't drink,' he added.
The last remaining 'Dambuster' is making a new film - telling the story of the daring Second World War raid in his own words for the first time.

George 'Johnny' Johnson, now 96, will talk about role he played in the Operation Chastise attack in Germany on May 17, 1943.

Mr Johnson will tell of his crew's near-impossible mission to destroy three German dams, in an attempt to flood the factories supplying the Nazi war machine.

The last remaining Dam Buster George 'Johnny' Johnson, pictured left, will tell his story of participating in Operation Chastise in May 1943 which saw three German dams attacked

Squadron Leader Johnson, pictured left in 1962 and right in May 2013, is the last surviving member of the Dam Busters mission. He was a bomb aimer during the daring mission

The documentary, which has been two years in the making, will particularly focus on the crew's line of attack on the Sorpe Dam, the most difficult one to take out.

Mr Johnson describes, in the film, how the attack on the Sorpe Dam was made, and discusses the consequences of the operation.

And he will also share details of the top secret training exercises he and his crew received in the specially adapted Avro Lancaster.

Filmmaker Andrew Panton, from Thornbury, South Gloucester, has been working with Mr Johnson for the last two years, putting together material for the film.

He said: 'Johnny has been featured in several Dambuster documentaries over the years.

Johnson, circled, will tell his story for the first time about the attack on the Sorpe Dam

Johnson, pictured, will explain what happened after he left RAF Scampton on May 16, 1943

The bomber crews approached the dams at night flying as low as 60 feet

'But his complete story of the attack on the Sorpe Dam has not been featured in film or told in his own words.

'This film enables Johnny to tell the whole story from his perspective and is brought to life with new animations and graphics.

'This will help the audience get a feel for what he had to do that night as the bomb aimer and the challenges they faced as they made the attack on the Sorpe dam.'

Sorpe was one of three dams targeted in an attempt to flood the factories supplying the Nazi war machine during the Second World War.

Mr Panton has teamed up with an animator in Poland to create the film, which has been filmed against a 'green screen'.

Carol Vorderman, pictured, is part of a campaign to see Mr Johnson awarded a knighthood

This technology has allowed animators to include re-enactments of the raids using actors and a 3D animation of crew flying in the Lancaster bomber used in the raid.

Mr Johnson describes how he set off from RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, with a group of specially selected air crew, late on the night of May 16, 1943.

They had all been trained to fulfil one special mission - to destroy three dams, deep within Germany's Ruhr valley.

These provided vital power to German industries, and destroying them would inundate many of the factories themselves.

From the start, the mission was considered almost impossible, requiring the crew to fly low level at night, as low as 60 feet, across many miles of enemy territory.

And to add to the risk, the weapon they were dropping was a brand new one, that had never been tried operationally.

And while Mr Johnson and his crew beat the odds to survive, eight Lancaster bombers were lost during the overnight raid, with 53 air crew killed out of the 133 that took part.

Mr Panton, who first met Mr Johnson four years ago, said: 'The aim is to produce a film that will serve to help educate current and future generations about RAF 617 squadron aircrew.

'Some of them were as young as just 19 years old. I want to show what the aircrew did that night in May 1943 to help shorten the Second World War.'

He added: 'The line of attack on the Sorpe Dam was very different from the lines of attack on the Mohne and Eder Dams.

'It was not until the night of the operation that Johnny and his crew discovered the sheer scale of the challenge in making the attack.

'They were expected to fly along the ridge of the dam and make an inert drop of the bomb which was very different from the attacks on the other two dams.'

Mr Panton, who works as a software design manager, has been a keen film maker from a young age and as a teenager had a cine camera.

Over the years he has made many corporate films but since 2002 has been working with war veterans to tell their stories through documentaries.

Mr Panton went out to Normandy as part of the 60th anniversary commemorations where he met a number of war veterans.

From there he began to make documentaries telling their stories - mainly for their families.

Some of the documentaries have been featured as part of WW2 exhibitions in museums in the north of the country.

Mr Panton has been working on Mr Johnson's documentary in his spare time, at weekends, during his holidays and in the evenings.

The documentary is now in the production stage and it is hoped it will be finished this summer.

Mr Panton hopes the documentary will go on show at venues across Bristol later this year.

'These films will provide living memories of what these men did and achieved and preserve this part of history for future generations,' he said.

Mr Johnson was presented with an MBE for services to World War Two last year after a campaign led by TV presenter Carol Vorderman for him to be knighted.
The Archbishop of Canterbury is to be questioned in person over how the Anglican Church dealt with allegations of sexual assaults against children.

Justin Welby is due to give evidence as a witness at the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in central London next month.

The most senior clergyman in the Church of England  and his predecessor Rowan Williams - will be quizzed on their handling of a number of high-profile abuse allegations in the Diocese of Chichester in Sussex.

Most notably he will be pressed on the investigation into assault claims surrounding the Reverend George Bell, former Bishop of Chichester.

Bell, who died in 1958, is alleged to have sexually abused a young girl, starting from when she was just five-years old, in the 1940s and 50s.

A complaint was initially made to the then Bishop of Chichester, Eric Kemp, in 1995 but it wasnt until a second complaint was made to Welbys office in 2013 that the matter was passed on to the police.

The subsequent investigation by Sussex Police found that there was sufficient evidence to have arrested Bell had he still been alive.

The diocese apologised and paid compensation to the victim, known only as Carol, in 2015.

Justin Welby is due to give evidence as a witness at the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in central London next month

The archbishop will be pressed on the investigation into assault claims surrounding the Reverend George Bell, former Bishop of Chichester. Bell, who died in 1958, is alleged to have sexually abused a young girl in the 1940s and 50s

While the inquiry will not examine the truth or substance of the allegations into Bishop Bell, it will analyse how the victim was treated and what improvements in safeguarding the Church has made since.

Crucially, the 100 million hearing will also look at the findings of the Lord Carlile Report, published in December, which criticised the Church for a rush to judgement and of failing to give proper consideration to the rights of Bishop Bell.

At an IICSA preliminary hearing on January 30, it was announced that the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Williams had provided witness statements.

The investigation into the Anglican Church has its first public hearing on March 5 which will last for three weeks.

Lambeth Palace say they will make a formal statement once the witness schedule has been finalised.

However, a spokesman for the Archbishops Council told MailOnline: The Archbishop was one of the first to call for the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and the Church of England is committed to working with IICSA in a transparent way.

He is aware that for the survivors who are brave enough to come forward to the Inquiry and give their testimony this will be a very difficult time which is why he is prepared to do the same.

The inquiry, chaired by Professor Alexis Jay, is investigating the extent to which institutions in England and Wales failed to protect children from sexual abuse.

Welby's predecessor Rowan Williams will also be quizzed on their handling of a number of high-profile abuse allegations in the Diocese of Chichester in Sussex

The investigation into the Anglican Church has its first public hearing on March 5 in central London which will last for three weeks

As part of its investigation into the Diocese of Chichester it will examine allegations of abuse by other priests, particularly Roy Cotton, Colin Pritchard and Gordon Rideout.

Rev Cotton, a parish priest in Brede, near Rye, Sussex had been convicted for an indecent assault on a child in 1954 but despite this was ordained in 1966.

He is thought to have had as many as 10 victims, which included two brothers from Eastbourne who won damages from the diocese after it recognised that the Church had failed to stop them being abused as choirboys in the 1970s and 80s.

Cotton died in September 2006 before he could be brought to justice.

Pritchard served as the vicar of St Barnabas, in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex until 2007 after being arrested over sex abuse claims

He pleaded guilty the following year to sexually abusing two boys in the 70s and 80s and was jailed for five years.

The offences took place while he was parish priest at St Andrew's Church in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.

A subsequent report in 2011 into Cotton and Pritchard found that victims claims had not been treated seriously.

Meanwhile Canon Rideout was found guilty of 36 separate sex offences by a jury at Lewes Crown Court in 2013.

While the inquiry will not examine the truth or substance of the allegations into Bishop Bell, it will analyse how the victim was treated and what improvements in safeguarding the Church has made since

Crucially, the 100 million hearing will also look at the findings of the Lord Carlile Report, published in December, which criticised the Church for a rush to judgement and of failing to give proper consideration to the rights of Bishop Bell (above, centre)

The attacks, which included attempted rape and indecent assaults on both boys and girls, some of whom were 13-years of age, took place between 1962 and 1973 in Sussex and Hampshire.

He later pleaded guilty in 2016 to one charge of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16 at a childrens home in Reigate, Surrey which took place between July 29 1969 and July 21 1974.

The Chichester hearing will also consider the case of Peter Ball, formerly Bishop of Lewes and subsequently Bishop of Gloucester, and investigate whether there were inappropriate attempts by people of prominence to interfere in the criminal justice process after he was first accused of child sexual offences.

However a separate, more detailed hearing into Ball, who was friends with Prince Charles, will take place in July.

On the website, the inquiry states: There have been a significant number of internal investigations of the diocese carried out both by child protection individuals and individuals within the church itself.

The Chichester hearing will examine those investigations, what they found and what has changed as a result.

The inquiry, chaired by Professor Alexis Jay, is investigating the extent to which institutions in England and Wales failed to protect children from sexual abuse

The Chichester hearing will also examine what steps the Church of England as a whole has taken to improve its practice and to respond to the experiences discovered within the Diocese of Chichester.

Of importance to the focus to the hearing will be the accounts of disclosure of abuse by complainants from within the Diocese of Chichester: both whether they were believed, how they were treated, and what happened as a result of the complaint.

If they were unable to disclose their abuse at the time, why they were so unable and what steps they consider the church could and should have made to improve the processes in respect of safeguarding where they consider that the response given was not adequate.

The case study will investigate, amongst other things, the following: the culture of the church, by which the investigation team means its behaviours, values and beliefs, and if those behaviours, values and beliefs inhibited or continued to inhibit the investigation, exposure and prevention of child sexual abuse.'
A pregnant drug driver has abandoned her appeal to avoid jail for killing a British backpacker in a car crash.

Rebecca Greatley, 25, pleaded guilty to causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving over the crash which killed her friend Jamie Dumbleton.

She had been high on cannabis when she failed to stop at a stop sign and ploughed into a semi-trailer on the Augusta Highway near Port Pirie in South Australia on May 23, 2016.

Last month, she was jailed for at least 18 months but appealed the sentence, as did the Director of Public Prosecutions.

But now, both Court of Criminal Appeals have been abandoned, although the reason had not been disclosed, the Adelaide Advertiser reports.

Rebecca Greatley (right) has abandoned her appeal to avoid jail for killing British backpacker Jamie Dumbleton (left) in a car crash

The news came just before her fast-tracked hearing was set to take place on Thursday and after she hired a high profile advocate against the jailing of expecctant mothers to represent her.

It means she will now give birth to her baby girl, due in March, behind bars.

Greatley had appealed her sentence, arguing judge Stephen McEwen should have handed her a suspended sentence or home detention.

Her previous lawyer, Nick Vadasz, told the court that South Australia is the only state that does not allow babies to stay in prison with their mothers.

'The position taken here is cruel and barbaric and not acceptable in 21st-century society,' Mr Vadasz said in an earlier hearing.

Greatley pleaded guilty to causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving over the crash which killed her friend Jamie Dumbleton (pictured)

Greatley (pictured), a charity worker, will now give birth to her baby, due in March, behind bars

The court heard Greatley had suffered a brain injury from the crash which had left her forgetful.

She fell pregnant after forgetting to take her contraceptive pill.

However, prosecutor Vanessa Burrows told the court that pregnancies and childbirth were not unknown in the prison system and separation from loved ones was 'part of the punishment'.

The 25-year-old had been driving erratically before the crash, despite objections from her passengers.

Her actions meant her offending was not at the lower end of the scale and warranted an immediate jail term, the prosecutor said.

She had been high on cannabis when she failed to stop at a stop sign and ploughed into a semi-trailer on the Augusta Highway near Port Pirie in South Australia in 2016

The 25-year-old had been driving erratically before the crash, despite objections from her passengers

At a previous hearing, Dylan O'Donnell-Middleton, who was a passenger in the car, said details about the crash were starting to come back to him.

'I can remember really clearly the massive flash of the truck headlights through the back window,' he told the court in a victim impact statement.

'It goes dark there and the next thing I remember is waking up and opening the car door and getting out even though my hip and arm were fractured.

'I remember seeing Jamie in the back seat and someone trying to resuscitate him and that's when I realised just how serious everything was.

'The memory of Jamie in the back seat being worked on is really weird because there was no blood and he looked completely at peace.'

Mr Dumbleton's family, who live in Rugby, were outraged by what they said was Greatley's bid to 'escape justice,' according to the Advertiser.
A promising West End dancer who told friends she was battling leukaemia took her own life by overdosing on pills.

Olivia Faulkner, 19, was found dead in her south London flat on 27 November last year, just months before she was due to perform in the musical Pippin.

She had told various friends different stories about having blood cancer, telling some she had been given the all clear and others she had a brain tumour.

Her parents knew she had been suffering with anxiety, but had 'no idea' what she had been telling her friends, Westminster Coroner's Court heard.

Olivia Faulkner (pictured), 19, was found dead in her south London flat on 27 November last year, just months before she was due to perform in the musical Pippin

The talented teenager was originally from Barnsley, South Yorkshire and left home when she was just 13 to pursue her dreams at a dance school in Chester, before moving to London to attend Laine Theatre School in Epsom.

She lived in Raynes Park, south London, with her friend Charlotte Liddle. Miss Liddle told the inquest she and three other friends met up with Miss Faulkner at a nearby pub the day before she died.

There she claimed she was suffering from 'serious brain cancer' before getting upset and leaving to be sick in the toilet.

She had previously told friends she had blood cancer, but had later been given the all clear.

Miss Liddle, who is also a dancer, told Westminster Coroner's Court: 'She was quite sarcastic and very dry witted and because of everything we had gone through in training, it wasn't an easy road we went on.

The 19-year-old (pictured) had told various friends different stories about having blood cancer, telling some she had been given the all clear and others she had a brain tumour instead

'Sometimes things got tough and negativity came out in her and she struggled to bounce back when someone threw something at her.

'She had ups and downs but she nothing unusual or anything that worried me.'

She told the hearing their friendship became strained when Olivia spent more time indoors and told her she was undergoing treatment for leukaemia.

Miss Liddle added: 'She said she had leukaemia and she was being treated for that and that she was having chemotherapy at Epsom Hospital.

'Five or six weeks later she told me it had all gone. That was my first alarm bell.

'I thought she was underplaying it and it hadn't actually gone and she was trying to hide it.'

After conversations with friends she soon realised Miss Faulkner had told various members of their friendship group different stories that didn't add up.

Two days before Olivia's death, she met with friends Emma Dempsey and Ania Foreman to decide what to do.

The court heard they attended Wimbledon police station where they were told to consult with a GP and to approach their friend and talk to her about it calmly.

Miss Liddle continued: 'We were worried that if we contacted her parents we just didn't know what this situation could have become.

'Olivia had said throughout and asked us to not contact her family because she didn't want to stress them out.

Miss Faulkner's (pictured) parents knew she had been suffering with anxiety, but had 'no idea' what she had been telling her friends, Westminster Coroner's Court heard

'We said we want to know what is going on and we just really want to help you.

'We give her the opportunity a few times in the evening and she didn't tell us the truth. She continued to tell us more lies.'

In a statement read in court, Miss Dempsey said she and Miss Foreman had received text messages from Miss Faulkner saying she didn't have cancer but had a problemw with her auto immune system instead,

The next morning Miss Liddle became concerned when she knocked on her friend's bedroom door the next morning and did not hear anything.

She discovered her lying in bed under the duvet, with pill packets and a suicide note lying on the floor next to her.

Olivia said she knew she was being 'cowardly' but 'had been struggling for a long time'. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, the Barnsley GP said the dancer had told him there was 'a lot of pressure relating to her studies at college'.

Giving evidence to the court, Olivia's mother Zoe said her daughter was 'a beautiful outgoing young girl that loved dancing, singing, her friends and her family'.

She said she had last seen Olivia a month before her death, and would FaceTime and text her every day. She last heard from her via text message the evening before her body was found.

Senior coroner Fiona Wilcox concluded the cause of Miss Faulkner's (pictured) was suicide

The family say they had 'no idea' what the troubled teenager had been telling her friends.

Mrs Faulkner said: 'She spent so much time with everyone, she was made part of everybody's family.

'She was always happy in a dance studio and was loved by everyone.

'She was godparent to two little boys aged three and four. She spent a lot of time with her brother who is also a dancer. She was just a happy person.

'We were aware that she was having a few problems with her anxiety, just in general because she wasn't working.

'She seemed a bit fed up, she was used to being in a studio 12 hours a day with her friends.

'When that all stopped in July it was too much of a reality that she was on her own.'

Senior coroner Fiona Wilcox delivered a verdict of suicide.

Following Olivia's death her family set up a fund to generate awareness of mental illness in the dance world.

The Olivia Faulkner Foundation has since raised thousands of pounds in donations.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details
Dozens of German cities could ban diesel cars within months, to enforce clean air rules, and protect peoples health.

The proposed exclusion zones are under consideration by the countrys Federal Administration Court in Leipzig.

The hearing was prompted by an appeal by two German states - Stuttgart and Dusseldorf - after local courts urged the implementation of driving bans for particularly dirty diesel cars.

Lawyers for the states say that the prohibitions amount to dispossession of diesel owners and are unlawful, and want the lower courts' decision to be overturned.

A picture taken on February 21 shows emissions pouring out from the exhaust pipe of a BMW diesel engine car at a garage in Wickede, eastern Germany

Although a verdict was expected by the end of today, judges in Leipzig said the process was taking longer than expected, and have instead postponed their ruling until February 27.

However, if the appeal is rejected, dozens of cities would have a just few months to enact measures to remove heavily polluting diesel vehicles from the roads.

This would pose an administrative nightmare for local authorities, and be a heavy blow to drivers who bought cars they were promised met emissions standards.

The original court cases were brought by the group Environmental Action Germany, which accuses the government of putting automakers' interests before people's health.

We expect to be protected [and] that decisions will be taken which bring down emissions to a level that provides a healthy living for us, said Axel Friedrich, a representative of the group.

Three years ago, German car manufacturer Volkswagen was found to have used in-car software to cheat on United States diesel emissions tests.

If the appeal is rejected, dozens of cities would have a few months to enact measures to remove heavily polluting diesel vehicles from the roads

The discovery resulted in large fines and costly buybacks for Volkswagen in the United States.

But the German government has refrained from punishing the company, a major employer that's partly owned by the state of Lower Saxony.

WHY THE PUSH FOR A DIESEL DRIVING BAN IN GERMANY? Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution levels exceed EU rules in almost 70 German cities and towns

Diesel car exhausts are responsible for the lions share of the pollutant, which causes respiratory disease

After years of failing to curb excessive pollution, NGO Environmental Action Germany took local administrators to court, to force them into action

As a result, local courts ordered western German cities Stuttgart  home of carmakers Daimler and Porsche  and Dusseldorf to reduce NO2 levels below EU limits, if necessary by banning the use of most diesel cars. Advertisement

Apart from hitting Volkswagen and other German carmakers, officials warn that a ban could paralyse bus companies, garbage collection services and tradespeople who rely heavily on diesel vehicles.

The European Union is also putting pressure on Germany and other countries for failing to rein-in air pollution.

In a bid to avoid punitive action by the EU, German officials recently proposed a series of steps to reduce harmful emissions.

This includes making public transport free on days when air pollution is particularly bad, and requiring taxis and car-sharing companies to use electric vehicles.

Car manufacturers are particularly worried about another government proposal: forcing them to physically upgrade millions of vehicles that don't conform to emissions limits.

Protesters outside the Leipzig court said a diesel ban would make a positive difference in their lives.

When I cycle, especially in winter, I have to breathe the emissions, said Manfred Niess from Stuttgart. I avoid breathing in deeply so as not to inhale all the poison.
Distressing video has emerged from a rebel-held area of Syria of a distraught man cradling the body of a dead child as civilians continue to be killed.

The tearful man can be seen holding the child's corpse in the rebel-held area of Eastern Ghouta near the capital Damascus, recently described by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as a 'hell on earth'.

The UN has called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent a 'massacre' in Eastern Ghouta - the last major rebel-held area near Damascus - where 400,000 people have been under siege since 2013.

The footage shows a distraught and tearful man carrying the body of a child

Smoke billows following Syrian regime bombardment of Kafr Batna, in the besieged eastern Ghouta

A Syrian 'White Helmet' volunteer carries an injured boy to an ambulance in Douma, eastern Ghouta

A truck carrying the corpses of those killed in Eastern Ghouta can also be seen

Scores of people have been killed in the rebel-held enclave in recent days

Wounded Syrians wait to receive treatment at a makeshift hospital in the Eastern Ghouta town of Kafr Batna following a bombardment by government forces on February 21, 2018

Local people attempt to clean up the rubble of damaged buildings in Ghouta, following several days of airstrikes

The regime and its Russian ally have been pounding Ghouta, which is controlled by Jihadists

An unconscious woman is helped from a shelter. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 46 people were killed on Thursday

A man is helped from a shelter by civil defence volunteers in the eastern Ghouta

A child is pictured in the rubble of a building. Civilians have come under fire as the regime prepares for a ground assault on the area

Residents caught up on the Syrian and Russian attacks have been burying dead

The Security Council heard a briefing from U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock on what he called 'the humanitarian disaster unfolding before our eyes' in the rebel-held suburbs known as eastern Ghouta.

Sweden and Kuwait were seeking a vote on a resolution ordering a 30-day cease-fire to allow relief agencies to deliver aid and evacuate the critically sick and wounded from besieged areas to receive medical care.

But Russia's U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, who called Thursday's meeting, put forward last-minute amendments, saying the proposed resolution was 'simply unrealistic.'

The bombing is feared to be carried out with the intention of killing or wounding as many rebels as possible before President Bashar al-Assad sends in troops to reclaim the region.

'Five days of air strikes and intense artillery fire by the regime and its Russian ally have killed 403 civilians, including 95 children,' the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The head of the Britain-based Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman, said 46 people were killed in strikes and rocket fire on Thursday.

The area is controlled by jihadist and Islamist groups but many civilian areas and even hospitals were targeted this week, sparking an international outcry.

The armed groups in Ghouta have also fired rockets and mortar rounds on civilian areas in the capital, which is under government control, killing at least 16 over the same period.

The child seen in the video is one of several bodies seen wrapped in cloths and blankets in the footage, with many piled onto the back of a truck.

A Syrian military helicopter flies over the rebel-held town of Kafr Batna during a bombardment on February 21, 2018

A wounded Syrian girl receives treatment at a makeshift hospital in Kafr Batna following government bombardment of the rebel enclave of Eastern Ghouta on February 21, 2018

A Syrian surveys the destruction after an air strike on the Eastern Ghouta town of Hamouria on February 21, 2018

Human rights groups say that hundreds have been injured in addition to those killed. They have accused Russian and Syrian planes of sometimes using barrel bombs - oil drums packed with explosives and shrapnel - to strike hospitals, markets and other civilian targets in eastern Ghouta.

Residents of Douma, the biggest town in Eastern Ghouta, described black plumes of smoke on Thursday as residential areas were again subjected to high-altitude bombing.

Residents on the ground had to dodge the explosions as they searched for bodies buried beneath the rubble in the town of Saqba and elsewhere.

The UN's Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura,De Mistura said he hoped that a Security Council resolution would soon be in place that calls for a ceasefire in eastern Ghouta, but acknowledged such a motion would be difficult to obtain.

Other recent harrowing footage showed a cameraman who found his family screaming beneath rubble after an airstrike.

Video shows the man desperately trying to rescue his pregnant aunt, four cousins and grandmother from the ruins of a building in Eastern Ghouta after the area was hammered by President Assad's forces.

The cameraman was capturing footage of the dictator's deadly bombing campaign when he heard their haunting cries for help.

A trapped woman with a bloodied face can be seen crying out in agony as rescuers scramble to free her. The face of a badly injured little boy can also be seen.

Harrowing footage captures the moment a cameraman found his family screaming beneath rubble after a devastating airstrike in a rebel-held town in Syria

The cameraman was capturing footage of the dictator's deadly bombing campaign when he heard the haunting cries and ran to help

Video shows the man desperately trying to rescue his pregnant aunt, four cousins and grandmother from the ruins of a building in Eastern Ghouta after the area was hammered by Bashar al-Assad's forces

The video also shows rescuers carrying a man away from the bombed out remains of a building. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres described the death and devastation that has engulfed Eastern Ghouta since Sunday as 'hell on earth', and joined France in calling for an immediate humanitarian truce

The footage, shown in an ITN report, then shows him sprinting away towards a medical clinic with an injured child in his arms.

But the report revealed that 22 hospitals have been specifically targeted in just 72 hours.

International pressure mounted on Thursday to end civilian suffering in the a enclave - Mr Guterres has joined France in calling for an immediate humanitarian truce.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also called for an end to the 'massacre' after fresh air killed another 13 people.

Condemning the Syrian regime for targeting 'its own people', Merkel said: 'The killing of children, the destruction of hospitals - all that amounts to a massacre that must be condemned and which must be countered with a clear no'.

The UN Security Council is expected to vote, probably on Thursday, on a draft resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire to allow deliveries of aid and medical evacuations.

Fresh air raids on several parts of the enclave killed at least 50 civilians, including eight children, and wounded 350 on Wednesday

A rescue worker holds an injured girl in the rebel held besieged town of Hamouriyeh, eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, yesterday

The push for a vote came after the Red Cross demanded access to the area, saying the situation was so dire that its teams should be allowed access to Eastern Ghouta to help overwhelmed doctors and nurses.

Fresh air raids on several parts of the enclave killed at least 50 civilians, including eight children, and wounded 350 on Wednesday.

Because many of the region's hospitals have been targeted, many are now out of service.

'The fighting appears likely to cause much more suffering in the days and weeks ahead, and our teams need to be allowed to enter Eastern Ghouta to aid the wounded,' said Marianne Gasser, the International Committee of the Red Cross's head of delegation in Syria.

Syrian warplanes have this month intensified their strikes on the area with wounded victims dying only because they cannot be treated in time, Gasser said.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, around 1,500 people have been wounded since Sunday.

Many of Wednesday's victims were killed when barrel bombs were dropped on the town of Kfar Batna.

The hospital in Douma, the largest town in Eastern Ghouta, is still functioning but the influx of wounded is such that doctors and nurses cannot save everyone.

The UN and an NGO said at least seven hospitals were bombed on Monday and Tuesday.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres described the death and devastation that has engulfed Eastern Ghouta since Sunday as 'hell on earth', and joined France in calling for an immediate humanitarian truce

French President Emmanuel Macron accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime of using terrorism as a 'pretext' to attack civilians

'The regime claims that it's targeting armed groups and terrorists, but the truth is that it only targets civilians,' said Doctor Ahmad Abdulghani, at the Dar al-Shifa hospital in Hammuriyeh, heavily damaged by a strike.

'This is a hospital that treats the sick and civilians, why target it?'

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said at least 76 children were among the 320 people killed in strikes since Sunday.

Syrian state news agency SANA said 18 people were wounded in Damascus by rebel shelling.

Sweden and Kuwait drafted a UN resolution pushing for a month-long ceasefire, requesting a vote 'as soon as possible,' the Swedish mission said.

French President Emmanuel Macron accused Syrian President Assad's regime of using terrorism as a 'pretext' to attack civilians.

Russia, which is Assad's main backer but denies direct involvement in the Ghouta strikes, earlier called for a Security Council meeting on the crisis, which Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia described as a 'complex situation'.

'There are terrorists there who the Syrian army is fighting,' Nebenzia said.

But US Ambassador Nikki Haley said it was 'simply preposterous to claim that these attacks on civilians have anything to do with fighting terrorism'.

Syrian warplanes have this month intensified their strikes on the area, which lies just east of Damascus and is home to around 400,000 civilians

International pressure mounted today to end civilian suffering in the a rebel-held enclave near Damascus where Syrian jets have been raining bombs in a blitz that has killed more than 300

Anti-regime groups, mostly Islamist factions as well as al-Qaeda's former Syrian affiliate, have controlled the area since 2012.

With the ISIS 'caliphate' now wiped of the map, the regime looks bent on completing its reconquest. Ghouta is a key target.

In recent days, government forces have been massing around the enclave, apparently preparing for a ground offensive.

'We have long feared Eastern Ghouta will see a repeat of the terrible scenes observed by the world during the fall of east Aleppo and these fears seem to be well founded,' said Mark Schnellbaecher, the regional head of the International Rescue Committee.

The violence in eastern Ghouta is part of a wider escalation in warfare on several fronts in Syria in recent months as President Bashar al-Assad pushes to end the seven-year rebellion against him

The battle that saw government forces wrest back the country's second city from rebel forces in 2016 caused extensive destruction and suffering that drew comparisons with the World War II era devastation in Stalingrad and the Warsaw ghetto.

'We don't dare go outside,' said Khadija, 53, hiding in a basement in the town of Douma.

Shivering as she gathered several children around her in the darkened room, she said: 'There are planes above us and missiles landing around us: where should we go with our children?'

The regime is also seeking to restore its grip on other areas in the north, including the province of Idlib, the last one that remains largely outside its control.
The Royal Navy have deployed a lightly equipped patrol vessel to escort a Russian flotilla returning from operations in Syria through the English Channel.

HMS Mersey has been tasked with escorting a spy ship, landing ship and tanker through British waters, despite having larger frigates supposedly ready for the task.

The Russian fleet - which includes a Ropucha-class landing ship, Vishnya-class spy ship Feodor Golovin and Altay-class oiler Yelnya - is on route to its Northern Fleet home port in Severomorsk, located off the Barents sea.

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The Royal Navy have deployed a lightly equipped patrol vessel HMS Mersey to escort a Russian flotilla returning from operations in Syria through the English Channel (pictured: HMS Mersey shadowing the large vessels in the foreground)

The patrol vessel, which typically looks after British fishermen in the English Channel, broke off from it's duties in Portsmouth to shadow Putin's fleet.

BBC Defence Correspondent Jonathan Beale raised questions on Twitter over why the patrol ship was deemed adequate next to three larger, military grade vessels.

HMS Mersey took over the escort from the French Navy which had monitored the task group's progress through the Bay of Biscay and handed over to the Dutch Navy once the three ships had passed through the Strait of Dover.

The last time Russian boats passed close to British waters the Royal Navy dispatched frigate HMS Westminster to monitor them.

A Royal Navy statement said: 'For the third time in two months, the Royal Navy has kept a constant eye on a Russian naval force passing the UK.

'Patrol ship HMS Mersey and a Wildcat helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton were dispatched to follow the progress of three Russian warships and vessels as they made their way up the Channel.

The patrol vessel, which typically looks after British fishermen in the English Channel, broke off from it's duties in Portsmouth to shadow Putin's fleet

HMS Mersey (top right) took over the escort from the French Navy which had monitored the task group's progress through the Bay of Biscay and handed over to the Dutch Navy once the three ships had passed through the Strait of Dover

Despite concerns over whether the vessel was adequate, a respected Navy blogger online said it was normal for patrol boats to be used when frigates are unavailable

BBC Defence Correspondent Jonathan Beale raised questions on Twitter over why the patrol ship was deemed adequate next to three larger, military grade vessels

Some observers questioned the use of the fisheries patrol vessel for such a large task

'The Russian spy ship Feodor Golovin, landing ship Alexander Ostrakovskiy and tanker Yelnya have been supporting Russian operations in Syria and are believed to be returning to their base ports in the Baltic and Barents seas.

'Portsmouth-based Mersey and her 34 crew broke off from a regular fishery protection patrol in home waters and sailed to meet the Russian trio as they approached the Channel, taking over from the French Navy which has monitored the task groups progress through the Bay of Biscay.'

Despite concerns over whether the vessel was adequate, a respected Navy blogger online said it was normal for patrol boats to be used when frigates are unavailable.
Police in two rural counties in Texas arrested 23 people last week - including several members of the Aryan Brotherhood - in a major drug bust.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office started Operation Ice Storm in October 2016, to crack down on the area's meth problem.

Undercover officers spent more than a year identifying the area's drug dealers, and discovered that they were also pushing black tar heroin.

Cops bused 23 people last week in a major drug bust in two rural counties in Texas. Pictured above are investigators looking through one of the drug dens

What appears to be crystal meth is seen hidden away in a jar at one location searched by Hamilton County Sheriff's deputies

Twenty of the people arrested were charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance. Above, one of the suspects being taken into custody

The drug rings were conducted inside numerous ramshakle houses in the area. Above, a look at one messy room at one location searched by police

Above, another ramshackle building where some of the suspects were taken into custody

On February 16, with the help of officers from neighboring Coryell County, the sheriff's deputies served 24 search warrants that resulted in the arrests of 23 people.

Twenty of the people arrested were charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance.

In a press release, officers said that many of those 20 were identified as, or were self-professed members of, the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas.

Of the 20 charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, many were members of the Aryan Brotherhood, police said. Pictured above is Cody Robert Thompson, 26 (left), and Thaddeus Freeman Green, 30 (right), both charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance. It's unclear if they are members of the Aryan Brotherhood

Pictured above are Buford David Smith, 39 (left), and Coby William Goains, 22 (right). Both are charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance

Pictured above are Mitchell Alan Martin, 25 (left), and John Zachary Adams, 41 (right). Both are charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance

Pictured above are John Douglas Dyer, 33 (left), and James Matthew Robinson, 36 (right). Both are charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance

Pictured above are Russell Homeyer, 34 (left), and Weston Charles Jamroz, 26 (right). Both are charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance

Pictured above are Scott Dean Ross, 39 (left) and Montie Grant Mosley, 41 (right). Both are charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance

Pictured above are Amy Marie Miller, 42 (left), and Joslynn Marie Townsend, 40 (right). Both are charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance

Pictured above are David Dwayne Battle (left) and Wendi Micheal Hall, 39 (right). Both are charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance

Pictured above are Melissa Ann Arnold, 31 (left), and Kari Lynn Carothers, 31 (right). Both are charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance

Pictured above are Jaclyn Lee Barnard, 25 (left), Aricelli Nicole Medcalf, 37 (right). Both are charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance

The Aryan Brotherhood is a white supremacist organization that got its start in the prison system. It also operates as an organized crime syndicate with an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 members.

Three other people were arrested for drug possession charges.

During the raids last week, officers seized meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia such as scales. It's unclear just how much stock of drugs they seized.

According to the press release, the drug dealers worked out of dilapidated homes as well as an old chicken restaurant.

Pictured above are Stephen Earl Williams, 61 (left), Willah Sue Heard, 47 (center), and Riley Blake Collins, 20 (right). All three are charged with possession of a controlled substance

Bush's Chicken Restaurant closed in May 2017, but police say the dealers continued to sell black tar heroin through the drive-thru window there.

Police say the drugs were being sold in Hamilton, Coryell, Tarrant, Travis and Bell counties.

Hamilton County Sheriff Justin Caraway told KWTX that he expects 20 to 30 more arrests in the future.

'Let the record show, if you choose to peddle your poison in our county, we will hunt you down and work to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,' the sheriff's office said in the news release.
Theresa May shared an emotional moment with Baroness Jowell today as she announced a 45million boost to improve care for the disease threatening to claim her life.

The Prime Minister warmly embraced the Labour peer when they met to discuss brain cancer care in Whitehall.

The pair spent many years locked in political battle when Lady Jowell was in government and Mrs May was serving on the Tory frontbench in Opposition.

But there was no sign of the rivalry as the premier greeted Lady Jowell and her family, describing her as an 'inspiration'.

The Prime Minister warmly embraced the Labour peer when they met to discuss brain cancer care in Whitehall today

The pair spent many years locked in political battle when Lady Jowell was in government and Mrs May was serving on the Tory frontbench in Opposition

Mrs May tweeted about the meeting saying Lady Jowell 'truly is an inspiration to us all'

Tweeting after the meeting, Mrs May said: 'It was lovely to spend time with @TessaJowell and her family, talking with @Jeremy_Hunt about working with @CR_UK to provide a 45 million boost to brain tumour research to tackle a disease where survival remains woefully low. She truly is an inspiration to us all.'

The government has announced 20 million in funding for research into brain tumours over the next five years, which will be added to 25million from Cancer Research UK.

The money will support two new specialist centres, bringing together world-leading experts to discover and develop new treatments to tackle brain tumours in children.

A centre focusing on adult brain tumours is due to open later this year.

Lady Jowell was given a standing ovation after making an emotional plea for more cancer treatments to be made available through the NHS.

She called for more opportunities for 'adaptive trials' in which patients can undergo different treatments, and if one does not work they can immediately move on to the next.

Lady Jowell, whose voice cracked several times during her House of Lords speech, told fellow peers of her cancer diagnosis and subsequent battle to beat the disease.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said today: 'While survival rates for most cancers are at record levels, the prognosis for people with brain tumours has scarcely improved in over a generation.

'I am grateful to Baroness Jowell and other MPs who have campaigned with great dignity and courage to raise awareness of this issue.

'Our ambition is to deliver a big uplift in the funding of brain cancer research, while galvanising the clinical and scientific communities to explore new avenues for diagnosis and treatment in the future.

There was no sign of the rivalry today as the premier greeted Lady Jowell and her family, describing her as an 'inspiration'

Lady Jowell won heartfelt applause in the House of Lords last month as she returned to Parliament to plead for new cancer treatments. She is pictured with Labour colleagues following her speech

'It is a chance to create a genuine step change in survival rates for one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

Sir Harpal Kumar, Cancer Research UK Chief Executive, said: 'Brain tumours remain a huge challenge, with survival barely improving over the last 30 years.

'Since we laid out our plans to tackle this challenge in 2014, Cancer Research UK has already substantially increased its funding into brain tumours and attracted some of the world's leading experts to the UK.'
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More than 10,000 cars were caught up in a massive traffic jam in China earlier this week.

Over 50,000 travellers were stuck as they waited to get on ferryboats to leave popular tropical island Hainan.

According to Chinese news site Sina, the huge queues stretched for around 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) at one point. The congestion was caused by heavy fog over the Qiongzhou Strait in Haikou.

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Endless queues: Masses of vehicles move slowly to leave the Haikou Xiuying Port on February 21 after a massive traffic jam

No escape: Huge queues of vehicles were stranded outside three ports on popular Hainan Island from Monday to Wednesday

The incredible gridlock took place at the end of China's seven-day national holiday to celebrate Lunar New Year.

As a tropical destination, Hainan Island was hugely popular among tourists who were looking for sunshine.

In the space of seven days, around five million people swarmed to the island which is roughly the size of Belgium.

But when they were trying to return home, they found themselves trapped on the island due to foggy weather as boats could only operate periodically.

No end in sight: The mind-blowing gridblock happened at the end of the week-long national holiday for the Lunar New Year

The road is long: The motorists came to Hainan Island for a sunny holiday, but when they tried to go home they were trapped

Huge queues of vehicles were spotted outside of the islands Xiuying Port, Xinhai Port and Nangang Port from the evening of February 19 and by midnight, over 10,000 vehicle had been stuck.

As a result of the traffic jam, the price of the flight tickets out of Hainan to major Chinese cities soared up by some 20 times, according to Sina.

A mind-boggling video, shared by Kan Kan News, shows endless lines of vehicles being caught up near the piers' entrance.

Are we there yet? It took the boats at the three ports around two days to carry all the cars over to the other side

Just be patient: Vehicles started to queue up on February 19 and there were still around 10,000 car waiting on February 21

It's said that after the ferry re-opened on the morning of February 20, 30 boats shuttled between the strait to transport nearly 7,000 vehicles over in 4.5 hours. The local government said on February 20 that it would take them another 24 hours to clear the queues.

According to Xinhua News Agency, there were still over 10,000 cars waiting to board the ferry by 5pm on February 21.

Major traffic jams often happen at the end of major Chinese holidays.

Last Lunar New Year, the traffic on Beijing-Hong Kong expressway backed up outside Beijing for some 50 kilometres (31 miles) as people tried to return to the capital city.

In October 2015, also in Beijing, motorists were stranded in a 50-lane traffic jam as the week-long National Day holiday wrapped up.

The worst traffic jam ever in China took place in 2010 where motorists were caught up in a 60-mile tailback which lasted for more tan 10 days on the Beijing-Tibet Expressway - due to roadworks.
Justin Trudeau has cancelled a invite for a failed Sikh assassin and separatist he was supposed to dine with during his tour of India.

Jaspal Atwal, who tried to kill an Indian minister on Canadian soil in 1986, had been invited to an event hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner in Delhi on Thursday.

Trudeau said he was unaware of the invite, which had been extended by Liberal MP Randeep Sarai, and it was withdrawn as soon as it was brought to his attention.

'Obviously, we take this situation extremely seriously,' he told reporters in New Delhi.

Justin Trudeau has apologized after it emerged a Sikh separatist who once tried to assassinate an Indian minister on Canadian soil was invited to a dinner he was due to attend in India

Trudeau said he was not aware of the invite and canceled it as soon as it was brought to his attention. But it turns out the same separatist, Jaspal Atwal, was pictured with his wife Sophie (left) at another event on Tuesday

The invite was revealed ahead of a meeting between Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trudeau has been working hard to dispel the widespread perception in India that he is soft on extremists

'The individual in question never should have received an invitation and as soon as we found out we rescinded the invitation immediately.'

It also comes after pictures emerged of Atwal standing next to Trudeau's wife at a second event in Mumbai on Tuesday in pictures published by CBC.

The Canadian Prime Minister has been desperately trying to shake off the widespread perception in India that he is a soft touch towards Sikh separatists.

On Saturday Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not at the airport to meet Trudeau as he arrived to start his trip - widely viewed as a deliberate snub over this issue.

Modi has denied such allegations, while Trudeau has been at pains to state he supports a united India and rejects violence.

The invite was exposed just a day before Trudeau was due to meet Modi - the only high-level engagement of his eight-day trip.

It also came just a day after Trudeau visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest site in Sikhism, while assuring Punjab's chief minister that Canada did not sympathise with extremist movements.

Atwal was convicted for a botched assassination attempt on an Indian cabinet minister in Canada in 1986 and was sentenced to 20 years by a Canadian court.

He was a member of the International Sikh Youth Federation, an organisation outlawed in India and Canada, among other places, that seeks an independent Sikh state of Khalistan.

Justin Trudeau has come in for criticism for his outfit choices while visiting India, with even the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister weighing in

Bestselling author Bhaavna Arora was among the harshest critics, describing his wardrobe choices as 'fake and annoying'

Bombay-based writer Shunali Khullar Shroff echoed the sentiments of many ordinary Indians when she suggested Trudeau looked dressed for a wedding

Kabir Taneja, a think-tank researcher, suggested Trudeau needs to 'chill' after he arrived at the airport in Amritsar in traditional Sikh dress

India's foreign ministry said it was investigating how Atwal -- a Canadian passport holder of Indian origin -- managed to obtain a visa to travel to India.

Canada is home to roughly half a million Sikhs and Trudeau's administration has been accused of being too cosy with those agitating for a separate homeland in India's northern Punjab state.

Trudeau particularly riled New Delhi last year when he attended a parade in Canada at which Sikh militants were feted as heroes.

Tensions over the Khalistan issue have marred Trudeau's visit, and fuelled speculation the prime minister was being snubbed by his Indian hosts.

But Modi late Thursday tweeted a welcome note for the visiting dignitary, posting a picture of him with Trudeau and his daughter Ella-Grace from a meeting in 2015.

'I look forward to meeting PM Justin Trudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres,' he said in a tweet ahead of Friday's formal meeting between the two premiers.

It comes after Trudeau was ridiculed on social media by Indians for his 'tacky' and over the top outfit choices while visiting.

While India was initially receptive of Trudeau's clothing, the tide seemed to turn on Tuesday night after he donned a gold jacket to meet Bollywood stars (left). Pictured right, he visits the Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday

The Prime Minister kept his suit trousers and shoes on but did don a polo shirt as daughter Ella-Grace and son Xavier practiced cricket later in the day

Ministers, authors, journalists and ordinary Indians lined up to mock him, saying his wardrobe was 'fake and annoying'.

Leading the criticism was Omar Abdullah, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, who tweeted on Wednesday saying Trudeau's preening was 'all just a bit much.'

'We Indians do not dress like this every day sir, not even in Bollywood.'

Bhaavna Arora, a bestselling Indian author, also chimed in, accusing Trudeau of wearing 'fancy dress' and saying she found it 'fake and annoying'.

Shekhar Gupta, founder of Indian newspaper ThePrint also mocked the Canadian Prime Minister, accusing him of 'running a week-long 'election campaign' in India in fancy dress.'

Kabir Taneja, an associate fellow at think-tank ORF and based in South Delhi, also took issue with Trudeau wearing traditional Sikh dress at the airport.

'Bro Golden Temple is not at the airport,' he wrote. 'Have some chill.'

While Indian newspapers had initially praised Trudeau's attempt to cross cultural boundaries with his outfits - describing the red kurta he wore on the first day of his visit as 'resplendent' and 'festive' - by Wednesday they lost patience as well.

'Too flashy even for an Indian', proclaimed Outlook India while The Print suggested that he looked like he was auditioning to be a model.

The tipping point seemed to have come the day before when Trudeau met the great and good of Bollywood, whose own looks arguably inspired some of his own.

Many observers suggested that it seemed Trudeau was attending a wedding from the way he was dressed (pictured here at one of Ghandi's former homes on Monday)

Others compared him to famous Indian magician PC Sarkar, mocking him for looking over-dressed, even in front of Bollywood stars

While Indians tolerated Trudeau's outfit choices for the first two days of his visit, by Wednesday their patience seemed to have run out

But while the actors dressed down for the occasion, opting largely for black suits and shirts, Trudeau went all-out with a gaudy golden number.

India Today described the choice of clothing as 'tacky', suggesting it was insulting to his guests.

The paper wrote: 'We understand that the Trudeaus do not understand Indian clothing as well as Indian dignitaries do, but for someone who's been fond of wearing Indian kurtas even back home, it's not wrong to expect a touch of class.'

It is not only Trudeau's dress sense that has seen him come under fire on his India tour - he has also been snubbed by Indian politicians because of his past support for Sikh separatist groups.

When he arrived in New Dehli on Saturday, instead of being greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi he was instead welcomed by a junior agriculture minister.

While Modi's office insisted there was no subtext to the move, the leader is usually on hand to greet world leader with a hug at the airport.

Trudeau's trip has also been criticised back home for his lack of official engagements - just one in eight days - making it more like a family holiday than a diplomatic visit.
John McDonnell today said Labour could back a second Brexit referendum - saying: 'all options are open.'

His comments come amid reports Jeremy Corbyn will use a major speech on Brexit to announce Labour will push to keep the UK in a customs union with the EU.

The Labour leader is expected to bow to pressure from his Remain-backing MPs and young activists to change party policy and push for a soft Brexit.

But any move to keep the UK in the customs union - which would stop the country being able to strike trade deals globally - could spark anger among its pro Brexit voters in the party's heartlands.

John McDonnell (pictured today) said Labour could back a second Brexit referendum - saying: 'all options are open'

John McDonnell (pictured at the Resolution Foundation event in London this morning) said he is hoping another General Election will be called so Labour can change the UK's Brexit policy in No10

Speaking in London this morning, Mr McDonnell said he is hoping another General Election will be called so Labour can change the UK's Brexit policy in No10.

But he said Labour does not rule out having another nationwide vote on the issue to reverse the historic decision.

He said: 'There needs to be a wider debate about the future of the country setting our future relationship with Europe in that context.

'That's why I would prefer a general election, but we are keeping all options open.'

Mr McDonnell said all the analysis of polling the party had been doing on whether voters wanted another referendum showed 'there hasn't been a shift'.

'It's virtually 50/50 at the moment,' he said.

'From the analysis of all the poll of polls, there has been some shift but it is in both directions, so they have cancelled each other out.'

Quizzed about the party's position on staying inside the EU customs union, Mr McDonnell said the party was looking to keep a similar arrangement with the EU.

He said: 'We are not supporting membership of the customs union but we are looking at a customs union.

Jeremy Corbyn is delivering a major speech on Brexit on Monday, where he is expected to change the party's position to back a softer Brexit (file pic)

'The reason we are saying a customs union is because we don't want the same asymmetric relationship that Turkey have got.

'What we would want is to negotiate around our ability to influence the trade negotiations that would take place on behalf of us all, both ourselves and other European countries in terms of trade via a customs union.'

Mr Corbyn is delivering a major speech on Brexit on Monday, where he is expected to change the party's position to back a softer Brexit.

It comes after he was confronted by calls from 20,000 party members demanded a stronger say on the party's Brexit policy.

While earlier this week the Labour leader held an away day with his top team to thrash out their position on Brexit.

Meanwhile ex-leader Neil Kinnock called on Mr Corbyn to stop Brexit to save the NHS from disaster.
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence unleashed a scathing attack on 'murderous' and 'tyrannical' North Korea during a speech Thursday to the Conservative Political Action Conference, despite his willingness to sit down for direct talks with the communist dictatorship just two weeks ago.

But a Pence spokesman told DailyMail.com after the speech that Pence would hav used the opportunity to take a hard line with the totalitarian state.

In a red meat-filled address near Washington, Pence recalled the media firestorm that erupted following the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

The vice president was pilloried in some media outlets for refusing to stand while the North and South marched as a unified team, and for ignoring despot Kim Jong-Un's sister Kim Yo Jong  who was seated just a few feet away from him.

Yet he openly courted the idea of a meeting with Pyongyang's emissaries  until the North Koreans walked away.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Vice President Mike Pence slammed North Korea on Thursday during the 2018 Conservative Political Action Conference

Just a few weeks ago Pence was willing to meet personally with North Korean diplomats during the early days of the Winter Olympics, but it was the dictatorship that pulled out

Pence spokesman Nick Ayers said at the time that it was the North that 'dangled a meeting in hopes of the vice president softening his message.'

But he acknowledged that 'they walked away from a meeting' that Pence was willing to entertain.

On Thursday Pence spokesman Jarrod Agen said it was 'absolutely correct' to say Pence was planning to stare down America's adversary.

'His message  whatever the setting, whoever is present  is the same,' Agen said.

'He would have delivered the same message privately that he did publicly: sanctions and the maximum pressure campaign will only intensify until the Kim Regime completely, verifiably, and permanently abandons its nuclear weapons program and its ballistic missile program.'

The Washington Post reported that Kim's representatives, including his sister, abandoned the get-together within two hours of its scheduled time.

Yet on Thursday at CPAC, Pence's rhetorical olive branch was nowhere to be found.

Pence didn't mention his diplomatic openness when he told a cheering CPAC crowd that 'the United States of America doesn't stand with murderous dictatorships. We stand up to murderous dictatorships'

Pence (right) was pilloried in the press for not standing as unified North and South Korean athletes marched during the opening ceremonies in PyeongChang

'For all the media fawning over the sister of the North Korean dictator,' he said, 'I think it's important that every American knows who this person is and what she has done.'

'The sister of Kim Jong-Un is the central pillar of the most tyrannical and oppressive regime on the planet, an evil family clique that brutalizes, subjugates and starves and imprisons its 25 million people.'

'People are routinely jailed and executed for the most minor acts of defiance' there, he said, calling the hermit nation a perpetrator of 'crimes against humanity.'

'For all those in the media who think I should have stood and cheered with the North Koreans,' he added, as boos and hisses rained down, 'I say the United States of America doesn't stand with murderous dictatorships. We stand up to murderous dictatorships.'

Pence's wife Karen introduced the normally mild-mannered veep as 'Rush Limbaugh on decaf' and said he has non-alcoholic beer every Friday on 'pizza night'

Pence's raised voice stood in stark contrast to his wife Karen's introduction of him.

Referring to a famous flame-throwing conservative radio host, the second lady called her husband 'Rush Limbaugh on decaf.'

She also revealed that the vice president is an avid horse rider, a former cartoonist, and a faithful observer of a weekly non-alcoholic family meal tradition.

'If it's Friday night, we'd better be having pizza for dinner. Supreme, thin crust  with an O'Doul's.'

A diplomatic thaw between the U.S. and North Korea doesn't seem any closer than it did when President Donald Trump said in November during a speech to South Korea's National Assembly that like in the North is 'horror' for millions.

'An estimated 100,000 North Koreans suffer in gulags, toiling in forced labor, and enduring torture, starvation, rape, and murder on a constant basis,' he said then.

'The horror of life in North Korea is so complete that citizens pay bribes to government officials to have themselves exported aboard as slaves.'

First daughter Ivanka Trump is headed to Pyeongchang on Thursday to represent the U.S. at the Olympics closing ceremonies.

A senior White House official said Wednesday that Ms. Trump, also a senior adviser to the president, has no intention of making entreaties to North Korea while she is there or meeting with its delegates.

She is also not planning to meet with North Korean defectors who have escaped to the South, the official added.
A huge fire tore through a warehouse in southern China yesterday.

Dramatic footage has emerged showing huge plumes of black smoke filling the air above the raging inferno.

Around 60 firefighters and 12 fire engines were dispatched to the site in Guangxi Province to put out the fire.

Onlookers crowd outside a warehouse as a huge fire tears through it in China on February 21

No casualties have been reported as a result of the accident.

According to a social media statement from the local fire-fighting department, the fire occurred at around 1pm on February 21 in the city of Hezhou.

The warehouse, occupying 280 square metres (3,013 square feet), is situated on Chengxi Road in Guiping District and stored home appliances.

Firefighters quickly brought the situation under control. No one was inside the warehouse at the time of the fire.

The fire devours a 3,000-square-foot warehouse which stores home appliances in Hezhou

Reports of factory or warehouse blazes appear often in China. Many of them take place in chemical plants.

This is because the country has relatively relaxed health and safety regulations compared to the West. Workers' safety conscientious is also relatively low.

One of the worst warehouse fires in China happened in 2015. Around 158 people died in a series of massive explosions at chemical warehouses in Tianjin - the world's 10th-largest port.
A horse killer may be on the loose in Liberty County, Texas.

Over the past three moths, three horses in the rural county have been found shot dead in the head in gruesome killings that have left their owners horrified.

The first deadly incident happened the morning on November 8, when someone sneaked onto the Brett family's ranch in Hull, Texas and shot their eight-year-old miniature horse Chicken Nugget in the head at close range.

Chicken Nugget was the best friend of the couple's five-year-old Rylee, whose classmate Arian Brock suffered a similar heartbreak just weeks later, six miles away on her own family farm.

On December 23, Arian's palomino named Sonny was shot with what authorities believe was a high-powered rifle.

Three horses have been shot dead in Liberty County, Texas over the past three months. The first was Rylee Brett's mini horse named Chicken Nugget (the two pictured above)

A month later, Rylee's classmate Arian Brock's palomino Sonny was killed (left). Arian got a new horse named Sunshine who was shot dead on Monday (the girl and her new horse pictured right). Police think the incidents may be related

After the tragedy, a rescue group donated a horse to the Brocks to replace their beloved Sonny, a horse Arian named Sunshine.

But the family was targeted yet again on Monday, when Arian's brother found the horse dead. The killer couldn't have been far, since the horse's body was still warm.

A veterinarian later determined that Sonny had been killed with a cross bow, even though there was no arrow lodged in his body - indicating whoever killed the horse went up to it and pulled the weapon out.

Arian's mom Camile Brock (pictured) called the killings 'sick and disturbing'.

Local police say they have no information connecting the three deaths, but said they are investigating the possibility that they are connected.

A total of $20,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for killing the Brock's horses. Half of that money was donated by an anonymous couple.

The family have also hired a private investigator to look into the matter.

'There's a lot of avenues we need to take. Who would have any vendetta against Camie, Dale and their family?' investigator Carla Edwards told KPRC.

Arian's mother Camile says she does not plan to get a new horse, and is even considering taking their grandson's horse off the property.

Kylee Brett (pictured), Rylee's mother, said she feels horrible for the Brocks and can relate to their situation

She said her daughter is 'confused' by the situation.

'She just wants someone to..get in trouble, is her words,' she said.

Mrs Brock called the killing 'sick and disturbing'.

'I want this to be brought to justice,' she said.

The Bretts have gotten a new horse for their family, Chicken Nugget's sister horse which they have named Chicken Wing.

Kylee Brett, Rylee's mother, said she feels horrible for the Brocks and can relate to their situation.

'[The girls] know no evil. They know no hate,' said Kylee. 'For them to love a horse the way they do - it's an inseparable bond.'

Anyone with information is being asked to call the Liberty County Sheriff's Office at 936-336-4500 or Multi-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-7867.
Labour's climate change minister accepted thousands of pounds from a water company - despite his partys plans to renationalise the industry.

Barry Gardiner, who is also shadow trade secretary, received a 5,000 donation from Castle Water, an independent supply company.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen branded him a hypocrite for taking money while his party rails against the privatisation of the sector- and said the firm is 'feeding the monster that plans to eat them'.

Mr Gardiner - a close ally of Jeremy Corbyn - declared the donation from the Scottish-based company on the Register of Members Interests.

Labour has pledged to nationalise the water industry in its manifesto - a move that could cost taxpayers up to 90billion, according to a think-tank.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell pledged that the policy would not cost the country a penny as initial costs would be reclaimed.

Barry Gardiner accepted thousands of pounds from a water company - despite his partys plans to renationalise the industry

Barry Gardiner, who is also shadow trade secretary, received a 5,000 donation from Castle Water, an independent supply company

But the Social Market Foundation (SMF) said the sizeable sum would be needed to acquire private water firms from shareholders and investors.

Funding the purchases with borrowed money would add five per cent to the national debt, it warned in a report.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: Labours hypocrisy is shocking, taking money from a water company that theyve pledged to nationalise

Mr Gardiner was previously shadow water minister but is now shadow trade secretary and international climate change shadow minister.

He was previously on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, and the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: Labours hypocrisy is shocking, taking money from a water company that theyve pledged to nationalise.

Castle Water are feeding the monster that plans to eat them.

'Perhaps theyre like chickens at the back of the hen coop, hoping the fox will eat them last.

The company describes itself as the leading independent water retailer in the UK. It says it supplies hundreds of thousands of businesses, charities, and public bodies throughout England and Scotland.

A spokesman for Barry Gardiner said: The CEO & director of the company is a personal friend of Mr Gardiner from university and has kindly supported his campaigning work for many years.

His company sponsored Mr Gardiners Christmas card to constituents and made the payment to his constituency Party Campaign Fund not to Mr Gardiner personally.

The donation was properly registered in the normal way.
A former model has escaped from a man she claims held her as a 'sex slave' in Turkey and Russia for seven years.

Natasha Serebriy had two children by a 'tyrant' known only as Vyacheslav R. who she says caused her horrific injuries.

Now 25, her weight fell to just six stone.

She accuses the businessman of 'raping and beating' her almost daily.

When she finally fled from him, she was visibly anorexic and suffering from broken ribs, chest bone and fingers, severely damaged organs, head injuries  and a torn rectum.

Natasha Serebriy had two children by a 'tyrant' known only as Vyacheslav R. who she says caused her horrific injuries

The Ukrainian beauty also had anaemia due to an acute three month long blood loss that almost killed her.

Natasha says her tormentor - 30 years her senior - first started to beat her one month after they met when she was only 18, seven years ago.

She is believed to have suffered from Stockholm syndrome, harbouring feelings of trust or affection for a man who had 'kidnapped' her.

The woman is now being hidden in a refuge for victims of domestic violence in Russia amid fears he is stalking her, according to Moskovsky Komsomolets.

Natasha says her tormentor Vyacheslav R. (pictured) first started to beat her one month after they met when she was only 18, seven years ago

The woman is now being hidden in a refuge for victims of domestic violence in Russia

Vyacheslav is an alleged bigamist who in Turkey - and later Russia - forbade her having a phone, cut her off from any social contact, and 'beat me in front of my daughters'.

The children are now aged five and three.

With a promising modelling career in front of her, she fell for his 'care and attention' but soon realised he was violent.

'After one month, he began pressurising and assaulting me,' she said.

'He kept repeating that it was all my fault, that he simply had to re-educate me to do things the right way,'

She said: 'At first I loved him and wanted to become better to please him.

Vyacheslav is an alleged bigamist who in Turkey - and later Russia - forbade her having a phone, cut her off from any social contact, and 'beat me in front of my daughters'

With a promising modelling career in front of her, she fell for his 'care and attention' but soon realised he was violent. Her weight dropped to six stone, he said

'I dreamed of having his baby, thinking that this would fix everything, that he would change, understand that I was also a person, dear to him.'

But this was not the case.

Where she was six months pregnant, he took her to Turkey and hid her away.

'I was a slave,' she said.

If she went out, she had to hold his hand.

'I just had no physical opportunity to leave. He took all my documents,' she said.

'He forbade me from speaking to my friends and my mother, explaining that she was bad for me. He cut off all my relatives.

'I was not allowed talking to my neighbours.

'He beat me up in presence of his business partners when they came to visit us.

'He took my phone away and when he went outside, he always locked the door.

'I was left alone in the apartment for the whole day.

'I had to clean, wash, cook for him.'

She admitted she had 'a serious dependency on him' yet constantly flinched from his violent rages when he physically abused her.

He attacked her soon after giving birth and when she was breastfeeding 'because I didn't give him due respect,' she said

Some 22 months after her first daughter Eva was born, she gave birth to another girl, Lisa

He attacked her soon after giving birth and when she was breastfeeding 'because I didn't give him due respect'.

He then forbade her to use contraception despite her claim that he almost daily raped her.

Some 22 months after her first daughter Eva was born, she gave birth to another girl, Lisa.

His son by his earlier marriage saw the abuse and reported it to Turkish police, she said.

She was deported to Ukraine and he was thrown out separately from Turkey.

Natasha went to stay with her family in Kiev, but he found her.

'He told me I belong to him and, no matter what I do, I will never get away - until I die,' she said,

'He grabbed me, threw me into a car with the children and took me to Russia.

'He put me in a house in the Moscow suburbs for more than two years - from June 2016 to January 2018 - forcibly kept me there. Until I managed to escape '

For her final three months, she was 'exhausted and bleeding'.

She begged him to take her to a doctor, fearing she would otherwise die.

Natasha was eventually allowed to go to a hospital but he kept the children as 'hostages'.

He then forbade her to use contraception despite her claim that he almost daily raped her

She told the hospital staff about her plight and begged them for help.

They fooled him into bring then children to see him, then demanded he take her blood test results to another hospital department.

In his absence, nurses and doctors had arranged a getaway car that took her into hiding, arranged by the women's refuge.

Natasha still lives in fear that he will find her.

Russian police are now reported to be searching for Vyacheslav after she complained about being forcibly held as a sex slave.

A social worker familiar with the case said: 'She is lucky to be alive.

'His is a tyrant who has caused her misery.'
A Pennsylvania man who allegedly attempted to steal a car claimed he was Hollywood heartthrob Matthew McConaughey when police asked for his identification.

Police were alerted about a suspicious person prowling outside of a Georges Township home.

Miller had not only skulked around the home, but he also rang the doorbell multiple times, and allegedly entered and sat in the resident's car.

Scruffy: Although the two share shaggy hair and a beard, they share little else in resemblance

When authorities arrived on the scene they found Troy Miller, 46, sitting in the car belonging to the house he was lurking around.

When police asked him to identify himself, he claimed he was the famed 48-year-old star of Dazed and Confused.

Look-alike? Miller never revealed his true identity and insisted he was the 48-year-old actor

Movie star: Miller seemed Dazed and Confused, much like McConaughey's character on film of the same name

Despite similar ages and similar hair scruff, the two did not bear much resemblance to each other.

Police arrested Miller on Sunday on charges of attempted theft of a motor vehicle, false identification, loitering and prowling at night.

He was booked into the Fayette County Prison on a bond of $500.
The CIA monitored Jeremy Corbyn over his links with a Marxist trade union, it emerged today.

American spies followed the Labour leader as he attended a conference in El Salvador hosted by the far-left Fenastras union in 1986.

The group was linked to a violent guerrilla militia which was backed by the Soviet Union and killed hundreds of civilians in the country's civil war.

Spies filed a report on Mr Corbyn's support of Fenastras back to authorities in Washington.

On the watch list: Jeremy Corbyn, pictured left in 1989 and right, earlier this week, was being watched by the CIA

The note on Mr Corbyn came to light in the declassified CIA archive and was first reported by the Guido Fawkes website.

It dates to 1986 - the same year the Labour MP first met a Communist spy in Parliament.

Mr Corbyn, then a backbencher known for his extreme left-wing views, travelled to El Salvador in November that year.

He was described as a 'fraternal delegate' to the Fenestras conference and his trip was partly funded by the El Salvador Solidarity Committee.

He also allowed his name to be used in a newspaper advert in support of Fenestras, according to the diplomatic cable.

Declassified CIA files reveal American spies kept tabs on Jeremy Corbyns links to a Soviet-backed trade union that supported violent Marxist guerrillas

The conference was monitored to the CIA because the union had 'guerrilla and WFTU connections'.

Declassified files reveal the CIA kept tabs on Jeremy Corbyn and his links to a Soviet-backed traded union group that supported Marxist guerrillas.

American spies watched the Labour leader as he embarked on a tour of El Salvador in 1986, it has emerged.

Political website Guido Fawkes claims Mr Corbyn visited Latin American regimes in the late 1980s.

Security services in the US were interested in the British politician's 'support' for the El Salvadorian trade union Fenastras.

Security services in the US were interested in the British politician's 'support' for the El Salvadorian trade union Fenastras

It was one of interest to authorities for its connections to guerrilla fighters and the World Federation of Trade Unions.

The US government considered Fenastras a front for political party and armed guerrilla rebel organisation the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN).

The FMLN, armed and supplied by the Soviet Union and Cuba, fought a bloody civil war between 1979 and 1992 against the authoritarian right-wing regime.

Between November 8 and 17 in 1986, Mr Corbyn travelled to the Fenastras Conference with a trip funded by the El Salvador Solidarity Committee, Guido Fawkes reports.

The political website points out in an investigation, published today, that Mr Corbyn went on four trips during 1986.

As well as two tours of El Salvador in January and November, Mr Corbyn also visited Cuba and Nicaragua.

In his register, he noted at the time he accepted 'travel assistance from the Cuban government'.

The CIA documents also show Mr Corbyn's name appears on a global media monitoring list dated March 1984.
Ivanka Trump may have inherited her mothers looks and her fathers business savvy, but she is also a powerhouse in her own right.

Donald Trumps second child followed in her dads footsteps, pursuing a career in business. Shes worked with The Trump Organization, owned a company of her own and worked in the White House, all the while helping to bring up three children. Entrepreneurship is hard work, but it seems Ivankas figuring it out just fine.

Shes currently tied with Donald Trump Jr. for the title of richest Trump sibling. So what is her net worth?

Ivanka Trump is currently tied with big brother Donald Trump Jr. for richest Trump child

Who is Ivanka Trump?

Ivana Marie Trump was born in Manhattan, New York, to parents Ivana Trump (nee Zelnickova) and Donald Trump. Her parents called her Ivanka for much of her life, even though her actual name is Ivana, which the former couples second child explained in a 2010 tweet.

My actual name is Ivana. In Czech, Ivanka is the baby name for Ivana, like Bobby is to Robert. RT @Saluxious Ivanka, how'd you get u r name?  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) December 28, 2010

Donald and Ivana divorced in 1991, when Ivanka was just 10 years old. He would remarry in 2005 for the third and final time.

Ivanka spent her formative years focused on school. She attended the Chapin School in New York City until she was 15. At that time, she was sent to Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut. After finishing high school she attended Georgetown University briefly, eventually transferring to the University of Pennsylvania where she studied economics.

By 2005, Ivanka was already working in the family business as Executive President of Development and Acquisitions. She moved on in 2007, at which time she partnered with Dynamic Diamond Corp in the creation of Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry. The companys flagship store closed abruptly in 2011 with no explanation before or after. As of October 2016, the companys website has been updated to reflect that the New York Trump Tower location is its flagship boutique and only dedicated retailer.

Last week we met to discuss the Investing in Opportunity Act in the 2017 Tax Bill that will drive capital to distressed urban & rural communities, in which ~52 million Americans live. #TaxReform pic.twitter.com/nTiMwjGnuF  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) February 21, 2018

Ivanka also owns her own fashion line, named after herself. The line includes clothes, shoes and accessories and is sold at several major retail stores. The brand has been criticized for stealing designs from other brands, however. It was also dropped from Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus for not selling enough as a result of her father running for President.

Ivanka met her now-husband Jared Kushner in 2007. The pair were married by 2009 and had their first child together in 2011. Ivanka converted to Judaism to marry Kushner, making her the only Jewish member of the Trump family.

Happy birthday Mom! Today, I bow to you even deeper, as I better understand just how hard a job it is to be a great mom! xx pic.twitter.com/flm4m3Frml  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) February 20, 2018

How old is Ivanka Trump?

Ivanka Trump is 36 years old. She was born on October 30, 1981.

What is Ivanka Trumps net worth?

Celebrity Net Worth estimates that Ivanka Trump is worth $300 million (214 million). She and her husband together are worth a whopping $740 million (529 million), a White House financial disclosure obtained by the New York Times revealed. CNN later reported that this figure may actually be closer to $762 million (545 million).

With the birthday boy on his 37th birthday! Heres to many more great days, years and decades to come with my love!  pic.twitter.com/xqkjGnVWAI  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) January 11, 2018

How did Ivanka Trump make her money?

Ivanka Trumps personal brand is thought to be worth $50 million (35 million). She also reportedly has between $5 million (3 million) and $25 million (17 million) stake in the Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C. Ivanka is not being paid for her work in the White House.

She and her husband reportedly have an art collection valued at about $25 million.

Jared Kushner net worth

If Ivanka Trumps net worth is $300 million, Jared Kushner is worth about $440 million (315 million). According to The Sun, Kushner made $20 million (14 million) while he was still studying at Harvard. In 2006 he purchased the New York Observer for $10 million (7 million). He currently works in the White House under Donald Trump but isnt being paid for it, according to Politico.

To any kid, this fish is a trophy!    pic.twitter.com/wSpMZ0aFkQ  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) December 26, 2017

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushners kids

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have three children. Their eldest child is a six-year-old girl named Arabella Rose Kushner. Ivanka and Jared then had a son, Joseph Frederick Kushner, followed by their youngest child Theodore James Kushner.

Joseph watching Grandpa deplane Air Force One : Allen Eyestone via @pbpost pic.twitter.com/MmBWlWjJdh  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) February 4, 2018

Ivanka often speaks about raising a family openly. Speaking with People ahead of the 2016 election, Ivanka revealed that Jared is a hands on parent. She added that with their new, hectic lives, they have decided to set time apart each week to be together.

The 7th night of Chanukah! pic.twitter.com/QJdXj1SJGF  Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) December 19, 2017

Were acclimating to our new reality of having three babies at home. So it always takes a little while to adjust and find your familys new rhythm, she said. Jared is really incredibly hands on as a dad. For him whats most important is his family. So we work really hard during the week and we really prioritize weekends for just sort of reconnecting as a family. Its very seldom that well have a commitment on a Saturday or a Sunday. Its really about us being together.
Judge Julian Lambert called the case against the Somali driver 'deeply troubling' as it was thrown out today

The trial of a father accused of causing or allowing his six-year-old daughter to undergo female genital mutilation has collapsed after a judge ruled there was no case to answer.

Judge Julian Lambert directed a jury to find the 29-year-old taxi driver, from inner-city Bristol, not guilty of child cruelty following a three-day trial at Bristol Crown Court.

He described the prosecution case against the Somali father as 'deeply troubling' and called the account of their key witness - an anti-FGM campaigner - 'inconsistent'.

The driver had been charged with cruelty to a child under the age of 16 years, and having responsibility for a child under that age willfully assaulting / ill-treating / abandoning a child or young person to cause unnecessary suffering or injury.

But the judge said medical evidence on whether the girl had undergone FGM was 'wholly inconclusive at its highest', adding that she had always denied being harmed.

No cases of FGM have been successfully prosecuted in the UK, despite the practice being illegal for 30 years.

Following the ruling, Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Pook, Avon and Somerset Polices lead for FGM, said: 'Our priority from the outset of this investigation has been to safeguard any vulnerable children and protect them from harm.

'We carried out a challenging two-year investigation, supported by professionals from a range of partner agencies, which resulted in evidence being passed to the Crown Prosecution Service and a charge being authorised for a child cruelty offence.

'We accept the findings of the court and will continue, as always, to work closely with our communities to protect those at risk of FGM, and our wider network of partner agencies and inspiring charities to raise awareness of and develop our responses to this important issue.

'FGM remains a deeply entrenched practice and we know these harmful procedures are happening in this country right now.'

She said the force would continue to 'thoroughly investigate all potential offences of FGM' as well as focusing on preventing it from taking place.

A spokeswoman for the Crown Prosecution Service described the prosecution against the father for child cruelty in relation to FGM as 'unprecedented'.

DCI Pook warned that FGM is a deeply entrenched practice and says it is being committed in the UK right now

'The CPS considered this case in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and decided it met the Full Code Test - that there was sufficient evidence to prosecute for an offence of child cruelty and it was in the public interest,' she said.

'The judge at Bristol Crown Court had the opportunity to hear the evidence live and challenged.

'He then made a decision to stop the case yesterday. We respect the judges decision and will not be appealing.

'This was an unusual and unprecedented case for the prosecution.

'Where we feel there is sufficient evidence, and it is in the public interest to pursue, it is right that we put cases before the court so that a decision can be made by judge or jury.'

Lisa Zimmerman, director of Integrate UK, described the judges decision to stop the trial as 'very disappointing'.

'It is shameful that there has still never been a successful prosecution of this crime in the UK despite the fact that so many girls have been abused in this way across the country,' she said.

'The CPS and safeguarding services must protect young girls by taking urgent and serious action to ensure that perpetrators feel the full force of the law.

'Where there is evidence of genital mutilation the case must be prosecuted under the FGM Act.'

What is female genital mutilation? Razor blades are among the tools used to mutilate the genitals of women and girls The harmful religious and traditional practice involves partial or total removal of the female genitalia. Not only is it illegal in the UK, it is also illegal to take a female abroad for FGM. The maximum jail term for carrying out or enabling FGM is 14 years. Since April 2014, the NHS has been required to collect data on female genital mutilation (FGM) from women attending hospitals, GP surgeries and mental health centres. Tools used to mutilate women's and girls' genitals include blades, razors and even fingernails, sometimes without anaesthesia. One form of FGM involves removing the clitoris and the fold of skin above it, as well as the labia. The most severe form means the removal of the inner and outer labia as well as the vagina's opening being closed, with a small hole left for passing urine and menstrual blood. Sometimes the vagina is then cut open for sex or childbirth. Women sometimes bleed to death or can be left with horrifying health effects, such as infections, chronic pain, cysts, infertility and problems giving birth. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), FGM is carried out for social and religious reasons and is an 'extreme form of discrimination against women'. FGM is estimated to lead to an extra one or two baby deaths per 100 deliveries worldwide. Women with FGM also have increased risk of stillbirth, infants that need resuscitation and low birth weight babies. Advertisement
Haiti has banned Oxfam from operating in the country following allegations its workers used prostitutes while working there after the devastating 2010 earthquake.

The country's ministry of planning and foreign aid said Oxfam had made a 'serious error' by failing to inform Haitian authorities of the actions by their staff at the time they occurred.

'These reprehensible acts, alleged crimes, acknowledged by the perpetrators as well as the NGO, are a serious violation of the dignity of the Haitian people,' a government statement said.

Mark Goldring (pictured in Parliament) issued a groveling apology for downplaying the charity's scandal by saying that it was 'not like we murdered babies in their cots'

Oxfam has been suspended from working in Haiti for two months, the government has said

Seven Oxfam workers were fired or resigned in 2011 after a whistleblower accused staff members of misconduct while working in Haiti.

The charity will be suspended in Haiti for two months pending an investigation into sexual misconduct by employees of the aid group, a Haitian government minster said.

Minister of Planning and External Co-operation Aviol Fleurant said Haiti is investigating whether anyone from Oxfam sexually abused minors while working in the country.

Seven Oxfam workers were fired or resigned in 2011 after a whistleblower accused staff members of misconduct while working in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake that devastated the country.

Roland Van Hauwermeiren left Oxfam after being accused of using prostitutes in Haiti

Chief executive Mark Goldring apologised for downplaying the charity's scandal by saying that it was 'not like we murdered babies in their cots'.

Mr Goldring also revealed the sheer scale of the abuse claims flooding into the charity - saying that Oxfam has received 26 complains since the scandal broke.

He said that people who have been abused or witnessed it had been too afraid to speak out, but were now coming forward with their allegations.

Mr Goldring said some of the allegations of abuse are historic while 16 occurred in countries where Oxfam ran aid operations.

It has emerged that 7,000 people have pulled their donations to Oxfam in the wake of the scandal.

At the centre of the claims is Roland van Hauwermeiren, who left Oxfam after being accused of using prostitutes.

The Belgian national, 68, allegedly admitted to using prostitutes at his villa in Haiti, but was allowed a 'phased and dignified' resignation in 2011.

He was the head of mission for Action Against Hunger in Bangladesh until 2014.

And the Oxfam official who replaced Mr van Hauwermeiren as the charity's Haiti country director was himself dismissed last year for 'inappropriate behaviour'.

Van Hauwermeiren left his job at the medical charity Merlin in 2004 after a colleague claimed he hosted sex parties.

Despite this, he was recruited by Oxfam to lead a team in Chad, where he was accused of cavorting with prostitutes in 2006.

Bosses again turned a blind eye and Mr van Hauwermeiren took charge of Oxfam's response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010.

According to an investigation the following year, he admitted inviting prostitutes to his 1,500-a-month hilltop villa  the Eagle's Nest  rented for him by Oxfam.




Omarosa Manigault told her Big Brother housemates on Wednesday that she had to pay to fly on Air Force Once the first time.

The Apprentice star turned White House aide revealed she was given a bill for eating snacks on the plane.

'I got a bill and it was like, 23 dollars and I was like, "I didn't even eat anything,"' the reality star told housemate Marissa Jaret Winokur, who inquired about the plane ride during the episode.

'There's no free ride in the government,' Manigault went on to say. 'But you pay for the food.'

Manigault said she then phoned a military aide and asked why she had been billed, and they told her there was 'flat fee' for snacks as well as meals.

On 'Celebrity Big Brother' episode 10 , Omarosa Mangigault tells her housemates that she was given a BILL for $23 the first time she flew on Air Force One

Still, Manigault remembered the experience as one of the most 'surreal' moments of her life

Omarosa talks about being on Oprah with Donald Trump, and says she will have had her picture with two presidents in her lifetime. Sneak a peek, and don't miss #BBCeleb at 8/7c on CBS! pic.twitter.com/qsMJbbKhNe  Big Brother (@CBSBigBrother) February 22, 2018

The former 'Apprentice' contestant further shared her shock after coming from a small town to jet-setting alongside President Trump.

'What little girl grows up in the projects of Youngstown, get to fly back with the president of the United States on Air Force One, and ride down the very streets that she grew up in in a motorcade with the president?,' she gushed about the memory.

'That was one of the most surreal moments of my life.'

When speaking of the lighting on set of Big Brother, Manigault reflected on another special time in her life - her interview with Oprah.

'When I did Oprah that was the best lighting in my entire career... I was on Oprah with Donald Trump,' she boasted, although Manigault has publicly announced she no longer supports him.

Manigault reflected on her shock of being a small-town girl then jet-setting with President Trump

Manigault is seen boarding Air Force One at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, in Vienna, Ohio

'That's why when they were like, Oprah's gonna run, I was like, "Oh, I got a picture with both presidents!"'

Her housemate Ross Mathews had previously joked about her constant controversial remarks - which the group laughed was 'fake news', while Ross asked about Oprah: 'Do you think she will?' (run for president)'

Another voice is heard replying in the back: 'No... she's too rich and happy.'

Earlier this week, a chatty Manigault also dished on former short-term White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci.

She said the ten days he worked in the White House were the most interesting of her time there.

Earlier this week, Manigault also dished on former short-term White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci

Meanwhile, Scaramucci took to Twitter writing: 'Always liked @Omarosa always will'

Fellow TV personality, Ross Matthews, said everything that comes out of Manigault's mouth is 'fake news'
Following the backlash, Weinstein has directed his lawyers not to name any actresses he worked with in further court filings, a spokesman said

Both actresses were outraged by their inclusion in the court filing and responded swiftly with comments condemning

They also included statements from Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence, who said he had never harassed either of them

The lawyers said Paltrow's continued working relationship with Weinstein after the alleged harassment was evidence her claims were false

The story came to light as Weinstein's lawyers tried to get a class action lawsuit thrown out this week

Just a few months later, the actress was among the first A-list stars to accuse Weinstein of sexual misconduct

Sources close to Harvey Weinstein told The Blast that Gwyneth Paltrow invited him to her Hamtons home last summer and was 'sweet in cordial'

Just months before accusing him of sexual misconduct, Gwyneth Paltrow was more than happy to host Harvey Weinstein at her Hamptons home, sources close to the disgraced movie producer claim.

The sources told The Blast that the actress invited Weinstein over to her Amagansett home last summer, and she was 'sweet and cordial' during the visit.

When Weinstein first got the invite, he wasn't sure if it came directly from Paltrow, so he called her to follow up and she confirmed that it was, the sources said.

According to the report, the event turned out to be a pitch for investors in a Broadway show Paltrow was working on.

DailyMail.com reached out to Paltrow for comment on the story but did not immediately hear back Thursday afternoon.

Sources close to Harvey Weinstein say Gwyneth Paltrow invited him to her house this summer and was 'sweet and cordial'

The story came to light as Weinstein's lawyers tried to get a class-action lawsuit thrown out, using the words and actions of actresses including Paltrow, Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence as evidence of his good behavior.

Weinstein was fired from his own production company in October, when both the New York Times and New Yorker published exposes detailing his years of sexually harassing actresses in the industry.

Paltrow was among the first A-list actresses to come out and accuse Weinstein of misconduct.

Paltrow told the Times that Weinstein, a longtime family friend, made unwanted sexual advances on her when she was just starting out in Hollywood at the age of 22.

After hiring her for the lead role in 1996's Emma, Paltrow says Weinstein invited her to his hotel room for a business meeting but ended up trying to coax her into a bedroom for massages. She immediately left.

A few months later, Paltrow was among the first A-list actresses to accuse Weinstein of sexual misconduct. Above, the actress's home in Amagansett

However, she went on to continue working with Weinstein on several films, garnering her the 'queen of Miramax' nickname - and an Academy Award for Best Actress for Shakespeare in Love.

Weinstein's lawyers tried to use Paltrow's continued working relationship with Weinstein as evidence that her claims were false in an attempt to get a class-action lawsuit thrown out this week.

'Paltrow was not so offended that she refused to work with Weinstein again, nor did her career suffer as a result of her rebuffing his alleged advances,' the court papers said.

This week, Weinstein's lawyers tried to dismiss Paltrow's claims by pointing out how she continued to work with him after the alleged misconduct. Platrow and Weinstein pictured above in 1999, after she won Best Actress at the Oscars for Shakespeare in Love, which he produced

His lawyers also cited comments made by Meryl Streep last October, saying Weinstein had always been respectful in their working relationship, and one from Jennifer Lawrence, in which she said she had worked with Weinstein since she was 20 and 'he had only ever been nice to me.'

Both actresses were outraged by their inclusion in the court filing and issued swift responses.

Streep said Weinstein invoking her name in his defense is 'pathetic and exploitative'.

'The criminal actions he is accused of conducting on the bodies of these women are his responsibility,' she said.

Lawrence slammed Weinstein, telling TMZ: 'Harvey Weinstein and his company are continuing to do what they have always done which is to take things out of context and use them for their own benefit.

'This is what predators do, and it must stop.'

In the legal documents filed on Wednesday, Weinstein's lawyers also citing Jennifer Lawrence, who said ' had only ever been nice to me'. The two pictured above in 2013

Meryl Streep has hit out at Weinstein's lawyers for using her name in an attempt to get the class action lawsuit thrown out

Since the backlash, a spokesman for Mr Weinstein issued a statement saying he has directed his lawyers to stop using the names of actresses he has worked with in court filings.

The statement reads: 'Mr. Weinstein has been informed that his civil counsel responded in court to a class action lawsuit which improperly sought to include all actresses who had previously worked with Mr. Weinstein, even where those actresses have made no claim of wrongdoing.

'Even though Mr. Weinstein has worked with hundreds of actresses and actors who had only professional and mutually respectful experiences with him, Mr. Weinstein has directed in the future that no specific names be used by his counsel, even where those actors have made previous public statements about him.

'Mr. Weinstein acknowledges the valuable input both Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence have contributed to this conversation and apologies. Once again, moving forward, Mr. Weinstein has advised his counsel to not include specific names of former associates; and to avoid whenever possible, even if they are in the public record.'
A National Rifle Association spokeswoman claimed Thursday that audience members at a CNN gun politics town-hall event shouted 'Burn her!' and physically menaced her before she left under armed guard.

At least one student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where a crazed shooter took 17 lives last week, is calling her a liar.

'The government has proven that they cannot keep you safe. And yet some people want all of us to disarm. You heard that town hall last night, they cheered the confiscation of firearms,' Dana Loesch told a capacity crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference near Washington, D.C.

'And it was over 5,000 people. I had to have a security detail to get out. I wouldnt have been able to exit that if I did not have a private security detail. There were people rushing the stage and screaming, "Burn her!" And I came there to talk solutions,' she said.

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National Rifle Association spokeswoman Dana Loesch claimed Thursday at CPAC that some audience members during a CNN gun-control town hall event rushed the stage afterward and shouted 'Burn her!'

Loesch appeared onstage Wednesday night during a CNN town hall about gun control, attended by an estimated 5,000 people

The grieving student, whose name is Natasha, tweeted in response: 'As someone who was there front row, the crowd was not cheering "burn her" as she walked off stage. We yelled "shame on you" instead. Why does she insist on lying? Does she and the NRA feel threatened by us?'

Two short video clips appeared on Twitter Wednesday night showing Loesch leaving with her protective detail while shouts of 'Shame on you!' rained down on her.

The footage does not show Loesch on stage at the end of the Sunrise, Florida event  the point in time at which she said she was threatened.

On Thursday, CPAC organizers played her off the stage by blasting the Alicia Keys anthem 'Girl on Fire.'

Loesch did not immediately respond to a request for additional details.

Natasha, the student who branded Loesch a liar, has tweeted 'F**k Donald Trump' at least three times.

'F**k america! f**k trump! f**k trump supporters! f**k all you greedy *ss people with power who care more about money than the american people!!!!!' she tweeted last December 14.

'Natasha,' a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student, says Loesch is lying

Loesch also said Thursday that media outlets 'love' ratings derived from covering school shootings, but ignore shootings where urban blacks are the victims

Contacted by DailyMail.com, a CNN spokesperson did not deny Loesch's account, saying only that 'security was a top priority for us on behalf of all our participants at last night's town hall.'

'Our own security personnel accompanied Ms. Loesch from the stage, alongside her own private security, as we did for all of our guests,' the spokesperson added.

Loesch took aim at the national media on Thursday, saying news organizations only report on gun violence when it strikes 'the right people from the right communities.'

'Many in legacy media love mass shootings. You guys love it. Now I'm not saying that you love the tragedy, but I am saying that you love the ratings,' she said, directing her comments to reporters in the back of a hotel ballroom. 'Crying white mothers are ratings gold to you and many of the legacy media.'

'There are thousands of grieving black mothers in Chicago every weekend, and you don't see CNN town halls for them, do you? Where's the CNN town hall for Chicago?'

Loesch (center left) left the town hall surrounded by CNN security and her personal bodyguards, and said Thursday that she wouldn't have been able to safely exit without them

'Natasha' has a Twitter feed full of partisan declarations including this one that includes the statement: 'F**k america'

She also claimed gun-control advocates tend to be politically liberal and consider President Donald Trump an unacceptably authoritarian leader.

'The government can't keep you safe  and some people want us to give up our firearms and rely solely upon the protection of the same government that's already failed us numerous times to keep us safe,' she said.

'And then they also call Trump a tyrant but they say they want the president to also confiscate our firearms? Try to figure that one out.'
A young woman's body has been found at Maroubra beach in Sydney's east.

The grisly discovery was made by a passer-by at the beach's north end, near the intersection of Maroubra Road and Marine Parade, just after midnight on Friday.

The woman, who is yet to be formally identified, is believed to have taken a late night swim and drowned, according to Seven News.

A young woman's body was found at Maroubra beach in Sydney's east just after midnight on Friday

The woman, who is yet to be formally identified, is believed to have taken a late night swim and drowned. Police are pictured at the scene

Police are not treating her death as suspicions, but investigations are ongoing.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers.
The niece of failed far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen told a gathering of American conservatives Thursday that France was in danger of becoming 'the little niece of Islam' because of immigration.

Marion Marechal-Le Pen, making her debut at the Conservative Political Action Conference, hit on many of the same themes found in one of President Trump's stump speeches  saying she was fully supportive of 'America First'  while suggesting the French were worse off thanks to the European Union.

'No France is not free today,' she said. 'The French are not free to choose their policies, on economic, immigration, and even diplomacy. Our freedom is in the hands of the European Union.'

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Marion Marechal-Le Pen, the niece of far-right failed French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, made her first political speech of 2018 at the Conservative Political Action Conference

Marion Marechal-Le Pen criticized the European Union saying that the body opened France up to becoming the 'little niece of Islam' instead of the 'eldest daughter of the Catholic Church' the country once was

During her remarks, French politician Marion Marechal-Le Pen expressed support for President Trump and the Republican's 'America First' agenda

'Bonjour CPAC!' said Marion Marechal-Le Pen as she greeted attendees Thursday of the Conservative Political Action Conference being held just outside of Washington, D.C.

Le Pen suggested that the EU's attack on French culture had opened the door to 'the development of Islamic society in France.'

'After 40 years of mass migration, Islamic lobbies and political correctness, France is in the process of passing from the eldest daughter of the Catholic Church, to becoming the little niece of Islam,' she said.

'Terrorism is only the tip of the iceberg  this is not the France that our grandparents fought for,' she added.

She also suggested that the youngest generation of Frenchmen and Frenchwomen have been 'brainwashed with guilt and shame for their country.'

'All I want is the survival of my nation,' she protested.

France's National Front has long been criticized for being Islamophobic and xenophobic, from its 1972 founding with leader Jean-Marie Le Pen, to the more modern-day iteration, chaperoned by Le Pen family members Marine, Jean-Marie's daughter, and Marion Marechal-Le Pen, Marine Le Pen's niece.

Last year the party received a political beating with Marine Le Pen losing the French presidential election by 32 points to now-President Emmanuel Macron.

Marechal-Le Pen's CPAC stop was her first political address since last year.

'Bonjour CPAC!' she exclaimed to the crowd.

'I hope that Americans really like French accents, OK, and I hope that you see me as less terrifying than the American media depicts me,' she said.

Marechal-Le Pen then spoke of the long-standing ties between the U.S. and France, noting how the French were the first to recognize American independence during the patriots fight against the British.

The French politician also said she supported President Trump's agenda today.

'I am not offended when I hear President Donald Trump say "America First." I want America First for the American people, I want Britain First for the British people, and I want France first for the French people,' she said.
Czernik (pictured) was spared jail after selling airbags on eBay for 175

A car parts dealer who has put hundreds of drivers at risk by selling 30,000 worth of airbags on eBay was spared jail today.

Robert Czernik, 36, from Poole, flogged hundreds of the cut-price safety devices at 175 a go.

They fail to meet regulation standards and may fail to deploy properly in a crash, Inner London Crown Court heard.

Car company Honda were so concerned about the danger posed by replacement airbags they tipped off the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit who investigated Czernik in November 2015.

Officers bought two airbags along with one airbag cover across three test and they were found to be counterfeit.

Differences with their genuine equivalents included the brand logo being attached in the wrong position, incorrect serial numbers attached and badly fitted covers which could come loose when deployed.

The fabric of the airbag itself was also discovered to have been stuffed into the unit, rather than carefully packed, which could also have affected how quickly it was deployed in a crash.

Prosecutor Julia Faure-Walker said Czernik was selling the items for substantially less than the genuine equivalent bags which retail for more than 800 each.

A search of his Dorset home the following February revealed a mix of airbag covers and what appeared to be the actual fabric bags themselves.

Officers recovered 14 counterfeit airbags along with 110 fake airbag covers which would have been sold for more than 12,000, netting the trader a profit of around 10,000.

Czernik was found to be flogging the bags at just 175, compared with a price of 800 for real airbags (file photo)

Had they been genuine items sold legitimately by the manufacturers, they would have fetched more than 67,000.

The court heard Army bomb disposal experts were also drafted in due to the explosive charges held inside the airbags.

There were also a string of covers bearing the names of 11 brands, but police were unable to confirm whether they were genuine or not.

Those included Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Audi, Vauxhall, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen, and BMW.

Five of the Toyota ones all bore the same serial number, indicating they may have been reconstructed and may not have deployed properly if activated.

Following his arrest, the court heard Czernik told police he did not think he was doing anything at all wrong.

He said he never questioned whether items were genuine and did not really think about it, said Ms Faure-Walker.

But Czernik eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of selling goods likely to be mistaken for a registered trademark in what the prosecutor said was believed to be the first UK prosecution for selling counterfeit airbags.

Honda was so concerned about the fake airbags they asked the police to investigate the scam

A probe into his trading history revealed he had sold at least 100 similar components worth 29,000 online.

Ms Faure-Walker told the court Czerniks experience in trading auto parts along with the fact that he had sold so may previously demonstrated there was clearly a second market for them.

Members of the public would not have known, if they had gone into any of these entities, if they could have a fake airbag in their car, she said.

There is a problem in tracing where these airbags end up when they are sold.

She added that many of the brands had expressed concerns that the items would not conform to industry standards and therefore would not have been effective during a collision.

In his basis of plea, Czernik said he had been involved in trading car parts for a number of years and believed assurances given to him by his Chinese suppliers that the products were genuine.

The judge, Mr Recorder Silas Reid, told him any trademark offences were serious in themselves, but added that his case was particularly serious given they involved airbags.

Airbags are used and designed as a safety device which people hope to never have to rely on in their car, he said.

If they are relying on an airbag for protection, it is ordinarily because there has been a significant crash in which the airbag is there to stop injury - particularly head injury - against the steering wheel or dashboard in the car.

Recorder Reid said that whether the fear they may not have deployed properly was an absolute certainty or not seems not to matter.

It has been pointed out that your trade in these items has been limited over the years, but if 100 airbags have been sold, then it may be the case that 100 cars are driving around without an airbag when there should be one in place, said the judge.

That, in my view, indicates how serious this business is.

Czernik, of Dorset, admitted two counts of selling goods likely to be mistaken for a registered trademark.

He was handed a five-month prison term, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 135 hours of unpaid work.
A teenage girl is being hailed a hero after she helped thwart a high school shooting in Vermont by telling authorities that her friend may have been planning an attack.

Angela McDevitt, 17, tipped police off after her 18-year-old friend Jack Sawyer sent her a series of messages allegedly revealing his intent to carry out a mass shooting at his former school in Fair Haven.

Sawyer was arrested last Thursday - the day after the deadly Florida high shooting - and has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted aggravated murder and other offenses.

McDevitt met Sawyer when they both attended a Maine treatment center for troubled teens and the pair remained friends after they left the facility.

Angela McDevitt, 17, tipped police off after Jack Sawyer sent her a series of messages allegedly revealing his intent to carry out a mass shooting at his Vermont high school

The teen said in an interview with CBS that she became concerned when he started revealing his plans in a series of Facebook messages last week around the time the deadly shooting in Florida happened.

'I texted him saying a school just got shot up and he answered saying: 'That's fantastic, I 100 percent support it',' McDevitt said.

Jack Sawyer, 18, was arrested last Thursday - the day after the deadly Florida high shooting - and has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted aggravated murder and other offenses

On February 11, Sawyer is accused of saying: 'Just a few days ago I was still plotting on shooting up my old high school'.

The day after, he wrote to McDevitt saying: 'It's been the plan for like 2 years.'

After the Florida shooting happened, Sawyer allegedly praised the massacre saying: 'It's just natural selection taken up a notch.'

McDevitt, who is a junior at Arlington High in Lagrangeville, New York, then showed the messages to her school's resource officer who subsequently notified authorities in Vermont.

Republican Gov. Phil Scott praised the bravery of McDevitt, saying: 'It was only by the grace of God and the courage of a young woman who spoke up that we averted a horrific outcome.'

McDevitt said it was not easy to report her friend, but she glad she did.

'It's not the matter of friendship if it's about lives at hand,' she told CBS.

She said prior to receiving the messages, she had always known Sawyer to be 'very attentive to detail and very kind'.

McDevitt she became concerned when Sawyer started revealing his plans in a series of Facebook messages last week when the deadly shooting in Florida happened

When police searched Sawyer's car, they allegedly found a diary he had been keeping titled 'journal of an active shooter'.

It detailed his plans 'to shoot up' his school and had 'big plans' to kill as many as he could. He had listed the guns and ammunition he needed to carry out the attack.

He also wrote of his mental health struggles, suicidal thoughts and appreciation and love for his family.

'I don't care anymore who I kill, or when I kill, I just know that one day it'll happen,' he wrote on December 28.

Police said Sawyer had recently bought a shotgun and four boxes of ammunition. He also told police he had read books about school shootings and was inspired by the Columbine massacre.

On November 29, he wrote in his journal: 'I've realized the huge importance of being able to kill the kids that I actually know vs. waiting a year or so until they're all gone.'

He wrote on January 23 that he was planning to sit in the parking lot and scope out the school to determine the school resource officer's schedule.

'Then I will gear up and let loose my anger and hatred. It'll be fantastic,' he wrote.

He also apologized to his family, who he said he loves, and that he appreciated all they had done for him and the money spent on his treatment.
The wife and child of a notorious Islamic State terrorist returned to Australia last year.

The three-year-old child and his mother fled the so-called ISIS caliphate in 2015 after his terrorist father was killed fighting in the conflict zone.

The jihadist, described by counter-terror police as a 'hard-core fighter', and his wife travelled to the Middle East in 2015 to fight for the Islamist group.

The wife and child of a notorious Islamic State terrorist returned to Australia last year (pictured is dead ISIS fighter Khaled Sharrouf and his children)

The three-year-old child and his mother fled the so-called ISIS caliphate in 2015 after his terrorist father was killed fighting in the conflict zone (pictured is one Khaled Sharrouf's sons, Humzeh)

Their child was born in 2016, near the former ISIS stronghold of Mosul in Iraq, and the Australian fighter was killed a short time later, The Australian reported.

Terrified at the prospect of living in ISIS territory without her husband, the woman and child were smuggled into Turkey after making contact with family in Australia.

Once over the border the woman was assessed by Australian authorities including ASIO and the Australian Federal Police, and her baby was DNA-tested.

By mid-2017 the woman was given temporary travel documents and allowed to return to Sydney, where she was investigated by the AFP.

The jihadist, described by counter-terror police as a 'hard-core fighter', and his wife travelled to the Middle East in 2015 to fight for the Islamist group (pictured is Adelaide ISIS doctor Tareq Kamleh)

The child was born in 2016, near the former ISIS stronghold of Mosul in Iraq, and the Australian fighter was killed a short time later (pictured is dead ISIS fighter Mohammed Elomar)

The devout Muslim has since left Sydney for another city, and is believed to have deradicalised and no longer have sympathies for Islamic State.

The pair are the first Australian family who are confirmed to have travelled home from the so-called caliphate.

The woman has not been charged despite breaking a 2014 law making it illegal for Australians to travel to Mosul or the former ISIS capital of Raqqa.

The three-year-old is one of as many as 70 Australian children who were either taken to ISIS territory by family or born there to Australian fathers.

Security services have grave concerns about Australian fighters returning after the defeat of the terrorist group in Iraq and Syria, or travelling to other conflict zones.

Terrified at the prospect of living in ISIS territory without her husband, the woman and child were smuggled into Turkey after making contact with family in Australia (pictured is Melbourne-born ISIS fighter Neil Prakash, who is in jail in Turkey)

Once over the border the woman was assessed by Australian authorities including ASIO and the AFP, and her baby was DNA-tested(pictured is ISIS recruiter Mohamed Baryalei)

Over 200 Australians have left the country to fight in the region since the Syrian Civil War broke out, with about 110 believed to be alive and still involved in the conflict.

Many others have been killed or jailed or are unaccounted for, including Khaled Sharrouf, Mohammed Elomar, Mohamed Baryalei, Neil Prakash and Tareq Kamleh.

A spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said the government prefers to deal with those who have travelled to fight in Iraq and Syria outside Australia.

'However, it's an unfortunate reality that some Australian citizens will seek to return home,' the spokesperson said.

'The government is determined to deal with people returning from conflict zones carefully and  in the hands of our police and security agencies.'

By mid-2017 the woman was given temporary travel documents and allowed to return to Sydney, where she was investigated by the AFP (pictured right is Khaled Sharrouf, left is Mohammed Elomar)

In a speech to the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday Mr Dutton said dual-national terrorists should be stripped of their Australian citizenship.

His comments came a day after Melbourne-born Muslim convert Neil Prakash admitted to being a member of Islamic State, but denied being a recruiter.

'I don't want people coming back into our country that have been off fighting in the name of ISIS,' Mr Dutton said.

'I don't want people coming back having been battle hardened, skilled now in the art of bomb making and terrorist activities walking the streets of our capital cities.

'I want those people kept as far away from our shores as possible.'
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In a desperate bid to reach the United States, Mexican illegal immigrants will use any means necessary to get across the border.

Many make it to dry land, but some only get as far as the Rio Grande before they are spotted by heavily-armed border agents scouring the wall and captured.

Pictures taken from law enforcement helicopters over Texas show the tight net foreigners try to escape in their bid for a new life.

They are seen desperately swimming in the river that separates the two countries while officers track them down from the air or on the ground.

The border patrol warns against crossing the river because of its strong waters.

These images, taken on Wednesday in McAllen, Texas, show the lengths migrants will go to get into the US from the southern border.

It comes as the debate over how to deal with the wave of immigrants crossing the border intensifies.

An undocumented immigrant was photographed Wednesday swimming across the Rio Grande back into Mexico to evade arrest from the US border agents

Immigrants jumped into the Texas side of the Rio Grande in McAllen to avoid US border agents. The US Border Patrol warns against people crossing the Rio Grande river because of its strong waves

Two undocumented immigrants attempt to swim across the Rio Grande to evade officers. The Rio Grande can be dangerous to cross because of its currents, which can be 25 miles per hour

Pictured is a pickup truck that held three immigrants before they crashed it into a tree. They then swam across the Rio Grande river to evade capture by the US Border Patrol

A US Border Patrol K-9 unit tracks the group of undocumented immigrants near McAllen, Texas

Footprints are seen in a muddy field in Mexico that leads to the Rio Grande river, which runs as a natural border between parts of the country and Texas. The spot is a popular crossing point for undocumented immigrants

Earlier in February, McAllen Border Patrol Station rescued two immigrants from Guatamala who almost drowned while attempting to swim across the Rio Grande river.

The patrol also retrieved one body from the river who drowned while trying to cross.

Officials warn against crossing the body of water because of strong currents that could run up to 25 miles per hour, making it dangerous for even the most competent of swimmers.

Vice President Mike Pence toured the US and Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley on Friday to discuss the proposed wall and border force to stop people from crossing.

He tweeted that for the United States, it was 'a matter of vital national security that we secure the border'.

But critics have debated the construction of the border wall citing it would cost the taxpayers billions of dollars for a structure that might not solve any problems.

A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent was pursuing a truck filled with three illegal immigrants on Wednesday. The helicopter he was flying in is called 'Black Hawk'

Border Patrol stand with undocumented immigrant families by the US-Mexico border fence before transporting them to a processing center. People cross the Rio Grande river to seek asylum in the US

The Black Hawk helicopter followed a truck of immigrants as they drove the car across the border and crashed it into a tree on the Texas side. Pictured is the border fence between the US and Mexico

A US Border Patrol agent stands with a family of immigrants before transporting them to a processing center. Vice President Mike Pence visited the border wall in Mexico last Friday to promote stronger security

Pictured is a portion of the border wall between Mexico and Texas. Congress debated last week about immigration laws for the United States regarding funding for the wall and the DACA program

There were less immigrants apprehended in 2017 than there were in 2016. But studies suggest immigrants are finding more dangerous ways to get into the United States

Migrant deaths increased from crossing the border by 17 percent in 2017, according to the International Organization for Migration.

The organization saw an increase during the first seven months of 2017 compared to that of 2016. This was despite the decrease in the number of migrants who were apprehended by border patrol.

The numbers suggest fewer migrants might be crossing, but now they are taking more dangerous passageways such as crossing the Rio Grande in order to get into the United States.

Border Patrol uses helicopters to help search for any immigrants trying to cross into the United States illegally. Migrant deaths increased 17 percent in the first seven months of 2017

The US Customs Border Protection officers are responsible for guarding the borders and protecting the United States from immigrants crossing illegally into the country

The US border agents watched on Wednesday as three immigrants crossed into Texas and then tried to flee back to Mexico by fleeing through the Rio Grande river

US Border Patrol also uses boats to search the water for undocumented immigrants. Earlier this month, they found on dead body who drowned in the river while trying to cross

These dangerous pathways have become more popular because of the increased pressure by the president to focus on border security.

US Border Patrol agents and Texas conducted high-speed chases in helicopters and cars to catch immigrants who were attempting to cross the border.

One vehicle crashed into a tree after crossing the Texas side of border, and the three occupants managed swim back across the Rio Grande into Mexico.

Us Border Patrol questions immigrant families at the border wall. Congress tried to pass a $25 billion budget for funding the border wall, but the budget didn't get enough votes

The Rio Grande river runs more than 1,800 miles through Texas and New Mexico. It serves as a natural border between the US and Mexico

Texas Air Interdiction agents work with the US Border Control to monitor areas that are at higher risk for people to attempt to cross through

The US Air and Marine Operations (AMO) also works with border patrol to provide agents and helicopters

US Border Patrol agents ride along the Rio Grande river and are spotted from the Black Hawk helicopter. The Immigration bill was killed in a 54 to 45 vote last week

US Air and Marine Operations were also involved in the chases captured on camera on Wednesday. They used helicopters and boats to help spot the immigrants that chose to swim the Rio Grande.

Last week, Congress debated an immigration bill that would satisfy both parties. This debate ended with no approved bill as a majority couldn't agree on what to do with DACA and funding the border wall.

A bipartisan agreement was almost made to give the president $25 billion to fund the wall, but that agreement failed in a vote of 54 to 45.

Footprints are seen on the Mexico side of the border. This area near McAllen, Texas, is a popular crossing spot for immigrants seeking asylum in the United States

The Black Hawk helicopter flies near the border wall between the US and Mexico. Federal agents spend their days monitoring the border for any immigrants crossing the area illegally

Border patrol uses helicopters to help find people who are illegally crossing into the United States. The agent pictured is scanning the Rio Grande river for any immigrants

Agents warn against people crossing the river because of the strong currents. Two people from Guatemala were saved at the beginning of February after they almost drowned

US Border Patrol boats are used to monitor the Rio Grande river for anybody that is attempting to cross the river

Trump in a weekend tweet accused Democrats of not wanting to find a permanent fix for the DACA program that is entangled in a court battle that has postponed its March 5 expiration.

Placing the blame for the stalemate squarely at the other party's feet on Friday, he said, 'Cannot believe how BADLY DACA recipients have been treated by the Democrats...totally abandoned!'

The president asserted that 'Republicans are still working hard' to arrive at a compromise, however.

But Democrats pushed back saying it was the president who ended DACA while they were trying to save the program.

The future of immigration laws in the US remain uncertain as the president and his party continues to push for better security while the opposition refuses to back down until there is a permanent fix to the DACA program.

President Trump claimed that the Democrats were doing everything possible to kill the DACA program while Republicans were trying to save it. Pictured is the US Border Patrol deflating a raft used to illegally transport immigrants

The Democrats fired back at President Trump last week saying he was the one that was ending the DACA program. It is unclear if Congress will reach a decision about immigration soon

A federal border agent searches for undocumented immigrants who are trying to cross the border

Boats are used to transport illegal immigrants and drugs across the Rio Grande river that separates Mexico and Texas
The Daily Show's Michelle Wolf has been named the host of the White House Correspondents' Dinner, it was announced on Thursday.

Wolf first worked as a writer on 'Late Night With Seth Meyers' before joining 'The Daily Show With Trevor Noah'.

She recently received rave reviews for HBO hour-long special 'Michelle Wolf: Nice Lady' and is expected to be launching a weekly Netflix show later this year.

Now the only question will be if President Donald Trump decides to attend the annual get-together of journalists, to be held this year on April 28.

The Daily Show's Michelle Wolf (pictured) has been named the host of the White House Correspondents Dinner. The comedienne recently received rave reviews for HBO hour-long special 'Michelle Wolf: Nice Lady'

The question still remains whether or not President Donald Trump (pictured, Thursday) will decide to attend the annual get-together of journalists, to be held this year on April 28

In a statement, Bloomberg News reporter and president of the correspondents' association Margaret Talev, praised Wolf's 'truth-to-power style' and 'self-made, feminist edge'.

'Our dinner honors the First Amendment and strong, independent journalism. [Wolf's] embrace of these values and her truth-to-power style make her a great friend to the WHCA,' said Talev.

'Her Pennsylvania roots, stints on Wall Street and in science and self-made, feminist edge make her the right voice now.'

Wolf will be only the fifth woman to ever host the long-running dinner. She has been preceded by Cecily Strong, Wanda Sykes, Elayne Boosler and Paula Poundstone.

The White House has confirmed Trump (pictured, Thursday) another journalism dinner, the Gridiron Club Dinner, on March 3.

Trump skipped last year's correspondents' dinner (pictured) with his contentious relationship with media being a contributing factor to his absence

The White House has not yet announced whether Trump will attend this year's dinner, after skipping last year's. The president and first lady traditionally attend the annual event, alongside members of the press and other senior government officials.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders did say he would attend another journalism dinner, the Gridiron Club Dinner, on March 3.

Trump's contentious relationship with the media was a contributing factor to his absence from the correspondents' dinner last year, and his attacks on "fake news" haven't let up since then.

At last year's dinner, host and fellow' Daily Show' comedian Hasan Minhaj threw jabs at the commander-in-chief.

'Donald Trump is liar-in-chief," Minhaj said."Remember, you guys are public enemy number one. You are his biggest enemy. Journalists, ISIS, normal-length ties.'

Wolf herself has gone after Trump on 'The Daily Show'. In an appearance after he was elected, she joked: 'Women make up half of this country, Trevor, and now we have a leader who only sees us as a** and t**s. Even PornHub thinks we are more than that.'
An 18-month-old girl is in hospital after she was allegedly assaulted by her male carer.

The carer, 28, was arrested by police in Sydney's south-west on Thursday and charged with a string of serious violent offences against the child.

The toddler is in a stable condition and undergoing medical testing in hospital, police said on Friday.

Man, 28, was arrested in Sydney's south-west and will face Liverpool Local Court (pictured) on Friday after he allegedly assaulted an 18-month-old girl in his care

Police will allege the 28-year-old seriously assaulted the 18-month-old while she was in his care.

The man was remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Friday.

He is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, neglect child in care, and three counts of intimidation.

Police said on Friday their inquiries into the alleged child abuse are continuing.

The police's Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad - which is specially trained in cases of child sexual assault, serious physical abuse and extreme cases of neglect - are investigating.
Medic weighs in on guns: Dr Heather Sher, a radiologist who treated several victims of last week's deadly school shooting in Parkland, Florida, says that AR-15 gunshots are much more lethal than others

A hospital radiologist who treated several victims of last week's deadly school shooting in Parkland- Florida, has described in graphic detail the catastrophic impact of high-velocity AR-15 bullets, explaining that they are more lethal than the rest because they dont simply damage, but decimate human organs.

Dr Heather Sher, who is affiliated with Broward Health Medical Center, writes in an op-ed published in The Atlantic on Thursday, titled 'What I Saw Treating the Victims From Parkland Should Change the Debate on Guns,' that what sets AR-15 bullets apart from handgun ammunition is that they destroy the tissue surrounding the path of the bullet through an organ, usually causing fatal bleeding in the patient.

Sher, who has degrees from Harvard and University of Miami Medical School, was at work on Valentines Day when one of the victims from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School had been transported to the trauma center.

The mass shooting that police say was carried out by 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz left 17 people dead and 14 others injured. It later emerged that Cruz had purchased the AR-15 rifle used in the massacre legally.

Deadly weapon: An AR-15 rifle fires high-velocity bullets that shatter internal organs, cause catastrophic bleeding and leave orange-size exit wounds

Police say 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz used his legally purchased AR-15 (pictured above in the hand of officers) to barge into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and kill 17 people

Sher writes that when she looked at a shooting victims CT scan showing the site of the injury, it immediately stood apart to her from the thousands of gunshot wounds she has come across over the past 13 years working at the busy Florida hospital.

'In a typical handgun injury that I diagnose almost daily, a bullet leaves a laceration through an organ like the liver. To a radiologist, it appears as a linear, thin, grey bullet track through the organ,' she explains.

But in the scan that was before her that day, the organ looked like an overripe melon smashed by a sledgehammer, with extensive bleeding, Sher writes. How could a gunshot wound have caused this much damage?

When one of the trauma surgeons went to open up a young victim in the operating room, there was 'nothing left to repair' because a bullet from Cruz's AR-15 had ripped an internal organ to shreds. The patient could not be saved.

For comparison, Sher says that when a gunman opened fired at the Fort Lauderdale airport a year ago, shooting 11 people from a 9mm semiautomatic handgun firing low-velocity bullets, the six victims who had been transported to her hospital that day survived.

A standard bullet from a handgun causes a laceration in an organ, akin to a knife cut (pictured in diagram above); an AR-15 bullet damages several inches of tissue around its trajectory 9not pictured)

Cruz is pictured at the moment of his arrest by police officers in Parkland after the February 14 school shooting

From a technical standpoint, Sher writes that standard wounds inflicted by low-velocity rounds from a handgun leave entry and exit wounds about the size of the bullet, connected by a linear trajectory through the body.

Unless the bullet strikes a vital organ like the heart or the aorta, causing massive bleeding, there is a good chance the victim could be saved. Not so with high-velocity AR-15 ammunition.

'A typical AR-15 bullet leaves the barrel traveling almost three times faster than, and imparting more than three times the energy of, a typical 9mm bullet from a handgun,' Sher writes.

She goes on to explain in the article that an AR-15 round travels through the body like 'cigarette boat traveling at maximum speed through a tiny canal.'

The tissue that comes in contact with the bullet moves away from it and then returns to its place - but is left damaged or destroyed - in a process known in medicine as cavitation.

A high-velocity bullet not only damages organ tissue that is directly in its path, but also several inches away from its path, which makes it significantly more lethal because it causes catastrophic bleeding.

She adds: exit wounds can be the size of an orange.

With an AR-15, the shooter does not have to be particularly accurate. The victim does not have to be unlucky, Sher says.

A bullet to the middle of the liver fired from a handgun is potentially survivable, barring a direct hit to the organs main blood supply, but a bullet from an AR-15 would cause such severe bleeding that the victim likely would not even make it to the emergency room.

A bullet from an AR-15 would cause such catastrophic bleeding that the victim likely would not even make it to the emergency room.

Sher says that having witnessed the devastating effects of AR-15 bullets on human organs only a handful of times in her career, most recently last week, she is convinced that rifles firing high-velocity bullets 'have no place in a civilians cabinet.'

While she acknowledges that a comprehensive mental health reform could help rein in gun violence in the US, Sher argues that President Donald Trump and members of the US Congress should not overlook the fact that the use of AR-15 rifles 'is the common denominator in many mass shootings.'

An AR-15 was the weapon of choice at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut; in Aurora, Colorado; in San Bernardino, California; at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, and in Las Vegas.

Sher is not the first doctor to make a medical case for reinstating the 1994 ban on assault-style rifles, which was allowed to expire in 2004 and was never re-instated.

In an article published in Wired Magazine in June 2016, Peter Rhee, a trauma surgeon at the University of Arizona, similarly noted that wounds inflicted by an AR-15 are much more deadly than those caused by a handgun and look like 'a grenade went off in there.'

According to the story, a high-velocity bullet leaves the muzzle at three times the speed of a handgun round and has enough energy to pulverize three inches of leg bone.

Sher contends in The Atlantic op-ed that banning the AR-15 should not be a partisan issue because it could drastically reduce the incidence of mass shootings and save lives.
The family of the 63-year-old rower who disappeared on the Brisbane River say they are devastated to lose 'a light that shone so bright in all our lives'.

Mark Roome, a father-of-four, disappeared while kayaking with friends about 4.30am on Wednesday.

After nearly two days of searching, his body was recovered by police just after 6pm on Thursday, not far from where he disappeared.

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Mark Roome's body was found just after 6pm on Thursday evening after he disappeared on the Brisbane River

Mr Roome, 63, had been rowing with friends early on Wednesday morning, when his vessel overturned

'Late yesterday evening, the family received the news we'd all been dreading. Mark's body was recovered by the police around 6:20pm,' a statement from the Roome family read.

'The family are understandably devastated at losing a light that shone so bright in all our lives.'

Mr Roome, who was already a father and grandfather to four, was expecting his fifth grandchild later this year.

'Mark was an incredibly humble, genuine and selfless person. His happiness and love for life was contagious with his catchphrase of "Isn't life wonderful?",' The statement continued.

'He continued to inspire those around to be the best version of themselves and live each day to the fullest.

His friends turned to look for him and only saw his overturned kayak, with no sign of the father-of-four

Mr Roome was an avid rower, and would take to the water two or three times every week

'The family is incredibly grateful for all the support received from family and friends, colleagues and the community. We would like to particularly thank the hard working emergency services for locating Mark and all their assistance during this time.'

Mr Roome was an experienced rower, and distraught family waiting for him at the Commercial Rowing Club on Wednesday told The Brisbane Times the man as 'the most beautiful, upbeat person you could meet'.

Christine Landy, his sister-in-law, told The Brisbane Times Mr Roome would go rowing two or three times every week.

The 63-year-old is believed to have fallen into the water about 4.40am as the river approached West End.

Police, Polair and water police searched for him for nearly two days before his body was found.

STATEMENT FROM ROOME FAMILY 'Late yesterday evening, the family received the news wed all been dreading. Marks body was recovered by the police around 6:20pm. 'The family are understandably devastated at losing a light that shone so bright in all our lives. Mark leaves behind Sandra, his wife of almost 40 years; his 4 children: Carly, Amy, James and Ashleigh; 4 grandchildren: Leander, Reuben, Esperance and Emerson with a fifth grandchild due in August. Mark also leaves behind his beloved dog, Jack. 'The family is incredibly grateful for all the support received from family and friends, colleagues and the community. We would like to particularly thank the hard working emergency services for locating Mark and all their assistance during this time. 'Mark and the family previously lived at Ferny Grove but moved 7 years ago to become an active member of the Wynnum/Manly bayside community. Most of the kids and their families have followed. 'Mark was an incredibly humble, genuine and selfless person. His happiness and love for life was contagious with his catchphrase of "Isn't life wonderful?". 'He continued to inspire those around to be the best version of themselves and live each day to the fullest. 'At this stage, we would appreciate some privacy whilst we all come to terms with the tragic loss of Mark, await the coroners findings and make the necessary funeral arrangements.' Advertisement

His sister-in-law described him as the most beautiful, upbeat person you could meet'

A police helicopter was seen scouring the Brisbane River after Mr Roome went missing on Wednesday

When his friends realised he was gone, all that was left was an overturned kayak, and no trace of the devoted father.

Others out on the water joined in a frantic search for the man, as one person shouted to shore for someone to call Triple Zero.

A rescue helicopter and a swarm of police were soon at the site, as other officers went to speak with Mr Roome's family.

Ms Landy said she and her sister Sandra, Mr Roome's wife, had a sinking feeling when police arrived at the family home.

'The next thing police were at the door asking to speak to Sandra,' she said.

'As soon as they said 'your husband went rowing', we knew.'

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart issued a plea to locals to keep an eye on the river during the two-day search, while Inspector Don Dunstan asked anyone with CCTV footage to share it with authorities.

Police watched over the bridge for Mr Roome to surface on Wednesday morning while others scoured the water
Minnie Driver shared her thoughts on how to address the topic of sexual abuse in a discussion on Tuesday with The New York Times and the How to Academy.

She also spoke about the comments made by her ex and Good Will Hunting co-star Matt Damon, who last year suggested that there should be a degree of severity assigned to acts of sexual misconduct .

'What was interesting about Matt Damon - which was not interesting to the media but was very interesting to me - it's not that he was an ex-boyfriend or that I had any sort of beef with him because God knows I really don't like that I haven't seen him in 20 years, but he represented every intelligent, nice, white male who feels it is their job to comment on the way that women metabolize stuff,' explained Driver.

'And what he happened to be talking about in this instance was how women should metabolize abuse.'

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A movement: Minnie Driver (above on Tuyesday in London) spoke out against her ex Matt Damon and other 'intelligent, nice white males' who tell women how they should 'metabolize stuff'

Praise: Driver, 48, did admit however that Damon and Ben Affleck banded around her to make sure she received the lead female role in Good Will Hunting (trio above at the Good Will Hunting premiere in 1997)

Driver then broke down how she interpreted Damon's comments.

'That we should somehow have a hierarchical system whereby you know, a touch on the a** is this, the t*** is this, you know, back bottom back bottom, front bottom, over the shirt, rape' said Driver.

'You know that there would be some kind of criteria.'

She went on to explain that this was not the only problem with Damon's comments.

'He was only talking about how men should be dealt with which of course there should be due process of course there is a judiciary that is in charge of doing that, but when I said that men needed to listen, it was that they needed to listen to the women speak about their assault without being prescribed,' stated Driver.

The actress did have some kind words for Damon as well however, revealing that the Oscar-winning actor and Ben Affleck both had her back when Harvey Weinstein objected to casting her in Good Will Hunting.

'He didn't want to cast me because he said to my face, and the casting director, Ben, Matt, Chris Moore who was the actual producer of the movie like on the set and Gus Van Sant that, and I quote, "I was not f***able,"' said Driver.

'That was my worth and I remember him taking me aside and he was going, "you know I'm doing you a huge favor saying this to you because you need to go for parts where that is not gonna be a problem. You're not gonna be a leading actress."'

Driver continued:'Amd I remember thinking, I remember first of all like wanting to cry 'cause you know every girl wants to think that they she's attractive. Then I started thinking, I was looking a this dude. What, he's the great arbirter of who's f***able. This motherf***er.'

She said that experience left her terrified of Weinstein, but did not keep her from getting the role.

'The men banded around me. Matt and Ben and Chris Moore and Gus Van Sant said we're making the film with this girl,' said Driver.

'But that stage that stayed with me.'

Time to listen: The actress said she took issue with Damon (left in 1997) for saying there should be a 'hierarchical system' when it came to sexual misconduct (Driver right at 1998 Oscars)

Damon had spoken about the wave of assault allegations in an ABC interview last year.

'I think were in this watershed moment. I think its great. I think its wonderful that women are feeling empowered to tell their stories, and its totally necessary  I do believe that theres a spectrum of behavior, right?' said Damon.

'And were going to have to figure - you know, theres a difference between, you know, patting someone on the butt and rape or child molestation, right? Both of those behaviors need to be confronted and eradicated without question, but they shouldnt be conflated, right?'

He went on to state: 'You know, we see somebody like Al Franken, right? I personally would have preferred if they had an Ethics Committee investigation, you know what I mean? Its like at what point - you know, were so energized to kind of get retribution, I think.'

Driver responded to that on Twitter, saying: 'God God, SERIOUSLY?'

Shen then followed that up with a tweet that stated: 'There are so many men I love who do NOT frame the differentiation between sexual misconduct, assault and rape as an excuse or worse - our problem. Such b*****ks.'

Driver also took issue with Damon's statements about Franken and Louis C.K at that time, much like she did earlier this week.

'Gosh it's so *interesting how men with all these opinions about women's differentiation between sexual misconduct, assault and rape reveal themselves to be utterly tone deaf and as a result, systemically part of the problem( *profoundly unsurprising),' commented the actress.
A police officer and a former Russian diplomatic official are among those arrested after authorities seized a large cocaine shipment at the Russian embassy in Buenos Aires.

Security Minister Patricia Bullrich said that 860 pounds (389 kilograms) of the drug were hidden inside diplomatic luggage.

The investigation began after Victor Koronelli, the Russian ambassador to the South American country, and three members of the Russian federal security service, reported to Bullrich that they had suspicions about the luggage found at a school annex of the embassy.

The sting operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects in Argentina and three in Russia. Pictured is the moment suspects were arrested in Moscow

The authorities were alerted after the Russian ambassador informed them that luggage containing cocaine had been found in the country's embassy in Buenos Aires

Once authorities confirmed that there were drugs inside the 16 pieces of luggage, they devised a plan to catch the criminals.

They swapped cocaine for flour and placed a GPS to track the luggage and the luggage was flown to Russia in 2017.

Bullrich said three Argentine customs officials traveled to Russia to monitor the delivery, and that Ishtimir Khudzhmov and Vladimir Kalmykov, were arrested when they went to pick up the cargo.

A suspect, who Bullrich only referred to as 'K,' was in charge of buying the drug, and introducing it to the embassy in Argentina. He is still at large in Germany and is wanted under an international arrest warrant.

The logistics were also coordinated by former embassy official Ali Abyanov, who was arrested in his Moscow apartment.

The 'very, high purity cocaine' was destined for Russia and Germany, where the mastermind of the operation is said to live

Argentina's Security Minister Patricia Bullrich (centre) said the gang were trying to use diplomatic courier service of the Russian embassy to ship the drugs to Europe

Russian-Argentine citizens Alexander Chikalo, suspected of being in charge of the logistics, and police officer Ivan Blizniouk, who is accused of providing contacts to jump through customs controls, were seized in Argentina.

Bullrich said the drugs were discovered had a street value of around $50 million (35 million).

'A gang of narco-criminals was trying to use the diplomatic courier service of the Russian embassy' to ship the drugs to Europe, she said.

'The cocaine was replaced by flour and monitoring devices were placed to monitor delivery' of the 16 bags of the drug, Bullrich said.

A police officer guards suitcases carrying the cocaine found at the Russian embassy

The cocaine in 16 cases (pictured) was replaced by flour and devices were placed to monitor delivery' of the drug. It was then flown to Russia

The drug, of 'very high purity,' was destined for Russia and probably also Germany, where the suspected mastermind lives.

'We believe the German police will arrest this fugitive,' Bullrich said.

'This has been one of the most complex and extravagant drug-dealing operations that Argentina has faced', Bullrich said at a press conference.

'At 3 a.m. we had to send people from the border police to buy the 389 kilograms of wheat to the central market because no one had 389 kilograms in a warehouse. The drugs never traveled to Russia. Only the flour traveled.'

The minister said Russian security service agents 'came to Argentina on three occasions to assist in the investigation' that took more than a year.

One of the two people arrested in Argentina is a naturalized Russian who was a member of the police force in Buenos Aires, said Bullrich.

Investigators believe the cocaine likely originated in Colombia or Peru.
Two people have died in a horror car smash eerily close to a crash which claimed the life of Home and Away star Jessica Falkholt and family - meaning seven have died on the stretch of road since Boxing Day.

A man and a woman collided head on at the Princes Highway at Jerrawangala, on the New South Wales South Coast on Friday.

The drivers were both the sole occupants in their cars when the horrific crash took place at 5.20am.

Two people have died in a horror car smash eerily close to a crash which claimed the life of Home and Away star Jessica Falkholt

Jessica Falkholt, her sister Annabelle and parents Lars and Vivian died just 5km away near Ulladulla on the same highway just two months ago.

The Princes Highway has now reopened after earlier being closed in both directions while police investigated.

A spokesman for NSW police said it was too early to confirm the ages of the people in the cars.

In what was an awful start to the day, a truck driver was also killed in fiery rollover on the Pacific Highway near Port Macquarie at 3.30am.

Jessica Falkholt, her sister Annabelle and parents Lars and Vivian died just 5km away near Ulladulla on the same highway just two months ago

The drivers were both the sole occupants in their cars when the tragic crash took place at 5.20am

The location where the two cars collided killing a man and woman on the Princes Highway, south of Nowra

Shocked New South Wales residents took to social media on Friday to express their distress about another accident on the highway.

'Another road victim, We are loosing too many, we must have a moral level of consciousness when we start and finish our day,' one Facebook user said.

Another person said: 'oh no not again.'

Meanwhile, a fuel tanker has crashed south of Armidale causing major delays on the New England Highway.

The driver was uninjured in the 6.40am crash, but the highway was closed as Hazmat crews decant the entire fuel load to another tanker.

Former Home and Away start Jessica Falkholt fought hard after being pulled from her vehicle at the horror Boxing Day smash but died in hospital
Mahmoud 'Mick' Hawi, 37, was the chief of the Australian biker gang known as the Comanchero Motorcycle Club.

The father-of-two, a Lebanese immigrant, was murdered on February 15 while sitting in his car outside a gym in Sydney.

Mick Hawi pictured at home. Family and friends gathered for his funeral today at a mosque in Sydney

He was rose to infamy in 2009 after being jailed for a brawl at Sydney Airport, during which a Hells Angels member was killed.

The Comanchero gang was created in 1968 by Scottish immigrant William George 'Jock' Ross, who named it after the 1961 John Wayne film.

It has clashed with various other biker gangs, including the Bandidos, but its most notorious rivalry is with the Hells Angels.
A new analysis of DNA from the skeletal remains of ancient people in southeastern Europe has revealed new insight on prehistoric migration patterns.

Researchers from the University of Wyoming say the findings add new information on what is already known about European territories during these times.

The study confirms the first migration happened during the Neolithic Period around 6,000 BCE, when farmers based in Anatolia moved to spread through Europe.

The second happened during the Bronze Age from 3,000 to 2,500 BCE, when people from the Eurasian steppe moved to Europe and replaced much of its population.

Researchers analyzed the skeletal remains (pictured) of 225 individuals for a new study that tracked two prehistoric migration paths.

The paper, published in the journal Nature, confirmed that northern and western Europe's first farmers passed through southeastern Europe to migrate to these areas.

'Southeastern Europe continued to be a nexus between East and West, with intermittent genetic contact with the Steppe people up to 2,000 years before the migrations that replaced much of northern Europe's population,' the report said.

The migrating people shocked those who were already living in the area, according to the new report.

Researcher Iain Mathieson explained this, saying: 'In some places, hunter-gatherers and incoming farmers seem to have mixed very quickly.

'But, mostly, the two groups remained isolated, at least for the first few hundred years.

'These hunter-gatherers had been living there for thousands of years, and it must have been quite a shock to have these new people show up - with a completely different lifestyle and appearance.'

Remains found in a cave located in Croatia were used for the study, providing 'needed information on origin and background research,' the analysis said.

The researchers discovered that before farmers made it to southeastern Europe, the region was home to groups of hunter-gatherers that had diverged.

The first migration happened around 6,000 BCE, when farmers from Anatolia spread through Europe (southern path). The second happened from 3,000 to 2,500 BCE, when people from the Eurasian steppe moved to Europe and replaced much of its population (northern path)

The report explained: 'This interaction continued after farming arrived. After the first appearance of agriculture in the mid-seventh millennium BC, farming spread westward.

'Farming was established in both Iberia (Portugal and Spain) and central Europe by 5,600 BC.'

Ancient DNA studies have previously proven that the spread of the farming practice across Europe came alongside a large movement of a group closely related to farmers from Antaolia.

'But, nearly all of the ancient DNA from Europe's first farmers is from central and western Europe, with only three farmers reported from southeastern Europe,' the report said.

WHAT DO SCIENTISTS KNOW ABOUT ANCIENT EUROPEAN MIGRATION? A recent study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology tracked migration into Norway. The researchers found that Scandinavians came through Germany and Denmark to Norway about 11,500 years ago. A second wave came from the northeast about 1,000 years later, traveling along present-day Norway's west coast. The two groups of people who migrated to Scandinavia during this time were 'genetically distinct', according to study author Mattias Jakobsson. For a recent study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, researchers looked at the remains of seven individuals that had been excavated. Here, researcher Anne-Marian Snaaijer studies bone samples For the study, Norwegian and Swedish researchers analyzed DNA samples from the Norwegian coast and Swedish islands Stora Karlso and Gotland. Scandinavia was among the last regions of Europe that became habitable. This happened after glaciers gave way to the land 10,000 years ago. At that point, the area attracted hunter-gatherers because of the ocean's resources. The study said: 'The new immigrants that came from the northeast learned new boating and fishing skills to access marine resources, which offered their main source of food. 'These researchers discovered that these immigrants also introduced new tools and innovative ways to produce them. This shift in material culture can now be linked to a particular migration wave.' Advertisement

The researchers analyzed ancient DNA data that came from the skeletal remains of 225 individuals for the report.

The individuals lived between 12,000 and 500 BC, the report said, and they resided in southeastern Europe.

Researcher Ron Pinhasi spoke of the study's significance, stating: 'These results reveal the relationship between migrations, admixture and subsistence in this key region and show that, even within early European farmers, individuals differed in their ancestry, reflecting a dynamic mosaic of hunter-farmer inbreeding.'

Pinhasi's team is calling for more work to be done to more fully develop what scientists know about European migration.

'An important direction for future research will be to sample populations from the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman and medieval periods, and compare them to present-day populations to understand how these population transitions occurred,' the report said.
A 1,500 year-old tomb containing human remains and armor of a chieftain has been discovered in very good condition.

The tunnel-tomb was found in the city of Shibushi on Japan's third largest island, Kyushu, while workers were paving a road along a farm.

The tomb contains the most burial goods in the region, with more than 20 pieces including an arrowhead, spear, iron ax, sword and a cuirass (breastplate), which was likely given to the chieftain as a gift from the Yamato imperial court.

The skeletal remains were found in a stone coffin, and belonged to a five foot, five inches (167 centimetres) male.

The iron armor suit discovered in the tomb, called tanko, was preserved in surprisingly pristine condition.

The tomb contains the most burial goods in the region, with more than 20 pieces including an arrowhead, spear, iron ax, sword and a cuirass (breastplate), which was likely given to the chieftain as a gift from the Yamato imperial court

According to Japanese newspaper the Asahi Shimbun, the tomb is one of the largest in the eastern part of the Kagoshima district on the southern tip of Kyushu island.

'It was likely built got a powerful leader in the local region who was directly connected with the Yamato imperial court,' archaeologist Tatsuya Hashimoto, of the Kagoshima University Museum, told the Asahi Sumbun.

By the end of the fourth century, The Yamato imperial court was settled on the Nara plain, with considerable control over the peoples of the archipelago.

The Yamato period was a historical period characterised by the presence of large burial mounds called Kofun, and the newly discovered tomb is thought to have come from the Kofun period, which spanned the third to the sixth century and is one of the two eras of the Yamato period.

The Yamato period was a historical period characterised by the presence of large burial mounds called Kofun. The tomb measures 8 feet, 6 inches long (2.6 metres), 6 feet wide (1.8 metres) and 5 feet, 3 inches deep (1.6 metres)

The tomb measures 8 feet, 6 inches long (2.6 metres), 6 feet wide (1.8 metres) and 5 feet, 3 inches deep (1.6 metres).

Burials before the Kofun period were fairly primitive, but from the 3rd century large tombs, which were circular and uniquely keystone-shaped, began to spread throughout Japan.

The good associated with these tombs were often military in nature compared to earlier tombs, and contained item such as swords, arrowheads and armor.

According to The Times, Japan has more than 200,000 ancient burial grounds, and in August of 2017, the Japanese government and archaeologists argued over whether the 'kofun' should be excavated.

The tunnel-tomb was found in the city of Shibushi on Japan's third largest island, Kyushu, while workers were paving a road along a farm in December of 2017

The government wishes to designate a certain number of these tombs, where emperors and chieftains were buried, for registration as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

This would mean that archaeologists would not be allowed to excavate the tombs.

'Academic study [of the kofun] is essential,' says Noboru Toike, a professor of history at Tokyos Seijo University, who opposes the world heritage application.

'It is wrong to present them to the world without knowing their value, such as when they were built, and for whom.

'If you want to use them as tourist sites, you should do the research first. T

'This is the wrong way round.'
Scientists in Bristol have developed a ground-breaking forensic technology that allows fingerprints to be obtained from bullets for the first time.

West Technology Forensics's system could be used by police forces across the world to help solve thousands of unsolved gun crimes.

These might include the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy which has always been shrouded by conspiracy theories and the 1984 murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher outside the Libyan Embassy in London.

Scientists in Bristol have developed a ground-breaking forensic technology that allows fingerprints to be obtained from bullets for the first time. Fingerprints can be obtained from fired bullet and shotgun casings with a success rate of almost 70 per cent

As a result of the heat and pressure created when guns are fired there is just a one per cent chance of recovering fingerprints from used bullet or shotgun casings using current techniques.

But the newly developed process, which is already attracting the interest of forensic scientists and police forces worldwide, has shown an initial 68 per cent success rate for some casings.

The technology behind the process, Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD), has been used by the forensic science and police communities for several decades.

It was key in gathering the crucial evidence to convict a number of high profile murderers including the infamous Scottish serial killer Peter Tobin.

Tobin was convicted after the VMD technique was used to recover his fingerprints from a bin bag he used when he disposed of the body of one of his victims Vicky Hamilton.

The VMD process is simple to use; evidence is placed in a vacuum chamber and then tiny amounts of metal, traditionally gold and zinc, are heated and vaporised.

Peter Tobin is a convicted serial killer from Scotland who is currently serving three life sentences at HMP Edinburgh for a string of murders between 1991 and 2006. He was caught using the VMD technique from the bin bag of a victim

The technology behind the process, Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD), has been used by the forensic science and police communities for several decades. Evidence is placed in a vacuum chamber and then tiny amounts of metal, traditionally gold and zinc, are heated and vaporised

These metallic vapours, then attach on to the evidence and make any invisible or latent fingerprints become visible to the naked eye.

The VMD process was originally developed as a result of the IRA's bombing campaign in the 1970s and '80s.

Until now it has been used to recover fingerprints from various evidence materials including paper, plastics and fabrics.

Eleigh Brewer, a forensic scientist at West Technology based in Bristol, has been carrying out research on fired bullets for just under a year with remarkable success.

The scientist, a world-leader in her field, has been using different metals in her research and discovered that silver or sterling silver yielded the best results for developing fingerprints on fired bullets and shotgun casings.

WHAT IS VACUUM METAL DEPOSITION? Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD), has been used by the forensic science and police communities for several decades. The VMD process is simple to use; evidence is placed in a vacuum chamber and then tiny amounts of metal, traditionally gold and zinc, are heated and vaporised. These metallic vapours then attach on to the evidence and make any invisible or latent fingerprints become visible to the naked eye. The VMD process was originally developed as a result of the IRA's bombing campaign in the 1970s and '80s. VMD is often used for items that have been exposed to harsh or extreme environments. Many heavy metals and alloys are used to form a physical layer over the print. The particles form a 'reverse image' as they adhere to the ridges of the prints not the gaps between. This means it does not interfere with any further DNA analysis that can take place on the same piece of evidence in an investigation. The technique used high temperatures and almost a complete vacuum to get the heavy metals to stick to the fingerprints. Advertisement

West Technology work with police and forensic science laboratories around the world and customers include the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, NYPD and several major UK police forces.

Their system was recently used to solve a knife murder in Austria even though the blade had been wiped clean after the killing.

In this image, West Technology Forensics' Eleigh Brewer is at work in the company's high-tech lab in Bristol. The technique could help sold the JFK conspiracy theory once and for all

Despite the emergence of DNA evidence, fingerprints are still considered in courtrooms as the most reliable form of evidence when it comes to successfully obtaining convictions.

DNA material can be vulnerable to contamination and human error but fingerprint evidence is still seen as the best way to connect a suspect to a specific location or prove they have handled a piece of evidence.

Ian Harris, the managing director of West Technology, is convinced his company has come up with technology which has the potential to clear up thousands of unsolved gun crimes.

John F Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas in 1963 by an unknown gunman. Several conspiracy theories surround the death of the 35th US president and VMD could shed light on who was at fault

He said: 'Until now it has been accepted wisdom by police forces and forensic scientists across the world that it is pretty much impossible to recover fingerprints from fired ammunition.

'We have been working on different VMD processes since last March and are delighted with the results when we used silver and sterling silver.'

He added: 'The potential for this new process is enormous when you take into account the number of unsolved gun crimes across the world.

'In certain countries there are very high rates of gun crime compared to here in the UK.

'Every police force has a cold case unit and there must be thousands of murders and shootings that could be solved easily and quickly with the use of this technology.'

Investigators do not have to be experts to be able to use the system thanks to the way it has been designed and manufactured.

Mr Harris added: 'We have had a lot of interest from police forces because of the high success levels we have had with our research.

'And the success rates of our tests also have the potential to save valuable time and money for police forces who are under increasing pressure to solve high-profile violent crimes and murders.

The system developed by West Technology has been used successfully in the past on bin liners of victims of serial killers. Although the environment of a gunshot can destroy any evidence

'When fingerprints are recovered from used bullet casings then there is the potential to clear up crimes as soon as the evidence is recovered.

'If there is strong evidence against a suspect then they are much more likely to admit to the crime which means there won't be as much need for lengthy and expensive investigations.

'However, the most important thing in all of this is that we have developed the technology which has the capability to ensure people who have carried out life-changing crimes will be brought to justice.'

Eleigh Brewer said: 'The key to the breakthrough is the use of alternative metals such as silver and sterling silver instead of the traditional gold and zinc.

Police officer Yvonne Fletcher was shot outside the Libyan Embassy in London in 1984. The 25 year-old police officer was murdered by an unknown gunman. Scientists hope that improving the VMD technique could solve old cases such as this

'The use of single metal processes opens up exciting prospects for other difficult exhibits such as smartphones, IEDs and fabrics.

'We knew from previous experience that VMD could develop fingerprints on a range of difficult exhibits, including items that had been submerged and buried, so we wanted to test to see if it could develop prints on fired ammunition.

'It's fair to say the amazing results we've had so far were a pleasant surprise and very exciting.'

She added: 'It's a game changer. Even if the success rates drop for real police casework, VMD will still offer significantly more than any other technique.

'What I find exciting and most rewarding is that police forces that invest in VMD technology won't only have a strong chance of developing prints from ammunition and firearms, they'll also have a technique that can process other difficult exhibits.

'If the use of VMD can help solve even a small proportion of crimes that have involved firearms then I will be extremely happy; the effort I have put in to this research will have paid off and the knowledge of knowing that it has helped victims of crime is the best reward I could ask for.

'I think the breakthrough is in the use of single metal processes, such as silver and sterling silver. The traditional gold and zinc process is not suitable for this type of evidence.

'It was very exciting when I first successfully developed a fingerprint on a fired casing. It was completely unexpected, given the reported lack of success of all other fingerprinting techniques.

'What made it more exciting was the level of detail we had managed to develop. The fingerprint would have easily been identifiable.'

Ian Harris, the managing director of West Technology, is convinced his company has come up with technology which has the potential to clear up thousands of unsolved gun crimes
Acid rain is slowly destroying priceless ancient monuments and temples in Mexico.

The rain, caused by pollution, could lead to the complete destruction of some Mayan inscriptions within 100 years.

Experts in Mexico have warned that the rain could wipe out some of the country's most treasured heritage sites, some of which are around 4,000 years old.

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Experts have revealed that acid rain is slowly destroying ancient monuments and temples in Mexico. The rain, caused by human pollution, could lead to the complete destruction of some Mayan inscriptions within 100 years. Pictured is the Chichen itza pyramid in Yucatan, Mexico

Dr Pablo Sanchez, from the Centre of Atmospheric Studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City, said: 'In 100 years' time all the inscriptions and writing on the walls and pillars could be lost.'

The damage occurs as the Mayan ruins are built from limestone, which contains calcium carbonate, a chemical that quickly dissolves in acid rain.

The rain occurs when pollution mixes with rain clouds, lowering the pH level of the water when it falls to the ground.

Mexico City has struggled with pollution for decades, and was listed as the world's most polluted city in 1992.

Experts at Mayan sites are struggling to find a solution to the acid rain problem as they cannot cover the limestone with a protective film.

Dr Sanchez said: 'The limestone has to be breathe, absorbing humidity and water and, if you cover it with a sealing layer, it provokes an acceleration of the erosion.'

Experts in Mexico have warned that the country's cultural heritage is at risk of being wiped out unless pollution is cut down. The Mayans made many of their temples using limestone, which dissolves in acid rain. Pictured is the Temple of the Great Jaguar at Mexico's Tikal National Park

WHAT CAUSED THE COLLAPSE OF THE MAYAN CIVILISATION? For hundreds of years the Mayans dominated large parts of the Americas until, mysteriously in the 8th and 9th century AD, a large chunk of the Mayan civilisation collapsed. The reason for this collapse has been hotly debated, but now scientists say they might have an answer - an intense drought that lasted a century. Studies of sediments in the Great Blue Hole in Belize suggest a lack of rains caused the disintegration of the Mayan civilisation, and a second dry spell forced them to relocate elsewhere. The theory that a drought led to a decline of the Mayan Classic Period is not entirely new, but the new study co-authored by Dr Andre Droxler from Rice University in Texas provides fresh evidence for the claims. The Maya who built Chichen Itza came to dominate the Yucatan Peninsula in southeast Mexico, shown above, for hundreds of years before dissappearing mysteriously in the 8th and 9th century AD Dozens of theories have attempted to explain the Classic Maya Collapse, from epidemic diseases to foreign invasion. With his team Dr Droxler found that from 800 to 1000 AD, no more than two tropical cyclones occurred every two decades, when usually there were up to six. This suggests major droughts occurred in these years, possibly leading to famines and unrest among the Mayan people. And they also found that a second drought hit from 1000 to 1100 AD, corresponding to the time that the Mayan city of Chichen Itza collapsed. Researchers say a climate reversal and drying trend between 660 and 1000 AD triggered political competition, increased warfare, overall sociopolitical instability, and finally, political collapse - known as the Classic Maya Collapse. This was followed by an extended drought between AD 1020 and 1100 that likely corresponded with crop failures, death, famine, migration and, ultimately, the collapse of the Maya population. Advertisement

The scientist told reporters in Mexico that the pollution responsible for the acid rain may not necessarily be produced in the country.

Pollution can travel thousands of miles before affecting rain, so its origin cannot be traced.

Mayan civilisation is thought to have begun around 1800 BC and lasted until 1697, when it was conquered by Spanish invaders.

Mexico received over 11.4 million tourists in 2017, and Mayan temples are one the country's main tourist attractions.

The scientist told reporters in Mexico that the pollution responsible for the acid rain may not necessarily be produced in the country. It could dissolve structures like the one pictured, found south of Mexico City earlier this month

For hundreds of years the Mayans dominated large parts of the Americas until, mysteriously in the 8th and 9th century AD, a large chunk of the Mayan civilisation collapsed. Pictured is a Mayan-era skull found near Mexico City earlier this month

WHAT WAS MEXICO LIKE 2,000 YEARS AGO? The period known as the Middle and Late Formative (900 BC - 900 AD) was one of increased cultural regionalism in Mexico. The Zapotec people for example produced the first writing and written calendar. Their civilisation started in Oaxaca around 2,300 years ago. They had a separate and distinctive culture from the Maya and the Toltec and the Aztec. Experts believed Zapotec people played a sacred ritual ball game which was enjoyed by many pre-Hispanic peoples in Mesoamerica. The game was a cross between football and basketball and involved hitting a rubber ball around a court. It sometimes ended in sacrificial death for the losers. At the time, the Maya, Zapotec, Totonac and Teotihuancan civilisations were all becoming more distinct. The Maya created astronomy, mathematics, calendar making and hieroglyphic writing, writes Britannica. They also developed big cities with temples, pyramids and places for playing ball games. Before the Spanish conquest it was believed the Maya had one of the most advanced civilisations of the Western Hemisphere. Advertisement

The monuments are not the only Mexican heritage sites threatened by pollution.

Earlier this week it was revealed that pollution is threatening the recently mapped Sac Actun cave system in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The vast underground network could be the most important underwater archaeological site in the world, according to experts in Mexico.

Some of the oldest human remains on the continent have been found there, dating back more than 12,000 years, and now-extinct animal remains push the horizon back to 15,000 years.

Mayan people believed that when someone died, it had been because their souls had been stolen by evil spirits. Pictured are 2,400-year-old remains found earlier this month that were buried as part of an elaborate Mayan ritual

The Maya created astronomy, mathematics, calendar making and hieroglyphic writing, writes Britannica. They also developed big cities with temples and pyramids

But pollution and development may threaten the caves' crystalline water, Subaquatic archaeologist Dr Guillermo de Anda said on Monday.

Some of the sinkhole lakes that today serve as entrances to the cave system are used by tourists to snorkel and swim.

And the main highway in the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo runs right over some parts of cave network.

That roadway has been known to collapse into sinkholes.

Also, the cave with the stone-encased skull has high acidity levels, suggesting acidic runoff from a nearby open-air dump could damage skeletal remains.

Before the Spanish conquest it was believed the Maya had one of the most advanced civilisations of the Western Hemisphere

For hundreds of years the Mayans dominated large parts of the Americas.

They mysteriously collapsed in the 8th or 9th century AD, with disease, flooding and foreign invaders all credited with the civilisation's demise.

The Maya created astronomy, mathematics, calendar making and hieroglyphic writing, writes Britannica.

They also developed big cities with temples, pyramids and places for playing ball games.

Before the Spanish conquest it was believed the Maya had one of the most advanced civilisations of the Western Hemisphere.
A 2,700-year-old clay seal found in Jerusalem may bear the 'signature' of the biblical prophet Isaiah.

Researchers believe the Hebrew script impressed into the clay once read 'Belonging to Isaiah the prophet.'

If it did, the clay would be the first direct evidence of the existence Isaiah outside of the Bible.

Archaeologists discovered the damaged clay seal during excavations at the Ophel, and area in East Jerusalem in between the 'City of David' archaeological site and the 'Temple Mount'.

According to the Hebrew bible, the Torah, Isaiah's call to prophecy roughly coincides with the beginning of the westward expansion of the Assyrian empire.

He was a counselor to Judean king Hezekiah and encouraged him to fight against the Assyrian army that arrived in Jerusalem in 701 BC.

A piece of clay dating back to 2,700 years ago and bearing a seal of the name 'Isaiah' has been discovered in Jerusalem. If the clay seal was for the Prophet Isaiah, a key biblical figure, it would be the first archaeological evidence of the prophet's existence

Archaeologists found the impression of a King Hezekiah seal 10 feet (3 meters) from the Isaiah impression.

Isaiah's name ('Yesha'yahu' in Hebrew) is visible on the seal, however damage to the seal has meant that archaeologists are unsure as to whether it refers to the Biblical Prophet Isaiah, or someone else with the same name who lived during that time.

'We appear to have discovered a seal impression, which may have belonged to the prophet Isaiah, in a scientific, archaeological excavation,' Eilat Mazar, an archaeology professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said in an announcement in the Biblical Archaeology Review, which will publish the study associated with the research.

If researchers are able to confirm that the seal impression was for the Prophet Isaiah, it 'would be the first archaeological and the earliest extra-biblical reference to the prophet Isaiah ever discovered,' Robert Cargill, an archaologist and professor of classic and religious studies at the University of Iowa, told Live Science.

According to Mazar's announcement, the clay seals, called bullae, were created by first placing soft clay on a tied ligature and linen sack or papyrus, whose negative impressions are seen on the bulla's reverse side, and then pressing the seal against the clay.

Fresco of Prophet Isaiah, from the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo. According to the Torah, Isaiah's call to prophecy roughly coincides with the beginning of the westward expansion of the Assyrian empire, when Isaiah encouraged Hezekiah, the 13th kind of Judah, to fight against the Assyrian army that arrived in Jerusalem in 701 BC

WHO WAS THE PROPHET ISAIAH? According to the Torah, the Prophet Isaiah lived 700 years before Christ. He was the Prophet after whom the biblical Book of Isaiah is named, and is a contributor to Jewish and Christian traditions. His call to prophecy in 742 BC coincided with the beginning of the westward expansion of the Assyrian empire, when Isaiah encouraged Hezekiah, the 13th kind of Judah, to fight against the Assyrian army that arrived in Jerusalem in 701 BC. Isaiah claimed that the expansion of the Assyrian empire was a warning from God to godless people. The earliest recorded event in his life is his call to prophecy, in the sixth chapter of the Book of Isaiah. The vision that made him a prophet is described as a first person narrative, when he 'saw' God and was overwhelmed by his contact. According to the book, he became aware of God's need for a messenger for Israel's people, and he offered himself up to do this. Advertisement

At the top of the seal, the lower part of a grazing doe is visible, which Mazar wrote is 'a motif of blessing and protection'.

The word 'nvy' is also visible in the seal, however, archaeologists are uncertain as to what it means.

Mazar wrote that if the word included had included the Hebrew letter 'aleph,' at the end, it would form a word that means prophet.

Ruins of the Ophel or Ophlas mound, upon which ancient Jerusalem was founded, outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel. This is the site where the ancient clay seal, containing the impression 'Isaiah,' was found

However, when the archaeologists inspected the damaged part of the seal, it didn't show any signs of the letter 'aleph'.

Without the letter aleph, Mazar says it's still possible that the word 'nvy' could mean prophet, as there are places in the Torah where prophet is spelled nvy without the alephy.

Archaeologists discovered the damaged clay seal during excavations at the Ophel, and area in East Jerusalem in between the 'City of David' archaeological site and the 'Temple Mount'. Researchers believe the Hebrew script impressed into the clay once read 'Belonging to Isaiah the prophet'

Mazar wrote that 'nvy' could also be a personal name referring to a different Isaiah and not the Prophet.

The Ophel site excavations were sponsored by Daniel Mintz and Meredith Berkman of New York.
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Neanderthals have long had a reputation for being dimwits, but a new study suggests our ancient cousins were far more artistic than first thought.

Cave paintings of swirling dots, ladders, animals and outlines of hands- in vivid scarlet and black - have been discovered to be their handiwork, according to new research.

The cave paintings in Spain were previously thought to have been the work of our modern human ancestors, Homo sapiens.

The study suggests Neanderthals invented art 20,000 years before modern humans thought of daubing pictures of prehistoric bison on cave walls.

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Neanderthals have long had a reputation for being dimwits, but a new study suggests our ancient cousins were far more artistic than first thought. These scalariform (ladder shape) composed of red horizontal and vertical lines (centre left) date to older than 64,000 years and were made by Neanderthals, although experts once thought they were made by early humans

The art was found deep inside three separate caverns in Spain some 434 (700km) miles apart: La Pasiega in the north, Maltravieso in central Spain, and Ardales in the south.

Professor Alistair Pike, from the University of Southampton, one of the authors of the research, published in Science said: 'Ever since Neanderthal fossils were found in the 19th century, they have had a bad press.

'In fact, the original name for Neanderthals was proposed as Homo stupidus, the stupid human.

'And people have portrayed them as incapable of symbolic thought.

'What we have found here is evidence of Neanderthal painting. Not just smearing something on the wall, but painting something on the wall which represents something.'

Different examples of artwork were found deep inside three separate caverns in Spain some 434 miles (700km) apart: La Pasiega in the north, Maltravieso in central Spain, and Ardales in the south. Cave art in La Pasiega (pictured) dates to older than 64,000 years and was made by Neanderthals

The study suggests Neanderthals invented art 20,000 years before modern humans thought of daubing pictures of prehistoric bison on cave walls. This cave wall in Maltravieso with Neanderthal hand stencils is almost completely covered with calcite. It is more than 66,000 years old which pre-dates the existence of humans in the European region

Archaeologist and joint lead researcher Dr Chris Standish, from the University of Southampton, said: 'Our results show that the paintings we dated are, by far, the oldest known cave art in the world, and were created at least 20,000 years before modern humans arrived in Europe from Africa - therefore they must have been painted by Neanderthals.'

Scientists previously thought it was an 'impossible coincidence' that Neanderthals were making cave art at the same time when 'modern humans were already in or at the gates of Europe'.

The Neanderthals must have copied Homo sapiens, the thinking went.

Now study co-author Professor Paul Pettitt, from the University of Durham, said other cave art may now be found to be made by Neanderthal hands - rather than Homo sapiens.

Another Maltravieso Cave showing three hand stencils (circled). One has been dated to at least 66,000 years ago and must have been made by a Neanderthal. The enhanced colour of the photo shows the outline of the hands. The research team believe that the stencils indicate a distinct attempt at art

The journey of Neanderthals and the evolution of Homo sapiens was intertwined for thousands of years. The movement out of Africa and into Eastern Europe and Asia colonised the area. This graphic explains the various stages of our respective species' journeys

Perforated shells found in sediments in Cueva de los Aviones, a separate cave in Spain. These date to between 115,000 and 120,000 years old and are symbols of Neanderthals decorating their bodies with accessories

He said: 'Neanderthals created meaningful symbols in meaningful places. The art is not a one-off accident.

'It's in the depths of caves, where they have to be one assumes, for ritual purpose. This is outside of their normal living zone.'

He added: 'It is quite possible that similar cave art in other caves in western Europe is of Neanderthal origin as well.'

The dating method involved sampling ultra-thin carbonate deposits built up over time on top of the paintings.

Scientists used a method more accurate than carbon dating involving measuring traces of the radioactive element uranium and thorium.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT HUMANKIND'S JOURNEY OUT OF AFRICA? The traditional view The traditional 'Out of Africa' model suggests that modern humans evolved in Africa and then left in a single wave around 60,000 years ago. The model often holds once modern humans left the continent, a brief period of interbreeding with Neanderthals occurred. This explains why individuals of European and Asian heritage today still have ancient human DNA. There are many theories as to what drove the downfall of the Neanderthals. Experts have suggested that early humans may have carried tropical diseases with them from Africa that wiped out their ape-like cousins. Others claim that plummeting temperatures due to climate change wiped out the Neanderthals. The predominant theory is that early humans killed off the Neanderthal through competition for food and habitat. How the story is changing in light of new research Recent findings suggest that the 'Out of Africa' theory does not tell the full story of our ancestors. Instead, multiple, smaller movements of humans out of Africa beginning 120,000 years ago were then followed by a major migration 60,000 years ago. Most of our DNA is made up of this latter group, but the earlier migrations, also known as 'dispersals', are still evident. This explains recent studies of early human remains which have been found in the far reaches of Asia dating back further than 60,000 years. For example, H. sapiens remains have been found at multiple sites in southern and central China that have been dated to between 70,000 and 120,000 years ago. Other recent finds show that modern humans reached Southeast Asia and Australia prior to 60,000 years ago. Based on these studies, humans could not have come in a single wave from Africa around this time, studies have found. Instead, the origin of man suggests that modern humans developed in multiple regions around the world. The theory claims that groups of a pre-human ancestors made their way out of Africa and spread across parts of Europe and the Middle East. From here the species developed into modern humans in several places at once. The argument is by a new analysis of a 260,000-year-old skull found in Dali County in China's Shaanxi Province. The skull suggests that early humans migrated to Asia, where they evolved modern human traits and then moved back to Africa. Advertisement

The cave paintings, made with red and black pigments, consist of groups of animals, dots and abstract geometric designs, as well as stencilled hand prints. They occupy three sites at La Pasiega, Maltravieso and Ardales - situated up to 700 kilometres apart in different parts of Spain

A shell with remnants of pigments found in Cueva de los Aviones. It dates to between 115,000 and 120,000 years ago and was dated using a cutting-edge form of Uranium-Thorium dating

By calculating the relative levels of both elements, scientists can work out precisely how much time has passed, as uranium transforms into thorium by a process of radioactive decay at a precise rate.

As the samples were on top, it indicates that what lies beneath must be older than the deposit.

And in a separate Spanish cave, at Cueva de los Aviones, in south-east Spain scientists have found even older evidence of early decorative art.

Researchers found seashells with drilled holes stained red for use as pendants - dating to 115,000 years ago.

Previous research has looked at the difference between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. It found that Neanderthal genes play roles in our susceptibility to eating disorders, schizophrenia and arthritis. Separate research found that Neanderthal DNA can drive our smoking habits, mood swings, and skin tone

Researchers drilled a core from the flowstone in Cueva de los Aviones for dating which would be sent back to the lab for Uranium-Thorium dating. It works on the same principle as radiocarbon dating but is more accurate

WHAT IS URANIUM-THORIUM DATING? Uranium-Thorium dating is a way of determining the age of a rock by the amount of radioactive Thorium it contains. This method can be used to determine the age of calcium carbonate materials, such as coral. Scientists can measure the amount of Thorium-230 in a sample of rock, if the rock contained Uranium originally. Uranium is often found in trace amounts in certain types of rock and is radioactive. It has a half-life (the amount of time it takes for the elements radioactivity to decrease by half) of about 245,000 years. At this point it undergoes alpha decay (it releases an alpha particle, which is also the same as the nucleus of a Helium atom) and forms Thorium-230. Thorium has a much shorter half-life of 75,000 years. Unlike other types of radioactive dating, Uranium-Thorium (U-Th) dating doesn't reach a stable end point. Instead, the decay of Thorium and the production of Thorium reach a form of balance - called secular equilibrium. Uranium-Thorium dating is a method can be used to determine the age of calcium carbonate materials, such as coral Advertisement

Again the shells can only be the work of Neanderthals, as Homo sapiens were not present.

The early impression of Neanderthals being primitive was based on a reconstruction of a skeleton by French researcher Marcellin Boule in 1911.

Critics later found that the bow-legged gorilla-like creature he created was not based on a healthy Neanderthal - but one with arthritis.

But the damage had already been done - and to be a Neanderthal remains an insult to this day.

Criticisms of Neanderthal's limited brain power were made just last month - Professor Richard Coss, a psychologist and artist at the University of California suggested that Neanderthal's lack of figurative art may have meant that they had poor hand-eye co-ordination - and were not as good at throwing spears.

Picture of Cueva de los Aviones which is partly eroded away. In the left corner is the remaining sediment section covered by a flowstone with a basal age of 115 thousand years ago. It was these caves which researchers used to date the Neanderthal cave art

This curtain formation in the Ardales cave has red pigment painted on it. Many areas of this stalagmite formation were painted by Neanderthals in at least two episodes - one before 65,000 years ago and another about 45,000 years ago

Neanderthals became extinct around 38,000 years ago for reasons that are still not clear.

Two leading theories are an inability to adapt to climate change and competition from our ancestors. Or possibly they may simply have been 'assimilated' into the growing modern human population.

Painting is the latest ability likely to be found to have been carried out by Neanderthals.

It is known that Neanderthals lived in large social groups, carried out burials, and survived in the tough conditions of the Ice Age.

Discoveries in Gorham's cave in Gibraltar dating to 40,000 years ago show a far less sophisticated design - a simple criss-cross pattern engraved in the rocks like a noughts and crosses grid thought to be by Neanderthals - but there was no sign of paint.

The red scalariform symbol (left) has a minimum age of 64,000 years but it is unclear if the animals and other symbols were painted later. The red pigment found on this curtain (right) in the Ardales cave shows hominid interaction

This image shows calcite crust on top of the red scalariform sign. The Uranium-Thorium method dates the formation of the crust which gives a minimum age for the underlying painting

Research from earlier this week concluded that Neanderthals likely went extinct due to their poor hand-eye co-ordination.

Professor Richard Coss, a psychologist and artist at the University of California, said: 'Neanderthals could mentally visualise previously seen animals from working memory, but they were unable to translate those mental images effectively into the coordinated hand-movement patterns required for drawing.'

Researchers studying caves in Spain in an independent project found other examples of early Neanderthal artistic flare.

Dyed and decorated marine shells  items of assigned value that serve as proxies for the presence of language  date back to times before the known appearance of modern humans in the region.

Combined with the cave art found, the reports suggest that Neanderthals exhibited complex symbolic communication systems

This image shows Cueva de los Aviones, seen from the breakwater of Cartagena harbour. This region was one of three used in the study where ancient cave art was found

TDirk Hoffmann and Alistair Pike sampling calcite from a calcite crust on top of the red scalariform sign in La Pasieg. These specimens were transferred for laboratory testing and dating
They drink blood and dwell in caves, but bats are perhaps most feared as vectors of disease.

While Ebola would kill a person within days, a bat could carry the virus for years without triggering any symptoms - transmitting it to humans along the way.

Now, for the first time, researchers have offered an explanation: the tiny flying mammals have the same immune pathway as humans, but it is dampened.

It means that pathogens trigger an immune response in humans that can prove fatal, but in bats their systems are tuned to such a low level that they are protected from disease but barely respond to it.

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While humans' immune systems can trigger a deadly reaction to disease, bats barely register

WHY BATS ARE ABLE TO LIVE OFF BLOOD The secrets behind the vampire bats' ability to survive on such an unusual diet  which is poor in nutrients and carries the risk of transmitting disease  has eluded scientists. This week, researchers revealed new insight on the adaptations that opened the door to the bizarre diet, in what experts say is a 'big evolutionary win.' 'Vampire bats have an 'extreme' diet, in the sense that it requires many adaptations in the organism,' lead author Lisandra Zepeda Mendoza, a biogeneticist at the University of Copenhagen, told AFP. To better understand how these creatures are able to survive only on blood, an international team of scientists analyzed the genome of the common vampire bat along with its microbiome. They discovered that the vampire bat's microbiome is unlike carnivorous, insectivorous, and frugivorous bats. Adaptations in the genome and microbiome linked with processes in metabolism and the immune system were dramatically different than the other species. Vampire bats are equipped with a high number of protective bacteria, which produce antiviral substances to shield them from pathogens, they found. Advertisement

The new study by Wuhan Institute of Virology in China is the latest in a recent slew of developments in bat research.

In 2016, scientists sequenced the bat genome for the first time, revealing that bats have the lowest number of interferons (virus-fighting proteins) of any mammal species, but that those proteins remain 'active' even when they aren't diseased.

Earlier this week, Danish scientists revealed they had mapped the genome of the vampire bat to show that their unique microbiome allows them to live exclusively off blood without side effects.

Now, the Chinese team has looked at 30 bats from various sub-types to find that their STING-interferon pathway, present in all mammals, is unlike any other.

The STING (STimulator of INterferon Genes) pathway is overly heightened in humans with autoimmune diseases. It triggers an overt reaction to external elements in the body - or things the STING perceives as external elements - which cripples the sufferer.

Comparing bats with 10 other mammal types, including humans and cats and dogs, the researchers found the vilified creatures have the weakest STING of all, giving them an effective defense against disease.

'We believe there is a balance between bats and the pathogens they carry,' says senior author Peng Zhou.

'This work demonstrated that in order to maintain a balance with viruses, bats may have evolved to dampen certain pathways.'

He added: 'In human history, we have been chasing infectious diseases one after another, but bats appear to be a 'super-mammal' to these deadly viruses.'

Zhou believes this is likely the result of the creatures evolving to be more resistant to disease, since they fly, have long lives and are exposed to many pathogens.

'Adaptation to flight likely caused positive selection of multiple bat innate immune and DNA damage repair genes,' Zhou suggested.
President John F Kennedy's assassination has attracted conspiracy theories ever since he was gunned down in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963.

In 1964, the Warren Commission concluded that former Marine Lee Harvey Oswald was the only person responsible for assassinating Kennedy.

In 1979, however, the United States House Select Committee on Assassinations concluded that Kennedy was probably assassinated as a result of a conspiracy, although it did not identify any individuals or groups.

Countless articles, books, films and documentaries over the years have put forward alternative explanations.

These have included accusations of involvement of the CIA, the Mafia, sitting Vice President Lyndon B Johnson, Cuban Prime Minister Fidel Castro and the KGB.

Some go further to suggest the US government covered up crucial information in the aftermath of the assassination.

Thousands of previously classified records released in 2017 still haven't settled the best-known, real-life whodunit in American history.

One file revealed how, just a few hours after Lee Harvey Oswald was killed in Dallas, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover dictated a memo.

This said that the government needed to issue something 'so we can convince the public' that Oswald killed President John F. Kennedy.

Official documents like this have only served to fuel the fervor of anyone convinced of a cover-up.
Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station is the world's largest satellite earth receiving station, located on Goonhilly Downs near Helston, on the Lizard Peninsula of Cornwall.

It is one of the world's largest satellite earth receiving stations, and has over 60 communications dishes, providing a significant portion of the UK's satellite connectivity. The site also links into undersea cable lines.

The first communications dish was Antenna One, also known as Arthur, and was built in 1962 to link with with the Telstar satellite. It received the first live transatlantic television broadcasts from the United States.

Many of the dishes are named after characters from Cornish legends. For example, the largest dish is called Merlin, and has a 32-metre (101-feet) diameter. Other dishes are called Guinevere, Tristan and Isolde.

The Earth Station is powered by the national grid, but the site has diesel generators to provide indefinite backup power in the event of a national grid outage.

The satellite dishes at Goonhilly are directed at every continent, and almost all international news travels to and from Britain via the huge discs.

Goonhilly Earth Station acquired Goonhilly satellite station from BT in 2014, and the company now has plans to build the world's first private Deep Space Communications Network.

This network would support the exploration of Lunar and Deep Space for institutions and private enterprise.
Permanently inhabited since the dawn of the 9th century CE, if not earlier, Pragues Old Town is the historic heart of one of Eastern Europes oldest cities. But far from being a relic of a bygone age, the Old Town remains at the centre of modern life in the Czech capital, with its world-famous sights, fine dining and vibrant nightlife. Read on to discover everything you need to know about visiting this iconic district.

The cobblestoned Prague Old Town where many of the city's landmark attractions lie

The history of Prague Old Town

The Old Town is a medieval settlement dating back to around the 9th century CE. It sprang up around the local market, which is held twice a year in Old Town Square to this day.

Home to most of the areas best-known attractions, the square is at the centre of a warren of narrow cobbled lanes that spread out from it in all directions. These winding passageways were separated from the surrounding neighbourhoods by semi-circular walls and a moat, both ends of which connected to the River Vltava. While the moat itself has long since been filled in and built upon, its route can still be traced by following the streets Revolucni, Na Prikope and Narodni, which mark the official boundary of the Old Town.

How to get to Prague Old Town

Thanks to its position in the middle of Prague, the Old Town is easily accessible from any part of the city. Staromestska Metro station is located in the west of the Old Town on Metro Line A, which runs from west to east across the city. Change at Mustek to reach Staromestska from Metro Line B, or at Muzeum if youre travelling on Metro Line C.

The district is also served by numerous tram stops, but given the narrow streets that make up the Old Town, most are dotted around its edges. For the Old Town Square, take a tram to Staromestska, or for the Jewish Quarter in the north-west of the district, head to Pravnicka fakulta.

Top attractions and experiences in Prague Old Town

Many of Pragues most popular attractions can be found within the relatively tight boundaries of the Old Town, making the area a must-see for anyone visiting the Czech capital.

The Old Town Square is both the location of several tourist sights and an attraction in its own right. Sprawling medieval-style markets are held in the square at Easter and Christmas, selling a vast array of seasonal gifts and local produce. The markets are accompanied by a programme of events that includes folk music, brass bands, choirs and traditional dance. For more information, visit the official Prague Markets site. Even if your visit doesnt coincide with the markets, you should still pay the square a visit to take in the mishmash of historic buildings.

Among these buildings is the Old Town Hall, which dates back to 1338. Rather than a single structure, the Town Hall is actually a collection of medieval buildings that were acquired at various points over the past seven centuries. The Old Towns main tourist information centre (open 09001800 in January and February, and 09001900 for the rest of the year) can be found within the Old Town Hall, and art exhibitions are regularly held on the ground and second floors.

The Old Town Hall Tower houses the squares biggest tourist attraction  the Astronomical Clock. Dating back to 1410 CE, the clock has been repaired and added to numerous times throughout the intervening centuries. Four figures are positioned next to the clock, depicting the deepest fears of 15th century Prague residents  Death, Greed, Pagan Invasion and Vanity. The clocks famous mechanised performance takes place on the hour, every hour  but bear in mind that it gets extremely busy.

Much less well-known but equally intriguing is the David Cerny statue Man Hanging Out. Located above the crossing between Betlemske namesti and Husova, it depicts the legendary Austrian intellectual Sigmund Freud dangling by one hand from a bar protruding from the roof of an old townhouse. This fascinating statue is easily missed because of its unexpected location high above the streets.

The Prague astronomical clock is mounted on the southern wall of Old Town Hall

Eating and drinking in Prague Old Town

The dozens of bars and eateries that litter the Old Town cater to all tastes, from Michelin-starred restaurants to dingy cellars serving up hearty food and golden lager.

For a high-end dining experience, look no further than La Degustation Boheme Bourgeoise. Holder of one of the Czech Republics three Michelin stars, this restaurant made a name for itself with its menu of locally sourced delicacies, including pumpkin with whipped cream and Prague ham. Reservations are essential at this stylish eatery, which opens TuesdaySunday, 18000000.

If youre after something a little more down to earth, seek out Lokal Dlouhaaa. This friendly Old Town restaurant is popular with the local crowd, thanks to its affordable prices and delicious traditional cuisine  think goulash, roast duck and braised rabbit. Regular dishes are served until 2145, but if you fancy a late bite to eat, the special night menu is available until closing time (0000 on Sunday, 0100 throughout the rest of the week).

When it comes to drinking, its all but impossible to stroll around the Old Town without stumbling upon dozens of bars, but if youre looking for a place to start your night, simply head to the Old Town Square. Scores of watering holes are dotted around the edges of the square, from lively Irish pubs to traditional Czech drinking dens.
Over 21 million Brits are now more scared of flying compared to 10 years ago, new research has revealed, with engine failure the biggest fear factor.

The study showed that people in the UK now take an average of three flights every year.

But despite their frequent flying and 2017 being one of the safest years on record for commercial air travel - and most people saying they trust both pilots and cabin crew - a third of those questioned (38 per cent) admitted that stories about crashes, disappearances and terrorist attacks has made them fear for their safety on planes.

A study carried out by National Geographic has found that 21 million Brits are more scared of flying compared to 10 years ago (file image)

The research was carried out by National Geographic to support its brand new series of Air Crash Investigation, which uncovers the truth behind aviation disasters.

It found that eight out of 10 Brits say their biggest worry about flying is either engine failure or crashing.

It also found that over half (51 per cent) of 25 to 34-year-olds are more scared for their safety compared to only just over a quarter (27 per cent) of the over 65s.

However, it seems as a nation, once on board Brits feel comfortable flying for up to eight hours on average, yet if the worst was to happen, over two fifths (42 per cent) said they would not know what to do if faced with a mid-flight emergency.

But for those who do fear flying, many look to superstitions and pre-flight rituals to appease their anxiety.

The research showed that more than two fifths (43 per cent) of 25 to 34-year-olds avoid certain seats on a flight, with nearly a third (32 per cent) opting to avoid plane seats that are far from the emergency exit, or at the front of the plane.

For those who take to the skies regularly, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) choose their seat based solely on air crash survival rates.

For those who do fear flying, many look to superstitions and pre-flight rituals to appease their anxiety

David Gleave, an aviation safety investigator, said: 'The research highlighted choosing seats based on location may be common place but its not the most significant factor in having a safe flight, or surviving a flight that has an accident.

'However, actions such as this, or touching the plane before boarding, or even taking an airline's own nervous passenger course before a flight, can provide an anxious traveller with the peace of mind needed to reassure and aid when we feel uneasy.

'What is most fascinating, is how the respondents do not regard human error as one of the biggest factors.

'As more pilots retire and as the training courses are simplified, the lack of pilot experience in some airlines could become the biggest safety issue in the global aviation industry.'

Meanwhile the study also revealed that more than half of Brits believe that cyber security such as flight systems being hacked will be one of the biggest future threats to flights over the next ten years.

Also a further 52 per cent think drone collisions will be an issue.

Mr Gleave added: 'Technology will also continue to be an important element in aircraft safety and we can expect to see more attempts to down aircraft using drones, as well as more airport closures from drone activity  either for the threat to life, or to just inflict economic damage.

'This may be countered by anti-drone technology and drone tracking requirements put in place on innocent stray drone activities.

The research comes as 2017 was named as one of the safest on record for commercial air travel

'This wont have a huge increase in the number of crashes we can anticipate to see but failure to learn lessons from events that have occurred will continue to be the biggest risk we face when flying.'

Many people will be surprised by the results of the survey given statistics from the International Air Transport Association show that the number of accidents in global aviation each year are an incredibly small fraction of the millions of flights that take place.

According to the Aviation Safety Network (ASN), in the past two decades, aviation deaths around the world have been steadily falling.

It says that the accident rate is one fatal passenger flight accident per 7,360,000 flights.

And last year was deemed to be one of the safest on record for commercial air travel.

Dutch aviation consulting firm To70 and the Aviation Safety Network both reported that there were no commercial passenger jet fatalities in 2017.

However, there have already been two fatal accidents in 2018 after a Russia-based Saratov Airlines flight crashed shortly after take-off in Moscow killing all 71 on board.

While last week an Aseman Airlines jet crashed in a foggy, mountainous region of southern Iran leaving 65 dead.
She is the picture of confidence as the newest addition to This Morning, the bubbly Made In Chelsea star and the winner of the I'm A Celebrity jungle.

But Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo confessed it hasn't been plain sailing as she revealed she has suffered from insecurities while in the limelight in an exclusive chat with MailOnline.

This Morning's Toff admitted she wears her foundation like a 'mask' after she bravely revealed the extent of her acne scarring on live television for the first time.

'It's a mask I put on' Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo confessed she has struggled with her confidence and her acne has reduced her to tears in an interview with MailOnline (pictured at NTAs 2018)

'It's a mask that I put on,' the Made In Chelsea star, who found fame at the tender age of 20, divulged to MailOnline. 'The thing with confidence is that it can be masked really well.

'I'm so jolly all of the time and I'm really an extrovert but deep down you can be hiding a few insecurities. So sometimes I shout loudest to cover it up.

'I cry all the time about it (my spots). Some days I have a little cry and I tell myself to pull myself together. Some people have it a lot worse than I do.'

Revealed: Toff's condition came to light when it emerged she was allowed to wear make-up in the jungle in a first-ever for I'm A Celebrity as the product is usually banned (pictured)

Pictured: This Morning's Toff admitted she wears her foundation like a 'mask' after she bravely revealed the extent of her acne scarring on TV without make-up for the first time

Toff's condition came to light when it emerged she was allowed to wear make-up in the jungle, in Oz.

It was a first-ever for ITV bosses as the product is usually banned from the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here show.

WHAT IS ACNE TREATMENT ROACCUTANE? Roaccutane is an inflammatory drug that attacks the sebaceous glands - the active ingredient isotretinoin is a very effective treatment for severe acne. It has a high success rate of treating acne but it can cause different side effects in certain people. The side effects can range from dry skin, dry throat, nose bleeds and can make you extremely sensitive to the sun. Serious and more rare side effects include pancreatitis, kidney failure, depression and there has been links to suicide. Anyone who is pregnant, has impaired liver function or already suffers from a mental illness cannot take the drug. Source: NHS Advertisement

The reality star has previously discussed how online trolls have targeted her over her skin and referred to her as 'pizza face'.

There is no getting away from the fact Toff is a beautiful lady but the bubbly star discussed how she struggles with her confidence when she isn't wearing make-up.

She explained: 'When I don't have my foundation on, I'm a very different person. I notice even when I'm with my friends and family, if I don't have my make-up on I can be quite irritable.

'I don't feel confident in myself but when I do have make-up on, I feel confident.'

To tackle her insecurities, the golden-haired beauty has just embarked on her third round of the acne treatment Roaccutane.

Determined to put her confidence battles behind her, Toff is preparing to storm the red carpet to cover the Oscars for This Morning.

The rising starlet will take centre stage at the hottest red carpets and parties where she will be joining the great and the good of Hollywood's elite.

Glamorous: There is no getting away from the fact Toff is a beautiful lady but the bubbly star discussed how she struggles with her confidence (pictured in London, February 2018)

Georgia gushed: 'Oh my god! Im dying. I cant believe it, I cant believe its real. Im there for about a week before the main event.

'I've got to stay up quite late! I will be trying to work all my way onto all the red carpets and all the cool parties!

'I hope that Im there and theres loads and loads of A-listers and Ill be thinking what the hell am I doing here?'

Watch Toff's This Morning Oscar coverage from Tuesday 27 February. This Morning weekdays from 10.30am on ITV.
Life is good for Ellen Page.

The actress, who turns 31 on Wednesday, was snapped on Tuesday kissing her dancer wife Emma Portner at a Los Angeles screening for her new thriller The Cured, which was held at West Hollywood's AMC Dine-In Sunset 5.

The couple matched in dark ensembles at the screening, with black suit jackets and black pants, each with their hair pulled back.

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Romantic: Ellen Page, who turns 31 on Wednesday, was snapped on Tuesday kissing her dancer wife Emma Portner at a Los Angeles screening for her new thriller The Cured, which was held at West Hollywood's AMC Dine-In Sunset 5

The Academy Award-nominated Juno star had a peacock blue polo shirt with a black collar, while Portner wore a black button-up shirt.

The outburst of affection between the newlyweds came as no surprise, as they showed ample PDA post in a pair of Valentine's Day photos they posted to Instagram last week.

Page, a Halifax, Nova Scotia native wrote, captioned the romantic shot, 'Holy s*** I love you so much,' with a pair of heart emojis.

In her picture, Portner, a one-time backup dancer for Justin Bieber, was seated in a chair with Page straddling her as they kissed. She wrote, 'My valentine is soooooo hot.'

Happy couple: The married duo posed arm-in-arm at the screening of the thriller

Smitten: Page said that when she first saw Portner, she found her to be 'so talented and so cool'

Beaming: The young couple's happiness was palpable as they posed for pictures

The duo, who live in the Hollywood Hills, emerged as a couple last summer, coming about six months after Page was seen with her previous girlfriend, artist Samantha Thomas.

After a fast courting, Page revealed they had wed, taking to social media January 3 to show off their wedding rings, as she wrote, 'Cant believe I get to call this extraordinary woman my wife.'

The Gaycation star shares the screen with Sam Keeley and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor in the David Freyne-directed thriller, which tells the stories of zombies who are cured of their condition, but discriminated against in the aftermath, leading to a societal crisis that the government intervenes in.

Proud: The Oscar-nominated actress posed with director David Freyne

Outspoken: Page has emerged as an influential voice amid the #meToo movement, saying she regrets her past work with Woody Allen, and publicly sharing an uncomfortable exchange she had with director Brett Ratner earlier in her career

Birthday girl: The beautiful actress turns 31-years-old on Wednesday

Page told The New York Times earlier this month that she was quickly transfixed by the lithe beauty Portner when she saw her dancing in a social media clip.

'I thought, damn, this girl is so talented and so cool,' she said. 'I knew right away we were both creative spirits.'

The Cured hits theaters Friday.

Passionate: The newlyweds shared a spirited embrace on Valentine's Day
His outspokem glamour model girlfriend Imogen Anthony appears to have a tough exterior.

But Kyle Sandilands has revealed the model was at breaking point in 2012, when she was relentlessly bullied online after beginning her relationship with the KIIS FM star.

On Thursday, the 46-year-old told listeners he got the Australian Federal Police Cybercrime unit involved, which revealed the hurtful attacks came from one of her closest friends.

'What a betrayal': Kyle Sandilands reveals Police discovered Imogen Anthony's biggest cyber bully was a best friend who comforted the crying star after being attacked for her relationship with shock jock

During a segment on cyber bullying for the popular breakfast show, Kyle shared that Imogen became bombarded with personal digs after they started dating more than five years ago.

'She started dating me and people were like "you're this", "you're that", "why would you be with him", "you're only there for the money",' he said.

Kyle said Imogen was shocked by the bullying: 'She was like "wow... I thought bullying was left behind at school, and now I'm an adult and I'm getting bullied again!"'

Not sitting by and watching idle as his lady love was taunted, he told co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson that he got the police involved: 'It ended up being one of her best friends, we found out.'

Jackie gasped, unable to form a sentence, before finally saying: 'Oh my God, what a betrayal!'

'It ended up being one of her best friends, we found out': Not sitting by and watching idle as his lady love was taunted, he told co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson that he got the police involved

'She would sit on our couch at our house and Imogen would be crying about it': Kyle added that Imogen was distressed by how many stories the mystery person knew about here childhood, and her 'frenemy' would sit there and attempt to help her figure out who it was

'Not only that, this friend she was speaking to about it was one of her besties, so she would sit on our couch at our house and Imogen would be crying about it,' he said.

Kyle added that Imogen was distressed by how many stories the mystery person knew about here childhood, and her 'frenemy' would sit there and attempt to help her figure out who it was.

'Months later the cybercrime department at the police came back and said this is the person who it is... and it was the person she was confiding in, crying with!' he said with anger and frustration in his voice.

'The person shut down and disappeared - never to be seen again!' After Jackie asked what had happened between the former best friends since, Kyle said they hadn't been in contact with Imogen since

After Jackie asked what had happened between the former best friends since, Kyle said, 'the person shut down and disappeared - never to be seen again!'

'She must have been jealous,' Jackie suggested.

Kyle ended the chat, by saying: 'Sometimes it comes from a lot closer than you'd think.'

'She must have been jealous': Jackie claimed

Kyle and his glamour model girlfriend met six years ago at the radio personality's 40th birthday party.

From there the two lovebirds have been inseparable, featuring on each others respective social media accounts on a regular basis.

Imogen, who is 20-years younger than Kyle, has previously stated that her man can't wait to have children with her.
Goldie Hawn is known for her bold sense of style.

And on Tuesday, the 72-year-old veteran actress donned a colorful multi-pattern dress for will.i.am's i.am.angel Foundation gala.

Her long dress featured an assorted mix of patterns, including flowers, tribal print, geometric shapes, and stripes.

Eccentric! Goldie Hawn showed off her wild style in a colorful multi-pattern dress on Tuesday at will.i.am's i.am.angel Foundation gala in Hollywood

Kate Hudson's famous mother glowed in her stylish and wild ensemble.

The will.i.am event took place in Hollywood and honored Sean Parker, chairman of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.

Goldie kept her accessories simple; she opted for gold hoop earrings and a coordinating necklace.

Honoree: Hawn made sure to take a snap with the event's honoree, Sean Parker, Chairman of the Parker Institute for Immunotherapy

The artist will.i.am founded the i.am.angel Foundation in 2009 to help provide education and opportunity to low-income youth in LA's Boyle Heights, which is where he grew up.

The foundation's website includes a direct message from the producer, who further explains: 'In order to rebuild America, we need to rebuild communities like Boyle Heights, by providing opportunities to those who dream big. That's what we're trying to accomplish.'

In December, she posted an Instagram photo of herself donning a T-shirt that read 'We are all dreamers.'

She added to the message and wrote: 'Today and every day, we are all Dreamers. Please call Congress and ask that they pass the #DreamAct.'

Advocate: will.i.am founded the i.am.angel Foundation in 2009 to aid underprivileged youth in his hometown of Boyle Heights
She's not really known for posting racy Instagram snaps.

But model Samantha Harris raised eyebrows when she uploaded a picture of herself in a very revealing outfit on Thursday.

In the image, the 27-year-old flaunted her rather ample cleavage in a daring halterneck dress.

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That's saucy! Model Samantha Harris takes the plunge and shows off her ample cleavage in a daring dress

She accompanied the photo with a caption regarding the sequins on her dress.

'Sparkle sparkle,' she wrote alongside the image.

Sam's saucy Nearly Naked Embellished Mini dress is by Australian label, Sisters The Label.

A great deal has changed for the fashion model over the past few years, after her partner Luke Hunt was released from prison in 2016.

Earlier this month, Samantha pulled out all the stops to celebrate his second birthday out from behind bars.

Taking to Instagram this month, the catwalk queen shared a happy snap from a yacht the couple chartered on Sydney Harbour to celebrate his 32nd birthday.

Busty: Samantha also showed off her ample cleavage at a birthday party for her husband Luke Hunt, earlier this month

In the happy snap, the Indigenous model cut a glamorous figure in a cleavage-baring white top and mirrored shades as she posed with two friends.

Meanwhile, another short clip posted to the model's Instagram story showed about nine of the couple's friends drinking together on the boat, with Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.

The rowdy group cheers as the camera pans across them.

Earlier this month, Samantha spoke to Daily Mail Australia about her secret wedding, adding she has no plans for 'babies at the moment,' but added things are going 'really well.'

She secretly married Luke in 2014, two months before he began serving a a prison sentence for his involvement in a fatal car crash that killed a 78-year-old man.

Luke was behind the wheel in a tragic accident that killed grandfather Kenneth Lay in May 2012.

The couple's Commodore crashed into Kenneth's Hyundai Lantra in Narraweena, on the Northern Beaches, when Luke was driving above the speed limit and changing lanes.

"It's great": Earlier this month, stunning Samantha spoke to Daily Mail Australia about her secret wedding, adding she has no plans for 'babies at the moment,' but added things are going 'really well'

Samantha only revealed they were wed in April 2016, after her husband had finished serving his term out of respect for the crash victim's family.

Samantha rose to fame after placing second in Girlfriend magazine's model search in 2004.

She has since gone on to feature in campaigns for David Jones and Miu Miu, along with her ambassador role for Priceline Pharmacy.
The father of musicians Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas has revealed he's been battling colon cancer.

Kevin Jonas Sr., a restaurateur in North Carolina, told People that after surgery and six months of chemotherapy, he is now in remission.

But, the 52-year-old said, when he first received the news he had stage 2 colon cancer, 'Suddenly life felt short.'

health battle: Kevin Jonas Sr., 52, pictured with son Nick in a photo he shared to Instagram last September, has revealed he is in remission after treatment for colon cancer

Jonas Sr. was 52 when he went for his first colonoscopy last year and doctors discovered a large mass.

'My entire life really flashed in front of me,' he told the magazine.

'In that moment, I thought, Have I lived a good life? Have I been good to my kids and my wife? Have I done right by people?''

'My entire life really flashed in front of me': Kevin Jonas Sr. pictured in February 2010 with his wife Denise and their sons Joe, Frankie, Kevin and Nick

Priority: The famous musician brothers, pictured with their dad, far right, in April 2010, put their careers on hold to support their father during his health crisis, People reported

His famous sons - Kevin, 30, Joe, 28, Nick, 25, and youngest boy Frankie, 17 - put their own live son hold to support their dad, People reported.

'When I found out about my dads diagnosis, it was a balance of hope and real concern and fear. I pray that no one else ever has to go through that,' Nick said.

Joe added: 'A situation like this makes you wake up and appreciate the ones around you.'

Jonas Sr. is a restaurateur in North Carolina. He's pictured with son Kevin at his restaurant Nellie's Southern Kitchen in December

According to the National Cancer Institute, colon - or colorectal - cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in the United States.

More common in men than women, it is the second leading cause of all cancer deaths in the U.S.

Current medical advice recommends people should begin colon screenings at the age of 50.

Emotional: 'When I found out about my dads diagnosis, it was a balance of hope and real concern and fear,' Nick, pictured this month in Hollywood, told people
She was confronted by Tracey Jewel about her dalliance with Dean on Wednesday in a teary and heated exchange.

And Married At First Sight's Davina Rankin has evidently gone into hiding, with no recent updates to her Instagram page nor any TV promo interviews for the reality show.

Tracey, 34, revealed Davina, 26, hasn't even replied to her text messages during a conversation with 2DayFM breakfast show Em, Grant & Ed on Thursday.

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Is Davina is okay? Fears for Married At First Sight's 'villain' as she goes into hiding AGAIN and doesn't even answer text messages from her co-stars

The radio hosts asked Tracey about her showdown with Davina, which took place after the bikini model and Tracey's 'husband' Dean Wells embarked on a short-lived 'affair'.

'Geez, that was an epic fail of a conversation wasn't it? ' Tracey admitted.

'All I wanted was an apology and that's what I deserved and I certainly didn't get it, did I?' she continued.

Sizzling: The radio hosts asked Tracey Jewel about her showdown with Davina, which took place after Davina and Tracey's 'husband' Dean Wells embarked on a short-lived 'affair'

'All I wanted was an apology and that's what I deserved and I certainly didn't get it, did I?' she continued

When co-host Em Rusciano asked if she still speaks to Davina, Tracey disclosed she had reached out and received no reply from her on-screen nemesis.

'I did text her to ask if she was okay because it's not nice, the amount of bullying and backlash she has [received],' she offered.

'I messaged her and I said I hope she was okay. I got no response. I don't think I'll be messaging her again!' she added.

'I did text her to ask if she was okay because it's not nice, the amount of bullying and backlash she has [received],' she offered

'I messaged her and I said I hope she was okay. I got no response. I don't think I'll be messaging her again!' she added

In addition to not responding to Tracey's text messages, the bikini model has been conspicuously absent while her co-stars do a plethora of TV interviews for the show.

She also hasn't posted any new updates to her Instagram profile since January 29, previously posting numerous times a week for her over 300,000 followers.

A new profile - with only 127 fans - has recently been created using the brunette beauty's real name, but there is no confirmation Davina is officially behind it.

Stressed? Davina hasn't posted any new updates to her Instagram profile since January 29, previously posting numerous times a week for her over 300,000 followers

However, Davina has responded to requests for comment via text message over the last week.

OK! magazine reported earlier this month 'sources close to the Brisbane-based beauty reveal she's gone into hiding, refusing to take part in any media interviews'.

Her close friend, Gillian Goodwin, spoke to the publication about Davina's negative portrayal on the show, accusing Married At First Sight of typecasting her unfairly.

'You struck gold with this incredible woman and it is SO unfortunate you wasted an opportunity to showcase a truly genuine beauty inside and out by strategically editing and typecasting her by going down a totally unoriginal stereotypical avenue that has been done time and time again on reality TV,' she stated.
She first made her mark on 7th Heaven.

And Jessica Biel, 35, certainly looked angelic Tuesday when she stepped out into her Tribeca neighborhood in NYC for a mid-day stroll.

The wife of Justin Timberlake made the most of the unseasonably warm temperatures, enjoying the outdoors in a feminine take on the classic trench coat.

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Jessica Biel looked angelic in a trench coat while stepping out into her Tribeca neighborhood in NYC for a mid-day stroll Tuesday

Jessica's fabulous figure was accentuated by the tan frock's sharp silhouette, which belted in the center before flaring out dramatically on the bottom.

A checked shirt peeked out from beneath the beauty's stylish outerwear while skinny jeans and short booties rounded out her apparel.

The Sinner star added an olive beret emblazoned with the word 'Justice' in a yellow, Gothic font atop her caramel tresses.

She slung a handsome cross-body bag with a golden strap to her side, also accessorizing with square tortoiseshell shades.

She's got flare! Jessica's fabulous figure was accentuated by the tan frock's sharp silhouette, which belted in the center before flaring out dramatically on bottom

Chic! A checked shirt peeked out from beneath the beauty's stylish outerwear while skinny jeans and short booties rounded out her apparel

Hat's off! The Sinner star added an olive beret emblazoned with the word 'Justice' in a yellow, Gothic font atop her caramel tresses

Jessica walked along with a pair of AirPods in her ears, perhaps enjoying Justin's new album Man Of The Woods during her stroll.

While Mrs. Timberlake enjoyed the sunny day in NYC, her hubby was across the pond in London, England where he was attending the Brit Awards.

During the event the former boy band babe teamed up with country artist Chris Stapleton for a guitar duet.

Justin and Jessica met in 2007 and were married in 2011 at the Borgo Egnazia resort in Fasano, Italy.

It takes two! While Mrs. Timberlake enjoyed the sunny day in NYC, her hubby was across the pond in London, England where he was attended the Brit Awards, where he performed a duet with country artist Chris Stapleton, above

I'm listening! Jessica walked along with a pair of AirPods in her ears, perhaps enjoying Justin's new album Man Of The Woods during her stroll

In 2015, they welcomed son Silas (almost three) into the world.

Jessica's latest project Shock And Awe premiered at the 2017 Zurich Film Festival in Switzerland, but has yet to set a date for wide release.

Actors Woody Harrelson, Tommy Lee Jones, James Marsden and Milla Jovovich also star along with Rob Reiner, who did double-duty as director and castmate.
Australia may not have the best nightlife, but according to Benji Madden, it more than makes up for it with its morning buzz.

'The one thing that nobody else in the world can touch is the coffee in Australia,' he told The Herald Sun on Thursday.

The musician arrived in Australia alongside wife Cameron Diaz this week, before arriving at a nearby cafe soon after.

'Theres just something about it': Benji Madden insists Australian coffee is the 'best in the world' after touching down in the country with wife Cameron Diaz

The 38-year-old is back in Australia as part of a world tour with his once-seminal pop-punk band Good Charlotte.

Benji has tried coffee from ever country he's been to, but the best brews come from the land Down Under, he insists.

The socialite was jubilant at the fact his home country has finally succumbed to the Australian way of latte.

'In LA theres a few Australian coffee shops that have opened and now I go there,' he said.

Cafe couple! The musician arrived in Australia alongside wife Cameron Diaz this week, before arriving at a nearby cafe soon after

Not even Europe, the home of practically all the best edible goods, can match up to what's brewing down south.

Benji said: 'Coffee in Italy and some places in Europe is great, but theres just something about Australian coffee.'

Australian way of latte: Benji said: 'Coffee in Italy and some places in Europe is great, but theres just something about Australian coffee'

And while Benji and Cameron aren't shy to stop by Bondi's coffee hot-spots, they did confirm their desire to remain out of the public eye.

'The less outside elements or influence that there is the better for anyone. Thats our vibe,' he told the publication.

Benji and Hollywood actress Cameron have been married since 2015.
She parted ways with retail giant David Jones but continues to support local brands.

And Jesinta Franklin (nee Campbell) cut a chic figure as she stepped out in a risque ensemble to celebrate emerging designer Lillian Khallouf's VIP soiree on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old was joined by a number of high-profile Sydney fashionistas like Carissa Walford at the intimate dinner, which was co-presented by House of K'dor.

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Daring: TV personality Carissa Walford (pictured) joined model Jesinta Franklin at the intimate Lillian Khallouf dinner, which was co-presented by House of K'dor

Jesinta donned a white satin bralette, flaunting her toned torso and ample cleavage.

She paired the racy top with a black blazer and loose slacks, wearing her short blonde hair in a slicked back style.

The Miss Dior ambassador wasn't the only attendee to wear lingerie at the affair, with presenter Carissa Walford opting for a revealing red lace bralette.

Revealing: Jesinta donned a white satin bralette, flaunting her toned torso and ample cleavage

Red hot: The Miss Dior ambassador wasn't the only attendee to wear lingerie at the affair, with Carissa (pictured) opting for a revealing lace bralette

In addition to Jesinta and Carissa, guests included Dianne and Lillian Khallouf, stylists Jess Pecoraro and Marina Didovich, P.E. Nation co-founder Pip Edwards.

The room was ornately decorated and catering was provided by popular Japanese eatery, Sake Restaurant & Bar.

Jesinta, who married AFL star Lance 'Buddy' Franklin in 2016, recently told Daily Mail Australia the pair are looking forward to expanding their family in the near future.

Girl power: In addition to Jesinta and Carissa, guests included Dianne and Lillian Khallouf, stylists Jess Pecoraro and Marina Didovich, P.E. Nation co-founder Pip Edwards

Exquisite: The room was ornately decorated and catering was provided by popular Japanese eatery, Sake Restaurant & Bar

The striking model said the couple were 'leaving it up to the universe' as to when they get pregnant.

'We are a married couple so we'd love to start a family,' she shared.

'But right now we are just really busy with our careers and just enjoying life and whatever happens happens, it's up to the universe now,' she continued.
The 1 Houses: Britain's Cheapest Street

Rating:

Earth's Natural Wonders

Rating:

Should a Channel 4 researcher ever invite you to take part in a serious social documentary, run a mile. Then keep running  and dont look back.

These programmes, from Benefits Street to Dogs On The Dole, claim to be investigations of class and urban squalor, but theyre just excuses for viewers to sneer. The 1 Houses: Britains Cheapest Street (C4) is no different.

Every shot is edited as cruelly as possible. If a television could smirk and roll its eyes, your screen would do nothing else for the entire hour.

Christopher Stevens reviews C4's The 1 Houses: Britain's Cheapest Street and says, should a Channel 4 researcher ever invite you to take part in a serious social documentary, run a mile

We were eavesdropping on a council project in Garrick Street, Liverpool, where buyers were able to purchase derelict properties for a nominal 1 fee, providing they guaranteed to renovate them within a year.

But the producers didnt seem very interested in the schemes feasibility, just the slapstick laughs on offer as peoples dreams fell apart at the seams.

Look, heres a young couple, doing up their own home and trying to put up a plaster ceiling rose  with a screwdriver! Dont they know anything? Oh, now theyve dropped it, and shes pretending it isnt chipped.

Thats hilarious, because they cant afford to buy another one. And now theyre bickering!

These shows are known as poverty porn. Viewers are meant to relish the sight of people struggling to make ends meet. Its degrading for everyone.

Some can cope, naturally, and good luck to them. I especially liked the builders, a trio from Barnsley, who reckoned that this part of Liverpool was so rough, theyd need bullet-proof vests to work on the roof.

One bloke, reading about a recent spate of shootings, said: You wouldnt get me living here for a gold pig! Is that a real Yorkshire saying, or was he just laughing at the daft Southern camera crew?

I felt less comfortable watching Victoria, a PhD student who had borrowed 40 grand from the Bank of Mum and Dad.

More impressive was Earth's Natural Wonders on BBC1 which followed a crocodile ranger on Australia's north coast, as well as other world wonders

Some days, she was brave and brisk, looking forward to the challenge of building a home on her own. On other occasions, she was curled up in a puddle of tears, with a hoard of boxes piled around her  clearly too vulnerable to deal with the merciless TV team.

For the sake of justice, the makers of such shows should be put on trial. If found guilty of mistreating their subjects, they could be despatched to the back of beyond, to bring back footage for Earths Natural Wonders (BBC1).

Filming this show must be punishing work. We followed a crocodile ranger on Australias north coast, collecting reptile eggs for hatcheries: the baby crocs will be nurtured, fattened up and turned into handbags.

Then it was off to Siberia, and a 500-mile trek across the Arctic wastes for a reindeer migration  before flying to the central African rainforest (five days trek from the nearest city) to take part in a hunt. This looked warm, at least until one crew disappeared on the river at night, and another boat was almost sunk while searching for them.

This series takes pride in delivering the most unexpected images, telling stories that range from the obscure to the utterly unknown.

The format can feel bitty: no sooner had we started to understand how the African village functioned, with its day-long debates over every decision, than we were whisked to a tea plantation in India with its own squad of elephant police.

Its never boring, though, thats for sure.
She may not have been enjoyed the UK's most raucous night in music from inside the O2 Arena on Wednesday, but Lottie Moss was keen to party with the turnout.

Rubbing shoulders with guests including Alexandra Burke and Alexa Chung, the British model joined the festivities at The Ned, where the BRIT Awards revellers arrived to continue the evening with Universal Music.

Leading a little black dress brigade, Lottie brought her usual level of party girl glamour to the music bash in a low-cut number with a flamenco-style skirt.

Posing up a storm: Kate Moss' younger sister Lottie, 20, stood out in her own right as she arrived for the Universal Music BRIT Awards afterparty in London

For that extra layer of sophistication, she draped a white, blue and black fur around her shoulders in a provocative fashion, letting it slip off to reveal her low neckline.

She wore her new fringed 'do tucked behind her ears to frame her cleavage and added smokey eyes for a dramatic nighttime look.

The blonde bombshell, who no doubt inherited her party-girl penchant from half sister Kate Moss, rounded off the ensemble with chunky heels.

Leggy: Alexandra Burke, 29, ensured all eyes were on her in her slinky thigh-skimming gown, which flashed a glimpse at her toned pins

Radiant: The Bad Boys hitmaker teamed her chic ensemble with strappy peep-toe heels as she clitched onto a black mini handbag

Cosy: The X Factor winner beamed as she cuddled up to former judge and Take That singer Gary Barlow

Perfect curves: Alexandra, 29, looked stunning in a pearly satin gown which showed off her curves effortlessly and extended into a billowing train at the back

Billowing: The rather busty ensemble stopped at the ankles, showing off her black strapped heels, which featured diamond-like embellishment

One guest who similarly got the black dress memo was fellow model Alexa Chung, who arrived in a velvet dress and contrasting gold heels.

Strictly Come Dancing star Alexandra also favoured an LBD, with her slinky figure on show in an asymmetric hemline.

She made a quick change into a black dress from an opalescent white, having hopped across town from a tribute event held by Strictly stars in homage to late host Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Commanding attention: The blonde beauty's sizzling number featured a subtle frilled hem, detailed with beaded embellishments

What a babe! The London native added to her height in a pair of black peep-toe heels

Pals: Lottie appeared in high spirits as she was joined by Made In Chelsea's Emily Blackwell and Ollie Locke

New pals: Lottie was seen leaving the party with Love Island winner Amber Davies

Bond: Amber shot Lottie a warm smile as the pair strutted out of the venue

Stylish: Amber put on a leggy display in her tasselled minidress as she spoke with Lottie

Chatty: One Direction star Niall Horan looked relaxed as he chatted with friends on the way home

Sartorially chic: Alexa Chung, 34, cut a typically stylish figure in a suede off-shoulder dress, tied in with a pair of fishnet tights

Wild thing: The model arrived in style as she wrapped up in an eye-catching leopard print coat

Long-time friends: The model and presenter looked cheerful as she posed with quirky fashion designer Henry Holland

Natural beauty: The it: Uber Style author showcased her glowing complexion as she wore minimal makeup

Alexandra, 29, had been dressed in a pearly satin gown which showed off her curves effortlessly and extended into a billowing train at the back.

The rather busty ensemble stopped at the ankles, showing off her black strapped heels, which featured diamond-like embellishments.

The 2017 Strictly runner-up wore her chestnut locks in waves, loosely around her shoulders for the evening at the Palladium.

Perky: Myleene Klass, 38, displayed her best assets in a plunging blouse and stripey flared bottoms

Risque: Myleene sizzles as she put all focus on her sensational front

Lovebirds: The former Hear'Say star was joined by her beau Simon Motson

Hunk: Simon looked undeniably dashing in a slick suit, crisp white shirt and tie

Busty: Myleene flashed an incredible amount of cleavage in her plunging body

Close: Myleene looked sleepy as her handsome partner wrapped a loving arm around her

Flawless: Myleene sported metallic make-up and fluttery lashes for her evening

Cute couple: The pair looked truly smitten as they cosied up in the back of a taxi

Stepping out together: Cheryl and Liam Payne appeared loved up at the starry after-party

Dazzling star: Ellie Goulding, 31, turned heads in her eye-catching blazer and matching top, adorned in sparkling studs throughout

Brave face: Sam Smith was all smiles as he donned a dark turquoise suit, despite being snubbed at the prestigious awards

Happy nonetheless: Despite missing out on an award, Sam looked in good spirits

Yet she made a special slot in her diary for the Universal afterparty, which directly followed the annual awards ceremony.

Inside, she was spotted catching up with Take That singe Gary Barlow, who was just one of the guests to hot-foot it across town from the O2 and continue the party.

Fellow guests at the Universal Music bash included Liam Payne and girlfriend Cheryl, who had been the talk of the town with their united display in the face of 'imminent split' rumours.

Once inside, One Direction's Liam enjoyed a mini 1D reunion with Niall Horan who caught up with the couple over a few drinks.

Also spotted was Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and Calvin Harris, along with Myleene Klass.

Showstopper: Rita Ora commanded attention as she flashed her toned stomach in an embellished bralet and matching skirt while exiting her vehicle

Beauty: While she sported an up-do earlier on in the night, Rita let her curly locks loose

Svelte: Model Mary Charteris stunned as she slipped her slender physique into a stylish velvet jumpsuit

Eccentric style: Chef Gizzi Erskine (L) looked sensational in a plunging playsuit, teamed with a leopard print scarf

Dapper: Calvin Harris, 34, looked suave in his monochromatic suit as he attended the event with a guest

American beauty: Hailey Baldwin made a sensational style display in a striking tartan ensemble

Wow: Hailey complemented her shoulder length tresses with a pair of large gold hoop earrings

Babe: Holly Willoughby looked in high spirits as she enjoyed herself at the bash

Leggy: The TV personality flaunted her toned legs in the short buttoned number

BRIT Awards 2018: Full winners list BRITISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR Dua Lipa - Dua Lipa Ed Sheeran - Divide J Hus - Common Sense Rag 'n' Bone Man - Humour Stormzy - Gang Signs & Prayer - WINNER BRITISH MALE SOLO ARTIST Ed Sheeran Liam Gallagher Loyle Carner Rag'n'Bone Man Stormzy - WINNER BRITISH FEMALE SOLO ARTIST Paloma Faith Kate Tempest Jessie Ware Laura Marling Dua Lipa - WINNER BRITISH GROUP Wolf Alice Gorillaz - WINNER London Grammar The XX Royal Blood BRITISH BREAKTHROUGH Dave Dua Lipa - WINNER J Hus Loyle Carner Sampha BRITISH ARTIST VIDEO OF THE YEAR Anne-Marie - Ciao Adios Calvin Harris Ft Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry and Big Sean - Feels Clean Bandit Ft Zara Larsson - Symphony Dua Lipa - New Rules Ed Sheeran - Shape Of You Harry Styles - Sign Of The Times - WINNER Jonas Blue Ft William Singe - Mama Liam Payne Ft Quavo - Strip That Down Little Mix - Touch ZAYN and Taylor Swift - I Don't Wanna Live Forever CRITICS' CHOICE AWARD Jorja Smith - WINNER Mabel Stefflon Don BRITISH SINGLE OF THE YEAR Liam Payne - 'Strip That Down' featuring Quavo Jax Jones feat. Raye - 'You Don't Know Me' Clean Bandit - 'Symphony' featuring Zara Larsson Rag'n'Bone Man - 'Human' - WINNER J HUS - 'Did You See' Calvin Harris - 'Feels' featuring Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry and Big Sean Dua Lipa - 'New Rules' Ed Sheeran - 'Shape of You' Jonas Blue - 'Mama' featuring William Singe Little Mix - 'Touch' INTERNATIONAL FEMALE SOLO ARTIST Taylor Swift Lorde - WINNER Bjork P!nk Alicia Keys INTERNATIONAL MALE SOLO ARTIST Kendrick Lemar - WINNER Childish Gambino Drake Beck DJ Khaled INTERNATIONAL GROUP Foo Fighters - WINNER Arcade Fire LCD Soundsystem Haim The Killers BRITISH PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Steve Mac (Ed Sheeran ) - WINNER GLOBAL SUCCESS AWARD Ed Sheeran - WINNER Advertisement

Hosted by Jack Whitehall, the main O2 Arena event saw performances from the likes of Clean Bandit, J Hus, Jorja Smith and Stormzy and Liam Payne.

Dua Lipa, 22, took two of a possible five gongs on the night, and while Ed Sheeran, 27, was hot on her heels with four nods, the English musician only collected one.

She was also nominated for British Breakthrough, British Single, British Artist Video of the Year and the prestigious Mastercard British Album of the Year for her self-titled Top Ten debut, which produced the No. 1 single New Rules and three more Top 40 singles.

However Ed missed out on an award after being nominated for British Male Solo Artist, British Single, Mastercard British Album of the Year and British Artist Video of the Year.

Stormzy similarly picked up two award, collecting British Album of the Year and British Male Solo Artist.

Meanwhile Sam Smith was left out completely, in one of the biggest award snubs in history.

United front: Cheryl, 34, and boyfriend Liam Payne, 24, were seen putting on a loved-up display once again as they attended the BRITs Universal Music afterparty on Wednesday night

The international categories saw huge megastars including Drake, Beck, P!nk, Taylor Swift, Killers, Kendrick Lamar and main show performers Foo Fighters up for awards, as well as Bjork's ninth BRIT nomination for Best International Female.

Rag'N'Bone Man won Best British Single for Human, but he faced stiff competition from J Hus for Did You See, Clean Bandit for Symphony, Liam Payne ft Quavo for Strip That Down, Calvin Harris ft Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry and Big Sean for Feels, Dua Lipa for New Rules, Ed Sheeran for Shape Of You, Jax Jones for You Don't Know Me, Jonas Blue for Mama and Little Mix for Touch.

As always the public voted for the Best British Single category - which is usually made up of the best-selling releases from the past year.

Elsewhere Jorja Smith won Critics' Choice, while Steve Mac was named the Producer of the Year.

Jason Iley, BRITs Chairman and Chairman & CEO of Sony Music UK and Ireland said: 'This year's nominations, as well as the incredible performances on our launch show tonight, are representative of an exciting, genre spanning and vibrant year in British music with a strong mix of established acts alongside new and emerging artists who are set to become the big names of the future.'

The winner of the British Artist Video award - decided by the public - was Harry Styles for Sign Of The Times, though he wasn't in London to collect.

Look who it is! Liam and Cheryl also reunited with his One Direction co-star Niall Horan, who was at the butt of a hilarous joke during the awards show

Not so awkward! Luckily the trio seemed to be in good spirits following the awkward awards show moment

Trouble in paradise? Sources have claimed that Liam and Cheryl's PDA-fest is front, as they desperately try to dispel rumours of a split

Genuine? The source said: 'They are trying to work things out and want to be together for their son Bear's first birthday next month. But things are very strained'

Leaving in style: Liam looked like he as taking care of his lady love as they exited the party

Tatt's cool: Liam flaunted his inked hands during the event

In good spirits: Cheryl looked like she had a great evening as she headed home
Steve Wilkos, a former bodyguard for Jerry Springer, has been charged with driving under the influence after a solo car crash.

Wilkos, 53, who is now a talk show host himself, flipped his vehicle after striking several poles and a tree in the accident that happened in Darien, Connecticut, last month.

He confessed to TMZ: 'Over the course of my life, I have been struggling with bouts of depression and on the day of my accident, I had a complete lapse in judgment which resulted in me drinking and getting behind the wheel of my car.'

Allegedly under the influence: Steve Wilkos, a former bodyguard for Jerry Springer, has been charged with driving under the influence after a solo car crash in Connecticut last month

The former Marine and police officer went on: 'This experience reinforces my commitment to get the professional help that I need and I have recently completed an intensive medically supervised program.'

Wilkos suffered minor injuries in the solo spin-out and said at the time that he felt 'lucky to be alive.'

He originally claimed to TMZ that the crash happened after he reached for his glasses and denied drinking or using drugs.

The Darien Times tweeted a picture of the crash which showed the extent of the damage, captioning it: 'Car flips on West Avenue after striking poles and tree Sunday, driver transported to hospital.'

Solo crash: Wilkos is lucky to be alive after slamming his car into poles and a tree before flipping it. He suffered only minor injuries in the crash as pictured in The Darien Times

Famous sidekick: Wilkos was a bodyguard on The Jerry Springer Show from 1994 to 2007 before being offered his own tabloid talk show which is still in production

The former Chicago PD officer worked on The Jerry Springer Show as a bodyguard from 1994 to 2007.

He filled in for the host on more than 50 episodes, with Springer calling him a 'natural choice' due to his his law enforcement background and experience on TV.

Wilkos was then offered his own tabloid talk show, which debuted on 10 September, 2007, just two months after he left Jerry Springer.

Despite his crash and the death of the crew member, production for the show is set to continue this week.
Casey Affleck has made a life out of being a character.

And on Wednesday the Academy Award winner, 42, was almost unrecognizable as he stepped out with a full, bushy beard for an afternoon with pals in Beverly Hills.

In addition to his wiry, salt and pepper beard, the Manchester By The Sea star wore his tresses long and untamed, seen reaching well past his shoulders while tucked underneath a monochrome trucker hat.

Under the radar: Casey Affleck The Academy Award winner, 42, looked nearly unrecognizable while donning a full, bushy beard while out and about with pals in Beverly Hills Wednesday

Affleck also appeared slightly huskier than normal, looking sturdy as he layered up in a black and white button up and thick jacket.

He kept his hands in the pockets of his flannel lined jacket as he braced himself for the curiously chilly California day.

The younger brother of actor/filmmaker Ben Affleck was joined by two friends for his walk along the upscale Rodeo Drive.

Casey's been laying low since years-old sexual misconduct allegations against the actor resurfaced late last year during the peak of #MeToo zeitgeist.

Lots of layers: Affleck also appeared slightly huskier than normal, looking sturdy as he layered up in a black and white button up and thick jacket

Fresh faced! The Manchester By The Sea actor's shaggy look was a far cry from his clean-cut younger years, seen about at the premiere of Gone Baby Gone in 2007

In 2010, he settled two lawsuits from women who said he harassed them while working together on I'm Still Here.

At the end of January Affleck, who won Best Actor for Manchester By The Sea in 2017, announced he would not be participating in this year's Academy Awards ceremony.

Oscar tradition usually has the previously year's Best Actor present Best Actress the following year.

Stepping aside: At the end of January Affleck, who won Best Actor for Manchester By The Sea in 2017, announced he would not be participating in this year's Academy Awards ceremony. Casey is seen during the 2017 awards above

Sources said he does not want to distract from the women nominated in the category.

After Affleck's win at last year's Oscars presenter Brie Larson silently protested his honor, refusing to clap for the New England native as he took the stage for his speech.

The 2018 Academy Awards take Los Angeles March 4.
He recently split from his wife of 13 years.

And Eric Dane stepped out to lunch with pals wearing an all-black ensemble in Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon.

The 45-year-old actor seemed to be in a somber mood as he walked through city streets without his wedding ring, just days after estranged wife Rebecca Gayheart filed for divorce.

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Out and about: Eric Dane stepped out to lunch with pals wearing an all-black ensemble in Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon

The Grey's Anatomy actor walked through the bustling sidewalk wearing black Nike drawstring sweatpants with the classic logo emblazoned in grey across his thigh.

He rolled up the sleeves of his tight black hooded sweatshirt to reveal peeks of his toned forearms.

Dane wore a watch on one wrist and dark bracelets on the other as he sported a pair of dark aviator sunglasses.

All black everything: The 45-year-old actor seemed to be in a somber mood as he walked through city streets without his wedding ring, just days after estranged wife Rebecca Gayheart filed for divorce

The Valentine's Day star showed off his short salt-and-pepper hair which also matched a scruffy beard and mustache.

Noticeably absent from Eric's host of accessories was his wedding ring.

Dane's wife of 13 years, Rebecca Gayheart, cited irreconcilable differences when filing for divorce on Friday in Los Angeles.

Gone: Noticeably absent from Eric's host of accessories was his wedding ring

In addition to seeking spousal support, Gayheart requested joint legal and physical custody of their two daughters, Billie, seven, and Georgia, six.

The split comes as a surprise, as they were seen on a romantic holiday getaway in late December in Hawaii.

Both stars have had difficult stretches throughout the years, as Gayheart was involved in a car accident in Hollywood 2001 that left a nine-year-old boy named Jorge Cruz Jr. dead.

Difficult: Dane's wife of 13 years, Rebecca Gayheart, cited irreconcilable differences when filing for divorce on Friday in Los Angeles; seen in 2017

The actress, who was dating director Brett Ratner at the time, received three years of probation, a suspended license for a year, 750 hours of community service and $2,800 in fines in pleading no contest to a vehicular manslaughter charge.

Dane has been open about his woes as well, namely an ongoing battle with depression he candidly talked about last June on The Today Show.

'I was dealing with some depression, which was kind of odd to me,' said the actor. 'I felt very conflicted about it, because I didn't feel like I had anything to be depressed about.'
What do you get when you cross the co-founder of Pauline Hanson's One Nation with a comedian whose son is a welfare worker?

The most brutal fight in reality TV history, it seems, with ex-politician David Oldfield set to be taken to task by Fiona O'Loughlin on Thursday's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here.

'You are hideous to me! You make my skin crawl, Fiona was seen screaming in a teaser shared on the jungle survival show's Facebook on Thursday.

Is this the most brutal fight in reality TV history? Fiona O'Loughlin lashes out at 'hideous' One Nation co-founder David Oldfield's view on Aboriginal welfare in savage I'm A Celeb clash

Smug face: David wore a smug expression and sat idly by during the argument

David appeared to be arguing in favour of cutting funding for poverty-stricken Aboriginal families as the trailer opened.

Pictured seated on a dingy camp bed, he calmly stated: 'It's primarily my taxes that are paying for all of this.'

His comments drew the ire of the mother-of-five, who offered: 'And its primarily their children that are dying prematurely.'

Not happy: 'You are hideous to me! You make my skin crawl, Fiona was seen screaming in a teaser shared on the jungle survival show's Facebook on Thursday

Controversial views: David appeared to be arguing in favour of cutting funding for poverty-stricken Aboriginal families as the trailer opened

'Their death and heartache, not yours!'

She rose from her bed, shown pacing up-and-down before eventually retreating during the heated tussle.

David wore a smug expression and sat idly by as the rest of the contestants watched.

Fiona appeared to give up on trying to reason with the controversial politician, but said her son - who works with Aboriginal communities - would take him to task.

'My son would wipe the floor with you!' she said with a scowl.

'I dont have the knowledge that he does, but by hell I dare you, or challenge you to meet my son on the other side of this!'

Furious: His comments drew the ire of the mother-of-five, who offered: 'And its primarily their children that are dying prematurely'

'Why would I bother?' her opponent replied.

'Because he knows what he's talking about and you f**king don't,' Fiona offered with purpose, before walking out of frame.

With his combatant gone and the rest of the camp as audience, David continued: 'Well you only know what your son knows, and were not sure what that is'.

David first rose to prominence after he was accused of having an affair with fellow One Nation founder Pauline Hanson - a claim he strenuously denies.

He clearly didn't learn to fight from Lisa, whose most recent claim-to-fame sees her going toe-to-toe with well-heeled socialites on Real Housewives Of Sydney.

Not true: David first rose to prominence after he was accused of having an affair with fellow One Nation founder Pauline Hanson - a claim he strenuously denies
Paris Jackson took to Instagram on Wednesday to wish her younger brother Prince Michael Jackson II a happy birthday.

The 19-year-old model posted a recent image of herself and her brother, also known as Blanket, with her arm around his shoulder.

'Happy birthday honey i love you,' Paris wrote in a caption.

Birthday message: Paris Hilton took to social media on Wednesday to wish her younger brother Prince Michael Jackson II a happy 16th birthday

She also shared several throwback photos of her little brother.

One snap showed him as a boy with a hand on his hip while wearing a paper hat.

Paris in the caption wrote that she wouldn't be posting too many pictures out of respect to his privacy.

She did, however, share several photos including an adorable baby picture.

Throwback photos: The teenager was shown as a boy in photos shared by Paris

Cute kid: Paris gushed about her cute little brother

The brothers: Prince Michael Jackson also was shown with his little brother known as Blanket

Baby picture: Paris also shared a baby photo of her brother on his birthday

'MY LIM MAN IS 16!!!!!!,' Paris wrote in the caption.

Paris also posted photos of herself in the CR Fashion Book Girls 2018.

CR Girls 2018 was photographed by Steven Klein and also features Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls, Hannah Ferguson and Candice Swanepoel.

Fashion book: The 19-year-old model also shared a photo of herself in the CR Fashion Book Girls 2018

Annual calendar: Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls, Hannah Ferguson and Candice Swanepoel also participated in the calendar

All proceeds from the sale of the $200 calendar benefit the Special Olympics.

Paris, who signed with IMG Models last year, also has older brother Prince Michael Jackson who turned 21 last week.

The siblings have remained close since the death of their pop superstar father Michael Jackson at age 50 in June 2009.
She revealed - at 98lbs - she only weighs 36 pounds more than her eight-year-old son Mason, on Sunday's episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

And Kourtney Kardashian was spotted taking Mason to his art class in Calabasas, California, on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old reality star and her son braved the cold California winds while escorted by their bodyguard.

Mom duties! Kourtney Kardashian was spotted taking Mason to his art class in Calabasas, California, on Wednesday

Kourtney's edgy look was completed with red track pants, as well as an oversize black pull-over sweatshirt with artwork emblazoned on the front.

The Pretty Little Things designer teamed her edgy ensemble with black leather boot-heels.

Kourtney styled her dark locks straight down by her shoulders, while covering up her youthful-looking face with black cat-eye sunglasses.

The mother-of-three stylishly accessorized her ensemble with dainty gold earrings.

Stylish genes! The 38-year-old reality star and her son braved the cold California winds while escorted by their bodyguard

Stepping out! Kourtney's edgy look was completed with red track pants, as well as an oversize black pull-over sweatshirt with artwork emblazoned on the front

She's a cool mom! Kourtney styled her dark locks straight down by her shoulders, while covering up her youthful-looking face with black cat-eye sunglasses

Following in his mom's fashionable footsteps, Mason stepped out in a white tracksuit teamed with a plain-black T-shirt.

The eight-year-old also paired his ensemble with black with white graffiti designed slip-on shoes.

Mason - who is the eldest son of Kourtney - attends his weekly art classes near their home in Calabasas.

Out and about: In addition to Mason, the star has daughter Penelope, five, and Reign, three, who she shares with Scott Disick

Looking good! Scott and Kourtney began dating in 2007 and were together for a decade, but never marrying

Moving on! Since the split, Disick started seeing 19-year-old Sofia Richie, who is the daughter of crooner Lionel and younger sister of fashionista Nicole

In addition to Mason, the star has daughter Penelope, five, and Reign, three, who she shares with Scott Disick.

Scott and Kourtney began dating in 2007 and were together for a decade, but never marrying.

Since the split, Disick started seeing 19-year-old Sofia Richie, who is the daughter of crooner Lionel and younger sister of fashionista Nicole.

Scott is not the only one dating someone significantly younger than him, Kourtney has been dating 24-year-old former model, Younes Benjima.
They're both some of the world's most beautiful bodies.

So fans got a double dose of beauty when models Nina Agdal and Iskra Lawrence teamed up for a sizzling beach shoot in Tulum, Mexico Wednesday.

The blonde bombshells looked simply irresistible in matching navy blue swimsuits with a cheeky high-cut over the hips during their photo shoot for AerieREAL.

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Dynamic duo! Model beauties Nina Agdal and Iskra Lawrence teamed up for a sizzling beach shoot in Tulum, Mexico Wednesday where they were dressed to match

The full figured beauty and statuesque stunner appeared the perfect pair in their twin one-pieces.

Agdal, 25, showed off her long, tan legs and a bit of side-boob while Iskra, 27, made a sultry display of her generous backside.

The ladies were all smiles while frolicking around the sand together.

Both gals wore their golden locks pushed out of their faces haphazardly, letting the salty ocean breeze dictate their hairstyles.

Dressed to match! The full figured beauty and statuesque stunner appeared the perfect pair in their twin one-pieces

Body talk: Agdal showed off her long, tan legs and a bit of side-boob while Iskra made a sultry display of her generous backside

Fun in the sun! The models looked like they were having the time of their life as they jumped and splashed around

Making a splash! The ladies were all smiles while frolicking around the sand together

Beach bunnies! Iskra embraced her playful side, sprinkling Nina with waves while only knee-deep in the ocean

Best tressed! Both gals wore their golden locks pushed out of their faces haphazardly, letting the salty ocean breeze dictate their hairstyles

Slippery when wet! After posing in the shallows, their skin was still glistening from the water

The models looked like they were having the time of their life as they jumped and splashed around.

Iskra embraced her playful side, sprinkling Nina with waves while only knee-deep in the ocean.

After posing in the shallows, their skin was still glistening from the water.

They stood and faced each other on the sand while giggling for the cameras.

Laugh out loud! They stood and faced each other on the sand while giggling for the cameras

Water world! They made the most out of their day at the beach

Double trouble! The blonde bombshells looked simply irresistible in matching navy blue swimsuits with a cheeky high-cut over the hips

Great chemistry! It was clear that Iskra and Nina enjoyed each other's company

Star power! The girls showed off for the camera with several athletic moves

On the job: Iskra arrived on scene wearing a white tee-shirt reading 'The future is #AerieREAL' and rose-tinted sunglasses

Iskra arrived on scene wearing a white tee-shirt reading 'The future is #AerieREAL' and rose-tinted sunglasses.

She also carried a canvas tote decorated with flamingos and polka dots.

Several steps ahead Nina walked with a white shirt tied around his waist and a local-looking woven bag in her hand.

She kept her tresses out of her face by tying them into a messy top-knot.

Knot gonna lie! Several steps ahead Nina walked with a white shirt tied around his waist and a local-looking woven bag in her hand

Orange crush! Lawrence was on her own earlier in the day, donning red-orange suit with slinky criss-crossing detail at front

Balancing act! The Worcester, United Kingdom native balanced on one foot while pulling her other leg up in the air behind her in an impressive display of flexibility

Lawrence was on her own earlier in the day, donning red-orange suit with slinky criss-crossing detail at front.

The starlet submerged herself in the water before demonstrating her yoga skills on the shore.

The Worcester, United Kingdom native balanced on one foot while pulling her other leg up in the air behind her in an impressive display of flexibility.

After stepping out of the water Iskra gave her chest a grab, making sure her very valuable assets were all in place.

Love yourself! Iskra has always been passionate about body confidence and she has refused to label herself a plus size model

Mermaid style! The starlet submerged herself in the water before demonstrating her yoga skills on the shore

Standing up for herself: The body confidence champion divulged how she battles with online trolls who label her a 'fat pig' on her social media account in a January interview with Harper's Bazaar

Still there? After stepping out of the water Iskra gave her chest a grab, making sure her very valuable assets were all in place

The body-positive model stopped between takes to chat with crew, also seen snacking on something sweet during the break.

She was also seen posing with another model wearing a white and orange suit while standing next to a donkey.

Iskra has always been passionate about body confidence and she has refused to label herself a plus size model and previously protested against the lack of diversity during London Fashion Week.

It is no wonder the blonde has bagged many high-profile invites, after forging a successful modelling career, with the aim to change the industry's perceptions on beauty and size.

Champion of diversity: The star's previously protested against the lack of diversity during London Fashion Week

Snack break! The body-positive model stopped between takes to chat with crew, also seen snacking on something sweet during the break

The body confidence champion divulged how she battles with online trolls who label her a 'fat pig' on her social media account.

Iskra told Harper's Bazaar in January: 'I get comments like "fat pig" and I just think "whatever", but sometimes its good to make something positive from it.

'I deal with it in two ways. I either just block and delete because I know that it's not personal.

'There are people out there that unfortunately, usually because hurting, like to hurt other people  its for attention or whatever. Other times I like to do something positive with it.'
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! contestant Simone Holtznagel has paid tribute to her late friend Charlotte Dawson, who took her life four years ago following a battle with depression.

On Thursday, an emotional essay dedicated to Charlotte was posted to Simone's Instagram page as well as a faded photo of herself with Charlotte and fellow model Madeline 'Maddy' Huett-Auld.

As Simone is currently still in South Africa competing on I'm A Celebrity, a friend of the Playboy model appears to have uploaded the impassioned post for her, writing: 'Today marks 4 years since Charlotte left us.'

'Today marks 4 years since Charlotte left us': I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star Simone Holtznagel has paid tribute to her late friend Charlotte Dawson, who took her own life four years ago following a battle with depression (pictured L-R: Madeline 'Maddy' Huett-Auld, Charlotte Dawson, Simone Holtnagel)

'Simone and Maddy would like to thank everyone for their support of Sim in the jungle so far and use this day as a bittersweet reminder of the importance of charities like @beyondblueofficial - #beyondblueworks to equip the 3 million+ Australians living with anxiety and depression with the knowledge & skills to protect their own mental health and break down the barriers that prevent people speaking up and seeking support,' the post continued.

'Simones IAC [I'm A Celebrity] charity is Beyond Blue in tribute to her dear friend Charlotte.'

Earlier this month, Simone broke down while speaking to her fellow I'm A Celebrity contestants about Charlotte, telling them that she had to ID Charlotte's body following her passing.

Taking action: Simone's post urged fans to donate to suicide prevention charities such as a Beyond Blue

Emotional: Earlier this month, Simone broke down while speaking to her fellow I'm A Celebrity contestants about Charlotte, telling them that she had to ID Charlotte's body following her passing

'She was a model, she was really famous in Australia and New Zealand and then she met this guy called Scott Miller who was at the time, an Olympic swimmer,' she explained.

'Then she fell pregnant and he was training for the Olympics and she was like pressured from his camp and him to have an abortion.

She continued: 'That's when she first started to get depression. She was a massive target, especially when she turned 40 and she was single, didn't have kids - people were so mean to her.'

Painful memories: 'Me and my best friend had to ID her body and I was like 'I love you so much,'' Simone sobbed

Tragedy: Simone's Australia's Next Top Model mentor, Charlotte, struggled with depression before taking her own life at age 47 in 2014

Brief marriage: Charlotte and Olympic swimmer Scott Miller tied the knot in 1999 before separating the following year

The normally bubbly blonde broke down in tears as she recalled having to ID Charlotte's body.

'Me and my best friend had to ID her body and I was like 'I love you so much,'' she sobbed.

Simone previously said she no longer felt 'angry' about Charlotte's death and often surrounded herself with her mentor's shoes and belonging that she gave to her before passing away.

'I miss her... I am not angry any more, I just wish she was here,' she recently told The Daily Telegraph.

For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Clare Verrall has changed a lot since appearing on Married At First Sight in 2016.

But on Thursday, the outspoken personality insisted the show has changed more, criticising the new season for being 'highly edited'.

She took to Instagram to slam the show and its viewers: 'the comments I'm seeing regarding this years HIGHLY EDITED @Married_au are absolutely vile'.

'These people are human': Former MAFS star Clare Verrall warns viewers the new season is 'highly edited' and slams the 'absolutely vile' comments on the show (pictured in 2016)

The ex-contestant appeared to be defending the current seasons's crop of stars, suggesting the public are being sold a fabricated version of events.

Clare used this belief as the basis of her stern message regarding 'absolutely vile comments' she's been seeing this year.

'Please remember these people are human before you play keyboard warrior,' she said.

The former reality star did not expand upon which comments she was referring to, or share insights on the scenes she deems 'highly edited'.

'Vile': The ex-contestant appeared to be defending the current seasons's crop of stars, suggesting the public are being sold a fabricated version of events

Her message was shared alongside an image of fictional Disney characters Simba and Mufasa from the Lion King, staring out at the Pride Lands.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Clare for comment.

The current season of Married At First Sight has undoubtedly captured the attention of the viewing public, likely due to the scandalous edge it adopted in 2017.

'Highly edited': The 2016 contestant did not expand upon which comments she was referring to, or share insights on the scenes she deems 'highly edited' (pictured in 2016)

Channel Nine's dating show completely revamped its format last year, adding elements such weekly dinner parties, and a Big Brother-style house complex.

Last year, some critics thought the show went too far with its additions, accusing the network of 'cherry picking' concepts from other popular programs.

The Daily Telegraph claimed competing networks had alleged the show was borrowing ideas from My Kitchen Rules, The Bachelor and Big Brother.

The publication suggested Channel Nine made the changes in an effort to rescue the show's then-dwindling ratings.

'These people are human': 'Please remember these people are human before you play keyboard warrior,' she said (pictured in 2018)

Responding to Daily Mail Australia's request for comment at the time, a Nine spokesperson said: 'Married At First Sight is a format we acquired 3 years ago and we are very happy with how the audience has responded to the program over that time.'

'Most of the format beats including the dinner parties and home visits have been in every series of the show and are part of the format itself,' they added.

'Many of the new formats points were developed by the psychologists involved to make the experiment bigger and better and we are thrilled with the results and expanded engagement from the audience.'
She's the actress who shot to fame for her role as much-loved Rhonda on the humorous AMII car insurance commercials.

And Mandy McElhinney has found her own real-life love tale, walking down the aisle in a Sicilian cliff-top chapel, last December.

The Love Child actress got married in the special Mediterranean spot where partner Carlo, 43, proposed.

When in Rome! Mandy McElhinney found her own real-life Ketut, walking down the aisle in a Sicilian cliff-top chapel last December with husband Carlo

With the reception taking place in a historic castle  the Castello San Marco  the two celebrated with a huge Italian-style party with expensive champagne flowing and decadent feast.

Sticking to their roots, Mandy wore a dress by Australian designer Leah da Gloria  the same designer who made her Logies dress last year, while Carlo opted for a suit by Dolce & Gabbana.

Talking to Women's Weekly this week, Mandy said: 'I felt like I was wearing a piece of art, so completely out of myself and yet so comfortable. I just felt divine in it and I could dance, too.'

Sweet love story! The rest became history when Carlo ditched his career as a producer and writer of children's education films in Italy to be with Mandy in Sydney

The newlyweds were engaged for two years before tying the knot, after being introduced by a mutual friend three years ago when Carlo visited Sydney on holiday.

'My friends run an introduction agency for men who are looking for love  same-sex partners. They didn't think that we would hit it off the way we did, but we did. We hit it off immediately,' she said of the chance encounter.

The rest became history when Carlo ditched his career as a producer and writer of children's education films in Italy to be with Mandy in Sydney.

Those who face mask together...: On their proposal, the 47-year-old shared: 'I opened the lid and there was a small light inside. Carlo, had put the light in there so I could see what he'd just given me  an engagement ring!'

Farewell: The actress bid farewell to Love Child last year

On their proposal, the 47-year-old shared: 'I opened the lid and there was a small light inside. Carlo, had put the light in there so I could see what he'd just given me  an engagement ring!'

Since her commercial debut over a decade ago, the actress has starred in movies including The Bank and Ned Kelly, winning an AACTA Award for Best Guest or Supporting Actress in Television Drama, having also been nominated for a Logie Award.
They are some of the hottest model to walk the runway.

And Victoria's Secret Angels Lais Ribeiro and Jasmine Tookes were all smiles as they played around and posed for pictures at the brand's Keep Up The Sexy in Miami on Wednesday.

The two lingerie clotheshorse were later joined at the event with good friend and fellow model, Romee Strijd.

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Angelic: Victoria's Secret Angels Lais Ribeiro and Jasmine Tookes were all smiles as they played around and posed for pictures at the brand's Keep Up The Sexy in Miami on Wednesday

Lais cut a stylish figure by sporting a silk off-the-shoulder navy polka-dot shirt and high-waist white flare-leg trousers.

The Brazilian model teamed her look with clear heels that added height to her 6ft statuesque frame.

Lais accessorized her ensemble with dainty silver jewelry such as; a necklace, a bracelet, and earrings.

The 27-year-old finished off her look by wearing her dark locks in loose curls and sporting a sultry smokey-eye.

Strike a pose: Lais cut a stylish figure by sporting a silk off-the-shoulder navy polka-dot shirt and high-waist white flare-leg trousers

They have heart! The Brazilian model teamed her look with clear heels that added height to her 6ft statuesque frame

Having fun! Lais accessorized her ensemble with dainty silver jewelry such as; a necklace, a bracelet, and earrings

Model behavior: The 27-year-old finished off her look by wearing her dark locks in loose curls and sporting a sultry smokey-eye

Jasmine looked chic to perfection as she donned a polka-dot V-neck white dress that featured a black belt at the waist.

The California native also kept her accessories to a minimum by sporting a silver necklace and bracelet.

Jasmine wore a hint of makeup and left her dark black locks down by her shoulders.

Working hard! Jasmine looked chic to perfection as she donned a polka-dot V-neck white dress that featured a black belt at the waist

Leggy! The California native also kept her accessories to a minimum by sporting a silver necklace and bracelet

Effortless! Jasmine wore a hint of makeup and left her dark black locks down by her shoulders

Jasmine and Lais were caught giggling as they posed with the new bras from the new Victoria's Secret collection.

Lais shared a sweet photo with Jasmine on her Instagram with the caption: 'Press day with sis'.

The two later swapped their polka-dot ensembles for silky dresses as they were spotted at the next VS event.

Romee Strijd joined the tan beauties as they had fun cutting cake, posing in a photo both, and starting up the dance floor.

The 22-year-old showed off her lengthy pins in a periwinkle silk dress that was cinched at the waist with a thin black belt.

Just the girls! The two lingerie clotheshorse were later joined at the Victoria's Secret event with good friend and fellow model, Romee Strijd

Golden girl! Romee Strijd joined the tan beauties as they had fun cutting cake, posing in a photo both, and starting up the dance floor

Sassy! The 22-year-old showed off her lengthy pins in a periwinkle silk dress that was cinched at the waist with a thin black belt

Out to play! The two later swapped their polka-dot ensembles for silky dresses as they were spotted at the next VS event

Model take over! The model simply captioned the photo: 'When Dj Tookes takes over'

The ladies made sure to dig in to some of the sweet treats

Girls' night out! Lais Ribeiro, Romee Strijd, and Jasmine Tookes had some fun posing with Paloma Nuez

So sweet! Lais shared pictures of the tasty desserts on her Instagram

Before the night festivities began, Lais made sure to show off her impressive dance moves on her Instagram account.

The mother-of-one twerked in a hotel room that looked out to an ocean room, while getting hyped up by her good friend Jasmine.

Lais also made sure to share photos of herself and the other Angels taking over the DJ booth on her social media accounts.

The model simply captioned the photo: 'When Dj Tookes takes over'.

Before the night festivities began, Lais made sure to show off her impressive dance moves on her Instagram account

The view: Lais made sure to share some selfies on her social media accounts

Getting down on the dance floor! The mother-of-one twerked in a hotel room that looked out to an ocean room, while getting hyped up by her good friend Jasmine

Twerking up a storm! Lais made sure to drop it low while being recorded by Jasmine

Lais also made sure to share photos of herself and the other Angels taking over the DJ booth on her social media accounts
Greg Kinnear and Tituss Burgess filmed a street fight on Wednesday in New York City for the upcoming season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

The 54-year-old actor took a swing, bumped and tried to tackle Titus, 38, outside the Explorer's Club.

Tituss, who plays Titus Andromedon on the Netflix series, wore a superhero-like outfit complete with a blue eye mask and matching cape.

Street fight: Greg Kinnear and Tituss Burgess filmed a fight on Wednesday in New York City for the upcoming season of the Netflix sitcom Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

He contrasted with a red vest and red pants while filming on a sidewalk.

Greg was costumed casually in a blue checkered shirt and blue jeans and wore glasses for the fight scene.

The scene started with Greg saying goodbye to his on-screen son.

Jane Krakowski, 49, also was filming along with Titus and Greg.

Superhero style: Tituss wore a superhero-like costume complete with mask and cape

Under attack: Greg's character tried to tackle Titus Andromedon on the sidewalk

Sidewalk brawl: Tituss appeared to cause some injury to his foe

Popular show: Jane Krakowski, Tituss and Greg were filming in the Big Apple

She wore an all-black ensemble including leather skinny pants.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt premiered on Netflix in March 2015 and stars Ellie Kemper, 37, in the title role.

The series follows Kimmy as she adjusts to life in New York City after being rescued from a doomsday cult in Indiana after being held for 15 years.

Fan favorite: The 49-year-old actress plays Jacqueline White in the Netflix series

Father and son: Greg walked with his on-screen son

So long: The Oscar-nominee for As Good As It Gets said goodbye to his TV kid

Kemper has been nominated twice for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actres in a Comedy Series for her work in the series.

The show also has received widespread critical acclaim and has been nominated for 16 Primetime Emmy Awards, including three for Outstanding Comedy Series.

It was renewed in June 2017 for a fourth season that will premiere on May 30.

Front bump: Tituss and Greg's character bumped each other on the sidewalk

Body blow: A body blow appeared to be delivered by Tituss
They welcomed their second child, daughter Gigi last month.

And it seems Nicole Trunfio, 31, and her husband Gary Clark Jr, 34, are already getting their newborn baby accustomed to their jet-setting lifestyle.

The Perth-born model and the Grammy award winning musician were spotted getting out of a black SUV and making their way to their hotel in New York on Wednesday.

Arriving in style! Nicole Trunfio, 31 (pictured), and her husband Gary Clark Jr, 34, were spotted making their way to their hotel in New York, on Wednesday

She kept it low-key in a long navy coat that kept her warm from the winter chill and a black jumpsuit that featured a deep V that hinted at her cleavage.

The brunette beauty's ensemble was tapered at the waist with a black leather belt.

Nicole teamed the look with a matching newsboy cap, a mini Chanel cross body bag and a bright blue snakeskin boots for a pop of colour.

Daddy duties: The Perth-born model and the Grammy award winning musician (pictured) was spotted getting out of a black SUV with their belongings and baby essentials

Proud parents: It appears the couple are getting their newborn accustomed to their jet-setting lifestyle

Mama chic: She kept it low key in a long navy coat that kept her warm from the winter chill and a black jumpsuit that featured a deep V that hinted at her cleavage

She appeared in high spirits as she carried her daughter hiding under a pink blanket in a baby capsule.

Meanwhile, Gary toted the baby chair and a backpack, likely filled with all their newborn's essentials.

He dressed for the New York winter in all black with ripped jeans, a black long-sleeve and an orange beanie.

Stylish: Nicole teamed the look with a matching newsboy cap, a mini Chanel cross body bag and a bright blue snake skin boot for a pop of colour

Fashionista: She appeared in high spirits as she carried her daughter hiding under a pink blanket in a baby capsule

Practical papa: Meanwhile Gary toted the baby chair and a backpack, likely filled with all their newborn's essentials

Aside from baby Gigi, the couple also have a three-year-old son Zion, who recently attended his first day of school, on Tuesday.

Nicole shared her mixed emotions in a heartfelt Instagram post to mark his momentous moment, writing in the caption: 'Baby's first day of school today!!!'

She also added: 'He didn't even look back! #youwillalwaysbemybaby #zion'.
He was rumored to have enjoyed a flirty night out with his Married At First Sight co-star Ashley Irvin.

But Nasser Sultan has hinted that he is still with his TV 'wife' Gabrielle Bartlett.

The 50-year-old took to Instagram on Thursday to share a snap of himself teaching the blonde beauty how to surf on the iconic Bondi beach.

'The couple that surf together, stay together!' Married At First Sight's Nasser took to Instagram to hint to fans that he is still 'wife' Gabrielle, share a snap of himself teaching the blonde beauty how to surf on the iconic Bondi beach

He captioned the post: 'The couple that surf together stay together... 1... 2... 3... UP!!! #mafs #marriedatfirstsight #channelnine #love #bondibeach #9now.'

More than 500 fans of the former band roadie-turned-fitness instructor liked the post, however they were unable to show their support is the comment section.

He likely disabled comments on the post following speculation he stuck up an connection with MAFS co-star Ashley.

New love? This comes after he was rumored to have enjoyed a flirty night out with his Married At First Sight co-star Ashley Irvin

Their happiest day: More than 500 fans of the former band roadie-turned-fitness instructor liked the post of him spending time with Gabrielle, however fans were unable to show their support as the comment section was disabled

NW magazine recently reported the two were spotted putting on a very amorous display at a Sydney nightclub, according to a witness.

'They couldn't keep their hands off each other,' they told the publication.

Social media snaps also emerged of the pair's racy evening show with a flushed-looking Nasser puckering up for a selfie with Ashley.

'It definitely looked like they were more than friends- it was very flirty. She even introduced him to her family who flew into town to meet him!'

That's a lot of kisses: In another recent interview with the glossy he unabashedly revealed: 'Between you and me, I would have slept with over a thousand women,' thanks to his former job as a touring drummer for bands like Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Nine for comment.

In another recent interview with the glossy he unabashedly revealed: 'Between you and me, I would have slept with over a thousand women,' thanks to his former job as a touring drummer for bands like Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Nasser went on to say that he hopes he doesn't have an abundance of love children scattered around the globe.

'I bloody hope not! They'd have found me on the internet by now,' Nasser said.
They found fame appearing on Channel Ten's famous dating show franchise.

And on Thursday night The Bachelor's golden couple Matty Johnson and Laura Byrne were looking as smitten as ever as they stepped out for Comsopolitan + Tinder's Bachelor of the Year awards.

Joining them at the lavish event in Sydney's Coogee Beach were a few friendly faces including fellow reality stars Cam Cranley, Megan Marx and Michael Turnbull.

Fun and flirty! Golden couple Matty Johnson and Laura Byrne lead the stylish arrivals at Cosmopolitan Tinder Bachelor of the Year Awards as the stars of the dating show reunite

Matty and Laura, who recently sparked rumours of an engagement, couldn't keep their hands off one another on the pink carpet.

Dapper Matty, who wore a navy blue blazer over a black collared shirt and dark jeans tenderly rested his hand on the waist of his jewellery designer girlfriend.

Laura who happily smooched her beau as photographers snapped away, dazzled in an off-the-shoulder mini-dress in a vibrant orange print with touches of white.

Smitten: Matty and Laura, who have been surrounded by engagement rumours, couldn't keep their hands off one another as photographers snapped away

Turning heads: The jewellery designer dazzled in an off-the-shoulder mini-dress in a vibrant orange print with touches of white

Also making the most of the fun event was Megan Marx, who starred in Richie Strahan's season of The Bachelor.

Her tight-fitting floral pink number complemented the pink carpet and showed a hint of her assets with a plunging neckline, while cut-out features emphasised her fabulous figure.

The blonde bombshell, who was previously linked to her Bachelor co-star Tiffany Scanlon, put on an animated display, pointing her fingers in the air and sticking out her tongue as she posed.

Having fun! Megan Marx (pictured) put on an animated display, pointing her fingers in the air and sticking out her tongue as she posed

Flashing some skin: Megan showed a hint of her ample assets with a plunging neckline while the dress's cut-out features gave a glimpse of her fabulous figure

Turning heads was last season's 'villain' Jen Hawke, who donned a flamenco dress-inspired number.

The raven-haired beauty dared to bare with a black, red and green floral patterned crop top which showcased her tanned and toned figure

She completed the look with a matching maxi-skirt and strappy black heels, while a tattoo across her shoulder was visible.

Making a statement! Last season's 'villain' Jen Hawke, turned heads in flamenco dress-inspired number

Give us a twirl! Jen flaunted her figure as she spun around to show off her flowing frock

Also opting to show some skin was Florence Alexandra Sophia, who once competed for Matty J's affection.

The Dutch-born beauty went for a white and silver striped mini-dress with spaghetti straps.

To accessorise the ensemble, the blonde selected beige pumps and a clutch in the same shade.

Gorgeous! Florence Alexandra Sophia went for a white and silver striped mini-dress with spaghetti straps

Noni Janur was another Bachelor alum to make an appearance at the awards night.

The Richie Strahan reject, who has since found love with Bachelorette hunk Sam Johnston, stepped out in a sheer mini-dress.

Wearing her blonde locks in a sleek and straight style, Noni was braless and accesorised the racy attire with a crocheted cream clutch.

Sheer delight! Noni Janur went braless in a very racy number and accesorised with a crocheted cream clutch

Lady in red! Elora Murger went for a casual chic look in a midriff-baring crop top and jeans

Bachelor babes: Noni, Elora and Megan happily posed for a snap together

Meanwhile, self-described 'Tahitian goddess' Elora Murger went for a decidedly more casual-chic vibe.

Dressing in a midriff-baring red crop top and skin-tight jeggings, the brunette stunner wasn't afraid to stand out.

She teamed the outfit with matching red heels and a handbag in a similar shade and was snapped cosying up to her fellow Bachelor stars Noni and Megan.

The next Bachelor? Cam Cranley, who is heavily rumoured to take the reigns from Matty J, wore a light coloured suit over a navy button-up shirt

The boys are back! The Bachelorette's Jake Ellis (left) and Michael Turnbull (right) also looked dapper as they suited up for the occasion

He's not in Summer Bay now! Home And Away star Orpheus Pledger joined the Bachelor men in looking stylish at the event

The Bachelorette boys were also out in force, with Cam Cranley, Jake Ellis and Michael Turnbull among those suiting up for a night out.

Cam, who is widely rumoured to be the next Bachelor, taking over the slot left vacant by Matty J, went for a light-coloured suit which he wore over a navy button-up shirt.

Looking equally dapper were Jake Ellis who gave his suit a touch of class with a silver bow tie and pocket square and Michael Turnbull who looked dashing in all-black attire.

Joining the men in the stylish stakes was Home And Away star Orpheus Pledger who swapped his Summer Bay board shorts for a suit on the night out.

Fast friends! NRL star Matt Cooper opted for a double denim combo while Tegan Martin selected a strapless mini-dress

Dazzling: Beauty queen Tegan Martin went for a red, orange and white striped frock

But it wasn't just those who have searched for love in front of the eyes of the nation who made their way to the Cosmopolitan and Tinder collaborative event.

Also snapped on the pink carpet were ex-rugby league player Matt Cooper and former Miss Universe Australia Tegan Martin.

The pair, who were firm friends when they took part in Celebrity Apprentice, posed for photos together, with Tegan stunning in a red, orange and white striped frock and Matt looking buff in a denim shirt and jeans.

Meanwhile, Christian Wilkins and his boyfriend Andrew Kelly gave The Bachelor lovebirds Matty J and Laura a run for their money in smitten stakes.

With the pair flaunting their always unique style in preppy ensembles with a twist, the couple were all smiles as they hammed it up for the cameras.
She romanced Oscar-winning Leonardo DiCaprio for a year.

And Nina Agdal, 25, showed how she courted the affections of the hunky Hollywood heartthrob when she shared a very racy post on her Instagram on Wednesday.

In Mexico with Iskra Lawrence for a beach shoot, the model showcased her bronze round posterior in the skimpy tiny thong swimsuit as she posed for her own snaps.

Catch Her If You Can! Leonardo DiCaprio's latest ex Nina Agdal flaunted her peachy derriere in tiny thong swimsuit in very racy Instagram shot uploaded on Wednesday

Leonardo DiCaprio's ex sexily threw a look over her shoulder as she let her golden curls cascade down her back.

Courting the attention of 1,700,000 followers on social media, the Instagram sensation showed off some serious skin in the backless slinky costume.

The gorgeous model put her sensational physique on parade in her incredibly skimpy white one-piece for the sizzling snap. She teased her cheeky side in the caption: 'Forgot to pick my wedgie.'

Candid curves: The model showcased her bronze round posterior in the skimpy tiny thong swimsuit as she posed for her own snaps

The Leonardo and Nina love story goes back to when they were first spotted together in May 2016 at Up & Down club, in New York City.

Their year-long relationship came to an abrupt end in May 2017 and the former flames were last seen together, in West Hollywood on May 9.

A source told DailyMail.com: 'They both decided it was a good idea to break up. They are staying friends and are on good terms. They broke up a couple of days ago.'

During their love story, Nina resided in New York City while Leonardo spent most of his time at his Los Angeles home.

Having fun! The golden-haired beauty larked about in the sea for a beach shoot with Iskra Lawrence in Mexico

They kept their love tightly under wraps and they weren't photographed on the red carpet together during their year-long romance.

Leonardo has gone onto secure the affections of his now much younger girlfriend 20-year-old Camila Morrone.

The actor is no stranger to dating models, with his previous conquests including the likes of Toni Garrn, Kelly Rohrbach, Gisele Bundchen, and Bar Refaeli.

Leonardo's longest relationship was with Brazilian supermodel Gisele, 37, from 1999 until 2005 but she has gone onto marry New England Patriots star Tom Brady, 40.

DiCaprio also dated Israeli catwalk queen, Bar Refaeli, 32, for six years from 2005 to 2011.

DiCaprio has cast his previous type aside for brief romances with pop princess Rihanna, 29, and Gossip Girl star Blake Lively, 30.
She nearly died after she began her battle with sepsis back in 2016.

And during her appearance Good Morning Britain on Thursday, Fern Britton detailed the unnerving moment she thought she was going to die.

The Calendar Girls star, 60, discussed how she was in 'so much pain', left 'unwell, hot and sick' after her hysterectomy in July 2016.

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'I thought I am going to die': Fern Britton, 60, got emotional as she discussed her terrifying near-death experience with sepsis on Good Morning Britain on Thursday

Recalling the moment, she told Susanna Reid: 'July 2016 I had a hysterectomy but unfortunately within the first  days.

'I started to feel so much pain, so unwell, sick, hot, sweaty, confused and I thought I am going to die. I am dying.

'This is a very important symptom of sepsis. The thought you're going to die. I nearly died, but I didn't, sorry!'

'I nearly died': The Calendar Girls star, 60, discussed how she was in 'so much pain', left 'unwell, hot and sick' after her hysterectomy in July 2016

Sepsis develops when the body responds to an infection such as blood poisoning by attacking its own organs.

It is difficult to diagnose until it has spread throughout the body. Without quick treatment it can lead to multiple organ failure and death.

The television presenter was rushed straight to hospital where she was kept for 10 days and immediately put on antibiotics.

Discussion: The television presenter was rushed straight to hospital where she was kept for 10 days and immediately put on antibiotics

Terrifying: Recalling the moment, she told Susanna Reid: 'July 2016 I had a hysterectomy but unfortunately within the first  days

Moving speech: 'I started to feel so much pain, so unwell, sick, hot, sweaty, confused and I thought I am going to die. I am dying'

'I had e coli. Spent another ten days in hospital,' she said. 'The ambulance were brilliant. I went straight to hospital and straight onto antibiotics.'

Following a year away from the limelight, the former Ready Steady Cook host revealed she is doing 'very well' and 'feeling better'.

She added: 'I am doing very, very well. The last month Ive felt much better.

Stylish arrival: Fern layered up for the chilly conditions, in London, when she donned a fleeced frayed edge cardigan worn over two tier tops and form-fitting trousers

How to accessorise: The television star came prepared as her handbag was overfilled with papers ahead of her television apppearance

'My pain started to ease away recently and I'm feeling better. It can last up to two years. Thank goodness it was the year I took off from working.'

After a year away, Fern is making an epic comeback to the spotlight with her stage production of Calendar Girls.

Everyone is naked on the show poster apart from the star, who expressed her relief she didn't have to strip off. Kate said: 'You're not naked?' Fern responded: 'Thank goodness!'

She added: 'I dont think you need to be totally naked but as a mum, kids come into the bathroom and have a good look and thats normal! Thats the way it should be.

Welcome back! After a year away, Fern is making an epic comeback to the spotlight with her stage production of Calendar Girls

'Theres a fantastic team of people, theyre the ones being naked singing and dancing, and Im the one saying "you cant do this".'

Fern shares three of her children with her ex-husband TV executive Clive Jones, who she was married to between 1988 and 1998.

The former flames raise their twin sons Jack and Harry, 23, and their daughter Grace, 20.

She went onto mend her heartache with celebrity chef Phil Vickery, who she married in 2000, and the pair raise their daughter Winnie, 16.

Cheeky! Everyone is naked on the show poster apart from the star, who expressed her relief she didn't have to strip off. Kate said: 'You're not naked?' Fern responded: 'Thank goodness!'

Great mood: Fern was in a fabulous mood when she headed onto the show to chat about her near-death experience and her return to the spotlight
She's been ruling the runways for Milan Fashion Week.

Yet Bella Hadid suffered a sartorial slip-up on Wednesday as she accidentally bared her nipple whilst clad in a sheer top and cropped jacket.

Leaving the Alberta Ferretti show with elder sister Gigi, 22, the supermodel flashed her bust whilst sorting out her hair.

Nipping out: Bella Hadid suffered a sartorial slip-up on Wednesday as she accidentally bared her nipple whilst clad in a sheer top and cropped jacket

Bella looked sensational in a glittering sheer top - although she had planned on keeping her modesty intact by wearing it beneath a short fur coat.

The catwalk queen added to the glamour in loud geometric patterned trousers and accessorised with the hottest trend of the catwalk  as worn by the likes of Kim Kardashian  micro sunglasses.

The brunette bombshell displayed her natural beauty, enhanced with deftly touches of make-up, and she wore her hair off the face.

Sartorial sister act: Leaving the Alberta Ferretti show with elder sister Gigi, 22, the supermodel flashed her bust whilst sorting out her hair

Oops! Bella looked sensational in a glittering sheer top - although she had planned on keeping her modesty intact by wearing it beneath a short fur coat

All about the accessories: The catwalk queen added to the glamour in geometric trousers and accessorised with the hottest trend of the catwalk - micro sunglasses

Natural beauty: The brunette bombshell displayed her natural beauty, enhanced with deftly touches of make-up, and she wore her hair off the face

Meanwhile, Gigi put on an equally stylish display when she showcased her quirky sense of style.

Confident in her fashion tastes, the blonde bombshell stepped out in double denim as she teamed her jeans with a frayed edge sleeveless jacket.

Runway beauty Gigi caught the eye in a plaid mustard shirt and she accessorised with matching cat-eye sunglasses.

Stunning: Gigi put on an equally stylish display when she showcased her quirky sense of style

Darling in denim: Confident in her fashion tastes, the blonde bombshell stepped out in double denim as she teamed her jeans with a frayed edge sleeveless jacket

The catwalk queens recently appeared in VOGUE with a glamorous shoot and interview for the fashion bible.

Bella, who used to be a competitive equestrian show-jumper, recently invested in a farm, in Pennsylvania, with her sister Gigi and their mother Yolanda.

The bolthole, near New York City, served as a family retreat where the women can relax and ride horses together.

Plaid's a good look! Runway beauty Gigi caught the eye in a plaid mustard shirt and she accessorised with matching cat-eye sunglasses

'Riding is the best thing Gigi and I do together,' Bella told the publication. 'We get up in the morning and feed the animalsit's a fully operational place!'

Meanwhile, Gigi discussed her well being and career as well as life balance in an interview with the glossy magazine.

'Its important to always be ready, and when you come to work being inspired by things outside the fashion industry, it makes the work better.' Gigi told Vogue
She is currently planning her own wedding to Hugo Taylor but has been rumoured to be lending a helping hand with Meghan Markle's upcoming nuptials to Prince Harry.

And Millie Mackintosh has further fuelled speculation that she will play a pivotal role in the Royal Wedding on May 19, after she was seen carrying a wedding dress en-route to a private fitting in London on Monday.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 28, who got engaged in July, looked focused as she arrived at the fitting, with the lavish gown carefully hidden under a white dress bag.

Royal connection? Millie Mackintosh has further fuelled speculation that she will play a pivotal role in the Royal Wedding on May 19, after she was seen carrying a wedding dress en-route to a private fitting in London on Monday

Is that Meghan Markle's gown? The former Made In Chelsea star, 28, who got engaged in July, looked focused as she arrived at the fitting, with the lavish gown carefully hidden under a white dress bag

Millie cut a casual figure as she stepped out, clad in a slouchy grey sweater paired with black leggings and white and black Nike trainers.

Her tresses were styled sleek and straight with the star slipping on a dove grey woolen hat.

Showcasing her radiant complexion, the star appeared to go make-up free for the outing and sported a pair of black rimmed glasses.

'Wedding fixer': Millie is rumoured to be lending a helping hand with Meghan Markle's upcoming nuptials to Prince Harry

Giving nothing away: Millie cut a casual figure as she stepped out, clad in a slouchy grey sweater paired with black leggings and white and black Nike trainers

Off we go: Her tresses were styled sleek and straight with the star slipping on a dove grey woolen hat

Secret outfit: The star kept the items she was carrying to the fitting under wraps

Incognito: The star kept a low profile as she prepared to head inside with the luxury gown

Toting a white Jimmy Choo bag as well as a leather handbag, the star was giving nothing away as she made a low-key entrance into the building.

The outing comes as it was claimed that Millie had been appointed the unofficial 'wedding fixer' for the upcoming wedding at Windsor Castle.

According to one royal insider, Millie has become so invaluable that some are predicting she could be chosen as a bridesmaid.

Casual cool: The star looked relaxed as she prepared to head inside carrying the gown

Under wraps: Millie kept the gown tightly under wraps as she prepared to head into the fitting

Inside look: A Jimmy Choo bag was seen in the boot of the star's car as she prepared to head off

Leggy: The star showed off her trim legs in leggings as she walked inside the building

Wedding speculation: The star was casually clad for the important day

Helping hand? The outing comes as it was claimed that Millie had been appointed the unofficial 'wedding fixer' for the upcoming wedding at Windsor Castle

Millie is said to have met Meghan, 36, shortly before the actress began dating Harry in July 2016, having been introduced by a mutual friend.

The royal source said: Some very knowledgeable people are saying she is actually being considered as a bridesmaid.

'While I would personally find that surprising, as members of the Royal Family tend to choose the children of their closest friends and relatives, Millie couldnt have been more hands-on with helping Meghan organise the wedding so far.

Mystery: Millie kept the dress covered up as she headed in for the fitting

Svelte: The star showed off her trim figure in her casual cool ensemble

Royal connection: Millie is said to have met Meghan, 36, shortly before the actress began dating Harry in July 2016, having been introduced by a mutual friend

Fast friends: Meghan and Millie spent time at the Soho Farmhouse members club in Oxfordshire, with Meghan posting several pictures of them together on Instagram

They have a really close relationship and Millie has been a real source of support to Meghan during her move from Toronto and her new life in London.

In the summer of 2016 the pair spent time at the Soho Farmhouse members club in Oxfordshire, with Meghan posting several pictures of them together on Instagram and gushing: The best afternoon with Millie Mackintosh. So proud of you darling.

Meghan has also cited Millie as one of her go-to friends to exercise with, and both have their own fashion lines.

Other bridesmaids at the wedding could include Princess Charlotte and Mia Tindall, four-year-old daughter of Zara Phillips.
David Oldfield has been branded a 'racist pig' by his I'm A Celebrity...Get Me out Of Here! co-star and comedian Fiona O'Loughlin in a heated exchange about Australia's Indigenous population on Thursday's episode.

The fracas started when Josh Gibson confronted David, asking him what he thought of Aboriginal people.

'I don't have a negative feeling about them,' David replied. 'I don't like a lot of the promotion that's not based in any truth.'

Slammed: David Oldfield has been branded a 'racist pig' by his I'm A Celebrity...Get Me out Of Here! co-star and comedian Fiona O'Loughlin in a heated exchange about Australia's Indigenous population on Thursday's episode.

David incensed his campmates, particularly Fiona, when he claimed black people have never invented anything useful.

Accusing Fiona of suffering 'white guilt', he said: 'You're responsible for flush toilets, responsible for automobiles, you're responsible for all of it quite frankly and most of the people upset about not being involved in that have not been responsible for it but benefitted from it.'

When David claimed that Aboriginals 'didn't invent anything,' Fiona lashed out with: 'Oh, you racist pig.'

Strong words: 'You're suffering white guilt,' told Fiona. 'You think you''re responsible for everything that's gone wrong.'

Fiona, who revealed that she had fostered several Aboriginal children, had earlier taken David to task over his comment saying that white Australia had engendered a number of lies about the Indigenous population.

'I can tell you also, there's a big fat lie - we've spread enough lies as well by saying they were only nomadic - that's bulls**t, they actually had crops.'

Giving no quarter, David claimed that Fiona was suffering from 'white guilt.'

'You're suffering white guilt,' he said. 'You think you're responsible for everything that's gone wrong.'

Continuing his incendiary rebuttal, David added: 'What you're responsible for is the modern world as it is with all its accouterments.'

Intolerant? When David claimed that Aboriginals 'didn't invent anything,' Fiona lashed out with: 'Oh, you racist pig.'

Wanting to dissect David's comments, Josh then asked: 'You're saying there's been no black people that have helped in the development of those things?'

'The technological advancement that created civilisation as we know it as Western peoples has been brought about by Western peoples,' David said.

He continued: 'It hasn't been brought about by the tribes of Africa or the Aborigines of Australia or the highlanders of New Guinea.'

Fracas: Fiona even urged David to speak to her son, who works with Indigenous people in the Northern Territory to which he replied: 'why would I bother?'

Fiona even urged David to speak to her son, who works with Indigenous people in the Northern Territory to which he replied: 'why would I bother?'

'Because he knows what he's talking about and you don't,' she replied.

David then questioned the idea of Reconciliation, which proved to be the straw that broke Fiona's back who angrily exited the conversation.

'You are hideous to me. Hideous. You make my skin crawl,' Fiona shouted before taking her leave, but not before issuing a loud 'f**k you' to David.
It was the music industry's biggest night.

But that didn't stop a bevy of supermodels, including Adwoa Aboah and Izabel Goulart attend the Warner Music BRIT Awards after-party at Freemasons Hall, London on Wednesday night.

Adwoa, 25, who picked up the Model Of The Year title in December, looked every inch the goddess in a flowing white gown while Izabel, 33, showcased her leggy figure in a stylish thigh-skimming dress at the event sponsored by CIROC.

Babes: Models Adwoa Aboah, 25, and Izabel Goulart, 33, attended the Warner Music BRIT Awards after-party at Freemasons Hall, London on Wednesday night

Adwoa absolutely stunned as she showed off serious side boob in the striking dress which featured a white feathered neckline.

The Vogue covergirl proved to be absolutely flawless as she effortlessly worked her angles in the sleeveless number.

A pair of dangling gold earrings complemented her naturally striking freckled features which were enhanced with a simple coat of make-up.

Adwoa, who shot a vibrant cover shoot for Edward Enniful's first British Vogue edition in December, looked in her element as she mingled with fans before heading into the venue.

Angelic: Adwoa, who picked up the Model Of The Year title in December, looked every inch the goddess in a flowing white gown at the event sponosred by CIROC

Wow: Adwoa absolutely stunned as she showed off serious side boob in the striking dress which featured a white feathered neckline

Work it! The Vogue covergirl proved to be absolutely flawless as she effortlessly worked her angles in the sleeveless number

Stunning: A pair of dangling gold earrings complemented her naturally striking freckled features which were enhanced with a simple coat of make-up

Happy: Adwoa looked in her element as she mingled with fans before heading into the venue

Star: Adwoa shot a vibrant cover shoot for Edward Enniful's first British Vogue edition in December

Izabel also rivalled Adwoa on the style front as she showcased her statuesque frame in a figure-hugging mini-dress.

The number boasted a deep plunge, putting all focus on her assets, while the short length exhibited her long, lean legs.

Izabel looked absolutely beautiful as she scraped her brunette tresses into a high ponytail and she added a pair of spiral earrings to her looks

Bombshell: Izabel also rivalled Adwoa on the style front as she showcased her statuesque frame in a figure-hugging mini-dress

Racy: The number boasted a deep plunge, putting all focus on her assets, while the short length exhibited her long, lean legs

Babe: Izabel looked absolutely beautiful as she scraped her tresses into a high ponytail and she added a pair of spiral earrings to her looks - with Natalia Vodianova and Natasha Poly

Who won what? BRIT Awards 2018 winners' list in full C RITICS' CHOICE AWARD Winner: Jorja Smith was the critics favourite Jorja Smith - WINNER Mabel Stefflon Don BRITISH SINGLE OF THE YEAR Sensation: Rag'n'Bone Man won Best British Single Liam Payne - 'Strip That Down' featuring Quavo Jax Jones feat. Raye - 'You Don't Know Me' Clean Bandit - 'Symphony' featuring Zara Larsson Rag'n'Bone Man - 'Human' - WINNER J HUS - 'Did You See' Calvin Harris - 'Feels' featuring Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry and Big Sean Dua Lipa - 'New Rules' Ed Sheeran - 'Shape of You' Jonas Blue - 'Mama' featuring William Singe Little Mix - 'Touch' INTERNATIONAL FEMALE SOLO ARTIST Comeback: Lorde picked up the gong for International Female Solo Artist Taylor Swift Lorde - WINNER Bjork P!nk Alicia Keys INTERNATIONAL MALE SOLO ARTIST Talent: Kendrick Lamar was crowned International Male Solo Artist Kendrick Lemar - WINNER Childish Gambino Drake Beck DJ Khaled INTERNATIONAL GROUP Acclaimed: Foo Fighters won the International Group Award Foo Fighters - WINNER Arcade Fire LCD Soundsystem Haim The Killers BRITISH PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Steve Mac (Ed Sheeran ) - WINNER GLOBAL SUCCESS AWARD Superstar: Ed Sheeran won the Global Success Award Ed Sheeran - WINNER BRITISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR His year: Stormzy picked up British Album of the year for Gang Signs & Prayer Dua Lipa - Dua Lipa Ed Sheeran - Divide J Hus - Common Sense Rag 'n' Bone Man - Humour Stormzy - Gang Signs & Prayer - WINNER BRITISH MALE SOLO ARTIST Double winner: Stormzy also picked up the British Male Solo Artist award Ed Sheeran Liam Gallagher Loyle Carner Rag'n'Bone Man Stormzy - WINNER BRITISH FEMALE SOLO ARTIST Be The One: Dua Lipa won the best British female solo artist award Paloma Faith Kate Tempest Jessie Ware Laura Marling Dua Lipa - WINNER BRITISH GROUP Favourites: Gorillaz won the Best British Band Award Wolf Alice Gorillaz - WINNER London Grammar The XX Royal Blood BRITISH BREAKTHROUGH Emotion: Dua picked up her second award of the night for British Breakthrough Dave Dua Lipa - WINNER J Hus Loyle Carner Sampha BRITISH ARTIST VIDEO OF THE YEAR Solo success: Harry Styles picked up his first solo Brit for British Video of the Year Anne-Marie - Ciao Adios Calvin Harris Ft Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry and Big Sean - Feels Clean Bandit Ft Zara Larsson - Symphony Dua Lipa - New Rules Ed Sheeran - Shape Of You Harry Styles - Sign Of The Times - WINNER Jonas Blue Ft William Singe - Mama Liam Payne Ft Quavo - Strip That Down Little Mix - Touch ZAYN and Taylor Swift - I Don't Wanna Live Forever Advertisement

Izabel was joined by fellow catwalk queens including Natalia Vodianova who stunned in a grey snakeskin print ankle-grazing dress.

Natasha Poly also put on a leggy display in a glittering purple mini-dress which boasted an oversized fit on top.

The blonde bonbshell teamed her sexy look with a pair of towering open-toe ankle boots.

Squad: Izabel was joined by fellow catwalk queens including Natalia Vodianova who stunned in a grey snakeskin print ankle-grazing dress

Stunner: Natasha Poly also put on a leggy display in a glittering purple mini-dress which boasted an oversized fit on top
CHIC ft Nile Rogers will be headlining Wilderness Festival 2018 alongside British disco rocks Bastille and English electronic producer Jon Hopkins in Oxfordshire.

Joining the Wilderness headliners will be saxophonist Kamasi Washington, indie musician Baxter Dury on the main stage supported by BBC Music, who will be putting on their own event, The Biggest Weekend, earlier in the year.

The four day event showcases a range of different artists in the tranquil settings of Cornbury Park, but when is Wilderness Festival 2018, who else is in the line up and how can you get Wilderness Festival tickets?

Nile Rogers is pictured performing at the BRIT Awards 2018 at the O2 arena in London, UK

Wilderness Festival 2018 dates

Wilderness 2018 takes place between Thursday, August 2 and Sunday, August 5 2018 and the boutique festival will be returning for its eight year.

Wilderness Festival line up 2018

In addition to headliners CHIC ft Nile Rogers, Bastille and Jon Hopkins, the BBC Music main stage will host Kamasi Washington, Baxter Dury and !!!, otherwise known as Chk Chk Chk, the eclectic dance punk band formed in Sacramento, California.

R&B soul artist IAMDBB, alternative band Palace and South Londons Jou Crookes will also be performing with Billy Lockett, Mahalia and Confidence Man also in attendance. BBC Music Introducing, the platform supporting unsigned and under-the-radar UK talent, will also feature some artists at the event.

In The Valley, where all the late night parties and revelry is expected to take place, Groove Armada, the electronic duo composed of Andy Cato and Tom Findlay, will be taking over the stage with a DJ set. Peggy Gou will have her fans taking their shoes off and waving them in the air as she always does and Horse Meat Discos Severino is expected to play house and techno.

London jazz club Ronnie Scott will be presenting the Pee Wee Ellis Funk Assembly alongside other activities at Wilderness Festival like literary events, yoga, live podcasts and long table banquets with food from the likes of Yotam Ottolenghi.

Wilderness Festival is also known for its theatrical attractions, art displays and bars that in 2018 will be hosted by Veuve Clicquot, Sipsmith Gin, Meantime Ale and Orchard Pig Cider.

We're back, it's us. Wilder and fresher. A little shaken up, turned loose. People, hear this: it's time to explore. Welcome to Season Eight.



The 2018 Programme: https://t.co/MmCtbh5SRr pic.twitter.com/zR7FjTgfDq  Wilderness Festival (@WildernessHQ) February 20, 2018

Wilderness 2018 tickets and accomodation

Wilderness Festival 2018 tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster and there are a range of different camping options available, including family camping, meadow camping, quiet camping and live-in vehicle camping.

Tickets cost from 179.50 and glamping options for boutique camping can be up to 1000.
She enjoyed a taste of fame after appearing on Australian Ninja Warrior last year.

And Jenna Louise ensured she stayed in the limelight on Thursday, as she sizzled in a perilously plunging dress at the Cosmopolitan + Tinder Bachelor Of The Year Awards in Sydney.

The 27-year-old fitness fanatic flaunted her enviably toned limbs and pert posterior as she went underwear-free in the skintight number.

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Avert your eyes! Jenna Louise ensured she stayed in the limelight, as she sizzled in a perilously plunging dress at the Cosmopolitan + Tinder Bachelor Of The Year Awards in Sydney

The fitness model certainly took centre-stage in the sheath dress, which featured all-over sequins and laced up along the sides.

Letting her statement dress do all the talking, she added height with a sexy pair of Perspex block-heel barely there sandals.

Styling her dark tresses in a sleek middle-parting, she framed her features with false eyelashes and taupe lipgloss.

Boasting a deep bronzed tan, she stuck to her monochrome palette with a mirrored silver box clutch.

Bottom's up: The 27-year-old fitness fanatic flaunted her enviably toned limbs and pert behind as she went underwear-free in the skintight number

Killer footwear: Letting her statement dress do all the talking, she added height with a sexy pair of Perspex block-heel barely there sandals

Jenna, who appeared on Ninja Warrior Australia last summer, walked the pink carpet with her husband Scott Evenett.

She often posts loved-up snaps with the army veteran, and wrote in one shot: 'He speaks to me with his eyes.

'Melts me with his smile, engulfs me with his heart, gives me energy through his thoughts, charges me with his touch.'

The brunette beauty, who dubs herself a social media influencer, has appeared on the cover of Women's Health & Fitness.

Loved-up: Jenna, who appeared on Ninja Warrior Australia last summer, walked the pink carpet with her army veteran husband Scott Evenett

She explained that she refuses to be left downtrodden by online trolls and is comfortable in her own skin.

'Most women feel some kind of pressure during their lives to look a particular way, whether that be driven by celebrities, peer pressure, unacceptable comments, bullying, compliments or health,' she told the magazine.

'I have felt all those pressures, but now what I do is for me.

'I make sure I look after myself both physically and mentally, and I love women who carry themselves with pride and confidence.'
There are many words to describe Christian 'Prince' Wilkins but 'wallflower' wouldn't be one of them.

At the star-studded Cosmopolitan + Tinder Bachelor of The Year Awards in Sydney on Thursday night, Christian was once again proving he isn't shy.

Despite being in a relationship with Andrew Kelly - who was also at the event - the son of Richard Wilkins locked lips with a pal at the Coogee Pavillion.

That's not your boyfriend! Christian 'Prince' Wilkins packs on the PDA with another man as his beau watches on at the Cosmopolitan + Tinder Bachelor of The Year Awards

As Andrew stood close by, the duo packed on the PDA for the camera with Andrew wrapping one of his legs around Christian as the blond star held on tight.

Christian and his pal's attire also certainly turned heads, with both men rocking unique styles.

The long-haired blond wore frayed denim shorts with a cat motif on his derriere and matched it with a white top accessoried with a neckerchief.

Locking lips: Ever the multi-tasker, Christian kept a firm grip on his drink during the cheeky pash

Not bothered! Unperturbed by the smooch, Andrew could be seen posing next to the pair and dazzled in a glittery gold jumper

Ever the multi-tasker, Christian managed to hold on to his drink while engaging in the amorous display.

Christian's friend was decked out in just as out-there attire, donning a paisley print winter hat and thigh-high Gucci socks.

Unperturbed by the smooch, Andrew could be seen posing next to the pair and dazzled in a glittery gold jumper.

Standing out! The pair made a statement with their unique fashion choices

The trio posed up a storm on the pink carpet as their close relationship shone through.

At the lavish affair, K-pop sensation Kevin Kim was crowned Bachelor of the Year, becoming the first Asian Australian to nab the title.

He beat out the like of The Bachelorette star Cam Cranley and Home And Away's Orpheus Pledger.

Three's (not) a crowd! The trio were all smiles as they posed up a storm on the pink carpet
His estranged 'wife' Jo McPharlin claimed he made no effort to call or text her after dumping her on national television.

But Married At First Sight's Sean Donnelly seemed to extend an olive branch to the single mum on Thursday, as he shared a wistful throwback snap of the couple.

He posted a black and white shot of the pair laughing and drinking beer after their TV wedding, and wrote in the caption: 'Jo and I shared some laughs.'

'Jo and I shared some laughs': MAFS' Sean Donnelly shares wistful wedding snap with his dumped 'wife' Jo McPharlin

He began the post: 'Reversing the timeline. My Married at First Sight experience will be unforgettable.

'After all the formalities where over Jo and I took the opportunity to have a quiet beer together and share some laughs.

'#MAFS #marriedatfirstsight #wedding #catchup #9now #whatanexperience #unforgettable.'

It comes after Joe admitted she wants a second chance at love on Married At First Sight - despite having her heart broken in front of millions of viewers.

The 39-year-old told TV WEEK magazine on Monday she wouldn't hesitate to sign up for another season of the show and gave an update on her relationship with Sean.

Throwback: Sean wrote in the caption: 'Reversing the timeline. My Married at First Sight experience will be unforgettable. After all the formalities where over Jo and I took the opportunity to have a quiet beer together and share some laughs'

Hopeful: Despite having her heart broken on national television, Jo previously admitted she wants a second chance at love on the show

The bubbly blonde is hoping to follow the lead of her co-star John Robertson, 54, who has appeared twice on the reality experiment searching for a partner.

'I would do it all again in the blink of an eye,' she enthusiastically announced.

She revealed that since filming the series, where she was left in tears after being rejected by Sean during the first commitment ceremony, she hasn't gone on a date.

'I would do it all again in the blink of an eye,' she enthusiastically announced

Alone: She revealed that since filming the series, where she was left in tears after being rejected by Sean during the first commitment ceremony, she hasn't gone on a date

'I've gone back to my sad little mum life, really,' she shared.

Jo is an Adelaide-based single mother with two children: Angus, 14, and Zara, 10.

In addition to being open to starring on Married At First Sight for a second time, she stated she was still hopeful to find love in her home city.

Idealistic: In addition to being open to starring on Married At First Sight for a second time, she stated she was still hopeful to find love in her home city

'There might be a couple of blokes in Adelaide,' she offered.

Jo confirmed Sean had not been in touch with her at all since they parted ways on the show and had sent her 'not one text, not one phone call'.

The dysfunctional couple were finally able to make their departure on Sunday's episode, after both decided to 'leave' during the second commitment ceremony.
Angelina Jolie may seem like she has a charmed life thanks to her millions, fame and good looks.

But during an interview with Deadline on Wednesday, the 42-year-old Oscar winner maintained that she very much like most moms in the world because she has to juggle a career and kids.

'Were all trying to find balance,' said the mother-of-six.

Trying to do it all: Angelina Jolie told Deadline she's trying to find balance with work and kids; here she is seen earlier this week in Hollywood

The siren was talking up her film The Breadwinner, which has been nominated for an Oscar.

The interview was done along with director Nora Twomey.

Based on a best-selling novel by Deborah Ellis, The Breadwinner tells the story of Parvana, a young Afghan girl whose father is sent to prison, and must then dress as a boy to provide for her family.

The troop: Jolie has six children with Brad Pitt, who she is in the process of divorcing. Those kids are sons Maddox, Pax and Knox as well as daughters Shiloh, Zahara and Vivienne

Also in the article it was confirmed that Jolie will be shooting Maleficent 2 soon.

When asked how she balances it all, the Salt actress said: 'I think thats life, isnt it? Im sure youre the same as a person. You have your creative, and you have your work, and every day of your life is going to be about somehow growing as a person.

'Somehow feeling you can contribute to the extent that you can get tribute.'

She also seemed to have a close bond with Nora.

Her new movie: The Breadwinner, which she has co-produced, is nominated for an Oscar

The plot: A headstrong young girl in Afghanistan disguises herself as a boy in order to provide for her family

'Nora and I, when we spend time alone, spend most of our time just talking about being moms, and I think thats the balance.

'Were all trying to find balance, as people. I think to be a balanced person, you have to find those things that you just purely enjoy.'

SHe was stunning in London on Monday

And she explained her urge to help people around the world with her work as a humanitarian.

'If you arent participating in the bigger picture of life, and in being somehow useful, and you arent doing something and growing, then really, youll find youre not very happy. Really, youll have quite an empty life.'

Her contributions are phenomenal as she has worked hard to gain rights for women in war torn countries.

The Tomb Raider actress has also helped refugees around the world.

And she's even helped wildlife by making contributions to nature reserves like the one for cheetahs in Namibia's Namib desert.

She is most likely the Hollywood star who has the biggest impact globally on helping people out.

A leader: Her contributions are phenomenal as she has worked hard to gain rights for women in war torn countries. The Tomb Raider actress has also helped refugees around the world. Seen in 2015 in NY at the UN

Also in her Deadline interview she was asked about how both The Breadwinner and her other film, First They Killed My Father, have helped women gain strength as each film features a strong young girl making her way.

'I think if both of these films maybe highlight anything, its not just the vulnerability of women, but that this is not a today issue.

'This has been an issue for a very, very long time. There have been people fighting this battle for a long time, and there are little girls like [Breadwinner character] Parvana, on the border of Myanmar, who are being raped, today, and not enough is being done. Not enough is being spoken about on their behalf.'

Over: The actors are in the process of divorcing; seen in 2015

The Girl, Interrupted star added: 'This little girl, Parvana, and what she went through, and the fact that over half the girls in Afghanistan still dont have an education, and how dangerous their lives are, and how much poverty they live in, also just illustrates the bigger, global problems women are facing.'

Jolie has six children with Brad Pitt, who she is in the process of divorcing.

Those kids are sons Maddox, Pax and Knox as well as daughters Shiloh, Zahara and Vivienne.

There have been several reports that Jennifer Aniston wants to be close to Brad again now that she is divorcing Justin Theroux, but People claimed she is not looking back and they have not spoken 'in ages.'
Dita Von Teese is a burlesque icon who has perfected the art of seduction.

And now there will be even more of her to see. On Wednesday, the 45-year-old performer took to Instagram to announce US tour with an upcoming tour sponsored by Absolut Elyx Vodka.

News of The Copper Coupe tour - tickets go on sale February 23 - arrived as the pin-up beauty currently makes the rounds in Australia for The Art of Teese.

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She's back! Dita Von Teese announced this week The Copper Coupe, a new US tour in 2018 that will kick off upon her return from Australia, which features never-before-seen acts

In her black bra: The star in a promo shot for the tour in her noir look

Fetish-style: Von Teese has previously collaborated with MAC Cosmetics, and her act currently features a giant prop MAC lipstick tube that she sits on and straddles provocatively

The highly-anticipated event will also showcase numerous guest performers, including Playboy cover-girl and Guess model Gia Genevieve. Other artists joining the tour are Ginger Valentine, Jett Adore, Zelia Rose, Alek Palinski, and Elio Martinez.

The Copper Coupe will be hosted by comedian Jonny McGovern of YouTube's Hey Qween channel.

'It's always a thrill to create new acts, exploring new ideas that capture the spirit of vintage burlesque that we love, but in ways that haven't ever been seen before,' said Dita.

'It was especially enjoyable to infuse elements of Absolut Elyxs fabulous style with the ideas for the new acts.

'People know me for my cocktail glass acts, so it was fun to create one around the glamorous and whimsical copper imagery that is instantly recognizable with their brand.

'I can't wait for fans to see the new costumes, which are blinding sparkly, thanks to my favorite designers and Swarovski. I'm especially fired up to be bringing my show to cities I've never performed before!'

Birth of Venus: The burlesque star is known for including ornate props in her performances, like this giant scallop shell that she pops out of while wearing a pearl-decorated costume

Iconic! The pin-up beauty is most famous for her cocktail martini routine, in which she strips while inside an over-sized filled martini glass

The burlesque star couldn't contain her enthusiasm as she shared the news on her social media account.

She wrote on Instagram: 'Announcing a new #burlesque revue, tickets on sale this Friday!

'Very excited to debut my new acts, including the luxe #coppercoupe, inspired by the glamour of @absolutelyx and featuring the most decadent @Swarovski crystallized costume ever from @catherinedlish!

'Excited to be bringing this new show': Von Teese's tour wardrobe will include a stunning crystallized costume made by Swarovski, a jewelry line based in Austria

Von Teese has recently been sharing photos online from her Australian tour, and on the same night of her announcement, she posted an image flaunting one of her show costumes.

The stunning beauty posed elegantly and closed her eyes as she turned away from the camera and leaned away from a sparkly baton in her hand.

Although she's fully covered, her curvy hourglass figure shines through in a yellow dress intricately adorned by beaded crystals. Von Teese's stunning piece includes a feathered mermaid tail, and the star in a blonde wig with an embellished head-piece.

'Pre-show snapshot': On Wednesday, the icon flaunted one of her show's costumes, which was an ornate yellow dress featuring crystals and feathers

All hail the queen! The star's show travels Australia throughout February and March, and will hit Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and Brisbane

The burlesque icon returned to Australia in February following her sold-out run in 2016.

Her show kicked off in Perth, and hit Adelaide earlier this week to continue on to Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, and Brisbane.

Von Teese's upcoming U.S. tour will come a month after she completes her shows down under.
Recent rumors have surfaced that actress Rachel McAdams is pregnant.

McAdams and her boyfriend, screenwriter Jamie Linden, were recently spotted at the Staplehouse restaurant in Atlanta and she reportedly looked 'at least seven months pregnant, a local source told Life & Style. McAdams, whos been keeping a low profile in recent months, has yet to confirm or deny if she is in fact pregnant.

McAdams and Linden have been dating since 2016. Her new movie, Game Night, is set to be released on Friday, February 23 in the United States.

In recent years, McAdams has been romantically linked to actor and one-time costar Ryan Gosling, dating him from 2005 to 2007 before temporarily reuniting in 2008. She has also dated actor Josh Lucas, Michael Sheen and music manager Patrick Sambrook.

Here's everything you need to know about Rachel McAdams, her boyfriend Jamie Linden, her net worth and the films she's starred in over the years.

Rumors have surfaced that actress Rachel McAdams is reportedly pregnant with her first child

Rachel McAdams net worth

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Rachel McAdams net worth is valued at approximately $16 million (11.5 million).

Rachel McAdams movies

McAdams has starred in a number of well-known Hollywood productions over the years.

She made her feature film debut in 2002 in My Name is Tanino and later had a role in Perfect Pie, one that earned her a Genie Award nomination for best supporting actress.

Her breakthrough came in 2004 when she played Regina Stone in the popular teen comedy film Mean Girls. She followed that up with another critical and commercial success, The Notebook, where she starred alongside Ryan Gosling and subsequently started dating him.

Since then, McAdams has appeared in 2005s The Wedding Crashers, 2009s Sherlock Holmes and 2012s The Vow, among other movies. She later had a leading role in 2015s biographical drama Spotlight, earning a slew of nominations and wins in the Oscars, Critics Choice Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. She has also dabbled in TV over the years, appearing most recently in the hit HBO crime drama True Detective in 2015.

Who is Jamie Linden?

Jamie Linden is a screenwriter and film director best-known for writing a number of hit movies over the years, including 2006s We Are Marshall and 2010s Dear John.

Linden was born on September 3, 1980 and grew up in Winter Park, Florida. He graduated from Florida State University in 2001 after majoring in media production and marketing. He has gone on to write a number of successful screenplays and also wrote and directed the 2011 film 10 Years starring Channing Tatum.
She's a rising star of the fashion world known for her stunning good looks and killer physique.

And model Natalie Roser positively sizzled as she posed in racy bondage-style underwear before a sultry new shoot on Thursday.

The blonde beauty, 27, flashed her ample assets and impossibly toned midriff as she posed in a busty lace bra, a g-string and stockings and suspenders in the Instagram snap.

Blonde beauty: Model Natalie Roser positively sizzled as she posed in racy bondage-style underwear before a sultry new shoot on Thursday

The semi-sheer push-up bra featured lacy panels and cross strap detail across the bust, while revealing her enviably toned midriff while the tiny knickers accentuated her peachy posterior and trim legs.

Her blonde tresses were styled in loose waves and parted in the middle while her sparkling peepers were enhanced with soft smoky shadow and mascara.

Natalie's make-up look was completed with a slick of berry lipstick on her plump pout.

Earlier this month Natalie and her boyfriend Harley Bonner, 26, took to Instagram to announce their one-year anniversary.

The Aussie actor kicked off the online love fest by posting a selfie to Instagram of himself and Natalie cuddling in bed.

Sultry: The star is no stranger to a sultry Instagram snap and is a rising star of the fashion world

Cheeky; The star flashed her peachy posterior in thong bikini bottoms in another sizzling snap

'One year with him. The first of forever.'Earlier this month Natalie and her boyfriend Harley Bonner, 26, took to Instagram to announce their one-year anniversary

In the photo, the pair look into the camera lovingly, as Natalie gently caresses Harley's forehead.

The former Neighbours star accompanied the intimate shot with an equally warm caption.

'I wake up everyday thankful for your love and extremely grateful that I have you by my side to share this beautiful ride,' he wrote alongside the post.

He added, 'Happy 1 WHOLE YEAR, my angel!'

The 25-year-old seamlessly capped off his tribute by including an original quote.

'"How could I possibly love you more. I guess I'll find out in the morning."' - Me, inspired by her,' he wrote.

Happy Anniversary! Natalie shared a photo of the pair, dressed in white enjoying a loving peck in public. In a bold move, Natalie wrote 'One year with him. The first of forever.'

On the same day, Natalie shared a photo of the pair, dressed in white enjoying a loving peck in public.

The 27-year-old blonde model was so moved by Harley's tribute, she decided to quote him in the caption, echoing his statement.

In a heartfelt albeit bold move, Natalie added, 'One year with him. The first of forever.'

Happy Snap! The beaming couple are more than willing to share their special moments together on social media. Just last week, Natalie took time out of her busy schedule to enjoy the Laneway festival with Harley in Melbourne

The happy couple are more than willing to share their special moments together on social media.

Just last week, Natalie took time out of her busy schedule to enjoy the Laneway festival with Harley in Melbourne.

Clad in a floaty blouse and retro sunglasses, the stunner took to Instagram to share clips from the music festival.

Cheers to the weekend! Model Natalie Roser, 27, looked chic in a floaty blouse and retro sunglasses as she attended Laneway Festival last week

The blonde beauty began the day by sharing a short clip of herself showing off her luscious blonde locks and pearly smile while readjusting her sunglasses.

In the next clip, the swimsuit model captured herself taking a sip out of a test tube with her beau mimicking her as she guzzled the beverage.

Exhausted by the day's activities so far, the couple then took a break from partying by lying on the ground together.

Cute couple alert! Joining her at the trendy event was her boyfriend Harley Bonner, who featured in a video of her drinking from a test tube

Harley pillow! Exhausted by the day's activities so far, the couple took a break on the grass

Next, she shared a photo of herself posing with her arms around Harley as they watched Billie Eilish perform on stage.

Their music festival date comes after she recently fronted the cover of Women's Health Magazine in December 2017.

She spoke to the publication about her struggles with body confidence.

'My body confidence is good now, but there have always been doubts  if you don't get a job, you think, 'Is it because my measurements are bigger than the girl who did?' Natalie told Women's Health Magazine.

'Little things play on your mind. But I learnt pretty quickly that it's not necessarily me; it's about what the client is looking for to represent their brand.'

'Once I realised that perhaps I just didn't fit the bikinis or clothes the way they wanted, I relaxed and started to take care of myself for me,' she continued.

Bikini babe: Their music festival date comes after she recently fronted the cover of Women's Health Magazine in December 2017 and spoke to the publication about her struggles with body confidence
He shot to fame as the handsome hunk looking for his perfect match on TV sensation, The Bachelor.

And after finding true love with Laura Byrne on the hit show, Matty 'J' Johnson now has his sights set on a career in TV hosting, after his successful guest stint on Ten's The Living Room.

The 30-year-old reality star stepped in for series regular Dr Chris Brown who is currently hosting I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in South Africa.

New venture: After finding true love with Laura Byrne on The Bachelor, Matty 'J' Johnson now has his sights set on a career in TV hosting, after his successful guest stint on Ten's The Living Room (pictured on February 22 in Sydney)

TV gold: The star shot to fame on the 2017 series of the hit show, where 22 women were vying for his affections

The star told The Daily Telegraph that he discovered a passion for hosting during his stint on the hit show.

He said: 'Even though I was only filling in short-term, I'd love to continue working on-screen as a host.

'It made me realise how much I enjoy that type of work.'

Matty had returned to his nine-to-five marketing job after finding love with jewellery designer Laura on The Bachelor last year.

Short break: The 30-year-old reality star stepped in for series regular Dr Chris Brown who is currently hosting I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in South Africa

Believing that would be the last time he crossed paths with Network Ten, a chance meeting with an executive producer led to an unexpected new TV role.

He has been offered a full-time presenting spot on The Living Room alongside Amanda Keller and Grant Denyer.

Matty's first job involved heading to New Zealand to film a travel segment.

'I was a bit nervous doing it for the first time,' he said. 'Talking conversationally and being yourself when you're looking down the barrel of the camera is actually so difficult.

True love: The star told The Daily Telegraph that he discovered a passion for hosting during his stint on the hit show. He said: 'Even though I was only filling in short-term, I'd love to continue working on-screen as a host' (pictured with girlfriend Laura)

'If I can be on TV while still being myself, then that would be the dream gig.'

It comes after Matty revealed he was planning his engagement to girlfriend Laura.

'There's no question for me, I've found the person I want to be with long-term, the one I hope to be with forever,' Matty told Who earlier this week.

Laura, who owns the Toni May jewellery brand, said that Matty could pick the stone but they would design the rest of the engagement ring together.

Matty's first appearance on The Living Room airs Friday at 7.30pm on Ten
Her sister - Made In Chelsea favourite Lucy Watson - quit the E4 reality show in 2016 to focus on her business endeavours and her relationship with boyfriend James Dunmore.

And it seems younger sibling Tiffany has followed suit, for now at least - just without the boyfriend part.

A source told MailOnline: 'She's quit. She's doing other stuff now. And she's not announcing it. She's just not going to be on the new series when it returns.'

Making an exit: Made In Chelsea's Tiffany Watson has 'QUIT' the reality series to 'work on other projects'... following tumultuous year on the show

Indeed, the 24-year-old was mysteriously not present at a recent press event for the structured reality series, which returns to screens for its 15th run next month.

Tiff - who is a fitness enthusiast and a vegan activist on the side - confirmed that she is set to leave via a spokesperson... but suggested it's more of an open-exit.

'Tiff has taken a break for now to concentrate on a number of exciting projects including TV as well as the opening of her vegan restaurant with her sister and her lifestyle/stationary business 365 which she launched a few months ago,' the spokesperson said.

'She also has a number of trips coming up for work and leisure as well as her best friend's wedding where she is her maid of honour so its a busy few months and seemed the right time to step back and work on all the exciting things she has coming up and give them her all,' they added.

A spokesperson for MIC added: 'Whilst shes yet to film in series 15, its never goodbye in Chelsea.'

Ta-Ta Tiff: 'She's quit. She's doing other stuff now. And she's not announcing it. She's just not going to be on the new series when it returns,' a source said

Following suit: Her sister - Made In Chelsea favourite Lucy Watson - quit the E4 reality show in 2016 to focus on her business endeavours and her relationship with boyfriend James Dunmore

Tiff mentioned on numerous occassions during the 14th season of MIC that she is opening a vegan restaurant with her sister and family. Their father - Clive - is already a restaurateur, and is said to be helping them put the business together.

Tiff leaves behind a rocky year on the show which saw the demise of her romance with Sam Thompson - whom she dated for three years.

At the end of season 13, the pair decided to go on a Ross and Rachel-style 'break', and agreed to see other people.

This marked the beginning of the end for the couple, who spent the summer apart and found comfort in the arms of other people.

On again/off again: Tiff leaves behind a rocky year on the show which saw the demise of her romance with Sam Thompson - whom she dated for three years

Free agent: Sam had a fling with fellow MIC cast member Mimi Bouchard [R]. While Mimi was never Tiff's 'friend' this caused much drama, and there were many tears when the pair reunited

Despite them being 'allowed' to do this, things turned nasty when Sam had a fling with fellow MIC cast member Mimi Bouchard. While Mimi was never Tiff's 'friend' this caused much drama, and there were many tears when the pair reunited in Ibiza and back in London for season 14.

Tiff was seen, once again, fleeing Chelsea midway through the most recent season - and it seems this was her last appearance.

Her best friend Frankie Gaff is also said to have ditched the series.

While she will appear on season 15, the cast are only halfway through shooting the most recent run of episodes, and the same source reported to MailOnline that she is considering jumping ship as well.

Departing together: Tiff's best friend Frankie Gaff is also said to have ditched the series

Is Frankie off? While she will appear on season 15, the cast are only halfway through shooting the most recent run of episodes, and the source reported that she is considering jumping ship

Over and out: Frankie's on again/off again boyfriend Jamie Laing has managed to woo her back on numerous occasions over the last few months

The source continued: 'She wants to do modelling. And stuff on Instagram.'

Frankie boasts 368k followers on the photo sharing site.

Indeed, reality stars that rack up a healthy social media following can make a decent penny from their Instagram posts.

And it seems Frankie looks to be doing this full time - also 'departing' the show following an unstable romance.

Moving on: Jamie recently announced that he's seeing someone new on his podcast Private Parts. Frankie has also dated James Taylor on the show [R]

Off the market: Frankie attempted to get back into the dating game with James Taylor and Harry Baron - yet Harry has since moved on with a new mystery woman [pictured]

Frankie's on again/off again boyfriend Jamie Laing has managed to woo her back on numerous occasions over the last few months. But it seems the pair have split for good - with Jamie recently announcing he's seeing someone new on his podcast Private Parts.

While Frankie's attempts at getting back into the dating game with James Taylor and Harry Baron ended unsuccessfully, it seems the blonde bombshell - much like pal Tiff - is also leaving to pursue work ventures.

MailOnline has approached a rep for Frankie for comment.

Made In Chelsea returns to E4 in March.

Back soon: Sophie Hermann and Alex Mytton are both returning for the new season

New love: Digby Edgley and Olivia Bentley looked as loved up as ever as they attended a recent press event
On Wednesday, Brooke Shields discussed her sweet encounter with the late Michael Jackson's only daughter Paris while the two attended a New York Fashion Week show on September 7.

'[Paris] turned to me and she said, "So you're my dad's friend." I'd only seen her when she was a baby and she didn't remember me,' the 52-year-old actress recalled on Watch What Happens Live.

'So I said, "Yes, I am." Then I waited a while and I looked at her and I said, "I really miss your dad." And she looked at me and she held my hand and she goes, "Me too." And it was just a pure moment. Now we have our own kind of communication together.'

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Calvin Klein duo: On Wednesday, Brooke Shields (R) discussed her sweet encounter with the late Michael Jackson's only daughter Paris (L) while the two attended a New York Fashion Week show on September 7

The 52-year-old actress recalled on Watch What Happens Live: '[Paris] turned to me and she said, "So you're my dad's friend." I'd only seen her when she was a baby and she didn't remember me. So I said, "Yes, I am"'

The two-time Golden Globe nominee was only 15 when she first met the King of Pop at the 1981 Academy Awards but 'nothing happened romantically' and she later spoke at his 2009 memorial service.

Just like his intimate friendships with Elizabeth Taylor and Paris' godfather Macaulay Culkin, the Grammy winner bonded with Brooke over being a hard-working former child star.

Shields also told host Andy Cohen about Michael's last communication with her: 'He sent me a beautiful floral arrangement when my dad died. I still have the vase.'

The 19-year-old IMG Model was only 10 when her famous father succumbed to 'acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication' and she now receives $8M annually from her estimated $100M inheritance.

Shields continued: 'Then I waited a while and I looked at her and I said, "I really miss your dad." And she looked at me and she held my hand and she goes, "Me too." And it was just a pure moment. Now we have our own kind of communication together'

Close friends: The two-time Golden Globe nominee was only 15 when she first met the King of Pop at the 1981 Academy Awards but 'nothing happened romantically' and she later spoke at his 2009 memorial service

Pals: Just like his intimate friendships with Elizabeth Taylor and Paris' godfather Macaulay Culkin, the Grammy winner bonded with Brooke over being a hard-working former child star

Shields also told host Andy Cohen about Michael's last communication with her: 'He sent me a beautiful floral arrangement when my dad died. I still have the vase'

Last May, the Star actress landed a seven-figure campaign fronting Calvin Klein and, this week, she appears in a new ad for the label alongside Lulu Tenney and Millie Bobby Brown.

And Brooke was famously only 14 when she insinuated she wasn't wearing underwear in the New York designer's controversial 1980 denim commercial shot by Richard Avedon.

For her boozy Bravo talk show appearance, the married mother-of-two put her 6ft statuesque figure in a coral short-sleeved belted mini-dress and nude strappy pumps.

Pictured in 2008: The 19-year-old IMG Model was only 10 when her famous father succumbed to 'acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication' and she now receives $8M annually from her estimated $100M inheritance

'#MYCALVINS': Last May, the Star actress landed a seven-figure campaign fronting Calvin Klein and, this week, she appears in a new ad for the label alongside Lulu Tenney (M) and Millie Bobby Brown (R)

'You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing': And Brooke was famously only 14 when she insinuated she wasn't wearing underwear in the New York designer's controversial 1980 denim commercial shot by Richard Avedon

Statuesque: For her boozy Bravo talk show appearance, the married mother-of-two put her 6ft figure in a coral short-sleeved belted mini-dress and nude strappy pumps

The Princeton grad next resumes her guest stint as 'renowned actress and supermodel' River Fields, who feuds with Rogelio De La Vega (Jaime Camil), in the March 16 episode of The CW's Jane the Virgin.

And Paris - whose mother is dermatology nurse Debbie Rowe - has 'one scene' as an edgy 20-year-old called Nelly in Nash Edgerton's feature directorial debut Gringo, which begins streaming March 9 on Amazon.

Meanwhile, Michael's 61-year-old sister La Toya will attempt to contact him beyond the grave on the third season of Hollywood Medium With Tyler Henry, which premieres next Wednesday on E!

'Camera ready!' The Princeton grad next resumes her guest stint as 'renowned actress and supermodel' River Fields in the March 16 episode of The CW's Jane the Virgin

First movie! And Paris has 'one scene' as an edgy 20-year-old called Nelly in Nash Edgerton's feature directorial debut Gringo, which begins streaming March 9 on Amazon
The Keeping Up with the Kardashians Season 14 finale will see the Kardashian sisters take a trip to San Francisco ahead of the arrival of Kim and Khloes babies.

There is also speculation that the episode, entitled The Gender Reveal, could reveal the sex of Khloe and Tristan Thompsons baby ahead of its birth in a few months.

KUWTK Season 14 also saw Kim regain her confidence and launch her KKW Beauty line, Khloes strained relationship with Kriss boyfriend Corey Gamble and the lack of Kylie Jenner appearances fueled rumours of her pregnancy.

The KUWTK finale 'The Gender Reveal' could see Khloe reveal the gender of her baby

What has happened in Keeping Up with the Kardashians Season 14 so far?

The fourteenth season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians started on October 1 2017 on E! and the first episode saw Kendall Jenner experience the backlash over her Pepsi advert as she was accused of co-opting the Black Lives Matter campaign.

Kim was also subject to bad media attention after some unflattering pictures surfaced following her trip to Mexico for Kourtneys 38th birthday, which resulted in the KUWTK star being left mortified. After this, Kim enlisted the help of Instagram star and personal trainer Melissa Alcantara.

During Cannes Film Festival, Scott Disick threatened to ruin Kourtneys trip to France with her new love interest Younes Bendjima and Khloe started to prepare for Tristans move to Los Angeles. Kris, on the other hand, hired a scribe named Madhvi Patel, who has been tasked with writing down everything the momager says.

In episode 10, Kim received news that she would be having her third child, who was later named Chicago West, with a surrogate and four episodes later, Khloe had similar news of her own, but her feud with Corey threatened to overshadow her new baby.

Kris had her earlobes reduced in size this season in a 30-minute procedure and debuted a new blonde look, Kendalls anxiety resurfaced as she headed to Milan Fashion Week and Khloe attempted to mend her friendship with Celebrity Big Brother star Malika Haqq.

When is the KUWTK finale?

The KUWTK Season 14 finale is expected to air on E! on March 4, 2018 and the episode is called The Gender Reveal. This follows the episode called Trimester Trouble which saw Khloe try to keep her baby a secret and Kourtney questioning whether she should have more children or not.

There is a strong possibility that Khloe will reveal the gender of her baby in the final episode

What could happen on the Keeping Up with the Kardashians finale?

There is a strong possibility that Khloe will reveal the gender of her baby in the final episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, who is expected to be born in April 2018.

Hollywood Life revealed: 'Khloes biggest wish is to have a baby with Tristan. She doesnt even care if they get married first. And, if she could plan it out perfectly, shed love to have a little girl.'

It went on to explain that Khloe would love to have a baby girl because Tristan already has a son, Prince, from his relationship with Jordan Craig.

Tristan is a total mommas boy. He has all boys in his family; brothers and a son. Khloe feels that having a little girl would give him an amazing, new experience, the source said.

Khloe confirmed that she would be revealing the sex of the baby on an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians on Twitter.

We will be revealing on the show but not this week   Khloe (@khloekardashian) January 3, 2018

Prior to the birth of Stormi Webster, Khloe and Kylie posed for a Snapchat picture and used a filter of pink hearts, sparking claims that the sisters were revealing the sex of their babies.

In a YouTube video, the duo also spoke about a Lip Kit called Baby Girl.
Danniella Westbrook once again indulged her love of Burberry with an impromptu visit to the British designer brands London store on Thursday afternoon.

The former EastEnders star, 44, was in high spirits as she draped herself in the labels iconic rainbow vintage check cashmere scarf while browsing the rails.

With the tasteful accessory, which retails at a pricey 350, casually slung across one shoulder, Danniella inadvertently called to mind the notorious head-to-toe Burberry ensemble she wore some 16-years previously.

Luxury: Danniella Westbrook once again indulged her love of Burberry with an impromptu visit to the British designer brands London store on Thursday afternoon

The actress infamously made an awkward fashion faux pas when she and daughter Jo, then less than a year old, wore matching Burberry ensembles during an outing in 2002.

She also carried a coordinating bag and even pushed a pram in the same distinctive rainbow check pattern.

Danniella's sartorial gaffe wasn't helped by the brand's increasing popularity among loutish teenage 'chavs' in the early 2000s.

Just like old times: Danniella inadvertently called to mind the notorious co-coordinating head to toe Burberry ensemble she wore during a day out with daughter Jo in 2002

Upbeat: The former EastEnders star, 44, was in high spirits as she draped herself in the labels iconic rainbow vintage check cashmere scarf while browsing the rails

Try this for size: Danniella appeared to be interested in one of the brand's stylish accessories

But with the distinctive look consigned to memory, she was clearly happy to pick out a few choice accessories from the brand as she perused the store.

The actress's latest outing was all the more notable by virtue of her fully exposed nose after she recently underwent mystery surgery at a private hospital in Essex.

And Danniella, whose prolonged cocaine abuse once led to her septum falling out, appeared happy to show off the results of her latest procedure as she made her way onto the street.

This'll do: The actress was clearly happy to pick out a few choice accessories as she perused the store

Revealing: The actress's latest appearance was all the more notable by virtue of her fully exposed nose after she recently underwent mystery surgery at a private hospital in Essex

Let's go: Danniella had her hands full as she made her way out of the London store on Thursday

Iconic: The former soap star's love of Burberry is renowned

Don't mind me: Danniella caught the eye as she made her way onto the street

The mother-of-two recently released her own revenge porn photos to defeat a stalker she claims stole the photos and threatened to kill her and her children.

Danniella was driven to release the personal photos after claiming the stalker had made threats against her life and that of her two children Kai, 21 and Jodie, 16, and to take control back reports The Sun.

She claimed the stalker's two-year campaign of harrassment worsened after they threatened to release the intimate photos stolen from her iCloud account - sent during a sexting session with a 21-year-old personal trainer she met on a dating app.

Laid bare: Danniella, whose prolonged cocaine abuse once led to her septum falling out, appeared happy to show off the results of her latest procedure

Hello there: The actress greeted onlookers with a smile as she made her way back to her car

Stocking up: Daniella loaded her boot with some designer essentials from the Burberry outlet

The star said she was 'petrified' by the messages, is unable to sleep at night and has become ill due to the stress of the harrowing messages.

'Rather than let someone hold me over a barrel... I thought it's just easier to put these pictures out [myself] - and say 'This is what I'm up against.'

'I've been f****** petrified of this woman. It started in 2016. It's been constant, for two years... week in week out.'

MailOnline has contacted Danniella's representative for comment.

Job done: With the boot firmly closed, Danniella was ready for the journey home
Jackass alum Bam Margera pled not guilty through his attorney Wednesday to two counts of driving under the influence following his January 7 arrest.

A CHP officer reportedly smelled alcohol when they pulled over the 38-year-old skateboarder, who was illegally talking on his phone while driving, and he failed a field sobriety test (.08% BAL).

'[The court hearing] should have went fine,' Margera's father Phil told Page Six.

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Jackass alum Bam Margera pled not guilty through his attorney Wednesday to two counts of driving under the influence following his January 7 arrest (pictured February 15)

'I'm not really sure what it was for, but his attorney was going to ask for more time to get documentation from Bam that he needed.'

Bam (born Brandon) - who entered a LA rehab on January 11 - is next scheduled to report to the Los Angeles County Court on March 12 for a pretrial hearing.

The Pennsylvania-born, Barcelona-based athlete's legal woes came weeks after he and his second wife Nicole Boyd welcomed their first child - son Phoenix Wolf - on December 23.

'At its worst, I would probably just wake up around 11am and instantly start drinking vodka and purple Gatorade; by the end of the night, I would probably have ten pints worth of it,' the Family Therapy With Dr. Jenn star told Vice in December.

Hands-free error: A CHP officer reportedly smelled alcohol when they pulled over the 38-year-old skateboarder, who was illegally talking on his phone while driving, and he failed a field sobriety test (pictured in 2014)

Margera's father Phil told Page Six: '[The court hearing] should have went fine. I'm not really sure what it was for, but his attorney was going to ask for more time to get documentation from Bam that he needed' (pictured February 2)

'Checking me into alcohol rehab': Bam (born Brandon) - who entered a LA rehab on January 11 - is next scheduled to report to the Los Angeles County Court on March 12 for a pretrial hearing

'It was pretty bad. It was weird, because there would be times where I would go on a three-day bender of drinking and then five days of not drinking. When that five days ended, I would go on a two-day bender.'

Margera continued: 'I've been good lately. No alcohol. Today, I had three little tacos [with] just chicken and guacamole and salsa, so not that bad. I had some tacos and watermelon seltzer water - that's all.'

The Epicly Later'd guest star told People in September that his friend Ryan Dunn's drunk driving death in 2011 ironically contributed to his addiction.

'I've been good lately!' The Pennsylvania-born, Barcelona-based athlete's legal woes came weeks after he and his second wife Nicole Boyd welcomed their first child - son Phoenix Wolf - on December 23 (pictured February 15)
It's the biggest political story of the year so far.

So it was only a matter of time before the stars of Gogglebox weighed in on revelations Barnaby Joyce is having a baby with his former staffer, Vikki Campion.

Amid calls for the politician to resign, Anastasia took a more measured approach during Thursday night's episode, arguing if the Deputy Prime Minister 'can't keep his d**k in his pants, that's his problem'.

'If he can't keep his d**k in his pants that's his problem': Gogglebox's Faye and Anastasia weigh in on Barnaby Joyce scandal

After confirming that he had separated from his wife Natalie after 24 years of marriage, it was revealed the father of four daughters was expecting a child with a former junior staffer.

Since then it's emerged Vikki and Mr Joyce have been living rent free for six months in an Armidale townhouse owned by a businessman in his electorate.

Several media reports have also claimed Vikki was given high paid roles in other National politicians' offices after she left her job as Mr Joyce's media advisor - claims she has recently denied.

Revelations: It was revealed earlier this month Mr Joyce is expecting a child with his former junior staffer Vikki Campion

'He has to step aside': Symon told best made Adam he thought Mr Joyce should leave office

On Thursday night, opinions differed between the Gogglebox households as to whether Barnaby's actions should result in him leaving office.

'He has to step aside,' Symon told best mate Adam.

Meanwhile Anastasia had a more nuanced take on the scandal, telling her BFF Faye: 'I don't give a s**t what he has done.'

She continued: 'If he can't keep his d**k in his pants, that's his problem.'

Confused: Isabelle wasn't sure what the big deal was, asking: 'J ust because he had sex with someone doesn't mean he's not trustworthy'

Meanwhile, Isabelle wasn't sure what the big deal was, asking: 'Just because he had sex with someone doesn't mean he's not trustworthy.'

'It's not about that. It's about everything else that went on around it,' her mum Kerry argued.

While father of six Grant only had one question on his mind, asking wife Stacey: 'From a non-sensitive point of view, how has he pulled her?'
She may have recently retired from Victoria's Secret, after years as an Angel.

And Alessandra Ambrosio continued to showcase her pro modelling skills as she posed up a storm on the beach in Malibu in a hippie chic blue bathing suit that showed off her toned torso.

The model, 36, smiled from ear to ear as she caught some rays during her carefree yet sizzling photo shoot.

Beach babe! Alessandra Ambrosio was still very much on top of her game as she posed up a storm on the beach in Malibu in a hippie chic blue bathing suit that showed off her toned torso

Making a splash! Ambrosio's bathing suit left little of her physique to the imagination

Alessandra stepped out onto the beach in knee high cowboy boots and a jean jacket loose draped over her arms.

The model looked in her element as she strolled on the beach, soaking up the sun.

Alessandra's gym-honed physique was put on full display as she frolicked by the shore in a baby blue bathing suit with a plunging neckline and intricately woven torso that put her belly on show.

She wore her brunette locks down and rocked a pair of aviator sunglasses atop her radiant complexion.

Kicking back! The star laid flat on her belly as she topped up her tan

Catching some rays: Alessandra laid on her back as she kicked back her legs

Jean-ius! The 36-year-old draped a frayed denim jacket over her arms

Taking the plunge! The former Victoria's Secret model had all eyes on her with her low-cut bathing suit

From dancing to laying on the sand, Alessandra channeled her inner beach girl for the fun-filled shoot.

The star kicked her legs back as she laid on her belly on the sand.

In between takes, Alessandra kept herself warm with a soft sweater with a bit of fringe.

Fun in the sun! The star couldn't have looked any happier as she enjoyed a day on the beach for work

Simply stunning: Alessandra as usual looked gorgeous

Back at work: Alessandra has plenty of time to relax, having only recently hung up her wings after working with Victoria's Secret for almost 20 years

It indeed seems Alessandra has been living in her bathing suit as of late, as the model recently returned from a getaway to Tulum where she frequently wore her bikini.

Alessandra has plenty of time to relax, having only recently hung up her wings after working with Victoria's Secret for almost 20 years.

The star made her seventeenth and final appearance on the lingerie giant's catwalk in November.

Soaking up the sun: Alessandra relaxed on the sand as she posed up a storm

These boots were made for walking! Rather than going barefoot for the beach shoot, the catwalk queen rocked an eye-catching pair of cowboy boots

Hello sunshine! Alessandra tossed her perfect beach waves back as she sat on the sand

Well tressed: Her hair was styled in loose beach waves, perfect for the ocean side photo shoot

She wrote after the show: 'Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have been working for this amazing brand that inspires me and women all over the world. In my wildest dreams I would have never imagined doing 17 Victorias Secret Fashion Shows.'

The Brazilian muse continued to thank 'all [her] Victoria's Secret family", including Edward Razek  who is the senior creative at the label  for allowing her to make 'unforgettable' memories.

She wrote: 'Thank you Ed, and all my Victoria's Secret family for making these memories unforgettable.'

Alessandra has been engaged since 2008 to RE/DONE founder Jamie Mazur, with whom she shares nine-year-old daughter Anja and five-year-old son Noah.

All in a day's work! The star gazed towards the ocean blue

Sweater weather! The mom-of-two wrapped up in a soft sweater in between takes

She has great jeans! The star faced the February weather in her jean jacket

Hanging loose: Alessandra shared a snap of herself relaxing on a colorful canopy
He was rumoured to have found love with Tara Pavlovic on the upcoming new series Bachelor In Paradise.

But Bachelorette reject Davey Lloyd was pictured passionately kissing another brunette beauty at Cosmopolitan & Tinder's Bachelor of the Year 2018 Awards in Sydney on Thursday evening.

The reality star posted two steamy snaps of the intimate lip lock on his own Instagram account.

That's not Tara! The Bachelorette's Davey Lloyd passionately kisses tattooed bikini model after being romantically linked with Pavlovic on Bachelor In Paradise

In the images Davey kisses busty bikini model Sarah Turner, who is seen lifting up his shirt to expose his stomach.

Another snap shows Davey holding her face while he kisses her on the lips.

The tattooed and tanned babe appears to run in the circle of several of the Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants.

She follows Matty J, Sophie Monk, Apollo Jackson and many others on Instagram.

Showing off? He posted two steamy snaps of the intimate lip lock on his own Instagram account

Davey was rumoured to be in a relationship with The Bachelor's Tara after the pair met while filming the upcoming reality dating show.

But after hinting they were a 'couple', he recently wrote on Instagram that he's 'single'.

Davey also lists his relationship status online in his bio.

Last month, Davey and Tara hinted they were a couple when they FaceTimed each other.

Both pulling silly faces, Tara jokingly wrote: 'Couple of tens.'

Just his type! Davey's new girl is Sarah Turner, a bikini model from Sydney

A fan of the show? The tattooed and tanned busty babe appears to run in the circle of the Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants. She follows Matty J, Sophie Monk, Apollo Jackson and many others on Instagram

Meanwhile, Davey shared a similar comedic post, writing: 'same same but kettle.'

Network Ten's debut season of Bachelor In Paradise is certainly living up to the hype, with the likes of Apollo, Keira Maguire, Laura Fleure, Michael Turnbull and Sophie Monk's 'stage-five clinger' Jarrod Woodgate joining the cast.

Magician Apollo previously claimed he was keen to strike up something with nanny Tara, who also lives in Queensland.

Cheeky: Her Instagram account is littered with busty bikini snap;s

'From what I've seen of Tara, she seems like so much fun, and I can definitely see the two of us getting on,' he told The Daily Telegraph.

Meanwhile, Tara claimed she was looking for fun on the reality show and not necessarily a man.

'I think Paradise is going to be a bit like schoolies week: getting lit with my mates around a pool  why not?'
Kim Kardashian famously treated husband Kanye West to a Japan trip back in June for his 40th birthday.

And now the 38-year-old reality star has revealed that he didn't know where they were going until they were snacking up in the air.

Kim took to Instagram on Thursday to share a snap of Kanye grinning from ear to ear while aboard a private jet with several Japanese snacks and magazines in front of him.

'He was so happy!' Kim Kardashian took to Instagram on Thursday to share a snap of Kanye West grinning from ear to ear while aboard a private jet with several Japanese snacks and magazines in front of him

Loving gesture: The 38-year-old reality star wanted to pull out all of the stops for her husband's big milestone last June, but she refused to give away the surprise she had planned for him until he jumped on board the jet and sussed out the clues, as she is pictured back in September

She claimed that she had made the Life Of Pablo rapper guess where they were going by the accoutrements.

Kim wanted to pull out all of the stops for her husband's big milestone last June, but she refused to give away the surprise she had planned for him until he jumped on board the jet and sussed out the clues - including sweet treats and reading material - she had strategically scattered around the aircraft.

She accompanied the snap with the caption: "Throwback to that time I surprised Kanye with a trip to Japan for his birthday!

Happily ever after: Back in June Kim shared a few snaps with her hubby on his special 40th birthday

She's a beauty! Kim shared photos to her Snapchat during her Japan holiday, including one where she wore a kimono

'He had to guess where we were going based on the snacks and magazines I had the plane stocked with! He was happy! (sic)"

Her decision to dig out the photo and share it online has sparked speculation that she's thinking about ideas that will top last year's birthday as the day creeps closer.

Though Kim and Kanye's trip last year was a bit more private than they are used to, she did take to social media to share a few snaps from it.

'Say cheese!' Kim shared this intimate picture from the intimate trip

And it's not just Kim who comes up with the best gifts as the 'Only One' hitmaker spent over $200,000 on stocks for the brunette beauty's Christmas present last year - and Amazon and Adidas have boomed on the stock market, meaning the businesswoman has already made an impressive $32,000 in just two months, according to TMZ.

Meanwhile, the couple have already had the best gift this year as their baby daughter Chicago - who was born via surrogate last month - was welcomed into the world.

A source said recently: 'Kim gets up for everything, in the middle of the night, especially in the first week. It's really important they bond with the baby. Kim's a very hands-on mom. Baby is settling in beautifully. Chi is sleeping a ton for now.'
They've spent the past 10 days apart after Jasmine Yarbrough travelled to New York for Fashion Week.

And Karl Stefanovic looked happy to be reunited with his fiancee on Wednesday night, the Today host all smiles as the two stepped out together in Sydney.

Jasmine looked equally elated to be back in Karl's company, the shoe designer taking the plunge in a low cut dress.

He's happy to see her! Karl Stefanovic is all smiles as he is reunited with fiancee Jasmine Yarbrough ... who takes the plunge in a low cut dress

The couple strode hand in hand down a Sydney street, both Jasmine and Karl sporting megawatt grins.

Karl wore a midnight blue suit, while Jasmine took the plunge in a low cut polka dot dress.

The model turned shoe designer also wore a pair of $317 satin slippers from her label, Mara & Mine.

Stylish pair: Karl wore a midnight blue suit, while Jasmine took the plunge in a low cut polka dot dress

In high spirits: The couple strode hand in hand down a Sydney street, both Jasmine and Karl sporting megawatt grins

Jasmine is back in Sydney after spending time earlier his month in New York for Fashion Week.

Last week, Karl confirmed to The Fix that his lady love was in the Big Apple to try and find buyers for her shoe brand alongside business partner Tamara Ingham.

He also spoke publicly for the first time about his engagement to Jasmine, gushing that he was 'very happy'.

Home in Australia: Jasmine is back in Sydney after spending time earlier his month in New York for fashion week

Confirmed speculation: The couple revealed their engagement last month when Jasmine began wearing a diamond sparkler on her wedding finger

'We are yet to work out when we will get married, but probably later this year,' he told the website.

Karl and Jasmine went public with their relationship in February 2017 after meeting on a boat party in December 2016.

The couple confirmed their engagement last month when Jasmine began wearing a diamond sparkler on her ring finger.
He's the Today show host who famously wore the same suit to work for an entire year.

But it's likely Karl Stefanovic, 43, won't be repeating Wednesday night's outfit before throwing it in the wash, having been spotted in Sydney with a large stain on his collar.

Strutting down the street with much-younger fiancee Jasmine Yarbrough on his arm, Karl appeared not to notice the orange splatter on his crisp button-up shirt.

Oops! It's likely Karl Stefanovic, 43, won't be repeating Wednesday night's outfit before throwing it in the wash, having been spotted in Sydney with a large stain on his collar

Instead, Karl opted to focus his attention to curious onlookers, flashing his pearly whites with a broad smile.

It's unclear whether he incurred the blemish during the romantic dinner he shared with Jasmine hours earlier.

Meanwhile, Jasmine managed to don a stain-free ensemble, consisting of a plunging polka-dot dress, a black leather handbag and a pair of bizarre slipper-inspired shoes.

Need a bib? It's unclear whether he incurred the blemish during the romantic dinner he shared with Jasmine hours earlier

Jasmine is back in Sydney after spending time earlier his month in New York for Fashion Week.

Last week, Karl confirmed to The Fix that his lady love was in the Big Apple to try and find buyers for her shoe brand alongside business partner Tamara Ingham.

He also spoke publicly for the first time about his engagement to Jasmine, gushing that he was 'very happy'.

Showing him how it's done! Meanwhile, Jasmine managed to don a stain-free ensemble, consisting of a plunging polka-dot dress, a black leather handbag and a pair of bizarre slipper-inspired shoes

'We are yet to work out when we will get married, but probably later this year,' he told the website.

Karl and Jasmine went public with their relationship in February 2017 after meeting on a boat party in December 2016.

The couple confirmed their engagement last month when Jasmine began wearing a diamond sparkler on her ring finger.
Lisa Vanderpump will stop at nothing to help a dog in need.

On Thursday, the 57-year-old entrepreneur posted an Instagram photo calling on her social media followers to help find her best friend's lost pup in Montenegro.

The owner of the dog, a yacht captain, has been searching for days.

Lisa wrote: 'I know it's a long shot but if any of you are in Montenegro or have friends there, please help us find this dog!'

Lost dog: Lisa Vanderpump took to Instagram to call on her social media followers to help locate her best friend's missing Cocker Spaniel in Montenegro

She continued: 'Missing 4 days on 2/16 at 15:30 from Tivat town Marina (Kalimanj), 2,000 reward! Please retweet and help us find him!! Call +38267520679 with details.'

The reality TV star told DailyMail.com: 'Having recently lost two dogs myself, I am heartbroken and trying to help bring this magnificent creature back home.'

Dog lover: Lisa with her beloved Pomeranian Giggy in November

Vanderpump urged those in Montenegro to help share the picture and information so the dog can be brought home safely.

He is the most loving dog in the world! I have been so devastated by this and I hope to have him home soon! the owner added.

Vanderpump's love of animals is well documented.

She opened a rescue center in Los Angeles has saved and placed nearly 500 dogs into homes since March of 2017. She has also been campaigning to end the Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China.

She has also created a luxury pet accessories brand called Vanderpump Pets.

The star shared with Modern Dog Magazine that her source of inspiration in creating the line was her Pomeranian: 'Giggy has always worn clothes and hats ... Giggy has to wear clothes because of his alopecia.'

Pretty in pink! The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star posted an Instagram image on Saturday showing her and Giggy at a dinner table while matching in pink outerwear
After nearly a year of developing Warner Bros. big-screen Batgirl, Joss Whedon has dropped out of writing and directing the DC Comics spin-off.

'Batgirl is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realize I really didn't have a story,' the 53-year-old Oscar nominee admitted in a THR statement.

'I'm grateful to [DC president Geoff Johns and Warner Bros. Picture Group president Toby Emmerich] and everyone who was so welcoming when I arrived, and so understanding when I...uh, is there a sexier word for "failed?"'

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Nevermind! After nearly a year of developing Warner Bros. big-screen Batgirl, Joss Whedon has dropped out of writing and directing the DC Comics spin-off

The 53-year-old Oscar nominee admitted in a THR statement: 'Batgirl is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realize I really didn't have a story'

The fictional feminist flick will center on the superhero sidekick's most popular incarnation as Barbara Gordon, the niece of Gotham City police commissioner James Gordon.

When Alicia Silverstone played Batgirl in Joel Schumacher's universally-panned 1997 flick Batman & Robin, she was Barbara Wilson the orphaned niece of Alfred Pennyworth the butler.

Joss (born Joseph) carved out his filmmaking career crafting strong female characters in projects like Firefly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dollhouse, and Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Delayed! The fictional feminist flick will center on the superhero sidekick's most popular incarnation as Barbara Gordon, the niece of Gotham City police commissioner James Gordon

Universally-panned: When Alicia Silverstone (L) played Batgirl in Joel Schumacher's 1997 flick Batman & Robin, she was Barbara Wilson the orphaned niece of Alfred Pennyworth the butler

Back in 2006, Whedon exited Wonder Woman under similar circumstances and his resulting script was blasted as 'sexist,' 'cringey,' and 'terrible' when it leaked last May.

The Emmy winner's reputation took another major hit last November when his estranged wife Kai Cole called him a 'hypocrite' and 'repeated cheater' in The Wrap following 16 years of marriage and two children.

In the midst of the #MeToo Movement, perhaps a female filmmaker would be the best bet, but The Neon Demon's Nicolas Winding Refn did offer to helm Batgirl back in 2016.

Directing Scarlett Johansson: Joss (born Joseph) carved out his filmmaking career crafting strong female characters in projects like Firefly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dollhouse, and Avengers: Age of Ultron (pictured in 2015)

Deja vu? Back in 2006, Whedon exited Wonder Woman under similar circumstances and his resulting script was blasted as 'sexist,' 'cringey,' and 'terrible' when it leaked last May

Ouch: The Emmy winner's reputation took another major hit last November when his estranged wife Kai Cole (L) called him a 'hypocrite' and 'repeated cheater' in The Wrap following 16 years of marriage and two children (pictured 2010)

'You know the one I want to do? I want to make Batgirl. Let's get Warner working on it,' the Danish 47-year-old told Business Insider at the time.

'I very much enjoy my freedom creatively, but I also would love to make one of those big Hollywood films that costs a lot of money and has a lot of people running around with cell phones and all that insanity.'
A Brisbane woman accused of bludgeoning her mother to death is one step closer to having her fate decided by a jury after being committed to stand trial for her murder.

Simona Zafirovska, 21, is accused of killing Radica Zafirovska, whose bloodied body was found at her Brisbane home at The Gap on October 28, 2016.

During a committal hearing on Wednesday in Brisbane Magistrates Court, police witnesses described finding a blood-stained piece of wood fashioned into a "timber stake" with a pointed end and a handle near the body.

Zafirovska is accused of striking her 56-year-old mother up to 20 times with the weapon.

There was also extensive blood spatter on the bedroom walls, and minute traces of blood were found in the kitchen and bathroom sinks, as well as on the tiled foyer, the court heard.

The court heard an unknown person had been seen fleeing the house shortly after Ms Zafirovska died, but one detective said they had never discovered their identity.

No date has yet been set for Zafirovska's Supreme Court trial.
Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Vikki Campion, the mother of his unborn child, are looking for privacy in the wake of a tumultuous fortnight splashed across newspaper front pages.

Mr Joyce and Ms Campion, in their first interview together since being outed as an expectant couple by News Corp, hit back at the perception they were living large - rent-free - in a millionaire's apartment.

Mr Joyce questioned the handling of the story by some, noting the line of questioning had changed from "inquiry to malice".

The couple now feel, partly because of a media pack camped outside, they have to relocate somewhere more private - they told Fairfax Media on Wednesday.

Ms Campion, reportedly uncomfortable with the limelight, refused to be photographed during the interview and made only one on-the-record comment - that her son's middle names would be in honour of her two brothers.

She also rebutted rumours she was paid up to $190,000 while working for National Party members. Instead, Ms Campion produced pay slips indicating she earned between $133,000 and $138,000.

The deputy prime minister staved off calls for his resignation over the last week, even from within his own party, and said he did not know if he would face a spill motion when parliament resumes next week.
The family and friends of Mick Hawi will grieve the murdered former bikie leader with a "beautiful" heart in a South Sydney mosque ahead of his burial at Rookwood Cemetery.

Born in Beirut in Lebanon, Mahmoud "Mick" Hawi moved to Australia with his parents, brother and three sisters as a young boy in 1985.

As national president of the Comanchero motorcycle club, Hawi was imprisoned over the bashing death of Hell's Angels associate Anthony Zervas in a wild brawl at Sydney Airport in 2009.

He was released in 2015 but shot dead by masked hitmen outside a Rockdale gym last week.

His body will be taken from Arncliffe's Al-Zahra mosque after prayers to be buried at Rookwood cemetery on Thursday afternoon.

Hawi's grieving widow, Carolina Gonzalez, offered a prayer for God to grant the "love of (her) life" entry to the "highest levels of heaven".

"Only I, his close friends and family know how truly beautiful his heart was," she wrote on Facebook on Monday.

Police are still hunting his killers.
Police are waiting for toxicology reports before confirming the identities of three people killed in a deliberately lit house fire in Canberra.

No family members have been notified of the deaths, despite autopsies being done after Monday's blaze.

Neighbours have told the Nine Network a mother lived at the Bonner property and that her two children visited on weekends.

Police described the investigation as "extremely complex".

"There are a large number of investigative avenues currently being examined to assist in determining the circumstances that led to this tragic outcome," they said.

A man was questioned by police on Tuesday and released without charge.

Forensic investigators at the scene on Tuesday confirmed the use of accelerants and identified a number of different starting points for the fire.

Investigators have not confirmed whether the victims were adults or children, or where in the home the bodies were discovered.
Police are waiting on the results of toxicology tests after a suspected drug overdose at a Gold Coast high school left four students fighting for their lives.

Paramedics were called to St Stephen's College in Upper Coomera after midday on Wednesday when seven boys, aged 15 and 14, began appearing under the influence of drugs.

Four boys were taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition, with another boy transported in a serious condition.

The other two boys were stable when they were taken to hospital.

Police have established two crime scenes at the school and seized several mobile phones and electronic devices.

Acting Inspector Tony Wormald said police fear the boys may have bought the drugs over the internet.

"We're more concerned with where they got the drugs from, why they took it and hopefully everybody pulls through safely" Insp Wormald said.

Authorities suspect the substance is a powdered form of GHB, also known as fantasy.

"These boys started to become very giddy, not aware of their surroundings, one was having trouble with his consciousness, others were feeling nauseous," Queensland Ambulance Service Inspector Patrick Berry said.

"QAS do have to applaud the response from the school. It has been absolutely amazing they have been able to identify these children were deteriorating and were able to have ambulance service respond accordingly."

Mr Berry said it was "too early to tell" just how the students would recover and it would take toxicology results to help determine the course of action for doctors to take.

Principal Jamie Dorrington, who was reportedly attending a conference in Brisbane when the boys fell ill, joined the boys and their families in hospital on Wednesday night.

"Our primary concern at the moment obviously is to ensure their wellbeing, which I'm confident is being looked after," Mr Dorrington said.
Malcolm Turnbull will lead the most significant delegation Australia has ever sent to Washington as state premiers and business leaders meet their US counterparts on a powerful four day visit.

US President Donald Trump will roll out the red carpet for the prime minister when he lands on Wednesday evening (Thursday AEDT) with trade, North Korea, China, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, infrastructure and defence ties expected to be on the agenda.

The Australian embassy says the contingent of prime minister, four premiers, two chief ministers and business leaders is "the largest and most significant delegation of Australian government and business leaders ever to visit the United States".

Mr Trump has reciprocated with his most senior cabinet members, military leaders and intelligence heads, some who are making special trips back to Washington DC, scheduled to meet Mr Turnbull during the visit.

The warm welcome in chilly Washington DC is another attempt to mend US-Australian ties after the leaders' testy initial phone call a year ago about the asylum seeker deal Mr Turnbull struck with the Obama administration.

Mr Turnbull says he is now great mates with Mr Trump.

"We've got a great relationship," Mr Turnbull told Sky News before departing Australia.

Mr Turnbull's schedule includes meetings with new Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, National Intelligence Director Dan Coats and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Joseph Dunford.

He will also meet with Vice President Mike Pence on Friday in the White House.

The Australian delegation, including business leaders and premiers Gladys Berejiklian, Annastacia Palaszczuk, Daniel Andrews, Mark McGowan and chief ministers Andrew Barr and Michael Gunner, will build trade connections with state governors when they host them and other US political and business leaders at the Australian embassy on Friday.

Mr Turnbull will wrap up the US visit on Saturday by delivering a keynote address at the US National Governors Association Winter Meetings, attended by more than 40 American state governors.

"America is a big country, so we're bringing over a very large business delegation of leading Australian companies, all of the premiers are coming, except for those that are fighting elections of course," Mr Turnbull said.

"What we're going to do is broaden our reach and connection into the United States."

Mr Turnbull and wife Lucy Turnbull will be greeted by Mr Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House on Friday with a ceremonial welcome.

They will spend most of the day at the White House, with the First Lady scheduled to host Ms Turnbull for lunch.
Warriors boss Stephen Kearney says he'll treat Saturday's pre-season trial against Gold Coast Titans as essentially the real deal.

The Warriors head to Queensland's Sunshine Coast for the match having played just one trial this year, a 20-14 win over Melbourne in Rotorua.

It'll be their last hit-out before their season-opening NRL match against South Sydney, as part of a Perth double-header on March 10.

As a result, Kearney has named a near-full strength side, including Shaun Johnson, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and recruits Adam Blair and Tohu Harris.

Blake Green will also play alongside Johnson for the first time.

Regulars Simon Mannering, Sam Lisone and Issac Luke have been named on the bench, as have Tonga halfback Ata Hingano and prodigy Hayze Perham.

Despite taking 23 men across the ditch for the match, Kearney said he'd take it deadly seriously and look for a solid victory.

But, either way, it wouldn't change his plans heading into March 10.

"If I'm honest I'm playing close to NRL or competition rules in terms of interchanges, I want to keep them pretty minimal," Kearney said.

"We'll continue to build - another trial against a quality outfit on Saturday afternoon, so it's an opportunity for us to continue as a team."

Kearney said he'd have no qualms unleashing some of his younger players - such as Perham, Sam Cook or Isaiah Papali'i - on the NRL in 2018.

"If you saw some of the performances (last) weekend from some of the young guys, it's what building a footy club is about, having depth," Kearney said.

The Warriors finished 13th in the 2017 NRL season.
Big Bird exploring the Daintree Rainforest, Elmo diving the Great Barrier Reef and Cookie Monster chomping on a mango.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk wants Sesame Street filmed in Queensland, and has met with the show's senior team members in New York to encourage them to make it happen next year.

"In its 50th year, it would be great if the iconic Sesame Street could film at some of our iconic locations like the Reef, the outback and Dinosaur Way, and our rainforests," Ms Palaszczuk said on Thursday.
An alleged fight between two Victorian government MPs in a members-only dining room in parliament is under investigation.

Speaker Colin Brooks opened question time on Thursday, declaring he and Legislative Council President Bruce Atkinson have asked their officials to investigate reports of an incident involving Major Events Minister John Eren and former minister Adem Somyurek on Wednesday night.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy then launched an attack in question time in parliament, attempting to ask how much Mr Eren had to drink in the lead-up to the confrontation.
A Perth man is facing fraud charges after he allegedly faked a hijacking before lodging a false claim with his car insurer.

The 28-year-old contacted police on February 7 claiming he had been attacked by two men, one armed with a large knife, while he sat in his parked car in Osborne Park.

He claimed the men had forced him to drive around for about two hours before being ordered out of his car on Marmion Avenue in Edlington, police said on Thursday.

The car, a 2010 Ford Falcon sedan, was found abandoned the following day in Perth's northern suburbs.

Later, the man lodged an insurance claim with his car insurer.

However, after investigating police now allege the crime never took place and the insurance claim was falsely made.

The man, from the north Perth suburb of Ashby, has been charged with creating false belief and attempt to gain benefit by fraud.

He is due to appear in the Joondalup Magistrates Court on March 23.
Queensland Liberal National Party leader Deb Frecklington won't say if she backs Barnaby Joyce as federal leader of the National Party in the wake of his affair with an ex-staffer.

Responding to questions about whether the deputy prime minister had the state opposition's support, Ms Frecklington refused to express her confidence in the Nationals leader.

"In relation to Barnaby Joyce, it is a matter for the federal Nationals and I'm really going to leave it at that," she told reporters on Thursday.
The Cambodian prime minister has vowed to beat up protesters if they burn effigies of him at a summit of Southeast Asian leaders in Sydney next month.

Hundreds of Cambodians living in Australia are expected to rally against Hun Sen when he attends the Australia-Association of South East Asian Nations summit in mid-March.

Cambodia's democracy is under attack, with the country's Supreme Court dissolving the Cambodia National Rescue Party last year and jailing opposition leader Kem Sokha.

"I want to remind those who plan to demonstrate against me that my visit is an honour for their government," Prime Minister Hun Sen said in a speech, according to translated subtitles.

"If they burn my effigy ... I will pursue them to their houses and beat them up."

An Australian filmmaker James Ricketson is in jail in Cambodia, facing spy charges after flying a drone over a political protest in the capital Phnom Penh last June.

He faces five to 10 years behind bars if convicted.

Last week, exiled former Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy said Mr Ricketson was a scapegoat and his arrest was designed to frighten and deter foreign journalists from writing critical reports of Hun Sen's government.
You can't blame them for trying.

The International Monetary Fund used its annual appraisal of Australia this week to again call for sweeping tax reform - rather than the piecemeal efforts of the past 18 years.

Like similar repeated endeavours by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the IMF has urged Australia's taxation system focus on revenue raising from consumption - in other words, the GST - and land taxation.

This would help relieve the onus on corporate and personal income tax.

But, as with all such well-meaning suggestions, both sides of politics tend to cherry-pick the things they want to hear while ignoring the rest.

Treasurer Scott Morrison unsurprisingly leapt on the report's backing of the government's efforts to cut the company tax rate to 25 per cent.

"Reinforcing the need to maintain our international competitiveness, the report notes that Australia's corporate tax rate is currently in the top tier of advanced economies," Morrison said.

Likewise, shadow treasurer Chris Bowen eagerly pointed out the IMF also believes lower capital gains discounts and limits to negative gearing for investors are "desirable", something Labor continues to pursue.

However, the IMF also calls for limits to capital gains exemptions on owner-occupier homes, an idea no one wants to talk about.

IMF's Thomas Helbling, who led a delegation to Australia last year as part of the annual analytical process, says there are inefficiencies in the system, with scope to reduce "generous" tax exemptions.

The Washington-based institute estimates broad-based tax reform could boost economic growth by at least a further 1.3 per cent by lowering corporate and personal income taxes and lifting the GST and introducing a land tax.

This surpasses the Australian Treasury's estimates for cutting the company tax rate on its own.

The reduction to 25 per cent for all businesses from 30 per cent over the next decade would lift economic growth by up to one per cent in the "long-term" when fully implemented, it says.

Two years ago, a full-blown tax reform package looked on the cards, the first since former prime minister John Howard and his treasurer Peter Costello introduced the GST in 2000.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull put everything back on the table for discussion from an ongoing tax review started under his predecessor Tony Abbott.

But the idea to raise the GST was ditched as a funding mechanism for broad-brush tax cuts because private modelling showed it would lift growth by just 0.3 per cent.

It meant the GST rate still remains at 10 per cent, where it has stood since its inception and one of the lowest within the OECD.

GST exemptions on food, health and housing also remain intact.

Of course, a major difficulty in making any change to the GST is it has to be agreed to by all the states - who get the revenue - and both houses of federal parliament.

As it is, state premiers are at each other's throats over what may emerge from a Productivity Commission review over how the annual $62 billion GST revenue pie will be carved up after continued whingeing from Western Australia over its dwindling share.

But political deadlock over tax reform is not limited to the GST.

The remainder of the government's business tax cuts risk being blocked in the Senate.

After a lot of argy-bargy last year, the government did manage to get a deduction for businesses with a turnover less than $50 million.

But already the Nick Xenophon Team and One Nation senators are siding with Labor and the Greens in opposing them for larger firms, even while President Donald Trump is slashing the US corporate rate from 35 per cent to 21 per cent.

The government is also talking about possible personal tax cuts being announced in the May budget, although there are questions over how they will be funded while keeping the promise of a budget surplus in 2020/21.

As difficult as tax reform continues to prove, you can bet the IMF and the OECD won't give up handing out their friendly advice.

One day a government might listen.
Malcolm Turnbull's ban on ministers having sex with staff will be as effective as King Canute trying to stop the sea.

The prime minister's edict, issued in the wake of the Barnaby Joyce imbroglio, takes little account of human relations in all their messy glory.

And in the hothouse atmosphere of Parliament House, temptations and opportunities to err are probably greater than anywhere else in the country.

Ministers and staff work long hours together and share the excitements and disappointments of politics, often with a bottle of wine. Politics is addictive and many are hooked.

It's not such a big step for a close working relationship to become something more, especially when home and family are far away.

It's not clear exactly why Turnbull did what he did, beyond his compulsion to do something.

Was it on moral grounds, or the slightly old fashioned (though nothing wrong with that) notions of fidelity and betrayal?

If so, why should it extend to ministers with no-one to betray? And why shouldn't it extend to backbenchers?

And what of a person who starts a relationship as a backbencher and then is promoted.

Turnbull could also be trying to prevent ministers misspending taxpayers' money on staffer lovers.

This is a separate issue. Of course rorting should be stopped, whatever the relationship. It's wrong in itself.

Some have applauded the ban on the assumption that it will protect vulnerable young women being exploited by men with power over them.

It's true that ministers - and that includes women ministers, to whom the ban also presumably applies - have largely unfettered power over staffers.

But most staffers are mature, probably graduates, quite capable of saying no. And if, as they say, power is a great aphrodisiac, then it may be the staffer who sometimes takes the initiative.

Parliament House has seen just about every possible sort of liaison - involving ministers (perhaps some past prime ministers), backbenchers, personal and parliamentary staffers and press gallery journalists.

It''s all very mucky, just like life.
A Chinese doctor with no Australian qualifications has been granted bail over a fatal breast enlargement operation at a Sydney beauty clinic last August.

Jia Shao, 34, and graduate nurse Yueqiong Fu, 29, are charged with the manslaughter of 35-year-old salon owner Jean Huang, although the cause of her death has not yet been identified.

In granting Shao bail in the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday, Justice Natalie Adams noted there was "something vaguely artificial" in assessing her flight risk as it was inevitable she would be detained at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre where her co-accused is housed.

The court was told that in the middle of the operation, Ms Huang sat up and said: "I can still feel pain, put on another bag of Tramadol" (a painkiller).

On the available material, there were at least four possible causes of death which included analgesics given to Ms Huang "who had indicated she did not have a good tolerance of pain and insisted on more analgesics", the judge said.

Death could also have been caused by the local anaesthetic; by the infills themselves which were inserted in her breasts; or as a result of other medication taken prior to the procedure based on the fact she vomited some white tablets before her death.

Justice Adams noted Fu was granted bail in September by another judge who concluded the crown case could not be described as "particularly strong" for the same reasons as she listed in relation to the absence of a determination on the cause of death.
WWII BOMB DISCOVERED BY TWO DIVERS IN SYDNEY HARBOUR:

WHO FOUND IT?

Dive instructor Tony Strazzari and his friend Paul Szerenga stumbled upon the bomb at Jones Bay, Pyrmont, on Wednesday.

WHAT TYPE OF BOMB?

The ADF identified it as a three-inch British Stokes Mortar, invented in WWI and varied several times before being used extensively by Australian units during WWII.

WHERE WAS IT MADE?

The three-inch mortar bomb was produced in large quantities in various Australian factories and many were dumped in the sea.

WAS IT DANGEROUS?

Both the NSW Police and ADF assessed the bomb and established it wasn't a risk to public safety. However, the ADF also said it is the most common bomb found by civilians and has caused a number of fatalities over the years.

WHY WAS IT AT JONES BAY?

Part of the Jones Bay Wharf, which was completed in 1919, was one of the staging points for Australian troops leaving for combat in WWII, according to The Wharf Company that deals exclusively with property in the area.

WHAT HAPPENED TO IT?

The bomb was taken by the ADF's Regional Explosive Ordnance Services and disposed of at a defence range.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FIND ONE?

Defence urges anyone who finds a suspicious item that may be an unexploded bomb not to touch or disturb it and contact police, who will arrange for military experts to dispose of it.

Source: Australian Defence Force
NSW's year 9 students will no longer have to worry about their NAPLAN marks affecting their high school graduation.

The NSW government has separated the controversial test from the minimum standard of numeracy and literacy for high school graduation.

Education Minister Rob Stokes says he received a clear message from teachers, parents and students that having the NAPLAN test linked to high school graduation was putting too much pressure on year 9 students and over-complicating the HSC.

"There was very, very clear advice that it was confusing and it was complex," Mr Stokes told 2GB radio on Thursday.

"NAPLAN should be a simple check-up, not a major operation."

Mr Stokes said by allowing students to use their year 9 NAPLAN score to pre-qualify for the HSC minimum standard for literacy and numeracy, the test had inadvertently been transformed into a "high-stakes test".

The decision to decouple it from the HSC comes less than two years after the former education minister, Adrian Piccoli, announced they would be linked.

In 2016, the state government introduced the changes allowing students with a band 8 NAPLAN to "pre-qualify" for the HSC.

Under the new system, to be introduced in 2020, students sitting the HSC will still be required to demonstrate a minimum level of literacy and numeracy.

This will be tested through short online reading, writing and numeracy tests in years 10, 11 or 12.

Mr Stokes said the new system would still ensure graduates achieved the required HSC literacy and numeracy skills.

"We need to make sure everyone who receives the HSC has met a least a minimum standard in maths and in English," he said.
Australia's human rights record has been slammed on the eve of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's White House meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Amnesty International, in its annual global assessment of human rights, accused Australia of "dog-whistling and hate-filled narratives" that encouraged bigotry and discrimination against marginalised groups.

Australia is also accused of subjecting asylum-seekers and refugees to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and the justice system failing indigenous people with high rates of incarceration, especially children.

"Australia's abusive treatment of refugees and people seeking asylum is once again a shameful stain on our country's human rights record," Amnesty International Australia national director Claire Mallinson told AAP.

"Australia also has one of the world's worst records of protecting the rights of its First Peoples, who have a life expectancy 10 years less than the rest of the population, while indigenous children are locked up at 25 times the rate of non-Indigenous children.

"In just a few days Australia will be making its first appearance at the Human Rights Council - if ever there was an opportunity to show leadership on the world stage, that time is now."

Mr Turnbull landed in Washington DC on Wednesday for a four-day visit and will meet Mr Trump at the White House on Friday.

The organisation demanded Mr Turnbull and Mr Trump renounce "hateful rhetoric and policies, which are setting a dangerous precedent for other governments to follow".
Two Iranian nationals have been arrested in Sydney for allegedly trying to import almost 10 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in honey jars on a cargo flight to Australia.

Two men, aged 28 and 31, were arrested by Australian Federal Police officers on Wednesday following an operation that was sparked by a drug seizure in Turkey last October.

The AFP says 1.8kg of methamphetamine, bound for an address in Granville, was seized by authorities in Turkey in 2017, prompting the Australian operation.

The men, who have been charged with importing a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, appeared before Sydney Central Local Court on Thursday, where they did not apply for bail and it was formally refused.
The overdose of Gold Coast school students must prompt action from government and educators to stop teenagers treating drug education "like a joke", an expert says.

Five year 10 students from St Stephen's College in Upper Coomera remain in hospital after seven were severely affected by drugs believed to be bought online.

University of Queensland drugs expert Jake Najman told AAP that information given to students on drugs should not be a "half an hour school lesson".

He warned such brief messaging could even entice teenagers if they "treat it like a joke".

"There's also no evidence talking to parents works," the director of the Queensland Alcohol and Drug Research and Education Centre said.

Professor Najman said governments needed to invest in developing intensive, long-term drug education for students.

"It's a much more systematic problem that needs real commitment and not just a headline saying, 'Don't do it'," he said.

Prof Najman rated the incident was the "worst event" he had encountered, with questions surrounding the mysterious drug essential to other's safety.

Police are awaiting the results of toxicology reports to confirm which drug was involved.

Prof Najman said the government and border security worked vigorously to intercept drugs coming into Australia but illicit drugs were "relatively easily available" for teenagers.
Financial advisers accused of costing investors millions due to manipulating share prices say they have improved their training of share brokers.

Macquarie Private Wealth is accused of deliberately ramping up the price of Cleveland Mining's stock, only for it to crash when advisers pulled money out in 2013.

Cleveland Mining told a Senate committee the crash in its share price had permanently damaged its ability to raise capital.

Managing director David Mendelawitz claimed Macquarie advisers pushed clients to buy shares in the company, forcing the price up before a crash.

But Macquarie Group's deputy managing director Greg Ward told the committee in Melbourne on Thursday the allegations were untrue.

"It's disturbing to hear those allegations, that is obviously not what we think has happened at all," Mr Ward said.

Mr Ward said Cleveland Mining had an experienced management team trying to raise capital to find gold and iron ore, but they ran out of money before they could fund operations from any mineral finds.

Investor Brendan James told the committee he launched an investigation into Macquarie Private Wealth after he lost a substantial amount of money in Cleveland Mining.

He told the committee he asked his adviser to sell out of the company but was told on the phone to keep his shares.

But the committee was told Macquarie does not record phone calls between advisers and clients, and there was no email evidence that Mr James was told to keep his shares.

Mr Ward said there had been a "significant" investment in training and supervising advisers.

"The thing we have bolstered since that time is the supervision and monitoring of adviser conduct," Mr Ward said.

"A big investment in more training, more compliance, more systems, more monitoring."

The committee heard Macquarie Private Wealth also contacted every client with shares in Cleveland Mining to see if they had any concerns, but received only 10 responses.
Scientists believe they're one step closer to developing a vaccine to protect the iconic Tasmanian devil from the deadly facial tumour disease that's decimated the marsupial's population.

A study of 52 devils immunised and released into the wild has found nearly all developed antibodies to fight the disease.

"This study is the first evidence that most Tasmanian devils can make an antibody response against DFTD cells," lead author Dr Ruth Pye said.

"Although there was a slow decline in the amount of specific antibody seen, responses were maintained for at least five months after immunisation."

Devils were released at two spots in the Apple Isle's north - 19 at Narawntapu National Park and 33 at Stony Head.

Of the populations, 95 per cent made DFTD-specific antibodies.

University of Tasmania professor and senior author of the paper Bruce Lyons agreed it was a "major advancement".

He said the next step is to determine whether the vaccine can stop transmission of the highly contagious cancer.

"A lot of people hear vaccine and think cure, end of story. We're trying to get across that this is the beginning of the story," Prof Lyons told AAP.

"(But) we're on our way there.

"Trying to put a firm timeline on things is always difficult but I think we'll know in the next year or two whether or not we're on the right track."

The study, published in Frontiers in Immunology this week, was funded largely by the Australian Research Council.
The Nats who can decide Joyce's future

Victorian Nationals MP Andrew Broad wants Barnaby Joyce benched, after revelations about his affair with an office staffer. But what does the party room think?

BARNABY JOYCE

Joyce insists he isn't moving, labelling calls to oust him a "witch-hunt" and urging the media to "move on".

BRIDGET MCKENZIE

The senator who became Joyce's deputy in December is sticking by her leader, offering a "rolled gold guarantee" he will remain in the position.

DAVID LITTLEPROUD

The first-term MP, appointed agriculture minister at Joyce's insistence in December, has urged those agitating against the leader to "put up or shut up".

NIGEL SCULLION

The NT senator, who was interim parliamentary leader when Joyce was contesting the by-election, has backed the leader to remain and says reports about Joyce's affair are the biggest beat-up he's seen.

MATTHEW CANAVAN

The former chief-of-staff to Joyce, Canavan was also caught up in the revelations after he employed Ms Campion.

MICHAEL MCCORMACK

In a car-crash television interview, the NSW Nationals MP and leadership contender refused six times to support Joyce as leader, relying on the phrase "at the moment" before saying "of course" he supported him.

DARREN CHESTER

The former infrastructure minister was dumped in the December reshuffle, losing his portfolio to Joyce, seen by some as a rebuke from the leader.

KEITH PITT

The now-backbencher from Queensland was also dumped from his trade responsibilities in the reshuffle and has been laying low since the Joyce reports surfaced.

GEORGE CHRISTENSEN

The outspoken MP and former party whip has backed his leader and says he continues to have the support of the party room.

DAMIAN DRUM

Drum has also slotted in behind his leader and insists he understood Joyce's affair with Ms Campion was over when she moved to work in his office.

BARRY O'SULLIVAN

The outspoken Queenslander supports Joyce, saying he's one of the best politicians the country has had in his lifetime. Do you "shoot your best horse because he jumped the fence and was found in the neighbour's paddock".

ANDREW BROAD

The Victorian MP says Joyce must go to the backbench and will take a motion to colleagues on Monday when parliament resumes.

KEN O'DOWD

The Queensland backbencher believes the ball is in Joyce's court, but something needs to be resolved.

LLEW O'BRIEN

The fellow Queenslander admits there are obviously people concerned about the crisis but just as many, if not more, are supportive of Joyce.

MICHELLE LANDRY

The party's whip has been publicly standing by her leader and won't support a change.

JOHN WILLIAMS

One of the first to warn any revelations about the misuse of public money would mean trouble for Joyce, but has expressed confidence in him.

ANDREW GEE

The NSW MP says he hasn't been approached by anyone talking about a Joyce challenge.

LUKE HARTSUYKER

The former minister believes Joyce needs to work through his issues, but the coalition can move on with him at the helm.

DAVID GILLESPIE

The backbencher, who is facing his own High Court fight about questions over his eligibility, says he supports Joyce.

KEVIN HOGAN

The NSW MP has no doubt Joyce is feeling very bruised, but has talked up the job he has done leading the party.

MARK COULTON

The NSW MP has said he has "no comment" on Joyce's future.

WA NATIONALS

Issued a statement saying Joyce had lost their support because of the "ongoing damage" he is doing to the party.
A move from within the NSW Greens to have MP Jeremy Buckingham expelled from the party has been shot down.

Mr Buckingham was referred to the Greens' conflict resolution committee by members of the party after making comments about Senator Lee Rhiannon's opposition to party reform in an ABC Four Corners program in August.

Mr Buckingham claims the the complaint was lodged by two party members on behalf of Senator Rhiannon, which she denies.

Party convenor Debbie Gibson on Thursday said the complaint had been suspended and the committee set up to investigate it disbanded.

Ms Gibson also recommended an independent review of how the party deals with such complaints.

Lawyers for Mr Buckingham on Tuesday wrote to Ms Gibson calling for her to suspend or disband the committee.

The letter, seen by AAP, asked for a response from the convenor by Midday on Thursday so Mr Buckingham could consider whether to seek an injunction in the Supreme Court.

Following the decision to suspend the complaint, Mr Buckingham thanked his supporters in a social media post.

He said the party needed to ensure its own complaints process was never used to punish those who hold differing political views.

"As a grassroots party with a founding principle of peace and non-violence, political differences within the Greens should respected, discussed openly and ultimately decided democratically by members," Mr Buckingham said in the statement.
The funeral of former Comanchero boss Mahmoud "Mick" Hawi brought together the hard men of Sydney's underworld and a family mourning a father with a "beautiful" heart.

The bikies have lost a once-feared leader who remained "staunch to the code" while Hawi's widow - his childhood sweetheart Carolina Gonzales - lost a man with whom she planned to have more children.

That "desire" for more kids, as it was termed in a Sydney court, could yet be fulfilled after a judge allowed Hawi's sperm to be extracted as his body lay in the morgue.

That sperm has now been frozen for potential future use.

The 37-year-old's own life was violently ended on February 15 when he was gunned down after working out at the Fitness First gym in Rockdale.

Hawi was a man who lived by the bikie code and "never snitched", according to his followers.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, he moved to Australia with his parents, brother and three sisters as a young boy in 1985.

He became national president of the Comancheros at 22 - just four years after joining the club - but it wasn't until the infamous bikie brawl at Sydney Airport in 2009 that his name became more widely known.

Passengers in the terminal froze in fear as dozens of Comancheros took on members of rival club the Hells Angels whose associate, Anthony Zervas, was bludgeoned to death with a bollard.

Witnesses described the all-in brawl as chaotic, wild and uncontrolled. The men were "raging", one said.

The violent escalation became the impetus for NSW Police to establish Strikeforce Raptor to target bikie activity.

Hawi served time in prison for his role in the killing, however, his murder conviction was quashed in 2014.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to at least three and a half years for that offence. He was released in 2015 taking into account time already served.

During his original sentencing, Justice Robert Allan Hulme described Hawi's childhood as "uneventful, if meagre" as he considered the bikie's background.

Hawi left high school at 16 to attend TAFE and took an apprenticeship with his father's spray painting business for several years before buying a car detailing business.

A refrigerated transport company Hawi set up in 2007 was "by all accounts a successful business" that also employed his father. The venture shut down when he was arrested over the airport brawl.

Hawi married his high school girlfriend, Ms Gonzales, in 2002 and the couple had two sons.

Ms Gonzales offered a prayer for God to grant the "love of (her) life" entry to the "highest levels of heaven" before his funeral.

"Only I, his close friends and family know how truly beautiful his heart was," she wrote on Facebook.

Justice Hulme said Hawi did not have a history of drug or alcohol abuse and appeared to have led a "settled" life characterised by self-employment and involvement with his family.

"He has earned the reputation of a man committed to his family and supportive of his friends,' the judge said.

While Hawi did not accept responsibility for Zervas's death he did exhibit "some regret", the court noted.

The Motorcycle Clubs Australia Facebook page described him as a man who lived by the club's principles and "never strayed" from the bikie code.

"He never snitched on a friend or brother even if he must take the fall," the group said in a post.

Hawi's criminal history was somewhat brief considering his status, and included a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm as a minor plus convictions for a number of driving offences.

He had also been fined for using offensive language and possessing a restricted substance.

There were reports Hawi may have had a bounty on his head when he was shot. It was said there was bad blood between him and current Comanchero leader Mark Buddle.

Hawi was remembered at a ceremony at Arncliffe's Al-Zahra mosque on February 22 exactly a week after he was killed. But there was an absence of club patches and colours.

Many mourners wore black T-shirts with Hawi's photograph printed on the back along with his date of birth and death.

An atmosphere of tension hung over the mosque as plain clothes police quietly photographed the heavily tattooed men connected to Sydney's underworld who had come to pay their respects.

After lunchtime prayers they made their way alongside Hawi's grieving family to Rookwood Cemetery where the ex-bikie boss was buried.
Two men have been arrested and charged for allegedly firing shots at a Sydney home.

Several shots were fired into the front window of a home in Mt Druitt early on Thursday morning, according to police, who said no one was injured.

Police later stopped a car in the same suburb and arrested two men, aged 32 and 35, who have been charged with firing a gun into a home with disregard to safety.

The men were refused bail to appear before Mt Druitt Local Court on Friday.
A formal sexual harassment complaint has been made against Barnaby Joyce, the Nationals have confirmed.

"The Federal Party can confirm a formal complaint has been received," Nationals Federal Director Ben Hindmarsh said in a statement.

"All complaints are taken seriously and treated with strict confidentiality and given due process."

A spokesman for Mr Joyce told News Corp he had been made "indirectly aware" of the claim which he described as "spurious and defamatory".

"He said allegations of wrongdoing should be immediately referred to police so that the veracity of any claim could be properly tested," the spokesman said.

Earlier on Thursday, Victorian Nationals MP Andrew Broad became the party's first federal representative to call for Mr Joyce to resign.

Mr Broad will move a resolution at Monday's party room meeting asking his leader to go to the backbench on the advice of his branch members.
The North Sydney Bears and a consortium from Western Australian are reportedly exploring the idea of joining forces to launch a fresh bid to be included in an expanded NRL competition.

A day after new ARLC chairman Peter Beattie declared rugby league must "expand or die", Fairfax Media says former Western Reds chairman Laurie Puddy and North Sydney Bears chairman Perry Lopez have held a series of secret talks about forming a "Western Bears" franchise.

While the negotiations are preliminary, both parties are said to be open to the prospect of working together to provide a compelling case for an NRL license.
Former middleweight world champion Sam Soliman will fight fellow Australian Wes Capper next month for an international belt and wants a fourth shot at old adversary Anthony Mundine.

The 44-year-old Victorian veteran Soliman take on Western Australian Wes Capper (19-2, 12 KOs) for the vacant IBF international middleweight title on March 17 at the Melbourne Pavilion.

Soliman (45-14, 19 KOs) lost three-successive bouts after holding the IBF title briefly in 2014.

He returned to the winner's circle with a stoppage of Hungarian Balasz Horvath last April in Melbourne.

Capper, 15 years younger than Soliman, was only eight in 1997 when the Victorian turned professional.

"People say that father time catches up with us all but, for me ... not yet,," Soliman said.

"I'm still hungry, and the training, discipline and the preparation and experience required to make sure that I am in the shape necessary to give my best when I get into the ring is now part of my DNA."

Soliman's manager David Stanley said there had been talks about the winner of the March 17 bout going on to fight Mundine, who had defeated the Victorian in all three of their fights.
A high-powered agency that oversees major infrastructure projects has waded into an explosive political debate over slashing migration levels.

Infrastructure Australia is warning it is neither feasible nor desirable for the country to turn its back on the opportunities presented by population growth.

In a report released on Friday, the independent statutory body lays out different options for how cities plan for, encourage and manage this growth.

But Infrastructure Australia is warning failing to prepare for population growth will see cities including Sydney and Melbourne suffer from congestion and a lack of access to jobs, schools, parks and hospitals.

Tony Abbott lobbed a grenade into the immigration debate this week by calling for Australia's permanent migration intake to be slashed by 80,000 places per year to 110,000.

He blamed migrants for headaches including traffic jams, house prices and job vacancies.

Senior coalition colleagues, including past and present immigration ministers, the acting prime minister and the minister for trade, all slapped down Mr Abbott.

But their public rebukes only encouraged Mr Abbott to dig in deeper, insisting he never accepted Treasury "orthodoxy" that immigration was good for growth.

Australia's population is expected to grow by 11.8 million people by 2046, which is equivalent to adding a new city roughly the size of Canberra each year for the next 30 years.

Three-quarters of this growth is expected to occur in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

"A growing population is an exciting opportunity to increase our economic prosperity and livability. The potential benefits are immense," Infrastructure Australia said in its report.

Australia faces a complex set of choices about the future of cities, each requiring trade-offs and compromise.

"But inaction is not an option, nor is business is business as usual," the report warned.

"If we fail to effectively anticipate and respond to growth, the likely results will be declining economic productivity, increasing environmental pressures and a marked reduction in each city's quality of life."

The agency called on the federal government to establish consistent frameworks to drive infrastructure development, underpinned by better planning.

It urged early community consultation, the better use of existing infrastructure, the introduction of light and heavy vehicle road user charges and an increase in public transport investment.

It also called for a focus on employment centres in larger cities serviced by public transport, rather than a scatter-gun structure reliant on private vehicles.

Infrastructure Australia recommended governments improve access to jobs, health services, schools and green spaces in outer areas of the largest cities.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House, has penned an op-ed in American national newspaper USA Today talking up the nations' strong bonds.

"Mates stick by each other through good times and bad," Mr Turnbull wrote.

"Mates have each other's backs."

Mr Turnbull arrived in Washington DC on Wednesday evening for a four-day visit and on Thursday embarked on a day of high-level meetings with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, new Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and a Pentagon visit with chairman of the joint chiefs, General Joseph Dunford.

Mr Turnbull and his wife Lucy will receive a ceremonial welcome on Friday when they visit President Trump and First Lady Melania at the White House.

The trip is viewed by both nations as an opportunity to confirm bonds that were shaken during Mr Turnbull's January 28, 2017 phone call with Mr Trump.

The president cut the call short after the prime minister pushed a refugee deal signed with former President Barack Obama in 2016.

The Australian Embassy in DC has branded Mr Turnbull's trip "100 Years of Mateship" to mark the 100th anniversary of the World War I Battle of Hamel in northern France where US and Australian troops fought alongside each other for the first time.

"For our two countries, it was the start of an unbreakable alliance that would see Australia fighting alongside the US in every significant conflict in the hundred years that followed," Mr Turnbull wrote.

The prime minister also talked up the strong business ties the countries share, with roughly one in 12 Australian jobs directly or indirectly the result of US investment.

"In trade, in business and in security, Australia and the US have forged a mateship that has grown only stronger over 100 years," Mr Turnbull wrote.

"In these times of change and challenge, mates you can always count on are more important than ever."
Tony Abbott has penned a blistering retort to his colleagues after the former prime minister's calls for cuts to immigration were dismissed by the government's front bench.

In an opinion piece for The Australian Mr Abbott names and shames critics of his calls for cuts to Australian immigration and suggests they have not read his speech.

"One thing I am not going to cop is gratuitous criticism from ministers who are only in government because I led them there," the federal member for Warringah writes. "It is the prime minister's right to choose his ministerial team and, given some of the policies of this government, I'm happy to serve on the backbench."

Mr Abbott lobbed a grenade into the immigration debate this week by calling for Australia's permanent migration intake to be slashed by 80,000 places per year to 110,000.

He blamed migrants for traffic jams, house prices and job vacancies.

Senior coalition colleagues, including past and present immigration ministers, the acting prime minister, the treasurer and the minister for trade, all slapped down Mr Abbott.

Their public rebukes only encouraged Mr Abbott to dig in deeper, insisting he never accepted Treasury "orthodoxy" that immigration was good for growth.

Mr Abbott writes that the government's failure to differentiate its policies from Labor will see the Liberal party lose votes.

"You'd think a government that's lost the past 27 Newspolls might be curious about how it could lift its game," Mr Abbott wrote. "But no, ministers have gone out of their way to attack a colleague who knows more about winning elections than anyone in the parliament."

Australia's population is expected to grow by 11.8 million people by 2046, which is equivalent to adding a new city roughly the size of Canberra each year for the next 30 years.
Falls of up to 150mm are predicted for southeast Queensland on Friday as the state's recent heatwave gives way to a wet weekend.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Rick Threlfall said a wet weather system moved into the area on Thursday and would result in heavy rainfall on Friday.

"We're looking at frequent showers tending to rain with some heavy bursts of rain in there, with rainfall totals for the day of 100mm, even getting up to 150mm in places," Mr Threlfall told AAP.

"Particularly the Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast hinterland, through the Brisbane region, all the way down to the Gold Coast."

The rain is expected to ease on Saturday but persistent showers are expected on Sunday.

The rain is expected to keep temperatures in the high 20s on Friday and Saturday, with a steamy top of 33C tipped for Sunday.

It follows a heatwave that hit the entire state last week, with tops in the high 30s in the southeast and overnight lows in the high 20s.
There are calls for better drug education in schools, as police continue investigations into the overdose of seven Gold Coast high school students.

Three of the St Stephen's College year 10 students have been released from Gold Coast University Hospital, while the remaining four have reportedly recovered well and could be released on Friday.

All seven were rushed to hospital on Wednesday, with some in a critical condition, after ingesting an unknown drug.

Police are still awaiting the results of toxicology reports to confirm which drug was involved but were investigating reports it was the Russian designer drug Phenibut - an anti-depressant used to treat anxiety and insomnia - that may have been bought online.

The incident has shocked the Upper Coomera school's community, prompting calls for more action from governments to stop teenagers treating drug education "like a joke".

University of Queensland drugs expert Jake Najman said information given to students on drugs should not be a "half an hour school lesson".

Professor Najman said governments needed to invest in developing intensive, long-term drug education for students.

"It's a much more systematic problem that needs real commitment and not just a headline saying, 'Don't do it'," he told AAP.
Nick Xenophon has taken criticism for risking an unstable political environment and potentially forcing voters back to the polls in just two years if his SA-BEST party secures the balance of power at the March South Australian election.

Mr Xenophon has vowed to withdraw support for any minority government if it fails to cut power prices by 20 per cent within two years.

He says his party is determined to "keep the bastards accountable on energy prices, whoever those bastards may be".

"I think there is nothing like the prospect of a government losing its position to focus their minds on the issue of energy," he said.

But Property Council executive director Daniel Gannon says Mr Xenophon's strategy is laden with risk when investors are craving stability.

"While he is right to flag 'deal breaker' policies as part of his potential future negotiations with both major parties, he shouldn't celebrate an unstable political and investment environment," Mr Gannon told AAP.

"Another election after two years won't attract investment, but instead will send a shiver up the spines of investors seeking a settled and stable political and investment environment."

Mr Xenophon's blunt warning on power prices also came as Business SA weighed heavily into the election debate, describing the public service as "morbidly obese".

It called on the next government to review the scope of services it provides and for cuts to the number MPs and government ministers.

"We need to grow our economy and ensure there are jobs for our children, in what should be a thriving state with a bright future," Business SA chief executive Nigel McBride said.

"Instead, we have a morbidly obese public sector, payroll tax rates which penalise our successful small and medium-sized businesses, the most expensive power in our nation and an ageing population and slow growth."
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has sidestepped questions about embattled deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce and America's raging debate on gun control.

Mr Turnbull, speaking outside the White House in Washington DC on Thursday (Early Friday AEDT), had just left a meeting with US Secretary Steven Mnuchin and said the talks proved President Donald Trump's recent company tax cuts underlined the benefit of Australia completing its own tax reform program.

Asked if he still supported Mr Joyce as deputy prime minister, Mr Turnbull said: "These are matters for the leadership of the National Party".
A fourth person has been charged over two alleged arson attacks at a south-western Sydney function centre during the 2016 Christmas period.

Strike Force Babel was established after two fires that police suspect were deliberately lit at a Bankstown function centre in December 2016 and January 2017.

A 44-year-old man was arrested at a home in Greenacre about 3.45pm on Thursday and later charged with various offences, including two counts of dishonesty for gain and damaging or destroying property by fire.

The man was refused bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Friday and police will allege he was paid to organise the fires.

Investigations are continuing, and further arrests are expected.
An 18-month-old girl is in a Sydney hospital and her male carer is behind bars facing charges of child abuse.

The 28-year-old man was arrested in Sydney's south-west on Thursday, accused of seriously assaulting the toddler while she was in his care.

The girl is in a stable condition and undergoing medical testing in hospital, police said on Friday.

The man was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, child neglect and three counts of intimidation and was refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Friday.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has honoured the only Australian buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Mr Turnbull, in the US on a four-day trip where he will meet US President Donald Trump, laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknowns and another at the grave of RAAF Pilot Officer Francis Milne.

Officer Milne was attached to the US Army Air Forces Number 6 Troop Carrier Squadron as a co-pilot on Dakota transports in World War II.

His aircraft was shot down on November 26, 1942, over New Guinea and it crashed into a swamp.

The wreckage was found in 1989 and his remains were identified with Technical Sergeant Joseph E Paul, the US flight engineer on board.

The two aviators were buried together in the same plot at Arlington, where military members from as far back as the Civil War have been laid to rest.

Mr Turnbull will meet with Mr Trump at the White House on Friday (Saturday morning AEDT).
Clive Palmer is planning to resuscitate his political party, vowing to contest every upper and lower house seat at the next federal election.

Mr Palmer said it's time to revive resistance to the two major political parties, but in a statement on Friday did not say if he would seek to re-enter parliament.

The Palmer United Party was voluntarily deregistered by the Australian Electoral Commission in May 2017, a year after Mr Palmer announced his intention to retire from politics and not contest the July 2016 election.
A file picture taken on February 7, 2018 shows African migrants demonstrating with white paint on their faces, outside the embassy of Rwanda in the Israeli city of Herzliya

Hundreds of African migrants launched a hunger strike to protest Israel's implementation of its controversial policy to expel or indefinitely imprison them, a spokesman for the group said Wednesday.

Israel has resolved to expel thousands of Eritreans and Sudanese who entered illegally over the years, giving them an ultimatum to leave or risk being imprisoned indefinitely.

As the migrants could face danger or imprisonment if returned to their homelands, Israel is offering to relocate them to an unnamed third country, which the migrants and aid workers say is Rwanda or Uganda.

Authorities on Tuesday transferred seven Africans from the Holot detention centre to a nearby prison, prompting the 750 men held in Holot to launch a hunger strike that evening, said Abdat Ishmael, an Eritrean held at the southern Israel open facility.

On Wednesday, another five were taken to prison, Ishmael told AFP.

A spokeswoman for the Israeli interior ministry confirmed they had begun implementing the deportation or prison policy on Holot detainees ahead of the April 1 mark for the rest of the Africans who had entered Israeli illegally.

Ishmael said they would prefer prison over deportation to Africa.

"We saw what happened to people who went (to other African countries) a year or two ago, they don't receive asylum and can die," he said.

Migrants began entering Israel through what was then a porous Egyptian border in 2007. The border has since been strengthened, all but ending illegal crossings.

Israel's deportation or imprisonment plan has drawn criticism from the United Nations' refugee agency as well as some in Israel.

According to interior ministry figures, there are currently some 42,000 African migrants in Israel, half of them children, women or men with families, who are not facing the April deportation deadline.

Israeli officials stress that no one they classify as a refugee or asylum seeker will be deported.
US actor Mark Hamill (C) poses with his wife Marilou York (R) and daughter Chelsea on the red carpet for the European Premiere of Star Wars: The Last Jedi at the Royal Albert Hall in London last month

Mark Hamill -- Luke Skywalker from the "Star Wars" saga -- will present an Oscar at the upcoming Academy Awards before getting his Walk of Fame star.

Hamill will attend the Oscars, March 4, four days before he is honored personally with his Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

The actor, now 66, joked on Twitter: "Note to self: 1) Talk fast enough so the orchestra doesn't try to play me off. 2) No 'R2-Me Too' jokes. 3) After opening the envelope, don't say 'La La Land.'"

The last quip references last year's unprecedented Best Picture mixup, when that movie was read out instead of the real winner "Moonlight."

Other presenters on the big day at the Dolby theater include Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Eva Marie Saint, Wes Studi, Kelly Marie Tran and Zendaya.

As for that star of Hamill's: "Star Wars fans from around the world and a galaxy far, far away will be excited to hear that legendary actor Mark Hamill will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

"We are proud to add this extraordinary talent to the historic Hollywood monument," said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies.

Hamill will receive star number 2,630.
A man digs through some mine waste searching for left over cobalt near Kolwezi

In global markets the price of cobalt, a mineral used in batteries for high-tech products from iPhones to Tesla electric cars, has nearly tripled to $81,500 a tonne in two years.

But in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which produced two-thirds of the global supply of the coveted metal last year, artisanal diggers called "creuseurs" sell their best-quality ore for about $7,000 a tonne, blissfully unaware of how much the global price has rocketed.

In Kolwezi, a mining town in southeastern DRC, Chinese entrepreneurs dominate the middle section of the market, purchasing the raw cobalt from miners and selling it on for refining.

Transactions in the buying houses depend on the purity of the ore. There are approximately 30 major kinds of cobalt-bearing rock and over 100 more where the metal is present in smaller quantities.

Handwritten signs at the buying houses in Kolwezi show the varying prices offered for a tonne: "3 percent = $500" and "15 percent = $7,000". The cobalt component is determined by a machine called "Metorex" which is used by the buyer.

"The buyers have increased prices since the start of the year by five percent," said a miner called David, who was unaware that cobalt prices on the world market have reached such stratospheric heights.

The middlemen -- predominantly Chinese and some Indians -- then sell the raw material to operators for semi-processing.

- 80% exported to China -

The big names in this part of the process are foreign-owned: China Molybdenum, Rangold, the Swiss firm Glencore and MMG, an Australian-Chinese venture, and the Indian-controlled Chemical of Africa.

Only an initial treatment of the ore is possible in DRC at present. It results in an intermediary product composed mainly of hydroxide with a cobalt content of between 20 and 40 percent.

"The DRC does not export finished products that are ready to be used by Apple, Samsung and the other big battery users in the world," said economist and activist Florent Musha.

"It exports a mineral product which is in the process of being treated."

Eighty percent of the country's production heads to China from the ports of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Cape Town in South Africa. In China, the metal is refined, by about a dozen companies.

The largest producers include Jinchuan Nonferrous Metals Corp., Huayou Cobalt, Jiangsu Cobalt Nickel Metal and Shenzhen Green Eco-manufacture Hi-tech which each have annual refined cobalt production capacities of over 7,000 metric tonnes.

"The production of refined cobalt in China has grown 20 percent. At 62,000 tonnes, it accounts for 60 percent of global output," Darton Commodities said.

- Benefits? -

But how much do the people of Congo benefit from the boom?

"Today the world's biggest seller of cobalt is China," said Congolese economist Musha. "The product clearly does not benefit the Congolese economy."

The cobalt sector has attracted widespread criticism from NGOs for use of child labour, hazardous working conditions, corruption and theft.

Artisanal miners accounted for between 14 to 16 percent of the 80,800 tonnes of cobalt mined in the country last year, according to the London-based Darton Commodities, a specialist firm dealing in the metal.

The DRC would like to refine its minerals but has run into problems, notably infrastructural glitches like erratic power supplies.

There is some prospect of change.

The sector has attracted widespread criticism for the use of child labour, hazardous working conditions, corruption and theft

The government last year signalled its intention to reform its 2002 mining code, which was seen as favouring foreign investors at the expense of the local economy.

It wants to ensure the repatriation of at least 40 percent of the revenue of minerals sold for export, and increase the fiscal take from "strategic minerals."

At present, the state levies a tax of two percent on non-ferrous metals -- copper and cobalt -- which is based on the value of sales, from which some costs are deducted.

The current draft of the revised plan -- now in the hands of President Joseph Kabila -- sees this rising to 10 percent.

Shareholders in big mining corporations with interests in DRC have written to Kabila to express their concern, hoping that this version of the law will be revised, according to industry sources in Kinshasa.
Lab technician Fadumo Jama Yousuf at the Puntland Forensic Center -- a new weapon against Somalia's rape epidemic

The new freezers at Somalia's only forensic laboratory can store thousands of DNA samples, although for now there are just five.

The big hope is that they could be the start of a revolution in how the troubled Horn of Africa country tackles its widespread sexual violence -- provided some daunting hurdles are overcome.

The first sample arrived at the start of the year taken on a cotton swab from the underwear of a woman, a rape victim from the village of Galdogob.

It was wrapped in paper and driven 250 kilometres (155 miles) to the Puntland Forensic Centre in Garowe, capital of semi-autonomous Puntland, slipped into a protective glass tube and placed in one of the three ultra-low temperature fridges.

If DNA ID can be teased from the sample, this would be a crucial step in convicting the woman's rapist.

No longer would it be a case of he-said-she-said, in which the survivor is less often believed than the accused. Two decades of conflict and turmoil have made Somalia a place where lawlessness and sexual violence are rampant.

"Now, people who have been raped hide because they don't have evidence," said Abdifatah Abdikadir Ahmed, who heads the Garowe police investigations department.

But with the lab, he said, "it's a scientific investigation. There are biological acts you can zero in on."

- Challenges -

Not yet, however.

Abdirashid Mohamed Shire, who runs the lab, has a team of four technicians ready but is awaiting the arrival of the final pieces of equipment.

Their work to provide the evidence that might convict or exonerate is yet to begin.

The power of the genetic code: DNA recovered from fluids is now standard evidence in crime cases

And the pressure is on. The freezers mean the DNA samples can be safely stored for years but Somali law allows a rape suspect to be held for a maximum of 60 days. Shire needs the analysis and identification machines urgently so that, as he put it, "justice will be timely served".

The laboratory, partly funded by Sweden, was launched last year after the Puntland state government enacted a Sexual Offences Act in 2016, which criminalised sexual offences and imposed tough penalties.

But technology alone will not solve Somalia's many judicial weaknesses.

The DNA sample from Galdogob, for example, was stored in unclear and unrefrigerated conditions for five days before being sent to the lab, meaning a defence counsel could potentially argue the DNA evidence had been tampered with.

Police deliver samples for analysis at the new forensic lab. Experts say technology is only one part of resolving Somalia's rape crisis -- changes to policing are also needed

Human rights lawyers worry the new lab might backfire for this reason.

"A lot of thought needs to be given to how the chain of custody can be preserved in these kinds of cases," said Antonia Mulvey of Legal Action Worldwide, a Kenya-based non-profit organisation.

More fundamental still is the failure of Somalia's police to take sexual assault cases -- and their jobs -- seriously.

Corruption is rife, with a legal advisor to Puntland's justice ministry saying officers "meddle" in cases, undermining them for personal gain.

"My concern is that the corrupted system could not make a sure success of the lab," the advisor said, requesting anonymity to speak candidly. "Investing in the lab is good, but we need to think about the preconditions."

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) which helped pay for the lab is trying to address this by running training programmes for dozens of the Garowe police on sample collection, gender violence investigations and documentation.

But, the legal advisor cautioned that donors can only do so much.

"The issue is more complicated than training police. It relates to the political commitment of the government. UNFPA can train police but who will pay those you train? Are they given power to do the work?"
Reilly Opelka, currently ranked 228th in the world, competes during a ATP tournament in Atlanta, Georgia, in July 2017

Wildcard Reilly Opelka, ranked 228th in the world, stunned top seed and defending champion Jack Sock 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament in Delray Beach, Florida.

Towering 20-year-old Opelka, playing in his first ATP level tournament of 2018, fired 17 aces past world number eight Sock to cap a day of upsets.

Opelka will next face Germany's Peter Gojowczyk, who sent sixth-seeded American John Isner packing 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/5).

Unseeded American Steve Johnson dominated ninth-seeded Canadian Milos Raonic 6-2, 6-4.

Isner fired 30 aces and held three match points but couldn't hang on for the victory.

"I tried to go for my shots and not hold back," Gojowcyzk said. "He had three match points, but I played well. I think both of us were playing well."

For Isner it was another early exit. He accepted a wildcard into Delray Beach after falling in the first round of the New York Open last week.

"It was close. It happens," Isner said. "He made three straight first serves, and he hit a crazy, high, backhand drop shot, angle thing on the first match point, which was a good shot."

Johnson notched his first career win over Raonic in four meetings. It was a bitter departure for Raonic, who reached the Delray Beach final last year but had to pull out against Sock because of a leg injury.

Injuries limited Raonic's time on the court in 2017, and his first-round victory over Japan's Taro Daniel was his first Tour-level win in six months.

Ranked 51st in the world, Johnson made sure Raonic wouldn't build on that success. He withstood 11 aces from the Canadian -- a former world number three now ranked 32nd -- and surrendered only four points on his own first serve to book his first quarter-final appearance of the year.

"Any chance you get to play more matches that always builds confidence," said Johnson, who next faces Russian Evgeny Donskoy, a 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 winner over American Donald Young.

"The first set kind of got away from him with a second break so that is always comfortable," Johnson said.

Second-seeded Juan Martin del Potro will try to book his quarter-final berth on Thursday, taking on American Frances Tiafoe. Eighth-seeded Chung Hyeon of South Korea faces Croatian qualifier Franko Skugor for a place in the last eight.
The streets and square outside Jokhang Temple in Lhasa constitute one of the most important pilgrimage circuits for Tibetans

Chinese authorities have ruled out arson as the cause of a recent fire at Tibetan Buddhism's holiest temple, state media reported Thursday, adding an important Buddha statue had emerged "intact" from the blaze.

The report is the first official account of Saturday's fire at the more than 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple, after authorities suppressed social media accounts of the incident, leading to accusations of a cover-up.

The fire erupted on the building's second floor, but was soon put out, according to the official Xinhua news agency, which said the blaze had damaged the building's golden roof.

There were no casualties and the building has already been reopened to the public, it said.

Jokhang temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which lies at the heart of old Lhasa.

It is Tibetan Buddhism's most sacred site and home to the Jowo Shakyamuni, a revered statue of the founder of Buddhism.

"The life-sized statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha when he was 12 years old was intact," Xinhua said, without giving any further details.

Chinese government efforts to censor reports of the blaze raised concern among academics and Tibetans abroad that authorities are hiding the extent of the damage at the sensitive religious site.

On Twitter, Robert Barnett, an expert on Tibetan Buddhism, linked to videos and photos on social media that he said suggested the Jowo Shakyamuni had sustained superficial damage.

The incident comes as Tibetans across the country are celebrating Losar, the traditional Tibetan New Year that began Friday, the same day as the Chinese lunar new year.

The temple had been closed to the public on Saturday, Xinhua previously reported, citing a schedule from local authorities from before the holiday began.

Jokhang monastery is home to numerous priceless cultural artifacts, including over 3,000 images of Buddhas, deities and historical figures as well as treasures and manuscripts, according to UNESCO.

China has ruled Tibet since the 1950s, and has been accused of trying to eradicate its Buddhist-based culture through political and religious repression.

In 2008, demonstrations by Tibetan monks in Lhasa degenerated into deadly violence targeting China's majority Han ethnic group and the Hui, a Muslim minority.

Later that year, dozens of monks burst into the Jokhang temple to interrupt a state-run foreign media press tour intended to showcase the region's harmony and stability in the wake of the protests, accusing the government of lying.
The clinic provides 3D-printed limbs for amputees and disabled children like three-year-old Rowayd, using her new prosthetic arm

Iraqi soldier Abdullah lost his left hand fighting the Islamic State group but now he has a prosthetic one -- thanks to a 3D printing lab in Jordan.

Abdullah was wounded in a mine blast as Iraqi forces battled to oust the jihadists from Iraq's second city Mosul last year. His right hand was also seriously wounded.

The 22-year-old is one of a group of Iraqi, Syrian and Yemeni amputees to benefit from a 3D-printing prosthetics clinic at a hospital run by the medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

"It's not easy to replace a hand, but at least the new device gives me some autonomy and means I don't rely too much on my brother to eat," said Abdullah, who asked not to use his real name.

Wearing jeans and a dark green shirt, he said he had been transferred from Mosul to a hospital in the Iraqi Kurdish regional capital Arbil before heading to Jordan.

"Now I feel better," he said, managing a small smile. "I hope I can heal my right hand too."

The 3D printing technique allows the team to create simple upper limbs without moving parts, slashing the costs of manufacturing advanced, custom-made prosthetic limbs, according to MSF.

The MSF Foundation, a wing of the charity dedicated to research and development, set up a prosthetics production centre in Jordan's Irbid last June.

A team of medics and technicians use the technique to help people born with genetic deformations as well as war wounded from across the region.

Doctors start by taking photos and measurements and sending them to the laboratory in Irbid, 100 kilometres (60 miles) north of Amman.

The data is entered into a system that designers use to create a virtual model of the limb, which is then printed and sent to MSF's Al-Mowasah hospital in Amman for fitting.

Several organisations have developed 3D printing for amputees in recent years, but MSF says its project is a first in the Middle East.

The clinic aims to give orthopaedic care to as many people as possible affected by the region's conflicts.

Project coordinator Pierre Moreau said it had treated 15 Syrians, Iraqis, Yemenis, Palestinians and Jordanians since its launch.

"We chose Jordan because we have one of the biggest hospitals and most advanced, and it is a stable place in the middle of a war region so we have access to patients from Syria, Iraq and Yemen," he said in English.

- Back to school, back to work -

It has also benefitted people born with deformities, such as seven-year-old Palestinian refugee Asil Abu Ayada from the Gaza camp northwest of Amman.

Palestinian refugee Asil Abu Ayada shows off her new prosthetic hand from the lab which produces limbs for between $20 and $50, a fraction of the cost of conventional devices

She lives with five brothers and her parents in a mud house, and was born without a right hand.

With her new prosthetic hand, she can now go to a normal school and even sketch drawings.

Too shy to speak to reporters, she sat manicuring her artificial fingers with the help of her sister Ines.

The 3D devices range in cost from $20 and $50 (euros) -- a fraction of the cost of conventional prosthetic devices, which can cost thousands of dollars.

"You can design something that can suit this patient and is very specific to the activity of the patient," Moreau said.

The new technique was developed by MSF in collaboration with "Fab Lab", a digital manufacturing laboratory in Jordan.

Another beneficiary was Ibrahim al Mahamid, from Daraa in southern Syria, who suffered injuries to his left hand in a bombing raid in 2013.

A 33-year-old taxi driver, he had the hand amputated at a field hospital in Syria before moving to Jordan.

"The new prosthesis has given me hope to be able to go back to work and take care of family expenses," he said.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (R) has been criticised by Western countries for dissolving the main opposition party and shuttering independent news outlets

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has threatened to "shame" Australia and block the release of a joint statement at a regional summit in Sydney next month if he faces pressure over a political crackdown at home.

The strongman has been chastised by Western countries for taking a hammer to Cambodia's democracy in recent months by dissolving the main opposition party, shuttering independent news outlets and pursuing critics in the courts.

In a speech on Wednesday the notoriously brash leader said he would not tolerate any pressure on domestic politics when he attends a summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) hosted by Australia in March.

"Hun Sen can block the release of any statement between ASEAN and Australia... Australia cannot pressure Cambodia. Don't dare," he said of a regional bloc that operates by consensus.

"If you treat me inappropriately, I will hit back and leave shame on your face at the scene," Hun Sen added.

The premier also warned would-be protesters in Australia, where there is a sizeable population of Cambodian refugees from the Khmer Rouge years, not to burn his image in any demonstrations.

It would not be the first time Cambodia has used its intransigence to block or dilute an ASEAN statement.

In 2012 ASEAN foreign ministers failed to release a joint communique for the first time at the end of their annual gathering, with the Philippines blaming event host Cambodia for blocking criticism of Beijing's actions in the South China Sea.

Cambodia was also accused of forcing the group to water down criticism of Beijing in a statement issued at the end of a 2016 meeting.

Cambodia's crackdown in recent months has pushed it closer to China, which has lavished the country with cash, while rattling relations with the US and EU, who pulled support for July elections after the opposition was disbanded.

An official source at Germany's foreign ministry told AFP on Thursday that the government had suspended preferential visa treatment for private travel by Cambodian government members including Hun Sen and his family, and had encouraged EU partners to take similar steps.

"The suspension was taken as a measure to react on the intensifying repression against political opposition and the press," the source said.

Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the decision "hypocritical" and an example of double standards, "considering its (Germany's) different treatment towards various countries on the similar issue of democracy and respect for human rights".
The sister of a Filipina worker whose body was found inside a freezer in Kuwait, throws herself at her sibling's coffin as it arrives in the Philippines on February 16, 2018

Human Rights Watch called on Kuwait to agree to greater protection for migrant workers as a Philippine delegation was due in the emirate Thursday to discuss an outcry over alleged abuses of Filipinos.

But the New York-based watchdog also criticised a ban imposed by the Philippines last week on migrants leaving to work in Kuwait, saying it was likely to increase the number resorting to unregulated channels that exposed them to a greater risk of abuse.

President Rodrigo Duterte imposed the ban in response to the murder of a Filipina maid whose body was found stuffed in a freezer in Kuwait earlier this month.

He triggered a diplomatic row with Kuwait by alleging that Arab employers routinely raped their Filipina workers, forced them to work 21 hours a day and fed them scraps.

"Kuwait should confront the outcry over deaths, beatings and rapes of domestic workers by taking immediate steps to reform the kafala system, which traps workers with abusive employers," HRW's Middle East women's rights researcher Rothna Begum said in a statement late Wednesday.

The kafala or sponsorship system, widely prevalent in the oil-rich Gulf states, ties migrant workers' visas to their employers, prohibiting workers from leaving or changing jobs without prior consent.

"The Philippines should work with Kuwait to protect workers rather than ban them from migrating, which is more likely to cause harm than to help," Begum said.

"Both Kuwait and the Philippines have an opportunity to work together to increase protections for domestic workers and fix the gaps that are leaving workers vulnerable to extreme abuse."

Kuwait has said it is investigating reported deaths and abuses, and insisted there were only a small number considering that there are more than 250,000 Filipinos working in Kuwait.

It has invited Duterte to visit the emirate but he has yet to respond.

The Philippine delegation due in Kuwait later on Thursday is headed by Labour Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad.

It is due to travel on to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, two other Gulf states with large Philippine migrant workforces.

In all, there are more than two million Filipinos working in the region, whose remittances are a lifeline to the Philippine economy.

Lagunzad said Duterte had ordered the delegation to ensure that the passports of Filipino workers are deposited with the Philippine embassy.

Duterte also wants Filipinos to have access to cellphones so they can call for help in case of abuse, Lagunzad said.
At least 14 of the missing Chibok girls were seen in a video released by their abductors.

Anger erupted in a town in remote northeast Nigeria on Thursday after officials fumbled to account for scores of schoolgirls who locals say have been kidnapped by Boko Haram jihadists -- a disappearance reviving traumatic memories of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

Police said on Wednesday that 111 girls from the state-run boarding school in Dapchi, in Yobe state, were unaccounted for following a jihadist raid on Monday night.

Hours later, Abdullahi Bego, spokesman for Yobe state governor Ibrahim Gaidam, said "some of the girls" had been rescued by troops "from the terrorists who abducted them".

But on a visit to Dapchi on Thursday, Gaidam appeared to question whether there had been any abduction.

"The girls scattered during the attack, and we can't be sure whether they were lost or taken," he said. "We have no certainty that these boys (Boko Haram) took these girls.

"Nobody saw these girls being taken in vehicles. It is possible some of the girls came across motorists and they gave them a ride to some places."

As news of his comments spread, groups of angry youths set up barricades and burned car tyres in the streets, hurling missiles at the governor's convoy.

Bego's statement had been the first official acknowledgement of an abduction, two days after Boko Haram fighters stormed the remote town in pick-up trucks and a lorry.

The disappearance sparked fears of a repeat of the 2014 mass kidnapping of more than 200 girls from a similar school in Chibok, in neighbouring Borno state.

Initially, the students in Dapchi were reported to have fled with their teachers at the sound of gunfire. Families claimed the authorities tried to cover up the abduction.

A federal government delegation spent less than an hour on the ground at the school meeting Gaidam and military commanders before leaving by helicopter.

Information Minister Lai Mohammed made no direct comment on Gaidam's remarks, but said some students "have phoned from their hiding places... (and) other locations".

He told reporters: "As things develop we will let you know. But we cannot categorically say, 'x number of girls have been abducted'. But we can say that not all have returned."

- 'Devastated' -

Inuwa Mohammed, whose 16-year-old daughter, Falmata, was missing, said he was "devastated by this twist of events" and that his wife fainted on hearing the news and was in hospital.

"I woke up with the strong hope of meeting my daughter and my wife had been making preparations for a warm welcome, only for us to receive this shattering news that all along the story has been a rumour," he added.

The attack will again raise questions about the government's grip on security in remote northeast Nigeria, after nearly nine years of fighting and at least 20,000 deaths.

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Boko Haram's "choice of targets including schools, markets and places of worship reflect the brutality of terror organizations."

Residents said fighters dressed in military fatigues and turbans arrived unchallenged, firing weapons and shouting "Allahu Akbar" ("God is greatest").

Safai Maimagani, a herbal medicine vendor, said the militants headed towards the school on the edge of the sleepy farming community.

When they returned, "I heard shrieks of girls from the lorry," he said.

Muhammad Kabo, a tea seller, gave a similar account: "They were here for less than an hour. I heard girls wailing in the truck and it was clear that they abducted some girls from the school."

A school security guard who gave his name as Baa-Koro said the gunmen tried to stop the girls from fleeing and tricked them into believing they had come to rescue them.

"Some of the girls believed them and climbed up into the lorry. Many others just kept running," he added.

President Muhammadu Buhari was elected in 2015 on a promise to defeat the Islamic State group affiliate and has repeatedly maintained they are now a spent force.

But civilians -- especially those displaced by the conflict -- remain vulnerable to suicide attacks and hit-and-run raids.

The Dapchi attack also calls into question how far pledges to improve security at schools have been implemented nearly four years after the Chibok abduction.

Since May last year, 107 of the 219 held since 2014 have either escaped or been released as part of a government-brokered deal.

Security analysts suggested government ransom payments to secure the release of the Chibok girls could have given the under-pressure group an incentive for financing.
Smoke rises into the air after a reported regime strike in the rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta near Damascus

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday called for an end to the "massacre" in Syria after fresh air strikes on a rebel-held enclave in the war-torn country killed another 13 people.

Condemning the Syrian regime for targeting "its own people", Merkel said: "The killing of children, the destruction of hospitals -- all that amounts to a massacre that must be condemned and which must be countered with a clear no".

At least 335 civilians have been killed since Sunday in the besieged enclave of Eastern Ghouta near Damascus as regime forces intensified their bombardment of the site.

On the eve of a European Union summit, Merkel told the German parliament that the dire situation in Syria requires the bloc to seek "to play a bigger role" in ending the crisis.

"That is something that we as Europeans need to work towards," she said.

At the same time, Merkel also urged Iran and Russia -- both allies of Bashar al-Assad's regime -- to play their part in ending the killing.

"We must do everything to find an end to this massacre," she said, adding that German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel would press the case with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
Billy Graham presented his book 'Peace with God' to North Korean President Kim Il Sung when they met in Pyongyang in 1992

The staunchly anti-communist Billy Graham had a record of engaging with Communist leaders in Asia as he pursued his global evangelistic mission -- most notably North Korea's Kim Il Sung.

Graham, the influential US pastor who died aged 99 on Wednesday, became one of the first foreign religious leaders to visit the hermit state in 1992, when it was reeling from the collapse of the Soviet bloc.

He had a rare audience with its founder -- presenting him with a copy of his book "Peace with God" -- preached in Pyongyang, and gave a lecture at Kim Il Sung University, the country's most prestigious educational establishment.

The North discourages religion, while Graham for decades during and after the Cold War condemned Communism from the pulpit.

"The Communists are not going to compromise, they are not going to change, their objective is to rule the world," he said in one sermon. "Communism is the greatest challenge the church has ever had to face in modern times."

But both sides had their own motivations for the visit.

Kim was raised under strong Christian influence -- his mother and her relatives were devout believers.

"In light of Kim Il Sung's personal experience with Christianity, it was not awkward for him to meet Graham," Paik Hak-Soon at the Sejong Institute told AFP.

Billy Graham's son and successor Franklin Graham has also visited North Korea, on this occasion in 2009 meeting with Kim Yong Dae, vice president of the North Korean people's assembly

Graham conveyed a message from then President George Bush to Kim, in a meeting Pyongyang's state media said took place in "a cordial and friendly atmosphere".

The evangelist later termed the visit "unquestionably, one of the most memorable events of my life", according to the Billy Graham Evangelist Association website.

Afterwards he expressed optimism about the North's future.

"I think there's going to be some changes," he was quoted as telling US newspaper Newsday. "They've lost the support of the Soviet Union. I got the impression they're reaching out toward other nations for some friends."

Instead though, the isolated country accelerated its nuclear weapons drive, prompting the Clinton administration to seriously considering bombing its atomic facilities in 1994 -- when Graham visited again.

That trip paved the way for a crucial visit a few months later by former president Jimmy Carter, who met Kim Il Sung and helped negotiate a deal to defuse the nuclear crisis.

"Through Graham, Kim Il Sung was able to convey a message to Washington that he wanted negotiation and Carter took the cue," said professor Yang Moo-Jin of the University of North Korean Studies.

- Different gods -

Graham visited China in 1988, also at a transformational time for the Asian giant which was undergoing an economic overhaul under Deng Xiaopings policy of "opening up".

The pastor, whose wife Ruth was born in China as the daughter of missionaries, declared his trip was part of the process of "building bridges" between United States and China, and also between the churches of the two countries.

He was greeted by Premier Li Peng, who according to news reports at the time said: "We don't have the same God but that doesnt matter. It doesnt prevent us from having a good talk together".

But barely a year later the army violent suppressed the Tiananmen Square protests, earning Li the nickname "the Butcher of Beijing".

Graham's visit appeared to do nothing to make the officially atheist Communist regime more tolerant of religious groups, and to this day it remains wary of any organised movements outside its control.

- Juche ideology, Christian dogma -

Just a month after Graham's second visit to North Korea, Kim Il Sung died of a heart attack and was succeeded by his son Kim Jong Il.

Graham himself never went back to the North, although his own son and successor Franklin Graham has done so several times.

"In person, I found President Kim to be a forceful and charismatic leader, and I could understand why he was held in such high esteem by his fellow citizens," Graham said after Kim's death.

"Although he met few Americans, he always expressed the hope for better relations with the United States."

Christianity first found a foothold in Korea only in the 19th century, but the peninsula has since proved rich territory for the faith, with pre-Communist Pyongyang -- where Graham's wife attended a missionary school in the 1930s -- once dubbed the Jerusalem of the East.

Religion is now suppressed in the North, but the South is dotted with churches.

Pastor Choi Kwang, who evangelises among defectors from North Korea in China and in the South, told AFP: "North Korea is a potentially fertile ground for evangelism as North Koreans, insulated from flows of information, are living a simple, hard life."

He added: "The North's Juche ideology is similar to that of Christian dogma, in which the Kims take the place of God."
Tensions over the Khalistan issue have marred the visit of Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to India, and fuelled speculation the premier was being snubbed by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admitted Thursday that a convicted Sikh extremist had been invited to dine with him in New Delhi, just the latest controversy to dog his visit to India.

Trudeau said the invitation to Jaspal Atwal -- who was found guilty of trying to assassinate an Indian minister in 1986 -- had been revoked and those at fault had taken responsibility.

"Obviously, we take this situation extremely seriously," he told reporters in New Delhi.

"The individual in question never should have received an invitation and as soon as we found out we rescinded the invitation immediately."

Trudeau has been at pains during his visit to quash long-simmering perceptions in India that his administration is soft on Sikh extremists.

This latest scandal emerges on the eve of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been notably absent during Trudeau's week-long trip throughout India with his family.

Atwal was convicted for a botched assassination attempt on an Indian cabinet minister in Canada in 1986 and was sentenced to 20 years by a Canadian court.

He reportedly attended an event in Mumbai on Tuesday, where he was photographed alongside Trudeau's wife Sophie Gregoire, according to Canada's public broadcaster CBC.

The Canadian High Commission would not comment on whether Atwal was part of Trudeau's official delegation, although reports in Canada said Trudeau's office had denied this.

"We do not comment on matters relating to the PM's security," the high commission said.

Trudeau, who is accompanied by several Sikh members of his cabinet, said the "member of parliament who included this individual" had taken responsibility for their actions.

- Convicted militant -

Atwal was a member of the International Sikh Youth Federation, an organisation outlawed in India and Canada, among other places, that seeks an independent Sikh state of Khalistan.

India's foreign ministry said it was investigating how Atwal -- a Canadian passport holder of Indian origin -- managed to obtain a visa to travel to India.

Canada is home to roughly half a million Sikhs and Trudeau's administration has been accused of being too cosy with those agitating for a separate homeland in India's northern Punjab state.

Trudeau particularly riled New Delhi last year when he attended a parade in Canada at which Sikh militants were feted as heroes.

Tensions over the Khalistan issue have marred Trudeau's visit, and fuelled speculation the prime minister was being snubbed by his Indian hosts.

But Modi late Thursday tweeted a welcome note for the visiting dignitary, posting a picture of him with Trudeau and his daughter Ella-Grace from a meeting in 2015.

"I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres," he said in a tweet ahead of Friday's formal meeting between the two premiers.

Critics had cited Modi's grand gesture of personally receiving several visiting heads of government at the airport with bear hugs and cheerful photo-ops, compared to a junior minister who was rolled out to meet Trudeau and his family on Saturday evening.

Government officials greeted the Trudeaus at the Taj Mahal and in Modi's home state of Gujarat, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was last month personally escorted by the Indian leader.

Trudeau on Wednesday visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar -- the holiest shrine in Sikhism -- before assuring Punjab's chief minister that Canada did not sympathise with extremist movements.
Chew Eng Han attempted to flee Singapore on a motorised fishing boat

Singapore will criminalise skipping bail following the attempted escape of a man convicted in a high-profile fraud case at a megachurch, a senior government official said Thursday.

In a case that gripped the city-state with a heady mix of religion, showbiz and fraud, six leaders from City Harvest Church were convicted in 2015 of pilfering tens of millions of dollars from the place of worship to promote the pop career of the pastor's wife.

Among them was investment manager Chew Eng Han, who tried to flee Singapore on a motorised fishing boat on Wednesday, a day before he was due to start his sentence of three years and four months.

Law and Home Affairs minister K. Shanmugam told reporters that a bill will be tabled in parliament next week, according to national broadcaster Channel NewsAsia.

"It will come as a surprise to many that jumping bail is not in itself an offence," he said, adding that the changes were not in response to Chew's attempted escape but part of a wider law review.

Chew had been sentenced in 2015 but his imprisonment had been delayed by a series of appeals.

He was out on Sg$1 million ($760,000) bail and was to start his sentence on February 22 after the Lunar New Year holiday.

But in a bizarre twist, he was caught by police in a small fishing boat off eastern Singapore allegedly trying to flee to Malaysia.

He was charged on Thursday with unlawfully attempting to leave the country, an offence that carries a maximum six-month jail term and a fine of Sg$2,000.

The church leaders were convicted of using Sg$24 million from a church building fund to help advance the music career of the pastor's wife Ho.

They were also found guilty of misappropriating huge sums as they scrambled to cover their tracks.

Pastor Kong Hee was initially sentenced to eight years but his term was cut to three and half years in 2017 by the High Court on a technicality, sparking a storm of criticism.

An appeal court this month upheld the decision to reduce his sentence.
Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad remains popular but was barred from running in last year's election

Iran's hardline former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for the immediate holding of free presidential and parliamentary elections in a letter to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei published on Thursday.

The call, from a man whose name is synonymous with the bloody repression of mass protests against his controversial 2009 re-election, marked a new act of defiance against a political establishment that has long since turned against him.

Ahmadinejad made no specific reference in his letter to a wave of unrest that swept Iran over the new year but it comes as the country's divided political factions argue over how to respond.

"The immediate holding of free presidential and parliamentary elections -- of course without their being engineered by the Guardian Council and without interference by military or security bodies so that people have a free choice -- is an urgent necessity," he wrote.

The Guardian Council is a powerful vetting body which oversees all elections in Iran and which barred Ahmadinejad, among others, from running for president last May.

The council rejected Ahmadinejad's call for early elections and hit back at his criticism of its supervisory procedures.

"The country has no need for... elections right now because all elections are conducted in a legal and sustainable manner," council spokesman Ali Kadkhodai said.

Parliamentary elections are not due before 2020 and the next presidential election is due in 2021.

Kadkhodai charged that Ahmadinejad had himself sought to get round the rules in the 2009 election by pressing it to publish the results before the legal time-limit.

- 'Injustices' -

The former president referred directly in his letter to a speech Khamenei delivered on Sunday in which he said that progress was needed in "the field of justice", acknowledging widespread criticism of the system.

"These clear comments from the leader can of course be understood" as an appeal for "urgent and concrete reforms that meet the demands of the people," he said.

Ahmadinejad called for the dismissal of judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani, a rival hardliner, on the grounds that the "injustices" of the judiciary were "one of the main causes of public discontent."

He also called for the release of all people arrested for criticising the regime and the halting of any proceedings under way.

Ahmadinejad remains popular, particularly among poorer segments of society who recall the large-scale welfare schemes he implemented during his 2005-2013 presidency.

But he has fallen out with the establishment, especially since he ran for president last year against Khamenei's advice.

A number of his senior aides have been arrested on financial and corruption charges, and his protege Hamid Baghaie was sentenced to 15 years in December.

The demonstrations over the new year, during which at least 25 people died, initially focused on economic problems but swiftly escalated into protests against corruption and the regime itself.

During the 2009 protests against Ahmadinejad's re-election, dozens of people were killed as the regime deployed militia to back up police.

Thousands of people were detained and his two reformist challengers -- Mehdi Karoubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi -- remain under house arrest.
Pyongyang is subject to a series of UN Security Council sanctions

China said Thursday it was investigating allegations that a ship marked with Chinese characters transferred cargo to a North Korean vessel in a potential violation of UN sanctions on the high seas.

Japan has said a military patrol plane and an escort vessel observed the alleged transfer in the East China Sea last week.

It is the third time this year that Tokyo has reported a cargo transfer by a North Korean vessel in violation of UN sanctions over Pyongyang's banned nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

"China attaches high importance to the situation and is currently investigating this," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular press briefing.

"Recently, the relevant (Chinese) authorities issued a public notice demanding the strict prohibition of ship-to-ship trafficking in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions," he said.

He added that China would deal with any individuals or businesses suspected of violating the resolutions "in strict accordance with China's laws and regulations, based on all evidence".

Japan said late Tuesday its navy found the Yu Jong 2, a North Korean-flagged tanker, alongside a small vessel of "unknown nationality" around 250 kilometres (155 miles) offshore from Shanghai.

Four Chinese characters reading "Min Ning De You 078" -- meaning "Fujian Province, Ningde City, oil tanker 078" in English -- were on the small vessel, the Japanese foreign ministry said.

"Following a comprehensive assessment, the Government of Japan strongly suspects that they conducted ship-to-ship transfers banned" by the UN Security Council resolutions, the ministry said.

Tokyo said it had reported the incident to the Security Council and shared information with relevant countries.

The incident comes as global attention is focused on North Korea's participation in the ongoing Winter Olympics hosted by the South, in a diplomatic push by Kim Jong Un's isolated regime.

Pyongyang is subject to a series of UN Security Council sanctions, including one prohibiting all member states from facilitating or engaging in ship-to-ship transfers of goods to or from North Korean-flagged vessels.

The previous two incidents reported by Japan this year both involved a different North Korean tanker, the Rye Song Gang 1, one of the vessels denied international port access by the Security Council.
Smoke rises from buildings in Kafr Batna following Syrian government bombardments on the besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus on February 21, 2018

Gulf states on Thursday urged an end to the deadly assault on Syria's rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta, as rival Saudi Arabia and Qatar joined ranks in calling for an immediate truce.

Regional titan Riyadh, which leads a four-state Arab bloc boycotting Qatar over accusations of ties to both Sunni Islamists and Shiite Iran, demanded the regime of Bashar al-Assad end the violence that has left more than 300 people dead and sparked international outrage.

The statement however stopped short of outright condemnation, appealing instead to Damascus to adhere to UN Security Council resolution 2254, which calls for a nationwide ceasefire and a political transition.

"We stress the need for the Syrian regime to stop the violence, to allow in humanitarian aid, and to take seriously the path of a political solution to the crisis," the Saudi foreign ministry said on Twitter.

"We are concerned over the continuation of Syrian regime attacks on Eastern Ghouta and the impact on civilians there."

The UAE, a military ally of Saudi Arabia that is also boycotting Qatar, expressed concern at the escalation of violence and called for an "immediate truce" to halt the bloodshed and protect civilians. It also called for allowing humanitarian and medical aid to civilians.

Rival Qatar, however, slammed the assault as an outright "massacre".

"The State of Qatar expresses its strong... condemnation of the massacres and intensive aerial bombardments carried out by the forces of the Syrian regime," read a statement released by Qatar's foreign ministry.

Gulf states, mainly Saudi Arabia, have been key backers of Syrian opposition groups fighting President Bashar al-Assad and Riyadh has hosted meetings of the opposition.

In recent months Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have softened calls for ousting Assad, instead urging a political settlement to the seven-year conflict.

Syrian jets have been raining bombs on the eastern suburbs of Damascus in recent days, killing hundreds and prompting a diplomatic outcry.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres described the death and devastation that has engulfed Eastern Ghouta since Sunday as "hell on earth", and joined France in calling for an immediate humanitarian truce.

The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire to allow deliveries of aid and medical evacuations.

Syria's complex, multi-sided seven-year war has claimed more than 340,000 lives, forced millions to flee their homes and left entire cities in ruins.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE Bahrain and Egypt in June announced they had suspended diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar, banning all flights to and from the emirate and ordering Qataris to return home.

They accuse Doha of having close ties to Iran and bankrolling Islamist extremists.

Qatar denies the accusations.
Hala, 9, receives treatment at a makeshift hospital following Syrian government bombardments on rebel-held town of Saqba, in the besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus on February 22, 2018

Fresh bombardment on Eastern Ghouta killed dozens Thursday, bringing the number of dead civilians in a five-day assault by the Syrian government to more than 400.

Mounting calls for a humanitarian truce in one of the bloodiest episodes of Syria's seven-year conflict failed to stop 46 more people being killed by air strikes and rocket fire.

Regime backer Russia said there was "no agreement" at the UN Security Council on a 30-day ceasefire for Syria and presented amendments to a draft resolution that would allow aid deliveries and the evacuation of civilians from besieged Eastern Ghouta.

As diplomats wrangled over a UN vote, which could take place on Friday, people huddled in basements while government forces pounded the enclave with rockets and bombs, turning towns into fields of ruins and even hitting hospitals.

Regime bombardment of Eastern Ghouta

Aid group Doctors Without Borders said 13 of the facilities it supports in Eastern Ghouta were damaged or destroyed in three days, leaving remaining staff with very little to save the hundreds of wounded brought to them every day.

In the hospital mortuary in Douma, the main town in the enclave just east of Damascus, bodies wrapped in white shrouds were already lined up on the floor, two of them children.

- Nowhere safe -

Syrian rescuers work in the battered rebel enclave Eastern Ghouta on February 22, 2018

"Five days of air strikes and intense artillery fire by the regime and its Russian ally have killed 403 civilians, including 95 children," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Morning rain appeared to initially keep warplanes away on Thursday but the sky cleared by midday and jets, some of them Russian according to the Observatory, soon returned.

Russia has so far denied direct involvement in the assault on Ghouta but the pro-government Syrian newspaper Al-Watan reported on Thursday that Russian warplanes and advisers had joined the battle.

The US said on Thursday Russia had "unique responsibility" for the deaths.

"Without Russia backing Syria, the devastation and the deaths would certainly not be occurring," State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert told journalists.

Regime and allied forces have been massing around the enclave, in which an estimated 400,000 people live, ahead of a likely ground offensive to flush out holdout Islamist and jihadist groups.

"We are 14 women and children living in a room that is 10 feet wide, with no toilet and nowhere to wash," said 53-year-old Umm Abdo, who joined a large group in the basement of a school in Arbin.

The brief respite provided by the rain on Thursday encouraged some residents to venture out of their basements and shelters, to buy food, check on their property or enquire about their relatives and neighbours.

In the town of Hammuriyeh, a queue had formed outside a shop as starving residents tried to stock up but another rocket sowed panic and sent everybody back to their shelters.

In Douma, a young boy tried to peddle lighters on the street but rocket fire quickly forced him to scamper back to cover.

- Powerless -

An AFP correspondent saw rescuers known as the "White Helmets" forced to abandon efforts to retrieve a wounded woman from the rubble of a collapsed home when air strikes resumed.

When they ventured back to the site, the woman was dead.

Syrian medics tend to a baby as a child cries next to them at a makeshift clinic following Syrian government bombardments in Douma, in besieged Eastern Ghouta

The indiscriminate bombardment and the strikes on medical facilities have sparked global outrage but few concrete options have emerged to stop the bloodletting.

The aid community voiced its frustration as the world appeared once again powerless to stop a conflict that has left almost 350,000 dead in seven years and caused destruction rarely seen since World War II.

Humanitarian agencies are "sickened that no matter how many times they've raised the alarm, taken the step of speaking out, called on the Security Council to do something, the violence and brutality will sink to new lows", said the Syria INGO Regional Forum.

- Russia says 'no agreement' -

At the UN, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said sponsors Sweden and Kuwait were requesting a vote on the ceasefire plan even though they are "fully aware there is no agreement on it".

The Security Council needs to reach a "feasible" agreement on a ceasefire and not take a decision that would be "populistic" and "severed from reality", he said.

Syrians cry as they look for survivors at the site of regime bombardment in Eastern Ghouta on February 22, 2018

Talks for a deal between the regime and the armed groups controlling Ghouta appear to have stalled.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said jihadist fighters in Ghouta had rejected an evacuation deal.

"A few days ago, our military in Syria suggested to the fighters that they withdraw peacefully from Eastern Ghouta, like the evacuation of fighters and their families that was organised in East Aleppo," he said.

The head of the defence committee in Russia's lower house of parliament said Thursday that more than 200 new types of weapons were tested as part of his country's military support to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

"It's not an accident that today they are coming to us from many directions to purchase our weapons, including countries that are not our allies," he said.
Amnesty took particular aim at the US president's "transparently hateful" executive order banning entry to citizens of several Muslim-majority countries.

The "politics of demonization" provided fertile ground for human rights abuses in 2017, exemplified by the response of Europe and Donald Trump's US to the refugee crisis, rights group Amnesty international said Thursday.

The British-based group in its annual report took particular aim at the US president's "transparently hateful" executive order banning entry to citizens of several Muslim-majority countries.

"Throughout 2017, millions across the world experienced the bitter fruits of a rising politics of demonization," said the report, which was launched this year for the first time in the United States.

It accused leaders of wealthy countries of approaching the refugee crisis "with a blend of evasion and outright callousness".

"Most European leaders have been unwilling to grapple with the big challenge of regulating migration safely and legally, and have decided that practically nothing is off limits in their efforts to keep refugees away from the continent's shores," it added.

Amnesty International Secretary-General Salil Shetty singled out Trump for criticism, saying the travel ban "set the scene for a year in which leaders took the politics of hate to its most dangerous conclusion".

- Praise for Florida teens -

Amnesty also said Myanmar's military crackdown on Rohingya insurgents, which prompted an exodus of nearly 700,000 Rohingya people into neighbouring Bangladesh, was the "ultimate consequence of a society encouraged to hate, scapegoat and fear minorities".

"This episode will stand in history as yet another testament to the world's catastrophic failure to address conditions that provide fertile ground for mass atrocity crimes," said the report.

It took aim at President Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, accusing him of a harsh crackdown on critics of his war on drugs.

"The ability to voice out and to criticise and to check government is constricted and has become more dangerous," said Amnesty's Philippine section director Jose Noel Olano.

Amnesty took aim at President Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, accusing him of a harsh crackdown on critics of his war on drugs.

Tirana Hassan, director of crisis response at Amnesty International, said: "When it comes to conflict, crisis and mass atrocities we have seen zero moral or legal leadership coming from the international community."

The group highlighted recent elections in Austria, France, Germany and the Netherlands, where "some candidates sought to transpose social and economic anxieties into fear and blame", as evidence that the "global battle of values reached a new level of intensity" in 2017.

The report also accused governments of exploiting national security and terrorism concerns "to reconfigure the balance between state powers and individual freedoms".

"Europe has continued to slip towards a near-permanent state of securitization," it warned.

"France, for example, ended its state of emergency in November, but only after adopting a new anti-terror law."

However, Amnesty said that it was possible for "ordinary people" to take back the initiative, noting the Florida students demanding more gun control after the Parkland school massacre.

"There is no better example of that than what we've seen with the kids in this country standing up against gun violence in the last few days," Shetty said.

Amnesty noted that students in the US were "standing up against gun violence"

In Britain, the non-governmental organisation said that Brexit legislation currently making its way through parliament threatens to "significantly reduce existing human rights protections".

- 'Avalanche of online abuse' -

The report also praised the #MeToo campaign for drawing attention "to the appalling extent of sexual abuse and harassment".

But it warned that Internet giants were part of the abuse problem, and that they had too much power in shaping narratives and propagating "Fake News".

"The avalanche of online abuse, particularly against women, and the incitement of hatred against minorities, drew weak and inconsistent responses from social media companies and scant action from governments," it said.

"These concerns are compounded by the extreme concentration of control in only a handful of companies over the information people view online."

It added: "The capabilities deriving from this to shape public attitudes are immense, including virtually unchecked potential for incitement to hatred and violence."

It said that the "willingness of prominent leaders to tout 'fake news'... coupled with attacks on institutions that act as checks on power, show that free speech will be a key battle" in 2018.

"We must refuse to accept narratives of demonization and build instead a culture of solidarity," it concluded.

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A Palestinian man swings a sling shot during clashes with Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank village of Baita, just outside of Nablus, on February 16, 2018

A Palestinian died after attacking Israeli soldiers and being shot during clashes overnight in the occupied West Bank, the army said Thursday.

Protests broke out when the Israeli army entered the Palestinian city of Jericho in a bid to arrest suspects.

"A Palestinian assailant armed with an iron rod ran towards (Israeli) troops," an army statement said.

"The troops fired towards the assailant and confronted him from close range and were able to stop him. A knife was also found in his possession."

The man was identified by the Palestinian Prisoners' Club as 33-year-old Yassin al-Saradeeh, from Jericho.

A video online appeared to show Saradeeh running at soldiers with a heavy object before being shot, beaten and detained.

Since US President Donald Trump's controversial December 6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, 27 Palestinians and two Israelis have died in attacks, clashes and air strikes.

Palestinians consider at least the eastern part of the city as the capital of their future state.
Actor David Burchhardt performs as US President Donald Trump (bottom) with actress Natasha Lanceley as Vladimir Putin

Donald Trump's long-awaited visit to London is happening in theatrical form in a musical whose irreverent plot involves a plan by post-Brexit Britain to sell Scotland to the US president.

Played by 24-year-old David Burchhardt, the Trump character is younger and thinner than the real thing but his elaborate hairstyle is instantly recognisable.

The hero of "Trump: The Musical", playing at the 100-seat Waterloo East Theatre, also has the familiar puckered mouth and an obsession with fake news.

The piece is the fruit of the vivid imagination of Blowfish Theatre, a young troupe based in Sheffield in northern England, and is set in Britain after Brexit.

Brexit firebrand Nigel Farage, former leader of the UK Independence Party, has become king after privatising the monarchy and putting Queen Elizabeth II in prison.

The costly public healthcare system has shut down but Britain is still short of money and Farage wants to sell Scotland to Trump to boost state coffers.

In one scene, Trump is tweeting from the bathroom.

"Deny, defame, distract, inflame, Dispute what the Fake News allege. My phone it plays my favourite game: Throw balls, the media fetch!" he sings.

At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin, played by the actress Natasha Lanceley, is drowning his sorrows in vodka as Trump no longer seems to be interested in him.

"Oh Donald, we used to be so close. I thought you really liked me," Putin sings.

"In my dreams, I still see, your sweet, round, puckered mouth".

- Catharsis -

The same theatre group last year staged a musical about Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson -- also knows for his hairstyle and controversial pronouncements.

Trump's hairstyle is instantly recognisable

"We thought, well, we have done a musical about one blond demagogue so it's only right and proper that we do another one," said Laurence Peacock, the group co-artistic director.

Trump's campaign and election were a source of artistic inspiration but the core of the musical's plot is Brexit, the deeply divisive 2016 vote to leave the EU.

"The British public is very fed up with it (Brexit) but at least we can laugh at it. It's like kind of a catharsis," said Kyle Williams, the other artistic director.

After playing Johnson last year, Burchhardt had to change his wig and gestures.

He said he also had to watch "loads of videos of him... which was painful".

"Donald Trump is everywhere now, so everyone's got our own minded image of what an impersonation of him should be like.

"But it goes much more deeper. It was like doing text analysis for Shakespeare, it was that complicated for me," he said.

In the play, former leader of UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage has become king after privatising the monarchy and putting Queen Elizabeth II in prison

The show is inspired by a theatre genre known as "bouffon", which mocks high-placed members of society, said Polly Bycroft-Brown who plays "Rod", a press adviser to the American president.

"The world is taking a funny turn and we think we should laugh at it," said Peacock.

"We are not in any way Trump supporters, but we are making a silly musical in London. What it really aims is to give our audience a good time."
A picture taken from a government-controlled area on the outskirts of Harasta on the northeastern suburbs of Damascus on February 21, 2018, shows smoke rising from areas targeted by Syrian army shelling in the towns of Arbin and Harasta

Syria's army launched a new deadly aerial campaign on Damascus's rebel-held Eastern Ghouta region on February 18, with daily bombardments since then turning it into "hell on Earth".

The enclave, controlled by Islamists and besieged by government forces for five years, was already subjected to a ferocious five-day air assault this month that left around 250 civilians dead and hundreds wounded.

The new round of strikes by the regime of President Bashar al-Assad has killed more than 360 civilians and wounded 1,700 others since Sunday.

Here is a day-by-day breakdown:

- Rockets and intense raids -

On February 18 government forces fire more than 260 rockets and the air force carries out intense raids on several areas in Eastern Ghouta.

The army reinforces its positions in what seems to be preparation for a ground offensive, the Syrian Observatory For Human Rights observer group says.

- Death and desolation -

On February 19 Syrian regime forces again pound Eastern Ghouta, killing 127 civilians in the highest death toll over a single day in the rebel enclave since 2013.

The UN's regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria, Panos Moumtzis, says the targeting of civilians "must stop now."

"The humanitarian situation of civilians in East Ghouta is spiralling out of control," he says. "It is imperative to end this senseless human suffering now."

- 'No words will do justice' -

On February 20 Russian air strikes target Eastern Ghouta for the first time in three months, reportedly hitting the key regional Arbin hospital and putting it out of service.

Six other hospitals are also hit in the bombardments over a 48-hour period, putting three out of service, according to the United Nations.

The hundreds of injured flock to makeshift hospitals where the beds run short and patients are treated on the floor.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian worries about a "humanitarian cataclysm" and the US State Department condemns "siege and starve tactics".

The UN's children's fund UNICEF also weighs in: "No words will do justice to the children killed, their mothers, their fathers and their loved ones."

- 'Hell on Earth' -

On February 21 the raids target several areas, namely Hammuriyeh and Kafr Batna. Planes also drop barrel bombs -- crude, improvised munitions that usually cause indiscriminate damage and are condemned by the UN.

Several residential buildings are destroyed, according to an AFP correspondent in Hammuriyeh. Civilians dig trenches under their homes to shelter themselves.

The International Committee of the Red Cross asks for access.

"The fighting appears likely to cause much more suffering in the days and weeks ahead, and our teams need to be allowed to enter Eastern Ghouta to aid the wounded," it says.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres calls for an immediate halt in the fighting and says the region has become "hell on Earth."

The Kremlin denies any involvement in the air strikes.

French President Emmanuel Macron calls for a truce and accuses the regime of using the fight against terrorism as a "pretext" to attack civilians.

On February 22, with the siege entering its fifth day, the chaos deepens as the Syrian regime rains rockets and bombs on the enclave, killing at least 19 people.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel calls for an end to the "massacre" and slams the regime for targeting "its own people."

"The killing of children, the destruction of hospitals -- all that amounts to a massacre that must be condemned and which must be countered with a clear no," she says.
Boko Haram fighters staging a Christmas Day attack on a military checkpoint in northeastern Nigeria

Nigeria's Boko Haram jihadists have killed five civilians and two soldiers in fresh attacks in Cameroon and Chad, local sources said Thursday.

"A group of Boko Haram fighters made an incursion during (Tuesday) night in Assigashia," a source close to administrative authorities in the northern Cameroon border area said, asking not be named.

"The attackers killed five people and wounded five more."

The raid was confirmed along with the casualty toll by an official in the Cameroon security services.

Assigashia is a border town which gives direct access to Nigeria and has seen many Boko Haram incursions in the past.

The Nigerian jihadists are blamed for killing another civilian in the town in January.

In Chad, meanwhile, two Chadian soldiers, including a captain, were killed in a Boko Haram ambush on Wednesday, a senior military official said Thursday.

The attack took place in the west of the country in the Lake Chad region near the Nigerian frontier as the troops were returning from a border patrol.

"The Boko Haram attackers disappeared into the islands" on the lake, the source said.

Since 2014, the year Cameroon began to fight Boko Haram, the group has killed 2,000 civilians and soldiers and kidnapped about 1,000 people in the region, according to an analysis by the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank.

Boko Haram, a militant movement opposed to Western influence and seeking an Islamic state based on Sharia law, has caused the deaths of at least 20,000 people since it took up arms in 2009.

Cameroon, Chad and Niger have all joined the military effort by Nigeria to crush Boko Haram.

Wednesday's attack in Chad was the first known assault on Chadian territory by Boko Haram since May 2017, when nine soldiers were killed.
Protesters called on the major powers to bring pressure to bear to "end the bloodbath"

Over 200 people on Thursday protested outside the Russian consulate in Istanbul against the deadly assault on Syria's rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta.

More than 350 civilians have been killed in the five-day-old blitz by the Syrian regime led by President Bashar al-Assad in the rebel-held enclave near Damascus.

Regime supporter Russia has been accused of taking part in air strikes but the Kremlin denied involvement, on Wednesday calling the accusations "groundless".

The demonstrators, most of them Syrians, chanted slogans against Damascus as well as Moscow and another regime supporter, Iran, an AFP correspondent said.

Others held placards saying "Russians, you are killing Ghouta's children, but history records" and "Children are dying of hunger in under-siege Eastern Ghouta".

Protesters called on the major powers to bring pressure to bear to "end the bloodbath".

Over three million Syrian refugees live in Turkey including nearly 540,000 in Istanbul after fleeing the conflict which began with anti-government protests in 2011.

Now a multi-front war, Russia entered in September 2015, sending planes to back the Assad regime and turning the military situation around in Damascus's favour.

Turkey, which has supported Syrian rebels in the conflict, has been working closely with Moscow and Tehran on a process to bring peace to Syria, despite occasional tensions.

Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin on Wednesday said Turkey condemned the attacks and "urged the Syrian regime to immediately put an end" to them.

"It is a crime against humanity. That is to say, killing innocent people in East Ghouta is unacceptable whatever the reason is," Kalin said.
A man gestures amid debris in the town of Jandairis in the Kurdish enclave of Afrin in northern Syria

Turkey's main pro-Kurdish party accused the government of "spreading misinformation" about no civilian deaths in its latest Syrian offensive on Thursday, calling on Ankara to halt the operation.

Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said earlier Thursday that no civilian had been killed -- or suffered so much as "a nose bleed" -- in Turkey's air and ground campaign in the Kurdish enclave of Afrin in northern Syria.

But Pervin Buldan, the newly elected co-head of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), told reporters in Istanbul that many civilians had died in Afrin, including women and children.

"The government is spreading misinformation by saying that there are no civilian deaths and that 'terrorists' were only killed. It is a lie," Buldan said on Thursday, adding that Turkey will "gain nothing" from the offensive.

"In Turkey we have also seen the coffins of many soldiers killed. This is why the Afrin operation should stop," she added.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 112 civilians have been killed since the operation began on January 20 -- a claim which Ankara denies, insisting the Turkish army is taking the "utmost care" to avoid civilian casualties.

Pervin Buldan, the newly elected co-head of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), called on Turkey's government to halt its Afrin offensive

Ankara says the YPG is a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is proscribed as a terror group by Turkey and its Western allies. The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984.

But the YPG has been working closely with the US against the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria and makes up the bulk of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters.

"The world knows that the YPG is part of the SDF which fought Daesh (IS). We believe the SDF should be part of a peace resolution in Syria," said Sezai Temelli, HDP's other co-leader.

Temelli and Buldan replaced the popular Selahattin Demirtas, who has been imprisoned since 2016 over alleged links to the PKK, and Serpil Kemalbay as HDP leaders earlier this month.

Ankara accuses the HDP, the third Turkish largest party and the only political group in parliament to oppose the Afrin offensive, of being a political front for the PKK, which the party denies.

More than 200 pro-Ankara rebels and 209 YPG members have been killed since the Afrin operation began, the Syrian Observatory has said.

Thirty-two Turkish military personnel have been also been killed.
While he provided few specifics on the steps needed, he said they likely would be unpopular.

The US territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands will need to take painful actions to restore their economies amid the hurricane devastation, New York Federal Reserve President William Dudley said Thursday.

The island territories, especially Puerto Rico, already faced dire economic realities even before hurricanes slammed into them late last summer, but the recovery now is complicated by shrinking populations, high debt, high unemployment and plunging growth, Dudley said.

"Puerto Rico now must not only complete the recovery from the hurricane, but also do what is necessary to get on a sustainable economic and fiscal path," Dudley said in prepared remarks.

"Given the island's high debt, unfunded pension obligations, declining population, and now the hurricane, the outlook may seem grim."

While he provided few specifics on the steps needed, he said they likely would be unpopular.

Hurricane Irma strafed the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in early September and two weeks later the islands were hit again by Hurricane Maria.

New York Fed data showed the storms destroyed more than 80 percent of Puerto Rico's crops amid communications outages and fuel shortages while transportation links were cut.

The White House has faced stinging criticism for its support of recovery and reconstruction in the storm's aftermath, which left more than 1,000 people dead in Puerto Rico alone.

Even before the storms, both territories were in deep economic distress. Since 2006, economic growth is down 15 percent in Puerto Rico, which was facing a severe debt crisis as well. Growth had fallen 26 percent in the US Virgin Islands, and employment has fallen about 15 percent in both territories.

In the storms, Puerto Rico suffered "by far" the most severe power outage in US history in terms of total customer hours lost, according to the New York Fed.

And people have fled Puerto Rico for the mainland, with the net number of passengers by air leaving the island running 160,000 above trend between August and November.

Satellite imagery also showed electrical lighting on the island -- a proxy for economic activity -- fell sharply after the storms, with the landscapes of Puerto Rico still only 76 percent as bright, while the US Virgin Islands is just 56 percent as bright.

As tourism has begun to recover, job markets on the islands have begun to stabilize after sharp drops following the storms.

Dudley pointed to examples of US cities that had faced similarly dire economic situations but made turn-arounds in recent decades, including New York and Washington.
An image grab from February 9, 2018 shows Egypt military spokesman Colonel Tamer al-Rifai announcing the launch of a major operation in the Nile Delta and Sinai Peninsula against an Islamic State group affiliate insurgency

Seven Egyptian soldiers and 71 jihadists have been killed since the launch of a wide-ranging operation to quell an Islamic State group affiliate in Sinai earlier this month, the military said.

"As a result of the heroic combat operations by our armed forces...seven heroes of the armed forces were martyred," military spokesman Colonel Tamer Rifai said at a press conference aired Thursday on state television.

"71 extremists have been killed and five arrested," he said.

Rifai added that 1,852 other suspects have been rounded up in the operation that began on February 9, following an ultimatum by the President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to end the deadly insurgency.

IS attacks have killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers in the Sinai Peninsula. The group has also killed over 100 Christians in the past year and targeted tourists.

Sisi ordered his security commanders to put an end to the attacks following a massacre at a northern Sinai mosque in November that killed more than 300 worshippers.

IS is believed to have carried out the attack on the mosque, frequented by Sufi Muslims, but it has not claimed responsibility.

The group's Egyptian branch has used the north of the Sinai Peninsula, which borders Israel, as a staging ground for its attacks.

Officials say IS has tried to move fighters to Sinai following defeats in Iraq and Syria, where it has lost most of its territory.

Egypt is holding a presidential election next month, which Sisi is expected to easily win.
Inspired by the Oscar-nominated film "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri", three billboards circle the United Nations on February 22, 2018 for three hours to demand action on Syria in advance of a Security Council vote in New York

UN diplomats pressed on Thursday with tough negotiations on a UN draft resolution demanding a 30-day humanitarian ceasefire in Syria, hoping to avoid a Russian veto at the Security Council.

Sweden and Kuwait on Wednesday requested a vote on the measure, but by late morning Thursday, there was no decision to schedule the vote.

The council will meet at 12:00 pm (1700 GMT) at Russia's request to discuss the crisis in Eastern Ghouta as the death toll from a fierce air campaign waged by Syrian government forces rose to 368.

"There has to be a decision very, very soon. People are dying," said Sweden's Ambassador Olof Skoog.

"Eastern Ghouta is under a barrage of fire. Children, civilians, are dying by the hundreds as we speak," French Ambassador Francois Delattre told reporters, calling for urgent action.

High-level exchanges were taking place between capitals on the draft resolution that would demand a truce to allow for deliveries of humanitarian aid and medical evacuations, diplomats said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying that Moscow could back the measure if it did not apply to rebel groups who are shelling Damascus.

In a concession to Russia, the draft was amended last week to specify that the ceasefire does not apply to the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda, but Lavrov appeared to put forward new demands.

"The resolution that is on the table, we are ready to look at it, but we have offered very precise phrasing that would say that the ceasefire would under no circumstances extend to ISIL, Jabhat al-Nusra and those groups cooperating with them and systemically attacking the residential neighborhoods of Damascus," Lavrov said.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley on Wednesday called for "immediate action" on the ceasefire and rejected Russia's demands, saying it was "simply preposterous to claim that these attacks on civilians have anything to do with fighting terrorism."

The draft resolution would pave the way for the truce to go into effect 72 hours after the adoption of the measure and for aid deliveries and medical evacuations to begin 48 hours after that.

Outside UN headquarters in New York, a coalition of aid groups put up three billboards, inspired by the film "Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri" that said "500,000 dead in Syria. And still no action? How come Security Council?.
Jeunghun Wang of South Korea, pictured in 2017, shot an opening round 68 in Qatar

Defending champion Jeunghun Wang finished just three shots off the lead on the opening day of the Qatar Masters on Thursday, shooting a four-under-par 68.

The South Korean, who won in an exciting three-way play-off last year, finished three shots off the leaders, England's Eddie Pepperell and Aaron Rai, and France's Gregory Havret who all shot 65.

"I was putting well and that's definitely the key," said Havret, who has not won since 2008.

Rai's seven-under round equalled the lowest total he has ever shot on the European Tour.

Just a shot further back from that trio were a group of four players, including Italy's Edoardo Molinari, who hit seven birdies and one bogey in his final 10 holes, to card a six-under-par 66.

One shot behind them were seven players on five under, including Belgium's Thomas Detry and Sean Crocker of the US.

Also in the mix was Paul Lawrie, a double champion in Qatar who, like Wang, shot four under.

Those two made up a group of 24 players who shot 68.

Conditions were calm in Doha, where players usually have to battle a strong wind, but there was rain in Qatar on Thursday for the first time in 11 months.
The body of evangelist Billy Graham -- shown here at a press conference in New York on June 21, 2005 -- will lie in honor in the US Capitol Rotunda on February 28, a rare distinction

The body of Reverend Billy Graham, a spiritual advisor to several presidents, will lie in the US Capitol Rotunda next week so Americans can pay respect to the globally influential preacher, lawmakers said Thursday.

The rare honor of placing an American's remains in the Capitol is usually reserved for US presidents, military officials and politicians.

Graham, who died Wednesday at age 99, would be only the fourth private citizen so honored, and the first person since US senator Daniel Inouye in 2012.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said Graham's remains will lay in the Capitol from February 28 to March 1. A ceremony featuring congressional leaders was being prepared, Ryan said.

"With your approval, we will move forward with these arrangements, so that Americans have this opportunity to pay their respects to Rev Graham before he is laid to rest," Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a letter to Graham's son Franklin.

Graham helped pioneer the role of television evangelist.

The one-time backwoods minister -- who eventually became the world's foremost Christian evangelist -- spread a message of spiritual redemption at tent and stadium revival meetings, in a career that spanned decades.

The last US president to lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda was Gerald Ford in 2007, less than three years after Ronald Reagan received the same honor.
Palestinian police control demonstrators during a visit by members of the New York City Council and civil society groups to the West Bank city of Ramallah on February 22, 2018

Palestinians threw eggs at a delegation including New York City Council members visiting the occupied West Bank Thursday, AFP reporters said, amid anger over US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Several members of the council and New York civil society groups were meeting a Palestinian polling company in the city of Ramallah, the polling company confirmed.

As they left they were pelted with eggs by several dozen protesters, who also chased their bus.

Palestinian security forces protected the Americans.

Protesters held signs reading "The US is part of the problem, not the solution."

The State Department condemned the event.

"The United States absolutely opposes the use of violence or intimidation to express political views," it said.

"This type of action is unmistakably counterproductive to Palestinian interests; it serves only to ensure that Americans are unable to hear or consider Palestinian perspectives."

One of the demonstrators, Salah al-Khawaja, said he had come to show his opposition to Trump's December 6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Palestinians see the eastern part of the city as the capital of their future state and the US move broke with decades of international consensus that Jerusalem's status should be negotiated between the two parties.

"Today there was a reaction from the Palestinian people and popular activists, a reaction to this dishonourable and awful reception" by the polling company, Khawaja said.

Last month demonstrators disrupted a meeting between US diplomats and the chamber of commerce in the Palestinian city of Bethlehem.
Inspired by the Oscar-nominated film "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri", three billboards circle the United Nations on February 22, 2018 for three hours to demand action on Syria in advance of a Security Council vote in New York

Russia on Thursday said there was no agreement at the UN Security Council on a 30-day ceasefire for Syria and presented amendments to a draft resolution that would allow aid deliveries and the evacuation of civilians from besieged Eastern Ghouta.

The Security Council has been negotiating the draft resolution on the ceasefire for nearly two weeks as the Syrian government has pressed on with a fierce offensive in the rebel-held enclave.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Sweden and Kuwait, which drafted the measure, had requested a vote on the draft resolution even though they are "fully aware there is no agreement on it."

The Security Council needs to reach a "feasible" agreement on a ceasefire and not take a decision that would be "populistic" and "severed from reality," said Nebenzia.

More than 400 people have been killed in the five-day assault by the Syrian government on Eastern Ghouta, which UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described as "hell on earth" for civilians.

The ambassador cited concerns over measures to enforce the ceasefire and the safe delivery of aid before announcing that he would circulate proposals to amend the draft resolution.

Sweden and Kuwait presented the measure to the council on February 9, but negotiations have dragged on as Syrian forces backed by Russia escalated their fierce offensive.

The United States, France, Britain have called on the council to move to a vote as quickly as possible.

Swedish Ambassador Olof Skoog urged the council to back the ceasefire to "avert a situation that is beyond words in its desperation."

The draft resolution would pave the way for the truce to go into effect 72 hours after the adoption of the measure and for aid deliveries and medical evacuations to begin 48 hours after that.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted by Russian news agencies earlier as saying that Moscow could back the measure if it did not apply to rebel groups who are shelling Damascus.

In a concession to Russia, the draft was amended last week to specify that the ceasefire does not apply to the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda, but Lavrov appeared to put forward new demands.

"The resolution that is on the table, we are ready to look at it, but we have offered very precise phrasing that would say that the ceasefire would under no circumstances extend to ISIL, Jabhat al-Nusra and those groups cooperating with them and systemically attacking the residential neighborhoods of Damascus," Lavrov said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses American-Jewish leaders in Jerusalem on February 21, 2018.

Resignation, early elections, or staggering on: a series of corruption allegations have threatened Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's grip on power, but there are a number of ways the crisis might play out.

- The context -

Netanyahu, in power since 2009, is currently facing at least six police inquiries related to him either directly or indirectly.

On February 13 the police recommended he be charged for graft in two of them, while his wife is also accused of misusing public funds.

The allegations have thrown into doubt the 68-year-old's political future and the fate of his coalition government, considered the most right-wing in the country's history and made up of six centrist, right wing, religious and nationalist parties.

The pugnacious Israeli PM has protested his total innocence and confidence there will eventually be no charges.

"I continue and I will continue to lead the State of Israel with responsibility, commitment and dedication," Netanyahu wrote on Facebook Thursday.

- Staying put -

For the moment at least the most likely scenario appears to be that nothing major will happen.

Netanyahu's coalition partners have indicated they will wait for a formal indictment by the attorney general, which could be weeks or even months away -- if indeed it occurs.

"Legally, as long as there is no charge, we remain in the government," said Naftali Bennett, education minister and head of the nationalist Jewish Home party, in a statement echoed by centrist Moshe Kahlon.

Analysts said that the junior partners know that if they pull out and trigger an election then Netanyahu's Likud would likely triumph.

"The coalition is closely watching opinion polls and no party would win more votes than Likud," said Denis Charbit, a political scientist at the Open University of Israel.

And even if he is charged, Netanyahu would not legally be forced to withdraw.

- Early elections -

The current parliament's term is supposed to run until November 2019, but no Israeli government has completed a full term in decades -- with early elections the norm.

The leader of the largest opposition party Labour, Avi Gabbay, has called for his allies to be prepared for early polls.

Netanyahu himself called early elections in 2015 and upset the odds to win them.

He could be tempted to do the same if he feels it would strengthen his position, especially if the public back his claims that he is the victim of a witch hunt, said Avraham Diskin, from Jerusalem's Hebrew University.

Netanyahu On Facebook shared a poll which though the methodology was unclear indicated his party would be strengthened in a future election.

- Resignation -

Netanyahus predecessor Ehud Olmert was forced to resign in 2008 before being charged with corruption. But he was far weaker politically than Netanyahu is now, experts said.

"He has support despite the issues, so he will certainly not withdraw voluntarily," said Charbit.

But Israeli legal specialist Yoram Dinstein said that if Netanyahu is charged, "he will surely resign, although the law does not force him to".

According to the law, if the prime minister resigns, the president can appoint someone else without new elections to form a new government if they are supported by a majority of MPs, said Dinstein.

But in the absence of a government being formed with majority support, new elections are called.

- Step down temporarily -

Legally, Netanyahu could step back for 90 days without officially resigning, giving him time to settle his affairs.

This could afford the man who has dominated Israeli politics for the last decade some breathing space.

"None of the potential candidates for his succession in Likud will venture to stand against him during this time," Charbit said.

"He has managed to appear irreplaceable, a kind of Julius Caesar, and no one wants to be Brutus."
Inspired by the Oscar-nominated film "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri", three billboards circle the United Nations on February 22, 2018 for three hours to demand action on Syria in advance of a Security Council vote in New York

The UN Security Council will vote Friday on a draft resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire in Syria to allow for humanitarian aid and medical evacuations.

A slightly amended text was circulated to council members late Thursday but it was unclear whether Russia would support the measure which has been under negotiations for two weeks.

The council will meet to vote at 1600 GMT.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told a council meeting on Thursday that there was "no agreement" on a truce and presented a new raft of amendments.

Negotiations have dragged on at the United Nations as hundreds of Syrians have died in a fierce government air campaign in the rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta.

Sweden and Kuwait presented the proposed measure on February 9 but have been unable to overcome resistance from Russia, Syria's military ally.

Diplomats said it was not known whether Russia would use its veto to block the draft resolution.

The latest text softens language in a key provision to say that the council "demands" a ceasefire instead of "decides".

It also specifies that the ceasefire will not apply to "individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated" with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. A previous version simply mentioned the two terror groups.

More than 400 people have been killed in the five-day assault by the government on Eastern Ghouta, where UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said 400,000 Syrians are living in "hell on earth."

During the meeting called by Russia on Thursday, Nebenzia told the council that it should agree on a ceasefire that is "feasible" and not make decisions that are "severed from reality".

The ambassador circulated an amended text which specified that aid deliveries would happen "as security conditions permit" and added that "foreign military forces can operate in Syria only in coordination with its official authorities," according to the document obtained by AFP.

Those provisions were not however included in a new draft that followed last-ditch negotiations late Thursday.

A Security Council diplomat earlier said "the Russian amendments are unacceptable."

- Russian responsibility -

The United States, Britain and France have pushed for a quick vote to address the dire situation on the ground as Syrian warplanes pounded Eastern Ghouta.

The US State Department said Russia had a "unique responsibility for what is taking place" in the rebel-held enclave near Damascus.

"Without Russia backing Syria, the devastation and the deaths would certainly not be occurring," spokeswoman Heather Nauert told journalists.

Outside UN headquarters in New York, a coalition of aid groups put up three billboards, inspired by the film "Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri" that said "500,000 dead in Syria. And still no action? How come Security Council?"

The draft resolution would pave the way for the truce to go into effect 72 hours after the adoption of the measure and for aid deliveries and medical evacuations to begin 48 hours after that.

It demands the immediate lifting of all sieges including in Eastern Ghouta, Yarmouk, Foua and Kefraya and orders all sides to "cease depriving civilians of food and medicine indispensable to their survival."

In a concession to Russia, the draft was amended during tough-going negotiations last week to specify that the ceasefire does not apply to the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda.

That would allow the Syrian government offensive to continue against Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists in Idlib, the last province in Syria outside the control of Damascus.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre warned that failure to act to help Eastern Ghouta would deal a blow to UN credibility and could sound "the death knell of the United Nations."

More than 340,000 people have been killed and millions driven from the homes in the war, which next month enters its eighth year with no end in sight.
Survivors of the mass shooting at Majory Stoneman High School in Florida are leading what's considered an unprecedented youth mobilization against gun violence in the US

Young survivors of the Parkland, Florida school shooting have impressed the world with their eloquence as they grab the banner of the fight to end gun violence in America.

Cameron Kasky started the slogan #NeverAgain, David Hogg is now a target of an online smear campaign and Emma Gonzalez moved many in the country with her cry: "Shame on you!"

Who are the fresh-faced leaders of the #NeverAgain campaign to demand stricter gun laws, an issue that sharply divides American society?

- Cameron Kasky -

In this file photo taken on February 17, 2018, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Cameron Kasky speaks at a rally for gun control in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The 17-year-old has been described by the New Yorker as a "theater kid" and calls himself the "class clown."

On February 14, the day of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Kasky addressed pro-gun advocates with a scathing Facebook post: "I'm safe... Thank you to all the second amendment warriors who protected me."

Two days after the massacre that left 17 dead at his school, Kasky created the hashtag #NeverAgain, urging his supporters to make it go viral, which it did.

Perhaps his most high-profile moment came on Wednesday, when he confronted US Senator Marco Rubio of Florida at a CNN "town hall" event broadcast on prime time.

Appearing relaxed and confident, the teen confronted the one-time presidential candidate, who has received funding from the powerful National Rifle Association (NRA) pro-gun lobby: "Senator Rubio, can you tell me right now that you will not accept a single donation from the NRA in the future?"

- Emma Gonzalez -

Emma Gonzalez rallied the nascent movement with a fiery speech that captured widespread attention

"Shame on you!" the 18-year-old declared at an anti-gun rally on February 16th, berating US President Donald Trump and other politicians who accept money from the NRA.

Her fiery speech captured national attention and spurred a nascent movement bringing together student survivors, parents, teachers and other activists.

Gonzalez, whose family has roots in Cuba and is easily recognizable with her shaved head, had written the speech just hours before and her only previous activism was participating in last year's "March for Science."

She and her cohorts called for a "March for Our Lives" in Washington on March 24, saying: "You're either with us, or against us at this point."

The march has since raised at least $2 million in funding from Hollywood A-listers including George Clooney and his human rights lawyer wife Amal, talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, director Steven Spielberg and his actress wife Kate Capshaw, and film producer Jeffrey Katzenberg.

- David Hogg -

David Hogg (right) gives his account of surviving the shooting at his high school, which left 17 people dead

The 17-year-old aspiring journalist took refuge in a closet during the school massacre. Despite the terrifying circumstances, his instinct led him to film interviews with his fellow students while in hiding. The video went viral.

Hogg was recruited by Kasky to help lead the #NeverAgain movement.

But his experience in recent days lays bare the politicization of the issue. Hogg's father is a retired FBI agent and right-wing conspiracy theorists believe the agency is behind a shadowy campaign to bring down Trump.

The teen has been attacked and harassed online, and even accused of being a "crisis actor" paid to travel to tragedies to propagate liberal viewpoints.

"I am not a crisis actor," Hogg said. "I'm someone who had to witness this and live through this and I continue to be having to do that. I'm not acting on anybody's behalf."

- Delaney Tarr -

Delaney Tarr, 17, is among the generation of Americans for whom the threat of school shootings has always been a part of life

The 17-year-old was among hundreds of Florida students who descended on the state legislature this week to demand gun control laws.

"We've had enough of thoughts and prayers," she said. "We are coming after every single one of you and demanding that you take action."

She is among a generation of young Americans who grew up in an era of school shootings, and always carries around her car keys, with the idea that she could hunker down inside the vehicle in such a situation.

When it actually happened, she ended up hiding with her classmates in a closet.
Smoke billows into the air following Syrian government bombardment of Kafr Batna, in the besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus on February 22, 2018

The United States blasted Russia on Thursday over the bombing of Syria's Eastern Ghouta, saying it has a "unique responsibility" for the more than 400 deaths in the Damascus suburb.

After fresh air and rocket strikes by Syrian government forces killed another 46, State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert blamed Russia for not reeling in the regime of its ally President Bashar al-Assad.

"Without Russia backing Syria, the devastation and the deaths would certainly not be occurring," Nauert told journalists.

"It is a good reminder that Russia bears a unique responsibility for what is taking place there."

"What are they doing to stop the devastation, the deaths, the murders that are taking place in Syria?"

The criticism came hours after the UN Security Council failed to agree on a new draft resolution for a 30-day ceasefire in Eastern Ghouta to allow aid to get in to the civilian population stuck there.

Nauert blamed Moscow for again "throwing a wrench" into the negotiations to block the ceasefire.

Nauert said the assault on Eastern Ghouta, which began on Sunday, showed the failure of the Astana process, in which Russia, Iran, and Turkey sought to delineate de-escalation zones in Syria, including one for Eastern Ghouta.

"It shows what a farce this deescalation zone has become," Nauert said.

She said that US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is "highly focused" on the Eastern Ghouta situation in regular talks with counterparts.

But she was unable to detail what options the United States has to halt the attacks, urging media to be more aggressive in publicizing the humanitarian situation.
North Korea has branded UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres as a "kind of henchman" of the United States after he praised sanctions against Pyongyang

North Korea on Thursday accused UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of being a "kind of henchman who is representing the United States" after the UN chief said sanctions were essential to pressure Pyongyang.

North Korea's mission to the United Nations released a statement complaining of "reckless remarks" by Guterres during the Munich Security Conference last week.

At the conference, Guterres praised the Security Council for succeeding in putting "through sanctions a very meaningful pressure over North Korea," adding: "The pressure in my opinion is absolutely essential to be maintained."

"This is nothing but an absurd sophistry inappropriate to his duty as secretary-general of the United Nations and only make us to think whether he is a kind of henchman who is representing the United States," said the North Korean mission in a statement.

North Korea argued that the United States was at fault for the crisis on the Korean peninsula and that Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests were a legitimate form of self-defense.

Guterres' remarks were "ill-minded", said the mission, before requesting that the UN chief "refrain from his behavior acts like somnambulist any further."

Led by the United States, the Security Council last year imposed three new sets of sanctions on North Korea aimed at piling pressure on Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear and missile tests.

The economic measures are aimed at cutting off revenue to Pyongyang's military programs.

During a visit to South Korea this month, Guterres met briefly with North Korea's ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam and urged dialogue to address the crisis.

The UN chief has been a strong supporter of the thaw in relations between Pyongyang and Seoul during the Olympics, which he maintains could provide the basis for a broader dialogue.

In December, Guterres dispatched UN political chief Jeffrey Feltman to Pyongyang for talks, but the envoy came back with no commitment from North Korea to hold negotiations on the nuclear standoff.
WASHINGTON (AP) - A few miles down the road from Israel's gated embassy, the Palestinian envoy to Washington sits in his office wrestling with a unique diplomatic dilemma: how to advance his people's cause when relations with the United States are so distant that he hasn't even spoken to the White House in months.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has written off President Donald Trump, cursing him and declaring him an illegitimate broker for peace. Trump has reacted angrily, threatening to cut off all U.S. aid and dismissing Palestinian claims that he blew up any semblance of impartiality by declaring Jerusalem to be Israel's capital.

The Americans and the Palestinians can't even agree on the basic facts of the dispute, much less the path forward for talks and an eventual peace agreement with Israel. So what's a diplomat to do?

Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian envoy to Washington, speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Washington, Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. A few miles down the road from Israel's gated embassy, Zomlot sits in his office wrestling with a unique diplomatic dilemma: how to advance his people's cause at a time relations with the United States are so distant, he hasn't even spoken to the White House in months.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

"It's not like I am not speaking to them. My phone is open," Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador, said in an hour-long interview in his office, flanked by the Palestinian flag and portraits of Abbas and former leader Yasser Arafat.

No one has called, he said. Not since Dec. 6 - the day Trump's Jerusalem declaration triggered an unraveling of trust, diplomacy and optimism about the long-awaited peace plan being crafted by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Nor has there been any substantial contact between the Palestinians and the Americans at the United Nations, according to officials from both sides. Even Tuesday, when Kushner and fellow White House envoy Jason Greenblatt traveled to New York to hear Abbas address the U.N. Security Council, no face-to-face interaction between the sides occurred.

By the time U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley gave her response, Abbas had left the room. No matter - Haley addressed him directly.

"Our negotiators are sitting right behind me, ready to talk," Haley said. "But we will not chase after you."

The feeling is mutual.

Zomlot - who calls himself "the man in the eye of the storm" - said the lesson learned from recent months is the Palestinians long approached their task in the wrong order. They'd hoped U.S.-led talks would yield a deal granting Palestine legitimacy in America and elsewhere. But now, he said his people must first "correct" their bilateral relationship with the United States, building trust in each other as partners in peace.

So Zomlot, a close Abbas confidant and Ph.D. economist, spends his days at the Palestinians' red-bricked delegation office along Georgetown's Wisconsin Ave., sipping thick Turkish coffee with members of Congress, academics, think-tank types and leaders of the Arab and Jewish communities, trying to establishing goodwill among the American people in hopes it will filter up to their leaders. He said he asks every lawmaker he meets the same question.

"Who are we? What is this office? Are we your peace partners? Your negotiating partners? Are we the secular liberal democratic movement that you want to empower as an inclusive movement? Or are we the terrorists, as designated by your own law?" Zomlot said, referring to a special marker in his passport that says he can enter the U.S. despite restrictions in the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006.

He added with an exasperated laugh: "I was teaching your kids at Harvard."

It wasn't always this way. When Trump took office vowing to broker the "ultimate deal," the Palestinians remained cautiously optimistic in public, praising his stated seriousness of purpose about Mideast peace. If Palestinians were leery Trump would try to tip the scales in Israel's favor, they were careful to give him the chance to prove them wrong.

Now, the Palestinians in Washington are in disaster mode. Though Trump's administration insisted the Palestinians would calm down from the Jerusalem announcement after a brief, expected bout of disappointment, the situation has only worsened.

The White House rejects the Palestinians' argument that by recognizing Israeli claims to Jerusalem, Trump gave Israel a "freebie" before peace talks even started. The Palestinians have long claimed east Jerusalem as the capital of a future state. Trump suggested he'd actually improved peace prospects by taking "the toughest part of the negotiation off the table."

So when the Palestinians insisted Trump had disqualified the U.S. as a neutral peace broker, the White House reacted angrily. It cut tens of millions of dollars to the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees and froze another $250 million in assistance, demanding the Palestinians agree to talks with Israel.

"What's crucial at this point in time is not to be obsessed about the box we are in. We just need to find a way out of this box," Zomlot said, adding: "We are boxed - all of us."

Case in point: The one activity the Palestinians are decidedly not engaged in - direct, active peace talks - is the only activity they are currently permitted to conduct in Washington.

In November, eight months after Zomlot's arrival, the Trump administration announced it was shutting him and his operation down because Abbas, in another U.N. speech, had violated an obscure American law by calling for Israelis to be prosecuted in international court.

After a public backlash, the Trump administration reversed course. It said the Palestine Liberation Organization's mission could stay open, but scaled back: Only activities advancing Israeli-Palestinian peace talks would be allowed. The U.S. instructed the Palestinians against making new long-term commitments like signing leases or employee contracts.

Abbas, at the Security Council, insisted that if the United States is to be involved in future talks, its role must be limited, alongside other participating governments.

The White House is charging ahead anyway, assuming the Palestinians will relent and consider Kushner's plan.

"We will present it when it is done and the time is right," said White House spokesman Josh Raffel.

___

Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP

Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian envoy to Washington, reviews papers in Washington, Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. A few miles down the road from Israel's gated embassy, Zomlot sits in his office wrestling with a unique diplomatic dilemma: how to advance his people's cause at a time relations with the United States are so distant, he hasn't even spoken to the White House in months.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas can't cut Medicaid funds to a Planned Parenthood affiliate over videos anti-abortion activists secretly recorded in 2015, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision leaves in place a lower court's preliminary injunction that blocked Kansas from ending the contract. It is the fifth of six circuits to uphold the right of patients to receive health care from their preferred qualified provider.

The decision applies to Kansas' Medicaid contract with Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which has two health centers in Kansas and three in Missouri. However, the appeals panel sent back to the lower court a related injunction involving the state's effort to terminate its contract with Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region, which serves some Kansas patients at its clinic in Joplin, Missouri.

Planned Parenthood Great Plains in an emailed statement called the appeals court's decision a "huge win" for Kansas Medicaid patients who know and trust it as their health care provider, saying the state's termination of its contract was "baseless and politically motivated."

"The 10th Circuit's decision sends a strong message that state officials should not play politics with Medicaid - or the health care and wellbeing of Kansans," said Dr. Brandon Hill, the group's president and CEO.

Gov. Jeff Colyer's spokesman, Kendall Marr, said in an email that the state is studying the 10th Circuit decision and considering further legal options.

"We will continue the fight for life," Marr said.

Planned Parenthood provides health exams, contraception services, cancer screenings, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases, the court said, adding that while some of its clinics offer abortions, Medicaid seldom pays for those.

U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson in Kansas City, Kansas, issued the temporary ruling in July 2016 in a lawsuit filed by what was then called Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri and the organization's St. Louis regional affiliate. Robinson wrote that Medicaid patients have "the explicit right to seek family planning services from the qualified provider of their choice."

In July 2015, the anti-abortion group Center for Medical Progress released a series of edited videos purportedly depicting Planned Parenthood of America executives talking about the sale of fetal tissue.

Based on that, Kansas began investigating the affiliates in Kansas. The Kansas Board of Healing Arts determined in 2016 that after review of the investigative materials no further action would be taken. The Missouri attorney general investigated the affiliate in his state and also announced it found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Kansas already has blocked Planned Parenthood from receiving federal family planning dollars for non-abortion services in the state. The affiliate provides both surgical and medication abortions at its clinic in Overland Park, in far eastern Kansas near Kansas City, Missouri. It provides medication abortions at its Wichita clinic.

Federal courts have blocked attempts by other states to cut off Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, including Arkansas, Arizona, Indiana, Louisiana and Utah.

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Associated Press Writer John Hanna also contributed to this story from Topeka.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - One of two inmates suspected in the stabbing of an Ohio prison guard is a three-time convicted killer who boasted about strangling a fellow inmate on a prison bus.

Prisoner Casey Pigge was taken from the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility after Tuesday's attack and transferred to the state's Supermax prison in Youngstown, Joe Hale, a Scioto County assistant prosecutor, said Wednesday.

Two inmates attacked the guard in the prison infirmary with metal weapons, according to the initial incident report from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Prisons spokeswoman JoEllen Smith confirmed a "serious inmate on staff assault" at the prison in Lucasville in southern Ohio and said the prison remains on lockdown.

FILE - This undated file photo provided by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction shows Casey Pigge, charged with the Feb. 1, 2017, strangulation death of fellow inmate David Johnson on a prison transport van, two days after Pigge pleaded guilty to the Feb. 23, 2016, beating death of cellmate Luther Wade. Pigge, a three-time convicted killer, is one of the two inmates suspected in the stabbing of an Ohio prison guard, which happened Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018. He was taken from the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility after the attack and transferred to the state's Supermax prison in Youngstown, Joe Hale, a Scioto County assistant prosecutor, said Wednesday. (Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction via AP, File)

Corrections officer Matthew Mathias was stabbed multiple times and is in stable condition in a trauma unit at a West Virginia hospital, said Sally Meckling, a spokeswoman for the union that represents prison guards.

In September, Pigge pleaded guilty to strangling fellow inmate David Johnson with a restraining chain as they rode on a prison transport van. He was sentenced to 25 years behind bars.

"I guess you never seen that on a bus before," Pigge boasted to the surviving inmates after Johnson's killing, according to highway patrol records.

Pigge also is serving a life sentence for using a brick to kill cellmate Luther Wade in 2016.

"Pigge denied any desire to be a serial killer, but could not promise that he wouldn't kill again," a prison social worker said after interviewing him following Wade's death.

It's not clear if Pigge has an attorney following Tuesday's attack. Steve Larson, who represented him last year in the strangling of Johnson, said Wednesday he wasn't representing him now and couldn't comment.

Pigge also is serving 30 years to life for fatally slitting the throat of his girlfriend's mother in 2008. He gave himself the nickname "box cutter" after the weapon he used to kill her.

Even before Wade's killing, Pigge's prison misconduct record ran nearly 30 pages. Over the years, he repeatedly refused to enter his cell, was found with homemade alcohol, collected contraband like razor blades, electric cords and a TV converter box and fought other inmates.

Records show Pigge was born to a 14-year-old girl who used drugs and alcohol while pregnant with him. Child protection authorities first intervened when he was just 7 days old, according to a 2009 evaluation after Pigge killed his girlfriend's mother.

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Associated Press Writer Lisa Cornwell contributed to this report.
SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) - On the defensive after the Florida school shooting rampage that killed 17, GOP Sen. Marco Rubio, an ardent gun-rights advocate, said he would support raising the age to buy rifles and other restrictions.

Rubio faced angry students, teachers and parents demanding stronger gun-control measures at a town hall meeting Wednesday in Florida.

Rubio, the lone Republican at CNN's "Stand Up" town hall Wednesday night, said he would support laws barring those 18 and under from buying rifles, support changing the background checks system and getting rid of bump stocks, which allow semiautomatic guns to mimic fully automatic fire.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students are recognized before a CNN town hall broadcast, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at the BB&T Center, in Sunrise, Fla. (Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

Rubio is backed by the influential National Rifle Association, which has awarded him an A-plus rating and endorsed his Senate candidacy in the past. President Donald Trump said this week he would support similar restrictions.

One of those confronting Rubio on Wednesday night was Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter Jaime was killed on Feb. 14 with 16 others. Rubio was the only Republican at the nationally broadcast gathering after Florida's GOP Gov. Rick Scott and President Trump declined invitations to appear at the event in Sunrise, Florida.

Guttenberg told Rubio his comments about the shooting "and those of your president this week have been pathetically weak."

People stood up and cheered Guttenberg as he challenged the Florida senator to tell him the truth, to acknowledge that "guns were the factor in the hunting of our kids."

Guttenberg added, "And tell me you will work with us to do something about guns."

Rubio responded that the problems laid bare by the shooting rampage "cannot be solved by gun laws alone," drawing jeering whistles from the crowd. He said that if he believed an assault weapons ban "would have prevented this from happening, I would have supported it." That drew jeers. Visibly angry, Guttenberg responded: "That is a weapon of war."

Sen. Bill Nelson and Congressman Ted Deutch, both Democrats from Florida, also were present on a dais.

Nelson said he grew up on a ranch and hunted all his life.

"I still hunt with my son but an AK-47 and an AR-15 is not for hunting, it's for killing," said Nelson to applause.

Ryan Schachter, whose brother Alex, was fatally gunned down at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, was among those questioning the lawmakers.

"I'm supposed to go back to school in the upcoming week," said Schachter. "Me and my friends worry we are going to be murdered in our classrooms."

Student Cameron Kasky did not mince words telling Rubio, "It's hard to look at you and not look down the barrel of an AR-15 and not look at Nikolas Cruz" before asking squarely, "Can you tell me right now that you will not accept a single donation from the NRA?" The room erupted in cheers as Rubio replied that people buy into his agenda and that he supports laws to keep guns out of the hands of deranged people.

Rubio said he does not support arming teachers and Nelson agreed saying Trump's suggestion on arming them was "a terrible idea."

Shortly before the town hall event opened, the sheriff of the Florida county torn apart by the rampage spoke to the cheering audience, drawing them to their feet as he exhorted them to press on for stricter gun controls.

Sheriff Scott Israel of Broward County declared the U.S. has had enough of deadly shootings and that he was personally saddened to have to go through the crime scene of a "horrific killer" 30 minutes after the attack last week. He said the young people should hold lawmakers accountable for making their schools and other community places safer or they won't be re-elected.

"Never again!" he declared of the Parkland attack, exhorting the young people to press on: "America's watching you ... there will be change."

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students and parents wait for a CNN town hall broadcast to begin, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at the BB&T Center, in Sunrise, Fla. (Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students listen to sheriff Scott Israel speak before a CNN town hall broadcast, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at the BB&T Center, in Sunrise, Fla. (Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel speaks before a CNN town hall broadcast, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at the BB&T Center, in Sunrise, Fla. (Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)
PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) - An attacker threw a hand grenade at the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro's capital and then killed himself with another explosive device, the government here said Thursday.

No one else apparently was hurt and there was no major damage. Police sealed off the area after the blasts around midnight (2300 GMT Wednesday).

The U.S. State Department said embassy officials were working with police to identify the assailant and was working internally to confirm all staff are safe.

Police block off the area around the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro's capital Podgorica, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Montenegro says an attacker threw a grenade at the U.S. Embassy in the capital of the Balkan state then killed himself with another explosive device. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)

Montenegro borders the Adriatic Sea in southeastern Europe and its capital is Podgorica. It joined NATO last year despite strong opposition from its traditional Slavic ally Russia.

Several people, including two Russian secret service operatives, are on trial in Podgorica on charges that they wanted to overthrow Montenegro's government in 2016 because of its pro-Western policies.

The U.S. established diplomatic ties with the tiny Balkan state in 2006 after it split from much larger Serbia.

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Associated Press writers Dusan Stojanovic in Belgrade, Serbia, and Josh Lederman in Washington contributed to this report.

Police block off the area around the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro's capital Podgorica, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Montenegro says an attacker threw a grenade at the U.S. Embassy in the capital of the Balkan state then killed himself with another explosive device. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)

Police block off the area around the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro's capital Podgorica, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Local media say that an unknown assailant hurled a hand grenade toward the embassy at around midnight local time (1100 GMT) and then killed himself with another explosive device. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)

Police block off the area around the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro's capital Podgorica, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Local media say that an unknown assailant hurled a hand grenade toward the embassy at around midnight local time (1100 GMT) and then killed himself with another explosive device. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)

Police block off the area around the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro's capital Podgorica, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Montenegro says an attacker threw a grenade at the U.S. Embassy in the capital of the Balkan state then killed himself with another explosive device. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)
HERZLIYA, Israel (AP) - Even as he faces a potential deportation from Israel, 30-year-old Eritrean asylum seeker Johny Goytiom Kafl brims with satisfaction as he looks out upon thousands of fellow protesters rallying against the impending expulsions, all while peacefully secured by police.

It's such displays of civil action that he most admires about his adoptive home of the past nine years since he escaped one of the world's most oppressive regimes, and then faced torture, kidnapping and abuse during his exodus throughout Africa.

"You are treated like a human being in Israel," he said in fluent Hebrew. "Here I am not afraid. In Eritrea, I was afraid."

In this Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 photo, African migrants gather during a protest in front of Rwanda embassy in Herzeliya, Israel. Tens of thousands of African asylum seekers, nearly all from dictatorial Eritrea and war-torn Sudan, fear their stay in Israel is coming to an abrupt end. The Israeli government has given them until April 1 to leave the country for an unnamed African destination -- known to be Rwanda -- in exchange for $3,500 and a plane ticket, or they will be incarcerated indefinitely. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Kafl, along with tens of thousands of other Africans, now fear their stay in the Holy Land is coming to an abrupt end. Israel has given many of them until April 1 to leave for an unnamed African destination - known to be Rwanda - in exchange for $3,500 and a plane ticket. Otherwise, they face open-ended incarceration.

Seven people from Eritrea were jailed this week, Israeli Interior Ministry spokeswoman Sabine Haddad said Thursday.

Israel considers the vast majority of the nearly 40,000 migrants to be job seekers and says it has no legal obligation to keep them. The Africans, nearly all from dictatorial Eritrea and war-torn Sudan, say they fled for their lives and face renewed danger if they return.

As the world grapples with the worst refugee crisis since World War II, the issue has struck a raw nerve in Israel - established on the heels of the Holocaust.

Critics at home and in the Jewish American community have called the government's proposed response unethical and a stain on Israel's image as a refuge for Jewish migrants.

The optics of black asylum seekers accusing the country of racism has turned into a public relations liability for Israel, and groups of Israeli doctors, academics, poets, Holocaust survivors, rabbis and pilots have all appealed to halt the plan. But the government remains steadfast, bristling at what it considers cynical comparisons to the plight of Jews in Nazi Germany.

The Africans started moving toward Israel in 2005 after neighboring Egypt violently quashed a refugee demonstration and word spread of safety and job opportunities in Israel. Tens of thousands crossed the porous desert border before Israel completed a barrier in 2012 that stopped the influx.

But Israel has struggled with what to do with those already in the country, alternating between plans to deport them and offering them menial jobs in hotels and local municipalities.

Kafl, like many of his compatriots, fled Eritrea to escape its lifelong military conscription in slavery-like conditions and fears death if he returns.

He has experienced both sides of Israel. His asylum request is still pending, and he has been locked up in a massive detention center in the remote southern desert. But he is also deeply grateful to the many Israelis who welcomed him and sympathized with his plight. He said he hopes to one day return the favor if the Eritrean regime is ultimately toppled.

"I knocked on the door of the country and said 'save me.' I will never forget the soldier who said 'welcome,' gave me food and called for a doctor. I got his kind of respect in Israel, not in Eritrea," he said.

After the initial warm welcome, however, many turned against the migrants, particularly in the working class neighborhoods in south Tel Aviv, which have become known as "Little Africa."

"They are abusing our democracy to live off our backs," said Shefi Paz, who leads the local residents' opposition. "They've ruined our community and ruined our lives."

The government, dominated by nationalist parties, has denounced their prolonged stay and recently voted to begin deporting them to African countries with which they have reached secret agreements. They are believed to be Rwanda and Uganda, close allies of Israel, though they both deny any deal exists.

The government says it is going out of its way to accommodate humanitarian concerns. Women, children and families, for example, are exempt from the deportation order, as are those who escaped the genocide in Sudan's western region of Darfur. It says it is expediting its refugee vetting process, and notes the Supreme Court has ruled the arrangement is legal and does not imperil those dispatched.

But that's not what the migrants and their backers contend.

Sigal Rozen, of the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants advocacy group, said Israel's processing has been disingenuous, noting that of the 15,000 African refugee status requests, only 11 have been approved.

She said the 4,000 migrants who accepted previous offers to go to Rwanda did not find refuge there. Nearly all had their travel papers seized and money taken and were then pushed into neighboring Uganda to embark upon a second refugee ordeal.

Unable to return home, they have been forced to traverse though Africa, where many reported being tortured, raped and starved in Libya en route to Europe. An Eritrean Christian who had left Israel was beheaded on a Libyan beach by the Islamic State group in 2015.

"How can Israel know if these people are genuine refugees if they didn't check their asylum requests?" said Rozen. "As Jews, we are morally obliged to protect these people from the horrible things that they ran away from."

At a parliamentary hearing Monday, Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely said Israel had no obligation toward what she called job seekers who imposed "unacceptable migrant terror that includes violence and sexual harassment" toward the people of south Tel Aviv.

Monim Haroon said it hurt to hear Israel refer to him as an infiltrator. Now a 28-year-old university student in Jerusalem, he fled Darfur five years ago and has lost family members in the genocide.

"I escaped my country because I wanted to stay alive and to say that I am just a migrant worker, that is very painful to me," he said at a demonstration outside the Rwandan Embassy in Tel Aviv.

Lior Birger, a researcher who published a recent study of 19 migrants who voluntarily left Israel and managed to reach Europe, said Israel's promises were not being kept. One Eritrean testified to being extorted in a Sudanese prison and then beaten in a Libyan torture camp and shoved into a small room with 800 people. Another said he watched his wife drown in the Mediterranean and later tried to kill himself. She said everyone had a uniform message: "Better a prison in Israel than dying on the way."

A recent poll by the respected Israel Democracy Institute found two-thirds of the Jewish public agreed with the planned expulsions. The migrants' best hope may be the government's lack of preparation. Prison authorities are skeptical they will be able to process the expected 15,000 to 20,000 to be jailed.

For many of the Africans, there is no good choice.

"I don't care about the money and I never even planned to reach Israel. I was just looking for a safe area," said Halofom Sultan, 37, who escaped Eritrea seven years ago and has been separated from his wife and two children since. "I hope there will be a change in my country and I can go back. Otherwise, I don't know."

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Follow Heller at HYPERLINK "http://www.twitter.com/aronhellerap"

In this Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 photo, African migrants chant slogans during a protest in front of the Rwanda embassy in Herzeliya, Israel. Tens of thousands of African asylum seekers, nearly all from dictatorial Eritrea and war-torn Sudan, fear their stay in Israel is coming to an abrupt end. The Israeli government has given them until April 1 to leave the country for an unnamed African destination -- known to be Rwanda -- in exchange for $3,500 and a plane ticket, or they will be incarcerated indefinitely. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

In this Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 photo, African migrants gather during a protest in front of the Rwanda embassy in Herzeliya, Israel. Tens of thousands of African asylum seekers, nearly all from dictatorial Eritrea and war-torn Sudan, fear their stay in Israel is coming to an abrupt end. The Israeli government has given them until April 1 to leave the country for an unnamed African destination -- known to be Rwanda -- in exchange for $3,500 and a plane ticket, or they will be incarcerated indefinitely. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

In this Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 photo, an African migrant holds a photo that appears to show African migrants in the Mediterranean Sea after their boat was sank, during a protest in front of the Rwanda embassy in Herzeliya, Israel. Tens of thousands of African asylum seekers, nearly all from dictatorial Eritrea and war-torn Sudan, fear their stay in Israel is coming to an abrupt end. The Israeli government has given them until April 1 to leave the country for an unnamed African destination -- known to be Rwanda -- in exchange for $3,500 and a plane ticket, or they will be incarcerated indefinitely. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

In this Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 photo, African migrants gather during a protest in front of the Rwanda embassy in Herzeliya, Israel. Tens of thousands of African asylum seekers, nearly all from dictatorial Eritrea and war-torn Sudan, fear their stay in Israel is coming to an abrupt end. The Israeli government has given them until April 1 to leave the country for an unnamed African destination -- known to be Rwanda -- in exchange for $3,500 and a plane ticket, or they will be incarcerated indefinitely. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

In this Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 photo, an African migrant wearing a cross, gathers with others during a protest in front of the Rwanda embassy in Herzeliya, Israel. Tens of thousands of African asylum seekers, nearly all from dictatorial Eritrea and war-torn Sudan, fear their stay in Israel is coming to an abrupt end. The Israeli government has given them until April 1 to leave the country for an unnamed African destination -- known to be Rwanda -- in exchange for $3,500 and a plane ticket, or they will be incarcerated indefinitely. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
BERLIN (AP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel is calling for all European member states to do their share in helping to deal with the large influx of migrants, while also working together to stem the flow by strengthening external borders and fighting the problems causing people to flee their homelands.

Speaking to Parliament on Thursday before a meeting with other EU leaders Friday in Brussels, Merkel stressed that countries need to know that "solidarity is not a one-way street" and that all have to fight for "shared European values."

Merkel says EU leaders need to agree upon a fair quota system for taking in asylum-seekers. Currently Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic are being sued by the European Commission for refusing to accept their share.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers her speech about the European policy ahead of a EU summit at the parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
BEIRUT (AP) - World leaders called Thursday for an urgent cease-fire in Syria as government forces pounded the opposition-controlled eastern suburbs of the capital in a crushing campaign that has left hundreds of people dead in recent days.

The U.N. Security Council heard a briefing from U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock on what he called "the humanitarian disaster unfolding before our eyes" in the rebel-held suburbs known as eastern Ghouta.

Sweden and Kuwait were seeking a vote on a resolution ordering a 30-day cease-fire to allow relief agencies to deliver aid and evacuate the critically sick and wounded from besieged areas to receive medical care.

In this photo released on Thursday Feb. 22, 2018 which provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Ghouta Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows a Syrian man runs between destroyed buildings which attacked during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, in Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus, Syria. (Ghouta Media Center via AP)

But Russia's U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, who called Thursday's meeting, put forward last-minute amendments, saying the proposed resolution was "simply unrealistic."

Russia's amendments would rule out an immediate cease-fire and instead demand that all parties "stop hostilities as soon as possible," and "work for an immediate and unconditional de-escalation of violence" and 30-day "humanitarian pause."

The Russian proposal would also condemn the "relentless shelling" of Damascus from eastern Ghouta, and deplore "the ongoing attempts by terrorist groups to retake areas and attack civilians and civilian objects."

Several council diplomats who examined the draft, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said it was unacceptable.

Nebenzia accused global media outlets of a massive disinformation campaign that ignored what he claimed were thousands of fighters, including al-Qaida-linked militants, that were shelling Damascus from eastern Ghouta and taking refuge in hospitals and schools.

Council members said they needed to study the Russian proposals.

"We will try and find a way forward that works for everyone," Sweden's U.N. Ambassador Olof Skoog told reporters, adding that a vote was likely on Friday.

In eastern Ghouta, medical workers said they hadn't been able to see their families for days as they worked round the clock at hospitals that have been moved underground to protect them from bombing, while their spouses and children stay in shelters.

"You can't be above ground for even 15 minutes," said a nurse in the town of Kafr Batna, who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect the identity of family members still living in government areas. "At any moment I expect to have to treat my relatives for wounds," he said.

In the background the deep boom of a bomb could be heard exploding as the nurse spoke by Skype to The Associated Press. He said a barrel bomb had fallen less than half a kilometer (one-third mile) away.

A spokesman for the Syrian Civil Defense search-and-rescue group said eastern Ghouta was being targeted for "extermination."

"This is a war against civilians," said the spokesman, Siraj Mahmoud. "The civil defense is being targeted as they rescue women and children, evacuate civilians from targeted areas and put out fires."

Four rescue workers of the organization, also known as the White Helmets, have been killed since Sunday, Mahmoud said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said 400 people, including dozens of children, have been killed since Sunday.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said al-Qaida-linked fighters were using civilians as human shields in the rebel-held suburbs outside Damascus.

Al-Qaida's Syria affiliate is not known to have many fighters in eastern Ghouta, and government forces on Thursday concentrated their fire on hospitals, ambulances, apartment blocks and other civilian sites, according to rescue workers, war monitors, human rights groups, and several videos emerging from the war-scarred region.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate suspension of "all war activities" in the area where he said people were living "in hell on Earth."

The Russian military is supporting Assad's forces in the assault on eastern Ghouta, as it did in the 2016 campaign that drove the rebels from the enclaves they controlled in Syria's largest city, Aleppo. Then, as now, it cited the presence of al-Qaida-linked groups as grounds for the sweeping operation.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on the European Union to step up pressure on Russia and Iran to end the violence in Syria.

"The regime is not fighting against terrorists, but against its own people, killing children, destroying hospitals, and this is a massacre to be condemned," she told Parliament.

Besides President Bashar Assad, Merkel said "Iran and Russia have a particular responsibility" as they are both supporting the government forces.

"We need to do everything in our power to put an end to this massacre," she said.

Lavrov said in remarks in Belgrade, Serbia, that an al-Qaida-linked group blocked a proposal by Russia's military earlier this week to allow opposition fighters to leave eastern Ghouta in exchange for ending the government's offensive.

That contradicted an assertion by one of the largest rebel groups in eastern Ghouta, which told the AP that Russia refused to allow al-Qaida fighters to leave in November, and accused Moscow of wanting to keep the fighters there as a pretext for a comprehensive military campaign.

Russian news reports said Moscow has beefed up its forces in Syria with additional warplanes, including its latest fighter jets. The Kremlin wouldn't comment on the reports, referring questions to the military, which has remained mum about the deployment.

Russia has rejected allegations it was responsible for the mounting civilian casualties in eastern Ghouta, but anger has grown along with the death toll.

On Thursday, scores of protesters, including prominent Syrian opposition figures, gathered outside the Russian Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, chanting, "Russia get out of Syria" and "Iran get out of Syria" in Turkish and Arabic.

Syria's conflict, which has killed more than 400,000 people and displaced millions in the past seven years, has escalated in recent weeks as Assad and his allies push to retake remaining rebel-held areas in the country.

Turkey has also opened a new front against Syrian Kurdish fighters in the north, launching an air and ground offensive on the Kurdish-controlled enclave of Afrin last month.

Hundreds of pro-Syrian government fighters entered Afrin this week as part of an agreement with the Kurdish militia, known as the YPG, to bolster resistance to Turkey's assault.

Hundreds of people gathered in Afrin's main square Thursday, celebrating the pro-government fighters' arrival. TV footage showed fighters in camouflage uniforms standing among scores of men who gathered in the square waving posters of Assad.

Turkish warplanes could be heard flying overhead, sending some fleeing the area.

The pro-government daily Al-Watan said some 500 pro-government fighters have entered Afrin since Tuesday, taking positions along the region's borders.

A YPG spokesman, Nuri Mehmud, said the pro-government fighters brought in armored vehicles but said more was needed to withstand Turkey's military campaign.

"There needs to be a no-fly zone," Mehmud said. "The Syrian army must protect Syrian lands."

Turkey launched the operation to uproot the YPG from Afrin on Jan. 20, saying the group is linked to a Kurdish insurgency inside its own borders.

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Associated Press writers Zeina Karam and Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report.

In this photo released on Thursday Feb. 22, 2018 which provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Ghouta Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows Syrians check their destroyed buildings which attacked during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, in Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus, Syria. (Ghouta Media Center via AP)

People chant anti-Russia slogans, protest attacks on rebel-held suburb of eastern Ghouta in Syria's capital Damascus, during a rally outside the Russian Consulate in Istanbul, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Scores of people have gathered chanting Syrian songs and slogans denouncing a Syrian government forces' bombing campaign that has targeted hospitals, apartment blocks and other civilian sites. Hundreds of people have been killed or wounded in the campaign in recent days. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

People holding pictures of victims of the airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces in Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus, Syria, gather during a rally outside the Russian Consulate in Istanbul, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Scores of people have gathered chanting Syrian songs and slogans denouncing a Syrian government forces' bombing campaign that has targeted hospitals, apartment blocks and other civilian sites. Hundreds of people have been killed or wounded in the campaign in recent days. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Former Syrian opposition leader George Sabra, centre, chants slogans, as he joins others protesting attacks on rebel-held suburb of eastern Ghouta in Syria's capital Damascus, during a rally outside the Russian Consulate in Istanbul, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Scores of people have gathered chanting Syrian songs and slogans denouncing a Syrian government forces' bombing campaign that has targeted hospitals, apartment blocks and other civilian sites. Hundreds of people have been killed or wounded in the campaign in recent days. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Syrians, including prominent opposition figures, protesting attacks on rebel-held suburb of eastern Ghouta in Syria's capital Damascus, gather during a rally outside the Russian Consulate in Istanbul, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Scores of people have gathered chanting Syrian songs and slogans denouncing a Syrian government forces' bombing campaign that has targeted hospitals, apartment blocks and other civilian sites. Hundreds of people have been killed or wounded in the campaign in recent days. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

A woman holds a child amidst Syrian flags as she joins others protesting attacks on rebel-held suburb of eastern Ghouta in Syria's capital Damascus, during a rally outside the Russian Consulate in Istanbul, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Scores of people have gathered chanting Syrian songs and slogans denouncing a Syrian government forces' bombing campaign that has targeted hospitals, apartment blocks and other civilian sites. Hundreds of people have been killed or wounded in the campaign in recent days. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

A group of people, including prominent Syrian opposition figures, chant anti-Russian slogans during a protest against the attacks on the rebel-held suburb of eastern Ghouta in Syria's capital, outside the Russian Consulate in Istanbul, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. The group chanted Syrian songs and slogans denouncing a Syrian government forces' bombing campaign that has targeted hospitals, apartment blocks and other civilian sites. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

People holding pictures of victims of the airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces in Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus, Syria, gather during a rally outside the Russian Consulate in Istanbul, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. The group, including prominent Syrian opposition figures, chanted Syrian songs and slogans denouncing a Syrian government forces' bombing campaign that has targeted hospitals, apartment blocks and other civilian sites. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

This photo released on Wednesday Feb. 21, 2018 provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Ghouta Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows two Syrian kids who were wounded during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, sit at a makeshift hospital, in Ghouta, suburb of Damascus, Syria. New airstrikes and shelling on the besieged, rebel-held suburbs of the Syrian capital killed at least 10 people on Wednesday, a rescue organization and a monitoring group said. (Ghouta Media Center via AP)

Syrians chant anti-Russia slogans outside the Russian Consulate in Istanbul, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, during a protest against the airstrikes and shelling by the Syrian government forces in Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus, Syria. New airstrikes and shelling on the besieged, rebel-held suburbs of the Syrian capital Damascus killed at least 10 people on Wednesday, a rescue organization and a monitoring group said. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

In this photo released on Thursday Feb. 22, 2018 which provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Ghouta Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows smoke rising after Syrian government airstrikes hit Ghouta, suburb of Damascus, Syria. (Ghouta Media Center via AP)

In this photo released on Thursday Feb. 22, 2018 which provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Ghouta Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows Syrians gather between destroyed buildings which attacked during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, in Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus, Syria. A new wave of deadly Syrian government bombardment in the opposition-held eastern suburbs of the capital Damascus on Thursday killed 13 people as world leaders and aid groups called for an end to the carnage that has left hundreds of people dead in recent days.(Ghouta Media Center via AP)
MANILA, Philippines (AP) - The Philippine president said Thursday that a ban on the deployment of workers to Kuwait, where a Filipina was found dead in a freezer, will continue and could be expanded to other countries where Filipino workers suffer "human degradation."

President Rodrigo Duterte made the remarks after attending the wake of Joanna Demafelis in the central Philippine town of Sara. He said he intends to file criminal charges against her employers, who are being hunted by Kuwaiti authorities.

Demafelis's body was found stuffed in a food freezer on Feb. 6 in a Kuwait City apartment where it had reportedly been kept for more than a year. Duterte has said her body bore torture marks and there were indications she was strangled.

FILE- In this Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, file photo, protesters picket the Senate at the start of the probe in the death of an overseas worker in Kuwait in Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines. The Philippine president says a ban on the deployment of workers to Kuwait, where a Filipina was found dead in a freezer, will continue and could be expanded to other countries where Filipino workers "suffer brutal treatment and human degradation." (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File)

"The ban stays, no deployment of Filipinos whatsoever in Kuwait," Duterte said outside the wake, where steamers and shirts worn by mourners bore messages demanding justice for the maid's death. The ban applies only to new Kuwait-bound workers and the thousands already there, mostly maids, can continue working.

Duterte said the government is conducting an assessment to "find out the places where we deploy Filipinos and our countrymen suffer brutal treatment and human degradation."

Her death is the latest overseas tragedy to befall workers from the Philippines, a major labor exporter with about a tenth of its more than 100 million people working abroad. The workers have been called the country's heroes because the income they send home has propped up the Southeast Asian nation's economy for decades, accounting for about 10 percent of its annual gross domestic product.

Duterte talked with the family of Demafelis and then briefly viewed her remains, gently touching her coffin with his hand.

Philippine officials are under increasing pressure to do more to monitor the safety of the country's worldwide diaspora of mostly maids, construction workers and laborers.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III told a Senate hearing Wednesday that he has recalled three Filipino labor officers from Kuwait to face an investigation. They failed to act on a request by Demafelis's family for help after she went missing in January last year, he said.

Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration reported that at least 196 Filipinos had died in Kuwait in the last two years, mostly for unspecified medical reasons but also four who committed suicide. That prompted senators to ask why labor officials did not immediately order a ban on the deployment of workers to Kuwait with the spike in deaths.

A Philippine labor delegation left for Kuwait on Thursday to seek better protection for Filipino workers that may prompt the Duterte administration to lift its ban, officials said.

They will demand a stop to the practice of many Kuwaiti employers to hold on to the passports, travel papers and cellphones of Filipino maids, which has prevented them from reporting abuses and calling for help, the officials said.

Kuwait's ruling emir has reportedly invited Duterte to his country next month to resolve the labor issues but Duterte has not said whether he will visit.

The sheer number of Filipino workers abroad makes monitoring their wellbeing an overwhelming task. That is often complicated by workers not having proper travel and work documents, such as in Kuwait, where nearly 11,000 of the more than 252,000 Filipino workers are in the country illegally or are not properly authorized.

Many desperate Filipinos have also chosen to stay in countries where the Philippines has banned Filipinos in the past, such as in war-torn Iraq and Syria.
MOSCOW (AP) - Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who has been barred from running in the next month's presidential election, said he was briefly detained by police on Thursday.

Navalny said on his Twitter account that he was nabbed early Thursday afternoon as he was leaving a dentist's office in Moscow. Less than an hour later he tweeted that he was taken to a police station where he was presented with charges of organizing an unsanctioned rally and released.

There was no official confirmation and it was not immediately clear when he would appear in court.

FILE - In this file photo taken on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, centre, attends a rally in Moscow, Russia. Russia's communication providers have blocked access to the website of opposition leader Alexei Navalny on orders of the state communications watchdog. The agency, Roskomnadzor, demanded that Navalny remove a video alleging that Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Prikhodko received lavish hospitality from billionaire Oleg Deripaska following a court order or face his web resources being shut. (AP Photo/Evgeny Feldman, File)

Navalny, who is President Vladimir Putin's most formidable foe, spearheaded protest rallies last month, calling for a boycott of the upcoming presidential vote. He was briefly detained at a Jan. 28 protest in Moscow but police did not immediately bring any charges against him.

Navalny's allies speculated that police would delay charging him to allow authorities to keep him behind bars on the election date, March 18.

Navalny mounted a nationwide grass-roots presidential campaign last year, tapping into the discontent in Russia's once politically dormant provinces which have traditionally voted for Putin. The anti-corruption campaigner was denied a place on the ballot in December because of a fraud conviction that many view as politically motivated.

Separately, Navalny's campaign chief Leonid Volkov said he was detained at a Moscow airport earlier on Thursday. His whereabouts were not immediately clear.

Navalny's boycott campaign is worrisome for the Kremlin, which fears that a lower voter turnout would be seen as a sign of declining support for Putin.
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) - Bangladesh's High Court on Thursday accepted an appeal by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia of her five-year prison sentence in a corruption case.

A panel of two judges heard arguments from both sides in a packed courtroom and asked authorities to submit case records to it within 15 days.

The court stayed a decision to fine Zia $250,000 in the verdict and set next Sunday to hear her petition for bail.

FILE- In this Dec. 28, 2017 file photo, Bangladesh's former prime minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia, center, leaves after a court appearance in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bangladesh's High Court has accepted an appeal by former Zia of her five-year prison sentence in a corruption case. (AP Photo/A.M. Ahad, File)

"Yes, the court will hear her bail petition on Sunday, and we are hopeful that she will get a bail order that day," Moudud Ahmed, a lawyer and close aide of Zia, told reporters after Thursday's decision.

Zia, currently the country's opposition leader, was convicted on Feb. 8 of misusing power in embezzling about $250,000 in donations meant for an orphanage trust established when she first became prime minister in 1991. Defense lawyers say the verdict was politically motivated and influenced by the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

But the judge in the verdict said the defense had doctored documents submitted to the court in an effort to save Zia.

Her conviction means that Zia could be barred from running in December elections, with the country's chief election official saying a final decision will depend on higher courts.

Bangladesh law says anyone imprisoned for more than two years cannot run for office for the next five years.

The trial court also sentenced Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, and four others to 10 years in prison for involvement in the case.

Zia faces more than 30 other charges, ranging from corruption to sedition. Bangladesh politics are deeply fractious, with Hasina and Zia ruling the country alternately since 1991, when democracy was restored.

Both women emerged from political dynasties. Zia is the widow of Ziaur Rahman, a general-turned-president who was assassinated in 1981. Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's independence leader and first president who was assassinated in 1975 along with most of his family members. Hasina accuses Zia's husband of a role behind the assassination.

In the last election in 2014, Zia's party and its political allies boycotted the race, allowing Hasina to return to power with a landslide victory.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - The Latest on the deadly Florida school shooting (all times local):

11 a.m.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida is giving fellow Sen. Marco Rubio credit for being the only Republican to attend a televised town hall meeting after the school shooting in their state.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Cameron Kasky asks a question to Sen. Marco Rubio during a CNN town hall meeting at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla., Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018. Rubio was put on the defensive Wednesday by angry students, teachers and parents who are demanding stronger gun-control measures after the shooting rampage that claimed 17 lives at a Florida high school. (Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

He also criticized Republican Gov. Rick Scott for not showing up at the Wednesday meeting.

Nelson told a group of Democratic state senators on Thursday that Rubio "had the guts to be there when Governor Scott did not."

Scott is likely to challenge Nelson as he seeks a fourth term in the Senate this November. Nelson questioned Scott's commitment to make meaningful change after the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 dead.

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7:35 a.m.

For almost a half-hour after a school shooter dropped his assault-style rifle and escaped Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, police officers thought they were seeing his actions live on the school's security system.

They soon realized the images were tape delayed, which Coral Springs Police Chief Tony Pustizzi told the Sun Sentinel made a chaotic situation more confusing.

The 19-year-old suspect Nikolas Cruz was captured an hour later in a neighborhood about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the school where 17 people died Feb. 14.

The newspaper reports police transmissions show that police initially couldn't get to security cameras. Sheriff Scott Israel said at a news conference he didn't know about the security system delays but would look into it.

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12:30 a.m.

The students who swarmed Florida's state capitol in the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High massacre want the Legislature to enact stricter limits on guns. What that might entail remains debatable - if any changes are forthcoming at all.

The 100 Stoneman Douglas survivors who traveled 400 miles to Tallahassee were welcomed into the gun-friendly halls of power Wednesday, but the students' goal of a ban on assault-style rifles such as the weapon used in the shooting was taken off the table a day earlier.

More limited measures are still possible.

Republican legislative leaders may raise the age limit for rifle purchases. They may also increase funding for mental health programs and police officers assigned to schools and enact a waiting period for rifle purchases.

Sen. Bill Nelson asks for assault rifles to be removed from the streets during a CNN town hall meeting, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at the BB&T Center, in Sunrise, Fla. (Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

Broward Sheriff Scott Israel makes a point to NRA Spokesperson Dana Loesch during a CNN town hall meeting, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, at the BB&T Center, in Sunrise, Fla. (Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)
CAIRO (AP) - An Egyptian court sentenced on Thursday 21 people to death and seven others to up to life in prison over belonging to a group believed to be affiliated with the extremist Islamic State group, the state-run MENA news agency reported.

Beside the 21 death sentences, the court handed down life sentences - which in Egypt are equal to 25 years - to four defendants, and 15-year-sentences to three others, MENA said.

The 28 on trial were charged with belonging to an outlawed group linked to IS, disrupting public order, possession of weapons and endangering society among other charges. Of the total, only 12 are in custody while the others - 16 suspects - are at large.

FILE - In this May 23, 2012 file photo, Egyptian presidential candidate Abdel-Monaem Abul Fetouh visits a polling station in Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt. On Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, six suspected members of the now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group were ordered detained for 15 days, pending investigation over joining a "terrorist" group. They were arrested the previous night on a farm allegedly belonging to detained former presidential candidate, Abul Fetouh, who was also formerly a Brotherhood member. (AP Photo/Fredrik Persson, File)

Rights groups have repeatedly criticized similar mass sentencings in Egypt and called on authorities to ensure fair trials.

Egyptian authorities have been carrying out a wide-ranging crackdown on dissent since the 2013 military overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, arresting thousands of his supporters as well as some well-known secular activists.

Earlier on Thursday, six suspected members of the now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group were ordered detained for 15 days, pending investigation over joining a "terrorist" group.

The six were arrested on Wednesday night on a farm allegedly belonging to detained former presidential candidate and "Strong Egypt" party leader, Abdel-Monaem Abul Fetouh. He was a longtime Brotherhood member before he quit the group in 2011.

Egypt listed Abul Fetouh on its terrorism list earlier this week, a designation that bans those on the list from travel, puts them on a watch list and grants authorities the right to freeze their assets. Over the past years, Egyptian authorities have put the names of hundreds, including senior Muslim Brotherhood figures, on the list.

The Islamist organization, which was founded in Egypt, was labeled as "terrorist" following the ouster of Morsi, a senior Brotherhood figure.
BRUSSELS (AP) - Belgian police sealed off part of a Brussels suburb Thursday and searched two apartments, warning residents to stay inside following witness reports that an armed man could be at large.

The area in the Forest neighborhood was reopened after about three hours and police spokeswoman Kathleen Calie later confirmed the incident was not terror-related.

During the search, Associated Press television images showed armed police officers hiding behind buildings and staking out a rooftop.

Belgium security personnel enter a building in Brussels in this image taken from TV Thursday Feb. 22, 2018. Belgian police have sealed off part of a Brussels suburb amid media reports that an armed man could be at large. (AP Photo)

Masked police, some with automatic weapons, were aiming their guns high at a building near the Place Saint-Denis. A police helicopter flew overhead.

The incident began after a Polish man reported what he said was a murder, Calie said. When police arrived at the address they found nothing. "It seems he may have expressed himself badly," Calie said.

But witnesses there said that an incident had happened at a nearby building and they reported seeing an armed man, so officers from Belgium's special federal police force were called in, she said.

"We can rule out terrorism," Calie said.

Earlier, broadcaster RTL quoted Forest mayor Marc-Jean Ghyssels as saying that police "suspect the presence of an armed man." The area was sealed off at around 12:15 p.m. (1115 GMT) and people were warned to stay in their homes.

A suspect in the deadly Paris attacks in November 2015, Salah Abdeslam, hid in Forest and was caught up in a shootout with police in a nearby apartment.

Belgium recently lowered its threat level after almost two years on high alert. In March 2016 suicide bomb attacks on the Brussels airport and an underground station killed 32 people.

Police guard a corner during a police operation in Brussels on Thursday, Feb. 22 2018. Belgian police have sealed off part of a Brussels suburb amid media reports that an armed man could be at large. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Belgium security personnel enter a building in Brussels in this image taken from TV Thursday Feb. 22, 2018. Belgian police have sealed off part of a Brussels suburb amid media reports that an armed man could be at large. (AP Photo)

Police guard on a scaffolding outside a house during a police operation in Brussels on Thursday, Feb. 22 2018. Belgian police have sealed off part of a Brussels suburb amid media reports that an armed man could be at large. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump, guns and school violence (all times local):

11:20 p.m.

President Donald Trump endorsed barring those under 21 from buying semi-automatic weapons - a move that puts him in direct opposition with the National Rifle Association.

President Donald Trump, left, and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, center, listen as Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks during a meeting with state and local officials to discuss school safety in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

His comments Thursday came amid a public reckoning over school gun violence after last week's Florida school massacre. NRA officials have opposed the idea, but Trump says they'll get on board.

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5:25 p.m.

Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts says people under 21 don't need to own semi-automatic rifles like the one used in last week's Florida mass shooting.

The Republican predicts Congress will pass new gun legislation.

Roberts says gun control is "not entirely the answer" to shootings like the one at a Parkland, Florida, high school that killed 17 people last week. But he predicts the federal government will require better background checks.

The senator told reporters Thursday during a visit to the Kansas Statehouse, "Certainly, nobody under 21 should have an AR-15." The Florida gunman was 19 years old.

Roberts also says schools and law enforcement agencies need to communicate better so officers arrive "within two minutes." He suggests that in some cases, National Guard troops could be called in.

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12:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump says drills that teach students how to respond if an active shooter ever enters the premises "are a very negative thing."

Trump says he wouldn't want to tell his son that he has to go through an active-shooter drill. The youngest of Trump's five children, 11-year-old Barron, attends a private school in Potomac, Maryland.

The president says he'd prefer what he called a "hardened school" over active-shooter drills. Trump has said making schools safer will be a top priority for the administration. He has floated the idea of arming teachers as a possible deterrent.

Trump spoke as he opened a school-safety discussion with state and local officials at the White House in response to the fatal shooting of 17 people at a Florida high school last week.

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12:02 p.m.

President Donald Trump says he's speaking with members of Congress about making schools safer following last week's deadly shooting at a Florida high school.

Trump is discussing the issue with state and local officials from around the country who are at the White House. Trump says he also called many members of Congress on Wednesday night and that "they're into background checks." Trump did not identify the lawmakers he spoke with.

He says they will raise age limits in an apparent reference to the minimum-age for buying an assault-style weapon.

Trump says the group will also discuss opening mental institutions.

Thursday's session follows one on Wednesday in which the president heard emotional pleas from students and parents affected by the fatal shooting of 17 people at a Parkland, Florida, high school.

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11:06 a.m.

Vice President Mike Pence says the Trump administration will make school safety "our top national priority" after last week's attack on a high school in Parkland, Florida.

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Pence recounted President Donald Trump's calls for strengthening the federal background check system for purchasing firearms and for regulating bump-stocks like those used in last year's Las Vegas massacre.

Calling school shootings "evil in our time," Pence called on those in positions of authority "to find a way to come together with American solutions."

It was a markedly different tone than that deployed on stage minutes earlier by NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre, who delivered an unbowed defense of gun ownership and lashed out at Democrats - saying they are using the tragedy for "political gain."

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10:15 a.m.

Leaders of the National Rifle Association are accusing supporters of gun control of exploiting the mass school shooting in Florida to promote an anti-gun agenda.

NRA leader Wayne LaPierre spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference. He says Democrats like House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California and Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy are eager to blame the NRA and are calling "for even more government control."

He says opponents of gun rights want to "sweep under the carpet" the failure of school safety, families "and even the unbelievable failure of the FBI" to prevent the shootings.

LaPierre and NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch are addressing conservatives at CPAC.

Loesch says many in the media "love mass shootings," adding, "crying white mothers are ratings gold."

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9:47 a.m.

President Donald Trump is offering a full-throated backing of the National Rifle Association.

Trump says on Twitter Thursday: "What many people don't understand, or don't want to understand, is that Wayne, Chris and the folks who work so hard at the @NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots. They love our Country and will do the right thing. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

The president, a strong supporter of gun rights, is publicly weighing some gun control measures in the wake of the school shooting in Florida last week that left 17 dead.

He has expressed interest in strengthening background checks, banning "bump stock" style devices and raising the minimum age to 21 for possessing more weapons than at present.

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9:08 a.m.

President Donald Trump is meeting with state and local officials from around the country to discuss school safety.

The White House says attendees at a session Thursday include Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, both Republicans. The Democratic Mayor of Parkland, Florida, Christine Hunschofsky, will also participate. She is the mayor of the town where 17 people were killed in a school shooting last week.

Trump will also hear from local police, health and education officials. He is seeking to show action in the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

On Wednesday, Trump heard from students and parents impacted by the Parkland shooting, as well as past mass shootings.

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8:23 a.m.

President Donald Trump says he wants to see action on a series of gun control measures, saying "Congress is in a mood to finally do something on this issue - I hope!"

Trump was speaking on Twitter Thursday. He says: "I will be strongly pushing Comprehensive Background Checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise age to 21 and end sale of Bump Stocks!"

He did not immediately offer more details.

Trump appeared to be endorsing a plan to raise the minimum age to buy assault-type weapons.

He has previously expressed interest in efforts to strengthen the federal background check system. It was not clear if he would back closing loopholes that permit loose private sales on the internet and at gun shows.

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7:49 a.m.

President Donald Trump is continuing to talk about the possibility of arming teachers, saying he means concealed weapons for "gun adept teachers with military or special training experience - only the best."

Trump spoke on Twitter Thursday morning. He tweeted: "I never said 'give teachers guns' like was stated on Fake News @CNN & @NBC." Trump says that giving concealed weapons to highly trained teachers would allow them to, in his words, "immediately fire back if a savage sicko came to a school with bad intentions."

Trump added: "Highly trained teachers would also serve as a deterrent to the cowards that do this." He says: "ATTACKS WOULD END!"

At a White House listening session on gun violence Wednesday, Trump raised the idea of arming some teachers with concealed weapons.

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12:11 a.m.

President Donald Trump is pledging to be "very strong on background checks." And he suggests he'd support allowing some teachers and other school employees to carry concealed weapons to be ready for intruders.

Trump listened intently Wednesday to the raw emotion as students and parents appealed to the president to set politics aside and protect America's school children from the scourge of gun violence.

The president had invited the teen survivors of school violence and parents of murdered children in a show of his resolve against gun violence in the wake of last week's shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and in past years at schools in Connecticut and Colorado. The latest episode has prompted a renewed and growing call for stronger gun control.

Trump later tweeted that he would "always remember" the meeting. "So much love in the midst of so much pain. We must not let them down. We must keep our children safe!!"

National Rifle Association Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre, speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), at National Harbor, Md., Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
BERLIN (AP) - A court in southeastern Germany has sentenced a former Catholic priest to 8  years in prison for child sex abuse.

The regional court in Deggendorf, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of Munich, found the defendant guilty Thursday of abusing five boys on more than 100 occasions since the mid-1990s.

He was also convicted of bodily harm, forging documents and possessing child pornography.

A former priest covers his face with a woolen hat prior to the verdict on accusations of child abuse in Deggendorf, southern Germany, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. (Armin Weigel/dpa via AP)

German news agency dpa reported that judges ordered the man, who wasn't identified, to be held in a psychiatric unit. Dpa reports the defendant may be kept in preventative detention after he has served his sentence depending on whether therapy is successful.

The man was previously imprisoned for sexual offenses from 2003 to 2009. A church court expelled him from the priesthood in 2008.
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) - A Serbian court has ruled that two Australians arrested over a $390 million cocaine haul can be extradited to Australia.

The Higher Court in Belgrade said Thursday that Tristan Waters and Rohan Arnold "met legal conditions" for their extradition, which was requested by Australian authorities.

The two, along with another Australian, David Campbell, were arrested in January after police stormed a Belgrade hotel and seized around $1 million in foreign currencies. Campbell's case is still pending.

Serbian police at the time said the men were linked to the discovery of 1.28 metric tons (1.41 U.S. tons) of cocaine last April on a Chinese freighter that docked in Sydney.

Australian police described the haul as the second-largest in Australian law enforcement history.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - An Earth-observation satellite built for Spain and two experimental satellites for internet service were successfully launched into orbit from California at dawn Thursday, creating a brief light show as it arced over the Pacific Ocean west of Los Angeles.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, reusing a first stage that had flown on a previous launch, lifted off at 6:17 a.m. from Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Californians were hoping for a repeat of the spectacle that occurred during a Dec. 22 Falcon 9 launch during exceptionally clear twilight conditions, but this time the sky was much brighter, making the plume less brilliant.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, over Lompoc, Calif., from Vandenberg Air Force Base, in the company's first West Coast launch of the year. The launch, which had been delayed three times since Saturday, went off as scheduled at 6:17 a.m. Thursday from VAFB's Space Launch Complex-4. (Len Wood/The Santa Maria Times via AP)

The Falcon's first stage was used to launch a satellite for Taiwan last August and was recovered by landing it on a drone ship in the Pacific. This time there was no effort to recover the first stage and it fell into the sea.

The first stage was an early version of the Falcon 9 and SpaceX is "making room" for a new version that will be qualified for rapid reuse many times, said Tom Praderio, an avionics firmware engineer serving as launch spokesman.

SpaceX, however, was attempting to recover the fairing - the aerodynamic covering that protects the satellite during the early phase of launch and is usually discarded after reaching altitudes where the atmosphere's density is low.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk tweeted that the fairing system deployed a parafoil and there was an attempt to catch it during descent but that failed. He posted a photo of a ship with a net structure on the stern that he referred to as "a giant catcher's mitt."

"Missed by a few hundred meters, but fairing landed intact in water. Should be able catch it with slightly bigger chutes to slow down descent," Musk tweeted. Recovering and reusing major pieces of rockets is one of Musk's key strategies.

The rocket's primary payload was a satellite named PAZ for Spanish satellite operator Hisdesat. It carries an advanced instrument for making radar images of Earth for government and commercial purposes, as well as sensors for tracking ships and weather.

The satellite was designed for a 5-year mission, orbiting Earth 15 times each day at an altitude of 514 kilometers (319 miles), covering the entire planet every 24 hours. It joins two other radar satellites in the same orbit covering the same ground, increasing acquisition of data.

The rocket also deployed two small test satellites for a proposed system that would bring internet access to remote areas. The "Starlink" system would require thousands of satellites operating in low Earth orbit.

Musk tweeted that the satellites were named Tintin A and B and were communicating with Earth stations.

"Tintin A & B will attempt to beam 'hello world' in about 22 hours when they pass near LA," Musk added.

Praderio, the launch spokesman, said that even if the two satellites work as planned, "we still have considerable technical work ahead of us to design and deploy" the constellation.

A SpaceX rocket carrying a Spanish satellite is seen over the sky in Los Angeles on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. The rocket created a brief light show over Southern California after blasting off from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The Falcon 9 rose above coastal clouds into the dawn sky Thursday and arced southward over the Pacific Ocean west of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) - The head of Italian energy firm Eni said Thursday that planned drilling in search of gas off Cyprus could be put on hold until Turkey can be convinced to pull back its warships preventing a rig from reaching the site.

Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi made the remarks after Turkey's energy minister earlier insisted that his country won't allow Cyprus' government to carry out a "unilateral" gas search off the east Mediterranean island as long as breakaway Turkish Cypriots don't share the benefits.

For two weeks, citing naval exercises, Turkish warships have prevented a rig from reaching an area southeast of Cyprus where Eni is scheduled to carry out exploratory drilling.

FILE - In this Wednesday, June 15, 2016 file photo, Cypriot Foreign minister Ioannis Kasoulides speaks after his statements to the media at the foreign ministry in Nicosia, Cyprus. Kasoulides said on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, that drilling in the specific area could be abandoned if Turkish naval vessels continue to obstruct the rig. For two weeks, Turkish warships have prevented a rig from reaching an area southeast of Cyprus where Italian firm Eni is scheduled to carry out exploratory drilling. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias, File)

Descalzi said the matter isn't troubling the company which is used to such difficulties, but that the rig - now anchored around 30 miles from the drilling target - would likely be moved soon for drilling scheduled elsewhere and to give diplomacy a chance to work.

"Since we have to go somewhere else after this well, it's very probable we'll move in these days and secure the exploration," Descalzi said according to the ANSA news agency. "Then, we'll wait for international diplomacy to find a solution."

Turkish Energy Minister Berak Albayrak said that Turkey would block offshore hydrocarbon searches until there is an accord to reunify ethnically split Cyprus.

"As long as a concrete and rational solution is not produced, we have to be effective," Albayrak told an energy forum in Istanbul. "If unilateral exploration is conducted, as Turkey we will not allow it."

Turkey says drilling ignores the rights of breakaway Turkish Cypriots to the island's natural resources and also claims part of the areas which the Cypriot government has opened up for drilling licensing.

The Cypriot government says it is its sovereign right to search for gas and will benefit all Cypriot citizens with potential proceeds deposited in a sovereign fund that will be split equitably once the island is reunified. But it insists there can be no peace talks if Turkey continues to unlawfully interfere with drilling activity.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974. Turkey doesn't recognize Cyprus as a state, but is the only country to recognize the independence of Turkish Cypriots in the island's northern third.

Outgoing Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said Thursday that planned exploratory drilling in other areas, where companies including France's Total and ExxonMobil are licensed to carry out drilling, must continue.

Earlier this month, the Cypriot government said Eni had discovered a potentially substantial gas deposit in an area southwest of the island.

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Associated Press writers Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey and Nicole Winfeld in Rome, Italy contributed to this report.
MADRID (AP) - A Spanish judge has charged Villarreal defender Ruben Semedo with attempted murder and ordered him to be temporarily detained without bail.

Court officials in Lliria say on Thursday the Portuguese player is also charged with assault, robbery, illegal detention, and illegal possession of firearms.

Semedo testified before a judge on Thursday, and left the court in handcuffs.

FILE - A Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017 file photo showing Villarreal's Ruben Semedo, left, challenging Barcelona's Lionel Messi, during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Villarreal and FC Barcelona at the Ceramica stadium in Villarreal, Spain. Spanish club Villarreal says Tuesday Feb. 20, 2018 it has opened an investigation against defender Ruben Semedo after reports that he was arrested for an incident involving violence last week. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz, File)

The 23-year-old Semedo was detained early Tuesday, accused of tying up, assaulting and threatening another man last week. Authorities say he and two other men allegedly held the victim captive while they robbed his apartment.

Semedo's agents told Spanish media the player denies any wrongdoing.

Villarreal on Tuesday said it was investigating Semedo and would take appropriate disciplinary action.

Villarreal signed Semedo from Sporting Lisbon last summer for a reported fee of 14 million euros ($17 million).
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - The Latest on sexual misconduct in the California Legislature (all times local):

11:50 a.m.

A California state senator has resigned over sexual misconduct allegations just ahead of a possible vote by his colleagues to expel him.

Democratic state Senators Ben Allen, of Santa Monica, left, and Robert Hertzberg, of Van Nuys, leave the Senate to attend a Democratic caucus meeting Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, in Sacramento, Calif. The Senate is expected to take up a resolution, introduced by Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, to expel state Sen. Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, over accusations of sexual misconduct. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Spokesman Robert Alaniz says Democratic Sen. Tony Mendoza stepped down Thursday. He's the third California lawmaker to resign over sexual misconduct claims in recent months.

In his resignation letter, Mendoza called the Senate's process "farcical" and unfair and is still considering running for re-election in the fall.

An investigation found the Los Angeles-area Democrat likely engaged in unwanted flirtatious and sexually suggestive behavior with six women.

He denies wrongdoing but has apologized if he made anyone feel uncomfortable.

Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, Mendoza's former roommate in Sacramento, had been pushing to impose the most serious punishment in the Senate's arsenal for the first time since 1905.

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8:30 a.m.

California's Senate leader has introduced a resolution to expel a senator accused of sexual misconduct as lawmakers prepare to debate punishment.

Democratic Sen. Tony Mendoza would become the first lawmaker expelled since 1905 if lawmakers decide to remove him on Thursday.

Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon introduced the expulsion resolution late Wednesday after lawmakers met for hours behind closed door to discuss potential punishment for Mendoza.

De Leon used to rent a room in Mendoza's Sacramento house but moved out after allegations against Mendoza came to light. Both are Democrats from Los Angeles County.

Lawyers investigating complaints against Mendoza found that he likely engaged in unwanted flirtatious or sexually suggestive behavior with six women. Mendoza denies wrongdoing but has apologized to anyone offended by his behavior.

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12 a.m.

The California Senate is preparing to debate punishment for a lawmaker accused of sexual misconduct.

Sen. Tony Mendoza could become the first lawmaker to be expelled in more than a century.

Thursday's session comes a day after Republicans and Democrats met separately in secret caucus meetings to decide the appropriate discipline for the Los Angeles-area Democrat, who plans to defend himself on the Senate floor.

Lawyers investigating complaints against the 46-year-old lawmaker found that he likely engaged in unwanted flirtatious or sexually suggestive behavior with six women. The investigation found Mendoza "more likely than not" engaged in behavior such as giving alcohol to a 19-year-old intern in a hotel suite at a Democratic Party event.

Mendoza has denied wrongdoing but says he's sorry if anyone was offended by his behavior.

FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2018, file photo, California state Sen. Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, announces that he will take a month-long leave of absence while an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against him are completed in Sacramento, Calif. When lawmakers return from the President's Day weekend, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2018, they will learn whether the investigation cleared Mendoza or sets him up for possible expulsion. (AP Photo/Steve Yeater, File)
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - When the Texas Board of Education last produced history curriculum guidelines for public schools, experts decried its members for attempting to promote religious and conservative ideology over facts.

Now the state is considering revisions to the 2010 standards, which a group of academics slammed in a report Thursday. Among their complaints: lessons downplaying slavery as the Civil War's cause, exaggerating the influence of Moses on U.S. democracy and applauding the National Rifle Association and Newt Gingrich's Contract with America.

The report suggests some heavy editing, but it remains to be seen whether the board's 10 Republicans and five Democrats will comply when they begin voting on rewrites in November. For years, the panel has generated attention for such things as trying to limit lessons on evolution and climate change in science textbooks.

"The best we can hope for right now is the more egregious mistakes are rectified," one of the report's authors, Edward Countryman, a history professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, said Thursday in a conference call. "I think it's possible."

The report was commissioned by frequent education board critic the Texas Freedom Network, but its authors say their objections are about facts, not politics.

Their report notes how one board member in 2010 described slavery as an "after issue" and how Texas' resulting curriculum standards suggested it was the Civil War's third cause behind sectionalism and states' rights. The board also asked the state's nearly 5.4 million public school students to compare ideas from Abraham Lincoln's inaugural address with those of the one by Confederate President Jefferson Davis, which didn't mention slavery while championing small-government values.

Authors also fault Texas' standards for including Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson as an example of "effective leadership."

Last year's white supremacist march in Charlottesville, Virginia, and subsequent efforts to remove Confederate monuments around the country have underscored debates on how the Civil War is taught in different states. But Texas' Civil War lessons perpetuate "a historical mistruth promoted by southern apologists after the war," the report says.

It suggests instead asking students to examine the conflict's causes, "particularly the central role played by slavery" while recommending scrapping requirements that "glorify Confederate heroes."

The report also calls for removing curriculum standards listing Moses among the people whose principles "informed the American founding documents" while trimming language suggesting that the separation of church and state wasn't a fundamental ideal of the Constitution. It says that's "one of the most blatant examples" of using "Texas curriculum standards to promote a political argument that is unsupported by sound scholarship" and past court cases nationwide.

"The quibble over wording here could not be more misleading," said Emile Lester, a report co-author and political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia.

The report faults education board member David Bradley, a Republican from Beaumont who isn't seeking re-election in November, for previously offering to make a $10,000 donation to charity if anyone can find the words "separation of church and state" in the Constitution.

Reached by phone, Bradley said, "I've still got the money in my pocket." The report notes that the Constitution's framers intended strong separation between religion and government policy, even if it's not specifically spelled out.

"What are the studies with university professors? That, generally, 90, 95 percent of them vote liberal Democrat?" Bradley responded. "And you're going to complain about ideology?"

The report also sees the current standards as cheerleading too much for free market economic systems, small government and low taxation. It recommends cutting lessons appearing to justify Sen. Joseph McCarthy's notorious hunts for communists and asking students studying groups like the United Nations to "evaluate efforts by global organizations to undermine U.S. sovereignty."

And, it slammed as "inaccurate and biased" requiring Texas students to learn about the 1980s and 1990s "conservative resurgence" built on the efforts of things like the NRA and 1994's congressional Contract with America.

"What happened eight years ago was a political circus and a travesty," said Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller. "It undermined the education of our kids and turned Texas into a national joke."
LONDON (AP) - A man and woman who met on a Muslim dating website were handed prison sentences Thursday for plotting an Islamic State-inspired bomb attack in Britain.

Prosecutors say Munir Mohammed, an asylum-seeker from Sudan, and London pharmacist Rowaida El-Hassan met on SingleMuslim.com and bonded over their shared extremist views, exchanging videos of beheadings and other extremist material.

Prosecutors said Mohammed volunteered to carry out an attack during Facebook exchanges with a man he believed to be an Islamic State group commander.

This undated handout photo issued by Counter Terrorism Policing North East shows Sudanese asylum seeker Munir Mohammed. A man and woman who met on a Muslim dating website have been handed prison sentences for plotting an Islamic State-inspired bomb attack in Britain. Prosecutors say Munir Mohammed, an asylum-seeker from Sudan, and London pharmacist Rowaida El-Hassan met on SingleMuslim.com and bonded over their shared extremist views. On Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, judge Michael Topolski sentenced 37-year-old Mohammed to life with no chance of parole for 14 years. El-Hassan, who is 32, was jailed for 12 years, plus five years on probation. (Counter Terrorism Policing North via AP)

He was arrested in December 2016, and police found bomb-making instructions and two of the three components for the explosive TATP at his home.

Last month, a jury at London's Central Criminal Court found the couple guilty of preparing terrorist acts.

Judge Michael Topolski sentenced 37-year-old Mohammed Thursday to life with no chance of parole for 14 years. El-Hassan, 32, was jailed for 12 years, plus five years on probation.

The judge said Mohammed had decided to make an explosive device - either "an ordinary bomb" or one containing the poison ricin. He said Mohammed drew in El-Hassan until she "became an enthusiastic and encouraging partner."
HOUSTON (AP) - Government records show the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers predicted ahead of Hurricane Harvey's arrival that reservoirs in Houston would fill to record levels, flooding adjacent neighborhoods, but never shared the concern with the public.

A Corps forecast on Aug. 25, the same day Harvey made landfall, determined Barker and Addicks reservoirs would spill beyond their banks, engulfing homes and businesses.

It wasn't until the next day that officials in Fort Bend County issued the first flood advisory for areas adjacent to Barker.

Authorities in Harris County, home to Houston, didn't issue similar warnings until Aug. 27. By then neighborhoods were already inundated.

The Houston Chronicle obtained the Corps records through discovery in a lawsuit filed by homeowners seeking compensation.

The Corps didn't respond to the Chronicle's request for comment.

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Information from: Houston Chronicle, http://www.houstonchronicle.com
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is warning that the two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict "is being overtaken by a one-state reality which will have dire consequences for Israel in the long-term."

Carter concluded that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state "is in Israel's best interest."

In a statement to the Security Council read Thursday by former U.S. ambassador Richard Murphy, Carter said that a two-state solution "must be anchored on 1967 borders with agreed upon adjustments and with Jerusalem as the capital for both Israelis and Palestinians."

He said Gaza "is teetering on the brink of a humanitarian disaster" and warned that another war in the Hamas-ruled territory is "a real possibility - and the consequences would be catastrophic."
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. (AP) - A man with a history of violent behavior intentionally crashed a car filled with gasoline containers into a Connecticut hospital emergency room on Thursday and then set himself on fire, authorities said.

The driver, 27-year-old Steven Ellam, of Middletown, was critically burned in the crash and fire at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. He was flown about 40 miles (64 km) to Bridgeport Hospital, where he was being treated in the burn unit.

Middletown Mayor Dan Drew said the car contained cans of flammable liquid, which were being examined.

"The bomb squads were there. But that was out of an abundance of caution, not because we had any information that anything was wired or connected," said Drew. "In a situation like this, it's incumbent on us to make sure every contingency is explored."

Ellam is well-known to authorities. Court records show he has numerous convictions, including for assault, attempted assault and strangulation. He was sentenced in 2014 to 33 months in prison. Police at the time said he attempted to strangle a woman in June 2013 with plastic bags after telling her she had sinned, had to repent and was going to die.

Police Chief William McKenna said they did not have a motive for Thursday's actions, but were confident Ellam acted alone.

"I want the public to know that this has been determined to be an isolated incident," he said. "Middletown is safe."

About 30 patients and 20 staff members were evacuated from the emergency department after the crash, which happened at the walk-in entrance. The only other injury was a security guard who was treated for smoke inhalation, Drew said.

The front of the car burst into flames and the driver set himself on fire before he got out of the vehicle, police said. Fire, police and bomb crews quickly responded to the scene and firefighters extinguished the blaze.

Authorities evacuated homes in the neighborhood where the driver lives while searching his residence, but there was no immediate indication of a bomb at either location.

Police also evacuated an area around the emergency department, which remained closed Thursday evening. Hospital officials said all patients at the hospital were safe. All appointments and non-emergency surgery scheduled for Thursday and Friday had been canceled as had most visitations.

"This situation, as tragic as it is, as difficult as it is for our community to contend with, had very limited overall damage, in part because of the quick response of hospital staff, police officers and firefighters," Drew said.
LONDON (AP) - Police are investigating a suspicious package that was sent to Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle as a racist hate crime, Scotland Yard said Thursday.

The Metropolitan Police force said "a package containing a substance" was delivered to St. James's Palace, where Harry has his office, on Feb. 12.

The force said the substance "was tested and confirmed as non-suspicious."

FILE - In this file photo dated Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle, in Nottingham, England. The Metropolitan Police force said "a package containing a substance" was delivered to St. James's Palace on Feb. 12, sent to Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle, and is now being investigated as a racist hate crime, Scotland Yard said Thursday Feb. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, FILE)

The force said counterterrorism detectives are investigating the incident as an alleged malicious communication offense, "and it is being treated as a racist hate crime."

The Evening Standard newspaper reported that the package was a letter containing white powder and a racist message.

The prince and Markle are due to marry May 19 at Windsor Castle.

Earlier this month, a letter containing white powder was sent to an office at Parliament, leading to a partial evacuation of the building. It also was found to be non-toxic.
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Greece's supreme court has approved a large private urban development project on the prime seaside site of the old Athens airport, which is a key element of the country's bailout program.

The decision made public Thursday says that the development at Hellenikon is in accordance with Greece's constitution and laws, but stressed that it must strictly adhere to environmental and building regulations.

The court also said planned construction of several skyscrapers on the site - bypassing existing limitations on high buildings - can go ahead for reasons of public interest.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras waits for the arrival of the Irish President Michael D. Higgins during a welcome ceremony at Maximos Mansion in Athens, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Moody's ratings agency upgraded Greece's credit rating by two notches late Wednesday to B3, saying the country is set to return to market-based funding following the conclusion of its current bailout program in the summer. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

The 620-hectare (1,500-acre) plot was sold under Greece's creditor-mandated privatization program to a consortium led by Greek Lamda Development, which is planning an 8-billion-euro ($9.4-billion) investment including a park, housing, shopping areas and hotels.

Greece's European creditors have been pressing for speedy approval of the project. Together with delays in promised online auctions of homes with defaulted mortgages, the issue has held up payment of a rescue loan installment to the Greek government worth 5.7 billion euros ($7.1 billion).

Critics have opposed the Hellenikon project citing environmental and heritage concerns. Ancient cemeteries and a prehistoric settlement have been found in the area.

Also Thursday, Greek lawmakers approved the sale of a 67-percent stake of the Thessaloniki Port Authority in Greece's second-largest city, in a deal worth 232 million euros ($285 million).

Parliament ratified the concession agreement through 2051 which was signed in December with the consortium South Europe Gateway Thessaloniki. The consortium is comprised of Germany's Deutsche Invest Equity Partners GmbH, Greek-Russian Belterra Investments, and France's Terminal Link SAS.

Thursday's approval follows the 2016 privatization of Greece's largest port of Piraeus through the sale of a majority stake to China's Cosco group.

Greece's left-wing government says it's committed to continuing cost-cutting reforms and privatization after the country's international bailout ends in August. It will present rescue creditors a development plan in April to be used to gauge post-program surveillance and debt relief.
Authorities say a Massachusetts trolley driver paid a man $2,000 to attack him while wearing a Halloween mask so the driver could fraudulently collect workers' compensation and disability insurance.

A Suffolk County grand jury on Wednesday indicted Thomas Lucey on charges of insurance fraud, workers' compensation fraud, misleading a police investigation and perjury.

Prosecutors say the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority driver reported the man pulled him out of a trolley shortly after midnight on Oct. 30, 2016, and punched him repeatedly. The attacker wore a mask and carried a plastic pumpkin.

Thomas Lucey, 46, is facing fraud charges after faking an attack in order to collect disability insurance

Authorities say they lifted fingerprints from the pumpkin left behind at the scene to find the man and that he said Lucey paid him for the phony attack.

MBTA Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan called the case 'especially upsetting.'

'It's especially upsetting because it's a public employee. These safeguards are in place to protect people who legitimately get hurt on the job,' Sullivan said to CBS Boston.

After the incident, Lucy was able to collect long-term disability insurance.

Lucey is alleged to have paid someone thousands of dollars to attack him in order to collect the money

'Programs like Workers' Compensation are in place to benefit hard working employees with a strong commitment to public service,' MBTA General Manager Luis Manuel Ramirez said. 'When someone abuses the system, we need to call it out, and state very clearly that such conduct will not be tolerated.'

'Effective investigators follow the evidence wherever it leads,' District Attorney Dan Conley said.

'Here, it led us away from first appearances and toward a staged assault for financial gain. We allege that this was a deliberate deception and a crime. Every dollar spent on a fraudulent claim is a dollar that can't go to someone who deserved it.'

An attorney for Lucey couldn't immediately be reached Thursday. He's expected in court March 20.
NEW YORK (AP) - An eyewear website operator who was sentenced to four years in prison after threatening customers with rape and murder was ordered Thursday to serve an additional two years in prison by an angry New York judge who said the unrepentant businessman mocked the criminal justice system with lies and deception after his release.

U.S. District Judge Richard J. Sullivan banned Vitaly Borker from using computers and criticized his behavior after his 2015 release from prison as "shameful."

"You are not to own or use a computer, period," Sullivan told the 41-year-old Ukrainian immigrant who was convicted of fraud after harassing customers from 2007 to 2010.

At a 2012 hearing, one victim testified Borker left her a voicemail message saying he hoped she died and he wanted to slice her legs off. Another said Borker threatened to kill her and her family unless she stopped demanding a refund. Sullivan said victims' claims they were threatened with rape and murder were "highly credible."

Defense lawyer Dominic Amorosa sought leniency, saying Borker told court officials after his release that he was assisting with the sale of glasses remaining from his previous business.

"There was no systematic fraud here," he said. "I don't believe the facts here are as bad as you might believe."

The judge said Borker violated probation by lying to U.S. officers who monitored his activities, making it seem he had distanced himself from online sales of eyeglasses and was following rules set by Sullivan at a September 2012 sentencing.

"I hope that I won't see you in a courtroom again," Sullivan told Borker then, according to a transcript the judge read aloud Thursday.

The judge cited Borker's lack of remorse and called him "incorrigible."

The new sentence was in addition to whatever Borker could face if he is convicted of charges filed after his arrest last May on charges he was again peddling shoddy glasses online as premium ware. No trial date has been set for that case, which is before a different judge.

"He is insisting he is not guilty of these frauds," Amorosa said.

Sullivan ordered Borker imprisoned last June. He heard testimony last month before concluding Borker violated rules Sullivan said must be followed after Borker's release.

He said actions Borker took to hide his eyeglass sale activities were "absolutely deliberate" and "deceitful." He warned Borker that he could not continue to lie to probation officers and the court.

"This is a lesson you have to keep learning again and again," he said.

Prosecutors had requested the two-year sentence while Amorosa had asked that Borker serve no more than eight additional months.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicolas Landsman-Roos said Borker used "multiple layers of deception," including a fake job, to deceive probation officers while he engaged in "the same crime the defendant was convicted of."

As a shackled Borker shuffled from court, he called out to his mother, who rested her head in her hands.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - The governors of Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island have created a coalition of like-minded states on gun control, promising to expand existing efforts to share information on illegal guns, and ultimately make progress on gun safety measures where they contend the federal government has faltered.

The four Democrats announced the formation of "States for Gun Safety" on Thursday. They plan to urge other governors to join the group at a National Governors Association meeting this weekend in Washington, D.C.

"We can't wait for the federal government to act," said Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. "We have states with good intentions, with good laws. Let's take it to the next level, let's work across our borders. Let's not just advocate for better laws in our state, but advocate for better laws in our own region."

The proposed coalition comes after a 19-year-old gunman, described as mentally troubled, killed 17 people with an AR-15 style assault rifle at a high school in Parkland, Florida, last week. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said that shooting accelerated the governors' idea to form the coalition, which has been in the works for about a year.

The governors said they will sign a memorandum of understanding that spells out three main areas where they plan to work together on gun issues. They want to create a cross-state task force of law enforcement officials that will trace and intercept illegal guns; form a regional gun violence research consortium; and step up intelligence and information sharing among the states.

Malloy said Connecticut has a law that prevents people with protective orders against them from continuing to possess or buy guns in the state. He said sharing that information with bordering states makes sense, considering residents travel to nearby states to make purchases.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said his state created a mental health database after the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, where 26 children and adults were slain. It now contains the names of about 77,000 people who can't purchase a gun in New York. He said that information could be shared with the other states, along with state data about arrest warrants and protective orders that typically aren't included in the National Instant Criminal Background Check system.

"The federal system is very limited, right? That's the essence of the problem, that the NICS federal background check is very limited," said Cuomo, adding how officials in the four gun violence coalition states worry about weapons purchased in other states being brought across their borders.

NICS, which searches three nationally held databases, is overseen by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. A message was left seeking comment with the FBI about the new coalition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the federal law enforcement agency that handles the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, said it generally does not comment on state and local matters.

While the governors noted that all four states have some of the more restrictive gun laws in the country, there are proposals to enact additional measures following the recent mass shootings.

Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo said it's still legal in her state to buy a military-style weapon, carry concealed firearms into schools and state buildings, and purchase high-capacity magazines - something she hopes to work with state lawmakers to change.
PARIS (AP) - A court has rejected a release request by a prominent Islamic scholar incarcerated this month on preliminary rape charges.

A judicial official said that Tariq Ramadan, who was briefly hospitalized recently, refused to leave his prison cell to be present for Thursday's ruling on his request to be released for medical reasons.

The official said that the appeals court, after a medical evaluation, considered that his state of health did not exclude his incarceration. The official, not authorized to speak publicly, asked not to be identified.

The 55-year-old Swiss scholar is facing preliminary rape charges in two cases. The first allegedly took place in 2009 and the other allegedly in 2012.

Ramadan denies any wrongdoing and has filed a lawsuit claiming the allegations are false.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - An Ohio man convicted of beating a 14-month-old boy to death and tossing his body into a creek with the help of the child's mother has been sentenced to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 19 years.

A judge sentenced 27-year-old Kurt Flood on Thursday in Columbus. A jury earlier found Flood guilty of charges including murder and corpse abuse in Cameron Beckford's 2014 death.

Cameron's mother told jurors Flood repeatedly struck her son with a hairbrush to "beat the demons out of him." She has pleaded guilty to charges including involuntary manslaughter.

Flood testified he didn't beat Cameron but helped the mother dispose of the body.

The Columbus Dispatch reports Beckford declined to comment at his sentencing. A message seeking comment was left for his attorney.
ATMORE, Ala. (AP) - The Latest on the scheduled execution of an Alabama inmate (all times local):

11:45 a.m.

Alabama officials have postponed a scheduled execution, saying there was not enough time to prepare the inmate before a death warrant expires at midnight.

This image provided by the Alabama Department of Corrections shows Doyle Lee Hamm, an inmate scheduled to be executed Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018 in Alabama. Alabama is set to execute Hamm, who argues his past drug use and cancer have too badly damaged his veins and will make the lethal injection unconstitutionally painful. (Alabama Department of Corrections via AP)

Doyle Lee Hamm was scheduled to die by lethal injection at 6 p.m. Thursday, but the U.S. Supreme Court delayed the execution while it considered Hamm's request to block it. The court ruled about 9 p.m. that officials could proceed with the execution.

Prison spokesman Bob Horton said there was insufficient time to prepare the inmate.

Hamm was sentenced to death for the 1987 murder of Cullman motel clerk Patrick Cunningham during a robbery in which $410 was stolen. Cunningham was shot in the head.

Hamm's attorney had sought to stop the lethal injection. He argued that lymphoma, drug use and hepatitis C had compromised Hamm's veins to the point that lethal injection would be both difficult and unconstitutionally cruel.

Alabama prison officials have told the courts that they plan to connect the intravenous line to usable veins in Hamm's lower extremities.

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9 p.m.

The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a last-minute bid to halt the execution of an Alabama inmate convicted of the 1987 killing of a motel clerk.

Justices ruled Thursday evening that Alabama could proceed with the lethal injection execution of 61-year-old Doyle Lee Hamm. It was originally scheduled for 6 p.m., but the court temporarily delayed it while it considered Hamm's bid to halt it.

Corrections spokesman Bob Horton said the execution would move forward shortly.

Hamm was convicted in the 1987 killing of motel clerk Patrick Cunningham. Cunningham was shot once in the head during a robbery where $410 was taken.

Hamm's attorney had argued that lymphoma and past drug use have damaged his veins too much for a lethal injection.

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6 p.m.

The U.S. Supreme Court has delayed the lethal injection of an Alabama inmate as it considers his request to block the execution.

Justices issued the temporary stay at 6 p.m. Thursday, the same time that Doyle Lee Hamm was scheduled to be executed. The court will decide later whether to let the execution proceed Thursday evening.

Hamm's attorney argued that lymphoma and past drug use have damaged his veins too much for a lethal injection. Alabama prison officials have told the courts that they plan to connect the intravenous line to usable veins in Hamm's lower extremities.

Hamm was convicted in the 1987 killing of motel clerk Patrick Cunningham.

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4:30 p.m.

The Alabama attorney general's office is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reject an inmate's request to halt his upcoming execution.

State lawyers on Thursday argued that the execution can be safely carried out, and there is no evidence that the inmate's medical conditions will complicate the procedure.

Doyle Lee Hamm is scheduled to be executed at 6 p.m. by lethal injection for the 1987 killing of motel clerk Patrick Cunningham.

Hamm has asked justices to halt his execution. His attorney argued that lymphoma and past drug use have damaged his veins too much for a lethal injection.

Alabama prison officials have told the courts that they plan to connect the intravenous line to usable veins in Hamm's lower extremities.

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3:23 p.m.

An Alabama inmate is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to look at his case just hours before he is scheduled for execution.

A lawyer for Doyle Lee Hamm asked the court Thursday to consider whether federal courts should be involved in developing execution procedures for infirm inmates.

The 61-year-old Doyle has argued that illnesses and past drug use have damaged his veins too much for a lethal injection.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals already has refused to stop Doyle's execution, set for Thursday night. The judges said an expert found veins where a lethal dose could be administered.

Hamm is on death row for the 1987 killing of motel clerk Patrick Cunningham. Prosecutors say Cunningham was fatally shot during a robbery in which $410 was taken.

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12:45 p.m.

An appellate court will not stop tonight's scheduled execution of an Alabama inmate.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday denied a request from Doyle Lee Hamm to stop his execution.

Hamm was convicted in the 1987 killing of motel clerk Patrick Cunningham. Prosecutors said Cunningham was shot once in the head while working an overnight shift in which $410 was taken.

Hamm, who was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma in 2014, has argued that the illness, prior drug use and hepatitis C have damaged his veins to the point that lethal injection would be both difficult and unconstitutionally painful.

The appellate court, in an opinion, said a medical expert found that Hamm has some useable veins where the execution drugs could be administered.

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5:07 a.m.

Alabama is set to execute an inmate who argues his past drug use and cancer have too badly damaged his veins and will make the lethal injection unconstitutionally painful.

Doyle Lee Hamm is scheduled to be put to death Thursday evening, convicted in the 1987 killing of motel clerk Patrick Cunningham. Prosecutors said Cunningham was shot once in the head while working an overnight shift in which $410 was taken.

Hamm was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma in 2014. His attorney urged the courts to block the execution, citing damage to Hamm's veins from cancer, hepatitis C and former drug use.

The state has indicated it will adjust its injection process by connecting an intravenous line to Hamm's legs or feet - after a medical expert said those veins were accessible.
SAN DIEGO (AP) - President Donald Trump said Thursday that he may pull the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency out of California, an idea so unlikely that some of his staunchest critics dismissed it as an empty taunt against the state over immigration policies.

Withdrawing ICE, partially or completely, runs counter to Trump's record of dramatically increasing deportation arrests and pledging to beef up the agency with an additional 10,000 employees. The administration has been threatening more - not less - immigration enforcement in California in response to a new state law that sharply limits cooperation with federal authorities.

The president's suggestion, however impractical, was his latest attention-grabbing statement to pressure so-called "sanctuary" jurisdictions, which the administration claims are a magnet for immigrants who commit crimes.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, right, and President Donald Trump listen as Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill speaks during a meeting with state and local officials to discuss school safety, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

"Frankly, if I wanted to pull our people from California you would have a crime nest like you've never seen in California," he said at the White House during a meeting with state and local officials on school safety and gun violence. "All I'd have to do is say is, 'ICE and Border Patrol, let California alone,' you'd be inundated. You would see crime like nobody has ever seen crime in this country."

"If we ever pulled our ICE out, and we ever said, 'Hey, let California alone, let them figure it out for themselves,' in two months they'd be begging for us to come back. They would be begging. And you know what, I'm thinking about doing it," he continued.

Withdrawing ICE from the state with the largest number of people in the country illegally, two of its largest detention centers and thousands of investigators had never been floated or seriously considered.

ICE referred questions to the White House, where spokesman Raj Shah said the administration wanted California "to actually enforce immigration law rather than get in the way of it."

The National ICE Council, the union representing detention officers and an early supporter of Trump's presidential bid, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Thomas Homan, ICE's acting director, has been saying for months that limits on cooperation in local jails would lead to a more active street presence of deportation officers.

"California better hold on tight," he told Fox News last month. "They're about to see a lot more special agents, a lot more deportation officers in the state of California. If the politicians in California don't want to protect their communities, then ICE will."

Last Friday, as ICE announced results of an operation in the Los Angeles area that included more than 200 arrests, Homan declared, "Fewer jail arrests mean more arrests on the street, and that also requires more resources, which is why we are forced to send additional resources to those areas to meet operational needs and officer safety."

Trump's comments were part of a broader swipe against heavily Democratic California, which gave Hillary Clinton a resounding victory in the 2016 presidential race. He said the state was "doing a lousy management job" and criticized it for high taxes.

Trump told the group that included Attorney General Jeff Sessions that his administration has targeted members of the violent MS-13 gang but has been "getting no help from the state of California." Of MS-13, he said, "They actually have franchises going to Los Angeles."

Capt. Patricia Sandoval, a Los Angeles police spokeswoman, said MS-13 was "not one of the most active gangs in LA" and the city's police chief said in a statement Wednesday that they have "been able to shrink MS-13's sphere of influence in Los Angeles."

"While it would be foolish to minimize the lethal brutality of street gangs and in particular MS-13 here in Los Angeles, we have seen a steady decline in gang membership and gang crime in the city," said Chief Charlie Beck. "We have made our biggest impact, by arresting and incarcerating individuals who engage in violent crime and not the general deportation of the residents they victimize."

Nicole Nishida, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County sheriff's department - the nation's largest - said there are "no known MS-13 members or structures" within their territory, which spreads across nearly 4,000 square miles (10,360 sq. kilometers).

The Justice Department has threatened to deny millions of dollars in federal grants to communities that refuse to share information with federal immigration authorities. Many cities have defied the threats, with lawsuits pending in Chicago, Philadelphia and California over whether the administration has overstepped its authority.

The administration stepped up criticism of California after Jan. 1, when a law took effect to largely prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies from detaining people at ICE's request unless they have been convicted of any of hundreds of crimes outlined in a 2013 state law.

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democratic, said Trump's comments were mean-spirited.

"President Trump today renewed his attacks on California with more insults and threats. The president's obsession with our state is growing more outrageous by the day," she said.

Some of ICE's strongest critics in California dismissed the idea.

"His erratic comments reflect an obsession with criminalizing immigrants and shows a deep lack of knowledge of California and immigration laws," said the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, an advocacy group in Los Angeles.

State Sen. Kevin de Leon, a Los Angeles Democrat who authored the new law, said, "The president's plan sounds perfectly fine but we know that will never happen and we'll work with ICE to remove actual dangerous criminals from our neighborhoods."

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, a Democrat and frequent Trump critic, didn't directly address the president's comments. He issued a brief statement saying the state works with federal law enforcement daily and its efforts are geared toward stopping drug dealers, sex traffickers and other public safety threats.

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Thomas reported from Washington. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/@KThomasDC .

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Associated Press writer Michael Balsamo in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
Protesters were removed on Thursday by Hawaiian State Sherif'fs deputies from the ruins of a hotel that was destroyed by a hurricane in 1992, located on sacred ground on the island of Kauai.

In addition to shutting down the protest, state sheriffs arrested 23-year-old Mahealani Hanie-Grace for trespassing at Coco Palms in the city of Wailua, authorities said.

The demonstrators have been occupying the property since last year in an attempt to block redevelopment of land where Hawaiian chiefs once lived and where Elvis Presley's character got married in the movie 'Blue Hawaii.'

Protesters were removed on Thursday by Hawaiian State Sherif'fs deputies from the ruins of a hotel that was destroyed by a hurricane in 1992, located on sacred ground on the island of Kauai; Dozens of people are seen here supporting the occupants on January 28

The protest began when two men arrived claiming they owned the property because they descend from King Kaumualii, the last ruler of Kauai. They've since been joined by dozens of others.

Hawaiian chiefs were born and lived on the property hundreds of years ago. Royalty favored the area for its plentiful water, which made it ideal for irrigating fields for the starchy vegetable taro, a staple crop.

Coco Palms opened as a resort in 1953. Eight years later, it served as the backdrop for scenes in the Hollywood romantic comedy featuring Presley.

Police have cited protesters for trespassing. Last month a judge issued an order to evict them.

The public safety department said 25 deputy sheriffs participated in the raid.

Sheriff's deputies from the Hawaii Department of Public Safety collect details at Coco Palms hotel in a raid on Thursday

This photo from December 3, 2009 shows the Coco Palms Resort retail annex where one shop on the second floor was gutted by fire in Wailua on the island of Kauai in Hawaii

Keala Lopez, who has been teaching Hawaiian to those gathered at the property, said people occupying the site are protecting the land and the natural resource.

She said they won't give up now, and will just have to adapt.

'I don't think it will diminish our fire. It's inspiring for the community to see us continue,' Lopez said.

'We've been receiving so much support and aloha, so that I only feel stronger when situations happen.'

The people occupying the Coco Palms site have been growing taro, a traditional Hawaiian staple, and other crops, she said. The effort is more about having a place to live and sleep, she said.

'It's a cultural calling to preserve and protect this place,' she said.

Protestors are seen here on August 2 blocking the intersection of Kula Highway and Old Haleakala Highway in Maui, Hawaii; Protestors connected themselves with PVC piping to form a human chain across the road to try to block an equipment convoy for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope being built at the summit of Haleakala, a Hawaii mountain held sacred by Native Hawaiians

Workers are seen here using a lift to scale the exterior the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope at the summit of Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii on June 24, 2016; Five arrests were made early on August 2 when about 100 people tried to block an equipment convoy for a solar telescope being built on a Hawaii mountain

Coco Palms has been shut since 1992, when Hurricane Iniki heavily damaged the property.

Demolition began in 2016, with the goal of reopening in mid-2018. The clash has caused delays, but the developers hope to start construction soon after the protesters leave.

The renovated hotel will have 350 rooms, including 22 master suites and about 50 junior suites. Hyatt will manage the hotel once it's reopened.

The protest over the hotel's redevelopment is the latest example of Native Hawaiian activists taking a stand on cultural issues and sacred places.

Protesters in recent years blocked a road leading to the summit of Mauna Kea, the Big Island's highest peak, to stop the construction of one of the world's largest telescopes. That case is currently before the courts.
ST. LOUIS (AP) - The Latest on a grand jury indictment of Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens (all times local):

8 p.m.

Attorneys for Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens have filed a motion to dismiss the grand jury indictment accusing him of invasion of privacy.

FILE - In this Jan. 29, 2018, file photo, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens speaks in Palmyra, Mo. A St. Louis grand jury has indicted Greitens on a felony invasion of privacy charge related to the Republican's affair with a woman in 2015. St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner announced the indictment Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. She launched an investigation in January after Greitens admitted to an affair with his St. Louis hairdresser that began in March 2015. He was elected governor in November 2016. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

The motion was filed Thursday afternoon, soon after it was announced that a St. Louis grand jury indicted the Republican governor, alleging he took a compromising photo of a woman he was having an affair with in 2015.

The motion says any activity Greitens engaged in was "consensual."

Greitens said in a statement that he made a mistake by having an extramarital affair but "did not commit a crime."

Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner launched an investigation in January after Greitens admitted to the affair with his St. Louis hairdresser that began in March 2015. He was elected governor in November 2016.

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6:35 p.m.

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens in response to his indictment says he made a mistake by having an extramarital affair but "did not commit a crime."

Greitens in a Thursday statement said the indictment on felony invasion of privacy charges won't stop him from serving. He says he looks forward using legal remedies to reverse the action.

The Republican governor also called St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner a "reckless liberal prosecutor" and said the indictment was a "misguided political decision."

Gardner launched an investigation in January after Greitens admitted to the affair with his St. Louis hairdresser that began in March 2015. He was elected governor in November 2016.

The woman told her husband, who was secretly taping the conversation, that Greitens took a compromising photo of her at his home and threatened to use it as blackmail if she spoke about the affair.

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6:20 p.m.

Missouri's Republican House leaders say they are forming a group of lawmakers to investigate Gov. Eric Greitens following his indictment on a felony invasion-of-privacy charge.

House Speaker Todd Richardson issued a statement Thursday with other House leaders saying they "will carefully examine the facts contained in the indictment and answer the question as to whether or not the governor can lead our state while a felony case moves forward."

The House has the power to initiate impeachment proceedings against a governor.

A House investigation could be the first step in that, but the statement didn't specifically mention impeachment.

Richardson was joined in the statement by House Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr and Majority Leader Rob Vescovo.

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5:45 p.m.

Missouri Senate Democrat Gina Walsh says she is thinking about the women and families whose lives have been changed because of the actions of Gov. Eric Greitens, who was indicted on a felony invasion of privacy charge.

In a statement released Thursday after Greitens was indicted, Walsh, the interim Senate Minority Leader, did not say whether she thought the governor should resign. She said it is time for Missouri to take a stand and ensure that women are able to seek justice and equality if they are subject to harassment.

The Democratic Governors Association issued a statement calling for Greitens to resign, saying the indictment proves he is unfit to hold public office. The organization said Greitens should step down immediately because Missouri deserves a governor who can focus full time on issues affecting the state.

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5:30 p.m.

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens will face a court appearance March 16 after being indicted by a St. Louis grand jury on a felony invasion of privacy charge.

Court records show that Greitens will appear before Circuit Judge Rex Burlison. No further details about the hearing were released.

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner announced the indictment Thursday. She launched an investigation in January after Greitens admitted to an affair with his St. Louis hairdresser that began in March 2015. He was elected governor in November 2016.

The woman told her husband, who was secretly taping the conversation, that Greitens took a compromising photo of her at his home and threatened to use it as blackmail if she spoke about the affair.

Greitens' attorney called the indictment "baseless and unfounded," and says he will seek to have it dismissed.

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5:15 p.m.

Some Democratic lawmakers are calling on Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens to resign or be impeached following his indictment on a felony invasion-of-privacy charge.

House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty said Thursday that Greitens should consider resigning. She said it "will be extremely difficult for him to effectively do his job with a felony indictment hanging over his head."

Democratic Sen. Jamilah Nasheed called on Republican House Speaker Todd Richardson to begin impeachment proceedings against Greitens. Richardson had no immediate comment.

Greitens has acknowledged having an extramarital affair in 2015.

The indictment from a St. Louis grand jury accuses Greitens of photographing a fully or partially nude woman and transmitting that image.

His attorney Edward Dowd Jr. called the criminal charges "baseless and unfounded" and said Greitens is innocent.

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5 p.m.

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens' attorney says a felony invasion of privacy charge against the Republican is "baseless and unfounded."

Lawyer Edward Dowd on Thursday said the governor is "absolutely innocent" in response to St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner's announcement of a grand jury indictment against Greitens related to his affair with a woman in 2015.

Dowd in a statement said Greitens will file a motion to dismiss the charges.

Gardner launched an investigation in January after Greitens admitted to the affair with his St. Louis hairdresser that began in March 2015. He was elected governor in November 2016.

The woman told her husband, who was secretly taping the conversation, that Greitens took a compromising photo of her at his home and threatened to use it as blackmail if she spoke about the affair.

A news release from Gardner says it is a felony if a person transmits an image "in a manner that allows access to that image via a computer."

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4:20 p.m.

A St. Louis grand jury has indicted Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens on a felony invasion of privacy charge related to the Republican's affair with a woman in 2015.

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner announced the indictment Thursday. She launched an investigation in January after Greitens admitted to an affair with his St. Louis hairdresser that began in March 2015. He was elected governor in November 2016.

The woman told her husband, who was secretly taping the conversation, that Greitens took a compromising photo of her at his home and threatened to use it as blackmail if she spoke about the affair. A news release from Gardner says it is a felony if a person transmits an image "in a manner that allows access to that image via a computer."

Messages seeking comment from Greitens and his attorney were not immediately returned.
Peoples email habits could be making their accounts a treasure trove for cyber criminals, experts are warning.

Over half of those who have sent their bank or credit card details over email still have the information sitting in their sent items folder  potentially making it easier for anyone hacking into their emails to go on to access their savings, research among over 2,000 people has found.

The Governments Cyber Aware campaign and information services company Experian are urging people to help protect their email accounts by using a strong and separate email password.

People are being urged to get a strong email password (PA)

New @CyberAwareGov research with @Experian shows over 79% of people have sent personal info via email  such as passports & bank details. Your email can be a treasure trove for hackers.



Do #OneReset today to make your password strong & separate to your other account! pic.twitter.com/QJoPM5EyH1  Action Fraud (@actionfrauduk) February 21, 2018

More than a quarter (27%) of people reuse their email password for other accounts, rising to 52% of 18 to 25-year-olds, the research found.

Over three-quarters (79%) of those surveyed share personal information, such as their address or bank details over email, and of those who did, two-thirds (67%) have not deleted all the items.

Some 52% of those sending bank or credit card details have not deleted this information.

Two-thirds (66%) of those sending mortgage or tenancy agreements still have these details in their email.

Detective Inspector Mick Dodge, national cyber protect co-ordinator with the City of London Police said: Your email account is really a treasure trove of information that hackers wont hesitate to exploit.

You wouldnt leave your door open for a burglar, so why give criminals an open invitation to your personal information?

Making one simple reset to have a strong and separate email password can make a big difference and help protect you from being the latest victim of cyber crime.

James Jones, head of consumer affairs at Experian said: Identity theft continues to grow and leaves victims feeling worried and vulnerable.

We helped around 15,000 victims restore their credit ratings last year, which for complex cases can take several months.

Having a strong and separate password for your email is one simple but crucial step to staying safe.
Police are seeking the driver of a car in connection with the discovery of a body on a motorway.

Motorists suffered lengthy delays when the M20 in Kent was closed, initially London-bound, after the body was found  and then also coast-bound following an accident.

Officers were called to the motorway between junctions 10 and nine, near Ashford, Kent, at 6.05pm on Tuesday after a body was found. The person was pronounced dead at the scene.

Then at 8am on Wednesday, four cars and a lorry were involved in a collision on the coast-bound carriageway, forcing it to be closed to all traffic. It has since reopened in this direction.

Police have appealed for the driver of a silver Nissan Qashqai, or anyone who saw the car driving on the M20 between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday, to contact them.

A Kent Police spokesman said: Detectives believe the driver of a car, with registration KY15 WWX, may have important information relating to the incident.

Additionally, anyone who may know the location of the vehicle is urged to contact the police.

Officers are also appealing for motorists to check their dash cams and their vehicles for any sign of a collision.

Officers investigating the collision on the #M20 coast-bound at #Ashford, which involved four cars and a lorry, are appealing for witnesses. Can you help? https://t.co/G2QyL3AAHg  Kent Police (UK) (@kent_police) February 21, 2018

The 42-year-old male driver of the lorry involved in the accident on Wednesday has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and remains in police custody.

A woman was airlifted to a London hospital with injuries and a man was taken to a local hospital following the crash.

Witnesses at the scene said they had been at a standstill for about two-and-a-half-hours.

By 10.30am on Wednesday, drivers were experiencing six miles of queues back to junction 11 on the London-bound carriageway, and the road closure was affecting travel to the Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover.

The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, which investigates incidents including murder and organised crime, is working with road collision investigators to determine the cause of death in the first incident, which is currently being treated as unexplained.

Traffic on the M20 in Kent passes a screen on the adjacent carriageway before the second carriageway was closed (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Vickery said: We do not underestimate the impact that closing this stretch of the motorway has on people and I thank them for their patience. It is crucial that we ensure that all evidence is collected. As soon as the motorway is reopened the opportunity to collate potentially crucial information is lost.

We are working tirelessly at the scene and I am hopeful the M20 will be reopened shortly.

A large green screen has been put up where the body was found, and a line of police officers wearing white protective covers on their feet has been seen slowly walking the stretch of the carriageway towards the screen while examining the surface.
American evangelist Billy Graham was an example to Christians worldwide and had few equals, the Archbishop of Canterbury has said.

Graham, who had the ear of presidents and monarchs and reputedly preached to the most people in live sermons in history, died aged 99 at his home in North Carolina on Wednesday.

He spoke to thousands at arenas in the UK during his tours, often referred to as crusades, in the decades following his first visit in 1946.

In 1996, after he stopped travelling because of Parkinsons disease, an estimated 2.5 billion people around the world watched his first televangelist show, hosted by Sir Cliff Richard.

And in 2001, Graham was awarded an honorary knighthood by the Queen, whom he had met several times, including in 1984 when he preached at Sandringham Parish Church.

Billy Graham passed away this morning at his Montreat, North Carolina, home and met his Savior, Jesus Christ. Mr. Graham was 99. For more visit: https://t.co/BqTSDigeaT  BGEA (@BGEA) February 21, 2018

The Most Revd Justin Welby said the church owed Graham an immeasurable debt.

He said: Dr Billy Graham stood as an exemplar to generation upon generation of modern Christians.

When it comes to a living and lasting influence upon the worldwide church he can have few equals: for he introduced person after person to Jesus Christ.

There are countless numbers who began their journey of faith because of Dr Graham.

Sir Cliff Richard with Billy Graham in 1967 (PA)

The debt owed by the global church to him is immeasurable and inexpressible.

Personally I am profoundly grateful to God for the life and ministry of this good and faithful servant of the gospel; by his example he challenged all Christians to imitate how he lived and what he did.

Dr Billy Graham a Great Lover of Jesus Christ has gone to be with The Lord he faithfully invited millions to come and follow! I met him in Kenya & London !praise The Lord for a gifted Evangelist. Thank You  John Sentamu (@JohnSentamu) February 21, 2018

He was one who met presidents and preachers, monarchs and musicians, the poor and the rich, the young and the old, face to face.

Yet now he is face to face with Jesus Christ, his saviour and ours. It is the meeting he has been looking forward to for the whole of his life.
Arlene Foster has said the Democratic Unionists are not contemplating introducing an Irish language act in Northern Ireland.

The DUP chief said a leaked document on negotiations with Sinn Fein before the collapse of powersharing talks last week was only one of a number circulated.

She again urged the British Government to put a budget for public services in place for Stormonts minister-less departments following a meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May at Westminster.

Arlene Foster met the Prime Minister about the powersharing impasse in Northern Ireland (David Young/PA)

Ms Foster said: We were not contemplating bringing in an Irish language act and I could not be clearer in relation to that.

If you look at the so-called draft agreement that is only one of a number of documents that were circulated and put out and about, and I think the important thing is that we now reflect on where we got to in relation to all of those issues, we have a budget put in place, I think that is important for the people of Northern Ireland and that we move forward.

She said she was concerned about the lack of proper governance in Northern Ireland.
A police constable forced to a disciplinary hearing over claims he took a tin of biscuits from a colleague and needlessly drove a police van in response mode has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Pc Thomas Hooper, based in Kingston, will return to full duties after appearing before a Metropolitan Police disciplinary panel this week.

The panel found that there was no case to answer over claims that he took the sweet treats, belonging to another officer, in May 2016.

A plate of assorted biscuits.

It also cleared him over allegations that in the same month he applied for a traffic ticket to be cancelled after he triggered a speed camera while driving a police van.

It had been claimed that Pc Hooper was driving the van in response mode unnecessarily.
Britain needs to offer more clarity about its plans for Brexit, the Dutch prime minister said after talks with Theresa May.

Mark Rutte warned the clock is ticking and called for swift action after the meeting in No 10.

The Netherlands has been one of the UKs closest allies in the European Union and the premier insisted relations between the two nations are fantastic.

The clock is ticking, and we need to move fast. I sincerely hope that well succeed in reaching agreements that are good for us all. One thing is certain: the UK and the Netherlands are good friends and key partners, and Brexit will not change that.  Mark Rutte (@MinPres) February 21, 2018

But tweeting after the talks, he said: In view of our close economic ties, it is clearly crucial for the Netherlands and Dutch business to ensure a strong relationship post-Brexit.

So the British government really needs to offer more clarity about where it wants to go.

The clock is ticking, and we need to move fast. I sincerely hope that well succeed in reaching agreements that are good for us all.

One thing is certain: the UK and the Netherlands are good friends and key partners, and Brexit will not change that.

Prime Minister Theresa May greets the Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte outside 10 Downing Street (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

It comes as Mrs May was accused of being too weak to face down hard Brexiteers in her party after more than 60 Tories set out their demands for the next stage of exit talks.

The Prime Minister will hold a crunch meeting with senior Cabinet ministers on Thursday to thrash out an agreement on how to proceed in negotiations with the EU.

In a letter, Conservative MPs warned the UK must have full control over laws after Brexit and must not become a rule taker.

Britain must not be stopped from negotiating and signing trade deals during any transition period, they said.

The letter was sent by the European Research Group (ERG), made up of Tory Eurosceptics, and was signed by 62 MPs, including former Cabinet ministers Priti Patel and Iain Duncan Smith.

Labour said the letter exposed the deep divisions in the Conservative Party and claimed the PM was too weak to face down the fanatics in her own party.
A policeman who discovered the body of a murdered dog walker said it looked like he had been attacked by his own pet, a court heard.

Peter Wrighton, 83, was killed while walking his two dogs on the heath near East Harling in Norfolk on August 5 last year and his body was dragged under a bramble bush.

Alexander Palmer, 24, who admitted being in the area at the time of the attack, denies the pensioners murder, despite having a grudge against dog walkers, a jury heard.

When prosecutor Stephen Spence opened the case, he said the defendant told medical professionals he had a voice in his head called Little Alex who told him to harm people or kill them.

Peter Wrighton, as Alexander Palmer allegedly attacked the 83-year-old from behind with a knife (Norfolk Police/PA)

Peter Bibby, who walked his dogs on the same day as Mr Wrightons death, said he had identified Palmer on social media as a man he met on August 5 after his name was used in widespread media coverage.

He said: I woke up in the middle of the night and kept looking on various websites to see if there was any news.

I saw his name and thought as he is a young lad he probably has a Facebook page. I found one straight away.

On Wednesday, a woman who discovered Mr Wrightons body broke down in tears as she gave evidence at Nottingham Crown Court.

Anne Precious, who was walking her dogs with her husband Nigel when she saw the body, said: I thought he had fallen over at first and I assumed he was the owner of the dogs.

I did bend down initially and I was going to help him get up. But then I saw the injury and I was pretty sure he was dead.

Police Constable Andrew London of Norfolk Police said the wound to Mr Wrightons throat was so severe that it looked like parts were missing.

He said: I had never seen anything like it.

It was such a strange injury, I thought has he been attacked by his own dog?

Pc London continued to say he had seen a very large pool of blood across the track which was approximately 2ft in diameter.

During his evidence, Nigel Precious, who dialled 999 after discovering Mr Wrightons body, said: First thing I saw was a pair of legs and then a body.

There was a large open wound on the neck and a lot of blood on the other side of the path.

I think I was a little bit in shock, I first thought it was a mannequin.

Reality dawned and I realised it was a body, as I described it was dead straight.

Palmer, of Bawdeswell, Norfolk, denies a single charge of murder.

The trial, set to last for two to three weeks, continues.
Brexit cannot undermine the hard won gains of the Northern Ireland peace process, Irelands deputy PM has said.

On a trip to the US, which will include meetings with officials from President Donald Trumps administration, Simon Coveney said a strategic objective of the Brexit negotiations for Ireland was the creation of the closest possible future connection between the European Union and the UK.

He said that it was in the EUs interests and overwhelmingingly in Irelands interests to have a confident and co-operative UK on its doorstep.

Simon Coveney (Brian Lawless/PA)

Talking down Good Friday Agreement because it raises serious and genuine questions of those pursuing #Brexit is not only irresponsible but reckless and potentially undermines the foundations of a fragile peace process in Northern Ireland that should never be taken for granted  Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) February 20, 2018

The other key strategic objective for us is to ensure that the outcome of Brexit does not in any way undermine the hard won gains of the peace process, as exemplified by the Good Friday Agreement, Mr Coveney said.

The EU, and of course the US, played a pivotal role in this achievement, together with the British and Irish Governments. And the Agreement was endorsed by huge majorities in Northern Ireland and in Ireland.

We therefore all share the same goal of protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process.

Mr Coveney said if the UK is to enjoy the best possible relationship with the EU post Brexit, the UKs regulatory rules and structures will need to be closely aligned with those of the EU.

I strongly welcome Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Karen Bradleys steadfast support for the Good Friday Agreement in the Commons today:https://t.co/VK49swD1tI  Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) February 20, 2018

But he added: Being outside cannot be the same as being inside. Contrary to what some may say, you cannot have your cake and eat it.

The deputy PM also emphasised the importance of restablishing powersharing in Northern Ireland.

We urgently need to see the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly to harness greater and broader Northern Ireland input into how to make the best of Brexit, Mr Coveney said.

Despite the efforts of both governments in recent months, and especially in recent weeks, it is deeply regrettable that there is at present no power-sharing Executive in place. However, we will not give up  we cannot give up.
The average Briton receives 33,800 mobile phone messages and alerts a year, a survey suggests.

Mobile phone users receive 427% more messages and notifications than they did 10 years ago and send 278% more messages than they did in 2008, the poll for Virgin Mobile found.

Britons now spend the equivalent of almost 22 full 24-hour days on average checking their messages, an average of more than 26 minutes every day.

Smartphone messages

The survey found that the average UK adult receives 93 messages or notifications from social apps every day, the equivalent of 33,802 notifications a year.

But those aged between 18 and 24 have almost three times more messages to manage, receiving on average 239 messages and alerts a day or 87,300 a year.

The study found a contributing factor behind the surge in messages is the boom in group chats on platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook.

On average, Britons are members of six chat groups, although a small minority (2%) are members of 50 groups or more, rising to 7% of those aged 18 to 24.

One in four adults say they check a WhatsApp message instantly, with this increasing to almost one in three 18 to 24-year-olds.

Dr Dimitrios Tsivrikos, a consumer and business psychologist at University College London, said the boom in smartphone use was a positive trend and allowed consumers greater control over their lives.

He said: In an age where we are constantly surrounded by endless tasks, always flooded with a sea of data, smartphones allow us to manage our lives in a way that suits us.

From calendars and reminders, to emails and instantaneous access to an encyclopaedia of human knowledge, smartphones give us total control, right at our fingertips.

:: Opinium Research surveyed 2,004 UK adults who own a smartphone between February 12-18 and another 200 respondents aged between 10 and 17.
An estimated 745 million has been spent on turning state schools into academies, according to a report by the spending watchdog.

As of January this year, almost 7,000 schools in England had been converted but it warns the programme is facing issues such as a lack of sponsors, who take on responsibility for running the converted schools.

The National Audit Office (NAO) report also says it is unclear how feasible it is for the Government to continue to convert large numbers of schools into academies  state schools that are not under local council control and receive their funding directly from Whitehall.

745 million has been spent on turning state schools into academies, according to a report by the spending watchdog (David Jones/PA)

The report argues that in many cases, it is taking longer than expected to turn under-performing schools into academies.

The Department for Education (DfE) said the process for converting schools has improved.

Turning local authority schools into academies is a central plan of the Governments education policy, with all schools allowed since 2010 to apply for academy status.

This status gives them more freedom over areas such as the curriculum and staff pay.

As of last month, 6,996 schools had become academies, the report says, and converting them has cost the DfE 745 million since 2010/11.

This is equivalent to just over 106,000 per school.

In 2016/17 alone, 81 million was spent on school conversion, the NAO says, adding that this does not represent the full amount spent by all bodies involved.

More secondaries than primaries are now academies and the proportion of schools that have academy status varies by local authority across England.

The NAO warns that the DfE is taking longer than intended to convert a large proportion of the under-performing schools it believes will benefit most from having academy status.

Schools rated as inadequate by Ofsted are made to become academies, with the aim of this happening within nine months, the NAO says, but almost two thirds of these schools take longer to open as academies.

We estimate that, at January 2018, approximately 37,000 children were being taught in maintained schools that Ofsted had rated as inadequate more than nine months before, the report says.

The watchdog also warns there is considerable variation in the availability of sponsors in different parts of the country, noting there appears to be a shortage of sponsors and multi-academy trusts with the capacity to support new academies.

NAO head Amyas Morse, said: It is unclear how feasible it will be for the department to continue converting large numbers of schools to academies. There is extensive variation across the country, leaving many local authorities with responsibility largely for primary schools.

To cut through this complexity, the department needs to set out its vision and clarify how it sees academies, maintained schools and local authorities working together to create a coherent and effective school system for children across all parts of the country.

A DfE spokeswoman said: As the report acknowledges, we have improved the process for converting schools to academies and increased the standards of governance we expect from multi-academy trusts.

She added that the department has introduced more regular monitoring and reporting of the conversion process, adding we are investing more than 30 million in academy trusts in areas facing the greatest challenges across England to boost their ability to improve other schools.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: The National Audit Office report has highlighted a critical issue.

Struggling schools are being left in limbo because the Government insists that they have to be academised but cannot then find an academy sponsor for them. We call on ministers to rethink their approach to schools which are deemed to be under-performing.
Workers on Londons Docklands Light Railway are to stage a 48-hour strike in a dispute over pay and other issues.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union employed as cleaners, security staff and travel officers, will walk out at 5.30am on Thursday.

Strike action goes ahead on DLR this week in dispute over breakdown in industrial relationshttps://t.co/zYaz7k03FN pic.twitter.com/ulg0cBiNvI  RMT (@RMTunion) February 19, 2018

The union said there had been a breakdown in industrial relations with contractors ISS.

Docklands Light Railway strike ( (John Stillwell/PA)

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: We are supporting our members in this further phase of strike action in a bid to force management to honour agreements, pay staff their contractual hours and give their staff proper respect and dignity at work.

The workers went on strike earlier this month.
Theresa May is hosting an eight-hour inner Cabinet summit intended to finally thrash out the UKs Brexit objectives after Tory tensions on EU withdrawal broke to the surface again.

The Prime Minister is heading crunch talks with senior ministers at Chequers on Thursday in a bid to secure a united line on the exit agenda.

The 11-member inner Cabinet Brexit committee will meet at the Prime Ministers country residence to decide a clear negotiating path as talks with Brussels step up a gear.

Prime Minister Theresa May hosts key Brexit summit (Christopher Furlong/PA)

With the gathering expected to continue late into the evening, Mrs May is aiming to get clear Cabinet consensus on the details of Britains framework for a future relationship with the EU.

The meeting comes after leaked negotiating guidelines caused concern among Brexiteers, and the Government was forced to dismiss claims it was seeking a more open-ended transition deal after the UK formally quits the trading bloc in March 2019.

The paper stated the length of the status quo transition should be determined simply by how long it will take to prepare and implement the new processes and new systems that will underpin the future partnership, which points to a period of around two years.

The transition strategy outlined in the documents was not been agreed by the Cabinet, according to reports in The Daily Telegraph.

Writing in the newspaper, leading Leave campaigner Jacob Rees-Mogg said that the document would bring about Brexit in name only and be a perversion of democracy.

Mr Rees-Mogg expressed concern about a lack of attention to immigration in the strategy paper, saying: Concern over lost control over migration was a significant issue in the referendum.

Whoever compiled this document proposes no changes to it for an indefinite period and would thereby let down millions of voters.

To avoid the perversion of democracy that Brexit in name only would be, it is essential that we are able to sign trade deals in the fixed transition period.

The Chequers summit is part of a road to Brexit series of events intended to set-out the Governments ambitions for a post withdrawal settlement with the EU.

Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that the Government is braced for Anglo-Dutch giant Unilever to base a new unified HQ in the Netherlands rather than the UK.
Some pupils sitting GCSEs in Northern Ireland have the reading age of a 13-year-old, a survey says.

Secondary school children are not reading challenging enough books and lag behind their primary counterparts in the rate of progress made, according to a study by education provider Renaissance UK.

The Education Department said its literacy and numeracy strategy, Count, Read: Succeed, set challenging targets for attainment in literacy and numeracy which are on track to be met.

Secondary school children are not reading challenging enough books, according to the study (Ryan Phillips/PA)

The What Kids are Reading reports authors said: The Renaissance study highlights a persistent problem in Northern Ireland and across the UK in encouraging secondary school pupils to read challenging and age-appropriate books.

Book difficulty levels rise sharply in each year of primary school, meaning that primary pupils are typically reading more advanced books for their age.

The report added: However, this progress stops when pupils reach secondary school and the difficulty of books read falls as pupils get older.

This decline exists among boys and girls.

Consequently, the gap between reading ability and pupils age grows every year of secondary school.

A total of 60,438 Northern Irish young peoples reading habits were studied.

The review was written using Renaissances data and analysed by University of Dundee academic Professor Keith Topping.

By the third, fourth and fifth year of secondary school, pupils are reading at least three years below their chronological age  meaning that many pupils sitting their GCSEs at age 16 have the reading ability of a 13-year-old or lower, it said.

Renaissance UK managing director Dirk Foch said: The fall in teenagers reading ages is striking.

He said many could even struggle to understand their exam papers.

This could have a significant impact on their future academic success, he added.

An Education Department statement said Accelerated Reader, the commercial programme on which the study is based, focuses on encouraging children and young peoples personal reading and as such is not part of structured classroom learning.

While the outcomes provide useful data, classroom teachers take a much broader approach to improving literacy and to addressing reading challenges through a broad suite of interventions, well-informed support and a thriving school library provision.

At Key Stage 3 it is a statutory requirement for pupils to be given opportunities to become critical, creative and effective communicators by reading and viewing for key ideas, enjoyment, engagement and empathy.

It added: The department is currently engaged in a range of activities, both within and outside school, which support teachers and school leaders in the holistic development of literacy skills.

This includes support in the early years as well as additional help for schools.

A new parental engagement campaign, Give your child a helping hand, is running across a range of media at present.
The auditors of Carillion will be quizzed by MPs on Thursday over its role in the collapse of the construction giant.

Two select committees will also question Carillions internal auditors Deloitte and the Pensions Regulator as part of a joint inquiry into the crisis.

The Work and Pensions, and Business Committees said they had a growing pile of evidence that those involved with Carillion, including investors and hedge funds, saw warnings of its demise.

Carillion auditors to be quizzed (Pat Hurst/PA)

In a statement ahead of Thursdays hearing, the committees said: So why didnt the auditors? How did KPMG sign off accounts that had 845 million written off their value four months later?

Rachel Reeves, who chairs the Business Committee, said: Investors spotted that Carillion was heading for disaster and fled. The company had unsustainably high levels of debt, weak cash-generation and was saddled with a widening pensions deficit.

Carillions annual reports were worthless as a guide to the true financial health of the company.

The fact that it was impossible to get a true sense of the assets, liabilities and cash generation of the business raises serious questions about Carillions corporate governance.

KMPG will have to explain why they signed off on accounts which appear to have borne so little relation to reality.

More than 1,000 former Carillion workers have lost their jobs since the company went into liquidation last month.

KPMG is already facing an investigation by the Financial Reporting Council.

The committees published the first of the responses to their queries about the litany of organisations ascribed some role or responsibility in the events leading to the demise of Carillion.

The committees said that in evidence in Parliament on February 6, former chief executive Richard Howson was asked about the now infamous 845 million contract write-down in July 2017, which brought the crisis at the company into public view.

Mr Howson fell back on the discovery of cracked beams in the construction of the Royal Liverpool Hospital, which he said added over 20 million to the cost of completion.

The committees published a response from the contractor building the hospital, the Hospital Company, which indicates that the cracks were discovered nine months before the July 2017 write down, in

November 2016, when work in that part of the hospital was halted.

The defects and the resulting partial halt in work were reported in local papers in December 2016.

The letter says the costs of the defects are currently being borne by the beam designers while liability is established. All work on the hospital is now on hold, following Carillions collapse.

KPMG also audited the Hospital Company accounts.

Frank Field, chairman of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: These famous beams are becoming an ever more perfect parable for the whole company: the cracks were visible long before the directors or auditors admit, and while they were dutifully added to the litany of factors and organisations to blame for Carillions spectacular demise  anyone and anything but the people running it  they were only ever holding up one part of one of Carillions thousands of projects.

Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said: Thousands of Carillion workers remain in limbo and while there have been plenty of warm words from government ministers that public sector contracts will be protected, there are still no assurances that the terms and conditions of the workers will be protected.

MPs from all parties called on the government to introduce voluntary TUPE procedures to ensure that workers who were entirely blameless in Carillions collapse have their pay and conditions protected.

It is to the governments discredit that they have refused to introduce this minor and simple measure which would provide some reassurance to these workers.
GCSE pupils are reading books better suited to youngsters that are three years younger, according to a study.

It argues that many secondary school pupils are not reading challenging enough books for their age group.

The annual study, published by assessment service Renaissance UK, is based on an analysis of the reading habits of almost one million UK schoolchildren, with youngsters quizzed on what they have read.

Study finds teenagers are not reading books that are challenging enough (Owen Humphreys/PA)

It uses a formula to calculate the difficulty of a book based on factors such as sentence and word length.

It found that average book difficulty rises as pupils get older, with primary school pupils reading books that are more advanced for their age.

But this starts to fall in secondary schools, with pupils in Year 7  those aged 11 and 12  reading books that are around a year less than their chronological age.

By the time they are in their second year, Year 8, they are reading books two years behind their actual age.

And those in Years 9 to 11 (aged 13 to 16) were reading books at least three years below their chronological age, the report says. This age group covers those sitting their GCSEs.

Children consistently read above their chronological age throughout primary school, and non-fiction difficulty has risen dramatically, the report says.

It also notes: Book difficulty drops off sharply in Year 7, with secondary students consistently reading behind their chronological age.

Professor Keith Topping of Dundee University, who carried out the research, said: To avert a further slide in literacy levels in secondary schools, pupils should be encouraged to push themselves to read more difficult books.

By their teenage years pupils are more likely to take advice from their friends and peers than their teachers and parents about the types of books they should be reading.

With this in mind, teachers could encourage them to talk more openly about what they are reading and make appropriate suggestions to their classmates.

Renaissance UK managing director Dirk Foch said: The fall in teenagers reading ages is striking.

By the time many come to sit their GCSEs, many will have a reading age of 13 or less, meaning that they could even struggle to comprehend their exam papers. This could have a significant impact on their future academic success.
Harvey Weinsteins lawyers have demanded a class action lawsuit is thrown out and have tried to undermine claims by saying Gwyneth Paltrow went onto work with the powerful mogul again after he allegedly harassed her.

The disgraced producers legal team also pointed to comments by actresses Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep to try and get the lawsuit dismissed in a response filed in New York on Tuesday.

The lawyers were responding to six women suing Weinstein and the Weinstein Sexual Enterprise, which they say includes his brother Bob and a studio they co-founded, The Weinstein Company.

Meryl Streep praised accusers as `heroes (Ian West/PA)

The original lawsuit argued the statute of limitations on the allegations does not apply because they were under duress not to make the claims earlier.

To support the claim, it pointed to Paltrow saying she feared being fired after her then-boyfriend Brad Pitt confronted Weinstein after the producer allegedly harassed her before filming of 1996s Emma.

Weinsteins lawyers disputed that accusers were under duress and said Paltrow went on to star in the producers Shakespeare In Love, for which she won an Oscar.

Paltrow was not so offended that she refused to work with Weinstein again, nor did her career suffer as a result of her rebuffing his alleged advances, lawyers Phyllis Kupferstein and Mary E. Flynn wrote.

The lawyers also claimed the lawsuit should be dismissed saying it is too broad and would include every woman he has ever met, citing actresses such as Streep and Lawrence who have not made allegations of sexual misconduct.

The lawsuit cites Jennifer Lawrence saying Weinstein `had only ever been nice to me (Ian West/PA)

They selectively pointed to Lawrence saying in an interview that Weinstein had only ever been nice to me.

The lawyers also pointed to Streep saying Weinstein had always been respectful with her during their collaborations in a statement to the press, but did not mention she added his behaviour was an inexcusable and an abuse of power.

One of the accusers lawyers, Elizabeth Fegan, struck back saying Weinstein fails to understand the law if he thinks he can win by twisting womens words against them.

His attempt to hide behind female actresses after hes assaulted their colleagues shows just how low he will go, she said.

Our plaintiffs have risen above his cover ups and finally have a voice  and safe place  to name their abuser. Weinstein will not skate by easily just by invoking the good names of other female actresses.

Weinstein, 65, has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by dozens of women. He denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.
Thousands of protesters, including many angry teenagers, swarmed into the state Capitol of Florida on Wednesday, calling for changes to gun laws, a ban on assault-type weapons and improved care for the mentally ill.

The normally staid Florida Statehouse filled with students, among them more than 100 survivors of the February 14 attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

They held signs, chanted slogans and burst into politicians offices demanding to be heard.

The teens were welcomed into the gun-friendly halls of power, but the students top goal  a ban on assault-style rifles such as the weapon used in the massacre  was taken off the table a day earlier, although more limited measures are still possible.

Many protesters complained that politicians were not serious about reform, and they said they would oppose in future elections any legislator who accepts campaign contributions from the National Rifle Association.

Weve spoke to only a few legislators and  the most weve gotten out of them is, Well keep you in our thoughts. You are so strong. You are so powerful,' said Delaney Tarr, a senior at the high school.

We know what we want. We want gun reform. We want commonsense gun laws.  We want change.

She added: Weve had enough of thoughts and prayers. If you supported us, you would have made a change long ago.

University students pass around boxes of petitions for Florida Governor Rick Scott (Mark Wallheiser/AP)

Outside the building, the crowd burst into chants of Vote them out! as speakers called for the removal of Republican lawmakers who refuse to address gun control issues. One sign read, Remember the men who value the NRA over childrens lives and then listed Republicans in Floridas congressional delegation. Other signs said, Kill the NRA, not our kids and These kids are braver than the GOP.

About 30 people left an anti-gun rally outside Floridas Old Capitol and began a sit-in protest at the office of four House Republican leaders, demanding a conversation about gun legislation.

Theyre not speaking to us right now. We only asked for five minutes and so were just sitting until they speak, Tyrah Williams, a 15-year-old sophomore at Leon High School, which is within walking distance of the Capitol.

At a town hall meeting held by CNN in Sunrise, Florida, on Wednesday night, thousands of angry students, teachers and parents booed Republican Senator Marco Rubio when he indicated that he would not support an assault-weapons ban and applauded Democrat Representative Bill Nelson when he pushed Mr Rubio to work on a bill that they both could support.

They also booed a spokeswoman from the NRA when she said the answer was not to ban weapons but to ensure they stay out of the hands of the mentally ill.

How is it possible that this boy that we all knew was clearly disturbed was able to get an assault rifle, military grade, and come to our school and try to kill us? one 16-year-old student asked the president of the state Senate, Joe Negron.

Mr Negron did not answer directly. Thats an issue that were reviewing, he said.

When another politician said he supported raising the age to buy assault-style weapons to 21 from 18, the students broke into applause.

Student survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, prepare to load their bags on buses, after spending the night in the civic centre (Gerald Herbert/AP)

Florida politicians have rebuffed gun restrictions since Republicans took control of both the governors office and the Legislature in 1999.

Saying the tragedy at the high school was completely unavoidable, Republican legislative leaders say they will consider legislation that will likely call for raising the age limit to purchase a rifle in Florida and increasing funding for mental health programs and school-resource officers, the police assigned to specific schools.
Brexit is back on the front pages on Thursday as Theresa May heads for crunch talks with senior Cabinet ministers at Chequers.

The Guardian says the Prime Ministers challenge in reconciling divided members in the Tory ranks was underlined when Downing Street moved to swiftly deny that the government was seeking an open-ended transition period after Britain leaves the EU next year.

The Guardian front page, Thursday 22 February 2018: Tory jitters exposed as May pushes for Brexit agreement pic.twitter.com/ilNDavvW0W  The Guardian (@guardian) February 21, 2018

The Daily Telegraph leads with claims of a backlash at Mrs Mays plans for Brexit transition which it says made no mention of the Prime Ministers pledge to end free movement.

What the papers say - January 22

The Independent, meanwhile, says the Brexit divorce bill could soar by billions if Britain tries to extend the transition period set by Brussels.

The case of John Worboys features prominently in the Daily Mirror after the news that the black cab rapist received more than 166,000 in legal aid.

The i leads on a ruling by Supreme Court judges that found forces should be held liable over seriously defective inquiries after rejecting an appeal by the Metropolitan Police linked to the case of Worboys.

Thursday's i front page: Landmark victory for crime victims #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/Qg5Q1nygWT  i newspaper (@theipaper) February 21, 2018

The Metro leads with the same story, saying the landmark ruling opens doors for other victims of crime to sue the police.

The Times leads with research from Oxford University, declaring anti-depressants are effective and many more people could benefit from them.

Tomorrow's front page: More people should get pills to beat depression #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/MWSBvkQm2c  The Times (@thetimes) February 21, 2018

The Sun also covers the same story on the front page, saying only a fraction of adults with depression are getting the help they need.

The Brit Awards do not escape the headlines either, with Cheryl and Liam Payne pictured on the front page along with Rita Ora and Perrie Edwards.

Tomorrow's front page: Doctors should dish out anti-depressants to at least a million more Brits, experts claim. pic.twitter.com/1c0yL5wzxz  The Sun (@TheSun) February 21, 2018

The Daily Mail appears to dampen rumours of a split with the par star in a very public show of affection, it says.

It also leads on there being a record high number of women working in their 50s and 60s.

And the Financial Times says Theresa May is braced for Unilever to pick the Netherlands over the UK in the race for the location of his new headquarters.
Two lorry drivers are due to face trial on Thursday for a horrific crash on the M1 in which eight people died.

Polish national Ryszard Masierak, 32, and Briton David Wagstaff, 53, will appear at Reading Magistrates Court, accused of causing the collision on August 26 last year.

Minibus driver Cyriac Joseph and seven of his Indian passengers were killed on the southside of the motorway near Milton Keynes as they travelled to London from Nottingham.

The scene of the crash on the M1 last August (@ItsOllieYT/PA)

The dead passengers, five men and two women, were Panneerselvam Annamalai, Rishi Ranjeev Kumar, Vivek Baskaran, Lavanyalakshmi Seetharaman, Karthikeyan Pugalur Ramasubramanian, Subramaniyan Arachelvan and Tamilmani Arachelvan.

Four others were seriously hurt.

Masierak, of Evesham, Worcestershire, and Wagstaff, of Stoke, both deny eight counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Wagstaff previously pleaded guilty to eight lesser charges of causing death by careless driving and four counts of careless driving.
Britain is considering extending its commitment to resettle vulnerable refugees from the brutal Syrian civil war, the Home Secretary said, as the number already brought to the UK passed 10,000.

Amber Rudd said she was hopeful the Vulnerable Person Resettlement Scheme (VPRS), which aims to rehome 20,000 people by 2020, would hit its target early.

Figures released on Thursday by the Home Office showed 10,538 people have been granted refuge in Britain under the scheme.

Speaking on a trip to a camp in Lebanon, less than 15 miles from the Syrian border, Ms Rudd said she was already holding talks about what may follow the scheme.

The bloody conflict shows little sign of ending and allowing displaced families to return home, with hundreds killed since the weekend in Eastern Ghouta.

The representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Lebanon has said that Britain and the rest of Europe need to step up and rehouse half-a-million refugees.

On her trip to Lebanon on Monday, which can be reported for the first time today, Ms Rudd met a family who are due to be rehoused in Britain before she visited an informal tented settlement (ITS) in the town of Qab Elias.

There she met some of the 46 families  around 200 people  who have called it home since fleeing Syria.

Amber Rudd said she was hopeful the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS), which aims to rehome 20,000 people by 2020, would hit its target early (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Ms Rudd told the Press Association: Twenty thousand is definitely achievable by 2020 and I hope that we may get there earlier than that in fact, and at the moment I am consulting with stakeholders and really engaging with other departments to decide what we should have to replace that when we go forward after 2020.

The UKs approach is a dual approach. One, we help with funds  we are one of the largest bilateral donors to help in the region, we have done 2.46 billion since the Syrian crisis (began)  and also to do resettlements.

I hope it will involve both of those going forward after 2020.

Ms Rudd spoke as rebel-held area Eastern Ghouta, outside the capital Damascus, was shelled by Syrian government and Russian forces. The death toll from the relentless artillery strikes has passed 250.

The VPRSs 20,000 target was set by then prime minister David Cameron in September 2015.

The first 12 months of a refugees resettlement costs are funded by the UK Government using the overseas aid budget.

The UK has also committed 2.46 billion in funding.

Mireille Girard, the UNHCR representative in Lebanon, said the Qab Elias ITS was really far from what we would call the standard for a refugee settlement, and before the war it had housed seasonal agricultural workers.

Syrian refugees at the Qab Elias Informal Settlement in the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon close to the Syrian border. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday February 19, 2018. The settlement established in 2013 accommodates over 200 people mostly from Aleppo, Idlib and Raqqa and is controlled the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR. Many of the residents will eventually be given residency in the UK. See PA story POLITICS Syria. Photo credit should read: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

It was now home to families who were on average 800 US dollars in debt to the landlord and struggled to find work.

While each family has fresh water and a toilet, she added: These are not conditions for people to remain in until peace happens in Syria, so we pick the most vulnerable people.

Unfortunately not more than that because we dont have enough resettlement quota from all the countries.

The UK has done very well, we are very grateful for that, you have taken a remarkable number of people  we are reaching 10,000 this year.

But still it is a drop in the sea compared to what is needed. We will need the UK to do more and we will need all countries to contribute to this programme so we can remove at least 10% of the refugee population from this region, which is five million large.

Ten per cent will not be an enormous number for Europe or the rest of the world.

Ms Rudd said that the British public should be proud of what the VPRS had achieved, adding: It is the largest number of any European country of resettlement from the region, it is the largest the UK has done from the region and people have been very kind about saying how effective it is and how good the care is when people get to the local authority.

So I think it is an important contribution to our overall commitment helping in this region.
Investigators probing the Hillsborough disaster are reviewing evidence relating to five more suspects.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it expects to announce within the next three weeks whether charges will be brought against two suspects from West Midlands Police, the force that investigated the aftermath of the 1989 disaster.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), previously known as the Independent Police Complaints Commission, is also reviewing evidence relating to three former South Yorkshire Police officers.

A memorial at Anfield for the Hillsborough disaster

Officials are due to make a decision on whether they will be referred to the CPS so criminal charges can be considered.

Hillsborough: @CPSuk will make charging decisions on 2 @WMPolice suspects within 3 weeks following a referral in Jan 2017 about the forces original inquiry into the disaster. Further work was finished in May 2017 & a review has been ongoing since https://t.co/6kKobh2rVC  Independent Office for Police Conduct (@policeconduct) February 22, 2018

Ninety-six Liverpool fans died in the crush at the Leppings Lane end of Hillsborough stadium on April 15 1989, as the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest began.

Six people, including match commander and former chief superintendent David Duckenfield, are already facing charges related to the disaster and its aftermath.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell has denied meeting any Czech spies.

He said claims that he had been a KGB agent dated back to when he was a council officer in Camden.

Speaking in central London, he told a think tank: I promise you, I was not selling secrets to the KGB, about the north London councils policy on housing.

John McDonnell

Mr McDonnell was asked during a question-and-answer session at the Resolution Foundation if he had ever met agents from the former Communist state.

He said: No, I have not met any Czech spies, et cetera.

It comes after days of headlines about Jeremy Corbyns activities during the Cold War.

The Labour leader has dismissed claims that he passed information to an agent of the Czech StB intelligence agency during the 1980s as nonsense.

According to the original report in the Sun, documents unearthed in the StB archives showed that Mr Corbyn met a Czech agent on at least three occasions  including twice in the House of Commons  during the 1980s and was given the codename Cob.

The Labour leaders office acknowledged that he had had tea in the Commons with a Czech diplomat, but said any claim that he was an agent, asset or informer for any intelligence agency is entirely false and a ridiculous smear.

Mr McDonnell joked that he went into a shadow Cabinet meeting and greeted colleagues by saying Zdravstvuyte tovarishchi, which means Good day, comrades.

I said You havent read the papers this morning, have you?, he added.
A wave of strike action by university workers has begun at institutions across Scotland in a bitter row over pensions.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) are planning 14 days of action in the coming weeks.

The UCU said more than 145,000 students will be affected by the strikes, with ten institutions ultimately taking part.

University workers and students hold leaflets during a strike over pensions (Joe Giddens/PA)

Watt a good turn out. Thanks as well to @HWUnion pic.twitter.com/oMFRFxCfOi  Heriot-Watt UCU (Votey McVote Branch 4-in-a-row) (@UCU_HWUBranch) February 22, 2018

The dispute centres on proposals put forward by Universities UK for changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).

Employers argue the pension scheme is 6 billion in deficit, while the union says the proposals would leave a typical lecturer almost 10,000 a year worse off in retirement.

A recent ballot saw more than four-fifths of UCU members back strike action in a 63% turnout in Scotland.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has sent solidarity and thanks to university workers while Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard visited the picket line at the University of Glasgow.

He said: I am happy to show my support and solidarity with University academic staff who are taking a stand against a proposed punitive cut in their pensions.

The Universities Superannuation Scheme needs to be properly funded and University employers need to be prepared to negotiate with the UCU to keep the Universities Defined Benefit Scheme open.

St Andrews University said the vast majority of the institution is working normally on Thursday, with 250 of 2100 staff having voted to strike.

The University of Glasgow said the impact of the strike appears to be minimal.

Today, thousands of university staff will take part in the biggest strike our Higher Education sector has ever seen.



I join staff, students and @UCU in calling for the employers to commit to meaningful negotiations to resolve this dispute. pic.twitter.com/RMzWynVZXk  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 22, 2018

A spokesman said: We are still assessing the impact of todays action, but can say that campus appears to be as busy as normal and we have not detected any significant impact on teaching or learning.

Staff are striking on Thursday and Friday this week and Monday to Wednesday next week.

Further strike action is also planned for Monday March 5 through to Thursday March 8, followed by a five-day walk out commencing on Monday March 12 and ending on Friday March 16.

They are among 64 UK universities to be hit by strikes.

Due to academic timetabling, union members at the universities of Edinburgh and Stirling are not taking part in the action this week, but will participate in all the other strike dates and are also set to walk out on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 March.

UCU Scotland official Mary Senior said: Nobody wants to take strike action, but staff across Scotland feel they have no choice. These hardline proposals would slash staff pensions and are simply uncalled for.

It is staggering that the universities have refused to engage with the union and a real insult to staff and to students.

Universities UK said it has met UCU over 35 times in the last year to discuss reforms.

A spokesman said: UUK remains at the negotiating table, but so far UCU has refused to engage on how best to address the funding challenges facing USS. It is important now that UCU engages on how best to ensure the long-term sustainability of the scheme.

He added there are scheduled discussions with UCU on key issues with the USS.

The spokesman continued: The changes proposed will make USS secure and sustainable, safeguarding the future of universities.

University staff will still have a valuable pension scheme, with employer contributions of 18% of salary, double the private sector average. This makes strike action very disappointing.
A man was freed by firefighters after getting his genitals trapped in a ring spanner.

A crew was called to assist staff in the accident and emergency unit at Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, south Wales, at around 9am on Wednesday.

Firefighters used cutting equipment to remove the steel tool.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service tweeted following the incident (@SWFireandRescue)

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service issued a warning on social media following the incident.

They tweeted on Wednesday: If youre using tools, make sure youre handling as the manufacturer recommends.

Crews from Maindee and Malpas had to release a steel ring spanner from a man who took tightening nuts to a new level earlier

The post has since been removed.
Aid charities have welcomed the 10,000 refugee milestone achieved by the Government and urged it to help more people caught up in conflict.

After Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced that half of the target of the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS) had been reached, charities called for the project to be continued and broadened in scope.

The programme, launched in 2014 to help those worst affected by the bloody civil war in Syria, has already been widened to include non-Syrian nationals caught up in the conflict.

Local authorities around the UK take part on a voluntary basis.

Syrian refugees at the Qab Elias Informal Settlement in the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Save The Children spokesman Bhanu Bhatnagar said: The British public can be proud of coming to the aid of vulnerable Syrian children whove grown up knowing nothing but war and deserve better.

We very much welcome the fact that the Government is looking beyond the current provisions and encourage it to expand its existing resettlement commitments beyond 2020, focusing not only on Syria but on refugees from all war-torn countries.

Resettlement is a safe and regular route for children and families, ensuring they dont have to embark on dangerous journeys to reach safety.

Dr Lisa Doyle, director of advocacy at the Refugee Council, added that the scheme was changing lives if not saving lives of thousands of the most vulnerable refugees.

She added: We hope that the Government continues to show leadership and commits to building on these achievements in the future by offering more refugees around the world the lifeline of a resettlement place in the UK.

More Syrian refugees need help, charities said (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The war in Syria is showing no sign of ending, with hundreds of thousands of people killed, wounded or displaced by years of heavy fighting.

Stephen Hale, chief executive of Refugee Action, the largest provider of resettlement support for refugees arriving through the scheme, welcomed the Home Secretarys comments.

He added: Were in the middle of the worst refugee crisis on record, 1.2 million refugees are in need of resettlement worldwide.

Its unacceptable that Britains other, long-term resettlement programme, for refugees of all nationalities, has remained static at around 800 for almost a decade.

Expanding resettlement to welcome at least 10,000 refugees each year, regardless of which emergency theyve fled, and giving them equal rights and support, would far better reflect the contribution we should be making and build on the success of the Syrian scheme post 2020.
The First Minister has called on the public to come forward with information following a spate of attacks on Asian communities in and around Glasgow.

Nicola Sturgeon spoke out the issue at First Ministers Questions at Holyrood after it was raised by Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw.

Mr Carlaws Eastwood constituency includes areas where targeted housebreakings have occurred in recent weeks.

Nicola Sturgeon at First Ministers Questions at Holyrood (Jane Barlow/PA)

He said Police Scotland had confirmed there has been a sustained series of forensically aware gang-related targeted attacks on Asian households in Eastwood and East Dunbartonshire.

He said officers had pointed to a reluctance on the part of the public who believe that information they have will be regarded as either trivial or circumstantial.

Today at #FMQs, I raised the very serious issue of the targeted attacks against the Asian community in #Eastwood and across Scotland. We all need to work together to stop these criminals and I would urge you to call the police if you see anything suspicious. pic.twitter.com/CZsJe79Mgn  Jackson Carlaw (@Jackson_Carlaw) February 22, 2018

If we are going to tackle this particular and very pernicious attack on the Asian community it does require all of the public to give whatever information they have immediately to the police so they that they can act on it, Mr Carlaw said.

Ms Sturgeon, who represents a large Asian population in her own Glasgow Southside constituency, said the attacks were absolutely unacceptable and should be completely condemned by all of us.

I know people personally who have been targeted in this way in recent weeks, she said.

Jackson Carlaw is right to say anybody in the community who has concerns should come forward and share those concerns.

The information they give will never be treated as trivial because it is not trivial.

These attacks are pernicious and they must be tackled.

She added: I think all of us should give all of the support we can to a very valued and valuable part of our community as they face attacks that are so completely unacceptable.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell has said he is positive a deal can be done to break the deadlock between Holyrood and Westminster over crucial legislation.

The Conservative cabinet member spoke out after the latest talks between the UK Government and the devolved administrations on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill broke up without agreement

The Scottish and Welsh administrations have consistently refused to recommend granting legislative consent for the Bill as it stands, claiming it is a Westminster power grab which puts devolution at risk.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell (Victoria Jones/PA)

Scottish Brexit Minister Mike Russell said: The clock is ticking on Scotlands future as we draw ever closer to the UK leaving the EU while there is continuing uncertainty on fundamental and crucial issues.

But with the UK Government now having put forward the draft of an amendment to the controversial clause 11, Mr Mundell said he thought a deal could be done.

Brexit Minister @Feorlean explains that clock is ticking on Scotlands future following meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on EU Negotiations in London https://t.co/I7JAAEOF8i  ScotGovEurope (@ScotGovEurope) February 22, 2018

Speaking to reporters in London, the Scottish Secretary said: Were making progress.

Were not there yet, these are complex negotiations but I think the UK Government has demonstrated by bringing forward the draft of amendment that we are demonstrating flexibility, we are addressing the concerns that both the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament have raised.

While he said inevitably there is a timescale for agreement to be reached, Mr Mundell added previous discussions with Holyrood ministers went to the wire before a deal.

The Scottish Secretary said: Whats very clear from todays discussions is that both parties want to reach agreement, the devolved administrations and the UK Government want to reach agreement. We know now what we need to do and the areas we need to further discuss to get to that agreement.

So I remain positive we will get an outcome, we can agree an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill, we can agree how to take forward the important frameworks that will be needed once we leave the EU, ensuring not just that we respect the devolution settlement, which is vitally important, but also that we allow the UK to continue to be able to function as the single market it is.

Clause 11 of the Bill returns devolved powers from the EU to Westminster in the first instance, which UK ministers claim is necessary to create UK-wide common frameworks.

The amendment put forward by the UK would mean the vast majority of devolved powers powers would automatically return to Edinburgh and Cardiff.

But Scottish Government ministers however have repeatedly refused to consent to any legislation which would reduce devolved powers at Holyrood.

Mr Russell said: With regard to the EU Withdrawal Bill, the absolutely fundamental point is that the devolution settlement and the powers of the Scottish Parliament cannot be changed unilaterally by the UK Government. What happens to devolved powers must be a matter for Holyrood and the UK Government must recognise that.

Progress is being made and we will continue to talk. I will continue to fight for the best deal for Scotland.
A decades-long effort to compile a historical thesaurus of English to aid the nations understanding of the language has earned a leading university a prestigious award.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall celebrated the achievements of Glasgow University and other academic institutions when they presented them with the Queens Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education at Buckingham Palace.

Glasgow University was recognised for a 53-year project to compile more than 797,000 worlds into a two volume and online resource for language lovers and researchers alike, which maps the way English has been used over the past 1,000 years.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall praised the work of univerisities (Peter Byrne/PA)

TRH presented awards to 21 UK universities & colleges, who are being recognised for a wide range of innovative work. pic.twitter.com/1oppTmNNvV  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) February 22, 2018

Also among the winners was the Institute of Cancer Research which has developed a drug for men with late stage prostate cancer and since 2005 has seen 10 drugs it has developed begin clinical trials.

Professor Marc Alexander, Glasgow Universitys director of the thesaurus, said the projects founder, Michael Samuels, was trying to overcome the shortfalls in dictionaries, where much of our knowledge of the language is based, which place words alphabetically and does not aid our understanding.

We have a way with words! Today we've been awarded a Queen's Anniversary Prize for our #WorldChangingResearch on the worlds first historical thesaurus.

 https://t.co/UQwvqppqiz pic.twitter.com/DnJa828ozL  University of Glasgow (@UofGlasgow) December 1, 2017

He added: If you rearrange everything we know according to the meaning, so all the words for red are together or the words for love or death, you start to see the connections and the important thing is we dated each word.

So its not just heres 50 words for love its heres 50 words and heres the exact date we know that word meant love.

One of the professors undergraduate researchers Kyle Gunn, who is studying English language, joked that he had been working on rude words which past researchers had tried to ignore.

The Prince heard about the work being done at @ICR_London on pre-eminent work in cancer drugs discovery and @LivUni on drug design and safety with outstanding work in HIV, leukaemia and epilepsy. pic.twitter.com/c0hOL4OTmf  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) February 22, 2018

He said: I spent a lot of time looking at the sexual intercourse category and because of the way a lot of words are recorded you dont find a lot of the dirty ones in the earlier sources.

The student said they were omitted from early dictionaries as compilers did not want readers to know the words existed.

He added: Having worked in the sexual intercourse category there are not many that I can repeat, but Bawcock from 1599 is a good one.

Its a lot less dirtier than it sounds. Its a term of endearment in the way you would use darling.

Charles is chancellor of the University of Wales while Camilla has the same role with Aberdeen University and they spent more than an hour chatting to the winning university and institutions during a palace reception.

The Queens Anniversary Prizes are awarded every two years to universities and colleges who submit work judged to show excellence, innovation, impact and benefit for the institution itself and for people and society generally in the wider world.
Police in Montenegro say the man who threw a bomb into the US embassy compound and then killed himself had no criminal record and that the attack was not an act of terrorism.

Police formally identified the suspect by his initials, DJ, in line with an earlier police source identifying him as ex-soldier Dalibor Jaukovic.

Police block off the area around the US embassy in Podgorica after the attack (Risto Bozovic/AP)

Police say Jaukovic was a Montenegrin citizen born in neighbouring Serbia.

They said Montenegrin police and the FBI are checking Jaukovics accounts on social networks.

He posted on Facebook a photo of an army decoration apparently signed by former Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic and openly opposed Montenegros membership in Nato last year.

Police say they are still investigating Jaukovics motives and whether he had acted alone. They say security has been increased around foreign embassies in Montenegro.

The US embassy compound in Montenegros capital, Podgorica (Risto Bozovic/AP)

A family friend, Milutin Dragicevic, said Jaukovic was a good patriot during the 1999 Nato air war against Yugoslavia, then comprised of Serbia and Montenegro.

He added: I dont know what might have driven him to do this.
The first in a series of strikes by university workers has been held across Scotland in a bitter row over pensions.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) are planning 14 days of action in the coming weeks.

The UCU said more than 145,000 students will be affected by the strikes, with ten institutions ultimately taking part.

The University and College Union is planning 14 days of strike action in the coming weeks (Gareth Fuller/PA)

Watt a good turn out. Thanks as well to @HWUnion pic.twitter.com/oMFRFxCfOi  Heriot-Watt UCU (Votey McVote Branch 4-in-a-row) (@UCU_HWUBranch) February 22, 2018

The dispute centres on proposals put forward by Universities UK for changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).

Employers argue the pension scheme is 6 billion in deficit, while the union says the proposals would leave a typical lecturer almost 10,000 a year worse off in retirement.

A recent ballot saw more than four-fifths of UCU members back strike action in a 63% turnout in Scotland.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has sent solidarity and thanks to university workers while Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard visited the picket line at the University of Glasgow.

He said: The Universities Superannuation Scheme needs to be properly funded and University employers need to be prepared to negotiate with the UCU to keep the Universities Defined Benefit Scheme open.

St Andrews University said the vast majority of the institution was working normally on Thursday, with 250 of 2100 staff having voted to strike.

In Glasgow, those taking part in strikes across the cities universities gathered for a rally in Buchanan Street at midday.

Look around you, I am so happy to see so many student standing in solidarity with you. I know staff and students will continue to work together for a better education system. @Shuwanna_Aaron #USSstrike pic.twitter.com/WdKW1pb98Q  NUS Scotland (@NUSScotland) February 22, 2018

Staff are striking on Thursday and Friday this week and Monday to Wednesday next week.

Further strike action is also planned for Monday March 5 through to Thursday March 8, followed by a five-day walk out commencing on Monday March 12 and ending on Friday March 16.

They are among 64 UK universities to be hit by strikes.

Due to academic timetabling, union members at the universities of Edinburgh and Stirling are not taking part in the action this week, but will participate in all the other strike dates and are also set to walk out on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 March.

UCU Scotland official Mary Senior said: Nobody wants to take strike action, but staff across Scotland feel they have no choice. These hardline proposals would slash staff pensions and are simply uncalled for.

It is staggering that the universities have refused to engage with the union and a real insult to staff and to students.

Universities UK said it has met UCU over 35 times in the last year to discuss reforms.

A spokesman said: UUK remains at the negotiating table, but so far UCU has refused to engage on how best to address the funding challenges facing USS. It is important now that UCU engages on how best to ensure the long-term sustainability of the scheme.

He added there are scheduled discussions with UCU on key issues with the USS.

The spokesman continued: The changes proposed will make USS secure and sustainable, safeguarding the future of universities.

University staff will still have a valuable pension scheme, with employer contributions of 18% of salary, double the private sector average. This makes strike action very disappointing.
World leaders and aid groups are calling for an end to the Syrian governments bombing of opposition-held eastern suburbs of Damascus that has left hundreds of people dead in recent days.

The air strikes on rebel towns in the suburb known as eastern Ghouta were reported by several local opposition activist groups and a Britain-based war monitor.

The Syrian Civil Defence that works in opposition-held areas said its paramedics rushed to several areas after the shelling.

A Syrian man runs between destroyed buildings in Ghouta (Ghouta Media Center via AP)

Civil defense teams working to evacuate the injured civilians after renewed artillery shelling targeted #Douma city in #Eastern_Ghouta today. #SaveGhouta #Syria Feb 22 pic.twitter.com/eV0cMXzKQo  The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) February 22, 2018

Syrian government forces have been pounding the area for days, hitting residential buildings, hospitals and infrastructure and overwhelming medics and rescue workers.

The bombardment has forced many among the nearly 400,000 residents to sleep in basements and makeshift shelters, and has overwhelmed rescue workers who have spent days digging out survivors from the wreckage of bombed buildings.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate suspension of all war activities in the area where he said people are living in hell on earth. The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a resolution, called for by Sweden and Kuwait, ordering a 30-day ceasefire throughout Syria to enable delivery of humanitarian aid and evacuation of the critically sick and wounded.

"I am deeply saddened by the terrible suffering of the civilian population in eastern Ghouta: 400,000 people who live in hell on earth."



-- @antonioguterres on the situation in Syria. https://t.co/aMQXUlAQ8V pic.twitter.com/0fjHShLDkQ  United Nations (@UN) February 21, 2018

Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia called a 30-day ceasefire unrealistic, but Moscow said it would consider supporting the UN-proposed ceasefire if it does not cover extremists such as the Islamic State group and al Qaida-linked groups.

The Russian military is again supporting Syrian President Bashar Assads forces as it did in the all-out assault on the rebel-held half of Syrias largest city, Aleppo, in late 2016, which drove the rebels from their enclave there.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for the European Union to step up pressure on Russia and Iran to end the violence in Syria.

The regime is not fighting against terrorists, but against its own people, killing children, destroying hospitals, and this is a massacre to be condemned, she told Parliament.

A young boy cries after surviving air strikes in #Arbin city in #Ghouta . Most of the victims were children after 18 civilians were killed yesterday. Scenes like these have been repeated again and again. Let us hope they do not become commonplace in this world. #SaveGhouta pic.twitter.com/Mv4TQmCg36  The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) February 21, 2018

Besides Assad, Mrs Merkel said Iran and Russia have a particular responsibility as they are both supporting the government forces. She said Germanys foreign minister plans to talk directly with his Russian counterpart and called for other EU nations to also do what they can.

We need to do everything in our power to put an end to this massacre, she said.

Russian news reports, meanwhile, said Moscow has increased its forces in Syria with several warplanes, including its latest fighter jets.

News outlets carried pictures of a pair of Su-57 fighters heading to land at Hemeimeem air base in Syrias coastal province of Latakia that serves as the main hub for Russian operations in Syria. An early warning A-50 plane, four Su-35 fighters and four Su-25 ground attack jets also arrived at the base on Wednesday.
A police officer accused of assaulting a handcuffed suspect by dropping him face first onto a cell floor has told a jury of his disgust after the arrested man spat in his face.

Pc Paul McVeigh, 48, denies twice attacking Nissan worker Jack Moore, who had been arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

A jury at Teesside Crown Court was shown CCTV footage of Mr Moore being dragged from the back of the police van at Southwick Police Station, Sunderland, and landing on the floor.

They were then shown images of Mr Moore being hauled into a cell and allegedly being thrown onto the cell floor with his hands cuffed behind his back.

He suffered a cut to the chin which required 15 stitches and blood was visible on the cell floor.

The jury was also shown footage of Pc McVeigh with spit in his eye after Mr Moore was arrested and put in the back of the police van following an incident in Washington, Tyne and Wear, on January 26 2017.

Paul McVeigh is on trial at Teesside Crown Court (Owen Humphreys/PA)

The officer told the court he heard Mr Moore drawing up phlegm so he firmly lifted the detainees chin out of the way to protect himself.

But he said he dropped his guard when Mr Moore appeared to comply and the suspect then spat in his face.

It is big lumps of green snot, it was absolutely horrific, he said.

That incident was filmed on a body-worn camera by colleague Pc Tom Strawbridge who had been called to a house which drunken Mr Moore had refused to leave.

The single-crewed probationer had called for back-up to deal with Mr Moore, who was drunk, swearing and abusive, and Pc McVeigh arrived in a van.

Mr Moore had struggled as the officers handcuffed him behind his back.

Pc McVeigh drove him in the van to Southwick with Pc Strawbridge following in his patrol car.

When they arrived at Southwick Mr Moore continued to be abusive, Pc McVeigh said.

He said he was going to kill me, to bite me, to bite my nose off. He said he could do what he wanted and was laughing, the officer told the jury.

Pc McVeigh pulled the detainee out of the back of the van by the leg, thinking he might spit again, he said.

The married officer, with almost 26 years service, told the jury he hurt his back partially carrying the 12-stone suspect through the airlock and into the station.

Asked by his barrister Kevin Baumber if the way Mr Moore was put into the cell was the ideal execution of the manoeuvre, he replied: Absolutely not, I have made a mistake.

But he said it was only after he saw the CCTV he realised there was a problem and at the time he did not think there was an issue.

Earlier, Pc Strawbridge told the court he put out a leg to break Mr Moores fall from the police van at Southwick when Pc McVeigh pulled him out from the vehicles caged section by the foot.

And when Mr Moore was brought into the holding cell, Pc Strawbridge said he saw Mr Moore skid 10 inches along the floor after he landed face down.

Pc McVeigh denies assault  in relation to dragging Mr Moore from the van  and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, for allegedly throwing him face first onto the cell floor.

The jury has heard officers were not given spit-hoods to use on suspects.

Mr Moore later admitted charges of drunk and disorderly behaviour and assault in relation to this incident.

He also has a previous conviction for spitting at a police officer.

Mr Moore had not been to work that day but was supping lager with friends in Gateshead and decided to visit a woman in Washington and carried on drinking there.

In a statement he said he had little recollection of the events.
The Philippine president has banned a reporter from attending briefings at the presidential palace compound because her online news organisations licence to operate was revoked by the governments corporate watchdog.

Rodrigo Duterte invoked the Securities and Exchange Commission ruling in banning Rappler reporter Pia Ranada from the Malacanang palace complex, where he, his spokesman and other top officials hold news briefings.

It is not a legitimate agency according to SEC, Mr Duterte told a news conference. If they would be considered legitimate you could enter again, no problem with me.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has banned a critical reporter from his presidential palace news briefings (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

In a ruling made public last month, the commission said Rappler violated a constitutional prohibition on foreign ownership and control of mass media companies when it received money from an international investment firm. Rappler has rejected the ruling and continued to operate.

Rappler, known for its critical reporting of Mr Dutertes presidency, and media watchdogs called the move an attempt to muzzle the press. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr argued that it was not, saying Ms Ranada can report by watching news conferences on television.

Mr Dutertes move could portend a broader assault on journalists and news organisations, whose critical watchdog role has magnified the governments poor human rights record, from extrajudicial killings of thousands of alleged drug dealers and users to conflict-related abuses in the south, Carlos Conde of the US-based rights group Human Rights Watch said.

Despite the SEC ruling, the president initially allowed Ms Ranada to continue covering presidential palace events but that ended when she stood by a story that alleged a key Duterte aide had intervened in a military deal to purchase frigates, Mr Roque said.

We cannot allow anyone into the presidents home especially a person who insists on disrespecting the home by reporting fake news, he told reporters.

Mr Duterte repeated an earlier accusation without offering evidence that Rappler might be funded by the US Central Intelligence Agency. Rappler has denied the allegation.

Mr Duterte has also publicly attacked a leading newspaper, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and the ABS-CBN TV network for what he called biased reporting, including on his crackdown on illegal drugs that has left thousands of mostly poor suspects dead since he took power in 2016.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said when the highest official in the land chooses to wage a personal vendetta against an individual, whether a journalist or a media outfit, it sends a clear and chilling signal that everyone else better report only what he wants you to or else.

Human Rights Watch called on Filipinos, who this weekend mark the anniversary of the 1986 people power revolt that overthrew dictator Ferdinand Marcos, to show their support for a free press.

Journalists were jailed and critical media organisations padlocked after Marcos declared martial law in 1972.

AP
A Unicef executive has quit after allegations were made of inappropriate behaviour while he worked for Save the Children.

Justin Forsyth resigned as deputy executive director of Unicef in New York after his former colleagues complained about his conduct.

Mr Forsyth previously admitted making some personal mistakes during his time at Save the Children.

He said he is stepping down because of the danger of damaging both Unicef and Save the Children and not because of his past mistakes.

Mr Forsyth was twice subject to investigation at Save the Children after concerns were raised about his conduct in 2011 and again in 2015 involving three women.

My resignation statement https://t.co/IOyalYJ6gb  Justin Forsyth (@justinforsyth) February 22, 2018

The charity has since apologised to the female employees, admitting their claims were not properly dealt with at the time.

In a statement on Thursday he said: With heavy heart, I am today tendering my resignation to Unicef as Deputy Executive Director.

I want to make clear I am not resigning from Unicef because of the mistakes I made at Save the Children.

They were dealt with through a proper process many years ago.

I apologised unreservedly at the time and face to face. I apologise again.

There is no doubt in my mind that some of the coverage around me is not just to (rightly) hold me to account, but also to attempt to do serious damage to our cause and the case for aid.

Justin Forsyth and Brendan Cox, pictured, had previously worked together (Jonathan Brady/PA)

I am resigning because of the danger of damaging both Unicef and Save the Children and our wider cause.

Two organisations I truly love and cherish. I cant let this happen.

The disclosures came after Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, admitted that he made mistakes and behaved in a way that caused some women hurt and offence when he was working at Save the Children.

Mr Cox and Mr Forsyth had previously worked together at 10 Downing Street under Gordon Brown.

Unicef said in a statement: Executive Director Henrietta Fore today accepted Justin Forsyths resignation from his position as Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF.

We are grateful to Mr Forsyth for his work over the past two years to advocate for the most vulnerable children and help advance UNICEFs mission to save childrens lives. This mission is now more important than ever.

A Save the Children statement said that charity had not made a finding of misconduct against Mr Forsyth.

It said: The issue of references is incredibly important, as has been highlighted by recent coverage of the appointment of staff in the development sector.

At the time of Justin Forsyths recruitment by Unicef, the standard practice at Save the Children was to provide basic information about employment history, along with any formal findings of misconduct where relevant. There was no finding of misconduct against Mr Forsyth or any formal sanction against him.

It has become increasingly obvious in the last few weeks that the charity sector needs a more robust system and this will be a pillar of the independent review of culture and HR practices announced by our chief executive, Kevin Watkins, earlier this week.
Boris Johnsons decision to allow a think tank set up by an arch Brexiteer to host its launch in the Foreign Office (FCO) without charging it for using a room raised concerns in Downing Street and the Cabinet Office, documents suggest.

The Foreign Secretary threw open the doors to Whitehalls most opulent department building for the IFT, run by Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan.

Internal government emails, obtained by Greenpeace investigative arm Unearthed, show Mr Johnson signed off on the IFT using a suite for free, waiving the 6,000 hire cost, although the event was later moved to the buildings Map Room, the fees for which are not revealed in the documents.

Mr Johnson claimed in the House of Commons on Tuesday there was no cost to the public purse for the launch, in response to a question from Labour MP Chris Bryant.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson looks up at the ornate ceiling as he walks with US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, at the Foreign Office in London. (PA Archive)

The Foreign Secretary used the event to call for Britain to become a world leader in opening up economies, while his Brexit campaign allies Michael Gove and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox also attended.

But on September 26, the day before the launch, an unnamed official wrote that Downing Street raised concerns that the Government could come in for some criticism over the free use of the room, according to Unearthed.

And the day after the event another official said Cabinet Office ethics director Sue Gray was clear that IFT should pay the room fee, at full commercial rate, according to the documents.

But in a Wednesday letter to Unearthed, the Foreign Office revealed it had not subsequently asked IFT to pay for the room despite Ms Grays concerns, although the think tank had paid for security and refreshments.

Doug Parr, policy director at Greenpeace, said: It looks like Boris Johnson and Liam Fox pulled out all the stops to help launch a new pressure group that wants to weaken precious British standards around food, animal welfare and the environment  the very areas Gove and May claim will be protected when we leave the EU.

The IFT advocates the hardest of Brexits to secure a trade deal with Trumps America and now we know the British people helped pay for their coming out party. Taxpayers will wonder why theyre putting their money where Daniel Hannans mouth is.

Responding to concerns about the launch raised by Labour MP Chuka Umunna, Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood said the event was handled in line with longstanding policy and its guest list included politicians, EU and non-EU ambassadors and representatives from other think tanks and from the business world.

He wrote to Mr Umunna: Official involvement in organising the event was limited to basic logistical support. IFT covered all expenditure arising from the event. Given that the event supported the Governments objectives on free trade, IFT was not charged for its use of the FCO rooms.

Sir Jeremy said FCO policy has since been updated to ensure non-government organisations pay a fee and secure the support of a department directorate to host an event in the rooms, moving it in line with other Whitehall departments.

He added: The FCO also considered whether to charge IFT a booking fee retrospectively.

However, as the approach to charging for the event was within the scope of the FCO room booking rules at the time, they decided that it would not be appropriate to do so.

Sir Jeremy said he had not found any breach of the Civil Service, special advisers or ministerial codes.

But responding, Mr Umunna, a supporter of the Open Britain campaign for close ties with the EU, said: As if Boris Johnson launching such an overtly political event on FCO premises was not bad enough, the fact they provided the room for free, contrary to government protocol, is frankly unacceptable. The ideologues running the IFT shouldnt be given freebies by the Government.

Mr Bryant, who also supports Open Britain, said: Boris Johnson was flying by the seat of his pants (on Tuesday).

He pretended that he had been completely exonerated, but in fact the Cabinet Secretary has made it clear that the Foreign Office should have charged the IFT for the use of the Map Room in line with the practice across the rest of government.

The truth is this was a private party going on free of charge on Government premises, using civil service staff and sanctioned by the Foreign Secretary.

The IFT may seem like a fringe group of wacky fanatics, but the reality is they are highly influential and are pushing a dangerous agenda.
Speed hero Donald Campbells jet-powered boat, Bluebird K7, is to return to the water in Scotland this summer.

Campbell died on January 4 1967 aged 45 when the hydroplane flipped into the air and disintegrated as he attempted a new water speed record on Coniston Water in Cumbria.

In 2001 Campbells body  with his race suit intact  and the wreckage of Bluebird were recovered from the depths of the lake and he was buried later that year in the village of Coniston.

Donald Campbell in the cockpit of his jet-powered hydroplane Bluebird (PA)

Volunteers have been working on the hydroplanes restoration under the leadership of Tyneside-based Bill Smith for the past decade and have announced that Bluebird will undergo a test run at Loch Fad on the Isle of Bute in August.

It is hoped that Bluebird will eventually return to Coniston Water and fulfil the wishes of Campbells daughter Gina.

A statement on the Bluebird Project website said: After considering various UK bodies of water, the Bluebird Project team decided that Loch Fad would be the ideal location for our crew training exercise.

We are thrilled that, after extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders on the island, agreement was reached to travel to Bute in August 2018, with assistance from the British Army, to get Bluebird K7 waterborne again and under her own power for the first time in over half a century as an integral part of bringing this iconic craft, along with her historic, educational and inspirational value back to the forefront of the public conscience.

Her long anticipated resurrection, upon which she will again run at speed for demonstration purposes before going on public display, awaits only an invitation to operate on a suitable waterway, with Coniston Water being the teams first choice.

But before that she must be thoroughly worked back to fighting fitness along with her operating team.

Gina Campbell holds her fathers mascot as she marked the 50th anniversary of the fatal crash of the Bluebird boat at Lake Coniston (Owen Humphreys PA)

Steve Tatlock, park management team leader for the Lake District National Park, said: We are disappointed that the Bluebird team have chosen to undergo proving trials in Scotland and not on Coniston Water.

The National Park Authority facilitated a change to the Coniston Water byelaws to allow the proving trials of Bluebird K7.

This wouldnt have been possible without the support of local people and communities and encouragement from others from around the globe.

The efforts of the Bluebird K7 group to recover Bluebird and her pilot Donald Campbell was the start of a long journey which will hopefully end with Bluebird resting in Coniston just a stones throw from where Donald Campbell already rests.

Campbell broke eight world speed records on water and on land in the 1950s and 1960s and remains the only person to set both world land and water speed records in the same year.

In his fatal record attempt, the son of Sir Malcolm Campbell, who himself held land and water speed records, had set himself a target of reaching 300mph (480kph) on Coniston Water.

He was posthumously awarded the Queens Commendation for Brave Conduct.
A Royal Navy patrol ship has escorted three Russian warships as they travelled through the English Channel.

The incident involving Portsmouth-based HMS Mersey and a Wildcat helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton is the third time in two months that the Royal Navy has been scrambled to keep a watch on Russian vessels passing the UK.

A Royal Navy spokesman said the Russian spy ship Feodor Golovin, landing ship Alexander Ostrakovskiy and tanker Yelnya have been supporting Russian operations in Syria and were believed to be returning to their base ports in the Baltic and Barents seas.

Screengrab of footage from HMS Mersey (Royal Navy/PA)

HMS Mersey has spent the last 72 hours tracking a Russian spy ship task group as it sailed past the UK @HMS_Mersey https://t.co/rvBmWnHwYj pic.twitter.com/hK6GtyVd92  Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) February 22, 2018

He added: Portsmouth-based Mersey and her 34 crew broke off from a regular fishery protection patrol in home waters and sailed to meet the Russian trio as they approached the Channel, taking over from the French Navy which has monitored the task groups progress through the Bay of Biscay.

The patrol ship has spent 72 hours tracking the Russians as the vessels made their way into the North Sea, handing over to the Dutch Navy once the three ships had passed through the Strait of Dover.

Lieutenant Alexandra Karavla, the patrol ships executive officer, said: Ships like HMS Mersey are the eyes and ears of the Royal Navy around the UK, we are at sea for 320 days a year, so Mersey provides the Navy with a ship ready to respond at short notice like this.

Although her routine business is patrolling UK waters and helping to enforce fishery legislation, HMS Mersey was tasked to locate, meet and escort the ships through the English Channel.

In this we have been well supported by a Royal Navy Wildcat from 815 Naval Air Squadron and by Nato colleagues. Operations like this would not be possible without such support and co-operation.

This tasking proves why HMS Mersey is vital to UK Defence. The flexibility and options these offshore patrol vessels provide to the Government is evident in the variety of tasking undertaken.

Able Seaman Ryan Flynn, a warfare specialists who has been tracking the Russian ships progress, said: Exciting operations like these are why I joined the Royal Navy. I love these ships because one day I will be conducting

a fishery protection boarding and the next day I will be following Russian warships off the South Coast. Its the best job in the world.

At the beginning of the year, frigate HMS Westminster was dispatched to keep track on the activities of two Russian frigates and their support vessels returning to the Baltic after operations in the Middle East, while HMS St Albans monitored the new Russian warship Admiral Gorshkov at Christmas.
Oxfam Great Britain will be suspended in Haiti for two months pending an investigation into sexual misconduct by employees of the aid group, a Haitian government minster said.

Haiti is investigating how Oxfam Great Britain responded to reports that some of its staff used prostitutes while working in the country in the aftermath of the devastating January 2010 earthquake, said Minister of Planning and External Co-operation Aviol Fleurant.

It is also trying to determine whether some of the prostitutes may have been underage.

Seven Oxfam workers were fired or resigned in 2011 after a whistleblower accused staff members of misconduct while working in Haiti (Nick Ansell/PA)

Authorities consider it a serious crime for an adult to have sex with anyone under 18, Mr Fleurant said.

We want you to know that we are committed to fixing the things we got wrong so we can better protect the people we serve - and continue to fight poverty wherever and however it exists. Read our action plan at https://t.co/nZUU8Gu88i  Oxfam (@oxfamgb) February 18, 2018

He said the Haitian government is shocked at the highest level about reports of misconduct by employees of the organisation.

Oxfam Great Britain is one of four divisions of the international organisation working in Haiti.

The aid group disclosed that seven workers were fired or resigned in 2011 after a whistleblower accused staff members of misconduct while working in the country.

The organisation has admitted that some of its employees used sex workers.

Our commitment: "We will continue with our work and values and act with honesty, responsibility and transparency in the fight against sexual harassment and abuse."

- @Winnie_Byanyima, our Executive Director pic.twitter.com/EIdQi0af02  Oxfam International (@Oxfam) February 22, 2018

British government officials and the UK charity regulator have said that Oxfam did not tell them the allegations included sexual misconduct until the Times newspaper revealed details of the case earlier this month.

Since then, thousands of people have cancelled donations to the group in anger.

Oxfam International, the umbrella organisation, has apologised to the people of Haiti and said it has created a new plan to improve oversight of its employees.

Oxfam Great Britain contributes about 20% of the budget to the organisations overall work in Haiti and the group expects the suspension will have a significant impact on its efforts in the country, the group said in a statement following the announcement.

It said senior officials with Oxfam International met with Haitian government officials and committed to co-operate with their investigation.

AP
South African police have launched an investigation to find a British couple kidnapped more than a week ago from a popular tourist spot in southern KwaZulu-Natal province.

The pair, who have dual British and South African nationality, live in Cape Town and were snatched on February 12 near the small town of Vryheid.

They have not been named but have been described as a 74-year-old British man who moved to South Africa in the 1970s and his 63-year-old South African-born wife.

A British ex-pat couple have been kidnapped in South Africa (Yui Mok/PA)

The victims vehicle was found on Wednesday in the city of Durban  almost 200 miles away from where they disappeared  but there was no trace of the couple.

A spokesman for the Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation, known as the Hawks, refused to comment on whether a demand for a ransom has been received.

But he revealed that two suspects have been arrested  Aslam Del Vecchio, 38, and 27-year-old Fatima Patel  on charges of kidnapping as well as robbery and arson dating back to last year.

They were arrested on February 16 and had been on a wanted list after a sugar cane field in the region was torched.

Earlier this week, the Foreign Office updated its travel advice for South Africa to include news of the kidnap under the advisorys terrorism section.

But Captain Lloyd Ramovha said there was currently no suggestion that the disappearance of the couple was linked to terror.

He told the Press Association: As far as the ongoing investigation is concerned, nothing suggests any link to terrorism at this stage.

We say that without wanting to pre-empt what eventually we will find but at this stage nothing points to a terrorist link.

An Foreign Office spokesman said: We are working closely with the South African authorities following the kidnap of two South African/British dual nationals and have offered consular support to the family.

As there is an ongoing investigation we cannot comment further.
Celtic crashed out of the Europa League in calamitous style with a 3-0 defeat by Zenit St Petersburg in Russia.

The Hoops deserved 1-0 lead from the first leg of the last-32 clash at Parkhead last week was wiped out before half an hour had been played with Brendan Rodgers side culpable.

Returning defender Branislav Ivanovic, celebrating his 34th birthday, put Zenit in front with a header from a poorly defended corner in the eighth minute before attacker Daler Kuzyaev fired in a long-range drive in the 27th minute which had Parkhead keeper Dorus de Vries grasping air.

Brendan Rodgers Celtic crash out of Europa League against Zenit (Jane Barlow/PA)

Still, a goal was all Celtic needed to go through to the last 16 but in the 61st minute striker Aleksandr Kokorin, who had previously scored against the Hoops for Dinamo Moscow, made it 3-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate.

An expensively-assembled Zenit side had looked rusty in Glasgow in their first competitive game in two months due to Russias winter break.

However, despite looking no better than decent they were fit enough and good enough to recover the tie although they were given some help by the visitors.

The stadiums roof was closed over which was good news for the players and 50,492 supporters, including several hundred in green and white, in light of the sub-zero temperatures outside.

Celtic were unchanged from the first leg while Zenit brought back former Chelsea defender Ivanovic and midfielder Matias Kranevitter.

The Scottish champions looked at ease from kick-off in a subdued atmosphere only to be stunned by the loss of the early goal.

De Vries made a decent save turning a long-distance drive from Leandro Paredes past the post for a corner but when the Argentinean delivered his set piece into the box, Ivanovic rose to bullet in his header with centre-backs Jozo Simunovic and Kristoffer Ajer unable to get in a real challenge.

Moments later, Kokorin drove a weak shot at De Vries when he could have taken the ball in closer, before Paredes fired a 30-yard free-kick just over the bar.

Zenits second goal also appeared avoidable as Kuzyaev, after taking an Anton Zabolotny pass, fired high past De Vries from 25 yards with the Dutchman appearing to misjudge the flight of the ball.

Tom Rogic replaced Eboue Kouassi for the start of the second half, the Australia midfielder sending a shot over the bar within a minute of the restart.

However, there was more woe for the Hoops when, with the Parkhead defence in disarray again, Kokorin got in front of right-back Mikael Lustig and bundled in number three from just a few yards out, Ivanovic supplying the cross.

Celtic tried to fight back but they looked all out of hope.

Zenit keeper Andrei Lunev saved an Olivier Ntcham shot and there was plenty of Celtic hustle and bustle in the final stages but there was no way back from a night in Russia which ended with plenty of regret.
The tiny island nation of the Seychelles has announced a pioneering marine conservation plan as part of a debt swap deal with creditors.

In an agreement described as the first of its kind, the Indian Ocean nation popular with tourists is designating nearly a third of its waters as protected areas, aiming to ensure the longevity of its unique biodiversity.

The archipelagos 115 islands have been isolated by continental land masses for millions of years.

An Aldabra giant tortoise is seen on Curieuse island in the Seychelles (Tate Drucker/The Nature Conservancy via AP)

The Aldabra atoll, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is home to the worlds largest population of giant tortoises, critically endangered sea cows and spawning grounds for a number of rare species, but overfishing has hurt.

The government has signed a bill restricting nearly all human activity in the waters around Aldabra and overall setting aside more than 210,000 square kilometres (81,081 square miles) as protected areas.

The areas around Aldabra will ban all extractive uses such as fishing and petroleum exploration while the rest will be restricted to sustainable practices. The plan will be completed by 2021.

A great honour and privilege, the countrys environment minister, Didier Dogley, said at the signing.

Today, Seychelles announced two new marine protected areas that equal the size of Great Britain. Join me and @nature_org in congratulating all those who made it happen. https://t.co/OygRCaKY37  Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) February 21, 2018

The deal with the countrys creditors was brokered by US-based The Nature Conservancy and involved a one million US dollar (720,000) grant by the foundation of actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

At the height of its debt crisis in the late 2000s, the Seychelles was one of the worlds top debt-ridden countries.

Its sovereign debt peaked at nearly one billion US dollars, according to the World Bank. Today the debt stands at less than half of that, according to the finance ministry.

A box of nursery-grown coral is handed to a diver off the coast of Praslin (Tate Drucker/The Nature Conservancy via AP)

The deal allows for a certain amount of money to be repaid into a trust fund to support conservation-related projects, organisers said.

While welcoming the deal, the CEO of the Seychelles National Parks Authority warned that certain threats to the Seychelles remain beyond control. Like climate, for example, Flavien Joubert said.

The new agreement has worried some who say their livelihoods will be severely restricted.

If you protect everywhere, where (will) we go fishing? Elvis Simon Dingwall said. He echoed others who said they have to bear the brunt of the governments past economic failures.

People snorkelling over a reef in the Seychelles (The Ocean Agency via AP)

The head of the Seychelles state-owned oil and gas exploration entity, Patrick Joseph, said Petro Seychelles initially was resistant to the plan but now is cautiously optimistic.

Provided this is done properly, we choose the right companies and we do a proper impact assessment before we drill, I feel like the country will definitely benefit from oil and gas resources, Mr Joseph said.

The Seychellois government is already benefiting from the confidence the deal has inspired in its creditors, with a separate bond deal now being finalised with the World Bank to help finance a transition to sustainable fisheries.

The Seychelles is leading the way in terms of how it is going to manage its ocean territory  in a sustainable fashion, said Benoit Bosquet, the World Banks practice manager for environment and natural resources.

AP
Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren believes he can enjoy a mutually beneficial partnership with club-record signing Virgil van Dijk.

The Croatians place was seen as being most under threat following the arrival of the 75million Southampton centre-back.

Fitness issues have forced the worlds most expensive defender to miss a couple of games and that has meant manager Jurgen Klopp has had to rotate his centre-back partnerships.

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren (left) believes he and Virgil van Dijk (right) can benefit from each other (John Walton/PA).

Lovren has played twice with the Holland international and together they have kept one clean sheet and conceded two goals, both against Tottenham with one a contentious penalty.

Joel Matip, widely regarded as likely to be first choice alongside Van Dijk, has played four times with him and conceded five goals, also keeping one clean sheet.

The Lovren-Van Dijk partnership has yet to be beaten with their last outing the 5-0 Champions League win in Porto.

To be honest I didnt expect that we would be so quick [to settle] together, said Lovren.

But when you are a top centre-back I think it is normal and Virgil is one of them.

Of course he needs some time to adapt because Southampton to Liverpool is different but he understands what the manager wants  although sometimes I have to remind him also.

I help him as much as I know. It is a difficult period sometimes to adapt but he is managing it quite well.

Everyone is behind him and giving him support.
Borussia Dortmund striker Michy Batshuayi has claimed he was the subject of alleged racist chants from Atalanta fans during Thursday nights Europa League clash.

The Belgium international, on loan from Chelsea, played the entire 90 minutes as substitute Marcel Schmelzers 82nd-minute equaliser salvaged a 1-1 draw on the night which sent Dortmund into the last 16 with a 4-3 aggregate victory.

2018 and still racists monkey noises in the stands ... really ?!  hope you have fun watching the rest of @EuropaLeague on TV while we are through  #SayNoToRacism #GoWatchBlackPanther   Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi) February 22, 2018

Batshuayi has taken to Twitter to condemn the Italian fans actions at Reggio Emilias Mapei Stadium.

Michy Batshuayi played the full 90 minutes against Atalanta (Martin Meissner/AP)

He tweeted: 2018 and still racists monkey noises in the stands  really ?!

Hope you have fun watching the rest of @EuropaLeague on TV while we are through #SayNoToRacism #GoWatchBlackPanther.

Last month the Italian club received a one-game stand closure, which was suspended for one year, after Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly was subjected to racist chants during a Serie A clash.
The Sri Lanka Air Force will celebrate its 67th Anniversary on March 2, 2018, the SLAF said in a news conference today.

The event will be celebrated with great pomp and pageantry with a Special Exhibition at SLAF Station in Ampara.

The news conference was held today to announce its plans in line with the 67th Anniversary. PIx by Pradeep Pathirana
The Defence Attache of the Sri Lankan High Commission in London Brigadier Priyankara Fernando arrived in Sri Lanka today, the Army said.

Army Spokesman Brigadier Sumith Atapatthu earlier said Brigadier Fernando was summoned over the recent incident occurred in London where a video footage showed him behaving in an offensive manner emerged and circulated in the social media.

The Army will inquire the Brigadier about what happened in London, he told the Daily Mirror.

Earlier, the Brigadier was suspended from his duties following a video, which showed him behaving in an offensive manner, was emerged and circulated on social media. However, he was allowed to resume duties on a Presidential Directive. (Lahiru Pothmulla)


Why President Sirisena paved way for such a mess allowing his group to take such a course of action

Shows the depth of the predicament of the Government, especially the President

What, the President called last month the Unholy alliance of elite robbers might even impeach him

The two weeks old political impasse in the country since February 10 could have been averted had President Sirisena acted with restraint

The Government and the Opposition wasted a whole fortnight just for their power struggle leaving many Government institutions at a standstill following the February 10 Local Government Elections. One can imagine the situation considering the usual lethargy and incompetence prevailing in the State institutions.



It was the Joint Opposition which contested the Local Government elections under the name of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) that initiated the mess by a totally irrelevant demand for the Government to resign. It made this demand as it had swept the Local Councils in the Sinhalese dominated areas in the country in an election that produced a disproportionate result in the name of proportional representation.

And the parties in the Government, the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on their party aggravated the situation with their announcement on their plans for the formation of new Governments with new political party alignments.



This ultimately turned into a numbers game rather than to be an effort to find an alignment of parties on a policy basis.



One cannot expect anything else in an opportunistic power struggle where all major parties pursue the same basic policies and all individual politicians in them use politics for making money by hook or by crook.



The demand by the SLPP for the Governments resignation was irrelevant in terms of morality as well as legality.



It was morally invalid as the number of votes collectively received by the two main parties in the Government at the local election exceeded that received by the SLPP, in spite of the number of votes polled by those two parties declining only by 5,000 while the UNP losing its vote bank by 1.5 million compared to what they had polled in 2015. If morality matters in elections as they claim, the Mahinda Rajapaksa loyalists should have resigned from the Parliament after the defeat of their leader, at the Presidential Election in 2015.



On the other hand, in terms of the law, the result of one election does not nullify that of another. Nor does it invalidate the mandate given to a party at another election, as argued by the Joint Opposition/SLPP.



Hence, even after the defeat at the last Presidential and Parliamentary elections the Mahinda Rajapaksa loyalists continued their administration in Local Government bodies.



It was with President Maithripala Sirisena signalling his displeasure to run the Government with the UNP and especially with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that the Joint Oppositions demand for a regime change was strengthened.



And this gave new vigour to the Mahinda loyalists in the Government such as Minister Susil Premajayantha as well to try their hand in a patch-up between the groups led by the President and the former President.

One cannot expect anything else in an opportunistic power struggle where all major parties pursue the same basic policies and all individual politicians in them use politics for making money by hook or by crook



It is incomprehensible as to why President Sirisena, as a seasoned politician, having well known that only the UNP was in a position to win a confidence vote or a no-confidence vote in the Parliament, paved way for such a mess allowing his group to take such a course of action.

The upshot was so ridiculous that the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) decided to quit the UNP-led Government in the evening only to announce in the morning next day that the Unity Government would continue.



The UNP has 106 seats in the Parliament, while the combined strength of the two groups of the UPFA led by the President Sirisena and former President Rajapaksa stands just at 95. It is the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) led by Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan that would be the deciding factor in the formation of a new Government by any of these two groups.



Needless to say, the TNA would side with the UNP in such a scenario. Any sane person would understand this simple arithmetic.

It is against this backdrop that the President allowed his Ministers to negotiate with the Joint Opposition on the possibility of forming a new Government.



The JO took advantage of the situation and suggested to form a minority Government by the UPFA with their supporting it from the outside.

The former President seems to have not preferred his group to take Ministerial posts as it would be difficult for him to pull the carpet under the feet of the UPFA at a time of his choice.



On the other hand had the UPFA agreed to that option it would have been suicidal for it as the former President would have taken the Government hostage.



We have seen such political hostage taking especially in India. The Janatha Dal led by V.P. Singh which won only 143 seats in the 515 seat Lok Sabha at the 1989 election formed the Government with the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which had 85 seats.

When the Government stopped a procession called Ram Rath Yatra by BJP leader L.K. Advani against the existence of a 450 year old mosque, Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in October,1990, the BJP withdrew its support to the government.



Singhs Government was defeated at the subsequent vote of confidence in November in the same year.

On the other hand, in terms of the law, the result of one election does not nullify that of another. Nor does it invalidate the mandate given to a party at another election, as argued by the Joint Opposition/SLPP



Then Rajiv Gandhis Congress Party pledged outside support to Chandrasekar whose Samajwadi Janatha Party had only 54 seats to form the Government. However, that Government also collapsed when the 197 members of the Congress Party withdrew their support to the Chandrasekar Government following a row over two Police officers allegedly spying near Gandhis home.



While the JO was attempting to destabilise the Government after the LG elections, President Sirisena allowed or has been instrumental to a speculation that he wants to replace Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Speaker Karu Jayasuriya or somebody else.



There were rumours that he had even sought Attorney Generals opinion if there were provisions in the Constitution to remove the Prime Minister, which had been denied by the Attorney General.



However, all of a sudden both groups in the Government settled everything in no time and announced in Parliament on Tuesday that the Unity Government would continue.



In fact, the two weeks old political impasse in the country since February 10 could have been averted had President Sirisena acted with restraint.

He should have understood that he has no option other than to put up with the UNP until February 2020, irrespective of the differences he has with his partner in governance over action against corruption or the latter ignoring him in matters of concern.



The President was accusing since 2016 that the UNP had been defending the corrupt leaders of the former regime and instrumental in delaying and stalling of high profile corruption cases against those leaders. Media reported last year that he had lamented at a meeting with the leaders of the UNP that it was he and not the latter, who would have to face the consequences of these delays, in case of a comeback by the Rajapaksas.

Also, he seems to have been furious over the Central Bank bond scam, which many UNP leaders had been attempting to cover-up while defending the culprits.



Apart from these, he seems to have given vent to his frustration over some of the UNP Ministers taking decisions ignoring him.



He reversed some of those decisions such as the one to allow women to work at liquor shops and buy liquor, using his Executive Powers.

However, the situation would have been the same had the two groups of the UPFA taken the mantle.



The corruption cases and cases against crimes such as Thajudeen murder over which the President had accused the UNP would have been swept under the carpet under a UPFA-JO Government as well. After that what, the President called last month the Unholy alliance of elite robbers (Chaura Prabhu Sandanaya) might even impeach him.



If the whole episode was not one stage-managed by the President in order to put a bridle on the stubborn UNP, it shows the depth of the predicament of the Government, especially the President.
INTERPOL had issued a Red Warrant' on former Sri Lankan Envoy to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga, naming him as a fugitive wanted by the Sri Lankan authorities, Police Media Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara announced.

Ex-diplomat Weeratunga was wanted in connection with certain discrepancies that had taken place in the acquisition of four MiG-27 fighter jets from the Ukrainian arms company 'Ukrinmash' in 2006 and financial misappropriation said to be taken place in overhauling four MiG fighter jets owned by the Air Force.

According to SP Gunasekara the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) had received a complaint on March 10, 2015 over the incident.

He said investigations had revealed that Mr. Weeratunga had interfered in the MiG deal and there had been suspicious deposits to his local bank accounts from foreign countries at this time.

In order to obtain a statement relating to the investigation from Mr. Weeratunga, the Fort Magistrate had issued summons on him to appear in Court on July 15, 2016, an order that he dis-obeyed.

SP Gunasekara explained that the Fort Magistrate had issued the open warrant for Mr. Weeratunga in October 20, 2016 for ignoring the court order and some USD 1.7 million amounts in his 16 bank accounts were ordered to be frozen.

Later, the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) sought INTERPOL assistance to arrest Mr. Weeratunge who was evading the courts by living overseas and the INTERPOL issued a Blue notice over the ex-diplomat.

SP Gunasekara said that Mr. Weeratungas diplomatic service had ended on February 28, 2015 but he had not returned his diplomatic passport No D3643585 to the Foreign Ministry and instead he had obtained a passport bearing the

No N5400885 from the Immigration and Emigration Controller.

In October 4, 2016 Mr. Weeratunga had travelled to the United Arab Emirates and the Immigration and Emigration Controller had impounded both his passports following an order made by the Fort Magistrate on June 30, 2017.

Mr. Weeratunga was detained at the Dubai Airport on February 4 this year while in transit to the United States but was later released after being transferred to the Abu Dhabi authorities.

A seven member delegation was dispatched to bring back the ex-diplomat on February 7, based on the bilateral understanding and the diplomatic relations between the two countries, however they were made to return home emptyhanded on February 13.

A statement issued by Police Media Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara yesterday said that Mr. Weeratunga had several opportunities to prove his innocence on the charges. However he was only attempting to create a false image over the countrys judicial system among the people by issuing media statements.

He further said Mr. Weeratunga had never requested an opportunity to make a statement to investigation officers although he claims to have done so.

Therefore, SP Gunasekara said it had been observed that Mr. Weeratungas claims were baseless and he was only evading the authorities without obeying the judiciary. Mr. Weeratunga is a Sri Lankan citizen. Instead of attempting to prove his innocence using social media, Mr. Weeratunga can appear before a court of law and prove his innocence, SP Gunasekara added. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)
Oman Air, the national carrier for the Sultanate of Oman, is launching three new routes this year to Istanbul, Turkey in June, Casablanca, Morocco in July, and Moscow, Russia in October. While Istanbul and Moscow will be served by Oman Airs Boeing 737-800, Casablanca will be served by 787-8.

The new flight to Istanbul will launch on 1 June. Flight WY163 will depart Muscat daily at 20.00, arriving in Istanbul at 00.25. The return flight WY164 will depart Istanbul each day at 01.25, arriving in Muscat at 07.25. The flight duration is approximately 5 hours and 25 minutes.

The new Casablanca flight will start on 1 July and will be the only non-stop service to Casablanca from Oman. Flight WY171 will depart Muscat four times per week at 01.20, arriving in Casablanca at 07.10. The return flight WY172 will depart Casablanca at 08.20, arriving in Muscat at 19.15. The flight duration is approximately eight hours and 50 minutes, though the return flight from Casablanca will be shorter by approximately an hour.

Moscow will be launched during the Winter Schedule 2018. The direct flight will be operated daily and it will be the only non-stop operation between Oman and Russia.

From trading to sharing information, Oman has strong bilateral relations with Turkey, Morocco and Russia, and the introduction of these new flights will help strengthen relations even further. The new routes will also enable Oman Airs guests to explore three of the worlds most exciting cities.

Oman Air is currently undergoing an exciting fleet and network expansion programme, which will see the airline operate up to 62 aircraft to around 60 destinations by 2022. The airline is committed to constantly improving its product, whilst undergoing its dynamic fleet and network expansion, developing its brand and offering its guests an unrivalled experience as part of its mission to become the best.
Supreme Court of Pakistan has disqualified former prime minister Nawaz Sharif as head of his party, the BBC News yesterday reported.

Mr Sharif was ordered to step down as prime minister last year amid corruption allegations that he denies.

The court ruled that his earlier dismissal from office made him ineligible to lead the Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz (PML-N).

All decisions taken by Mr Sharif while head of the party were declared void, including nominations for candidates in Senate elections due in a fortnight.

"The Election Commission is directed to remove the name of Nawaz Sharif as president of PML-N from all official records," Chief Justice Saqib Nisar said.

"As a result, all steps taken, all orders passed by Nawaz Sharif are also declared to be as if they had never been taken."

The ruling is being seen as a blow to Mr Sharif who has consistently claimed he is the victim of a political conspiracy. He is currently on trial in an anti-corruption court following an inquiry into his family finances. A verdict is due next month.

The PML-N has a majority in the lower house and hoped to win control of the Senate in the forthcoming elections, which are scheduled to take place months before an expected general election.
I pen these thoughts and reflections as a tribute to Ven. Soma Maha Thera of the Vajiraramaya on his 58th death anniversary. He was born at Kotahena on December 23, 1898 to Catholic, Colombo Chetty parents, Emmanuel Marian Perera Pulle and Theresa Rodrigo Babapulle and at his baptism was given the name, Victor Emmanuel Perera Pulle.

Rev. Soma Maha Thera was an erudite Buddhist scholar and a true disciple of the Buddha

He was the working bee in the Masters hive and in His service, the very juice of the bitter thyme turned into honey at his touch

He never spared himself and those who knew him, will remember him most for his humanity



To my life-long regret, I never had the opportunity of meeting him but had the privilege of meeting his colleague and brother monk Rev. Kheminda Thera, who accompanied Rev. Soma to Burma, for their higher ordination in 1936, and wrote the In Memoriam, which prefaced the marvellous piece of writing titled Vimuttimaga or The Path to Freedom, authored by Arahant Upatissa and translated from Chinese to English by Rev. N.R.M. Ehara, Rev. Soma Thera and Rev. Kheminda Thera.



I remember, as a 13 or 14-year-old, listening to some of Rev. Soma Maha Theras sermons broadcast over the airwaves of the then Radio Ceylon though their depth, thrust and message were alien to me.



As a youth and later as a Buddhist monk, Rev. Soma was known to have been a voracious reader, an independent thinker and a student of comparative religion, philosophy, art, archaeology, astrology and history.



The story is told of how as a youth he had walked to Fort looking to buy a book for the rupee his mother had given him as pocket money. He had ended up buying an English translation of the Dhammapada, which served him as his introduction to the teachings of the Buddha. It led to his eager attendance at lectures and sermons on the Buddha Dhamma as he gradually moved away from the faith of his parents.



Aciram vat ayam kayo pathvimadhisessati

Chuddhoapetavinnao, niratthamvakalingaram.



Truly it will not be long before this body lies in the earth, bereft of consciousness like a useless piece of wood; which is thrown away -- Soma Theras translation in Words Leading to Disenchantment, which was published in the Bosat, Oct. 1959.



Often he was heard to say that this was the sort of death he preferred. He had passed away a few months later, on February 23, 1960 at the Vajiraramaya in Bambalapitiya, .



I compiled these insights into the life and work of Rev. Soma Maha Thera from what his colleagues had written which were quoted in the, In Memoriam.



It is fitting to record here the life and work of the Ven. Soma Maha Thera; but for his indomitable energy and earnestness, the translation of Vimuttimaga, would not have been undertaken, persisted in and completed in just four months. Whenever any difficulty arose it was to him that the others turned. When we were tempted to give up the work on encountering really hard patches, he was always ready with encouragement and with a way out of the difficulty. He loved to work hard, while half-hearted effort was unknown to him. Not infrequently he used to say, Better wear out than rust out, Rev. KhemindaThera wrote in the In Memoriam.



In 1920 Victor Perera Pulle had met Mr. W. Joseph Soysa, one of the founder members of the Servants of the Buddha, the well-known association which had its headquarters at Lauries Road, Bambalapitiya. After being actively engaged in the publication of the Blessing, he and Mr. Soysa joined the Buddhist Union and later founded the Fort Study Circle and was elected its organizing secretary with Mr. W. Don Michael as joint secretary.



The following are excerpts from Mr. Michaels article titled, Apostle of the Dhamma, written on the passing away of Ven. Soma Maha Thera:

The sudden death of Soma Thera has uprooted from our midst a personality distinguished at once by the versatility of his talents, self-sacrifice, personal sanctity and crusading apostleship of the Dhamma. A deep understanding of human nature and the human problem of suffering had mellowed him and bred in him, in an unusual degree, qualities of tolerance, patience, restraint and sympathy with fellow-beings. Opposition and frustration left in him no sense of defeat or bitterness. He was the working bee in the Masters hive and in His service, the very juice of the bitter thyme turned into honey at his touch. No wonder that, in the Augustan age of Buddhist renaissance in Ceylon, Soma Thera was considered to represent the fine flower of Buddhist culture. He shed his fragrance wherever he moved. As scholar, preacher, organizer, monk and friend it may be aptly said of him: Nihil tetigit quod non ornavit, which translated into English reads, He touched nothing that he did not fail to adorn.

These sterling qualities of Soma Thera were happily blended in a character in which humility and service formed the keynote. He never spared himself. He gave till it hurt. Overwork and fatigue were the proximate causes of the dire malady which struck down the mighty oak of the Dhamma. Today a void is left standing which may take years to fill.



The following are excerpts from an article written by the then Ceylons Director of Education, S.F. de Silva: I came to know Ven. Soma Thera as Mr. Victor Pulle some 30 years ago. My first impression was of a remarkably earnest man who was determined to seek and find out the truth. His face was an index to his earnestness and I often listened to him arguing a point. We became very good friends and week in and week out I used to watch and realize that of the band that gathered together, he was the most untiring in his study of the Dhamma. As a member of the Order he became a changed man. I noticed strength of character and calmness of demeanour in everything he said and wrote. I used to visit him in his room and talk things over many an evening. Occasionally the eye would flash and I could see the old-time fighter but there was an unmistakable sense of toleration of others and a remarkable kindliness in everything he said. The Ven. Soma Maha Thera was very well known to English-speaking audiences in the Island. Many may remember his thoughtful talks over Radio Ceylon. To me his translation, editing and notes of the Satipatthana Sutta are characteristic of the man. I miss him very much as a friend but those who knew him have no cause to grieve for a life that had been so nobly spent. His life is an example to all those who knew him, that there is nothing nobler for a Buddhist than to live the life that the Buddha has preached, to walk the way He had walked and to follow Him on the Noble Quest. There is so much more to say but little space to say it in and reluctantly though, I conclude my tribute to Rev. Soma Maha Thera with excerpts from an article written by Mr. Ananda Pereira, the then President of the Servants of the Buddha. It was published on February 27, 1960, three days after he passed away.



With the death of Ven. Soma Thera, Sri Lanka loses one of her noblest sons. Born of Roman Catholic parents on December 23, 1898, duly baptized and brought up in the faith of his parents, the youthful Victor Pulle began asking questions  deep, simple, direct questions  the answers to which as given by his parents and spiritual advisers did not satisfy him. His inquires in due course led him to Buddhism, where at last he found the answers or at least the hope of satisfactory answers to his questions. He plunged into the study of the Buddha Dhamma and laid the foundation of that sure grasp of the Teachings that served him so well in later years as a missionary. Never one to be satisfied with half measures, he was ordained as a Bhikku in 1936. From the day he joined the Sangha he adorned it. As scholar, translator, writer, preacher and missionary, he strove mightily in the Buddhist cause. He never spared himself and those who knew him, will remember him most for his humanity. His was not the cold way of the anaemic academician. He lived his Buddhism with every beat of his warm and generous heart. Sometimes he seemed impulsive, sometimes even a shade pugnacious, but never, never, did he say nor do a mean, false, or deliberately unkind thing. He lived here a while and has moved on, strong and assured, brave and smiling, kind, gentle and untiring. We too must fare onward when our time comes. We shall meet again.



Rev. Soma Maha Thera was an erudite Buddhist scholar and a true disciple of the Buddha. He taught and preached the Buddha Dhamma and lived a life shaped by its principles. Truly it could be said of him that he not only talked the talk but also assiduously walked the talk and to echo what Mr. Don Michael wrote of him, He touched nothing that he did not fail to adorn.



May you have attained the supreme happiness of Nibbana.

Note: Ven. Soma Maha Thera and the writers mother were first cousins and the photograph that accompanies this article was given to the writer by Mr. Joseph Soysas brother.
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ABC/Lou RoccoOn Tuesday, Dolly Partons Imagination Library will hand out its 100 millionth book. But instead of dropping it in the mail as usual, Dolly will donate it to the Library of Congress.

You can watch the live ceremony from Washington, D.C. starting at 10 a.m. ET on February 27 via Facebook. Dollys expected to read to a group of local school kids, and announce a new partnership with the Library of Congress as well.

Inspired by her own father, who was illiterate, Dolly launched the Imagination Library in 1995 in East Tennessee. Since then, its spread across the U.S., to the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, sending free books to kids all around the world from birth to age five.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
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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.
Little Free Pantry

A devastating loss inspired Paige Abdullah's DIY social service.

by Anita LeBlanc

From the February, 2018 issue

It's not unusual to see people begging along Washtenaw Ave. at the US-23 exit to Ypsilanti. Paige Abdullah and her brother, Dakota "Cody" Weems, often see the same people walking near the house on Yost Blvd. where Weems lives. They are one reason why Abdullah created a small cabinet that she stocks once or twice a week with nonperishable food and toiletries. She painted the initials QG on its back.



QG stands for Quenten Gonzales, Abdullah and Weems's half-brother, whose death inspired her person-to-person charity. "I thought maybe I could help others, even though Quenten couldn't be helped," Abdullah says sadly.



Gonzales was eighteen when he passed away on New Year's Day, 2017. He'd been to Dawn Farm to treat his heroin addiction but left. He was planning to return when a friend came into town. "I guess he met up with the kid who told him the stuff was 'bad'--I guess that's supposed to mean it was good," explains Abdullah, who believes the heroin was laced with fentanyl (see p. 31). "They all got sick and were throwing up, and Quenten was left in the room alone, and they didn't check on him until the next day. They called an ambulance, but he was already dead.



"We found out through social media," she continues. "Some kid messaged Cody, 'I'm so sorry for your loss.' And we were like 'what are you talking about?' My mom received a text that said 'Quenten died' and nothing more."



His parents divorced when Quenten was young, and he took it hard. He dropped out of school when he was fourteen, began doing drugs, and living on the street. He was frequently arrested and spent time in juvenile detention for misdemeanors. He was supposed to be staying with his dad but didn't. Because of his substance abuse and anger issues--he had punched a wall out in his mother's apartment--he couldn't live with her.



After he passed away, Abdullah began to

...continued below...

think about what she could do to honor his memory. She remembered how frequently he would call her or their mother, asking them to, "'Please give me some food. I'm really hungry. I'm so hungry.' My mom would take him something to eat, or I'd bring him some food wherever he was. And I started thinking about the people who don't have anyone" to do that for them.Abdullah learned about little free pantries (some call them blessing boxes) on Pinterest. They operate along the same lines as little free libraries, but with donated food and toiletries instead of books. The first was reportedly launched in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 2016, and it's estimated that there are now over 1,000 across the country. While not a replacement for food pantries, they're more accessible, anonymous, and open around the clock (Abdullah says that many visitors choose to come at night.)Abdullah and Weems installed the pantry in July, stocking it with nonperishable food, toiletries, paper products, and pet food she'd stockpiled from freebies and buy-one-get-one-free deals at Kroger.The items that disappear most quickly are deodorant, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and toothpaste--all things rarely available at food pantries. Because Abdullah was able to draw on the cache she'd accumulated, she estimates that it costs her only a bit more than $50 a month to keep it stocked. "Cody texts me when it's time to come refill it. He sees a lot of people walking by and taking things. Somebody told him they were really happy about it."She'd like to increase the size of the pantry and promote others on properties near vulnerable populations. She also welcomes people adding to her pantry, but is hesitant to do anything that puts the focus on her.[Originally published in February, 2018.]
Lucknow: Digital India cannot be achieved without a Digital UP, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Thursday while urging investors to invest confidently in India.

"India has huge potential in the field of IT," the minister said while speaking at the UP Investors summit.

Highlighting the importance of UP, Prasad said Digital India cannot be achieved without Digital UP.

"There is a digital revolution going on all over the globe, l don't want India to lag behind where there are immense business opportunities" he said.

If you talk about social networks, India has largest users of FB, twitter and WhatsApp, Prasad said.

He further said that by 2020, out of the total number of mobile phones world would be using, a major percentage of those would be produced in India.

"There were only 2 mobile manufacturing centres when we came to power, now there are 118. Nokia had also closed. Now there are 118 and 54 are in Noida" he said.

Noida and Greater Noida have great potential and they can become next Singapore, he said.

The Union minister said that there are immense opportunities in setting up BPOs and the government is ready to help.

He suggested BPOs can be set up in cities like Gorakhpur, Deoria among others as today everything from order to payment is just a click away.

"IT should not be just India but India's Talent," he said.
New Delhi: The telecom department on Thursday unveiled a strategic plan for bringing together state-owned companies and organisations in the sector for promoting greater operational synergy among them, including effective utilisation of human resources as well as land and buildings.

The action plan covers Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), Indian Telephone Industries Ltd (ITI), Centre for Development of Telematics (CDOT), Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL), Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipments (TEC), BharatNet (BBNL).

"Under the plan, we have identified specific areas where our teams will work on including manpower, settlement of legal issues and utilisation of vacant space. I am pleased to see the focus on clearly-defined timelines and performance indicators," Telecom Minster Manoj Sinha said at a press conference.

He emphasised it is "critical" that substantial and tangible progress is make under the strategic plan in the next six months. A review mechanism at Department of Telecom (DoT) will keep the plans on track, Sinha added.

The strategic plan - the work on which began in January 2016 - entails amongst other things, an effective utilisation of Human Resources including deriving synergies in training of manpower, and creation of a common platform for web based online training by BSNL, in a time bound manner.

Other aspects include operational utilisation of vacant space, land and buildings within telecom PSUs and organisations within DoT, and promoting Make in India by taking advantage of preferential market access policy.

Also, the telecom PSUs will refrain from going to court against one another and, instead, first approach DoT for dispute resolution.

The strategic roadmap will also cover other areas like standards and certification, and preparing to tap opportunities in areas like 5G and Internet of Things (IoT).

During the event on Thursday MoUs were also exchanged between various PSUs under the strategic plan. Amongst them are MoU between ITI and TCIL pertaining to export of products, ITI and CDOT for transfer of technology, and between MTNL, ITI and CDoT for joint execution of Internet of Things and smart city projects.
Hyderabad: While emails are part of the internet of information, the bitcoin is a part of internet of value, where assets are at stake. Internet is entering the second era and it is much bigger than the internet of information. The underlying technology block-chain will reinvent banking, government and social problems, said Don Tapscott, CEO of Canada-based Tapscott Group at World Congress of IT (WCIT) on Wednesday speaking on Evolution of Digital Economy and Block Chain.

With the blockchain technology becoming a new paradigm, leaders may find it difficult to embrace the change. Politicians do what big funders want and trust is at all-time low. The blockchain technology can create a platform for smart voting with votes casted inside a smart document. This is key for release of funds can create second era of democracy, said Mr Don.

Speaking about regulations, he said, Governance needs to be smart in blockchain. There need to be red-flag laws. While existing laws are sufficient, new laws are needed for Initial Coin Offerings (ICO). With the benefits of digital age being asymmetrical, Mr Don said the middlemen like banks are increasingly in trouble. Speaking about PNB fraud in the country, Mr Don said, With blockc-hain, radical openness for institutions like banks can be achieved and it will provide a platform to check fraud using its distributed ledger capabilities. The decision-making will be transparent as all transactions will be recorded and this cannot be deleted or edited.

This technology can be used to authenticate the transactions. While anon-ymous transactions are possible, it is the values and integrity that is key for transparency. Trust is achieved by cryptography and is native to the medium. In the blockchain technology, highest level of cryptography is used. Miners mine 20 to 50 times better computing power than Google. So much that at a heartbeat a block gets created and has transactions of 10 minutes. Since the block is attached to previous block and digital waxed seal, it is infinitely more secure than computer system in office, he said.
Mumbai: Tiger Shroff is not worried about getting stereotyped as an action star as he believes it is good to have an identity so early in his career.

Also read: Whoa! Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani got married on the sets of Baaghi 2

The five-film old actor has largely been associated with action movies right from his debut 'Heropanti' to his last 'Munna Michael'.

"I am so blessed to have been given an identity so early in my career. When people think of Tiger Shroff, they think of something, that's a huge achievement for me," he said at the trailer launch of his latest film 'Baaghi 2.'

"Having said that, it was a dream to be an action hero, and I am living that," he added.

The Ahmed Khan-directed film features Disha Patani opposite him.

Also read: Baaghi 2: Jacqueline to step into Madhuri Dixits shoes for Ek Do Teen; but why?

When asked about the equation between the two actors, who are rumoured to be dating, the director said,"Both are really mature. They would come in separate cars. If Tiger would be on set, Disha wouldn't be there and vice versa. On set, they were Ronnie and Neha (characters). And this comes from within you." Ahmed said Tiger is a superhero without the cape.

"Tiger, for one, I know is so hardworking. Very few actors are like him. If you ask him to do an action scene, he is ready do to. If you ask him for a bare body shot, he wouldn't ask you, 'Give me five days, one week.' He would be ready for it in 10 minutes. He is a guy, who is a superhero without cape," he added.

Disha said Tiger inspired her to shoot her own action sequences.

"Because of him, I have started doing action, whatever little I have done. I have seen him train. I was on set once or twice when Tiger was doing his action scenes, because I believe when you are doing such a scene, you are in a different frame of mind. You should let the actor breathe. I don't want to get hurt," she added.

'Baaghi 2', sequel to the 2016 action drama, is to be released on March 20.
When it comes to your finances, it is important to try and find a way to make your money work for you. The same goes when it comes to certain financial pro...
Mumbai: Deepika Padukones movie with Vishal Bhardwaj might have got into legal soup, but that didnt stop the actress at all, and she was rather spotted at the airport in a rather jovial mood.

But wait, the actress also carried something like a bandage on the nape of her neck, right where she had got her ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoors initials tattooed.

Now this raises suspicions. Is the actress trying to hide the tattoo, or is she hurt and just wore the bandage in the shape of a mask? Wait a minute. Has she got her alleged boyfriend Ranveer Singhs name tattoed? While nothing is clear yet, take a lot at her pic here:

Deepika Padukone spotted at the airport.

Deepika was recently seen in Padmaavat which also happens to be her first Bollywood movie as a full-fledged actress after her stint in Hollywood with xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage.
Sinam (Anger), a short film with an experimental theme by Anandmurthy and featuring Sai Dhanshika of Kabali fame in the lead in the challenging role of a hooker, has won eight awards at the Kolkata International Cult Film Festival, including one for the actress. Set against the backdrop of Kolkata, the film also stars model-turned-actress Bidita Bag in a prominent role which won her the Best Supporting Actress award.

Sai Dhanshika, who is on a high post-Kabali, has always been particular about choosing scripts with substance. She seems to be one contented lady. Speaking to DC in an exclusive, she says, I was confident that Sinam would go places even when I heard the script and my gut feeling paid off. Anandmurthy sir is Bala sirs associate and it is an open secret that it was the latter who gave me lifetime role in Paradesi. Without any hesitation, I just said yes to Murthy sir as it was one -of its -kind in my career despite the character being a bold one as a sex worker. Apparently, theres no skin show and is full of emotions. Also, theres lot of social message in the women-centric flick.

The dusky actress reveals that theres a single shot of 11 minutes in the film where she has to speak emotional dialogues. I am the only person in the particular scene and burst out for something which runs for about 11 minutes. It was formidable and demanding, but I somehow pulled it off to the appreciation of the entire team. The movie starts off in Madurai and then travels to Kolkata. Sinam means anger. I play Shakthi, a girl born and brought up in Madurai and pushed to this trade in Kolkata. Her anger is on whom and how she resolves it forms the crux. The movie features dialogues in Tamil as well as in Bengali and has music by GV Prakash.

The leggy actress says she was thrilled that many in Kolkata hailed her as Smita Patil (the acclaimed Bollywood actress who tragically ended her life) of the south. I feel it is one of the biggest honours I could ever get. I dont know whether it is correct or not, but definitely I feel elated and blessed to get this admiration even at my early stage of my career, she adds.
Punjab-based model Heera Sohal is all set to make her debut in Telugu. The former pageant show runner-up, who will be playing one of the leading ladies in Sreedhar Seepanas untitled film, has already started shooting for her part.

Talking about the project, Heera says, After seeing my modelling assignment, the director called me for an audition. Since I am Punjabi and dont know the local language (Telugu), I gave my audition in Hindi. The director liked my acting style and body language, and after a look test, I was on board.

Elaborating on her role, Heera says, Its a modern character and I play my age; its an urban role with shades of glamour and performance. I have been to Hyderabad earlier too, but I am shooting here for the first time.

Heera opines that theres a world of difference between modelling and acting. In modelling, you only need to pose, but in acting, you need to make sure that the emotion is expressed. The expressions and body language should complement the dialogues, so theres a lot to work on, she says.
Bellamkonda Sreenivas is all set to work with a debutant director in his upcoming film that was launched on Thursday at a private studio in Hyderabad and is being directed by his namesake, Sreenivas.

I liked the story that Sreenivas narrated to me and found it unique, so I decided to do it. I am sure that this film will not only do good to my career but it is also a path-breaking film in Telugu, says Bellamkonda, who will once again be working with cinematographer Chota K Naidu.

Meanwhile, the director reveals that it is a romantic thriller and that shooting will start from March 3 onwards. Naveen Sontineni is making his debut as producer with this film. There are also two female leads, whose names will be announced soon.

Meanwhile, Bellamkonda Sreenivas is presently working with director Sriwass for the film Saakshyam, which is releasing in May.
The tumour had in the brain on both sides of the midline through the skull (Photo: YouTube)

Mumbai: Rare ailments affecting people across the world leave them with horrible consequences, but medical science has been able to help them with time. Practitioners in India have also been carrying out groundbreaking surgeries to help people in such situations.

31-year-old Santlal Pal was going through an ordeal inflicted by a 1.9 kg tumour in his brain that left him blind. But doctors at a Mumbai hospital successfully removed the huge mass following surgery which lasted for around seven hours.

They are claiming that this is the biggest brain tumour removed as the one before this weighed 1.4 kg. Pal lost his vision after complaining of swelling in the scalp and headaches.

The tumour had in the brain on both sides of the midline through the skull. Pal required 11 units of blood and had to spend three days on life support after the procedure.
They opened the skull from the back of the boys head and found the tip (Photo: YouTube)

Some objects used in day to day life may seem harmless but can end up causing a lot of damage in the absence of required precautions. While a child running around with scissors ended up stabbing himself in the face, another similar incident is pretty baffling.

A toddler in China had to be rushed to a hospital when he ended up with a chopstick lodged in his skull. Doctors performed a procedure overnight to remove the chopstick which was stuck in the skull through the childs mouth.

The boy named Yang Yang was running with the chopstick in his hand when he tripped and fell as it pierced into his mouth. Doctors who examined him found that the chopstick had penetrated deep inside the skull and was in his brain.

The operation was difficult since the mask used to administer anaesthesia was obstructed by the chopstick. They had to cut a section of the stick and fit the mask on Yangs face.

They opened the skull from the back of the boys head and found the tip of the chopstick which was removed from his oral cavity.
Both influenza and whooping cough are highly contagious, and babies who catch these infections often require hospitalization. (Photo: Pixabay)

Infants are much less likely to get influenza or whooping cough when their mothers were vaccinated against these infections during pregnancy, and a new study suggests this doesnt pose a safety risk for babies.

Both influenza and whooping cough are highly contagious, and babies who catch these infections often require hospitalization for serious complications such as pneumonia. While health officials in many countries recommend vaccination against influenza and whooping cough during pregnancy to help protect newborns, research to date hasnt offered a clear picture of the long-term safety of this practice.

For the current study, researchers examined data on 413,034 babies born between 2004 and 2014, including 25,222 infants who were hospitalized and 157 who died within the first six months of life. They found no link between these fatalities or hospitalizations and womens decisions to get vaccinated against whooping cough or the flu during pregnancy.

We conducted this study because pregnant women are especially concerned about how any exposure during pregnancy could potentially negatively impact their children, said lead study author Dr. Lakshmi Sukumaran, of the immunization safety office at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

We wanted to provide reassurance that these vaccines, which are recommended for all pregnant women, arent creating a risk for the baby, Sukumaran said by email.

Both influenza and pertussis, nicknamed whooping cough because of the sounds patients make as they gasp for air during intense coughing fits, are most severe and potentially lethal for newborns who are too young to be vaccinated, researchers note in Pediatrics.

Vaccinating women during pregnancy can transfer some immunity to newborns and help protect them during these vulnerable early months of life, previous research has shown.

U.S. doctors recommend that babies get annual flu shots starting when theyre six months old and four doses of the DTaP vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis starting at two months old.

Among the babies hospitalized in the study, 4,644, or 18 percent, had respiratory problems, 2 percent had influenza and 3 percent had pertussis, the study found.

Babies hospitalized for breathing problems were 21 percent less likely to have mothers who received the pertussis vaccine during pregnancy than infants who werent hospitalized.

While 14 deaths, or 9 percent, had a respiratory cause, none of the fatalities were caused by influenza or pertussis.

The most common causes of death were unknown causes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or medical problems babies developed during pregnancy or within a week after birth.

One limitation of the study is that it only included data on people with health insurance, and results might be different for mothers and babies who were uninsured, the authors note. Researcher also relied on medical records of vaccination, which might not record every woman who received vaccines during pregnancy.

Even so, the results should be reassuring to pregnant women concerned about vaccine safety, said Annette Regan, a public health researcher at Curtin University in Bentley, Western Australia, who wasnt involved in the study.

The fact that the authors found no reason to believe exposure to vaccines during pregnancy caused serious harm to infants in the first six months of life is reassuring, Regan said by email. While other studies have looked at hospital admissions, this is the first study to evaluate the impact on mortality.

The results also reinforce that vaccinating pregnant women can protect their babies, and should help convince women who are hesitant about vaccines to consider getting their shots, said Kerrie Wiley, a public health researcher at the University of Sydney, also in Australia who wasnt involved in the study.

Worry about how safe the vaccine is can contribute to their hesitancy, Wiley said by email.

Pregnant women and their health care providers often need reassurance that the vaccines are safe, not just in the short term, but in the longer term, Wiley added. This study further adds to a body of already reassuring work, which shows that influenza and pertussis vaccines are a safe thing to have while youre pregnant.
Figleaves are a tool used to try to reshape our sense of what counts as racist.

Once upon a time, not too long ago, it was taboo for top level politicians to openly express racist sentiments. Thats why they tended to use code words, talking about inner city crime or welfare dependency. These are dogwhistle terms, which have been shown to appeal to voters latent racism without their full awareness. If politicians were too obvious in their racial appeals, political psychologists predicted, they would fail.

So how have we come to be where we are now, in a world where the President of the US speaks of s***hole countries and calls Mexicans rapists. How did this happen? Have all the prohibitions on racism evaporated? Is it now perfectly acceptable to be openly racist? It isnt.

I think a key reason that Trump has been so successful is that he makes use of what I call a racial figleaf. A racial figleaf is an additional utterance which provides just enough cover for an utterance that would otherwise be seen as clearly racist. The figleaf serves to undermine the audiences confidence that the racist utterance really is racist. I call it a figleaf because it serves to just barely cover something one isnt supposed to show in public. If you use a dogwhistle, you dont need a figleaf because the racism is already well-concealed. A figleaf is something that can cover up for racism that would otherwise be all too clear.

To see how this works, lets look back at Trumps infamous comments about Mexicans:

When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre not sending you  Theyre sending people that have lots of problems, and theyre bringing those problems  theyre bringing drugs, theyre bringing crime, theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.

Most media attention focused, quite reasonably, on Trumps appalling claim that Mexicans are rapists. But there are several other bits that serve as figleaves for this assertion  most notably the bizarre line: Some, I assume, are good people.

Spending time on pro-Trump online discussions, I discovered that some of the presidents supporters actually worried about whether he might be racist, and, crucially, they reassured each other by citing this line. This line serves as a figleaf, providing cover for the otherwise obvious racism. Surely, these people think, a racist would not acknowledge that some Mexicans are good people. It doesnt work for everyone, but it does work for some.

And figleaves like this matter. They change our standards for what counts as racist, and our norms for what is acceptable to say. Once youve accepted the figleaf, youve accepted that the line Mexicans are rapists is the sort of thing that a non-racist might say.

Similarly, the presence of the line Trump used when closing national borders until our countrys representatives can figure out what the hell is going on, can reassure some of those who might be worried about a call for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States. People can tell themselves that a racist would call for a permanent shutdown, so calling for a temporary shut down while more information is being gathered isnt racist. Again, the figleaf didnt work for everyone  but the fact that it worked for some is important to appreciate.

As I researched figleaves during the US election, and during the months since the election, I wondered if there would come a time when the figleaves could drop off. Might we become so used to the idea of Mexicans are rapists as a non-racist utterance that the cover of a figleaf was no longer necessary? I wondered and I watched.

Then, a couple weeks ago, we learned that Trump had declared African nations to be s***hole countries. I looked for the figleaves accompanying this, but found none. Clearly, Trump felt no need to offer figleaves  at least not to the small group he was with. I was relieved to see that most of the world exploded in horror, and that many Republicans denied that he had said this. The denial, I thought, was at least some indication that they found the utterance appalling. Trump, too, denied it.

Over on Fox News, however, some commentators simply defended the utterance as not racist at all.

And it turns out that Trumps approval ratings actually rose in the days following his remarks  an indication that saying s***hole countries is not the kiss of death that it might once have been.

For some people, then, the figleaves have been working so well that their concept of racism is changing to the point that s***hole countries no longer seems a racist thing to say. Fortunately, this is not so for all of us. Figleaves are a tool used to try to reshape our sense of what counts as racist. Its vital for us to point out what those figleaves are covering.

Jennifer Saul is a professor of philosophy at the University of Sheffield. This article was originally published on The Conversation
62-year-old Jackie Dibb faces a penniless uncertain future after blowing away thousands of pounds on holidays and gifts to her family. (Facebook Screengrab/ Jackie Dibb)

A shocking and a bit sad case sees a grandmum being told by doctors she would be dead in five years blew 10,000 of her savings only to later learn she was misdiagnosed.

62-year-old Jackie Dibb faces a penniless uncertain future after blowing away thousands of pounds on holidays and gifts to her family.

Dibb was told that she was suffering from an incurable dementia in November 2016. The was told to enjoy the remainder of her life after being diagnosed as suffering from frontal temporal dementia and she went on a spending spree.

However, just a year later doctors reviewed her case and told her that she just suffering from severe anxiety.

By then, she and her husband Rob Dibb, 61, had already emptied their pensions of 10,000.

They spent 4,000 on a wet room for their home, 1,500 on a holiday and 700 for a double-door American fridge.

Jackie even tragically said goodbye to her 12-year-old granddaughter after telling her, 'I'll still be here, but I'll be like one of those zombies you see in films'.

However, just 345 days later another scan at Hull Royal Infirmary revealed Jackie never had dementia at all.

Jackie had visited the doctors after her behaviour started to become erratic and doctors initially thought she had had a stroke.

But a CT scan made neurologists deal her the 'death sentence' dementia blow - which later was discovered to be 'severe anxiety and depression'.

Rob made a complaint to the NHS trust Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals following the misdiagnosis and received a letter apologising for the added stress caused.
As per the study, the death rate was three times higher on TV, 22% of trauma patients died on TV compared with 7% in real life. (Photo: Pixabay)

Fans of the television show Greys Anatomy may be getting the wrong idea about what happens in trauma cases - and that could create unrealistic expectations in the real world, a US study suggests.

The cases depicted on TV dramas tend to have very binary outcomes - an injured patient gets an urgent heroic operation and either doesnt make it, and the doctors, nurses, and family members then grieve, or alternatively the patient survives to be sitting up in bed the next day fully recovered, hugging their family members, said study co-author Dr. Jordan Weinberg, trauma medical director at St. Josephs Hospital and Medical Center Phoenix in Arizona.

In real life, we more often see relatively drawn-out recoveries that require long hospital stays, long-term inpatient care and ongoing management of pain, discomfort, and disability, Weinberg said by email.

In an era where patient satisfaction is a major component of the quality initiatives of healthcare institutions and a pay-for-performance measure in many physician compensation plans, it is important to develop awareness of the drivers of patient satisfaction, Weinbergs team writes in the journal Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open.

To see how much TV scenarios differ from reality, Weinberg and colleagues compared what happened to 290 fictional trauma patients on Greys Anatomy with outcomes for real life injuries sustained by 4,812 patients in a national registry of trauma cases.

They found the death rate was three times higher on TV: 22 percent of trauma patients died on the show compared with 7 percent in real life.

Survivors did better on TV, too.

Half of the seriously injured patients on TV spent less than a week in the hospital, while only 20 percent of real patients had such brief stays.

Only 6 percent of TV patients got transferred to a long-term care facility, compared with 22 percent of actual patients.

Surgery also happened faster on TV: 71 percent of patients on the show got rushed straight to the operating room from the emergency department, compared with only 25 percent of real life patients.

The study wasnt a controlled experiment designed to prove whether or how viewing trauma cases on TV might impact how patients and families feel about real life trauma care. Researchers also focused on a single television medical drama, and its possible depictions of trauma cases might differ on other shows.

Even so, the results suggest that clinicians should consider the possibility that TV might color expectations, said Elena Strauman, a researcher in health communication at the College of Charleston in South Carolina.

Since television requires dramatic tension, a patient or family might underestimate the chance of survival, and be pleasantly surprised at a positive result, Strauman, who wasnt involved in the study, said by email. They may also be surprised to find that there is not a quick fix to the problem and that they or their loved ones have a much longer and more arduous recovery ahead.

Clinicians may have to work harder to manage expectations for fans of TV medical dramas than they might for patients whose ideas about trauma cases arent shaped by these shows, Weinberg said.

For patients that suddenly find themselves hospitalized after injury, having no opportunity to have been educated on what to expect, their expectation regarding their recovery may be largely based by what they have seen on shows like Grey's, Weinberg added. It is important for healthcare providers to be thinking about this in order to help patients and their families to adjust their expectations accordingly.
Armenia welcomes the position of Lebanon on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, foreign minister Edward Nalbandian told reporters.

February 22, 2018, 14:39 Armenia welcomes Lebanons position on NK conflict settlement

STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 22, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS:The FM said Lebanon supports the settlement of the conflict exclusively by peaceful means based on the proposals made by the Minsk Group CoChairs. We welcome Lebanons stance on supporting the efforts and approaches of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, the minister said.

Commenting on the Lebanese Presidents visit to Armenia, FM Nalbandian confidently stated that it will definitely have an impact on the further development of bilateral relations. We have traditionally warm, friendly relations with Lebanon and there is a desire from both sides to further develop and deepen them, Edward Nalbandian said.
Hyderabad: The protest outside the Hyderabad Gems SEZ premises continued for the second day, with workers threatening to commit suicide unless assured of job security. The workers are still clueless about the status of their employment.

The Enforcement Directorate has sealed the SEZ premises, but it is for the SEZs management to inform workers regarding the layoffs.

900 workers, including those who are physically handicapped, have been left jobless. This has brought our livelihood onto the roads. How can we educate our children without an income? asked Sunitha, one of the workers.

The workers said that last Thursday over 40 employees of the Enforcement Directorate entered the SEZ premises and began conducting searches. The managers asked the workers to remain at their units and allowed them to leave by 5 pm. On Friday, when the workers arrived at the premises, they found that the gates were shut and they were not allowed in. Since then, they havent heard from the management.

Hyderabad Gems SEZ, also known as Rajiv Gem Park, is a 100 percent subsidiary of the Mehul Choksi-owned Gitanjali Group.
Kochi: The Air India Express will start a new service to Singapore via Madurai from Kochi and another Kochi-Kuwait-Dammam service in its winter schedule effective from March 25. Both the services of Air India's budget airline will be thrice a week.

AIE chief executive officer K. Shyam Sundar said at a press conference on Tuesday that the Singapore flights would be on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing from Kochi at 11.10 am.

The arrival and departure from Madurai will be at 11.55 am and 1.10 pm respectively. The flight will arrive at Singapore at 8.10 pm. With this, the Madurai Singapore service will become daily also.

Kochi to Kuwait and Dammam flight will be on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The flight IX-495 will leave Kochi at 8.15 am, and land in Kuwait at 10.55 am. The flight will depart Kuwait at 11.55 am and reach Dammam at 1 pm/2 pm and reach Kochi at 9.05 pm. The Kochi-Kuwait flight via Kozhikode will continue to operate.

With this, Kochi will have connectivity to Kuwait five day a week. Kochi-Doha-Kochi has been made daily from four weekly flights. The flights will leave Kochi 11.30 p. m. to land at 1.15 a.m. at Doha.

Mr Sundar said that AIE was poised to make a hat-trick of profit this year. The budgeted profit is Rs 208 crore, but the actual profit is expected to be in the range of Rs 250 crore, lower than last financial years Rs 297 crore, largely because of 7 to 10 percent hike in fuel price and slack in demand, especially in the economy class.

He said that the airline cargo service has also performed well with revenue set to soar to `65 crore during 2017-18. At present, around 90% of Air India Express flights are to the Gulf countries.
Mohammad Nalapad Haris and his associates being taken to hospital before being produced at a court, in Bengaluru on Wednesday. (Photo:DC)

Bengaluru: The 8th ACMM court on Wednesday remanded Mohammed Nalapad Haris, expelled Bengaluru Congress Youth Wing General Secretary and son of Shanthinagar MLA NA Haris, and his six associates to 14 days in judicial custody for brutally assaulting 24-year-old Vidwath at Farzi Cafe in UB City on Saturday night. Vidwath is the great, great, great grandson of the Diwan of Mysore State, K Sheshadri Iyer.

The court however adjourned the hearing on Nalapads bail plea which he had filed on Wednesday morning after the public prosecutor advocate, Shyam Sundar who represented the victim Vidwat, sought time to file objections. The court will hear Nalapads bail plea on Friday.

After the court pronounced the judgment, Nalapad and his associates were taken to the Parappana Agrahara Prison where they will be lodged till March 7. The accused include Nalapad, Arun Babu, Manjunath (Driver cum bouncer of Mohammad), Mohammed Ashraf (a B.Com graduate and unemployed), Balakrishna (driver), Abhishek (BBA graduate and small-time businessman) and Mohammed Nasir (BBM graduate and associate of Nalapad). The police are searching for more people involved in the assault including one Srikrishna who are at large.

Vidwath recovering, still in icu

To the relief of the family of 24- year- old Vidwath, who is still in the ICU at Mallya Hospital after being brutally assaulted by Congress MLA, N A Haris son, Mohammad Nalapad Saturday night, he appears to be recovering.

Vidwath is doing reasonably well and his facial swelling has reduced by 50 per cent. We will, however keep him in the ICU for another four or five days for observation and closely monitor his saturation levels which are currently at 90-95 per cent. Until they improve, we will keep him here. But he is on the right track," said Dr Anand K, consulting plastic surgeon, Mallya Hospital, who is his treating physician.

While the doctor suspects damage to his lungs owing to his fractured ribs, he doesnt think he requires surgery at this time. "There is the pain because of the fracture and there might be borderline damage to the lungs, Dr Anand said.

Fearing that the state public prosecutor could come under pressure from the ruling Congress, Mr J Loganathan, father of L. Vidwath, who was brutally beaten up by MLA N A Harriss son, Mohammad Nalapad Haris and his gang Saturday night in a city restaurant, has written to the government asking for the appointment of a special public prosecutor to try the case.

He has made the same plea in an impleading application before a lower court, which could rule on it on Thursday. In his letter to government officials and the director of prosecution, Mr Loganathan said Nalapad had picked a fight with his son and assaulted him. He later followed him to the hospital and tried assaulting him there as well, which clearly revealed his intention to kill Vidwath, he claimed.

The audacity of the prime accused is because of his father, N A Haris, a local MLA of the ruling party, who has clout in the government, he charged.

Claiming that the city police had been influenced in the case, Mr Loganathan feared the state public prosecutor too could come under similar pressure and suggested that advocate Shyamsundar be appointed special public prosecutor for the sake of impartiality.

Activist and industrialist, Alam Pasha also impleaded in the case before the lower court, asking that he be heard before it passes any order. He called for an impartial investigation into the case. Meanwhile, Nalapads advocates have opposed the impleading applications and sought time to file their written objections to them.
Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, who was active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation, posed with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife Sophie Trudeau at an event in Mumbai on February 20. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: Hours after controversy erupted over the invitation of a convicted Khalistani terrorist to an official dinner reception supposed to be attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canadian MP Randeep S Sarai on Thursday apologised over the issue.

Sarai took the responsibility for inviting pro-Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's reception dinner in New Delhi, which is scheduled to take place later on Thursday.

"I alone facilitated his request to attend this important event. I should have exercised better judgment, and I take full responsibility for my actions," Sarai said in a statement.

Photographs from a dinner event for the Trudeaus in Mumbai triggered controversy after it showed convicted Khalistani terrorist, who was active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation, posing with Trudeau's wife Sophie at an event on February 20.

Also Read: Khalistani terrorist guest at Justin Trudeaus Mumbai event, sparks row

According to reports, Atwal who was active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation was also invited for a formal dinner with the Trudeau, hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi.

Atwal was convicted of the attempted murder of Punjab minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986 with three others.

Canada PMO clarified that his invitation has been rescinded.

Trudeau said his government has taken the issue very seriously. He said the Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal should never have received an invitation.

Canadian Minister Kirsty Duncan also reacted strongly to the situation stating that "this person of course should not have been invited".

"Invitation has now been rescinded. We are looking into how it happened," the minister added.

The Ministry of External Affairs said there are two aspects to the issue -- presence and visa. However, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the ministry was not aware of how it happened.

"We have ascertained information from our Commission," he said.

He also called for not making any assumptions on how the convict managed to enter India. "In due course, we will be able to come up with a reason that how he managed to come in India," he said.

Here's the apology statement of Canada MP Randeep S Sarai shared by Canadian journalist Abigail Bimman on Twitter:

(With agency inputs)
Clarifying on how the party has maintained equality, Ajmal said his party had always given '20-25 seats to Hindu brothers in all elections'. (Photo: ANI/Twitter)

Guwahati: All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) president Badruddin Ajmal on Thursday said General Bipin Rawat has been "misinformed and misguided" after the the Army Chief on Wednesday Rawat hinted that an influx of illegal Muslim migrants into Assam had led to the growth of the former's party.

"We respect General Rawat a lot but I think he has been misinformed and misguided," AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal said in Guwahati.

The controversy started after General Bipin Rawat spoke of proxy warfare in the Northeast by Pakistan with help from China and the planned influx of Bangladeshi immigrants.

Also Read: Pak cause for migrant influx: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat

Clarifying on how the party has maintained equality, Ajmal said his party had always given "20-25 seats to Hindu brothers in all elections," and urged that they be allowed to "live with the dignity of an Indian."

"If Army chief is saying that demographic change is happening in Assam then it is the government's job to check it. We are the only party which said that shoot anyone who infiltrate into our borders," he further said.

He also said that the party has sought appointments with the President, Prime Minister and home minister to "clarify their position."

Earlier on Thursday, Ajmal expressed shock over Rawat's statement and termed it as political in nature.

Gen. Rawat had referred to Ajmals AIDUF in connection with reports of increase in Muslim population in several districts of Assam, observing that the party has grown "faster" than the BJP in the 1980s.

Also Read: Nothing political or religious in Bipin Rawat's comments, defends Army

The Army came to Rawat's defence stating that there was nothing political or religious in his statement.
In a recent verdict on the Kerala 'love jihad' case in January this year, the Supreme Court declared that an adult woman has the right to live freely and choose a life of her choice. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday reiterated its question whether the Kerala High Court had the authority to annul the marriage between two consenting adults.

The apex court was hearing the case of alleged love jihad in Kerala.

"Can a roving inquiry could be ordered into the 'issue of consent' between two adults who married at will," a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud asked.

It also asked if the Kerala High Court order annulling the marriage of Hadiya, an alleged victim of 'love jihad', was justified.

"Marriage and investigation are two different things. As far as marriage is concerned, it does not warrant any investigation. Investigation has nothing to do with it. You can investigate any other thing," the court said.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Hadiya's father, said it was a case of "vulnerable adults" and the high court was justified in nullifying the marriage by exercising its power under Article 226 of the Constitution.

Divan argued that Hadiya was a vulnerable adult, being under the influence of extremist organisations, and had thus married Shafin Jahan.

The apex court adjourned the matter for further hearing till March 8 following Divan's "vulnerability" notion.

Hadiya on Tuesday filed an affidavit seeking permission to remain as Shafin Jahan's wife. She also stated that she is a Muslim and wanted to remain as a Muslim.

Hadiya, a 24-year-old woman from Kerala made headlines after she married a Muslim man called Shafin, embraced Islam and changed her name.

In a recent verdict on the Kerala 'love jihad' case in January this year, the Supreme Court declared that an adult woman has the right to live freely and choose a life of her choice.

The Supreme Court said the NIA could continue with its probe into the alleged love jihad case of Kerala but it cannot investigate the marital status of the man and the woman.

(With inputs from PTI)
IAF officer Avani Chaturvedi undertook the sortie from IAF's Jamnagar base on Monday. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: Scripting history, flying officer Avani Chaturvedi has become the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft, an IAF official said.

"Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo when she flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo flight," the official.

She undertook the sortie from IAF's Jamnagar base on Monday, he said.

Three women pilots, Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh, had undergone strenuous training programme to fly fighter jets.

(Photo: ANI | Twitter)

They were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.

The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for the fighter stream.
Maldives President Abdulla Yameen on Tuesday extended a draconian state of emergency by another month, bolstering his grip on power in the troubled Indian Ocean island nation. (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: India, which has being trying to persuade Maldives to restore democracy, has reacted sharply against President Abdulla Yameens decision to extend emergency in the island nation by 30 more days.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said: We are deeply dismayed that the Government of Maldives has extended the State of Emergency for a further 30 days. The manner in which the extension of the State of Emergency was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Constitution of Maldives is also a matter of concern.

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has overlooked repeated appeals from India urging him to roll back the emergency provisions imposed early February; the last one made just a few hours before he announced the 30-day extension.

New Delhi stressed that the extension of emergency would lead to consequent delay in the resumption of the political process and the continuing suspension of the functioning of democratic institutions including the judiciary is likely to further delay restoration of normalcy in Maldives.

Maldives President Yameen on Tuesday extended a draconian state of emergency by another month, bolstering his grip on power in the troubled Indian Ocean island nation.

President Yameen has initially imposed 15 days emergency on February 5, curtailing the powers of the judiciary and the legislature after the country's Supreme Court ordered the release of a group of Opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. Among them was exiled ex-president Mohamed Nasheed. The court had also reinstated 12 members unseated from the parliament last July for floor-crossing.

Under Maldives Constitution, matters that require compliance by citizens can only be passed if more than half of its total members are present in the House.

Because the opposition parties refused to consider extending emergency, President Yameen was not able to fulfil this basic requirement. He has attempted to work around the provision by claiming that the state of emergency would not apply to law-abiding citizens but only "those alleged to have carried out illegal activities".

According to a Reuters report, Maldives prosecutor general Aishath Bisham had told police that the extended state of emergency was unconstitutional. There has, however, been no word from the police on this communication. President Yameen had earlier removed two police chiefs who had refused to follow his directions.

President Yameen's soldiers had responded by storming the Supreme Court and charging the country's two senior judges and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom with bribery.

Since then, the remaining judges of the top court have, one by one, surrendered their power to decide cases individuals and struck down provisions of the February 1 Supreme Court verdict that had triggered the crisis for President Yameen.
Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Wednesday said the six 'enjoining hands' symbol of his new political party 'Makkal Needhi Maiam' represents six southern states. (Photo: ANI)

Madurai: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Wednesday said the six 'enjoining hands' symbol of his new political party 'Makkal Needhi Maiam' represents six southern states.

While speaking at the launch of the party, for which Haasan has "picked ideologies from everyone", the politician said he had kept his party's name 'Maiam' (Centre) because he did not belong to either Left or Right.

The six southern states Haasan was talking about are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and one Union Territory Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

"People ask me what is Maiam, and if I am a Left or a Right. This is why I have kept my party's name 'Maiam', which means centre. The six hands in my party symbol represent six states and the star in the middle represents people," Haasan said.

Also Read: Neither left nor right: Kamal Haasan launches party 'Makkal Needhi Maiam'

He said his party would work on providing quality education to all and diminishing caste and religion difference in the society.

"We will work on many issues including these. We will set an example; fight corruption together. People have unfortunately sold their votes for merely Rs 6,000. People ask me if I will give them money. My answer is no, I will not. If you accept money, you cannot ask your representative for anything," he said.

Haasan said all these years he was in people's heart and now he wants to be a part of their residence, "I am the lamp in your house, which does not flicker in winds of corruption."

When asked who his inspiration is -- Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi or Periyar EV Ramasamy, the former actor said he liked and was inspired from all, including Arvind Kejriwal, N Chandrababu Naidu, Pinarayi Vijayan, and Barack Obama.

Haasan said he wanted to start his party silently and move slowly towards campaigning.

"There is no starvation for money, but for good-hearted people."

On the Supreme Court's verdict on the Cauvery dispute, Haasan said Tamil Nadu could get water if there was good dialogue with Karnataka. "I can even get blood (donated blood, not violence)."

He said his two daughters - Shruti Haasan and Akshara Haasan, who were present at the launch event, were free to decide whether to join him in this new journey or not.
Salem: Hadiya, the 24-year-old woman who made headlines after she converted to Islam, on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that her mother used to drug her food when she was in the custody of her parents in Kerala's Kottayam district.

In an affidavit filed in the SC on Tuesday, Hadiya sought permission to remain as Shafin Jahan's wife. She also stated that she is a Muslim and wanted to remain as a Muslim.

According to a report in India Today, Hadiya claimed that her mother used to drug her food during her stay at home after the Kerala High Court annulled her marriage to Shafin Jahan. She said she had repeatedly informed the police about her mother drugging the food which she took while breaking the fast during Ramzan, but no action was taken.

"It was my mother who used to prepare food for me for breaking my fast. One day at the time of breakfast, my mother went to the kitchen and tried to bring food for me. I came out from my room and proceeded to the kitchen in order to take food from my mother. She did not notice my presence. When I reached the kitchen, I saw my mother was doing something unusual with the food prepared for me and the same startled me," her affidavit stated according to India Today report.

"I thereafter, informed the police about my mothers deed. But they were reluctant to hear me or to take any step to resolve the issue. On that day onwards, I began to prepare food for myself. The inaction of the police reminded me that the police would not question whatever crimes take place against me," she further said.

She said after the Kerala High Court annulled the marriage, she was subjected to horrible torture and torment for a period of more one year. She was under police surveillance and the National Investigation Agency treated her as a terrorist.

She said she decided on her own free will to accept Islam as her faith and religion, because Islam impressed her.

Also Read: Kerala love jihad: I'm Muslim, want to remain as Jahan's wife, Hadiya tells SC

In a recent verdict on the Kerala 'love jihad' case in January this year, the Supreme Court declared that an adult woman has the right to live freely and choose a life of her choice.

The Supreme Court said the NIA could continue with its probe into the alleged love jihad case of Kerala but it cannot investigate the marital status of the man and the woman.

Akhila had married a Muslim man called Shafin, embraced Islam and changed her name to Hadiya.

(With agency inputs)
The Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on February 21 conducted a monitoring in the north-eastern part of the ArmenianAzerbaijani border, in Tavush province, the Armenian defense ministry said.

February 22, 2018, 16:30 OSCE conducts monitoring on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 22, ARTSAKHPRESS:From the Armenian side the monitoring was conducted by the field assistants to the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ghenadie Petrica and Ognjen Jovic. No ceasefire violations were registered during the monitoring.

Due to difficult relief conditions, it was impossible to ensure video surveillance between the sides and the monitoring was conducted by exchanging information according to orientation directions.

Within the frames of the monitoring a briefing was held during which the OSCE officials were introduced on the current situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border and the statistics of ceasefire violations by the Azerbaijani armed forces
Army chief General Bipin Rawat referred to Ajmals AIDUF in connection with reports of increase in Muslim population in several districts of Assam, observing that the party has grown 'faster' than the BJP in the 1980s. (Photo: File | PTI)

New Delhi: The Army came into defence of its chief Bipin Rawat whose comment on Wednesday has drawn criticism from All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and AIMIM. The Army said that there was nothing political or religious in the Army chiefs statement about the rise of a political party, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF in Assam.

The Armys response came after AIUDF president Ajmal questioned if the Army chief was indulging in politics which is against the constitutional mandate given to him.

Gen Bipin Rawat has made a political statement, shocking! Why is it a concern for the Army Chief that a political party, based on democratic & secular values, is rising faster than BJP? Alternative parties like AIUDF, AAP have grown because of the misgovernance of big parties, Ajmal tweeted.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also criticised the Army Chief on Thursday for talking about the rise of AIUDF, saying he should not interfere in political matters as it is not his work to comment on the rise of a political party.

In a tweet, Owaisi also reminded General Rawat that the Army will always work under an elected civilian leadership in India.

The controversy started after General Bipin Rawat spoke of proxy warfare in the Northeast by Pakistan with help from China and the planned influx of Bangladeshi immigrants.

Also Read: Pak cause for migrant influx: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat

The Army chief also referred to Ajmals AIDUF in connection with reports of increase in Muslim population in several districts of Assam, observing that the party has grown faster than the BJP in the 1980s.

There is nothing political or religious in the talk. Army Chief just mentioned amalgamation and development in the seminar on North-East organised at DRDO Bhawan on February 21, 2018, the Army said.

Reacting to the Army statement, Ajmal tweeted: If nothing political, why was Army Chief dragging a political party, in his speech, whose representatives are democratically elected by Indian citizens?

Speaking at a seminar on North East Region of India  Bridging Gaps and Securing Borders, organised by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies and Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff of the Ministry of Defence, General Rawat said, I dont think you can now change the population dynamics of this area. If it was five districts to eight to nine the inversion has taken place, whichever be the government.

The AIUDF, which was formed in 2005 with an aim to champion the cause of Muslim community, currently has three MPs in the Lok Sabha and 13 legislators in the state assembly.
Special CBI court remanded all the six arrested, including Vipul Ambani, President (Finance) of Nirav Modis Firestar Group of Companies, to CBI custody till March 5. (Photo: Rajesh Jadhav)

Mumbai: Continuing its probe into the Rs 11,400 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday told a special court that Vipul Ambani, billionaire Nirav Modis high-profile aide, accused in the fraud case, was aware of the fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) made to the bank.

CBI said applications for such letters were made from Vipul Ambanis South-Central Mumbai office. The investigating agency allegedly found the letters on Wednesday at the office he works.

This is the first high-profile arrest since the elaborate web of deception used to defraud PNB became public.

The court remanded all the six arrested, including Vipul Ambani, President (Finance) of Nirav Modis Firestar Group of Companies, to CBI custody till March 5.

Vipul Ambani, the nephew of Dhirubhai Ambani, was arrested on Tuesday and was questioned by the central investigating agency.

The CBI said Vipul Ambani was directly involved and that there was deliberate act of omission on his part by not protesting the issuance of fraudulent LoUs.

Along with Vipul Ambani, five other accused were produced before the Special CBI court on Wednesday as well for want of police custody.

This comes after applications of fraudulent letters of undertaking (LoUs), which are at the heart of the alleged USD1.8-billion scam at the Punjab National Bank (PNB), were allegedly found by the CBI on Wednesday at the office where Vipul Ambani works.

Others involved include -- Kavita Mankikar, Executive Assistant to Nirav Modi; Rajesh Jindal, General Manager (Credit), PNB; Arjun Patil, Executive, Firestar International Pvt Ltd; Kapil Kandelwal, Chief Finance Officer of Nakshtra World Ltd and Nitin Shahi, Assistant Finance Officer, Gitanjali Gems Ltd.

Also Read: PNB fraud: All accused including Vipul Ambani sent to police custody till Mar 5

CBI has pegged the fraud at Rs 11,400 crore, with over Rs 6,000 crore caused by firms owned by Nirav Modi and Rs 4,886.72 crore by firms owned by his uncle, Mehul Choksi.

On Vipul Ambanis role, the CBIs remand application said, He, being the Head of the Finance Department of the aforesaid companies of Nirav Modi group, from May 2013 to November 2017 and thereafter President (Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs) was fully aware of the fraudulent and illegal LoUs which were being issued by Gokulnath Shetty, Retd Dy. Manager of PNB, Brady House branch, Mumbai, in conspiracy and guidance of Nirav Modi and other employees, Ambani in his aforesaid capacity as President (Finance) was also visiting and meeting not only the officials of PNB, Brady House, Mumbai in the branch but also officials of PNB, circle and zonal office at Mumbai and head office in Delhi.

In respect of the question that who was preparing and maintaining the books of accounts of the aforesaid firms, Ambani failed to give any answer or denial that he was not looking into the affairs of these firms. These documents and circumstances prove his knowledge of the fraudulent applications for LoUs being made in the same premises of Firestar Group of companies and deliberate act of omission by not protesting the issuance of such fraudulent LoUs, led to the continuance of concealment and large scale fraud in this case on PNB and loss and diversion of thousands of crores of public funds, the remand application further reads.

Arguing that the accused failed to play the role of whistleblowers, the CBI contested, The accused have not been able to give any reasonable explanation for their aforesaid acts in not blowing the lid off the whole scam, as if they would have done so without being hand in glove with Modi and other co-accused, the scam would have been detected and stopped.

While granting the remand, the Special CBI judge SR Tamboli said custodial interrogation of the accused is necessary at this stage so as to confront them with the documents. The remand application and the FIR shows that there was conspiracy amongst the bank official and officials of the companies, the investigation officers has to get a fair chance to confront the arrested persons with the documents. Looking at the seriousness and the gravity of the offence, police custody is granted, said Judge Tamboli.

Meanwhile, CBI on Wednesday sealed Nirav Modis 1.5 acre Alibaug farm house which also includes a 12,000 sqft bungalow.

The bungalow, Roapanya, was searched on Tuesday after documents pertaining to its ownership were recovered during raids. The farm house was reportedly purchased by Nirav Modi in 2004 for Rs 32 crore, said sources. ED is likely to take custody of the property later.

CBI claimed that it had no knowledge of Nirav Modis whereabouts or if he had acquired passport of any other country.
Hyderabad: The Telangana government and the Taoyuan City government have exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Technology Partnership. The MoU was signed at the closure of the World Congress of IT on Wednesday at HICC. As part of this MoU, the two cities will exchange co-operation in investments, startups and IOT based solutions.

Any company of Taoyuan City, which is interested in exploring markets and setting up operations in Telangana, will be provided necessary regulatory support and policy benefits. Furthermore, domestic companies will be encouraged to evaluate economic opportunities in Taoyuan.

IT secretary Jayesh Ranjan said, Taoyuan has been working strongly on latest technologies Internet of things and robotics and we can learn and adopt them.

In the start-ups segment, any technology product which is of relevance to the TS will be tried and tested as a proof of Concept.

Through the T-Bridge program of T-Hub, exchange of startups between the locations of both the parties will be facilitated.
Sujata Patil, wife of Arjun Patil asked the probe agency to catch the big fish and said, 'He did what he was told and has not done anything illegal.' (Photo: ANI)

Mumbai: As the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) intensifies its probe in the biggest bank scam in the country, wife of one of the officials of Firestar group arrested in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud - Nirav Modi case, has cried foul at the arrest of her husband. Sujata Patil, wife of Arjun Patil, alleged that the celebrity jeweller is the sole culprit behind the scam,

In an emotional outburst outside the sessions court in Mumbai on Wednesday, Sujata Patil said she would beat Nirav Modi with 'chappal' (slipper) if he came to India.

"My husband has been working there for 10 years; he also does paperwork like the others. Nirav Modi is responsible for all this, bring him in front of me. If he comes, I'll thrash him with my slippers," Sujata Patil, wife of accused Arjun Patil, senior executive, Firestar group, told news agency ANI.

The senior executive at Firestar Group has been arrested for preparing the applications for the LOUs. As per Sujata, Arjun earned a mere Rs 30,000 and had not taken a "single extra rupee".

"He did what he was told and has not done anything illegal," she said, telling the probe agency to catch the big fish.

She shouted that rapists and murderers were walking free, but her innocent husband had been arrested. "A CBI team searched our house but didn't find anything, because we have nothing to hide. Current events seem like a TV serial, and CBI, (Nirav) Modi and the media are to be blamed," she said.

Arjun Patil, along with other accused has been sent to police custody till March 5.

The PNB detected Rs 11,400 crore scam, in which jeweller Nirav Modi acquired fraudulent letters of undertaking from one of its branches for overseas credit from other Indian lenders.

The scam started in 2011 and was detected in the third week of January 2018, after which the PNB officials reported it to the concerned agencies.

The investigating agencies have been cracking down on the properties of Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, but have been clueless about their whereabouts ever since the scam unfolded.
HYDERABAD/Guwahati: All-India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday shot back at Army General Bipin Rawat for interfering in political matters. During a seminar, General Bipin Rawat had underlined that population dynamics of the north-east region can no longer be changed. The Army Chief referred to the faster pace growth of All-India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in Assam. There is a party called AIUDF. If you look at them, they have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP has grown over the years. When we talk of Jan Sangh, with two Members of Parliament and where they have reached, AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam. Finally, what will be the state of Assam, we will have to take a call, Rawat said. Asaduddin wondered why the Army Chief should interfere in political matters.

The Army Chief should not interfere in political matters . It is not his work to comment on the rise of a political party. Democracy and Constitution allows it and Army will always work under an elected civilian leadership, Asaduddin tweeted. Meanwhile, the All India United Democratic Front president and MP Badruddin Ajmal here on Thursday said that remarks by Rawat about his party was shocking. Pointing out that they take the Army in very high esteem, Mr Ajmal told this newspaper, I believe General Bipin Rawat has wrongly been briefed by his field officers. We as a political party have been upfront in demanding the National Register of Citizens.
Bengaluru: A magical evening under the stars in one of most dynamic cities of India - Bengaluru, celebrating the world of cinema, is what Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan remarked during the inauguration of the tenth edition of Bengaluru International Film Festival, which kick-started on the grand stairs of Vidhana Soudha on Thursday.

While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah could not attend the event due to the ongoing legislative session, Legislative Council Speaker D.H. Shankaramurthy, Ministers Roshan Baig and H.M. Revanna, along with others dignitaries and guests.

They included Academy Award winning French filmmaker Marc Bachet, award winning Iranian female actress and filmmaker Fatemeh Motamed Arya, popular Bollywood filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

Cinema is my blood, it is my passion, and food for the soul. I am happy to be part of renowned film festival where so many kinds of movies across the globe is being celebrated, where people come together with so much of love, irrespective of religion and language. Bengaluru will always be very special to our family and to the Kapoor legacy, Kareena said, adding that her grandfather Raj Kapoor's spirit would bless and guide the filmmakers to keep up the good work. It is not because I am here but for his love for Karnataka, especially Mysuru, she added.

The actress admitted that she does not know Kannada, but hopes one day to act in a Kannada movie. Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy Chairman Dr S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu said the Chief Minister will lay the foundation stone for the mega film city in Mysuru on March 6, which will be built in a grand scale in 150 acres of land on a prime location in the city.

He further stressed the state government's support to film industry including the latest move to announce incentive of up to Rs 5 crore for the purpose of film tourism and a total sum of Rs 40 lakh for filmmakers who make movies based on novel, and setting aside Rs 5 lakh to film writers. In his address Minister Baig revealed that it was Raj Kapoor's popular song from the film Anadi Kiska dard mil sake toh le udhaar inspired him to take public work.

Iranian actress Fatemeh Motamed Arya thanked cinema which helps sustain peace and humanity wherever it exists across the globe. Impressed with the collective effort of putting forth such wonderful festival, Bollywood film director Rakeysh said he cannot wait to be part of its 11the edition and won hearts of Kannadigas saying that his wife is from Bengaluru and hence he is technically the son-in-law of the city.

For movie buffs as the 10th BIFFES offers more than 200 movies from across the globe, including 50 Academy Award winning movies at display this year. Go catch them in action from Friday in Bengaluru till March 1.
Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday conveyed his strong displeasure to Kannur district secretary P. Jayarajans statement that he had no faith in the current police investigations into youth congress leader Shuhaibs murder. The Chief Minister who was upset over the statement, gave a piece of his mind at the state conference venue. He was seen speaking to the Kannur leader briefly and party state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnn too joined them later.

The incident has clearly brought into sharp focus the serious differences between the Chief Minister and Kannur district secretary over the murder. Many in the party believe that Jayarajans. The parents of YC Mattannur block secretary T. H. Shuhaib, who was killed allegedly by CPM workers, have in a memo to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sought a CBI investigation. Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala handed over the memo to the CM. The letter states that the murder was a result of a high-level conspiracy by the CPM.

Shuhaibs parents, in their letter, have claimed that it was political vengeance, and intolerance towards their son by the CPM that resulted in his murder. Shuhaibs parents alleged that even though it was 10 days since their son was brutally hacked to death, the investigation was at a snails pace due to the intervention of the CPM. The letter also raises the complaint that the police have not been able to retrieve the weapons used for the murder, the vehicle in which the culprits escaped, or identify the real culprits.

The statement made by CPM leaders that Akash Thillenkery and Rijin Raj, who the police claim to have arrested, were produced by them t itself proves the relationship between the culprits and the CPM. Social media showed that the two arrested culprits proximity with the top brass of the CPM leadership including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, says the letter. Shuhaibs parents also said they believed that because of the intervention of the CPM leadership and some top police officials, the Kerala police would not be able to carry out a fair probe.
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday seized mutual funds and shares worth Rs 100 crores of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups in connection with its money-laundering probe into the case. It also seized nine high-end luxury cars of Modi. As the searches at the groups' premises continued for the eighth day by ED, the income-tax department said property worth Rs 1,200 crores of the Gitanjali Group located in the Special Economic Zone in Hyderabad has been attached. ED sources said the agency had seized mutual funds and shares worth Rs 86.72 crores belong to Choksi and his group, and the rest are owned by the Modi group. Choksi is Modis uncle and promoter of Gitanjali Gems and other jewellery brands.

The probe agency also seized nine costly cars of Modi, recovered during raids last week. These include a Rolls Royce Ghost, a Mercedes-Benz, a Porsche Panamera, three Honda variants, a Toyota Fortuner and an Innova. Modi, Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies after it came to light, following a PNB complaint, that they had allegedly cheated the nationalised bank of Rs 11,400 crores, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank. Meanwhile, the Punjab National Bank on Thursday asked disgraced diamond jeweller Nirav Modi to come up with a concrete and implementable plan to settle the Rs 11,400-crore loss caused to it by the fraudulent issuance of Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) through one of its Mumbai branches.

Nirav Modi, who is under the scanner of various investigative agencies, failed to depose before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning on Thursday. ED sources said a fresh summons was issued against Modi after he failed to appear and depose before the agency. They added that Modi had replied to the EDs investigating officer (IO), who is probing the role of the diamond merchant and his uncle Mehul Choksi, Gitanjali Gems promoter, in the PNB fraud case, and cited the temporary suspension of his passport and pending business issues as reasons for non-appearance. He has now been asked to join the investigation and appear before the ED in Mumbai on February 26.

The PNB, in its response to a mail written by Nirav Modi, said: Your commitment and undertaking for sparing of the total liability was not backed by providing upfront amounts. However, should you have any implementable plan, do revert back. PNB had told Nirav Modi that he was getting LoUs issued illegally and in an unauthorised way through a few bank officials. At no stage such facilities were extended by our bank to your three partner firms, it said. PNB said when the illegal activities of Nirav Modi surfaced, the bank had brought them to the notice of the law enforcement agencies as they appeared to violate Fema and the anti-money laundering law.

Last week, in a letter to PNB, Modi had said PNBs over-zealousness had destroyed his jewellery brand and also jeopardised his ability to clear dues. On Thursday, PNB informed the stock exchanges that it had enough assets and capital to meet any liability that was decided as per the law. On Modis allegation that PNB closed all options to recover dues by going public, the bank replied: We have followed the lawful avenues available to us as per the law of the land to recover our dues. On why it had not informed stock exchanges about the filing of FIR with the CBI at the occurrence of the event, the PNB said: Since law-enforcing agencies were assigned to investigate the matter, any news in public would have altered the fraudster, affecting recovery.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday seized mutual funds and shares worth `100 crores of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups in connection with its money-laundering probe into the case. It also seized nine high-end luxury cars of Modi. As the searches at the groups premises continued for the eighth day by ED, the income-tax department said property worth `1,200 crores of the Gitanjali Group located in the Special Economic Zone in Hyderabad has been attached. ED sources said the agency had seized mutual funds and shares worth Rs 86.72 crores belong to Choksi and his group, and the rest are owned by the Modi group. Choksi is Modis uncle and promoter of Gitanjali Gems and other jewellery brands.

The probe agency also seized nine costly cars of Modi, recovered during raids last week. These include a Rolls Royce Ghost, a Mercedes-Benz, a Porsche Panamera, three Honda variants, a Toyota Fortuner and an Innova. Modi, Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies after it came to light, following a PNB complaint, that they had allegedly cheated the nationalised bank of Rs 11,400 crores, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

The external affairs ministry on Thursday said it had an acknowledgement from Nirav Modi of the showcause notice on why his passport should not be revoked, and that the notice has now been sent to a requested email ID. The comments by MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar come a day ahead of the expiry of the one-week time given to Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi to respond why their passports should not be revoked. On the location of Modi, Mr Kumar said: The matter should be addressed to the law enforcement agencies. There are certain investigations and legal procedures which need to be completed before the ministry comes into the picture.

Asked about the notice to Modi, he said: He has acknowledged in the sense there was some confusion on the address where it was to be sent. And the request had been received to send the notice to a particular email ID. Accordingly, the notice was sent to the email ID as requested. Mr Kumar also noted that on the investigative agencies advice, the MEA had suspended the passports of both Modi and Choksi.


The Minorities welfare department is handled by the Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and this has probably goaded officials in the department to do their work more efficiently as any negligence in utilisation of funds.

Hyderabad: The Minorities Welfare department has done better than other welfare departments in spending the funds allotted in Budget 2017-18.

The Backward Class, Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribes welfare departments lag behind, but the Minorities welfare department has made much better use of funds meant for social, economic and educational development of minorities.

The Minorities welfare department is handled by the Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and this has probably goaded officials in the department to do their work more efficiently as any negligence in utilisation of funds would give Opposition parties the chance to criticise the CM and its the officials in the department who would have to face the music.

The government sanctioned `1,320 crore for minorities' welfare in Budget 2017-18, and about 70 per cent has been utilised so far, which leaves 30 per cent to be spent in the remaining 37 days of this fiscal. For minority residential schools, which became a huge hit, the government sanctioned `425 crore, of which `348 crore has been spent. For Shaadi Mubarak scheme, `150 crore was sanctioned and `115 crore was spent. For scholarships `162 crore was sanctioned, of which `99 crore was spent.

The government also sanctioned Rs 55 crore for Iftar/Christmas parties, for organising dinners and distributing clothes, of which Rs 20 crore was spent.
Hyderabad: Koti Womens College will be known as Telangana Womens University from the next academic year onwards. Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari says that the move has been approved by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Mr Srihari paid a surprise visit to the college on Thursday. During his visit, he said, Koti Womens College has all the facilities to be converted to a university. The authorities concerned are given a months time to deliver a report on the infrastructure and facilities required for the change to be made.

At present, there are 42 undergraduate and post-graduate courses offered at Koti Womens College. The college received Rs 37 crore of the Rs 200 crore allocated by the CM to Osmania University on the occasion of its golden jubilee. The repair of the college buildings is underway. The authorities will provide any additional facilities needed, on the basis of the report. In the erstwhile state of united Andhra Pradesh, Padmavathi Womens University was the only womens university; however, it went to Andhra Pradesh at the time of state bifurcation. Since then, Telangana has been lacking a womens university. This was recently brought to the attention of Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar.

On Thursday, Mr Srihari examined all the facilities at the college. He spoke to students and asked them about the quality of teaching and education provided by the college. The minister was accompanied by Naveen Mittal, the commissioner of Higher Education, Osmania University vice-chancellor S. Ramachandram, OU Registrar Gopal Reddy, and principal of Koti Womens College Prashanta Athma, college officials, and the staff.
"This is a long overdue step for the state of New York and, when passed, will relieve New Yorkers of the choice between voting and fulfilling personal, family or professional obligations," he said.

The Democratic election commissioners have formed a working group that would aid in developing an early voting program for the state's 62 counties. They don't have a preference on how many days early voting should be available.

While the governor's proposal calls for 12 days of early voting, bills introduced by two state lawmakers, Assemblyman Charles Lavine and state Sen. Brian Kavanaugh, would require an eight-day early voting period.

Early voting will be one of many issues addressed during budget negotiations. The state Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats, will likely be on board with his plan or a similar program. The Republican-led Senate may be on board now that Cuomo proposed funding the implementation of early voting. But there's also a question of whether it should be a priority in a year when the state is dealing with a $4 billion budget gap.

New York is one of 13 states that lacks any sort of early voting period. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 37 states and the District of Columbia offer some form of early voting.

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday made it clear that it cant go into the legality of the marriage between Akhila, alias Hadiya, an alleged victim of love jihad, and Shafin Jahan and it was open to the National Investigation Agency to continue its probe. A three-judge bench of CJI Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud questioned whether the Kerala high court could nullify a marriage between vulnerable adults after the father of the 25-year-old woman Hadiya justified the order.

Can a court say a marriage between the consenting adults is not genuine? We cannot say that she married the right person or the marriage was in her best interest. She came to us and told that she married by her own choice, the bench said. Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Hadiyas father Asokan, contended that the Kerala high court was justified in nullifying the marriage under Article 226 of Constitution and exercised its power considering the facts and circumstances of the case.

Mr Divan submitted that as she has been indoctrinated her consent should not be treated as absolute. He argued that Hadia was a pawn in a huge organisational apparatus to radicalise young persons in Kerala. He said two criminal cases had been registered against Shafin Jahan.

The CJI said, The issue pertains to marital relationship. The issue is whether the Kerala high court exercising its jurisdiction in a habeas corpus petition could have annulled the marriage and order custody of the girl to the father. We will examine only the legal principles. Let the NIA continue its probe and we are not bothered. Mr Divan, citing documents, said the girl was indoctrinated by radical elements. The boy is a member of the core committee of the SDPI called, Thanal. Mansy Bouraqui, an ISIS agent, was also a part of committee.
Lucknow: The Banaras Hindu University remained tense on Thursday after a group of students filed a complaint objecting to a play allegedly celebrating Nathuram Godse, the man who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, was recently staged on the campus. The complaint was filed after a video clip of the controversial play Maine Gandhi Ko Kyon Mara, which was staged as part of three-day cultural festival Sanskriti 2018,.went viral on social media.

Alleging sedition the students complained to the university authorities and the district administration, seeking action against those who depicted Godse as a hero and justified Gandhis assassination. Chief proctor Royana Singh confirmed that she had received a complaint. I have forwarded the complaint to police as well. We are going to check the facts and probe the allegations of sedition, she said.
New Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus state visit to India got its share of controversy when it turned out that a man convicted of shooting at a Punjab minister way back in 1986, in Canada, had been invited to attend a dinner reception in New Delhi to be attended by Mr Trudeau. The Canadian High Commission swiftly withdrew the invitation extended to Jaspal Singh Atwal. But the incident raised questions about how Mr Atwal, a Canadian national, managed to get an Indian visa.

Reacting to the controversy, Mr Trudeau said, Obviously we take this situation extremely seriously. The individual in question never should have received an invitation and, as soon as we found out, we rescinded the invitation immediately... The member of Parliament who included this individual has, and will, assume full responsibility for his actions. While the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said it was looking into how this happened, top government sources told this newspaper that Mr Atwal  who was originally on an Indian government blacklist for his terror activities  had been removed from the blacklist by the Union home ministry as part of an outreach to moderate elements in the pro-Khalistan lobby overseas who were seen to have given up their radical activities. Top sources said following the removal of his name from the blacklist, Mr Atwal applied for an e-visa, which was granted.

Mr Atwal was photographed on Tuesday in Mumbai at an event with Mr Trudeaus wife Sophie, and the Canadian media blew the lid off his earlier terror activities.Canadian High Commission sources said Mr Atwal was not part of the official delegation of the Canadian PM. Nevertheless, the episode has embarrassed both the Canadian and Indian governments. According to reports, Mr Atwal was convicted in Canada for shooting at the then Punjab Minister Malkiat Singh in 1986 when the minister was on a private visit to Vancouver. The minister survived the attack and Mr Atwal was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was apparently part of a banned radical Sikh militant group. At a media briefing, meanwhile, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters that the Indian government was checking to see how the visa was issued to Mr Atwal.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the inauguration of the family quarters at the Legislators Home (LH) in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Bengaluru: Coming under fire from the BJP in the Legislative Council on Wednesday for its failure to rein in "high-handed" Congress leaders, the government assured the House it would take action against KR Puram Congress leader, Narayanaswamy for threatening to set a sub-registrar's office on fire and agreed to withdraw the suspension of the Assistant Sub-registrar, who had refused to issue a khata to him.

Raising the issue, opposition leader, JagadishShettar said Congress workers were creating a fear psychosis among people. Since the arrest of MLA Haris' son, Mohammed Nalapad, many other cases had come to light of the police refusing to receive complaints, he noted.

Responding, Home Minister, Ramalinga Reddy said if police inspectors refused to receive complaints, people could go to their seniors and other forums to register them. "Those claiming to be victims are choosing to come out in public after Nalapad's arrest instead of using these forums," he regretted. Mr Suresh Kumar of the BJP, however, hit back advising the Minister not to trivialise the issue and send a strong message from the House that such offenders would not go scot free.

When Hebbal MLA, Narayanaswamy wanted to know why the government had transferred the ARO for refusing to issue a khata based on fake documents, Mr Reddy said the incident had taken place on February 16, and the officer concerned was guilty of dereliction of duty by not registering a complaint.

Rubbishing this, Mr Suresh Kumar said the ARO had brought the incident to the notice of his seniors but they had failed to register a case. "So action should be initiated against the entire revenue section," he insisted. Mr Narayanaswamy said government officials had lost the courage to complain against the system.
The DMK delegation at the all-party meet on the Cauvery issue held at the secretariat on Thursday.  DC

Chennai: Irked over the recent Supreme Court order, TN farmers in consensus on Thursday urged the state government not to rely on court proceedings. The representatives of TN farmers associations who met Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami requested the state government to work on the formation of the Cauvery Management Board at the earliest.

Members of the farming community during their interaction with state top brass also opined that the Centre and the Supreme Court have done injustice to Delta farmers by decreasing the share of Cauvery water to TN. Admitting that some areas of Thanjavur and Nagapattinam are facing a shortage of water for samba crops, the farmers demanded political pressure on the BJP-led Centre.

President of the Desiya Thennindia Nadigal Inaiappu Vivasayigal Sangam P. Ayyakannu, who led a series farmers agitation in Delhi, said that the formation of Cauvery Water Management Board was the only solution for Delta farmers. We have expressed our grievances to the state and have requested a high-level political representation from TN to the Prime Ministers office.

CM Palaniswami heard our grievances and we want the state delegation to represent our case so that the Centre forms the Cauvery Management Board as per the court order. If Tamil Nadu is again left in the lurch and the board is not formed, we are ready to stage a series of protests against the Centre, Ayyakannu told DC.

The farmers representing various associations had also appealed the state not to approach the courts at least for some weeks. Till date, none of the Supreme Court order is implemented in letter and spirit and the neighbouring Karnataka has not shown any respect for the Court. Is this democracy? wondered a farmers association leader of Delta wishing not to be quoted.

The court had always dragged our issues, even as our crops were dying. We have lost faith in the judiciary and we also want the state not to rely on court proceedings for justice, he added.
Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami chairs all-party meeting over the Supreme Court verdict on Cauvery water dispute at the secretariat, on Thursday.  DC

Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami will soon lead a delegation of leaders from all political parties, MPs from the state and representatives from farmers' association to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate constitution of Cauvery Management Board (CMB).

The decision was taken at the all-party meeting convened by Palaniswami on the next course of action to be followed on the Cauvery river water issue where political parties were unanimous in demanding that a delegation of leaders from Tamil Nadu meet Modi and submit a detailed memorandum.

Resolutions passed at the meeting resolved to urge Modi to immediately set up the Cauvery Management Board and Cauvery Water Regulatory Authority as per the apex court's order within six weeks. At the meeting, Opposition leader and DMK working president M. K. Stalin proposed that the Chief Minister lead an all-party delegation to Modi.

The proposal was seconded by several political party leader who also asked the Tamil Nadu government to consult legal experts on the cut in the quantum of water for Tamil Nadu.

This decision to take steps follows acceptance of the views of all party leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be urged to immediately implement the apex court verdict's beneficial features for Tamil Nadu, another resolution said.
The actor also took a dig at those calling him anti-saffron, saying though saffron is one of the three colours of the Indian flag, it shouldnt spread to the entire flag.

Chennai: Even while his political party was taking shape, Kamal Haasan had a secret meeting with his long-time co-star Rajinikanth inside a car to elicit one promise  they would be civil in their criticism and maintain decorum even if they found themselves on the other side of the political spectrum.

Writing in his weekly column in Ananda Vikatan, Tamil magazine, Kamal spoke about their decision to maintain dignity and civility while criticising each other even if the need arose. Reminiscing the days when he took the call to take a plunge into politics, Kamal said the person he announced the decision to was Rajinikanth.

I was shooting for Bigg Boss at a private studio at suburban Poonamallee and Rajinikanth was also shooting for his upcoming film Kaala nearby. I proposed for a meeting and it finally took place at a secret location  in a car. It was in the car I told Rajinikanth about my decision to launch a political party, the actor wrote.

Rajinikanth was surprised and he asked me when did I take the decision to which I replied that I was mentally prepared for the plunge a long time ago but was implementing it now. It is then we decided that there would be no compromise in dignity for whatever reason. I told him that even if we are in opposing camps, the respect (for each other) should be maintained, Kamal said.

Of course, Kamal, Rajinikanth told the actor. Kamal also said he told Rajinikanth during another meeting there was no need for them to promote abuse politics. Kamal and Rajini have long been friends, but their ideologies are different.

The actor also took a dig at those calling him anti-saffron, saying though saffron is one of the three colours of the Indian flag, it shouldnt spread to the entire flag.

It would be wrong to say that I dishonour saffron as the flag gives space for that sacrifice. Some videos show people taking a vow to remove the word secular in the constitution... Can we make such a sacrifice to harvest votes? he asked.
Bengaluru: If Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently claimed he was heading a 10 per cent commission government in reference to alleged commissions taken for awarding projects, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah went even further on Thursday and called the BJP led NDA administration at the Centre a 90 per cent commission government!

Replying to the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address, Mr Siddaramaiah referred to scamsters like Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi, to charge that the Modis were looting the country.

Hitting out at the opposition, he deplored that it continued to claim without any evidence that his government was corrupt. On what basis are they saying this? They say ours is a 10 per cent commission government. But I call the Centre a 90 per cent commission government,'' he thundered, adding, The BJP talks of the Govindaraju diary. But what about the Jain hawala diary? What did the Sahara diary say? The Supreme Court has noted that it could not take cognizance of some diary entries. But this does not stop the BJP.''

Angered by his comments, opposition leader, Jagadish Shettar and other BJP members rose to their feet shouting slogans against the government and accusing it of closing down the institution of the Lokayukta and letting the corrupt go scot free.

While the government received big commission in importing sand from Malaysia, the children of politicians are involved in illegal sand transport,'' Mr Shettar alleged. The BJP members claimed the Chief Ministers son, Dr Yathindra was involved in corruption and the Congress, desperate over its sagging image, was making baseless allegations against the Centre and the Prime Minister. They also noted that the government had not made the Kempanna Commission report public, but Mr Siddaramaiah shot back that it had given his government a clean chit.

A heated argument later, the BJP members staged a walkout and the House passed the motion of thanks to the Governors address by a voice vote.
Nair's departure comes after several high-profile business leaders and politicians have quit or been fired in the past year following accusations of sexual harassment. (Photo: AFP)

Detroit: Ford Motor Co said on Wednesday that Raj Nair, its president for North America, was leaving the company immediately after an internal investigation found his behaviour was "inconsistent with the company's code of conduct."

Ford did not give any details on what that behavior entailed. A company spokesman said the review was launched in the past few weeks after Ford received a report of inappropriate behaviour.

Nair's departure comes after several high-profile business leaders and politicians have quit or been fired in the past year following accusations of sexual harassment, with the social media movement known as #MeToo pressing for more accountability in corporate cultures.

"We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration," said Ford Chief Executive Jim Hackett in a statement. "Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values."

As North American chief, Nair was responsible for operations that generate about 90 percent of Ford's global profits.

Nair apologized, without elaborating.

"I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviours consistent with the principles that the Company and I have always espoused," Nair said in Ford's statement.

The company is not investigating other executives for similar cases, a Ford spokesman said.

Nair, 53, was appointed to his current position last May when Hackett became CEO of the No 2 US automaker.

Nair previously served as Ford's chief technical officer. He joined Ford in 1987 and rose through the automaker's manufacturing and engineering ranks to become head of global product development in 2015.

Nair stands to lose about USD 4.8 million worth of Ford restricted shares he was granted in May 2017 that would have vested had a remained with the company until May 2020.

In August, Ford agreed to pay up to USD 10.125 million to settle an investigation into sex and race harassment at two plants in Chicago conducted by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The EEOC said female and African-American employees had been subjected to sexual and racial harassment and found the automaker retaliated against employees who complained about the harassment or discrimination.

In an open letter after the New York Times published a widely read article on the matter, Hackett wrote "there is absolutely no room for harassment at Ford Motor Company."

"We don't want you here, and we will move you out for engaging in any behaviour like this," he wrote.

Ford has been working to effect a turnaround in its operations to improve profitability as Ford's automotive profit margins have shrunk.

In emailed commentary, Michelle Krebs, executive analyst at Autotrader, the online market for cars, said this comes "at a particularly bad time for Ford."

"Investors and analysts have been unhappy with the seeming lack of a clear direction for Ford," she said. "The pressure is on Jim Hackett... to lay out a clear road ahead for Ford."

The company's margins have fallen behind rivals General Motors Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV.

Year to date, Ford shares are down 14 percent.

In extended trading on Wednesday, Ford shares were unchanged from their official close of USD 10.60.
In all, 21 priests have been murdered in Mexico since President Enrique Pena Nieto took office in 2012, according to Church statistics. (Photo: AFP)

Acapulco: When 15 armed men descended on his church in 2017 demanding a blessing, Father Jesus Mendoza asked them to leave their guns outside.

"I can't bless you if you're armed," said the Catholic priest, who works in the violent southern state of Guerrero.

The drug cartel enforcers agreed to put down their rifles, and Mendoza in turn agreed to pray for them.

"God, please touch the hearts of those who forget that we are brothers, and cause suffering and death," he said.

The story is one of many that show the uneasy relationship between priests and drug traffickers in heavily Catholic Mexico, where some Church officials say they have no choice but to engage with the powerful cartels that have de facto control over the regions where they work.

The issue erupted into the headlines again in February when two priests were murdered in Guerrero in a carjacking that had the hallmarks of a drug hit.

In all, 21 priests have been murdered in Mexico since President Enrique Pena Nieto took office in 2012, according to Church statistics.

After the latest murders, Salvador Rangel, the bishop of Chilpancingo, Guerrero was vocal in insisting that Church leaders must engage in dialogue with drug traffickers to prevent a repeat of such incidents in the state.

"I'm trying to make sure there are no more murders," he said.

That clashes with the stance of the Mexican government, which sent the military into the streets to fight drug cartels in 2006 and has been fighting a bloody war with them ever since.

The drug war has unleashed a wave of violence on Mexico. In 2017, more than 25,000 people were murdered, setting a new record. Guerrero had the most of any state: 2,318.

Heavy Toll

The Mexican bishops' conference has publicly backed Rangel.

"The bishop is bravely doing his job, and we support him," the group's secretary, Father Alfonso Miranda, said.

In Guerrero, Father Mendoza has spent more than 20 years dealing with the problem on the ground.

He sees Bishop Rangel's reaction as an "emergency tactic."

"It's something we have to do, to reduce the level of violence in some areas," said Mendoza, 65, who served for years at a church in the violent port city of Acapulco before being transferred to a rural congregation outside the city for his own protection.

In the two decades Mendoza worked in the city, he saw Acapulco go from a quiet resort town to a scene of bloody cartel turf wars with several murders a day.

"I started reaching out to families whose loved ones were murdered or missing. It was something that caught us all by surprise," said the gray-haired priest, wearing a simple blue shirt that made him blend in with his congregation in the rural community where he works now, known simply as "Kilometer 30."

He spent eight years working on a support program for victims and their families, and also reaching out to drug traffickers until the violence became too much for him.

"For years, I was bearing the weight of all this every day. And I probably didn't take care of my own emotional health as well as I should have," he said.

One day, he simply collapsed.

After that, his health plunged into a downward spiral. He lost sight in one eye and had to take a five-month leave of absence.

"It all starts to erode your health after a while," he said.

God Brought Them To Me

But despite it all, he went back to his work.

Now, in Kilometer 30 a village in the middle of cartel country, where there is virtually no sign of the police, local government or any other presence of the Mexican state his door remains open to all, he said.

"When I cross paths with (cartel) gunmen, I greet them. As a pastor, I try to send the message, 'I'm here for you. If you need me for anything, I'm here to serve you,'" he said.

He recalled how in Acapulco, the drug cartel that controlled the area where he worked posted a "hawk," or lookout, outside his church every day for seven years.

"I always made an effort to get to know these young men. There were 15 of them over the years. They would change them. Which meant that the previous one had been killed," Mendoza said.

"Each time, I tried to treat them as brothers. I would tell them, 'I'm here for you if you need anything.'" He even invited some of them to join his parish.

When the group of 15 armed men showed up at the church he now leads, he said, he saw it as an opportunity.

"God brought them to me. They had a spiritual need, and I had to help them," he said.

"I tried to use that opportunity to help them understand."
As an example, one of the shooters on the list is Adam Lanza. Lanza carried out the attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. While the internet meme claims he was a registered Democrat, news reports indicate he wasn't registered to vote.

Another shooter on the list is Jared Loughner, who killed six people and severely wounded then-U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. While the meme alleges Loughner was a Democrat, records show he was actually a registered independent.

But what the internet meme and Tenney's claim ignores are the facts behind a vast majority of mass shootings. Authorities who have investigated these crimes have determined that these aren't politically motivated acts. In the case of Lanza, he was mentally ill. Mental health was also a factor in Loughner's case.

That didn't stop Tenney from making the claim. Her comments drew national attention and her Democratic challenger, Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, demanded an apology.

"This toxic rhetoric is shameful coming from an elected official and is a new low even for Claudia Tenney," Brindisi, D-Utica, said. "She has disrespected the office she holds. Inserting politics into a national tragedy is beyond the pale and disgusting."
Ravneet Singh, who is from Punjab, was waiting to enter the Portcullis House, part of the British Parliamentary Estate, to meet Sikh Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi when the assault took place on Wednesday.

London: A 37-year-old Sikhs turban was ripped by a white man shouting Muslim go back outside the UK parliament, according to a media report.

Ravneet Singh, who is from Punjab, was waiting to enter the Portcullis House, part of the British Parliamentary Estate, to meet Sikh Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi when the assault took place on Wednesday.

Mr Singh said he was waiting in the queue when the man, who was shouting Muslim go back, approached him and tried to remove his turban. I was in the queue outside Portcullis House and this guy ran up to us. Just before we got to the entrance he came up to me and attacked me. He was pulling at my turban strongly. It half moved and I grabbed it. Before he could do anything else I shouted at him and he ran, Mr Singh was quoted as saying.

Mr Singh said the man made a racist comment in another language that he did not understand.

He was a white man, but he didnt sound English, he added.

Dhesi, who was to host Singh, expressed disgust at the incident and sought action against the culprit.
When their relationship was first revealed in 2016, Harry issued a strongly-worded statement against media harassment of his mixed-race girlfriend. (Photo: AFP)

London: A letter with white powder was sent to Britains Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle, the Evening Standard newspaper reported on Thursday, saying it was also believed to contain a racist message.

The paper said officers from the Metropolitan Polices counter-terrorism command were called in after the letter was received on February 12 at a sorting office in St Jamess Palace in central London.

But analysis of the powder found that it was harmless.

Contacted by AFP, Prince Harrys press service at Kensington Palace declined to comment on the report.

Police are investigating after a package containing a substance was delivered to St Jamess Palace on Monday, 12 February, police said in a statement.

The substance was tested and confirmed as non-suspicious. Officers are also investigating an allegation of malicious communications which relates to the same package, the statement said.

The Evening Standard said police were believed to be examining whether the incident was linked to a package containing white powder that was sent to the British parliament on February 13.

The couple are due to marry in Windsor on May 19.

When their relationship was first revealed in 2016, Harry issued a strongly-worded statement against media harassment of his mixed-race girlfriend.

Harrys communications secretary Jason Knauf said at the time that Markle had been the subject of a wave of abuse and harassment.

Prince Harry is worried about Ms Markles safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her, Knauf said then.
Ravneet Singh, 37, from Punjab in India, said he was waiting to enter the Portcullis House, part of the British Parliamentary Estate, to meet Sikh Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi when the assault took place Wednesday. (Representational Image)

London: An Indian Sikh man's turban was ripped by a white man in an apparent racist attack outside the UK parliament, according to a media report.

Ravneet Singh, 37, from Punjab in India, said he was waiting to enter the Portcullis House, part of the British Parliamentary Estate, to meet Sikh Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi when the assault took place Wednesday.

Singh said he was waiting in the queue when the man, who was shouting "Muslim go back", approached him and attempted to remove his turban, a religious headgear worn by Sikh men.

"I was in the queue outside Portcullis House and this guy ran up to us. Just before we got to the entrance he came up to me and attacked me.

"He was pulling at my turban strongly. It half moved and I grabbed it. Before he could do anything else I shouted at him and he ran," he was quoted as saying by The Independent.

Singh said that the man made a "racist comment" in another language that he did not recognise.

"He was a white man, but he didn't sound English. He said something like 'Muslim go back'," he added.

Labour MP Dhesi, who was to host Singh, expressed "disgust" at the incident and sought action against the culprit.

"Disgusted to discover today that someone filled with hatred tried to pull off the turban of one of my guests standing in line outside @UKParliament. I hope the @metpoliceuk /authorities will take urgent action," Dhesi tweeted.

According to the report, the police have confirmed being alerted at 5.20 pm about the assault outside Portcullis House, the building adjacent to the Houses of Parliament, which is home to offices for MPs and their staff.

No arrest has been made so far, with the police probing the case.
MSc course



The University of Strathclyde, Glasgow is inviting applications for MSc Advance Computer Science with Big Data course starting in September 2018. For more details, email cis-pgtadmissions@strath.ac.uk.

IIMK LIVE

IIMK LIVE, a Business Incubator and Entrepreneurship Development Centre of IIM Kozhikode, is now inviting applications for the next round of incubation programme. The last date to apply is March 20. To apply, visit www.iimklive.org. For more details, email enquiry@iimklive.org.

Admissions

Manipal Academy of Higher Education invites applications from aspiring students for the year 2018. Interested students can apply online at apply.manipal.edu.

Tech course

TalentSprint has announced Foundations of FinTech and Blockchain, a new programme for technology and finance professionals. The programme will be offered in Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai. To know more, visit www.talentsprint.com/ftbc.

Film contest

Sony Pictures Television Networks (SPTN), in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, invites submissions from emerging filmmakers, storytellers and change makers for the Picture This Festival for the Planet, a short-film competition. Videos will need to be between one and eight minutes long. Submissions will close on April 30. For more details, visit www.sonypicturethis.com.

Education Expo

EdTechReview invites students for its Higher Education Technology Conference & Expo. It will be held between 9.00 am and 2.30 pm on March 22 at Vivanta by Taj, MG Road, Bengaluru. Participants can register online at www.bit.ly/2FhqCH4 or at the venue from 8.00 am.

Distance courses

The Directorate of Correspondence Courses and Distance Education of Bangalore University invites applications for various UG courses (2nd and 3rd year) and PG courses (2nd year) for the academic year 2017-2018. The last date to apply is March 15. For more details, visit www.dccbub.in or call 080-22961261.

Nature workshop

Greenwood High, Bannerghatta, in association with Prani - a pet sanctuary, open its doors for children to experience nature. This will take place on February 24, 2018 from 9.30 am - 5.00 pm at Greenwood High, Bannerghatta. For more details, call 8884434000 or email contact.bgt@greenwoodhigh.edu.in.

Content writing internship

Nightingales Medical Trust invites applications for an internship in content writing. Students with proficiency in English and interest in

Social Media can apply. The stipend is Rs 20,000. To apply, email hr@nightingaleseldercare.com or call 9243737217.

Short-term course

Euro Chroma Institute of Cosmetology invites applications for its short-term certificate course in Special Effects Makeup (SFX). To apply, call 9560095624 or email institute@eurochroma.com. The last date to apply is February 26, 2018.

TCS TechBytes

Tata Consultancy Services(TCS) and the Board for IT Education Standards (BITES) are rolling out the ninth edition of the Engineering IT Quiz a TCS TechBytes. The quiz is open for engineering students in Karnataka. Entries have to be sent on or before February 26, 2018 to bitesitquiz@gmail.com or The Coordinator, BITES-TCS IT Quiz, BITES, IIIT-B Campus, 2nd Floor, Innovation Centre, 26/C, Electronics City Phase 1, Hosur Road, Bengaluru. For more details, visit www.bites.org.in.

Programming internship

Nvidia is hiring interns for Python & C/C++ Development profile in Bengaluru. Students with knowledge of Python, OpenGL, C Programming and C++ Programming can apply by March 5. The stipend is Rs 20,000 per month. To apply, visit www.bit.ly/DH-213.

HR internship

eLitmus Evaluation is hiring interns for Human Resource profile in Bengaluru. Students with knowledge of MS-Word and MS-Excel can apply by March 5. The stipend is Rs 5,000 per month. To apply, visit www.bit.ly/DH-214.

Typography scholarship

The Type Directors Club and Monotype invite applications for the TDC Beatrice Warde Scholarship 2018 from meritorious undergraduate female candidates who are interested in typography. The last date to apply is February 23. For more details, visit www.bit.ly/2hpRutS.

EV4GH 2018

Emerging Voices for Global Health (EV4GH) 2018 is an international training programme for young, emerging and promising researchers in the health system sector. The last date to apply is March 5. For more details, visit www.ev4gh.net.

Scholarship test

Modi Foundation invites applications for Siksha Abhiyan Scholarship Test 2018 from Class 8 to 12 students. The scholarship has been introduced to fulfil students' dream of education and also to support their parents. The last date to apply is February 25. For more details, visit www.modifoundation.co.in.

ECU scholarship

The Edith Cowan University (ECU) invites applications for ECU Petroleum Engineering First Cohort Scholarship 2018 from students who are seeking admission to the BE in Petroleum Engineering (Honours) programme. The last date to apply is February 26. For more details, visit www.bit.ly/2xTwyVp.

AFMS scholarship

Alfred Ford School of Management invites applications for the AFMS Scholarship 2018 for MBA programme from the applicants all over the world. The last date to apply is February 26. For more details, visit www.bit.ly/2EFHSss.

Benavitch scholarships

St Catharine's College, Cambridge invites applications for Benavitch Scholarships 2018 from MBA, MFin and EMBA and PhD students in Management Studies. The last date to apply is February 27. For more details, visit www.bit.ly/2CyNNcR.

EMJMD scholarship

GLODEP International Development Studies invites applications for EMJMD Scholarship from Master's degree applicants. The scholarship is for students who have completed their undergraduate degree in areas like development studies, geography, economics, sociology and international relations. The last date to apply is February 28 . For more details, visit www.bit.ly/2G9kj8r.

Essay contest

Nerdy Bot invites applications for Nerdy Bot Scholarship Essay Competition 2018 from high school and university students. The topic for the essay competition is 'How can Artificial Intelligence help you with your studies?' The last date to submit the application is February 28. For more details, visit www.bit.ly/2GCPQA3.

Summer internship

IIT Roorkee-SPARK invites applications for Summer Internship Programme 2018 from students who are pursuing BTech, BArch, BE or MSc and have completed at least two semesters. The last date to apply is February 28. For more details, visit spark.iitr.ac.in.

Photography contest

IPPAWARDS announces the 11th Annual iPhone Photography Awards 2018 for photographers. The entries must be taken using iPhone or iPad. The last date to submit is March 31. For more details, visit www.bit.ly/2EUKvWH.




Democratic Senator Robert has written a letter to the US Ambassador to India to ensure that, son of the US president, who is visiting India, is not given any special treatment by the diplomatic mission, except for the one required by the security.

Menendez's wrote a letter, as he said that he was concerned about a speech tomorrow at the business summit by Donald J Trump Jr which may send a "mistaken message that he is speaking on behalf of Donald Trump".

The 40-year-old son of the US President is currently on a business trip India. He is executive vice president of the Trump Organization which is developing a number of high profile properties in various parts of the country.

"Given the potential to confuse Mr Trump's private business visit with having an official governmental purpose, I write to ensure that the US embassy presence in India will have no role in supporting Mr Trump or the Trump Organization during his time in India, other than that necessary to provide any security support for the US Secret Service," the New Jersey Senator said in a letter to US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster.

"I expect that the US State Department, includingA US Embassy Delhi, will treat Mr Trump no differently than it would any other American individual visiting on private business, and will take every effort to avoid any perception of special treatment or a conflict of interest," he said as he listed a series of questions to Juster on the visit of the son of the US president.

The Trump Administration has said that Donald J Trump Jr is on a personal business visit to India.

In his letter, Menendez also raised concerns about his scheduled speech on Indo-Pacific relations at the Global Business Summit in Delhi on Friday.

"Given that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and multiple government ministers will speak at the same event, I am concerned that Mr Trump's speech will send the mistaken message that he is speaking on behalf of the President, the Administration or the United States government, not as a private individual, or that he is communicating official American policy," Menendez said.
A major fire broke out in the Innovative film city, Bidadi, Ramanagara district in the wee hours of Thursday. There is no report of casualties yet.



The fire broke out at 3:00 am and a major part of the museum were gutted in the fire. The fire also reached the sets of Kannada Bigg Boss.



Seven fire tenders have rushed to the spot. The authorities of Innovative film city have barred the entry for media persons and visitors.



More details are awaited...
More than 100 girls were missing today, police said, two days after a Boko Haram attack on their school in northeast Nigeria that has raised fears of a repeat of the 2014 Chibok kidnapping that shocked the world.



Islamist militants stormed the Government Girls Science Secondary School in Dapchi, Yobe state, on Monday evening. Locals initially said the girls and their teachers fled.



But fears have been growing about the whereabouts of the students.

Around 50 parents and guardians converged on the school today to demand answers, as police said 111 were still missing.

The police commissioner of Yobe state, Abdulmaliki Sumonu told reporters in the state capital, Damaturu, that "815 students returned to the school and were visibly seen, out of 926 in the school".

"The rest are missing. No case of abduction has so far been established," he added.

The length of time since the attack and Boko Haram's use of kidnapping as a weapon during its nearly nine-year insurgency has increased fears of another mass abduction.

The jihadists gained worldwide notoriety in April 2014 when they abducted 276 girls from their school in Chibok, in neighbouring Borno state.

Fifty-seven escaped in the immediate aftermath and since May last year, 107 have either escaped or been released as part of a government-brokered deal.

A total of 112 are still being held.

Abubakar Shehu, whose niece is among those missing from Dapchi, told AFP: "Our girls have been missing for two days and we don't know their whereabouts.

"Although we were told they had run to some villages, we have been to all these villages mentioned without any luck. We are beginning to harbour fears the worst might have happened.

"We have the fear that we are dealing with another Chibok scenario." The state-run boarding school in Dapchi caters for girls aged 11 and above from across Yobe state, which is one of three worst affected by the insurgency.

Inuwa Mohammed, whose 16-year-old daughter, Falmata, is also missing, said it was a confused picture and that parents had been frantically searching surrounding villages.

"Nobody is telling us anything officially," he said. "We still don't know how many of our daughters were recovered and how many are still missing.

"We have been hearing many numbers, between 67 and 94." Yobe's education commissioner, Mohammed Lamin, said the school had been shut and a rollcall of all the girls who have returned was being conducted.

"It is only after the head-count that we will be able to say whether any girls were taken," he said.

Some of the girls had fled to villages up to 30 kilometres (nearly 20 miles) away through the remote bushland, he added.

Nigeria's information minister said he would visit Dapchi tomorrow with the defence and foreign ministers. Boko Haram has seized thousands of women and young girls, as well as men and boys of fighting age during the conflict, which has left at least 20,000 dead since 2009.

Some 300 children were among 500 people abducted from the town of Damasak in November 2014.

Getting accurate information from the remote northeast remains difficult. The army still largely controls access and infrastructure have been devastated by nine years of conflict.

In Chibok, the military initially claimed the students had all been found but was forced to backtrack when parents and the school principal said otherwise.

As the issue gained world attention, spawning the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls, the then president Goodluck Jonathan was increasingly criticised for his lacklustre response.

The mass abduction and Jonathan's handling of it were seen as contributing to his 2015 election defeat to Muhammadu Buhari, who promised to bring the Boko Haram insurgency to an end.

But despite Buhari's repeated claims the group is weakened to the point of defeat, civilians remain vulnerable to suicide attacks and hit-and-run raids in the remote northeast.

Security analysts told AFP yesterday that government ransom payments to secure the release of the Chibok girls could have given the under-pressure group ideas for financing.

"They need money for arms, ammunition, vehicles, to keep their army of fighters moving across the borders," said Amaechi Nwokolo, from the Roman Institute of International Studies.

"They're spending a lot of money on arms and logistics."
Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel has cancelled tonight's dinner invitation to Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist.



Patel was hosting the dinner for the visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his delegation.

"The High Commission has rescinded Mr Atwal's invitation.? We do not comment on matters relating to the PM's security?," the Canadian High Commission here said.

Atwal was convicted for trying to kill the then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

The cancellation comes at a time when Trudeau's pro-Khalistan approach is being criticised by many including Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who raised the issue with the Canadian prime minister during a meeting.

On his part, Trudeau assured Singh that his country does not support separatism in India or elsewhere.
AURORA  The village of Aurora's board of trustees unanimously agreed to move forward with a $40,000 feasibility study to be contracted with K. Teter Consulting LLC to help determine a solution for a new water source.

There is no contract yet, but the village voted to move forward with the plan "to produce a feasibility study for a water plant in Aurora," Mayor Bonnie Apgar Bennett said during the meeting Wednesday. The vote also allowed Bennett to send out a request to Wells College and the Inns of Aurora to ask them to split the cost of the study in thirds.

The study will identify all of the problems as well as all of the available solutions for Aurora as they continue to seek out a new water source as the Wells College water plant will be decommissioned in the future. The study needs to be done so that the village can look into applying for grants and funds, because without the study, the village is disqualified due to the median income of its residents being too high.
The ED today said it has frozen mutual funds and shares worth Rs 94.52 crore of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups in connection with money laundering probe against them in the Rs 11,400-crore alleged fraud at the Punjab National Bank (PNB).



It also seized nine high-end luxury cars of Modi as part of its investigation against him under the criminal provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Officials of the agency said frozen mutual funds and shares worth Rs 86.72 crore belonging to Choksi and his group, and the rest are owned by the Modi group.

Choksi is Modi's uncle and promoter of the Gitanjali Gems group and other jewellery brands.

The central probe agency also seized nine costly cars of Modi, recovered by it during raids last week.

These include a Rolls Royce Ghost, a Mercedes Benz, a Porsche Panamera, three Honda variants, a Toyota Fortuner and an Innova.

Modi, Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies after it recently came to light, following a complaint by the PNB, that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of Rs 11,400 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

The CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the case. Both Modi and Choski are said to have left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them.
Scripting history, flying officer Avani Chaturvedi has become the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft, an IAF official said. "Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo when she flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo flight," the official.



She undertook the sortie from IAF's Jamnagar base on Monday, he said. Three women pilots, Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh, had undergone strenuous training programme to fly fighter jets. They were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis. The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for the fighter stream.
Looking to recover over Rs 7,000 crore of investors' money, markets regulator Sebi will next month auction 11 properties of Pancard Clubs and its late CMD at a total reserve price of Rs 260 crore.



This is in addition to 22 properties that were auctioned between December and February with a combined reserve price of Rs 552 crore.

In a notice issued today, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said SBI Capital Markets will auction 10 properties of Pancard Clubs and one property of its late CMD Sudhir Moravekar on March 21 at a reserve price of Rs 259.48 crore.

The properties listed for sale include a four-star hotel, resorts, land parcels, office space and shops in Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Haryana.

Sebi said the bidders should make their own independent enquiries regarding the "nature, type, classifications, encumbrances, litigations, attachments, acquisition liabilities" of the properties put under auction before submitting their bids.

"The properties are being sold with all the existing and future encumbrances, whether known or unknown to Sebi. Sebi shall not be responsible in any way for any third party claims, rights or dues etc," the regulator added.

The company had failed to comply with Sebi's direction in February 2016 ordering it to refund to investors over Rs 7,000 crore, raised through illegal collective investment schemes (CIS).

Pancard Clubs had mobilised Rs 7,035 crore from 51,55,516 investors from 2002-03 to 2013-14 through its various holiday schemes.
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who returned here on Thursday after being discharged from a Mumbai hospital, said he would carry on with his regular duties, but his interaction with public will be limited for some time as advised by doctors.



Parrikar, who was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai for a pancreatic ailment since February 15, presented the Budget and also chaired a state Cabinet meeting upon his return.

In a press statement, Parrikar said the overwhelming love shown by people has strengthened his conviction that Goa and Goans are his "extended family".

"I thank everyone who wished me speedy recovery through messages, letters and prayers at various temples, churches, mosques and in other ways," Parrikar said.

"I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of your love and affection. It fortifies my conviction that Goa and Goans are my extended family. It is your wishes and prayers which have helped (me) to serve the state and the nation today..." he said in the statement.

"For complete recovery, I have been advised by doctors some precautions in the immediate short term. During this period, my interaction with the public will be limited. I will be discharging my regular duties and obligations as the chief minister of the state," he said.
The Supreme Court on Thursday once again stressed that the court cannot intervene in an adult woman's choice of marriage. The government or investigating agencies were, however, not denuded of its power to check if the couple indulged in anything manifestly illegal, it said.



"Can there be a roving inquiry into the marriage of adults? Test of vulnerability of an adult is subjective. Law is averse to examining it. A father may say her daughter is entering into wrong marriage. But the law cannot prevent it. When a person (spouse) concerned comes and tells it, courts can protect the individual," a three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said.

The court made the observations after senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Kerala-based Asokan K M, contended that his daughter Akhila was converted to Islam by a well-oiled machinery active in the state to recruit people for fighting in Syria on behalf of the IS.

"Marriage in her case is just a charade and a device to keep her out. Her husband is a stooge," he said, urging the court to hear the National Investigation Agency, which investigated instances of trafficking of such vulnerable people.

Divan vehemently defended the Kerala High Court's judgement that annulled Hadiya's marriage to Shafin Jahan while exercising the plenary power under Article 226 (writ jurisdiction) of the Constitution.

"When the high court was examining the father's petition of habeas corpus, a stranger walks in and calls himself her husband," he claimed.

'To rear sheep in Syria'

"The high court examined the matter and exercised its power as she was vulnerable," Divan submitted. He cited the conversation of the father with the daughter, where she talked about her wish to go to Syria to rear sheep. A daughter, studying homoeopathy medicine, suddenly talking about rearing sheep would alarm any parent, he said.

"Can we say the marriage in her case is not in her interest? We can't annul marriage but we can't come in the way of the government exercising its jurisdiction to put restriction on people travelling abroad for something manifestly illegal," the bench said.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the husband, refuted charges that the daughter ever talked about going to Syria to rear sheep.

The court allowed Asokan and others to file response to Akhila alias Hadiya's affidavit that she had embraced Islam on her own will and wanted to live with her husband. The court also allowed a plea by activist Rahul Eswar expunging certain allegations against him in an affidavit.

It put the matter for further hearing on March 8.
A burglary was attempted at the State Bank of India (SBI) branch on Kunigal Road in the city on Tuesday night.



Account holders who learnt of the theft attempt on Wednesday morning were shocked.

A rise in burglary and dacoity incidents in the city is disturbing the denizens of Tumakuru.

The burglars who struck at the SBI branch on Wednesday, gained entry by cutting the window bars. They cut the power supply to the CCTV camera thereby disabling the device.

They have tried to pry open the vault with crowbars, but failed to do it. So they have escaped empty handed.

The bank staff got to know of the attempted burglary when they entered the branch the next morning. Fingerprint experts and the dog squad visited the scene of the crime looking for clues.

Tilak Park police have registered the case and are investigating. The additional superintendent of police visited the spot and gathered information from the bank staff.
A special court here has awarded 10-year jail term to a man convicted of smuggling poppy husk.



The court of special judge Rajesh Kumar Gupta yesterday sentenced Rajasthan resident Vishnu Kumar Mali for smuggling poppy husk, public prosecutor P N Malakar said today.

The court has also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Mali. In the event of Mali not paying the fine, he will have to undergo an additional year of imprisonment.

Mali was nabbed on June 18, 2017 from Ghoghatpur under the Machalpur police station limits. He said around 225 kilograms of poppy husk was recovered from Mali's vehicles which was searched by the police following a tip-off.

While Mali was arrested, the other occupants of the vehicle managed to flee, officials said.

A case was registered against him under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Farmers' leader and MLA K S Puttannaiah, who passed away on Sunday, was laid to rest with state honours at his native Kyathanahalli in Pandavapura taluk, Mandya district on Thursday.

Thousands of farmers bid adieu to the leader, who was laid to rest at his coconut farm. No religious rituals were held during the funeral, and Puttannaiah was buried amid singing of farmers' movement songs and poet Kuvempu's Vishwamanava song.





Farmers' representatives from across the state showered the soil they had brought from their respective villages on the grave as a mark of respect to their leader. Religious leaders of Hindus, Muslims and Christians attended the ceremony. Former director of Rangayana, H Janardhan, and his troupe sang farmers' songs.

Green tribute

Earlier, members of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene covered Puttannaiah's body with a green shawl. After Puttannaiah was laid to rest, the farmers drew a plough on the grave and sprinkled turmeric and vermilion. They also placed green flags around the grave.

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, Health Minister K R Ramesh Kumar, Food and Civil Supplies Minister U T Khader, Housing and district inchargeMinister M Krishnappa, Swaraj India Party leader Yogendra Yadav, MP Raju Shetty, JD(S) leader A H Vishwanath, Salumarada Thimmakka, and writer Devanur Mahadev paid their last respects.

Fan hangs himself

Depressed over the death of Puttannaiah, an ardent follower of his committed suicide by hanging on Thursday.

Chandru (28), a resident of Kyathanahalli, is the deceased. According to sources, Puttannaiah was fond of Chandru and would play a game of dice with him whenever he found time.

For the past two days, Chandru was busy making arrangements for Puttannaiah's last rites. People had seen him fix cutouts of the late leader across the village on Wednesday night.

On Thursday morning, he was found hanging. His death note said, "I am responsible for my death. My last rites should be performed next to Puttannaiah's grave". He leaves behind his parents. Chandru's body was cremated next to Puttannaiah's grave.
About two weeks ago the school was serving about 24 children, Pirozzolo said, adding that Cayuga Centers had told him it was hoping to have 30 children in the school by March 1. He did not know that only 14 remained.

"It's very unfortunate with the closure and the impact and the effect that it has had not only at Cayuga Centers, but the school district and the community as well," he said. "We've been in partnerships with Cayuga Centers for over 20 years, and it's unfortunate to hear this information third-hand, and not directly from Cayuga Centers leadership and board."

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The positions Cayuga Centers is cutting include group care workers, unit managers, assistant managers, clinicians, case planners, maintenance and kitchen staff, Hayes said. There are also some cuts in human resources and in the administration that had supported the residential treatment center in different ways.

"Trustees and senior staff members deeply regret having to lay off so many excellent people," said David Connelly, chair of the board, in a release. "They have been working extraordinarily hard, heart and soul, trying to make our residential program work under increasingly difficult circumstances. It grieves us to have to let them go."
The CIC should invite suggestions from various stakeholders including regulatory bodies on temporarily suspending indirect government-funding, such as tax rebate and subsidised offices, to six national political parties which are allegedly not following its order to come under the RTI Act, an activist has said.



Subhash Agrawal, who is one of the complainants in the case against political parties, has written to Chief Information Commissioner R K Mathur suggesting that indirect government-funding to the six parties that were declared public authority by a full bench of the Commission in 2013, be temporarily suspended.

A full bench of the Commission has declared six national parties --the BJP, Congress, BSP, NCP, CPI and CPM -- as public authorities on June 3, 2013, on the ground that they were indirectly funded by the government through relaxation in taxes, subsidised offices and airtime, among other facilities.



A number of complaints reached the Commission that the political parties were not complying with its order hence penalties should be imposed on them. The Commission had constituted first a three-member bench and later a four-member bench but no hearing has taken place since December 2016.



The latest hearing scheduled for February 20 was postponed without giving any reason, Agrawal said. It is a unique matter where law-making political parties are not complying with directions of an autonomous body constituted through a legislation passed none other than by parties themselves, he said.



He said there is no timeline as to when they will abide by the law. I request that you may kindly at least invite comments from all concerned ones including concerned political parties, central and state governments, concerned government departments and other autonomous bodies including CBDT, CBEC, Prasar Bharti, Election Commission and Union Ministry of Urban Development seeking their views on the interim suspension of indirect government-funding, he wrote.

He said this is necessary because direct and indirect government-funding to political parties was one of the major aspects considered by the CIC to take them under the purview of the RTI Act.
The telecom department today unveiled a strategic plan for bringing together state-owned companies and organisations in the sector for promoting greater operational synergy among them, including effective utilisation of human resources as well as land and buildings.



The action plan covers Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), Indian Telephone Industries Ltd (ITI), Centre for Development of Telematics (CDOT), Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL), Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipments (TEC), BharatNet (BBNL).



"Under the plan, we have identified specific areas where our teams will work on including manpower, settlement of legal issues and utilisation of vacant space. I am pleased to see the focus on clearly-defined timelines and performance indicators," Telecom Minster Manoj Sinha said at a press conference.



He emphasised it is "critical" that substantial and tangible progress is make under the strategic plan in the next six months. A review mechanism at Department of Telecom (DoT) will keep the plans on track, Sinha added.



The strategic plan - the work on which began in January 2016 - entails amongst other things, an effective utilisation of Human Resources including deriving synergies in training of manpower, and creation of a common platform for web based online training by BSNL, in a time bound manner.



Other aspects include operational utilisation of vacant space, land and buildings within telecom PSUs and organisations within DoT, and promoting Make in India by taking advantage of preferential market access policy.



Also, the telecom PSUs will refrain from going to court against one another and, instead, first approach DoT for dispute resolution. The strategic roadmap will also cover other areas like standards and certification, and preparing to tap opportunities in areas like 5G and Internet of Things (IoT).



During the event today MoUs were also exchanged between various PSUs under the strategic plan. Amongst them are MoU between ITI and TCIL pertaining to export of products, ITI and CDOT for transfer of technology, and between MTNL, ITI and CDoT for joint execution of Internet of Things and smart city projects.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said the Central government sought to promote India's centuries-old medicinal practices which had become a "popular, credible and effective health hamper" for the world.



The traditional systems, which were thousands of years old, were a heritage inherited from ascetics, saints and sufis, the minister said, adding that India had now become the ayurveda and yoga hub of the world.



Along with modern health care, ancient medicinal systems such as ayurveda, unani, homeopathy and naturopathy were the priority of the Narendra Modi government, he said while inaugurating an annual festival at the Santhigiri Ashram near here.



The government was committed to providing the people with the best health care services which were also affordable and accessible, he said at the "Poojithapeedam Samarpanam" celebration and Kumbh Mela at the ashram.



While the government had been upgrading health services to an international level, it also encouraged and promoted the centuries-old traditional medicinal practices, a press release from the ashram quoted the minister as saying.



He pointed out that to promote and make people aware of the ancient medicinal systems, the Modi government had in 2014 formed a separate AYUSH Ministry for focused attention on the development of education and research in ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, unani, siddha and homoeopathy.



The strategy of adopting the latest medical systems and promoting traditional practices will help improve health services in the country, Naqvi said. The "Ayushman Bharat Yojana" programme, billed as the world's largest government-funded health insurance scheme announced in the Union budget earlier this month, would cover over 10 crore poor families or about 40-50 crore beneficiaries, he said.



The minister also stressed that communal harmony, tolerance and brotherhood were in "India's DNA". "We should all strengthen peace, prosperity, unity and communal harmony through spiritual culture to defeat those elements who want to disturb the fabric of harmony and brotherhood," he said.



Founded by Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru about five decades ago, the Santhigiri Ashram is a major spiritual centre today. Among its many activities is the rejuvenation of Indian systems of medicine.




Lets take the example of Abhay. A hardworking techie from Bangalore, he always wanted to take a trip to Spain but his finances never allowed him to fulfil his dream. His friends talked about how they got discounted rates on flights using their credit card but Abhay was unconvinced. It was only after he got a travel credit card that he could make his dream vacation real with the help of sign-up bonus reward points. His travel expenses were significantly reduced with the help of a credit card.





To turn your dream vacation into a reality, the first thing that you need to do is to find the top travel credit cards that you are eligible for. Banks, nowadays, offer several credit cards with numerous travel privileges.





The Art of Travelling on a Credit Card





This is the art you need to master if you want to make considerable savings on your next vacation. The first and the most obvious step is to find the right credit card- one that is loaded with travel benefits. Now, travel benefits may come in various forms-





* Some credit cards offer air miles on every transaction you make. Number of air miles earned may be more or less based on the type of transaction.





* Some banks offer the facility of converting normal reward points into air miles.





* You may also get discounted deals on flight fares when you book through a particular website.





You should strategize your expenses in a manner that lets you earn maximum rewards. Get a credit card which offers significant sign-up bonus rewards. For example, one of the SBI Credit Card offers 20,000 bonus reward points on payment of joining fee which can be redeemed for travel vouchers. So, it is important to get welcome benefits, especially if your credit card comes with a hefty annual fee. Sometimes, you are required to reach a certain spending limit within a defined period in order to avail the welcome bonus.





Rewards/Air Miles are the way you will earn from your credit card. So, try to earn as much as possible by putting your bills on that credit card. Find out what type of transactions give back the most and put those bills on that card.





Strategize Your Vacation and Maximize Your Rewards





If you want to travel for free or for a significantly lesser price, you need to maximize the rewards on your credit card. For this, you first require clear goals. Here, you begin by deciding where you want to go for the next trip and how much time you have so that you can plan accordingly. Once you have decided a location, research about the lodging and transportation cost along with how much you plan on spending. Set a clear travel budget.





Check the current reward points/air miles that you have accumulated so far and how much more to go for a beneficial redemption. Check your banks rewards catalogue to know about the terms and conditions of rewards redemption. Work towards earning more rewards by putting your grocery bills, utility bills and other expenses on that credit card. It is smart to put recurring expenses like these on your travel card for earning maximum rewards.





In case you are planning to apply for a new credit card, look for one that comes with great sign-up bonus rewards. Most of the travel credit cards offer the welcome bonus in the form of air miles or travel vouchers that can be redeemed with a particular brand. Both will be beneficial for someone who is planning a holiday.





Redeem at the Right Time





Timing is an extremely important factor when redeeming the rewards on your travel credit card. Both air miles and reward points have a certain lifetime after which they expire, so you must redeem them while they are still active. The date of expiry will be mentioned in your credit card online account.





Moreover, flight fares and hotel tariff may shoot up during peak times so you will need extra miles to cover the increased cost. If you want to save the most, it is better to travel during the off-peak season. Also, do not pay for every travel expenditure with a credit card. Sometimes, it makes more sense to pay cash.





Be a Smart Credit Card User





While it is wonderful to pay for your travel expenses in reward points, this move is good only when you are a responsible user. It is not advisable to put your bills on a credit card that already has several EMIs pending on it. If you think you cannot manage more debt, it is better not to go that way. It is quite tempting to make purchases with a credit card so you should be cautious and spend only up to a manageable limit.





When signing up for a travel credit card, you should be extra cautious. Read the terms and conditions especially those around reward earning and reward redemption. Remember that the reward programs have been designed in a way that they benefit the bank hence the terms and conditions will be laid down by the issuer. When you are confused about these, overspending is natural. So take care of a few important things-





* Pay your outstanding amount in full every month.





* Do not spend just for the sake of earning rewards.





* Keep track of your payment timelines.





* Check your credit score and put a hold on extra expenses when you think your credit utilization ratio is declining.





* Redeem the rewards while they are still active. Keep a check on their expiration date.





Using credit cards, you can make your dream vacation real at fraction of a total cost.

On the front, a vacation is all about visiting a new exotic location and collecting memories that you can cherish forever. But there is another side to holidays- the finances. From transport and lodging to dining and sightseeing, every component of your itinerary requires you to shell out a few thousand. Fortunately, there are some credit cards which make these expenses less of a burden for you in the form of rewards, cash back or sometimes even upfront discounts on flights and hotel stays. But how do you use them to get the most out of your travel budget?
The Madras High Court today issued notice to the state government on a petition challenging the appointment of a Tamil Nadu Assembly employee to a top post in the House.



Justice T Raja, before whom the petition from L S Vasanthimalar, Additional Secretary, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and B Subramaniyam, Joint Secretary, came up for hearing, issued notice to the government and to the governor's secretary and posted the matter for further hearing to March 1.

The petitioners challenged the appointment of K Srinivasan as special secretary of the assembly by the government, vide an order dated December 14, 2017.

They said the staff of the assembly are governed by Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Secretariat Service Rules 1955 according to which the governor is the appointing authority to all Class I posts in the state.

The petitioners submitted that in such a scenario the government appointed Srinivasan, who is private secretary to the speaker, as special secretary in a newly- created post.

Only officials holding post of additional secretary in the General Administrative Wing can be appointed special secretary or secretary, they contended.

The petitioners also submitted that Vasanthimalar is legally entitled to be appointed secretary to the assembly after the retirement of the K Boopathy, now the secretary on February 28, according to seniority and rules.

They sought a direction from the court for a declaration that the post of special secretary and secretary in the assembly can be held only by persons holding posts of additional secretary or joint secretary or deputy secretary in the General Administrative Wing.

The plea also sought an interim injunction restraining the secretary of the legislative assembly and secretary to governor from in anyway appointing or promoting or permitting Srinivasan to take charge or function as special secretary of the assembly pending disposal of the writ petition.
Ride hailing firm Uber today promised to continue investing in India as it saw it as an incredibly important and core market to grow and become a substitute to owning a car.



On his maiden trip to India, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the company's investment strategy will not change with Japan's SoftBank acquiring a stake in the US firm.

Refusing to disclose how much Uber has invested in India, he said, "it is a lot and that investment is going to continue."

Uber, he said, accounts for less than 1 per cent of miles driven in the world, and is an alternate to taxis. "What we really want is to be alternate to car ownership," he said adding problems of traffic and pollution that India faces can be solved with its pioneering share rides.

He said operations in India are not profitable but India accounts for more than 10 per cent of Uber's trips globally. "I expect (India) to account for higher and higher trips going forward," he told a media roundtable.

Asked if SoftBank, which is also an investor in rival and India's market leader Ola, has asked Uber to focus on profitable market, he said the company's strategies are decided by the board. "While SoftBank may have an opinion, their's is not the only opinion in the room," he said. "And it is my belief that we as a company need to have a balanced profile in terms of growth and investment."

Developed markets like the US will continue to be invested and will be profitable but Uber should "actively" invest in markets like India and Latin America because of their sheer size, he said. These markets have "huge growth ahead" for Uber, he said. Uber accounts for less than 1 per cent of the USD 5 trillion transportation industry globally and capturing higher share "requires investments in big markets with population, that have lot of growth ahead of them."

"We are investing and we are investing aggressively," he said.

SoftBank Vision Fund, which recently became Uber's largest shareholder with the formal closing of a USD 9.3 billion investment, has reportedly stated that Uber should focus on recovering its market share in the US and growing in key European markets, to have a faster path to profitability.

While India remains Uber's largest market outside of the US, it is also the biggest cost for the company.
State-owned PNB today said it has followed lawful avenues to recover its dues following Rs 11,400 crore swindling of funds allegedly by jewellery designer Nirav Modi and associates.



The country's second-largest public sector lender also reaffirmed that it has enough assets to meet any liability.

"We have followed lawful avenues available to us as per law of the land to recover our dues," the bank said in a regulatory filing.

Stock exchanges had sought clarification on Modi's comment that ''PNB has closed all options to recover dues by going public".

The bank had disclosed about the scam on February 14 through a regulatory filing.

On why it did not inform stock exchanges about the filing of FIR with CBI at the occurrence of the event, PNB said: "Since law enforcing agencies were assigned to investigate the matter, any news in public would have altered the fraudster, affecting recovery".

The bank said on basis of preliminary investigation report, it had simultaneously informed its Board and BSE, NSE of initial fraud case of Rs 280.7 crore.



"Upon receiving further investigation report enhancing the fraud amount to Rs 11,394 crore, FMR (Fraud Monitoring Return) with RBI, FIR with CBI were filed in the evening of February 13, 2018, and BSE and NSE were informed on February 14 around 9 am," the bank said.



About the impact of the scam on the financials and operations of the bank, it said: "We have enough assets/ capital to meet any liability which is decided as per law".
A whopping Rs 11,400-crore PNB scam has been overlooked at multiple auditing and regulatory levels said the Maharashtra State Bank Employees Federation (MSBEF).



The MSBEF, which is affiliated to the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), also demanded a Parliamentary probe into the issue.

"The entire fraud is a huge shock exposing the increasing trend of corporate loot of banks," said MSBEF General Secretary Devidas Tuljapurkar.

According to him, attempts are being made to dilute the magnitude of the fraud, "Such frauds cannot be committed in a simple way that a branch official would give LoU of Rs 11,400 crore in a period of six to seven years with no one knowing about it," he said.

The fraud has raised technology issues, supervision, monitoring, audit, internal control - besides the role of the Reserve Bank of India in the entire issue. "How is it that the RBI which carries out a regular audit of the banks could not even smell the fraud despite the number of years and the volume of money involved," Tuljapurkar said.

"The famous Harshad Mehta scam was because of the so-called innovative measure of banking receipts that landed the banking sector in deep crisis. The Nirav Modi fraud has seen the utilisations of new instrument of LoUs. Is the RBI going to do something about this?" he questioned.

Tuljapurkar said that in all probability the RBI would disown LoUs as it had the banker's receipts. "The RBI should have questioned the banks about the guarantees, examined the risks, and created necessary firewalls to make tax payers' money secure," he said.

He said that the RBI has miserably failed to fulfil its responsibility as a regulator of a vulnerable banking sector. "Why the same branch official was retained in the same department and place for so many years against to the rules," he said.
Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat has waded into yet another controversy by commenting that the rise of All India United Democratic Front a political party that champions cause of Muslims in Assam was faster than BJP.



"There is a party called AIUDF. If you look at it, they have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP grew over the years. BJP won only 2 seats in 1984. The AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in Assam than the Jansangh," Gen Rawat said at a seminar here on Wednesday.

Illegal immigration of Bangladeshi Muslims has been dominating emotions and politics in Assam for decades benefiting political parties like AGP, BJP and AIUDF. At the behest of the Supreme Court, the state government has now come out with a draft National Register of Citizens to filter out those living illegally in the NE state.

Predictably, the Army Chief's comments made in the context of the security dynamics of the North East triggered a row.

"People say we are a Muslim party which is false. We've always given 20-25 seats to our Hindu Brothers in all elections. Muslim brothers had also laid down their lives for the freedom struggle. We're Indians. Let us live with the dignity of an Indian," AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal said at a press conference in Guwahati.

"We respect Gen Rawat a lot but I think he has been misinformed and misguided. We would take up the issue with the Home Minister and the President," Ajmal said.

Army officials maintained on Thursday, "There is nothing political or religious in the talk if we understand the context."

The army chief was speaking at a seminar organised by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies on the theme of "North East region of India Bridging Gaps and Securing Borders." Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and former National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon too spoke at the same event.

Planned immigration

"A planned immigration is taking place because of our western neighbour (Pakistan). They will always try and ensure that this area is taken over, playing the proxy dimension of warfare. I think the proxy game is very well played by our western neighbour, supported by our northern neighbour (China) to keep the area disturbed. We will continue to see some migration happening. The solution lies in identifying the problem and holistically looking at it," he said.

This is not the first time Gen Rawat courted controversy because of his political comments. In January, his comments on the school curriculum in Jammu and Kashmir came under strong criticism from ministers in Jammu and Kashmir.
A senior Uttar Pradesh IAS officer was caught threatening to ''slit'' the throat of his sub-ordinate on camera in state's Saharanpur district.



The IAS officer, Pramod Kumar Pandey, the district magistrate of Saharanpur was heard telling an Executive Officer (EO) of the Behat town panchayat Rajiv Kumar that he would ''slit'' his (Kumar) throat if the latter did not complete the work.



''Nahin karoge to tumhara gala kaat denge'' (I will slit your throat if you don't do it), the DM is heard saying in the video that has gone viral on the social networking sites.



According to the sources the DM had been on a visit to Behat Nagar Panchayat where he inspected the works by the panchayat.



Pandey, however, denied having made the remarks and alleged that the video was ''fake''.



Barely a few days back union minister Maneka Gandhi, was caught publicly ''abusing'' a senior state government official, who was accused of indulging in corrupt deeds by the people, on camera.



''Kya izzat hai tumhari...admi izzat par jeeta hai.....tum mote ho rahe ho...logon ka khate ho,'' (what prestige do you have? People live for prestige. You have put on fat. You eat the share of public), Maneka was heard telling the official, who was a supply inspector. The people had accused the supply inspector of taking bribe for making ration cards.
MHANYS CEO Glenn Liebman said the organization had been fighting to get mental health instruction in state classrooms for years. As mental health has received more cultural attention in recent years, Liebman said, the organization saw that many schools weren't informing students about such issues.

"You could literally go from kindergarten to your senior year and not talk at all about things like anxiety and depression and suicide prevention," Liebman said.

However, Liebman said some schools reached out to MHANYS about the best way to teach students about mental health before the legislation passed. Now that the legislation has gone through, he said, the organization is constantly abuzz with inquires from schools.

Liebman said the guidance focuses on a few specific factors such as implementation, in regard to determining how the education should be presented to students and staff. Liebman said teachers will be given "guidance documents" in early June.

Liebman called the legislation a "real window of opportunity" for change, noting New York will be the first state leading the charge on required mental health education.

"A lot of eyes are on us across the country. We want to make sure we get this right for students in New York," Liebman said.
Bureaucrats in Delhi government are in no mood to compromise with Arvind Kejriwal-led dispensation till the Chief Minister apologises for the assault of Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash.



The senior bureaucrats and other officials said they continue to boycott meetings called by Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues till they get an apology from the chief minister. The officials had announced the boycott on Wednesday.



In a meeting on Thursday, around 200 officers decided that no official would attend meetings called by the chief minister and his ministers.



Officers from the IAS, DANICS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service) and DSSS (Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board) associations discussed the next course of action. In the meeting, all associations were on the same page on the protest, as they are feeling "unsafe".



A coordination committee comprising representatives of all associations have been formed and it was decided to continue peaceful protest against alleged assault of Prakash and work only through formal channels of communication, a statement said.



Prakash had alleged assault by two AAP MLAs Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal, who were arrested and sent to judicial custody. In a report to Ministry of Home Affairs, Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal gave detailed narration of the incident and quipped that there is a breakdown in relationship between the political leadership and bureaucracy.



AAP protested outside the Union Home Minister's residence saying Delhi Police has not taken any action in the complaints filed by their MLAs.
Paramilitary commandos may soon be deployed to guard the Indian Embassy and diplomatic staff in war-ravaged Iraq, following threats from the banned Islamic State (ISIS) terror groups, officials said.



An in-principle approval for the deployment of an armed squad at the complex located in the Al Mansour area of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad has been accorded by the Union ministries of home and external affairs, they said.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been tasked to provide its best combat personnel for the job.

They said that the commandos will have a specific task of securing the Embassy, its diplomatic staff and their families against terror threats.

"Given the constant threat of the ISIS terror group in Iraq, it was being discussed for a long time that the Indian Embassy there should have a professional security cover," a senior official privy to the development said.

"The effort to send the paramilitary commandos is a move in that direction. However, the final approval for stationing the squad in Baghdad is yet to be given by the government," the official said.

While there has be no targeted hit at the Indian mission in Baghdad, the city has witnessed suicide attacks and bombings by the ISIS terrorists.

The proposed contingent would not only guard the Embassy complex, but also provide a proximate security cover to senior diplomats and staffers every time they move out of the facility, he said.

Once cleared, the proposed contingent will be about 45-50 personnel strong and headed by a deputy commandant (DC) rank officer of the CRPF.

The commandos, who are highly motivated, having done a stint in the anti-Naxal operations, the forces' elite commando squad for jungle warfare CoBRA and who have been the "best performers" will be part of the proposed contingent, the official said.

The personnel will have to be adept in handling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and in conducting special operations and hostage rescue tasks, it said.

This will be the first such overseas task for the about 3-lakh personnel strong paramilitary force. While the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan is guarded by the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), those in Nepal and Colombo have the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Border Security Force (BF) contingents respectively.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the country's largest paramilitary and is primarily designated as the lead internal security and anti-Maoist operations conducting force.
A groom in Bihar called off his marriage at the last moment, just because he got selected as a Bihar constable on the eve of wedding. The success apparently went into his head and he asked for a hiked dowry.



"Hike the dowry amount from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh," the groom reportedly informed the bride's family. Since the bride's kin could not arrange the requisite amount at the last moment, neither the baraat arrived, nor the groom.

The incident took place at Kahuara village in Nawada district earlier this week.

"The bride's house was all decked up. So was the bride as well as other guests. Suddenly we were informed that the groom has refused to go ahead with the wedding. Reason, he had qualified in the recently published result for Bihar Police. So he demanded that the dowry amount be hiked to Rs 10 lakh," a family member was quoted in a vernacular daily with a request not to publish the name of the family.

The family source said that in the 'original deal', it was decided that the groom be handed over Rs 4 lakh as cash and jewellery worth Rs 3 lakh. "We had already given Rs 4 lakh as cash. The jewellery was purchased by us, but it was supposed to be handed over to the groom side during wedding rituals," the family member said.

With the hiked dowry demand not met at the last moment, neither the baraat arrived. Nor the groom.

The bride has now sought help of the local police to salvage her pride. On Tuesday, she went to Nardiganj police station in Nawada. Citing jurisdiction problem, the cops, however, sent her to Atari police station. The police there gave her a patient hearing but have so far refrained from taking any action on the plea that "the matter should be sorted out with the help of village elders and family members from both sides."
The Centre will not offer money to beneficiaries in place of take-home rations provided at anganwadis as proposed earlier, state governments have been told.



The government's think-tank NITI Aayog in its national nutrition strategy had recommended initiating pilot schemes in a few districts to test if cash transfers could replace the provision of take-home rations and supplementary nutrition as part of its Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) to plug leakages.



Under the ICDS, the government provides food, pre-school education and primary health care at anganwadi centres. As part of the government scheme, a child between six months and three years of age, as well as pregnant and lactating mothers till six months after delivery, get take-home rations.



Children in the 3-6 year age group get hot-cooked meals. The Centre's stand on the issue was clarified after Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Rajive Kumar sought permission from the government to start conditional cash transfers.



"The matter has been debated at length in this ministry and at present there is no such proposal for introducing conditional cash transfer in lieu of take home ration," wrote Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry Secretary R K Shrivastava in response to the request from UP.



The letter dated February 12 was also marked to the chief secretaries of all states and union territories. A spokesperson of the WCD ministry said the proposal to start cash transfers was struck down when the Cabinet approved the National Nutrition Mission in December last year.



When asked why the proposal was scrapped, the official said there was no way to ensure that the cash transferred would be used for nutrition by the beneficiaries and not for any other purpose.



The NITI Aayog, in its report last September, had said the take-home ration (THR), scheme "has been plagued with complaints of leakages, poor quality food supplement and vested interests and needs to be looked afresh... Pilots may be initiated in a few districts to test the efficacy of implementing the ICDS supplementary nutrition component through a cash transfer/conditional cash transfer route".



WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi had vehemently opposed cash transfers on the ground that a mother would not be able to buy adequate food if she were given the same cash amount that was used to procure rations at wholesale rates.



She had also said there was no way to ensure that the money transferred would be used for the purpose it was intended for. However, despite the minister's resistance, the PMO had accepted the NITI Aayog's proposal. The minutes of the meeting held on November 4, 2017, and chaired by Principal Secretary to PM on "Nutrition", mooted that the ministry take up pilot schemes for "Direct Cash Transfer (in DBT mode) in lieu of THR in a select few districts, in consultation with the State Governments".



Anganwadi services are currently being provided at 13.5 lakh centres across the country. There are 9.8 crore beneficiaries of whom nearly 8 crore are children under the age of six years and 1.8 crore are pregnant women and lactating mothers.



Last year, the Union Cabinet had approved an increase in the per day cost per beneficiary from Rs 6 to Rs 8 for children between the ages of six months and three years and from Rs 7 to Rs 9.50 for pregnant women and lactating mothers, which effectively translates into Rs 240 and Rs 285 per person per month respectively.



For severely malnourished children, the cost was revised from Rs 9 to Rs 12.50 translating into Rs 375 per month. The universal nutrition entitlement scheme is meant to provide supplementary nutrition in the prenatal and neonatal stage for mothers and children and aims at preventing child and maternal mortality, child malnutrition and stunting of growth. Take-home rations -- which anganwadi beneficiaries can carry back home -- include wheat, soya and sugar.
Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, whose invitation to a dinner in honour of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was rescinded following a controversy, no longer figures in the Home Ministry's blacklist of Sikh extremists, officials said.



The central government time-to-time reviews the blacklist of the Sikh extremists taking into account intelligence inputs and activities of the persons concerned, a home ministry official said.

Names of nearly 150 wanted terrorists and their associates were removed from the blacklist in the last few years, the official said.

"Atwal's name no longer figures in the current blacklist," the official said.

The review of the blacklist is always done in consultation with the Punjab government and central security agencies.

Most of the persons whose names have been deleted from the wanted list are believed to be currently based in countries like Pakistan, the US, Canada, Norway, France and Germany. After the government removed them from the blacklist, they could move freely around the world and even return to India.

Perhaps taking advantage of the central government's decision to remove his name from the blacklist, Atwal arrived in India and subsequently got the invitation to the dinner being hosted in honour of Trudeau by High Commissioner of Canada Nadir Patel, the official said.

Atwal was a Sikh separatist active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation when he was convicted of the attempt to murder of Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

Sidhu was shot at twice on a road and survived, but was later assassinated in India.

A judge called it "an act of terrorism" and sentenced Atwal and three others to 20 years in prison.

It is not yet immediately known as to how Atwal got an Indian visa and why he was cleared to attend official events here. Atwal is said to have been active in Canadian politics in recent years.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's tour to India got embroiled in yet another controversy after it was revealed that a convicted assassin was invited to a dinner hosted by Ottawa's envoy to New Delhi in honour of the visiting North American nation's leader.



After the furore in both New Delhi and Ottawa, Canada's High Commissioner to India, Nadir Patel, rescinded the invitation to Jaspal Atwal, who had been convicted of making an attempt to kill Punjab's former planning minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu during his visit to Vancouver Island in the North American country in 1986.

What also came up as an embarrassment for Trudeau are his wife Sophie GrAgoire Trudeau's and his minister Amarjeet Sohi's pictures with Atwal  all shot during Canadian Prime Minister's visit to Mumbai on Tuesday. An old picture of Trudeau and Atwal also started doing the round in social media on Thursday.

"Obviously, we take this extremely seriously. He should never have received an invitation. As soon as we received the information we rescinded it, a Member of Parliament had included this individual," Trudeau told media-persons in New Delhi.

Atwal was not a member of the official entourage of Trudeau, the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi clarified.

Atwal's presence in India during Canadian PM's visit also put New Delhi at unease. The government on Thursday said that it was trying to find out how the former activist of now-outlawed International Sikh Youth Federation had managed to get a visa to visit India.

"On the visa part, I cannot immediately say how that happened. There are different ways of people coming into India. We are ascertaining details of our mission. We will have to see how this happened," Kumar told journalists in New Delhi. Sources in the government also said that Atwal no longer figured in the "black-list" maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure immediate denial of visas to people involved with activities inimical to India. There was no restriction on issuing visas to him, sources in the MHA said.

Atwal and three other Khalistanis had been arrested by local police shortly after they had made an attempt to kill Sidhu on an isolated gravel road near Gold River on Vancouver Island on May 25, 1986. They had been convicted in February 1987 and sentenced to imprisonment for 20 years. Their cases had been overturned when a lawyer showed that the evidence against the four attackers had been obtained on a fraudulent warrant by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Sidhu had later been killed at Moga in Punjab in 1991.

Trudeau, his wife and three children commenced a week-long visit to India on February 17. They already visited Agra, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Amritsar before reaching New Delhi on Wednesday. He and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks after the Canadian PM would be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

"I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries," Modi tweeted on Thursday. The tweet was apparently aimed at dispelling the perception that New Delhi cold-shouldered Canadian PM's visit due to Ottawa's lack of actions on New Delhi's repeated call to rein in anti-India radical Sikh activists in Canada.


FourKites, the fastest-growing predictive supply chain platform, on Thursday announced $35 million in Series B funding to further its geographic and product expansion.



August Capital led the round, with additional investment from existing investors Bain Capital Ventures and Hyde Park Venture Partners. Eric Carlborg, general partner at August Capital, will join the FourKites board.

Commenting on the development, FourKites Co-founder & CTO Arun Chandrasekaran the funding will further fuel the company's plan to double its engineering talent pool and also build new teams by the end of this calendar year.

"We are going to be heavily investing in research and development, product and engineering. This includes omni-modal tracking & end to end visibility solutions and our predictive analytics capabilities. We will also invest in our operations to help our customers realize value and be successful," Chandrasekaran.

FourKites has grown revenue by 400% over the last 12 months and is now the undisputed market leader, signing large shipper customers at a rate of one per week.

The company recently signed international deals with Unilever for supply chain tracking across Europe, and with AB InBev in South Africa. Other FourKites customers include many of the world's largest shippers a Best Buy, Conagra Brands, KraftHeinz, NestlA, Perdue Foods, Smithfield Foods and US Foods, among others.

FourKites' founder and CEO Mathew Elenjickal said the company's goal since day one has been to deliver measurable value for our customers by reimagining the way technology can transform their global supply chains.

"This new funding accelerates the pace with which we can develop the next generation of predictive supply chain solutions," he said.

August Capital General Partner Eric Carlborg said predictive technology is rapidly becoming an integral component of supply chain execution, as companies recognise its enormous value.

"FourKites is at the forefront of that value creation, delivering transformative solutions to the world's largest companies. We look forward to being part of FourKites' next chapter, as the team scales the breadth and depth of those solutions," said Carlborg.
Increasing demonisation of minorities by Hindutva groups and pro-government media and the rising hate crimes against Dalits marked India's human rights scene last year, but the government did little to disapprove it, a report said on Thursday.



The 'Amnesty International Report 2017-18: The State of the World's Human Rights' also said Indian authorities were "openly critical" of human rights defenders thereby "contributing to a climate of hostility and violence" against them.

It said the "rising" Islamophobia and a wave of lynchings of Muslims and Dalits under the government, which the report described as "Hindu nationalist", provoked outrage and protest but the government "did little to show that it disapproved of the violence".

"Religious minority groups, particularly Muslims, faced increasing demonisation by hardline Hindu groups, pro-government media and some state officials. Adivasi communities continued to be displaced by industrial projects and hate crimes against Dalits remained widespread," it said.

"Mob violence intensified, including by vigilante cow protection groups. Press freedom and free speech in universities came under attack. India failed to respect its human rights commitments made before the UN Human Rights Council," the report said.

It noted that "dozens of hate crimes" against Muslims took place across the country and at least 10 Muslim men were lynched and many injured by vigilante cow protection groups, many of which "seemed to operate with the support" of ruling BJP members.

"Some BJP officials made statements which appeared to justify the attacks," the report said, adding that some arrests were made but no convictions were reported.

The report also mentioned journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh's murder in Bengaluru, as well as Karnataka Assembly sentencing two journalists to one-year jail term.

It said journalists and press freedom came under increasing attack while state governments "banned" books and the censor board denied theatrical release of some films.

"Freedom of expression in universities remained under threat," it said, adding that the ABVP "used threats and violence" to block events and talks at some universities.

The report also mentioned the suicide of S Anitha, a 17-year-old Tamil girl who campaigned against the NEET exam.

The report said that in Jammu and Kashmir, the impunity for human rights abuses "persisted".

"Security forces continued to use inherently inaccurate pellet-firing shotguns during protests, blinding and injuring several people. Authorities frequently shut down internet services, citing public order concerns," it said.
We've published many stories over the years citing the positive impact of having Cornell University near the Cayuga County area. The internationally prestigious school in Ithaca brings innovation and expertise to many industries in our area, including agriculture, hospitality, biotechnology, food science and plenty of others.

Soon, a new industry will be added to that list: news media.

At a time when freedom of the press has been under attack, news organizations are often fighting governments to get information that the public has right to know. The most high-profile battles may be at the federal level, but there are plenty of cases of newspapers, television and radio stations, and news websites being stonewalled at local and state levels.

We've had a few recent struggles with local government transparency right here in Cayuga County, some that you've read about and some that we're still working to bring to light.

That brings me back to Cornell and the announcement that has me excited.

A couple of months ago, the university's law school said it will be launching a First Amendment clinic in the fall of 2018. Cornell law students will work with some of the most accomplished First Amendment attorneys in the nation on freedom of speech and freedom of the press cases.
The CBI on Thursday claimed to have unearthed a "global" child pornography racket run by a 20-year-old commerce graduate.



The racket circulates child porn videos and images through WhatsApp to members across the world.

There are at least 119 members in the WhatsApp group 'KidsXXX', which has five administrators, all of them Indians.

The members of the group are from India and 18 other countries, including the US, Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, Mexico, New Zealand, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Brazil, among others.

Nikhil Verma (20), the suspected kingpin, was arrested from his hometown in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj and is being brought to Delhi.

Besides Verma, the other administrators of the group are Satyendra Chauhan (Mumbai), Nafees Reza and Zahid (Delhi) and Adarsh (Noida).

CBI sources said the cracking of the group came on specific inputs and the members were found to be uploading or circulating child abuse pornography material, both videos and pictures.

The CBI conducted searches in Delhi, Noida, Kannuaj and Mumbai and has recovered computers, hard disks, phones, videos and photos of sexually abused children.

The victims are yet to be identified.

Sources said the agency will now write to the authorities in the countries in which the Whatsapp group members are nationals seeking information about them.

Details of investigations done by the CBI will also be shared with their counterparts in these countries.

Investigators are looking into whether it is an organised syndicate shooting child sexual abuse videos and selling it in the virtual world.

It is also being probed whether these videos and images were uploaded for money. Sources said the group has been active for the past two years.

A case has been registered under Section 67(B) of the Information Technology Act, which prescribes a five-year prison term and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh for a first-time offender for publishing or transmitting of material depicting children in sexually explicit acts in electronic form.

A second-time offender would be jailed for seven years and can be fined up to Rs 10 lakh.

Last month, taking the menace of child pornography seriously, the Ministry of Home Affairs had advised states to maintain a list of suspect profiles for monitoring, especially busting rackets of child pornography, human trafficking and blackmailing.

The Supreme Court had also expressed concern over the issue last year and asked the central government to take proactive steps to prevent the menace.

The apex court also asked the government to take steps to stop access to websites featuring child pornography.

The Centre had told the apex court last year that it was taking steps to deal with the issue in its entirety.

In a bid to contain online child pornography, the government had also asked internet service providers to identify websites posting child sex abuse content through a list maintained by the Internet Watch Foundation and block it.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) received appreciation from President Ram Nath Kovind for restoration of various monuments and transformation of Sunder Nursery into a magnificent city heritage park and arboretum in Delhi.



Prince Karim Aga Khan called on the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday.

"The President was happy to note that the AKDN has partnered India not only in social sector projects but also in restoration of historic monuments and urban renewal," Kovind's office said in a statement.

Referring to the inauguration of the "restored" Sunder Nursery in Delhi, the President said that India appreciates the AKDN "for helping in several restoration projects".

The President also acknowledged the development initiatives that Prince Aga Khan was supporting in India and other parts of the world.

"The programmes of the Aga Khan Development Network and India's flagship initiatives complement each other, be it Swachh Bharat, Skill India, heritage conservation, women empowerment or income generation in rural areas," the President said.

Kovind also congratulated Aga Khan on the diamond jubilee of his leadership of the Ismaili community. "Prince has led with great humility and has been a shining example of goodness for humanity," he noted.
Ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to the Golden Temple on Wednesday, stray dogs in Amritsar were tranquilised in order to avoid their sighting on the Heritage Street.



Nearly a dozen dogs were rounded up and tranquillised by a veterinarian after which they were put in a van and taken away.

The local civic authorities caught some of the street dogs easily, while others were drugged during the special drive. By evening, these dogs were released back at the same place from where they were picked up in the morning.

Authorities said they had coordinated with the People for Animal group for the special drive.

Meanwhile, the dog lovers in the city are crying foul over this kind of 'drug treatment' meted out to stray dogs even as it authorities claim that they had all the necessary approvals.

The pet lovers allege that the drive to catch stray dogs usually takes place as part of the sterilisation and anti-rabies shot programme. They said this sort of exercise was an attempt to showcase a picture-perfect model to the visiting VIP by concealing the real picture of the city.

Sources said stray dogs were given milk and bread after they were released by the team on Wednesday evening.
Inequality in India is on the rise for the last three decades, so much so that the total wealth of Indian billionaires is 15% of the GDP, thanks to the "lopsided" policies of successive governments, Oxfam India said in a report on Thursday.



It said the wealthiest in India have cornered a huge part of the wealth created in the country through crony capitalism and inheritance, while people at the bottom are seeing their shares being reduced further.

"These inequalities are the result of package of reforms adopted during the big bang liberalisation of 1991 and the subsequent policies adopted," said Oxfam India CEO Nisha Agrawal.

The report noted that by the latest estimates, the total wealth of Indian billionaires is 15% of the GDP of the country; this has risen from 10% only five years ago. In 2017, India had as many as 101 billionaires.

The report titled 'The Widening Gaps: India Inequality Report 2018', noted that the country ranks among the most unequal countries in the world on all parameters of income, consumption and wealth and the reason behind this is the "lopsided" policy choices made by successive governments.

"Specific policy choices which favoured capital rather than labour, and favoured skilled rather than unskilled labour, are part of the structure of the growth trajectory in India," the report said.

The report analysed various sources of data and describes how the path of inequality has changed in India-from being stagnant in 1980s, to its increase since 1991, and to its subsequent and continued surge in recent years until 2017. What is particularly worrying in India's case is that economic inequality is being added to a society that is already fractured along the lines of caste, religion, region and gender. Apart from being a moral concern, reducing inequality is central to the functioning of IndiaAs democracy,A said Professor Himanshu, author of the report.

Agrawal further noted that the only way to reverse this trend is to increase tax collection through progressive direct taxation, such as introducing wealth and inheritance taxes and spending them on health, education and nutrition for the poor, focusing specially on the early childhood development of the poor.

"Only then can one hope to create a more equal opportunity country and spread the benefits of high growth more widely," Agrawal added.

A report released by the international rights group Oxfam before the start of the World Economic Forum in Davos noted that the richest 1% in India cornered 73% of the wealth generated in the country last year. The survey also showed that the wealth of India's richest 1%increased by over Rs 20.9 lakh crore during 2017. On the other hand 67 crore Indians comprising the population's poorest half saw their wealth rise by just 1%.
Two grief-stricken fathers whose children died in big private hospitals that raised hefty bills for dengue treatment, on Thursday demanded a monitoring body for private hospitals that currently operate with barely any oversight.



They said they would also move the Supreme Court with the same plea because the country needs a monitoring body to keep an eye on the malpractices in hospitals.

"I've lost my child, I'm losing my house (because of the loan that he took to sustain his son's treatment) and I'm suffering to get justice (for what happened to my child at Medanta)," said Gopendra Singh Parmar, father of late Sourya Pratap, who was treated for dengue at Medanta - the Medicity, Gurugram.

Parmar said more than 45% of his bill of Rs 16 lakh was for medicines and consumables on which the hospital appeared to have taken huge margins. Laboratory charges accounted for another 9.5% of the bill.

"The government must frame rules to contain the rates charged by hospitals to make them affordable. Otherwise, families will continue to be forced to sell their assets, beg and borrow in their desperation to treat loved ones, just as in my case," he said in a press conference and broke into tears.

"There is a nexus between hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies. India needs a monitoring body to keep on eye on the malpractices in hospitals. In my petition I would submit that this state of affairs has only come about due to the absence of effective supervising agency, which regulates hospitals," said Jayant Singh, whose daughter Adya Singh died after she spent 15 days at the Fortis hospital in Gurugram.

The hospital billed Singh nearly Rs 16 lakh for those 15 days. He said when the news on the overbilling hit the headlines a few weeks later, the hospital wanted to buy his silence - a charge that has been denied by the hospital.

The families came out in the open days after the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) released a report on the predatory nature of prominent private hospitals in Delhi after analysing four sets of bills. The NPPA didn't disclose the names of three hospitals whereas the Fortis was named by the authority previously.
The 88th Mahamastakabhisheka for Bahubali's statue has evoked good response from non-resident Indians (NRI) and around 250 NRIs have participated in this year's event so far.



NRI committee vice-president Arathi Krishna said all facilities were provided to the NRIs and they were allowed to offer prayers and perform Mastakabhisheka on the 6th day of the festival.

Speaking at an interaction programme on NRIs, 'Rajya Sarkarada Anivasi Bharathiya Neethi,' organised by the district administration at Police Nagar here, she said the government had provided information on the importance of Bahubali's Mahamastakabhisheka among Indians residing in foreign countries. Around 250 people from across the globe responded at a short notice, which is a good development, she said.

The NRIs were given an opportunity to participate in the Jalabhisheka on the 6th day. Special arrangements were made for them to stay in Hassan. Six buses were at their service to enable them to travel between Bengaluru and Shravanabelagola and also visit tourist destinations in the district, Arathi said.

Jain Mutt seer Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swami expressed his happiness over the good response from the Indians staying in foreign countries, who attended the festival held once in 12 years.

The seer said, "Bhaktiyinda Shakti (power from devotion), Shaktiyinda Yukti (wisdom from power) and Yuktiyinda Mukti (salvation from wisdom). One should read the Jain epic 'Thatwartha Sutra' or 'Moksha Shastra', which shed light on life's knowledge and history".



According to the Archeology department, the sculptures of Bhagwan Vrushabhanatha and Bahubali which date back to 5,000 years ago were found at the sites of Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilisations. This shows the antiquity of the Thirthankaras and Bahubali, he said.

Anil Jain from Toronto expressed his happiness over the hospitality extended to them during their stay at Shravanabelagola.

A few NRI guests were presented with silver kalashas, replicas of the Ashoka pillar, Bahubali's sculpture and certificates. All NRIs were presented with mementoes and felicitated on the occasion.
The iconic Strand Book Stall located amidst the hustle and bustle of Fort area of Mumbai, will close down end-February.



Housed in Dhannur Building off the Sir Pherozeshah Mehta Road, the book house in the last 70 years has been frequented by Presidents and Prime Ministers, filmstars, writers, journalists, sportsmen, business personalities and commoners alike.



The book stall would close on February 27/28, bringing the curtains down on a place which has been part of Mumbai's modern history.



Incidentally, February 27 also marks the death anniversary of T N Shanbhag, the legendary founder of the book house.



Shanbhag's daughter, Vidya Virkar, has confirmed that the book stall is getting closed this month-end.



Former President A P J Abdul Kalam, former Prime Ministers Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, industrialist J R D Tata, celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Sunil Gavaskar, writers like V S Naipaul and Khushwant Singh were among the visitors to this iconic book house. Some other famous patrons were Soli Sorabjee, N R Narayana Murthy, Nani Palkhivala, G D Birla, Keshub Mahindra and Azim Premji.



"We are closing down this month-end, the last day is nearing, the countdown has begun," a senior employee told this DH correspondent.



Founded in 1948-49, Strand has always promoted only the outstanding books in every field and was the first in the world to offer 20% discount on all books.



"Shanbhag was a pleasing personality. He would guide the patrons, he would help newcomers, he would help and speak to them and put them at ease. He would take time out to engage in a discussion with regulars. You go there to purchase a book and come out with fourahe gave a personal touch," said Raj Suri, a tour guide-turned-publisher, who is also an avid reader.



"With Internet, smartphones and online sellers it is difficult to sustain book shop business," he added.



Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are flooded with reactions on the closing down of Strand.



"It was a hangout for us we would go there, look at the books, read couple of pages and select what to buy," said Yogie Sharma, a lawyer by profession.



Strand Book Stall was founded by Shanbhag in November, 1948, near the erstwhile Strand Cinema in Colaba and shifted to its current location off PM Road, Fort, in 1954. For the last seven decades it has been a paradise for book-lovers.










But, they hope that by the time Parliament resumes its budget session, the government will have a better grip of the magnitude of the irregularities, with investigators closing in on the perpetrators.



Bracing for a massive Opposition onslaught on the floors of Parliament from March 5, BJP chief Amit Shah has assessed the impact of the Congress campaign against the prime minister so far.



In the last two days, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has sharpened his attacks on Modi since he made the first post on Twitter on the Nirav Modi controversy involving the PNB on February 15.



Rahul said a day ago that "Narendra Modi is not against corruption, he is an instrument of corruption." This has left the BJP with a clear picture of the Congress plan, a BJP leader said.



Even though this was not the first time Rahul has accused the prime minister directly of corruption, the BJP expected the Congress to mount a more aggressive campaign.



According to strategists working with Shah, Modi's image may have been affected by the scam but it is not beyond salvage. Also, the BJP leaders said they see "early signs" of the government being in possession of details that could turn the tables when Parliament reopens.



BJP strategy



Shah's strategy now appears to be not respond to Rahul's charges immediately. Hitherto, the BJP fielded senior ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Prakash Javadekar to counter Rahul's charges on a day-to-day basis.



The BJP is still banking on Modi's "clean image" to take the wind out of the Opposition's sail. "His reputation still is our biggest weapon," said a party aide.



A top BJP functionary held that the CBI and ED investigations were bound to lead to "disclosures" that would not make the Congress leaders very comfortable in the coming days. As his government is in the fourth year, Modi has so far managed to show that his government has not indulged in any big scam. The PNB scam has given strong points to the Congress, but "we will counter it," he said.



Yet another BJP functionary said the prime minister may no longer appear to be immune to criticism on corruption issue after Nirav Modi's escape. But senior BJP bigwigs count on the law enforcement authorities to bail out the government by taking the severest action against defaulters.





The unfolding of the PNB scam has dealt a dent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's drive against corruption though no direct political linkages of the accused with the BJP have come to light, admit party leaders.
The day after a horrific school shooting in Florida, a middle-school student in the Port Byron Central School District posted something on social media that caused enough concern that the district asked police to investigate.

A day after that, Superintendent Neil O'Brien said that there had been "no direct threat to the school or students." But later the same day, New York State Police arrested a 12-year-old for allegedly threatening to harm other students.

To be clear, both O'Brien and the police said that there was never a risk that the threat could be carried out and that no students had been in any danger. O'Brien said he tried to dispel rumors circulating on the internet Friday morning, but there has been no further word from the school district to allay the concerns of parents in light of a student being charged with a felony for making a "terroristic threat."
The Indian Railways, which has invited applications to over 90,000 posts, on Thursday relaxed the rules for job seekers to ensure maximum participation.



The minimum educational qualifications for all Level 1 posts like track maintainers, points men, helpers, gate men, porters and others, will be class 10 or ITI or equivalent, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said. Earlier, the minimum qualification for these posts were class 10 and ITI certification or equivalent qualification as additional. Now ITI qualification has been made optional.

The minister also clarified that general category candidates, who have to pay Rs 500 as examination fees, will get Rs 400 back if they appear for the exam, while those in special categories have to pay Rs 250, which will be fully refunded once they sit for the test. For a refund, candidates have to submit details of their bank accounts online.

The question papers will be provided in 15 languages and they can now sign their names in any language, including Kannada, instead of only in Hindi or English.
The golden jubilee celebrations of Govinda Dasa College in Surathkal will be held from February 24 to 27.



Briefing reporters here, College Principal Dr Muralidhar Rao said that an exhibition will be held. As part of the exhibition, students from science, commerce, art, computer science will display the project prepared by them. In addition, there will be a stamp, book and coin exhibition along with an expo of products of self employed persons.

Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple hereditary priest Venkataramana Asranna will bless the occasion. Mumbai FA Bank director Ajith Mairpadi will inaugurate the programme. Hindu Vidyadayini Sangha president E Jnardhan will preside over the function. Art and cultural study centre, NSS and community health centre of Srinivas Dental College will be inaugurated on the occasion.

The principal said that 'Ranga Sambhrama-Samskrithika Vaibha' will be held on February 25. MLA Mohiyuddin Bava will be the chief guest. Saxophone by Chandrashekar, musical programme by Satish Surathkal and team will be held. Old students will present a dance programme in the afternoon followed by classical dance by Bharathi Suresh, Sooryanarayana Rao, Chitrakshi, Shailaja Shivashankar Bhat and Mamatha Karranth. A Yakshagana performance by Poornima Rai and team will be staged between 4 pm and 6 pm.

The golden jubilee celebrations will be held on February 26. Indian Overseas Bank former CMD M Narendra will inaugurate the programme. Karnataka Bank MD Mahabaleshwara M S, Akkamahadevi Women University VC Prof Sabiha Bhoomi Gowda will be the chief guests. A souvenir will be released on the occasion.

The annual day of the college will be held on February 27.

Dr Muralidhar Rao said that as part of the golden jubilee celebrations, a series of development projects will be taken up in the college. They are renovation of laboratory at a cost of Rs 20 lakh, setting up of a language laboratory at Rs 15 lakh, renovation of classrooms, administrative office, and roof over hall of PU College at a cost of Rs 20 lakh. Further, to develop skills among students, a skill development centre will be established at a cost of Rs 5 lakh. The college is also planning to set up student welfare fund and start mid-day meals at a cost of Rs 5 lakh.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday dubbed the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre as "90% commission government," hitting back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recent "10% commission sarkar" jibe against the state government.



Replying to a discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address in the Assembly, the chief minister also accused the Centre of turning a blind eye when billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi slipped out of the country, after "stealing" Rs 11,000 crore using his clout. "Nirav Modi ran away with Rs 11,000 crore. Lalith Modi and Vijay Mallya also fled. What was the Central government doing," he questioned.

The BJP and its leaders have failed to prove their charges of corruption against the state government. As per the law, those who level charges should prove them. "It is a hit-and-run case. The BJP leaders have so far not proved any of the corruption charges against my government," he said.

The chief minister's remarks triggered a pandemonium in the House with the BJP members countering him. Members on both the treasury and the Opposition benches indulged in a heated argument, accusing each other of being corrupt. Leader of the Opposition Jagadish Shettar accused the chief minister of being "shameless" and making desperate statements.

As the argument continued, the chief minister gestured to the BJP members, daring them to come for a fight.

Siddaramaiah continued his tirade against the BJP amidst the din, saying that his government does not need any lesson of clean governance from a party whose four ministers were imprisoned for corruption in the past.

Shettar, on the other hand, said the government is tainted with innumerable scams. "It (Siddaramaiah government) is the most corrupt government in the country. Ministers have acquired benami properties," he charged.

Shettar accused the Siddaramaiah government of avoiding tabling the Kempanna Commission report on illegal denotification of Arkavathy Layout land in Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah said he had nothing to hide and that he would soon submit the report in the House. Earlier, he listed out welfare schemes implemented by his government and expressed confidence that his party would be voted back to power.

During his reply in the Legislative Council, Siddaramaiah took a dig at Modi's "56 inch ka seena" comment. "One requires a 'mathru hrudaya' to address the problems of the people - not a 56 inch chest," he said.

When the BJP members sought to know why he has not implemented caste census report, the chief minister said he is yet to receive the report. "The moment I receive the report, I will 100% implement the recommendations. There is no need to hide it," he added.
The Medical Council of India's (MCI) decision to bar open school students from appearing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is unfair and unreasonable. NEET is the entrance test for undergraduate medical courses conducted by the CBSE. Its regulations are framed by the MCI. Lakhs of students from different education boards take the test after their Class 12 or equivalent examinations. Thousands of students from the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) in various parts of the country have also taken the test in the past. Many of them have qualified. Though the number of students affected by the MCI's decision may not be very large, the issue is not one of numbers but of justice and principle. The sudden decision to bar the NIOS students is wrong and unjustified. The MCI had specifically issued a notification in 2012 declaring open school students eligible for admission to MBBS courses. Students who joined the NIOS course on the basis of this notification will now be left high and dry. If at all the students have to be barred from the test, it should be from the year 2020 at the earliest, so that students are aware of it when they join the Class 12 course this year.



The MCI has cited the absence of classroom training and practical examination in the curriculum of NIOS students as the reason for the bar. But this was the position in 2012 also. It should be noted that the Union health ministry has recognised the NIOS course as a qualification equivalent to Class 12 after discussion with the CBSE and the human resources development ministry. Many open school students who have prepared for NEET are naturally upset and some despair that two years of their lives would now be lost. That will be gross injustice. It is also felt that the MCI's decision would push open schoolers towards the dummy school culture with its attendant malpractices, wherein they could pay and obtain false affiliation to private schools.

The health ministry has asked the MCI to reconsider its decision. The MCI has said that its executive committee had taken a collective decision on the matter, but it would be ready to discuss it again. It should withdraw its unjust decision and spare the students and their parents unnecessary stress and tension. The decision will certainly be challenged in courts if it is not withdrawn. It is also pointed out that the MCI's contention that the NIOS is not following a regular curriculum is wrong. It gives regular classes over the weekends in schools for a low fee and is doing good educational work. It should actually be encouraged.
The BJP has stepped up its attack on the Congress by launching a campaign seeking the ouster of Shantinagar legislator N A Haris over the incident involving his son Mohammed Nalapad Haris.



Through the #SackHaris campaign, the BJP has accused the MLA of interfering in the investigation into his son's alleged assault on a diner at a high-end restaurant in Bengaluru.

"Congress is not taking action on MLA Haris by saying they can't punish the father for a crime committed by his son. But the main culprit in this case is MLA Haris, who has abused his office to prevent proper investigation and due process of law (sic). He must be sacked," the saffron party's campaign states.

The BJP has also posed seven questions to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, all ending with a common poser: "Why are you protecting Haris?"

Meanwhile, a BJP delegation led by former deputy chief minister R Ashoka petitioned Governor Vajubhai R Vala, seeking his intervention to maintain law and order in the state. Particularly, the party told the governor that Bengaluru had slipped into "a state of anarchy...being perpetrated by the ruling party MLAs and their henchmen."

The petition recounts the attack on L Vidwath by Haris' son, the incident involving Congressman S Narayanaswamy running amok in a government office in KR Puram and the attack on a BJP worker allegedly by Yeshwantpur MLA S T Somashekhar's supporters. "We requested the governor to summon the chief secretary and get a report on these incidents," Ashoka said. It is learnt that the governor asked the BJP leaders for some supporting documents.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi will release the party's election manifesto for the forthcoming Assembly elections, in what promises to be a gala event in Bengaluru next month.



The Congress manifesto will be a first-of-its-kind in India, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Manifesto Committee chairman and MP M Veerappa Moily said here on Thursday. "It has been decided that Rahul Gandhi will launch the manifesto sometime between March 10 and March 15," Moily announced after a meeting of the manifesto committee.

Moily, a former union minister, said the party's manifesto will have three parts. "We are coming out with district-specific, region-specific and state-level manifestos," he said, adding that the implementation of the manifesto will transform the lives of people.

"While Rahul will launch the manifesto in Bengaluru, there will be simultaneous launches in all 30 districts," he added. The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government has fulfilled 98% of the promises that were made in 2013, Moily claimed, including making Karnataka hut-free, hunger-free and thirst-free among others. When reporters asked him how many hut-dwellers had moved into proper homes, Moily could not substantiate. "A sub-committee was formed expressly to take up an impact assessment of the government's work. We have all the numbers," he said.

Ticket confusion

With polls nearing, many Congress leaders are learnt to have threatened to rebel if they are denied the ticket. This, even before the party is yet to get a report from its observers on aspirants who deserve the ticket. Ahead of Rahul's visit to Belagavi, a feud is brewing between Jarkiholi brothers Satish and Lakhan, with the latter expressing willingness to become a BJP candidate if he is not given the ticket to contest from the Yamakanamardi (ST Reserve) constituency that Satish currently represents.

Similarly, actor Bhavana has sought the ticket from the Chitradurga Assembly constituency, for which MLC G Raghu Achar is also vying.

There is also no clarity on whether or not the party will field seven MLAs who have jumped ship from the JD(S), including Chamarajpet legislator B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan.

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president G Parameshwara downplayed the heat within the party. "It's not a fight. I see it as vibrancy. More people are seeking tickets because they know we are poised to retain power. There's josh in the party," he said.
Grass over hundred acres of land across Nandi Hills was completely destroyed in a fire mishap on Thursday.



The fire was spotted at Angatta village around 1 pm. It was mostly doused by 7.30 pm after a seven hour operation by a team of 25 officials from the forest department.

"The fire didn't affect trees, birds and animals, but destroyed the grass and nests of birds," Vikram Reddy, range forest officer, told DH.

Reason for the mishap is yet to be ascertained. However, the forest authorities suspected involvement of local villagers as there was a belief that burning of grass on dry land would lead to fresh blade of grass.

The authorities said cigarette buds thrown by tourists on the grass could have triggered the fire.

According to the forest authorities, though flames were spotted atop the hill, situation was very much under control.

"We've doused the fire completely on the ground. However, flames were spotted atop the hill. Our team is monitoring the situation,"he said and added: "Forest officials are yet to ascertain the extent of area gutted in flames."

The Forest department has sought local residents' cooperation in identifying local residents burning the grass.

The department has even declared cash prize for sharing information about those who set the grass on fire.

The following numbers may be contacted to share the details: 9663557755.

In March 2017, the terrain towards the road, was in flames for two days. Forest and horticulture department had a tough time in dousing the flames.
Actor Shiva Rajkumar paid a visit to Vidwath, who is receiving treatment at Mallya Hospital, on Thursday.



The actor said, "When I heard about the incident and saw him on television, I felt bad and ashamed at what happened."

He wondered where the society was heading. "I felt bad and I don't know where we are doing mistakes and why are we making mistakes. Why are we trying to prove that we are strong? Time will decide who is responsible for this," he said, adding, "only god can save us."

"Such things should not happen in society. Crime is a crime irrespective of who does it. Law will take its own course," he said.

"I did not enter the ICU to avoid any kind of infection to Vidwath. I did not want to disturb him. I saw him through the glass door. He is unable to speak," Shiva Rajkumar added.

The actor said that Vidwath had come to his home to attend a pooja.

"He is like my son. Whenever we went on a trip, Vidwath used to join us. I pray to God to give him the strength to get well soon," the actor said.

Earlier, former deputy chief minister R Ashoka and former ministers B Sriramulu and G Janardhan Reddy visited Vidwath.
San Diegos Mission Driven Finance has just awarded its first $1.1 million in loans impact investments that provide social entrepreneurs and nonprofits access to capital to help transform their communities.

Mission Driven was founded in 2016 by a team of finance and philanthropic leaders to tap into a trend of investors looking to drive financial returns as well as effect positive social change.

Communities are stronger when local businesses grow and thrive, yet many high-quality businesses end up stuck without access to affordable capital, said Mission Driven Finance Chief Executive Officer David Lynn. Our blend of financing opportunities and technical assistance allows us to invest in great businesses that are advancing economic opportunity for their employees and their community  without relying on personal credit scores and guarantees like many other lenders.

The Mission Driven Finance leadership team includes Chief Investment Officer Louie Nguyen, a Carmel Valley resident and Del Mar Schools Education Foundation board member; and Chief Operating Officer Shreya Shah Sasaki, a Pacific Highlands Ranch resident and member of the Carmel Valley Community Planning Board.

Several local residents are also among Mission Drivens strategic advisers, including Amanda Goldberger from Carmel Valley and Mike Halpern from Del Mar.

With their first loans, Mission Driven Finance has made significant progress toward their 2018 goal of raising and deploying their flagship $10 million commercial loan fund. The first beneficiaries include Lucky Bolt, a local food kitchen and healthy meal delivery company; All Across America, a fair trade home goods wholesaler; and Thrive Public Schools, K-12 schools in City Heights.

Shah Sasaki, who has an undergraduate degree in economics and a masters degree in public health, has spent the bulk of her career working on public health initiatives. In her last eight years with Kaiser Permanente, she was involved in grant making and philanthropy.

She met Mission Drivens Director of Community Engagement Lauren Grattan and CEO Lynn through her philanthropic efforts with San Diego Grantmakersfor Shah Sasaki, Mission Driven was a way to combine her financial side with her desire to make positive social change in the community.

Shah Sasaki said the way Mission Driven identifies the nonprofits or small businesses they work with and the support they provide is what sets them apart from traditional lenders.

What makes us different from a bank is that we do hands-on technical assistance and capacity building to get social entrepreneurs and small businesses ready for that investment, Shah Sasaki said.

Mission Driven completes a full assessment with its borrowers, looking at everything from financial models, leadership, management, marketing and the impact they are making. Shah Sasaki said it is exciting to offer access to that kind of assistance that the nonprofits or small businesses might not have otherwise, helping to demystify the loan process, how to make payments and be smart about growing their business so they can better serve the community.

We often say that being socially conscious and business savvy do not have to be mutually exclusive, said All Across Africa Chief Operating Officer Alicia Wallace. In Mission Driven Finance, weve found a kindred spirit and business partner who can support our commitment to improving the lives of thousands of women in Africa and hiring more people at our National City headquarters.

Mission Driven currently has over 60 prospective borrowers in readiness to take on a loan.

I continue to be amazed by how much good is being done in San Diego, said Grattan, noting its an equally exciting opportunity for investors to help make a difference in their community and still make a return.

Im so excited about this work every day, Shah Sasaki echoed. Its an amazing group of people and its an amazing impact that were having on this region.

To learn more about borrowing or investing, visit missiondrivenfinance.com
By Alessandra Prentice, with additional reporting by Natalia Zinets, Pavel Polityuk, and Agnieszka Barteczko; editing by David Stamp

19 February 2018

KIEV (Reuters)  For the first time in Ukraines history, U.S. anthracite is helping to keep the lights on and the heating going this winter following a deal that has also helped to warm Kievs relations with President Donald Trump.The Ukrainian state-owned company that imported the coal told Reuters that the deal made commercial sense. But it was also politically expedient, according to a person involved in the talks on the agreement and power industry insiders.On Trumps side it provided much-needed orders for a coal-producing region of the United States which was a vital constituency in his 2016 presidential election victory.On the Ukrainian side the deal helped to win favor with the White House, whose support Kiev needs in its conflict with Russia, as well as opening up a new source of coal at a time when its traditional supplies are disrupted.Trumps campaign call to improve relations with the Kremlin alarmed the pro-Western leadership in Ukraine, which lost Crimea to Russia in 2014 and is still fighting pro-Moscow separatists.However, things looked up when President Petro Poroshenko visited the White House on June 20 last year. The meeting with Trump was a key point, a milestone, a Ukrainian government source told Reuters, requesting anonymity.The Americans had set particular store by supplying coal to Ukraine. I felt that for them it is important, said the source, who was present at the talks that also included a session with Vice President Mike Pence.Despite Trumps incentives, U.S. utilities are shutting coal-fired plants and shifting to gas, wind, and solar power. Ailing U.S. mining companies are therefore boosting exports to Asia and seeking new buyers among eastern European countries trying to diversify from Russian supplies.Trump, who championed U.S. coal producers on the campaign trail, pressed the message after meeting Poroshenko. Ukraine already tells us they need millions and millions of metric tons right now, he said in a speech nine days later. We want to sell it to them, and to everyone else all over the globe who need it.The deal with Kiev was sealed the following month, after which U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said: As promised during the campaign, President Trump is unshackling American energy with each day on the job. []Neighboring Poland, which Trump visited in July, is also turning increasingly to U.S. coal. Its imports from the United States jumped five-fold last year to 839,000 tonnes, data from the state-run ARP agency showed.In July Ukrainian state-owned energy company Centrenergo announced the deal with U.S. company Xcoal for the supply of up to 700,000 tonnes of anthracite. [more]
Workplace 2.0 for millennials and Gen Z

Creating an attractive and sustainable workplace is one of the best ways to secure and retain top talent.



By KIP SPENCER

Seco Development

Spencer

In the coming decades, artificial intelligence and automation are set to transform the way we work. At the same time, millennials are poised to make up half of the global workforce by the year 2020 and Generation Z is just beginning to make its mark  both generations represent the fresh talent employers are eager to attract.

Now is a critical time for those of us in the business of designing, developing, leasing and managing office space to consider the way we will work and use this space in the future. Technological and social changes spurred by these innovations and generational shifts will redefine workplace norms and employee expectations.

These changes demand a reimagination of the physical work environment.

However, it is equally important that companies also consider employees' overall workplace experience. From what studies have shown thus far, we recognize that the rising generations of workers seek an environment that promotes teamwork, innovation and collaboration  in a desirable setting  with cutting-edge systems and infrastructure.

Images by Studio 216 [enlarge] Rising generations of workers seek an environment that promotes teamwork, innovation and collaboration.





Flexible workspaces, trailblazing technology, access to alternative transportation, proximity to the outdoors, and activities that help balance personal and professional demands are some of the elements the next generation is expected to look for in a work environment. The extent to which such factors are considered in workplace design will most definitely contribute to the attraction and retention of top talent.

Innovative, engaging spaces

According to CBRE's 2016 report, "Millennials: Myths and Realities," a survey of 13,000 millennials worldwide by Ipsos found that 33 percent of millennial workers prefer collaborative workplace environments. Because of this, creating an office with flexible spaces to accommodate groups large or small, and promote collaboration or individual efficiency depending on the task at hand is essential for future workplaces. Additionally, large, operable windows, functional terraces and even outdoor meeting spaces that allow for customization to group size and working preferences could be seen as particularly attractive.

Health and wellness

[enlarge] Preference should be given to locations that connect with nature and offer easy access to open, green or recreational spaces.





Amenities tailored toward the active healthy lifestyle movement are increasingly being offered at top companies, and are more commonly a deciding factor in attracting talent. With the growing demands of various jobs and a blurring of the line between work and personal life, the chronic sources of stress for workers and their serious health effects often lead to fatigue, diminished productivity and work dissatisfaction.

Those of us designing, developing, leasing and managing space have the power to directly combat these issues by building health and wellness amenities into workplaces.

Today, we spend roughly half of our waking hours working. We should look to create spaces that are more than just an area for conducting business  they should be places that contribute to our well-being. Preference should be given to locations that connect with nature and offer easy access to open, green or recreational spaces. In doing so, we present an opportunity to enhance employee engagement, retention and productivity  while also gaining a potential competitive advantage.

Technology, connectivity

More than any previous workforce, today's employees are hyper-connected, thanks to advanced collaboration tools, enhanced social networking and use of mobile technology. Next-gen infrastructure such as fiber networks supporting 100-gigabit data speeds for cutting-edge applications like 4k and 8k video conferencing or virtual reality and augmented reality  one-time extraneous technologies  are now poised to change the way people interact.

Transportation options

While many of us expected to have flying cars by now, a future of fully autonomous vehicles is within view and set to fundamentally reshape where we live and how we commute. Even still, access to a wide range of transportation options, such as light rail, heavy rail, bus, bike and even water taxis, can help attract younger employees that are more likely to use a rideshare service than they are to own a car.

Moreover, that same Ipsos study for CBRE found half of millennials are only willing to tolerate a 30-minute commute, and prefer a workplace and office location that can accommodate that need. Rather than living in a more affordable suburb and battling gridlock in traffic-laden cities, the well-connected "urban suburbs" provide the best of both worlds.

The rise of urban suburbs

While much has been said about millennials' desire to live and work downtown, there's still a lot we don't know about the future preferences of Gen Z workers. This generation of workers is just now beginning to enter the workforce with aplomb.

What we do know is that some of the largest and most successful companies are doubling down on suburban campus developments that look a lot more urban. For example, Microsoft is redeveloping the original core of its 78-acre Redmond office campus. The tech giant estimates the 3 million-square-foot development will take roughly three years and cost a whopping $3 billion. But, they cite the connectedness of the campus with easy access to downtown Seattle and surrounding areas as attractive for their employees.

In Silicon Valley  home to the likes of Apple, Google and Facebook  people are flocking to nearby suburbs for relative affordability and more manageable commutes. Nine of Redfin's 2018 Top Ten Hottest Neighborhoods are in San Jose, California. With features like easy commutes, farmer's markets and proximity to parks or the beach, San Jose and other Silicon Valley communities represent the characteristics we value when searching for a place to live.

Companies are listening to their employees while also studying the next generation of workers. In turn, they want to locate their offices in an environment where employees can afford to live, while also having access to incredible technology and myriad health and wellness amenities. Companies are wise to consider this when creating new office spaces if they want to future proof their investment and foster an environment where talent can thrive and feel engaged.

Creating an attractive and sustainable workplace that looks more like the future than the past is one of the most meaningful things organizations can do to secure and retain top talent. These key details were given thorough attention and careful consideration by Seco Development and ZGF Architects in creating the Southport Office Campus.

By focusing on Southport's strategic location and integrating modern and beneficial amenities into the rising mixed-use, urban lifestyle community, we are fixated on creating a unique workplace of the future on the shores of Lake Washington.

Kip Spencer, a 28-year veteran of the commercial real estate industry, is the director of leasing and marketing at Seco Development. Seco has owned land for over 35 years in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland and Renton.





Other Stories:
FAW Toyota January sales surge 49% year on year

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- FAW Toyota saw YoY sales surge of 49% to 84,000 units in January. It also reached a retail volume of 63,182 units in January with a year-on-year growth of 23%, according to official FAW Toyota. However, FAW Toyota didn't expose the detailed sales statistics for its specific models, but it announced that the Vios, Crown, Corolla and RAV4 had all achieved their sales target in January.



In 2018, FAW Toyota Motor Sales will implement several strategies, such as brand strategy, model strategy, network strategy and dealership communication support. With these strategies, FAW Toyota is ambitious to reach annual sales of 695,000 units and attempts to challenge sales target of 715,000 units in 2018.

The Toyota IZOA, which will be built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) first, will hit the market in June. Compared with Toyota's previous models, the IZOA is a compact SUV with a sportier and youthful appearance, delivering more remarkable driving experience. In addition, the company will release an all-new model and seven upgraded models in 2018.

FAW Toyota even built an all-new production line in Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Area to support the introduction of TNGA and the IZOA. The production line project covers a total area of 570,000 square meters and the building occupies an area of 236,000 square meters. With an investment of RMB 5.4 billion, the new production line is designed to have an annual production capacity of 200,000 units and its first phase will achieve an annual production capacity of 100,000 units.
NAIOP examines urban industrial projects

NAIOP is holding a two-day event March 5-6 examining the future of urban industrial real estate, with a case study of Prologis' Georgetown Crossroads, which it says will be the nation's first three-story logistics center when it opens late this year or early in 2019. The event is called The Last Mile. Speakers will include Rick Kolpa and Chris Caton of Prologis, Wilma Warshak of Washington Real Estate Advisors, Ben Conwell of Cushman & Wakefield, and Gregg Healy of Colliers. There will also be site tours of Georgetown Crossroads, Starbucks headquarters, Amazon's PrimeNow and AmazonFresh's pickup location, Panattoni's Des Moines Creek Business Park, and Charles Smith Jet City Winery in Georgetown. The event is at Renaissance Seattle Hotel. NAIOP also is hosting a St. Patrick's Day-themed networking event at 4:30 p.m. March 8 at Kell's. Details and registration for both events is at naiop.org. In other NAIOP news, the Washington state chapter earned merit awards for legislative/government affairs and membership growth. The executive of the year award went to NAIOPWA Executive Director Peggi Lewis Fu.




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SEATTLE  Three warehouse properties at 1239 S. King St. have sold for $8 million, according to King County records.

The seller was KOF Associates LLC, which acquired the properties in separate transactions between 1995 and 2005 for a combined $2.1 million.





. . .
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SEATTLE  The SPRAG Building, at 2517 Eastlake Ave. E., has sold for $6 million, according to King County records. The seller was the Seattle Police Relief Association & Guild, which had owned the property for several decades.

The buyer was 2517 Eastlake LLC, which is associated with Washington Holdings.





. . .
Qingdao Aucma releases Chinas first driverless car with independent intellectual property right

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Recently, an electric van running at Qingdao Sino-German Ecopark attracted lots of attention. This arresting van, launched by Aucma, the Qingdao-based refrigeration equipment supplier, is the China's first driverless van with independent intellectual property right.



According to Lv Jianlong, manager of Qingdao Aucma Electric Vehicle Co. Ltd's technical department, this driverless van is made of special composite materials, tempered glass and ABS plastics. It measures a length of 4.24 meters, a width of 1.55 meters and a height of 1.95 meters and weighs nearly 1000 kg.

Although this driverless vehicle may look nothing special with normal vans from its exterior, it is quite smart. In accordance with Lvs introduction, the van equips with binocular camera at the roof which can detect the objects around 60 meters ahead. Besides, the vehicle mounts two circular microwave radars on both sides below car windows and several ultrasonic radars around the vehicle which are capable of sensing surroundings.

Currently, this driverless van can realize self-navigation and self-driving in closed and semi-closed field. In addition, it can be applied in many areas, such as directed logistics, human commuting, sightseeing tour, transshipment at port and public transportation, etc.

Whats more, thanks to the use of AI technologies, the van can achieve self-learning. For instance, if there are many cars passing through its left side, the vehicle will know that the left is the opposite path versus the direction it is heading, according to Lv Jianglong.

Compared with driverless vehicles produced by other makers, Aucma has optimized its product in arithmetic. Meanwhile, rather than using expensive sensors, the vehicle carries Aucma's self-developed driverless system with low cost and high reliability.

Zhang Xing, general-manager of Qingdao Aucma Holdings Group Co., Ltd, revealed that the company will release a series of driverless vehicle with various functions, such as police patrol car, driverless sweeping vehicle, sprinkler, port transporting vehicle and farm machinery. In addition, since driverless vehicle is still limited in on-road running, the company will mainly apply the vehicles in scenic spots, residential areas and ports, etc.
Two students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will make an address at the United Nations in New York as part of a global campaign to help refugees.

Hamdallat Abdulsalam and George Coyle will join Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard in making presentations as part of a Tuesday Chat Series, a monthly initiative undertaken by the NGO Relations office in the United Nations Department of Public Information. Hamdallat and George will focus on developing a positive attitude to migration.

It follows a summit led by DMU at the UNs New York headquarters in January, where hundreds of DMU students debated how universities can do more to assist refugees and migrants.

As part of the #JoinTogether campaign, DMU has been asked by the UN to take a lead in engaging universities across the world to find ways of successfully integrating refugees into communities, while spreading messages of tolerance and understanding. Eleven universities from around the world have already joined the campaign as partner institutions.

The Tuesday Chat Series event will take place on 27 February and will be moderated by Professor Shellard with contributions from students Hamdallat and George, who completed work placements at the UN in January.

Nearly two dozen other DMU students will visit New York for a #DMUglobal visit and will attend the event as part of a packed itinerary, which also includes volunteering at a refugee resettlement centre and supporting volunteers at St Marys Episcopal Church.

RELATED NEWS

Ten ways students can help refugees in Leicester

DMU students are in New York to spearhead UN refugee support campaign

The event provides a platform for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to engage in an informal discussion about the vital issue of migration and further strengthens DMUs commitment to helping refugees around the world.

Professor Shellard said: The world is currently witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record. This crisis affects people from all over the world and its one seldom heard through our mainstream media.

But we can do something about this. At DMU, we have shown that universities can make a real difference to the lives of refugees in Leicester and elsewhere and, along with the United Nations Together initiative and our partner universities, we are now taking that message out to the world.

Tapping into our students passion, enthusiasm and determination to bring about change is critical to this work and Im looking forward to hearing their ideas about how we can address this enormous challenge.
UK, Netherlands lobby for Unilever HQ

Unilever is expected to decide on the location of its headquarters within the next couple of weeks, with the UK government bracing for the company to pick the Netherlands over the UK.

Unilever chief Paul Polman earlier this month said the group was likely to complete its review into where to house its legal base by the end of the first quarter.

It is now thought that a decision would likely be taken during the second week of March, at its next scheduled board meeting, although no decision has yet been taken.

Meanwhile, both the UK and Dutch governments are keenly trying to win over the manufacturer.

Last year, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte offered to cut corporation tax and abolish a tax on dividends for the company, while the UK's department for business, energy and industrial strategy confirmed that it was "in regular contact with Unilever and we will continue to work with them during this process".

It added that it was working with companies to create an "environment where businesses can thrive". Unilever exports around 1bn (875m) worth of the products it makes in the UK. This amounts to a third of its UK production.

Meanwhile, The Times reported that business secretary Greg Clark , is working frantically to prevent Unilever choosing the Netherlands over the UK for its new headquarters.

Clark and Alex Chisholm, the permanent secretary in his department, have held talks with Unilever. Clark has met them ''a lot of times'', The Times reported, citing a government source.

The two men have been optimistic about the outcome of the discussions, and have emphasised that Unilever has not made a final decision.

Meanwhile, Unilever pledged to review its dual legal structure and stock market listing in the UK and the Netherlands last year after a surprise 115 billion takeover approach by Kraft Heinz.

The company is listed both in London and in the Netherlands since UK soapmaker Lever Brothers merged with Margarine Unie, a Dutch spread maker, in 1930.

Under its dual structure, the company has two boards with the same members, two sets of corporate laws and two sets of shareholders.
Geely invests RMB 32.6 billion to build new energy vehicle production base

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On February 11, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group signed an agreement with Changxing County of Zhejiang Province. Geely plans to invest a total of RMB 32.6 billion to build vehicle production base, transmission production base, auto parts industry park and so on.

The vehicle production capacity of this program will be up to 300,000 units and the first phase is expected to start construction by the end of October, 2018.

In January, Geely sold 155,089 vehicles, surging 51 percent from a year earlier. The Hangzhou-based automaker eyes 1.58 million vehicle sales in 2018, jumping 27 percent compared with 2017 while the January sales took up nearly 10 percent of its annual target.

The new program in Changxing will improve production capacity to meet market demands. The products of this program will cover variants from small-size new energy vehicle module platform, including hybrid electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Out of the total investment, RMB 22.4 billion will be used to build a new energy vehicle production factory while the rest will be for the transmission production program, which is expected to have an annual capacity of 600,000 units.

In accordance with Geelys plan, its new energy vehicle sales will reach 1.8 million units in 2020. Currently, there are only two new energy vehicle models on sale, Emgrand EV and Emgrand PHEV. More models in this segment will be put into market to achieve the sales target, such as the new energy versions of Emgrand GS, Emgrand GL. In the future, Geely will introduce much more products built on AMA and PMA new energy platforms.




The NSW Government has purchased a $3.3 million stake in Wagyu beef agribusiness Stone Axe Pastoral, marking the first time it has dipped into its $150 million Go NSW Equity Fund, unveiled last October.

[Related: NSW Government set to secure equity in SMEs with good ideas using new $150 million fund]

Delivered in partnership with First State Super and ROC Partners, the state government fund has been earmarked for direct investments in high-growth potential businesses.

Minister for Small Business and Regional NSW John Barilaro said the governments $3.3m stake in Stone Axe Pastoral, which was accompanied by a $6.7 million co-investment from First State Super, will strengthen the companys position as a significant global player in the Wagyu industry. Specifically, he said the capital will allow the Ebor-based company to create 76 full-time jobs over five years and breed largest Full-Blood Wagyu cattle herd outside of Japan.

The Liberals and Nationals Government is doing business differently in NSW, Minister Barilaro said. [Were] putting our money where our mouth is to ensure we continue to create more jobs in this state than any other state in Australia.

First State Super Chief Investment Officer Damian Graham said the company was delighted to be supporting a rural NSW agricultural business as its first investment through the GO NSW Equity Fund.

Our top priority is to deliver sustainable returns to our members over the long term, and we believe this investment in Stone Axe Pastoral is a strong and sound one, and a great start to the GO NSW partnership with the NSW Government, Graham said.

For First-State Super, this Fund is all about delivering positive social benefits, while also maximising the growth potential of small to medium-sized businesses to deliver good returns to our members.

Stone Axe Pastoral CEO Scott Richardson said, we are delighted with NSW Government and First State Supers decision to invest in our business. The partnership with the NSW Government and First State Super will help the company expand in and around Ebor in regional NSW.

The investment means we will be able to continue to build on our existing Full-Blood Wagyu breeding program in some of the best cattle country in Australia, as well as look at other strategic opportunities to invest further into the supply chain as part of our overall paddock to plate strategy.

Managing Director of ROC Partners Michael Lukin said the private equity investment firm was excited by the opportunities in regional NSW being uncovered through its involvement with the GO NSW Equity Fund.

We believe there are many attractive investment opportunities in regional NSW that can likewise be supported by the Fund, he said.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said he was pleased the partnership will deliver more jobs to the premium cattle-producing region.

This is a ground-breaking deal, that will establish Ebor as a major player in the countrys Wagyu export industry, Marshall said.
Its a startling experience to arrive at work, only to realise that my entire team had suddenly taken two weeks of undeclared leave.

I was working in Cambodia, and had I been more aware of the culture, I would have known that my team was celebrating their New Year. Its not an official holiday, hence why I wasnt aware of it, but its customary for staff to take around two weeks off from work to spend time with their family.

Its anecdotes like this that often scare Australian founders away from Asian markets. But this needs to change. Beijing has now surpassed Silicon Valley as the top technology hub in the world, yet Asian markets are still overlooked by Australian companies and startups.

Aussie businesses still look to their cultural counterparts in countries like the United Kingdom or the USA for overseas expansion. This is understandable, given the language and marketplace similarities as the barriers to entry are much lower. However, long-term, these regions can be much harder to break into given the level of competition and oversaturation that already exists.

Opportunity exists across Asia for Australian startups, we just need to understand how to best leverage it.

For the better part of a decade I was based in Southeast Asia, building entrepreneurial ecosystems, and mentoring startups in creative tech. It was during this time that I developed a strong understanding of these markets and spotted the opportunities that existed within them.

First of all, its crucial to understand that each country within Asia has a different level of development and as a result, different business opportunities. In this context, some business models that are thriving in Australia may function well in parts of the continent, but not in others.

It is important when looking into any international market, the benefit of outsourcing vs insourcing. There are a number of activities the lend themselves well to to the outsource model, such as sales support services, however more sensitive activities which include the development of key key intellectual property are sometimes best managed in house.

That said, one key commonality is that some of the key infrastructure requirements for startups  often high mobile device penetration and high speed internet access  are a staple of most countries in Asia. With regards to high speed internet access, a lot of the infrastructure is new and world class.

And, in some regards, the talent for startups across Asia can be better than Australia. New education institutions have sprung up across the continent, teaching courses tailored towards emerging industries and current jobs rather than legacy qualifications.

Another benefit, if lifestyle is a concern, is that the lack of a major time zone difference also make Asia an ideal landing pad for a founder who is keen to live in Australia yet have at least one major operation overseas. The typical trend is that when a company expands overseas, the founder often has to live for a period there in order for the business to work.

Part of the reason for Australian founders avoiding Asia in lieu of other markets is simply because they havent experienced its business culture or simply dont understand it.

Our startup scene has long neglected the economic powerhouse that is Asia, which boasts worlds fastest growing middle class. Through educating and driving more experiences for startups in Asia, were hoping we will change this.
Reaping the benefits of payment services in a new regulatory environment

Speech by Yves Mersch, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the European Banking Federations Executive Committee, Frankfurt am Main, 22 February 2018

The revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) has featured high on the agenda of the payments industry for some time and it will continue to do so. The regulatory technical standards (RTS) on strong customer authentication and common and secure open standards of communication, which have been submitted by the European Commission to the co-legislators for scrutiny, strike a fair balance between the previously diverging views of the different players. They should soon be finalised and then published in the Official Journal.

The new legislative framework will support innovation and competition in retail payments; it will enhance the security of payment transactions and the protection of consumer data. It will introduce major changes to which all payment service providers (PSPs) will have to adapt, and I encourage all PSPs to ensure the highest level of security in their payment services and adopt the requirements of the RTS ahead of time. Banks should also grasp the opportunity to work towards a single and standardised interface to communicate with third-party providers (TPPs) across Europe in a safe and efficient manner. Cooperation with TPPs and users is crucial in this context in order to deliver innovative, efficient and competitive services to the people of Europe.

Let me explain this in more detail.

Security requirements during the transition period

As co-chair of the European Forum on the Security of Retail Payments (SecuRe Pay), the ECB has contributed in particular to the RTS in respect of strong customer authentication and common and secure open standards of communication, the Guidelines on security measures for operational and security risks of payment services and the Guidelines on major incident reporting. It is still involved in the finalisation of the Guidelines on fraud data reporting requirements.

Now that Member States have transposed or are about to transpose the PSD2 and almost all pieces of secondary legislation have been finalised, I think we can say that the European market has taken a major step towards:

increasing the protection of payment service users against fraud and possible abuses of their financial information,

fostering the resilience of PSPs through harmonised minimum security requirements, and towards

enabling competition in the field of payment services by introducing innovative payment services such as payment initiation services, account information services and issuing card-based payment instruments where a confirmation on the availability of funds is requested, as well as clarifying the applicable liability regime for such services.

I am aware that the market still has some concerns and that clarifications with respect to the PSD2, and the RTS in particular, have been requested. The ECB will continue to provide support and expertise in this field as an active observer in the API Evaluation Group, which was recently established by the European Commission.

Beyond this, I am convinced that it is in your particular interest as payment service providers  and in the interest of the security of the retail payments market more generally  to implement the RTS and other related PSD2 requirements as soon as possible. Please do not wait 18 months until you are obliged to comply with the security requirements enshrined in the RTS. Take action soon, as these measures are necessary to mitigate threat scenarios of which you are well aware.

For example, strong customer authentication solutions with dynamic linking of the authorisation to the specific amount and payee will help to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. Transaction and device monitoring is essential to identify unusual payment patterns and potential fraud cases. It is also essential to start offering well-functioning and reliable access interfaces to the payment service user accounts in order to protect the confidentiality and integrity of your customer information.

It is also paramount that TPPs be authorised or registered as soon as possible, and comply with all legal requirements at an early stage. TPPs need to bear their share of the responsibility by testing and using the access interfaces in a prompt and cooperative fashion, and by contributing constructively to the ongoing efforts aimed at the standardisation of these interfaces.

Standardisation

Standardisation is a basis for the efficient and pan-European provision of payment services in an integrated market. Already shortly after the adoption of PSD2, members of the Euro Retail Payments Board (ERPB) voiced concern that the legal requirements alone would not be sufficient for the provisioning of efficient and integrated pan-European payment initiation services (PIS) and that the industry should agree on common technical, operational and business requirements to complement the legal requirements.

Business in this sense means, for instance, the processes for incident handling between PSPs but excludes commercial aspects. Operational refers to matters such as a directory service that banks could address 24/7 to check whether a TPP contacting them is indeed still a licensed PSP. Technical relates mainly to the interfaces that banks are obliged to offer according to the PSD2 and the RTS.

The PSD2 and the RTS do not provide technical specifications; they only set high-level requirements. In order to remain technologically neutral, and to cater for potentially different approaches by PSPs, the RTS give the account-servicing PSP the choice of establishing an interface dedicated to payment initiation services or allowing TPPs the use of the online banking interface used by their normal customers.

As a consequence, the approximately 4,000 banks offering SEPA credit transfer could in theory finally try to meet the legal requirements of PSD2 and its RTS by developing and offering a proprietary interface. Thus, in a worst-case scenario, any TPP would need to manage 4,000 bespoke IT-projects to connect to each of those banks, thereby clearly going against the spirit of the new directive.

Back in February 2014 in the ECBs legal opinion on the proposed PSD2, we pointed out the importance of working towards a standardised European interface to facilitate pan-European PIS. The European Commission has also clearly articulated recently that a standardised interface is their preference, since it provides the technical basis for competition and allows even the smallest players, including start-ups (fintechs), to enter the market with new and innovative services that could be offered with a pan-European reach.

It is a step in the right direction that only a few initiatives are currently developing standardised specifications for Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and the ERPB already called for close cooperation between these projects. I would even go a step further and encourage these initiatives to join forces and agree on one common technical specification so that the whole of Europe could base their systems upon one or a few technical API standards. This will greatly facilitate market entry, avoid fragmentation and allow for competition at the service level, avoiding obstacles at the technical level.

To promote the uptake of standardised APIs, the European Commission has invited market participants to establish an API Evaluation Group, which has just started its work. I call on the banks to actively, substantively and speedily contribute to the activities of this Group, as its findings are essential for the competent authorities, after consulting the EBA, to grant an exemption from the RTS obligation to offer a fallback solution for the dedicated interface.

I am of course aware that a bank can also be compliant with the RTS by offering an adaptation of its customer online banking interface instead of a dedicated interface. Such interfaces would meet the legal requirements, but would not meet the market needs of efficient and pan-European provision of payment initiation services. So I was disappointed when I heard that some banks seem to be seriously considering this option. I strongly encourage them to offer a dedicated interface, based on a standardised specification, as this is one pillar of successful PIS.

Last, but certainly not least, the ERPB extended the mandate of its Working Group on payment initiation services to follow up several common requirements related to operational and business elements, which together are the other pillar of successful PIS. I appreciate the commitment that the banks have shown to this important task and expect to complete the work by June 2018. It is important that the API Evaluation Group and the ERPB Working Group progress in parallel so that PSPs have clarity by the summer and can plan their investments that need to be made. Then they can prepare for a timely implementation of PSD2 and the RTS and be ready for the competition that PSD2 aims to foster.

Conclusion

To conclude, I would strongly encourage European payment service providers to embrace the opportunities the PSD2 provides for competition and innovation, to cooperate in the standardisation of APIs that should preferably result in a single API, and to implement all the security requirements of the new directive and its RTS as soon as possible, even before they become mandatory.

I count on the full commitment of the European Banking Federation and the entire payments industry to work towards safe, efficient and innovative payment services.
(Photo: World Council of Churches)Billy Graham visits the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, in June 1955.

Billy Graham, the 20th-century Christian crusader and pathfinder of mass audience evangelicalism who had the ear of 12 U.S. presidents, has died at the age of 99 with tributes to his legacy coming from a diverse group of church leaders including the head of the World Council of Churches .

Among the first to pay tribute were Donald Trump and his vice-president Mike Pence, the most recent beneficiaries of the voting power of US evangelical Christians, The Guardian reported.

Graham died at his home Wednesday morning from natural causes, a family spokesman told ABC News.

Born in 1918 in Charlotte, North Carolina, William Franklin Graham Jr. was the oldest of the four children of William and Morrow Graham, Huffington Post wrote.

He was raised on a dairy farm, and little in his childhood suggested he would become a world-renowned preacher.

Then at 16, Graham attended a series of revival meetings run by outspoken evangelist Mordecai Ham. The two months he spent listening to Ham's sermons on sin sparked a spiritual awakening in Graham and prompted him to enroll at Bob Jones College.

FLORIDA BIBLE INSTITUTE

When the conservative Christian school's strict doctrine didn't align with his personal beliefs, he transferred to the Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity College of Florida) and joined a Southern Baptist Convention church. He was ordained in 1939.

From the 1930s until the early years of this century, Graham pulled crowds of thousands to hear his rallying cry for Christianity.

Over almost six decades, it is estimated that he preached to more than 200 million people.

Graham travelled coast to coast with his evangelizing and was able to channel the mass media to tap into millions, using television and radio networks, newspaper columns, feature films and satellite links.

He wrote dozens of books and his sermons were translated simultaneously into 48 languages and transmitted to 185 countries by satellite.

Graham, who had suffered from prostate cancer, pneumonia and symptoms of Parkinson's disease, died at his home in North Carolina, his spokesperson said.

Trump tweeted: "The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man."

Pence, who is a known evangelical, said his "matchless voice changed the lives of millions. We mourn his passing but know with absolute certainty that today he heard those words: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'"

Graham had received additional theological training at Illinois' Wheaton College, where he met his future wife, Ruth McCue Bell. They were married for 64 years, until her death in 2007, and had five children.

"He dominated 20th century American evangelicalism and remained a major figure on the world stage throughout most of the 20th century in a way that we can envision no evangelical leader in our times," wrote Albert Mohler, the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in an article titled 'Mohler on Graham' 'An epic era of evangelical history has come to an end.'"

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said the global church owed him an "immeasurable and inexpressible" debt.

Graham was "an exemplar to generation upon generation of modern Christians," Welby said. "When it comes to a living and lasting influence upon the worldwide church he can have few equals: for he introduced person after person to Jesus Christ. There are countless numbers who began their journey of faith because of Dr. Graham."

PUBLIC MEMORIAL SERVICE

A public memorial service for Graham began in North Carolina on the morning of Feb. 26, running through the end of the week, culminating in a e with a Feb. 2 funeral that that President Trump is expected to attend, United Press International reported.

A hearse carrying Graham's body arrived at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte on Feb. 25, part of a 10-vehicle motorcade.

Graham will lie in repose at the library until Feb. 28, when his casket will then travel to the U.S. Capitol rotunda in Washington and his casket will return to Charlotte for burial March 2.

"My father made me promise long ago that we would take him back to Charlotte after he died," son Franklin Graham said.

As the North Carolina motorcade wound through a 130-mile (209 mile) route, thousands lined streets with many carrying U.S. flags, flags with Christian symbolism and handmade signs of appreciation.

Trump and more than 2,300 others are expected to expect the Friday funeral, said UPI.

The services will be conducted under a massive tent reminiscent of Graham's eight-week "crusade" of evangelism in Los Angeles in 1949. About 350,000 people attended his sermons there. The event first drew attention to Graham's oratorical gift and mission.

The World Council of Churches issued a statement on Feb. 26 saying Graham's death marks a milestone in the landscape of churches worldwide, as he was a highly respected church leader and preacher of the Gospel in the USA and around the world.

"He has played an important role for many people in their encounters with the gospel and with Christian faith," said WCC secretary general Rev. Olav Fykse veit. "He was an evangelist at heart."

While Tveit never met Graham personally, Tveit's predecessor former WCC general secretary Rev. Konrad Raiser, met Graham. So did former WCC general secretary Willem Visser 't Hooft, as Graham visited the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey in the mid-1950s.

Tveit continued: "The World Council of Churches and Billy Graham were not always in agreement on questions of how Christianity should contribute to work for peace and justice in the world, but he respected a clear position and worked sincerely on a wide range of issues."

Evangelical Christians in particular have much to thank Graham for, Tveit said. "He gave Biblical depth and weight to the evangelical context  something that is dearly needed, not least in our time today  in the U.S. and elsewhere."
Considered to be the Ten Best UFO Photos Ever Taken I am sure that we could add more pictures to this list but these are considered ten o...
The launch of the first Guangzhou flower market in an overseas region on Valentine's Day was a grand occasion. Held at Paris' Grand Palais, the opening featured a flower exhibition synchronized with Chinese New Year themes and splendid light shows.

Visitors were able to experience a mix of Chinese and French floral works while satiating their tastebuds with Cantonese cuisine.

Furthermore, a light and music show with the theme "When Guangzhou Meets Paristhe Charming Night of a Flower City" played at the Place de la Republique last night in celebration of the overall festivities.

EHang drones take formation as a miniature Eiffel Tower adjacent to the Canton Tower. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Guangzhou's Pearl River Bridge is lit up for the Spring Festival. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]



A family wishes the world "happy new year" while enjoying the Guangzhou flower market. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Melissa Michel (M) and friends send their new year wishes to the people of Guangzhou. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]












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.
Pledges from EU member states for the Economic Resilience Initiative now total more than 128 million euros

Commitments helping to create jobs and tackle the migration challenge in the EUs Southern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans  with a special focus on young people and women

The Economic Resilience Initiative is on track with 21 projects and 1.5 billion euros of financing already approved

Today the European Investment Bank welcomed a boost from member states that will support the European Unions action to support resilience and tackle the migration challenge in its neighbourhood through the Economic Resilience Initiative (ERI) an investment plan aimed at supporting job creation in the private sector and key social infrastructure such as water, health and education.

Today Luxembourg signed a new agreement to support the ERI, thus increasing its initial contribution of 400,000 euros by another 2 million euros. The UK has also confirmed its support through a commitment of up to 25 million GBP (about 28 million euros) that was pledged two years ago in the context of the London Conference on Supporting Syria and the Region, hosted by the UK and co-chaired with the United Nations and with the governments of Germany, Kuwait, and Norway.

Last years contributions from Lithuania and Croatia of 450,000 euros and 500,000 euros respectively, alongside those provided by Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, will support the EU Banks special ERI Fund aimed at stepping up investment in the Southern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans. As announced last year, Poland and Italy are contributing 50 and 45 million euros respectively. with contributions from Slovakia of 2 million euros and Slovenia 0.5 million euros.

The investments supported with the contributions from the Member States will allow for new job opportunities  particularly for women and young people. In so doing, the Economic Resilience Initiative, complementary to the EUs recently agreed External Investment Plan, will help to address the root causes of migration.

EIB President Werner Hoyer said, The support from EU member states has been excellent for the Economic Resilience Initiative. The extra contribution we have signed today from the Luxembourg government is a truly positive signal and a vote of confidence for our initiative to tackle migration and build resilience. I can report that the Economic Resilience initiative is well on track is already having an impact in the regions concerned. Thanks to projects agreed until now, more than 54,000 jobs will be supported through lending to 1.300 small and medium businesses by our partner banks and ERI projects will bring safer water and improved sanitation to over 1.5 million people. We look forward to receiving further contributions from other Member States.

Speaking from Luxembourg, Vice President Dario Scannapieco who oversees the EU Banks response to the migration challenge said The contributions from the Member States are most welcome. They will help to improve peoples daily life and the business environment not only in communities where many migrants come from, but also in host and transit communities. Building resilience, supporting inclusive growth and helping our neighbours to tackle challenges like migration is in the European Unions responsibility and in its own interest.

The Economic Resilience Initiative (ERI) was requested by the 28 EU member states in 2016 as a part of the EU response to the challenges posed by forced displacement and migration and as a follow up to the London Syria Conference in 2016. Focused on the Western Balkans and Europes Southern Neighbourhood, which covers North Africa and the Middle East, the ERI initiative substantially increases EIB financing in these regions: an extra 6 billion euros in addition to the 7.5 billion euros already planned by 2020.The bank estimates that ERI will take the total EIB mobilisation of investment in the regions to some 35 billion euros by 2020.

Investments under ERI are well on track. Up to now, 21 projects and 1.5 billion euros of financing have been approved under the new initiative. These are already starting to make an impact on the ground:
A long-time business in Emmetsburg and Palo Alto County announced its acquisition by an Omaha, NE firm Monday, Feb. 19. The Kerber Companies, parent company of Kerber Milling, Ag Property Solutions and Hawkeye Sow Center, has been acquired by Standard Nutrition Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Standard Nutrition Company.

The actual acquisition took effect on January 1, 2018, but was not publically announced until Monday, Feb. 19, when Kerber employees were told of the sale by former owner Jeff Kerber and Kerber Companies President Pat Joyce, along with Standard Nutrition Company President Bill Dyer.

The first message given local employees was that business will continue as it has for nearly 100 years.

We anticipate no drastic changes whatsoever,?Dyer explained. Pat Joyce will remain in charge of the operations here in Emmetsburg, and will also become the President and a partner in Standard Nutrition Services.

Weve been a neighbor to the Kerber Companies since the late 1980s,?Dyer continued. We have a mill located in Bancroft, and Ive admired the pork production systems that the Kerber Companies have developed over time. We have developed programs with poultry producers in South Dakota and pork producers to the west as well. I?am very impressed with the team that Jeff and Pat have assembled for Kerber Milling and this is just a great opportunity for both of our companies.

Both of our companies have been deeply rooted in animal livestock agriculture for decades, noted Joyce. Together, we will continue to build on our relationships and partnerships in the ever-changing agricultural industry. This move also gives the Kerber family an excellent succession strategy after their years of service to the region as well as creating opportunities for the talented people of both organizations to pursue the passion and expanded resources and services provide to animal agriculture producers.

For Jeff Kerber, the time was right for the move.

Im the last of three generations of the Kerber family to operate the business, and looking to the future, I?always knew that someday, I would have to figure out what to do to continue the company,?Kerber said. 10 months ago, I?had no idea that we would be doing this, but since meeting Bill and comparing notes and businesses, this is a good fit for both the Kerber Companies and Standard Nutrition Services. A?lot of things just lined up perfectly. There are things we do really well and there are things Standard Nutrition does really well. There are just a lot of synergies, but Pat is going to be the greatest synergy. He has run the Kerber Companies for us for the past several years and he will do an excellent job bringing the two companies together.

Kerber continued, I was looking for the right partner to trade places with, and with Pat and Bill, it makes it easier to step aside. Finding the right partner was so critical.

Standard Nutrition Company traces its roots to 1886 in Omaha, NE., the outgrowth of the Standards Stock Food Company, a firm that introduced supplemental vitamins and trace minerals into livestock rations. Since that beginning, Standard Nutrition has grown to serve 18 western states and three Canadian provinces.

The Kerber Companies was founded in 1920 by Fred Kerber as a flour mill, but transitioned into milling feed products for livestock producers. In the late 1960s John Kerber took over the leadership of the company as it grew into a regional nutrition company , as well as developing the Hawkeye Sow Centers producer network.

Jeff Kerber assumed the leadership of the company in the late 1990s and oversaw the development of management services for producers, as well as the creation of Ag Property Solutions, a construction and equipment subsidiary devoted to livestock facilities supplies, equipment, construction and repairs.

Today the Kerber Companies employ around 180 individuals in the various divisions.

Bringing our companies together creates the opportunities to gain efficiencies,?Jeff Kerber noted. For instance, Standard Nutrition has three PhDs in Animal Nutrition on staff while we have had to rely on outside nutritionists. These efficiencies are what you need to do to remain competitive.

We are very excited to gain the construction and equipment expertise of Ag Property Solutions,?Dyer added. Standard Nutrition Services does not have a construction division, and in the past few months, we actually had APS people out in South Dakota advising some of our people on a swine facility for one of our producers. It was really fun to do that, because we had three entities, our producer, Standard Nutrition and Ag Property Solutions all working together and none of them knew this would become a unified organization this year.

With the acquisition now public, the immediate goal will be business as usual, according to Dyer, Kerber and Joyce.

The biggest thing will be to bring everything together,?Dyer admitted, but well just relax, and let everyone get to know each other and let our companies continue to grow and serve the livestock agriculture industry for a long time to come.
Ahmedinejad calls for free environment for elections

Irans former president Ahmadinejad urges Iran's supreme leader Khamenei to call early elections to end nation's crises.

Ahmadinejad issued the appeal in an open letter to Khamenei published late Wednesday on the Devlet-i Bahar website, which is known for being close to the former president.

Ahmadinejad demanded the release of all those arrested and jailed for taking part in a recent wave of protests, mostly on charges of "undermining the ruling regime".He also wrote that free early elections are essential for ending the crises, the country currently faces.

Former president also called for reforming Irans judicial system, asserting that "steps taken in this regard will pave the way for political reform.

In 2009, thousands of Iranians took to the streets in the country to protest Ahmadinejads win in the elections.
Blac Chyna may have a dirty sex tape but she claims she's clean.

On Monday, Feb. 19, the 29-year-old made headlines after an anonymous Twitter user leaked a sex tape of her, which later prompted her to rush to the cops.

The video shows Blac Chyna, whose real name is Angela Renee White, performing oral sex on an unidentified man, whom social media believes might be her ex-boyfriend Mechie due to the sound of the alleged individual's voice.

Well, the beauty entrepreneur has come forward and denies the claims that she leaked her own sex tape.

When the video was released, TMZ revealed that it was shot on Chyna's phone. However, none of the photos from her camera roll or other video footage have been released.

Although Chyna's former boyfriend Mechie has not been confirmed to be the man in the video, he swears he did not leak the tape. He claims he never had his own copy.

Chyna Files A Police Report

According to Hollywood Life, the mother of two is planning to file a police report by the end of the week. Chyna has not yet commented on the incident but her lawyer Walter Mosley revealed that they have been communicating with the police.

Mosley also took to Instagram to share a photo of him and Chyna and expressed his disappointment over the matter.

"We have to change this culture of abuse and assault against women. Today's post saddens me deeply as it is an attack not only against my client but my friend. Why do we think it's acceptable to sell, or publish, or seek revenge, or blackmail women in this way and without their consent?" Mosley wrote.

In the lengthy post, Mosley also stated that the action was morally corrupt and it was time to set an example.

Lisa Bloom Speaks Out

Following the leak of the sex tape, celebrity attorney Lisa Bloom hinted that the tape was simply "revenge porn."

Bloom, who represented Chyna during her case with her former boyfriend Rob Kardashian after he posted nude photos of her on Instagram in the summer of 2017, took to Twitter to explain that this should not be taken as a joke as numerous women have committed suicide due to revenge porn.
Actress Jennifer Aniston reportedly isn't giving up on love! The 49-year-old actress is currently going through a tough separation from her current husband, Justin Theroux, but this isn't going to stop her from trying to find her happily ever after.

Aniston Moves On

On Feb. 15, 2018, the Theroux and Aniston released a statement announcing their separation after two years of marriage.

"In an effort to reduce any further speculation, we have decided to announce our separation. This decision was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year. We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship," the former couple released in a joint statement.

After the separation was announced, more details about the couple's life made the headlines, such as Theroux not living at home and not attending Aniston's birthday celebration.

Another revelation is that the couple allegedly were trying for children but it never happened. Despite this, the Along Came Polly actress remains hopeful that this isn't the end of her love story even the actress isn't keen on "dating" again.

"She hates all the media attention that she knows she will get now. But she is a big believer in falling in love and spending her life with a partner that loves sharing hers," an insider close to the actress stated.

Theroux and Aniston were married in July 2015. The two began dating in 2011 and purchased a home together in 2012. Prior to this, Aniston was involved in a relationship with Vince Vaughn and John Mayer.

What's Next For Jennifer?

Aniston's shocking separation has sparked hope amongst certain fans of her first high-profile romance with actor Brad Pitt. The couple dated in 1998 before tying the knot in 2000. The former pair seemed like the perfect Hollywood romance until they announced their separation and their intention to divorce in 2005. Pitt had moved on to actress Angelina Jolie with whom he had three biological and three adopted children with.

Pitt and Jolie announced that they had separated in 2016.

Though Aniston and Pitt called it quits over a decade ago, the two reportedly still "checked in" with one another. Now that Pitt is a free man, many are hopeful that he will reunite with the Friends actress.

Aniston is also best known for roles in The Good Girl, Marley and Me, Bruce Almighty, Office Christmas Party, Rumor Has It, and He's Just Not That Into You.
Jennifer Lawrence is slamming everyone who is criticizing the revealing Versace dress she wore during a photocall in London, calling the backlash ridiculous and offensive.

J-Law, Versace, And London

The Oscar-winning actress attended a Red Sparrow photocall in the brisk London weather wearing a plunging Versace creation with a slit up to her thighs.

The reaction was nearly instantaneous online, as online news publications, blogs, and social media began complaining of the nature of Lawrence's dress  especially beside her bundled up companions.

With the male director and cast members clad in warmer clothing on either side of her, most of the critics criticized her stylists, who they assumed chose her revealing ensemble for her and cited her outfit choice as another example of inequality in Hollywood.

Actress Slams Critics Online

Lawrence's reaction on the controversy shows that the criticism is way off base. The actress went on Facebook with a furious rant that revealed just how absurd she finds the issue.

"This is not only utterly ridiculous, I am extremely offended," she wrote, her annoyance apparent in the Facebook post. "That Versace dress was fabulous, you think I'm going to cover that gorgeous dress up with a coat and a scarf?"

The actress goes on to say that the she only spent five minutes outdoors, adding that she would have chosen to spend more time in the cold anyway because she truly loves fashion. The point is, she stresses, it's her choice.

Lawrence calls the criticisms sexist and decidedly not feminism.

"Overreacting about everything someone says or does, creating controversy over silly innocuous things such as what I choose to wear or not wear, is not moving us forward," she continues. "It's creating silly distractions from real issues. Get a grip people. Everything you see me wear is my choice. And if I want to be cold THAT'S MY CHOICE TOO!"

Even her Red Sparrow costar Joel Edgerton offers his two cents on the issue, calling it a "lose-lose" situation in an interview with Yahoo Movies UK. He points out that if Lawrence wore a coat and jeans to the photocall, there would be people complaining as well.

"The body-shaming and outfit-shaming that goes on in the perishable internet media is really disappointing," Edgerton concludes.

Constant Controversy

The Red Sparrow leading man adds that Lawrence is constantly being criticized for her words and actions.

Most recently, the actress caught a lot of flak for her quip onstage at the BAFTAs that many people interpreted as rudeness toward host Joanna Lumley. While Lawrence later clarified the exchange as an inside joke between her and the host, it only underlines the microscope the A-list star is put under.
Meghan Markle is turning out to be a great help for Kate Middleton during her pregnancy. Prince Harry's future wife has been helping the duchess get through the first few months of her pregnancy with meaningful visits.

Third Pregnancy

Middleton's third pregnancy is no different from her first two. When she was pregnant with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, the Duchess of Cambridge suffered severe morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. Now seven months into her third pregnancy and she still finds her condition challenging.

According to a source, attending royal engagements has become harder the later the duchess gets into her pregnancy. Although she would often nod yes when acquaintances tell her it gets easier every time, the truth is the duchess finds it difficult. Still, she smiles for the camera to make it look like she is not having any trouble at all.

"It's taken quite a toll," the source said.

Fortunately, the duchess has people she can rely on including her future sister-in-law Markle. The former Suits star reportedly often drops by to visit Middleton for a cup of tea or a chat. It makes it easy for her to pay Prince William's wife a visit because she lives with Prince Harry at the palace's Nottingham Cottage, which is just a short walk to Kensington Palace. The pair would chat over a cup of tea and Markle would often offer health advice.

"She shares tips she's read about healthy eating," another source said.

Pre-Wedding Jitters

Aside from helping the pregnant duchess get through her third pregnancy, Markle also visits Middleton to ease her pre-wedding jitters. The duchess has reportedly also been helping Markle slowly integrate into royal life.

"Meghan may appear confident when on royal walkabouts, but she does have some pre-wedding butterflies  not about Harry, but about her new life," a source said.

Middleton knows much more about being a royal because she married Prince William in 2011. Likewise, she has spent more time with other members of the royal family including the British monarch Queen Elizabeth. The duchess would be the perfect person to help Markle adapt to her new life.

"I'm sure Kate will do all she can to help Meghan. She had audiences with Queen Elizabeth quite often and was taught to behave like a future Queen," a source from Bucklebury, where Kate comes from, said.

Palace Visits

Markle will have a sheltered life when she becomes Prince Harry's wife. She can no longer just jog around Hyde Park, go to gym classes or live a normal life. Instead, she may find herself at Kensington Palace more often since she really has nowhere else to go but visit Middleton and Prince William.
A few months after reuniting with Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber is expecting a new girl in his life. Specifically, a baby sister.

Baby Bieber

The pop star's 42-year-old father made the announcement on Instagram, sharing a photo of his bikini-clad wife Chelsey Rebelo with a baby bump.

"My beautiful wife and..." he wrote on the caption of the photo.

Sources tell TMZ that the newlywed couple are expecting a baby girl, which is behind their choice of a pink-themed wedding in Jamaica. Rebelo, 29, is reportedly four to five months along. It's the couple's first child together, but both of them have had kids in previous relationships. Jeremy already has three children in Justin, Jaxon, and Jazmyn from two previous marriages, while Rebelo is mother to her daughter, Allie.

Newlyweds

With a new child on the way, the pair will be having a short honeymoon period. Jeremy and Rebelo brought their families together in Jamaica for a beautiful outdoor wedding. Set against the stunning natural backdrop, it was an intimate affair with only 30 guests watching as they said their vows. From photos posted in social media, the wedding seems to be a laid-back event with the groom and his groomsman, Justin, in pink shorts. The bridal party wore flowy white dresses that looks perfect in the outdoor affair.

While Jeremy's superstar son was part of the wedding party, Justin reportedly opted not to perform or give a toast in front of all the guests.

Wedding Bells For Jelena?

Of course, the famous guests of the wedding are Justin and on-again girlfriend Gomez. E! News reveals Justin picked up his ladylove from Dallas, Texas, in a private jet, and then the two flew to Jamaica together.

The couple enjoyed the romantic getaway along with the rest of the Bieber family. Gomez is close to many of the family members, even taking selfies with a few of her beau's cousins.

A source even dishes that the romance in the air is getting to Justin, who has begun to think of the future as he watched his father tie the knot.

"Justin's really inspired right now and that has not only sparked new music from Justin, but personal conversation with his loved ones as well," an insider shares to Hollywood Life. "Justin and Selena have been having discussions about their future together and they can absolutely see a life where they are married and enjoying kids together."
Legendary Star Wars actor Mark Hamill will be getting his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 8.

Hamill To Be Honored On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Hamill, who people identify as Luke Skywalker from the epic space opera franchise, will join the legion of popular celebrities who have their names embedded in the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard.

He will be honored with the 2,630th brass star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a ceremony that will be held on March 8 to recognize his achievements as an actor.

The 66-year-old star will receive the honor in front of the El Capitan Theatre in the presence of Star Wars creator George Lucas. Harrison Ford, who played the iconic role of Han Solo in the Star Wars series alongside Hamill, will host the event along with Leron Gubler, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

"Star Wars fans will be over the moon that hearing their idol Mark Hamill is going to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame," Ana Martinez, producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies, said in a statement. "We are proud to add this extraordinary actor on our historic Walk of Fame."

Hamill's Achievements

Born in 1951 in Oakland, California, Hamill's always dreamed of becoming an actor. After graduating with a theatre arts major from Los Angeles City College, he earned his first break in 1969, when he signed with an agent after appearing in the play Anthems in E-Flat Calliope.

Hamill then bagged roles on television shows, including the daytime television medical drama General Hospital and the MTM sitcom The Texas Wheelers before he got his first feature film role in Lucas's Star Wars.

Although he is best remembered as Luke Skywalker, Hamill has also famously worked as a voiceover artist, particularly as the Joker in the '90s animated television series Batman: The Animated Series. He also lent his voice for the character in the video game Arkham Asylum as well as the animated movie Batman: The Killing Joke in addition to several other DC animated films.

His other credits as a voice actor include Avatar: The Last Airbender, Regular Show, and Dragons: Riders of Berk among others.

More recently, Hamill appeared in the 2014 action spy comedy Kingsman: The Secret Service as well as the latest Star Wars film, The Last Jedi. He will next be seen in the upcoming drama Con Man alongside James Caan and Ving Rhames.
Letters

COVID It is ironic the Federal Government appointees are blaming the unvaccinated U.S. citizens for the new COVID-19 explosion. When at the same time, people  900,000 so far and going up  are crossing the southern border, coming in hot with COVID in their body. Government appointees sprinkle these people into the interior of the U.S.

Safety At Rural Road Intersections Crawford County Farm Bureau Board of Directors wants to remind everyone when traveling on rural roads to slow down at intersections, especially where there is tall corn.

A plea for a plea To the Editor, Mr. Schauer and Ms. Creasman wrote a pitiful plea to their followers (Times News July 14) to be Silent No More. Their call to action for support of 

In response to the July 14 Letter to the Editor by Harrison County Chair and Vice-Chair. It was a relief to read the recent Letter to the Editor submitted by Benjamin Schauer and Jan Creasman. Their letter strongly outlined our current political climate, but did so in a respectful manner. They asked the reader to think, rather than telling the reader what to think.

Dig Deeper After my last editorial in this paper on the extreme property tax increases being forced on Harrison County taxpayers, I was tipped off to dig deeper into what really is going on with our County Assessor and Boards.

Read more letters




Greece's Aegean Airlines is continuing to grow its network in the former Yugoslavia for a fourth consecutive year in 2018, with three new routes to be launched this summer, while there will be further capacity and frequency increases on existing services. The Greek carrier is now also considering introducing seasonal summer flights to Sarajevo in 2019. "The former Yugoslav region is an important market for Aegean Airlines. Demand for these routes remain strong as passengers are able to travel to Athens and beyond. Our performance is satisfactory on this market, as is the cooperation we have with partner airlines in the region. Almost all flights from the former Yugoslav republics to Athens offer very good point to point coverage, as well as access to thirty Greek domestic destinations, connections to Cyprus and destinations in the Middle East and Southern Italy, which have proved popular with passengers from the Balkan region. Aegean is considering increasing frequency on existing routes as well as adding further destinations in the region", the airline told EX-YU Aviation News.





This summer, the Greek carrier will add new seasonal flights to Zagreb and Zadar. "The flights to Zagreb are initially planned as seasonal. Depending on performance we may consider a year-round operation", the airline said. Despite its increasing focus on the Croatian market, the carrier said it is not pursuing Croatia Airlines on its home turf. "Aegean, as a fellow Star Alliance member, cooperates closely with Croatia Airlines in many areas such as interline, interline through check-in and of course in offering frequent flyer benefits. We see them as a partner and are always open to explore opportunities to further grow our cooperation". However, despite their common interests, Aegean will compete against Croatia Airlines on the Athens - Zagreb service, with its Croatian counterpart operating the route with a stop in Dubrovnik. In addition to launching flights to Zagreb, as well as two weekly services to Zadar, Aegean will strengthen its operations to Dubrovnik this summer by operating daily flights from May 29 with a Dash 8 turboprop, up from last year's four per week. Previously, services have been maintained with a mix of Dash and Airbus aircraft. Meanwhile, from June 5, the Greek airline will introduce an additional weekly flight to Split for a total of four.





Elsewhere, Aegean plans to add services between Athens and Skopje now that the latter has renamed its airport. Services are expected to commence in June, however, they are yet to be scheduled. The airline has said this will happen once the Greek government assures them that all issues have been resolved. On the other hand, Aegean will boost capacity to Belgrade with the airline to run three weekly services to the Serbian capital with a mix of Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. Although it maintained four weekly flights to Belgrade last summer, all were operated with the smaller Dash aircraft. Furthermore, in a show of confidence to its Podgorica service, which was launched last year, Aegean will increase frequencies on the route this summer from two to three per week.




Making sure tourism businesses are prepared to capitalise fully on an expected upswing in social media searches was the purpose of a series of Failte Ireland workshops held in Killarney and Limerick this week. The workshops were held ahead of an up-coming Tourism Ireland social media initiative with popular holiday booking website, TripAdvisor. The Tourism Ireland Spring campaigns for the British and German markets will feature the Wild Atlantic Way and will run for 4 weeks and have the potential to substantially increase interest in visitor attractions, accommodation provision and activities offered by tourism businesses in the region. The GB campaign will begin on 5th March with the campaign for Germany starting on the 12th March next.



The workshops, facilitated jointly with Tourism Ireland and TripAdvisor, were held to outline the campaign details and highlight ways to engage with the TripAdvisor social media platforms. The purpose is that when the campaign is live, there will be a depth of content available on TripAdvisor relating to tourism businesses along the Wild Atlantic Way.



Paul Keeley, Director of Commercial Development at Failte Ireland said that working towards market diversification is an important strand of Failte Irelands Get Brexit Ready Programme and events such as the workshops are aimed at ensuring that tourism businesses are in a position to capitalise fully on the social media, advertising and in-market campaigns that Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are undertaking.



We are holding the workshops as part of our commitment to provide additional resources and augment our Get Brexit Ready programme. This year we are working with hundreds of businesses to help them assess their exposure to Brexit, fight to target best prospects in Britain and diversify their current offering to appeal to other markets such as Germany. The additional funding allows us to work with more businesses along the Wild Atlantic Way and to assist them to best position themselves to benefit from increased planned marketing campaigns. We are confident that tourism businesses in the region will see an increase in social media searches of their offerings during the campaign.



Finola OMahony, Head of Europe at Tourism Ireland said that Tourism Ireland Germany and GB are delighted to be partnering with Trip Advisor and Failte Ireland to work with Industry partners to maximise the opportunity to attract consumers to experience the Wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way.



The workshops are designed to help Industry get their Trip Advisor listings and offers optimised for the campaigns and to drive awareness for the Wild Atlantic way among culturally curious and great escaper Trip Advisor consumers, with targeted video, Facebook advertising and display, which in turn will help to drive bookings for participating Industry. We also hope that the campaign will drive interest for the direct routes into Kerry Airport from Frankfurt, Berlin, Stanstead and Luton.

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Kondinin's Natalie Browning has been elected to the CBH Group board.

KONDININs Natalie Browning has been elected to the CBH Group board, becoming the first female in the co-operatives 85-year history to be voted to the leadership group.

Ms Browning was announced as the District 3 member director on Monday, after votes were finalised by the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC).

The 34-year-old grower was one of four candidates - including Kondinins Lindsay Tuckwell, Bruce Rocks Stephen Strange and Yorks Rhys Turton - vying for the vacant position following the resignation of Pingelly grower John Hassell.

Ms Browning has 15 years farming experience, and runs a 100 per cent cropping program with her husband Karl and their three children Jace, Noah and Chloe on the familys 6400 hectare property.

She sits on the CBH Grower Advisory Council, the Rabobank Client Council and the Narembeen District High School board.

Along with this, she is completing a commerce degree through Curtin University and has taken part in the Australian Institute of Company Directors program.

Ms Browning is a supporter of the CBH Groups co-operative structure and has participated in the Executive Leadership Program: Co-operatives and Mutuals run through The University of Western Australia and the Australian Institute of Management.

CBH chairman Wally Newman congratulated Ms Browning on her appointment, and said her extensive farming and leadership experience would bring a lot to the board.

We welcome Natalies appointment to the board, her deep background in farming and her experience on CBHs Growers Advisory Council will bring valuable capabilities and perspectives to our board, Mr Newman said.

Id like to personally thank all candidates for their involvement, it was a very well-run campaign by all with informed passion and importantly, respect for one another.

Ms Browning will join Brian McAlpine and Simon Stead, who were re-elected unopposed to the board in District 1 and District 5 respectively at the close of nominations early this year.

The formal appointment of directors will take place at CBHs 85th Annual General Meeting (AGM) tomorrow, Friday, February 23.
Lochgair Farms, Lake Biddy, was named the WAMMCO Producer of the Month for January. Celebrating the win were Lochgair Farms' Nathan Gilmour (left) and wife Emily and children Lachlan and Finn along with Nathan's father Ian Garard and wife Christine.

WITH their Merino ewes returning an average cut of eight kilograms of 21.5 micron wool a head and delivering more Prime SAMM-Merino cross prime lambs for record prices a carcase, the Garard familys sheep enterprise at Lake Biddy is more than holding its own.

Nathan Gilmour returned to Lochgair in November last year after 10 years with Elders Finance and is working with his father Ian Garard to double their prime lamb enterprise within five years.

Our sheep and lambs provide that welcome regular income base throughout the year with proceeds from lamb and wool that would have been beyond expectation a few years ago, Nathan said.

He was commenting on the news that the familys Lochgair Farms had won WAMMCOs first Producer of the Month title of the new year, for January 2018.

The operations consignment of 184 crossbred lambs included 96.7 per cent of carcases in WAMMCOs premium grade.

Processed at Katanning on January 31, they weighed an average of 21.36kg and returned $136.65 a head including skins.

Elders Lake Grace agent, Graeme Taylor, who has assisted the Garard family for some years, said it was pleasing to see WAMMCOs more flexible sweet spot criteria bringing more dedicated growers like Ian and Nathan into the monthly winners circle.

Mr Taylor said they were among a growing number of mixed farmers in the area who were quietly lifting their Merino ewe numbers and replacing grain crops with pasture based legumes, to increase their options.

His mobile pneumatic drafting unit is in regular use on Lochgair, and he was busy well beyond the normal end of October lamb delivery deadline while they addressed the difficult season.

Lack of follow-up rains saw the operation hand-feeding oats/barley/wheat seconds from the beginning of June to keep grazing pressure off their pastures

We had about 500 lambs left at the end of October and held them over on a barley/lupin mix with 5pc weaner pellets, through self-feeders before putting them on barley stubble with chaff heaps, Nathan said.

Seeding an extra 80 hectares of serradella, vetch and oat pasture this year will be an important step towards increasing their Merino ewe numbers to double the crossbred lamb enterprise.

We are also doing the sums on lotfeeding more lambs to take advantage of the $120-$140 a head market to finish lambs off in a drier season, Nathan said.

The farm appreciates the lamb price stability WAMMCO has assisted in WA via consistent prices and use of the latest processing and marketing technology and say their future expansion plans are based on their confidence that prices will remain sound.

Ians grandfather Neil Stewart and his wife Gladys possibly believed that farming in the Lake Biddy area would be similar to the loch country near their home in Scotland when they arrived in WA and took up Lochgair in 1935 between Lake Grace and Newdegate.

They found that not much more than half of the 460 hectares (1137 acre) farm they purchased was arable because of the lakes, but also that the local lakebanks Morrell soils were well suited to grain and sheep production.

Glayds also purchased and ran the Lake Biddy general store and set to building a popular local business.

The township of Lake Biddy no longer remains but the store still stands and is a residence.

Ian took over the Lake Biddy property from his parents Glen and Gaye in 2005 and continued to improve the Merino terminal sire flock started in 2003 when Glen and Gaye purchased the first Prime SAMM Ram for Nathan to diversify into prime lamb production.

After trialling both Texel and Prime SAMM genetics, they settled on a Prime SAMM-Merino formula as basis for the new enterprise, Ross Taylors Tiarri Prime SAMM stud continues to supply rams for the current breeding ewe flock of 1200 Merino ewes which is topped up each year with maiden ewes sourced from M & JA Guelfi at Lake Biddy.

We rely on the quality wool and large frames of the Guelfis Merinos ewes bred from rams they purchase from the Lewisdale-Corrigin stud, Ian said.

Tiarri Prime SAMMs remain the key to our prime lamb business.

The Merino ewe flock averaged 103 per cent Prime SAMM cross lambs in 2017.

The lambing percentage was assisted by chaff carting at harvest, this process creates fodder heaps in the paddock.

The heaps are a valuable by-product of cropping for us because they increase the amount off food on offer to the ewes and require much less grazing effort to get the grain and weed seeds, which also has an on flow benefit by reducing weed numbers in following crops, Ian said.
ONE of New Zealands richest farmers, spud king Allan Pye is selling up in Tasmania with about $65 million tipped for Rushy Lagoon, his 20,000 hectare dairy, beef and cattle property on the north-eastern tip of Tasmania.

Mr Pye, whose fortune was estimated at $NZ350m ($325m) in 2016 according to a National Business Review list, acquired Rushy Lagoon 21 years ago and has expanded the holding, one of the largest farms in Tasmania, through the acquisition of the adjoining properties Red Hills and East Wyambie.

Rushy Lagoon has four dairies milking 4000 cows, supported by 1000ha of centre pivot irrigation, 7000ha of arable pasture and 7000ha of grazing country, to run 7000 head of cattle and 7000 sheep.

Mr Pye paid $8.2m at auction for Rushy Lagoon in November, 1996 when he bought it from Bert Farquar, with plans to add dairies to the property.

The prices are good and its a good cash flow, Mr Pye said of his plans at the time.

Alongside Rushy Lagoon, the Pye family owns Zarella Fresh, a major South Australian-based supplier of potatoes, carrots and onions run by Mr Pyes son Mark.

In 2015, Mr Pye put his separate Coonawarra, South Australia, potato and onion investments, covering more than 900ha of horticultural and cropping land and business assets, up for sale.

CBRE Agribusiness agents Danny Thomas, Peter Ryan and Jarrod Ryan have been appointed to oversee the sale of Rushy Lagoon via an international expression of interest campaign.

Mr Thomas said the large scale and well-developed irrigated asset, in a premium farming area such as north eastern Tasmania, would generate strong buyer interest from domestic and international investors alike.

The vendor has strategically acquired and developed a first-class asset of international significance, Mr Thomas said.

Rushy Lagoon will reward future investment in irrigation and pasture development to enable significant intensification with a huge uplift in carrying capacity.

Rushy Lagoon is being offered for sale on a walk-in, walk-out basis, inclusive of land, structures, water licences, equipment and planted crops.

It is available in one line or as separate assets.

The listing of Rushy Lagoon follows the November 2017 listing of a $30m portfolio of four large-scale dairy farms in north west Tasmania brought together by British dairy farmer Matthew Gunningham and his wife, Pippa.
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We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve.
The World Bank Thursday debarred three companies and a former executive for rigging bids and fixing prices on contracts under a bank-financed project in Pakistan.

Pak Elektron Limited (PEL) and two affiliates were debarred for 33 months for colluding on bids for the Electricity Distribution and Transmission Improvement Project. The project involved the development of electricity distribution and transmission networks.

Also debarred for 33 months was PELs former general manager, Abdul Waheed Butt.

Butt chaired a trade group that PEL was a member of. The group colluded so that each member received a pre-determined share of five World Bank-financed contracts, the bank said.

Members of the group also set the prices that would be quoted in different World Bank-financed tenders.

Butt presided over meetings that discussed and allocated to members of the group two of the five Bank-financed contracts affected by the scheme, the World Bank said.

Under World Bank procurement guidelines, these actions constitute collusive practices, the bank said.

PEL and its two affiliates  PEL Marketing (Private) Limited and Kohinoor Power Company Limited  are based in Lahore. They manufacture electrical appliances.

In a negotiated resolution, the companies and Butt didnt contest the World Bank findings.

The World Bank said the settlements provide for reduced periods of debarment in light of Mr. Butts and the companies cooperation and voluntary remedial actions.

The debarments qualify for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks.

In addition to the World Bank, parties to the 2010 cross-debarment agreement are the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the African Development Bank.

A list of all World Bank debarred entities and individuals is here.

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Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog.
Author Katie Fforde shares the top ten books that inspired her own writing upon the release of her new book The Country Escape.

Katie Fforde by David O'Driscoll

Collins Albatross Book of Verse edited by Louis Untermeyer, Out of print

There is something so moving about poetry. They often tell such fantastic stories. This collection is one I won as a school prize, my favourite poem is Patterns by Amy Lowell. As far as romantic tragedies go, this one nearly always leaves me sobbing.

The Magic Ring for the Needy and Greedy by Moira Meighn, Out of print

This little gem is filled with recipes for little dishes and advice from a time when young women first went to London to work and lived in bedsits with limited kitchen appliances. One of my favourite quotes from the book is Never trust a man who refuses apple dumplings  sage advice, no doubt.

The Rattle Bag: An Anthology of Poetry edited by Seamus Heaney and Ted Hughes, Faber

Another collection of poetry that I hold dear to my heart! This was given to us as a Christmas present and became a bona fide member of the family. I have happy memories of reading each other our favourite poems.

Rivals by Jilly Cooper, Corgi

This is one of those books that helped to inform my own writing. Rivals inspired me to put realistic characters in my books  even if they were eccentric. This novel in particular is one of my favourites.

The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer, Arrow

All of Heyers novels are addictive and I read them all very quickly. Though I loved each one, The Grand Sophy stood out immediately as a firm favourite. In fact, I enjoyed it so much  I stole the plot for one of my own novels.

The Girl in the Photograph Kate Riordan

A wonderfully evocative and atmospheric book, the author really puts you back in time with her exquisite prose and keen eye. A little bit spooky, but none the worse for that!

Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce, Picador

This is a shooting star of a book! The story takes place in 1940s London and follows the tale of a woman dreaming to be a Lady War Correspondent. The book is humorous, charming and incredibly touching. I loved every single minute of it.

Black Rabbit Hall by Eve Chase, Michael Joseph

This book is filled with intrigue from start to finish. Set in the wilds of the Cornish countryside I found it so easy to get lost in its pages. With interesting characters and a brilliant plot, Polly has created a delightful read. She really is a fabulous writer.

The Honey Farm on the Hill by Jo Thomas, Headline

The Honey Farm on the Hill really does transport you to a whole new world  the Cretan mountains to be exact. I was swept away with its charming characters and fantastically romantic story. It is most definitely worth a read if you get the chance.

The Early Birds by Laurie Graham (part of the Future Homemakers of America series), Quercus

Laurie Graham has created a series that really captures the value of friendships that last a lifetime, as it follows a group aging ex-Air Force wives. It is funny, heart-warming and a real treat. I would recommend it to anyone.
Mountain View showcases the most exquisite holiday homes, all with a mountain view - and all available to rent.

Mountain View

Banks Peninsula, New Zealand

This is the first title in the new series and includes practical information such as contact details for renting the home, as well as suggestions for what to do in the area.

Bergen, Norway

This unique book presents the most beautifully designed holiday homes, with stunning mountain views.

Bolzano- South Tyrol, Italy

Travel journalist Sebastiaan Bedaux gathered together 30 of the most stylish hideouts in the world in Despite the great variety of styles, different price tags and the unique geography of each house, they all have one thing in common: they are the stuff of dreams.

Colombia

The series will celebrate architecturally elegant hidden gems, surrounded by nature - deep in the woods, high up in the mountains, or built by the water - and all available for rent!

Cretas, Spain

Find some peace and quiet and let the splendour of the building and the unique landscape around it inspire you.

Cretas, Spain

Sebastiaan Bedaux works as a freelance lifestyle and travel journalist for several renowned Belgian magazines and newspapers. For the past ten years he has been travelling the world and gathering together his holiday experiences in his travel blog, ambassador.land which has won several awards.

Calitzdorp, South Africa

Published by Lannoo.
Queen Elizabeth has sent condolences to the family of Billy Graham.

Queen Elizabeth

The 91-year-old monarch was a good friend of the US evangelist, who has passed away aged 99, and presented him with an honorary knighthood in 2001.

According to the Daily Express newspaper, Buckingham Palace has confirmed the queen has sent a private message of condolence to his family, including his son, evangelist Franklin Graham.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, praised Billy as man who had "few equals", and admitted the global church owes him an "immeasurable" debt.

He said: "Dr Billy Graham stood as an exemplar to generation upon generation of modern Christians.

"When it comes to a living and lasting influence upon the worldwide church he can have few equals: for he introduced person after person to Jesus Christ.

"There are countless numbers who began their journey of faith because of Dr Graham.

"The debt owed by the global church to him is immeasurable and inexpressible.

"Personally, I am profoundly grateful to God for the life and ministry of this good and faithful servant of the gospel; by his example he challenged all Christians to imitate how he lived and what he did."

Justin also commended Billy for meeting people "face to face".

He added: "He was one who met presidents and preachers, monarchs and musicians, the poor and the rich, the young and the old, face to face."

Billy and Elizabeth's friendship was recently played out in Netflix royal drama 'The Crown'.

He went on to preach at her private chapel after meeting the monarch while he was in the UK doing missionary work.
When reflecting on the happiest moments of my childhood, the most prominent memories I have with my late mother took place in the kitchen.

Meera and Maya from Dhikari

Returning home from school, dinner would habitually be the first thing on my mind. Most days, my sister and I would be warmly greeted by a colourful yet familiar aroma of Indian spices and vegetables sizzling on the hob. We would perch on the high stools in our kitchen, intently observing our mother in a form of culinary dance, moving with ease from rolling the chapatis, to cooking the rice and chopping the salad. Occasionally she would stop to offer us a snippet of advice (passed on from her mother), such us the most practical way to peel a pomegranate or a fail-safe combination of spices that can be used in every curry. Later she would join us with mugs of chai and a bowl of Bombay mix, catching up on our days until the steam cooker whistled.

Back then we took those simple pleasures and comforting aromas for granted, as just another part of our busy daily lives. Little did we know how instrumental these memories would be to the lives we mapped out for ourselves and the decisions we made, decades later.

Food is a means of sustenance and survival for everyone. But for some, food has an additional purpose, be it a passion, a skill or a sense of culture and identity. Raised in North London by second generation Indian parents, home cooked Indian food was one of the most enticing ways that our parents could share our diverse and vibrant heritage with us. In Indian culture, food takes centre stage at family celebrations, is a genuine expression of love and gratitude and is offered in abundance to those in need of comfort and consolation. Perhaps most significantly, however, it exemplifies the strong family bonds between the women of the family, in particular a mother and her daughter(s). Traditional family recipes are rarely written down, but instead are passed on from mother to daughter, by way of a personal initiation into the art of Indian home cooking.

As our mother passed away when we were teenagers, we were unable to partake in this cultural ritual. Instead, however, we started our own tradition of experimenting with modern and fresh interpretations of our favourite childhood dishes, as a way of remembering the happy times we spent with our wonderful mother. There are times when well throw together a perfect combination of ingredients, without so much as a single thought. But deep down well know that it was not a random success, but something we picked up from our mother.

This love for authentic Indian flavours and nourishing home cooking that our mother passed onto us is the biggest inspiration behind Dhikari (from the Gujarati word meaning daughters), the food business that my sister and I created. This year we launched with our duo of Modern Bombay Mixes, a more nutritious and premium interpretation of the snack that is a firm staple in many UK households. Our mother always used to keep a jar of Bombay mix available for after school treats and to serve with cups of chai whenever friends and family came to visit. We have great plans for Dhikari, to share our truly modern style of Indian cooking, but will always remember where it all began, many years ago.

Newly-launched brand Dhikari has released the first product of its line, The Modern Bombay Mix. Released in two delicious flavours, Original and Pomegranate, the Modern Bombay Mix is an aromatic blend of traditional Indian spices, nuts, seeds, buckwheat groats and split chickpeas, reinventing the original, British-staple. With their addictive Indian flavours and moreish crunch, the Modern Bombay Mix makes a thoroughly satisfying on-the-go snack, a delicious accompaniment to a glass ofwine and even a tasty topper for soups, salads, porridge and desserts. Modern Bombay Mix is gluten free, refined sugar free, vegan, and made from 100% natural ingredients, all hand baked in the UK.
A tender for the construction of an airport in the province of Izmirs popular resort town Alacat will take place on Apr. 20.

The announcement of the tender by the General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI) appeared in the Official Gazette on Feb. 17.

The airport will be constructed under the build-operate-transfer scheme.

Potential bidders must pay 5,000 Turkish Liras to obtain the tender files while the amount of the bid bond is set at one million Turkish Liras.

Alacat, located on the Cesme peninsula, is some 80 kilometers from the western province of Izmir, which is Turkeys third largest city and also hosts the Adnan Menderes Airport.

Alacat is a well-known windsurfing spot and is famous for its stone houses that were built mostly in the mid- to late-19th century. Its proximity to Izmir makes it an accessible and popular location.

The proposed airport in Alacat will be Izmirs second airport.

According to data from the DHMI, the Adnan Menderes Airport served a total of 12.8 million passengers in 2017, a 38-percent increase from the previous year. The number of foreign passengers rose by 12 percent to 2.35 million while domestic passenger traffic increased by 5 percent to 10.5 million.

Source: Hurriyet Daily News
Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release

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How can investors make the most of big data What's the best way to reap the benefits of cloud computing Is the debate about artificial intelligence merely hype or will it change the way we manage money

These were just some of the issues under discussion at the Future finance adapating to discussion even in Hong Kong on February 7.

Thomson Reuters and FinanceAsia gathered experts from both the financial sphere and the technological world to discuss how innovation is changing the way we do business. Among the issues under discussion was the use of blochain as a driver of financial innovation.

...
TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Four carmakers will voluntarily recall over 53,000 vehicles in South Korea due to faulty parts, the transport ministry reportedly said. The four carmakers -- Hyundai Motor Co., Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. -- plan to recall 42 different models, totaling 53,719 vehicles, Yonhap qouted the ministry as saying. The models include Hyundai Motor's Santa Fe SUV, Mercedes-Benz's entry-level C200 sedan, Toyota Motor's Sienna minivan and Honda Motor's Crosstour crossover. The problems include a faulty steering wheel assembly in the Hyundai Santa Fe, malfunctioning air bags in Mercedes-Benz's C200 and a faulty airbag inflator in Toyota's Sienna. 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.






Andy Ahn Head of Marketing, Suprema Inc. Email: andyahn@suprema.co.kr

SEOUL, KOREA, Feb 22, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Suprema, a global leader in biometrics and ID solutions, announced that the company will showcase BioSign 3.0, an AI based in-display fingerprint authentication algorithm and LookSign, a 3D facial recognition solution at Mobile World Congress 2018 in Barcelona on February 26.Featured in Samsung Galaxy J5 2017 smartphones, Suprema BioSign is now far enhanced leveraging Suprema's proprietary AI technology. Coupled with LookSign, the company's latest 3D facial recognition solution, Suprema plans to penetrate next generation premium smartphone market.In the case of in-display fingerprint recognition, complexity of algorithm is known to be very high due to its sensor structure and imaging characteristics. Consequently, algorithm now plays more critical role in recognition performance compared to conventional sensors.The in-display oriented BioSign 3.0 provides higher level of recognition performance and speed by combining Suprema's two decades of expertise in optical fingerprint imaging and AI technologies. The company teams up with major sensor producers around the world for next-generation premium smartphones.At the show, Suprema will also reveal LookSign, a 3D facial recognition technology for smartphones. Last year, the company launched FaceStation 2, a facial recognition access control terminal featuring Suprema's own near-infra-red imaging technology. Award winner of Sweden's Detektor International Award 2017 in Best Access Control Products, FaceStation 2 far outperforms the most of today's facial recognition devices featuring the world's fastest matching speed of 3,000 match/sec, highest operating illuminance up to 25,000 lx, and lowest error rate of FAR at 0.00002%.LookSign well blends FaceStation 2's facial recognition technology with 3D image processing techniques to produce optimized algorithm for smartphones. LooksSign uses surface light source and patterned light to gain 2D and 3D information to provide more accurate recognition performance and higher security level. Suprema has a plan to discuss co-operation with sensor producers to develop integrated solutions at MWC 2018."Suprema's core competitiveness is ongoing technological innovation. BioSign 3.0 and LookSign will showcase a new leap in biometric technology in the smartphone market and attract more smartphone manufacturers," said Brian Song, CEO at Suprema. "As a fingerprint recognition algorithm technology, BioSign provides superior authentication performance and matching speed even in a small sized fingerprint sensor of 4x3.2mm, and it is an essential solution for applying fingerprint recognition function to mid-to-low range smartphones well as high-ends," Song added.About Suprema Inc.Suprema is a leading global provider of biometrics and security technology. By combining world renowned biometric algorithms with superior engineering, Suprema continually designs and develops industry leading products and solutions. Suprema's extensive range of portfolio includes biometric access control systems, time & attendance solutions, fingerprint live scanners, mobile authentication solutions and embedded fingerprint modules. Suprema has worldwide sales network in over 130 countries and is one of the world's Top 50 security company in its turnover (ranked in A&S's Security 50, 2010-2016). For more information, please visit www.supremainc.com.Source: Suprema Inc.Contact:Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
ASCHHEIM, Germany, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The new solution will permanently change the users ' in-store payment experience

Retailers will be able to boost their sales by speeding up payment processes

Wirecard, the leading specialist in digital financial technology, cooperates with SES-imagotag, global leader in omnichannel solutions for physical retail, to launch an innovative in-store mobile shopping solution, which will bring the customer journey on a completely new technology level. SES-imagotag is a French stock-listed company that equipped over 14,000 stores in 55 countries with digital price tags. The solutions developed by SES-imagotag enable retailers to automate low-value-added processes, increase store efficiency, and enhance in-store shopper connectivity. Due to the new cooperation between Wirecard and SES-imagotag, shoppers will benefit from a seamless payment experience by paying with their smartphones via Wirecard's technology.

This new solution enables consumers to pay everywhere and at any time in store and avoiding long checkout lines. To shop and add products to their basket, shoppers just need to hold their smartphones in front of a digital price tag from SES-imagotag and scan a product (QR Code / NFC). Rich content, e-coupons and relevant product information can be pushed during the process, giving customers access to as much information as available online. To finalize their purchase, customers can then select their preferred method of payment on their smartphones. Wirecard is providing users with a wide range of digital payment options, including China Payment Solutions, which are fulfilling the needs of different target groups.

This solution suits all retail sectors, from grocery supermarkets to fashion stores, and is evolving the customer journey, offering consumers seamless and instantaneous shopping experiences. Retailers in the clothing sector can for example simply integrate the so called fashion tags instead of security badges on the clothes.

Michael Unmuig, Senior Executive Vice President Marketing at SES-imagotag: "Our aim is to guide retailers toward constant innovation, ultra-efficient processes, seamless omnichannel retailing and boosted brand sales. We are very proud to partner with a company such as Wirecard, which will enable us to combine our ESL solution with digital payments. Through this partnership, we also become the very first digital price tag company 100% compatible with Alipay and WeChat Pay, global leaders in m-Payments."

Alexander Hahn, Vice President POS Retail Solutions at Wirecard, comments: "The new technology will help to transform the classical customer journey into a fast and seamless digital experience. Which is why we are delighted to announce our new partnership with SES-imagotag and looking forward to extend our collaboration gaining new businesses."

About Wirecard:

Wirecard AG is a global technology group that supports companies in accepting electronic payments from all sales channels. As a leading independent supplier, the Wirecard Group offers outsourcing and white label solutions for electronic payments. A global platform bundles international payment acceptances and methods with supplementary fraud prevention solutions. With regard to issuing own payment instruments in the form of cards or mobile payment solutions, the Wirecard Group provides companies with an end-to-end infrastructure, including the requisite licences for card and account products. Wirecard AG is listed on the Frankfurt Securities Exchange (TecDAX, ISIN DE0007472060, WDI). For further information about Wirecard, please visit http://www.wirecard.com or follow us on twitter @wirecard.

About SES-imagotag:

For 25 years, SES-imagotag has been the trusted partner of retailers for digital technology in stores. SES-imagotag, the worldwide leader in smart digital labels and pricing automation, develops a comprehensive IoT and digital platform that delivers a complete set of services to retailers. The SES-imagotag solution enables retailers to connect and digitize their physical stores; automate low-value-added processes; improve operational efficiency; inform and serve customers; ensure information integrity to continuously optimize on-hand inventory; prevent stock-outs and waste and create an omnichannel service platform that builds loyalty and meets evolving consumer expectations.



Wirecard media contact:

Wirecard AG

Jana Tilz

Tel.: +49(0)89-4424-1363

E-Mail: jana.tilz@wirecard.com



SES-imagotag media contact:

SES Imagotag Deutschland GmbH

Mathias Trenkle

Tel.: +49(0)179-52-311-47

E-Mail: mathias.trenkle@ses-imagotag.com
SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Hundreds of Activities and WorkshopsCelebrate Young Nation's Pioneering Spirit

First-of-its-kind Event, Organized by the Sharjah Government, Dedicated To Scientific, Technological And Business Innovation Attracted Thousands of Families, Students

This is perhaps the first-of-its-kind event in the region that is dedicated to celebrating the spirit of innovation and enterprise that defines the United Arab Emirates, a young country founded in 1971, in so many ways.

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/644888/UAE_Innovation_Month_Sharjah.jpg )

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/644887/UAE_Innovation_Month_Wheelchair.jpg )



The UAE Innovation Month, being celebrated throughout February as part of the UAE government's concerted push to position the country as a global hub of innovation and pioneering ideas, has seen hundreds of events and activities held in the Emirate of Sharjah, renowned as the Cultural Capital of the Arab and Islamic world.

The UAE Innovation Month in Sharjah activities, held under the auspices of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, from February 15 to 21 at Al Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences, Al Qasba and Flag Island, have attracted more than 40,000 people. As many as 36 Sharjah government entities and federal institutions besides six universities took part in the week-long activities.

As part of the celebration, Sharjah hosted 86 workshops and presentations by top innovation experts, academics and motivational speakers who advised parents on grooming their children as future innovators, underscoring the importance of identifying their wards' talents, special aptitudes and orientation in early years.

Excited schoolchildren and college students have studiously attended dozens of workshops and become part of the assorted fun activities and events showcasing hundreds of innovative solutions, services and even inventions by various government entities, federal bodies and students and teachers of various universities based in the Emirate, known for its world-class universities, libraries, museums and patronage of knowledge and excellence.

Most of the innovative solutions presented have been aimed at increasing productivity, saving energy, reducing human element and dependence on fossil fuels or oil and conserving precious natural resources for future generations.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has called for celebrating the UAE Innovation Month every year as the country eyes to establish itself as a forward-looking nation that is not just looking forward to the future but is keen to shape it. The month-long celebration encourages and inspires the public and private sectors as well as individuals to adopt innovative thinking and practices for the greater common good of the people.

Contact

Hessa Alhammadi

+971-507328888

hessa.alhammadi@sgmb.ae


Eli Global LLC ("Eli") today announced that an affiliate has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire finanzen.de AG and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Finanzen" or the "company") from Blackfin Capital Partners ("Blackfin") and Finanzen's founders.

Based in Berlin, Germany, Finanzen is the leading European online marketplace for retail customer leads in the finance and insurance sectors. The company connects lead generators such as online price comparison sites with lead buyers such as independent financial advisors and insurance agents. The company also acts as an online broker for certain insurance products.

"Finanzen has done an impressive job creating a scalable technology platform poised to benefit from industry trends," said George Luecke, global manager of Eli's newly established insurance services portfolio and co-CEO of Global Bankers Insurance Group, which represents Eli's life and annuity carrier division ("GBIG"). "We look forward to a long-term future with the company and its talented team."

Dirk Prossel, Finanzen's CEO, commented, "We are pleased to have found such an experienced and suitable partner in Eli. Their strong global footprint can support the ongoing growth of our business model and our ambitious national and international goals."

"We are delighted that Finanzen will be able to continue its successful international rollout with the support of its new shareholders," offered Laurent Bouyoux, founding partner of Blackfin.

Finanzen is the first company within Eli's insurance services portfolio. "Our plan is to substantially grow this portfolio and the companies within it," continued Luecke. "We are in the process of making key hires to accelerate the build out." The portfolio will pursue a diversified mix of insurance services and other financial services, and seeks to span various sectors and subsectors within each arena. The insurance services portfolio is separate and independent from GBIG, and synergies with GBIG are not a required element of its investment thesis.

This transaction also marks Eli's first in Germany, shortly after opening its Munich office in September 2017. The transaction, a portion of which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close later this year. Allen Overy served as legal counsel and Ebner Stolz as financial advisor to Eli. GCA Altium acted as financial advisor to Blackfin. Gutt Olk Feldhaus served as legal counsel to Blackfin.

Terms of the transaction were otherwise not disclosed.

About Finanzen. The Berlin-based Finanzen Group is the No.1 European B2B digital marketplace for insurance and finance customers, operating currently in four European countries. Its sophisticated technology-enabled marketplace procures about one million online generated leads per year to more than 6,000 insurance experts and financial consultants. www.finanzen.com

About Eli. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina in the USA, Eli Global is wholly owned by its founder and employees. Formed in 1991 and operating for over 25 years, Eli is a federation of independent portfolios comprising over 100 businesses that together employ more than 7,500 bright minds and determined entrepreneurs. Eli's portfolios operate in 18 countries and over 15 industries across the world, including healthcare, technology, insurance and financial services. Eli acquires for the long term, has never sold any of its businesses and will continue to invest globally in stable and growing companies and their teams. www.eliglobal.com

About BlackFin. BlackFin's investment strategy focuses on asset-light businesses in the financial services technology sector, across continental Europe. BlackFin operates as an active and influential investor, supporting successful management teams to take their businesses to the next level. BlackFin manages two financial services growth buyout funds with aggregate commitments in excess of 600m. In addition, BlackFin is raising a 150m European fintech-focused Venture Fund.BlackFin Capital Partners is a fully independent firm, run by its four founding partners who have worked together as managers and entrepreneurs in the financial industry for decades. Altogether the team consists of 25 experienced professionals operating out of offices in Paris, Brussels and Frankfurt. www.blackfincp.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180222005134/en/

Contacts:

Eli Deutschland GmbH

Dorian Garbe, +49 174 194 7692

Germany EMEA M&A

DGarbe@eliglobal.com
eServGlobal (LSE: ESG.L ASX: ESV.AX), a pioneering digital transactions technology company, announces it has secured a new three-year contract with existing customer, Ooredoo Algeria. The contract encompasses technology platform upgrades as well as three-years of support through to 2020.

eServGlobal has been a technology vendor to Ooredoo Algeria for more than a decade, facilitating all prepaid recharge requirements. As part of the new contract, eServGlobal will upgrade the technology platforms to the new releases of PayMobile for electronic recharge and VoMS for Voucher Management to facilitate a comprehensive recharge offering for the largely prepaid subscriber base.

James Hume, eServGlobal COO, said, "Ooredoo Algeria is one of our longest standing customers and we have worked closely with them over many years. I'm pleased to be able to share this clear sign of progress against our objective to create true business partnerships with our existing customers. This contract also further supports our commitments to building strong recurring revenue."

Imed Soussou, Ooredoo Algeria, CTO, said, "Algeria is a growing and dynamic market with strong demand for new technologies. During the decade we worked with eServGlobal, we have seen the demonstrated ability of their technology, particularly recently, their commitment to support and engagement towards their customers. It is important for us to trust in our technology partners. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we work together to build technology solutions for Algeria's future."

eServGlobal was awarded this contract based on the proven, in-field performance of its technology solutions as well as its commitment to work together with the operator.

Ooredoo Algeria is a leading telecommunication provider in the country, with more than 14 million customers, and is part of the Ooredoo Group, which has a presence in ten markets across North Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. eServGlobal is currently working with Ooredoo Group affiliates in four countries.

eServGlobal's flagship PayMobile platform is a highly reliable and open solution built on more than 30 years experience working with telecommunication operators.

eServGlobal's online press kit can be found at: http://www.tradeshownews.com/events/mobile-world-congress-2018/eservglobal/

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180222005462/en/

Contacts:

eServGlobal

Alison Cheek

VP Corporate Communications

communications@eservglobal.com
Ranked #2 in the medium-sized workplace category, Globoforce celebrated by employees for its culture andrecognition

Globoforce, a leading provider of social recognition and continuous development solutions, today announced that it has been named as one of the Best Workplaces in Ireland 2018 by the Great Place to Work Institute.The prestigious accolade was presented at an awards ceremony at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road, Dublin, on Wednesday 21st February, where Globoforce was ranked number 2 in the medium-sized workplace category. This is the sixth year in a row that Globoforce has been recognised as a top Irish workplace for high scores on an employee survey and an assessment of its workplace policies and practices.

"2017 was a fantastic year for Drury|Porter Novellias we opened our new Dublin HQ and announced new jobs across a variety of departments," said Niamh Graham, vice president of global HR at Globoforce. "As we continue to grow, investments in our people are a critical part of maintaining and scaling our culture. We have amazing people at Globoforce dedicated, passionate, and innovative. Our placement as one of Ireland's Great Places to Work this year is most certainly dedicated to the entire team."

"The organisations on this year's list know that beyond a certain point, employees aren't going to be tempted by a slightly more generous financial package: they want an environment where they feel psychologically safe, encouraged to grow, provided with opportunities to develop, and empowered to do their best work." said John Ryan, CEO of Great Place to Work Ireland. "Rather than simply throwing money at their staff, Irish workplaces should take advantage of reward and recognition opportunities as a chance to develop their employer brand; enhancing and amplifying their unique culture."

In May 2017, Globoforce unveiled its new Dublin headquarters in Park West and announced the creation of 100 jobs over the next three years as the company continues to expand globally. The company's new human-centric space spans five floors and overlooks the Grand Canal at Park West. The office features digital walls, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, stairwells with inspirational messages, open and closed booths for private conversations, collaboration spaces, relaxation areas, and a game area. A wellness room offers yoga, meditation and amenities for new mothers, while the GloboCafe provides employees with healthy snacks, a coffee bar, and modern diner-style seating.

In late 2017, Globoforce introduced its latest recognition platform Conversations which encourages teams, including those in Globoforce, to have more frequent communication around priorities and feedback to improve employee and business performance.

About Globoforce

Pioneer of the WorkHuman movement, Globoforce helps make work more human for millions of people and organizations worldwide. Its cloud-based social recognition and continuous performance development solutions help build award-winning cultures where employees feel more appreciated and socially connected at work driving a sense of belonging and inspiring the entire organization to reach its full potential and achieve business success. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Framingham, Mass., and Dublin, Ireland.

To learn more:

Visit: http://www.globoforce.com

Read: http://globoforce.com/globoblog

Follow: Twitter @Globoforce LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/globoforce Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/globoforce



About Great Place to Work and the Assessment Process

Great Place to Work Ireland is part of a global network of culture consultants, with offices in 48 countries using an established methodology to publish lists at country, regional, and global levels. The best known of these is the Fortune 100 list of Best Companies to Work For in the United States. Our media partner in Ireland is The Irish Times, who develop the annual Best Workplaces Special Report.

The key defining feature of a great workplace is the level of trust that exists within it. From an employee's viewpoint, the definition of a great workplace is one where you trust the people you work with, you have great pride in what you do, and you enjoy the people you work with. The Great Place to Work Institute assesses the policies and practices in place in organisations under nine key areas: Inspiring, Speaking, Listening, Caring, Developing, Thanking, Hiring, Celebrating, and Sharing. They then benchmark these practices against other organisations in that country. The second key component of the assessment is an anonymous Trust Index survey that gathers the perceptions of employees under five dimensions: Credibility, Respect, Fairness, Pride, and Camaraderie. Finally, there is an in-depth qualitative analysis of open ended comments from employees.

The 2018 full list of organisations and award winners, as well as rankings from previous years, are available at www.greatplacetowork.ie.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180222005491/en/

Contacts:

Drury|Porter Novelli

Grace Cooney, 01-260-5000 086-153-6886

grace.cooney@drurypn.ie
LONDON, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Study from Calastone reveals migrating to blockchain could generate over USD 2.6bn (*1.9bn) cost savings for the global mutual funds market

(*1.9bn) cost savings for the global mutual funds market The study, follows a recent report by Forrester, which shows Calastone has already delivered more than USD 641m (458 million) in savings for mutual funds by bringing automation to major global funds markets

(458 million) in savings for mutual funds by bringing automation to major global funds markets Data from Calastone demonstrates the significant value potential the Blockchain has for industry and investors

Research from Calastone, the global funds transaction network, forecasts more than USD2.6bn (*1.9bn) worth of potential cost savings for the global mutual funds market as a result of moving to a blockchain-enabled distributed market infrastructure.

The forecast savings demonstrate the scale of financial impact that greater automation and interconnectivity could bring to the funds market. Calastone's predictions further substantiate another study released by Forrester, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, which has analysed the financial impact Calastone's current transaction network has already had on the global funds market. Forrester's research reveals that transaction automation through Calastone has delivered USD 641m (458 million) in savings over the previous six years.

Forrester research shows significant cost savings today at a global, market level

Forrester conducted a global market survey of 234 mutual funds organisations to determine the tangible value and financial impact Calastone's transaction network has had on the global funds market in moving the manual process of funds trading to an automated network infrastructure. The results of the research have shown that, in addressing the friction and operational inefficiencies throughout the transaction cycle across all trading counterparties, Calastone has generated significant net benefits for the market, producing more than USD 641m (458 million) of cost savings over the previous six years. The research covers Calastone's key global markets including the UK, Ireland, Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Australia.

The results showed five key advantages for fund firms in connecting to Calastone's automated transaction network; improved process times, reduction in manual errors (and the time required to address them), ability to scale and process greater volumes of trades via increased flexibility in trading windows, faster response times and greater transparency via better audit traceability.

Calastone forecasts even greater savings for the future - the vast potential of blockchain...

Where Forrester's study highlights the value that automation through Calastone's global fund transaction network has already brought to the trading of mutual funds to date, Calastone's subsequent analysis assesses the far greater scale of savings its blockchain-enabled distributed market infrastructure (DMI) could deliver for the global market, estimating significant further cost efficiencies totalling over USD 2.6bn (*1.9bn) worldwide.

The numbers released by Calastone represent the tangible, financial value that a blockchain enabled distributed market infrastructure can deliver, through stripping-out many of the remaining inefficiencies currently embedded in the system, resulting in increasing cost, risk, operational and regulatory pressures. Where Calastone's network automation has been successful already, a distributed market infrastructure offers a scalable solution to meet the needs of fund industry participants and investors now and for the future.

In June, Calastone successfully completed the first phase of its Blockchain-enabled distributed market infrastructure (DMI) proof-of-concept and in December the company announced its core network technology will migrate onto blockchain technology in 2019.

Commenting on the results of the study, Julien Hammerson, CEO Calastone, adds;

"Our mission has been to address the frictional cost of trading mutual funds and Forrester's research demonstrates the considerable value Calastone has delivered for the market already - more than 458 million over the previous six years. These results are testament to the impact technology can have on an industry at a global level. Though that is just the first step...

Whilst what we have achieved to date has enabled sizeable savings for the sector, our own analysis highlights how significantly these benefits can be accelerated when using blockchain technology to automate the entire lifecycle of mutual fund transactions, from order placement through to the settlement and payment, through our new distributed market infrastructure - from millions to over USD 2.6bn each year in cost savings"

About Calastone

Calastone is the largest global funds transaction network, connecting many of the world's leading financial organisations. Our mission is to make funds accessible to everyone by reducing the frictional cost of trading. We use smart technology solutions and industry collaboration to lower operational risk and enhance client profitability through digitisation and automation.

Over 1,400 customers in 35 countries and territories benefit from Calastone's services, processing over 7 million messages and 85 billion of transactions each month.

Calastone is headquartered in London and has offices in Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Sydney.

* Calastone Methodology

Calastone has calculated the potential cost savings of moving to a distributed and mutualised market infrastructure using data from Deloitte's recent 2016 study, "Europe's fund expenses at a crossroads; The benefits of mutualizing the cost of distribution." Calastone's calculation determines the potential basis point (bps) savings across key global markets. Calastone's bps calculation has been applied to mutual fund assets under management, at an individual market level, in the following markets; UK, Ireland, Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan & Australia.

Currency calculation from GBP to USD @ 1.40 as at 20 June 2017

For more information, please contact:

FTI Consulting LLP

Ollie Bailey-Pratt / Darius Alexander

calastone@fticonsulting.com

Tel: +44-020-3727-1000


WARSAW, Poland, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Elsevier, the global information analytics business specializing in science and health, announced its agreement with the Polish Universities Consortia Leader, Interdisciplinary Centre for Mathematical and Computational Modelling (IMC), to provide nation-wide university access to SciVal, Elsevier's analytics solution to track and measure research performance.

Access to SciVal will enable university leaders and managers across Polish universities to analyze and visualize bibliometric research data for 8,500 research institutions across 220 nations. This supports them in their strategic planning, research assessment reviews and allows for tracking research performance and comparing with other institutions worldwide.

SciVal runs primarily on data from Scopus, the largest abstract and citation database of research information, covering more than 70 million articles, books and conference papers, and draws its content from more than 5,000 publishers covering 23,000 journals. SciVal also includes usage measures from both ScienceDirect and Scopus, patent-article citations, awarded grants and media mentions.

Said Taha, Elsevier VP Research Management, Sales & Services, said: "Universities globally are increasingly investing in an evidence-based approach to develop a clear understanding of their position and progress. Being able to tap into the wide span of Scopus bibliometric data coverage in SciVal will enable research leaders and managers across Poland to better assess their overall strategy and performance impact - both nationally, as well as on a global scale."

The access for the Polish scholarly community will be managed by the Interdisciplinary Centre for Mathematical and Computational Modelling (IMC) at the University of Warsaw.

Scopus and SciVal are part of Elsevier's Research Intelligence portfolio, its offering of solutions which support the three pillars of strategic research management: to enable, conduct and share research.

About ICM

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Mathematical and Computational Modelling at the University of Warsaw has been providing access to scholarly resources to nationwide consortia and universities since 2010. It manages agreements with global scientific publishers and societies and facilitates distribution of access to them.

About Elsevier

Elsevier is a global information analytics business that helps institutions and professionals progress science, advance healthcare and improve performance for the benefit of humanity. Elsevier provides digital solutions and tools in the areas of strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support, and professional education; including ScienceDirect, Scopus, Scival, ClinicalKey and Sherpath. Elsevier publishes over 2,500 digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell, more than 35,000 e-book titles and many iconic reference works, including Gray's Anatomy. Elsevier is part of RELX Group, a global provider of information and analytics for professionals and business customers across industries.http://www.elsevier.com



Media contact

Sacha Boucherie, Global Communications

Elsevier

+31-20-4853564

s.boucherie@elsevier.com


NEC Seiichiro Toda s-toda@cj.jp.nec.com +81-3-3798-6511

TOKYO, Feb 22, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) today announced the publication of "Making 5G a Reality," a white paper that outlines the development and market conditions that are required for ensuring the successful deployment of 5G.For 5G to happen, it is essential for specifications to be defined. The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a collaborative project aimed at developing global specifications for mobile systems, has already defined the first round of technical specifications for 5G that bring us closer to commercialization and "Making 5G a Reality."This white paper introduces important background on the standardization of 5G and the implications it has on Business Support Systems/Operations Support Systems (BSS/OSS).The white paper starts by introducing market and technology factors that lead to 5G standardization. This is followed by an overview of 3GPP Phase 1 specifications, including information covering 5G radio, Radio Access Networks (RAN), system architecture, security and migration & interworking factors. In closing, the white paper describes the impact of 5G on BSS/OSS, including orchestration and security.About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society. For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.Based on its Mid-term Management Plan 2015, the NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. Under the company's corporate message of "Orchestrating a brighter world," NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, please visit http://www.nec.com/en/global/about/solutionsforsociety/message.html.Source: NEC CorporationContact:Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
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.
AIM and Media Release

22 February 2018

BASE RESOURCES LIMITED

Board Appointment

Base Resources Limited (ASX & AIM: BSE) (Base Resources or the Company) is pleased to advise the appointment, effective 1February 2018, of Diane Radley to the Board as an independent non-executive director, bringing significant and diverse African, business leadership, strategy and financing experience to the Company.

Diane has an exceptional pedigree in African business having most recently served as CEO of Old Mutual Investment Group, Africa's largest asset manager. Prior to this, she was Chief Financial Officer with both Old Mutual South Africa and Allied Electronics Corporation, and Partner-in-charge of the Transaction Services Group in the Johannesburg office of PricewaterhouseCoopers. In 2015, she was recognised as "Africa's Leading Woman in Business" by African Investor (New York).

She is currently a Non-Executive Director of Murray & Roberts Holdings Limited, chairs the Board of Marriot Unit Trust Company Pty Limited and is a Trustee of the DG Murray Trust.

The appointment of Diane comes as part of the ongoing evolution of the Board to ensure the requisite capability to deliver on the significant opportunities in front of us.

Further information disclosed for the purposes of the AIM Rules for Companies can be found at Appendix A.

ENDS.

APPENDIX A

The following information is disclosed in relation to the appointment of Diane Claire McCann (nee Radley) (51 years old) to the board of Base Resources.

In the past 5 years, Mrs Radley (McCann) has held the following positions where she was acting in the capacity of a director:

Current Company Directorships Previous Company Directorships Murray & Roberts Holdings Ltd Old Mutual Capital Partners (Pty) Limited Old Mutual Real Estate Holding Company Pty Ltd Old Mutual Investment Group (South Africa) (Pty) Limited Marriot Unit Trust Management Company RF Pty Limited Old Mutual Investment Group (South Africa) Holdings (Pty) Limited Old Mutual Property (South Africa) (Pty) Limited Old Mutual Specialised Finance (South Africa) (Pty) Limited Business Venture Investments No 1457 (Pty) Limited Futuregrowth Asset Management (Pty) Limited

Mrs Radley (McCann) holds no relevant interest in the Company's ordinary share capital.

There is no other information in relation to Mrs Radley (McCann) that requires disclosure pursuant to the AIM Rules for Companies.

CORPORATE PROFILE



Directors

Keith Spence (Non-Executive Chairman)

Tim Carstens (Managing Director)

Colin Bwye (Executive Director)

Sam Willis (Non-Executive Director)

Michael Stirzaker (Non-Executive Director)

Malcolm Macpherson (Non-Executive Director)

Diane Radley (Non-Executive Director)



Company Secretary

Chadwick Poletti



NOMINATED ADVISOR & BROKERS

RFC Ambrian Limited

As Nominated Adviser:

Andrew Thomson / Stephen Allen

Phone: +61 (0)8 9480 2500

As Joint Broker:

Jonathan Williams

Phone: +44 20 3440 6800



Numis Securities Limited

As Joint Broker:

John Prior / James Black / Paul Gillam

Phone: +44 20 7260 1000
Regulatory News:

22 February 2018

Publication of Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2017

RELX PLC and RELX NV have today published the following documents on the Group's website www.relx.com.

Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2017 for RELX PLC and RELX NV (the "2017 Annual Report");

RELX NV Corporate Governance Statement 2017;

Corporate Responsibility Report 2017.

The 2017 Annual Report and the RELX NV Corporate Governance Statement 2017 have been submitted by RELX NV to the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiele Markten). The 2017 Annual Report has been submitted by RELX PLC to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at www.hemscott.com/nsm.do.

The Annual Report 2017 on Form 20-F will be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and will also be published on the RELX Group website later today.

Hard copies of the aforementioned documents may be obtained, free of charge, on request from the registered offices noted below.

RELX PLC RELX NV 1-3 Strand Radarweg 29 London 1043 NX Amsterdam WC2N 5JR The Netherlands PLC.secretariat@relx.com NV.secretariat@relx.com

Directors' Responsibility Statement

Additional information required to be made available by RELX PLC under Rule 6.3.5 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority, to the extent not already included in the RELX Group 2017 Results Announcement issued on 15 February 2018, is set out below.

The following responsibility statement is extracted from page 171 of the 2017 Annual Report and is repeated here solely for the purposes of complying with Disclosure and Transparency Rule 6.3.5. Responsibility is for the full 2017 Annual Report not the information presented in this announcement and the 2017 Results Announcement.

Each of the Directors, whose names and roles can be found on pages 66 to 67, confirms that, to the best of their knowledge:

the consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and as adopted by the European Union, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group;

the individual company financial statements, prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 'Reduced Disclosure Framework' (FRS 101), give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company; and

the Directors' Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

Forward-looking statements

The Reports and Financial Statements 2017 contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those currently being anticipated. The terms "outlook", "estimate", "project", "plan", "intend", "expect", "should be", "will be", "believe", "trends" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Factors which may cause future outcomes to differ from those foreseen in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: current and future economic, political and market forces; changes in law and legal interpretations affecting the RELX Group intellectual property rights; regulatory and other changes regarding the collection, transfer or use of third party content and data; demand for the RELX Group products and services; competitive factors in the industries in which the RELX Group operates; compromises of our data security systems and interruptions in our information technology systems; legislative, fiscal, tax and regulatory developments and political risks; exchange rate fluctuations; and other risks referenced from time to time in the filings of RELX PLC and RELX NV with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

About RELX Group

RELX Group is a global provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries. The Group serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs about 30,000 people of whom almost half are in North America. RELX PLC is a London listed holding company which owns 52.9% of RELX Group. RELX NV is an Amsterdam listed holding company which owns 47.1% of RELX Group. The shares are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX and RENX.

The total market capitalisation is approximately 29.9bn, 33.9bn, $41.8bn.

RELX PLC 1-3 Strand London WC2N 5JR United Kingdom RELX NV Radarweg 29 1043 NX Amsterdam The Netherlands

Issued on behalf of RELX PLC and RELX NV

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180222005649/en/

Contacts:

Enquiries

Paul Abrahams (Media)

Tel: +44 20 7166 5724

paul.abrahams@relx.com

or

Colin Tennant (Investors)

Tel: +44 20 7166 5751

colin.tennant@relx.com
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 22, 2018 / Harsco Corporation (NYSE: HSC) will be discussing their earnings results in their Q4 Earnings Call to be held on February 22, 2018 at 9:00 AM Eastern Time.

To listen to the event live or access a replay of the call - visit https://www.investornetwork.com/company/1806

To receive updates for this company you can register by emailing info@investornetwork.com or by clicking get investment info from the company's profile.

About Investor Network

Investor Network (IN) is a financial content community, serving millions of unique investors market information, earnings, commentary and news on the what's trending. Dedicated to both the professional and the average traders, IN offers timely, trusted and relevant financial information for virtually every investor. IN is an Issuer Direct brand, to learn more or for the latest financial news and market information, visit www.investornetwork.com. Follow us on Twitter @investornetwork.

SOURCE: Investor Network
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 22, 2018 / Stantec Inc (NYSE: STN) will be discussing their earnings results in their Q4 Earnings Call to be held on February 22, 2018 at 9:00 AM Eastern Time.

To listen to the event live or access a replay of the call - visit https://www.investornetwork.com/company/2172

To receive updates for this company you can register by emailing info@investornetwork.com or by clicking get investment info from the company's profile.

About Investor Network

Investor Network (IN) is a financial content community, serving millions of unique investors market information, earnings, commentary and news on the what's trending. Dedicated to both the professional and the average traders, IN offers timely, trusted and relevant financial information for virtually every investor. IN is an Issuer Direct brand, to learn more or for the latest financial news and market information, visit www.investornetwork.com. Follow us on Twitter @investornetwork.

SOURCE: Investor Network
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 22, 2018) - Gunpowder Capital Corp., (CSE: GPC), (CSE: GPC.PR.A), (OTCQB: GNPWF) (FSE: YS6N), ("Gunpowder" or the "Corporation") announced today that its client Franchise Holdings International Inc. (OTC Pink: FNHI) ("FHI") can resume the process of qualifying to become a reporting issuer in Canada.

In January of 2017, the Board of Directors of FHI concluded that the audit reports related to FHI's Form 10-K for fiscal 2015 and subsequently the quarterly reports, on Form 10-Q, for the periods ending March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2016 and the registration statement on Form S-1/A filed on September 23, 2016 (collectively, the "Filings") could no longer be relied upon. The Board of Directors of FHI discussed this matter with FHI's newly appointed independent auditor, who concurred with this determination. FHI has completed adjusting the applicable financial statements and has completed the amended Filings. Furthermore, FHI has also completed filing its Form's 10-Q, for the periods ending March 31, 2017, June 30, 2017 and September 30, 2017 and with these filing's, FHI is now currently up-to-date in its required regulatory filings and is once again in "good standing" on the OTC Markets.

With the completed filing's FHI, with GPC's assistance, is now in a position where it can immediately resume the process of qualifying in becoming a reporting issuer in Canada which is required in order for FHI to have the ability to apply in having its common shares listed onto the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The Ontario Securities Commission ("OSC") has been designated as the principal regulator of FHI, and FHI is currently working on amending its preliminary non-offering prospectus so that it can be reviewed by the OSC. Both GPC and FHI expect that FHI will be in a position to submit preliminary non-offering prospectus to the OSC within the next ten to fifteen business days.

Mr. Paul Haber Stated: "We are very pleased that FHI is back in 'good standing' and that it's now in a position where collectively we can continue and finalize the reporting issuer approval process which we had to put on pause back in May of 2017. Despite the set-back we at GPC are still very confident in both FHI's business plan and its business model."

About Gunpowder Capital Corp.

Gunpowder Capital Corp., is a merchant bank and advisory services firm based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Gunpowder invests in both publicly traded and private businesses that have successful management teams and attractive economic models. Gunpowder partners with these businesses to support their growth initiatives with its proven methodology of appropriate financing and structured exits. Gunpowder offers debt financing, including mezzanine and bridge loans, equity financing and advisory services. Gunpowder is also building a portfolio of companies in which it takes a long term position and view. For more information please visit www.gunpowdercapitalcorp.com.

For further information please contact:

Mr. Frank Kordy

CEO & Director

Gunpowder Capital Corp.

T: (647) 466-4037

E: frank.kordy@gunpowdercapitalcorp.com



Mr. Paul Haber

CFO

Gunpowder Capital Corp.

T: (416) 363-3833

E: paul.haber@gunpowdercapitalcorp.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although Management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. Neither CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

- 30 -
M. Holland Company, a leading distributor of thermoplastic resins, is partnering with global thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) producer Elastron to provide an alternative source of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) and other compounded TPEs to the domestic wire and cable market, the companies announced today.

Elastron entered a distribution agreement with M. Holland in 2017. The two companies have been qualifying Elastron materials in advance of Elastron's new compounding facility in Gainesville, Ga., scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2018.

"M. Holland's recent acquisition of T&T Marketing, a leading distributor to the wire and cable industry, has accelerated this initiative. T&T is renowned in the wire and cable industry for its technical expertise and applications development capabilities," said Elastron Managing Director Zev Gurion. "We look forward to bringing new, cost-effective TPE solutions to the wire and cable market, along with superior service from our new facility." Gurion also noted that the new facility would produce TPVs as well as Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene (SEBS), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) compounds, all of which are materials widely used in wire and cable and automotive markets.

Tom Jordan, T&T co-founder, who has continued as managing director of the business unit, added, "Elastron has an excellent portfolio of existing wire and cable grades and a desire to partner with us in developing innovative new products for the market. This partnership illustrates the market collaboration we hoped to realize when we merged with M. Holland."

ABOUT ELASTRON

Based in Turkey, Elastron is a global TPE producer with offices in Asia, Europe, and North America. It exports to over 50 countries. Compounder Elastron Kimya A.S. is investing $10 million to open a factory in Gainesville, Ga., which will start with two extrusion lines and an annual capacity of 3,500 metric tons and grow to 6,000 metric tons of capacity by 2020.

ABOUT T&T MARKETING

Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Andover, Mass., T&T has annual revenues of about $40 million and services about 250 clients in the United States and Canada. It also has a testing and research facility in Easton, Pa., dedicated to the wire and cable market. M. Holland acquired T&T in October 2017.

ABOUT M. HOLLAND

M. Holland is a leading international distributor of thermoplastic resins, providing suppliers the most strategic channels to market, offering innovative sourcing and supply chain solutions to our clients, and helping people lead rewarding careers. Since 1950, a deep commitment to personal relationships has formed the core of the company's heritage, its culture, and its vision. Headquartered in Northbrook, Ill., M. Holland sells in excess of 1.4 billion pounds of resin to more than 4,000 clients annually. To learn more, visit www.mholland.com. Follow M. Holland on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180222005509/en/

Contacts:

INK (for M. Holland)

Caitlin New, 512-382-8990

mholland@ink-co.com
SACRAMENTO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 22, 2018 / Today, Trifecta (https://www.trifectanutrition.com/), the nation's largest all organic meal delivery service, is kicking off the 2018 CrossFit Open by offering CrossFit Open tips for each WOD (Workout the Day) released between February 22nd through March 26th.

Within one hour of the first WOD going live on February 22nd, one of Trifecta's athletes and top CrossFit stars - Brooke Ence - will be featured in a video produced by Trifecta that offers viewers helpful tips for the specific WOD in order to assist athletes with performing their best in order to qualify for the regionals.

"Beginners to high level athletes are looking to CrossFit stars like Brooke Ence for the inside scoop on the best strategies for the Open; pacing, transitions, technique, everything that's going through her mind while she crushes the WOD," said Elizabeth Connolly, President at Trifecta. "As a supporter of the CrossFit Games, we are thrilled to support thousands of people participating in the Open by connecting them with world-class athletes like Brooke."

Ahead of the 2018 Reebok CrossFit Games starting August 1st where elite athletes will compete to be named the Fittest on EarthTM, hundreds of thousands of athletes will compete in five workouts over five weeks in order to have a chance to qualify for the CrossFit Regionals starting May 18th.



Video URL: https://youtu.be/bImU3w_uADg

Since launching in August 2015, Trifecta has become one of the fastest growing companies in the country. Eliminating shopping, cooking and cleaning by delivering fully cooked meals directly to customers' doors in all 50 states, Trifecta's food is the highest quality in the industry and uses 100% USDA Organic, Gluten, Dairy and Soy-Free ingredients that are never frozen, and Wild Caught/Grass Fed. All of their food arrives in a refrigerated case, vacuum sealed and ready to eat. Trifecta offers meals in four categories to meet everyone's needs including Paleo, Vegan, Clean Eating and Classic Meals. Additionally, Trifecta has an A La Carte section that operates more like an online grocery store deli with fully prepared meats and vegetables you can order by weight.

Furthermore, putting them on the forefront of nutrition technology, in September of 2017 Trifecta launched their new app "Trifecta - Fitness, Nutrition and Tracking" in order to introduce for the first time an all-in-one solution for how people track their food and performance right from their smartphones. Giving users the ability to track their fitness, nutrition, calories, macro and micro nutrients utilizing Trifecta's food database consisting of over 5,000,000+ food items including all of Trifecta's 180+ food items and meal plans, giving them the widest on-demand selection in the country. Users can also train with celebrity athletes like Brooke Ence and Urijah Faber.

For more information on Trifecta, visit www.trifectanutrition.com or follow them at https://www.facebook.com/trifectameals, @trifectasystem on Instagram and Twitter or subscribe to them on YouTube at TrifectaNutrition.

SOURCE: Trifecta
BERLIN, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

German women's rights institution TERRE DES FEMMES demands equal pay for equal work

Are we living in a world of equal opportunities and equal pay? Not even close. With their worldwide unique experiment starring three trans job applicants - applying once as women and once as men - TERRE DES FEMMES proves a point. Women do, in fact, earn up to 33 percent less for the same job. This is an indecently stark difference that surpasses even the latest statistical evaluations which put it up to 21 percent in Germany. In any case, only very few actually believe these 21% anyway: "critics complain, among other things, that these statistics refer to fundamentally different people with different qualifications," explains Christa Stolle, Managing Director of TERRE DES FEMMES. "That's why, the core of our Gender Pay Gap Experiment, involves sending trans people to reveal the pay gap where it begins: at the job interview" And thus, we can provide the ultimate proof.

The Gender Pay Gap Experiment: The same person with the same qualifications applies for the same job - once as a woman, once as a man.

Presenting once as a man and once as a woman, three trans people undertake different job interviews within the fields of project management, pharmaceutical / technical assistant and in the fashion sector - with the same CVs, qualifications and fundamental personalities. None of the three are actors and but are authentic in their presentation of themselves as both genders. Iris P., who presents as a woman in public and as a man with their family, introduced themselves once as Dirk and once as Iris in the job interviews. Oliver Z., who presents as a man in everyday life, but also feels comfortable as a woman, introduced themselves once as Olivia and once as Michael. And Leni W., who is used to living both gender roles in everyday life introduced themselves as Anna-Lena and Leo.

The result - an absolute scandal: One person, two salaries

Hidden cameras captured how interviewers treated the women in their interviews differently - especially when it came to salary negotiations. Men were offered bonuses that were not even mentioned to women.

"The gender pay gap experiment exposes the political efforts taken in the interests of gender equality in recent years. It shows that women are still a long way from being treated equally. Politicians must finally act and promote the effective implementation of equal rights and pin them down by law." Stolle adds: "Every company in the world should, in its own interest, contribute to the implementation of equal rights, especially in job interviews which is where the unequal treatment begins."

Find our more and watch the video on: http://frauenrechte.de/paygap-experiment/

TERRE DES FEMMES (TDF) is a German non-profit women's rights organization. We are committed to ensuring that girls and women can live a free, safe, and self-determined life while holding equal and inalienable rights regarding all aspects of life. Our aim is to raise public awareness by means of education and advocacy, campaigning and lobbying, international networking, and individual personal assistance. We also promote a number of independent and local self-help projects abroad. For more information visit: www.frauenrechte.de

For further questions and interview queries please get in touch with TERRE DES FEMMES/achtung!: Stephanie Sendler, Tel. +49-40-45-02-10-824 or e-mail: stephanie.sendler@achtung.de
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Apache Corp. (APA) said that in 2018, it plans to invest $3 billion in oil and gas capital, with more than 70 percent allocated to the Permian. This amount includes approximately $500 million for Alpine High midstream. Internationally, Apache will continue to invest at a level to sustain long-term free cash flow in Egypt and the North Sea. It projects 7 percent to 13 percent adjusted production growth worldwide and 9 percent oil growth in the Permian in 2018. From 2018 to 2020, Apache expects to invest approximately $7.5 billion in the upstream worldwide and $1 billion in midstream at Alpine High. Any monetization of the Alpine High midstream assets could eliminate some or all of this expected spend. Apache anticipates its returns-focused investment approach will result in a compound annual production growth rate of 11 to 13 percent worldwide and generate Cash Returns on Capital Invested (CROIC) of 18, 20 and 22 percent, respectively, over the three-year period. 'Our three-year plan will generate strong returns and growth and will create significant long-term value for our shareholders. Over the last three years, Apache has returned over $1.1 billion to shareholders through the dividend. In the coming three years, we plan to return at least this amount and possibly more,' said John Christmann IV, Apache's chief executive officer and president. 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.
NOTIFICATION AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE EU MARKET ABUSE REGULATION OF TRANSACTIONS BY PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

February 22, 2018

The following Persons Discharging Managerial Responsibilities ("PDMRs") have received the number of shares as set out below. Following shareholder approval of the Directors' Remuneration Policy at the 2017 Annual General Meeting, the Deferred Bonus Plan was removed and 50% of the PDMR's annual bonus is delivered in cash and 50% is delivered in shares. Shares are subject to a three-year holding period, which continues to apply after PDMRs leave employment.

The Directors' Remuneration Policy can be found in the Royal Dutch Shell plc Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016 (www.shell.com/annualreport ).

PDMR Date Acquired Share Type Number of shares delivered Ben van Beurden February 22, 2018 RDSA 30,102 Jessica Uhl February 22, 2018 RDSA 10,536 Harry Brekelmans February 22, 2018 RDSA 10,405 Andrew Brown February 22, 2018 RDSB 9,876 Ronan Cassidy February 22, 2018 RDSB 8,101 Donny Ching February 22, 2018 RDSA 7,387 Maarten Wetselaar February 22, 2018 RDSA 9,974

The Notification of Dealing Form for each PDMR can be found below.

This notification is made in accordance with Article 19 of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

Mark Edwards

Deputy Company Secretary

ENQUIRIES

Shell Media Relations

International, UK, European Press: +44 20 7934 5550

Shell Investor Relations

Europe: + 31 70 377 4540

United States: +1 832 337 2034

LEI number of Royal Dutch Shell plc: 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70

Classification: Additional regulated information required to be disclosed under the laws of a Member State.

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Ben Last Name(s) van Beurden 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Chief Executive Officer Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument A ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MLX29 Nature of the transaction Delivery of 50% of bonus in shares Currency EUR Price 25.75 Volume 30,102 Total 775,126.50 Aggregated information

Volume

Price

Total

30,102

25.75

775,126.50 Date of transaction 22/02/2018 Place of transaction Amsterdam

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Jessica Last Name(s) Uhl 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Chief Financial Officer Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument A ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MLX29 Nature of the transaction Delivery of 50% of bonus in shares Currency EUR Price 25.75 Volume 10,536 Total 271,302.00 Aggregated information

Volume

Price

Total

10,536

25.75

271,302.00 Date of transaction 22/02/2018 Place of transaction Amsterdam

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Harry Last Name(s) Brekelmans 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Projects & Technology Director Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument A ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MLX29 Nature of the transaction Delivery of 50% of bonus in shares Currency EUR Price 25.75 Volume 10,405 Total 267,928.75 Aggregated information

Volume

Price

Total

10,405

25.75

267,928.75 Date of transaction 22/02/2018 Place of transaction Amsterdam

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Andrew Last Name(s) Brown 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Upstream Director Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument B ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MM408 Nature of the transaction Delivery of 50% of bonus in shares Currency GBP Price 22.84 Volume 9,876 Total 225,567.84 Aggregated information

Volume

Price

Total

9,876

22.84

225,567.84 Date of transaction 22/02/2018 Place of transaction London

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Ronan Last Name(s) Cassidy 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Chief Human Resources & Corporate Officer Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument B ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MM408 Nature of the transaction Delivery of 50% of bonus in shares Currency GBP Price 22.84 Volume 8,101 Total 185,026.84 Aggregated information

Volume

Price

Total

8,101

22.84

185,026.84 Date of transaction 22/02/2018 Place of transaction London

1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated First Name(s) Donny Last Name(s) Ching 2. Reason for the notification Position/status Legal Director Initial notification/ amendment Initial notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor Full name of the entity Royal Dutch Shell plc Legal Entity Identifier code 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted Description of the financial instrument A ordinary shares of 0.07 each Identification Code GB00B03MLX29 Nature of the transaction Delivery of 50% of bonus in shares Currency EUR Price 25.75 Volume 7,387 Total 190,215.25 Aggregated information

Volume

Price

Total

7,387

25.75

190,215.25 Date of transaction 22/02/2018 Place of transaction Amsterdam
Thanks to the New Cell Trax System, Prisoners will be Less Likely to Use an Illegal Cell Phone

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 22, 2018 / The founders of an emerging company called Cell Detect, Inc. are pleased to announce that they have developed a revolutionary system for detecting contraband cell phones in prisons.

The Company's Cell Trax system provides a low-cost solution to what many prison and corrections officials have identified as the number one problem within correctional institutions: Contraband cell phones. As a company spokesperson noted, prisoners use these unlawful devices virtually unrestrained to communicate with each other and with others outside the prison, enabling continued unlawful activity.

To learn about Cell Trax and how it can help solve the serious problem of contraband prison cell phones, as well as read more about Cell Detect, Inc., please visit https://celldetect.com/about-us/.

As the company spokesperson noted, the contraband cell phone in prison problem exists in every prison system across the country and throughout the world.

"A gang leader in a North Carolina prison used a contraband cell phone to order a hit on his prosecutor's father, and a sex offender in a New Jersey prison once used a smuggled cell phone to swap child pornography," the spokesperson noted, adding that prisoners in South Carolina are posting real-time Facebook Live videos inside the walls of prisons, where it is estimated that one out of every three inmates have had contraband cell phones.

"More than 100 inmates in Tennessee prisons are operating their own Facebook pages, displaying photos and videos of drugs while they are behind bars."

Thanks to Cell Detect, Inc., their new Cell Trax system can be used to defend against the security threats associated with contraband cell phones inside corrections institutions. It utilizes an electronic bracelet securely attached to every inmate's ankle with multiple levels of tamper detection. Since the detectors are always active, always attached to the prisoner, and always looking for near-field cellular signatures, detection is assured.

"When a cell phone signal is detected, the Cell Trax bracelet immediately reports the presence of the cellular signal to a cloud-based computer, which processes the alert and notifies officers of the identity of the unauthorized user in near real time," the spokesperson said.

The product has a clever feature called micro-jamming that if enabled, will output a short-range jamming signal to prevent the "nearby" cell phone from working. This feature is not currently enabled because, as of today, the FCC declares it illegal to jam an RF signal, even a micro-jammer in a prison.

Cell Detect has recently completed testing of a prototype detector in a live prison with positive results, the spokesperson noted. They are poised to complete development and begin scaling into production in 2018.

About Cell Detect, Inc.:

An emerging company called Cell Detect, Inc. has developed a revolutionary system that solves the number one problem facing the corrections industry: Illicit cell phones in prisons and jails. The Cell Trax system detects, reports and eventually jams only those devices that are in close proximity to the inmate and at a fraction of the cost of existing systems. The Leadership team is highly experienced with the technology, has experience launching high tech companies, and has many contacts within the industry. They decided to launch Cell Detect after identifying the critical need in Corrections for a cost-effective means of eradicating contraband cell phones from prisons. For more information, check out https://celldetect.com/ or contact dsegal@celldetect.com.

Contact:

David Segal

dsegal@celldetect.com

318-933-2315

SOURCE: Cell Detect, Inc.
ALBANY, New York, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

As farmers from several parts of the world continue to fight plant diseases, pest infestations, and harmful fertilizer outbreaks, the demand for effective seed treatments continues to gain traction. Traditional success of organic mercurial seed treatments has paved way for growing popularity of biological seed treatments. A range of options available for biological seed treatment ensure that the crop survives through the toughest conditions. Farmers are actively adopting biological seed treatment services to extend their farm produce and create a disease-free environment for their farming landscape. Companies namely, Syngenta AG, BASF SE, Bayer CropScience, Monsanto Company, Italpollina SpA, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Koppert B.V., INCOTEC Group BV, Plant Health Care, Inc., Precision Laboratories, Inc., Verdesian Life Sciences, LLC and Valent Biosciences Corporation are partnering with farmers and extending their presence as key players in the global biological seed treatment market.

Transparency Market Research has observed that these companies will instrument the growth of theglobal biological seed treatment marketduring the forecast period, 2017-2026. The report estimates that by the end of 2026, the global biological seed treatment market will have touched a US$ 714 Mn valuation, reflecting a value CAGR of 10.2% over the forecast period.

Get PDF Brochure for more Professional & Technical industry insights: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=5123

Bacterial Treatment of Seed to Register High Value Growth

In 2017 and beyond, biological seed treatment will be predominantly directed towards protecting the plant for bacterial infection. The long-term advantage of bacterial seed treatment will boost the overall produce in terms of quantity as well as quality. The report further estimates that the adoption of biological seed treatment against bacteria will gain traction due to increasing incidence of bacterial infestation in GMO cultivation practices. By the end of 2026, more than US$ 300 Mn worth of biological seed treatments will be adopted across the globe to protect the seeds from bacteria. The report also reveals that fungi-type and botanical-type biological seed treatment will register fastest revenue growth at a similar value CAGR of 11% during the forecast period.

Request For Custom Research: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=CR&rep_id=5123

Biological Treatment of Corn Seeds to Translate High Revenue Growth through 2026

Corn seeds will be widely treated for their vulnerabilities against harsh weather, pesticides and insects. Biological treatment of corn seeds is expected to account for more than 40% of the global market value towards the end of the forecast period. The report also observes a growing demand for biological seed treatment of wheat and soybean. Biological seed treatment of cash crops such as cotton will also drive the market growth. Over the forecast period, biological seed treatment of cotton is estimated to register a 9.5% CAGR in terms of value.

Purchase this Premium Research Report at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=5123<ype=S

North America to Register High Demand for Biological Seed Treatment

In 2017, North America's biological seed treatment market has been estimated to be worth nearly US$ 115 Mn. Worsening farming conditions in the US and Canada, coupled with high incidence of plant diseases has spurred the overall demand for biological seed treatment in North America. The report also observes the Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region as a lucrative marketplace for biological seed treatment. Over the forecast period, the biological seed treatment market in APEJ region is expected to expand at 9.9% CAGR in terms of value. The report also reveals that biological seed treatment will be predominantly playing the key function of biostimulants. On the other hand, biological seed treatment for biofertilizer treatment is expected to witness speed revenue growth 10.8% CAGR over the forecast period.

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 22, 2018) - Argo Gold Inc. (CSE: ARQ) ("Argo Gold" or the "Company") has entered into a mining claim acquisition agreement with Premier Gold Mines Limited ("Premier") pursuant to which Argo Gold can acquire a 100% interest in certain mineral claims adjacent to Argo Gold's 100%-owned Woco Gold Project located in Earngey Township, which is approximately 90 kilometres east of Red Lake, Ontario and 1.5 kilometres south of the past-producing Uchi Gold Mine. In exchange for these mineral claims, Premier will receive 200,000 common shares of the Company. The acquisition of the mineral claims is subject to receipt of regulatory approval and the common shares issuable thereunder will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

The newly acquired mineral claims are comprised of six mining patents known as the "Geisler Patents" covering 115 hectares, bringing Argo Gold's Woco Gold Project area to 30 mineral claims covering 875 hectares in the Birch-Uchi Greenstone Belt proximal to the Uchi Lake Deformation Zone. The Geisler Patents are thought to contain the southern extension of the HST Vein and the Raingold shear zone, where gold-bearing quartz veins were identified in 1937 (Thompson, 1938, Ontario Department of Mines, Report ARV47). The patented claims are 800 metres due west of the Uchi Gold Mine (Past Producer).

The Geisler Patents are adjacent to Argo Gold's Woco Gold Project where 1993 high grade drill intercepts included;

Woco Gold Project DDH From (feet) To (feet) (Oz./ ton Au) Length (feet) True Width (feet) 1 281.5 286.75 1.639 5.25 3.7 4 202.0 213.9 1.890 11.9 3.7 22 259.3 265.3 1.832 6.0 4.3 All assays were done by Wawa Assaying in 1993 using a Fire Assay with Gravimetric finish.

And 1994 high grade drill intercepts include;

Woco Gold Project DDH From (feet) To (feet) (Oz/ton Au) Length (feet) 94-J-25 242.9 246.2 1.013 3.3 94-J-26 276.3 283.2 4.087 6.9 94-J-28 383.4 389.0 1.239 5.6

All assays were completed by Accurassay Laboratories, Thunder Bay, Ontario in 1994 using a standard fire assay method. The results from duplicate samples were averaged. Estimated true widths were not provided with the 1994 drill data.

The Company has not yet completed the work necessary to verify the past exploration results and since these results are historical in nature and these results predate National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") standards. In addition, a qualified person has not completed sufficient work to verify these historical results. The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Delio Tortosa, P.Eng., a "Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101 and a Technical Advisor for Argo Gold.

Argo Gold is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker ARQ. Argo Gold is focused on gold exploration projects in central and northwestern Ontario. All of Argo Gold's projects are 100% owned by the company and have historic exploration results that are currently being followed up upon.

Argo Gold's website is www.argogold.ca.

Judy Baker

(416) 786-7860

jbaker@argogold.ca

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement

Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the CSE. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - In its annual assessment of human rights report published Thursday, Amnesty International has accused US President Donald Trump of playing 'hateful' politics and posing a threat to human rights.



The world is reaping the terrifying consequences of hate-filled rhetoric that threatens to normalize massive discrimination against marginalized groups, the prominent global human rights organization said in the annual report, launched in Washington for the first time.



Nevertheless, the organization found that a growing movement of both first-time and seasoned activists campaigning for social justice provides real hope of reversing the slide towards oppression.



The report, The State of the World's Human Rights, covers 159 countries and delivers a comprehensive analysis of the state of human rights in the world today.



With the report launching in the US capital, Amnesty International warned that President Trump's backward steps on human rights are setting a dangerous precedent for other governments to follow.



Trump administration made headlines for its anti-refugee rhetoric, while his policies marked a new era of human rights regression, according to the New York-based human rights watchdog.



Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International, terms Trump's decision to ban entry to people from seven Muslim-majority countries within days after he took office as a 'Transparently hateful move.'



Amnesty named Trump along with presidents of Egypt, Russia, China, the Philippines, and Venezuela for 'callously undermining the rights of millions.'



The report also condemns the 'horrific military campaign of ethnic cleansing' against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar; 'crimes against humanity' and war crimes in Iraq, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen; and attempts to roll back women's rights in the US, Russia, and Poland.



On the other side, the report details many important victories that human rights activists helped to secure last year, namely in Chile, Taiwan and Nigeria.



'A vast Women's March centered on the USA showcased the growing influence of new social movements, as did the MeToo phenomenon.'



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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AMSTERDAM, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

PLENVU is the first 1 Litre PEG preparation bowel preparation to demonstrate higher cleansing efficacy than MOVIPREP (2 Litre PEG + Ascorbate)

Norgine B.V. today announced positive new PLENVU (NER1006) superiority data at the meeting of the Belgian Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (BSGIE). This post hoc analysis of the MORA phase III study, assessed PLENVU cleansing efficacy versus MOVIPREP in both the overall colon and the right colon, using mean Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) Scores.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/597589/Norgine_Logo.jpg )

The analysis included 792 patients. Both PLENVU PM/AM and PLENVU AM/AM attained higher mean overall BBPS scores than MOVIPREP PM/AM (6.7 and 6.6 versus 6.3; P=0.0001 and P=0.0058 respectively). Similarly in the right colon, both PLENVU PM/AM and PLENVU AM/AM attained significantly higher mean segmental BBPS scores versus MOVIPREP PM/AM (2.2 and 2.2 versus 2.0; P=0.0003 and P=0.0134).

Prof. Raf Bisschops said: "These new data are important. By demonstrating higher cleansing efficacy of the colon compared to the standard 2 litre PEG + Ascorbate bowel preparation, it is clear that PLENVU can help achieve better quality colonoscopy procedure in order to facilitate lesion detection. PLENVU provides a new effective option for healthcare professionals and for patients who may find it easier to comply with a low volume bowel preparation."

Dr Alastair Benbow, Chief Development & Medical Officer at Norgine said: "We believe that PLENVU should be offered as the standard bowel cleansing option for all patients undergoing a colonoscopy. Not only do patients want a low-volume preparation which is easy to use, but they want to use a bowel cleanser which is effective to detect adenomas and polyps that can result in colorectal cancer."

Colonoscopy is a vital screening procedure to detect lesions. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in Europe, with over 447,000new diagnoses every year.

PLENVUis now approved for use in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Romania, The Netherlands and in the UK (using the trademark PLEINVUE'in Austria and The Netherlands). PLENVU is already commercially available via Norgine's infrastructure in the UK and Belgium.

Presentation: Prof. Raf Bisschops on Thursday 22 February 2018, 16:00 - 16:30 at the Belgian Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Norgine sponsored the post hoc data analysis.

Media: Isabelle Jouin +44 (0)1895 453643

View full release on http://www.norgine.com/media
ICELANDAIR GROUP HF. - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 08 MARCH 2018 Hilton Reykjavik Nordica at 4.00 pm Final Agenda 1. The Board of Director's report on the Company's operations in the past year shall be presented 2. Confirmation of annual accounts and decision on the handling of profit or loss of the financial year 3. Decision on payments to board members 4. Proposals of the Board of Directors regarding the remuneration policy 5. Election of the Board of Directors 6. Election of auditor 7. Proposed changes to the Articles of Association 8. Authorization to purchase treasury shares 9. Any other lawfully submitted business Proposals a) Annual Accounts (Item 2) The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the Annual Accounts of the Company for 2017 will be approved. b) Dividends payments (Item 2) The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that dividend payments in the amount of ISK 750 million will be made in ISK to the shareholders, which is ISK 0.15 per share. The record date will be 12 March 2018. Only shareholders registered in the shareholders' registry at closing on the record date are entitled to receive dividend payments. The ex-date, i.e. when trading exclusive of dividends begins, will be 9 March 2018, which is the trading day following the AGM. Payment date of the dividend will be 09 April 2018. c) Remuneration to Board Members (Item 3) The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that remuneration to Board Members and Sub-Committee Members shall be the same as they were last year: Each Board Member will receive ISK 330,000 per month, the Chairman will receive ISK 660,000 per month, the Deputy Chairman will receive ISK 495,000 per month, Sub-Committee Members will receive ISK 120,000, the Chairman of the Audit Committee will receive ISK 275,000 per month and the Chairman of the Compensation Committee will receive ISK 150,000 per month. d) Remuneration Policy (Item 4) The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the following Remuneration Policy, which is unchanged from the last Annual General Meeting, will be approved. e) Auditors (Item 6) The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that KPMG hf. will be the Company's auditors. f) Proposed changes to the Articles of Association (Item 7) The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the following changes will be made immediately to the Articles of Association of the Company: The number "5" in Article 5.2 shall be changed to the number "7". The proposed amendment entails that those who intend to run for the Board of Directors shall notify the Board of their candidacy at least 7 days before a shareholder's meeting instead of 5 days. g) Purchase of treasury shares (Item 8) The Board of Directors of Icelandair Group proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the Company will be authorized to purchase in the next 18 months up to 10% of its own shares in accordance with Article 55 of the Icelandic Companies Act No 2/1995 in order to establish a market making agreement for issued shares in the Company or to set up a formal buy-back programme. It is not allowed to purchase such shares at a higher rate than the last spot market rate or the highest bid in the trading system of a regulated market where the shares are traded. Such purchases are however authorized if they are executed by a market maker in accordance with Article 116 of the Act on Securities Trading or in accordance with Item 1, Paragraph 3, Article 115, and Paragraph 2, Article 119 of the Act on Securites Transactions and regulations implemented on the basis of Articles 118 and 131 of the same Act. All of the current members of the Board of Directors, except Georg Luviksson, intend to seek renewed mandate as board members from shareholders at the meeting. Attachment: https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=665170
LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT

NOT FOR RELEASE, DISTRIBUTION OR PUBLICATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, JAPAN OR ANY MEMBER STATE OF THE EEA (OTHER THAN THE UNITED KINGDOM) OR TO ANY NATIONAL, RESIDENT OR CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, JAPAN OR ANY MEMBER STATE OF THE EEA (OTHER THAN THE UNITED KINGDOM).

This announcement is an advertisement and does not constitute a prospectus and investors must only subscribe for or purchase any shares referred to in this announcement on the basis of information contained the prospectus (the "Prospectus") published by Augmentum Fintech plc (the "Company") and not in reliance on this announcement. This announcement does not constitute and may not be construed as, an offer to sell or an invitation to purchase, investments of any description, or a recommendation regarding the issue or the provision of investment advice by any party. No information set out in this announcement or referred to in other written or oral form is intended to form the basis of any contract of sale, investment decision or any decision to purchase shares in the Company.

For immediate release

22 February 2018

Augmentum Fintech plc

("Augmentum Fintech" or the "Company")

Publication of Prospectus

Further to the announcement made by Augmentum Fintech on 20 February 2018, the Company has today published its Prospectus in connection with its initial public offering ("IPO").

The Company is seeking to issue a target of 100 million ordinary shares in the capital of the Company ("Shares") at an issue price of 1.00, with a maximum issue size of 125 million Shares, by way of a placing, offer for subscription and intermediaries offer. The Prospectus relates to the proposed admission of the Company's Shares to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the FCA and to trading on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.

The Company's investment objective is to generate capital growth over the long term through investment in a focused portfolio of fast growing and/or high potential private financial services technology businesses based predominantly in the UK and wider Europe.

The Prospectus outlines the expected timetable for the IPO as follows:

Publication of the Prospectus and commencement of the Offer for Subscription and the Intermediaries Offer 22 February Latest time and date for applications under the Offer for Subscription

11.00 a.m. on 8 March Latest time and date for receipt of completed applications from the Intermediaries in respect of the Intermediaries Offer

3.00 p.m. on 8 March Latest time and date for commitments under the Placing

4.00 p.m. on 8 March Publication of results of the Placing, Intermediaries Offer and the Offer for Subscription (through a Regulatory Information Service)

9 March Admission and dealings in Shares commence

8.00 a.m. on 13 March CREST accounts credited with uncertificated Shares

13 March Where applicable, definitive share certificates despatched by post in the week commencing*

19 March (or as soon as possible thereafter)

* Underlying applicants who apply to Intermediaries for Shares under the Intermediaries Offer will not receive share certificates.

Any changes to the expected timetable set out above will be notified by the Company through a Regulatory Information Service.

All references to times in the Prospectus are to 2018 and are London times.

The Prospectus has been approved by the FCA. Copies of the Prospectus will be available on the Company's website at www.augmentumfintech.com, subject to applicable securities law and free of charge during normal business hours at the offices of Frostrow Capital LLP, the Company Secretary, at 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 1AL.

The Prospectus has also been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will be available for inspection at www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM. Defined terms in this announcement will have the same meaning as defined in the Prospectus.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Augmentum

Tim Levene

Richard Matthews info@augmentumcapital.com or via Newgate below Fidante Capital (Sole Financial Adviser, Bookrunner and Joint Sponsor)

Tom Skinner

Nick Donovan

Katie Standley +44 (0) 20 7832 0900 Solid Solutions (Intermediaries Offer Adviser)

Nigel Morris +44 (0) 20 7549 1613

intermediaries@solid-solutions.co.uk Newgate Communications (PR Adviser)

James Benjamin

Alistair Kellie

Anna Geffert +44 (0) 20 7680 6550

augmentum@newgatecomms.com

Further information on the Company can be found on its website at www.augmentumfintech.com.

The Company's LEI is: 213800OTQ44T555I8S71.

Important information

This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus. Investors should not subscribe for or purchase any shares referred to in this announcement except on the basis of information in the Prospectus published by the Company today in connection with the proposed admission of its Shares to the premium listing segment of the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority and to trading on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.

All dealings in Shares prior to the commencement of unconditional dealings will be at the sole risk of the parties concerned. The Shares will not be dealt in on any other recognised investment exchange and no other such applications have been made or are currently expected.

Fidante Partners Europe Limited (trading as Fidante Capital) ("Fidante Capital"), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting only for the Company in connection with the matters described in this announcement and is not acting for or advising any other person, or treating any other person as its client, in relation thereto and will not be responsible for providing the regulatory protection afforded to clients of Fidante Capital or advice to any other person in relation to the matters contained herein.

The Shares have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and the Shares may not be offered, sold, resold, transferred or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, US Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Regulation S" and the "US Securities Act", respectively)), except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the US Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction in the United States. There will be no public offer of the Shares in the United States. The Company is not and does not intend to become an "investment company" within the meaning of the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "US Investment Company Act"). Accordingly, the Company has not been, and will not be, registered under the US Investment Company Act and investors will not be entitled to the benefits of the US Investment Company Act. In addition, the Investment Adviser has not been and will not be registered as an investment adviser under the US Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "US Investment Advisers Act") and neither the Company nor investors will be entitled to the benefits of the US Investment Advisers Act.

The Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to acquire or subscribe for, Shares in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation is unlawful or would impose any unfulfilled registration, qualification, publication or approval requirements on the Company or Fidante Capital. The offer and sale of Shares has not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada, the Republic of South Africa or Japan. Subject to certain exemptions, the Shares may not be offered to or sold within Australia, Canada, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or to any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada, the Republic of South Africa or Japan.

- ANNOUNCEMENT ENDS -
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - With tax season underway, the results of a Quinnipiac University National Poll showed that a majority of voters still want President Donald Trump to release his tax returns. Sixty-seven percent of voters said Trump should publicly release his tax returns, while just 24 percent said he should not. Quinnipiac noted every listed party, gender, education, age and racial group, except Republicans, says Trump should release his tax returns. Trump has claimed he has not released his tax returns because he is being audited by the IRS, although only 19 percent think that is the reason. Another 52 percent believe the president has something to hide. The poll also found that voters give Trump a negative 37 percent to 58 percent approval rating, compared to a 40 percent to 55 percent rating earlier this month following his State of the Union address. American voters also said 56 percent to 18 percent that Trump has not been loyal to his spouse throughout his marriage, with 26 percent undecided. The survey found that voters also say 66 percent to 30 percent, including 58 percent to 37 percent among men, that Trump does not respect women as much as he respects men. 'For President Donald Trump, deemed by American voters as perhaps dodging his taxes, disrespectful to women and disloyal to his wife, and pursued by the porn star and the Playboy playmate scandals, the post State of the Union bump goes flat,' said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll. The Quinnipiac survey of 1,249 voters was conducted February 16th through 19th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. (Photo: Gage Skidmore) 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.
DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / February 22, 2018 / Alternet Systems, Inc. (OTC PINK: ALYI) today announced the company's developing partnership to launch an Electric Vehicle (EV) subsidiary utilizing Alternet's Patented Lithium Battery Technology, and the acquisition of Lithium Exploration Group's (LEXG) SonCav Technology are both on track.

Message From Alternet Systems CEO Randell Torno

The potential for Alternet's Electric Vehicle project and the SonCav technology as wells as much of the potential for many of the lithium-related technology opportunities we are pursuing, we expect to be found outside the United States, and largely within frontier and developing economic regions. We plan to concentrate our Electric Vehicle efforts on motorcycles in regions of the world where two-wheeled transportation far surpasses four-wheeled transportation. The lithium mining opportunities that we anticipate will find the Soncav technology to have a compelling value proposition will likely be mining opportunities in developing and frontier economic regions. The only way to meaningful develop opportunities in frontier and emerging market regions is to spend dedicated time face to face with interested business parties in those regions. I have been on the ground in Africa for the past month, and I communicating today from Ethiopia. I expected to have a communication out to shareholders earlier this week, but my travels have put me behind. Even this communication will be a little more brief than I originally planned. So please consider this a first communication in a series of updates.

I have a high degree of confidence that the developing Electric Vehicle partnership and the acquisition of SonCav will both come to fruition soon. The projects are both on Track. I consider the pacing item in closing both opportunities to be Alternet establishing the subsidiary organizations to house each deal and initiating the registration statement to independently list each subsidiary organization. We are well in motion on the establishing each subsidiary and the corresponding initiatives to register each subsidiary organization. Those initiatives are in good hands with counsel we feel well fit for the job. In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to business development for both opportunities as well as other initiatives I hope to share with you soon. Look for more updates from me soon.

Learn more on the company's website: www.otc-alyi.com or www.lithiumip.com

Disclaimer/Safe Harbor:

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the expectation that any of the companies mentioned herein will achieve significant sales, the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the companies' contracts, the companies' liquidity position, the companies' ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur.

Alternet Systems, Inc. Contact:

Randell Torno

info@lithiumip.com

1 800 713 0297

https://www.otc-alyi.com/contact/

SOURCE: Alternet Systems, Inc.
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 22, 2018 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against Kobe Steel, Ltd. (OTC PINK: KBSTY) ("Kobe Steel" or the "Company") for violations of 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investors who purchased the Company's shares between May 29, 2013 and October 12, 2017, inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the firm before February 26, 2018, the lead plaintiff motion deadline.

If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss during the Class Period, click here to participate.

We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall, or Sherin Mahdavian, of the Schall Law Firm, 1880 Century Park East, Suite 404, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at (424)-303-1964, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at brian@schallfirm.com.

The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.

According to the lawsuit, Kobe Steel repeatedly misrepresented the quality of its products and the integrity of its operations during the Class Period by emphasizing that it offers "excellent products and services" with "special attention to product safety" as it has "an organizational culture that is highly sensitive to compliance issues." Defendants' statements pertaining to Kobe Steel's products and performance of its operations were materially false and misleading because Kobe Steel had intentionally falsified data on many of its aluminum, copper, iron and steel products, and knowingly sold products that failed quality control tests.

The Schall Law Firm 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.

CONTACT:

The Schall Law Firm

Brian Schall, Esq.

Sherin Mahdavian, Esq.

Schallfirm.com

SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm
Regulatory News:

Clasquin (Paris:ALCLA):

2017 2016 2017 2016 (at current scope) 2017 2016 (like for like change) T4 2017 /

T4 2016 CONSOLIDATED (unaudited) Number of shipments 246 657 221 990 +11.1% +11.1% +12.7% Sales(M) 292.0 235.0 +24.3% +25.4% +18.2% Gross profit (M) 62.9 57.5 +9.4% +10.3% +10.8%

*Note: Sales is not a relevant indicator for assessing activity in our business, because it is greatly impacted by changing sea and air freight rates, fuel surcharges, exchange rates (especially versus the $), etc. Variations in the number of shipments, the volumes shipped and- in terms of the Group's finances-gross profit are relevant indicators

BUSINESS REVIEW

In 2017, sea freight market volumes grew by more than 4% and air freight by 8-9%.

Driven by strong sales momentum in this buoyant environment, the Group once again outperformed the market.

Growth in the number of sea and air freight shipments reached 11.1% and 10.1% respectively.

Two-thirds of this growth resulted from the acquisition of new clients.

In terms of volumes shipped, sea freight growth of 17.1% was 4 to 5 times higher than that of the market, while air freight volumes at 18.8% doubled market growth.

Gross profit in the air and sea freight businesses (81% of total Group gross profit) increased by over 10.4% for the year, mirroring growth in shipments (up 10.7%) and reflecting steady unit margins despite rising freight rates.

The RO/RO business (11% of Group gross profit) saw a slight decline of 1.3% in gross profit due to the temporary impact of a new client mix.

DETAILS ON ACTIVITY BY BUSINESS LINE

Number of shipments Gross profit (en M) At current exchange rate 2017 2016 2017/ 2016 T4 2017/

T4 2016 2017 2016 2017/ 2016 T4 2017/

T4 2016 Sea freight 111,946 100,765 +11.1% +10.9% 30.2 27.7 +9.0% +5.6% Air freight 80,153 72,820 +10.1% +10.6% 20.7 18.4 +12.4% +11.2% RO/RO* 38,299 33,913 +12.9% +13.4% 6.6 6.7 -1.3% -0.4% Others 16,259 14,492 +12.2% NS 4.2 3.6 +17.4% NS TOTAL OVERSEAS ACTIVITY 246,657 221,990 +11.1% +12.7% 61.7 56.4 +9.4% +10.4% Log System 2.6 2.5 +4.1 -8.6% Consolidation entries -1.5 -1.4 NA NA TOTAL CONSOLIDATED 62.9 57.5 +9.4% +10.8%

* Roll On Roll Off

Volume growth 2017 2016 2017/

2016 T4 2017/

T4 2016 Sea freight 168,832 EVP* 144,147 EVP* +17.1% +13.4% Air freight 63,446 T** 53,402 T** +18.8% +11.5%

*Twenty Feet Equivalent Units **Tons

COMPANIES CREATED OR ACQUIRED IN 2016:

Art Shipping, specializing in the transportation of artwork, acquired in May 2016: business volumes and earnings in line with the business plan. Profitable business

CLASQUIN Portugal, launch of operations in October 2016: satisfactory integration, although ramp-up fell short of targets. Losses in the first year (2017).

CLASQUIN Chile, launch of operations in November 2016: strong business levels, in line with expectations. Slight loss in the first year (2017).

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

Deployment of our new Transport Management System (TMS), CargoWise One (published by market leader Wisetech), as planned.

Following deployment in Milan (April), Hong Kong (June) and China (7 offices) (September), our Australian subsidiary has now migrated to this new system.

New hires to help strengthen our development capabilities:

New Managing Director hired in the USA in October

New Managing Director hired in South-East Asia in November

Appointment of a new President and Managing Director in December at our IT subsidiary Log System, following the retirement of the former manager

Restructuring:

Downsizing at CLASQUIN Germany.

Effects will be seen in 2018.

POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

Acquisition of Cosmos Consultants, international trade and customs management software publisher, by Log System (Group IT subsidiary) in January 2018. Sales 300,000 to around thirty key accounts.

2018 OUTLOOK

Market

Estimated volume growth:

Sea 5%

(source IHS Global Insight. August 2017)

Air 4%

(source IATA. December 2017)

Clasquin

Growth significantly higher than market growth.

UPCOMING EVENTS (publication after-market closure)

Wednesday 21 March 2018: 2017 Annual results

Thursday 26 April 2018: Business report as at 31 March 2018

Thursday 7 June 2018: Annual Meeting

Thursday 30 August 2018: Business report as at 30 June 2018

Wednesday 19 September 2018: 2018 Half year results

Thursday 25 October 2018: Business report as at 30 September 2018

Clasquin is an air and sea freight forwarding and overseas logistics specialist.

The Group designs and manages the entire overseas transport and logistics chain, organising and coordinating the flow of client shipments between France and the rest of the world, and more specifically to and from Asia-Pacific and the United States.

Its shares are listed on Alternext Paris, ISIN FR0004152882, Reuters ALCLA.PA, Bloomberg ALCLA FP. For more information, see www.clasquinfinance.com

CLASQUIN confirms its eligibility for the new share savings plan for MSCs (medium-sized companies) in accordance with Article D221-113-5 of the French Monetary and Financial Code established by decree number 2014-283 of 4 March 2014 and with Article L221-32-2 of the French Monetary and Financial Code which set the conditions for eligibility (less than 5,000 employees and annual sales of less than 1,500 million euros or total balance sheet of less than 2,000 million euros). Clasquin is part of EnternextPEA-PME 150 index.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180222006053/en/

Contacts:

CLASQUIN

Philippe LONS Deputy Managing Director and CFO

Domitille CHATELAIN Group Head of Communication

CLASQUIN Group 235 cours Lafayette 69006 Lyon

Tel: 04 72 83 17 00 Fax: 04 72 83 17 33
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 02/22/18 -- Editors Note: A photo for this release will be available on the Canadian Press picture wire via Marketwired.

-- Consolidated revenues of $6.3 billion -- Earnings before patronage refunds and income taxes of $351 million -- Operating earnings of $319 million -- Patronage refunds of $88 million, up by 60% -- Dividend of $15.8 million paid to the Cooperative Pork Chain

On the occasion of its 96th Annual General Meeting, La Coop federee reports that for its fiscal year ending October 28, 2017, its consolidated revenues once again exceeded the six billion dollar mark reaching $6.3 billion, coupled with unequaled earnings before patronage refunds and income taxes of $351 million and operating earnings of $319 million. On a comparative basis, for the fiscal year ended October 29, 2016, consolidated revenues also reached the $6.3 billion mark, while earnings before patronage refunds and income taxes reached $275 million and operating earnings reached $256 million.

Given these excellent results, La Coop federee declares patronage refunds of $88 million in 2017, representing $33 million or 60% more than the level declared in 2016. Additionally, the Board of Directors of La Coop federee declares a $15.8 million dividend to the cooperative members of its pork operations in which compares to a dividend of $10.8 million declared a year earlier.

Strong results supported by all divisions

"This year again, our agricultural cooperative demonstrates without any doubt its role of pillar of the Quebec and Canadian economies. For the sixth consecutive year, we are reporting very solid results which actually rank amongst the best of our 95 years of existence with respect to many key indicators," declared Mr. Ghislain Gervais, President of La Coop federee.

"We are very pleased of our financial performance for the 2017 fiscal year as the agility of each of our three divisions strongly contributed to our organization's success. Despite the fact that many individual factors explain our strong overall results, I wish pointing out the excellent performance of Olymel, the Canadian leader in pork and poultry processing which figured out how to get the most out of the investments and partnerships made over the course of the last few years," indicated Mr. Gaetan Desroches, Chief Executive Officer of La Coop federee.

The other divisions of La Coop federee did not however stand idle as the Agri-business division brilliantly continued implementing its strategic plan and that the BMR division kept on improving its financial and operational results. "Once again, La Coop federee played its cards extremely well as it fulfilled its role of a Canadian leader whose strengths lie within every component of the food chain," he added.

The cooperative model, a prosperous business model

The cooperative model remains a credible option which is more relevant than ever and La Coop federee's successes demonstrate that it is perfectly adapted to address the realities of an agricultural world that is constantly evolving while simultaneously creating wealth. "For nearly 100 years, La Coop federee and its network of affiliated cooperatives have known how to adjust and remain relevant. It is this capacity to adapt, along with a willingness to pick-up new challenges jointly and collectively which are characteristic of the Quebec agricultural scene and its underlying cooperative movement," concluded Mr. Desroches.

An organization decisively looking at the future and proactive for its members

La Coop federee intends to fully take advantage of its diversified portfolio of activities in the best interest of its members. As a backdrop, the wave of consolidation hitting the agricultural industry for the last few years, La Coop federee intends to continue implementing its five-year plan. La Coop federee will pursue the development of its agricultural and agri-food businesses in Canada with an increased level of integration in the fields of agri-business and meat processing while stepping up the development of retail sales in Eastern Canada.

La Coop federee continues to be involved in a consolidation process so it can, over the long term, preserve its role of leader in Quebec and Canada while gaining more business agility and generate recurring savings.

La Coop federee will continue having important discussions surrounding the renegotiation of the North-American (NAFTA), so it can amongst others; insure the safeguard of the supply management system given La Coop federee's main message is that agriculture must not be used as a bargaining chip in these negotiations.

About La Coop federee

Founded in 1922, La Coop federee is the largest agri-food enterprise in Quebec and it is the 24th largest agri-food cooperative in the world. It represents more than 120,000 members, agricultural producers and consumers grouped into nearly 70 cooperatives with operations spread out in many Canadian provinces. More than 13,000 people are employed at La Coop which has annual revenues of $6.3 billion. Including its affiliated network, La Coop federee has nearly 18,000 employees and consolidated revenue of $9.2 billion. Its activities are separated into three Divisions: Olymel S.E.C (under the Olymel, Flamingo and Lafleur banners), the Agri-business division (under the La Coop and Elite banners, Agrico and Agromart), and Groupe BMR under the BMR, Unimat, Agrizone and Potvin & Bouchard banners). For further information, visit www.lacoop.coop. Twitter account: twitter.com/LaCoop_federee.

Sector review in appendix

Availability of additional information

Financial information along with a complete operational review of the fiscal year ended October 28, 2017 is available on La Coop federee's website at ar.lacoop.coop.

SECTOR REVIEW

A stronger than ever agri-business division reaping the benefits of past initiatives.

La Coop federee's agri-business division takes advantage of the synergies between three core sectors; livestock, crops and grains. It also benefits from partnerships in various joint-ventures in Quebec and Canada, allowing to consolidate its presence from coast-to-coast.

For the fiscal year ended October 28, 2017, the Agri-business Division's earnings declined $2.5 million compared with the previous fiscal year. However, the division's operating contribution did not change significantly over the course of his period. Also, earnings were reduced by the recognition of a $3.4 million write-down on an investment which slashed the operating contribution by an equivalent amount.

With respect to external sales, those of the Agri-business Division's external sales were up by $14.2 million reaching $1.934 billion which is explained for the most part by higher sales of the Animal Production Sector. More specifically, this division was able to take advantage of the integration of a new feed plant and higher market shares in the hog and dairy sectors. However, these positive factors were partly offset by the Crop Production Sector's lower sales resulting from declining prices for fertilizer and certain seeds. In the Grains Sector, the lower soybean volume in Quebec was offset by strong activity in the oilseed market in Ontario.

It is noteworthy that the 2016-2017 fiscal year was once again heightened by political pressures on supply management systems and free trade agreements creating a sense of uncertainty. However, despite the rather unstable climate, the Canadian production of poultry and hogs evolved favourably.

The best results ever since the inception of Olymel s.e.c.

Through its affiliate, Olymel, La Coop federee is present from one end of the value chain to the other. More than 11,500 employees work every day so that consumers can enjoy high quality pork and poultry meat products. To this effect, all Olymel plants are HACCP certified.

The meat division (Olymel s.e.c.) experienced for the third consecutive year significant growth in earnings before income taxes attributable to members, reaching a record $290.4 million, which compares to $251.4 million in 2016 or a $39 million increase. This record performance was driven primarily by the current highly favourable conditions in the Eastern and Western fresh pork market which continued to be bolstered by sustained and strong demand from China. In 2017, China became

Meat's top export market in terms of volume. Strong growth in the sales volume of chilled products and business acquisitions also contributed to the higher earnings. Lastly, note that the Canadian dollar's strengthening had a downward impact on the industry's meat margins.

Meat Division sales were thus up by $194.1 million and reached $3.433 billion in the 2016-2017 fiscal year owing mainly to the increases in volumes and prices in the fresh pork sector. The bacon sector and the secondary poultry processing sector also recorded higher sales volumes. Finally, the recognition of the sales of an acquired pork processing business for a full year in 2017 also contributed to this increase.

Groupe BMR: a nice progression and well-deserved honors

With the acquisition of Groupe BMR in 2015, La Coop federee is today the largest Quebec-owned hardware and renovation organization. Groupe BMR regroups 300 hardware and renovation centres in Quebec, Ontario, the Maritimes and the Saint-Pierre and Miquelon islands.

For the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the BMR division generated earnings before income taxes, including corporate expenses, of $1.1 million, compared with a loss of $28.9 million in fiscal 2016, which represents a $30 million difference.

Groupe BMR's external sales, including the Farm Machinery Sector, were up $29.3 million from fiscal 2016 reaching $905 million, driven by significant growth in material sales. The forest fires in Western Canada caused plywood prices to soar, which reflected in sales. In addition, it is noteworthy that higher sales were also bolstered by the launch of material distribution operations in Ontario as well as the measures taken to increase wood purchases from retailers. As for the retail stores, they recorded higher sales, driven by renovations and expansion of corporate stores, and the hiring of sales representatives.

On a final note, the exceptional work of Groupe BMR teams to serve twice as many retailers since La Coop federee acquired the business in 2015 earned it the highest honours at the 2017 edition of Les Mercuriades business competition. The unique strategy developed by the logistics and transportation teams to address the integration of 180 Unimat dealers over a record four-month period convinced the competition jury to name Groupe BMR as the winner of both the Productivity Improvement Award and the highly sought after Business of the Year Award.

Contacts:

Source:

Ben Marc Diendere

Senior Vice-President, Communication, Public Affairs

and Branding La Coop federee

@Marc_Ben



Media inquiries:

Nicolas Poirier-Quesnel

Senior Director, Communications and Public Affairs

La Coop federee

514 858 2020

Nicolas.poirier-quesnel@lacoop.coop




New Software and Device Technology Innovations for Remote Patient Monitoring Highlighted

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 22, 2018) - CardioComm Solutions, Inc. ("CardioComm" or the "Company") (TSXV: EKG) is participating in a series of meetings organized by the Ontario Trade Commission in partnership with Global Affairs Canada which has led to a delegation visit to Japan and Korea from February 20th to 27th.

Through the assistance of the Trade Commission, meetings were held in November 2017 with visiting Japanese hospital representatives in Toronto in advance of CardioComm's visit to Japan. While in Japan and Korea, CardioComm has meetings set with additional hospital/medical groups and will have a booth presence in the Ontario Pavilion during the Medical Japan 2018 International Medical Expo & Conference. Medical Japan (www.medical-jpn.jp/en/) is one of the most important healthcare shows in Japan and was visited by over 29,000 visitors from the hospital, manufacturing, importation and distributors sectors in 2017. The Company confirms that during the exposition discussions on distribution opportunities in Japan, Korea, Singapore and Thailand will be held.

CardioComm is actively evaluating the Japanese, Korean and other regional markets for the clearance and sales of its newest HeartCheck ECG monitoring devices and introduction of its GEMS based SMART Monitoring ECG service. CardioComm's visit to Japan is at an opportune time as there have been directives issued from a panel under the Japanese Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry introducing new medical fee reimbursements related to the implementation of telemedicine platforms. Effective April 1, 2018, new fees for doctors offering counseling over the internet, as well as for telemedicine based services, will take effect including a fee for mobile ECG monitoring at a value of 1500 JPY (approximately Cdn$18) per ECG. The Japanese government has also revised the medical device regulatory review process to shorten and standardize the review time for medical device approval which will help foreign medical device companies to get their products on the Japanese market sooner. CardioComm itself has almost 20 years of Class II medical device clearances with Health Canada and the FDA and will have ISO 13485:2016 under MDSAP which will facilitate such regulatory review.

According to the Ontario Ministry of International Trade, Japan is the world's 3rd largest medical market with high stability and valued at US$527 billion. Their ever increasing rate of aged population drives the medical needs for cost effective solutions for medical monitoring the elderly ay home. In addition, the Japanese medical device market relies heavily on imported products with imported medical devices accounting for 49% of the devices used. In its first four days of meetings the Company has received interest from several organizations looking to capitalize on the new regulations related to remote patient monitoring and telemedicine. These groups are seeking a credible and proven ECG management platform for providing remote ECG monitoring services to hospitals and private patient care management groups. CardioComm's ECG management software is well recognized as a proven telemedicine platform capable of managing one to 12 lead ECG monitoring devices with ECG recording durations ranging from 30 days of continuous recordings to 30 seconds. Greatest interest has been shown in Bluetooth connected hand held ECG devices as well as wearable 12 lead ECG technologies, both of which CardioComm is well supported for by well establish relationships with device manufacturers. CardioComm is also looking for new ECG monitoring hardware technologies developed in Japan for introduction under the HeartCheck brand into the North American markets.

To learn more about the CardioComm Solutions' products, please see the Company's websites www.theheartcheck.com and www.cardiocommsolutions.com.

About CardioComm Solutions

CardioComm Solution's patented and proprietary technology is used in products for recording, viewing, analyzing and storing electrocardiograms for diagnosis and management of cardiac patients. CardioComm Solutions is cleared by the FDA for the sales of a consumer based HeartCheckTM PEN handheld EKG device and home version of its proprietary GEMSTM Home software. Products are sold worldwide through a combination of an external distribution networks and a North American-based sales team. The Company has earned the ISO 13485 certification, is HPB approved, HIPAA compliant and has received FDA market clearance for its software and devices. CardioComm Solutions, Inc. is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Etienne Grima, Chief Executive Officer

1-877-977-9425 x227

egrima@cardiocommsolutions.com

investor.relations@cardiocommsolutions.com

www.cardiocommsolutions.com

Forward-looking statements

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward looking information with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of CardioComm Solutions and certain of the plans and objectives of CardioComm Solutions with respect to these items. Such statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.

In evaluating these statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this release other than as required by applicable laws, including without limitation, Section 5.8(2) of National Instrument 51-102 (Continuous Disclosure Obligations).

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.
Columbus Energy announced on Thursday that its operations in Spain have been dismantled following the expiry of its concession. The company's subsidiary, Compania Petrolifera de Sedano S.L.U. (CPS), will lose a considerable amount of its Spanish workforce as Columbus said the normally "short and straight-forward process" of closing the concession and enabling a tender for a new concession to take place has been hampered by Spanish authorities. Management said the experience had been ...

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.
AIRPORT CITY, Israel, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Shikun & Binui Ltd. (TASE: SKBN.TA) has announced that a motion to approve a class action against the Company, certain former and current management members and members of its Board of Directors, and its controlling shareholder, was filed to the Tel Aviv District Court ("the Motion") today, February 22, 2018.

The applicant's main claim is that the Company allegedly violated the provisions of Israeli Securities Law, 5728-1968, including the disclosure obligations and the prohibition of including misleading details in its periodic, quarterly, immediate and prospectus reports regarding offenses of integrity in the activity of a foreign indirect subsidiary company in Africa, whose operations are significant to the Company, and risks created for the Company thereof, amongst others, based on the investigation by the Israel Police which was reported by the Company on February 20, 2018 and on February 21, 2018.

The damage amount of the class action is assessed at NIS 92 million.

The Company is currently reviewing the Motion and intends to submit its response to the Court and to oppose the Motion.

About the Shikun & Binui Group

The Shikun & Binui Group is a global construction and infrastructure company that operates in Israel and internationally in seven segments: 1) infrastructure and construction contracting outside of Israel; 2) infrastructure and construction contracting within Israel; 3) real estate development within Israel; 4) real estate development outside of Israel; 5) renewable energy; and 6) concessions. The Group's activities focus on large, highly complex projects carried out for entities in private and public sectors with a focus on sustainability.

This summary announcement was prepared solely for the convenience of the reader and does not replace Shikun & Binui Ltd.'s (hereafter - "the Company") full report. The information contained in this announcement is, by its nature, incomplete. All of its contents are provided as a supplement to the Company's report, and are subject to the declarations therein stated.This announcement includes forecasts, assessments, estimates and other information relating to the Company or its subsidiaries, or to other parties or to future events and matters, the extent of whose realization is not certain and is not under the sole control of the Company (forward-looking information, as defined in the Securities Law-1968). The key facts and data serving as the basis for this information are facts and data, among others, related to the current status of the Company and its businesses, facts and data relating to the current status of the operating segments in which the Company engages in its areas of operation, and other macroeconomic facts and data known to the Company on the preparation date of this presentation.

It is understood that forward-looking information does not constitute a fact and is based solely on subjective assessments.Forward-looking information is uncertain and for the most part, is not under the Company's control. The realization or non-realization of the forward-looking information will be influenced, among others, by the risk factors that characterize the Company's operations, as well as developments in the general environment and external factors that impact the Company's operations. The Company's future results and achievements could differ significantly from those presented in this presentation. The Company is not obligated to update or modify the said forecast or assessment, and is not obligated to update this announcement. This announcement does not constitute an offer to purchase the Company's securities or an invitation to receive such offers. An investment in securities in general, and in the Company in particular, carries risk. One must take
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 22, 2018) - Hornby Bay Mineral Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: HBE) (the "Company") is pleased to announce, further to its press release of January 15, 2018, the Company settled an aggregate of $1,150,000 of indebtedness owed to certain non-arm's length creditors through the issuance of an aggregate of 23,000,000 common shares ("Common Shares") of the Company at a price of $0.05 per Common Share (the "Debt Settlement"). All Common Shares issued in connection with the Debt Settlement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day.

The Debt Settlement constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), as an insider of the Company acquired 20,413,089 of the Common Shares issued pursuant to the Debt Settlement. The transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 due to the fact that the Company is in financial hardship.

As a result of the Debt Settlement, James Brady, the President and director of the Company, beneficially owns an aggregate of 30,232,789 Common Shares, representing approximately 38% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company.

Mr. Brady acquired the Common Shares for investment purposes and may, depending on market and other conditions, increase or decrease his beneficial ownership, control or direction over other securities of the Company, through market transactions, private agreements, treasury issuances, exercise of convertible securities or otherwise.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Arvin Ramos, CFO

(416) 271-3877

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 news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.
DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / February 22, 2018 / Advantego Corporation (OTC PINK: MYNGD) today announced the stock quotation reflecting the previously-disclosed 1-for-11 reverse split of its Common Stock as well as a modified stock symbol of MYNGD. The temporary letter "D" will be added for 20 business days, including the Effective Date.

"We are pleased that FINRA, CUSIP and Colorado (our state of incorporation) have reviewed and approved of our name change from Golden Eagle International Inc. and reverse split of our Common Stock to represent our current business model of providing elite software and digital marketing solutions to select industries," Robert W. (Rob) Ferguson, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, said.

There were 171,490,693 Common Shares outstanding prior to the reverse split, leaving 15,590,063 Common Shares outstanding upon the Effective Date.

Existing shareholders who hold their own stock certificates in the former MYNG are required to exchange by certified mail such certificates for new ones with transfer agent, Transhare Corporation: 2220 East 104th Street, Suite 201, Thornton, CO 80233.

Shareholders with less than 11 pre-split shares of Common Stock will be compensated in cash at $0.09 per share, regardless of the prevailing share trading price. Such shareholders must send a written request through the U.S mail to the corporate address: Advantego Corporation, 3801 East Florida Avenue, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80210.

ABOUT ADVANTEGO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

Advantego Technologies, Inc., the operating subsidiary of Advantego Corporation, plans to provide a suite of elite software services for businesses including digital communications, content management, social media marketing and other products utilizing its proprietary "Intelligent Solutions Platform." Website: www.advantego.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act. As a general matter, forward-looking statements may reflect our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business.

These statements may be identified using forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expects", "plans", "estimates", "anticipates", "projects", "intends", "believes", "outlook and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon our historical performance, current plans, estimates, expectations and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. The inclusion of this forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated. Future events and actual results, financial and otherwise, may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: our business and investment strategy; our projected operating results; estimates relating to our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future and economic trends.

CONTACT:

GREG McANDREWS & ASSOCIATES

Gregory A. McAndrews

(310) 804-7037

mcandrews_pr@hotmail.com

SOURCE: Golden Eagle International, Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 22, 2018) - Nebo Capital Corp (NEX: NBO.H) ("Nebo") announces that it has signed a binding letter agreement (the "Letter Agreement") with Fusion Agiletech Partners Inc., a privately held corporation existing under the laws of Ontario ("Fusion"), which outlines the general terms and conditions pursuant to which Nebo and Fusion have agreed to complete a transaction that will result in a reverse take-over of Nebo by the shareholders of Fusion (the "Transaction"). The Letter Agreement was negotiated at arm's length and is effective as of February 21, 2018.

Fusion, through its wholly-owned US subsidiary Quisitive, plans to build one of North America's largest capabilities in customer-oriented information technology solutions, specializing in transformative technologies including blockchain, cloud and agile software development. Quisitive is one of Microsoft's U.S. partners, a Microsoft National Solutions provider and a leading Microsoft Blockchain partner. Fusion's growth strategy includes acquisition of IT services firms to build one of the industry's largest Consulting Services firms, bringing high value to Microsoft and their customers.

Fusion will fund investments in blockchain product innovation to create industry Blockchain-as-a-Service solutions. These solutions will leverage cloud and distributed ledger technology to build trust, simplicity, operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience. Fusion, in partnership with Microsoft, will be working with clients and developers across multiple industries to explore how blockchain can transform how business is done in areas as diverse as banking and financial services, supply chain, healthcare, travel and transportation, and energy and utilities. Fusion's Ledgerpay initiative will leverage Quisitive's unique experience in payment system technology and its strong relationships in the US banking and merchant communities.

Blockchain is a new technology that is a revolutionary way to do business - and Fusion plans to be at the forefront of it. The registered office address of Fusion is located at 34 King St. East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2X8.

Terms of the Transaction

The Transaction is expected to proceed by way of a three cornered amalgamation (the "Amalgamation") pursuant to which Fusion shall amalgamate with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nebo, and Nebo will acquire all of the issued and outstanding Class A common shares of Fusion (the "Fusion Shares"), representing all of the issued and outstanding securities of Fusion, in exchange for common shares of Nebo (the "Nebo Shares") on a 1:1 basis, at a deemed price of C$0.35 per Nebo Share or such other value that is acceptable to Nebo, Fusion and the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), such that Fusion will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nebo. The Amalgamation will also provide that all outstanding options, warrants and broker warrants to purchase Fusion Shares shall be exchanged in accordance with their terms, on a 1:1 basis, for economically equivalent securities of Nebo.

Prior to the completion of the Transaction, Fusion will complete a brokered private placement led by Clarus Securities Inc. of 20,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of C$0.35 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$7,000,000 (the "Offering") or as determined by the parties to the Transaction. Each Unit will consist of one Share and one half of one share purchase warrant. Each whole share purchase warrant (a "Warrant") will entitle the holder thereof to acquire an additional Share at a price of C$0.50 until the date that is the earlier of (i) two years following completion of the Transaction; or (ii) three years following the closing of the Offering, subject to customary anti-dilution provisions. Subject to the terms of an agency agreement to be entered into in connection with the Offering, the agents for the Offering are expected to receive a cash commission equal to 7% of the gross proceeds raised by such agents and such number of broker warrants ("Broker Warrants"), that is equal to 7% of the number of Units sold by such broker. Each Broker Warrant shall be exercisable to acquire one Unit (or one Share if the Warrants have expired at the time of exercise) at a price of C$0.35 by the date that is the earlier of (i) three years following completion of the Transaction; or (ii) four years following the closing of the Offering, subject to customary anti-dilution provisions.

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to expand Fusion's business and for general corporate purposes.

Based upon the number of issued and outstanding shares in each of Nebo and Fusion on the date hereof, upon completion of the Transaction and the Offering, it is expected that there will be approximately 80,263,725 Nebo Shares issued and outstanding (non-diluted), of which the shareholders of Nebo will hold approximately 12.68%, the shareholders of Fusion will hold approximately 62.40% (assuming no exercise of any stock options of Nebo prior to closing), and the shareholders under the Offering will hold approximately 24.92%.

Insiders, Officers and Board of Directors of the Resulting Issuer

Upon completion of the Transaction, all directors and officers of Nebo shall resign and be replaced by nominees of Fusion. The following sets out the names and backgrounds of the persons that have currently been identified to be considered directors and officers of the combined entity resulting from the Transaction (the "Resulting Issuer").

Mike Reinhart - Chief Executive Officer and Director - Mr. Reinhart is the Chief Executive Officer of Fusion. Mr. Reinhart is also currently the President of Fusion's US subsidiary, Quisitive, LLC. Reinhart has more than 20 years of experience leading National Microsoft IT Services firms and a strong reputation with Microsoft leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.

Gord McMillan - Director - Mr. McMillan has been an entrepreneur in the Canadian financial services industry since 1994. He was the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Triax Capital Corporation and Skylon Capital Corporation, both of which were sold to large industry consolidators. Mr. McMillan was also a shareholder and director of Fairway Capital Management Inc., Impax Funds Management Ltd. and i3 Advisors Inc. Mr. McMillan has served on the boards of numerous companies and publicly listed investment funds. Mr. McMillan was also a co-founder of Pivot Technology Solutions ("Pivot") and served on the Pivot board of directors from February, 2013 until June of 2016. Currently Mr. McMillan serves on the board of LOGiQ Asset Management Inc., a TSX listed asset management firm. Mr. McMillan holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and is a non-practicing member of the Law Society of Ontario.

Dave Guebert-director-Mr. Guebert is an experienced financial professional and business manager with over 35 years of experience in finance and accounting, 25 of which were served as chief financial officer of public and private companies in the resource, finance and technology sectors. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Clarocity Corporation, a technology company and also Marret Resource Corp., an investment entity. He also serves as a member of the boards of directors (and chairman of the audit committee) of Legend Power Systems Inc., a technology company which has developed proprietary power savings systems and of Rocky Mountain Marijuana Inc., a start-up cannabis company. During his career, he has been employed in management and financial capacities in merchant energy, investment and technology industries. In addition to these roles, Mr. Guebert spent two and a half years serving as Controller for the XV Olympic Winter Games. Mr. Guebert has a Bachelor of Commerce degree (University of Saskatchewan) along with both CPA-CA (Alberta) and CPA (Pennsylvania) designations.

As at the date hereof, the above individuals collectively own, in the aggregate, directly or indirectly, approximately 22.6% of the Fusion Shares. Fusion anticipates nominating two additional independent directors to the board of the Resulting Issuer upon completion of the Transaction.

Financial Information for Fusion

Nebo will provide further details in respect of the Qualifying Transaction, in due course by way of press release. However, Nebo will make available to the TSXV, all financial information as required by the TSXV and will provide, in a press release to be disseminated at a later date, summary financial information derived from such statements.

Upon completion of the Transaction, it is the intention of the parties that the Resulting Issuer will continue to focus on the current business and affairs of Fusion and will be an Industrial or Technology Issuer listed on the TSXV.

Conditions to Transaction

The Transaction is subject to various conditions, including as follows:

prior to April 15, 2018, each of Nebo and Fusion shall call and hold meetings of their respective directors and if required, their shareholders, as applicable;

Fusion will complete the Offering;

Nebo and Fusion will enter into a definitive agreement (the " Definitive Agreement ") in respect to the Transaction;

Nebo shall have changed its name to such name as shall be determined by Fusion (the " Name Change ");

all outstanding Options (as defined below) will expire 12 months after completion of the Transaction; and

all requisite regulatory approvals relating to the Transaction, including, without limitation, TSXV approval, will have been obtained.

Pre-Closing Capitalization of Nebo

As of the date hereof, Nebo has 10,175,000 Nebo Shares issued and outstanding, and options (the "Options") to acquire an aggregate of 150,000 Nebo Shares. Based upon the number of issued and outstanding securities of Nebo and Fusion on the date hereof, upon completion of the Transaction and the Offering, the Resulting Issuer will have approximately 80,263,725 Nebo Shares issued and outstanding, together with an aggregate of 10,000,000 Warrants, 1,400,000 Broker Warrants, and 150,000 Options (not accounting for any exercises thereof).

Additional Information Regarding the Transaction

In connection with the Transaction, each shareholder of Fusion will receive one Nebo Share for each Fusion Share then held, resulting in the issue to such shareholders of Fusion of 50,088,725 Nebo Shares. The Transaction is subject to requisite regulatory approval, including the approval of the TSXV and standard closing conditions, including the approval of the directors of each of Nebo and Fusion of the Definitive Agreement, completion of due diligence investigations to the satisfaction of each of Nebo and Fusion, as well as the conditions described herein. The final legal structure for the Transaction will be determined after the parties have considered all applicable tax, securities law, and accounting efficiencies.

Nebo and Fusion shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to complete the Transaction by May 3, 2018, or such later date as the parties may agree to in writing. In the event that the Transaction has not been completed by June 30, 2018, each of the parties shall be entitled to terminate its obligations under the Letter Agreement.

Nebo exists under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) with its registered and head office in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is a capital pool company and intends for the Transaction to constitute its "Qualifying Transaction" as such term is defined in the policies of the TSXV. Nebo is a "reporting issuer" within the meaning of the Securities Act (Ontario), Securities Act (British Columbia) and Securities Act (Alberta).

Since the Transaction is an arm's length transaction, Nebo is not required to obtain shareholder approval for the Transaction.

Nebo's common shares are currently listed for trading on the NEX board of the TSXV. In accordance with TSXV policy, however, the Corporation's Common Shares are currently halted from trading and will remain halted until such time as determined by the TSXV, which, depending on the policies of the TSXV, may not occur until the completion of the Qualifying Transaction.

Sponsorship

Nebo proposes to make an application for exemption from the sponsorship requirements of the TSXV in connection with the Transaction, however there is no assurance that the TSXV will exempt Nebo from all or part of applicable sponsorship requirements.

Further Information

All information contained in this news release with respect to Nebo and Fusion was supplied by the parties respectively, for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, 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:

Neil Halldorson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nebo Corp.

Telephone: (604) 689-1428

Email: nhalldorson@gmail.com

Mike Reinhart, Chief Executive Officer, Fusion.

Telephone: (972) 536-1025

Email: mike.reinhart@quisitive.com

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to the requirements of the TSXV, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. 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 management information circular or 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 press release.

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.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the terms and conditions of the proposed Transaction; the terms and conditions of the proposed Offering; use of funds; and the business and operations of the Resulting Issuer after the proposed Transaction. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; and the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, Nebo and Fusion assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release publication, distribution or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 22, 2018 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Wells Fargo & Company ("Wells Fargo" or the "Company") (NYSE: WFC) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, for the Southern District of New York, and docketed under 18-cv-01318, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Wells Fargo securities, seeking to recover compensable damages caused by defendants' violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you are a shareholder who purchased Wells Fargo securities between January 13, 2017, and July 27, 2017, both dates inclusive, you have until April 16, 2018, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

Wells Fargo is a diversified financial services company providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, leasing, credit cards, and consumer finance. The Company operates through physical stores, the internet, and other distribution channels worldwide.

On September 8, 2016, the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau published a Consent Order with a Stipulation to its entry signed by Mary Mack, Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo Bank, detailing fraudulent practices at the Company, which were centered on a corporate culture intent on growing its cross-selling opportunities and unlawfully and without its customers' consent opening millions of unauthorized deposit and credit card accounts, and imposing a fine of more than $185 million.

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) Wells Fargo had charged more than 800,000 customers for unneeded auto insurance, the expense of which pushed approximately 274,000 Wells Fargo customers into delinquency and resulted in almost 25,000 vehicle repossessions; (ii) the foregoing conduct, when it came to light, would foreseeably subject Wells Fargo to heightened regulatory scrutiny and/or enforcement actions; and (iii) as a result, Wells Fargo's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On July 27, 2017, post-market, The New York Times published an article entitled "Wells Fargo Forced Unwanted Auto Insurance on Borrowers." Citing an internal report prepared for Wells Fargo's executives, the article reported that "[m]ore than 800,000 people who took out car loans from Wells Fargo were charged for auto insurance they did not need," that "[t]he expense of the unneeded insurance...pushed roughly 274,000 Wells Fargo customers into delinquency and resulted in almost 25,000 wrongful vehicle repossessions," and "that the bank owed $73 million to wronged customers."

Following the publication of this article, Wells Fargo's share price fell $1.41, or 2.58%, to close at $53.30 on July 28, 2017.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.

SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 22, 2018 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Yelp Inc. ("Yelp" or the "Company") (NYSE: YELP). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980.

The investigation concerns whether Yelp and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here to join a class action]

On May 9, 2017, Yelp announced the Company's financial results for the first quarter of 2017. While Yelp's quarterly revenue and adjusted EBITDA were in line with the Company's prior expectations, Yelp advised investors that it was revising its second quarter and full year 2017 guidance downward to reflect poor retention rates with existing customers.

On this news, Yelp's share price fell $6.37, or 18.36%, to close at $28.33 on May 10, 2017.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris, 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
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Hyatt Hotels Corp. (H) announced the company has reached a definitive agreement with Host Hotels & Resorts (HST) for the sale of the 301-room Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, the 668-room Grand Hyatt San Francisco, and the 454-room Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa for approximately $1.0 billion. Two of the three hotels, Andaz Maui and Grand Hyatt San Francisco, reflect a combined attributed sale value of approximately $800 million and form part of Hyatt's ongoing $1.5 billion permanent sell-down program. Assuming closing in late March, Hyatt anticipates a net reduction in consolidated adjusted EBITDA of approximately $40 million for the three properties combined over the remainder of 2018. With the completion of the transaction, the company is increasing its 2018 guidance for return of capital to shareholders to a minimum of $500 million from the previous guidance of at least $300 million. Hyatt will continue to manage the three hotels under long-term management agreements. 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.
Capillary Technologies, a Singapore-based provider of software solutions that enables retailers to engage with their customers, raised approx. $20m in funding.

Backers included Warburg Pincus and Sequoia Capital.

The company intends to use the funds for new product development.

Led by Aneesh Reddy, Co-founder and CEO, Capillary Technologies leverages Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to provide cloud-based software solutions that enable retailers to engage with their customers across Asia and other upcoming emerging markets.

In less than 10 years, the companys solutions have been used by more than 300 marquee brands across 25,000 stores in over 30 countries, including Pizza Hut, VF Brands, Walmart, Al-Futtaim, KFC, Starbucks, Madura Garments, Courts and Samsung.

FinSMEs

22/02/2018
IK Investment Partners, a Pan-European private equity advisory group, closed the IK Small Cap II Fund, at 550m.

IK Small Cap II, which is nearly double the size of IKs maiden small cap fund (closed at 277m in March 2016), was subscribed and allocated to existing IK platform investors.

Led by Christopher Masek, CEO, and Kristian Carlsson Kemppinen, Partner and Responsible for IK Small Cap funds, the fund will continue to target growing businesses with strong underlying potential in IKs core markets within the Benelux, DACH, France, and the Nordics.

Since 1989, the firm has raised more than 9.5 billion of capital and invested in over 115 European companies.

The capital raised will be deployed by a dedicated team across IKs regional offices in Amsterdam, Hamburg, Paris and Stockholm.

Kirkland & Ellis acted as legal counsel to the IK Small Cap II Fund.

FinSMEs

22/02/2018
Innovate Services, Ltd., a UK-based school catering business, received an 8.5m investment.

Specialist sustainable and impact investor Bridges Fund Management made the majority investment.

The firm will now work with and build the management team to scale the platform and deepen Innovates impact focus.

Led by Geoff Peppiatt, Executive Chair, Innovate Services provides food and works with its partner schools (through events, school councils and parents meetings) to promote the benefits of healthy eating. Its school catering business currently provides food to over 90,000 children at primary and secondary schools in England.

FinSMEs

22/02/2018
Moovit App Global Ltd., a Tel Aviv, Isreael-based transit app provider, closed a $50m Series D funding round.

The round, which brings total funding to date to $133m, was led by Intel Capital with participation from Sequoia, BMW iVentures, NGP, Ashton Kutchers Sound Ventures, BRM, Gemini, Vaizra, Vintage, and Hanaco. In conjunction with the funding, Professor Amnon Shashua, Senior Vice President of Intel and CEO / CTO of Mobileye, will join Moovits Board of Directors as an observer.

Led by CEO Nir Erez, Moovit provides a free app featuring comprehensive transit information to more than 120 million users in more than 2,000 cities in 80 countries. It is available for free on iOS, Android and the Web. The company has also collected a large repository of transit data and offers it throught the Smart Transit Suite, which allows municipalities and transit operators to manage their networks.

Moovit intends to use the funds to expand its global sales team, enhance its consumer products to support user growth, and invest in its Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform.

FinSMEs

22/02/2018
Oxis Energy UK Ltd, an Oxford, UK-based maker of Lithium Sulfur cells for battery systems, is to receive a 3.75m investment.

The Aerotec Fund, a Brazilian Private Equity fund focused on Aerospace and advanced manufacturing and anchored by CODEMIG, the Economic Development Company in the state of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil (managed by Confrapar), made the investment.

The company, which also received funding from a Korean electronics company and a European battery materials company, will use the funds to open a subsidiary in Brazil, and expand its commercial reach throughout Latin America.

Established in 2005 and led by Huw W. Hampson-Jones, CEO, Oxis has developed, and continues to advance an innovative Lithium Sulfur (Li-S) battery chemistry, cells and systems that do not comprise any rare earth metals, and are suitable for the aerospace and electric bus industries.

The company, which has been granted 108 patents with 108 pending, will also collaborate with CODEMIG in the exploitation of lithium deposits in Minas Gerais.

FinSMEs

22/02/2018
Air India is a good airline, but its finances are bad

Senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) member P Ashok Gajapathi Raju feels the aviation industry is going to continue to make huge strides in the coming years and expresses confidence that India will face a major boom in this sector.

In an interview with Firstpost, he talks of the developments and investments in the sector.

Excerpts from the interview:

How is the Indian aviation sector doing?

The last three years have been very good for the Indian aviation industry. We are the fastest growing in terms of passengers in the world. We have grown from the ninth rank to the third rank domestically and are on the fourth place internationally. The aviation sector has seen a growth of 20 percent for the last two years. The Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) is also doing well. Under the Udan scheme we are looking at 80 destinations from which 18 destinations have already started by paying Rs 2,500 for one hour of flying. From April we will be adding 43 new destinations with the launch of the Regional Connectivity Service. Flying was a rich mans prerogative but now it has also become a common mans prerogative. We have 400 air strips that are owned by the government of India, state governments and the defense ministry. We have 73 airports which are active.

What kind of future investments are you looking at?

We need private players to come in because our airport infrastructure needs to be strengthened. Airports Authority of India is expected to invest a sum of Rs 150 billion for upgradation of existing airports and for new airports in the coming few years. However, the speed with which the civil aviation sector is growing, this will not be enough. We need larger investments, which makes it necessary to invite private groups and partners if we want to sustain the growth.

What has been decided about Air India?

Air India is a good airline, but its finances are bad. The government does not want Air India to shut down the way the Kingfisher Airlines did. All Indians are proud of it. But its management has to be run in a professionalised manner. Decision-making processes are cumbersome in the government. The government does not want anyone working in Air India to lose their job. The Air India-specific Alternative Mechanism is looking to guide the whole process. This is headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and they are looking into the modalities to divest Air India. But it is not possible to give any timelines for this. Air India has many assets. The airline is getting a rent of Rs 84 crore from its Mumbai office. It has housing colonies. It has aviation hangers -- some are junkyards and not being used. What is not appropriate should go. How to apportion this debt has to be decided.

What is the percentage of disinvestment that is likely to take place in Air India?

No final decision has been taken on this yet. There are lots of suggestions, a lot of thinking is going on. There is no final decision yet. I say, you are welcome to make suggestions.

The Parliamentary Committee is also looking into this whole disinvestment issue. Is there a possibility that the Parliamentary Standing Committee might ask the government to suspend the divestment process and give Air India at least five years to get back to its feet?

Members of Parliament are free to suggest. Whatever suggestions they give us, we will look into them. Recommendations, discussions on this issue are always welcome but I dont think anything will be called back. Thats not how the government works.

The Minister of State had said that disinvestment for Air India open to the tune of 51 percent?

Everyone is free to give suggestions - solicited and unsolicited.

Why cant the debt of Air India be written-off ?

Working off a debt (of this magnitude) is difficult. Aviation is a competitive business. Decision-making process in the government is not conducive to airline operations. Airlines are a service industry. Under the Udan scheme, an airline ended up placing an order for a propeller aircraft. This is because of quick decision-making. Government is a slow machine but airlines need quick decision-making.

But national governments around the world have stepped in to save their national carriers as they saw these carriers as reflecting the identity of their countries?

Yes, that has happened. Take the case of British Airways where the government went in for a strategic disinvestment.

Last year a large number of pilots faced regulatory action. Is that correct?

Safety will not be compromised but I must re-emphasise that the Indian skies have been reasonably safe last year. Last year was a good year for aviation.

While dynamic pricing has become the norm, the fact is that on some routes airlines are asking for exorbitant prices?

This is an economic activity. There was a time when government fixed the prices but the world has moved towards dynamic pricing. We have noted the high price of tickets in some sectors but by and large this is not the case. A study has shown those who suggest caps this will end up increasing cost for 98 percent of the public and will serve only two percent. The answer is to try and create more competition by getting additional capacity to be used in certain seasons.

What is your reaction to Indigo refusing to shift its terminal from T1 to T2?

Delhi International Airport (P) Limited (DIAL) had asked airlines operating from T1 to shift (some of) their flights to T2 so they could carry out their expansion plans. Work on this should have started last year. The world over, it is the airport operator who takes a final decision on this.

Indigo has chosen to go to court on this matter?

Their plea was rejected by the Delhi High Court. The matter should be settled at the earliest.

Is the TDP planning to break away from the NDA alliance?

As of today, we are part of the NDA government. These are sensitive issues. When Andhra Pradesh was divided, it was done so in a very unscientific manner. Certain commitments were made to the people of Andhra Pradesh which must be met.
The Rs 11,400 crore Punjab and National Bank scam has had investors wary about their investment in public sector banks (PSBs).

The Rs 11,400 crore Punjab and National Bank scam has had investors wary about their investment in public sector banks (PSBs). On Wednesday, with a view to protecting investor interest in the stock market, markets regulator Securities Exchange Board of India (Sebi) had asked bourses to provide trading data of 13 state-run lenders, ETNow reported.

Later, a WhatsApp message was making the rounds on Wednesday that markets regulator Securities Exchange Board of India (Sebi) had asked National Stock Exchange (NSE) to furnish Futures & Options (F&O) data of those who are keeping their positions in public sector undertaking (PSU) banks futures contracts open at the end of settlement on Thursday. (See letter below). The public's fear was triggered when a television news channel flashed the report stating the circular.

Sources at Sebi said that any circular or press release that it issues is available on is website.

Meanwhile, NSE clarified that it had not received any letter from SEBI.

It is clarified by SEBI that no such letter is issued and NSE has not received any such letter from SEBI, the NSE said.
In Mayawatis case, there was an impression that the chief minister was more concerned with her private benefits than the development of the state

Uttar Pradesh, a state not known as investors paradise, is making news. On the opening day of the UP Investors Summit, the state has attracted memorandum of understanding (MoUs) worth a whopping Rs 4.28 lakh crore, and when it closes on Thursday, the figure is sure go further. Those queuing up to invest include the countrys biggest corporate houses. By all standards, it is not a mean achievement. If a substantial chunk of these investment proposal materialise in real terms, Uttar Pradesh will leave the Bimaru tag far behind, and forge far ahead to join the ranks of the developed states.

Today, of course, it is at the bottom  even below Bihar  be it in terms of economic growth or human development index (HDI), not to talk of the happiness index. As the investors meet concludes, there will be a triumphant mood in Lucknows secretariat building, particularly on the floor of the chief ministers office. But there is a catch. For old timers who have been watching the state politics for decades, such spectacles bring out a cynical sense of deja vu. This not the first time the countrys most populous state organized an investor summit.

In fact, it started such summits even before Gujarat launched its biennial Vibrant Gujarat in 2003. But unlike in Gujarat where the then chief minister Narendra Modi had been helming the summit, in Uttar Pradesh such shows were essentially run by bureaucrats, mostly under Mayawatis regime.

Recall the swagger with which a commercial pilot-promoted-IAS officer, Shashank Shekhar Singh, had been organising investor jamborees with juniors like Navneet Sehgal in tow. After Singhs demise, Sehgal took charge to organise summits for Akhilesh Yadav with even more finesse and more aplomb.

In Mayawatis case, there was an impression that the chief minister was more concerned with her private benefits than the development of the state. Taking a leaf out of Mayawatis book, Akhilesh imitated her like true follower.

In both cases, bureaucrats of the state, highly skilled in creating an illusion of development, have greatly facilitated these leaders to slip into a state of conceit and complacency. Will Yogi Adityanath be any different from his predecessors? The jury is still out as Yogi has been grappling with complexities of governance.

However, there are enough signs to suggest that in terms of governance, Yogi has been treading the beaten path. He is fed on a high dose of steroid of development delusion and states masculinity by the state bureaucracy and the police to create an impression that the state is right on the track. The ground reality is starkly different.

Despite Yogis promise of making interior roads of the state pot-hole free, the streets in many parts of the state are in a bad shape. He does not talk about it anymore. Electricity supply in rural parts of the state has deteriorated compared to the past.

And there are reports that the bureaucracy, which is steeped in corruption due to criminalised political culture of the state over decades, has refused to change its spots.

Those who are familiar with the state could testify that bribe rates, instead of being contained, have been hiked in the new regime.

On the other hand, the police have been giving a false sense of comfort by staging dubious encounters. [Read more about it in this article: Yogi Adityanath's Uttar Pradesh is in the grip of an encounter mania; Ab tak Attharah (18) and counting...

In most cases, the police have been cooking up stories which run on a familiar script: small-time criminals getting killed in exchange of fire by police in self-defence.

Interestingly, those running big crime syndicates in eastern UP or western UP remain untouched. It would be a travesty of truth to say that killing petty criminals in stage-managed encounters would instil a sense of security among people. Take for instance incidents of chain-snatching and loot which are rampant in Noida and Ghaziabad, the districts in close proximity to Delhi.

Apparently, Yogi Adityanath has been following a trajectory of governance which relies heavily on the bureaucracy-created illusion of states masculinity and development. Ironically, this conforms precisely to the style of governance practised by Mayawati.

There could be a silver lining only if he persistently pursues the developmental agenda the way Modi did in Gujarat. Otherwise, despite his religious training and his position as head of the Gorakhnath peeth, Yogi as chief minister would continue to remain under the spell of Maya, the great illusion!
DU student Kawalpreet Kaur was at Satyawati College to speak about her own experience of online harassment. The unions, which included the ABVP, were protesting the invite extended to her

What was meant to be a panel discussion on the harassment women face online turned into a practical demonstration, when DU student activist Kawalpreet Kaur was allegedly attacked by members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, in New Delhi, on Thursday, 22 February. The incident took place in the auditorium of Satyawati College.

Kaur had been invited to speak about her own experiences of being harassed online, at the event organised by She The People and Google. However, student union members, some of whom are affiliated with the ABVP, disrupted the event midway, protesting Kaur's inclusion.

Kaur told Firstpost that she had finished with the panel discussion, and was seated in the front row of the auditorium when 30-40 students -- among them members of the ABVP -- made their way inside. They allegedly demanded Kaur's ouster from the premises, nearly resorting to physical violence. "They were pointing at me and saying, 'Throw her out, kick her out. Or give her and her phone to us. We will not tolerate her presence in our college,'" Kaur told Firstpost.

While some of the college faculty and co-panelists shielded Kaur from the mon, others tried to reason with the protesting union members and engage in a constructive dialogue.

However, Kaur says the protestors' agenda was to get her "thrown out of the premises". She further states that two professors were physically attacked. The college principal's called for the protestors to stop were not needed either. Phones of those attendees who were recording the ruckus were snatched, Kaur said, "so that there would be no proof of what they were doing."

The police were called and a human chain formed to get Kaur safely off the Satyawati College premises. She then filed an FIR at the Bharat Nagar police station.

Kaur -- the president of the Delhi University All India Students' Association and a well-known student activist -- previously had an altercation with ABVP members at Satyawati College in August 2017. She had filed a complaint with the police at that time as well. As per reports, Kaur had said she was visiting the college to meet a professor and fellow activists when she was accosted by the ABVP members, who gheraoed her and demanded to see her ID card.

"They touched me inappropriately. I filed an FIR, but the police failed to act on my last complaint. This is perhaps why they had the audacity to do this again. After I filed the FIR, the perpetrators contacted me and asked me to withdraw it," Kaur told Firstpost of this previous incident.

Meanwhile, the ABVP maintains that the incident at Satyawati College on 22 February didn't involve any physical violence and no one was hurt. ABVP spokesperson Saket Bahuguna told Firstpost, "There was not even a scratch on Kawalpreet. There was no fight there; only a verbal altercation because the union had a problem with the invitation extended to her. But nobody was hurt, and even in the video she has been circulating and the complaint she has given to the police, she has nowhere mentioned that she was hurt. The police and SHO will confirm that there was no fight. There was a democratic protest by the college union, against the invitation given to a woman who has been banned from entering the college."

Bahuguna says Kaur was banned from the Satyawati College premises after the August 2017 incident by the principal of the evening section (the morning and evening sections are run separately). Kaur, however, has said this is untrue.

Bahuguna says that the students were protesting against Kaur because she has made "false accusations" in the past, and routinely "makes commotion". "In April last year, she did the same thing, which was found to be fake... You can Google her name to know how many times she has accused the ABVP or NSUI or other organisations," he adds.

Bahuguna says that he does not know which other organisations were part of the protest, except that it was led by the Satyawati College Students Union, which has members from various organisations. "I know the college students' union secretary Kunal Yadav was part of the protest. He filed a complaint through the college proctoral board against Kawalpreet, for creating commotion. There's a video which shows her getting violent and abusing them, making lewd remarks at male students, which she did the last time too," he said.

Esha Shekhar, a lawyer who works with Ungender, a member of the Ministry for Women and Children, and a co-panelists at the Satyawati College event put up a Facebook post describing the fracas:

SheThePeople founder Shaili Chopra too condemned the behaviour of the protestors, on Twitter:

We organized a discussion on womens safety and we had students from unions who came and disrupted our talk at a time @kawalpreetdu talked about how women are trolled - shocked that this is what colleges are about - politically motivated groups of men threatening, manhandling  Shaili Chopra (@shailichopra) February 22, 2018

Many students who came to disrupt the conversation didnt even belong to the college, they made noises about having panelists who have a voice, an opinion different from theirs - this is what student politics is about? Not for students but for some political motive? https://t.co/VOBgrdywoD  Shaili Chopra (@shailichopra) February 22, 2018

Speaking to Firstpost, Chopra said, "We cannot intimidate and threaten women. Students, activists, opinion makers, every single person has a right to speak up, and stand up. Is unionism politics? How are students of unions behaving like this? Is it driven by some other motivation? Why are they even getting a backing? Let's remove our blinkers and smell the coffee -- women are unsafe not just in a secluded street but also when they speak up. Today's incident has convinced me that if we don't make women's safety a national agenda that is actually executed (not just as slogans and posters) our other achievements as a nation are pointless."

Members of the AISA, SFI, DISHA and other student organisations released a joint statement condemning the incident.

The staff association of Satyawati College had a meeting and passed a resolution condemning the incident. Two students have reportedly been suspended.

Kaur said what transpired is ironic considering the subject that was being discussed at the event. "We were talking about how women should make use of the law and how they should not submit to self censorship. We were talking about online harassment, and these people disrupted the talk and engaged in physical harassment," Kaur said. "You're not safe in the digital world or the real world."
AIUDF's Aminul Islam addressed a press conference in Guwahati saying Bipin Rawat's remarks lack reality & that the army chief shouldn't indulge in politics.

Taking umbrage of the Indian Army chief's remarks that the AIUDF has been facilitating the influx of Bangladeshis into Assam, to trigger a demographic change in the state, party general secretary Aminul Islam addressed a press conference in Guwahati saying the statement lacks reality and the army chief should not indulge in politics.

Islam said, as per CNN-News18: "We as a political party have been upfront in demanding the NRC (National Register of Citizens) both at the Parliament and in the Assembly. Around 80 percent work of the NRC is over. The demand for NRC is a long one and has been pending since 1985. Although the state and Centre sought more time to complete the NRC process, the Supreme Court only a couple of days back made it clear that the final draft should be submitted to the apex court by 30 June. Different levels of verifications are going on for the NRC. We don't have any hidden agenda. We have always sought border fencing. In fact, we have always demanded the complete sealing of the India-Bangladesh border."

Islam further said that the party came into being in October 2005. AIUDF fought the first Assembly polls in 2006. So far, the party has fought two parliamentary polls, three Assembly elections and two panchayat polls. "We are a regional party from Assam. We have worked for the state. We are concerned about General (Bipin) Rawat's comments," Islam said.

Training his gun on General Rawat, the AIUDF general secretary also said that the remark from the topmost general was uncalled for.

"This remark is unbecoming of an army chief. He had in the past also commented on the course curriculum in Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks are beyond his scope of duties. His statements are similar to ones made often by BJP and RSS spokespersons. The comments of the army chief have caused a political turmoil. If there is a possibility of Pakistan trying to push in illegal migrants the defence ministry should take steps to stem it. We fail to understand why General Rawat made such a comment despite being in charge of the entire security of the country. If he wants to join politics he should complete his tenure and then shift to politics. His comments gave a feeling that he wants to please someone for a plum political post," Islam said, as per CNN-News18.

The AIUDF general secretary also raised questions on General Rawat's appointment and said that he bypassed two senior generals to become the army chief. Seeking to reject claims about the AIUDF's political lineage, the party general secretary made it clear that the entity fulfils all norms prescribed by the poll panel which is expected from a political organisation.

"We are a registered political party. We have been given credentials by the Election Commission. We have electoral representatives from all communities including Hindus. We are very secular in nature," Islam said.

The AIUDF general secretary however also held a conciliatory note and expressed support to the army."The Indian Army is a strong one and because of them, the insurgency problem has come down. They have always upheld the sovereignty of the nation. We are with them," Islam said at the press conference, according to the news channel.

AIUDF chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal added, "We are Indians, give us the right to live as Indians and stop calling us Bangladeshi immigrants since we called for the fencing of the borders. We have always supported the Assam Accord of 1971 and people's identity should be enquired on the basis of this. In the 1960s we had demanded the NRC. The statement is considered as an insult by the party. Anyone who came into Assam after 1971 is a foreigner, the state should take care of them."

Ajmal also said that the allegation that AIUDF is a Muslim party is wrong since there are enough members from different religions.

On Wednesday, while referring to the rise in the Muslim population in Assam in recent years, Rawat had pointed to the growth of the AIUDF and said, "There is a party called AIUDF. If you look at it, they have grown at a faster rate than the BJP grew over the years. The AIDUF is moving at a faster pace in Assam."

According to IANS, on 21 February, the army had defended Rawat's statements by saying that there was nothing political or religious in General Rawat's comments made in a seminar on the northeast at DRDO Bhavan."There is nothing political or religious in the talk. The Army Chief just mentioned amalgamation and development in the seminar," the army said.

Earlier on Thursday, Ajmal took to Twitter and urged the army chief to not exceed his constitutional mandate. He also said that the rise of "secular and democratic" parties like AIDUF and Aam Aadmi Party has been due to misgovernance by big parties. Ajmal said if the army was clarifying there was "nothing political" in the general's statement, "why was the army chief dragging a political party in his speech, whose representatives are democratically elected by Indian citizens."

Gen Bipin Rawat has made a political statement, shocking! Why is it a concern for the Army Chief that a political party, based on democratic & secular values, is rising faster than BJP? Alternative parties like AIUDF, AAP have grown because of the misgovernance of big parties.  M Badruddin Ajmal (@BadruddinAjmal) February 22, 2018

With inputs from agencies
The stage is set in Tamil Nadu for an all-party meeting on Thursday over the Supreme Court verdict on the Cauvery water dispute.

The stage is set for an all-party meeting in Tamil Nadu on Thursday over the Supreme Court's verdict on the Cauvery water sharing dispute.

The meeting in Chennai will be attended by representatives of 30 political parties and 14 farmers' associations, reported The Times of India. The parties and associations will decide whether to file a review petition against the apex court's verdict.

It will also be decided whether the Centre needs to be pressured for the formation of the Cauvery Management Board within six weeks, as directed by the apex court.

The New Indian Express reported that the meeting will take place at the Namakkal Kavignar Maligai at Fort St George in Chennai. Two representatives from each party and one from each farmers' association will take part in the meeting.

AIADMK, DMK, Congress, BJP, CPI, CPM, VCK, IUML and Naam Thamizhar Katchi are some of the parties which will participate.

The meeting had been called by Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK on Monday, scuttling the opposition DMK's plan for a similar discussion.

DMK had said on Sunday that it would convene an all-party meet on the issue, accusing the ruling party of not heeding its demand for such an exercise.

But DMK later cancelled its own meeting after the AIADMK announced one. DMK working president MK Stalin welcomed the announcement of the all-party meeting and said his party would participate and give constructive suggestions to the government on the issue.

He had also said representatives of farmers' associations should be invited as their opinion on the issue was crucial.

The AIADMK's decision to hold an all-party meet is a marked departure from late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's stand on similar matters.

Though the DMK, all along, sought such meetings on key issues like the Cauvery matter, Jayalalithaa had not acceded to it. The meeting on the Cauvery issue comes after a gap of several years. A similar meeting was held during the previous DMK regime, when M Karunanidhi was chief minister.

On Sunday, Chief Minister E Palaniswami had said the Tamil Nadu government would go through the Supreme Court verdict, which reduced the quantum of Cauvery water for the state, and consult legal experts on going for an appeal.

"As far as the appeal is concerned, the Tamil Nadu government will take action after going through the verdict and consulting legal experts," he had said in response to reporters' queries.

He had said that though the apex court's decision to reduce the quantum of water to Tamil Nadu was disappointing, certain other rulings of the court, such as the on which stated that no state could claim ownership to rivers, were welcome.

The Supreme Court had on 16 February directed the Karnataka government to release 177.25 tmcft of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, reducing the quantum specified by the tribunal in 2007.

With inputs from PTI
Allahabad HC dismissed a writ petition which sought a CBI probe into Yogi Adityanath's involvement in 2007 Gorakhpur riots case, media reports said.

The Allahabad High Court on Thursday dismissed a writ petition which sought a CBI probe into Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath's involvement in 2007 Gorakhpur riots case, media reports said. A division bench, led by Justices Krishna Murari and AC Sharma, delivered the verdict after finding no discrepancies in the investigation by the police, News 18 reported. The petition had demanded a probe under sections 302, 307, 153A, 395 and 295 of the IPC, which pertain to murder and rioting.

Allahabad High Court rejects petition seeking re investigation into Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's alleged role in the 2007 riots in Gorakhpur pic.twitter.com/wS4vhLfpBc  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 22, 2018

According to The Indian Express, the petition was filed in November 2008 by Mohammad Asad Hayat and Parvez, who said a hate speech by the chief minister had triggered the riots in which one person was killed. Parwaz was a resident of Gorakhpur and had filed an FIR in connection with the riots and Hayat was a witness in the case.

The report mentioned the other accused who were named in the FIR: MLA Radha Mohan Agarwal, mayor Anju Chaudhri and another person. Adityanath, who was the then Gorakhpur MP, was arrested for disrupting peace and violating prohibitory orders and was remanded to police custody for 11 days.

Adityanath had got a relief from the high court in February when it had dismissed a petition seeking to file a criminal case against him in connection with the riots. Earlier, after hearing counsel for the petitioner, the court had reserved its judgment on 18 December, 2017, a Times of India report said.
The Delhi High Court has lifted the injunction order against an article published in The Caravan in February, 2011 on Indian Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM) director Arindam Chaudhuri, the magazine said in a press statement.

The Delhi High Court has lifted the injunction order against an article published in The Caravan in February 2011 on Indian Institute of Planning and Management (IIPM) director Arindam Chaudhuri, the magazine said in a press statement.

The high court bench, headed by Justice Manmohan, had passed the order vacating the gag order on 16 February.

According to the court order, Chaudhuri's advocate in the Delhi High Court had contended that The Caravan carried a morphed image of the IIPM founder, showing him as a magician/soothsayer with the intent to portray him as a trickster.

It was further argued that the article falsely called Chaudhuri a fraud, scamster and Johnny-cum-lately and made derogatory comments against him without any basis and with an intent to create a negative image of Chaudhuri.

Advocate Amit Gupta, appearing for The Caravan, argued that none of the impugned statements were made "recklessly or without proper research".

Citing the judgment delivered in the case of Shashi Tharoor vs Arnab Goswami, the Delhi High Court observed that the courts in India "have the power to pass pre-publication or pre-broadcasting injunction or prior restraint order in sub judice matters provided the two-pronged test of necessity and proportionality are satisfied and reasonable alternative methods or measures are not sufficient to prevent the said risk".

The Delhi High Court also made a reference to its 2014 judgment that found Chaudhuri's institute guilty of making "false and misleading" statements about its courses in its advertisements.

The court further observed:

"In the present case, if the impugned publication is read as a whole, this court prima facie finds that the impugned portions are either based on the statements made by several persons or on facts available in public domain and/or are the authors personal opinions and conclusions based on extensive research and report."

The court vacated the injunction order and dismissed the application.

On Thursday, The Caravan said it was publishing the 2011 article on Chaudhuri again. However, the page continued to display a message saying that it is blocked "as per the directions received from Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, when this article was published.

For the first time in nearly seven years, The Caravan has re-published Siddhartha Deb's February 2011 cover story, a profile of Arindam Chaudhuri, on its website. Read the full story here: https://t.co/VmEG5G9jmu pic.twitter.com/WxqpjRbmC9  The Caravan (@thecaravanindia) February 22, 2018

The IIPM director had filed a Rs 50 crore defamation suit in 2011 against The Caravan, its proprietors, author Siddhartha Deb, the publishing house Penguin Books India and Google India.

The suit was filed at the Court of Civil Judge in Assam's Silchar against the magazine over the article titled 'Sweet smell of success  How Arindam Chaudhuri made a fortune of the aspirations and insecurities of Indias middle classes'.

The magazine then filed a transfer petition in the Supreme Court, requesting the case be shifted to Delhi High Court. The apex court stayed the proceedings at Silchar-based court in August 2011, and transferred the case to the Delhi High Court in the same month.
A 'planned' influx of people from Bangladesh into the Northeast is taking place as part of a proxy warfare by Pakistan with support from China with an aim to keep the area disturbed, army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday.

New Delhi: A "planned" influx of people from Bangladesh into the North East is taking place as part of a proxy warfare by Pakistan with support from China with an aim to keep the area disturbed, army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday.

Referring to reports of increase in Muslim population in several districts of Assam, the Army Chief also talked about Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front) in the state, observing that its growth has been "faster" than that of the BJP in the 1980s. "A planned immigration is taking place because of our western neighbour. They will always try and ensure that this area is taken over, playing the proxy dimension of warfare," Rawat said, talking about influx of people from Bangladesh into the North East.

He was addressing a conference on bridging gaps and securing borders in the North East region. "I think the proxy game is very well played by our western neighbour, supported by our northern border (China) to keep the area disturbed. We will continue to see some migration happening. The solution lies in identifying the problem and holistically looking at it," he said.

Influx of illegal Bangladeshis is a major issue in Assam and the state government is now coming out with a national register of citizens to find out those living illegally in the state. "There is a party called AIUDF. If you look at it, they have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP grew over the years," he said, while referring to the BJP winning only two seats in 1984. "The AIDUF is moving at a faster pace in Assam."

The AIUDF, which was formed in 2005 with an aim to champion the cause of Muslim community, currently has three parliamentarians in Lok Sabha and 13 legislators in the state assembly. The army chief said the solution to the problem lies in ensuring development of the region by taking a holistic approach.

"I do not think you can now change the population dynamics of the area. If it was five districts to eight to nine, inversion has taken place whichever be the government," he said while referring to reports that Muslim majority has increased from five to nine districts in Assam.

The Army chief said efforts should be to "amalgamate" the people living in the region and then try and "start identifying those creating trouble for us".

"The government is looking at the North East in correct perspective, and if that happens, time will not be far that we will be able to amalgamate the region and ensure development. And with development comes the control of the people who are residing in this area," he said.

Rawat said the Centre is seriously taking several measures to ensure development of the region. "The development will finally happen in the area. That should take care of lot of things."

He said, "We will have more problem in segregating people. Yes some people will have to be identified who are creating trouble for us."

The army chief said migration is also taking place from Bangladesh because of shrinking land space in the country due to various reasons including floods.

He said the government must send a message that peace will lead to development in the region, adding enough development has not taken place in Mizoram though it is a peaceful state.
Avani Chaturvedi is one of the three women  including Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh  who were the first women to be commissioned as flying officers in the IAF fighter stream in June 2016.

Flight Officer Avani Chaturvedi scripted history on Monday when she became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft, the MiG-21 Bison. She undertook the sortie from the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Jamnagar base in Gujarat, the IAF confirmed on Wednesday.

A solo sortie is the first milestone for any fighter pilot. Chaturvedi, 27, was one of the first women  alongside Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh  to be commissioned as flying officers in the fighter stream in June 2016.

She completed the sortie in in the Russian origin jet in half an hour. "This is a major milestone in training of a fighter pilot and the first time that an Indian woman has flown a fighter aircraft solo. It demonstrates IAF's enduring commitment to 'Nari Shakti'," IAF spokesperson, Wing Commander Anupam Banerjee, told The Indian Express.

Born in Madhya Pradesh's Satna, Chaturvedi completed her schooling from Adarsh Higher Secondary School at Deoland, close to Rewaa. She then graduated in BTech Computer Science from Banasthali University in Jaipur, according to Hindustan Times.

With a love for playing the violin and painting, she joined the college flying club. "I got selected for flying stream and subsequently for fighter flying. I got the opportunity to fly two different aircraft, one very modern and advanced, and the other stalwart trainer with the best instructors," she told Hindustan Times in 2016.

The late astronaut Kalpana Chawla was one of her inspirations, Chaturvedi had earlier told News18 India, "As a child, each one of us looks up to the sky and yearns to fly like a bird," she had said, adding that for her, the dream was realised when she was selected for IAF.

Inspired by her brother and uncle, who are both in the army, Chaturvedi cleared the IAF exam after college. She completed her training at Hyderabad Air Force Academy, according to Zee News. She worked at IBM for a short while after graduating before quitting it to join the IAF.

Her mother Savita had no idea that she had appeared for the IAF exam, the News18 India article added. It was only after her selection was confirmed that her mother got to know about it, the report added.

Chaturvedi, posted to Number 23 Squadron (Panthers), underwent intense training for her first solo flight. Till last week, she trained in twin-seater jets, accompanied by qualified flying instructors of the IAF, The Indian Express report added.



She completed basic flying training on a Pilatus aircraft and then underwent six months of training on Kiran fighter jets at Hakimpet. This was followed by a year-long training on Hawk advanced trainer jets at the Bidar Air Force, the report added.

The three women were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis. The remaining two flying officers will make their solo flights soon too.

The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for the fighter stream.

With inputs from PTI
Controversy has erupted after Indian Army chief Bipin Rawat apparently linked the illegal influx of immigrants from Bangladesh to the growth of the Muslim-centric All India United Democratic Front in Assam.

Controversy has erupted after Indian Army chief Bipin Rawat linked the illegal influx of immigrants from Bangladesh to the growth of the Muslim-centric All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in Assam.

Speaking at a conference organised by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on issues facing the North East region earlier this week, Rawat had claimed that a "planned" influx from Bangladesh is taking place as part of a proxy warfare by Pakistan with support from China, with an aim to keep the area under disturbance.

While referring to the increase in the Muslim population in Assam in recent decades, Rawat pointed to the rise of the AIUDF and said, "There is a party called AIUDF. If you look at it, they have grown at a faster rate than the BJP grew over the years. The AIDUF is moving at a faster pace in Assam."

The influx of illegal Bangladeshis is a major issue in Assam and the state government is now coming out with a national registry of citizens to find out those living illegally in the state.

The comparison of one political party with another has not gone down well, however, with the AIUDF as well as some other political parties slamming Rawat for his remarks.

Taking to Twitter, AIUDF chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal denounced the "political statement" and urged the army chief to not exceed his constitutional mandate. He also said that the rise of "secular and democratic" parties like AIDUF and Aam Aadmi Party has been due to misgovernance by big parties  an apparent reference to BJP and Congress.

Gen Bipin Rawat has made a political statement, shocking! Why is it a concern for the Army Chief that a political party, based on democratic & secular values, is rising faster than BJP? Alternative parties like AIUDF, AAP have grown because of the misgovernance of big parties.

1  M Badruddin Ajmal (@BadruddinAjmal) February 22, 2018

By making such statement, isn't the Chief of Army Staff indulging into politics which is against the constitutional mandate given to him. @rashtrapatibhvn @PMOIndia please take note.

2  M Badruddin Ajmal (@BadruddinAjmal) February 22, 2018

The Indian Army was quick to clarify Rawat's statement, saying that there was nothing religious or political in the talk.

There is nothing political or religious in the talk. Army Chief just mentioned amalgamation & development in the seminar on North-East organised at DRDO Bhawan on 21 Feb 18: Army  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

But Ajmal did not agree with the army's clarification and asked Rawat why did he invoke the name of particular political parties.

If nothing political, why was Army Chief dragging a political party, in his speech, whose representatives are democratically elected by Indian citizens? https://t.co/LkKeBdB3Qt  M Badruddin Ajmal (@BadruddinAjmal) February 22, 2018

Meanwhile, an AIUDF MLA, Aminul Islam, said that the party is growing because it works for the downtrodden.

AIUDF is working for the downtrodden. this is why our popularity is growing faster than BJP. We are hopeful that people of Assam irrespective of caste & creed, will accept AIUDF and our party will come to power soon: Aminul Islam, AIUDF MLA on Army chief's statement. pic.twitter.com/kYi9h7DnRF  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

The AIUDF, which was formed in 2005 with an aim to champion the cause of Muslim community, currently has three parliamentarians in Lok Sabha and 13 legislators in the Assam state Assembly.

Even the All-India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), another Muslim party, headed by Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the army chief for making the analogy. In a tweet, Owaisi said that it was not the army chief's job to comment about the rise of political parties.

What,the Army Chief should not interfere in political matters it is not his work to comment on the rise of a political party ,Democracy & Constitution allows it and Army will always work under an Elected Civilian leadership https://t.co/PacWqqYXz1  Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) February 22, 2018

Owaisi was recently in the news for saying that five out of the seven killed in an attack on the Sunjuwan army camp were Muslims. The Lok Sabha MP had questioned those who were talking about the patriotism of Muslims in recent times.

The BJP has not responded to Rawat's statement so far, but the Congress requested Rawat to stay out of politics, Times Now reported. "As the army chief, he should not be making political statements. He should be working as a thorough professional," Congress leader M Veerappa Moily told the media outlet.

Rawat's controversial statements

This is not the first time Rawat has stoked a controversy through his statements. On 15 January, he stepped into political waters by commenting on Kashmir's education system. Rawat had claimed that schools in Jammu and Kashmir were spreading a "disinformation campaign".

"The other issue is the madrassas and masjids  what is being informed to them (the students) or incorrectly informed to them is through the madrassas and masjids. I think some controls have to be exercised there and that is what we are looking at," he had said.

On 4 November last year, Rawat had pitched for a Bharat Ratna to be given to Field Marshal KM Carriappa. In the process, he also questioned the delay in honouring India's first native commander-in-chief.

"The time has also come to recommend Field Marshal Cariappa for the award of Bharat Ratna. If others can get it, I see no reason why he should not, a deserving personality for the same. We will shortly address the issue on priority," he said. In response to the demand, historian Ramachandra Guha wrote that Rawat should have employed tact while speaking on a public platform.

With inputs from agencies
Arjun Patil, who is Sujata Patil's husband, is one of the employees CBI has arrested in the Rs 1,400 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case

Sujata Patil, wife of Arjun Patil who has been arrested in the Rs 11,400 crore Punjab National Bank fraud, has vented her anger on Nirav Modi who she thinks is responsible for everything related to the gigantic fraud.

News agency ANI quoted Sujata as saying that her husband had been working for Nirav Modi's company for the past ten years. He used to handle the paper works, according to the investigators. The Central Bureau of Investigation has said in its FIR that Arjun Patil had drafted the documents used to apply for fake Letters of Undertaking (LoU).

"My husband (Arjun Patil, from the Nirav Modi-owned Firestar Group) has been working there for ten years. Like some people, he was also doing paperwork. Nirav Modi is responsible for all this. Bring him to me, I'll hit him with a chappal," India Today quoted Sujata as saying.

Over the past few days after the scam came to light, Sujat kept asking his husband about the fraud.

Mere pati 10 saal se kaam kar rahe hain wahan, kuch logon ki tarah woh bhi paperwork karte the. Nirav Modi inn sab ke liye zimmevar hai, usko mere saamne lao woh ayega toh main usse chappal se maarungi: Sujata Patil, Wife of accused Arjun Patil. #PNBFraudCase pic.twitter.com/C4XDKOCj4X  ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018

Sujata who is a school teacher says she can;t believe that her husband was involved in the scam. India Today report added that Arjun Patil had tols Sujta he had nothing to do with the scam and it was done by those who have already fled the country.

The Rs 11,400 crore Punjab National Bank fraud came to light on 14 February when the bank informed the stock exchange that fraudulent transactions have taken place at its Mumbai branch terming it a one-off incident. Later, the branch which was mentioned earlier came to be known as Brady House branch in South Mumbai.

The Central Bureau of Investigation, country's premier investigation agency and the Enforcement Directorate, the anti-money laundering agency are conducting a massive probe in the case.
The Supreme Court was told by the government on Thursday that besides iris scan and fingerprints, the UIDAI had added facial recognition as another layer of identification for Aadhaar number authentication.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court was told by the government on Thursday that besides iris scan and fingerprints, the UIDAI had added facial recognition as another layer of identification for Aadhaar number authentication.

While introducing facial authentication this year, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIADI) had said that "this facility is going to help in inclusive authentication of those not able to biometrically authenticate due to their worn out fingerprints, old age or hard-work conditions".

Taking exception to the overarching regulation of citizens by the State, senior counsel Gopal Subramanium told the five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that the apex court should impose an exemplary fine on the State for the loss of lives because of disregard of the court's order by its agencies.

"It is atrocious for the State to violate the court orders... knowing well that it was defying the court orders and that has resulted in the death of people. They should be saddled with exemplary costs," Subramanium said.

Appearing for the petitionersformer Major General SG Vombatkere and Col Mathew ThomasSubramanium said no purpose of the state could be larger and overarching regulation of the citizens by the State is contrary to the Constitution.

Subramanium and other senior lawyers appearing for the petitioners urged the court to extend the 31 March deadline for linking Aadhaar numbers with various schemes, including bank accounts and mobile numbers.

The court was told this in the course of the hearing of a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Aadhaar scheme on the touchstone of the fundamental right to privacy.

The court was moved by former Karnataka High Court Judge KS Puttuswamy, Magsaysay awardee Shanta Sinha, feminist researcher Kalyani Sen Menon and others.

The hearing will continue on 6 March.
China on Thursday downplayed an official media report that its military is upgrading air defence along the Indian border and said both countries should work together to uphold peace and tranquillity along the border areas.

Beijing: China on Thursday downplayed an official media report that its military is upgrading air defence along the Indian border and said both countries should work together to uphold peace and tranquillity along the border areas.

State-run Global Times on 20 February reported that China is upgrading air defence of its Western Theatre Command, which looks after the security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), to "confront any threat from India".

Asked about the report during a media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, "I am not aware of the information mentioned by you. I may refer you to the military."

Geng said, "We hope the Indian side can work with China to uphold the peace and tranquillity of the border areas because this is in common interests of both sides."

The Chinese Defence Ministry is yet to comment on the report.

In the report, the daily also quoted an expert as saying that the measure is aimed at "confronting any threat from India" in the light of India acquiring new fighter aircraft, an apparent reference to India's acquisition of Rafale fighter jets from France.

The Global Times report was based on the Chinese military releasing photographs of a J-10 jet fighter, a lightweight multirole fighter aircraft along with J-11 a single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter, conducting high-altitude plateau in western China during the current Chinese New Year.

The jets are attached to an aviation brigade of the air force under the PLA Western Theatre Command, the website of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) said.

China has also recently commissioned its stealth fighter, the J-20, which is first in the region.

The Western Theatre Command is mainly responsible for mountain warfare at the border area with India. The LAC stretches 3,488 kilometres including the high altitude Tibetan plateau.

India and China have been trying to reset their ties after last year's 73-day standoff between the two sides at Doka La in Sikkim section of boundary.
Canadian media reports say that Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, who was once active in the International Sikh Youth Federation, was photographed with Trudeau's wife Sophie and Canadian minister Amarjeet Sohi at an event in Mumbai on 20 June.

Amid the row over the presence of Khalistani sympathisers in Canada's Cabinet, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that Jaspal Atwal should "never have received an invitation" to his event, even as India said it is ascertaining details on how the convicted militant obtained a visa.

Addressing the controversy, Trudeau said the dinner invitation to Atwal, who was once active in the International Sikh Youth Federation, was rescinded as soon as the Canadian government received the information about him, ANI reported.

Obviously, we take this extremely seriously. He should never have received an invitation. As soon as we received the info we resciended it, a member of Parliament had included this individual : Canadian PM Justin Trudeau on #JaspalAtwal (File Pic) pic.twitter.com/Kyve9V08iH  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

"Canada and India are countries committed to pursuing and upholding democracy. We are the two largest democracies in the world, one by size and one by population," ANI quoted Trudeau as saying. At a press briefing, external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday that an investigation by the ministry is underway.

Let us not presume things & decide how he managed to come. This is something which we are trying to find out. In due course we will be able to come up with a reason that how he managed to come in India: Raveesh Kumar, MEA Spokesperson on #JaspalAtwal pic.twitter.com/S3hfnCoe7s  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

A controversy erupted on Thursday after Canadian high commissioner Nadir Patel invited Atwal for a dinner which he was hosting for the visiting Trudeau and his delegation. Canadian media reports said Atwal was photographed with Trudeau's wife Sophie and Canadian minister Amarjeet Sohi at an event in Mumbai on 20 February.

Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist who was active in the banned Int'l Sikh Youth Federation, photographed w/Canadian PM's wife Sophie Trudeau at an event in Mumbai on 20 Feb. He was also invited for formal dinner with Canadian PM, invite being rescinded now (CBC News) pic.twitter.com/pT7P3eLq1L  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi, photographed with Jaspal Atwal at in Mumbai on 20 Feb. Atwal, a former member of banned terrorist group Int'l Sikh Youth Federation, was invited for dinner with #JustinTrudeau in Delhi, today (CBC News) pic.twitter.com/cO3h3YcUUA  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

However, after uproar in the Canadian media, the invite was cancelled. "The high commission has rescinded Atwals invitation. We do not comment of matters relating to the prime minister's security," the Canadian high commission was quoted by PTI as saying.

Atwal denied claims that he was part of Trudeau's official entourage, adding that he has been on a private business tour since 11 February. Atwal also told Postmedia, a Canadian publication, that he won't be attending Thursday's dinner as he is currently in Mumbai.

The International Sikh Youth Federation, which was founded by Amrik Singh, the nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, is led by Lakhbir Singh Rode, who is believed to be hiding in Lahore. The Khalistani outfit is currently banned in India, the United States, Japan and Canada.

In 1986, Atwal and three others attempted to kill Malkiat Singh Sidhu, a former Punjab cabinet minister, in Vancouver, Vancouver Sun reported. Sidhu was in Canada to attend his nephew's wedding. He survived after being shot five times but was assassinated in 1991 by Sikh terrorists in Punjab's Moga.

Atwal and three others were convicted and sentenced to 20 years in jail for the attempted murder. However, Toronto Sun reported that no one served any jail time as authorities found that evidences against them were collected through an "improperly obtained warrant".

Even before the 1986 attack, Atwal gained notoriety for allegedly beating up Ujjal Dossanjh, the former leader of British Columbia. Atwal was tried but acquitted.

Atwal later became a businessman in Surrey, a town in British Columbia. But controversy was never far behind. In 2010, Atwal and one of his associates, allegedly threatened a local Indian-origin radio operator for calling them "Khalistani rascals". In 2012, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia won a CAD 28,000 (approximately $22,000) judgment against Atwal, for running a car-stealing ring along with a dozen other people.

That same year, Atwal, an active Liberal politician, was invited to the budget day festivities in British Columbia, National Post reported. He sat in the public gallery of the provincial Assembly hall. This led to a huge furore in the political circles in the province, leading to the resignation of a senior official from a key position in the Liberal Party for the "goof up". Amid political backlash, the then premier of the Liberal province had to issue a clarification for the incident.
Delhi government bureaucrats on Wednesday reiterated that they would continue to boycott meetings called by Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues.

New Delhi: Delhi government bureaucrats on Wednesday reiterated that they would continue to boycott meetings called by Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues till the chief minister apologises for the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash.

The boycott by the bureaucrats was announced on Tuesday after Prakash was allegedly assaulted on Monday night by some AAP MLAs at the chief minister's residence.

In a meeting today, around 200 officers resolved that no official would attend meetings called by the chief minister and his ministers till Kejriwal apologies for the incident.

Officers from the IAS (Indian Administrative Service), DANICS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service) and DSSS (Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board) associations also discussed the future course of action. "In today's meeting, all officers were on the same page that bureaucrats are feeling themselves "unsafe"," an official said.

"DASS, DANICS, IAS and other associations of Delhi government employees formed a coordination committee comprising of representatives of all associations. It was decided to continue peaceful protest against alleged assault of Prakash and work only through formal channels of communication," a statement issued by the associations stated.

The associations in a meeting had passed a resolution, saying they would, however, maintain written communications with AAP ministers to ensure there was no disruption in public service delivery.
AAP minister Rajendra Pal Gautam was detained as he was moving towards Home Minister Rajnath Singh's residence to protest against the 'casteist remarks'.

New Delhi: AAP minister Rajendra Pal Gautam was detained on Thursday as he was moving towards Home Minister Rajnath Singh's residence along with some party workers to protest against the "casteist remarks" made by Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash.

This came two days after the Aam Aadmi Party's Ambedkar Nagar MLA Ajay Dutt filed a police complaint against Prakash for making the remarks during a meeting at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence on Monday night.

A party official said the protest was also called against the "biased inquiry" done by the Delhi Police against their MLAs  Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal  who were taken into judicial custody on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting the Chief Secretary.

AAP minister Imran Hussain was manhandled at the Delhi Secretariat by a crowd protesting against the alleged assault and his Personal Secretary Himanshu Singh was beaten up, according to multiple video clips from the Secretariat. The party complained that no action was taken against those who attacked Hussain and his aide.

The Chief Secretary on Tuesday alleged that he was beaten up by the two MLAs in the presence of Kejriwal at the Chief Minister's residence on Monday night, where he had been called for an emergency meeting.
Donald Trump Jr, the eldest son of US president Donald Trump, on Wednesday said Trump Organisation will look forward to invest in the city in the future.

Pune: Donald Trump Jr, the eldest son of US president Donald Trump, on Wednesday said Trump Organisation will look forward to invest in the city in the future.

"Post 2016 (after Donald Trump became president of United States), we have limited ourselves and we are not doing new international deals and that takes a big part of what we are doing right off the table. It has been great to be able to do that, really streamline the company, focus on operations  sometimes you need to do that. It has been a fascinating reset. So it has been great to focus on some of our existing assets," said Trump Jr on the sidelines of the launch of Tower B of Trump Towers, developed by Panchshil Realty here in the upscale Kalyaninagar area.

While replying to a question whether he is looking to invest in the city in the future, he said "definitely". "In the future, we will definitely. When we are able to do it, I will look forward to do it. As I mentioned few times this week, I have spent about 10 years in India looking around and it has taken a few years to get right people. I made all the mistakes you could make and when you end up with partners like Atul (Chordiya), it is just great," he said.

He added that in time, Trump Organisation is looking forward to getting back and building the brand that it has. "It has been an incredible success. We know the market now intimately. Continue to have success after success. It is unfortunate that we cannot do it right now and for me as a businessman, I know why, but I look forward to continue to build the brand we have," said Trump Jr.

He said that working with Chordiyas has been spectacular.

When asked whether Trump Organisation is looking at investing in India directly, he said, "In times, perhaps. With the partners that we have, I would rather do stuff with them because the level of trust we have is beyond business partnership".

Trump Jr inaugurated Tower B of Trump Towers, the first ready Trump residences in India, developed by Panchashil Group. Consisting of two striking glass facade towers of 23 stories each, with 46 single-floor 5 BHK residences starting at Rs 15 crore, Trump Towers Pune is crafted in accordance with the design and development standards of the global real estate brand Trump.

Panchshil Realty and the Trump Organisation had entered into a licensing agreement to develop Trump Towers Pune, where the Trump Organisation has lent its brand to Panchshil Realty.
Scripting history, flying officer Avani Chaturvedi has become the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft, an IAF official said.

New Delhi: Scripting history, flying officer Avani Chaturvedi has become the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft, an IAF official said.

"Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo when she flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo flight," the official. She undertook the sortie from IAF's Jamnagar base on Monday, he said.

Three women pilots, Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh, had undergone strenuous training programme to fly fighter jets.

They were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.

The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for the fighter stream.
At this farm in Yavatmal, there are a variety of crops to be grown all year round, thus ensuring long-term employment for labourers | #FirstCulture

Subhash Sharma, an organic farmer from the Tiwasa village in Yavatmal district, pays his male labourers Rs 200 a day. Women get between Rs 250-300, depending on the amount of work they have for the day. The more they work, the more they are paid, says Sharma, explaining the slightly higher wages for women: Women wake up at 4 am, do all kinds of other work before they begin their farm work. Men are not like that."

Sharmas farm is an oasis in an otherwise grim Yavatmal, where farmer suicides are common and deaths caused by accidental inhalation of pesticides are an increasing trend. Late last year, some 50 farmers died in Vidharbha when they accidentally inhaled pesticides they were spraying on cotton plants. A majority  some 21 of these deaths  were from Yavatmal district. While some say that this was because the crops had grown too tall and the victims were spraying upwards, causing the pesticide to come too close to their bodies, others blame the farmers for not wearing protective gear. However, activists blame the government for not regulating some of the most toxic pesticides in the world  most of which have been banned in other countries.

With 17 acres of land and 13 workers, Sharma ensures that there are crops to be grown all year round. Unlike cotton farmers who are employed only a few months a year, Sharma grows several vegetables, pulses, and trees to ensure there is always work to do. Some farm labourers involved in spraying pesticides are desperate for work, and end up working for more than eight hours to ensure they make the most of the spraying season. Workers in my farm do not worry about finding a job or inhaling poisonous pesticides. They also dont have to worry about finding jobs, as there is always work here, said Sharma. The food he and his workers eat are from the land.

For manure, there is a lined canal that flows out of the shed for cows. The urine is collected from here, along with cow dung and other biomass that is left to compost. The cow urine, dung, and jaggery are mixed with water to nourish the soil and reduce fungal growth. Microorganisms, which are essential for soil health, continue to thrive. This cannot be possible if chemical pesticides are used, said Sharma.

Taking the conversation forward, a worker on his field said: It is about understanding what relationship these plants share with each other, said Shravan Narayan Pardi. For example, we grow haldi (turmeric) under the shade of toor daal. Working closely with nature, we are learning how to best grow crops, he added.

Nature is the best teacher, Sharma says. He began organic farming 1994  well before different state governments started seeing the benefits of it. The idea is to keep the inputs minimal and ensure the land is self-sufficient, he said. Even in a drought-prone district, Sharma doesnt depend on external sources for water. Throughout his field, there are contour bunds that ensure rainwater is trapped. Some plants are grown at a height where a dug-out canal flows by parallelly. This he says, ensures the rain water is locked within the farm and is absorbed into ground. This water not only nourishes the land, but also comes back to us as groundwater, he said.

Even though they are mostly shielded by the vagaries of employment and the sting of poisonous pesticides, farm labourers working with Sharma are well aware of the reality faced by their peers outside. There is a misconception that organic farming is expensive and will not yield good results. I try breaking this whenever I meet other farmers outside. But most of them are too deep in debt and crises to look at long-term solutions, said another farmer labourer Umesh Ganesh Dubare. To convince them further, I tell them that I have not been to a hospital for a long time or even bought medicines. Still, it is very difficult to move them, he added.

In January this year, a special investigation team that was formed to find the cause of pesticide deaths, concluded that the entire blame rests on farmers and farm-labourers. The state government seems to have shunned any responsibility for the death of these farmers. In an earlier interaction with Firstpost, guardian minister for Yavatmal Madan Yerawa said it would not be possible to ban toxic pesticides, even other states in India like Sikkim and Kerala have done so. "Farmers are highly dependent on these pesticides. Such a step could lead to more farmer suicides. Who will be responsible for these deaths? Not only deaths but also the risk to nearly Rs 15,000 crores of farming income," he said.

Experts and scientists on the field say that not only are farmers hesitant to make the switch, but government policies for this cause, too, are not proactively implemented. Our studies show that despite the drop in yields of non-leguminous plants like cotton in the first year of not using chemical inputs, the margin of profit increases. This is because there is no expenditure on chemical pesticides, said Tarak Kate, a field scientist with Dharamitra, an NGO based in Vidharba working towards sustainable farming. He is also a former visiting faculty at the Stellenbosch University in South Africa. His organisation studied some 461 farmers in 15 villages, covering around 1,000 acres. However, farmers are only fixated on yields. And they do not keep records of how much they are spending on pesticides, which makes it harder to convince them, he added.

Activists say that Sharmas practices are the way forward for a district like Yavatmal. "For now, we are able to say confidently that there is no organic farmer that we know of, who has had to commit suicide. This is because organic farming involves lower costs of cultivation (it relies on nature's products and processes for farming), and therefore, lesser need for the farmer to borrow. This is apart from the fact that there are additional health benefits and consequent savings on that front too. Profitability is higher, in addition to ecological benefits. This, therefore, has to be the approach out of the agrarian distress in India, said Kavitha Kuruganti, convener of Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) .
The Indian Navy is set to acquire JFD's third-generation complete submarine rescue system, which incorporates an innovative new system design and tightly integrated components to ensure time-to-first-rescue is minimised

London: A Scotland-based company has announced the completion of a new submarine rescue system due to be delivered to the Indian Navy next month.

JFD has a contract worth 193 million with the Indian Navy for the supply of two complete "flyaway submarine rescue systems," including Deep Search and Rescue Vehicles (DSRV), Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) equipment, Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) systems, and all logistics and support equipment required to operate the service.

The first set of equipment has been designed, manufactured, integrated and ready for testing by JFD prior to shipping next month for final commissioning and trials. The remaining set of certified systems are due to be delivered to the Indian Navy in June.

"India is an important strategic partner and we encourage further cooperation between the Indian armed forces and innovative UK companies," said Simon Everest, the Head of the UK government's Department for International Trade's Defence and Security Organisation ahead of a completion ceremony at JFD's Renfrew Manufacturing Facility in Scotland on Friday.

The ceremony will mark a world-first in the final integration of a complete submarine rescue system within a single manufacturing facility, enabling engineers to test in-situ how each component part will integrate in order to deliver the optimum submarine rescue capability, the company said.

JFD's so-called third-generation rescue system incorporates an innovative new system design and tightly integrated components to ensure time-to-first-rescue (TTFR)  the time measured between system deployment and commencement of the rescue  is minimised.

In the event of an accident, this maximises the chances of a successful rescue, which is crucial in protecting the lives of submariners.

According to Giovanni Corbetta, Managing Director, JFD, speed and reliability is key in conducting safe and effective submarine rescue operations to ensure that the submariners are reached as quickly as possible to minimise the risk the situation poses to their lives.

The reliability with which any "flyaway" submarine rescue system can be deployed must be carefully balanced with its effectiveness and capability once onsite. It is essential that the system has the capability to conduct safe rescue operations in any given circumstance and under widely variable conditions, including sea states and depths.

The third generation system represents a step-change in real-world submarine rescue capability, and has been specifically designed to provide a comprehensive and highly capable submarine rescue service while ensuring the system is as quick and simple to mobilise as possible to maximise the chances of a successful rescue, he added.

The JFD team has already begun conducting in-depth training with local teams of engineers in India to operate and maintain the systems.

JFD provides sub-sea rescue services, solutions products, engineering services and training to 80 countries and 33 of the world's navies including the UK's Royal Navy.
Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, whose invitation to a dinner in honour of visiting Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau was rescinded following a controversy, no longer figures in the Home Ministry's blacklist of Sikh extremists, officials said.

New Delhi: Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, whose invitation to a dinner in honour of visiting Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau was rescinded following a controversy, no longer figures in the home ministry's blacklist of Sikh extremists, officials said.

The central government time-to-time reviews the blacklist of the Sikh extremists taking into account intelligence inputs and activities of the persons concerned, a home ministry official said.

Names of nearly 150 wanted terrorists and their associates were removed from the blacklist in the last few years, the official said.

"Atwal's name no longer figures in the current blacklist," the official said.

The review of the blacklist is always done in consultation with the Punjab government and central security agencies.

Most of the persons whose names have been deleted from the wanted list are believed to be currently based in countries like Pakistan, the US, Canada, Norway, France and Germany.

After the government removed them from the blacklist, they could move freely around the world and even return to India.

Perhaps taking advantage of the central government's decision to remove his name from the blacklist, Atwal arrived in ndia and subsequently got the invitation to the dinner being hosted in honour of Trudeau by High Commissioner of Canada Nadir Patel, the official said.

Atwal was a Sikh separatist active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation when he was convicted of attempt to murder of Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

Sidhu was shot at twice on a road and survived, but was later assassinated in India.

A judge called it "an act of terrorism" and sentenced Atwal and three others to 20 years in prison.

It is not yet immediately known as to how Atwal got an Indian visa and why he was cleared to attend official events here.

Atwal is said to have been active in Canadian politics in recent years.
Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh, who has had a contentious history with Canada and its government, met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh, who has had a contentious history with Canada and its government, met Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed the strong bond that exists between Punjab and Canada, largely due to an influential Punjabi community settled in Canada.

Trudeau met Amarinder for a one-on-one meeting at a local hotel in Amritsar. The two discussed business as well as people-to-people ties.

Speaking to ANI after a 30-minute-long conversation, Amarinder said that he was very impressed with the Canadian prime minister. He said that a range of issues and proposals were discussed, including investment prospects in the service sector, dairy farming, agriculture and trade with the state of Punjab.

"He is very sincere and willing to work alongside Punjab. I hope he will take our talks forward," Singh said.

The Khalistan question



However, it has been over the issue of Khalistan and Sikh separatism that daggers have frequently been drawn between Punjab and Canada. "I also raised the issue of Khalistan as it's the primary issue, as there is money coming in from various countries including Canada that then helps create unrest in Punjab," Singh said, according to ANI.

According to NDTV, Amarinder also interacted with all six ministers accompanying Trudeau. After the chief minister said he raised the Khalistan issue with Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister reportedly assured that Canada does not support any separatist movement in India or elsewhere.

Amarinder also gave Trudeau a list of nine Category 'A' Canada-based operatives alleged to be involved in hate crimes, terrorist activities and trying to radicalise young people and children in Punjab, the chief minister's media advisor Raveen Thukral told NDTV.

"The categorical assurance from Trudeau came when Amarinder sought the Canadian prime minister's cooperation in cracking down on separatism and hate crime by a fringe element, constituting a miniscule percentage of Canada's population," said the Chief Minister's Office after the 40-minute meeting.

Amarinder's office also said Trudeau cited the separatist movement in Quebec and had said that he had dealt with such threats all his life and was fully aware of the dangers of violence, NDTV added.

The Trudeau-Amarinder meeting is being seen as a step towards breaking the ice, a report in Hindustan Times said. "Citing the separatist movement in Quebec, Trudeau said he had dealt with such threats all his life and was fully aware of the dangers of violence, which he had always pushed back with all his might," Thukral said.

During the meeting, Amarinder called for cooperation between the two countries on issues of terrorism, crime and drugs, while seeking greater sharing of relevant information, in the interest of national and international security.

"Responding to concerns raised in some quarters on reports of human rights violations, the chief minister said any aberrations were always dealt with strictly, with even policemen being sent to jail by the courts in such cases. He reiterated his government's firm commitment to the protection of human rights of all individuals," Thukral was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Apart from meeting Trudeau, Amarinder also met Canadian defence minister Harjit Singh Sajjan, who was born in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district and is the first Sikh to handle the defence portfolio of a western country.

Amarinder had refused to meet Harjit in April 2017 during the latter's visit to the state and even dubbed him and other ministers of Punjab-origin in the Trudeau government as "Khalistani sympathisers".

On Wednesday, however, the chief minister not only met Sajjan but also shook hands with him and both leaders smiled at each other.

With inputs from agencies
Haasan's political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), which roughly translates to Centre for People's Justice, will fight corruption and ensure good governance devoid of caste and communal politics.

Several months of suspense finally ended on Wednesday when veteran actor Kamal Haasan launched his own political party at a rally in Madurai. Haasan's political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, which roughly translates to Centre for People's Justice, will fight corruption and ensure good governance devoid of caste and communal politics, PTI reported.

While unfurling the party flag, Haasan spoke on the symbolism behind it, "If you look closer you can find the map of south India map in it, the six hands refer to six southern states..the star at the centre refers to the people..."

Even before Haasan launched his party at the Madurai rally, which was also attended by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, his political entry got reactions from the two Dravidian parties as well as the BJP and Congress.

AIADMK and DMK

The ruling AIADMK's ministers were unequivocal in criticising Haasan's move to enter politics, in the process finding common ground with arch-rival DMK. Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said though DMK was his party's arch rival, he yet concurred with the paper flower comment of Stalin.

"It will not bloom, nor give fragrance and it will continue to be a paper flower," Jayakumar was quoted as saying. He also added the seed (an apparent reference to the actor) is genetically modified (GM) which is not useful for anyone and which is not used in India."

"He does not have the maturity of a leader. Is school a place to do politics?," Jayakumar asked referring to the effort of the actor to visit a school at Rameswaram where late president APJ Abdul Kalam studied. State Revenue Minister RB Udayakumar took potshots at Haasan for going to Rameswaram and quipped he did so to wash away his sins and that only the people have to say if he has done that.

On Tuesday, DMK working president MK Stalin had likened Haasan and Rajinikanth, who has also promised to enter politics soon, to paper flowers.

"Owing to seasonal changes some flowers may suddenly bloom and later wither. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu's political arena too glamorous paper flowers may bloom," he had said in an apparent reference to the political entry of the two mega stars.

Congress

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily on Wednesday said that Haasan's party does not have much political space to grow and sees its prospects on its own steam "very marginal".

The former Union minister, who had served as Congress in-charge of the southern state many years ago, said DMK and AIADMK are dominant regional political parties in the state, where superstar Rajinikanth has also announced plans to float his own outfit.

"So, I don't think there will be much (political) space left for other regional parties, unless they align with these mainstream regional parties (DMK and AIADMK)," Moily told PTI.

"I think the prospects for Haasan's party is very marginal. I don't think there is much space left by these two dominant regional forces."

"Unless they (Haasan's party) have a regional agenda of their own which is better than DMK and AIADMK, what space they will occupy? He (Haasan) must have thought AIADMK will collapse, and he can occupy that space, I don't think that is happening," Moily said.

BJP

BJP Tamil Nadu unit chief Tamilisai Soundararajan said Haasan may make it to the headlines but "could not become a leader". The saffron party leader said she felt the actor has started a party in haste bringing the "on-screen competition to the political landscape," a reference to Haasan's co-actor Rajinikanth's political entry.

Despite Soundararajan's statement, the party has adopted a 'wait and watch' policy with Haasan's political debut, The Indian Express reported.

We are not worried. The BJP has its own support base and ideological attraction, and we will go forward with that. We are closely watching the situation. It is still evolving, BJP general secretary P Muralidhar Rao, in charge of Tamil Nadu, was quoted as saying.

VCK

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, while extending his greetings, said only after the actor spelt out his policies could his party think of aligning with him. VCK, a Dalit outfit, is curently not alligned any of the two Dravidian parties.

With inputs from PTI
CJI Dipak Misra, while hearing Kerala 'love Jihad' case, asked if a court could exercise its jurisdiction to annul a marriage in a habeas corpus petition

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked if a roving inquiry could be ordered into the "issue of consent" between two adults who married at will and if the Kerala High Court order annulling the marriage of Hadiya, an alleged victim of 'love jihad', was justified.

This was the tenth hearing in the case in the last seven months. The court has now posted the matter for further hearing on 8 March.

The questions from a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud came during the hearing of the Kerala conversion case.

"What troubles us is that whether there can be a roving inquiry into the issue of consent between two adults who have agreed to marry," the bench said.

Whether the high court was justified in nullifying the marriage is a pure question of law, it added. The CJI said that all averments unrelated to marriage of Hadiya in her affidavit will now be expunged.

"Marriage and investigation are two different things. As far as marriage is concerned, it does not warrant any investigation. Investigation has nothing to do with it. You can investigate any other thing," the court said.

Hadiya, the 25-year-old woman who is at the centre of an alleged love jihad controversy, had on Tuesday filed an affidavit before the top court claiming that she willingly converted to Islam and wants to live with her husband Shafin Jahan.

The matter had come to fore when Jahan had challenged the Kerala High Court's order annulling his marriage with Hadiya and sending her to her parents' custody. On 27 November last year, the apex court had freed Hadiya from her parents' custody and sent her to college to pursue her studies, even as she had pleaded that she should be allowed to go with her husband.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Hadiya's father, said it was a case of vulnerable adults and the high court was justified in nullifying the marriage by exercising its power under Article 226 of the Constitution.

"In this case, marriage was used as a pretext to keep it out of the court's jurisdiction," Divan said.

Hadiya had urged the court to set aside the judgement of the Kerala High Court that had annulled the marriage terming it an instance of 'love jihad'.

The top court had earlier ordered an NIA probe into a "pattern" where some women were allegedly being converted to Islam.

Later, the court decided to hear the woman and interviewed her in an open court when she made an appeal for her freedom under the Constitution.

In her affidavit, the woman told the court that "horrendous sufferings" were meted out to her for converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim man.

The apex court had on 23 January made it clear that the National Investigation Agency cannot probe the marital status of Hadiya and Jahan.

On Tuesday, Hadiya told the Supreme Court that she had willingly converted to Islam and wants to remain a Muslim. In an affidavit filed before the top court, 25-year-old Hadiya had also said that she had married Shafin Jahan on her own and sought the court's permission to "live as his wife".

She had claimed that her husband was wrongly portrayed as a terrorist by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and he has nothing to do with the Middle East-based terror group Islamic State.

"I respectfully reiterate that I am a Muslim and I want to continue to live as a Muslim...I have been under confinement without the freedom that I am entitled to. Even now I am under police surveillance. I most humbly pray that my entire liberty may kindly be restored to me.

"Shafin Jahan is my husband, I want to continue to live as wife of my be loved husband and that I embraced Islam and married him on my own free will," she had said in her 25-page affidavit.

With inputs from PTI
If New Delhi allows status-quo to be perpetuated in the Maldives, India's image as a potential superpower will receive a severe beating

Will history be repeated after three decades of Indias military intervention in the Maldives? It must. India cannot afford to embrace masterly inactivity in its strategic backyard. If New Delhi allows status-quo to be perpetuated in the Maldives, India's image as a potential superpower will receive a severe beating. It is, therefore, time to give a shut-up call to the undemocratic elements in Indias immediate neighbourhood who think that defiance of democracy is a ticket to greater political relevance in a world increasingly dominated by China.

By extending the state of emergency by 30 days despite India talking tough, the Maldives undemocratic regime has clearly antagonised New Delhi and other democratic countries. At a time when India is yet to spell out its strategy towards the ongoing political and constitutional crisis in the Maldives, there are reports of Chinese warships sailing into the Indian Ocean. Indias non-intervention in the Maldives will only enable China to boldly pursue its strategic objectives in the Indian Ocean.

The defiance of the Abdulla Yameen government must be seen as an opportunity by India to put maximum pressure on the Maldives to restore democracy while reasserting New Delhis influence in its maritime neighbourhood.

According to the Opposition in the Maldives, Yameen did not have the constitutionally-mandated quorum in the Parliament to vote on the state of emergency decree, rendering its extension illegal. The statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs has also said: We are deeply dismayed that the government of Maldives has extended the state of emergency for a further 30 days. The manner in which the extension of the state of emergency was approved by the Majlis (Maldivian Parliament) in contravention of the Constitution of the Maldives is also a matter of concern."

It is time for India to give up its reluctant posture and take firm action against those who are brazenly trampling all democratic institutions in the Maldives. India must not hesitate in offering to act as an honest broker in a possible dialogue between the Abdulla Yameen and the Opposition parties. But while monitoring the situation closely, New Delhi must be prepared to respond militarily if Indias mediation offer is rebuffed by the Yameen regime. Remaining indecisive and inactive at this crucial moment could prove counterproductive to Indias long-term strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region which has been witnessing increasing maritime assertiveness by China.

The smallest South Asian country in both land area and population, the island state of the Maldives occupies an important place in the Indian Ocean geopolitics. The Maldives significance is enhanced particularly due to its crucial geostrategic location as it sits astride important sea lanes of communication.

India regards the Maldives as falling squarely within its south Asian sphere of influence. Now, the Maldives forms a vital component of Indias maritime strategy, considering its increasing presence in the western Indian Ocean with its commercial and strategic route to the African continent extending to the Western Hemisphere. As a result, the Maldives deteriorating political conditions are enough to give Indian diplomats sleepless nights.

If India and other democratic countries are calling upon the Yameen government to restore democracy, the Chinese are seeking to advance their strategic interests in the Indian Ocean while defending Yameen. Therefore, if Indias leverage in the Maldives internal politics shrinks further, China will get emboldened to fill the vacuum.

India is the closest neighbour, which has always been the first to respond whenever the Maldives faced any crisis or challenge. 1988 is not a distant history when India sent in a small contingent of troops to avert a coup attempt against then-president Mamoon Abdul Gayoom. However, Indias ties with the Maldives have been recently impacted by Chinas growing footprint on the island.

The Maldives has been reorienting its foreign policy, allowing China to have a much greater influence than it did in the past. It needs to be recalled that China opened an embassy in capital Male only in 2011. Many countries have non-resident embassies either in New Delhi or Colombo, and the Chinese embassy in Colombo was also catering to the Maldives till 2011. After China president Xi Jinpings state visit to the Maldives sometime back, military, diplomatic and economic ties have strengthened remarkably between Male and Beijing.

India has been getting increasingly frustrated with the unfriendly gestures of President Abdulla Yameen over the last five years. The Maldives has been steadily sliding into authoritarianism ever since Yameen came to power in a controversial election in 2013.

The situation got out of hand when he imposed a state of emergency on 5 February. The fateful decision was triggered by a Supreme Court ruling that quashed convictions against nine Opposition leaders and ordered the government to release those held in prison. The Yameen government has arrested the Chief Justice of the Maldives as well as former president Gayoom on allegations of attempting to overthrow his government.

Mohamed Nasheed is the only democratically elected president of the Maldives since it became independent in 1965. But his tenure lasted just over three years, as he was forced at gunpoint to resign in 2012. Later, he was convicted on charges of false terrorism in 2015 and sentenced to more than a dozen years in jail. Yameen has left the Maldives fledgling democracy in tatters. While Nasheed has been living in self-exile, several other Opposition leaders are in jail on long prison terms. To counter Nasheeds request to India to intervene militarily and restore democracy, Yameen has been trying to curry favour with China and Pakistan in a bid to strengthen his position.

What is the guarantee that Yameen would not permit the Chinese to have a military base?

China already has a full-fledged military base in Djibouti and full access to the port facilities at Gwadar in Pakistan. As Sri Lanka has found in Hambantota, many recipients of Beijings poisonous aid will soon find themselves caught in a debt trap in which they will have little option but to trade their sovereignty by surrendering control of vital infrastructure to China.

Being an authoritarian regime itself, China does not care about the state of democracy in a country with which it wants to develop good relations. That explains Beijings eagerness to militarily engage the illegal regime in the Maldives as it can provide China a strong foothold in the Indian Ocean.

After the imposition of emergency in early February, an editorial in Chinas state-run Global Times, warned against any military measure by saying that "India should exercise restraint. China will not interfere in the internal affairs of the Maldives, but that does not mean that Beijing will sit idly by as New Delhi breaks the principle. If India one-sidedly sends troops to the Maldives, China will take action to stop New Delhi. (sic)

In early December, the Yameen government rushed through the much-criticised Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China in the Maldivian Parliament at midnight, without any Opposition member being present there. This is Maldivess first FTA with any country, and also Chinas second with any country in South Asia after Pakistan. The secrecy and speed with which Beijing secured the FTA was nothing short of a diplomatic coup. Thus, Beijing gets to benefit the most if Yameen were to stay in power.

Even as India contemplates response options, it will be essential not to lose sight of what matters most: the ordinary people of the Maldives. Indias so-called 'soft' options encompassing termination of export of essential commodities and embargoing the Maldives trawlers from entering and fishing in waters are politically risky as the same would certainly be exploited by supporters of the Yameen regime to turn the common people of the Maldives against India.

The best option for India is to apply unrelenting pressure on president Yameen to restore the independence of the Supreme Court, lift the state of emergency unconditionally and allow democratic space to the Opposition parties. This is not possible without holding out a credible military threat. Let it not be forgotten by the Modi government that offense remains the best form of defence.
A week after his hospitalisation in Mumbai, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar was discharged on Thursday and soon after he flew to Goa to present the budget in the state Assembly

Panaji: A week after his hospitalisation in Mumbai, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar was discharged on Thursday and soon after he flew to Goa to present the budget in the state Assembly.

Parrikar, who looked weak, spoke only for five minutes while presenting the budget around 3 pm, and left the House after it was adjourned sine die at around 3.30 pm.

In his address, he told the House that due to his ill health, he would not be able to present the entire budget on the floor. He said he would present the supplementary demand for grants before the end of the current financial year.

Parrikar was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on 15 February for a pancreatic problem. Soon after his discharge, he flew into Panaji and went to his residence. Thereafter, he reached the Assembly complex where he chaired a cabinet meeting, before presenting the budget.

The total budget size is Rs 17,123 crore, which is 6.84 percent higher than last year. The vote-on-account for the next five months was subsequently passed by the House.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Speaker of Goa Assembly Michael Lobo informed reporters outside the Assembly about the chief minister's discharge. "Parrikar has arrived in Goa. It is a good piece of news that he has been discharged. Parrikar has so much will power that he has recovered, and if he thinks that he should table the budget, he will come and do it," Lobo said.
Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who returned after being discharged from a Mumbai hospital, said he would carry on with his regular duties, but his interaction with the public will be limited for some time as advised by doctors.

Panaji: Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who on Thursday returned after being discharged from a Mumbai hospital, said he would carry on with his regular duties, but his interaction with the public will be limited for some time as advised by doctors.

Parrikar, who was admitted in the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai for a pancreatic ailment since 15 February, presented the budget and also chaired a state cabinet meeting upon his return.

In a press statement, Parrikar said the overwhelming love shown by people has strengthened his conviction that Goa and Goans are his "extended family".

"I thank everyone who wished me for my speedy recovery through messages, letters and prayers at various temples, churches, mosques and in other ways," Parrikar said.

"I am overwhelmed by the overpouring of your love and affection. It fortifies my conviction that Goa and Goans are my extended family. It is your wishes and prayers which have helped (me) to serve the state and the nation today...," he said in the statement.

"For complete recovery, I have been advised by the doctors some precautions in the immediate short term. During this period my interaction with the public will be limited. I will be discharging my regular duties and obligations as the chief minister of the state," he said.
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, admitted in a Mumbai hospital since 15 February for a pancreas-related ailment, is 'positively responding' to treatment and his condition is stable, South Goa BJP MP Narendra Savoikar

Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, admitted in a Mumbai hospital since 15 February for a pancreas-related ailment, is "positively responding" to treatment and his condition is stable, South Goa BJP MP Narendra Savoikar said on Wednesday.

"Parrikar's condition is stable and improving. Doctors are constantly monitoring his health and he is positively responding to the treatment. Let's all continue to pray for his speedy recovery and long health," Savoikar said in a statement here.

Parrikar was rushed to Lilavati Hospital on 15 February, a day after he complained of stomach pain.

While the Chief Minister's Office, as well as Lilavati Hospital, have insisted that the former Defence Minister is responding well to treatment, Parrikar failed to attend the ongoing Budget Session of the Assembly, giving rise to speculation about the severity of his ailment.
The InduTech Zone investments case has become more convoluted now that the Mauritius government has dragged India to the International Court of Justice.

The InduTech Zone investments case has become more convoluted now that the Mauritius government has dragged India to the International Court of Justice for arbitration in the issue.

As reported by The Times of India, Carissa Investments LLC of Mauritius  which held 49 percent stake in InduTech Zone through FDI  approached the Mauritius government, which then took up the case for arbitration under a bilateral treaty for the protection of investments.

"A legal notice has been served by the Mauritius government in the name of PM Narendra Modi, stating that Carissa LLC has been cheated," the report quoted a top official of Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) as saying.

The InduTech Zone case is a quid pro quo investment where Indu Projects Ltd Managing Director Indukuri Syam Prasad Reddy made huge investments in the companies floated by YSR Congress leader Jaganmohan Reddy for the favours received from Andhra Pradesh government by way of allotment of 8,844 acre of land for Lepakshi Knowledge Hub Private Ltd, 250 acres of land at Shamshabad for Indu Techzone Private Ltd and various housing projects to Indu Group.

At the time of the irregularities, YS Rajasekhara Reddy, father of Jaganmohan Reddy, was the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. The CBI filed three chargesheets in respect of undue favours received by Syam Prasad Reddy, reported IANS.

In January, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had attached properties worth Rs 117.74 crore of three companies belonging to Syam Prasad Reddy.

The attached movable and immovable assets included undeveloped lands illegally allotted to the companies of Syam Prasad Reddy, properties of Indu Projects Ltd and fixed deposits held by Embassy Property Developments Pvt Ltd and Vasantha Projects Pvt Ltd.

The ED case is a follow up of money laundering offences in 11 chargesheets filed by CBI against Jaganmohan Reddy and others. A CBI FIR had earlier stated that since "May 2004, Jagan floated number of companies wherein quid pro quo investments have been made by beneficiaries from decisions of the state government in various forms like SEZs (special economic zones), irrigation contracts, relaxation/permission for real estate ventures, mines among others."

When ED had attached the properties of Syam Prasad Reddy's companies, it had said in a statement:

"In lieu of quid pro quo payments made by Syam Prasad Reddy, he was illegally favoured by the then Andhra Pradesh government by awarding housing projects at Kukatapally (65 acres), Bandlaguda (50 acres), Gachibowli (4.575 acres) and Nandyal (75 acres) by deviating all standard norms and without examining the technical or financial capabilities."

"Syam Pasad Reddy was also unduly favoured by Andhra Pradesh Housing Board (APHB) by granting huge chunks of land for housing projects at a very cheap price as compared to prevailing market rates which caused huge loss to APHB in the form of revenue generation."

According to PTI, the ED statement had also said that Syam Prasad Reddy "paid bribe amounts" to Jaganmohan Reddy through the companies of Nimmagadda Prasad in the form of investments at "exorbitant premiums".

With inputs from agencies
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lauded officials for working out in a very short span of time the details of the defence industrial corridor in Uttar Pradesh which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Lucknow: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday lauded officials for working out in a very short span of time the details of the defence industrial corridor in Uttar Pradesh which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.

'The details of the defence corridor announced by the Prime Minister on Wednesday were worked out in 18 days time," Sitharaman said at the 'Defence and Aerospace Investment Opportunities in Uttar Pradesh', part of the ongoing Investors' Summit-2018.

"When Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had come to extend invitation for the summit on 2 February there was a reference about the corridor," she said.

She said she had mentioned then that if Uttar Pradesh is willing or shows interest then "we will be able to do something... I had mentioned this to the prime minister and he immediately asked us to go ahead with it".

Praising the bureaucracy of both the Centre and the state, she said: "The speed with which we were asked to go about the project and the promptness with which the chief minister directed his officials to act on it...officials worked together in complete coordination and there was no complaint from anywhere and prime minister made an announcement in 18 days time."

She said Bundelkhand will benefit from the corridor.

Sitharaman said the atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh in the past 20-25 years did not give any encouragement to industry.

Adityanath said earlier that there are immense possibilities for the defence corridor in the state. 'There are immense possibilities for defence corridor as well as aerospace."
Pakistani troops on Thursday violated the ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector of Baramulla district

Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Thursday, media reports said.

#BREAKING -- Pakistan continues to dare India at LoC; violates ceasefire in Rustum area of Uri. Heavy exchange of fire between India and Pak | @islahmufti with more details pic.twitter.com/ds1qFyDoTV  News18 (@CNNnews18) February 22, 2018

According to CNN-News18, heavy exchange of fire is currently on between Indian and Pakistani forces.

Meanwhile, a gunfight erupted between militants and the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district, police said.

As soon as the security forces cordoned off Paribal village in Hajin following information about the presence of the militants, they were fired upon, following which the gunfight ensued. "The gunfight in ongoing," the police added.

On Wednesday, Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire along the LoC in the states' Tangdhar sector, prompting retaliatory fire from the Indian Army in which a Pakistani soldier had reportedly been killed, an official had said.

Pakistani troops had resorted to unprovoked firing on Indian posts in Tangdhar sector in Kupwara district, the army official said.

On Monday, three civilians were injured as the Pakistani troops had violated ceasefire in Uri sector.

With inputs from agencies
A court Ahmedabad rejected a petition by Patidar reservation leader Hardik Patel to discharge him in a sedition case filed by Gujarat Government

Ahmedabad: A court Ahmedabad on Wednesday rejected a petition by Patidar reservation leader Hardik Patel to discharge him in a sedition case filed by Gujarat Government.

The state government had filed the case against the 24-year-old leader in the wake of a pitched statewide agitation for reservations for the Patidar community in 2015, that witnessed incidents of violence. As many as a dozen persons had lost their lives.

The Ahmedabad Crime Branch had filed a 2,700-page chargesheet in January 2016 against Patel and his former associates Dinesh Bhambania, Chirag Patel and Ketan Patel for damage to property, sedition, pre-planned conspiracy and other criminal activities.

The petition by the quota leader, who is currently out on bail since June 2016, was rejected by Sessions Judge Dilip Mahida on Wednesday. The court has allowed for framing of charges against him in the case.

Hardik Patel had submitted in his petition that there was no evidence to suggest his involvement in any criminal activity or an attempt to destablise the state government during the agitation as was alleged.

However, the court rejected this claim and accepted the prosecution's plea that there was material evidence against him, on which charges can be framed.

The court stated that evidence against the accused in the form of speeches, conversations and forensic evidence investigation establish that Hardik Patel and the two others had hatched a conspiracy and used pressure and threat to force the government to accept their demands.

The court also considered the deposition by co-accused-turned-approver, Ketan Patel, as evidence and said that a case was made out against Hardik, Dinesh and Chirag under Sections 121 (A) (conspiracy to overawe the state or central government, by means of criminal force or the show of criminal force), 124 (A) (sedition), and 120 (B) (criminal conspiracy) of IPC.

The Gujarat High Court too had rejected a similar plea by Patel in October 2015 to quash the FIR against him. It had, however, asked police to scrap charges of "promoting enmity between the two communities or groups" as Hardik Patel's speeches did not refer to hostility. He later moved the Supreme Court for recourse in the matter, where the matter is pending.

Police alleged that due to such activities of the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti leaders, 457 FIRs relating to arson, assault and rioting had been filed across Gujarat between 7 July, 2016, and 3 December, 2016. If found guilty, the accused could be sentenced to life imprisonment.
In its note, the agency has made a startling revelation that even top officials of the PNB beginning with the zonal to head office was aware of the business dealing with Nirav Modi's companies and the assertion that top officials were ignorant has been neutralized by the probe agency.

New Delhi: For hours on Wednesday, sleuths from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were frustrated as they were trying to find out how fake Letter of Undertakings (LoUs) and Foreign Letter of Credits (FLCs) running into thousands of crores was drafted and subsequently sanctioned by the Punjab National Bank (PNB) officials. The two executives of Nirav Modi admitted to preparing and signing the applications made to PNB but they refused to disclose details how and where such applications were finalised.

The agency, which is in the process of unraveling of what is believed to be one of the biggest bank fraud case in recent history has claimed that it has seized copies of fraudulent LoUs which were found during the searches at the office of Nirav Modi owned Firestar Group of companies at Peninsula Business Park, Lower Parel. These applications, CBI claimed were prepared in the name of three firms Diamond R US, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds and submitted to PNBs Brady branch. The agency has alleged that Vipul Ambani, President (Finance) of Firestar group from May 2013 to November 2017 was fully aware of the fraudulent and illegal LoUs which were being issued by Gokulnath Shetty, retired Deputy Manager of PNB, in conspiracy and guidance of Nirav Modi.

"Vipul Ambani in his aforesaid capacity as President (Finance) was also visiting and meeting not only the officials of PNB, Brady House, Mumbai in the branch but also the officials of PNB, Circle and Zonal office at Mumbai and Head Office, New Delhi. In respect of question that who was preparing and maintaining the books of accounts of the aforesaid these firms, Vipul Ambani failed to give any answer or denial that he was not looking into the affairs of these firms. These documents (seized LoUs) and circumstances prove his knowledge of the fraudulent applications for LoUs being made in the same premises of Firestar Group of Companies and deliberate acts of omission by him by not protesting the issuance of such fraudulent LoUs, led to the continuance of concealment and large scale fraud in this case on PNB and loss and diversion of thousands of Crores of public funds. The aforesaid facts prove his part in this sinister conspiracy to cheat PNB," CBI has alleged.

In its note, the agency has made a startling revelation that even top officials of the PNB beginning with the zonal to head office was aware of the business dealing with Nirav Modi's companies and the assertion that top officials were ignorant has been neutralised by the probe agency.

The fugitive diamond merchant had made his executive assistant Kavita Mankikar authorised signatory of all three companies  Diamond R US, Solar Exports, Stellar Diamonds  which have fraudulently obtained LoUs from PNB for issuance of buyers credit.

The probe agency said: "Kavita Mankikar had fraudulently signed the applications for issuance of the LoUs. During examination, she has not revealed the modus operandi of the scam and involvement of other persons from the firm as well as the Bank. Similarly it transpired that Arjun Patil, Senior Executive in Firestar International Private Limited had prepared the applications submitted to PNB, Brady house branch in the name of three companies. On examination, he has also not disclosed how and where such applications were fraudulently prepared."

Kavita has however, told the investigators that she was signing as authorized signatory of Diamond R US, Solar Exports, Stellar Diamonds as per the instructions and assurance of Nirav Modi without knowing the facts or ramifications of her actions.

Even Rajesh Jindal, the then branch manager, of the PNB branch under the scanner, was grilled for hours. He was questioned about the LoUs issued during his tenure in 2010-11, as he allowed Gokulnath Shetty to continue issuing LoUs without following existing banking procedure and Reserve Bank of India guidelines. Jindal, however, denied his involvement in issuance of LoUs. The CBI said all three employees of Nirav Modi and PNBs Jindal are not coming out with the truth and stating that they are not aware of what was happening in PNB Brady house branch, at all.

They have not been able to give any reasonable explanation for their aforementioned acts in not blowing the lid off the whole scam as mentioned above, as, if they had done so without being hand in glove with Nirav Modi and other co-accused, the scam would have been detected and stopped. But their act allowed it to flourish by turning a blind eye to the fraudulent events going on in the office premises of Firestar Group of Companies, the CBI further said.

The agency, which is seeking 14-day police custody remand of officials for sustained interrogation has clarified that top officials of PNB will also be examined soon. The investigators are perplexed over the seamless flow of FLCs through SWIFT to overseas branch of various Indian Banks. The CBI officials said generally LCs needs to be authorized by three persons- first the person who is feeding it, second the officer who is verifying it and thirdly the person who is authorizing it.

It seems, Shetty was playing the twin role of verifying and authorizing the LCs and had roped in someone to feed it in the system, officials said.

But, the mystery is not over yet. Once the LCs are made, report is generated in a particular server. The CBI is trying to find out how Shetty manipulated the entire system and even compromised the report that was generated on the server beyond his jurisdiction.

It could be possible that he was not passing on the voucher to be recorded in CBS of the PNB but surprisingly, the LCs sent abroad would be credited to PNB Nostro account. The account is reconciled if not every day then at least once in a week because funds are transferred in foreign currency. Why no one at PNB checked it for several years is the big mystery needs to be unraveled, the CBI officials further added.
In the PNB scam case, a special CBI court sent to police custody, till 5 March, five senior executives of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi Group of Companies, including Vipul Ambani

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In the complaint, PNB had named three diamond firms -- Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds -- saying they had approached it on January 16 with a request for buyers' credit for making payment to overseas suppliers...

Last week, PNB had lodged an FIR with CBI stating that fraudulent LoUs worth Rs 280.7 crore were first issued on 16 January. At the time, PNB had said it was digging into records to examine the magnitude of the fraud.

A look back at how the scam was carried out

A retired PNB officer and a clerk have been booked by the CBI for helping Nirav Modi, his wife and relatives, a Times of India report said. PNB's retired deputy manager Gokulnath Setty and single window operator Manoj Kharat had issued eight letters of understanding (LoU) worth over Rs 280 crore to Niravs company just three months before the formers retirement, the report said.

At the bourses, Gitanjali Gems plunged nearly 19 percent on reports over its involvement in the PNB fraud case in morning trade after the company came under scanner of various investigating agencies following the Punjab National Bank's declaration of nearly Rs 11,400-crore fraud. The stock today opened on a bearish note at Rs 48, then lost further ground to touch a low of Rs 47.50, down 18.94 per cent over its previous closing price.

The regulators are set to spread their net overseas as it has been found that credit was availed from various bank branches in Hong Kong on the basis of Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) issued by Punjab National Bank.

The Reserve Bank and the Sebi are likely to approach their counterparts in Hong Kong for cooperation in the matter relating to the whopping over Rs 11,400 crore fraud at public sector lender PNB where several entities have come under the scanner, officials said on Wednesday.

This is the second consecutive day of decline for the stock. It had slumped 10 percent yesterday. The state-owned bank said it had detected a USD 1.77 billion (about Rs 11,400 crore) fraud in which billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi allegedly acquired fraudulent letters of undertaking (LoUs) from one of its branches for overseas credit from other Indian lenders.  PTI

Shares of Punjab National Bank today extended its fall for the second straight session, falling as much as 9 percent in morning trade after the lender said it has detected a USD 1.77 billion fraud. The stock opened at Rs 137, then hit a low of Rs 133.45, down 8.47 per cent over its previous closing price. On the NSE, the stock opened at Rs 137.60, then fell 8.57 per cent to Rs 133.35.

Times Now reported that Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra said that she never got paid for a diamond advertisement.

Quoting sources, India Today reported that ED will also issue a lookout notice in the coming days.

What was Nirav Modi doing at WEF 2018 with Narendra Modi, asks Congress

The CBI FIR itself lists out the details of the accused. The primary name is that of Nirav Modi who is listed as a partner in M/s Diamond R US, M/s Solar Exports and M/s Stellar Diamonds.

The CBI FIR dated 31 January, 2018 was based on a complaint filed by Avneesh Nepalia, the Deputy General Manager at Punjab National Bank. It alleged that the partnership firms mentioned in the complaint had gained an amount of Rs 280.70 crore rupees while the bank suffered a wrongful loss of the same magnitude.

He addressed the row on Nirav Modi's photograph with Narendra Modi at the World Economic Forum 2018 in Davos, asking how there was no background check done on those posing with the prime minister.

Speaking to India Today, Congress leader Sanjay Jha said that the alleged fraud involving jeweller Nirav Modi "is a serious scam of epic proportions".

This is a serious scam of epic proportions, says Congress' Sanjay Jha

The AAP then asked why Nirav Modi was "part of a delegation" that accompanied the prime minister and sought response from the saffron party on the row. "We think he(Narendra Modi) is busier with speeches and speaking his 'Mann ki Baat'," one of the AAP leaders said.

Speaking at a press conference, members of the Aam Aadmi Party mentioned Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, and claimed that before any such businessman becomes a fugitive, he is "seen hanging around the BJP office".

India Today reported that among the 40 properties raided by CBI in connection with the alleged fraud involving Nirav Modi, 9 properties belonged to the jeweller.

He said, "I want to say one thing clearly. No one will be spared. This will be regardless of the status and the status of the accused,"

"Till now, both the CBI and ED has taken speedy action in the wake of complaint made to the CBI. Till now, CBI has raided nine properties belonging to Nirav Modi: 3 in Surat, 4 in Mumbai and 2 in Delhi. Assets worth 13,000 has been seized and action has been taken to revoke his passport. Look out notice has been issued," Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Wednesday.

No one will be spared, says Ravi Shankar Prasad

He further said that "very good photographs of the Congress leaders with Mehul Choksi is available with us." "But we don't want to stoop to that level," he added.

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at the Congress for linking Nirav Modi's fraud case to Narendra Modi. He said, "The BJP takes strong offence by calling someone 'chota Modi'. It is derogatory and scandalous. Nirav Modi was not the part of the delegation at Davos. He reached there on his own."

"Jinke ghar aise sheeshe ke ho jo tukde tukde hochuke hai, woh dusre ke ghar pathar na feke(Those who live in house made of broken glass should not throw stones at others' residences," Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said at a press conference.

"Narendra Modi's shadow will not be harmed because of Randeep Surjewala or Congress. He is loved by the people. And what kind of language is Congress using? 'Chota Modi' jibe is shameful, condemnable and utterly irresponsible," Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Wednesday.

PNB gives CBI a list of 150 Letters of Undertaking which were fraudulently issued to transfer money to firms associated with Nirav Modi, PTI quotes officials as saying.

The agency issued a look out circular against all the four after registering the first FIR against them, they said.

His brother Nishal, a Belgian citizen, also left the country on 1 January, while wife Ami, a US citizen, and business partner Mehul Choksi, who is the Indian promoter of Gitanjali jewellery chain, departed on 6 January, the officials said.

Billionaire jewellery designer Nirav Modi had left the country on 1 January much before the CBI received a complaint from Punjab National Bank on 29 January about a Rs 280-crore fraud, officials said.

The bank has sent two more complaints to the CBI on Tuesday, saying the scam was worth more than Rs 11,400 crore.

Nirav Modi, a regular feature on the lists of rich and famous Indians since 2013, was booked by the CBI, along with wife, brother and business partner Choksi on 31 January, for allegedly cheating the state-run Punjab National Bank to the tune of Rs 280 crore.

The diamantaire is an India citizen but his brother Nishal and wife Ami are not Indian nationals, the officials said.

Nirav Modi, who is believed to be in Switzerland, was also present in a group photo of Indian CEOs with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, issued by the Press Information Bureau, in World Economic Forum on 23 January, six days before the bank sent its first complaint against him to the CBI, according to the officials.

Nirav Modi is an Indian citizen by his brother and wife are not, say officials

The CBI has sought revocation of the passports of billionaire jewellery designer Nirav Modi and his partner Mehul Choksi who are the main accused in alleged fraudulent transactions, officials told PTI. Nirav Modi, who holds an Indian passport, left India on 1 January, while his brother Nishal, a Belgian citizen, departed from the country on same day.

NDTV reported that Nirav Modi is staying in a suite at the JW Marriott's Essex House in Manhattan, New York, a short walk away from his luxurious Madison Avenue jewelry retail store.

"This (diffusion) is less formal than a notice but is also used to request the arrest or location of an individual or additional information in relation to a police investigation. A diffusion is circulated directly by an NCB (CBI in this case) to the member countries of their choice, or to the entire INTERPOL membership and is simultaneously recorded in Interpols Information System," the website of Interpol says.

The ED on Friday issued summons for appearance to billionaire diamond merchant Nirav Modi and his business partner Mehul Choksi in connection with its money laundering probe, officials said. They said both Modi and Choksi were summoned under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and asked to depose within a week's time. The notices were handed over to the directors of the firms of the two businessmen as they were not in the country.

Secondly, ED investigators want to know whether these LoUs were even once  at any point of time over the past seven years  returned to the originating bank branch for verification, and if so, whether or not these transactions were flagged in the annual audit report of the banks foreign exchange department.

Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials said they were baffled when the top boss of Punjab Nationa Bank claimed that the bank was both whistle-blower and victim. The ED has sought documents related to SWIFT payments as such transactions are verified to ascertain FEMA provisions. The verification sometimes takes a week before the final clearance is granted

Eight employees of Punjab National Bank suspended; total number of suspended employees now stands at 18

"When I opposed the Gitanjali Gems loan proposal, my fight with Allahabad Bank board got really intense and dirty. They tried to persuade, mollify and even threaten me but I said such loans to the corporates without recovery will only add to more non-performing assets. I also wrote to the Reserve Bank of India and secretary, financial services in the Ministry of Finance in my effort to warn them of a massive scam looming large. My request was to take immediate preventive action and keep a watch on all the companies linked to Choksi's firm, as they were accumulating loans without making payments to the bank," Dubey said.

Dinesh Dubey, a journalist by profession, exclusively spoke to Firstpost exposing the deep-rooted corruption in the banking system and how the UPA government turned a blind eye to illegitimate loan sanctions.

Although Firstpost could not independently verify the news, there have been several reports suggesting that Priyanka's management had alleged that she wasn't paid the amount the two parties had agreed on.

A spokesperson for Priyanka Chopra said: "There are speculative reports that Priyanka Chopra has sued Nirav Modi. This is not true. However, she is currently seeking legal opinion with respect to terminating her contract with the brand in light of allegations of financial fraud against Nirav Modi."

Sources in the Finance Ministry are saying that the recapitalisation of the Punjab National Bank will not be impacted by the fraud case

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) must feel like Cassandra gifted with the ability to tell the future, but cursed that her prophecies would never be believed (she is a character in the Greek myth The Iliad, and sister of one of the main protagonists, Hector, Prince of Troy). The latest example is the Rs 11,000 crore plus fraud perpetrated in a Mumbai branch of Punjab National Bank.

Banks will have to be equipped with better risk management as NPAs pile-up

It also said none of the overseas branches of India-based banks had shared with PNB any documents or information at the time of extending buyers credit to the companies. PNB said Nirav Modi had written to the bank but had yet to offer any formal proposal for a repayment.

Banking sources have said several other banks who have extended loans based on the PNB LoUs that were later found to be fraudulent are at risk of losing money. Some of the banks say PNB is liable to pay since it issued the LoUs, although PNB, in a 12 February caution notice addressed to chief executives of 30 banks, including two foreign banks, said the other banks also have a share in the blame as they overlooked certain Indian central bank rules.

PNB has said the transactions are contingent in nature, and it will decide on the liability based on the law and the genuineness of underlying transactions, reported Reuters.

CBI has registered an FIR against Gitanjali Group of companies of Mehul Choksi (Nirav Modi's uncle and alleged partner) based on complaint of PNB

Validity of passports belonging to Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi suspended, both given a week's time to respond

"If they fail to respond within the stipulated time it will be assumed that they have no response to offer and the MEA will go ahead with the revocation," the ministry said in a statement.

The external affairs ministry suspended with immediate effect the passports of diamantaire Nirav Modi and his business partner Mehul Choksi for four weeks. The ministry gave them one week to respond why their passports should not be revoked.

"The PNB management is blaming other banks for not sharing details of their due diligence done on Modi's business. The $1.8 billion fraud is done on non-fund based transaction. The PNB management has to clarify what kind of due diligence it had done while lending to Modi's firms a sum of Rs 1,700 crore," CH Venkatachalam, General Secretary at All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) said.

He also asked the PNB management to reveal what kind of due diligence was done on diamond trader Nirav Modi and his companies before extending a loan of Rs 1,700 crore.

Only the naive would believe that just two officials were involved in the $1.8 billion fraud in Punjab National Bank (PNB) and that the whole bank was in the dark for the past seven years, said a top leader of a major bank union.

The Sebi and stock exchanges have begun analysing the stock market trade details of all entities associated with Modi including Choksi, who has already been under scanner for various cases including a brokerage default incident.

Incidentally, in July 2013, NSE in consultation with Sebi had debarred Gitanjali Gems chief and main promoter Mehul Choksi among others from trading, for securities market violations relating to trading in his company.

Sebi accords utmost importance to market conduct and integrity. Anyone found violating the securities laws will be dealt with firmly, a regulatory official said.

Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has launched a probe into trading and disclosure related issues in the matter of Punjab National Bank and Gitanjali Gems in connection with over Rs 11,000 crore banking fraud allegedly perpetrated by absconding Nirav Modi.

Bank loan frauds have steadily increased as well, reaching Rs 176.34 billion in the latest financial year from Rs 63.57 billion in 2012-13, according to the data, which doesnt include the PNB case.

The figures expose the magnitude of the problem in a banking sector already under pressure after years of poor lending practices. Bad loans surged to a record peak of nearly $149 billion in 2017.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, obtained through an RTI request, shows state-run banks have reported 8,670 loan fraud cases totalling Rs 612.6 billion over the last five financial years up to March 31, 2017.

Investors may have been shocked when one of Indias biggest banks disclosed a $1.77 billion fraud by a billionaire jeweller, but the central bank has recorded data that shows the problem runs far deeper and wider.

"UDAAN word is Narendra Modi's buzzword, Any scamster can flee and fly," said Surjewala said.

At a press conference, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that in the past 24 hours, the biggest fraud in India has been exposed. He added that the scam is worth Rs 21,306 crore

The Congress then played a video of one of Narendra Modi's 2015 address as evidence that he is familiar with Choksi. "Why is the Centre denying it?" asked Surjewala.

"From 7 May 2015 to May 2017, everybody knew about the fraud. They were even informed that this fraudster will flee. It is likely that Prime Minister Narendra Modi knows Mehul Choksi," Randeep Surjewala said on Thursday.

Ex-CBI director says it could take months or even years to track Nirav Modi's overseas money trail

Whistleblower Dinesh Dubey says he had sent dissent note against Gitanjali Gems to Centre, RBI in 2013

Everyone in Modi government was aware of the fraud being committed

"Rahul Gandhi was at Nirav Modi's 2013 exhibition and immediately Allahabad Bank gets notified about the fraud. Dubey wrote to all the important ministries in the Centre at that time. Finance secretary instead suggested Dubey to resign. This is the story. We want to ask, who pressurised the finance secretary? This is a UPA 'ghotala'," Prakash Javadekar said at a press briefing.

"All the wrong loans were sanctioned under the UPA government and it was passed on to us. We have not stopped any of the investigating agencies. This is one of the scams under the UPA. There is a difference between government scams and bank scams. They even have a party scam. It has come to light because of our alertness and our efforts to make banking systems transparent," Union minister Prakash Javadekar said at a press conference.

Nirav Modi scam has come to light because of our efforts: Centre

Asserting that the Centre is "making sure" that the money will be recovered, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said, "What UPA did was destroy the banking system. Coal scam, 2G, CWG are all government scams and they are not comparable with Nirav Modi scam(which allegedly began at a bank)."

Ex-CBI director says not necessary Nirav Modi will be extradited because of Interpol notice

Revenue secretary says Dinesh Dubey resigned in 2013 saying he was 'unhappy over something'

CBI carries out searches in 26 places across India after naming 3 companies in fresh FIR registered in PNB fraud case, reports PTI

At a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that Nirav Modi and other Indian CEOs were at Davos on their own. He further added that the Narendra Modi's impromptu meeting was not in any way an endorsement of Nirav Modi or his business.

MEA says Nirav Modi cannot move out of the country after suspension of passport

"The fact that an officer of the level of deputy manager, as is being reported in the media, could single-handedly wreck not only the country's second largest PSU bank but also several other lenders, shows how the risk management system is lacking in these entities and how a chain of command system was not there or was not followed, said the chamber.

The alleged fraudulent transactions from a single branch of the bank show how vulnerable Indian banks, especially PSBs, have become, with a dangerous potential contagion in the country's financial system, Assocham said.

India Inc on Friday called for swift and strict action against the companies who have allegedly defrauded Punjab National Bank, while expressing concern over the vulnerability of lenders.

During the investors' conference call, the bank chief reiterated that the incident was a standalone case. "We are looking at gaps in our existing controls, systems and trying to control them," he added.

He said the bank was going through some problems but "we will fix it", adding that the bank "will not spare anyone" involved in the crime.

"We will get back to normalcy within six months. Bank has the size and capacity to come out of the problem," Sunil Mehta, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Punjab National Bank. told a investors' conference call on Friday.

Despite the huge blow of $1.8 billion fraud, India's second largest public sector bank is hopeful of coming out of the problem in the next six months, according to its top official.

We will get back to normal within six months: PNB chief

"Some ripple effects are bound to happen and it (the fraud) will have some psychological impact on the mind of loan advancers. Whenever a banker is financing someone, he will be more cautious to check out whether there is any possibility of fraud or not. This could impact credit flow to the industry or lead to delay in extending advances," Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) Regional Chairman (Eastern Region) Prakash Chandra Pincha said.

However, they also said that in the wake of the fraud, the entire gems and jewellery industry should not be blamed or branded as "risky" industry.

Jewellery traders and exporters are apprehending that "ripple effects" of the $1.8 billion fraud involving billionaire diamond trader Nirav Modi's companies could make lenders more cautious and impact credit flow to the industry to some extent, officials said here on Friday.

"But with developments in the company going off-track, how much will it hold is something that time will decide," he added.

"Price-wise, the way the stock of Gitanjali Gems has slipped and the kind of circuit that we are seeing, probably the sequence may continue for some days. From a support perspective, Rs 29-30 is a support," Sacchitanand Uttekar, Assistant Vice-President at Research for Tradebulls, said.

Stocks of Gitanjali Gems, the luxury jewellery brand promoted by the main accused Nirav Modi's maternal uncle and business partner Mehul Choksi, plunged 19.94 percent to close at Rs 37.55 per share.

Following the $1.8 billion fraud detected by the Punjab National Bank (PNB), stocks of jewellery company Gitanjali Gems on Friday plunged almost 20 percent  hitting its lower circuit  while PNB's shares closed over 2 percent lower.

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has summoned senior officials from the Reserve Bank of India, the finance ministry and the Chief Vigilance Officer of Punjab National Bank (PNB), next week to assess how the fraud reported slipped past all the checks and balances in the system, The Hindu reported.

The Income Tax Department on Saturday provisionally attached 29 properties and 105 bank accounts of the diamond merchant Nirav Modi, his family and firms as part of its tax evasion probe

Nirav Modi may be holding dual citizenship, according to The Tribune report. Modi and his brother Nishal grew up in Belgium. According to intelligence sources Nishal had surrendered his Indian passport and acquired Belgian citizenship, added the report.

CBI on Saturday arrested Gokulnath Shetty former deputy manager of Punjab National Bank, Manoj Kharat, single window operator at PNB and Hemant Bhat, Authorised Signatory of the Nirav Modi Group of Firms, said media reports.

Congress leader Kapil Sibal, while taking dig at Prime Minister Narendrs Modi, said that the Chaukidar of the coutry is busy these days. "The situation which has arose today is because Chaukidar is sleeping. How can one say that the prime minister, finance minister did not know about the PNB fraud."

Sibal said that banks gave loan even though there was no collateral. He asked the government why action was not being taken against loan defaulters. "If India's economic situations worsens, investors will lose trust. Nivar Modi scam can be called ease of doing business. We don't want this kind of ease of doing business," said the congress leader.

Finance ministry knew that the country was being looted, says Kapil Sibal

PM should disclose who travells with him on official tours: Sibal

He alleged that in 2015 there was a complaint file regarding the PNB issue but PMO replied that this had been 'dealt with'. "How was it dealt it? This proves that they were aware of all this," asked Sibal

Sibal said that with ill-intentions, the BJP brought India's economy to its knees. "I challenge BJP to come and talk about UPA's governance and their governance," said the congress leader.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday conducted raids at Nirav Modi's franchise Gitanjali Gems Store in Durgapur, West Bengal. The ED also seized diamond and jewellery worth Rs 3 crore in raids at Gitanjali and Nakshatra Jewellers in Jaipur.

The agency said that many old LoUs too were renewed in 2017. Nirav Modi and his relatives were rolling over the LoU money by getting them renewed, added the report.

The CBI has said that a majority of the Letters of Understanding (LoUs) in the Punjab National Bank fraud were either issued or were renewed in the bank in 2017-18, The Indian Express reported.

"Original sin in Nirav Modi fraud was committed in 2011. The Letters of Understand (LoU) hold good only for 90 days. But the accused PNB officer kept rolling the LoUs till he got retired. He didn't put details in banking system which lead to no one detecting the scam," Sitharaman said.

BJP leader and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, in a press conference, said that Congress' allegations against the Centre are misleading people. She said that repeating lies is a strategy being adopted by Congress.

Nirmala Sitharaman said that the entire might of the government has been invoked to nab Nirav Modi. She said that Centre put all concerned authorities in action immediately after the PNB fraud came to light.

"Adwait Holding owns a commercial property at Lower Parel, as it does elsewhere, which was rented by Firestone many years ago. Neither Adwait nor my family has any interest with Nirav Modi or Firestone. Firestone vacated Parel's Kamala Mills premises in December 2017," Singhvi further explained.

"Nirmala Sitharaman and her colleagues are liable to civil and criminal defamation for making ignorant and patently false allegations," Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said according to ANI. "Neither my wife, sons nor me have anything whatsoever to do with Gitanjali or Nirav Modi's companies. The company was a tenant of a Kamala Mills properties owned by Adwait Holdings in which my wife and sons are directors," he added.

Neither my wife, sons nor me have anything whatsoever to do with Gitanjali or Nirav Modi companies, says Abhishek Manu Singhvi

"NDA's cheap sense of politics has reached ludicrous and ridiculous proportions," Abhishek Singhvi says on Twitter in retaliation to Nirmala Sitharaman's charges against him

"When will the finance minister and the prime minister come clean on the Nirav Modi scam?" Congress asks on Twitter

ANI reports that the three accused are Gokulnath Shetty, then deputy manager of Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Manoj Kharat, SWO (single window operator) of PNB and Hemant Bhat, Authorised Signatory of the Nirav Modi Group of Firms.

"Nirav Modi took away Rs 22,000 crores. The prime minister can teach kids how to take an exam for one and a half hours but he can't tell the country who is responsible for the money Nirav Modi took away. The prime minister must answer what is he going to do about it," Congress president Rahul Gandhi said after the Congress steering committee on Saturday. Rahul also rejected the BJP's charge that he has personal ties with Nirav Modi, saying they are trying to divert the issue.

Enforcement Directorate conducted further searches at 21 locations across India in Nirav Modi case and seized diamonds, gold, precious stones, metals and jewellery worth Rs 25 crore, reports ANI. Total seizure now stands at Rs 5,674 crore, ED added.

Speaking to CNN-News18, former executive of Gitanjali Gems, Santosh Srivastava slammed Mehul Choksi, who is now at the eye of the storm for siphoning off Rs 11,400 crore from Punjab National Bank. "Choksi created an unprofessional institution. It was an one man show at Gitanjali. He threatened me when I decided to tell the truth," Srivastava said.

WATCH: Srivastava says he has been writing to authorities since 2015 but with no success

News18 reported that CVC was not satisfied with the information given by top brass of the Punjab National Bank. According to the report, it wants vigilance officer of PNB to step in and report back on lapses. The CVC will also issue fresh guidelines to all banks.

According to News18, at least six to seven employees are being questioned inside the branch by the Central Bureau of Investigation. According to the report, the CBI is investigating whether there are more people involved in the scam.

FICCI, the representative body of Indian private companies has pushed for privatisation of public sector banks. Claiming that the recapitalisation of banks have had little impact on the health of public sector banking, FICCI believed that financial irregularities have been affecting India's image as a business friendly nation.

Celebrity jeweller and prime accused in the alleged Rs 11,400-crore Punjab National Bank fraud Nirav Modi will be represented by advocate Vijay Aggarwal in the courts, said media reports on Monday. Aggarwal has previously represented a number of accused in the 2G spectrum allocation scam case.

The Shiv Sena on Sunday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the multi-crore-rupee Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam and alleged that diamond czar Nirav Modi, who is at the centre of the scandal, had been a "partner" of the BJP and helped it collect funds for elections.

Investigation agencies believe billionaire businessman may be in Dubai. According to India Today, the CBI may have got a tip-off from undisclosed sources and is currently seeking Interpol's help to nab Modi.

According to News18, the government has written to RBI asking if lapses have been noticed on five counts. The report added that RBI's response is expected after due diligence with banks.

The CBI is questioning Vipul Ambani, the Chief Financial Officer of diamantaire Nirav Modi's Fire Star diamond company, officials said on Monday. They said Vipul Ambani was holding the position for last three to four years. He is understood to be a relative of late Dhirubhai Ambani, reported PTI.

According to a News18 investigation, the FIR filed by the CBI stated that eight LoUs were issued. However, the investigation claims that 150 LoUs were issued to Nirav Modi, the alleged mastermind of the 11,000 crore scam.

According to CNN-News18, the Rs.11,000 crore scam is just the tip of the iceberg. One-hundred fifty LoUs (Letters of Understanding) and 233 foreign letters of credit were issued to Nirav Modi, the report said.

In its latest complaint to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), an exclusive copy of which is with Firstpost, the PNB gave vague responses to the investigators' questions and directed them to the in-house probe.

The PNB has also contradicted itself by admitting that there are several loopholes in Letters of Undertaking (LoUs), which could have been easily detected.

Even before the investigating agencies begin their probe, an in-house inquiry by state-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB), which was allegedly defrauded of Rs 11,360 crore by diamond merchant Nirav Modi and his maternal uncle Mehul Choksi, has given a clean chit to its auditors and blamed foreign branches of Indian banks.

The bank's Sethia to Modi-Choksi story spans almost 30 years. But, nothing about the PNB seems to have changed. It is still a ripe, rotten mango waiting to be plucked by those with smart brains and right connections.

Much, much before our Mehul (Choksi) Bhai and his nephew Nirav Modi unburdened the bank of nearly Rs 11,000 crore and counting, the PNB had found itself in a similar soup because of another high-flying businessman, the suave Rajendra Sethia.

Nirav Modi's fraud case not a first for Punjab National Bank, it has been a sitting duck for decades

Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths are examining details of over 250 shell firms linked to Nirav Modi, his brother and Mehul Choksi, which they suspect were used to move ill-gotten financial assets after they defrauded state-owned Punjab National Bank of Rs 11,360 crore. These ghost entities, sources said, allegedly acted like a sleeper cell to launder money in India and abroad.

ED begins attachment of various properties of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi in Mumbai, reports News18. The total assets seized as of now stands at Rs 5716 crores.

Firstpost takes a look at the events that unfolded since 16 January when the Punjab National Bank first found out about the fraudulent transactions in what has now become the largest banking scam in Indian history.

ED Director Karnal Singh has reached Mumbai to take over the probe into the Punjab National Bank fraud case, reports Moneycontrol . The report adds that the Enforcement Directorate might also issue Letters of Rogatory to Hong Kong and other nations where they suspect that funds were diverted

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has asked Punjab National Bank and finance ministry officials to submit a report on how the scam took place despite monetary regulations to avoid the same being in place. ANI reports that the commission has given the bank 10 days to formulate the report.

Corporate frauds like the Nirav Modi scam, phenomenal rise in non-performing assets (NPAs), new provisions like bail-in under Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) regime are a multi-pronged conspiracy aimed at weakening India's predominantly public-owned banking system. This would result in corporate appropriation of public savings besides diverting household savings into speculative investment to fuel market bubbles. Thus, the Nirav Modi scam is not an aberration.

A tiny, decrepit room in Kalbadevi, a chawl in Kalyan, a run-down accommodation in Dahisar, and an old Amboli flat with barely any amenities are the registered residential addresses of directors appointed by the companies of wanted billionaire jeweller Mehul Choksi, reported Bombay Mirror . These people are actually ordinary employees and small-time retail investors who were persuaded by the companies to serve as top company members on paper.

Chawl residents and people living in one-room tenements listed as directors of Nakshatra Brand Limited and Gili India Limited

I-T department serves notice to Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi for unaccounted payment to the tune of Rs 4.5 crore out of which only Rs 1.5 crores was paid in cheque.The notice was sent after transactions showed Singhvi had bought diamonds worth Rs 6 crores.- CNN-News 18

It is inappropriate to assume that Congress is involved in this matter: NCP leader Majeed Memon

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi denies charges, says,"We must have purchased jewellery from various stores. But, there is no cash transaction with Nirav Modi."

International rating agencies Moody's Investor Service and Fitch Ratings today warned the scam-hit Punjab National Bank (PNB) of rating downgrades, citing likely net worth erosion and widening losses at the second largest state-run lender. The Rs 11,400-crore fraudthe biggest in the country's banking historyhas raised questions on both internal and external risk controls at PNB as well as the quality of management supervision at the regulatory level considering that the fraud went undetected for several years, the agencies said.- PTI

In a letter written to Punjab National Bank, Nirav Modi has accused the bank of destroying his brand and says the move has jeopardised his ability to repay banks, media reports said.

"We want a discussion on the PNB fraud case in the ongoing session of the state assembly. We hope the ruling party won't have any objection. We will submit it very soon," Leader of Opposition and Congress MLA Abdul Mannan said.- PTI

The Opposition Congress and CPM on Tuesday demanded a discussion on the Punjab National Bank fraud case in the ongoing session of the state Assembly. The ruling Trinamool Congress is yet to take a call on the issue and mocked Congress and CPM for staging walkout from the house during most of the discussions.

Singhvi asks why no one else received a notice in this regard first

Meanwhile, Congress leader spokesperson Manish Tewari said question does not stop at Nirav Modi and Vikram Kothari but extends to the credibility of entire banking sector.

Congress leader Manish Tewari defends Manu Singhvi, says the question is whether the Centre wants to remain 'helpless' in the PNB scam or not. - CNN-News 18

Congress defends Manu Singhvi, says question is whether Indian govt wants to remain 'helpless' in case or not

Gitanjali employees were handed over relieving letters and were refused gratuity. The employees soon took to the roads and decided to protest demanding February salary.

Punjab National Bank's market valuation has slumped by Rs 10,939 crore in five days, which is nearly equal to the massive Rs 11,384-crore fraud at the company, even as the stock made a marginal recovery today The stock had dropped in the previous four trading sessions. In the past one week, the stock has lost nearly 28 percent PNB's market valuation fell by Rs 10,938.78 crore to Rs 28,270.22 crore on Tuesday from Rs 39,209 crore on 12 February. The company's scrip meanwhile staged a marginal recovery today ending 0.13 per cent higher at Rs 116.55 on BSE. - PTI

As the owner of Gitanjali, Mehul Choksi continues to abscond, the employees have been given relieving letters.

Centre has taken case seriously and already seized more than 5,000 crore assets: Amit Shah

I would like to request Modiji to bring back the other Modiji (Nirav Modi): Rahul Gandhi

It is incumbent upon the state to chase those who cheat the banking system: Arun Jaitley

On Tuesday night, the CBI made its first high-profile arrest in the Rs 11,400 crore alleged Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam on Tuesday, taking into custody Vipul Ambani, the head of finance of Nirav Modi's Firestar Diamond.

The Supreme Court will hear a plea seeking the deportation of diamond merchant Nirav Modi, the main accused in the alleged Rs 11,300 crore scam, Times Now reported.

It is alleged that the issuance of Letters of Undertaking (LOUs) to Nirav Modi group firms without sanctioned limits started during his tenure. Jindal is presently posted as general manager, credit, at PNB's head office in New Delhi. It is alleged that Rs 11,400 crore of LoUs were fraudulently issued to the firms of Nirav Modi and Choksi.

The CBI has arrested a general manager-rank officer of the Punjab National Bank posted at the bank's head office in New Delhi connection with the alleged Rs 11,400 crore fraud involving billionaire jewellers Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, officials said. The arrested accused, identified as Rajesh Jindal, was the head of the bank's Brady House branch in Mumbai during 2009-11.

A Firstpost investigation into the Punjab National Bank-Nirav Modi fraud case shows that corruption has gone into the very bone and marrow of state-owned banks and this is not just a 'one-off' for several banks, including PNB and others like UCO and Canara, which have encountered exposure in the Modi-Mehul Choksi scam.

Late night parties at plush farmhouses and hefty kickbacks to top bank officials are two 'compulsory' requirements for scamsters to access the loans from public sector banks that they fully know would turn into Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).

In a statement, PHD Chamber said it is surprised how the bank's internal audit system failed to detect anomalies in transactions leading to the alleged fraudulent loans given out to the borrowers.

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday expressed concern over what it termed as the "crisis" triggered in the banking industry following the fraud detected in state-run Punjab National Bank.

A special CBI court on Tuesday remanded three officials of Punjab National Bank in police custody till 3 March. These three were arrested on Monday in connection with alleged fraud of Rs 11,384 crore, while observing that there is a possibility of their involvement in diverting the bank money. During the arguments over the custody of the trio, the CBI told the court that key accused Gokulnath Shetty, then deputy manager (now retired) of PNB, had told them that issuing of the Letter of Undertakings (LoUs) had been going on since 2008.

Nirav Modi, the alleged kingpin of the Rs 11,400 crore Punjab National Bank scam, is not absconding but is out on business, the diamond merchant's lawyer has told the media. "He has a global business and he went out of India for business purpose. Now his passport has been revoked. His family members, some of them are foreign nationals, also stay abroad most of the time," the lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, was quoted as saying by DNA .

This apart, there are RBI and government representatives on the boards of large banks who are supposed to keep an eye on all transactions and ensure that nothing goes amiss. "But it appears that all of them were sleeping when a fraud was developing," the banker added.

Looking at PNB-like frauds, if someone thinks that there are no checks in place in the system, they are wrong. "There are checks but no one really cares," said a banker. "Besides daily checks, the bank also does concurrent audits, which happen concurrently throughout the year. Such fraud should have reflected there," the official said.

Nirav Modi not the first the first; Indias banks have long been beaten by frauds

Refusing to entertain a PIL filed by a lawyer seeking a probe by the apex court into the Punjab National Bank fraud case, the Supreme Court said it was "becoming fashionable" to run to the courts and it was only right to let the government complete its investigation. It also called such PILs "publicity interest litigations".

Attorney General KK Venugopal has told the Supreme Court that the investigation is ongoing and an FIR has been registered. The court has fixed the next date of hearing for 16 March.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on quick action mode, has rolled out some strict measures in the aftermath of the Rs 11,400 crore Punjab National Bank scam. An expert committee will be formed, while the central bank has also issued guidelines and safeguards that banks are meant to implement.

The plea has asked for a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the banking fraud, allegedly involving billionaire jewellers Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. It has also sought a probe into the role of the top management of the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

The PIL has made Punjab National Bank, Reserve Bank of India and the ministries of finance and law and justice as parties. It has sought a direction for initiation of deportation proceedings against Nirav Modi and others allegedly involved in the banking fraud, preferably within two months.

Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, said he was opposing the PIL on various grounds, including that an inquiry has started after the FIR was registered.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud said it would not say anything on the matter now and listed the PIL filed by lawyer Vineet Dhanda for further hearing on 16 March.

The Centre on Wednesday opposed in the Supreme Court a PIL seeking an independent probe and deportation of billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi in the over Rs 11,000 crore PNB fraud case, saying an FIR has been lodged and a probe was on.

In response to the prime minister's suggestion for ideas for his 28 January 'Mann ki Baat' programme, Rahul had urged him to tell the country about India's plans on stopping rapes, getting the Chinese out of Doklam and jobs for the youth.

Rahul also labelled the prime minister's programme aired on All India Radio a monologue and said the country wants to hear him speak on billionaire diamond jeweller Nirav Modi and the Rafale "scam".

Congress president Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his silence on the PNB bank fraud and the Rafale deal, saying sarcastically that he looked forward to his "sermon" on the issues in his "Mann ki Baat" programme.

"We have adequate capital coupled with strong non core asset base," said the PNB tweet as multi-agency probe widened into the fraud. PNB also said that it has the capacity and capability to "handle the situation" and protect the interest of the institution.

Earlier in February, the bank said that it has been hit by a fraud amounting to about $1.77 billion. The alleged fraud was affected by fraudulent Letter of Undertakings (LOUs) issued to firms of diamantaire Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi.

"Be rest assured we have a strong sovereign backing. The core strengths of the bank is the brand image with rich 123 years of existence, strong CASA base, stable asset quality and increased pace of digitisation," PNB said.

The country's second largest lender has also dismissed media reports that it has imposed restrictions on withdrawals.

Scam-hit PNB has assured investors and customers that it has a strong sovereign backing and adequate capital to deal with the situation in the aftermath of the Rs 11,400 crore fraud. "We assure you that in your bank, it is business as usual," state-owned Punjab National Bank said in a tweet.

"But, it appears that all of them were sleeping when a fraud was developing," said the banker. That apart, given the tremendous pressure on bankers to generate business, top-level officers often turn a blind eye to illegal business activities.

This apart, there are RBI and government representatives on the boards of large banks who are supposed to keep an eye on all transactions and ensure that nothing goes amiss.

For instance, the SWIFT messaging platform that was used by the perpetrators in the PNB case is subjected to a daily check by the branch manager, which is compulsory in any bank. Even if one imagines that this part failed, the branch manager has to do a daily tally of income and expenditure in the branch while one of the officers (not involved in the transactions) combs through the books to look for suspicious transactions, the official said.

Looking at PNB-like frauds, if someone thinks that there are no checks in place in the system, they are wrong. "There are checks but no one really cares," said a banker who requested anonymity. He takes the example of the LoU (Letters of Undertakings) fraud in PNB. If a branch-level official does a transaction of this manner for a period of seven years, it can get caught at different levels if any of the checks in place triggered this illegal activity.

The six were arrested on Tuesday in connection with two FIRs registered by the CBI involving Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, the owner of Gitanjali Gems.

A special court in Mumbai on Wednesday remanded Vipul Ambani, the president (finance) of Nirav Modi's Fire Star Diamond, and five others in CBI custody till 5 March in connection with the Rs 11,400 crore alleged fraud in Punjab National Bank (PNB).

The 1.5 acre farm house in the uber rich neighbourhood at a stone's throw distance from Arabian sea was purchased by Modi in 2004 for Rs 32 crore for hosting special parties for his clientele to show case his precious jewellery collection, they said.

The CBI on Wednesday sealed a luxury property of billionaire Nirav Modi in Alibaug area near Mumbai, officials said.

The official also said that they have seized documents during searches at the office of Firestar at Peninsula Business Park in Mumbai's Lower Parel that "prove" that Ambani knew what was being done.

The CBI official said the agency during its probe found that Ambani not only visited and met PNB's officials at the Brady House branch but also met other bank officials in Mumbai and New Delhi.

"Ambani was fully aware of the fraudulent and illegal LoUs issued by Shetty who was a deputy manager at PNB's Brady House branch in Mumbai. (This was being done) in conspiracy and (under the) guidance of Nirav Modi and other employees of his firm," a senior CBI official told IANS in New Delhi.

Ambani was arrested on Tuesday and is being continuously grilled by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials in Mumbai.

Vipul Ambani, an arrested aide of fugitive billionaire Nirav Modi, knew about the fraudulent and illegal Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) issued by the Punjab National Bank in the Rs 11,400 crore fraud, CBI officials said on Wednesday.

The ED, in the past few days, has raided showrooms of the Gitanjali Group at a number of locations in Patna, Muzaffarpur and Kishanganj and seized valuables worth crores of rupees.

The jewellers, spread across towns like Patna, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur and Gaya, have been asked to surrender their stocks at the agency's zonal office in Patna, failing which they may have to face legal action, an ED official said.

The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday said it has identified 50 jewellers across Bihar with suspected stocks of the Geetanjali Group, which is under the scanner in the aftermath of the Punjab National Bank scam.

The note sent by the banks head office in New Delhi to all regional offices on 17 February also stated any SWIFT message will have to be created, verified and authorised by three different officers, starting Thursday. Previously only two individuals were needed for the process.

The new measures mean only PNB officers will be able to initiate messages on SWIFT, taking away the authority of clerks to do so. Several new limits have been placed on the amount that officers can generate depending on their seniority in the bank hierarchy.

Indias state-run Punjab National Bank has stepped up its controls on the use of global payments network SWIFT following an alleged $1.77 billion fraud, according to memos issued this month and seen by Reuters.

The I-T department issued notices to several clients, including Congress leader Singhvi, of Nirav Modi for making large payments to him in cash, reports CNN-News18.

Looking at PNB-like frauds, if someone thinks that there are no checks in place in the system, they are wrong. "There are checks but no one really cares," said another banker who too requested anonymity. He takes the example of the LoU (Letters of Undertakings) fraud in PNB. If a branch-level official does a transaction of this manner for a period of seven years, it can get caught at different levels if any of the checks in place triggered this illegal activity.

The instances of fraudulent transactions and loan scams involving bank officials continued. This included both and big and small frauds  Citibank fraud, Bank of Baroda forex scam, Syndicate Bank fraud and several other lesser-known scams. In most instances, the victims were public sector banks and culprits their own officials. Most cash-for-loan scams happened through middlemen.

PNB, Nirav Modi, arent the first; Indias PSBs have long been beaten by frauds

With Wednesday's seizure, the total value of gems and gold jewellery seized by the ED stands at Rs 5,736 crore. The agency has said it is carrying out an "independent valuation" of these seized assets.

While the ED seized assets worth Rs 10 crore on Wenesday, the tax department said it has attached a total of 141 bank accounts and fixed deposits worth Rs 145.74 crore of the Nirav Modi group. The department said it has attached these assets to realise outstanding tax demands.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday continued raids for the seventh day as it visited 17 locations across the country, including four shell companies in Mumbai, even as the I-T department attached assets worth Rs 145 crore in the alleged Rs 11,400-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud.

It fell for sixth consecutive session on Wednesday. The stocks of the jewellery company plunged by 9.85 percent to close at the lower circuit of Rs 27.45 per share on Wednesday. Market capitalisation of the company stood at Rs 325.60 crore, down from Rs 695.08 crore.

Within a week of surfacing of Rs 11,400 Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, Gitanjali Gems' stock has nosedived over 56 percent.

According to CNN-News18, jeweller Nirav Modi is holed up at friend Rashmi Mehta's house 27, Berkenlaan, in Antwerp, Belgium, reported CNN-News18.

According to CNN-News18, investigative agencies could not trace absconding billionnaire Nirav Modi as he used his Belgian passport to fly out of Davos.

On the other hand, Bipasha Basu, who endorsed Gili, accused the Gitanjali Gems group of using her photographs even after her contract expired.

According to News18 , the actresses have accused Mehul Choksi-owned Gitanjali Gems of non payment of dues and breach of contract. A spokesperson for Ranaut said, "There are outstandings due on Kanganas Nakshatra endorsement, beyond the stipulated contract." She was the company's brand ambassador since 2016 and claims she has not been paid her dues fully for endorsing the jewellery brand.

Laws which govern the functioning of RBI need to be changed to bring about transparency and accountability. This has to then be supported by scrutiny into the functioning of the institution. A tragedy is a terrible thing to waste. The legislature should take a relook at the legislative framework of transparency, accountability and governance of RBI. The Draft Indian Financial Code addresses many of these concerns and there is need to incorporate its principles in primary legislation.

Various process failures of public sector banks in India are not new. What is new in the PNB fraud is that, for the first time, questions are being raised about the supervisory capacity and systems in Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The government has written to the RBI asking for why the scam was not detected in its systems. Concerned citizens have asked for similar information in the past and disclosures by RBI have not been adequate.

The ED on Thursday said it has frozen mutual funds and shares worth Rs 94.52 crore of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups in connection with a money laundering probe against them in the Rs 11,400-crore alleged fraud at the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

In its note, the agency has made a startling revelation that even top officials of the PNB beginning with the zonal to head office was aware of the business dealing with Nirav Modi's companies and the assertion that top officials were ignorant has been neutralised by the probe agency.

For hours on Wednesday, sleuths from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were frustrated as they were trying to find out how fake Letter of Undertakings (LoUs) and Foreign Letter of Credits (FLCs) running into thousands of crores was drafted and subsequently sanctioned by the Punjab National Bank (PNB) officials. The two executives of Nirav Modi admitted to preparing and signing the applications made to PNB but they refused to disclose details how and where such applications were finalised.

A special CBI court in Mumbai on Wednesday sent to police custody, till 5 March, five senior executives of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi Group of Companies, including Vipul Ambani, who were arrested on Tuesday in conection with the Rs 11,400 crore Punjab National Bank fraud.

Vipul Ambani, Firestar International's president (Finance), was director of eight shell companies, India Today TV reported quoting unnamed sources. It also added that Ambani is singing while in CBI custody.

Have followed lawful avenues available to recover dues from Nirav Modi, says PNB

On the other hand, Bipasha Basu, who endorsed Gili, accused the Gitanjali Gems group of using her photographs even after her contract expired.

According to News18 , the actresses have accused Mehul Choksi-owned Gitanjali Gems of non payment of dues and breach of contract. A spokesperson for Ranaut said, "There are outstandings due on Kanganas Nakshatra endorsement, beyond the stipulated contract." She was the company's brand ambassador since 2016 and claims she has not been paid her dues fully for endorsing the jewellery brand.

#PNBScam : ED seized 9 cars belonging to #NiravModi and his companies. These cars include one Rolls Royce Ghost, two Mercedes Benz GL 350 CDIs, one Porsche Panamera, 3 Honda cars, one Toyota Fortuner and one Toyota Innova.

ED also froze mutual funds and shares worth Rs 7.80 Crore of #NiravModi and worth Rs 86.72 crore of those belonging to #MehulChoksi Group.

ED seized 9 cars belonging to #NiravMod and his companies. These cars include one Rolls Royce Ghost, two Mercedes Benz GL 350 CDIs, one Porsche Panamera, 3 Honda cars, one Toyota Fortuner and one Toyota Innova. pic.twitter.com/Kfx0rkPrIW

Laws which govern the functioning of RBI need to be changed to bring about transparency and accountability. This has to then be supported by scrutiny into the functioning of the institution. A tragedy is a terrible thing to waste. The legislature should take a relook at the legislative framework of transparency, accountability and governance of RBI. The Draft Indian Financial Code addresses many of these concerns and there is need to incorporate its principles in primary legislation.

Various process failures of public sector banks in India are not new. What is new in the PNB fraud is that, for the first time, questions are being raised about the supervisory capacity and systems in Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The government has written to the RBI asking for why the scam was not detected in its systems. Concerned citizens have asked for similar information in the past and disclosures by RBI have not been adequate.

The ED on Thursday said it has frozen mutual funds and shares worth Rs 94.52 crore of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups in connection with a money laundering probe against them in the Rs 11,400-crore alleged fraud at the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

According to Moneycontrol , a finance ministry official told CNBC-TV18 that the ministry was planning to seek Banks Board Bureau's (BBB) inputs on whether a PNB top management reshuffle is possible.

Finance ministry to seek BBB's input to see if PNB top management reshuffle is possible

In its note, the agency has made a startling revelation that even top officials of the PNB beginning with the zonal to head office was aware of the business dealing with Nirav Modi's companies and the assertion that top officials were ignorant has been neutralised by the probe agency.

For hours on Wednesday, sleuths from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were frustrated as they were trying to find out how fake Letter of Undertakings (LoUs) and Foreign Letter of Credits (FLCs) running into thousands of crores was drafted and subsequently sanctioned by the Punjab National Bank (PNB) officials. The two executives of Nirav Modi admitted to preparing and signing the applications made to PNB but they refused to disclose details how and where such applications were finalised.

A special CBI court in Mumbai on Wednesday sent to police custody, till 5 March, five senior executives of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi Group of Companies, including Vipul Ambani, who were arrested on Tuesday in conection with the Rs 11,400 crore Punjab National Bank fraud.

Vipul Ambani, Firestar International's president (Finance), was director of eight shell companies, India Today TV reported quoting unnamed sources. It also added that Ambani is singing while in CBI custody.

#BREAKING -- Have followed lawful avenues available to recover our dues from Nirav Modi. Disciplinary authority's reply awaited on arrest of bank officials: PNB #BigBankScam pic.twitter.com/cpo4UUtiJf

Have followed lawful avenues available to recover dues from Nirav Modi, says PNB

Latest update, 12.30 pm: According to media reports, the finance ministry is planning to seek Banks Board Bureau's inputs to see if a reshuffling of PNB's top management is possible.

A special CBI court in Mumbai on Wednesday sent to police custody, till 5 March, five senior executives of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi Group of Companies, including Vipul Ambani, who were arrested on Tuesday in conection with the Rs 11,400 crore Punjab National Bank fraud.

The Central Bureau of Investigation had nabbed Vipul Ambani, Firestar International's president (Finance), and four other high-ranking executives belonging to the group companies of absconding billionaire diamond trader Nirav Modi and his maternal uncle Choksi.

They also include Kavita Mankikar, an executive assistant and authorised signatory with three firms of the Firestar group, and Firestar's senior executive Arjun Patil - who were both named in the original FIR lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after the scam was reported by PNB.

There is also Nakshatra Group and Gitanjali Group's CFO Kapil Khandelwal and Gitanjali Group's manager Niten Shahi - both group companies owned by Choksi.

"Ambani was fully aware of the fraudulent and illegal LoUs issued by Shetty who was a deputy manager at PNB's Brady House branch in Mumbai. (This was being done) in conspiracy and (under the) guidance of Nirav Modi and other employees of his firm," a senior CBI official told IANS in New Delhi.

The CBI official said the agency during its probe found that Ambani not only visited and met PNB's officials at the Brady House branch but also met other bank officials in Mumbai and New Delhi.

The official also said that they have seized documents during searches at the office of Firestar at Peninsula Business Park in Mumbai's Lower Parel that "prove" that Ambani knew what was being done.

The arrests and remand came in the CBI's ongoing investigations into the alleged fraudulent transactions perpetrated through 150 Letters of Undertaking (LoU) and other acts committed by them in the PNB fraud unearthed at the Brady House Branch in south Mumbai last week.

Earlier, the CBI had arrested Bechhu Tiwari, the PNB's chief manager who was in-charge of Forex Department, Yashwant Joshi, a Scale II Manager in the same department and Praful Sawant, a Scale I Officer in Exports section.

Last Saturday the CBI had arrested three persons, including two retired PNB officials - former DGM Gokulnath Shetty and Single Window Operator Manoj Kharat, besides Hemant Bhat, the authorised signatory for Nirav Modi Group.

All the six above have been sent to police custody till 5 March.

With inputs from IANS
The six were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the PNB fraud case in two FIRs registered by the CBI involving Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, the owner of Gitanjali Gems.

Mumbai: A special court in Mumbai on Wednesday remanded Vipul Ambani, the president (finance) of Nirav Modi's Fire Star Diamond, and five others in CBI custody till 5 March in connection with the Rs 11,400 crore alleged fraud in Punjab National Bank (PNB).

The six were arrested on Tuesday in connection with two FIRs registered by the CBI involving Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, the owner of Gitanjali Gems.

The FIRs are related to fraudulent issuance of 150 Letters of Undertaking (LoU), a kind of bank guarantee, worth Rs 6,498 crore and 143 LoUs worth Rs 4,886 crore, issued during 2011-17.

Ambani, Kavita Mankikar (executive assistant and authorised signatory of three firms - Diamond R US, Stellar Diamond, Solar Exports), Arjun Patil (senior executive, Firestar group), and Rajesh Jindal, the then-head of the Brady House branch of PNB, were listed as accused in the FIR registered by the CBI on 31 January.

Those arrested in connection with Choksi's firms are Nakshatra group and Gitanjali group CFO Kapil Khandelwal and Gitanjali group manager Niten Shahi.

The six were remanded in CBI custody till 5 March by Special Court judge SR Tamboli.

While seeking Shahi's custody, the CBI said he fabricated applications and related documents for issuance of purported LoUs for fraudulently availing buyers credit from PNB.

Shahi claimed that all documents were prepared and submitted to Shetty at the instance of one Vipul Chatalia, it said, adding that he was evasive on what was done with the documents once the transactions were completed.

"It is understood that Shetty was returning the set of documents without making the entries in their books although the corresponding SWIFT messages were conveyed to the overseas bank", the agency said.

According to the CBI, "there is every reason" to believe that Shahi had actively participated in the conspiracy and was aware of other conspirators, the modus operandi adopted and of the end-use of defrauded funds.

On Khandelwal's role, the CBI said he was reporting to Choksi and was privy to all transactions, including the illegal ones.

"He admitted that he was looking after various credit limits that were extended to the companies by PNB. During examination, he stated the companies were only undertaking transactions, including imports, against credit limits sanctioned to them," the CBI said.

Special Public Prosecutor Limosin A told the court that they had to unearth how and where these documents for the issuance of LOUs and FLCs were prepared.

He said the agency wanted to recover the documents relating to issuance of LOUs which were handed back by Shetty after transactions and unearth utilisation of the proceeds of the defrauded amount.

"We have to identity other accomplices involved, identify the modus operandi, and to ascertain how many other banks have been defrauded", said Limosin.

On Ambani's role, the agency said being the finance department's head from May 2013 to November 2017, he was aware of the fraudulent and illegal LOUs which were being issued by Shetty in conspiracy and guidance of Modi and other employees.

He was visiting and meeting not only the Brady House branch officials of PNB but also the officials of its circle and zonal offices.

"Ambani's knowledge of the fraudulent transactions is proved from the fact that during searches at his office, the applications of fraudulent LoUs made to PNB by the three firms of Nirav Modi were seized," the CBI stated in its remand application.

"The documents and circumstances prove his (Ambani's) knowledge of the fraudulent applications for LOUs being made in the same premises of Firestar group companies.

"They also prove deliberate acts of omission by Ambani by not protesting the issuance of such fraudulent LoUs that led to the continuance of concealment and large-scale fraud in this case of PNB and loss and diversion of thousands of crores of public funds. This fact proves his part in this sinister conspiracy to cheat PNB," the agency said.

On Mankikar's role, CBI said she was the authorised signatory of Modi's firms that fraudulently obtained LoUs from PNB for the issuance of buyers credit.

"She had fraudulently signed the applications for issuance of the LoUs. She told the agency that she was signing documents as per Modi's instructions without knowing facts or ramifications of her actions," the CBI said.

According to the CBI, Patil had prepared the application submitted to PNB in the name of Modi's firms for issuance of buyers credit. "He has not disclosed how and where such applications were fraudulently prepared," the agency said.

Seeking remand of Jindal, the CBI said they questioned him about the LoUs issued during his tenure in 2010-2011. "He allowed Shetty to continue issuing LoUs without following existing banking procedure, policy guidelines of PNB and RBI," it said.

Opposing the custody of the accused, defence lawyers told the court that they had revealed to the CBI whatever they knew.
The external affairs ministry on Thursday said it has a sort of acknowledgement from Nirav Modi, one of the accused in the over Rs 11,000 crore PNB scam, of the show cause notice on why his passport should not be revoked and that the notice has now been sent to a 'requested' email id.

New Delhi: The external affairs ministry on Thursday said it has a sort of acknowledgement from Nirav Modi, one of the accused in the over Rs 11,000 crore PNB scam, of the show cause notice on why his passport should not be revoked and that the notice has now been sent to a "requested" email id.

The comments by external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar come a day ahead of the expiry of the one-week time given to Modi and his uncle and promoter of the Gitanjali Gems group Mehul Choksi to respond why their passports should not be revoked.

On the location of Modi, Kumar said, "The matter should be addressed to the law enforcement agencies. There are certain investigations and legal procedures which need to be completed before the ministry comes into the picture."

Asked about the notice to Modi, he said, "He has acknowledged in the sense there was some confusion on the address where it was to be sent... and the request had been received to send notice to a particular email id. Accordingly, the notice was sent to the email id as requested."

Kumar also noted that on the advice of investigation agencies, the ministry did suspend passports of Modi and Choksi.

"They are supposed to reply within a stipulated time. If they do not reply, we will take further action. Once we send it to their address, sometimes we also send it to their email, so that he is in receipt of the intimation and is bound to reply within a stipulated time to the notice and the charges which we have explained to him," he said. "If the replies are not satisfactory, then the passport is revoked. If he does not reply, then again the same thing happens," the spokesperson added.

Modi, Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies after the fraud came to light recently following a complaint by the Punjab National Bank. The complaint alleged that they cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of Rs 11,400 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

The CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the case. Both Modi and Choski are said to have left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them.
The Railway Ministry's plan to convert the 130-year-old Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) building in south Mumbai, into a museum, has run into a controversy with architects and rail employees raising objections over the move.

Mumbai: The Railway Ministry's plan to convert the 130-year-old Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) building in south Mumbai, into a museum, has run into a controversy with architects and rail employees raising objections over the move.

While the architects say it is "difficult" and "impractical" to turn this iconic complex, the administrative headquarters of the Central Railway (CR), into a museum, the railway unions say relocation will cause inconvenience to the employees currently working there.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, during his visit to the CSMT in November last year, had announced to convert this busy train terminus into a "world-class museum".

On Wednesday, the railway authorities invited expression of interest (EoI) to develop the museum and also formed an advisory board to execute the plan.

As per the directions of the under secretary (Establishment) of the Railway Board, the advisory board will be chaired by the General Manager of CR and comprise five other members, who will "conceptualise, finalise and recommend" the plan for the proposed museum.

Conservation architect Vikas Dilawari expressed his reservations over the project saying, "A museum requires many things like a narrative, a storyline. It also requires a curatorial team for the display of collection."

"The CSMT is roughly as huge as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) museum (also in South Mumbai). So it's not so easy to convert it into a museum. The CSMT was designed for a different purpose," he added.

Listed as a World Heritage structure in 2005, this imposing structure was designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens.

Stevens, who worked for the British colonial government in India, was entrusted with the task of designing the CSMT (formerly Victoria Terminus) building in 1877. It took 10 years to complete the structure, which is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.

The CSMT is the originating and terminating station for hundreds of express and suburban trains, in which around 30 lakh people commute daily. The building already has a small museum inside it.

Another noted city-based architect said the plan to create a museum will face practical hindrances and challenges.

"Museums are created in the buildings that have outlived their original usefulness, like the Orsay Museum in Paris. The CSMT is a fully functional building and was integrally designed to be a train station," he said.

"Only the lower floor of this building, which is a bit redundant, can be converted into a museum to some extent. The offices there can be relocated," he opined.

"The plan will hit practical road-blocks too...Do you think that an old engine can be placed on the first floor to be showcased as an artifact? A rail museum would be incomplete without the railway tracks. So where is the space for it (to lay the tracks)?," he asked.

The railway employees are also up in arms against the proposal.

Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh (CRMS), a recognised rail union of CR employees, had recently held a protest against the move at the headquarters and vowed to continue doing it till the ministry withdraws its plan.

"This building is a matter of pride not just for the CR, but for the Indian Railways and the country. The railway minister's plan to convert the grand building into a museum would damage its grandeur. Employees will suffer as they have to move out from here. We will oppose the plan at any cost," Pravin Bajpai, general secretary of CRMS said.

The railway administration, however, says that once the museum is complete, it would be even more remarkable.

"The railway department had done a proper homework before the announcement was made. So, they should better wait and watch. Once done, it would be a very nice thing to watch. It will be even more monumental," a top CR official said.
Transparency and information systems of the RBI need to be overhauled

Editor's note: The Rs 11,400-crore bank fraud in Punjab National Bank, that was perpetrated by billionaire Nirav Modi in collusion with a few bank employees, has once again brought governance practices in Public Sector Banks (PSBs) back to public debate. There are questions raised on the way these entries function. A political blame game is on. But the problems in this sector are far beyond one instance of fraud. After five decades of bank nationalisation, India's public sector banks face deeper structural problems ranging from poor management practices, ineffective risk-management systems, vulnerability to a political-corporate nexus, large chunk of bad loans and lack of sufficient autonomy. Firstpost will publish a multi-part series that examines the serious structural problems that have engulfed India's state-run banks and the likely course of this industry, which constitutes 70 percent of India's banking sector assets. You can read the first part and second part of the series here.

Various process failures of public sector banks in India are not new. What is new in the PNB fraud is that, for the first time, questions are being raised about the supervisory capacity and systems in Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The government has written to the RBI asking for why the scam was not detected in its systems. Concerned citizens have asked for similar information in the past and disclosures by RBI have not been adequate.

In 2011, the RBI refused to release information in response to a Right to Information query about some inspections carried out on cooperative banks. Its decision was overruled by the Central Information Commission (CIC). The CICs decision throws light on the functioning of RBI. One request (in the same query) to which the RBI did reply, indicates lack of documentation about the supervision process. The appellant had asked RBI to provide him with procedure, rules and regulations of inspection being carried out on co-operative banks.

The RBI replied: RBI is conducting inspections under section 35 of the B. R. Act, 1949 (AACS) at prescribed intervals.

The RTI applicant had asked for information about the procedure, rules, and regulations governing bank inspections. The RBI responded with pointing to the provision in the parliamentary law governing bank inspections. Section 35 of the Banking Regulation Act empowers the RBI to carry out inspections. How the inspection will be carried, what will be checked, how will sampling be done, and other details of the inspection process is not provided by legislation. It is expected that, based on this provision, the RBI would have developed rules, regulations and other documents setting out the detailed system of inspections. However, RBI did not share these. Either they do not exist, or they are too sensitive to be released.

In contrast, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporate of the U.S. (which plays a similar role in bank inspection) releases detailed manuals on the process of inspections. The compliance manual is 1,275 pages long and it has its own website. Any person can read the manual and comment on the robustness of the procedures. All the 1,28,755 words of the compliance manual is open to scrutiny. The Japanese financial regulators 446 page inspection manual for deposit taking institutions is available here. It provides detailed information about how inspections will be carried out, including a checklist for inspections.

There are, no doubt, legitimate concerns about releasing inspection reports of banks and the RBI has, in the past, refused to release such information. Inspection reports contain commercially sensitive information not only of banks but of borrowers as well. Releasing that would harm businesses. Imagine you are trying to sell your house and negotiating to with a potential buyer. Through inspection reports, the potential buyer finds out that you have a large loan due for repayment in three months.

The potential buyer will draw out the negotiation process to turn on the heat on you. You do not want that.

However, this does not apply to the process of inspections. How much do we really know about RBIs audit process? Why is there no transparency about the process followed? We do not know how much time is spent per day, how many auditors per branch of a bank, what template is followed, what aspects of banking are audited, etc. etc. Without public information on how RBI conducts banks audit, there is no accountability of the process. Since the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India) does not audit RBI, even the normal accountability of other wings of government is missing for RBI.

We do not know if RBI updates its supervision systems when it comes across these types of frauds. In September 2016, a Deputy Governor of RBI highlighted the risks associated with SWIFT systems. Union Banks SWIFT system had been hacked in July 2016. The strategy on Union Bank was similar to the one used on the Bangladesh central bank. He prophetically noted:

the incident has reinforced the fact that the various stakeholders have not learnt the lessons yet.

While this may be true of PNB, it may also be true of RBI. Did RBI change its supervision process after the 2016? Was SWIFT messaging audit a part of the RBI inspections? We do not know.

Banking inspection has issues with commercially important information, and there should be legitimate exemptions to disclosure of inspection reports. However, this does not extend to the system of inspections and supervision. The public has a legitimate right to know of systems and processes maintained by RBI to discharge its statutory duties.

Transparency and information systems of the RBI need to be overhauled. This has to start at the top: the RBI board. As this article pointed out in January 2017, the functioning of the RBI board is opaque compared to other central banks. Minutes published by the RBI usually just a two line summary; most functions of the board have been delegated to a sub-committee where only two directors are needed to meet quorum; specific functions have not been delegated to sub-committees; annual budgets are approved without much deliberation.

Laws which govern the functioning of RBI need to be changed to bring about transparency and accountability. This has to then be supported by scrutiny into the functioning of the institution. A tragedy is a terrible thing to waste. The legislature should take a relook at the legislative framework of transparency, accountability and governance of RBI. The Draft Indian Financial Code addresses many of these concerns and there is need to incorporate its principles in primary legislation.

(The writer is legal consultant, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) and would like to thank Rajeswari Sengupta of IGIDR and Seetha Parthasarathy for inputs.)

Part I: Beyond PNB fraud, a deeper malaise lies in Indias state-run banks gifting them a slow death

Part 2: PNB, Nirav Modi, Vikram Kothari arent the first; Indias PSBs have long been beaten by frauds
Trouble mounted for Rotomac magnate as the CBI arrested owner Vikram Kothari and his son Rahul on Thursday after three days of questioning, media reports said.

Trouble mounted for Rotomac magnate as the CBI arrested owner Vikram Kothari and his son Rahul on Thursday after three days of questioning, media reports said. The CBI on Thursday continued questioning Rotomac owner Vikram Kothari and his son Rahul in connection with the Rs 3,695 crore loan default case, IANS said.

A senior Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) official confirmed that the two were being questioned again on Thursday. This is the fourth consecutive day of their questioning. On the first two days, the probe agency quizzed them and searched their residences and office premises in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Wednesday's questioning went on for over nine hours as the Income Tax Department attached four immovable properties of Kothari, three in Kanpur and one in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Besides the two, the pen company owner's wife Sadhana, staff and housekeeper were also questioned after the Bank of Baroda filed a complaint of loan default against the Kotharis on Sunday night. Several belongings, including their laptops and mobile phones, were confiscated by the agency on Tuesday.

A consortium of seven banks had extended multi-crore credits to the Kanpur-based firm and its related companies from 2008 onwards. Kothari is the chairman and Managing Director of Rotomac, while his wife and son are directors of the company.

A senior CBI official told IANS: "Kothari and his son (Rahul) arrived in Delhi on their own. Thus they are being questioned in Delhi."

Kothari had obtained Rs 2,919 crore from the consortium of seven banks: Bank of India (Rs 754.77 crore), Bank of Baroda (Rs 456.63 crore), Indian Overseas Bank (Rs 771.07 crore), Union Bank of India (Rs 458.95 crore), Allahabad Bank (Rs 330.68 crore), Bank of Maharashtra (Rs 49.82 crore) and Oriental Bank of Commerce (Rs 97.47 crore), the FIR by the CBI said.

Earlier, the CBI also sealed a residential premise and an office of Rotomac directors in New Delhi.

On 19 February, the CBI had registered an FIR against Kothari on the basis of a complaint from Bank of Baroda for allegedly swindling over Rs 800 crore.

With inputs from IANS
The Supreme Court on Wednesday warned that if judicial discipline and propriety were not maintained, then the institution will 'go forever'.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday warned that if judicial discipline and propriety were not maintained, the institution will "go forever", as it virtually stayed the operation of its own verdict of 8 February relating to land acquisition.

A court bench of Justice MB Lokur, Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice Deepak Gupta, was critical of the 8 February verdict passed by another three-judge bench holding that compensation not availed within a stipulated five-year period would not be a ground for cancellation of land acquisition.

The bench said perhaps there have been a tinkering with judicial discipline in arriving at a conclusion as the issue should have been to referred to a larger bench in case of difference of opinion, as a 2014 verdict had held that non-payment of compensation would be a ground to cancel the land acquisition. "The system exists but if you start tinkering with it then it won't stop. This institution will go forever. There has to be wisdom and a proper method has to be followed. Every institution works on particular methodology," the bench said.

On 8 February, a three-judge bench of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice Adarsh Goel and Justice MM Shantanagoudar had held that that once the compensation amount for land acquired by a government agency has been unconditionally tendered but the land owner refuses it, this would amount to payment and discharge of obligation on part of the agency.

The court had also held then that it will not be open to the person, who has refused the compensation, to raise the point that since the amount has not been deposited in court or paid to him, the acquisition has lapsed. It had said, "the claimants/landowners after refusal, cannot take advantage of their own wrong and seek protection under the provisions of section 24(2) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013" to reclaim land on the ground that they were not paid compensation within five years.

In a 2:1 majority view, the bench had then held the 2014 verdict in the Pune Municipal Corporation case was passed without due regard to the law (as per incuriam) and said that the land acquired could not be quashed due to delay on part of land owners in accepting compensation within five years due to litigation or other reasons.

On Wednesday, Justice Joseph observed it was his "painful concern" that "if this court is to remain as one, it should be one and you have to make it one. You have to have proper judicial discipline for that". "Be very clear, this is a matter of judicial discipline, judicial propriety and consistency. Can a three-judge bench over rule a three-judge bench verdict?. It has to be referred to a larger bench in case of difference of opinion," Justice Joseph said. He said that "correctness of judgement can be doubted but the bench of similar strength of judges cannot 'hold' that the judgement rendered by the earlier one was wrong. Such a system works on hierarchy and it needs to be preserved".

The court can now refer the two verdicts to the Chief Justice so that he can set up a larger five-judge bench to hear the matter, according to NDTV. The court will decide on how to proceed further on 7 March. "We are not going into the merits or correctness of the decision by Justice Mishra's bench. We are only concerned with judicial discipline," Justice Joseph said. The senior judge underlined that the hoary principle of the Supreme Court "is that you can't tinker with the system".

The bench requested that the matters related to land acquisition listed before the two-judge bench of Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Amitava Roy should be deferred till the case before it is decided as whether the larger bench should hear the issue. It also restrained all high courts from entertaining or passing any order on land acquisition matters on the basis of 8 February verdict and listed the matter for further hearing on 7 March.

The 2014 verdict

Incidentally, the 2014 verdict was rendered unanimously by former Chief Justice RM Lodha, Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice MB Lokur, holding that "the deposit of compensation amount in the government treasury is of no avail and cannot be held to be equivalent to compensation paid to the landowners/persons interested". It had then held that "Under Section 24(2) land acquisition proceedings initiated under the 1894 Act, by legal fiction, are deemed to have lapsed where award has been made five years or more prior to the commencement of 2013 Act and possession of the land is not taken or compensation has not been paid".

At the outset, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi said that due to the recent verdict, a two judge bench of Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Amitava Roy has been dismissing the cases in the wake of verdict. "On Tuesday, 60 cases were disposed of. On 16 February, some cases were disposed. Then on 19 February, some cases were dismissed in the wake of verdict. Due to the retirement of one of the judges, urgency is shown by the bench and is not ready to defer the matter," he said.

Rohatgi further said, "when one of the judge has differed on the point of holding the 2014 verdict as per incuriam, then this matter should be have been referred to a larger bench. That's the judicial discipline adopted by apex court." He said that the operation of 8 February verdict has to be immediately be stopped and the cases listed before the bench needs to be deferred till the matter is finally adjudicated on the issue of reference to a larger bench.

Rohatgi who was critical of the verdict, said that the view of three-judge bench will open the flood gates in apex court and this court as the cases which were decided based on 2014, verdict, will now be sought to be reviewed.

With inputs from PTI
Jaspal Atwal convicted of trying to assassinate an Punjab cabinet minister in 1986 was reportedly invited to attend events with the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his visit to India

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's efforts to reassure India that Canada does not support any separatist movement received a setback Thursday with the revelation that a Canadian Sikh convicted of trying to assassinate a Punjab cabinet minister in 1986 was invited to a dinner honouring Trudeau.

According to a report in CBCnews, Jaspal Atwal, the man at the centre of the controversy, is a former member of the terrorist organisation International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) founded by Amrik Singh, the nephew of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a slain Sikh militant who advocated for a separate Sikh state of 'Khalistan'.

According to PTI, Atwal was convicted for attempting to kill the then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986. Sidhu was in Canada to attend his nephew's wedding. He survived after being shot five times but was assassinated in 1991 by Sikh terrorists in Punjab's Moga.

After being found guilty, Atwal, along with three other convicts, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, according to India Today. The judge called it "an act of terrorism" while pronouncing the verdict, according to the report.

However according to Toronto Sun, none of the convicts served the jail term because the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) was found to have collected evidence through an improperly obtained warrant.

Atwal was also accused of beating Ujjal Dosanjh, the former leader of British Columbia before the 1986 attack, reported Vancouver Sun. However, he was acquitted.

Atwal later moved to Surrey, a town in British Columbia where he is associated with Media Wave Communications, which runs a Surrey-based online radio station, ABP News reported.

In 2012, Atwal was invited for budget day festivals in British Columbia, causing a huge uproar which led to the resignation of a senior official from a key position in the Liberal Party for the "goof up", National Post reported.

'Should have never received an invitation'

Atwal was invited by Canadian high commissioner Nadir Patel for a dinner which he was hosting for the visiting Canadian prime minister and his delegation on Thursday.

However, the dinner invite was cancelled after an uproar.

"Obviously, we take this extremely seriously. He should never have received an invitation. As soon as we received the information we rescinded it, a Member of Parliament had included this individual", ANI quoted Trudeau as saying.

India's battle with Sikh separatists

In June 1984, the Indian Army launched Operation Blue Star to remove Bhindranwale and his armed followers from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Members of the banned Sikh separatists outfit are also accused of plotting the 1985 Air India bombing that took 329 lives.
The people of Turtuk village went to sleep as Pakistani and woke up Indian, after the India-Pakistan War of 1971 ended. A new documentary, Across, by filmmaker Ansh Ranvir Vohra narrates their stories | #FirstCulture

Editor's note: This profile is part of a series where we examine the work of artists who're engaging with questions of identity, and how it persists in the face of historical or cultural barriers.

Thirteen days. That's how long the confrontation between our two countries lasted, during the India-Pakistan War of 1971. It ended when Pakistan signed the Instrument of Surrender on 16 December 1971.

Soon, Major Chewang Rinchen of the Ladakh Guards reached the then-Pakistani village of Turtuk, which was caught in the crossfire. He comforted the villagers and told them to go back to sleep. However, the people of Turtuk, Tyakshi, Dhothang and Chalunkha didnt know that when they woke up the next morning, theyd wake up Indian. Although the 1971 war was one of the shortest in history, there were nonetheless people who were separated from loved ones, others who were left behind  all within the space of a night. And then there were people who were trying to make sense of their newfound Indian-ness.

Ansh Ranvir Vohra, filmmaker and founder of The Pind Collective, visited Turtuk as part of a short residency programme organised by the Farside Collective in June 2017. Along with Bengaluru-based journalist Vikhar Ahmed Sayeed, Ansh started looking for people who were willing to recount their experiences of the 1971 War. This is how Across (English for Uss Paar)  a documentary edited, shot and directed by Vohra  was born.

The documentary brings forth stories of separation, tribulation and sometimes, a reluctant reconciliation straight from the Ladakhi villages, which now lie between two hostile neighbours. The subjects of the documentary are now old, their wrinkles a testament to the years that have gone by since that fateful night. What must it have been like for someone like Vohra  a visitor  to see them, as they tried to remember what their parents (now on the other side of the border) looked like when they last saw them. A "potent mix of awe, incredible sadness and inspiration" is how Vohra describes it, but what really struck the young artist was how none of the people he met tried to romanticise their pain. "That their experiences were rooted in an undeniable reality  one that we conveniently choose to ignore while we clamour for war from our comfortable armchairs  is what made this an important story to tell," he says.

Also read: Indie filmmaker Ansh Ranvir Vohra's journey has taken him from Murshidabad to New York

If you look at Vohra's body of work, you'll find it replete with stories of Partition, from both sides of the border. His art collective, too, is a platform for artists of the two nations to come together, and not just find common cultural ground, but also embrace the differences. Of his fascination with the Partition and presenting stories from the other side, Vohra says, "We've been brought up reading about the event as experienced by the Gandhis and the Jinnahs but not nearly enough about my grandmother's neighbour or, in this case, a farmer in Turtuk who experienced these wars first hand and not from inside a government office in the capital." Therefore, this fundamental idea of familiarising yourself with the neighbour and vice versa through "stories you choose to tell" reflects not just in the documentary, but also The Pind Collective.

Although one is expected to have an even-handed approach when shooting a doc, it cannot be as easy as following the four Ws and one H. How does one then put behind the edifying tales they have grown up listening to, when dealing with a subject as delicate as the Partition? Interestingly, Vohra, who has been making films for four years now, doesn't think objectivity is possible in storytelling at all. "While documentaries are, often, burdened with 'telling the absolute truth', I think all we end up doing is telling our versions of it. So I try to embrace my subjectivity rather than deny its existence." Across, too, combines his penchant for personal history and the musings of the villagers of the land between two nations  hostile, perhaps only on the surface?

Watch Across here.
BJP launched a protest against Arvind Kejriwal govt on Thursday over the Anshu Prakash row, while AAP staged a protest of their own against Rajanth Singh.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers launched aggressive protests on Thursday against the "anarchic and anti-constitutional activities" of the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi, three days after Delhi chief secretary Anshu Prakash accused two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs of assaulting him near the chief minister's residence.

BJP workers shouted slogans, brandished party flags and burnt effigies of Kejriwal outside deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia's residence on Thursday, according to ANI.

They demanded that he step down, since he was present at the time of the incident.

Alleged assault on Delhi's Chief secretary Anshu Prakash case: BJP workers protest outside Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence. pic.twitter.com/ZA88lml6t7  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Meanwhile, AAP workers staged a protest of their own outside Union home minister Rajnath Singh's residence on Thursday morning after he condemned the alleged assault on Prakash. Party workers shouted slogans and sought action against babus who assaulted AAP MLAs inside the Delhi Secretariat, CNN-News18 reported.

#BREAKING -- It's protest vs protest in Delhi: AAP workers are up in arms after HM Rajnath Singh condemned the assault on Delhi Chief Secy by AAP MLAs. AAP workers stage protest outside Home Minister's home & sought action against babus who assaulted MLAs inside the secretariat pic.twitter.com/BlymvwhulT  News18 (@CNNnews18) February 22, 2018

The alleged manhandling of Prakash has triggered a massive political slugfest, with the BJP terming it an act of "urban Naxalism", and the Congress demanding an apology from Kejriwal.

IAS, DANICS and DASS bureaucrats had decided not to attend any meetings called by the Delhi government until Kejriwal apologises and action is taken against the AAP MLAs involved.

Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari had said on Wednesday that party workers would hold a protest on Thursday against the anarchic and anti-constitutional activities of the Kejriwal government.

Tiwari also sought Kejriwals resignation, a high-level inquiry against him, and suspension of the legislators concerned.

"Arvind Kejriwal and his goon MLAs misbehaved and threatened the chief secretary of NCT Delhi government last night... another shameful act of Aam Aadmi Party goons... an act of Urban Naxalism... Kejriwal must resign (sic)," he had said in a tweet.

Echoing his sentiments, a senior BJP leader claimed that in total, nine AAP MLAs were present at the chief ministers residence when Prakash was assaulted. "They represent the people of Delhi but are nothing short of urban Naxalites. Utterly disgusting behaviour," he had said. Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken also launched a scathing attack on the AAP government, accusing it of being a complete failure and demanded that Kejriwal apologises for this "hooliganism".

With inputs from PTI
Reverend Zelhou Keyho, general secretary of NBCC, in an exclusive interview with Firstpost, appealed to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to declare itself secular. He also stated that the BJP has to answer questions related to its Hindutva connection.

With a network of more than 1,500 churches, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) is among the state's most formidable religious organisations. The NBCC wields tremendous clout both in the government and social life. Reverend Zelhou Keyho, general secretary of NBCC, in an exclusive interview with Firstpost, appealed to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to declare itself secular. He also stated that the BJP has to answer questions related to its Hindutva connection.

This declaration is Keyho's second statement on the saffron party after the Nagaland election was announced. Earlier, he told political parties to question the intent of the BJP.

We cannot deny that the Hindutva movement in the country has become unprecedentedly strong and invasive in the past few years with the BJP, which is the political wing of the RSS. This fact cannot be denied no matter how hard you try to convince the innocents. You also cannot deny that the party in power at the Centre is fighting tooth and nail to make its presence known and felt in Nagaland, the Christian-majority state in the country. Have you ever seriously questioned their intentions? If you have not, do not be fooled, Keyho had said.

Soon after the general secretarys first statement, the BJP went on the defensive, claiming it was a political ploy. BJP state president Visasolie Lhoungu said, We have been in alliance with the ruling NPF for so many years, never before has the Church come out with any such statement or propaganda against the BJP. We fail to understand why such a statement has been made after we allied with Nationalist Democratic Peoples Party (NDPP).

Edited experts of Keyho's interview follow:

The BJP has been in alliance with the ruling Naga Peoples Front (NPF) for the past 15 years. Why the fear about Hindutva aggression now?

It cannot be denied that the RSS is behind the BJP. RSS is a religious movement. When a political party is backed by a religious party, the tendency of a society losing its secular nature arises. There is evidence of this: Other parts of India have witnessed such signs over the past few years. It is important for the BJP to come out and address the issue and declare that it is a secular party. Speaking about the BJP's long standing alliance with the NPF, I would say that the future need not always reflect the past. Whenever we want to do something new, the past becomes a stumbling block. The BJP and the NPF had a working relationship, but I'd like to ask why the Naga are making alliances their priority? Dont we have an originality? We're losing the originality of our political movement.

Neiphiu Rio, leader of the newly-formed NDPP, said he will protect the rights and faith of the Naga. Does that satisfy you?

I appreciate his statement and hope that he will keep his word, whether or not he comes to power. These statements will ease the apprehension of voters.

Have you also sensitised people about your apprehensions regarding the BJPs Hindutva agenda in Nagaland through the NBCC's network of churches?

We are not against the BJP as a political party. But the involvement of the RSS and the Hindutva movement makes us worry. So we have said that persecution has taken place in other parts of India and we should look at the bigger picture. We are in a comfortable position in Nagaland because we are a Christian-majority state. We see in the media places of worship being destroyed and minorities being harassed. We need to be a voice for the minorities of the nation as well. But we've made it clear that we are not against the BJP, but against the RSS.

The NBCC has been advocating for clean election. But despite this campaign, it seems votes are being bought and sold. Why has this campaign not been effective?

It is an uphill battle. The mess we've created is not the result of one or two decades. The rot inside society goes deep. But there are rays of hope in some areas. However, it's difficult to overcome the challenge. When the election arrives, the commitment to society and good moral standards we've set for ourselves is often forgotten.

Give us an example...

The Nagaland media says political parties are bribing voters up to Rs 20,000 per person. The blame does not lie only with politicians. If the people don't ask for bribes, they wouldn't be given bribes. Voters must take their share of the blame. As long as votes are bought and sold, the troubles of our society will continue.

Do you fear your move against Hindutva, like your appeal for a clean election, may not be very effective?

We're trying to make a point. I hope people will listen. India has to maintain its secular fabric. We are only asking people to use their God-given conscience while voting. We've never said vote or don't vote for someone. We've only raised apprehensions. Everything is in God's hands.

Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Nagaland election results

Click here to follow LIVE updates on election results in all three states

Click here for the seat sharing pattern in all three states
A senior AIADMK minister said he agreed with comments made by DMK's MK Stalin that Kamal Haasan was a 'paper flower that could not spread fragrance.'

Chennai: A senior AIADMK minister said he agreed with the comments made by DMK working president MK Stalin that Kamal Haasan was a "paper flower that could not spread fragrance."

Fisheries minister D Jayakumar said though DMK was his party's arch rival, he yet concurred with the paper flower comment of Stalin.

"It will not bloom, nor give fragrance and it will continue to be a paper flower," he said of Haasan's formal entry into politics.

On Tuesday, Stalin likened Haasan and Rajinikanth to paper flowers.

"Owing to seasonal changes some flowers may suddenly bloom and later wither. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu's political arena too glamorous paper flowers may bloom," he had said in an apparent reference to the political entry of the two mega stars.

On the actor's reaction to the paper flower jibe that he is a "seed set to grow and not a flower to wither," Jayakumar said "the seed (an apparent reference to Haasan) is genetically modified which is not useful for anyone and which is not used in India."

"He does not have the maturity of a leader. Is school a place to do politics?," Jayakumar asked referring to the effort of the actor to visit a school at Rameswaram where late president APJ Abdul Kalam studied.

Since authorities had not given permission, the actor did not visit the school.

However, Haasan said he cannot be stopped from learning Kalam's lessons though he was "prevented," from visiting the late leader's school.

State revenue minister RB Udayakumar said Haasan has gone to Rameswaram to wash away his sins and that only the people have to say if he has done that.

Earlier in the day, Haasan began his political journey from Rameswaram.

BJP Tamil Nadu unit chief Tamilisai Soundararajan said Kamal Haasan may make it to the headlines but "could not become a leader".

The saffron party leader said she felt the actor has started a party in haste bringing the "on-screen competition to the political landscape," a reference to Haasan's co-actor Rajinikanth's political entry.

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, while extending his greetings, said only after the actor spelt out his policies could his party think of aligning with him.

Recently, chief minister K Palaniswamy had taken potshots at Haasan on his political entry.

Stating that "wisdom," had dawned on Haasan only now, (a reference to his political entry), Palaniswamy said the ruling party had been working for the people for over 40 years.

"Let him come, it is a good thing, let anybody work for the people's welfare," rival AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran had remarked on Haasan's political entry adding it cannot be stopped.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday urged the people of Tamil Nadu to replicate the 'Delhi example' by giving votes to the newly-launched party by actor Kamal Haasan to route 'corrupt' AIADMK and DMK

Madurai: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday urged the people of Tamil Nadu to replicate the "Delhi example" by giving votes to the newly-launched party by actor Kamal Haasan to route "corrupt" AIADMK and DMK.

In his address at the launch of Haasan's party Makkal Needhi Maiam' (People Justice Centre), Kejriwal said that people of Tamil Nadu now have a chance to match the trend started by people of Delhi of voting for "new, honest alternative" and junk the "corrupt" established players.

"We started a small party called Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) four years back. Within one year of staring that party, people of Delhi rejected both the BJP and Congress and gave 67 out of 70 seats to AAP," said Kejriwal, who is also the National Convenor of AAP.

He said that people of Tamil Nadu now had an "honest alternative" to the main players the AIADMK and the DMK, who cyclically enjoy power in the state but both of whom are "corrupt".

"I am sure people of Tamil Nadu will break the record of people of Delhi. If you want schools, hospitals, water electricity, vote for Kamal Haasan. If you wants corruption, then vote for DMK or AIADMK," he added.

Kejriwal said that everything is possible "if you have an honest government" as there was no dearth of resources but that of "noble intentions".

"I want to congratulate Kamal Haasanji and his entire team for staring this great political alternative. But more than that, I want to congratulate the people of Tamil Nadu that now you have an honest alternative. You can now vote for the honest party of Kamal Haasan," he said.
Hitting back at the Congress, the BJP accused Rahul Gandhi's office of playing a role of 'instrument of corruption' during the UPA rule and said the Congress couldn't level a single charge against Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Hitting back at the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Rahul Gandhi's office of playing a role of "instrument of corruption" during the UPA rule and said the Congress had lost its "sense of proportion", as it could not level a single charge of graft against Prime Minister Narendra Modi whose credibility was "unparalleled".

Union minister Prakash Javadekar's attack on the Congress chief came on a day when the latter accused Modi of being an "instrument of corruption" and targeted him over escape of Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, who are accused in different scams.

Such baseless allegations recoil on those who make it, the BJP leader said while listing a number of corruption cases allegedly involving the Congress.

Responding to Rahul's charge, Javadekar told PTI that the Congress is synonymous with corruption and recalled former Union minister Jayanthi Natarajan's letter to the then party chief Sonia Gandhi about interventions by Rahul Gandhi's office in her work.

It is the Congress which injected corruption into the body politic of India and its culture of corruption "destroyed" the country, he claimed. "The Congress is synonymous with corruption and Rahul Gandhi's office has played a role of instrument of corruption in scams... This (her letter) is a testimony to that," he said.

Let Rahul Gandhi tell the country why the 2G licenses were "arbitrarily" allotted, prompting the Supreme Court to cancel it, how and on whose messages coal block allocations were made, he asked.

Javadekar noted that the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had signed coal block allocation files as he held the coal ministry portfolio and that the apex court had cancelled these allocations.

The Congress chief's "baseless" allegations against the prime minister was driven by his party's "frustration" as Modi's credibility is"unparalleled" and the Opposition party could not level a single charge of corruption against him, he said.

"In desperation, the Congress has lost all sense of proportion. Such baseless allegations recoil on those who make it," he said.

Javadekar also raked up the Bofors case, asking who made it possible for Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi to flee with his loot and who unfroze his back account.
Sharad Pawar on Wednesday disapproved of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticism of Jawaharlal Nehru in Parliament.

Mumbai: Lamenting that personal attacks had become a trend in the country's politics, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday disapproved of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticism of Jawaharlal Nehru in Parliament.

He was referring to Modi's reply on the motion of thanks to the president's address to a joint sitting of Parliament.

"Criticising policies is okay. But I cannot agree to a statement that Nehru had no contribution in the country's development or in strengthening its democracy. If democracy was introduced in the 12th century, the British also ruled us after that and we were slaves," Pawar said in Pune.

He was being interviewed by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray.

The former Union minister recalled that late Yashwantrao Chavan always used to say that Nehru was responsible for making India a strong democratic nation.

He also said former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had immense respect for individuals, irrespective of ideological differences.

Pawar said political leaders from Maharashtra, from the time of Yashwantrao Chavan, had always put the nation first.

To a question from Thackeray on why leaders from the other states did not do the same, the NCP chief admitted that Maharashtra had to bear the brunt at times due to its approach of putting nation above regionalism.

When Thackeray said Prime Minister Narendra Modi took visiting foreign dignitaries to Ahmedabad, instead of the other parts of the country, Pawar said for a prime minister, the nation must come first.

"Even BJP members privately speak about the prime minister hugging visiting dignitaries and taking them around Ahmedabad. I feel, when someone is the nation's leader, the country should come first. Pride about Gujarat and Ahmedabad is okay."

Stating that he had cordial relations with Modi, Pawar said, "When Modi was the Gujarat CM, he was a vocal critic of the Congress leadership and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Congress members refused to engage with him. But I was of the view that Gujarat was part of India and if Modi speaks ill of the Congress, the people of Gujarat should not be ignored. So, whatever issues of Gujarat came up, I handled them."

Pawar described Modi's remarks that the latter had come into politics holding his fingers as meaningless.

"He (Modi) has been in politics for a long time, starting with the RSS. Thankfully, my finger has not gone into his hand," he said in a lighter vein.

The former Maharashtra chief minister said a positive in Modi was that he had the ability to work hard, but pointed out that governing the country was different from running a state.

"Administering Gujarat and the country are two different things. You need a team to run the country. But I doubt if such a team is in place," he said.

About quitting the Congress twice, Pawar said he had not given up the Congress' ideology but had left due to differences.

Recalling quitting the party to form the NCP, Pawar said he was the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha while former PM Manmohan Singh was his counterpart in the Rajya Sabha at that time.

"When the prime minister loses his majority in the House, Parliamentary procedure says that the president should call the leader of opposition to form the next government. But our party president (Sonia Gandhi) met the president and staked claim to form government. I came to know about it from the TV channels," he said.

On returning to the state as CM after a stint as defence minister, Pawar said a group in Delhi worked overtime to ensure that independent leaders from Maharashtra did not grow beyond a limit.

He also said that the demand for statehood for Vidarbha must be resolved through a mandate of the people.

Calling the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train unviable, Pawar said nobody would go to Ahmedabad and Mumbai would be overcrowded.

He said Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had a challenge at hand to revive the party, adding that the Gandhi scion's willingness to learn and understand issues and engage people in a dialogue would stand him in good stead.

"If the people support him, the Congress stands a good chance. There is a need for a strong opposition in a democracy and the fact is that there is no alternative to the BJP apart from the Congress," he said.
There are several similarities but one crucial difference between actor Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam and Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party. Haasan, like AAP, has positioned himself as a political outsider whose principal plank is to root out corruption without pursuing the politics of identity or by deploying muscle and money power.

There are several similarities but one crucial difference between actor Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam and Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party. Haasan, like AAP, has positioned himself as a political outsider whose principal plank is to root out corruption without pursuing the politics of identity or by deploying muscle and money power. He believes, as Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal once did before his electoral debut, that he can ride the popular disgust with the existing political class to come to power, assisted in his mission by a team having little experience of electoral politics.

The crucial difference is that AAP, unlike Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam, emerged out of a movement against corruption. The media's extensive coverage of the movement had a multiplier effect and turned its leaders, until then unknown, into household names. Their popularity was largely because of the ideas they represented.

As a famous film personality, Haasan doesnt require an introduction to Tamil Nadu. Yet he is not in the mould of chief ministers MG Ramachandran, J Jayalalithaa and K Kaurnanidhi, all of whom, like Haasan, were associated with the film industry. But unlike him, the trio were also members of a political formation before their ascent to power.

Haasan wil, therefore, need the media to disseminate his political ideas. This is more so as he embarks on a tour of the state, as he wrote in a letter released last month, to understand what the needs of my people are?, what is afflicting them?, what their aspirations are?

In other words, Haasans political party will now become a vehicle for a movement, a trajectory opposite to what AAP took. The Makkal Needhi Maiam is designed to be a movement against corruption, not only evident from Haasans remark at the launch of the party, but also from his audacious sallies in the past few months.

For instance, in a series of tweets on last years Independence Day, Haasan wondered why nobody demands that Tamil Nadu chief minister E Palaniswami should resign for mishap and corruption. In another tweet on the same day, he said that unless we liberate ourselves from corruption, we are all slaved. Let those persons who have the guts to pledge themselves to the new freedom struggle come forward. Let us win (the struggle).

He once described Chennai as a fever-inducing capital of corruption. About last years bypoll contest in the RK Nagar Assembly constituency, which the rebel AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran won, Haasan said, Its a great embarrassment for Tamil Nadu politics and democracy. This is a victory which is purchased. Its said that people are also part of this open crime of note for votes.

Haasans outcry against money power and the metaphor of freedom struggle were also elements of the anti-corruption movement that morphed into AAP. Huge portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and the Tricolour would constitute the backdrop of the site where leaders of the movement, such as Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal, would either fast unto death or speak to the audience. Haasan considers Gandhi his favourite leader, a fact his daughter, Shruti, mentioned in a best-of-luck tweet before the launch. It is to Gandhis inspiration Haasan has credited his decision to adopt one village in every district.

1/1 Wishing my dear father all the success on his first step of a million more toward change and political reform - to quote your favourite mahatma Gandhi be the change you wish to see in the world  Im certain your determination and perseverance toward truth and justice contd  shruti haasan (@shrutihaasan) February 21, 2018

AAP's tactics of mobilisation before its inception included exhorting people to give missed calls and sending text messages to register their protest against corruption and support for the movement against it. Likewise, Haasan has a whistleblower app  maiyam whistle  where people can report the wrongdoings of the government. To do so implies signing up with Haasan.

Haasan also shares with AAP an irreverent disregard for mainstream politicians. Earlier this month, while speaking at Indian Conference 2018 at Harvard University, Haasan accused Tamil Nadus political class of setting mediocrity as the standard of the state. He quipped,  Rubbish becomes acceptable, ordinary become extraordinary and extraordinary becomes genius. Genius itself, if it exists at all, is relegated to a state that needs psychiatric monitoring.

When the warring AIADMK factions of O Panneerselavam and E Palaniswami merged last year, Haasan tweeted, "Now, the jokers cap sits on the Tamilians head. Is this enough or you want more? Please stand up, Tamilians." The Income Tax raids on the properties of the jailed leader VK Sasikala prompted Haasan to ask in a tweet, Theft by a government is a crime. Not proving after unraveling, isnt it a crime too?

The actor was projecting the crackdown on corruption as a farce, a charge AAP leaders often leveled against the United Progressive Alliance government every time it ordered an inquiry into a scam or called for negotiations to frame a Jan Lokpal bill for creating an independent body to investigate corruption cases. In those days, AAP wouldnt hesitate to lampoon prominent political personalities as thieves.

In the same vein, Haasan equated politicians with criminals. After the raids on Sasikalas properties, he said, Examination bell has gone. Criminals should not rulePeople should turn judges. Lets wake up and arise. People should act.

On the count of shunning the politics of identity, Haasan has gone farther than AAP ever went explicitly. In a recent media interview, he said that caste politics has become a hurdle for rural students and farmer, and that it has not withered away because officials are safeguarding caste. He reiterated the line in his speech yesterday: Caste and religious games must be stopped.

For most part, AAP too has refrained from appealing to caste identities, preferring the strategy of promoting the interests of the urban poor, such as halving the power rates, supplying water free till a certain level of consumption, and improving government schools and hospitals. Kejriwal has often remarked, as he too did at the launch of Makkal Needhi Maiam, that there is ample money in the governments kitty, but it doesnt get spent on welfare measures because the intent of those in power is ignoble.

From this perspective, corruption becomes a recognisable codeword for services and facilities denied to the poor by the corrupt political elite. In his speech in Madurai, Haasan, too, identified corruption as the root cause of poor quality education and unemployment.

This strategy has worked for AAP in Delhi because class, not caste, drives its politics, as is not the case with Tamil Nadu, where multiple parties have banded groups of castes as their social base. This is perhaps why Haasan plans to adopt one village in each of the states 32 districts, as he said at Harvard, to re-imagine them. In other words, the plight of rural Tamil Nadu is because of a corrupt system presided over by political leaders. Whether such a tactics will succeed in the caste-based politics of Tamil Nadu is moot.

Haasan has chosen to side with the forces arraigned against the Bharatiya Janata Party, declaring unequivocally that saffron is not his colour. Like AAP, Haasan combines notions of liberal politics, of which anti-Hindutva is an essential element, with his anti-corruption thrust. AAP has often spoken of combating the two Cs  corruption and communalism  as its top priority.

To the two Cs, Haasan has added one more  caste. As such, Haasan raised the BJPs hackles by saying that in the past, Hindu, right-wing groups would not indulge in violence. They would hold a dialogue with opponents. But now they resort to violence. It had some leaders of Hindutva groups to demand an apology from him.

Like AAP, Haasan will have to rely on volunteers to expand the party, given that his anti-corruption plank will compel him to keep the moneybags at bay. He cant possibly finance an army of supporters. For a political startup, it is advantageous to take the route of movement before taking a plunge into electoral politics. This assures them a reservoir of volunteers and grassroots leaders, as has been indeed the case with AAP.

Haasan wont have this advantage, which he can perhaps hope to overcome with his fan club that reportedly has 5 lakh members. They perhaps have a modicum of organisational skills as Haasan turned the club into a welfare organisation years ago. It has to be seen whether they and Haasan, like AAP leaders, have an instinct for politics.

To attract fresh talent to his party, Haasan will have to bring new energy into the political arena, of the kind AAP brought. Few know that scores of talented young men and women, with degrees from best universities in India and abroad, manage AAPs backroom operations, particularly during elections.

Haasan seems to have already taken a leaf out of AAPs book  for instance, portraying political participation as a virtue, a pressing need to drive the bad out of politics. At Harvard, Haasan said that he, like the intelligentsia, was disdainful of electoral politics. On the contrary, it can and should be a civic duty. A duty that we have neglected, he said.

Haasan has jumped into the political arena expecting a political vacuum  Karunanidhi is old and the AIADMK might soon witness a meltdown. But old parties dont wither away overnight. Karunanidhis son, MK Stalin, could well prove his mettle and Dhinakaran could run away with the AIADMK cadres. Seasoned analysts dont give Haasan a chance to make a dent in Tamil Nadus politics.

But such prognostications analysts too made when AAP contested the 2013 Assembly election, believing the BJP and the Congress would decimate it. Most predicted for AAP a tally of less than 10 seats. AAP surprised them all, precisely why political parties in Tamil Nadu will not commit the same mistake of underestimating Haasan and his party. The blowback from the political mainstream that AAP has been facing since it came to power in 2015, Haasan will likely countenance it during his preparation to become a successful political player.
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Thursday opposed 'saffronisation,' saying all sections of people should be given their space and respect.

Chennai: Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Thursday opposed "saffronisation," saying all sections of people should be given their space and respect.

Using the national flag as a symbol to convey his political message, the actor denied the accusation that he was denigrating the Hindu right-wing ideology.

Haasan, who launched his political party Makkal Neethi Maiam on Thursday, has said his politics will be free of caste and religion.

In November last year, the actor had faced flak for his "Hindu extremists" remark from the BJP and other right-wing outfits. However, he had clarified then that he was not anti-Hindu.

"Some say that Kamal Haasan is denigrating saffron. It is wrong. Saffron has been given its rightful place for its sacrifice, what is more, even the national flag has a place for it," he said writing in his column in Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan.'

The actor-turned-politician said, "I say that saffron should, however, not spread to the entire flag. Let us give space and respect for others. It is the pledge we have taken and that is what has been mentioned in the Constitution too."

He, however, did not name or blame any political party in this respect.

Also, he did not name any specific incidents or give a context or the trigger for raising the matter immediately after launching his party.

Claiming that a video appeared on YouTube in which some were shown taking a pledge to remove the word secular from the Constitution, he asked how such a change came through in about 50 years.

"Can sacrifice (of pluralistic values) to such an extent be made for the sake of votes," Haasan said and raised a question mark if such a thing was not worse than a war.

He said during olden times even warfare had its own set of dharmic values.

Sans such ancient values, a "politics that involved bloodshed all the time should be changed and that is my desire," he said.

Great leaders like Gandhiji and Dr Ambedkar had worked for the country despite differences among them and such lessons should not be lost, Haasan said.

"I am beginning my journey as a postman making you remember it (working for the nation despite differences)," he said.
Kamal Haasan has got into the political arena at a time when Tamil Nadu a yearning for change. His job is to convince the people that he is the right vehicle and that he has the wherewithal to be an effective leader

If Kamal Haasan's intention was to be a showman on the political stage, he succeeded in his effort in Madurai. If his aim was to impress the audience with clever one-liners, laced with humour and sarcasm, and some plain truth, his first day, first show was a hit. If his idea was to tell the people of Tamil Nadu and India that he is the newest politician on the block with an idealistic outlook, he hit bull's eye.

Given his star status, there was understandably a huge amount of interest around the launch of Haasan's political party, Makkal Neethi Maiam. The media, both national and vernacular, has converted the duel in Tamil Nadu to one between Haasan and Rajinikanth, who too has announced his political entry. In the bargain, it has reduced established political parties including biggies like DMK and AIADMK with a presence in every village, to mere bystanders.

Anyone who understands Tamil Nadu politics will tell you nothing could be farther from the truth. Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party's Delhi experience may sound a tempting template to emulate but Delhi state is just a bloated municipality. Tamil Nadu with its complicated caste layers and rural-urban divide will be a different cup of tea altogether. And Haasan and Rajini's battle  fought separately  will be against the existing political system and culture.

The truth is Haasan has only begun well. Period.

The process of building a party is a long and laborious one. Electoral politics is 10 percent speeches and 90 percent funds and booth-level micromanagement. Haasan will be expected to bring clean money to the party to fund his plans and that will be some challenge, given the way politics is done in India. It is a screenplay Haasan has never worked with before, so he is like an intern taking on the professionals in the political business.

His thoughts, going by what he spoke about in Madurai, are still at the idea stage, be it on Cauvery or a welfare agenda. They will need quite a bit of finetuning to be in sync with the reality on the ground. Haasan, thanks to the privileged life he has led, has only depicted impoverishment between a film director's 'Action' and 'Cut' on the big screen. Real life is more seamless, something Haasan has to discover now.

What works for Haasan? The actor has got into the arena at the right time when the existing players are looking jaded and there is a yearning for change. His job is to convince the people that he is the right vehicle and that he has the wherewithal to be an effective leader. The focus on him and Rajini will make Tamil Nadu elections very presidential  a Kamal Haasan vs MK Stalin vs Rajinikanth vs TTV Dhinakaran vs Anbumani Ramadoss.

Haasan has made a strong pitch for regional pride, focusing on the Thamizh. At a time when the ruling party at the Centre seems to be looking to create a homogeneous India, he is emphasising its heterogeneous character, underlining Tamil pride in its language, in its song, in its aspiration to move forward.

Interestingly, he has also invoked the idea of South India in his party logo and extended the boundaries of his identity politics beyond just Tamil Nadu. This is the Dravidian thought, that the ethos of all of India below the Vindhyas is the same. In the modern context, this fits in with the resentment against Delhi that is seen as calling the shots be it on policy matters, distribution of funds, the imposition of Hindi or other major political decisions. Given that Haasan has reached out to Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh, KT Rama Rao in Telangana and Pinarayi Vijayan in Kerala, and actor Prakash Raj from Karnataka has congratulated him on his political venture, this could be the beginning of a pressure group from south India to get its due.

His critics constantly diss him as confused but they mistake his idealism for being muddled in the head. Haasan is also criticised for not being realistic. The reality that is spoken about is the reality of Rs 6,000 for a vote, about liquor and freebies doing the trick at election time for parties, and about political corruption being a way of life in Tamil Nadu.

Haasan-speak is utopian but the question that he is raising is how long will Tamil Nadu continue to swim in the muck by investing in the same politicians. His strategy is to provoke them to reject the idea of being bought once every five years and signing away one's rights as a citizen. The swachh Tamil Nadu abhiyaan may not work but Haasan at least deserves Tamil Nadu's ear.

Nothing of the Haasan reality show on Wednesday promises he will be a political success. Because in a starstruck India, a crowd of 20,000-odd is the easiest to attract. There is a sense of deja vu as well for one saw a similar launch with Chiranjeevi a decade ago in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, with the actor mouthing similar platitudes. Even his party was called Praja Rajyam, but the Telugu actor flattered to deceive.

If at the end of the day, in the climax scene, it is revealed that Haasan took all of Tamil Nadu for a ride, all we can do is to doff our hat to a wonderful performance. We knew about his acting prowess all along, didn't we?
A court in Bengaluru sent Mohammad Nalapad, son Congress legislator NA Haris, to 14 days judicial custody for allegedly assaulting a youth at a cafe

Bengaluru: A court in Bengaluru on Wednesday sent Mohammad Nalapad, 24, son of ruling Congress legislator NA Haris, to 14 days judicial custody for allegedly assaulting a youth brutally at a cafe last week, police said.

"Nalapad and six other accused have been sent to the central jail after the 8th Additional City Metropolitan Magistrate court remanded them to judicial custody till 7 March," Bengaluru Central Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) N Chandragupta told reporters here.

The other six accused are Arun Babu, Manjunath, Mohammad Ashraf, Balakrishna, Abhishek and Nafi Mohammed Nasir.

"We have produced all the accused in the court after the 3-day police custody ended. We have conducted preliminary inquiry into the incident and recorded their statements," said Chandragupta.

Nalapad and the six accused were arrested on Monday after they surrendered at the Cubbon Park police station near the Ferzi Cafe in the upscale UB City Mall where Vidvat was brutally assaulted following an altercation.

Though Nalapad's lawyer Usman filed for bail in the district sessions court as the FIR filed against him included "attempt to murder" charge under the Indian Penal Code, the plea has been adjourned to 23 February.

"Nalapad and his friends have admitted to have committed the crime during their interrogation. We have also collected video footage from the Cafe and Mallya Hospital where the 24-year-old victim was again bashed for evidence and to verify with the complaint filed against them," added Chandragupta.

An embarrassed Congress expelled Nalapad from the party for six years and sacked him as the state unit's Youth Congress general secretary.

Haris, a two-time lawmaker from the Shantinagar assembly segment in Bengaluru, on Tuesday tendered an apology in the state legislative assembly for the violent conduct of his son.
CPM could face an internal war in its Kerala conference as the move to admit the KC(M) into the LDF is seen as against party's ideological position by some.

The last state conference of the Kerala unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) at Alappuzha in 2015 was marred by divisionism, but the ideological issues raised by party veteran VS Achuthanandan then have returned to haunt the party as it goes into the present conference at Thrissur.

The nonagenarian leader, who was reduced to a non-entity subsequently, has emerged from the sidelines to check the free run of the leadership controlled by the formidable Kannur lobby in the party led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

Achuthanandan has sought to upset their apple cart to expand the Left front by forging alliances with parties with dubious credentials before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by coming out against their move to woo the Kerala Congress (Mani), a regional party with strong roots in the Christian belt, into the coalition.

The senior leader opposed the move in a letter to the party's central leadership on the eve of the state conference. He has urged the party's central leadership not to permit any discussion on the issue in the meet as it is against the CPM Politburo's decision not to admit any corrupt person into the Left front.

The chief minister is not worried by the dissident stand taken by his strong critic as he now has absolute control over the government as well as the party. Moreover, most of the hard-core supporters of Achuthanandan have deserted him after he was relegated to the post of an inconsequential State Administrative Reforms Commission chief.

Vijayan with the help of the party secretary has also seen to it that the dissidents will not raise their heads again by personally supervising the selection of delegates to the state meet at all the 14 district conferences. There was no dissenting voice against the proposed alliance with the KC(M) in any of the district conferences.

On the contrary, Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta district conferences made a strong plea for inviting KC(M) into the LDF camp. Central committee members like EP Jayarajan and A Vijayaraghavan backed it by issuing a public statement praising Mani ahead of the state conference.

However, political observers feel that the issue raised by Achuthanandan could find resonance in the state conference since the move to admit the KC(M) into the Left front is against its ideological position.

Political analyst NM Pearson said that the move may not be digestible to a large section of the party since the leadership had made them believe that Mani was the most corrupt political leader in Kerala.

The CPM had branded him corrupt in the wake of allegations that he had taken a bribe from bar owners for facilitating the reopening of several bars closed by the previous Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government on the eve of the last Lok Sabha election. The party had also accused Mani, who stepped down as the finance minister following the scam, of selling budget to make money.

The CPM stepped up its efforts to woo him into the Left Democratic Front (LDF) camp after the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) gave Mani a clean chit in the case that the party had effectively used in the Assembly election. But many believe that the clean chit was at the instance of the chief minister, who holds both the vigilance and home portfolios, to facilitate the entry of KC(M) into the LDF.

The Communist Party of India (CPI), the second largest constituent of the LDF, has been consistently opposing the move citing not only the corrupt track record of Mani but also the neo-liberal policies followed by his party. Achuthanandan's stand will strengthen the CPI, which has threatened to quit the LDF if KC(M) is given entry into the LDF.

The CPM is going out of the way to woo Mani to raise its tally in the Lok Sabha during the next election. This, the party leaders feel, will also vindicate their decision to support former party general secretary Prakash Karat's line against any cooperation with the Congress besides giving the state unit a strong say at the national level.

The CPM had its best performance in the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 when it won 18 out of 20 seats. The state unit is trying to expand the alliance with all and sundry hoping for a repeat of 2004. However, Karat himself is doubtful about this. He considered the 2004 performance an exception.

Achuthanandan had supported the alternate line propounded by Sitaram Yechury, the current general secretary of the CPM, as he believed that the communal and fascist threats posed by the BJP were more dangerous to the country than the neo-liberal economic policies of the Congress.

The party will find it difficult to defend its ideological fight against neo-liberalism since the Vijayan government itself has been following many of these policies in the state. The chief minister has been going by the advice given by Githa Gopinath, who is a strong advocate of neo-liberalism. He had appointed Gopinath as his economic advisor despite strong opposition from within the party.

Moreover, many leaders and their kin have been reaping the benefits of this policy. The party secretary himself may find it an embarrassing situation if the delegates raise the shady deals of his sons at the conference. The leadership may not be able to avoid it since the West Bengal unit of the party is expected to raise it at the 22nd CPM congress at Hyderabad.

Though Benoy Vinodini Balakrishnan and Bineesh Kodiyeri have managed to settle the cheating cases filed against them in UAE before the state meet, questions about their nature of business and source of funds for launching the business and then settling the cases can come up at the state meet.

The state leadership is also on the defensive over the murder of Youth Congress leader SP Suhaib in Kannur last week. One of the two party workers arrested by the police in connection with the murder has put the party in the dock by reportedly confessing to the police that the quotation to eliminate Suhaib was given by the party's local youth wing leadership.

The incident has led to strong resentment among the party cadres across the state. They view the unending series of political murders in Kannur as a result of the failure of the party to counter its opponents ideologically.

A senior party member at Kochi said that delegates from southern districts were totally unhappy with the style of functioning of the party's Kannur lobby.

"The leaders in Kannur are under the wrong notion that they can strengthen the party by annihilating its opponents physically. This is foolishness and it will sound the death knell of the party," said the member, who did not want to be identified.

He said that the move for alliances with parties with a dubious credential is also the result of ideological bankruptcy felt by the party now and hoped that the state meet will take steps to build the party on its ideological foundation.
The BJP strategically fielded Yashodhara Raje Scindia, a senior minister in Chouhans cabinet to steer the party campaign against her nephew Jyotiraditya Scindia, son of Congress stalwart leader late Madhavrao Scindia, whos spearheading Congress campaign in this bypolls.

After a fierce battle between the ruling BJP and the Congress in the form of words, public rallies, roadshows and attacks and counter-attacks, the last leg of campaigning for Kolaras and Mungaoli bye-polls in Madhya Pradesh came to an end on Thursday.

Now it will be door-to-door campaigning only. The election is on 24 February and results will be announced on 28 February.

Right from the morning, heavyweights from both the camps tried their best to woo voters in their favour. While for the BJP, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his battery of ministers addressed a public rally in Kolaras, for Congress senior leaders like Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kantilal Bhuria, Ajay Singh Rahul, Arun Yadav among others made a strong pitch in favour of the grand old party of India.

These two assembly seatsKolaras and Mungaoli under Guna Lok Sabha constituencygot vacated after the deaths of Ram Singh Yadav and Mahendra Singh Kalukheda of the Congress.

The BJP strategically fielded Yashodhara Raje Scindia, a senior minister in Chouhans cabinet to steer the party campaign against her nephew Jyotiraditya Scindia, son of Congress stalwart leader late Madhavrao Scindia, whos spearheading Congress campaign in this bypolls.

Major challenge for Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Kolaras and Mungaloi bypolls have posed a major challenge for the chief minister. Farmer distress might prove to be a major deterrent for the BJP government. The much-hyped Bhavantar Yojnathe government scheme meant to compensate farmershas failed to cut ice among farmers.

"Its a gimmick. What we are offered under Bhavantar Yojna is less than the actual minimum support price. Even after the farmer agitation in Mandsaur and elsewhere, were yet to get the right price. Farmers have to wait at mandis with tractor-load of produce for days to sell it off. Theres a lot of frustration among farmers. The supply of electricity is also irregular making situations worse," said Bhupesh Singh, a Kolaras-based farmer.

BJPs electoral plank of 2003Bijli, Sadak, Paani (Electricity, Road, Water)that ensured complete routing of Congress party from the state, has failed to impress voters too.

After taking over as chief minister in November 2005, Chouhan ensured efficient infrastructure. The highways and roads, including rural roads; got a makeover. However, in the last few years, the conditions have deteriorated. A journey by road from state capital Bhopal to Guna that took four-and-half hours in 2010, now takes more than six hours due to the bad condition of roads.

There is a palpable tension among the ruling BJP. As a result, Chouhan made campaign trips every alternate day, while the entire BJP organisational apparatus has hit battleground Kolaras and Mungaoli.

"BJP has done a lot for the state, but at present, theres a lot of dissent among farmers. There is a disconnect between the top leadership and the masses. The space has been taken over by bureaucracy and they have failed to deliver many of the promises made by the chief minister. The ground-level workers in BJP are equally annoyed and maintaining a distance. Arrogance has seeped into the system which is unfortunate. This will adversely impact the bypolls," a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary from Madhya Pradesh told Firstpost on condition of anonymity.

Hope for Congress

After consistent electoral rout since 2003, Congress won two bypolls in 2017Ater and Chitrakoot Assembly seatsand now its bubbling with confidence. The leaders have been found to be highly vocal at public gatherings.

All the top Congress leaders from Madhya Pradesh have joined hands displaying solidarity in public engaged themselves in an aggressive campaigning. The partys performance in Gujarat and its recent victory in Rajasthan bypolls have acted as a booster to its confidence.

Congress will sweep the election with a thumping majority in these two by-poll seats. People have got frustrated with the Shivraj Singh government. Farmers are equally angry as they have been neglected, Congress general secretary and Madhya Pradesh in-charge, Dipak Babaria told Firstpost.

Both the bypolls have become a prestige issue for Guna Lok Sabha member Jyotiraditya Scindia as Kolaras and Mungaoli Assembly seats are in his constituency. His presence was actively felt on the ground as he could be seen shuttling between Mungaoli and Kolaras holding series of roadshows and public rallies, besides other Congress heavyweights.

Like Babaria, Scindia too is confident of Congress victory this time. And he has reasons to believe so.

"In the last 14 years, Shivraj Singh Chouhans government hasnt undertaken a single development activity in Kolaras and Mungaoli. Roads, electricity, infrastructure, school education and health are in poor state. The chief minister made tall promises to farmers, but nothing materialised on the ground," Scindia said during his roadshow.

Comment that gave advantage to the Congress

Moreover, a controversial comment by the Yashodhara Raje Scindia has proved damaging for the BJP, but a blessing in disguise for the Congress.

While seeking votes in Kolaras in Shivpuri district by invoking the legacy of her mother late Rajmata Vijayraje Scindia -- a formidable BJP doyen, Yashodhara Raje Scindia on 18 February remarked, Chulhe ki yojna kyun nahi aayi aapke paas? Yeh Kamal (lotus) ki yojna hai. Aap Panje ko vote doge, aapke paas aayegi nahi. Aap Kamal ko doge, aapke paas aayegi. Seedhi baat (Why didnt the LPG connection scheme come to you? Because its a BJP scheme. If you vote for Panjaa (Congress symbol Palm), you wont get the benefit. Straight and simple).

Under prime ministers Ujjwala Yojna, the Central government aims to replace unclean cooking fuels with LPG connections for the Below Poverty Line (BPL) across the country.

While this controversial statement went viral on social media, it gave a handle to Congress party. The leaders registered a complaint with the Election Commission and aggressively took it up with the voters on the ground, trying to convince them of BJPs vindictive attitude towards poor.

Wholl win?

Ahead of Madhya Pradesh Assembly election by this yearend, Kolaras and Mungaoli bypolls would prove to be a litmus test both for the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. Chouhan has to prove his mettle as chief minister. Wait till 28 February.
Ahead of Meghalaya Assembly polls, NPP chief Conrad Sangma speaks with Firstpost about his political journey, siblings, proposed alliance with BJP, and his positioning as the main rival to incumbent chief minister Mukul Sangma

As Meghalaya goes to polls on 27 February, National Peoples Party (NPP) chief Conrad Kongkal Sangma is the man of the moment in state's electoral politics. Son of former Lok Sabha speaker late PA Sangma, who founded NPP in 2012, Conrad is an MP from Tura constituency and enjoys strong support in Garo hills of Meghalaya.

Sangma speaks with Firstpost about his political journey after his fathers demise, siblings, the proposed BJP-NPP alliance, and his positioning in the ensuing polls as the main rival to incumbent chief minister Mukul Sangma. Edited excerpts:

Is Conrad Sangma the chief ministerial face for the polls?

I have been saying that the chief minister will be decided by the MLAs. That situation is yet to come. The focus, for now, is to win the elections.

Despite being a part of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), why arent you aligning with BJP in the state?

Alignment in the state election is different from being a part of NEDA. Even NPF is a part of NEDA, but it didnt enter a pre-poll alliance with BJP. Local sentiments and aspirations play a larger role in local elections. Even in Manipur, we had contested elections on our own. We like to contest our political battles on the account of our identity. The post-poll strategy will depend on the results.

In Christian dominated Meghalaya, Hindutva politics is seen as a baggage for any political party. Wouldnt your alliance with BJP hurt your vote share?

We are not getting into any pre-poll alliance. So, people are aware that we do not have an understanding with any political party. We will worry about the alliance when the time comes. So, there is no question of our vote share being cut. The 'baggage' is being created by Congress because it lacks real issues.

Do you think its a fierce battle this time, looking at the killing of NCP candidate Jonathone N Sangma?

Absolutely! What has happened is very unfortunate and disturbing. These things should not have happened. Its the first such incident in Meghalaya or in any part of the North East. There has been a lapse in intelligence. I hope corrective measures are taken to avoid recurrence of such incidents.

What are the factors that will drive voters to seek a change this time?

As they say in Hindi, log pareshan ho gaya is sarkar se (people are disappointed with this government). And, the disappointment is not limited to a particular sector or issue, but is evident across the state.

The contractors have pending bills amounting to almost Rs 300 crores. Students are not getting scholarships on time. Most of the teachers dont get salaries on time, and the state government has failed to respond to their requests. The coal miners, too, feel that the state government is not interested in resolving their issues. The Congress leadership has elicited a lot of resentment within the party, which has caused its disintegration to a large extent. People want to see a change.

We have been able to present ourselves as an alternative to the Congress at the state level.

People view NPP as a party limited to Garo hills. How would you fight Mukul Sangma with this local acceptance?

That NPP is a party of the Garos is history now. The party had earlier been linked to Garos because of PA Sangmas prominent Garo identity. But, he was clear that NPP should be a party of the entire North East. We have managed to make some inroads in states like Manipur. We are contesting 26 seats in Nagaland and are challenging the incumbent government in Meghalaya. In Khasi Hills, eight sitting MLAs have joined us and we are contesting on 28 seats. Ten members of district councils have also joined us. So, the acceptance is only increasing.

Who has been the guiding force for you after the death of your father?

Well my father was my mentor and he is my idol. I remember everything that he used to tell me. So, at this moment, there is nobody I could call my mentor. His words and his thoughts remain with me and I will always follow the ideology he taught me.

How difficult is this election without him?

Every election is tough. By Gods grace, we have seen many political changes take place recently, but things would have been far better with him around, yes. His personality, larger than life image, the kind of reach he had would have had a different impact. But nonetheless, people still remember him, and the impact of his work helps us get positive results.

What will be your focus area if NPP is voted to power?

Our focus is on infrastructure development  road, water, telecommunication, electricity  these are important. The social sector is very important for us. Education and health are also on the top of the list. We want to work towards the empowerment of women and ensure proper care for children. Empowerment of youth is a prime concern, which will require more attention to agriculture, tourism, and other sectors such as processing, packaging, etc.

How will your party generate more employment and promote industries?

Tourism is an important sector, but Meghalaya has not been able to explore its potential. We will adopt policies that ensure job creation and promote entrepreneurship in the sphere of tourism. Secondly, despite being blessed with abundant rain and fertile soil, which result in varied agricultural produce, we fail to profit from our products. A lot of it goes to waste. Hence, food processing and packaging is another sector we would focus on. Another aspect to be explored in terms of employment opportunities is the long border that we share with Bangladesh. Past governments have not drafted a policy to take advantage of the more than 420 km long border, which is something we are interested to explore.

Rahul Gandhi recently said that NPP is a B-team of BJP. The indication is that BJP is spending a lot of money on NPP. What do you have to say?

We have no electoral understanding with BJP in the state election. I dont know on what basis is Congress calling us BJPs B-team. It is trying to divert peoples attention from the lack of development in the state under Congress government, which has failed to deliver on its promises. Its a failed attempt by Gandhi.

What do you want to say about BJPs donation package for churches?

It is disturbing to see the state government complain about every measure taken by the Centre. The Centres job is to provide development, to be fair to all, and take everybody along. And, I think the minister (KJ Alphons, Union Minister of State for culture and tourism, who had announced the package) being a Christian himself, may have felt the need to develop the place of worship.

Tell us about your sister and brother, their election strategy and prospects.

People of Meghalaya have seen Agatha Sangmas ability to govern and believe in her qualities, beyond the fact that she is PA Sangmas daughter. They are going to vote for her in the South Tura constituency, as she is capable of putting forth the problems of the hill state in the national discourse. She is the leader that people of South Tura deserve.

About James Sangma, it is the work he has done in his constituency that speaks. People have made up their mind that they want quality governance. They want representatives who work and bring about a change.

(Syeda Ambia Zahan is a Guwahati-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.)
Fifty nine percent of the candidates for the 27 February Assembly elections are crorepatis with JD(U) nominee Ramongo Lotha being the richest.

Kohima: Fifty nine percent of the candidates for the 27 February Assembly elections are crorepatis with JD(U) nominee Ramongo Lotha being the richest with a total wealth of Rs 38.92 crore, an analysis of the affidavits said.

The Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), which analysed the affidavits of 193 aspirants out of a total of 196 candidates, found out that 114 candidates are crorepatis.

The findings were announced by Hekani Jakhalu of YouthNet Nagaland, a prominent youth organisation, at a press meet on Wednesday. The affidavits of three candidates could not be analysed as their affidavits in the public domain of the Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer was not at all clear, Jakhalu said.

Lotha, a retired IAS officer, has movable assets worth Rs 22,81,960 and immovable assets at Rs 38,69,40,000 taking his total wealth to Rs 38.92 crore, the ADR analysis said. The JD(U) nominee is contesting the elections from Sanis seat in Wokha district.

Akavi N Zhimomi fighting on APP ticket from Ghaspani-I assembly seat in his affidavit has shown nil movable and immovable assets, the analysis said.

Nagland Chief Minister TR Zeliang contesting on Naga People's Front (NPF) ticket from Peren seat has declared in his affidavit that his total assets (both movable and immovable) are worth Rs 3.52 crore, it said. Former three-time chief minister and NDPP nominee from Northern Agamai-II seat Neiphiu Rio has movable assets worth Rs 15.37 crore. Another former chief minister KL Chishi has total assets of Rs 38.20 crore but he also has the highest liabilities among all the candidates at Rs 89 lakh, the analysis said.

The other candidates with meagre assets are T Ngampai, Chinkai Konya and K Kiko Konyak, Jakhalu said. Ngampai is the Congress candidate from Phomching seat and has total assets worth Rs 5,000, the analysis said. Konya, the NPF nominee from Tehok seat, has total assets of Rs 10,000 while K Kiko Konyak, the NDPP candidate from Moka constituency, has total assets of Rs 20,000.

While 46 candidates have assets valued at Rupees five crore and above, 42 aspirants have assets at Rupees two crore and above, the analysis said. Sixty nominees have assets worth Rs 50 lakh and above, 26 aspirants have assets at Rs 10 lakh and above and 19 are in possession of assets valued at less than Rs 10 lakh, it said.

Altogether 27 candidates have not declared their sources of income in their affidavits, Jakhalu said.

The ADR analysis also found three candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves. The candidates are one each from the NPF, NDPP and BJP. While three candidates are illiterate, 16 candidates are class-8 pass and five are doctorates, the analysis said. Only seven candidates are between 25 years and 30 years, 29 candidates are between 31 years and 40 years and the rest are above 40 years.
The Congress has not discussed with other parties the issue of seeking a probe into the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud through a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

New Delhi: The Congress has not discussed with other parties the issue of seeking a probe into the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud through a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), its senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters, Azad chose to not reply on Army chief Bipin Rawats comments on the faster growth of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in Assam vis-a-vis the BJP in Assam. However, in the same breathe, he accused the ruling BJP of trying to divert attention from the PNB fraud.

No, we have not had any discussion on this, Azad said while replying to a query about whether the Congress Working Committee had last week authorised him to speak to other "like-minded" parties on pressing for a JPC to probe the fraud, involving billionaire diamond merchant Nirav Modi.

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary, however, said the issue will be flagged in the House when the Parliament session resumes on 5 March.

On the CPM seeking a JPC probe into the matter, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha added, We will discuss it when the Parliament Session is there.

Asked about Rawats remarks, Azad said he would not reply on the remark.

But I would simply say that in the coming days, the BJP will point fingers on so many leaders, parties, to divert the attention from Nirav Modi. They are going to make heaven and hell together to divert the attention of the people, he added.

Seeking to underscore difference between the previous UPA and the current NDA governments, Azad said the Manmohan Singh dispensation had conducted all sort of enquiries when the then Opposition, led by the BJP, took up the issue of alleged 2G spectrum scam.

Under this (NDA) government, why every fraudster is going to London and is not coming back? And why all of them have some nexus with top leadership of the present government, directly or indirectly? Azad asked, apparently referring to liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is fighting an extradition trial at a court in the British capital.

Referring to reports of increase in Muslim population in several districts of Assam, the Army chief had observed that the Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF had grown in the state "faster" as compared to the BJP in the 1980s.

He had also stated that a "planned" influx of people from Bangladesh into the Northeast was taking place as part of a proxy warfare by Pakistan with support from China with an aim to keep the area disturbed.
The Congress has urged 'like-minded' Opposition parties to join in solidarity against the Narendra Modi government on the issue of the Rs 11,400 crore Punjab National Bank fraud

The Congress has urged "like-minded" Opposition parties to join in solidarity against the Narendra Modi government on the issue of the Rs 11,400 crore Punjab National Bank fraud.

Taking an aggressive stand on the issue, the Congress said it will intensify its agitation and will garner support from Opposition parties in Parliament using a two-pronged strategy. "The PNB fraud is the biggest scam to have hit the banking sector. Before coming to power in 2014, and for three-and-a-half years thereafter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi blamed the UPA government for all ills faced by the nation and promised that he would clean up the mess. But nothing has happened. Instead, we are seeing such huge scams," said senior Congress leader and former Minister of State for Home Affairs, RPN Singh.

Singh added that the Congress will take the lead in this regard and go for an all-out attack against the government.

Two-pronged strategy

During its high-level steering committee meeting headed by Congress president Rahul Gandhi on 17 February, it was decided that the party would go on an offensive against the NDA government on the Punjab National Bank scam issue, both inside and outside Parliament.

The action inside Parliament will begin during the second half of the Budget Session from 5 March, when the House meets after a recess of almost one month. To this end, Congress has sought support from Opposition parties to attack the BJP-led NDA government. The committee formed will demand a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the scam.

Outside Parliament, Congress and other parties will hold press conferences, stage demonstrations and protest rallies to highlight the enormity of the scam.

Immediately after the steering committee meeting, Congress president Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Modi. "The prime minister has to tell the nation who was responsible behind India's biggest bank scam," Rahul said, while addressing the media.

However, both Congress and other Opposition parties have now realised that the war against the Centre has to be taken to the ground. Mere press briefings, statements and debates on news channels won't help. Within closed door meetings, the parties have begun chalking out strategies.

"We have to pursue this issue aggressively among the masses and on ground, and also in poll-bound states. It won't be limited to press conferences. We wanted to give some time to the government, but not anymore. Truth will come out," senior Congress leader and Ludhiana MP, Manish Tewari, said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Left Front too has a strategy chalked out and has said it won't remain silent. "The PNB scam is the biggest fraud in the country. The Left will be at the forefront of this agitation, whether it's on the floor of the Parliament or outside. We'll also take it through our bank unions across the country," Communist Party of India (CPI) Rajya Sabha member, D Raja, told Firstpost.

The CPM politburo has also called upon its party units to organise protests across the country. Demanding a JPC in the case, it said that in the past, like in financial fraud involving Harshad Mehta or Ketan Parekh, JPCs were constituted, and finance ministers of the time had deposed and corrective measures were put in place. "Similarly, the current finance minister must be made to answer all the relevant questions. By joining hands with other Opposition parties through floor coordination, we'll highlight the failures of the NDA government in Parliament. It's not just about exposing Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi or Vikram Kothari, but we also need to attack the economic policy that has led to such big scams in the banking sector. Our aim is also to expose the failures of liberalisation that have jeopardised India's banking system and led to such high level of corruption among bank officials," CPM central committee member, Badal Saroj, added.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Lok Sabha member, Jay Prakash Narayan Yadav said, "We are with the Congress and other Opposition parties on this issue. The prime minister had promised that he would bring back black money stashed abroad to India. It didn't happen; instead the white money of the public is siphoned abroad."

Meanwhile, party-affiliated unions have also become active on the ground. The Indian Youth Congress staged a protest march against the central government on Wednesday in the national capital. The CPI-led All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) has demanded a parliamentary probe, and said it would stage demonstrations in several states against deteriorating banking system in the country.

The summer is yet to set in, but the heat is already on the government ahead of the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament.
The CPM on Thursday said political violence was not the culture of the party, but if there are aberrations, necessary corrections will be made.

Thrissur: The CPM on Thursday said political violence was not the culture of the party, but if there are aberrations, necessary corrections will be made.

Hitting out at the RSS, CPM general-secretary Sitaram Yechury said it has been targeting and unleashing violence on party cadres in Kerala.

"Political violence is not the culture of the CPM. But if our cadres...comrades are attacked, we will defend and protect our cadres," Yechury said in his inaugural address at the party state conference.

Yechury said 577 party workers have been killed in the state over the years. "The 577 torch marches that came to the state conference were from the 577 martyr's columns," he said.

"Violence will be met with self-defence. Otherwise political violence is not in our culture. Our culture is to defeat them politically," Yechury said.

"In case there are aberrations, necessary corrections will be made," he said.

Yechury's remarks come at a time when the party is on the defensive, following the Opposition Congress' charge that marxist party workers were behind the slaying of Shuhaib, a Youth Congress worker at Mattanur in Kannur last week.

Senior congress leader K Sudhakaran and Youth Congress president Deen Kuriakose are on a fast for the past three days demanding immediate arrest of the "actual accused" in the case.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said stringent action would be taken against the culprits.

The BJP-RSS had taken out a statewide march in October, 2017 alleging that its workers were being attacked by the marxist party and demanded an end to the "red terror" in the state.
tech2 News Staff

LG Electronics on Thursday announced the launch of the 2018 editions of the LG K8 and K10 smartphones. The company stated that both the phones will debut at MWC 2018 and will be rolled out in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Middle Eastern markets.

According to a report by GSMArena, LG's decision to announce the new K10 at MWC instead of CES is an important one, since the US market is not a major one for its mid-ranged devices. LG states in a blog post that this year's K10 will pack a camera with quicker focus speeds thanks to the introduction of phase-detection autofocus. The company adds that the camera on the new K10 also has improved noise reduction in low light courtesy of the new 13 MP rear camera sensor.

The LG K8, on the other hand, has an 8 MP camera with a host of new shooting features. It also features a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner which doubles up as a power button. The fingerprint scanner can also be used on both phones to quickly launch the camera app, states LG. Both phones will be available in three colours  Aurora Black, Moroccan Blue and Terra Gold.

In terms of internals, the LG K8 will pack a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor, while the K10 will be powered by a 1.5 Ghz octa-core chipset. The K10 will be made available in three variants  the K10 Plus, K10 and K10 Alpha while the K8 will only come in one variant with 2 GB RAM and 16 GB storage. LG states that the K10 plus will come with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB of storage while the K10 and K10 Alpha with 2 GB RAM and 16 GB storage. The storage on all variants of both phones will be expandable up to 2 TB via a microSD card.

On the connectivity front, both the LG K8 and K10 will come with Wi-Fi (802.11 b, g, n), Bluetooth 4.2 and a USB 2.0 port. Both phones will also come with Android Nougat 7.1.2 out of the box. Pricing details are yet to be revealed by LG.
IANS

London's allegations of Moscow being behind the cyber attack against Ukraine in June 2017 are far-fetched and "information warfare" against Russia, said Russia's Foreign Ministry on 21 February.

"In keeping with the tradition adopted by the West in general, London failed to provide any specific facts, preferring to make groundless and exasperating statements and allusions and pretending that everything is clear even without coming up with any evidence," the Ministry said in a statement, according to Xinhua news agency.

In a statement released last week, British Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad attributed the NotPetya cyber attack to the Russian government and the Kremlin, saying Britain and its allies would not tolerate "malicious cyber activity".

Noting that the Western media was spreading accusations of Russia's involvement in the cyber attack, Russia's Foreign Ministry said London is going too far in laying the blame on the Russian government instead of anonymous "Russian hackers".

"A new era of information warfare against Russia is upon us," said the statement.

According to the Ministry, Russia has been promoting over two decades proposals on reinforcing global information security and cracking down on malicious activities.

"Despite the never-ending Russophobic campaigning, we would like to remind the international community that Russia remains open to pragmatic cooperation on international information security and call on all the stakeholders to engage in constructive efforts," it said.

The attack of a malware dubbed NotPetya disrupted numerous computer systems last year. It first erupted in Ukraine, but the virus later spread to many other countries, including Russia.
tech2 News Staff

Sony has unveiled the RX0 waterproof action camera at a price of Rs 64,990 in India. Along with this, Sony has also launched the Rs 49,990 SEL18135 lens and both these items will be available for purchase from today at Sony Center, Alpha Flagship Stores, and Sony authorised dealers.

The Sony RX0 has a 1.0-inch Exmor RS CMOS image sensor and it can support sensitivity up to ISO 12,800. The lens also has a fast shutter time of 1/32,000 of a second and can shoot at up to 16 fps frame rate and also super slow motion footage at 960 fps. The camera has a wide-angle ZEISS Tessar T 24mm lens with an aperture of f/4. Sony's proprietary Anti-Distortion Shutter feature gives the camera a shutter speed as low as 1/32000 and also reduces the rolling shutter effect.

The RX0 is IP68 certified and can survive a plunge for up to 60 minutes at a depth of 10 meters. As per Sony, this depth can further be increased to 100 meters when the RX0 is attached to the MPK-HSR1 housing. The camera also happens to be shock-resistant and can survive a fall from up to 2 meters.

The SEL18135 lens has 7.5x optical zoom and a focal length of 18-135 mm (27-202.5 mm in 35 mm equivalent focal length). The lens weighs around 325 grams and has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 and a minimum aperture of f/36. It also has built-in OIS and can give a magnification ratio of 0.29x.
tech2 News Staff

After SpaceX's successful launch of the Falcon Heavy rocket carrying the Tesla Roadster into space the company has now successfully deployed the PAZ radar-imaging satellite into low Earth orbit using its Falcon 9 rocket. Apart from PAZ, the rocket was also carrying two test satellites by SpaceX called Microsat 2a and 2b

The launch was originally scheduled for 21 February, but high upper-level winds made it impossible to take off that day and hence the mission was pushed to 22 February. SpaceX said on its website that the fairing, which was shielding the payload, will be recovered.

The fairing cone, as per a tweet by Elon Musk, will be caught by a high-speed boat called 'Mr Steven', which has a net attached behind to catch the falling piece of metal. Apart from this, one unusual thing about the launch was that SpaceX did not try and land its booster rocket, which has been kind of SpaceX's mantra for reusability and an important factor in reducing costs.

Going to try to catch the giant fairing (nosecone) of Falcon 9 as it falls back from space at https://t.co/CVS2PoaJah  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 22, 2018

A good reason for doing so would be the fact that SpaceX is planning to redesign the Falcon 9's internal parts and thus they are disposing off earlier models. The two SpaceX satellites deployed are going to be part of the largest satellite network in history whose purpose would be to provide the next generation of internet connectivity.

Iridium currently operates the world's largest satellite constellation and is halfway towards its goal of having 75 satellites in orbit. SpaceX has been launching Iridium's satellites. As per a CNBC report, SpaceX will be launching at least 800 satellites into the Earth's orbit in the coming years. Check the video attached below to relive the launch experience.
IANS

The Telangana government is keen to use Free Space Optical Communications (FSOC) technology of Google X to provide internet access to people in parts of the state, officials said on 21 February.

The state government officials discussed the proposal with Tom Moore, Vice President, Google X on the sidelines of the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2018, which concluded here on 21 February.

"We had very useful preliminary discussions. He is willing to bring that technology to India as a test case," state's Principal Secretary, Information Technology, Jayesh Ranjan told reporters.

The state government wants to use the technology for connectivity in the areas where it could not lay optic fiber cables under T Fiber project, aimed at providing high speed connectivity to all the households.

The optic fiber cables are being laid along with the water pipelines under Mission Bhagiratha, the government programme is aimed at providing drinking water to every house.

"Since we have missed out on some bits, where the water pipelines were already laid, the optical technology of Google X can be used as this does not require a cable. This is something revolutionary in area of connectivity and be easy to deply," said Ranjan.

"We have asked him (Moore) to showcase how this technology works in bits where we missed out on fiber. His team will work on the proposal and show. If that materializes we will be first user of this technology in India," he added.

Moore delivered the key note address on 'Connecting the next billion online' at WCIT. He said FSOC linking will help provide high-speed wireless internet access to millions without digging trenches or stringing cable along poles.

Also known as X, the moonshot factory, it had last year signed an agreement with Andhra Pradesh to deploy FSOC technology. Andhra plans to roll out 2,000 FSOC links to bring a wireless internet connection to the state.

The FSOC links will plug critical gaps to major access points, like cell-towers and WiFi hotspots, that support thousands of people.

Last month, Chaparai, a tribal hamlet in Boddagandi village of East Goadavari district, was connected using the technology under a pilot project
18:22 (IST)

Q: How do you look at the competition?

DK: We learn from competition all the time. We have a team which is constantly looking at how they operate. I believe great tech companies should be product and customer focused. Part of being more local is having local talent in India. We want to have more engineers. The talent is there and they're smart and intelligent and we want to expand the Indian talent working with Uber.
tech2 News Staff

Xiaomi, it seems, isn't just content with making budget smartphones. After some stellar sales of the Redmi Note 4, the Chinese smartphone maker had the highest number of smartphone shipments in India at nearly 8.2 million units. Now Xiaomi seems to be switching gears and looks to make an impact in the niche gaming smartphone market with a new device reportedly given the codename 'Blackshark'. It is being speculated that this device is from a company called Black Shark Technology in which Xiaomi has invested.

The current, and only smartphone, which is very gaming centric is the Razer Phone, and if the Antutu benchmarks are any indication, then the Blackshark could very well rival the Razer Phone. As per the benchmarks, the smartphone will be coming with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC paired with the Adreno 630 GPU. In terms of hardware, the leaks indicate 8 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage. Xiaomi could launch a higher storage variant as well if and when this phone becomes official.

It seems that the Blackshark will also have a FullHD 18:9 display and come with Android Oreo 8.0 out-of-the-box. The benchmarks show that the phone has a score of 270,680, which is higher than the yet-to-be-released Samsung Galaxy S9, which had a score of 265,267. No more details are currently available about this rumored device.

However, the thing that set the Razer Phone apart was its 120 Hz refresh rate, making the interface silky smooth. Now there are no indications, from the benchmarks, of any feature like that on the Blackshark, but Xiaomi could tweak the phone settings to bring in something similar. Right now, the phone has just been spotted on benchmarks and no official announcement of any kind has been made by Xiaomi, but we shall update you on it as soon as more information is available.
White House is weighing additional sanctions against Russia, senior officials said refuting allegations that Donald Trump has been soft on Moscow

Washington: The White House is weighing additional sanctions against Russia, senior administration officials said Wednesday, pushing back against allegations that Donald Trump has been a soft touch on Moscow.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, officials said a "task force" has been set up to address potential meddling in the 2018 congressional elections and work is underway to introduce more sanctions in response to Moscow's 2016 campaign.

Highlighting one potentially far-reaching step, a senior administration official said they have already warned governments around the world that they could face sanctions for "significant transactions" with the Russian military.

That includes NATO ally Turkey, which has publicly announced the purchase of a Russian S-400 air defense missile system, which is seen as a challenge to US air superiority.

A second official said that "a couple of big countries" were reconsidering their purchases as a result of the global diplomatic "demarche."

Those type of third country sanctions were part of a package of measures passed by Congress approved last July, that were opposed by the White House.

Trump's vocal opposition to the package - which entered into law earlier this year - and his regular praise of Vladimir Putin has raised questions about whether the administration is dragging its feet.

Several members of Trump's campaign have been charged or admitted to lying to the FBI about their contacts with Kremlin-related officials who are accused of trying to sway the 2016 vote in Trump's favor.

US officials on Wednesday admitted no specific sanctions had been introduced yet, but said that was because the administration was doing its due diligence, rather than an attempt to slow-walk the process.

'National security issue'

The first official also stressed the need to avoid leaks that could tip off potential sanction targets, allowing them to move money out of bank accounts or take other mitigating steps.

"We are doing an awful lot of work, we are taking this very seriously, it is a national security issue," the official said, answering criticism.

"I would hope you would just give us a little bit of an indulgence to do some of these things behind the scenes and be able to reveal them when we can."

"We would like to get after these guys and we would like to catch them in the act and not enable them to change course  so that we have a harder time detecting them."

One example given was the shuttering of the Russian consulate in San Francisco, which was ordered closed late last year, taking Moscow by surprise.

"The Russians did not see that coming" said the first official, adding, "which is an absolute bloody miracle frankly" given reporting before a decision was made.

A third administration official hit back directly at unfavorable comparisons to Barack Obama's administration.

"The categorical thing that I've seen in so much coverage... that it is an abject fact that the previous administration was tougher than this administration is provably false," a third official said.

Trump has recently tried to shift the blame for election meddling -- which he had once decried as "fake news" -- onto Obama, arguing it occurred on his watch.

"Question: If all of the Russian meddling took place during the Obama Administration, right up to 20th January, why aren't they the subject of the investigation?" he tweeted on Wednesday morning.

"Why didn't Obama do something about the meddling? Why aren't Dem crimes under investigation? Ask Jeff Sessions!" he added, urging his Attorney General to act.
The 'politics of demonisation' provided fertile ground for human rights abuses globally in 2017, Amnesty International said in its annual report.

The "politics of demonisation" provided fertile ground for human rights abuses in 2017, exemplified by the response of Europe and Donald Trump's US to the refugee crisis, and the shrinking of civic space in South Asia, rights group Amnesty International said on Thursday in its 2017 report.

The British-based group in its annual report took particular aim at the US president's "transparently hateful" executive order banning entry to citizens of several Muslim-majority countries. The report, The State of the World's Human Rights, covers 159 countries and delivers a comprehensive analysis of the state of human rights in the world today.

The report said that the year 2017 for South Asia marked the continuing shrinking of civic space as human rights defenders were publicly demonised. Freedom of expression was criminalised online as journalists, bloggers and activists were subject to intimidation, threats, smear campaigns, violence and enforced disappearances.

In South Asia, governments invoked law and order, national security and religion as they engaged in attacks against religious minorities, criminalised freedom of expression and subjected civil society to a campaign of intimidation, threats, smears and violence, the report said.

Over the past year, the region was marked by assaults on civil society. Journalists, bloggers, activists and others human rights defenders have been vilified and subjected to threats and violence. Meanwhile, online, invasive new cybercrime legislation has been used to criminalise freedom of expression and subject people to unlawful surveillance," said Biraj Patnaik, Amnesty Internationals South Asia Director.

South Asia also remains one of the most dangerous regions to be a member of a religious minority. Muslims in India and Sri Lanka, Shias in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and Hindus in Bangladesh have all come under attack over the past year. In each case, the governments have either failed to protect them, been indifferent to their fate, or even encouraged a climate of hostility, he added.

Repressive laws

In India, the report said, the authorities were openly critical of human rights defenders, feeding a climate of hostility and violence against them. Repressive laws were used to stifle freedom of expression, and journalists and press freedom came under increasing attack.

"Several journalists and Human Rights Defenders also lost their lives. Freedom of expression in universities also remained under threat. Journalist Gauri Lankesh, an outspoken critic of Hindu nationalism and the caste system, was shot dead outside her home in Bengaluru by unidentified gunmen in September. Criminal defamation cases were brought against several journalists," the report said.

"The home ministry said that it had refused to renew the foreign funding licence of the NGO known as Peoples Watch because it had allegedly portrayed Indias human rights record in a 'negative light' internationally," the report added.

Other South Asian countriesPakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and The Maldivesdid not fare much better either as Violent attacks on journalists and human rights defenders continued.

In Pakistan, enforced disappearances became more widespread and more frequent, taking into their sweep bloggers and activists from across the country. Violent attacks on journalists continued, including two reporters attacked in their cars.

In Afghanistan, human rights defenders faced constant threats to their life and security. In June, at least four people were killed when police opened fire on demonstrators outside the presidential palace in Kabul.

In Bangladesh, the authorities continued to crack down on peaceful dissent, including online expression. Criticism of the government, or the family of the prime minister, triggered criminal cases.

In Sri Lanka, families attempting to arrange stones as memorials for loved ones lost during the 26-year internal conflict were stopped by security forces. Human rights defenders were subject to surveillance and intimidation. Women human rights defenders in the north and east reported that interactions with the police were often degrading and sexualised.

In the Maldives, a popular political blogger and activist, Yameen Rasheed, was killed in April. In March, journalists from Raajje TV received death threats for their coverage of the King of Saudi Arabias visit to one of the atolls.

Attacks on minorities

Religious minorities across the South Asian region faced attacks from violent mobs while the authorities either failed to protect them, did not hold the perpetrators accountable, or even stoked a climate of hostility against them, the report said.

"In India, dozens of hate crimes against Muslims took place across the country against the backdrop of a wave of Islamophobia under the Hindu nationalist government. At least 10 Muslim men were lynched and many injured by vigilante cow protection groups," the report said.

"Demonstrations against attacks on Muslims were held in several cities, but the government did little to show that it disapproved of the violence," the report added.

In Bangladesh, in November, more than 30 homes belonging to Hindu families were ransacked, looted and torched in Thakarpara village in Rangpur.

Sri Lanka saw a rise in Buddhist nationalist sentiment, including attacks against Christians and Muslims. In September, a group of hardline Buddhist monks attacked the homes of Rohingya refugees in Boosa, southern Sri Lanka.

In Afghanistan and Pakistan, armed groups continued to attack religious minorities, with the bombings of Shia mosques on both sides of the border.

'Encouraged to hate'

The crisis in Myanmar and reported massacres of Rohingya Muslims are the consequence of a society encouraged to hate and a lack of global leadership on human rights, the report said.

The human rights group said that hate-filled rhetoric by leaders was normalising discrimination against minorities.

"We saw the ultimate consequence of a society encouraged to hate, scapegoat and fear minorities laid bare in the horrific military campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya people in Myanmar," said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty.

Amnesty said the international community had failed to respond robustly to "crimes against humanity and war crimes from Myanmar to Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen".

It said that leaders in countries such as the United States, Russia and China were not standing up for civil liberties and instead were "callously undermining the rights of millions".

Trump effect

The British-based group in its annual report took particular aim at the US president's "transparently hateful" executive order banning entry to citizens of several Muslim-majority countries.

"Throughout 2017, millions across the world experienced the bitter fruits of a rising politics of demonisation," said the report, which was launched this year for the first time in the United States.

It accused leaders of wealthy countries of approaching the refugee crisis "with a blend of evasion and outright callousness".

"Most European leaders have been unwilling to grapple with the big challenge of regulating migration safely and legally, and have decided that practically nothing is off limits in their efforts to keep refugees away from the continent's shores," it added.

Shetty singled out Trump for criticism, saying the travel ban "set the scene for a year in which leaders took the politics of hate to its most dangerous conclusion".

'Avalanche of online abuse'

The report also praised the #MeToo campaign for drawing attention "to the appalling extent of sexual abuse and harassment".

But it warned that Internet giants were part of the abuse problem and that they had too much power in shaping narratives and propagating "Fake News".

"The avalanche of online abuse, particularly against women, and the incitement of hatred against minorities, drew weak and inconsistent responses from social media companies and scant action from governments," it said.

"These concerns are compounded by the extreme concentration of control in only a handful of companies over the information people view online."

It added: "The capabilities deriving from this to shape public attitudes are immense, including virtually unchecked potential for incitement to hatred and violence."

It said that the "willingness of prominent leaders to tout 'fake news'... coupled with attacks on institutions that act as checks on power, show that free speech will be a key battle" in 2018.

"We must refuse to accept narratives of demonisation and build instead a culture of solidarity," it concluded.

Read the full report here:

With inputs from agencies
Angela Merkel called for an end to the 'massacre' in Syria, after fresh airstrikes on a rebel-held enclave in the war-torn country killed another 13 people.

Berlin: German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday called for an end to the "massacre" in Syria after fresh airstrikes on a rebel-held enclave in the war-torn country killed another 13 people.

Condemning the Syrian regime for targeting "its own people", Merkel said: "The killing of children, the destruction of hospitals  all that amounts to a massacre that must be condemned and which must be countered with a clear no".

At least 335 civilians have been killed since Sunday in the besieged enclave of Eastern Ghouta near Damascus as regime forces intensified their bombardment of the site.

On the eve of a European Union summit, Merkel told the German parliament that the dire situation in Syria requires the bloc to seek "to play a bigger role" in ending the crisis. "That is something that we as Europeans need to work towards," she said.

At the same time, Merkel also urged Iran and Russia  both allies of Bashar al-Assad's regime  to play their part in ending the killing. "We must do everything to find an end to this massacre," she said, adding that German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel would press the case with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
China refuted a report that it is secretly holding talks with Baloch militants in Pakistan for more than five years to protect its $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and hoped that Pakistan will step up security for the ambitious project.

Beijing: China refuted a report that it is secretly holding talks with Baloch militants in Pakistan for more than five years to protect its $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and hoped that Pakistan will step up security for the ambitious project.

"I have never heard the report mentioned by you," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a media briefing, when asked about the report by British newspaper Financial Times.

Quoting three officials, the daily said China had been in direct contact with militants in the south-western province, where many of the scheme's most important projects are located.

The 3,000-km-long CPEC is aimed at connecting China and Pakistan with rail, road, pipelines and optical cable fiber network. It connects China's Xinjiang province with Pakistan's Gwadar port in the volatile Balochistan where Baloch nationalists have staged a number of attacks. Pakistan military has raised a special force to protect thousands of Chinese nationals working on different projects.

Refuting the Financial Times story, Geng said, "I want to emphasise that the China and Pakistan governments have maintained consultation on the security of CPEC. Pakistan has taken a series of measures on this effectively safeguard the security CPEC and Chinese citizens. China highly appreciates this.

We hope and believe that Pakistan will continue to step up relevant work and maintain and ensure the security of CPEC," he said. The reported direct approach by China was seen as a marked departure from its stated policy of not interfering in internal affairs of other countries.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), over which India has conveyed its protests to China. Pakistan, which is set to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the infrastructure initiative, is one of the riskiest parts of the world to do business. Last year, 10 local workers were killed by unidentified gunmen while working near Gwadar port, the linchpin of the economic corridor.
Chinese officials have ruled out any human factor after preliminary investigation into the fire that broke out at Tibet's most sacred Buddhist temple Jokhang Monastery, which is included on UNESCO's World Heritage list

Beijing: Chinese officials have ruled out any human factor after preliminary investigation into the fire that broke out at Tibet's most sacred Buddhist temple Jokhang Monastery, which is included on UNESCO's World Heritage list.

No casualties were reported in the fire that broke out on the second floor of the rear part of the Jokhang temple in Lhasa, provincial capital of Tibet, on Saturday evening.

An area of about 50 square metres was burned in the blaze before it could be doused, according to local government.

A life-sized statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha when he was 12 years old was intact, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported late Wednesday night.

Video footage of fires leaping into the sky had sparked concerns about the damage among public. The golden top has been removed in case of collapse or re-burning and protective supports and clapboards have been erected around the statue, the report said.

The regional cultural relics bureau said all the registered 6,510 artefacts and the main building were intact. The fire broke out in the ventilating chamber, which was built in late 1980s. No cultural relics were stored inside the chamber.

The temple opened to the public as usual one day after the fire, the report said. The local government has ordered a citywide inspection to eliminate fire hazards in major temples.

Jokhang Temple is renowned in Tibetan Buddhism. It has a history of more than 1,300 years and houses many cultural treasures. It also known as the Qoikang Monastery and regarded by the Tibetans as the most sacred and important temple in Tibet.

The temple's architectural style is a mixture of Indian vihara design, Tibetan and Nepalese design. It has a history of more than 1,300 years and houses many cultural treasures, including a life-sized statue of Sakyamuni Gautam Buddha when he was 12.

The temple attracts hundreds of devotees from Tibet and other parts of China and the world.
The Nigerian military rescued 76 schoolgirls and recovered the bodies of two others, after the students went missing during a Boko Haram attack on a village.

Bauchi, Nigeria: The Nigerian military rescued 76 schoolgirls and recovered the bodies of two others on Wednesday, after the students went missing during a Boko Haram attack on a village, three parents, a resident and a local government official told Reuters.

Everybody is celebrating their coming with songs and praises to God almighty, said Babagana Umar, one of the parents whose daughter had disappeared. The only sad news is that two girls were dead and no explanation.

The rescued girls were returned to the village of Dapchi late on Wednesday evening, Umar and other residents said.

At least 13 students may still be missing, and Reuters was unable to determine how the two girls died. Earlier on Wednesday, sources told Reuters that 91 people were unaccounted for after a roll-call at their school on Tuesday. Islamist insurgent group Boko Haram attacked Dapchi in the northeastern state of Yobe on Monday evening.

Police and state officials said on Wednesday that there was no evidence that the girls had been abducted, though the Yobe government later said in a statement that the military had rescued some of the students from Boko Haram. Nigerian authorities often deny or downplay such incidents, including the Chibok girl kidnapping and more recent abductions, as well as the scale of Boko Haram attacks in the northeast.

Nigeria is still haunted by Boko Harams abduction of more than 270 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok in 2014. That case drew global attention to the nine-year insurgency, which has sparked what the United Nations has called one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises.

President Muhammadu Buhari dispatched his foreign and defence ministers on Wednesday to Yobe to investigate the situation, said Information Minister Lai Mohammed, who was also headed there. He declined to confirm whether any of the students were missing. Parents and witnesses who told Reuters of the missing students spoke on condition of anonymity because they said they had been warned by Nigerian security and government officials not to disclose the disappearance.

Shots fired at school

The Boko Haram militants arrived in Dapchi on Monday evening in trucks, some mounted with heavy guns and painted in military camouflage, witnesses told Reuters. They went directly to the school, shooting sporadically, sending students and teachers fleeing, the witnesses said, adding that some people had returned to Dapchi after spending the night hiding in the bush.

Yobe state Police Commissioner Sumonu Abdulmaliki told reporters on Tuesday that Boko Haram had also abducted three people from nearby Gaidam. More than 20,000 people have been killed and two million forced to flee their homes in the northeast of Africas most populous nation since Boko Haram began its insurgency in 2009. Of about 270 girls abducted from their school in Chibok in April 2014, about 60 escaped soon afterwards and others have since been released after mediation. Around 100 are still believed to be in captivity.

In January, Boko Haram released a video purporting to show some of the Chibok girls still in its custody, saying they do not wish to return home. Aid groups have said that Boko Haram has kidnapped thousands more adults and children, many of whose cases have been neglected.
After 17 people were shot dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, students from the community near Miami were quick to raise their voices to demand action.

Miami: They survived the Parkland school massacre and now a group of Florida teens  driven, empowered and united  are spearheading a #NeverAgain activist movement that hopes to pressure US lawmakers into tightening gun laws.

After 17 people were shot dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last Wednesday, students from the community near Miami were quick to raise their voices to demand action to stop the scourge of mass shootings in American schools. Having grown up in a world where children are drilled to prepare for the possibility a gunman could attack at any time, a group of eloquent teenagers have seized national attention with a call for a clampdown on the ready availability of powerful automatic firearms.

Their leaders include Cameron Kasky, creator of the #NeverAgain hashtag; Emma Gonzalez, who gave a fiery speech hitting out at politicians who receive money from the National Rifle Assocation; David Hogg, who filmed interviews with schoolmates during the shooting, and their classmate Chris Grady.

What sets these teens apart from the victims of previous shootings, said Frank McAndrew, a psychology professor at Knox University in Illinois, is that they "are young enough to be perceived as innocent victims but old enough to speak for themselves." They are "voicing shock, rage, sadness, and an entire range of innocent and raw emotions unsullied by political goals," he told AFP.

All between the ages of 16 and 18, these youths come from affluent families, and experts say they will not be easily intimidated by adult politicians or the powerful National Rifle Association gun lobby. After taking their demands to state legislators in Florida, the so-called "Parkland kids" plan to march on Washington on 24 March  in a "March for Our Lives" that has received two million dollars in pledges of support from the likes of George and Amal Clooney and Oprah Winfrey.

Across the country sister movements are emerging to support the Parkland students, such as Student Walkout Against Gun Violence, which is organising protests under the Twitter handle @studentswalkout. "Everyone wants to take action and make change in this country," said the account creator, a 19-year-old California college student who asked to remain anonymous arguing that the story is not about her. "If you don't want to take action you haven't watched the videos," she said, referring to the images shared by the students while gunman Nikolas Cruz, 19, was on the shooting rampage at Stoneman.

A new dawn?

In 2017, 58 people were shot dead at an open air concert in Las Vegas. In 2016, 49 people were slaughtered at a bar in Orlando, Florida. In 2012, 20 elementary school children and six adults were shot dead at the Sandy Hook school in Connecticut. In 2007, 32 college students were killed at a Virginia university.

In all of those cases, urgent calls for tougher gun control proved fruitless, but experts believe the teens now have a chance at making a real political impact.

What makes Parkland different?

Dana Fisher, a University of Maryland expert on US social protests, notes that the student movement comes at a time of heightened political activism following Donald Trump's election, which reignited a culture of political protest starting with the historic Women's March the day after his inauguration. "Everybody in this country is way more politically involved than they've ever been before," she said. "As a result, people are paying attention to politics like they haven't before, including children."

A second key factor: the tech-savvy millennials from Stoneman, many of whom are preparing for college, are unlike the children from Sandy Hook, who were too young to speak for themselves. Nor are they unrelated victims like in the Orlando and Las Vegas shootings. "They were all students at the same high school and so many of them know each other personally," said McAndrew, an expert on mass shootings. "We are hearing from the victims directly, and we are hearing from them with one unified voice rather than many scattered voices."

Their familiarity "and the ease with which social media is integrated in their lives also gives them an edge when it comes to organising and communicating with each other, as well as with the world at large," he said.

Furthermore, the Parkland kids "are affluent and therefore empowerment is real," said J Reid Meloy at the University of California at San Diego. "They are energized by their suffering and grief and channeling the emotion," he said.

"They are not intimidated by the older white males in politics and the NRA. They are tired of the passivity of being a potential victim," said Meloy, a former consultant to the FBI on mass shootings.
Despite a fraud conviction and sex scandal, Italy's 81-year-old former leader Silvio Berlusconi has one last political victory in his sights in general elections less than two weeks away

Rome: Despite a fraud conviction and sex scandal, Italy's 81-year-old former leader Silvio Berlusconi has one last political victory in his sights in general elections less than two weeks away.

Temporarily banned from returning to public office himself, the billionaire media mogul still hopes to influence the country's political direction by leading a Right-wing coalition in the 4 March polls.

"I'm pretty confident of the result of the election and going to form a government with our Centre-Right allies," he told a rally of youth activists from his Forza Italia party in Rome on Wednesday, in a typically outspoken address. "I can tell you how to stay young. I'll tell you the brand of my suppositories," he added.

Berlusconi "wants to win one last time before retiring," his biographer Alan Friedman was quoted as saying by the Corriere della Sera newspaper.

The three-time former prime minister heads a coalition made up of Forza Italia and two far-Right forces: The League and Brothers of Italy.

Recent opinion polls indicate the coalition has about 38 percent support overall  the highest score out of Italy's three major electoral groupings. But it falls short of a majority and surveys suggest millions of voters remain undecided.

Berlusconi is banned from public office due to a 2013 tax fraud conviction. He also faces charges that he bribed witnesses to lie at his earlier trial for paying for sex with a minor. In spite of it all, however, he remains the leading figure of the Italian Right, almost a quarter of a century after first taking power.

His own party has surged by eight points to 18 percent support in the opinion polls in the past year.

Forza Italia's edge in the polls would give Berlusconi the upper hand in naming the coalition's pick for prime minister. He and his coalition partners would field wildly different candidates, as they have little in common apart from a desire to win. Berlusconi and the league's leader Matteo Salvini "can't stand each other", said Roberto D'Alimonte, director of the Political Science department at Luiss University in Rome.

Firstly, the coalition would need to win a working majority. This year's election is the first under a complex electoral law introduced last year. A mix of proportional representation and first-past-the-post, it enables a party or coalition to obtain a majority with around 40 to 45 percent of the vote  which may be just out of the Right-wing coalition's reach.

The coalition spans the range of Italian Right-wing politics, from the pro-European conservative moderates within Forza Italia to former northern secessionists the League and Brothers of Italy, which has roots in post-war neo-Fascism.

Together they form a broad church that is ahead of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the Centre-Left coalition led by the ruling Democratic Party (PD), who are polling at around 28 and 27 percent respectively.

In the tight three-way fight, candidates have made economic promises that have observers scratching their heads given Italy's huge public debt, which at 132 percent of GDP is one of the highest in Europe.

The leading parties are promising everything from the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants to higher pensions and lower taxes.

One of the M5S' flagship proposals is a monthly universal basic income of 780 euros for those living in poverty. La Stampa newspaper calculated that Italy would need to spend the "stratospheric sum" of over one trillion euros to make them all a reality.

None of these big promises will be fulfilled if no group wins a majority under the new system.

In that case, the PD under current prime minister Paolo Gentiloni could remain in power, at least for the next few months. Pro-European forces within the PD and Forza Italia could create a German-style grand coalition. Or euro-sceptics from the League and the Five Star Movement could team up.
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Vodafone launched 4G services in Gujarat back in September 2016. Today it has announced that it has expanded the 4G services across 2500+ towns covering 33 districts of Gujarat. It also said that it has rolled out 5300+ sites at 14 sites per day to expand and strengthen its network, catering to the growing demand for data and voice of its over 20+ million customers across the circle, since January 2017.

Vodafone recently VoLTE (Voice Over LTE) services in India earlier this month in Surat and Ahmedabad in Gujarat and also expanded it to 18 more cities in Gujarat that includes  Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Amreli, Anand, Bhuj, Bhavnagar, Gandhidham, Junagadh, Morbi, Mahesana, Nadiad, Navsari, Porbandar, Surendranagar, Vapi and Palanpur. It will soon roll out in all the cities across the sate.

You can check out the complete list of Vodafone VoLTE compatible smartphones here. It is also offering several packs for the pre-paid users and RED plans for post-paid users.

Vodafone Super Packs Category MRP Benefit Validity Super Hour 18 Unlimited 4G/3G/2G data 1 Hour Super Night 31 Unlimited Night Data ( 1PM to 6 AM ) 1 Night Super Week 79 Unlimited Local & STD calls + 500 MB 7 Days Super Month 199 Unlimited Local & STD calls + Roaming + 1.4GB/day + 100 SMS/day 28 Days Long Validity 509 Unlimited Local & STD calls + Roaming + 1.4GB/day + 100 SMS/day 90 Days

RED Plan Rental Benefit RED Basic 399 Unlimited Local & STD calls, 20GB Data, Unlimited national roaming RED Traveler R 499 Unlimited Local & STD calls, 40GB Data with roll over up to 200 GB, 100 SMS, Unlimited national roaming RED Traveler M 699 Unlimited Local & STD calls, 50GB Data with roll-over up to 200 GB, 100 SMS, Unlimited national roaming

It is also offering handsets from popular brands such as Samsung, Micromax, Nokia, Lava, iTel and Intex bundled with data plans and cashback offers.

Handset Vodafone Offer Samsung Cash back offer of Rs.1500 Vivo 10 GB data FREE for 10 months Micromax 4G Smartphone at Rs.999

Commenting on the expansion, Abhijit Kishore, Business Head  Gujarat, Vodafone India, said,

We have seen a rapid rise in data consumption, both in urban areas as well as in rural pockets of Gujarat. Our network expansion drive has accordingly kept pace to fulfil this growing demand of our millions of customers across Gujarat. Using the latest technologies, we have created additional capacity and built a smart, robust and resilient Data Strong Network.
Motorola today started its Moto Days Sale to celebrate 4-year anniversary of its presence in India and association with Flipkart. It is offering attractive discounts and special exchange offers on some of its smartphones during the sale.

Offers on Moto smartphones on Flipkart

This limited period offer is only available for 3 days, which is till February 24th, Saturday or till stocks last. In its recent report, IDC said that Motorola smartphone saw a marginal increase in sales in India compared to a year ago.
Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro smartphones in India last week, which went on sale exclusively on Flipkart as well as Mi.com today at 12 noon. Manu Jain, Group Vice President and Managing Director of Xiaomi India just said that the company sold over 3 lakh units of the smartphones under 3 minutes, selling 1 lakh units per minute. In comparison, last year the company sold 2.5 lakh Redmi Note 4 smartphones in 10 minutes in its first sale.

#RedmiNote5 & #RedmiNote5Pro: we sold 3L+ units in <3 mins. This means 1L+ phones/min! 



After the amazing success of Redmi Note 4, we had put in a lot of effort to increase supply of Redmi Note 5. This was the biggest ever sale in India!



Gear up for the next sale on 28th Feb! pic.twitter.com/qbOWYxClFZ  Manu Kumar Jain (@manukumarjain) February 22, 2018

Over 2 million or 20 lakh people had shown interest (Notify Me) to buy these smartphone during todays sale. He already said that the company has been scaling up its supply to meet the demand. Most users wanted the Redmi Note 5 Pro on both the platforms so they went out of stock as soon as the sale began.

People were also queuing at the Mi Home Stores across the country to get the smartphones first. Xiaomi already promised that it will bring both the phone to offline stores through its partners soon.

The next Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro sale on Flipkart and Mi.com is scheduled for 28th February, Wednesday at 12 noon.

Check out our Redmi Note 5 Review, if you are planning to buy the phone.
Ariana Grande was set to perform a tribute to the victims of the Manchester arena bombing at the BRIT Awards overnight but was forced to cancel at the last minute.

Organizers had to quickly arrange a replacement to pull off the heartwarming tribute for the 22 people who were killed at Grandes concert in May last year, when an Islamic extremist detonated a shrapnel bomb after the show.

Former Oasis frontman and Manchester native Liam Gallagher took to the stage within hours of Grandes cancellation news, singing the bands hit "Live Forever."

Grande was reportedly desperate to attend the music awards show to perform the tribute but was told by a doctor she was too sick to fly, let alone sing.

A source revealed to The Sun: Ariana desperately wanted to come, she was so ill but she still wanted to get on the plane. Her doctor told her that she couldnt perform, there was no question.

She wasnt even allowed to get on the plane, thats how ill she was. Shes at home resting now but shes devastated to miss it.

In her place, Gary Barlow of Take That introduced the poignant tribute.

Barlow, who performed at the star-studded "One Love" Manchester show in the wake of the horror attack last year, said a heartwarming spiel before Gallagher performed.

He said: the people will always live on in our hearts and minds and memories before asking Liam to come on stage.

Gallagher recently hit out at the BRIT Awards for being too scared to allow him to perform at the ceremony.

The former Oasis turned solo star was nominated for British Male Solo Artist, which went to Stormzy.

The event was held at Londons O2 Arena.

Suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, blew himself up in the foyer of Manchester Arena following the concert in May last year.

This article originally appeared in The Sun.
Its official! Actor and comedian Chris Tucker will join Jackie Chan for Rush Hour 4, the star confirmed Wednesday.

The comedic investigative duo will reprise their roles as Los Angeles Police Detective Carter and Hong Kong Police Detective Inspector Lee, respectively, and are currently working on the films fourth installment, Tucker said on ESPN podcast The Plug.

MERYL STREEP SLAMS HARVEY WEINSTEIN FOR USING HER STATEMENT IN HIS DEFENSE

It's definite. It's happening, the Friday actor said on the podcast. "This is going to be the one. The rush of all rushes."

"Jackie is ready and we want to do this so that people won't ever forget this," Tucker said.

Its been more than 10 years since the last "Rush Hour" movie was released and the podcast hosts freaked out over news of its return, joking that they wanted invitations to the premiere.

In October 2017, Chan confirmed rumors of the movies return in an interview with The Cruz Show on Power 106 LA, the Daily Mail reported. After several years of turning down scripts, Chan said they finally agreed on one. But it was contingent on Tucker agreeing, he said.

FRIDAY THE 13TH CAMPGROUND AUCTIONING OVERNIGHT STAY  IF YOU CAN HANDLE IT

Rush Hour 4, were all like old men, Chan said. Before we get old, I tell Chris Tucker, before we get old, please do the Rush Hour 4.

There is no official word yet on a release date for the flick.
Comedian Michelle Wolf will host the 2018 White House Correspondents Dinner.

No, not Fire and Fury author Michael Wolff, as many tweeters joked, although that would have been fairly interesting.

Wolf, 32, is a stand-up comedian and a correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah who recently premiered her hour-long HBO special, "Michelle Wolf: Nice Lady." She is also working on a project with Netflix for an upcoming comedy show.

The role of the host is typically to roast the president and members of the media, with the jokes sometimes taking personal shots at the most powerful person in the world. Wolf has mocked President Trump, Steve Bannon and the NRA on Twitter in recent memory, but she has also taken at least one jab at Hillary Clinton.

I do have a theory on why Hillary lost: I think its cause no one likes her, Wolf joked in her HBO special.

The comedian has actually embraced having a name similar to the controversial Fury and Fury author, tweeting, I wrote the book. My favorite part of interviewing Steve Bannon is when he farted into a jar and then married it. I wanted to judge but you could see it was true love.

The White House Correspondents Dinner will take place on April 28.

Im delighted to announce Nice Lady Michelle Wolf as our featured entertainer this year, White House Correspondents Association President Margaret Talev said on Thursday.

Talev said the dinner honors the First Amendment and strong, independent journalism, noting that she feels Wolf has embraced these values.

"Her embrace of these values and her truth-to-power style make her a great friend to the WHCA. Her Pennsylvania roots, stints on Wall Street and in science and self-made, feminist edge make her the right voice now, Talev said in a statement.

The annual dinner is traditionally attended by the president and first lady, but the Trumps skipped the event last year and havent committed to the 2018 version. Wolf is scheduled to be the fifth female to host of the prestigious event, joining Cecily Strong, Wanda Sykes, Elayne Boosler and Paula Poundstone.

Trump does plan to attend a similar event, the Gridiron Club's annual dinner, on March 3.
MSNBC star Joy Reid was the favorite political pundit of Russian trolls during the 2016 presidential election, according to Dan Abrams Law & Crime website.

Reid was retweeted 267 times by the private sector Russian troll brigade, according to the report, which cited an analysis of the raw data. Fox News host Sean Hannity finished second but received only a handful of their retweets during the 2016 election, according to Law & Crime.

MSNBC viewers would presumably be surprised that Reid was apparently so beloved by Russian trolls. She was recently referred to as a heroine of the Resistance in a New York Times feature that praised the no-nonsense host of AM Joy.

She is popular on social media with fans who fondly call themselves #reiders, the Times wrote.

Last week, indictments were handed out by Special Counsel Robert Mueller against 13 Russian nationals and three Russian entities who allegedly enacted a sophisticated plot to wage information warfare against the United States.

The Russian nationals are accused of setting a strategic goal to sow discord in the U.S. political system, including the 2016 presidential election. The 37-page indictment accused the defendants of spreading derogatory information about both liberal and conservative pundits in addition to candidates on both sides of the aisle. The goal was simple: Divide America.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein explained that the scheme involved setting up hundreds of social media accounts using stolen or fictitious identities to make it appear like the accounts were controlled by individuals in the U.S. The indictment says Internet Research Agency employed hundreds of individuals  referred to as specialists  to create fake social media accounts that appeared to be operated by Americans.

Was Reid aware of her Cyrillic-tinged media boosting? Did Reid herself receive payment for her Russian troll-favored work? Both circumstances are highly unlikely, but certainly worth exploring if the Russian links and interference are as serious as most liberals  Reid herself among them  contend. In any event, these questions are worth asking out loud, Law & Crimes Colin Kalmbacher wrote.

MSNBC did not respond to a request for comment.

Meanwhile, Reid has been one of the most polarizing political pundits in recent memory, which is likely a factor into why Russians trolls retweeted her so often. Last month, the MSNBC host downplayed international criminal gang MS-13 and claimed that only Fox News viewers were even aware they existed. She was on a combative Twitter rampage throughout President Trumps first State of the Union address in January, accusing Trump of leading a culture war. One tweet sent by Reid essentially denounced church, family, policy, the national anthem and even the military.

Reid was also forced to walk back racially charged comments about conservative commentator David French after they were mocked on Twitter by users across the political spectrum.

Reid has referred to Trump supporters as deplorables, apologized for old blog posts in which she made homophobic comments while speculating about the sexuality of former Florida governor Charlie Crist and even said the Trump presidency is the worst time to be a human without mentioning things such as slavery, Black Death or the Holocaust.

Fox News Alex Pappas contributed to this report.
A suspicious envelope containing white powder was sent to St. James's Palace in London, reportedly addressed to Prince Harry and his bride-to-be Meghan Markle. The Metropolitan Police Force is investigating the incident that occurred on Monday, a law enforcement spokesperson told Fox News.

Police said the substance was tested and confirmed as non suspicious.

Officers are also investigating an allegation of malicious communications which relates to the same package, a police spokesperson told Fox News.

Police have confirmed to the Associated Press that it is being treated as a racial hate crime as a result of a message that accompanied package.

The royal secretary for Prince Harry declined to comment on the incident.

Police told Fox News no arrests have been made regarding the apparent anthrax scare and inquiries continue at this time.

Prince Harry and Markle reside at Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace, a short distance from St. James Palace.

Prior to Buckingham Palace, St. James Palace was the official royal residence.

St. James Palace is currently used as a meeting place and London residence for some of the lesser-known members of the royal family, such as Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York.

Prince Harry and Markle have recently overshadowed Prince William and wife Kate as the most buzzed about royal couple.

Markle, a former star of USAs Suits, became engaged to the prince late last year. The two announced their engagement on Nov. 27, 2017, revealing the prince proposed at their home.

Their wedding is set for May 19 at Saint Georges Chapel. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Dean of Windsor David Conner will officiate the wedding.

The pair have been on a royal tour of the U.K. in recent weeks.

On Feb. 1, Markle made her formal gala debut with Harry and gave her first public speech at London's Endeavour Fund Awards as a soon-to-be member of the royal family.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A controversial Teen Vogue columnist known for lobbing verbal bombs has topped herself with an especially vile tweet about beloved evangelist Billy Graham, who died Wednesday at 99.

The big news today is that Billy Graham was still alive this whole time. Anyway, have fun in hell, bi--h, Lauren Duca tweeted.

Duca went on to say Respecting the dead only applies to people who werent evil pieces of sh-t while they were living.

Graham, who had been in ill health for a number of years, was regularly listed in polls as one of the "Ten Most Admired Men in the World."

To see just how out of touch some in the liberal media are, look no further than Billy Graham, Media Research Centers Katie Yoder wrote.

The comments were immediately assailed on Twitter by outraged users, including one named Vince, who called it "gross and despicable."

Duca gained national prominence by sparring with Tucker Carlson on Fox News in late 2016 and has since made donations to Planned Parenthood in Carlsons name. She has been outspoken about her disdain for President Trump and once tweeted a letter that Hillary Clinton reportedly sent her for showing courage and poise on the internet.

Every time we mention Duca on this show, she gets more and more famous and more revered on the left. Maybe next week shell be honored by the pope and the dalai lama. If we mock that, she could get the Nobel Prize for literature, Carlson said on his show last June.

Duca has also appeared on MSNBC and CNN at least six times, according to Yoder.

Graham, who transformed American religious life through his preaching and activism, becoming a counselor to presidents and the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history. He died at age 99 on Wednesday at his home in North Carolina.

Its unclear why Duca wasnt a fan of Graham, who was noted for consulting and praying with every president from Dwight Eisenhower to Barack Obama. In the 1960s, he ardently opposed segregation, refusing to speak to segregated audiences. Graham found himself the target of criticism in 2002 and again in 2009 following the release of tapes of 1973 conversations he had with Richard Nixon that were critical of Jews.

Graham also angered the LGBTQ community for disapproving of homosexuality with rhetoric that included asking if God judges people with AIDS. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has been accused of homophobia and anti-LGBTQ initiatives.

While Duca mocked him, Vice President Mike Pence called Graham one of the greatest Americans of the century, and former President George H.W. Bush referred to Graham as "America's pastor.

President Trump and former Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have also all expressed condolences.

Teen Vogue did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Fox News Alex Pappas contributed to this report.
When a Georgia state trooper pulled over a speeding driver and the man turned violent, one brave Arbys customer intervened.

It happened this past Monday in Macon, according to The Telegraph.

Trooper First Class 3 William Schwab stopped Derrick Dewayne Hopkins just after 4 p.m., for driving 59 mph in a 45 mph speed zone. Hopkins, a 47-year-old Macon resident, initially gave Schwab a false name. After the trooper completed a mobile fingersprint scan on him, he realized his true identity and found an active warrant for a parole violation.

CARJACKER MAKES VICTIM DRIVE TO WENDY'S ON WAY TO DRUG DEAL: POLICE

"Schwab removed the driver from the vehicle and placed the right handcuff on, at which point Mr. Hopkins pushed away from him and tried to strike him in the face," Georgia State Patrol Cpl. Michael Burns told the Telegraph. Hopkins tried to run and the trooper deployed his Taser twice, but Burns said the weapon was ineffective.

As the two men continued to fight on the ground, a man eating at a nearby Arbys rushed to Schwabs side. Passersby also called 911, and Hopkins was soon arrested.

SHAMROCK SHAKE RETURNS TO MCDONALD'S

Charged for aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, interfering with government property and making false statements, Officer.com reports that Hopkins was transported to Bibb County jail. Hopkins was soon moved to Coliseum Northside Hospital for high blood pressure, and later to the Law Enforcement Center.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

After the brawl, Schwabs uniform was ripped and bloodied. His whistle chain was also broken, and his hat bent in the process of attempting to handcuff Hopkins. Burns said that Schwab was treated by EMS at the scene for injuries sustained to his hands, knee and scrapes on his arms.

"He is still very sore and his hands are swollen," Burns said.
Talk about a bad taste.

Page Six is reporting that the Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprungli has filed a lawsuit against The Weinstein Company over a canceled sponsorship for the 2018 Golden Globes Awards party.

According to the official documents, the iconic Lindor truffles maker paid The Weinstein Company $400,000 back in 2015 for exclusive confectionery rights to the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Golden Globes Awards soirees. While the 2016 and 2017 bashes went on just fine, there was no party this year as disgraced former co-chair Harvey Weinstein was accused by a slew of women of sexual harassment, misconduct and rape.

NYU ACCUSED OF SERVING 'RACIALLY INSENSITIVE' MEAL IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

As per Lindts Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit, when the confectioner asked for a $133,333 refund, representatives for The Weinstein Company did not dispute that the contract had been breached and allegedly promised a refund to be delivered in early January at the latest.

However, Lindts lawyers say the money never arrived and that reps for the company are now ignoring their calls. The suit contends breach of contract, conversion and unjust enrichment.

BILL GATES HILARIOUSLY CLUELESS TO WHAT GROCERIES COST ON 'ELLEN' SHOW

Lindt did not immediately return Fox News request for comment.

As Variety notes, Weinsteins film studio is currently trying to negotiate a sale to a Ron Burkle-backed investor group. If this fails, the group will likely file for bankruptcy.

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NYU and the people who cater its dining facilities are apologizing after a student called them out on a racially insensitive lunch they served up during Black History Month.

Nia Ashari Harris, a sophomore at the universitys College of Arts and Sciences, took to Facebook on Tuesday to say she was shocked and saddened by the Black History Month-themed menu at the Weinstein Passport Dining Hall, which included such items as ribs, collard greens, cornbread, Kool-Aid and watermelon-flavored water.

Not only was this racially insensitive, this was just ignorant, wrote Harris in a letter to university officials. In 2018, theres no excuse for intentional and deliberate disrespect.

TACO BELL EMPLOYEE FIRED FOR PUTTING DEROGATORY SLUR ON RECEIPT

Harris said she found the dining halls beverage choices to be the most egregious of the offerings, citing the negative racial connotations and history of Koolaid and watermelon.

In her Facebook post, Harris claimed she approached a head cook at the dining hall, who clearly diverted the blame to the African-American cooks who worked there, telling Harris that they chose the menu. She said she was also told the red Kool-Aid was not Kool-Aid, but rather a fruit punch, even though another cook told a different student that it was indeed red Kool-Aid.

The cook also told Harris that the dining hall regularly offers fruit-flavored water as a beverage choice, which Harris admitted to be true, despite never seeing the watermelon-flavored water before.

It is usually cucumbers, pineapple, lemon, honeydew melon  I just find it ironic that watermelon water was used today, she wrote, before adding that watermelon isnt even in season, and theorizing that someone went out of their way to make this particular beverage for the Black History Month menu.

Harris concluded by asking for the university to apologize to its black students for patronizing us with the dining choices.

BURGER KING AIRED RAUNCHY SEX SCENE ON DINING ROOM TV, FAMILY SAYS

I've wanted to go to NYU since I was 7th grade, and it breaks my heart that at this allegedly "diverse" and "global" institution, black students are faced with issues like this one, she wrote in her Facebook post.

The following day, NYU President Andrew Hamilton issued a statement on the incident, which was also shared with the universitys student newspaper.

We were shocked to learn of the drink and food choices that our food service provider  Aramark  offered at the Weinstein dining hall as part of Black History Month. It was inexcusably insensitive, wrote Hamilton. That error was compounded by the insensitivity of the replies made to a student who asked Aramark staff on site how the choices were made.

Hamilton also included an apology from the regional vice president of Aramark, who added that the company has suspended the employee responsible for the menu. He said Aramark will also be re-training its workers to prevent another regrettable incident.

A subsequent statement from Aramark, which was obtained by The New York Times, has confirmed that two Aramark employees have been fired over the incident.

Meanwhile, Harris Facebook post has generated responses from students at NYU and elsewhere, who found the incident insane, and also offered up their help. Another added that the same thing happened at her school, albeit with purple Kool-Aid.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Harris, however, tells the Times shes pleased with NYU and Aramark resolved the issue.

I would consider today a victory, she stated. But its also very important that we had to publicize it in order to put the pressure on them to do the right thing, because I feel like had I not publicized it, this could have gone a little bit differently.
Veal liver costs considerably more than fruit ... but trying to pass it off as fruit cost a German man considerably more than it would have to just pay full price for the meat.

The 58-year-old businessman, who makes nearly $30,000 a month, scanned $58 worth of veal liver at the self-service checkout, but said it was fruit. He even had it concealed in a fruit bag, the Independent reports.

He was caught and had been held in jail since December until Munich's district court convicted him of theft, ABC Online reports. The man, who had previous convictions for theft and tax evasion and admitted to pulling the same self-service grocery trick three other times, was fined $256,000.

An Australian expert says studies show customers don't feel as bad about stealing when they're dealing with a machine rather than a human cashier. But a police detective says it is, in fact, still stealing.

"Even if it is the avocado and you think you're saving $2, it's still shoplifting," he says. "It's still stealing, it's still a crime and if we catch you, or you get caught, you will be charged."

This article originally appeared on Newser.
A vegan companys dairy-free coconut milk yogurt, which it touted as so wickedly good, youll barely believe its ingredients are not in the slightest bit naughty, had to be recalled for containing milk.

Co Yo  which was founded by a British police officer while she was on maternity leave  announced Tuesday that traces of dairy were found in all five flavors of its coconut milk yogurt.

WOMAN CATCHES MUGGER, TAKES HIM FOR COFFEE

We are devastated by this, especially as being dairy-free sits at the heart of everything we do, the company said in a statement on Twitter.

Co Yo wrote that the naughty ingredient was provided by a third-party supplier in the U.K., who it has since cut ties with to ensure this never happens again.

The company, which was launched in the U.K., also sells its products in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. Only its yogurt sold in Britain was tainted.

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Any customers who purchased products with a use by date earlier than March 16 can contact the store for a full refund, the company said.

We would like to apologize to all our customers for any concern this may have caused, Co Yo wrote.

This article originally appeared in The New York Post.
Heads were rolling at the Gucci Fall/Winter 2018 show in Milan!

Designer Alessandro Michele sent models down the catwalk toting decapitated mannequin heads, designed to look just like the models own.

The set, according to the Italian labels Instagram, was meant to reflect the work of a designer  the act of cutting, slicing, reconstructing materials and fabrics to create a new personality and identity with them.

Guillotining certainly counts as cutting and slicing. Hats and heads off to Gucci!

This article originally appeared on the New York Post.
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President Trump is the best friend Africans have had in a long time.

That assertion might sound strange, especially since the president reportedly disparaged African nations using an obscenity in a recent meeting, causing an international uproar.

But the president's actions speak far louder than words. His America First policies are bolstering economies, reducing terrorism and increasing political stability across the continent.

Many pundits, diplomats, and foreign policy experts originally feared that the Trump administration would embrace isolationism. It hasn't. As President Trump made clear at the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, "America First does not mean America alone."

In fact, the White House's policies are fueling massive growth in many African nations  some of which already have fast-growing economies. The Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Senegal were three of the 10 fastest growing economies in 2016, according to the International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook. In 2017, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Tanzania rose to the top.

President Trump is well aware of this economic opportunity  and plans to capitalize on it. In September, in a speech to African leaders at the United Nations, the president highlighted the continent's "tremendous business potential." He called for America to increase trade and investment in Africa across a variety of industries  from agriculture to energy to health care.

The administration is following through. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has consistently expressed interest in establishing bilateral trade agreements with African nations. In fact, at the end of January he announced the United States will soon enter a free-trade pact with an African country yet to be selected. He said the deal will serve as a model for the rest of the continent.

Mutually beneficial trade doesn't just boost African economies. It also incentivizes African nations to implement economic reforms and increase transparency. That promotes stability and sound governance.

President Trump is also beefing up military partnerships with African countries. He recently approved the sale of $600 million of light attack planes to Nigeria, which will use the aircraft to combat terrorist groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State.

And the administration is helping African nations resolve internal political struggles. The White House's National Security Strategy, released in December, stated that America would assist African countries to "end long-running, violent conflicts" and "promote effective governance, improve the rule of law, and develop institutions accountable and responsive to citizens."

These efforts are much needed. Consider the Democratic Republic of Congo  a resource-rich nation where extremist movements have emerged. Over the past few weeks, a series of protests have broken out against President Joseph Kabila. Dozens of the protesters have been arrested. Several have died.

This instability is of particular concern to the United States. The Democratic Republic of Congo offers enormous economic potential for our businesses and should be an important ally in battling violent extremism. And since it borders nine different nations, internal violence can easily spread to other areas.

Meanwhile, in South Sudan, refugees are fleeing their nation to escape a low-grade civil war. Over 1.6 million have been internally displaced. President Trump knows full well how this could destabilize the region, and this month banned exports of weapons to South Sudan.

By working strategically with African leaders, the U.S. government and private American companies could decrease domestic political strife. Solving such conflicts would save millions of Africans  while strengthening America's national and economic security.

U.S. politicians and pundits may fixate on the president's sometime rough language. But Africans aren't hung up on his words. They're thrilled that America First policies are improving lives across the continent.
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February marks Black History Month, when we honor the many achievements of African- Americans and their important contributions to our nation throughout our history.

In the past year, African-Americans  like all Americans  have benefitted in many ways from the policies and actions of President Trump. When he took office just over a year ago, the president promised to fight for the wellbeing and prosperity of all the American people and our nations diverse communities. Since then, he has delivered.

The biggest tax cut in a generation  approved by a Republican Congress and signed into law by President Trump  has led more than 4 million Americans to receive bonuses and benefits from hundreds of companies. Tax cuts are spurring job creation, which is a boon to African-American workers everywhere.

Since President Trump was sworn into office, African-American unemployment has reached a record low. The president is creating more opportunities, empowering all Americans to build up their communities and protect their families.

Democrats have taken African-American support for granted for far too long. As we approach midterm elections in November, voters should know that the Republican Party has been fighting for their interests all along.

The Republican National Committee will celebrate African-Americans contributions to our party at our Trailblazer Awards next week. Our honorees are remarkable individuals who embody the principles that make America great, much like those who came before them.

I recently had the honor of meeting a great African-American named Clarence Henderson, who helped change American history for the better many years ago as he fought for justice and an end to racism. He joined historic sit-ins in 1960 that propelled the civil rights movement forward and he continues to work to improve our country today.

The sit-ins began in February 1960, when a group of black college students, including Henderson, sat at the whites-only lunch counter at a Woolworths store in Greensboro, North Carolina to protest racial segregation. They refused to leave when they were denied service because of their race. Sit-ins spread to 55 cities in 13 states by the end of March and led to the end of segregation at dining facilities in the South.

Henderson went on to become a champion of liberty and opportunity, fighting for the principles at the heart of the Republican Party.

When I spoke with Henderson a few weeks ago during my visit to North Carolina I asked him to share his story and perspectives about President Trump and the future of the Republican Party. Here is what he said:

McDaniel: One of the first things we ask our Republican Leadership Initiative fellows during their training is to share the story of when they knew they were a Republican. Will you share your story with us?

Henderson: After years of voting for the Democratic Party based upon indoctrination and relying on what others said, I began to investigate all of the promises they had made and not kept. At the same time, I researched the Republican Party and what they had done to advance the cause for African-Americans. I saw that the values of the party lined up with my beliefs. I knew I was a Republican when I voted for George W. Bush.

McDaniel: As we celebrate the bicentennial of Frederick Douglass birth this year, we celebrate his lasting legacy and contributions to our nation. What does this milestone mean to you?

Henderson: This milestone demonstrates what a person can do against all odds. If one has the determination, the things they can accomplish are practically limitless. Frederick Douglass is a true example for all to see just how freedom is worth the cost.

McDaniel: How do you think President Trump and his administration are doing? Are there any accomplishments or issues they have tackled that stand out to you?

Henderson: I think President Trump and his administration are doing a fantastic job and are using a commonsense approach to put America back on the right economic track. America thrives when our economy thrives. The accomplishments that stand out are that they have worked to ensure Americas freedoms stay intact  namely freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the protection of the sovereign rights of each individual citizen.

McDaniel: What more could the Republican Party do to engage with African-American communities?

Henderson: The Republican Party can engage the black community by focusing on the issues that matter most to them, such as education and jobs. That means instituting training programs for the jobs that build American infrastructure, and promoting economic programs  like those of the Small Business Administration  which create employment in minority areas. The party should continue to engage black faith leaders on their communities concerns, and host more events for women. After all, productive communities promote strong families. The party should also help black Republican candidates and elected officials with fundraising, and encourage them to hire black staff members.

McDaniel: What do you think it will look like to celebrate Black History Month 25 years from now?

Henderson: What it will look like to celebrate Black History Month 25 years from now is anyones guess. My hope is that there would be no need to celebrate Black History Month on its own  instead, the black communitys contributions to American society would be celebrated throughout the entire year.
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Sadly, the shooting deaths of 17 students and adults at a Florida high school last week has thrust gun violence and mental health issues into the headlines and into the conversations around our family dinner tables. Our lawmakers, our local communities, and our families have all been touched by this issue in some way by the tragic loss of life.

It is clear that there are many facets to the violence plaguing our society. One of them is undoubtedly the treatment of mental health and mental illness.

Its estimated that 1 in 5 adults suffer from a mental illness, and nearly 60 percent of these people havent received treatment in the past year. In a high school, many teens could be struggling with unaddressed mental health issues, since 1 in 5 young people ages 13-18 have a mental health condition.

Mental health care is a deeply personal issue to many of the women I met with while traveling nationwide with key members of Congress on the Women2Women Conversations Tour. During these tour stops, we spoke with women who were interested, engaged and committed to improving their communities.

In 2014, from California to Pennsylvania, we spoke with hundreds of women about a wide range of issues, many of which we expected to hear. But the one issue that was discussed at length during every stop was mental health. This should not have been a surprise to any of us  millions of us know family members, friends or loved ones who have struggled with mental health or have had a mental health crisis impact their lives.

During these discussions, we learned that a shortage of qualified providers and psychiatric beds, along with the need for insurers to treat mental illness as equally as physical illness, were at the top of everyones list of concerns. It was clear that the system needed reform. There was a crisis facing these communities and it was time for Congress to act.

Thats why in 2016, with the help of key Republican Main Street leaders like then-Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan, Congress passed the 21st Century Cures Act.

In addition to record funding for medical research and treatment programs for opioid addiction, the Cures Act included the most significant piece of mental health legislation to be signed into law since President John F. Kennedy was in the White House.

Included in this landmark legislation are reforms that make mental health services more affordable for more families and provide new funding for research programs to develop best practices in mental health treatment. The law also includes key federal grants to increase the number of mental health providers nationwide and dramatically increases funding for suicide prevention programs.

For millions of families and care providers across the country, the passage of these reforms was a signal that Washington was not only listening, but delivering results for those who needed them most. But our work is far from over.

Less than a month ago, we commissioned a poll of 800 registered voters across eight key suburban districts from coast-to-coast. More than half of those we polled said they were extremely worried or very worried about access to mental health services, a clear sign that there is still much more to be done to connect those in need with care.

Part of this concern and worry can be traced to the lack of qualified mental health professionals available to many families in crisis. Continuing grant programs in the Cures Act is a start, but our country is still facing a major workforce shortage in this area.

In fact, there are 9,000 child and adolescent psychiatrists in the United States  but the current need is for more than 30,000. This deficit is affecting children who need this care.

According to a Washington Post report, it is estimated there is only one psychiatrist per 1,807 children who need mental health services in this country. More than half of the counties nationwide do not have a practicing psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker. These numbers are staggering and unacceptable.

In addition to increasing the number of qualified mental health professionals to help students, parents, families, and those struggling with addiction or homelessness, we can also help those struggling by supporting and funding Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar voiced emphatic support for ACT funding in a recent testimony. ACT builds a network of staff, services, and treatment plans to care for individuals in need.

Authorized under the Cures Act, this program is one of the most successful models of care for those with serious mental illness, providing direct, around-the-clock care for those who are prone to frequent hospitalization or homelessness. Those trained in ACT specialize in psychiatry, social work, nursing, substance abuse treatment and vocational rehabilitation.

We have to continue the drumbeat in Washington. Millions of families, loved ones and peers expect change  and deserve it. The passage of Cures in 2016 was a milestone more than 50 years in the making. We should not let another half century pass without further action to help those who need it most.
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In the clamor to tighten gun restrictions following the horrific massacre at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week, one important fact has been overlooked. Gun laws are only as good as their implementation. Before we talk about new gun laws, perhaps its time we started to enforce the ones weve already passed.

A remarkable drop in gun crime prosecutions and convictions marked President Obamas eight years in office. Mother Jones reported that under Obama, federal weapons prosecutions have declined to their lowest levels in nearly a decade, citing a 2013 report from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse.

Remember, it was during this same period that Attorney General Eric Holders Justice Department deliberately and willingly sold drug cartels nearly 2,000 guns under Operation Fast and Furious.

In Chicago, the U.S. attorney filed only one gun prosecution for every 25 cases of gun violence, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive. The report found similar disparities in other major American cities, including St. Louis, Philadelphia, Detroit and Houston.

Prosecutors have told me gun laws are difficult cases to prosecute, without much jury appeal. Consequently, there arent many prosecutions. In 2015, only 6,000 convictions were won nationwide  a 15 percent drop from five years earlier.

Although anyone failing a background check to purchase a weapon can technically be prosecuted, they seldom are. During my service in Congress as chairman of the House Oversight Committee, I asked the Justice Department to provide specific numbers of gun prosecutions. I got delays, questions, and ultimately convoluted answers about how many gun crimes the department actually prosecuted.



To be fair, the Trump administration has made an effort to turn those numbers around. The Justice Department announced last July that gun prosecutions were up 23 percent in the second quarter of 2017 from the same quarter a year earlier. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is on record saying he will step up gun prosecutions in the wake of the Florida shooting.

Nevertheless, the bigger problem at the Florida high school and in other recent shootings was not insufficient gun restrictions, but insufficient law enforcement.

How is it that local law enforcement gets called to the accused shooters home 39 times, but this person is able to pass a background check? How is it that the FBI is unable to find someone who uses his real name when making threats to shoot up a school? Or that the FBI fails to follow a specific and credible tip just weeks before the massacre?

Clearly, the FBI blew it. But lets pretend FBI officials did pass information about the accused shooter on to local law enforcement. Lets pretend they actually reported his behavior. Lets even pretend he failed the background check. What would have happened then? Most likely nothing. Because we rarely prosecute people who fail background checks.

We dont even bother to prosecute people who bring guns to airports. In 2017, 3,957 guns were confiscated at airports. Consider that in late 2017 Homeland Security Department investigators found they were able to get weapons past the Transportation Security Administration 70 percent of the time  an improvement from two years earlier when testing found a 95 percent failure rate.

From Feb. 5 to 11, a record-breaking 104 firearms were discovered in carry-on bags at airports. Of those, 87 were loaded and 38 had a round chambered. How many people will get prosecuted? The number will be close to zero. In the vast majority of cases, the person will simply have the gun confiscated and possibly be charged a fine.

Post 9/11 theres a reason we have 60,000 TSA agents. We spend billions of dollars to keep travelers safe. And would-be perpetrators almost never get prosecuted.

We have to take gun crimes more seriously. As a member of Congress, I had a series of death threats made against me. Only in one case was somebody actually arrested and prosecuted.

In the other cases, a local law enforcement officer may or may not have visited the perpetrator. But no one was arrested or prosecuted, despite the fact that we had two members of Congress shot during the time I served  Democrat Gabby Giffords of Arizona and Republican Steve Scalise of Louisiana.

The Justice Department can play a big role in keeping us safer. Since my departure from Congress, I know Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, and Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., have communicated with Attorney General Sessions to encourage the Justice Department to prosecute more gun crimes.

The public should demand that gun crimes be taken more seriously. All the laws and restrictions in the world are meaningless if we refuse to enforce them.
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The latest tragedy unfolding in Syria is all too familiar  and getting worse. The U.S. is watching as Syrian President Bashar Assad and his backers, Iran and Russia, commit war crimes against a long-besieged population that dares to continue to oppose him.

But behind the canvas of suffering, increasingly there is a deeper issue: a policy of U.S. passivity that is eating away at our global posture and interests.

The target this time is a besieged opposition enclave known as Eastern Ghouta, on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus. Assad once again seeks to maximize civilian suffering to compel a surrender. The U.S. is again portraying helplessness.

The cost in lives is horrifying enough. Nearly 400,000 people live in this enclave, according to U.N. figures, and they are dying by the score under merciless air attacks, deprived of aid supplies and medicines as Assad intentionally targets hospitals.

U.S. passivity in the face of Assads violence not only deepens the humanitarian crisis, it also harms American national security. It strengthens jihadists claims that we are aligned with Iran and its campaign of sectarian slaughter. It undermines American credibility around the world at a time when multiple adversaries, including North Korea, Iran, and Russia, are probing American will to defend our interests.

The U.S. cannot claim to be containing Iran or standing up to Russian President Vladimir Putin while capitulating to Assad. Assad's gains are Iran's and Russia's gains  and our losses.

The U.S. cannot claim to be containing Iran or standing up to Russian President Vladimir Putin while capitulating to Assad. Assad's gains are Iran's and Russia's gains  and our losses.

Americas policy avoids entanglement in a messy conflict in the short term. But it will lead to worse dangers and larger conflicts in the future.

The Trump administration is trying to do better by imposing sanctions to compel a change in Assad's behavior. The Defense and State Departments are undermining even this tenuous approach, however.

Defense Secretary James Mattis said we are not getting engaged in the Syrian civil war. His statement signals that the U.S. has no intention of using force in support of diplomacy, thereby encouraging Assad to continue his indiscriminate violence.

Secretary of State Rex Tillersons diplomatic approach in Syria conveys the same message. It capitulates to Assad, Iran, and Russia by bypassing all of the confidence-building measures  such as the delivery of humanitarian aid  that would be required to get opposition groups to the negotiating table.

The U.S. has repeatedly hoped in vain that diplomacy will stop or contain the slaughter. American and U.N. diplomats have tried to use diplomacy to freeze the conflict on local levels when violence has precluded further talks. Their hope has been to transition back to negotiations after providing civilians a temporary respite from the bombing and enabling aid organizations to deliver some supplies.

None of it is working. Assad has hijacked this diplomatic approach, and the U.S. and United Nations have become complicit in the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Aid organizations route their deliveries through the Assad regime, which continues to block deliveries or redirect supplies to regime clients. The effect has been to give Assads sieges diplomatic cover.

The U.S. has already watched history repeat itself in Homs, Aleppo, Darayya, and towns that made fewer headlines. But the U.S. hasnt changed course. Instead, it is merely rebranding the freezes as de-escalation zones.

Assad has not de-escalated. He has continued to kill Syrians who oppose him by the thousands and put unknown numbers into prisons even when they do surrender. Eastern Ghouta will be no different.

Americas diplomatic approach undermines other strategic interests. A successful freeze of the Syrian conflict, even if it occurred, would leave in place Iranian forces and Irans proxies including Lebanese Hezbollah. It would prevent future military operations against Al Qaeda, which is embedded in opposition-held areas.

These outcomes have already occurred on local levels in southern Syria, where Irans proxies and Al Qaeda are entrenched beneath the cover of the U.S.-backed de-escalation zone.

The U.S. has lost sight of the relationship between diplomacy and war. American diplomats dealing with the Syrian crisis lack the leverage and credibility necessary to conduct effective diplomacy. The U.S. has used few other tools of national power to support them and has refused to contemplate using military force beyond self-defense or tactical retaliation for the use of chemical weapons.

Assad will continue to pursue all-out military victory as long the U.S. remains thus on the sidelines, and all diplomatic efforts except surrender will fail.

The U.S. is setting a precedent in Syria that will harm our ability to prevent future wars through deterrence and diplomacy. American adversaries are watching.

President Trump is conducting more effective diplomacy in Korea by signaling that he would consider using military force, hoping to incentivize North Korea to choose talks. But North Korea and China watch U.S. policy around the world and will wonder whether the U.S. has the necessary will to risk massive war in Korea.

U.S. behavior in Syria signals that we do not have the will to defend our interests or commit the resources necessary to achieve our stated goals.

The American homeland, American allies and American partners are less safe as a result.
New Jersey's new Democratic governor signed a bill Wednesday that restores $7.5 million in family planning funds to Planned Parenthood and other medical facilities, reversing a longstanding veto of his predecessor, Republican Gov. Chris Christie.



Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards stood next to Gov. Phil Murphy as he signed the bill and thanked him for passing it in "lightning speed." The bill was the first for Murphy since taking office Jan. 16.

He then signed another bill into law that would allow Medicaid funds to go to Planned Parenthood to help pay for contraception, cancer screenings, and testing of sexually transmitted diseases.

"I don't have to tell you all that today has certainly been a long time coming," Murphy said at the bill's signing. "New Jersey will once again stand strong for Planned Parenthood and reproductive rights."

During his two terms, Christie vetoed bills from the Democratic-controlled legislature that would have provided funding to Planned Parenthood, cutting off funds shortly after taking office in 2010. An estimated $60 million in funding was cut off during that time, during which six clinics in the state closed and 14 other facilities reduced hours, according to local news organization NJ.com.



Planned Parenthood is launching efforts in states across the country to urge lawmakers to pass laws that would expand access to abortion and other reproductive services.

Read more at WashingtonExaminer.com
The Republican presiding officers of Pennsylvania's House and Senate asked the U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday to block a new congressional district map that is widely expected to boost Democratic prospects in the November midterm elections.

The emergency request filed by Pennsylvania House Speaker Mike Turzai and Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnetti says the state Supreme Court usurped legislative authority when it issued the new map on Monday, calling it an unprecedented decision.



"The Pennsylvania Supreme Court conspicuously seized the redistricting process and prevented any meaningful ability for the Legislature to enact a remedial map to ensure a court drawn map," they wrote.



Last month, the Democratic-majority Supreme Court of Pennsylvania threw out a 2011 congressional district map that had been drafted by Republicans, saying it violated the state constitution's guarantee of free and equal elections. On Monday, the court released new maps of Pennsylvania's 18 congressional districts.

Republicans had won 13 of 18 seats in three straight elections under the now-invalidated map, even though Pennsylvania's statewide elections are often closely divided and registered Democratic voters outnumber Republicans.

The challenge adds uncertainty as candidates are preparing to circulate nominating petitions to get their names on the May primary ballot.



A spokesman for Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, responding to the lawmakers' filing, said Wolf was "focused on making sure the Department of State is fully complying with the court's order by updating their systems and assisting candidates, county election officials and voters prepare for the primary election."

Turzai told reporters earlier Wednesday that a separate action in federal court in Harrisburg is also possible.

Wednesday marked the third time in four months that Turzai and Scarnati have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to put a halt to litigation over the 2011 map they took leading roles in producing.



In November, Justice Samuel Alito turned down a request for a stay of a federal lawsuit, a case that Turzai and Scarnati won in January.



On Feb. 5, Alito rejected a request from Turzai and Scarnati to halt a Jan. 22 order from the state Supreme Court that gave the Republican leaders two weeks to propose a map that would be supported by the Democratic governor and until last week to suggest a new map to the court.



The application filed Wednesday also was addressed to Alito.



Turzai and Scarnati argued that the state's high court gave them scant time to propose their own map after throwing out the 2011 version, ensuring "that its desired plan to draft the new map would be successful." As evidence of a "preordained plan," they cited comments critical of gerrymandering made by Justice David Wecht during his 2015 campaign for the court.



"The court's process was entirely closed," they told Alito. "It did not allow the parties the opportunity to provide any comment to the proposed map, inquire on why certain subdivisions were split and whether it was to meet population equality, or further evaluate whether partisan intent played any role in the drafting."



As a sign of the litigation's potential impact on national politics, President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Republicans to press their challenge of the map to the U.S. Supreme Court.



"Your Original was correct! Don't let the Dems take elections away from you so that they can raise taxes & waste money!" Trump tweeted.



The five Democrats on the state Supreme Court sided with Democratic voters who challenged the map, although one of the Democratic justices, Max Baer, has pointedly opposed the compressed timetable.



Congressional candidates have from Feb. 27 to March 20 to collect and submit enough signatures to get on the ballot, and the new district maps have candidates and would-be candidates scrambling to decide whether to jump in. Five incumbents are not seeking another term and a sixth has resigned, an unusually large number of openings.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
EXCLUSIVE: The centerpiece of a New Yorker story on Karen McDougal, who says she had an affair with Donald Trump, is scribbled notes kept by the former Playboy playmate.

These notes, obtained by journalist Ronan Farrow, are presented as her personal reflections on the relationship later memorialized in an eight-page, handwritten document provided to the New Yorker.

Readers could easily get the impression, as many journalists have, that McDougal wrote these notes during what she describes as a consensual relationship that began in 2006. But that is not the case.

A telltale marking on the entries, reproduced by the magazine, shows that McDougal wrote these pages either during or since the 2016 campaignrelying on memories that were at least a decade old.

The New Yorker does not dispute that McDougal's notes were written many years after the alleged relationship. Instead, the magazine attempted to tie them to McDougal's eventual deal with the National Enquirer's parent company, American Media Inc.

The article does not present Karen McDougals written account as being made simultaneously with the events themselves, a New Yorker spokesperson told me. Rather, the article makes clear that the idea to sell her story to American Media Inc. first occurred in 2016. Furthermore, her written account is supported by additional sourcing and documentation referenced in the article.

The article does not present Karen McDougals written account as being made simultaneously with the events themselves.  a New Yorker spokesperson

If that was suggested by the story, as the magazine maintains, the implication was rather subtle.

The more recent creation of the notes doesnt mean that McDougal isnt telling the truth. The magazines view is that the timing has no material impact on her credibility.

But the timing of the notes is revealing about how McDougal came to go public, as well as about the role of the National Enquirer.

The McDougal passages were written on a notebook marketed by fashion designer Izak Zenou, whose name appears at the bottom of one of the pages. He got into the business of creating office supplies in 2016, and the notebook was not available for sale on Amazon until March 2016.

The timing is significant.

Farrow writes that the interactions that McDougal outlines in the document share striking similarities with the stories of other women who claim to have had sexual relationships with Trump, or who have accused him of propositioning them for sex or sexually harassing them.

But in writing the notes in 2016 or 2017, the onetime Playmate of the Year did not foreshadow, by a decade, similar accusations by other women.

The notes say such things as: I was into his intelligence + charm. Such a polite man. We talked for a couple of hoursthen, it was ON! We got naked + had sex.

After the New Yorker story was published last week, a White House spokesperson said: This is an old story that is just more fake news. The president says he never had a relationship with McDougal.

The New Yorker expanded on what the Wall Street Journal had reported days before Trumps election: that the Enquirers parent company had paid McDougal $150,000 for limited life rights to her story about any romantic or physical relationship with a married man, and never published it. The practice, in the tabloid world, is known as catch and killbuying a story for the purpose of burying it.

American Medias CEO, David Pecker, has acknowledged his friendship with Trump. The New Yorker quotes former two former AMI executives on the record as saying that buying and killing stories was a common practice under Pecker.

McDougal and her lawyer met with Dylan Howard, American Medias chief content officer, to discuss a deal. McDougal told AMI that she had been offered more than $1 million for her story, and also that she was in discussions with ABC News.

The Enquirer maintains that it didnt publish McDougals allegations about Trump in 2016 because it couldnt confirm them, and that she offered no documentation, texts, receipts or corroborating witnesses. She was even told to search her storage for old phones or other evidence.

The supermarket tabloid also says she did not offer any handwritten notes, which suggests they hadnt been written at the time.

During the discussions McDougal appeared to change her view about going public with the alleged affair, saying, I dont want to be viewed as the next Monica Lewinsky.

That makes the timing of the Enquirers $150,000 deal with McDougal, in August 2016, all the more suspicious, especially given the papers pro-Trump coverage under Pecker. The contract, in addition to the limited life rights, called for her to appear on two AMI magazine covers and write a fitness column, but some of those goals have not been met.

So the company paid her big bucks even after concluding she couldnt substantiate the affair, while making sure she couldnt tell the story elsewhere.

McDougals contract with American Media included a non-disclosure agreement, and that may explain the vital role of the handwritten notes.

The ex-Playmate spoke on the record to Farrow, but the piece says she declined to discuss details of her relationship with Trump for fear of violating the agreement.

That obstacle, intentionally or not, was neatly circumvented by the handwritten notes.

Farrow writes that he obtained the document from John Crawford, a friend of McDougal, and she expressed surprise that he had it but confirmed that the notes were in her handwriting.

Yet later in the piece, it became apparent that they are more than just friends.

Crawford told Farrow that selling McDougals story was his idea, and that he first raised it when she was living with him, in 2016. As they watched the presidential candidate on television, Crawford said he told McDougal that her past relationship with Trump could be worth something about now.

In an interview with CNN, Farrow called McDougals notes written testimony and said they exist because in the course of selling the story, a friend of hers who coaxed her into selling it said sit down and write every detail.

(Two months after McDougal signed the contract with American Media, Trumps personal lawyer Michael Cohen paid $130,000 to Stormy Daniels, a former porn star who had claimed in an interview years earlier that she had an affair with Trump in 2006. Since that transaction was accompanied by a non-disclosure agreement, the payment has been widely viewed as hush money. Cohen recently told the New York Times that he paid Daniels out of his pocket and was not reimbursed by Trump or his campaign.)

American Media told the New Yorker in a letter last week that a post-election amendment to McDougals contract allows her to respond to legitimate press inquiries about Trump.

An AMI executive has now asked New Yorker Editor David Remnick for a correction, saying he had an obligation to tell readers that McDougals notes were written at least 10 years after the alleged affair. The executive said the omission was intentionally misleading.

Remnick, a widely respected journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author who is also an ardent critic of Trump, responded that his magazine stands by its story. He said the story made clear the long time lapse between the alleged affair and the effort to sell the story. Remnick also said the New Yorker had disclosed Crawfords role and included AMIs responses.

Farrow has gained enormous journalistic credibility for his meticulous New Yorker exposes of sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein by numerous actresses and the movie moguls attempts to intimidate the press. His detailed reporting on McDougal and Trump fits that pattern.

Still, some journalists reached the understandable conclusion that McDougals notes were composed back in 2006. Washington Post columnist Richard Cohen wrote this week that McDougal handwrote a contemporaneous account of her alleged affair.

Time, in a common formulation, said that a former Playboy model kept handwritten notes about an alleged nine-month affair with President Donald Trump that began in 2006.

The Week said that McDougal's friend John Crawford supplied Farrow with McDougal's handwritten notes from the time, which detail the affair.

The reality is that at least a decade had passed before Karen McDougal wrote those notes, after her friend and roommate urged her to peddle her story for money.
A former Florida state Republican who was hailed as a good and decent man by his onetime Democratic opponent plunged to his death Monday from a highway overpass.

The Hillsborough County medical examiner ruled the death of Robert Wallace, 65, a suicide; his body was found lying on rocks near a Dale Mabry Highway overpass in the Tampa area, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

"He was a good and decent man," Brian P. Rush, the 1994 incumbent who lost to Wallace despite outspending him, told the newspaper. "He had a different philosophy, but I could sense that he was honorable. He really wanted to be in public service."

A witness told the medical examiner about seeing Wallace fall 40 to 50 feet before his body was found by responders after 7 p.m. Monday.

St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz, where a Mass will be held in the former lawmaker's honor on Monday, confirmed the death to Fox News.

Wallace spent eight years in Tallahassee fighting new taxes and government overreach, voting against bills that called for mandatory swimming pool fences and bicycle helmets, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

He got on the ballot after going around and collecting enough signatures.

"Truman said that money doesnt win elections, people do. I wanted to prove that," Wallace said after he was first voted into office. "The key was reaching people, going out walking the district door to door and waving signs on Dale Mabry and in downtown Tarpon Springs."

After hitting his term limit in 2002, Wallace ran an environmental engineering company in the Tampa area, under the belief that man can cause problems and man can solve those problems.

The medical examiners office said Wallace had been grappling with depression at the time of his death and was taking medications for it.

"This just proves how much we dont know about how to fight mental illness," former state Sen. John Grant, who worked with Wallace, told the newspaper.

The newspaper said Wallace is survived by his wife, a daughter and three sons.

"He was a true family man who loved and cared deeply for his community," his daughter, Amber Loper, said in a family statement read Wednesday, as quoted by the newspaper.

"He worked hard to give all he could back to others, which led him to start his environmental business, run for state office and volunteer for many organizations, she added. He will be deeply missed."
In light of the Virginia rally that saw thousands of activists rally against proposed gun control legislation last month, President Trump made his voice heard when he ripped Democrats and defended the rights of gun owners.

The Democrat Party in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia are working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights. This is just the beginning, Trump wrote on Twitter. Dont let it happen, VOTE REPUBLICAN in 2020!

Heres a look at how the federal background check system currently works, and what experts and activists have to say about it.

What happens when you want to purchase a gun?

In order to purchase a gun from a federal firearms licensed dealer (FFL), a consumer must provide identification and pass a federal background check using the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 4473 form.

The first page of the document requires basic information, including the buyers full name, address, sex, birthday and ethnicity. A Social Security number is encouraged, but not required.

The form also asks the buyer about criminal background, immigration status and mental health  information that could result in a consumer being denied. Those questions include:

Have you ever been convicted in any court of a felony, or any other crime for which the judge could have imprisoned you for more than one year, even if you received a shorter sentence including probation?

Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug or any other controlled substance?

Have you been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions?

Have you ever been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence?

Lying on the federal form is a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, an ATF spokesperson confirmed to Fox News. That penalty is also listed at the top of the form.

Once the form is completed, the dealer will submit it to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) online or by phone. Then, almost immediately, the licensed seller will know how to continue with the sale:

Proceed: If NICS indicates the seller can proceed, then the sale can continue.

Canceled or Denied: Should NICS mark the form as canceled or denied, the seller cannot legally sell the firearm to the buyer. Michael Smith, the vice president of marketing and media for Upstate Armory Group, a firearm dealer in Simpsonville, S.C., told Fox News he generally provides the customer with contact information for a local lawyer who handles restoration of firearm rights in case the failed background check is erroneous. There have been times police have arrived at the gun shop to arrest the customer who legally cannot purchase a gun, Smith said.

Delayed: If the background check elicits a delayed response from NICS, the seller cannot complete the transaction for at least three business days. Unless a specific denied designation is issued, the seller will be able to complete the transaction with the customer after that period elapses, under federal law.

Even before a 4473 form is filled out, Robbie Wheaton, vice president of the Wheaton Arms Inc. gun shop in Piedmont, S.C., said he takes note of the customer. If a customer seems to be intoxicated or shady  talking, for instance, about a cheating spouse  dealers dont have to sell that person a gun.

A shop has a final right to say no based on a persons behavior whether they will sell a firearm to them or not.  Robbie Wheaton, vice president of Wheaton Arms Inc. in South Carolina

As a federal firearms licensee, we have the right to be able to refuse the transfer of firearms to someone, Wheaton told Fox News. A shop has a final right to say no based on a persons behavior whether they will sell a firearm to them or not.

Smith praised the background check system, as it can flag other discrepancies for sellers, such as an age issue.

South Carolina law, for example, prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from purchasing a long gun (such as an AR-15) and anyone under 21 from buying a pistol, handgun or other firearm, he said. The background check can prevent sellers, particularly at hectic gun shows, from accidentally selling a firearm to someone who isnt of age, Smith said.

Why do I have to complete the background check?

Thanks to the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, the FBI created the NICS in 1998. The system is supposed to instantaneously let a firearms dealer know whether a buyer is legally allowed to purchase the gun.

According to the FBI, more than 230 million checks have been made by cashiers prior to a purchase and more than 1.3 million denials have been issued since the system was put in place.

Is this process the same in every state?

No.

In South Carolina, for example, consumers who already have a concealed weapons permit do not need to go through a background check in order to purchase a firearm in the state, multiple dealers in the Palmetto State told Fox News.

Also, state laws may be superseded by federal law. The 4473 form asks consumers about marijuana use. Those who use the drug, in states where recreational or medicinal use is legal, will be denied a firearm, Wheaton said.

In Hawaii, after the first legal medicinal marijuana dispensary opened in the state in 2017, local law enforcement agencies asked users who are also gun owners to turn in their firearms within 30 days, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.

Is this system strong enough?

It depends on who you ask.

Jonas Oransky, the deputy legal director of Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for stronger gun control, praised the background check system but said it has significant gaps.

Specifically, Oranskys organization points to a private sale loophole. Federal law requires licensed dealers to complete background checks, but people can also purchase guns from a private seller  such as a friend or through online classifieds websites like ArmsList.com. (ArmsList.com prompts users to accept a terms of use document, which acknowledges the website doesnt certify or investigate transactions and instructs users not to use the site for illegal purposes.)

It doesnt matter necessarily if people are selling at scale, Oransky told Fox News. Its not that all sellers are dangerous or devious, but buyers who know that they can skip the background check can look for an unlicensed seller.

Wheaton, who has been in the firearms business full time since 2007, said he and other licensed sellers try to persuade customers to transfer guns through a licensed dealer so a background check can be conducted.

Oransky also pointed to the so-called Charleston loophole, which allows dealers to sell guns to a customer before a background check is completed  when NICS marks a document delayed but does not approve or deny it within three business days. He said a disproportionate number of buyers who obtain a gun before a background check is completed are domestic abusers, citing complex records and restraining orders that investigators need additional time to read through or discuss with the appropriate local law enforcement agency.

The FBI should have the time they need to complete a background check. Its more important than expediting sales to people who shouldnt have a gun, he said.

On the other hand, Second Amendment advocates argue that the background check system already does too much.

We dont think its proper for people to have to prove their innocence to the government in order to exercise their God-given right, Erich Pratt, executive director of Gun Owners of America, a Virginia-based gun rights nonprofit, told Fox News.

Our rights are listed in the Bill of Rights for a reason, he continued. Peoples rights are being infringed upon and its resulting  in some cases  in death and in other cases extreme inconvenience in being able to purchase firearms.

Pratt also said the background check system doesnt do its job, as several of the more recent mass shooters in the U.S., including the suspect in the fatal shooting of 17 people in Parkland, Fla., were able to pass background checks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Fox News' Barnini Chakraborty contributed to this report.
Right-wing French former parliamentarian Marion Marechal-Le Pen, in a speech Thursday, warned the Conservative Political Action Conference of the dangers of mass migration from Islamic countries and said that France should embrace a version of President Trumps America First.

The 28-year-old niece of failed 2017 French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, and granddaughter of far-right National Front's founder Jean-Marie Le Pen, offered a European nationalist-populist slant on the American conservative outlook in her address.



Framing the French struggle as a modern day fight for independence against the European Union, she said the French are not free to choose their own policies as control had been handed to the big government bloc. In doing so, she said she wanted to see France adopt the nationalist-populist slogans that President Trump uses.

I am not offended when I hear [Trump] say America First, she said. In fact I want America First for the American people, I want Britain First for the British people and I want France First for the French people.

Like her aunt Marine, who made it to the run-off of the French presidential election before being beaten by now-French President Emmanuel Macron, warnings of the alleged dangers of Islam and mass immigration formed a key part of her message.

Marechal-Le Pen spoke of the development of an Islamic countersociety in France after what she called 40 years of mass migration, Islamic lobbies and political correctness -- which she said has left young French people ashamed and guilty about their countrys heritage.

"France is in the process of passing from the eldest daughter of the Catholic Church to the little niece of Islam," she said.



American Conservative Union Chair Matt Schlapp defended her invite Wednesday in the face of criticism from conservatives who claimed she was not a conservative and expressed concerns about the Le Pens and the National Front, in particular the racist and anti-Semitic comments made by Jean-Marie -- who was convicted and fined for downplaying the Holocaust as a detail of history.

"She's her own person, she's a young person, she's broken with her family on those positons and she's a new voice in France and by the way, she's a voice that resembles a lot of conservative voices here," Schlapp said on "The Daily Briefing."

"She's for traditional marriage, she's pro-life, she doesn't believe that the welfare state solves problems and, yes, she wants to make sure when people immigrate into France that they want to be French and love the country."

National Reviews Jonah Goldberg was unconvinced, calling the move a bad decision and asking whether Marechal-Le Pen was a classical liberal or a National Front Kardashian with better messaging?

Her remarks Thursday, which amounted to a full-throated defense of nationalism rather than the more typical Reaganite conservative, were warmly received by the CPAC crowd. On a number of occasions audience members yelled Vive La France, something unthinkable from a conservative audience just a decade ago when conservatives called for French fries to be renamed freedom fries" after the French opposition to the invasion of Iraq.

Signs of Marechal-Le Pen's social conservatism -- an area where she differs from her aunt -- were present in her speech, where she said young people in France want to protect their parents from euthanasia and humanity from transhumanism

We dont want this atomized world of individuals without gender, without father, without mother and without nation, she said.

But amid an often dark message, Marechal-Le Pen struck at least one upbeat tone as she told the crowd that the example of Trumps election, as well as Brexit in the U.K., offered a reason for conservatives to find hope for the future.

When the people are given the opportunity to take their country back, they will seize it, she said.
A former State Department official and associate of Sen. John McCain has invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to testify in connection with questions from the House Intelligence Committee about the anti-Trump dossiers Russian sources, according to a law enforcement source.

David J. Kramer, who is a central player in how the unverified Trump dossier made its way to the FBI in late 2016, testified before the committee in December in a closed-door session, indicating he had information about the dossier's sources. A subpoena was issued for mid-January, as first reported by The Washington Examiner.

The law enforcement source confirmed, however, that Kramer did not appear and has exercised his Fifth Amendment rights.

Yet Kramer gave a videotaped deposition last December in separate civil litigation against BuzzFeed about the dossier and his contact with the former British spy who compiled it, Christopher Steele. Steele was hired by opposition research firm Fusion GPS to write and research the dossier, with funding from the Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign.

According to British court records obtained by Fox News as part of its ongoing investigation of the Trump dossier, Kramer was personally briefed in late November 2016 by Steele in Surrey, England. After that briefing, Steele told the British court that an arrangement was made so that Fusion GPS -- co-founded by Glenn Simpson  would provide hard copies of the dossier to McCain via Kramer. Shortly afterward, the dossier was given to the FBI, which already had its own copy from Steele.

Steele has refused to testify before Congress. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., have sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department asking them to investigate whether Steele lied about the dossiers distribution and his media contact.

Fox News has repeatedly reached out to Kramer, and this week posed four questions to Kramer's Florida attorney Marcos Jimenez, who is handling one of the defamation suits filed by Russian technology oligarchs against BuzzFeed for publishing the unverified dossier in January 2017. Fox News asked why Kramer took the Fifth; why hes no longer cooperating with the committee; why they want to keep the BuzzFeed deposition under seal; and whether Kramer helped provide the document to BuzzFeed.

There was no immediate response from Kramer's lawyer to an email and phone message seeking comment.

The next hearing regarding Kramers deposition in the BuzzFeed defamation suit, and whether it should be publicly available, is set for Feb. 27.

According to January civil proceedings in the case, Gubarev, et al v. Buzzfeed et al, Kramer's attorney wants "his entire deposition as attorneys eyes only confidential."

Lawyer Evan Fray Witzer, representing the Russian businessman, believes it should be public and not under a protective order. "We dont think any of it is confidential. None of it talks about any kind of trade secrets, any kind of information that one would normally think of as being protected, he said.

Fox News reported in December on the dossier handoff.

A spokesman for the House Intelligence Committee had no comment.
Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens lashed out against a St. Louis prosecutor Thursday, hours after a grand jury indicted him on a felony invasion-of-privacy charge related to an extramarital affair.

"I know this will be righted soon," Greitens wrote in a Facebook post. "The people of Missouri deserve better than a reckless liberal prosecutor who uses her office to score political points."

The governor was referring to Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner, whose office announced Greitens' indictment Thursday. The charge stems from an incident that allegedly occurred in March 2015, she said.

Meanwhile, some Missouri lawmakers from both sides of the aisle promised an investigation of the governor's behavior -- and some Democrats called upon the Republican to resign.

We will carefully examine the facts contained in the indictment and answer the question as to whether or not the governor can lead our state while a felony case moves forward, House Speaker Todd Richardson, a Poplar Bluff Republican, told the Kansas City Star. The people of Missouri deserve no less. We will begin the process of tasking a group of legislators to investigate these serious charges.

"Gov. Greitens has to go, state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, a St. Louis Democrat, told the paper. Missourians thought they voted for a person of character and integrity, and instead they got a liar and alleged criminal.

Greitens, 43, was booked at the St. Louis Justice Center, officials told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He was released on his own recognizance, St. Louis Circuit Attorney spokeswoman Susan Ryan told the Associated Press.

According to Gardner's news release, the grand jury "found probable cause" that Greitens broke a state law.

The indictment said Greitens allegedly took a photo of a person - who was identified only by initials - "in a state of full or partial nudity" without their knowledge or consent and "in a place where a person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy," according to the Post-Dispatch.

It adds that Greitens allegedly "transmitted the image contained in the photograph in a manner that allowed access to that image via a computer," which is a felony, according to Gardner's release.

MISSOURI'S GREITENS ADMITS HE WAS 'UNFAITHFUL' BUT DENIES BLACKMAIL ALLEGATION

An investigation into Greitens' behavior was opened in January following his admiting to an affair, reportedly beginning in March 2015.

Local station KMOV-TV previously reported that Greitens allegedly threatened to publicize nude images of the woman he was having the extramarital relations with if she exposed their relationship, according to her ex-husband.

The man secretly recorded a conversation with his then-wife, in which she reportedly admitted to having an affair with Greitens.

The recording alleges that Greitens invited the woman to his home and the sexual encounter was consensual.

In the tape, the woman claims the governor asked her to "come downstairs" at his home where he would show her "how to do a proper pull-up."

The woman alleges he then taped her hands, blindfolded her, took a partially nude photo of her and then warned her to stay quite about the sexual encounter.

DIRTY DETAILS OF MISSOURI GOVERNOR'S AFFAIR FUEL RESIGNATION CALLS

"You're never going to mention my name, otherwise there will be pictures everwhere," Greitens allegedly said.

While acknowledging that he was "unfaithful" in his marriage, Greitens denied allegations that he blackmailed the woman.

Gardner declined to comment to the Associated Press but Ryan confirmed the indictment stemmed from the alleged photo.

In his statement following the indictment, Greitens maintained that he "did not commit a crime," and said the charge was a "misguided political decision."

"As I have said before, I made a personal mistake before I was Governor," he said. "I did not commit a crime. With today's disappointing and misguided political decision, my confidence in our prosecutorial system is shaken, but not broken."

Gardner is a Democrat who has faced her own share of scrutiny.

Last summer, after Gardner's first six months on the job, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that at least a dozen experienced prosecutors had left her staff. By August, St. Louis radio station KMOX was reporting that staffing issues were having an effect on the resolution of criminal cases.

In January, a St. Louis judge disqualified Gardner's office from prosecuting a police shooting case, the Post-Dispatch reported. The judge ruled that the removal would "avoid an appearance of impropriety" because her office was simultaneously investigating whether the shooting was justified.

In a separate statement, Greitens' lawyers called the charges "baseless and unfounded," in a statement to the Post-Dispatch. They'll reportedly file a motion to dismiss the charges.

Greitens, a Republican, is a decorated former Navy SEAL officer whose received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, among other awards, according to his service record. He enlisted in the Navy in 2000.

He was elected as governor in November 2016.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson, Barnini Chakraborty and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
With the gun control debate heating up in Washington in the wake of the Parkland shooting, the CEO of the National Rifle Association is keeping details about his speech to the Conservative Political Action Conference under wraps  apparently as a precaution.

A spokesman for the NRA confirmed to Fox News that Wayne LaPierre will speak at the conservative conference, which kicked off Wednesday outside Washington.

But unlike for other speakers, information about his appearance was not publicly released.

A time for the speech has not been finalized, the spokesman said. The Washington Examiner reported that his name is deliberately being kept off the schedule as a precaution due to possible outrage from anti-gun protesters in the wake of the shooting that left 17 dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

A related panel discussion was also left off the schedule.

"Wayne LaPierre will be speaking, he's my friend, he's a leader in this area, and I'm glad he's going to be there," Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union which is heading up CPAC, said on Fox News' "The Daily Briefing."

The shooting has re-ignited the long-running debate over the Second Amendment and gun control laws. President Trump announced late Tuesday that he has ordered Attorney General Jeff Sessions to craft new regulations to ban firearm modifiers like the bump stock used in the Las Vegas shooting in October.

TRUMP CONSIDERS RAISING PURCHASE AGE FOR CERTAIN FIREARMS, AMID GUN CONTROL TALKS

A White House source told Fox News on Wednesday that Trump is open to a number of measures to address mass shootings, including a rise in the minimum age for owning certain firearms -- proposals likely to see some resistance from the NRA and other gun-rights groups.

LaPierre, and other high-profile pro-Second Amendment speakers such as Dana Loesch, will be closely watched to see how they respond to the proposals from the White House.

Trump himself will speak Friday and it is unclear if he will address calls for new gun legislation, and how that will be received.

The prominence of the gun debate will also tap into a tension between more traditional conservatives -- who consider Second Amendment protections paramount -- and nationalist-populists more focused on immigration and Islamism.

Targeting the latter wing is the appearance scheduled for Thursday by right-wing French former lawmaker Marion Marechal-Le Pen -- the niece of 2017 French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen and the granddaughter of National Front founder Jean-Marie Le Pen.

The 28-year-old Marion is widely viewed as more conservative than her aunt Marine -- who worked to distance herself and de-toxify her party of the racist and anti-Semitic views of her father Jean-Marie, who was convicted and fined for comments in which he called the Holocaust a "detail of history." Marine made it to the run-off in 2017 where she lost to now-President Emmanuel Macron.

While both share hardline views on issues such as Islam and immigration, Marion has expressed more traditionally conservative views on issues such as gay marriage and abortion. According to French newspaper LIncorrect, Le Pens theme at CPAC will be "conservativism on both shores."

Schlapp defended the invite in the face of criticism from conservatives.

"She's her own person, she's a young person, she's broken with her family on those positons and she's a new voice in France and by the way she's a voice that resembles a lot of conservative voices here," he said on "The Daily Briefing." "She's for traditional marriage, she's pro-life, she doesn't believe that the welfare state solves problems and, yes, she wants to make sure when people immigrate into France that they want to be French and love the country."

National Reviews Jonah Goldberg was unconvinced, calling the move a bad decision and asking whether she was a classical liberal or a National Front Kardashian with better messaging?

The tension hits at the center of the debate within conservative circles over whether the GOP should stick to its free-market Reaganite conservatism or lean toward the more European-style nationalist-populist movements -- reflected in the 2016 candidacy of Donald Trump.

CPAC generally has tilted toward the former, and has had a sometimes-rocky relationship with populist speakers and lawmakers. Trump pulled out of a planned appearance there in 2016 over concerns of a backlash from more traditional conservatives.

With Trump now president, there is evidence of more populism seeping into CPAC. Former U.K. Independence Party leader Nigel Farage will speak, as will former Trump adviser and Fox News contributor Sebastian Gorka -- both of whom have called for restriction of immigration and warned against the dangers of Islamism.

Fox News' Alex Pappas and John Roberts contributed to this report.
The leader of the National Rifle Association on Thursday pushed back hard against the latest efforts to enact new gun control measures in the wake of last weeks school shooting rampage in Florida, accusing liberals of exploiting the massacre for political gain.

As usual, the opportunists wasted not one second to exploit tragedy for political gain, Wayne LaPierre, the NRAs executive vice president, said here in a fiery speech to conservative activists at the Conservative Political Action Conference.

LaPierre railed against the elites renewing calls for restricting gun ownership in the United States since the Parkland, Fla. shooting.

Their goal is to eliminate the Second Amendment and our firearms freedoms so they can eradicate all individual freedoms, he said.

LaPierre said the elites don't care not one whit about school children. If they truly cared, what they would do is protect them.

He also reiterated calls for trained armed security in schools.

The whole idea from some of our opponents that armed security makes us less safe is completely ridiculous, he said.

The NRA has come under heavy criticism since the Florida school massacre, with students and others blasting the group for fighting gun law changes in the past. The address Thursday, though, left no doubt about where the group stands as a renewed gun control conversation takes shape in Washington and state capitals across the country in response.

LaPierres appearance at CPAC had been announced, but his timeslot had not been revealed ahead of time, apparently over security concerns about gun control protests.

LaPierres speech comes as President Trump is signaling an openness to certain gun control efforts, including the idea of raising the minimum age for purchasing certain firearms, which Trump publicly endorsed Thursday morning.

The discussion could be a test for Trumps loyal base, as many of his supporters generally oppose new restrictions that would affect law-abiding gun owners. Yet Trump has flouted traditional conservative positions in the past, and could be testing whether he could sway certain wings of the party.

Ahead of LaPierres speech, though, Trump also tweeted his support for the leadership of the organization, including LaPierre and NRA chief lobbyist Chris Cox.

What many people dont understand, or dont want to understand, is that Wayne, Chris and the folks who work so hard at the @NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots, Trump tweeted. They love our Country and will do the right thing. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

Trump on Tuesday directed Attorney General Jeff Sessions to craft new regulations to ban firearm modifiers including the bump stock used in the Las Vegas massacre. Trump also said he supports efforts to improve the federal background system.

LaPierre paused during his speech to play a video message, in which he outlined several proposals for preventing school shootings: putting armed security in every school, fixing the mental health system, enforcing gun laws and putting "every prohibited person into the [background check] system."

The address assumed a dire tone at times, which is not unusual for LaPierre's speeches. He warned of the consequences of this new socialist wave in America, telling conservatives they should be anxious and frightened about the prospect of Democrats winning back control of Congress or the White House.

If they seize power, if these so-called European socialists take over the House and the Senate and God forbid they get the White House again, our American freedoms could be lost and our country will be changed forever, he said. And the first to go will be the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution.

LaPierre said he wishes more had heeded my words after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, when he called for more security in schools. To stop a bad guy with a gun, it takes a good guy with a gun, he said.

Schools must be the most hardened targets in this country, LaPierre said. And evil must be confronted immediately with all necessary force to protect our kids.
Tennessee investigators say they have found nude photos of a woman on a phone belonging to Nashville Mayor Megan Barry's former bodyguard, along with evidence of deleted messages they believe proves the pair engaged in an extramarital affair while the guard was on duty.

The probe by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is one of three inquiries into the relationship between Barry and Sgt. Rob Forrest. Barry, a Democrat, admitted to the affair Jan. 31 and has vowed to remain in office.

According to an affidavit filed Thursday in support of a search warrant for Barry's phone, investigators have discovered 260 deleted messages and 35 calls between Forrest's phone and a number belonging to Barry.

NASHVILLE MAYOR MEGAN BARRY ADMITS AFFAIR WITH FORMER HEAD OF SECURITY

"The deleted chats and messages between Sgt. Forrest and Megan Barry, if recovered, could provide further evidence of their activities while Sgt. Forrest reported to be on duty," the affidavit says.

Investigators also say they have recovered two nude photos of a woman that were taken on Forrest's city-issued phone and were recovered from his police department email. The pictures were taken on May 15 and October 17 of last year. On both dates, Forrest and Barry were in Washington D.C. together.

PANEL INVESTIGATING NASHVILLE MAYOR OVER USE OF DNC FUNDS FOR TRAVEL WITH BODYGUARD

The affidavit does not explicitly identify the woman in the photos as Barry. However, the agent who swore the document said he believes a black purse in one nude photo is the same purse found in a different photo of Barry found on Forrest's phone. The two photos were taken a day apart, the affidavit states.

Barry said if those were photos of her, she hasn't seen them and they were taken without her knowledge or permission and are a complete invasion of her privacy. She said the allegations of photos of her are "very troubling and infuriating if true."

According to the affidavit, both photos were taken while Forrest was claiming to work overtime. Earlier this month, the Tennessean newspaper reported that Forrest had received $53,000 more in overtime pay from July 2015 to January of this year than the other four officers in Barry's security detail combined.

Barry's attorney told the Tennessean Thursday that the TBI had acted improperly by not filing the search warrant affidavit under seal.

"Typically, search warrant affidavits remain under seal during the course of the investigation," Jerry Martin said. "Most investigators want to keep the details of their investigation under wraps while its ongoing. Whats happening here? This isnt standard procedure. Its the opposite."

REPORT: NASHVILLE MAYOR'S EX-LOVER OUTPACED OTHER COPS IN OVERTIME PAY

"Nothing in the affidavits released today ... indicates that I have committed any actions that violate the law," Barry said in a statement Thursday. "If any violations of the law occurred, they were in violating my personal rights."

Forrest resigned from the Metro Nashville Police Department after Barry admitted to the affair. Fox 17 has reported that he will receive an $80,000 annual pension.

The TBI investigation is looking into whether any public funds were misused in violation of state law. A special committee of Nashville city council members is also probing Barry and Forrest's travel and overtime expenses. In addition, a group of local activists has filed an ethics complaint against Barry. They claim that her relationship with Forrest compromised her in making decisions related to law enforcement.

Click for more from Fox 17.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Vice President Pence fired back Thursday at the fawning media coverage of Kim Jong Uns sister following their appearance at the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Winter Games, reminding reporters that she represents the most oppressive regime on the planet.

The vice president used his address to the Conservative Political Action Conference to settle his score with the media, after Kim Yo Jong, at least initially, attracted some positive coverage for her supposed charm offensive in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Pence, meanwhile, at the time took some criticism for not standing during the opening-ceremonies appearance of North and South Korean athletes.

For all the media fawning over the sister of the North Korean dictator, I think its important that every American knows who this person is and what shes done, Pence said Thursday. The sister of Kim Jong Un is a central pillar of the most tyrannical and oppressive regime on the planet, an evil family clique that brutalizes, subjugates, starves and imprisons its 25 million people.

Pence was just seats away from the North Korean delegates during those ceremonies earlier this month.

On Thursday, Pence took the opportunity to remind the public of the atrocities committed by the North Korean regime.

Even the United Nations reported that in their words, the gravity, scale and nature of these violations reveal a state that does not have a parallel in the contemporary world, Pence said. Thats why the United States government has sanctioned her for her role in [abetting] North Korea's human rights abuses and crimes against humanity.

Pence called on Americans to remember Otto Warmbier, the American college student who was detained in North Korea, and then died after being released in a coma.

I say the United States of America doesnt stand with murderous dictatorships, we stand up to murderous dictatorships, and we will keep standing strong until North Korea stops threatening our country, our allies or until they abandon their nuclear and ballistic missiles once and for all, Pence said.

Before discussing his trip to South Korea, Pence briefly addressed the Parkland, Fla., shooting.

He said the safety of the nations schools and students is a top priority of the entire administration.
President Trump on Thursday floated the possibility of paying teachers a bonus to carry concealed firearms, stressing the importance of school security even as he calls for strengthening gun laws in the wake of the Parkland mass shooting.

The president, earlier in the day, had tweeted that arming 20% of teachers would help stop a savage sicko trying to open fire at a school. He elaborated on the idea Thursday afternoon during a White House listening session focused on school safety with local officials.

He said only those with "aptitude" should be carrying weapons, and pitched an incentive program.

What Id recommend doing is the people that do carry, we give them a bonus, we give them a little bit of a bonus, Trump said.

He again said that if 20 percent of teachers had guns, "you won't have these shootings, because these people are cowards."

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky and others attended the session, along with Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

Calls to arm educators as a matter of policy are very controversial. One top teachers union official called it "one of the worst ideas" she's heard.

The president, though, has floated a range of options for preventing mass shootings, including raising the age for purchasing any firearm to 21.

The NRA, however, said their position on the issue has not changed and the organization remains opposed to such a change.

Under current federal law, licensed firearm dealers cannot sell handguns to people under the age of 21 and cannot sell long guns to people under 18, according to the Giffords Law Center, which tracks gun laws and advocates for more restrictions. Some states already impose laws with tighter minimum age requirements.

We dont expect to agree with the NRA on every single issueWe believe they will do what is right, Deputy White House Press Secretary Raj Shah said.

At the beginning of Thursday's meeting, Trump said, Theres a tremendous feeling that we want to get something done.

A concealed-carry policy for teachers and school officials was initially raised during Wednesdays separate White House listening session by a parent of a Marjory Stoneman Douglas studentan idea the president said his administration would look at very strongly.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were 3.6 million elementary and secondary school full-time teachers in 2015. If the president armed 20 percent of them, that would be more than 700,000 educators.

During the White House press briefing, Shah was pressed as to where the money for a bonus for more than 700,000 teachers would come from, with some reporters suggesting the bill could be hundreds of millions of dollars.

The policy hasnt been fleshed out, but do we really think thats too much to pay for school safety? Shah said.

Fox News' John Roberts contributed to this report.
Donald Trump Jr., visiting India this week, pushed back against nonsense accusations that he is profiting from his father's presidency, saying the family gets no credit for doing the right thing and pledging no new foreign business deals.

Trump Jr. told Indian television channel CNBC-TV18 on Tuesday that accusations of profiteering from the presidency were nonsense and that the critics forget about the opportunity cost of the deals that we were not able to do.

Its sort of a shame. Because we put on all these impositions on ourselves and essentially got no credit for actually doing that ... for doing the right thing, he added.

WASHINGTON POST MAKES SMILES CONTROVERSIAL TO SMEAR DONALD TRUMP JR. WITH MISLEADING HEADLINE

President Donald Trump pledged to make no new foreign business deals while he occupies the White House. Trump Jr. is in India to promote business agreements inked before his father took office.

But U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has criticized the trip, urging the U.S. State Department and embassy to treat Trump Jr. as any other American citizen and avoid any perception of special treatment or a conflict of interest.

The senator asked Ambassador Kenneth Juster whether the son of the president was briefed during the visit or provided any support staff. He also asked whether any steps were taken to make clear to the Indian government and citizens of the country that Mr. Trump (Jr.) in no way speaks on behalf of the United States government.

Trump Jr. may be sharing the stage with Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a New Delhi business summit and give a speech on Indo-Pacific relations. Some U.S. Embassy employees may be present during the event but the ambassador will neither attend nor meet Trump Jr.

TRUMP JR. STEALS SPOTLIGHT FROM CANADAS TRUDEAU AS INDIA VISITS COINCIDE

The State Department is aware of the trip, but noted that Trump Jr. is visiting as a private citizen. "We certainly are aware that Mr Trump is in the region, that he's there as a private citizen, not as an official of the U.S. government in any capacity," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Wednesday during her daily news conference.

Nauert added that the U.S. Embassy in India is in contact with Secret Service personnel who provide protection to Trump Jr.

"Any time we have an official or someone who would go over there who does have Secret Service protection, there is some amount of coordination and conversation. But overall, the U.S. Embassy does not have any kind of role in that visit," she said.

"He is there as a private citizen and I don't have any comment beyond that regarding his trip.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump said Wednesday the administration is going to strengthen background checks for gun purchases and put a strong emphasis on mental health, as he promised students and families we are going to get it done.

The president, Vice President Mike Pence and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos hosted students, teachers and families affected by the Parkland, Fla., high school shooting for a "listening session" at the White House on Wednesday, which lasted close to two hours.

Exactly one week ago, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, whom the president described as "a sick guy," opened fire at the high school and now is charged with killing 17 teachers and students with an AR-15 rifle.

We are going to be very strong on background checks, and put a very strong emphasis on the mental health of somebody, Trump said at the beginning of the listening session. Were going to talk and get it done. Its been going on too long, too many instances and were going to get it done.

Students and parents from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, along with Parkland city Mayor Christine Hunschofsky, attended the White House session, along with members of Sandy Hook Promise, a national non-profit organization based in Newtown, Conn., and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic Dec. 14, 2012, mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Students from Friendship Public Charter School, Parkmont, and Thurgood Marshall Academy in Washington, D.C., also attended.

Parkland Student Body President Julia Cordover opened the session with emotional remarks for the group.

Im a survivor. I want you all to emphasize the point that I survived, Cordover said. I was lucky enough to come home from school and it is very scary to know that a lot of people did not have the opportunity to be here.

Cordover thanked the president for addressing bump stocks earlier in the week.

The president directed Attorney General Jeff Sessions to create new regulations to ban firearm modifiers, including the bump stock used in the Las Vegas massacre in October 2017.

A memo released by the White House earlier this week directed the DOJ to propose a rule banning all devices that turn legal weapons into machineguns.

The president asked for suggestions to prevent school shootings, leaving the floor open to parents and teachers.

A parent from Parkland High School suggested that a select few teachers, administrators, or other school employees volunteer to become a designated undercover police officer, to manage a potential tragedy prior to the arrival of first responders.

If a tragedy strikes, can we wait for first responders to get to the campus minutes later? the parent said. The challenge becomes, once it starts, to end it as quickly as possible.

The president said the administration would look very strongly at the option for concealed carry at schools, but acknowledged that a lot of people will be opposed to it.

Concealed carry only works for people that are very adept at carrying a gun, Trump said. Where a teacher would have a concealed gun on them, go for special training and they would be there and you would no longer have a gun free zone.

Trump added: A gun-free zone to a maniac, theyre all cowards, its lets go in and attack because bullets arent coming at us.

The president said that an attack lasts, on average three minutes.

It takes five to eight minutes for first responders. So the attack is over. If you had a teacher who was adept at firearms, they could very well end [the attack], Trump said. We are looking at that very strongly. A lot of people will be opposed to it. A lot of people are gonna like it.

Trump suggested having 20 percent of your teaching force representing the type of talent capable of concealed carry. Trump also floated the idea to add security, like former marines, people who left the Air Force to be spread evenly throughout the school.

The president has also signaled a willingness to raise the minimum age for purchasing certain firearms in the wake of last weeks school shooting in Parkland.

A White House source told Fox News on Wednesday that Trump is open to a number of measures to address mass shootings, including a rise in the minimum age for buying firearms.

Under current federal law, licensed firearm dealers cannot sell handguns to people under 21 and cannot sell long guns to people under 18, according to the Giffords Law Center, which tracks gun laws and advocates for more restrictions. Some states already impose laws with tighter minimum age requirements.

The National Rifle Association quickly rejected any talk of raising the age for buying long guns to 21.



"Legislative proposals that prevent law-abiding adults aged 18-20 years old from acquiring rifles and shotguns effectively prohibits them for purchasing any firearm, thus depriving them of their constitutional right to self-protection," the group said in a statement.



It is unclear, however, whether Trump will push for a change in federal law, or encourage a change at the state level.

The president has expressed support for the Second Amendment and said hes against reflexive gun control measures that wouldnt stop tragedies. The NRA endorsed Trump in the 2016 presidential election, and has yet to comment on the presidents current stance on gun control.

Whether we are Republican or Democrat, we must now focus on strengthening Background Checks! Trump tweeted Tuesday.

The listening session, Trumps openness to tightening age restrictions, and the directive to the Justice Department reflect a different response from the White House than in the aftermath of previous tragedies.

Following the Las Vegas massacre, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said that it was premature to discuss policy when we dont know all the facts, and added, we can have those policy conversations, but today is not the day.

Republican Florida Gov. Rick Scott also is slated to meet with students from Parkland Wednesday evening.

"In addition to what were going to with background checks, were going to go very strong into age of purchase, and very strongly into the mental health aspect of whats going on," Trump said. "This person, who was very sick, and people knew he was very sick. Were also going to look at the institutions, what you do when you find someone like this."

He added: "All I can say is were fighting hard for you and we will not stop. I grieve for you. There can be nothing worse than what youve gone through. Thank you for pouring out your hearts because the world is watching and were going to come up with a solution."

Fox News John Roberts and Alex Pappas contributed to this report. The Associated Press also contributed to this report.
Donald Trump could be the president who pushes Congress to do something about gun control, even if those steps are modest.

Perhaps only a Republican presidentand one elected with the full backing of the NRAwould be positioned to take such steps.

But rather than welcoming Trump's move in their direction, gun control advocates are initially dismissing his efforts as inadequate.

For a quarter century, virtually any effort at regulating the sale of guns has fallen victim to Washington gridlock. Ever since Congress let Bill Clintons assault-weapon ban expire in the 1990s, the issue has been seen as politically radioactive, not just by Republicans but by moderate Democrats as well.

Even after the school shooting in Newtown, even with Barack Obama and Joe Biden mounting a sustained push for some gun-control measures, Congress did nothing. There was no way the Republicans were going to give Obama even a minor concession on the issue.

Then came last year's Las Vegas massacre, and an outcry over the shooter's use of bump stocks to boost the speed of his attack. But nothing happened.

And yet the Florida school shooting, and the gruesome spectacle of children being gunned down, seems to have brought the issue to a potential tipping point.

When the conservative, pro-Trump New York Post is running such banner headlines as "MR. PRESIDENT, PLEASE ACT" and yesterdays "HOPE FOR GUN CONTROL"with a photo of protesting Florida students--it's clear that the national mood is changing.

Even Pat Robertson, the onetime GOP presidential candidate, said on his "700 Club": "I am a gun owner. I have hunted. I have shot skeet," Robertson said. "But for heaven's sakes, I don't think that the general population needs to have automatic weapons."

Trump has ordered the Justice Department to speed up an existing review and issue regulations banning bump stocks. He has also signaled he is open to arguments about tighter background checks and raising the age limit for purchases of such weapons as an AR-15 rifle, the one used in Parkland.

This comes from a president who embraced the Second Amendment during the campaign and said of the group that backed him financially: "To the NRA, I can proudly say I will never, ever let you down."

Of course, after yesterday's gut-wrenching session with students, teachers and parents who went through mass shootings, Trump also said that arming people in schools could be part of the solution--an approach favored by the NRA.

A Quinnipiac poll out yesterday said that 97 percent (!) of Americans favor universal background checks for gun purchases. Some 66 percent favor stricter gun laws, and 67 percent favor a ban on assault weapons.

There is a partisan divide, with only 34 percent of Republicans supporting stricter gun laws, but 43 percent back an assault weapons ban.

Washington's paralysis on these issues speaks to more than the clout of the NRA. Many lawmakers are just afraid of alienating gun owners, who are passionate and highly motivated voters.

Now it's true the NRA doesn't oppose some of these measures, such as regulating bump stocks (though it doesn't want legislative action on the matter).

But Trump does have a Nixon-goes-to-China opportunity here. He could detoxify the issue for many Republicans, bringing enough along to join with liberal Democrats in passing modest legislation.

It's just as possible that, like immigration, this issue will become embroiled in partisanship and the moment will pass.

Trump has already remade the Republican Party in his image, drawing considerable criticism from those who don't like him or his policies. But what if, in the wake of the Florida tragedy, he moved the party toward a more centrist and popular position?
Archaeologists in Israel say that they have found a clay seal mark that may bear the signature of the Biblical Prophet Isaiah.

The 2,700-year-old stamped clay artifact was found during an excavation at the foot of the southern wall of Jerusalems Temple Mount. In ancient times a seal stamp, or bulla, was used to authenticate documents or items.

We found the eighth-century B.C.E. seal mark that may have been made by the prophet Isaiah himself only 10 feet away from where we earlier discovered the highly-publicized bulla of King Hezekiah of Judah," said Dr. Eilat Mazar of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, in a statement.

MYSTERIOUS POOL AND FOUNTAIN DISCOVERED AT ANCIENT CHRISTIAN SITE IN ISRAEL

Dr. Mazar led the team that the found the seal mark linked to the Biblical prophet. The artifact was found among undisturbed Iron Age remains outside an ancient royal bakery.

The half-inch wide oval-shaped piece of clay is inscribed with the name Yeshayah[u] (Isaiah) in ancient Hebrew script. This is followed by the word nvy, the end of which is slightly damaged. As a result, experts do not know whether the word ended with the Hebrew letter aleph. That letter would have resulted in the Hebrew word for prophet and would have definitively identified the seal as the signature of the prophet Isaiah, explained Dr. Mazar. The absence of this final letter, however, requires that we leave open the possibility that it could just be the name Navi.

The name of Isaiah, however, is clear, she added.

DRONE FINDS MYSTERIOUS ANCIENT STRUCTURE AT ISRAELI MILITARY TRAINING GROUND

Isaiahs close relationship with King Hezekiah is described in the Bibles Second Book of Kings.

If it is the case that this bulla is indeed that of the prophet Isaiah, then it should not come as a surprise to discover this bulla next to one bearing King Hezekiahs name given the symbiotic relationship of the prophet Isaiah and King Hezekiah described in the Bible, said Dr. Mazar.

The seal mark is just the latest fascinating archaeological in Israel. Earlier this month, for example, experts revealed that they had uncovered a rare multicolored Roman mosaic featuring three toga-wearing figures during excavations in the ancient city of Caesarea.

ANCIENT INSCRIPTION UNEARTHED IN JERUSALEM, THRILLING ARCHAEOLOGISTS

In January, archaeologists announced the discovery of a large 1,500-year-old pool and elaborate fountain at the site of an ancient church near Jerusalem.

Last November, new evidence dated Christs tomb in Jerusalems Church of the Holy Sepulchre to the Roman era, matching historical records.

Archaeologists also uncovered a stunning 1,500-year-old Christian mosaic in the ancient Mediterranean coastal city of Ashdod-Yam, now part of the modern city of Ashdod.

LOST ROMAN CITY THAT WAS HOME TO JESUS' APOSTLES FOUND, SAY ARCHAEOLOGISTS

Other finds include the skeleton of a pregnant woman, dating back 3,200 years, in Israels Timna Valley, at a place once called King Solomons Mines.

In October 2017, archaeologists in Jerusalem announced that they have uncovered a new section of the Western Wall that has been hidden for 1,700 years.

Also in 2017 an ancient Greek inscription was found on a 1,500-year-old mosaic floor near the Damascus Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Some experts also believe they have found the lost Roman city of Julias, formerly the village of Bethsaida, which was the home of Jesus' apostles Peter, Andrew and Philip.

A paper describing the discovery of the ancient seal that may be linked to the Prophet Isaiah has been published in the Biblical Archaeology Review.

Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
Since 2011, NASA has been upgrading a mobile launcher originally built for the Ares I vehicle to fit its massive Space Launch System rocket. The project is well over budgetwhen all is said and done, the revamp of the $234 million tower is expected to cost an additional $678 million, per Ars Technicabut that might not be its only issue.

As NASASpaceFlight.com reports, the 355-foot-high launch tower is now "leaning," possibly due to the recent addition of connecting arms. NASA acknowledges "some deflection and imperfections" but says the launcher is "structurally sound" and does not need any design modifications.

"While NASA seems to believe this lean is not enough to require additional construction, it will likely mean that the Mobile Launcher wont be used for more than one or two launches," writes Avery Thompson at Popular Mechanics.

That's partly because the tower would need yet another upgrade after its initial launch anywayto accommodate larger payloadsand it might well be faster and cheaper in the long run to build a second one.

NASA's Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel has recommended doing just that for $300 million. The maiden launch is expected to take place in 2020. (A NASA spacecraft took the farthest photos ever taken.)

This article originally appeared on Newser: NASA's $1B Tower Is Leaning
A lawsuit against Microsoft may seem outlandish, but it expresses a not-uncommon user complaint.

Filed this month by a Frank K. Dickman Jr. of Albuquerque, N.M., the lawsuit seeks damages of $600 million from Microsoft and its CEO Satya Nadella.

The plaintiffs PC, an Asus laptop, came loaded with Windows 7, but then became non-functional immediately when the upgrade to Windows 10 failed, according to the complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado earlier this month.

16 WINDOWS 10 TRICKS YOU'LL WISH YOU KNEW SOONER

The upgrade deleted the cached, or backup, version of Windows 7, the complaint states.

The only sensible remedy is for Microsoft to supply the OEM version of its operating system by download from its website and confirmed by the key code which came with the computer, the filing notes.

The owner is demanding that Microsoft supply the Windows 7 operating system because the only way I can be certain of a quality Windows 7 Operating System is to obtain it from the original vendor  Microsoft Corporation.

Multiple attempts to reach Dickman by Fox News went unreturned.

This is not the first lawsuit Dickman appears to have filed recently. According to a search of the Colorado court database, Dickman has filed several different lawsuits on a variety of matters.

NEW MACBOOKS COMING IN 2018: WHAT TO EXPECT

This isn't the first time

Outlandish monetary restitution demands aside, this is by no means the first time a Windows user has complained publicly about an upgrade not going as expected.

While Dickman's ambitious litigation may not go very far in a district court, his sentiments are no doubt shared by a number of PC users around the globe, wrote the Register.

It has been something of a common theme since Microsoft launched Windows 10 back in 2015, with several people suing the company after its aggressive upgrade push, the Windows-centric site Neowin wrote.

Neowin also cited a case where a woman won a $10,000 judgment against Microsoft for a botched Windows 10 upgrade.

The Register also referenced a Microsoft support page that provides answers for users looking to reinstall Window 7.

To make matters worse, the easiest fix for the problem is no longer available, according to a Microsoft page that explains other more-complicated options.

Microsoft has yet to respond to a request for comment.


American soldiers may soon be issued new, advanced night vision goggles similar to the type used by elite U.S. Special Operations forces.

Night vision innovation is essential for the U.S. military to continue to "own the night" in combat. Night vision goggles allow warfighters to see the enemy at night, or in the darkness of a cave, for example, as clearly as they do during the day.

The advantages night vision devices provide is not just limited to darkness. They are also vital for spotting threats in a whole range of conditions soldiers may encounter in combat. With night vision, soldiers can see through whipped-up sand in sandstorms, through smoke from an explosion, through extreme weather and fog - and they can even spot a threat lurking behind foliage thanks to thermal imaging.

Hostile forces, both state and terrorist groups like ISIS, increasingly obtain the latest American night vision goggles on the black market and use them against U.S. forces.

With enemies ramping up and catching up in night vision, American innovation has become even more important. The Army has wisely decided to invest some of the additional $800 million it will receive for research and development, (over the last years request) to develop better night vision goggles.

SCHOOL SHOOTINGS: HOW ARMY TECHNOLOGY COULD HELP SAVE THE LIVES OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

Soldiers can expect radical change in looks. These new night vision goggles will look sort of like binoculars, rather than the single tube look currently in use with the Army.

What will the new advances be?

Details have yet to emerge, but changes will extend beyond looks.

By improving the design, Soldiers should have lighter and more comfortable night vision devices that will allow them to move more quickly while wearing them and move more easily thanks to better depth perception.

PODCAST: MEET HBO GENERATION KILL STAR MARINE FORCE RECON RUDY REYES

What do soldiers currently use?

Currently, soldiers tend to use basic night vision models.

The PVS-14, for example, uses ambient light that can be scavenged at night  light from the moon and stars.

Although heavier and bigger, the shift from PVS-14 to ENVG gave Soldiers a vital boost in night vision. The ENVGs, (Enhanced Night Vision Goggles) are also a monocular style with just a single tube.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS DOGS SET FOR NEW ADVANCED TACTICAL GEAR

The ENVG incorporates an infrared image intensifier and thermal camera. This tech takes the IR and the thermal data and delivers them into the soldiers display.

With this approach, soldiers can opt to use them both at the same time or select only thermal or only IR.

Upgrades to ENVG gave soldiers compatibility with aiming lasers, so they could benefit from thermal, laser, and image intensification simultaneously.

ENVGs were first introduced nearly ten years ago and been updated, but they are not cutting edge.

Taking ENVG III as an example, it does include advances like wireless but still weighs about two pounds and remains cumbersome and is hardly sleek.

Whats in the future for night vision?

In the future, night vision for U.S. forces need to be radically enhanced. U.S. forces deserve the absolute best. The good news is that there is a lot of promising, exciting innovation underway.

Lightweight and comfortable

For starters, military night vision has been too heavy and cumbersome. Ultimately, night vision technology should look more like the sleek, ultra-lightweight, comfortable shades, like Gatorz, favored by US special operations warriors.

Better visuals

Higher fidelity displays will continue to evolve, providing better and better clarity.

HOW DEADLY DRONE SWARMS WILL HELP US TROOPS ON THE FRONTLINE

One highly useful advance will be a magnification option. Warfighters should be able to do a sort of easy and instantaneous zoom with their night vision device. The option to magnify a small section of the field of view would be handy in innumerable ways.

Heres a practical example. A team is quietly, stealthily, moving towards a terrorists home in a village using the cover of darkness to approach undetected. But as they approach using their night vision, they spot someone with something in his hand that looks like a grenade. By cueing a zoom with high fidelity, the team can see through their devices and in the same moment identify that it is a toy and therefore not a threat.

Faster threat identification  and elimination  helps protect the force and ensure mission success.

PODCAST: INSIDE DANGEROUS NAVY SEAL MISSIONS BEHIND ENEMY LINES WITH A FASCINATING PJ

Iron Man and Predator feeds

Iron Man, Predator, Robocop and Terminator-style visual feeds and capabilities probably seem like the stuff of science fiction. But adversary innovation is moving in that direction and the military must keep up with their ambitions and exceed them.

So what would that involve exactly?

AMAZING NEW MILITARY HELICOPTERS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2018

U.S. warfighters should be able to share what they are seeing, as they are seeing it, with other teams and commands if necessary. The night vision tech should be able to do this automatically by one simple cue.

This advantage is already very achievable. The ENVG digital update project has already proven enhancing clarity and transferring data with night vision tech is possible.

If warfighters could receive video streams from drones, this eye in the sky could deliver vital data to help keep troops safer.

During a night mission, warfighters could avoid an enemy ambush by cueing real-time drone imagery delivered in their night vision field of view to see whats around the proverbial corner. Advanced notice of enemy combatants poised to strike can save lives.

Sightless shooting

Back in 2015, the Army announced an impressive breakthrough connecting night vision devices to weapons sights.

REMARKABLE SELF-HEALING TECH COULD TACKLE INVISIBLE WAR WOUNDS

Using this amazing advance, soldiers could acquire enemy targets without seeing the combatant with his or her own eyes. By pointing a weapon around a corner, for example, the weapon sight would provide eyes and deliver the video feed to the night vision goggles. This night vision advance means soldiers could accurately shoot an attacking combatant while still safely behind cover and not exposed to enemy fire.

The potential is enormous across the board from the M4 carbine, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and M141 Bunker Defeat Munition through to sniper rifles, MK19 grenade launchers and machine guns like the M2 machine guns.

US forces own the night in combat

This Army announcement to provide better night vision to American soldiers is welcome news.

Complacency about the American militarys reputation to dominate the night in war zones is dangerous. Night vision tech is a core component to this important combat advantage.

Theres no question that historically this has been true; however, hostile entities  both unfriendly countries and terrorist organizations  have been quietly, and unrelentingly, catching up in night vision.

On the one hand, countries like Russia and China are aggressively advancing their own night vision tech.

And on the other hand, hostile forces like ISIS are finding ways to increasingly use American advanced night vision against our own forces. The State Department ban on night vision device sales has been ineffective and the black market continues to provide ever more advanced models to use against Americans.
This is a rush transcript from "Your World," February 21, 2018. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.

NEIL CAVUTO, "YOUR WORLD" HOST: Florida Republican State Representative, House Majority Whip Dane Eagle with us right now.

Representative, thank you for taking your time.

Did you get a chance to meet any of these kids today, any of their chaperones, teachers, parents?

DANE EAGLE, R-FLORIDA STATE REPRESENTATIVE: Neil, good to be with you.

Thanks for having me on.

I did. About 30 minutes ago, I had about a dozen of them in my office, had a great, robust discussion with them. I can't tell you how brave these kids are. To have seen and gone through what they just did, and then within days making a trip up here to speak with legislators, it's remarkable.

And I had probably one of the best discussions that I have had yet on this topic with these kids.

CAVUTO: What did they want from you? And what did you tell them?

EAGLE: They wanted to make sure this never happens again.

And I told them we will do everything in our power to ensure that. And they were open to the discussion. What can we do to do that?

And it comes down to a lot of things. It's about building that puzzle work together to make sure that our schools are safe, that mental health issues are in place, that someone like this, this monster, Nikolas Cruz, can never get his hands on a weapon whatsoever ever again.

And then if someone like this does want to cause harm, that they're not able to get into a school and cause this kind of mass tragedy on our children.

CAVUTO: I heard some of the students -- not all -- I was on the air for a good chunk of it earlier today -- but some of them were demanding getting some of these weapons themselves off of the street.

What do you think of that? How did you address that?

EAGLE: So, they talked about outright bans and what can we do.

And we had a very healthy, robust discussion about that. And we talked about, if we ban it, does this even solve the problem? If we ban assault rifles today -- and mind you, what is the definition of assault rifle? It might be something different to you, to me.

A bill that was discussed or was proposed to be brought up through tactics yesterday was an outright ban on all guns together. We have a Second Amendment in this country. We have a constitutional right to protect ourselves.

And we can look at that and have discussions to make sure that people that are mentally ill are not getting their hands on weapons. But we cannot do an outright strip of guns altogether. So, let's look at that and have that discussion.

We will do so. But even if we were ever to even discuss an outright ban, we will still have mass killings in this country. So, we need to look at ways to make sure that those mental health checks are in place, that people like this, this monster, are not getting their hands on weapons, and beyond that, make sure that our schools are secure and safe, because even if they can't get their hands on a gun, they can get their hands on a knife or a vehicle, whatever it is they want to do to inflict the most harm possible.

CAVUTO: Representative, a lot of them are demanding to know where Governor Rick Scott was and wanted to talk to him. Do you know if that ever happened?

EAGLE: I'm not sure whether Governor Scott was even in the building today. I know he's been having robust discussions with everybody.

I will tell you that, since this happened -- this happened while we were on the floor last week. Democrats, Republicans came together under Speaker Corcoran's leadership, the current speaker of the House. And we have been working on robust plan, which we look forward to introducing shortly.

These discussions have been ongoing.

(CROSSTALK)

CAVUTO: What will that robust plan be? What will that robust plan be?

EAGLE: I will look forward to releasing the details as -- as -- as they come out.

But it will look at certain weapons and -- and whether they should be -- whose hands they are getting into. It will looking at those mental health checks. And it will look into making sure that our schools are secure.

And there's a lot of details that go into all that. So, those discussions are ongoing. And they're happening in a bipartisan manner. They're happening with the Senate. They're happening with the governor.

And as soon as those ready to be released, which is very, very soon, the whole world will know about it. And I'm pleased that we will be able to get something done.

CAVUTO: All right, Representative, thank you very much.

END

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A therapy dog in training sought out a man at the airport whod lost his own pet the day before.

Cora the Corgi was traveling with her owner, Madison Palm, from Idaho to Alaska. On a layover in Seattle, Cora wandered away from her owner and sat in front of a man sitting alone.

Before I could even call her, she was already at his feet being loved on, Palm told Today. I asked him if she was bothering him, and with a somber face and watery eyes he said, 'No, no. I lost my dog last night.'"

STARBUCKS DEBUTS COLOR-CHANGING COFFEE

Palm said Cora stayed at the mans feet while he petted her, scratched her ears and whispered how cute she was. He also snapped a photo of her, which she sat perfectly still for.

Palm shared the heartwarming encounter in the Facebook group, Disapproving Corgis, along with images of Cora comforting the man.

Ive never had a doubt that Cora can sense those who are hurting and those who need companionship and love. She is a natural born therapy dog in every way, Palm wrote on the post. I am so blessed to call her my dog.

Palm told Today she rescued Cora when she was seven years old from a home where shed been neglected. Coras teeth were rotted, her ears were infected and she was so dirty, the bath water turned black. However Palm says Cora is a sweet and loving dog, despite her troubled past.

She just wants to be loved on and held all day long," Palm told Today. "She is always right next to me and always keeps a close eye if shes not. If Im not available shell pick the next closest lap to sit in."

Cora is currently training to be a support dog through the American Kennel Club and helps to comfort Palm when shes dealing with anxiety.

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"I am blown away by her on a daily basis. Who knew a dog who was unloved for seven-and-a-half years could have so much love to give?" Palm told Today. "I cant change her past but Im doing everything I can to make up for it."
An aircraft flying into Nigerias Port Harcourt International Airport reportedly overshot the runway and skidded off into the brush during a turbulent landing on Tuesday.

Thankfully there were no casualties and all our passengers and crew on board were disembarked safely with timely response from ground emergency services, said a representative for Dana Airlines as reported by Nigerias Premium Times.

SEE IT: EMERGENCY CREWS 'EVERYWHERE' AFTER SOUTHWEST FLIGHT SKIDS OFF TAXIWAY

According to the carrier, the plane  which originated in the Nigerian capital of Abuja  encountered very stormy weather and strong winds when touching down at the Port Harcourt airport, located in Rivers State, Nigeria.

The airline also commended its pilots for landing the plane despite inclement weather.

We wish to once again reassure our guests that their safety and comfort remain our top priority and we shall continue to adhere strictly to high standards and recommended practices as required by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.

FLIGHT SKIDS OFF RUNWAY IN TURKEY, SLUMPS DOWN CLIFF

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is said to be launching an investigation into the incident, but say it was suspected to have been caused by heavy rain, which was accompanied by strong wind and storm, Vanguard News reported.

All 44 passengers and six crew members were said to have deplaned safely following the incident.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Nigerias Leadership newspaper, however, is reporting that Nigerian activist Famous Daunemigha, who was on the plane, had collapsed upon arriving at his home, and was rushed to the hospital.

Family members of Daunemighas told Leadership that they may file a suit against the airline.

The Dana Airline aircraft is the latest of several planes to skid off runways and taxiways in recent months, beginning with the a Pegasus Airlines flight which in January skidded down a small cliff after landing at a Turkish airport. In early February, the Southwest flight that skidded off a taxiway in Maryland, and an Iranian airline's aircraft which skidded off a runway after its landing gear became jammed last week.
Just one day after the shooting massacre last week at a Florida high school, the woman who cared for the alleged shooter and his brother reportedly filed court papers seeking control of their inheritance, which could total up to $800,000.

Rocxanne Deschamps also had Zachary Cruz, the brother of shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz, involuntarily committed to a mental facility shortly after the massacre, the New York Post reported, citing a family source.

Deschamps, a longtime family friend of the Cruz brothers, began looking after them after their adoptive mother, Lynda, died of pneumonia in November.

FLORIDA SCHOOL SHOOTER 'SYMPATHIZED WITH SYRIAN TERRORISTS,' SOLD KNIVES FROM LUNCHBOX, FRIEND SAYS

Her court filings indicate she wants to administer Lynda's estate, which would make her responsible to distributing the proceeds of her life insurance policy and settling her debts, the Post reported.

While there are no indications Deschamps would be able to obtain the inheritance for herself, she could charge a fee for her efforts administering the estate, subject to judicial approval.

Cruz, according to the Post, told a family friend that Deschamps wanted to steal his inheritance.

The paper also cited a source who reported that Deschamps had thrown Nikolas out of her trailer because of a dispute over his gun collection  but not before taking nearly $3,000 from him.

FLORIDA SCHOOL SHOOTING TIMELINE

The Broward County Sheriffs Office has filed a motion asking the court to determine whether Cruz is indigent and eligible for a taxpayer-funded defense.

If the court concludes Cruz can pay for his own legal defense, hell have to hire a private attorney.

His money  including any inheritance he obtains  would be subject to seizure in a civil judgment, including one resulting from any potential wrongful death lawsuits filed by his alleged victims.

Fox News' Kathleen Reuschle and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Broward County deputies will carry rifles on school grounds "from this point foward," Sheriff Scott Israel announced Wednesday  one week after 17 people were killed at Parklands Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Israel said "qualified and trained" sheriff's deputies will be carrying rifles, including AR-15s, in an effort to "defeat any threat that comes to campus."

SCHOOL TEACHERS SHOULD BE TRAINED AND ARMED: JUDGE NAPOLITANO

Until the sheriff's office obtains gun locks and lockers, rifles will be locked in patrol cars, Israel said.

"We're going to make America safe," Israel said at a news conference Wednesday. "My approach to this whole thing is never again, never again, and every decision I make in this investigation is going to be geared towards making sure that Ive done everything I possibly can to try and make sure these incidents never happen again."

The sheriff said Superintendent Robert Runcie fully supports his decision.

Broward County has students enrolled in more than 300 schools.

Israel also advocated for "sensible gun control," and argued that he believes every school in the U.S. should have a resource deputy employed.

A resource officer was carrying a weapon when Nikolas Cruz opened fire on the school's campus last week. It's unclear what role the officer played in trying to thwart the shooter, as he did not discharge his firearm. It's also unclear whether the officer was aware of Cruz's past behavior at Stoneman Douglas.

The sheriff said those details are still being investigated.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Ohio student who apparently shot himself with a gun in his school restroom on Tuesday has died, officials announced Wednesday.

The deceased seventh-grader, from Jackson Memorial Middle School, was identified by the coroner as Keith Simons, 13, Jackson Township Police Chief Mark Brink said during a news conference, according to Fox 8.

OHIO MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SHOOTS SELF IN SCHOOL BATHROOM, OFFICIALS SAY

Simons rode the bus to school Tuesday morning, concealing the weapon hed taken from his mothers house beneath his clothes, Brink said. He reportedly went to the restroom immediately after arriving and fired a .22 caliber gun, which was heard shortly before 8 a.m. The school was placed on lockdown.

The teen suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and was taken to the hospital. He died the following day at Childrens Medical Center in Akron, Fox 8 reported.

Brink said the teen had been in contact with several people on his way into the school and no one noticed the weapon on him.

FREE CONCEALED CARRY CLASSES OFFERED TO TEACHERS BY OHIO SHERIFF IN WAKE OF FLORIDA SHOOTING

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, Brink said, as police continue to conduct interviews and review seized evidence. He added that it was not yet clear if the shooting was intentional or if the teen had other plans.

Were going to attempt to find out exactly what he was planning for yesterday morning, Brink said.

Investigators looked through his backpack after the shooting and found bottle rockets, batteries and ammunition, Brink said. He earlier described the items as devices meant to cause a distraction.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
One of the inmates suspected in the stabbing of an Ohio prison guard is a three-time convicted killer.

Joe Hale, an assistant prosecutor in Scioto County, says suspect Casey Pigge (pij) was removed from the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility after Tuesday's attack and transferred to a state prison in Youngstown.

Pigge had previously been convicted of killing two fellow inmates in separate cases and a woman.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol says two inmates on Tuesday attacked the guard in the prison infirmary with metal weapons.

Prisons spokeswoman JoEllen Smith on Wednesday confirmed a "serious inmate on staff assault." Smith says corrections officer Matthew Mathias remains hospitalized in stable condition and the prison remains on lockdown.

It's unclear if Pigge has an attorney.
During the last year, multiple schools across the U.S. have been impacted by shootings, which have resulted in the deaths of both students and faculty members.

Read on for a look at school shootings that have taken place within the last year.

Noblesville West Middle School, Indiana

A male student fired shots at Noblesville West Middle School in Indiana on May 25, critically injuring another student and a teacher at the school.

The alleged shooter, who has not yet been identified, was taken into custody shortly after the incident occurred at roughly 9 a.m.

Sources told FOX 59 the suspect walked into a science classroom with a gun and opened fire, hitting a female. A science teacher was able to tackle the student who fired shots inside the classroom, student Ethan Stonebraker told The Associated Press.

The victims were taken to a local hospital. The extent of their injuries is unclear.

Santa Fe High School, Texas

At least eight people were killed and several others were injured following reports of an active shooter at a Texas high school on May 18, local affiliate KTRK reported. The suspected shooter was taken into custody.

"Personnel treating the injured. Info is still preliminary, but there are multiple casualties," Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed.

Police officers responded to Santa Fe High School around 8 a.m. CDT after reports that a shooter opened fire inside a first-period art class. Details of the incident were not immediately available.

"Details will be released as we receive updated information. Law enforcement will continue to secure the building and initiate all emergency management protocols to release and move students to another location," the school district said in a statement.

Highland High School, California

A 14-year-old student was taken into custody after allegedly shooting a classmate at Highland High School in Palmdale, California on May 11.

The suspected gunman shot a fellow student in the arm, police said. The shooting stemmed from a dispute between the shooter and the victim, according to authorities.

The injured student is expected to make a full recovery.



Forest High School, Florida

A suspected gunman, later identified as 19-year-old Sky Bouche, allegedly opened fire at Forest High School in Ocala, Florida, on April 20. The shooting occured on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting.

At least one student was injured after the gunman shot through a classroom door, hitting a 17-year-old student in the ankle, authorities said. The student was later taken to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.

A school resource officer, James Long, was hailed a hero after arresting Bouche just three minutes after he opened fire.

Bouche, a former student at the school, allegedly carried the weapon in a guitar case inside the school, authorities said.

Great Mills High School, Maryland

On March 20, a gunman, identified as 17-year-old Austin Rollins, shot 16-year-old sophomore Jaelynn Willey at Great Mills High School in Lexington Park, Maryland, authorities said. Willey died days later from her injuries.

Investigators believe the shooting was not random as the gunman and Willey had recently ended their relationship.

Rollins was fatally wounded during a confrontation with Deputy Blaine Gaskill, an armed school resource officer who doubles as a SWAT team member.

"Our school resource officer...pursued the shooter, engaged the shooter, fired a round at the shooter," St. Mary's County Sheriff Tim Cameron said. "The shooter fired a round as well. In the hours and days to come, we'll be able to determine if our school resource officer's round struck the shooter."

Gaskill was praised because he reportedly contained the situation in under a minute, Cameron said.

Willey's parents announced on March 22 that their daughter was brain dead and that they would be taking her off of life support. She died later that night.

Jaelynn's mother, Melissa, told reporters her daughter had "no life left in her."

"On Tuesday ... our lives changed completely and totally forever. My daughter was hurt by a boy who shot her in the head and took everything from our lives," she said.

A 14-year-old boy, later identified as Desmond Barnes, was also injured in the shooting. Authorities said he was shot in the thigh but was later released from a local hospital.

Police are still investigating if the boy was shot by Rollins or Gaskill while the two exchanged gunfire.

Huffman High School, Alabama

A 17-year old girl is dead and one other person was left injured from a March 7 shooting at Huffman High School in Birmingham, Alabama.

Courtlin Arrington, 17, was killed when shots were fired in a classroom, Birmingham Police Chief Orlando Wilson told WBRC. A 17-year-old male student was wounded. He was taken to the hospital and released.

Birmingham Police Department announced March 8 that a student was taken into custody in the investigation into the deadly shooting. Police said evidence, surveillance video and statements were reviewed throughout the night.

Police initially called the shooting accidental, but later reviewed a video that captured the deadly incident.

"We're not saying he shot her, we're not saying he didn't shoot her," the chief said. "We're asking those questions ourselves so we can determine exactly what happened."

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Florida

Police responded to reports of shots fired at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., around 3 p.m. on Feb. 14. Seventeen people lost their lives and 17 others were injured.

The day after the shooting, the suspected gunman, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz, told authorities he arrived at the school with an AR-15 rifle, adding that he shot "students that he saw in the hallways and on school grounds," according to an arrest affidavit.

Cruz may plead guilty to avoid the death penalty, his lawyer reportedly said Feb. 16.

Cruz was formally charged March 7 with 17 counts each of premeditated murder and attempted murder.

A 12-year-old girl was taken into custody after police said the loaded gun she brought to Salvador B. Castro Middle School in Los Angeles accidentally discharged on Feb. 1, shooting a 15-year-old boy in the head and a 15-year-old girl in the wrist.

Police interviewed the 12-year-old student and agreed the shooting was accidental. She was booked in a juvenile detention center on suspicion of negligently discharging a firearm on school grounds.

It is unclear where the girl got the gun or why she decided to bring it to her school.

Doctors said both students who were shot are expected to recover.

Additionally, an 11-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl were treated at the hospital and released while a 30-year-old woman, who is a school staff member, had only minor injuries, Los Angeles city police said in a statement.

Marshall County High School, Kentucky

A shooter opened fire at Marshall County High School in Benton, Ky., on Jan. 23, killing two people.

Students Bailey Nicole Holt and Preston Ryan Cope, both 15 years old, died.

Suspected shooter Gabriel Ross Parker, 15, was arraigned on Feb. 16, according to Kentucky State Police.

"A Marshall County Grand Jury returned an indictment on Tuesday, charging Parker with two counts of Murder and fourteen counts of First Degree Assault," KSP said.

Marshall County Circuit Clerk Tiffany Griffith told Reuters a judge entered a not guilty plea on the teen's behalf.

Italy High School, Texas

A 15-year-old girl was hurt in a Jan. 22 shooting at Italy High School in Italy, Texas. A 16-year-old male student was taken into custody, Ellis County police told Fox News.

In the school's cafeteria, the suspect "engaged the victim" and fired several shots with a semi-automatic handgun, Ellis County Sheriff Chuck Edge said during a press briefing.

The suspect was confronted by an Italy Independent School District staffer in the school cafeteria and took off, Edge said. Law enforcement later apprehended the suspect on school grounds.

The suspect was charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, the Ellis County district attorney's office announced.

Aztec High School, New Mexico

Gunman William Atchison, 21, disguised himself as a student to get inside Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M., on Dec. 7, 2017, according to authorities. Atchison was also a former student.

State police said that Atchison killed students Francisco I. Fernandez and Casey J. Marquez.

Officials said Atchison eventually shot himself, adding that the students killed were not targeted, but were at the "wrong place at the wrong time."

Rancho Tehama Elementary School, California

A man in Northern California went on a random shooting rampage on Nov. 14, 2017, killing five people and wounding at least a dozen adults and children before authorities shot and killed him.

The gunman, who was later identified as Kevin Neal, 44, rammed a car into the gates of Rancho Tehama Elementary School and shot at its portable classrooms. He repeatedly tried to get into a kindergarten classroom but quick-thinking staff locked the school down, and he eventually stormed off.

Neal reportedly targeted the elementary school as part of a long-running feud with neighbors.

Mattoon High School, Illinois

A male student shot and injured a fellow student at a central Illinois high school on Sept. 20, 2017. The shooting unfolded in Mattoon High Schools cafeteria around 11:30 a.m., officials said at the time.

One female teacher intervened and successfully subdued and disarmed the gunman -- a move Mattoon Police Chief Jeff Branson said at the time was pivotal.

The gunman was taken into custody shortly after the incident.

Freeman High School, Washington

A 15-year-old student opened fire on fellow classmates at a Washington state high school on Sept. 13, 2017, killing one, investigators said. Caleb Sharpe, the suspected gunman, said the student who died had bullied him.

The slain student tried to stop the teen's rampage when the gun jammed, according to The Associated Press. A school janitor was hailed a hero after he was able to subdue the alleged shooter.

Three other students were wounded in the attack. According to court documents, Sharpe told officials that he brought the two guns to school to teach everyone a lesson about what happens when you bully others.

North Park Elementary School, California

A special needs teacher and a child, 8, were killed in what police said was a murder-suicide at North Park Elementary School in San Bernardino, California.

Police said Cedric Anderson walked into the school on April 10, 2017, and shot his estranged wife, Karen Elaine Smith. Two other students were also struck before Anderson killed himself, although law enforcement officials said they do not believe they were intended targets.

Jonathan Martinez was identified as the 8-year-old killed at the elementary school. A 9-year-old was injured.

Liberty-Salem High School, Ohio

Two high school students were injured after a fellow student allegedly fired a shotgun inside Liberty-Salem High School in Ohio on Jan. 20, 2017.

Logan Cole, who was 16 at the time, was shot twice but survived. Another student was grazed by a bullet. Champaign County Sheriff Matthew Melvin said the gunman intended to harm more students than he did.

Ely Serna, the accused gunman, was 17 at the time of the shooting but is being tried as an adult in Champaign County court. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Fox News' Nicole Darrah, Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Elizabeth Zwirz, Katherine Lam, Lucia I. Suarez Sang, Samuel Chamberlain, Kathleen Joyce, Shira Bush and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The number of Ku Klux Klan chapters in the U.S. is plummeting as a new generation of khaki-clad racists rejects hoods and robes for a hipper brand of hate, according to a report Wednesday by an organization that tracks far-right extremists.

The Southern Poverty Law Center said its count of Klan groups fell from 130 in 2016 to 72 last year, despite a surge of activity in the broader white supremacist movement.

The Alabama-based law center reported a sharp increase in neo-Nazi groups, from 99 in 2016 to 121 last year. And it counted a total of 954 active hate groups in 2017, an increase of 4 percent over the previous year.

Heidi Beirich, director of the SPLCs Intelligence Project, said Klan groups seem to be collapsing and struggling to recruit new members because younger white supremacists are turned off by its traditions.

Its just extremely old-school and, I think, honestly weird to them, she said. Thats not the image that they have of what white nationalism should be.

The Anti-Defamation League said in a report last year that 42 Klan groups were active in 22 states between January 2016 and June 2017. But more than half of them had formed in the previous three years, and their recruiting efforts couldnt compete with other white supremacist groups, the report said.

Even within the white supremacist movement, theyre seen as anachronistic, said Oren Segal, director of the ADLs Center on Extremism. Theyre often a small group of people ... and they tend to fade away due to their inability to organize.

Beirich said the law center cant accurately estimate how many people are active members of Klan groups.

They dont provide their membership lists. Theyre not going to tell us or, if they give us numbers, they exaggerate, she said.

The Klans ranks were thinning long before the emergence of a new strain of hate, a loose mix of white supremacy, white nationalism and anti-Semitism. Leaders of this alt-right movement have tried to appeal to a broader, younger audience by avoiding Klan or Nazi-style costumes or symbols at their rallies.

Last summer, for instance, dozens of white men wearing polo shirts and khakis carried tiki torches and chanted racist slogans as they marched through the University of Virginias campus on the night before a woman was killed at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville.

The law center counted more than 600 groups that adhere to some form of white supremacist ideology. It also reported an increase in what it calls black nationalist hate groups, from 193 chapters in 2016 to 233 last year.

Many organizations on the law centers list have vehemently rejected their hate group label.

Liberty Counsel Inc., a Florida-based legal advocacy organization, sued last June after a website that maintains a charity database flagged it and 45 other nonprofits for being labeled as hate groups by the law center. But a federal judge in Virginia threw out the lawsuit last month.

On Wednesday, a federal magistrate in Alabama recommended the dismissal of a separate lawsuit that accused the law center of defaming a Florida-based evangelical ministry by designating it as a hate group.

Were not going to change our definitions on this front because of this pushback, Beirich said.
A New York teacher was arrested Tuesday for allegedly having seven pounds of a date rape drug mailed to his apartment in Hells Kitchen, police said.

Steven Rich, 51, was arrested for allegedly possessing pounds of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate, more commonly known as the date rape drug, which was discovered when police searched his West 34th St. apartment, the Daily News reported.

Police say they obtained a warrant when they learned Rich was receiving a shipment of narcotics.

Rich, who has been a teacher at Thurgood Marshall Academy in Harlem since 2008, was immediately reassigned pending an investigation, a spokesman for the Department of Education said, according to PIX11.

Mr. Richs alleged actions betray the trust of students and families, and he was immediately reassigned away from the classroom pending the outcome of the criminal matter.

Rich has been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, PIX11 reported.
A Texas school district is threatening to suspend students who protest gun violence during school hours as walkouts among young activists take place nationwide.

Curtis Rhodes, Superintendent of Needville Independent School District, stated in a letter posted to Facebook and reportedly sent home to students on Tuesday that while the school district is very sensitive to violence in schools including the recent incident in Florida, the district will not allow a student demonstration during school hours for any type of protest or awareness!!

If students do choose to protest, the school district said they'll suspend them for three days, and theyll face all the consequences that come along with an out of school suspension.

The district's letter, which was posted to Needville High School's Facebook page, was taken down Wednesday.

Student activists have organized a number of marches nationwide following last weeks mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in which a gunman used an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle to fatally shoot 17 people.

Students across Florida on Wednesday walked out of their schools to show solidarity with the victims, while also pushing for stricter gun control laws.

FLORIDA STUDENTS WALK OUT OF SCHOOLS, PRESS LAWMAKERS FOR TOUGHER GUN LAWS

Organizers behind the Womens March, an anti-Trump and female empowerment protest, called for a 17-minute, nationwide walkout by teachers and students at 10 a.m. on March 14.

Students and staff have the right to teach and learn in an environment free from the worry of being gunned down in their classrooms or on their way home from school, the group argued.

March For Our Lives, a group formed by survivors of last week's shooting, has also organized a march on Washington, D.C. on March 24 to demand that a comprehensive and effective bill be immediately brought before Congress to address these gun issues.

The Network for Public Education, an advocacy organization for public schools, announced a day of walkouts, sit-ins and other events on school campuses on April 20  the anniversary of the 1999 shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado that left 12 students and one teacher dead.

The Needville school district said anyone who participates in the movement will be disciplined, no matter if it is one, fifty, or five hundred students involved.

The superintendent said students should respect themselves and other students, and should please understand that we are here for an education and not a political protest.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A veteran Los Angeles sheriff's deputy was charged Wednesday with sexually assaulting six female inmates at the Century Regional Detention Facility last year, prosecutors said.

In one incident, Giancarlo Scotti, 31, allegedly ordered two female inmates to perform oral sex on him, before having sex with them in the showers, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The assaults occurred between March and September of last year, prosecutors said. Scotti, a 10-year veteran, was first arrested in September shortly after an inmate reported him, then posted bail.

He was arrested again Wednesday, with prosecutors seeking him held on $400,000 bail. Scotti is accused of six felony counts and two misdemeanor counts of sexual activity with a detainee in a detention facility, the Times reported.

The deputy's attorney told the Times that Scotti "never sexually assaulted anybody."

Scotti faces approximately seven years in prison if convicted.

"How could one male guard exploit so many women and not be caught in the act?"  Justin Sterling, attorney representing alleged victim

At least two inmates filed a lawsuit related to his conduct in November, the Times reported.

"Inmates in jail are under constant surveillance -- cameras are everywhere -- how could one male guard exploit so many women and not be caught in the act?" Justin Sterling, an attorney representing one of Scotti's alleged victims, said in a statement.

"Our clients desperately want justice," Sterling added. "Holding Deputy Scotti criminally responsible for his actions is one major step in that direction."

In a news conference last year announcing Scotti's arrest, Sheriff Jim McDonnell said there were no indications that other officers were involved.
The stepmother of a 5-year-old Kansas boy who has been missing for four days was arrested Wednesday on two counts of endangering a child, Wichita police said.

Emily Glass, 26, was booked into the Sedgwick County jail in connection with Saturday's disappearance of Lucas Hernandez. She has not been formally charged.

"This is now a criminal investigation," Sedgwick County Deputy Chief Gavin Seiler said.

Authorities have said Hernandez reported Lucas missing on Saturday and told police she last saw the boy at their home before she took a shower and fell asleep.

Despite extensive searches by more than 100 local, state and FBI officials, the boy has not been found.

The two counts of child endangerment relate to Lucas and a 1-year-old child, Seiler said, but he would not elaborate. He also would not say what led to Glass' arrest. Relatives have said Glass has a young daughter.

When asked if authorities believe the investigation is a homicide, Seiler said, "We hope we are able to find Lucas and that he is alive and well."

More charges are possible in the case, Seiler added.

Police did not issue an Amber Alert when Lucas disappeared, saying they have found no evidence that he was abducted.

The boy's 33-year-old father has custody of him and frequently works out of town, relatives told The Wichita Eagle. Police won't say where the father was when his son disappeared.

Lucas has brown hair and brown eyes, weighs 60 pounds and is four feet tall. He was last seen wearing black sweats, white socks and a gray shirt with a bear on it.

It was not immediately clear if Glass had retained an attorney.
On a cold night in February, Thomas Kennerly saw his normally quiet and peaceful college campus turn into what looked like a war zone.

It was one of the most horrifying things that I could ever imagine, said Kennerly, who was a senior at South Carolina State University on Feb. 8, 1968, when police gunned down a group of unarmed black students protesting on campus in what became known as the Orangeburg massacre. To see your friends and classmates crawling and realizing they were hurt.

The students for three days had been protesting racial segregation at a bowling alley in Orangeburg, a small town 45 miles south of Columbia, S.C.

Accounts from the time say the black students started a bonfire on campus, and clashes led to an officer being injured. Police officers  which claimed they mistakenly believed they were being fired at  sprayed the students with bullets. Three students died and 30 were injured in the ensuing chaos.

Kennerly, one of the survivors of the massacre, was shot three times, once while crawling away from officers.

Fifty years later, Kennerly and others still question why the Orangeburg massacre ever happened. Decades before Black Lives Matter started in 2013 to protest police brutality, this incident still feels raw for those on the predominantly black campus who felt wronged by law enforcement.

I think these historical incidents very much feed into the perception that law enforcement is not on the side of those in these communities, Dr. Bobby Donaldson, the director of University of South Carolinas Center for Civil Rights History and Research, told Fox News. Fifty years later, as we think about Ferguson and other similar incidentsnow youre having people who were now in their 70s reminding their own children and grandchildren that this, these ideas of police brutality, have a very long history.

All the officers involved in the shootings went to trial but were later acquitted. Many of them have since passed away. One protester, Cleveland Sellers, was the only person convicted for inciting a riot. He spent seven months in jail but was pardoned 25 years later.

The survivors and family members of those killed were promised an investigation in to the killing  but they said it never came.

South Carolina State Universitys official yearbook photographer, Cecil Williams, said he remembers the protests vividly.

Williams arrived at All Star Bowling Lane to capture photos of the black college students protesting the illegal racial segregation there. He said he heard glass break and this caused everyone to panic.

A student accidentally broke a window, he said. When he broke that window in this bowling alley, everyone started running, and I did, too.

What unraveled that night still haunts him to this day.

One of the most terrible acts of violence I have ever seen was when a young lady student fell to the pavement and two Orangeburg city police begin clubbing her, Williams said, for really nothing.

Angry protesters threw rocks at businesses. Over the next two days, tensions grew.

Fearing the students would riot or destroy more property, Gov. Robert E. McNair called in the National Guard.

On Feb. 8, more than 200 students gathered on campus and within hours, Samuel Hammond, Henry Smith and 17- year-old high school student Delano Middleton lost their lives during clashes with police.

Kennerly, who ended up joining the Army, said the killings were senseless.

Why was deadly force used on unarmed students? Kennerly asked. I was shot three times while crawling back toward the interior of the campus. I was unarmed with no provocation on my part. Within a year after this horrifying event, I was in South Vietnam fighting for my country, a country that merely 11 months earlier was trying to kill me. Help me to understand that.

The Orangeburg massacre did not receive as much media attention as the shootings on Kent State and Jackson State a few years later. Experts say it had nothing to do with race  just unfortunate timing. Less than two months later, civil rights icon Martin Luther King  which had written a litter to the Justice Department demanding an investigation on the Orangeburg massacre  was gunned down. Months later, presidential candidate Robert Kennedy was also killed.

Former South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges, the first politician to speak out against the officers, told Fox News that pain is still felt in the state over the 50-year-old incident.

I really do think its important for us as a state to try to help people achieve closure, Hodges said. And to acknowledge the injustice that was going on in our state and country at that time, try to help people move forward on it.
A Texas man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting a postal worker on a Dallas highway for making a hand gesture that angered him.

The Department of Justice formally announced Thursday that Donnie Arlondo Ferrell, 25, had been charged with one count of murder of an officer or employee of the United States while such officer or employee was engaged in or on the account of the performance of official duties.

Ferrell was arrested Wednesday after a standoff in Hutchins, about 11 miles southeast of Dallas, FOX4 reported, citing multiple law enforcement sources close to the investigation.

Dallas police have said 58-year-old Tony Mosby was shot Monday about 2:30 a.m. while driving a postal truck just before the Margaret McDermott Bridge near downtown. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Mosby dead in the cab of the 11-ton box truck, which had struck a guardrail.

US POSTAL WORKER KILLED IN SHOOTING ON DALLAS HIGHWAY

According to the DOJ, two people approached the FBIs office in Fort Worth, Texas, on Wednesday with information related to the shooting.

They reportedly told investigators that they met Ferrell and another person on Sunday at restaurant in Dallas. After making several stops, all four individuals left a pool hall around 1:30 a.m. They went on to say that the unidentified driver of the vehicle began driving erratically, trying to pass the Postal Service truck on its left side. It was then that Ferrell, sitting in the passenger seat, fired several shots at the truck.

The two individuals told investigators that they saw the truck crash into the barrier.

According to the DOJ press release, when one of the occupants of the vehicle asked Ferrell why he had fired his gun, he reportedly responded that the driver of the USPS truck had made a hand gesture towards their vehicle and that angered him.

Ferrell could face life in prison and a fine of $250,000 if found guilty.

Family members have described Mosby as a dedicated worker, as well as a trustworthy father and grandfather.

POSTAL WORKER KILLED IN DALLAS HIGHWAY SHOOTING CALLED 'ROCK OF THE FAMILY'

"He was the rock of the family and part of that glue is gone. And I think that's what's going to help heal his children and his brother and his sister is bringing this person to justice," Sylvia Mosby, his sister-in-law, told FOX4.

Authorities said the deadly shooting happened 11 days after someone shot at two Dallas police officers in a squad car about a mile away from Monday's episode, at about the same time of the morning. In that encounter, the officers were not seriously injured.

Police said there's no evidence linking the two crimes; there have been no arrests for the attack on the officers.
A California couple accused of sexually abusing their 5-year-old son may have performed sexual acts on their dogs too, police revealed Wednesday.

Roy Ling, 35, and Sara Wilson, 32, were arrested last Thursday, nearly five years after police began their investigation into reports of sexual abuse of their son, Victorville Police Department said.

The boy first told police he was sexually abused by his biological parents in August 2013. He was taken into child and family services and an investigation was launched.

Ling and Wilson were allegedly transients in the high desert and not taken into custody. Police also did not provide details about the alleged abuse.

Police said the search for Ling and Wilson continued to March 2014, but authorities couldnt locate them.

The pair were eventually found in December 2017 in a Victorville riverbed. Investigators said they uncovered details that the couple may have performed sexual acts on their dogs.

The couple was arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious acts with a child. Their bail was set at $200,000 each.
A driver intentionally crashed his car into a Connecticut hospitals emergency room entrance Thursday morning and set himself on fire, officials said.

The suspect was identified by authorities as Steven Ellam, 27, of Middletown, Connecticut. He crashed his silver vehicle into the glass sliding doors of Middlesex Hospital around 10 a.m., destroying the entrance to the emergency room, Middletown Mayor Dan Drew said during an afternoon news conference.

"It appeared that the front end of the vehicle was completely on fire...as well as his body became inflamed as well," an official said earlier, adding the blaze was contained to the vestibule.

Witnesses reported to authorities that the man then set himself on fire, according to Fox 61.

Several cans containing flammable liquid were found inside the vehicle, Drew said, and were being tested by investigators. The car was impounded at a secure facility.

Ellam was taken to the hospital with burn injuries but Drew did not have information on his condition.

Middletown Police Chief Phil McKenna said the suspect was known to other members of the department for several years, dating back to when he was a teen. He was reportedly not on the FBI's radar, however.

Court records obtained by The Associated Press showed Ellam has numerous convictions, including for assault, attempted assault and strangulation. He was also reportedly sentenced to time in prison in 2014.

Police responded to the scene within minutes, officials said. The fire department arrived a few minutes later and put out the flames. The bomb squad was also called to the scene.

Images from the scene showed a silver vehicle with smashed windshields resting inside the building and the entrance to the hospital demolished. Smoke was seen in the emergency room area.

Drew did not provide a possible motive in the incident.

McKenna said it was an isolated event and authorities were confident that the suspect acted alone.

"We confidently tell you that Middletown is safe," he said.

Several buildings in the area, as well as homes in Ellam's neighborhood, were reportedly evacuated pending a bombsquad's search. The move was a "precautionary measure," Drew said.

The hospital said all patients and staff have been accounted for and are safe. The emergency department is closed until further notice.

One hospital security guard received medical treatment for smoke inhalation, officials said, which was reportedly incurred while helping to evacuate patients. The employee was the only person hurt, other than the driver, they said.

Authorities said they are not aware of any recent threats to the hospital.

The FBI and ATF were called to the scene and will work in tangent with local officials to process the scene and conduct interviews, officials said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The home of the former school resource deputy who stayed outside the Florida high school as last weeks massacre unfolded was being protected Friday by law enforcement officials  even as President Trump called out the ex-cop, suggesting he was a "coward."

Reporters who attempted to approach the West Palm Beach home of ex-Broward County Sheriff's Office Deputy Scot Peterson were reportedly met with resistance from at least six police officers who were standing guard outside.

They prevented us from approaching the house, WSVNs Frank Guzman tweeted Thursday.

An Associated Press reporter said he approached Petersons home Thursday night, seeing lights on inside and cars present. He rang the doorbell twice, but no one answered.

TIMELINE OF FLORIDA SCHOOL SHOOTING

Before departing for his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Friday morning, Trump, in a set of fiery remarks, lambasted Peterson.

"When it came time to get in there and do something, he didn't have the courage, or something happened," Trump said. "He certainly did a poor job. That's the case where somebody was outside, they are trained, they didn't react properly under pressure or they were a coward."

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said Peterson, who was armed when gunman Nikolas Cruz opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, never went in[to] the building that was under attack. He said the school resource officer instead took up a position viewing the western entrance of the building.

Israel said he was devastated, sick to my stomach after learning of Petersons inaction during the school shooting that left 17 people dead. The sheriff said he believes Peterson remained outside the building for roughly four minutes, while the shooting in total lasted around six minutes. Israel said the officer never fired his weapon.

"What matters is that when we, in law enforcement, arrive at an active shooter, we go in and address the target," the sheriff said. "And thats what shouldve been done."

When asked what Peterson should have done, Israel said the deputy should have "went in, addressed the killer, killed the killer."

He added: There are no words. I mean, these families lost their children...I've been to the funerals...I've been to the vigils. It's just, ah, there are no words."

Peterson resigned Thursday after video surveillance showed he never entered the school, even though he clearly knew there was a shooting taking place, officials said.

Officer Tim Burton of the Coral Springs Police Department, who responded to the shooting, told The New York Times that Peterson was seeking cover behind a concrete column leading to a stairwell.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office confirmed to WTVJ that Peterson's family requested privacy and protection following Peterson's resignation.

Student Jenna Jorsten told WSVN that she was in shock Peterson stayed outside -- especially after learning of unarmed teachers and students risking their lives to save others.

If hes the one with a gun, he should be the one out there with the gun trying to protect the kids, she said. Why was he hiding outside? It just makes no sense to me whatsoever. I mean it just doesnt make sense to me at all.

FLORIDA SCHOOL SHOOTING SURVIVORS DREAD PARKLAND CAMPUS RETURN

Cruz, 19, has been jailed on 17 counts of murder and police said he confessed to being the shooter. Defense attorneys, state records and people who knew him indicate Cruz displayed behavioral troubles for years.

Two other deputies from the Broward County Sheriff's Office have been placed on restrictive duty as officials investigate "whether or not they could have done more, shouldve done more."

The officers were identified by WSVN as Edward Eason and Guntis Treijis.

Their restricted assignments come as authorities found they responded to at least 23 calls regarding Cruz or his brother since 2008. In two of the instances, Col. Jack Dale said, protocol might not have been followed.

Israel said an investigation remains ongoing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
As a 6 p.m. deadline looms, a Texas inmate set for execution Thursday is waiting for Gov. Greg Abbott to decide whether he will accept the state parole boards rare clemency recommendation.

Thomas Bart Whitaker, 38, is scheduled for lethal injection for masterminding the fatal shooting of his mother, Tricia, and brother, Kevin, at their Houston home in 2003. His father, Kent, was also shot in the same attack but survived and led the effort to save his son from execution.

On Tuesday, the seven-member Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles unanimously recommended that Abbott commute Whitakers death sentence.

The Republican governor has fewer than 12 hours to accept the recommendation, reject it or do nothing. His office has not responded to inquiries about Whitakers case.

"The board only recommends," said Keith Hampton, one of Whitaker's attorneys. "The power resides purely in Gov. Abbott. He could do nothing, which would be pretty amazing. He could literally do nothing. Then (Whitaker) gets executed."

If Abbott rejects the recommendation, Whitaker will be one of three executions scheduled for Thursday.

Florida and Alabama also have executions set for Thursday night and if they are carried out, it would mark the first time in more than eight years that three convicted killers were put to death in the U.S. on the same day.

The other prisoners set to die Thursday are Doyle Lee Hamm in Alabama and Eric Scott Branch in Florida.

In Texas, state attorneys were opposing the request to block the execution, saying claims about the drug's ineffectiveness had been repeatedly rejected in the courts.

Kent and Patricia Whitaker and their two boys had returned home the night of Dec. 10, 2003, following a restaurant dinner to celebrate Bart Whitaker's college graduation when they were confronted by a gunman wearing dark clothes and a ski mask. Patricia Whitaker and her 19-year-old son, Kevin, were fatally shot. Kent Whitaker and Bart were wounded.

Nearly two years later, Bart Whitaker was arrested in Mexico after investigators determined he arranged the plot in hopes of collecting a family estate he believed was worth more than $1 million.

"I'm 100 percent guilty," Whitaker testified at his trial in 2007. "I put the plan in motion."

In the clemency petition, Whitaker's attorneys said his execution would "permanently compound" his father's suffering and grief, and compared the case to the biblical story of Cain and Abel, where God sent Cain to "restlessly wander" after killing his brother.

It's only the fourth time since the state resumed executions in 1982 that the parole board has recommended clemency within days of an inmate's scheduled execution. In the previous cases, then-Gov. Rick Perry accepted the board's decision in one case and rejected the other two, who subsequently were put to death in the nation's most active capital punishment state.

The U.S. Supreme Court, which last year refused to review appeals in Whitaker's case, also could weigh in at the last minute. Whitaker and another Texas death row inmate are plaintiffs in an appeal pending before the high court questioning whether Texas' use of a compounded version of the powerful sedative pentobarbital for executions would cause unconstitutional pain. The case had been scheduled for the justices' conference on Friday, the day after Whitaker could be executed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Florida man was released on bail after police arrested him Sunday for allegedly using his apartment wall for target practice.

Police searched the home of Ivan Bakh, 61, after neighbors called early that morning to complain that they woke up to a loud bang and holes in their bedroom and living room walls.

Officers went over to Bakhs apartment after learning he shared the wall with the mysterious holes in it with his neighbors.

Inside the apartment, police reportedly saw several books taped together with targets drawn on them, the shared wall with holes in it, and a loaded 9mm handgun, according to a press release from the Cape Coral Police Department.

Police determined that the rounds in the magazine of the handgun found in Bakhs apartment matched "spent casing located on the ground inside the residence," the press release added.

He was charged with shooting into a dwelling and reckless discharge of a firearm in a public or private place.

Bakh was released Tuesday on $10,000 bail.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The fire alarm, gunshots and piercing cries still ring loudly in Jake Glacers mind.

Theres so much I still hear, I still see, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School junior told Fox News. Four people in my class were shot. I couldnt imagine going back into the building.

A week after the Valentines Day massacre at the Parkland, Florida high school, students, administrators and lawmakers are now focusing on something more concrete: The future of Building 12, the three-story structure where 17 people were gunned down.

I have four classes in that building, and I know that if I were to go back in there, all I would be able to think about is what we all heard and what we all saw, student Kaelan Small told Fox News.

Some families are considering moving because it would be too traumatizing to step foot on campus again.

Its just something that makes you grow up really quickly, you know? junior Josh Charo said.

The plan for now is to demolish the building, which has housed mainly the freshman class since it was built almost three decades ago.

Were working and have been working since we toured the site to tear down the building and put a memorial there, said Florida State Sen. Lauren Book, D-Plantation.

Book described the building as a war zone, with blood smeared on walls and floors. She said keeping the infrastructure and just renovating the building is not an option.

We are tearing that building down, she said.

The school shooting in Newtown, Conn. sparked similar concerns over the future of the building. More than five years later, a memorial is still in its design phase. It took three-and-a-half years to build a new, $45 million elementary school in Newtown, according to former First Selectman Patricia Llodra. She spearheaded the process to decide the future of Sandy Hook Elementary School, holding a series of meetings for the community and elected officials.

Llodra urges Florida lawmakers and the school district not to rush the decision-making process. Instead, she said, they should take the time to involve the people of Parkland.

Its one of the most critical decisions the community has to make, Llodra said. Its the first step in the recovery process.

The last thing I would have to say is tell the loved ones that are around you that you love them."  Josh Gallagher, student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

Aztec High School in New Mexico took a different approach after its December shooting. Instead of demolishing the entire school, officials agreed on gutting two classrooms and transforming them into a lounge/memorial.

But the shooting there was on a much smaller scale  two people died, as well as the gunman.

Superintendent Kirk Carpenter said the decision made efficient use of the districts time, space and money.

To get a project like this done in a months time was absolutely amazing, Carpenter told Fox News. No one's going to change what we do at that high school, and that's to make sure learning takes place."

Book admits demolishing Building 12, erecting a new building and implementing a memorial park on campus is a daunting task, especially with Floridas legislative session nearing its end. Estimates for the proposal come in around $25 to 30 million, which would come from state appropriations.

Not to mention the freshman building on Marjory Stoneman Douglas campus holds about 900 students, a quarter of the schools population.

The school, named after a womens suffrage advocate, opened in 1990. Its about two hours north of Miami.

Charo acknowledges it will be hard for the school to adjust without the building, saying it doesnt seem logical for them to tear it down.

I think going back to school is going to be helpful, Glacer said. We have to get used to the new normal.

But, even considering this, Charo and Glacer cant fathom returning to the place that carries memories of their worst day.

Lawmakers and school officials understand that.

The district is considering splitting up the school day into sessions to avoid using Building 12.

Students are expected to return to school on Feb. 27.

In the meantime, survivors said they are embracing each and every moment with their loved ones.

The last thing I would have to say is tell the loved ones that are around you that you love them, said junior Josh Gallagher. Because you never know when its going to be cut short or life is going to be taken away.
Police officers responding to last weeks Florida school shooting thought they were tracking Nikolas Cruz live on surveillance video  but then realized the footage was delayed by nearly 30 minutes because it was rewound, tossing roadblocks into the frantic efforts to capture the 19-year-old shooting suspect.

Responding officers were watching security footage in Broward School District that occurred 20 minutes prior, leaving them in the dark when attempting to look for Cruz in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 13, the Sun Sentinel first reported Wednesday. Cruz was captured in Coral Springs, located about a mile away, more than an hour after the start of the shooting.

One of the things we try to do is, whenever we get to some place, like in this particular situation, we always try to review video camera footage, Coral Springs Police Chief Tony Pustizzi said in a Thursday evening news conference. It helps us not only identify what happened but possibly where the perpetrator is. In this case, there was a 20-minute delay.

Cruz walked into the campus freshman building around 2:21 p.m. and began firing at students and staff, killing 17 people, police said. He left the school seven minutes later, blending in with terrified students.

Responding officers were heard on radio transmissions at 2:54 p.m. saying they were seeing Cruz on camera going from the third to the second floor. By that time, Cruz had been out of the building for 26 minutes, according to the newspaper.

He went from the third floor to the second floor...Theyre monitoring him on camera, an officer was heard saying on the radio transmission released by Broadcastify. Pustizzi recalled officers attempting to pinpoint Cruz when the shooter wasnt even in the building.

Pustizzi said the delay never impacted the rescue efforts or placed the students and teachers lives in danger.

The delay was simply when we got there, and the Sheriffs Office and our officers and other officers from the community went into that building, Pustizzi said. The issue was more of a communication failure on who was reviewing the tape, letting our guys know that it was a 20-minute delay with what they were reviewing.

On a radio transmission from the day of the shooting, an officer finally said, Its about a 20-minute delay, theyre following him on video, on the cameraThey have him exiting the building, running south.

Pustizzi said in the news conference: There was nothing wrong with their equipment, their equipment works. Its just that when the person was reviewing the tape from 20 minutes earlier, somehow that wasnt communicated to the officers.

Broward County School District also clarified on Thursday the high schools security cameras do play in real time, but they were rewound 20 minutes that day to retrace Cruzs actions, according to WSVN.

Miscommunication was one of the several factors that contributed to the chaos and confusion that day. When Cruz left the building around 2:28 p.m., police officers believed the gunman was just entering the school. Police also had issues locating and accessing the security cameras.

We need somebody with the camera systems ASAP, said an officer at 2:43 p.m., about 15 minutes after gunfire stopped. Wheres the principal? Whos with the principal? And we need to start making a plan here.

At one point, police were looking for officer Scot Peterson because he knew where to access the cameras  but Peterson was not in the freshman building at the time. Peterson ultimately resigned on Thursday after Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel revealed the school resource deputy never went in the building during the attack despite being on the school campus.

Some of the radio transmissions also couldnt be heard due to the outdated system.

You can hear me, but I cannot hear you, so standby, a dispatcher said at 2:56 p.m. about the malfunctioning communications devices.

While officers were still scouring the school, Cruz went to Walmart and purchased a drink at Subway at 2:50 p.m., according to the sheriffs office timeline. Eleven minutes later, he walked into a McDonalds, sat down and left.

At 4:11 p.m., Broward Sheriffs Office said the shooter was in custody.

Cruz was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder. A series of reports indicating possible warning signs have emerged since the deadly shooting, including Cruzs history of violent threats and trouble in school. The FBI also admitted last week it had not acted on a tip made Jan. 5 that Cruz wanted to kill people and the tipster feared the potential of him conducting a school shooting.


Florida is scheduled to execute a man convicted of raping and killing a college student in 1993 so he could steal her car.

Barring a last-minute stay, 47-year-old Eric Scott Branch will be put to death by lethal injection at 6 p.m. Thursday at Florida State Prison.

Branch was convicted of the rape and fatal beating of 21-year-old University of West Florida student Susan Morris whose naked body was found buried in a shallow grave.

Evidence in the case shows that Branch approached Morris after she left a night class on Jan. 11, 1993, so he could steal her red Toyota and return to his home state of Indiana. He was arrested while traveling there.

Branch was also convicted of another Florida rape and one in Indiana.
An Alabama man has been arrested in the blunt-force slaying of his wife, Kat West, who led a provocative double life as a skimpily clad online exhibitionist, according to various news reports.

After a weeks-long investigation that has brought national attention to the small Alabama town of Calera, authorities charged William "Jeff" West, 44, with murder, Police Chief Sean Lemley said Thursday morning. according to a report on the news website AL.com.

According to the site, Lemley said there were few details he could release about the homicide and what, specifically, made Jeff West their main suspect in the Jan. 13 killing of Kathleen Dawn West, 42, who was West's wife and the mother of their preteen daughter.

"We know exactly what happened that night,'' Lemley said. "And we do have evidence to support that."

Kat West touted herself on social media as a stay-at-home mom but had a subscription-only website, where she went by the name Kitty Kat West, according to news reports. Her Twitter and Instagram accounts, which appeared under the same tittilating name, featured revealing photos of West, who by many accounts had a deep fascination with screen seductress Marilyn Monroe, and directed viewers to a paid adult website of sexy selfies.

Jeff West is former military, AL.com said, and he now works as an unsworn police officer at Birmingham Southern College in the campus police department, where he has been on leave since his wife's slaying. AL.com quoted college officials as saying he is in the process of being fired.

The Daily Mail said West has insisted that his exhibitionist wife died as a result of a "boozy accident."

Kat, as the bombshell blonde was known to friends, was found dead lying face down across the street from her home on the morning of Jan. 13 when a neighbor left for work.

She was partially clothed with her cellphone placed beside her lifeless body and an empty bottle of absinthe balanced on top of it, the Daily Mail said.

A report by Inside Edition described some key surveillance footage showing the couple laughing and shopping at a liquor store some eight hours before the discovery of the body. As they leave, the report said, Jeff West is seen patting his wife's backside.

Chief Lemley said the couple seemed happy in the video, according to Inside Edition, but he added that "unfortunately domestic [cases] turn bad very quickly. Anything can trigger them. You get into an argument, it can turn bad quickly."

Police would not say what might have precipitated a fight between the Wests.

Inside Edition, the Daily Mail and AL.com contributed to this report.
The husband of an online exhibitionist whose partially nude body was found outside her suburban home was arrested Thursday in her killing, an Alabama police chief said.

William Jeffrey West, 44, is being charged with murder in the death of his 42-year-old wife, Kathleen Dawn West, Calera Police Chief Sean Lemley said at a news conference.

"He was the suspect from the very beginning," Lemley said.

Court records weren't available to show whether West had an attorney. Bond was set at $500,000, a jail log showed.

West worked as an unsworn campus police officer at Birmingham-Southern College, where spokeswoman Hannah Wolfson said he had been placed on leave and is being fired.

Kathleen Dawn West described herself as a full-time wife and mom on Facebook but lived another life on other social media platforms. With a resemblance to Marilyn Monroe, she called herself an exhibitionist and posted risque photos with a chance for subscribers to see sexier images for $15.99 a month.

Her body was found Jan. 13 by a passing motorist near the curb across the street from her home in the quiet bedroom community of Calera, a town of 14,000 people about 35 miles south of Birmingham. Lemley said she died of blunt force trauma to the head. He wouldn't discuss how she came to be in the street, whether she was killed inside or outside her house or what police believe triggered the killing.

The slain woman's parents had no immediate comment on the arrest. After the slaying, mother Nancy Martin posted a photo of her smiling daughter and son-in-law on Facebook, and in a post seeking money for funeral expenses she referred to "Kat" as "a cherished wife to Jeff, as well as a loving mother to their daughter."

On Facebook, Kathleen Dawn West had posted lots of selfies and commenters often mentioned her attractiveness. There were also photos of her wedding and images of West and her daughter playing in the snow in December.

But she seemed like a different person on other online accounts.

With a personal description that included "exhibitionist," West had a private Instagram account with nearly 52,000 followers that linked to a paid site featuring adult content and "naughty fun." Some of the images were included on a site for "mature hotties."

After the killing, at least two Facebook pages popped up with thousands of members who discussed the case and speculated about it. Participants had sharply criticized police for not making an arrest sooner.

Lemley said it took weeks to gather and analyze evidence. He said the arrest came just two days after his officers received their final report on the case from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. The FBI also assisted Calera police investigators with "cellphone technology," he said, but did not elaborate.

Because the victim wasn't in the home, where most domestic killings happen, and she wasn't fully clothed, Lemley said it took time for investigators to piece together the circumstances of the crime.

He said he believes the husband knew about his wife's online persona, but wouldn't say if investigators suspect an argument over that led to the killing. He said he couldn't say whether the husband was OK with what she was doing online.

Lemley said the couple's young daughter was not home at the time of the slaying or when her father was arrested at the house Thursday morning.

"It's a tragedy all the way around for everyone involved," Lemley said.
A lawyer representing a death row inmate in Texas scheduled for execution next month has filed an appeal for a stay, claiming prosecutors failed to disclose information from a separate lawsuit.

Rosendo Rodriguez, 37, a former Marine reservist known as the Suitcase Killer, was sentenced to death for brutally raping and murdering a pregnant prostitute at a Lubbock hotel in 2005, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Her body was later found covered in blunt-force wounds and stuffed into a suitcase at the Lubbock city dump.

In 2015 a former employee of the Lubbock medical examiner who was responsible for performing an autopsy of the victim, claimed that the doctor did not do the operation himself. The lawsuit further alleged that the doctor frequently attended to his private consulting practice and in some cases didnt perform his own autopsies.

According to court papers, the lawsuit was eventually settled for more than $200,000 shortly before a judge set an execution date for Rodriguez.

On Tuesday, defense attorney Seth Kretzer filed an appeal in which he accused the district attorney of failing to disclose information about the suit. Kretzer specifically invoked a 1963 Supreme Court ruling that requires prosecutors to disclose any evidence that might exonerate the accused.

Matt Powell, a Lubbock County district attorney, said it was nonsense that the lawsuit and Rodriguezs sentencing might have anything to do with each other and contained absolutely no Brady information.

Kretzer said withholding information from the lawsuit was sufficiently egregious to necessitate a stay of execution.

Rodriguezs execution is scheduled for March 27, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The Latest on the arrest of a man in the shooting death of a postal worker driving on a Dallas highway (all times local):

3 p.m.

Authorities say a man arrested in the fatal shooting of a postal worker driving a delivery rig on a Dallas highway may have been acting out of road rage.

The U.S. attorney's office released details of the investigation Thursday into the arrest of Donnie Ferrell for the shooting death of Tony Mosby early Monday morning on Interstate 30. Investigators say two witnesses came to the FBI's Fort Worth field office Wednesday saying that they were in the car with Ferrell when he fired the shots at the truck.

They say Ferrell claimed Mosby made a hand gesture at them as they tried to pass his truck and he fired the gun out of anger.

Ferrell is scheduled to appear in Magistrate's court Thursday to face a charge of murder of a U.S. government employee who was performing his duties.

___

11:40 a.m.

Investigators have arrested a man who they say shot and killed a postal worker while he was driving an 11-ton (10-metric ton) delivery rig on a Dallas highway.

U.S. Postal Inspector Amanda McMurrey says postal inspectors in cooperation with the Dallas Police Department arrested 25-year-old Donnie Ferrell of Hutchins. McMurrey says federal authorities will determine the exact charges, but Ferrell will appear before a U.S. Magistrate judge Thursday.

Federal investigators had offered a $50,000 reward in the early Monday shooting that left 58-year-old Tony Mosby dead.

Investigators say Mosby was driving the rig, known as a box truck, when he was shot. He was found dead in the truck, which had crashed into a guardrail on Interstate 30 near downtown Dallas.
The Latest on the attack on the U.S. embassy in Montenegro (all times local):

16:20

Police in Montenegro say the man who threw a bomb into the U.S. embassy compound and then killed himself had no criminal record and that the attack was not an act of terrorism.

Police formally identified the suspect by his initials, D.J., in line with an earlier police source identifying him as ex-soldier Dalibor Jaukovic. Police say Jaukovic was a Montenegrin citizen born in neighboring Serbia.

They said Montenegrin police and the FBI are checking Jaukovic's accounts on social networks.

He posted on Facebook a photo of an army decoration apparently signed by former Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic and openly opposed Montenegro's membership in NATO last year.

Police say they are still investigating Jaukovic's motives and whether he had acted alone. They say security has been beefed up around foreign embassies in Montenegro.

14:15 p.m.

A family friend has described the man who allegedly hurled a bomb into the U.S. embassy compound in Montenegro's capital Podgorica and then killed himself as 'a good patriot.'

A police official said on condition of anonymity that ex-soldier Dalibor Jaukovic threw a bomb into the embassy yard and then killed himself with another one around midnight (2300GMT) on Wednesday.

A family friend, Milutin Dragicevic, said Thursday that Jaukovic was "a good patriot" during the 1999 NATO air war against Yugoslavia, then comprised of Serbia and Montenegro. He added, "I don't know what might have driven him to do this."

A U.S. official, demanding anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the situation with reporters, said the attacker acted alone.

1:10 p.m.

The man who hurled a bomb into the U.S. embassy compound in the capital Podgorica and then killed himself was an ex-soldier decorated by former Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic after NATO's bombing of Serbia and Montenegro in 1999.

A police official confirmed the man was 43-year-old Dalibor Jaukovic, saying he was identified by a close relative. The official asked for anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.

Jaukovic was born in the central Serbian town of Kraljevo but lived in Podgorica. Photos posted on his Facebook profile include a plaque honoring his contribution in the fight against NATO during the bombing. The plaque appears to be personally signed by Milosevic.

Many in Montenegro remain opposed to the country's membership in NATO because of the air war the alliance waged to stop the war in Kosovo when Montenegro was still part of Yugoslavia.

By Predrag Milic

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11:20 a.m.

The U.S. embassy in Montenegro's capital Podgorica has confirmed that no one was injured when an assailant threw an explosive device into the compound.

The embassy said Thursday on its Facebook and Twitter accounts that "all Mission personnel are safe and accounted for following the incident early this morning."

Police say the man hurled an apparent bomb into the embassy yard before killing himself with another one around midnight (2300GMT) Wednesday. Police say they are working to identify the man.

___

10:25 a.m.

Police in Montenegro say they are "working intensely" to identify an assailant who threw an explosive device into the U.S. embassy compound in the capital, Podgorica, before killing himself.

Police said in a statement that the man threw a bomb into the embassy yard and then committed suicide by activating another one around midnight Wednesday.

The blast created a crater but caused no other material damage to the embassy property, the statement said.

Police sealed off the area around the embassy after the explosion.

Officers came to the scene after receiving reports about an explosion and found a lifeless male body in the area of the Moraca river that runs through Podgorica, the statement said.

The U.S. State Department has said embassy officials are working with police to identify the assailant and internally to confirm all staff are safe.
A suspected car thief attempted to fool police officers by saying he was Matthew McConaughey  but authorities decided the excuse wasn't alright, alright, alright.

Police received calls Saturday about a suspicious person ringing a doorbell and walking around a house in Georges Township, Pa., WTAE reported.

Troy Miller, 46, was found inside the homeowners vehicle, police said. When officers asked for his identification, Miller insisted he was McConaughey  the star of Dallas Buyers Club and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

Its unclear what type of vehicle the suspect was found in. McConaughey is known for his Lincoln car commercials.

Despite his insistence he was the famed actor, Miller was arrested and charged with theft from a motor vehicle. He also faces charges of false identification to law enforcement authorities, loitering and prowling at night, according to WTAE.

Miller was booked into Fayette County Prison on a $500 bond.
As the 50th anniversary of her father's assassination approaches, the daughter of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. said Thursday that limiting access to guns is long overdue.

The Rev. Bernice King, speaking at The King Center in Atlanta, offered condolences to the families of the 17 people fatally shot Feb. 14 at a Florida high school and commended survivors for their activism to change gun laws.

She said she hopes people can "look toward solutions as these young people are forcing us to have the conversations, bipartisan conversations." She also plans to join them for the "March for Our Lives" in Washington next month.

"I thought about the fact that 50 years ago my father was taken away from us with a rifle," she said. "A few years after, my grandmother was slain. ... It is long past due in this society that we do something about the access to guns and the type of guns."

Martin Luther King Jr. was fatally shot on April 4, 1968, while standing on the balcony of a motel in Memphis, Tennessee.

Starting April 4, The King Center will hold a series of events during a six-day span to commemorate the anniversary. The center will launch a cross-cultural act of kindness campaign, a peace prize award ceremony and a global bell ringing starting at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and the King Center in Atlanta. King said she wants to focus on peace instead violence.

"Daddy gave the vision," King said. "He outlined philosophy and methodology. But it was the people who embraced it. I'm hoping it will revolutionize our society to come back to it. I hope we don't miss this moment. Daddy said we still have a choice: nonviolent coexistence or violent annihilation. For me, it's recommitting to my father's nonviolent philosophy and methodology as we move forward."

King said the planning for the anniversary was an opportunity for "deep healing."

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Online: http://www.mlk50forward.org/

___

Associated Press writer Alex Sanz in Atlanta contributed to this report.
A would-be home invader was shot in the chest by a Navy veteran who said he had no other choice when the man attacked him last Friday.

Carmelo Marchese told FOX13 he was sitting in his home in Lecanto, located north of Tampa, when a stranger knocked on the door at 11:30 p.m. and sent his dog Daisy into a barking fit.

When he answered the door, Marchese said the man, identified by police as Joshua Bernard, started to push him and grabbed his neck.

I was honestly and truly in fear for my life, he said.

The 71-year-old told FOX13 he did two tours in Vietnam, but never faced this kind of threat at home, calling the encounter a "life-and-death situation."

I had warned him prior. I did everything I was supposed to do," Marchese said. "This is my house, not his."

WASHINGTON HOMEOWNER SHOOTS BURGLAR FOUND CROUCHED OUTSIDE CHILDREN'S WINDOW

Marchese told FOX13 he has no idea why Bernard picked his house, but he says it was the wrong choice. The Citrus County Sheriffs office said Marchese won't face charges.

I dont feel bad about it. I dont feel bad. This guy was a bad guy. How many other people has he hurt? I dont know but he's off the street, thats all that counts, Marchese said.

The Citrus Count Sheriff's Office said Bernard, who has a prior history of burglary, was recently released from jail. The 36-year-old survived the gunshot wound to the chest, and was charged Tuesday with burglary with battery and battery on a person older than age 65, according to the Citrus County Chronicle.
Two school districts near Dayton, Ohio have trained a confidential team of teachers and staff to fire back at an active shooter.

"Our staff members are trained to go to the threat and address the threat. Not to run away, said Mad River Schools Superintendent Chad Wyen.

The Sidney and Mad River school districts have guns hidden in safes throughout its schools which can be opened only by staff on the armed response team. Each member of the team is vetted, selected by the district, and must have a license to carry. The team goes through rigorous monthly training.

These teachers are trained and trained as well in the use of firearms as the average police officer, said Sidney Middle School armed guard and veteran tactical officer, Rick Cron. I made sure that that would happen. I didnt want someone who wasnt trained to come to my aid. I wanted people who understood tactics.

As the gun debate plays out across the country following the school shooting in Parkland, Fla.  and many arguing over whether teachers should be trained and armed  some school districts are already taking bold steps to prevent a tragedy on campus. Schools in Texas, Indiana and even California started arming up after the fatal shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn.

The state of Ohio currently offers funding for schools to train their staff to respond in emergency situations. There are more than a dozen other states across the country with school districts that have teachers or staff who are trained to fire back, or which legally allow adults with guns on school grounds.

In Ohio, many of the students seem to agree with some of their teachers being trained to use firearms.

To have people inside the school who know what they are doing and who can protect us, I mean, that's amazing and I don't think there's really any room for complaints, said Liberty Flynn, a 10th-grade student at Stebbins High School in Riverside, Ohio.

When we are inside those four walls, they are our safety. That's our safety for the day, said Stebbins High School sophomore, Will Rodriguez.

The schools programs are not without controversy. It took years for the programs to get off the ground and be finalized. There are parents and members of the community that still disagree with armed staff.

Theres a lot of pressure on teachers already. We got to get these kids into college and ready for life. Being trained with weapons and stuff like that is just not something they are prepared for, said David Herzog. Let the teachers teach and let the law enforcement take care of the laws."

Sidney Police Chief William Balling said hes not against the armed staff but worries it could interfere with his first responders.

Because now you take away a possibility of one or two people with guns to six or seven people with guns without us having assurance who's the good guy or the bad guy, Balling said.

The Shelby County Sheriff told Fox News he developed the plan for Sidney schools while watching the Sandy Hook tragedy unfold. He realized his schools were not prepared and took action.

"We cannot depend on the state or federal government, said Shelby County Sheriff John Lenhart. We can't depend on psychologists to figure out why people hurt each other."

Cron says he considers each trained staff member a certified backup and said they can significantly reduce critical response time.

I would not do this job by myself, Cron said. Without the teachers, the response team teachers, I wouldnt do it.
Following his death Wednesday at age 99, tributes poured in from around the world for the Rev. Billy Graham  and plans were announced for the funeral of the man known as Americas Pastor.

Grahams body was moved from his home in Montreat, N.C., to Asheville, where a funeral home was handling the arrangements.

The body will be taken from Asheville to Charlotte on Saturday in a procession expected to take 3  hours and ending at the Billy Graham Museum and Library, said Mark DeMoss, spokesman for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

It will lie in repose Monday and Tuesday in the Charlotte house where Graham grew up, which was moved from its original location to the grounds of the Graham library.

A private funeral for Graham will be held Friday, March 2, in a tent at the library site and he will be buried next to his wife there, DeMoss said. Ruth Graham, to whom the reverend was married more than 60 years, died at age 87 in 2007.

Invitations to the funeral will be extended to President Donald Trump and former presidents, DeMoss said.

The president tweeted condolences Wednesday, soon after the news of Grahams death was reported.

The GREAT Billy Graham is dead, the president wrote. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.

Former President Barack Obama said Graham "gave hope and guidance to generations of Americans."

Graham was a counselor to U.S. presidents of both parties, from Dwight Eisenhower to George W. Bush. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor.

When the Billy Graham Museum and Library was dedicated in 2007 in Charlotte, George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton attended.

More than anyone else, Graham built evangelicalism into a force that rivaled liberal Protestantism and Roman Catholicism in the U.S. His leadership summits and crusades in more than 185 countries and territories forged powerful global links among conservative Christians and threw a lifeline to believers in the communist bloc.

A tall, striking man with thick, swept-back hair, stark blue eyes and a firm jaw, Graham was a commanding presence in the pulpit, with a powerful baritone voice.

"The Bible says," was his catchphrase. His unquestioning belief in Scripture turned the Gospel into a "rapier" in his hands, he said.

Graham reached multitudes around the globe through public appearances and his pioneering use of prime-time telecasts, network radio, daily newspaper columns, evangelistic films and satellite TV hookups.

By his final crusade in 2005 in New York City, he had preached in person to more than 210 million people worldwide. No evangelist is expected to have his level of influence again.

"William Franklin Graham Jr. can safely be regarded as the best who ever lived at what he did," said William Martin, author of the Graham biography "A Prophet With Honor."

Graham had suffered from cancer, pneumonia and other ailments.

DeMoss said Graham spent his final months in and out of consciousness. He said Graham didn't take any phone calls or entertain guests.

Graham died at 7:46 a.m. Wednesday at his home, where only an attending nurse was present, DeMoss said.

Both the nurse and Graham's longtime personal physician, Dr. Lucian Rice, who arrived about 20 minutes later, said it was "a peaceful passing," DeMoss said.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
A Pennsylvania middle school canceled classes Wednesday after a sleepwalking student prompted a security scare.

Pennsylvania State Police told KDKA-TV that officers received a report of a break-in around 2:30 a.m. at the Wendover Middle School in Greensburg, located east of Pittsburgh.

It appears he went through a screen in the window and got himself in the school. He was in the school about 15 minutes, Pennsylvania State Trooper Stephan told KDKA. He believes he was sleepwalking and went to the school.

State police said the student lived about four miles from the school.

The Hempfield Area School District said in a statement on its website it canceled classes Wednesday as a precautionary measure, and police swept the building for any potential issues. There were "no signs of vandalism or theft" as a result of the incident.

OHIO STUDENT DIES AFTER SHOOTING HIMSELF IN SCHOOL BATHROOM, OFFICIALS SAY

The district said the sleepwalking student incident is not connected to another student's arrest earlier this week for allegedly threatening to shoot a female student.

A couple days prior, we did have a male student verbally threaten a female student, saying he was going to shoot her, Limani told KDKA.

The student accused of making the threat has been arrested and is being held in the Westmoreland County Juvenile Detention Center, authorities said.

"In light of the recent events, an added police presence will be at Wendover Middle School tomorrow and counselors will be available to talk with students regarding school violence and safety, as needed," the school district posted on its website. "Additionally, the PA State Police have indicated that they are striving to have an added presence at all district schools."

Classes were scheduled to resume at the middle school Thursday.
A San Diego resident recently brought a touch of the Old West to the search for a suspect who stole items from his shed and recreational vehicle, authorities said.

The resident created wanted dead or alive posters with an image of the suspect -- and posted them around town in a bid to help local authorities make an arrest, San Diego's FOX 5 reported.

The posters offered a reward for capture of the suspect, who allegedly swiped $2,700 worth of items last Friday, the station reported.

They have our name and phone # on them," San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore's office tweeted, referring to the posters. But authorities discouraged any vigilantism.

"He is in fact wanted," the tweet said about the suspect, "but alive, please.

Authorities eventually arrested and charged a man named Jose Martinez -- but it wasnt because of the posters, the station reported.

Martinez was charged with theft and burglary, and remained behind bars pending further legal action.
French President Emmanuel Macrons government on Wednesday presented a bill to enforce tougher immigration rules, decried by human rights organizations as repressive toward asylum-seekers.

The bill, presented at a Cabinet meeting, aims at accelerating the expulsion of people who dont qualify for asylum. It also wants to provide better conditions for those allowed to stay in the country, such as offering more French classes and job training.

Interior minister Gerard Collomb said the plan is balanced and aligned with European procedures.

If you dont control the migratory flux, you cant offer a destiny for the nations youth, he said on BFM TV. I dont want the European dream to transform tomorrow into a nightmare.

The plan will reduce the consideration period for an application for asylum to a maximum of six months, down from about one year including appeal.

Human rights activists say the quicker process will make it more difficult for asylum-seekers to defend their rights. Collomb says it is more humane because applicants learn their fate before making roots in a country where some ultimately cannot remain.

The plan would also allow authorities to hold migrants in France illegally in detention centers for up to 90 days instead of the current 45, in order to organize their deportation.

Under the bill, people illegally crossing borders of the EU travel-free zone will be fined 3,750 euros ($4,600)

Some organizations helping migrants, including the French Human Rights League, held street protests in Paris Wednesday to denounce governmental policies that infringe on migrants freedoms.

Some public agents in charge of asylum procedures were on strike.

The bill, which goes to parliament in April, is packaged to better expel, said the president of Doctors of the World, Francoise Sivignon.

What we contest is the spirit of the law, she said on BFM TV.

Cyrielle Taezin, an employee at the national court of asylum, said migrants wont have enough time to prepare their request. They have experienced trauma. They need psychological checks. They need time to express what theyve gone through.

Alain Esmery, an activist with the Human Rights League, noted that Macron called last month for humanity and firmness toward migrants. The interior minister must be hard of hearing because he has heard firmness, firmness, Esmery said.

Official figures show that more than 100,000 people applied for asylum in France in 2017, up 17 percent from the year before.

The largest number of asylum requests came from people from Albania, Afghanistan, Haiti and Sudan.

About 36 percent of applicants were granted refugee status.
After Syrian dictator Bashar Assads military forces and allies Wednesday pounded civilians and infrastructure, including hospitals, in Eastern Ghouta, United States United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley called on her Security Council colleagues to support a UN resolution to get humanitarian supplies to those in need.

Haley urged members of the Security Council to pass a draft resolution calling for a 30-day ceasefire so aid can get to the worst hit areas.

Her statement read in part, Its time to take immediate action in the hopes of saving the lives of the men, women, and children who are under attack by the barbaric Assad regime. It is simply preposterous to claim that these attacks on civilians have anything to do with fighting terrorism. The Security Council must move to adopt a resolution establishing a ceasefire. The United States will support it, as should every member of the council.

Haleys statement noted comments by United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres who said that the 400,000 civilians trapped in Eastern Ghouta were living in a hell on earth. Haleys statement concluded, As the Secretary-General warned us all, Eastern Ghouta cannot wait.

Speaking to Fox News via Whatsapp from the carnage of Eastern Ghouta in an interview arranged by the Syrian American Council, Mahmoud Bwedany, a 20-year student activist said that in the last 72 hours there have been more than 260 confirmed dead civilians, including women and children, and over 2000 have been injured.

Speaking from what he said was an underground shelter he was sleeping in to avoid the attacks, he claimed the Assad regime is deliberately targeting important areas and has used starvation as a tactic by bombing the main bakery near Douma city. He also said Assad is targeting medical clinics being used to treat civilians.

Bwedany had a message to the Security Council: Give us the chance to live a normal life and not to fear death and starvation every moment, and see children dying. I want to say we have been hearing a lot of promises and not a lot of action.

Security Council members Kuwait and Sweden are co-sponsors of a draft resolution that was introduced on February 9.

The draft resolution calls for a cessation of hostilities to let aid convoys safely enter the most at risk areas to begin for a period of 30 days.

It is not yet known if Russia, Assads biggest backer, will block a possible vote Thursday. Russia has so far used its veto ten times to protect the Assad regime at the Security Council.

Earlier this month Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told Fox News that his country was not acting as an aggressor in Syria since it was invited by the legitimate Syrian government to defend terrorists, which we did since 2015, while the U.S. was never invited to Syria. Nebenzia concluded by asking aloud who was the aggressor?

Bassam Rifai a spokesman for the Syrian American Council, a group that supports an end to the Assad regime, said he cant see Russia supporting the draft resolution that is expected to come up for a vote but even if did pass, it wont matter.

Rifai added, Weve seen Assad ignore his own ceasefires. A UN brokered ceasefire is useless. A show of force is the only thing that will slow the killing.
Sweden and Kuwait called for a vote Thursday on a U.N. resolution ordering a 30-day cease-fire throughout Syria to enable delivery of humanitarian aid to millions of people in acute need, and the evacuation of the critically sick and wounded.

But the Security Council resolution would exempt attacks directed at extremists from the Islamic State group, al-Qaida and the Nusra Front  targets the Syrian government and its Russian allies say they are pursuing.

The proposed resolution, put in a final form Wednesday, expresses "outrage at the unacceptable levels of violence" and attacks on civilians in several parts of Syria, particularly in Idlib governorate and the rebel-held Damascus suburbs of eastern Ghouta.

Whether Russia uses its veto or abstains in a vote on the resolution remains to be seen.

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia called a 30-day cease-fire unrealistic, and diplomats said during negotiations on the text he argued that it couldn't be enforced. Instead, he proposed a change that would have the parties agree to a cease-fire themselves which was rejected by the sponsors, the diplomats said.

"We cannot simply decide that there is a cease-fire," Nebenzia said Wednesday in an audio recording from Russia's U.N. Mission. "That's a long and complex process to achieve. Cessations cannot be established by putting a word in the resolution."

Soon after final draft of the resolution was circulated, Nebenzia called for an open Security Council meeting Thursday on eastern Ghouta. Some diplomats complained privately that Russia was trying to delay action on the 30-day cease-fire resolution.

The U.N. human rights office said Wednesday that at least 346 people have been killed in eastern Ghouta since the Syrian government and its allies escalated an offensive on Feb. 4.

Nebenzia told the council it's important that all sides in the conflict present their understanding of the situation in eastern Ghouta "and come up the ways of getting out of the situation there."

Russia understands "there are terrorists there who the Syrian army is fighting and the terrorists are shelling heavily Damascus  and that has been neglected," he said.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier urged an immediate suspension of "all war activities" in eastern Ghouta, where he said 400,000 people are living "in hell on earth."

The U.N. chief said a suspension of fighting must allow for humanitarian aid to reach all in need and the evacuation of some 700 people needing urgent medical treatment.

"This is a human tragedy that is unfolding in front of our eyes and I don't think we can let things go on in this horrendous way," he said.

U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley supported the U.N. chief saying "it is time for us to realize that we can't continue to look away."

Later, she accused "the barbaric Assad regime" of attacking men, women and children.

"It is simply preposterous to claim that these attacks on civilians have anything to do with fighting terrorism," Haley said in a statement. "The Security Council must move to adopt a resolution establishing a cease-fire."

But since the Syrian conflict began nearly seven years ago, the Security Council has been deeply divided, with Russia backing President Bashar Assad's government and the U.S., Britain and France supporting the opposition. The result has been paralysis and inaction.

The proposed Syria humanitarian resolution drafted by Sweden and Kuwait expresses "grave distress" that more than 13.1 million people in Syria need urgent humanitarian assistance and "outrage" at the escalating violence and lack of access to civilians in need.

It calls for a cease-fire throughout Syria to begin 72 hours after the resolution's adoption. It states that 48 hours after a cease-fire starts humanitarian convoys must be allowed "unimpeded and sustained access" and the U.N. and its partners must be allowed to evacuate urgent cases.

The draft resolution also calls for the immediate lifting of sieges including in eastern Ghouta, Yarmouk, Foua and Kefraya.
Seven Americans were among more than two dozen people injured when an explosion ripped through a ferry as it unloaded passengers in a Mexican tourist destination Wednesday.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico confirmed the number of American citizens injured in the blast late Wednesday that injured at least 25 overall, disputing initial varying reports on the number of victims.

The local municipal government and the port authority both reported that 18 were injured, including 15 Mexicans and three Canadians. Local Civil Defense director Juan Medina Sosa said there were 25 injured, including three Canadians and two Americans, and all were in good condition.

The Canadian diplomatic mission said it had not received any information that any of its citizens were harmed.

Authorities said none of the injuries were life-threatening. The victims sustained minor cuts and were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Videos posted online by the newspaper Quintana Roo Hoy showed the blast sending a fireball and debris flying sideways from the ferry as it was moored to the dock with people nearby.

The Barcos Caribe vessel was left with a gaping hole in its starboard side next to a passenger seating area.

The municipal statement said the explosion happened when passengers were getting off the boat, and the cause was not yet known.

The Port Administration of Quintana Roo state said in a statement that preliminary indications suggest a mechanical failure may have been to blame.

It added that service to the nearby resort island of Cozumel would continue with other ferry companies that operate from the municipal dock.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An Afghan official says Taliban fighters have attacked a police security post in central Ghazni province, killing eight local police.

Arif Noori, spokesman for the provincial governor, said Thursday the attack happened the previous night. He said the insurgents attacked from four sides using heavy weapons, including artillery, killing eight police and wounding another in a two-hour attack.

Government reinforcement reached the area too late to stop the attack, Noori said.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement, and said nine local police were killed and one other captured in the attack
Argentine officials say that a police officer and a Russian diplomatic official were arrested after authorities seized a large cocaine shipment at the Russian embassy in Buenos Aires.

Security Minister Patricia Bullrich said Thursday that 860 pounds (389 kilograms) of the drug were hidden inside diplomatic luggage that was seized in 2016.

Authorities arrested the suspects Wednesday after conducting a joint, yearlong Argentine-Russian investigation once the Russian ambassador to Argentina reported finding the luggage at an annex building of the embassy.
Bangladesh's High Court has accepted an appeal by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia of her five-year prison sentence in a corruption case.

A panel of two judges heard arguments from both sides in a packed courtroom Thursday and asked authorities to submit case records to it within 15 days.

The court stayed a decision to fine Zia $250,000 in the verdict and set next Sunday to hear her petition for bail.

Zia, currently the country's opposition leader, was convicted on Feb. 8 of misusing power in embezzling about $250,000 in donations meant for an orphanage trust established when she first became prime minister in 1991. Defense lawyers say the verdict was politically motivated.

Her conviction means that Zia could be barred from running in December elections.
Indonesian customs officials have arrested two foreigners accused of attempting to smuggle drugs onto the tourist island of Bali.

Customs chief Himawan Indarjono said Thursday that British citizen Adam Scott and German Siegfried Karl Achim Ruckel were arrested at Bali's Ngurah Rai airport.

He said officers seized a bottle with 655 Diazepam tablets, also known as Valium, from Scott, a computer analyst who arrived from Bangkok on Jan. 24. The amount was judged to be more than he needed for personal use.

Another customs official, Husni Syaiful, said Ruckel arrived two days later from Doha and possessed 7 grams (0.25 ounces) of heroin, 0.2 grams (0.01 ounces) of amphetamine and 15.3 grams (0.54 ounces) of morphine.

Indonesia has tough anti-drug laws. Traffickers can receive the death penalty.
China says it is "highly concerned" about a reported ship-to-ship transfer on the high seas that could violate U.N. sanctions on North Korea.

Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Thursday that Beijing is investigating the incident reported by Japan earlier this week.

Geng said China would "seriously deal" with any Chinese individuals or enterprises found to be involved.

Photos of the transfer released by Japan show a North Korean-flagged tanker alongside a smaller ship that appears to be Chinese, with what appear to be hoses running between them.

Japan has reported three such incidents in the past month.

China has agreed to impose increasingly tough sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear weapons program, and Geng said Beijing recently issued a statement explicitly banning ship-to-ship transfers.
Egypt's military says seven troops have been killed so far in a massive security operation launched this month against Islamic militants in the restive northern Sinai Peninsula and other areas.

The military's spokesman, Tamer al-Rifai, said on Thursday that six soldiers have been wounded during the operation, which began Feb. 9.

He says 71 militants have been killed and five arrested. Troops also arrested 1,852 others, including "criminal elements" and people suspected of supporting militants, many of whom have since been released.

The military's figures cannot be independently confirmed as journalists are barred from the area.

The operation covers north and central Sinai and parts of Egypt's Nile Delta and the Western Desert, along the porous border with Libya.

Sinai has been the epicenter of a years-long Islamic insurgency.
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Radicalized inmates in the general prison population can quickly start influencing others and endanger prison staff. It's a problem that has dogged French authorities for years and is set to grow more acute as foreign fighters return to France amid the collapse of the Islamic State group.

More citizens from France have traveled to the battlefields of Syria and Iraq than from any other European country, and the United States is urging allied nations to claim their nationals held by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces because facilities there are filling up.

Making room for more returnees in French prisons, some built in the 19th century, could put new strains on the prison system  and be a tight squeeze. By December 2017, some prisons were over capacity by 220 percent, according to the Justice Ministry.
An 88-year-old British military veteran tapped into his decades-old training to reportedly save a young woman from five knife-wielding thugs.

John Nixon, who fought in the Korean War, said he stepped in when he noticed five youths grab a womans handbag and clothes while walking down Raglan Street, in Kenthish Town, last month.

My initial thoughts were to divert their attention away from the girl who was screaming. I shouted leave her alone, he told the Evening Standard. But they turned on me, saying Well take your money instead, and I said, No you dont. Kids this age are full of bravado, you see, they werent expecting a surprise.

"Fear is not in my vocabulary."  John Nixon

Nixon said his military training kicked in and he fought back at one of the suspected thieves, slugging one in the neck.

I disabled one but another pulled out a knife so I had to try and deal with him too, he continued. I tried to disarm him and in the process I got stab wounds here, there and everywhere. There was a lot of blood. He wasnt trained and it was more of a pocket knife. Luckily my wounds were shallow.

The robbers fled and Nixon was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Police officers applauded Nixon for the Jan. 27 attack, commending him for his extraordinary bravery.

Nixon said he trained as a special forces solider, or commando, in the British military at a training camp at Achnacarry Castle in the Western Highlands of Scotland.

He said he was sent on intelligence missions to Egypt, the Middle East and Germany. After leaving the military, he served as a bodyguard to Doctors Without Borders in Nigeria.

Nixon said all he wanted to do was help the woman being attacked.

Ive been shot in the leg and even bitten by a snake, the venom lay dormant in my spine for years, he said. Ive been near death so many times that situation just doesnt worry me. The woman ran off screaming, but I hope she is okay.

He added: "Fear is not in my vocabulary."

Police said no arrests have been made.
Just hours before an explosion at the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized Western policies toward his country, urging European countries to maintain good relations with Moscow despite the Russia-West divisions.

Lavrov said Wednesday during a visit to Slovenia that being a member of NATO or the European Union "does not mean it is necessary to avoid contacts with states that are not included in those international organizations," like Russia.

Lavrov visited EU member Slovenia before proceeding to Serbia, an EU hopeful that remains a rare ally of Moscow in the region where Russia wants to maintain its traditional influence.

In a joint opinion piece with Serbia's Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, Lavrov wrote that policies of "'either with us or against us' have fueled mistrust and instability on the European continent."

The European Union has mapped a strategy for making Serbia and Montenegro members of the bloc by 2025, the website of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty reported.

But Serbia has maintained close ties with Moscow and has opposed EU sanctions against Russia that were imposed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the report said.

In a Feb. 19 interview with Serbia's Beta news agency, Lavrov claimed that "anti-Russia" nations were pressuring Balkan countries to choose between the West and Russia.

"Washington and some European capitals send their emissaries to the Balkans for this exact purpose: Don't be friends with Russia, refuse joint interaction with it in all areas," Lavrov said, adding that Western policies were "increasing tensions in Europe."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Slovenia's government has sacked the army chief of staff after the military's poor performance at a NATO combat readiness test.

The government on Thursday replaced Maj. Gen. Andrej Osterman, appointing his deputy, Alan Geder, to the post.

The decision comes after a battlegroup failed in all but one of five areas in a NATO combat readiness assessment at a training facility near the southwestern town of Postojna.

The official STA news agency says an 800-strong battlegroup was tested last week in planning, operation, logistics support, communication, and administration.

Prime Minister Miro Cerar says the government has allocated funds for army preparedness "so we were surprised when we received the report."

Osterman was appointed in 2014.
The U.S. Embassy in the Balkan state of Montenegro was attacked Thursday by an individual armed with a hand grenade, who hurled the explosive at the compound before blowing himself up.

The area was sealed off by the police and the embassy warned Americans to avoid the area because of an active security situation.

The U.S. embassy in Podgorica advises U.S. citizens there is an active security situation at the U.S. embassy in Podgorica, it said.

The government of Montenegro said an unknown assailant threw the grenade into the embassy compound in the evening and then blew himself up with another explosive device.

There are no reported deaths except of the attacker.

The New York Times reported that a witness saw the man throw the object over the wall at around midnight. The embassy was closed at the time of the attack.

Security officials swept the grounds and found no other threats. Employees were told to stay home on Thursday, the paper reported.

The European Union 2016 report claimed that roughly 20 Montenegro nationals went on to fight in Syria and Iraq since 2012. It remains unclear how many of them returned to the country.

The report urged the government of Montenegro to improve government agencies to monitor possible terrorist threats, including radicalized Montenegrin nationals returning from battlefields.

Last month, a court sentenced one Montenegro national for fighting for the Islamic State. He was given a six-month jail term.

Several other people, including two Russian secret service operatives, meanwhile, are on trial on charges that they wanted to overthrow the government in 2016 over its pro-Western policies.

Montenegro borders the Adriatic Sea in southeastern Europe and its capital is Podgorica. It joined NATO last year.

The U.S. established diplomatic ties with the tiny Balkan state in 2006 after it split from much larger Serbia.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
By Mrs Jeanne MUKAMURENZI

Your Excellency Edgar Lungu, on your state visit to Rwanda.

Your excellency, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Rwanda, a country of thousand hills.

Sir, I have no doubt that you love Rwanda and the people of Rwanda. your country Zambia has continued to host thousands of Rwandese refugees who ran away from Mr.Paul Kagame's killings both in Rwanda and The Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Your Excellency, as you embark on a state visit to Rwanda, I felt I should bring some important facts to your attention of which I know very well that Mr. Paul Kagame will not dare to bring to you.

Your Excellency, I was very pleased to see you laying wreaths at Gisozi Genocide memorial site.

Your Excellency, as you may have been told that the memorial is for the Tutsi who were killed in 1994, and those are the only people who are remembered and mostly talked about.

Your Excellency, the killing in Rwanda did not start in 1994, the killing started on 01/10/1990 when the Rwandan Patriotic Army invaded Rwanda. They came killing men , women and children mainly Hutu.

Your Excellency, you may wish to know that all these victims who were killed in 1990 to today, are not remembered, their families are not allowed to mourn them, there is no memorial site for them, the foreign dignitaries like yourself your Excellency, are not told about these victims who were killed by Paul Kagame's soldiers under his instructions.

Your Excellency, these are victims who deserve to be remembered , to be mourned by their families and their resting place to be visited and be honored by foreign dignitaries who visit Rwanda.

Your Excellency, in April 1995, Paul Kagame ordered the killing of more than 40'000 (forty thousands) internally displaced Hutus refugees women, men children and elderly people in Kibeho Refugee camp according to the Australian peace keepers who were present when Kagame ordered the killings. Zambian peace keepers under the United nation peace keeping mission watched helplessly while these refugees were being shot dead others being hacked with machetes by Paul Kagame's soldiers under his order.

The Victims were buried in a mass grave and the place has since been forgotten as if nothing happened there, yet thousands of innocent Hutus are lying there, their families are not allowed to talk about them.

Your Excellency, many Rwandans could have loved to see you laying wreath to honor these victims and see for yourself what the Zambian peacekeepers went through trying to save the lives of the innocent victims.

Your Excellency, those who were lucky to survive this atrocity some of them are in Zambia, your country, I would like to thank the Zambian people through you, your Excellency for welcoming these people. The memories of what they went though and saw are still fresh up to now.

This is one of the images of what happened in Kibeho.

Your Excellency, when Mr. Paul Kagame visited your country, he was taken to the embassy Park , a resting place for former Zambian Republican presidents, I know you would wish to do the same on your visit to Rwanda.

Unfortunately,your Excellency, the truth is that in Rwanda such places don't exist . Mr. Paul Kagame has made sure that none of the former Rwanda's head of the state is heard of, their spouses and children even their properties.

Your Excellency , let me give you an example.

His excellency Dominique Mbonyumutwa was our first Republican President. When he died he was buried at Kamarampaka stadium (named as such after the first referendum that changed Rwanda into a Republic from Monarchy) to honor him for fighting for the independence. Hereafter, Mr. Paul Kagame went on to exhume the remains of our Independence hero , Mr. Dominique Mbonyumutwa and no one knows where he took his remains, His family has never been told where the remains of their relative have been put, could they be among those skeletons at Gisozi genocide memorial site? The where about of His Excellency Dominique Mbonyumutwa's exhumed remains remain a mystery among Rwandans and his family at large till today.

In addition, the airport which you landed to this morning was named after our second Republican President His Excellency Gregoire Kayibanda, it was named after him in his honor for fighting also for Independence. However, Mr Paul Kageme as the most selfish President we have ever had, went on and changed the name of that airport to Kigali International airport in order to delete that hero name from the mind of the Rwandan People.

Your Excellency, you will be sad to know that no sooner than Mr. Paul Kagame took power after Shooting down the plane carrying our former Republican President His Excellency Juvenal Habyarimana. This is the indisputable fact which is now taken as the direct cause of Rwandan Genocide.

Your Excellency,

When Mr. Paul Kagame was on a state visit to your Country, you hosted a state banquet in his honor and his entourage and present at the banquet were two Zambian former heads of the state.

Unfortunately your Excellency on your state visit to Rwanda, you won't have an opportunity to meet Rwanda's former heads of state or their spouses, only one is surviving but he is not heard of, probably Mr. Paul Kagame won't even talk about him.

I would like to let you know that Mr. Pasteur Bizimungu is still alive though he is as good as dead under Kagame.

Your Excellency,

Allow me to tell you a bit about the political situation in Rwanda, I know Mr. Paul Kagame won't tell the real situation. Mr.Paul Kagame has closed the political space and he is not ashamed to blag about it.

Your Excellency,

Women and men who have shown different views to those of Mr. Kagame's have found themselves in Prison. The country you have visited, many Rwandans refer to it as an open prison due to a number people who have been thrown in prison for their opposing views, others have been denied an entry into their country, as a refusal to do politics inside Rwanda.

Your Excellency,

I know Mr.Paul Kagame has told you many lies about his government. I felt duty bound to bring few facts to your attention so that you won't dwell on the lies that Mr. Paul Kagame has told you.

I would have wished to go into details telling you about the political situation in Rwanda, but that I will do it next time.

Your Excellency, don't be surprised if you see the people of Rwanda rising against the dictatorship and bad governance of Mr. Paul Kagame.The people of Rwanda are Slowly loosing patience and very soon the whistle of "we refuse the dictatorship of Paul Kagame and his clique "will be blown .

Your Excellency the people of Rwanda will count on you to persuade him to respect the will of the people.

Your Excellency,

I wish you a pleasant stay in Rwanda.

May your state visit to Rwanda make you a unifier of Rwandans who are scattered around the world wishing to return back to Rwanda to build their country.

May you understand the underlying problem of political situation in Rwanda and use your wisdom to give a wise counsel to the concerned part.

I thank you your Excellency.

Jeanne MUKAMURENZI.

A Rwandese refugee living in Norway,

Deputy Secretary General in charge of the youths in Ishema Party.
Going global

The experience sparked what would become an abiding interest in HIV and the immune system. After medical school, Uldrick gravitated toward HIV-associated cancers during his residency and postdoctoral clinical training in hematology and medical oncology at New York Presbyterian/ Columbia University Medical Center.

Cancer was part of HIV/AIDS from the epidemics beginning. In the earliest days, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the once-rare Kaposi sarcoma and, in women, cervical cancer became known as AIDS-defining cancers. They signaled that a persons HIV infection had progressed to full-blown AIDS.

Since the advent of antiretroviral therapy for HIV in 1996, full-blown AIDS and AIDS deaths have dropped dramatically. But the association between HIV and cancer remains. Even on antiviral treatment, HIV patients are at higher risk of developing cancer, not just the traditional AIDS-defining cancers but across the board. Among the 37 million people around the world living with HIV, cancer is now a leading cause of suffering and death.

In New York, the HIV-related cancers Uldrick saw were mostly lymphomas. In a postdoctoral fellowship in Durban, South Africa, in 2008  shortly after antiretroviral therapy became available there  he saw lymphomas and more, including Kaposi sarcoma, a cancer caused by infection with a herpes virus now known as Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus, or KSHV. The virus leads to cancer mostly in people who also have a weakened immune system, thus its association with HIV/AIDS.

Uldrick spent three months helping Dr. Anisa Mosam of University of KwaZulu-Natal analyze data from a clinical trial she had done on an experimental Kaposi treatment, but the experience resonated much longer. Over the years, he maintained that and other relationships he made in South Africa, collaborating on research papers and advising students on their masters theses.

In South Africa, where the HIV epidemic is worse than any place else in the world and the majority of lymphomas were HIV-associated, I became acutely aware of the need for really innovative, high-impact research in this area, he said of this second career-defining experience. I felt that my research interest could potentially have a very big impact if I focused on international projects.

A new interest in immunotherapies

Uldrick returned from Durban to lay the groundwork for a research collaboration between Columbia and KwaZulu-Natal universities that continues today. (Around the same time  beginning in 2004 and formalized in 2008  Fred Hutch was establishing its own Global Oncology program in Kampala, Uganda, partnering with the Uganda Cancer Institute.) Then the National Cancer Institute lured Uldrick away with a job offer that allowed him to hone his skills as a clinical investigator, designing and running novel clinical trials in HIV-associated malignancies as well as natural history studies evaluating the pathogenesis of KSHV-associated diseases. He worked under mentor Dr. Robert Yarchoan, who did some of the earliest HIV antiretroviral therapy trials at the NCI, then moved on to Kaposi sarcoma.

Uldrick spent the next 10 years at the NCI, rising to clinical director of the HIV & AIDS Malignancy Branch. Witnessing the advent of new immunotherapies that were beginning to transform cancer treatment, he became principal investigator for an ongoing, multi-center study  developed with immunotherapy researcher Dr. Martin Mac Cheever, who leads the NCI-funded, Fred Hutch-based Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network  on a category of immunotherapies called checkpoint inhibitors in people with HIV and cancer.

In November, he presented early results from the study: The treatment, pembrolizumab (Keytruda), appears safe to use in patients with both advanced malignancies and HIV. Safety concerns had excluded this population from earlier trials of such therapies. This finding was a key first step in finding new treatments for them.

Recruited to join Fred Hutch Global Oncology, Uldrick was enthralled by the chance to continue his exploration of immunotherapy in Kaposi sarcoma and other HIV-related cancers in a part of the world where the burden is the greatest  as is the chance to make an impact.

I was at a point in my career where I was hoping to focus more of my effort on high-impact global oncology research, he said. Fred Hutch is a leader in that.
Announcing the 2018 ABA Young Birders of the Year!

After months of dedicated work from young people across North America, our esteemed panel of judges has evaluated and tabulated the results of the 2018 ABA Young Birder of the Year Contest. We are very excited to announce the winners!

Your 2018 ABA Young Birders of the Year are 12-year-old Adam Dhalla from Coquitlam, British Columbia (11-13 Age Group) and 16-year-old Teodelina Martelli from Thousand Oaks, California (14-18 Age Group). Congratulations, Adam and Teodelina!

Winning contestants receive prizes donated by birding-related businesses and organizations. Adam and Teodelina, as the top finishers in each Age Group, will receive a pair of Leica Trinovid binoculars donated by ABAs Legacy Sponsor for the Young Birder of the Year Program, Leica Sport Optics. Congratulations to everyone who participated in this prestigious competition!

See the complete list of all of module winners over at The Eyrie, the ABAs Young Birder Blog. And stay tuned to The Eyrie in the coming weeks to see excerpts from the winning entries, interviews with the winners, and more.

The 2019 contest begins on April 15, so mark your calendars! For more information, contact the American Birding Association headquarters at (800) 850-2473 or (719) 578-9703, get in touch with Bill Stewart, or look for contest details on the ABA website.
Beef, sheep and pig exports are predicted to rise this year and there will be a small growth in domestic demand for beef and pork.

However, AHDB warned that its outlooks for these sectors all carry a 15% degree of uncertainty because of the UKs impending exit from the EU.

Beef outlook

Stability is forecast, with modest growth to domestic demand alongside a predicted 6.4% increase in exports in 2018.

The outlook for beef in the short term will be greatly influenced by changes in the dairy herd in recent years, particularly during the downturn of 2015-16.

The UK beef sector has seen a rise in the number of native crosses coming forward, likely a product of the dairy herd using more beef semen.

However, this also has a negative impact on carcass weights, which are predicted to fall 1kg a year until 2020.

Falling carcass weights are also a result of processors looking to respond to consumer demands for smaller cuts.

UK beef production is expected to increase marginally in 2018 to 904,000 tonnes, before falling 5,000 tonnes per year until 2020.

Imports and exports were predicted to follow a similar trend of peaking in 2018 before slightly falling away, but AHDB forecasted a 15% level of uncertainty either way, dependent on the trade deal established after the UK leaves the EU.

Irish production is forecast to be higher in 2018 and the levy board predicted the UK would increase its share of the 51% of Irish exports it received in 2017.

Brexit will be the biggest challenge and opportunity in the short term, said AHDB Beef & Lamb senior analyst Duncan Wyatt.

Brexit could fall out in a way that domestic prices rise, which would be good for UK producers. Similarly, you could paint a picture whereby domestic prices are challenged by cheaper imports that are not facing a particular tariff.

Brexit presents a crystallisation of a lot of problems that were facing the industry anyway, in as much as there is definitely a need to improve productivity, address costs and a need for farm businesses to look and identify really what their priorities are.

Mr Wyatt added: Brexit in that sense presents businesses with an opportunity to look at their business and see if they are doing things as well and efficiently as they can.

Brexit models: Beef and sheep Post-Brexit modelling shows that the only scenario that will deliver current returns for both lowland and less-favoured area beef and sheep producers will be an evolution-style deal, with a free-trade arrangement and current levels of support, regulation and labour availability remaining the same. Models with no deal, less subsidies and higher labour costs saw farm business incomes at a fraction of current levels, and in the case of LFA beef and sheep will become negative.

Sheep

Rising export volumes will continue to offset the decline in UK lamb consumption in 2018.

Imports are set to fall further this year, because higher returns are enticing Australia and New Zealand to send lamb to China rather than to the UK.

Exports are expected to rise considerably, according to AHDB, to absorb the long-term decline in domestic lamb consumption and predicted increases in production.

However, consumption figures do not measure the food service sector, where lamb is considered a premium product.

The production forecast is caveated with a 5% margin of uncertainty in 2018, which grew to 15% in later years to reflect different post-Brexit trade scenarios.

The UK breeding flock has seen consistent growth over the last five years, with AHDB predicting a modest 1% increase in 2018 as producers hold steady amid Brexit uncertainty.

Last year proved to be a record year for the UKs lamb rearing rate  levels that are not expected to be repeated in 2018 as a result of wet conditions in autumn 2017, which affected tupping.

Sheepmeat production is anticipated to increase in all quarters of 2018, predicted to rise 6.7% on the previous year to 317,000 tonnes, with carcass weights remaining in line with the long-term average.

The biggest challenge for the sheepmeat industry is the continued decline in domestic lamb consumption, predicted to fall a further 12.4% to 275,000 tonnes by 2020, according to AHDB Beef & Lamb analyst Rebecca Oborne.

However, Ms Oborne added: The consumers of lamb tend to be from older generations, so equally there is an opportunity to tell the farm-to-fork story and the fact that lamb has a lot of positive benefits to it.

Pigs

Pig producers will have to compete in a more crowded marketplace as global production rises in 2018.

UK products fared better than the EU as a whole last year, aided by the weak pound and positive reputation of British pigmeat exports, which are forecast to increase 7.2% to 283,000 tonnes in 2018.

Higher production and higher imports could see a glut of pork on the market next year, putting pressure on prices, which would largely be determined by consumer demand levels.

Despite expanding domestic production acting as a deterrent, the UK will have to compete with rising production levels across the continent  crucially in Denmark, where product is generally more price competitive.

The market in 2018 will be further crowded by higher production from the US and Canada. However, demand from China could increase as its domestic infrastructure continues to struggle to meet demand.

Clean pig slaughterings are expected to rise 2% to 10.6 million head in 2018 due to a growing breeding herd, increased herd fertility performance and the higher producer returns of 2017.

However, anecdotally producers were investing more in buildings and infrastructure than significant herd expansion, according to AHDB Beef & Lamb.

AHDB did add the caveat that slaughterings could be lower than forecast because reports of seasonal infertility last year could have an impact on numbers coming forward in April and May time, affecting the second quarter slaughter in 2018.

Production growth is expected to outpace the increase in slaughterings as carcass weights continue to rise  a result of the long-term use of genetics and a drive towards heavier finishing weights.

The pig sector could be at risk of increased imports in 2018.

Exports should also increase moving forward, aided largely by an increased domestic supply of pigmeat.

The biggest opportunity for the pigmeat industry was increasing UK self-sufficiency, which currently stands at 55%, according to AHDB Beef & Lamb analyst Bethan Wilkins.

She added: Equally, the opportunity is related to the challenge with the carcass balancing problem and we need to stimulate demand for some of the other cuts or find markets for them elsewhere in the world.
Britains biggest fracking company has been given permission for a High Court challenge to the National Trusts refusal to allow access to land for seismic surveys.

In a statement on Thursday (22 February), petrochemical giant Ineos said it had been granted permission for the challenge by the governments Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) to access land at the National Trusts Clumber Park, near Ollerton, in Nottinghamshire.

The National Trust, which had refused Ineos access to the 1,538ha country park, accused the company of failing to follow the proper planning process, adding it had no wish for our land to play any part in extracting gas or oil.

See also: Landowners demand government action over fracking liability

The ruling is significant for farmers and landowners as it demonstrates that oil and gas companies can force access to land even if the landowner disagrees.

Ineos holds oil and gas exploration licences across 1.2 million acres of land in the UK.

Ineos has been seeking permission to conduct seismic surveys at Clumber Park to detect whether shale gas reserves lie deep underground. But the company has not been given approval to frack for shale gas at the Grade I-listed site.

Lynn Calder, commercial director at Ineos Shale, said: Legal action has been the last resort and we have used powers which prevent landowners from blocking projects which benefit the wider community and the nation as a whole.

These surveys are both routine and necessary across the UK, including on National Trust land.

The National Trusts position is very disappointing as we have had positive relationships with a range of stakeholders and landowners during surveys.

Legal challenge

The National Trust, which owns 250,000ha of farmland in the UK, said it was disappointed by the OGAs decision, but due to the legal status of the case it could not comment further at the moment.

We are already seeing the impacts of climate change at many of our places, and we have launched a programme to dramatically cut our own fossil fuel usage at our properties, said the Trust.

Ineos said that if shale gas exploration proves successful, it could provide the UK economy with enormous levels of investment and jobs in the north of England.

Bully-boy tactics

But Guy Shrubsole, a Friends of the Earth (FoE) campaigner, told the DrillOrDrop website: A huge fracking firm suing the National Trust to test for shale gas within the historic Sherwood Forest area will make people wonder what is sacred anymore.

The spirit of Robin Hood will be bridling at these bully-boy tactics. Ineos fracking activities threaten to industrialise our green and pleasant land and people everywhere will be horrified.

Clumber Park covers about 1,538ha (3,800 acres), much of which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is home to internationally protected species including bats, woodlark, nightjar and great crested newt.
Galveston, TX (77553)

Today

Mainly cloudy. A few peeks of sunshine possible. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 77F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Taylor Canfield -- skipper for the Stars + Stripes, which is part of the America's Cup conglomerate -- finished competition's opening day in first place, with six wins.
Emil Kjaer of the Royal Danish Yacht Club, and Americans Jeffrey Petersen and David Wood secured the final three spots after coming in first, second and third respectively in the 2021 Ficker Cup, which was this past weekend in Long...
MOSS POINT, Miss. -- Two Magnolia Middle School students received a surprise on Wednesday.

The surprise -- their aunt, Jamila Love, a Navy sailor who flew home to pop up on her niece and nephew during their school day.

"We planned the surprise in January because I heard that I was coming to Pensacola actually for school," Love said, "I knew I was flying in on a week day, so my mom and I planned to surprise them."

Love was stationed in Virginia but was sent to Pensacola where she will be stationed at a schoolhouse teaching information technology.

Her first order of business was surprising her nephew, Thomas. His demeanor when he saw his aunt tugged at her heart strings, she said.

"My nephew reaction -- he didn't even know what to say, it kind of touched my heart," Love said. "My niece Kamyah was just telling me how much she missed me last week and she didn't know I was coming. It felt really good to hold my niece and nephew."

For those who have family members in the Armed Forces, it can be tough dealing with not being able to see your loved ones whenever you can.

Love said for kids who are the positions her niece and nephew are, holding on to those relationships is important.

"I would say to the kids don't lose focus on the importance of the relationship," she said. "Talking to older members in the military, some of their regrets are losing sight of those relationships and that's something I would encourage the youth to forget."

Love is from Moss Point and while she has not been in the city during the recent uptick in violence, she said she encourages students to not follow the crowd and be their own individual.

"Don't follow the crowd -- I see a lot of people who want to blend in," she said. "Step out and be who you're destined to be. If you have big dreams, follow them."
New Zealand has been named the least-corrupt country in the world.



Transparency International on Thursday released its latest Corruptions Perception Index, which rates countries on their "perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and businesspeople".

New Zealand's score slipped from 90 to 89 (out of 100), but remains marginally ahead of Denmark, which scored 88. New Zealand was ranked first-equal with Denmark last year on 90.

Somalia once again came last, its score dropping from 10 to nine. Syria and South Sudan were barely better, scoring 14 and 12 respectively.

Transparency International NZ's David McNeill said Kiwis should be proud of their ranking.

"They understand what a fair go is, and nobody likes to see corruption where resources are transferred from the many to the few."

But more work would be needed in order to stay on top.

"We can only maintain that position from ongoing improvement."

Other countries ranked highly were Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Singapore, Sweden, Canada, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the UK. Not surprisingly, Western Europe was the least corrupt region of the world.

But more than two-thirds of the 180 countries in the list scored below 50, with the average score a lowly 43. South Africa scored 43, so if you think South Africa is corrupt, it's not an exception - it's the norm.

Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and central Asia ranked the worst however, with Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Sudan, Lybia, Guinea Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, North Korea, Iraq, Turkmenistan and Venezuela bringing up the rear.

Countries that have improved since last year include the Ivory Coast, Senegal and the UK. Syria, Yemen and Australia all slipped.

The US ranked 21st, with a score of 75 - up one point and one place in the rankings, perhaps surprising critics of US President Donald Trump and his administration. Australia ranked 16th, Israel 36th and Cuba 65th.

Why New Zealand is the least-corrupt country in the world

Transparency International NZ chair Suzanne Snively said New Zealand's performance reflects the "integrity of our public servants".

"Complacency however remains our biggest challenge. The prevention of corruption is too often a low priority.

"Work to enhance transparency must continue for New Zealand to maintain leadership in the fight against corruption. This includes more open public involvement in Government decision-making and a publically accessible registry of the beneficial owners of companies and trusts."

Transparency International patron and former Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said New Zealand has "strong integrity systems in place".

"A perceived lack of corruption and active examples of good business practices make it easier for Kiwi organisations to gain market access offshore, all of which ultimately benefits all New Zealanders."

The world's least-corrupt countries

1. New Zealand

2. Denmark

3. Finland, Norway, Switzerland

6. Singapore, Sweden

8. Canada, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, The UK

The world's most-corrupt countries



1. Somalia

2. South Sudan

3. Syria

4. Afghanistan

5. Yemen, Sudan

7. Libya, Guinea Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, North Korea

Newshub.
Michael Donovan Harris

PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Michael Donovan Harris of Ocean Springs made his first court appearance Thursday morning after being charged with capital murder in the death of his fiancee's 7-month-old son.

Harris was initially arrested last Friday on charges of felony child abuse, but that charge was upgraded to capital murder after the infant, Tanner Everett Cowart, died Wednesday at University of South Alabama Medical Center from injuries Jackson County investigators say were caused by abuse from Harris.

Abuse of a child causing injuries leading to death carries a capital murder charge in Mississippi. If convicted, Harris could face death by lethal injection or life in prison without parole.

The 27-year-old Harris was alone with the infant at the Gulf Park Estates home he and the mother, Tiffany Lynn Cowart, shared on Birch Avenue while Tiffany Cowart took her two older sons to school Feb. 16.

When Tiffany Cowart returned around 8:30 a.m., she found Tanner unresponsive and called 911. Tanner was initially treated at Ocean Springs Hospital that day and hospital personnel notified the Jackson County Sheriff's Office there were signs of abuse.

A hulking figure at 6-3, 285 pounds, Harris entered the courtroom Thursday looking sullen and with his eyes mostly gazing down. He acknowledged Jackson County Youth Court Judge Sharon Sigalas as she read him his Miranda rights and the charge against him. Sigalas was presiding over the hearing with Jackson County Judge T. Larry Wilson out of town.

Sigalas informed Harris that bond is not allowed in capital murder cases, thus he would remain jailed until the case is concluded. Harris was returned to the Jackson County Adult Detention Center after the hearing, which lasted less than five minutes.

According to both Harris' and Tiffany Cowart's Facebook pages, the two became engaged on Dec. 4. Harris' page says he is from Greenville, Miss., and attended Riverside High School. It also says he is employed as a "catfish seiner" at CatPro Seine Pro.

Sigalas did not set a date for a preliminary hearing, which Harris could waive after consulting with his attorney.
For those guilty of the ol' vape and drive (to make sure your clout levels remain high of course), this may be an unlucky time you live in.

Recently in the UK, police have warned that if you're caught vaping and driving, you could be prosecuted.
At the Battle of Worcester in 1651, Charles Stuart (later Charles II) unsuccessfully tried to reclaim the throne lost through the execution of his father Charles I. He was forced into retreat to avoid capture, and whilst on the run from Cromwells New Model Army he stopped at Boscobel House. When the patrols came looking for him, Charles concealed himself in the nearby woods by hiding in a tree, known today as The Royal Oak.

A manuscript newly acquired by the British Library claims to be a coded message passed to Charles at Boscobel by an unnamed lady, warning him of his imminent danger. A small sheet of music which, when folded correctly, reveals the message Conceal yourself your foes look for you (Add MS 89288).

Add MS 89288

The manuscript ended up in the hands of John Port, who said he came into possession of it through his wife, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. Port lived out his life in Portland, Dorset after losing the family fortune and left the manuscript in the hands of his landlord, William White.

Also in the British Library is a 19th-century copy of this message (Add MS 45850, f. 68). This manuscript names the author of the message as Jane Lane, who helped Charles escape England by disguising him as her servant.

Add MS 45850, f. 68

However, this is not the only story of this codes origin. Elsewhere, the same cryptograph is said to have been passed to other historical figures.

Walter William Rouse Ball, a mathematician at Trinity College, Cambridge, used a version of the message in his book Mathematical Recreations and Essays as an example of a cryptograph.

W. W. Rouse Ball, Mathematical Recreations and Essays, 4th Edition (MacMillan and Co., 1911), p. 403 ( 8507.e.35.)

He reports that this was a message to Prince Charles Edward (also known as The Young Pretender and Bonnie Prince Charlie) after the Battle of Culloden, although the author points out, of the truth of the anecdote I know nothing, and the desirability of concealing himself must have been so patent that it was hardly necessary to communicate it by a cryptograph.

Another version of this code was apparently given to Napoleon Bonaparte At a period when the Emperor was surrounded by Spies & pretended Friends who had combined with his enemies to betray him.

h.127.(1.)

Published in 1830, this facsimile purports to be reproduced from the original held by the Emperors son, the Duke of Reichstadt. It claims, when presented with the note, Napoleon with his usual penetration instantly solved the Enigma & carelessly remarking Tis pretty Air to caper to immediately removed to a place of safety. Why a French soldier would present the French Emperor with a coded message in English we are not informed.

Whilst it may not be possible to verify the true origins of this message, all these items are now available to be viewed in the British Library Reading Rooms for you to make up your own minds.

Stephen Noble

Cataloguer, Modern Archives and Manuscripts

Further reading:

Readers of this blog may be interested in this forthcoming publication, which discusses the cryptograph: Nadine Akkerman, Invisible Agents: Women and Espionage in Seventeenth-Century Britain (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018)
kacylee at 22-02-2018 08:29 AM (3 years ago) (f)

In early 2018, representatives of Forbes magazine summed up last years results and published the list of top 21 richest people in Africa 2017.

In early 2018, representatives of Forbes magazine summed up last years results and published the list of top 21 richest people in Africa 2017.

Lets consider the main changes that occurred since the beginning of last year. Richest men in Africa began to feel more confident due to the performance of their stock. Their number was increased by two new members. In the past Forbes list there were 21 billionaires, now their number has grown to 23.



TOP 21 AFRICAN BILLIONAIRES AND THEIR NET WORTH

1. Aliko Dangote  $12.2 billion (cement, sugar, flour), Nigeria

2. Nicky Oppenheimer  $7.7 billion (diamonds), South Africa

3. Johann Rupert  $7.2 billion (luxury goods), South Africa

4. Nassef Sawiris  $6.8 billion (construction, chemicals), Egypt

5. Mike Adenuga net worth $5.3 billion (telecom, oil), Nigeria

6. Issad Rebrab  $4 billion (food), Algeria

7. Naguib Sawiris  $4 billion (telecom), Egypt

8. Koos Bekker  $2.8 billion (media, investments), South Africa

9. Isabel dos Santos  $2.7 billion (investments), Angola

10. Mohamed Mansour  $2.7 billion (diversified), Egypt

11. Patrice Motsepe  $2.4 billion (mining), South Africa

12. Aziz Akhannouch  $2.2 billion (petroleum, diversified), Morocco

13. Yasseen Mansour  $1.9 billion (diversified), Egypt

14. Strive Masiyiwa  $1.7 billion (telecom), Zimbabwe

15. Folorunsho Alakija  $1.6 billion (oil), Nigeria

16. Othman Benjelloun  $1.6 billion (banking, insurance), Morocco

17. Mohammed Dewji  $1.5 billion (diversified), Tanzania

18. Youssef Mansour  $1.4 billion (diversified), Egypt

19. Michiel le Roux  $1.2 billion (banking), South Africa

20. Stephen Saad  $1.2 billion (pharmaceuticals), South Africa

21. Desmond Sacco  $1.1 billion (mining), South Africa

22. Onsi Sawiris  $1.1 billion (construction, telecom), Egypt

23. Christoffel Wiese  $1.1 billion (retail), South Africa





Aliko Dangote confidently holds the title of the richest man in Africa for the seventh year. This raw material tycoon has accumulated $12.2 billion. Earlier he had $100 million fewer. Many people know him as a successful cement trader. In fact, Dangote enterprises also produce fertilizers and process oil.



South African businessman Nicky Oppenheimer took the second place in the fight for the right to be called the richest person in Africa owing to successful diamond mining. There are $7.7 billion at his disposal. This is $700 million more than in the previous ranking.





In total there are 8 billionaires from South Africa on the list. One of the South Africans is Michiel le Roux. He is the founder and former chairman of Capitec Bank. During the past year, the shares of the company have grown by more than half. This factor in many respects helped the businessman to succeed and provided him with a net worth of $1.2 billion.





Desmond Sacco, the mining tycoon from South Africa, returned to the list due to the growth of stock prices. During 2017, they have increased by 60%.





At the end of 2017, the financial situation of Steinhoff International company deteriorated when the general public learned about inaccuracies in the accounting. Because of this, the net worth of acting chairman Christoffel Wiese fell below 1 billion. On the wave of failures, he resigned.



Forbes carried out calculations on January 5 and found $1.1 billion on his account. Of course, a year ago he had $5.5 billion, which is why this success is not so significant. It is worth noting that on January 10, shares became cheaper again and Wieses net worth was lower than $1 billion. Due to this fact, he should not be included in this rating. But at the time of ranking drafting, he was quite entitled to this.





Also, the new rating pleased all the residents of Zimbabwe since the first billionaire appeared in this country  a telecommunication businessman Strive Masiyiwa, head of the Econet Group. In the course of the past year, there has been an increase in the shares of his phone network. Since Masiyiwa owns more than 50% of this enterprise, these changes have directly affected his budget. He also owns shares in the fiber-optic organization Liquid Telecom. In the summer of 2017, it raised 700 million in bond offering. At the moment, the net worth of the entrepreneur is $1.7 billion.





Among the 23 leaders of African business, there are 2 ladies. Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of the former president of Angola, has $2.7 billion now. In the past, the rating indicated her net worth to be $3.2 billion. Her fortune decreased because of the decline in the earnings of Angolan bank Banco BCI. At the moment, the country is experiencing difficulties with oil production, which has affected the companys well-being





The second lady on the list is Folorunsho Alakija which all women in Nigeria can be proud of. Her current net worth is $1.6 billion. This high figure is supported by the successful operation of her enterprise Famfa Oil cooperation with Petrobras and Chevron.





The youngest in the rating is 42-year-old Mohammed Dewji. By inheritance from his father, he got a group of textile and food companies which were expanded due to his own painstaking work. At the moment, Dewjis net worth is $1.5 billion.





The oldest African billionaire is 88 years old Onsi Sawiris who founded Orascom Construction in 1950. After the organization was privatized by the authorities of Abdel Nasser, Sawiris had to create one more construction company from scratch.





Two of his sons also managed to earn their billions. For example, this is Nassef Sawiris who is the 4th richest man in Africa. The wealth of $6.8 billion allows him to be the richest businessman in Egypt. A year ago, his net worth was $5.3 billion. Positive changes were due to the growth of shares of Adidas, the cement company LaFargeHolcim and the enterprise engaged in the production of fertilizers OCI.





Anas Sefrioui from Morocco has left the list this year due to the fact that the shares of the organization Douja Promotion Groupe Addoha reduced by about 30%. Now his net worth is 950 million.



13 of 23 businessmen on the list were able to increase their savings. They decreased for 4 people. All the rest remained on the same positions as before. The rating includes representatives of South Africa ( , Egypt (6), Nigeria (3), Morocco (2) and Algeria, Angola, Tanzania and Zimbabwe (1).



The list intended only for those people who live in Africa and have their companies on the territory of this continent. Also, family fortunes were not taken into account, since the wealth of a family consisting of dozens of people has more chances to get to the first lines of the rating.



When calculating the net worth, Forbes specialists relied on stock prices and exchange rates valid at January 5, 2018.



Now you know the 21 richest people in Africa. We will notify you about the latest Forbes updates and the events in African business world. Lets consider the main changes that occurred since the beginning of last year. Richest men in Africa began to feel more confident due to the performance of their stock. Their number was increased by two new members. In the past Forbes list there were 21 billionaires, now their number has grown to 23.Aliko Dangote confidently holds the title of the richest man in Africa for the seventh year. This raw material tycoon has accumulated $12.2 billion. Earlier he had $100 million fewer. Many people know him as a successful cement trader. In fact, Dangote enterprises also produce fertilizers and process oil.South African businessman Nicky Oppenheimer took the second place in the fight for the right to be called the richest person in Africa owing to successful diamond mining. There are $7.7 billion at his disposal. This is $700 million more than in the previous ranking.In total there are 8 billionaires from South Africa on the list. One of the South Africans is Michiel le Roux. He is the founder and former chairman of Capitec Bank. During the past year, the shares of the company have grown by more than half. This factor in many respects helped the businessman to succeed and provided him with a net worth of $1.2 billion.Desmond Sacco, the mining tycoon from South Africa, returned to the list due to the growth of stock prices. During 2017, they have increased by 60%.At the end of 2017, the financial situation of Steinhoff International company deteriorated when the general public learned about inaccuracies in the accounting. Because of this, the net worth of acting chairman Christoffel Wiese fell below 1 billion. On the wave of failures, he resigned.Forbes carried out calculations on January 5 and found $1.1 billion on his account. Of course, a year ago he had $5.5 billion, which is why this success is not so significant. It is worth noting that on January 10, shares became cheaper again and Wieses net worth was lower than $1 billion. Due to this fact, he should not be included in this rating. But at the time of ranking drafting, he was quite entitled to this.Also, the new rating pleased all the residents of Zimbabwe since the first billionaire appeared in this country  a telecommunication businessman Strive Masiyiwa, head of the Econet Group. In the course of the past year, there has been an increase in the shares of his phone network. Since Masiyiwa owns more than 50% of this enterprise, these changes have directly affected his budget. He also owns shares in the fiber-optic organization Liquid Telecom. In the summer of 2017, it raised 700 million in bond offering. At the moment, the net worth of the entrepreneur is $1.7 billion.Among the 23 leaders of African business, there are 2 ladies. Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of the former president of Angola, has $2.7 billion now. In the past, the rating indicated her net worth to be $3.2 billion. Her fortune decreased because of the decline in the earnings of Angolan bank Banco BCI. At the moment, the country is experiencing difficulties with oil production, which has affected the companys well-beingThe second lady on the list is Folorunsho Alakija which all women in Nigeria can be proud of. Her current net worth is $1.6 billion. This high figure is supported by the successful operation of her enterprise Famfa Oil cooperation with Petrobras and Chevron.The youngest in the rating is 42-year-old Mohammed Dewji. By inheritance from his father, he got a group of textile and food companies which were expanded due to his own painstaking work. At the moment, Dewjis net worth is $1.5 billion.The oldest African billionaire is 88 years old Onsi Sawiris who founded Orascom Construction in 1950. After the organization was privatized by the authorities of Abdel Nasser, Sawiris had to create one more construction company from scratch.Two of his sons also managed to earn their billions. For example, this is Nassef Sawiris who is the 4th richest man in Africa. The wealth of $6.8 billion allows him to be the richest businessman in Egypt. A year ago, his net worth was $5.3 billion. Positive changes were due to the growth of shares of Adidas, the cement company LaFargeHolcim and the enterprise engaged in the production of fertilizers OCI.Anas Sefrioui from Morocco has left the list this year due to the fact that the shares of the organization Douja Promotion Groupe Addoha reduced by about 30%. Now his net worth is 950 million.13 of 23 businessmen on the list were able to increase their savings. They decreased for 4 people. All the rest remained on the same positions as before. The rating includes representatives of South Africa (, Egypt (6), Nigeria (3), Morocco (2) and Algeria, Angola, Tanzania and Zimbabwe (1).The list intended only for those people who live in Africa and have their companies on the territory of this continent. Also, family fortunes were not taken into account, since the wealth of a family consisting of dozens of people has more chances to get to the first lines of the rating.When calculating the net worth, Forbes specialists relied on stock prices and exchange rates valid at January 5, 2018.Now you know the 21 richest people in Africa. We will notify you about the latest Forbes updates and the events in African business world.

Post Reply I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia. Posted: at 22-02-2018 08:29 AM (3 years ago) | Addicted Hero
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kejguv at 22-02-2018 12:11 PM (3 years ago) (m)

According To a close relative of the celebrity, Monalisa Chinda is the second wife of her Germany based Nigerian-Sierra Leonean hubby. the actress who claimed they met him in 2015 has been his on and off partner of over 5 years before they came public. Victor Tonye Coker whose profession is currently unknown was born to a Sierra Leonean mother and a father from Kwale Delta state. Though Monalisa Chinda has only a child in her previous marriage, the source said Mr Coker is a father of five. The source stated categorically that Monalisas desperation for a man and Mr Cokers kindness forced her to fall for him back in 2015. The current situation in their marriage is not good as long distance tension has started affecting the couple. We learnt Mr Coker wants Monalisa to relocate to his base in Germany but the mother of one is not ready to leave Nigeria. Mr Coker and Monalisa grew up in the same neighbourhood in Port Harcourt Rivers state before he relocated to Germany where he reportedly married and settled down. The source who is unsure about the current situation in Mr Cokers first marriage said he was last spotted with his first wife in 2014.

According To a close relative of the celebrity, Monalisa Chinda is the second wife of her Germany based Nigerian-Sierra Leonean hubby. the actress who claimed they met him in 2015 has been his on and off partner of over 5 years before they came public. Victor Tonye Coker whose profession is currently unknown was born to a Sierra Leonean mother and a father from Kwale Delta state. Though Monalisa Chinda has only a child in her previous marriage, the source said Mr Coker is a father of five. The source stated categorically that Monalisas desperation for a man and Mr Cokers kindness forced her to fall for him back in 2015. The current situation in their marriage is not good as long distance tension has started affecting the couple. We learnt Mr Coker wants Monalisa to relocate to his base in Germany but the mother of one is not ready to leave Nigeria. Mr Coker and Monalisa grew up in the same neighbourhood in Port Harcourt Rivers state before he relocated to Germany where he reportedly married and settled down. The source who is unsure about the current situation in Mr Cokers first marriage said he was last spotted with his first wife in 2014.

Post Reply Writing is my passion and facts-proofing is my hobby, I have been writing at Gistmania for close to a decade now and It is one of the most exciting things I do. Outside writing, I love enjoying time with my loved ones - if you have any tip for me, please do get in touch Posted: at 22-02-2018 12:11 PM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac
The President Emmerson Mnangagwa led administration of Zimbabwe has declared 21st February a public holiday, which will be known as the Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day.

Mugabe, a deposed leader of the country located in the southern part of Africa, was born on February 21st, 1924  meaning he became 94 years on Wednesday.Dewa Mavhinga@dewamavhinga#Zimbabwe today observes a public holiday declared by @edmnangagwa to mark former president Robert #Mugabes birthday. Mugabe turns 94 today, since the military coup he rarely features amid suspicions he remains under house arrest effectively.See Dewa Mavhinga's other TweetsYesterday, was previously celebrated as the Day of the 21st February Movement in honour of former president Robert Mugabes leadership principles.However, in a statement issued yesterday, Zimbabwe Service Commission chairman Mariyawanda Nzuwah said February 21, is a public holiday with respect to public officers.

Quote

Statutory Instrument Number 143 of 2017 (gazetted on November 24, 2017) provides that: His Excellency, the President, in terms of Section 2 (2) of the Public Holidays and Prohibition Act (Chapter 10:21), hereby makes the following notice:-

1. This notice may be cited as the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Notice, 2017.

2. It is hereby declared that the 21st of February every year henceforth, shall be a public holiday to be known as the Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day. Accordingly, Wednesday 21st February is a Public Holiday with respect to public officers,

he said.Speaking during his acceptance speech at his inauguration as the second Executive President of Zimbabwe last year, President Mnangagwa had indicated that the former President needed to be accorded the respect and recognition he deserved as one of the founders and leaders of Zimbabwe.
bohlah at 22-02-2018 07:45 PM (3 years ago) (m)

Angered by the non-payment of rented apartment by a tenant, a man that inherited his late fathers house, Idemudia Obamwonyi, has allegedly set the building ablaze.

Angered by the non-payment of rented apartment by a tenant, a man that inherited his late fathers house, Idemudia Obamwonyi, has allegedly set the building ablaze.

Also affected in the inferno were 20 shops in the building located at Iwebo lane behind Oba Market in Benin City, Edo State were razed.



Idemudia was said to have prevented people in the neighborhood from putting out the raging fire shouting that since he does not get any money from the house.



Many of the shop owners have locked their jobs before the fire started.



A resident in the area, Ifaluyi Obasogie, said it was unheard of for a landlord to set his own house ablaze.



We saw people holding him and he was saying let the house burn, I dont get any money from it. A shop owner who gave his name as Justice Aigbekhan said they have paid their rent but Idemudia kept asking for money claiming that he want to perform his fathers burial. If they are having family issues, they should go and solve it. It is not for them to put us in trouble.



Another shop owner, Cynthia Obaseki said she lost goods worth N5m to the inferno. Edo State Police Public Relation officer, DSP Chidi Nwanbuzo when contacted said investigation into the matter is ongoing.



See the video below;



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkbW1gn67LE&feature=youtu.be Also affected in the inferno were 20 shops in the building located at Iwebo lane behind Oba Market in Benin City, Edo State were razed.Idemudia was said to have prevented people in the neighborhood from putting out the raging fire shouting that since he does not get any money from the house.Many of the shop owners have locked their jobs before the fire started.A resident in the area, Ifaluyi Obasogie, said it was unheard of for a landlord to set his own house ablaze.Another shop owner, Cynthia Obaseki said she lost goods worth N5m to the inferno. Edo State Police Public Relation officer, DSP Chidi Nwanbuzo when contacted said investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Post Reply I have been reporting on latest news from Nigeria for almost 10 years now. I report on every possible news area I come across, but always ensure my reports are compiled with dignity and fact to uphold my personal values and duty as a journalist Posted: at 22-02-2018 07:45 PM (3 years ago) | Addicted Hero
Otto Osen is the Wheatgrass Arts & Gallery Artist of the Month for March. He describes his work as made up mainly of nonrepresentational or abstract drawing and paintings. The shy artist didn't go on much when prompted at press time, but did mention that most of the works on display will be from a recent period of time spent living in Missoula.

Osen's show follows works by Terry-based photographer Mary Kate Teske, who was Artist of the Month for February. There is a reception for Osen scheduled for March 2, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the downtown gallery location. Refreshments will be provided.

Opening the same evening, a pair of Glasgow High School seniors will be hosting a reception next door at the Sean R. Heavey Gallery. Heavey and new GHS art teacher Bridget Schmidt came up with the idea to feature budding area artists from the GHS senior class. The exhibition is titled "Pop of Color," and features work by Taylor Trathen and Ashtyn Myrick. Their reception also begins at 5:30 p.m.

The Sean R. Heavey Gallery is located at 529 2nd Ave S. in Glasgow. 406-230-0148. Wheatgrass Arts & Gallery is located next door at 531 2nd Ave S. Call Mary at 406-230-0148.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos signaled that the Trump administration will turn its school choice focus to a group of students the federal government has a special responsibility for: children connected to the military.

Education savings accounts for the children of military personnel is an idea thats being championed by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank with close ties to the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress. But some advocates for military families have been cautious about embracing the idea.

DeVos said in a Thursday interview with Heritages Kay Coles at the Conservative Political Action Conference that theres clearly an appetite among military families for more choice.

I know for a fact that for more than a third of active-duty military families that have school-age children, their decisions where they go, or where they dont go, or whether they continue to serve, hinge very heavily on the opportunities they have for their childrens education, DeVos said, appearing to cite a survey published by the Military Times. So I think we have an opportunity in that regard to empower them with some more of those choices.

DeVos added that parents could use these ESAs, which could be financed using money that goes to the school to which theyre now assigned, to ensure their children receive a high-quality, customized, education as they move from base to base to base and city to city to city.

The money could be used at traditional public schools, charter schools, for online learning, or some combination of the three, the secretary said. She did not specifically mention private schools.

President Donald Trump ran on creating a $20 billion voucher program . But so far, Republicans in Congress havent been willing to embrace federal funding for private school choice, beyond a change in the recent tax-overhaul bill allowing families to use 529 college-savings plans for K-12 tuition.

Thats partly because many in the GOP worry about federal overreach, even in the service of school choice, a policy that most Republicans favor. But focusing on a particular group of students that the feds have a special responsibility for may be an easier sell.

To be sure, DeVos made it clear that she still wants to see other choice initiatives. She applauded states for expanding choice, and said the federal government would like to partner with them to take those efforts further.

DeVos wasnt specific about exactly where the funding for these new ESAs for military families would come from. Her spokeswoman, Elizabeth Hill, said later that, The Secretary wants our nations military connected families to have the freedom they deserve to send their children to a school that meets their unique needs and learning style. There are several pieces of legislation that could make that happen and she looks forward to working with Congress on this issue.

So which proposals might be DeVos be thinking of?

Last year, the Heritage Foundation pitched turning the $1.3 billion in funding for Impact Aid program into an ESA program. Impact Aid helps school districts make up for tax revenue lost because of a federal presence, such as a military base or Native American reservation, and it enjoys bipartisan support in Congress.

The proposal appears to have gotten some attention from the White House and could be introduced as a bill soon.

But groups representing military families and Impact Aid districtsincluding the Military Child Education Coalition, the Military Officers Association of America, National Military Family Association, the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, and the Military Impacted Schools Associationare vehemently opposed to the idea. They argue it would hurt public schools serving vulnerable populations.

Proposals to divert Impact Aid from schools that educate concentrations of military-connected students are short sighted and will only reduce opportunities for all students in these school districts, they said in a statement released in December. (Read the full statement here .)

Another possibility: using Pentagon dollars to create an ESA program, which might be operated by the Defense Department. For instance, legislation introduced Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., would create a pilot program on at least five bases . Military families would be eligible for scholarships of up to $8,000 for elementary and $12,000 for high school under his proposal.

There have also been efforts to add similar language to defense bills. But so far, none of them have passed.

Advocates for military families say theyll take a close and cautious look at any proposals released.

Mary M. Keller, the president and CEO of the Military Child Education Coalition, said in a recent interview that her organization is in favor of informed choice for military parents . But it wants to make sure choice proposals wont leave out students with special needs, and will benefit low-income families as well as wealthier students. She also wants to see significant oversight and transparency so that parents can make an informed decision.

Whats more, Keller has big practical questions, about things like transportation and how vouchers would work if a child switched schools in the middle of the year because his or her parents assignment changed.

During her interview at CPAC, DeVos also touched on the Every Student Succeeds Act, the need to bolster career and technical education, and other topics. She asked for a moment of silence for the victims of the last weeks massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., but did not specifically address school safety issues.

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 22. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Cant get enough of Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos? Check out some of our best coverage:

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
President Donald Trump said Thursday hed like to see bonuses for teachers willing to carry firearms to protect their students from an active school shooter. And he said he wants to make federal money available to provide school staff additional training to use firearms properly.

I think a concealed permit for teachers and letting people know there are people in the building with a gun, you wont have, in my opinion you wont have these shootings, the president said at a White House meeting on school safety, attended by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Florida state chief Pam Stewart, other cabinet officials, and senior White House staff. What Id recommend doing is the people that do carry, we give them a bonus, we give them a little bit of a bonus, because frankly theyd feel more comfortable having the gun anyway, you give them a little bit of a bonus, so practically for free youve now made the school into a hardened target.

Trump floated a similar proposal at a White House listening session a day earlier with survivors and families of school shooting victims, including some connected to the recent slayings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Fla.

At Thursdays school safety meeting, Trump suggested that as many as 40 percent of school staff could become qualified to fire a weapon. And he called for rigorous training for school staff on these firearms. Frankly, you have teachers that are Marines for 20 years, they retire and become a teacher. Theyre Army, Navy, Air Force, theyre Coast Guard, theyre people who have won shooting contests for whatever, this is what they do. They know guns, they understand guns, Trump said. "

Almost at exactly the same moment Trump made these remarks, Mo Canady, the executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers fired off a statement condemning the idea of arming educators.

NASRO strongly recommends that no firearms be on a school campus except those carried by carefully selected, specially trained school resource officers (SROs), who are career law enforcement officers with sworn authority, deployed by employing police departments or agencies in community-oriented policing assignments to work in collaboration with schools, Canady said.

Canady argued that, in the event of a shooting, an armed educator may be mistaken for an assailant. Teachers are unlikely to be mentally prepared to take the life of a shooter, especially a student, he added. Educators, too, may not be properly trained to ensure that no one else is hurt accidentally, as they try to take down a potential shooter, Canady said in his statement.

It would be better to use federal resources to place at least one well-trained school resource officer in every school in the country, Canady said.

But Trump said that increasing school police isnt practical.

You cant hire enough security guards, Trump said. You need 100, 150 security guards [at a school]... But you could have [weapons] concealed on the teachers. I want my schools protected just like I want my banks protected.

That language echoes a speech that Wayne LaPierre, the executive vice president of the National Rifle Association, gave at the Conservative Political Action Conference earlier Thursday. At the meeting, Trump called the NRA, good people.

During the White House meeting, Stewart , the Florida commissoner, mentioned active shooter drills, which some schools in Florida require. Trump sees those as a very negative thing.

I dont like it, the president said. Id much rather have a hardened school ... I think its crazy. I think its very hard on children.

Trump also expressed concern about childrens exposure to violent videogames, movies, and online media.

We have to look at the internet because a lot of bad things are happening to young kids and young minds and their minds are being formed, and we have to do something about maybe what theyre seeing and how theyre seeing it. And also video games. Im hearing more and more people say the level of violence on video games is really shaping young peoples thoughts, Trump said.

And he said hed like to focus on mental health, which he sees as a very big issue.

We want to ensure that when we see warning signs we act quickly, and when we have somebody thats mentally unstable, like this guy that was a sicko, and there were a lot of warning signs, a lot of people were calling saying, Hey, hes going to do something bad, people have to act, " Trump said.

Trumps budget proposal released earlier this month seeks to zero out federal Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants, a $400 million program districts can use to bolster their counseling and school safety services.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, center, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, right, look on as President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with state and local officials to discuss school safety on Feb. 22 at the White House.

--Evan Vucci/AP

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Changfeng Energy Inc., (TSX-V:CFY) (Changfeng or the Company) an energy provider in China, is pleased to announce that the controlled subsidiary, Hebei Riheng Clean Energy Ltd. (Riheng Energy), has completed the equipment bidding process for the previously announced three-year natural gas supply contract to a ceramic manufacturer in Xingtai city. Riheng Energy also began the construction for the related infrastructure; the facilities will be capable of supplying natural gas by March 1, 2018, while construction is expected to be completed by end of March.



About Changfeng Energy Inc.

Changfeng Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company currently traded on the Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the stock symbol CFY. It is an integrated energy provider and natural gas distribution company (or natural gas utility) in the Peoples Republic of China. Changfeng strives to combine leading clean energy technology with natural gas usage to provide sustainable energy to its customer base in the PRC. In 2009, Changfeng was recognized as being one of Chinas the Top Ten Most Influential Brands in the Natural Gas Industry.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Corporate Investment Relations

Investor.relations@changfengenergy.cn



Ann Siyin Lin

VP, Corporate Development

ann.lin@changfengenergy.cn

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, Forward-Looking Statements). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated by reference in this document are Forward-Looking Statements, including statements regarding activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates may occur in the future. These Forward-Looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as will, expect, intend, plan, estimate, anticipate, believe or continue or similar words or the negative thereof. No assurance can be given that the plans, intentions or expectations or assumptions upon which these Forward-Looking Statements are based will prove to be correct and such Forward-Looking Statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon.

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From state lawmakers to Facebook advertising executives, everyone seems to think that digital-media literacy is an antidote to a fragmenting media landscape and its attendant explosion of fake news and disinformation.

But a new report from New York think tank Data & Society offers a more cautious take.

Evidence on the effectiveness of media-literacy interventions is still limited, according to the report, titled The Promises, Challenges, and Futures of Media Literacy .

And theres lots of reason to believe were facing a far bigger problem than students alone can address, no matter how well-educated they are.

Media literacy has long focused on personal responsibility, which can not only imbue individuals with a false sense of confidence in their skills, but also put the onus of monitoring media effects on the audience, rather than media creators, social media platforms, or regulators, the report reads.

Written by researchers Monica Bulger and Patrick Davison, the document aims to provide a framework for better understanding current media-literacy efforts, and offers the field recommendations for moving forward.

Among the issues raised: the need to better understand the modern media environment, which is heavily driven by algorithm-based personalization on social-media platforms, and the need to be more systematic about evaluating the impact of various media-literacy strategies and interventions.

What is Media Literacy?

The term media literacy generally refers to the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create information using multiple forms of communication, with the larger goal of creating informed and responsible citizens.

This Education Week video for the PBS News Hour covers the issue nicely.

Forms of media literacy date back to Plato and the ancient Greeks, the Data & Society report notes.

Modern notions of the concept started to emerge in the late 1970s.

Over the past decade or so, researchers who have been documenting students (and adults) inability to gauge the accuracy and reliability of online information began to sound alarm bells.

And then during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, the idea really took off , thanks to a flood of baseless conspiracy theories, made-up news, and inflammatory social-media content intended to exploit cultural and partisan divides.

In response, bills to promote media literacy in schools have been introduced or passed in more than a dozen states. A range of nonprofit, corporate, and media organizations have stepped up efforts to promote related curricula and programs.

Such efforts should be applaudedbut not viewed as a panacea, the Data & Society researchers argue.

Many existing efforts focus on the interpretive responsibilities of the individual, they write.

But, they ask, is it really a media literacy when public officials deny the existence of climate change, or tech companies proliferate intentionally opaque systems of serving news on social media platforms?

And, the researchers wonder, if bad actors intentionally dump disinformation online with an aim to distract and overwhelm, is it possible to safeguard against media manipulation?

Such concerns are not hypothetical.

Just this month, the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election indicted 13 foreign individuals and organizations for an alleged scheme to use social media to exploit divisions in American society, encourage the election of Donald Trump, and conduct information warfare against the United States of America.

And in a recent interview with Bloomberg View , Trumps former White House chief strategist, Steve Bannon, had this to say.

The real opposition is the media, Bannon told writer Michael Lewis. And the way to deal with them is to flood the zone with shit.



Research and Recommendations

Current media literacy efforts have shown some positive effects, according to the Data & Society report.

A 2012 meta-analysis by academic researchers found that media literacy efforts could help boost students critical awareness of messaging, bias, and representation in the media they consumed.

There have been small studies suggesting that media-literacy efforts can change students behaviorsfor example, by making them less likely to seek out violent media for their own consumption.

And more recently, a pair of researchers found that media-literacy training was more important than prior political knowledge when it comes to adopting a critical stance to partisan media content.

But such research needs to become more robust, the Data & Society report argues.

Cross-disciplinary collaboration is also critical, to generate new insights from fields such as social psychology and political science, where researchers are studying the role of gut feeling and political affiliation in the ways people analyze and interpret online information.

And those interested in media literacy need to develop a coherent understanding of the media environment, the report argues, focusing not just on the ways individuals consume information, but the roles of institutions, technology companies, and governments in developing new ways to create and distribute content.

It is necessary to rethink media literacy in the age of platforms, the report reads.

From an evidence perspective, there remains uncertainty around whether media literacy can be successful in preparing citizens to resist fake news and disinformation.

Photo: Fake news sites, such as the three shown above, are becoming increasingly prevalent, fueling concerns that schools need to make the teaching of media literacy a top priority.--Education Week

See also:

for the latest news on ed-tech policies, practices, and trends.
The marine environment is critical to Grenadas economy and closely linked to the islands income generating tourism sector. Grenadas tri-island ocean state is not just a hub of maritime activity, but also home to unique marine biodiversity
In the quest to land Amazon's second headquarters with its juicy 50,000 jobs and potential $5 billion investment, cities have made some eye-popping proposals. Maryland's transportation chief, for instance, promised a "blank check" -- an offer that has since been walked back -- and Newark, N.J., pledged a whopping $7 billion in tax breaks But according to aanalysis of the 20 finalist cities in Amazon's HQ2 search, some are already forgoing hundreds of millions of dollars in potential revenue each year through tax incentives and might not be able to afford to give up more.Take Chicago. The fiscally strapped city, which has been repeatedly downgraded by credit rating agencies and has raised property taxes to help its budget, reported that it gave up more than a half-billion in tax revenue in 2016 via incentives primarily associated with tax increment financing. TIFs subsidize companies by refunding or diverting a portion of their taxes to help finance development in a specific area. According to the city's financial report, its giveaways in 2016 represented more than 16 percent of what the city collected in total revenue that year.Meanwhile, both Denver and Indianapolis reported abated revenue equivalent to nearly 9 percent of their general fund revenue last year.

Total FY 2016/FY 2017 Tax Abatements FY Budgeted General Fund Revenue Percent Total Revenue Abated Atlanta (FY 2017) $3,284,000 $607,388,585 0.5% Boston (FY 2017) $17,084,000 $2,857,410,000 0.6% Chicago $596,599,000 $3,630,000,000 16.4% Columbus, Ohio $33,064,028 $922,318,597 3.6% Denver $107,244,000 $1,200,000,000 8.9% District of Columbia (FY 2017) $84,421,000 $7,450,000,000 1.1% Indianapolis $93,368,000 $1,100,000,000 8.5% Los Angeles (FY 2017) $18,300,000 $5,007,604,000 0.4% Nashville $4,923,900 $959,627,000 0.5% New York City (FY 2017) $3,389,468,000 $83,468,000,000 4.1% Pittsburgh $7,470,727 $533,737,000 1.4%

Justin Marlowe, a public finance professor at the University of Washington, says it's not surprising that the jurisdictions offering the more substantial tax incentives also happen to be fiscally strapped. In a recent analysis , Marlow conducted a "10-Point Test" on the 20 finalist governments. The test looks at a government's near-term liquidity, its long-term solvency, and whether it generates enough taxes and fees to cover its main expenses.Chicago and Indianapolis both scored poorly on the test. Denver scored moderately."It's part of the same underlying tendency which is for certain cities to look at a lot of these fiscal policy decisions in the near term rather than the long term," says Marlowe, who is also acontributor. "If you do that year over year over year -- it catches up with you."The data on incentives is available thanks to a new accounting standard that went into effect last year for government financial reports.used data compiled by the subsidy tracker Good Jobs First and referenced financial reports from 18 of the 20 finalist cities. (Toronto and Northern Virginia were not included because the rule doesn't apply to a foreign government and the Northern Virginia region encompasses several governments.)Of the 18, a total of 11 governments have filed their financial reports with information on their foregone tax revenue due to economic development incentives. Two -- Montgomery County, Md., and Raleigh, N.C. -- didn't disclose any tax abatement data in their reports because they said it wasn't "significant," and the remaining governments haven't yet filed their annual reports.The available data show that some places already giving away a significant portion of potential revenue could add substantially to that burden. Atlanta and Chicago, for instance, could offer Amazon up to $2 billion in tax breaks.The concern over what cities may give up for the Amazon prize has caused S&P Global Ratings to caution that while landing the e-commerce giant "would have mostly positive local economic and governmental revenue effects  direct costs or foregone revenues in the incentives that some communities have offered to attract Amazon could offset some of the potential gains."Not all of the finalists are offering big tax incentives, though. Notably, Boston reported that less than 1 percent of its total revenue was forgone to tax incentives last year. When it comes to its Amazon bid , the city isn't offering any company-specific subsidies, but does outline $93 million in investment in housing and workforce development, as well as an additional $4 million for small business loans. Boston also scored high on the fiscal health 10-Point Test, according to Marlowe.Boston's bid does include a description of its TIF programs, so substantial property tax breaks for Amazon are not out of the picture. Still, says Greg LeRoy executive director of Good Jobs First, cities might want to rethink how generous they are. History, he says, has often shown that incentives only play a role at the margins. More often, companies' relocation decisions are rooted in tangibles such as the talent pool and existing commerce and industry.LeRoy pointed to General Electric's decision in 2016 to relocate from suburban Connecticut to Boston. Although the company was offered $145 million in tax incentives (mostly from Massachusetts), GE said its primary reason for moving its headquarters was that the company wanted to be in a place that had a walkable, urban environment with access to transit and a deep talent pool. Amazon's second headquarters search, LeRoy says, is no different. "Real estate isn't the key to this," he says. "It's the brain cells."
In the wake of the high school mass shooting last week in Parkland, Fla., students have become the face of the movement for legislative change. With the help of a hashtag, they have inspired students across the country to stage protests and walkouts over the issue of guns and school safety. Their activism showcases the power and drive of a generation that grew up with social media and the internet.In many of the capitols they visit, they will likely encounter lawmakers who are young people themselves. In fact, Congress and almost half the states -- including Florida -- have a caucus created for and by millennials.Last week, Virginia became the 22nd state with a bipartisan caucus of young lawmakers meant to focus on the issues most important to millennials. The Virginia Future Caucus, as its called, is inspired by the Millennial Action Project , a national bipartisan organization that encourages young people to get involved in politics and to build coalitions once they are elected to work on issues important to millennial voters.If government functions effectively [in the future], its going to be because young leaders bring that to fruition, says Steven Olikara, president and co-founder of the Millennial Action Project. [Millennials] want to get beyond party tribalism. That doesnt mean we dont have different values or policy priorities, but we want to listen to each other, and we want to be solutions-oriented.Statehouses are where most young leaders are taking their first steps into politics, Olikara adds. Thats where so much of the action is right now. And some of the most innovative legislation has been bubbling up at the state level, so thats really exciting.In Virginia, the caucus comes at an opportune time: The 2017 elections brought an influx of young legislators to the state. Fourteen of the 19 new delegates elected last year are under the age of 45. Thats the age cutoff for the Virginia Future Caucus, which currently has about 20 legislators in it. (The average age of the delegation is 52.)Over the last couple of election cycles, youve seen the delegation get younger and younger, and that is bringing a fresh perspective to the oldest legislative body in the world, says 28-year-old delegate Jay Jones, who is part of the Virginia Future Caucus.Jones says his legislative priorities are increasing government transparency and finding new ways for the public sector to use technology.Like Olikara, Jones believes lawmakers (and voters) in his generation are less concerned with party loyalty and more willing to work across the aisle. The Virginia Democrat's fast friendship with Emily Brewer, a 33-year-old Republican delegate who was also elected last November, is proof of that.The two are both from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and share many mutual friends, though they hadn't met prior to their new member orientation. They appear to have struck up a genuine friendship , and theyve co-sponsored a few of each others bills already. Brewer, for example, supports Jones' bill to create an alert system for "critically missing" adults.I have had several pieces of legislation already that both Republicans and Democrats have signed onto, and I think that speaks volumes, says Brewer. In the Future Caucus, there are a ton of things we can work on that I think of as totally nonpartisan. Stuff like rural broadband access.This is precisely the kind of cooperation that Olikara says makes these kinds of caucuses important.Millennials are the next generation to be in power," he says. "By virtue of us being in our 20s and 30s, if you can cultivate that [bipartisan] ethos now, you can build a pipeline of leadership."
Democratic governor candidates J.B. Pritzker and Daniel Biss clashed Wednesday night over who was more closely allied with House Speaker Michael Madigan as each sought to tarnish the other at a Downstate candidate forum.Biss, a state senator from Evanston, contended Pritzker needed Madigan's "permission" to speak critically about the longtime Southwest Side power broker in the wake of questions about Madigan's handling of harassment complaints against his top political operatives and calls for him to step down as state Democratic chairman.Pritzker countered that Biss owed his political career to Madigan and the campaign money the speaker provided Biss to win a legislative seat.Pritzker and Biss were able to confront each other more directly because another top rival was absent. Kenilworth developer Chris Kennedy did not participate after his campaign said the candidate injured his back while exercising Wednesday morning and was under doctor's orders not to travel.The debate was held at the University of Illinois at Springfield and hosted by the State-Journal Register and WMAY radio. It was the only major Downstate forum in the Democratic governor primary campaign.For more than a week, Madigan has found his leadership questioned over his handling of misconduct allegations involving his political operation. In recent days, Madigan has shed two former loyal top political operatives over complaints stemming from 2016 campaigns.This week's case involved lobbyist Shaw Decremer, with Democratic state Rep. Deb Conroy of Villa Park saying his conduct involved "an abuse of power" and suggesting that "bullies" needed to be called out.Last week's case involved a sexual harassment complaint made by former Madigan campaign worker Alaina Hampton about her supervisor Kevin Quinn, a key Madigan operative until he was cut loose.Some Democratic lawmakers are asking for a fully independent investigation of Madigan's handling of the allegations. Hampton, who has filed a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, has alleged Madigan's operation delayed its internal investigation to prevent her from filing legal charges in the state.Biss indicated he agreed. "It took J.B. Pritzker a week to get permission from Mike Madigan to even name him in talking about this sexual harassment cover-up," Biss said."I've called for Mike Madigan to step down as chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois. I'm a Democratic elected official. He's lost my faith and the ability to lead this party -- and I think there's been real questions called about his leadership of the House as well," the senator said.Madigan has been around "too long," is "too powerful" and "has been a problem in the state of Illinois" and the state Democratic Party "for quite some time," Biss added.But Pritzker did not answer a panelist's question of whether Madigan should give up his party chairmanship, his speaker role or both."He hasn't gotten permission yet from Madigan to answer that question," said Biss in noting the dodge.For his part, Pritzker lashed out at Biss and labeled "utterly ridiculous" the lawmaker's claims of independence from Madigan."This is a state representative who got elected with Mike Madigan's help, who accepted tens of thousands of dollars from him, who ran Mike Madigan's super PAC and who's accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars from Springfield insiders, bankers and lobbyists," Pritzker said.Pritzker said he agreed with calls for an independent investigation of Madigan's handling of the harassment complaints. "We need to make sure there is an independent, fully independent investigation -- something that is totally independent of Speaker Madigan's operation and Speaker Madigan himself."State campaign finance records show Biss has received more than $261,000 from political funds that Madigan controls, with more than $220,000 going toward his first election to the House in 2010. Biss moved over to the Senate in 2013.Biss also led a $10 million federal super political action committee effort in 2016 aimed at trying to link Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to Donald Trump in an effort to aid state legislative candidates. Pritzker and Madigan were donors to that effort.Against that Pritzker pushback, Biss sought to stake out his case as the progressive in the contest."Here's the truth. There's a Pritzker-Madigan wing of the Democratic Party and there's the progressive wing of the Democratic Party that I'm a part of. And I'll work with anybody," Biss said.But Pritzker contended that an "independent investigation" of Madigan's handling of the complaints "is now going to proceed" and that "everybody up and down the line who is responsible should be held accountable."After the debate, Pritzker was asked how to ensure an independent investigation given Madigan's wide influence."You've got to make sure whoever it is does not have a connection to the speaker and if that means even having somebody from out of the state, that's fine," said Pritzker, echoing Democratic state Rep. Kelly Cassidy's Tuesday call for an out-of-state probe.Madigan spokesman Steve Brown has said the speaker told Cassidy that he would "cooperate fully" and would ask the speaker's designated outside counsel, Kelly Smith-Haley, to "assist."Smith-Haley's brother Bill Smith is a partner at Cornerstone Government Affairs, a lobbying firm, while another brother, Mike Smith, is a principal and senior director there. In June, Madigan's former political director Will Cousineau joined Cornerstone. Cousineau worked for Madigan for nearly 18 years, according to the firm's website, and was in charge of political operations in 2016 when the harassment issues allegedly took place.On Wednesday, Smith-Haley told the Tribune that "there are a lot of degrees of separation" and suggested if she were a man, she would not be facing the same questions about her independence. "I do think there is a gender component," said the attorney, who indicated that as of now, she is not investigating any cases because no one has lodged any complaints with her.Bob Daiber, the Madison County regional superintendent of schools and the only Downstate candidate in the race, called attacks on Madigan's leadership "political nonsense" that needs to be put aside."There's going to be nonindependent investigation of this guy. He's not going anywhere. Don't be fooled," said Daiber, who afterward said Madigan should "absolutely not" run for another term as party chairman.Also taking part in the forum were Chicago activist Tio Hardiman and perennial candidate Robert Marshall, who previously has run for office as a Republican.
Its plain crazy.

Within a week of surviving the second-worst school shooting in U.S. history, Florida high school senior David Hogg again came under attackthis time, from online trolls and conspiracy theorists falsely alleging that he was everything from a paid crisis actor to a pawn of rogue forces within the FBI.

Even Donald Trump, Jr., the son of the president, lent credence to some of the false smears , liking multiple tweets pointing readers to a story exposing Hogg and his father, a former FBI agent, as a disgusting example of the Bureau looking to curb YOUR Constitutional rights and INCREASE their power.

Snopes.com quickly debunked the stories . Despite a hoaxers attempt to spread a fake classmates.com profile saying he had graduated high school in Los Angeles in 2015, Hogg is in fact a high school senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. During the shooting, he was in fact hiding in a classroom closet, documenting events and filming interviews with classmates.

Friends have taken to Twitter to mock the claims. The New York Times traced the arc of the conspiracy theory, highlighting the role of YouTube .

And along with his father, Hogg appeared on CNN , telling host Anderson Cooper, Im not a crisis actor. Im someone who had to witness this and live through this.

Its disturbing that this is what our information ecosystem has become.

But the unfortunate reality is that such online disinformation campaigns are everywhere, and individuals are still too often left alone to fight them off, said Joan Donovan, the research lead on media manipulation and platform accountability at Data & Society, a New York think tank, during an interview Wednesday.

This is a facet of political life now, Donovan said. We cant go back in time.

Following are highlights from our conversation, lightly edited for length and clarity.

You study social media and disinformation. What has stood out to you about the events surrounding the Florida school shooting?

Weve had two major conspiracy theories become news.

The first one happened during the breaking news phase, where online troll groups coordinated to prank the [Anti-Defamation League] and trick experts into reporting that [Parkland school shooter] Nikolas Cruz was a member of the Republic of Florida militia, a white-nationalist group.

One of the things trolls did was plant evidence in different parts of the internet and social media, like [anonymous online bulletin boards] 4chan and 8chan. They would pose as former friends or say they knew Cruz.

Its a tactical response by groups that want to become the story, or want journalists and experts to look foolish. Weve seen these tactics before in other crisis events.

The second conspiracy seems to originate with Gateway Pundit, related to Stoneman Douglas students. These kids are real people showing up and trying to do good in the world, but theyre being framed as actors. This [tactic] first gained prominence after Sandy Hook, through Infowars.

The impact is to undermine the legitimacy of these students and their pain.

What about the ways the students themselves have used social media, especially while the crisis was unfolding ?

If you are a student, you typically have an audience of friends and family. Youre not talking to journalists or a broader public. So I think [many students were documenting the shooting on social media] for no other reason than to inform the people closest to them that this was happening.

But I think weve also gone through a shift in news over the last five years. Social media has democratized the ability to broadcast. It has allowed new people to be public and to testify about whats happening around them.

All of the firsthand eye-witness videos of police shootings, for example, have been impactful on narratives on accountability. So Im not surprised that some students also interpreted taking pictures and sending video as this crisis was happening as a moment of witnessing.

Its a way to fight back, not with weapons, but with evidence.

Students have also been using social media to organize and advocate around issues. What stands out to you about that?

Their social and media presence, and the fact that theyre networking with a really unified voice saying they want a massive overhaul of gun laws, and we are willing to do anything to get it, I think is very powerful.

Maybe if a tool like social media had been available during Columbine, it wouldnt have allowed us to become so desensitized.

What should be done about the conspiracy theories, disinformation, and troll attacks?

The problem with amplified speech online is that something like this crisis-actor narrative gets a lot of reach and attention, then the story becomes about that, and not the shooting or what these students are doing. I would suggest that media only mentions these narratives to say that this is wrong and that students need to be believed.

The social media companies should also flag it immediately. These kinds of news stories are forms of harassment. They are clear calls to action to harass these students online. Weve seen this time and time again. When I see outlets like Gateway Pundit that single out a specific emerging activist, I know what theyre trying to do. Theyre trying to get their audience to silence them.

Companies need to be more responsible for moderating content.

We have to [consider] what legislation and regulation can make this kind of disinformation more difficult.

See also:

for the latest news on ed-tech policies, practices, and trends.
Almost exactly a year ago, a federal appeals court considered whether a Maryland law banning assault weapons was unconstitutional.The law was passed in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre, which left 20 first-graders and six adults dead after a man bearing an AR-15 style weapon stormed the Connecticut school, shooting kids and teachers.Nine terrified children ran from one of the classrooms when the gunman paused to reload, while two youngsters successfully hid in a restroom, Judge Robert B. King, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, wrote in the majority opinion. Another child was the other classrooms sole survivor. In all, the gunman fired at least 155 rounds of ammunition within five minutes, shooting each of his victims multiple times.The court ruled that the ban on the assault weapons like the one Adam Lanza used inside Sandy Hook that day  like the one Nikolas Cruz would confess to using inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the one Omar Mateen would use inside Orlandos Pulse Nightclub and that Stephen Paddock would use from inside the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas  was constitutional.It was not the first time a federal appeals court had ruled that a ban on assault weapons was permissible under the Second Amendment. It was the fourth time in the last decade. In fact, no federal appeals court has ever held that assault weapons are protected.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said Wednesday that prosecutors would no longer seek cash bail for people accused of some misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, a significant policy shift that could have a wide-ranging impact on the city's criminal justice system.Speaking at a news conference at his Center City office, Krasner said the practice of holding suspects in jail until trial just because they don't have money to pay for their release is "simply not fair." Krasner had vowed on the campaign trail to curb the practice, and he made his announcement surrounded by clergy leaders and city officials who praised the decision."It is time for us as a criminal justice system to do better," Krasner said.The announcement places Philadelphia in line with a bail reform movement sweeping through other cities and states across the country. New Jersey all but eliminated use of cash bail last year, and New York is seeking to reduce its use as well. Washington, D.C., has largely avoided use of cash bail for nearly two decades.Nationally, about 60 percent of all jail inmates were detained while awaiting trial, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and critics have long argued that jailing suspects unless they can pay disproportionately punishes minorities and the poor.In Philadelphia, about 20 percent of the 6,100 people in city jails were being held because they had not posted money to meet their cash bail requirements, according to Julie Wertheimer, chief of staff in the city's Office of Criminal Justice.The city has been experimenting since last year with programs designed to give people more options for pretrial release, part of a $3.5 million grant awarded in 2016 aimed at reducing the city's prison population.Still, prosecutors can have significant sway in a courtroom when bail is set, and Krasner said his staff estimated as many as 4,000 cases per year -- about 10 percent of the office's total caseload -- now could result in a defendant being released instead of sitting in jail for failure to pay.Advocates and allies praised the announcement. Standing alongside the district attorney at his news conference were City Council members Jannie Blackwell, Curtis Jones, and Maria Quinones-Sanchez; Minister Rodney Muhammad, president of the Philadelphia NAACP; and Keir Bradford -- Grey, head of the Defender Association of Philadelphia.Jones vowed to work with Krasner's office and other city agencies to ensure a successful rollout of the program."He's the reason for the party," Jones said of Krasner. "But he's not going to be the only one dancing."Mayor Kenney, in a statement, called the move a "significant step" toward "creating a more fair and efficient justice system."And Joshua Glenn, 29, a Krasner supporter and a member of grassroots organizations including the #No215Jail Coalition, said in an interview that he hopes the policy is a sign that prosecutors may continue to reduce -- or even eliminate -- the use of cash bail.Krasner's announcement does not end cash bail altogether. His office will still seek to jail suspects accused of violent crimes including aggravated assault, rape, and murder. And prosecutors still may seek cash bail for nonviolent crimes depending on the circumstances and a defendant's criminal record. If someone commits a string of thefts, for example, or has a history of fleeing the area, prosecutors can use their discretion and ask for cash bail.The District Attorney's Office also cannot unilaterally stop the practice of detaining suspects, even for nonviolent crimes, because judges ultimately decide which defendants can be released and under what conditions. A court spokesman declined to comment on the issue Wednesday night.Krasner said the policy would apply to 25 charges, including driving under the influence, prostitution, resisting arrest, and some burglaries. Drug-possession charges also were included, the policy said, though only if people possessed smaller weights of certain narcotics, and never if they were found in possession of fentanyl or had a recent history of committing violent crimes.Krasner acknowledged that other goals he hoped could accompany the policy have not yet been implemented. Washington, D.C., for example, has established a robust system for defendants to check in while awaiting trial, and Krasner said such appointments could be used to ensure that defendants take drug tests or meet with mental health counselors. It was not clear whether Philadelphia's court system could currently accommodate a similar system, and, if it can't, who would pay for the necessary changes."We aren't there yet," he said.The district attorney also said that his office cannot immediately apply new bail conditions to people currently in jail for offenses that would qualify for release under the policy. He did say that defense attorneys could file petitions seeking a bail reduction, and that prosecutors would honor the new policy for any case that made it before a judge.The policy shift represents a significant departure from just a decade ago. In 2009, after the Inquirer found that the city had nearly 50,000 fugitives and scores of defendants with a history of skipping court appearances, the court system moved to impose higher bails and more accountability measures to account for the system's perceived shortcomings.Krasner, a career defense attorney before he became the city's top prosecutor last month, said he believed that holding people in jail for days or weeks -- or longer -- over an inability to pay bail for minor crimes was "imprisonment for poverty."Bail reform efforts elsewhere also have been generally well-received. New Jersey's overhaul of its bail system has been praised by advocates as a national model, and that state recently reported that its prison population dropped 20 percent in the last year.
Description

GIS  22 February 2018: An entrepreneurship workshop aiming at providing women with necessary information and facilities for business start-ups was held this morning at the Council Room, City Council in Port Louis. The Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mrs Roubina Jadoo-Jaunbocus, the Lord Mayor of the City Council of Port Louis, Mr Daniel Laurent and other eminent personalities were present at the event.

In her address, Minister Jadoo-Jaunbocus underlined that women are the pillars of society and they should tap their potentials to become entrepreneurs. This workshop, she pointed out, will inculcate the right business culture for prospective and existing women entrepreneurs to progress in the entrepreneurship field. They will be able to develop a sense of autonomy and will be able to become economically independent by starting up their businesses, she added.

The Minister stressed that her Ministry is committed to promote the economic empowerment of women, as well as encourage the development and growth of women entrepreneurs. To this end, she emphasised that the National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC) is acting as a facilitator in providing training and in organising sensitisation programmes and workshops for women to improve their skills and management aptitudes in entrepreneurship.
In a statement Mr K. Takahashi highlighted that the meeting with Prime Minister Jugnauth was very fruitful and a good kick off to start business in Mauritius. He underscored that the Prime Minister encouraged them to invest in Mauritius as the country provides attractive incentives for foreign investors.

He further pointed out that the Prime Minister provided necessary information regarding investment in Mauritius as well as in the region. Mr K. Takahashi underpinned that following the meeting the Japanese investors are looking forward to set up businesses antennas in Mauritius and announced that they will return shortly.
(TNS) - A week after the worst school shooting in modern Florida history, parents and public school children are mad as hell and are sounding increasingly like theyre not going to take it anymore. And our state leaders are still, well, talking  and talking  and talking.On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott held a series of meetings with agencies  including the departments of Education, and Children and Families  to discuss everything from school safety to mental health to restricting certain residents access to guns. Again, more talk.But as state leaders will no doubt hear from thousands of Parkland students, teachers, parents and their supporters today, they want action to protect Florida children from another mass shooting on a school campus.On Valentines Day, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz upended the gun debate by walking into Majory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland and killing 17 people, and wounding at least 15 0thers. Five people remain hospitalized in critical condition. Amid all the recriminations and second-guessing that has followed, it is incontrovertible that Cruzs horrific actions have shined a glaring spotlight on the indefensible way in which political leaders approach protecting our public schools from our Gunshine State culture.How ridiculous is it that someone who is not old enough to legally purchase liquor or cigarettes is legally able to purchase a military-style assault weapon? But thats Florida law.So when our state politicians (those with the courage to speak at all) ask, How do we make sure that our schools are safe for students? the answer must be, Put our children first.To be sure, statements have come fast and furious. Incoming Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, is confident that measures under consideration  including raising the age to 21 for the purchase of assault rifles by people not in law enforcement or the military, establishing a waiting period for the purchase of such weapons and reviewing background screening requirements  can be completed before the 60-day session ends March 9.The Senate has already proposed a $13 million spending increase, to $78.1 million, for school safety and another $100 million as part of a new category of K-12 school funding specifically to assess and treat mental health (SB 1434).But faith that this Republican-controlled legislature will take action is hard to come by. On Tuesday, for example, the House voted down a motion to take up a bill that would ban assault rifles and high-capacity magazines. The vote, 71-36, wasnt even close.And then theres reversing a decade of lackluster spending on school safety.For at least the last five budget cycles, Scott and legislative leaders have kept Safe Schools funding  which primarily pays for school resource/police/security officers  flat, at $64.5 million compared to roughly $75.6 million in 2007-08. Despite nearly 200,000 additional public school students statewide and corresponding enforcement responsibilities, i.e. bullying and hazing prevention, and a stricter code of conduct, lawmakers have ignored local school officials pleas for increased funding.Only 1,500 of the states 4,000 public schools have dedicated school resource officers, although some schools rely on sheriffs deputies to provide security. To protect our kids, local school districts need help filling this gap. They dont need potentially dangerous, cockamamie proposals like allowing armed volunteers to patrol school campuses.As we said about such a proposed bill in 2014: What parent would want some individual they dont know and dont pay to protect their children, to walk freely around their campus toting a gun?Yet, the day after the Stoneman Douglas shooting, Ocala Republican Sen. Dennis Baxley placed a bill that would allow designated people to carry concealed firearms onto school grounds on the agenda of this Senate Judiciary Committee meeting.Trampling on parents fear and grief is just crass. It was a bad idea in 2014; its a bad idea now. And it was thankfully removed from the agenda on Monday.Talk of arming school employees, expanding background checks, revamping the Baker Act, along with better integration of data, coordination of mental health care and services and early screening and assessment, will take a while.Scott and Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart, both promised Douglas High parents they would find a way to keep their kids safe at school.They can start by simply adding money for trained school resource officers  now.2018 The Palm Beach Post (West Palm Beach, Fla.)Visit The Palm Beach Post (West Palm Beach, Fla.) at www.palmbeachpost.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A day before Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas coast last August, an internal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers forecast predicted that the storm would fill Houston's Barker Reservoir to record levels, flooding neighborhoods on the reservoir's western border, government records show.That projection was made Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, as Harvey barreled toward Houston. The next day's Army Corps forecast was even more worrisome: Both Barker and Addicks reservoirs would spill beyond government-owned land, engulfing nearby homes and businesses.The Corps did not share these predictions with the public.It wasn't until Saturday, Aug. 26, that authorities in Fort Bend County -- after being briefed on the latest Army Corps forecast -- issued the first flooding advisory for neighborhoods adjacent to Barker.It took Harris County officials until late Sunday, Aug. 27, to begin issuing similar warnings for communities upstream of both Barker and Addicks. By then, some neighborhoods were already inundated. Many residents ended up fleeing on foot or being rescued in boats or military vehicles.The forecasts, closely held internal records, have emerged six months after Harvey through discovery in a lawsuit in which thousands of homeowners are seeking compensation from the Army Corps, which operates Barker and Addicks dams and their reservoirs. The Houston Chronicle obtained copies of the documents.They are sure to revive debate about whether the Corps and local officials acted quickly enough to alert homeowners to the danger of reservoir flooding and to urge evacuations.Ultimately, the forecasts proved largely accurate. More than 9,000 homes and businesses were flooded by the reservoirs -- at least 4,000 upstream of Barker and 5,000 to 6,000 upstream of Addicks, according to a Chronicle analysis of damage reports.Fort Bend and Harris County officials said they were not informed of the Corps' initial Aug. 24 forecast."If they were predicting that on Thursday, they were not advising us of that fact," Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert said in an interview.Hebert said the county received the next day's forecast, but he said the Corps characterized it as internal and preliminary. County officials say the forecast issued Saturday, Aug. 26, was so alarming that they decided to issue an advisory the same day, citing the Corps' projections.Hebert said the county did so despite objections from Corps officials, who wanted the forecast kept confidential. Fort Bend County also activated its reverse 911 system to reach out to thousands of property owners near Barker Reservoir.Harris County Judge Ed Emmett declined to comment. People familiar with his role in the emergency response say Emmett was not briefed on the Corps' forecasts.Efforts to obtain comment from the Corps were unsuccessful. The Chronicle emailed questions to a Corps spokesman on Tuesday. He had not provided responses as of Wednesday night.One of the reservoir-adjacent homes that was flooded during Harvey belongs to Harry Ershad, a computer programmer and musician. He said it was frustrating to learn that as early as Aug. 24, the Corps had developed a detailed picture of how Barker Reservoir would fill his Canyon Gate neighborhood.Ershad said that with just a few hours' notice, he, his wife and their two sons could have saved their four cars, most of their musical instruments and their home recording studio. Instead, he said, nearly everything was ruined.By the time Fort Bend County issued its Aug. 26 advisory, Ershad's neighborhood had been swamped. He and his family had to wade out through neck-high water, he said."We got out with our laptops and our passports, and that's it," he said.The flooding forecasts were generated by the Corps Water Management System, which crunches information about rainfall, weather forecasts, river conditions and other data to guide the Army Corps in managing its dams and reservoirs.The Aug. 24 forecast showed that Harvey would cause the volume of water in Barker Reservoir to exceed what could be stored on government-owned land beginning Tuesday, Aug. 29, and lasting for more than two weeks.When that forecast was issued, Fort Bend and Harris counties were preparing to open emergency operations centers and Harvey's rains had not yet arrived.Once the emergency centers opened Aug. 25, the Corps sent staff members and gave daily updates to Harris and Fort Bend county officials and Houston city officials. But the Corps told the local officials not to make any of the Corps Water Management System forecasts public, said Jeff Braun, emergency management coordinator for Fort Bend County.The Aug. 25 forecast showed the water level in Barker Reservoir reaching 100 feet. Water begins to spill into neighborhoods when the level exceeds 95 feet, according to Corps records.The forecast generated on Saturday, Aug. 26, said homes upstream of Barker would begin to flood on Monday, Aug. 28 -- a day earlier than previously predicted. The projection for Addicks indicated that some homes in low-lying neighborhoods could fill with 7 or more feet of water and remain flooded for weeks.Both Harris and Fort Bend counties issued formal evacuation orders Aug. 30. By then, neighborhoods near the reservoirs had been inundated for days.Attorneys representing homeowners in flood-related lawsuits in the U.S. Court of Claims want to know why the forecasts weren't shared with the public sooner."The tragedy is an earlier warning could have allowed people to get out and get their property out," said Charles Irvine, of Irvine & Conner, one of the lead lawyers for property owners upstream of the reservoirs."This confirms that when a storm comes, the Corps can use its own modeling to predict exactly how much government-stored water will impact the upstream community. I can't speak to why the Corps didn't give the residents an earlier warning. But clearly the Corps anticipated the flooding on upstream private land from the Addicks and Barker dams before the rains even really started."James Blackburn, another Houston attorney who has long been active in flooding matters and who recently founded a related nonprofit called the Bayou City Initiative, said a congressional investigation was warranted."This is a bona fide public policy debacle," he said. "Were Harris County and Fort Bend County officials getting information and not alerting the public -- or were they not getting the information? Or did they get the information and did the Corps ask them not to spread it around?"Thousands of people like Ershad hunkered down to wait out Harvey because they were not told to evacuate and didn't know their neighborhoods could be flooded by the reservoirs. When Ershad left Canyon Gate, the streets were impassable but only his garage had flooded. He and his family returned 13 days later to find their home ruined. They had no flood insurance."I lost 15 years of compositions of music," he said.Addicks and Barker dams were built in the 1940s to protect downtown Houston from flooding. The earthen structures are designed to hold storm runoff from the vast Buffalo Bayou watershed and release it into the bayou at a controlled rate.The government acquired thousands of acres of land behind the dams to serve as reservoirs, but the dams can hold back more water than can fit on that land. Over the decades, tens of thousands of homes were built on the edges of the government-owned property.When the reservoir pools exceed the government-owned land -- an extremely rare occurrence -- water has nowhere to go but into adjacent neighborhoods. That's what happened during Harvey.As far back as 1995, the Corps studied ways to reduce this risk. The options included deepening the reservoirs, buying out thousands of properties and building more reservoirs. The Corps never acted on any of them.2018 Houston ChronicleVisit the Houston Chronicle at www.chron.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LL
(TNS) - Less than a week after a 19-year-old shot and killed 17 of his classmates at a Florida high school, Silsbee ISD teachers watched a video of a mock school shooting play out on a screen in their auditorium.The district decided last week to spend part of Monday's staff workday on a two-hour active shooter training session, discussing their emergency plans and watching training videos."You can never fully prepare for something like this," Superintendent Richard Bain said. "In light of the stuff that's happened here recently in our nation, I think everybody is a little more sensitive and we felt like it was a good idea."Across Southeast Texas, at least three districts were investigating real or rumored threats of school violence, and several others increased security in the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.A Kirbyville CISD student was arrested and charged with making a terroristic threat after allegedly saying that he wanted to "kill everybody" during a class discussion, according to Kirbyville Police.West Orange-Cove CISD and Warren ISD both said they were investigating threats they believed were rumors that proved false."Every time one of these things happens, sometimes there's copycat issues or kids who try to pull a stupid stunt," Hardin-Jefferson ISD Superintendent Shannon Holmes said. "We have to be a little more cognitive of what's going on.""Anytime something like this happens, they all go back and look at their plans," said Danny Lovett, Executive of the Region 5 Education Service Center. "They're asking, 'Is there something we can tweak?'"Schools are required to have crisis management plans. Lovett said he knew of several districts reviewing theirs this week. Others have made physical changes to their schools to make them safer.At Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School in Beaumont, wooden shutters can be closed to cover the glass windows on each door, and wooden bars can be raised to keep the doors from opening, an extra way to lock down the building in the case of a gunman on campus.Principal Roger Bemis said the homemade devices were installed this summer, modeled on more expensive options available for sale.While it's "very very unlikely that it would ever happen, it's a possibility and a reality," he said.Preparing for a lockdown is also a factor in the construction of most new schools, Lovett said. He pointed to Sabine Pass School, which has internal doors connecting classrooms so students have ways to get out if the main halls are locked down, he said"That is something that is designed into a lot of new schools," Lovett said.When Silsbee ISD opened its new elementary school in 2016, "we did take some security concerns into consideration," Bain said.That took the form of limiting the number of entryways and requiring card access for exterior doors - if a door is opened, the district will know whose card was used, he said. "The only way to get in there is through the office."Hardin-Jefferson's Holmes said the district discovered during two drills over the past three years that the high school and middle school building were not as secure as administrators hoped.Through two mock shooting events, designed to test response times and the school's lockdown plans, "we learned what parts of the building we thought were secure but weren't, we learned where we had locks that didn't work, we learned where some blind spots were," he said.While most schools have regular presentations and drills of their lockdown plans, Lovett said full-scale mock shooting events like H-J ISD did are less common. In addition to rehearsing what teachers and students should do, those drills also test law enforcement response time, Holmes said. They used a starter pistol to mimic the sound of gunshots inside the school and make it more realistic, he said.Locked doors and limited entryways are the most common school security measures cited by local districts.Beaumont ISD recently upgraded the vestibles at 16 campuses to create "controlled access entries," spokeswoman Nakisha Burns said.Other districts have armed personnel as additional security. Starting this fall, BISD's two high schools will each have four armed officers, they announced last week.Silsbee ISD has an armed officer daily at each campus, Bain said. The district has had one stationed at the middle and high school for "years and years," he said, but decided to add another position at the elementary school last year."It's just extra added security," he said."For those who can afford it," it's a helpful resource, Lovett said, because the officers have specific training in working on a campus and interacting with students.Others rely on local law enforcement to respond quickly to violent situations.Some districts have appointed marshals, who are specific employees allowed under state law to have a weapon in the school's gun-free zone, as long as it is in a safe or on their person at all times.Rural or remote districts without easy access to local law enforcement are most likely to take advantage of the rule, Lovett said. High Island and West Hardin are the only districts in Region 5 with marshals, he said.While the aftermath of a school shooting often prompts nationwide calls to arm teachers to better protect their students, Lovett said he'd "need to see research and numbers" to judge that suggestion's merits."Here, I think it's not a good situation," Bain said of Silsbee. "I've lived in West Texas, a half hour from any law enforcement, and I would have definitely wanted to look into it.""For our situation, in a city with a police department and sheriff's office, officers are available and are already armed," he said, saying it could cause problems in a crisis. "You've got to be careful in that case. When law enforcement rushes into the buding, anyone with a gun that's not wearing a police uniform is going to get shot," he said.Kelly's Bemis said he couldn't see a Catholic school "ever seriously considering" arming teachers as an option and said Beaumont Police are close enough to address any concerns about response time."At this point, I think we need to trust in local law enforcement to handle these issues," Holmes said.The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said officers have increased patrols at schools in the county since the Florida shooting.LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/LizTeitz2018 the Beaumont Enterprise (Beaumont, Texas)Visit the Beaumont Enterprise (Beaumont, Texas) at www.beaumontenterprise.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS) - Trains carry crude oil and toxic chemicals through Utica, a fact that has become part of the debate over the proposed downtown hospital.The train tracks pass within a half mile of the site proposed by the Mohawk Valley Health System. The group #NoHospitalDowntown has been sounding the alarm over whether it makes sense to build a hospital in an area likely to be evacuated in case of a train wreck that results in a fireball.Many train safety advocates refer to the area within half a mile of tracks as the red zone.Brett Truett, a co-founder of the group that opposes the downtown hospital site, warned about the proximity between the site and the tracks in an April 10, 2016, Facebook post."It was further explained that in the event of a train derailment, especially one carrying toxic materials, a certain radius around the crash site would need to be evacuated," he wrote. "If this were to include the new hospital, a compound problem would exist; the hospital might need to be evacuated, yet potential accident victims would be seeking care at the hospital."But Kevin Revere, director of the Oneida County Department of Emergency Services, dismissed the need to weigh that concern in siting a new hospital."To me, it's a nonissue. It's so small (a risk), it really shouldn't be under consideration," he said.Dangerous liquids are transported by trains because that's the safest method, Revere said. "It's safer than putting it on roads across the country," he said.That's not to say that the trains don't concern Revere as they pass by many houses and businesses in the county. But the hospital would, first of all, be noncombustible construction, he said.And the odds of a train derailment affecting the hospital are tiny, he said."Something would have to happen literally right there, a little ways from there," he said.Life is full of scary scenarios with a much higher likelihood of occurring, he said.Scott Perra, health system president/CEO, said the health system and the county have done extensive research on the issue. Transportation officials do not use the term "red zone," he said.And CSX, a transportation company that runs freight trains through Utica, says it works with many communities on safety concerns."CSX operates an extensive network, encompassing 21,000-plus miles of track through 23 states and thousands of communities, making public safety a top priority," CSX said in a statement sent to the O-D. "CSX works closely with local and state economic development groups, planning departments and commercial real estate professionals in support of growth for communities. Typically, CSX is actively involved in commercial projects involving businesses that use freight rail in their operations. CSX's goal is to balance the needs of growing communities with that of our freight rail customers."Fred Millar, an independent rail safety consultant in Washington, D.C., with a background in both emergency management and environmental advocacy, said that guidelines don't prevent construction near tracks.But he doesn't think that's because building near a rail line is safe. He said he thinks rail safety rules are far too lax with even common-sense precautions fought off by the industry."There's not rules in the country, that I know about, in terms of land use in terms of planning and zoning that say you can't do this near a rail line," he said.He particularly fears the potential outcome of either the derailment of or a terrorist assault on chlorine tankers, which could release a huge cloud of toxic gas.If the health system really looked at the risks, it would likely choose to go elsewhere, Millar speculated."We shouldn't even build railroads through major developed areas," he said.The Trump administration recently rolled back one new regulation from the Obama era requiring trains carrying crude oil and hazardous chemicals to update to safer braking systems.That regulation came in the wake of several train accidents that spilled crude oil and caused fires, some of which burned for days. The worst was in 2013 in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, when a runaway train car spilled oil that burned downtown, killing 47 and destroying 30 buildings.Contact reporter Amy Neff Roth at 315-792-5166 or follow her on Twitter (@OD_Roth).2018 Observer-Dispatch, Utica, N.Y.Visit Observer-Dispatch, Utica, N.Y. at www.uticaod.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS)  A Boise company wants to show how its technology could thwart a drone attack on the Idaho capitol building.On Feb. 21, Black Sage Technologies sent two drones to fly around the capitol. The ground technology employed uses Doppler radar, radio frequency detection, thermal imaging cameras and other equipment to locate the drones.The equipment can jam signals between a drone and its controller, sending the drone back to its base. It can jam a drones GPS signal, forcing it to land. But neither of these will be part of the demonstration. The company said it would need government permission, and for demonstration purposes, such jamming can typically take place only on a military base.Instead, attendees will see and hear how the equipment detects the drones and uses cameras to monitor and assess possible danger. The company will put up a virtual fence around the capitol, and its equipment should detect the drones when they violate the space. Attendees then will will see a simulation of the use of disrupters to bring the drones down.Commercially available drones are a lot of fun for a lot of people, said Ross Lamm, Black Sages co-managing partner. However, they are sometimes used for less-than-desirable purposes.Drones could be used to spy on military bases or other government installations, gather intelligence on new car designs being tested by a manufacturer, or used to grab video from an outdoor movie set. They could also be used to drop bombs onto a target, Lamm said.Drones have come under increased scrutiny in recent years. Officials have complained about their presence at crime scenes, forest fires, national parks and stadium sporting events.Last Wednesday, a helicopter crash-landed in Charleston, South Carolina, after a drone appeared directly in front of the student-piloted aircraft. The instructor took control of the aircraft, but the helicopter still crashed. Neither the instructor nor the student was injured.On Feb. 9, a drone struck a tour helicopter flying over the scenic Na Pali coast on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. No one was injured.Black Sage doesnt manufacture the equipment used in its operations.We dont make any one of those actual sensors, he said. We make the software and systems that integrate them.A Statesman story two years ago told how Black Sage had developed a system that could send a strong beam of light toward a drone that could prevent it from taking photographs or video.Over the past year and a half, Lamm said his company has given demonstrations about once every other month. Gov. Butch Otter, Lt. Gov. Brad Little and members of the legislature attended Wednesdays demonstration.
(TNS)  The Air Force finds itself in a war for talent competing against more nimble private tech companies to fill science and technology positions, a top civilian service leader says.More streamlined hiring processes are necessary to compete to fill shortages or niche jobs requiring high expertise, said Shon J. Manasco, assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, who recently toured Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.A shortage of drone and manned aircraft pilots, cyber and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance airmen and other science and technology skills are high priorities among expectations to add 4,000 active-duty airmen by 2020, the Air Force says. At the same time, 500 would be added to the Air National Guard and 200 to Air Force Reserve.Budget cuts have slashed positions before the latest push to reverse the decline. A recently reached two-year budget deal would push defense spending to $700 billion this fiscal year, exceeding spending reductions, known as sequestration, imposed under the Budget Control Act of 2011.Sequestration definitely took a toll on all of the services and even if you look at post-Desert Storm, the manning in our Air Force really went down dramatically, he said in an interview at Air Force Materiel Command headquarters at Wright-Patterson. Weve been able to make some improvements over the last several years to fill in critical vacancies that we have at the squadron level.The Air Force will push production of pilots to 1,400 a year from 1,200 and upped retention bonuses because of a shortage of nearly 2,000 pilots across the service branch.Importantly, with pilots we have to continue to work on retention but if we can produce more pilots that will ease the tempo on our existing pilots, Manasco said.In total, the active-duty Air Force will grow to 329,100; 107,100 in the Air Guard; and 70,000 in the Air Force Reserve by 2020. The civilian workforce would reach more than 184,000, Air Force figures show.Manasco, who was appointed to the post in November, made his first trip to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base last week to talk to some of the estimated 27,000 mostly civilian personnel at the sprawling base. The immersion tour included stops at the Air Force Research Laboratory and the National Air and Space Intelligence Center.One of the things that was eye-opening for me was just the breadth of what we do here at Wright-Patt, said Manasco, a former corporate executive and Army veteran. I cant think of many things that happen in our Air Force today that in some way, shape or form, dont touch Wright-Patt ... Wright-Patt has a big influence in what it is we do.Years of short-term stopgap funding measures that stalled the launch of new programs and capped spending to prior years levels impacted Air Force employment numbers, he said.Since September, Congress has passed five short-term stopgap spending measures  known as continuing resolutions  in place of a fully funded defense budget.What weve had to do over the course of a number of years without a real budget (and) living on a continuing resolution is weve had to make some really tough trade-offs and some of those trade-offs have meant that we have needed to redeploy or leave open really important jobs at the squadron level, he said.The Air Force has not yet determined the future size of the civilian workforce, he said.What we do in the Air Force is vital to national security and so I think we should anticipate the demand signal for what it is we do will only increase, he said. Now, if Congress says theres going to be an active-duty manpower gap that means were going to have to think about how do we really leverage the reserve component even more so than we do today, but also the (civilian workforce). A lot of people dont know just how important the civilian workforce is  they are absolutely critical.In the future, Manasco said he sees a mix of technology and more manpower to meet those demands.He expected a high pace of operations and deployments to continue.I dont necessarily see that tempo slowing unless given our ability to project strength and lethality allows our diplomats to reduce the need for us to be activity engaged in certain (areas of responsibility), he said.Manasco said hes also interested in a boost support services to airmens families, such as those who have children with special needs.Candidly, I think theres more work that we can do to really surround these families and pull them even closer to the Air Force, especially while their loved ones are deployed, he said.
Trained and qualified deputies who patrol Broward County, Fla., schools will carry rifles, and some will carry AR-15s, the same weapon that was used to carry out a mass shooting at one of the districts high schools last week, Sheriff Scott Israel said.

Only deputies who are trained and qualified will be carrying those rifles, Israel said at an afternoon press conference. We need to be able to defeat any threat that comes onto campus.

Police say a 19-year-old gunman entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland with an AR-15 on Valentines Day, where he killed 17 people and injured 15 others.

Israel said he had the support of Broward County Superintendent Robert Runcie for his decision.

He spoke as President Donald Trump met with Parkland students and families and survivors of past school shootings to discuss safety. At that meeting, Trump voice support for arming teachers to allow for quicker response to security threats, an idea many educators have opposed.

Stoneman Douglas High School has an armed school resource officer assigned to its campus, but Israel has not yet said where that officer was during the shooting. He did not discharge his weapon during the attack, Israel said Wednesday.

The rifles will be locked in police vehicles when deputies are not carrying them until the district can equip schools with lock boxes, Israel said.

Parkland students and teachers have said schools there may need higher levels of security as Stoneman Douglas students return to class to address the anxieties of students and parents after the attack.

As Ive written previously, a handful of other districts have equipped officers with semi-automatic rifles , some relying on a controversial military surplus program to do so:

Questions about whether school-based officers should obtain or carry such powerful weapons run parallel to a larger question in debates over how to prevent school shootings: Is the burden of addressing such rare but devastating incidents on schools, which have fortified their safety measures in recent years? Or should society at large play a greater role through changes like tighter gun restrictions and increased access to mental health programs?"

Israel said bigger changes are needed in the long run to address concerns about school shootings. He is one of many public officials in the south Florida community who have called for sensible gun control since the attack. Theyve pushed for lawmakers to limit or eliminate sales of semi-automatic rifles like AR-15s, and theyve called for stronger background checks.

Israel wants legal changes that would make it easier for police and the courts to disarm people who are seen as a possible threat to themselves and others.

Now were at a point in American history where, if were going to be safe, its up to the lawmakers, Israel said. Laws have to be changed, and we cant do the same old, same old.

Photo: A newly assembled AR-15 rifle is displayed in 2013 at the Stag Arms company in New Britain, Conn. --Charles Krupa/AP-File

Related reading about school safety:

Follow @evieblad on Twitter or subscribe to Rules for Engagement to get blog posts delivered directly to your inbox.
Renault has confirmed reports it has made progress with its F1 engine ahead of the 2018 season.

Late last year, the French marque encountered reliability problems and a shortage of parts.

But customers Red Bull and McLaren have suggested progress has been made over the winter.

"Last year, we could not exhaust the engine's potential because of fears about reliability," Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul told Auto Motor und Sport.

"But now we can."

Works Renault driver Nico Hulkenberg is also confident, after his bright yellow and black 2018 car was launched.

"The top three teams will continue to be at the front," he said. "Then I hope it is us and McLaren and it will be interesting to see what Force India can do again.

"If we manage to cut the gap to the top teams in half then we will have done a good job."

Abiteboul also said he is not worried Renault may be making a strategic mistake by having teams as strong as Red Bull and McLaren as customers.

"We cannot run away from these teams if we want to be world champions," he insisted.

"We can also learn from our customers: Red Bull in aerodynamics and organisation, and McLaren on the mechanical side."

And Hulkenberg said the challenge of Red Bull and McLaren's impressive driver lineups - including stars Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso - must also be embraced.

"We are not bad ourselves," he smiled. "I don't think we have to hide from them."

On the topic of Alonso, Hulkenberg - the 2015 Le Mans winner - said he wishes the Spaniard well for his Toyota adventure this year.

"It's not just the extra races, Fernando has to test and also be in the factories -- both Toyota and McLaren. It will be quite a nice burden for him but I didn't want to do it that extremely myself," said the German.

(GMM)
This post is by Rob Sauer, Superintendent, Homedale School District , in Homedale, Idaho.

Todays post is the practitioner perspective on Mondays post: Tackling Teacher Recruitment and Retention Challenges in Idaho .

Exploring The Problem Of Practice Through Research And Data

Recruiting teachers is a challenge in Idahos rural districts.

At job fairs, new teachers often choose to apply only at schools in the more populated Boise and Treasure Valley areas, where they feel like they will get better pay or benefits. When new teachers do apply at rural schools, its often for specific reasons (they grew up in the area, its where their spouse works, etc.).

Retaining educators can also be a challenge in rural Idaho schools. Here at Homedale School District , we are doing relatively well with teacher retention because we have strong principal leadership at our three schools, which collectively serve 1,200 K-12 students.

But we also experience the same thing as many other rural districts across Idaho: When veteran teachers retire, we replace them with new teachers whom we train for two or three years and who then move on to other opportunities.

And when a district loses its only math teacher or fourth-grade teacher, you not only have to replace the person, you have to re-establish the whole program.

These challenges make it hard to build momentum, and theyre costly.

In Idaho, several groups (including rural and urban districts, the state education department, the state board of education, and colleges and universities) are now connecting to address teacher recruitment and retention.

Idahos Educator Landscape  is a new report prepared for us through our research-practice partnership with REL Northwest , one of 10 federally funded regional educational laboratories. The report analyzes statewide data on the teacher workforce from 2011-12 to 2016-17 and was shared with us and other representatives from various school districts, state education agencies, and institutions of higher education in Idaho at a recent convening organized by REL Northwest (see Mondays post for more detail).

Use Of Data and Evidence in Practice

Having access to the data and evidence in the report helps us in several ways. For example, there are only so many pieces of the financial pie to go around, and when we make our case to the Legislature, we can now present evidence directly from the report.

Second, evidence use is one of the keys for statewide collaboration. Having data available to work from helps us pinpoint where the problems are and gives us a common language as we take steps toward a solution. With the many stakeholders invested in the issue of teacher recruitment and retention in Idaho, a common set of data is a helpful starting point for identifying shared problems and solutions.

In addition, because we now have a common set of data and evidence, we can put numbers to the stories weve been hearing and sharing around the challenges of hiring and keeping high-quality teachers.

For example, in the anecdote I gave about novice teachers replacing veteran teachers, we now know that the number of teachers in Idaho with less than four years of experience grew from 17 to 24 percent over the last six years, while the number of teachers over retirement age has decreased from 23 to 18.5 percent.

Future Work

These sorts of challenges are too much for Idahos districtsrural and nonruralto overcome by themselves. By working together with groups across the state and using data and research as a starting point and a common language, we can add to what we are already working on and ultimately do whats best for our kids.
Since the announcement of trials in February 2017, Groupe PSA and Qualcomm Technologies have been testing C-V2X technology based on 3rd Generation Partnership Programs (3GPP) over 5.9 GHz spectrum, allocated for Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and network communications over commercial telecom operator spectrum. At the In&Out Digital Mobility event in March in Rennes, Groupe PSA and Qualcomm will host the first demonstration in France.

Groupe PSA and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated announced advances in Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) communication technology testing as the first step of 5G deployment for automotive applications with direct communication between vehicles. C-V2X directly connects vehicles to each other (V2V), to pedestrians (V2P), and to roadway infrastructure (V2I), and to the network (V2N).

It will feature PSA cars enabled with C-V2X technology using the Qualcomm 9150 C-V2X chipset (earlier post) and reference platform. Specific use-cases will demonstrate how C-V2X technology supports Advanced Driver Assistance capabilities. The demonstration will display how vehicles can seamlessly communicate with one another to alert each other of potential roadside hazards or distressed vehicle situations, such as slow moving or disable cars.





Source: Qualcomm.

C-V2Xs evolution will incorporate 5G New Radio (NR) features (earlier post), which provide high throughput, ultra-low latency, high reliability and wideband carrier support for advanced use cases for autonomous driving, including high throughput sensor, intent sharing and 3D HD map updates.

Further to support the global expansion of the C-V2X ecosystem, Groupe PSA recently joined the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), a cross-industry organisation. 5GAA supports C-V2X direct and network communications, which has grown to more than 70 member global companies including automakers and their suppliers, mobile operators, semiconductor companies, test equipment vendors, telecom network suppliers, and ITS equipment and software suppliers.





Source: Qualcomm.

C-V2X has significant global momentum and broad ecosystem support to ensure its success as a relevant V2X technology. C-V2X direct communications is an important component for transportation safety thanks to the connected cars that the Groupe PSA is already embracing with onboard telematics. We are pleased to work in close collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies for validating the technology, working on advanced use cases, and ensuring global adoption of C-V2X and its evolution into 5G. Carla Gohin, Senior Vice President, Head of Innovation at Groupe PSA

Qualcomm been engaged with the Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) ecosystem for several years, initially with its IEEE 802.11p-based products, including QCA6584AU, and now with the Qualcomm C-V2X 9150 chipset.

The 9150 C-V2X chipset will be a part of the Qualcomm C-V2X Reference Design, a complete C-V2X communications offering. The Qualcomm C-V2X Reference Design will include the Qualcomm 9150 C-V2X chipset with integrated GNSS capability for accurate positioning, an application processor running the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) V2X stack and a Hardware Security Module (HSM), designed to provide secure V2X communications.





Source: Qualcomm.

The 9150 chipset wil be available for commercial sampling in the second half of this year.
The Nikkei reports that the Japanese government will relax restrictions that hamper many smaller filling stations from adding electric vehicle charging terminals.

Japans fire safety law strictly regulates where fueling stations can install plug-in points on their premises, the report said. Currently, charging and refueling stations for electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles must be about 10 meters away from a fuel pump. This restriction limist how many of these vehicles small stations could accommodate.

Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is considering allowing filling stations to install charging terminals alongside pumps, regardless of space. The code would be relaxed on a trial basis while monitoring safety, with pilot programs likely to be conducted in special deregulation zones.

METI will set up a study group that includes representatives from the oil and gas industries, and field opinions from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency and retailers. The ministry will publish a course of action by May, with the aim of loosening restrictions as soon as fiscal 2019.

METI is also considering changes that allow filling stations to add convenience stores, supermarkets and package delivery depots near their pumps.

Gas stations are also legally obligated to have at least one employee present at all times, even at self-fueling stations. METI will also consider completely unmanned gas stations, where pumps are remotely monitored with information technology tools.

Fuel supply tanks at filling stations currently must be installed underground, but modified rules would also allow tanks to be placed above ground.

There are about 23,000 electric vehicle charging terminals in operation in Japan, along with approximately 100 hydrogen stations. Prime Minister Shinzo Abes government is aiming for 320 hydrogen stations by fiscal 2025.
Portions of the Golden Hour Senior Center building will act as a temporary shelter for The Mission at Castle Rock Rehabilitation Center should they ever be faced with an emergency evacuation situation.

During the Sweetwater County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, the commissioners unanimously approved a memorandum or understanding between the county, GHSC and Mission. Under the MOU, Mission can use the GHSC building as a temporary shelter for its residents if an emergency occurs.

A few months ago, representatives from GHSC and Mission at Castle Rock approached the Sweetwater County Commissioners to see if they would approve a memorandum of understanding allowing Mission to use the facility in a case of an emergency, human resources director Garry McLean said.

Since GHSC is a county-owned building, the request had to go in front of the commission.

The request was postponed until county employees could answer questions that arose from the previous meeting. With this in mind, county employees from various departments met to address the concerns.

McLean said one thing that was cleared up at the meeting with employees was Mission is only looking at using GHSC for a temporary shelter in the case of an emergency, such as a fire, gas leak, roof collapse. If something like that should happen and Mission needs conduct an emergency evacuation of all or most clients, then they would notify the county to use the GHSC building.

This is not to be looked at as a nursing home, he said.

Mission at Castle Rock already has agreements with other nursing homes to take their clients in case there is a prolonged emergency, McLean explained.

He said sometimes its not even possible to transport clients to Rock Springs when the roads are closed and this would give them a temporary place to stay should something happen at Mission.

Obviously, they dont want them there in any permanent capacity because they dont have staff, equipment and supplies in that facility, he said.

However, as a shelter it would work fine to hold Missions residents there until they can be transported to another facility or back to Mission.

The whole building has emergency backup power and a portion of the building is empty, which would be used first.

The agreement states Mission would pay for the gas used to power the generator should they need to use it.

The MOU also states a Mission representative can contact the emergency on-call number to receive access to the building should a situation arise.
David Divis will take over the Sweetwater County Assessors Office after a 4-1 vote Tuesday by the Sweetwater County Commissioners.

John Kolb was the only dissenting vote.

Divis takes over for Pat Drinkle, who retired Feb. 3. Divis worked in the assessors office for the past six years, serving as Drinkles chief deputy. He worked in the Sweetwater County Treasurers Office prior to that, beginning his employment in 1991.

Following state statutes, the Sweetwater County Democratic Party forwarded three candidates to the commissioners last week. Two others aside from Divis submitted a...
A Utah man was found guilty last week of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder at a Rock Springs hotel in 2016.

Bradley Ross Fairbourn, 20, of Draper, Utah, was found guilty Thursday afternoon after five hours of deliberation by a jury. The trial started Feb. 7 and wrapped up Feb. 14. According to Teresa Thybo, deputy Sweetwater County Attorney, sentencing will take place after a presentence investigation is completed. She said the investigation could take anywhere from 60 to 90 days.

Fairbourn faces life in prison as a penalty for first-degree murder.

The trial and charges...
In the upcoming 2018 legislative session, many states will be considering legislation, termed Tobacco 21. Tobacco 21 will effectively raise the legal sale age for all tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, to 21  mirroring alcohol restrictions. This bill is aimed at saving the lives of U.S. citizens from the leading cause of preventable disease and premature death.

Cigarettes today are engineered to addict. When a person becomes a smoker, they are regularly consuming the only legal product that, when used as intended, will kill half of all long-term users.

Let us use a neig...
By Rebecca Eunmi Haslam

Throughout my entire K-12 childhood experience, I never once saw anyone who looked like me.

Not in any textbook. Not in my teachers or administrators faces. There were no role models on television and not one affirming character who looked like me in a novel. I was never taught about a single Asian female of any significance who made any positive contribution to society at all.

Much later in life as a 1st grade teacher in my own classroom, I looked at my own classroom library collection through an equity lens. Examining the colorfully labeled bins in my classroom, I noticed that the only representations of Black people on my shelves were those of slaves, survivors of oppression, or famous athletes. Without being conscious of it, I had replicated my experience for my own students.

Windows and Mirrors

Once I saw my mistake, I made an immediate change, pulling apart and reorganizing my theme bins, carting in large stacks of new books from the school library, and making intentional choices to allow all students in my care to see affirming representations and reflections of themselves in our classroom.

This was a pivotal moment, one which pulled me to consider ways in which my instructional decisions contributed to my students own racial identity development. They needed to see people who looked like them widely and positively represented in positions of leadership, power, authority, greatness, heroism and success, not only in my classroom library, but also in my curricula. They also needed a window into the lives and experiences of people different from themselves, but not through a deficit lens. Understanding difference is so important, and doing so without imposing value judgements grounded in privilege is essential.

Implicit Bias in My Classroom

My struggles to help my students of color, however, went way beyond the bookshelf.

One day during 1st grade guided independent reading, a scuffle broke out among four very different students: one came from a family I had known for over a decade, one was White Vermonter experiencing poverty, another White Vermonter from an affluent family, and then there was Mohamed. Mohameds family had been in the country for about six months after leaving Somalia as refugees. When the students interrupted our reading lesson, I was frustrated. Guess who I immediately blamed? Mohamed. I assumed Mohamed was guilty. Now, I could try to defend my assumptions here, I could tell you that he was often the instigator, or that this was a pattern for him. But the truth is I didnt base this determination on any known facts; it was strictly driven by my own implicit bias.

Lately Ive been examining my own life since early childhood, and I see that I was conditioned to view Black people as guilty, a possible threat, and simply not like me. These messages came from my parents, from other people around me in my White, affluent community, from television and movies. Over time I came to accept their views as true, as my own. This is the way implicit bias works. We form prejudices about folks whom we see as different from us, and because we cant fully understand someone elses lived experiences, we go with what we think we know, our assumptions, and what weve come to believe about people like them. None of us are immune from bias, yet each of us has the obligation to recognize it when it creeps in and respond accordingly.

Fortunately, in this case I recognized my own racism when calling out Mohamed without cause. I also knew I had an obligation to do much more than apologize. I needed to recognize that when I called out my Black, Muslim student, I had damaged not only him, but everyone in that classroom. I apologized to him and his group, but I also worked hard to find and create opportunities the rest of that day, week, month, and year to make sure Mohamed knew that he was just as good, just as innocent, just as trustworthy, and lovable as everyone else in that classroom.

I also knew that this would not simply be one incident that happened one day for Mohamed. This was not a time to stand behind my good intentions or defend myself, because I knew that Mohamed would go home and see people who look like him portrayed as villains and criminals on TV, that he would experience people treating him with suspicion, presume his guilt in a store, on the sidewalk, and perhaps in another classroom, and he would hear about people who look like him and his family members getting shot by police with no one held accountable. I had to situate this seemingly small act of bias in a larger socio-political context. It was my responsibility to acknowledge the impact of my action and make intentional efforts to provide a counter narrative not only for Mohamed, but to every child in my classroom.

Author and professor Paul Gorski describes this work as Equity Literacy . He means that educators have to apply an anti-bias lens in our classrooms, one that goes well beyond common understandings of cultural competence. While cultural competence calls on us to recognize difference, doing things like learning to correctly pronounce every childs name, hanging flags from different countries in our hallways, and practicing our morning greetings in different languages, Equity Literacy sets a much higher bar. Equity Literacy requires us to understand how our students lives outside schoolthe repressions they and their families face, the inequities with which they contend, inform the way in which they experience us, as teachers, and school.

Fear is a Luxury We Can No Longer Afford

In my consulting work I encounter so many White teachers who avoid conversations about race and privilege because of fear. We dont want to offend. We dont want to expose what we dont know. We fear being called out as wrong or, even worse, racist. While I want to first validate these fears, I believe we cannot afford the luxury of protecting ourselves from them while our students suffer. The stakes are simply too high.

We must intervene when students or adults use the N-word. We have to speak up in class the morning after Charlottesville, or Baltimore, or Ferguson, and let our students speak too. We must firmly uphold what is right and true when a white student with the swastika on his shirt claims that its the Hindu version of the symbol, despite repeated reports of intimidation and racial aggression from students of color. We need to be courageous and work through our own discomfort, otherwise our silence and inaction will speak volumes and perpetuate racism in schools.

We need to call on ourselves to have the tough discussions about racism, bias, and inequity. We must listen to each other, learn from each other, and do our own inside-out work without relying on people of color to do it for us. One pretty good place to start is by watching and sharing recently released videos called Courageous Conversations About Race in Schools . These short videos provide great conversation starters and come with accompanying discussion questions that can take place in schools.

We are going to have to lean into our discomfort to do this work. We have to prioritize the safety and affirmation of our students of color in order to close the opportunity gap. Lets begin with some honest conversations.

Rebecca Eunmi Haslam is the 2015 Vermont State Teacher of the Year, a member of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year, and the founder of Seed the Way Consulting, LLC , providing training and professional development for anti-bias education and racial justice in schools. A 14-year veteran teacher in Vermonts elementary schools, Rebecca is now helping prepare the next generation of teachers to enter increasingly diverse classrooms, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses including Equity Literacy in the K-12 Classroom, and Heroes, Arts, and Social Justice as a faculty member in the Education Department at Saint Michaels College.

Photo credit: Michael Mims through Creative Commons, Unsplash (130838).
'Warning' Settlement for Chocolate Sold in California

You might want to double-check the label on your next chocolate bar.

You don't need to check for the calorie count; we already know that's bad. But there could be more bad news, under the terms of a chocolate industry settlement.

Chocolate producers have agreed to study and report on lead and cadmium in their products. It's a result of California's Proposition 65, which warns consumers about cancer-causing chemicals, and a lawsuit by an advocacy group.

Lead and Cadmium

As You Sow, a non-profit, targets corporations for a "safe, just, and sustainable world." Its website says we should worry about lead and cadmium in chocolate products.

The advocacy group sued to include warnings with the products, and major chocolate companies -- including Hershey, Mars, and Nestle -- settled. The settlement allows other companies to opt it.

"Our goal has always been to work with chocolate manufacturers to find ways to avoid or reduce lead and cadmium in their products," said Andrew Behar, CEO of As You Sow. "This settlement helps achieve that goal and provides for interim warning levels as we jointly work on the study."

The settlement requires that experts investigate, report, and make recommendations to reduce lead and cadmium in chocolate products. The settlement also includes thresholds for determining when Prop. 65 warnings will be required.

Prop 65

California voters approved Prop 65, also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, in 1986. It requires the state to publish a list of chemicals that are "known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity."

The list is updated regularly and has listed about 800 chemicals to date. They are on the website of the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

Related Resources:




Haiti - Diplomacy : New American ambassador to Haiti





On Wednesday morning at the National Palace, President Jovenel Moise received the letter of credence of the new accredited Ambassador of the United States of America in Haiti, Mrs. Michele J. Sison, confirmed by the US Senate on November 2, 2017, who replaces at this post Ambassador Peter F. Mulrean who had retired on February 27th



"Today's accreditation of the new US Ambassador, Mrs. Michele J. Sison, reflects this shared desire to build together the solid foundations for respectful and successful cooperation in the work of promoting the progress of our two countries," said Jovenel Moise.



After the ceremony ambassador Michele Sison declared "I am deeply honored to have been asked to represent my country as the new U.S. Ambassador to Haiti. Haiti has held a very special place in my heart since the early 1980's; I began my diplomatic career in 1982 as a young diplomat in Port au Prince and have always remembered the warmth of the Haitian people, the country's great natural beauty, and Haiti's unique culture and proud history."



"It was a great honor to present my credentials to President Jovenel Moise [...] Haiti and the United States share a strong commitment to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Haiti is of vital interest to the United States and the entire Western Hemisphere. The United States has a tremendous amount of respect for the Haitian people, and we are proud of our partnership with Haiti. Haiti and the United States share a long history of close relations, and our futures are closely linked through the nearly one million Haitian Americans who contribute to prosperity in the United States and to the economic growth of Haiti."



Subsequently she was presented a floral offering at the National Haitian Pantheon Museum (MUPANAH), in tribute to the Fathers of the Fatherland. Welcomed by Michele Frisch, the Museum's General Director, the new Ambassador then took a guided tour of the Museum's exhibition halls.



Biography of Ambassador Michele Sison :

"Ambassador Michele Sison was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to Haiti on February 12, 2018. She served as U.S. Deputy Representative to the United Nations (2014-2018), U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives (2012-2014), U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon (2008-2010), and U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (2004-2008).



Ambassador Sison's diplomatic assignments also include Assistant Chief of Mission in Baghdad, Iraq; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs; Deputy Chief of Mission in Islamabad, Pakistan; Consul General in Chennai, India; and tours in Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Benin, Togo, and Haiti. She also served as the State Department's Director of Career Development and Assignments. Ambassador Sison is the recipient of the U.S. Presidential Distinguished Service Award, U.S. Presidential Meritorious Service Award, and the U.S. Department of the Army's Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. She also holds numerous U.S. Department of State awards, including Superior Honor Awards and Ambassadorial-level awards for her contributions to counter-proliferation (2008) and combatting trafficking in persons (2005). Ambassador Sison is the mother of two grown daughters."



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Cap-Haitien : Reactions of violence following the choice of the new rector of the university





The Ministry of National Education strongly condemns the current situation of violence at the Public North University in Cap-Haitien (UPNCH), following the appointment in a ministerial circular of Professor Delide Joseph as new Rector of UNPCH. https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-23617-icihaiti-cap-haitien-new-rector-of-the-public-university-of-the-north.html



The Ministry reminds the group of "students" responsible for acts of physical and verbal violence, the obligation to respect the values and standards of operation of the university and invites them to adopt a behavior worthy of their academic status, based on respect for others, tolerance and dialogue.



Recalling that it is necessary to preserve the achievements of UNPCH and the results of the actions of the Provisional Commission, whose mission was among others, to work to restore a calm atmosphere within the university until the installation of a new Rector, the Ministry invites the members of this Commission to take all the necessary measures to bring order to the UPNCH and to facilitate the installation of the new Rector.



See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-23617-icihaiti-cap-haitien-new-rector-of-the-public-university-of-the-north.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Japan : Signature of 4 donation contracts in Agriculture and Education





Wednesday, as part of the "Assistance in the form of Donations to Local Micro-Projects Contributing to Human Security (APL)" Yoshiaki Hatta, Ambassador of Japan to Haiti, has signed four grant contracts totaling more than 400,000 dollars (USD 416,821.00), with Representatives of four local organizations in the fields of Agriculture and Education, at the level of the Center (Mirebalais, Thomonde and Hinche) and North (Pignon) departments. It is a project to build / install sugar cane processing center equipment and three projects to build basic community schools.



"Development Project for the Sugarcane Transformation Center in Grand Boucan"

Mirebalais ($105,063.00)



The project submitted by the Youth Organization in Action for the Socio-Economic Development of Border Zones envisages the strengthening of the sugarcane sector by increasing the performance of the production chain through the construction of a sugarcane processing center equipped with a motorized mill, boilers and vats.



"Development project of Laodice de Campeche Mixed Community School"

Aguahedionde Left Bank, Hinche ($103,546.00)



This project will be implemented by the Social Organization for the Development of Central Plateau in order to facilitate access to basic education and create better learning conditions for children. For the benefit of the current 149 students of the school and other children waiting for schooling in this area, the construction of 6 classrooms equipped with adequate school furniture, a toilet block and a water tank will be carried out as part of this project.



"Development Project of the Bon Berger Community Mixed School"

Pignon ($100,633.00)



This project will allow the Association of Planters Labelle Mere de Pignon, to improve the access and learning conditions of the 235 current students and to receive 35 new students waiting for schooling in the area, through the construction of 6 classrooms equipped with adequate school furniture, an administrative room and a toilet block with a handwashing area.



"Development Project of the Mixed Institution Aime Cesaire"

Thomonde ($107,579.00)



Through this project, the Solidarity of Non State Actors of the Center, will realize the construction of 6 classrooms equipped with adequate school furniture, an administrative room, a toilet block and a water tank in order to improve the educational conditions of the current 155 students as well as 80 additional students who will have now have access to the Institution.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Canada : $15M support for Haitian Midwives





During her stay in Haiti, which ended Wednesday, February 21, Marie-Claude Bibeau Minister of International Development and La Francophonie Canada https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-23591-icihaiti-canada-minister-marie-claude-bibeau-s-3rd-visit-to-haiti.html participated in the inauguration of the National Institute of Higher Education for Midwives (INSFSF).



Canada is proud to have contributed to the rebuilding, curriculum renewal, equipment and operationalization of the INSFSF following its destruction by the 2010 earthquake, said Minister Bibeau.



Taking advantage of the event, she announced a new $15 million support from Canada to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to strengthen the capacity of the Haitian government to train, recruit, deploy and maintain midwives in the underserved communes of Haiti, despite the improvement of many health indicators in Haiti, indicates that just over half of deliveries are still carried out without any medical assistance and that Haiti is faced with a shortage of health personnel.



This investment will also allow to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services for Haitian women.



The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres and the Canadian Association of Midwives.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23608-haiti-canada-$83m-contribution-to-help-women.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Iron market : A witness would have seen the authors of the fire

Davidson Saint-Louis, 26, who pretend to be a security agent of the Hyppolite Market, was arrested Tuesday afternoon by police of Saint-Marc and transferred to the Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ) to be interrogated. He claimed to have be witnessed of the Iron market fire on the night of 12 to 13 February https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23556-haiti-flash-the-iron-market-ravaged-by-a-fire.html and have seen the arsonists. According to his testimony, he would have fled to Saint Marc for fear of his life... See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23613-haiti-news-zapping.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23578-haiti-iron-market-fire-probably-accidental-according-to-the-president-of-digicel.html



Claim RN2 blocked

Tuesday, the national road #2 was blocked at the locality of Chabanne at the southern entrance of the city of Petit-Goave. The inhabitants of Barettes and Vialet, supported by the coordinator of the Communal Section Council (CASEC) of the first Plain, demanded the cleaning of the rivers. A long line of vehicles, from the South and Port-au-Prince, , was observed on the public road, the police were on the scene. HL/ HaitiLibre / Guyto Mathieu (Correspondant Petit-Goave).



The Nobel Prize for literature in Cap-Haitien

Wole Soyinka, Nigerian Nobel literature, aged 83, will be received Saturday, February 24, 2018, in Cap Haitien, by the City Mayor Jean-Claude Mondesir. He should then go to the Regina Assumpta College around 5.30 pm where he will meet about 500 young people for a conference. See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-23627-icihaiti-culture-exhibition-wole-soyinka-at-the-national-bureau-of-ethnology.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23616-haiti-politic-moise-decorates-of-the-national-order-the-nobel-wole-soyinka.html



Canada : Identification of streets in Petit-Goave

Launch by the town hall of Petit-Goave of a project of identification of streets in the municipality, funded by the Federation of Municipalities of Canada for an amount of 47,000 US dollars.



Irrigation in the Nippes and the Goave region

Brandy Eugene, the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, visited on Tuesday several achievements of the Small Irrigation and Market Access Project. This project concerns the irrigation of several perimeters in the Nippes and in the Goave region. He took the opportunity to discuss with the donor of the project the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) responsible for the management of the fund and with the various firms contracted for the project.



Diaspora and Politour at Historical National Park

This week, the Politour North Detachment led a group of 16 Haitian-Canadian tourists visiting the National Historic Park. These compatriots who have left the country for a long time for the most part have been able to discover safely and guided another image of their Haiti Cherie.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Pernod extends Wincanton partnership

By Jo Gilbert

Pernod Ricard has renewed its long-standing partnership with Wincanton in the UK.

Having gone through a long tender process, the world number two in wines and spirits has renewed its warehousing and logistics contract with Wincanton - the UKs largest logistics company.

The six-year contract builds on the relationship between the two companies which began in 1999  and will bring the total collaboration time to 24 years.

The contract renewal includes warehousing at an HMRC-approved bonded site and transport solutions for key UK customer deliveries.

Michael Taylor, operations director at Pernod Ricard UK, said: After a long tender process, we are pleased our long-term partner Wincanton offered us the best solution for professional, cost-effective and innovative warehousing and logistic services, which is something we continually evaluate to ensure efficiency for us and our customers.

Liam McElroy, MD of retail & consumer at Wincanton, added: Having worked with the company for a significant period of time now, we were keen to demonstrate how we could add further value for Pernod Ricard UK. We look forward to being able to realise our ambition to become leaders in the digitised supply chain and deliver significant short and long-term benefits to our customers.

The producer of Absolut and Campo Viejo is second only behind Diageo as the worlds largest producer of wines and spirits, totalling group sales of 9,010m in 2016/2017.










Champagne exports catch up with French domestic consumption as value grows

By Jo Gilbert

Shipments of Champagne abroad caught up with domestic sales last year, new figures from the Champagne Bureau UK show.

While the French market was down by 2.5% with 153.7 million bottles, a steeper drop than expected due to a disappointing month of December, according to Maxime Toubart, president of the Syndicat General des Vignerons (SGV) and co-president of Comite Champagne, total sales of Champagne reached 307.3 million bottles in 2017  a rise of 0.4% on 2016.

Last year was also the year that exports caught up with domestic sales: shipments abroad to places like the UK rose by 3.5% over the course of the year, amounting to 153.6 million bottles.

Jean-Marie Barillere, president of the Union des Maisons de Champagne (UMC) and co-president of Comite Champagne, was pleased with the figures, which amounted to an increased value opportunity and a record turnover of 4.9 billion euros".

Growth drivers were confirmed as markets outside of the European Union (which declined 1.3% to 76.6 million bottles).

Non-EU markets now exceed the EU and recorded an increase of nearly 9% last year to reach 77 million bottles.

Export data by country is due to be released at Prowein on March 18.










Its unfortunate that theres a conspiracy theory circulating on social media that we have ties to Suvi Linden, Olli Isotalo, the chief executive of the state-owned defence contractor, lamented in a news conference in Helsinki on Wednesday.

Patria affirmed yesterday that it is not involved in any joint ventures in Uganda with Suvi Linden, an-ex Minister of Communications.

But no such ties exist, he stressed. Suvi Linden was not there on our behalf, and we have no knowledge of what was [her] business there.

Patria on Wednesday also announced the departure of a third executive of its land business division, Patria Land Systems. The executive had given permission to a businessman to market the products of Patria in Uganda and Mozambique, and had been aware of the fact that the middle-aged businessman was accompanied by Linden on his trip to Uganda.

The Finnish businessman was found dead in a hotel room in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, on 6 February.

The state-owned company reiterated its admittance that giving the marketing permission and letter of authorisation to the businessman was a mistake. Isotalo argued, however, that the mistake was not a major one as, even though the permission had been given, it would have been unlikely that the government granted an export permit to Uganda.

Patria also said it has examined its decision-making processes in regards to consulting contracts and taken action to improve its internal processes. The land business division, for example, will henceforth have to get approval for all country selections and consulting contracts from the executive board of the division.

Weve decided that we dont want our sales teams to make decisions on whether to enter these kinds of new markets but that everything will go through the executive board, said Isotalo.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Martti Kainulainen  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
I have to remind that it wont be the responsibility of municipalities to organise [employment services] in the upcoming system of counties. Itll be the responsibility of the counties. Thats why we wont allow trials that arent in line with whats ahead to continue, he explains.

Jari Lindstrom (BR), the Minister of Employment, has confirmed that the government is not prepared to continue an acclaimed employment trial in Pirkanmaa after 2018.

The trial was launched in the second half of last year in ten municipalities in Pirkanmaa. The municipalities were made responsible for organising employment services for over 20,000 basic allowance, social assistance and labour market subsidy recipients  most of whom are long-term unemployed  in an attempt to prepare for the abolition of the Employment and Economic Development Offices (TE Offices).

Related posts: Postponing reforms to create difficulties for job seekers participating in new employment trials (03 August, 2017)

The TE Offices are to be abolished as part of the regional government reform in 2020.

Several media outlets have written about the positive results of the trial. Tampere, for example, has found employment to an average of 100 long-term unemployed job seekers a week, while all of the participating municipalities have succeeded in promoting the participation of the unemployed in employment services by means of personal meetings.

Regina Saari, a programme director at the City of Tampere, admits to being worried about the looming end of the employment trial.

She points out that the responsibility for the services would be re-assigned to the TE Offices for 2019 before being assigned to the counties established in the regional government reform in 2020.

If we dont now use all our resources to tackle unemployment but move customers to the TE Offices for one year and then to the counties, the preparations related to the organisations will be a full-time job for us [at employment services], she said to Uusi Suomi.

Lindstrom also acknowledged that the trial has produced positive results but refused to budge from the governments stance.

Tampere has done a great job, an excellent job, he said. The responsibility has been moved to municipalities as part of the trial, but thats not the direction were heading in. Thats why weve been so firm on the issue and stated that these trials cant continue.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
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220218POLICE ON ROAD SAFETY

By Aloysius Laukai



The Bougainville Police is concerned at road safety on all Bougainville roads.

Buka Police Station Commander, Senior Sergeant John Popui told New Dawn FM yesterday that Police wants all drivers to make sure their vehicles are roadworthy and registered to be on public roads.

He said Police wants all drivers to make sure that they do not overload their vehicles and also over the speed limits.

The Police Commander said that Bougainville Police are making random checks on all Bougainville roads and drivers will be booked and charged for un-road worthy vehicles and overloaded vehicles.

He said that as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure so it is better to prevent accidents from happening and save lives.



Ends


Posted 2/21/18

Mission Chapel Church women are invited to Ladies Night Out at Faith Southern Baptist Church at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. There will be dinner and a presentation about missions and disaster 
Remember When  We have the best natural resources in Michigan and the world knows it; that is why everyone loves our state....

Career exploration helps students become successful adults When I was a child, I didnt have a clue that I could be doing the work that I am...

Remember When  The first known writings and paintings on walls were found in the Chauvet cave in France dating back 30,000 BC,...
Its a cardinal sin of warfare to underestimate the enemy, but Germany did exactly that as it sized up U.S. military power in World War I.





IN THE FINAL MONTH OF WORLD WAR I, THE GERMAN ARMY WAS NEAR THE BREAKING POINT. Throughout 1918, officer casualties had been especially heavy. Numbers had been so reduced that in the Argonne Forest a mere lieutenant commanded the 1st Battalion, 120th Landwehr Regiment. Fortunately for the Germans, that lieutenant, Paul Vollmer, had nearly four years of combat experience, and he was a well-educated man who spoke fluent English and had lived in Chicago before the war. On October 8, 1918, near the village of Chatel-Chehery, elements of his unit engaged in a fierce firefight with an Allied patrol. In the midst of the fighting Vollmer was captured by Corporal Alvin C. York of the U.S. 82nd Divisions 328th Infantry Regiment. English? Vollmer asked as he surrendered to York.

No, not English, York replied.

What?

American.

Good Lord! Vollmer blurted in disbelief.

Vollmers mistake was understandable. The American khaki uniforms and soup plate steel helmets resembled those worn by the British and were nothing like the Adrian helmets and light-blue uniforms of the French. American troops had been fighting in the Argonne for two weeks, and although the German intelligence system was still functioning quite well, that information may not have trickled down to the rank-and-file soldier. German military records make it very clear, however, that senior commanders in Oberste Heeresleitung (OHLthe German High Command), Army Group Gallwitz, and Fifth Army were well aware of who they were fighting immediately east of the Meuse River. As early as June 8, OHL directed German forces to cause as much damage as possible, within the limits of the general situation, to the American units inserted in the front line, as they are to form the nucleus for the new [Allied] organizations.

As we now know, Germanys senior military leaders purposely misled the German people and even their frontline soldiers and commanders as to the number of American troops in France and in combat during the latter half of 1918. After all, German submarines were supposed to have prevented U.S. troopships from reaching Europe. Admiral Henning von Holtzendorff, the chief of the admiralty staff, had gone so far as to tell Kaiser Wilhelm II, I give your majesty my word as an officer that not one American will land on the Continent. The U-boats, however, failed to sink a single U.S. troopship.

By the final year of the war the German economy was in ruins, and morale at home and on the front lines was shaky at best. Germanys senior military leaders believed that neither the combat troops nor the civilians could handle the harsh reality of a huge infusion of fresh Allied troops.

Postwar interrogations of German soldiers and civilians confirmed the disinformation effort. On December 14, 1918, for example, the mayor of Rubenach, a small town near Koblenz in the American Zone of Occupation, told U.S. Army interrogators that people routinely received false reports of troopship sinkings. But by mid-October it was no longer possible to conceal the fact that Americans were in France in large numbersand fighting.

UNDERESTIMATING THE ENEMY IS A CARDINAL SIN OF WARFARE, and on the strategic level the Germans made that mistake twice during World War I. The first was when German leaders doubted that their invasion of Belgium and France in 1914 would bring Great Britain into the war, but they managed to convince themselves that any intervention by the small British Army of only six divisions would be militarily insignificant. Indeed, the kaiser purportedly dismissed what would by the end of the war become the 60-division British Expeditionary Force as a contemptible little army.

The Germans committed the same fundamental error in 1917. Politically explosive revelations surrounding the so-called Zimmermann telegram (a coded message Germany sent to Mexico proposing a military alliance against the United States), combined with the resumption of unrestricted submarine attacks, brought the United States into the war on the side of the Entente.

In mid-1917 Germanys military leaders estimated that any American army could not possibly be a significant force on European battlefields until at least the spring of 1919, by which time they felt the Entente would surely have collapsed. When General Erich Ludendorff, the first quartermaster general of the German army, launched his five great offensives in the spring of 1918, he thought it would take the Americans more than a year to train and deploy even five or six divisions, and he dismissed completely the possibility that any such units would be combat capable for many months after that. As late as December 1917 an OHL intelligence assessment stated bluntly: The officer corps is not trained for the demands of major warfare. For this reason alone, it will be impossible for a time to employ American units of any size under their own command in difficult situations. Even General Hans von Seeckt, the chief of staff to German field marshal August von Mackensen, thought that while the influx of fresh American units might prolong the war, it would not prove decisive for the Allies.

The initial German assessment wasnt completely groundless. In 1917 the United States was still unprepared for war. Its army was the 17th largest in the world, right behind Portugal. On April 6, the day the U.S. Congress declared war on Germany, the regular U.S. Army had only 128,000 troops, backed by some 182,000 partially trained National Guardsmen. By November 1918 the total number of American soldiers had grown to 3.7 million, more than half of them already in Europe. Their training and combat effectiveness left much to be desired, but the sheer power of their numbers was overwhelming.

In 1917 and throughout most of 1918, the U.S. Army grappled with the problem of having to train NCOs, officers, staff officers, and senior commanders virtually overnight. The Americans started the war with only 379 officers who had attended the recently established staff school at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, or the Army War College in Washington, D.C. General John J. Pershing, who had led the U.S. Armys punitive expedition to Mexico in 1916, was the only American officer whod ever commanded a force larger than a brigade in combat.

Between 1914 and mid-1917, the U.S. Army had paid little attention to developments in warfare on European battlefields. American military journals continued to heavily emphasize the use of the rifle and the bayonet, to the exclusion of rapidly emerging military firepower technologies, including trench mortars, machine guns, rapid-firing artillery, and tanks.

The political atmosphere in Washington only fed the studied indifference of the nations military establishment. When President Woodrow Wilson read in a newspaper in 1915 that some officers at the U.S. Army War College were developing contingency war plans for an American entry into the European conflict, he ordered acting secretary of the army Henry S. Breckenridge to investigate and, if the story proved true, to exile the offending officers. Thus, when the German resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare finally brought America into the war in 1917, the U.S. Army was woefully unprepared.

The Germans, at first dismissive of the Americans, developed a grudging respect for the inherent toughness and fighting spirit of the doughboys, but not necessarily for their tactical skills or their leadershipespecially the American general officers. Ludendorff thought that Pershing, the other American generals, and the American Expeditionary Forces General Staff simply did not know how to wage a large-scale, modern war. In a chapter for George Vierecks 1929 book, As They Saw Us: Foch, Ludendorff, and Other Leaders Write Our War History, Ludendorff wrote: They lacked keen discernment of tactical situations and the ability to exploit changing conditions by quick decisions.

Ironically, most British and French generals and Allied political leaders, including Georges Clemenceau and David Lloyd George, agreed with Ludendorffs assessment. Pershing in particular, they all thought, had no understanding of modern warfare. Pershing, in turn, constantly criticized the Allies and the Germans for the trench warfare that had come to characterize the Great War. But for Pershing, what passed for open warfareor in modern terms maneuver warfareamounted to little more than inadequately supported large-scale frontal attacks by the infantry. Pershing continually emphasized the primacy of the rifle and the bayonet, giving little credence to machine guns, mortars, artillery, tanks, and airpower.

ALTHOUGH THERE WERE SEVEN AMERICAN DIVISIONS IN FRANCE BY MARCH 1918, only one was close to being ready for combat. But then the numbers started to increase almost exponentially, catching OHL by surprise. From March to July the United States put 956,000 troops into Europe. In the same period, the Germans lost 973,000 men during the five great Ludendorff Offensives of 1918.

German intelligence officers carefully watched the arriving Americans, and as they realized the growing threat, they began to change their assessments. Replacement, armament, and equipment of American troops are good. Their training is still insufficient, the General Staff reported during the winter of 19171918. It is to be expected that the American soldier, after additional training and war experience, will amount to a formidable opponent.

Throughout the war the Germans continued to rate the Americans low on training and leadership while recognizing their physical robustness and individual fighting spirit. Heres how Ludendorff characterized the Americans after the war: Young, well developed, enterprising by nature, and utterly lacking in fear, trained for exertions and privations by sport, very well fed and equipped. His nervous energy untapped, the American soldier possessed precisely those qualifications which make a fighter.

Ludendorff also credited the Americans as being honorable, writing that the innate good nature of the American soldier prevented him from indulging in unchivalrous treatment of his enemy. Our soldiers especially praised the Americans for never firing upon stretcher bearers when they had been recognized as such.

But Ludendorff ridiculed the ethnic composition of the AEF, foreshadowing Adolf Hitlers dismissal of America as a mongrel nation. There appeared to be a decided percentage of foreign nationalities in the ranks of the AEF, he wrote. These comprised Poles and Italians chiefly, mostly unnaturalized, who as citizens of free sovereign countries had been unceremoniously pressed into American uniforms. Germany, of course, never had any compunction about conscripting ethnic non-Germans, including French speakers from Alsace and Lorraine, and Polish nationals from East Prussia. The historical record shows very clearly that the majority of the foreign-born American soldiers who served were intensely proud of having done so. In fact, the many German-speaking American soldiers in the AEF caused serious problems for German troops during the war, confusing them by calling out to them in fluent German during battle. After the war, however, those German-speaking Americans were often well received by the German civilian population in the American Occupation Zone.

THE GERMANS LOST NO TIME IN PROBING THE AMERICANS AND TESTING THEIR CAPABILITIES. On April 20, 1918, they conducted a large-scale trench raid against units of the U.S. 26th Division, which was then training in a quiet sector of the line near the village of Seicheprey, south of Verdun. The Americans eventually beat off the attack, but in the process 100 were captured and another 650 killed or wounded. While the American press trumpeted the humiliating defeat as a glorious victory, the Germans analyzed the battle very carefully. The American leadership in the combats up to now has been found wanting, the operations section of the Army Detachment C General Staff concluded. In the fighting around Seicheprey no influence of the command on artillery or infantry action was noticed. There was no planned employment of reserves for counterattacks or coordinated artillery fire on the points of penetration.

Nearly a month after Seicheprey, the Americans made their debut in a major battle during the third of the five great Ludendorff Offensives, Operation Blucher, which ran from May 27 to June 5, 1918. On May 28, the U.S. 1st Division attacked and captured the German-occupied village of Cantigny, on the western face of the German penetration salient and between Soissons and Chateau-Thierry. The day after Blucher came to a halt, the U.S. 2nd Division, which included the U.S. 4th Marine Brigade, attacked into the German lines to take the key terrain of Belleau Wood. The fierce battle raged until June 26, when the marines finally secured the woods. Because that happened to be the point at which the German forces were closest to Paris in 1918, the myth arose that the marines had saved Paris. But as all the surviving German operations orders and war diaries make quite clear, Paris was never an objective of any of the Ludendorff Offensives of 1918, although the Germans had devised elaborate deception plans to make the Allies think so. And besides, the Germans themselves had halted Blucher the day before the marines attacked.

By the time the Battle of Belleau Wood had ended, the German General Staff had to admit that with the U.S. 2nd Division, they were now facing at least one first-class American fighting unit. This division must be considered as a very good one, perhaps even as a shock unit, OHLs assessment concluded. The material of the rank and file is very good indeed.All the attacks in Belleau Wood in July were executed briskly and without hesitation. Their nerves are still strong and they are well fed.

THE FIRST LARGE-SCALE OFFENSIVE COMMITMENT OF U.S. FORCES CAME IN THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE MARNE. Eight U.S. divisions participated in the great Allied counteroffensive that started on July 18, 1918. American units fought under French higher-level command. Just before the battle, OHL issued an intelligence assessment that was still generally dismissive of the U.S. contribution to the Allied effort: The assistance of the Americans is in some respects a bluff. In their conceit, they imagine that with the masses of men brought over, they can bring about at once a decision in favor of the Entente. The assessment went on to state that the United States was trying to field a million-man army more quickly than Britain had, and that the Americans, in their delusions of grandeur, failed to understand that the brute massing of men and machines didnt necessarily make for an effective fighting force.

After the battle, however, German attitudes started to change. General Walther Reinhardt, the chief of staff of the German Seventh Army, which was primarily involved in the battle, wrote:

Did the Americans, in the course of the battles of the spring of 1918, fulfill all the hopes that were centered on them? The question can be answered with an unconditional yes! There is no doubt that the American Expeditionary Forces lacked training; that their leaders lacked generalship and actual war experience. These facts led to casualties heavier than were necessary and probably accounted for their limited tactical success of July 18th. However, the American troops brought with them across the ocean something much more important than training and experience, something that cannot be taught, but must be inborn: The will to attack, the firm resolve to kill or get killedwarlike qualities which brave men never hesitate to praise, even in the enemy!

Not all of Germanys senior commanders, however, saw the situation as clearly as Reinhardt.

The Saint-Mihiel Offensive, which aimed to pinch out a large German salient south of Verdun, was the first such operation executed under overall American (as opposed to French) command. The U.S. First Army attacked on September 12 with 14 American and four French divisions. But the Germans had already started to withdraw from the salient when the attack started. By the time the operation ended on September 15, it appeared to be a brilliant feat of arms for the Americans.

The Germans didnt see it that way. The advance of the American infantry in the attack was altogether schematic, OHL concluded on September 22, in its final assessment of the battle. Great clumsiness was shown in the movement over the terrain of the waves of riflemen which followed each other closely. The assault troops hesitated when met by the least resistance, and gave the impression of awkwardness and helplessness. Neither officers nor men knew how to make use of the terrain. The report concluded: The American is too much of a dilettante, and therefore in a major attack needs not to be feared.Our troops had expected much more of them in a major battle. In spite of some local reverses, their confidence of being able to deal with the Americans has been raised.

The Meuse-Argonne campaign, launched on September 26, was the biggest battle in American history. Nine U.S. divisions under three U.S. corps made the initial attack. By the time the campaign (and the war) ended on November 11, 1.2 million U.S. troops had been committed against some 450,000 German troops. The American attack was the southernmost and first of four great prongs of the Allied general offensive that ended the war. The Americans ultimate objective was Mezieres, the rail center that was the hub of the German transportation and logistics network in Flanders. Although the Americans tactical performance was poor at first, they continued to push forward, and their tactical skills improved over time, but at a high price in casualties. (In only six months of combat operations, more than 116,000 American soldiers died.) As the battle progressed throughout October, the Germans were forced to shift more and more of their strategic reserves to the sector of Army Group Gallwitz. That in turn reduced their ability to defend against the three other converging attacks launched by the French, British, and Belgians, on September 27, 28, and 29.

Ludendorff devoted 21 pages of his memoirs to the Allied general offensive but played down the significance of the Allies Meuse-Argonne campaign. Writing 10 years later for Vierecks book, however, he had more to say about Meuse-Argonne. Once again criticizing American leadership, he wrote that American tactical success in Meuse-Argonne only looked good in comparison to the bad showing by the French Fourth Army on the AEFs left flank: I do not hesitate to state that the American infantry, their strong nerves still intact, were more difficult to combat during the fighting in the autumn [of] 1918 than, for example, the nerve-depleted infantry of the French.

General Max von Gallwitz, the army group commander who fought more Americans than any other senior German commander, offered a somewhat more objective assessment of his enemies: Lack of experience was very often paid for with great sacrifices. These were sustained with admirable equanimity. As a matter of fact, attacks were frequently launched with too little concern, and in an unsuitable manner. But Gallwitz then concluded by putting the U.S. contribution to the war in perspective: After all, it was the astonishing display of American strength which definitely decided the war against us.

TYPICAL OF ALL WARS, SENIOR COMMANDERS WRITE MEMOIRS TO MAKE SURE THEIR STORIES GET TOLD as they want them to be told. Objectivity often suffers in the process, and in some cases even basic honesty becomes a casualty. Ludendorff is a case in point. His memoirs, published in 1919, play down U.S. involvement in the war. But as he came under growing criticism at home and abroad for fatally underestimating the Americans, his tone turned increasingly defensive. In Vierecks 1929 book he states: After the World War, in Germany as well as in foreign countries, I was reproached, time and again, for having misjudged, from a military point of view, the importance of Americas entrance into the war. I was taken to task for having underestimated Americas inherent capacity, that is, that I had underrated the opponent from every angle. All this is incorrect!

Ludendorff did admit that the General Staff had underestimated the speed of the American buildup, but for that he blamed the German navy and the failure of the U-boat campaign. Despite the overwhelming manpower that the United States brought to the Allied side, Ludendorff nonetheless continued to insist that the reason Germany lost the war was collapse at homethe infamous Dolchstosslegende (stab-in-the-back myth). And, of course, he could not resist denouncing as scapegoats the usual suspectsJews, freemasons, and Jesuitsthat progressively haunted his writings during the final years of his life.

Of all the German senior generals and military historians of the immediate postwar period, German Hermann von Kuhl probably offered the most accurate and objective assessment of the Americans. Writing in his 1929 two-volume history of the war, Kuhl said: The American soldier excelled in bravery, although he was lacking practice. Rested, well-nourished, and with his nervous energy still intact, he met the German forces who were exhausted from unprecedented exertions of four years of fighting.

Kuhls assessment was very similar to one made by U.S. Army General Hunter Liggett some years after the war. When Liggett asked rhetorically whether the AEF of 1918 could have stood up on the battlefield against the German Army of 1915 or even 1916, he answered his own question: Probably not. MHQ

DAVID T. ZABECKI is HistoryNets chief military historian.

This article appears in the Spring 2018 issue (Vol. 30, No. 3) of MHQThe Quarterly Journal of Military History with the headline: Another Contemptible Little Army?

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A second lieutenant assigned to lead the infamous platoon responsible for the My Lai massacre recalls the bitter reality behind Vietnams measurement of combat success.

Fresh out of Officers Candidate School, 20-year-old Oklahoman Gary Bray arrived in Vietnam in late August 1969. The day after landing at Ton Son Nhut, the new second lieutenant was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Light Infantry Brigade of the 23rd Americal Division at Chu Lai. He was to lead the 1st Platoon of Charlie Company, which, under 2nd Lt. William Calley, had gained infamy 18 months earlier on March 16, 1968, at a small village named My Lai. By the time of Brays arrival, most of the men who had been in the unit at the time of the My Lai massacre were gone, and the Army investigation that would result in Calley being charged on a number of counts of premeditated murder was nearing completion. It would still be two more months before the story of the massacre became front-page news, setting off shockwaves across America and revulsion around the world. First Platoon continued to operate in the vicinity of My Lai but never returned to the village. Bray would soon learn from his platoons Vietnamese interpreter that the Viet Cong had put bounties on the heads of Charlie Company members.

After several months commanding 1st Platoon, Bray felt as if I had spent all my life in the place.I became so immersed in the war that I began to think that this was all life would ever beto keep from getting killed and to hunt down someone else to kill. On January 9, 1970, as Bray watched it happen, two men in his platoon were killed and one wounded by a booby trap as they guarded engineers building a road near the village of Nui Ong Do. A small boy, befriended by the men, also died in the horrific mine blast.

Each day began with a plot hatched by one of my superior officers to outwit the enemy and kill him, Bray recalled. The success or failure of the plan measured by the body count.

Large maps of the area of operations (AO) covered the walls of the battalion command bunker at Landing Zone Liz where my superiors hatched out their plans to defeat the enemy. Shelves along the walls held the many radios used to communicate with the companies in the field, the artillery units, the forward air controllers and other support units. Clipboards hung on the walls to keep a record of all the information that came into the battalion command post. Tables and benches ran down one of the walls where the colonels staff sat and coordinated all of the battalions activities. The most impressive thing about the bunker, however, wasnt all the equipment and maps, but the briefing area for the frequent visitors who wore stars on their collars.

A miniature stage had been constructed on the side of the bunker for the briefings, and it was complete with podium and seating for the visiting VIPs. Behind the podium hung a large map of the AO and a large plastic chart with many rows and columns filled with grease pencil markings. Each of the four companies of the battalion had its allotted space on the chart. There was a column for Alpha Company, one for Bravo Company, one for Charlie Company, one for Delta Company and a smaller column for the Recon Platoon. One of the staff members special jobs was to keep the chart updated so the colonel could brief the visiting generals on the body count.

Under each companys designation, the chart was divided into smaller columns to list that companys numerical success or failure during a particular month. The enemy was marked in red. A column, divided into each day of the month, listed the number of enemies killed in action (KIA), wounded in action (WIA) or captured. Opposite the red column was a blue column for friendly casualties, which contained the same column for killed in action or wounded in action. It was an impressive chart.

The chart man kept a running total. With all its red and blue numbers, the officers could tell at a glance how successful the battalion had been in the last month at killing the enemy. The kill ratio was easily computed. A briefing with high red numbers and low blue numbers brought smiles from the generals. A briefing with low red numbers and high blue numbers brought suggestions that perhaps the battalion wasnt being aggressive enough in its pursuit of the enemy. Such a briefing was usually followed by a combat assault or a trip into the mountains by one of the companies.

The thing I remember most about the chart is that it only contained numbers. There were no names posted in blue pencil, only numbers. A blue 1 under one of the companies names was easy to accept, especially if directly opposite, in the red KIA column, there was a red 5. The generals had no use for such information as the kids name, age, hometown and next of kin. All this information was readily available, but it wasnt reflected on the chart.

I saw the chart after my platoons assignment with the engineers. Listed under Charlie Company on the ninth day of January was a small blue 2 in the KIA column. Next to the number were the letters BT in green pencil, indicating those killed had died from a booby trap. I wondered why the thing that killed the men received a name on the chart, yet they remained a combined number of 2. On the same date there were no numbers in the red column, but listed on the enemy side of the chart near the margin was a small notation in yellow grease pencil that read 1 VN civilian KIABT.

I am the only person in the world who remembers that chart for that day. No other members of my platoon were allowed in the command post. The regular staff would have had no reason to remember this one day from all the others. The marks on the chart werent numbers. They were three people with faces and personalities. Three people I watched die on a small hill in Vietnam. A short time later, I, too, would be represented by a blue mark on the battalion commanders colorful chart.

You cross a series of lines in war. They arent drawn in the sand or marked on your maps, yet when you cross one of them you are forever changed. You may never return to what you were before.

The first of these lines is crossed when you participate in the death of another human being. Soldiers can call him the enemy, Viet Cong, Nip, Gook or whatever they wish, but the fact remains that he was a human being. Look through his bloodstained personal effects, and you are apt to find a letter from home, a picture of a smiling wife and child, or some keepsake you dont understand.

As you stare at his lifeless body with curiosity at seeing the first person killed by your own hands, you have lost innocence.You have joined the others in that part of mankind who know they have killed. Because society accepts what you have done in the name of war and expects it, you dont feel an immediate sense of concern. If you are fortunate enough to live many years afterward and experience lifes joys, such as one day having grandchildren, you will realize society has given you guilt for taking the life of another person, guilt which it doesnt share with you. You will think of this often.

The second line that you cross in war is to begin accepting injury or death as an everyday occurrence. When you pass the bodies of enemy soldiers killed in the previous nights ambush and give them no more than a curious glance, or when you hear radio reports of another unit requesting an urgent dust-off for people wounded by a mine and think to yourself that you are glad it was them and not you, then you have lost another part of your humanity.

You develop a certain numbness to the events that happen around you in war. You witness so many horrible things that you begin to think that surely nothing any worse than what you have already seen can happen. You have put your men on helicopters with limbs dangling or missing. You have put them in body bags in pieces. Worst of all, you have seen the death of innocent children.You begin to develop a hatred for the people of the country you are supposed to be helping. They are the ones killing and maiming your men.

The third line you cross in war is the one that some of the former members of my platoon had crossed under Lieutenant William Calley two years earlier at My Lai. At this point, your hatred becomes so intense, paired with your frustration at not being able to retaliate for the deaths of your friends due to the endless mines and booby traps set by the Viet Cong, that you do something that defies common sense. If you had individually asked those men an hour before they entered My Lai if they were capable of shooting an innocent woman or child, each undoubtedly would have responded that it was something he would never do. Yet that is exactly what a few of them did that morning at My Lai.

You can reach a point where what you are shooting at is no longer a human being, but simply a target.You lose the ability to pull back and say to yourself, This is wrong. I know this because of an incident that occurred within my platoon.

We were back on the northern end of the area we had dubbed the Gaza Strip along the shore of the South China Sea, about 10 miles north of Duc Pho. The pacified village where my men had been killed a few weeks earlier lay a few kilometers to the north. I could see the early morning sun reflecting from the tin roofs. The area where we operated had been cleared of Vietnamese civilians and declared a free-fire zone. Any people spotted there were automatically considered to be Viet Cong, and as such, we were free to engage and kill them.

My platoon was given an assignment to conduct a patrol along the western edge of the Strip along the Cau River, which defined its border. Nearby, across the river, a group of grass huts formed a small village occupied by a few Vietnamese farmers. We had been assigned three track-mounted armored personnel carriers (APCs) earlier that morning by the company commander and were riding atop them while conducting the patrol.

The terrain along the river was mostly open, sandy ground with occasional clumps of evergreen trees and other low-growing brush. From atop the APC, we could see several hundred meters of the countryside as we moved north along the river. As we approached the area just south of the small village, one of my men pointed out a lone figure running west toward the village about 500 meters to our right front. The individual carried what appeared to be a basket, and as we rapidly closed the gap to 200 meters, it became obvious the figure was an old woman. She was 100 meters into the free-fire zone, trying desperately to reach the river and cross it to get back to her village. A shot rang out from one of the men on the APC beside me, followed immediately by several more from other men joining in and firing at the old woman. I watched as the bullets sprayed the sand around her as she continued to run. From atop the APC, driving across the rough ground, the shots were ill aimed, and most flew well over her head. We had closed the distance to about 100 meters, and I watched as the woman threw the basket on the ground and continued to run in the loose sand toward the river. By now the M-60 machine gun had joined in on the firing, and I watched as a long burst overtook her. She was hit and fell down on her knees, only to struggle back to her feet and continue to hobble toward the river. She had made only a few steps before she was hit several times, this time never to rise again. As we pulled next to where her body lay, I could hear whoops of joy from some of the men. They were excited, as if it had been a great foxhunt, and they had killed their quarry.

I climbed down from the APC and walked over to the womans body. She had been shot through both upper legs and several times through the upper body. She was old, very old. Her mouth lay agape, and I could see the red betel nut so commonly chewed by Vietnamese women. I walked over to her basket, which contained plant roots the villagers used for food. She had been gathering food. She might have gathered roots from the same spot with her mother as a child, and because someone had decided that she could not go east of the river, we killed her.

Even though I had not fired at her, I was still responsible for her death. I was the officer in charge. A simple command of cease-fire would have spared her life. We could have easily captured her before she reached the river, yet because we had orders giving us permission to kill, we did. We didnt stop to consider what was happening and make a moral judgment on whether it was right or wrong. We had crossed one of those lines, and we would forever be changed by it.

I dutifully called back to headquarters and reported one Viet Cong killed in action. The old woman would become one of the red grease pencil marks back on LZ Liz in the battalion commanders bunker. When the brigade and division commanders came for their weekly briefings, they wouldnt know that instead of carrying a rifle, this Viet Cong had carried a basket of food. They wouldnt know that she had died terror-filled and wounded, chased by Americans who ran her down on armored personnel carriers. They wouldnt know that across the river, the old womans family had watched her die. They wouldnt know, but I did. It is one of those images Vietnam gave me to carry to my grave.

About a month later, Gary Bray was suddenly reassigned to take command of 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company. I knew the men of 1st Platoon, Charlie Company well: I trusted them with my life, Bray wrote. All the respect and confidence I had gained from my platoon was gone. On April 4, 1970, Bray led his new platoon on a mission to a find a Viet Cong camp hidden in nearby hills with the aid of a 14-year-old defector, or Chieu Hoi. After finding the camp and marking it for an airstrike, the troops carefully began to search the surrounding area when they detonated a booby trap that wounded Bray and several others. After a few weeks in the hospital, Bray was sent back to Alpha Company, where he was awarded a Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.

Two days after he left Vietnam on August 14, 1970, two members of Brays Charlie Company were killed and 27 wounded by a mine that was detonated by children just outside the gate of LZ Liz.

Leaving Vietnam was strangely like arriving, Bray wrote more than three decades later. On our way to Vietnam we had wondered what the coming year would bring. Now each of us carried the images, forever etched in our minds, of what Vietnam had been. It was history, unchangeable.

Gary Bray returned home to Oklahoma where he started up and ran a mechanical contracting business and operated a 400-acre farm while raising a family of four with his wife Joy.

Originally published in the October 2010 issue of Vietnam. To subscribe, click here.
In 1850 Hong Xiuquana despondent Chinese scholar who had flunked the imperial civil service examination multiple timeslaunched the worlds most costly Christian rebellion. Well, nominally Christian, anyway; Hong claimed to be the literal younger brother of Jesus Christ and announced hed been chosen to save the Chinese people through creation of the Taiping Tianguo (Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace). He proclaimed himself king of this celestial dynasty and called on followers to overthrow Chinas imperial Qing dynasty.

By the time the dust settled, upward of 20 million civilians and soldiers had died of disease, starvation or in battle. Ironically, it took an American Christian to create an army instrumental to the defeat of the only so-called Christian rebellion in Chinese history.

American adventurer and soldier of fortune Frederick Townsend Ward was born in Salem, Mass., on Nov. 29, 1831, but he didnt remain long in his native state. He went to sea at the age of 15 and by 21 was in Mexico, recruiting men for filibuster William Walkers ultimately failed attempt to carve out a new republic from that country. Ward later fought as a lieutenant in the French army during the 185356 Crimean War and reputedly turned stints as a Texas Ranger and New York shipping clerk before returning to a seafaring life.

On April 20, 1860, Ward arrived in Shanghai aboard a China clipper to establish a trading post for his fathers New York shipping firm. Instead, he soon signed on as executive officer of Confucius, an armed riverboat of Shanghais Pirate Suppression Bureau. Formed by local officials, the bureau was funded through a prominent local banker and merchant, Yang Fang, so as to cloak any government association with what Qing rulers publicly decried as Western foreign devils. Those same devils commanded and crewed the bureaus gunboats.

In 1853 the Taiping rebels had captured Nanjing and made it the capital of their Heavenly Kingdom. Their steady gains eroded public faith in the abilities of imperial troops. Thus, when a rebel army advanced on Shanghai in 1860, both local Qing officials and resident foreigners resolved that a force of foreign nationals was needed to protect the citydespite the fact Western governments had officially proclaimed neutrality in the Chinese civil war.

The solution was a force of foreigners with no direct links to any Western government. Wards courage and initiative aboard Confucius had impressed prominent people in Shanghai, and that, coupled with Wards own vigorous self-promotion, made him an ideal commander of the proposed force. In the spring of 1860 Yang Fang hired Ward to recruit, organize, train and lead the army that was to protect Shanghai against the Taiping rebels. Ward was promised a fortune in excess of $100,000 if by 1862 he had captured Songjiang (Sungkiang), a rebel-occupied town a days march from Shanghai. Each of Wards soldiers would be paid the equivalent of $50 per month, officers $200 per month, and Ward himself $500 a month, with bonuses for each town recaptured.

Ward scoured the wharves of Shanghai for every Westerner capable of handling a weapon and created the Shanghai Foreign Arms Corps

Ward scoured the wharves of Shanghai for every Westerner capable of handling a weapon and created the Shanghai Foreign Arms Corps. Though he lacked formal military training, Ward was an astute student of warfare and was able to draw on his experiences in Mexico and Crimea. Thinking ahead of his time, he understood frontal assaults against disciplined firing lines were simply a waste of manpower. He instead trained his men in platoon-sized operations that focused on fire and movement and used covering terrain to shelter from enemy fire. Moreover, Ward learned from his mistakes and made adjustments accordingly. High pay, regular food and standard uniforms combined to produce high morale among his troops, whom he referred to as my people. Appreciating the critical importance of local popular support, Ward forbade looting, rape and the sacking of cities.

Wards initiative to build a Western army to protect Shanghai against the Taiping rebels was not without detractors. Manchu commanders of the imperial army abhorred the idea that an army of Westerners, should it prevail, would expose the relative weakness of their native soldiers. Concurrently, many Western diplomatic officials wanted no foreign involvement in domestic Chinese matters, even by Westerners in Chinese employ. The Western powers were worried the Taiping rebels might blockade lucrative trade down the Yangtze River to Shanghai were Westerners to violate the official neutrality policy. Finally, many of Wards recruits were the dregs of society and were often drunk, undisciplined and more than happy to desert.

Despite the many challenges he faced, by June 1860 Ward had a gathered a force of 100 Westerners. He had armed them with the best weapons available and set up a rigorous and comprehensive training regimen. Time was not on his side, however, for when imperial forces moved to attack the Taiping army, Wards Shanghai backers forced him to take his Foreign Arms Corps into action alongside the Qing army. The combined forces soon recaptured two towns, but met disaster when they assaulted the fortified and well-defended city of Songjiang without artillery support. The defeated force retreated to Shanghai, but by mid-July Ward had recruited more Westernersas well as some 80 Filipino Manilamenand obtained several artillery pieces. Ward and his reconstituted force then attacked and took Songjiang, though in the process he lost 62 killed and 100 wounded out of a force of 250. Ward was among those wounded.

On August 2though only partially recovered from his injuriesWard led the Foreign Arms Corps against Chingpu (Qingpu), the next town northwest of Songjiang on the approach to Shanghai. Ward was unawaretian the Taiping army holding the city had been reinforced and was prepared to meet the assault. The rebels ambushed the Foreign Arms Corps, which suffered 50 percent casualties within the first 10 minutes. Ward was again wounded, this time by a musket ball to the left jaw, leaving him with a scar and a speech impediment.

Returning to Shanghai for medical treatment, Ward recruited still more replacements and bought additional artillery. He then led his small army back to Chingpu, laying siege to it and extensively bombarding the defenses. Unfortunately for Ward, Loyal King Li Xiucheng, among the most able of the Taiping commanders, had sent 20,000 troops to reinforce Chingpu. Their arrival compelled the Foreign Arms Corps to retreat to Songjiang, its tail tucked between its legs. Li followed. The Taiping commander besieged Shanghai until driven off by French, British and imperial Qing forces.

Ward left Shanghai in late 1860 for further treatment of his severe facial wound, and when he returned in the spring of 1861, he set about rebuilding the Foreign Arms Corps. The high pay he offered attracted many foreigners, including numerous deserters from British warships in port. But the Western governments and wealthy merchants continued to oppose Wards activities, to the point of attempting to have him arrested for neutrality violations. The American adventurer outmaneuvered his opponents by renouncing his U.S. citizenship and becoming a Chinese subject. He even married Yang Changmei, a daughter of his patron Yang Fang.

In May 1861 Ward and his Foreign Arms Corps launched a third assault on Chingpu and were again repulsed with heavy casualties. The primary cause of Wards defeat was his armys increasingly poor discipline. The desperate need to replace his earlier losses had required Ward to recruit whatever Westerners he could find in Shanghai and the other port cities, most of whom enlisted only for the money and lacked any real desire to fight. In the wake of this latest failed assault Ward made a momentous decision: The Foreign Arms Corps would no longer be a primarily Western formationhe would begin recruiting Chinese into its ranks.

It was a shrewd move. The predominantly Han people had no love for their Manchu rulers, and many had initially supported the Taiping army out of a desire to oust the hated tyrants. Yet the Taiping kingdoms supposedly Christian liberators were every bit as brutal to the people they conquered; rampant killing and looting were the norm rather than the exception. Its army also burned and destroyed Buddhist temples, Taoist monasteries and Confucian shrines alike. The people responded to such atrocities by forming militias and waging guerrilla warfare against their Christian saviors. When given the opportunity, they joined Wards army in droves.

The new Chinese recruits were given European-style uniforms with deep-green Indian sepoy turbans and were drilled in Western weapons, tactics and fighting techniques. Ward taught the men to obey Western bugle calls and other commands and to hold their fire until sure of their targets. The Chinese troops proved both good marksmen and artillerymen, and Ward found them better disciplined than the rebellious Western sailors who had comprised much of the Foreign Arms Corps. He demonstrated his regard for them by providing good wages, clean billets and decent rations. Locals initially derided Wards Chinese troops as imitation foreign devils, but their mockery turned into respect as the men proved themselves equal to European soldiers in effectiveness.

In January 1862 Taipings Loyal King Li Xiucheng set out for Shanghai with an army of 120,000 men. Alerted to Lis approach, Ward and his army of 1,000 Chinese soldiers marched out to engage the advancing rebels, trudging through snow the 25 miles from Songjiang to Wusong, a dozen miles north of Shanghai. Despite the vastly superior rebel numbers, Wards highly mobile force surprised the Taiping troops and drove them from their entrenched positions.

On the return march an emboldened Ward attacked the 20,000-man Taiping garrison at Guangfulin. Though the plucky commander fielded just 500 men and lacked artillery support, his unexpected violent attack drove the towns defenders from their positions. In February Ward set out with another 500 troops, and in a joint operation with local Qing imperial forces he drove the rebels in turn from Yinchipeng, Chenshan, Tianmashan and other areas around Songjiang. Each time Wards army defeated numerically superior enemies; however, he suffered five additional wounds, including the loss of a finger to another musket ball.

A furious Li then sent 20,000 men to attack Songjiang and wipe out the foreign devil threat to the Taiping army. Though fielding only 1,500 men, Ward again displayed superior combined-arms tactical skills. Firing from concealed positions, his artillery decimated the unwary attackers, and his infantry followed up with a lightning counterattack. The Foreign Arms Corps killed more than 2,000 Taiping soldiers, captured another 800 and seized numerous boats bearing rebel supplies and arms.

The victories secured Wards reputation among the Chinese, Westerners and the Taiping rebels. That spring the Qing government awarded Wards force the title Chang Sheng JunEver Victorious Army. Ward himself was appointed an imperial general of the fourth rank; later, at the recommendation of senior imperial army commander Li Hongzhang, he was promoted to imperial general of the second rankequivalent to a U.S. lieutenant general and just a step below a full general.

The Ever Victorious Army lived up to its name, time and again defeating numerically superior opponents

For six months the Ever Victorious Army lived up to its name, time and again defeating numerically superior opponents. In the summer Li Xiucheng led another large Taiping force into the area. To enhance mobility and firepower, Ward effectively employed amphibious tactics, using the rivers and canals crisscrossing the region to transport troops and attack the enemy. He commandeered several river steamers, mounted cannons on them, then used them as troop transports and artillery fire-support bases. His tactics confounded Li, who lamented, My Taiping army could contend with the foreign devils on land, but [against] his navy I am helpless.

Ward wanted to march on the Taiping capital at Nanjing, but the Manchu imperial court remained wary of its foreign devil imperial general, even though he was in their employ. For one, he had refused to shave his forehead, wear a pigtail or even appear in his fine Mandarin robes. Then there was the traditional concern about generals who become too popular and powerful. Not unlike Rome, Chinese history was fraught with commanders who had used the army to occupy the dragon throne. Thus the imperial court limited the size of Wards unit and restricted his authority to move his army beyond the need to protect Shanghai. During his tenure Ward never fielded more than 5,000 men, and his army never participated in an attack on Nanjing.

On Sept. 21, 1862, the odds finally caught up with 30-year-old soldier of fortune Frederick Ward, who was mortally wounded by a musket ball to the abdomen while fighting in the coastal town of Cixi, on the south shore of Hangzhou Bay opposite Shanghai. Ironically, hed been shot by a Western mercenary fighting for the Taiping rebels. It was the 15th and final injury suffered by Ward during his brief military career in China.

On Wards death, command of the Ever Victorious Army passed to his second, Edward Forester, then to fellow American adventurer Henry Burgevine, and finally to British officer Charles George Gordon, who as Chinese Gordon rode Wards creation to fame.

The Qing government bestowed posthumous high honors on their American imperial general. The entire city of Shanghai shut down for a day, and for three months members of the Ever Victorious Army strictly observed a mourning period for their deceased general. The Qing government built a memorial temple and shrine atop Wards grave in Songjiang to honor his achievements. Regrettably, both were destroyed in the ensuing years by warfare, and in 1955 communist officials reportedly disinterred and scattered Wards bones. However, a cenotaph in his hometown of Salem memorializes Ward, and the imperial general is also remembered at a Nanjing museum and a Roman Catholic church in Songjiang. One unidentified visitor to the church scrawled out an informal eulogy to Ward:

The grave of Ward, a Protestant, revered as a Chinese Confucian hero, with a temple in his honour, now lies under the altar of a Roman Catholic church, whilst the land itself is the property of the local Buddhist monastery in a communist state.Ward has not been forgotten.

Wards accomplishments are documented in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Historical Museum in Nanjing (see Hallowed Ground, by Stephen M. Johnson, in the May 2017 issue of Military History). In 1923 American Legion China Post 1 placed a large headstone in Wards honor at that site. In fact, that postformed in 1919 (a year after the Armistice) and chartered by the American Legion the following yearwas originally named General Frederick Townsend Ward Post No. 1, China. It is the only post nominally headquartered in a communist country and has been operating in exile since 1948. Today China Post 1 is considered part of the Department of France and is a member of FODPAL (Foreign and Outlying Departments and Posts of the American Legion). It is the post favored by soldiers of fortune, intelligence officers and spooks. The post still has no permanent home, although watering holes around the globe offer space for meetings, which are considered official wherever two or more members meet.

Wards legacy also endures in popular culture. Author Caleb Carr recounted his life in the 1992 biography The Devil Soldier, and the 2003 epic war film The Last Samurai was based in part on the adventures of Frederick Townsend Ward. MH

Tang Long (aka William Tang) is a consultant on China. He wrote the Tales of the Dragon column for WashingtonTimes.com and authored The Book of War, the first chronological account of ancient Chinese military history written in English. For further reading he recommends The Devil Soldier, by Caleb Carr; Ti-ping Tien-Kwoh: The History of the Ti-Ping Revolution, by Augustus F. Lindley; and The Autobiography of the Chung-Wang, by Li Xiucheng.
A brash tank commander for Patton in WWII who never let up in Vietnam.

When Lieutenant General James F. Hollingsworth died at 91 on March 2, 2010, America lost a legendary figure of near epic proportions who left a lasting impression on all who ever encountered him. A warrior who served the nation for 36 years, James Hollingsworth was the most decorated officer in the history of Texas A&M University.

Born on the family farm in Sanger, Texas, in 1918, Hollingsworth was the eldest of four sons. He entered the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas in 1936 and worked his way through school in a creamery, graduating in 1940 with a bachelors degree in agriculture and a commission in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant. In World War II, he was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division and participated in seven major campaigns from North Africa in 1942 to the occupation of Berlin in 1945.

He rose from platoon leader to command a regimental-size armored task force at 26 in General George Pattons Third Army. In one memorable engagement while leading the 2nd Armored Divisions advance guard in the dash to the Elbe River, Major Hollingsworth encountered dug-in German defenders. As he lined up his 34 tanks, he gave a command rarely heard in modern warfare: Charge! As his tanks raced toward their positions, the Germans broke and ran. Patton later called Hollingsworth one of the two best armored battalion commanders in World War II.

After the war, Hollingsworth served on the staff of Seventh Army and in several other key billets, while also attending the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College.

Hollingsworth served in Vietnam as the assistant division commander of the 1st Infantry Division in 1966-67. There he became known by the radio call sign Danger 79er. In Vietnam his reputation as an irreverent, brash, hard-charging, lead-from-the-front type of general only grew. Historian Dale Andrade described him as profane and unforgiving yetwith a deep-seated concern for the welfare of those who served under him. During his tour with the Big Red One, Hollingsworth received two Distinguished Service Crosses for extraordinary valor in combat.

After his first tour in Vietnam, Hollingsworth commanded the training center at Fort Jackson, S.C., and then U.S. Army Alaska. In August 1971, he returned to Vietnam as deputy commander of the XXIV Corps before being reassigned as commander, Third Regional Assistance Command at Long Binh in December 1971. He was commander of all the American advisers in Military Region III and oversaw the bitter battle at An Loc during the 1972 Eastertide Offensive. Referring to the North Vietnamese attackers during the offensive, Hollingsworth famously told a reporter that he was going to kill them all before they get back to Cambodia, and that it felt real good to be killin hell out of the communists.

These comments did not endear him to General Creighton Abrams nor President Nixons White House advisers, who were concerned about the efficacy of Vietnamization and the reputation of the South Vietnamese army. American advisers in An Loc, however, idolized the general for his comments and were eternally grateful for the massive air support he was able to marshal that helped turn the tide of the battle.

General Hollingsworth was then sent to South Korea, where he assumed command of I Corps (ROK/US) Group, the largest combined field army in the world.

After retiring from active service in 1976, Hollingsworth was soon asked to evaluate the U.S. Armys capability to meet the Warsaw Pact threat to NATO Central Europe. The Hollingsworth Report recommended $46 billion to correct deficiencies and enhance the Armys capabilities. It led to a 1977 Armed Services Committee Study of the entire U.S. forces capabilities in NATO Central Europe. The result was the build up of the Army and a total commitment to the defense of Europe, which impacted greatly on the demise of the Warsaw Pact.

In 1999, a bronze statue of Hollingsworth was dedicated at Texas A&M bearing the inscription, He was revered by his troops and feared by the enemy as a warrior who was always on the scene in times of need or at time of immense peril. Hollingsworth joked that his statue was taller by three feet than Pattons at West Point.

A three-time recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, Hollingsworth also received four Distinguished Service Medals, four Silver Stars, three Legion of Merit medals, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, six Purple Hearts, the Soldiers Medal, four Bronze Star Medals and a remarkable 38 Air Medals.

A great patriot, superb soldier and statesman, who went on to excel in business, James Hollingsworth led by example and was a stellar role model for several generations. He was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery on May 20, 2010. May the old warrior rest in peace; the world shall not soon see his likes again.

Originally published in the October 2010 issue of Vietnam. To subscribe, click here.
Roughing it along the Mississippi River through the eyes of a woman who lived it

MARY MANN was born around 1866 in Arkansas. Her family operated a boarding house where she was working in 1884 when she met and married Frank Hamilton, an older Englishman with a mysterious past who managed logging camps. As Frank Hamiltons career carried him around the Mississippi Delta, then in its frontier days, Mary accompanied him, boarding and feeding work gangs and moving with her children and other kin from forest to forest, often separately from her husband. Toward the end of her life Mary Hamilton resided in Philipp, Mississippi, where, in 1931, Helen Dick Davis, a writer and neighbor with a family link to Hamilton, found the older womans tales of pioneer life charming. Davis urged Mary Hamilton to

write a memoir. In 1933, Hamilton handed Davis a 150,000-word manuscript that Davis edited and sent to Little, Brown. The publisher rejected Hamiltons recollections. She died circa 1936. In 1991, Daviss children came upon the Hamilton manuscript and submitted it to the University of Mississippi Press. To much fanfarebut without the Hamilton familys permissionthe university published the memoir as Trials of the Earth: The True Story of a Pioneer Woman. The family took legal action to establish ownership of the material. In 2013, Marys great-grandson Kerry W. Hamilton self-published an edition by the same title. That ventures success led to a contract with Little, Brown, which in 2016 published its edition of Trials of the Earth. This excerpt, adapted with permission from Little, Brown, begins with Mary and companions, including daughters Nina and Leslie, trying to connect with Frank, who has been away working in Missouri. They travel down the Mississippi to his latest logging site, which juts into the big river from its east bank. The Hamiltons recently have buried a son, Oswald, accidentally poisoned by a physician.

It was a cold gloomy morning in January 1896 when I started with my two little girls, my sister Lucy, and my brother Johnny to what was to us a new world, the Mississippi Delta. Frank sent us directions how to go to Memphis, but no further, as he was to meet us there, and we were to go on by boat, the Kate Adams, to our new home on Concordia Island, five miles from Gunnison, Mississippi. We missed Frank and had to take a train to Gunnison. Frank got to Memphis and came tearing across town just in time to see our train pulling out. He knew we wouldnt get to Gunnison until the next day, as we had to lay overnight in Delta, Mississippi. So he came right back by boat and met us the next day at Gunnison.

Oh, I was so glad to see him again. He was tanned and 15 lbs. heavier. Nina knew him, but baby Leslie wouldnt have a thing to do with him. He hadnt seen her since she was a few weeks old, and now she was running everywhere and talking some.

Frank and Jim Thompson were working together. Jim was there to meet us, with Frank. Wait till you see your beautiful new homes, Jim said, and I could see he was a little uneasy for fear I would be disappointed. We went from Gunnison in a two-horse buggy, Frank and Jim on horseback. We drove down the Mississippi River levee about a mile, then turned off the levee down into the thickest timber I had ever seen. Oak, gum, ash, hackberry, and poplar stood so thick, with no underbrush, only big blue cane growing rank and tall, almost to the limbs of the trees. It looked so odd, but what looked odder still to me was the black mudgumbo, Frank said it was. By the river, the ground was black sand, and the woods were thinner. There were fewer trees but largerbig old cottonwoods and sycamores whose tops were lost in the sky. It was a pretty sight, except for the roadthe soft black sand was almost hub-deep, but at last we came in sight of our future home, and what a sight!

Jims office and commissary and bedrooms were built of clapboards, his cook shanty the same, with a small dining room for the white men, who were never more than four, as he worked with Negroes. Then there were the Negroes cooking shanties and a few cabins; it was like a little town. Jim rode alongside the buggy and asked me what I thought of Clapboard City. I choked back a sob, I dont know whether of relief or disappointment. Fine, I managed to say. I have always wanted to try camp life.

Frank had stopped at the roadway to see about some oxen teams, and Jim went on with us. He explained that at Gunnison the river began a 40-mile bend, coming back almost to Gunnison again and that was why the land lying between the river and the levee was called Concordia Island, although it really was a long neck of land surrounded by waterall but a little strip at Gunnison.

Beyond Jims place we saw a big white tent, the largest I have ever seen. Nina pointed to it and said, Pretty white house. Nothing would satisfy her but to drive right on down there. It was a big tent30 by 20 feet, floored and boxed in four feet high; there was a nice big cookstove in the front end and a big heater in the middle. The back was curtained off into bedrooms, small but large enough. This was to be our home, as Frank had to live and sleep out of doors. I had left Lucy at the hotel in Gunnison until our things came, and I was glad I had known better than to let her come out in camp before we got fixed up.

We stayed that first night with Jim. Nina took up with him, and he said it was like finding his own little girl. Nina, like me, had never gotten over Oswalds death, but the change to this new country, and being with her father, were helping us

both already.

The next day our things came, and I sent after Lucy. She was, as I knew she would be, disgusted with everything, but I kept her so busy she couldnt say much. We put down carpet in the back of our tent house. It reached from the back of the tent to the heater, and I had rugs for the other side. We put up our two bedsteads and a childs bed. I had four big feather beds besides the childs feather bed and eight big feather pillows. That sounds silly now, but in those days the more feather beds you had the better off you were supposed to be. And I had plenty of nice bedclothes. When we got all our things inour dining table, little cook table, cupboard for dishes, cupboard for clothes, trunks, and small, splint-bottom homemade chairswe were fixed up nice. We had plenty to cook, and oh, how you can eat in camp. Jim took his meals with us. He had a big commissary and wouldnt let Frank charge hardly anything to himself. He never went to town without bringing

us all kinds of choice cuts of meat, and fruit, and he never

forgot the children. Would bring them toys, clothes, anything he thought they would like.

Once settled, I had time to look around, see more of the strange country and people, and adopt them as my own. It was a mild winter, and almost every day I took my children and Lucy and went to the riverbank to watch the men build their raft of logs.

Frank or Jim was at the raft all the time, with the other one in the woods. They had from six to eight log wagons going all the time, the eight wheels boxed in to keep them from bogging up in the mud, and from eight to ten oxen to a wagon. Many logs were so large they couldnt get but one on a wagon. I have seen Frank stand on the ground beside the butt cut of a tree, and he could just lay his hand on top of it. The men hauled the logs to the riverbank and rolled them into the river; then they would float them up against the raft and fasten them together with poles. Gum and oak they called sinkers; these they would pin between cottonwoods, ash, and cypressfloaters

to keep them from sinking. A large rope was tied every 50 feet with wire cables to trees along the bank or to posts driven into the ground. When the men got enough logs rafted together to send to Greenville, they would send for tugboats, bunch the rafts together, and float them downriver to be sold. Their names were stamped in the end of every log, but there were people on the Mississippi River who made their living stealing marked timber, sawing off the ends, and stamping them with their names.

Soon winter was over. Violets were everywhere, and green grass, and the trees putting out leaves. Spring was in the air, in our blood, in the frogs, too, for they held a concert every night. Bees were flying around gathering honey from the holly blooms. Every day men felling timber would find a bee tree, and Frank would bring in three or four gallons of fine honey.

We were all happy but Lucy. She was gloomy, blue, discontented. Said she couldnt stand this godforsaken place any longer. The lady that ran the hotel in Gunnison had visited us several times, and she and Lucy took a liking to each other. I wasnt surprised when Lucy came to me one day and said, Im going to Gunnison to stay at the hotel with Mrs. Huse. I will help her enough to pay my board, until you get out of this hole. Johnny took her to Gunnison, and she returned only on short visits. I am afraid we all felt relieved when she left, for she was so dissatisfied she took lots of brightness out of our lives, but I missed her lots.

There was but one drawback to life on the island, and that was water. We had to haul it from a neighbors well or from the river and filter it. The management kept saying they were going to drive me a pump, but they kept putting me off. When they finally began to draw their work on the island to a close, they drove a pump for me about 200 yards from the river. They drove 60 feet and got fine water, clear and cold.

It didnt last.

The raft they were making was a mile and a quarter long, fastened securely, tied with oiled ropes and wire cables to big trees, some of them 100 feet from the bank. The day after they drove my pump, the wind got up. We heard a roar like thunder, then another. All the men began running to the river. My brother Johnny came back, ran to the corral, and caught Jim Thompsons horse. He told me the river banks were sloughing off, and they were afraid the raft would go before they could get tugboats enough to handle it. Jim rode to Gunnison to telegraph for more boats. Everything was hurry, confusion, excitement. Frank came to the tent and told me to stay away from the river. And if you see it getting too close, take the children and go back half a mile. Never mind taking anything else, he said. It looks serious, and theres no telling where the banks will stop sloughing. Then he hurried away.

Johnny shared a tent with the cook and a fellow who had been sick for days. Johnny got all the buckets he could and he and the cook began carrying water from the pump. They hauled the cook a barrel and us one. That roaring boom, boom came every few minutes, and I could see tree after tree slipping into the river. I took the children up the road a piece, fixed them a playhouse, and left them to play. In spite of Franks warning I had to see. What a sight! Big muddy Mississippi River waves were rolling and lashing the banks. The banks were crumbling, maybe 50 feet at a time slipping into the river. The roadway was gone, and my dear pump stood at least 100 feet out in the river. The raft was swinging around but hadnt broken apart, and the end was secured to the one tugboat the men had managed to pick up. Men were working like mad, unfastening ropes from the raft where it was swinging away from the bank and reinforcing the raft almost half a mile down.

Johnny was on the run, busy as a bee. As he went by, he asked if I could swim. I said no. Well, he called back. You better get a life preserver then, for this place where youre standing will be in the river before I get back. He said he was going to help the cook move their tent. I went with him. As we got close to the tent, Johnny winked at me, started to run, and yelled, The tent is going in the river! Run for your life! Out of the tent, in his nightshirt, came the man who had been in bed sick, shirt and pants in one hand, suitcase in the other. He was almost out of sight when Johnny looked at me and laughed. One less outfit for me to move, he said. Things never got so dangerous but what some of us could find something funny about them.

About 3 oclock, three more tugboats came and the work of launching the raft started. The raft looked like a big island in the middle of the river, with four tugboats pushing it.

But they werent pushing, they were holding back the raft, and even then they lost more than 100 fine logsbig trees breaking the raft, whole sections scattering.

That dreadful day drew to a close.

Jim and Frank went to Greenville with the raft. There was no telling when the banks would stop caving in. The men took turns watching all night. I got a good supper for the white men and made them a big pot of strong coffee to drink through the night. The roaring now was steady, but further away, like distant thunder.

I got the children to sleep but didnt undress them. Johnny stayed with us, and neither he nor I slept a wink. By next morning everything was quiet, but the river was running within 200 feet of Jims cookhouse, and a steamboat could have passed easily between my pump and the bank. The fall rains were still to come. I lived in dread all the time.

Jim Thompsons company was moving him to Louisiana. He encouraged Frank to come along, but a big stave works was opening not far to the east of us, across the Sunflower River. Frank could get work there, and the climate suited him, but it was a perfect wilderness, and Jim and Johnny were afraid for the children and me to go into it.

They and Frank, too, wanted us to stay in Gunnison; but if Frank could stand the wilderness, so could I. Frank and Johnny moved our things across the Sunflower River. Jim moved by steamboat to Louisiana. I took the children and stayed at the hotel in Gunnison for a week to give Frank time to get a camp built.

The saddest part was telling Jim Thompson good-bye. There was never a dearer, better brother than he had always been to me as well as to Frank, and something seemed to warn me it was good-bye forever. Poor little Nina clung to him crying like her heart would break, and, big strong man as he was, he shed tears, too.
Vietnam Vet Clapper Tapped to Be New Spy Chief

Retired Lt. Gen. James R. Clapper Jr., a decorated Vietnam War veteran who flew nearly 75 combat support missions in Douglas EC-47s, was nominated in June by President Barack Obama to become his next intelligence chief, taking over from Dennis Blair, who stepped down in May. General Clapper, who will be director of National Intelligence, will serve as Defense Secretary Robert Gates top intelligence adviser, and as the Pentagons liaison to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Clapper will oversee a bureau set up five years ago to coordinate an intelligence community of 100,000 federal officials spread across 16 departments and agencies.

Clapper, who is 69, is known for being blunt. He possesses a quality I value in all my advisers, President Obama said, a willingness to tell leaders what we need to know, even if its not what we want to hear. Clapper retired from the Air Force in 1995 after a 32-year career in which he held senior intelligence jobs during the first Gulf War, as well as in U.S. Forces Korea and the U.S. Pacific Command.

Clappers decorations in the course of his career include the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf clusters, and the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster. If confirmed by the Senate, he will be the fourth director since 2005 to oversee the nations intelligence agencies.

Sons and Daughters Group Marks 20th Year

Elaine Roach knows pain. In 1964 her father, Navy Lieutenant Harold S. Roach, was killed in Vietnam. Forty years later, her son Army Pfc Joel K. Brattain was killed in Baghdad. As a Gold Star Daughter and Mother, Roach joined 1,000 Gold Star children from across the country gathered in Washington over Fathers Day weekend for a reunion of Sons and Daughters In Touch (SDIT) on the 20th anniversary of its founding in 1990. The organization was created to locate, unite and support the children whose fathers died in the Vietnam War.

The weekend events culminated in the annual Fathers Day Rose Remembrance Ceremony to honor fathers and grandfathers who died or who are classified as missing in action during the Vietnam War, as well as those who lost fathers in more recent conflicts. Of the more than 58,000 Americans who died in Vietnam, some 20,000 were fathers when they were killed or declared MIA.At the Rose Remembrance Ceremony, co-hosted by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, families laid 2,000 red, yellow and white roses with affixed messages of tribute along The Wall. Featured speakers in addition to Roach were SDIT members General George W. Casey Jr.,Army chief of staff, whose fathers helicopter crashed in 1970, and SDIT founder Tony Cordero.

The Fathers Day tribute began before dawn when 25 SDIT members gathered at the memorial to clean the granite wall and its cobblestone walkway with brushes, mops, soap and water, so that we can get a clean start to our Fathers Day, said Wayne Jones, whose father was killed in a plane crash in Vietnam in 1967.

Admiral Mullen Urges Vietnam Vets to Help Todays PTSD Victims

At Memorial Day ceremonies at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to honor those who died in the war and to officially accept six new names added to The Wall, Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, encouraged Vietnam veterans to stay in touch with todays service members.

Admiral Mullen told those at the ceremony that the lessons Vietnam veterans learned, especially with regard to posttraumatic stress disorder, can help veterans of the current wars being waged in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mullen noted that before he arrived to speak at the ceremony, he had toured Arlington National Cemeterys Section 60, where many Vietnam veterans are buried near those who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Encouraging surviving veterans of the Vietnam War to reach out to todays veterans, especially to help in reducing the stigma of mental health treatment, Mullen said, Whether coping with anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts, having an experienced battle buddy you can turn to makes all the difference.

He added, We know we stand on the shoulders of the Vietnam generation.

UN Pumps $5 Million into Bien Hoa Agent Orange Cleanup

The United Nations announced in late June a $5 million project to clean up Agent Orange contamination at the former U.S. military air base at Bien Hoa, one of three bases where the defoliant was mixed and stored. Without action, the hot spots will continue to contaminate the wider environment and pose a serious health risk to people living and working nearby, a UN official said.

Vietnam says as many as 4 million of its citizens were exposed to the herbicide and as many as 3 million have suffered illnesses caused by it. The U.S. has approved $9 million for environmental cleanup in Vietnam. A joint U.S.-Vietnam group of private citizens has called for $300 million over 10 years for decontamination and treatment of Vietnamese with dioxin-related disabilities.

Smothers Brothers End Musical-Comedy Shows

To a near-capacity crowd at The Orleans Hotel and Casino Showroom in Las Vegas on May 16, the Smothers Brothers musical-comedic duo announced their retirement from touring during their final live performance there. Tom and Dick Smothers got their start in show business in the 1960s, and their Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour debuted on CBS in 1967. The popular variety show was pulled from the air in 1969 after an ongoing controversy over the duos opposition to the Vietnam War and censorship.

400,000 Bikers Ride for Their Missing Brothers

Washington, D.C., officials estimate more than 428,000 motorcyclists rode into the nations capital Memorial Day weekend for the 23rd annual Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run to bring awareness to POW/MIAs. The north Pentagon parking lot was full at by 10 a.m. and then they filled the south parking lot and still had bikes lining up on the highway, event organizer Walt Sides said. With all the spectators, we reached 900,000. The event seems to get larger every year. I dont know where the end is. The four-day event included a candlelight vigil at The Wall, spoken and musical tributes, wreath laying ceremonies and a bike raffle.

Last Vietnam War General Retires

Ending another chapter in the legacy of the Vietnam War, General Charles C. Hondo Campbell, commander of U.S. Army Forces Command and the last continuously serving general officer who saw action in Vietnam to leave active duty, retired in June. Campbell entered the Army in 1970 when the active component was 1.2 million soldiers, and it was a conscripted force. When I went to Vietnam, we had more than 500,000 soldiers in Vietnam [alone], he said. Todays all-volunteer Army has about 560,000 soldiers. Our soldiers today are more expert, better educated, better trained, more lethal and more combat-experienced than at any time, certainly, in the 40 years I have served in the ranks, he said.

China Beach No More

Vietnamese authorities have banned a four-star resort located on China Beach from using that nickname in its promotional brochures and on its website. City government stipulates that the name of the beach is Non Nuoc, and we have to abide by their regulations, said Nguyen Phuc Linh, deputy director of tourism in central Danang City.

Doctors Credit Vietnam War for Medic Advances

From that experience in Vietnam, EMS and trauma centers came to be in the United States, Dr. John Holcomb, told colleagues at the Trauma and Critical Care Conference in Austin, Texas, in June. Holcomb, from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, reviewed many of the ideas coming from the front lines of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and noted that care of the war wounded usually improves civilian trauma care back home. Medics started using splints to set broken bones during World War I, vascular surgery began during the Korean War, and helicopter transport during the Vietnam War revolutionized trauma care.

Dr. Carlos Brown, Trauma Medical director at Texas University Medical Center Brackenridge, reported, Specifically the application of tourniquets, extremity tourniquets which were usedin Iraq and Afghanistan now are going to be used here in the EMS system. Brown said tourniquets were not used in civilian care because of the fear of losing the limb, but said the practice, based on success in the current wars, is coming back.

Originally published in the October 2010 issue of Vietnam. To subscribe, click here.
Twilio Reportedly Readying Contact Center API Bundle

Rumor has it that Twilio is planning to unveil an API bundle that makes it easier for developers to create contact center solutions. TechCrunch has reported this news, saying that Twilio will announce the new offering  called Flex  next month.

The media outlet describes Flex as an upcoming feature of Twilio Engagement Cloud, which the company unveiled last year. It reports that Twilio will launch it in beta.

TechCrunch, which said it got a hold of an internal email about Flex, suggests this offering could pit Twilio against some of its customers. But, it also surmises Flex will make it easier for developers  its target audience  to create contact center solutions because it bundles APIs for ease of integration. According to TechCrunch, Flex features a single sign on and integration points for workforce management and optimization solutions.

We asked Twilio for comment about the TechCrunch Flex story. And Twilio spokeswoman Caitlin Epstein responded saying the company has no comment.

Twilio is a pioneer in the API arena. Twilios APIs address authentication, messaging, and voice and video communications. They enable developers to build applications like business communications systems and contact centers.

We take care of the messy telecom hardware and expose a globally available cloud API that developers can interact with to build intelligent and complex communications systems, Twilios website announces. As your app's usage scales up or down, Twilio automatically scales with you. You only pay for what you use - no contracts, no shenanigans.

When Twilio first introduced its business model, it was so disruptive that some folks suggested it could put communications giants like AT&T out of business.

And Forbes in 2016 noted that Twilio helped popularize the idea of embedding communications into applications.

Edited by Mandi Nowitz
United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. GLADIS CALLWOOD, Administratrix of the Estate of Khari Neville Illidge, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. JAY JONES, CHARLES H. JENKINS, JR., individually and in his official capacity as Lee County Deputy Sheriff, STEVEN M. MILLS, individually and in his official capacity as Lee County Deputy Sheriff, RAY SMITH, individually and in his official capacity as Lee County Deputy Sheriff, PHENIX CITY, ALABAMA, a municipal corporation, et al., Defendants-Appellees. No. 16-17454 Decided: February 20, 2018

Before ED CARNES, Chief Judge, BLACK, Circuit Judge, and MAY, * District Judge.

Khari Illidge died during an encounter with six law enforcement officers. His mother and administratrix of his estate, Gladis Callwood, filed this suit under 42 U.S.C.  1983 and related state laws, alleging that each of the officers violated Illidge's Fourth Amendment right to be free from excessive force by either applying excessive force themselves or failing to intervene in another officer's use of excessive force. The district court ruled that the officers are protected by qualified immunity and granted summary judgment in their favor. This is Callwood's appeal.

I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

A. Police Officers Encounter Illidge

On the night that Illidge died, Lee County Sheriff Deputies Steven Mills and Ray Smith received a radio dispatch reporting that a naked man was running down Lee County Road 314. The deputies, who were in separate cars and on separate patrols at the time, began to search for him. An hour later dispatch radioed both deputies a second time, reporting that the same man had entered a house on Lee County Road 308.

Deputy Mills found Illidge walking down that street naked and covered in scratches. He approached Illidge and tried to speak with him. But Illidge appeared not to recognize that [Mills] was a deputy sheriff and continued to walk with a purpose, past [him], down the road. Illidge then crossed the road, cutting in front of oncoming traffic, and began walking toward a house that was just off the road. Mills radioed for backup, telling dispatch that Illidge was mentally ill and possibly under the influence. He then followed Illidge, asking Illidge to stop and speak to him.

Illidge ignored his requests and continued forward until he suddenly turned and began walking back toward Mills. Mills warned Illidge that if he did not stop, Mills would tase him. Illidge continued forward, and Mills fired his taser. Illidge did not drop to the ground after being tased, but instead began walking away toward the porch of a nearby home.

Mills used the taser a second time, touching Illidge's side with it, and Illidge fell to the ground. Mills then attempted to pin Illidge, but Illidge exhibited superhuman strength and overpowered him. Mills used his taser three more times, but it appeared to have no effect. He states that he was fighting for [his] life when Illidge threw him at least ten feet and then ran away.

After catching [his] breath, Deputy Mills radioed dispatch the code for need[s] assistance. Deputy Smith arrived at the scene, joined Mills, and the two followed Illidge to the residence of William and Gloria Warr, where Phenix City Police Officer David Butler joined them. The deputies repeatedly called for Illidge to stop, but he ignored them. Smith testified that he believed Illidge may have suffered from excited delirium.

Illidge tried to open the rear door of the Warrs' house, but it was locked. He then turned back toward the officers, and Deputy Smith discharged his taser, striking Illidge in the chest. Illidge fell to the ground on his stomach, and Deputy Mills and Officer Butler tried to handcuff him. Both officers testified that he began to resist violently. As the two men wrestled with Illidge, Smith tased him thirteen more times. Despite being tased fourteen times by Smith alone, Illidge continued to resist the officers.

Deputy Smith placed the taser on the ground and helped Mills and Butler pull Illidge's arms close enough together to handcuff him. Smith then placed his metal baton between the handcuffs and Illidge's spine for leverage. Although he was handcuffed, Illidge continued to struggle. Gloria Warr, who witnessed parts of the encounter from inside her home, stated [Illidge] was trying to move, and [the officers] were trying to get him to stop. Warr also testified that she heard the officers telling Illidge, Man, please calm down. Calm down.

At that point, Lee County Sheriff Deputy Charles Jenkins and Phenix City Police Officers Joey Williams and Shawn Sheely arrived. Williams, who weighed 385 pounds at the time, replaced Smith and placed one knee between Illidge's shoulder blades and the other in the middle of Illidge's back with the balls of his feet on the ground. Sheely replaced Butler and held the upper portion of Illidge's legs while Jenkins held the lower portion. Because Illidge continued to struggle and kick, the other officers placed Illidge in leg irons and flex cuffs, in effect hog-tying him. Even with those restraints in place, Illidge continued to struggle until he suddenly went limp.

When Illidge became unresponsive, the officers turned him over and saw a white, frothy substance and blood coming from his mouth. Not long after that, paramedics arrived and transported Illidge to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

B. Callwood Sues the Officers

In her second amended complaint, Callwood alleged multiple  1983 claims, contending that the officers deprived Illidge of his constitutional right to be free from the use of excessive force. She also asserted related state law claims. After discovery, the officers filed motions for summary judgment, contending that they were entitled to qualified immunity.

Before responding to their motions, Callwood moved for leave to add a claim for deliberate indifference to medical needs based on evidence that allegedly came to light after the officers' summary judgment motions were filed. The district court denied Callwood's motion because she failed to show good cause for extending the scheduling order deadline to amend the pleadings.

Callwood then filed her corrected opposition to the officers' motions for summary judgment. The district court concluded that the officers were entitled to qualified immunity and granted summary judgment in their favor. Having dismissed Callwood's federal claims, the court declined to exercise jurisdiction over her related state law claims. This is Callwood's appeal.

II. DISCUSSION

We review for abuse of discretion the district court's denial of a motion for leave to amend the pleadings. Maynard v. Bd. of Regents of Div. of Univs. of Fla. Dept. of Educ. ex rel. Univ. of S. Fla., 342 F.3d 1281, 1286 (11th Cir. 2003).

We review de novo the grant of summary judgment on the basis of qualified immunity. Oliver v. Fiorino, 586 F.3d 898, 901 (11th Cir. 2009). Summary judgment is appropriate where there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. Johnson, 263 F.3d at 1242 (quotation marks omitted). The moving party bears the burden of showing the absence of a genuine issue of material fact. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323, 106 S. Ct. 2548, 2553 (1986). Once the moving party has met its burden, the nonmoving party must do more than simply show that there is some metaphysical doubt as to the material facts. Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586, 106 S. Ct. 1348, 1356 (1986). The nonmoving party must come forward with specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. Id. at 587, 106 S. Ct. at 1356 (quotation marks omitted).

A. Callwood Failed to Show Good Cause to Modify the Scheduling Order

Callwood contends that the district court erred by denying her motion for leave to amend to add a claim for deliberate indifference to medical needs. She alleges that after the deadline to amend the pleadings had passed, she discovered evidence that shows the officers failed to properly treat Illidge. That evidence was: (1) deposition testimony by Misty White, the first paramedic at the scene, that Illidge was handcuffed and shackled when she arrived, making effective CPR impossible, and (2) deposition testimony by Gloria Warr that, contrary to statements in her declaration, Warr did not witness the officers perform CPR on Illidge because she quit watching the encounter before Illidge became unresponsive. The district court denied Callwood's motion because she failed to show good cause to modify the pretrial scheduling order. That ruling was not an abuse of discretion.

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 16(b) states that the pretrial scheduling order must limit the time to join other parties, amend the pleadings, complete discovery, and file motions. Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b)(3)(A) (emphases added). The scheduling order in this case set the deadline for amending the pleadings as October 9, 2015  10 months before Callwood moved for leave to amend. Under Rule 16(b) a party may modify a scheduling order only for good cause and with the judge's consent. Id. 16(b)(4); see also Sosa v. Airprint Sys., Inc., 133 F.3d 1417, 1418 (11th Cir. 1998) (This good cause standard precludes modification unless the schedule cannot be met despite the diligence of the party seeking the extension.) (quotation marks omitted). As the district court ruled, Callwood cannot meet that standard because she had the information to support her additional claim before the October deadline. See Sosa, 133 F.3d at 1419 (concluding that a plaintiff failed to show good cause because the information supporting the proposed amendment to the complaint was available to [her] even before she filed suit).

Before filing the lawsuit that led to this appeal, Callwood reviewed the Alabama Bureau of Investigation file. That file contained the Care Ambulance Patient Care Report, which includes statements by Paramedic White and Kyle Butler, the second paramedic at the scene, that Illidge was handcuffed and shackled when they arrived. In light of the paramedics' report, White's deposition testimony to the same effect did not present new information sufficient to show good cause. See id. The paramedics' report also states that the officers were performing CPR when the paramedics arrived, showing that Callwood had evidence, independent of Warr's incorrect affidavit testimony, that the officers performed CPR. Because Callwood had the information supporting the proposed amendment to the complaint  before she filed suit, she has not demonstrated good cause to modify the scheduling order deadline, and the district court did not abuse its discretion by denying her motion to amend. See id.

B. The Officers Are Entitled to Qualified Immunity

Callwood next contends that the officers are not entitled to qualified immunity. Qualified immunity offers complete protection for government officials sued in their individual capacities if their conduct does not violate clearly established statutory or constitutional rights of which a reasonable person would have known. Vinyard v. Wilson, 311 F.3d 1340, 1346 (11th Cir. 2002) (quotation marks omitted).

Our qualified immunity analysis proceeds in two steps. First, the government official must establish that he was acting within the scope of his discretionary authority when the allegedly wrongful acts occurred. Oliver, 586 F.3d at 905 (quotation marks omitted). Callwood does not dispute that point, so the burden shifts to her to show that qualified immunity is inappropriate. Id. Qualified immunity is inappropriate if Callwood establishes that the officers violated a constitutional right and that the right was  clearly established at the time of the incident. Id. We have the discretion to decide these two issues in either order, Wate v. Kubler, 839 F.3d 1012, 101819 (11th Cir. 2016), meaning discussion of a constitutional violation may become unnecessary for qualified immunity purposes when the right was not clearly established, Lewis, 561 F.3d at 1291.

Callwood argues that each officer violated Illidge's Fourth Amendment right to be free from excessive force by either using excessive force himself or failing to intervene in a fellow officer's use of excessive force. She asserts those claims in relation to three distinct instances of force: (1) when Deputy Mills tased Illidge, (2) when Deputy Smith tased Illidge, and (3) when the officers used restraints and their body weight collectively to secure Illidge.

We begin by analyzing whether those actions violated clearly established law. To be clearly established, the right must be sufficiently clear that every reasonable official would have understood that what he is doing violates that right. Mikko v. City of Atlanta, 857 F.3d 1136, 1146 (11th Cir. 2017) (quotation marks omitted). The salient question is whether the state of the law at the time of an incident provided fair warning to the defendants that their alleged conduct was unconstitutional. Salvato v. Miley, 790 F.3d 1286, 1292 (11th Cir. 2015) (quotation marks omitted and alterations adopted). That standard does not require [e]xact factual identity with a previously decided case[,]  but the unlawfulness of the conduct must be apparent from pre-existing law. Coffin v. Brandau, 642 F.3d 999, 1013 (11th Cir. 2011) (en banc). When analyzing previous cases, we look to binding decisions of the Supreme Court, this Court, and the highest court of the pertinent state. Wate, 839 F.3d at 1018.

1. Deputies Mills and Smith Did Not Violate Clearly Established Law When They Tased Illidge

Callwood argues that Deputies Mills and Smith, the first two officers on the scene, violated Illidge's clearly established right when they tased him. In support of her arguments, she relies heavily on our opinion in Oliver, which held that officers were not entitled to qualified immunity when they tased a suspect seven times while he lay clenched up on the hot asphalt pavement. 586 F.3d at 903. We concluded that despite the lack of fact-specific, on point precedent, any reasonable officer would have recognized that his actions were unlawful because the force employed was so utterly disproportionate to the level of force reasonably necessary. Id. at 908. The repeated use of the taser in that case was clearly unlawful because the suspect:

was not accused of or suspected of any crime,  was not threatened with arrest or apprehension at any time prior to (or after) the use of force [,]  posed no immediate threat of danger to officers[,]  did not act belligerently[,]  was largely compliant and cooperative[,]  did not pose a grave danger to others[,]  [and] was not actively resisting arrest nor attempting to evade arrest by flight.

Id. at 90607.

This case does not present the obvious clarity type of situation that was present in Oliver. Throughout the night Illidge acted erratically, ignored commands to stop, and tried to enter homes. Deputy Mills used the taser initially because Illidge ignored his command and kept coming toward Mills, and he continued to use the taser because Illidge resisted so violently that Mills was convinced he was fighting for [his] life. When Deputy Smith tased him, Illidge was fighting three officers' attempts to restrain him. In those circumstances, neither Mills' nor Smith's use of force was so utterly disproportionate that any reasonable officer would have recognized that his actions were unlawful. Id. at 908.

Callwood also argues that Oliver clearly established that repeatedly shocking Illidge[,] who exhibited  symptoms of Excited Delirium[,]  after he had fallen to the ground was unlawful. Although the point at which a suspect falls to the ground is relevant to the analysis because it may suggest he is no longer resisting, see id. at 901 (suspect was lying on the hot pavement, immobilized and clenched up), it is not the dividing point between excessive and non-excessive force. Instead that point usually turns on whether the suspect is completely restrained or otherwise resisting arrest. See Mobley v. Palm Beach Cty. Sheriff Dep't, 783 F.3d 1347, 1356 (11th Cir. 2015) ([F]orce applied while the suspect has not given up and stopped resisting and may still pose a danger to the arresting officers, even when that force is severe, is not necessarily excessive.); see also Hoyt, 672 F.3d at 97880 (refusing to extend Oliver's holding when officers tased the suspect after he fell to the ground because he continued to pose a danger and never ceased his vigorous resistance to the attempts to handcuff him); Mann, 588 F.3d at 1306 (concluding that the use of a [t]aser[ ] was appropriate when the suspect's behavior was violent, aggressive, and prolonged).

When Deputies Mills and Smith tased Illidge, he was unrestrained and aggressively resisting the officers' attempts to stop and secure him. Given those facts and our holdings in Mobley, Hoyt, and Mann, the use of a taser by the two deputies did not violate clearly established law. Both officers are entitled to qualified immunity.

In addition to arguing that Deputy Smith's taser use was itself a constitutional violation, Callwood argues that the other officers violated Illidge's constitutional right by not intervening in Smith's use of force. An officer's duty to intervene is triggered when he sees a fellow officer use excessive force. See Riley v. Newton, 94 F.3d 632, 635 (11th Cir. 1996) (finding the officer had no duty to intervene because he observed no use of excessive force). Because the law does not clearly establish that Smith used excessive force, the other officers had no duty to intervene. See Barton v. Norrod, 106 F.3d 1289, 1299 (6th Cir. 1997) (concluding that an observing officer was entitled to qualified immunity because there was no clearly established right being violated for which [he] had a duty to intervene and protect).

2. The Officers Did Not Violate Clearly Established Law When They Restrained Illidge

Callwood next argues that all of the officers used excessive force when they hogtied and appl[ied] their body weight to Illidge. The officers assert that they held Illidge down and called for additional restraints after he was handcuffed because Illidge continued to kick and resist. Callwood responds that a jury could reasonably infer that Illidge continued to move not because he was resisting but because he was struggling to breathe. Tragically that may be so, but for qualified immunity purposes we must take the facts as a reasonable officer on the scene could have viewed them. See Vinyard, 311 F.3d at 1347. Throughout the incident, Illidge resisted all of the officers' attempts to subdue him and ignored their repeated requests to calm down. A reasonable officer could have believed that Illidge continued to resist arrest and that he posed a danger to the officers and himself by resisting. For that reason, we cannot say that the officers' use of force was so utterly disproportionate that any reasonable officer would have recognized that his actions were unlawful. Oliver, 586 F.3d at 908.

Nor does our binding precedent clearly establish that physically restraining Illidge in those circumstances was unlawful. Callwood cites our conclusion in Lee v. Ferraro, 284 F.3d 1188 (11th Cir. 2002), arguing that it clearly establishes the general principle that any use of force after a suspect is completely secured and the danger to the arresting officer has passed constitutes excessive force.

Although the point at which a suspect is handcuffed will also often be the point at which he no longer poses a danger, that is not always the case. See Lewis, 561 F.3d at 1292. In Lewis we held that officers did not violate clearly established law when they physically restrained and hogtied a suspect because he repeatedly ignored their requests to calm down and continued to resist even after being placed in handcuffs and leg restraints. Id. The suspect was an agitated and uncooperative man with only a tenuous grasp on reality. Id. (quotation marks omitted). And he remained a safety risk to himself and others because he continued to kick and struggle and refused to remain calm. Id.; see also Garrett v. Athens-Clarke County, 378 F.3d 1274, 1280 (11th Cir. 2004) (holding that officers were entitled to qualified immunity when they held a suspect to the ground, sprayed him with pepper spray, and hogtied him because the suspect consistently put his life and the lives of others in danger and showed that he ha[d] every intention of fighting and forcibly escaping arrest if possible).

Like the suspect in Lewis, Illidge resisted the officers' attempts to stop him, ignored their commands to calm down, and appeared to suffer from excited delirium, suggesting that he also had only a tenuous grasp on reality. See Lewis, 561 F.3d at 1292. Multiple officers testified that Illidge exhibited superhuman strength and that he struggled and kicked even after he was restrained. Given those facts and our holding in Lewis, the officers' actions did not violate clearly established law, and as a result, they are entitled to qualified immunity. And because the officers did not violate clearly established law, none of the officers had a duty to intervene in the other officers' use of restraints. See Riley, 94 F.3d at 635; Barton, 106 F.3d at 1299.

AFFIRMED.

FOOTNOTES

. Because the officers moved for summary judgment, we recite the facts in the light most favorable to Callwood. See Johnson v. Bd. of Regents of Univ. of Ga., 263 F.3d 1234, 124243 (11th Cir. 2001).

. Excited delirium is a condition where the sufferer is in a state of agitation, excitability, [and] paranoia. Mann v. Taser Int'l, Inc., 588 F.3d 1291, 1299 n.4 (11th Cir. 2009). Symptoms include imperviousness to pain, great strength, bizarre behavior, aggression, and hallucinations. Hoyt v. Cooks, 672 F.3d 972, 979 n.7 (11th Cir. 2012).

. [T]he hogtie position is one where the hands and feet are strapped relatively closely together behind the back, rendering the subject immobile. Lewis v. City of W. Palm Beach, 561 F.3d 1288, 1290 n.2 (11th Cir. 2009).

. Callwood also brought claims for failure to train and supervise against Phenix City, Phenix City Police Chief Raymond Smith, and Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones. Because Callwood does not challenge the district court's resolution of those claims, they are deemed abandoned. AT&T Broadband v. Tech Commc'ns, Inc., 381 F.3d 1309, 1320 n.14 (11th Cir. 2004) (Issues not raised on appeal are considered abandoned.).

. Callwood also contends that Dr. William Warr, Gloria Warr's husband, is a medical doctor, who was present on the night Illidge died, offered his services when Illidge became unresponsive, and was refused by the officers. Because she did not present that theory on argument in the district court, we will not consider it. See Fils v. City of Aventura, 647 F.3d 1272, 1284 (11th Cir. 2011) (To prevail on a particular theory of liability, a party must present that argument to the district court.); Smith v. Sec'y, Dep't of Corr., 572 F.3d 1327, 1352 (11th Cir. 2009) (Where [t]he district court did not consider that argument because it was not fairly presented  we will not decide it.); Tannenbaum v. United States, 148 F.3d 1262, 1263 (11th Cir. 1998) (per curiam) ([I]ssues not raised below are normally deemed waived.); Skinner v.City of Miami, 62 F.3d 344, 348 (11th Cir. 1995) ([A]s a general rule, an appellate court will not consider a legal issue or theory raised for the first time on appeal.).

. The parties focus on Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 15(a). But when a plaintiff, like Callwood, files a motion to amend  after the scheduling order's deadline, she must first demonstrate good cause under Rule 16(b) before we will consider whether amendment is proper under Rule 15(a). Sosa, 133 F.3d at 1419.

. In her motion to amend Callwood also asserted that after the scheduling order deadline had passed, she found evidence that when the officers encountered Illidge they thought he suffered from excited delirium. Callwood did not argue that to us as a ground for modifying the scheduling order, so it is deemed abandoned. See AT&T Broadband, 381 F.3d at 1320 n.14.

. In challenging the summary judgment in favor of the officers, Callwood asserts that the district court failed to consider discrepancies in the testimony of Gloria Warr and Norman and Leigh Ann Woodham, which raise a genuine issue of fact about the officers' credibility. But Callwood moved the court to strike from the record the allegedly false or inconsistent testimony in Warr's declaration and in the Woodhams' affidavits. The district court granted that motion and for that reason did not consider any discrepancies in those documents in its summary judgment ruling. Because Callwood's motion to strike kept the court from considering the inconsistent statements, she may not now argue that it erred by not considering them. Cf. UnitedStates v. Harris, 443 F.3d 822, 82324 (11th Cir. 2006) (The doctrine of invited error is implicated when a party induces or invites the district court into making an error. Where a party invites error, the Court is precluded from reviewing that error on appeal.) (quotation marks and citations omitted).

. Callwood discusses those three instances together in her briefs, suggesting that the officers' actions throughout the night collectively rise to the level of excessive force. We could find no decisions analyzing the qualified immunity defense in that way. And some of our decisions address the issue much more narrowly, analyzing each taser strike by an individual officer as its own instance of force. See, e.g., Oliver, 586 F.3d at 906 (holding that the officer's initial, single Taser shock to calm the suspect may have been justified, but the seven shocks after that were excessive).

. Because we conclude that neither Mills nor Smith violated clearly established law, we do not decide whether they violated Illidge's constitutional right. See Lewis, 561 F.3d at 1291.

. Deputy Mills' use of a taser occurred when no other officer was present, so there could be no duty to intervene at that time.

. Callwood asserts the officers dogpile[d] on top of Illidge, but she points to no evidence that the six of them were holding or on top of Illidge at the same time. The record shows that, at most, three officers held him down at any given time. And although Williams weighed 385 pounds at the time, the evidence shows that he remained on the balls of his feet throughout the encounter and never placed his full body weight on Illidge.

. Because we conclude that the officers did not violate clearly established law, we do not decide whether they violated Illidge's constitutional right to be free from excessive force. See Lewis, 561 F.3d at 1291.

. The district court did not abuse its discretion by declining to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the remaining state law claims. See Raney v. Allstate Ins. Co., 370 F.3d 1086, 108889 (11th Cir. 2004).

ED CARNES, Chief Judge:
Playing their first Irish show since 2015, the band are touring in support of their well received latest release Medusa. Inspired by Greek Mythology, the album is widely regarded as a return to form for the band, with a more mature and refined sound.

After diverse support from Outshine and Owlcrusher, the crowd in Dublins Tivoli Theatre were hungry for the gothic doom metal pioneers to take the stage. To uproarious applause they open with new track From the Gallows. The track is a chugging progression of apocalyptic rhythms which begins the evenings journey into the bands vast catalogue. The band are in top form, with front man Nick Holmes poking fun at himself after sombre number One Second saying, I fucked up the second verse on that one - just in case anyone was recording! and reminiscing about their last visit to the venue which was during their Icon tour.

Paradise Losts trademark hypnotic powerhouse doom is on full display during performances of Enchantment and newer track An Eternity of Lies. The almost cinematic sound of the guitars in the latter crashes off the walls of the Tivoli in a terrific symphony of doom. Holmes then announces that they would now be playing old material, It will be a pleasant experience for the newcomers. Well, maybe not pleasant Vibrant performances of old favourites True Belief and As I Die are met with the enthused crowd screaming the lyrics along in unison. Its interesting to note that these songs would have been released before drummer Waltteri Vayrynen was born.
Long Awaited Debut From The Bray-Based Three-Piece Is R&B With A Loudly Beating Heart. Dragon Talk Deciphering: Pat Carty

It hasn't even been four years, but there's a lot of distance between 2014's rather rootsy The Widow Knows E.P. and this bright and shiny thing. It's really only those marvellous voices that would allow you to connect the two; the E.P. title track even featured a fiddle. No sign of any of that messing here. 2016's 'Letter To Willow' was a first step in this direction, with its burbling electronic undercurrent and its one eye on the dance floor. A track like 'Running', from that E.P. release, copped a serious feel of current R&B elements, moving their beautiful three-part harmonies a lot closer to Destiny's Child than, say, Dixie Chicks.

It's this ultra modern sensibility which informs this easy to love debut album. Caoimhe, Karen and Saoirse have mentioned the likes of Anderson .Paak, Solange, and even A Tribe Called Quest in interviews ahead of this release, and you can hear all those influences at work. 'Out Of My Hands', last year's much admired single, opens with a vocal collage that Bjork would recognise before the beat comes in for a response to cynicism in the face of the band's admirable activism and campaign work. 'I Love You, Sadie', another one you may have already heard, is a comment on what Caoimhe has described as the restrictions of masculinity, but it can also just be taken as a fantastic pop song. Try in vain to get the "gotta let go" refrain out of your head, it's a hopeless endeavour. Current single 'Maybe It's My Nature' is even better again. Put Beyonce's or Rhianna's name on it, and it would already be number one all over the place. When the chorus breaks through, it's like someone throwing open the curtains on a spring morning. It will place highly in those best of the year charts in twelve months time, or I'll eat whatever hat you like. And you would have to be dead for at least a week not to tap a toe to closer 'When I Can', complete with its Prince/D'Angelo-like guitar break.

The band recycle both 'Used' and 'Snow' from that first EP: the almost a cappella 'Used' gets an upgraded polish, and some extra bass, which better suits its fuck off message to some chancer who got caught in another's bed, and where there were once Crosby, Stills & Nash acoustics and even a flute, 'Snow' now sits on a bed of sound that Massive Attack would be pleased with. It is this song's transformation, now titled 'Snow II', which best indicates how far the band's sound has travelled.

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Ably assisted by producer James Kelly, this is a relentlessly commercial prospect with a loudly beating heart. When the sun finally comes back to us, Wyvern Lingo is the sound that will blare from every hip window.

Rating: 8/10
OmiseGO (OMG), as advertised on its own website, is a public Ethereum-based financial technology for use in mainstream digital wallets, that enables real-time, peer-to-peer value exchange and payment services agnostically across jurisdictions and organizational silos, and across both fiat money and decentralized currencies. Developed by Hasegawa and Donnie Harinsut, the founders of the already operating Bangkok-based company Omise, OmiseGO`s is planning to provide improved financial services for both people who use traditional banking services and people in developing countries and areas that lack traditional banking infrastructure. Its slogan is Unbank the Banked with Ethereum and it enables financial transactions like payments, remittances, payroll deposit, B2B commerce, supply-chain finance, loyalty programs, asset management and trading, and other on-demand services.

OmiseGO`s initial coin offering (ICO) in 2017 raised more than $25 million USD, turning down over $100 million in the process. It ended in June last year and it was fully funded. Currently, it is the sixth highest market cap Ethereum project and the first one to exceed $1 billion USD valuation. The current price of the OMG token is $17.26 USD. With a total supply of 140,245,398 tokens and a circulating supply of 102,042,552, OmiseGO`s market cap is valued at $1,760,836,069 USD.

Described as the answer to a fundamental coordination problem amongst payment processors, gateways, and financial institutions, OmiseGO`s intents to state that its goal is not to be a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or others, but rather to provide users with an alternative to online exchanges. The ideas of OmiseGO does sound good, at least on paper, but let`s dig a little deeper.

First of all, as an investment class, cryptocurrencies of all types are risky. Investing and trading involve significant risks as they are very volatile, vulnerable to hacking, the return on investment is not guaranteed, etc. Before deciding to put all your money on something like that, you should take all the facts into consideration. You must decide whether the potential, unguaranteed profits overweight the risks.

So, here are some of the red flags which stood out and which a potential investor should not ignore. For starters, OmiseGO has not released a working product yet. Not even an alpha version. This is not typical for cryptocurrency projects. Also, there is no public Github/dev activity showing work in progress which is also alarming and may lead doubts and hesitation. In addition, OmiseGO`s marketing tactics are kind of questionable. The CEO is constantly and aggressively pumping the coin by teasing announcements of announcements through Twitter. He is always excitedly posting about the project, tweeting out photos with no substance. It looks like he is spending more time teasing on Twitter and speculating so that the OMG`s price would jump than doing his job. This kind of marketing strategy is not okay. It is alarming and investors should really take the time to possibly reconsider and reevaluate the situation. The lack of a working product, though, is the most concerning fact. Think carefully and if you decide to invest, be prepared to accept the risks which may follow. In the cryptocurrency business, there are always risks.












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United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. UNITED STATES of America, PlaintiffAppellee, v. Julius Andrew REASON, DefendantAppellant. No. 17-11132 Decided: February 20, 2018

Before TJOFLAT, JULIE CARNES and HULL, Circuit Judges. Brandy Brentari Galler, Antonia J. Barnes, U.S. Attorney's Office, West Palm Beach, FL, Sivashree Sundaram, Phillip Drew DiRosa, Carmen M. Lineberger, U.S. Attorney's Office, Fort Pierce, FL, Benjamin Greenberg, Emily M. Smachetti, U.S. Attorney's Office, Miami, FL, for Plaintiff-Appellee Jonathan S. Friedman, Law Office of Jonathan S. Friedman, PA, Fort Lauderdale, FL, for Defendant-Appellant

Julius Andrew Reason appeals his 235-month sentence, imposed after his guilty plea, for conspiracy to import dibutylone HCI (dibutylone) into the United States, in violation of 21 U.S.C.  952(a) and 963, and conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute dibutylone, in violation of 21 U.S.C.  841(a)(1) and 846. Reason's sentence is more than ten years below the lower end of the applicable Sentencing Guidelines range. He argues that the District Court: (1) procedurally erred by misapplying U.S.S.G.  2D1.1 cmt. n.6 (Application Note 6) and clearly erred by finding that, for purposes of calculating his offense level, MDMA and MDEA were the substances most closely related to dibutylone and ethylone, respectively; (2) erred by applying a four-point enhancement, pursuant to U.S.S.G.  3B1.1(a), based on its finding that Reason was an organizer or leader of a criminal activity that involved five or more participants or that was otherwise extensive; (3) erred by applying a two-point enhancement, pursuant to U.S.S.G.  2D1.1(b)(1), based on its finding that Reason possessed a firearm; and (4) erred by imposing an otherwise procedurally and substantively unreasonable sentence.

We disagree with each of Reason's arguments and affirm the District Court's sentence.

I.

Citing Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 28(i), Reason adopts the portions of the initial and reply briefs filed by his co-appellant, Venteria Reason, that argue that the District Court procedurally erred by misapplying Application Note 6 and that it clearly erred by concluding that dibutylone and ethylone were most closely related to MDMA and MDEA. Reason adopts a losing position. See United States v. Reason, No. 17-11134, 2018 WL 388238 (11th Cir. Jan. 12, 2018). We therefore reject these arguments.

II.

Reason next argues that the District Court erred in applying U.S.S.G.  3B1.1(a)'s four-point aggravating-role enhancement because the criminal activity to which he was an organizer or leader did not involve [ ] five or more participants and was not otherwise extensive.

A district court's determination of a defendant's role in an offense is a finding of fact that we review for clear error. United States v. Moran, 778 F.3d 942, 979 (11th Cir. 2015). For a factual finding to be clearly erroneous, we must be left with a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed. Id. The sentencing court's factual findings for purposes of sentencing can be based on evidence heard during trial, undisputed facts in the [presentence investigation report], or evidence presented during the sentencing hearing. United States v. Polar, 369 F.3d 1248, 1255 (11th Cir. 2004).

Under  3B1.1(a), a defendant receives a four-level increase in his offense level if he was an organizer or leader of a criminal activity that involved five or more participants or was otherwise extensive. A participant is someone who is criminally responsible for the offense, but need not have been convicted. U.S.S.G.  3B1.1 cmt. n.1. A court determines the number of participants by tallying the number of individuals involved in the relevant conduct for which the defendant was responsible, including the events surrounding the criminal act. United States v. Holland, 22 F.3d 1040, 104546 (11th Cir. 1994). The defendant himself is counted in the calculation. Id. at 1045.

The District Court did not clearly err in finding that more than five people participated in the criminal activity. Reason and his two convicted codefendants clearly qualify as participants in the criminal activity because they were criminally responsible for the offense. See U.S.S.G.  3B1.1 cmt. n.1. Further, the Government presented ample evidence that at least three others participated in the criminal activity for which Reason was responsible by, among other things, distributing and coordinating sales of drugs, collecting drug proceeds, and receiving drugs up front without payment. That these other individuals were not charged and convicted does not preclude them from being  3B1.1 participants. See Holland, 22 F.3d at 104546; U.S.S.G.  3B1.1 cmt. n.1. The Court therefore properly applied  3B1.1(a)'s four-level enhancement.

III.

Third, Reason contends that the District Court erred in applying a two-point U.S.S.G.  2D1.1(b)(1) dangerous-weapon enhancement because he had no actual or constructive knowledge of the firearm found under the passenger seat of his vehicle after his arrest. Reason adds that the firearm did not contain his DNA or fingerprints, and that another individual occupied the passenger seat during his arrest. He also asserts that the Government failed to prove that the firearm was used in connection with criminal activity.

We review for clear error a district court's factual findings under  2D1.1(b)(1), and de novo the application of the Guidelines to those facts. United States v. Pham, 463 F.3d 1239, 1245 (11th Cir. 2006). Sentencing Guideline  2D1.1(b)(1) adds a two-point enhancement if a firearm is possessed in connection with a conspiracy to possess and distribute drugs. Application Note 11(A) to  2D1.1 states that the dangerous weapon enhancement should be applied if the weapon was present, unless it is clearly improbable that the weapon was connected with the offense. The firearm enhancement is to be applied whenever a firearm is possessed during conduct relevant to the offense of conviction. United States v. Smith, 127 F.3d 1388, 1390 (11th Cir. 1997). Relevant conduct includes acts that were part of the same course of conduct or common scheme or plan as the offense of conviction. Id. (quotation omitted). After the Government has shown that a firearm was present, the evidentiary burden shifts to the defendant, who must show that a connection between the firearm and the offense is clearly improbable. United States v. Fields, 408 F.3d 1356, 1359 (11th Cir. 2005).

The District Court did not clearly err in applying the  2D1.1(b)(1) enhancement. The Government showed that a firearm was present during the controlled transfer that culminated in Reason's arrest and presented substantial evidence that Reason frequently requested to use his codefendant's firearm, possessed firearms, and discussed the locations of various firearms. Reason then failed to meet the burden of proving that a connection between the firearm and the offense was clearly improbable. See id. at 1359.

IV.

Finally, Reason claims that two additional District Court errors render his sentence procedurally and substantively unreasonable. Reason first argues that the Court did not account for his belief that he was importing a knock off drug that was less potent than the comparator substances used to calculate his sentence, MDMA and MDEA. As discussed in Reason, 2018 WL 388238 at *5, this argument fails. Second, Reason contends that the Court failed to sufficiently discuss all of the required 18 U.S.C.  3553(a) factors when issuing his sentence.

We review a sentence's reasonableness under a deferential abuse-of-discretion standard. Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 41, 128 S. Ct. 586, 591 (2007). A two-step process guides our review. Id. at 51, 128 S. Ct. at 597. First, we confirm that the district court committed no significant procedural error, such as failing to calculate (or improperly calculating) the Guidelines range, treating the Guidelines as mandatory, failing to consider the 18 U.S.C.  3553(a) factors, selecting a sentence based on clearly erroneous facts, or failing to adequately explain the chosen sentenceincluding an explanation for any deviation from the Guidelines range. Id. We then consider the substantive reasonableness of the sentence given totality of the circumstances. Id. The party challenging the sentence bears the burden of proving the sentence unreasonable in light of the record and the  3553(a) factors. United States v. Tome, 611 F.3d 1371, 1378 (11th Cir. 2010).

A district court's sentence must be sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to comply with the purposes of  3553(a). 18 U.S.C.  3553(a). When a district court decides that the  3553(a) factors support a variance, it should explain with sufficient justifications why the variance is appropriate in a particular case. Gall, 552 U.S. at 46, 128 S. Ct. at 594. The court's justification must be compelling enough to support the degree of the variance and complete enough to allow meaningful appellate review, but an extraordinary justification is not required. United States v. Shaw, 560 F.3d 1230, 1238 (11th Cir. 2009) (quotation omitted).

The District Court explained at length the considerations which informed its 235-month sentence, many of which directly implicated the relevant  3553(a) factors. There is enough in the record and in the District Court's explanation of Reason's sentence to satisfy us that the Court considered the parties' arguments and ha[d] a reasoned basis for exercising [its] own legal decisionmaking authority. See Rita v United States, 551 U.S. 338, 356, 127 S. Ct. 2456, 2468 (2007). Its sentence was thus procedurally reasonable.

The Court's sentence was also substantively reasonable. Reason's 235-month sentence fairly reflects the Court's consideration of the sentencing factors. See United States v. Snipes, 611 F.3d 855, 872 (11th Cir. 2010). The record and the Court's explanation at sentencing justify the more than ten-year downward variance it applied. And that Reason's sentence is well below the relevant Guidelines range further diminishes his position that it is substantively unreasonable. See United States v. Gonzalez, 550 F.3d 1319, 1324 (11th Cir. 2008). The District Court therefore did not err in imposing Reason's 235-month sentence.

V.

For the reasons discussed, the District Court did not err in calculating or imposing Reason's 235-month sentence.

AFFIRMED.

FOOTNOTES

. Reason's total offense level reflects that he was held responsible for, among other substances, 10.34 kg of dibutylone and 9.98 kg of ethylone.

. Reason does not contest that he was an organizer or leader of criminal activity.

. Because the District Court did not err in finding that the relevant criminal activity involved five or more participants, we do not need to address Reason's argument that the criminal activity was not otherwise extensive.

. Reason's co-appellant made a similar argument, rejected in Reason, 2018 WL 388238 at *5, that the equivalence ratios assigned to MDMA and MDEA for purposes of sentencing are unfitting for dibutylone and ethylone, requiring a lower sentence to be issued. Though it is unclear from his brief, Reason appears to have adopted that argument. If he did, then we reject it, as we did before. But Reason's brief also articulates an ostensibly different argumentthat the District Court should have accounted for his belief that he was importing knockoff drugs less potent than MDMA and MDEA. Our logic in Reason also takes care of this claim. See id. Boiled down, Reason, like his co-appellant, merely argues that the equivalence ratios of MDMA and MDEA are too harsh given the differences between those substances and dibutylone and ethylone, the substances Reason was importing.Regardless, the fact remains that the Court properly found that MDMA and MDEA were appropriate comparators. Indeed, following Application Note 6's requirements, the Court considered the potencies of the substances in making this determination. Nothing in Application Note 6 imposes, as Reason asserts, the further requirement that sufficient evidence show that the defendant knew [the substances he was importing] were the equivalent of and had the same potency as [the Court's chosen comparator substances].

PER CURIAM:
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United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DARRYL BURKE, a.k.a. David Middleton, a.k.a. James Duncan, a.k.a. Donald Brown, a.k.a. Dr. Jeffrey Burke, Defendant-Appellant. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. VICKI GARLAND, a.k.a. Vickie Garland, a.k.a. Felicia Middleton, Defendant-Appellant. No. 16-17234, No. 17-11257 Decided: February 20, 2018

Before TJOFLAT, MARTIN and JILL PRYOR, Circuit Judges.

A jury found Darryl Burke and Vicki Garland guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1349, and three counts of bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1344. We affirmed their convictions on direct appeal. United States v. Burke, 645 F. App'x 883 (11th Cir. 2016). Burke and Garland, proceeding pro se, now appeal two District Court orders: one denying their consolidated Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 33 motion for a new trial and the other denying their motion for reconsideration of that order. We affirm the District Court's decisions.

I.

A.

Burke and Garland first argue that they are entitled to a new trial because a juror evaded or gave false answers during voir dire regarding whether she had ever been in mortgage foreclosure litigation.

We review a district court's denial of a new trial based on juror misconduct during voir dire for abuse of discretion. United States v. Quilca-Carpio, 118 F.3d 719, 722 (11th Cir. 1997). To obtain a new trial based on a juror's failure to disclose information, the moving party must demonstrate that (1) a juror failed to answer honestly a material question on voir dire and (2) a correct response would have provided a valid basis for a challenge for cause. McDonough Power Equip., Inc. v. Greenwood, 464 U.S. 548, 556, 104 S. Ct. 845, 850 (1984). The second prong requires proof of actual bias. BankAtlantic v. Blythe Eastman Paine Webber, Inc., 955 F.2d 1467, 1473 (11th Cir. 1992). Bias may be shown either by express admission or by proof of specific facts showing such a close connection to the circumstances at hand that bias must be presumed. United States v. Carpa, 271 F.3d 962, 967 (11th Cir. 2001). District courts are not obligated to investigate allegations of juror misconduct absent clear, strong, substantial and incontrovertible evidence that the jury committed an impropriety that might undermine the verdict. United States v. Cuthel, 903 F.2d 1381, 1383 (11th Cir. 1990) (internal quotation marks omitted).

The District Court did not abuse its discretion in denying Burke and Garland's consolidated motion for new trial based on alleged juror misconduct. The records relied upon by Burke and Garland do not prove the juror was in or had experienced mortgage foreclosure litigation at or before the time of Burke and Garland's trial. Further, assuming arguendo that the juror did not provide accurate answers during voir dire, Burke and Garland failed to demonstrate her actual bias. They allege that the juror was in mortgage foreclosure litigation with a bank that was also mentioned in Burke's indictment, and so the juror may have felt that Burke and Garland's actions contributed to her situation. They also allege in conclusory fashion that the bank forgave the juror of her debt after they were convicted, proving the motive for her bias. This all falls short of proving actual bias. See Carpa, 271 F.3d at 967. Therefore, Burke and Garland failed to prove a valid basis to strike the juror for cause and accordingly were not entitled to a new trial based on juror misconduct. See McDonough Power, 464 U.S. at 556, 104 S. Ct. at 850.

B.

Burke and Garland next argue that the District Court abused its discretion in denying their consolidated motion for new trial based on alleged newly discovered evidence that impeached several witnesses' testimony.

We review a district court's denial of a motion for new trial based on newly discovered evidence for an abuse of discretion. United States v. Jernigan, 341 F.3d 1273, 1287 (11th Cir. 2003). Notably, motions for a new trial are highly disfavored, and district courts should use great caution in granting a new trial motion based on newly discovered evidence. Id. To merit a new trial based on newly discovered evidence, the defendant must show that:

(1) the evidence was discovered after trial, (2) the failure of the defendant to discover the evidence was not due to a lack of due diligence, (3) the evidence is not merely cumulative or impeaching, (4) the evidence is material to issues before the court, and (5) the evidence is such that a new trial would probably produce a different result.

Id. Failure to meet any one of these elements will defeat a motion for new trial. United States v. Starrett, 55 F.3d 1525, 1554 (11th Cir. 1995).

The District Court did not abuse its discretion in denying Burke and Garland's consolidated motion for new trial based on alleged newly discovered evidence that impeached several witnesses' testimony. The accuracy and authenticity of many of the documents submitted in support of the motion for new trial were dubious. Even if the documents were accurate, the issues that the documents allegedly demonstrated were part of Burke and Garland's trial defense, and, therefore, amount to cumulative and impeachment evidence, which does not warrant a new trial. See United States v. Hirst, 668 F.2d 1180, 1185 (11th Cir. 1982). Burke and Garland also failed to adequately demonstrate that they could not have discovered the documents with due diligence prior to trial. The materials attached to their consolidated new trial motion were predominantly public records published prior to trial. Furthermore, the evidence of Burke and Garland's guilt was overwhelming. Thus, even with their alleged newly discovered evidence, Burke and Garland would not have a reasonable probability of producing a different result in a subsequent trial. See id.; Jernigan, 341 F.3d at 1287.

C.

Third, Burke and Garland argue that the District Court abused its discretion in denying their consolidated motion for new trial based on alleged Brady and Giglio violations.

We review a district court's denial of a new trial based on alleged prosecutorial misconduct for abuse of discretion. United States v. Vallejo, 297 F.3d 1154, 1163 (11th Cir. 2002). To obtain a new trial on the basis of a Brady violation, the defendant must show that:

(1) the government possessed evidence favorable to the defendant; (2) the defendant does not possess the evidence and could not obtain the evidence with any reasonable diligence; (3) the prosecution suppressed the favorable evidence; and (4) had the evidence been disclosed to the defendant, there is a reasonable probability that the outcome would have been different.

Id. at 1164.

The District Court did not abuse its discretion in denying Burke and Garland's consolidated motion for new trial based on alleged Brady and Giglio violations. The accusations that the Government introduced false documents before the grand jury and at trial, failed to disclose that a Government witness had made false representations in her bankruptcy proceeding, and knowingly allowed this witness to testify falsely about her bankruptcy at trial did not amount to actual misconduct. The Government introduced documents containing false information because they were obtained via the search warrant from Burke's residence, and the trial was about a fraud largely perpetrated through the use of falsified documents. Burke and Garland's after-the-fact explanations for the truth of certain bank and mortgage records over others do not support a finding of prosecutorial misconduct.

Also, Burke and Garland's claims regarding the Government's nondisclosure of one of its witness's bankruptcy court records and concealment of this witness's representations to the bankruptcy court after trial did not constitute Brady violations because the evidence, if disclosed, would not have with reasonable probability led to a different result. See id.; see also United States v. Bagley, 473 U.S. 667, 678, 105 S. Ct. 3375, 3381 (1985) (noting that a Brady error occurs only if the evidence is material in the sense that its suppression undermines confidence in the outcome of the trial). Further, the speculative allegation that the Government reached an undisclosed agreement with this witness does not rise to the level of a Brady violation. Finally, as to the argument that the Government violated Giglio by knowingly allowing this witness to testify falsely about her bankruptcy at trial, Burke and Garland failed to prove that any of the witness's trial testimony about her bankruptcy was actually false. See Giglio, 405 U.S. at 153, 92 S. Ct. at 766.

D.

Burke and Garland additionally argue that the District Court abused its discretion in denying their request for an evidentiary hearing on the claims raised in their motion for new trial.

We review a district court's decision concerning whether to hold an evidentiary hearing for an abuse of discretion. United States v. Massey, 89 F.3d 1433, 1443 (11th Cir. 1996). We have noted that an evidentiary hearing is not required if, as here, the record contains all of the evidence needed to dispose of each of the grounds asserted as the basis for a new trial. United States v. Scrushy, 721 F.3d 1288, 1305 n.30 (11th Cir. 2013). Whether to hold an evidentiary hearing is a decision within the district court's sound discretion. United States v. Slocum, 708 F.2d 587, 600 (11th Cir. 1983).

The District Court here, given its acumen gained over the course of proceedings and given the evidence on record, acted within its sound discretion in not holding an evidentiary hearing on the claims raised in Burke and Garland's new trial motion.

E.

Finally, Burke and Garland argue that the District Court abused its discretion in denying their consolidated motion for new trial and their motion for reconsideration because it failed to resolve the merits of all the claims presented in the motions, in violation of Clisby v. Jones, 960 F.2d 925 (11th Cir. 1992) (en banc). They argue that the Court was required to address each of their claims independently. Clisby, however, held only that district courts must resolve all claims in a 28 U.S.C.  2254 habeas petition, as failing to do so presents certain federalism and comity problems. See 960 F.2d at 93438. Further, here the District Court nonetheless provided thorough and complete orders denying Burke and Garland's motions for new trial and for reconsideration.

II.

Accordingly, we affirm the District Court's denial of Burke and Garland's consolidated motion for new trial and their motion for reconsideration.

AFFIRMED.

FOOTNOTES

. Rule 33 allows courts to vacate any judgment and grant a new trial if the interest of justice so requires. Fed. R. Crim. P. 33(a).

. Although the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure do not expressly provide for motions for reconsideration, the Supreme Court and this Court have nonetheless permitted them. United States v. Phillips, 597 F.3d 1190, 1199 (11th Cir. 2010).

. That is, because Burke and Garland engaged in a fraudulent scheme, many of the documents they used as proof of error contain traces of their fraud.

. Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 83 S. Ct. 1194 (1963).

. Giglio v. United States, 405 U.S. 150, 92 S. Ct. 763 (1972).

. Burke and Garland contend there was a tacit agreement between the Government and one of its witnesses not to disclose a number of benefits the witness would later receive in her bankruptcy proceeding for testifying. Burke and Garland, however, present only speculation that such an agreement was formed. Cf. United States v. Calderon, 127 F.3d 1314, 135254 (11th Cir. 1997) (affirming the denial of a new trial motion based on totally unsubstantiated allegations of a clandestine meeting between the judge, jury foreman, prosecutor, and two defendants).

PER CURIAM:
It seems pretty simple to have and maintain an artist website, right? Truth is, its not always so easy for everyone. Being in the industry, Ive seen both extremes: websites that make us feel jealous and websites that make us feel pity (and some that dont exist at all). At the end of the day, a web presence is no longer an option for artists.

The possibilities are endless with a good website. Not only will it keep your audience engaged and up-to-date, but it can also be a great additional revenue stream if done right.

If youre curious as to whether or not youre doing your artist website right, ask yourself the following questions.

Do you know your target audience and are you branded accordingly?

What types of people do you want to buy your music? If you dont know how to answer that then its going to make building your website unfocused. Once youve identified your target audience its time to create unique branding design to set yourself apart.

Do you have high quality content?

A good artist website should always have high quality content; this applies to both text and images. If you dont have a professional logo made or bio written, we highly recommend the professional investment.

Is your website compatible on all devices?

Just because your website looks great on a MacBook Air, doesnt mean it will look as awesome on an Android. The key to having a successful website is to be functional on all devices.

You can get creative once the basics are covered.

A great example of going above and beyond in the digital realm is that of artist ill.Gates and his site illgates.com. His website doesnt stick to the traditional revenue stream of selling artist merch; it takes the concept one step further by selling quality music tools that benefit all types of artists. In a similar vein, Vespers.ca was created by Canada-based DJ Vespers to offer quality online training in electronic music production through video courses, downloadable packs, and webinars.

Both of these websites are successful because they covered the basics of branding, content and site functionality and have built off of that with e-commerce intelligence. If you want to build a great e-commerce platform like Vespers and ill.Gates, start by asking yourself:

Am I selling a quality product?

This should be a given. If you arent selling a quality product then going through the trouble of building an awesome site is totally not worth your time.

Have I thought about payment?

Dont forget to set up a payment gateway. We recommend accepting PayPal and credit card payments. In order to accept credit cards youll need to set up a payment gateway like Stripe.com. Youll need to register for an account and if you are using WooCommerce, purchase a Stripe.com plugin that gives WooCommerce the ability to tie into Stripes system.

Is my website secure?

You want to protect your customers, and yourself, from getting into some serious trouble. Make sure to purchase an SSL certificate and have your host install it on your web server. This allows sensitive information to be shared over the Internet because its encrypted.

We know this is a lot, but its only the beginning of the things you need to think about. That is why both Vespers and ProducerDJ hired Lions Share Digital to help build their e-commerce stores. Lions Share has worked with many in the music industry to build successful websites and e-commerce platforms.
Talib Kweli Cancels Concert After Venue Books White Nationalist Band Taake

Rapper Talib Kweli has canceled a performance at a Kansas City music venue after the booked a Scandinavian accused of being Nazi sympathizers. According to the Kansas City Star, Kweli on Feb 20th told the management of the Riot Room that he would not be performing the following day after he learned that the venue had also booked the band Taake for a March 31st show.

Kweli released a statement on Tuesday that said: I find it appalling that the Riot Room refuses to apologize for booking this band. I wouldnt feel safe bringing my team, family and fans into a venue that is sympathetic to white nationalism, so Ive canceled the show.

Taake, a Norwegian black metal band, has been criticized on numerous occasions for its use of Nazi iconography in its live performances and for what has been perceived to be anti-Islamic lyrics. In February, purported anti-fascist groups took to Twitter for the band to call off their North American tour, which is due to begin 24th in New York City.

So far, the calls for cancellation have been partially successful and at least two shows  March 24th at Le Poisson Rouge in New York, and the Bottom Lounge in Chicago  have been canceled.

On February 18th, Taakes frontman rjan Hoest Stedjeberg released a statement addressing the cancellations and claiming the bands past displays of swastikas were for shock value and not an ideological statement:

I have clearly explained many times throughout the years that me wearing a swastika once at a German concert was not at all meant to show support for the nazi (sic) ideology. It was all about doing something extreme for the sake of it, which certainly backfired. But it has now been 11 years and the band has even performed in Israel! Anyway, similar incidents have not happened in Taakes 25 year long career and will obviously not happen again. But certain parties seem to find this cold case unforgivable nevertheless, insisting on wilful (sic) misunderstanding. So, once and for all, Taake is not a racist band. Never has been, never will be. Still claiming so is as ridiculous and unfounded as are the attempts at sabotaging our highly anticipated shows.

Update: The Riot Room has now announced that they had also canceled Taakes performance.

We have decided to cancel the Taake event scheduled to be held March 31st at The Riot Room. Refunds will be processed immediately for anyone who purchased ickets. As a venue, it is our priority to provide a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all patrons, artists, and staff. This always has, and will always continue to be our primary goal, a rep for the venue said in a statement published on their social media.

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Warner Music Dominates Brit Awards 2018

Warner Music UK is celebrating its most successful BRIT Awards ever with Its artists won six of the eleven awards (six of eight in UK categories) , more than any other music company. These awards follow a strong showing Warner Music at the Grammy Awards in New York last month.

At last night's BRIT Awards, Dua Lipa took home British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist, Ed Sheeran won Global Success, Gorillaz was crowned British Group, and Stormzy was awarded British Male Solo Artist and Mastercard British Album of the Year, for Gang Signs & Prayer

All record for Warner Music UK labels with ADA, Atlantic, Parlophone and Warner Bros. all marking wins.

Max Lousada, CEO Recorded Music, WMG and Chairman & CEO, Warner Music UK said: Tonight was a celebration of the unprecedented opportunities for home-grown U.K. talent on the global stage. Artists like Dua, Stormzy, Ed, Liam, Rita and Gorillaz are making hugely popular and influential music that is moving culture and cascading throughout the world. Congratulations to all the winners, nominees and performers, and thank you for making music, and life, more dynamic and exciting.

MORE:

Stormzy, Dua Lipa Take Top Honors At Brit Awards 2018 [Full List Of Winners]

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The IEEE Foundation awarded the funds in December to the priority initiative, which partners with entrepreneurs in underserved areas to set up microutilities, bringing electricity to thousands while also creating jobs in the community. The group aspires to provide electricity to 50 million people by 2025.

The recipients are from Cameroon, India, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, and Uganda. They were chosen based on the feasibility of their proposed microgrid projects, their plan for how to grow their business, the ability to leverage the funding to sustain their project over the long term, how theyll incorporate educational programs to teach locals about the technology, and the potential for their program to assist at least 1 million people in five years.

Here are the seven projects:

AFRICA DEVELOPMENT PROMISEUGANDA

This nonprofit organization in Denver focuses on increasing the number of female entrepreneurs in rural Uganda. It trains the entrepreneurs how to install and operate solar-powered equipment such as an irrigation system that pumps water through pipes equipped with solar cells. The cells absorb the solar energy and convert it to electricity. The project also aims to increase production of the countrys burgeoning mushroom industry, which will provide steady income for farmers, according to a news release.

GREEN VILLAGE ELECTRICITY PROJECTS, LTD.NIGERIA

This for-profit renewable energy solutions and technology developer, in Lagos, plans to provide solar-powered microgrids to 11 communities, power a grain mill, and help create jobs.

COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION CENTERPAPUA NEW GUINEA

In partnership with nonprofit Rotary International in Papua New Guinea, the program plans to install solar microgrids to power community centers that offer educational programs to adults. The centers also will provide business owners with resources including management training and courses on how to create their own website, organizers say. The grids will power a medical clinic and childbirth center, they say. The program also plans to supply portable battery kits so community members can charge their lamps.

RENEWABLE ENERGY INNOVATORSCAMEROON

This project is slated to be implemented in two phases in six cities. The first phase will use SunBlazer solar trailers developed by IEEE Smart Village that provided low-cost, reliable electricity to survivors of the earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010, organizers say. The trailers have a mixed-grid approach. The first grid supplies 24-volt DC for low-voltage lighting and DC charging. The second phase involves installing an AC line to the center of each village to power small businesses and phone-charging booths. The second phase will increase the capacity of the first solar microgrid by 170 percent and will assist 14 schools, more than 50 businesses, and about 11,000 people in the area, according to the news release.

SHAKTI EMPOWERMENT SOLUTIONSINDIA

This program from a for-profit company in New Delhi aims to provide portable battery kits and an AC microgrid to power homes, schools, and businesses in remote villages.

SHAYBIS NIGERIA LTD.

The organization, based in Lajolo, in Kwara state, installed an 8.5-kilowatt solar microgrid in December. It is powering a school and the freezer at a general store as well as an irrigation system. To learn about the power industry, engineering students at the Kwara State University, in Malete, and at the University of Ilorin helped install the microgrid.

IGNITING AFRICA (TORCHBEARER FOUNDATION)Cameroon

The nonprofit, headquartered in OFallon, Mo., plans to improve food security and dramatically reduce greenhouse gases associated with burning kerosene. Installing solar electricity in Cameroons rural villages can automate farming practices including irrigation and grain crushing. Torchbearer also plans to fund a power plant to provide electricity to a transportable food processor, grain crusher, and oil press. Women are the primary farmers in the area, and automating farming chores could save them time so they can pursue educational opportunities, according to the news release.

Source: http://theinstitute.ieee.org/members/ieee-groups/ieee-foundation-awards-us-12-million-to-smart-village-initiative
Translations:

L'IATA publie ses statistiques sur la securite en 2017 (pdf)

La IATA anuncia los resultados sobre el desempeno en seguridad aerea en 2017 (pdf)

A IATA divulga desempenho em seguranca das companhias aereas de 2017 (pdf)

          (pdf)

Montreal - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for the 2017 safety performance of the commercial airline industry showing continued strong improvements in safety.

The all accident rate (measured in accidents per 1 million flights) was 1.08, an improvement over the all accident rate of 1.68 in 2016 and the rate of 2.01 for the previous 5-year period (2012-2016).

The 2017 rate for major jet accidents (measured in jet hull losses per 1 million flights) was 0.11, which was the equivalent of one major accident for every 8.7 million flights. This was an improvement over the rate of 0.39 achieved in 2016 and also better than the five-year rate (2012-2016) of 0.33.

There were 6 fatal accidents with 19 fatalities among passengers and crew. This compares with an average of 10.8 fatal accidents and approximately 315 fatalities per year in the previous five-year period (2012-2016). In 2016 there were 9 fatal accidents and 202 fatalities.

None of the 6 fatal accidents involved a passenger jet. Five involved turboprop aircraft and one involved a cargo jet. The crash of the cargo jet also resulted in the deaths of 35 persons on the ground, as well as the crew of the jet.

IATA member airlines experienced zero fatal accidents or hull losses in 2017 with jet or turboprop equipment.

"2017 was a very good year for aviation safety. Some 4.1 billion travelers flew safely on 41.8 million flights. We saw improvements in nearly all key metricsglobally and in most regions. And our determination to make this very safe industry even safer continues. In 2017 there were incidents and accidents that we will learn from through the investigation process, just as we will learn from the recent tragedies in Russia and Iran. Complementing that knowledge are insights we can gain from the millions of flights that operate safety. Data from these operations is powering the development of predictive analytics that will eventually enable us to eliminate the conditions that can lead to accidents. The industry knows that every fatality is a tragedy. Our common goal is for every flight to take-off and land safely," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO.

2017 Safety Performance:

2017 2016 2012- 2016 On-board Fatalities[i] 19 202 314.6 Total Accidents 45 67 74.8 Fatal Accidents 6 9 [ii] 10.8 Fatality Risk[iii] 0.09 0.21 0.24 Fatal Accidents Passenger Flights 2 3 5.6 Fatal Accidents Cargo Flights 4 6 4.6 % of accidents involving fatalities 13.3 13.4 14.4 Jet hull losses 4 13 10 Jet hull losses with fatalities 1 4 3.4 Turboprop hull losses 9 7 15 Turboprop hull losses with fatalities 5 4 7.2

Almost all regions showed improvement in 2017 compared to the previous five years (2012-2016) as follows:

Jet hull loss rates by region of operator (per millions departures)

Region 2017 2012- 2016 Africa 0.00 2.21 Asia Pacific 0.18 0.48 Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) 0.92 1.17 Europe 0.13 0.14 Latin America and the Caribbean 0.41 0.53 Middle East and North Africa 0.00 0.74 North America 0.00 0.22 North Asia 0.00 0.00

The world turboprop hull loss rate was 1.30 per million flights, which was a deterioration from 1.01 in 2016 but an improvement over the five-year rate (2012-2016) of 2.18. All regions saw their turboprop safety performance improve in 2017 when compared to their respective five-year rates. Notwithstanding this, accidents involving turboprop aircraft represented 44% of all accidents in 2017 and 83% of fatal accidents.

Turboprop hull loss rates by region of operator (per million departures)

REGION 2017 2012- 2016 Africa 5.70 7.38 Asia Pacific 0.61 1.45 Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) 16.44 20.59 Europe 0.00 0.73 Latin America and the Caribbean 0.00 1.55 Middle East and North Africa 0.00 3.42 North America 0.94 0.98 North Asia 0.00 8.73

Progress in Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa continued to make strong progress on safety. Airlines in the region had zero jet hull losses and zero fatal accidents involving jets or turboprops for a second consecutive year. Both the turboprop hull loss rate and the all accident rates declined against the average of the previous five years. However, the turboprop hull loss rate increased compared to 2016 (5.70 vs. 1.52). In turn, this largely was responsible for causing an increase in the all accident rate compared to 2016 (6.87 vs. 2.43).

"Airlines in Sub-Saharan Africa continued to improve their safety performance. The goal is to achieve world-class safety. For a second year in a row, airlines in the region experienced no passenger fatalities and no jet hull losses. But there is still a large gap to cover in the safety performance of the continent's turboprop fleet. Global standards such as the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) are making a difference. Counting all accidents, the performance of African airlines on the IOSA registry was more than three times better than non-IOSA airlines in the region. That's why we continue to encourage African nations to incorporate IOSA and the IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) into their safety oversight systems. ISSA, which is intended for those carriers that are not eligible for IOSA, also offers a one-term opportunity to operators of aircraft that would otherwise fall under IOSA, enabling an incremental approach to achieving IOSA," said de Juniac.

In parallel, African governments must accelerate the implementation of ICAO's safety-related standards and recommended practices (SARPS). As of year-end 2017, only 25 African countries had at least 60% SARPS implementation," said de Juniac.

IOSA

In 2017, the all accident rate for airlines on the IOSA registry was nearly four times better than that of non-IOSA airlines (0.56 vs. 2.17) and it was nearly three times better over the 2012-16 period. All IATA member airlines are required to maintain their IOSA registration. There are currently 423 airlines on the IOSA Registry of which 142 are non-IATA Members. Over the next few years, IOSA will undergo a digital transformation that will enable IOSA airlines to compare and benchmark their performance. In the long run, the digital transformation will help to focus auditing on areas with the highest level of safety risk.

Six-Point Safety Strategy

IATA's Six Point Safety Strategy is a comprehensive data-driven approach to identify organizational, operational and emerging safety issues:

Reducing operational risk such as LOC-I (Loss of Control In-flight), CFIT (Controlled Flight Into Terrain) and RE (Runway Excursions)

Enhancing quality and compliance through audit programs

Advocating for improved aviation infrastructure such as implementation of performance-based navigation approaches

Supporting consistent implementation of Safety Management Systems

Supporting effective recruitment and training to enhance quality and compliance through programs such as the IATA Training and Qualification Initiative

Identifying and addressing emerging safety issues, such as lithium batteries and integrating remotely-piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) into airspace.













For more information, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Tel: +41 22 770 2967

Email: corpcomms@iata.org

Notes for Editors:

IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 280 airlines comprising 83% of global air traffic.

You can follow us at http://twitter.com/iata2press for news specially catered for the media.

IATA defines an accident as an event where ALL of the following criteria are satisfied:

The aircraft has sustained major structural damage exceeding $1 million US or 10% of the aircraft's hull reserve value, whichever is lower, or has been declared a hull loss.

The aircraft is turbine powered and has a certificated Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of at least 5,700KG (12,540 lbs.).

Person(s) have boarded the aircraft with the intention of flight (either flight crew or passengers).

The intention of the flight is limited to normal commercial aviation activities, specifically scheduled/charter passenger or cargo service. Executive jet operations, training, maintenance/test flights are all excluded.

A hull loss is an accident in which the aircraft is destroyed or substantially damaged and is not subsequently repaired for whatever reason including a financial decision of the owner.

_______________________________

[i] Fatality figures and flight numbers provided by Ascend Flightglobal

[ii] Includes one accident classified as "propeller."

[iii] Fatality risk measures the exposure of a passenger or crew to a catastrophic accident where all people on board the flight are killed. The calculation of fatality risk does not take into account aircraft size or how many were on board. What is measured is the percentage of those on-board who were killed. This is expressed as fatality risk per millions of flights. The 2017 fatality risk of 0.09 means that on average, a person would have to travel by air every day for 6,033 years before experiencing an accident in which at least one passenger was killed.
With funding commitments in place, the Berkshire Innovation Center is expected to begin construction in the William Stanley Business Park this year.

Groundbreaking For Innovation Center Now Eyed For Spring

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Berkshire Innovation Center is now eyeing a groundbreaking this spring.

With commitments from the state, city, and the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority, the project's $3 million funding gap is reportedly closed. Officials from all three agencies are finalizing the legal documents and agreements.

"I'm confident, with the cooperation of the state entities, PEDA, and the city, that the capital needs of the BIC entity is being met and this project will move forward," the city's Director of Community Development Deanna Ruffer said. "It is a major step forward in support for applied manufacturing businesses. This is all about the members and their need to have access to innovation and opportunities to test and develop new products. This will be truly a community resource for the benefit of our applied manufacturers."

The long-awaited innovation center dates back to 2013 when the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center awarded $6.5 million for an incubator. A study performed then, however, changed the concept to an innovation center -- shifting a focus from helping new businesses start up to helping existing businesses expand into new products. The initial concept was shifted toward building research and development facilities that would give smaller companies access to high-tech equipment. That plan also includes buy-ins from educational institutes, which will use it to address a lack of qualified workers in the area.

But the concept was more costly than the original earmark. The state upped its commitment to $9.7 million for construction and equipment. PEDA and the city pooled funds together for the operational costs.

When it exceeded the price target when it went to bid in 2015, BIC officials scaled back the project but still couldn't make the numbers work. The groundbreaking that was expected in the fall of 2016 never took place.

BIC officials continued efforts over the past year to close what they saw as a $3 million funding gap. The budget for equipment was cut in half, covering $1 million worth of increased construction cost. At the same time, the operating capital dried up. In September, the City Council agreed to contribute $1 million from the General Electric Economic Development Fund solely for construction, leaving the operating capital requirement in the hands of BIC to raise.

"The city has made a $1 million contribution with a requirement that it be used for construction cost. The city has been supportive and pleased with PEDA's decision to step in and help the BIC entity meet its operating needs during this construction period," Ruffer said.

That was done with a "verbal commitment" from the state to increase its funding to cover all of the construction costs. BIC then returned to PEDA asking for additional operating funds to keep the organization afloat while construction is ongoing. In December, PEDA supported the request and on Wednesday the board approved the legal agreement -- which features certain clawback provisions should the project fail -- to provide $300,000 in operational funding.

"PEDA has been supporting this from the beginning. Our original contribution was $250,000. Our second vote and contribution was $300,000. In partnership with the MassLife Sciences, the city of Pittsfield, BIC, and PEDA, we are all talking together and looking forward to a ceremony in the near future to officially indoctorate the construction of the Berkshire Innovation Center," PEDA Chairman Mick Callahan said.

"We've certainly been passionate about the effort and we spoke with our checkbook."

Both PEDA Executive Director Corydon Thurston and Ruffer said they've been informed that the boards of MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center gave their OK in the last few weeks to follow through with that verbal commitment to increase construction funding. State officials are planning a formal announcement of the funding next month.

"It appears that all the necessary funds have been raised or committed," Thurston said. "We've been told they have committed additional capital monies to the innovation center."

Complicating these last few months is a concurrent change in documents. The lease, for example, currently in place was between the city and PEDA. At the time it was signed, there was no non-profit entity known as the Berkshire Innovation Center. The city would have been the developer of the project and oversee the construction.

Now, all of those documents have to be changed to cut the city out, and instead put the BIC as the grantee of the grant funds. That is also part of the funding plan as BIC officials have previously said avoiding the public procurement process the city is required to undertake could save money.

Thurston said there is no timeline for when all of those documents will be completed. But he said a groundbreaking is expected "no later than June."
Record temps across the region on Wednesday will give way to snow and sleet by the weekend. Also lots of rain. 

Snowfall Predictions: Did You Think It Was Spring? LOL

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The National Weather Service is predicting a wintry mix of precipitation beginning by Thursday and continuing into Saturday.

Tuesday and Wednesday were unseasonably warm and the temperature hit 76 on Main Street in North Adams in afternoon.

It was a mini summer vacation day and a couple cafes dug out their outdoor seating, coats and scarfs were tossed to the side, and motorcycles pulled out of garages. All with inches of dirty snow still lining parking lots and roadways.

It's all over by Thursday, though as temperatures are expected to drop back into the 30s (put away the tank tops and shorts for awhile.) There's potentical for a up to 2 inches of snow across the Berkshires, especially in the higher regions, but it's likely to be less than an inch.

But sleety rain and warmer than usual temperatures may cause flooding and ice jams over the weekend. More rain is expected through Sunday but Monday looks to be sunny and will be in the 40s most of next week. Not exactly summery but better than the frigid temperatures we went through last month.

Wednesday was the warmest day on record in the month of February for many areas in the Northeast, including:

New York City: 78F

Newark, NJ: 80F

Lancaster, PA: 81F

Harrisburg, PA: 82F

Hagerstown, MD: 82F  AccuWeather (@breakingweather) February 21, 2018

UPDATE at 4:59pm.... Futurecast shows the snow / mixed precipitation heading this way for THURSDAY.... pic.twitter.com/lbKGdZZOqj  Tim Drawbridge (@Tim_Drawbridge) February 21, 2018
United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit. MOHAMED ABDELAL, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. POLICE COMMISSIONER RAYMOND W. KELLY, CITY OF NEW YORK, Defendants-Appellees. 17-1166-cv Decided: February 21, 2018

PRESENT: JOHN M. WALKER, JR., GERARD E. LYNCH, DENNY CHIN, Circuit Judges. FOR PLAINTIFF-APPELLANT: DEBRA L. GREENBERGER, Elizabeth Sykes Saylor, Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady LLP, New York, New York, and Christopher Q. Davis, The Law Office of Christopher Q. Davis, PLLC, New York, New York. FOR DEFENDANT-APPELLEE: SUSAN P. GREENBERG, Senior Counsel (Richard Dearing, Claude S. Platton, Assistant Corporation Counsels, on the brief), for Zachary Carter, Corporation Counsel of the City of New York, New York, New York.

Plaintiff-appellant Mohamed Abdelal appeals from a judgment entered April 24, 2017, in favor of defendants-appellees Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly and the City of New York. By memorandum-decision and order entered that same day, the district court granted defendants-appellees' motion for summary judgment and dismissed the complaint in this employment discrimination case. We assume the parties' familiarity with the underlying facts, the procedural history of the case, and the issues on appeal.

Abdelal is a former police officer who worked for the New York Police Department (NYPD) from 2006 until he was fired in 2013. He is a naturalized United States citizen who was born in Egypt and is Muslim. During the course of his employment, he was investigated for and eventually charged (in administrative disciplinary proceedings) with eleven specifications of misconduct. He pleaded guilty to seven of them, and disputed four. The alleged misconduct included the following:

 In September 2007, Abdelal failed to properly search a prisoner under his supervision and failed to properly maintain a prisoner roster. He disputed that he failed to properly search the prisoner.

 In March 2008, Abdelal visited Hudson County Correctional Facility while he was off-duty. He told a corrections officer that he was there to visit an inmate, Eslam Gadou, as part of an INTERPOL investigation, when in reality he was there to talk to Gadou on behalf of a friend who was a victim of Gadou's fraud. Abdelal disputed that he represented he was with INTERPOL.

 In July 2008, while on sick leave, Abdelal traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada, in violation of NYPD rules.

 Abdelal moved to New Jersey without notifying his commanding officer.

 Abdelal worked another job without the requisite off-duty employment approval.

The NYPD Advocate's Office (DAO) filed disciplinary charges against Abdelal on September 5, 2008, August 17, 2009, September 3, 2009, and November 1, 2011. Abdelal first learned that he was being investigated on May 20, 2009, when IAB interviewed him with respect to his visit to the correctional facility. DAO proposed a pre-trial plea of a 60-day suspension and dismissal probation for one year. Kelly, however, rejected the proposed plea and proposed an alternative plea pursuant to which Abdelal would be required to file for vested retirement. Abdelal rejected this plea offer and chose to go to trial.

After a five-day trial, Deputy Commissioner of Trials Martin G. Karopkin submitted a recommendation to Kelly in which he found Abdelal guilty of nine charges, dismissed two charges, and recommended a penalty of one-year dismissal probation and forfeiture of 45 vacation days. Kelly adopted the factual findings but rejected the penalty, and instead offered a negotiated penalty that would require Abdelal to immediately file for vested retirement. Abdelal rejected the proposed penalty and Kelly terminated him effective January 29, 2013.

Abdelal filed a charge with the EEOC in March 2013. In May 2013, Abdelal commenced a state court proceeding challenging his termination pursuant to Article 78 of the New York Civil Practice Laws and Rules. He alleged that Kelly's decision to reject the proposed punishment and terminate him was not supported by substantial evidence and was arbitrary, capricious, unduly harsh, and discriminatory. On June 16, 2014, the Article 78 proceeding was transferred to the Appellate Division, First Department. On March 17, 2016, the First Department upheld Abdelal's termination and denied his Article 78 Petition.

While the Article 78 proceeding was pending, on June 21, 2013, Abdelal filed this lawsuit in the district court claiming that the defendants discriminated against him and subjected him to a hostile work environment because of his (1) Egyptian national origin, (2) Arab ancestry, and (3) Muslim religion. The complaint included fourteen causes of action under 42 U.S.C.  1981, 42 U.S.C.  2000 et seq. (Title VII), the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), and the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL). On July 6, 2016, the defendants moved for summary judgment. The district court granted the motion and dismissed the complaint. The district court held that: (1) Abdelal's disparate treatment claims based on his termination were barred by res judicata; and (2) his hostile work environment claims were time-barred. Spec. App. 12-15. This appeal followed.

On appeal, Abdelal argues that the district court erred in holding that the state court Article 78 proceeding precluded his discrimination claims and that his hostile work environment claims were untimely.

I. Preclusion of Discrimination Claims

The district court granted summary judgment on Abdelal's disparate treatment claims on the ground that they were precluded by the First Department's Article 78 decision. To the extent the district court relied on the doctrine of res judicata (claim preclusion), which bars an action if the plaintiff could have raised the claim in a prior proceeding, even if he did not, its decision was in error, because that doctrine generally does not operate to bar a  1983 suit following the resolution of an Article 78 proceeding, since the full measure of relief available in the former action is not available in the latter. Colon v. Coughlin, 58 F.3d 865, 870 n.3 (2d Cir. 1995) (emphasis added); see also Vargas v. City of New York, 377 F.3d 200, 205 (2d Cir. 2004).

Nor are Abdelal's claims barred by collateral estoppel (issue preclusion). That doctrine applies only if (1) the issue in question was actually and necessarily decided in a prior proceeding, and (2) the party against whom the doctrine is asserted had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the issue in the first proceeding. Colon, 58 F.3d at 869 (emphasis added). The party asserting [collateral estoppel] bears the burden of showing that the identical issue was previously decided, while the party against whom the doctrine is asserted bears the burden of showing the absence of a full and fair opportunity to litigate in the prior proceeding. Id. We review a district court's collateral estoppel determination de novo. Id.

Here, defendants do not meet their burden of showing that the identical issues had been decided in the Article 78 proceeding. Indeed, the district court explicitly noted that Abdelal had not raised his race and religion claims of discrimination in the Article 78 proceeding. Moreover, it is not apparent that any issue with respect to discrimination was actually decided in the Article 78 proceedings, as the First Department made no mention of any discrimination claim in its decision dismissing the Article 78 petition. The fact that the First Department concluded that the administrative record contained substantial evidence to support the finding that petitioner engaged in conduct prejudicial to the good order, efficiency and discipline of the NYPD, App. 704-05, does not mean that the court considered and rejected Abdelal's claims that he was subjected to harassment and disproportionate punishment for discriminatory reasons. See Vargas, 377 F.3d at 206 (While it is true that the Article 78 court passed upon the propriety of Vargas's termination, this acknowledgment does not demonstrate that the court 'actually and necessarily' decided an issue that was never presented to it, even if that issue touched, in a general sense, on the propriety of the termination.).

That Abdelal made a conclusory reference to discrimination in his Article 78 papers does not affect our conclusion. The First Department could reasonably have determined that Abdelal had not adequately raised a claim of discrimination, and given its silence on the issue, it is far from quite clear that the First Department rejected such a claim on the merits. Colon, 58 F.3d at 869; see also Weston v. Cornell Univ., 983 N.Y.S.2d 353 (3d Dep't 2014) (holding that collateral estoppel did not bar later gender discrimination claims where plaintiff had simply referenced discrimination in her Article 78 petition, the thrust of her Article 78 challenge concerned other issues, and the Article 78 court did not expressly address discrimination).

Accordingly, we conclude that the district court erred in holding that Abdelal's discrimination claims are precluded by the Article 78 proceeding.

II. Timeliness of Hostile Work Environment Claims

We also agree that the district court erred in finding Abdelal's hostile work environment claims untimely.

The district court analyzed timeliness based solely on the IAB investigation that concluded on September 30, 2009. But Abdelal presented evidence of alleged harassment after that date. He contends that the Level II performance monitoring, which continued until September 2012, and the integrity tests in July 2010 and February 2011 are all part of his claims that there was a pattern of harassing conduct. [C]onsideration of the entire scope of a hostile work environment claim, including behavior alleged outside the statutory time period, is permissible for the purpose of assessing liability, so long as an act contributing to that hostile environment takes place within the statutory time period. Nat'l R.R. Passenger Corp. v. Morgan, 536 U.S. 101, 117 (2002).

Properly construed, Abdelal's hostile work environment claims concern a pattern of behavior that lasted until September 2012, bringing the claims within all of the relevant limitations periods. See Zerilli-Edelgalss v. N.Y.C. Transit Auth., 333 F.3d 74, 76 (2d Cir. 2003) (construing Title VII limitations period for hostile work environment claims); N.Y. Exec. Law  297(9) (establishing statute of limitations for claims under NYSHRL); N.Y.C. Admin. Code  8-502(d) (establishing limitations period for NYCHRL).

Accordingly, we conclude that the district court erred in dismissing Abdelal's hostile work environment claims as untimely.



Defendants ask this Court to affirm on the alternative ground that they were entitled to summary judgment on the merits because Abdelal failed to demonstrate a triable issue of fact as to whether he was fired for a discriminatory reason or subject to a hostile work environment. We decline to reach the argument as the district court based its summary judgment rulings only on the issues of preclusion and timeliness. We remand the case to the district court to consider, in the first instance, the merits of the claims, as to which we express no view.

We have considered Abdelal's remaining arguments and find them to be without merit. Accordingly, we VACATE the judgment and REMAND the case for further proceedings consistent with this order.

FOR THE COURT:

Catherine O'Hagan Wolfe, Clerk of Court

FOOTNOTES

. We need not address whether Abdelal's  1981 claim is subject to the statute's four-year statute of limitations or the shorter statute of limitations that governs  1983. See Jett v. Dallas Indep. Sch. Dist., 491 U.S. 701, 733 (1989) ([T]he express cause of action for damages created by  1983 constitutes the exclusive federal remedy for violation of the rights guaranteed in  1981 by state governmental units.). Whether construed as a stand-alone  1981 claim or a  1983 claim that vindicates the rights guaranteed in  1981, the claim is timely either way.
The planners hear a proposal for a tiny home B&B that would require zoning changes.

Clarksburg Planners Question Tiny Home Proposal

CLARKSBURG, Mass.  If a local woman wants to create a bed and breakfast made up of tiny houses, she'll have to convince voters to approve new zoning bylaws.

Resident Molly Guest and Katie Jackson, business and community development manager for tiny home builder B&B Micro Manufacturing of North Adams, tried to convince the Planning Board on Wednesday that it would be a benefit to the town to allow the popular little houses to be sited in the rural town.

"I live on Cross Road and we have all of this property and it dawned on me, we haven't done much with it," said Molly Guest. "I think it would bring people to Clarksburg and I think it would be an addition to Berkshire County."

The town's bylaws have prohibited the siting of mobile homes  and of renting them out  for decades. The most recent iteration defining mobile homes as structures with chassis and wheels dates from 1993 but probably goes back to the 1970s, said Planner Carl McKinney.

McKinney, also the town administrator, read off a lengthy chapter in the zoning bylaws of the definition of mobile homes, the restrictions related to their use as temporary facilities related to construction, and regulations regarding structures existing at the time the bylaw was enacted. Specifically, the bylaws say mobile homes cannot be sited or rented and that no land can be used as a mobile home park and existing ones cannot be expanded.

"All of those items would have to be changed," McKinney said.

Jackson was optimistic that the definition, perhaps, could be changed, noting that tiny homes are built in the same way as stick-built homes. She thought the material and type of manufacture would be enough to set tiny houses apart from conventional mobile homes and recreational vehicles.

B&B builds its structures to the standards of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, she said, and the company and each of its products are inspected and certified. "They are not shoddily built by any means."

Jackson said her company is looking to develop some type of tiny home community based on the amount of queries they've had since opening almost two years ago.

"We've had a ton of interest in tiny houses but they don't know where to park them," she said.

Guest said her vision of three to five self-contained units would allow people to try on tiny house living for size before making an investment. She anticipated that some of the houses would sell and she would replace them as that happened.

The planners, however, pointed out that that would constitute a business that would not be allowed in the residential zone. In addition, another hurdle would be the requirement of hookups for plumbing, water and electric, and a foundation.

"I wouldn't be opposed to a permanent foundation but it sort of changes the feel and the quirkiness of it," Guest said. She and Jackson said there were other options for plumbing such as composting toilets, water tanks and RV electrical plugs.

Jackson provided some material on how communities, largely in the West, had integrated tiny house living. Massachusetts so far has only one community that allows tiny houses. Nantucket passed a zoning amendment in 2016 specifically for tiny houses in part as a solutions to its limited real estate stock and lack of affordable housing. That bylaw requires tiny houses to have foundations. Chilmark, on Martha's Vineyard, is considering tiny houses for the same reasons.

"I'm not against small houses. They are a way to live efficiently," McKinney said. "I don't see any financial or other benefit to the town of Clarksburg unless they are attached to a foundation."

Planner Erin Scott also questioned how tiny houses, which would be taxed as personal property left on wheels, would help the town. There was nothing in Clarksburg for guests to spend money on, she said.

"I like the idea of bringing people here," she said. "But we don't have a ton of real estate."

Guest agreed that the town had little in business, but her idea was a start.

"There aren't any other communities out here doing this ... it's a draw for people," she said, adding the town could get rooms taxes. "Maybe they buy an acre of land and bring their home here. ... I think it would give us an edge."

The planners said they would not develop a bylaw amendment but if Guest and Jackson brought one forward, they would begin the public review. It would take the signatures of 200 registered voters to get it on the town meeting warrant in May by citizens' petition.

In other business, the planners got an update on the Clean Energy Collective solar array on River Road.

A representative had come before the board in early January saying he felt the project was being held up and wasn't getting answers as to why.

McKinney said the issue had been screening. When some of the original trees that were supposed to be 8-10 feet high died, they were replaced with inferior plantings.

"Just comply, it's not going to cost them a fortune," he said.

The planners also accepted a perimeter plan for A.J. Randall for area projected to be used for an agricultural solar array off Daniels Road. The board had been leery of accepting it in December because it had been submitted to the town two days before a special town meeting that prohibited the installation of the array. McKinney said it will be up to the court to determine if the date makes a difference.
United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. LORI A. PARRY, Defendant - Appellant. No. 17-4051 Decided: February 20, 2018

Before KING, DUNCAN, and KEENAN, Circuit Judges. Justin Eisele, SEDDIQ LAW FIRM, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, for Appellant. Stephen M. Schenning, Acting United States Attorney, Paul E. Budlow, Assistant United States Attorney, Christopher M. Carter, Law Clerk, OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY, Baltimore, Maryland, for Appellee.

Lori A. Parry, a former employee of the United States Postal Service, was convicted of making false statements to obtain more than $1000 in federal employees' compensation, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1920 (2012); theft of government property and aiding and abetting, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  2, 641 (2012); and making false statements and aiding and abetting, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  2, 1001 (2012). The district court sentenced Parry to serve 12 months and 1 day in prison and to pay restitution in the amount of $214,227. She now appeals to this court, contending that (1) the district court erred in denying her motion in limine to exclude her statements to postal inspectors; (2) the district court erred in allowing the prosecutor to comment in closing arguments regarding the defense's failure to call certain witnesses; and (3) the district court erred in its calculation of losses attributable to Parry. We affirm.

[L]aw enforcement [must] inform individuals who are in custody of their Fifth Amendment rights prior to interrogation.  Without a Miranda warning, evidence obtained from the interrogation is generally inadmissible. United States v. Hashime, 734 F.3d 278, 282 (4th Cir. 2013) (citations omitted). When deciding whether a defendant not under formal arrest was in custody[,]  a court asks whether, under the totality of the circumstances, a suspect's freedom of action was curtailed to a degree associated with formal arrest. Id. (alterations and internal quotation marks omitted). In making that determination, we consider several factors, which include but are not limited to:

the time, place and purpose of the encounter, the words used by the officer, the officer's tone of voice and general demeanor, the presence of multiple officers, the potential display of a weapon by an officer,  whether there was any physical contact between the officer and the defendant[,]  the suspect's isolation and separation from family, and physical restrictions.

Id. at 283 (citations and internal quotations marks omitted).

We have reviewed the record and agree with the district court that Parry was not in custody and, therefore, was not entitled to Miranda warnings. We also agree with the district court that there was no Fifth Amendment violation under Garrity v. New Jersey, 385 U.S. 493 (1967), which prohibits the use in a subsequent prosecution of statements obtained under threat of removal from a job. 385 U.S. 493, 500 (1967). In contrast to the situation in Garrity, there is no evidence here that agents told Parry she would be fired if she did not participate in an interview with the agents or that she harbored such a belief.

Next, Parry argues that she was deprived of her right to a fair trial when the government stated during closing argument that Parry had the ability to call witnesses and to ask questions on cross-examination. Comments by a prosecutor can constitute grounds for reversal where the comments were improper and where they so prejudicially affected the defendant's substantial rights as to deprive [her] of a fair trial. United States v. Jones, 471 F.3d 535, 542 (4th Cir. 2006).

If a court finds the prosecution's remarks to be improper, their prejudicial effect is assessed through a consideration of a number of factors, including (1) the degree to which the remarks tended to mislead the jury or prejudice the accused; (2) whether the remarks were isolated or extensive; (3) the strength of the evidence supporting guilt in the absence of the remarks; (4) whether the comments were deliberately placed in front of the jury to divert attention to extraneous matters; (5) whether the remarks were invited by improper conduct of defense counsel; and (6) whether curative instructions were given to the jury.

Id. at 542 n.2. We previously have held that, when a defendant argues that the government's failure to call a witness weakens the government's case, the government may respond by noting that the defendant also could have called the witness. See United States v. Molovinsky, 688 F.2d 243, 247-48 (4th Cir. 1982). After reviewing the transcripts and examining the prosecutor's comments in context, we conclude that the comments do not warrant reversal.

Finally, Parry contends that the district court erred in calculating the amount of loss attributable to her. We review a district court's restitution order for an abuse of discretion. United States v. Grant, 715 F.3d 552, 556-57 (4th Cir. 2013). Ultimately, the government bears [t]he burden of demonstrating the amount of the loss sustained by a victim as a result of the offense by a preponderance of the evidence. 18 U.S.C.  3664(e) (2012). And once the government has satisfied its burden to offer evidence supporting its restitution calculation, the burden shifts to the defendant to dispute the amount with her own evidence. United States v. Stone, 866 F.3d 219, 227 (4th Cir. 2017). In the calculation of restitution, the district court's view of the evidence must only be plausible in light of the record viewed in its entirety. Id. at 226 (internal quotation marks omitted). Having thoroughly reviewed the record, we conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion in its calculation of restitution owed by Parry.

As for the amount of loss attributable to Parry under the Sentencing Guidelines, we review the district court's application of the Guidelines de novo and its factual findings for clear error. United States v. Catone, 769 F.3d 866, 875 (4th Cir. 2014). The determination of loss amount is a factual issue reviewed only for clear error. Stone, 866 F.3d at 227 (internal quotation marks omitted). Clear error exists only if, on the entire evidence, we are left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed. United States v. Mannigan, 592 F.3d 621, 631 (4th Cir. 2010) (alterations and internal quotation marks omitted). Again, having thoroughly reviewed the record, we conclude that the government proved the amount of loss to the requisite degree of certainty and the district court did not clearly err in its calculation of the loss amount attributable to Parry under the Sentencing Guidelines.

Based on the foregoing, we affirm the district court's judgment. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before the court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

AFFIRMED

FOOTNOTES

. Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966).

PER CURIAM:
Terrorist Rocket Fired into Southern Israel

The Fellowship | February 22, 2018 Two Rockets Fired into Tel Aviv

Earlier this week, sirens sounded along Israels border with Gaza as a terrorist rocket fired from the Strip hit a home in southern Israel.

Also this week in Israel in the News:

Four IDF soldiers were wounded when a terrorist bomb was detonated near their vehicle as they patrolled the Gaza border.

Speaking at a security conference in Munich, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu challenged the international community to take a stand against Iran.

American Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley again showed strong support for Israel at the U.N.

PM Netanyahu attended the opening of a new fortified ER in southern Israel, at a hospital supported by The Fellowship.

This weeks Israel in the News Perspective features Fellowship founder and President Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein on the passing of Billy Graham.
Imperial Valley News Center

Triple T Specialty Meats Inc. Recalls Chicken Salad Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Washington, DC - Triple T Specialty Meats, Inc., an Ackley, Iowa establishment, is recalling approximately 20,630 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken salad products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium, the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The ready-to-eat chicken salad items were produced on various dates between Jan. 2, 2018 and Feb. 7, 2018. The following products are subject to recall:

3950 lbs. of two 5 lb. bags with CHICKEN SALAD, PACKED FOR FAREWAY WHOLESALE COMPANY on the label with a pack date of 01/02/18.

1250 lbs. of two 5 lb. bags with CHICKEN SALAD, PACKED FOR FAREWAY WHOLESALE COMPANY on the label with a pack date of 01/03/18.

3700 lbs. of two 5 lb. bags with CHICKEN SALAD, PACKED FOR FAREWAY WHOLESALE COMPANY on the label with a pack date of 01/12/18.

2010-lbs. of two 5 lb. bags with CHICKEN SALAD, PACKED FOR FAREWAY WHOLESALE COMPANY on the label with a pack date of 01/19/18.

3660-lbs. of two 5 lb. bags with CHICKEN SALAD, PACKED FOR FAREWAY WHOLESALE COMPANY on the label with a pack date of 01/24/18.

2770-lbs. of two 5 lb. bags with CHICKEN SALAD, PACKED FOR FAREWAY WHOLESALE COMPANY on the label with a pack date of 01/31/18.

3290-lbs. of two 5 lb. bags with CHICKEN SALAD, PACKED FOR FAREWAY WHOLESALE COMPANY on the label with a pack date of 02/07/18.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number P-21011 inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to Fareway grocery stores in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

On February 9, 2018, FSIS was notified by health officials in Iowa of an investigation of Salmonella Typhimurium illnesses. The Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, and Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory determined that there is a link between the chicken salad from Triple T Specialty Meats, Inc. and this outbreak. Based on epidemiological investigation, 37 confirmed case-patients have been identified in Iowa, with illness onset dates ranging from January 14, 2018 to February 6, 2018. Results are pending on whether the outbreak strain is resistant to antibiotics. The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and Department of Public Health issued a joint Consumer Advisory Issued for Chicken Salad Purchased at Fareway grocery stores on February 13, 2018, advising consumers to throw away any remaining chicken salad product. The chicken salad product subject to recall was purchased from January 4, 2018 to February 9, 2018 in various weight containers from the deli sections in Fareway grocery stores.

FSIS continues to work with state and federal health officials to determine if there are additional illnesses linked to this product, including illnesses in states outside of Iowa. This product was sold at Fareway grocery stores in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. FSIS will provide updated information as it becomes available.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers' freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Media and consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Jolene Heikens, chief executive officer of Triple T Specialty Meats, Inc., at (641) 847-0031.
San Diego Zoo Safari Parks New Director Continues Tradition of Connecting People with Wildlife

Escondido, California - San Diego Global recently welcomed a new addition to its leadership team as Lisa Peterson assumed the role of Director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. In her new role, the former hospitality industry executive oversees the administration of the 1,800-acre wildlife preserve located near Escondido. This includes all departments and operations, including construction and maintenance, animal services, veterinary services, horticulture, guest experiences, and special events.

Peterson took over the helm in late 2017 from Bob McClure, who retired after 37 years of service to San Diego Zoo Global, including 35 years as Safari Park director.

We are honored to welcome Lisa to the family, said Douglas G. Myers, president and chief executive officer of San Diego Zoo Global. She brings a tremendous amount of leadership experience and is an asset to our organization.

While she may be new to the San Diego Zoo Global executive team, Peterson brings with her more than two decades of leadership experience. Throughout out her career, she earned a reputation for developing best-in-class customer experiences and a dedication to the communities she serves. As the new director of the Safari Park she looks forward to engaging more people in the important work of species conservation.

Peterson takes over her new role as the San Diego Zoo Safari Park gets ready to open its new Australia themed experience, Walkabout Australia. Opening summer 2018, Walkabout Australia is a 3.6 acre exhibit where guests can get up-close with some of Australias unique and extraordinary animals such as kangaroo, wallaby and wombats.

The Walkabout Australia experience is an opportunity to connect our guests with unique species in a way that will create lasting memories. Said Lisa Peterson, Director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park. As we move forward in partnership with conservationists in Australia it gives us a chance to share the remarkable work being done by the community there to preserve all of their native species.

Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the goal of San Diego Zoo Global. As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes on-site wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is inspiring children through the San Diego Zoo Kids network, reaching out through the internet and in childrens hospitals nationwide. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible by the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy and is supported in part by the Foundation of San Diego Zoo Global.
Working Internationally and Social Security - Social Security Matters

Washington, DC - Dear Rusty: For a number of years I lived and worked in Germany. I paid into their version of social security. As far as I know I will be eligible to receive German benefits either in a lump sum or monthly amount when I reach the age of 65. If that happens can you tell me how this will affect my social security benefits? Signed ~ International worker

Dear International Worker: Germany is one of the 24 countries with which the U.S. has a bilateral agreement, also known as a totalization agreement. This means that your contributions to the German retirement system can be coordinated with your U.S. Social Security contributions to help you qualify for U.S. Social Security benefits. What happens is that you receive U.S. Social Security credit for your contributions to the German equivalent program, to help you gain enough credits to receive U.S. Social Security benefits. The US/Germany agreement has two main purposes:

First, it eliminates dual Social Security taxation; a situation which occurs when a worker from one country works in the other country and would otherwise be required to pay Social Security taxes to both countries on the same earnings.

Second, the agreement helps fill gaps in benefit protection for workers who have divided their careers between the U.S. and Germany (or any of the other countries with which there is an agreement).

When a worker has some U.S. coverage but not enough to qualify for benefits, the Social Security Administration will count periods of coverage that the worker has earned under the German Social Security program. Germany will also take into account a workers coverage under the U.S. program if it is needed to qualify for that countrys Social Security benefits. If the combined credits in the two countries enable the worker to meet the eligibility requirements, a partial benefit can then be paid. The agreement allows the Social Security Administration to totalize U.S. and German coverage credits only if the worker has at least 6 quarters of U.S. coverage. Similarly, a person may need a minimum amount of coverage under Germanys system in order to have U.S. coverage counted toward meeting the German benefit eligibility requirements. Click on this link to learn all you need to know about the US/Germany totalization agreement: https://www.ssa.gov/international/Agreement_Pamphlets/germany.html




This Isnt Our Last Love Letter



Dear Don Don,

Way back in 92



I walked into the room and knew



Never felt this way before



I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes



And the feeling grew



As I took a seat I knew



A love that would have my heart



Forever



I knew



Way back in 92





They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true



We were the exception to that rule



Our love had no where to hide



A spark set fire



As if this is how the universe started





I never doubted our love or what we could do



Together we grew



Forming a bond everlasting



That became our glue



My euphoria was YOU



Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared



For how fortunate we were :



to have and to hold

through sickness and in health

Til death do us part



Until we are together again



This isnt our last love letter



I love you with all my heart and soul



Yours forever,



Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow)





Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus.









A True American Hero

I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus.



I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years.



I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years.

But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us.

In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about.



Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle.

I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life.

I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life.

No one will ever do what he did.

I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO





David Jurist

IMUS IN THE MORNING

FIRST DAY BACK!
When Ariana Grande was forced to miss out on her performance at the Brits, which was set to pay tribute to the victims of the Manchester attack at her concert last year, there was really only one other person who could step in.

Liam Gallagher was praised for his poignant rendition of "Live Forever", in memory of the 22 people killed and hundreds more injured when a suicide bomber detonated a device in the the foyer of the Manchester Arena.

Gallagher was introduced by Take That star Gary Barlow, who said the One Love Manchester concert "epitomised the human spirit" and that "hate will never win, and fear will never divide us".

"Live Forever" was also the song Gallagher performed with Coldplay's Chris Martin at Grande's One Love Manchester concert, which raised millions towards those affected by the attack.

Grande herself appeared to show approval for Gallagher's performance, sharing a clip on her Instagram with a heart and bee emoji. The worker bee, a symbol of Manchester, was frequently shared as a symbol of solidarity in the wake of the attack.

Dua Lipa and Stormzy were the big winners at this year's ceremony: Dua Lipa took home the prizes for British Female Solo Artist and British Breakthrough, while Stormzy won British Male Solo Artist and Mastercard Album of the Year.

Other performances on the night included a beautiful duet of "Skin" with Rag'N'Bone Man and Jorja Smith; Kendrick Lamar rapped on top of a glass cage while Rich the Kid smashed up a Lamborghini; Rita Ora and Liam Payne performing their Fifty Shades Freed track "For You", while the performance of the night had to be Stormzy, who called out Theresa May over her inaction on Grenfell in a blistering freestyle.

See the Brits winners in full here and read what we made of the ceremony here.

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United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. MARIA ARACELY SANTOS MEJIA; C.E.D.; K.E.D.; A.A.D.; M.J.D., Petitioners, v. JEFFERSON B. SESSIONS III, Attorney General, Respondent. No. 17-1216 Decided: February 20, 2018

Before KING, FLOYD, and THACKER, Circuit Judges. ARGUED: Jacob Nephi Tingen, TINGEN & WILLIAMS, PLLC, Richmond, Virginia, for Petitioners. Gregory A. Pennington, Jr., UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, Washington, D.C., for Respondent. ON BRIEF: Chad A. Readler, Principal Deputy, Assistant Attorney General, Justin Markel, Senior Litigation Counsel, Margaret A. O'Donnell, Trial Attorney, Office of Immigration Litigation, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, Washington, D.C., for Respondent.

Maria Santos Mejia (Petitioner) and her children petition for judicial review of an order of the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) denying their application for asylum. Petitioner claims that she qualifies for asylum as a Honduran wom[a]n evading rape and extortion. J.A. 63. Because Petitioner's claimed social group is not legally cognizable pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and because she failed to establish persecution on account of her membership in the group, we deny her petition.

I.

In March 2014, Petitioner lived in Honduras with her four children, while her husband lived and worked in the United States. Petitioner received an anonymous letter saying she had been elected by a local gang. J.A. 84. She understood this as an extortion threat based on her family's nice house and her husband's absence. Id. at 402. Petitioner discussed the letter with her husband, who entertained the idea of returning to Honduras to help protect the family. Instead, the couple decided to burn the letter and hope that it was just a prank.

But after midnight on April 7, 2014, several unidentified individuals knocked loudly on Petitioner's door, demanding money. When Petitioner refused to open the door and said she had no money to give, the individuals demanded she allow them inside so they could play with one of her underage daughters. J.A. 86. Petitioner understood this as a threat of rape. At this point, roughly 1:00 a.m., Petitioner called the police and took her family into a bathroom to hide. Finally, the unknown individuals left, but not before firing several shots into Petitioner's bedroom. Petitioner and her children fled and spent the remainder of the night at a neighbor's house. Police did not arrive to the scene until roughly 8:00 a.m., seven hours after Petitioner's initial distress call. Because of the delay, Petitioner testified that she does not trust the local police.

Fearing her family's safety after the incident, Petitioner entered the United States with her children. Petitioner has since been charged with removability under the INA as an alien present in the United States without admission or parole. See 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(6)(A)(i). Petitioner timely filed an Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal for herself and her children. Petitioner claimed persecution on account of her status as a Honduran wom[a]n evading rape and extortion. J.A. 63.

After a hearing, an Immigration Judge (IJ) deemed Petitioner's testimony generally credible. J.A. 319. The IJ also noted that Honduras has severe gang violence and a pervasive rape problem. Id. at 320. However, the IJ ultimately concluded that Petitioner was not a member of a legally cognizable social group for the purpose of asylum, nor was her persecution on account of her status as a Honduran wom[a]n evading rape and extortion. Id. at 32526. The IJ issued an order of removal. Petitioner appealed the decision to the BIA, and the BIA affirmed. She then petitioned this court for judicial review of the BIA's order.

II.

We must uphold the denial of [an applicant's] asylum claim unless such denial is manifestly contrary to the law and an abuse of discretion.  Zelaya v. Holder, 668 F.3d 159, 165 (4th Cir. 2012) (quoting 8 U.S.C.  1252(b)(4)(D)).

Pursuant to the INA, the Attorney General has discretion to grant asylum to an alien that qualifies as a refugee. 8 U.S.C.  1158(b)(1)(A). The burden of proof is on the applicant to establish that the applicant is a refugee. Id.  1158(b)(1)(B)(i). A refugee is any person who is outside any country of such person's nationality  and who is unable or unwilling to return to  that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of  membership in a particular social group. Id.  1101(a)(42)(A).

III.

Because there is no statutory or regulatory definition of a particular social group, we defer to the BIA's reasonable interpretation of the term. See Lizama v. Holder, 629 F.3d 440, 44647 (4th Cir. 2011). The BIA defines a particular social group as meeting three criteria: (1) its members share common, immutable characteristics, (2) the common characteristics give its members social visibility, and (3) the group is defined with sufficient particularity to delimit its membership. Id. at 447 (citing Matter of E-A-G-, 24 I. & N. Dec. 591, 594 (B.I.A. 2008); In re A-M-E & J-G-U, 24 I. & N. Dec. 69, 7476 (B.I.A. 2007); Matter of Acosta, 19 I. & N. Dec. 211, 233 (B.I.A. 1985), overruled on other grounds by Matter of Mogharrabi, 19 I. & N. Dec. 439 (B.I.A. 1987)).

Here, Petitioner claims membership in a social group consisting of Honduran women evading rape or extortion. J.A. 63. The BIA concluded that Petitioner's proposed group satisfies the first criteria because its members share a common, immutable characteristic of evading rape. However, the BIA denied the petition because the proposed social group failed the social visibility and particularity criteria. Further, the BIA determined that Petitioner was not persecuted on account of her status as a Honduran woman evading rape and extortion.

A.

The BIA concluded that Petitioner's social group was not legally cognizable because its members were not socially visible and the group is not defined with particularity. J.A. 34. The social visibility criteria requires that society in general perceives, considers, or recognizes persons sharing the particular characteristic to be a group. Matter of W-G-R-, 26 I. & N. Dec. 208, 217 (B.I.A. 2014). Social visibility refers to the perception by society as a whole, rather than solely  the perception of an applicant's persecutors. Id. at 218. The particularity criteria is related. The essence of the particularity requirement  is whether the proposed group can accurately be described in a manner sufficiently distinct that the group would be recognized, in the society in question, as a discrete class of persons. Matter of S-E-G-, 24 I. & N. Dec. 579, 584 (B.I.A. 2008). Examples of social groups satisfying both criteria include tribal women opposed to female genital mutilation (FGM), former members of the national police, and homosexuals. See Matter of W-G-R-, 26 I. & N. Dec. at 217.

Here, Petitioner's proposed group is closely analogous to social groups previously rejected by the BIA and this court. See, e.g., Zelaya v. Holder, 668 F.3d 159, 16667 (4th Cir. 2012) (affirming the BIA's refusal to recognize a group composed of young Honduran males who refuse to join MS-13, have notified the police of MS-13's harassment tactics, and have an identifiable tormentor within the gang); Lizama, 629 F.3d at 44648 (rejecting a social group composed of young, Americanized, well-off Salvadoran male deportees with criminal histories who oppose gangs); Matter of S-E-G-, 24 I. & N. Dec. at 588 (rejecting a proposed social group consisting of young Salvadorans who have been subject to recruitment efforts by criminal gangs, but who have refused to join for personal, religious, or moral reasons).

In support of her position, Petitioner relies upon In re Kasinga, 21 I. & N. Dec. 357 (1996). There, the BIA recognized a social group of young women of the Tchamba-Kunsuntu Tribe who have not had FGM, as practiced by that tribe, and who oppose the practice. Id. at 358. But, of note, the country from which the applicant in Kasinga had fled, Togo, failed to engage in even minimal efforts to protect women from FGM. Id. at 362. The same cannot be said of Honduras and its efforts to protect women from rape. See J.A. 213 ([Honduran] law criminalizes all forms of rape  The penalties for rape range from three to nine years' imprisonment, and the courts enforced these penalties.). Moreover, women evading rape and extortion in Honduras cannot be said to be distinct within society as were tribeswomen opposing FGM in Togo. Indeed, a group consisting of Honduran women evading rape and extortion would surely include every woman in Honduras.

In short, there is ample precedent to support the conclusion that Honduran women evading rape and extortion lacks socially visibility and particularity. Therefore, we cannot conclude that the BIA's decision was manifestly contrary to the law and an abuse of discretion. 8 U.S.C.  1252(b)(4)(D).

B.

To be eligible for asylum, the applicant must face persecution on account of his or her membership in a claimed social group. 8 U.S.C.  1101(a)(42)(A). Membership need not be the central reason or even a dominant central reason for persecution, but it must be more than an incidental, tangential, superficial, or subordinate reason. Quinteros-Mendoza v. Holder, 556 F.3d 159, 164 (4th Cir. 2009) (emphasis in original) (quoting Matter of J-B-N- & S-M-, 24 I. & N. Dec. 208, 214 (B.I.A. 2007)). Because this is a factual finding, we must uphold the decision of the BIA unless no rational factfinder could agree with the BIA's position. Temu v. Holder, 740 F.3d 887, 891 (4th Cir. 2014).

Here, the IJ found that Petitioner failed to establish a nexus between her persecution and membership in her proposed social group. Petitioner acknowledges that she was elected because she was living in a good house and her husband would send [money.] J.A. 110. Further, as the IJ observed, the risk of future retaliation is not specifically attributable to her status as a Honduran woman evading rape and extortion:

Although  evidence indicates gang members often make an example of those who refuse extortion demands, it is insufficient to show [Petitioner] is at greater risk of retaliation than any other Honduran citizen who refuses to comply with an extortion demand or other criminal request. See S-E-G-, 24 I. & N. Dec. at 587. Generally harsh conditions shared by many other persons [do] not amount to persecution. Acosta, 19 I. & N. Dec. at 222. In Honduras, the general population is subject to the harsh conditions posed by gang violence, including retaliation for defying a gang member's demands. Thus, the Court finds [Petitioner] has not established a nexus between the persecution she fears and a protected ground.

Id. at 49 (citation to administrative record omitted).

Accordingly, we affirm the IJ and BIA's factual finding that Petitioner has failed to establish a sufficient nexus.

IV.

While we sympathize with Petitioner's plight, we are nonetheless constrained to conclude that the BIA did not err in finding that the INA does not afford her asylum. Therefore, the petition for review is

DENIED.

FOOTNOTES

. The Immigration Judge refers to Maria Santos Mejia as the lead respondent, while her children are co-respondents. Although the application for asylum is not in the record before us, it appears Maria Santos Mejia filled out the application and included her children as co-applicants.

. Citations to the J.A. refer to the Joint Appendix filed by the parties in this appeal.

. A common, immutable characteristic is one that the members of the group either cannot change, or should not be required to change because it is fundamental to their individual identities or consciences. Matter of Acosta, 19 I. & N. Dec. at 233. Clearly, evading rape is a characteristic that women should not be required to change.

. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42)(A) (allocating refugee status to individuals with a well-founded fear of persecution on account of  membership in a particular social group) (emphasis supplied).

. At oral argument, Petitioner attempted to narrow the scope of the proposed social group by suggesting the group would only encompass women in a situation where rape is imminent. Oral Argument at 4:005:00, United States v. Santos Mejia, No. 17-1216 (4th Cir. Jan. 25, 2018), http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/oral-argument/listen-to-oralarguments. Because our review is statutorily limited to issues raised before the BIA, we cannot accept Petitioner's invitation to narrow the social group claimed below. See 8 U.S.C.  1252(b)(4)(A).

PER CURIAM:
Clio Barnard makes an excellent university seminar leader but an even better writer-director, a sentiment backed up by the fact that this writer has experienced both.

Less than a decade ago, Barnard would sit in front of dozens of students teaching BA practical film courses at the University of Kent, reeling off the names of filmmakers she believed to be leading forces in cinema: Lynne Ramsay, Andrea Arnold, Debra Granik, et al.

In a few short years, Barnard herself would become worthy of adding to that very list, her status as one of the most relevant female directors and significant voices of British cinema cemented following feature films The Arbor and The Selfish Giant.

Barnards background lay in visual arts and experimental theatre and three short films later  including Random Acts of Intimacy, a film about brief moments of contact and sexual closeness, and the William Blake-inspired Lambeth Marsh  she completed work on an audio-screenplay portraying the late Bradford playwright Andrea Dunbar.

The result was The Arbor, a film which  after being granted a cinema release - saw Barnard earn critical acclaim and a Bafta nomination for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer (she lost to Four Lionss Chris Morris).

The year she taught me, 2011, she set to work on The Selfish Giant, a drama inspired by an Oscar Wilde short story following two teenage boys growing up in a rundown area of northern England. It was this project which forced her to temporarily step down from her university duties. I found I couldnt finish writing and teach at the same time, she says. It must have been after your year I had to stop. The completed feature took Barnard from lecture theatre to the Cannes Film Festival where it became one of 14 films worldwide to screen as part of the Directors Fortnight section.

 Ruth Wilson and Mark Stanley, stars of 'Dark River', answer our questions

Barnards latest, Dark River, began life as an adaptation of 2010 Rose Tremain novel Trespass before evolving into the latest in a line of films set in rural Britain (see also: The Levelling, Gods Own Country). While the final product may be the bastion of social-realism weve grown accustomed to when Barnard is concerned, it finds itself separated from the others due to the strained central relationship of wayward siblings Alice and Joe (played by Ruth Wilson and Mark Stanley) whose contempt for one another is fired up in the wake of their fathers death.

In the novel, there are two sets of adult siblings and I was particularly interested in the ones who were on this farm, who were falling apart, Barnard explains. Both of them are desperate to connect with each other but are unable to [which] is what really interested me. The brothers very chaotic, he drinks too much and is aggressive but she is very compassionate towards him because she understands hes carrying this burden of guilt that doesnt really belong to him and has kind of destroyed him.

Its this burden of guilt that presented Barnard with her chief struggle when making Dark River  its subject matter: Alice is a survivor who suffered physical abuse at the hands of her late father. Her past experience is depicted on screen through flashes of effectively executed intrusive memories, the outcome of which Barnard clearly debated with (for the film, she received an annually awarded grant from Biomedical charity the Wellcome Trust, which funded her research into traumatic memory). This battle may have deterred most filmmakers, but not Clio (pronounced: Cly-o).

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Mark Stanley and Ruth Wilson in Dark River (Alamy)

The thing I knew was going to be difficult was the intrusive memories, she admits. In the novel, you have access to peoples internal worlds so you can jump around in time [but] in film, you dont have that  its image, sound, action. So that proved to be a challenge all the way through. We found in the cutting room that the more we ripped out the stronger it became. So we just kept stripping it back, stripping it back, stripping it back  and possibly we didnt strip it back enough. Im still not sure.

She pauses, considering her uncertainty. It becomes difficult to see because a tiny little change would make a really big difference.

Barnards own words are corroborated by one-half of her leading duo, Luther star Wilson: [Clio] really battles in her mind with what she wants to put onscreen  its not an easy process for her but thats why shes an artist, searching for the truth.

It was Wilson, alongside co-star Stanley, who alleviated the burden somewhat, affording Barnard the opportunity to collaborate with actors in a way she had yet to.

I really love working with actors and thats something thats grown over the three films. All of my attention was on the two kids with The Selfish Giant, and making sure I could get the performances from them; they needed a lot more from me. Whereas Ruth and Mark were making decisions about the characters I knew nothing about which was wonderful, she adds through a smile  perhaps the film industrys warmest. The three of us together could bring these two people to life.

Wilson describes Barnard as an artist, searching for the truth (Rex) (Rex features)

The marriage of the above makes for a deeply challenging almost dialogue-free film, which isnt so much enjoyed as admired  something resembling several films from the directors that inspired her: Alan Clarke, Pier Paolo Passolini and new German cinema pioneer Rainer Werner Fassbinder, to name but a few.

It was a tenure at arts school in Newcastle which sparked Barnards love of film, particularly those directed by Andrei Tarkovsky as well something altogether more unexpected: the brain of a certain Rolling Stone.

There used to be amazing films on TV in the middle of the night. I remember seeing the Nic Roeg film Performance (1970) when I was really young  perhaps too young. It had a massive impact on me. Theres a shot where you go inside Mick Jaggers head and it was mind-blowing  I didnt understand thats what cinema could be up until that point.

Barnards neorealist depictions of British communities have drawn comparisons to Ken Loach with The Selfish Giant deemed the 21st centurys answer to Kes. This notion is echoed by Wilson who brands her a social realist and speaks about Barnard with a fervour seemingly reserved for this director alone.

Hard times: Conner Chapman and Shaun Thomas star in Clio Barnards Dickensian The Selfish Giant

The adoration heaped upon the amiable Barnard by critics and actors is not lost on her but thankfully, her directorial instincts keep her feet screwed firmly to the ground.

I suppose in some ways you have to try not to think about that and not worry about expectations because thats quite scary. I have an impulse to tell stories in certain ways and I guess I have to follow that and not worry about how it relates to my previous films. Im sure there is a relationship between the three but I dont feel like I ought to be trying to make it that you understand it retrospectively.

Just dont go expecting her to make a Patty Jenkins-style jump to Wonder Woman-sized blockbusters anytime soon.

I dont know that that would be my strength, she laughs, needlessly justifying herself. Its not really  I dont know if taste is the right word. Its more about what I believe in. But never say never.

For now, Barnard  while attending several Q&As up and down the country for Dark River  is back at the University of Kent where she hosts workshops and assists research students. Then theres the small case of that new screenplay shes developing, early details of which are still unclear in her own mind.

Ive started something else, she confirms. Theres this lovely bit at the beginning where youre feeling really inspired and anything goes  you can throw anything in. That bit is thrilling. Then theres a lot of hard graft, self-doubt and blind alleys. I say that of everything Ive made: you start off with this inspiration, you get the idea down and you can see the whole thing. Then you go exploring  you go here, you go there  and somehow you end up coming back to the same place.

She grins. Well, hopefully.

Dark River is released in cinemas 23 February

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The Crown star Claire Foy gives an exceptional performance as a woman trapped in a mental institution and its her performance that maintains interest in Steven Soderberghs genre movie, filmed using the camera on a fruity smartphone, which after a promising beginning is too demented for its own good.

Foy plays Sawyer Valentini, an account manger who has relocated from Boston to Pennsylvania. Playing a neurotic American, its a performance that shows her range is far beyond Buckingham Palace. Everything seems to be going great and Sawyer does what any self-respecting singleton in a new city would do and gets straight on a dating app. Her date is awesome, but it transpires she is not.

Soon after Sawyer finds herself in a mental institution and we learn that shes been stalked for two years. But is she an unreliable narrator, who like her namesake Tom Sawyer has an active imagination that leads to trouble for themselves and those around him? After all she claims her stalker is in the institute with her.

Recommended Steve Soderbergh on making a film impossible to hate

Its a neat premise that initially seems like a metaphor for #MeToo. A woman trapped against her will and no one, not even the police, listening to her complaints. Those that believe her are persuaded otherwise. This reading does become a touch too literal when Matt Damon makes a needless cameo. Thankfully Damons character is only chatting about security and not about moral and physical boundaries of Foys life.

Soderberghs movie seems inspired by One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest, especially when it starts to seem like the inmates have a better grip on reality than everyone else. Juno Temple, who seems to be on Face Time whenever a director needs an actress to play unhinged, appears as Sawyers nemesis and the dashing opioid addicted Nate (Jay Pharoah) is her friend on the inside. But as far as Sawyer is concerned the real crazies are the staffers George Shaw (Joshua Leonard) and the Highland Creek Behavioural Centre clinician Ashley Brighterhouse (Aimee Mullins).

Long gone are the days using digital cameras or phone cameras will result in the poor quality images that bedevil the Thomas Vinterberg classic Festen, and the choice of shooting on a smart phone could be theorised as another way for Soderbergh to highlight how mobile phones are stalking our lives. However, its still a poor aesthetic choice for a filmmaker who photographs his own films, under the alias Peter Andrews, and once shot a 1940s set movie, The Good German, using only the cameras actually available at the time. Its different to Sean Bakers decision to shoot Tangerine on a phone, as that was the only way Baker could afford to make the film, here Soderberghs desire to be technologically innovative seems like hes cut off his nose to spite his face. The lighting decisions this forces him into are particularly poor.

Its also odd that for a film that has elements of Repulsion, Rosemarys Baby and Fight Club that it should so abruptly turn into a sub-par thriller that made me want to liken it to the cinema of Eli Roth, which is faint praise indeed. Soderberghs work is littered with duds and although this has too many good ideas and Foy's great performance to stop is quite ploughing the depths, its definitely minor Soderbergh.
Stormzy used his 2018 Brit Awards performance to take a swipe at Prime Minister Theresa May over her handling of the Grenfell tragedy.

Following a stunning performance of Blinded By Your Grace, Stormzy broke out into a politically-fuelled freestyle where he lashed out at May for the way she responded to the tower block fire last year.

Like yo Theresa May wheres the money for Grenfell? he spat, adding: What you thought we just forgot about Grenfell?

Recommended The Brit Awards 2018 winners list in full

You criminals, and you got the cheek to call us savages, he continued. You should do some jail time/ you should pay some damages... we should burn your house down and see if you can manage this.

He also took a dig at the Daily Mail during his performance saying that the publication can suck my d***, in response to its persistent attempts to undermine him and his music.

The grime MC had a big night at the 2018 Brit Awards; taking home British Album of the Year for his acclaimed debut Gang Signs & Prayer, as well as the prize for British Male Solo Artist.

People took to Twitter to show support for Stormzy following his show:

Another user called him a national treasure.

Another commenter said, Stormzy using his platform to call out important issues such as Grenfell Tower (and telling the Daily Mail to suck one) is exactly how it should be done.

See what we made of the Brit Awards 2018 here.
It started in fairly impressive fashion and continued that way for most of the night; Justin Timberlake bounding onto perform one of the more upbeat tracks from his latest album Man of the Woods (after an introduction from host Jack Whitehall); while melded into one of the album standouts: Say Something featuring a surprise appearance from the legendary country artist Chris Stapleton.

From there the Brit Awards seemed determined to recover from last years series of epic disappointments; bringing out a stunning duet from 2017 Critics Choice winner RagNBone Man and 2018 Critics Choice pick Jorja Smith for Skin, which host Whitehall followed with some actually-not-awful interactions with Liam Payne and Cheryl about their bedroom antics.

Awards seemed to go out to the most deserving, rather than the most commercially successful: Stormzy took home Best Male after being snubbed the year before, while Dua Lipa, one of the most intriguing and exciting pop stars to emerge in the past few years, scored Best Female. Foo Fighters seemed like a predictable bet for Best International Group but made for an entertaining acceptance speech, and proceeded a hypnotising performance of New Rules by Dua Lipa that brought on a huge troupe of female dancers.

Everyone politely ignored a bland rendition of Supermarket Flowers from Ed Sheeran, who apparently wanted to annoy everyone by refusing to play his biggest hit Shape of You.

Kendrick Lamar scooped a deserved nod for Best International Male and gave a genuinely heartfelt speech: I'd just like to thank y'all for holding me down for so long.

I'm on tour, it's been some of the most amazing fans riding wit' me, he continued. So forever, I really appreciate this moment, I love y'all, I will be back.

Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Stormzy collects the award for British Album of the Year for Gang Signs & Prayer AFP/Getty Brit Awards 2018  in pictures British actress and model Millie Bobby Brown and Australian singer Kylie Minogue look on as British singer-songwriter Dua Lipa collects the award for British female solo artist AFP/Getty Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Stormzy collects the award for Best British Male Solo Artist Getty Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Dua Lipa performs Getty Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Ed Sheeran accepts the Global Success award Getty Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Rag'n'Bone Man accepts the award for best British Single Reuters Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Lorde appears via video link to accept the award for International Female Solo Artist AFP/Getty Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Kendrick Lamar collects the award for International Male Solo Artist Credit: Getty Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Foo Fighters accept the award for the best International Group Reuters Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Gorillaz with their award for Best British Group PA Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Dua Lipa collects her award for British Breakthrough Artist Getty Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Kendrick Lamar performs on stage Getty Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Ed Sheeran performs AFP/Getty Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Liam Gallagher performs Live Forever in remembrance of the victims of the Manchester attack Rex Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Rita Ora performs AFP/Getty Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Liam Payne and Rita Ora perform Getty Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Sam Smith performs AFP/Getty Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Jorja Smith and Rag'n'Bone Man perform Reuters Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake perform Rex Brit Awards 2018  in pictures Jack Whitehall presenting the Brits Rex

Dua Lipa scooped another award early on in the night for British Breakthrough Act, which felt like a slight snub to J Hus, but well-deserved nonetheless. Lorde took home the prize for International Female Solo Artist which felt like a thoughtful choice considering she missed out on any of the top prizes at this years Grammy Awards.

Liam Gallagher filled in for Ariana Grande - who was set to pay tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena attack but was forced to pull out due to illness - and performed a simple, affecting version of the Oasis classic Live Forever.

Winning Best British Band, Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn had one thing to say.

It's a lovely place, it's part of a beautiful world, but... don't let it become isolated, he said, addressing the audience. Don't let yourselves become cut off. Considering our size, we do incredible things in music, we've got a real spirit and a real soul. Don't let politics get in the way of all that shit.

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 I think that was about Brexit, Whitehall whispered as they exited the stage, before introducing Sam Smith for a far less perturbing performance than his Pray show at the Grammys. Singing Too Good At Goodbyes with a gorgeous gospel choir by his side he appeared to brush off failing to score any nominations at this years ceremony, and looked rather wonderfully cheerful considering the fact.

A doddering Ronnie Wood handed over the Global Success prize to Ed Sheeran - like it was going to anyone else - before Kendrick Lamar blew everyone away: crouching tiger on a glass cage holding a blood-orange Lamborghini, quite simply unmatched.

No envy for anyone tasked with following Lamar with their own performance, but Rita Ora made a stellar effort with her performance of Your Song segued into Anywhere, before Liam Payne joined her for their Fifty Shades Freed collaboration For You.

This writer was just one person who left the ceremony feeling like theyd been tricked in 2017. A piece on why Skepta deserved to win Best British Male over the late David Bowie - published before the awards - was swiftly followed by another, on how increasingly irrelevant the Brit Awards had become. Despite nominations for Kano, Skepta, Stormzy, Michael Kiwanuka, NAO, Craig David and Anohni, too much talent went home empty-handed. Brit awards 2017 was like watching some of the UKs most exciting artists finally being offered a seat at the table, we wrote, only to be passed over when dinner was served.

The winners were still mainstream - Stormzy, Dua Lipa, Foo Fighters, Ed Sheeran, Lorde but the male: female ratio was more evenly spread, as was the range of music recognised: grime, pop, rock, hip hop Whitehall was, surprisingly, a fantastic host who didnt attempt to steal the spotlight for himself, but jumped in to lighten the mood when needed. And by awarding Stormzy the top prize, for British Album of the year, in 2018, it felt as though the organisers of the Brits paid a little more attention to British music. Closing the night with a blistering freestyle ahead of "Big For Your Boots" where he dropped disses to the likes of Theresa May over the Grenfell Tragedy, and the Daily Mail - this was a night music fans deserved.
For many, avoiding high baggage fees is a priority, so finding the right carry-on suitcase becomes the key to a successful trip. Carry ons are suitable for a weekend away or for longer trips for those who pack light, in many cases we were surprised just how much one little suitcase can fit and how easy they are to travel with.

Here we looked at hard shell cases since they tend to protect fragile items much better than the soft cases. They tend to be slightly on the pricier side but in the long run are a worthwhile investment. Some brands release polycarbonate luggage that can be even be slightly lighter than their soft shell counterparts.

Technological updates have also landed on the suitcase industry. There are many options available out there with some equipped to not only fit your delicate items but also to charge your portable devices. Ideal for those who are always on-the-go.

When shopping for a case its important to keep what your priorities are and what type of traveller you are since there are many options to choose from. Are you looking for something that is lightweight and small for a short flight? Or perhaps youd like the slightly larger suitcase as your go to because youre going away and need space for plenty of items?

All of the suitcases reviewed had pull handles and wheels to make sure that theyre easy to move around. Major airlines like American Airlines carry-on dimensions including handles and wheels are 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 centimetres, so all of the suitcases meet these requirement. Nevertheless make sure to check with the airline prior to flying because sometimes those measurements differ from airline to airline.

1. Victorinox Lexicon Global Hard Side Carry-On in Titanium: $460, Victorinox Swiss Army

Made by the same company that crafts Swiss Army knives, this little guy is definitely very sleek. The best parts are the useful travel details. There is a lovely multi-tool, that has an hard ID tag, with a pen and a device resetting tool that that will come in handy for those times when you need to change sim cards but are desperately searching for something sharp enough to crack open your iPhone. Underneath is a USB port for charging your portable devices... although it is unclear how to charge it. The handle and the case is easy to manoeuvre with 360-degrees spinner wheels and on the side is a TSA lock with large integrated zippers that clip in quite deep. Inside there are four little pockets to put things in, what we assume is a knife holder and one side is enclosed with another zipper. The carry on is very light and has a hard outer shell and weighs around 3.22 kg but has the capacity of 34L - high considering its small size.

Buy now

2. Globe Trotter Deco Trolley Case in Ivory: $1,872, Globe Trotter

By far one of the most fashionable items weve ever seen - it looks straight out of a 1930s glamor movie where the actress is wearing all white and must have a hat a large floppy hat and a scarf that is flying in the breeze as she walks away rolling this suitcase into a Pan Am aircraft. The case is beautifully crafted with gold clips that open to reveal a large interior with two straps to push down the clothes. The case has two wheels, and is on the slightly heavier side, weighing around 4 kg.

Buy now

3. Away The Carry-On in Black: $225, Away

Relatively new on the suitcase scene, Aways first case produced is a carry on. The case is on the smaller side measuring 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches, weighing 3.2kg but surprisingly fits a lot with a 32L capacity. There is an ID tag and a neat little integrated TSA approved lock at the top. Its easy to move around 360-degrees with its four wheels. One side of the interior is fully zipped and there are space maximizers in place like special X-straps and smaller bags and compartments. Close the case and under the handle there is a lid that flips open to reveal one micro and two standard USB ports with a retractable 10,000 mAh portable battery than can charge the iPhone up to five times making charging your phone at the airport that much easier.

Buy now

4. Rimowa Topas Titanium Cabin Multiwheel: $1,375, Barneys

A lovely fashion forward piece with a 32L capacity made out of aluminium material that comes in multiple colors. The exterior features two TSA-approved locks and four wheels enabling 360-degrees manoeuvrability. However, when tested outside the wheels were a little rattly in comparison to other cases. Inside, the case has two double flatteners that also fit things inside which helps in fitting more items inside. The Topas Titanium Multiwheel also comes with two shoes bags and a laundry bag.

Buy now

5. The Aluminum Carry-On: $550, Arlo Skye

The glamorous child of a Louis Vuitton and Tumi collaboration, this case is made for jet-setters. Made out of an aluminium-magnesium alloy, makes this case unique are the patented wheels. There are four Silent Run Lisof wheels enabling easy movement. These special wheels were created in Japan specifically for this case and according to the information leaflet, are meant to reduce noise made by 15% in comparison to standard polyurethane wheel. When tested outside the case was very smooth running. The exterior also features a portable 10,050 mAh battery with two ports which can charge an iPhone up to six times, and double TSA-approved locks. Meanwhile highlights of the interior include double compression buckles and a couple of pockets. The case also comes with two shoe bags and a laundry bag, but the highlight of this carry on is that it fits by far the most with a 38L capacity thats largest out of all of the cases reviewed.

Buy now

6. Tumi, 19 Degree Aluminium: $995, Tumi

An old school overachiever Tumis case looks like it just landed straight from Mars. However, it lacks some of the tech features that some of the earlier pieces had but does come with quite a hefty price tag. This case has a 31L capacity and weighs around 5kg which is slightly smaller and heavier in comparison to other cases that were reviewed. On the outside the case has four wheels and is very easy and smooth to move around, and double TSA-approved locks. Meanwhile the interior has a great compression system enabled great use of the interior space than some other cases that just have straps instead.

Buy now

7. Modobag: $1495, Modobag

Modobag

Dual USB charging ports, 2000 cubic inches of storage space, and wheels. Seems normal. So, why the high price tag? Because this case carries YOU! That's right, the modobag converts into a small scooter capable of carrying a person of up to 260lbs at eight miles per hour. On a single full charge the modobag can travel up to six miles. A truly unique option that turns out to be more than a mere novelty. If you have a lot of connecting flights and have to do a lot of walking it is a nice option to take a seat while still moving towards your flight. Though, you might find more value with flightless travel.

Buy now

8. ProConnected 4 Wheel Hubless Roller: $399.95, Incase

Polyester, 22" x 14" x 9" and 32L what sets this apart is the smart technology. Nothing you haven't seen before, but just bigger, better, and more of it. One USB-C, two USB-A ports, with 20,100mAH/74.37 Wh to keep your phone or MacBook fully charged with no fear of running out of power. On top of that you get something stylish and sleek with smooth wheels.

Buy now

9. Samsonite Omni Pc Spinner 20: $79.99, Amazon

If you aren't looking for the most advanced luggage in the world, and you want something light on the pockets that gets the job done, something basic that doesn't really care about how it looks too much, you can stop your search. There are many other options for this price range that do what this does, but the Samsonite is one of, if not the, most popular luggages on the planet. it's easy to see why, strong, sturdy, cheap, can't really go wrong here.

Buy now

American Tourister Star Wars 21 inch Hard Side Spinner: $99.99, Amazon

This ones just fun. Sometimes it's nice to let go and spice things up with something exciting fun and maybe a little childish...who are we kidding, we all love Star Wars. Anyone of any age can enjoy travelling next to R2D2, but we chose this more with the kids in mind. 21"x14.75"x9.5 the actual pockets and storage space are pretty basic, but it gets the job done, and R2D2 isn't the only option. There are a range of characters to choose from. So pick a partner and save the galaxy...or just go on your family vacation with a little bit of fanboy flair.

The Verdict

It was a close tie between the Away and Victorinox cases with Victorinox taking the lead. If you want a long-term investment piece whos makers have thought through all the extra details the Victorinox case is for you. The price justifies the usage that youd get out of a small but spacious case that also contains several must items for travel.

IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
A chocolatier in Manchester has created a magical Easter egg that will no doubt send all Harry Potter fans into a flurry of excitement.

The Sorting Egg, which was inspired by J. K. Rowlings extraordinary world of witchcraft and wizardry, is being sold by Slattery Patissier & Chocolatiers in North Manchester.

The egg wouldnt look out of place on the shelves of Honeydukes sweet shop in Hogsmeade, with its sugar paste Sorting Hat and chocolate dipped pretzel wand.

'The Sorting Egg' comes with a scroll revealing your house inside (Slattery Patissier & Chocolatiers) (Slattery Patissier & Chocolatiers)

However, thats not even the best part.

This milk chocolate egg isnt called The Sorting Hat for no reason.

Once its been opened, youll be presented with a scroll that will tell you which house youve been sorted into, in addition to an ample supply of milk chocolate callets.

Slattery has designed a variety of incredible chocolate creations in the past, much to the delight of their customers.

We are a very creative company. Last year we created the unicorn Easter egg that went viral across the country, a representative from Slattery told The Independent.

Our staff have free reign on their ideas. A cake decorator created this last year for his partner.

We loved the idea and decided to run with it this year.

'The Sorting Egg' is available by collection only from the Slattery store in North Manchester (Slattery Patissier & Chocolatiers) (Slattery Patissier & Chocolatiers)

The Sorting Egg, which is available by collection only from the Slattery store in North Manchester, is in no way officially affiliated with Harry Potter.

It takes around two hours for the chocolatier to make a batch of 18, all of which are beautifully handmade.

The egg costs 14.95 and has already made quite an impression on Harry Potter fans online.

Chocolate and Harry Potter?! What kind of sorcery is this?! one person commented on the Slattery Facebook page.

Another person hinted that he would buy as many of these Easter eggs that he needed to until he was sorted into the correct house.

Does this mean if I dont get Ravenclaw I can keep eating eggs until I do?, he wrote.

If only The Sorting Egg also came with a Hogwarts acceptance letter inside. That would make all of our Potterhead dreams come true!
The Treasury Committee is launching an inquiry into digital currencies, which are attracting a great deal of interest after the spectacular rise of bitcoin last year.

It will assess the potential risks and benefits bitcoin and alternative cryptocurrencies could bring to individuals, businesses and the Government.

It will also consider the impact regulation could have, and whether or not it could protect people and organisations without stifling innovation.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

Ms Morgan said: [People] may not be aware that [cryptocurrencies] are currently unregulated in the UK, and that there is no protection for individual investors, said Nicky Morgan, the Chair of the committee.

The Treasury Committee says it will study the ways in which overseas governments and regulators have approached digital currencies, and learn from them.

South Korea recently introduced new regulation that bans people from trading bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies anonymously, in order to protect investors from scams.

Shortly after, Theresa May said she was very seriously considering taking action against digital currencies.

Striking the right balance between regulating digital currencies to provide adequate protection for consumers and businesses, whilst not stifling innovation, is crucial. As part of the inquiry, we will explore how this can be achieved, Ms Morgan added.

The committee will also examine the potential impact of the underlying distributed ledger technology behind digital currencies, such as blockchain.

The Treasury Committee will look at the potential risks that digital currencies could generate for consumers, businesses, and governments, including those relating to volatility, money laundering, and cyber-crime, Ms Morgan continued.

We will also examine the potential benefits of cryptocurrencies and the technology underpinning them, how they can create innovative opportunities, and to what extent they could disrupt the economy and replace traditional means of payment.

Numerous financial experts have warned against investing in bitcoin, believing it to be a bubble that could collapse at any moment.

Earlier this week, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said bitcoin has pretty much failed thus far on ... the traditional aspects of money. It is not a store of value because it is all over the map. Nobody uses it as a medium of exchange.

However, he added that its underlying technology may still prove useful as a way to verify financial transactions in a decentralised way.

Weve teamed up with cryptocurrency trading platform eToro. Click here to get the latest Bitcoin rates and start trading. Cryptocurrencies are a highly volatile unregulated investment product. No EU investor protection. 75% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
Were all guilty of checking our phones far more than we need to, whether were incessantly refreshing our Instagram feed during the morning commute or getting the lowdown on the latest viral memes on Twitter.

More than two thirds of people in the UK would confess that they use their phones too often, as noted by a survey conducted by Deloitte last year.

While many of us would admit that limiting phone use is far easier said than done, there is a simple trick that you can try in order to become more conscious of the amount of time spent mindlessly checking your phone.

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Earlier this month, lead digital education correspondent for NPR and author of The Art of Screen Time Anya Kamenetz appeared on the TiLT Parenting Podcast to discuss the way in which parents use their phones in front of their children.

She recommended that parents try announcing what theyre doing when they check their phones. Doing this would help them create an open environment with their children while also enabling them to become more aware of their actions.

Whats helpful for me is something that my friend Danah Boyd, whos a social media expert suggested, and that is when you pick up your phone around your kids, simply narrate what it is that youre going to do, she said.

So you say, Hey, lets check the weather, or Im wondering if dad has come home from work, Im going to send him a text and making that transparent.

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I think it is a really wonderful way to hold yourself accountable too, and to help kids understand what it is that youre doing.

At the same time, youre not going to pick up your phone and look at your kid and say, Oh, I want to see what Rihannas up to on Instagram.

If this method doesnt float your boat, then there are other techniques that you could utilise to take control of your phone addiction.

Catherine Price, author of How to Break Up With Your Phone, advises establishing phone-free periods during the day, gradually building up from 30-minute breaks to a full 24-hour digital detox.

Spending too much time on your phone can drastically affect your productivity on a daily basis.

"The University of California found that if we get distracted from a task by a mobile phone notification, it takes us an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to fully regain our focus. All of which suggests that smartphones, while fundamental to day-to-day life, are detrimental when it comes to being productive," explains Maths Mathisen, CEO and co-founder of Hold, an app that rewards students for putting down their smartphones.

"By not having your phone on, or in front of you, you minimise the amount of distractions around you, allowing you to focus on your work," Mathisen advises.
Wine-flavoured toothpaste, anyone?

It might not be as far fetched as it sounds, as a new study has revealed drinking red wine actually offers a number of health benefits that extend far beyond the mere feel-good factor.

After analysing the effect of polyphenols, the antioxidants found in red wine, Spanish chemists found that exposure to such compounds can help prevent bacteria from sticking to the gums that would normally lead to cavities and plaque.

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Scientists from the Spanish National Research Council in Madrid examined the oral health benefits of two types of red wine polyphenols: caffeic and p-coumaric acid, both of which are also found in coffee and cranberry juice.

Both were successful in preventing potentially harmful microbes from sticking to the gums which could lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the scientists said the effect was stronger when the polyphenols were combined with the oral probiotic streptococcus dentisani bacteria.

Despite the promising findings, the studys authors were quick to warn that we shouldnt jump to starting our day with a gargle of Merlot quite yet, as the chemicals analysed in the study were far higher in concentration than those found in wine.

Instead, they advise using the molecules in red wine in preventative medicines that would help curb oral diseases.

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Exposure would also need to be fairly extensive in order to really see the benefits, given that exposure to the polyphenols in the experiment lasted for up to 47 hours.

You might think you like red wine, but even the most hardcore of fans would struggle to keep the grape-based drink in their mouths for that long.

Plus, as Dr Gunter Kuhnle, a nutrition professor at the University of Reading, pointed out, the two compounds identified in the study are much more abundant in other foods, such as berries.

This is interesting work done on cells outside of the body, but it is very preliminary and so one must be very cautious about extrapolating these results to any current health advice, added Naveed Sattar, a professor in metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow.

The findings suggest some compounds called phenols should be investigated further for their roles in preventing bacteria binding to cells and causing infection, but this needs much validation.
United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit. UNITED STATES of America, PlaintiffAppellee v. Corey Anthony JONES, DefendantAppellant No. 17-1710 Decided: February 21, 2018

Before GRUENDER, MELLOY, and SHEPHERD, Circuit Judges. Ashley Corkery, Richard D. Westphal, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, Davenport, IA, for PlaintiffAppellee. Corey Anthony Jones, pro se. Heather Quick, Assistant Federal Public Defender, FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, Northern District of Iowa, Cedar Rapids, IA, for DefendantAppellant.

Defendant Corey Anthony Jones pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base in violation of 21 U.S.C.  841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B). At sentencing, he moved for a downward departure, arguing his criminal-history score overstated the severity of his criminal history. In addition, he argued that two prior felony convictions he received in the state of Illinois under 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 570/401, should not trigger the career-offender provisions of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines because U.S.S.G.  4B1.2(b) defines controlled substance offense as an offense involving controlled substances or counterfeit controlled substances, whereas 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 570/401 also applies to control substance analogs. The district court applied the career-offender guideline and imposed a 188month, bottom-of-the-range sentence. We affirm.

The district court did not expressly address Jones's request for a downward departure. As such, Jones argues we must reverse his sentence based on procedural error. See United States v. Knight, 58 F.3d 393, 398 (8th Cir. 1995) (Failure to depart downward is reviewable only if the district court did not realize that it had the discretion to consider a downward departure.). We reject his argument. Jones clearly and repeatedly asserted his request for a downward departure in his objection to the presentencing report, in his sentencing memorandum, and at his sentencing hearing. The experienced district court judge expressly addressed the underlying basis for Jones's requestan allegedly overstated criminal historyin applying the factors of 18 U.S.C.  3553(a). It is clear beyond debate that the district court was cognizant of Jones's departure request and the authority to depart. See United States v. Sypolt, 346 F.3d 838, 841 (8th Cir. 2003) (Mr. Sypolt's attorney drew the district court's attention to the appropriate guideline during the sentencing hearing, and we can therefore safely infer that the judge was aware of his authority.). In this context, we will not disturb the sentence based on the mere absence of a separate statement denying the requested departure.

Regarding the career-offender guideline, Jones argues the underlying Illinois statute defines an offense that is overbroad in the sense that it criminalizes conduct that qualifies as a controlled-substance offense and conduct that does not. See Descamps v. United States, 570 U.S. 254, 133 S.Ct. 2276, 2292, 186 L.Ed.2d 438 (2013) (discussing overbreadth). Jones also argues the Illinois statute lists alternative means, rather than elements, such that the modified categorical approach does not apply. See Mathis v. United States,  U.S. , 136 S.Ct. 2243, 2253, 195 L.Ed.2d 604 (2016) (distinguishing between alternative means and alternative elements and holding the modified categorical approach applies only to overbroad statutes that list alternative elements). We do not reach the question of whether the Illinois statute lists alternative elements or means because we conclude the Illinois statute is not overbroad.

Jones's overbreadth argument rests on the theory that a conviction under 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 570/401 could result from a transaction involving an analog substance and such a conviction would not satisfy U.S.S.G.  4B1.2. Jones emphasizes that Section 4B1.2 defines the term controlled substance offense as an offense involving controlled substances or counterfeit controlled substances but does not expressly reference controlled-substance analogs. While it is true that Section 4B1.2 itself does not employ the term analog, Congress elsewhere has provided that [a] controlled substance analogue shall, to the extent intended for human consumption, be treated, for the purposes of any Federal law as a controlled substance in schedule I. 21 U.S.C.  813. Differences in spelling notwithstanding, we find no material distinction between the term analog as used in 720 Ill. Comp. Stat. 570/401 and the federal term analogue as used in  813. See 21 U.S.C.  802(32) (defining controlled substance analogue). We therefore conclude Jones's two prior Illinois convictions categorically qualify as controlled substance offenses under U.S.S.G.  4B1.1, 4B1.2.

We affirm the judgment of the district court.

FOOTNOTES

. The Honorable John A. Jarvey, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.

MELLOY, Circuit Judge.
British Gas owner Centrica is set to cut 4,000 jobs by 2020 after blaming political and regulatory intervention for a huge fall in profit.

Full-year profits fell 17 per cent to 1.25bn as the energy supplier lost nine per cent of its domestic customers in the UK last year.

Centrica said the majority of job cuts will be in the UK, but did not disclose where the cuts will take place.

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It currently employs 33,138 people worldwide and has over 2,600 staff based in the UK.

Centrica said on Thursday that investment in new technology would cut 1.25bn off costs annually until 2020 and is set to create 1,000 additional jobs across three departments within the next two years.

The combination of political and regulatory intervention in the UK energy market, concerns over the loss of energy customers in the UK, and the performance issue in North America have created material uncertainty around Centrica and, although we delivered on our financial targets for the year, this resulted in a very poor shareholder experience, said Centricas chief executive Iain Conn.

According to energy regulator Ofgem, a UK Government plan to cap the most common gas and electricity tariffs could come into effect by Christmas this year.

Prime Minister Theresa May in October vowed to tackle rip-off energy prices, while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has argued for public ownership of Britains energy system.

Speaking to a parliamentary select committee in January, Ofgem chief executive Dermot Nolan said that for a cap on energy bills to come into force by the end of the year it would need to become law before politicians and lords break up for the summer recess in July.

Trade union Unite said it wants a urgent meeting with British Gas to discuss where job losses will take place, while Unison on Wednesday accused British Gas of squeezing staff and customers and said it expects more misery to come for Centrica workers.

British Gas staff shouldnt be feeling the heat today. It should be Centrica chief executive Iain Conn, Unison national energy officer Matt Lay said.

GMB, the union representing gas workers, said Centrica chief executive Iain Conn must immediately learn from the failure of other, now departed bosses in the industry.

We do not know where these potential job cuts will fall or if any sites of business units will be affected  but we will be obviously engage with British Gas urgently to understand these proposals, said GMB national officer Stuart Fegan.

Members will also question why a great institution such as British Gas has got itself in such a mess in such a short period of time.

Hannah Maundrell, editor of financial services comparison website money.co.uk, said a hike in price and poor value standard tariffs led to British Gas losing millions of customers.

With so many smaller up and coming companies snapping at their heels for a larger chunk of the market, British Gas have got their work cut out if theyre going to remain a key player in a competitive industry, she said.

People want low prices and good service, therefore British Gas will have to do something really innovative to keep up with newcomers.
Dutch prosecutors have rejected calls to open a criminal investigation into four major tobacco companies on charges including attempted murder or manslaughter, saying such a case would be unlikely to lead to a conviction.

The decision was a blow to what Dutch anti-smoking organisations had hoped would be a new legal front in the fight against the tobacco industry.

Amsterdam lawyer Benedicte Ficq filed what she called a world's-first criminal complaint in 2016 seeking a prosecution on behalf of two ex-smokers, including a mother suffering from lung cancer, and a youth smoking prevention organisation. Hospitals, doctors and other groups later joined the call.

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Ficq had called for the prosecution of Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International and Imperial Tobacco Benelux.

But the Dutch Public Prosecution Service, or DPPS, said in a written statement that they see no prospect within current laws of a conviction.

Smoking is deadly and the design of cigarettes does add to this but according to the DPPS, the tobacco manufacturers have not acted in violation of either the law or the current regulatory framework, the service said in an English-language statement.

An Amsterdam hospital that was among those calling for a prosecution said that 55 people die each day in the Netherlands as a result of smoking. It vowed not to give up the legal fight.

Rene Medema, chairman of the board of the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital, said the hospital would discuss the options for appealing the decision or petitioning a judge to order prosecutors to launch an investigation.

We see the damaging consequences of smoking every day in our patients, Medema said in a statement. We have to make clear to the tobacco industry that their way of working is unacceptable.

When Ficq filed her request, the Dutch association of cigarette and tobacco makers labelled it a publicity stunt and said it was confident that the sale of a legal, heavily regulated product is not a crime in the Netherlands.

On Thursday, the association said it had no further comment at this stage.

The Dutch case was being monitored by other anti-tobacco groups looking at similar action.

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

British group Action on Smoking and Health, known as ASH, is also looking at a criminal case against cigarette makers.

When criminal liability succeeds, it will make it difficult, if not impossible, to legally continue to market and sell cigarettes, ASH says in a statement on its website.

AP
Extraordinary new genetic evidence is revealing how Britain experienced a mysterious almost total change in its population in just a few centuries after the construction of Stonehenge.

It suggests that some sort of social, economic or epidemiological catastrophe unfolded.

The great 20-30 tonne stones of Stonehenge were erected by Neolithic farmers whose ancestors had lived in Britain for at least the previous 1,500 years  and new genetic research on 51 skeletons from all over Neolithic Britain has now revealed that during the whole of the Neolithic era, the country was inhabited mainly by olive-skinned, dark-haired Mediterranean-looking people.

But some 300 to 500 years after the main phase of Stonehenge was built, that mainly Mediterranean-looking British Neolithic-originating element of the population had declined from almost 100 percent to just 10 per cent of the population.

The new genetic research reveals that the other 90 per cent were a newly-arrived central-European- originating population (known to archaeologists as the Beaker People) who appear to have settled in Britain between 2500 BC and 2000 BC via the Netherlands.

But how this dramatic population change occurred is an almost complete mystery.

Theres absolutely no evidence for any large-scale conflict  so warfare or genocide is almost certainly not the explanation.

Its much more likely that the incoming population, with more advanced technology (including metal-working), gained control of the best land and resources and succeeded in economically marginalising the Neolithic population.

There is also a distinct possibility that the native Neolithic population of Britain had no resistance to some continental European diseases. There is some evidence from Europe that bubonic plague may have been the culprit.

 Stonehenge 'tunnel' explained

If lack of immunity did wipe out much of Neolithic Britains population, then demographers will regard it as a very early precursor of what we know actually happened to the American Indians as a result of European colonisation of the New World.

The genetic research reveals that the same sort of extreme population change did not occur on the continent. Its likely therefore that while Britains island status no doubt protected or isolated it in some ways, it ultimately made the population much more vulnerable to eventual catastrophic change.

Having discovered the dramatic population replacement between 2500 and 2200 or 2000 BC (essentially the interface between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age), scholars will now, no doubt, be looking at the previous really major cultural interface (in around 4300 BC between Britains indigenous Mesolithic hunter-gatherer population and the incoming continental-originating early Neolithic culture) to see whether similar extreme population changes were occurring.

Theres always been a debate about how major cultural changes in Britain occurred in prehistory  through the movement of ideas and technologies or through the movement of people.

The new genetic discoveries show, for the first time, that at least in the Neolithic/Bronze Age transition it was people who arrived, not just ideas.

Today, in genetic terms, the Neolithic population of Europe substantially survives in only one place  Sardinia.

In Britain the genetic data was obtained from 51 Neolithic individuals (who died between 4000 and 2500 BC) and 104 Copper Age and Bronze Age people (who died between 2500 BC and 1000 BC).

Their skeletal material came from a range of prehistoric sites. Around 55 per cent of the Neolithic individuals remains came from large communal tombs, with a further 31 per cent coming from caves. Some 88 per cent of the Copper Age and Bronze Age individuals came from mainly individual graves and tombs, with just 9 per cent coming from caves.

The genetic analysis of the prehistoric British skeletal material formed part of the largest study of ancient human DNA ever conducted. The study is published this week in the journal Nature.

The research was carried out by an international team of 144 archaeologists and geneticists from institutions in Europe and the United States including the Natural History Museum, the University of Cambridge and Harvard Medical School.

The study was made possible by an unprecedented collaboration between most of the major ancient DNA laboratories in the world. Different teams had different key samples and we decided to put together our resources to make possible a study that was more definitive than any of us could have achieved alone, said co-senior author of the Nature paper Kristian Kristiansen, an archaeologist at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

Mark Thomas, Professor of evolutionary genetics at UCL and co-author on the study said: The sheer scale of population replacement in Britain is going to surprise many, even though the more we learn from ancient DNA studies, the more we see large-scale migration as the norm in prehistory.

Ian Armit, senior co-author and Professor of Archaeology at the University of Bradford, said: The analysis shows pretty conclusively that migration of the Beaker people into Britain was more intense and on a larger scale than anyone had previously thought. Britain essentially has a whole new population after that period.
The horses which have long been considered ancestors of all modern domesticated steeds do in fact, belong to a totally different lineage, genetic analysis has revealed.

The oldest known domestic horse population belonged to the Botai people who inhabited the Central Asian steppes around 5500 years ago.

Until now, that population from what is now northern Kazakhstan, has been considered the likeliest source of modern domestic horses.

However, DNA analysis from both modern and ancient horses has revealed the equines we are familiar with today only share around three per cent of their ancestry with Botai horses.

Instead, the scientists were surprised to find that the Botai population actually gave rise to the Przewalksis horses of Mongolia.

Przewalski's horses are thought of as the only truly wild horses left in the world, but the new analysis suggests this is not the case.

Instead, this endangered population represents the last remnants of a feral population of Botai horses and the earliest descendents of domestic horses.

"Our findings literally turn current population models of horse origins upside-down, said Professor Ludovic Orlando, a molecular archaeologist at the French National Center for Scientific Research who led the study.

What we used to understand as the last wild horse on earth is in fact the descendant of the earliest domestic horses, which simply escaped human pressure and became feral during the last few millennia."

Besides debunking the prevalent theory of domestic horse origins, therefore, this analysis suggests there are no purely wild horses anywhere.

The results of the research conducted by Professor Orlando and his colleagues were published in the journal Science. Their analysis used genetic information from 88 horses, both ancient and modern, supported with archaeological evidence concerning the history of horse domestication.

The archaeological record provides plenty of evidence for the domestication of horses by the Botai people, who are thought to have consumed meat and milk from the animals.

It was essential to Botai people to manage the horse resource as it provided the basis of their subsistence strategy, said Professor Alan Outram, an archaeologist at the University of Exeter who has carried out excavations of the Botai Culture for decades.

Probably horses were even first domesticated at Botai because horse riding somehow facilitated horse hunting."

The analysis carried out by Professor Orlando and his colleagues identified certain genetic changes that occurred when the horses returned to their wild state and eventually gave rise to Przewalski's horses.

DNA evidence revealed Botai horses had leopard spots on their skin, presumably an appearance their owners bred in their steeds.

However, this characteristic has been lost in the feral Przewalski's horses that exist today.

The gene responsible for this patterning was likely bred out of the population as it was also associated with night blindness  something that natural selection would have weeded out of the population.

As for the modern domestic horses, the scientists estimated they originated in 3,000 BCE at the latest. However, owing to the lack of well-preserved horse DNA from that era, their origin remains shrouded in mystery.
Police have left children living with paedophiles in London, inspectors have revealed, after finding 90 per cent of child protection investigations in the capital unsatisfactory.

The Metropolitan Police said it was urgently improving services after a series of disturbing cases were uncovered by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

Children have been left at risk of known paedophiles  living with them in some cases  and officers did not share vital information on grooming after a teenage girl was raped by adult men.

In one incident, a 13-year-old girl called police after a boy blackmailed her into sending explicit images but was not seen for 11 days.

In another, teachers informed police that a seven-year-old boy was being beaten by his parents  who were known for neglect and substance abuse  but he was not taken into care and continued to be abused alongside his siblings for four months.

Inspectors said that out of a sample of 214 child protection cases reviewed last year, almost 191 were judged to be either requiring improvement or inadequate.

The probe was sparked by serious concerns identified in 2016, when the Home Secretary commissioned quarterly reports on improvements.

Matt Parr, HM Inspector of Constabulary for the Metropolitan Police, said the force had to make drastic alterations to achieve the significant changes required.

 Police interview with Matthew Falder, one of Britain's most prolific paedophiles

We found committed and dedicated officers and staff operating in an increasingly complex and demanding environment, investigating cases which are seldom straightforward, he added.

By and large, the force is moving in the right direction, and senior officers have demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting children.

He said Scotland Yard had already improved with new structures, training and oversight, but the changes were too recent to consistently improve results.

The force must maintain its momentum and focus on ensuring the changes it is making are leading to a better service for children in London, Mr Parr warned, saying HMICFRS would continue to scrutinise Scotland Yard.

The inspection came as figures show a record number of recorded sexual offences are being committed against children in England and Wales, amid a wider increase in crime.

The NSPCC said the dramatic rise was partly down to survivors coming forward in the wake of high-profile cases and police improving the way crimes are recorded, but warned of a real-world rise in crimes committed using the internet.

Inspectors warned last year that police were failing to respond to some crimes because of significant stress caused by budget cuts and rising pressures.

The number of police officers in England and Wales hit a record low as recorded crime rose by 14 per cent last month and the Government has rebuffed calls for blanket funding increases.

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HMICFRS said the sheer volume of work for Scotland Yard was contributing to delays in child protection investigations, exacerbated by a lack of effective supervision.

Britains largest police force has appointed an officer to lead on child protection, dedicated a team to examining decisions and is using a system that briefs officers on registered sex offenders living in their areas.

Commander Richard Smith, head of safeguarding at the Metropolitan Police, said progress continued to be made despite the scale and complexity of child protection in London.

We are aware of the urgency of improving our services further, but we also know that delivering real and sustainable improvements in every aspect of our work will take time to achieve, he added.

Recommended Police failing to respond to some crimes because of budget cuts

Action has been taken in every case where either the Met or HMICFRS identified concerns that safeguarding risks had not adequately been addressed.

Keeping Londons children and young people safe is a priority.

Example cases:

Grooming

A 17-year-old girl reported that she had been raped by a number of men after they had given her alcohol.

Specialist officers were allocated to both the rape and CSE elements of the investigation, however there was no strategy meeting in relation to either. This indicates that partner agency information is not being shared.

Online blackmail

A 13-year-old girl had previously sent a picture of herself naked from the waist up to a 12-year-old boy; subsequently, he threatened to distribute it more widely if she did not send more images. The girl rang the police but was not seen by the force for 11 days.

Registered sex offender

During a home visit, a registered sex offender disclosed to officers a breach of his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) as a result of contact with a seven-year-old girl. He was subsequently interviewed under caution five days later ... the five-day delay in making the relevant referral left the child at risk during that period.

Child abuse images

The force identified an address in which child abuse images had been accessed  the force discovered that four children, all aged below 14 years, in the family visited their uncle at that address. Although such images were found later that same day, it was not until the following day that the force arrested the uncle, following which he made admissions to having accessed child abuse material.

Indecent images

In May 2017, the National Crime Agency reported to the Met that two indecent images had been uploaded onto the internet. Following a delay of five days, the force established an investigation plan and conducted research revealing that the suspect had an eight-year-old daughter. A further 15 days elapsed until a search warrant was executed and the suspect arrested.

Parental abuse

In February 2017, a seven-year-old boy reported to staff at his school that he had been assaulted by his parents  there is no evidence of investigation by the force despite a disclosure and significant causes for concern in respect of the child. Supervisory oversight by the force failed to result in any positive action being taken or the relevant children being safeguarded appropriately.

It was only following a further assault on the child by his mother, reported in June 2017, that a joint investigation involving the force took place, and which resulted in the affected children being safeguarded through placement with other family members.

Source: HMICFRS National Child Protection Inspection Post-Inspection Quarter 4 Update
A couple who planned an Isis-inspired terror attack in the UK after meeting on a dating website have been jailed.

Munir Mohammed was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years, while accomplice Rowaida El-Hassan was jailed for 12 years and five more under licence conditions.

Security services feared Mohammed and pharmacist El-Hassan were ready to strike before they were detained.

Mohammed, a 37-year-old Sudanese refugee, had already amassed two out of three core components for triacetone triperoxide (TATP), the powerful explosive used in Isis attacks including Paris and Brussels.

He had also downloaded a manual on how to make ricin, a deadly poison that can kill an adult victim with just a few grains.

Judge Michael Topolski QC told Mohammed: You decided that yours would be a lone wolf attack. You decided the means of your attack would involve you making an IED.

You had not decided whether that would be made with an ordinary bomb or whether you could do more damage and more terror by exploding a device containing ricin.

The judge told the Old Bailey that Mohammed deliberately drew El-Hassan in to the point where her commitment was consistent and sustained.

Munir Mohammed looking at pressure cookers at a shop in Derby, during the time he was attempting to build a bomb (North East Counter Terrorism Unit)

Mohammed, of Leopold Street in Derby, and El-Hassan, of Willesden Lane in north-west London, had denied preparing terrorist acts between November 2015 and December 2016 but a jury found them both guilty last month.

Mohammed was the chief architect of the plot after volunteering for a lone wolf UK mission as he chatted on Facebook with a man he believed was an Isis commander.

He pledged allegiance to the man, known as Abubakr Kurdi, and offered to participate in a new job in the UK while working making sauces for supermarket ready meals.

In September 2016, Mohammed complained he had not received his instructions, telling his contact: If possible send how we make dough [explosives] for Syrian bread [a bomb] and other types of food.

Recommended New technology can detect Isis videos before they are uploaded

El-Hassan, a 33-year-old divorcee with two children, became a willing participant in the plot after meeting Mohammed on dating website SingleMuslim.com.

She had advertised for a simple, very simple, honest and straightforward man who fears Allah who she could vibe with on a spiritual and intellectual level.

Prosecutors said Mohammed was specifically drawn to her profile in late 2015 after seeing she had a masters degree in pharmaceuticals, aiming to use her chemical knowledge in the attack.

The Old Bailey heard the pair had a rapidly formed emotional attachment and a shared ideology and were in regular contact on WhatsApp by spring 2016, meeting in a London park near El-Hassans home.

Records of their messages show they shared extremist views and graphic Isis propaganda videos, while El-Hassan advised Mohammed on what chemicals to buy for a bomb.

 MI5 chief warns that Britain is facing an unrelenting terrorist threat

The judge said Mohammed had a vast store of Isis propaganda depicting abhorrent murders, including nearly 26,000 images on his phone.

El-Hassan  an enthusiastic and encouraging partner  never objected to being sent the material as her two children slept in her bedroom, and even asked for more, he added.

That November, Mohammed obtained a video containing information on how to manufacture ricin, and days before his arrest he was captured on CCTV buying acetone-free nail polish from Asda, in the mistaken belief it was a component of TATP, the powerful explosive that has become a signature of Isis terror attacks around the world.

He is believed to have obtained the instructions through a video made by Palestinian Isis supporters, which was also watched by the Manchester bomber Salman Abedi.

The footage has since been taken down amid a crackdown by YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other technology firms, while the Government has funded free artificial intelligence software capable of detecting Isis propaganda videos before they are uploaded.

Police found hydrogen peroxide in a wardrobe and hydrochloric acid in the freezer of Mohammeds home during a raid on 12 December 2016 but he claimed they were for domestic purposes.

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He claimed he sent El-Hassan extremist videos mainly for the news and said his intention was to marry her, despite having had an arranged marriage in Sudan with a woman he had never met.

Mohammed had arrived in Britain in the back of a lorry and claimed asylum in 2014, appealing to his local MP Margaret Beckett for help after a two-year wait, but she was told his case had been referred to a specialist unit for consideration.

El-Hassan, who came to Britain from Sudan at the age of three, told jurors she had sulphuric acid for her drains and got face masks to wear as she dealt with a damp problem in her flat.

Police said it could not be proven that El-Hassan, who was previously unknown to the security services, was an extremist before she met Mohammed, but could have been in no doubt about his jihadi beliefs.

Investigators said that if the plot had not been discovered, it could have resulted in significant loss of life in the UK in the lead up to Christmas 2016.

Mohammed and El-Hassan are not the first couple to plan a terror attack together  a young husband and wife from Birmingham were jailed for plotting a stabbing massacre last year.

In 2016, another couple admitted sending money to their nephew while he fought for Isis and numerous partners and families were among around 850 people who travelled to join the so-called Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

Analysts have said that while Isiss slick propaganda strategy has increased the risk of online radicalisation, personal relationships can play a key role in pushing extremists from thought to action.

Additional reporting by PA
Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle have been sent white powder claimed to be anthrax in a malicious hoax that is being treated as a racist hate crime.

The package was intercepted by officials at and found to be harmless by police, who have launched an investigation.

Officers from the Metropolitan Polices counter-terrorism command were called to the alert earlier this month, according to Londons Evening Standard newspaper, which originally reported the story.

Police are investigating after a package containing a substance was delivered to St Jamess Palace on 12 February," a spokesperson for Scotland Yard said.

The substance was tested and confirmed as non-suspicious. Officers are also investigating an allegation of malicious communications which relates to the same package, and it is being treated as a racist hate crime."

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

It came the day before white powder was sent to Amber Rudds office in the Houses of Parliament alongside a rambling letter on the issue of radicalisation.

Police are investigating if there is a link between the two incidents, which came after a series of hoaxes involving white powder across the UK.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures Show all 55 1 /55 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures September 2017 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada. The Invictus Games is an international sport event for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) servicemen and women, both serving and veteran. It was created by the Duke of Sussex and aims to use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of all those who serve their country Invictus Games Foundation/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures November 2017 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for a photograph in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace following the announcement of their engagement AFP/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures November 2017 Meghan Markle shows off her engagement ring AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures December 2017 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene in King's Lynn Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures January 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan during a visit to Reprezent 107.3FM in Pop Brixton. The Reprezent training programme was established in Peckham in 2008, in response to the alarming rise in knife crime, to help young people develop and socialise through radio Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures January 2018 Meghan Markle greets well-wishers on arrival at Cardiff Castle for a day showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Wales AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures January 2018 The couple watching a dance performance by Jukebox Collective during their to Cardiff Castle AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures February 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk through the corridors of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on their way to a reception for young people in Edinburgh. The reception celebrated youth achievements, marking Scotlands Year of Young People 2018, an initiative that aims to inspire Scotland through its young people: celebrating their achievements, strengthening their voice on social issues and creating new opportunities for them to shine AFP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures February 2018 Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William at the first annual Royal Foundation Forum in London. Under the theme 'Making a Difference Together', the event showcased the programmes run or initiated by The Royal Foundation Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures March 2018 Prince William, Kate, Meghan and Prince Harry attend a Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures March 2018 Meghan Markle greets well-wishers after a visit to one of Belfast's most historic buildings, The Crown Liquor Saloon, a former Victorian gin palace, now run by the National Trust. It was the Royal couple's first joint visit to Northern Ireland AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures April 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meet participants as they attend the UK team trials for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 at the University of Bath AFP via Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures May 2018 Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland arriving at Cliveden House Hotel the night before her wedding to Prince Harry Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures May 2018 Royal fans sing for the television in Windsor the day before the Royal wedding AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures May 2018 Meghan Markle walks down the aisle in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, during her wedding AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures May 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand facing each other hand-in-hand before Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby during their wedding ceremony AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures May 2018 Prince Harry kisses the Duchess of Sussex, as they pass through the Cambridge Gate into the grounds of Windsor Castle at the end of their carriage procession AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures May 2018 The newly married royals leave Windsor Castle after their wedding to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures June 2018 Queen Elizabeth II sitts and laughs with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge in the town of Widnes in Halton, Cheshire Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures June 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan return in a horse-drawn carriage after attending the Queen's Birthday Parade, 'Trooping the Colour' on Horseguards parade AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures July 2018 Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF Chris Jackson/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures July 2018 Meghan and Prince Harry kiss after the Sentebale Polo event that was held at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures August 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet the cast and crew of "Hamilton" backstage after the gala performance in support of Sentebale at Victoria Palace Theatre Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures September 2018 Meghan meets 7-year-old Matilda Booth during the annual WellChild awards at Royal Lancaster Hotel in London Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan meet 98-year-old Daphne Dunne during a meet and greet at the Sydney Opera House during an official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan meet a koala named Ruby and its koala joey named Meghan after the Duchess of Sussex during a visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry looks on as his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is hugged by student Luke Vincent of Buninyong Public School following the couple's arrival at Dubbo Regional Airport in Dubbo AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures October 2018 Harry and his wife Meghan watch aboriginal dances at Victoria Park in Dubbo AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures October 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet with lifeguards at South Melbourne Beach. BeachPatrol is a network of volunteers who are passionate about keeping Melbourne's beaches and foreshores clear of litter to reduce the negative impact of litter on the marine environment and food chain, and provide a safe environment for the public to enjoy their local beach Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan join a circle during a "Fluro Friday" session run by OneWave, a local surfing community group who raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing, at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach AFP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures October 2018 The British royals kicked off their shoes and donned tropical garlands on Bondi Beach AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan visit an exhibition of Tongan handicrafts, mats and tapa cloths at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre in Nuku'alofa, Tonga Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington, New Zealand Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and his wife Meghan visit Redwoods Tree Walk in Rotorua AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures November 2018 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at a service marking the centenary of WW1 armistice at Westminster Abbey Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures February 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas near the Moroccan capital Rabat AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures March 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan speak on stage during WE Day UK 2019 at The SSE Arena in London Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures March 2019 Meghan and Prince Harry react as they are presented with baby gifts by Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Janice Charette, at Canada House, during an event to mark Commonwealth Day, in central London AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures May 2019 A congratulatory banner message circling the BT Tower reading "Congratulations Harry and Meghan It's a Baby Boy!" AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures May 2019 Footmen Stephen Kelly and Sarah Thompson set up an official notice on an easel at the gates of Buckingham Palace on May 6, announcing the birth of a son to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures May 2019 Pround parents pose with their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. The Duchess of Sussex gave birth at 5:26 on 6 May Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures May 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan walk away after posing for photographs with their newborn son AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures June 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan join the New York Yankees in their clubhouse and receive gifts for Archie ahead of their match against the Boston Red Sox at the London Stadium. The historic two-game series marked the sport's first games ever played in Europe and The Invictus Games Foundation was selected as the official charity of Mitel and MLB London Series 2019 Invictus Games Foundation/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures July 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan meet cast and crew, including US singer-songwriter Beyonce and her husband, US rapper Jay-Z as they attend the European premiere of the film The Lion King in London AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures September 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex dance as they arrive for a visit to the "Justice desk", an NGO in the township of Nyanga in Cape Town, as they begin their tour of the region. Their first official family visit in the coastal city AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures September 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan pose with members of "Waves For Change" NGO at Monwabisi Beach outside of Cape Town. "Waves For Change" NGO fuses surfing with child-friendly mind and body therapy to provide mental health services to vulnerable young people living in challenging communities AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures September 2019 The royals arrive to visit the oldest mosque of Cape Town in Dorp Street in Bo Kaap district AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures September 2019 The Duchess of Sussex visits Auwal Mosque on Heritage Day with the Duke of Sussex during their royal tour of South Africa. Auwal Mosque is the first and oldest mosque in South Africa and for the Muslim community, this mosque symbolises the freedom of former slaves to worship Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures September 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan hold their baby son Archie as they meet with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah at the Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures September 2019 The British royal couple were on a 10-day tour of southern Africa -- their first official visit as a family since their son Archie was born AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures October 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan meet Graca Machel, widow of the late Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Duke last met with Mrs Machel during his visit to South Africa in 2015 Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures October 2019 Meghan and Prince Harry attend a roundtable discussion on gender equality with The Queens Commonwealth Trust (QCT) and One Young World at Windsor Castle Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures December 2019 Prince Harry holding his son Archie. The photo was used on Instagram to wish their followers a happy new year SussexRoyal/PA Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures January 2020 Duke and Duchess of Sussex depart Canada House in London after visiting to show thanks for the warm hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle  in pictures January 2020 Front page headlines, from UK daily papers, reporting on the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, plan to step back as "senior" members of the Royal Family AFP via Getty

Targets have included mosques and Islamic centres, sparking an investigation into a potential far-right hate campaign last year.

The latest scare came three months before Prince Harry and Ms Markle, an American actress known for her humanitarian work, are to marry.

Ms Markle has become the target of racist and sexist abuse since their relationship became public, sparking a strongly worded statement on behalf of Prince Harry in 2016.

"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," it said.

Some of it has been hidden from the public - the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friend, co-worker, and loved one in her life.

The couple live at Nottingham Cottage, in the grounds of Kensington Palace, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children reside when they are in London.

St Jamess Palace, in the heart of Westminster, is home to other members of the royal family including princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and is used as a ceremonial meeting place.

A Palace spokesperson declined to comment on the incident.
Police are investigating an alleged racist attack after a Sikh man queuing outside Parliament had his turban ripped from his head.

Ravneet Singh said he was waiting to enter Portcullis House to meet a Labour MP when the assault took place.

The 37-year-old, from Punjab, India, said he was approached as he waited in line by a man who shouted Muslim go back before attempting to remove his Sikh head covering.

Speaking to The Independent, Mr Singh said: I was in the queue outside Portcullis House and this guy ran up to us. Just before we got to the entrance he came up to me and attacked me.

He was pulling at my turban strongly. It half moved and I grabbed it. Before he could do anything else I shouted at him and he ran.

He made a racist comment in another language that I didnt recognise. He was a white man, but he didnt sound English. He said something like Muslim go back.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed they were called at 5.20pm to reports of a man being assaulted outside Portcullis House, the building adjacent to the Houses of Parliament, which is home to offices for MPs and their staff.

They said no arrests have been made and their enquiries are ongoing.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. 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Mr Singh added: I was surprised and shocked. I pray for these racist people who dont realise that we are all one.

Mr Singh was in the UK on a three-week trip to discuss his work for an environmental group, which included a meeting with the Labour MP for Slough, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi.

Commenting on the attack, Mr Dhesi said he was disgusted to discover today that someone filled with hatred tried to pull off the turban of one of my guests standing in line outside Parliament and called on police to take urgent action.
The current EU withdrawal bill will substantially reduce human rights in the UK and members of the British public dont even know, Amnesty International has warned in its latest annual report.

Brexit could also inadvertently harm citizens abroad, since ministers may fail to press foreign nations on their human rights records in their rush to agree trade deals, the organisation said.

Amnestys 409-page annual report on human rights around the world says the decision not to convert the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights into domestic law via the withdrawal bill means British citizens will be stripped of protections.

Recommended Britain asks EU to consider longer Brexit transition period

The rights of EU citizens were established at different times and in different ways and the Charter was designed to summarise all the personal, civic, political, economic and social rights in one document.

The Government decided not to convert the Charter into UK legislation after Brexit, claiming the substantive law and the principles which underpin the Charter can be continued without it.

Amnesty was also critical of the Governments decision not to include in the Withdrawal Bill the ability of an individual to bring a case founded on the EU general principles. These include protections such as the right to equality.

Kate Allen, Amnesty International UKs director, said: You dont have to be pro- or anti-Brexit to see that without reform the EU Withdrawal Bill is set to substantially reduce rights in the UK.

Under cover of Brexit, the Government is planning to strip the British public of protections - and people dont even know their hard-won rights are under threat."

The UK must also hold fast to the principles of fair trials, free speech and decent labour standards, she said, adding, We mustnt trade away our values in our eagerness to sign new deals.

During a visit to China earlier in February, commentators said Theresa May had failed to press Chinese Prime Minister Xi Jinping over the treatment of democracy protesters in Hong Kong and instead focus on trade and investment links.

The Prime Minister was praised by Chinese newspaper The Global Times earlier in February for resisting radical pressure at home, although she told reporters she had raised the issue.

Amnesty also pointed to concerns raised by UK trade delegations over the Governments apparent unwillingness to speak publicly about human rights overseas to Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.

The report, which assessed the state of human rights in 159 countries, found the scale of attacks on activists around the world was unprecedented in the 70 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted.

In the last year, hundreds of activists were killed and journalist were imprisoned across the world. The biggest jailors of journalists were Turkey, Egypt and China, it found.

Amnesty had itself faced threats to its work in Hungary and arrests of its employees working in Turkey, where the organisations Chair Taner Kilic is currently jailed.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty

A spokesperson for the Brexit department said: "The UK has a longstanding tradition of ensuring our rights are protected and our departure from the EU does not change that.

"The Charter of Fundamental Rights was never the source of rights in the UK - it simply reaffirmed rights that already existed in EU law.

"This was reinforced in our published analysis of the Charter which provided guidance about where these rights can be found in UK law and how they will be protected."
The Haitian government has said it will temporarily suspend Oxfam's UK branch from carrying out aid work in the country as it investigates allegations of sexual misconduct.

Aviol Fleurant, minister of planning and external cooperation, said the charity would be barred from operating in Haiti for two months as the country looked into how the charity handled allegations against its staff members.

Oxfam said in a statement that its executives had met with Haitian officials and pledged to cooperate with their investigation. It plans to continue working in Haiti through its affiliate members.

Oxfam is committed to putting in place a number of wide-sweeping initiatives to improve its global safeguarding policies and practices, including the establishment of an independent Commission and putting more staff and resources into its safeguarding teams, Oxfam said in a statement.

The embattled aid organisation released a report earlier this month detailing its internal probe of allegations that its workers had used prostitutes and sexually harassed staff in Haiti after an earthquake rocked the impoverished country in 2010.

An Oxfam official who oversaw operations in Haiti admitted to using prostitutes at his residence, according to the report. It also described staff members suspected of misconduct of physically threatening and intimidating a witness.

Oxfam International Regional Director for Latin America, Simon Ticehurst, meets with Haiti's Minister of Planning and External Cooperation Aviol Fleurant in Port-au-Prince, Haiti (REUTERS/Andres Martinez Casares)

Four people were dismissed for gross misconduct and two others resigned after being accused of using prostitutes.

Oxfams chief executive told MPs this week that it has received 26 new allegations of sexual misconduct since the scandal went public.

 Oxfam CEO Mark Goldring apologises for comments on murdering babies

Executive Director Winnie Byanyima pledged in a statement to be honest, transparent and accountable in addressing sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse.

I hope we can restore the trust of our supporters, of our donors, of our staff, and all the people who believe in Oxfams mission, she said.
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JOHN GARCIA IV, Defendant-Appellant. No. 16-10444 Decided: February 21, 2018

Before: O'SCANNLAIN, CLIFTON, and IKUTA, Circuit Judges.

MEMORANDUM*

Defendant-appellant John Garcia IV appeals his jury conviction and sentence for possession of and conspiracy to possess methamphetamine and cocaine with intent to distribute. Garcia raises three issues on appeal. We affirm.

1. The district court did not violate Garcia's Confrontation Clause right when it denied the defense's request to recross-examine one of the government's cooperating witnesses. Allowing recross is within the sound discretion of the trial court except where new matter is elicited on redirect examination. United States v. Baker, 10 F.3d 1374, 1404 (9th Cir. 1993) (overruled on other grounds by United States v. Nordby, 225 F.3d 1053 (9th Cir. 2000)). The government did not elicit any new matters on redirect. The government asked additional questions about the witness's plea agreement and interviews with government agents, both of which Garcia's counsel raised on cross. Moreover, any error was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt in light of the substantial evidence against Garcia. See Delaware v. Van Arsdall, 475 U.S. 673, 684 (1986).

2. The district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting Garcia's prior state conviction for possession of a user-quantity of methamphetamine under Fed. R. Evid. 404(b). Although generally evidence of prior drug use is not relevant on charges of conspiracy or intent to distribute narcotics, it may be admissible to show absence of mistake or accident in the charged transaction. United States v. Ramirez-Robles, 386 F.3d 1234, 1243 (9th Cir. 2004); see also United States v. Hegwood, 977 F.2d 492, 497 (9th Cir. 1992). Here, the government introduced Garcia's prior conviction as proof that it was not a mistake or accident that drugs were found in Garcia's apartment, and to show that Garcia had knowledge of their presence. Garcia's prior conviction was not too remote in time under our precedent. United States v. Johnson, 132 F.3d 1279, 1283 (9th Cir. 1997); United States v. Vo, 413 F.3d 1010, 1018-19 (9th Cir. 2005). Moreover, any error in admitting the evidence was harmless given the strength of the government's case. See United States v. Hill, 953 F.2d 452, 458 (9th Cir. 1991).

3. The district court did not err in denying Garcia a minor role reduction under U.S.S.G.  3B1.2. Although the district court did not specifically address each of the five factors listed in the 2015 Amendment to this section of the Sentencing Guidelines, the Ninth Circuit does not require judges to tick off each factor. United States v. Carty, 520 F.3d 984, 992 (9th Cir. 2008) (en banc). Garcia's counsel briefed these five factors in depth and drew the court's attention to them during the sentencing. The record reflects that the district court appropriately weighed and discussed the factors, without enumerating them. Considering the totality of the circumstances, the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Garcia a sentencing reduction.

AFFIRMED.
A woman who was so desperate for somewhere to live that she stayed with a so-called "rent for sex" landlord, has said she is grateful that he did not rape her.

She added that she found myself apologising for not sleeping with him after she agreed to to his sexual demands in exchange for a roof over her head.

The woman, who has not been named, is one of a number of people caught up in what appears to be a growing trend in the UK.

In a new documentary, an undercover reporter discovers huge amounts of online adverts for rooms across the UK that come at a sexual, not financial cost.

Ellie Flynn filmed landlords telling her the arrangements are nothing abnormal, nothing strange. One said she could stay in his log cabin for a physical arrangement once a week, while another demanded she perform a sex act every other day.

A former tenant told her: I would just feel almost paralysed every time he tried to touch me, but he didnt force himself on me. So in a sense I am kind of grateful that he didnt do that.

The idea of consent kind of gets smashed up because a woman then thinks: This is the exchange that I have to give to this man in order for me to have a roof over my head.

Rent-for-sex adverts have appeared on websites like Craigslist for a number of years.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty

Housing charity Shelter has said the posts were expressly targeting homeless women and seeking to exploit the UKs housing crisis.

It said: This isnt just in bad taste or creepy. It is a dangerous attempt to establish deeply exploitative relationships off the back of homelessness.

Last year the Justice Secretary, David Lidington, said that rent-for-sex offers may breach the Sexual Offences Act.

An offence is committed when a person offers accommodation in return for sex, as they are inciting/causing another person to have sex with them in return for payment, he told Hove MP Peter Kyle in a letter.
A former chief executive of Save the Children has resigned from his role at Unicef following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Justin Forsyth said he was stepping down "with heavy heart", not because of his past mistakes, but "because of the danger of damaging both Unicef and Save the Children".

He has previously admitted making "some personal mistakes" during his time at Save the Children.

Mr Forsyth was twice subject to investigation at the charity after concerns were raised about his conduct in 2011 and again in 2015 involving three women. It has since apologised to the female employees and admitted their claims were not properly dealt with at the time.

Announcing his resignation, Mr Forsyth said in a statement: "With heavy heart, I am today tendering my resignation to Unicef as Deputy Executive Director. I want to make clear I am not resigning from Unicef because of the mistakes I made at Save the Children.

"They were dealt with through a proper process many years ago. I apologised unreservedly at the time and face to face. I apologise again."

He added: "There is no doubt in my mind that some of the coverage around me is not just to (rightly) hold me to account, but also to attempt to do serious damage to our cause and the case for aid. I am resigning because of the danger of damaging both Unicef and Save the Children and our wider cause.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty

"Two organisations I truly love and cherish. I can't let this happen."

The disclosures came after Brendan Cox, the widower of murdered MP Jo Cox, admitted that he made "mistakes" and behaved in a way that caused some women "hurt and offence" when he was working at Save the Children.

Both Mr Cox and Mr Forsyth had previously worked together at 10 Downing Street under Gordon Brown.
EU net migration is falling as more European citizens leave the UK and fewer arrive in the wake of the vote for Brexit, new statistics show.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said net migration in the year to September was 244,000 people  a similar level to early 2014 and down on record levels in the next two years.

The number of European citizens arriving has plummeted since the EU referendum, while the number of people from outside the bloc has increased.

EU net migration has fallen as fewer EU citizens are arriving, especially those coming to look for work in the UK, and the number leaving has risen - it has now returned to the level seen in 2012, said Nicola White, head of international migration statistics at the ONS.

The figures also show that non-EU net migration is now larger than EU net migration, mainly due to the large decrease in EU net migration over the last year. However, migration of both non-EU and EU citizens are still adding to the UK population.

Brexit could well be a factor in peoples decision to move to or from the UK, but peoples decision to migrate is complicated and can be influenced by lots of different reasons.

(ONS (ONS)

The number of EU citizens coming to the UK plummeted by 47,000 in the year and the number leaving  130,000  is the highest recorded level since the 2008 financial crisis.

Almost a quarter of a million people arrived in the UK to work in 2017, with the number of EU citizens falling by 58,000.

Most of the Europeans arriving had a definite job lined up, while a smaller proportion were looking for work.

Recommended Number of EU nationals being detained increases fivefold

The biggest nationality starting work in the year to September, according to National Insurance number registration data, was Romanian, followed by Polish, Italian, Bulgarian, Spanish and Indian - who accounted for more than half of all skilled work visas granted.

The ONS said that the overall employment rate for EU nationals was 81.2 per cent, followed by Brits at 75.6 per cent and non-EU nationals on 63.2 per cent.

George Koureas, a partner at immigration law firm Fragomen, said: The UK has become a significantly less attractive place for European citizens to work since Brexit, so its no surprise that more EU workers are leaving the country.

Although the Government may see this as good news, it presents a significant threat to UK businesses, already struggling to hire the skilled workers they need to thrive.

He said there could be a further impact from the Governments plan to double the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is paid by migrants to use the NHS, and caps on visas for skilled workers.

Businesses have little choice but to recruit workers from further afield and absorb the high cost of doing so, Mr Koureas added.

The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Show all 8 1 /8 The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Post-Brexit immigration workers sorting radishes on a production line at a farm in Norfolk. One possible post-Brexit immigration scheme could struggle to channel workers towards less attractive roles - while another may heighten the risk of labour exploitation, a new report warns. PA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Customs union A key point in the negotiations remains Britain's access to, or withdrawal from, the EU customs union. Since the referendum there has been hot debate over the meaning of Brexit: would it entail a full withdrawal from the existing agreement, known as hard Brexit, or the soft version in which we would remain part of a common customs area for most goods, as Turkey does? No 10 has so far insisted that Brexit means Brexit and that Britain will be leaving the customs union, but may be inclined to change its position once the potential risks to the UKs economic outlook become clearer. Alamy The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Northern Ireland-Irish border Though progress was made last year, there has still been no solid agreement on whether there should be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To ensure borderless travel on the island, the countries must be in regulatory alignment and therefore adhere to the same rules as the customs union. In December, the Conservative Partys coalition partners, the DUP, refused a draft agreement that would place the UK/EU border in the Irish Sea due to its potential to undermine the union. May has promised that would not be the case and has suggested that a specific solution would need to be found. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Transition period Despite protests from a small number of Conservative MPs, the Government and the EU are largely in agreement that a transitional period is needed after Brexit. The talks, however, have reached an impasse. Though May has agreed that the UK will continue to contribute to the EU budget until 2021, the PM wants to be able to select which laws made during this time the UK will have to adhere to. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the UK must adopt all of the laws passed during the transition, without any input from British ministers or MEPs. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Rights of EU citizens living the UK The Prime Minister has promised EU citizens already living in the UK the right to live and work here after Brexit, but the rights of those who arrive after Brexit day remains unclear. May insists that those who arrive during the transition period should not be allowed to stay, whereas the EU believe the cut-off point should be later. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreement (with the EU) Despite this being a key issue in negotiations, the Government has yet to lay out exactly what it wants from a trade deal with the EU. Infighting within the Cabinet has prevented a solid position from being reached, with some MPs content that "no deal is better than a bad deal" while others rally behind single market access. The EU has already confirmed that access to the single market would be impossible without the UK remaining in the customs union. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreements (internationally) The Government has already begun trying to woo foreign leaders into prospective trade agreements, with various high profile state visits to China, India and Canada for May, and the now infamous invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit London. However the UK cannot make trade agreements with another country while it is still a member of the EU, and the potential loss of trade with the world's major powers is a source of anxiety for the PM. The EU has said the UK cannot secure trade deals during the transition period. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Financial services Banks in the UK will be hit hard regardless of the Brexit outcome. The EU has refused to give British banks passporting rights to trade within the EU, dashing hopes of a special City deal. However according to new reports Germany has suggested allowing trade on the condition that the UK continues paying into the EU budget even after the transition period. Getty

The Government must take assertive steps to reassure UK plc by removing shortage occupations, such as NHS workers and engineers, as well as graduates, from the Tier Two visa cap in order to allow businesses to recruit the workers they need.

Professor Jonathan Portes, senior fellow at The UK in a Changing Europe unit at Kings College London said migration shifts could be driving a slowdown in Britains relative economic growth.

Falls in EU migration are already adversely affecting some sectors, for example the NHS, where they have aggravated existing staff shortages, he added.

Recommended EU citizens explain why they are leaving the UK

The reduced availability of EU workers also appears to be interacting with the UKs absurd quota system for highly skilled migrants from outside the EU, which in turn means that we are denying visas for desperately needed specialist doctors from outside the EU.

This illustrates, yet again, the inevitable unintended consequences of the Governments determination to centrally plan the UK labour market.

In 2017, the UK took in almost 15,000 refugees - 40 per cent of them children - through resettlement programmes and granting asylum or other forms of protection.

A rising number of people were resettled from other countries, such as those surrounding Syria, but the number of family reunion visas, granted asylum and protection applications were down.

Of the 20,000 Syrian refugees the Government pledged to take in in 2015, more than 10,500 have now arrived in the UK under a dedicated resettlement programme.

Hundreds of civilians have been killed in recent days in besieged Eastern Ghouta (AFP/Getty)

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said the initiative would hit its target early and announced she is holding talks on what could follow the scheme as the Syrian civil war continues to intensify.

Twenty thousand is definitely achievable by 2020 and I hope that we may get there earlier than that in fact, and at the moment I am consulting with stakeholders and really engaging with other departments to decide what we should have to replace that when we go forward after 2020, she said.

It is the largest number of any European country of resettlement from the region, it is the largest the UK has done from the region and people have been very kind about saying how effective it is and how good the care is when people get to the local authority.

Caroline Nokes, the immigration minister, restated the Governments commitment to bringing net migration down to the tens of thousands.

This means an immigration system that attracts and retains people who come to work and bring significant benefits to the UK but does not offer an open door to those who dont, she added.

Net migration remains 29,000 lower than it was a year ago and once we leave the EU we will be able to put in place an immigration system which works in the best interest of the whole of the UK.

At the same time, we have been clear that we want EU citizens already living here to have certainty about their future and the citizens rights agreement reached in December provided that.
More than 100 women in Yarls Wood Immigration Removal Centre have gone on hunger strike over inhumane conditions at the facility.

Around 120 female detainees began their protest on Wednesday, urging the Home Office to end offensive practices which they said leave people breaking down psychologically after being detained for immigration reasons.

Women taking part in the strike told The Independent they had given up thinking about the outside world due to uncertainty over being locked up indefinitely, saying the centre was failing to meet their health needs. One said she was struggling to find a reason to go on.

It comes as the Shadow Home Secretary, Diane Abbott, prepares to visit the centre on Friday. She has been trying to gain access for more than a year amid mounting concerns that women are being unnecessarily detained there and held in unfair conditions.

In a joint statement, the women on hunger strike said they believed the Home Office was overwhelmed, saying it was not fit for purpose and accusing it of operating in a rogue manner.

The Home Office... continues to detain victims of sexual and gender-based violence. The healthcare system does not meet the needs of most detainees. Ailments are left to become [very serious] before being dealt with if at all, it states.

Asylum seekers and other migrants are sent to Yarls Wood and other immigration detention centres when the Government wishes to establish their identities or facilitate their immigration claims, not because they have committed criminal offences.

The centre holds adult women and adult family groups who are subject to immigration control. The latest figures show 410 people are detained there.

One Algerian woman taking part in the strike, who was detained three months ago after living in the UK since the age of 11, told The Independent she felt she was being broken down by the system.

She said: Every day I wake up and I have to think of a reason to go on. Ive given up thinking about the outside  Ive given up thinking about it. I feel like Im in someones dungeon and no one is letting me out.

I might as well be blindfolded in a van going 100 miles an hour in a direction I dont know. The indefinite detention causes people so much stress. People are breaking down psychologically. We have no fight left. They break you down. Its inhumane.

And theres no psychological help. Ive tried speaking to a psychological nurse in the centre about issues I have, and he advised me to speak to my solicitor about it.

Another detainee from Kenya said she had developed stomach problems due to the food provided in the centre, but had been told there was no alternative so had stopped eating and subsequently lost 10kg.

She said at one point she was forced to walk across the centre to report to the Home Office as monthly protocol, despite suffering from severe diarrhoea which was not being treated. Is my health less important than the immigration matter? the woman asked.

In a handwritten document, the women on hunger strike accuse the Home Office of violating habeus corpus, as the majority of detainees are not detained by a judge. They also highlight that the Government refuses to accept that rape is torture, as rape victims are detained despite a policy stating victims of torture must not be detained for immigration reasons.

The document also highlights that the UK is the only country in the EU with no time limit on detention, and accuses the Home Office of incompetent and untimely manner in handling cases.

A Home Office spokesperson said: Detention and removal are essential parts of effective immigration controls, especially in support for the removal of those with no lawful basis to stay in the UK.

We take the welfare of our detainees very seriously and any detainees who choose to refuse food and fluid are closely monitored by on site healthcare professionals.

Commenting on the strike, Ms Abbott said: This is very disturbing news. I have been trying to get in to Yarls Wood for over a year and am finally being allowed to visit tomorrow. I intend to speak to the women there and hear first-hand their experiences and their concerns.

The hunger strike comes after research in November found the Government was routinely detaining victims of sexual violence in Yarls Wood in breach of its own policy, introduced in 2016, that it should not detain at risk or vulnerable people.

The research, by charity Women for Refugee Women, revealed that 85 per cent of women who had sought asylum and been detained after the new policy came into force were survivors of rape or other gender-based violence, including forced marriage, female genital mutilation and forced prostitution.

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A watchdog report published later in November found the majority of women held at the controversial detention centre were later released into the community, raising concerns as to why they were ever detained.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons also raised concerns over the continued detention of women who had been tortured and two responses where the Home Office had refused, without explanation, to accept that rape came within the legal definition of torture.
Boris Johnson is facing questions over the decision to waive the 6,000 fee for hosting the launch event of a hard-Brexit think tank at the Foreign Office.

The Foreign Secretary told Parliament on Tuesday that the launch event for the Institute for Free Trade (IFT) - which is run by Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan, a prominent Brexiteer - was held as "no cost to the public purse" in one of the Government's most prestigious venues.

Yet internal government emails, obtained by Greenpeace, revealed that Mr Johnson allowed the think tank to use an FCO suite for free for the event in September, which meant waiving the 6,000 commercial fee to hire the venue.

It also emerged that Sue Gray, the government's head of ethics, raised concerns two days after the event and said the IFT should pay "the full commercial rate" for using the Map Room, which, as state property, should only be used for official government business.

Despite her concerns, the Foreign Office did not subsequently ask the IFT to pay for the room, although the think tank did pay for security and refreshments at the event, which was also attended by fellow Brexiteers International Trade Secretary Liam Fox and Michael Gove, the Environment Secretary.

Critics have accused Mr Johnson of breaching the ministerial code by using Government resources for a political event, where he gave a speech calling for a Singapore-style economy after Brexit.

However Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood said the event was "handled in line with longstanding policy" and there had been no breach of the Civil Service, special advisers or ministerial codes.

In a letter to Labour MP Chuka Umunna, seen by The Independent, the head of the civil service said: "Official involvement in organising the event was limited to basic logistical support. IFT covered all expenditure arising from the event.

"Given that the event supported the Government's objectives on free trade, IFT was not charged for its use of the FCO rooms."

The Foreign Office has changed its policy on charging organisations to use its rooms since the event, which moves it in line with other Whitehall departments, Sir Jeremy said.

He added: "The FCO also considered whether to charge IFT a booking fee retrospectively.

"However, as the approach to charging for the event was within the scope of the FCO room booking rules at the time, they decided that it would not be appropriate to do so."

Mr Umunna, a supporter of the Open Britain campaign, said it was "frankly unacceptable" that an "overtly political" event had been hosted at the Foreign Office without charge.

He said: "The ideologues running the IFT shouldnt be given freebies by the Government.

The Foreign Secretary is trying to make light of this. But pandering to fanatical hard Brexit-supporting ideologues in this way is no laughing matter.

His concern was echoed by Labour MP Chris Bryant, who pressed Mr Johnson on the issue in Parliament on Tuesday.

Mr Bryant said: "He (Mr Johnson) pretended that he had been completely exonerated, but in fact the Cabinet Secretary has made it clear that the Foreign Office should have charged the IFT for the use of the Map Room in line with the practice across the rest of government.

The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Show all 8 1 /8 The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Post-Brexit immigration workers sorting radishes on a production line at a farm in Norfolk. One possible post-Brexit immigration scheme could struggle to channel workers towards less attractive roles - while another may heighten the risk of labour exploitation, a new report warns. PA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Customs union A key point in the negotiations remains Britain's access to, or withdrawal from, the EU customs union. Since the referendum there has been hot debate over the meaning of Brexit: would it entail a full withdrawal from the existing agreement, known as hard Brexit, or the soft version in which we would remain part of a common customs area for most goods, as Turkey does? No 10 has so far insisted that Brexit means Brexit and that Britain will be leaving the customs union, but may be inclined to change its position once the potential risks to the UKs economic outlook become clearer. Alamy The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Northern Ireland-Irish border Though progress was made last year, there has still been no solid agreement on whether there should be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To ensure borderless travel on the island, the countries must be in regulatory alignment and therefore adhere to the same rules as the customs union. In December, the Conservative Partys coalition partners, the DUP, refused a draft agreement that would place the UK/EU border in the Irish Sea due to its potential to undermine the union. May has promised that would not be the case and has suggested that a specific solution would need to be found. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Transition period Despite protests from a small number of Conservative MPs, the Government and the EU are largely in agreement that a transitional period is needed after Brexit. The talks, however, have reached an impasse. Though May has agreed that the UK will continue to contribute to the EU budget until 2021, the PM wants to be able to select which laws made during this time the UK will have to adhere to. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the UK must adopt all of the laws passed during the transition, without any input from British ministers or MEPs. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Rights of EU citizens living the UK The Prime Minister has promised EU citizens already living in the UK the right to live and work here after Brexit, but the rights of those who arrive after Brexit day remains unclear. May insists that those who arrive during the transition period should not be allowed to stay, whereas the EU believe the cut-off point should be later. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreement (with the EU) Despite this being a key issue in negotiations, the Government has yet to lay out exactly what it wants from a trade deal with the EU. Infighting within the Cabinet has prevented a solid position from being reached, with some MPs content that "no deal is better than a bad deal" while others rally behind single market access. The EU has already confirmed that access to the single market would be impossible without the UK remaining in the customs union. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreements (internationally) The Government has already begun trying to woo foreign leaders into prospective trade agreements, with various high profile state visits to China, India and Canada for May, and the now infamous invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit London. However the UK cannot make trade agreements with another country while it is still a member of the EU, and the potential loss of trade with the world's major powers is a source of anxiety for the PM. The EU has said the UK cannot secure trade deals during the transition period. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Financial services Banks in the UK will be hit hard regardless of the Brexit outcome. The EU has refused to give British banks passporting rights to trade within the EU, dashing hopes of a special City deal. However according to new reports Germany has suggested allowing trade on the condition that the UK continues paying into the EU budget even after the transition period. Getty

"The truth is this was a private party going on free of charge on Government premises, using civil service staff and sanctioned by the Foreign Secretary.

"The IFT may seem like a fringe group of wacky fanatics, but the reality is they are highly influential and are pushing a dangerous agenda."

Doug Parr, policy director at Greenpeace, said: "It looks like Boris Johnson and Liam Fox pulled out all the stops to help launch a new pressure group that wants to weaken precious British standards around food, animal welfare and the environment - the very areas Gove and May claim will be protected when we leave the EU.

"The IFT advocates the hardest of Brexits to secure a trade deal with Trump's America and now we know the British people helped pay for their coming out party."

An FCO spokesperson said: The Cabinet Secretary has made clear he does not believe the event or its organisation raises any issues with the Ministerial Code, the Special Advisers Code, or the Civil Service Code.
Britains Brexit divorce bill will rise by up to 5bn if Theresa May seeks a longer transition period than Brussels wants, a commons inquiry has been told.

A government minister did not dispute the figure, which was put to him by the chair of the European Scrutiny Committee.

This is something which, like the Roald Dahl Tales of The Unexpected, has suddenly appeared, said Sir Bill Cash, the committees Conservative chair.

Recommended UK would have to pay higher divorce bill for longer transition period

The transition period was beginning to look as long as a piece of string, Sir Bill told Robin Walker, the Brexit minister, and Sir Tim Barrow, the UKs ambassador to the EU.

In reply, Sir Tim acknowledged that the Governments estimate of the financial settlement  between 35bn and 39bn  was based on the transition concluding at the end of 2020.

Guidelines issued by No 10 yesterday hinted that the transition could be longer, while repeating the aim for it to be around two years from Brexit Day, in March 2019  therefore, extending into at least 2021.

However, Sir Tim insisted there was no question of a transition of unlimited duration  pointing to the EUs directives seeking a conclusion at the close of 2020.

That is the basis on which we are currently talking to the Commission, he told the committee.

The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Show all 8 1 /8 The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Post-Brexit immigration workers sorting radishes on a production line at a farm in Norfolk. One possible post-Brexit immigration scheme could struggle to channel workers towards less attractive roles - while another may heighten the risk of labour exploitation, a new report warns. PA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Customs union A key point in the negotiations remains Britain's access to, or withdrawal from, the EU customs union. Since the referendum there has been hot debate over the meaning of Brexit: would it entail a full withdrawal from the existing agreement, known as hard Brexit, or the soft version in which we would remain part of a common customs area for most goods, as Turkey does? No 10 has so far insisted that Brexit means Brexit and that Britain will be leaving the customs union, but may be inclined to change its position once the potential risks to the UKs economic outlook become clearer. Alamy The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Northern Ireland-Irish border Though progress was made last year, there has still been no solid agreement on whether there should be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To ensure borderless travel on the island, the countries must be in regulatory alignment and therefore adhere to the same rules as the customs union. In December, the Conservative Partys coalition partners, the DUP, refused a draft agreement that would place the UK/EU border in the Irish Sea due to its potential to undermine the union. May has promised that would not be the case and has suggested that a specific solution would need to be found. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Transition period Despite protests from a small number of Conservative MPs, the Government and the EU are largely in agreement that a transitional period is needed after Brexit. The talks, however, have reached an impasse. Though May has agreed that the UK will continue to contribute to the EU budget until 2021, the PM wants to be able to select which laws made during this time the UK will have to adhere to. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the UK must adopt all of the laws passed during the transition, without any input from British ministers or MEPs. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Rights of EU citizens living the UK The Prime Minister has promised EU citizens already living in the UK the right to live and work here after Brexit, but the rights of those who arrive after Brexit day remains unclear. May insists that those who arrive during the transition period should not be allowed to stay, whereas the EU believe the cut-off point should be later. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreement (with the EU) Despite this being a key issue in negotiations, the Government has yet to lay out exactly what it wants from a trade deal with the EU. Infighting within the Cabinet has prevented a solid position from being reached, with some MPs content that "no deal is better than a bad deal" while others rally behind single market access. The EU has already confirmed that access to the single market would be impossible without the UK remaining in the customs union. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreements (internationally) The Government has already begun trying to woo foreign leaders into prospective trade agreements, with various high profile state visits to China, India and Canada for May, and the now infamous invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit London. However the UK cannot make trade agreements with another country while it is still a member of the EU, and the potential loss of trade with the world's major powers is a source of anxiety for the PM. The EU has said the UK cannot secure trade deals during the transition period. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Financial services Banks in the UK will be hit hard regardless of the Brexit outcome. The EU has refused to give British banks passporting rights to trade within the EU, dashing hopes of a special City deal. However according to new reports Germany has suggested allowing trade on the condition that the UK continues paying into the EU budget even after the transition period. Getty

Nevertheless, the latest UK document states  to the fury of many pro-Brexit Tory MPs  that Britain would only stop following all EU rules when both sides are ready to implement the future partnership.

On Wednesday, an EU source exclusively told The Independent: Britain will have to pay for any transition beyond 2020, probably annually and with no rebate.

Sir Bill did not explain how the cross-party scrutiny committee had learned that the increase in the divorce bill was expected to be between 4bn and 5bn.

The revelation will add to controversy over the size and details of the settlement, which the Prime Minister has sought to obscure.

It is already being investigated by the National Audit Office (NAO), which will pore over the assumptions and methodologies used to calculate the payment, to settle Britains liabilities before EU withdrawal.

Ministers have already clashed with the EU after Brussels insisted the money will have to be paid, even if talks to strike a post-Brexit trade agreement fails.

Labour MP David Lammy, a supporter of the anti-Brexit Best for Britain campaign, seized on the increase, saying: The Prime Minister needs to come clean about the true cost of Brexit.

With every passing day, the apparent benefits of leaving that the people of this country were promised by Leave campaigners are being revealed as illusory and the costs are becoming ever greater.

In his evidence, Mr Walker also confirmed that the transition would require a complete acceptance of EU law  with no voting rights in the council of ministers, or European Parliament.

That is the approach that we have consistently taken to this, but recognising it will be for a time-limited period, he said.

Britain is arguing for a mechanism for raising concerns before new regulations are introduced, but the EU seems certain to reject the request.

The minister did not dispute that none of the 50-odd third countries with which the EU has trade deals had so far agreed to roll over those agreements after Brexit.

Geraint Davies, a Labour MP, said he had been told that Chile and South Korea were demanding more favourable terms in order to do so.

Sir Tim said he had had no conversations with any countries that appeared to object to continuing the trade deals with the UK.

Mr Walker also downplayed No 10s suggestion that oversight by the European Court of Justice  something else which angers Brexiteers  would end at some point during the transition period.
Prominent Conservative backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg has dismissed a government document setting out the UKs approach to its transition out of the EU as a poor piece of work.

Mr Rees-Mogg, who backs a harder Brexit, attacked the document after it appeared to open the way for a transition longer than the 21 months set out by the European Union.

He and other right wingers on the Tory benches are already angry that the current terms of the transition appear to maintain the conditions of the UKs EU membership and want the period kept as short as possible.

The Governments plan for the transition was leaked shortly before being published on Wednesday, with some ministers later claiming privately that they were not consulted on it.

Writing in The Telegraph today, Mr Rees-Mogg said of the document: This appears to be a poor piece of work.

It has been disowned by ministers as not representing government policy. Transition must be time limited. The EU suggests 21 months, it is peculiar that the leak reveals Whitehall proposing the opposite.

On Thursday The Independent revealed that Britain could also be forced to pay more for its Brexit divorce bill if it tries to elongate the period after March 2019 to have more time to prepare for EU withdrawal.

 Brexit: Britain asks EU to consider longer transition period

Mr Rees-Mogg went on: There is also no mention of the ability to apply immigration controls. Concern over lost control over migration was a significant issue in the referendum. Whoever compiled this document proposes no changes to it for an indefinite period and would thereby let down millions of voters.

What happens to EU citizens rights is a key point of conflict over the transition period, with Brussels wanting those arriving in the UK after March 2019 to keep the same rights as those coming before and Theresa May insisting they should be treated differently.

Ms May has consistently said that the transition period  or implementation period as she calls it  should be around two years and not be indefinite.

But in an explanatory note to go along with its official plan for the period, UK negotiators said: The UK believes the periods duration should be determined simply by how long it will take to prepare and implement the new processes and new systems that will underpin the future partnership.

The UK agrees this points to a period of around two years, but wishes to discuss with the EU the assessment that supports its proposed end date.

In a proposed amendment to the transition agreement  which is currently being pored over by negotiators on both sides  the UK has bracketed out 31 December 2020, which was the EUs suggested finish point.

The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Show all 8 1 /8 The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Post-Brexit immigration workers sorting radishes on a production line at a farm in Norfolk. One possible post-Brexit immigration scheme could struggle to channel workers towards less attractive roles - while another may heighten the risk of labour exploitation, a new report warns. PA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Customs union A key point in the negotiations remains Britain's access to, or withdrawal from, the EU customs union. Since the referendum there has been hot debate over the meaning of Brexit: would it entail a full withdrawal from the existing agreement, known as hard Brexit, or the soft version in which we would remain part of a common customs area for most goods, as Turkey does? No 10 has so far insisted that Brexit means Brexit and that Britain will be leaving the customs union, but may be inclined to change its position once the potential risks to the UKs economic outlook become clearer. Alamy The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Northern Ireland-Irish border Though progress was made last year, there has still been no solid agreement on whether there should be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To ensure borderless travel on the island, the countries must be in regulatory alignment and therefore adhere to the same rules as the customs union. In December, the Conservative Partys coalition partners, the DUP, refused a draft agreement that would place the UK/EU border in the Irish Sea due to its potential to undermine the union. May has promised that would not be the case and has suggested that a specific solution would need to be found. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Transition period Despite protests from a small number of Conservative MPs, the Government and the EU are largely in agreement that a transitional period is needed after Brexit. The talks, however, have reached an impasse. Though May has agreed that the UK will continue to contribute to the EU budget until 2021, the PM wants to be able to select which laws made during this time the UK will have to adhere to. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the UK must adopt all of the laws passed during the transition, without any input from British ministers or MEPs. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Rights of EU citizens living the UK The Prime Minister has promised EU citizens already living in the UK the right to live and work here after Brexit, but the rights of those who arrive after Brexit day remains unclear. May insists that those who arrive during the transition period should not be allowed to stay, whereas the EU believe the cut-off point should be later. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreement (with the EU) Despite this being a key issue in negotiations, the Government has yet to lay out exactly what it wants from a trade deal with the EU. Infighting within the Cabinet has prevented a solid position from being reached, with some MPs content that "no deal is better than a bad deal" while others rally behind single market access. The EU has already confirmed that access to the single market would be impossible without the UK remaining in the customs union. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreements (internationally) The Government has already begun trying to woo foreign leaders into prospective trade agreements, with various high profile state visits to China, India and Canada for May, and the now infamous invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit London. However the UK cannot make trade agreements with another country while it is still a member of the EU, and the potential loss of trade with the world's major powers is a source of anxiety for the PM. The EU has said the UK cannot secure trade deals during the transition period. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Financial services Banks in the UK will be hit hard regardless of the Brexit outcome. The EU has refused to give British banks passporting rights to trade within the EU, dashing hopes of a special City deal. However according to new reports Germany has suggested allowing trade on the condition that the UK continues paying into the EU budget even after the transition period. Getty

Notably, some previously voiced British concerns about the nature of the transition, including the application of free movement to EU citizens who come to the UK during it, are absent from the document  potentially suggesting the UK may be softening its opposition to the other terms presented by the EU.

The development on the end date confirms reports by The Independent last month that the UK was considering asking for a longer period because it was not sure that the duration proposed by Brussels would give it enough time to prepare.

Depending on the future trade deal struck with Brussels the UK might have to significantly overhaul the physical infrastructure of its ports and airports to cope with a dramatic increase in customs checks, as well as do other work that has yet to actually begin nearly two years after the referendum.

The transition is highly controversial with Conservative Brexiteers, who say that it amounts to making Britain a vassal state of the EU where it would follow EU rules without having any say over what they were. Brexit Secretary David Davis has however said the period is a bridge to the future and only amounts to a short period in the EUs orbit.

Brexit minister Steve Baker said on Wednesday: You can see that they want us to exit at the end of the budget period, the Prime Minister is suggesting two years. But what will be the case is, when weve agreed, there will be a fixed date.
Theresa May has been accused of running scared of a Commons vote on whether the UK should stay in the EU customs union, after the clash was shelved.

The showdown on one of the key Brexit disputes has been delayed until at least April, The Independent has learned, as the Government contemplates a possible defeat.

The Prime Minister is believed to be determined not to risk such a show of weakness until after next months crucial European Council meeting, which is meant to agree the transitional deal she is seeking.

Chris Leslie MP, a Labour MP backing the amendment, said: It looks like the Government is running scared from a vote on the customs union, because they're terrified they'll lose.

MPs from across all parties have the national interest at heart in wanting to ensure we don't crash out of the customs union, damaging trade with our largest partner and putting jobs in this country at risk.

 What could the sticking points be in the Brexit trade deal?

Anna Soubry and Ken Clarke, two prominent pro-EU Conservative MPs, are leading a Tory rebellion to keep Britain in a customs union in the EU in the same terms as existed before exit day.

Labour is likely to vote for the amendment, after Jeremy Corbyn said, this week: We have to have a customs union.

The new Commons timetable confirms that a vote  expected next week  has been delayed until at least next month, but The Independent has been told it will not be staged until after Easter.

The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Show all 8 1 /8 The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Post-Brexit immigration workers sorting radishes on a production line at a farm in Norfolk. One possible post-Brexit immigration scheme could struggle to channel workers towards less attractive roles - while another may heighten the risk of labour exploitation, a new report warns. PA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Customs union A key point in the negotiations remains Britain's access to, or withdrawal from, the EU customs union. Since the referendum there has been hot debate over the meaning of Brexit: would it entail a full withdrawal from the existing agreement, known as hard Brexit, or the soft version in which we would remain part of a common customs area for most goods, as Turkey does? No 10 has so far insisted that Brexit means Brexit and that Britain will be leaving the customs union, but may be inclined to change its position once the potential risks to the UKs economic outlook become clearer. Alamy The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Northern Ireland-Irish border Though progress was made last year, there has still been no solid agreement on whether there should be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To ensure borderless travel on the island, the countries must be in regulatory alignment and therefore adhere to the same rules as the customs union. In December, the Conservative Partys coalition partners, the DUP, refused a draft agreement that would place the UK/EU border in the Irish Sea due to its potential to undermine the union. May has promised that would not be the case and has suggested that a specific solution would need to be found. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Transition period Despite protests from a small number of Conservative MPs, the Government and the EU are largely in agreement that a transitional period is needed after Brexit. The talks, however, have reached an impasse. Though May has agreed that the UK will continue to contribute to the EU budget until 2021, the PM wants to be able to select which laws made during this time the UK will have to adhere to. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the UK must adopt all of the laws passed during the transition, without any input from British ministers or MEPs. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Rights of EU citizens living the UK The Prime Minister has promised EU citizens already living in the UK the right to live and work here after Brexit, but the rights of those who arrive after Brexit day remains unclear. May insists that those who arrive during the transition period should not be allowed to stay, whereas the EU believe the cut-off point should be later. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreement (with the EU) Despite this being a key issue in negotiations, the Government has yet to lay out exactly what it wants from a trade deal with the EU. Infighting within the Cabinet has prevented a solid position from being reached, with some MPs content that "no deal is better than a bad deal" while others rally behind single market access. The EU has already confirmed that access to the single market would be impossible without the UK remaining in the customs union. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreements (internationally) The Government has already begun trying to woo foreign leaders into prospective trade agreements, with various high profile state visits to China, India and Canada for May, and the now infamous invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit London. However the UK cannot make trade agreements with another country while it is still a member of the EU, and the potential loss of trade with the world's major powers is a source of anxiety for the PM. The EU has said the UK cannot secure trade deals during the transition period. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Financial services Banks in the UK will be hit hard regardless of the Brexit outcome. The EU has refused to give British banks passporting rights to trade within the EU, dashing hopes of a special City deal. However according to new reports Germany has suggested allowing trade on the condition that the UK continues paying into the EU budget even after the transition period. Getty

Mr Leslie, a supporter of pro-EU Open Britain campaign, said the Prime Minister could not avoid the clash, adding: Parliament will have its say on this, whether the Government wants it to or not.

Ms Soubry and Mr Clarke have tabled similar amendments to both the Taxation (Cross-Border Trade) Bill and to the separate Trade Bill.

The amendment to the Trade Bill is easier for Labour to support because it would keep the UK in a customs union in the EU  rather than the customs union.

John McDonnell, the Shadow Chancellor, said the party could support a customs union because it would give the UK the ability to influence trade negotiations, instead of tying its hands.

Separately, furious pro-Brexit Tories are poised to mount a stand because the Taxation Bill would allow for Britain to rejoin the EU customs union without a further Bill, should MPs vote for it in future.

Ms May has vowed the UK will leave the single market and the customs union, but conceded she must abide by their rules in the transition period of around two years.

Businesses have repeatedly warned of their fears that leaving will bring an explosion in red tape, disruption to trade flows and huge queues at border points.

Meanwhile, the EU believes that only staying in both the single market and the customs union can solve the problem of avoiding new border post and checks on the Irish border.

Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom ducked accusations that both Bills were being delayed, while confirming that no date had been set for report stage for either piece of legislation.
Theresa May hopes an 'away day' at Chequers will help bring her warring cabinet ministers together (Getty)

Theresa May is hosting ten of her most senior cabinet ministers at Chequers this afternoon as they attempt to reach an agreement on the UK's future relationship with the EU.

It follows two meetings of the 'Brexit war cabinet' earlier this month that failed to reach a compromise. Pro-EU ministers such as Philip Hammond and Amber Rudd have clashed with Brexiteers like Boris Johnson and Liam Fox about how close a relationship the UK should maintain with Europe.

Today's meeting is designed to agree a shared position before Theresa May gives a major speech on Brexit later next week. Jeremy Corbyn will also give a speech on the issue on Monday, with speculation he will soften Labour's stance - possibly with a pledge to keep the UK in the customs union.

Before senior ministers head to Chequers, Robin Walker, the Brexit minister, and Sir Tim Barrow, the UK's representative to the EU, were grilled by Parliament's European Scrutiny Committee, while Liam Fox faced an hour of questions from MPs in the Commons chamber.
Labour has announced a further shift towards a softer Brexit stance by saying it would seek to strike joint trade deals with the EU, using Britains clout.

Emily Thornberry, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, suggested Labour would give up the freedom to sign independent agreements  arguing that staying in a partnership would bring bigger benefits.

The move comes just days before a major speech by Jeremy Corbyn, which is designed to clear up confusion about Labours Brexit policy, particularly over the customs union.

However, it is certain to be seized on by the Conservatives as evidence that Labour cannot be trusted to deliver on the referendum result  including, it is argued, the wish for an independent trade policy.

Interviewed on LBC Radio, Ms Thornberry said Labour wanted to negotiate a new agreement that would be pretty much like the current customs union.

Asked if that would mean Britain would be unable to strike its own trade agreements without the EUs approval, she replied: No, I wouldnt put it that way.

But she added: I would say that we would take advantage of being in a partnership with the European Union in order to be able to, for example, negotiate with China.

China wouldnt just be negotiating with Britain  it would be Britain and the European Union.

The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Show all 8 1 /8 The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Post-Brexit immigration workers sorting radishes on a production line at a farm in Norfolk. One possible post-Brexit immigration scheme could struggle to channel workers towards less attractive roles - while another may heighten the risk of labour exploitation, a new report warns. PA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Customs union A key point in the negotiations remains Britain's access to, or withdrawal from, the EU customs union. Since the referendum there has been hot debate over the meaning of Brexit: would it entail a full withdrawal from the existing agreement, known as hard Brexit, or the soft version in which we would remain part of a common customs area for most goods, as Turkey does? No 10 has so far insisted that Brexit means Brexit and that Britain will be leaving the customs union, but may be inclined to change its position once the potential risks to the UKs economic outlook become clearer. Alamy The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Northern Ireland-Irish border Though progress was made last year, there has still been no solid agreement on whether there should be a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To ensure borderless travel on the island, the countries must be in regulatory alignment and therefore adhere to the same rules as the customs union. In December, the Conservative Partys coalition partners, the DUP, refused a draft agreement that would place the UK/EU border in the Irish Sea due to its potential to undermine the union. May has promised that would not be the case and has suggested that a specific solution would need to be found. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Transition period Despite protests from a small number of Conservative MPs, the Government and the EU are largely in agreement that a transitional period is needed after Brexit. The talks, however, have reached an impasse. Though May has agreed that the UK will continue to contribute to the EU budget until 2021, the PM wants to be able to select which laws made during this time the UK will have to adhere to. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the UK must adopt all of the laws passed during the transition, without any input from British ministers or MEPs. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Rights of EU citizens living the UK The Prime Minister has promised EU citizens already living in the UK the right to live and work here after Brexit, but the rights of those who arrive after Brexit day remains unclear. May insists that those who arrive during the transition period should not be allowed to stay, whereas the EU believe the cut-off point should be later. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreement (with the EU) Despite this being a key issue in negotiations, the Government has yet to lay out exactly what it wants from a trade deal with the EU. Infighting within the Cabinet has prevented a solid position from being reached, with some MPs content that "no deal is better than a bad deal" while others rally behind single market access. The EU has already confirmed that access to the single market would be impossible without the UK remaining in the customs union. Getty The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Future trade agreements (internationally) The Government has already begun trying to woo foreign leaders into prospective trade agreements, with various high profile state visits to China, India and Canada for May, and the now infamous invitation to US President Donald Trump to visit London. However the UK cannot make trade agreements with another country while it is still a member of the EU, and the potential loss of trade with the world's major powers is a source of anxiety for the PM. The EU has said the UK cannot secure trade deals during the transition period. EPA The biggest issues facing UK on leaving EU Financial services Banks in the UK will be hit hard regardless of the Brexit outcome. The EU has refused to give British banks passporting rights to trade within the EU, dashing hopes of a special City deal. However according to new reports Germany has suggested allowing trade on the condition that the UK continues paying into the EU budget even after the transition period. Getty

Ms Thornberry suggested Brussels would embrace the benefits, adding: The European Union would have the advantage of not only negotiating on their behalf, but they would have the additional clout of being able to work in partnership with us.

We bring the additional clout of our large economy and we would have to  as a quid pro quo  be involved in forming those relationships and making sure those rules were in accordance with British interests.

The new customs union plan increases the danger for Theresa May that she will lose a looming Commons showdown on leaving the trading arrangement.

Anna Soubry and Ken Clarke, two prominent pro-EU Conservative MPs, are leading a Tory rebellion that  in alliance with Labour  could defeat the Government

The vote has been shelved for at least two months, prompting accusations that the Prime Minister is running scared from a clash that could humiliate and weaken her.

Mr Corbyns policy towards the customs union and the single market is evolving and deepening, a shadow cabinet colleague said this week.

His stance is shifting amid a growing recognition that leaving the EUs economic structures threatens the return of border posts and customs checks on the Irish border.

Labour has also been influenced by the leak of the Governments own Brexit analysis, which suggested only tiny gains from an independent trade policy.

It forecast a boost of just 0.2 per cent to GDP over 15 years from a deal with the US, for example, failing to compensate for the losses from EU withdrawal.

In stark contrast, the analysis found that output would be 8 per cent lower than expected under a no-deal Brexit, by 5 per cent with a free trade agreement and by 2 per cent even if there is a soft Brexit.
Oxford council has been criticised after it banned an anti-Brexit bus from stopping in a street in the city.

The Brexit Facts Bus, which is a response to the infamous bus claiming 350m would be spent on the NHS after Britain leaves the EU, was crowdfunded and is currently touring the UK.

However, it has been stopped from parking in Broad Street, Oxford, which has led to some criticising the council for attacking free speech.

John Tanner, secretary of the Oxford European Association, said it was "extraordinary".

"The county council appears to be saying that anything that's political has no place on the public highway, which is news to me," Mr Tanner told the BBC.

Conservative-controlled Oxfordshire County Council said it could not "permit political advertising on the highway".

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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Oxford West and Abingdons Liberal Democrat MP, Layla Moran, said the ban "can only be seen as a politically motivated move.

The bus will travel across the UK until 28 February.
MPs have attacked a three-month delay since the Chancellor pledged to tackle the huge environmental damage from plastic pollution  protesting that no action has followed.

In his November Budget, Philip Hammond vowed to investigate new charges to make the UK a world leader in tackling the scourge of plastic littering our planet and our oceans.

We cannot keep our promise to the next generation to build an economy fit for the future unless we ensure our planet has a future, he told the Commons.

But, three months later, the Treasury has failed to start a consultation on what action to take, or even explain which Government department will run it.

The protest comes from the Commons Environmental Audit Committee, which has  in the meantime  recommended a 25p charge is levied on all drinks sold in disposable cups, which are lined with polyethylene.

Mary Creagh, the committees chairwoman, said: Pollution from single use plastic packaging is choking our oceans and devastating marine wildlife.

Three months ago, ministers promised to look at using the tax system reduce the use of throwaway plastics, but still have not published a call for evidence.

The Government has talked the talk on plastics pollution, but it has been too slow to walk the walk.

In a stinging letter, sent to Mr Hammond and Michael Gove, the Environment Secretary, the committee demands to know when ministers will set out action to curb the 700,000 plastic bottles that are littered every day.

These are just one example of single-use plastics that can end up in our seas and oceans, killing wildlife and breaking down into harmful microplastics, Ms Creagh added.

In response, the Treasury insisted a call for evidence would be issued shortly  but could not say if a consultation on proposed measures would follow.

Mr Hammond won praise for his Budget speech, when he said: Audiences across the country, glued to Blue Planet II, have been starkly reminded of the problems of plastics pollution.

The UK led the world on climate change agreements, and is a pioneer in protecting marine environments.

Now I want us to become a world leader in tackling the scourge of plastic littering our planet and our oceans.

Since then, Mrs May has delivered the first major speech on the environment from a sitting prime minister since 2004 and published a 25-year green plan with the ambition of abolishing plastic waste by 2042.

However, it was widely criticised for being vague, for the lack of proposed legislation and for the lengthy timescales for dealing with various problems.

Meanwhile, Mr Gove appeared cool towards the audit committees call for the 25p so-called latte levy, to change people's behaviour and fund better waste reprocessing facilities.

However, a poll for The Independent  which is campaigning for the charge  found that most people backed it and agreed it would persuade them to stop using the cups.

The Treasury spokeswoman said: Were fully committed to reducing the use of harmful single-use plastics  and the damage they cause to the worlds oceans and wildlife.

Our call for evidence  launching shortly - will build on Britains world-leading ban on microbeads and plastic bag charge, forming a major part of the governments 25 year Environment Plan.
Theresa May has rebuffed accusations from Stormzy that she had forgotten about the victims of the Grenfell Tower blaze.

The grime artist attacked the Prime Minister during a politically charged performance at the Brit Awards on Wednesday night, where he lashed out at the Governments response to the devastating tower block fire in west London last year.

Downing Street insisted that Ms May is absolutely committed to supporting people affected by the tragedy, which killed 71 people and provoked a wave of public outrage.

Recommended Stormzy uses Brit Awards to call out Theresa May over Grenfell

Stormzy, who won two of the biggest awards of the night, closed the televised ceremony by singing: Yo Theresa May, wheres the money for Grenfell?

What, you thought we just forgot about Grenfell? You criminals, and youve got the cheek to call us savages, you should do some jail time, you should pay some damages, you should burn your house down and see if you can manage this.

The PMs official spokesman said he was not aware of any plans for Ms May to meet Stormzy, who has been a vocal supporter of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

He told a Westminster briefing: The Prime Minister has been very clear that Grenfell was an unimaginable tragedy that should never have happened and must never happen again.

Shes determined that the public inquiry will discover not just what went wrong but why the voices of the people of Grenfell were ignored over so many years.

In terms of support for the people affected by this tragedy, more than 58 million has been committed.

Her spokesman was unable to say whether Ms May was a fan of the award-winning grime star but confirmed that she did not watch the annual awards ceremony.

Stormzy was praised for his comments by several politicians, including Mr Corbyn, who said: Congratulations, Stormzy, for winning your first Brit award and what a powerful performance #Grenfell.

Kensington and Chelsea MP Emma Dent Coad also tweeted: Thank you for speaking truth to power Stormzy.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty

In Kensington we will never forget. We will never stop fighting for justice. No justice, no peace.

Tottenham MP David Lammy took to Twitter to show his support, adding: Respect Stormzy for speaking truth to power.

The grime star spoke out about Grenfell Tower during a set at Glastonbury Festival, and denounced Ms May as a paigon - slang for a liar - during the GQ awards last year.
A pair of assault rifles, nearly 100-high-capacity magazines and two handguns were discovered in the home of a 17-year-old who was arrested for threatening to open fire at his school in California.

Security guard Marino Chavez reported the teenager to police after he overheard him saying that he was going to shoot up the school sometime in the next three weeks.

He made the comments at the El Camino High School in Whittier, two days after 17 people were killed when a gunman opened fire on a Florida high school.

Mr Chavez said when he asked the student about the threat, he confirmed he made it but said he was just kidding and did not mean it.

He had apparently been angry a teacher told him he could not wear headphones in the classroom, the guard said.

Im not a hero. I was just doing my job, Mr Chavez told a press conference.

Los Angeles County Sheriffs patrol cars leave El Camino High School in Whittier, California (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

Although the boy claimed his comment was a joke and investigators did not uncover a specific plot, Los Angeles County Sheriff, Jim McDonnell said it showed the need to take every potential threat seriously.

This is an example of something that could have potentially went down that path, but didnt, he said. As we see these incidents occur one after another, were all looking to say how do we stop this?

The 17-year-olds brother is facing charges of possession of an assault weapon, importing a high-capacity magazine and other violations (AFP/Getty Images)

When police searched the teenagers home, they found two AR-15 rifles, 90 high-capacity magazines and two handguns, including one left in a hallway laundry basket, the sheriff said.

He had an extensive disciplinary history at the school, was arrested on suspicion of making a criminal threat and was in custody, Sheriff McDonnell added.

His 28-year-old brother, told deputies he purchased the guns while serving in the Army in Texas. One of the rifles was not registered, which is a felony in California, Sheriff McDonnell said.

The brother is facing charges of possession of an assault weapon, importing a high-capacity magazine and other violations.

We take all the threats we receive seriously, Sheriff McDonnell said. Anytime we can get a chance to prevent something like that happening, we all come away from that very relieved.

 Florida school students form giant human heart to honour Parkland shooting victims

A national organisation that tracks school threats said it has recorded around 50 a day on average since the Florida shooting, compared with about 10 a day on average.

School threats since the Florida shooting include dozens on social media, about 10 incidents where a gun was brought to school and 22 bomb threats, said Amy Klinger, director of programmes for the Ohio-based Educators School Safety Network.

An Oregon high school student was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct after police said he sent a social media message to a girl at another high school reading: I am the shooter!

The 15-year-old boy has claimed the message was a joke.

Florida shooting  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Florida shooting  in pictures Florida shooting  in pictures Police arrest a suspect in connection with the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida Reuters Florida shooting  in pictures Parents wait for news after reports of a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida AP Florida shooting  in pictures Anxious family members wait for news of students AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee Florida shooting  in pictures Students being evacuated from the school AP Florida shooting  in pictures Students being evacuated from the school Getty Florida shooting  in pictures People gather waiting for word from students AP Florida shooting  in pictures Parents waiting for news on their children AP Florida shooting  in pictures People gather at a hotel where students were taken after the shooting Getty Florida shooting  in pictures Florida Governor Rick Scott speaks to the media as he visits Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School following the shooting AFP/Getty Florida shooting  in pictures Dr. Igor Nichiporenko, Medical Director Trauma, left, and Dr. Evan Boyer, Medical Director, Emergency Services, speak about treating victims and the suspect at a press conference outside Broward Health North hospital AP

A Montana high school student was also charged with intimidation and assault with a weapon over numerous threats to shoot up the school.

Court records say the 18-year-old told investigators he was joking and regretted frightening students.

Another teenager in Vermont pleaded not guilty last week to attempted aggravated murder and other offences after writing in a diary he had big plans to kill as many as he could at his former high school.

In Northern California, police said they recovered a firearm from the home of an 11-year-old boy who had barricaded himself in a Santa Cruz classroom and planned to harm specific students.

Additional reporting by Associated Press
A National Rifle Association spokeswoman accused the media of loving mass shootings because they boost viewership.

Many in legacy media love mass shootings. You guys love it, NRA representative Dana Loesch said during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

Im not saying you guys love the tragedy but I am saying you love the ratings, she added. Crying white mothers are ratings gold.

Last weeks shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which left 17 people dead, has attracted intensive media coverage - as has the aftermath, which has seen some survivors demanding more gun control.

Ms Loesch rebuffed calls for more stringent gun regulation during a CNN-hosted town hall meeting held the night before her speech at CPAC. She referenced the televised event as evidence that the media has an agenda in covering gun violence.

There are thousands of grieving black mothers in Chicago every weekend and you dont see town halls for them, do you? she said.

Florida shooting  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Florida shooting  in pictures Florida shooting  in pictures Police arrest a suspect in connection with the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida Reuters Florida shooting  in pictures Parents wait for news after reports of a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida AP Florida shooting  in pictures Anxious family members wait for news of students AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee Florida shooting  in pictures Students being evacuated from the school AP Florida shooting  in pictures Students being evacuated from the school Getty Florida shooting  in pictures People gather waiting for word from students AP Florida shooting  in pictures Parents waiting for news on their children AP Florida shooting  in pictures People gather at a hotel where students were taken after the shooting Getty Florida shooting  in pictures Florida Governor Rick Scott speaks to the media as he visits Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School following the shooting AFP/Getty Florida shooting  in pictures Dr. Igor Nichiporenko, Medical Director Trauma, left, and Dr. Evan Boyer, Medical Director, Emergency Services, speak about treating victims and the suspect at a press conference outside Broward Health North hospital AP

Wheres the CNN town hall for sanctuary cities? she added, referencing municipalities that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

I call BS, Ms Loesch said, echoing a phrase invoked by students who survived the Florida shooting as they rally for tougher gun laws.

An outspoken gun rights defender, Ms Loesch has spurred controversy before. She has used charged language to assail the media, warning in a video directed at New York Times journalists that were coming for you and threatening a shot across your proverbial bow.
Donald Trump Jr, praised India's poor people for their smiles during a visit to the country to promote his family's real estate empire and more than $1bn (720m) worth of luxury Trump Tower projects in four cities.

"I don't want to be glib but you can see the poorest of the poor and there is still a smile on a face," Mr Trump told US cable channel, CNBC's Indian affiliate. "It is a different spirit than that which you see in other parts of the world, and I think there is something unique about that."

He added: "I know some of the most successful businessmen in the world, and some of them are the most miserable people in the world."

Although India has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, a rising number of millionaires and a growing market for luxury goods and services, many of its 1.3 billion people still live in grinding poverty.

The country had a per capita income of around 1,200 in 2016.

Mr Trump arrived on his family's private jet for a week of schmoozing and dinners with India's leading business leaders and to wine and dine buyers in the Trump Organization's latest project.

The Trumps have a licensing deal with two Indian developers for two towers outside the capital of New Delhi, where flats range in price from $780,000 (562,000) to $1.6m (1.15m). They have private elevators and concierge service.

Full-page glossy newspaper ads trumpeting Mr Trump's arrival also tempted buyers to reserve a flat, paying a booking fee of about $38,000 (27,000) to "join Mr Donald Trump Jr for a conversation and dinner" on Friday. The buyers' dinner has raised conflict of interest concerns and charges by watchdog groups.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty UK news in pictures 28 July 2021 Canoers on Llyn Padarn lake in Snowdonia, Gwynedd. It was announced that the north-west Wales slate landscape has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status PA UK news in pictures 27 July 2021 A view of one of two areas now being used at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent, for boats used by people thought to be migrants. PA UK news in pictures 26 July 2021 A woman is helped by Border Force officers as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel, following a small boat incident in the Channel PA UK news in pictures 25 July 2021 Vehicles drive through deep water on a flooded road in Nine Elms, London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 24 July 2021 Utilities workers inspect a 15x20ft sinkhole on Green Lane, Liverpool, which is suspected to have been caused by ruptured water main PA UK news in pictures 23 July 2021 Children interact with Mega Please Draw Freely by artist Ei Arakawa inside the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern in London, part of UNIQLO Tate Play the gallery's new free programme of art-inspired activities for families PA UK news in pictures 22 July 2021 Festivalgoers in the campsite at the Latitude festival in Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk PA UK news in pictures 21 July 2021 A man walks past an artwork by Will Blood on the end of a property in Bedminster, Bristol, as the 75 murals project reaches the halfway point and various graffiti pieces are sprayed onto walls and buildings across the city over the Summer PA UK news in pictures 20 July 2021 People during morning prayer during Eid ul-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, in Southall Park, Uxbridge, London PA UK news in pictures 19 July 2021 Commuters, some not wearing facemasks, at Westminster Underground station, at 08:38 in London after the final legal Coronavirus restrictions were lifted in England PA UK news in pictures 18 July 2021 A view of spectators by the 2nd green during day four of The Open at The Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 July 2021 Cyclists ride over the Hammersmith Bridge in London. The bridge was closed last year after cracks in it worsened during a heatwave Getty UK news in pictures 16 July 2021 The sun rises behind the Sefton Park Palm House, in Sefton Park, Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 15 July 2021 Sir Nicholas Serota watches a short film about sea monsters as he opens a 7.6 million, 360 immersive dome at Devonport's Market Hall in Plymouth, which is the first of its type to be built in Europe PA UK news in pictures 14 July 2021 Heidi Street, playing a gothic character, looks at a brain suspended in glass at the worlds first attraction dedicated to the author of Frankenstein inside the Mary Shelleys House of Frankenstein experience, located in a Georgian terraced house in Bath, as it prepares to open to the public on 19 July PA UK news in pictures 13 July 2021 Rehearsals are held in a car park in Glasgow for a parade scene ahead of filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford PA

"These ads illustrate the importance of Trump divesting from his business and the danger brought by his failure to divest. Trump's company is literally selling access to the president's son overseas," said Jordan Libowitz, the communications director for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which is frequently critical of the first family.

Mr Trump will also give a foreign policy speech titled "Reshaping Indo-Pacific Ties: The New Era of Cooperation" on Friday at a global business summit co-sponsored by the Economic Times newspaper, along with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A State Department spokesman said that Mr Trump's speech was not coordinated with the State Department and that she was not familiar with its contents.

Washington Post
Cameron Kasky, one of the survivors of the Florida school shooting, is being harassed online.

He says he's quit Facebook because of death threats from anti-gun control advocates.

He and other survivors of the attack have been harassment targets since the attack.

Shortly after the February 14 school shooting at Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School in Parkland, Florida, the survivors started getting harassed online.

One of them, Cameron Kasky, who is 17 years old, said he just quit Facebook over it, saying he's received death threats from anti-gun control activists.

"Temporarily got off Facebook because there's no character count so the death threats from the @NRA cultists are a bit more graphic than those on twitter," Kasky wrote on Twitter.

Kasky didn't immediately respond to INSIDER's request for comment.

A representative for Facebook told INSIDER that it removes harassing content as soon as its moderators are aware of it.

"We want Facebook to be a safe and respectful environment," a spokesperson wrote in an email. "Bullying and harassment run counter to those goals, and have no place on Facebook or Messenger. We remove this content as soon as were made aware of it."

Following the shooting, Kasky has been outspoken about changing gun laws to prevent school shootings. In an op-ed for CNN, he attacked the National Rifle Association, which lobbies for dismantling gun ownership regulations, and the Republican party, which allies itself with the NRA.

"I'm just a high school student, and I do not pretend to have all of the answers," Kasky wrote. "However, even in my position, I can see that there is desperate need for change  change that starts by folks showing up to the polls and voting all those individuals who are in the back pockets of gun lobbyists out of office."

Kasky visiting the school again with police officers

In the past week, survivors of the shooting  which took 17 lives  have organized to persuade politicians to pass stricter gun control regulations with the #NeverAgain movement. They're planning a March For Our Lives event in Washington, DC, on March 24.

Kasky isn't the only student-turned-protester who's experiencing online harassment. David Hogg, another survivor of the attack, is at the center of a false conspiracy theory circulating in right-wing media that he's a "crisis actor" paid to fight against gun control laws.

Read more:

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Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
The sheriff of a Florida county that endured America's latest school massacre has ordered his deputies to carry rifles on school campuses.

Qualified and trained officers will be carrying rifles on school grounds from this point forwards, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said at a news conference.

The guns will be stored in police vehicles when officers are not carrying them, Mr Israel said. He said he had the support of the school district's superintendent, pledging that it will be done safely.

We need to be able to defeat any threat that comes onto campus, he said.

A gunman killed 17 students and teachers last week after opening fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

While some of the students who survived the massacre have emerged as vocal advocates for gun control, travelling to the statehouse in Tallahassee to urge a ban on assault weapons, others have advocated arming school personnel to defend against future shooters.

Florida shooting  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Florida shooting  in pictures Florida shooting  in pictures Police arrest a suspect in connection with the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida Reuters Florida shooting  in pictures Parents wait for news after reports of a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida AP Florida shooting  in pictures Anxious family members wait for news of students AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee Florida shooting  in pictures Students being evacuated from the school AP Florida shooting  in pictures Students being evacuated from the school Getty Florida shooting  in pictures People gather waiting for word from students AP Florida shooting  in pictures Parents waiting for news on their children AP Florida shooting  in pictures People gather at a hotel where students were taken after the shooting Getty Florida shooting  in pictures Florida Governor Rick Scott speaks to the media as he visits Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School following the shooting AFP/Getty Florida shooting  in pictures Dr. Igor Nichiporenko, Medical Director Trauma, left, and Dr. Evan Boyer, Medical Director, Emergency Services, speak about treating victims and the suspect at a press conference outside Broward Health North hospital AP

Donald Trump embraced the concept during a White House meeting with survivors of shootings and family members of victims.

 Father of Florida victim: 'We, as a country, failed our children'

If you had a teacher who was adept at firearms they could very well end the attack very quickly, Mr Trump said, pledging to examine the idea very strongly.
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has broken a record for the most weapons confiscated at US airports in one week.

During the week of 5 to 11 February the agency found 104 firearms in the carry-on luggage of air passengers.

A week in July 2017 saw a previous record of 96 weapons confiscated.

The majority of the firearms - 87 of the 104 - were found to be loaded with ammunition, 38 of those had a round in the chamber.

Only 17 of the confiscated firearms were found to be unloaded.

The TSA does allow passengers to travel with firearms, but the regulation stipulates the weapon must be unloaded and placed in checked luggage only. The agency can impose fines of more than $13,000 on violators.

Passengers are also expected to announce that their checked luggage contains the unloaded firearm at the time of check-in.

The only exceptions to the rule are for federal agents or other police officials travelling on professional business, who are allowed to carry a firearm onto an plane as long as TSA is notified.

 Florida student Emma Gonzalez passionately calls for gun control at rally after school shooting

In 2017, the TSA reported it confiscated almost 4,000 firearms - the most since it began tracking the data in 2005.

Of that figure, 84 per cent were found to be loaded and came from more than half of the 440 of the countrys federalised airports.

These figures do not include the number of items taken that could possibly be used as weapons.

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 majority of passengers came from locations around the US where carrying a concealed weapon in public is legal.

The countrys busiest airport, Hartfield-Jackson Atlanta International in the state of Georgia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Dallas-Love Field, and Houston airports in Texas, Denver airport in Colorado, and Tampa and Orlandos airports in Florida were the top offenders in 2017.

All states have similar open or concealed carry policies. Passengers in Atlanta are allowed to carry firearms in public areas of the airport.

The announcement by TSA comes amid the re-ignited debate on gun control reform after the 14 February mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Suspected gunman Nikolas Cruz allegedly used an assault-style AR-15 rifle to kill 14 children and three adults as classes were being dismissed for the day.
Happy hour at the Bud+Breakfast inn smells funkier than most. At 4:20, guests pile into the living area for hors d'oeuvres and good company as they light up marijuana pipes and joints.

"What happens at this bed and breakfast doesn't happen anywhere else," Joel Schneider, owner of Colorado's Bud+Breakfast hotel, told Business Insider.

In 2016, Schneider brought in over $1 million managing the nation's first unabashedly pot-friendly hotel (and two locations no longer in operation). Guests ages 21 to 80 have traveled across the country, coming from mostly prohibition states, to toke legally and among like-minded enthusiasts.

After his children graduated college in 2014, Schneider, a former attorney, came to Colorado with the intention of opening a marijuana business that didn't involve growing or selling the plant. He visited radio stations, a glass-blowing factory, and tourism groups for inspiration.

At night, Schneider would stand in his hotel bathroom and blow weed smoke into the toilet bowl to hide the smell. It was an aha moment for the budding entrepreneur, who wondered why he had to be so discreet in a state where recreational marijuana had been legal since 2012. State law prohibits public use of marijuana, and most hotels ban the Schedule I drug.

Later in 2014, Schneider opened the first Bud+Breakfast in a six-bedroom Victorian home. The suites range from $299 to $399 a night, and a reservation includes complimentary "wake and bake" breakfasts, in which bacon, eggs, and waffles are served with a side of ganja.

There's a strict BYOC  bring your own cannabis  policy. While Schneider doesn't have a license to sell or distribute weed, he offers private spaces to consume it. Located in Denver's Capital Hill neighborhood, the inn is within walking distance of several dispensaries. A drug paraphernalia bar makes expensive vaporizers and roughly 200 pieces of glass, which can be pipes or bongs, accessible for people coming from states where such products are illegal.

With business going well, Schneider grew Bud+Breakfast from one location to three in 2016  but the expansion did not go as planned. Later that year, he shuttered the newer inns when one property he leased was sold and the other saw only seasonal business. Revenues averaged $110,000 a month, according to an interview with CNBC. Schneider expects to make up the difference in 2017 by licensing the Bud+Breakfast name to other proprietors.

Joel Schneider, founder of Bud+Breakfast

He can also count on repeat business, which makes up a significant chunk of revenue. Texas, a state where having a small amount of bud is illegal and can mean jail time, brings in more guests than any other state.

"They go home and they tell their friends, 'You can't believe what I did for the last three days,'" Schneider said.

Read more:

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Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
The parents of First Lady Melania Trump have been granted permanent status in the US, a lawyer for the couple has confirmed, although questions remain about how and when they received their green cards.

Donald Trump has railed against so-called chain migration since he launched his bid for the presidency in 2016.

Immigration experts have suggested it is the likeliest way Viktor and Amalija Knavs obtained their residencies.

I can confirm that Mrs Trumps parents are both lawfully admitted to the United States as permanent residents, Michael Wildes, the First Ladys lawyer, told The Washington Post. The family, as they are not part of the administration, has asked that their privacy be respected, so I will not comment further on this matter.

Under family-based immigration rules, adult American citizens can apply for parents, adult married children and siblings to gain residency in the US. In the Knavs case, Melania would have been their sponsor.

Alternatively, they could have won the right to live in the US through sponsorship by an employer.

However, they would have to have proved that no US worker could have done their designated job.

 Donald Trump holds Melania's thumb as they exit Air Force One

Kehrela Hodkinson, US immigration lawyer and founder of Hodkinson Law Group, told The Independent it was most likely Mr and Ms Knavs arrived via family-based immigration.

She noted that as a former chauffeur and textile worker respectively, the chances of a work visa were remote.

As to the silence over how they obtained their green cards, Ms Hodkinson said it may be over an outstanding issue regarding whether Melania worked illegally when she first arrived in the US.

Any information regarding the basis on which her parents applied for their green cards could result in the questions regarding Melanias immigration history resurfacing, she said.

Mr Wildes has previously claimed Melania arrived in the US from Slovenia in 1996 on a visitors visa, in order to do modelling work. Mr Trump has said he sponsored her for a green card due to her extraordinary ability as a model.

But a report by The Associated Press suggested Melania was paid for 10 modelling jobs in 1996 before she received permission to work in America.

Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Show all 18 1 /18 Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The 12th-century castle dominates Sevnica old town Getty Images Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The old town has a beautiful riverside setting Getty Images Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town 'White House' slippers in Sevnica castle Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The annual salami festival, the Salamiada Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Sevnica was a nondescript town before Melania hit the big time AFP/Getty Images Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Sevnica butchers take their sausage-making skills seriously Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Only men are allowed in the Salamiada Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town As American as.... a Sevnica apple pie Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town There are no plans to make a Donald pie Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The slippers featured in a recent fashion show AFP/Getty Images Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The castle is one of the top tourist sites in town Getty Images Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Melanija cake has gone down a storm AFP/Getty Images Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The smart house still owned by Melania's parents Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town They live in America but visit occasionally Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town The communist block of flats in which Melania grew up Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Melania skin cream, for a presidential complexion Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town First lady chocolates, dusted with gold Nick Redmayne Sevnica: Melania Trump's home town Even locals can't get enough of the Melanija cake Nick Redmayne

Ms Hodkinson said the Presidents attacks on family-based immigration could be another reason for the reluctance to make clear the Knavs immigration status.

In September, Mr Trump said: CHAIN MIGRATION cannot be allowed to be part of any legislation on immigration!

The following month, he tweeted: CHAIN MIGRATION must end now! Some people come in, and they bring their whole family with them, who can be truly evil. NOT ACCEPTABLE!

Mr and Ms Knavs are close to obtaining citizenship and are now waiting on a date for their oath ceremony, which would see them naturalised, according to The Washington Post.

Green card holders typically have to wait five years before they can apply for citizenship.

Though it is unclear when the Knavs first moved to the US, Mr Knavs was listed as living in Mr Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida by 2007.
Students in Texas were told they would be suspended if they protest gun violence, on the same day a local 14-year-old was charged over a shooting threat.

In a letter to parents, Curtis Rhodes, the Needville Independent School Districts superintendent, said it would not allow a student demonstration during school hours for any type of protest or awareness.

He added: Should students choose to do so, they will be suspended from school for 3 days and face all the consequences that come along with an out of school suspension.

Life is all about choices and every choice has a consequence whether it be positive or negative. We will discipline no matter if it is one, fifty, or five hundred students involved. All will be suspended for 3 days and parent notes will not alleviate the discipline.

The message was also posted on Needville Highs Schools Facebook page, the Houston Chronicle reported. It appeared to have been later deleted.

Parents were also sent the note on Tuesday,

On the same day a student at Needville Junior High School was arrested after allegedly posting an image of a shotgun on Snapchat, with a caption which read, Dont come to skoo tm (sic) @needvill.

The teenager, who has not been named because he is a minor, is being held in juvenile detention centre.

The letter was initially sent in response to planned nationwide student protests in the wake of the Florida school shooting, which claimed the lives of 17 people.

Florida shooting  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Florida shooting  in pictures Florida shooting  in pictures Police arrest a suspect in connection with the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida Reuters Florida shooting  in pictures Parents wait for news after reports of a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida AP Florida shooting  in pictures Anxious family members wait for news of students AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee Florida shooting  in pictures Students being evacuated from the school AP Florida shooting  in pictures Students being evacuated from the school Getty Florida shooting  in pictures People gather waiting for word from students AP Florida shooting  in pictures Parents waiting for news on their children AP Florida shooting  in pictures People gather at a hotel where students were taken after the shooting Getty Florida shooting  in pictures Florida Governor Rick Scott speaks to the media as he visits Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School following the shooting AFP/Getty Florida shooting  in pictures Dr. Igor Nichiporenko, Medical Director Trauma, left, and Dr. Evan Boyer, Medical Director, Emergency Services, speak about treating victims and the suspect at a press conference outside Broward Health North hospital AP

The massacre triggered an outcry from survivors, who have been calling for stricter gun laws to be put in place.

Earlier this week, hundreds of students at a Florida school walked out of their classes and marched towards Stoneman Douglass High School, the scene of the shooting.

A nationwide school walkout is being planned by organisers for 14 March.
The father of a girl slain during the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida has challenged politicians to make schools safer, saying during a meeting with Donald Trump that we as a country failed our children.

We go the airport, I cant get on a plane with a bottle of water, butsome animal can walk into a school and shoot our children, Andrew Pollack said during a White House meeting attended by students, teachers and families affected by school shootings.

Im very angry that this happened because it keeps happening, Mr Pollack continued. ...How many schools, how many children have to get shot? It stops here.

Meadow Pollack was one of 17 students and teachers who died when a gunman opened fire at the Parkland, Florida school last week. She was 18.

While students and teachers who survived the Florida shooting have vociferously called for new gun control measures, Mr Pollack said its not about gun laws right now, urging instead a focus on school safety.

Im never going to see my kid again, Mr Pollack said. I want you all to know that. Never, ever will I see my kid - I want it to sink in. Its eternity.

Florida shooting  in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Florida shooting  in pictures Florida shooting  in pictures Police arrest a suspect in connection with the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida Reuters Florida shooting  in pictures Parents wait for news after reports of a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida AP Florida shooting  in pictures Anxious family members wait for news of students AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee Florida shooting  in pictures Students being evacuated from the school AP Florida shooting  in pictures Students being evacuated from the school Getty Florida shooting  in pictures People gather waiting for word from students AP Florida shooting  in pictures Parents waiting for news on their children AP Florida shooting  in pictures People gather at a hotel where students were taken after the shooting Getty Florida shooting  in pictures Florida Governor Rick Scott speaks to the media as he visits Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School following the shooting AFP/Getty Florida shooting  in pictures Dr. Igor Nichiporenko, Medical Director Trauma, left, and Dr. Evan Boyer, Medical Director, Emergency Services, speak about treating victims and the suspect at a press conference outside Broward Health North hospital AP

The President nodded and flashed a thumbs-up when Mr Pollack addressed him directly, saying Mr President, were going to fix it.

In the aftermath of last weeks shooting, Mr Trump has signed a directive to ban the sale of a device called a bump stock that enables more rapid firing and has said he is open to tightening background checks for gun purchases.

On the state level, Florida legislators rejected an effort to ban assault weapons as student survivors looked on. A top Republican has advocated measures to raise the age to buy assault rifles and to allow law enforcement to confiscate guns from people deemed to be dangerous.
The Democrats have emphatically won a state House seat in a Kentucky district where Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton by 49 points in 2016.

Linda Belchers victory in Bullitt County, where she polled more than two-thirds of the vote, is thought to be the Democrats 37th gain since the presidential election and is the latest sign of the partys momentum ahead of pivotal midterms later this year.

She defeated the widow of a former Kentucky Republican lawmaker who killed himself last year after facing child sexual assault allegations.

Rebecca Johnson had denied the accusations against husband Dan Johnson, claiming he was a victim of an assault from the left. However, they were backed up by an on-the-record interview from the victim, plus pages of police documents that were published by the Kentucky Centre for Investigative Reporting.

Voters in the rural district just south of Louisville voted overwhelmingly to replace Mr Johnson with Ms Belcher, a retired teacher and former Democratic state politician who had lost the seat by fewer than 200 votes in 2016.

Ms Belcher won 68 per cent of Tuesdays vote, with Republican candidate Ms Johnson polling 32 per cent.

The result will boost confidence among Democrats ahead of crucial midterm elections two years into Mr Trumps presidency.

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee said Bullitt County was at least the 37th contested seat the party had taken from Republicans since Mr Trumps inauguration.

It may also be the strongest pocket of Trump support where the Democrats have triumphed since he took power.

The Republican billionaire won Kentuckys 49th House district in 2016 with more than 72 per cent of the vote, compared to defeated Democratic candidate Ms Clintons 23 per cent share.

The election was held following the suspected suicide of Dan Johnson, who was alleged to have sexually assaulted a teenage girl (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)

Congratulations to Representative-elect Linda Belcher on her victory in todays special election, which flipped yet another Republican-held seat from red to blue in a district that Trump won easily in 2016, said Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez.

Ben Self, chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party, said: The results here show that if we can win in this district, we can win anywhere.

I think this shows the entire House, the Kentucky House, is in play.

Republicans scoffed at that notion, with state GOP spokesman Tres Watson pointing to low turnout and the circumstances of Mr Johnsons suicide clouding the outcome.

Ms Johnson refused to concede, citing widespread voter fraud.

Ive heard from and about people all day long saying they went to vote for me at the correct polling place and were refused the opportunity to vote, she said. Its like were in a Third World country.

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

Earlier in the day, county election officials discovered residents in a particular subdivision were incorrectly listed as not living in the district.

Bullitt County Clerk Kevin Mooney said the problem was subsequently fixed and poll workers were instructed to send affected voters to another precinct.

He said even if everyone affected had voted Republican and their votes were all lost, it still would not have changed the outcome.

At her campaign headquarters in downtown Shepherdsville, Ms Belcher said she won the election fair and square.

It is the third time voters have elected the Democrat. She was first elected in 2008 when she replaced her husband on the ballot after he was killed in a car crash.

Ms Belcher said it was hard to say if sexual assault allegations against Mr Johnson and his death played a part in the election, adding: I have tried to stay very positive and away from that whole situation.
Donald Trumps racism against certain classes of immigrants invalidates his move to end protections for Haitians and El Salvadorans in the US, a new lawsuit alleges.

President Trump has long made clear his dislike and disregard for Latino and Black immigrants, a complaint filed in a Massachusetts district court argues.

The legal challenge, filed by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice on behalf of eight Haitian and El Salvadoran immigrants, contests the Trump administrations decision to rescind a designation that has allowed hundreds of thousands of immigrants from struggling nations to remain in America.

In recent months the administration announced that it would phase out Temporary Protected Status (TPS) grants that were instituted after earthquakes devastated Haiti and El Salvador. Some 300,000 people from those countries have secured TPS, according to the lawsuit.

The Department of Homeland Security has said the situations on the ground have improved enough in El Salvador and Haiti for people to return home. People from Haiti will see their statuses expire in June of 2019, with TPS set to end for Salvadorans in September of 2019.

While the legal challenge disputes the notion that either country has stabilised enough to justify ending TPS - noting subsequent natural disasters, extreme gang violence in El Salvador and Haiti remaining economically stagnant - it also argues that Mr Trumps move to suspend TPS is impermissibly tainted by racial animus and therefore cannot stand.

The Haiti earthquake six months on Show all 10 1 /10 The Haiti earthquake six months on The Haiti earthquake six months on 409733.bin Russell Watkins/DFID The Haiti earthquake six months on 409739.bin Russell Watkins/DFID The Haiti earthquake six months on 409738.bin Russell Watkins/DFID The Haiti earthquake six months on 409730.bin Russell Watkins/DFID The Haiti earthquake six months on 409731.bin Russell Watkins/DFID The Haiti earthquake six months on 409732.bin Russell Watkins/ DFID The Haiti earthquake six months on 409734.bin Russell Watkins/DFID The Haiti earthquake six months on 409735.bin Russell Watkins/DFID The Haiti earthquake six months on 409736.bin Russell Watkins/DFID The Haiti earthquake six months on 409737.bin Russell Watkins/DFID

Official justifications are nothing but a thin and pretextual smokescreen for a racially discriminatory immigration agenda, the lawsuit alleges.

It cites examples of Mr Trumps incendiary immigration rhetoric, including his references to rapists and people bringing crime from Mexico and Latin American during the presidential campaign and instances in which he reportedly said African immigrants would not want to return to their huts, denigrated Haitians as all having AIDS and complained about immigrants from s***hole countries during a discussion about immigrants from Haiti and El Salvador.

 Trump referred to Haitians and Africans as coming from s***hole countries

The animus directed towards Latino and Black immigrants is a clear and unfortunate thread ruling throughout President Trumps statements - and his actualized by his Administrations policies, the complaint says.

The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on pending litigation. The White House has strenuously denied that Mr Trump holds racist views, as has the president himself.
A white supremacist is suing Twitter for allegedly violating his right to free speech.

Jared Taylor, the creator of white supremacist website American Renaissance, has filed suit against the social media company for kicking him off the platform late last year. In the suit, attorneys for Mr Taylor argue that the company banned his account based solely on his controversial viewpoints and perceived affiliations, causing irreparable harm to the writer and his business.

Mr Taylor and American Renaissance were targeted for permanent suspension from Twitter due to nothing more than their controversial views on race and immigration  the subjective perception that they are racist and extremist'," the lawsuit states.

Twitters actions, it adds, threaten the free speech of all users on its platform.

A Twitter spokesperson declined to comment, saying the company does not discuss individual cases for privacy and security reasons.

News of the lawsuit comes as other far-right and white supremacist users claimed they, too, were being kicked off of the platform, spurring the hashtag #TwitterLockout.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

Mr Taylors account was banned in December, when Twitter enacted new policies on violent extremist groups in response to complaints about white supremacist and neo-Nazi views being espoused on the platform.

The writer claims that when he enquired with Twitter about his account being removed, the company told him that he had violated the Terms of Service, "specifically the Twitter Rules against being affiliated with a violent extremist group.

 A black man went undercover as a digital white supremacist. This is what he learned

Mr Taylor has denied being a racist or white supremacist, but defines himself as a race realist and advocate for white interests. He has previously argued on American Renaissance that when blacks are left entirely to their own devices, Western civilization  any kind of civilization  disappears."

In his lawsuit, however, Mr Taylors claims that he has never advocated for violence, citing a Southern Poverty Law Centre report that says he projects himself as a courtly presenter of ideas and that American Renaissance scrupulously avoid[s] racial epithets.

The report, which Mr Taylor does not cite in full, also notes that American Renaissance conferences have attracted a broad spectrum of the participants from the racist right, including neo-Nazis, white supremacists, Holocaust deniers and eugenicists.

Twitter has struggled in recent years with how to combat hate speech on its platform without curtailing free speech rights. The roll-out of the news rules in December was heralded by some as progress, while others claimed they were unfairly targeted by the crackdown.

In the same week Mr Taylor filed his suit, other far-right users claimed they had been temporarily locked out of their accounts. Others claimed their followers had been purged overnight, as Twitter shut down sympathetic accounts.

"I've lost close to 1,000 followers offer the past few hours," prominent white nationalist Richard Spencer tweeted. "Major purge underway."

The problem appears to have stemmed from Twitters attempt to reduce the number of fake accounts and bots on the site.

The company said in a statement that it was working to remove malicious and fake accounts from its service. This process included asking users to confirm a phone number for the account so they can confirm a human is behind it".

Note that when an account is locked and being challenged to provide a phone number, it is removed from follower counts until it provides a phone number, spokeswoman Emily Horne said. This is part of our ongoing, comprehensive efforts to make Twitter safer and healthier for everyone.

Twitter is grappling with the spread of fake and automated accounts on its site  some of which were used by Russian nationals to spread false information in the run-up to the 2016 election, according to a federal indictment. The company has removed more than 50,000 allegedly Russian-linked accounts since the election.
Streets have been closed and armed police special forces units deployed to a southern suburb of Brussels after reports of a possible murder.

A police helicopter could be heard overhead in the Forest district of the Belgian capital, while images from the scene show armed officers taking cover and staking out a building rooftop.

A spokesperson for Belgian police denied local media reports that a gunman was hiding in the area, telling the Reuters news agency: They are searching the buildings but we can say there has not been any terrorist attack.

 Brussels lockdown: Belgian police seal part of capital after reports of gunman

Around lunchtime on Thursday local broadcaster RTL had quoted Forest mayor Marc-Jean Ghyssels as saying that police suspect the presence of an armed man in the area.

People living near Place St Dennis, a lively town centre to the south of the district, have been warned to stay in their homes.

Police special forces take position (Reuters)

Brussels security services are still on an elevated level of alert after suicide bombers killed 32 people at the airport and on the metro in March 2016.

Teams of soldiers carrying assault rifles in full combat gear are a common sight on the citys transportation system and around key buildings and possible targets.

A Belgian police special forces member secures a street after an area of the Forest commune in Brussels was put on lockdown (REUTERS)

Forest hit international news in November 2015 after Salah Abdeslam, a suspect in the deadly Paris attacks, hid there and became involved in a gun battle with police.

One of the 19 municipalities of the Brussels capital region, the area lies just to the south of Eurostar terminus Gare Midi, and extends to the edge of the city, where it borders Flanders.
A far-right leader was bound and beaten by left-wing extremists in Italy.

Massimo Ursino, a prominent member of the anti-immigration Forza Nuova group, was attacked in Palermo and required hospital treatment.

His balaclava-clad assailants bound his hands and feet with parcel tape, The Local reported, and the beating left him with head and facial injuries.

They pounced as Mr Ursino left a supermarket in central Palermo, in Sicily.

An anonymous claim of responsibility said the attack was "a demonstration of the fact that in Palermo there are people who have no fear of fighting fascism".

On its Facebook page Forza Nuova said it was "attempted murder". The group's national head, Roberto Fiore, accused the attackers of a "hate campaign". Mr Fiore is due to speak in Palermo at the weekend.

The assault on Tuesday night came in the run-up to Italy's general election in March.

A number acts of vandalism, intimidation and violence have taken place during the tense campaign, including a bullet placed in mail destined for a candidate for Parliament, and the knifing of two people affixing campaign posters.

Interior Minister Marco Minniti warned on Wednesday that Italian organised crime syndicates could try to influence the results of the 4 March vote which will help determine Italy's next government.

"The risk, is, unfortunately, concrete, that the Mafia can condition the free vote in our country", Mr Minniti said at a presentation of Parliament's annual report on organised crime. "We understand that's a threat to the most important thing in democracy."

Authorities have long contended that crime bosses promise candidates votes from Italians loyal to their clan in exchange for public works contracts being awarded to their associates.

Nasty and sometimes violent incidents have been reported nearly daily in the run-up to the vote.

Early on Wednesday, residents in a Rome neighbourhood discovered two swastikas and "death to cops" scrawled in black paint on a monument honouring five police bodyguards who were slain on that block by Red Brigades terrorists during the March 1978 abduction of former Premier Aldo Moro. Mr Moro was later slain by his captors.

Residents covered the graffiti with bed sheets until it could be erased. The memorial's plaque had been temporarily removed for cleaning ahead of the 40th anniversary of the policemen's killing.

In southern Calabria, a post office found a bullet wrapped in a facsimile of a ballot in an envelope addressed to a candidate of the populist 5-Star Movement for Parliament's lower Chamber of Deputies.

The movement said the candidate, Giuseppe d'Ippolito, was assigned protection for his home and law office in the town of Lamezia Terme, whose city council was recently ordered disbanded by Italy's government due to suspected infiltration by the 'ndrangheta crime syndicate.

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

On Tuesday, two men suffered knife wounds while affixing posters for a far-left party in central Italy.

In Tuscany, the mayor of the town of Castelfiorentino said a swastika was scrawled on a monument honouring a young man hanged by Italy's Nazi occupiers in 1945. Mayor Alessio Falorni said there was an attempt in Italy to "bring back to life dead ideologies, but in an insidious way, without citing them directly and by exploiting people's anger".

Violence also erupted earlier in the campaign in central Italy when an Italian gunman wounded six Africans in a drive-by shooting. He said he was avenging the murder of an 18-year-old Italian woman allegedly killed by Nigerian migrants.

Anti-migrant rhetoric has coursed through much of the campaign, including from leaders of the Northern League, a party allied with former Premier Silvio Berlusconi in a campaign coalition.

Additional reporting by AP
Russia has said it will consider supporting the UN-proposed ceasefire in Syria as long as it does not cover Isis and al Qaeda-linked groups.

A 30-day nationwide ceasefire is possible as long as it does not cover Isis, the Nusra Front and other groups "who are shelling residential quarters of Damascus", Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday.

The UN security council is due to meet later on Thursday to discuss an emergency resolution aimed at halting the ferocious Syrian government led assault on the rebel-held enclave of eastern Ghouta. The five-day operation has so far killed more than 400 people and hit 22 medical facilities, monitors and locals say.

 Scenes of devastation in Syria after deadly shelling and airstrikes and eastern Ghouta

Russia, a key ally of Syrian President Bashar al Assad, has historically used its position as a permanent member of the security council to veto most UN action in Syria's war.

The Syrian and Russian air forces have been accused by various humanitarian groups of indiscriminately targeting civilian infrastructure and using barrel bombs, crude weapons filled with explosives banned under international law. Both deny the allegations.

On Thursday, the Kremlin said that Russia was not responsible for the escalating humanitarian crisis.

Those who support the terrorists are responsible, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a conference call.

Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Show all 14 1 /14 Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A Syrian woman and children run for cover amid the rubble of buildings. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Smoke rises from buildings following the attack on the village of Mesraba in the rebel-held besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascu. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Injured children receive medical treatment. EPA Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A Syrian man carries a child injured. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures An injured child receives treatment following bombings on several areas of eastern Ghouta. EPA Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A child reacts inside a hospital after relatives were injured in the bombing. EPA Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrian children cry at a make-shift hospital in Douma following air strikes on the Syrian village of Mesraba. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrian Civil Defense group extinguishing a store during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces. AP Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A wounded 12-year-old Syrian boy, cries as he receives treatment at a make-shift hospital. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrians carry a wounded man. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures An injured man covered with blood at a medical point. Reuters Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures People sit a medical point in the besieged town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta. Reuters Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrian Civil Defense running to help survivors. AP Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Injured children receive medical treatment. EPA

Neither Russia, nor Syria, nor Iran are in that category of states as they are waging an absolute war against terrorists in Syria.

Eastern Ghouta is technically covered by a de-escalation agreement reached by world powers last year.

The regime says al Qaeda-linked groups operating in the area are not part of the deal - raising the possibility that Russia's openness to a ceasefire deal would not include the current operation there.

In recent months the Assad government has tightened the five-year-old siege on eastern Ghouta, leaving the areas 400,000 residents with dwindling food and medical supplies.

The new aerial attack - some of the worst violence in Syrias seven-year-old war - appears to be paving the way for a ground assault to seize the enclave once and for all.

Rebels have responded with some of the worst rocket attacks on Damascus in years, killing 16 people.

On Thursday the UN repeated pleas to all parties for a ceasefire across the country and unfettered access for aid convoys.

There is a need for avoiding the massacre, because we will be judged by history, Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said.
As the besieged rebel enclave of eastern Ghouta in Damascus prepared for a fifth straight day of bombing, the UN has demanded an end to the violence, which it called hell on earth.

Eastern Ghouta cannot wait, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the UN Security Council at an emergency meeting on Wednesday night.

This is a human tragedy that is unfolding in front of our eyes and I dont think we can let things go on happening in this horrendous way, he continued.

 Scenes of devastation in Syria after deadly shelling and airstrikes and eastern Ghouta

There is a need for avoiding the massacre, because we will be judged by history, the UNs Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura added.

Sweden and Kuwait have called for a vote on a resolution ordering a 30 day ceasefire throughout Syria and the immediate delivery of aid to millions of people in need.

Members states are due to meet later on Thursday.

Russia, which has often used its power as a permanent member of the security council to veto action in Syria, has said it will consider supporting the ceasefire as long as it does not cover Isis and al Qaeda-linked groups.

The cessation in hostilities is possible as long as it does not cover Isis, the Nusra Front and other groups who are shelling residential quarters of Damascus, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said ahead of the meeting.

Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Show all 14 1 /14 Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A Syrian woman and children run for cover amid the rubble of buildings. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Smoke rises from buildings following the attack on the village of Mesraba in the rebel-held besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascu. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Injured children receive medical treatment. EPA Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A Syrian man carries a child injured. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures An injured child receives treatment following bombings on several areas of eastern Ghouta. EPA Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A child reacts inside a hospital after relatives were injured in the bombing. EPA Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrian children cry at a make-shift hospital in Douma following air strikes on the Syrian village of Mesraba. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrian Civil Defense group extinguishing a store during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces. AP Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures A wounded 12-year-old Syrian boy, cries as he receives treatment at a make-shift hospital. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrians carry a wounded man. AFP/Getty Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures An injured man covered with blood at a medical point. Reuters Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures People sit a medical point in the besieged town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta. Reuters Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Syrian Civil Defense running to help survivors. AP Eastern Ghouta bombings: Syrian war in pictures Injured children receive medical treatment. EPA

Eastern Ghouta is technically covered by a de-escalation agreement reached by world powers last year.

The regime says al Qaeda-linked groups operating in the area are not part of the deal - raising the possibility that Russia's openness to a ceasefire deal would not include the current operation there.

At least 400 people, including 92 children, have been killed in eastern Ghouta since Sunday, when Syrian President Bashar al Assad and his Russian allies launched one of the fiercest air assaults in the entire seven-year-old conflict.

Pictures and video emerging from the area show horrendous levels of suffering for Ghoutas 400,000 residents, already starving thanks to a five-year-long siege. Children cry out for their parents, covered in blood and choking on dust.

People are hiding under the ground in tunnels, building new ones, resident Wasim Khatib said.

But there is no escape. It is useless.

Hospitals are so overwhelmed patients are being treated on floors streaked with blood. A staggering 22 medical facilities have been damaged by the strikes, further hindering medical workers ability to help treat the injured.

They have started to use barrel bombs... God is the only one who can help us now, Dr Malik of a local hospital said.

The UNs childrens fund Unicef issued a blank statement in response to the bloodshed on Tuesday, saying that no words did justice to the loss of life in Ghouta.

Despite vocal opposition from the UN and several Western governments, however, many in eastern Ghouta are sceptical the international community will be able to meaningly intervene in the conflict.

Syrian state media reported that peace talks with the rebels the previous day had failed.

Damascus proper has also faced some of the severest attacks out of the rebel enclave in years, with rocket strikes killing at least 16 people over the last few days.
Iran may pull out of its nuclear deal with international powers if Western banks continue to refuse doing business with the country over fear of American sanctions, Tehrans deputy foreign minister has warned.

Donald Trump has threatened to resume sanctions against the Islamic republic unless the other five states which are signatories to the deal agree to changing the terms and imposing fresh restrictions on Tehran.

UK, France, Germany, Russia and China, the P5+1 group, have all stressed that Iran is abiding by the agreed conditions, as has the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN body carrying out inspections. Mr Trump, who had threatened to tear up the deal, has declared he will not sign the ongoing waiver on sanctions when it comes up for renewal on 12 May unless the country accepts a new set of measures.

Recommended First images of Iran plane crash wreckage released

But Iranian deputy foreign minister Abbas Agachi held that the US has already failed to abide by the agreement, which may fall apart anyway because of an atmosphere of poison created by Mr Trump. Concern about American financial penalties, he pointed out, has led to a number of banks and financial institutions keeping away from the Iranian market.

The deal would not survive this way even if the ultimatum is passed and waivers are extended, said Mr Araqchi. If the same policy of confusion and uncertainties about the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) continues, with companies and banks not working with Iran, we cannot remain in a deal that has no benefit for us, and thats a fact.

In Iran, peoples expectations from JCPOA are not met. Most of it is because of this atmosphere of uncertainty which President Trump has created.

Speaking at the Chatham House think tank in London, he continued: If we lose the JCPOA, we will face another nuclear crisis. For the Europeans or the world community, when we talk about maintaining the JCPOA and saving it, its not a choice between Iranian or the US market, its not a choice for economic cooperation; its a choice between having security and insecurity.

Under the accord, Iran is obliged to reduce uranium enrichment activity, dispose of enriched uranium stocks and modify a heavy water reactor in return for the lifting of crippling international sanctions. Mr Trump, however, now wants permanent restrictions on uranium enrichment as well as restrictions on Tehrans missile programme.

Mr Aragchi stated, Irans commitment to not seek nuclear weapons is permanent and there is no so-called sunset clause in the deal. To make these restrictions permanent means killing the deal. We accepted 10 to 15 years of restrictions for the sake of confidence building. It doesnt mean we have to build confidence forever. It would be a big, big mistake now if people were to link the JCPOA to any other issues. This was what was agreed when it was signed. The nuclear deal is about security, other issues should be dealt with separately.
Seven Eritreans who have had their asylum petitions rejected have been jailed indefinitely by Israel after refusing deportation to Rwanda.

The men are the first to be detained since the Israeli authorities announced a initiative last November to make thousands of African migrants and asylum seekers choose between deportation to a third country or face an unspecified amount of jail time.

This is the first step in a what is a globally unprecedented deportation operation, a move tainted by racism and complete disregard for the life and dignity of asylum seekers, Israeli human rights groups said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

 Mr Ali Abunimah, a Palestinian American journalist, predicts Israel will be treated like a 'pariah state' in 2018

According to the UN refugee agency, there are 27,000 Eritrean and 7,700 Sudanese asylum seekers currently in Israel.

Only 10 Eritreans and one Sudanese person have been granted asylum, Haaretz reports.

Most asylum seekers travel overland to Israel via the border with Egypt and claim they cannot return because of the threat of persecution by their home countries authoritarian governments.

At least two of the men detained this week at Saharonim prison on the Israeli-Egyptian border are torture survivors, the rights groups said.

After losing a deportation hearing, they were taken straight to the prison.

Under the new rules around 600 deportation notices have been given to people who did not file asylum requests by the end of 2017 so far, Israeli media says.

Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Show all 12 1 /12 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict The fire in my heart is beyond my ribs. You left me beloved - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict Let me get enough of you, as Im still hungry for your smile my son - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict They besiege me in my homeland so I flew to heaven - Rodaina Al Agha, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict And I am still facing the pain all by myself - Lama Shakshak, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My brother, I watched you go while my heart was tearing - Helen Mo'amar, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My new doll is lonely in the rubble - Ayah Sha'ath, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict When a soul hugs another soul they never split, even in death - Ismail Matar, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict Everyone is gone and I stayed alone to make the world witness the injustice done to me - Hamza Shaheen, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict The hand that carries the arms carries roses too - Madeeha Al Majayda, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My eyes tell you about a dream that overcame the fence - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict A childhood caught in an unjust siege - Hadeel Quidh, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict All the details are torn after you - Hamza Shaheen, 17

Targeted asylum seekers are given an interview and one month in which to decide whether to leave Israel voluntarily. If they refuse, they are given a hearing in which a population authority official can decide whether to jail them or not.

Women, children, fathers of minor children and victims of slavery or human trafficking are not being targeted for deportation.

It is reported that the third countries the asylum seekers are being deported to are Rwanda and Uganda, although both deny they have struck any kind of deal with the Israeli government.

Travel documents and plane fare is provided by Israel and deportees are given $3,500 (2,510) cash to help them set up on arrival.

Those who have arrived in Rwanda report having their documents confiscated on arrival and having basic rights denied, many ending up on the streets.

UNHCR said in a recent report that only nine asylum seekers deported to Rwanda have actually stayed there.

After the news broke that the seven men had been detained hundreds of asylum seekers at the nearby Holot detention centre began a hunger strike in protest.

We dont want to eat at all  not tomorrow, not the next day  because theyve taken these people to jail, Abdat, an Eritrean who has been held at Holot for 10 months, told Haaretz.

Not one person is eating. They tell us, Its a pity to throw the food away. We say lives are also being thrown away.

The Israeli refugee rights group Hotline for Refugees and Migrants, as well as UNHCR, asked the interior ministry to reconsider the plans last month.

Israel's prison service has also criticised the plans, saying it cannot house people indefinitely.

The Israeli authorities did not immediately respond to The Independents request for comment.
Tens of thousands of Air France passengers have been stranded by a coordinated one-day strike involving pilots, cabin crew and ground staff.

The airlines management has offered a basic increase of one per cent to staff, but the unions are demanding a six per cent rise. They are also unhappy about job losses and staff workloads.

Air France said: Due to several Air France staff unions call for strike on Thursday 22 February 2018, our flights schedule is disrupted.

Half the airlines long-haul schedule has been cancelled, along with a quarter of medium-haul links and 15 per cent of short-haul services.

Recommended Gatwick airport chaos as trains from London are cancelled

In addition Air France has warned that it might have to cap the number of passengers on some flights because the full complement of cabin crew are not available. There are strict rules on the ratio of flight attendants to passengers.

A dozen UK flights are among the cancellations. Services to and from Aberdeen, Manchester and Newcastle and two round-trips to Birmingham and Heathrow have been grounded.

Many British travellers, though, will find that even if their links to Paris are operating, the onward flight may be cancelled.

Long-haul, links from Paris CDG to Accra, Bangkok, Buenos Aires, Delhi, Dubai, Mexico City, San Francisco and Tokyo were among the cancellations. Two round-trips to New York were grounded.

Travellers whose flights are grounded are not entitled to financial compensation, but the airline is obliged by European passengers rights rules to provide hotels and meals as necessary. If an alternative flight on Air France is not readily available, travellers can expect to be rebooked on rival airlines.

Last year the Air France-KLM group increased profits by 42 per cent to 1.49bn (1.32bn).
A team of Chinese researchers has claimed to have designed a hypersonic jet that could travel at 6,000km/h, five times faster than the speed of sound.

The team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences said the plane would be able to transport passengers and cargo from Beijing to New York in two hours  the journey currently takes an average of 13 and a half hours.

Cui Kai, who headed up the research, published a paper on the new design in this months Physics, Mechanics and Astronomy journal, in which he said: It will take only a couple of hours to travel from Beijing to New York at hypersonic speed.

The team said they had tested a scaled-down model of the jet in a wind tunnel, and that it reached speeds of 8,600km/h with low drag and high lift. To compare, Concordes top speed was 2,179km/h.

The design, dubbed the I Plane, features two layers of wings to reduce turbulence and drag while creating more lift.

Talk of hypersonic travel has been ramping up of late. Its certainly within the realm of possibility, Dr Kevin Bowcutt, senior technical fellow and chief scientist of hypersonics for Boeing Research and Technology, told NBC last month. I think we have the technology now where we could actually do it.

Boeing has dipped its toe in the water with its X-51A WaveRider, and it is now reportedly working with Lockheed Martin to develop a jet-powered hypersonic aircraft  although both are keeping schtum about the design.

Supersonic commercial planes  those that travel faster than 1,236km/h, the speed of sound  are likely to be the precursor to hypersonic jets. Boom Supersonic, for example, plans to produce passenger aircraft that can travel at MACH 2.2, or 2,335km/h, that will enter service in 2023.

These jets could carry 50 passengers, flying from New York to London in three hours and 15 minutes. But it wont come cheap; fares are expected to cost $2,500 one way.
Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelical Christian, has died. There has been an outpouring of emotional tributes, from many media outlets as well as various high-profile individuals.

One such came from Archbishop Justin Welby: Dr Billy Graham stood as an exemplar to generation upon generation of modern Christians. Barack Obama cited the hope and guidance that Graham had given to generations of Americans, while Trump was characteristically succinct: The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him!

Such reverence is quite peculiar, especially considering some of the views which Graham propounded in the name of his religion.

Lets consider for a moment his attitude towards gay people, illustrated rather well by an exchange of letters in 1974. A woman wrote to Graham, asking him about the love she felt for another woman. He began by quoting Pauls letter to the Corinthians: Make no mistake: no fornicator or idolator, none who are guilty either of adultery or of homosexual perversion  will possess the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9).

He added that homosexuality was an ungodly spirit of self-gratification and famously went on to say we traffic in homosexuality at the peril of our spiritual welfare. Your affection for another of your own sex is misdirected and will be judged by Gods holy standards.

The website of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) continues this legacy, with a section on Homosexual Relationships, stressing that marriage should only take place between a man and a woman, according to the doctrine of the Book of Leviticus.

Graham was a firm believer in the power of so-called gay cure therapy, encouraging contact with groups such as the (now-defunct) Exodus International. The BGEA has a whole page dedicated to the idea that being gay is something that can be changed, which ends with a reference to a practical guide to overcoming homosexuality.

The website also features a story about the power of gay conversion therapy (under the more palatable euphemism of deliverance). The story of Kathy Simonini is featured  a woman who now loves ministering to young adults who are confused by the lies of homosexuality. In the article, she explains: God didnt make you this way. The enemy is feeding you lies and youre watching society, which is convincing you in your mind. Block out the world and go to Him. Her views are now what most people would consider to be violently homophobic  as I got to know my Lord and Saviour, [the homosexual lifestyle] makes me sick to my stomach to be quite honest. I cant help but feel profoundly sorry for her.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. 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Being gay is not an illness, yet to this day gay people in the UK are still offered therapies to cure themselves. This often involves electroshock, starvation and prayer therapy. This dangerous practice is not yet illegal in the UK, despite all major psychological bodies ruling it not only ineffective but also harmful.

I wont linger too much on the oft-cited reference to Aids that Graham made in a sermon in Columbus, Ohio, where he appeared to answer his own question: Is Aids a judgment of God? I could not say for sure, but I think so. This did lead to a huge backlash at the time, and he later retracted the statement, but the sermon had been delivered to a record-breaking crowd of 44,300 in Cooper Stadium and its a pretty safe bet that they didnt all hear the retraction.

I would also rather not linger on the infamous Billy Graham Rule  more recently the Pence Rule  which advocates that men avoid meeting, travelling or eating with a woman, other than ones wife, alone, as a way of preventing infidelity or even the appearance of evil. It has come to be widely embraced by evangelicals over the past sixty years, which I find quite astonishing. Sexually speaking, I find myself drawn to men, and yet so far Ive managed to avoid sleeping with the vast majority of those with whom Ive shared an innocent curry or a long car journey. Maybe Dr Graham didnt have my iron will.

Bearing all this in mind, I cannot help but be deeply troubled by comments like that of Archbishop Welby. Surely Graham, far from being an exemplar to generation upon generation, is an example of how religion is so often successfully leveraged as a means of making bigotry appear somehow acceptable, even something to aspire to.

There is an insidious belief that Christianity is somehow inherently good, that belief in a God or having faith is something to admire and aspire to. Billy Graham has reminded me  as someone who was brought up in Christianity  why it is not that simple.

My pastor once wrote to me, suggesting that I pray to God for deliverance and that he would make my paths straight. The untold mental damage wrought by that kind of advice has had long-reaching effects on my own life, and continues to impact the lives of thousands of LGBT+ people born into fundamentalist religious families. Graham is enjoying almost cultish levels of posthumous adulation from many quarters. It is unprecedented; and to my eyes, it is disturbing and wilfully blind.
Weve tried not to be too dry, though necessarily having to reflect some of the arid prose of both London and Brussels bureaucracies. Weve also tried to be unbiased, and to be objective as possible (as in as frictionless as possible as ministers often say) but the task is made more difficult because so many feel so emotional about the issue, the facts themselves are often in dispute, and trying to nail any of these definitions is like trying to nail European Commission approved jelly to a European Commission approved wall. This guide does not, as Boris Johnson would say, possess the lapidary status of the codes of Hammurabi or Moses, and makes no claim to do so.

Its continuing project, and we will add to it as comprehensively as possible (there we go again), and hope you find it useful. Were also very interested in any new coinages you come across, so please share them via letters@independent.co.uk

Ambitious managed divergence: Arguably oxymoronic phrase adopted by all sides after the Brexit war cabinet meeting at Chequers in February 2018. It suggests that any UK divergence from EU Single market rules will be managed, suggesting slow and modest change, as the Chancellor, Philip Hammond has recommended; but also that it may in due course also be more rapid and radical, or ambitious as figures such as the foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson is assumed to favour. See also Three Baskets; cherry-picking, managed divergence.

ANPR: Automatic Number Plate Recognition. Widespread technology used by modern law enforcement agencies. A possible technological partial answer to the Hard Border issue (qv), especially at the Ireland-Northern Ireland border. See also: Smart Border 2.0; Hard Border; Soft Border.

Article 49: The clause in the Treaty of Lisbon (2009) that sets out the procedure for an eligible state to apply for membership of the European Union. Theoretically, it could in due course be used by the UK to rejoin the EU. One day.

Article 50: The clause in Treaty of Lisbon (2009) that sets out the procedure for a member state to leave the European Union. It was composed by senior British diplomat Sir John (now Lord) Kerr. He has said that it is reversible during the notice period; others differ. The clause reads, in full:

1. Any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements.

2. A Member State which decides to withdraw shall notify the European Council of its intention. In the light of the guidelines provided by the European Council, the Union shall negotiate and conclude an agreement with that State, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union. That agreement shall be negotiated in accordance with Article 218(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It shall be concluded on behalf of the Union by the Council, acting by a qualified majority, after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament.

3. The Treaties shall cease to apply to the State in question from the date of entry into force of the withdrawal agreement or, failing that, two years after the notification referred to in paragraph 2, unless the European Council, in agreement with the Member State concerned, unanimously decides to extend this period.

4. For the purposes of paragraphs 2 and 3, the member of the European Council or of the Council representing the withdrawing Member State shall not participate in the discussions of the European Council or Council or in decisions concerning it.

A qualified majority shall be defined in accordance with Article 238(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

5. If a State which has withdrawn from the Union asks to rejoin, its request shall be subject to the procedure referred to in Article 49.

 Brexit: Britain asks EU to consider longer transition period

Brexchosis: Double portmanteau word invented by the fecund mind of Boris Johnson. In a speech by the Foreign Secretary about the road to Brexit on 13 February 2018 he said: We love to run ourselves down  in fact we are Olympic gold medal winners in the sport of national self-deprecation.

And in the current bout of Brexchosis we are missing the truth: that it is our collective national job now to ensure that when the history books come to be written Brexit will be seen as just the latest way in which the British bucked the trend, and took the initiative  and did something that responds to the real needs and opportunities that we face in the world today and had the courage to break free from an idea  however noble its origins  that had become outdated, at least for us.

Brexiety: (1) State of anxiety about Brexit experienced by opponents of Brexit. (2) State of anxiety about Brexit experienced by opponents of Brexit.

Brexit: Portmanteau expression for British exit from the European Union, ironically devised by a pro-European. According to the Oxford English Dictionary it dates back to 15 May 2012, when the OED awarded this honour to Peter Wilding, founder and director of the British Influence think tank, which campaigned for the UK to Remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum, put it in a tweet  Unless a clear view is pushed that Britain must lead in Europe at the very least to achieve the completion of the single market then the portmanteau for Greek euro exit might be followed by another sad word, Brexit.

Brexit, bespoke: As in tailoring, a made to measure EU deal for the UK that doesnt copy and paste from other deals such as Norway or Canada, but takes account of the UKs existing relationship with the EU and future ambitions. In her Lancaster House speech in January 2017 Theresa May stated: That is why we seek a new and equal partnership  between an independent, self-governing, Global Britain and our friends and allies in the EU.

Not partial membership of the European Union, associate membership of the European Union, or anything that leaves us half-in, half-out. We do not seek to adopt a model already enjoyed by other countries. We do not seek to hold on to bits of membership as we leave. See also: Ambitious managed divergence; cherry-picking.

Brexit bus: (1) A Neoplan Starliner coach manufactured by a German company in Poland. It was hired by the Leave campaign and painted red during the 2016 EU Referendum Campaign. Registration mark: E14 ACK. Subsequently leased by Greenpeace. (2) Shorthand for 350m, from the slogan on the side: We send the Eu 350 million a week. Lets fund our NHS instead. Vote Leave (3) The Blunderbus.

Brexit, clean: Preferred expression/euphemism for hard Brexit favoured by Leavers. Also the title of a book by pro-Brexit economists Liam Halligan and Gerard Lyons.

Brexit Day: The UK is scheduled to leave the EU on Friday, 29 March 2019 (at 11 pm, according to the Prime Minister). If the transition period proposed by the EU is adopted, then the UK will leave the transitional status on 31 December 2020. The final result of the EU referendum was announced on Friday 24 June 2016 at 7.20am by the Electoral Commission chairwoman Jenny Watson at Manchester Town Hall. The then Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, called for 23 June, the referendum polling day, to be declared UK Independence Day (Ukid).

Brexit, Green: The Environment Secretary, Michael Goves vision: Leaving the EU gives us a once in a lifetime opportunity to reform how we manage agriculture and fisheries, and therefore how we care for our land, our rivers and our seas. And we can recast our ambition for our countrys environment, and the planet. In short, it means a Green Brexit. Speech, 21 July 2017

Brexit, hard: Definitions vary, but converge on the idea that the UK leaves the EU and goes on to trade with it under World Trade Organisation rules, or an agreement based on WTO rules, but also leaving the EUs customs union and single market. See also Brexit, cliff edge and Brexit, clean.

Brexit, Jobs-first: Jeremy Corbyns preferred version of Brexit, though no-one has yet advocated a jobs-last Brexit: The choice is between a jobs-first Labour Brexit and a reckless Tory Brexit, based on a race to the bottom in working conditions and corporate taxes. Unite event, Basildon June 1st

Brexit means Brexit: Catchphrase Theresa May first uttered when she was Home Secretary and campaigning to become her party leader. In her one and only campaign event before all the other candidates dropped out, at a rally of supporters in Birmingham on 11 July 2016, she stated: Well, I couldnt be clearer. Brexit means Brexit. And were going to make a success of it. There will be no attempts to remain inside the EU, no attempts to rejoin it by the back door, and no second referendum. The country voted to leave the European Union, and as Prime Minister I will make sure that we leave the European Union. Two days later she was appointed Prime Minister.

Brexit, red, white and blue: Theresa Mays short-lived refutation of any other colour of Brexit. She told reporters during a trip to the Gulf in December 2016: Im interested in all these terms that have been identified  hard Brexit, soft Brexit, black Brexit, white Brexit, grey Brexit  and actually what we should be looking for is a red, white and blue Brexit.

Brexit, soft: Version of leaving the European Union that would mean staying in the EU customs union and/or single market, preferably with a very long or indefinite transition period. See also Brino and Brexit, white.

Brexit, white: A version of Brexit that retains UK membership of the EU customs union and/or single market. See also soft Brexit and Brino.

Brexodus: While more EU citizens come to the UK than the number who leave it, they are now coming in smaller numbers. The ONS found that 52,000 more UK citizens left than came back in the year ending September 2017.

Brexthrough: Reflects sudden progress in UK-EU talks. Only one known use, in the Sun newspaper.

Brino: Brexit in name only. Coinage devised by Jacob Rees-Mogg, chair of the European Research Group of Conservative MPs. In an interview in January 2018 he declared: If everything is delayed for two years and then theres high alignment you will find that by 2022 no one will have noticed any difference from having left. Then what will be the point of voting for the party thats implemented it. Im against Brino.

Cake and eat it: Phrase usually taken to mean the UK wanting to retain all the benefits of EU membership but none of burdens. See also cherry-picking, ambitious managed divergence, a customs union, Brexit, bespoke.

Cherry-picking; Disparaging term to describe the UK;s wish to agree a deep and special partnership (qv) with the EU that suits the UK by taking some elements of the Customs Union and/or Single Market, but not others. See also: Ambitious managed divergence; Three Baskets; Cake and eat it.

Cliff edge: A version of hard Brexit which envisages no transition or implementation period. Feared by Remainers; embraced by some Leavers. See also clean Brexit.

Common Travel Area: Can be thought of as a mini-Schengen, whereby people may move without passport controls between the UK and Ireland, including at the Ireland-Northern Ireland border. Established in 1923 after Irish independence, it was followed up in 1998 after the Good Friday Agreement by the abolition of border security posts and identification requirements. There are no passport controls for EU or non-EU citizens at the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. However neither the UK nor Ireland are members of the Schengen zone (qv), so fellow EU citizens face checks at Dublin, Dover and so on on the same basis. See also; Smart Border 2.0; Hard Border; Soft Border.

Customs union, a: An arrangement whereby the UK can enjoy the benefits of the EU customs union but without full membership of it, theoretically allowing the UK to agree trade deals with other countries. The main precedent is Turkey, which is in a partial customs union with the EU for certain economic sectors  but excludes agriculture, for example. However, Turkeys ability to conduct separate trade deals with other countries and to set its own terms for trade (tariffs, quotas and rules) are constrained by its partial customs union with the EU. UK membership of a customs union with the EU is official Labour Party policy, and favoured by some in the Conservative Party. Three European micro-states, San Marino, Andorra and Monaco, are also members of the EU customs union but not full member states of the EU. They operate under onerous conditions in terms of their ability to import goods that then enter the EU proper.

Customs union, the: The European Unions founding principle, set in the Treaty of Rome, 1957, is that it would abolish all tariffs and quotas on trade within its members states, and that therefore all goods can circulate freely within the European Union. The member states would also agree to set a common external tariff and rules on imports for the rest of the world. Thus they set a tax on imports of American cars, and banned American GM food. The forerunner to the EU customs union was the smaller one set up by Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg by Treaty in 1944.

Customs partnership with the EU: The UKs policy, as set out in the 2016 position paper. Defined as follows by David Davis: Aligning our approach to the customs border in a way that removes the need for a UK-EU customs border. One potential approach would involve the UK mirroring the EUs requirements for imports from the rest of the world where their final destination is the EU. This is of course unprecedented as an approach and could be challenging to implement and we will look to explore the principles of this with business and the EU.

Deep and special partnership: What everyone wants. Phrase frequently used by Theresa May and other ministers. For example in a joint article for a German newspaper, Philip Hammond and David Davis wrote: Of course we understand that Germany and other EU countries want to protect the integrity of the single market, and that without all the obligations of EU membership third countries cannot have all the benefits. Those priorities are not inconsistent with ours  a deep and special partnership with our closest trading partners and allies.

European Communities Act (1972): An Act to make provision in connection with the enlargement of the European Communities to include the United Kingdom, together with (for certain purposes) the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar. It gave legal effect to the UK signing the Treaty of Rome. It received Royal Asset on 17 October 1972, and became effective on 1 January 1973. It is short, but had the effect of incorporating a large body of current and present European law into UK law (the aquis communautaire). See also; Great Repeal Bill; European Communities.

European Economic Area: Comprises the European Union nations plus three of the four members of the European Free Trade Area. IN mathematical terms, then: EEA = EU + (EFTA  Switzerland). Switzerland does, however, have a series of bilateral agreements covering aspects of the Single Market, and can thus be said to be partially in it. It is legally overseen by the Efta Court (Efta members) and the EU European Court (EU members). Disputes between the EU or EU member states and Efta/Efta states are decided by the EEA Joint Committee. The EEA Joint Committee comprises the 31 member states of the bloc (28 EU plus three Efta), plus the European Commission.

Currently membership of the EEA is open to EU or Efta members only, so, in principle, the UK would need to re-join Efta in order to qualify. This would, however, make the Efta rather imbalanced with such a large economy attached.

European Free Trade Area: Set up in 1960 under, in effect, British leadership offering an alternative model of European economic co-operation and free trade, but without the political or federalist ambitions of the EU Six of the time to build an ever closer union. Originally The Seven were: Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Iceland joined in 1970, Finland in 1986, ad Liechtenstein in 1991. In defecting to the EU, the UK and Denmark left in 1973; Portugal in 1986; Austria, Sweden and Finland in 1995. Three of the four remaining Efta states (Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein are members of the Single Market and the European Economic Area. Switzerland has bilateral treaties covering certain economic sectors.

European Union (Withdrawal) Bill; See Great Repeal Bill

Five tests: These were set out by Theresa May in her Mansion House speech on March 2nd. They are designed to help deliver on her pledge to make Britain a country that works for everyone. In full, they are:

First, the agreement we reach with the EU must respect the referendum. It was a vote to take control of our borders, laws and money. And a vote for wider change, so that no community in Britain would ever be left behind again. But it was not a vote for a distant relationship with our neighbours.

Second, the new agreement we reach with the EU must endure. After Brexit both the UK and the EU want to forge ahead with building a better future for our people, not find ourselves back at the negotiating table because things have broken down.

Third, it must protect peoples jobs and security. People in the UK voted for our country to have a new and different relationship with Europe, but while the means may change our shared goals surely have not  to work together to grow our economies and keep our people safe.

Fourth, it must be consistent with the kind of country we want to be as we leave: a modern, open, outward-looking, tolerant, European democracy. A nation of pioneers, innovators, explorers and creators. A country that celebrates our history and diversity, confident of our place in the world; that meets its obligations to our near neighbours and far off friends, and is proud to stand up for its values.

And fifth, in doing all of these things, it must strengthen our union of nations and our union of people.

Four freedoms, the: The free movement of goods, services, capital and persons within the EU were first set out in the Rome. They were extended and made more practical under the single market, also known as the internal market, mostly completed in 1992. The four freedoms were further strengthened in the Lisbon Treaty. According to the EU itself: Originally, free movement of goods was seen as part of a customs union between the member states, involving the abolition of customs duties, quantitative restrictions on trade and equivalent measures, and the establishment of a common external tariff for the Community. Later, the emphasis was laid on eliminating all remaining obstacles to free movement of goods with a view to creating the internal market  an area without internal borders, in which goods could move as freely as on a national market.

Free trade agreement: An EU-UK free trade agreement is UK government policy and is feasible. It would mean a free trade area across the existing EU28 (and any new members), whereby there would be no tariffs or taxes or quotas on goods or services from one country entering another. The problem is that it is not the same as a single market or customs union, and would require some form of border checks or controls or other arrangements. This is because it could be very easy for, say, China to export steel to the UK and then for that steel to bypass EU tariffs by freely going straight into the rest of the EU. Therefore trade would be subject to friction and cost, and would mean, possibly, some form of hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, as well as at the airports, Channel ports and other doorways. See also streamlined customs arrangement.

Negotiations typically cover goods rather than services, and take many years to conclude, as with the recent deals between the EU and Canada. On the other hand the UK starts from a position of high integration and free trade rather than with barriers in place. The EU has expressed its dissatisfaction with a free trade deal encompassing three of the four freedoms, excluding the right of labour to move around the area.

Brexit so far: in pictures Show all 53 1 /53 Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit campaign Boris Johnson led the VoteLeave campaign PA Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit campaign Boris Johnson MP, Labour MP Gisela Stuart and UKIP MP Douglas Carswell address the people of Stafford in Market Square during the Vote Leave Brexit Battle Bus tour on 17 May 2016. Their lead line on the tour was: We send the EU 350 million a week, let's fund our NHS instead. Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Voting day A man shelters from the rain as he arrives at a polling station in London on 23 June 2016. Millions of Britons voted in the referendum on whether to stay in or leave the European Union AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Referendum results Leader of Ukip, Nigel Farage, reacts at the Leave EU referendum party at Millbank Tower in central London as results indicated that it was likely the UK would leave the European Union AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Protesting the result A young couple painted as EU flags and a man with a sign reading Im not leaving protest outside Downing Street against the voters decision to leave the EU on 24 June 2016 Getty Brexit so far: in pictures David Cameron resigns British Prime Minister David Cameron resigns on the steps of 10 Downing Street on 24 June 2016 after the results of the EU referendum were declared and the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Theresa May Becomes the new Conservative Party leader Theresa May receives a kiss from her husband Philip, after becoming the new Conservative Party leader on 11 July 2016. May became Prime Minister two days later and although she voted to remain in the referendum was keen to lead Britains Brexit talks after her only rival in the race to succeed David Cameron pulled out unexpectedly. May was left as the only contender standing after the withdrawal from the leadership race of Andrea Leadsom, who faced criticism for suggesting she was more qualified to be prime minister because she had children AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Lancaster House keynote speech on Brexit British Prime Minister Theresa May delivers her keynote speech on Brexit at Lancaster House in London on 17 January 2017. Where she spoke about her offer to introduce a transition period after the UK formally leaves the European Union in March 2019. Despite repeating the pro-Brexit mantra of no deal is better than a bad deal, the Prime Minister claimed she wanted a tone of trust between the negotiators and said Britain was leaving the EU but not Europe. She said there should be a clear double lock needed for the transitional period to make sure businesses had time to prepare for changes to their trading relationships with the EU Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Triggering of Article 50 British Prime Minister Theresa May in the cabinet, sitting below a painting of Britain's first Prime Minister Robert Walpole, signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk invoking Article 50 and the United Kingdom's intention to leave the EU on 29 March 2017 Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Gibraltar nonsense Tensions have risen over Brexit negotiations for the Rock of Gibraltar. The European Council has said Gibraltar would be included in a trade deal between London and Brussels only with the agreement of Spain. While former Conservative leader Michael Howard claimed that Theresa May would be prepared to go to war to protect the territory. Spain's foreign minister stepped in only to assert that there was no need for the dispute Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Shock snap election Soon after triggering Article 50, Theresa May called on 18 April 2017 for a snap general election. The election would be on 8 June and it came as a shock move to many, with her reasoning to try to bolster her position before tough talks on leaving the EU AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Dissolution of Parliament for General Election Campaign Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street after returning from Buckingham Palace on 3 May 2017. The Prime Minister visited the Queen to ask for the dissolution of Parliament signalling the official start to the general election campaign Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Conservatives lose parliamentary majority An arrangement of British daily newspapers showing front page stories about the exit poll results of the snap general election. British Prime Minister Theresa May faced pressure to resign on 9 June 2017 after losing her parliamentary majority, plunging the country into uncertainty as Brexit talks loomed. The pound fell sharply amid fears the Conservative leader would be unable to form a government AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Labour gains Britains opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn gives a tumbs up as he arrives at Labour headquarters in central London on 9 June 2017 after the snap general election results showed a hung parliament with Labour gains and the Conservatives losing their majority AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit negotiations begin Brexit Minister David Davis and European Commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations Michel Barnier address a press conference at the end of the first day of Brexit negotiations in Brussels on 19 June 2017 AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures May speaks in Florence British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks on 22 September 2017, in Florence. May sought to unlock Brexit talks after Brussels demanded more clarity on the crunch issues of budget payments and EU citizens' rights AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures EU council summit  insufficient progress German Chancellor Angela Merkel joins other EU leaders for a breakfast meeting during an EU summit in Brussels on 20 October 2017. The EU spoke about Brexit and announced that insufficient progress had been made AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures DUP derails settlement on the withdrawal part of Brexit DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds walks off after speaking to members of the media as a protester holding flags shouts after him outside the Houses of Parliament on 5 December 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May was forced to pull out of a deal with Brussels after the DUP said it would not accept terms which see Northern Ireland treated differently from the rest of the UK Getty Brexit so far: in pictures May suffers defeat over EU (Withdrawal) Bill Theresa May suffers defeat in parliament over EU (Withdrawal) Bill on 13 December 2017. The Government was defeated by Conservative rebels and Labour MPs in a vote on its key piece of Brexit legislation. MPs amended the EU (Withdrawal) Bill against Theresa May's will, guaranteeing Parliament a meaningful vote on any Brexit deal she agrees with Brussels. Ms May's whips applied pressure on Conservative rebels who remained defiant in the Commons throughout the day and in the end the Government was defeated by 309 votes to 305 Brexit so far: in pictures EU council summit  sufficient progress Britain's Prime minister Theresa May arrives to attend the first day of a European union summit in Brussels on 14 December 2017. European leaders discussed Brexit and announced there was finally sufficient progress at the end of the two days AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures The game moves to transition Brexit Secretary David Davis gives evidence on developments in European Union divorce talks to the Commons Exiting the EU Committee in Portcullis House, London, on 24 January 2018 PA Brexit so far: in pictures Trade deal is what May wants French President Emmanuel Macron gestures to Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May after they hold a press conference at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, on 18 January 2018. May and Macron agreed a new border security deal, through which the UK will pay more to France to stop migrants trying to reach British shores on 18 January 2018 AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Transition period agreed The UK and EU agree terms for Brexit transition period on 19 March, 2018 Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures No agreement on Irish border The EU and UK however failed to reach an agreement on the Irish border during the successful talks on other Brexit issues AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures EU attacks Mays fantasy strategy For months after the March deal is struck there is little significant progress in talks. One senior EU official tears into Britains fantasy negotiating strategy and accuses Theresa May of not even having a position on a variety of important issue Getty Brexit so far: in pictures UK releases Ireland plan Britain releases a new customs plan to solve the Northern Ireland border but Michel Barnier says it leaves unanswered questions and would not prevent a hard border EbS Brexit so far: in pictures Chequers plan agreed The cabinet agrees on a plan known as the "Chequers deal" on July 6 2018. The plan seeks regulatory alignment on goods and food, divergence on services, freedom from the European Courts of Justice and an end to free movement. Many were surprised that the hard Brexiteers of the cabinet would agree to this plan PA Brexit so far: in pictures Chequers plan sparks resignations Brexit Secretary David Davis and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and numerous ministers resign in the days following the Chequers agreement Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures Davis out, Raab in On 9 July, Dominic Raab replaces David Davis as Brexit Secretary. Raab is a keen Brexiteer and was a housing minister before taking over from Davis Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures Barnier's "deal like no other" EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier claims on August 29 2018 that they are prepared to offer Britain a trade deal like no other, though he stressed that they will not divide or change the single market to accommodate Britain AP Brexit so far: in pictures "My deal or no deal" In an interview on Panorama on September 17, the Prime Minister insists that any Brexit deal will be offered to the EU on her terms. She asserts this amongst continued attacks on her approach to Brexit by Boris Johnson and the European Research Group, headed by Jacob Rees Mogg BBC/Jeff Overs Brexit so far: in pictures EU leaders reject Chequers Quite the blow was dealt to the Prime Minister at a EU leaders summit in Salzburg on September 20. European Council President Donald Tusk stated that the Chequers deal "will not work" Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures May demands respect Following the rejection of her Chequers plan the day before, the Prime Minister voiced her anger that the EU had dismissed it without offering an alternative. She stated that throughout this process, I have treated the EU with nothing but respect. The UK expects the same. A good relationship at the end of this process depends on it." Getty Brexit so far: in pictures People's Vote march As the People's Vote campaign and The Independent's Final Say campaign gain traction, 700,000 people turn out in London to demand a final say on the UK's Brexit deal on October 20 2018 PA Brexit so far: in pictures More resignations As the Prime Minister settles on a Brexit deal, Brexit secretary Dominic Raab resigns along with Work and Pensions secretary Esther McVey and many other ministers Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Final Say petitions delivered to Downing Street People's Vote supporting MPs Chukka Umunna, Justine Greening and Caroline Lucas and The Independent editor Christian Broughton deliver over a million signatures in favour of a People's Vote to the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street on December 3 2018 PA Brexit so far: in pictures May delays vote On December 10, the Prime Minister delayed the vote on her Brexit deal as it was near certain not to pass through the Commons due to Tory rebels and lack of DUP support AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures No confidence motion Tory MPs triggered a confidence vote in the Prime Minister on December 12. She won by 200 votes to 117 Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures Commons rejects the deal Following the delay, the Prime Minister's deal was rejected in the Commons by a historic 230 votes AFP Brexit so far: in pictures Corbyn tables a no confidence motion Following the rejection of the Prime Minister's deal, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a motion of no confidence in the government, which the government won by a margin of 19 AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Plan B The Prime Minister won the support of the commons to return to Brussels to renegotiate the backstop on January 29. In the same sitting, MPs also voted against a no-deal Brexit in a non-legally binding motion PA Brexit so far: in pictures EU council president savages Brexit campaigners who failed to plan for departure: Special place in hell There is a special place in hell for pro-Brexit campaigners who demanded Britain leave the EU without explaining how it should happen, Donald Tusk has said. The European Council president launched the scathing attack as he accused anti-EU campaigners of pushing for Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely. Mr Tusk also dismissed suggestions that the EU could reopen negotiations over the controversial Northern Ireland backstop, dealing a blow to Theresa Mays hopes of securing fresh concessions as she tries to get her exit deal through parliament. Speaking in Brussels alongside Irish taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Mr Tusk said: Ive been wondering what a special place in hell looks like for people who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely. He also tweeted the accusation moments later Getty Brexit so far: in pictures EU and UK announce talks to restart after Theresa May visits Brussels Both have agreed to restart Brexit talks to find a way through the deadlock in Westminster, following a visit by Theresa May to Brussels. In a joint statement the British government and European Commission said Ms May had had a robust but constructive meeting with president Jean-Claude Juncker, and that the pair would meet again before the end of the month. But the EU again refused to reopen the withdrawal agreement and its controversial backstop  with any negotiations expected to focus on the future relationship between the UK and EU instead Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit strategy lost MPs voted down May's Brext plans, with a majority of 45. The prime minister did not appear in parliament to see another defeat PA Brexit so far: in pictures Labour and Conservative MPs resign and create the Independent Group Back row of Chris Leslie, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna and Mike Gapes, middle row of Angela Smith, Luciana Berger and Ann Coffey and front row of Sarah Wollaston, Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Joan Ryan PA Brexit so far: in pictures Non-biding votes on amendments to Brexit motion On February 27 he house held a series of votes, unanimously calling for the UK and EU to guarantee citizens rights in a no-deal scenario AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Attorney General publishes legal advice A hammer blow for May as Geoffrey Cox said her renegotiated deal can still leave UK in backstop against its will. Mr Cox did say the prime ministers efforts had reduced the risk of the UK being trapped in the backstop indefinitely. MPs went on to vote against her deal by 391 to 242 UK Parliament/PA Brexit so far: in pictures No-deal off the table MPs rejected a no-deal Brexit by 43 votes on March 13, with cabinet ministers rebelling in another humiliating defeat for Theresa May. A day later they voted in favour of the prime minister seeking an extension to Article 50 AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures House speaker bans May from third Commons vote on same Brexit deal John Bercow sensationally told Theresa May he would stop her making another attempt to pass her Brexit deal unless she has secured changes. The Speaker said a further meaningful vote would be ruled out of order if the motion was the same or substantially the same  under an ancient convention to stop the government bullying parliament on issues MPs have rejected Parliament Live Brexit so far: in pictures May writes to Tusk The prime minister wrote to Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, to ask for a three-month extension to give her more time to try to get her deal through parliament. However the European Commission advises the EU27 should offer a short extension to May 23 or a longer one meaning the UK would participate in European elections 10 Downing Street/AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures European Council summit Theresa Mays request to extend triggering Article 50 until the end of June was rejected by the EU, and instead offered a shorter time frame. She accepted the offer of a delay until May 22 if her withdrawal deal is approved by Parliament. If MPs rejected it for a third time, the EU said Britain must propose a new plan by April 12. Ms May said she will not support a long delay because it would mean Britain participating in elections for the European Parliament Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Brussels confirms preparations for a no-deal Brexit are completed They warned that it is increasingly likely the UK will crash out. In a statement the European Commission (EC) said preparedness and contingency work, which the EC has been conducting since December 2017, was now finished. The announcement came days after EU leaders agreed to a request by Theresa May to extend the UKs Brexit date AFP Brexit so far: in pictures May resigns Reuters

Frictionless trade/Frictionless border: True frictionless trade can only be achieved within a customs union and single market, but even in such cases, as in the USA or the EU, inter-state trade can be restricted by different local rules.In the EU, some national rules, espcially in services, still inhibit trade, as do the existence of different currencies in the UK, Sweden and Poland, for example. For Brexit, the British government and the EU have recognised that frictionless trade cannot be achieved in full after the UK leaves the EU, and the phrase as frictionless as possible is now favoured. This will mark a change from the status quo between the UK and the rest of the EU, within the Single Market and the Customs Union (though the UK never had membership of the eurozone or the Schengen Agreement would have made trade even easier). Trade as frictionless as possible is the formulation used by British minsters to mean the lowest level of customs controls, tariffs, quotas and restrictions as can be negotiated. These could still be significant, and cannot be more friction-free than the current arrangement. See also Soft Border; Hard Border.

Great Repeal Bill: (1) Reverse the effects of the European Communities Act (1972) (qv) and subsequent measures. (2) Essentially an administrate exercise that transfers EU law into English law in time for Brexit, so avoiding chaos. (3) A power grab by the executive at the expense of parliament with inadequate scrutiny of ministerial decisions.

Hard Border: All (almost) agree that there should be no hard border with substantial physical infrastructure between Ireland and Northern Ireland. All have failed to find an answer to the conundrum of how the UK can be outside the EU Customs Union (and Ireland still in it) without some checks at the border about goods entering and leaving the two entities, and to ascertain, for example, if rules of origin (qv) are being observed.

The British governemtn has suggested streamlined customs arrangements (qv) using number plate recognition cameras, trusted trader schemes (qv) and apps could solve many of the problems.

In her Mansion House speech in March 2018, Theresa May repeated her commitment to highly streamlined customs arrangements:

First, measures to ensure the requirements for moving goods across borders are as simple as possible.

This means we should continue to waive the requirement for entry and exit declarations for goods moving between the UK and the EU. And we should allow goods moving between the UK and the rest of the world to travel through the EU without paying EU duties and vice versa.

Second, measures to reduce the risk of delays at ports and airports. For example, recognising each others trusted traders schemes and drawing on the most advanced IT solutions so that vehicles do not need to stop at the border.

Third, we should continue our cooperation to mitigate customs duty and security risks. And fourth, measures to reduce the cost and burden of complying with customs administrative requirements, including by maximising the use of automation.

In the specific case of the Ireland-Northern Ireland border, she added:

80% of North-South trade is carried out by micro, small and medium sized businesses. So for smaller traders  who as members of the community are most affected but whose economic role is not systemically significant for the EU market  we would allow them to continue to operate as they do currently, with no new restrictions.

And for larger traders we would introduce streamlined processes, including a trusted trader scheme that would be consistent with our commitments.

The Irish government has consistently made clear its desire to have the UK no hard border commitment enshrined in a legal document.

In a leaked letter to the Prime Minister, in February 2018, the Foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, apparently entertained the notion of some border checks, if only as a contingency: even if a hard border is reintroduced in Ireland, it would not significantly affect trade across the UKs land border with the EU, in an apparent reversal of his previous position.

Hard Brexit: See Brexit, hard.

Internal market: See single market.

Inverted power: A new role, or power, for Westminster to judge whether powers brought home from Brussels and the EUL should be devolved to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It was laid out in a speech by Cabinet minister David Lidington as part of the Road to Brexit (qv) speeches.

Mr Lidington stated: So our proposal is to amend the bill before parliament to make clear that while frameworks are being agreed, the presumption would now be that powers returning from the EU should sit at a devolved level.

Westminster would only be involved where, to protect the UK common market or to meet our international obligations, we needed a pause  I stress pause  to give the governments time to design and put in place a UK-wide framework.

As I have said before, we expect to be able to secure agreement with the devolved governments about what frameworks should  or should not  apply to each power.

And where powers do need to be returned to a UK-wide framework, we will maintain the ability for the UK parliament to legislate to do so.

Just as the current provisions within the EU withdrawal bill on releasing powers to devolved governments are intended to be by consensus and agreement with the devolved governments themselves, so we should expect this new, inverted power to operate in the same way  by consensus and by agreement.

Legal entity: The EU exists as an international legal entity in its own right. This is the legal underpinning to the EU negotiating with the UK on Brexit as a bloc rather than through individual states. The conferral of legal personality on the EU means that it has the ability to:

Conclude and negotiate international agreements in accordance with its external commitments;

Become a member of international organisations;

Join international conventions, such as the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mad Max-style dystopia: (1) What Brexit isnt, according to the Secretary of state foe Exiting the European Union, David Davis. (2) What Brexit is, according to its critics, having been offered the vivid description by the Secretary of State.

Mr Davis declared in a speech in Austria on February 20th: They fear that Brexit could lead to an Anglo-Saxon race to the bottom. With Britain plunged into a Mad Max style world borrowed from dystopian fiction. These fears about a race to the bottom are based on nothing, not our history, not our intentions, nor our national interest. Frankly, the competitive challenge we in the UK and the European Union will face from the rest of the world  where 90 per cent of growth in markets will come from  will not be met by a reduction in standards. We will never be cheaper than China, or have more resources than Brazil.

Managed divergence: (1) Process whereby the UK sets its own rules and regulations, but also maintains those standards to a similar or higher standard to their EU equivalents, either permanently or temporarily, pending regulatory divergence (qv). (2) Cherry picking. See also Three Baskets; Brexit, Soft; Regulatory divergence, Regulatory equivalence, vassal state etc

Member states: Formal description of the countries that form the EU. The original Six of 1957 have been joined by 22 more. Since 1 July 2013, when Croatia joined the EU, the European Union counts 28 Member States: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom (until Brexit).

All member states are in the single market; but some non-EU states are as well (eg Norway), or partially in the single market (Switzerland).

All member states are in the customs union; but some non-EU states are partially as well (eg Turkey).

Not all member states are in the border, visa and passport-free Schengen Area: the UK and Ireland and Cyprus are not. And one non-EU state is in the Schengen Area  Switzerland.

Some EU states are members of the eurozone, others have agreed to join and others have opt-outs.

Most favoured nation, most favoured nation treatment (MFN): Confusing expression for the World Trade organisation rule that means countries cannot normally discriminate between trading partners, except in certain specified circumstances. In the words of the WTO itself: Grant someone a special favour (such as a lower customs duty rate for one of their products) and you have to do the same for all other WTO members.

This principle is known as most-favoured-nation (MFN) treatment (see box). It is so important that it is the first article of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which governs trade in goods. MFN is also a priority in the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) (Article 2) and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) (Article 4), although in each agreement the principle is handled slightly differently. Together, those three agreements cover all three main areas of trade handled by the WTO.

Some exceptions are allowed. For example, countries can set up a free trade agreement that applies only to goods traded within the group  discriminating against goods from outside. Or they can give developing countries special access to their markets. Or a country can raise barriers against products that are considered to be traded unfairly from specific countries. And in services, countries are allowed, in limited circumstances, to discriminate. But the agreements only permit these exceptions under strict conditions. In general, MFN means that every time a country lowers a trade barrier or opens up a market, it has to do so for the same goods or services from all its trading partners  whether rich or poor, weak or strong.

Thus, under Brexit, if the UK were to, say, abolish tariffs and quotas for cereal imports for the US, it would have to do the same for, say, the EU and Canada (which may not suit the US side of the negotiations). If Britain set no tariffs on car imports from the US, it would be obliged to do the same for Japan, China, India and Mexico, say. Also, British exports to the EU and other WTO members would also be subject to the various importing countries or blocs most favoured nation tariffs.

Opt-outs: Negotiated by individual states as a way of protecting vital national interests when further integration is proposed. They are examples of how individual nations can be allowed to opt out of obligations they find irksome; but are also difficult and sometimes costly to secure, and are not retrospective, as with some Eastern European countries who wish to restrict freedom of movement of people. The most celebrated in the UK is the exemption of sterling form the eurozone, but there are other exemptions below:

Schengen Agreement: Ireland and the United Kingdom;

Economic and monetary union (the euro): Denmark and the United Kingdom;

Defence: Denmark;

EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: Poland and the United Kingdom;

Security and justice: Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom (the latter two countries may opt into given initiatives if they wish).

Thus there are some areas where Brexit will mean no difference to the UKs relations with the EU27. John Majors government negotiated a UK opt-out from the Social Chapter of the Maastricht Treaty, subsequently irrevocably reversed by the Blair government in 1997. David Camerons attempted renegotiation of the UKs terms of membership in 2015 to 216 could be seen as a failed bid to widen the UKs right to win opt-outs; and Brexit as an even more ambitious attempt to cherrypick EU rights and obligations.

 David Davis tries to dispel post-Brexit chaos fears

Qualified majority voting (QMV): In effect the loss of the historic right of the UK and other member states to veto EU Commission proposals they dont like. This was begun in the 1980s and has been extended to a number of important areas, thus diminishing national sovereignty and the power of national parliaments to block new laws. However the veto and unanimity still prevail in some crucial votes.

The QMV rules have become steadily more complicated, with more and more member states and the need to balance the rights of large powers (eg Germany, population 83 million) and smaller countries (eg Malta, population 437,000, the same as Cardiff). According to the EU: Qualified majority (QM) is the number of votes required in the Council for a decision to be adopted when issues are being debated on the basis of Article 16 of the Treaty on European Union and Article 238 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Under the ordinary legislative procedure, the Council acts by QM, in co-decision with the Parliament.

On 1 November 2014, a new procedure for QM voting, the double majority rule, was introduced. Here, when the Council votes on a proposal by the Commission or the EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, a QM is reached if two conditions are met:

 55 per cent of EU countries vote in favour  ie 16 out of 28;

 The proposal is supported by countries representing at least 65 per cent of the total EU population.

When the Council votes on a proposal not made by the Commission or the High Representative, a decision is adopted if:

 There are 72 per cent of EU country votes in favour; and

 They represent at least 65 per cent of the EU population.

QMV may be seen as a crude form of federal voting in the multi-state EU.

Regulatory alignment: Commonly taken to mean retention of many of the common rules and mutually agreed regulations that currently exist across the EU, including the UK, which would be copy and pasted after Brexit. The greater the degree of regulatory alignment the more likely it is that the UK would qualify to be a member of the single market in certain areas.

Regulatory equivalence: Where the UK decides to adopt rules and regulations which are different in their detail or wording to their EU counterparts, but which have much the same effect in practice. The greater the degree of regulatory equivalence, the more likely it is that the UK would qualify to be member of the single market in certain areas.

Regulatory divergence: Where the UK decides to enact its own rules and regulations on everything from workers rights and taxation to animal welfare and safety standards for cars. Parliament may or may not choose to follow EU practice, or amend it with a view to national needs and/or the requirements of trade agreements with other countries.

Regrexit: Regretting the decision to vote for Brexit. First used the day after the 2016 referendum.

Schengen Area/Schengen Zone: An agreement signed between some (not all) EU member states and some non-EU states to set up a common travel area, whereby all visas, border crossing controls and passport checks were abolished. Named after a small village in Luxembourg and inaugurated in 1985, with many countries joining since then. As a travel and transit arrangement it does not denote the right to settle or work or claim benefits, and is not the same as the freedom of movement of labour (or goods and services).

Single market: Now the usual expression for the former Common Market and internal market. A British idea embodied in the 1986 Single European Act and implemented across the EU in the 1992 Project, mostly completed in that year and consolidated in the Maastricht Treaty. It aimed to make real the 1957 Treaty of Rome ambition of enshrining the four freedoms, which were not fully in place by the 1980s.

It extended the EUs Common Market in goods and services and free movement of labour by abolishing non-formal and non-tariff restrictions. This meant, for example, that a Greek dentists qualifications would be recognised in, say, Ireland, and that national rules in areas such as food safety or the capital adequacy and regulation of banks, for example, would be mutually respected or harmonised across the EU. All EU member states must be members of the single market, and agree to rulings made on it by the European Union Court of Justice, but some countries have chosen to join the single market and abide by the rules set by the EU and the EU Commission, but not be full members of the EU and therefore without any formal say in the formulation of EU rules and laws on the single market.

Thus, Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland are members of the EU single market but not members of the EU; so-called rule takers not rule makers or vassal states. Together with the EUs member states they comprise the European Economic Area, wider than the European Union itself. It is not essential to be a member of the EU customs union to join the single market, and Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland can therefore enter into trade agreements with other countries without formal reference to the EU.

Single market, access to: Commonly agreed by everyone, but subject to very different interpretations. (1) All countries have access to the EU single market if they are not covered by EU sanctions or a self-imposed exclusion (eg North Korea). (2) Some countries have arranged for partial access to the single market in certain economic sectors. Switzerland is the main example, where it has a series of bilateral agreements covering, among other things: free movement of people; air traffic; road traffic; agriculture; technical trade barriers; public procurement and science.

However these various agreements are subject to periodic revisions and negotiations to take into account changes in EU law, and are regarded by the EU Commission as irksome, and not necessarily a favoured model for the UK in future. Some believe that could serve as a model for UK access to the EU single market. However, the EU-Swiss agreements do not cover financial services, where Swiss banks use London as their main entree into the EU.

By contrast, Switzerland is also a member of the EU Schengen Agreement, which removes all passport controls on the movement of people from and to the European Union.

Smart Border 2.0: Paper by the European Parliament Policy Department for Citizens Rights and Constitutional Affairs, by customs expert Lars Karlsson. Published in November 2017, it is the most worked out proposal for: Avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland for Customs control and the free movement of persons. In summary it proposes a minimum of intrusion  but there will still be more controls than at present: It is possible to implement a Customs and Border solution that meets the requirements of the EU Customs legislation (Union Customs Code) and procedures, with expected post-Brexit volumes of cross-border people and goods, if using a combination of international standards, global best practices and state-of-the-art technology upgraded to a Smart Border 2.0 or similar solution.

The Smart Border 2.0 comprises:

Free Movement of persons under CTA:

Free movement lanes at major border crossings for eligible people covered under CTA;

Use of ANPR at manned and unmanned border crossings;

Requirement for people not eligible under CTA to present at a manned border crossing;

One check: at jurisdiction of entry;

Creation of a frequent travellers program for people not eligible under the CTA;

Legal basis for collaboration and data exchange between Ireland and Northern Ireland/UK.

Create a low-friction border for the movement of goods by:

A bilateral EU-UK agreement regulating an advanced Customs cooperation that avoids duplication and where UK and Irish Customs can undertake inspections on behalf of each other;

Mutual recognition of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO);

A Customs-to-Customs technical agreement on exchange of risk data;

Pre-registration of operators (AEO) and people (Commercial Travellers programme in combination with a Certified Taxable Person programme);

Identification system by the border;

A Single Window with one-stop-shop-elements;

A Unique Consignment reference number (UCR);

A simplified Customs declaration system (100% electronic) with re-use of export data for imports; Mobile Control and Inspection Units;

Technical surveillance of border (CCTV, ANPR etc).

In full here: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2017/596828/IPOL_STU(2017)596828_EN.pdf

See also: Soft Border; Hard Border; Customs Unions; Streamlined Customs arrangements; Authorised Economic Operator; Common Travel Area.

Soft border: Covers a range of possibilities form the current borders of Schengen area EU nations, where all border formalities have been dispensed with, to borders between the EU and surrounding countries where most, to varying degrees, have ben dispensed with, for example on the Turkey-Bulgaria/Greece borders, the Swiss-French/German/Italian borders and Norway/Sweden. The exact arrangements depending on whether the peripheral states are (in whole or part) members of the EU Customs Union and/or the EU single Market and/or the Schengen zone (qv). See also Frictionless Border.

Soft Brexit: See Brexit, soft.

Streamlined customs arrangements: The favoured approach of the UK Government as set out in the 2016 policy position paper. It means: leaving as few additional requirements on EU trade as possible. This would aim to: continue some of the existing arrangements between the UK and the EU; put in place new negotiated and potentially unilateral facilitations to reduce and remove barriers to trade; and implement technology-based solutions to make it easier to comply with customs procedures.

This approach involves utilising the UKs existing tried and trusted third-country processes for UK-EU trade, building on EU and international precedents, and developing new innovative facilitations to deliver as frictionless a customs border as possible.

Tariff-free access to the EU: See customs union, a

Three Baskets: The options Theresa may would like her Cabinet, the British people and the EU to consider as three main options for Brexit. They help to codify and illustrate the degrees of regulatory divergence or alignment after the UK leaves the EU; and thus the degree to which it might be part of the Single Market in particular.

The first basket contains areas where Britain wants to achieve the same regulatory standards as the EU through the same means  regulatory alignment (qv);

The second are areas where the UK wants similar outcomes but want to adopt different rules and regulations to achieve them  regulatory equivalence (qv);

The third basket has the sectors where the UK wants to compete with the EU and adopt a different approach to rules and regulations  regulatory divergence (qv). I tis suggested futuristic technologies such as robotics artificial intelligence may fall into this final basket.

Of course it is possible that each minster, basket weaving so to speak, could come up with their own mixture of baskets. There is no guarantee that even if the British government and Parliament is united on the baskets the EU will agree to them. Some in the EU have dismissed the idea as fit only for the waste basket.

Trusted trader: More properly Authorised Economic Operator (qv). For larger companies operating complex supply chains across borders, this is designed to allow them to pre-declare cargoes for the purposes of customs, and in particular to abide by rules of origin, so that the UK/EU is not used as a back door into the other market to evade agreed regulations. See also Hard Border; Soft Border; Streamline Customs Arrangements.

Unanimity: Commonly thought to have been abandoned entirely by the EU, and the UKs veto with it in the extension of qualified majority voting. While much of the national power of veto was indeed ended by the introduction of the single market, by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, the Lisbon Treaty in 2009 and by the dilution caused by enlargement in the 2000s, unanimity in the Council of Ministers from each member state is still compulsory in certain areas, and the UK still retained its formal right to prevent further integration or harmonisation in certain areas, namely: taxation; social security or social protection; the accession of new countries to the EU; foreign and common defence policy; and operational police cooperation between EU countries.

Vassal state: A nation that is in effect a colony but which retains most of the trappings of its own sovereignty. In the context of Brexit it means agreeing to EU rules and regulations in order to stay in the Single Market, and also the jurisdiction, if full or part, of the European Court, but with no say in EU decision-making, either during a transition period or permanently. Also referred to as Rule taking, not rule making and the Norway model. Phrase often associated with Jacob Rees-Mogg. See also European Economic Area, Three Baskets, Brexit, Soft.

Veto: See unanimity

War Cabinet: See Cabinet Brexit sub-Committees

Withdrawal clause: See Article 50.
The ramparts of the Portuguese Castle of the Moors  Castelo dos Mouros  fell to the Christians of the Second Crusade in 1147, a bunch of thieves and drunkards, according to local reports, which included a fair number of Brits. Theres a story that a huge fortune in gold and coins still lies beneath the castles broken and much-restored walls, hidden there by the Moors when Afonso Henriques thugs were climbing the hills above Sintra. My guess is theres none. Our relations with the Muslims have always revolved, it seems to me, around money and jealousy. Besides, the Crusaders looted their way across Lisbon  after a solemn agreement with the King that they could do so  and then massacred and raped their way through the panic-stricken Muslim population.

It was the only victory the Second Crusade achieved  things went badly wrong for it in the real Middle East. After that  and the 15th-century expulsion of the Muslims  Portugals conflict with the region was economic rather than military, trying to grab the Indian trade routes from Yemeni Arabs. When Vasco da Gama discovered India and reached Calicut (Kozhikode) on 20 May 1498  this story comes from Warwick Balls Out of Arabia  he was greeted by an Arab from Tunisia with the words May the devil take you! What brought you here?

But that was about it. Only well over four hundred years later do we find the Christian nationalist dictator Antonio de Oliveira Salazar  who kept Portugal neutral in the Second World War and thus preserved its oldest ally relationship with Britain  declaring that in the 15th and 16th centuries, his country had defended Christian civilisation against Islam, a remark that might have come from Viktor Orban of Hungary today. It was historical rubbish, and may be the reason why there is no anti-Muslim ideology in Portugal. If you visit the enormous tomb of Da Gama in the Jeronimos Monastery church at Belem, the catafalque carries two magnificent sculptures of medieval merchant ships but no reference to Muslims. Da Gamas sword is sheathed under stone drapery. The Manueline monastery cloisters which I walked through next door, however, are dripping with Arab-style archways and Arabesque tiles (which you might find today in Algeria and Tunisia).

The Department of Home Truths, a Fiskian institution I have found it necessary to deploy around the Middle East, would point out, of course, that Portugal visited its violence and ethnic cleansing and racism and slavery not upon the Middle East but upon the peoples of Africa, where later wars in its very own colonial possessions  especially Angola and Mozambique  helped to bring down the pseudo-fascist regime of Marcelo Caetano, Salazars successor, in 1975.

The Arabs, however, were regarded as exotic and educated peoples whose own culture was never erased from the streets of Portugals cities. The museum commemorating prisoners of 20th-century dictatorship is located in an original Moorish building in Lisbon called Aljube, which in Arabic means, Street of the Watercourse. It can also mean prison  which is what it was under Salazar. Iberian languages, I should add, are equally strewn with Arabic. The warrior El Campeador, Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar (of Charlton Heston fame), is best known to us by his Arabic nom-de-guerre, as Sayyid  El Cid (the Lord).

Nowhere can present day connections between the Muslim and European past be more perfectly illustrated than in Lisbons Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in the northern suburbs of Lisbon. Old Gulbenkian, the richest Armenian of his time, the original Mr Five Per Cent of oil earnings, was an extraordinary philanthropist of his time, his foundation even trying to bridge the insurmountable gap between the Armenian peoples and their genocider Turkish fellow citizens after 1915. This may be why the short biography of the man available at the Lisbon institution refers to the Armenian genocide  disgracefully  as merely the tragic events.

But the museum displays Muslim/Arab art scarcely a couple of rooms from Dutch old masters, Thomas Gainsboroughs Mrs Lowndes-Stone and a couple of Turners. A Syrian Mamluk mosque lamp and an Armenian illuminated bible stand only a few metres from Renoirs Portrait of Madame Monet. A new exhibition looks at botanical knowledge shared by Europe with the Mughal empire of Shah Jahan.

Recommended Western howls of outrage over the Ghouta siege ring hollow

But there is one majestic volume among the Muslim books, a 16th-century Iranian copy of the 14th-century poetry of Hafiz, the 400-year-old Safavid scholars handwriting swooping delicately across an open page of the volume  but a text, alas, untranslated, and thus rendered as art rather than literature. But here, abbreviated and forced into English, is what some of the words say: If, by good fortune, I can obtain the dust from my beloveds foot, above my eyes I will inscribe a line. If her moth searched for my soul like a candle, I would give up my soul at that very moment  After death, even the wind will not be able to take my dust away from your door.

The lines are not unlike the more ascetic, broken, almost negative verse of that undeniably finest of modern Portuguese poets, Fernando Pessoa, who reminds his devotees of both Joyce and Samuel Beckett:

In the dead afternoons gold more 

The no-place gold dust of late day

Which is sauntering past my door

And will not stay 

In the silence, still touched with gold,

Of the woods green ending, I see

The memory. You were fair of old

And are in me

Though youre not there, your memory is

And, you not anyone, your look.

I shake as you come like a breeze

And I mourn some good

This is Jonathan Griffins translation from the Portuguese, but Pessoas work immediately prompted a Muslim visitor to Lisbon to remark to me how similar it was to the 11th-century Persian poetry of Omar Khayyam, whose Rubaiyat was itself translated (though not very well) by the English poet Edward FitzGerald. Pessoa spoke fluent English.

It comes as no surprise, therefore, to discover that Pessoa not only read and took copious notes on the Rubaiyat all over the title page of his copy of FitzGeralds work, but became almost obsessed by Arab philosophers, including the 11th-century Arab-Andalusian poet al-Mutamid. And he condemned the Middle Ages Arab expulsion from the Iberian peninsula. Thanks to the work of Italian scholar Fabrizio Boscaglia and Brazilian researcher Marcia Feitosa, we find Pessoa espousing our [Portuguese] great Arab tradition  of tolerance and free civilisation. It is in the manner in which we are the keepers of the Arab spirit in Europe that we will have a distinct individuality Let us revenge the defeat inflicted by those from the North to our Arab ancestors. Let us redeem the crime we committed when we expelled from the peninsula the Arabs that civilised it.

Perhaps its no wonder that less than two years ago, Portugals Prime Minister Antonio Costa said that his country would receive 10,000 Syrian refugees  double the number it might have taken under the EUs relocation programme. Compare that to the protectors of our Christian civilisation further east.
When you contemplated voting last summer, was it with the keen anticipation of making your voice heard, standing up for your beliefs and backing candidates who would make a difference? For some of us it was; but for others it was a different experience altogether. It was an uninspiring choice between the least-worst options, offering little hope of change. Millions of people voted without believing any candidate really understood their needs and would speak for them. Ultimately, this is the problem Renew, the new anti-Brexit party of which I am a member, exists to fix.

With a few noble exceptions, moderate MPs of both major parties have been cowed into silence by more extreme colleagues, who every day act out shocking and irrational displays of ideological purity  displays in which the real interests of the British people are lost. The Good Friday Agreement is the most recent victim, denigrated by Labour and Conservative politicians as only a complication in the issue that hangs over everything  Brexit. And while the charade drags on, the myriad problems we face in society get worse.

 David Davis tries to dispel post-Brexit chaos fears

Since Renew launched last Autumn on a platform to rethink Brexit, we have received thousands of messages of support for our goal to shake up British politics with people from outside the system, bringing in fresh solutions and creating a new vision for the country. They support the need to restore integrity, common sense and the national interest to the heart of British politics.

We hear from many people  on both sides of the Brexit divide  about the huge challenges they face today. They are parents, desperate for a suitable home in which to raise their children. They are council workers, trying to help families but deprived of the resources to do so. They are small business owners who want to expand, but lack the certainty to invest. They are graduates struggling to make use of their talents. All the while, many more feel left behind and abandoned by a society that prefers to push ahead into a future of opportunity without them.

Neither side has all the answers to these problems  good public services must be supported by a strong economy, but no economy is sustainable if it hollows out the society in which it exists. At Renew, were focused on solving problems left festering for decades. Thats why weve launched our Listen to Britain tour. Over the next few months, we will engage people all over the country about what matters to them, so we can develop innovative, responsive policies.

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We are building a programme to give people more control over their own destinies by opening up more and better opportunities for everyone, making our country fairer in the process. We want to repair the social safety net and ensure that nobody is left behind by technological change or globalisation. We want to build a society in which everyone is, and feels, free to be who they are, and which celebrates our diversity. And we want to do all this in a way that is sustainable for future generations  a way that doesnt leave them saddled with debt or living in a ruined environment.

We hope to stop Brexit  none of the problems people raise with us will be solved by leaving the EU; many will be made worse. Our role in the EU has benefited both us, and our closest neighbours, in so many areas. But Renew is about much more than staying in Europe. Its about making sure that come the next election, everyone can cast their ballot with enthusiasm, choosing to solve the problems we face today and create opportunities for all, as we move into the future together, with hope.

James Torrance is a principal of Renew
ABC/Image Group LA These days, Jon Pardi is Livin Like Hippies, on the tour of the same name with Miranda Lambert.

Even before the two hit the road together, the pair was already discussing the prospect of recording a duet.

We keep talking about it Jon reveals. I think she's in. I don't know When we first started talking about her singing with me on her song she wrote, she goes, 'Well, let's just see how the end of the tour is!' I said, 'Okay,' he laughs. So we're working on it, but yeah, it's looking good.

Jons next date with Miranda is March 1 in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the California native says the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year is proudly carrying the banner for women in country music.

She's a sweetheart, and we're having nothing but fun on tour, he says. She is a great artist, and she's putting on a great show, and [it] really shows the true songwriter in her and what she stands for, in her music.

And it's really an honor to be on tour with her, Jon goes on, because I always give her credit and much respect: she's my only female headliner I've ever been a part of a show with. Really, if you think about it, she's one of the only girl headliners out there.

Jon celebrated his latest two charttoppers, Dirt on My Boots and Heartache on the Dance Floor, with a #1 party Wednesday afternoon at BMI in Nashville.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
The second annual Give Kids a Smile Day at Chattanooga States Dental Clinic, for children ages four through 13, will be held on Monday, March 19, featuring free, easily accessible dental services for qualifying individuals. The Dental Clinic is located on Chattanooga States main campus, 4501 Amnicola Hwy., on the second floor of the Health Science Center.

The Dental Clinic treated 25 children at the first event last year. Appointments at this event are limited and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Call 423-697-4488 to make your childs appointment.



"According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), nearly one in four children under the age of five already has cavities. This event raises awareness about the epidemic of untreated dental disease occurring locally and nationally, while creating local public and private partnerships to increase oral health care to address the crisis," officials said.



The ADA Foundations Give Kids a Smile program was launched nationally in 2003 as a way for dentists, hygienists and assistants to join with the community to provide dental services to underserved children. Each year, about 350,000 to 400,000 children benefit from more than 1,500 events, all because of the efforts of 40,000 or more annual volunteers nationwide.



"The high volume of patients participating in charitable clinics like Give Kids a Smile highlights a clear gap between those with and without good dental health. Considering that oral health is connected to total health, financial barriers to care should be of major concern to the leaders of our state.



"As it stands now, the Medicaid system that provides for children in need is underfunded. Even with sufficient support from outside resources, many individuals must often go without preventative care, which often leads to a need for costlier emergency treatment," officials said.
What was meant to be a day of celebrating love became a day of heartbreak for families in Florida when a 19-year-old gunman opened fire and killed 17 of his former schoolmates. Here in Indiana, many local organizations are working hard to prevent similar tragedies from hitting close to home. The Recorder spoke with leaders at Peace Learning Center and Midwest Psychological Center to learn more about what is being done to protect our students physical and mental health.

Nestled in a scenic area of Eagle Creek Park is Peace Learning Center, a nonprofit helping Hoosiers improve conflict resolution skills. For the past 21 years, Peace Learning Center has worked alongside schools, nonprofits, businesses, juvenile correctional facilities and faith groups to teach restorative justice practices that help communities acknowledge the impact of harmful actions and behaviors.

Under the traditional system, if Johnny gets in a fight, Johnny gets a three-day Xbox vacation called a suspension. With restorative practices, Johnny has to sit in a justice circle with a parent, school staff and students who have been trained by us and everyone talks about how the behavior affected their relationship with Johnny. Then Johnny has to come up with a plan of action that adults will follow up with to make sure it is implemented, said Tim Nation, co-founder and executive director of Peace Learning Center.

Nation believes educators need more training surrounding the social and emotional development of their students. He feels the best way to improve school experiences is to help children develop positive relationships with staff and peers. Staff members at Peace Learning Center train teachers to recognize bias in the ways they interact with students. They host workshops on restorative practices as well as workshops to help teachers identify implicit bias An interesting statistic is that half of every students grade is based on their relationship with their teacher, said Nation. If a teacher is biased against a group of people, that has long term impacts on that students mental health and life outcomes.

Dr. Shelvy Keglar with Midwest Psychological Center agrees. Keglars organization has worked with schools, the department of child services, job corps and more. From his experience, he believes the predisposition Black students face daily plays a huge role in how they experience school.

I think we have minority students who, when they come to school, face inherit bias in both school and society. Those bias influences the student in a lot of ways, said Keglar. I have seen cartoons from The Association of Black Psychologists that depict what Black students expect when they go to school. They see the look, and understand the comments that depict them as less than the other students.

Local high school senior Calvin Campbell agrees that if students have a positive relationship with teachers and peers their school experience will improve. He describes his school, Broad Ripple High School, as a tight-knit community where students and staff look after each other and keep lines of communication open.

We dont have very many fights or altercations. Honestly, there is not any type of direct bullying and no one picks on each other, said Campbell. I feel safe in school because there are so many teachers that care about the students and are willing to fight for students in the literal and metaphorical sense. Certain teachers will be willing to help students with a haircut, or if there is something (a student) wanted to attend to but could not afford it, they would help them out. If a student needed a ride, they would call them an Uber.

At the end of the day, all agree fostering justice and equality in our education system is fundamental to creating physically and mentally healthy students.

We as a society have to understand that there are people on the inside and on the outside. On the inside there is opportunity and resources, but for the people on the outside who want to get in they have to get through gatekeepers. The gatekeepers include the teachers, the criminal justice system. All people in these positions decide who is accepted for opportunities, said Nation. If Black people are more likely to be poor, to be incarcerated, to drop out of school, then something is wrong with our whole system. We need skills to do something about it.

Learn more about restorative justice practices and implicit bias training by visiting peacelearningcenter.org.
The debate regarding the continuity between African traditional religion and Christianity has been raging since the early 19th century. According to theologian Tony Evans, W. E. B. Du Bois argued that the Black church was the only institution that started in Africa and survived slavery. Contrary to Du Bois, historian E. Franklin Frazier believed that there was no correlation between the Black church and ancient African religious practices. He believed that because of the lack of cultural transference, the African- American experience in America is a new institution with no historical reference.

In recent years, historian Henry H. Mitchell argues in his book Black Belief: Folk Beliefs of Blacks in America and West Africa that Du Bois was correct in his assertion. Black faith in America today, as he states, is a carryover from traditional African religions and thus to think of the Black church as a mere variant form of white missionary endeavors is historically inaccurate.

Mitchell argues that Southern plantations were hubs of cultural transference. Slaves brought their culture, influences, habits, religious inclinations and a myriad of other aspects from their past to the United States. Furthermore, because of the re-Africanization of plantations with new slaves constantly being bought from Africa, these Southern homesteads were bastions of African cultural heritage.

The sustaining and reinforcing of this heritage was aided by the development of the invisible institution where slaves developed a new community and the role of the black preacher, who in African traditional religion passed down oral traditions, was solidified as civic leader and primary religious communicator. Because of the African religious sensibilities that permeated everyday life, the religious predispositions of Africans assisted, not thwarted, their capacity to understand the Christian faith.

Mitchell argues, rather convincingly, that Europeans simply affixed Christian theology to preexisting theological and social structures. Like the altar in Athens to the Unknown God, (Acts 17:23) Christianity, inherently, would not have been alien to the West Africans arriving at American Southern plantations.

In spite of the varied forms and systems, religious consciousness permeates every portion of African life; secularity has no reality in the African existence. As Nigerian scholar J. Omosade Awolalu explains in his book Yoruba Beliefs and Sacrificial Rites, contemporary African scholars believe that generally all people groups of Africa believe in a supreme, self-existent deity who is responsible for the genesis of man, maintains the heavens, and brought into existence the subordinate deities who are his functionaries and the intermediaries of his theocratic universe.

The Gospel Clarifies

African Faiths

The gospel, therefore, brings clarity to African traditional religion because it places the transcendent deity of the African cosmology in proper context. Through the Yoruba religion, theology was communicated through the Odu, a binary symbolic system that serves as a vehicle of oral tradition. As Evans argues, in the Odu, Oludumare is seen as magisterial and supreme beyond other deities. Within the African cosmology, this supreme deity, who is also known as Mungu, Mulungu, Katonda, Ngai, Asis, and other names among African tribes, presides over the pantheon of his subordinates.

To the surprise of some, contemporary scholars argue that a distinct sense of monotheism lies at the heart of African traditional religion because these lesser deities have no power on their own and acquiesced to Oludumares will, similar to Jewish and Christian understandings of Yahwehs sovereignty. Oludumare is revered for his justice and goodness, and according to Yoruba tradition, this omnipotent deity is all wise, all knowing, all seeing, and he never errs.

Another distinct feature of African traditional religion is the integral role of sacrifices in the life of Yoruba. Sacrifices were the manner they sought favor from a god and drove away evil spirits. To find favor from Olodumare, the intermediary deities require appeasement because, according to the Yoruba, no human has access to him.

Arguably, because of the transcendence of the great supreme deity and the institution of appeasing sacrifices, it would have been rudimentary for the West African mind to comprehend the functional role of Christ and his atoning sacrifice once and for all because in many ways West African spirituality shares foundational beliefs with Christianity.
Bariatric surgeon Venkatesh Sasthakonar (front, left) held a press conference Feb. 20 after he was cleared of all charges of trying to strangle a nurse at Nassau University Medical Center by wrapping an electric cord around her neck. (screen grab of video via Facebook)
Americas most famous religious leader Rev. Billy Graham died Feb. 21. In November 1972, he met with Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Over the course of 21 years, Graham preached to some 1.9 million people in India. (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association photo)
Venezuela: Revenge of the Mad-Dog Empire

By Ajamu Baraka

It wasnt until the administration of Barack Obama that the deadly gaze of the United States began to really re-focus on Latin America, with Venezuela as its main target.

February 21, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Only in the world of comic-book fantasies is the United States a friend to the oppressed in Africa or anywhere else on the planet. In the real world, the U.S. is a predator, colonial/capitalist nation. But like the imagined nation of Wakanda, in the latest cultural assault on critical mass consciousness, American exceptionalism and make America great again  two slogans representing both sides of the imperialist coinruling class interests are obscured and the people are reduced to working against their objective interests and being accomplices to imperial lawlessness.

In every part of the world, the United States is engaged in maniacal, criminal assaults on democracy, basic human decency and common sense. From its support for armed jihadists groups in Syria and its illegal occupation of that nation, transferring heavy military equipment to its puppet regime in Ukraine, supporting unending war in Afghanistan, to the military invasion of African, the commitment to maintaining U.S. global dominance has moved war and militarism to the center of U.S. strategy.

But nowhere is U.S. criminality more apparent and unrelenting than right here in the Americas where the Pan-European project was born in 1492. That was the year Europe was born, emerging from its relative cultural backwardness using with terrifying efficiency the only advantage it had over the more civilized people of the regionarmor protection and steel weaponsto slaughter the people, take the land and begin the 500-hundred-year nightmare the people of the world have suffered ever since.

The commitment to maintaining U.S. global dominance has moved war and militarism to the center of U.S. strategy.

Today, the barbarism of the Pan-European project continues under the tutelage of what history will recordif humanity survivesas the most violent, racist, oppressive human experience ever to have emerged in the short span of human existence on Earth: the United States of America.

After centuries experiencing the horrors of genocide, slavery, military dictatorships, environmental destruction, and neoliberal exploitation, the people of Latin America began to slowly extract themselves from the clutches of the hegemon from the North. Social movements and peoples undeterred by coups, structural adjustment and death squads started to take back their history in Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, and the rest of the continent. Venezuela has led the way, proclaiming the dawn of a 21st century socialism that would create the new society and the new human in the process.

Because of imperial overreach, the same trap that has ensnared other empires in decline, the U.S. was preoccupied with attempting to manage the mess it had created for itself as a result of the disastrous belief that it could fight two major wars simultaneously. So, while it was bogged down in Western Asia and the so-called Middle East, the full force of the U.S. repressive apparatus was not deployed against the fledgling peoples movements and the nominal capture of the state by those movements in Latin America. Of course, the United States helped to engineer a failed coup against Hugo Chavez and it continued training police and military forces in the region. But it wasnt until the administration of Barack Obama that the deadly gaze of the United States began to really re-focus on Latin America, with Venezuela as its main target.

Venezuela has led the way, proclaiming the dawn of a 21st century socialism that would create the new society and the new human in the process.

In what appears on the surface to be a ludicrous position, Barack Obama declared Venezuela a threat to U.S. national security on three different occasions. However, the United States is the enforcer for the global capitalist system and the head of the white, Western, capitalist united front. With that in mind, seeing Venezuela as a threat made sense. Venezuela has been the driving force for the nations of the Americas south of the U.S. border attempting to free themselves from the yoke of U.S. imperialism.

The Trump administration took up with enthusiasm the policy of destabilization, subversion, and economic warfare that was intensified under the Obama administration. Violent regime change is now clearly the objective of the administration. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called for the Venezuelan military to overthrow the government while on a visit to the region and reports have surfaced of military forces from Colombia and Brazil being deployed to their respective borders with Venezuela. Another clear sign that the lives of the people of Venezuela will be sacrificed with violent regime change is the collapse of the dialogue between the Venezuelan government and the counter-revolutionary opposition that had been taking place for almost two years. Up until just a few days ago, it appeared an agreement was in place for a peaceful political resolution.

Violent regime change is now clearly the objective of the administration.

The move toward a violent intervention became more apparent when discussions abruptly ended as the opposition decided not to sign an agreement designed to move both parties toward an eventual political resolution.

Concerned about the general disarray among the opposition and the fact that the ruling party and government won 18 out of 23 governorships in regional elections in October 2017, the Trump administration announced that it would not recognize the results of the upcoming Presidential election to be held April 22. All the evidence points to the administration, along with the Venezuela oligarchy, opting for a strategy of regime change, even though it will result in mass slaughter and the dictatorship that the United States pretends to be opposed to in Venezuela.

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The moves by the Trump administration represent an ominous re-introduction of the worst imperialist excesses of the late 20th century, where violent coups were the preferred response to any threats to the rule of capital and U.S. imperialist control. Yet, what is even more ominous about the situation unfolding in Venezuela is that unlike a few decades ago, when there was a vocal and active radical and left opposition to U.S. imperialism, the left and many radicals in the U.S. are in open class collaboration with imperialism.

The left in the United States and Western Europe has completely abandoned any idea of solidarity with the global Souths revolutionary projects. A bizarre example of the reactionary nature of the European left was the European Parliament awarding the Sakharov Freedom Prize to the Venezuelan opposition, a group that has openly attacked journalists and burned alive two dozen people of primarily Black or dark complexions who they assumed were probably government supporters because they were poor and black. Clearly for the representatives in the European Unions only democratic body, the integrity of the press and Black lives really dont matter!

Anti-imperialists must support national independence, especially when a nation is in the cross hairs.

The courageous struggle of the Venezuelan people to defend their national sovereignty and dignity in the face of the murderous intentions of their North American neighbors and the racist obsequious Venezuelan oligarchy deserves the support of all true anti-imperialists. Whatever failure or internal contradiction we see in the Bolivarian process does not outweigh the principle that anti-imperialists must support national independence, especially when a nation is in the cross hairs of the greatest gangster nation on the planet.

For those of us who inhibit the colonized Black and Brown zones of non-being, as Fanon referred to them, to not resist the white supremacist, colonial/capitalist patriarchy at the center of the U.S./EU/NATO axis of domination is moral and political suicide.

When Secretary of State Rex Tillerson orders the Venezuelan opposition to undermine the agreement to stabilize the situation in Venezuela while simultaneously undermining the internal Korea efforts toward de-escalating the tensions between North and South Korea, we see the familiar hand of classic European colonialist divide-and-rule tactics that propelled them to global dominance and continues to give Western imperialism a leash (lease?) on life. But for James Mad Dog Mattis, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, and all the Mad Dogs of empire, the people of the world have seen behind the curtain and are not impressed with the diversionary smoke and fire of your weapons and bellicosity. The people know they have the cure for the virus that affects you, but you will not be happy with their treatment plan.

Ajamu Baraka is the national organizer of the Black Alliance for Peace and was the 2016 candidate for vice president on the Green Party ticket. He is an editor and contributing columnist for the Black Agenda Report and contributing columnist for Counterpunch. His latest publications include contributions to Jackson Rising: The Struggle for Economic Democracy and Self-Determination in Jackson, Mississippi. He can be reached at: Ajamubaraka.com
Failed Attempt to Smear Jeremy Corbyn Reveals Waning Power of British Tabloids

By Robert Mackey

February 21, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - For decades, British politicians have cowered in fear at the power of the nations popular and largely unregulated tabloid newspapers, which are owned by a handful of billionaires, and skew heavily to the far-right. The current Conservative government is no exception. Prime Minister Theresa May reportedly met with Rupert Murdoch , who owns The Sun, soon after she took power. The man May put in charge of negotiating Britains complex exit from the European Union, David Davis, left the first day of talks in Brussels after just an hour so that he could get back to London for a private dinner with Paul Dacre, the editor of The Daily Mail. So the prime minister presumably thought it would be good politics to joke on Wednesday in the House of Commons about a smear campaign launched by the tabloids on Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the opposition Labour party. Referring to a recent barrage of poorly sourced stories in The Sun and The Mail accusing Corbyn of having helped Czechoslovakia spy on Britain during the Cold War, May introduced a tortured pun about the Labour leader wanting her to sign a blank Czech. Corbyns response, a theatrical yawn, delighted his supporters.

Theresa May tries another bad joke at #PMQs  Jeremy Corbyn responds like the don he is #ThugLife pic.twitter.com/XaKXOvu0qs  EL4C (@EL4JC) February 21, 2018

A more potent sign that the attacks had failed was how quickly other members of Mays party retreated when the allegations about Corbyn were thoroughly debunked by former British spies and records available in the archives of the Czech secret service. Those records, an archivist told the BBC, showed only that a spy posing as a diplomat had spoken with Corbyn in the 1980s, but had not recruited him as a source.

The Czech security services archive has told the BBC that Jeremy Corbyn was never a secret collaborator working for the Czechoslovakian intelligence service. #FBPE pic.twitter.com/HVgbpcjLQn  Haggis_UK  #FBPE ?? ?? (@Haggis_UK) February 19, 2018

The former spy, Jan Sarkocy, whose testimony against Corbyn is the only source for the slew of British newspaper stories branding the Labour leader a traitor, subsequently undermined his own credibility in an interview with a Czech newspaper, Novy Cas. Asked what kind of information Corbyn had provided to him, Sarkocy boasted that it was so detailed that he knew what then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ate for breakfast each day and what clothes she planned to wear one day in advance. Sarkocy did not explain how Corbyn, who was then a marginal figure on the far-left of the opposition Labour Party, would have known such intimate details about the daily habits of the far-right, Conservative prime minister. The former spy then boosted suspicions that he was a fabulist by also claiming to have secretly organized a huge pop concert at Wembley Stadium in the late 80s  apparently confusing the Live Aid concert in 1985 with a tribute to Nelson Mandela in 1988. It was funded by Czechoslovakia, Sarkocy told the Czech paper. The absurdity of the former spys claims inspired even Andrew Neil, a former editor of the Murdoch-owned Sunday Times, to eviscerate a Conservative member of Parliament, Steve Baker, for refusing to admit that the story his colleagues had promoted was false. Surely the real scandal, Neil told Baker, isnt what Mr. Corbyn has supposedly done, or not done, its the outright lies and disinformation that your fellow Tories are spreading.

Has he betrayed his country? asks @afneil after claim from defence secretary about the Labour leader "Jeremy Corbyn, I think, is a grave danger to this country because of the ideas in which he believes and what that would mean" @SteveBakerHW #bbcdp pic.twitter.com/Foay2XphNZ  BBC Daily Politics and Sunday Politics (@daily_politics) February 21, 2018

Faced with the threat of legal action for having libeled Corbyn, another Conservative MP, Ben Bradley  previously best-known for having advocated the sterilization of the poor  deleted a tweet in which he falsely claimed that Corbyn sold British secrets to communist spies.

Surprise surprise!When @bbradleymp is faced with legal action from @jeremycorbyn he deletes his tweet.That will be because its completely made up. #fakenews @Sonya_Ward is the way forward https://t.co/AaBB9qzyLK deserve so much better than this! pic.twitter.com/A7MlVPcgtv  Laura Smith MP (@LauraSmithMP) February 19, 2018 Corbyns lawyers have demanded that Bradley also tweet an apology for having made the accusation and make a donation to a charity of the Labour leaders choice. Never Miss Another Story Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter On Tuesday night, Corbyn replied to the smear campaign in a video statement which quickly racked up more than 1.5 million views on social networks, in which he called the former spys claims increasingly wild and entirely false.

In the last few days The Sun, The Mail, The Telegraph and The Express have gone a little bit James Bond. We've got news for the billionaire, tax exile press barons: Change is coming. pic.twitter.com/3ehSKfaAgZ  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 20, 2018

Corbyn also signaled that he would not be following the example of Labours former leader, Tony Blair, who had courted Murdoch and other tabloid owners. Instead, Corbyn hinted, the newspapers should brace themselves for more regulation should he come to power. Its easy to laugh, but something more serious is happening. Publishing these ridiculous smears that have been refuted by Czech officials shows just how worried the media bosses are by the prospect of a Labour government. A free press is essential for democracy and we dont want to close it down, we want to open it up. At the moment, much of our press isnt very free at all. In fact its controlled by billionaire tax exiles, who are determined to dodge paying their fair share for our vital public services. The general election showed the media barons are losing their influence and social media means their bad old habits are becoming less and less relevant. But instead of learning these lessons theyre continuing to resort to lies and smears. Their readers  you, all of us  deserve so much better. Well, weve got news for them: change is coming. Faced with overwhelming evidence that their effort to tie Corbyn to Czech intelligence had failed, reporters for the far-right tabloids moved on to loudly demanding that the Labour leader permit the release of a supposed file on him compiled by the East German secret service, the Stasi. That effort also fell flat when German officials who oversee the Stasi archive announced that they had found no documents at all on Corbyn.

Corbyn's Stasi file is so secret that even the Stasi doesn't know about it. That's top notch secret servicing.  heartbeeps (@hrtbps) February 21, 2018

This article was originally published by " The Intercept " -

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Jeremy Corbyn the people v Theresa May and her vile Tory tax avoiding media barons

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Watch: How Imperialism is Being Redefined as a Liberal Ideal: Former UK Ambassador to Syria

By Peter Ford



Peter Ford, former ambassador to Syria (2003-6) speaking at the Imperialism on Trial symposium in Derry, Ireland.



Peter Ford, describes the weasel words and manipulative language used to redefine old ideas of imperialism as a liberal ideal.



Defending human rights, he says, is simply a modern construct of the Victorian meme of the White Mans Burden  the mendacious idea that the countries invaded by the British Empire needed and welcomed the invaders as a civilizing and educational force.

Please take the time to follow Eva Bartlett there. This video is shared from her account

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The Coming Wars to End All Wars

By Edward Curtin

The compulsive hatred of Putin by many who have almost zero idea about Putin or Russian history is disproportionate to any rational analysis, but not surprising. Trump and Putin are like weird doppelgangers in the liberal imagination.  John Steppling, Trump, Putin, and Nikolas Cruz Walk into a Bar

February 21, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The Trump and Netanyahu governments have a problem: How to start a greatly expanded Middle-Eastern war without having a justifiable reason for one. No doubt they are working hard to solve this urgent problem. If they cant find a justification (which they cant), they will have to create one (which they will). Or perhaps they will find what they have already created. Whatever the solution, we should feel confident that they are not sitting on their hands. History teaches those who care to learn that when aggressors place a gun on the wall in the first act of their play, it must go off in the final act.

These sinister players have signaled us quite clearly what they have in store. All signs point toward an upcoming large-scale Israeli/U.S. attack on Lebanon and Syria, and all the sycophantic mainstream media are in the kitchen prepping for the feast. Russia and Iran are the main course, with Lebanon and Syria, who will be devoured first, as the hors doeuvres. As always, the media play along as if they dont yet know whats coming. Everyone in the know knows what is, just not exactly when. Andthe media wait with baited breath as they count down to the dramatic moment when they can report the incident that will compel the innocent to attack the guilty.

Anyone with half a brain can see the greatly increased anti-Russian propaganda of the past few weeks. This has happened as the Russia-gate claims have fallen to pieces, as former CIA analyst Raymond McGovern, the late Robert Parry, Paul Craig Roberts, and others have documented so assiduously. All across the media spectrum, from the big name corporate stenographers like The New York Times, CNN, National Public Radio, The Washington Post to The Atlantic and Nation magazines and other leftist publications such as Mother Jones and Who What Why, the Russia and Putin bashing has become hysterical in tone, joined as it is with an anti-Trump obsession, as if Trump were a dear friend of Putin and Russia and wasnt closely allied with the Netanyahu government in its plans for the Middle-East. As if Trump were in charge. Russia Sees Midterm Elections as a Chance to Sow Fresh Discord ( NY Times , 2/13), Russia Strongman (Putin) has pulled off one of the greatest acts of political sabotage in modern history ( The Atlantic , Jan. /Feb. 2018), Muellers Latest Indictment Shows Trump Has Helped Putin Cover Up a Crime ( Mother Jones , 2/16/18), A Russian Sightseeing Tour For Realists ( whowhatwhy.com , 2/7/18), etc.

I am reminded of the turn to the right that so many muckrakers made during and after WW I. Afraid of a revolt from below, bewitched by their own vision to articulate the worlds future, heady over their own war propaganda, and wanting to be on the safe side of the government crackdown on dissent (The Espionage Act, the Palmer Raids, etc.), many progressives of the era embraced a jingoism similar to the anti-Russia mania of today.

Only someone totally lacking a sense of humor and blind to propaganda would not laugh uproariously at todays media nonsense about Russia, but such laughter would be infused with a foreboding awareness that as the Middle East explodes and U.S./NATO backed Kiev forces prepare to attack the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine, the world is entering a very dangerous period. And of course Trump has said, The U.S. has great strength and patience but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea. Totally destroy 26 million human beings. While his bully buddy in Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, recently said at the Munich Security Conference that Iran is the greatest threat to the world, compared it to Nazi Germany, and claimed it was developing ballistic missiles to strike deep into the United States. Iran seeks to dominate our region, the Middle East, and seeks to dominate the world through aggression and terror, he said. And he vowed to act against Iran and anyone who supported it  i.e. Lebanon and Syria (Russia).

Putin also, like all the mythic bogeymen, is portrayed as the new Hitler intent on conquering the world. If the American public wasnt so sophisticated and adept at seeing through lies  pause and laugh  we could expect some World War I posters with Russian soldiers (like The Huns), sharp teeth glistening, gorilla strong and beastly, holding American women in preparation for the kill or rape. Last year, when Oliver Stone did the world the great service of releasing his four-part interview with Putin , he was bashed, of course. Just as he was with his film JFK, the only movie in history to be reviewed and panned one year before its release by a Washington Post reviewer who didnt see the movie but had a purloined preliminary script as his source. The Washington Post: the object of the latest film drivel, The Post, portraying it falsely as the savior of the nation through the publication of the Pentagon Papers (which is another story). The Washington Post  the CIAs dear friend.

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In his Putin interviews, Oliver Stone, a man of truth and honor, lets viewers catch a glimpse of the real Vladimir Putin. Of course Putin is a politician and the leader of a great and powerful nation, and one should receive his words skeptically. But watching Stone interview Putin for four hours, one comes away  but I doubt few have watched the four hours with a reasonably good sense of the man. And putting aside ones impressions of him, he makes factual points that should ring loud and clear to anyone conversant with facts. One: that the U.S. needs an external enemy (I know that, I feel that.). Two: the U.S.A. engineered the coup detat in the Ukraine on Russias border. Three: the U.S. has surrounded Russia with US/NATO troops and bases armed with anti-ballistic missiles that can, as Putin rightly says to Stone, be converted in hours to regular offensive nuclear missile aimed at Russia. This is a factual and true statement that should make any fair-minded person stand up in horror. If Russia had such missiles encircling the United States from Cuba, Mexico, and Canada, what American would find it tolerable? What would CNN and The New York Times have to say? Yet these same people readily find it impossible to see the legitimacy in Russias position, resorting to name calling and illogical rhetoric. Russia is surrounded with U.S/NATO troops and missiles and yet Russia is the aggressor. So too Iran that is also surrounded. These media are propagandists, thats why. They promote war, as they always have. They are pushing for war with Russia via Syria/Lebanon/Iran and Ukraine, and they are nihilistically demonizing North Korea (as part of Obamas pivot toward Asia and the encircling of China, as John Pilger has brilliantly documented in his film The Coming War on China ) in what can only be called a conspiracy to commit genocide, as Dr. Graeme MacQueen and Christopher Black make clear in their Open Letter to the International Criminal Court .

We are moving toward a global war that will become nuclear if an international ant-war movement doesnt quickly arise to stop it. Most people bemoan the thought of such a war to end all wars, but refuse to analyze the factors leading to it. It happens step-by-step, and many steps have already been taken with more coming soon. Its so obvious that most cant see it, or dont want to. The corporate main stream media are enemies of the truth; are clearly part of the continuation of the CIAs Operation Mockingbird, and those who still rely on them for the truth are beyond reach. Douglas Valentine, in The CIA as Organized Crime, says the CIA has long aimed to use and co-opt the Compatible Left, which in America translates into liberals and pseudo-intellectual status seekers who are easily influenced. And he adds that the propaganda is not just produced by the CIA but by the military, State Department, and red, white, and blue advertisements that are everywhere. Nothing has changed since the Church Committee hearings in the 1970s. Valentine adds:

All of that is ongoing, despite being exposed in the late 1960s. Various technological advances, including the internet, have spread the network around the world, and many people dont even realize they are part of it, that theyre promoting the CIA line. Assads a butcher, they say, or Putin kills journalists, or China is repressive. They have no idea what theyre talking about but spout all this propaganda.

William Blake said it truly:

In every cry of every Man,

In every Infants cry of fear,

In every voice: in every ban,

The mind-forgd manacles I hear How to break the chains  that is our task.

Edward Curtin, educated in the classics, philosophy, literature, theology, and sociology, Teaches sociology at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. http://edwardcurtin.com/

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Washington Delivers New Ultimatum On Iran

By Bill Van Auken

February 21, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The US State Department has issued a fresh ultimatum on the Iran nuclear deal to Washingtons ostensible major allies in Europe, demanding that Germany, Britain and France commit themselves to altering the agreement along the lines demanded by President Donald Trump or face its unilateral abrogation by the US.

A secret State Department cable obtained by Reuters presents what are essentially the same demands made by Trump last January. At that time, he announced that he was prepared to relaunch all-out US economic warfare against Iran unless the European powers joined Washington in imposing a rewritten nuclear accord on Tehran, including provisions that the Iranian government cannot and will not accept.

The occasion for Trumps threat was his reluctant announcement on January 12 that he had decided to waive the reimposition of US sanctions that were lifted as part of the nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He vowed that this would be the last time he issued such a waiver, unless his conditions were met. The next deadline for waiving the sanctions is May 12.

The message from the State Department to the European powers asks for their commitment that we should work together to seek a supplemental or follow-on agreement that addresses Irans development or testing long-range missiles, ensures strong IAEA inspections, and fixes the flaws of the sunset clause.

Washington has demanded that Iran grant International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors immediate and unlimited access to any site in the country, including military bases; the elimination of sunset clauses in the JCPOA, making time-limited restrictions on aspects of Irans civil nuclear program permanent; and drastically limiting, if not outlawing, Irans ballistic missile program.

While presented by Reuters and other media as a softening of the position outlined by Trump in January, the cable makes it clear that the US is continuing to present its nominal allies in Europe with an ultimatum.

In the absence of a clear commitment from your side to address these issues, the United States will not again waive sanctions in order to stay in the Iran nuclear deal. If at any time the President judges that such commitment is not within reach, the President indicated he would end US participation in the deal.

The cables talking points for US diplomats to advance Washingtons agenda in Europe stress the Trump administrations strategy to counter the Iranian regimes reckless aggression, which addresses the full range of Iranian threats, of which Irans nuclear program is only one element.

The clear implication is that Washington is embarked on a trajectory of war with Iran, either with or without the collaboration of its NATO allies in Berlin, London and Paris. Should they join with the US in ripping up the nuclear accord, it will set them on a collision course not only with Iran, but also with Russia and China, the two other signatories to the JCPOA.

The US has spelled out its own intentions in the Trump administrations recent National Security Strategy, lumping Iran together with North Korea under the category of rogue states that represent a threat to US national interests and are to be confronted and defeated.

None of the European powers responded directly to the US cable, which the State Department itself refused to discuss. Asked about the US demands in an online media briefing, the French Foreign Ministry declared: The French position on the Iran nuclear deal is known. As the President of the Republic [Emmanuel Macron] has said, we reaffirm our full attachment to the global action plan and its strict implementation. It added that Paris would continue to talk about the Iran nuclear program with our European and American partners.

The European powers are pursuing their own imperialist interests in the Middle East and are increasingly at odds with US interests and strategies. The lifting of sanctions against Iran was greeted by European corporations as an opportunity to generate a fresh stream of profits through billions of dollars in new investments and trade deals. Many of these plans remain unfulfilled because of concerns that the US will target companies with unilateral sanctions, and that their investments could go up in smoke in the event of a new and catastrophic US war in the Middle East.

While hostile to Irans growing influence in the region, the European powers are increasingly alarmed at the prospect that Washingtons strategy of forging a regional anti-Iranian alliance with Israel and Saudi Arabia, together with the other Sunni Gulf oil sheikdoms, will produce a military confrontation that could cut off oil supplies upon which Europe depends and unleash a political and refugee crisis that will spill onto the continent.

Washington has issued its latest ultimatum in the midst of an explosive escalation of regional tensions, driven in the main by US and Israeli aggression. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spelled out Tel Avivs aggressive stance against Iran in a bellicose speech to the Munich Security Conference on Sunday. Holding up what he claimed was a piece of an Iranian drone shot down over Israeli-occupied Syrian territory in the Golan Heights, he denounced Iran as the greatest threat to the world, equating it with Nazi Germany.

We will act without hesitation to defend ourselves, and we will act if necessary not just against Irans proxies that are attacking us, but against Iran itself, said Netanyahu, in a clear threat to attack Iran, an action that his government would undertake only with US backing.

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Israel responded to the alleged overflight of the drone, which Tehran insists was launched by independent Syrian militia elements in Syria, by targeting Iranian personnel in Syria with air strikes. Syrian air defense units succeeded in shooting down an Israeli F-16 fighter jet, the first such loss for the Israeli Air Force since the early 1980s.

Speaking in response to Netanyahu at the Munich conference, Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister, attributed the frenzied tone of Netanyahus speech to the downing of the warplane. The so-called invincibility of [Israel] has crumbled, he said.

The US military and intelligence apparatus and its loyal stenographers in the US corporate media are churning out continuous war propaganda against Iran.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, US national security advisor Gen. H.R. McMaster declared it was necessary to act against Iran, which he accused of arming a network of proxies that is becoming more and more capable as Iran seeds more and more...destructive weapons into these networks.

The New York Times published a lengthy piece Monday based on interviews with Israeli military officers and government officials along with representatives of US, Israeli and Saudi-funded think tanks alleging that Iran is creating an infrastructure [in Syria] to threaten Israel. Needless to say, the article made no mention of Israels own funding and aid for Sunni Islamist militias attacking the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad.

The same issue of the Times carried an opinion piece by US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley claiming, falsely, that a report issued by the United Nations proved that Iran has shipped missiles to the Houthi rebels in Yemen to fire at Saudi Arabia. The actual report found that remnants of the missiles were of Iranian origin, while providing no evidence as to how they got there.

Haley insists that the world must act before a missile hits a school or a hospital and leads to a dangerous military escalation that provokes a Saudi military response.

The column echoes the big lie methods pioneered by Nazi Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels. That Saudi Arabia has been bombing Yemeni schools, hospitals, neighborhoods and infrastructure for nearly three years, killing some 13,000 Yemeni civilians and plunging the countrys population into the worst humanitarian crisis on the planet, goes unmentioned.

Haley is also silent on the fact that the US has provided the vast majority of the bombs and missiles dropped on the Yemeni people, while mounting logistical and refueling operations that make the mass slaughter possible.

This article was originally published by " WSWS " -

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The University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga and Erlanger orthopedic surgery residents received top scores world-wide on the Orthopaedic In Training Examination. Residents scored within the 99th percentile of all academic orthopedic surgery programs in the United States, and within the 98th percentile of all orthopedic programs world-wide."The UT Erlanger Orthopaedic Residency program was established in 1974 and has been the leader in orthopedic programs in the region.UT Erlanger Orthopaedic residents have received consistently excellent scores on the OITE for nine consecutive years," officials said.Dr. Richard Alvarez, orthopedic surgeon and professor and chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UTCOM, credits the programs success to the 22 fellowship-trained orthopedic faculty on staff at Erlanger, who provide guidance, training and mentorship opportunities to the residents selected for this program under the leadership of program director Dr. Jeremy Bruce.Our Erlanger orthopaedic team is comprised of world-renowned orthopaedists who are experts in the field. We have leading specialists who handle some of the most advanced orthopedic cases in the nation. This allows us to attract the best medical talent in our residents, said Dr. Alvarez. Our orthopaedic specialists and residents know they are coming to work to make a difference in someones life and enable healing every single day. This is what pushes our team to be the best we can be and motivates us to be better.
A New Low  Russia Smeared in US School Massacre

By Finian Cunningham

February 21, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Hysteria over alleged Russian meddling in US affairs hit a new low this week, with claims that Kremlin-controlled internet agents are exploiting the Florida gun massacre. The New York Times' top story in its online edition Tuesday was headlined: "After Florida School Shooting, Russian Bot' Army Pounced". Other US news media also gave prominent coverage to unsubstantiated claims that Kremlin-orchestrated internet agents, known as "trolls" or "bots", were heartlessly exploiting American public grief over the mass shooting. The NY Times report stated: "Any news event  no matter how tragic  has become fodder to spread inflammatory messages in what is believed to be a far-reaching Russian disinformation campaign."

Under the headline, "Russia bots fuel Florida gun debate", CNN news channel reported : "Cybersecurity and media experts are not surprised that trolls and bots are leveraging the Florida school shooting to cause divisions."

There are several disturbing aspects to this latest anti-Russia media coverage in the US. For a start, the claims of Russian internet activity are being relayed as if they are verifiable fact when that is far from the case.

The media reports are based on private research and "monitoring groups" whose methods for tracking internet posts are not clear or verifiable.

The same criticism of unsubstantiated innuendo being embellished as "facts" applies to the more general US media narrative of Russian meddling in American politics, or so-called "Russiagate".

CNN cites one US-based group called Hamilton 68 and goes on to admit: "The group does not disclose which [Twitter] accounts it tracks and CNN has not independently verified its findings."

Yet that admission doesn't stop the channel, as well as the NY Times and others, from running sensational, factual-sounding headlines.

This is appallingly poor journalism. The words "alleged", "claimed" are no longer used to indicate unverified.

Another disturbing aspect is the way that US mainstream media, including the supposed "paper of record", the New York Times, are inciting rabid Russophobia.

Implicating Russia for exploiting the horrific mass shooting of 17 students at a Florida high school earlier this month is aimed at denigrating the Russian government and its people as having no morals or compassion. Demonizing Russia in this way is aimed at dehumanizing Russians.

CNN quotes one "expert" as saying: "This pattern of divisive propaganda is becoming a staple in information warfare fueled by social media".

The NY Times quotes Senator Mark Warner: "What we're seeing is a continuous assault by Russia to target and undermine our democratic institutions, and they're going to keep coming at us."

This plays into the wider narrative pumped out over the past year by Washington politicians and intelligence agencies that the Kremlin is ruthlessly waging an information war on the US.

Such thinking is, however, leading to Americans having no compass on reality or rationality.

Last week, the heads of the CIA, FBI, NSA and other intelligence agencies warned that the alleged cyber meddling by Russia in the 2016 presidential election is being repeated again for this year's congressional ballots.

There is simply no credible evidence for these outlandish "Russiagate" claims. Even after months of investigating alleged Russian interference, the US special counsel Robert Mueller could only come up with shoddy indictments against 13 Russian individuals published last week. There was not a shred of evidence, nor any kind of substantiation linking Moscow to the alleged scheme.

The alleged Russian scheme is so tenuous, the Americans might as well as blame internet scam-gangs operating from Nigeria, India or any other number of countries for meddling in US politics.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed the latest indictments as "blather", pointing out that no evidence is ever presented. Which is handy for the accusers. Because there is no evidence!

Nevertheless, based on this flimsy information, senior politicians in Washington are asserting that "Russian is engaging in an act of war on the US".

Following news of the indictments, Senator Ben Cardin said: "Russia's aggressive effort to interfere in the presidential election amounts to an act of war. It is time for [President] Trump to muster all the tools available to seek justice on behalf of the American people and protect our nation from ongoing attacks on our electoral and social systems."

Instead of the Russiagate nonsense dying a death, as it should from lack of evidence, the narrative is becoming even more frenzied and deranged.

Possibly that's because large sections of the US media and political establishment have invested so much capital in the narrative that they can't afford now to let it go and admit there is nothing to their claims about Russian interference.

Russia has repeatedly rejecting any such "influence operation" or cyberattacks on the US.

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One gets the impression from American claims that the only "grounds" for their allegations are contrived from the legitimate operations of Russian news media like Sputnik and RT. Just because these news outlets are Russian state-owned and carry critical news and commentary concerning US politics, among many other issues, this appears to be "grounds" for American and European politicians making the wild mental leap asserting this constitutes "Kremlin meddling".

By that token, the same could be said for American, British, French and German state-owned media outlets.

The whole Russiagate myth has relied on US intelligence agencies propounding claims through dutiful American media outlets, amplified by partisan politicians and think-tanks, and repeated ad nauseam by European media and politicians. It's the Big Lie technique of Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels.

The irony of course is that American and other Western intelligence agencies are the most intrusive and insidious influence-merchants on the whole planet. Destroying and subverting governments, poisoning public opinion and demonizing individuals and entire foreign nations is how they operate routinely.

The CIA's Operation Mockingbird set up in the 1950s recruited thousands of journalists to work in household news organizations to pump out disinformation to control American public perception, whether it was with regard to justifying illegal wars or covering up assassination of political leaders, including their very own President John F Kennedy.

American politicians, military and intelligence are congenitally programmed to pick a war with Russia.

The preposterous claims that Russia is attacking American democracy are at bottom dangerous warmongering. The Russiagate ruse is aimed at inciting hatred among the American public towards Russia to view it as an enemy who is "attacking our way of life".

The claims are totally untenable and unsustainable from the dearth of evidence. It is a myth concocted by ideologically sick people.

Because it is a myth, it is liable to fade from lack of substance.

That is why the Russophobia must continually be stoked with new twists in the narrative.

Alleged interference in American democracy is mutable with claims of Russia helping the "Syrian regime" drop chemical weapons on civilians; or Russian athletes "cheating" with drugs at the Olympics; or Russian military intelligence targeting critical civilian infrastructure in Western states.

The latest twist is particularly odious. To claim that Russia is dancing on the graves of American students and sowing social tensions over the harrowing controversy of guns in US society is a new, despicable low.

Finian Cunningham has written extensively on international affairs, with articles published in several languages. He is a Masters graduate in Agricultural Chemistry and worked as a scientific editor for the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, England, before pursuing a career in newspaper journalism. He is also a musician and songwriter. For nearly 20 years, he worked as an editor and writer in major news media organisations, including The Mirror, Irish Times and Independent.

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Haitian History Lesson - Conan



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Conan arrives in Haiti, meets the people, and learns he and President Trump both have a lot to learn about the history of Haiti.

Posted February 21, 2018

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Former Big Brother Africa star and Instagram slay queen Huddah Monroe has revealed some interesting details about her sex life.

In her latest post on social media, the popular Kenyan socialite revealed that she only sleeps with presidents, vice presidents and kings .

She apparently was reacting to the leaked viral sex tape of American reality star, Blac Chyna and she went further to say that shell never be caught dead giving head to a normal guy ..

See her posts below;

source: Gistreel
If youre eating breakfast now is your last chance to turn away. A teenage boy has claimed to have laid 20 eggs in the past two years, completely baffling doctors.

Akmal, 14, from Gowa in Indonesia says he has been regularly laying eggs since 2016. When cracked open Akmals father claims the eggs laid by his son appear to be either all yolk or all white.



The 14-year-old has been repeatedly hospitalised for his condition, and recently laid two eggs in front of doctors.

His father Rusli said: In two years he laid 18 eggs and two today, so in total there have been 20. I cracked the first egg and its content was all yellow, no white.

But doctors are baffled by his condition, saying its impossible for eggs to form inside the human body, the Daily Star reported.

A spokesperson from the hospital said: Our suspicion is that the eggs were deliberately shoved into Akmals rectum. But we did not see it directly.

Akmals father denied this.



He told local media: He never swallowed eggs whole, why would he do that?

Doctors have quarantined the teenager to study his condition at Syekh Yusuf Hospital in Gowa.
MILVERTON, ON (February 21, 2018)- On the heels of the announcement this week by GM Paille, Marc-Antoine Camirand and 22 Racing, we are pleased to announce that all eight of our NASCAR Pintys series cars will be converted to the new 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

The #22 of Marc-Antoine Camirand, the #18 and the #24 of Donald Theetge will all be competing in the ZL1 Camaro at all thirteen NASCAR Pintys Series events across the Country in 2018.

We have had a long and prosperous relationship with Dodge for the past 11 years in NASCAR in Canada and we thank them for their support. But we are extremely excited and proud to launch the 2018 Chevrolet ZL1 Camaro in the NASCAR Pintys Series this year, said team owner Scott Steckly. It has been incredibly busy since the first of September getting all the pieces in place to bring this car to the track. The support and help of GM Paille owner JC Paille, Tony Novotny at Performance Fiberglass and NASCAR Canada have made it a reality.

Chevrolet is proud to support 22 Racing as it introduces the ZL1 to NASCAR Pintys Series, adding to the long and storied history of Camaro performance, said James Hodge, advertising manager, Chevrolet in Canada. The ZL1 is a time-honoured and track-tested badge that was designed to excel at everything and we know it will excite the drivers, fans and customers as it joins NASCARs top Canadian series.

With the team of winning and top performing drivers in the stable at 22 Racing they fully expect to notch many podiums and wins in the ZL1 Camaro for Chevrolet in 2018.

The NASCAR Pintys Series season kicks off at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Victoria day weekend May 19/20. Click on this link for the entire 2018 series schedule. http://www.22racing.ca/schedule/

About the Chevrolet Camaro

The Camaro ZL1 brings a unique, track-focused legacy to NASCAR. The ZL1 name was originally bestowed in the 1960s on a Chevrolet-developed all-aluminum racing engine that became a dominating force in road racing. In 1969, a few enterprising dealers used Chevrolets special-order system to get the ZL1 engine installed in 69 regular-production Camaros. The cars became instant legends on the street and dragstrip.

More than 40 years later, Chevrolet reintroduced the ZL1 as the ultimate performance Camaro, developed to offer track-capable performance straight off the showroom floor. The 2018 Camaro ZL1 is powered by a 650-horsepower supercharged engine featuring a similar 90-degree V-8 configuration as the Cup racing engines.

The new Camaro ZL1 race car builds on a winning legacy carried by the previous Chevrolet SS, which has scored 70 Cup Series wins to date and contributed to Chevrolet earning a record 39 NASCAR manufacturer titles  including 13 consecutive titles from 2003-2015.

About 22 Racing:

22 Racing is owned by 4X NASCAR Pintys Series Champion Scott Steckly and is based out of Milverton Ontario in a new (2014) 7,500 square foot race shop. They have fielded teams for drivers such as Christopher Bell, Jacques Villeneuve, James Buescher, Jeb Burton, Kaz Grala, L.P. Dumoulin, Max Papis and many others.

22 Racing provides turnkey solutions for drivers looking to compete in the NASCAR Pintys Series. The 22 Racing Team is supported by the following sponsors: Erb Group of Companies, AW Millwrights, Sturdy Formed Concrete, Castrol, Wendell Motors, Twin City Graphics, Auto Glym, Mechanix Wear, Dickies Canada, Great Dane Glasvan, Safety Kleen, Dupli-Color & Permatex.

For more information please contact:

Linda Jones

22 Racing

ljones@drivenmi.com

(705) 730-4044
February 22, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) David Haughton, an analyst with CIBC, reviewed this company's 2017 financials and 2018 guidance.

Following Gold Fields Ltd.'s (GFI:NYSE; GFI:JSE) recently released financial reports, CIBC lowered its rating to Neutral from Outperform and trimmed its share price target to R56 from R71 on the company "to reflect the revised outlook and prevailing spot prices" in the form of a forecasted stronger rand, explained analyst David Haughton in a Feb. 14, 2018 research report. The gold miner's stock is trading today at around R46.39 per share.

The revised outlook is primarily attributable to the Deep South project, which had a "seasonally low Q1/18 (after the Christmas break)," which "could be a near-term headwind," Haughton noted. Gold Fields recently outlined a slower-than-expected ramp-up there, to 480 thousand ounces (480 Koz), and at a higher all-in sustaining cost (AISC) than anticipated. "Implementation of the plan and achieving the required efficiencies are key to the Gold Fields valuation," the analyst added.

In more positive news, Haughton pointed out that Gruyere and Damang are advancing on track with first ore anticipated in Q1/19 and Q2/19, respectively. Also on schedule is the feasibility study for Salares Norte, which is slated for release by the end of 2018.

In considering the company overall, its reported 2017 normalized earnings per share was as estimated, at $0.17, which falls into the pre-released range of $0.160.19. Production, at 2,160 Koz of gold equivalent (Au eq) and an AISC cost of $955 per ounce ($955/oz), exceeded guidance, which was 2,1002,150 Koz at $1,0101,030/oz.

Gold Fields provided 2018 production guidance, which was slightly higher than CIBC's, 2.082.10 Moz Au eq versus 2.03 Moz Au eq. The miner forecasted AISC at $9901,010/oz, which was lower than CIBC's anticipated $1,056/oz.

In 2017, despite "heavy capital spending," Gold Fields "delivered a cash-neutral year," Haughton reported. As for capex in 2018, the company guided to $835M, which is in line with CIBC's estimate. However, "an additional $83M budget for the Salares Norte feasibility study was beyond our assumption," added Haughton.

He concluded that while Gold Fields' medium-term outlook is now "flatter," the company still "offers appeal for improving operations and value amongst South African gold miners."

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Disclosures from CIBC, Gold Fields Ltd., Feb. 14, 2018

Analyst Certification:

Each CIBC World Markets Corp./Inc. research analyst named on the front page of this research report, or at the beginning of any subsection hereof, hereby certifies that (i) the recommendations and opinions expressed herein accurately reflect such research analyst's personal views about the company and securities that are the subject of this report and all other companies and securities mentioned in this report that are covered by such research analyst and (ii) no part of the research analyst's compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or views expressed by such research analyst in this report.

Analysts employed outside the U.S. are not registered as research analysts with FINRA. These analysts may not be associated persons of CIBC World Markets Corp. and therefore may not be subject to FINRA Rule 2241 restrictions on communications with a subject company, public appearances and trading securities held by a research analyst account.

Potential Conflicts of Interest:

Equity research analysts employed by CIBC World Markets Corp./Inc. are compensated from revenues generated by various CIBC World Markets Corp./Inc. businesses, including the CIBC World Markets Investment Banking Department. Research analysts do not receive compensation based upon revenues from specific investment banking transactions. CIBC World Markets Corp./Inc. generally prohibits any research analyst and any member of his or her household from executing trades in the securities of a company that such research analyst covers.

Additionally, CIBC World Markets Corp./Inc. generally prohibits any research analyst from serving as an officer, director or advisory board member of a company that such analyst covers.

In addition to 1% ownership positions in covered companies that are required to be specifically disclosed in this report, CIBC World Markets Corp./Inc. may have a long position of less than 1% or a short position or deal as principal in the securities discussed herein, related securities or in options, futures or other derivative instruments based thereon.

Recipients of this report are advised that any or all of the foregoing arrangements, as well as more specific disclosures set forth below, may at times give rise to potential conflicts of interest.

Important Disclosure Footnotes for Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI):

CIBC World Markets Inc. expects to receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services from Gold Fields Ltd. in the next 3 months.

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Lew Card will play at OddStory Brewing on Friday, March 9.

Review for Lew Card:

Lew Card is not just a songwriter, and he is a song.

He is a story.



Born the son of a wealthy businessman in the hills of East Tennessee, he had it all laid out for him. A legacy, riches, romance, country club swimming pools, the top tier of the social elite. But after a brief modeling career in the early nineties, he decided to leave it all behind to make hundreds of dollars a year in the music business.

He worked for countless hours over his craft. Holed up in his bedroom smoking weed and listening to the likes of Bill Monroe and Neil Young for days on end. It was there where he would learn to emulate the different styles of picking and lyric. For years, this proved to be a bountiful experience, albeit not a profitable one.

Enter Texas. Joining the circus in Austin for most of the beginning of the new millennium, Lew learned how to incorporate its techniques into the business of music. The illusion of magic, mystery, grand scale, and good plain ole trickery was just what he needed to skyrocket his career.

Although, he's not in Texas anymore. Lew moved back to Chattanooga and will be touring for his new album.

"I made Takeouts because I had the songs that didn't make it on other projects for one reason or another. So when I was in Austin for a few days, in Spring of 2017, I went in with James Stevens at East Austin Recording and laid them down. Having worked with James on all my albums, he knew exactly what I was going to do. I got there at 10 a.m. and left at 1 p.m. with the album in the can. Takeouts were intentionally made as a companion piece to the fast pace of today's world. That's not to say that these songs are throw away, like so many things are today, but more a reflection of a time. On the other ear, they are songs recorded in a purer form from a forgotten time; live, one guitar, one voice, mistakes and all."

"Ballad of The In Between"

"This song was conceived on a porch at the beach in South Carolina. I had been sitting around with some really good old friends that hadn't been together in awhile. It was 11 p.m. on a Saturday night and we seemed to be having a really good time when one of them got up and said they were going to bed. All of the others followed within two minutes and left me there to have the fun all by myself. I grabbed my guitar, as I do in these times, and just started singing softly, "Gonna throw myself in the ocean/roll across the sea/get myself far away/far as I can be."

"True Love"

"Growing up playing a lot of bluegrass, I've always had a special place in my heart for a good murder ballad - I think it is because they are so descriptive. It puts you in that place and time. This song is about loving someone so much that you have to kill them so no one else can have them."

"Colonial Pipeline Blues"

On Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, a Colonial Pipeline leak in Shelby County, Al., spilled 350,000 gallons of gasoline in the Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge. "The thing that really got me about this, besides having lots of family and friends in the area, was the way that the news, Colonial Pipeline Corporation, and US and Alabama government handled the situation. This was written from the point of view of the CEO of Colonial Pipeline Corporation."

"Building Boats"

"This song is for the everyman/woman. You work and work for some folks while they just keep getting richer. Or you dedicate your life, work-wise, to someone who never follows through like they say they were are going to do. Might as well work for me. Done building boats for other people to sail!"

Tennessee Twister

"This tune had an interesting origin. During the tornados of 2010 that tore through most of the Southeast U.S., I kept hearing these stories about how social media was connecting people with their lost objects. Bibles, rings, clothes, etc. I thought that was very interesting that social media seem to be working for a good cause. I didn't write a happy song about it. I took those objects I was reading about and put them into a song, not much different from the lyrical content of a murder ballad, by telling the stories of the thing we lose and the thing we don't care about losing."

"Lonestar Music - Veteran Austin sideman Lew Card has spent a good chunk of this decade exploring what itd sound like to just sing and write his own songs. So far, so good. With Follow Me Down, hes kept all of the good things about his full-length debut (2014s subtly engaging Low Country Hi-Fi) and made them better. His sly, bluesy phrasing and hard-luck narratives have sharpened in the light of slightly higher-fi production, with a bigger-band feel augmented notably by the Tijuana Trainwreck Horns (Mark Wilson and Tiger Anyaya, to their friends). At its best, it grooves like New Orleans by way of Austin, cracks wise like John Prine by way of Randy Newman, and moves like a bayou boogie by way of a landlocked Central Texan who gets it."




This collection features the arguments in favor of and against the renaming of Catt Hall on Iowa State's campus, which was named in 
The new startup company, Classic Exhibitions and Conferences, LLC, will be putting together a new interior design exhibition happening this fall. Fine Interiors Chattanooga will be an interactive exhibition showcasing the finest interior design trends, inspirational decor, fine furniture, objet d'art, architecture and fine living.

It will take place Sept. 27-30 at the Chattanooga Convention Center, 1150 Carter St. This will be a first annual event.

In a collaborative effort, leading interior designers are invited to decorate zones with vendors taking vignette booth spaces around the installations to help centralize their networking and to allow them to showcase more of their products range or services. The event has been designed to attract clients looking to meet designers in person, learn more about the latest trends, experience new collections, meet artists, listen to authors, sample hors d oeuvres and enjoy the installations.

Chattanooga has a vibrant, talented and growing design community, this event is intended to celebrate and showcase this amazing talent pool says Managing Director Nigel Brown.

Currently, the organizers invite specialists from the following categories to participate such as Interior designers, architects, custom home builders, kitchen, bathroom & outdoor specialists, high end furniture retailers, custom furniture specialists, artists, art and antique dealers, fabric, trimming and wallpaper retailers, as well as those who specialize in fine lighting and sophisticated gifts. The event would be an ideal platform to promote unique products and superior services, said officials.

Fine Interiors Chattanooga has a live and active web and social media presence. To learn more about the show one can visit their website at www.fineinteriorschattanooga.com, like their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter.






The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers an Addiction Recovery Program, a 12-step program that "helps individuals overcome addictions through Jesus Christ and His Atonement."



The program is based on the teachings of Christ and the 12 steps are adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous. These steps include honesty, hope, trust in God, truth, confession, change of heart, humility, seeking forgiveness, restitution and reconciliation, daily accountability, personal revelation, and service.



"By applying these principles based on the teachings of Christ, individuals find the strength to overcome addictions and 'find new meaning to life,' (addictionrecovery.lds.org), officials said.

As stated at addictionrecovery.lds.org, Addiction harms an individuals spirit, mind and body. True recovery focuses on healing all of the different aspects of ourselves that make us who we are. It is only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His gospel that we can be fully healed and freed from the bonds of addiction.



As also stated, Some people consider addictions to only be bad habits that can be conquered by willpower alone, but many people become so dependent on a behavior or a substance that they no longer see how to abstain from it (addictionrecovery.lds.org). "Thats why studying and applying the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ are necessary, no matter the addiction, whether it be drugs, alcohol, pornography, etc.," officials said.



Anyone in Tennessee, or elsewhere, regardless of religious affiliation, may participate for free in the LDS Addiction Recovery Program. Local meetings are held at the LDS meetinghouse, 3067 Ooltewah Ringgold Road in Ooltewah. All meetings are confidential. Individuals who struggle with addiction can find meetings at addictionrecovery.lds.org under "find a meeting. Meetings are also available for family and friends to help them support their loved ones through recovery.



Elder M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, states, I testify that your body, mind and spirit can be transformed, cleansed, and made whole, and you will be freed,"






The Dalton Police Department is investigating after a threatening note was found in a classroom at Dalton High School on Wednesday afternoon. The note, which was found on the floor of one of one the classrooms close to the end of the school day, mentioned a threat against the school on Feb. 22. The department already has a plan in place to have extra police officers assigned to the high school tomorrow.

Investigators spent the early evening hours at the Dalton High School campus working to determine who wrote the note. Police and school authorities take any threat against the schools seriously and work to hold anybody responsible accountable. The police department has an officer assigned to the Dalton High School campus full time as a School Resource Officer (SRO). In addition to the SRO, the police department has plans to increase the police presence not just at the high school but also other school campuses in the city to ensure that all students will be safe tomorrow.



We will be working closely with the school to identify the individual that made the threat, said DPD Assistant Chief Cliff Cason. We will have an increased presence at DHS and other city schools tomorrow above and beyond what we normally have.



Anyone with information about this threat is asked to please contact Detective Sam Eaton at 706 278-9085, ext. 9158.


An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Winchester woman, who is charged with committing perjury during testimony in a Bedford County trial.

At the request of 17th District Attorney General Robert Carter, on Feb. 16, TBI agents investigated a complaint that Amber Marie Rinaldi-Fletcher committed perjury when she testified in a homicide trial in Bedford County on Feb. 15. Agents learned that Rinaldi-Fletcher, who is the defendants wife, provided testimony in the trial that contradicted previous statements she gave to the TBI.



On Friday, Amber Marie Rinaldi-Fletcher, 26, was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated perjury. She was booked into the Bedford County Jail on a $100,000 bond.


WE WILL NEVER FORGET Residents of Jamestown gather Saturday at East Ferry to remember the Americans who were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks 20 years ago in New York City, Washington, D.C, and...

Town considers broadband utility The town is soliciting a request for proposals to determine the cost and design of a municipal broadband utility. The councilors unanimously approved the motion at their Sept. 7 meeting....

District nabs states top librarian The top librarian in Rhode Island is now the newest face for local students in Jamestown. Michelle Steever was hired as the districts librarian following the retirement of Lisa Casey....
Whenever I want to get my day off to a bad start, I have a fool-proof strategy. I turn on the morning news and hear about all the awful things that happened yesterday, or while I was sleeping. Its kind of like the guy who said, My day was going just great. Really well. Then I got out of bed, and it spiraled down from there!

Reminds me of the classic childrens book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. If youre not familiar with this award-winning story, poor little Alexander finds that from the moment he wakes up, things seem determined not to go his way. Things get so bad, Alexander wishes he could move to Australia, where he feels certain things would go much better for him. (In an Australian version of the book, Alexander expresses a yearning to move to Timbuktu.)



You might not face the same set of setbacks that Alexander does, but weve all had our own version of a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, havent we?



Sometimes circumstances we encounter are beyond our control: Someone backing into our car in the shopping mall parking lot; dropping an egg or bottle of milk on the floor while preparing to make breakfast; not noticing that icy spot on the sidewalk; or having one of the kids get sick just before were heading out for a special evening with our spouse.



But what we can control is our attitude. As my friend used to say, We cant keep the birds from flying overhead, but we can keep them from building a nest in our hair.



Its not about becoming a Pollyanna, or insisting on wearing rose-colored glasses  or drinking out of only half-full ones, for that matter. Its about understanding what we can rely on even when a day serves us with its worst.



The Scriptures talk about maintaining a right perspective even in the midst of negative news and circumstances: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable  if anything is excellent or praiseworthy  think about such things (Philippians 4:8). Its hard to remain pessimistic when we surround ourselves with reasons for optimism.



We also can escape negativity when we concentrate on Gods assurances. For instances, in Jeremiah 29:11, He promises, For I know the plans I have for youplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.



Several chapters later the Lord instructs us to Call on me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3). In the midst of difficulties, big or small, it can be extremely hard to see or understand the big picture. Sometimes we need to drive through mud to reach the paved road.



Then theres one of my all-time favorite promises, that we can release whatever burdens us to Gods attention: Cast all your anxiety of him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).



Having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day? Take heart  it will pass sooner than you think. And trust in the Lord whos expert at turning terrible, horrible, no good, very bad stuff into something really good!



----
Cody Cottier covers town and state government. He grew up with a view of the Olympic Mountains, and after graduating Washington State University he traded it for a view of the Tetons. Odds are the mountains are where youll find him when not on deadline.
Kylie Mohr covers the education and health beats. Mohr grew up in Washington and came to Wyoming via Georgetown. She loves seeing the starry night sky again.
The Chattanooga judge overseeing the Pilot Travel Centers fraud case has directed prosecutors to rank the 17 defendants in order of culpability for purposes of sentencing.

Judge Curtis Collier said he plans to handle the sentencings in groups of three or four.

Authorities said earlier that those who entered guilty pleas were facing up to five years in prison, while those who went to trial faced up to 20 years.

A jury last week found Karen Mann not guilty, but returned single convictions against Heather Jones and former Pilot national sales director Scott Wombold. Former Pilot president Mark Hazelwood was found guilty of three felony counts. He is under home confinement at his Knoxville residence.

Judge Collier said in an order, "The Court intends to conduct the sentencing hearings in groups of three or four Defendants at a time. In order to guide the Court in scheduling the sentencing hearings in an orderly and logical manner, the United States (the Government) SHALL file a document listing Defendants in order of the Governments approximation of their respective culpability within seven days of the issuance of this Order. The Government may include any other information it believes is relevant to scheduling the sentencing hearings. Any Defendant MAY file an optional response within seven days of the Governments filing.

"The purpose of this Order is solely to facilitate the orderly and just sentencing of the multiple Defendants in this case. The Court does not expectand will not reviewa sentencing memorandum on any Defendant at this time, and no party will be limited to the opinion or position it states in any response to this Order."

The case involves a scheme to defraud trucking companies of promised rebates.

Other defendants to be sentenced are John Freeman, Vicki Borden, John Spiewak, Katy Bibee, Ashley Judd, Arnie Ralenkotter, Jay Stinnett, Holly Radford, Kevin Clark, Michael Scott Fenwick, Janet Welch, Chris Andrews, Brian Mosher and Lexie Holden.

Many of those testified during the lengthy trial at the Federal Courthouse in Chattanooga that began in early November.
I felt alive again. I wanted to live again.

These are the words of a veteran who was shot in the hip in Vietnam nearly 50 years ago and has suffered from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Type II, ever since. He started taking opioids in 2010 to treat his chronic pain and post-traumatic stress. His body eventually built up a tolerance and the medication started to affect his mood, and he decided he no longer wanted to take opioids.

I tried to get off by myself, but I couldnt, he said. I was sick as a dog every time I tried. I was fed up and I told my doctor they had do something.

This could be the story of any of thousands of Veterans who feel trapped in opioid dependency. However, this veteran found a solution at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS). After five years of research and consultation with his own VA doctor, he traveled from Pennsylvania to Nashville to meet the only VA doctor administering a new type of treatment: ketamine by infusion.

Historically, the VA has been an innovative force in American medicine. From conducting the first successful liver transplant to implementing electronic medical records, VA has played a leading role in setting standards for the healthcare industry.

Given that, it should come as no surprise this cutting-edge treatment for opioid dependency and chronic pain was born in a VA hospital.

Dr. Randall Malchow, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, has served as an anesthesiologist for TVHS since 2016. Deep study and an understanding of the effects of opioids on the body allowed Malchow to create the VAs first Ketamine Infusion Clinic, treating Veterans with a history of long-term opioid use for chronic pain and PTSD.

The goals of the program are to reduce pain and hopefully, stop the use of opiates altogether, said Dr. Malchow.

With a 74% success rate, he has reason to be excited about the program, which is built on understanding the impact opiates have on chronic pain.

Opiates lower a persons pain threshold, lessening their ability to handle and manage pain, said Dr. Malchow. Having a lower threshold for pain, patients then build up a tolerance to opiates.

Dr. Malchow said lower pain threshold equals a higher dosage required to treat the pain, therefore causing the body to become physiologically dependent. Further, Dr. Malchow said the use of opioids can amplify symptoms associated with PTSD such as anxiety and depression, which are often triggered by pain.

Ketamine is used as a primary anesthetic in operating rooms around the world. According to the International Anesthesia Research Society, it is one of the safest available. In the last five to seven years, research has indicated the unique properties of ketamine have had profound effects on anxiety, depression, and pain.

People who suffer from these symptoms have received low-dose injections of ketamine at various clinics throughout the U.S. -- with mixed results. However, Dr. Malchow takes the idea a step further, administering moderate dose ketamine infusions to Veterans with these symptoms.

Ketamine has the effect of resetting excited pain receptors, allowing patients to feel pain in a normal way -- a manageable way, he said. Further, he noted a major difference between the effect of opioids and ketamine, explaining, with opioids, pain begets pain, which excites pain hormones.

Malchow has found ketamine to decrease those pain hormones and allow Veterans to manage pain with anti-inflammatory medication, non-steroid pain medication, and even whole health practices which include yoga, tai chi, mindfulness, and chiropractic care.

49 Veterans have received ketamine infusion therapy at the Nashville VA hospital. Many note they felt almost immediate reduced levels of pain and relief from PTSD symptoms, but most of all, they report feeling free from dependency on opioids to get through the day.

A Navy veteran recalled her struggle with opioids, I tried so hard to get off opioids myself. I was so sick, I couldnt do it. She told her doctor she needed hospitalization because she wouldnt take another pill. Instead, she was referred to the ketamine clinic. Referring to how she felt after the infusion she shared, the difference was like night and day.

Dr. Malchow understands opioid addiction to be a national problem, and believes hes doing his part to help carry out VAs mission, To care for him whom shall have borne the battle. This includes using more effective pain management solutions like ketamine infusions in conjunction with other alternatives like whole health, nerve blockers, and non-opioid pain medication to help Veterans feel alive again.

TVHS is an integrated tertiary health care system comprised of two hospitals, the Alvin C. York Campus in Murfreesboro and the Nashville Campus, as well as more than a dozen community-based outpatient clinics located in Tennessee and Kentucky. TVHS provides ambulatory care, primary care, and secondary care in acute medicine and surgery, specialized tertiary care, transplant services, spinal cord injury outpatient care, and a full range of extended care and mental health services.
Today

Cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.

Tomorrow

Rain showers early with mostly cloudy conditions later in the day. High around 80F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
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A candidate who qualified to run for County Commission District 5 currently lives just across the line in District 7.

The election office said Katherlyn Geter advised that she plans to move into District 5 prior to the Aug. 2 general election.

She is running against District 5 incumbent Greg Beck in the May Democratic primary.

Ms. Geter lives in a neighborhood near Silverdale Baptist Academy. Most of District 7 is on the east side of I-75, but a section to the rear of the City Cafe is west of I-75.

Kerry Steelman, election administrator, said a candidate does not have to live in a district in order to qualify to run for that district.

He said, "The governing statute does not stipulate residency in the district is required to qualify to seek the office. However, residency in the district must be established in order to serve as a 'member' of the County Commission."

Mr. Steelman cited TCA 5-5-102 (b) Membership in County Legislative Bodies

Members shall reside within and be qualified voters of the districts that they represent.

Jennifer Gregory, campaign manager for Ms. Geter, said, "Katherlyn Geter is a 34-year resident of Chattanooga, having moved here with her mother as a child. She has been a proud member of the Mt Cannan Baptist Church for eight years, where she serves as their Lead for Health and Wellness outreach. Many of Katherlyns clients live and work in District 5, where she has the opportunity to assist everyday people obtain and keep Healthcare.





"As she has invested in this community, she plans to move just a few blocks away into the district with her two sons, Austin and Jack. Katherlyn continues to work with many faith-based organizations and communities throughout the region to provide health education and assistance with accessing benefits. Her goal is not only to increase understanding of community resources, but to contribute to reducing health disparities among minorities in communities throughout Tennessee.





Rather than deal with the issues in our district, rather than talk about how we can make life better in District 5, we are discussing where I live in the community. I am happy to discuss the issues in our district- inclusion in education, partnerships within our community, and growth in our public healthcare system. I will continue to observe election rules and laws and will continue to advocate as a Champion of Change for District 5.





Floyd Kilpatrick, who is part of an advisory group to Commissioner Beck, said, "The officers, members and friends of the United Community Action Alliance, non-profit organization founded in 2015 to represent Hamilton County Commission District 5 and serves approximately 34,000 constituents in Eastdale, Glenwood, Washington Hills, North Brainerd, East Chattanooga and Summit.What concerns many of the residents of district 5 is whether Mrs. Geter can truly be a champion of change when she appears to not live in any of the communities located in the district where she wants to champion her change.



"According to Tennessee election law the following legal provisions govern the election for candidates of Hamilton County Commission:

COUNTY COMMISSION - Basic qualifications of TCA 8-18-101; and - Shall reside within and be a qualified voter of the district represented. (TCA 5-5-102)

8-18-101. Eligibility to hold office.

All persons eighteen (18) years of age or older who are citizens of the United States and of this state, and have been inhabitants of the state, county, district, or circuit for the period required by the constitution and laws of the state, are qualified to hold office under the authority of this state.

5-5-102. Membership.

(a) (1) The county legislative body shall be composed of not less than nine (9) nor more than twenty-five (25) members.

(b) Members shall reside within and be qualified voters of the districts that they represent.

"According to the Alliance, any candidate seeking to represent the district should live in the district and have ties and roots to the communities, residents, businesses and institutions that comprise Hamilton County district 5. These issues are not unique to this election but hit at the very core of democratic representation. In fact, the voters of the City of Chattanooga faced these issues in 2007 when, then City Councilwoman, Marti Rutherford was removed from office for holding an elected seat in an electoral district she did not reside in.

"Ms. Rutherford had faced both an ouster petition filed by City Attorney Randy Nelson as well as charges against her lodged by her fellow council members after public outcry by registered voters on the issue of her residency. The overwhelming feeling at the time was that voters were being disenfranchised by having a person in office that did not live in the district they purported to represent.

"Ms. Rutherford ran for the District 6 post and won. When questioned about the residency, she said she had a "mother-in-law apartment" on Alta Vista in District 6.

"City Attorney Randy Nelson carried out an investigation and said he concluded Ms. Rutherford was not a valid resident of District 6 and should be removed from the council."
02/21/2018





The JSU Interfraternity Council (IFC) received the highest number of awards at the Southeastern Interfraternity Conference on Feb. 17, garnering three honors:

Excellence in Outstanding Alumni Development Award, which recognizes the university that has developed programs to keep alumni informed throughout the school year while remaining active in its support of its own chapters and the campus fraternity community

Excellence in Outstanding Publication Award - the best overall single publication based on layout, content, distribution and overall quality

Fraternal Excellence Award - given to only three institutions, this award is the highest honor presented by the conference

The IFC is the governing body for JSU's six North-American Interfraternity Conference fraternities. Its mission is to foster cooperation among its members, provide services to the chapters, promote the fraternal community, enhance the relationship between its members and the university community, and act as the judicial body for the actions of its members.
Amnesty International (AI) [advocacy website] on Wednesday criticized [press release] a Bahrain court for sentencing human rights activist and president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights [advocacy website] Nabeel Rajab [Front Line Defenders profile] to five years in prison for posts he made on Twitter in 2015.

Rajab is currently serving a separate sentence [JURIST report] for his comments in interviews in 2015 and 2016. On Thursday a post [tweet] on Rajabs Twitter revealed that he will not be appealing this five-year sentence and will not take further legal action on this matter.

Rajabs tweets [Twitter feed] and retweets resulting in his current sentence alleged acts of torture in Jaw Prison in Bahrain and also related to the killing of civilians in the conflict in Yemen by the coalition led by Saudi Arabia.

AI Middle-East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Director, Heba Morayef, commented:

The conviction of Nabeel Rajab today is a slap in the face to justice. This sentence demonstrates the authorities ruthless determination to crush all forms of dissent and leaves no room for doubt about the extreme lengths to which they are willing to go to in order to silence peaceful critics. This shameful verdict must be quashed and the authorities must drop all pending charges and immediately release Nabeel Rajab. It is absolutely outrageous that he be forced to spend a further five years in jail simply for daring to voice his opinions online.

The US Mission to the UN [official website] also tweeted [tweet] Thursday to express disappointment in Bahrains government for sentencing Rajab and reiterated the idea that No one should be imprisoned for exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

This past June AI condemned the government of Bahrain for its suppression of human rights, and in 2015, 32 countries joined [JURIST reports] a statement to the UN urging Bahrain to protect freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
The Pakistan Supreme Court ruled [judgment, PDF] Wednesday that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif can no longer be the head of the Pakistan Muslim League, the countrys ruling party.

The decision was made through analysis of Articles 62, 63, and 63-A of the Constitution of Pakistan [text]. Articles 62 and 63 enumerate the qualifications and disqualifications for being a member of Parliament (Majlis-e-Shoora). Sharif was forced to step down as prime minister after being disqualified [JURIST report] by the Supreme Court over corruption allegations. Sharif was subsequently indicted [JURIST report] on the corruption charges in October 2017.

The court considered the role of a party head whose party has representation in Parliament as having a central role in the performance of duties by the Members of the Parliament under Article 63-A. The party head also has increased powers under the Elections Act, 2017 [text, PDF] regarding the process of elections to the Parliament and to matters relating to the affairs of political parties having parliamentary presence. The court deemed the sections of the Election Act, 2017 concerning the powers of the party head to be subject to the qualifications and disqualifications under Articles 62 and 63.

The court concluded that a person who had been disqualified (or lacking qualification) from Parliament is barred from exercising the powers of a party head, or any other power in the said capacity under any law, rule, regulation, statute, instrument or document of any political party. As a result, the Election Commission of Pakistan must remove Sharif as the party head.
Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and House Speaker Mike Turzai [official bios] on Wednesday asked the US Supreme Court [official website] to stay [petition, PDF] an earlier decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court [official website] setting aside the states congressional map as unconstitutional [JURIST report].

Scarnati and Turzai claim that the state Supreme Court conspicuously seized the redistricting process and prevented any meaningful ability for the legislature to enact a remedial map to ensure a court drawn map when it required the legislature and governor to agree to a map by a court-imposed deadline. The legislators are challenging the state Supreme Courts determination that congressional districts to be equal, compact and contiguous [JURIST report] as being found nowhere in the Pennsylvania Constitution and contrary to an earlier court ruling.

Turzai and Scarnati are especially concerned about the process the Pennsylvania Supreme Court announced for remedying the unconstitutional maps. The courts January 22 order striking down the maps was not accompanied by a majority opinion outlining the courts reasoning. That opinion was not released by the court until February 7. Meanwhile, the earlier order required the legislature to present a new map the governor by February 9, and to submit a mutually agreeable map to the court by February 15. If the parties could not agree to a new map by the deadline, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said that it would issue its own map so as not to unduly delay the preliminary stages of the states upcoming congressional elections. Scarnati and Turzai assert that the courts plan was designed to fail.

[T]he Pennsylvania Supreme Court provided an inadequate remedial opportunity to the General Assembly, thus ensuring a court drawn map. It did not issue an opinion with its initial order and did not provide its sufficient guidance on how a new map could be drawn in compliance with the Pennsylvania Constitution. It nevertheless gave the General Assembly a mere 18 days, until February 9, to enact new legislation before the Court would impose a plan of its own, and even reserved the right to review the enacted map. Indeed, that was the courts intention all along. It proceeded to hire a political scientist to prepare for a judicial, rather than a legislative, redistricting.

They assert that this violates the federal Constitutions Election Clause [Art. I  4 text], and characterizes the state Supreme Courts position as

in essence that the Elections Clause simply delegates authority to the states and is indifferent to whether the Legislature or, alternatively, the courts or executive branch either conducts the redistricting or creates the rules governing it. But that view simply reads the word Legislature out of the Constitution, and effectively delegates redistricting authority to whichever branch of state government wins the will-to-power contest to control elections to federal congressional office.

The legislature did submit a map to Governor Tom Wolf [official website], but Wolf rejected it [JURIST report] with two days remaining before the courts deadline. Without a plan approved by the legislature and governor, the Supreme Court issued its own map [JURIST report] on Monday.

The legislators had sought a stay [JURIST report] from the US Supreme Court before the state Supreme Courts majority opinion was issued. Justice Samuel Alito, who is assigned to hear emergency requests from Pennsylvania, denied [JURIST report] the request without comment.
A magistrate of the Second Chamber of Spains Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered [order, PDF, in Spanish] the arrest of former Catalan member of parliament Anna Gabriel i Sabate for failing to appear before the court to answer sedition charges in connection with the Catalan independence referendum and declaration of secession [JURIST report] in October.

Sabate is currently in exile in Geneva and on Tuesday said in an interview to Le Temps [media website, in French], a Swiss newspaper, that she will not return to Spain to face the charges. This statement was confirmed in court by her lawyer D. Benet Salellas Vilar. Specifically, Sabate had stated: I will not go to Madrid  I am being prosecuted for my political activity and the government press has already convicted me.  Since I will not have a fair trial at home, I have looked for a country that can protect my rights.

Referring to Article 487 of the Spain Criminal Procedure Act, which states that if a summoned individual does not appear or justify a legitimate cause that prevents [such appearance], the order of appearance may be converted into an arrest warrant, the court found that Sabate violated this article [press release, in Spanish] and issued an arrest warrant. However, the court stopped short [Reuters report] of issuing an international arrest warrant.

The charges against Sabate carry up to 30 years in prison. Sabate stated [Le Temps report, in French] of this order:

Today something has changed in my life: I can not go back to my country.  I no longer felt protected in Spain. Not only did I feel like I was already guilty before being tried, but I did not stop receiving death threats.  The charges are extraordinarily serious. We are talking about sedition and rebellion, punishable by 30 years in prison. I never resorted to violence. I just did my job as a member of Parliament.

Former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont fled [Guardian report] the country shortly after the independence referendum and is in exile in Brussels with four members of his previous cabinet. As far as Sabate is concerned, the Switzerland Federal Office of Justice has already announced that it will not honor any extradition request [Le Temps report, in French] from Spain stating that This is in all likelihood a political offense. According to our Criminal Code and the European Convention on Human Rights [text, PDF], extradition requests or any form of legal aid can not be granted on any of these grounds.
The US Supreme Court [official website] on Wednesday heard oral arguments in two criminal procedure cases.

In Rosales-Mireles v. US [transcript, PDF], the petitioner framed the question for the court as: How should a court of appeals exercise its discretion when confronted with an obvious guidelines error that probably results in a defendant serving a longer prison sentence? Rosales-Mireles pleaded guilty [SCOTUSblog report] to illegal re-entry, and the district court sentenced him to 78 months in prison based on the probation officers erroneous conviction count, which caused the potential sentence to jump from 70-87 months to 77-96 months. Once Rosales-Mireles became aware of the error, he appealed. On appeal under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 52(b) [text, PDF], Rosales-Mireles was required to show that the district courts sentence showed a plain error, which seriously affects the fairness, integrity or public reputation of judicial proceedings.

The court pressed the petitioner to justify overturning a case as this, where the error resulted in a longer sentence but only as to a matter of additional months, not several years. Further, the court raised the issue that neither Rosales-Mireles nor his attorney discovered the error at sentencing and the error could have been corrected if they did.

The second case, Dahda v. US [transcript, PDF], asks the court whether evidence gathered from improper wiretapping should be excluded according to Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 [text].

At the Kansas district court, the court found [SCOTUSblog report] the police wiretapped an area much broader than that permitted but the court still allowed the prosecution to present the evidence. Under Title III, the evidence is suppressible when the wiretap is insufficient on its face. The Supreme Court thus is left to interpret the meaning of insufficient as it relates to the wiretap order.

Dahda argued that insufficient means the order did not comply with Title III requirements, stating:

We think that an order is insufficient on its face if the failure to comply with the requirements of Title III is evident from the four corners of the order itself. And the government now concedes that, under such a standard, the orders here would be invalid because each of the orders here contained jurisdictional provisions that went too far, that went beyond the power of the district court to authorize.

The government argued that the order is not insufficient because insufficient necessarily requires a lack of information or detail and the order gave too much authority. The court, however, pressed the government to explain how the order was sufficient even though it did not detail the jurisdiction the police could wiretap. In response, the government argued Title III does not require the government to state where in the jurisdiction the wiretap is authorized.
Nancy Ward Chapter, NSDAR, started its 2018 calendar year on Valentines Day with the monthly meeting at Mountain City Club. The Daughters selected a Go Red! theme to remind members about American Heart Month. Information on Heart Month and how to reduce the risk of heart disease was later distributed to all members.

Two new members were inducted, Keely Farris and Beth Moneymaker. Other business included assigning members to distribute ready-to-hang posters of George Washington in honor of Presidents Day and discussing plans for the Nancy Ward Dedication Day ceremonies to take place in Benton, Tennessee on March 24.

Ray Smith, author, speaker, and retired Y-12 historian, presented a program on the Oak Ridge facility and also shared his knowledge of a stolen statue of Nancy Ward.

To learn more about the work of todays DAR, visit www.dar.org.




United Way of Greater Chattanoogas Mentoring Collective will host the third Male Mentor Breakfast on Friday. The agenda includes the kick-off of the 100 Men in 100 Days campaign and keynote speaker Josiah Golson.

The breakfast will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. at United Way of Greater Chattanooga, 630 Market St.

The 100 Men in 100 Days campaign, facilitated by Chattanooga Mentoring Collective, will pair local male mentors of color with minority young men in Chattanooga, in partnership with agencies like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Boys and Girls Club. Elizabeth Tallman, coordinator for the event, says male mentors are crucial for success of local youth.

We know that when young men have mentors they can relate to, theyre more likely to graduate high school and become leaders themselves, she said.

Speaker Josiah Golson founded the 800 Collective, a diverse artist group that uses art as a means of civic engagement. Mr. Golson and the 800 Collective have partnered with many local organizations, such as Jazzanooga, Studio Everything, Glass House Collective, and River City Company. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Mr. Golson collaborated with Jazzanooga to host What WOKE Looks Like, a cultural community dialogue inspired in part by his recent attendance at the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago. He recently released his debut book, The Souls of Free Folk, a celebration of the African American experience through original art and poetry.

Learn more about Chattanooga Mentoring Collective or sign up to be a mentor at http://www.mentorchatt.org

For more information contact Ms. Tallman at 752-0307, elizabethtallman@uwchatt.org






Christopher James, an administrator in Knox County Schools, is the new principal of Brainerd High School. Mr. James was announced to fill the role at Brainerd Thursday, and he will waste no time getting started, officials said. He plans to visit the school this afternoon and talk with teachers and students.Mr. James is an assistant principal at Fulton High School in Knox County and also served in administration at West High School in Knoxville. He began his career in 2002 at SIATech Charter High School, an accelerated dropout recovery program supporting at-risk students in Atlanta. During my time at SIATech, I began to understand the importance of education, and why the need for great teachers was so imperative, Mr.James said. He developed a study skills program to help students with academic achievement, credit recovery, behavior and social skills, while a special education teacher at R.L Osborne High School. The programs success earned Mr. James, the Teacher of the Year award for Cobb County Schools in Georgia.Mr. James was the candidate to emerge from an extensive community search for an innovative leader for Brainerd High, officials said. The selection process included interviews by a faculty panel, a community panel, as well as the Opportunity Zone leadership team. He was called a true leader by community advocate Tenesha Irvin and the best candidate by parent Jeffrey Pinkerton. Mr. James was identified as the top candidate for the Brainerd position by each of the interview panels.The community panel, comprised of parents, students, UTC staff, community advocates, a university representative, nonprofit leaders and a school board member, was resolute in their recommendation of Mr. James as their top candidate. School board member Karitsa Mosley Jones stated, Christopher James addressed the whole child and had innovative ideas.Our goal in this process was to honor the voices and insights from our different stakeholders that have been so committed to Brainerd High School and its community, said Carmen Carson, coordinator of human capital for the Opportunity Zone. We set aside a day of rigorous interviews, presentations and tours, so that those stakeholders could see that we sought out the best and the brightest to lead this work of transformation.A native of Monroe, La., Mr. James earned the rank of Eagle Scout at 17, obtained his bachelor of arts in music at Mississippi Valley State University, holds a masters of arts in education from the University of Phoenix, and an education specialist in educational administration from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He will begin leading the "charge of transformation and growth" at Brainerd High School on March 5.To be the fastest improving school district in Tennessee, Hamilton County Schools must have dynamic leaders in our schools, said Dr. Bryan Johnson, superintendent. Christopher James is one of those innovative leaders who can motivate teachers and students to be pacesetters in academic improvement at Brainerd High.
A proposal by State Senator Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) to amend the Tennessee Constitution to ban the Hall income tax passed the Senate by a vote of 26-3 Thursday morning.

Senate Joint Resolution 494 proposes additional language in Article II, Section 28 of Tennessees Constitution which would eliminate state and local governments authority to levy state or local tax upon income derived from stocks and bonds that are not taxed ad valorem.

The Hall Tax on interest and dividends discourages saving and investment and disproportionately impacts senior citizens on fixed incomes, said Senator Kelsey. More and more citizens are relying on interest from stocks and dividends to fund their daily living expenses when they retire. Not only is the Hall tax oppressive to these seniors, but it encourages them to move out-of-state.

The Hall income tax, enacted in 1929, is the only tax on personal income in Tennessee. It is currently a four percent tax on income derived from dividends on stock or from interest on bonds after the General Assembly has made several reductions over the past several years. Legislation was approved last year to incrementally phase the tax out by January 2021. However, Senator Kelseys proposed amendment would constitutionally prohibit the General Assembly from ever levying or permitting any state or local tax upon income derived from stocks and bonds.

Enshrining the Hall Tax repeal in the Tennessee Constitution is a pro-growth move that will encourage investment and reinvestment in the State, its companies, and its people, Senator Kelsey added.

In order for a constitutional amendment to be approved, it must receive approval by a simple majority during the current 110th General Assembly, and a two-thirds vote in the 111th General Assembly. It would then be placed on the ballot for consideration by voters during the 2022 gubernatorial election, where it must receive a majority of votes cast in the governors race.

Senator Kelsey represents Cordova, East Memphis, and Germantown. He serves as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The countdown to the Chattanooga Film Festival is underway, and with that comes the announcement of the first wave of films. These films join the already announced opening night films Rock Steady Row and Summer of 84, as well as the world premiere of Life After Flash.

For year five the films had to be special and even more than usual, the team at CFF truly agonized over each choice. The result is something CFF hopes lives up to the phrase all killer, no filler.

We have five features that have chosen to host their world premiere with CFF this year and the fact that these talented filmmakers would choose to go with us, instead of larger fests several decades our senior, stands to us as proof of just how much CFFs reputation has grown in five short years, says executive director and lead programmer Chris Dortch. Even RuPaul seems to be talking about what weve got cooking for this year. We are humbly taking these as signs that we are on the right track and we hope our audience and our city will agree.

Reviews for the films:

Fresh off its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, Lu Over the Wall is a gorgeously animated hallucinogenic-but-family-friendly take on the classic fairy tale of the little mermaid who falls in love with mankind, and then comes ashore to join a dysfunctional middle school rock band and propel them to fame.

Exploring the pre-fame years of the celebrated American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat shows how New York City, its people, and the tectonically shifting arts culture of the late 1970s and '80s shaped his vision.

At CFF were suckers for a good old-fashioned ghost story and boy, does Ghost Stories deliver. Arch skeptic Professor Phillip Goodman embarks upon a terror-filled quest when he stumbles across a long-lost file containing details of three cases of inexplicable 'hauntings'.

Every once in a while, you see a film you just know is a classic in the making. Lowlife is such a film. Director Ryan Prows has crafted a darkly comic sublimely cinematic and strangely heartwarming crime tale that explodes off the screen like a Molotov cocktail. CFF is honored to share this one and have Mr. Prows attend for a Q&A afterwards.

From filmmaker Josephine Decker comes Madeline's Madeline, a drama that centers around a family in Queens, New York. In the film, Miranda July plays Regina, single mother to sixteen-year-old Madeline. Madeline finds herself as the youngest member of an experimental-theater company and begins to take her performance too seriously.

For fans of The Exorcist, director William Friedkin delivers a chilling documentary with The Devil and Father Amorth. Having never seen an exorcism, Friedkin wondered how close he came to truly portraying one on screen. Thus, he decided to follow Father Gabriele Amorth, an Italian Roman Catholic Priest and an exorcist of the Diocese of Rome, as he performs his ninth exorcist on an Italian woman.

CFF is extremely proud to bring RBG to Chattanooga screens, a documentary about the life and work of legendary Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West interview friends, family, colleagues and the woman herself, RBG.



In keeping with the theme of strong, powerful women, but this time of the fictional kind, Coralie Fargeats Revenge is the ultimate tale of payback and signals the arrival of a relentlessly bold new voice. From its eye-popping tracking sequences to a score that would make John Carpenter proud, Fargeat fills every inch of every frame with style, and anger.

The Last Movie Star finds an aging, former movie star, portrayed by Burt Reynolds, being forced to face the reality that his glory days are behind him. On its surface The Last Movie Star is a tale about faded fame, but at its core, it's a universal story about growing old.

Crazy doesnt scratch the surface of the things youll see and hear when you watch The Road Movie. Painstakingly compiled entirely from Russian dashboard cams. This is one wildly entertaining car wreck you wont want to look away from.

Icepick to the Moon, which will make its world premiere at the festival, centers on cult following of the obscure, strip-mine crooner Rev. Fred Lane. His obsessive fans, who have described him as subversive, completely satirical, the Dada Duke Ellington, and Demon Frank Sinatra, have spent years examining every detail of Lanes albums, and yet whatever information they have found out about their hero has led them deeper into blissful confusion. Icepick to the Moon not only examines the cult of Fred Lane fans, but it also pulls the curtain back on the artist who is Fred Lane, from his early involvement in the Raudelunas arts collective of Alabama in the 1970s to his current occupation making whirligigs to sell on the craft show circuit. Following the screening will be a Q&A with director Skizz Cyzyk.

Also making its world premiere is Wolfman's Got Nards. This heartfelt documentary explores the power of cult film told through the 1987 classic The Monster Squad and the impact it has on fans, cast and crew, and the industry. Director Andre Gower, Ryan Lambert (both stars of The Monster Squad) and producer Henry McComas will be on hand for a post-film Q&A.

One Sings, the Other Doesn't (Lune chante, lautre pas) is a feminist musical about the bond of sisterhood felt by Pomme and Suzanne throughout years of changes and fraught relationships with men. At the time of release in 1977, director Agnes Varda said, If I put myself on the screenvery natural and feministmaybe Id get ten people in the audience. Instead, I put two nice young females on the screen, and not too much of my own leftist conscience. By not being too radical but truly feminist, my film has been seen by 350,000 people in France.

The Laplace's Demon finds a team of seven researchers has developed a software capable of predicting the evolution of common physical events. The final test, the prediction of the exact number of fragments caused by the fall of a glass, was a success. Interested by these results, the mysterious Professor Cornelius invites the working team in his isolated mansion on a deserted island, hiding his true intentions. As time passes, the team will lead to paradoxical situations in a growing tension that will not only test their nerves but also one of their certainties: the free will.

We Are Still Here director Ted Geoghegan is back, but this time with a different kind of story. Mohawk tracks the events of one very long day late in The War of 1812, during which a young Mohawk woman and her two lovers strike back at a squadron of American soldiers responsible for the death of her people. Although set in 1812, this film with resonate with audiences even more so now than ever.

It doesnt get more wildly influential than the Shaw Brothers King Boxer. Not only was it the first bonafide Kung Fu film to be a hit in the West (under the title Five Fingers of Death) it very literally helped kick off the Kung Fu craze of the 70s, ushering in an era where Bruce Lee became a household name. There is simply no overstating the cultural importance or even the coolness of this Shaw Studios treasure.

When an awkward date on Christmas Eve leads a couple into a strange theater, theyre treated to a bizarre and frightening collection of Christmas stories. The terrifying feature film debut of writer/directors Rebekah and David Ian McKendry, All The Creatures Were Stirring is a frightening and fun journey through the perils of Christmas Eve with an incredible cast and a style all its own. Following the world premiere screening, directors Rebekah McKendry and David Ian McKendry, along with producers Morgan Peter Brown and Joe Wicker will stick around for a Q&A.

In addition to films, CFF always strives to present the best events and workshops. Being one not to disappoint, Joe Bob Briggs, the Patron Saint of CFF, is back with nothing less than the strangest, most brain liquefying talk of his life could do: The History of Exploitation Cinema. Writer Grady Hendrix will be pulling double duty. While here with MOHAWK, hell also lead Paperbacks from Hell, a hilarious and magical presentation on the heyday of pulp paperback fiction.

Last years festival was the first year featuring live podcast events, and CFF is thrilled to announce that Blumhouses Shock Waves will record an episode with hosts Rob Galluzzo, Elric Kane, and Rebekah McKendry. These folks are truly making the world a safer place for the kinds of quality thought provoking horror and genre films CFF and its audiences love to see.

Badges for CFFs full weekend are now on sale at chattfilmfest.org. Individual tickets to films, workshops and events will be available closer to April. Volunteer sign up can also be found on the website. Corporate badge packages are available for purchase. For more information on these packages, please email Chris Dortch, Sr. at chris1@chattfilmfest.org.

Official Film Synopses:

LU OVER THE WALL | Director Masaaki Yuasa

New kid Kai is talented but adrift, spending his days sulking and isolated in a small fishing village after his family moves from Tokyo. When he demonstrates a proficiency at making music on his synthesizer, his classmates invite him to join their nascent garage band, but their practice sessions soon bring an unexpected guest: Lu, a young mermaid whose fins turn to feet when she hears the beats, and whose singing causes humans to compulsively dance - whether they want to or not. | Trailer

BOOM FOR REAL: THE LATE TEENAGE YEARS OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT | Director Sara Driver

Exploring the pre-fame years of the celebrated American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and how New York City, its people, and tectonically shifting arts culture of the late 1970s and '80s shaped his vision. | Clip

GHOST STORIES | Directors Jeremy Dyson, Andy Nyman

Arch skeptic Professor Phillip Goodman embarks upon a terror-filled quest when he stumbles across a long-lost file containing details of three cases of inexplicable 'hauntings'. | Trailer

LOWLIFE | Director Ryan Prows

The sordid lives of an addict, an ex-con, and a luchador collide when an organ harvesting caper goes very, very wrong. | Trailer

Q&A with director Ryan Prows

MADELINES MADELINE | Director Josephine Decker

A theater director's latest project takes on a life of its own when her young star takes her performance too seriously.

THE DEVIL & FATHER AMORTH | Director William Friedkin

Father Gabriele Amorth performs his ninth exorcism on an Italian woman.

RBG | Directors Julie Cohen, Betsy West

A look at the life and work of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

REVENGE | Director Coralie Fargeat

Never take your mistress on an annual guys' getaway, especially one devoted to hunting - a violent lesson for three wealthy married men.

THE LAST MOVIE STAR | Director Adam Rifkin

An aging, former movie star is forced to face the reality that his glory days are behind him. On its surface THE LAST MOVIE STAR is a tale about faded fame, but at its core, it's a universal story about growing old. | Trailer

THE ROAD MOVIE | Director Dmitrii Kalashnikov

A documentary comprised entirely of footage from dashboard cameras from Russian cars. | Trailer

ICEPICK TO THE MOON | Director Skizz Cyzyk

*WORLD PREMIERE

A feature length documentary about strip-mine crooner, Rev. Fred Lane, and the Raudelunas arts collective of Alabama in the Seventies.

Q&A with director Skizz Cyzyk.

WOLFMANS GOT NARDS | Director Andre Gower

*WORLD PREMIERE

This heartfelt documentary explores the power of cult film told through the lens of the 1987 classic The Monster Squad and the impact it has on fans, cast and crew, and the industry.

Q&A with director Andre Gower, producer Henry McComas and Ryan Lambert

ONE SINGS, THE OTHER DOESNT | Director Agnes Varda

ONE SINGS, THE OTHER DOESNT (Lune chante, lautre pas) is a feminist musicalwith lyrics by the directorabout the bond of sisterhood felt by Pomme and Suzanne throughout years of changes and fraught relationships with men.

THE LAPLACES DEMON | Director Giordano Giulivi

A team of seven researchers has developed a software capable of predicting the evolution of common physical events. The final test, the prediction of the exact number of fragments caused by the fall of a glass, was a success. Interested by these results, the mysterious Professor Cornelius invites the working team in his isolated mansion on a deserted island, hiding his true intentions. As time passes, the team will lead to paradoxical situations in a growing tension that will not only test their nerves but also one of their certainties: the free will. | Trailer

MOHAWK | Director Ted Geoghegan

Late in the War of 1812, a young Mohawk woman and her two lovers battle a squad of American soldiers hell-bent on revenge. | Trailer

Q&A with director/writer Ted Geoghegan and writer Grady Hendrix

KING BOXER AKA FIVE FINGERS OF DEATH | Director Chang-hwa Jeong

Two martial arts schools prepare for an important tournament. (1972) | Trailer

ALL THE CREATURES WERE STIRRING| Directors David Ian McKendry, Rebekah McKendry

*WORLD PREMIERE

When an awkward date on Christmas Eve leads a couple into a strange theater, they're treated to a bizarre and frightening collection of Christmas stories, featuring a wide ensemble of characters doing their best to avoid the horrors of the holidays. From boring office parties and last-minute shopping, to vengeful stalkers and immortal demons, there's plenty out there to fear this holiday season.

Q&A with directors Rebekah McKendry and David Ian McKendry, producers Morgan Peter Brown and Joe Wicker

The Chattanooga Film Festival loves everything about cinema: the films, filmmakers and audiences; the critics, collectors and curators; and most especially the popcorn. The first ever Chattanooga Film Festival was held in 2014, and has been quickly making a name for itself among film-lovers, filmmakers and the film industry, said officials. The festivals record-breaking fourth year drew more than 12,000 people to its films, workshops and special events.

For more information, visit chattfilmfest.org.
Lee University Department of Communication Arts will host Dr. Terry Lindvall, a film scholar who will explore the way the sacred can inform the comic, on Tuesday. The lecture will take place at 7 p.m. in the Communication Arts Building, Room 114.

Dr. Lindvall, the C. S. Lewis chair of communication and Christian thought at Virginia Wesleyan College, will present Hollywood Teaches Us to Pray: A Century of Exemplary and Revelatory Prayers in Hollywoods Comedy Films as part of Lee Universitys Centennial Lecture Series.

Dr. Lindvall writes and speaks on film around the nation. In addition to his role as professor, he is the author of six books, including one used at Lee University, Celluloid Sermons.

Known for his quick wit, his presentations are considered close to stand-up comedy, yet still centered on faith and film, said Dr. Mike Smith, professor of public relations at Lee.

An ordained Congregational minister, Dr. Lindvall has taught at Duke University School of Divinity, College of William and Mary, and Fuller Seminary, among others. He received his Doctor of Philosophy from University of Southern California.

The Centennial Lecture Series, sponsored by Lee University Office of Academic Affairs, will take place throughout 2018 as the university celebrates its 100th year.

Tuesdays lecture is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public.

For more information about the event, contact the Communication Arts Department at 614-8341.
The 14th annual Praise Breakfast, hosted by the Scenic City Women's Network, is set for Wednesday, April 18. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. and the breakfast will be from 7-9 a.m.

It will be held at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

Tickets, which are $30, are anticipated to sell out. They are available here.

Jackie Green and Lauren Green McAfee will share about the journey that led to the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C.
MEDFORD, Ore. -- Students across the country are walking out, pushing for gun control. That includes students from South Medford High School. More than 3,000 miles away from Parkland, Florida, students are hoping to put a stop to school shootings and gun violence. On Wednesday, South Medford High School students walked out of their classrooms and onto the sidewalk all hoping to get their message to Washington.

"Justice in Florida," and "Make a change, were just some of the messages students shouted.

"After the shooting in Florida, it's been concerning a lot of people," said sophomore Sannderia McDaniel.

This is just one of the many school walkouts happening across the country. They come after 17 students and teachers were killed after a school shooting in Parkland, Florida last week. The South Medford High School walkout started with three sophomores, Sannderia McDaniel, Annabele Soper and Anna Rabe.

"Kids no longer feel safe at school," McDaniel said.

The trio said they walked into about 15 different classrooms asking students to come outside and protest against gun violence and advocate for gun control.

"We made posters and all three of us met up in the cafeteria. We started going class to class, telling teachers: They can't touch us, they can't tell us what to do. They can't mark us absent because it's our right. And asked the kids if they would come help us and support our protest," McDaniel added.

"We know the feeling of what it feels like to have your school threatened and your community," Soper added.

Back in November, Medford Police arrested a student suspected of writing a threatening message about a shooting. Although police officers were at the school making sure everyone stayed safe, students say they were still scared.

"We didn't feel safe. I was forced to go to school. My stomach was turning and everything. I was scared to even walk through that door thinking we were going to get shot up," said Rabe.

Some students said they plan to be back outside tomorrow and will not stop until change happens.

NewsWatch 12 reached out to the Medford School District and we received this response:

We support our students' rights to peacefully protest and share their concerns with trusted adults at school, if they wish. Our first priority is student safety, so we always encourage safe and respectful behavior. Any time a student misses all or most of a class they are marked absent so that we have an accurate record of student attendance to report to parents and the Oregon Department of Education.
City officials said they believe a fish kill in a Hixson Creek is related to weather changes.

Officials said, "The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is presently investigating the cause of the large numbers of dead fish seen in a wet weather conveyance that runs into the Tennessee River. At this point, officials believe that the cause is related to weather occurrences earlier this week, including recent increases in the water temperature and rainfall levels that are higher than normal.



"Threadfin shad is a breed that is very sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, and recent warming trends may have depleted their oxygen levels beyond the point where they could survive. There are large numbers of dead threadfin shad throughout the region and we consider this to be a natural event outside of our control.



"The city of Chattanooga will continue to remain in touch with our partners at TWRA and the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) about this occurrence. We will provide additional information about what happened if it becomes available."

Thousands of dead fish began showing up in the creek on Thursday.

The creek, which flows into the Tennessee River, is near Memphis Drive.

The location is near DuPont Parkway and North Access Road.


FILE - This Dec. 3, 2009 file photo shows the Coco Palms Resort retail annex where one shop on the second floor was gutted by fire in Wailua on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. State sheriffs on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, removed protesters from the ruins of the Hawaii hotel where they have been squatting since last year in an attempt to block redevelopment of land where Hawaiian chiefs once lived and where Elvis Presley's character got married in the movie "Blue Hawaii." (Dennis Fujimoto/The Garden Island via AP, File)
The eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr. , center, stands in front of Trump Towers after its inauguration in Pune, India, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018. Donald Trump Jr. said any talk that his family was profiting from his father's presidency was "nonsense" as he began a visit to India to promote real estate deals that bear his family's name. (AP Photo)
Magdalena Biron and Bernard Biron, whose daughter Vanessa was severely mauled by a pit bull-type dog, leave the courtroom in Longueuil, Que., on February 20, 2018. A Quebec judge is expected to hand down his verdict today for a man whose pit bull-type dog allegedly mauled a young girl. Karim Jean Gilles stood trial near Montreal this week on a charge of criminal negligence causing bodily harm. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Four people are being charged with getting a man's credit card information and making almost $7,000 in purchases, police said.

Authorities said Richard Sanders, 42, of 197 Dandy Road, Signal Mountain, conspired with Amanda Keener, Virginia Bishop and Michael Chitwood to steal the man's credit card information.

They are being charged with identity theft, identity theft trafficking, criminal impersonation, crimnal conspiracy, theft over $1,000, forgery, illegal possession of a credit card and violation of the Tennessee Personal and Commercial Computer Act.

Police said Sanders had been working for the individual whose credit card information was stolen.

It was done by having a woman call and pose as a Dollar General clerk. The man gave her the credit card information over the phone.

Police said the group began making a number of online purchases using the number. The total was $6,923.85.

Ms. Keener and Ms. Bishop were identified when their phone numbers were used in conducting online transactions and an address associated with Ms. Keener was used as the shipping location for one of the orders placed online.

Money was also placed into Ms. Keener's fiance's jail accountant at the Sequatchie County Jail using the card.

Sanders was identified when the card was used online to place an order with Dominos Pizza in his name. Sanders went to the store to pick up the pizza and signed the receipt.

Chitwood was identified when he placed an order through the Guitar Center. He was identified by name by store clerks who knew him from previous interactions.

Chitwood also pawned one of the stolen items, it was stated.

Police said the victim was forced to fill out an Identity Theft Affidavit with the IRS and take steps to reconcile all the transactions with his bank.
Bottles of British Columbia wine on display at a liquor store in Cremona, Alta., Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018. British Columbia's wine merchants say an Alberta ban on their product is having a crushing impact on the grape business and they plan to go to court to try to stop it. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
The logos of CNOOC Ltd. (China National Offshore Oil Company) and of Nexen are shown in company handout images. The Alberta Securities Commission is banning the former CEO of the Canadian arm of Chinese oil giant CNOOC Ltd. from acting as a director or officer in the province after he settled insider trading claims against him in the United States. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO
The corporate logo of Clearwater Seafoods is shown. A company made up of First Nations from Quebec and Atlantic Canada has been awarded a new licence for Arctic surf clam, breaking up a years-long monopoly on the multimillion-dollar industry held by fisheries giant Clearwater Seafoods Inc. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO
In this Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 photo, African migrants gather during a protest in front of the Rwanda embassy in Herzeliya, Israel. Tens of thousands of African asylum seekers, nearly all from dictatorial Eritrea and war-torn Sudan, fear their stay in Israel is coming to an abrupt end. The Israeli government has given them until April 1 to leave the country for an unnamed African destination -- known to be Rwanda -- in exchange for $3,500 and a plane ticket, or they will be incarcerated indefinitely. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Police have arrested a 24-year-old Signal Mountain man after a woman found a man in her downtown condo.

Clay Walker Henley, of 2637 Laurel Creek Dr., was charged with aggravated burglary.

In the incident that happened Dec. 13 shortly after 5 a.m., police responded to Lovemans on Market at 800 Market.

The resident said she had seen a white male in her house. She said she heard noises from outside of her bedroom and thought it was possibly the newspaper being delivered.

She said she went to check and, when returning from her front entrance to her bedroom, she noticed a man standing by the sliding door leading to her patio area.

She said she grabbed a glass vase near her, screamed and yelled at the intruder to get out of her house.

The woman said the man, who was wearing pants and a windbreaker, looked confused and did not act aggressively toward her.

She said she again yelled at him to leave.

After retrieving her cell phone from the bedroom, she said she searched her house but did not find anything. Some neighbors came over and also helped search, but did not locate anyone.

Police also searched and did not find an intruder. Police noticed that the fire exit leading to the rooftop was unsecured from both sides. The woman said it should be locked coming in from the stairwell.

Police advised the woman to alert property management to keep the fire stairwell locked.

Police at a later date were notified by the woman, who said she had hired private investigator Kim Gavin. She said, through surveillance video, she and the investigator were able to identify Henley as the intruder.
Guest Commentary Fair maps for our children, for our Hispanic communities, for our futures My son will vote for the first time next year. And for his first time, the state of Indiana will have brand new legislative and congressional districts. It should feel like a clean...

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EUGENE, Ore. -- A viral social media post from the Midwest has caused concern for some parents at Sheldon High School.

The confusion stems from the initials "SHS." In the Facebook post, a person writes that there will be a shooting at SHS tomorrow, referring to a school in Ohio.

Some parents thought the message was a warning to Sheldon.

Sheldon Interim Principal Mark Watson sent an email to parents on Wednesday night, saying:

"There is a viral post spreading across social media tonight (Wednesday) of a screenshot from a person named "Ray Andes" indicating there is going to be a school shooting at "SHS" tomorrow. This is reportedly a nation-wide post that originated in Ohio with the intent of spreading fear in each school across our nation with the acronym of "SHS".

There is NO CREDIBLE THREAT to Sheldon HS. We want to reassure all parents that the safety of our students is our first priority. Tomorrow the Eugene Police Department and the Eugene School District will take additional precautions to help ensure the safety of our students and to spread the word about the reported hoax."

Parents at Springfield High School and Siuslaw High School have also expressed concern.

Lt. Scott Mckee with the Springfield Police Department warned against these kinds of posts. He said they check social media frequently, as they know, especially with high school kids, it can be a useful tool.

He said in regards to these kinds of things, please don't hesitate to report threats you find concerning, but if you know something has been disproven, try not to spread it more. He said that makes it harder to squash.

"Be persistent, be diligent. At the same time, as best as you can, avoid sharing information that you suspect has already been dealt with and may be just rumor," said Lt. Mckee.
EUGENE, Ore. -- A former Eugene 4J school psychologist is being investigated after police said they found hundreds of child porn photos on his work computer.

No formal charges have been filed against Michael Odle.

Police started investigating Odle in October 2017. They said he had requested a "routing ticket" that contained an odd phrase on Oct. 20. Routing tickets are used by the Eugene 4J School District to schedule meetings with school teachers and administrators about student needs.

A porn website was listed on the ticket, according to a search warrant affidavit, instead of a student ID number. A school employee went to the website and found children and teenage girls in what she described as "compromising positions."

Court records said the employee reported it to the director of the 4J technology department, who then checked Odle's previous web history. He found that Odle had visited more than 50 pornographic websites in the span of one week, according to the documents.

Another employee in the district saw the routing ticket and told Odle he might have a virus on his computer, the documents state. The following week, Odle told the same employee that he had the issue fixed.

Police said the district seized Odle's work computer and found hundreds of photos of nude children, some younger than 10 years old. They said the images were of teenage and preteen girls in sexual poses, and they saved the incriminating evidence onto a hard drive.

The technology support manager for the district said he was "disgusted by what he has seen," according to court documents.

The laptop and the hard driver were turned over to police. The district also gave police a list of 22 adult websites that Odle had visited on the computer.

The district said the laptop was purchased in 2015 and was exclusively assigned to Odle.

Police executed a search warrant for the laptop and the hard drive on Jan. 8. The affidavit shows police found numerous photos depicting sexual activity involving children.

Police said they believe Odle should be charged with encouraging child sex abuse in the second degree.

Kerry Delf, a spokesperson with 4J, said he is no longer employed by the school district. She said he worked for the district from September 2004 to November 2017.

Delf said schools where Odle worked in recent years are notifying parents. She said they have no information indicated Odle had any inappropriate contact with students.
EUGENE, Ore. -- Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley hosted a town hall Wednesday and gun control was a hot topic.

Merkley spoke to a packed audience at Lane Community College. In the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, he asked the audience what they thought of increased gun control measures when he started the town hall.

Merkley said one of the measures being discussed is strengthening the background check system to include expanding it to domestic violence and ensuring information is actually uploaded into the system.

The crowd cheered in support of these ideas.

"I think the students in Florida have really had a cry from the heart when they have said they don't want a moment of silence, they want a moment of action. And I hope we can look forward to some."

Merkley also spoke on his plans to introduce the BUILD Act, to better invest in Career and Technical Education.
Rain and falling temperatures since Thursday afternoon have brought more worries to passengers stranded by heavy fog in south China's Hainan Province.

Vehicles wait for ferry service at Xiuying port in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 21, 2018. As the fog continues dispersing, with the visibility being more than 1,000 meters, the ferry service is resuming in ports in Haikou. [Photo: Xinhua]

A prolonged heavy fog has disrupted ferry services on the Qiongzhou Strait, a major gateway to the island province, affecting tens of thousand of passengers, with many of them heading back home after spending their Spring Festival holiday on the island.

According to the government of the provincial capital of Haikou, as of 4 p.m. on Thursday, more than 14,000 cars were still waiting at the city's three ports, with some having already been stranded for over 14 hours.

The number increased from the morning as more cars joined the queues to leave Hainan for Guangdong Province via the strait.

Huang Maocai waited in a queue stretching about one kilometer with his truck loaded with peppers, which he was attempting to transport and sell in markets in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong.

"I arrived here yesterday afternoon at about 2 p.m. The rain will obviously make the traffic worse. Maybe I will have to wait until tomorrow morning to get on a boat," he said, adding he is afraid that the delay will affect the quality of the peppers.

A passenger surnamed Hu, from Nanjing City, was on holiday with her family in Hainan. Now the family is waiting to get across the strait. "It's getting colder now, and I'm afraid that my kid could catch a cold," she said.

The civil affairs department of Haikou set up four new rescue stations to cope with the rain and cold. A total of ten tents, 300 raincoats and 1,600 quilts were sent to the stations.

"The need for hot water increases as the weather gets colder. We are supplying more hot water to passengers, and some companies have been voluntarily sending hot steamed buns and food to them," said Li Yonghua, official with the department.

Ferry services on the strait resumed on Thursday morning on the Qiongzhou Strait after being suspended Wednesday night. However, the ferries are travelling slowly due to low visibility.

A freighter and a passenger ship collided off the coast of Guangdong at about 12:46 a.m. on Thursday. The freighter sank and two people are missing. Rescue work is under way.

"We are working with the city of Zhanjiang in Guangdong to ensure the shipping route operates normally," said Gu Gang, executive vice mayor of Haikou.

Hainan, known for its tropical climate and clean air, is a popular destination for Chinese tourists on winter holiday.

"It's the first time my family has travelled during the Spring Festival holiday. It's also an unexpected experience," said Fu Yingying, from Chongqing Municipality, who drove with her family to Hainan.

The family of six left Wenchang and arrived at Haikou on Wednesday afternoon. They have been waiting in the long queue outside a port.

"Luckily, volunteers offered us water and food. Without them, it would have been very hard to get through last night," Fu said.

Volunteer Ma Suying told Xinhua that she can understand the irritable moods of some passengers. "But most stranded passengers are calm and polite," she said.

Haikou set up over 200 volunteer service areas for travelling families between Sunday and Thursday morning. Over 6,500 volunteers have offered help.

The Haikou city government advised vehicles heading to the ports to delay their plans. It also issued a notice Wednesday night, asking residents to take Thursday, the first working day after the Spring Festival holiday, off to alleviate traffic jams caused by the waiting vehicles.
UPDATE: The suspects in Wednesday morning's machete attack have been identified.

45-year-old Tommy Lee Robinson and 46-year-old Roderick Mickele Washington are being held in the Steele County Detention Center on charges of 2nd degree assault with a dangerous weapon. They face up to 10 years in prison if convicted and are being held on $100,000 bond.



Tommy Robinson Tommy Robinson

Roderick Washington Roderick Washington

Previous story below

DODGE COUNTY, Minnesota  A man found with large amounts of blood coming from his head claimed he was assaulted by two males with a machete, according to the Dodge County Sheriffs Office.

Authorities say they were dispatched to the 100 block of 1st Ave. NE in Hayfield at 1:48 Wednesday morning for a possible fight in progress.

Deputies arrived and found two males yelling in one of the apartments, and the two reported they had been drinking at a local bar and received a ride home from an unknown male. They said when they got to the apartment the male tried to rob them and they fought him off.

Around eight minutes after the initial call, a 911 call was received after a man was found in the 900 block of 3rd Ave. SE bleeding uncontrollably. The man was transported to St. Marys hospital.

Deputies at the apartment observed blood on the floor and wall in the apartment, a bloody pillow case and a machete by the door.

The two men in the apartment, who havent been identified, were arrested and transported to the Steele County Adult Detention Center.

Names of those involved are expected to be released Thursday morning.
ORANGE CITY, Iowa (AP)  Residents in northwest Iowa are fighting over a petition that calls on the public library to separate material dealing with LGBTQ issues and to request public input before acquiring such material.

Some expressed support for the Orange City Public Library's integration of LGBTQ materials at a library board meeting Tuesday, the Sioux City Journal reported . Others shared reservations.

The petition was started by Terry Chi, an assistant psychology professor at Northwestern College, a liberal arts school in Orange City. The petition, which gathered more than 340 signatures in nine days, calls for labeling and separating materials involving LGBTQ materials within the library and providing a content rating service to help inform patrons' decisions.

The petition also asks the library to hold public discussions before new materials are acquired.

"We're not asking for banning because I know that would just sink our ship," Chi said. "We're asking for transparency in the process and some public conversation before new materials are acquired."

Iowa Library Association President-Elect Dan Chibnall said libraries tend to avoid special labels. He said he believes people should have access to as much material as possible.

Officials at the Orange City Public Library have been working with the Iowa Library Association on a solution. The library's board says its policy committee will review public input and analyze its collection development policy.
UPDATE: Riceville Community School District Superintendent Barb A. Schwamman says classes will be held on Friday, weather permitting.

Schwamman says law enforcment will be on campus all day and there will be an early dismissal at 12:40 pm. Riceville Community Daycare will reopen at 6 am.

All students and parents are asked to enter the High School or Elementary entrances only.

Previous story below

RICEVILLE, Iowa  People within the Riceville School District and community are applauding students for turning in a school threat that canceled classes Thursday.

According to a post on social media, Riceville schools received information in regards to a potential safety concern that was directed toward the Riceville Community School District.

It boosted my confidence with my community. Those are the kind of people we need more of, community member Gennica Kehl said.

A post on Ricevilles social media accounts said the investigation is ongoing.

MORE: AUTHORITIES SAY FORMER STUDENT INVOLVED IN THREAT

The Howard County Sherriffs Department is currently investigating the situation and we will release more details when they are available. Please refer to the district website, Facebook, and Twitter pages often for updated information, the school said.

Barb Schwamman, the superintendent, said students reported the threat Wednesday night. She touted the bravery of the people who came forward to make the school aware of the issue.

She added the district had to take the threat seriously due to recent school shootings across the country.

Schwamman said there is a daycare in the school and they are not releasing any more information regarding the threat.

Kehl lives in Riceville and said she was preparing Thursday like it was any other morning. Shortly after, she heard about the threats that closed school for the day.

Its one of those things you never think it would happen until it happened, Kehl said. It makes my heart hurt.

Kehl said the one thing that continues to make her proud about the Riceville community is that students came forward to make the school aware of the threats.

Its unbelievable, she said. You hear about the bad things in communities. It really makes you think there is some good in the world. We need more people like that."

Betsy Morse, who has a sophomore at Riceville, said "It's just too surreal. It does not seem ... it hasn't set in yet."

One thing nearly everyone in Riceville agreed on was that the school did the right thing by canceling classes.

"I think that's wonderful. I think they keep saying if you hear something or see something you should say something," said Mary Eastman, who has grandchildren at the school.
FILLMORE COUNTY, Minn. Flames damaged an apartment building Wednesday night.

The Fillmore County Sheriffs Office says it was notified around 11:11 pm by the Winneshiek County Sheriffs Office of a fire at 11048 Highway 52, the address of an apartment building known as the Old State Line Motel or Prosper Apartments. The Sheriffs Office, Harmony Ambulance, and the fire departments from Mabel and Canton responded to the blaze.

Officials say the flames were contained to apartment #5 but there was heavy smoke damage to adjacent units. There are no known injuries.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal has been contacted and will be conducting an investigation. The American Red Cross is assisting the victims of this fire.

Fillmore County Sheriff Tom Kaase says he would like to remind people of the importance of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes and businesses, whether they own or rent. He also says people need to regularly test such alarms to make sure they are working.
AUSTIN, Minn.  An accident involving a stove caused thousands of dollars in damage to a home on Wednesday.

A woman driving through the 1200 block of 4th Street NE in Austin reported to the police around 5:31 pm that she saw heavy smoke coming from the south side of a home. Police and firefighters responded to the scene and firefighters remained there until 10:11 pm.

The residents told authorities they were moving from the house and had stacked furniture in the kitchen so they could clean the carpets. A box spring mattress was put on top of some chairs and Fire Chief Jim McCoy says a stove burner was accidentally turned on while doing so, which caused the fire.

The flames caused an estimated $45,000 in damage to the kitchen and dining room.

The State Fire Marshal has been contacted about this incident. The American Red Cross says it is assisting the two adult residents of the home.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa Senate Republicans have released a plan they say would cut more than $1 billion annually in taxes, though it's unclear how much support the measure has from other members of the party.

The proposal, released Wednesday in a bill, would cut Iowa's corporate tax rates, including reducing the top rate from 12 percent to 7 percent. Individual tax rates would also be cut, including reducing the top rate from 8.98 percent to 6.3 percent. The measure phases out some tax credits that have gradually increased in recent years.

A Senate subcommittee will discuss the bill Thursday. The measure faces several legislative votes.

GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds released a tax plan recently that would cut individual taxes but doesn't address corporate taxes or tax credits, in part because of revenue shortfalls. House Republicans have indicated they support at least some portions of Reynolds' proposal.
ROCHESTER, Minn.  Rochester Community and Technical College is trying to help fill the nursing shortage gap by hosting a nursing job fair Wednesday.

According to the American Nurses Association, by 2022 there will be a need for more than three million nurses.

Katelynn Strupp is a nursing student at RCTC and knew she wanted to be a nurse at a very young age.

When I was 10, I went to the dermatologist every Wednesday at 3 o'clock because I had really bad cystic acne, Strupp said.

What she remembers most are her nurses.

They helped me more than any other medicine could, Struff said.

Shes one of many students who went to the nursing job fair. Its a place for students to connect with future schools and employers. Its also a chance for facilities to find much needed workers.

Everybody is short and everybody is hiring so we certainly can offer a lot to the places that are looking, Leanne England, one of the nursing faculty at RCTC, said.

There were several booths with more than 30 organizations and six schools. Being so close to Mayo Clinic, RCTC knows there are jobs to fill.

I don't know for the future with DMC where that's going to lead us, but there's definitely always going to be spots for our nurses, England said. There will always be spots for them and we're just thrilled that we produce such great nurses that they can go out obviously they can get a job in whatever area they'd like to do.

For many students like Strupp, theyre just excited to get out into the field.

Nursing school is really, really, really hard, probably one of the toughest things that many people have to go through, Strupp said, but once you get done with it you're so relieved and it's an amazing career. You can do a million different things with it and all around it's just, I personally think it's one of the coolest careers you can have.
ROCHESTER, Iowa  An accused mailbox masturbator is pleading guilty.

26-year-old Kevin Hernandez of Rochester was cited for indecent exposure/engaging in a lewd incident on January 18. Police say he was pleasuring himself by mailboxes at Hillcrest Apartments in the 1700 block of Highway 52 N, which was the second time this week they had been called about Hernandez.

Police say they could not located him the first time.

Hernandez was sentenced Friday to one year of supervised probation and a $300 fine.
By Lawrence White

LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Britain's cross-party Treasury Select Committee of lawmakers on Thursday said it is launching an inquiry into digital currencies, as well as the underlying distributed ledger technology.

The probe will focus on the opportunities and risks posed to consumers, businesses and the government by the rising popularity of so-called cryptocurrencies, the committee said in a statement.

A global investment craze over bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the last year has seen wild gyrations in their valuations, making fortunes for some investors, while others have lost heavily.

Bitcoin, the best known virtual currency, lost over half its value earlier this year after surging more than 1,300 percent.

"People are becoming increasingly aware of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, but they may not be aware that they are currently unregulated in the UK, and that there is no protection for individual investors," Nicky Morgan, chair of the Treasury Committee, said.

The British committee of politicians will take written and verbal evidence from a range of experts on the digital currencies, which will then inform a report it submits to the government containing recommendations on what to do.

The inquiry will consider whether the government is striking the right balance between protecting customers and businesses without stifling innovation.

Governments and regulators worldwide have in recent months shown themselves divided on what to do about cryptocurrencies, which have already spawned investment scams promising returns of over 1,000 percent and hacks on the exchanges that store the virtual funds.

The finance ministers and central bank governors of France and Germany earlier this month called for the policy and monetary implications of cryptocurrencies to be placed on the agenda of the upcoming G20 meeting of the largest advanced and developing economies.

The Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney meanwhile on Monday said that bitcoin has "pretty much failed" as a currency measured by standard benchmarks, and is neither a store of value nor a useful way to buy things.

But the BoE is one of a number of central banks and governments around the world that are looking into the underlying blockchain technology as a potential way of issuing digital-only currency, for making settlement more efficient, or for distributing and tracking money in the public sector.

Saudi Arabia's central bank last week signed a deal with U.S. based digital currency firm Ripple to help banks in the kingdom settle payments using the technology. (Reporting by Lawrence White, additional reporting by Jemima Kelly, editing by Louise Heavens)
* SSEC +2.0 pct, CSI300 +2.0 pct, HSI -1.1 pct

* HK->Shanghai Connect daily quota used 1.6 pct, Shanghai->HK daily quota used 13.6 pct

* China stocks resume trading after week-long Lunar New Year holiday

SHANGHAI, Feb 22 (Reuters) - China stocks rose sharply on Thursday morning as investors back from the week-long Lunar New Year holiday bid up shares across the board in response to resurgent global equities, while Hong Kong pulled back from two-week highs hit on Wednesday. ** The Shanghai Composite was up 62.40 points, or 1.95 percent, at 3,261.55 at 0416 GMT. ** China's blue-chip CSI300 index was up 2 percent, with its financial sector sub-index higher by 1.65 percent, the consumer staples sector up 3.05 percent, the real estate index up 1.6 percent and healthcare sub-index up 1.2 percent. ** Chinese H-shares listed in Hong Kong fell 0.9 percent to 12,572.07 while the Hang Seng Index was down 1.07 percent at 31,095.77. ** The smaller Shenzhen index was up 1.76 percent and the start-up board ChiNext Composite index was higher by 1.88 percent. ** Around the region, MSCI's Asia ex-Japan stock index was weaker by 0.81 percent while Japan's Nikkei index was down 1.24 percent. ** The yuan was quoted at 6.3481 per U.S. dollar, 0.05 percent weaker than the previous close of 6.345. ** The largest percentage gainers in the main Shanghai Composite index were Qingdao Tianhua Institute of Chemistry Engineering Co Ltd up 10.05 percent, followed by Y.U.D. Yangtze River Investment Industry Co Ltd gaining 10.02 percent and Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co Ltd up by 10 percent. ** The largest percentage losses in the Shanghai index were Shanghai Hongda Mining Co Ltd down 2.61 percent, followed by Guangdong Boxin Investing & Holdings Co Ltd losing 1.81 percent and Beijing Jingcheng Machinery Electric Co Ltd down by 1.58 percent. ** The top gainers among H-shares were Air China Ltd up 7.41 percent, followed by People's Insurance Group of China Co Ltd gaining 1.9 percent and China Shenhua Energy Co Ltd up by 1.12 percent. ** The three biggest H-shares percentage decliners were Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co Ltd which has fallen 3.20 percent, CITIC Securities Co Ltd which has lost 2.4 percent and China Petroleum & Chemical Corp down by 1.9 percent. ** About 8.57 billion shares have traded so far on the Shanghai exchange, roughly 39.7 percent of the market's 30-day moving average of 21.57 billion shares a day. The volume traded was 0.00 as of the last full trading day. ** As of 0417 GMT, China's A-shares were trading at a premium of 27.54 percent over the Hong Kong-listed H-shares. ** The Shanghai stock index is below its 50-day moving average and below its 200-day moving average. ** The price-to-earnings ratio of the Shanghai index was 14.68 as of the last full trading day while the dividend yield was 2 percent. ** In Hong Kong, the sub-index of the Hang Seng index tracking energy shares dipped 1.1 percent while the IT sector fell 1.1 percent. The top gainer on Hang Seng was China Mengniu Dairy Co Ltd up 3.59 percent, while the biggest loser was China Resources Land Ltd which was down 2.30 percent.

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ China stock market graphics suite ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Reporting by Samuel Shen and John Ruwitch; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)
* Vietnam's discount at $50-$100/T to London's May contract

* Vietnamese traders estimate 40-50 percent of crop sold forward

* Indonesia's premium at $140/T, mini harvest expected from March

By Mai Nguyen

HANOI, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Coffee trading in Indonesia picked up slightly ahead of a mini harvest expected from March, while Vietnam's market was dull following a major holiday, traders said on Thursday.

Indonesia's grade 4 defect 80 robusta traded at a premium of $140 a tonne to London's May contract , compared to a $160 premium to the March contract two weeks earlier, a trader in Lampung said.

"Trade is starting to pick up (this week) because some areas are already starting to have early coffee harvest," the trader said.

Some areas in Indonesia's Sumatra island usually have a mini harvest around March and April, while the main coffee harvest normally starts in July.

In Vietnam, the world's top robusta bean producer, trade was slow after the Lunar New Year celebration, the country's biggest holiday locally known as Tet. Traders estimate farmers have sold 40 to 50 percent of their crop so far.

Farmers in Daklak, Vietnam's main coffee-growing province, quoted beans at 37,000-37,600 dong ($1.63-$1.65) per kg, expanding from a 37,000-37,200 dong range before Tet, traders said.

Traders quoted the 5 percent black and broken grade 2 robusta at a discount of $50-$100 per tonne to the ICE May futures contract , barely unchanged from a range of $60-$100 per tonne prior to the holiday.

Trade is expected to pick up in the next few days when farmers and coffee companies workers are fully back to work, traders said.

($1 = 22,723 dong)

(Reporting by Mai Nguyen; Additional reporting by Mas Alina Arifin in Bandar Lampung; Editing by)
* Materials and financials stocks help up Aussie shares

* Airline and travel stocks rise on strong earnings

* NZ jumps on a2 Milk

(Updates to close)

By Aditya Soni

Feb 22 (Reuters - Australian shares reversed losses seen earlier in the session to finish slightly firmer on Thursday, with financials and materials leading the gains as investors worked through a flood of earnings reports.

The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 7.2 points or 0.1 percent to 5,950.900 at the close of trade. The benchmark added 2.846 points on Wednesday.

BHP, the world's biggest miner, rebounded from losses in the past few days to rise 1.3 percent on Thursday, boosting the benchmark.

BHP's first-half results on Tuesday missed expectations, although shareholders enjoyed a dividend boost. Meanwhile, banks accounted for most of the gains on the benchmark, with the Australian financial index rising 0.4 percent to its highest in more than two weeks.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia , the country's biggest lender by market capitalisation, gained 0.4 percent, while National Australia Bank Ltd added 0.5 percent.

Rising health care stocks also helped cement gains with CSL Ltd up 0.9 percent to a record high.

Travel and aviation stocks attracted investor attention with strong earnings.

Qantas Airways Ltd rose 5.9 percent to its highest since December after it reported a record first-half profit and announced a A$378 million ($295.03 million) share buyback. Shares of Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd rose to a record high on half-year profit that beat expectations, while online rival Webjet Ltd soared 15 percent as its revenue tripled. Crown Resorts Ltd , with its turnover boosted by Chinese high rollers, reported a slight rise in first-half profit sending the shares of Australia's biggest casino operator to a near two-week high. In New Zealand, the benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index rose 0.8 percent or 66.61 points to finish the session at 8,266.88.

A2 Milk Company Ltd was the benchmark's primary contributor for a second consecutive session as it surged 9.8 percent to a record high.

Air New Zealand Ltd rose 1.2 percent to a two-week high after boosting its interim dividend and saying it was headed for its second-biggest annual profit. ($1 = 1.2812 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Aditya Soni in Bengaluru; Editing by Eric Meijer)
TORONTO, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Barrick Gold predicted annual production of more than 4 million ounces of bullion between 2023 and 2027 on Thursday, a long-term view following last week's near-term forecast of lower output and higher costs from the world's biggest producer.

The Toronto-based company also said its Chief Operating Officer, Richard Williams, will step down and take on a new role that will focus exclusively on talks with Tanzania for its troubled Acacia Mining unit. Senior Vice President Greg Walker will oversee operations. Barrick, which expects 2018 output of 4.5-5 million ounces and 2019 to 2022 annual production of 4.2-4.6 million ounces of gold, also provided updates on four projects that could add more than 1 million ounces to annual output, starting in 2021. Notably, it will spend $300 million to $325 million to nearly double production at Turquoise Ridge in Nevada to 500,000 ounces annually, and is designating the operation a core Barrick mine.

Newmont Mining , which is nipping at Barrick's heels to take on the title of the top producer, holds 25 percent of the Nevada mine with Barrick owning the remainder. (Reporting by Susan Taylor; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Ratio Christi Chapter Sues Kennesaw State for Relegating Pro-life Display to Tiny 'Speech Zone' Contact: ADF Media Relations, 480-4440020, www.adfmedia.org/home/connect



INDIAN TRAIL, N.C., Feb. 22, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- Ratio Christi Campus Apologetics Alliance's chapter at Kennesaw State University filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday to challenge policies that officials used to relegate its pro-life display to a "speech zone" that makes up less than 0.08 percent of the 405-acre campus.



"Public universities are supposed to be the marketplace of ideas, where all ideas are welcome, not just those that university bureaucrats consider acceptable," said Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Counsel Travis Barham, one of the attorneys representing Ratio Christi. "Kennesaw State allows officials to quarantine any student speech they deem 'controversial'including a pro-life displayto a tiny, difficult-to-access part of campus. But the First Amendment prohibits universities from restricting where students can speak."



Ratio Christi Campus Apologetics Alliance has over 185 chapters at colleges and universities in the U.S and abroad. Its mission is to equip students and faculty to give historical, philosophical, and scientific reasons for following Jesus Christ. These chapters provide a friendly venue for atheists, skeptics, and adherents to any religion to investigate the claims of Christianity, discuss religious beliefs, and seek truth without fearing reprisal.



Kennesaw State University requires registered student organizations to submit reservation requests between three and thirty days in advancedepending on the type of event and without clearly indicating which deadline applies. Its policies provide no guidelines for KSU officials to follow, which gives them unrestricted discretion to grant, deny, or modify a student organization's reservation request even for unconstitutional reasons. Using this discretion, officials relegate any activities they deem "controversial" to the small, less-accessible speech zone.



On at least one previous occasion, KSU university officials assigned Ratio Christi to the speech zone because they determined that its message was "controversial," even though no one was using the location the group originally requested. This year, officials once again moved Ratio Christi's pro-life display to the undesirable location due to its content.



Ratio Christi's President and CEO, Dr. Corey Miller, states: "In today's academic environment, Christian students and educators must not only defend our faith, but we must also defend our right to defend our faith."



ADF Senior Counsel Tyson Langhofer, director of the ADF Center for Academic Freedom, adds: "Because today's students will be tomorrow's leaders and voters, universities should live by example in demonstrating the importance of our freedoms protected by the First Amendment instead of communicating to an entire generation that the Constitution doesn't matter."



Media representatives interested in Ratio Christi of Kennesaw State University v. Olens, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, can contact ADF Media Relations at (480) 4440020 or www.adfmedia.org/home/connect.



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(Kitco News) -Barrick Gold Corp. (NYSE, TSX: ABX) Thursday outlined the companys plans to develop a number of projects that are expected to add another 1 million ounces or more of annual production starting in 20212.

Nevada projects at Cortez Deep South, Goldrush and Turquoise Ridge have been approved, while work on a project to extend the life of the Lagunas Norte Mine in Peru is under way, said the worlds largest gold producer.

The company has approved an initial investment of $300 million to $325 million to build a third shaft at 75%-owned Turquoise Ridge in Nevada. When combined with additional processing capacity, this should roughly double annual production at the mine to more than 500,000 ounces per year at average all-in sustaining costs of around $630 per ounce, Barrick said. Initial production from the new shaft is expected to begin in 2022.

In addition to increasing annual production, the third shaft is expected to reduce operating costs, boost mining productivity rates, and increase total life of mine production by allowing for reduced cutoff grades, Barrick said.

Meanwhile, Barrick is developing an underground mine at Goldrush in Nevada. Decline construction, engineering and the permit process will occur over the next two years, with construction and initial production expected between 2021 and 2022. A 2017 feasibility study projects average annual production of 500,000 ounces and AISC of $640. Initial capital expenditures are estimated at around $1 billion.

Goldrush currently has proven and probable gold reserves of 1.5 million ounces and measured and indicated gold resources of 9.4 million ounces, with significant potential to identify additional resources once underground access to drill the deposit is established, Barrick said. In addition, the company is drilling the nearby Fourmile target, located one to three kilometers north of the Goldrush discovery.

Also in Nevada, the company aims to expand mining at Cortez Seep South below currently permitted levels of the Cortez Hills underground mine. The permitting process began in 2016. The company expects a decision by the government in the second half of 2019. Assuming the project is approved, two years of construction would be followed by production in 2022. Average annual production is estimated at 300,000 ounces.

Meanwhile, in Peru, Barrick is working to extend the life of the Lagunas Norte Mine through sequenced installation of mill, carbon-in-leach, flotation, and autoclave processing facilities. Feasibility studies for two different steps project average annual production of 100,000 and 170,000 ounces.

At Pueblo Viejo in the Dominican Republic, Barrick last year completed an initial study for a plant expansion aimed at increasing throughput by 50 percent annually, ultimately allowing the mine to maintain average annual production of 800,000 ounces after 2022. The mine is 60% owned by Barrick and 40% owned by Goldcorp Inc. (TSX: G, NYSE: GG).
DUBLIN, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Ireland's aircraft leasing company Avolon has added an extra layer of protection for bondholders in a bid to dispel concerns about the risk of it being stripped for cash by China's HNA Group, ratings agency Fitch said on Thursday.

Avolon has come under scrutiny over its links to HNA and credit ratings analysts have been pressing for tougher safeguards against it being forced to bail out the cash-strapped Chinese conglomerate. Avolon is fully owned by Bohai Capital, which is 52-percent owned by HNA Group. HNA has had to embark on a slew of fundraising efforts in recent months to address a liquidity crunch. By amending its guarantee structure, Avolon had further formalised the segregation of its financial resources from that of Bohai Capital and HNA Group, Fitch said in a note following a briefing Avalon had with bondholders after its results.

"The introduction of the mandatory redemption covenant is expected to limit payments from Avolon to Bohai Capital," the ratings agency said, affirming its 'BB' rating of Avolon.

"Fitch views this development favourably because it places explicit limitations on Bohai's ability to extract capital from Avolon in addition to the pre-existing insulation framework."

In the third quarter of 2017 Avolon lent Bohai $365 million, a move described by Avolon's CEO in January as a one-off. Avolon, the world's third-largest aircraft lessor, plans to pay a dividend of $250 million to Bohai Capital out of its 2017 earnings though, Fitch said.

Avolon had earlier posted a full year profit after tax of $550 million, up from $345 million in 2016. A spokesman for Avolon said the company would not comment publicly beyond the full year figures released on Thursday. He did, however, confirm a call with bondholders had taken place.

($1 = 6.3471 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Graham Fahy, editing by Padraic Halpin and Elaine Hardcastle)
ZAGREB, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Croatia will offer 1.3 billion kuna ($215.35 million) worth of treasury bills at an auction next week, the same amount it offered this week, the Finance Ministry said on Thursday.

On Feb. 27 the ministry will offer one-year paper, which has been regularly on offer in recent auctions. Occasionally the ministry also offers bills of three-month and six-month maturities as well as those denominated in euros.

At this week's auction the ministry sold more bills than was the original plan, with yield remaining flat. The benchmark overnight rate on the local money market was quoted at 0.30 percent on Thursday, and the one-year rate at 0.55 percent . Daily market rates change at 0900 GMT. ($1 = 6.0368 kuna)

(Reporting by Igor Ilic; Editing by Gareth Jones)
LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Greece's borrowing costs fell across the board on Thursday after Moody's upgraded the country's credit rating late on Wednesday. Credit ratings agency Moody's upgraded Greece two notches from Caa2 to B3 and maintained the positive outlook, saying it believes the debt-laden nation will return to self-sufficiency and market-based funding. The yield on Greece's 10-year government bond dropped 6.5 basis points to 4.41 percent, while its five-year borrowing costs fell 3 bps to 3.63 percent at the open.

(Reporting by Abhinav Ramnarayan; Editing by Jamie McGeever)

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.
FRANKFURT, Feb 22 (Reuters) - More than 1,000 customers at Latvian bank ABLV have pledged to keep 420 million euros in long term deposits of between 6 months and one year, a spokesman for the bank said on Thursday, outlining one pillar of a plan to stabilise the lender. He confirmed that those depositors' commitment would hold should a moratorium restricting payments and withdrawals at the bank be lifted. That sum comes on top of other long term deposits held at the lender.

(Reporting By John O'Donnell; Editing by Balazs Koranyi)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 1 hour):

MINUTES

The Polish central bank will release minutes from the February Monetary Policy Council sitting at 1300 GMT.

DEBT

The Polish finance ministry will conduct a debt auction of bonds worth 3.0-4.0 billion zloty on Thursday.

ENEA Energy producer Enea has conducted impairment tests which resulted in write downs worth 879 million zloty ($258.45 million), that will negatively affect state-run company's unconsolidated results, it said in a statement late on Wednesday.

****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.****

For other related news, double click on: Polish equities E.Europe equities Polish money Polish debt Eastern Europe All emerging markets Hot stocks Stock markets Market debt news Forex news For real-time index quotes, double click on: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX ($1 = 3.4010 zlotys)

(Reporting by Warsaw Bureau)
BUCHAREST, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Romania sold more than planned 437.1 million lei ($115.42 million) of April 2023 treasury bonds on Thursday, with the average accepted yield at 4.21 percent, central bank data showed. Debt managers last issued the paper, which has a residual maturity of 62 months, in July 2017 at an average yield of 2.99 percent. They planned to sell 300 million lei on Thursday. So far this year, the finance ministry has sold roughly 5.7 billion lei worth of domestic debt and has tapped 2.0 billion euros from foreign markets in 2028 and 2030 Eurobonds.

Series: RO1323DBN018 Issue date 26/02/2018 26/07/2017 Auction date 22/02/2018 24/07/2017 Maturity 26/04/2023 26/04/2023 Avg.yield (pct) 4.21 2.99 Avg. accepted price 107.4524 114.8760 Highest accepted yield 4.21 3.02 Tail (highest yield minus 0.00 0.03 average yield) Total bids 963 mln lei 809 mln lei Allotted 437 mln lei 700 mln lei Bid-to-cover ratio 2.20 1.16 ($1 = 3.7871 lei)

(Reporting by Radu Marinas)

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.
HANOI, Feb 22 (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 1036 GMT.

February 22 USD/VND mid-point 22,433 USD/VND interbank 22,723/22,725 USD/VND unofficial 22,750/22,780 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.88-37.03

Interbank offered rates Overnight 2.6-3.8

1 week 3.0-3.9

1 month 3.6-4.2

3 months 3.7-4.5

NOTES: The State Bank of Vietnam began setting the mid-point rate on daily basis as of Jan. 4, 2016, 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; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)
STOCKHOLM, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Sweden's central bank bought 1 billion Swedish crowns ($122.91 million) of government bonds in a reverse auction as part of its quantitative easing programme, it said on Thursday. It bought 500 million crowns of 2022 bonds at an average yield of -0.080 percent and the same amount of 2023 bonds at 0.235 percent. Investors offered to sell the Riksbank 1.55 billion crowns and 2.35 billion crowns in the two bonds respectively. ($1 = 8.1358 Swedish crowns)

(Reporting by Stockholm Newsroom; Editing by Simon Johnson)

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.


PRAGUE, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Following are results of Thursday's auction of 13-week Czech Treasury bills compared with the previous sale of bills with the same maturity. AUCTION DATE 22/02/18 15/02/18 YIELD (PCT) 0.400 0.400 SOLD IN AUCTION (BLN CZK) 9.488 30.843 incl.FINMIN RETAINED (BLN) 0.000 0.000 INVESTOR DEMAND (BLN) 15.833 33.743 TOTAL VOLUME (BLN) 0.00-5.00 0.00-5.00 AUCTION OFFER (BLN) 0.00-5.00 0.00-5.00 CORRESPONDING PRIBOR (PCT) 0.91 0.90 KEY POLICY RATE (PCT) 0.75 0.75

(Reporting by Mirka Krufova; Editing by Robert Muller)

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.
Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here.
PRAGUE, Feb 22 (Reuters) - The Czech Finance Ministry sold 276.54 million crowns $13.43 million) worth of 2.75/29 government bonds in the second, non-competitive round of an auction on Thursday.

The Finance Ministry retained 1.0 billion crowns worth of the paper on its books.

Issue status: NEW ISSUE, 1st tranche Maturity: July 23, 2029 with 2.75 percent annual coupon

Settlement date: February 23, 2018 AUCTION DATE 21/02/18 AVG. ACCEPTED YIELD 2.033 AVG. ACCEPTED PRICE 107.244 HIGHEST ACCEPTED YIELD 2.070 LOWEST ACCEPTED YIELD 1.980 TAIL (max yield less avg. yield) 0.037 ALLOCATION AT THE CUT-OFF PRICE (%) 19.057 TOTAL INVESTOR BIDS (bln crowns) 6.460 NON-COMPETITIVE BIDS (bln crowns) 0.277 SOLD (bln crowns) 4.277 FINMIN RETAINED 1.000 BID-TO-COVER RATIO (1st auction leg) 1.546 AMOUNT OUTSTANDING AFTER NEW SALE (bln crowns) 5.277

NOTE. In the second round, bonds are allotted to primary dealers at the average price and yield set in the first round. Dealers are not required to buy any bonds in the top-up round.

Details of the government's debt auctions can be found on page . ($1 = 20.5920 Czech crowns)

(Reporting by Mirka Krufova; Editing by Robert Muller)
KAMPALA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - The Ugandan shilling weakened for a second straight day on Thursday, undercut by dollar demand from companies in the manufacturing and energy sectors, traders said. At 1013 GMT commercial banks quoted the shilling at 3,640/3,650, weaker than Wednesday's close of 3,635/3,645. UGX Spot Rate................... Ugandan Shilling Money Guide.... Calculated Cross Rates.......... Deposits..................... Deposits & Forwards............. Uganda Equities Guide....... Uganda All Share Index........ Shilling background ..... Ugandan Debt Guide............ All Uganda Bonds............. Uganda T-Bills.............. Uganda Benchmark............. Central Bank ................ Ugandan Contributor Index.... Uganda Coffee Prices....... (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by George Obulutsa)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
(Adds details on projects, copper forecast, analyst comment)

By Susan Taylor

TORONTO, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Barrick Gold on Thursday predicted ongoing gold production declines in the long term, positioning the miner to lose its status as the world's biggest bullion producer, but it said key projects could boost annual output by 1 million ounces.

In an investor update, Barrick also said Chief Operating Officer Richard Williams is stepping down to take on a new role focused on talks with Tanzania for the company's troubled Acacia Mining unit. Senior Vice President Greg Walker will be responsible for operations, Barrick said. The Toronto-based miner told Reuters the COO title does not exist at this time.

Barrick sees annual production of more than 4 million ounces of gold between 2023 and 2027, a steady view that contrasts with last week's market-rattling outlook for lower output and higher costs in the near term. "It provides significant clarity on Barrick's long-term production outlook, which looks more stable than some investors may have feared," Scotiabank analyst Tanya Jakusconek said in a report.

Barrick expects 2018 output of 4.5-5 million ounces of gold and annual production of 4.2-4.6 million ounces from 2019 to 2022.

Rival Newmont Mining expects to exceed that forecast, projecting 2018 production of 4.9-5.4 million ounces of gold and 4.6-5.1 million ounces annually through 2022. [nL4N1QC3FJ[

Barrick said four projects could add more than 1 million ounces to annual output starting in 2021, including three Nevada developments approved to proceed. Notably, the $300-$325 million Turquoise Ridge project will nearly double annual output, to more than 500,000 ounces, said Barrick, which owns 75 percent of the mine. Newmont owns the remaining 25 percent. Initial production from a new shaft at the mine, now designated a core Barrick operation, is expected in 2022.

The long-range forecast reflects potential gains from the Cortez Deep South, Goldrush and Turquoise Ridge mines and Robertson property in Nevada; Lagunas Norte in Peru; and Pueblo Viejo in the Dominican Republic.

It does not include any contribution from Barrick's large-scale 'greenfield' projects: Alturas, Donlin Gold, a 50-percent stake in Norte Abierto, or Pascua-Lama. Pascua-Lama, a long-stalled project straddling the borders of Chile and Argentina, contains 21.3 million ounces of measured gold resources. Barrick's 50-percent share of Alaska's Donlin project, co-owned with NovaGold , contains 19.5 million ounces of gold resources.

Three copper mines represent additional cash flow and value, Barrick said, with assets expected to produce 385-450 million pounds of copper in 2018.

(Reporting by Susan Taylor; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Paul Simao)
(Updates with statements from Stobart and Flybe)

By Ben Martin

LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - British infrastructure and support services firm Stobart Group is considering bidding as part of a consortium to acquire struggling regional carrier Flybe .

Shares in Flybe soared 26 percent on Thursday on the news to 43.5 pence by 1541 GMT, valuing the carrier at almost 105 million pounds.

"A number of potential structures have been considered including taking a non-controlling interest in a vehicle to acquire 100 percent of Flybe likely to be in cash," Stobart said in a statement.

Reuters had reported earlier on Thursday that Stobart was in talks about a possible deal. Flybe said it had not received an approach from Stobart about a possible offer and added: "Flybe shareholders are strongly advised to take no action at this stage."

A spokesman for Stobart declined to identify possible partners in any bid for the airline.

Stobart is eyeing Flybe after the carrier was left vulnerable by a slump in its share price.

Shares traded at more than 90 pence in 2015 but had plunged to as low as 30.75 pence in December 2017, according to Thomson Reuters data, after the airline was hit by faltering demand for its flights.

Christine Ourmieres-Widener, appointed chief executive in January 2017, has been working to reduce the carrier's fleet of aircraft in an effort to cut costs.

Stobart already has close links with the airline as its aviation arm operates some European flights for Flybe from London Southend Airport, which the infrastructure company owns.

Stobart started life as haulage business Eddie Stobart but has switched its focus away from lorries in recent years.

Trucking firm Eddie Stobart Logistics, best-known in Britain for its distinctive green and red lorries, is now separately listed on the London stock market, although Stobart retains a 12.5 percent stake in the company.

(Reporting by Ben Martin; Editing by Adrian Croft and Edmund Blair)
* China's Fosun to invest 100 mln eur in Lanvin - source

* Fosun takes control, Lanvin's Wang to have minority stake

* The storied French label had been struggling with sales

* Acquisition comes amid push by Chinese firms into luxury

(Adds details, background)

By Sarah White

PARIS, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Fosun is taking control of Lanvin, France's oldest surviving couture label, in the Chinese conglomerate's most prominent fashion investment yet.

Fosun, which owns French leisure company Club Med, is the latest Chinese firm to expand into fashion labels at a time when consumers in China - the world's second biggest economy - are driving a global revival in luxury goods spending.

Lanvin, until now majority-owned by Taiwan-based media magnate Shaw-Lan Wang, had struggled financially in recent years after switching designers.

But the 129-year-old brand, named after founding couturiere Jeanne Lanvin, remains one of fashion's best-known labels, and has long been considered an epitome of Parisian chic.

Fosun gave no financial details of the transaction. It said current shareholders - who include Wang, with 75 percent of the firm, and Swiss businessman Ralph Bartel, who has 25 percent -would retain a minority stake in Lanvin.

The Chinese group will invest around 100 million euros ($123 million) in the business, a source close to the matter said. Fosun added in a statement that with its resources Lanvin would "enter a new phase of expansion."

The brand had enjoyed a revival under star designer Alber Elbaz, but his surprise sacking in 2015 marked a turning point for Lanvin, which changed artistic director twice but was still having trouble with slumping sales and facing a cash crunch.

Lanvin does not publish earnings. It made an 18.3 million euro loss in 2016, sources with knowledge of the situation had told Reuters. Losses had been forecast to rise to at least 27 million euros in 2017, they said. Fosun saw off competition from Qatari investment fund Mayhoola, the owner of Italy's Valentino, to take control of Lanvin, according to people with knowledge of the discussions. Fosun already had stakes in Italian high-end menswear label Caruso and U.S. knitwear firm St. John Knits and it said on Thursday that it had a mandate to "strategically deepen its root in this sector."

China's Shandong Ruyi - a shareholder in French group SMCP which owns the Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot labels - has also been expanding its fashion empire. This month it took control of Swiss luxury shoe and accessories firm Bally. The luxury fashion industry is still dominated by European firms, however, including French conglomerates LVMH , which owns Louis Vuitton, and Gucci-parent Kering . ($1 = 0.8145 euros)

(Reporting by Jean-Michel Belot, Sudip Kar-Gupta and Sarah White)
(Recasts lead, adds CEO comments, background)

PAVIA, Italy, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Italy's Eni will probably have to move a drilling ship blocked by Turkey off Cyprus, but will not relinquish its interests in the area, the oil major's CEO said on Thursday.

"We're used to having potential disputes ... we did not pull out of Libya or other countries where there were complicated situations," Claudio Descalzi said on the sidelines of an event.

On Feb. 9, the Turkish navy on manoeuvres in the Mediterranean stopped the Saipem 12000 vessel on its way to drill for gas in the waters off Cyprus, triggering a diplomatic standoff.

Turkey, which does not have diplomatic relations with Cyprus, claims that certain areas in the ethnically-split island's offshore maritime zone fall under its jurisdiction.

Two weeks ago, Eni announced a big gas find in Cyprus's Exclusive Economic Zone in an area it said was geologically similar to its giant Zohr field in Egypt.

Descalzi said last Friday he was surprised by the Turkish move since Eni had two other wells in the area that had never caused problems.

Sources familiar with the matter said the Italian foreign office was working through diplomatic channels to resolve the standoff.

It is very likely the drilling ship will have to be moved to a new location in coming days, probably Morocco, Descalzi said.

"Then we'll come back, waiting for international, European, Turkish, Greek and Cypriot diplomacy to find a solution," he said.

This week Turkey issued a new navigational advisory extending military training in the area to March 10 from Feb. 22 previously.

On Wednesday, Cyprus said it would press ahead with oil and gas exploration in its waters, signalling resolve in its standoff with Turkey over energy riches. (Reporting by Giancarlo Navach, Writing by Stephen Jewkes; Editing by Isla Binnie and Mark Potter)
* ABLV says has asked for emergency loan

* Latvia's top bank making bid to lift moratorium

* Customers pledge to keep cash with the bank

(Adds background, detail)

By John O'Donnell and Gederts Gelzis

RIGA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - One of Latvia's largest banks has asked for a 480 million euro loan from the country's central bank as part of efforts to reopen for business after being forced to halt all payments in the face of money laundering accusations.

The request for credit from the Baltic state's central bank comes amid frantic efforts by ABLV's management to keep the bank afloat after U.S. authorities singled it out for money laundering and moved to block it from doing financial deals in dollars. The ECB has imposed a moratorium stopping savers withdrawing their funds or making payments. ABLV has denied any such wrongdoing.

An ABLV spokesman said more than 1,000 customers had pledged to keep 420 million euros ($515.93 million) in long term deposits at the bank. Most of its deposits are held by foreigners from countries including Russia and Ukraine.

The spokesman also confirmed that the bank was seeking the emergency loan.

"We're speaking about the sum of up to 480 million euros," Arturs Eglitis, a spokesman for the bank told journalists, referring to Emergency Liquidity Assistance that may be granted by the central bank.

The crisis at ABLV comes alongside a separate police investigation into whether the head of Latvia's central bank took a bribe of more than 100,000 euros. Ilmars Rimsevics has dismissed the allegations and said that he is the victim of a smear campaign, while the Ministry of Defence has suggested too that disinformation may be to blame.

The ministry did not say who was behind this but drew parallels with campaigns before the U.S. elections in 2016. Russia has denied it was behind those campaigns and says it does not meddle in elections in the West.

The episode has cast a shadow over Latvia, which belongs to the euro zone and whose top officials hold influential posts both at the European Commission and European Central Bank.

Experts have said that the events raise questions about the ECB, which is responsible for supervision of ABLV and other banks around the euro zone. On Thursday, the ECB's supervisory chief Daniele Nouy said it was not her responsibility to police any such money laundering but that it was the job of national regulators.

($1 = 0.8141 euros)

(Reporting By John O'Donnell and Gederts Gelzis; Editing by Balazs Koranyi and Jane Merriman)
* Sibanye has been a dividend play with mature assets

* Impairments, silicosis provision hit 2017 earnings

* Troubled S. African platinum assets delivered solid performance

* Share price dives 13 percent

(Adds latest share moves, details)

By Ed Stoddard

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Precious metals producer Sibanye-Stillwater cut off the dividend stream that has made it an investor darling after reporting an attributable loss for 2017 on Thursday.

Sibanye's share price fell 13 percent, underscoring disappointment among investors who have grown accustomed to hefty dividends from the Gold Fields spin-off.

"It's the cash flow. There is no cash to pay the dividend," said Peter Major, fund manager at Cadiz Corporate Solutions.

Chief Executive Neal Froneman said the company might go at least another year without paying a cash dividend but it planned to resume payments. "The dividend is still the number one priority."

In lieu of the cash dividend, the company will undertake a "capitalisation issue" that will see four ordinary shares given to shareholders for every 100 they hold.

Froneman said the company hoped to expand its production profile in the United States - which would mean gold assets - in the wake of its acquisition of Montana-based platinum group metals producer Stillwater.

But he told Reuters the company had no intention of taking its primary listing to New York.

The company's operations, including the troubled Rustenburg assets it acquired from Anglo American Platinum , delivered solid results, with the loss stemming from impairments, provisions for occupational healthcare claims, and restructuring and transaction costs.

It is also in the process of acquiring historic South African mining company Lonmin . CASH PRESERVATION

Sibanye reported an attributable loss of 4.437 billion rand ($333 million) for the year ended 31 December 2017, compared with attributable earnings of 3.473 billion rand last year.

"Cash preservation is prudent and as a result no final dividend is being declared," said the company, which has given over 4 billion rand back to shareholders since 2013.

Sibanye initially positioned itself as a dividend play with cash flowing from mature South African gold assets that did not require huge investment, but it has been expanding into platinum and beyond South Africa, diverting its dividend flow.

The healthcare provision is for an expected settlement in a class-action suit against six current and previous South African gold producers related to the fatal lung disease silicosis which gold miners contract.

Froneman said one of the effects from its planned acquisition of Lonmin was the thousands of jobs that would be saved near its Rustenburg assets.

Job losses are expected but around 30,000 would have vanished if Lonmin collapsed, stoking social tensions in an area known for labour volatility. "There would have been huge social unrest right on our doorstep," Froneman said.

(Reporting by Ed Stoddard; Editing by Adrian Croft and Keith Weir)
LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Australia's Walkabout Resources has entered a joint venture with Koza Ltd, a British subsidiary of Turkish miner Koza Altin , to explore for gold and other metals at Slieve Gallion in Northern Ireland.

Koza Altin's founder Akin Ipek set up Koza Ltd and fled Turkey after relations between the government and followers of U.S.-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen soured.

Much of his Turkish fortune was based on gold mining and he has been seeking to develop projects in Britain.

The Istanbul-listed parent, meanwhile, is in a legal battle to eject Ipek and get the subsidiary's assets, drained by protracted litigation, back under its control. Koza Altin is one of hundreds of companies seized by the Turkish authorities and now managed by the Savings Deposits Insurance Fund. It was placed in receivership in October 2015 for alleged links to Gulen. The Slieve Gallion joint venture licence, currently wholly owned by Koza Ltd, has great potential as a source of base metals and gold, Walkabout said in a statement.

It is located around 20 kilometres from Dalradian Resources' Curraghinalt project, where the Canadian miner is seeking to build Northern Ireland's first major underground mine. Walkabout will get a 50 percent share of the Slieve Gallion joint venture if it spends a minimum of $500,000 in exploration and an additional 25 percent after a feasibility study.

(Reporting by Barbara Lewis and Dasha Afanasieva; Editing by Mark Potter)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 21)  Asia's pop sweetheart Julie Anne San Jose is open to collaborating with her former love team partner, Elmo Magalona.

"Yeah, why not? I think it's been a while since the last time na nagkita kami ni Elmo and nagkaroon kami ng numbers together [that we saw each other and shared numbers]," San Jose said, responding to a netizen's question on CNN Philippines' The Source.

"I think he's focused din sa ginagawa niya and ako, and ako focused din ako sa ginagawa ko [he's focused on what he's doing, and so am I]. But if ever, yeah, why not?" she said.

The pair used to regularly perform together on GMA-7's variety show "Party Pilipinas," and co-starred in the 2012 romance film, "Just One Summer."

Still as a GMA-7 talent, San Jose now appears regularly on the sitcom "Pepito Manaloto" and the variety show "Sunday PinaSaya."

Meanwhile, Magalona has signed on with the competing network ABS-CBN. His latest movie with Janella Salvador, "My Fairy Tail Love Story," was released earlier this month.

Both San Jose and Magalona are also signed on Universal Records.

The 23-year-old pop star and actress has recently released "Nothing Left," her first single from her fourth album, which is slated for release later this year.

But a collaboration with Magalona is not the only thing she is open to. Responding to another netizen's query, San Jose said she would not mind working with James Reid, Nadine Lustre, and Bret Jackson. Reid owns the label Careless Music Manila.

"We haven't really talked about it, but yeah  if ever, I'm open to it," said San Jose.

Apart from her upcoming album, San Jose is looking forward to a concert with Regine Velasquez and Christian Bautista in Dagupan, Pangasinan in April.

Watch the rest of The Source's interview with San Jose here.
Manila (CNN Philippines Life)  This weekend, watch regional films from across the Philippines, go to an arts festival, learn how to be successful from industry creatives, support Asian cinema, and immerse yourself in the world of LGBTs through short films and plays.

Cinema Rehiyon X

This year, not only Cinema Rehiyon celebrates a decade of bringing regional films to the fore, its also commemorating 100 years of Philippine cinema (the first Filipino film, Jose Nepomucenos Dalagang Bukid, was released in 1919).

The four-day festival will open on Feb. 25, with the screening of Keith Deligeros Babylon, which is currently competing at the Berlin Film Festival, and Christopher Gozums Dapol Tan Payawar Na Tayug 1931, which was recently screened at the International Festival Rotterdam.

The opening ceremonies is at 1 p.m. at Evia Lifestyle Center in Las Pinas City.

Starting Feb. 26, various screenings of films across the regions will be held at venues such as the Far Eastern University, University of the Philippines - Diliman, University of Makati, and De La Salle University.

Forums and workshops will also be held during the duration of the festival.

For complete schedules and listings, visit the Cinema Rehiyon Facebook page.

Ortigas Art Festival

The first Ortigas Art Festival counts 10 shows and 75 artists throughout its month-long run, from Feb. 23 to March 26 at the Estancia Bridgeway in Capitol Commons.

Some of the participating artists include Allison Wong-David, Helen Mirasol, Peter Sutcliffe, Anthony Victoria, Bon Mujeres, Tuklas, and Kalye Kolektib.

The festival is free and open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday-Thursday) and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday-Sunday).

For more information visit the Facebook event page.

Conversations

Conversations is a panel discussion on pushing the boundaries of Filipino creativity featuring a diverse roster of speakers from the fashion industry. Hear insights from Ken Samudio, Kim Jones, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Rik Rasos, and Carl Jan Cruz, and learn about what it takes to run a fashion business.

The event is on Feb. 24 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at Commune in Poblacion, Makati.

For more information and tickets, visit the Basic Movement website.

PINK Shorts

Pink Shorts, in cooperation with the Manila Biennale and the Australian Embassy, presents the first ever Pink Shorts Art Festival on Feb. 24 and 25 in the historic Intramuros.

The festival will present six short plays and six short films aiming to deliver selection of contemporary LGBT stories of struggles and aspirations.

For tickets and other information, visit the Facebook event page.

Asia On Screen Film Festival

Watch 10 films from across Asia from Feb. 22 to 25 at Cinema 3 in Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati.

This years run, themed Breaking Barriers, presents films from Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and India.

Some of the films include The Wailing (South Korea), an investigation of a slew of occult murders in a village; How to Win at Checkers (Thailand), a coming of age film focused on an orphaned boy; and Women of the Weeping River (Philippines), a portrait of Mindanaos various discords and cultures through its women.

For more information and screening schedules visit SureSeats or the Facebook event page.
(CNN Money)  The British government says that Russia was behind a massive global cyberattack that hit major companies in June 2017.

Foreign Office minister Tariq Ahmad said in a statement on Thursday that the Russian military was responsible for the attack, which initially targeted computers in Ukraine but quickly spread beyond its borders.

The attack  called NotPetya  hit companies including British advertising group WPP, Oreo maker Mondelez, U.S. drugmaker Merck and global shipping company FedEx.

"The destructive attack masqueraded as ransomware, but its purpose was principally to disrupt," the UK government said in a statement.

"The decision to publicly attribute this incident reiterates the position of the UK and its allies that malicious cyber activity will not be tolerated," it added.

The White House called the cyber-attack "reckless and indiscriminate."

"It was part of the Kremlin's ongoing effort to destabilize Ukraine and demonstrates ever more clearly Russia's involvement in the ongoing conflict," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. "This was also a reckless and indiscriminate cyber-attack that will be met with international consequences."

The Russian government said it "categorically denied the accusations."

"We think they have no basis and no foundation, and this is nothing else but the continuation of the Russophobic campaign," Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin, told reporters.

RELATED: The hacks that left us exposed in 2017

The ransomware infected computers and locked down their hard drives. It would then demand a $300 ransom to be paid in bitcoin.

But even if victims paid, they didn't recover access to their files.

Britain's National Cyber Security Centre, which investigated the attack, said it demonstrated a "high level of planning, research and technical capability."

It said the ransomware was inserted into a legitimate a piece of software used by most of Ukraine's financial and government institutions.

Ahmad said the attack had disrupted organizations across Europe, costing them hundreds of millions of pounds.

Reckitt Benckiser, the British maker of Lysol, Mucinex and Clearasil, said the attack had a negative effect on its second quarter sales.

In September, FedEx attributed a $300 million loss to the attack. The company's subsidiary, TNT Express, was forced to suspend business.

Mondelez said shipment delays resulting from the attack caused its second quarter revenue to drop 2.7 percent.

This story was first published on CNN.com, "UK blames Russia for crippling cyberattack."
Anders Groenholm /Courtesy of Millennium Seoul Hilton



By Kim Se-jeong



Being a hotel chef, especially for an international hotel chain, is one of the most traveled jobs. But, many take the job for a chance to live in many parts of the world and gain meaningful career experiences.





The exterior view of the hotel
(CNN)  A proposed bill to ban non-medically required male circumcision on babies and children in Iceland is receiving backlash from religious communities.

"Those procedures are unnecessary, done without their informed consent, non-reversible and can cause all kinds of severe complications, disfigurations and even death," Icelandic Progressive Party MP Silja Dogg Gunnarsdottir said.

She said a child should be old enough to give "informed consent" for the procedure and defended the proposed ban as being about protecting children's rights, adding that it would "not go against the religious right of their parents."

The European Jewish Congress condemned the bill, saying the ban would be an "effective deterrent" that would "guarantee that no Jewish community will be established" in the country.

"Iceland would be the only country to ban one of the most central, if not the most central rite in the Jewish tradition in modern times," the group's statement said, adding that this would "attack Judaism in a way that concerns Jews all over the world."

One in three men globally is estimated to be circumcised, with the majority for religious and cultural reasons.

If the ban were to come into effect, it will be a "violation to the right of religious freedom," according to Imam Ahmad Seddeeq of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Iceland, who estimates the country's Muslim community to have "at least" 2,500 members.

"People who believe in something try to do it as long as it is legal. If it's not legal here, they will do it in [their] home countries or other countries," Seddeeq said.

A 2012 review by the American Academy of Pediatrics found the health benefits of circumcision to outweigh the risks, though not great enough to recommend that the procedure become routine.

"The health benefits of circumcision include lower risks of acquiring HIV, genital herpes, human papilloma virus and syphilis. Circumcision also lowers the risk of penile cancer over a lifetime; reduces the risk of cervical cancer in sexual partners, and lowers the risk of urinary tract infections in the first year of life," the group said at the time of the review.

However, the study also found that the procedure poses risks such as "bleeding and swelling."

In 2012, a judge in Cologne, Germany, made a similar ruling that religious circumcision amounted to bodily harm against a child who has no say in the matter. The decision came in a case involving a 4-year-old boy who experienced complications after the practice. The judge ruled that a child's right to physical integrity outweighed the desire of his parents to have him circumcised for religious reasons.

The new bill in Iceland -- where female circumcision was banned by law in 2005 -- was put forward by representatives from four of Iceland's political parties arguing that while many children do not have any complications, some do, and "one is too many if the procedure is unnecessary," Gunnarsdottir said.

It is "uncertain" when discussions on the bill about boys will conclude and what the outcome of the vote will be, she said.

This story was first published on CNN.com, Iceland's proposed ban on male circumcision upsets Jews, Muslims."
Chef Garrett Edwards poses in front of Tartine's Itaewon store in Seoul. The store celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year. / Korea Times photo by Yun Suh-young



Itaewon's niche pie shop Tartine endures time



By Yun Suh-young



Garrett Edwards was 10 years old when his mother bought him a cookbook.



"If you want something, make it yourself," she said when he and his sister asked her for a cup of hot chocolate.



She could make it for them, but whenever Garrett asked her for food, she would say, "whatever you want is here," pointing to "The Boy's Cookbook" that she bought him.



So by the time he was 12, Garrett was cooking on his own.



Forty years later, Edwards started baking pies for a living. Ruby Edwards Tartine in Itaewon, Seoul, is a pie shop named after his mother.



Tartine



Tartine is a pretty well-known pie shop in Seoul, for anyone who has ever searched for an American pie in Seoul, real American style. It's been there for 10 years now -- this April they celebrate their 10-year anniversary since opening in 2008.



As of Jan. 26 this year, the shop has sold 3 million pies. If the pies were placed from end to end, they would stretch 379 km, a distance equivalent to traveling from Seoul to Tongyeong in South Gyeongsang Province on the south coast.



Tartine has endured a decade in the same location, in a small alleyway in Itaewon, the popular foreigners' district in Seoul. Edwards' first shop in 2000 was in Dongbuichon-dong, a wealthy district in Seoul, but moved to Itaewon after spotting a good location there.



"Think 18 years ago. It was 2000. The rest of the world had dessert shops selling pies. Here they had no idea what pie was. It was only Dongbuichon-dong that had dessert shops because there were a lot of Koreans who lived abroad and came back. So when we saw this location in Itaewon, my business partner was reluctant. But I thought it was (on the) cusp," Edwards said in an interview with The Korea Times on Feb. 7.



"This street in those days was really dark. No one wanted to come down here. There was no streetlight and all these stores were illegal tailor stores. When we moved here, there were no dessert shops anywhere. It's just now that there are some tart shops coming in.



"We filled out the showcase with pies every night and left the lights on. People would look into the showcase at night. Then we got the city to put in a streetlight here and there."





Pies are displayed at Tartine's Itaewon shop. / Korea Times photo by Yun Suh-young





It wasn't easy breaking into the dessert market with American pie -- a category not much sought by, or familiar to, Koreans.



"When I first came to Korea, everyone said Koreans don't like sweets. But when I observed Korean customers in Dongbuichon-dong, they would say it's too sweet but they would buy all of them."



Tartine means a piece of bread with something on it, according to the chef. But in old French, according to Edwards, it means "a never-ending story."



"When the French come here they expect French pastries because of the name, asking why we don't have tartine when the name is Tartine. But when I explain to them the old French meaning, they get what I mean. It's just like my life story," Edwards said.



Pie odyssey



Edwards retired at the age of 41. Born in 1949 in Portland, Oregon, Edwards started his first company at 23. He used to buy houses, fix them and sell them. He worked at restaurants in high school and didn't go on to college because of dyslexia. In 1973, at the age of 24, he moved to the port city Astoria in Oregon and stayed until 1991, when he was 42.



"I just wanted a change. Astoria was on the ocean. It looks like a mini-San Francisco only without the crime and everything. In those days, they were already redoing houses in Portland, so Astoria was a land of opportunity. There, I was 10 years ahead so a lot of the things I did failed," he said.



But he made enough money with his business (in fact, he had several businesses), by the time he was in his early 40s he decided to retire. He needed another change in his life.



He has traveled to about 23 countries since retirement. While traveling, he dog-sat for rich people to make extra money.



"One was in Korea. I dog-sat for a rich foreign executive for a global company based in Korea. While I was here, I decided I should move here because it was so easy to travel to other Asian countries. Now I've lived here for 22 years -- one-third of my life!"



His trip to Korea was an actual odyssey. He came to Korea by ship from Portland, Oregon. It took two weeks.



"When I took that ship, I wanted to see, feel how far I was going. I didn't leave America to keep going back home. I left to see more of the world."





Chef Garrett Edwards greets at the door of Tartine's Itaewon store in Seoul. / Korea Times photo by Yun Suh-young





The beginning



While he was in Korea, he started working at a friend's restaurant when one day, several Korean military officers came in. They were taken aback by a foreigner taking orders and one of them tried speaking in English. That was Lee Young-ho (Luke) whom Edwards became lifelong friends with and later opened Tartine with.



"After a couple of jobs, Luke wanted to do his own business but only with me. We tried different things. We did online business with eBay selling gold, gave lectures and consulting to Korean companies on how to do business with America. Then I said let's open a pie shop. After nine months of preparation, we opened," Edwards said.



The business expanded and contracted and had been in every major department store in Korea.



"We had up to 90 workers at one time. We expanded and now we're contracted again. The logistics is just really hard. Now we have four locations including Hapjeong and a barbecue place in Itaewon," he said.



Ruby Edwards



Although the shop is named after his mother, Edwards' pie-baking skills are mostly inherited from his grandmother, who was able to whip up any kind of pie with any type of ingredients for her grandchildren.





Tartine's "crack pie" / Korea Times photo by Yun Suh-young
Billy Graham / Reuters-Yonhap



U.S. evangelist Billy Graham, who counseled presidents and preached to millions across the world from his native North Carolina to communist North Korea during his 70 years in the pulpit, died on Wednesday at the age of 99, a spokesman said.



Graham died at 8 a.m. EST (1300 GMT) at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, according to Jeremy Blume, a spokesman for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

According to his ministry, he preached Christianity to more people than anyone else in history, reaching hundreds of millions of people either in person or via TV and satellite links.

Graham became the de facto White House chaplain to several U.S. presidents, most famously Richard Nixon. He also met with scores of world leaders and was the first noted evangelist to take his message behind the Iron Curtain.

"He was probably the dominant religious leader of his era," said William Martin, author of "A Prophet With Honor: The Billy Graham Story." "No more than one or two popes, perhaps one or two other people, came close to what he achieved."

Graham found himself at times in controversy over his disapproving stand on gay rights, as well as a over a secretly recorded conversation with Nixon in which the cleric complained that Jews had too much influence on the U.S. media. In the later years of his career he intentionally muted his political beliefs to focus on the Gospel.

Graham was no longer a close associate of presidents in recent years but many former U.S. leaders paid tribute on Wednesday. President Donald Trump said on Twitter: "The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man."

In a rare trip away from his home in his later years, Graham had celebrated his 95th birthday on Nov. 7, 2013, at a hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, where some 800 guests, including Trump, business magnate Rupert Murdoch and television hostess Kathie Lee Gifford paid tribute.

The event featured a video of a sermon that his son Franklin said was Graham's last message to the nation. Graham had been working for a year on the video, which was aired on Fox News. In it, he said America was "in great need of a spiritual awakening."

With his steely features and piercing blue eyes, Graham was a powerful figure when he preached in his prime, roaming the stage and hoisting a Bible as he declared Jesus Christ to be the only solution to humanity's problems.

In his heyday Graham had a thunderous, quick-burst speaking style that earned him the nickname "God's Machine Gun." Through his "Crusades for Christ," Graham sowed fields of devotion across the American heartland that would become fertile ground for the growth of the religious right's conservative political movement. (Reuters)
By Park Si-soo



North Korea said Thursday it will send a high-level delegation to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics' closing ceremony, Seoul officials said.

Kim Yong-chol, head of the ruling party's United Front Department, will lead the eight-member delegation for a three-day trip that will start Sunday, according to Seoul's unification ministry.

The delegation also includes Ri Son-gwon, head of the North's agency in charge of inter-Korean affairs.

U.S. President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump is set to attend the ceremony, raising speculation about whether she and Kim, representing the U.S. and North Korea respectively, will have any form of meeting, which was pushed during and after the opening ceremony, but which the North called off at the last minute.












/ Graphic by Lee Jong-eun



Pyongyang to send delegation for Olympics closing ceremony



By Kim Rahn



The chances of Washington-Pyongyang talks over the latter's nuclear program seem to be growing, with high-level officials from the two countries coming to South Korea for the closing ceremony of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.



Attention to any possible contact is high, especially after it belatedly became known the two sides had planned a meeting when U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Yo-jong participated in the opening ceremony.





Kim Yong-chol

Cheong Wa Dae and the Ministry of Unification said Thursday Kim Yong-chol, head of the Workers' Party of Korea's United Front Department, would visit the South from Sunday to Tuesday, along with seven other delegates including Ri Son-gwon, chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland.



They will attend the closing ceremony that will take place on Sunday. Cheong Wa Dae said the rest of their itinerary has not been confirmed, although it is expected they will have a separate meeting with President Moon Jae-in at Cheong Wa Dae.



The high-profile North Korean delegation's visit was announced hours after the White House and Cheong Wa Dae confirmed Ivanka Trump, daughter and adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, would make a four-day visit here from Friday to Monday.



She is scheduled to have talks with Moon over dinner at the presidential office on the first day of her visit. Ivanka Trump will also have a separate event with first lady Kim Jung-sook, as well as attending the closing ceremony.





Ivanka reaffirms maximum pressure against NK North Korea to send high-level delegation to Olympic closing ceremony Ivanka to arrive in Seoul on Friday As the periods of the two delegations' stays overlap, expectations are growing over a possible meeting.



Ivanka Trump The North's participation in the Olympics has created a conciliatory atmosphere in inter-Korean relations, and Kim Jong-un via his sister invited Moon to Pyongyang for a summit. The Moon administration hopes this unfolding situation will be expand to Washington-Pyongyang talks over North Korea's denuclearization.



It was belatedly disclosed Wednesday that North Korea and the U.S. had planned a secret meeting between Pence and Kim Yo-jong at Cheong Wa Dae, Feb. 10, when both of them were in the South. But North Korean called off the meeting two hours before, according to the U.S. government, because it was angry with Pence continually referring to a maximum pressure campaign against Pyongyang during his stay.



For now, South Korean officials say the chances of talks between the U.S. and North Korean delegations are low.



"The two sides are unlikely to have a chance for talks," a senior Cheong Wa Dae official said on condition of anonymity.



The official partially admitted that Seoul had tried to arrange a meeting between Pence and Kim Yo-jong.



"They attempted a meeting previously, and Washington and Pyongyang recognized each other's stance in that process," he said, adding South Korea would not encourage the delegations to have talks with one another.



Still, Ivanka Trump is likely to take a softer stance toward the North compared to Pence. White House officials said she would mainly focus on cheering on American athletes, and denied media reports she was planning a meeting with female North Korean defectors. Pence met with some defectors, and was accompanied by the father of Otto Warmbier, an American student who was jailed in the North for 17 months and died six days after being returned home.




By Kim Se-jeong



Seoul will provide an additional 240,000 public housing units over the next five years to reduce living costs for young non-homeowners, the city government said Tuesday.



"Amid the volatile housing market, we believe providing more public housing units is critical to enhancing the quality of life for Seoul residents," a city official said. The official said among these new homes, 145,000 will be allocated only for young single tenants and young married couples.



Providing 240,000 additional flats, the city projects public housing in the city will account for 9 percent of all dwellings in the capital, higher than the OECD average of 8 percent.



Between 2012 and last year, the city provided only 140,000 flats.



The city will spend 5.3 trillion won in taxpayer money on the project and create a funding scheme to attract individual investors.



The new public housing will be built in several different formats.



Approximately 22,000 will be new flats built under city supervision. The number of these will be limited because the city is already too crowded, with little land to spare for new housing construction.



Second, the city plans to make available almost 45,000 flats using existing homes owned privately. The city government will purchase them, renovate them and then rent them back to people.



The third format is financial support for tenants who need resources to find a flat. This particularly targets newly married couples, the city said, and they can borrow up to 60 million won with no interest and take 10 years to pay it back.



The city said it will also encourage private companies to invest in public housing.



Currently, social housing companies can borrow land from the city at relatively inexpensive rates on a long-term basis to construct residential buildings and rent them out. Rental is typically not as expensive as buying.



The city plans to make available 13,000 of such flats through incentivizing housing companies.



The city also said 80,000 flats will be available near subway stations or transport hubs.



Seoul is notorious for its high housing prices. It has been pushing away people who couldn't afford housing in the city.



Last year, the city's population dipped below 10 million as people left the city in search of housing.












By Oh Young-jin



A deportation order should be put in abeyance and the period of stay be extended, if a foreigner in question has to give care to afflicted dependents, the National Human Rights Commission recommended Wednesday.



The case regards an ethnic Korean from China who was ordered to leave the country by the Justice Ministry.



The commission asked the ministry from the standpoint of human rights to allow the Chinese Korean to stay until alternative means are found to take care of a sick family member who has no one else to turn to.



The person, only identified as A, entered Korea on a passport made under somebody else's name in 2004 and was forced to leave the country while working as illegal alien.



A came back to Korea on the passport made under his own name in 2011 and asked for naturalization in 2017.



The request was rejected because of his record of the illegal stay. A was told to leave the country and wouldn't be allowed to return for the 10 years.



Then, A's mom suffered a stroke so A had 20 million won deposited at the immigration office along with his plane ticket to extend his stay on a temporary basis three times until this week.



A asked for another extension because his mom's condition got even worse. Also a brother was suffering from serious illnesses.



In response to the commission's inquiry, the immigration office said that already he was given a waver on his forced departure three times and his record of using an illegal passport made it imperative for A to follow the procedure.



The commission concluded, however, that this action would put in jeopardy the health of A's sick family members.


By Kim Se-jeong



From Seoul to Ulsan, precipitation has been exceptionally low this winter and people in remote areas face drinking water shortages.



The severe winter drought is in part due to global warming, according to weather forecasts.



In Seoul, precipitation between Feb. 1 and 18 was only 0.5 millimeters. The most precipitation this year was 3.5 mm when a snowstorm hit Seoul in January.



During the same period, Seoul had a drought warning issued for 15 days. The warning was issued for 13 days for Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, and 10 days for Daejeon.



Nationwide, February's average precipitation so far is 2.1 mm, lower than the 18.7 mm average.



In Gangwon Province, the figure is 3.2 mm, only 5 percent of the average amount. Leading up to the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games opening, people worried about possible snowstorms in Gangneung and PyeongChang, but that didn't happen. Snowfall was tenfold less this year.



Sokcho is among the hardest hit in Gangwon Province.



Starting Feb. 6, water rationing began for the region's rural villagers. On Tuesday, the city of Sokcho also joined the rationing. City residents should line up to get water from fire trucks every other day. Local authorities said they couldn't say how long this would last.



Gangwon is also suffering from fires. Earlier this month, a wildfire in Sokcho burned down almost 30 hectares of forests.



In western Korea, Boryeong Dam, one of the major sources of drinking and industrial water, is at only 25 percent capacity _ the annual average is 63 percent. Other dams see the same thing happening.



In South Chungcheong Province, garlic farms are suffering from the drought. Coupled with exceptionally low winter temperatures, a local study projected this year's harvest would fall by 60 percent.



"This year, the Korean Peninsula stayed under strong influence of continental anticyclone for a long time. That is dry and cold air which prevented snow from forming," an official from the Korea Meteorological Administration said.



He added snow was anticipated for Thursday evening and Friday morning but will be far from enough to relieve the drought. In Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and the Chungcheong and Gyeongsang regions, between one to five centimeters of snow are expected, while the Jeolla region was forecast to have less than one centimeter.
















By Lee Kyung-min



Former presidential secretary for civil affairs Woo Byung-woo has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment in a corruption trial stemming from the influence-peddling scandal that removed former President Park Geun-hye from office. Woo, a close aide to Park known for his "unrestricted" power and authority, was indicted for overlooking or aiding and abetting a wide range of criminal activities conducted by Choi Soon-sil, the convicted confidant of former President Park. The prosecution had filed nine charges including abuse of power and dereliction of duty as head of the presidential office responsible for monitoring the corruption of high-ranking public officials.



Seoul Central District Court said Woo deserved punishment for failing to prevent influence-peddling despite volumes of evidence that suggested Choi's illicit activities. "Woo was briefed about a range of Choi's criminally liable behavior multiple times from his subordinates," a judge said in the ruling. "He must have been aware of or at least suspected the corruption, but he wrote memos to Park with a tone dismissing the far-reaching implications it might have, leading the former President to fail to grasp the gravity of the situation at the time. "His decision further threw the country into confusion. His failure to implement follow-up measures to control Choi greatly contributed to her then-ongoing corruption activities."



Woo, the court added, also ordered Fair Trade Commission (FTC) officials to file a complaint requesting the prosecution to investigate CJ E&M, which produced liberal media content critical of the Park administration and favorable to former President Roh Moo-hyun. "Woo abused his power by ordering FTC officials to file a complaint against the firm despite the lack of grounds to do so as the charge he sought to press failed to meet the due requirements under the law," the judge said. "His unprecedented interference in FTC affairs severely undermined the principle of fairness and independence."



Woo interfered with and frustrated various efforts by Lee Seok-su, a Park-appointed inspector tasked with investigating him, the court said. Park dismissed Lee after he recommended the prosecution investigate Woo over alleged abuse of power and embezzlement. While the "declared" reason for his dismissal was for leaking details of the then-ongoing investigation into Woo to a broadcast journalist, speculation abounded that the prosecutor-turned-civil affairs secretary had such deep connections about key government agencies that he could never be held criminally accountable. "Woo continued to maintain an uncooperative stance and led various activities with the intent of halting the investigation, following which Lee was rendered helpless and powerless," the judge said.



With Woo's conviction, the only major figure in the corruption scandal yet to be punished is Park. No verdict has been delivered in her trial. Choi, who faced most of the same charges as Park, was sentenced to 20 years in prison last week. Former presidential secretary An Chong-bum was given a six-year prison term.



Meanwhile, Woo is standing trial on a separate allegation over suspected involvement in the alleged spy agency-sanctioned illegal surveillance of various people, including Lee and high-ranking culture ministry officials among others.

Prosecutors suspect Woo ordered the surveillance, bypassing the necessary chain of command at the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Two former NIS officials earlier stated they regularly briefed Woo about their activities regarding Lee and that they answered only to Woo.



The prosecution believes that such activities against Lee were sanctioned to avoid checks on the corruption of high-ranking public officials, the responsibility of the civil affairs office, but also had more to do with "finding dirt" on him and using it to interfere with his investigation, which was about to uncover substantial evidence implicating Woo.



Out of 10 secretarial divisions under Cheong Wa Dae, the civil affairs division is the most powerful _ practically third in command after the president and presidential chief of staff _ as it oversees the prosecution, police, the NIS, the Board of Audit and Inspection and the National Tax Service. It is in charge of gathering information about public sentiment on socially critical issues, providing the presidential office with legal strategies and vetting individuals before appointing them to high ranking posts. The height of irony is that the division monitors and disciplines public officials engaged in corruption.



Woo, who began working at the division in May 2014 and was promoted to secretary in February 2015, remained there for 20 months until he resigned last October after the emergence of the corruption scandal. Woo is known to have received outstanding evaluations from Park, especially for effectively controlling the prosecution _ and by extension the police _ using his connections as a former prosecutor.




By Lee Sun-ho





I was recently privileged to read an advanced draft of an autobiography written in English by Dr. Kim Young-koo. In addition to his many accomplishments, including being a former navy captain and a marine-jurist/scholar, he heads the Ryohae Research Institute in Busan.



His amazing 501-page autobiography spans his entire life. Some of the stories in the draft are fairly familiar to me, as Kim is my contemporary, born in the same year as I was and raised during the same span of decades. However, other parts of the draft are difficult for me to understand, specifically the international maritime legal affairs and national defense policies and issues that he discussed at length.



The draft has, in fact, a number of remarkable points of interest. Owing to my lack of expertise in the field, I could make only editorial comments to help improve the autobiography's clarity and readability, such as regarding grammar and abbreviations, as well as regarding consistency in the English, Chinese and Latin expressions.



As I browsed through the draft's illustrations and texts, which required exceptional skills and a lot of imagination to bring to life, I discovered an intriguing story of a man's professionalism, patriotism and many passions.



I discovered Kim's penchant for remembering bygone events from his childhood through his adulthood. His narrative, told in a stunning, long diary, was filled with a series of stories that paint a panoramic and candid view of his life.



I learned about Kim's professional spirit, which best shines through in the draft. He demonstrated this quality from his time as a school boy through his career as a Korean navy expert of legal affairs; it is not surprising that he became a popular, well-dressed maritime law professor at several universities and a well-respected and renowned jurist/scholar worldwide.



Even today, it is evident, with each brushstroke of controversy about and criticism of misguided historical perceptions and legal interpretations, how much his work is needed to provide context to an ever-changing East-Asian geographical landscape. His logical explanations for the 1999 Korea-Japan fishery accord and the sovereignty of Dokdo Island against Japan's claims are introduced in his book, "A Pursuit of Truth in the Dokdo Island Issue," published in October 2000.



I became aware of Kim's honesty and humility. As a reputable scholar, he has made a considerable number of distinguished academic contributions through participation in many authoritative marine conferences at home and abroad.



Throughout his career, he has shied away from lauding his own accomplishments and instead focused on policy, law and important issues when presenting papers at conferences or giving lectures. Further, Kim has served in leadership positions in many important organizations and received dozens of awards for his achievements even in the fields of culture, history and philosophy.



Finally, I found out about Kim's patriotism. Since the historic inauguration of the Republic of Korea on Aug. 15, 1948, he has supported and defended the Constitution enacted by the Constitutional Assembly on the basis of a free democracy and a market economy, and has been an outspoken critic of the Moon Jae-in administration's attempt to change the Constitution by the ideologically-misled liberals.



Each chapter of the autobiography conveys striking, universal truths that reflect Kim's unwavering commitment and dedication to his country and to humanity. I earnestly hope, once the book is published, that readers will enjoy Kim's masterpiece as much as I did reviewing the draft.





Lee Sun-ho (kexim2@unitel.co.kr) is an ombudsman columnist for The Korea Times.


On a cool Tuesday night in October 1958, the Rev. Billy Graham walked onto a stage at the Charlotte Coliseum for the 26th sermon of a five-week Charlotte crusade. "Tonight," he began, "I want to talk on how to live the Christian life."



More than 13,000 people had jammed the arena to see the young North Carolina preacher just a decade into his public ministry. By then, Graham had already become one of the most well-known figures in evangelical Christianity; for two years running, he had appeared on Gallup's list of most admired men and women. He would appear on it 53 more times.



Graham has died, his spokesperson said Wednesday. He was 99 years old  a man who grew up on a family farm in Charlotte, enjoyed friendships with U.S. presidents and world leaders, and perhaps has delivered the Word to more people than anyone who has held up a Bible.



His message  the grace and saving power of Jesus  has reached millions across the globe, but it resonated not just because Billy Graham spoke the words. It's because he lived them.



"A Christian is more than a person who is living up to a system of ethics. A Christian is more than a person living a good moral life. A Christian is a person in whom Christ dwells." Billy Graham, 1958, Charlotte



How do you measure the reach of a person? You can start with numbers, of course. Graham preached to more than 215 million people at crusades, missions and rallies. His Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, based in Charlotte, puts out a magazine that reaches 425,000 readers. It broadcasts a one-minute radio message that airs on more than 660 stations.



That message is the same as it ever was  Jesus died for your sins; repent and give your life to him  but the man who delivered it changed through the years. Graham was a fiery Southern Baptist preacher early on  a blend of Bible and brimstone common in evangelical churches then. The man and his message softened, however, as Graham grew older and Christianity shifted its emphasis from God's judgment to God's love. Still, the preacher's purpose endured: He led people to Christ with a message and an example they could follow.



That example was intentional: Unlike preachers then and now, Graham largely steered clear of scandal. In 1948, he and his ministry team drew up the Modesto Manifesto  resolutions regarding financial integrity, sexual behavior, publicity and meaningful partnerships with local churches. Those guidelines separated Graham and his organization from others, as did Graham's clear and deep devotion to Ruth McCue Bell, whom he married in Montreat in 1943.



In the high-profile evangelical world, he was an exception  a leader who valued integrity over ego, a husband who lived in a full and thriving marriage, a man who offered not only words to learn by, but a life to admire.



"Then our tongue  this little bit of muscle in our mouth that causes so much trouble, that splits churches and divides homes and ruins lives and damns characters and slanders people  these tongues now are to be disciplined," Graham said in 1958.



Graham was not perfect. Some, including Harry Truman, thought he was too eager for publicity. Women were stung by dismissive comments he made in 1970 about feminism.



In 1972, after attending a prayer breakfast with President Richard Nixon, Graham was caught on tape decrying the "stranglehold" Jews had over Hollywood and the media. When the tapes were released in 2002, Graham apologized and said his words then "do not reflect my views."



In his later years, he disappointed some followers and friends who thought his inclusive Christian message was tainted by full-page newspaper ads urging people to vote "for biblical values" and oppose same-sex marriage. (Many suspected Graham's son, Franklin, was the force behind the ads.)



But this is also true about Billy Graham: He embraced integration and the Civil Rights movement at a time it might have alienated his core supporters. In 1953, he told ushers not to erect barriers that separated whites and blacks in his audience, and he warned a white audience against feeling superior to blacks. In 1957, he invited black ministers to serve on his New York crusade's executive committee, and he welcomed Martin Luther King, Jr., to join him in the pulpit in New York City.



Later, he told a Ku Klux Klan member: "It touches my heart when I see whites standing shoulder to shoulder with blacks at the cross."



What does that tell us? That all of us have sinned, and all of us are forgiven, and all of it, according to the Rev. Graham, "is only a beginning. It is a lifetime of problems, troubles and difficulties. But you are meeting them with the help of Christ and the Holy Spirit who lives in your heart."



And so he did. He grew and he learned and he erred and he endured. Through it all, Billy Graham not only brought Christ to millions and millions to Christ. He was the man he called on so many to be on that Charlotte stage almost 60 years ago. A man who lived a Christian life.





The above editorial appeared in the Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.). It was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 21)  After skipping the first five hearings, the Public Attorneys Office (PAO) testified in the Senate hearing on the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine for the first time on Wednesday, and they revealed their findings on the victims.

PAO officials presented their findings before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, showing a link between the death of 22 children they autopsied and the dengue vaccine.

They added their forensics findings also showed the children suffered from massive brain hemorrhage, as well as enlargement of organs.

PAO said 40 more cases have been referred to them, and would likely be subjected to an autopsy as well.

Officials from the Health department, however, insisted that the PAOs findings are inconclusive and are merely fueling public hysteria among the parents.

After much prodding from the Senate, PAO officials eventually agreed to work with Health officials on a more thorough study and to collate all the findings.

Alang-alang sa ating mga magulang, sa mga anak, we have to be in this together kasi...later on we will file a case in the international court, probably sa Sanofi, dapat magkakasama tayo. Hindi pwedeng hiwalay, doon pa lang mahihirapan tayo manalo, Senator JV Ejercito said.

[Translation: For the sake of the parents and the children, we have to be in this together because later on, we will file a case in the international court, probably against Sanofi, so we should be united. It will be hard for us to win if were not together in this.]

The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) panel of experts has also investigated the death of 14 dengue patients vaccinated with Dengvaxia.

Their findings showed no direct link between the deaths and the vaccine.

The UP-PGH's Dengue Investigative Task Force on January 2 reported three out of the 14 children died of what is called "dengue shock syndrome" after receiving the vaccine. Experts said two of the three deaths may be caused by vaccine failure.

Health Secretary Enrique Duque III earlier said the UP-PGH's findings will be submitted to the Department of Justice, the department that oversees the PAO.

Pending the result of the parallel investigations, pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur has rejected twice the Health Department's request to refund the Philippines of used Dengvaxia vaccine worth P1.8 billion, along with an indemnification fund for the vaccinated children.

Gordon: Government to blame

Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chair Richard Gordon, meanwhile, continued to blame the government for its lack of transparency on the use of the Dengvaxia vaccine.

He maintained the Health Department should be held accountable for the dengue vaccine mess.

The government is liable here. Kayo nagtulak eh. Every scientist that I have talked to here, you did not have to put it on mass immunization. You did not tell the patient, the parents, na itong maaaring mangyari. You are liable. We are liable. The taxpayer has become liable, Gordon said.

The committee has yet to come up with a preliminary report, which Gordon said will be released by the end of the month.

In December 2017, the government halted its nationwide dengue vaccination program that began in 2016, after 837,000 children were immunized. Sanofi's earlier study showed those with no previous dengue infection and got vaccinated could contract "severe diseases."
By Donald Kirk





Now the real games begin; the interplay between North and South Korea and between the U.S. and both Koreas. The players may have shifted some of the pieces around the chessboard during these most political of Winter Olympics, but it's much too early to know what happens next, much less the final moves.One seemingly substantive change is that the U.S. may be marginally closer to talking without preconditions. The Americans don't seem to be saying North Korea has to show some willingness to give up its precious missiles and nukes before they'll sit down at the table. Instead, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has indicated he's ready to schmooze any time.Would the North Koreans be equally prepared for anything other than occasional meetings between the head of their U.N. mission in New York and Joseph Yun, the U.S. diplomat charged with dealing with them? That's problematical for two reasons. One, the North Koreans might be reluctant to talk knowing the Americans would insist on raising the nuke issue. Second, North Korea wants to get South Korea and the U.S. to cancel their upcoming military exercises.That brings us to whatever moves the South might have in mind. President Moon Jae-in has most dramatically opened up a dialogue with the North simply by going along with their conditions for joining in the Olympics.Most essentially, he agreed to North and South Koreans marching under the one-Korea flag, the image of the Korean Peninsula in light blue against a white field. Never before in Olympic history has any country, much less the host, agreed to march under any flag but its own.After North and South decided to march together, all else fell into place, most importantly the letter that Kim Jong-un's younger sister, Yo-jong, gave Moon, inviting him to Pyongyang.Nice move, but North Korea has other moves to make before seriously preparing for an inter-Korean summit. For one thing, getting back to those military exercises, the North is demanding, yet again, that South Korea cancel them. For another, North Korea needs to see what Moon is prepared to do about sanctions imposed by the U.N. after each of its tests of nuclear warheads and long-range missiles.Moon may have seemed like a pushover when he went along with North Korea's demands for the Olympics, but he may not be that easy to deal with when the North Koreans have all gone home. It's not likely, for instance, that he will want to drop the war games with the U.S., set to begin after the Paralympics, and he may not do much about sanctions either.The Americans, notably U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, have said they envision still stronger sanctions, the "maximum pressure" needed to get Kim Jong-un to talk about his nukes and missiles. Will the Americans impose these intensified sanctions before plunging into military exercises with the South Koreans?The timing of the next American move will be really interesting. Undoubtedly the Americans will want to be sensitive to Moon's wishes. He may in turn distance himself from anything that would seriously upset the North Koreans. He might tell the Americans, notably President Trump in one of their phone conversations, let's not spoil the post-Olympic atmosphere. Or he might say, do what you have to do, just leave me out of it. (It's hard to believe at this stage he would actually applaud more sanctions.)What matters most, however, will be whatever Kim Jong-un decides. Assuming the war games go ahead, will we be treated to more North Korean tests of long-range missiles capable of delivering a warhead to the U.S.? Might he order a seventh nuclear test? Or might he settle for unleashing a firestorm of rhetoric against the U.S. while preparing to receive Moon in Pyongyang for the third inter-Korean summit just as his father, Kim Jong-il, received Kim Dae-jung in June 2000 and then Roh Moo-hyun in October 2007?There are other unpredictable moves too. Not many people believe Trump, having decided diplomacy wasn't working, would go through with the "military option," maybe a strike on North Korea's nuclear and missile facilities.Conventional wisdom has it that the U.S. would wait until North Korea does something directly against U.S. targets, notably military bases. Just as surely, it's assumed, more or less, that Kim Jong-un is not going to order such an attack, knowing the holy hell that would inflame him as a result.Korean history, however, is nothing if not surprising. In this great game, it's impossible to be sure of the next moves, much less predict the outcome.Donald Kirk ( www.donaldkirk.com ) has been covering war and peace in the region for decades.
Starbucks Coffee Korea employees promote tumblers illustrated with a picture of the Korean Empire's former legation building in the United States at the coffee shop chain's Jongno branch in Seoul, Thursday. Starbucks said it additionally donated 100 million won ($92,300) to restore the historic building. / Courtesy of Starbucks Coffee Korea




The main gate is closed at GM Korea's Gunsan plant following the carmaker's decision to shut down the factory in the port city located in North Jeolla Province. / KoreaTimes photo by Rha Hae-sung.
The new Hyundai Motor Santa Fe sport utility vehicles being driven on the highway. / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor



By Park Jae-hyuk



GOYANG, Gyeonggi Province  Regarded once as cars for wild off-road drivers, the role of sport utility vehicles (SUV) in Korea has changed. They have become automobiles for women and young parents with children who put top priority on safety.



The Hyundai Motor Santa Fe SUV has sold well with customers such as these since its debut in 2000.



The nation's largest automaker is targeting these mainstream customers again with the fourth generation Santa Fe, coming up with various safety features such as safe exit assist and rear occupant alert, both of which have never been on SUVs before.



The Santa Fe appeals to customers in their 30s and 40s, who accounted for more than half of the 14,243 pre-orders last month for the fully-revamped vehicle, according to the company.



This reporter experienced the safety features of the upgraded model during a test drive of a diesel-powered Santa Fe on a 116-kilometer round trip between the KINTEX in Goyang and Imjingak Pyeonghwa-Nuri Park in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.



The vehicle is equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems including forward collision-avoidance assist, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, driver awareness warning and high beam assist.



The lane keeping assist system enables the car to autonomously steer while staying a safe distance from any car in front of it just as the system installed in the NEXO fuel-cell electric vehicle does.



The new Santa Fe also has a 40-liter bigger load capacity than its predecessors, so it is expected to more than adequately serve as a family car.



Ride quality of the midsize vehicle, having a high backseat, however, was not better than other SUVs.



Although Hyundai emphasized the new SUV was designed ergonomically, this reporter felt a bit fatigued after the test drive.



Noise from diesel engine and from the tires on the pavement during the drive annoyed this reporter as well.



Still, the vehicle's performance was beyond the expectation.



The advanced front-wheel drive eight-speed automatic transmission allowed the car to accelerate without delay.



The 2.0-liter diesel model this reporter drove generates a maximum of 186 horsepower with a 41.0 kg/m torque.



The 2.2-liter diesel model and the 2.0 liter gasoline model perform even better, considering they produce a maximum of 202 horsepower with a 45.0 kg/m torque and a maximum of 235 horsepower with a 36.0 kg/m torque, respectively,



Hyundai said the new Santa Fe is available in the price range of 28.15 million won ($26,000) to 36.8 million won in Korea, depending on engine and trim level.



Hyundai Motor Vice President Lee Kwang-guk told reporters the company aims to sell 90,000 new SUVs in the domestic market this year.



The carmaker also plans to launch the gasoline-powered models in the United States within the year so as to rebound from sluggish sales in the world's leading automobile market.






By Park Si-soo, Kang Aa-young

By Park Si-soo, Kang Aa-young



The Korea Insurance Development Institute (KIDI) has opened an

providing accident history of used cars reserved for export.







The website, named "Car History" will help prevent cars with accident history from being sold to overseas drivers, the institute said. The website presents results based on payment data from domestic insurers.







The website charges 2,200 won ($2) for a search, while searching for data on water-damaged cars is available for free. Visit

for more information.






Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 22)  President Rodrigo Duterte was offended by Rappler reporter Pia Ranada, who continues to defend her news team's report that the president's right-hand man was involved in an anomalous deal, his spokesperson said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte was irked when Rappler insisted Special Assistant to the President Bong Go "intervened" in the P15.7 billion frigate deal.

"Nabastos po ang presidente... Na-ban lang sila dahil nagpipilitan sila na totoo raw ang storya na napatunayan nang fake news," he said in a media briefing in Sara, Iloilo.

[Translation: The president was offended... They were banned because they're insisting their story is true despite it being proven fake.]

He said it is the President's prerogative because Malacanang is his home.

"Kung na-fake news, at siguro nag-acknowledge nalang sila na nagkamali sila, walang problema. Pero yung pagpipilitan mo na katotohanan ang napatunayan nang fake news, pambabastos po iyon. At uulitin ko, tahanan naman yan ng presidente," he said.

Roque has always said Ranada was banned because of the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) ruling that revoked the media outfit's registration for allegedly engaging in a fraudulent transaction and circumventing constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership.

He said Duterte only allowed Rappler to continue its coverage in Malacanang because of his close ties with Palace beat reporter Ranada, even if PCOO lawyers advised against it.

"Ito po'y tinutulan na ng napakadaming abogado sa Malacanang matapos sabihin ng SEC na kontrolado ng dayuhan ang Rappler. Pinagpatuloy lang po yan ng Presidente dahil malapit sa kanya si Pia," Roque said.

[Translation: Our lawyers were against it after SEC issued its ruling that Rappler is controlled by a foreign national. The President continued to allow it because he was close to Pia.]

Malacanang once again defended itself from accusations it is curtailing the freedom of the press by banning Ranada.

Roque was asked if critical media runs the risk of being banned from covering the President's event. He said even Inquirer, which comes out with critical stories is still allowed to cover the President.

"Bihira po ang magagandang write up sa presidente. Hindi naman po kayo naba-ban," he said.

[Translation: It's rare to read positive write-ups about the president, but you do not get banned.]

Roque added they leave it up to other government agencies to decide if they will also ban Rappler from covering their events.

"We leave it to the other line agencies to determine for their purpose what to do with Rappler," he said.
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 22)  President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said the government is looking into countries where Filipino workers are receiving poor treatment.

"We are doing an audit now to find out the places where we deploy Filipinos and our countrymen suffer brutal treatment and human degradation," Duterte told the media after visiting the wake of slain domestic worker Joanna Demafelis.

The President, however, said he could not disclose the countries yet, as they still have to consider both reported and unreported abuse.

This comes in the wake of the government's total deployment ban for new workers in Kuwait on February 12 after authorities found Demafelis' body inside the freezer of her Lebanese employees in the Gulf State, which possibly had been there for over a year.

Duterte said searching for Demafelis' employers lies in the hands of the Kuwaiti police and the International Criminal Police Organization.

"The only way to [give justice to Joanna's family] is we can have the result of the investigations kung nahuli 'yang dalawang tao and that would allow me now to initiate charges," Duterte said.

Thousands of distressed workers in Kuwait have come home in February through the government-sponsored repatriation program.

Senator Win Gatchalian earlier said he is considering proposing the expansion of the total deployment ban to other countries that are partially-compliant with international and local labor laws.

The Foreign Affairs Department (DFA) certified Kuwait as partially compliant as the Gulf country still cooperates with the Philippines, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella said.

According to the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, the DFA will recognize a country as compliant if they either have existing labor and social laws protecting rights of workers, including migrant workers.

Countries may also be considered compliant if they have a bilateral agreement with the government on the protection of the rights of workers, or if they are signatories or ratifiers of multilateral conventions, declarations, or resolutions relating to the protection of migrant workers.

OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac said the Philippines and Kuwait has general bilateral agreements, but none specifically on OFWs.

The Gulf state has not ratified, and is not a signatory to the 2003 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and the 1975 Convention concerning migrations in abusive conditions.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 22)  Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio lashed out at House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez on social media Thursday, over his supposed remarks against her and the President.

"Kung a****** ka sa Congress, don't bring that to Davao, leave it in Manila. Somebody should tell the President what you are doing. How dare you call me part of the opposition. Kapal ng mukha mo. You messed with the wrong girl," Duterte said on her Instagram post.

The presidential daughter was referring to a statement supposedly made by Alvarez in a speaking engagement.

"Ang sabi mo in a crowd, "President iba siya, Speaker ako, I can always impeach him!" And you call me opposition? Somebody should really tell the President about the truth," Duterte added.

Alvarez is the incumbent secretary general of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, the reigning political party in which President Rodrigo Duterte is a member.

The Davao mayor had formed a new regional political party called Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) in support of the President.

Duterte said the formation of the HNP has the blessing of her father.

In a statement, however, the House Speaker denied calling Duterte a member of the opposition.

"Wala talaga akong sinabi niyan. Hindi ko alam kung saan nanggaling yung kwento na yan pero wala akong sinasabi na part ng opposition . Panong magiging part of the opposition eh part ng administration yan?" Alvarez said.

[Translation: I didn't say anything like that. I don't know where that story came from

He had earlier said the formation of Duterte's new party is a "non-issue" and should be respected. Alvarez added the presidential daughter may have been fed wrong information.

Speaking before the media on Thursday, President Duterte said he does not want to meddle in the issue.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 22)  Senators on Wednesday grilled overseas employment authorities for not halting the deployment of Filipinos to Kuwait earlier despite increasing overseas Filipino worker (OFW) deaths in the Gulf state.

In a Senate hearing on OFW deaths and the deployment ban to Kuwait, they pointed out officials from the Foreign Affairs Department should have spotted red flags on the situation of workers in the Arab nation before.

They said it was baffling why the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) did not impose the deployment ban to Kuwait, considering the increase in OFW deaths in the country the past two years.

As a matter of policy, meron po bang ganun [Do we have that]? How many deaths do we need to hear or abuses na must be reported before your office or government agency will impose a deployment ban, Sen. Joel Villanueva said.

A total of 185 Filipino workers have died in Kuwait alone since 2016. The number spiked from 82 in 2016 to 103 deaths in 2017.

In January, just weeks after Pres. Rodrigo Duterte appealed to Kuwaitis to treat Filipinos with dignity, an OFW, Joanna Demafelis, was discovered dead in a freezer.

Her death has sparked a total deployment ban to the Arab country and the repatriation of distressed OFWs, as the Philippines tries to negotiate the signing of a pending memorandum to give protection to OFWs in Kuwait.

READ: DOLE orders total ban on deployment of OFWs to Kuwait

But senators said even prior to Joannas death, officials should have enforced precautionary measures for OFWs.

Sen. Frank Drilon said given the increasing worker fatalities in Kuwait, labor authorities should have raised the issue.

At the very least it should have been brought to surface so that public opinion can be developed and pressure can be brought upon the recruitment agencies to stop recruiting for Kuwait, he told Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

Under the law, the POEA is suppose to review deployment conditions in countries with OFWs. They are also authorized to impose a ban if needed.

Bello said while they had not enforced a total ban, they lowered the deployment of workers to Kuwait.

Now the increase in the incidence of death and abuse on our OFWs can be attributed to so many illegal recruitments your honor.... that is why whenever we impose stricter rules and procedures... these give rise to illegal recruiters, he added.

Kafala system

The hearing also shed light on the Kafala system  a highly-restrictive sponsorship system for overseas workers in the Middle East.

The practice keeps the worker highly dependent on the employer, and susceptible to maltreatment such as no days off, no food, and as little as two to four hours of sleep daily.

The sponsor actually becomes the owner of the service worker or the domestic in the concept of chattel. It's a slave, actually, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella said.

It has been criticized by human rights groups, which claim it can skew power relations between the employer and worker.

DFA: Kuwait only partially compliant

With these many alarms sounded, Villanueva asked why the government failed to enforce further protection for workers.

Bakit pa tayo kailangan magpadala kung klaro na may ganyan Ang dami na hong red flags eh which should have been alerted long before, Villanueva said.

[Translation: Why should we send people if it's clear that there are these practices... There are so many red flags which should have been alerted long before.]

POEA, for its part, said it gets go signals from the DFA on whether or not to deploy workers abroad.

Before the POEA allows deployment of workers to other countries, there must be a certification issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs that said country is a labor compliant country, POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia said.

The DFA, meanwhile, said it only certified Kuwait as partially compliant

They are being rated as partially compliant for the plain and simple because they also entertain the cases that we have been filing, Abella said. There is some form of cooperation going on.

Kuwait is a top destination for OFWS, with some 240,000 Filipinos are working in that country as of 2016. Latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data show cash remittances from Kuwait from January to November 2017 amount to US$735 million (37.5 billion).

Almost 54,000 new jobs are at risk due to the ban as the Philippines negotiates with Kuwait for better protection of migrant workers.

READ: Kuwait extends amnesty program till April 22
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 22)  The Presidential Electoral Tribunal ordered both Vice President Leni Robredo and former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos to stop discussing the poll protest in public.

"(C)onsidering that the revision process is about to commence, the tribunal directs both protestant and protestee to observe the sub judice rule," the PET said in its resolution dated February 13 and released Tuesday. The order comes ahead of the scheduled manual ballot recount on March 19.

The sub judice rule prohibits parties from discussing the merits of a case pending a court resolution.

Both camps engaged in word wars early February, after Marcos lawyer Vic Rodriguez dared the Vice President to withdraw all pending motions before the PET. Robredo filed the motion on February 8.

The PET resolution also gave Marcos 10 days to inform the tribunal if he will be filing another motion.

In a message, Rodriguez said they will not file such a motion.

"We will not file a motion because we have no pending pleading before the tribunal, thus there is nothing to withdraw. We shall abide by the directive of the PET as stated in the Resolution," he said.

Rodriguez added they will observe the PET's gag order.

"Fair and accurate reporting of what actually took place in open court are excluded from its coverage," he said.

CNN Philippines is reaching out to Robredo for comment.

Both sides earlier said they will do no further actions on the recount.

Marcos lost to Robredo by over 263,473 votes in the 2016 elections. The former senator then claimed fraud in media briefings, citing the appearance of squares in some ballot images.

The Vice President denied the allegation.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 22)  Vice President Leni Robredo supports the ban on sending new-hire workers to Kuwait in the wake of the death of domestic worker Joanna Demafelis.

"I'm very supportive of that decision of the President. I think a ban should really happen," Robredo told CNN Philippines in an exclusive interview, Wednesday.

She added the ban should not be lifted unless the government can assure the safety of workers.

Senator Win Gatchalian, in a media briefing Thursday, said he is considering proposing the expansion of the total deployment ban to other countries that are partially-compliant with international and local labor laws.

The Foreign Affairs Department (DFA) certified Kuwait as partially compliant as the Gulf country still cooperates with the Philippines, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella said.

"They are being rated as partially compliant for the plain and simple because they also entertain the cases that we have been filing," Abella said on Wednesday. "There is some form of cooperation going on."

According to the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, the DFA will recognize a country as compliant if they either have existing labor and social laws protecting rights of workers, including migrant workers.

Countries may also be considered compliant if they have a bilateral agreement with the government on the protection of the rights of workers, or if they are signatories or ratifiers of multilateral conventions, declarations, or resolutions relating to the protection of migrant workers.

OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac said the Philippines and Kuwait has general bilateral agreements, but none specifically on OFWs.

The Gulf country has not ratified, and is not a signatory to the 2003 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and the 1975 Convention concerning migrations in abusive conditions.

READ: Senators question delayed enforcement of Kuwait deployment ban despite OFW deaths

The government imposed a total deployment ban for new workers in the Gulf country on February 12 after authorities found Demafelis' body inside the freezer of her employers in Kuwait, which possibly had been there for over a year.

Robredo: Gov't should take charge when recruitment agency closes

Robredo said the government should take charge of overseas worker welfare when recruitment agencies close, like what happened to Demafelis.

"Dapat sana pag nagsara yung ahensya, saluhin na ng ating gobyerno. Bago niya isara, siguraduhin niya lahat ng responsibility nito, may sasalo," she added.

(Translation: The government should be in charge when the agency closes. Before they shut down the office, they should take over the responsibilities of the agency.)

Demafelis' family lost contact with her in 2016 after her recruitment agency shut down over recruitment infractions.

They asked for the help of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Philippine Overseas Employees Association, but the agencies said they met a dead end after they learned the counterpart Kuwaiti agency had also closed.

Robredo also suggested a provision in the bilateral agreement between Kuwait and the Philippines how the embassy can assure worker safety.

"Sana isang provision ng bilateral agreement merong requirement na every month, yung employer piniprisinta yung Pilipina na nagttrabaho sa kanya to an office para siguruhin lang na okay siya. Or nakakausap sana ng ating embassy, pero walang ganyan," Robredo said.

(Translation: There can be a requirement in the bilateral agreement where the employer will present the OFW to an office just so they can make sure she's okay. Or at least the embassy can talk to her.)

READ: Slain Filipino domestic worker could not be found after Kuwaiti agency closed - OWWA

Thousands of distressed workers in Kuwait have come home in February through the government-sponsored repatriation program.

As of 2016, there are 240,000 Filipinos working in Kuwait. Latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data show cash remittances from Kuwait from January to November 2017 amount to $735 million (around 37.5 billion).
Rome, February 22 - Magistrates who have political careers should not then return to the judiciary, leftwing Free and Equal (LeU) party leader Pietro Grasso told a Facebook-ANSA live forum Thursday. "A magistrate not only must be impartial but also must appear impartial," said Grasso, a former national anti-mafia prosecutor and Senate Speaker. "If they decide to go into politics they must leave the role and function of magistrate, knowing that they cannot return to exercise those functions," he said.
Rome, February 22 - Political violence must be stopped, leftwing Free and Equal (LeU) party leader Pietro Grasso told a Facebook-ANSA live forum Thursday. "I condemn violence, from whatever side it comes," said Grasso, a former national anti-mafia prosecutor and Senate Speaker. "It must be condemned and it must be stopped trying to nip in the bud all manifestations of violence linked to political ideology". Italy has recently seen a string of incidents between far-right and far-left groups ahead of the March 4 general election, which have reminded some of the 1970s street clashes between radical groups.
Rome, February 22 - The government on Thursday passed three decrees implementing a jail reform, Premier Paolo Gentiloni told a press conference. "We have passed three enabling decrees for penitentiary reform, it is a work in progress, we are working with different instruments with the aim above all of making sure the prison system helps cut the rate of repeat offending by those who are convicted," he said. The premier said the moves would also help cut chronic overcrowding.
Rome, February 21 - Premier Paolo Gentiloni said Wednesday that centre right and rightwing parties' promises to stop migrant flows after the March 4 general election were "unlikely" to be realised. "Everyone is free to tell you what they want, especially in an election campaign. "But it is very highly unlikely to promise to eliminate these migrant flows," he said. "The challenge is not to promise to eliminate these flows but to turn them from phenomena managed by criminal networks into safe, manageable and compatible phenomena, and even useful for our society". The anti-migrant League is among the parties that say they will stop illegal immigration.
Rome, February 22 - Premier Paolo Gentiloni on Thursday appealed against extremist political violence marring the March 4 general-election campaign after a string of recent incidents. There could be "no justification", he said, for the "recurrence of acts of violence against police or political adversaries". Gentiloni said there was "a risk of a copycat effect" after the recent episodes. "Here, too, the response of the government is very clear and the response of the Democratic Party (PD) is also very clear. "Extremist violence against police or political adversaries is against our Constitutional and republican values".
Rome, February 22 - Amnesty International said Wednesday Italy was steeped in racism and rightwing parties were at fault for stoking anti-foreigner sentiment. Amnesty said Italy was "steeped in hatred, racism and xenophobia, and unjustified fear of the other". It said 95% of discriminatory, racist, and hate speech on the Internet came from the centre right, The anti-migrant League led by firebrand leader Matteo Salvini led the way at 50% of such speech, Amnesty said in its report. It was followed by the nationalist, neo-Fascist Brothers of Italy (FdI) led by Giorgia Meloni at 27%, the Amnesty report said. In third place came Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right Forza Italia (FI) at 18%. Anti-migrant League leader Salvini on Thursday said he wanted to meet Amnesty International over the report. "I want to restore tranquility to Italy, respect for the rules and dignity of work," Salvini said. "No violence, no xenophobia, no racism. "Limited and controlled immigration will guarantee serene and peaceful co-existence. "That is why I have asked to meet representatives of Amnesty International to explain to them what the League is and does where it governs to guarantee everyone's rights "I hope to have this meeting in the coming hours".
Brussels, February 22 - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Thursday said the EC must prepare for a "non-operational government" in Italy after the March 4 general election. He said this would be "the worst scenario". Juncker said that "a strong market reaction in the second half of March is possible, we're preparing for this scenario". Most polls have shown that the election will produce a hung parliament. The spread between Italian and German 10-year bond yields, a gauge of Italy's borrowing costs and of market confidence in the Italian economy, widened to 138 points Thursday, from 134 at the start of the day, after Juncker's warning. Premier Paolo Gentiloni responded to Juncker's fears by saying "I will reassure him, in any case all governments are operational, governments govern". Gentiloni is set to meet Juncker in Brussels Thursday evening.
(CNN)  President Donald Trump, after being criticized for his response to Russia's election meddling, challenged Attorney General Jeff Sessions to launch an investigation into the Obama administration for failing to do enough to stop the 2016 election foreign interference.

The tweet is the latest in a series where Trump faults former President Barack Obama for not doing enough to stop Russian meddling, but the first time Trump has suggested that Sessions -- the man he picked to lead the Justice Department but has maintained a grudge against for the better part of a year -- wasn't doing enough.

"Question: If all of the Russian meddling took place during the Obama Administration, right up to January 20th, why aren't they the subject of the investigation?" Trump tweeted Wednesday morning. "Why didn't Obama do something about the meddling? Why aren't Dem crimes under investigation? Ask Jeff Session!"

Trump misspelled his longtime supporter's name: It's Sessions, not Session. He later deleted the original tweet and corrected the spelling error.

The Justice Department is tasked with investigating crimes committed in the United States, making Trump's tweet a suggestion that the former Obama administration committed a crime by not stopping Russia.

The Justice Department declined to comment on Trump's tweet.

Trump and Sessions were in the Oval Office together on Tuesday during an event honoring law enforcement officials. The two, according to a source, did not interact much while taking photos.

Grudge against Sessions

Trump has nursed a grudge against Sessions ever since the former Alabama senator decided to recuse himself from all Justice Department investigations into the 2016 campaign, including the ongoing Russia probe.

Last year he slammed Sessions on Twitter for taking "a VERY weak position on Hillary Clinton crimes (where are E-mails & DNC server) & Intel leakers" and described his as "beleaguered" in a tweet that asked why he wasn't "looking into Crooked Hillarys crimes & Russia relations?"

Even still, Sessions has remained in the administration despite regularly drawing Trump's ire.

It was clear to people Trump was speaking with over the weekend and sources with knowledge of his feelings, though, that his disdain for Sessions hasn't gone away.

One person said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein's televised announcement Friday of indictments against 13 Russian nationals and three Russian entities for allegedly meddling in the 2016 presidential election reignited Trump's anger at Sessions.

"He will never get over Sessions recusing himself," a person familiar with the President's thinking said.

The President also has come to believe Sessions is in over his head at the Justice Department, this person says.

It's unlikely, though, that Sessions is going anywhere soon, given how any confirmation battle for a new attorney general would be a protracted and deeply partisan fight.

Trump and his top aides, in an attempt to protect the President and the White House from a steady stream of stories about special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into election meddling, has started to fault the Obama administration for not doing enough when the former president was in control.

"He has been tougher on Russia in the first year than Obama was in eight years combined," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said during Tuesday's White House briefing.

While Trump and even some Democrats have criticized the Obama administration for not speaking up enough on Russia's actions before the election, Obama did take some steps to reprimand the country.

Obama confronted Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in China in 2016, something Trump has yet to forcefully do in meetings with the Russian leader. Trump and Putin discussed election interference in Hamburg, Germany, in July 2017. Trump later said he thought the Russian leader was earnest when he denied any election meddling.

During his last two years in office, Obama also imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and entities for election meddling, kicked out 35 Russian diplomats and closed two Kremlin compounds in the United States.

Trump has yet to impose sanctions overwhelmingly passed by Congress last year and missed deadlines to identify which Russian individuals and entities would be on the sanctions list. Last month, the Trump administration decided against implementing the sanctions against Russia and instead published a list of already prominent Russian oligarchs.

Sanders suggested on Tuesday that more action to confront Russia was soon to be released.

This story was first published on CNN.com, Trump challenges Sessions to investigate Obama, Democrats on Russia."
Brussels, February 22 - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Thursday said the EC must prepare for a "non-operational government" in Italy after the March 4 general election. He said this would be "the worst scenario". Juncker said that "a strong market reaction in the second half of March is possible, we're preparing for this scenario". Most polls have shown that the election will produce a hung parliament. The spread between Italian and German 10-year bond yields, a gauge of Italy's borrowing costs and of market confidence in the Italian economy, widened to 138 points Thursday, from 134 at the start of the day, after Juncker's warning. Premier Paolo Gentiloni responded to Juncker's fears by saying "I will reassure him, in any case all governments are operational, governments govern". Gentiloni is set to meet Juncker in Brussels Thursday evening. Gentiloni said that the March 4 general election would not be a "leap in the dark". He said "I don't agree in seeing these elections as a leap in the dark, it will certainly be important that more reliable forces, and from my viewpoint especially the centre left, will have a fundamental role so as not to throw away the results reached". He said "I'm not afraid of the abyss, Italians want continuity".
Continuing its important mission of education and protecting the Earth, the legendary voyaging canoe Hokulea is returning to Maui on its Mahalo Hawaii Sail.

The next stop is a nearly two-week stay at Maalaea Harbor from Feb. 19 to March 2.

During the ten-day engagement, the Hokulea crew will host public dockside canoe tours, and the Grand Wailea will hold a crew panel discussion and Worldwide Voyage film screening on the evening of the canoes arrival.

More than 1,000 students from 14 different Maui schools, ranging from preschool to high school, will have the opportunity to set foot on the Hokulea during this Maui stop.

During the tour, they will hear stories from crew members, learn about traditional wayfinding using the star compass and try their hand at basic knot tying skills needed at sea.

Members of Mauis voyaging canoe society and crew of the Mookiha o Piilani  many of whom participated in Hokuleas WorldWide Voyage  will conduct the tours of Hokulea for their community on Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1 to 3 p.m. on Feb. 20-23, 9 a.m. to noon on Feb. 24-25, and 1 to 3 p.m. on Feb. 26 to March 1. For the latest schedule updates, visit www.hokulea.com.

The opportunity for the Maui community and so many of Mauis keiki to connect with the canoe, and become a part of its story, is a great thing and one I know we all are looking forward to, said Paul Sensano, DLNR Boating Division Maui District manager.

Hokulea will be located on the south side of the harbor at the far end of the dock. Parking is available in the Maalaea Harbor public paid parking stall and the large Maui Harbor Shops lot.

Take advantage of this opportunity to hear lessons learned from the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage and join in work being done here in the islands to care for the Earth.

During Hokuleas port visits, the Polynesian Voyaging Society engages with schools and organizations through outreach events, service projects, crew presentations and canoe tours.

The organization hopes to inspire young people on Maui to learn voyaging.

I spend all year going to Maui schools and speaking with our students about traditional Hawaiian voyaging, so having Hokulea here and being able to get so many of them actually on the canoe is a dream come true, said Kala Tanaka, apprentice navigator, Hokulea crew member and Mookiha o Piilani captain.

Just as Hokulea inspired my father  and in turn, myself  I hope that this stop in the sail plan inspires a whole other generation to pick up the torch of wayfinding and voyaging.
KIHEI  The county Mayors Office of Economic Development and Maui Economic Development Board announced that online registration is now available for their second annual Hawaii Small Business Conference on May 2-3, 2018 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului.

Do you want to see better results in your business? Improve your customer and employee relationship? Create a work environment where employees can thrive? Promote your business, even on a limited budget? Keep up with social media trends? Know the latest tax strategies that can benefit your business? Adapt to an ever-changing business world?

If you answered YES to any of these, then come to the conference to learn important strategies for business success from national and local business leaders. Hear from experts, and successful business owners, on customer service, business growth and scaling, social media management, entrepreneurial psychology, innovation, tax strategies and more while networking with fellow business community leaders.

The theme of this years conference is Plan, Build, Grow: Mapping A Pathway to Success. Whether youre a one-person firm or a large-size company, the Hawaii Small Business Conference provides a rare opportunity to take your business to the next level and sharpen your professional skills.

Among this years presenters will be keynote speaker Karen McCullough, a nationally known customer and employee engagement expert who inspires change. McCullough helps organizations and leaders cut through the generational stereotypes and get back to reality by leveraging their teams strengths, enriching the work environment and driving better results.

For the last 15 years, she has been developing creative solutions and implementing innovative methods, inspiring people to connect, collaborate and welcome change. Each of her presentations brings a realistic perspective on the future of work.

During the Hawaii Small Business Conference, McCullough will focus on how businesses are redefining their mission and vision as their brands expand into customer and employee engagement during her presentation entitled Going Beyond Your Brand  Delivering WOW Service.

McCullough said, Your brand is the core of your company, the heart of your business, the soul of your culture, and the foundation for a WOW customer experience. The way you get Beyond the Brand is through employee and customer engagement.

According to Teena Rasmussen, director of County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Business owners are so busy working in their businesses on a daily basis. They rarely take time to step out to reflect and work on their own businesses and almost never have time or funds to fly to a Mainland conference. The Hawaii Small Business Conference offers these owners a very affordable way to receive cutting edge information by nationally known speakers right here on Maui.

The event coincides with National Small Business Week, an opportunity to recognize the critical contributions of Americas entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Cost is $95 per person for the full-day conference on May 2 and includes lunch. The May 3 workshops are $35 per workshop with an additional charge for lunch. Attendees can also save $10 by registering early by March 31 for the full-day conference.

For a schedule of presentations/workshops and speakers, and to register online, visit www.HawaiiSmall.Biz.

Various sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2018 conference. For information, visit www.HawaiiSmall.Biz, e-mail smallbiz@medb.org or call (808) 875-2300.
This is my 100th issue of the Computer Guru for the Lahaina News, and first I want to thank Mark, the editor, for weeding out all death threats. Im amazed at all the Amazon Prime members requesting dartboards with my picture attached to them. Its always fun to walk down the street like a famous gunslinger, meeting people who corral me off to the side and barrage me with 100 computer questions. I love it so dont stop  except if Im waiting in line for a Whopper at Burger King.

Throughout all the years, Ive given you tips using the iPhone and Mac computers, and I sometimes throw in a few for the Windows people.

The reason I dedicate my columns for Apple products is that the operating system doesnt get viruses, and I enjoy repairing MacBooks, saving people money by not driving over to the other side and spending $150 an hour to get their computers repaired.

Although I enjoy repairing Windows 10, which constantly keeps me busy with weekly upgrades that cause operating system crashes, many people I talk to are scared to switch over to a Mac.

Well, here is the TRUTH, and also how easy it is to drop your PC off at the Lahaina sewage plant. Apple has the same looking icons on their desktop, and they open up exactly like a Windows PC.

For instance, Microsoft Word not only looks the same, but it opens up and has the same features. The only difference a Mac has is the start and shutdown button. Its located at the top lefthand corner of the desktop versus the PC that has its on the lower left hand corner. THATS IT!

And if you talk to an Apple Tech at 1-800-MYAPPLE, its free and they speak English. The other day, my friend Deb called me up and said she tried to install her HP printer. She ended up dialing the HP Support number she found on the Internet. She started talking to someone from Bombay, India, who took control of her desktop, installing a virus and then asking for $365 to remove it.

Explaining to me what was happening, I quickly told her to hang up the phone and shut down her computer. Next thing, theyre calling her back demanding money.

Ive said it 1,000 times: Never let someone take control of your computer, and hang up if youre hearing a foreign accent demanding money.

More than once, I run across people who forget their iCloud, Gmail, Yahoo and Apple passwords. If they are lucky to locate the paper towel on which they wrote it down after their New Years Eve party, then I have to spend the next hour downloading codes to their iPhone or alternate e-mail accounts. That doesnt include the secret questions they have to answer, like: What was the name of your third divorced wife?

The answer is to download the app called KEEPER, which not only holds all your e-mail passwords, but it can save photos like your drivers license, insurance card, credit cards, Longs Drugs card and even your Social Security card.

So, Im going to keep writing good articles about all the new products and apps coming out, and if anyone wants computer repairs or advice, just give me a call.

Ive been doing this for almost 24 years, helping the West Side community. Its almost the same time as the Lahaina Bypass paving 3.2 miles!

Send your computer-related questions to mauimist8669@yahoo.com.
In a second-floor salon room at the La Jolla Marriott, hep cats twirl and dip groovy chicks to swingin beats all over the dancefloor on a Saturday night. Its the first of four dinner dances staged each year by a group of 127 mostly senior San Diegans who love ballroom-dancing to the music of their youth. (Tonight, the five-piece Rey Vinole Orchestra kills it on big-band standards including Youre Nobody Till Somebody Loves You, Jump Jive An Wail and Chattanooga Choo Choo.)

But dont dare accuse the members of the La Jolla Cotillion of trying to relive their glory days or youre likely to get a knuckle sandwich  or at least what for.

Were not a bunch of dinosaurs stomping our way to extinction! insists La Jolla Cotillion board member Margaret Stein, whose moves with dance partner Bill Waterman are beyond flawless. Granted, its not a young persons choice of activity, but it offers exercise, social interaction and stimulates the mind as one learns new dances and new patterns.

The Rey Vinole Orchestra sets wingtips atappin. (Corey Levitan )

The La Jolla Cotillion was founded in 1990 by La Jollan Eloise Dudie Ogden. While living in Mexico City, Dudie and her husband, Bob Ogden, joined several ballroom-dancing groups and had a blast, so they formed their own later, back in La Jolla. She picked the name cotillion to conjure up memories of Mr. Benjamins Cotillion, a ballroom-dancing and social-etiquette training program founded in 1954 by Donald Benjamin. (Ogden and her friends had all been enrolled by their parents.)

Dudie was a fabulous woman, knew lots and lots of people, was active in everything she could get her finger into and she brought people together, said Margo Washburn, La Jolla Cotillions longest-standing original member. (Eloise, 93, is still alive but residing in assisted living in Bend, Oregon.)

Jumping, jiving and wailing in a salon room at the La Jolla Marriott. (Corey Levitan )

The La Jolla Cotillion  one of four active ballroom-dancing clubs in San Diego  is Dudies legacy. It still stages three well-attended black-tie formal dinner dances and a casual mixer each year. I think the beautiful part about is that it has promoted friendships that have been lifelong, Washburn says.

Among tonights more than 70 attendees are Cliff Colwell, former chief of the Scripps Clinic orthopedic division, and the oldest living La Jolla Cotillion member, Bob Smothers, who recalls seeing most of the big-band era stars  Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller  at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium starting when he was 14  80 years ago.

It cost 25 cents to get in, Smothers says.

Bob Smothers is the oldest active La JOlla Cotillion member at 94. (Corey Levitan )

Like Stein, though, Smothers says hes not trying to recreate the past, just have a good time in the present.

I remember those days with a great deal of joy, he says, but now is just as good.

For information about joining La Jolla Cotillion, call board member Margaret Stein at (858) 459-4547 or email margaret.stein@cadencetravel.com.
There was tension in the room as structural engineer Hamid Liaghat laid out his fifth presentation in six months to the La Jolla Development Permit Review (DPR) committee about the dream house he wants to build for himself directly north and adjacent to 7520 Hillside Drive. Lots of deep breaths, scowling faces and tongue clicks emanated from the packed public seating section, along with one or two questions fired off before public comment was allowed.

Hillside Drive  a narrow mountain road with barely enough room for two BMWs to pass each other safely  has become the line in the sand for the battle against construction traffic in La Jolla. In fact, at times during the Feb. 13 meeting at the Rec Center, it seemed as if Liaghat was seeking permission to build at Scripps Park.

What you need to do is come in and think, for each phase of work, where are your people going to be  on the street? architect Philip A. Merten challenged Liaghat. I had hoped you would have brought your contractor today to explain, during the grading phase, where is your crew going to park? These arent just cars. Theyre F-150, F-250 and F-350 pickups.

I have nothing against you, added Hillside Drive resident Kianoosh Radsan. In fact, you are my countryman. I love you. But those trucks are really driving me nuts. It is a nightmare. I have to sit outside with my shotgun and tell him not to park of my home. (Radsan immediately amended his statement with: I dont have a shotgun, I use a broom.)

Incomplete MND

Although previously approved by DPR and forwarded to the La Jolla Community Planning Association for its ratification, the LJCPA felt that the Citys mitigated negative declaration (MND)  a document describing a projects environmental impacts  was incomplete because it did not address all the concerns raised by residents.

Theyve been processing everything one project at a time, out of context, said DPR committee member Diane Kane. (The City is) not looking at the cumulative impact to the neighborhood. This is part of the environmental process. It is against the law to completely ignore cumulative impacts when theyre there.

Liaghats position, which he calmly stated once again, is that his house will be set back 95 feet, whereas many neighbors set back only 15 feet. That means, unlike other houses, his will have ample space for construction parking and staging, leaving no vehicles parked on the street. Furthermore, Liaghat claims, he wont have 50 or 60 laborers at the same time, but only five or six, which he will shuttle to wherever their cars are parked. At any given time, there will be not a single car from my construction project on the street, Liaghat said.

DPR chair Brian Will described the situation to Liaghat, stating: I understand what youve been asked is not what any other construction project on Hillside Drive has been asked, but this is the time youve chosen on this street, and youve chosen to build at a time when the people on this street are suffering.

DPR committee member and former chair, Mike Costello, went further, admonishing his committee members for being so difficult.

I would like to caution people, Costello said. Hamid is being a really nice guy in listening to us, and hes putting up with more than other people would. I would say, ask for what you can, ask for whats reasonable, because if this goes straight down to the City, youll get nothing. The City will not put itself in a position where its going to get sued for applying standards to one person that it hasnt applied to anyone else.

So be nice to a nice guy, Costello said.

A possible mitigation was suggested by Radsan in the form of a neighbors driveway, which could provide even more parking for the project. When Liaghat replied that it was a private road, Radsan shot back: This is San Diego. You can buy anything.

Will instructed Liaghat to return with a plan that is broader in scope than the site plan he submitted, and to ask the owners of that driveway if he can rent it.

The community would be very happy, Will said. (Radsan added: I can come with you, with my broomstick.)

Townhome project

Also at the meeting, Josh Kordasiewicz, principal of Axon Architecture, presented for preliminary review his renderings for the proposed Bonair Townhomes at 744 Bonair St., owned by a Mr. Weinberg.

The audience had shrunk by two-thirds after Liaghats presentation. However, it was equally angry and vocal. Objections were raised to, among other things, the size of the two buildings included in the project, whether they fit the character of the neighborhood and a wingwall that violates the 45-foot roof height and the size of a roof deck.

Many of the objections were raised by Merten, who was hired by neighbor Larry Davidson to identify the problems with the proposal to DPR.

Josh, would you go back and show us that color photo that you have? Merten asked. Josh, if you could go back to the previous section, in the plan set on the office, there are no windows above these doors.

When asked why he had disguised carports as garages, Kordasiewicz answered: to exempt that area from the FAR (floor area ratio).

This stunned the committee, and member Beth Gaenzle replied: At least youre being honest about it.

Costello suggested that Kordasiewicz convert the carports into garages and include them in the FAR, remove some second-level living space and  calling him out for presenting two projects for one permit  bring the two buildings together.

Weve been tricked so many times before, Costello said. Youre not going to sell these to separate people?

Costello said he views the project as many missed opportunities to cooperate with the neighborhood. He explained: Itll cost you and your client nothing to give back some view to the neighbors and reduce the building height a little ... Youre just taking away views in a senseless manner and, the exact opposite of Hamid before you, youre just not being a nice guy, and youre missing that.

Will had a laundry list of requests for Kordasiewicz to return with answers to, but the answer to one question was paramount: Is there a lot split or is there no plan for a lot split? Come back to us, tell us what you really want and well review it all. Will added: Were not fans of segmented permits.

 DPR next meets 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 13 at La Jolla Rec Center, 615 Prospect St., Room 1.
On Indian corn Audio Article LISTEN Hau Midakuepi (Greetings My Relatives), As folks harvest the remaining produce they raised this year sweet corn is fast...

On the Mighty Oak Audio Article LISTEN About five years ago a friend from the Mennonite community (immediately east of the Yankton Sioux Reservation) gifted me...
CBS News White House and senior foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan has been named anchor of Face the Nation, the networks long-running Sunday affairs program.

The network announced Thursday that Brennan, 37, will take over the program this Sunday. She fills the chair vacated by John Dickerson, who took over for Charlie Rose as co-anchor of CBS This Morning last month.

Brennan is the second woman anchor in the programs 63-year history, following Lesley Stahl, who held the job from 1983 to 1991.

Brennans recent run of high-profile interviews for CBS News earned her kudos internally and helped her snare the job, according to one person at the network not authorized to comment on the matter publicly.

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Last week, she landed a rare TV interview with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on 60 Minutes. She also gained attention for a recent Face the Nation sitdown with retiring U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy, who admitted to her that he was a lousy politician.

Her curiosity extends from politics to business and financial markets, positioning her to moderate a conversation each Sunday on any topic consuming Washington and the world, CBS News President David Rhodes said in an email announcing Brennans appointment to staffers on Thursday .

Brennan joined CBS News in 2012 as a Washington-based correspondent covering the State Department. She added the White House to her duties in 2017. Before joining CBS she covered global financial markets for Bloomberg.

Brennan began her career as a producer for Louis Rukeysers Wall Street on CNBC.

stephen.battaglio@latimes.com

Twitter: @SteveBattaglio
With its grand castles and churches, picturesque cityscapes and long coastline, Portugal boasts the kind of scenery of that would make a Hollywood location scout salivate. But the country hasnt historically drawn major productions the way France, Britain and even Hungary have.

The Portuguese government is trying to change that.

The government is launching a new incentive program that is designed to lure more film, TV and streaming shoots from around the world. The new system, set to launch in March, offers a rebate of 25% to 30% of eligible expenditures, with a maximum rebate of 4 million euros ($4.9 million) per project.

The countrys program will have an annual total cap of 10 million euros for its first year, and then 12 million euros thereafter, though officials said they have the ability to expand funds based on demand.

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Portugals incentive differs from other European programs in that it is a cash rebate, as opposed to a tax credit, and therefore would have a faster turnaround time. Although the system requires a minimum expenditure of 500,000 euros for a project (excluding documentaries), it doesnt set a minimum number of shooting days.

Portugal was not on the map of film production a few years ago. Thats what were trying to change, said Ana Mendes Godinho, the countrys secretary of state for tourism.

Godinho visited Los Angeles recently with a cadre of film industry officials to promote the new program to major Hollywood studios.

Last year, Portugal launched a 25% tax credit for film and TV productions. But the country didnt draw the volume of major shoots it was looking for. So film industry officials decided to make the incentive more attractive by changing it to a cash rebate and increasing the rebate maximum to 30%.

The new program comes at a time of increased competition among European countries for Hollywood production dollars. Last year, France lowered the minimum spending amount to 250,000 euros from 1 million euros for applicants to its foreign tax credit, in an effort to draw smaller productions as well as more post-production work.

Recent Hollywood movies that shot in Europe include the upcoming Jennifer Lawrence thriller Red Sparrow, which filmed in Hungary, and Clint Eastwoods The 15:17 to Paris, which filmed in France and Italy. The upcoming Mission: Impossible  Fallout, starring Tom Cruise, also filmed throughout Europe.

Portugal boasts a wide pool of technical talent thanks to the countrys art-film heritage that has nurtured such auteur directors as Pedro Costa, Joao Pedro Rodrigues and the late Manoel de Oliveira.

Recent foreign productions to shoot in Portugal include Terry Gilliams upcoming The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, starring Adam Driver, as well as last years The Promise, which starred Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac.

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david.ng@latimes.com

@DavidNgLAT
Ace Clearwater Enterprises needs to hire four welders.

The South Bay aerospace company could also use three more machinists, as well as four specialists who use 7-ton drop hammers to form metal parts for fighter jets.

But filling those positions is tough. Many young Californians are going to college, not into manufacturing. Other potential hires have backed out because they live in the more affordable outskirts of the Southland and have no appetite for a grueling commute.

And after many misses over the years, Ace has largely stopped flying in workers from out of state for an interview. The company is running up against what economists say is an ever-greater drag on the California economy: sky-high rents and home prices.

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People come here and are like, Holy crap, the housing is just out of control, said Gary Johnson, vice president of Ace Clearwater Enterprises in Torrance, where the median home price is more than $812,000. Its a huge issue.

Workers at Ace Clearwater Enterprises measure an aerospace part. The company is having difficulty recruiting new employees, because of high housing costs. (Brad Haan/Ace )

Since the housing market took off in 2012, the California median home price has risen to $529,900, a compounded annual growth rate of nearly 10%, according to real estate website Zillow. The median rent for a vacant apartment jumped an annual rate of nearly 5.5% to $2,426.

As a result, businesses are increasingly struggling to recruit from out of state; a larger share of people are enduring one-way commutes of more than 90 minutes; and more people are leaving California than moving here from elsewhere in the U.S.

The head winds arent enough to derail a healthy state economy that added more than 340,000 jobs last year and is home to large corporations such as Apple, Disney and Aecom. Those companies employ many well-paid white collar workers who can stomach high prices.

But some economists say housing costs are slowing growth by making businesses and employees less productive, by pushing firms to expand in cheaper states and by leaving California residents with less money to spend on iPhones, amusement parks and sporting events.

Its not that the economy is going to tip into recession, its that the potential for growth is much higher, said Robert Kleinhenz, an economist with Beacon Economics, noting that faster growth isnt just a theoretical concept. When the economic pie is larger, there is more to spread around.

For those who already work here, sky-high home prices and rents can force excruciating lifestyle choices.

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One metal worker, Jorge Alcala, lives in the high desert city of Lancaster and commutes 86 miles and upward of an hour and a half to his job at Ace, depending on how jammed the multiple Southern California freeways are that he has to navigate.

Jordan Levine, an economist with the California Assn. of Realtors, said the economic hit is likely to worsen the longer affordability problems persist. More California companies will choose to expand in regions of the country where a three-bedroom, $200,000 house near employment isnt a rarity.

California is not the only place to have a job, Levine said.

High housing costs, of course, are partly a reflection of a strong economy, but businesses other than Ace say those costs are now becoming a problem.

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A USC/Los Angeles Business Council survey of major L.A.-area companies last year found 10 of the 14 that responded said the cost of housing is a challenge for retaining employees, with most reporting they lost workers because of high housing prices.

A report released with the survey cited Toyotas move of its North American headquarters from Torrance to Texas as likely to have been driven in part by high home prices.

I hear it everywhere I go now, said Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable. Businesses are losing the ability to attract mid-level and top talent, because people are very concerned they cannot afford a home in California.

(@latimesgraphics )

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The median-priced home here is now 2 times as expensive as in the nation as a whole. Though California has long been pricier, the gap started to widen in the 1970s, according to the states nonpartisan Legislative Analysts Office, largely because of a lack of home building in coastal counties with a plethora of jobs, mild weather and views of the Pacific.

In 1970, the difference between the California and national median price was $30,929, adjusted for inflation. As of January, it was $322,300.

If housing was more affordable, Johnson said, Ace Clearwater would have a better shot at filling its 11 open positions, which works out to a 6% expansion of the current staff of about 190.

For now, employees are working overtime to keep up, adding dollars to their pockets and stress to their bodies.

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They get burned out, Johnson said. Running a drop hammer 60 hours a week  its a tough job.

Housing costs are a significant reason its tough to fill positions, Johnson said, but competition from nearby aerospace firms and the lack of skilled workers also harm recruiting. Ace could jack up wages to try to fill jobs. Human resources manager Gen Perez said workers make an average of $25 an hour, or $52,000 a year, without overtime. The company, she said, constantly reviews its pay to remain competitive.

She said Ace would be willing to raise wages for the right recruit, but there is only so much it can do, because its customers are constantly pushing for jobs to be done more cheaply.

If Ace filled its open positions, Johnson said, the company could take on additional contracts and pump additional aerospace parts out of its plants in Torrance, Paramount and Compton.

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We could right now hire another [several] welders, a couple machinists, metal forming experts, Johnson said. We have the work. Our backlog is very healthy.

But Ace isnt expanding like it could. And when companies make that decision again and again, it ripples through the economy.

Economist Enrico Moretti of UC Berkeley estimates U.S. GDP is reduced by 7% because high costs and restrictive zoning in economic juggernauts like Silicon Valley mean many workers cant move there for a better life and many businesses there cant expand.

Aggregate earnings would be much higher if the most productive cities in the U.S. were more welcoming in the form of they were more willing to add more housing, Moretti said.

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Among the nations largest metropolitan regions, workers who live in the Stockton area northeast of Silicon Valley have the worst commute, as defined by people who travel 90 minutes or more to work. Nearly 10% of commuters there fell into that category in 2016, up from about 7% a decade earlier, a Brookings Institution analysis of Census Bureau data found.

The nations second-worst commute was borne by residents of the Inland Empire, east of job centers in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Nearly 7.5% of workers living in Riverside and San Bernardino counties had commutes of at least 90 minutes, up from 5.8% in 2006.

Such commutes exact a price, said Jonathan Woetzel, director of the McKinsey Global Institute. Someone who spends more than three hours a day behind the wheel has less time to invest in learning new skills that could lead to higher pay. They spend heavily on gas, which has less of an economic ripple effect than if they bought consumer goods. Furthermore, studies show long commutes worsen mental and physical health, while making workers less productive at the office.

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Six days a week, Alcala, the Ace metalworker, wakes at 3:15 a.m. in the three-bedroom Lancaster house he purchased for $141,000 in 2015. On a recent morning, the 59-year-old kissed his wife, Belen, goodbye and walked out the door just before 3:30 a.m. If he leaves then, hes likely to make his 6 a.m. shift in Paramount even if theres an accident to dodge on the way.

Before driving off, Alcala  who said he moved to the U.S. from the Mexican state of Nayarit as a teenager to escape work in the fields  gripped the wheel with both hands. Then he bowed his head. My Lord, my God, blessed Jesus Christ, I put my journey in your hands, he said in Spanish. My Lord, my God, blessed Jesus Christ, cover me with your cloak and do not forsake me.

It wasnt always this way. Alcala  who makes around $50,000 a year  said he used to live in a one-bedroom apartment in Long Beach that he shared with his wife and three of his kids. But in 2011, they had enough and moved to the Antelope Valley for more space and a safer neighborhood.

Alcala said the 1,000-mile weekly drive doesnt affect his job, smoothing out bumps on metal jet parts. He acknowledged he sometimes puts in a Cumbia CD on his way home so he can dance in his seat to stay awake.

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Once, when an accident closed a freeway, it took 6 hours before he arrived back in Lancaster.

Alcala said hes never been in a crash, but there have been close calls. Earlier this month, a rock slammed into his windshield on the freeway, causing him to duck as it opened up large cracks on both the driver and passengers side.

As he zipped through the Los Angeles neighborhood of Arleta northwest of Burbank at 4:15 a.m., Alcala recalled a big rig that nearly sideswiped him as it moved into his lane to avoid another massive truck.

Those guys, thats my challenge, he said, pointing to three big rigs bunched together in the two right lanes. They dont see you.

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A half-hour later, at 4:46 a.m., he parked his 2005 Honda Civic  which has more than 213,500 miles on it  in front of Aces manufacturing plant. It was a quick trip, he said: just over an hour and 15 minutes.

About 12 hours later, Alcala got off work. He hopped into his car at 4:40 p.m. and got lucky again. With no accidents and just normal end-of-the-day traffic, Alcala walked into his house just after 7:15 p.m., more than 2 hours later.

He had to be up again in eight hours.

Jorge Alcalas wife, Belen, helps him get ready in the morning before work. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times )

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Alcala said he recently was offered a job with a metal spinning company in the Antelope Valley  close to his house. He could have used the freed-up hours to do some car repair work on the side and spend more time with his wife, who had a stroke last year and has diabetes.

But Alcala declined. If he took the job, his wife would have lost her health insurance.

I know I am sacrificing my person, but I  do this more for my family, Alcala said.

Johnson, the Ace Clearwater vice president, said cheaper states such as Arizona and Nevada frequently hit up his company with offers to get him to move.

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But he said Ace is staying put. Though pricey, California is a great place to live, and too many at the family-owned company have deep roots here. That includes CEO Kellie Johnson, his wife, who runs the business her grandfather started in the back of his El Segundo home in 1949.

Theres an economic reason as well: Despite cutbacks after the end of the Cold War, the Los Angeles area remains an aerospace hub. If we moved to Arizona, we would be shipping stuff here every day to get it painted, to get it processed, said Lucky Perry, Ace Clearwaters sales manager.

Johnson said Ace is looking into launching a carpooling system to help workers with long commutes. In the meantime, it struggles to attract new workers.

It seems more and more people are moving further and further away and that commute, they just cannot do, said Perez, the human resources manager.

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Just last month, Perez said, a worker turned down a job in Aces quality department. He didnt want to drive in from Ontario.

andrew.khouri@latimes.com

Follow me @khouriandrew on Twitter

UPDATES:

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2:40 p.m.: This article was updated with the latest home and rent data available, as well as information on the difference between California and U.S. home prices.

This article was originally published at 9:00 a.m.
Secretive data-analytics company Palantir Technologies Inc. must turn over internal files to one of its early investors who accuses the firm of improperly blocking his efforts to sell his shares.

Marc Abramowitz, a managing member of KT4 Partners LLC, properly sought the confidential information about Palantirs inner workings and must get access, Delaware Chancery Court Judge Joseph Slights said Thursday.

Abramowitz showed he had a proper purpose for demanding access to the files to aid his investigation of potential wrongdoing within Palo Alto-based Palantir, Slights ruled. The order doesnt specify how quickly Palantir must make the records available.

The ruling is the latest chapter in a dispute that started last year in a California court after Palantir sued KT4 Partners and Abramowitz, alleging that the investor stole trade secrets and falsely filed five patents in his name for work done by the data miner.

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Abramowitz countered by suing in Delaware to seek access to files to bolster his claims that Palantir officials sabotaged his efforts to sell his $60-million stake to a Chinese company and failed to hold annual shareholder meetings. The investor also sued over the stymied stock sale itself.

Palantir spokeswoman Lisa Gordon didnt immediately respond to a request to comment on the ruling.

Slights said Palantirs serial failure to convene annual stockholder meetings is problematic because it raises questions about whether shareholders are getting information about the private firms operations.

Abramowitz also can get documents about whether Palantir officials failed to honor shareholders stock-sale rights and share sales by company insiders, Slights concluded.

Founded in 2004 by billionaire Peter Thiel and others, Palantir is among Silicon Valleys most highly valued companies. In addition to KT4 Partners, an early investor was the venture-capital arm of the CIA.

Palantirs customers include government spy agencies around the world. It most recently was valued at $20 billion by investors and is well-positioned to cash in on more government work, with Thiel being a staunch President Trump supporter.

Peter Thiel, retreating from Silicon Valleys tech scene, is moving to L.A. 
Russia has been trolling the United States for decades.

It bankrolled American authors who claimed Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President Kennedy under the direction of the FBI and CIA; it planted articles arguing Martin Luther King Jr. was not radical enough; and it spread a conspiracy theory that the U.S. manufactured the AIDS virus.

None of these disinformation campaigns succeeded in undermining American stability, in part because the Soviets didnt have access to what may be the worlds most powerful weapon for fomenting fear, outrage and unverified information: social media.

The indictments last week by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III against 13 Russians and three Russian companies accused of interfering in the 2016 presidential election laid bare the way Americas biggest tech platforms have altered the centuries-old game of spycraft and political warfare.

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Russian operatives couldnt have asked for better tools than Facebook and Twitter to spark conflict and deepen divisions within Americans, experts say. Never before could they fan propaganda with such ease and speed and needle the people most vulnerable to misinformation with such precision.

Theyre using the same playbook; its just a new medium, said Clint Watts, a former FBI agent and a senior fellow at the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security at George Washington University. Social media is where you do this stuff now. It wasnt possible during the Cold War.

At the root of the strategy are the algorithms social networks employ to encourage more engagement  the comments, likes and shares that generate advertising revenue for their makers.

The problem, researchers say, is that humans typically gravitate toward things that make us angry online. Outrage generates more stimuli in our brains, increasing the odds we respond to news and posts that tick us off. The algorithms know this and serve up such content accordingly.

Online platforms have profoundly changed the incentives of information sharing, Yale psychologist M.J. Crockett wrote in a paper for Nature Human Behavior. Because they compete for our attention to generate advertising revenue, their algorithms promote content that is most likely to be shared, regardless of whether it benefits those who share it  or is even true.

Since the platforms insist they arent media companies, theyre under no legal obligation to verify whats posted. That allows falsehoods to spread faster, not in the least part, because most people dont actually read the links they share, according to a 2016 study by researchers at Columbia University and the French National Institute.

Social media companies argue that they help bring people together. Yet studies suggest anonymity and fake accounts are having a corrosive effect on discourse. People who would never dare shout someone down in public can do so freely from behind the safety of their screens. And the access to information in real-time  highlighted under trending topics or amplified with a hashtag  ensures theres never a shortage of issues to shout about.

The result is a feedback loop in which social media algorithms reward the loudest and angriest voices  often on some of the nations most sensitive topics, be it gun control, abortion or race. Reasoned debate is made even more difficult because users are often siloed with like-minded people.

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It further inflames a topic or debate, said Karen North, a social media expert who teaches at USCs Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. And theres no incentive to compromise.

Nuance, on the other hand, is rarely rewarded. One of Facebooks ideas for expanding the scope of human emotions included adding emojis such as a heart and frowning face next to the obligatory like button. For Twitter, it meant doubling the limit of any tweet to 280 characters.

That would have been fine for internet users in the early days of social media more than a decade ago when tech companies had a better excuse to operate under the naive assumption that people would behave online the same way they do in the real world, said Jonathon Morgan, chief executive of New Knowledge, a company that tracks online disinformation.

Social media was built around engagement that was very fast and almost like low-fidelity social contact, Morgan said. Whats changed over the years is that most people now get their information from these platforms, which were designed for frivolous interaction. Theres a disconnect when people look for substance where it doesnt exist.

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It was in this environment that Russian operatives allegedly plied their trade, according to the indictment filed Friday.

They established hundreds of accounts posing as politically active Americans on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, investigators allege. They parroted both sides of the political spectrum in an effort to heighten acrimony, and launched Facebook groups to ensnare more unwitting supporters, according to the indictment. The activism even spilled out into the real world after the operatives organized dueling rallies in New York for and against then president-elect Trump, authorities say.

Theyve been doing this stuff on their own population since the 1990s, said Watts, the former FBI agent.

It wasnt until the Arab Spring, Watts said, that Russia gained a greater appreciation for the power of social media. If these tools could help activists coordinate a revolt, it wouldnt be hard to imagine what they could do in the hands of the state, he said.

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The platforms, slow to publicly acknowledge the meddling, have since cooperated with authorities and contacted users who engaged with Russian trolls. Theyve vowed to disclose backers of political ads to prevent a repeat of the Russian campaign. Twitter has also deleted thousands of automated bots.

But experts expect the likes of Facebook and Twitter to continue to be targeted by Russian operatives as long as Washington refrains from taking punitive action against Moscow for its interference.

Theres really no reason for Russia to stop trying to influence election outcomes through the use of social media, said Kimberly Marten, a professor of political science at Barnard College, Columbia University. There is no meaningful response to what Russia is trying to do, beyond attempting to punish the perpetrators.

If misinformation continues to flood social media and technology companies fail to improve their moderation, the sole remedy may be in media literacy, Marten said.

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The only way we can address the problem effectively overall is to improve our own elementary and high school educational systems, so that as many people as possible become critical readers and thinkers, able to call out any fake news they read on social media, Marten said.

For now, it appears Russian influence campaigns arent missing a beat.

Such networks have directed their accounts to pile onto divisive issues like the clamor earlier this year to release a controversial memo by House Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes, according to the Alliance for Securing Democracy, a project of the nonpartisan German Marshall Fund think tank. More recently, Russian accounts have reportedly perpetuated a conspiracy theory that a Florida school shooting survivor is a paid actor.

In a sign that the tech platforms remain ill-equipped to deal with the onslaught, a YouTube video pushing that conspiracy theory was the top trending video on the platform at one point Wednesday.

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Morgan of New Knowledge said the Russian interference campaign will inspire others to exploit social media as long as the platforms remain vulnerable.

The solution available in the short term is to stop a particular behavior, Morgan said. But to stop it in a general way will require years of redesigning the platforms. By then, the adversaries will be one step ahead. Theyve opened a can of worms and we probably have to accept things will never be the same.

To read this article in Spanish, click here

david.pierson@latimes.com

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Actor Gary Oldmans portrayal of Winston Churchill in Joe Wrights Darkest Hour has been so lauded, hes the front-runner for the lead actor Oscar. But what would that dramatic performance have looked like if audiences didnt believe they were actually watching the British prime minister? Oldman is the first to admit that his transformation from slight-of-build actor into portly, balding statesman was stunning. When you look at me, do you see Winston Churchill? he recently asked The Envelope.

Losing Oldman and finding Churchill would not have been possible without the prosthetics created by the Oscar-nominated team of Japanese makeup and hair designer Kazuhiro Tsuji (Planet of the Apes, How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and applied by makeup supervisor David Malinowski (Breathe, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) and makeup and hair artist Lucy Sibbick (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Zoolander 2). The trio of experts recently discussed the art and challenges of the task.

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Kazuhiro, you had sworn off movies and were concentrating on creating your fine art pieces. What made you take this job?

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Tsuji: I was very honored when Gary [Oldman] told me that he was interested in playing Churchill, and that he would take this job only if I would do the makeup. For most of my career, I had worked on comedy and fantasy movies. Id grown tired of going to sets and working on actors who didnt want to bother with the makeup. I first became interested in working in this field when I saw an article in Fangoria magazine about Dick Smiths work on Hal Holbrook for the miniseries Lincoln. I never had the opportunity to work on a movie with a great story about a real historical figure. Thats why this was the perfect assignment for me.

Can you take us through the process of transforming Gary Oldman to Winston Churchill?

Tsuji: During the initial testing phase, I took photos of Gary and Churchills faces and played with them in Photoshop, changing the position of the eyes, the nose, the mouth, the chin  and it looked horrible. I decided not to show it to Gary and the films producer because if they had seen it, it would have killed the whole opportunity. So, I figured that the only solution was actually trying the makeup on him physically. I made a life cast of Garys face. Then I did lots of research, collecting photos and videos of Churchill. There is nothing similar about the two faces  Gary looks like a greyhound and Churchill resembles a bulldog. Since the part demanded a lot of subtle acting, I didnt want to cover Garys face with a big mask.

We then constructed the body suits and I sculpted the neck, nose and chin and changed the shape of the ears. For the test makeup, we used a bald-cap but for the shoot, we shaved Garys head. We used a silicone-based makeup that is common in our industry. Its often used as a hard gel, but I like to have lots of Plasticine in it so that its soft and doesnt get in the way of the acting.

Malinowski: I looked at a lot of research material. Gary would send me the picture, and we would discuss. Kazu designed the makeup in L.A. and did some tests and once the tests were approved by the studio, Joe and Gary, the molds were sent to an effects company in Spain. They make soft silicone makeup so that when Gary moves, it all looks like its part of his skin.

Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour. (Jack English / Focus Features via AP )

Gary wanted to be in makeup throughout the eight days of rehearsals as well, so we were comfortable from Day 1 of shooting. I would be up around 1 a.m., and set everything up for Gary. He would get to the set around 3 or 4 in the morning. Wed shave his head and it would take just over three hours every day. Then, he would put on the fat suit and the costumes and wig. The shoot would usually last around 12 hours, and we took about an hour to take the makeup off, clean the wig and repaint every single piece. There were about 70 pieces, and we applied them on Gary every day during the 48 days of the shoot.

Sibbick: I would apply the makeup with David and put the wig on Gary and style it every day. The wigs were made in L.A. and I had to trim them and line them up. The most challenging aspect was managing the maintenance of the hair and makeup. Each wig lasted only two weeks. But Gary was so patient throughout the whole process. Sometimes, he had close-ups all day long, so we had to make sure he looked his best at all times. It was all day for three months because he was nearly in every scene of the movie, and it all had to look as if he wasnt wearing prosthetic makeup.

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What were your reactions when you first saw the final results on the big screen?

Tsuji: I was so amazed when I saw the rough cut last September. It was so good that I forgot about the makeup. Gary was the easiest actor Ive worked with in my career. He really understands the importance of makeup and can sit still for hours. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

calendar@latimes.com
This years Oscar-nominated short documentaries forge a collective report from the fringes of American culture. Delving into low-key characters sometimes far removed from the mainstream, these nonfiction entries give voice to quiet citizens whose travails illuminate big issues  racism, drug addiction, mental illness  in 40 minutes or less.

Among the five nominees are Traffic Stop, which examines the life of Breaion King, a black schoolteacher in Texas whose routine traffic stop by local cops turns into a violent arrest. Interspersed with dash-cam footage of the encounter, in which the slight King is seen being thrown bodily to the ground, the film delves into her personal story.

Heroin(e) profiles three women  a fire chief, a drug court judge and a minister  doing their best to tame the opioid crisis ravaging their West Virginia town.

The Envelope spoke with the directors of the remaining three films.

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Head chef, Gilbert, with trainees in a scene from the Oscar-nominated short Knife Skills. (Knife Skills )

Knife Skills melds ex-felons with fine food in a story uncovered by filmmaker Thomas F. Lennon over dinner with New York City chef David Waltuck and his wife. Their unannounced guest: Brandon Chrostowski. He said, Im going to open a great French restaurant in Cleveland and almost all the people working there are going to be fresh out of prison, Lennon recalls. I hadnt even finished my meat loaf before I knew that this was a film.

Tucking a Canon C300 camera into his backpack, Lennon traveled to Cleveland and tracked the fitful progress of 80 ex-convicts training to master haute cuisine in six intense weeks before the grand opening of Edwins. Thirty-five graduated. The road to recovery is not a straight one, says Lennon, who previously won an Oscar for his short subject documentary The Blood of Yingzhou District.

A number of people I cared a lot about got themselves into real trouble, which was difficult. Yes, there might be setbacks, but then you see these men and women climbing back up.

A scene from Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405, an Oscar-nominated short film about the 56 year-old artist Mindy Alper. (ShortsTV )

Heaven Is a Traffic Jam on the 405" takes its title from the musings of Valley Village artist Mindy Alper, whose halting speech belies the acuity of her psychologically charged drawings. TV commercial producer-turned documentarian Frank Stiefel became fascinated with Alper when his wife introduced him to her unusual friend from art class.

I was curious about why Mindy was the way she was, and how she made this art, Stiefel says. I asked Mindy if I could film her making a sculpture of her therapist, Shoshana. 

On-camera interviews ensued, in which Alper confided phobias, anxieties and bouts of depression that once proved so debilitating that she went 10 years without speaking. Going into this, I knew nothing about Mindys psychological history, says Stiefel. Marveling at Alpers capacity for transforming her personal trauma into semi-fantastical art, Stiefel enlisted Masaki Yokochi to animate the drawings.

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And he learned to love Alpers eccentric use of language. Pronunciation can be an issue for Mindy, but I came to appreciate how visual her language can be. Shell say something happened 10 times around the sun ago, which is so much more fun than years.

Eddie Harrison and Edith Hill from Edith+Eddie, a Kartemquin film. (Laura Checkoway )

Edith+Eddie came together fast for journalist-filmmaker Laura Checkoway. She spent six years on her first film, Lucky, which tracked the travails of a homeless single mom. This time around, she moved quickly after receiving a text message about ninetysomething interracial newlyweds. My friend sent me a photo of Edith and Eddie, and it just grabbed my heart, Checkoway recalls. I kept staring at the picture, wanting to know more about them.

The next day, Checkoway took a bus from New York to Virginia, and that night, she filmed the couple tearing it up on the dance floor of a local honky tonk. Checkoway recalls, Edith and Eddie both experienced this new spark in each other, a new reason to wake up in the morning.

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In fact, the couples morning routine yields one of the films most striking sequences: Eddie brings false teeth over to his wife and together they start the day with porcelain-perfect smiles. But the light-hearted moments give way to dark developments when one of Ediths daughters and a court-appointed guardian pressure the 96-year-old to leave Eddie and move to Florida. I went there to film a love story, Checkoway says. Little did I know it would turn into a heartbreaking one.

Booted out of Ediths house during one confrontation, Checkoway and her two-person crew continued recording audio outside in the pouring rain. Even off-camera, the legal guardian system remains ripe for exposure, Checkoway says.

We live in such a youth-obsessed culture, she adds. Why are we not honoring our elders? Where did that get lost? Were really grateful that our film sheds light on this issue.

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I, Tonya, the Craig Gillespie-directed biopic about Tonya Harding, the figure skater banned from competition for life for her connection to a 1994 attack on fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan, has brought its stars  Margot Robbie, who plays an unsinkable Harding, and Allison Janney, as her sharp-tongued mother, LaVona  Oscar nominations, critical acclaim and, not surprisingly, a newfound love for the Winter Olympics. Were watching mens half-pipe, reports Robbie, jet-lagged and talking via speakerphone while sitting alongside Janney in a London hotel room. Were just mesmerized.

The pair were in town to attend the BAFTAs, where they were both nominees. Before heading off to a party, they took time out to talk about the films more nuanced examination of Hardings life (domestic violence, the skating worlds contempt for her working-class roots), Janneys annoying parakeet costar and the reaction Robbie, an I, Tonya producer, had during her initial reading of Steven Rogers script.

I, Tonya stars Allison Janney, top, and Margot Robbie. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times )

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Its so easy to dismiss these characters and their feelings. But by the end of it, I was devastated, angry and frustrated for them. Id laugh out loud at something, then immediately feel disgusted with myself that I found it funny, says Robbie. To be able to let those feelings creep up on you, instead of being told to feel them? Thats a real art form.

Parsing whats true or false is a daily struggle of late. How much do you believe your characters?

Robbie: I knew wed never know exactly how it went down. Twenty years later, everyone had completely different recollections of the same thing. Truth and reality had parted ways. My characters truth was not necessarily the reality of the situation. But her version of the truth was far more interesting to me than the facts.

Janney: What made it so fun was the juxtaposition of everyones truth. You see LaVona throw a knife at her daughter, then cut to me saying, What family doesnt have their ups and downs? Her truth was that she was a good mother, she gave her daughter an opportunity, and her daughter screwed it up by picking the [wrong] man. Where the reality is? I dont know.

Talk about one of the villains of the film: The classist United States Figure Skating Assn.

Robbie: Real-life Tonya has been very vocal in past interviews about her feeling that she never had a chance with them to begin with. I really wanted the character to be constantly seeking validation from people who wouldnt give it to her  her mom, her husband, the skating association. The more they rejected her, the more it mattered to her that they accept her.

 Allison Janney discusses her approach to filming her I, Tonya scenes with a bird on her shoulder.

For all her ghastly parenting, Tonyas tippling, four-times married mother has a few tiny glimmers of humanity.

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Janney: Steven peppered them in there, thankfully, because otherwise shed be too much to take. Theres a scene in the diner, the one where Tonya, needing her mother, comes to her and you get a glimpse of what [LaVonas] childhood must have been like. You see a woman disappointed by life and who was probably abused, because abuse tends to be cyclical. Shes filled with resentment and anger, who doesnt know how to love or be loved. That was a very redemptive moment for me.

Margot, you met with Tonya in Portland just before production began. What were you hoping to learn?

Robbie: I didnt go there with a list of questions or holes in my backstory that I needed to fill in. I wanted to meet just out of respect for her. Theres an added feeling of responsibility and obligation when you tell a real life persons story. But I also wanted her to know that I was going to be playing a character in a film. The most helpful thing was watching her talk about her son, which she was very quick to do. She loves her son and has found a peace in her life with her family.

Allison, walk us through the scenes where LaVona, hooked up to an oxygen tank, addresses the camera while a scene-stealing parakeet is perched on her shoulder.

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Janney: It was all done in one afternoon. The bird was fascinated with that breathing tube, and he started pecking at it. I knew I couldnt stop. We didnt have another day to [film those scenes]. So I just kept talking. He kind of fueled me with his constant pecking. It was so much fun to do: What I was imagining was that I was speaking to God or whoever is going to determine whether [LaVona] goes to heaven or hell. My side of it was, Well, I gave that girl everything.

Were either of you surprised when Tonya recently told ABC that she knew something was up before the attack?

Robbie: Not necessarily. The way I played the character, and this isnt based on fact, but just a personal decision, was that she probably heard [her ex-husband] Jeff and [his friend] Shawn coming up with schemes all the time, crazy things, and she never took any of that seriously, because it never came to fruition.

Allison, you didnt meet Tonya until the L.A. premiere, correct?

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Janney: She came up to me at the after-party and said, You nailed my mother. Steven told me that was the only thing [Tonya and Jeff] agreed on, how LaVona was. I felt happy to have her approval and also very, very sad. So I gave her a hug and said, Thank you for saying that and sorry for having to go through everything you went through.

Margot, you and Tonya keep in touch. Have you noticed a difference since the film was released?

Robbie: The first time I met her, it felt like she wasnt past it at all. Sebastian [Stan, who plays Hardings ex-husband] met Jeff, so I said to him, The one thing that upset me more than anything was that its not a forgotten time in her life, that it still seems very fresh. Was it like that with Jeff?

And Sebastian said, No. Not at all. He said that he felt like Jeff had completely moved on and that it was a long-lost chapter in his life. I found that heartbreaking  he got to move on and she didnt. And now when I speak to her, I feel like shes leaving it behind her. I wouldnt speak on her behalf, but it feels like shes found some closure.

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Lee Smith had edited six films for Christopher Nolan by the time he arrived on an intemperate beach in northern France.

The director handed him headphones and said their new collaboration had sparse dialogue but would pulse with incessant sound, like the ticking of a clock, to capture the quickening fear of more than 300,000 Allied soldiers trapped in the sand by an advancing German army.

The movie was a visceral experience rather than a spoken narrative, said Smith, nominated for a film editing Academy Award for Dunkirk. The challenge of having a lack of dialogue means the conventions of that style of editing disappear and youve got to tell the story as if its a silent movie. That was a very new dynamic for Chris and for me. It was challenging and terrifying all at once.

Dunkirk is a war movie without much blood or computer-generated mayhem; it is an unrelenting twist of the soul, a psychological thriller of intersecting timelines and a pincer score by Hans Zimmer that captures the excruciating tick-tock of British and French soldiers waiting to escape a beach in the early days of World War II. What happened in the coastal town of Dunkirk in 1940 became synonymous with British resolve as hundreds of civilians in trawlers and leisure boats raced to the rescue.

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A film editors creed is to distill a directors vision and propel an imagined world without showing its seams or artistic calculus. Smith, who was born in Australia, has worked on a range of films including the surreal fable The Truman Show, Nolans mind-bending Inception and the upcoming comic-book caper X-Men: Dark Phoenix. He has been previously nominated for Academy Awards for Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World and for Nolans The Dark Knight.

A scene from the film Dunkirk. (Warner Bros. Pictures )

The test in Dunkirk, nominated for eight Academy Awards, was compressing, expanding and blending three narratives: soldiers on the beach, civilians sailing toward them, and Spitfire pilots trying protect them from the sky. The pace of the film, shot amid intermittent squalls with 65 mm and Imax cameras, which gave an immersive sensation, relied on deciding when to cut from scene to scene as the story lines, each with their own time sequences and subplots, converged.

Weaving timelines together that intersect at various parts in the film was a very intricate job, said Smith. In my world what you have to guard against the most is that if a film has no emotion theres no reason for it to exist. Its got to push your buttons. If the timelines didnt work, youd just have a quirky, strange war movie that people would have probably gone, Huh, interesting? But it would have been relegated to nice attempt, guys.

Long hours of editing and experimenting with syncopated images and sounds  boots, wind, waves, the ping of bullets, muffled voices in cockpits  drew out tension and sustained momentum while keeping emotional connections alive amid changing points of view. It was akin to turning valves to build and release steam. That was most evident, he said, on determining when the rescuing boats would arrive: We tweaked that scene forwards and backwards to make sure we got the strongest emotional hit.

Much of the emotion was driven by Zimmers score, nominated for an Oscar, which was the most unconventional Ive ever heard in a film, said Smith. It became its own character, a persistent, prickly presence that articulated the anxiousness of scared men trying to get home and others trying to save them.

When Smith arrived in Dunkirk, he was subsumed by one of the last centurys defining moments and by Nolans vision that the musics sonic beat, which included cellos and double bass, would form a permeating coda that would intensify throughout the film.

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It was basically the sound of a ticking watch doing a seemingly implausible thing, said Smith, a sound editor earlier in his career. Nolan, a frequent collaborator with Zimmer to make music and image indivisible, had described the sound in Dunkirk as the whirring of a projector in a movie booth. I thought, Oh, boy. Were in for an interesting ride. But we kept plowing on with it.

This is a film where music and sound effects completely meet, said Smith. The boat motors are exactly in tempo and beats per minute with the music. The sound of ascension and endless tension runs through the whole movie. Hundreds and hundreds of separate audio tracks were running and being manipulated on every cut. He says with a laugh: I mean its not something you can hum but it had the desired psychological effect.

The Battle of Dunkirk and the evacuation of soldiers  their deaths or capture would have decimated British armed forces  was pivotal to Prime Minister Winston Churchill in rallying his country for the long war ahead. The movie crystallizes that sense of prelude, of harrowing moments mixed with small personal and national victories that marked the outcome of a world conflict that killed more than 50 million people.

Gusts, storm surges and low gray skies were frequent during filming. I was in the comfort of my portable editing room as these black clouds and howling winds came up, said Smith. The crew, including cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, who shot holding heavy Imax cameras, abused me at the end of the day, said Smith. Id walk in calm and relaxed and theyd all have their hair standing on end with bright red faces.

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Smith and Nolan viewed footage every night on high-resolution 70mm film. I was loving it in my world, said Smith. I was looking at more the finished film, not the crew and the lights and everything else, and what I saw was a movie coming together. Early on, I thought, this is pretty special. But you never know if what you end up with people will like. The worry is youve made a $100-million art movie.

The film, said Smith, has a purity, a sense of the genuine; unlike many war movies, there is no shocking violence, no elaborate computer tricks. The characters, including those by Kenneth Branagh and Mark Rylance, are fierce yet quiet. The face of the pilot played by Tom Hardy is hidden by a flight mask for almost the entire story. It is history revisited without dressing it up in modern trappings.

Chris and I have a short-hand of thinking and talking and know whats what, said Smith. But the biggest challenge of this film was that it was stepping way outside of the conventions of a dialogue-driven narrative. Chris hadnt made anything like that before. But this is everything I want a movie to be. Im taken someplace, lifted out of my normal world.

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While a fair amount of its subject matter overlaps with Ava DuVernays incendiary 13th, Matthew Cookes Survivors Guide to Prison nevertheless serves as a valuable primer for those estimated 13 million Americans who are arrested every year.

Taking aim at the nations broken criminal justice system, the slickly packaged documentary divides its telling factoids (e.g. since the 1980s, the state of California has seen the construction of 22 new prisons) among several chapters ranging from Surviving Solitary Confinement to Surviving Getting Out.

An involving through-line is provided through the case histories of Bruce Lisker of Sherman Oaks and Reggie Cole from South-Central, a pair of articulate, wrongfully convicted men who languished in prisons for a combined 42 years before they were freed.

Armed with an A-list producer roster including Susan Sarandon (who also shares narration duties), Danny Trejo, David Arquette and Adrian Grenier, activist-filmmaker Cooke, whose previous output includes 2012s How to Make Money Selling Drugs, certainly isnt the first person to call out racial bias and the troubling truths behind plea deals.

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But even though such post-arrest words of wisdom as Get a good attorney and Shut your mouth might seem obvious, when theyre dispensed by the likes of tough guy Trejo, rapper Busta Rhymes and MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer, former inmates all, it remains advice well-heeded.

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Survivors Guide to Prison

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 42 minutes

Playing: Arena Cinelounge Sunset, Hollywood; also on VOD

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The aim of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 is to encourage more people to discover and engage with Europe's cultural heritage and to reinforce a sense of belonging to a common European space. At the meeting of the CoR's SEDEC commission on 21 February, members discussed two opinions focusing on the role of education and culture for strengthening European identity and social cohesion.

Rapporteurs Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP) and Babette Winter (DE/PES) pointed out that education and culture have a broad impact on all areas of life and contribute to social inclusion and cohesion. Therefore the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage should provide a framework for supporting regional cultural development, opening up new opportunities for sustainable cultural tourism and improving opportunities for cultural mobility.

Ms Hristova's opinion on "Strengthening European Identity through Education and Culture" was adopted by SEDEC members in Wednesday's meeting. It welcomes the European Commission's aim to establish a European Education Area by 2025. While education remains a national competence, it recommends Member States to promote language learning from an early age and familiarise learners with a common European cultural heritage, European history and the processes of European integration. SEDEC members strongly support boosting the Erasmus+ programme with the aim of doubling the number of participants.

The opinion underlines the critical importance of looking into the regional disparities and economic and social consequences that arise from skills gaps and mismatches in the EU. Against the backdrop of digitalisation of European education, the rapporteur  Mayor of Gabrovo  pointed out that many rural and sparsely populated areas still lack high-speed connectivity and regions facing demographic and social challenges may struggle to provide teachers with adequate digital skills, competences and equipment.

Following a request from the Bulgarian presidency, Ms Winter is preparing an opinion which focuses on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for more cohesive and sustainable regions in the EU. The rapporteur, State Secretary for Europe and Culture in the Thuringia State Chancellery, highlighted that European cultural heritage can contribute to bringing communities together, promoting regional development and creating long-term local employment. Both opinions are scheduled for adoption at the CoR plenary on 1617 May.

In the second semester of 2018, cultural heritage will also be the priority area of the Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP) set up between the European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission to present new R&I solutions, innovations and best practises. Regeneration of city centres and rural landscapes and innovative re-uses of heritage buildings will be some of the themes to be discussed in various workshops. During the first half of 2018, the KEP will focus on innovating cities with nature and nature-based solutions. More information: KEP action plan 2018

Following two opinions were also adopted by the SEDEC members:

Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions: Strategies for resilient, inclusive and sustainable growth (rapporteur Mikel Irujo, ES/EA). Following the theme of a conference organised on 20 February, the opinion argues that future smart specialisation strategies should be based on interregional strategic cooperation and on a "regional discovery process".

Boosting broadband connectivity in Europe (rapporteur Mart Vorklaev, EE/ALDE). The opinion presents suggestions of the Broadband Platform for improving high-speed connectivity in Europe's regions, particularly rural and sparsely populated areas.

The next meeting of CoR's SEDEC commission  standing for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture  will take place on 23 April.
If the very mention of a movie about millennial creative professionals in Brooklyn makes you wince, filmmaker Sophie Brooks invites you to think again. The writer-director brings remarkable instincts to her modestly scaled first feature, The Boy Downstairs. Casting aside stereotypes in favor of everyday neuroses, she defies the contemporary film-school orthodoxy that nice people cant be compelling characters.

Zosia Mamet, in her first big-screen role since Girls, and Matthew Shear, of The Alienist, create a duo worth rooting for in this droll, knowing and tender romance  a story that brings a delicate touch to one of the thorniest of lifes questions: How do you predict regret?

Mamet plays Diana, an aspiring fiction writer returning to New York after a post-college stint in England, only to find herself living in the same building as Ben (Shear), the boyfriend she left behind three years earlier. Their chemistry is as clear as the awkwardness of their hellos, but hes not interested in catching up over coffee. Bolstered by her longtime friend (a noteworthy Diana Irvine) and maternal landlord (Deirdre OConnell, terrific), Diana soldiers on through clumsy encounters, avoidable and otherwise, with Ben and his humorless new girlfriend (Sarah Ramos).

As the film moves elegantly between past and present, Brooks proves a keen observer of behavior and the pitfalls of overthinking. Finding complex beauty in what would be merely obvious in a lesser work, her delightful feature taps into a rarely broached, generally female coming-of-age dilemma: the fear of losing yourself before you know who you are.

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The Boy Downstairs

Rating: PG-13, for some sexual material, brief strong language and drug references

Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Monica Film Center, Santa Monica

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Were back in the comfortable horror milieu of the zombie apocalypse for The Cured, an Irish-set spin on the familiar scenario of outbreak, rinse, repeat. In writer-director David Freynes tweak, its a post-post-apocalypse: a cure has proved successful, and all that remains is what to do about those who come back and the incarcerated percentage resistant to the remedy.

For once-afflicted Senan (Sam Keeley), just released from the treatment center, it means managing the PTSD of remembering horrific acts he committed, while easing his way into society through the help of his widowed sister-in-law Abbie (Ellen Page). The citizenrys intolerance for medically rehabbed killers, though, is at an all-time high, which spurs one of Senans fellow cured  a to-the-manor-born politician (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor) stripped of his ambitions by the virus  to organize the ex-sick into an upstart force.

Lo these many years since George Romero incubated an entire genre, its nice to see adherents like Freyne find new prisms of twisty social dysfunction  like this ones IRA allegory  in the concept of crazed people eaters. Stylistically, the muted hues and naturalistic performances even suggest a classic Irish political thriller first, zombie pic second. And yet the confluence of rebellion, personal responsibility and genre violence never quite gels, perhaps because the realities of a zombie movie ultimately dictate where these things are headed. No matter how bad a movie contagion is, for horror filmmakers of late zombies are all too often a safe space.

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The Cured

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Running time: 1 hour, 36 minutes

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Let it be known that Italian designer Alessandro Sartori was bewitched by Los Angeles long before it became the recent obsession of fashionistas, social influencers and other tastemakers. And, well, who could blame him?

I love  I love, literally love  the light, said Sartori, artistic director at Ermenegildo Zegna. The city has fantastic light because of the ocean and the sky. I feel particularly good there. You can have a day of working, working, working and then relax. Theres a fresh vacation feeling. I have a great connection with it. Then he slyly added, I liked it before people were talking about L.A. so much.

That he loves the City of Angels was an added bonus when the 51-year-old designer flew to the West Coast late last year for a visit. It wasnt for a holiday. The reason behind the transatlantic flight was to get some face time with the citys army of celebrity stylists and introduce them to Ermenegildo Zegna Coutures Red Carpet Collection.

Over lunch at the labels sleek three-story, 5,800-square-foot store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Sartori previewed a capsule of mens eveningwear looks, ranging from classic to contemporary, made specifically with a celebritys needs and desires in mind. Ultimately, the collection displays the full creative prowess of the brand under Sartoris direction since his appointment as artistic director in 2016.

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With the run-up to the Oscars fully underway, weve already been seeing the full breadth of the collections offerings on the backs of notable men. For example, take John Legend who opted for a classic tuxedo silhouette for an early January gala in Santa Monica. The look took a traditional tuxedo pant and paired it with a subtly flashy shawl-collar jacket in a brocaded midnight blue.

Actor and Grammy winner Donald Glover, a.k.a. Childish Gambino, dressed in all-white Ermenegildo Zegna Couture tuxedo on the Grammy Awards red carpet in New York in January. (Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images )

Then there was Donald Glover, who wore a tuxedo in a printed silk jacquard fabric to the Grammy Awards in New York. (Using his stage name, Childish Gambino, Glover won for traditional R&B performance for the song Redbone.) The sartorial twist of course was that Glovers tuxedo came in a refreshing all-white. (The risk paid off as he made GQs best-dressed list.)

Rapper Big Sean took the formal out of formalwear when he rolled up to the Billboard Power 100 List event in New York wearing mohair tuxedo trousers from Zegna paired with a vest and white knit crewneck, a sort of deconstructed eveningwear look that he pulled off with aplomb. The look spoke to the way young men, unfettered by conventions of traditional eveningwear, want to dress now. Although on the other end of the spectrum, there was the actor Lakeith Stanfield, who wore a Zegna Couture wool tracksuit during the Sundance Film Festival this year.

These four distinct looks help demonstrate the variety of offerings in the Red Carpet Collection, and its no coincidence that the styles also happen to mirror the way that men, who are embracing fashion more than ever, are exercising freedom in the way they choose to represent themselves through their clothes.

No longer do red carpets need to be seas of cookie-cutter black tuxedos for men. With newer, more contemporary options, stars have the flexibility to express themselves in ways big and small. That was Sartoris mission.

John Legend wore Ermenegildo Zegna Couture tuxedo pants paired with a subtly flashy shawl-collar jacket in a brocaded midnight blue to the Art of Elysiums gala in Santa Monica in January. (Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images )

Everyone wants color. Everyone wants something special, said Ilaria Urbinati, the L.A. stylist to actors including Armie Hammer, Bradley Cooper and James Marsden  men who certainly spend their fair share of time on red carpets. It was Urbinati who put Glover in the white tuxedo. Even compared to just a year ago, guys are looking for something bolder, she said.

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When the collection was previewed last year, Urbinati said she put a hold on certain looks as shes especially attracted to the brocades and richer colors right now. She said dont expect the risk-taking to end after Oscar night. The guys are keeping tabs on each other, Urbinati said. So if one person is pushing the envelope, then the others want to.

So at Zegna, how does the process begin? Sartori said he likes to work directly with clients when he can and have lunch or a drink with them. (The Beverly Hills Zegna store has a private terrace to host VIP guests.) I talk to them, Sartori said. How do you feel? Where do you want to go? What do you need to achieve? What about your personality do you want to push a little further? Its from these moments that I really understand who they are, who they want to be, what they want to do. This is really key.

Zegna is not only an Italian design powerhouse. It also creates its fabrics in its own mills and provides those fabrics to other luxury labels. This gives Sartori access to a vast offering of textiles but also unprecedented control over how things are constructed.

Sartori mentioned a bomber jacket and blouson, two items traditionally thought of as sportswear, that he has made in Zegnas tailoring facilities, imbuing their casual feel with the precision of world-class suiting.

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Rapper Big Sean at the Billboard Power 100 celebration in New York wearing Ermenegildo Zegna Couture mohair tuxedo trousers paired with a vest and white knit crewneck. (Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images for NARAS )

Its those unseen internal details  the construction of a shoulder, say, or the cut of a sleeve  that can make a big difference, even if a consumer cant pinpoint how, exactly, Sartori engineered the piece just so. These sorts of elements, he said, will trickle down through the rest of the brands designs  from bespoke and made-to-measure to ready-to-wear.

As the 90th Academy Awards approaches, Sartori was mum on whos looking to wear Zegna on Hollywoods biggest night  no doubt the details are still being hammered out  but he mentioned hes friendly with Luca Guadagnino, the Italian director of Call Me by Your Name. (Its a film, which stars Timothee Chalamet and Hammer, that Sartori calls particularly touching.)

Sartori said he enjoyed Frances McDormands performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. (Its a strange movie, he said. She is a bit provocative. Shes doing this part, which is not exactly what I like, but shes fantastic as an actress.)

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Although the Red Carpet Collection shows how the Zegna brand is dedicated to becoming a go-to for celebrities and other Hollywood VIPs, Sartori has the global purview of the Ermenegildo Zegna brand to oversee, which includes the new Couture XXX Collection of mix-and-match essentials ranging from $135 to $2,295 that was unveiled in Los Angeles late last year.

I like the idea of evolving, moving and shaping the modern silhouette of tomorrow  but grounded, though, in human craftsmanship, he said. An interesting mix of tailoring and sportswear, of technical and crafted, of organic and technical. But also to have a very chic, modern Italian style.

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This awards season, there have been safe fashion bets, bold statements, plenty of all-black looks, an onslaught of white ones and blatant misses on red carpets from the East Coast to the West Coast. However, one thing has been consistent at almost every major awards show so far: the strong presence of artfully constructed bags from accessories designer Tyler Ellis.

Her latest style, which made its first appearance on the red carpet last summer, is a particularly sentimental one. Its called the Perry and named for Ellis late father, designer Perry Ellis. The bag has been a favorite for celebrities, and will soon be available to non-Hollywood shoppers.

This one is really special, said Ellis, 33. Its emerald shape is inspired by my engagement ring. It reminds me of my wedding. My father obviously wasnt there, but I thought tying it all together in one clutch would be special.

On the red-carpet circuit, the Perry bag has shown up in the hands of Diane Kruger, Viola Davis, Olivia Munn and Tracee Ellis Ross. And at this years Golden Globes alone, Tyler Ellis bags were carried by Salma Hayek Pinault, Meryl Streep, Sharon Stone, Reese Witherspoon, Mandy Moore, Octavia Spencer and Oprah Winfrey.

Its humbling, Ellis said. Im so honored that such strong, incredibly talented and brilliant women with everything at their fingertips choose to carry my bags.

Ellis is the only child of the renowned American designer. She was conceived via in-vitro fertilization after her father, who was gay, decided to have a child with his best friend, TV writer and producer Barbara Gallagher. Perry Ellis, who served as president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, died at age 46 from AIDS-related complications in 1986, a year and a half after Ellis was born.

They never made it seem odd to me, Ellis said of her childhood. I always felt very loved. My father and mother were the best of friends. I was a baby made out of love.

Raised in the Pacific Palisades, Ellis went to Boston University to study film and television. However, she realized it was fashion, particularly accessories, she was passionate about. With that in mind, she moved to New York to intern for Michael Kors. The experience inspired her to start her own label in 2011, which was originally called Tyler Alexandra. It launched with two styles: a clutch and a purse, named Winifred and Edwin for her paternal grandparents.

Tyler Ellis' artfully constructed bags have been a red-carpet favorite this awards season. Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

A bag made from exotic materials from the Tyler Ellis line. Prices for bags range from about $950 to $15,000. Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

Another Tyler Ellis bag. Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

However, the launch was in some ways a false start. It took Ellis three years to find a factory that was up to her production standards. Eventually, she discovered one in Florence, Italy, where all of her bags are currently made.

I found a father-son factory, and thats when things started to change, Ellis said. They treat the bags like theyre their babies as well. Thats when I started to evolve as a designer, because they understood me, and I was able to grow.

That growth translated into more styles and an increased confidence in her ability as a designer, which led to a big decision last year. Ellis officially changed the name of her line to Tyler Ellis, finally embracing her famous last name.

My spring/summer line last year was the first Tyler Ellis collection, Ellis said. I felt ready. I had a fear of being in my fathers footsteps  it was so daunting to be in his shadow  but I realized I can do my own thing.

It isnt only the labels name that has changed. In 2017, Tyler moved her headquarters from New York to Los Angeles, choosing to return to her hometown. (Although she moved back to the West Coast in 2014, her business and husband remained in New York until last year). Growing up in L.A., it was always in my heart  I couldnt escape it, Ellis said.

Her collection has also evolved. Next season, there will be 10 styles, the options varied and vast, ranging from laser-cut leather structured totes and exotic-skin crossbody bags to marbled plexi clutches.

In Ellis line, youll also find pouches embellished with Swarovski crystals, hard-framed, box-shaped bags and double-handle doctor bags. The styles are named for Ellis family, friends and puppies, which she refers to as the important things in her life.

Accessories designer Tyler Ellis with some of her Tyler Ellis label handbags. Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

All the bags are lined in Tylers signature Thayer blue, a reference to the street she grew up on. Prices range from about $950 (for an envelope clutch) to $15,000 (for a large exotic bag).

I want to make a super tight collection  bags you can transfer from day to night, Ellis said.

She also makes sure all her purses, regardless of size, are functional, meaning they are lightweight and can fit large cellphones as well as have pockets and detachable chains. The bags are mostly sold through her website, tylerellis.com, and at a few select boutiques in the U.S. and abroad. Also, they can be customized, down to the material, color and hardware.

Ellis said bespoke bags are a common request from brides, causing her to start a special bridal collection, which will launch later this year. Also on the horizon is Ellis second collaboration with womenswear brand Noon By Noor. The pieces had their debut on Noon by Noors runway at New York Fashion Week in September. (Ellis also shows at Paris Fashion Week.)

Im a jeans and a T-shirt girl, Ellis said. I like to have a bag I can take to lunch and then go to dinner with. I want people to wear my designs. I dont want them to sit in your closet. Theyre meant to be used and enjoyed.

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New Orleans police last year investigated Breaking Bad actor Dean Norris after a woman said he sexually assaulted her, but prosecutors ultimately decided not to file charges, the Orleans Parish district attorneys office has confirmed.

New Orleans police received a report alleging assault by Norris last June, according to authorities. A 32-year-old Ohio woman who was visiting the city told police that Norris forced a sexual encounter against her will.

Detectives did not believe there was probable cause for an immediate arrest and requested a non-arrest consult with prosecutors late last year, according to the district attorneys office. After reviewing the case, prosecutors determined there wasnt enough evidence to merit prosecution, said Ken Daley, spokesman for Orleans Parish Dist. Atty. Leon Cannizzaro.

Based on the information brought to the D.A.'s office by the NOPD, we would not have enough to go forward, Daley said. Should additional evidence be made available, we certainly would reevaluate the case.

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Daley said both Norris and the woman accusing him were fully cooperative and provided statements to detectives.

Norris, a 54-year-old veteran actor based in Temecula, is best known for portraying DEA agent Hank Schrader on the popular AMC series Breaking Bad. He is currently appearing in the TNT show Claws, parts of which were filmed in New Orleans.

Michael Holtz, an attorney for Norris, said the allegations reported to police were not true and contradicted by witnesses and evidence. He declined to elaborate on the evidence.

The fact that the New Orleans police and D.A., after a full investigation, did not issue a warrant or press charges confirms that these allegations are unsubstantiated and not credible, he said.

The woman told police and The Times that Norris invited her and another woman to drinks at a bar after she asked him for a photo because she was a fan of Breaking Bad. Norris, who was with a friend, invited the two women back to a condo where he was staying, she said.

She said she blacked out from excessive drinking and did not remember going to the actors apartment, where she woke up the next morning undressed and disoriented. Norris then forced intercourse, despite her repeatedly telling him no and attempting to physically stop him, she told police and the Times.. The Times does not identify persons alleging sexual assault.

I tried to block him, I told him no. What else can I do? she said.

The woman said she suffered physical pain after the assault and reported the incident to police a few days later after returning home to Ohio, where she told her husband what happened and went to a hospital for a rape kit. Her husband corroborated her version of events.

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Even though Im not some Hollywood star, I still matter; it still matters that this happened, she said. I need to stand up for myself.

While the #MeToo movement has prompted police in Los Angeles, New York and London to open investigations into allegations involving producer Harvey Weinstein and other prominent figures in Hollywood, to date, no criminal charges have been filed.

The flood of public allegations has also highlighted the challenge of criminally prosecuting sex cases where the evidence is in effect the victims word against the statement of the accused.

In 2015, the New York Police Department investigated an Italian models claim that Weinstein groped her but concluded after an investigation that a criminal charge is not supported.

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Police in Beverly Hills in 2001 also investigated director Brett Ratner and hip hop mogul Russell Simmons on sexual battery allegations after a woman reported that she was held against her will and inappropriately touched by the two men at Ratners home. The Los Angeles County district attorneys office declined to file charges at the time, citing insufficient evidence.

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The Los Angeles Unified School Districts $37-million Cafe L.A. project at first seemed like a stunning success.

In 18 months, 64 school cafeterias were gutted and transformed so that students could be served faster  and with healthier options.

Then the districts auditors looked at the books. They concluded the construction came at a high cost.

The three companies that had done the work had overcharged for equipment and services, charged for equipment that was never purchased and used less expensive materials than they had said they would, the auditors said.

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The school district sued, launching nearly six years of litigation, which was not publicized by any of the parties involved.

District officials discussed the cases for the first time this month after the latest verdict, in which a Los Angeles Superior Court jury ordered Chicago-based F.H. Paschen to pay the district $855,000.

Overall, with that and other judgments, the district has won $5.04 million from F.H. Paschen, including interest. In separate cases, the district has won $5.03 million from Torres Construction, while MTM Construction paid it $900,000 in a settlement.

The three companies have denied wrongdoing, and some rulings and appeals still are pending. But the money recovered by L.A. Unified is approaching $11 million.

The district sought and was awarded the difference between what it paid  and what it should have paid had the proposals been properly priced, said David M. Huff, who was part of L.A. Unifieds legal team.

Going after the money was a high-risk move for the nations second-largest school system. The targeted contractors  and their insurers  had resources to dig in and fight back. They also had motivation, since adverse decisions could jeopardize future California public works contracts. Expensive, unsuccessful litigation would have been embarrassing for a school district already facing financial challenges serious enough to threaten its solvency.

The allegations against all the contractors were similar.

In a 2014 decision, L.A. Superior Court Judge Richard L. Fruin laid out ways in which F.H. Paschen overcharged.

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At Burroughs Middle School, for example, the cafeteria needed two cashier stations and F. H. Paschen installed them, at more than $2,400 apiece. But the company, in its contract, charged for five units as well as four-tenths of another one.

At Birmingham High, it installed two cabinets to keep food warm  each costing more than $3,000  but charged for four and part of another.

In its contract, for many items, the company was allowed a 5% profit. But it took a cut nearly five times that big. Through such practices, F.H. Paschen charged about $65,000 too much at Burroughs and Birmingham combined.

F.H. Paschen and the other companies also said they would use products  including electrical wiring  more expensive than the ones they installed, putting in the Chevrolet but charging for the Cadillac, said Huff of the L.A. Unified legal team.

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The district inspectors signed off because our plans showed a Chevrolet and the Chevrolet was delivered, Huff said.

MTM, which is based in the City of Industry, admitted no fault in its settlement, and the other two companies still are fighting in court.

Lawyers for F.H. Paschen have argued, in part, that L.A. Unified managers not only approved their proposals but instructed the company to write them in the way that they did.

At no point did F.H. Paschen overcharge the district for its work, said the companys attorney, Marion T. Hack.

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Attorney Andrew Harris, who represents Los Angeles-based Torres Construction, said: There was never any criticism of Torres during the time the work was being performed, either in terms of the pricing or the quality of work.

The construction that led to the litigation came about when L.A. Unified set out to speedily solve one of its long-standing problems.

For decades, many school cafeterias hadnt been able to meet demand efficiently. Students waited in long lunch lines and ended up without enough time to eat. Many were skipping lunch altogether.

Students such as Brandon Sanchez, a ninth-grader, can make use of multiple lines and grab and go choices to get food faster at Maywood Center for Enriched Studies, which opened this school year. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times )

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The new cafeterias allowed for multiple lines in which students could grab prepackaged offerings from cabinets that kept food hot or cold. They were not set up for cooking; food was prepared in central kitchens and then trucked to campuses.

To get the cafeterias ready quickly  and to try to save money  the district used what is known as job-order contracting. It was a first for California school districts, though it is not uncommon for government projects.

To be eligible for the cafeteria work, contractors had to agree to follow a catalog that set prices and the allowable amount of profit.

In L.A. Unified the maximum for a single job was set at $1 million.

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The project launched in March 2008. Construction began within six months and all 64 cafeterias were finished by September 2009.

When the project began, the three contractors already were getting a lot of work in a $20-billion districtwide effort, begun in 1997, to build, repair and modernize campuses. F.H. Paschen and Torres, a company founded in 2001, each won about $120 million in contracts for projects across the school system, according to L.A. Unified. The contracts for MTM totaled $22.3 million.

In this 2014 photo, cafeteria worker Andrea Jimenez keeps a food cabinet stocked as a student grabs items prepared in a central kitchen and then trucked to Bravo Medical Magnet High School in Los Angeles. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times )

The Cafe L.A. project seemed likely to open the door to more opportunities for these companies, including subsequent cafeteria makeovers  until the audits by the districts inspector general. Auditors examined numerous companies job-order contracts for cafeteria work as well as other projects.

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Some of the job orders were overpriced and unreasonably priced, but still approved, auditors wrote in a 2011 report. Twelve of 17 sample projects exceeded proper costs by 77% on average, they concluded.

In response, district officials made significant changes to the contracting program and decided to sue the three companies over the Cafe L.A. work.

In his 2014 ruling for the district, Judge Fruin noted L.A. Unifieds shortcomings, writing that F.H. Paschen has plenty of ammunition for its arguments.

An L.A. Unified representative, the judge said, had instructed F.H. Paschen to prepare a proposal that would mirror one made by Torres. Staff at the Chicago company took that to mean they should charge the higher prices that Torres was charging, their attorneys said.

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In his ruling, Fruin quoted a company attorney, who said, We manipulated the contract. We freely admit that.  That is exactly what we were instructed to do [by L.A. Unified] and we did it.

District managers also signed off on the completed work, and the districts lawyers have not challenged its quality.

But Fruin concluded that the school system still had the right to seek remedies after the audit findings.

The inspector general for L.A. Unified, which oversaw the audits, evaluated the possibility of collusion between the companies and wrongdoing or negligence by L.A. Unified employees. But these investigations were either inconclusive or dropped.

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By the time this was discovered, most if not all of the district employees and consultants involved had moved on, said Mark Miller, an L.A. Unified attorney. I believe there was a reduction in force and there was no one left to discipline.

Huff, representing L.A. Unified, said that the districts oversight process ultimately worked.

Just because a district employee or consultant misses something, he said, that doesnt mean that the contractor gets to get away with it.

howard.blume@latimes.com

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@howardblume

UPDATES:

4:30 p.m., Feb. 26: This article was updated to include more examples of the alleged overcharging.

This article was originally published on Feb. 22.
A Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy was charged Wednesday with sexually assaulting six female inmates in a Lynwood jail facility.

Giancarlo Scotti, 31, faces six felony counts and two misdemeanor counts of sexual activity with a detainee in a detention facility, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

When reached by phone Wednesday, Scottis defense attorney, Anthony Falangetti, said his client plans to plead not guilty.

Sheriffs Deputy Giancarlo Scotti never sexually assaulted anybody, Falangetti said.

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The alleged assaults reportedly occurred at the Century Regional Detention Facility between March and September last year. Scotti, a 10-year veteran of the department, was arrested in September, hours after two women came forward to a teaching instructor with allegations about an attack. He was released from custody on bail.

At the time, Sheriff Jim McDonnell said the women shared a cell and Scotti was able to put himself in a place where he was alone with them. The attacks took place over the course of an hour, he said.

Prosecutors said Wednesday that Scotti ordered the two inmates to perform oral sex on him and that he later took the women to a shower area and had unlawful sex with both of them.

Inmates cannot legally consent to sexual intercourse with deputies under state and federal law.

In November, the Sheriffs Department said investigators had interviewed 150 witnesses and presented a case to prosecutors a month earlier that involved three victims. Since then, investigators have identified three additional victims, said Nicole Nishida, a spokeswoman for the agency.

Last year, two women filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Sheriffs Department accusing Scotti of assaulting them. According to the complaint, Scotti was known as a cool guard who flirted with inmates.

In August, the lawsuit alleged, a pregnant inmate was changing inside her cell when he approached and ordered her to expose her genitals to him.

Scotti then opened his pants and ordered her to get on her knees, according to the lawsuit. The woman took Scottis words as an order to perform oral sex and felt like she had no other choice but to comply with Deputy Scottis forcible commands, according to the lawsuit.

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The second plaintiff in the lawsuit accused Scotti of sexually assaulting her in a shower at the jail the day before his arrest. She saved some of Scottis semen on a piece of tissue paper, which she provided to investigators, according to the suit.

Both women, who are no longer in custody, also alleged they were mistreated by jail staff after agreeing to speak with investigators about Scotti.

One was restricted from drug and mental health counseling after reporting the alleged abuse, and jail staff denied her the special meals reserved for pregnant women, according to the lawsuit.

The Times generally does not name victims in sexual assault cases.

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Justin Sterling, an attorney representing the two plaintiffs, said Wednesday that he was pleased with the charges.

This case represents the worst of the worst in terms of law enforcement abuse by an individual that was actually tasked with protecting these women, he said. Its the start of the process that ultimately gets them one step closer to justice.

Scotti, who officials said remains on paid administrative leave, was arrested again on Wednesday, his attorney said. Prosecutors recommended his bail be set at $400,000.

If convicted of all the charges, he faces up to seven years and four months in state prison.

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To read this article in Spanish, click here

Times staff writer James Queally contributed to this report.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AleneTchek

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UPDATES:

9:35 p.m.: This article was updated with more details.

6:40 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Scottis defense attorney.

This article was originally published at 6:10 p.m.
Erik Howell was about to leave work in January when the spare battery for his electronic cigarette exploded in his left pocket.

His pants ignited. The flames charred his legs, genitals and about 75% of the skin on his penis, his lawyer said.

Still reeling from the pain and recovering from the burns, Howell, 26, on Wednesday took legal aim at what he alleges is one of the culprits for his injuries: LG Chem, the Korean chemical company thats among the worlds largest battery manufacturers.

Even though I try to go through my day ... the public definitely needs to be aware of these batteries, Howell said at a news conference in a Glendale hotel to announce a lawsuit.

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LG Chem, a subsidiary of LG, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Howells Los Angeles Superior Court case is one of 10 civil suits filed across the state  including in Riverside, Placer, San Diego and Santa Barbara counties  by electronic cigarette users who say the vaping device or battery left them injured and burned.

Four of the cases, including Howells, name LG Chem as a defendant. The suits also target an array of smoke shops and vendors that peddle e-cigarettes and batteries.

These are devastating injuries, said Gregory L. Bentley of Irvine-based Bentley & More LLP, the lead attorney in the batch of cases. Second- and third-degree burns. Loss of teeth, loss of eyes. These are massive injuries that are occurring across the country.

Its crazy to me that the No. 1 battery manufacturer in the world is producing batteries that are exploding, causing significant injuries, Bentley added. He said his firm is handling an additional 15 cases against LG Chem associated with e-cigarettes.

Mark Hardy was at a job site in Long Beach when, he said, an LG-made battery in his right pocket exploded, causing second- and third-degree burns to his leg and thigh, according to his lawsuit, expected to be filed in Riverside County Superior Court.

In 2016, Amelia Vickers was driving from her home in Orcutt, in the Santa Maria Valley, when a battery blew up in her apron pocket, setting her clothes ablaze. The flames left her with first- and second-degree burns to her left leg, face and elbow, her attorneys said.

Howells injuries occurred Jan. 15, and after his clothes ignited, he was rushed to Kaiser Permanente in Panorama City, then taken to the burn unit at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, according to his lawsuit.

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Proponents of electronic cigarettes view many of the lawsuits with skepticism and say that a spare lithium-ion battery in ones pocket only becomes a hazard because of the presence of keys or coins.

With any lithium-ion batteries, if it is loose and comes into contact with metal, a reaction can occur, said Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Assn., an advocacy organization. Many vape shops give away battery cases. If a consumer leaves a store and declines to use the case, theres nothing they can do.

Electronic cigarettes have been sold in the U.S. since 2007 and for many are a popular alternative to smoking regular cigarettes. There are about 2.75 million e-cigarette smokers in the U.S. in an industry with sales approaching $3 billion, according to figures released by the L.A.-based Statistic Brain research institute.

The devices typically include lithium-ion batteries with a flammable liquid that can explode. Howells lawsuit contends that poor design, defective manufacturing, inappropriate use and other factors can lead to a rise in the batterys internal temperature and trigger a fire or explosion.

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A 2017 report by the U.S. Fire Administration found that between 2009 and 2016, nearly 200 incidents of fires or explosions involving e-cigarettes were reported across the nation, according to news reports. None were fatal, but about one-third led to severe injuries.

The report found that just over 30% of incidents occurred when the battery or e-cigarette was in a users pocket.

Bentley has become one of the leading attorneys in the litigation against e-cigarette sellers after he persuaded jurors in Riverside County in 2015 to award $1.9 million to a woman who was burned by her e-cigarette battery.

On Wednesday, the lawyer said he was troubled by the lack of regulation of the e-cigarette market as well as its targeting of minors.

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This industry will not police itself, Bentley said. We saw how the cigarette industry failed to police itself.

Conley, of the vaping advocacy group, disagreed. He said that many small vaping companies were opposed to policy proposals that would result in handing the market to big Wall Street-backed firms.

This industry is resisting regulation thats prohibition in disguise, he said.

Meanwhile, a long recovery awaits Howell, who also named in his lawsuit two shops  in Burbank and La Canada Flintridge  where he purchased the battery, a charger and other devices connected to the electronic cigarette. Its still not clear whether the burns left functional problems in the burn area around his genitals.

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The doctors are uncertain, Bentley said. He suffered a lot of nerve damage. Time will tell.

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

Twitter: @MattHjourno
An 89-year-old woman was beaten to death in an apartment near Hollywood Boulevard on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

Jerrod Vaile-Martindale, 29, was arrested on suspicion of murder after he attacked the woman in the 7000 block of Hawthorne Avenue around 12:30 p.m., according to an LAPD spokeswoman.

The victim, who was not identified, resided at the apartment building with several roommates whom she was not related to, police said. Vaile-Martindale was visiting the residence when he became embroiled in an argument with the victim, according to police.

Vaile-Martindale is not related to the victim, and it was not clear what sparked the argument, police said.

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The suspect is being held in lieu of $2 million bail, and a case has been presented to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.
A group of Los Angeles lawmakers pledged Wednesday to avoid not-in-my-backyard battles over where destitute residents should be housed, promising to back a minimum number of new supportive housing units for homeless people in the districts they represent.

The City Council resolution would not be binding, but lawmakers stressed that they were making a public commitment  and throwing down the gauntlet for others on the council to do the same.

We have to build this housing everywhere in the city of Los Angeles, City Council President Herb Wesson said at a news conference outside the New Genesis Apartments on Main Street. And we feel as though the council should make a commitment that were all going to do that.

The resolution calls on each council member to back the approval of least 222 units of supportive housing in his or her district before July 1, 2020, including any units approved since last July.

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Homeless advocates say that if all 15 members of the council do so, it would put the city on track to reach its goal of creating 10,000 units of permanent supportive housing in a decade.

The proposal was introduced Wednesday by Wesson and council members Nury Martinez, Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Jose Huizar. Councilmen Mike Bonin, Paul Krekorian and David Ryu seconded the resolution, which will now head to a council committee for further review.

We see too much fearfulness by elected officials and neighborhood leaders and others that if you provide services to the homeless, if you build housing for the homeless, somehow thats going to create additional problems for the neighborhood, Krekorian, whose district stretches from Studio City to Sun Valley, said at the news conference. Im here to say, this is the solution to problems in the neighborhood.

Los Angeles voters overwhelmingly backed a $1.2-billion bond more than a year ago to build new housing  Proposition HHH  and later voted for a countywide tax to fund services. But as that money has started to flow in, the homeless population has grown much more quickly than the supply of new housing, according to a new report from the regional homelessness agency.

Faced with swelling frustration over a crisis felt from Chatsworth to San Pedro, L.A. city lawmakers are already vetting new ordinances meant to speed up city approval for new housing equipped with supportive services and make it easier to temporarily turn motels into homeless housing.

The pledge announced Wednesday is meant to help break down another possible barrier: Council members sometimes face pressure to turn down homeless housing projects in their districts. Such projects must get a letter of acknowledgment from the local lawmaker before they can secure Prop. HHH funds from the housing department.

Bonin, who represents coastal areas, said he was approached at the recent Womens March by two residents  one upset about homeless encampments on the Venice streets, the other concerned about proposals for homeless housing in Venice. He said he told them that it was an either-or situation, and we either have encampments or we have housing.

Bonin added that the second resident raised concerns that Venice was being singled out for such housing. Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson said he had heard similar concerns from South L.A. residents who told him, Its right to build housing for the homeless, but you know that theyre going to try to build every one of those units in our neighborhood.

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Harris-Dawson said that ensuring some geographic equity could ease pressure on council members. I think all of us would get a lot of relief if our constituents could pick up the paper and say, Oh, this is happening everywhere! as opposed to, Why here?  he said in an earlier interview.

In Los Angeles, homeless housing has been disproportionately concentrated in some council districts that cover downtown, Hollywood and some parts of the San Fernando Valley, according to an analysis by the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

The group cautioned that the analysis does not include all kinds of supportive housing for homeless residents, but said it had examined developments that were funded through the city housing department or a county development commission.

Huizar, whose downtown district includes skid row, described the pledge as a key step to roll back the containment policy that had effectively restricted homeless services to certain areas. Martinez lamented that the United Way analysis showed that nearly three quarters of existing supportive housing is located in just five of the 15 council districts.

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The pledge will not erase all neighborhood concerns about where such housing is located: Christian Wrede, a co-founder of the community group Venice Vision, said the resolution was a good step, but that the city also needs to ensure that neighborhoods within each council district have their fair share of supportive housing.

Doing so, he said, would also ensure accountability for lawmakers. If they concentrate everything in 5% of their council district, theres no chance of electoral blowback, Wrede said.

Council members are also facing growing impatience from Angelenos who backed the bond measure and county tax to confront the homelessness crisis.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a nonprofit that has clashed with city leaders over real estate development, has erected billboards across Los Angeles that feature the word HOMELESS in the style of the Hollywood sign. The billboards direct people to a website with dire statistics about homelessness where they can contact Mayor Eric Garcetti and other officials.

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Its not even a drop in the bucket, foundation President Michael Weinstein said of the pledged number of new units in each district. If Herb Wesson and Eric Garcetti are serious, they should declare a state of emergency. They should back a right to shelter. And they should come up with an emergency plan to offer a roof over everyones head this year.

Earlier this week, Bonin and Harris-Dawson called for such a plan, one that would provide everyone living on L.A. streets with an alternative to encampments by the end of December.

They complained there was no institutional or organizational sense of urgency to provide immediate shelter for tens of thousands of people while housing is under construction, calling the situation unacceptable and intolerable. The two lawmakers also want a comprehensive list of public facilities that could legally be used as shelters, temporary housing or safe parking areas.

Huizar, in turn, has pressed city staff to come up with new recommendations specifically for quickly getting people off the streets of skid row. At a meeting Wednesday, a council committee backed his proposal to ask staff to analyze the costs of funding and managing emergency shelters for its homeless population.

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The result of the citys policies is that we are telling people to live on city sidewalks, Bonin said after voting to back that proposal. We had, and have an opportunity, to provide shelter, and instead all we provide is sidewalks.

Times staff writers Dakota Smith and Doug Smith contributed to this report.

emily.alpert@latimes.com

Twitter: @AlpertReyes
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The European Union needs to maintain a strong regional policy in order to fulfil its international commitments to reduce carbon emissions, the leader of the EU's local and regional politicians said on 22 February.

Karl-Heinz Lambertz , President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), was speaking at a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the European Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy , which, he said, had "exceeded all expectations" and had become a "true European success story". The Covenant of Mayors was created in Europe in 2008 to support any city or region that voluntarily wanted to exceed the EU's emissions-reduction target. It became a global initiative in 2016 when it was merged with the Compact of Mayors.

Speaking in the European Parliament alongside its President, Antonio Tajani, President Lambertz said: "Ten years ago, no one would have guessed that over 9,000 towns and cities would sign up to this bottom-up movement to fight climate change or that it would spread worldwide. But local leaders understand that greening our economies, cleaning our air and ensuring a health sustainable supply of food improves the lives of our citizens. Cities and regions are the answer to the climate and energy challenge and are taking the lead . National governments need to formally recognise this by giving cities and regions a formal seat at the table in the global talks on climate change."

At the event, which was held one day before EU leaders meet to discuss the next EU budget, President Lambertz added: "If Europe is to continue to be a global climate champion, if we are to make Europe green again, it must ensure local and regional leaders have the right funding. That means ensuring that EU cohesion policy  which currently commits more than 25% of its budget to climate action  remains strong and effective. Cohesion policy funds local climate and energy action plans, invests in energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable public transport in our regions and cities. Undermining cohesion policy would have grave repercussions on our ability to create green jobs, reduce our carbon emissions and move towards a low-carbon economy."

He urged supporters of climate action to advocate for the EU's cohesion policy to be strong, more effective, visible and available for every region and city in the EU after 2020. The Committee  the EU's assembly of 350 local and regional leaders  has submitted extensive recommendations on how to improve the policy. Together with the leading European associations of regions and cities, it also launched the #CohesionAlliance , a coalition of those who believe that EU cohesion policy must continue to be a pillar of the EU's future. This was also President Lambertz's main message in a letter sent to Donald Tusk , President of the European Council, on 21 February, in which he further called for the EU budget to be "increased to 1.3% of gross national income of the EU27".

Notes to editors:

Speakers at the ceremony to mark the ten years of the European Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy included mayors from across Europe and three European commissioners, Vice-President Maros Sefcovic , Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete , and Commissioner Carlos Moedas . The European Commission funds the European Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy.

In addition to President Lambertz, three CoR members spoke: Fernando Lopez Miras (ES/EPP), President of the Region of Murcia; Juan Espadas Cejas (ES/PES), Mayor of Seville; and Andrea Turcanova (SK/EPP), Mayor of Presov. The CoR, a political patron of the Covenant of Mayors, contributed to the debate on the movement's globalisation with recommendations in 2015. The rapporteur was Kata Tutto (HU/PES). The CoR organised one of four workshops during the day, on "The future outlook for the Covenant of Mayors: going beyond climate and energy?" The workshop was chaired by Cor Lamers (NL/EPP), Mayor of Schiedam and chairman of the CoR's Commission for the Environment, Climate Change and Energy.

In Europe, signatories to the Covenant of Mayors have reduced their emissions by about 23% relative to 1990 levels. This compares with the EU's overall objective of a 20% reduction by 2020.

The EU has an objective of spending at least 20% of its budget on climate action. European Commission figures from 2017 indicate that more than 25% of funding from the cohesion policy has been directed to climate-related projects since 2014. Of 73 billion spent by that point since 2014, 22bn was invested in protection of the environment, 16.5bn in climate-change adaptation and risk-prevention projects, 15.5bn in transport and energy networks, and 11bn in actions  such as energy efficiency  to support a low-carbon economy. The contribution of European cohesion funds to delivering on the climate-policy objectives agreed in Paris in 2015 was the subject of a European Parliament study in 2017 .

Photos are available via Flickr .

Contact:

Andrew Gardner

Tel. +32 473 843 981

andrew.gardner@cor.europa.eu
Two teenagers were arrested Wednesday after allegedly threatening to harm students at two high schools in Long Beach, police said, prompting authorities to step up patrols around the citys campuses.

Both students, 15 and 16 years old, were arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats in what investigators believe are unrelated incidents, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

A school resource officer assigned to Millikan High School was alerted Wednesday morning that classmates overheard the 15-year-old freshman threatening violence on campus.

Almost three hours later, officers responded to a similar call at Wilson High School, where the 16-year-old junior was held.

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Detectives scoured social media accounts, interviewed numerous potential witnesses and conducted searches as part of the investigations.

Long Beach Police Sgt. Brad Johnson declined to provide further details, saying investigators dont want to taint any potential witnesses. Its unclear whether the two teens had access to weapons.

A night earlier, detectives investigated an unsubstantiated threat of a shooting being planned at Long Beach Polytechnic High School. After working through the night, investigators found no credible threat to the campus, officials said.

The arrests come after authorities thwarted a students alleged plot to carry out a shooting at a Whittier high school.

A school resource deputy at El Camino High School said he overheard a student say, I guarantee you the school will be shot up in three weeks.

Hours later, investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department searched the teens home and recovered two semiautomatic AR-15 rifles, two handguns and 90 high-capacity magazines.

Law enforcement officials, who are on high alert after a school shooting in Florida left 17 people dead, said theyve seen a surge in tips about potential school shootings in 2018.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

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Twitter: @AleneTchek
A suspected car thief who led police on a wild pursuit that ended a mile into a Metro Gold Line subway tunnel was charged Thursday with six felonies and could get more than four years in prison if convicted.

Rafael Lopez Jr., 27, was apprehended Tuesday night after police said he drove a stolen truck into the Gold Line tunnel and jumped out halfway into the 2-mile light rail passage. Police officers found Lopez hiding in a storage closet, but a female passenger was able to get away.

Prosecutors charged Lopez with fleeing a pursuing officer while driving recklessly, fleeing a pursuing officer and driving against traffic, taking a vehicle without the owners consent, receiving a stolen vehicle, hit-and-run driving resulting in injury and hit-and-run resulting in property damage. They are seeking to hold him in lieu of $150,000 bail. If convicted of all the charges, Lopez faces up to four years and four months in prison.

Huntington Park police spotted Lopez in the stolen truck near Gage and Salt Lake avenues Tuesday night, according to prosecutors, and when officers attempted to pull him over, he sped off.

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Pursuing officers reported that Lopez reached speeds exceeding 80 mph, ran red lights, traveled on the wrong side of city streets and struck a taxi, injuring two people.

With officers on his tail, the driver veered his truck off the road and into a Metro subway tunnel in Boyle Heights, disappearing from the view of helicopters broadcasting the chase. Metro officials shut down the Gold Line as officers went into the tunnel and checked the subway station at Soto Street.

At that moment, authorities worried the truck could hit a train. Metro quickly shut off service, and it turned out there were no trains in the short tunnel, which runs through a portion of Boyle Heights.

The tunnel  it was a first for us in a pursuit, said Huntington Park Police Lt. Al Martinez. We dont like firsts.

Televised car chases have long been a source of fascination in Southern California, even though the vast majority end the same way, with drivers eventually being stopped and arrested. Sometimes, drivers simply give up or run out of gas. Other times, police use spike strips or the PIT maneuver to spin the vehicle and stop it.

Yet watching these chases involves a certain faith that maybe, just maybe, the driver will outrun the cops.

Against the odds, some do get away. A Los Angeles Times analysis found that the Los Angeles Police Department reported making arrests in 82% of chases from 2006 to 2014, well above the state average of 68%. More recent data were not immediately available.

People are always going to try and get away, but it is pretty hard to escape, said Greg Meyer, a retired Los Angeles police captain and pursuit training expert.

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In November, three suspects thought to be involved in the armed robbery of a Laguna Niguel wireless store managed to escape police after a lengthy pursuit from Orange County to Pasadena, where they jumped out of their vehicle at the Paseo Colorado mall. They have yet to be caught.

A Los Angeles County civil grand jury studied 421 police pursuits in the county that were reported to the California Highway Patrol in a 12-month period beginning October 2015. The grand jurys report found that suspects were immediately apprehended in 67% of the chases, leaving 139 pursuits that did not end in an arrest. Fifty-nine involved vehicles that escaped, and 47 ended because police abandoned the pursuit, usually for safety reasons. The others included suspects who fled on foot vehicles that crashed.

The report concluded that some pursuits caused unnecessary bystander injuries and deaths and that law enforcement officers need better training to reduce the risk of crashes during high-speed pursuits.

The Times analysis showed that LAPD pursuits injure bystanders at more than twice the rate of police chases in the rest of California. From 2006 to 2014, 334 bystanders were injured  1 for every 10 LAPD pursuits, according to the review of pursuit data reported to the CHP.

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richard.winton@latimes.com

Twitter: @lacrimes
In a world of senseless chaos and cruelty, there are apparently two ways to comprehend whats driving the student-led gun control activism spreading across the country:

1. After a gunman killed 17 students and faculty at a high school in Parkland, Fla., last week, the students have launched a movement that began in their liberal enclave and snowballed on social media across a generation fed up with mass shootings.

Or:

2. The angry young people giving interviews on national television are not students at all but crisis actors who travel from tragedy to tragedy and pretend to be victims, and the students have not organized the protests on their own but are agents of Democratic donor George Soros, the liberal media or the anti-Trump FBI.

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If you were waiting for a bottom to Americas fake-news madness, it very well may have arrived.

Over the last week, right-wing news outlets and social media users have started circulating elaborate conspiracy theories about students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who have raised their voices and taken over the political debate on gun control.

In a way it was predictable. The last two years of the nations political discourse have often been driven by powerful forces of paranoia that have warped public debate and undermined prominent political figures.

But this time, those prominent political figures happen to be teenagers.

One Facebook user found a video of shooting survivor David Hogg, one of the most prominent voices calling for gun control, giving an interview to CBS2 in Los Angeles in August 2017.

So Called Student, But actually a CRISIS ACTOR, David Hogg, was on camera months ago, pretending to be a high school student in California, the user wrote. Now, suddenly, he is a high school student in Florida???

The post was shared more than 100,000 times.

No matter that in a follow-up story this week, the CBS2 reporter explained that she had interviewed him because he had been visiting family and friends in Los Angeles and happened to record a confrontation between one of his friends and a lifeguard at Redondo Beach.

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Im not a crisis actor, Hogg said in an interview on CNN. Im someone who had to witness this and live through this, and I continue to be having to do that.

The conspiracy claim was especially disturbing for Rep. Ted Lieu, a Democrat from Torrance who knows Hoggs mother  who has been a teacher in Torrance  and whose family knows Hogg himself.

He is definitely not a crisis actor,  Lieu said. He is a student who is trying to explain to America what he witnessed in that horrific mass shooting.

Lieu said he was appalled by the attacks on the students, and yet unsurprised.

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Theyve been quite effective, I believe, in media, articulating a message that some people find threatening, which is that we need reasonable gun safety measures, Lieu said.

Of course, such comments, especially from a Democrat, only fuel the conspiracy theories about the students.

Facebook said Wednesday it would take down posts that attack the victims of last weeks tragedy in Florida, which the companys head of content policy, Mary deBree, called abhorrent.

A similar policy was enacted by YouTube, where at one point eight of the top 10 results for searches for David Hogg were conspiracy videos, and its top-trending video was from a user who called Hogg DAVID HOGG THE ACTOR.

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This video should never have appeared in the sites trending section, YouTube said in a statement, explaining that the video was misclassified by an algorithm because it contained footage from CBS2, an authoritative news source. We are working to improve our systems moving forward.

But social media hasnt been the only place where the conspiracy theories have been propagated.

Gateway Pundit, a right-wing site with credentials to cover the White House, criticized Hogg for being the son of a retired FBI special agent, suggesting that his attacks on the Trump administration were retaliation for the administrations attacks on the agency.

The presidents son Donald Trump Jr. liked a similar post on Twitter attacking Hogg for his FBI connection.

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Now, I dont want to call them crisis actors ... Gateway Pundits White House correspondent, Lucian Wintrich, tweeted. But they are all trained actors who were recruited by Soros-linked organizations as spokespeople after a crisis.

Former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, who was once tapped for a post in the Trump administrations Homeland Security Department, tweeted that the well ORGANIZED effort by Florida school students demanding gun control has GEORGE SOROS FINGERPRINTS all over it.

Yet in a wide-open media environment, the teens arent defenseless.

Instead, as digital natives who have grown up with social media, they are in their element, and they have responded to the conspiracy attacks with irony and panache.

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When CNNs Wolf Blitzer asked student Cameron Kasky what he would say to the conspiracy theorists making allegations against him, Kasky replied: Well, if you had seen me in our schools production of Fiddler on the Roof, you would know that nobody would pay me to act, for anything.

The response caught Blitzer speechless for a moment.  Fiddler on the Roof is a great  who did you play in Fiddler on the Roof? 

On Twitter, Kasky also rallied to Hoggs defense.

Hogg is smart, funny and diligent, Kasky wrote, but my favorite thing about him is undoubtedly that hes actually a 26-year-old felon from California.

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matt.pearce@latimes.com

Matt Pearce is a national reporter for The Times. Follow him on Twitter at @mattdpearce.

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Embattled Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens was indicted Thursday on felony invasion of privacy charges in connection with a nude photo he allegedly took of a woman with whom he was having an affair, St. Louis prosecutors said.

Greitens, a Republican who was elected in 2016, has faced a barrage of questions since it was revealed in January that he had an extramarital affair.

In an audio recording released in January by KMOV-TV in St. Louis, a hairstylist told her ex-husband that shed had an affair in 2015 with Greitens  then philanthropist, now governor  and that he had tied her to home exercise equipment, taken a photo of her naked and threatened to publicly release the image if she ever told anyone about it.

She said Greitens later apologized and said he had deleted the photo.

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Greitens has admitted to the affair, but denied that he threatened the woman and used the photo as blackmail.

A request for comment to his office was not immediately returned Thursday.

St. Louis Circuit Atty. Kimberly M. Gardner, who handed down the indictment, said in a statement that it is essential for residents of the city of St. Louis and our state to have confidence in their leaders.

They must know that the Office of the Circuit Attorney will hold public officials accountable in the same manner as any other resident of our city. Both parties and the people of St. Louis deserve a thorough investigation of these allegations, Gardner said.

The Democratic Governors Assn. called for Greitens to resign immediately.

The charges against Eric Greitens are deeply disturbing and prove he is unfit to hold public office. Following todays indictment, Gov. Greitens should step down immediately. The people of Missouri deserve a governor who can focus full time on the issues affecting the state, the associations executive director, Elisabeth Pearson, said in a statement.

In an interview this week, Greitens said he had no plan to resign.

To many Republicans in Missouri, Greitens was viewed as a rising star. In recent months, his national ambitions were on display as he traveled to states like Iowa and New Hampshire, where some even suggested he could run for president.

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Earlier Thursday, in a show of support from the national Republicans, the Republican Governors Assn. lauded him on social media.

With @EricGrietens the people of Missouri have a leader in office focused on returning money to the pockets of taxpayers  not government.

kurtis.lee@latimes.com

Twitter: @kurtisalee
Republican Sen. Marco Rubio was challenged at a town hall Wednesday night by angry students, teachers and parents who were demanding stronger gun control measures after the school shooting that killed 17 people at a Florida high school.

One of those confronting Rubio at a CNNs Stand Up town hall was Frank Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter Jaime Guttenberg was killed on Feb. 14 with 16 others at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Guttenberg told Rubio that his comments about the shooting and those of your president this week have been pathetically weak.

People stood up and cheered Guttenberg as he challenged Rubio to tell him the truth and acknowledge that guns were the factor in the hunting of our kids.

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Rubio responded that the problems laid bare by the shooting rampage cannot be solved by gun laws alone, drawing jeering whistles from the crowd. Rubio responded that he would support laws barring those 18 and under from buying such weapons, changing the background checks system and getting rid of bump stocks.

He said that if he believed an assault weapons ban would have prevented this from happening, I would have supported it. That drew jeers. Visibly angry, Guttenberg responded: That is a weapon of war.

Earlier, the sheriff in the county where the shooting took place told a cheering audience that young people in his community will hold lawmakers accountable if they do not enact stricter gun controls.

Sheriff Scott Israel of Broward County took up a microphone and said the U.S. has had enough of deadly shootings. He said he walked through the crime scene of a horrific killer 30 minutes after last Wednesdays attack on the Parkland high school.

He then declared, Never again!

Israel told the young people to press on with seeking gun law changes, adding Americas watching you  there will be change.

He said elected officials will have to make decisions that keep the community safe or they are not going to hold office  at least in his grieving community.
Drawing the boundary lines of legislative or congressional districts to provide an unfair advantage to one party is a practice with a long if not distinguished pedigree in American politics. The name for this process  gerrymandering  derives from Elbridge Gerry, a Massachusetts governor who in 1812 approved a redistricting plan that included a misshaped district resembling a salamander.

But increasingly sophisticated computer software has turned Gerrys salamander into a true monster. It allows a party that controls the state legislature to perfect the art of map manipulation, ensuring that its candidates are elected in numbers obscenely out of proportion to its support statewide.

Partisan gerrymandering devalues democracy by unfairly rigging electoral maps.

This partisan gerrymandering  there is also racial gerrymandering designed to dilute the votes of minorities  devalues democracy by unfairly rigging electoral maps. It dilutes the votes of large numbers of citizens, makes elections less competitive and allows people to win seats they would not have won had the system not been cynically manipulated. Fortunately, there are welcome signs that the tide is turning.

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On Monday the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which last month ruled that a congressional map drawn by the Republican legislature violated the state constitutions guarantee of free and equal elections, promulgated a new map that relies on advice from a Stanford University professor. Under the previous map, voters in 2016 cast ballots for Democratic and Republican House candidates in roughly equal numbers, yet 13 of the states 18 House seats went to Republicans. Under the new map, observers expect the delegation will be more evenly divided. The new map also satisfies the courts requirements for more compact districts and fewer districts that break apart counties. (On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Republicans asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block implementation of the new map.)

Meanwhile, in neighboring Ohio the legislature has voted to put on the ballot a proposed constitutional amendment that would establish a complicated new arrangement designed to involve both parties in the congressional redistricting process. As in Pennsylvania, Republicans in Ohio after the 2010 census fashioned a map that gave their party an advantage. In 2016, Republicans won 12 of the states 16 House races, or 75% of the seats, even though the party attracted only 58% of the votes cast for congressional candidates.

Finally and potentially most significantly, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide two gerrymandering cases within the next few months. The court already aided the cause of reform with a 2015 ruling upholding the right of states to entrust the drawing of congressional district lines to independent commissions, as California does. But the cases before the court this term provide an opportunity for the justices to go dramatically further and rule that some gerrymanders are so extreme that they violate the U.S. Constitution.

The first case, which was argued last October, involves a Republican-friendly map for the Wisconsin Assembly. The second, which will be argued March 28, focuses on a map fashioned by Democrats that allowed their party to capture a historically Republican seat in Marylands House delegation.

Looming over both cases is a 1986 Supreme Court decision holding that partisan gerrymandering could violate the 14th Amendments Equal Protection Clause if it intentionally and effectively discriminated against an identifiable political group, such as members of a political party. But the court, which didnt find such a violation in that instance, has never agreed on a clear standard for deciding whether partisan gerrymanders violate equal protection of the laws.

The lack of guidance from the Supreme Court hasnt stopped plaintiffs and lower-court judges from coming up with workable legal standards, however. In striking down the Wisconsin map, a three-judge federal court said that the U.S. Constitution was violated if a redistricting plan is intended to place a severe impediment on the effectiveness of the votes of individual citizens on the basis of their political affiliation, has that effect, and cannot be justified on other, legitimate legislative grounds. The judges relied not only on the Equal Protection Clause but also the free-speech protections of the 1st Amendment.

The 1st Amendment is at the center of an argument for lawyers challenging the Maryland map, which was designed by Democrats to eliminate a GOP-friendly seat long held by Republican Rep. Roscoe Bartlett. In their petition to the Supreme Court, the lawyers representing Republican voters argue that citizens enjoy a 1st Amendment right not to be burdened or penalized for their voting history, their association with a political party or their expression of political views. That claim quotes from a 2004 opinion by Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is likely to be the deciding vote in the Maryland case.

Lawyers can argue about whether the justices should rely on the 14th Amendment or the 1st Amendment in striking down partisan gerrymanders. In fact, maps that disproportionately favor one party violate both political equality and free speech. What matters is that the court use its authority to end this abuse by district-drawing state lawmakers, because you cant always count on state supreme courts to stop them. More than two centuries after Elbridge Gerry signed off on his salamander map, the day of reckoning for gerrymandering has arrived.

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An independent investigation ordered by the California Senate has concluded that state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) most likely engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with six women  five Senate aides and a lobbyist  over the last decade. Whats more, the investigators report paints a pattern of abuse of power that continued despite two warnings to Mendoza to leave particular women alone.

If Mendoza were employed by a private company, these findings may well have been sufficient to get him fired the moment the investigation closed. Maybe even before, given the political climate. But because Mendoza is an elected representative, he will get the chance to present his case on the Senate floor, and it will be up to his fellow senators to decide if and how to punish him.

If senators vote to censure or suspend Mendoza, will they seem dismissive of sexual misconduct among their ranks?

On Wednesday, senators struggled behind closed doors with the options. Should they kick him out? The state Constitution allows expulsion for any reason with a two-thirds vote. But that awesome power hasnt been used for more than a century, and only then to remove four senators accused of accepting bribes. Is sexual misconduct more or less serious than bribery? If senators vote to censure or suspend Mendoza, will they seem dismissive of sexual misconduct among their ranks? If Democrats vote against expelling him, will they be accused of just trying to hang on to their supermajority?

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The moment is treacherous for lawmakers in part because they have no road map to follow. The California Legislature has no clear and consistent policies on how to deal with misbehaving colleagues, nor any guidelines spelling out what transgressions might result in which punishment. Instead, legislators take accusations case by case, raising concerns that decisions are tainted by the politics of the moment and by the personalities involved.

For an example of disparate treatment, look back to 2014. A popular senator, Roderick D. Wright (D-Inglewood), was convicted in January of perjury and voter fraud, but the Senate chose to take no action against him until two other senators, Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) and Ronald S. Calderon (D-Montebello), came under separate corruption investigations and all three were suspended with pay.

Mendoza, who was suspended during the investigation, accuses the Senate of lacking consistency in a lawsuit he filed last week challenging the constitutionality of his suspension. For example, he notes that another senator accused of misconduct  Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), who is being investigated for unwanted hugging  has not been suspended. Theres an obvious difference in severity between allegedly hugging ones political associates until theyre uncomfortable and allegedly hitting on young subordinates repeatedly even after being reprimanded, but apparently that distinction needs to be spelled out for Mendoza.

Nevertheless, Mendoza has a point about the failings in the Legislatures disciplinary procedures, particularly the lack of clear standards against which his conduct will be judged. Its impossible to predict all the transgressions that future lawmakers might engage in, but they can still adopt policies that describe the dos and donts in broad strokes  for example, by noting that serial sexual misconduct involving staff is unacceptable and may be subject to punishment, up to and including expulsion. The Legislature has been moving quickly to examine its policies on sexual harassment and to deal with accusations fairly. All of that will be undermined if theres a sense that punishment is political rather than logical and rule-based.

There are a handful of sexual misconduct investigations still pending in the Legislature, and two San Fernando Valley assemblymen who were accused, Raul Bocanegra and Matt Dababneh, chose to resign their positions instead of facing discipline. But Mendoza doesnt seem inclined to slink away, and so he will likely be the first state legislator to face disciplinary action for sexual misconduct since the #MeToo movement got underway. There will be tremendous pressure for senators to make the right choice, whatever that is. If only they had some guidelines to help them.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook.
Los Angeles saved Billy Graham.

The famed evangelist died at his home in North Carolina on Wednesday morning at the age of 99. In his career spanning nearly 70 years, he spoke to more than 215 million people in 185 countries and territories around the world, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn., converting millions of them to evangelical Christianity.

But when he came to Los Angeles in September 1949, it was hard to imagine he would ever have such influence. Only 30 years old, the handsome Southern Baptist preacher raised on a dairy farm in North Carolina was already thinking about leaving the ministry after a series of disappointing revivals in other cities.

Contemplating retirement from the mission he had just begun, Graham hid away for a period of prayer and reflection in the San Bernardino Mountains. (Graham would use Southern California as a place for spiritual retreat throughout his life.) When he descended some time later, he had recommitted to his ministry. He was also met by a group of Los Angeles businessmen who were ready to sponsor his next crusade in their city.

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Graham got to work. His team erected an enormous tent stretched across a parking lot at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Hill Street. Dubbed the Canvas Cathedral, the tent would host more than 350,000 Californians who crammed nightly into the tight rows of folding chairs to hear the energetic preachers fiery message.

In a number of ways, Los Angeles provided the perfect setting for Grahams message. Its image as the hedonistic playground of Hollywoods elite offered an easy target for Grahams moral warnings. If Sodom and Gomorrah could not get away with sin, Graham thundered, neither can Los Angeles!

But it was also a city of conservative Christians: Los Angeles was home to thousands of relocated Baptist and fundamentalist Midwesterners who had fled the Dust Bowl. In the autumn of 1949, they filled Grahams tent each night.

Two months in Los Angeles changed everything, both for Billy Graham and the world he made.

Although the preacher originally planned the Los Angeles Crusade to last only three weeks, he extended his engagement an additional five weeks to accommodate demand. Three thousand of those in attendance were born again, including a bevy of movie stars and Louis Zamperini, the Olympic track star who had survived his torturous imprisonment in a Japanese war camp during World War II, but was struggling with alcohol and depression. Billy Graham helped save me, Zamperini would later recall.

Grahams career also received new life. The citys press reported constantly on the events inside the Canvas Cathedral, puzzled by the throngs who gathered nightly to hear him. The news spread quickly. When William Randolph Hearst learned of the many celebrities, including Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, who were answering Grahams altar call, he sent a two-word telegram to the editor of every newspaper he owned. Puff Graham, the note read. Grahams face was soon plastered on front pages across the country.

As Graham preached his last sermon in Los Angeles that autumn, he seemed to sense how profoundly the city had transformed his ministry and altered his destiny. The revival that started here wont end with the folding of this tent, he said. This is not it yet, but it will come.

He entered Los Angeles a virtual unknown, and he left it almost a household name. His team quickly dispatched the canvas tent for packed stadiums in major cities around the world.

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Perhaps out of a sense of indebtedness to the city or a worry that its residents particularly needed to hear the gospel  or both  Graham returned six more times to Los Angeles over his career, speaking to more than 2.5 million people in total. (He also led numerous other revivals across Southern California through the years). Grahams 1963 crusade at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum set attendance records. On the last afternoon of the three-week revival, 134,254 people crowded in to hear Grahams sermon, the largest crowd ever assembled at that venue.

Some of Hollywoods biggest names were constant figures at Grahams Los Angeles revivals, just as they had been a feature at the first crusade in 1949. But for all his fame, Grahams message remained the same: Individuals need to repent of their sins and accept Gods free gift of eternal life through Christs sacrifice on the cross.

Graham acknowledged how vital Los Angeles had been to his trajectory. In his autobiography, Just as I Am, he titled his chapter on the 1949 Los Angeles crusade Watershed. Two months in Los Angeles changed everything, both for him and the world he made.

Neil J. Young is author of We Gather Together: The Religious Right and the Problem of Interfaith Politics. He co-hosts the history podcast Past Present.

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During the recent Trump administration domestic-abuse scandals, most of the attention has been focused on former staff secretary Rob Porter. Porter resigned after both his former wives publicly accused him of assault  with a photograph as corroboration, in one instance. But a second case involving speechwriter David Sorensen, who also quit over allegations of past spousal violence, is far more complicated: Sorensen asserts that in his first marriage, he was the abused spouse. His claim raises an important issue  one that, unfortunately, has been overshadowed by the moral train wreck of Donald Trumps White House.

Sorensens ex-wife Jessica Corbett told the Washington Post she revealed her abuse to the FBI in 2017. She reiterated her accusations in a television interview. Yet Sorensen has at least some evidence on his side: A statement he posted after his resignation is accompanied by several cellphone photos from 2015 and 2016 of minor cuts, scrapes and bruises on his face, neck and chest. There is no proof these were inflicted by Corbett, but, assuming the dates on the photos were not doctored, the fact that Sorensen documented the injuries has some significance.

Equality should include recognizing womens potential for abusive behavior.

Sorensens posted records also include a screenshot of text messages in which Corbett says she was justified in slapping him in response to his name-calling, and of messages with a friend of Corbetts who called her high strung and said she had admitted to slapping Sorenson. Corbett has confirmed that she slapped Sorensen a number of times after he called her a vulgar term.

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But Sorensen asserts that there was more to it than slaps. He claims Corbett repeatedly hit and punched him, and that she once blocked his way and grabbed him by the crotch while trying to stop him from leaving the house. She also threatened to accuse him of violence when she did not get her way, he says.

Sorensen, quoted in the Post, calls the exposure of his marital troubles an opportunity to highlight the grossly underreported and unacknowledged issue of female-on-male domestic violence. Whatever the truth of his experience, Sorenson is correct about the issue itself.

Partner violence by women is one of the most contentious subjects in social science. The first large-scale study of domestic abuse, the 1975 National Family Violence Survey conducted by the late University of New Hampshire sociologist Murray Straus and his colleague Richard Gelles (now at the University of Pennsylvania), found that similar numbers of women and men admitted to assaulting a spouse or partner in the previous 12 months. The researchers were skeptical initially, assuming most female violence had to be in self-defense, though in many cases the wife was the self-reported sole perpetrator. Later surveys showed that in mutually violent relationships, women were as likely as men to be the aggressors. These findings have been confirmed in more than 200 studies.

Critics have challenged the methodology of much of this research because it focuses on couple conflict and omits post-separation attacks. Yet two major federally backed surveys using different methods  the 2000 National Violence Against Women Survey by the National Institute of Justice and the 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey by the Centers for Disease Control  found that about 40% of those reporting serious assaults by current or former partners in the past year were men, and most of their attackers were women.

Female-on-male violence is often assumed to be harmless, given sex differences in size and strength. Yet women may use weapons  including knives, glass, boiling water and various household objects  while men may be held back from defending themselves by cultural taboos against harming woman. David Nevers, an Illinois man who went public about his experience as a battered husband 20 years ago, suffered serious, documented injuries  burns, cuts and a broken nose  despite being four inches taller and 100 pounds heavier than his then-wife.

Overall, studies find that female-on-male assaults account for 12% to 40% of injuries from domestic violence. Men also make up about 30% of intimate homicide victims, not counting confirmed cases of female self-defense. The 1998 killing of actor/comedian Phil Hartman by his wife, Brynn, who then committed suicide, is just one notable instance of a domestic murder in which the perpetrator with a history of violence was a woman.

Discussions of female-on-male abuse have been met with extreme hostility from feminist academics, activists and commentators. Scholars studying the subject have been attacked as apologists for misogyny. Battered womens advocates tend to explain away female violence as almost entirely defensive, despite evidence to the contrary. One reason for this attitude is solidarity with women as victims; another is the dogmatic view that battering is an expression of patriarchal power.

Abused men have faced widespread biases from police, judges and social workers, who tend to assume that the man in a violent relationship is the aggressor and to trivialize assaults by women. Much of this prejudice stems from traditional sexism: Battered men violate stereotypical expectations about manliness. Yet feminists perpetuate such sexism when they deny the reality of male victims and female abusers. Equality should include recognizing womens potential for abusive behavior.

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Sorensen may well be an abused man with a compelling story. Of course, neither he nor Corbett should be considered guilty based on accusation alone. The claims on both sides should be fairly investigated  without political bias or sexist bias.

Cathy Young is a contributing editor to Reason magazine and the author of Ceasefire: Why Women and Men Must Join Forces to Achieve True Equality.

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So President Trump on Thursday essentially told every law-enforcement agency in California that were it not for the presence of federal immigration and border agents, they would see crime like no ones ever seen crime in this country.

Really. Of course, whether Trump believes that or was just blowing his usual smoke is impossible to know.

But its remarkable that the president of the United States could delude himself that the nearly 80,000 law enforcement officers in California would just be overwhelmed by crime if a few thousand Immigration and Customs Enforcement and border patrol agents suddenly moved to Arizona.

And it directly undercuts ICEs current strategy of adding agents here to conduct neighborhood and workplace raids as payback for state and local laws barring official cooperation with immigration enforcement.

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So which is it, punish California with more agents, or fewer?

Lets go with fewer. It would reduce the level of fear in our immigrant neighborhoods and among the American children and partners of otherwise law-abiding folks wondering if theyll be the next ones to be swept into the immigration detention system.

Trumps modus operandi here is to use the specter of bad guys and violence as a reason to shut the borders.

If Trump did withdraw his immigration and border agents, California might conceivably wind up with more immigrants living here without the federal governments permission, but that doesnt mean that crime would worsen. In fact, things might improve. Numerous studies show that immigrants  no matter their legal status  commit crimes at lower rates than native-born Americans.

And as policing experts say, fear of deportation dissuades those living here illegally from reporting crimes to the police, or serving as witnesses in prosecutions.

So if Trump does tell ICE and Border Patrol, let California alone, as he phrased it, the pressure would be off immigrant communities, likely improving the reporting and prosecution of crimes among people who commit fewer of them.

And maybe theyd have a little breathing room until Congress gets around to adopting humane comprehensive immigration reform.

Trump framed his little diatribe within the context of the MS-13 street gang, which he said actually have franchises going to Los Angeles, missing the history of the gang.

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It began here in Los Angeles among people fleeing the 1980s Salvadoran civil war (in which the U.S. backed one of the factions), and then flourished in El Salvador when Los Angeles-based members were deported.

Its expansive presence and power is one of the most destabilizing forces in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, and a major factor in the decision by young Central Americans to flee north.

While gangs, particularly MS-13, are an issue in Los Angeles and elsewhere, Trumps modus operandi here is to use the specter of bad guys and violence as a reason to shut the borders, particularly to people of color from what he calls shithole countries.

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California has been right to delineate a sharp line between its responsibility to maintain public safety and enforce local and state laws, and the federal governments responsibility to enforce civil immigration laws.

If the president thinks that means he ought to pull his immigration agents, well, thats a punishment California can probably weather.

Scott.Martelle@LATimes.com

Follow my posts and re-tweets at @smartelle on Twitter
Kennebunk Post

Extensive work on the steeple, the Aaron Willard Jr. clock and the weathervane of the 1824 building is complete.
Gavin Newsom releases ad that highlights his push to allow same-sex couples to marry By Phil Willon A new ad from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom features Phyllis Lyon, who with her partner, Del Martin, received the first marriage license after Newsom vowed to allow same-sex couples to marry when he was mayor of San Francisco in 2004. The current lieutenant governors push for marriage equality thrust him into the national spotlight and he has emphasized that effort to portray himself as a bold, progressive leader. Facebook

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Failed California housing bill was not a bad idea, Gov. Jerry Brown says By Liam Dillon Gov. Jerry Brown (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Earlier this month, high-profile housing legislation that would have allowed for four- to five-story apartments and condominiums near transit stops failed to advance in the state Legislature. But had it reached his desk, would Gov. Jerry Brown have signed it? Maybe. I think that was not a bad idea, Brown said of Senate Bill 827 at a meeting with business leaders from the Bay Area Council on Monday afternoon. The bill, written by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), attracted national attention and a maelstrom of opposition in part because it would have eliminated single-family zoning near transit stops in favor of apartments or condominiums. Brown said that a relative of his who lives in West Portal, a low-density neighborhood in San Francisco, told the governor he was horrified by the bill. Brown also lamented dramatically rising housing costs. He said he bought his first house in Los Angeles in 1973 for $75,000 at a time when his salary as secretary of state was $35,000. Now, he said, buying a house for a little over twice ones annual salary is virtually impossible anywhere in the state. FOR THE RECORD

May 1, 9:32 a.m.: This post originally misstated the year Brown purchased his house as 1970. It was 1973. Facebook

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John Cox begins California barnstorm with the delivery of gas tax repeal signatures By Javier Panzar Gubernatorial candidate John Cox, left, and Assembly candidate Bill Essayli load boxes of signatures for the gas tax repeal initiative. (Francine Orr) GOP gubernatorial candidate John Cox strolled up to the stack of 12 boxes in front of the Los Angeles County registrar-recorders offices in Norwalk on Monday and placed his hands on top of his partys hope for success in 2018. The boxes, stacked four across and three high, contained 211,000 signatures for an initiative to repeal recent increases in Californias gas tax and vehicle fees. Cox says the effort has gathered more than 940,000 signatures from registered voters to put the measure on the ballot  far more than the 585,407 signatures that are required. The aim: to bring out the partys base to the polls this November and help candidates in tough congressional and legislative races down the ticket. A USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll in November found 54.2% of registered voters surveyed said they would repeal the tax and fee hike, but a survey a month earlier by another group said a majority would vote to keep the higher taxes. Cox was flanked by Bill Essayli, a former federal prosecutor who is challenging Democratic Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes of Riverside in the June primary. Cervantes voted for the gas tax and Essayli plans to use that vote against her. He even launched his campaign at a 76 gas station in Norco. This is a central issue in my campaign, he said. Cox also submitted signatures in San Diego on Monday and is headed to Bakersfield, Fresno and Sacramento, as well as Shasta and Butte counties in coming days. We are going all across the state, Cox said. The whole state is paying this tax and the whole state wants it gone. Facebook

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All Californians would be able to serve on state boards  even people in the U.S. illegally  under new bill By Jazmine Ulloa Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) State lawmakers on Monday introduced legislation that would allow all Californians to serve on state boards and commissions regardless of immigration status. Senate Bill 174, by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), comes as the state is locked in a broader legal battle with the Trump administration over state immigration laws and his call for mass deportations. Lawmakers point to what they say is the states own discriminatory history as their basis for introducing the legislation. The proposal would amend an 1872 provision that was first adopted to exclude Chinese immigrants and other transient aliens from holding appointed civil positions. At the time, antipathy toward the Chinese had been building in California, though, Chinese immigrants opened hundreds of businesses across the state and would play a critical role in building the transcontinental railroad. The Senate bill would delete the phrase transient aliens from the government code and make clear that any person, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, can hold an appointed civil office if they are at least 18 years old and a resident of the state. That would allow any Californian to serve on hundreds of boards and commissions that advice in an array of policy areas, including farm labor, history and employment development. Californias two million undocumented immigrants are a source of energy for our state, Lara said in a statement. It is shocking to read the words of fear and exclusion that are still in California law but belong in historys trash can. Facebook

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Tony Mendozas fundraising dries up after resignation amid harassment inquiry By Patrick McGreevy Former state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia). (Steve Yeater / Associated Press) Political contributions to Tony Mendoza, who resigned from the state Senate under pressure amid sexual harassment allegations, have nearly dried up. New documents he filed with the state in his bid to reclaim the seat he once held show that his support has eroded. As a result, five other candidates for the 32nd District senate seat in the June 5 election have raised more than Mendoza so far this year. With the June 5 election approaching, Mendoza has reported raising just $7,750 in cash from six supporters during the nearly four-month period from Jan. 1 to April 21. Mendoza, a Democrat from Artesia, went on a leave of absence from the Senate Jan. 3 and resigned a month later under the threat of expulsion from colleagues. An investigation ordered by the Senate found a pattern of unwanted flirtatious or sexually suggestive behavior based on testimony from six women. Mendoza has denied wrongdoing. Last year, Mendozas reelection campaign raised $412,600, or an average of about $34,000 per month, from more than 350 supporters. Most of Mendozas 2018 total was contributed by the political arm of the Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 on Jan. 22, a month before Mendoza resigned. Mendoza also reported that his campaign loaned $125,000 this year to his legal defense fund. That left him with $446,600 in his campaign account at the end of April. Mendoza is running against eight Democrats and two Republicans. Democrat Bob J. Archuleta, a Pico Rivera city councilman, raised the most, $210,000, during the period. On Monday, Mendoza suffered another setback when the State Legislative Womens Caucus endorsed Democrat Vicky Santana, a member of the Rio Hondo College Board. Facebook

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Newsom and Villaraigosa affairs coming to TV ads in California By Phil Willon An independent political committee backing Republican John Cox for governor released an ad blasting both Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for their past sexual affairs. The California Deserves Better ad, which was first reported by Politico, criticizes Newsom for having an affair with a woman on his staff in 2005 while he served as mayor of San Francisco. It also goes after Villaraigosa for having an extramarital affair with a television reporter in 2007 while he was mayor of Los Angeles. The ad, which begins airing on Fox stations in the states top media markets Monday, links Newsom and Villaraigosa to the men accused of sexual impropriety in the #MeToo movement, including movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and disgraced Today show veteran Matt Lauer. Powerful men are finally being held to account, punished for inappropriate sexual conduct with women over whom they exercise power, the ad begins. Newsom and Villaraigosa think the rules shouldnt apply to them. The independent campaign committee, called Restore Our Values, already has raised more than $100,000, said Leigh Teece of Emeryville in Northern California, co-founder of the group. Teece, the CEO of a nonprofit that helps line up students with professional mentors, said the campaign will actively support Cox. She called him a true conservative and noted that he supports cutting taxes and opposes Californias sanctuary state policy. John is a business person who has demonstrated integrity, Teece said. Facebook

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Was that Cisneros in the voicemail? Dispute is latest espisode of Democratic infighting in crowded primary races By Christine Mai-Duc Gil Cisneros speaks during a forum at Fullerton College in January. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) With less than five weeks to go before Californias primary, insults and accusations are flying with abandon in the most crowded races Democrats hope to ultimately win. The latest example of this is in the 39th Congressional District, where a half dozen Democrats are vying for a chance to replace Rep. Ed Royce, whos retiring. Its one of several California contests where Democratic leaders are already worried that divisions could ultimately split votes and shut Democrats out of key pickup opportunities. In that race, millionaires Gil Cisneros and Andy Thorburn are going negative  about going negative. Cisneros was recently elevated to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees Red to Blue program in hopes it would serve as a signal to Democratic activists and donors that his campaign was the most viable. But both Cisneros and Thorburn have poured millions into the race, which promises to be a knock down, drag out fight through June 5. At the center of the latest controversy is a voicemail, allegedly left by Cisneros on Thorburns home answering machine earlier this month. The recording, which the Thorburn campaign turned over to media outlet The Intercept, lasts less than 10 seconds. Hi Andy, its Gil Cisneros. Im gonna go negative on you, a mans voice is heard saying. Cisneros campaign manager Orrin Evans denied the candidate made the call, posting a cease and desist letter to The Intercept on Twitter. The letter, sent by a Cisneros campaign attorney, called the voicemail fabricated and demanded that the story be taken down, calling it defamatory. It gave the publication until 3 p.m. Friday to take down the story before they pursue all legal rights and remedies. An attorney for The Intercept, in a letter to Cisneros, said the publication confirmed with multiple sources familiar with Mr. Cisneros that his voice was on the recording, and that it stands by its reporting. Thorburns camp says it flatly rejects Cisneros denial, and that the timing of a negative website filled with unflattering background on Thorburn, released three days later, suggests it was him. Track the California races that could flip the House According to The Intercepts report, Cisneros campaign manager did not respond to initial inquiries about the voicemail, calling its questions ridiculous. In a follow-up statement Friday, Evans said called the episode a dirty, desperate trick by the Thorburn campaign and said they are readying to pursue legal action for defamation and false light against both him and the publication. It sounded like him to me! said Thorburns wife, Karen, in a statement released by the campaign. She was the one who first heard the voicemail, they said. Thorburn campaign manager Nancy Leeds called Cisneros threats Trump-like tactics and accused the candidate of trying to harass and intimidate anyone who stands in his way. Its not the first time candidates from the same party have clashed in the lead-up to the June 5 primary, and its all but certain to not be the last. Cisneros sued two of his opponents, Thorburn and Sam Jammal, over their ballot descriptions until they had to change them. Earlier this month, Democrat Bryan Caforio asked his opponent, Katie Hill, to sign a pledge rejecting the use of independent expenditure committees, entities that neither of them can legally coordinate with, in the race to unseat Rep. Steve Knight (R-Lancaster). Hill refused and called the attempt hollow and likened it to political theater, while Caforio accused her of empty campaign promises. Facebook

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California Politics Podcast: The money raised in the race for governor hints at a race thats now red hot By John Myers With less than six weeks before election day, the cash raised in the California governors race mirrors the overall dynamics: one major front-runner and a heated race for second place. This weeks podcast episode offers a glimpse into those cash reports and how the Republican field seems more settled in a new statewide poll than the battle between Democrats. We also examine the reasons why a nationally talked-about housing bill in Sacramento was killed by the Democratic authors own allies. Im joined by Times staff writers Melanie Mason and Liam Dillon. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Facebook

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L.A. County politician sexually assaulted woman when she was 16, lawsuit claims By Dakota Smith A woman sued an unnamed politician in Los Angeles County on Friday, alleging the man sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager after he gave her an unusual-tasting drink. The politician, identified as John Doe, was in his early 40s and a public figure at the time of the 2007 assault, according to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. The man is an elected official today and lives in Los Angeles, said attorney Lisa Bloom, who is representing the woman identified in the lawsuit as Jane Doe. Bloom declined to say what branch of government the man represents. Read More Facebook

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Villaraigosa touts his working-class upbringing, accomplishments as mayor in first TV ad By Phil Willon Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa released his first TV ad in the governors race Friday, touting his record and accomplishments as mayor of Los Angeles when up against the economic downturn during the recession. The 30-second television spot opens with a sweeping shot of Los Angeles and cuts to Villaraigosa sitting on a bus. In kindergarten, my sister and I took three buses to get to school. As mayor, I remembered that, Villaraigosa says into the camera. And despite the recession, we built more new schools and rail lines than any city in America, added 200,000 living wage jobs, built 20,000 units of affordable housing and nearly doubled graduation rates. Campaign spokesman Luis Vizcaino said the ad will air statewide over the next week at a cost of approximately $1 million. The commercial will being airing Saturday. Two Democratic rivals in Californias race for governor, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Treasurer John Chiang, also launched ads this week, signaling the biggest ramp-up of the campaign as the June 5 primary approaches. Newsom is the front-runner, while Villaraigosa is battling for second place with Republican John Cox. One recent poll has Villaraigosa trailing both Cox and Republican Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach. Chiang has been stuck in the single digits in almost all polling in the race. Last week, an independent expenditure group called Families and Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor, funded largely by a trio of wealthy charter school backers, launched a spot in support of the former mayor of Los Angeles. That ad campaign is focused on increasing Villaraigosas chances of coming in second in the June 5 primary and moving on to the general election. Villaraigosas ad, titled Three Buses, emphasizes the struggles he faced growing up in East Los Angeles and addresses one of his central campaign themes  that hes the candidate best suited to help working-class Californians. I know how far a bus can take you, Villaraigosa says in the ad. Facebook

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Sen. Dianne Feinstein wont participate in pre-primary debate By Sarah D. Wire (Tom Williams / CQ Roll Call) California Sen. Dianne Feinstein will not participate in a proposed pre-primary debate because there are too many candidates in the race, her campaign spokesman said Thursday. Political activists with the group Indivisible Los Angeles said they had a venue and date  May 5  reserved for a debate with four of the Senate candidates. But they said if Feinstein does not participate, it will be canceled. Feinstein faces 31 primary opponents in her bid for a fifth full term representing California in the Senate. Feinstein staffers initially said she had a prior commitment on May 5 in San Francisco. When organizers offered to let her campaign pick another date, her campaign said it wasnt fair for the group to invite only some of the candidates when there is such a big field, said Tudor Popescu, volunteer community organizer with Indivisible Los Angeles. The invited candidates, all Democrats, were Feinstein, state Sen. Kevin de Leon, political action committee director Alison Hartson and lawyer Pat Harris. They were selected based on fundraising and poll numbers. There are 11 Republicans, 10 Democrats, nine independents and 2 third-party candidates running for Senate on the June ballot. Indivisible Los Angeles is still hoping Feinstein will pick another date, Popescu said. Feinstein spokesman Jeff Millman pointed to a San Francisco Chronicle endorsement of Feinstein, which indicates that she told the editorial board she would be willing to have a debate ahead of Novembers general election. Senator Feinstein looks forward to debating her opponent in the general election, Millman said in an email. Feinstein holds a substantial lead in both fundraising and in the polls. Front-runners in statewide races have routinely declined to debate their challengers, knowing that its free publicity for candidates who dont have the cash to increase their name recognition on their own. De Leon spokesman Jonathan Underland said the state senator has done candidate forums before, but planned to attend the May 5 debate only if Feinstein did. We basically said well clear his calendar 100%, well clear his calendar if Feinstein shows up, Underland said. Wed love to make it happen, but we want her to be there. Facebook

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NRA, Olympic shooter sue California over its restrictions on ammunition sales By Patrick McGreevy Olympian Kim Rhode is a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by the NRA and its state affiliate against California. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) The National Rifle Assn. and its state affiliate have filed a fourth lawsuit against California over its gun control laws, this time challenging new restrictions on the sale and transfer of ammunition. The NRA and the California Rifle and Pistol Assn. filed a challenge in federal court to a requirement that ammunition sales and transfers be conducted face to face with California firearms dealers or licensed vendors, ending purchases made directly from out-of-state sellers on the internet. The lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California also challenged a requirement starting next year for background checks for people buying ammunition. The lawsuit was filed in the name of Kim Rhode, a six-time Olympic medal-winning shooter, and others. It challenges Californias new ammunition sales restrictions as a violation of the 2nd Amendment and the commerce clause of the United States Constitution. Restrictions on ammunition purchases were included in Proposition 63, approved by voters in 2016, and in bills approved by the Legislature. As a result of these laws, millions of constitutionally protected ammunition transfers are banned in California, Chris W. Cox, executive director of the NRAs Institute for Legislative Action, said in a statement. Californias law-abiding gun owners are sick of being treated like criminals and the NRA is proud to assist in this fight. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is running for governor, defended his initiative and vowed to fight the NRA lawsuit. We wrote Proposition 63 on solid legal ground and principle: If youre a felon banned from possessing guns in California, then you should not be able to purchase the ammunition that makes a firearm deadly, Newsom said in a statement. California voters said loudly and clearly that guns and ammunition do not belong in the hands of dangerous individuals  but once again, the NRA has prioritized gun industry profits over the lives of law-abiding Californians. Facebook

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Republicans hope to ride a gas-tax repeal to victory By Patrick McGreevy In a Central Valley barn decked out in red, white and blue, dairyman and state Senate candidate Johnny Tacherra drew cheers from a crowd of fellow farmers when he said he opposes the California Legislatures hike on gas taxes and vehicle fees. I would not have voted for that. It is not the time to be voting on (raising) the gas tax, said Tacherra, a Republican running against Democratic Assemblywoman Anna Caballero, who voted for the tax increase last year. Three hundred miles away the same week, a campaign mailer arrived at homes in Orange County from an Assembly candidate with a message blaring from the cover in bold type: Republican Greg Haskin  tough enough to stand up to Jerry Brown and repeal the gas tax. Read More Facebook

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Treasurer John Chiang launches ad in governors race touting his record as a fiscal steward By Seema Mehta In his first television ad in the governors race, state Treasurer John Chiang touts his record on fiscal issues as California faced the recession. Some thought we were done, Chiang says in a voiceover in the 30-second spot he released Thursday, with images of him standing seriously at a lectern and complimentary headlines about his work as controller and treasurer. But I knew better. I made the tough calls. And brought California back from the brink of financial disaster because you trusted me to manage our economy. Chiangs campaign is spending about $500,000 to air the ad in Los Angeles and San Diego in coming days. That buy is dwarfed by seven-figure purchases for ads supporting Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Newsom is the front-runner, while Villaraigosa is battling for second place with Republican businessman John Cox. Chiang has been mired in the single digits in almost all polling in the race. His ad, called Quiet Storm, tries to portray Chiang as a progressive who is effective and can move policy in Sacramento. Chiang points to his work challenging Wells Fargo before arguing that he could accomplish what doubters say is impossible to improve the states healthcare, housing and schools. I say, we got this, Chiang concludes. Facebook

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Been ignoring the race for California governor? Thats OK, in some ways its just starting By Mark Z. Barabak On a recent trip to Iowa, Eric Garcetti  the mayor of Los Angeles and a possible 2020 White House contestant  raised eyebrows with a bit of exuberant outreach. Los Angeles and Iowa, Garcetti insisted, have a ton in common, and he didnt simply mean both are inhabited by carbon-based life forms needing oxygen to survive. Urban or rural, farmer or fashion plate, all of us harbor the same hopes and dreams, the mayor suggested, and if it wasnt a terribly original thought it also wasnt the most egregious sort of political pandering  like, say, ordering that every home in Los Angeles be powered by Iowa-produced ethanol. Read More Facebook

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California voters should expect to decide on an $8.9-billion water bond in November By Liam Dillon (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A proposal to borrow $8.9 billion for improvements to Californias water quality systems and watersheds and protection of natural habitats is eligible for the statewide ballot in November, Secretary of State Alex Padilla announced in a press release Wednesday. Padilla said the measure, which is backed by agricultural interests, had exceeded the 365,800 valid signatures it needed to qualify for the general election ballot. The bond measure will appear on the ballot unless proponents withdraw it by June 28, the release said. The bond is one of many voters could decide on in 2018. A $4-billion bond for parks and water infrastructure improvements will appear on the June 5 ballot. State lawmakers approved it last year. Facebook

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They came for Darrell Issa. They stayed with their inflatable chicken, blue wall and signs for political therapy By Christine Mai-Duc (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) A mother of two turned ringleader of the resistance and more than a hundred of her faithful followers gathered on Tuesday morning outside Rep. Darrell Issas office in a northern San Diego County suburb. Across the street was her foil, a wedding DJ in a red Make American Great Again cap, setting up hefty speakers for an upcoming war of words. For about 65 weeks the deep divide in America played out along this 100-yard stretch of road in Vista. Here, at 10 a.m. every Tuesday, passersby found signs, chants, songs and, if they were lucky, sometimes a 20-foot-tall inflatable chicken with a Trump-esque coif. Theyd also glimpse the state of the body politic in 2018, a time when shock has turned to anger and post-2016 calls for reconciliation have morphed into grudging acceptance that each side might be better off in their respective corners. Or in this case, their sides of the street. On Tuesday, the anti-Issa, anti-Trump contingent fought this particular battle for the last time, declaring it their final protest at the congressmans office. They said they planned to use their energy to knock on doors and get out the vote, with an occasional protest on the side. Their pro-Trump rivals vowed to show up wherever they do. Read More Facebook

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Efforts to regulate bail companies have some unlikely allies: bail agents By Jazmine Ulloa Jane Un, chief executive and founder of Abba Bail Bonds, works with a client. ( Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) In recent years, the seriousness and number of official complaints related to the bail industry in California have significantly increased while bail agents and bounty hunters face limited oversight, putting vulnerable communities at risk of fraud, embezzlement and other forms of victimization. This year, as Gov. Jerry Brown has pledged to work with lawmakers in a push to overhaul how courts assign defendants bail and to better regulate bail agencies, even some who profit from the court practice admit its time for regulation. These bail and bail-recovery agents could become unlikely allies, saying they advocate for change because theyve seen the system abuse the poor. Read More Facebook

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California voters: Get ready for an onslaught of television ads By Seema Mehta After a sleepy campaign, California voters are now being bombarded with television advertisements in the governors race, an onslaught that is expected to ramp up in coming weeks. The ads most frequently seen on television are those promoting Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the front-runner in the race, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is trying to secure the second spot in the June primary. Newsoms campaign and an outside group backing Villaraigosa are spending seven figures weekly on these efforts, according to filings with the California secretary of states office and a media buyer who asked not to be identified in order to freely discuss the ads. Other gubernatorial candidates are expected to hit the airwaves soon, the media buyer said. State Treasurer John Chiang has reserved a half-million dollars in the coming days in the Los Angeles and San Diego markets, and Villaraigosas campaign has requested availability in at least five of the states biggest TV markets. The GOP candidates in the race, who will be seeking the state Republican Partys endorsement at its convention next weekend, have been much less active. Businessman John Cox in recent weeks has been spending about $90,000 per week, but doubled that this week in Los Angeles and added small buys on KFI-AM radio and cable in markets including Fresno, Bakersfield and Salinas. State Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach, who has been scooping up Republican Party endorsements across the state, has yet to make a notable television or radio buy, though he and Cox have received some attention as commentators on Fox News. Facebook

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Republicans ready to turn in signatures for ballot measure to repeal California gas-tax increase By Patrick McGreevy A Chevron gas station in Sacramento shows prices last year. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Republican activists said Tuesday that they have collected at least 830,000 signatures for an initiative to repeal recent increases in Californias gas tax and vehicle fees, more than enough to qualify the measure for the November ballot. The activists need 585,407 signatures of registered voters to qualify the ballot measure. Because signatures are still being processed and counted by the campaign, backers hope to have 900,000 by the time they begin turning them in to the counties on Friday, according to Carl DeMaio, a former San Diego City Council member and organizer of the drive. The breadth and depth of voter anger over the car and gas tax hikes is just amazing, said DeMaio, who hosts a radio talk show. We are seeing Democrats, independents and Republicans sign the petition and volunteering to carry the petition, people from all walks of life. The initiative targets a law approved in April 2017 by the Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown that is expected to raise $5.4 billion annually for road and bridge repairs and improvements to mass transit. The money comes from a recent 12-cents-per-gallon increase in the gas tax, a 20-cent increase in the diesel fuel excise tax and a new annual vehicle fee ranging from $25 for cars valued at under $5,000, to $175 for cars worth $60,000 or more. The petition drive raised more than $2 million with significant contributions from the California Republican Party and Republican members of Congress from California, including House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield and Reps. Ken Calvert of Corona and Mimi Walters of Irvine. Republicans hope the issue will help their candidates for office in this years election and hurt Democrats who support the higher taxes. I think this is going to put Democrats in real bad spot, DeMaio said. A spokesman for Brown declined to comment until the signatures are filed. DeMaio said there were approximately 20,000 volunteer petition circulators who brought in more than 250,000 signatures, with the rest collected by paid circulators who received $1 to $2.50 per signature. Its a pretty comfortable margin [of signatures] that we have been able to hit here, DeMaio said. Opposition will grow, he said, as more Californians get their annual vehicle registration notice. The repeal campaign hopes to raise $5 million for the campaign to pass the constitutional amendment, which would not only repeal the increase in the gas tax and vehicle fees but require future increases to be submitted to voters. We know that Gov. Brown and his cohorts are going to spend an amazing amount of money to mislead voters, DeMaio said. But I feel pretty confident that we will repeal the gas tax. Read More Facebook

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Rep. Duncan Hunter sets up trust to raise money for legal expenses amid ongoing criminal investigation By Morgan Cook Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, has filed paperwork to establish a legal expense fund amid an ongoing federal criminal investigation into misused campaign cash. Hunter filed the required paperwork March 27, seeking a rarely granted Legal Expense Fund through which members of Congress under investigation or being sued in connection with doing their jobs or running for office can raise money for their legal expenses. Such funds are administered by an independent trustee and allow donors to give above the maximum amount they can contribute a candidates campaign. Hunter has spent more than $600,000 of campaign money on lawyers. Read More Facebook

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Kamala Harris says she wont take corporate donations anymore By Sarah D. Wire (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press) California Sen. Kamala Harris says she will no longer accept money from corporate political action committees. In an interview with WWPM-FMs The Breakfast Club, in New York that aired Monday, the senator said she wasnt expecting a question at a town hall this month about whether she would accept money for corporations or corporate lobbyists. At the time, Harris said it depends, but she said on Monday that she had reflected on the matter and changed her mind. Money has had such an outside influence on politics, and especially with the Supreme Court determining Citizens United, which basically means that big corporations can spend unlimited amounts of money influencing a campaign, right? Harris said. Were all supposed to have an equal vote, but money has now really tipped the balance between an individual having equal power in an election to a corporation. So Ive actually made a decision since I had that conversation that Im not going to accept corporate PAC checks. I just  Im not. You can watch the video of the interview here. (Harris corporate money comments come about 30 minutes in.) Harris wouldnt be on the ballot for a second Senate term until 2022, though its widely believed that she is planning a presidential bid in 2020. Other potential 2020 presidential candidates, including Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), have also ruled out taking corporate PAC money. Soon after Mondays show aired, Harris campaign sent out a fundraising request noting her new stance. As corporate PACs continue to corrupt our politics and twist Congress priorities at your expense, were going to focus on raising money from small-dollar, individual donors like you, the email says. Facebook

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With money tied up in court, California lawmakers try again with new plan to spend $2 billion on homeless housing By Liam Dillon A man sleeps on the sidewalk in front of the Union Rescue Mission in the skid row neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) A measure to spend $2 billion on housing homeless Californians could be on the November statewide ballot. State Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) is pushing the idea to deal with what he said was a burgeoning humanitarian crisis whose epicenter is here in California. De Leons new measure is a do-over for a 2016 plan passed by the Legislature to redirect $2 billion toward building homeless housing from a voter-approved 1% income tax surcharge on millionaires that funds mental health services. A Sacramento attorney sued over that decision, arguing that the move violated constitutional rules on approving loans without a public vote and that lawmakers shouldnt take money away from mental health treatment. The case remains active in Sacramento Superior Court and its unclear when, or if, the state will be able to spend the $2 billion. De Leons Senate Bill 1206 would put the $2-billion loan on the ballot in November, freeing up the money if voters approve the measure. De Leon said had he been able to predict the 2016 plan would end up in court, he would have sought a ballot measure at the time. We thought this was like apple pie and baseball and puppies, De Leon said. Who would oppose the idea of repurposing the dollars to build immediate housing as a permanent solution for homelessness? Obviously with a crystal ball, had I anticipated the litigation, I would have worked to place it on the ballot. De Leon noted that the 2016 plan had bipartisan supermajority support in the Legislature, something his new bill also will need to get on the ballot. Sen. John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa) is a coauthor of the plan. SB 1206 is scheduled for its first hearing in the Legislature on Wednesday. Should De Leons measure be approved, it will join a crowded list of housing issues before voters in November. Californians will decide on a separate $4-billion bond to help finance new low-income housing and home loans for veterans. De Leon said hes not worried those two measures will compete against each other because voters are aware of the scale of the states housing problems and the proposed homeless housing bond redirects existing dollars instead of raising taxes. Once [voters] know that the impact on their pocketbook is not existent, Im confident that theyll join me and my colleague John Moorlach in support of this measure, De Leon said. Facebook

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California lawmakers say too many former felons are being denied professional licenses By John Myers Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco) along with supporters of bills to allow more former felons to receive professional licenses. (John Myers/Los Angeles Times) A trio of California Assembly members urged colleagues on Monday to pass legislation that would prohibit state commissions and agencies from rejecting a professional license for those who were once convicted of less serious crimes. We cant say we want to rehabilitate people, and then block them from getting the jobs that they need when theyre released, said Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco). That leads to more recidivism and to more crime. The bills, scheduled to be heard in Assembly committees Tuesday, would ban the use of arrest or conviction records as the reason for denying a professional license. The bill would not apply to Californians who served time for any of the offenses on the states list of violent crimes. The authors, all Democrats, said that a government-issued professional license is required for some 30% of all jobs in the state. Their bills would change the licensing process at the California departments of Consumer Affairs and Social Services and agencies that certify emergency medical technicians. The bills would block prior convictions from leading to the delay or denial of a license unless that crime is directly related to the profession the person intends to pursue. Two of the bills also specifically say convictions less than 5 years old could continue to play a role in licensing decisions. Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law that keeps private sector employers from inquiring about a job applicants conviction history prior to an offer of employment. Advocates joined the lawmakers at a press conference in Sacramento to point out that limits on awarding licenses should focus only on those whose prior criminal activity could pose a threat to consumers. Continuing to hold people back for crimes that are 6, 7, 8, 10, 20 years old does not actually make sense if youre looking at public safety, said Jael Myrick of the East Bay Community Law Center. One of the proposals, Assembly Bill 2293, seeks to make it easier for ex-felons to get a license allowing a job with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection  the same agency that often uses prison inmates to battle blazes around the state. If a person is good enough to risk their life fighting fires for the state of California as an inmate, said Assemblywoman Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-Grand Terrace), their previous actions should not prevent from having a job utilizing the skill set that they learned. Facebook

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Assembly speaker rebukes building trades union after it targets Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia By John Myers ( (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) The decision by a politically powerful labor group to openly campaign against an embattled Los Angeles-area lawmaker drew a sharp rebuke on Friday from Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. The Lakewood Democrat lashed out hours after the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California filed paperwork for a political action committee to defeat Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens). Garcia, whos seeking her fourth term, took an unpaid leave of absence in February following allegations of sexual misconduct. She has denied the reports and an Assembly investigation remains underway. Rendon didnt criticize the labor group by name, insisting instead that the decision was driven by oil and gas industry interests. This is a thinly veiled attempt by Big Oil and polluters to intimidate me and my members. It is an affront to my speakership, Rendon said in a statement. We are proud of the work that the Assembly has done to increase jobs and wages while defending our environment. We will vigorously defend the members of our caucus from any ill-advised political attack. A statement from the labor group, which sparred with Garcia last year on her effort to link new climate change policies with a crackdown on air pollution, said it had decided to reverse past support for her. The Trades have thousands of hard working members in Garcias district, and we look forward to lifting up another Democrat in the 58th Assembly to better represent them and their families, said the statement. The political action committees campaign finance filing on Friday listed nonmonetary in kind contributions from Erin Lehane, a public affairs consultant aligned with the building labor group. Lehane said she had begun researching Garcia in November. In January, a former legislative staffer accused her of groping him in 2014. Lehane, who identified herself as a spokesperson for the labor groups political action committee, said on Friday that she believed Garcias hypocrisy threatened a movement that will dictate how much harassment and abuse my daughter will face in her work life. Garcia, who has been an outspoken advocate for women in the #MeToo movement, has complained that her political opponents helped fan the flames of the accusations. Through a campaign consultant, she declined to comment on Friday. Rendons critique came on the heels of a full-page ad in The Times on Friday, partly paid for by the Trades Council, that criticized well-funded ivory tower elites who push proposals that hurt the oil and gas industry. We are the real jobs that fuel the real California economy, read the advertisement. Facebook

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Legal tiff breaks out over independent committees ad backing Antonio Villaraigosa for governor By Phil Willon An attorney representing Gavin Newsoms campaign for governor is demanding that California television stations cease airing an ad by an independent political committee supporting his Democratic rival Antonio Villaraigosa. Attorney Thomas A. Willis, in a letter to the stations, said the ad is false and misleading and violates California law because it uses snippets of video footage from Villaraigosas own campaign ads. Willis called that illegal coordination between the campaign and PAC. Under California law, advertisements made by entities other than a candidate are presumed to be coordinated  and thus not independent expenditures  when the advertisement replicates, reproduces or disseminates substantial parts of a communication, including video footage, created and paid for by the candidate, the letter states. A representative for the independent expenditure committee  Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor  fired back. Attorney Brian T. Hildreth says those allegations have no merit and accused the Newsom campaign of being misleading. Hildreth sent a letter to the television stations in response, urging them to ignore the Newsom campaigns accusations. He said the Newsom camp appears to intentionally misrepresent the law and that the video use was permissible. He said only six seconds of video from Villaraigosas campaign ads was used, which is well within the legal limits. The independent committee is sponsored by the group California Charter Schools Assn. Advocates, according to the California secretary of states office. The ad is airing on broadcast and cable stations statewide. The committees ad is focused on Villaraigosas record as Assembly speaker and as mayor of Los Angeles when there was a drop in crime. Facebook

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Governors race snapshot: Californians are generally upbeat but not focused on the campaign By Mark Z. Barabak Armand Werden, a 29-year-old community college student who works the taps at Dust Bowl Brewery in Turlock, said the state is on the upswing. (Phil Willon / Los Angeles Times) As California chooses a new governor  one of just a handful in the last 40 years not named Jerry Brown  the state seems to be enjoying something unusual in these tumultuous political times: a feeling of relative contentment. Not to say things are perfect. Still, more than 100 random interviews conducted over the length and breadth of the state  from Redding in the north to Santee in the south, from the Pacific coastline to the edge of the Sierra Nevada  found most saying things are looking up, at least so far as Californias direction is concerned. Read More Facebook

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Sierra Club backs Gavin Newsom for California governor By Phil Willon Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks with members of the public following a debate at USC in January. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The Sierra Club endorsed Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom in the race for California governor, with officials in the established environmental group praising the Democrats record on climate change and clean energy. He has a proven record for leading on environmental protection, public health and clean energy, Kathryn Phillips, director of Sierra Club California, said in a statement released by the Newsom campaign. He understands that we are feeling the effects of climate change and that California must reduce carbon emissions and reach 100% renewable energy to achieve our climate goals. Phillips said the Sierra Clubs extensive network of volunteers will campaign for Newsom as the June 5 primary approaches. Sierra Club executive director Michael Brune also praised the Democrat, saying he will protect California from Donald Trumps attacks on our clean air and water. The Sierra Club joins a series of other influential groups in California that have backed Newsom. The California Medical Assn., the powerful state doctors lobby, announced its endorsement of Newsom on Thursday. The California Nurses Assn. and the Service Employees International Union, one of the most powerful labor unions in the state, also support Newsom. Newsom is the races front-runner in polls and fundraising. A poll released earlier this month by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California found that 26% of likely voters backed Newsom. John Cox, a Republican from Rancho Santa Fe, was favored by 15% of likely voters and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat, by 13%. Facebook

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Californias GOP House members are taking their challengers more seriously and the numbers show it By Christine Mai-Duc For much of last year, consultants and campaign managers for some of Californias most vulnerable Republican incumbents maintained a bullish tone on the prospect that the GOP would hold the House in this years midterms. The National Republican Congressional Committee insisted that longtime Republican incumbents in California had built up reputations as effective champions of local issues that would help them weather a flood of Democratic enthusiasm. Since then Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) and Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) have decided not to seek reelection and the NRCC has opened a West Coast headquarters in Orange County. Read More Facebook

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California officials say Pentagon has confirmed National Guard funding despite Trump threat By John Myers (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) The awkward dance between Gov. Jerry Brown and the federal government over the National Guard jerked back toward discord on Thursday, when Trump said he would refuse to pay for a new deployment of troops  just hours after his administration said otherwise. And a few hours later, California officials said they had received written confirmation from the Pentagon that the mission would indeed be funded. Trump had earlier called Browns decision to approve 400 troops for a mission focused on combating transnational crime and drug smuggling a charade in a tweet. We need border security and action, not words! the president wrote. Governor Jerry Brown announced he will deploy up to 400 National Guard Troops to do nothing. The crime rate in California is high enough, and the Federal Government will not be paying for Governor Browns charade. We need border security and action, not words!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 19, 2018 A spokesman for Brown pointed to a tweet written Wednesday night by Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, thanking the California governor for his efforts. Trump was meeting on Thursday with Nielsen at his Mar-a-Lago estate not long after his tweet was posted. A tweet later posted by the California National Guard said that almost three hours after Trumps comment, the state received written confirmation from the Pentagon to fund the mission as outlined by Brown the day before. In short, nothing has changed today, said a subsequent Guard tweet. Just spoke w @JerryBrownGov about deploying the @USNationalGuard in California. Final details are being worked out but we are looking forward to the support. Thank you Gov Brown!  Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen (@SecNielsen) April 19, 2018 Brown was the last of the nations border governors to respond to Trumps insistence earlier this month that National Guard troops were needed to assist with immigration-related duties at the U.S.-Mexico border. And he has consistently refused to allow California troops to engage in any mission related to federal immigration law. This will not be a mission to build a new wall, Brown wrote last week to Nielsen and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis. It will not be a mission to round up women and children or detain people escaping violence and seeking a better life. Exactly what the California operations will cost remains unclear, as state officials have said it will depend on decisions made once the mission begins. The funds would not be transferred to the state, but instead would be paid directly by the Department of Defense. Trump has critiqued California several times over the past few days, often writing tweets that embrace the actions by some cities and counties to join his administrations lawsuit against the states sanctuary immigration law. He made similar comments to reporters on Thursday afternoon. If you look at whats happening in California with sanctuary cities  people are really going the opposite way, Trump said. They dont want sanctuary cities. Theres a little bit of a revolution going on in California. 2:26 p.m.:This article was updated with additional information from the California National Guard and with remarks from Trump. This article was originally published at 9:51 a.m. Facebook

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Gay conversion therapy services would be banned under measure advancing in California By John Myers (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The California Assembly voted Thursday to add gay conversion therapy to the states list of deceptive business practices, following a debate that focused on the personal experiences of several lawmakers and hinted at potential lawsuits to come. It is harmful and it is unnecessary, Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell), the bills author and one of the Legislatures most vocal LGBTQ members, said of the practice. Low, who told Assembly members that he explored conversion therapy as a teenager and suffered depression over his sexual orientation, insisted that the bill would be limited to efforts that involve the exchange of money. Theres nothing wrong with me, he said in an emotional speech on the Assembly floor. Theres nothing that needs to be changed. The bill, which now heads to the Senate, has become the focal point of intense debate on social media. Some religious groups have said that such a law would be a violation of their constitutional rights, while advocates insist the provisions are narrow and theres no credible evidence that the services work. One key part of the debate centers on whether Assembly Bill 2943 would stretch beyond businesses that charge for these programs and extend to printed documents, even Bibles. An analysis by the Assembly Judiciary Committee says the bill would apply only to services that purport to change a persons sexual orientation and offered on a commercial basis, as well as the advertising and offering of such services. Lawmakers who spoke in support of AB 2943 also made clear that they believe those kinds of services have been discredited. This is fraudulent, it should not be occurring, said Assemblywoman Susan Eggman (D-Stockton). But you can still try to pray the gay away, if you like. Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), who said the bill addresses a difficult issue, nonetheless said that its important to ensure laws dont tamper with religious freedom. We have to think about the legitimate experience of people who have gone through conversion therapy and said this was a good thing for them, Gallagher told his colleagues. California law already bans the use of conversion therapy by mental health professionals on those under age 18. Lows bill would expand the states efforts beyond minors. It would join a list of commercial activities deemed unfair or deceptive acts or practices and therefore banned under state law. Facebook

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Gavin Newsom gets backing from doctors group, despite differences over single-payer healthcare By Melanie Mason Gavin Newsom speaks at the California Democrats State Convention in San Diego on Feb. 24. (Kent Nishimura) Californias doctors are siding with Gavin Newsom in the governors race, even though they dont see eye-to-eye on a defining issue of the campaign: single-payer healthcare. The California Medical Assn., the state doctors lobby and a political heavyweight, announced its endorsement of the lieutenant governor on Thursday. Gavin is a lifelong champion for health care in California, and we know he will continue to fight for pragmatic solutions to our most crucial health care challenges, including working to achieve universal access and tackling our states physician shortage, CMA President Theodore M. Mazer said in a statement. Newsom has made his support for state-financed healthcare a centerpiece of his campaign, and he earned the early backing of the most ardent single-payer supporters, the state nurses union. The doctors, meanwhile, oppose the nurses bill, SB 562, which emerged as a flashpoint in the healthcare debate last year. The CMA said the bill would dismantle the healthcare marketplace and destabilize Californias economy. Newsom has said SB 562 should advance in the Legislature, but also said it has open-ended issues that still need to be addressed. The doctors group is also battling with another prominent Newsom endorser, the Service Employees International Union, over a new measure that would impose price caps on an array of medical services paid for by commercial health insurers in the state. The SEIU is a leading sponsor of the proposal; the doctors fiercely oppose it. Newsom and the physicians group have a history of political alignment. Newsom was the first statewide official to support Proposition 56, a 2016 tobacco tax pushed by the CMA that raised revenue in part to increase money for doctors who saw Medi-Cal patients. That year, the association also endorsed two initiatives championed by Newsom: Proposition 63, which imposed new gun control measures, and Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana. Facebook

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Independent committee backing Antonio Villaraigosa for governor hits the airwaves with first ad By Phil Willon Antonio Villaraigosa speaks at the 2018 California Democratic Party Convention in San Diego in February.. (Denis Poroy / Associated Press) A well-financed independent committee backing Antonio Villaraigosas bid to be Californias next governor released its first television ad Thursday, praising his record for working with Republicans and as a candidate for all of California. The ad, which is to air statewide on broadcast and cable stations, is focused on Villaraigosas record as Assembly speaker and mayor of Los Angeles, including on education and a drop in crime while he was at City Hall. To move California forward, we need to help more Californians get ahead, the ad says. Thats why Antonio Villaraigosa brought both parties together to balance the state budget with record investments in public schools and new career training programs. The independent expenditure committee behind the ad campaign, Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor 2018, is sponsored by the California Charter Schools Assn. Advocates, according to the California secretary of states office. The committee is spending seven figures per week on the ad buy, said Josh Pulliam, a political consultant for the committee. As mayor of Los Angeles, Villaraigosa clashed with teachers unions, starting with his failed attempt to take political control of the Los Angeles Unified School District. His fight with those unions continued after he left office in 2013. Money has poured into the committee this month from wealthy charter schools supporters: Reed Hastings, chief executive of Netflix, donated $7 million, and Los Angeles billionaire and philanthropist Eli Broad donated $1.5 million. On Wednesday, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan donated $1 million. The independent expenditure committee is expected to provide a boost to Villaraigosas campaign. Democratic front-runner Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom has a major advantage in fundraising over all other candidates in the race and has received the backing of the California Teachers Assn. and other education unions. A recent Public Policy Institute of California poll also showed Villaraigosa lagging in third place in the race, trailing Newsom and Republican businessman John Cox. The candidates who finish in the top two in the June 5 primary will advance to the November general election, regardless of their party affiliation. Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown says Trump administration will fund his National Guard mission  without immigration duties By John Myers (Alex Wong / Getty Images) Gov. Jerry Brown formally mobilized 400 California National Guard members Wednesday for transnational crime-fighting duties, thus preventing any effort by President Trump to have the troops focus on immigration enforcement on the Mexican border. The governor announced that federal officials have agreed to fund the plan he announced last week  a mission to combat criminal gangs, human traffickers and illegal firearm and drug smugglers in locations around California, including near the border. The order Brown signed makes clear that the troops will not be allowed to perform a broader set of duties as envisioned by Trumps recent comments. California National Guard service members shall not engage in any direct law enforcement role nor enforce immigration laws, arrest people for immigration law violations, guard people taken into custody for alleged immigration violations, or support immigration law enforcement activities, the order read. The cost of the mission, a spokesman for Brown said, will be paid directly by the federal government. No initial estimate has been made, as the exact amount will depend on exactly how the troops will be used. Though the duties of California Guard members were outlined last week, the state had been waiting for an agreement by federal officials to pay for the operations. Since that time, the president has taken Brown and the state to task over its decision to avoid any immigration-related duties at the border. On Wednesday morning, Trump tweeted, Jerry Brown is trying to back out of the National Guard at the Border, but the people of the State are not happy. Want Security & Safety NOW! There is a Revolution going on in California. Soooo many Sanctuary areas want OUT of this ridiculous, crime infested & breeding concept. Jerry Brown is trying to back out of the National Guard at the Border, but the people of the State are not happy. Want Security & Safety NOW!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018 Looks like Jerry Brown and California are not looking for safety and security along their very porous Border. He cannot come to terms for the National Guard to patrol and protect the Border, Trump tweeted Tuesday. There was no immediate reaction from the White House to Browns announcement. On Tuesday, Brown told reporters in Washington that his plan was consistent with a safer border. That sounds to me like fighting crime, the governor said. Trying to catch some desperate mothers and children, or unaccompanied minors coming from Central America, that sounds like something else. The order Brown issued Wednesday after returning from a brief trip to talk climate change in Toronto and to speak to a national trade union and visit with reporters in Washington is set to expire at the end of September. It specifically says no Guard service member may participate in a mission that would exceed the mission scope and limitations related to transnational crime activity. It also says troops cannot help build any new border barrier. 5:27 p.m.: This article was updated with information related to the cost of the Guard mission and Browns trip to Washington. This article was originally published at 5:13 p.m. Facebook

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California bill aims to end practice that keeps workplace misconduct cases out of court By Melanie Mason A California bill would prohibit employers from requiring workers to use private arbitration to settle disputes, a practice that critics say shields improper workplace conduct from public view. The bill by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego) would bar businesses from making employees, when they are hired, waive their future rights to take any harassment, discrimination or other claims to court. Arbitration can be a highly effective dispute resolution method when both parties can choose it freely, when both parties are equal, Gonzalez Fletcher said at a news conference on Wednesday. It is far less successful when the more powerful party forces the other to accept those terms, especially as a condition of employment. Forced arbitration has come under increasing scrutiny since the #MeToo movement, with high-profile figures such as former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson pointing to the practice as shielding workplace abusers from public disclosure because arbitration resolutions often include nondisclosure agreements. Last year, a bipartisan bill was introduced in Congress to end mandatory arbitration in employment agreements. Gonzalez Fletcher said she was pursuing an unusual tool to draw attention to the issue  a subpoena issued by the Legislature to compel testimony from a worker bound by a nondisclosure agreement as a result of arbitration. The Legislature has subpoena power but it is rarely used. The bills sponsors believe lawmakers last issued a subpoena in 2001 while investigating price manipulation by Enron. Gonzalez Fletcher said she has requested Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) to issue the subpoena to require Tara Zoumer, who sued the company WeWork in 2016 for overtime pay, to testify before the Assembly Judiciary Committee next week. Zoumers suit was moved to arbitration and resolved. She is now subject to a nondisclosure agreement and could face a financial penalty for speaking publicly about her case. A spokesman for Rendon said the subpoena request is under consideration. Business groups oppose the bill, AB 3080. The California Chamber of Commerce has dubbed it a job biller, claiming it would dramatically increase legal costs for businesses. Banning such agreements benefits the trial attorneys, not the employer or employee, the group said. The bill must first advance from the Assembly Labor Committee on Wednesday. Facebook

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At least 240 House lawmakers want a vote on immigration. California supporters say they arent ready to force one By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock), flanked by Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands) and Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas) speak about DACA legislation (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) Rep. Jeff Denham says at least 240 of the 430 current House members have signed onto his resolution to hold votes on four immigration bills, and he hopes House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and President Trump are paying attention to the show of support. But, the Republican from Turlock and his allies said Wednesday that they are not yet willing to commit to forcing Ryans hand through a little-used procedural move called a discharge petition; they acknowledged theres no guarantee that all of 47 Republicans and 193 Democrats House co-signers will back them up if they try to force the issue. Im sure that it is something that will be discussed in the coming weeks. You should not need a discharge petition. When you can show the overwhelming majority of the House, the support of it, you should not need a discharge petition, but it is something we would talk about in the future, Denham said. It is far too early to talk about next steps. Ryan said last week that he opposes Denhams effort, saying its a waste of time for the House to vote on bills the president might veto. Denhams resolution would prompt debate and votes on four very different immigration bills: one favored by the Trump administration, one preferred by Democrats, one bipartisan proposal and another immigration bill of Ryans choice. Whichever got the most votes would move forward to the Senate. All four bills would help Dreamers to differing degrees and include varying levels of border security or immigration enforcement. For example, the Trump-backed bill would also dramatically reduce legal immigration, while the Democrats would only deal with legal status for Dreamers. Democrats say they dont expect the show of support will sway Ryan. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) said Tuesday night she expects Ryan will have to be forced into allowing a vote. It doesnt matter how many signatures we get. We could have every signature, technically, except his, on the floor of the House and... if he doesnt want to, it doesnt happen, Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) said. Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands), who gathered the Democratic co-sponsors for Denham, also wouldnt give a deadline for House leaders to act, but said the co-sponsors are only willing to wait weeks not months. We do want to give them an opportunity to bring up the rule and to use whatever process they want, Aguilar said. They do have options, but I think they need to understand that we have options too. Facebook

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Billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer endorses Kevin de Leon in his insurgent bid against Sen. Dianne Feinstein By Seema Mehta Tom Steyer, left, and California state Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). (Getty Images; Los Angeles Times) Billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer is endorsing state Sen. Kevin de Leon in his insurgent challenge to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and did not rule out funding an outside effort to boost De Leons chances. I think hes the kind of young progressive that reflects California and would be a very strong advocate for our state nationally, Steyer said in an interview on Tuesday, pointing to De Leons efforts on issues such as immigration, climate change and gun control while he was the state Senate leader. I know him well and hes a friend. We share a lot of values. Steyer, who flirted with running for the Senate seat, did not criticize Feinstein as he has in the past. Sen. Feinstein has been an outstanding public servant who has dedicated the bulk of her adult life to the service of our state and the country, he said. These are two strong, very good Democrats. I just believe Kevin is the true progressive and he reflects something we need representing California going forward. I have nothing bad to say about Dianne Feinstein. I have a lot of good to say about Kevin de Leon. De Leon faces enormous odds as he tries to oust Feinstein, who has served in the Senate for a quarter-century, is well known to the states voters and has daunting leads in polls and fundraising. But De Leon has gained notable endorsements, most recently from the 2.1-million-member California Labor Federation last week. Campaign finance reports released this week show that Feinstein has more than $10 million in the bank, while De Leon has just more than $670,000. Feinstein, a multimillionaire and one of the wealthiest members of the Senate, has already lent her campaign $5 million and could easily write another check. But Steyer, a billionaire former hedge fund manager, could write a larger one. He is among the largest Democratic donors in the nation and has already committed more than $50 million to push for the impeachment of President Trump and to register young voters. He was noncommittal when asked if he would fund an independent expenditure group on behalf of De Leon. I dont have any concrete plans for that, he said. Read More Facebook

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Californias largest pension fund sends next years invoice to state government: $6.3 billion By John Myers The California Public Employees Retirement System building (Max Whittaker / Getty Images) As part of a shift toward less optimistic expectations for investment returns to pay for government worker pensions, board members of the California Public Employees Retirement System voted Tuesday to require an almost $6.3-billion payment from the state budget in the fiscal year that begins on July 1. The action, which could receive final approval on Wednesday, reflects a gradually higher annual contribution to public employee pensions by the state and from local governments across California. In 2016, CalPERS approved a half-percentage point decrease in its official estimate of the long-term investment return on its $353.3-billion portfolio. That shift was designed to happen over several years, in hopes it would lessen the financial shock of shifting more of the costs onto government employers. The highest costs are also, in part, a reflection of increases in the size of the states payroll. The states CalPERS payment will be about $450 million more than the total paid in the current fiscal year and more than double what it was only a decade ago. CalPERS board members voted on Tuesdays staff proposal with little discussion, save for a question about the increase in contributions also required from workers hired after a pension overhaul that took effect in June. It seems like it will be a ding on peoples salaries, said Theresa Taylor, the chairwoman of CalPERS finance committee and a member of SEIU Local 1000, the union that represents some 96,000 state employees. The $6.299-billion payment required from Californias state government must now be factored into the budget crafted by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in late June. Brown had already assumed a similarly sized payment in his budget proposal unveiled in January. In February, a coalition representing city governments warned about the effects of rising pension costs under the expectations of less money from Wall Street investments. The report issued by the League of California Cities projected an average increase of more than 50% in annual pension payments made by the states largest cities over the next seven years. A CalPERS staff report notes that the net return on all of the funds investments for the fiscal year that ended in July was 11.2%. But expectations on profits over the next 30 years remain significantly more modest, and theres long been a robust debate about how to properly set those future expectations. The lower the rate of projected investment return, the larger the share of pension costs that must be covered by taxpayers and some employees. Overall, CalPERS officials believe the system has assets to cover 71% of its long-term obligations. Facebook

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California warns legal pot sellers not to participate in unlicensed 4/20 events By Patrick McGreevy Marijuana on display at a dispensary in Los Angeles. ( (Frederic J. Brown / AFP/Getty Images)) The state issued a warning Tuesday that businesses holding licenses to sell marijuana could face penalties if they participate in unlicensed temporary events away from their stores, including on Friday, April 20, which has become an annual celebration for counterculture groups. The warning was issued ahead of 4/20 by the state Bureau of Cannabis Control. Since Jan. 1, the bureau has issued more than 700 state licenses to sell marijuana for medical or recreational use. The bureau has issued 47 temporary event licenses to groups that are limited to holding the marijuana celebrations on county fairgrounds that have authorized such events with city approval. Any bureau licensee participating in an unlicensed cannabis event may be subject to disciplinary action, the warning said, adding that lawful participation by bureau licensees in any temporary cannabis event that allows sales and/or consumption is dependent upon issuance of the appropriate licenses from the bureau. While many Californians have been issued medical approval to sell or use marijuana, the law does not allow them to participate in unlicensed events, also referred to as Proposition 215 events after the ballot measure that legalized medical pot two decades ago in the state. Participation in such events may lead to civil penalties for unlicensed commercial cannabis activity, the warning said. Meanwhile, a survey of some 1,000 marijuana users that was released Tuesday by the firm LendEDU found that the average 4/20 participant plans to spend $71 on marijuana to celebrate the unofficial holiday, and about 35% of respondents are planning to take off work Friday. Facebook

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California police groups shift position on officer discipline records, now consider support for making some of them public By Liam Dillon Los Angeles Police Department recruits at a graduation ceremony in April (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Some major law enforcement groups signaled Tuesday they are willing to support making part of police officer disciplinary records public, a dramatic departure from their past positions. Local and national attention on police shootings and misconduct has led law enforcement organizations to reconsider their blanket opposition to proposals that would give public access to some internal disciplinary investigations of officers. Were going to be open to supporting efforts that would allow for some records to be released, said Ryan Sherman, a lobbyist with the Riverside Sheriffs Assn. Debate over secrecy provisions in officer disciplinary files came during a legislative hearing on Senate Bill 1421 from Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley). Skinners bill, which advanced out of the Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, would require public disclosure of all internal officer shooting investigations and confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. Currently, all police discipline information is confidential outside of a courtroom in California, which has some of the nations strictest standards against public disclosure. Unfortunately, the fact that we have such strict restrictions on any access to public records has affected certain communities trust towards our law enforcement, Skinner said during the hearing. Prior to Skinners effort, other have tried to loosen these rules, some of which date back 40 years. Most recently in 2016, a bid by then-Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) failed in a Senate committee. In debate two years ago, no major law enforcement groups indicated they would accept changes to state laws that would make individual internal investigations public, saying they were essential to protect officer privacy and safety. But Tuesday, Sherman and other lobbyists including those representing the states largest police labor organization, signaled they might be willing to entertain changes. They said they were negotiating with Skinner on the bills details. Law enforcement groups still have major concerns about SB 1421 as written. Ed Fishman, an attorney for the Police Officers Research Assn., told legislators that the bill would wrongfully expose police officers who acted within departmental policy to invasions of their privacy. It has unintended consequences that are extreme and will hurt the public, Fishman said. Tuesdays hearing featured testimony from many who have had relatives killed by police officers in recent years advocating for the bill. Senators on the Public Safety Committee also gave public rebukes to law enforcement lobbyists, criticizing them for a lack of diversity and insensitivity to concerns raised by communities of color. I think that you are completely and utterly out of touch with the realities of how those you are representing are perceived by major segments of California, said Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles). You are not going to be able to continue to lobby your way out of it. The bill faces at least one more committee hearing in the Senate before reaching the floor. It will have to pass both houses of the Legislature by the end of August. Facebook

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Newest member of the California Assembly arrives ready to work on criminal justice issues By John Myers Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove prepares for the oath of office from Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon with her husband, Austin Dove. (California Assembly Democrats) Two weeks after winning a Los Angeles special election, the newest member of the California Assembly says she hopes to focus on reforms to the states criminal justice system during her time in Sacramento. Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) took the oath of office on Monday, filling one of three vacant seats representing Los Angeles County in the lower house. The Democrat, a former community college trustee and legislative staffer, thanked her mentors in remarks from the Assembly rostrum. So many women, and in my life so many black women, have paid in giving me the kind of morals and integrity and grit that is required to fight on behalf of people that you know, and people that you dont know, she said. Kamlager-Dove won handily on April 3, receiving 70% of the votes cast in the 54th Assembly District which encompasses communities west of downtown Los Angeles, from Crenshaw to Culver City and as far north as Westwood. She will serve the remaining eight months of the term of former Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, who resigned last year citing health concerns. She has said she hopes to focus her attention on poverty issues and on reform of the states criminal justice system. I think we have an opportunity to really push the needle in terms of how we look at rehabilitation, how we look at incarceration, and how we look at changing the lives oftentimes of poor men and women of color, Kamalager-Dove said on Monday in a video released by Assembly Democrats. Facebook

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Survivors of violent crime raise their voices in California to call for a new approach to criminal justice By Jazmine Ulloa Aaliyah Smith marches with her cousins. (Jazmine Ulloa / Los Angeles Times) Her father, uncle, a cousin and two older brothers. Those are some of the family members 16-year-old Aaliyah Smith has lost to gun violence. Then there are her friends. Jermaine Jackson Jr., 27, was shot and killed in 2016 while he painted over graffiti in San Francisco. Toriano Tito Adger, 18, was shot there a year later at a bus stop. He called Smith, who was nearby, and warned her to run. She made it inside a library moments before the crack of gunfire. Last week, Smith was among hundreds who gathered in Sacramento for annual National Crime Victims Rights Week events, where calls were issued for a new approach to criminal justice and public safety in California, one that puts survivors at the center of policy. But a debate is brewing over what that entails. Read More Facebook

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California expects $14 billion in tax payments this month By John Myers State workers handle income tax returns at the California Franchise Tax Board offices. (Laura Morton / For The Times) Gov. Jerry Browns proposed state budget is built on what taxpayers might find an audacious assumption: almost $14 billion in tax payments in the month of April, an average of $83 million collected per hour on every business day of the month. Most of that money will come from the taxes Californians pay in advance of Tuesday nights filing deadline for income tax returns. If history is any guide, the rate of payment could quadruple by weeks end. While tax rules have shifted some of the payment schedules to other months, April remains a vitally important month to the fiscal health of state government. The state controllers office reports more than 15% of all personal income tax revenues in 2017 were collected in April. In the recession years of a decade ago, tax revenue predictions were frequently off the mark by hundreds of millions of dollars. The last two state budgets have seen significant windfalls of personal income tax revenue, thanks in part both to an improving economy and to the continuation of a temporary surcharge on the wealthiest taxpayers  extended by voters in 2016. In the budget plan he sent to lawmakers in January, Brown projected a $6.1-billion windfall and proposed using a sizable amount to top off Californias rainy-day fund ahead of schedule. The independent Legislative Analysts Office reports that through the end of last week, the months income tax tally stood at $3 billion, slightly ahead of projections. By the end of the current week, a single days total could be almost that large. Lawmakers began reviewing the governors $190.3-billion spending plan during the winter, but few decisions are made until they get a look at Aprils tax revenues. The governor will release a revised plan based on the new data next month; lawmakers are required to send him a completed budget no later than June 15. Facebook

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Feinstein war chest tops $10 million while Kevin de Leon struggles to keep pace By Sarah D. Wire Sen. Dianne Feinstein widened her already-massive fundraising advantage in the run-up to Junes primary, raising twice as much in the first quarter than her strongest Senate challenger has sitting in the bank. Feinstein raised $1.3 million between January and March, bringing her war chest to just over $10 million as Californias U.S. Senate race begins in earnest, according Federal Election Commission reports. Former state Senate leader Kevin De Leon, the best known of the more than 30 people who will appear with Feinstein on the June primary ballot, raised just $575,991 in that same period, bringing his cash on hand to $672,331, according to his quarterly FEC report. Read More Facebook

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Trump has met his match, says Gov. Jerry Brown in promoting climate action on a quick trip to Canada By John Myers (Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press) Gov. Jerry Brown told a Canadian audience Monday that he believes President Trumps efforts to reverse course on climate change policy are a momentary deviation as others in the United States seek limits on greenhouse gas emissions. Thats very temporary, I can assure you, Brown said at a joint event in Toronto with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. The governors quick international trip, announced only late last week, comes as Wynnes Liberal Party faces a stiff challenge in Junes election from the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and its leader, Doug Ford. Critics of Wynnes party have called for Ontario to pull out of the Western Climate Initiative, a cooperative agreement between three Canadian provinces and California on efforts to limit greenhouse gases. Brown sought to link the efforts of Canadian conservatives with Republicans in the United States who oppose existing climate change programs. In contrast, he told the audience, several GOP lawmakers voted last summer to renew Californias cap-and-trade program. I would say to the conservatives of Canada, wake up and see what your friends in California are doing, he said. The Democrat took particular notice of Trumps efforts to shift away from climate change policies from the administration of former President Obama, as well as a push by the Environmental Protection Agency to cancel Californias strict limits on automobile emissions. If Trump tries to change that, well have litigation well beyond his term in office, Brown said while also noting Chinese government efforts to produce more low-emissions vehicles. Between California and China, Trump has met his match. What hes saying is not going to happen. Many of the governors remarks, though, were aimed at the tough political situation in which Wynne finds herself with seven weeks to go before Ontarios parliamentary elections. Dangers abound, but success is right in our hands, Brown said. So dont blow it! Facebook

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California voters are getting to know the states attorney general through his aggressive stance challenging Trump By Patrick McGreevy Less than two months from his first statewide election, California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra has become adept not only at challenging President Trump but at using the bully pulpit of his office to raise his profile with voters. The aggressive effort may help boost the former Los Angeles congressmans chances at winning a full term in office this fall, almost two years after he was appointed to replace Sen. Kamala Harris in 2017. Appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown, Becerra took office as attorney general four days after Trumps inauguration. Thats afforded him an opportunity to get in front of Californians  and potential voters  on an array of issues including immigration, healthcare and the environment. Read More Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown forms commission for 2020 census outreach By Melanie Mason In an effort to make sure California has a strong showing in the next national census, Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday established a state commission to prepare outreach for the decennial count. It is vitally important for California to do everything it can to ensure that every Californian is counted in the upcoming census, Brown said in a prepared statement. The commissions formation comes on the heels of a Trump administration plan to ask about citizenship status as a part of the census. State officials fear that such a question, which has not been asked in a census since 1950, could chill participation among California residents. That could result in the state losing billions of dollars in federal funds and a seat in Congress. The 23-member panel, appointed largely by Brown as well as picks by legislative leaders, comes from private- and public-sector backgrounds, including civil rights groups, religious institutions and educational institutions. Facebook

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Garcetti kicks off Iowa visit with 2020 on his mind and a hardhat on his head LA Mayor - and 2020 prospect - Eric Garcetti makes his Iowa debut at the Carpenters Union Training Center. Fearlessly flaunts the never be photographed in head gear/safety glasses rule. pic.twitter.com/14bUOPXMvF  Mark Z. Barabak (@markzbarabak) April 13, 2018 Facebook

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Asm. Rocky Chavez takes the lead in race to replace Issa, while Doug Applegate slips By Joshua Stewart A new poll shows that Republican Assemblyman Rocky Chavez has taken a clear lead over 15 other candidates running to replace Rep. Darrell Issa in Congress and has overtaken Democrat Doug Applegate, the previous frontrunner. In a SurveyUSA poll by 10News and The San Diego Union-Tribune, Chavez, R-Oceanside, has support of 16 percent of likely voters, putting him ahead of Applegate, a lawyer, who was favored by 12 percent of voters and is in second place. The top two vote-getters in June, regardless of party, will proceed to a November runoff election. Competing with Applegate for the No. 2 spot is Democrat Mike Levin, also a lawyer, with support of 9 percent of voters. Several other candidates were right at his heels. Democratic Businessman Paul Kerr and Board of Equalization Member Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, were tied for fourth at 8 percent each. Read More Facebook

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Pro-Kevin de Leon group launches ad castigating Dianne Feinstein By Seema Mehta A group that is supporting Kevin de Leons bid for the U.S. Senate launched a blistering ad against Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Thursday, questioning her progressive principles and tying her to President Trump. The ad buy from A Progressive California is minuscule  $10,000 to air it in Los Angeles for one day on CNN and MSNBC during programming such as The Rachel Maddow Show, Hardball with Chris Matthews and Anderson Cooper 360. The minute-long ad features news clips about Feinstein not getting the California Democratic Party endorsement earlier this year, as well as footage of Feinstein saying that Trump can be a good president and appearing to share a laugh with Trump. That moment actually came during a White House meeting in the aftermath of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting when the president suggested an assault weapons ban should be included in a bipartisan bill to expand gun background checks. It also features extensive clips of de Leons speech at the state partys convention. De Leon, who just ended his final term as leader of the state Senate, announced last year he would run against fellow Democrat Feinstein as she seeks her fifth full term. Feinsteins longtime political advisor dismissed the ad, noting the size of the buy. Its not really a buy, said Bill Carrick. Ten thousand dollars in cable in L.A. Poof, its gone. Still, he said he planned to have the campaigns lawyers review the ad to see if it violates campaign law that limits what outside groups like A Progressive California can do. Such groups cannot coordinate with campaigns or candidates, and are limited in how much their messages can support a candidate. Ann Ravel, the former chair of the Federal Election Commission and the California Fair Political Practices Commission, said if the ad was in a state race, she is certain that the state commission would open an investigation into potential coordination with de Leons campaign because of the messaging and the types of footage in the ad. But the bipartisan federal commission cant agree on how to enforce the federal regulations, she said. The problem is [outside groups] understand that given the lack of very strong enforcement at the federal level, theres the ability to stretch the law, she said. A spokeswoman for the FEC declined to comment. Dave Jacobson, a spokesman for A Progressive California, disputed the suggestion that the ad violated campaign law. This frivolous allegation shows that Sen. Feinstein is afraid of the public seeing an ad which showcases her own words, that Donald Trump can be a good president, he said. Facebook

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Dispute over money emerges in campaign to repeal Californias gas tax increase By Patrick McGreevy A motorist prepares to gas up her vehicle in San Rafael, Calif., in 2015. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) A proposed initiative to repeal hikes to Californias gas tax has been caught in the middle of a dispute involving Republican rivals in the governors race. Assemblyman Travis Allen, a Republican candidate for governor, decided in January to drop plans for his own initiative and said he would urge supporters to sign a separate petition being supported by several Republican members of Congress. Then last week, the committee Allen formed to finance his ballot measure reported a $300,000 contribution from PISF Inc., a Novato, Calif., real estate firm. Now, an organizer of the still active Give Voters a Voice committee is urging the Allen committee to immediately donate their funds in support of the ongoing signature gathering efforts. There is only one gas tax repeal measure currently in circulation and that is the measure sponsored by the Give Voters a Voice Committee, said Dave Gilliard, a consultant to the group. PISF Inc., he said, gave to repeal taxes a
Allies balk at Trump administration bid to block Chinese firm from cutting-edge telecom markets By David S. Cloud Britain and Germany are balking at the Trump administrations call for a ban on equipment from Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, threatening a global U.S. campaign to thwart Chinas involvement in future mobile networks. Both countries are expected to limit Huawei and other Chinese companies from providing core components including routers. But other types of Chinese equipment for next-generation, high-speed communications could still be installed on British and German networks, officials and analysts say. The U.S. push to ban Huawei has provoked a global dispute in recent weeks, with senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, publicly urging NATO allies in Europe to exclude the company and warning that the United States might limit its military presence in countries that did not do so. Read More Facebook

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Confucius Institutes: Do they improve U.S.-China ties or harbor spies? By Don Lee Hanging red lanterns welcome visitors to the University of Marylands Confucius Institute, the oldest of about 100 Chinese language and cultural centers that have popped up over the last 15 years on American campuses, subsidized by millions of dollars from Chinas central government. But last fall, when four U.S. Senate investigators walked into the Confucius offices in Maryland and spent hours questioning staff, they werent looking for an educational exchange. The committee has been seeking detailed information from the university about the program, including contracts, email exchanges and financial arrangements that school administrators have kept under wraps since it started in 2004. American colleges once viewed these jointly funded institutes as an economical way to expand their language offerings  one that could also bring warmer ties with China and, importantly, an influx of Chinese international students paying full tuition. Read More Facebook

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Watch Live: White House holds surprise news briefing amid government shutdown Facebook

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U.S. policy toward China shifts from engagement to confrontation By David S. Cloud For decades, China had no closer American friend than Dianne Feinstein. As San Francisco mayor in the 1970s, she forged a sister-city relationship with Shanghai, the first between American and Chinese communities. As U.S. senator, she dined with Chinese leaders at Mao Tse-tungs old Beijing residence. And in the 1990s, she championed a trade policy change that opened a floodgate of Western investment into China. Today the Democratic senator sees China as a growing threat, joining a broad array of Trump administration officials, national security strategists and business executives who once favored engagement with Beijing and now advocate a confrontational approach instead. Read More Facebook

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Mnuchins attempt to calm markets backfires as Trump takes another shot at the Federal Reserve By Jim Puzzanghera An attempt by Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin to calm plunging financial markets backfired Monday, further rattling investors with new fears about whether major U.S. banks have enough cash on top of worries about interest rates, political instability in Washington and a slowing global economy. Adding to the volatile mix was a fresh attack on the Federal Reserve by President Trump, who declared that the central bank was the U.S. economys only problem and that it didnt have a feel for the market. The Fed is like a powerful golfer who cant score because he has no touch -- he cant putt! Trump said on Twitter. Read More Facebook

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He speaks to Democratic hearts. But is Beto ORourke a serious White House contender? By Mark Z. Barabak Hes a failed U.S. Senate candidate with an undistinguished congressional record who, for the moment, is a blazing-hot 2020 presidential prospect  despite the fact that he may not run and faces long odds if he does. Beto ORourke suggests the will-he-or-wont-he speculation is something he himself cant quite fathom. I think thats a great question, he responded in a Dallas Morning News interview when asked whether his unsuccessful November Senate bid merited a promotion to the White House. I ask that question myself. Read More Facebook

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Russian disinformation teams targeted Robert S. Mueller III, says report prepared for Senate By Craig Timberg, Tony Romm, Elizabeth Dwoskin Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. (Associated Press) Months after President Trump took office, Russias disinformation teams trained their sites on a new target: special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Having worked to help get Trump into the White House, they now worked to neutralize the biggest threat to his staying there. The Russian operatives unloaded on Mueller through fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and beyond, falsely claiming that the former FBI director was corrupt and that the allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election were crackpot conspiracies. One post on Instagram  which emerged as an especially potent weapon in the Russian social media arsenal  claimed that Mueller had worked in the past with radical Islamic groups. Such tactics exemplified how Russian teams ranged nimbly across social media platforms in a shrewd online influence operation aimed squarely at American voters. The effort started earlier than commonly understood and lasted longer while relying on the strengths of different sites to manipulate distinct slices of the electorate, according to a pair of comprehensive new reports prepared for the Senate Intelligence Committee and released Monday. Read more Timberg, Romm and Dwoskin report for the Washington Post. Facebook

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President Trump announces Mick Mulvaney as acting White House chief of staff By Associated Press President Trump says budget director Mick Mulvaney will serve as acting chief of staff, replacing John F. Kelly in the new year. I am pleased to announce that Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, will be named Acting White House Chief of Staff, replacing General John Kelly, who has served our Country with distinction. Mick has done an outstanding job while in the Administration....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2018 Facebook

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It aint over when its over: In Michigan, Wisconsin and elsewhere, losers seek to undermine election results By Mark Z. Barabak Democrat Gavin Newsom has yet to become California governor, but already a candidate for state Republican Party chairman is promoting a recall effort. In Michigan and Wisconsin, GOP lawmakers have rushed through legislation to thwart their incoming Democratic governors and hamper others in the opposing party from doing the jobs voters chose them to do. In Congress, GOP leaders have echoed President Trump and sought to undermine the legitimacy of Democrats strong midterm performance, raising unsubstantiated allegations of fraud and political malfeasance. Read More Facebook

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New CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger says she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera On her first full day leading the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Kathy Kraninger said she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney, the controversial acting director whom she replaced in the powerful regulatory position. To underscore that point, the former White House aide said she would even reconsider a Mulvaney action that critics saw as a gratuitous jab at Democrats who championed the agencys creation: changing its name to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Kraningers declaration during a meeting with reporters Tuesday addressed one of the main criticisms of her selection. She is considered a protege of Mulvaney, her boss at the White House Office of Management and Budget who has executed a dramatic, industry-friendly shift at the watchdog agency. Read More Facebook

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Trumps pick for chief of staff, Nick Ayers, out of running By Associated Press Nick Ayers, right, with Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, at the funeral service for George H.W. Bush on Dec. 3. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Associated Press) President Trumps top pick to replace John F. Kelly as chief of staff, Nick Ayers, is no longer expected to fill that role. Thats according to a White House official who is not authorized to discuss the personnel issue by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. Ayers is Vice President Mike Pences chief of staff. The official says that Trump and Ayers could not agree on Ayers length of service. The father of young children, Ayers had agreed to serve in an interim capacity though the spring, but Trump wanted a two-year commitment. The official says that Ayers will instead assist the president from outside the administration. Trump announced Saturday that Kelly would be departing the White House around the end of the year. Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause.  #Georgia  Nick Ayers (@nick_ayers) December 9, 2018 Facebook

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U.S. hiring slows to 155,000 jobs, unemployment rate holds at 3.7% By Jim Puzzanghera Job growth slowed significantly in November but still was solid, indicating the economy remains in good shape but not expanding so quickly that it will lead to sharply higher interest rates. U.S. employers added 155,000 jobs last month, well below analyst expectations and a steep decline from Octobers strong 237,000 figure, the Labor Department reported Friday. Still, monthly job gains are averaging 206,000 this year, the best since 2015. Even the slower pace of 170,000 over the last three months is close to last years average of 182,000 and well above the amount needed to keep up with population growth. Read More Facebook

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Trump is expected to pick State Department spokeswoman for U.N. ambassador By Associated Press Heather Nauert at a briefing at the State Department on Aug. 9, 2017. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) President Trump is expected to nominate State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Two administration officials confirmed Trumps plans. A Republican congressional aide said the president was expected to announce his decision by tweet on Friday morning. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly before Trumps announcement. Trump has previously said Nauert was under serious consideration to replace Nikki Haley, who announced in October that she would step down at the end of this year. Trump has been known to change course on staffing decisions in the past. Nauert was a reporter for Fox News Channel before she became State Department spokeswoman under former Secretary Rex Tillerson. Facebook

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Senate confirms new consumer financial protection chief: Kathy Kraninger, protege of industry-friendly Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera The Senate, in a party-line vote Thursday, confirmed White House aide Kathy Kraninger to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and experts predicted a continuation of the industry-friendly shift it has taken since President Trump installed an acting director last year. Kraninger is a protege of acting director and White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney, an outspoken critic of the agency that was created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis to prevent predatory lending and other abuses that led to it. Democrats and consumer advocates have denounced him for sharply departing from the aggressive watchdog role the bureau had pursued under its first director, Obama-appointee Richard Cordray, including scaling back enforcement and moving to reassess tough new rules on payday loans and narrow the definition of abusive practices by banks and other firms. Read More Facebook

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Shutdown postponed by two weeks under plan approved by Congress By Erik Wasson Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), shown at the Capitol on Tuesday, says President Trumps border wall is a waste of money. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Congress passed a two-week stopgap spending bill that will delay the chance of a partial government shutdown until Dec. 22 as lawmakers and President Donald Trump negotiate over his demands to pay for a wall on the southern border. The House and Senate passed the measure Thursday without dissent, and Trump has indicated hell sign the bill before the current shutdown deadline of midnight Friday. Negotiations were delayed by memorial services this week for former President George H.W. Bush. The temporary measure gives Democrats and Republicans more time to find a resolution to their biggest hurdle: funding a wall on the U.S. Mexico border wall. Trump says he wants $5 billion for parts of a concrete wall on the southern border and is willing to shut down the government if he doesnt get it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has said Democrats will provide no more than $1.6 billion for border security, because the wall is a waste of money. The presidents demands for wall funding from Congress come after he said during the campaign that Mexico would pay for it. This week he said on Twitter that a $25 billion border wall would pay for itself in two months, without providing evidence. Most of the U.S. governments $1.2 trillion discretionary budget has been appropriated already by Congress for the fiscal year that began on Oct. 1. Departments at a risk of a partial shutdown late this month include the departments of State, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Treasury and Homeland Security. Talks to resolve the differences have been on hold since a meeting among Trump, Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California originally slated for Dec. 4 was postponed due to Bush memorial events. The three are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the matter. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby of Alabama told reporters the rest of the seven-bill spending package being negotiated is basically done. Shelby in recent weeks had tried to broker a compromise in which Trumps $5 billion request would be split over two years, but Schumer has rejected that. Some Democrats have been willing to trade border wall funding for deportation protections for young undocumented immigrants. Pelosi ruled out such a deal in remarks to reporters Thursday. The stopgap government funding measure also would extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides subsidized coverage for homes in flood-prone areas, to Dec. 21. Facebook

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Bipartisan Senate group wants to formally blame Saudi crown prince for journalists killing By Karoun Demirjian Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires. (Associated Press) A bipartisan group of senators filed a resolution Wednesday condemning Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, directly challenging President Trump to do the same. This resolution -- without equivocation -- definitively states that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was complicit in the murder of Mr. [Jamal] Khashoggi and has been a wrecking ball to the region jeopardizing our national security interests on multiple fronts, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a statement accompanying the release of the resolution. It will be up to Saudi Arabia as to how to deal with this matter. But it is up to the United States to firmly stand for who we are and what we believe. The resolution put forward by Graham and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who are expected to lead the Judiciary Committee together next year, comes just one day after CIA Director Gina Haspel briefed leading senators about the details of the agencys assessment that Mohammed ordered and monitored the killing and dismemberment of Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Senators emerged from that closed-door briefing furious not only with Saudi Arabia, but Trump as well for dismissing the heft of the CIAs findings. You have to be willfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organized by people under the command of MBS and that he was intricately involved in the demise of Mr. Khashoggi, Graham said following the briefing, referring to Mohammed by his initials. He added that Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis, who briefed senators last week, were at best being good soldiers and at worst were in the pocket of Saudi Arabia for presenting the evidence of Mohammeds involvement as inconclusive. The release of the resolution condemning Mohammed also comes as the Senate is preparing to move ahead with debate on a resolution to curtail U.S. support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. Though the Yemen resolution does not directly address Khashoggis murder, its popularity is a sign of how strained the United States patience with Saudi Arabia is on multiple fronts, including its role in worsening the civilian cost of the war in Yemen, cited by the United Nations as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Last week, the Senate voted 63 to 37 to advance the Yemen resolution past an opening procedural hurdle. But Graham and Feinsteins resolution on the crown prince has the potential of drawing broader support, especially from Republicans, who are deeply divided about how fiercely to punish Saudi Arabia over Khashoggis killing. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who has been an outspoken advocate for human rights and is seen as one of the more influential foreign policy voices in the GOP, did not vote for the Yemen resolution last week or sign on to a bipartisan measure last month to sanction Saudi officials and cease weapons transfers to the kingdom. But he is an original co-sponsor of the resolution condemning Mohammed over Khashoggis death. So is Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), who represents the other end of the GOP spectrum in terms of recent Saudi-related votes and endorsements. Young was an initial co-sponsor of the bill Graham wrote with Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) to sanction Saudi officials deemed responsible for Khashoggis killing and stop the sale of anything but exclusively defensive weapons to the kingdom until it ceased hostilities in Yemen. Young also voted to advance the Yemen resolution  something Graham did as well, though Graham has signaled he will not be lending any similar support to the measure, fearing it may establish a precedent of invoking the War Powers Act too broadly. Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) are listed as original co-sponsors of the resolution condemning Mohammed, which also urges Saudi Arabia to negotiate with Houthi rebels to end the Yemen war, work out a political solution to its standoff with Qatar and release political prisoners. But how much sway the resolution has probably comes down to how forcefully the administration decides to heed it -- and thus far, Trump has not shown any interest in condemning the crown prince the way the senators hope he will. Demirjian reports for the Washington Post. Facebook

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Los Angeles County offices and U.S. Postal Service closed Wednesday in honor of George H.W. Bush By Brian Park The Honor Guard carries the casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush following his funeral on Dec. 5 in Washington, DC. (Doug Mills - Pool/Getty Images) The U.S. Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery Wednesday, which President Trump has declared a national day of mourning in honor of former President George H.W. Bush. All retail postal outlets will be closed, and package delivery will be limited. In Los Angeles, all nonessential county departments, offices and libraries will be closed for the day, L.A. County officials said. The Los Angeles County Library said no overdue fines will be assessed for books, and due dates will be moved forward one week. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offices also are closed Wednesday. The Sheriffs Department, Fire Department, clinics and hospitals will continue to operate, the county said. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health clinics are being operated with reduced staffing, and the department asked patients to confirm or reschedule any appointments. All county courts and the disaster recovery centers for the Woolsey fire in Malibu and Agoura Hills will remain open. Larger federal government operations will be closed Wednesday. To honor the life and legacy of President Bush, the Postal Service will observe the National Day of Mourning. Learn how Postal operations will be affected. https://t.co/Mffch7bPCh pic.twitter.com/vG46BsIOpm  U.S. Postal Service (@USPS) December 4, 2018 L.A. County offices and libraries will be closed tomorrow (Dec 5) in observance of the #NationalDayOfMourning for President George H. W. Bush.



The Countys Disaster Recovery Centers in Malibu & Agoura Hills will remain open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. pic.twitter.com/Sv1J7GoJ7T  Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) December 4, 2018 @LAPublicHealth offices will be closed tomorrow December 5 in observance of the national Day of Mourning for President George H. W. Bush. Essential Services including clinics and other services will remain open: https://t.co/tZGoGGHRlg pic.twitter.com/ypXsV6vlYY  LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) December 4, 2018 Facebook

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Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to skip 2020 White House race, sources say By Associated Press Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick speaks during an interview in Boston on Dec. 15, 2014. (Elise Amendola / Associated Press) Former Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts will soon announce he wont launch a 2020 presidential campaign, according to three sources familiar with his plans. They did not say why the Democrat decided against a run. A formal announcement was delayed as the country observed a day of mourning for President George H.W. Bush, one source said. News of Patricks plans was first reported by Politico. Patrick, 62, served two terms as governor, from 2007 to 2015, was assistant attorney general for civil rights in the Clinton administration and since leaving the governors office has been a managing director for Bain Capital. Patrick traveled the country in support of Democratic candidates in the recent midterm election. Earlier this year, some of Patricks supporters and close advisors started the Reason to Believe political action committee, a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing a positive, progressive vision for our nation in 2018 and 2020. Reason to Believe PAC had been holding meetups across the country, including in early presidential primary states. While Patrick is opting against a 2020 run, dozens of Democrats are considering jumping in, including nearly a half-dozen members of the Senate, several House members, and other Massachusetts politicians. On Tuesday, Michael Avenatti, the attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels and a vocal critic of President Trump, said in a statement that he would run. Patrick had previously expressed some concerns about breaking through if he sought the nomination, telling David Axelrod, a former advisor to President Obama, that he wasnt sure he could stand out in such a large field. Its hard to see how you even get noticed in such a big, broad field without being shrill, sensational or a celebrity, and Im none of those things and Im never going to be any of those things, Patrick said in a September interview with Axelrod. Facebook

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Former Trump adviser Roger Stone invokes 5th Amendment right and wont testify before Senate Judiciary Committee By Associated Press Roger Stone in 2017. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Roger Stone, an associate of President Trump, says he wont provide testimony or documents to the Senate Judiciary Committee. An attorney for Stone said in a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the committees top Democrat, that Stone was invoking his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination in refusing to produce documents or appear for an interview. Stone has been entangled in investigations by Congress and special counsel Robert S. Mueller III about whether Trump aides had advance knowledge of Democratic emails published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 election. Stone has not been charged and has said he had no knowledge of the timing or specifics of WikiLeaks plans. In the letter to Feinstein, Stone said the committees requests were far too overbroad, far too overreaching and far too wide-ranging. Facebook

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Watch live: Vice President Pence and lawmakers honor George H.W. Bush at the U.S. Capitol before he lies in state Facebook

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Rebuilding crumbling infrastructure has bipartisan support. But who gets to pay for it? By Jim Puzzanghera The grades for major U.S. infrastructure would give any parent indigestion if they were on a childs report card. Roads: D; bridges: C+; dams: D; ports: C+: railways: B; airports: D; schools: D+; public transit: D-. The nations overall grade: D+, which translates to being in fair to poor condition and mostly below standards with significant deterioration and a strong risk of failure, according to an evaluation last year by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Read More Facebook

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Trump calls former lawyer Michael Cohen a weak person who is lying By Associated Press President Trump says his former lawyer Michael Cohen is lying to get a reduced sentence. The president is reacting to Cohens guilty plea Thursday to lying to Congress about work he did on a Trump real estate project in Russia. During a surprise court hearing, Cohen admitted to lying in testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen in his guilty plea said he made the false statements to be consistent with Trumps political message. Cohens lawyer says he continues to cooperate with special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs investigation into Russian election interference and possible coordination with Trump associates. Facebook

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As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Mark Z. Barabak When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook

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As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Sarah D. Wire When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook

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Michael Cohen, President Trumps ex-lawyer, pleads guilty to lying to Congress about Trump real estate project in Russia By Associated Press Michael Cohen, President Trumps former personal lawyer, pursued a Russian real estate project on candidate Trumps behalf well into the 2016 campaign, he said Thursday while pleading guilty to lying to Congress. Cohen had previously said that the project was abandoned in January 2016, but he now admits he continued to pursue a deal and says he updated Trump and members of his family about the negotiations, according to a new court document. Read More Facebook

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James Comey says acting Atty. Gen. Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer By John Wagner Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker speaks at the Justice Department in Washington on Nov. 14. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) Former FBI Director James B. Comey apparently isnt too impressed with the mental prowess of President Trumps acting attorney general. Matthew Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, Comey said during a radio interview on Monday night in which he sized up the man Trump installed this month to replace ousted Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions. Comey was asked by WGBH News in Boston if he thinks Whitaker could derail the investigation of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Whitaker has spoken critically of the probe, and Trump  as recently as Tuesday  continues to call it a witch hunt. I think its a worry, but to my mind not a serious worry, Comey said. The institution is too strong, and [Whitaker], frankly, is not strong enough to have that kind of impact. He may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, but he can see his future and knows that if he acted in an extralegal way, he would go down in history for the wrong reasons, and Im sure he doesnt want that, added Comey, who was fired by Trump last year and later wrote a book that portrays the president as an ego-driven congenital liar. Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney in Iowa, was Sessions chief of staff before being picked by Trump to lead the Justice Department. Trump has called Whitaker a very smart man. Earlier this year, Trump called Comey an untruthful slime ball. Wagner writes for the Washington Post. Facebook

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Interior Department watchdog clears Zinke in investigation of Utah national monument By Juliet Eilperin Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, third from the left, and Gov. Jerry Brown tour fire damage in Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 14. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The Interior Departments Office of Inspector General has cleared Secretary Ryan Zinke in a probe of whether he redrew boundaries of a national monument in Utah to aid the financial interests of a Republican state lawmaker and stalwart supporter of President Trump. In a Nov. 21 letter to Zinkes deputy, David Bernhardt, Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall wrote that her office found no evidence that the secretary or his aides changed the boundaries of Utahs Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an effort to help former Utah state representative Mike Noel, who serves as executive director of the Kane County Water Conservancy District. Last December, Trump shrank the monument, first established by President Clinton in 1996, by 46% based on Zinkes recommendation. Noel owns 40 acres that had been surrounded by the monument, but now lies outside its boundaries. The new boundaries also would make it easier to construct the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline, which would deliver water to sites in Kane County that include Noels property. Earlier this year, the Interior Department had proposed selling off 120 acres of federal land from the former monument that lay adjacent to some of Noels land holdings, but later reversed the plan. We found no evidence that Noel influenced the DOIs proposed revisions to the [monuments] boundaries, that Zinke or other DOI staff involved in the project were aware of Noels financial interest in the revised boundaries, or that they gave Noel any preferential treatment in the resulting proposed boundaries, Kendall wrote. Neither the Interior Department nor the inspector generals office would release the actual investigative report. In the letter, Kendall writes that her office will provide the report to Congress no sooner than 31 days from Nov. 21, when it is provided it to Zinkes office. The Associated Press first reported the inspector generals conclusions Monday night, but did not provide details from the report itself. Noel emailed Zinke about the effort to alter Grand Staircase-Escalante, according to emails released by Interior under the Freedom of Informational Act. But those emails do not make references to Noels land holdings. Noel also pushed to rename a Utah highway in honor of Trump, but abandoned that effort in March after some of his fellow Republicans objected to the idea. Noel did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday. The inspector generals office still has at least two ongoing probes of the secretary, including one focused on his real estate dealings in Whitefish, Mont., and another regarding his decision to deny a permit to two Connecticut tribes who were hoping to jointly run a casino after MGM Resorts International lobbied against it. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift welcomed the watchdogs conclusions. The report shows exactly what the secretarys office has known all along  that the monument boundaries were adjusted in accordance with all rules, regulations and laws, she said in an email. This report is also the latest example of opponents and special interest groups ginning up fake and misleading stories, only to be proven false after expensive and time consuming inquiries by the IGs office. But Kendalls spokeswoman, Nancy DiPaolo, defended the inquiry, even though she said the report has not been publicly released and we will not be speaking specifically about the matter at this time. The OIG opens investigations based on credible allegations and reports our findings objectively and independently, DiPaolo added. Any time or resources spent investigating conduct or activity that may be a violation of law, regulation or policy is a service to the public, Congress and the Department. Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement that he still intended to investigate the way Zinke and his colleague redrew the boundaries for Grand Staircase-Escalante and another Utah national monument, Bears Ears, next year. I have great respect for the inspector general, and I accept these findings, but Secretary Zinke should have known the people he listened to while destroying our national monuments had disqualifying conflicts of interest, he said. Should I chair the Natural Resources Committee in the next Congress, the process he and President Trump used to destroy Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante will be front and center in our oversight and investigations efforts. We need to know why they ignored overwhelming public expressions of support for both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, why they ignored Native American tribes throughout their decision-making, and why they removed protections on parcels of land with known mineral deposits. Eilperin and Rein report for the Washington Post. Facebook

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Trump advisor Larry Kudlow says China must do more to end trade war By Jim Puzzanghera Larry Kudlow, President Trumps top economic advisor, said Tuesday that Chinas response to U.S. efforts to rework the two economic superpowers trade relationship has been extremely disappointing but the planned meeting this weekend between the nations leaders is an opportunity for a breakthrough. They have to do more. They must do more, Larry Kudlow, director of the White House National Economic Council, told reporters ahead of a Saturday dinner between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 Summit in Argentina. I think the president is exactly right  to show strong backbone when prior administrations did not, to break through these Chinese walls, Kudlow said. Theyre so resistant to change. We have to protect the country. We have to protect our technology, our inventiveness, our innovation. Read More Facebook

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Watch live: White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders holds a media briefing amid tensions at the border By Los Angeles Times Staff Facebook

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Democrat TJ Cox grabs lead over Republican David Valadao in nations last remaining undecided House race By Maya Sweedler Democrat TJ Cox slipped past Republican incumbent David Valadao on Monday to take the lead in the countrys sole remaining undecided congressional race, positioning Democrats to pick up their seventh House seat in California and 40th nationwide. Cox, who trailed by nearly 4,400 votes on election night, has steadily gained as ballot counting continues nearly three weeks after the Nov. 6 election, a pattern consistent with the states recent voting history. On Monday, he pulled ahead by 438 votes after Kern County updated its results. Read More Facebook

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Former CIA director Michael Hayden hospitalized after suffering a stroke By Deanna Paul Then-CIA Director Michael Hayden testifies before a Senate committee in 2008. (Saul Loeb / Getty Images) Former CIA Director and retired Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, his family said Friday. He is receiving expert medical care for which the family is grateful, according to a statement issued by his namesake organization. The General and his family greatly appreciate the warm wishes and prayers of his friends, colleagues, and supporters. Hayden, 73, served as director of the CIA and National Security Agency during the George W. Bush and Obama administrations. He retired from the CIA in 2009. Hayden has been a vocal critic of Donald Trumps campaign and presidency. Earlier this year, after Trump decided to revoke the security clearance of former CIA director John Brennan, Hayden was one of several former intelligence leaders who signed a statement in opposition. Criticizing the president for crossing a line, he quickly became one of the individuals whose security clearance Trump threatened to review. Deanna Paul writes for the Washington Post. Facebook

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Trump tells troops hes thankful for what hes done for the U.S. and rails against courts and migrants By Associated Press President Trump talks with troops via teleconference from his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Thanksgiving. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump used his Thanksgiving Day call to troops deployed overseas to pat himself on the back and air grievances about the courts, trade and migrants heading to the U.S.-Mexico border. Trumps call, made from his opulent private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., struck an unusually political tone as he spoke with members of all five branches of the military to wish them happy holidays. Its a disgrace, Trump said of judges who have blocked his attempts to overhaul U.S. immigration law, as he linked his efforts to secure the border with military missions overseas. Trump later threatened to close the U.S. border with Mexico for an undisclosed period of time if his administration determines Mexico has lost control on its side. The call was a uniquely Trump blend of boasting, peppered questions and off-the-cuff observations as his comments veered from venting about slights to praising troops  You really are our heroes, he said  as club waiters worked to set Thanksgiving dinner tables on the outdoor terrace behind him. It was yet another show of how Trump has dramatically transformed the presidency, erasing the traditional divisions between domestic policy and military matters and efforts to keep the troops clear of politics. You probably see over the news whats happening on our southern border, Trump told one Air Force brigadier general stationed at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, adding: I dont have to even ask you. I know what you want to do, you want to make sure that you know who were letting in. Later, Trump asked a U.S. Coast Guard commander about trade, which he noted was a very big subject for him personally. Weve been taken advantage of for many, many years by bad trade deals, Trump told the commander, who sheepishly replied, Mr. President, from our perspective on the water  we dont see any issues in terms of trade right now. And throughout, Trump congratulated himself, telling the officers that the country is doing exceptionally well on his watch. I hope that youll take solace in knowing that all of the American families you hold so close to your heart are all doing well, he said. The nations doing well economically, better than anybody in the world. He later told reporters, Nobodys done more for the military than me. Indeed, asked what he was thankful for this Thanksgiving, Trump cited his great family as well as himself. I made a tremendous difference in this country, he said. Facebook

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Trump contradicts CIA assessment that Saudi crown prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi killing By Josh Dawsey | Washington Post (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump on Thursday contradicted the CIAs assessment that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, insisting that the agency had feelings but did not firmly place blame for the death. Trump, in defiant remarks to reporters from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, defended his continued support for Mohammed in the face of a CIA assessment that the crown prince had ordered the killing. He denies it vehemently, Trump said. He said his own conclusion was that maybe he did, maybe he didnt. I hate the crime .... I hate the cover-up. I will tell you this: The crown prince hates it more than I do, Trump said. Asked who should be held accountable for the death of Khashoggi, who was killed at the Saudi Consulate in Turkey, Trump refused to place blame. Maybe the world should be held accountable because the world is a very, very vicious place, the president said. He also seemed to suggest that all U.S. allies were guilty of the same behavior, declaring that if the others were held to the standard that critics have held Saudi Arabia to in recent days, we wouldnt be able to have anyone for an ally. Trumps remarks came after he held a conference call with U.S. military officers overseas, during which he repeatedly praised his administration and sought to draw the officers into discussions of domestic policy. Facebook

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Former FBI Director James Comey gets subpoena from House Republicans By Bloomberg Former FBI Director James B. Comey said he has received a subpoena from House Republicans, according to a Twitter post on Thursday. Bloomberg News reported last week that Comey would be receiving a subpoena alongside former Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch as part of continuing probes into their handling of investigations into Hillary Clinton and Russian election meddling, according to a top House Democrat. Happy Thanksgiving. Got a subpoena from House Republicans. Im still happy to sit in the light and answer all questions. But I will resist a closed door thing because Ive seen enough of their selective leaking and distortion. Lets have a hearing and invite everyone to see.  James Comey (@Comey) November 22, 2018 Read More Facebook

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Republican David Valadaos lead slips to 447 votes over Democrat TJ Cox in still-undecided Central Valley House race By Mark Z. Barabak Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), right, finds himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox. (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) On election night, it looked like Rep. David Valadao had survived a close shave and was destined to return to Washington for his fourth term. But on Wednesday, when Fresno County announced its latest vote totals, the Hanford Republican found himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox, with his lead in the Central Valley district shrunken to 447 votes. Thousands remain to be counted. Valadao, a repeated Democratic target, finished election night with a lead of nearly 4,440 votes. Cox, an engineer and a business owner who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2006, has steadily gained ground in the 21st Congressional District ever since. The trend is consistent with historic patterns showing Republicans in California tend to vote early and Democrats later, meaning their mail ballots continue to stream in past election day. Under California law, ballots postmarked up to midnight on Nov. 6 will be counted. Democrats have already picked up six House seats in California. They ousted Reps. Dana Rohrabacher, Mimi Walters, Steve Knight and Jeff Denham and won the seats of retiring Reps. Ed Royce and Darrell Issa. All six represented districts that backed Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in 2016. Valadao was the seventh California Republican in a district Clinton won, though his previous successes  he last won reelection by a 14-point margin  suggested his ouster was a longer shot for Democrats. If Cox prevails, it would give Democrats a 40-seat gain nationwide, far more than the 23 seats needed to take control when Congress reconvenes in January. Facebook

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Trump says no new punishments against Saudi Arabia in Jamal Khashoggi murder By Eli Stokols In this Oct. 25 photo, candles are lit in front of a photo of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (Lefteris Pitarakis) President Trump made it clear on Tuesday that he does not intend to punish Saudi Arabia or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an American resident killed by Saudi officials in Turkey in October. In a remarkable statement replete with exclamation points, Trump cast doubt on the CIAs reported conclusions that it has a high degree of confidence that the crown prince ordered Khashoggis murder and sent his closest allies to Saudi Arabias consulate in Istanbul to carry it out. Read MoreThis article has been updated with staff. Facebook

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Sixteen House Democrats vow to oppose Nancy Pelosi as next speaker By Mike DeBonis | Washington Post House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Sixteen House Democrats said Monday that they will vote to deny Rep. Nancy Pelosi another stint as House speaker, a show of defiance that puts her opponents on the cusp of forcing a seismic leadership shake-up as their party prepares to take the majority. Their pledge to oppose Pelosi (D-San Francisco), both in an internal caucus election and a Jan. 3 floor vote, delivered in a letter sent to Democratic colleagues, comes as Pelosi has marshaled a legion of supporters on and off Capitol Hill to make her case. But her opponents said Monday they are convinced it is time to select a new leader. We are thankful to Leader Pelosi for her years of service to our Country and to our Caucus, they wrote. However, we also recognize that in this recent election, Democrats ran on and won on a message of change. Pelosi has expressed complete confidence that she will retake the speakers gavel in January  eight years after she lost it following massive Republican gains in the 2010 midterms and 16 years after she was first elevated to the top Democratic leadership post in the House. Come on in, the waters fine, she said Friday about a potential leadership challenge. The signers might not be able to force Pelosi out themselves. The size of the Democratic majority remains in flux, but Democrats have already won 232 seats, according to the Associated Press, with five races still undecided. All those races have Republican incumbents, but the Democratic challenger is ahead in only one of them. If the leads hold in the uncalled races, Democrats would have won 233 seats, a 16-seat majority. That means Pelosi could lose as many as 15 Democratic votes when she stands for election as speaker on Jan. 3. Read More Facebook

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Democratic senators sue over Whitakers appointment as acting attorney general By Associated Press Acting U.S. Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker (Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images) Three Senate Democrats filed a lawsuit Monday arguing that Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and asking a federal judge to remove him. The suit, filed by Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, argues that Whitakers appointment violates the Constitution because he has not been confirmed by the Senate. Whitaker was chief of staff to Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and was elevated to the top job after Sessions was ousted by President Trump on Nov. 7. The Constitutions Appointments Clause requires that the Senate confirm all principal officials before they can serve in their office. The Justice Department released a legal opinion last week that said Whitakers appointment would not violate the clause because he is serving in an acting capacity. The opinion concluded that Whitaker, even without Senate confirmation, may serve in an acting capacity because he has been at the department for more than a year at a sufficiently senior pay level. President Trump is denying senators our constitutional obligation and opportunity to do our job: scrutinizing the nomination of our nations top law enforcement official, Blumenthal said in a statement. The reason is simple: Whitaker would never pass the advice and consent test. In selecting a so-called constitutional nobody and thwarting every senators constitutional duty, Trump leaves us no choice but to seek recourse through the courts. The lawsuit comes days after a Washington lawyer challenged Whitakers appointment in a pending Supreme Court case dealing with gun rights. The attorney, Thomas Goldstein, asked the high court to find that Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and replace him with Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein, the second-ranking Justice Department official, has been confirmed by the Senate and had been overseeing special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker is now overseeing the investigation. The Justice Department issued a statement Monday defending Whitakers appointment as lawful and said it comports with the Appointments Clause, the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and legal precedent. There are over 160 instances in American history in which non-Senate confirmed persons performed, on a temporary basis, the duties of a Senate-confirmed position, Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said. To suggest otherwise is to ignore centuries of practice and precedent. Facebook

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Gov. Rick Scott says Sen. Bill Nelson concedes Florida Senate race By Associated Press Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott speaks with his wife, Ann, by his side at an election watch party in Naples, Fla., on Nov. 7. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas Republican Gov. Rick Scott says incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson called him to concede defeat in their extremely tight race. Scott issued a statement Sunday saying Nelson graciously conceded their Senate race shortly after the states recount ended. The final results show Scott defeated Nelson by just over 10,000 votes out of 8 million cast. Nelson is scheduled to release a videotaped statement later Sunday. The defeat ends Nelsons lengthy political career. The three-term incumbent was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000. Before that he served six terms in the U.S. House and as state treasurer and insurance commissioner for six years. Scott spent more than $60 million of his own money on ads that portrayed Nelson as out-of-touch and ineffective. Nelson responded by questioning Scotts ethics and saying he would be under the sway of President Trump. Facebook

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Orange County goes blue, as Democrats complete historic sweep of its seven congressional seats By Michael Finnegan Gil Cisneros defeated Republican Young Kim on Saturday in the last of Orange Countys undecided House races, giving Democrats a clean sweep of the states six most fiercely fought congressional contests and marking an epochal shift in a region long synonymous with political conservatism. With Cisneros victory, Democrats will constitute the entirety of Orange Countys seven-member congressional delegation, the first time since the 1930s that the birthplace of Richard Nixon, home of John Wayne and spiritual center of the Republican Party will have no GOP representative in the House. Sitting back in the 1960s, I would never have believed this would happen, said Stuart K. Spencer, a party strategist who spent more than half a century ushering Republicans, including President Reagan, into office. Read More Facebook

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Going, going ... with midterm wipeout, California Republican Party drifts closer to irrelevance By Michael Finnegan For a party in freefall the last two decades, California Republicans learned that its possible to plunge even further. The GOP not only lost every statewide office in the midterm election  again, in blowout fashion  but Democrats reestablished their supermajority in Sacramento, allowing them to legislate however they see fit After major defeats in Orange County and the Central Valley, two longtime strongholds, Republicans will have a significantly smaller footprint on Capitol Hill. (Democrats hold both Senate seats.) When the vote-counting is finished, the GOP may not even have enough lawmakers in Californias 53-member House delegation to field a nine-person softball team. Read More Facebook

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Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter says she will support Rep. Nancy Pelosi for speaker By Maya Sweedler Democratic Rep.-elect Katie Porter is congratulated by volunteers at her campaign headquarters in Irvine. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter said she plans to support Rep. Nancy Pelosis bid for speaker of the House and will make campaign finance reform her top priority when she enters the chamber in January. Im going to continue to have conversations, but so far I feel like Leader Pelosi is definitely making the things that were a priority to the families that elected me her priorities, including announcing her support for campaign finance reform and anti-corruption as HR1, Porter said in her first public appearance since being declared the winner in Californias 45th Congressional District on Thursday evening. It means a lot to me that she is a Californian. She understands our state, Porter added. When we talk about environmental protections, this is a person who understands as a Californian how fragile our environment is and whats at risk in things like drilling off our coasts. Porter, a law professor at UC Irvine, defeated two-term Republican Rep. Mimi Walters. The 45th District, covering inland Orange County, has never been represented by a Democrat. Porter became the third Democrat to claim a Republican-held seat in Orange County, following the victories of Harley Rouda in the 48th District and Mike Levin in the 49th. A fourth, Gil Cisneros, is running slightly ahead of his Republican opponent in the race for the open seat in the 39th District, which extends into Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Porter attributed the massive political shift in the county, for decades a conservative stronghold, to increased levels of political engagement. Folks here care about education, they care about the environment, they believe climate change is real, they want healthcare that protects preexisting conditions, they want a tax system that doesnt punish California, they want our schools and places of worship to be safe from gun violence, she said. Those are the issues we campaigned on, and to the extent that Donald Trump and Mimi Walters were on the wrong side of those issues, the voters have made clear what direction they want us to go. Porter was flying back from the East Coast when her race was called, she said. She turned on her phone to find 167 text messages from friends and supporters. Among them was Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who was one of Porters teachers in law school and with whom she has remained close. The pair spoke via FaceTime this morning, she said. Facebook

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Bitter battle for Senate seat in Florida goes to hand recount By Associated Press Employees look through damaged ballots during a recount Thursday in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas acrimonious battle for the U.S. Senate headed Thursday to a legally required hand recount after an initial review by ballot-counting machines showed Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson separated by less than 13,000 votes. But the highly watched contest for governor between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum appeared to be over, with a machine recount showing DeSantis with a large enough advantage over Gillum to avoid a hand recount in that race. Gillum, who conceded the contest on election night only to retract his concession later, said in a statement that it is not over until every legally casted vote is counted. The recount so far has been fraught with problems. One large Democratic stronghold in South Florida was unable to finish its machine recount by the Thursday deadline due to machines breaking down. A federal judge rejected a request to extend the recount deadline. We gave a heroic effort, said Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. If the county had three or four more hours, it would have made the deadline to recount ballots in the Senate race, she said. Meanwhile, election officials in another urban county in the Tampa Bay area decided against turning in the results of their machine recount, which came up with 846 fewer votes than originally counted. Media in South Florida reported that Broward County finished its machine recount but missed the deadline by a few minutes. Counties were ordered last weekend to do a machine recount of three statewide races because the margins were so tight. The next stage is a manual review of ballots that were not counted by machines to see whether there is a way to figure out voter intent. Scott called on Nelson to end the recount battle. Its time for Nelson to respect the will of the voters and graciously bring this process to an end rather than proceed with yet another count of the votes  which will yield the same result and bring more embarrassment to the state that we both love and have served, the governor said in a statement. The recount has triggered multiple lawsuits, many of them filed by Nelson and Democrats. The legal battles drew the ire of U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker, who slammed the state for repeatedly failing to anticipate election problems. He also said the state law on recounts appears to violate the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that decided the presidency in 2000. We have been the laughingstock of the world, election after election, and we chose not to fix this, Walker said during a morning hearing. Walker vented his anger at state lawmakers and Palm Beach County officials, saying they should have made sure they had enough equipment in place to handle this kind of a recount. But he said he could not extend the recount deadline because he did not know when Palm Beach County would finish its work. This court must be able to craft a remedy with knowledge that it will not prove futile, Walker wrote in his ruling turning down the request from Democrats. It cannot do so on this record. This court does not and will not fashion a remedy in the dark. The overarching problem was created by the Florida Legislature, which Walker said passed a recount law that appears to run afoul of the 2000 Bush vs. Gore decision by locking in procedures that do not allow for potential problems. A total of six election-related lawsuits are pending in federal court in Tallahassee as well at least one lawsuit filed in state court. Walker also ordered that voters be given until 5 p.m. Saturday to show a valid identification and fix their ballots if they have not been counted due to mismatched signatures. Republicans appealed the ruling, but an appeals court turned down the request. State officials testified that nearly 4,000 mailed-in ballots were set aside because local officials decided the signatures on the envelopes did not match the signatures on file. If those voters can prove their identity, their votes will be counted and included in final official returns due from each county by noon Sunday. Walker was asked by Democrats to require local officials to provide a list of people whose ballots were rejected. But the judge appointed by President Obama refused the request, calling it inappropriate. Under state law, a hand review is required with races that have a margin of 0.25 percentage points or less. A state website put the unofficial results showing Scott ahead of Nelson by 0.15 percentage points. The margin between DeSantis and Gillum was at 0.41 points. The margin between Scott and Nelson had not changed much in the last few days, conceded Marc Elias, an attorney working for Nelsons campaign. But he said that he expected the vote tally to shrink due to the hand recount and the ruling on signatures. The developments fueled frustrations among Democrats and Republicans alike. Democrats want state officials to do whatever it takes to make sure every eligible vote is counted. Republicans, including President Trump, have argued without evidence that voter fraud threatens to steal races from the GOP. Facebook

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Democrat Gil Cisneros pulls ahead of Republican Young Kim as more votes are tallied in Orange and San Bernardino counties By Michael Finnegan Congressional candidate Gil Cisneros (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Democrat Gil Cisneros pulled ahead of Republican Young Kim in one of Californias undecided congressional races Thursday, an ominous sign for a GOP already reeling from its loss of four House seats in the state. In updated vote counts released by the registrars for Orange and San Bernardino counties, Kim fell 941 votes behind Cisneros in the contest to succeed Republican Rep. Ed Royce in Californias 39th Congressional District. The 39th straddles Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties. In another unresolved House race, Democrat Katie Porter pulled further ahead of Republican incumbent Mimi Walters in the 45th District, which includes Mission Viejo, Tustin, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills. Porter, a consumer attorney and UC Irvine law professor, is now 6,203 votes ahead. The Nov. 6 midterm election has been devastating to Republicans in California. If Cisneros and Porter win, the party will have lost six of its 14 House seats in the state, essentially a wipeout in every contest that both parties spent heavily to win. The three Republicans already bounced from Congress are Reps. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Jeff Denham of Turlock in the San Joaquin Valley. Democrat Mike Levin won the seat of retiring GOP Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista in the fourth district flipped so far. Facebook

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Florida Senate race likely headed to second recount By Associated Press A Palm Beach County Sheriffs deputy walks past boxes of ballots before a recount on Nov. 15 in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee) Unofficial Florida election results show that the governors race seems to be settled after a machine recount but the U.S. Senate race is likely headed to a hand recount. Republican Ron DeSantis is virtually assured of winning the nationally watched governors race over Democrat Andrew Gillum. Florida finished a machine recount Thursday that showed Gillum without enough votes to force a manual recount. Unofficial results posted on a state website show the margin between U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Gov. Rick Scott is still thin enough to trigger a second review. State law requires a hand recount of races with a margin of 0.25 percentage point or less. Counties have until Sunday to inspect the ballots that did not record a vote when put through the machines. Those ballots are re-examined to see whether the voter skipped the race or marked the ballot in a way that the machines cannot read but can be deciphered. The election will be certified Tuesday. Read More Facebook

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Pelosi says she has the votes to become the next House speaker By John Wagner Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi speaks during a news conference in Washington on Nov. 14. (Susan Walsh) House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi insisted Thursday that she has the votes to become the chambers speaker despite solid opposition from more than a dozen Democrats who want fresh leadership when the party takes control next year. I have overwhelming support in my caucus to be speaker of the House, the San Francisco lawmaker told reporters. I happen to think at this point, Im the best person for that. A vote within the Democratic caucus is scheduled for Nov. 28. The full House votes on Jan. 3 to elect a new speaker. During her remarks, Pelosi touted the size of the Democratic victory in the midterms, which she called almost a tsunami. With a few races still to be decided, Democrats are poised to pick up close to 40 seats in the chamber. Pelosi called that the biggest victory for the Democrats since 1974, when the Watergate babies came in. Pelosis comments come as she faces solid opposition from at least 17 Democrats, setting the stage for a battle over who will ascend to one of the most powerful positions in Washington. After a campaign in which some Democrats prevailed in competitive districts by promising to oppose her, a coalition of incumbents and newly elected members has denied her a smooth path to the speakership. The defections, if they stand, would leave Pelosi, who has led the Democrats for more than 15 years, several votes short of the 218 she would need when the full House votes for speaker Jan. 3. However, no Democrat has stepped forward to run against her for a job she held from 2007 through 2010. Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) told reporters Wednesday that shes being encouraged to stand for speaker if Pelosi doesnt have the votes. In an interview with the Washington Post on Thursday, she said she has been overwhelmed by the support from many of her colleagues for her possible entry into the race for House speaker. Over the last 12 hours, Ive been overwhelmed by the amount of support Ive received, Fudge said, adding that there are probably closer to 30" Democrats who have privately signaled that they are willing to oppose Pelosi. Things could change rapidly, Fudge said. Fudge, 66, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said she is building a diverse coalition as she mulls a speaker run, talking with allies in the caucus, moderate Democrats and newly elected members. To this point, Pelosi has enjoyed the strong backing of the Congressional Black Caucus. On Thursday, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), one of its members, wrote a letter to colleagues praising her insight, fortitude and strategic thinking and urging support for her speakership bid. Former Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr., an African American who is contemplating a 2020 presidential bid, also voiced support for Pelosi, praising her in a tweet as an architect of the recent midterm success. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a leader of the resistance to Pelosi, said during an interview on CNN on Thursday that Fudge is the kind of new leader that we need in this party. Shes in touch with middle America. She understands what the American people want. Shes a next-generation leader that people will look to and say, Thats the future of our party, thats the future of our country, and thats exactly the kind of leader that I want to see as our next speaker. Wagner reports for the Washington Post. The Posts Robert Costa, Erica Werner, Mike DeBonis, Paul Kane and Elise Viebeck contributed to this report. Facebook

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GOP Rep. Jeff Denham concedes to Democrat Josh Harder in Central Valley race By Maya Sweedler Rep. Jeff Denham (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) Republican Rep. Jeff Denham has conceded to Democrat Josh Harder in the race to represent Californias 10th Congressional District in the San Joaquin Valley. It has been an absolute honor to serve our community and represent the Central Valley in Congress over the past eight years, the 51-year-old congressman said. The enormity of the responsibility was never lost on me. My wife Sonia and I look forward to starting the next chapter of our lives. Harder said he had spoken with Denham and the two were committed to a productive transition. Denham, an Air Force veteran, previously represented the region in the state Senate for eight years and founded a company specializing in plastic packaging used in agriculture. While a member of Congress, he sat on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans Affairs and Agriculture committees. First-time candidate Harder was born and raised in the district. After graduating from Stanford University, he served as vice president of a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. Since moving back, he has been teaching at Modesto Junior College. Denhams House seat is one of four in California that Republicans lost in the Nov. 6 election, with two contests in Orange County still undecided as of Thursday morning. Jeff Denham called me this morning and we had a very productive conversation. I'm honored that I've been chosen to serve our community in Congress, and we're both looking forward to a productive transition that best serves the people of District 10.  Josh Harder (@JoshHarder) November 14, 2018 Facebook

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Democrat Katie Porter now nearly 3,800 votes ahead of GOP Rep. Mimi Walters By Maya Sweedler Rep. Mimi Walters thanks all of her supporters as she watches election results in Irvine on Nov. 7, 2018. (Alex Gallardo / Associated Press) Democrat Katie Porter opened a 3,797-vote lead Wednesday over Republican Rep. Mimi Walters in Orange Countys 45th Congressional District. In the neighboring 39th, Democrat Gil Cisneros has nearly tied the race against Republican Young Kim. Cisneros now trails Kim by a razor-thin margin of 122 votes. The 39th District straddles Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties; Wednesdays updated ballot counts came from the latter two. There are more than 202,000 ballots left to count in Orange County, which includes parts of seven congressional districts. The 45th is entirely in inland Orange County. In California, the ballots counted first tend to lean Republican and those tallied later skew Democratic. In the Central Valleys 21st Congressional District, Democratic challenger TJ Cox has pulled within 2 percentage points of Rep. David Valadao, who is serving his third term. The Associated Press had projected a win for Valadao on election night, but his 4,839-vote advantage has shrunk to 2,090. Back in CA-21, Valadao (R) wins a batch of ballots from his stronghold in Kings Co., but by a considerably smaller margin (14 points) than his previous ~30-point margin in the county. We're moving to Lean R from Likely R; today a bit scary for Valadao.https://t.co/WqJVUVkqGW  Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) November 15, 2018 A spokesman for Valadao told the Fresno Bee that the changes were expected and that [s]tatistically, David Valadao has won this race. Democrats in California have already flipped four House seats, defeating three Republican incumbents and claiming an open seat previously held by the GOP. Reps. Steve Knight of Palmdale, Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa and Jeff Denham of Turlock have already lost their races, and retiring Rep. Darrell Issas San Diego County seat was claimed by Democrat Mike Levin. Facebook

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Trump aide departs West Wing after rebuke from Melania Trump By Associated Press First Lady Melania Trump. (Alain Jocard / AFP-Getty Images) Deputy national security advisor Mira Ricardel is leaving the White House, one day after First Lady Melania Trumps office issued an extraordinary statement calling for her dismissal. No replacement was named. Aides said Ricardel clashed with the first ladys staff over her visit to Africa last month. Yet it is highly unusual for a first lady or her office to weigh in on personnel matters, especially the presidents national security staff. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Ricardel would have a new role in the administration. On Tuesday, Stephanie Grisham, the first ladys spokeswoman, released a statement saying, It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House. President Trumps White House has set records for administration turnover. Ricardel was the third person to hold the post under Trump. An ally of national security advisor John Bolton, Ricardel began her service in the Trump administration as associate director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, then moved to the Commerce Department last year. Bolton brought her into the West Wing shortly after taking the job in April. He is traveling in Asia this week alongside Vice President Mike Pence. Facebook

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Race for House Minority Leader is Kevin McCarthys to lose By Associated Press (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is running to take over next years shrunken caucus in closed-door elections that will set the tone for the new Congress. The race for minority leader is McCarthys to lose Wednesday. But the California Republican, who is an ally of President Trump, must fend off a challenge from conservative Jim Jordan of Ohio. Jordan is a leader of the House Freedom Caucus. The two encountered questions and finger-pointing during a private meeting with lawmakers Tuesday night as the GOP sorted through the midterm defeat that put Democrats in the majority next year. Elections Wednesday will also determine party leadership in the Senate. Voting for the biggest race, Nancy Pelosis bid to return as the Democrats nominee for speaker, is later this month. Read More Facebook

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Melania Trump calls for the firing of deputy national security advisor By Justin Sink First Lady Melania Trump arrives at the Chateau de Versailles outside Paris on Nov. 11. (Alain Jocard / AFP/Getty Images ) First Lady Melania Trumps office said she wants Mira Ricardel, the deputy national security advisor, ousted from the White House. It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House, Trumps spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement in response to a question about reports the first lady had sought Ricardels removal. Ricardel is the top deputy to national security advisor John Bolton. She drew the first ladys wrath after threatening to withhold National Security Council resources during Melania Trumps trip to Africa last month unless Ricardel was included in her entourage, one person familiar with the matter said. Grishams statement comes as several media outlets have reported that President Trump is considering a broader shakeup of his administration, including ousting Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Sink and Jacobs report for Bloomberg. Read More Facebook

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CNN sues Trump over the suspension of Jim Acostas White House press credentials By Jim Puzzanghera CNN said Tuesday that it is suing President Trump and other administration officials over the decision to suspend the White House press credentials of correspondent Jim Acosta after a conflict at a news conference last week. The suit, to be filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, escalates an ongoing battle between Trump and the cable news outlet that he frequently accuses of disseminating fake news for its aggressive coverage of him and his administration. The wrongful revocation of these credentials violates CNN and Acostas 1st Amendment rights of freedom of the press, and their 5th Amendment rights to due process, CNN said in a written statement. If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials. Read More Facebook

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Maxine Waters to take aim at Wells Fargo and Deutsche Bank as new head of House Financial Services Committee By Jim Puzzanghera Rep. Maxine Waters plans to zero in on two big banks  Wells Fargo & Co. and Deutsche Bank  when she becomes head of the powerful House Financial Services Committee. The Los Angeles congresswoman, now the committees top Democrat, is widely expected to gain the gavel after her party won control of the House in last weeks elections. While Waters has outlined a wide-ranging agenda, she said her focus on bank oversight will target two large institutions she has been tangling with for a while  including one, Deutsche Bank, that spills into her bitter feud with President Trump. With Trump in the White House, I know that our fight for Americas consumers and investors will continue to be challenging. But I am more than up to that fight, Waters wrote in a letter last week to her Democratic colleagues on the committee that was obtained by The Times. Read More Facebook

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Heres how a controversial voting system will decide a congressional race in Maine By Kurtis Lee For the first time in U.S. history, a controversial voting system known as ranked choice is being used to decide a federal election. Its happening in Maine, which adopted the system in 2016. Rather than marking a single candidate, each voter ranks them all, assigning a first-place vote, a second-place vote and so on down the ballot. Read More Facebook

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ACLU files suit to stop Trumps new asylum limits By Associated Press A group of Central American migrants march to the office of the U.N.'s humans rights body in Mexico City on Nov. 8. (Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press) The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a legal challenge to President Trumps order denying asylum to migrants if they cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in San Francisco and argues the new rules are against the law. Attorney Lee Gelernt said the regulations will put families in danger. The suit seeks to declare the regulations invalid and wants a judge to stop the rules from going into effect while the litigation is pending. The new rules were spurred in part by caravans of Central American migrants slowly moving north on foot, but officials say they will apply to anyone caught crossing illegally. Officials say about 70,000 people who enter the country illegally claim asylum. The order invoked the same national security powers Trump used to push through his travel ban. Read More Facebook

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Trump on new acting AG: I dont know Matt Whitaker By Associated Press President Trump talks with reporters before departing for France on the South Lawn of the White House on Nov. 9. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) President Trump is moving to distance himself from Matthew Whitaker as he faces criticism over his choice for acting attorney general. Trump told reporters Friday that I dont know Matt Whitaker and said he didnt speak with Whitaker about special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker has made public comments critical of Muellers investigation, and critics have called on Whitaker to recuse himself from oversight of the inquiry. Under former Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, the investigation was overseen by Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Of the scrutiny Whitaker is facing, Trump said: Its a shame that no matter who I put in they go after. He also called Whitaker a very highly respected man. Whitaker was Sessions chief of staff before Trump made him Sessions interim replacement. Facebook

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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg out of hospital after fall By Associated Press The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is home after being released from the hospital. She had been admitted for treatment and observation after fracturing three ribs in a fall. The court said Ginsburg was released Friday. Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg says she is doing well and working from home. The court had previously said the justice fell in her office at the court on Wednesday evening and went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook

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Gun-control activist Lucy McBath defeats GOP Rep. Karen Handel in Georgia By Associated Press Lucy McBath speaks during a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams on Nov. 2 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Alyssa Pointer / Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Democratic gun-control activist Lucy McBath has defeated Republican Rep. Karen Handel of Georgia in a suburban congressional district long considered safe for the GOP. Handel had to seek reelection after winning her seat last year in a close special election race against Democrat Jon Ossoff. McBath became an advocate for stricter gun laws after her son, Jordan Davis, was fatally shot at a Florida gas station in 2012 by a man angry over loud music the teenager and his friends were playing in a car. McBaths margin of victory was narrow enough for Handel to have requested a recount. The Associated Press declared McBath the winner Thursday after Handel conceded. Handel conceded in a statement Thursday morning, stating that after reviewing all of the election data, its clear she came up a bit short in Tuesdays vote. Handel congratulated McBath, offering good thoughts and much prayer for the journey that lies ahead for her. McBath, who is African American, declared victory Wednesday. Facebook

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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hospitalized after fracturing 3 ribs in fall By Associated Press Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fractured three ribs in a fall in her office at the court and is in the hospital. The court says the justice went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. The court says the fall occurred Wednesday evening. Ginsburg was admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation after tests showed she fractured three ribs. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She has had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook

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White House suspends press pass of CNNs Jim Acosta after heated exchange with Trump By Associated Press The White House on Wednesday suspended the press pass of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after he and President Trump had a heated confrontation during a news conference. They began sparring after Acosta asked Trump about the caravan of migrants heading from Latin America to the southern U.S. border. When Acosta tried to follow up with another question, Trump said, Thats enough! and a female White House aide unsuccessfully tried to grab the microphone from Acosta. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement accusing Acosta of placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern, calling it absolutely unacceptable. The interaction between Acosta and the intern was brief, and Acosta appeared to brush her arm as she reached for the microphone and he tried to hold onto it. Pardon me, maam, he told her. Acosta tweeted that Sanders statement that he put his hands on the aide was a lie. CNN said in a statement that the White House revoked Acostas press pass in retaliation for his challenging questions Wednesday, and the network accused Sanders of lying about Acostas actions. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporters colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question. President Trump has given the press more access than any President in history.  Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Contrary to CNNs assertions there is no greater demonstration of the Presidents support for a free press than the event he held today. Only they would attack the President for not supporting a free press in the midst of him taking 68 questions from 35 different reporters...  Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 As a result of todays incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice.  Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Sanders provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened. This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better, CNN said. Jim Acosta has our full support. Journalists assigned to cover the White House apply for passes that allow them daily access to press areas in the West Wing. White House staffers decide whether journalists are eligible, though the Secret Service determines whether their applications are approved. Facebook

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Trump spars with reporters at post-election news briefing, ordering several to sit down By Associated Press  President Trump assails CNNs Jim Acosta at a White House news conference. President Trump sparred with reporters at his post-election news conference, ordering several to sit down and telling another hes a rude, terrible person. He told another reporter hes not a fan of yours, either. The presidents mood turned sour Wednesday after reporters pressed him on why he referred to a migrant caravan making its way to the U.S. on foot through Mexico as an invasion. Trump ramped up his anti-immigrant rhetoric against the caravan in the final days of the midterm elections. Trump was also pressed on why his campaign aired an ad featuring a Mexican immigrant convicted of killing American police officers and linking the mans actions to the caravan. Several television networks pulled the ad after airing it or declined to air it at all. Facebook

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Im living one hour at a time at this point By Christine Mai-Duc Republican congressional candidate Young Kim and gubernatorial candidate John Cox campaign in Rowland Heights. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Republican congressional candidate Young Kim greeted gubernatorial candidate John Coxs giant campaign bus, the words HELP IS ON THE WAY emblazoned across it, as it rolled into the parking lot outside her Rowland Heights field office. Standing beside Cox on Saturday, Kim predicted that a string of GOP victories Tuesday would start with voters repealing the gas tax hike. Can you imagine Gavin Newsom being our governor? Can you imagine Gil Cisneros being your representative? Kim asked the crowd, to loud boos and cries of Nooo! The former state assemblywoman who worked for retiring Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) is vying for his seat with Democrat Gil Cisneros. She led the crowd in chants of Enough is enough! and, though short-lived, Drain the swamp! Ive served you in Sacramento and Ive seen dysfunction personally, Kim continued. We cannot continue that route. She urged her supporters to stay and help make phone calls or walk neighborhoods. Lets get out there  the 72 hours is really critical. Its all going to come down to a few votes, it could be your vote, she said pointing to her left, then pivoting right, it could be your vote. So dont sit back and do nothing. Every night I go to sleep thinking, OK, how many more votes can I get or how many more people can I call tomorrow? Kim said. It can be physically exhausting but Im mentally, emotionally very energized. She listed off her events so far that day  and the next one she was heading to. Thats just what I can remember, she said. Im living one hour at a time at this point. Kims campaign invited press to two of her events on Saturday. After she was whisked away to her next event  a high tea fundraiser in Walnut, a couple dozen volunteers remained. John Freeman, a statewide field manager for the state Republican Party, tried to pump them up. This is the Super Bowl. Were not in an NFL stadium, were not getting paid millions of dollars, but you know what? Freeman said. Were walking on the field right now. This is that high-stakes-level game. Facebook

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Its going to be tough out there Democratic candidate Katie Porter speaks to volunteers in Mission Viejo. Jon Bauman, Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na, is in the background. (Victoria Kim / Los Angeles Times ) Judging from the cheers in the crowd, about half those assembled at Katie Porters campaign headquarters in Mission Viejo Sunday morning were old enough to remember 70s rock n roll star Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na. Jon Bauman, as Bowzer is known off stage, said it was her position on senior issues including retirement and social security that has him out supporting Porter over her opponent, incumbent Rep. Mimi Walters. I want you to make sure every phone is called and every door is knocked, he told the crowd of about 80 volunteers. There has never been a more important election. Both Bauman and his nephew, California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman, were interrupted by yells from Trump supporters coming from an adjoining hillside. We love Trump, the voice cried out. We love him too, he makes great fodder, the younger Bauman retorted, before introducing Porter. Porter, a UC Irvine law professor and first-time candidate, acknowledged the uphill battle some of her canvassers might face in this more conservative end of the long-red Orange County district. I know its going to be tough out there, she said, motioning to the hillside. But she said the attacks meant the other side viewed her campaign as a significant threat. This election is going to be close, she said. If we dont fight all the way to the finish line, until 8 oclock on Tuesday, this could slip away. Bowzer then took to a keyboard piano to lead the crowd in a reworded rendition of the song Good Night Sweetheart: Good night, Mimi Walters, he crooned. A woman in a black tank top, jeans and flip flops holding a cup of coffee later joined the crowd with her two sons, 17 and 14, the younger one wearing a Trump 2016 T-shirt. She declined to give her name, saying she was concerned about being attacked, but said she lived up the hill and said she had been the one yelling. She said she was encouraging her sons to talk to people on both sides and make up their own minds. We need to have a government that runs the way government teachers are telling kids its supposed to be run, said the woman, a retired registered dental assistant who voted early for Mimi Walters. Referring to Democrats, she said: Theyve had control over all these years and Californias gone to crap. Among those canvassing was Stacie Campbell, 37, who was at the launch with her husband Jerome and three children, the youngest of whom was 2 months old. Campbell, a Mission Viejo resident who runs a business, had never canvassed or volunteered for campaigns before, and her husband is a French citizen and unable to vote. She said they had been talking to their children  the older ones are 5 and 2  about the presidency and the government since Trumps election. Together, they worked on homemade Katie Porter lawn signs and put them up around town. This is the first time its felt like a big deal and there isnt a president up for election, she said. Because her city is a mix of conservatives and liberals  her next-door neighbor is an NRA-supporting Republican  she the race felt m
Congress and the White House havent been able to agree on a plan to give legal status to millions of people brought to the country illegally as children, and the clock is ticking.

When President Trump ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in September, he gave Congress until March 5 to find a solution for the so-called Dreamers before the program completely shutters. Despite months of discussion over what to do, there are just five days left on the legislative calendar before the deadline.

Here is what we know about whats to come.

First of all, what happens March 5?

Not much. Federal judges in New York and California ordered the Justice Department to resume accepting DACA renewal applications while challenges to the programs end are appealed. Under DACA, more than 700,000 people had temporary deportation relief and permission to legally work in the country.

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The judges orders took a bit of the pressure off Congress to get something done by Trumps deadline.

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to accept a Justice Department request to expedite an appeal rather than let it go through the normal appeals process, but the court hasnt granted such a request in more than 30 years.

If the Supreme Court does take it up, justices could resolve the status of DACA by the end of the current court session in June. Should the appeal stay where it is, the issue probably wont be back at the Supreme Court until fall at the earliest.

So where do things stand in Congress?

Last week, the Senate brought up and failed to advance four proposals that would have given the Dreamers some kind of legal status in exchange for border security funding or changes to the overall immigration system.

The proposal thought to have had the best chance would have provided $25 billion for border security, including Trumps border wall, in return for legalizing the status of some 1.8 million Dreamers and giving them a 10-year path to citizenship.

That proposal came within six votes of the 60 needed to move forward, failing in part because the president said on Twitter he would veto it. There is little doubt it could have passed with his support.

Senate Republican leaders said they would move to other topics if a deal wasnt reached, and it is unclear whether that was a threat.

If we dont act, these young immigrants will face the threat of deportation. My message to Dreamers is to not give up hope. Were going to keep working, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein said after the Senate bills failed.

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Will the House try to pass its own bill?

The House waited for the Senate to make the first move, but Speaker Paul D. Ryan suggested the Republicans who control the chamber would move on their own.

We clearly need to address this issue in March; Ill just leave it at that, the Wisconsin Republican told reporters last week.

More than a half a dozen House proposals are being floated. Ryan and other GOP leaders have coalesced around a plan from House Judiciary Chairman Robert W. Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and are working to determine how many members would vote for it.

His instructions to me are to get this bill done, Goodlatte, a former immigration attorney, said of Ryan on CSPAN.

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Whats in the Goodlatte plan?

The proposal would allow Dreamers to periodically renew legal status and eventually apply for a green card, but has no path to citizenship. It would also require employers to check employees immigration status through the E-Verify program and authorizes the Justice Department to withhold grants from so-called sanctuary cities.

Bipartisan Senate effort to protect Dreamers collapsed after Trump threatens veto 

Conservatives are keeping a close eye on what Ryan is willing to bring to the floor, and if he will adhere to a promise he made when he became speaker that he would not bring an immigration bill up for a vote unless it has the support of a majority of House Republicans.

The Goodlatte plan has Trumps backing and is among the most conservative options floated. It is universally opposed by House Democrats and it isnt likely to get considered in the Senate even if it passes.

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What do Democrats want?

Republican House leaders have ignored a request from Democrats for the House to mimic the Senate and consider several different proposals at once. (You might remember House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi spending eight hours pushing for Ryan to promise to consider multiple plans.)

House Democrats and moderate Republicans prefer a bipartisan bill sponsored by Reps. Will Hurd (R-Texas) and Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands).

The Hurd-Aguilar plan is similar to the measure that got the most support in the Senate. It would allow Dreamers to apply for permanent legal status and includes increased immigration enforcement, including more control of the southern border and more funding to address backlogs in immigration courts.

Its 53 sponsors include 10 members of the California delegation: three Republicans and seven Democrats.

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What are Californians doing?

An estimated 222,000 DACA recipients live in the state.

Aguilar is not the only Californian working behind the scenes to craft legislation. Central Valley Republican Reps. David Valadao and Jeff Denham are part of a bipartisan group seeking to come up with a plan both parties will accept. Their districts are heavily Latino.

Denham called on Ryan to promise to allow a vote on all serious and substantive proposals, particularly those offered on a bipartisan basis.

Is a short-term fix possible?

Its unclear.

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Republican Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona has proposed a stopgap measure that would legislatively renew the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for three years in exchange for a $7.6-billion increase in border security spending.

But Trump and hard-line conservatives have been pushing for a comprehensive immigration policy overhaul, and many are leery about a band-aid fix becoming permanent.

The presidents rhetoric about a legislative fix, especially over the last few weeks, signals he is not open to a temporary solution.

So what is next?

Congress tends to accelerate its work when facing a deadline, and delicate topics often get thrown into must-pass bills in an attempt to force a vote. Thats one reason the government has shut down twice this year.

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The next must-pass spending bill has to be approved by March 24 in order to avoid a government shutdown, so thats whats being viewed as the new deadline to get something done for Dreamers. Its also one of the last major pieces of legislation Congress expects to pass this year before lawmakers attention shifts to the midterm election.

To read this article in Spanish, click here

sarah.wire@latimes.com

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Read more about the 55 members of Californias delegation at latimes.com/politics

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Bipartisan Senate effort to protect Dreamers collapses after Trump threatens veto

California could flip the House in 2018, and these 14 races will make the difference

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Updates on California politics
Rep. Adam Schiff was in the right place but at the wrong time to run for the office he coveted: U.S. Senate.

The Burbank congressman had significantly elevated his positive public profile as the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee that is looking into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Schiff was becoming a household name, at least among politics followers in California.

But Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein decided at age 84 that she was good for a fifth full term. And Schiff endorsed her without hesitation. He wasnt about to challenge her.

Shes done a remarkable job and been a great colleague, Schiff says. I think having the continuation of her leadership in the Senate is valuable to the state and country.

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Would he have run for her seat this year if she had retired? I was inclined to, Schiff told me.

Right place, wrong time.

OK, what about the presidency in 2020?

Just pondering out loud.

There isnt a clear favorite for the Democratic nomination when President Trump is up for reelection. There isnt even much of a muddled field.

Former Vice President Joe Biden gets talked about, but mostly as the Democrat who could have beaten Trump if only hed been the nominee instead of Hillary Clinton. But Biden didnt run. Hes now 75 and in 2020 the party may be looking for someone fresher.

Schiff, 57, is one of few modern politicians with an ability to grab attention without polarizing people. Hes a portrait of steadiness and calm, wearing a very slight smile. No populist fire and brimstone. Rather, controlled articulation that smacks of common sense. Hes soft-spoken, but can use his words like a stiletto.

The country could be in the mood for an emotional rest in 2020.

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Schiff is a nine-term congressman and, before that, a state senator. He also was an assistant U.S. attorney in Los Angeles. Hes known as a fiscal moderate and social liberal.

These days, Schiff is a national TV regular, expounding on the Russia investigation in a pleasant way.

Has he even thought of running for president?

I certainly have not been thinking about it and am not running, Schiff told me, casting cold water on the idea. But I have to say, Im surprised about how many people have been asking me about it.

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I do think one of the Trump effects has been that everyone in the country quite rightly feels they could do a better job than that guy.

I called Schiffs longtime political consultant, Parke Skelton (no relation).

President is kind of a stretch for a member of the House, the strategist said candidly. Who was the last House member to win the presidency? Abraham Lincoln?

More from George Skelton 

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Actually, 19 House members have become president. But the consultants thinking is correct. Most of those House members became senators, vice presidents or governors before rising to the Oval Office.

The last president to be elected directly from the House was James Garfield in 1880. But Garfield had first been elected to the Senate, although he hadnt taken office. Lincoln was a one-term House member who ran for the Senate and lost, then was elected president in 1860.

Schiff also would have to surrender his House seat if he ran for higher office. And right now hes a national figure enjoying the good life politically.

The congressman spoke to two sold-out Northern California events Tuesday  a Sacramento Press Club luncheon and an appearance at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.

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In Sacramento, Schiff advised Democrats to offer voters a positive reason to elect them, not just pound on Trump. He rejects all the jabber about impeaching the president, saying Democrats should wait to see what special counsel Robert S. Mueller III finds out in his Russia investigation.

Coverage of California politics 

At the same time, he expressed frustration with Republicans who control the House Intelligence Committee, asserting that their fundamental flaw is viewing the president as their client.

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The American people are our client, he said.

Later in an interview, Schiff criticized Trump for not imposing economic sanctions on the Russians after they messed with American elections.

What really gets Russian attention is making their economy pay a price because that risks people taking to the streets, he said.

The Russians wanted to sow discord in the United States and set Americans against Americans, Schiff said, but they also tried to help Trump.

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They definitely despised the Clintons and, I think, worried about Hillary because she was going to stand up to them. She was going to speak out about democracy in Russia and [President Vladimir] Putin, being an old KGB hand, thinks that all revolutions are products of the CIA. He probably feared that with Clinton as president the CIA would be fomenting counterrevolutions.

What strikes me, Schiff continued, is that the same year the Russians decided to throw caution to the winds and get involved in our political process, the Republican nominee happened to be Donald Trump. Because had it been John McCain or Mitt Romney, Im convinced they both would have had the strength of character to say, We dont want your help. Butt the hell out.

In his obsessive tweets, Trump calls Schiff little, a leaker, a liar and sleazy. A race between the two could be fascinating.

Much more likely is a future Schiff Senate race at the right time.

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george.skelton@latimes.com

Follow @LATimesSkelton on Twitter
Once seen as a modern marvel that enhanced the original 19th century landmark in Californias capital city, the state Capitols 66-year-old annex was declared by architects and lawmakers on Wednesday to be long overdue for demolition and replacement.

Theres many ways in which the building is not welcoming to all Californians, said Assemblyman Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova), the legislator leading the effort.

On Wednesday, the Joint Rules Committee of the California Legislature embraced a $543-million proposal to build a new addition to the original Capitol building, providing ample meeting space for lawmakers and their constituents, and built with a focus on the safety and security needs of employees and visitors.

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I think we owe it to them to provide an annex that is accommodating to all folks, state Sen. Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) said.

The three-year project, which has not yet been approved by state officials, would completely remove and replace the building that was attached to the original Capitol in 1952. That building was symbolic of the states boom times of the mid-20th century, quickly becoming a key part of the governing process as legislative sessions were extended into a year-round operation.

Even the elevators will have class, said an article published in the Los Angeles Times on Sept. 11, 1950, about the annex building then under construction. The article went on to peg the total construction cost at $7.25 million.

Column: Some say its time for a larger California Legislature 

Today, however, the unadorned building housing almost all legislator staff offices, the governors private suite of offices and large committee meeting rooms has become a frequent point of criticism. Much of the building lacks a sprinkler system in the event of a fire. Several of its narrow hallways and rooms arent fully compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act. A parking garage for lawmakers directly under the building has raised security concerns. There are continual complaints about temperature, plumbing and wiring.

And as school groups and activists would attest, the 1952 addition was never properly aligned with the historic Capitol completed in 1864  a visitor looking for a second-floor office on one side of the building may wonder why access is through the third floor on the other side.

I get confused with navigating this building, Cannella said during Wednesdays committee briefing.

The plan as currently drafted includes a new visitors center, as well as a relocated lawmaker parking facility. A key unanswered question is where the Legislature would be moved in the roughly three-year construction phase, a daunting task given the wide array of services that would be needed in an alternate location in Sacramento.

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Gov. Jerry Brown raised the question of what to do about the existing Capitol annex in his 2016 state budget proposal. But while a spokesperson for the state Department of General Services agreed on Wednesday that the building is inadequate to serve current needs, the $543-million proposal has yet to be embraced by Brown. The expectation is that the cost would be paid for out of the states general fund, and lawmakers have pointed out that the Capitol project seems to fit the bill for using recent tax revenue windfalls on one-time expenses instead of ongoing programs.

Cooley, who was once a legislative staffer and is considered one of the Capitols honorary historians, noted that Brown was also governor during the seven-year renovation of the historic Capitol that was completed in 1982. He and other officials toured other statehouses across the nation in search of ideas on how to improve the aging seat of government in Sacramento.

Many states are ahead of us on this curve, he said.

john.myers@latimes.com

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A red hand stencil. A series of lines that look like a ladder. A collection of red dots.

These images, painted in ocher on the walls of three separate caves in Spain, are the oldest-known examples of cave art ever found. And new research suggests that all three were created not by humans, but by our ancient cousins the Neanderthals.

In a paper published Thursday in Science, an international team of archaeologists shows that each of the three paintings was executed at least 64,000 years ago  more than 20,000 years before the first modern humans arrived in Europe.

This work confirms that Neanderthals were indeed using cave walls for depicting drawings that had meaning for them, said Marie Soressi, an archaeologist at Leiden University in the Netherlands who was not involved in the study. It also means that our own group, the one we call anatomically modern humans, is maybe not so special.

Cave wall paintings from La Pasiega in northern Spain. The ladder shape, composed of red horizontal and vertical lines, dates to older than 64,000 years and must have been made by Neanderthals. P. Saura, Breuil et al.

For most of the last century, researchers have argued that our Neanderthal cousins were intellectually inferior to their modern human contemporaries  incapable of symbolic thought and possibly devoid of language. This, in turn, was used to explain why the Neanderthals disappeared from Eurasia about 40,000 years ago, not long after modern humans arrived there.

However, archaeological evidence revealed over the last two decades tells a different story. We now know that Neanderthals were sophisticated hunters who knew how to control fire, and that they adorned themselves with jewelry and took care to bury their dead.

In addition, genetic evidence suggests that modern humans and Neanderthals were similar enough that they interbred with some frequency. Indeed, if you are of European or Asian descent, it is likely that roughly 2% of your genome comes from Neanderthal ancestors.

Still, Soressi said the discovery that at least three instances of known cave art were created by Neanderthals is significant.

The one criteria left that would have distinguished Neanderthals and early modern humans was the interest and need to draw symbols deep in the underground, she said.

Thanks to the new discovery, she added, we now know that Neanderthals and modern humans had that in common as well.

Dirk Hoffmann and Alistair Pike take a sample from a calcite crust on top of the red scalariform sign in La Pasiega. J. Zilhao

For this work, archaeologists traveled to three different cave sites across Spain: La Pasiega in the north, which is home to the mysterious ladder-shaped painting; Maltravieso in the west, where the hand stencil was found; and Ardales in the south, where red dots were painted on curtain formations inside the cave.

The three caves were discovered in 1911, 1951 and 1821, respectively. All of the artworks examined in the study had been known about for decades  although they were generally assumed to have been made by modern humans. Archaeologists have only recently gained access to tools that allowed them to accurately date the minimum age of the paintings.

Paul Pettitt, an archaeologist at Durham University in England who worked on the study, said the team targeted the three caves because each was known to contain symbolic, non-figurative art. Based on the teams previous research, the authors guessed that these images, painted by hand in red ocher, would have been some of the earliest works in the caves.

These works of art took some planning to execute  requiring a light source, the preparation of pigments, and a decision about where to place the painting.

The hand stencil in particular is a relatively demanding piece to do, said Dirk Hoffman, the archaeologist at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, who led the study. The artist placed his or her hand on the wall and then painted over it. When the hand was removed, its negative was left, imprinted on the cave.

A Neanderthal hand stencil on a cave wall in Maltravieso. The top photo shows that the wall is almost completely covered with calcite. The bottom is a close-up of the handprint. H. Collado

To determine the age of the paintings, the researchers used a technique known as uranium-thorium dating that measures the age of calcitic crusts that form on the walls of caves. By calculating the age of crusts that formed over the paintings, the authors were able to discern minimum ages for the artworks.

The uranium-thorium dating technique requires a very small sample of the carbonate crust  about 10 milligrams. The researchers carefully scraped the crust off the paintings without damaging the art, then sent the samples to two labs for analysis.

The results indicated that the ladder shape was painted no later than 64,800 years ago, and the hand stencil goes back at least 66,700 years. The oldest of the red markings on the curtain formations dated back at least 65,500 years.

Keep in mind, these are minimum ages, Hoffman said. We have no idea how much time elapsed at the three caves between the painting act and calcite precipitating on it.

Calcite crust on top of the red scalariform sign. The uranium-thorium dating method provides an age for the formation of the crust, which in turn gives a minimum age for the underlying painting. J. Zilhao

Even so, these findings show beyond a shadow of a doubt that the three paintings were created by Neanderthals, the researchers wrote, as there were no other hominids living on the Iberian Peninsula before roughly 40,000 years ago.

Matthew Pope, an archaeologist at the University College of London who was not involved in the work, said the new study wont necessarily change how he and his colleagues think about Neanderthals. At this point, many of them have already concluded that our ancient relatives had gotten woefully short shrift in the past, he said.

But he added that the work may remove one of the last elements that separate the behavior of Neanderthal populations from modern humans in the archaeological record.

In other words, Neanderthals may have looked different than modern humans, but cognitively it appears they were just like us.

Soressi, the archaeologist from Leiden University, said one complication of these recent revelations is that it makes the demise of the Neanderthals harder to explain.

All of what we know today tells us that it is not because Neanderthals were dummies that they disappeared, she said.

As for what the paintings meant to their creators, Hoffman said we may never know.

However, he said the team of researchers is already at work dating paintings at other cave sites.

It is certainly possible to find as old or even older cave art in other parts of Europe or even outside Europe, he said. We will see what future dating work tells us.

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deborah.netburn@latimes.com

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2 p.m.: This story has been updated with additional information about the history of the artworks and comments from archaeologist Paul Pettitt of Durham University in England.

This story was originally published at 11 a.m.
Peering at a distant galaxy, an amateur astronomer in Argentina managed to capture a star in the act of going supernova. The chances of this discovery, scientists say, are 1 in a million at best.

This lucky find, described this week in the journal Nature, resulted in the first images of the sudden brightening caused by a shock in the stars core  a process that had been theorized but never observed.

This is the first confirmation of the existence of this phase, which is really in agreement with the models, said lead author Melina Bersten, an astrophysicist at the Instituto de Astrofisica de La Plata in Argentina.

The supernova, SN 2016gkg, could shed fresh light on the end stages of a stars life.

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SN 2016gkg was spotted in September 2016 by study coauthor Victor Buso, an amateur astronomer based out of Rosario, Argentina. Buso had been testing a new camera on his 16-inch telescope by aiming it at spiral galaxy NGC 613, which lies roughly 80 million light-years away in the constellation Sculptor.

After taking a series of short-exposure photographs, Buso took a look at his work and noticed, at the end of one of the galaxys spiral arms, a bright point in the later images that hadnt been there in the earlier ones.

It takes experience to be able to notice such a tiny but significant change, said Gaston Folatelli, an astronomer at the Instituto de Astrofisica de La Plata and one of the studys authors.

Victor was really very lucky  cannot deny that  but also he had enough expertise to be able to see the object and to realize that this was possible, said Folatelli, who helped lead the work with Bersten.

Buso put the word out. Within hours, telescopes around the world had been trained on the bright object. Astronomers continued to study it for two months, breaking up the light into different wavelengths to better understand the nature of the explosion  and the dying star that fueled it.

Supernovas are the violent, explosive deaths of massive stars. They release energy across the electromagnetic spectrum from X-rays to visible light and radio waves, and are so powerful that they produce heavy elements that the nuclear fusion in their hearts could never forge in life.

The light generated by the first hours of that supernova explosion could potentially reveal much about the structure and makeup of a stars surface just before it died. But supernovas are unpredictable at best, and catching that first brightening is exceedingly difficult, Folatelli said.

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In the paper, the authors estimate the odds of spotting this crucial early stage at 1-in-a-million or 1-in-10-million chance.

(Keep in mind, Rosario is low flatland and usually quite humid  less-than-ideal conditions in which to perform astronomy. The fact that Buso was able to pick out the supernova in such conditions was also a lucky break, Folatelli said.)

By studying the light coming from this celestial apparition, the researchers found that it was a Type IIb supernova, one that may have come from a weird class of stars known as yellow supergiants.

That was a little surprising, Bersten explained, because when a solo star goes supernova its more often something like a red supergiant (a cooler, inflated star) or a more blue-toned variable star (a hotter, denser star). But when yellow supergiant stars are in binary systems, she added, the models show that its no longer a stretch that theyd go supernova.

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The researchers also looked back in data from the Hubble Space Telescope, pre-explosion, and found a stellar candidate that does indeed have some characteristics of a yellow supergiant.

The original star, they say, may have weighed in around 20 solar masses  although it had probably shrunk to just five solar masses before it went supernova, as the gravitational tug of its companion star siphoned mass away.

The astronomers say theyll continue to study SN 2016gkg. The supernovas light curve may be able to reveal more about the material surrounding the star, which could help provide more insight into how stars in binary pairs pull mass off of each other  and how this relationship might affect a stars evolution.

So far, the supernovas behavior seems to match fairly well with their expectations, she added. But as the researchers dig deeper into the data and look for subtler inconsistencies, they may be able to build a more nuanced portrait of stellar deaths.

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Finding more such events to study will be tricky, though. Even as scientists hunt for supernovae, hoping to catch them early in the process, the next discovery may also require a healthy dose of luck  and all the help they can get.

I would hope the amateur astronomers are encouraged to do more of this, Folatelli said.

amina.khan@latimes.com

Follow @aminawrite on Twitter for more science news and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook.

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A proposed partnership with the Costa Mesa Sanitary District to provide mobile restrooms to help serve local homeless people needs additional study and outreach before its ready for prime time, Costa Mesa City Council members decided Tuesday.

The council voted 3-2  with Mayor Pro Tem Allan Mansoor and Councilman Jim Righeimer opposed  to direct staff to continue working on the concept with the sanitary district and to talk with local businesses and identify possible locations for portable restrooms.

I dont know whether this bathroom thing is an answer to any major issues, but I certainly hope it will provide some relief for our merchants who come out in the morning and have to clean up poop, Mayor Sandy Genis said. I believe we need to think it through a little more and come up with more details.

Councilman John Stephens had asked his colleagues to support committing $21,500 to cover half the estimated cost of a six-month pilot program in which portable toilets would be placed on a trailer so they could be stationed wherever theyre needed.

The rest of the money would come from the sanitary district, whose board voted unanimously in November to put up its share of the funding.

During several meetings last year, sanitary district officials said such a program would give homeless people a safe and hygienic place to relieve themselves and would help improve sanitation and public health by reducing public urination and defecation.

This is an effort to solve a problem that exists in our community, Stephens said. We can study it until the cows come home, but the bottom line is, until we get something out there and start to collect data, well never really know.  This is a way to end the speculation and collect some data.

Councilwoman Katrina Foley said , without other options, homeless people have no choice but to relieve themselves in public.

I know that the nice new restaurants that are opening up on 19th Street dont want to have to come every morning and clean up poop from their property. ... I know that the residents Ive talked to dont want to have people defecating on their front yard anymore. So whats the answer? she said. This is at least a creative way to address what is an immediate concern.

Righeimer, however, was vehemently opposed to the concept.

I dont know if this is the dumbest idea Ive ever heard in my life, but its right up there, he said.

He called the sanitary district officials who supported the proposal freaking idiots.

Anybody who thinks that if youre going to give more services to [homeless] people youre going to get less of them, youre not thinking right, he said.

In an interview Wednesday morning, sanitary district General Manager Scott Carroll said Righeimer is entitled to his opinion but called his comments unfortunate.

To call the sanitary district and fellow elected officials idiots is unprofessional and disrespectful, Carroll said. We hope he will take the high road by issuing an apology.

Carroll said the sanitary district is open to additional dialogue to refine the mobile restroom concept and try to find a solution to people relieving themselves in public.

This might not be a silver bullet, it might raise some issues, but we wont know unless we try, he said. Thats always been our position.

On Tuesday, some council members and residents expressed queasiness about an outline the sanitary district provided for how the program could work.

The district proposed to have the mobile restrooms open initially from 6 a.m. to noon Sundays through Fridays and rotate them among the intersections of 19th Street and Meyer Place, Anaheim Avenue and 18th Street and 17th Street and Pomona Avenue.

An attendant would be present at all times to make sure the restrooms are clean and used for their intended purpose.

Carroll told the council that the locations and hours could be adjusted as needed. Staffing them, he added, would provide an opportunity to connect with local homeless people and refer them to available services.

Some speakers, however, questioned whether it would be better to have the restrooms open at night rather than in the morning. Others objected to posting them solely in the citys Westside, which already is home to several resources for the homeless.

The Westside has clearly done their part, and this is going to make it worse, Mansoor said.

Several residents warned that the portable restrooms might have unintended consequences by attracting additional homeless people and negatively impacting nearby businesses and residents.

luke.money@latimes.com

Twitter @LukeMMoney
The 25-ton garbage truck rumbled down the alley at sunrise Sunday and squealed to a stop.

On one side of the narrow alley is Urth Caffe in Laguna Beach. On the other side is a tight row of older, thinly insulated apartments with dozens of sleeping residents.

When the driver ambled out of the truck at 6:38 a.m. he left his door open, and loud pop music spilled out, bouncing around the concrete like an echo chamber.

The driver went about his duties as he has every other Sunday: Get the Urth trash bin, load the trash, lift it high into the air and shake it like a Polaroid.

For the residents who live just feet away, there is debate about whats worse: the shaking or the beep, beep, beep sound that cuts deep.

In the bleariness of the morning, your temptation is to say, Alexa, stop!

It is early Sunday morning, after all, in laid-back Laguna where even the seagulls are still sleeping.

The problem, of course, is that the Waste Management driver has been arriving too soon.

Were sorry, said Eloisa Orozco, Waste Managements communications manager for Southern California. You know what, your residents are actually correct. We pulled our records for the service in that area and unfortunately it looks like its a case of an employee going out there a little earlier than he should have been going.

According to the city, garbage trucks should not arrive before 7 a.m. Frankly, on Sunday, it should be more like 10 a.m., but thats just me.

So, according to our service agreement, we should be out there no earlier than 7 a.m., said Orozco, whose records indicate that for at least the past four Sundays, residents have had an early wake-up call. It shows our truck was out there to service between 6:38 and 6:49 a.m. We are going to be speaking to our driver and reminding him the importance of not going out there before the time, which is 7 a.m.

Whats interesting here is that residents near Urth just took it in stride, for the most part. Everyone just assumed it was part of life with Urth: the bustle, trash, illegal smoking outside, and yes, an unholy garbage truck on Sunday  like a smelly sunrise service.

It wasnt until residents started to huddle around their mailboxes and compare notes that they realized something seemed off. So they came to me, believing its easier to let the news guy do the dirty work.

Urth officials were quick to distance themselves from the trash details. Not surprisingly, theyre just trying to sell their food, coffee and those amazing little desserts. In fact, an Urth spokesman said the company doesnt have control over pick-up times and leaves it up to the city and Waste Management.

Interestingly, the citys code enforcement officer, Ross Corona, said that from Monday to Saturday, Waste Management usually comes to Urth at about 2 p.m.

Now thats what Im talking about. But why not 2 p.m. on Sunday?

We dont know.

These are the mysteries of modern trash operations.

What we do know is that this issue is not new. Across the country, cities and residents have struggled to balance reasonable trash times with business demands.

In fact, there was one highly publicized case in Georgia a couple years ago where a garbage truck driver was arrested for picking up trash too early. In that case, the city of Sandy Springs had a similar noise ordinance that prevented pick-ups before 7 a.m., but the driver started working at 5 a.m. in order to get all of his run finished on time.

The driver actually had to serve a couple weekends in jail before they let him out.

While that seems excessive, if no one ever gets penalized, then why have the rules?

Clearly, its probably not the drivers fault. He is either following orders or just trying to complete his work on time.

Businesses will always push the envelope in order to save time, cut costs, improve productivity, etc.

And residents will always feel the impact.

If its not a garbage truck at o-dark-thirty, its a smoker throwing a butt on the sidewalk in a city that banned smoking.

Its a gasoline leaf blower in a city that banned blowers.

Its a loud motorcycle revving its engine, violating the noise ordinance.

The reality is, its not for lack of violations; its a lack of complaints.

People either dont feel empowered to call something in or dont want to waste their time.

Unless, of course, that time starts at 6:38 a.m. on a Sunday.

DAVID HANSEN is a writer and Laguna Beach resident. He can be reached at hansen.dave@gmail.com.
The American Red Cross will hold some local blood and platelet drives in the coming days.

In Glendale, there are two drives slated, both on Sunday.

One drive will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Incarnation Community Center, 214 Fairview Ave., and the other will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dads Club, 1728 Canada Blvd.

In Burbank, a drive will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Burbank Elks Lodge #1497, 2232 N. Hollywood Way.

To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) 733-2767.

mark.kellam@latimes.com

Twitter: @lamarkkellam
Yasmin Beers is Glendales permanent city manager, as City Council members voted unanimously Tuesday to promote the longtime city employee to the top management position. She is the first woman to hold the position, according to city officials.

In November, Beers, then Glendales assistant city manager, was appointed interim city manager after Scott Ochoa announced his resignation the previous month to accept the top spot at the city of Ontario.

In her remarks to City Council, Beers held back tears as she thanked her parents, who emigrated from Iran when she was 8 years old, for always being by her side, she said.

As long as we, as city employees, continue to see public service as a sacred calling, as long as we continue being accountable to the organization and the community, being fair and objective in all matters that we are involved with  we will continue to provide quality services to the community, Beers said.

According to a statement read by Mayor Vartan Gharpetian, Beers began as a part-time employee for the citys library department in 1987 while a student at Hoover High School and later while attending Cal State University Northridge.

For the next three decades, she held a number of positions, most notable among them her appointment as deputy city manager in 2000, followed by being named assistant city manager in 2010.

In 2011, Beers acted as interim city manager after Jim Starbird retired and held the post until the appointment of Ochoa in 2012.

As mayor, I could not be more proud to say we have identified the most qualified individual to lead our organization, Gharpetian said.

Other City Council members also praised Beers.

Im so happy for you, but Im more happy for the city of Glendale, said Councilman Ara Najarian. We have a great city manager in you.

jeff.landa@latimes.com

Twitter: @JeffLanda
A woman was robbed last Wednesday when a man came up and snatched her purse as she was walking to her apartment in La Crescenta, authorities say.

The robbery occurred around 4:25 p.m. in the 3100 block of Foothill Boulevard. The woman had gotten out of her vehicle and was walking to her apartment when a man grabbed her purse, according to an incident report from the Crescenta Valley Sherriffs Station.

She tried to hold onto it but did not have enough strength, the report states. She yelled for help as the man ran off.

The man ran into a waiting vehicle that drove away from the apartment.

A witness who heard the woman scream told police the getaway car was a white, current model Dodge Challenger with tinted windows and paper license plates from a Huntington Beach dealership.

Its unknown if the woman was injured, but she declined medical attention, according to the report.

Sheriffs deputies were unable to locate the vehicle.

andy.nguyen@latimes.com

Twitter: @Andy_Truc
A 19-year-old Lawndale man was arrested Saturday after police said he was found with multiple bags of marijuana and two loaded handguns during a traffic stop in Glendale.

Jose Sanchez was arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana for sale and possessing the two weapons, according to Tahnee Lightfoot, a spokeswoman for the Glendale Police Department.

She said Sanchez was initially pulled over near the intersection of Verdugo Road and Mountain Street around 2 a.m. after an officer noticed his vehicle had illegally tinted windows.

The officer could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, according to Lightfoot. She said Sanchez was also an unlicensed driver and gave a fake name during the stop.

During a search of the vehicle, Lightfoot said the officer found a loaded 9-millimeter handgun between the driver- and passenger-side seats. A .30 caliber handgun was also found in the trunk of the vehicle.

Police allegedly recovered multiple bags of marijuana during a traffic stop in Glendale. (Courtesy of the Glendale Police Department )

Several bags of marijuana and more than $1,000 in cash were also found, according to Lightfoot.

It was also discovered that Sanchez had an open $2-million arrest warrant for an attempted murder and a second warrant for an assault with a deadly weapon in Los Angeles.

andy.nguyen@latimes.com

Twitter: @Andy_Truc
When residents crowded the La Canada Flintridge City Council chambers in August to share their concerns about a residential drug and alcohol detox center operating out of a home at 915 Green Lane, officials said their hands were tied by state law.

That law says that as long as residential rehab facilities treat six or fewer patients at a time, they are to be regarded by city zoning laws as single-family residences and, therefore, are not required to seek a permit to operate.

Council members advised residents to entreat state lawmakers to enact legislation requiring advanced notification or allowing for more local regulation. State Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) attended the Aug. 15 council meeting and promised to work with the city attorney, Mark Steres, to see if something could be done.

On Friday, Portantino introduced the fruits of that effort, Senate Bill 1317.

If passed, the measure would allow local governments to adopt an ordinance requiring at least 30 days advance written notice of the intent to operate any residential rehab facility. Operators could also be required to submit specified plans regarding parking, medical waste disposal and the exact services to be offered at the site.

SB-1317 contains provisions requiring residential detox facilities to certify their compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, provide one full bathroom for every two residents and prohibit more than two residents being assigned to a single bedroom.

My goal is to try to give local communities some land use regulation, Portantino said Tuesday. But also, if a facility is created, we want it to be safe.

La Canada Mayor Mike Davitt  who recently traveled to Washington, D.C. on behalf of the California Contract Cities Assn. to share with lawmakers the impact of such fair housing measures on local governments  said the current law essentially forces cities to accept businesses operating near residents without any regulatory process.

One day you think you have a neighbor moving in and the next day theres a sober living facility, he said. They dont have to register, and they dont have to get a city business license.

Portantino acknowledged the bill doesnt grant municipalities the right to ban residential rehab centers. Rather, he said, its intended to inform local governments about the operation of such facilities so residents as well as city and public safety officials are aware of their presence.

The idea was how do we come up with some prudent, logical local land use regulations? he said of the bill. We cant be too Draconian  that would mean it would just die and we havent solved the problem.

Davitt said while Portantinos bill may not give La Canada residents every assurance they might want, it does help put protections in place.

Its certainly a step in the right direction, the mayor said.

sara.cardine@latimes.com

Twitter: @SaraCardine
Staff photographer John Malmin took this image at a familiar spot for long-time Los Angeles photojournalist  through the chain-link fence at the basement inmate entrance to the Hall of Justice. The procedure was simple. The news media would be tipped off to the suspects arrival. Photographers then would jockey for position behind the fence.

On Feb. 4, 1974, Patty Hearst was kidnapped by a left-wing radical group, the Symbionese Liberation Army. Over the next year she became an active member of the SLA. After her 1975 capture, Hearst was convicted on March 20, 1976, of federal bank robbery charges.

When this image by John Malmin was taken, Hearst was in Los Angeles criminal court facing California charges.

In 1979, President Carter commuted her sentence. In 2001, President Clinton granted Patty Hearst a full pardon.

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See more from the Los Angeles Times archives here
A fire broke out at Tibets most sacred temple on Saturday, and the public knows no more.

The blaze may have severely damaged the 1,300 year-old temple and many of its precious architectural features, murals and relics; or perhaps it was small and quickly extinguished, and the temple is more or less fine.

On Saturday evening, Tibetan social media users posted photos and videos of the ancient Jokhang Temple complex in the regions capital Lhasa, a UNESCO world heritage site, with one of its golden roofs engulfed in flames. Hours later, Chinese state media said that the fire had been extinguished and that cultural relics were safe. No deaths have been reported.

Yet authorities since have restricted discussion of the fire on social media, leaving Tibetologists poring over shreds of dubious information to ascertain its most basic facts  how it started, how long it continued, how much damage it caused  and underscoring the Chinese governments vice-like grip on information in Tibet, a minority region that has historically chafed against Beijings rule.

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Theres been this whole process of drip-feeding critical information to certain people, anonymously, unattributed, said Robbie Barnett, a prominent Tibet expert based in London. Key Tibetologists are getting this information; key foreigners in China are getting these accounts. But nobody outside knows where theyre from, and we dont know which of the photos or stories are genuine.

Jokhang, a crucial destination for Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims, is a sprawling compound of predominantly wood structures built in the 7th century. It lies at the center of Lhasas commercial core, surrounded by maze-like streets. Its main chapel is home to the Jowo, Tibets holiest statue, which is believed to be blessed by the Buddha himself.

Partly because of the temples importance and central location, it was the site of anti-Beijing demonstrations in the late 1980s. Security is reportedly tight.

On Thursday, Chinas official New China News Agency reported that arson has been ruled out, that the temples roof has been removed in case of collapse or reburning and that the Jowo statue, as well as all the registered 6,510 cultural relics and the main building, are intact. The fire affected an area of about 500 square feet, the News Agency said, and the temple opened to the public as usual one day after the fire.

Tibet ranks among the worlds most repressive places. Since protests racked the region in 2008, authorities have imposed an intensive surveillance network and lowered their tolerance for dissent. Any criticism of the government, independent news reporting and support for the spiritual leader Dalai Lama  who has lived in India since Chinese forces occupied the region in 1959  can incur draconian punishment, including jail terms.

The Chinese government restricts access to Tibet for foreigners, making independent verification of the damage from the fire difficult.

Yet information about the temple  photos, videos, anonymous witness reports  has been trickling out, and Tibetologists say its cast doubt on the official narrative. They say the compounds main chapel, the one holding the Jowo, is still closed.

Barnett, the Tibetologist, has meticulously documented the flow of information on his Twitter feed. On Saturday evening, he wrote, a slew of social media posts from Tibet showed a fire raging at the temple. But soon afterward, he tweeted, messages by phone from Tibet claimed that police threatened to punish anyone distributing rumors  about the fire, and the posts abruptly stopped.

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Afterward, Barnett and other Tibetologists received photos  many from unknown sources  that supported the governments narrative. One showed the holy Jowo statue seemingly intact, with a yellow curtain behind it. Two satellite photos showed the temple from above, highlighting the main chapel, which they stated was intact.

Several reports were inconsistent, contradictory and, in some cases, possibly false. The photo of the intact Jowo was undated, its framing awkward; the yellow curtain was out of place, Barnett said, raising the possibility that it could be concealing further damage. A column next to the Jowo is typically inlaid with precious stones, but in the photo, it is bare. The satellite photos were wrongly marked.

Whatever we make of the information management that has taken place  and whether we think its accurate or not  its been very effective in calming people outside Tibet because they believe what the Tibetan exile government is telling them, Barnett continued. But people in Tibet face all kinds of concerns because they know that nobody can get there, and nobody there can say anything  itd be very dangerous to spread news. They are much less credulous than people outside, and much more concerned, from what I gather.

Tibetan writer Tsering Woeser tweeted a leaked public security bureau report, which said that authorities were notified of the fire at 7:07 p.m. local time, 26 minutes after it began, revealing a delay in reporting the blaze. It said 37 fire vehicles and over 200 soldiers were deployed almost immediately, putting the fire out at 8:05. It said the relics had been moved, ostensibly protecting them from the flames.

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Amy Heller, a Tibet expert and art historian at the East Asian Civilizations Research Center in Paris, said that fire safety at Jokhang has posed a challenge to authorities for years. Traditionally, throughout the year, and especially during Tibetan new year celebrations, Tibetans offer thousands of butter lamps within the temple. In 2002, at the request of the Jokhang monks, the government built an external structure to hold the lamps  and while some Tibetan advocacy groups initially were alarmed by the move, they since have come to see it as a prudent fire prevention measure.

Yet she remained skeptical about official explanations and voiced concern about the Jowo statues condition. She noted that the official reported size of the fire is bigger than any of the individual chapels. As for the matters of smoke damage, water damage, damage due to chemical products in fire extinguishers  we still know nothing, she said.

The Tibetan government in exile in Dharamsala, India, also has expressed alarm at the lack of information about the fire.

This has panicked the whole world, said Sharling Tenzindadon, chief editor of the government in exiles Department of Information and International Relations. Theres no information except for two reports saying that the fire has been put out and the site has been reopened. Thats not enough.

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jonathan.kaiman@latimes.com

For more news from Asia, follow @JRKaiman on Twitter
Almost no one jumps on rainy days.

They jump when the sun returns and the masses step outside, reminding them of their misery. They jump during financial crises and in the early spring, when Japanese schools open and the pressures of life converge.

Yukio Shiges routine, though, is the same regardless of the weather.

Nearly every day, he clambers across the high basalt columns of the Tojinbo cliffs, the Sea of Japan thrashing 80 feet below. He peers into binoculars, seeking hunched figures on distant rocks, ready to talk them down.

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In 15 years, hes walked 609 people back from the edge.

The way I save people, its like Im seeing a friend, said Shige, 73, a retired policeman with a floppy fishing hat and a gentle demeanor. Its not exciting or anything. Im like, Hey, how are you doing? These people are asking for help. Theyre just waiting for someone to speak with them.

Japans suicide rate is among the highest in the developed world. In 2016, there were 17.3 suicides for every 100,000 people, second only to South Korea among major industrialized nations (the U.S. figure is 13.5). As in most places, the majority of victims are men. The most common method is hanging, unlike in the U.S., where it is firearms. Among people age 15 to 39 in Japan, suicide is the leading cause of death  claiming more lives than cancer and accidents combined.

Those statistics are a marked improvement, thanks to a strengthening economy and prevention efforts by the government. About 22,000 people killed themselves in Japan in 2016, the lowest number in 22 years, down from about 33,000 a year in the late 1990s following an economic crash.

Outside of Japan, media depictions of suicide in the country frequently involve concepts of honor and disgrace, from 12th century samurai who committed seppuku  a ritualized form of self-disembowelment  to World War II kamikaze pilots who deliberately crashed into Allied ships.

Yet in modern Japanese life, its largely viewed in less romanticized terms: a public health crisis driven by widespread depression, family problems, unemployment and pressure at work and school. Tokyo introduced a basic law for suicide countermeasures in 2007, and broadened that law with new, more holistic guidelines a decade later.

The Japanese government is dealing with suicide on a legal, social and cultural level, said Yutaka Motohashi, a professor and suicide researcher at the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine.

He said that officials, rather than simply pumping money into researching depression, are attempting to address suicides underlying causes. Theyre opening suicide hotlines, improving access to counseling, monitoring websites that might promote suicide cults, and tweaking employment laws in a drive to reduce the number of working hours per week.

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Although most suicides in Japan take place at home, some occur in suicide hot spots  bridges, cliffs, gorges, skyscrapers. Experts say Japan has 50 of them, including the Aokigahara forest, the infamous Sea of Trees at the base of Mt. Fuji.

In January, YouTube star Logan Paul sparked a public backlash when he posted a video in which he discovers a body hanging in the forest and laughs. Paul has since apologized.

Another popular spot is the Tojinbo cliffs, about 200 miles west of Tokyo. Legend has it theyre named after a licentious monk who died when a rival in courtship pushed him off the precipice. They stretch on for more than half a mile, their wave-eroded crags reaching like bony fingers into the sea.

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Shige worked as a police officer for 42 years, and at Tojinbo, his final posting, he frequently had to remove corpses from the waves. In 2003, he spotted an elderly couple on a bench and approached them. They said they owned a bar in Tokyo and were deeply in debt; they planned to jump at sunset.

Shige called his colleagues, who took them to the local welfare bureau. But the police then sent the couple away, and five days later, they hanged themselves in Niigata, a neighboring prefecture.

Shaken, Shige set up a nonprofit to patrol the cliffs. He now has about 20 volunteers, who keep nearly constant watch during daylight hours. The reason we patrol as individuals is, if you do it in pairs, the person feels suspicious and hides away, he said. People feel safer if its a one-on-one conversation.

Shige recently acquired a drone, which can surveil the cliffs at great speed.

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He cant talk everyone down. Last year, 10 people killed themselves on the cliffs; in 2016, it was 14, and in 2015, it was 12.

Leaving the cliffs one day, Shige noticed a black bag on the ground and feared he had arrived there too late. He approached it carefully and unzipped it, looking for a message, or an heirloom, or personal belongings.

Maybe it was a bag that someone wanted to leave, he said.

But the bag, inexplicably, was full of sand. He sighed in relief and walked on.

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Fences, nets and other barriers have stopped potential jumpers at suicide hot spots in the West, such as the Prince Edward Viaduct in Canada. Shige has pushed for similar protections, but officials have rejected the idea at Tojinbo, saying theyd hurt tourism. Authorities have, however, installed outdoor lighting to dissuade jumpers after dark.

The jumpers, Shige said, represent a cross-section of Japans most vulnerable demographics: the homeless, the elderly, schoolchildren under academic duress. They take the train to Fukui prefecture, then a bus to the cliffs. They carry very little cash  because if youre going to heaven, you dont need money, he said. They sit alone for hours along the precipice, until the sun falls and the crowds dwindle.

As he described a typical case, it became clear that the smallest details have stayed with him. Last Aug. 31, at 6:20 p.m., Shige noticed a 17-year-old girl sitting on the edge of the cliff, lost in contemplation. Shige brought her to his headquarters, a small office nearby, and engaged her in conversation. Her parents were pressuring her to succeed, she told him, and she felt inadequate.

School started yesterday, and I didnt do my homework, so I was embarrassed, he said she told him. So instead of going to school that morning, she took a train and a bus to the cliffs  a two-hour trip from her home in Shiga prefecture.

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She was the 23rd of 28 people he saved in 2017.

Shige called her parents, who came to pick her up. We asked, Which is more important, her life or graduation? And we handed her over.

jonathan.kaiman@latimes.com

For more news from Asia, follow @JRKaiman on Twitter
Marion Marechal-Le Pen, a rising star of Frances far-right National Front until abruptly leaving politics last year, on Thursday stepped into the limelight on the other side of the Atlantic, decrying the European Union and immigration in a speech at a major forum for American conservatives.

The former lawmaker disappeared from the public eye after aunt Marine Le Pen, president of the National Front party, suffered a crushing loss in the presidential race to Emmanuel Macron.

She followed U.S. Vice President Mike Pence at the podium on the opening day of the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland. President Trump will address the group on Friday.

France is no longer free today.... Our freedom is now in the hands of the European Union, Marechal-Le Pen said in her 10-minute speech, reiterating the anti-EU stance of Le Pens presidential campaign.

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I am not offended when I hear American President Donald Trump say, America first. ... I want France first for the French people.

French media widely covered the much-applauded appearance of Marechal-Le Pen, the youngest in the Le Pen political dynasty, after eight months in the shadows. Commentators suggested that it signals a return to politics as her aunt struggles to give new life  and perhaps a new name  to the party. Marechal-Le Pen has been seen by commentators and some within the National Front as a potential new leader.

But the ambitions of Marechal-Le Pen  whose views of society are more conservative than her aunts  appear more far-reaching. She says she wants to open a political science academy to spread the conservative gospel, telling the gathering that it aims to train the leaders of tomorrow.

We want to be the place where all currents of the right can meet and flower, she wrote in a commentary in this weeks edition of the conservative magazine Valeurs Actuelles. She didnt provide details of when and where the school would be launched.

In her speech, she visited other familiar far-right themes, evoking what she said was Frances loss of identity in an EU-directed Europe and a globalized world.

France is in the process of passing from [being] the eldest daughter of the Catholic Church to the little niece of Islam, she said, decrying massive immigration.

Marechal-Le Pen 28, is the granddaughter of National Front founder Jean-Marie Le Pen and is closer to his hard-right vision of society than is his daughter Marine.

However, she has managed to stay out of the family feud between Marine Le Pen and Jean-Marie Le Pen, who was expelled from the party he started in 1972 for racist and anti-Semitic remarks.

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A court recently confirmed that his party title of honorary president for life cannot be withdrawn. Doing away with that status is among measures to be voted on at a party congress next month.

Marechal-Le Pen has reportedly not remained in touch with either her aunt or grandfather.
A man who hurled a grenade into the U.S. Embassy compound in Montenegros capital and then killed himself Wednesday was an ex-soldier decorated by former Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic after NATOs bombing of Serbia and Montenegro in 1999.

A police official confirmed the man was 43-year-old Dalibor Jaukovic, saying he was identified by a close relative. The official asked for anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.

The blast created a crater but caused no other material damage to the embassy property, a police statement said.

Officers came to the scene after receiving reports about an explosion and found a lifeless male body in the area of the Moraca River that runs through Podgorica, the statement said.

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The embassy in Podgorica said Thursday that all staff members are safe and accounted for after the incident.

Montenegro borders the Adriatic Sea in southeastern Europe. It joined NATO last year despite strong opposition from Russia, a traditional Slavic ally.

Many in Montenegro remain opposed to NATO membership because of the air war the alliance waged to stop the war in Kosovo when Montenegro was still part of Yugoslavia.

The U.S. established diplomatic ties with the tiny Balkan state in 2006 after it split from much larger Serbia.
A minivan carrying two children crashed Wednesday afternoon into a utility pole in Allentown, causing serious injuries to the driver and an adult passenger, police said.

The children were uninjured, according to police.

The crash happened shortly before 2 p.m. at 15th and Allen streets -- at the southeast corner. A 35-year-old man was driving when he lost control for an unknown reason and struck the pole, said city Assistant Police Chief Gail Struss.

The male was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, Struss said. A 71-year-old female passenger was taken to the same hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries, she said.

Allentown police continued to investigate what led to the crash. The intersection where the crash occurred was closed to traffic.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A threat Tuesday afternoon to carry out violence at Lehigh Carbon Community College has been deemed not credible by the Allentown Police Department.

Police learned of the threat sometime Tuesday afternoon when the station received a call with a "warning" that someone at the Donley Center in Allentown could carry out violence, Allentown police Assistant Chief Gail Struss.

School officials immediately shut down the Donley campus, at 718 Hamilton St., and told students and staff to evacuate as officers arrived at the campus, Struss said.

Shortly after, the college made the decision to shut down all its other campuses as a "precautionary measure," Struss said. The college has its main campus in Schnecksville and satellite sites in Allentown, Tamaqua and Jim Thorpe.

LCCC spokeswoman Linda Baker said an estimated 1,000 students ad staff members were evacuated from all the campuses. All campuses reopened Wednesday as police continued to investigate. Throughout most of the day security remained "guarded," meaning there was an incident but it was causing no impact at that time.

"It was determined this wasn't a credible threat," Struss said Wednesday afternoon.

Struss declined to provide more information about the specifics of the threat, saying the incident is still under investigation. She did say, however, the threat was not made at anyone specific at the college.

"The security alert level on all LCCC campuses has been moved to the normal low level, which means there is no campus incident or threat to safety at LCCC," Baker said. "The issue is resolved."

The incident occurred less than a week after a shooting killed 17 people and injured another 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Northampton County's district attorney unveiled a handful of measures Thursday to curb local gun violence, including a ban on the sale of assault weapons.

District Attorney John Morganelli wants to build coalitions inside law enforcement organizations to get his suggestions passed into Pennsylvania laws.

His "Parents Responsible Gun Ownership Act," for instance, would punish parents for failing to lock up a gun and allowing it to fall into the hands of a child who uses it to commit a crime.

"Children who bring weapons to schools more often than not obtain the firearms from their own homes," Morganelli said.

He suggested banning the sale of assault weapons to the general public.

"These kinds of weapons are only for one purpose: the mass killing of people," Morganelli said.

Other suggestions include:

Banning bump stocks, which allow semi-automatic weapons to fire continuously

Requiring background checks for the sale of long guns

Expanding background checks for sales at gun shows and over the internet

Prohibiting gun sales to anyone on a terror watch list

Requiring the reporting of all lost or stolen guns to law enforcement

Assuring mental health records are entered into a federal database

Considering "red flag" laws that would allow family members or police to temporarily remove guns from someone who appears to pose a danger to himself or others.

Morganelli said he's not calling or a gun ownership ban, just measures to try curb the nationwide trend toward more gun-related killings and injuries.

Morganelli called on the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, the state Fraternal Order of Police and the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association to each pass a resolution in support of his initiatives.

Even if they don't agree on every prong in his plan, it's important to discuss the issue and see what common ground everyone can reach to make some progress on the issue.

"Reducing access to firearms by criminals, the mentally disturbed and children, and assuring that those who commit crimes with guns and who are irresponsible with their firearms are properly punished should be goals that all of us can agree on," Morganelli said.

The district attorney asked school districts to work with law enforcement to review their schools and how they'd respond in the event of an in-school shooting. He called on police to make sure all serious in-school threats are immediately identified and examined.

He asked children to report threats of violence to their parents or teachers.

He cited numerous examples of gun violence as the impetus of his press conference. These include the Valentine's Day shootings at Marojy Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and the shooting of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Seth Kelly on Route 33.

The announcement from Morganelli's office in Easton comes about a month after Morganelli announced he would file papers to run for U.S. Congress. Elected in 1991, he's the longest tenured district attorney in Pennsylvania.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli has scheduled "a major news conference" for 1 p.m. Thursday to "announce a plan of action to address mass shootings of civilians and police officers."

While the DA declined to take questions before the appearance, he did offer general parameters in a news release.

He "will call for and outline a law enforcement-led initiative to reduce the potential for gun-related deaths and will outline how citizens of Northampton County can assist in trying to avert death by gunfire," the invitation to the news conference at the county courthouse in Easton reads.

Morganelli is the state's senior elected district attorney -- he took office in January 1992 -- and is past president of the Pennsylvania District Attorney's Association, the news release said.

He is also a prospective candidate for Congress in what is now the 7th District, but Morganelli said Thursday's event will be strictly as the district attorney.

Since the Valentine's Day slaughter of students and staff at a high school in Parkland, Florida, worries about gun violence have moved to the forefront in the Lehigh Valley.

'This generation of kids has learned to accept school violence'

Put metal detectors, armed officers in all Pennsylvania schools, lawmaker says

Threat against community college deemed 'not credible,' cops say

'Hero' Easton native killed in Florida school shooting laid to rest

After Florida school shooting, Easton teacher again honoring victims through art

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Alpha's borough council for months has been unable to take action on reopening the community pool, and now one faction of the council is taking legal action against another.

A lawsuit filed Wednesday in New Jersey Superior Court in Somerset County by three Alpha officials claims three others are purposely obstructing votes to award a $277,000 contract to repair the borough's pool, which has been closed since 2006.

The suit specifies 12 meetings dating back to September in which the defendants -- Councilmen Thomas Seiss, Michael Schwar and Peter Petinelli -- have either been absent or abstained from a vote on the contract. In doing so, they prevent a tie vote that would be broken by the mayor that would likely lead to reopening.

As a result, the contractor, Ray Palmer Associates Inc., of Dover, has granted extensions every time the motion is tabled, but it unlikely to continue doing so as business picks up in warmer weather, the lawsuit claims.

"The defendants are clearly shirking their responsibility as elected officials and using abstentions to obstruct passage of the resolution," says the lawsuit, which asks the court to force Seiss, Schwar and Petinelli into a yay-or-nay vote.

Filing the claim are Mayor Craig Dunwell, Councilwoman Tracy Grossman and Councilman Louis Cartabona. Councilman Alan Singleton is not a party in the lawsuit.

Debate over the pool's fate has persisted for years, including a series of non-binding referenda in which residents said they support reopening the pool.

Petinelli declined to comment on the lawsuit Wednesday. The other defendants could not be reached for comment. In a January lehighvalleylive.com report, Seiss defended his abstentions as "my prerogative."

Grossman said she and the other plaintiffs are asking the court to render a decision by the council's next meeting on Feb. 28.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Computer & Technology Gopher (OTCQB: $GOPH) Reports New R&D Efforts for its AI Mesh Technology; Autonomous Driving Tracking and Safety



22.02.2018 20:30:24 - New research includes testing of its MESH network technology for use in autonomous driving tracking and safety applications.



(live-PR.com) - Gopher (OTCQB: $GOPH) Reports New R&D Efforts for its AI Mesh Technology; Autonomous Driving Tracking and Safety



SAN DIEGO, CA-- February 22, 2018  (Investorideas.com Newswire) Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) ("Gopher"), a development-stage company which specializes in the creation of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence - enabled mobile technologies, reports new R&D efforts for its MESH Technology.



New - Gopher (OTCQB: $GOPH) Reports New R&D Efforts for its AI Mesh Technology; Autonomous Driving Tracking and SafetySAN DIEGO, CA-- February 22, 2018  (Investorideas.com Newswire) Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) ("Gopher"), a development-stage company which specializes in the creation of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence - enabled mobile technologies, reports new R&D efforts for its MESH Technology.New research includes testing of its MESH network technology for use in autonomous driving tracking and safety applications.



Gophers core tracking technology is based on Artificial Intelligence data in real-time and is currently implemented in its pet tracking device, as previously announced.



Read this news in full at



The new research division, named gNETCar, is focusing on autonomous car safety research using its proprietary tracking technology. Gopher tested the tracking technology, using its private, secured communication protocol, and performed safe, autonomous vehicle driving successful experiments.



CTO, Dr. Rittman said, Currently we are in the process of defining, adapting and testing of our advanced MESH network architecture to be implemented within autonomous driving systems. Our MESH network includes AI, deep learning methodology, which we believe will allow cars to rapidly and adaptably scale to safely handle situations as conditions change. Using Gophers MESH technology, we believe it will potentially enable autonomous vehicles to communicate, learn and share vital safety details, among them road conditions, obstacles, weather and other safety information. 



Dr. Rittman went on to say With Gophers MESH technology, we expect data to be shared amongst all vehicles that are participating in the network for the most efficient, real-time, decision making.



The MESH network is a communications network intended to be made up of radio nodes organized in a mesh topology. A mesh refers to rich interconnection among devices or nodes. Wireless mesh networks often consist of mesh clients, mesh routers and gateways.



To learn more about MESH and the companys core tracking technology visit:









About Gopher Protocol Inc.

Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) (Gopher) (



Corporate Site:

Press page/ press kit -

Consumer and product website for Guardian Patch:



About Guardian Pet Tracker

The Guardian Pet Tracker (Sphere Internal name - the "Sphere") system is a derivative technology of Gopher's Guardian Patch technology. The Sphere is designed to provide its users with local tracking capability using a re-chargeable/replaceable battery source. Gopher intends to release pre-production units in limited test in the near future.



GOPH disclosure: More info: SEC link /technology abstract:



Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website (



Contact:

Dr. Danny Rittman, CTO

Gopher Protocol Inc.

VM Only 888-685-7336

Media:



Visit this company:



More info on GOPH at Investorideas.com Visit:



Get News Alerts on Gopher Protocol Inc. GOPH



This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders



Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Disclosure: GOPH is a PR, social media and publishing client and compensates Investorideas.com (effective April 4, 2016 - three thousand five hundred per month) Amended February 2018 five thousand per month. More disclaimer info:



Additional info regarding BC Residents and global Investors: Effective September 15 2008 - all BC investors should review all OTC and Pink sheet listed companies for adherence in new disclosure filings and filing appropriate documents with Sedar. Read for more info:

research includes testing of its MESH network technology for use in autonomous driving tracking and safety applications.Gophers core tracking technology is based on Artificial Intelligence data in real-time and is currently implemented in its pet tracking device, as previously announced.Read this news in full at www.investorideas.com/CO/GOPH/news/2018/02221AIMesh.asp The new research division, named gNETCar, is focusing on autonomous car safety research using its proprietary tracking technology. Gopher tested the tracking technology, using its private, secured communication protocol, and performed safe, autonomous vehicle driving successful experiments.CTO, Dr. Rittman said, Currently we are in the process of defining, adapting and testing of our advanced MESH network architecture to be implemented within autonomous driving systems. Our MESH network includes AI, deep learning methodology, which we believe will allow cars to rapidly and adaptably scale to safely handle situations as conditions change. Using Gophers MESH technology, we believe it will potentially enable autonomous vehicles to communicate, learn and share vital safety details, among them road conditions, obstacles, weather and other safety information. Dr. Rittman went on to say With Gophers MESH technology, we expect data to be shared amongst all vehicles that are participating in the network for the most efficient, real-time, decision making.The MESH network is a communications network intended to be made up of radio nodes organized in a mesh topology. A mesh refers to rich interconnection among devices or nodes. Wireless mesh networks often consist of mesh clients, mesh routers and gateways.To learn more about MESH and the companys core tracking technology visit: gopherprotocol.com About Gopher Protocol Inc.Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH) (Gopher) ( gopherprotocol.com/) is a development-stage company which consider itself Native IoT creator, developing Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence enabled mobile technology. Gopher has a portfolio of Intellectual Property that when commercialized will include smart microchips, mobile application software and supporting cloud software. The system contemplates the creation of a global network. The core of the system will be its advanced microchip technology that can be installed in any mobile device worldwide. Gopher envisions this system as an internal, private network between all enabled mobile devices providing shared processing, advanced mobile database management/sharing and enhanced mobile features.Corporate Site: gopherprotocol.com Press page/ press kit - gopherprotocol.com/?page_id=228 Consumer and product website for Guardian Patch: www.guardianpatch.com/ About Guardian Pet Tracker www.guardianpettracker.com/ The Guardian Pet Tracker (Sphere Internal name - the "Sphere") system is a derivative technology of Gopher's Guardian Patch technology. The Sphere is designed to provide its users with local tracking capability using a re-chargeable/replaceable battery source. Gopher intends to release pre-production units in limited test in the near future.GOPH disclosure: More info: SEC link /technology abstract:Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website ( www.sec.gov) . In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release.Contact:Dr. Danny Rittman, CTOGopher Protocol Inc.VM Only 888-685-7336Media: press@gopherprotocol.com Visit this company: gopherprotocol.com/ More info on GOPH at Investorideas.com Visit: www.investorideas.com/CO/GOPH/ Get News Alerts on Gopher Protocol Inc. GOPHThis news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leadersDisclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Disclosure: GOPH is a PR, social media and publishing client and compensates Investorideas.com (effective April 4, 2016 - three thousand five hundred per month) Amended February 2018 five thousand per month. More disclaimer info: www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Additional info regarding BC Residents and global Investors: Effective September 15 2008 - all BC investors should review all OTC and Pink sheet listed companies for adherence in new disclosure filings and filing appropriate documents with Sedar. Read for more info: www.bcsc.bc.ca/release.aspx?id=6894 . Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Contact information:

Gopher Protocol



San Diego, CA



Contact Person:

Danny Rittman

CTO

Phone: 888-685-7336

eMail: eMail



Web: http://gopherprotocol.com

Author:

Dawn VanZant

e-mail

Web: http://www.investorideas.com

Phone: 800-665-0411 22.02.2018 20:30:24 -

Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in this article please contact the author. Please do not contact Live-PR.com. We are not able to assist you. Live-PR.com disclaims content contained in this article. Live-PR.com is not authorized to give any information about content and not responsible for content posted by third party.
Telecommunications ip.access announces strategic vision for a 5G roadmap



22.02.2018 14:18:28 - ip.access announces strategic vision for a 5G roadmap



(live-PR.com) - Cambridge & London, UK  22 February 2018  ip.access, the worlds leading independent small cell solution provider, has today announced its new strategic vision for the development of viable 5G network infrastructure.



With its existing products at 3.5GHz, offering both rural fixed access and enterprise small cell connectivity, ip.access is ideally placed to capitalise on both forks of the developing - Cambridge & London, UK  22 February 2018  ip.access, the worlds leading independent small cell solution provider, has today announced its new strategic vision for the development of viable 5G network infrastructure.With its existing products at 3.5GHz, offering both rural fixed access and enterprise small cell connectivity, ip.access is ideally placed to capitalise on both forks of the developing 5G market  below 6GHz (mainly around 3.5GHz) and mmWave.



The early global 5G market is centred around 3.5GHz for fixed access applications, including mobile backhaul and FWA, a natural extension of the CBRS 3.5GHz market in the US. In response to this opportunity ip.access is building on its 3.5GHz CBRS experience to create 5G-ready radio technology in this band for wideband fixed access applications. Using the distributed architectures pioneered by the Small Cell Forum, and now embedded in the 3GPP New Radio (NR) specifications finalised at the very end of 2017, the ip.access technology is scalable to the Gbps throughputs required.



On the other side of the equation, mmWave spectrum is emerging from early proprietary fixed access applications into the national auctions that will come after the World Radio Conference in 2019 (WRC-19) reallocates that spectrum to mobile broadband use. Here ip.access is exploiting its small cell experience to create the Self-Organisation, Radio Resource Management and Interconnect capabilities to allow mmWave small cells to be deployed freely below existing LTE and emerging 5G macro networks.



Malcolm Gordon, CEO of ip.access, commented: 2019 is the year that the first commercial 5G-enabled devices will enter the market. However, across the board, MNOs and telecommunications specialists are gearing up for the global deployment of 5G ahead of this by commissioning trials and developing potential solutions.



If we are to create a truly viable 5G network the industry will need to place their trust in vendors who can move quickly, innovate creatively and capitalise on opportunities as they arise. Our roadmap for 5G is designed with that mindset in mind and ip.access is uniquely positioned to develop innovative, proven products rapidly as the market continues to evolve over the next four to five years.



ip.access will be available at Mobile Word Congress to discuss its 5G approach. To arrange a meeting at the show, email



Ends



About ip.access

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, ip.access originates the best-in-class wireless solutions that maximise the value of radio and data assets via disruptive business models. The company has products and solutions live in over 100 customers networks around the world.



Media contacts

Samantha Browning / Rachel Nulty

Wildfire

ipaccess@wildfirepr.com

+44 (0)20 8408 8000

Distributed on behalf of ip.access Ltd by NeonDrum news distribution service (



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Cambridge & London, UK  22 February 2018  ip.access, the worlds leading independent small cell solution provider, has today announced its new strategic vision for the development of viable 5G network infrastructure.



With its existing products at 3.5GHz, offering both rural fixed access and enterprise small cell connectivity, ip.access is ideally placed to capitalise on both forks of the developing 5G market  below 6GHz (mainly around 3.5GHz) and mmWave.The early global 5G market is centred around 3.5GHz for fixed access applications, including mobile backhaul and FWA, a natural extension of the CBRS 3.5GHz market in the US. In response to this opportunity ip.access is building on its 3.5GHz CBRS experience to create 5G-ready radio technology in this band for wideband fixed access applications. Using the distributed architectures pioneered by the Small Cell Forum, and now embedded in the 3GPP New Radio (NR) specifications finalised at the very end of 2017, the ip.access technology is scalable to the Gbps throughputs required.On the other side of the equation, mmWave spectrum is emerging from early proprietary fixed access applications into the national auctions that will come after the World Radio Conference in 2019 (WRC-19) reallocates that spectrum to mobile broadband use. Here ip.access is exploiting its small cell experience to create the Self-Organisation, Radio Resource Management and Interconnect capabilities to allow mmWave small cells to be deployed freely below existing LTE and emerging 5G macro networks.Malcolm Gordon, CEO of ip.access, commented: 2019 is the year that the first commercial 5G-enabled devices will enter the market. However, across the board, MNOs and telecommunications specialists are gearing up for the global deployment of 5G ahead of this by commissioning trials and developing potential solutions.If we are to create a truly viable 5G network the industry will need to place their trust in vendors who can move quickly, innovate creatively and capitalise on opportunities as they arise. Our roadmap for 5G is designed with that mindset in mind and ip.access is uniquely positioned to develop innovative, proven products rapidly as the market continues to evolve over the next four to five years.ip.access will be available at Mobile Word Congress to discuss its 5G approach. To arrange a meeting at the show, email ipaccess@wildfirepr.com EndsAbout ip.accessHeadquartered in the United Kingdom, ip.access originates the best-in-class wireless solutions that maximise the value of radio and data assets via disruptive business models. The company has products and solutions live in over 100 customers networks around the world.Media contactsSamantha Browning / Rachel NultyWildfire+44 (0)20 8408 8000Distributed on behalf of ip.access Ltd by NeonDrum news distribution service ( www.neondrum.com) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cambridge & London, UK  22 February 2018  ip.access, the worlds leading independent small cell solution provider, has today announced its new strategic vision for the development of viable 5G network infrastructure.With its existing products at 3.5GHz, offering both rural fixed access and enterprise small cell connectivity, ip.access is ideally placed to capitalise on both forks of the developing 5G market  below 6GHz (mainly around 3.5GHz) and mmWave.



The early global 5G market is centred around 3.5GHz for fixed access applications, including mobile backhaul and FWA, a natural extension of the CBRS 3.5GHz market in the US. In response to this opportunity ip.access is building on its 3.5GHz CBRS experience to create 5G-ready radio technology in this band for wideband fixed access applications. Using the distributed architectures pioneered by the Small Cell Forum, and now embedded in the 3GPP New Radio (NR) specifications finalised at the very end of 2017, the ip.access technology is scalable to the Gbps throughputs required.



On the other side of the equation, mmWave spectrum is emerging from early proprietary fixed access applications into the national auctions that will come after the World Radio Conference in 2019 (WRC-19) reallocates that spectrum to mobile broadband use. Here ip.access is exploiting its small cell experience to create the Self-Organisation, Radio Resource Management and Interconnect capabilities to allow mmWave small cells to be deployed freely below existing LTE and emerging 5G macro networks.



Malcolm Gordon, CEO of ip.access, commented: 2019 is the year that the first commercial 5G-enabled devices will enter the market. However, across the board, MNOs and telecommunications specialists are gearing up for the global deployment of 5G ahead of this by commissioning trials and developing potential solutions.



If we are to create a truly viable 5G network the industry will need to place their trust in vendors who can move quickly, innovate creatively and capitalise on opportunities as they arise. Our roadmap for 5G is designed with that mindset in mind and ip.access is uniquely positioned to develop innovative, proven products rapidly as the market continues to evolve over the next four to five years.



ip.access will be available at Mobile Word Congress to discuss its 5G approach. To arrange a meeting at the show, email



Ends



About ip.access

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, ip.access originates the best-in-class wireless solutions that maximise the value of radio and data assets via disruptive business models. The company has products and solutions live in over 100 customers networks around the world.



Media contacts

Samantha Browning / Rachel Nulty

Wildfire

ipaccess@wildfirepr.com

+44 (0)20 8408 8000

Distributed on behalf of ip.access Ltd by NeonDrum news distribution service (

5G market  below 6GHz (mainly around 3.5GHz) and mmWave.The early global 5G market is centred around 3.5GHz for fixed access applications, including mobile backhaul and FWA, a natural extension of the CBRS 3.5GHz market in the US. In response to this opportunity ip.access is building on its 3.5GHz CBRS experience to create 5G-ready radio technology in this band for wideband fixed access applications. Using the distributed architectures pioneered by the Small Cell Forum, and now embedded in the 3GPP New Radio (NR) specifications finalised at the very end of 2017, the ip.access technology is scalable to the Gbps throughputs required.On the other side of the equation, mmWave spectrum is emerging from early proprietary fixed access applications into the national auctions that will come after the World Radio Conference in 2019 (WRC-19) reallocates that spectrum to mobile broadband use. Here ip.access is exploiting its small cell experience to create the Self-Organisation, Radio Resource Management and Interconnect capabilities to allow mmWave small cells to be deployed freely below existing LTE and emerging 5G macro networks.Malcolm Gordon, CEO of ip.access, commented: 2019 is the year that the first commercial 5G-enabled devices will enter the market. However, across the board, MNOs and telecommunications specialists are gearing up for the global deployment of 5G ahead of this by commissioning trials and developing potential solutions.If we are to create a truly viable 5G network the industry will need to place their trust in vendors who can move quickly, innovate creatively and capitalise on opportunities as they arise. Our roadmap for 5G is designed with that mindset in mind and ip.access is uniquely positioned to develop innovative, proven products rapidly as the market continues to evolve over the next four to five years.ip.access will be available at Mobile Word Congress to discuss its 5G approach. To arrange a meeting at the show, email ipaccess@wildfirepr.com EndsAbout ip.accessHeadquartered in the United Kingdom, ip.access originates the best-in-class wireless solutions that maximise the value of radio and data assets via disruptive business models. The company has products and solutions live in over 100 customers networks around the world.Media contactsSamantha Browning / Rachel NultyWildfire+44 (0)20 8408 8000Distributed on behalf of ip.access Ltd by NeonDrum news distribution service ( www.neondrum.com) Contact information:

ip.access Ltd







Contact Person:





eMail: eMail



Author:

Liz Hartney

e-mail

Web: http://www.neondrum.com

22.02.2018 14:18:28 -

Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in this article please contact the author. Please do not contact Live-PR.com. We are not able to assist you. Live-PR.com disclaims content contained in this article. Live-PR.com is not authorized to give any information about content and not responsible for content posted by third party.
Leisure NHAIs Hi-Tech projects to craft Indian National Highways



22.02.2018 06:41:06 - The NHAI is an autonomous agency of the Government of India; it is responsible for the management of the Highways network of India. All the works and project implementations in NHAI are done under the dynamic leadership of Honourable Minister Shir Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highway.



(live-PR.com) - The National Highway Authority of India, a nodal agency of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is determined change the face of the Highway structure of India. NHAI has initiated many projects keeping in mind the requirements of highway commuters.

The NHAI is an autonomous agency of the Government of India; it is responsible for the management of the - The National Highway Authority of India, a nodal agency of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is determined change the face of the Highway structure of India. NHAI has initiated many projects keeping in mind the requirements of highway commuters.The NHAI is an autonomous agency of the Government of India; it is responsible for the management of the Highways network of India. All the works and project implementations in NHAI are done under the dynamic leadership of Honourable Minister Shir Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highway.

Ever since its creation, the NHAI has taken the responsibility of the development, maintenance and management of National Highways, and also the toll collection on several highways. In its quest to provide Indian with the world-class facilities on the highways, NHAI has launched one sub-project of its Wayside Amenities mega-project called Highway Nest (Mini) in more than 50 locations on the occasion of the Republic Day 2018. The GOI has also made it mandatory for all the four-wheelers purchased after December 1st, 2017 to have the FASTag devices fixed on the windscreens by the manufacturers or authorized dealers. The NHAI is also aiming to implement "pay as you use" tolling system in India, it has started a pilot project on the Delhi-Mumbai Highway to study the feasibility and implementability of the system on Indian roads.

In order to achieve the ambitious target of redesigning the Indian Highway Network, the NHAI has amalgamated various and most relevant Information Technology in this Sector. These efforts include:

 Electronic Toll Collection (ETC)

 Advance Emergency Traffic Incident Management

 Wayside Amenities

 Construction of new National Highways

 Hitech Monitoring/Planning, Operation and Maintenance of National Highways



Easy Toll Payment:

The NHAI has launched two new mobile apps -- MyFASTag and FASTag Partner -- for the effective implementation of the Electronic Toll Collection system. NHAI Chairman Deepak Kumar said, The cumbersome method of purchase and recharge of FASTags has been one of the major challenges with the Electronic Toll Collection project. These mobile apps will ease the process, making it possible to buy or recharge FASTags at the click of a mobile button," he said.

MyFASTag is a consumer app, which enables the user to purchase or recharge FASTags, whereas FASTag Partner is a merchant app. The NHAI chairman has also said that by March 31st, 2018, all the 371 NHAI toll plazas in India will at least have one FASTag enabled lane for Electronic Toll Payments.

Another ambitious plan by NHAI for making toll payments simpler is "pay as you use" system, currently, it is a pilot project which is being tested on the Delhi-Mumbai Highway.



What is Pay as you use

The Pay as you use project is a satellite-based electronic toll collection system, it runs on the GPS/GSM technology. As of now, around 500 commercial vehicles on the Delhi-Mumbai Highway corridor are using this technology to pay their toll fee.

Through this new project, the Highway commuters will be able to pay only for the distance they are going to travel. All they have to do is to put their specific travel details like the origin and destination points, and the will notify them the toll fee according to the distance they are going to travel and the money will get deducted from their account. Once the money is being paid, all the toll gates will remain open for the commuter throughout their journey. In case of a failed transaction, the system will send an alert to the toll operator, so that they can collect the toll payment manually.



The idea behind this pilot study is to look at the ways to integrate this new solution in the already existing FASTag program and also to analyze the comparison between the distance-based tolling and the existing tolling system.



Prompt Incident Management System for National Highways:

Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) is an inclusive platform for the traffic management on the Highways. ATMS covers monitoring, control and safety on highways. It is an amalgamation of various technologies, which will help in increasing situational awareness among the highway management bodies. It helps in providing a comprehensive picture of the activities on roads at any given point of time that in return will lead to an effective and proactive management of the transportation and improve the travel experience for the commuters. The ATMS enables the following facilities on the highways:

 Increased safety on highways

 Reduced traffic congestion

 Increased visibility of incidents

 Immediate assistance during accidents

 Easy traffic flow management

NHAIs Incident Management System (IMS) for the Indian National Highways will enable the best possible infrastructural facilities. The aim is to provide immediate assistance in case of any mishaps on the highways. The first phase of the IMS will be rolled out soon in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh National Highways. Under IMS, NHAI will position ambulances within every 50 km of distance, which will make it possible for them to respond to an accident within 15 minutes of it being informed on a national accident helpline and it will be monitored through GPS. The facilities under this system will include:

 A four-bedded ambulance with medical recovery systems

 Cranes

 Patrolling Vehicles

The NHAI has also started the 24X7 National Highways Helpline  1033, for the convenience of the highway users. This 24X7 unique toll-free helpline will help in providing relief to numerous distressed highway users by assisting them with vital help during the times of emergencies on the Highways. It will be a Toll-Free Universal Access Number and the single point of contact for highway users in case of an accident, any other emergencies, reporting of highway obstruction issues and more.

Amenities for all

NHAI has already announced its ambitious project to provide wayside amenities for the National Highways commuters. As we know that the National Highways are the backbone of trade and commute in India. Highway commuters often face difficulty in accessing the basic amenities like clean toilets, restaurants, vehicle repair shops, ATM etc. In order to solve this issue and make the facilities meet the diverse requirements of different categories of road users, the NHAI has launched its mega Wayside Amenities project. This mega project houses three sub-projects in it, which are:

 Highway Nest (Mini)

 Highway Village

 Highway Nest

The idea behind Highway Nest (Mini) is to provide the basic facilities like parking space for a short halt, Kiosk selling packaged food, tea/coffee vending machines, toilets and ATMs within the 200-250mts vicinity of the Toll Plazas. More than 50 Highway Nest (Mini) kiosk were inaugurated on January 26th, 2018, on the occasion of Republic Day.



Highway Village amenities are being developed at the 183 selected locations across India on the acquired lands of 5 acres and more. These giant amenity centres will house facilities like parking for all type of vehicles, restaurants/food courts, dhabas, fuel stations, minor repair shops, a kiosk selling miscellaneous items, dormitories, motels, village

haat, helipad and more. These facilities will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and the bidding for 34 of these projects is already under process.



The facilities developed in the areas less than five acres will be developed under "Highway Nest" brand. These amenities will house all the facilities similar to the Highway Village but on a smaller scale, at 1000 selected locations on National Highways. The private landowners having a minimum land area of more than one hectare adjacent to the national highways are welcome to join hands with NHAI. They can develop these wayside amenities under the brand name 'Highway Nest' as a franchise of the authority. NHAI will help them will all the necessary permissions and change their agricultural land to commercial.



In August 2017, while unveiling the logo of these amenities development programme, NHAI Nest and NHAI village, the Honourable Minister of Road Transportation and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari said that We will have Highway Nest and Village at every 40 to 50 kilometres on highways. It will have electric charging facility, fuel pumps, rooftop-solar panels, restaurants, restrooms, kiosks for organic food items, local handicrafts shops, ATM, etc.



Expanding Highway Network:

In October 2017, the NHAI chairman Shri Deepak Kumar informed the press that NHAI has revised the highways award target to 10,000 kilometres for the financial year 2017-18. The Honourable Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shir Nitin Gadkari also said that the NHAI is fully capable of awarding 10,000 km of highway projects, he also said that he was not satisfied with the previous target of 6,500 km. The process of inviting tenders has already been initiated by NHAI; Shri Deepak Kumar has said that they will try to award as many projects as possible by end of March 2018.



Satellite-Enabled Monitoring and Maintenance of Highways:

In 2016, NHAI signed Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and North East Centre for Technology Application and Research (NECTAR) to amalgamate the high-end spatial technology for monitoring and managing National Highways.

The idea behind this partnership is to make the monitoring of the construction progress, operation and maintenance and management of the assets on the National Highways simpler, and centralized through satellites.

The satellite data and geospatial technology will be used to provide inputs of the highway infrastructure development projects, prefeasibility status, monitoring of highway road and their construction and Road Asset Management System for instant remedies.



Highway operation Division:

The NHAI is determined to provide sustainable growth to Indias Highway Network and reach the world-class standards. In this process, The NHAI is also improving the Highway Operations to render the top-notch services to the commuters. In order to achieve this ambitious target, the NHAI has created a new Highway Operations Division.

The main focus of Highway Operations Division is to keep a track of all the non-commercial Highway Operational activities and to make sure the efficient network utilization along with this, NHAI is also making sure to provide hassle-free services to all the commuters.



The NHAIs Highway Operations Division is working under the efficient and dynamic leadership of the decorated officer Shri Akhilesh Srivastava. He and his team of experienced officers are working hard to change the face of Indian Highways.



The primary focus of this Division is to keep a check on all the things mentioned above, like the Electronic Tolling, Wayside Amenities, Road Safety & Security, Incident ManagementHelpline, Tracking of Ambulance, Cranes on Highways, Highway Traffic Management System, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Highway Plantation, Road lighting, Wi-Fi and other modern amenities on National Highways. This division also takes care of the efficient and on-time implementation of all these facilities.



for more information check below link:

www.nhai.gov.in/

Highways network of India. All the works and project implementations in NHAI are done under the dynamic leadership of Honourable Minister Shir Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highway.Ever since its creation, the NHAI has taken the responsibility of the development, maintenance and management of National Highways, and also the toll collection on several highways. In its quest to provide Indian with the world-class facilities on the highways, NHAI has launched one sub-project of its Wayside Amenities mega-project called Highway Nest (Mini) in more than 50 locations on the occasion of the Republic Day 2018. The GOI has also made it mandatory for all the four-wheelers purchased after December 1st, 2017 to have the FASTag devices fixed on the windscreens by the manufacturers or authorized dealers. The NHAI is also aiming to implement "pay as you use" tolling system in India, it has started a pilot project on the Delhi-Mumbai Highway to study the feasibility and implementability of the system on Indian roads.In order to achieve the ambitious target of redesigning the Indian Highway Network, the NHAI has amalgamated various and most relevant Information Technology in this Sector. These efforts include: Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) Advance Emergency Traffic Incident Management Wayside Amenities Construction of new National Highways Hitech Monitoring/Planning, Operation and Maintenance of National HighwaysEasy Toll Payment:The NHAI has launched two new mobile apps -- MyFASTag and FASTag Partner -- for the effective implementation of the Electronic Toll Collection system. NHAI Chairman Deepak Kumar said, The cumbersome method of purchase and recharge of FASTags has been one of the major challenges with the Electronic Toll Collection project. These mobile apps will ease the process, making it possible to buy or recharge FASTags at the click of a mobile button," he said.MyFASTag is a consumer app, which enables the user to purchase or recharge FASTags, whereas FASTag Partner is a merchant app. The NHAI chairman has also said that by March 31st, 2018, all the 371 NHAI toll plazas in India will at least have one FASTag enabled lane for Electronic Toll Payments.Another ambitious plan by NHAI for making toll payments simpler is "pay as you use" system, currently, it is a pilot project which is being tested on the Delhi-Mumbai Highway.What is Pay as you useThe Pay as you use project is a satellite-based electronic toll collection system, it runs on the GPS/GSM technology. As of now, around 500 commercial vehicles on the Delhi-Mumbai Highway corridor are using this technology to pay their toll fee.Through this new project, the Highway commuters will be able to pay only for the distance they are going to travel. All they have to do is to put their specific travel details like the origin and destination points, and the will notify them the toll fee according to the distance they are going to travel and the money will get deducted from their account. Once the money is being paid, all the toll gates will remain open for the commuter throughout their journey. In case of a failed transaction, the system will send an alert to the toll operator, so that they can collect the toll payment manually.The idea behind this pilot study is to look at the ways to integrate this new solution in the already existing FASTag program and also to analyze the comparison between the distance-based tolling and the existing tolling system.Prompt Incident Management System for National Highways:Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) is an inclusive platform for the traffic management on the Highways. ATMS covers monitoring, control and safety on highways. It is an amalgamation of various technologies, which will help in increasing situational awareness among the highway management bodies. It helps in providing a comprehensive picture of the activities on roads at any given point of time that in return will lead to an effective and proactive management of the transportation and improve the travel experience for the commuters. The ATMS enables the following facilities on the highways: Increased safety on highways Reduced traffic congestion Increased visibility of incidents Immediate assistance during accidents Easy traffic flow managementNHAIs Incident Management System (IMS) for the Indian National Highways will enable the best possible infrastructural facilities. The aim is to provide immediate assistance in case of any mishaps on the highways. The first phase of the IMS will be rolled out soon in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh National Highways. Under IMS, NHAI will position ambulances within every 50 km of distance, which will make it possible for them to respond to an accident within 15 minutes of it being informed on a national accident helpline and it will be monitored through GPS. The facilities under this system will include: A four-bedded ambulance with medical recovery systems Cranes Patrolling VehiclesThe NHAI has also started the 24X7 National Highways Helpline  1033, for the convenience of the highway users. This 24X7 unique toll-free helpline will help in providing relief to numerous distressed highway users by assisting them with vital help during the times of emergencies on the Highways. It will be a Toll-Free Universal Access Number and the single point of contact for highway users in case of an accident, any other emergencies, reporting of highway obstruction issues and more.Amenities for allNHAI has already announced its ambitious project to provide wayside amenities for the National Highways commuters. As we know that the National Highways are the backbone of trade and commute in India. Highway commuters often face difficulty in accessing the basic amenities like clean toilets, restaurants, vehicle repair shops, ATM etc. In order to solve this issue and make the facilities meet the diverse requirements of different categories of road users, the NHAI has launched its mega Wayside Amenities project. This mega project houses three sub-projects in it, which are: Highway Nest (Mini) Highway Village Highway NestThe idea behind Highway Nest (Mini) is to provide the basic facilities like parking space for a short halt, Kiosk selling packaged food, tea/coffee vending machines, toilets and ATMs within the 200-250mts vicinity of the Toll Plazas. More than 50 Highway Nest (Mini) kiosk were inaugurated on January 26th, 2018, on the occasion of Republic Day.Highway Village amenities are being developed at the 183 selected locations across India on the acquired lands of 5 acres and more. These giant amenity centres will house facilities like parking for all type of vehicles, restaurants/food courts, dhabas, fuel stations, minor repair shops, a kiosk selling miscellaneous items, dormitories, motels, villagehaat, helipad and more. These facilities will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and the bidding for 34 of these projects is already under process.The facilities developed in the areas less than five acres will be developed under "Highway Nest" brand. These amenities will house all the facilities similar to the Highway Village but on a smaller scale, at 1000 selected locations on National Highways. The private landowners having a minimum land area of more than one hectare adjacent to the national highways are welcome to join hands with NHAI. They can develop these wayside amenities under the brand name 'Highway Nest' as a franchise of the authority. NHAI will help them will all the necessary permissions and change their agricultural land to commercial.In August 2017, while unveiling the logo of these amenities development programme, NHAI Nest and NHAI village, the Honourable Minister of Road Transportation and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari said that We will have Highway Nest and Village at every 40 to 50 kilometres on highways. It will have electric charging facility, fuel pumps, rooftop-solar panels, restaurants, restrooms, kiosks for organic food items, local handicrafts shops, ATM, etc.Expanding Highway Network:In October 2017, the NHAI chairman Shri Deepak Kumar informed the press that NHAI has revised the highways award target to 10,000 kilometres for the financial year 2017-18. The Honourable Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shir Nitin Gadkari also said that the NHAI is fully capable of awarding 10,000 km of highway projects, he also said that he was not satisfied with the previous target of 6,500 km. The process of inviting tenders has already been initiated by NHAI; Shri Deepak Kumar has said that they will try to award as many projects as possible by end of March 2018.Satellite-Enabled Monitoring and Maintenance of Highways:In 2016, NHAI signed Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and North East Centre for Technology Application and Research (NECTAR) to amalgamate the high-end spatial technology for monitoring and managing National Highways.The idea behind this partnership is to make the monitoring of the construction progress, operation and maintenance and management of the assets on the National Highways simpler, and centralized through satellites.The satellite data and geospatial technology will be used to provide inputs of the highway infrastructure development projects, prefeasibility status, monitoring of highway road and their construction and Road Asset Management System for instant remedies.Highway operation Division:The NHAI is determined to provide sustainable growth to Indias Highway Network and reach the world-class standards. In this process, The NHAI is also improving the Highway Operations to render the top-notch services to the commuters. In order to achieve this ambitious target, the NHAI has created a new Highway Operations Division.The main focus of Highway Operations Division is to keep a track of all the non-commercial Highway Operational activities and to make sure the efficient network utilization along with this, NHAI is also making sure to provide hassle-free services to all the commuters.The NHAIs Highway Operations Division is working under the efficient and dynamic leadership of the decorated officer Shri Akhilesh Srivastava. He and his team of experienced officers are working hard to change the face of Indian Highways.The primary focus of this Division is to keep a check on all the things mentioned above, like the Electronic Tolling, Wayside Amenities, Road Safety & Security, Incident ManagementHelpline, Tracking of Ambulance, Cranes on Highways, Highway Traffic Management System, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Highway Plantation, Road lighting, Wi-Fi and other modern amenities on National Highways. This division also takes care of the efficient and on-time implementation of all these facilities.for more information check below link: Contact information:

India Investment World







Contact Person:





Phone: +914048502943

eMail: eMail



Web: http://indiainvestmentworld.com/

Author:

sandhya sandy

e-mail

Web: http://nhai.gov.in/index.htm

Phone: 9573832216 22.02.2018 06:41:06 -

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Telecommunications Snom UK adds new recruits to meet 2018 growth expectations



22.02.2018 09:33:08 -



(live-PR.com) - Two new hires at Snom UK as the IP phone manufacturer gears up for success



Snom Technology GmbH, IP telephony specialists and manufacturers of innovative, attractive and cost-efficient IP end-point solutions today announced that they have strengthened their UK team with the addition of two new experienced hires. The expansion of the UK team is a strategic response to the expanding - Two new hires at Snom UK as the IP phone manufacturer gears up for successSnom Technology GmbH, IP telephony specialists and manufacturers of innovative, attractive and cost-efficient IP end-point solutions today announced that they have strengthened their UK team with the addition of two new experienced hires. The expansion of the UK team is a strategic response to the expanding Snom product portfolio and expected growth in the UK market.



Alison Tetlow, Snoms UK Distribution Director, is joined by Presales Consultant Neal Laxman, and Channel Sales Director Brett Kershaw. This is at a time when Snom is aiming to meet ambitious targets in the UK powered by a drive to expand not only the product portfolio, but also to provide Snom partners with an increased range of sales tools and incentives to widen market reach.



Following the launch of several new products and with more in the pipeline, we proved that we are serious about achieving our aims, explained Tetlow. Now we have two great new additions to the UK Snom team to handle the increase in demand we are expecting, so I am delighted to have Brett and Neal onboard. Their experience and industry as well as technical knowledge will be invaluable in achieving everything we have planned for 2018 and beyond.



Brett Kershaw has 22 years of direct sales and account management experience as an integral part of fast-paced sales teams at IT and telecom vendors such as Yealink, and Toshiba. Bretts thorough knowledge of the telecoms industry gives him an in-depth understanding of UK market requirements.



Neal Laxman is an experienced IT and telecoms solutions consultant having worked at IT resellers in various support and consulting positions, most recently at Avaya. Neal is already familiar with the Snom product range and will be providing technical support for UK resellers, ITSPs and distributors as well as running a series of training webinars for UK partners.



About Snom

A leading global premium brand for innovative professional and enterprise VoIP phones, Snom is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 1997, Snom is a pioneer in the VoIP industry, launching the worlds first IP phone in 2001. Today, Snoms product portfolio meets the full spectrum of business communications requirements of call centers, conference rooms and executive management through to safety-conscious industrial environments.

A subsidiary of VTech Holdings Limited since 2016, Snom has offices in Italy, the UK, France and Taiwan and enjoys an excellent global reputation in the Voice-over-IP market. Snoms products are renowned for their technical innovation, aesthetic design, user-friendliness and outstanding audio quality. The current product portfolio is universally compatible with all leading PBX platforms and Snom products have won numerous awards around the world from independent experts.

Engineered in Germany, Snoms IP solutions also make an excellent choice for vertical markets, such as healthcare and education, when searching for specialized solutions in business communications, IoT and smart technologies.



Visit



Press contacts for further information:

united communications GmbH

Jason Green/Peter Link

Tel.: +49 30 78 90 76  0

snom@united.de



Snom Technology GmbH

Heike Cantzler

Head of Marketing

marketing@snom.com

Snom product portfolio and expected growth in the UK market.Alison Tetlow, Snoms UK Distribution Director, is joined by Presales Consultant Neal Laxman, and Channel Sales Director Brett Kershaw. This is at a time when Snom is aiming to meet ambitious targets in the UK powered by a drive to expand not only the product portfolio, but also to provide Snom partners with an increased range of sales tools and incentives to widen market reach.Following the launch of several new products and with more in the pipeline, we proved that we are serious about achieving our aims, explained Tetlow. Now we have two great new additions to the UK Snom team to handle the increase in demand we are expecting, so I am delighted to have Brett and Neal onboard. Their experience and industry as well as technical knowledge will be invaluable in achieving everything we have planned for 2018 and beyond.Brett Kershaw has 22 years of direct sales and account management experience as an integral part of fast-paced sales teams at IT and telecom vendors such as Yealink, and Toshiba. Bretts thorough knowledge of the telecoms industry gives him an in-depth understanding of UK market requirements.Neal Laxman is an experienced IT and telecoms solutions consultant having worked at IT resellers in various support and consulting positions, most recently at Avaya. Neal is already familiar with the Snom product range and will be providing technical support for UK resellers, ITSPs and distributors as well as running a series of training webinars for UK partners.About SnomA leading global premium brand for innovative professional and enterprise VoIP phones, Snom is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 1997, Snom is a pioneer in the VoIP industry, launching the worlds first IP phone in 2001. Today, Snoms product portfolio meets the full spectrum of business communications requirements of call centers, conference rooms and executive management through to safety-conscious industrial environments.A subsidiary of VTech Holdings Limited since 2016, Snom has offices in Italy, the UK, France and Taiwan and enjoys an excellent global reputation in the Voice-over-IP market. Snoms products are renowned for their technical innovation, aesthetic design, user-friendliness and outstanding audio quality. The current product portfolio is universally compatible with all leading PBX platforms and Snom products have won numerous awards around the world from independent experts.Engineered in Germany, Snoms IP solutions also make an excellent choice for vertical markets, such as healthcare and education, when searching for specialized solutions in business communications, IoT and smart technologies.Visit www.snom.com to find out more about Snom Technology GmbH.Press contacts for further information:united communications GmbHJason Green/Peter LinkTel.: +49 30 78 90 76  0Snom Technology GmbHHeike CantzlerHead of Marketing Contact information:

Snom Technology GmbH



Wittestrae 30G

13509 Berlin



Contact Person:

Heike Cantzler



Phone: 030 398330

eMail: eMail



Web: http://www.snom.com

Author:

Peter Link

e-mail

Web: http://www.united.de

Phone: +49 30 7890760 22.02.2018 09:33:08 -

Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in this article please contact the author. Please do not contact Live-PR.com. We are not able to assist you. Live-PR.com disclaims content contained in this article. Live-PR.com is not authorized to give any information about content and not responsible for content posted by third party.
Computer & Technology SponsorsOne (CSE: $SPO.C) Announces SponsorsCloud eCommerce Engine



22.02.2018 18:20:41 - Influencers can now use SponsorCoin to purchase products inside SponsorsCloud, and brands can measure the real-time ROI of social media marketing campaigns.



(live-PR.com) - SponsorsOne (CSE: $SPO.C) Announces SponsorsCloud eCommerce Engine



Waterloo, Ontario - February 22, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) SponsorsOne Inc. (CSE: SPO) (Frankfurt: 5SO) (the "Company"), the Company that developed SponsorCoin, the cryptocurrency designed to get brands and social media influencers working together, announces the addition of an ecommerce engine to the SponsorsCloud platform. Influencers can now use SponsorCoin to purchase products inside SponsorsCloud, - SponsorsOne (CSE: $SPO.C) Announces SponsorsCloud eCommerce EngineWaterloo, Ontario - February 22, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) SponsorsOne Inc. (CSE: SPO) (Frankfurt: 5SO) (the "Company"), the Company that developed SponsorCoin, the cryptocurrency designed to get brands and social media influencers working together, announces the addition of an ecommerce engine to the SponsorsCloud platform. Influencers can now use SponsorCoin to purchase products inside SponsorsCloud, and brands can measure the real-time ROI of social media marketing campaigns.



Read this news in full at



"We have closed the loop between marketing and sales by adding ecommerce to our SponsorsCloud platform," states Myles Bartholomew, CEO of SponsorsOne. "Every social media marketing dollar spent can now be directly attributed to sales, in real time."



SponsorsCloud lets brands bypass ad agencies by connecting directly with social media influencers. Brands benefit from authentic, word-of-mouth advertising, which costs nothing upfront and has been shown to be more effective than paid advertising for reaching Millennials, the world's most influential demographic - with $1.3T in spending in 2017. Millennials look to influencers on social media to make buying decisions and seek out brands that share their values.



Brands create 'smart campaigns' with the SponsorsCloud platform and publish them to their community of influencers. Influencers then share smart campaigns on social media and earn SponsorCoin for each engagement. Brands can access real-time campaign interaction data from the SponsorsCloud dashboard, which gives them the power to optimize campaigns based on ROI or reach. Our goal is to help brands boost their ROI from an industry average of 3-5x marketing expenditures to 10-20x using our new ecommerce engine.



SponsorsOne's fashion and food brand partners will be the first to load their products into the new SponsorsCloud ecommerce engine.



About SponsorsOne:

SponsorsOne is disrupting the traditional advertising model and leveling the playing field for small brands. Our cloud based platform, SponsorsCloud, lets brands reach millions of targeted consumers with authentic, word-of-mouth advertising, bypassing intermediaries like agencies and ad networks. Our proprietary cryptocurrency, SponsorCoin, is awarded to Influencers who share brand promotions with their social media followers. SponsorCoin can then be used to purchase products and services at a discount from any brand on our network or trade for popular cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum, Bitcoin and Litecoin. This new advertising model cuts upfront costs for brands to zero and gives every customer an incentive to become a brand ambassador.



ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Gary Bartholomew, Executive Chairman



To learn more please visit

Or email:



The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this Press Release.



Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.



By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause 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 requirements and access to capital, reliance on key personnel; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers or directors with certain other projects; the volatility of the volume and price of the Common Shares, the failure of the business strategy, the integrity of the Company's patents and proprietary intellectual property and competition. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events, including the risk factors set out in the Company's Listing Statement. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to above will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events.



THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY 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 COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE SECURITIES LEGISLATION.



SponsorsOne Inc. (CSE: SPO)

is a featured company on Investorideas.com

Visit Profile page:

Get News Alerts on SponsorsOne Inc.



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and brands can measure the real-time ROI of social media marketing campaigns.Read this news in full at www.investorideas.com/CO/SPO/news/2018/02221SponsorsCloud.asp "We have closed the loop between marketing and sales by adding ecommerce to our SponsorsCloud platform," states Myles Bartholomew, CEO of SponsorsOne. "Every social media marketing dollar spent can now be directly attributed to sales, in real time."SponsorsCloud lets brands bypass ad agencies by connecting directly with social media influencers. Brands benefit from authentic, word-of-mouth advertising, which costs nothing upfront and has been shown to be more effective than paid advertising for reaching Millennials, the world's most influential demographic - with $1.3T in spending in 2017. Millennials look to influencers on social media to make buying decisions and seek out brands that share their values.Brands create 'smart campaigns' with the SponsorsCloud platform and publish them to their community of influencers. Influencers then share smart campaigns on social media and earn SponsorCoin for each engagement. Brands can access real-time campaign interaction data from the SponsorsCloud dashboard, which gives them the power to optimize campaigns based on ROI or reach. Our goal is to help brands boost their ROI from an industry average of 3-5x marketing expenditures to 10-20x using our new ecommerce engine.SponsorsOne's fashion and food brand partners will be the first to load their products into the new SponsorsCloud ecommerce engine.About SponsorsOne:SponsorsOne is disrupting the traditional advertising model and leveling the playing field for small brands. Our cloud based platform, SponsorsCloud, lets brands reach millions of targeted consumers with authentic, word-of-mouth advertising, bypassing intermediaries like agencies and ad networks. Our proprietary cryptocurrency, SponsorCoin, is awarded to Influencers who share brand promotions with their social media followers. SponsorCoin can then be used to purchase products and services at a discount from any brand on our network or trade for popular cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum, Bitcoin and Litecoin. This new advertising model cuts upfront costs for brands to zero and gives every customer an incentive to become a brand ambassador.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARDGary Bartholomew, Executive ChairmanTo learn more please visit sponsorsone.com Or email: info@sponsorsone.com The Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this Press Release.Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause 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 requirements and access to capital, reliance on key personnel; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers or directors with certain other projects; the volatility of the volume and price of the Common Shares, the failure of the business strategy, the integrity of the Company's patents and proprietary intellectual property and competition. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events, including the risk factors set out in the Company's Listing Statement. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to above will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events.THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY 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 COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE SECURITIES LEGISLATION.SponsorsOne Inc. (CSE: SPO)is a featured company on Investorideas.comVisit Profile page: www.investorideas.com/CO/SPO/ Get News Alerts on SponsorsOne Inc.Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. More disclaimer info: www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Disclosure: SponsorsOne Inc. (CSE: SPO) - paid PR, media, news publishing and social media client on Investorideas effective January 8, 2018 for fourty five daysAdditional info regarding BC Residents and global Investors: Effective September 15 2008 - all BC investors should review all OTC and Pink sheet listed companies for adherence in new disclosure filings and filing appropriate documents with Sedar. Read for more info: www.bcsc.bc.ca/release.aspx?id=6894 . Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country.Investorideas.com features content for Bitcoin, Blockchain and Digital Currency Stocks and ICO's at Cryptocurrencyinvestorideas.com, Blockchaininvestorideas.com and Investorideas.comView our growing Bitcoin, Blockchain and Digital Currency Stocks DirectoryJoin our LinkedIn Group Blockchain and Digital Currency Stocks and ICO's - Latest News and Commentary www.linkedin.com/groups/13560073 Check out our crypto blog on blogger.comRecently added -Bitcoinandblockchainstocks.com at www.bitcoinandblockchainstocks.com/ Contact information:

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Waterloo, ON



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It was Travers morning, and most of those in attendance for the morning training and breakfast on the apron were focused mostly on that afternoons card and the big race, headed by the controversial Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Forward Pass.

Saratoga was a welcome respite from the turbulent times, where people could forget the problems of the world. We had already endured the Tet Offensive in Vietnam in January, the student takeover at Columbia University, and the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King in April and Robert Kennedy in June. The My Lai massacre also occurred early in the year, but did not come to the public's attention until a few years later. In keeping with the times, we even had a drug positive in the Kentucky Derby, when Dancers Image was found to be medicated with the banned pain killer Butazolidan, which set off a firestorm of events and court battles.

But it was now August, and Saratoga was alive and well, as was the Sport of Kings. Unfortunately, we lost the up-and-coming superstar Stage Door Johnny, who was injured and retired after winning the Belmont Stakes, Saranac Handicap, and Dwyer Handicap under 129 pounds. Everyone had been talking about the flashy Greentree Stud chestnut taking on Damascus and/or Dr. Fager at some point.

As training hours drew to a close, the clanging of dishes went silent and the aroma of bacon was no longer wafting throughout the grandstand. The skies, which had been clear all morning, were now dark and foreboding, and it was obvious that one of those powerful Saratoga thunderstorms was moments away. Just then, from high up in the grandstand, a faint voice could be heard over the public address system announcing: Ladies and gentlemen, coming on to the track is Dr. Fager.



He emerged from under the grandstand and headed onto the track. There he was, like a heavyweight prizefighter stepping into the ring. He looked like no other horse, seemingly taller than his 16.1-hands frame and with a wild, untamed look about him. Off the track he was a gentle soul who did not like being scolded or yelled at, but on the racetrack he ran with a reckless abandon, a force of unharnessed energy. He detested being whipped, as he demonstrated in the Californian and Brooklyn, and he defied any horse to look him in the eye and still be around at the finish.

The Doc was coming off a stroll in the park romp in the Whitney Handicap under 132 pounds following his pair of epic battles with his arch rival Damascus in the Suburban and Brooklyn Handicaps. In the Whitney, Braulio Baeza kept the Doc well out in the middle of the track and just let him cruise around there. None of the others dared to get in range of his radar and seemed content to battle it out for second. Sent off at odds of 1-20, he coasted to the wire eight lengths in front of the hard-knocking 6-year-old Spoon Bait, in receipt of 18 pounds. Finishing third, also getting 18 pounds, was Fort Drum, who would go on to finish third to Damascus in the Aqueduct Stakes four weeks later. Although Dr. Fager won in a common gallop, with Baeza wrapped up on him and sitting motionless, he still missed the track record by only three-fifths of a second.

With the Whitney out of the way, the focus now in John Neruds barn was on the Washington Park Handicap at Arlington Park. Everyone knew the Doc would be gunning for Buckpassers world record mile of 1:32 3/5. And on this morning, with the race a week away, he would be having his final work before heading to Chicago.

Just as he made his way on to the track, the rain began to fall, as the railbirds quickly retreated for cover under the grandstand. Dr. Fager walked along the outside rail accompanied by his pony, an Appaloosa named Chalkeye.

Like some majestic shrouded figure, the Doc seemed larger than life. As he walked by, sporting his figure-8 bridle, he was oblivious to the elements. He had his game face on, focusing straight ahead and arching his neck ever so slightly. He had worked up a mouthful of saliva and his flared nostrils already were bright red. The Doc was in a zone, and even as the skies darkened, his burnished blood bay coat still had a glow to it.

Through the murk and rain, Dr. Fager breezed five furlongs in :59 flat under no pressure whatsoever from exercise rider Jose Marrero, who had to weigh close to 160 pounds, which provided enough weight to help keep the Docs work under control.

Everyone knew the world record was in jeopardy as soon as Nerud announced his plans to ship to Arlington, despite Dr. Fager being assigned 134 pounds.

Of all the distances, there was a mystique surrounding the mile record.

What makes a mile around one turn so appealing is that it brings together horses who have been sprinting and running longer distances and pits them against each other at the most demanding distance of all.

Looking at the mile distance from a human track stars perspective, the three factors in running, whether it be horses or humans, are speed, anaerobic capacity, and aerobic capacity. Speed is simply velocity, together with length and rapidity of stride. Anaerobic capacity is the ability to expend more energy than you can accommodate with oxygen intake, or simply the ability to run while out of breath. Considering that in all sprint races, horses run slower the last quarter than the first, they all use speed and anaerobic capacity. The third factor, aerobic capacity, is the ability to expand circulation capacity by carrying oxygen from the lungs to the muscle tissue and to expand lung capacity. This is basically stamina.

To excel over a flat mile around one turn, a horse must utilize all three factors, which enable him to run fast early and late without having a breather. Anaerobic capacity alone will not carry a horse a mile at the grueling pace he is running. He must complement it with aerobic capacity (stamina). The ability to utilize all three of these factors is what separates the miler from the sprinter, the middle-distance horse, and the stayer.

Nerud said a miler simply is a sprinter with stamina, adding, They make the best sires because they have everything  versatility, lung capacity, muscle tone, tenacity, guts, and theyre fast. At a mile around one turn, the pressure is on from the gate. It is very demanding because it makes you pick your head up and run every step of the way. Watching a good miler is like watching an Olympic swimmer. The great ones always reach down for that something extra.

Dr. Fager and Buckpasser had totally different running styles, just like the Doc and Damascus. Buckpasser usually raced with a pacesetter to assure lively fractions to set it up for his huge late charge. Trainer Eddie Neloy felt this was necessary, considering Buckpassers flair for the dramatic, winning by small margins and doing no more than he had to. Despite his running style he rarely ever lost. In his world record performance, he had stablemate Impressive blazing the trail for him, setting ridiculous fractions of :43 3/5 and 1:06 4/5. That set it up for Buckpasser to come flying late to pick up the pieces and win by three-quarters of a length, breaking the previous world record. For a horse with his running style, Buckpasser was an amazing winning machine. His victories in the Flamingo Stakes and Suburban Handicap had to be seen to be believed.

Unlike Buckpasser, Dr. Fager was on his own. Regardless of who was going to show up against him, it was was going to be him against the clock. When asked about the possibility of Dr. Fager breaking the record, Nerud said bluntly, Those things arent important to me. Im only interested in winning and you just try to handle a horse the best way you can to get him to win. That is what was so amazing about Dr. Fager. Nerud never trained him or asked him to set records. He just wanted him to get the job done and come back sound for the next race.

Dr. Fager arrived at Arlington two days before the race right in the middle of an oppressive heat wave. The Doc, like others in his family, was susceptible to colic, as we saw prior to the Met Mile. Nerud knew he had to watch him closely, and the afternoon before the race he sat with the horse and just talked to him and soothed him trying to keep him settled. That night he walked him to keep him moving and help him relax.

By race day, Dr. Fager was doing fine, and fortunately a cool wind whipped through the Chicago area breaking the sweltering heat and humidity.

In the paddock, Nerud did not give jockey Braulio Baeza any instructions and there was no talk at all about world records. If he was going to break the world record he would have to do it without any urging from Baeza, while carrying 134 pounds, nine pounds more than Buckpasser carried when he broke the record.

A field of 10 was entered, with the main danger coming from the fast and versatile Racing Room, who was in receipt of 18 pounds. In the span of one month, Racing Room had won the 5 1/2-furlong Hollywood Express Handicap in a blistering 1:02 2/5; finished third in the mile and an eighth American Handicap on the grass; finished second, beaten a neck, in the mile and a quarter Hollywood Gold Cup in 1:59 4/5; and won the mile and three-sixteenths Citation Handicap on the grass.

Also in the field, carrying a feathery 112 pounds, and going off at odds of nearly 48-1, was none other than the thorn in Dr. Fagers side, Hedevar, Damascus rabbit and a previous world record holder who ironically was breaking right next to Dr. Fager. To further ensure a rapid pace was the 3-year-old speedster Kentucky Sherry, who earlier that year had run the fastest opening six furlongs (1:09 4/5) and equaled the fastest opening half (:45 4/5) in the history of the Kentucky Derby.

Also in the field was the tough and resilient 7-year-old miler R. Thomas, winner of the Westchester Handicap twice, Equipoise Mile, Salvator Mile, Sysonby Mile, Vosburgh Handicap, and Sport Page Handicap.

Dr. Fager, sent off at 3-10, broke on top from post 9, but was taken in hand by Baeza. One thing about Dr. Fager was that he could rate briefly in one turn races, but when breaking in front of the cheering crowd he got his blood up early and was almost impossible to control if another horse tried to outrun him. Alone on the lead he could rate, as he did in his track record-equaling Suburban Handicap. That is why rabbits were thrown at him by the trainers of Buckpasser and his arch rival Damascus.

In the Washington Park Handicap, Dr. Fager dropped back to sixth early, less than three lengths off the lead, and when the teletimer revealed a tame opening quarter in :22 4/5, all thoughts of a world record evaporated.

As they continued down the backstretch, it was a mad scramble up front, as R. Thomas slipped through on the inside to stick his head in front, but Dr. Fager had enough of Baezas restraint, and when the good doctor had enough of restraint so did the jockey, whether he wanted to or not. Baeza, as usual, let Dr. Fager take over and prepared to sit back and enjoy the ride. The Doc charged to the front, stopping the teletimer at :44 flat for the half-mile. He had run his second quarter in an unheard of :20 3/5. It was believed to be the fastest quarter-mile fraction ever run in a non-sprint race and the fastest quarter within the body of a race at any distance.

Around the far turn, Dr. Fager began drawing away from the pack, with only Racing Room giving chase. Baeza kept Dr. Fager well out from the rail and actually looked like he was giving him a breather. It was apparent the world record was the furthest thing from his mind. Dr. Fager, as usual, had his head up and was cruising along with Baeza just sitting on him, about four paths off the rail.

Baeza admitted he never knew how fast Dr. Fager was running and if only he could have seen the tote board he would have realized that the horse seemingly galloping along beneath him was actually flying, his six furlongs run in a scorching 1:07 3/5. The world record would be his with a sub :25 quarter. But Baeza could never have imagined it was within his reach, so not only did he not ask Dr. Fager to run down the stretch, he wrapped up on him as soon as he straightened for home.

Despite Baeza sitting like the proverbial statue every step of the way, Dr. Fager still kept opening up on the field in the final furlong. The Docs ears were straight up, his long mane blowing wildly in Baezas face, and it was obvious there would be no last-ditch attempt at the record. With each humongous stride, Dr. Fagers lead increased and he crossed the wire eased up by 10 lengths.

Track announcer Phil Georgeff, stunned by the performance, forgot to turn his microphone off. As Dr. Fager pulled up, out of the silence came a single faint word: Wow!

Like Baeza, the last thing on Georgeffs mind was the world record. He was just galloping through the stretch and was running so effortlessly that I had forgotten all about the record, especially since he was carrying 134 pounds, he recalled. When I saw the time I was shocked.

Georgeff announced to the crowd, Ladies and gentlemen, may we draw your attention to the final time of 1:32 1/5, which is a new world record.

Baeza admitted he had no idea Dr. Fager was within reach of the record. I never in any of his races knew how fast he was going, he said. He moved so smoothly and his action was so fluid I felt like I was in a Lear Jet. All I knew was that he was going faster than the rest of them. Id try to slow him down, but hed still pull away from them.

Over the decades, those of around to experience and truly appreciate this historic event keep asking the same question. If only he had been given the opportunity, how fast could Dr. Fager have run that day?

The legendary jockey Ted Atkinson, for whom Nerud once worked as agent and who eventually became a state steward at Arlington Park, told Nerud after the race, Hell, he could have done it in (one) thirty and change. He was six lengths within himself.

Thus began the futile chase to break Dr. Fagers world record. Some have come close, but like the Doc himself, it was like trying to catch the wind.

Based on Dr. Fagers time for the mile, a study was made a year and a half later with the help of the St. Louis and Bronx Zoos, which concluded that Dr. Fager was faster than a cheetah, recognized as the fastest animal on Earth.

Officially, one horse, Najran, has since equaled Dr. Fagers world record on dirt, but he did it carrying 21 fewer pounds.

It has now been 50 years, and no one has been able to break a world record set by a horse carrying 134 pounds and winning eased up the entire length of the stretch. Every record in the sport of track and field has been broken since 1968, but Dr. Fagers record still stands. Have only humans gotten faster or is it that horses have also gotten faster, just not faster than Dr. Fager?

The Doc had written a new page in the record books and the history books. But for Nerud and Dr. Fager, there were new worlds to conquer.

Dr. Fager and the Greatest Year Ever Part 1

Dr. Fager 1968 Part 2: Epic Battles With Damascus
The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks!

Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics.

The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc.

The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics.

The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates.

Access to college recruiters and advisors  its harder to line up higher education.

Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family.

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Lifestyle / Travel

From regenerating the environment to creating buildings that produce more energy than they consume, eco-resorts are setting increasingly ambitious sustainability goals.

Feb 22, 2018 | By Palace

Eco Resorts: Buildings that Heal

In 2005, actor and environmental activist Leonardo Dicaprio purchased Blackadore Cay, an unpopulated island located off the coast of Belize for USD 1.75 million. The transaction was widely reported in the media, as were his subsequent plans to build an eco-resort. Then, last fall he released detailed plans; Blackadore Caye, a Restorative Island will include 36 estate homes, 36 bookable bungalows and a wildlife preserve that is scheduled for completion in 2018.

Dicaprio is building the resort in partnership with Delos Living, a New York City-based developer who specialises in wellness design. But Blackadore Caye aims to be restorative for more than its guests  the project also aims to restore the islands natural habitat. The slender 104-acre island has suffered from deforestation, overfishing, and an eroding coastline. To remedy this, developers plan to replant mangroves, replace invasive species with native species, enhance the soil and also create artificial reefs for fish breeding.

The plans also call for the resort to be powered exclusively by renewable energy sources. Solar panels will be installed, as well as an on-site treatment facility for waste and rainwater. The main focus is to do something that will change the world, Mr Dicaprio told The New York Times. I couldnt have gone to Belize and built on an island and done something like this, if it werent for the idea that it could be groundbreaking in the environmental movement.

But despite its environmental bent, residents at Blackadore Cay will still be comfortable in their villas, which are expected to fetch up to USD 15 million. The homes are inspired by Mayan ruins, and come complete with infinity pools, sunset views, and a modern minimalist touch courtesy of architect Jason McLennan.

The project is the latest to tap into a growing market for eco-tourism (not to mention celebrity branding), but its green ambitions also raises questions about eco-tourisms legitimacy. In an industry that involves inevitable damage to wildlife and natural habitats, as well as the consumption of resources and waste production, how realistic is the idea of a restorative island?

Naturally, developing buildings on environmentally damaged areas alone will not help restore previous conditions, says Jude Kasturiarachchi, Director of Jetwing Hotels, a Sri Lanka-based hotel group known for its eco-conscious building practices. But he says a project can help to gradually bring the environment back to a previous or similar status if necessary steps are taken. And the same goes for residential developments built within a sensitive ecosystem.

One of Jetwings eco-resorts, Jetwing Vil Uyana, is located on what was previously neglected agricultural land. Through a sensitive design approach led by a group of architects, engineers and irrigation experts, the project has succeeded in regenerating paddy fields, forests and a range of local animal species.

The first two years of the project were spent solely on the creation of the wetland prior to hotel construction, explains Kasturiarachchi. No imported soil or species were introduced to the area, he says, though some indigenous trees and bird and butterfly-attracting flora were re-planted during the restorative process.

Since initial construction in 2005, Jetwing has carefully monitored biodiversity and noted a significant increase in species diversity (see side-box). The creation of distinct habitat types  wetlands with reed beds, secondary monsoon forests and paddy lands  has allowed for the co-existence of a large number of species, says Kasturiarachchi. The forested areas, for example, now support a resident breeding population of the Grey Slender Loris, first spotted in October 2010.

But even when a resort is built in a healthy environment, monitoring biodiversity is important. At Australias Southern Ocean Lodge, a leader in sustainability, Baillie Lodges conducted thorough flora and fauna surveys prior to construction. They also created buffer zones and access controls around osprey habitats and local hood plover birds. When it came time for construction, they cleared only 1% of the total land and placed the rest under protection.

Sensitivity to the surrounding environment is key, according to Kasturiarachchi, but so is sustainable, efficient energy use. This means using local materials, renewable energy and on-site waste management when possible. The Ocean Lodge, located on Kangaroo Island, incorporates recycled timbers and local hand-cut limestone. And the buildings architectural design, which features a low profile over the landscape and appears to float atop the cliffs at Hanson Bay, is oriented to capture breezes off the water.

The lodge is also powered in part by solar energy and features a detailed Building Management System whereby power usage in certain areas can be shut down during off-peak periods. A Biolytix Filter System treats wastewater on site, and fresh water is harvested from all roof surfaces. Operators aim to have the property rainwater self-sufficient nine out of ten years.

So far the strategies developers employ to reach new and ambitious sustainability goals are fragmented, with regulations that change from place to place. But this could change.

Delos Living aims to make the design of the villas at Blackadore Caye meet the Living Buildings challenge. Currently the worlds most rigorous standard for green buildings, Living Buildings strive for a net-zero or net positive energy footprint, net-positive water and net-positive waste.

Buildings that meet the Living Buildings stringent criteria are considered regenerative in that they generate sufficient benefits to the site, surrounding communities and the environment at large, enough to offset their negative impacts. This principle is what inspired the developers at Blackadore Caye. The idea at Blackadore Caye is to push the envelope for what sustainability means  moving the idea beyond environmental awareness into restoration, said Mr Scialla, founder at Delos Living.

If international consensus forms around standards like the Living Building Challenge, the sustainability goals like those at Blackadore Caye may not seem so ambitious after all.

To date there are around 380 registered Living Building Challenge projects in 23 countries, including a handful of private residences. A home in Auckland, for example, produces as much energy as the people living in it consume by generating energy via roof-integrated solar photovoltaic and hot water panels. We achieved Zero Energy in our first year, generating twice as much energy as we used, says engineer Jo Woods, who built the Auckland home with Shay Brazier.

But energy goals werent the only thing driving the homes design; comfort was also a top priority. The core reason we chose to build a house was that we wanted a home that was comfortable to live in, says Woods. Theres no point minimising use of natural resources if you dont enjoy living in your house. But Woods believes there doesnt need to be a compromise. Through good design and the use of the right products and materials, a house can be both good for the environment and comfortable for its inhabitants.

Words by Sophie Kalkreuth
1. What are the main laws regulating IP in Malaysia?

Malaysian law relating to intellectual property is mainly contained in statutes and common law. There are national legislation for copyright, patents, industrial designs, geographical indications, layout-designs, optical discs and trademarks. Malaysia also recognizes the common law principles of passing off and the protection of confidential information / trade secrets.

2. Which international IP agreements is Malaysia a party to? Are there any notable omissions?

Malaysia is a party to most well-known international IP agreements, including:

(a) Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property; (b) Patent Cooperation Treaty; (c) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights ("TRIPS Agreement"); (d) World Intellectual Property Organisation ("WIPO") Copyright Treaty; (e) WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty; (f) Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks; (g) Vienna Agreement Establishing an International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks; (h) Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works; and (i) Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organisation.

Further, Malaysia is committed to acceding to the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks ("Madrid Protocol").

Notably, Malaysia is not a party to the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs.

3. Have there been any recent significant changes to the law?

To date, there have not been any significant changes in terms of IP legislation. Nevertheless, there has been a recent breakthrough with respect to remedies arising from a breach of confidential information and/or trade secrets. In Juris Technologies Sdn. Bhd. and Natsoft (M) Sdn. Bhd. v Foo Tiang Sin & 5 Ors, the former employees of the plaintiff company set up a competing business while they were still employees and utilized the plaintiff company's confidential information to build a suite of software. When the competing business was ready, they resigned and competed with the plaintiff company. In that case, the judge held that:

Employees would still be working 'in the course of employment' even if any activity was conducted outside office hours and outside the office. This is an important development in view of current innovative working arrangement of employees (part time, working from home etc.) and will have an impact across actions in tort, IP and employment.

While not all employees are in a fiduciary position (in addition to having a duty of fidelity), employees (not just directors) who are trusted with greater responsibility owe a higher duty as a fiduciary. Flowing from there, employers are entitled to the full range of remedies against any such rogue employees including a claim for secret profit, tracing, an account of any sums made and others.

In view of the foregoing, the judge has granted remedies as follows:

a judicial assignment to the ex-employer of all software which the ex-employees developed (whether or not they infringe the ex-employer's software) while they were employed with the ex-employer. This is the first time such a judicial assignment of copyright is ordered in Malaysia.

a 'springboard injunction' which negates any advantage the ex-employees had when they unlawfully took confidential information and software of their ex-employer. The springboard injunction essentially restrains the ex-employers from being involved in a similar business as the ex-employer for a few years. This is also one of the first time in Malaysia where a springboard injunction was granted.

exemplary, punitive and additional damages against the ex-employers, to punish and send the 'right' message to the industry, taking cognizant of the fact that in a software industry, IP assets are their main assets and in view of the ease of copying and transferring information and software. This is over and above the grant of damages and an account of profits ordered and permanent injunction granted.

4. Are there any proposals/plans for legal changes? Or treaty accessions?

Malaysia is committed to accede to the Madrid Protocol. It is anticipated that a new Trade Mark Bill will be tabled in 2018 for Malaysia to ratify its obligations under the Madrid Protocol. The proposed changes to the Trade Marks Act 1976 would include protection for 3D marks, protection for non-traditional marks such as sound, smell and colours, and multi-class applications as well as simultaneous local and global filing.

5. What is the body responsible for granting IP rights and how is it structured?

The Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia ("MyIPO") is responsible for the provision of IP rights registration services and the administration of registries/offices, i.e. Registry of Trademarks, Patent Registration Office, Industrial Designs Registration Office and Central Geographical Indications Office. Notwithstanding that there is no registration system for copyright, copyright owners may lodge a voluntary notification with the MyIPO. The certificate of notification issued by MyIPO shall constitute prima facie evidence of the particulars relating to the copyright and is admissible in all courts in Malaysia.

The administration of MyIPO is headed by a Director General who is assisted by two Deputy Director Generals. The MyIPO is made up of several divisions and units, including Patent Division, Trade Mark Division, Industrial Design Division, Geographical Indications Division, Copyright and Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits Division, Planning and International Relation Division, Management Services Division, Information Technology Division, Corporate Communication Division, Legal Advisory Unit, Internal Audit Unit, Corporation Secretary, Intellectual Property Training Centre, MyIPO Southern Office (Johor Bahru), MyIPO East Coast Office (Kuantan), MyIPO Northern Office (Penang), MyIPO Malacca Office, Sabah Branch and Sarawak Branch.

6. What is the procedure for obtaining a trade mark? Are there any notable differences compared to other jurisdictions?

Firstly, a registration application accompanied with a statutory declaration will need to be submitted to MyIPO. MyIPO will review the application and conduct formality checks to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. Upon having ensured compliance, MyIPO will conduct an examination on registrability and a search for prior marks.

If the application is rejected by the Registrar, the applicant will need to submit a reply in writing within 2 months, containing amendments, modifications etc. If the Registrar upholds its objection to the application, the applicant may apply for a hearing within 2 months.

Once an application is accepted, it will be advertised in the Government Gazette and any interested third parties may oppose the registration within 2 months. If there is no opposition, or the opposition is rejected, a certificate of registration will be issued by MyIPO. This whole process may take more than 1 year. On the other hand, if there is an opposition, the mark will not be registered until the opposition has been resolved.

There is an option to apply for expedited examination of the proposed mark on special grounds, such as national or public interest, pending infringement proceedings, and where the application is a pre-requisite for certain monetary benefits or schemes. While it is possible for a certificate to be obtained within 1 year via expedited examination, higher fees are applicable.

The trade mark registration process in Malaysia is similar to the registration process in most jurisdictions, notably Singapore, the UK and the US.

7. Which courts have jurisdiction in IP cases in Malaysia, at first instance and appeal? How are they structured ?

The Intellectual Property Court was established on 17 July 2007 to focus solely on IP disputes. The Government of Malaysia designated fifteen (15) Sessions Courts with criminal jurisdictions and six (6) High Courts with both civil and appellate jurisdictions to deal exclusively with intellectual property cases. The six (6) states in Malaysia with the most number of intellectual property cases would each have one High Court being assigned to exclusively deal with intellectual property cases comprising of the prosecution of criminal offenses under the Trade Descriptions Act, Copyright Act, Optical Discs Act, and the Patents Act. However, the judges sitting in the intellectual property courts are not required to have legal expertise in the area of intellectual property.

The hierarchy of the Malaysian judicial system consists of:

the Subordinate Courts (Magistrates and Sessions Court);

the High Court of Malaysia;

the Court of Appeal; and

the Federal Court.

It is noteworthy to highlight that there is no jury system in Malaysia. That said, proceedings in the High Court will be heard and determined by a single judge. Proceedings in the Court of Appeal will usually be heard and determined by a panel of three judges. In relation to the Federal Court, an application for leave to appeal to the Federal Court will usually be heard and disposed off by a panel of three judges, while the appeal proper will usually be heard by a panel of five judges.

The applicable rules of evidence in respect of court proceedings are set out in the Evidence Act 1950, which is almost in pari materia with the Indian Evidence Act 1872. Generally, Malaysian Courts adopt the common law position with regard to evidence.

8. How common is IP litigation? How many trade mark cases in a typical year?

IP litigation is fairly common. Based on publicly available legal databases, the average number of trademark cases from 2013 - 2017 is 90 cases per year, ranging from approximately 50 cases in 2013 up to 136 cases in 2016.

9. What have been the most significant TM cases in recent years, and why?

No Case Facts Decision 1 Chanel v Melwani2 International Sdn Bhd & Ors and Other Cases [2017] 6 CLJ 567 The plantiffs, Chanel, were the proprietors of registered trade marks for various goods. The first defendant was a company. Both the second and third defendants were directors and owners of the first defendant. The first defendant sold goods bearing Chanel's trademark even though they were not authorized to do so. This case was significant because the courts had to decide:



(i) Whether the court should pierce the first defendant's corporate veil; and



(ii) whether an individual may be personally liable for a company's infringement of a registered trade mark under s. 38(1)(a) of the Trade Marks Act 1976. An individual may be personally liable for a company's infringement of a registered trade mark under Section 38 of the TMA. But there existed special circumstances in this case that allowed for the corporate veil to be pierced:



(1) The third defendant had paid the hefty fine for the first defendant, although there was no obligation for him to do so. This indicated that the third defendant was the controller and the directing mind and will of the company, because no reasonable individual would have paid such a fine.



(2) The third defendant owned a substantial amount of shares, and thus had a substantial financial interest, in the first defendant, and could not thus claim ignorance of the first defendant's infringement. The first defendant's corporate personality was considered to be abused by the third defendant. 2 Doretti Resources Sdn Bhd v Fitters Marketing Sdn Bhd & Ors and Another Case [2017] 1 LNS 738 The plaintiff was the registered proprietor of the trade mark "PYRO", and had supplied PYRO products to the first and second defendants, who in turn sold them to the public. The plaintiff discovered that the first and second defendants sold counterfeit PYRO products to the public and that these products were supplied by the third, fourth and fifth defendants. The issue here was whether the fourth and fifth defendants could strike out the plaintiff's claim on the basis that they did not commit trade mark infringement because they did not sell counterfeit goods to members of the public, but only to the first and second defendants. The strike out application was successful because they did not sell the counterfeit goods to members of the public but only to retailers (the first and second defendants). In essence, there would only be trademark infringement if the infringing goods were sold to consumers or the public.



The defence of prior use under Section 40(1)(c) of the TMA is to prevail over all other provisions in the TMA, including trade mark infringement under Section 38(1)(a) of the TMA. 3 Kraft Foods Schweiz Holding GmbH v Pendaftar Cap Dagangan [2016] MLJU 402 The plaintiff applied to register the trade mark, a 3D prism-shape in reddish-brown colour, described as Toblerone Chocolate Teeth 3D in colour for goods in Class 30 (the proposed trade mark). The plaintiffs application was objected to by the Registrar on the ground that the proposed trade mark is not distinctive within the meaning of section 10(1)(e) of the TMA because it was not capable of distinguishing the plaintiffs goods in the course of trade. The plaintiffs trade mark agent appeared before the Registrar to appeal against the objection but the application was eventually refused by the Registrar on ground that, inter alia, the proposed trade mark did not fall within the definitions of "mark" and "trade mark" under section 3(1) of the TMA. The plaintiff upon receiving the written grounds for the refusal, applied to the Registrar for an extension of time to appeal to the High Court against the Registrars refusal and subsequently filed the appeal 7 days after the expiry of the Registrars extension. The High Court found that the appeal was filed out of time and dismissed the appeal. Nevertheless, the High Court went on to consider whether a 3D or shape mark could qualify as a "mark" and a "trade mark" under Section 3(1) of the TMA. The Court stated in obiter, that a 3D mark or shape mark fell within the definition of "mark" in Section 3(1) of the TMA. However, the Court concluded that the proposed trade mark was not a trade mark because it failed to indicate a connection in the course of trade between the plaintiffs goods and the plaintiff. The plaintiff's mark also lacked both inherent distinctiveness and factual distinctiveness. Thus, the proposed trade mark was not registrable.

Have there been significant rulings in any other areas, eg copyright?

No Case Facts Decision 1 Juris Technologies Sdn Bhd and Natsoft (M) Sdn Bhd v Foo Tiang Sin & 5 Ors The Defendants had set up a competing business while they were still employees of the Plaintiff. While under employment, they utilised confidential information from the Plaintiffs' software and built a new suite of competing computer software programmes. When the software was ready and the competing business was growing, they resigned in stages and began competing with the Plaintiffs. In this landmark case, the High Court ruled in favour of the Plaintiffs on 6 September 2017 and laid down several important precedents:



 The judge held that in current times, employees could still be considered to be working "in the course of employment" even if any activity was conducted outside of office hours and outside the office premises.



 While not all employees are in a fiduciary position, employees who are trusted with greater responsibility owe a higher duty as a fiduciary.



 Consequently, the judge directed a judicial assignment to the Plaintiffs of all software which the Defendants developed while they were employed with the Plaintiff. This was the first time such a judicial assignment of copyright had been ordered in Malaysia.



 The judge also granted a springboard injunction which essentially restrained the Defendants from being involved in a similar business as their employer for a few years. This was to take away the advantage gained when the Defendants unlawfully took confidential information in the form of source codes belonging to the Plaintiffs to develop a competing software.



 The judge took cognizance of the fact that in the software industry, IP assets are the main assets of a company. In view of the ease of copying and transferring of information and software, the judge granted exemplary, aggravated and additional damages against the Defendant, to punish and send the "right" message to the industry. This was over and above the grant of damages, account of profits ordered and permanent injunction granted. This has been one of the most aggressive messages sent by the IP Court. 2 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp & Anor v Hovid BHD [2017] MLJU 77 This was a patent infringement case in which the Plaintiffs claimed that the Defendant had infringed the Merck Patent by selling Alendronate tablets. The Defendant counterclaimed to invalidate the Merck Patent on grounds that the patent is non-patentable, not novel, lacked inventive step and not industrially applicable pursuant to Sections 13(1)(d), 14, 15 and 16 of the Patents Act 1983 ("PA"). However, the Plaintiff argued that the Merck Patent constituted a Swiss-type claim which is not a method of medical treatment prohibited by Section 13(1)(d) of the PA. A Swiss-type claim generally refers to a "second or further medical use" of a known substance or composition used for a medical treatment. It also covers purpose limited process claims where a substance is used for the manufacture of a medicament for a specified medical use. This is the first case whereby a court has clarified that Swiss-type medical use claims are allowed in Malaysia. The High Court held that:



 Section 14(4) of the PA allows the patentability of the "use" of a Treatment Method. Accordingly, the Merck Patent is not a Treatment Method which is prohibited by Section 13(1)(d) of the PA. Instead, the Merck Patent is a "use" of a Treatment Method, a Swiss-type Claim, which is patentable according to Section 14(4) of the PA.



 As Articles 53(c) and 54(4) of the Convention on the Grant of European Patents are identical or similar to Sections 13(1)(d) and 14(4) of the PA, the court may rely on the decisions of the European Patent Office's Board of Appeal and Enlarged Board of Appeal in the interpretation of the relevant Sections of the Act.



 The Court decided that Claim 1 of the patent was invalid for lack of inventive step. Since all the remaining twenty one claims were dependent on Claim 1, all the dependent claims were invalidated.



 Notably, the foreign expert witness in this case gave evidence and was cross-examined through Skype.

Are there any decisions in other areas of law (eg competition, regulatory) that have had or are likely to have an impact on IP rights?

Although there are currently no decisions in other areas of law that have had a direct impact on IP rights, it is anticipated that competition law may potentially have an indirect impact on IP rights in Malaysia.

Malaysian competition law is mainly governed by the Malaysian Competition Act 2010 ("CA"), which does not contain any exceptions in relation to IP rights. There are currently no decisions, guidelines or directions from Malaysian authorities which shed light on how the CA would apply to issues relating to IP rights. In particular, the following potential issues are worth highlighting:

The CA prohibits any anti-competitive horizontal or vertical agreement which has the object or effect of significantly preventing restricting or distorting competition in any market for goods or services. On a strict interpretation, IP licence agreements, technology transfer agreements and other IP pooling arrangements, may arguably constitute vertical agreements which are prohibited.

the CA also prohibits any conduct which amounts to an abuse of a dominant position. IP agreements which include provisions such as territorial delimitations, product delimitations and no-challenge clauses in trade mark delimitation agreements, which essentially allows the owner to gain dominant position, may be considered as anti-competitive agreements, which is prohibited under the CA.

In light of the foregoing, the Malaysian Competition Commission ("MyCC") has stated that a Guideline to specifically address Intellectual Property Rights will be issued, though no issuance date has been promised.

12. Are there any financial/accounting measures in Malaysia that are aimed at or relevant to IP owners/licensees (eg patent box-style tax rules or other IP-related incentives)?

The following IP-related incentives are applicable:

The Income Tax (Deduction for Expenditure on Registration of Patent and Trade Mark) Rules 2009 provides that certain companies and enterprises may be eligible to claim tax deduction for fees made to register patents or trade marks under the Patents Act 1983 and the Trade Marks Act 1976 respectively.

Malaysian Government launched the Intellectual Property Financing Scheme ("IPFS") in line with its 'IP Valuation' initiative which aims to create a better understanding of monetizing IP rights through IP valuation. The IPFS is a fund administered by Malaysia Debt Ventures Berhad ("MDV") which provides eligible technology-based small and medium enterprises with financing, using their IP as collateral. The IP must have been approved by MyIPO and valued by an approved valuer, usually via Malaysian IP Valuation Model ("IPVM") - a valuation model to achieve the Government's goal to enhance the credibility and greater transparency around IP, making it more attractive as a financial tool to the financial institutions.

13. How is the law enforcement against counterfeit goods in Malaysia?

The legal framework for enforcement against counterfeit goods is quite well established in Malaysia. Brand owners may enforce IP rights through civil and/or criminal action as follows:

Civil Measures

A brand owner may issue a cease and desist letter to the seller(s)/manufacturer(s) of counterfeits, on the basis that the seller is acting in breach of the owner's rights.

A registered trade mark owner may initiate a court action against the infringer on the basis of IP rights infringement and/or the tort of passing off.

Having conducted its own investigation, a brand owner may lodge a complain with the MDTCC to carry out a raid action on the infringer(s). The MDTCC enforcement officers will conduct the raid action, seize the counterfeit products and conduct further post-raid investigation before forwarding its investigation report to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for a decision as to whether the alleged counterfeiters should be charged in Court or be imposed a compound fine. The brand owner may expedite the investigation by participating in their Basket of Brands ("BOB") scheme, under which the participating brand owners' proprietorship will be entered into a separate, distinct database with the MDTCC and require brand owners to execute an undertaking to cooperate in the MDTCC's investigation. Such registered brand owners will be prioritized by the MDTCC.

Criminal Measures

The CA empowers the police and the MDTCC to enter any premises where there is reasonable cause to suspect that there are infringing goods or equipment for making such goods, and to seize such goods or equipment with a warrant. Seizures can be effected without a warrant if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the infringing goods or equipment may be destroyed or removed from the premises due to a delay in obtaining a warrant.

A registered proprietor of a trademark may lodge a complaint with the MDTCC , which is vested with the power of arrest and search and seizure without a warrant. Following a raid, the ministry may prosecute the suspected counterfeiters on the advice of the attorney general's chambers.

14. What are the emerging digital and technology issues that will likely to have an impact on trade mark laws / IP rights? (AI, etc.)

One of the most significant issues anticipated is the ownership of IP rights in the content or work created by Artificial Intelligence Systems ("AIs"), which are able to create new content due to their ability to self-improve and self-learn.

A pertinent point to note in this regard is the copyright of literary works. As it stands, the current copyright regime in Malaysia provides that copyright in a literary work will be valid for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years after his/her death. However, if the creator of the literary work is an AIs, the validity of the copyright of the said literary work could potentially be perpetual as AIs are inorganic beings and as such, do not have a definite lifespan.

15. What are the border control measures taken by the relevant authorities to prevent the importation of infringing goods or services?

There is no customs recordal system in Malaysia. As such, brand owners must police the market for counterfeit products on their own initiatives.

Technically speaking, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department ("RMCD") may have an ex-officio capacity under section 70O of the TMA to detain the goods suspected to be counterfeits and subsequently contact the MDTCC or the brand owners to attend to the relevant port of entry to conduct a preliminary visual examination on the goods detained. However, the RMCD officers are usually not fully equipped or trained on the intellectual property issues and will usually hesitate to detain the goods without receiving any complaint from the brand owners.

The RMCD may also detain the counterfeit products at the point of entry upon notification by the Registrar of trade marks under section 70D of the TMA. However, such notification will only be made upon receipt of a very specific application from the brand owners, detailing the time and place in which the counterfeit products are expected to be imported for the purpose of trade. These details are difficult to obtain without extensive and expensive investigation.

16. How is unregistered trade mark protected and what is the position taken in Malaysia in regulating unregistered trade mark?

Unregistered trademarks may be protected in Malaysia under the common law principle of passing off. To establish an action for passing off, the plaintiff must establish that:

the goods or services he supplies have acquired a certain goodwill and reputation in Malaysia;

the actions of the defendant have caused, or in all possibility will cause the ordinary consumers or customers of the plaintiff's goods or business to believe that the goods or business of the defendant are that of the plaintiff, or is in some way associated with the plaintiff; and

as a consequence, the plaintiff has suffered or is likely to suffer damage to his trade or business.

17. How are domain names protected and regulated in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, domain names may be protected and regulated in Malaysia by:

registration with Malaysian Network Information Centre Berhad (" MYNIC "), the sole administrator for web addresses that end with .my in Malaysia. In particular, domain names with ".my", ".com.my", ".net.my", ".org.my", ".edu.my" and ".gov.my" may be registered by organizations and individuals with MYNIC, whereas applications for ".com.my", ".net.my", ".org.my" and ".name.my" domain names may be submitted through MYNIC's officially appointed partners, called resellers. By way of background, MYNIC is a company limited by guarantee, and an agency under Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia that is regulated by Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission; or

"), the sole administrator for web addresses that end with .my in Malaysia. In particular, domain names with ".my", ".com.my", ".net.my", ".org.my", ".edu.my" and ".gov.my" may be registered by organizations and individuals with MYNIC, whereas applications for ".com.my", ".net.my", ".org.my" and ".name.my" domain names may be submitted through MYNIC's officially appointed partners, called resellers. By way of background, MYNIC is a company limited by guarantee, and an agency under Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia that is regulated by Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission; or initiating a domain name dispute proceeding by filing a complaint pertaining to a third party's registration or use of an identical or similar domain name to the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration ("KLRCA"), under the MYNIC's Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy ("MYDRP").The Complainant must be able to establish that the disputed domain name is identical or similar to the trade mark or service mark to which he has the rights and that the Respondent used the domain name in bad faith. If the complaint is successful, the Complainant may request for a transfer of the disputed domain name to him or a deletion of the registration of the said domain name. However, kindly note that the Complainant is not entitled to pecuniary damages. One may prove that their registration and/or use of the domain name was not in bad faith by establishing that they have rights and legitimate interests in the domain name. This can be evidenced by, for example, being commonly known by the Domain Name even though you have acquired no trade mark or service mark rights in the same.

18. On what grounds can a trade mark registration be refused?

In Malaysia, trade mark registration may be refused on the following grounds:

Absolute grounds for refusal

(a) if the use of which is likely to deceive or cause confusion to the public or would be contrary to law;

(b) if it contains or comprises any scandalous or offensive matter or would otherwise not be entitled to protection by any court of law; (c) if it contains a matter which in the opinion of the Registrar is or might be prejudicial to the interest or security of the nation; (d) if it is identical with or so nearly resembles a mark which is well known in Malaysia for the same goods or services of another proprietor; (e) if it is well known and registered in Malaysia for goods or services not the same as to those in respect of which registration is applied for: Provided that the use of the mark in relation to those goods or services would indicate a connection between those goods or services and the proprietor of the well known mark, and the interests of the proprietor of the well known mark are likely to be damaged by such use; (f) if it contains or consists of a geographical indication with respect to goods not originating in the territory indicated, if use of the indication in the mark for such goods in Malaysia is of such a nature as to mislead the public as to the true place of origin of the goods; or (g) if it is a mark for wines which contains or consists of a geographical indication identifying wines, or is a mark for spirits which contains or consists of a geographical indication identifying spirits, not originating in the place indicated by the geographical indication in question.

Relative grounds for refusal

(h) the mark is identical with a trade mark belonging to a different proprietor and entered in the Register in respect of the same goods or description of goods or in respect of services that are closely related to those goods; (i) the mark so nearly resembles such a trade mark as is likely to deceive or cause confusion; (j) the mark is identical with a trade mark belonging to a different proprietor and entered in the Register in respect of the same services or description of services or in respect of goods that are closely related to those services; or (k) separate applications are made by different applications to be registered as proprietors respectively of trade marks which are identical or so nearly resembling each other as are likely to deceive or cause confusion.

19. On what grounds can a trade mark registration be opposed?

A trade mark may be opposed by any person on any the following grounds:

(a) all grounds mentioned in Question 18 above; or (b) the trade mark that is being applied for is identical or confusingly similar to an unregistered or registered trade mark belonging to the person opposing.

20. Does trade mark infringement attract criminal liability?

Yes. Trade mark infringement may attract criminal liability under the Trade Description Act 2011 ("TDA 2011"). Section 8 of the TDA 2011 prohibits false trade description whereby an identical registered trade mark or a similar mark (where a trade description order from the High Court is obtained), is used without authorization from the registered trade mark proprietor. Any person who applies a false trade description to any goods, or supplies, offers, or exposes for supply goods, as if the goods were subject to any rights relating to a registered trade mark, commits an offence and upon conviction, may be liable:

(a) to a fine up to RM 15,000 (approx. USD 3,800) for each goods bearing the false trade description, and for a second or subsequent offence, to a fine up to RM 30,000 (approx. USD 7,600) for each goods bearing the false trade description, if such person is a body corporate; or (b) to a fine up to RM 10,000 (approx. USD 2,530) for each goods bearing the false trade description and/or to imprisonment for a term up to 3 years, and for a second or subsequent offence, to a fine up to RM 20,000 (appox. USD 5,060) for each goods bearing the false trade description, and/or to imprisonment for a term up to 5 years, if such person is not a body corporate.

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Mr. Adarsh Narahari, Secretary, CREDAI Bengaluru

I am happy to see Bengaluru get a large allocation of funds for city development which was much needed. It is also heartening to see a proposal to provide permanent housing in slums through a PPP model. The development of 5 commercial hubs along major arterial roads and funds for KIABD to create an industrial corridor are other positives. Overall the budget does a good balancing act in catering to various sections and their needs.

Mr. Farook Mahmood, World President FIABCI and Chairman & Managing Director Silverline Realty

The State Government has presented a detailed budget with benefits to most sectors. The budget presented today was a completely group oriented budget. The decision to waive off penalties on property taxes for industries in industrial areas and townships if the principal amount is paid in a single installment is a positive step. Additionally, the proposal for permanent housing in slums through the PPP model will also be a big plus. I would say its a step in the right direction.

Mr. Vishal Mirchandani, CEO Retail & Commercial, Brigade Enterprises

The budget presented today is a positive budget on the whole. Some of the benefits of the budget will be the development of commercial sites along major networks of roads in Bengaluru. The governments allocation of Rs 2500 crore for the development of Bengaluru is a positive move. Enhancement of urban infrastructure is another positive of the budget.

Dr Bani Anand, Founder & Managing Director, Hairline International Hair & Skin Clinic

* Happy to hear that Government has proposed Super Specialty hospitals in different places of the State for Cancer and Heart ailment.

* The State Budget is fair enough when compared to Union Budget 2018.

* Would be more appreciated if the Government would have implemented New Edge treatments and Free Treatment for BPL card holders in the State.

* Addition 1,000 bed ward announced for Bangalore Medical College.

* Few More Universal Health schemes like Arogya Karnataka Yojane should be introduced.
In the past few days, the level of repression, intimidation and blatant authoritarianism exercised by the rotten Spanish 78 regime has reached unprecedented levels. It is enough to make ones blood boil. On 20 February, Communist rapper Valtonyc was sentenced to three years and six months in prison for "lese majeste" (insulting the crown) and glorifying terrorism in the lyrics of one of his songs.

Valtonyc was accused by the Circulo Balear: a Spanish reactionary nationalist lobby in Mallorca with links to the far-right. The Spanish High Court just confirmed the sentence and he will be jailed in the next few days.Communist rapper Pablo Hasel is also being tried for songs against the monarchy and for "glorifying terrorism": the prosecutor asks for three years in jail. The video of his courageous defence of freedom of speech at his trial at the National Court went viral (see below):

These are just the two prominent cases, but other rap artists have been charged with similar offenses. These people have not been involved in any physical attacks against the monarchy, nor there is any implication that they are involved in terrorism, nor that their lyrics have actually led anyone to commit an act of terrorism or a physical attack on the monarchy. In fact, the terrorist groups mentioned have not been active for years! This is clearly an attack on freedom of expression. These people are being charged and sentenced, and soon will be jailed, for their ideas.

Pablo Hasel is being tried for songs against the monarchy and for "glorifying terrorism" / Image: fair use

Former Catalan deputy, Anna Gabriel, of the anti-capitalist, pro-independence CUP (one of the most radical and popular left-wing politicians in Catalonia) has gone into exile in Switzerland after she refused to appear in court as part of a mega-trial of pro-independence politicians for their part in the 1 October independence referendum. She (along with many others) is being accused of rebellion, a legal item drawn from the Franco-era penal code punishable with 30 years in jail.

Even in its own terms, rebellion implies a violent, armed uprising, something which never took place in Catalonia where the autumn movement for self-determination was perfectly peaceful. The only violence that took place came from the Spanish police. As happened with Puigdemont in Belgium in November, the Supreme Court judge that is in charge of the investigation has decided not to issue an international arrest warrant, in the knowledge that the case is an absolute sham and a request for extradition on the grounds of rebellion would be thrown out by the Swiss authorities. The regime is furious at this and has thrown its miserable, servile rags (including respectable media such as El Mundo or COPE) against Anna Gabriel with all sorts of sexist, misogynist slander, insults, and humiliations.

Anna Gabriel (CUP) has gone into exile in Switzerland after she refused to appear in court / Image: fair use

The Spanish government, which suspended Catalan autonomy in October and dissolved its democratically-elected government through the use of powers in article 155 of the constitution, has promised it will use its extraordinary powers to enforce more hours of Spanish lessons in Catalan schools. Thus, the right-wing Popular Party  which came last in the Catalan elections in December and has only 4 MPs in the Catalan Parliament  is usurping the powers of the Catalan chamber to rule over education matters in a dog-eat-dog fight with Ciudadanos to see which of the two is more Spanish chauvinist.

On 21 February, a judge ordered the sequestration of the whole print run of a book, which was published two years ago. Farina investigates the connections of the Galician PP with drug trafficking. The judge order came after a libel case by a local PP mayor (who appears only twice in the book). The judge has forbidden the reprinting of the book and has banned any new sales (the connections of the Galician PP with drug cartels are well known). In a matter of hours the book has become a best-seller, at one point selling as many as 10 copies per minute. The Madrid Federation of Bookshops has said that, while it respects the judges decision, it fundamentally disagrees with it and will not withdraw the book from its shops.

The international contemporary art fair of Madrid, ARCO, has removed an exhibit called Political Prisoners by Santiago Sierra ahead of the official opening of the fair by the king and queen today. The exhibit consisted of 24 large pictures of people who have been jailed in Spain for political reasons, their faces pixelated and a legend indicating who they are and why have they been jailed. Amongst them were Oriol Junqueras, the former Catalan vice president that is now in jail in Madrid for his role in the October Referendum and declaration of the Catalan Republic, as well as fellow Catalan government member Forn, and the two Jordis (Jordi Cuixart of the Catalan Omnium and Jordi Sanchez of the Catalan National Assembly). The exhibit also featured the "8 of Altsasu": eight young men and women from the village of Altsasu in Navarre, who are accused of terrorism after as a result of a bar brawl with some off-duty Civil Guards and have spent almost 500 days in preventive detention. The reason given for the removal of the exhibit was not to cause controversy over the Catalan issue.

Political Prisoners by Santiago Sierra was removed ahead of a royal visit / Image: fair use

A young farmhand from Jaen has been fined with 480 for...having photoshopped his face onto an image of Christ and has been charged with "offending religious sentiments". He raised the money for the fine after a public appeal in under an hour. The fine was reduced from an original sentence of over 2000 euro or six months in jail when he admitted guilt, which he only did because he thought would have never been able to raise the amount for the higher fine.

The Spanish state has been fined by the Strasbourg court of human rights for having failed to investigate the brutal torture by the Civil Guard of ETA militants Igor Portu and Matin Sarasola in 2008. Sixteen hours after having been arrested, Igor Portu had to be taken to the Intensive Care Unit at Donostia Hospital with a punctured lung, a broken rib, a haemorrhage in one eye and bruises all over his body. It's the eighth time this institution has reprimanded Spain for torture.

There have been other lesser-known incidents, but no less serious. For instance, an arrest warrant has been issued for the general secretary of the anarcho-syndicalist union CGT in Catalonia, university professor Ermengol Gassiot, for having supported a student occupation for free education in 2013. 27 people are on trial for those events and Gassiol has refused to turn up in court. Barcelona port operators belonging to the anarchist union CNT are being questioned by the Civil Guard for their participation last week in a victorious mooring strike against three unfair dismissals.

On the same day, 21 February, two twitter users were tried for "glorifying ETA terrorism" . The Spanish National Court is currently trying more people for glorifying terrorism than for terrorism itself. In fact this charge is being widely used to shut down any radical opinions on social media. In fact at the beginning of the year the Ministry of Interior official twitter account warned that re-tweeting messages which could be deemed as glorifying terrorism was a crime in itself.

Rajoy and the PP are up to their necks in corruption scandals / Image: Flickr, EPP

These are just events from the past few days, to which one would have to add the imprisonment of Junqueras, Forn and the two Jordis without bail; sentences against twitter users, musicians, artists, trade unionists; and above all the attacks against the democratic rights of the Catalan people. And as this repression takes place, the PP finds itself up to the neck in corruption scandals, involving the upper-echelons of the party and Rajoy himself.

Perhaps the worst this about this wave of repression is the lack of a serious, organised and coordinated campaign in response by left-wing and trade union organisations. We can not really expect anything from the leaders of CCOO and UGT in this respect, but the conduct of the leaders of United Left and Podemos has been shy, indecisive and too fearful of being associated with the two rap artists. What is required is a Spanish-wide campaign of rallies, mass meetings, press conferences to organise the fightback, starting with preventing the jailing of Valtonyc.
SPRINGFIELD -- Four members of the Greenfield City Council who tried Wednesday to lobby Baystate Health CEO Dr. Mark Keroack on behalf of striking Baystate Franklin Medical Center nurses were turned away because they had no appointment.

But they said they'll continue to urge Springfield-based Baystate to negotiate with the Massachusetts Nurses Association and avert a one-day strike nurses plan for Feb. 28.

"I've been involved with contract negotiations, I know you never get everything need," said City Councilor Douglas Mayo, who once headed up a union at the former Belchertown State School. "But no one wants to see a strike. It's so destabilizing for our community."

The 200-member bargaining unit's contract with the 90-bed Baystate Franklin expired in January 2017.

Mayo recalled leaving the picket line during the nurses' one-day strike in June to go into the hospital because his mother was having a procedure done. Everything went well, but it's that sort of disruption he's hoping to help nurses avoid.

Mayo, Timothy Dolan, Sheila Gilmour and council president Karen "Rudy" Renaud all gathered with members of the Massachusetts Nurses Association outside Baystate headquarters at 3 p.m. Renaud, besides being on the council, is also a Massachusetts Nurses Association employee.

"These nurses live in our city," Gilmour said. "Several of them live in my precinct, so they are my direct constituents. I don't think Baystate makes it up to Greenfield very often."

Baystate canceled a bargaining session that had been scheduled for Monday, said Joe Markman, spokesman for the Massachusetts Nurses Assocation.

Baystate Health said it has given the Nurses Association dates for more negotiations prior to the most recent strike notice.

Baystate also said that negotiations through the federally appointed mediator is the best way for both sides to come together at this point.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association wants minimum staffing requirements written in to the contract. Management says to do so would rob it of the flexibility it needs to run the hospital.

Baystate Health and nurses at Baystate Noble settled a contract in November.

Donna Stern, senior co-chair of the nurses' bargaining committee, said the councilors also were turned away Wednesday when they tried to meet with Edward J. Noonan, a member of the Baystate Health Board of Trustees at his place of business, Noonan Energy Corp. in Springfield.

Baystate is planning to lockout nurses starting the Tuesday night before the one-day strike and on the Thursday after the one-day strike, Stern said.

Baystate Health did the same lockout strategy in June. Hospitals hire replacement nurses on a minimum three-day contract.
Worcester Magazine, a 40-year-old alt weekly created to offer an alternative voice to the Telegram & Gazette newspaper, will now be run by that very paper.

Publisher of the Telegram & Gazette, New Media Investment Group, has purchased Holden Landmark Corporation, owner of the Holden Landmark, Worcester Magazine and several other weeklies in Central Mass., for an undisclosed amount.

Kirk A. Davis, who for the past few years has served as both owner of the Landmark while separately working as chief executive officer of GateHouse Media, announced the sale Thursday morning, the Telegram & Gazette reports.

According to Davis, the Holden Landmark Corp. will fall under the regional oversight of Worcester Telegram & Gazette publisher Paul Provost.

"There's clearly a strategic fit here between my group and our local GateHouse properties in Central Massachusetts that excites me," Davis told employees on Thursday, the Telegram reports. "I see a tremendous opportunity here."

Davis owned Landmark Corp. prior to becoming CEO of GateHouse and continued to run them independently, even though some of its papers competed against each other -- most notably the Telegram & Gazette and Worcester Magazine.

New Media Investment Group is the parent company of GateHouse Media, which owns more than a hundred publications in Massachusetts, including the Telegram & Gazette, The Cape Cod Times and the MetroWest Daily News. The company owns a total of more than 600 publications in 36 states.

"GateHouse is a pretty abysmal company. Not the bottom of the bottom feeders but pretty low," said Walter Crockett, a former editor of Worcester Magazine. "It's another sad day in a series of sad days."

Crockett served as an editor of the publication in the '90s. He and co-editor Paul Della Valle worked for the Telegram before being lured away by then-Worcester Magazine Publisher Allen Fletcher, who agreed to match the two journalists' Telegram salaries and grant them wide editorial control of the paper.

Crockett said the lure was an opportunity "to be local and really focus on the community and good writing."

He left the publication in 1997 and the magazine has seen significant changes over the past two decades.

In the sale, GateHouse will acquire nine websites and six print publications, including: Worcester Magazine, The Landmark, The Leominster Champion, The Grafton News, The Millbury-Sutton Chronicle and baystateparent Magazine.

Worcester Magazine was founded four decades ago as a monthly alternative to the Telegram & Gazette.

"From the beginning we set out to be the best publication in Central Massachusetts. We reminded ourselves of that every step of the way, on every day, until we took the magazine to the printer. And next month we'll do the same," read a letter to readers from the magazine's founders, Dan Kaplan and Ryck Bird Lent, printed in the first issue.

The magazine, which shifted to a free weekly publication, was purchased by Davis's Holden Landmark Corp. in 2008. Seven employees were laid off in the sale.

GateHouse Media recently sought to buy the Boston Herald. Publisher Patrick J. Purcell announced the offer to staff the same day the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The sale fell through after another media company, Digital First Media, put in a higher bid.

The Telegram was sold to GateHouse three years ago after the paper changed hands several times.

The New York Times, which owned the paper and the Boston Globe, sold both properties to Red Sox owner John Henry in 2013.

Henry soon after announced plans to seek a new and local owner for the Telegram and in June 2014, it was sold to Halifax Media, a newspaper company headquartered in Florida.

While Henry told staff at the Telegram in a newsroom meeting that he would not sell the paper to GateHouse, the media company bought Halifax and its properties several months after the sale.
SPRINGFIELD -- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation plans to close Interstate 91 northbound at Exit 3 in Springfield from 8 tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 21, to 5 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 22.

The I-91 northbound on-ramps from Route 5/South End Bridge, State Street and Union Street will also be closed during this time, according to a news release. They lead into the closed portion of the highway.

MassDOT detour routes:

To continue on I-91 North:

To access I-91 North from Route 5/South End Bridge, State Street, or Union Street:

For I-291 East:

MassDOT advises drivers to plan for additional travel time through this area.

The $183.3 million rehab of Interstate 91 is ahead of schedule and expected to be complete in the spring.
Cinemark, which operates 533 cinemas including three in Western Massachusetts, is barring moviegoers from entering its theaters with large bags effective Thursday, Feb. 22.

"In an effort to enhance the safety and security of our guests and employees: Any bags or packages measuring larger than 12" x 12" x 6" will not be permitted into the theatre," the Dallas-based chain announced in a brief statement on its website.

Exceptions will be made for medical equipment bags and diaper bags, Cinemark said.

The company added that there will not be a general area at its theaters for checking bags and personal belongings.

Safety has been a concern at a number of venues in the wake of mass shootings and terrorist threats.

On July 20, 2012, a mass shooting occurred in a Cinemark-owned theater in Aurora, Colorado. A gunman using multiple firearms killed 12 people and injured 70 others.

Following the shooting, the National Association of Theatre Owners said its members were "working closely with local law enforcement agencies and reviewing security procedures."

Cinemark -- the nation's third largest movie theater chain -- operates cinemas under several brands, including Cinemark, Century Theatres, Tinseltown USA, CineArts, and Rave Cinemas.

It owns theaters in Springfield, Hadley and West Springfield and plans a fourth cinema at the Holyoke Mall. It also owns four theaters in neighboring Connecticut.

According to the Motion Picture Association of America, 71 percent of the United States and Canadian population -- 246 million people -- went to the movies at least once in 2016, a 2 percent increase from 2015.

Moviegoers who go once a month or more account for 48 percent of all tickets sold in the U.S. and Canada.
Three Fall River, Massachusetts-area residents were killed Wednesday morning when the car they were passengers in rolled over in the westbound lanes of the New York Thruway near Verona, Syracuse.com reported.

New York State Police said 81-year-old Maria Braga, of Fall River, David M. Botelho, 73, of Westport, and 72-year-old Isabel Botelho, of Westport, were killed when the car driven by 81-year-old Joao Braga, of Fall River, rolled over between Exit 33 in Verona and Exit 34 in Conastota.

Braga was transported to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse where he is being treated for injuries he suffered in the crash, reported Syracuse.com, an Advance Local sister company of MassLive.com. Braga's condition was not immediately known.

Police said their investigation into the crash is continuing.
It is a miracle alone that Luke, a stray dog from Beirut Lebanon, survived a bullet to the face that left a hole in his skull. His nasal passages were almost entirely seared shut, and he was left breathing only through a tiny hole in his snout.

Two-year-old Luke, who was rescued by volunteers from "Animal Lebanon" in January, was flown to the United States on Jan. 31 in order to receive the treatment he desperately needed. He was taken to the "Sweet Paws Rescue" team in Groveland before moving into the expert hands of Dr. Mike Pavletic.

Pavletic is the head of surgery at the Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston, a non-profit animal hospital in Jamaica Plain owned by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"I'm astounded that he even survived," Dr. Pavletic said in a statement provided by MSPCA. He said Luke was likely shot at close range with ammunition resembling a buckshot.

Pavletic is known for his work in reconstructive animal surgery, also recently rescuing the life of a former street kitten, Nigel, by creating him a new nose.

The surgeon performed a successful resconstruction this week, rebuilding the dog's nose and using tissue from his lip to patch a hole in his skull. Luke will now be able to breathe and eat comfortably.

Sweet Paws Rescue in Groveland is now seeking donations to cover the $2,000 cost of Luke's surgery. The dog will be moved to a foster home before volunteers hope to place him with a final owner. A fundraising website describes Luke as "such a character" who enjoys cuddling, roaming along the beach and running through the woods.

Sweet Paws has plans to accept 10 more dogs from Lebanon in March, according to MSPCA.
SPRINGFIELD -- As the two-year mark nears of a former narcotics detective laying waste to the Springfield Police Department's credibility, there have been no criminal or civil rights charges filed, and no firings.

But, there's still plenty of finger-pointing going on.

The "Bigda" and "Nathan Bill's" investigations are now separately in the hands of the U.S. Department of Justice and attorney general's office, respectively.

Newly uncovered emails obtained by The Republican show many high-ranking officers were taking cover when the two scandals became public nearly simultaneously in late 2016.

The probes remain an Achilles' heel for the department and Police Commissioner John Barbieri. The emails show the investigations also caused rifts in the police department's upper ranks.

The Bigda case refers to Officer Gregg Bigda, a former narcotics detective who went rogue during a 2016 interrogation of two Latino juvenile suspects, threatening to brutalize one and plant drug evidence on another. The grilling was caught on police video, but only made public months later.

Bigda was suspended for 60 days but is now a candidate for a promotion to sergeant, despite a chorus of calls for his firing by elected officials and activists when the footage was made public by The Republican. The videos also prompted judges to throw out dozens of drug prosecutions since Bigda's sullied credibility as a key witness cast a pall over entire investigations.

Barbieri has defended keeping Bigda on the payroll, citing contractual and civil service barriers.

The Nathan Bill's case involves a bar brawl in 2015 that allegedly pitted four off-duty cops against a group of bar patrons after the popular East Forest Park hang-out closed. That case has languished with no discipline nor criminal charges after the FBI and state Attorney General's office took it over last year. The matter is subject to a state grand jury investigation now.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni last February vented frustration over passing on prosecuting the Nathan Bill's case on behalf of the alleged victims. Witness testimony was inconsistent and the officers involved in the case took the Fifth, exercising their rights not to incriminate themselves.

"Let me be absolutely clear to you. I am frustrated," Gulluni told MassLive last February, adding that he believed the civilians involved in the fight were victims.

The Bigda investigation has gone quiet since the FBI announced that agency was taking it over last year.

Internal squabbling over those cases preceded the retirements of Sgt. William Andrew and Capt. Larry Brown, both former internal affairs investigators.

The deputy chief who oversaw that unit also subsequently retired. Brown and Andrew recently granted their first public interviews to MassLive and The Republican, expressing dismay over becoming what they perceived as scapegoats for higher-ups.

Indeed, an Oct. 18, 2016, email sent by Deputy Chief Mark Anthony to Barbieri aimed stinging criticism at the Internal Investigations Unit (IIU).

"We need to take a hard look at personnel ... Larry Brown told me he only started really reviewing the investigation after the Andrew ball drop in Bigda tapes. No matter what he told Andrew on the tapes, he did not follow up. Unacceptable. Our IIU is our firewall and it has been breached and decisive action needs to take place," Anthony wrote.

That email was triggered by a message from Barbieri about an hour earlier that reads:

"Know it's crazy there - thanks again for taking the helm and keeping us afloat - I am back at my desk Friday so you are good to go for your much needed day off ..."

The exchange occurred just weeks after news of the Bigda videos broke publicly and two days after the first story on the Nathan Bill's investigation was published on MassLive.

Two months later, the police department began soliciting bids for an outside consultant to evaluate the IIU, sparking apparent anger from Brown, according to email exchanges. He and retired Deputy Chief Robert Cheetham convinced Barbieri to take the unusual step of issuing a public statement gushing over Brown and his tenure with the department.

From a Dec. 3, 2016, exchange between Cheetham and Barbieri:

"You know that one of the reasons Larry is so angry and hurt, but he won't admit the hurt part, is that he really went to the black community vouching for you and what he said was your honest administration of the SPD. He had no problems being dragged out to meetings, even though sometimes the main reason was his race, because he believed in the cause," Cheetham wrote to the commissioner.

"He really was planning on talking to you before he retired about issues with some personal (sic) that he thought were hurting you and your administration. He has pure intentions which is rare in our business and even rarer after 37 years. He is a proud man, for good reason, and he is hurt and embarrassed," the email continued.

Cheetham sent the message in response to a draft of a two-page homage to Brown's integrity, noting that Brown was only "administratively" in command of IIU.

"I am planning to have Marion Sullivan (Mayor Domenic Sarno's press aide) blast it out from the mayor's office and putting it on our Facebook page," Barbieri said in response to Cheetham's request for a full-fledged press conference. "I am going to talk to the mayor about doing a short comment on it ... I am just worried because I am limited in my ability to comment to questions because of the investigation."

Barbieri did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

The Brown tribute was sent to local media outlets on Dec. 13, 2016. Brown retired three months later. He initially declined to comment on either the statement or his retirement but conceded to an interview nearly a year later.

Brown says he wasn't really in charge of IIU at all, although an organizational chart shows Cheetham was the deputy for the unit, and Brown as a captain under him. It's a puzzling argument, but the argument apparently worked for Barbieri, according to Brown.

"Initially, I was going to get retrained," Brown said, referring to a minor disciplinary measure employed by the department, which can range from a brief talking-to to formal training.

"I convinced them that I wasn't in charge of the IIU. They kind of saw things my way ... and at my suggestion, I wanted to clean up my reputation," Brown said. "I could live with being wrong. I just can't live with being lied about."

Brown argues that while he was technically in the chain of command for IIU, he was not involved in day-to-day investigations.

Before Andrew's retirement in May, he was among three sergeants in charge of investigating IIU complaints. The required sign-offs on all IIU reports were the captains who supervised the targets of each probe, then the respective deputy, then the commissioner, who orders all internal investigations.

One day before Anthony's Oct. 18, 2016, email to Barbieri, the deputy also blasted the IIU for not "watching their own store" and a week later criticized the Hampden District Attorney's office for dragging its feet on the Nathan Bill's criminal investigation.

That office, in turn, pointed the finger at Brown for holding it up with the IIU investigation, which Brown denied.

Meanwhile, in an email from Barbieri to Cheetham on Oct. 29, 2016, the commissioner tried his hand at diplomacy.

"We have a great team and this will pass," Barbieri wrote.

The Bigda fiasco started with a pizza run on Feb. 26, 2016. Bigda's onetime colleague, Steven Vigneault, left his undercover car running outside a restaurant on Worthington Street that night. At least three youths allegedly hopped in it and took off. As Vigneault, Bigda and fellow detectives seethed back at police headquarters, a call came in over the police scanner.

Police in Wilbraham spotted the car and chased it into Palmer, where officers from that town also joined the pursuit, according to police records. The Springfield detectives showed up in that town -- uninvited but with the blessing of Capt. Rupert Daniel -- to "assist" in the arrests of the boys.

A Wilbraham patrolman later filed an excessive force complaint against an unnamed Springfield detective, alleging that detective kicked a suspect in the face while he was on the ground and in handcuffs. The Wilbraham patrolman said he wasn't able to identify who the detective was.

Vigneault ultimately resigned over the matter, but said he was tricked into resigning by Barbieri and filed a whistleblower lawsuit in Hampden Superior Court. That case is pending. He has denied assaulting any of the suspects.

The alleged car thieves also were the subjects Bigda threatened while they were being processed and held at the Palmer Police Department in the early morning hours of Feb. 27.

For his part, Andrew worked both the Nathan Bill's case and the Palmer case from an internal affairs angle.

The Palmer investigation was ultimately labeled "the kick" internally, Andrew said.

Andrew said he stumbled across the Bigda footage from the cell blocks while investigating "the kick."

Troubled by the video, Andrew raised the issue with Brown and the captain told Andrew to make a note in his final report. Andrew also included copies of all video footage related to the investigation in a sleeve in a report binder.

"It was all right there in front of them," Andrew said.

Brown said he regarded Bigda's treatment of the boys as empty threats.

"Most officers would look at that video and see it's just bravado," Brown said. "I mean, it's bad, don't get me wrong. It's bad enough that Bigda threatened the boys ... If he hadn't threatened to plant evidence on them ... that's like, 1950s."

But, the thing is, Bigda did.

Andrew concedes that he did not specifically say there was video of Bigda threatening the boys in the cell blocks, but instead made a general notation citing "booking videos" in his report.

"I own that. That's on me," Andrew said during a separate interview. He thought telling his captain was enough, he said.

When asked why he didn't make more noise over the Bigda issue dying on the vine internally, Andrew said: "I was a sergeant. (Brown) was a captain. He was breathing different air than me."

He said Bigda's antics in the videos "didn't sit well with him," even as a veteran officer. Bigda was joined in the cell blocks by his then-partner, Luke Cournoyer, who remains in the narcotics unit.

"You can lean on people a little bit, but this isn't the way you're supposed to interview people ... especially kids. When he starts threatening that he's gonna kill them or plant drugs on them," Andrew said, trailing off and shaking his head.

The boys - who have not been identified because they were juveniles at the time of their arrests - never filed complaints against any police officer. Nor have they filed lawsuits. The dispositions of their criminal cases are unknown because juvenile court proceedings and records are not public.

Andrew said he was "retrained" by his superiors about being more specific in his reports and was the only one disciplined over the Bigda matter -- aside from Bigda.

"I'm the only one who sounded an alarm, and I'm the one who ended up with a letter in my file? How is that right?" Andrew asked. "I believe the reason I was retrained is because they had to hang this around somebody's neck ... instead of making Barbieri look bad."

During his interview, Brown said he agreed Andrew had been treated unfairly.

"I didn't agree with it because he worked hard and he's dedicated," said Brown, who successfully argued to Cheetham and Barbieri to have a similar "retraining" letter over the Bigda matter banished from his own file.

Cheetham changed the language in a note to Barbieri to "instructed," records show.

Brown said that he wasn't asked by his superiors to sign off on IIU reports or investigations until after the Bigda videos publicly blew up.

"I was not in charge of IIU," Brown insisted. "I stopped in there a couple of times a week, to see if there were any problems or questions. They were based on Maple Street and I was at Pearl Street (police headquarters). I asked to be transferred to Maple Street twice, and was denied."

Andrew said, despite the geography, he always believed Brown was his boss.

"I'll go to my grave believing Larry Brown was in charge of IIU," said Andrew, who has moved to Florida since his retirement.

Ryan Walsh, a spokesman for Barbieri, this week affirmed that Brown had "administrative oversight" of IIU, and reported to Cheetham before their retirements.

Cheetham could not be reached for comment.

Anthony, on the other hand, was available for comment and issued a lengthy statement in response to a reporter's questions.

"When the (Palmer) IIU investigation was completed by the investigator and reviewed by his supervisors it followed the normal course of action for review. It went to the Community Police Hearing Board for their recommendation, then it went to Capt. Daniel because (those detectives) worked for him in the Narcotics Unit and then it went to me as Capt. Daniel reported to me," the statement read, in part.

"I reviewed the written investigative report. Sgt. Andrew never referred to or noted any 'cell block video', any 'cell block interrogations' or the fact that Gregg Bigda threatened juveniles in the cell block at the Palmer Police Dept. in his report," it continued.

Anthony said he recommended a review of the kicking investigation by state police or the Department of Justice, which is supported by a June 29, 2016, report.

Daniel, Anthony and Barbieri all recommended a full vetting by the Community Police Hearing Board, a civilian oversight board run by mayoral appointees. They made their recommendations independently, Anthony said.

"A criminal investigation should be conducted by (state police) or DOJ as this is a very serious allegation that, if true, has major ramifications for this department and community," Anthony wrote in his notes from 2016.

Documents obtained by The Republican indicate Andrew's review was completed on June 16, 2016, three months after the complaint was filed by the Wilbraham Police Department. The case underwent an initial review by the civilian board four days after that. The panel recommended a full hearing.

"Were there any deficiencies found in the IIU investigation?" the case review form asked.

"None," a member wrote.

Vigneault's resignation is still being reviewed in city labor hearings.

Back on Oct. 29, 2016, Barbieri appeared to gingerly address the swelling storm over department brass missing the Bigda videos.

"I know this is the first time that we've had a slip up like this and I know that the major focus was on the assault (alleged kick) but we have to ensure that we do the best we can so that there is no reoccurrence (sic) ... Also thank you for being so responsive on a Saturday morning! Our jobs are definitely a blessing and a curse!" the commissioner wrote to Cheetham before 8 a.m. that morning.

And the night before:

"We need to look at IIU tracking software that we talked about before - it is imperative that we get a better handle on tracking (and) reviewing the cases. We have to step up our game and show that we are plugging any holes on that side," Barbieri wrote.

The city recently hired an outside consultant for $130,000 to review the police department's IIU policies and practices. The software has not yet been installed.

Andrew said he believes the commissioner attempts to sidestep uncomfortable disciplinary decisions whenever he can. The retiree has refused to testify before the civilian board on the Nathan Bill's case after he became soured by the department's handling of it and the Bigda controversy.

"I don't think anyone wants to be held responsible for anything. I don't think the commissioner wants to hurt anybody, and in a way I get that. But at the same time, I think that really tarnishes the city and tarnishes the department. And I think that's shameful," Andrew said.
CHICOPEE - Plagued by trucks constantly getting stuck under a Willamansett bridge, the City Council has come up with a new idea to prevent the problem.

It banned all trucks from traveling under the bridge.

The council voted 13-0 Tuesday to install "no tractor trailer trucks" signs at the Prospect Street Bridge located near the intersection of Chicopee Street. The order calls for signs to be placed on Yelle Street, the top of Buckley Boulevard, the bottom of Buckley Boulevard, on Chicopee Street near the state Registry of Motor Vehicles and on Chicopee Street near the Willimansett Bridge.

"This is on the on-going saga of the bridge at Al's Diner," City Councilor William Courchesne said when proposing the ban. "Some of these guys don't get it."

Standard tractor trailer trucks measure 13 feet, 6 inches and the bridge has a posted clearance of 11 feet, 9 inches. One of the problems is the road dips under the bridge so trucks can often make it partway under but get stuck when the road goes up again, he said.

"We are going to make it as simple as possible," Courchesne said.

There is no way to physically raise the railroad bridge and a river runs under the road so it could not be lowered, so the easiest thing to do is ban trucks, he said.

Courchesne said he has seen "no trucks allowed" signs at bridges in Westfield and asked if it was possible to do the same thing. Because the signs are considered "directional" ones they will carry no penalty.

"It is a huge problem," Michael Wilk, Chicopee Police public information officer, said. "It is a great move to try to stop them."

There have been height signs posted on and around that railroad bridge for years but truck drivers often do not see the warnings or don't pay attention to them, he said.

But another way to make the ban work is to notify companies which make GPS systems and make sure they include the information on their maps. "We get a lot of the truckers who say GPS told us to go there," he said.

The road leads to several nearby well-traveled intersections so a stuck truck can back up traffic in several directions for hours. Even if a truck driver stops before getting stuck, it can cause major traffic headaches while he backs up to find an alternative route.

Courchesne said he has also run into that problem. Over the summer he stopped a trucker from driving under the bridge and he and others helped stop traffic until police arrived so the driver could back up and find an alternative route.

The driver said he was heading to the Massachusetts Turnpike and his GPS sent him under the bridge, Courchesne said.

"I would like to see no more vehicles stuck under the bridge," City Council President John L. Vieau said showing his support for the proposal.
EASTHAMPTON - Police in Easthampton are investigating a hit and run accident that resulted in the death of a German Shepherd.

Police say the incident occurred last Wednesday, Feb. 14, between 3:30 and 4:15 p.m. in the area of Kenneth Road and Phelps Street.

The dog later died from its injuries.

Police have not provided additional details on the matter.

Anyone who believes they have information relating to the incident has been asked to contact Detective Eric Alexander at 413-527-1212 ext 1045.
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. - A man, who crashed his vehicle into Middlesex Hospital Thursday morning and then set himself on fire is reportedly in critical condition.

WTNH reported the man crashed his Chevrolet into the Crescent Street facility's emergency room entrance shortly before 10 a.m. Witnesses at the scene said he then set himself on fire.

Happening now: Middletown officials are releasing new details about the Middlesex Hospital crash. https://goo.gl/Xc6R7w Posted by WFSB - Channel 3 Eyewitness News on Thursday, February 22, 2018

Police, who have not yet identified the man, say he is in his 20s.

Middletown Mayor Dan Drew said via Twitter that investigators believe it was an isolated incident and that there is no threat to the community.

Drew said multiple gas cans were later found inside of his vehicle.

WTNH reported the man was taken by Life Star helicopter to the Bridgeport Hospital Burn unit where he is in critical condition.

Middlesex Hospital's emergency room and nearby buildings, along with nearby homes, were reportedly evacuated as a precaution.

HartfordHealthcare, which owns and operates Middlesex Hospital, issued the following statement Thursday afternoon:

"This morning a car crashed into the entrance of the Emergency Department (ED) at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. Middlesex Hospital's ED is currently on diversion.

MidState Medical Center, both campuses of The Hospital of Central Connecticut and Hartford Hospital are accepting diverted patients.

The Hartford HealthCare Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the situation and as a precaution is increasing security at its emergency departments and other locations.

Safety is the first of our core values. We are committed to maintaining safe workplaces across Hartford HealthCare, and we are dedicated to the safety and security of our patients and colleagues across our system."
AGAWAM -- The Town of Agawam has inked a deal with a company looking to run a medical marijuana facility near Pynchon Point, Mayor William P. Sapelli announced Wednesday.

Debilitating Medical Condition Treatment Centers Inc., or DMCTC, plans to operate a medical marijuana cultivation and dispensary facility at 584 Meadow Street Extension, also known as the Herzenberg Building near the South End Rotary.

"This agreement provides additional monies to the town and enhances the town's tax base," Sapelli said. "Also, our negotiations led to an increase in the annual payment that the town will receive."

An initial agreement was reached between DMCTC representatives and the administration of Mayor Richard A. Cohen, who left office in January.

Sapelli renewed the negotiations and executed an amended agreement in which Agawam will annually receive either a payment of $125,000 or 3 percent of DMCTC's gross annual proceeds, whichever is greater.

As part of the deal, DMCTC must work on a safety plan with Agawam police and pay real, personal and property taxes to the city, even though DMCTC is a nonprofit entity.

Officials have yet to publicize an opening date for the facility, located at the base of the South End Bridge leading to Springfield and Longmeadow.

"DMCTC has pledged to work with the City Council, other town boards, and department heads to develop a professional operation," Sapelli said. "We want to be sure that all public safety concerns are addressed as the project moves ahead."

The company's initial application to the state listed Holyoke as the location of operation. The application has now been amended to change the location to the Meadow Street Extension site in Agawam.

Following a series of delays and setbacks, DMCTC withdrew its application to Holyoke for a special permit in September 2016. The group behind the company include such prominent local figures as Heriberto Flores and Brian P. Lees.
A MBTA trolley driver paid someone to don a "Michael Myers" Halloween mask and attack him so the driver could collect workers' compensation and disability insurance, Suffolk County prosecutors said Thursday.

A Suffolk grand jury indicted the trolley driver, 46-year-old Thomas Lucey on two counts of insurance fraud, and single counts of workers' compensation fraud, misleading police and perjury. Lucey is a Saugus resident.

"Effective investigators follow the evidence wherever it leads," Suffolk District Attorney Dan Conley said in a statement. "Here, it led us away from first appearances and toward a staged assault for financial gain. We allege that this was a deliberate deception and a crime. Every dollar spent on a fraudulent claim is a dollar that can't go to someone who deserved it."

The incident occurred just after midnight on October 30, 2016, and drew a condemnation from Gov. Charlie Baker when it initially appeared to be an attack on a public employee.

Officers with the MBTA Transit Police Department arrived at Cedar Grove Station on the Mattapan Line, which cuts through a Dorchester cemetery, after reports of a man with a "Michael Myers" Halloween mask boarding the train and attacking Lucey. The masked man was also carrying a plastic pumpkin.

"Lucey reported that the assailant pulled him out of the trolley and punched him repeatedly as he lay on the ground before fleeing the area," the release from Conley's office said. Lucey was then taken to nearby Carney Hospital.

Police officers found the plastic pumpkin and picked up fingerprints that led them to a Lucey acquaintance who cooperated with the investigation.

"He made statements to Transit Police that Lucey had paid him $2,000 to take part in the planned 'attack,' which was corroborated by bank records and phone records that showed communication between the two before and after the assault," Conley's office said.

Prosecutors allege Lucey pursued workers' compensation, signing paperwork under pains and penalties of perjury. He was also provided with long-term disability insurance after he said he had post-traumatic stress caused by the incident.

Lucey's arraignment is scheduled for March 20.

"Programs like Workers' Compensation are in place to benefit hard working employees with a strong commitment to public service," MBTA general manager Luis Manuel Ramirez said. "When someone abuses the system, we need to call it out, and state very clearly that such conduct will not be tolerated."
SOUTH HADLEY -- A special committee of the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School's governing board is scheduled to meet Thursday morning with ex-head of school George Simpson and his attorney.

Following that meeting, the committee is expected to recommend to the full board of trustees whether they should alter Simpson's status from an employee who voluntarily resigned to one fired for just cause.

The meeting, however, will not take place at the school's South Hadley campus -- Simpson is barred from entering the school and its grounds. Instead, it will convene at the Worcester law office of the legal counsel, Mirick & O'Connell, for the PVPA Board of Trustees.

The Feb. 22 meeting will start at 10 a.m.

The only item on the meeting agenda is an executive session "to discuss the discipline or dismissal of an employee of PVPA Charter School, pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A SS21(a)(1)."

That provision of the Massachusetts Open Meeting law statute permits the employee under scrutiny to decide whether he or she wants such a meeting to take place behind closed doors or in an open session with the public allowed to observe the proceedings.

In a written and signed statement dated Feb. 9, Simpson's last day on the job, he wrote: "The Board and I have recently agreed that I should not continue to serve as Head of School, effective today."

Trustees, at the time, agreed to buy out the remainder of his contract set to expire in June.

The board was to convene a meeting the evening of Feb. 13 to formalize that agreement.

But that afternoon, the school's attorney informed trustees Simpson had been arrested the previous month and charged with possession of heroin and methamphetamine, alleged crimes for which he was arraigned at Woburn District Court on Jan. 29. He is due back in court next month to answer to the charges.

Simpson, 45, of Springfield, had not disclosed his drug arrest to the trustees, who subsequently decided they had grounds to fire him and thus not pay him a lump sum.

Thursday's meeting with Simpson will allow him opportunity to explain to the PVPA board why they should pay him the lump sum, as their previous agreement, although not formally ratified, had stipulated, and why they should not formally terminate him.
SPRINGFIELD -- Calling it a "dream come true," educators and philanthropists unveiled plans Wednesday for a $12 million early childhood center in the Old Hill neighborhood intended to serve as a national model for preparing children for academic success.

Mary E. Walachy, executive director of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, said that $13.5 million has been raised in private funds for the center and its programs. That amount came from three donors -- two anonymous contributors and the Davis Foundation.

The Davis Foundation was the lead partner in pushing for the new center that is tied to the nationwide Educare program.

The Buffett Early Childhood Fund, created by billionaire philanthropist Warren Buffett's daughter, Susie, supports the Educare network. The Buffett Early Childhood Fund took part in announcing the Springfield site through its vice president, Michael Burke, during an Editorial Board meeting of The Republican.

Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start will operate the new Springfield.

"First of all, as an early childhood educator for over 40 years, this is like a dream come true for me," said Janis Santos, executive director of the area Head Start program. "The critical years are pre-school years. We are preparing these children for school and for life."

Santos said she started in early education when it was not considered very important by many who likened it to babysitting. That attitude has changed, she said.

"It is an honor to do this program," Santos said.

The center will be built on land owned by Springfield College adjacent to the new Brookings Elementary School. The site is near the intersection of Hickory and Walnut streets, and also bordered by Eastern Avenue.

Planners hope construction begins in June, and the center is expected to open by September 2019, Walachy said. A nonprofit organization consisting of community members will be established to oversee the program, she said.

The new center will serve 141 children who will be selected from the Head Start program based on factors including income and need. The early childhood program is for children ages just past birth to 5 years old.

The Educare program includes longer days for the children and is year-round, officials said. Parents involvement is a key focus of Head Start, Santos said.

Educare has been a growing program across the United States the past decade and is based on a culture of "data utilization, embedded professional development, high-quality teaching practices and intensive family engagement," according to its organizers.

There are 23 Educare programs in the United States among 15 states, ranging from urban to suburban communities. The closest ones to Massachusetts are in Maine and Washington, reflective of the diversity of locations.

Burke said the decision to choose certain sites for the centers includes confidence in the quality of local partners. In Springfield's case, the partners include the Davis Foundation, Holyoke-Chicopee-Springfield Head Start and Springfield College.

The initiative "sends the signal that learning begins at birth and that we really should be focused on this continuum of learning all throughout the life cycle," he said.

Burke said there is a growing understanding that the early years "are the most precious years to make lifelong change."

Educare regularly evaluates its program, and statistics show that the majority of children leaving Educare for elementary school are academically, socially and emotionally ready for kindergarten, according to Educare.

Wallachy said it is known through that children who do not receive early education do not do as well when they are in school.

"This is not a facility that we will replicate 10 times in Springfield," Wallachy said. "This is a demonstration site. It's a demonstration of the highest quality early childhood education that children, all children, should get but not all children do get."
NORTHAMPTON -- Two Springfield men charged with committing an armed robbery in Northampton last week were ordered held without right to bail at a dangerousness hearing in Northampton District Court Thursday.

Richard Santiago, 20, and Edwin Rivera-Cruz, 20, pleaded not guilty to charges of armed robbery, larceny over $250, unlawful possession of a firearm to commit a felony and two counts each of assault with a dangerous weapon in the same court last week.

Judge W. Michael Goggins found both men dangerous Thursday and ordered they be held without bail in Hampshire County jail for a period not exceeding 120 days.

They are scheduled to return to court on April 2.

Santiago and Rivera-Cruz allegedly robbed several people at gunpoint at a home in the Florence section of Northampton on Sunday, Feb. 11. They stole marijuana and money and fled, but were later apprehended by Massachusetts State Police as they drove back to Springfield through Holyoke, according to police.

Santiago is being represented by attorney Nikolas Andreopoulos, while Rivera-Cruz is being represented by attorney Jon B. Heyman. Both lawyers argued in court Thursday that their clients did not pose a serious threat to the public and should be allowed conditions of release.

The commonwealth, represented by attorney Jayme Parent, argued that the severity of the crime required that Santiago and Rivera-Cruz be held.

In addition to the Northampton charges, Rivera-Cruz has an open charge for assault with a dangerous weapon out of Holyoke District Court for an earlier incident, Parent noted.

Santiago has no prior charges.

The two Northampton police detectives investigating the incident, Ryan Tellier and Michael Briggs, testified at the hearing.

Tellier said Santiago met the victim through a Facebook group about marijuana and agreed to meet at her home with the explicit purpose that the victim sell him marijuana.

The police report concerning the case states Santiago and Rivera-Cruz went to the victim's house at 1368 Westhampton Road and began smoking with her, her boyfriend and two other guests, the victim told police.

"For five minutes, everything was going quite well," Tellier said.

However, Rivera-Cruz soon went into the bathroom, then emerged holding a gun, after which Santiago drew his gun. All the people in the house were ordered into the back bedroom, where Santiago and Rivera-Cruz attempted to open a safe, which was empty, Tellier said.

Santiago and Rivera-Cruz proceeded to steal marijuana as well as the woman's pocketbook, which held approximately $400, stashing the drugs and firearms in a duffel bag in the backseat of their car before fleeing the scene, the police report says.

A third man came with Santiago and Rivera-Cruz to the house but stayed in the car during the robbery, the report says.

The trio were stopped by two Massachusetts State Police troopers on Easthampton Road (Route 141) in Holyoke, and Santiago and Rivera-Cruz were arrested. During the traffic stop, Rivera-Cruz fled from the troopers and was subsequently captured and handcuffed, according to the police report.

Police found the woman's stolen pocketbook in the car's front seat, the report says.

The third man is not facing charges because he is a cooperating witness, Briggs said Thursday.

In his police interview, Santiago admitted that he had entered the house with a gun in his waistband that he had purchased off the streets of Springfield, Briggs said.
The ordeal MBTA riders on the Red Line went through after a train derailed in South Boston was "not acceptable," Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said a day after the incident led to commuter chaos at several stations.

"The situation was not acceptable, because obviously something happened with the track and the train derailed," Baker told reporters after an unrelated Thursday morning event. "I think the most important thing, from our point of view, is that nobody got hurt. And credit to the T folks, they had the system back up and operating again by six o'clock last night, and this morning went relatively uneventfully."

The last car in a six-car train derailed and re-railed itself as it entered Andrew Station on Wednesday morning, leading to frightened passengers, shattered train windows and smoke filling the station. Three hundred feet of third rail was also damaged.

Baker said MBTA officials are trying to figure out if there's an issue elsewhere "lurking somewhere else on the tracks" of the Red Line, which runs through Boston, Cambridge, Quincy and Braintree.

Asked if the T took too long to resume service as commuters spilled out onto the streets of South Boston to get on shuttle buses, Baker said, "Look, anybody who was waiting, I'm sure for them the waiting was a huge pain in the neck and I completely understand that."

Baker acknowledged that for riders, buses won't be able to match the capacity of the subway.

"But yeah, I said to somebody yesterday, I really appreciate the fact that it was 65 degrees out and sunny," Baker said. "I mean, typically in February, we don't get that kind of weather. And it's not acceptable that this sort of breakdown occurred."

Baker came into office in January 2015, just before a series of winter storms battered the MBTA and caused the transit system to shut down. Baker later installed a fiscal control and management board to oversee an overhaul of the transit agency.

On Thursday, Baker said in some cases, the trains and parts of the MBTA system are 50 years old or more.

CRRC is set to start assembling the new Red Line and Orange Line cars inside a Springfield factory.

"For decades people neglected making the investments they should've been making in the core systems," Baker said. "We've been investing hundreds of millions of dollars in those core system upgrades, and in a couple of years from now, you're going to have basically new cars on the Red Line, new cars on the Orange Line, new signals and switches on both systems, new cars and a very different system than the one we have now. But in the meantime I get the fact that what riders had to put up with yesterday was unacceptable."
CHICOPEE - The Chicopee River Business Park always seemed to be the perfect spot for new industry since it is situated just off the Massachusetts Turnpike and Interstate-291 and has a number of "shovel ready" parcels complete with roads and water and sewer connections.

But for nearly three decades and through good and bad economic times few businesses have ever shown interest in moving there. Now it seems the fortunes of the industrial park may finally be turning around.

One company is taking a serious look at locating there and should make a decision within a month or so. More good news came on Friday when Westmass Development, owners of the industrial park, received a $70,000 competitive grant under a new state program that will help it rebrand and market the property, said Eric Nelson, Westmass president and CEO.

Westmass' affiliate organization Westover Metropolitan Development Corp. also received a $255,200 grant from the same Site Readiness Program to help develop Air Park South in the city. The competitive grants are among a dozen totaling $2.5 million that were awarded last week, said State Rep. Joseph F. Wagner, D-Chicopee.

"They are looking for parks that have potential and with that we had their support," Nelson said thanking the seven-member legislative delegation that helped the application.

The Chicopee River Business Park has one company, Prima Electro North America, located on the about 150 acres of land located in Springfield and Chicopee. More recently Westmass installed a solar park on a former landfill on the site. At the same time the Massachusetts National Guard has been cleaning up hazardous waste from land that was a former rifle range, which has been an impediment to development, he said.

Westmass has been focusing on attracting a few businesses to the plots that are visible from East Main Street in the hopes that once development begins others will realize it is an attractive spot to locate and the money should help with that, he said.

The park was originally branded for emerging technology and high-technology businesses but since it was created in 1999 that definition has changed greatly. The City Council also recently modified the zoning at the park to allow more types of businesses to make it easier to attract development, he said.

"I am working with the mayor's office and adding new emerging uses that will fit with the land," he said.

The grant for Air Park South will be used to fund the first phase of the extensive Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act permitting process to prepare the nearly park for business development, said Michael Bolton, corporation president.

Air Park South was created in 2009 when the city sold the Westover Metropolitan Development Corp. 57 acres of property which was next to 30 acres of land the corporation purchased earlier from the former Tarnow Nursery. There is another 10 acres of land next to the property that is believed to be owned by the Springfield Roman Catholic Diocese that the corporation is also interested in purchasing, Bolton said.

Since the land was purchased little has done with the park, mostly because the corporation has not had the funding to begin the permitting process because most of its capital comes from the sale of property, Bolton said.

"You have to get started, these things take time and money. They estimate it takes 18 months to get permitted," he said.

The $255,200 grant will mainly be used to fund the first phase of environmental permitting which includes walking the land to see if there are any problems, digging wells to test ground water, testing for endangered species, and doing an archeological examination. They will also check for any wetlands on the property, Bolton said.

In 2015 the City Council voted to grant Westover Metropolitan $425,000 to allow the corporation to begin the environmental study with the understanding the money would be paid back when land was sold. But later city officials backed out of the deal because the corporation had no collateral, Bolton said.

"I think it is great and I think the program is very exciting," he said.

Once the environmental study is complete, the corporation will have to petition the city to rezone the land for commercial use since it is currently residential. Once that is complete it can begin to create infrastructure to attract businesses, Bolton said.

One of the benefits of Air Park South is its sheer size. There are few vacant parcels of industrial land in Western Massachusetts that measure about 80 acres, he said.

But that does not mean the land will be used by one business alone. The use of the property will depend on the interest that is generated in the land, Bolton said.
Massachusetts state Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry's departure for a job at Suffolk Construction shocked lawmakers and close political watchers at the Statehouse.

As talk quickly turned to who will replace her through an upcoming special election, another pressing question surfaced: Who will host the annual St. Patrick's Day breakfast/roast in South Boston?

The long-running breakfast, which takes place the same day as the St. Patrick's Day parade and has been around in some form since the 1930s, is set for Sunday, March 18.

The event will get two hosts this year. Congressman Stephen Lynch and City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty, both South Boston Democrats, are stepping in, according to an aide to former Sen. Dorcena Forry. WGBH News first reported the names of the co-hosts.

Dorcena Forry, the daughter of Haitian-American immigrants, was the first woman of color to host the breakfast.

"The St. Patrick's Day Breakfast has become a neighborhood tradition, and with the unanticipated resignation of Senator Linda Dorcena Forry, Councilor Mike Flaherty and I have agreed to pinch hit and co-host this year's breakfast," Lynch said in a statement issued late Wednesday night. "Senator Dorcena Forry did a terrific job as host, and I thank her for her work on behalf of the South Boston community."

The breakfast traditionally draws the heavy hitters in Massachusetts politics and features attempts at topical humor. ("Groans Outpace Guffaws" said one headline from Getty Images in 2015.)

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Gov. Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh are among the elected officials who have taken the stage and tuned each other up in front of the crowd that normally packs the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

This year, the breakfast is being held inside the Ironworkers Local 7 Union Hall.

The breakfast has often been hosted by the state senator from the district that includes South Boston. The roster of past includes William Bulger, who has served as state Senate president and president of the University of Massachusetts system. He is the brother of Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger.

Lynch, a former ironworker who served as state senator before his election to Congress in 2001, hosted the breakfast after William Bulger. Lynch is up for re-election this year.

Flaherty is the son of a former state representative. A former prosecutor, he served on the Boston City Council for 10 years before running for mayor in 2009 and returning to the council in 2013.

He is considering a run for the job of Suffolk District Attorney after Dan Conley announced earlier this week he isn't running for another term this year.

This post was updated at 10:22 p.m. with comment from Rep. Lynch and the new location of the breakfast.
The condition of a private road has a Central Massachusetts resident steaming.

Paul T. Keddy called Douglas Highway Superintendent John Furno to voice concerns about the state of his road, Perry Street.

The street is private, unpaved and filled with potholes, Keddy complained.

During their conversation, Furno told Keddy to call the town administrator, to which Keddy reportedly responded, "If I go down there, I will kill him."

The Telegram & Gazette reports Furno called police who arrested Keddy on a charge of threatening to commit a crime.

When police arrived at his home, Keddy complained to police about the lack of action in response to the road condition. "Keddy stated that he has left numerous voicemails for the town administrator and since he has not heard back from him, this has left him angry and frustrated," the police narrative states.

Keddy told officers he "lost two wives because of the potholes on this street," that the road conditions strained the relationships.

He moved to the home on Perry Street in Douglas 17 years ago and told the Gazette he didn't realize the street was private. "I thought it was going to be paved. Somebody's getting out of not paving. It's been going on long, way too long."

Keddy said he drives a truck with four-wheel drive but struggles to travel on the nearly four-mile-long street.

He was arraigned in Uxbridge District Court on Wednesday where he was ordered to stay away from town officials and released on personal recognizance.
A mother getting her daughter off the school bus in Millbury had a close call with a speeding driver believed to be texting behind the wheel.

Ashley Makridakis was getting her 7-year-old daughter, Lyla, off the bus Friday when an SUV failed to stop, missing them by just feet, CBS Boston reported. Witnesses think the driver of the vehicle was texting and didn't see the stop sign on the school bus.

The bus driver slammed on his horn to warn Makridakis of the speeding vehicle. A dash cam on the bus captured the incident.

"I just looked at Steve and I was just bawling," Ashley Makridakis said to CBS Boston. "I was just holding Lyla and bawling. Thank you for paying attention and warning us."

The bus driver told the station that he could see a woman on her phone, who never slowed down, adding that bus drivers have been advised to stop filling out stop sign violation reports because there are too many incidents to investigate.

Makridakis said police told her that the car was traveling so fast that their software couldn't catch the license plate. She hopes the driver will see her story.

"Your irresponsible reckless actions almost left two boys orphaned and my husband without a wife or daughter," Makridakis said in an interview with CBS.
A $12 million early education center in Springfield is due to open in the fall of 2019, and it will put the focus on a critical part of learning that has been overlooked or underestimated for far too long.

Early education is not an adjunct to the full learning process. It's an essential component and more people are realizing its impact.

Reliable studies show the importance of the pre-kindergarten years. They show that if children enter school at age 5, already behind in basic educational skills, they may never catch up.

That's especially true for children of low-income families. The goal of early educational programs such as the school introduced Wednesday (and patterned after the national Educare program) is to give such children the opportunity to start kindergarten and grade school on a par with their classmates.

Every child deserves a fair chance. That's been especially true in Massachusetts, where educator Horace Mann pioneered universal public education in the first half of the 19th Century - a cause that became national policy and remains the backbone of public education today.

Major contributors are making quality early education become reality. The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation has thrown its support behind the Springfield program.

The Buffett Early Childhood Fund has made it possible for the Educare program to expand into 23 facilities in 14 states, with more on the way.

The Springfield program will serve 141 children from ages four weeks to 5 years. A staff of 50 will be supported by parental engagement.

The Educare model has won acceptance in both Republican and Democratic states and in every geographic section of the country. It administrators choose their locations carefully.

Springfield was an appealing target site because, among other reasons, it offered a different venue than Boston, where so many new programs are automatically channeled. The needs of children are not unique to the biggest cities, and program officials actively seek out mid-sized cities, suburbs or rural areas where they can make a difference.

Springfield will be a "demonstration site." Located in the Old Hill neighborhood, it will serve as a model to defeat the old, false stereotype of early education as a babysitting service but not true education.

Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start will operate the new Springfield site. Buffett Early Childhood Fund vice president Michael Burke said the early years "are the most precious years to make lifelong change," and that more people are realizing it.

The new site is terrific news for Springfield and the surrounding area. It will add a physical building but also reinforce the message that early educational is not a supplement to the overall learning process.

It is an essential element that can no longer be ignored. The goal of education should always be to give every kid a chance.

With this program, and the message it sends, this generation of young children will have a better chance of experiencing that chance.
It is becoming clearer by the day that President Trump is not even trying to engage in his most important duty: to protect the United States from all foreign and domestic enemies. That does not simply refer to enemies who might engage in military warfare against us; it includes those who attempt to interfere in our political elections, also.

There is no longer any reasonable doubt that Russia has done just that from both inside Russia and from inside the United States. It had been 112 years in 2000 since a person (Benjamin Harrison) had lost the popular vote and had won in the Electoral College. Republican George W. Bush repeated that feat in 2000 with the help of the Republican governor of Florida (the candidate's brother) and the conservative Supreme Court. It happened for the fifth time in our history when Trump "won" in 2016 with the support of Russians, Americans paid by Russians, and some unwitting people in the Trump campaign.

Russians and Russian entities have been charged by the United States for conspiring against our nation. Donald Trump becomes nearly berserk when this is mentioned because he believes - correctly - that it lessens the legitimacy of his win.

If Russia remains free to meddle in our elections until Trump is no longer in office, his ego will take another huge hit when historians rank him as the worst president ever. Harding, Andrew Johnson, and Buchanan are keeping their deceased fingers crossed.



Paul Halbach, Agawam
By Ross Douthat

New York Times News Service

There are two Russian scandals connected to the 2016 campaign. One deserves the attention that it's getting. The other is closer to - what's the term I'm looking for? - fake news.

The real scandal involves the Russian hacking operation against the Democratic National Committee. This was a genuine crime - a meaningful theft, which led to a series of leaks that were touted by the Republican nominee for president often enough that we can assume that Donald Trump, at least, thought they contributed something to his victory.

The fact that members of his family and inner circle were willing and eager to meet with Russians promising hacked emails, the pattern of lies and obfuscation from the president and his team thereafter, and the general miasma of Russian corruption hanging around Trump campaign staff - all of this more than justifies special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, and depending on what his team ultimately reports it might even justify impeachment.

But alongside and around this real scandal you have the other Russian efforts to influence the election and its aftermath, the outlines of which have been apparent for some time, but which have earned a new wave of agitated attention thanks to Mueller's battery of indictments against a Russian troll farm and the various goblins, kobolds and boggarts it employed.

Their efforts added up to a lot of social media activity and a few events in meatspace, in which the Russians had the clever idea to organize demonstrators on both sides of our great American divide. Memes were distributed, millions of dollars spent, fake accounts employed -- all to encourage not just the specific political goal of elevating Trump (and Bernie Sanders) and discrediting both party establishments, but the broader ambition of widening our internal fissures, inflaming our debates, and making our imperium more ungovernable at home and thus weaker on the global stage.

Such conduct is certainly worthy of indictment, legal and rhetorical. What it is not worth is paranoia and hysteria, analogies to Pearl Harbor and the Sept. 11 attacks, and an "America under attack"/"hacking our democracy" panic that give the Russian trolls far too much credit for cleverness and influence and practical success.

Because on the evidence we have, nothing they did particularly mattered. The DNC hack was genuinely important because it involved a real theft and introduced a variable into the campaign that would not otherwise have been present. But the rest of the Russian effort did not introduce anything to the American system that isn't already present; it just reproduced, often in lousy or ludicrous counterfeits, the arguments and images and rhetorical tropes that we already hurl at one another every day.

And the scale of the effort - set against the scale of campaign spending and online activity and political frenzy from domestic partisans - meant that any real influence was necessarily negligible, swamped by the all-too-American sources of our national derangement.

A scan through The New York Times' accounting of some of the Russian operations should serve to illustrate the point. The pro-Trump ads the trolls sponsored during the campaign were just clumsy variations on ubiquitous right-wing themes ("Hillary is a Satan, and her crimes and lies had proved just how evil she is"). The protests and counterprotests they ginned up after the election were marginal imitations of the all-American crowds that showed up for Trump rallies and later for the Women's Marches.

And the operatives' surprise at American credulity - "I created all these pictures and posts, and the Americans believed that it was written by their people" - was itself a testament to the essentially imitative quality of their work: People believed the trolls were real Americans because so many totally real, born-in-the-USA counterparts were saying exactly the same things.

And the people who believed them, by and large, were probably not the nearly 78,000 Midwestern swing voters who officially determined the election's Electoral College outcome, since on the evidence we have most fake news is political pornography for hyperpartisans - toxic in its own way and deserving of concern, but something driven more by panting, already-polarized demand than by nefarious, median-voter-manipulating suppliers.

In this landscape, the people obsessing about how Russian influence is supposedly driving polarization and mistrust risk becoming like J. Edgar Hoover-era G-men convinced that communist subversives were the root cause of civil-rights era protest and unrest. There were Soviet agents bent on encouraging racial conflict, just as there are Russian trolls today. But then as now obsessing over Russian influence can become a way to deny or minimize American realities that are far more important than some provocateur's Hillary-for-prison meme.

And that is the danger for a liberalism (or an anti-Trump centrism or conservatism) that's forever wringing its hands over how surely, surely Russian interference might have been enough to shift those crucial 78,000 votes and make Trump the president. Because even if you believe that the interaction between the FBI investigation of Hillary Clinton, the hacking and the WikiLeaks drip-drip did swing those votes - I'm quite sure the memes and fake accounts did not - the proper question should still be: How was it that close to begin with?

A new Cold War is not an answer to that question. (Especially since, for all the talk of Trump-the-traitor, he has moved our military posture somewhat closer to the policies the Russia hawks demand.) Neither is a theory that obsesses over tens of thousands of voters when the Americans who switched from Obama to Trump, in the Midwest and elsewhere, probably number in the millions.

The bottom line is that liberal mandarins in the West - not just in the United States - face a hard choice when it comes to the populism that gave us Trump, Brexit and right-wing parties and governments in Central and Eastern Europe. Should this re-emergent nationalism be conciliated and co-opted, its economic grievances answered and some compromises made to address its cultural and moral claims? Or is it sufficiently noxious and racist and destructive that it can be only crushed, through gradual demographic weight or ruthless polarized mobilization?

The Russia fixation, at its worst, is a way to make the second choice without admitting that you're making it - to pretend that in trying to crush your fellow countrymen you're really fighting traitors and subversives and foreign adversaries, to further otherize the domestic out-group by associating them with far-off Muscovy.

Trump's election was, indeed, a sudden shock in a long-running conflict. But it does us no good to pretend the real blow came from outside our borders, when it was clearly a uniquely hot moment in our own cold civil war.
BOSTON -- Approximately 8,000 drug defendants whose cases were touched by former Amherst state drug lab chemist Sonja Farak are expected to have their convictions dismissed within a week.

"I want to do that quickly," said Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Justice Frank Gaziano.

Gaziano held a hearing Thursday to determine the next steps in the Farak case. The full Supreme Judicial Court will hear arguments related to the case in May.

Advocates for the defendants say they are eager to get the drug cases dismissed.

"It means they can get housing they're not otherwise eligible for, it means they can get benefits they're otherwise not eligible for, it means they can get jobs that they keep getting turned away from," said Rebecca Jacobstein, an attorney for the Committee for Public Counsel Services, which is the public defender's office. "It's really important for people in getting back their lives to get these convictions off their records."

Farak was arrested in 2013 for stealing samples from the Amherst state drug lab to feed her own addiction. She pleaded guilty to evidence tampering and drug charges.

District attorneys have agreed to dismiss around 8,000 drug cases, which include most of the cases Farak touched. The ACLU and public defenders have asked for every case touched by Farak to be dismissed.

The full SJC will consider whether district attorneys have to dismiss every case touched by Farak or whether they can hold on to a small number of the most serious cases. There are around 40 of these cases. There may ultimately be more because the Hampden County district attorney has not yet decided how to dispose of around 700 Superior Court cases that were touched by Farak.

The SJC will also consider whether all cases tested at the Amherst Laboratory during Farak's employment are suspect and whether to implement blanket legal measures for future cases involving prosecutorial misconduct.

In the meantime, Gaziano and all the parties involved said they are eager to get relief for the 8,000 defendants whose cases the district attorneys have already agreed to dismiss.

"Every day that passes ... there are collateral consequences," said Ian Leson, an assistant district attorney in Suffolk County. "For those we identified, we would like to move as soon as possible."

Matthew Segal, legal director for the ACLU of Massachusetts, said, "Everyone recognizes that once there's an agreement in place to vacate a conviction, we want to get it off the books as soon as possible."

The ACLU, public defenders and the district attorneys will try to come to an agreement by Friday on an order dismissing the approximately 8,000 cases. Gaziano is expected to sign the order and officially dismiss the cases next week.

It will then take time - probably several weeks - for the courts to process all the cases and for prosecutors to notify the defendants.

One lingering question is how complete the lists of cases to be dismissed are. Attorneys for the ACLU and public defenders say the current lists produced by the district attorneys are not complete because of the difficulty in figuring out which cases were touched by Farak. The trial court is supplying both sides with additional data that they can use to determine every case that Farak was involved with.

"Record keeping in Massachusetts of lab data has been so poor that it's been impossible for prosecutors to put together good lists of who's wrongfully convicted simply by looking at a lab," Segal said. "When you're dealing with wrongful conviction scandals involving thousands of people's lives, there's a real risk people will fall through the cracks, and that's what we want to avoid."

Gaziano said he would give the district attorneys 30 days to use the new data to identify any additional cases.

The Farak case is expected to proceed along a similar process to the one used in the case of Annie Dookhan, another Massachusetts crime lab chemist who admitted to falsifying evidence. Around 20,000 drug convictions were thrown out in that case.
Left to right: Director of Trade and Industry Jimmy Rantes and Internal Affairs and PVMC representative Michelle Jonas complete MOU while Trade Development Officer Peter Judge (standing at left) and PVMC Officer Jerry Sampson look on
In the wake of the Florida school shooting that left 17 people dead, teachers and students are organizing a nationwide walkout in protest of gun violence on April 20 -- the anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. Teachers maintain they shouldn't have to risk their lives in order to do their jobs and want lawmakers to pass sensible gun control. But others argue teachers shouldn't relinquish their duties as educators just to make a political statement. What do you think?

PERSPECTIVES

In the wake of the Florida shooting that left 17 people dead, teachers and students across the country are planning a nationwide school walkout in protest of gun violence. The walkout is slated for April 20, although other walkouts are also being planned.

Educational psychologist David C. Berliner argues "it is way past time" that lawmakers do something about gun violence, and educators may hold the key to getting something done.

Many are encouraging teachers and students to take a stand and participate in the walkout. If millions of teachers and students across the country leave school together, it will send a powerful message to lawmakers that something has to be done.

But some teachers fail to see how refusing to do their jobs will help anything.

As a teacher, I fail to see the value and intended message of a walk out. My job is to SHOW UP for my students and make them feel safe and loved. Walk in!  Michele Schweikardt (@mbschweik) February 17, 2018

Others believe teachers and students who participate in the walkout should be disciplined.

Any student that decides to walk out of school in support of gun control should be punished according to school absence policy. Any teacher that decides to walk out should have his or her pay revoked. #Enough#NationalSchoolWalkout#teachers#school #GunReformNow  Steven Williams (@SWilliams1776) February 18, 2018

But some teachers maintain they will walk out even if it gets them in trouble, because the issue of gun violence is that important.

Well if it comes down to it I am willing to walkout on the April 20th even if i get a suspension or detention because my life matters more than a piece of paper.#NationalSchoolWalkout  Alan Vargas (@TheAlanvargas) February 17, 2018

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AGAWAM -- U.S. Senate hopefuls Beth Lindstrom, John Kingston and Geoff Diehl will meet with and make their respective pitches to Agawam Republicans this week, as they look to shore up support ahead of the GOP state convention in April.

Lindstrom, Kingston and Diehl, who have announced bids to unseat incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, will discuss their campaigns' visions and platforms at the Agawam Republican Town Committee's February monthly meeting Friday.

Chairman Bob Magovern said the committee looks forward to having Lindstrom, a former aide to Mitt Romney and manager of Scott Brown's 2010 Senate bid; Kingston, a Winchester businessman; and Diehl, a Republican state representative from Whitman, on hand for the 7 p.m. event at the Agawam Senior Center on Main Street.

"All three will be with us in person," he said in an email. "It is exciting to have Beth, John and Geoff in person to tell us their story and have (a question and answer session.)"

The meeting, which is open to all registered Agawam Republicans, will focus on the various Republicans running for Massachusetts' U.S. Senate seat in 2018, as well as issues impacting local residents.

With the Massachusetts Republican Convention set to take place at the DCU Center in Worcester on April 28, Agawam Republicans will also elect delegates to attend the state gathering and support the candidate of their choice, officials said.

Lindstrom, Kingston and Diehl are not the only Massachusetts Republicans who have announced bids to unseat Warren.

Allen Rodney Waters, of Mashpee; Darius Mitchell, of Lowell; and Heidi Wellman, of Braintree, have also filed to run as Republicans in the 2018 Massachusetts U.S. Senate contest.

Shiva Ayyadurai, an entrepreneur who filed to run as Republican, meanwhile, announced in November that he would cut ties with the GOP and run as an independent.
Next week, MassHealth will undergo a massive reorganization in which more than 800,000 MassHealth members will be moved to new insurance plans.

MassHealth, the state's Medicaid program for low-income individuals, automatically enrolled members in plans based on their primary care physician, so members should be able to keep their primary care doctors. But members may discover that as of March 1, their specialists are no longer in their insurance network or they have to use a new pharmacy.

The change is part of a move toward the use of "accountable care organizations," or ACOs, which are networks of providers that coordinate care and get paid for keeping a population healthy, rather than for each service.

"It's an enormous change," said Matt Klitus, chief financial officer and chief strategy officer for MassHealth. "We think it's an important change to get us to the point where there's appropriate accountability for the total cost of care, but no one should suggest this is a minor, trivial thing."

"This is a huge transition," Klitus added. "We need to be all hands on deck to make sure members get the care they need."

Massachusetts is spending $1.8 billion in new money over five years, half of that from the federal government, on this restructuring, which was conceived of in 2015.

Klitus briefed members of the Massachusetts Health Council, who represent a range of health care organizations, about the switch at a public meeting on Wednesday.

The move is expected to save money, although state officials could not provide an exact cost savings. In the first year, Klitus said it is expected keep the growth in annual per member payments by MassHealth to 2 percent, rather than the 3 to 4 percent it has been historically.

The goal is to better coordinate care for patients, to improve care and reduce hospital readmissions and emergency room visits. There is money for services that help people address problems that affect health like homelessness and food insecurity.

The state has authorized 17 ACOs. Around 800,000 to 850,000 people have been automatically enrolled in these new organizations, based on which one their primary care physician is affiliated with. If their physician did not join an ACO, the patient will remain with the doctor.

An estimated 300,000 to 400,000 MassHealth members are expected to remain in managed care or fee-for-service plans, which are the traditional MassHealth options. Members have been notified of the switch through a mailing.

Because each ACO works with a specific network of doctors, a patient's specialists might not be in the same network as their primary care doctor. So if a patient wants to keep seeing that specialist, the patient would have to switch networks. That could mean losing access to their primary care doctor. Primary care doctors can only participate in one ACO, while specialists can be in multiple networks.

"That will cause change and disruption," Klitus said. "We're doing our best to manage through the disruption."

To ease the transition, people will have a 30-day period after March 1 where they can still see their old doctors and use old authorizations to get medication. They will have 90 days where they can switch plans. Certain people will get longer transition periods, such as members who are pregnant or dealing with serious health problems.

There are standards to ensure the organizations provide high-quality care.

Several people in the health care industry said while they support the idea, they fear a difficult transition.

Dennis Lyons, a health care consultant who represents the Massachusetts Pharmacists Association, said many pharmacists do not know about the switch. "It's liable to be chaos," Lyons said.

Lyons said with 800,000 people automatically enrolled in plans they did not choose, many people will be moving from plans with freedom to access care anywhere to a restricted network.

Lyons worried that patients will show up at a pharmacy to get their medicine, but the pharmacy will no longer be in their network. The prescriptions would have to be transferred, and pre-authorizations would have to be reapplied for.

"This happens while the patient is standing there waiting for their medicine, and they're not going to get it ... unless everything is perfect," Lyons said.

Michael Tocco, president of Integrated Pharmacy Solutions, which represents 14 pharmacies in community health centers and hospitals, said, "I think new ways to try to manage cost and maintain quality are really important. However ... rolling it out in such a way that the providers don't get hurt is really a key issue."

Tocco said of his clients, "I know none of them have been informed as to exactly how they're going to be filling prescriptions within 10 or 12 days for a lot of clients."

Klitus said he is "concerned" that pharmacies have not been notified. Klitus said he is not expecting a "perfect" transition. "It would be naive to expect we have no disruption here," Klitus said. But, he said, "I am expecting the majority of issues are sorted out."

James Hunt, president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, said health centers have been working with patients to make sure the transition goes smoothly. He does worry that patients will show up at a health center and discover it is no longer in their network. The centers' policies are to treat everyone regardless of ability to pay, but the centers may not be able to get reimbursed by insurance.

Although MassHealth members have been notified, Hunt said, "We're talking about people who speak many different languages, people who may not understand the documents they receive."

"That will be a challenge, but we're up for that challenge," Hunt said. "We know new investments in primary care will allow us in the longer run to provide more comprehensive access to patients where they need it in communities rather than in emergency rooms."

Suzanne Curry, associate director of policy and government relations for Health Care for All, a health care advocacy group, said the group is continuing to run a helpline for consumers. MassHealth and the ACOs also have customer service.

Curry said so far, most calls have been from people trying to figure out if they can keep their primary care doctor and their specialists. "It is a big change," Curry said.

Curry encourages people to read the MassHealth mailing, figure out whether all their doctors are included in their new network, and determine what options they have for switching. Some people may end up with more plan options than they have today.

Curry said while MassHealth is trying to make the transition smooth, "we know some people will fall through the cracks," and Health Care for All will try to help those members.
A group of black and Latino immigrants from Massachusetts are suing President Donald Trump to stop him from ending the Temporary Protected Status program for immigrants from El Salvador and Haiti.

The suit is being filed by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice and Centro Presente, Massachusetts-based groups that advocate for immigrant rights. The lawsuit alleges that Trump's policy is illegally driven by racial discrimination.

"The president has made no secret of his racist views," said Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, executive director of the Lawyers' Committee in a statement. "The administration's decision to terminate TPS for El Salvador and Haiti manifests these discriminatory views."

Temporary Protected Status is a designation that temporarily lets residents of certain countries remain in the U.S. because conditions in their homeland are too dangerous to return. Countries can gain TPS status due to an armed conflict, environmental disaster, epidemic or other temporary condition. El Salvador received the designation in 2001 and Haiti in 2010, due to natural disasters.

Trump has said he will terminate TPS for Haiti in July 2019 and El Salvador in September 2019. Advocates for immigrants from those countries say conditions there, including violence and disease, make it impossible for the countries to accept an influx of immigrants.

There are an estimated 242,900 TPS holders from El Salvador in the U.S. and 93,500 Haitians. Many of them have children who are U.S. citizens. Massachusetts has more than 6,000 Salvadorans with TPS status and 4,700 Haitians.

The plaintiffs live in Massachusetts and have TPS status. Among the eight plaintiffs: Juan Carlos Vidal of El Salvador has opened his own restaurants around Boston; Chris Jean Baptiste of Haiti is a student at Bunker Hill Community College; Mercedes Mata of El Salvador is a clerk in the Fitchburg Municipal Office with two Massachusetts-born children; and Caroline Mata of El Salvador is a member of Centro Presente with Massachusetts-born children in college and elementary school.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, names Trump and top Homeland Security officials as defendants.

Tps Complaint Final Filed by Anonymous V8Ihswp4nM on Scribd
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Spilling out wrenching tales of lost lives and stolen safety, students with quavering voices and parents shaking with anger appealed to President Donald Trump on Wednesday to set politics aside and protect American school children from the scourge of gun violence. Trump listened intently as raw emotions reverberated at the White House.

Faced with the personal anguish wrought by the school shooting in Parkland, Florida that left 17 dead, Trump pledged action, saying: "We don't want others to go through the kind of pain you've been through."

He was faced with grieving families looking for answers. Few had concrete suggestions, but a few spoke in favor of raising age limits for buying assault weapons.

Parkland student Samuel Zeif said he's heard of 15-year-olds buying rifles. Cary Gruber, father of a Parkland student, implored Trump: "It's not left and right," adding: "if you can't buy a beer, shouldn't be able to buy a gun."

Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was killed in the shooting, noted previous school massacres and raged over his loss, saying the moment wasn't about gun laws but about fixing the schools.

"It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it and I'm pissed. Because my daughter, I'm not going to see again," said Pollack. "King David Cemetery, that is where I go to see my kid now.

Trump solicited suggestions from the group. He promised to be "very strong on background checks," adding that "we're going to do plenty of other things." He also indicated interest in the idea of concealed weapons for trained teachers, saying it was something his administration would be "looking at it very strongly."

A strong supporter of gun rights, Trump has nonetheless indicated in recent days that he is willing to consider ideas not in keeping with National Rifle Association orthodoxy, including age restrictions for buying assault-type weapons. Still, gun owners are a key part of his base of supporters.

Over 40 people assembled in the State Dining Room. Among the group were six students from Parkland, including the student body president, along with their parents. Also present were Darrell and Sandra Scott, whose daughter was killed in the Columbine, Colorado, shooting, and Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden, who lost children in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. Students and parents from the Washington area also were present.

The student body president at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Julia Cordover, tearfully told Trump that she "was lucky enough to come home from school."

She added: "I am confident you will do the right thing."

Not all the students impacted by the shooting came to the White House.

David Hogg, who has been one of the students actively calling for gun control was invited but declined, said his mother Rebecca Boldrick.

"His point was (Trump needs) to come to Parkland, we're not going there," she said.

Television personality Geraldo Rivera had dinner with Trump at his private Palm Beach club over the weekend and described Trump as "deeply affected" by his visit Friday with Parkland survivors. In an email, Rivera said he and Trump discussed the idea of raising the minimum age to purchase assault-type weapons.

Trump "suggested strongly that he was going to act to strengthen background checks," Rivera said.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said they will introduce a bill to raise the minimum age required to purchase rifles from gun dealers, including assault weapons such as the AR-15.

"A kid too young buy a handgun should be too young to buy an #AR15," Flake said on Twitter. The bill he and Feinstein support would raise the minimum purchase age for non-military buyers from 18 to 21, the same age required to purchase a handgun.

The NRA did not respond to a request for comment. Trump embraced gun rights on his campaign, though he supported some gun control before he became a candidate, backing an assault weapons ban and a longer waiting period to purchase a gun in a 2000 book.

Throughout the day Wednesday, television news showed footage of student survivors of the violence marching on the Florida state Capitol, calling for tougher laws. The protests came closer to Trump, too, with hundreds of students from suburban Maryland attending a rally at the Capitol and then marching to the White House.

Daniel Gelillo, a senior at Richard Montgomery High who helped organize the protest, said students were hoping to pressure lawmakers to act. He said that "up 'til now nothing has quite fazed them."

On Tuesday, Trump directed the Justice Department to move to ban devices like the rapid-fire bump stocks used in last year's Las Vegas massacre. The White House has also said Trump was looking at a bill that would strengthen federal gun background checks.

But those moves have drawn criticism as being inadequate, with Democrats questioning whether the Justice Department even has authority to regulate bump stocks and arguing that the background check legislation would not go far enough.

Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives lacks authority under current law to ban bump stocks.

"If ATF tries to ban these devices after admitting repeatedly that it lacks the authority to do so, that process could be tied up in court for years, and that would mean bump stocks would continue to be sold," said Feinstein, of California, calling legislation the only answer.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment about how it might implement Trump's order or how an ongoing bump stock review would be affected. ATF reviewed the devices and approved them in 2010, finding they did not amount to machine guns that are regulated under the National Firearms Act that dates to the 1930s.

As calls for ATF to ban bump stocks mounted after the Las Vegas shooting, the agency initially said it could only reconsider their lawfulness if Congress amended existing laws or passed new legislation. An effort to pass legislation last year fizzled out.

On background checks, Trump has suggested he is open to a bipartisan bill developed in response to a mass shooting at a Texas church. It would penalize federal agencies that don't properly report required records and reward states that comply by providing them with federal grant preferences.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said the bill is "a small step," stressing that Democrats want to see universal background check legislation.

Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania said Wednesday that he'll probably reintroduce bipartisan legislation that would require background checks for all gun purchases online and at gun shows. He said he planned to discuss the idea with Trump.

That bill first emerged with backing from Toomey and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia following the 2012 slaying of 26 children and adults in Connecticut's Sandy Hook Elementary School. It failed then and at least one more time since.

--By Catherine Lucey and Matthew Daly, Associated Press. Associated Press writer Sadie Gurman contributed from Washington, Marc Levy from Harrisburg and Alina Hartounian from Phoenix.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has reached a peace agreement with another top union.

Boston's Teamsters Local 25, the biggest Teamsters union in New England with more than 11,500 workers on its rolls, on Thursday endorsed Baker for another four-year term.

The union bypassed three Democrats vying for the chance to face off against Baker, a Republican, in November 2018. The Democrats are former Newton Mayor Setti Warren, former Deval Patrick aide Jay Gonzalez and environmental activist Bob Massie.

The Teamsters endorsed Baker's Democratic opponent, Martha Coakley, in the 2014 election, which Baker won by about 40,000 votes.

"In today's economy where corporations are relocating and downsizing to save money, it is more important than ever to elect a candidate who will leverage our state's competitive advantage to protect jobs and attract new businesses," Sean O'Brien, union president, said in a statement endorsing Baker.

"He is a leader who consistently puts politics aside, reaches across the aisle and will work with anyone who shares his goal of putting people first," O'Brien added.

Teamsters Local 25, which has a history of controversy and federal indictments, is the latest union that has established friendly relations with Baker.

Early on in his tenure, Baker worked closely with members of SEIU Local 509 to reform the troubled state Department of Children and Families. The union came to the governor's defense when state Auditor Suzanne Bump, a Democrat, recently issued a report criticizing the agency under Baker.

And earlier this year, the MBTA and the union for bus mechanics ended their squabbling over outsourcing efforts pushed by Baker administration officials. The two camps agreed to a four-year contract after the union mounted an aggressive campaign targeting Baker and the proposed outsourcing.

In his own statement, Baker praised Teamsters Local 25 and said he is "proud" to have their endorsement.

"As an administration, we have been proud to work with labor representatives and employers on bipartisan policies that support working families, investing in the skill building programs, infrastructure and economic development opportunities that have attracted new growth and investment, while creating over 180,000 new jobs," Baker said.

The Massachusetts Republican Party has not always had kind things to say about the Teamsters and has previously taken aim at Attorney General Maura Healey, a Democrat, for backing the union.

"Healey defended the Teamsters even though their leader pled guilty to hardball tactics, including the use of sexist and homophobic slurs," the MassGOP said in a release from Feb. 2017. Party officials were referencing allegations of union officials seeking to intimidate women, including television personality Padma Lakshmi, working on the popular cooking show "Top Chef" when it was filming in Massachusetts in 2014.

In a 2015 release, the MassGOP said, "Our advice to Healey - in 2016, find some new friends who aren't facing federal indictment."

While one union chief pleaded guilty, four others were acquitted of extortion charges in a federal trial.
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- J.D. Martinez arrived here at the JetBlue Park complex early this morning, but the results of his physical won't be available until at least Thursday.

The Red Sox agreed to a five-year, $110-million contract Monday. It has opt-out clauses after the second and third seasons.

That said, there will be no press conference here tonight. Most of the media waited around after workouts for a press conference to potentially happen.

The 30-year-old Martinez is a legit power hitter and the Red Sox need power.

The right-handed hitter batted .303 with a .376 on-base percentage, .690 slugging percentage, 1.066 OPS, 45 homers, 26 doubles, three triples and 104 RBIs in 119 games last year (489 plate appearances) between Detroit and Arizona.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, hit the fewest homers (168) in the AL during 2017. They ranked 27th in the majors.

"That's a good bat and I live for the homers," Hanley Ramirez said in reaction to the signing. "And we're trying to win this (expletive)."




The Kalispell Chamber of Commerces leadership development program, Leadership Flathead, is now accepting applications for the Class of 2019. Businesses and organizations interested in sending an individual through the program should find more information and complete the application process at https://kalispellchamber.com/leadership-flathead by May 1, 2018.

The program requires a two-year commitment from participants, which will begin with an overnight development retreat in September 2018, followed by nine monthly skills-building sessions through June 2019.

To supplement the training they receive during the first year participants are expected to assume a new leadership role with a community organization or engage in a community-based project of their choosing for their second year of the program.

Leadership Flathead is intricately designed to develop tangible leadership skills, increase awareness of significant local issues, and build a tightly knit network of community leaders all while strengthening the ability of current and emerging leaders to spearhead positive change in the Flathead Valley.

Throughout the course of the program, a variety of custom-designed sessions from community and industry leaders focus on topics such as education, workforce training, public safety, culture and tourism, human services, and planning, growth, and government. Additionally, a skills-building theme is integrated into each of the sessions and includes activities that reflect conflict resolution, strategic planning, organizational change, and collaboration.

Since its inception in in 1990, Leadership Flathead has seen approximately 800 individuals from more than 200 local businesses complete the program, many of whom are now engaged in the community through elected offices, on government committees and boards, as heads of local non-profit organizations, or as stronger leaders in the organizations with which they work.

For more information about Leadership Flathead, contact the Program Manager, Diane Morton Stout, at [email protected] or (406) 758-2810.

About the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau

Since 1904, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau has been a leading voice in strengthening the Flathead Valley community and the business climate, with the goal of making Northwest Montana an ideal location to live and work. The Chamber consists of 725 businesses and organizations, which employ over half of the workforce in Flathead County, Montana.
A federal judge on Monday ruled that the Douglas County School District did not provide an adequate education to a student who has autism and must reimburse his family for the cost of sending him to a private school for students with disabilities.

The ruling from U.S. District Judge Lewis Babcock represents the latest, and possibly final, chapter in a long-running legal battle between the family of a student known in court records as Endrew F. and the 68,000-student school district that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

by John Aguilar, The Denver Post/TNS

***

"Harmony" The powerful story of one familys struggle to save an autistic child  Disability Rights Montana http://www.matr.net/article-72671.html

Parents, advocates blast proposal for Montana special needs students planning http://www.matr.net/article-68862.html

University of Montanas Rural Institute gets $2.5 million grant to help people with disabilities http://www.matr.net/article-68172.html

Disability Rights Montana Attorneys Alexandra Volkerts and Andree Larose Win National Advocates of the Year Award http://www.matr.net/article-48301.html
Treading lightly on Tanna We go on a new ecotourism adventure tour in North Tanna
I would be interested what my old high school principal would think of this. He passed away last year. While he was very well respected, professional and kept a tight ship, he was someone who was a "born again" Christian who was a hunter (shop classes made deer stands for him) and outdoorsman, who would obviously be against any type of gun control. I am sure he would have disciplined any teacher who allowed protests.



But this was also a suburban (then not now) mostly white high school and frankly a school that was very similar to Columbine and could have been a Columbine. I think probably he would feel that he should be armed, as well as the assistant principals, maybe some of the teachers after taking a course plus the school cop. For the record, my high school is a "gum free zone" amd tomorrow morning some lunatic can walk right in there and shoot the place up. But a lunatic could shoot up a shopping mall, airport, concert, anywhere.



I for one do not want guns illegal and to me this is an all or nothing deal. You cannot stop people from having what they want even if you make a law against it. Hasnt stopped the druggies getting dope. Didn't stop people from getting alcohol during prohibition. You strip the citizenry their weapons and only criminals can have weapons. Lunatics can kill mass amounts of people several different ways besides guns and bullets. Use of poisonous gas or explosives are two common examples. Using a car to drive through a crowd. Obviously crashing an airplane into a building. So let's do away with any chemical that can make a poisonous gas (like bleach), anything that can make explosives (no fertilizer, and fuel is out), no one can drive a car anymore, or fly a plane or take a flight.



Lastly, why does some bullshit have to happen before Americans see a problem and demand action?
NRA Leader Warns Conservatives of

'Socialist Wave' in Wake of Shooting





Just over a week after 17 people were killed at Parkland, Fla., high school, National Rifle Association executive vice president and CEO Wayne LaPierre gave a fiery, defiant speech at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, on Thursday. LaPierre defended Second Amendment rights and warned of a "socialist agenda" intended to strip firearms away from law-abiding citizens.



"As usual, the opportunists wasted not one second to exploit tragedy for political gain," LaPierre said, adding that 20th century community organizer "Saul Alinsky would have been proud of the breakneck speed for gun control laws and the breathless national media eager to smear the NRA."



LaPierre, who was not listed on CPAC's official schedule, accused Democrats of making gun control a political issue in order to achieve their ultimate goal to "eradicate all individual freedoms."  Just over a week after 17 people were killed at Parkland, Fla., high school, National Rifle Association executive vice president and CEO Wayne LaPierre gave a fiery, defiant speech at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, on Thursday. LaPierre defended Second Amendment rights and warned of a "socialist agenda" intended to strip firearms away from law-abiding citizens."As usual, the opportunists wasted not one second to exploit tragedy for political gain," LaPierre said, adding that 20th century community organizer "Saul Alinsky would have been proud of the breakneck speed for gun control laws and the breathless national media eager to smear the NRA."

Dear Mr. LaPierre,Thanks to you, I'm finished with the NRA. My NRA sticker is coming off the back window of my camper shell. As long as you are the CEO of the NRA, I'll have nothing good to say about it. You're a reactionary and a danger to the Republic.Yours truly,A Second Amendment Supporter****************Remember, these are the people who warned that Obama is coming after your guns.The paranoia of true "gun nuts" is mental disease. Mr. LaPierre is a freaking whacko.More: https://www.npr.org/2018/02/22/587911457/nra-leader-warns-conservatives-of-socialist-wave-in-wake-of-shooting
It's well, well worth watching all of this exchange between Laura Ingraham and former CIA director James Woolsey. Woolsey acknowledges that the US has meddled in other countries' elections in the past and is doing so now, and both he and Ingraham find this laudable and funny. pic.twitter.com/TR3X7VM7Np February 17, 2018

Former CIA director James Woolsey unironically admitting that the U.S. continues to interfere in global elections. If anyone would know, he would  he runs the shop that does it (source).

"I think Smedley Butler was onto something," explained Lawrence Wilkerson, in an extended interview with Salon.



In his day, in the early 20th century, Butler was the highest ranked and most honored official in the history of the U.S. Marine Corps. He helped lead wars throughout the world over a series of decades, before later becoming a vociferous opponent of American imperialism, declaring "war is a racket."



Wilkerson spoke highly of Butler, referencing the late general's famous quote: "Looking back on it, I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents."



"I think the problem that Smedley identified, quite eloquently actually," Wilkerson said..."I think the problem is much deeper and more profound today, and much more subtle and sophisticated."

"Was Bill Clintons expansion of NATO  after George H. W. Bush and [his Secretary of State] James Baker had assured Gorbachev and then Yeltsin that we wouldn't go an inch further east  was this for Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon, and Boeing, and others, to increase their network of potential weapon sales?" Wilkerson asked.



"You bet it was," he answered.

Using declassified documents, statements by officials, and journalistic accounts, Levin has found evidence of interference by either the United States or the Soviet Union/Russia in 117 elections around the world between 1946 and 2000, or 11.3 percent of the 937 competitive national-level elections held during this period. Eighty-one of those interventions were by the U.S. while 36 were by the USSR/Russia. They happened in every region of the world, though most commonly in Europe and Latin America. The two powers tended to focus on different countries, though Italy was a favorite of both, receiving eight interventions by the U.S. and four by the Soviets.

The U.S. and Russia arent the only countries that do this. China has interfered in several Taiwanese elections, for instance, and the late President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela gave support to several preferred candidates throughout Latin America[.]

Ingraham: We don't do that now, though? We don't mess around in other people's elections?



Woolsey: Well ... [smiles, makes deliberate muttering noises]



All laugh knowingly.



Woolsey: Only for a very good cause in the interest of democracy.

I actually think that their engagement was an act of war, an act of hybrid warfare, and I think thats why the American people should be concerned about it, said Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.).



This past election, our country was attacked. We were attacked by Russia, said Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.). ...



Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the Senate Foreign Relations Committees ranking member, has similarly described the election meddling as an attack and likened it to the United States political Pearl Harbor.

Though we're tilting at windmills, we in the Chair by the Window, it's difficult not to write this. Cognitive dissonance, like the torpedoes, be damned.Consider these four data points.Col. Lawrence Wilkerson is a longtime top aide to Gen. Colin Powell. This is from Ben Norton's write-up of an interview he did with Wilkerson in 2016:Just one example, not the obvious one, but pertinent to the news (emphasis added):Wilkerson concludes: "We dwarf the Russians or anyone else who sells weapons in the world."We dwarf them in our wars as well, he could also have said, at least since the Cold War era. To start, think just of the millions killed in Iraq from the two Bush invasions. Then consider the destruction in Afghanistan and Libya under Obama, and the seven countries he was at war with, as we are today.Wilkerson: "We are the death merchant of the world."In an academic study of " Partisan Electoral Interference by the Great Powers ," Professor Dov Levin has created a dataset listing and detailing just what the title says  partisan electoral interference by the Great Powers, both covert and overt , between 1946 and 2000.Joshua Keating at Slate (emphasis added):Let's not play tit for tat. Foreign interventions are common:Just note the numbers  at. As a percent of all interventions studied, it's more than two-thirds of them, a fraction shy of 70%. As a percentage of all competitive elections studied, the U.S. intervened in more than 10% of them.This fails to account for 21st century interventions, such as the disaster we created in Honduras .We seem to do this for a living, or as a regular way of running our business.Watch the video above, again if you've already seen it. The "manly men"  the realists, the hard-nosed protectors of our freedom  who run these operations are blase to the point of proud about them. Even smug. Note the laughter near the end of the clip.Smedley Butler was told he was acting in the interest of democracy as well.Was presumed (still unproved, though not disproved either) Russian interference in the U.S. election an "act of war"? Mainstream Democrats have been saying so early and often.From The Hill Would James Woolsey agree that meddling in elections is a "political Pearl Harbor"?Consider three questions: If Russian interference, should it be proved, is an "act of war," a new "Pearl Harbor," how should we respond to that? Have we committed "acts of war" against the world  81 and counting by Dov Levin's dataset? If so, how should the world respond to us? How should we respond to the world's response? By crying "no fair" and continuing as before, or admitting fault and stopping?Then ask: How would a principled, moral person answer the first three questions? How is the government and corporate establishment answering them? Whose pockets are you swelling if you agree with them?This story is not what it appears to be. The real story is the story behind the story you're being told.Some dissonant thoughts for your day's cognition, sent from The Chair by the Window. Sorry about that.GP

Labels: CIA, Gaius Publius, James Woolsey, Larry Wilkerson, military industrial complex, Russian hacking, Smedley Butler
Editor's note: This story is updated with the latest information regarding the meeting tonight in Ypsilanti.

YPSILANTI, MI - Post office representatives have reversed a decision to not attend a town hall to address mail delivery issues in Ypsilanti, a spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell has confirmed.

Dingell will attend the meeting, though she said she would not as part of a deal offered earlier today when it was announced the officials would no longer attend the Mail Service Town Hall from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 at Ypsilanti Eagle Crest Marriott, 1275 S. Huron St.

"I have said that I will not attend because what matters tonight is that the community gets answers and that ongoing service issues are resolved," said Dingell in a statement.

The statement also said Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo, State Representative Ronnie Peterson, and Washtenaw County Commissioner Ricky Jefferson would be at the town hall meeting, organized to discuss ongoing mail complaints such as late, incomplete or inaccurate delivery; unresponsive customer service and long lines and wait times at the office at 1606 Huron St.

The officials told Dingell's office Wednesday night they were unable to attend because of the Hatch Act, which prevents government employees from engaging in political activity while on the job.

Dingell said she disagreed with that reasoning, which was not brought up during the weeks ahead of the event as it was being planned.

"I have spoken with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations Mark Meadows, who oversees the postal service, and who has offered to come to Michigan to make sure my constituents have the mail service they deserve," Dingell said. "As Chairman Meadows said, 'good customer service doesn't have a D or an R behind it.' I will not stop until these issues are addressed for the community."

Representatives of the U.S. Postal Service, including Stephanie M. Brantley, post office operations manager at USPS; Lee A. Thompson, district manager of USPS Detroit; and Alicia Brown, postmaster at USPS Ypsilanti, had agreed to attend the town hall last week, Dingell said.

Dingell announced earlier Thursday that she would be willing to not attend so residents could still hear the answers they need.

"It is critical that Ypsilanti residents get the answers they deserve from USPS. I hope that they show up tonight and have the courage to face tough questions about their recent performance," Dingell said in the statement.

U.S. Post Office representatives could not be reached for comment.

The Mail Service Town Hall is free and open to the public but online registration is encouraged.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Flooding forecasts for the Grand River continued to rise on Thursday, Feb. 22 as rain that fell earlier in the week continued to collect and flow towards Lake Michigan.

National Weather Service forecasters raised their flood level estimates in downtown Grand Rapids from 21.0 feet to 21.5 feet on Thursday, just a few inches below the 21.85-foot record reached in April 2013. The river is expected to reach its high point Saturday evening.

"When you get to these very high levels, the modeling does become complicated," said meteorologist Brian Meade in a webinar with reporters and local public safety officers on Thursday, Feb. 22.

"You should probably be prepared for something a tad higher (than 2013 levels). The trend could continue to creep up like that."

The forecast was adjusted because additional water was flowing into the Thornapple River, which flows through Barry County and enters the Grand River at Ada.

While the high water is expected to flood parking lots in Ada and Comstock Park, it is not expected to breach the floodwalls and levies that line the Grand River as its passes through the city of Grand Rapids.

Meanwhile, Meade said flooding will crest or have crested along several other Michigan rivers, including the Kalamazoo River, which is headed for record levels in Comstock. Those levels are expected to peak on Saturday, exceeding the record levels recorded in September, 2008 by about six inches.

In Lansing, the Red Cedar and Grand rivers also were cresting on Thursday after hitting levels not seen since 1975, Meade said. The Muskegon River north of Grand Rapids also was falling after cresting earlier this week.

Although a light rain is expected Friday or Saturday, Meade said the rainfall should not contribute to more flooding as the rivers continue to drain.
This post has been updated with additional info.

LANSING, MI -- Flooding has closed 10 roads throughout Lansing on Thursday, Feb. 22, after Lansing and Lansing Township declared states of emergency to warn of the rising waters.

Heavy rains and melting snow pushed the Red Cedar River up 5 feet and is expected to crest at 10.3 feet on Thursday. Flood stage is 7 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

The flooding is expected to be the worse in Lansing since at least 1975.

The following roads in Lansing were closed as of 8:40 a.m., officials posted to the city's website:

Jolly from Pennsylvania to Dunckel.

Aurelius from Miller to Cavanaugh.

Lindbergh from Pennsylvania to Mount Hope.

Kalamazoo from Clippert to Homer.

Beech from Hazel to Elm.

Mount Hope from Aurelius to Harrison.

Fayette and Beulah.

River Street from Malcolm X to Lenawee.

Homer from Michigan to Kalamazoo.

Officials will be going door to door in the Red Cedar neighborhood doing wellness checks, according to East Lansing police. The impact is believed to be to the southwest side of the neighborhood.

Residents who feel their safety is threatened should call 911, police said.

Kalamazoo Street, between Marigold Avenue to Clippert Street and the Kalamazoo-U.S. 127 ramp are currently closed to traffic, police said.

At Michigan State University, the flood waters forced the school to relocate some classes.

East Lansing police also sent the following tips:

Don't touch or use electrical devices in a flooded basement.

Don't drive through standing or moving water.

Don't drive down roads that have been barricaded.

Report water over roadways, obstructed catch basins and sewer backups by calling 517-337-9459.

Those with pets are reminded that pets should not be left chained, penned or kenneled in areas impacted by the flooding, according to a statement from the Ingham County Animal Control.

With 450 homes being evacuated in the greater Lansing area or given voluntary evacuation orders, animal control also is reminding pet owners to not release pets to fend for themselves if residents leave.

Lansing Emergency Management and 211 have lists of pet-friendly hotels for residents to be able to bring their animals with them until their homes are available again, the statement from animal control said. Capital Area Humane Society and Ingham County Animal Control will offer kennel space to impacted residents, though kennel space is limited at both facilities and should not be used as the primary resource.

A displacement center has been opened for people in Meridian Township at the Central Fire Station, 5000 Okemos Road, for residents who have been flooded out of their homes and need temporary assistance, officials said in a statement.

The displacement center provides a temporary place to go and provides access to phones, charging areas and restrooms.
Our Blueberry Ambassadors were busy doing good in their community this week. No matter what these students have on their plates, they always make time to help people with their acts of kindness.

This week's Ambassadors included Kelly Potochny's group, Marie Smith's group from Westwood Heights McMonagle Elementary, and Robin Ballard's group from Grand Blanc Myers Elementary.

Below is an excerpt of just some of the Blueberry Moments from each of the classes moments.

Being a Blueberry Ambassador means students are obligated to do at least three random acts of kindness -- to look for three ways to go out of their way to positively impact someone or the community. The actual number of good deeds is immeasurable actually much higher than that because each Blueberry Ambassador also asks those they help to pay it forward.

Through a partnership with MLive, the students' stories are published online. Below is an excerpt of just some of the Blueberry Moments. Check out all the teams' good work at http://topics.mlive.com/tag/flint-blueberries/.

To find out more about "I'm Concerned About the Blueberries," email BlueberryAmbassador@gmail.com.



Coordinator Kelly Potochny

Hannah Potochny

Blueberry Moment 10716

A few weeks ago, I got very sick and had to spend a few days in the ICU at Hurley. During my stay, someone who worked there brought me some coloring pages and some games for my mom and I to play. It was really nice to have something to do. I appreciated it so much that when I was released, I went to the store and bought some games, coloring books and crayons. I gave the items to the Child Life Services at Hurley Hospital a few days later. I gave them a Blueberry Card, but I felt like they already paid it forward because of what they did to help me and what they do everyday to help so many other people.

Maggie Burchart

Blueberry Moment 9952

I gave sand dollars to a handicapped gentleman. We were at the beach and there were a lot of live sand dollars washing up on the shore. I spent the morning putting the live ones I found back and gathered the dead ones. A group of four older people, one of whom was in a wheelchair was near us, walking along the beach. The youngest woman's dad was the one in the wheelchair and they were looking for sand dollars. I was near them and they asked me if I knew how to tell if they were alive or not. and I showed them how to check. I had found several dead ones earlier that day and I decided to give them a few of mine, I thought it would be a nice thing to do. So, I gave them three of mine and it made me feel good that I could pass along the joy that the sand dollars brought to me.

Ella Taft

Blueberry Moment 10748

I made up multiple bags that contained toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, crackers and a wash cloth. These bags were dispensed to the Outreach Center at Holy Redeemer Church in Burton, Michigan. Bags were also dispensed to the underserved at a Mt. Morris, Michigan medical clinic.



Westwood Heights McMonagle Elementary, coordinator Marie Smith

See all the Blueberry Moments from Smith's group at McMonagle Elementary

Amari Stuart

I was playing outside with some kids and they decided they were hungry. I told them to go home and eat something and they told me they didn't have any food. At that moment, my heart cracked in half. I told them just to come to my house and I fixed them some cheese, crackers, and sandwiches. I knew their grandmother was at home, so I took her some sandwiches and two bottles of water. They were so happy to have the food, their faces lit up with joy and now they had food in their stomachs. What I did was something I honestly feel like anybody could have done. All it takes is one question, "Hi, can I help you?"

Laonia Hinson

There is an elderly lady that lives across the street from me, I like to help her. I go to her house and wash the dishes for her, clean up the bathroom and living room. I have cooked for her or brought her something to eat.



Grand Blanc Myers Elementary, coordinator Robin Ballard

See all the Blueberry Moments from Ballard's group from Myers Elementary

Alina

Blueberry Moment 17730

My music teacher, Mrs. Ogle, had just had her father pass away. I felt so bad so I made her a little gift. It had candy in it and a Blueberry Card. I made this for her in one night. It was easy to make but harder to give to her. I didn't want to make her cry over her father so I used my words carefully and walked up to her and said, "I made this for you because I know you've been going through a rough time with your father," and handed her the gift. "Thank you so much," she said as she gave us a hug and walked away with a smile. And that's the moment I knew that I would be doing this for a long time.

Kingsley

For one of my Blueberry Ambassador projects, I wanted to try and make a lot of people's day better by sending a happy thought with their popcorn. So, on one popcorn Friday, I came in early and taped a little note to over 200 bags of popcorn. It was a really fun thing to do and I was really excited to see kids in my class get their bag with their note. Sadly, they passed out popcorn at dismissal and I never got to see anyone's reaction. I hope everyone found their note and it made them feel really good inside.
ANN ARBOR, MI - High school students have taken charge of the national conversation on gun control and school safety in the past week, and now Ann Arbor Public Schools officials are looking for ways to support local students in continuing that work.

Students at Ann Arbor's five high schools participated in a walkout the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 21 - joining students across the country in commemorating the one-week anniversary of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which left 17 people dead.

"After the other mass shootings, we didn't have survivors of the incident come forth and take political action like we have now," said Board Vice President Susan Baskett.

Trustee Jessica Kelly said this feels like a "tipping point," and she asked for ideas on how the school district could amplify the voices of students, teachers and parents on issues related to school safety and gun control.

At Board Secretary Jeff Gaynor's request, the trustees held an impromptu discussion on the topic during their meeting Wednesday.

Superintendent Jeanice Swift reviewed the school district's policies on weapons in schools, safety protocols and available mental health supports.

She also recapped Ann Arbor Public Schools' history of fighting through the court system for the right to maintain schools as weapon-free zones.

A 2015 lawsuit filed by Michigan Gun Owners Inc. and Ann Arbor parent Ulysses Wong against the school district is headed to the Michigan Supreme Court in March.

"Let me be clear, the presence of a weapon or a gun in school runs contrary to everything we are wired to do in education for children," Swift said. "We believe it is counterproductive to maintaining a rich, productive and healthy learning environment for our children every day in school."

Swift commended the students on safely and respectfully participating in Wednesday's walkout, saying she was proud of how they raised their voices on school safety concerns.

She also noted the school district's policy requires that expressions of students' opinions be done in a way that does not disrupt or interfere with orderly conduct and learning in the schools.

Swift said it will require legislative action to make meaningful change in gun control or school safety policy, and Board President Christine Stead encouraged people to vote.

"I think it's time that as a community we recognize these are solvable problems, and we will solve them together," Stead said. "There's a lot of hope about the voices that are emerging right now through our children."

Multiple board members emphasized the importance of empowering students to help send a message to lawmakers.

Gaynor said he has more questions than solutions at this point, but he wanted the trustees to consider how they can support students without undercutting or co-opting their message. Everyone is against mass shootings, he said, and the solution requires a more acute approach.

"We as educators, it's our responsibility to help them define the issue, refine the issue," Gaynor said.

Pioneer High School senior Emma Roth, 18, who helped organize the walkout at her high school, grew emotional when she heard Wednesday night that the school district's leaders wanted to support the students' efforts.

"It makes me really, really happy that they are behind us right now. I think students are the voice we need right now," Roth said, taking a break between writing an essay and working on protest signs. "It feels almost like passing a torch."

It would be helpful for students to hear from school leadership that they will not be penalized academically if they participate in a demonstration, Roth said.

Baskett said she does not like the idea of students missing instructional time for demonstrations, but she would like to develop ways for adults to use their experience and contacts to help students further their cause.

"To our students, let us help you take action with a purpose. ... Don't be dismissive of us," she said. "Again, we don't want to lead this, because truly I think the most effective body in this work will be the young people themselves."

Baskett also commented on the importance of understanding how students and teachers can exercise their First Amendment rights while they are at school, and she suggested the board members complete professional development on the topic.

Board Parliamentarian Simone Lightfoot said students are the ones who know their peers best and will be able to alert staff if certain students are considering harming themselves or others.

The Washtenaw Superintendents' Association, which includes the county's nine traditional public school districts and the intermediate school district, encourages people to use the OK2SAY confidential tip line to submit tips on potential criminal activity or harm directed at students or school employees.

Roth said despite the inaction she saw from policymakers following the 2012 fatal shooting of 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, she is feeling more optimistic about the potential for the Parkland shooting to prompt change in gun laws.

"For the first time in a long time, I'm hopeful that things can change," she said. "I think there's momentum going right now and if we all continue to push, especially the students, we will see change."
DEARBORN, MI - Sharpshooters with silencers will begin conducting a deer cull this weekend, Feb. 23-24, in a 300-acre Environmental Study Area on the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus, citing concerns about elevated tick populations, an unsustainable deer population and other ongoing environmental damage.

The cull aims to reduce the current white-tailed deer herd population in the area from 70 to between 20 and 30, according to the university. Based on the size of the Environmental Study Area, UM-Dearborn is opting to keep the population approximately three times higher than the recommended size of a sustainable deer herd population by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

UM-Dearborn also cited possible health risks to the campus community and visitors due to elevated tick populations, damage to biodiversity in the study area, damage to native tree regeneration and the spread of invasive plant species among the problems experienced in the area.

UM-Dearborn Spokesman Ken Kettenbeil said the cull is part of an ongoing effort to preserve the nature in the area. The university conducted a cull in 2015, he said, which had a great impact on the regeneration of plant life.

"We're viewing this as a long-term deer management program in order to maintain the viability of the area and keep it in its natural state," Kettenbeil said.

The university has a legal agreement with Wayne County that calls for the university to preserve the natural area - both university and county property - and develop interpretative programs. It previously culled 34 deer on campus in 2015. After consulting with the MDNR, continuing a regularly scheduled deer cull was determined to be the best solution, the university noted.

Kettenbeil said while tick populations are always a concern, the university didn't observe any deer ticks during the first cull in 2015. A staff member notified UM-Dearborn he found a tick on his body in the study area in November, which was sent to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

"We followed every procedure we could to keep it alive, but the tick died en route to the state," Kettenbeil said. "The state did confirm it was an adult, female blacklegged deer tick, but we couldn't determine whether it was carrying Lyme disease. We're not characterizing the deer ticks as a major health concern, but they are part of the equation."

Rose City-based Berg's Animal & Bug Control will conduct the cull, with the total cost of the cull estimated at $20,000, Kettenbeil said. UM-Dearborn received a permit from the MDNR for the cull, which typically will take place between 4 to 10 p.m. during UM-Dearborn's spring break.

Venison harvested in the cull will be donated to local food banks. The 2015 deer cull resulted in 780 pounds of meat that was used to provide meals for the hungry via Gleaners Community Food Bank. A similar amount of meat was donated to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, according to UM-Dearborn.

The UM-Dearborn Police Department will coordinate all aspects relating to securing the cull area and ensuring campus safety. Coordination with the Dearborn Police Department and Wayne County Sheriffs Department are included in the safety plan.

Those close to UM's Ann Arbor campus are familiar with deer culling efforts in recent years. The cull, which was carried out by professional sharpshooters hired by the city of Ann Arbor during the month of January, had a goal of killing up to 250 deer in designated areas including city parks, nature areas, university properties and some private properties with owner permission.

A total of 115 deer in Ann Arbor were killed during the city's third-annual deer cull, which came to an end on Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Members of a group known as FAAWN, standing for

Friends of Ann Arbor Wildlife in Nature, actively protested the cull, showing up near shooting zones during culling hours.
ANN ARBOR, MI -- A Saginaw man accused of fatally stabbing his brother-in-law had his trial postponed Wednesday as attorneys discuss a possible plea deal.

Gerald Kariem, 40, faces one count of open murder in the stabbing death of Marcus C. Coney, 40, of Ypsilanti Township.

Judge Archie Brown agreed to postpone Kariem's jury trial when Kariem appeared briefly in Washtenaw County Trial Court on Wednesday, Feb. 21 for a final pretrial hearing.

Kariem's Lansing-based attorney, Mike Maddaloni, said the postponement was requested so that he could "have some meaningful plea negotiations" with Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecutor Nimesh Ganatra.

A Feb. 26 trial was cancelled. Judge Brown set a new final pretrial hearing for March 28 and trial for April 16.

Police believe Kariem stabbed Coney during an argument over a vehicle on Saturday, April 29, 2017 in the basement of Coney's Ypsilanti Township home in the 1400 block of Jeff Avenue.

Coney was later pronounced dead at an area hospital. Kariem was arrested May 2 in Oak Park, Illinois.

Kariem was previously convicted of manslaughter in 2002 in Saginaw County.

He was released on parole in 2009 and discharged from state supervision in 2011, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections.

He is being held at the Washtenaw County Jail with no bond.

Records show his trial has been postponed before.
ANN ARBOR, MI - Healthcare facilities in three Southeast Michigan counties have been notified by the state that workers may have been in close contact with a healthcare worker diagnosed with tuberculosis.

The worker, who unknowingly was ill with TB at the time, may have been in contact with more than 600 individuals in two hospitals and a senior rehabilitation and long-term care facility in Washtenaw, Livingston and Oakland counties between May 1, 2017 and Jan. 31, 2018.

The state has identified the facilities affected as:

St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston hospitals; and

South Lyon Senior Care and Rehab

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is working collaboratively with health departments in those counties to determine the health status of patients and staff who may have been in close contact with the healthcare worker, the agency said.

The worker currently is receiving treatment and is not working at this time, DHS said in a statement. Patients and staff who may have been exposed are being notified and encouraged to obtain testing. Those who do not receive notification identifying them as someone who has been in close contact with the identified individual, but still have concerns, may contact their local health department or primary care physician, the agency said.

Blood tests and medical treatment are being offered and provided as necessary by St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston hospitals to affected patients and staff who have been notified by the hospitals that they may be exposed, officials said. Results will be available within a few days.

South Lyon Senior Care and Rehab has provided testing to all current staff and patients. Former staff members and patients who are notified by the facility about potential exposure are asked to contact their county health department or primary care physician for testing.

TB is a treatable bacterial disease that can be serious and is spread through the air from one person to another.

There are two forms of TB: TB infection, where people have the TB bacteria in their bodies but are not sick, and TB disease, where the bacteria multiply and cause people to become sick.

In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 9,272 new cases of TB disease in the United States, of which 133 cases were reported from Michigan.

Not everyone who is exposed to TB will be infected, and many people who have TB infection never develop TB disease. However, those who do develop the disease can spread the bacteria to other people, and it is important to identify those who may be at risk so they can receive treatment to prevent the disease from developing.

TB bacteria usually grow in the lungs, but can attack any part of the body such as the spine, brain or kidneys. Symptoms can include:

A bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer

Pain in the chest

Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)

Weakness or fatigue

Weight loss

No appetite

Chills

Fever

Sweating at night

For more information, patients can contact St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston hospitals at 833-818-9711 and South Lyon Senior Care and Rehab 248-437-2048.
ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigan is presenting a free online "teach-out" series open to anyone focusing on free speech on college campuses, in journalism and in sports.

Building off the historic teach-ins staged on its Ann Arbor campus more than five decades ago, UM's Office of Academic Innovation will lead a series of online discussions featuring experts discussing interpretations of the First Amendment, if safety trumps free speech and if universities should punish students who shout over and disrupt speakers whose views differ from their own.

UM President Mark Schlissel said free speech issues remain one of the hottest topics on college campuses across the country, but extends beyond the university.

"The common theme is tensions around free speech and the causes of those tensions and ways to mitigate them - instances where maybe people will disagree whether free speech is more important than their feeling of value and personal safety," Schlissel said in a video explaining the teach-out series. "These are front-burner, front-of-mind issues, not just on college campuses, but in workplaces, in communities, in religious organizations and sporting events."

The series kicks off on Feb. 26 with a teach-out focusing on the college campus, prompting participants to think critically about the role of free speech plays on university campuses and how discourse shapes the broader narrative about free speech protection across the country.

On March 12, a teach-out will focus on the roles of journalists in a free society. Questions posed in the teach-out are expected to include how the rights of journalists are threatened, whether new modes of reporting like social media and citizen journalism have made the press more vulnerable and what are the broader societal implications of a restricted and diminished press.

The final teach-out available beginning April 9 prompts participants to think about whether sport is an appropriate venue for social and political activism and what the implications of free speech are for athletes, managers and fans.

Delivered on the Coursera online platform, teach-outs take advantage of current technology to engage learners. Participants can enroll and move through the learning opportunities at their own pace for the few weeks they are posted online.

The free speech teach-outs are part of a larger "2018 Speech and Inclusion: Recognizing Conflict and Building Tools for Engagement" series sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and several other campus units.

Leaders of the teach-out series will include:

UM President Mark Schlissel;

UM faculty from the Law School, School of Education, School of Information, School of Kinesiology and College of Literature, Science and the Arts;

Faculty from American University and Michigan State University;

Trevor Timm, executive director of the Freedom of the Press Foundation;

UM students and members of the media, including a journalist participating in the Knight-Wallace Fellowship program at UM.

UM is hosting the teach-out series while still determining a date it can host white-nationalist Richard Spencer, whose National Policy Institute requested to speak at the university in the fall. The two parties have not yet been able to determine a date and venue for the speech, agreeing to continue negotiations after the winter semester.

Spencer will speak at Michigan State University on March 5 after the university reached a legal settlement NPI, which sued MSU in September after the university, citing public safety concerns, denied a request for Spencer to speak on campus.

During the fall semester, UM's chapter of the College Republicans and the American Enterprise Institute University of Michigan Executive Council hosted controversial author Charles Murray.

The author, who has drawn criticism for his views on the role of IQ shaping America's class structure in his 1994 book "The Bell Curve," was met with chants, music, intentionally annoying cell phone sounds, an overhead projector displaying an arrow pointing to him along with the words "white supremacist," and hostile questions from students during his visit.

Despite pushback from student protesters who initially shouted Murray down, his appearance did include dialogue with students. There were no arrests at the event, nobody was ejected from the venue and Murray was able to finish his speech after many of the protesters left.
FRASER TWP, MI -- Two ice fishermen who became marooned on a fragment of ice on Saginaw Bay owe their rescue to a pair of conservation officers.

On Tuesday, Feb. 20, Michigan Department of Natural Resources officers Steve Lockwood and Charles Jones were investigating possible fishing law violations in Bay County. At about 5 p.m. during their surveillance, they spotted two unattended vehicles near the Coggins Road access point in Fraser Township.

Recognizing the unseasonably warm weather made the bay's ice obviously unstable, Lockwood and Jones waited near the vehicles to caution the returning anglers. As night fell, area residents approached the waiting officers to inform them the vehicles had been parked since about 9:30 a.m.

At about 7:50 p.m., the officers called the DNR Dispatch Center to obtain phone numbers for the registered owners of the parked vehicles. They eventually spoke with the wife of one of the anglers, who was concerned over not being able to reach her husband on his cellphone. She was, however, able to speak with her spouse's fishing partner on his cellphone.

The officers then spoke with the fisherman, who said he and his partner were safe, but unable to get to shore due to open water. The officers obtained GPS coordinates for the men and advised them not to move from their location.

They then contacted Bay County Central Dispatch, which resulted in multiple fire departments and the U.S. Coast Guard responding to the location. The Coast Guard deployed a helicopter, which located the two men amid the dense fog and flew them to safety.

"This was an outstanding rescue operation by all first responders on the scene," said 1st Lt. Brandon Kieft, district supervisor for the DNR Law Enforcement Division. "It was initiated by two DNR conservation officers whose training and persistence led them to go the extra mile. Because of their professionalism and vigilance, a rescue operation was mounted, turning a potential tragedy into a joyful reunion for the fishermen and their families. I commend our DNR officers and all who participated in the rescue on a job well done."

Kieft reminds ice fishermen, snowmobilers and other outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution on the ice, especially as temperatures continue fluctuating across the state.
BAY CITY, MI -- Bay County municipalities are expected to see more than $1.16 million in additional road funding from the state this year after the Michigan House of Representatives approved a supplemental appropriation bill this week.

House Bill 4321 passed the House unanimously on Wednesday, Feb. 21. It sends $175 million to the Michigan Department of Transportation and $38 million to cities and villages for roads. Counties will get $68 million if the bill is ultimately approved by the state Senate and signed by Gov. Rick Snyder into law.

It's estimated that Bay County would receive $825,000, which would be used by the Bay County Road Commission and distributed to townships. In addition to those funds, Bay City would receive $288,000. Essexville ($25,000), Auburn ($15,000) and Pinconning ($11,000) would also receive some funds.

State Rep. Brian Elder, D-Bay City, called the bill a step in the right direction, but said more work needs to be done to make sure local roads are less hazardous.

State Rep. Gary Glenn, R-Williams Township, said because this bill is a supplemental appropriation, money would become available immediately after the governor signs the bill into law, allowing municipalities to perform additional work this year.

"This on top of the hundreds of millions already appropriated for road construction and repair," Glenn said. "And it's going to be available immediately for the spring construction season."

Any new infrastructure funds in Bay County are welcomed as crews this week hit the roads to fill potholes. But additional dollars are especially needed in Bay City where officials are grappling with a funding crisis to repair and replace the two city-owned bascule bridges.

Facing $9 million in repairs to Liberty and Independence bridges over the next fives years, city officials are exploring ideas to relieve taxpayers of that burden. All maintenance money put into the bridges today comes from the city's streets fund.

One of the proposals on the table is selling both bridges to a private firm, United Bridge Partners, for $1 million. In return, the company would build a new, $200 million fixed-span Independence Bridge and make critical repairs to Liberty. To see a return on their investment, they would charge motorists a toll each time they pass.

The most favorable option is lobbying the state to connect M-15 to I-75 and takeover Independence Bridge -- something that has been tried in the past, but to no avail. City and county leaders are in Lansing today, Feb. 22, for a meeting with MDOT Director Kirk Steudle to discuss the proposal.

A countywide millage is also being discussed, but officials have said it would be a tough sell, especially to voters in the county's northern townships.
A 15-year-old Melvindale High School student is under arrest after prosecutors say he threatened to "shoot up the school" in a post on social media.

The student, who hasn't been named because he is a juvenile, on Monday, Feb. 19, and Tuesday, Feb. 20, sent messages to another through Snapchat, a social media platform, threatening violence at the school, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement Thursday.

He also sent a photo of himself holding a gun, the prosecutor's office said.

The recipient notified school officials, who in turn notified the Melvindale Police Department, prompting the investigation.

The teen is now charged with making a false threat of terrorism, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility Thursday. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for March 5 at the county's juvenile courthouse in Detroit.

The threats were made at a time when schools across the nation are on heightened alert following a massacre that killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida last week.

Ryan R. DeBruyne, who turned 18 on Wednesday, Feb. 21, was arraigned on Tuesday in Oakland County's 52nd District Court on a charge of making a false report or threat of terrorism at South Lyon High School after he allegedly threatened to "reenact" the Florida school shooting.
FENTON, MI -- Fenton City Council voted to unanimously approve a development agreement that would allow for the construction of a multi-story building used for housing, office and commercial space.

"The city fully supports the development project in downtown Fenton," said Michael Hart, Executive Director of the city's Downtown Development Authority. "It's a combination of residential and commercial office space. There will be a strong housing aspect with 14 housing units."

The project needs the approval of the planning commission before moving forward, according to Hart.

City council and the DDA have been holding proceedings on the project since October 2016. A gap in funding in 2016 halted development plans forcing a review of the budget.

Hart said the city and DDA are now continuing to work with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to receive grant funding to that would finalize the development plans.

"We have some support from the state, but an award is to be determined," Hart said. "We have to wait for approval from the planning commission before we can set a timeline, but we're hoping the project can commence in late spring or early summer of this year."

The development could include retail space on the first floor, office space on the second floor and apartments on the third or fourth floors.

Expected sale price is $165 per square foot or a total price range of $214,500 to $396,000, Ghassan Saab, of Fenton-based Corlin Builders said while presenting a conceptualized plan of development at a Fenton City Council meeting on August 11, 2016. The apartments, according to Saab, could range in size from 1,300 to 2,400 square feet, and feature two bedrooms, two baths, walk-in closets and open floor plans.

The exterior of the building could have limestone on the first floor with a tan-colored brick on upper floors and black metal railings in a mix of modern and traditional materials, Saab said, similar to the mix of materials used in the Genesee County Courthouse in downtown Flint.

A memorandum drafted by Hart includes a basic outline of a development agreement for the $6 million Corlin Builders project.

According to the outline, the Corlin Group was provided land which was assessed at a value of $176,450.

They would be provided with land to construct a public parking lot with a DDA monetary contribution of $240,000. The Corlin Group would construct the public parking lot to city standards at a cost not limited by the DDA contribution. This includes demolition of the blighted building that backs up to Walnut Street.

The Corlin Group would have to pay the city back $140,000 for the inclusion of a strip of land encompassing 14 parking spaces that abut the newly constructed building.

Per the current draft Development Agreement, Corlin Builders would have to start construction by June 30, according to the memorandum.

The agreement includes a 20-year land lease allowing Corlin Builders to have a legal right to commence construction on the property. The land lease is meant to assure the City and DDA that Corlin Group is making adequate progress on the development project.

"The land lease allows them to be onsite without having ownership of the property. It allows us to maintain oversight of the development," Hart said.

The memorandum states, Corlin Group will pay $100 rent each month to the City through October 31, 2018, for the lease. The payment will increase to $25,000 per year spread over 12 months and on a prorated basis for the remainder of the lease.

The current timeline for project completion is October 31, 2019, unless there are any unusual circumstances requiring an extension in writing from the City and DDA.
FLINT, MI - Three teenagers accused of lobbing a six-pound rock off a Vienna Township highway overpass, piercing a van windshield and killing a man have again been found competent to stand trial.

While initial state forensic examinations found the teens mentally competent in January, attorneys for Kyle Anger, Mark Sekelsky and Trevor Gray - ages 18, 16 and 15, respectively - said their clients needed a third-party evaluation before determining whether the three were competent at the time of the fatal incident at the Interstate 75 overpass, and possess the capacity to understand the charges against them.

A second mental examination - entered into evidence in Genesee County District Court on Thursday, Feb. 22 - also found all three teens to be competent to stand trial for murder.

Although the results of the second opinion proved consistent with the first, attorneys for Sekelsky and Gray said an additional evaluation was beneficial to the teens.

"I think that having the two exams is very important," said Frank J. Manley, attorney for Sekelsky. "Mr. Sekelsky is much more prepared to move forward in this case now ... The type of serious charges in this case produce tremendous anxiety, but [the anxiety] is magnified in this case because of his young age."

"The two counselors were good for him," added Fred Meiers, who represents Gray. "He's had great thought and reflection about what is happening."

Edward Farrell, Anger's attorney, could not immediately be reached for comment.

The two other teens charged with murder in connection with the case - Mikadyn Payne, 16, and Alexzander Miller, 15, also appeared before Crawford on Thursday.

While lawyers for Payne and Miller previously declined to request mental competency evaluations for their clients and were cleared to continue with court proceedings, prosecutors asked the judge to allow them to wait for their three co-defendants' examination results in order to move ahead together in the judicial process, noting that the family of victim Kenneth A. White did not want to hear the painful details of the Mt. Morris father's death more than once.

"They did not want to have to listen to this two times," Assistant Prosecutor Karen Hanson previously said.

In court on Thursday, all five teens' defense attorneys requested evidence from prosecutors before moving forward in the case, including photos from the scene of the incident, any social media conversations between the teens and DNA samples found at the scene.

All five teenagers are due back in court for a probable cause conference on Thursday, March 8, facing charges of second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, malicious destruction of property and other felony and misdemeanor charges in connection with White's death.

Anger is being held in the Genesee County Jail, while the others are being held at the Genesee Valley Regional Center for juveniles.

In total, the teens each face eight felonies and two misdemeanors in connection with White's death.

All face the possibility of up to life in prison.

More than a dozen rocks were thrown from over the Dodge Road overpass along southbound I-75 and struck multiple vehicles, including the van in which White was riding. The rock that struck that vehicle punctured the windshield and led to his death, authorities say.

Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell previously said tires and an engine piston also were thrown from the Farrand Road overpass onto I-75, roughly three miles north of where White was killed. Several other vehicles sustained damage, including flat tires, from items thrown onto the interstate.

The rocks, one weighing 20 pounds, were gathered from a dead-end street in Vienna Township and put in the flatbed of a pickup truck, Pickell said.

After throwing the items from the overpass, the teens went to eat at a local fast-food restaurant, investigators said.

White, 32, of Mt. Morris, left behind four children, a fiancee, his parents and six siblings. His family declined to speak with MLive-The Flint Journal about the incident.
OWOSSO, MI - A woman is suing a hospital in Owosso over claims she wasn't allowed to work there because her religion required her to refuse a flu shot.

A lawsuit filed on Feb. 13 in Detroit U.S. District Court by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of Yvonne Bair claims Memorial Healthcare violated Bair's civil rights by failing to accommodate her because she is a follower of Jesus Christ.

However, the hospital defends it's decision, saying it followed proper protocol.

"In this case, Memorial Healthcare's position is that the applicant refused to follow policies intended to protect and safeguard patient and staff health and safety," Memorial officials said in a statement. "Our policies regarding flu vaccinations follow the Centers for Disease Control recommendations and direction as well as the recommendations from the American Hospital Association and our own medical staff.

"Memorial Healthcare has no intent to violate any current and/or prospective employee rights. However, as stated above, our highest priority is patient and staff health and safety."

Bair was offered employment as a medical transcriptionist at Memorial Healthcare in Owosso in March of 2016, according to the lawsuit. The job would require Bair to work from home, but she was set to begin two months of training for the position at the hospital.

During Bair's medical exam on March 21, the lawsuit claims she learned of a mandatory flu vaccination that was required for those working at the hospital between Dec. 1 and April 1.

Bair told the hospital her religious beliefs prevented her from getting the shot because they bar the injection or ingestion of foreign substances and require her to rely on natural methods to maintain her health.

Alternatively, she offered to wear a mask during flu season.

She also submitted an affidavit explaining her religious beliefs to Memorial's human resources department, the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit claims Bair is a follower of Jesus Christ, but it did not provide any other specifics regarding her beliefs.

The lawsuit alleges hospital officials told Bair a mask was unacceptable despite hospital policy authorizing masks for those unable to get flu shots for medical reasons.

Memorial later told Bair they would look into accommodations and pushed her start date back almost a month, the lawsuit claims.

A week later, the hospital's human resource department said it would offer her a nasal spray immunization as an accommodation. However, Bair again said that was unacceptable and renewed her offer to wear a mask.

Memorial withdrew the job offer later that day, the lawsuit said.

"Memorial Healthcare's highest priority will always be patient and staff health and safety. The lawsuit the EEOC has filed about flu vaccinations is disappointing," the hospital said in a statement. "Despite Memorial Healthcare's best efforts to confirm for the EEOC during investigation that patient and staff health and safety are our highest priority, the EEOC has apparently decided that patient and staff health and safety should not be our highest priority. That does not make common sense and certainly does not make patient and staff health and safety sense."

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission wants Memorial to stop engaging in practices that result in religious discrimination; reinstate Bair's employment; provide her with back pay; provide compensation to Bair for emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life and for punitive damages for Memorial's malicious or reckless conduct.

Bair's attorney from the commission declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a federal government agency, enforces federal laws barring discrimination against a job applicant or employee because of their race, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.

The commission investigates allegations of discrimination and can file a lawsuit to protect an individual's rights, according to the EEOC's website.
KENT COUNTY, MI -- At least 27 stretches of road in Kent County are closed because of water over the road, according to Kent County Road Commission officials.

A list of closed roads was posted to the Road Commission's web site about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21.

Much of West Michigan is under a flood warning because of recent rain and melting snow.

For areas near the Grand River in Kent County, the highest water is expected to come Saturday.

NWS forecasters, in an update late Wednesday, continue to predict a crest of about 17.6 feet in Comstock Park, which is only slightly below the massive flooding even of April 2013.

In downtown Grand Rapids, the crest is predicted to reach 21.1 feet by Saturday evening. The level is just slightly below the 21.85-foot level reached in 2013.

Below is a list of road closings in Kent County:

Grosvenor St (west of Ritchie)

5 Mile Rd (Ashley to Montcalm)

Division Ave (Fonger to 11 Mile Rd)

Ashley Ave (5 Mile Rd to 6 Mile Rd)

6 Mile Rd (Ashley to Montcalm)

Summit Ave (12 Mile Rd to 13 Mile Rd)

Friske Dr (12 Mile Rd to Rector)

18 Mile Rd (White Creek Ave to Simmons)

12 Mile Rd (East of Summit)

12 Mile Rd (Northland to Summit)

Reeds Lake Blvd (East Beltline Ave to Manhattan)

Peach Ridge Ave (8 Mile Rd to 9 Mile Rd)

2 Mile Rd (Pettis to Egypt Valley)

Division Ave (7 Mile Rd to 8 Mile Rd)

Konkle Dr (east of Jupiter Ave)

McPherson St (Lincoln Lake Ave to Alden Nash Ave)

Cherry Valley Ave (84th St to 76th St)

60th St (Bancroft to M-50)

60th St (Pratt Lake Ave to Montcalm Ave)

64th St (East of Pratt Lake Ave)

Wingeier Ave (64th St to 68th St)

Pratt Lake Ave (64th St to 68th St)

Montcalm Ave (Flat River Dr to Covered Bridge Rd)

Patterson Ave (28th St to Burton) right lane in both directions

3 Mile Rd (Parnell to Boynton)

Northbound US-131 off ramp to 54th St

Northbound US-131 off ramp to 28th St
MECOSTA COUNTY, MI - Seven people escaped a house fire Thursday, Feb. 22, after they were alerted to the fire by a smoke detector.

Everyone got out safely.

The fire was reported at 7:06 a.m. Thursday in the Village of Morley.

An upstairs resident was awakened by a smoke detector sounding and found fire in a downstairs basement. He tried to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher but was not successful.

All of the occupants escaped the home before Morley Area firefighters arrived.

Mecosta County sheriff's deputies responded and are helping with the investigation.

Morley firefighters were assisted by Mecosta-Austin Fire Department, Howard City Fire Department and Big Rapids Township Fire Department.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Lessons from 2013's record-breaking flood in the Grand Rapids area have officials on guard this week as they watch the Grand River rise.

Heavy rain earlier this week, coupled with snow melting from warmer temperatures, are pushing water into streams and rivers across the state. Emergency responders and municipal leaders have been watching conditions on the Grand River in Kent and Ottawa counties since early this week. The river is under a flood warning that now lasts until Tuesday, Feb. 27.

Despite sunny skies Thursday in West Michigan, the Grand River is continuing to rise, according to National Weather Service gauges.

The Grand River is expected to crest Thursday night in Lansing, and top out and possibly exceed record levels in Grand Rapids on Saturday.

On Wednesday, National Weather Service officials said this week's flood on the Grand will look very similar to 2013.

"What you saw in 2013 is probably what you're going to see here," said Bob Dukesherer, a senior forecaster at the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, Wednesday.

Dukesherer was referring to the last major flood on the Grand River in April, 2013.

"The precautions you took then, I would take now," he said.

Projections show the river will begin to recede just hours after cresting this weekend - which is different than 2013, when the flood waters stayed high for days, said Jack Stewart, Kent County emergency management coordinator.

"The difference is: it'll be more of a short term event rather than a flood that will be lingering," Stewart said.

Stewart is coordinating the response efforts with the Kent County Sheriff's Office, affected cities including Grand Rapids, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Officials have been watching river levels and preparing their response since Monday, Stewart said.

"The flooding in 2013 reached historic levels and taught us lessons that we are holding true to today," Stewart said.

Mandatory evacuations aren't being enforced -- but Stewart is recommending that anyone living in an area that is flooding who feels they are in danger should leave immediately.

"We were fortunate nearly five years ago that while there was property damage, no one was injured," Stewart said in a statement. 'We anticipate the next few days to be the most critical during this event."

As to how fast the water will rise -- and if it will catch residents off guard -- Stewart said the projections make it difficult to say.

"We're dealing with the unknown right now," Stewart said.

Upstream on the Grand River, the city of Lansing, Lansing Township and Ionia County have declared states of emergency due to widespread flooding.

In Lowell where the Grand enters Kent County, the river hit flood stage Thursday and is expected to rise an additional three feet feet by its projected crest Friday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

The rising water has prompted Lowell city officials to ask residents living south of Main Street between South Monroe and South Division to remove valuables from the main floor of their homes. Lowell Light and Power officials don't anticipate that the flood will knock out power to the city.

Grand Rapids city officials are keeping a close watch on the Grand River. Staff from the city's environmental services department are checking the river's banks twice a day, and the fire department has deployed its new drone to monitor conditions.

Since the historic 2013 flood in Grand Rapids, city staff have undergone training with FEMA and now have a flood response plan that details the chain of command for events like this one, said Grand Rapids City Engineer Mark De Clerq.

"We're prepared at any stage where the river would be," De Clerq said. "It makes us feel way more comfortable than we ever did."

Almost $11 million has been invested in raising flood walls throughout downtown and in building up berms around the city's wastewater treatment plant.

"I believe right now we're in a very good position," Lehman said Tuesday night to the city commission. "Our current floodwalls are able to withstand levels up to 25 feet - and that's the action that's taken place as a result of the 2013 floods."

Lehman advised people to stay away from the water's edge, as the river will be moving at dangerous volumes of about 30,000 cubic feet per second, and to not drive through standing water.

In Wyoming, officials are conducting door-to-door house checks on Averill and Crippen to see if residents have plans to evacuate, or if they need help leaving home.

Earlier this week about 100 Creeksite Estate residents evacuated their mobile homes due to rising waters on Buck Creek, Stewart said.

Multiple road closures are in place in Wyoming. City officials have also made arrangements for residents who need to move their cars to parking lots at Wal-Mart and the Ideal Park Christian Reformed Church.

Residents whose property is damaged in floodwaters won't be able to apply for county, state or federal funding, said Kent County Drain Commissioner Ken Yonker.

"Residents who experience property damage should contact their insurance company immediately," Yonker said in a statement. "We've heard from some residents who are confused about any funding, but the bottom line is homes that are built in low flood plains, drainage easements and natural water flow lands that are flooding are the responsibility of the home owner."

The Kent County Road Commission has been working to clean out catch basins and clearing spillways - and to repair washouts and potholes that have emerged with the warm, wet weather early this week.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Students cupped their hands around their flickering candles, their faces lit by the flames in the dusk at the Grand Valley State University vigil.

The university's student senate held the candlelight vigil Wednesday night, Feb. 21 at the Cook Carillon Tower on the Allendale campus.

In a letter to staff, Maria Cimitile, provost and executive vice president for academic and student affairs, said the vigil was designed to honor the victims and their surviving families of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

Student senate members sold hot chocolate and popcorn at the vigil to raise funds for donations toward relief efforts for the victims of the tragedy.

At least 17 people were killed when a former student opened fire inside and outside the high school in Broward County, Fla. on Feb. 14.

Sheriff Scott Israel identified the suspect as Nikolas Cruz, 19, who was previously expelled for disciplinary reasons, according to the Associated Press. The suspect had at least one rifle and multiple magazines.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids restaurateur Johnny Brann Jr. and Dave Shaffer, former Grand Rapids city commissioner and banker, have partnered to acquire the Haworth dealership, Interphase Interiors Inc.

Interphase Interiors has the exclusive contract to sell Haworth products in the company's West Michigan backyard and throughout Northern Michigan.

"With a strong customer base and impressive portfolio, we look forward to bringing continued growth to the Interphase brand while providing our customers with an exceptional experience," Brann said.

The firm was bought for an undisclosed amount from David Faasse, who acquired the dealership in 2015. He decided to retire from the business, said Julie Smith, a Haworth spokeswoman.

The Grand Rapids firm has earned Haworth's "Best in Class" award for six consecutive years, making it just one of seven dealers across North America to earn the distinction the past four consecutive years.

The business will maintain its showroom in downtown Grand Rapids in Blue35, at 35 Oakes St. SW, and sales and design offices at 3036 Eastern SE in Grand Rapids and 2636 Garfield Rd. N, Suite 32 in Traverse City.

The new owners expect to add to the current 28-person staff, they said.

"We are going to leverage the company's design talent and ideation to create business solutions for any sized business," said Shaffer, who served as First Ward Commissioner from 2010 to 2017.

Shaffer and Brann, who worked together on forming the West Side Corridor Improvement Project, have been looking for a business to partner on for several years, they said.

"We were looking for the right opportunity, but we couldn't find anything that made sense," Brann said.

Shaffer, who has four young children, says he was looking for a business that offered a work life balance. Shaffer, the firm's CEO, will run day-to-day operations.

Brann, who owns a majority stake in the business, is dealership's president. He will continue to be involved in the family's chain of Michigan restaurants. Brann also owns Kitchen 67 on East Beltline Ave. NE.

Both Brann and Shaffer say they will remain active in their volunteer work.

The new leadership has drawn praise from Haworth.

"Haworth dealers like Interphase are the direct lifeline to our customers and the backbone of our success," said Franco Bianchi, in a statement. "Both Johnny and Dave bring a unique skill set that will not only ensure Interphase's continued success, but also provide Haworth with a crucial conduit to a deeper understanding of our customers' needs."
WYOMING, MI -- A 23-year-old woman whose infant son died from what police say was severe neglect told detectives she was "just too busy" to feed and care for the child.

Wyoming police Detective Robert Meredith testified about his interview with Lovily Johnson during a probable cause hearing Wednesday, Feb. 21 in Wyoming District Court.

"Her words were this, 'I was just too busy,'" Meredith said.

Following Wednesday's hearing, a judge ordered Johnson to stand trial on charges of felony murder and first-degree child abuse.

Key testimony came from Kent County forensic pathologist Dr. Stephen Cohle, who said Noah Johnson was malnourished and dehydrated when Johnson brought his deceased body into DeVos Children's Hospital in July. The baby already was in stages of decomposition.

Lovily Johnson

Testimony and court records show that Lovily Johnson left 6-month-old Noah in a car seat for more than two days in an apartment where the temperature reached 90 degrees. He was left alone for much of the time.

According to Johnson's statement to the detective, she gave her baby a bottle later Monday, July 19. She had found him "gasping" about that time. She slept downstairs where it was cooler in her apartment in the 2600 block of McKee Avenue SW.

The following day, she did not check on Noah at all.

"She doesn't check on him, doesn't hear him crying, doesn't feed him," Meredith said.

Johnson told the detective that it was later Tuesday that she knew something was wrong.

"She says 'I felt something was wrong,'" Meredith said.

Still, she left the apartment, smoked marijuana with another person and came back at 5 a.m. Wednesday and passed out on the couch. She left the apartment again that morning to go to a grocery store, gas station and bank before coming home and finally checking on Noah and finding him unresponsive.

She called Harry Woods, a man she knew as a father figure, for a ride to the hospital.

Woods testified that Johnson asked him for a ride to an appointment in the early afternoon of Wednesday, July 21, but she never mentioned on the phone that her son wasn't breathing and she acted normal.

Woods said she also did not seem rushed when she brought the baby of the apartment in a covered car seat. But it was then she told him the baby wasn't breathing.

Johnson told Woods she thought it would be faster to get a ride from him than call an ambulance.

in Johnson's interview with the detective, they talked about her being a single mother.

She told Meredith she felt "stressed to the edge."
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Vik Srinivasan, a Meijer executive and chairman of the Forest Hills Public Schools Foundation board, has been appointed to the Forest Hills schools Board of Education.

His appointment will provide diversity to the school board following a controversial incident that, among other things, sparked some to call for a person of color to fill the vacant seat.

After all eight candidates were interviewed for the position, Srinivasan was selected by school board members at a special meeting Tuesday, Feb. 20, in the administration building.

The vacancy for the board received more attention than normal because the local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) asked that a person of color be appointed to the all-white body, following a racially charged incident where a white student at Forest Hills Northern High School put brown makeup on his face.

Srinivasan is group vice president for distribution operations at Meijer Inc., where he is responsible for distribution and wholesale operations for the company across 19 facilities, compromised of more than 4,000 team members in the Midwest.

In a letter to the school board, Srinivasan said he was interested in the position due to several factors:

His belief in the importance of education to achieve individual potential.

His desire to ensure students in Forest Hills continue to benefit from the exceptional education system the district is known for.

His belief he can bring some unique perspectives to the board and community.

He said he is fortunate to have grown up in a very education-focused family, which inspired a lifelong interest in continuous learning.

"It is my hope that all students of Forest Hills can enjoy a similar experience wherein education can help them unlock their unique paths to success," Srinivasan said.

He has served on the Forest Hills Foundation Board for the past four years and currently serves as the board chairman.

"This role has given me some unique exposure into the schools and hopefully the chance to help contribute to growing the innovation agenda within the district," he said.

Srinivasan has earned a master's of business administration from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, a master's of engineering from Vanderbilt University, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan.

He said he is humbled, honored, and excited to be a part of the school board and plans to run for a full term in the upcoming election cycle.

Srinivasan also is a parent of a daughter in kindergarten and a 4-year-old son who will join the school district in a couple years.
HOLLAND, MI - Police will have extra patrols at Holland High School on Thursday, Feb. 22, after a social-media threat telling students to stay away from school.

The threat was investigated overnight and discredited, Superintendent Brian Davis said in a message to parents.

He received notice around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday that the information was circulating on social media.

Families contacted police and the school district about the threat.

"Working very closely throughout the night with (Holland police) detectives, road patrol, the chief of police and captains on duty, we were able to discredit any safety concern related to these specific posts and able to identify their source earlier this morning," Davis said.

"Thank you to all of the additional personnel who assisted in coming in throughout the night to quickly investigate this matter."

He said classes would be held as usual.

Police expect to have strong presence at Holland High School and neighborhoods of district schools to provide safety and support for students.

"We will continue to take any mention of concern very seriously that may compromise the safety of our schools for our children," he said.

The reported threat comes on the heels of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County, Florida, that killed 17 and injured 14.

Police have investigated other threats in West Michigan this week. In Otsego, classes are closed today.
UPDATE: Perry was arrested Wednesday, Feb. 21.

KENT COUNTY, MI - A man wanted for sexual assault led police on a wrong-way, high-speed chase before police called off the pursuit.

Police are looking for Timothy David Perry, 32, who is wanted for first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct, violating parole, fleeing and eluding police and being a fourth-offense habitual offender.

Sheriff's deputies say he fled police on Sunday, Feb. 18, when they tried to pull him over for the parole violation.

Police said he drove the wrong way on Broadmoor Avenue SE, at excessive speeds, when police halted the chase as too dangerous. Perry abandoned his vehicle in Caledonia, where he was picked up by an acquaintance and given a ride to Kentwood, police said.

Police do not know if he has access to a vehicle.

He is 6-foot-2, 220 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Sheriff's Department at 632-6357 or Silent Observer at 774-2345.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- An organized protest last month that spilled onto a city street is generating a debate.

Members of a non-profit group are saying police did not do enough to keep them safe. Police are saying the protesters shouldn't have been standing in the middle of the road impeding traffic.

Members of a non-profit group committed to "immigration justice" voiced their frustrations and released a video Wednesday, Feb. 21. They said a protest last month turned violent without proper assistance from local authorities. They said two women were hit by a turning car at the intersection.

The incident occurred around 5 p.m. Jan. 19, while about 30 people were participating in a protest in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and immigrant rights while standing in the intersection of Michigan Street and Ottawa Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids.

As vehicles honked at the pedestrians, one vehicle made a right turn onto Michigan Street and struck at least two women standing in the road, according to the group.

One of the two women received medical treatment at a local hospital afterward, according to fellow protesters. Witnesses didn't provide further details regarding her injuries.

"I felt let down by the authorities," said Gema Lowe, organizer of the Interfaith Worker Justice Center, and a protester at the Jan. 19 march.

"They were there but showed no humanity. They didn't ask if anyone was hurt."

Apoyando a los #Dreamers Apoya tu tambien compartiendo Minuto 15:25 ayuden a identificar a este individuo que se echo encima de los manifestantes. Posted by La Tremenda de Michigan on Friday, January 19, 2018

Grand Rapids police officers were dispatched to a report of people protesting in the street that day, and helped a pair of Kent County Sheriff's deputies clear the roads so traffic could resume.

Grand Rapids Police Capt. Geoff Collard said officers from his department didn't witness a vehicle strike any pedestrians while on scene.

"Individuals stated that someone was bumped by a vehicle," Collard said. "Officers attempted to figure out who that person was. They were directed to a large group of individuals. When asked if they were hurt, there was a mention of an elbow but beyond that, nobody came forth and identified themselves as being hit.

"The discussion kind of shifted to whether it was someone's right to be in the roadway or not be in the roadway."

But organizers of the movement, known as Movimiento Cosecha GR, said "law enforcement officials present did not do anything to keep protesters safe."

"Instead, they put people at greater risk of harm, and at least one motorist violently assaulted two people who were protesting," Lowe said in a statement.

Protesters said two "federal agents," who were later identified as members of the sheriff's office, were waving vehicles through the intersection before people were out of the roadway.

Sergio Cira said he and his daughter were almost hit by a vehicle that had been waived on by an officer on scene as they attempted to exit the roadway.

"I never thought on that day that this would be a problem because normally people are law-abiding citizens and when there's someone in front of you, people are supposed to stop," Cira said. "I think that day set a dangerous precedent, which sent the wrong message to West Michigan residents.

"I know we might have held them back 15-20 minutes, but I don't think it's worth driving over people or hitting people."

Organizers of the protest aired video footage of the incident Wednesday during a press conference at The Micah Center, 2010 Kalamazoo Ave. SE.

The video shows a silver Nissan Pathfinder making a right turn off of Ottawa Avenue into a group of protesters who were standing in the crosswalk. The vehicle then continued west on Michigan Street.

The video also depicts a conversation between a Grand Rapids police officer and protesters regarding the incident.

"So she was standing in the street?" the officer asks. "Technically you guys are at fault if you guys are blocking the roadway or impeding traffic. If there's a green light and people are trying to drive, you can't block the roadway."

Protesters argued to the officer that while the participants were blocking traffic, that doesn't give the driver the right to hit them with their vehicle.

"You know what would solve this whole problem?" the officer said in response. "Not impeding traffic."

The Jan. 19 protest was meant to challenge Congress to pass a clean Dream Act to create a pathway to U.S. citizenship for immigrant youth and young adults who came to the country as children.

Cosecha is a "nonviolent movement fighting for permanent protection, dignity and respect for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States," according to its website.

The movement was launched in July 2015 and is active in more than 20 states.

Police advise future protesters to notify local authorities and to get a permit with the city prior to hosting their peaceful protests.

"The Grand Rapids Police Department's response to any protest is our role in any situation like that is to make sure everybody is as safe as possible," Collard said. "Part of that speaks to letting us know ahead of time so we can properly staff the event so that we're not prohibiting your first amendment right to free speech but we can have proper staffing in place so we can ensure people's safety so nothing bad happens to anybody."

Collard said he wasn't aware of this group getting a permit to host its Jan. 19 protest. Gema, the organizer of Wednesday's press conference, said she did not know if anyone notified the police department prior to the event.

Police said the internal affairs department was reviewing the incident, though body-worn camera footage didn't show any officers behaving inappropriately while on scene.
LOWELL, MI - With rising floodwaters visible from the second-floor window of Lowell's city hall Thursday, Feb. 22, officials said they were prepared for the third-worst flood in the city's history.

On Thursday morning, the Grand River reached flood stage in Lowell - 15 feet. By Friday after 7 p.m., the river is expected to rise an additional 3.6 feet - at which point it will crest and remain that high for about 12 hours, City Manager Mike Burns said in a conference with reporters.

"One of the things I'm noticing about this community: flooding is something that just happens. People don't get really too worked up about it - but it's still very important that we are providing information to the public and responding to the needs of the community at this time," Burns said.

The 18.6-foot crest is less than a foot lower than the 2013 flood, when the river crested at 19.2 feet.

Kent County officials are closely watching conditions on the river in Lowell.

"Lowell's our barometer, because they're on the eastern side of the county," said Jack Stewart, Kent County emergency management coordinator.

Already, water has begun to seep into a neighborhood of about 30 homes south of Main Street between Monroe and Division in Lowell.

By Thursday, city officials had asked residents there to move their belongings out of their basements and out of the main floor of their homes to prevent loss in the flood.

No mandatory evacuation orders are in place, Burns said.

Flooding in Lowell 22 Gallery: Flooding in Lowell

A flood warning is in place for the Grand River across Michigan. The river is expected to crest in downtown Grand Rapids Saturday by 7 p.m. at 21.5 feet, just below the record level of 21.85 feet set in 2013.

Thursday, the fairgrounds in Lowell were underwater and water was beginning to surround the city's nearby wastewater treatment plant. Burns said the plant is built at an elevation that will keep it safe from flood waters.

"They (staff) may have to use a rowboat to get from the mainland to the plant, but the plant will be OK," Burns said.

During the 2013 flood Lowell police had to pull kayakers off the river due to unsafe conditions, and charged them with trespassing into people's backyards.

"We're just asking people to stay off the river," Police Chief Steve Bukala said. "It's a safety issue."

Lowell officials are also watching conditions in Ionia to see if any sewage overflows could cause unsanitary conditions in the river.
DETROIT, MI - Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday announced a broad plan to train Michiganders for the high-demand, high-wage careers that will power the state's economic future.

"Our country is facing a huge national challenge about getting people connected to careers," Snyder said at an unveiling of what he calls the "Marshall Plan for Talent" at the Michigan Science Center in Detroit on Thursday.

His plan focuses on training programs, incentives and financial assistance to connect people with high-demand, high-wage openings in fields like information technology, manufacturing, health care, professional trades and business.

The governor projects businesses in Michigan need to fill 811,000 jobs by 2024, with an average salary of more than $60,000 in high-demand fields. If Michigan doesn't act, he said, those good jobs could go unfilled.

"That would be tragic. We need to hit the accelerator, folks," Snyder said.

His plan is to take a chunk out of that by focusing initially on getting 55,000 Michiganders into those high-demand careers, he said, something that would generate billions of dollars of annual income. And the idea is to put Michigan on a path to be able to fill all 811,000 jobs, generating close to $50 billion in wages.

"It's all about getting the competencies, the skills to be successful, to do the work," Snyder said.

The program focuses heavily on partnerships between businesses and schools. It also promotes certificates that can lead to these types of careers, not necessarily a four-year college degree.

To implement the plan Snyder is proposing a $100 million investment from the state. The $100 million will be spent on things like:

Scholarships and stipends for low-income Michiganders seeking certifications in high-demand careers.

Providing incentives to teachers willing to get additional certifications into areas with shortages, like high school physics and career technical education.

Grants to schools creating 'world-class curricula' that collaborate with businesses to create or expand classes that help prepare students for high-demand careers.

Sharing best practices from those curricula and creating certification programs.

Grants to schools partnering with businesses to train kids on the same high-tech equipment real businesses use.

Incentives for increasing the number of students pursuing careers in cybersecurity.

An awareness and outreach campaign to promote career opportunities.

And beyond the monetary investment, Snyder is looking to rally the school, university and business communities around the plan. He plans to start a Michigan Innovative Teacher Corps to help replicate successful programs around the state and pave the way for businesses to partner with schools on training people in in-demand careers.

Poised to assist is Department of Talent and Economic Development Director Roger Curtis. As the nation struggles with this issue, he said, the plan was a chance for Michigan to be a leader.

"This is our moment. It's time to change the system. It's time to destroy the status quo. It's time for a revolution," Curtis said.

The plan's name, the "Marshall Plan for Talent," a reference to the comprehensive, U.S.-led effort to rebuild Western Europe after WWII. The governor sees this as a comprehensive, long-term plan bringing people together to accomplish a broad goal in Michigan.

Both Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive, and House Speaker Tom Leonard, R-DeWitt, spoke in support of the plan.

Meekhof said if Michigan doesn't act, and the talent isn't here, companies looking to expand "will go somewhere else." If the state is successful with these plans everybody's going to want to be in Michigan.

Note: This story has been updated to reflect Curtis's title.
In the aftermath of a school shooting that killed 17 students in Parkland, Fla. last week, high school students in Michigan are hoping the time is ripe for change across the country.

Joined by several Democratic lawmakers and candidates, as well as supporters from around the state, students from Kalamazoo Central High School stood on the steps of Michigan's state Capitol building in Lansing and demanded additional action and legislation to keep students safe.

"We are done being voiceless, we are done being pushed to the side, and we are done hearing stories of our peers being murdered," Kalamazoo Central senior Talia Edmonds, 17, told the gathered crowd. "The day after the Parkland shooting, we got together and decided that enough is enough."

Edmonds and other students from Kalamazoo Central came to the state Capitol Thursday after a Change.org petition they helped start last week to call for "comprehensive and responsible gun control" legislation earned more than 110,000 signatures.

Kalamazoo Central senior Reuben Glasser, 17, told reporters they planned to meet with state lawmakers in Lansing following the rally to encourage support for new gun legislation and safety measures.

"It's not just about Democrats or Republicans, it's about the safety of the people, because the safety of the people matters much more than whatever party you're part of," he said. "We're looking to actually create sensible laws."

The rally comes as conversations and calls for change continue in the aftermath of a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. on Feb. 14, where 17 students were killed by a 19-year-old shooter.

Many Stoneman Douglas students have become outspoken advocates of gun control legislation since the shooting occurred, taking to social media and speaking to national news outlets about the need for change.

Gun rights advocates have been critical of those attempting to turn the conversation towards gun control laws.

In a Thursday speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, National Rifle Association executive vice president and CEO Wayne LaPierre said the focus should be on those recovering from the tragedy: "As usual, the opportunists wasted not one second to exploit tragedy for political gain," he said.

"We share a goal of safe schools, safe neighborhoods and a safe country," LaPierre told the crowd. "For them it's not a safety issue - it's a political issue...their solution is to make you all of you less free."

President Donald Trump held a listening session this week with victims of gun violence this week, and has said he's open to changes such as comprehensive background checks and a ban on bump stocks.

On Twitter Thursday, Trump also said he believed giving concealed guns to teachers with military experience or special training could help deter prospective shooters.

Highly trained teachers would also serve as a deterrent to the cowards that do this," he wrote. "Far more assets at much less cost than guards. A "gun free" school is a magnet for bad people. ATTACKS WOULD END!"

In Michigan, Republican leaders in the state House and Senate have been staunch advocates of pro-gun legislation and Second Amendment rights. Last November, the Senate passed legislation that would allow concealed carry permit holders bring guns into schools after additional training, and the House passed legislation last year that would let gun owners carry concealed weapons without a license.

Democrats at the Michigan Capitol rally said they would continue to push for legislation they say would make students and others susceptible for gun violence safe.

"It's easier to childproof our weapons than bulletproof our children," said state Rep. Robert Wittenberg, D-Huntington Woods.

Students from other high schools who were on the Capitol lawn Thursday said they were inspired by the activism shown by their peers in Florida and across the country.

Lily Ferris and Kennedi Carpenter, who are both seniors at Holt High School in Holt, Mich., said they're hoping the activism shown by young people after the Florida shooting makes lawmakers listen.

"If no one says anything about it, it's just going to keep going on and on - it's been an issue for a while," Ferris said. "Even though I am only 17, I feel like I can still make a difference and open people's eyes."

Carpenter said she was getting involved because she is angry that students still have to deal with this.

"It's been 5 years since Sandy Hook, and it's just getting worse," she said. "It's scary now, almost, to go to public school. The fire alarm goes off and we're like, 'Oh my gosh, is something bad going to happen?'"

"Something needs to be done, because it's getting old," Carpenter continued.
House lawmakers want to make English the official language of Michigan.

Republicans led the way in passing a bill Thursday that would require its use in public records. State departments and local governments still could publish documents in other languages.

Rep. Tom Barrett, a Republican from Potterville, says Michigan is a diverse state. But he says diversity with "no shared values" drives people into their "own corners." He and other supporters say the bill will encourage assimilation.

Rep. Vanessa Guerra voted no. The Saginaw Democrat says the bill could isolate people whose English skills are limited. Another critic, Rep. David LaGrand of Grand Rapids, says it's a "dark moment" for the country if diversity is not embraced.

The bill heads next to the Senate. It would need to pass the full Senate and get a signature from Gov. Rick Snyder to become law.
AU GRES, MI -- Low levels of toxic flourochemicals have been verified in a seven-county Lake Huron bulk drinking water supply system that serves more than 260,000 people in Midland, Saginaw, Bay City and dozens of other Michigan communities.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality disclosed the discovery of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances called PFAS or PFCs in the Saginaw-Midland Municipal Water Supply Corporation (SMMWSC) system on Wednesday, Feb. 21.

The municipal utility system draws Lake Huron water through two intakes off Whitestone Point near Au Gres, where the contaminants were discovered in finished water last year.

Total PFAS in Au Gres water tested at 9.7 parts per trillion (ppt), according to a Dec. 13, 2017 letter by DEQ external relations director Sue Leeming. Of that, 4-ppt was combined PFOS and PFOA.

The @MichiganDEQ notified Saginaw-Midland Municipal Water Supply Corp. wholesale water customers of Au Gres #PFAS results on 12/13/2017. This was sent to Bay County Department of Water and Sewer: https://t.co/rk46coRbqo pic.twitter.com/7nnf3hgcfQ  Garret M. Ellison (@garretellison) February 22, 2018

DEQ collected "verification" samples Dec. 7 and Jan. 11 from the utility's water intake line and two major pipelines. Low PFAS levels were found in every sample.

Total PFAS in raw water ranged from 1.3-ppt to 5.3-ppt in the sampling rounds. The highest combined PFOS and PFOA sample was 2.7-ppt.

The concentrations are well below the Environmental Protection Agency health advisory level of 70-ppt for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water, although there's scientific debate about the adequacy of that benchmark for protecting public health.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked in human studies to certain cancers, thyroid disorders, elevated cholesterol and other diseases.

DEQ did not identify a PFAS source, but advised localities to begin evaluating treatment options "due to the uncertainty on the source of this contamination in Lake Huron."

Neither Michael Quinnell, SMMWSC system general manager, nor Kim Mason, Saginaw water director, had seen DEQ verification sampling results when contacted by MLive on Feb. 16. Calls to water system managers in AuGres and Midland were not returned.

Quinnell couldn't say whether there had been any public notification. He downplayed the seriousness by noting lower concentrations than "what we're seeing in other areas of the state."

"We're testing at parts per trillion," he said. "That's 0.000004 parts per million."

"Obviously, there's a big concern about Rockford and the air base to the north of here in Oscoda," Quinnell said, referencing the PFAS contamination caused by Wolverine World Wide waste dumping in Kent County and U.S. Air Force groundwater pollution caused by firefighting foam used at the former Wurtsmith Air Force base.

PFAS from Wurtsmith and upstream at Camp Grayling has been draining to the Au Sable River and Lake Huron since the military began using AFFF firefighting foam in the 1970s.

Mason said Saginaw hadn't conducted independent testing of its water system after being notified of Au Gres results by Quinnell on Dec. 14.

The news is concerning, she said.

"When we read the reports in other communities, it wasn't something we thought we'd have a problem with," she said. "I can't say it's completely shocking, but it isn't something I thought would be a concern looking at the source of water we're using."

The SMMWSC is a joint venture between Saginaw and Midland established in 1946. The non-profit municipal corporation operates three pumping plants which feed parallel 48- and 72-inch pipelines running south to the Tri-Cities area.

According to the DEQ, more than 50 communities source water from the system, including the Sims-Whitney Utility Authority, Linwood Metro Water District, the Saginaw-Chippewa Indian Tribe, the cities of Au Gres, Omer, Standish, and other Tri-Cities area suburbs.

The DEQ's Feb. 21 letter was copied to wholesale water customers, local health departments, Gov. Rick Snyder's office and the EPA.

The DEQ recommended affected water systems monitor for PFAS on a quarterly basis, sample finished water at treatment plant taps, notify the public and "minimize public exposure to the extent reasonably possible" by evaluating adjustments in treatment and conducting cost/benefit studies on the feasibility of installing new technology.

Conventional water treatment technologies do not remove PFAS.

In Kent County, where private and public water supplies have been contaminated by PFAS, Plainfield Township is installing a $400,000 granular activated carbon system on its 40,000-customer system to remove PFOS and PFOA presently detectable at 6.8-ppt.

PFAS was also confirmed in 2016 at similarly low levels in the Huron Shores Regional Water Authority (HSRWA) system in Tawas.

Other Michigan municipal systems with confirmed PFAS detections include Ann Arbor, Grayling and the village of Sparta.
JACKSON, MI - Nearly $1.5 million will flow into Jackson County municipalities if a new state road funding bill can get approval from the Senate and Gov. Rick Snyder.

The $175 million one-time allocation was approved unanimously by the Michigan House of Representatives on Wednesday, Feb. 22.

Of the total, about $38 million goes to cities and villages, about $68 million to counties and about $68 million goes toward state trunklines.

Jackson County would see the biggest chunk of all area municipalities, receiving about $1.17 million.

Here's a list of the municipalities in the area that would receive funds:

Jackson County: $1.17 million

Hillsdale County: $486,000

City of Jackson: $272,000

City of Albion: $66,000

City of Hillsdale: $64,000

City Jonesville: $19,000

City of Leslie: $15,000

Village of Brooklyn: $10,000

Village of Concord: $10,000

Village of Grass Lake: $10,000

Village of Stockbridge: $8,000

Village of Parma: $6,000

Village of Springport: $6,000

Village of Cement City: $5,000

Village of Hanover: $5,000

For the breakdown of all counties, cities and villages in Michigan, click here.

This would likely be most visible in 2019 projects for the county, Jackson County Department of Transportation Managing Director Christopher Bolt said. JCDOT is excited about the bill, Bolt said, and he hopes to bump up projects that were planned for 2020 and 2021 for next year.

"We have got all kinds of roadwork planned," Bolt said. "We have yet to decide specifically how the money will be used. Bottom line is, every dollar will go into the roads."

The money could reconstruct about 4 to 5 miles of road, lay 10 to 12 miles of asphalt or chip seal 50 miles of road, Bolt said.

City Engineer Jon Dowling said the city of Jackson hasn't discussed yet how its funds would be used.

Potential funds can only be used for the construction or preservation of roads in the counties, cities and villages, per the legislation. The money would come out of the state's general fund, the bill said.
ST. JOSEPH, MI -- The U.S. Coast Guard and local agencies are rescuing people stranded by the flooding on the St. Joseph River in Southwest Michigan.

After the St. Joseph station of the U.S. Coast Guard received a call around 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, crews were sent out to assist two people living in a mandatory evacuation zone in Berrien County's Sodus Township, according to a news release.

After the rescue, crews began doing house-to-house rescues and assisting with evacuations.

More than 40 people have been rescued in flooded neighborhoods in the area, southeast of Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, according to the release.

Coast Guard stations in St. Joseph and Michigan City, Ind., are assisted by Royaltown Township and Sodus Fire Departments.

"These operations highlight our inter-agency cooperation and notable working relationship between the Coast Guard and local responders," Lt. Cmdr. Bryan Swintek, search and rescue coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, said. "This is a result of our collective training between Station St. Joseph and partnering agencies."
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KALAMAZOO, MI -- Grand Rapids' deputy city attorney was hired to serve as Kalamazoo County's chief legal officer.

After interviewing three candidates Tuesday, the Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to offer a contract to Elizabeth White, who has represented Grand Rapids for 15 years. Administrator Tracie Moored said White accepted, and both parties will negotiate contract in the next week.

White was chosen to serve as corporation counsel over Assistant Kalamazoo City Attorney Richard Cherry and Traverse City attorney Christopher Cooke. Before finalists were chosen, more than 40 people applied for the position.

She replaces Thom Canny, who transitioned into a role as County Circuit Court and Probate Court administrator last winter.

Chairwoman Stephanie Moore said she was satisfied with the quality of candidates the board had to choose from.

"It was a pretty tough choice," Moore said. "I believe (we) came up with a very good, qualified candidate for this position."

A contract has yet to be drafted, but Moored said White will likely make more than $100,000.

White started as Grand Rapids assistant city attorney in 2002, becoming deputy attorney in 2008 and serving as interim city attorney when Catherine Mish left City Hall for private practice in 2016.

In her application for the position, White said it's time for her to pursue new opportunities outside Grand Rapids.

The corporation counsel is responsible for providing legal advice to the Board of Commissioners and county departments, dealing with claims and lawsuits filed against the county and coordinating with external counsel.

White will be responsible for drafting and reviewing contracts, responding to Freedom of Information Act requests, researching how legislative and statutory changes affect county government and performing other similar duties.

White was an assistant city attorney for Muskegon and North Muskegon, also advising township and villages in the area, from 2001-02. Before that, she served as assistant city attorney in Dearborn.

She graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in public administration and obtained her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy.

In her application, White stated that she has never been convicted of a crime.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- It's not being called an emergency yet, but Kalamazoo County officials are preparing for potentially record-breaking floods this weekend.

Officials from the city of Kalamazoo, its Department of Public Safety and the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. Thursday in the Community Room at City Hall, located at 241 W South St. The goal is to brief the public on what to expect this weekend, as a flood warning remains in effect.

"The main concerns are flooding across the roads, access to institutions like Bronson Hospital and also property damage," said Deputy City Manager Jeff Chamberlain.

Record-breaking flooding is predicted for the Kalamazoo River at Comstock, the National Weather Service Grand Rapids reported Thursday. Runoff and water from smaller tributaries will continue to run into the river and raise it to an estimated 11.4 feet by late Saturday night.

A combination of rain and snow that began melting since temperatures began to rise put many streets, businesses and parking lots in flood prone areas under water.

Chamberlain said emergency management crews are coordinating street closures and creating a web page to release up-to-date information.

Bronson Hospital is expected to remain accessible, Chamberlain said. Local shelters are organizing to make room for families who are displaced.

The Kalamazoo River was recorded at almost 10 feet Thursday afternoon. The last time the Kalamazoo River in Comstock Township was at such levels was in 1947 when it reached 10.9 feet.

Public Services Director James Baker said frost has created an impervious condition for the soil, which makes it more difficult to be absorbed.

"Water moves off the ground quicker, which means it gets into Portage Creek and the Kalamazoo River faster and creates more (of a) flood hazard," he said. "Frozen ground is making the situation worse."

When the Kalamazoo River crested at 10.43 feet in 2008, severe flooding caused damage to Kalamazoo businesses and disrupted traffic south of downtown.

From the 2008 experience, Chamberlain said Kalamazoo learned which areas of the city will experience the worst flooding.

Severe flooding is being experienced across Michigan this week.

On Wednesday, Lansing city and township officials began outlining neighborhood evacuations and declared a state of emergency. The city of Niles also declared a state of emergency.

"We're not calling it an emergency situation yet," Chamberlain said. "We want the public to be proactive. The city and the county are working together to be proactive and get people information."

According to the National Weather Service, 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet and a depth of 2-feet will float a car. Never try to walk swim or drive through swift water.
OTSEGO, MI - Otsego Public Schools will be closed Thursday.

The threat of violence made by one of its students early this week, joined by a threat of violence made on social media Wednesday against nearby Plainwell Community Schools, has caused enough concern for Otsego administrators to have their students stay home on Thursday, Feb. 22.

Plainwell Community Schools will remain open but officials indicate there will be an additional police presence there.

Thursday was the day an 18-year-old Otsego student allegedly told some other students to stay home, indicating he planned to shoot up Otsego High School in a manner worse than what was done last week at a high school near Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Seventeen people were killed and 14 injured on Feb. 14 by a gun-wielding student there.

The threat in Otsego was echoed on social media Wednesday evening with some area people worried about a Snapchat post that warned students about attending school on Thursday in Plainwell or Otsego.

School officials have said they find no credibility in those postings.

Asked if the Otsego student explained why he made the threat (following his arrest on Tuesday), Otsego Police Chief Gordon Konkle said, "He said, 'I was in a bad mood.' ... He said it was all a joke. He told the principal there he was having a bad day."

On its Facebook site, Otsego Public Schools reiterated in a 10:30 p.m. Wednesday posting that police and administrators found no credibility in that threat - nor a threat being investigated Wednesday by Plainwell Public Safety. But they said, "We have made the decision to close school for tomorrow (Thursday)."

They stated that the district's BASE (Before and After-School child care) program will be open at Dix Street Elementary and there will still be a police presence on campus.

On its Facebook site Wednesday night, Plainwell Community Schools announced that district and Plainwell Public Safety are aware of a social media threat that was sent to many students on Wednesday and stated: "Plainwell Public Safety is currently investigating and we feel that the threat is not credible. As a precaution, there will be additional police presence at the school tomorrow. We will update as necessary."

It did not announced any closure of its schools.

The Otsego student who threatened violence was awaiting arraignment Thursday in Allegan District Court on two counts of making a terrorist threat. Each is a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, upon conviction.

Chief Konkle said one of the charges is a result of the young man telling another student about his ideas as the they returned by bus to the Otsego campus Monday afternoon. They had spent the school day in vocational-technical training in Allegan.

The second charge is a result of him allegedly admitting what he had said to school administrators and to police on Tuesday morning. Konkle said the student who first heard the threat told school officials on Monday afternoon but the young man had left campus by that time.

The young man was questioned the following morning after he arrived at school, as were some other students who allegedly heard the threat, Konkle said.

Konkle said the student who first reported the threat told officers the young man said he was going to do violence and "it was going to be worse than it was in Florida." Asked what the student meant, Konkle said officers were told, "He pointed at her like he had a gun."

She was among those he apparently warned not to come to school on Thursday.

Konkle said the female student said she felt bad about what she heard.

Police arrested the young man after questioning him Tuesday. He was being held in the Allegan County Jail. Konkle said they did not find any weapons in his possession or at his home. He said the young man's family has been cooperative.

"They are shocked," he said.

About the teen, he said, "We don't find anything that is alarming. But in this day and age, you don't know."

He also said, "We've got to be safe as opposed to sorry."

In an email to MLive, an Otsego student said some high schoolers were worried about attending school on Thursday, fearing that the student who made the threat may not have been alone in what he threatened to do.
CHESANING, MI -- Chesaning village officials call the recent land rush for medical marijuana facilities a "whirlwind."

So far, the Village Council has approved licenses for two provisioning centers or dispensaries and several grow/process facilities.

But after Tuesday night's meeting on Feb. 20, the craze for the blaze will come to a pause.

The village Council passed a 180-day moratorium on new applications for medical marijuana facilities that will go into effect on July 1.

Chesaning village Administrator Troy Feltman said new applications can still be accepted until July.

"The state has not completed their final rules through LARA and in all honesty we've got a bunch of one-person departments, so we're a little overwhelmed trying to keep pace," Feltman said. "I think the idea is let's catch our breath. Let's see what the state comes out with, see if we have to modify either our ordinance or our rules."

In June 2017, the Village Council opted into the state medical marijuana facilities act and since then the interest in medical marijuana facilities has taken off. The following is a list of locations that have been approved for grow/process facilities in the village of Chesaning :

Grow and process licenses - 624 Brady St.

A site where 40 acres was purchased. It will have seven grow licenses and four processing licenses -700 N. Main St.

Grow and process licenses - 1117 N. Main St.

"They opted in with the mindset that the only cap they put on any of the facilities was provisioning centers ... and they set that at two," Feltman said. "So the remainder grow, processing, et cetera are unlimited."

Another request for a property located at 1100 W. Brady was tabled until the next Planning Commission meeting.

The property is 450,000 square feet and hopeful buyers are calling the location Cannabis Business Park.

The request was tabled because of how close it would be to a state-licensed day care center located inside Trinity United Methodist Church, 1629 Brady St.

"They lease space for a private day-care center there," Feltman said

He said the ordinance requires the marijuana facilities to be 1,000 feet from any property line containing an elementary, secondary or vocational school.

The Planning Commission suggested getting feedback from lawyers before making any decisions about the land. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 27.

The Rev. Timothy Woycik of Trinity Church said he has concerns about the facilities being so close to the church as well as schools and businesses.

However, Woycik said he understands that people who are in pain or have cancer might benefit from the marijuana facilities.

But he said he does not understand why "Chesaning is already becoming a glamour site for the marijuana industry."

"Right now a lot these business that are seeking to come into Chesaning are coming in under the idea that they are providing medical marijuana," Woycik said.

Over time, he said he thinks that idea could change if a proposal for using marijuana for recreation gets on a ballot. Woycik said he thinks Michigan could become a recreational marijuana-use state.
After a massacre at a Florida high school last week, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said today he's ordered his deputies to begin carrying rifles on school grounds.

During a Wednesday press conference, Israel said he'll be arming the trained school resource deputies. When not in use, the weapons will be locked in deputies' patrol cars, according to the Associated Press.

Gun locks and lockers will also be arranged.

Fourteen students and three adults were killed when a former student opened fire with an AR-15 last week at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Others remain hospitalized.

The suspect remains in custody.

Israel said school district officials support his decision.
PARKLAND, FL -- Students who survived the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School last week have already raised more than $1.2 million through a GoFundMe campaign to financially support efforts to march through the streets of Washington later this year.

The march, known as the "March for our lives," is being organized in effort to promote changes to gun laws in the country after 17 people were killed last week in the shooting at the high school.

"On March 24, the kids and families of March For Our Lives will take to the streets of Washington DC to demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today.

"March with us in Washington DC or march in your own community. On March 24, the collective voices of the March For Our Lives movement will be heard," reads the mission statement on the march's website.

To help fund the event, Stoneman Douglas student Cameron Kasky launched the crowdfunding campaign on Sunday. As of Wednesday morning, the campaign had already generated $1.2 million in donations from more than 16,000 people.

In a statement on the crowdfunding campaign's page, Kasky explained the reasoning why he is asking for donations.

"I created the #NeverAgain movement as well as the March for Our lives. Our team has been working hard since day one.



"The funds will be spent on the incredibly difficult and expensive process that is organzing a march like this. We have people making more specific plans, but for now know that this is for the march and everything left over will be going to the victims' funds.



"We will have all the funds put into our website's donation page," Kasky wrote.

The campaign has a goal of $2 million but can earn more than that if donations pour in.

While the march in Washington is the focus of this campaign, sister marches across the country are also scheduled for March 24, including one in Ann Arbor, according to the March for our lives Facebook page.
President Donald Trump had a little help in hand when he met with high school students and teachers in the White House Wednesday in the wake of last week's deadly school shooting in Florida.

The students asked him to find ways to protect schoolchildren from gun violence after 17 students and teachers were killed in a Broward County school by a former student who walked into the building with an AR-15.

Trump described the meeting as a "listening session." He promised to be strong on background checks, and floated allowing some teachers to carry guns, the Associated Press said.

He also held handwritten notes. The paper seemed to have five points he wanted to make during the session. "What would you most want me to know about your experiece?" said one talking point.

The reminder "I hear you" was written in black marker.
It's a little hard to believe Cameron Maybin is only 30 years old.

That's because Detroit Tigers followers have been familiar with him for more than a decade, starting with the homer off Roger Clemens in the summer of 2007 and then being involved in a trade that shaped the future of the franchise just months later.

A decade later, he's back with the Marlins, signing a one-year deal after spending last season with the Los Angeles Angels and Houston Astros.

In 2007, he was part of the blockbuster trade that helped Detroit land Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis. (Andrew Miller was in that deal, too.)

"I'm excited about what I can bring back as a little older player," Maybin told reporters Wednesday. "I'm here to help lead in the right direction and create a culture of togetherness."

Maybin will have a chance to play everyday for the Marlins, because new owner Derek Jeter traded away the starting outfield from the 2017 season, including star Giancarlo Stanton.

Maybin did bat .315 over 94 games with the Tigers in 2016 as well.
LANSING - While floodwaters are receding on the Southeast side of the state and Lansing's high water levels are on track to crest tonight near record highs, more water is flowing into rivers in some parts of Michigan than meteorologists had initially predicted.

Both the Kalamazoo River and the Grand River are seeing the water levels rise rapidly, the National Weather Service said in a forecast update today.

The Kalamazoo River at Comstock Township has shifted into a major flooding zone, joining the Grand River in Comstock Park, north of Grand Rapids.

Flood warnings were extended in those areas today.

Both of those rivers are expected to crest on Saturday.

Brian Meade, a meteorologist with the NWS in Grand Rapids, said to pinpoint exactly how much the recent heavy rains, snow melt and frost melt will make the rivers rise during these large-scale events can be tricky.

And it can mean adjusting the forecasted river crests frequently.

"It's turning out to be a very significant event for our area," Meade said.

In Lansing, the flooding is akin to historic levels in 1975. In Kalamazoo, it's turning out to be higher than anticipated.

Along the Grand River from Ionia stretching into West Michigan, the flooding is expected to be similar to devastating scenes from 2013. It could also top those levels, the NWS said.

More water is pouring into the Thornapple River basin - and then into the Grand - than was initially thought.

"We need to ... prepare for the same scenario," Meade said, referencing the 2013 flood. "We need to prepare for the worst."

To see information on the river levels in your area, check here.

The National Weather Service has plotted out the crest times and levels for points along the Grand River and the Kalamazoo River:
UCOM prolongs the unlimited internet offer for the level up 4700 and level up 5500 subscribers

Ucom employees received recognition for their services to the homeland

Karen Vardanyan has allocated 105 million AMD to rescue the Yerevan Botanical Garden.

"The Power of One Dram" to overcome childhood cancer

Google Ad

Generation A 13  your chance to be the change

President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan met with Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Khovayev

"uDays" special offer at Ucom: discounts for all smartphones and accessories for 2 days only

For more than 3 hours, 50 or more Azerbaijani servicemen have blocked the interstate road

Call on the international community for an adequate response against azerbaijani aggresssion

Transformation and trust are important for success in modern banking. Artak Hanesyan

UCOMS LEVEL UP 1700 REGIONAL TARIFF PLAN USERS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN THOSE IN YEREVAN

Joint statement

Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group

Covid-19: 163 new cases in Armenia

Armenia: Remarks by Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi at the press point with Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan

The United States Welcomes Azerbaijans Release of Armenian Detainees and Armenias Actions to Facilitate Demining

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The Coronavirus-Related Situation in Armenia

International aviation: Council greenlights signing of major agreements with four countries

With UCOMs level up tariff plans subscribers have unlimited access to Netflix, Duolingo and Zoom

Armenia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the early parliamentary elections

Armenias Parliamentary Elections PRESS STATEMENT

COVID19:77 new cases

Armenias early parliamentary elections were competitive and well run, but polarized and marred by aggressive rhetoric, international observers say

International election observers to Armenias early parliamentary elections held press conference

Drop Charges Against Rights Defender Sashik Sultanyan

The Coronavirus-Related Situation in Armenia

The European Union in Armenia calls all parties to contribute to a peaceful Election Day to celebrate democracy

22 ventilators to Armenia

PACE to observe the early parliamentary elections in Armenia
bigbasket.com: India's largest Online Supermarket

Online grocery store BigBasket expects to beef up its marketing spend and strengthen its technology and back-end farmer supply chain.

In an exclusive interview to Moneycontrol, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Hari Menon said the BigBasket targets to be a billion-dollar company, and aims to touch a turnover of Rs 6,500 crore by 2020.

The company closed the previous financial year 2016-17 with Rs 1,410 crore in revenue. It has broken even in two key markets  Bengaluru and Hyderabad  and is expected to break even in Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Chennai in the next three months.

BigBasket had recently crossed the eight million customers mark and operates in 30 cities, clocking Rs 200 crore in monthly run-rate.

With its presence in 30 towns and cities in India, Menon now plans to dig deeper into the cities it already has a foothold in, instead of focussing on expansion into more cities.

With Alibaba coming in who have invested $300 mln in our company, we want to focus only on growth, Menon said.

BigBasket is an Indian online grocery and food products provider, founded in 2011. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the brand is run by Innovative Retail Concepts Private Limited in 30 Indian towns and cities.

He further said that the firm is currently partnering with about 2,100 farmers across the country.

Along with partnering with farmers and gaining a larger customer base, the third big priority for the company is to become a leading employer for blue-collar workers in the country. The firms current employee strength is 16,000.

Menon also said they have strengthened the B2B business by expanding to the HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants and Caterers) segment and partnering with kirana stores in an effort to transform them into technology-enabled modern retail stores.

The company will increase its marketing spend in the coming years. It has also extended its agreement with their brand ambassador Shahrukh Khan for the third year.

Below is the verbatim transcript from the interview:

Q. How much is your total sales?

A. We are only online so last year we did a turnover of Rs 1400 crore and this year just crossed Rs 2000 crore.

Q. What are your expansion plans?

A. We are present in 30 cities, we are not expanding anymore. Our expansion is over. We are now going to consolidate and grow bigger in the cities we are in. So, no expansion of cities, no expansion of channels. We have got the full service model which delivers in slots, it is for the planned delivery service, we have got express service which delivers in 90 minutes for emergencies and top ups essentially perishables. Then we have got a speciality market place where all the speciality stores. So, these 3 channels are enough to serve the customers. We are looking to set up a large B2B service for HoReCa customers (Hotels, restaurants and catering) and large kirana stores.

We want to grow deeper and our idea is to become a billion dollar company by 2020.

Q. How much is your investment in this business?

A. We want to focus now on Alibaba coming in. They have invested $300 mln so we want to focus only on growth. Our backend is ready now. Backend is what we focused on for last 6 years, we are delivering well, customers are pretty happy.

Our matrix are doing really well in terms of order fill rates,in terms of order time delivery, in terms of in stock vs out of stock. So, the backend is working well now the focus is growth. Two things we will focus on to achieve that is large growth numbers. So, there will be tremendous spends on marketing. We have Shahrukh Khan as our brand ambassador, we have renewed our contract with him for one more year. We will focus more on being visible.

Second is as we enhance technology, to make customers life easier. We are making good use of technology and third is enhance infrastructure.So, essentially three things marketing, technology and infrastructure will be done from the fund raising that has happened.

Q. In technology, what will you largely focus on?

A. One thing we will focus more on is analytics, trying to understand customers better.

Q. What is kind of innovation you are coming up with for customers?

A. So from innovation stand point, you will see a lot happening on the customer facing side. One of the things you will see is single click check out. So in one click if you are wallet customer your payment will be done and you can quickly check out. We are building a very comprehensive marketing engine which allows all are users within the organization to use the various assets that we have in marketing effectively. There will be a marketing campaign and work closely with partners like HUL and P&G. So automate the entire process so thats another thing we are looking at. One of the key things which is going to be our driver is that there are 3 important things we are going to focus on going forward and you will see lot of innovation happening on that front.

One is that we want to be most preferred employers of blue collar workers in the country. We will make sure that 75 percent of our 16,000 employees are blue collar-delivery boys, warehouse pickers, packers, staff people etc. Second is we want to become the most preferred partner for farmers in India. We already work with about 2,100 farmers and we want to work very closely with them so that preferred choice for a farmer to supply the produce should be BigBasket and third is to become the best customer service or customers oriented company in India. So we will focus on blue collar workers, farmers and customers and in these 3 areas you will see innovation. Fundamentally, our focus is to grow the business much faster than what is grown till now.

Q. You said, you are sticking to 30 cities, but going forward if demand increases from Tier 2 Tier 3 cities so will you think of expanding then?

A. Our Tier 1 is still the biggest and Tier 2 cities we are really growing. We are doing a lot of work around places like Surat, Vadodara. We have done some pilots in these cities and they are responding extremely well. In the next 12 months, our entire focus is going to be on Tier 2 markets. We have 18 Tier 2 markets and 12 Tier 1 markets.

Q. What is your category expansion plan?

A. We will stick to the grocery. We dont have any expansion plan. Business model wise we do not have any plans. We do not want to start selling television and mobiles. We will remain in grocery, fruits and vegetables.

Q. Any plan of equilibrium, reaching to a break-even?

A. We have already broke even operationally in Banglore and Hyderabad and 3 more cities will break even in the next three months.m

Q. Any plans of inorganic growth?

No, nothing as of now.
A diesel oil pump is seen at a bus terminal in Vienna, Austria May 31, 2017. REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader - RTX38D8S

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The Centre told the Supreme Court today that it will supply the Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) auto fuel, both petrol and diesel variants, to retail outlets in Delhi by 1 April this year.

A Mint report mentions an affidavit by the Centre saying, After taking into account the serious pollution levels in Delhi and adjoining areas and as per the decision taken by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in consultation with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), it is respectfully submitted that BS-VI auto fuels will be supplied in all retail outlets of Delhi from 1 April, 2018.

The OMCs are Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, besides private-sector entities owned by Essar Oil and Reliance Industries.

The Bharat Standards for fuel are modelled after the European standards for fuel emissions. The focus being on the reduction of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) emissions.

The jump from BS-IV to BS-VI will primarily mean lower sulphur content. Presently, the sulphur content in BS-IV petrol and diesel is 50 parts per million (ppm). BS VI-grade fuels have a sulphur content of 10ppm.

An Autocar India article estimates that a BS-IV compliant car, running on BS-VI diesel would emit 50 percent less particulate matter, the main culprit for air pollution-related diseases.

The target for establishing BS-VI emissions as the norm across the country were revised for 1 April 2020 from an earlier target of 2022.

Another prominent order by the Supreme Court was banning the sale and registration of vehicles that are not Bharat Stage IV (BS-IV) compliant, passed on 31 March 2017.

The ban would have estimated losses of Rs 20,000-30,000 crore for the industry, according to SIAM.
Fortis Healthcare | Aberdeen Standard Investments (Asia) Ltd increased stake in company to 5.02 percent from 4.96 percent earlier via open market purchases.

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InGovern Research, the proxy advisory firm, has alleged that the promoters of Fortis Healthcare diverted the company's money to fund their own business interests without informing the shareholders.

A report by the firm called the episode a repeat of what happened at Satyam Computers and United Breweries (UB) Group.

"The issue of transferring funds to a wholly owned subsidiary which in turns lends to promoter entities, in order to skirt the shareholder approval requirement, seems to be a blatant fraud, the Bengaluru-based InGovern said in research report titled 'Fortis Healthcare: Repeat of Satyam?

Much like the Satyam cash, the cash and cash equivalents on the books of the company seem to be non-existent. The companys subsidiary has conveniently given the loans to related parties without seeking shareholder approval and regulatory filings," the report added.

InGovern Research alleged that the past actions at Fortis Healthcare about frequent restructurings and frequent resignations from directors has eroded investors' trust as well as wealth.

The report pointed out the recent disclosure by the company about promoters taking out Rs 473 crore without mandatory shareholder approval as a possible violation of Indian Accounting Standards and Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 requires companies to mandatorily seek shareholders approval to make inter-corporate investments and advances.

While 'deploying' Rs473 crore with promoter owned companies, Fortis, did not inform the stock exchanges either at the time of deploying these funds or when the entities became promoter entities. The company also failed to seek mandatory shareholder approval by routing the funds through a subsidiary, and there could be a possible violation of Indian Accounting Standards by classifying loans and advances to related parties (these promoter entities) as cash and equivalents, the report said.

InGovern also questioned the role of statutory auditors in not reporting the fraud to government as mandated under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act.

The statutory auditors Deloitte Haskins & Sells have a responsibility to the shareholders and should have reported to the regulator the reason for not signing off on the Q2 statements. The auditors should also have flagged off the entry of advances to promoter entities as cash & equivalents in the consolidated balance sheet of Fortis. On basis of Section 143, isnt it the responsibility of Deloitte to report this fraud to the Central Government? the report said.

Deloitte declined to comment citing confidentiality.

We are bound by confidentiality obligations and are unable to comment on client-specific matters," Deloitte said in a statement.

Fortis response

Moneycontrol reached out to Fortis for the company's response on the specific points raised by report. In response, its spokesperson mailed a statement.

It said the report contained certain insinuations which are misleading and done with questionable intent.

We take exception to any comparison with Satyam and UB Group as we believe that its a highly unfair allegation, Fortis said.

We also believe that there are some factual inaccuracies in the aforesaid report and independent statements and pieces of information have been intertwined out of context which may mislead the reader and create a wrong perception thereby harming the reputation of the Company, it added.

Fortis said it is considering taking appropriate action against the publisher of the report.
Battling cases in court, the Singh brothers of Fortis have issued a statement. It is a press statement that has been issued by Malvinder Singh and Shivinder Singh which says that, stakeholders should be assured that they will fulfill all their responsibilities and commitments.

In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Sandeep Parekh, Founder of Finsec Law Advisors and Amit Tandon of IIAS shared their views and outlook on the same.
Serious Fraud Investigation Office is likely to begin questioning auditors of banks and companies that are involved in the PNB case. The investigating agency will also probe the diversion of funds in other sectors by Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, sources told Moneycontrol.

The bank has been under the scanner since it has disclosed that a fraud worth Rs 11,400 crore had allegedly been perpetrated by jeweller Nirav Modi and insiders at a Mumbai branch.

Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) feels that this case is purely failure on the part of auditors.

A senior official of SFIO told Moneycontrol: We have started our initial work in this case. And our focus is to know how auditors were not able to identify Rs 11,400-crores liability in last 7-8 years.

For latest updates in the PNB case, click here.

SFIO director is also going to Mumbai to take stock of the situation in last week of February. And SFIO will investigate diversion of fund by Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi companies also, said another source.

Gitanjali group's audit committee is also under the scanner. A source told Moneycontrol, The audit committee should have known the money flow in the company as these fake LOUs generate cash in the company's books.

He added that Mehul choksi-promoted Gitanjali could be diverting money into real estate and stock market through benami transactions.

A participant in the diamond market told Moneycontrol on condition of anonymity that Gitanjali has created several subsidiaries which are used for investing funds in real estate. Gitanjali Infratech, an arm of Gitanjali Gems, developed a real estate project in Borivali by the name of Gitanjali heights.

Mehul Choksi created a company in the name of a low-grade employee for diverting money into stock market and rigged the stock of Gitanjali. Gitanjali has two broking firms also which were used for rigging in the stock market. Mehul Choksi was caught by SEBI in 2013 for price rigging in the companys stock; final orders are yet to pass in that case, said a former official of Gitanjali.

Also read: ED seizes Rs 94 cr assets, luxury cars of Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi

Moneycontrol also learnt that Nirav Modi has diverted funds into art collection. So far investigation agencies have not looked into his expensive art  paintings and sculptors  collection which are missing.

The government, on Monday, ordered the SFIO to probe around 110 companies and 10 limited liability partnerships related to diamantaire Nirav Modi and his business associate Mehul Choksi in relation to the Rs 11,400-crore Punjab National Bank fraud.
According to the EOW, the accused colluded with the former promoters of Religare Enterprises, Malvinder Mohan Singh and Shivinder Mohan Singh. (Image: Reuters)

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Malvinder Singh and Shivinder Singh  the embattled promoters of Fortis Healthcare and Religare Enterprises referred to as Singh brothers - on Thursday said they are doing whatever it takes to resolve the issues and are not going anywhere.

We wish to say that given the circumstances and immense challenges facing us today, we assure all our stakeholders that we are doing whatever it takes to resolve the issues and will not shy away from our current responsibilities, Singh brothers said in a statement.

Matters as large and complex as the ones being faced cannot be simplistically addressed and solutions require time, the Singh brothers added.

Singh brothers said many opinions and perceptions are based on limited information and dont necessarily reflect reality or the truth and sought patience in allowing them to share facts for more balanced views to emerge.

We assure that we are NOT going anywhere and are addressing the issues with responsibility and sincerity. We will not shy away from any and all processes, questions, clarifications that need to be addressed; and we will provide all cooperation to ensure that the truth comes forth, the Singh brothers said.

Singh brothers urged all stakeholders to support them in their effort and enable them to fulfill commitments and address the issues in the right manner.

The brothers said they are working tirelessly to restore the faith of all investors, shareholders, partners and colleagues.

Sometimes adversity empowers one to bring out ones best. In that lies our hope! the statement ended.

The statement comes at a time when InGovern Research, a proxy advisory firm alleged Fortis promoters of diverting companys money to fund their own business interests without informing the shareholders. And called the events at Fortis as repetition of what happened at Satyam Computers and United Breweries (UB) Group.

Fortis condemned the report and said the report contained certain insinuations which are misleading and done with questionable intent.

We take exception to any comparison with Satyam and UB Group as we believe that its a highly unfair allegation, Fortis said.

RoC swungs into action

The problems for Indias second largest healthcare provider just got even more complicated with the company in disclosure to exchanges on Thursday said that it has received notices from Registrar of Companies (RoC) - Punjab and Chandigarh seeking certain information and documents by March 3, 2018.

The company said it is in the process of collating the said information and will be sharing the same in due course.

RoC requests such information under Section 206(1) of Companies Act, 2013 when there is a fraudulent or unlawful purpose, or non-compliance with the provisions of this Act or investors grievances are not

being addressed.

The company is already under the scanner of stock exchanges and Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for possible violations related to disclosure norms and related party transactions.

The company in a recent disclosure said Rs 473 crore deployed in secured short-term investments with companies as part of treasury operations have become part of the promoter group due to a shareholding change in those entities.

Corporate governance experts say that there could be a possible violation of Indian Accounting Standards in the way the company classified loans and advances to related parties and they also argue that a shareholder approval is mandatory to route funds through a subsidiary, which the company seemed to have not taken.

Singh brothers received a setback in Supreme Court last week  as the top court dismissed their plea challenging Delhi High Courts order allowing Japanese drug maker Daiichi Sankyo to enforce a foreign arbitration award of Rs 3,500 crore.

With apex court order Singh brothers have almost no legal options left in India to block enforcement of the arbitration award.

The brothers said that they will challenge the award in Singapore courts.

In April 2016, an arbitration tribunal in Singapore had ruled in favour of Daiichi, directing the Singh brothers to pay around Rs 2,563 crore in damages, plus interest of 4.44 percent per year from November 7, 2008 till the date of the award.

The tribunal found the brothers guilty of making false claims in a self-assessment report and of fraudulently misrepresenting and concealing the genesis, nature and severity of the US regulatory investigations of Ranbaxy when Daiichi bought their 34.82 percent stake for USD 2.4 billion in 2008.

The promoters stake in Fortis Healthcare has come down from 34.43 percent to 5.87 percent with lenders invoking the pledged shares.
Former Corporate Affairs Secretary Tapan Ray is said to be in the race for the Insurance Regulatory and Development and Authority of India (IRDAI) chairman post, sources said. The insurance regulatory bodys chief post fell vacant on February 21 after TS Vijayan retired from the post.

Ray is a Gujarat cadre IAS officer who was also given the additional charge as interim economic affairs secretary after Shantikanta Das had retired. He is from the 1982 batch and an IIT alumnus. Further, he has also served as joint secretary in department of defence.

Also, he holds a a degree in public policy from Princeton University and another one in public administration from Syracuse University, USA

Sources close to the development said that he is being considered for the post. The government for the first time had said that they will also nominate eligible candidates for the IRDAI chairman post.

Sources also indicated that the government was open to having bureaucrats for the role.

The Finance Ministry had in November invited applications to fill up the post of IRDAI chairperson, after Vijayan's term got over in February.

As reported by Moneycontrol earlier, several senior insurance executives like G Srinivasan of New India, Sunita Sharma and Usha Sangwan of LIC are in the race for the post.

As per the eligibility criteria, the applicant shall not hold office beyond 65 years of age. However, the person would be eligible for reappointment and should have a minimum of 2 years of residual service on the date of vacancy or not more than 63 years of age on February 21, 2018.

While not all applicants may have five years of service left, they may be allowed to apply by the ministry. Sources also indicated that the government will also nominate senior IAS officials to apply for the post.

The applicant is required to have at least 30 years of work experience and should have served as secretary to Government or at equivalent level in other institutions.

The government has said that applicants from private sector can also apply for the post and should have worked as a CEO or equivalent of a large financial institution, the notification said.
The Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow have released the Navigator of Responsible Lending- India  a first of its kind report on the state of Indian consumer lending sector with respect to responsible lending practices.

Focusing on small ticket (up to Rs 15,000) personal and consumer durable loans across both banks and NBFCs, the first-of-its-kind research aims to introduce the Indian consumers especially first time borrowers to the concept of responsible lending practices, a press statement said.

Conducted from July 2017- December 2017, it evaluates the performance of industry along five selected parameters of loan application process, lenders public information, fees & charges, loan servicing and financial inclusion on the basis of information that a consumer would be able to access in public domain, through his loan journey.

The first edition of the Navigator of Responsible Lending- India seeks to set the standards of responsible lending in India, identifying the key parameters and creating an industry-wide institutional matrix and tool for self-regulation that will serve as the defining contours for responsible lending.

Industry players have been evaluated through secondary research of customer touch-points such as website, Points of Sale experience and company literature as well as by speaking to market players across a few geographies for qualitative inputs. It was unveiled in a gathering where eminent names from the industry deliberated on the topic of Responsible Lending: Expectations and Challenges in India.

In the personal loan category, Axis Bank, Fullerton Credit India, Home Credit India, Standard Chartered Bank excel in following a higher degree of responsible lending practices than peers through the loan application process whereas only Standard Chartered Bank and Tata Capital stand out for the financial inclusion parameter. Almost all the evaluated industry players performed well in the parameters of "Fee and Charges and `Loan Servicing.

For consumer durable loans, Bajaj Finserv, HDBFS and Home Credit India are the best performing players for the criterion on Loan Application Process whereas ICICI Bank excels in the Financial Inclusion parameter. HDBFS, ICICI Bank and Bajaj Finserv were found to be `Excellent. HDBFS, ICICI Bank and Bajaj Finserv were found to be `Excellent in the criteria of Lenders Public Information. In `Fee and Charges as well as `Loan servicing, nearly all respondents were found to be `Excellent.

Within the context of lending and borrowing, both the parties have mutual responsibility towards each other, to fulfil their respective obligations, with overall objective of making seamless experience for all. The aim of the study is to establish a framework of responsible and healthy relationship, which could result in secured and pleasant experience mutually, Ranjeet Mudholkar, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, FPSB India said.

The consumer lending industry in India is growing at a remarkable pace, with banks and NBFCs offering easy finance options for consumers to buy anything from a mobile phone to a car within minutes. While this is a sign of a progressive and growing economy, we wanted to look at the phenomenon through the prism of globally accepted practices of responsible lending, in light of the customers best interest and positive borrowing experience. Responsible lending is about transparent processes, ensuring affordability, transparency of terms and conditions and supporting a borrower to repay loans comfortably, Devashish Das Gupta, Associate Professor of Marketing Management, IIM(Lucknow), who led the study said.
Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Uttar Pradesh has "unlimited development potential" and the state can become India's growth engine.

Speaking during a session on industrial and infrastructure security at the UP Investors' Summit here, Singh said, "UP means 'Unlimited Potential' for development. UP has the potential to be India's growth engine..."

In the last 15 years, there were never such serious discussions and now development has staged a strong comeback, the Union minister said.

If there are any doubts in the minds of investors, then it is the right forum to remove them, Singh said.

He added that once UP was a frontline state, then due to some reasons it lagged behind other states, but now a turnaround is clearly seen in UP, and now there is a double digit growth.

Lauding Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Singh said, "The state government must be congratulated for its zero tolerance to crime and criminals, which has brought significant improvement in the confidence level of the people about the improvement in law and order scene."

This is result of conviction of the Chief Minister, he said, adding that if the law and order situation is not appropriate, then no investor will come.

With intense focus from government for initiating policies that would ensure time-bound creation of world class infrastructure in the country, it is expected that India will require investments of over USD 4.5 trillion by 2040 for the development of its infrastructure, according to the Economic Survey 2017-18.

"Uttar Pradesh is a land of infinite opportunities and it has the potential of being the growth engine of India. Lying along the fertile plains of Ganges with highest irrigated land in the country, the state of Uttar Pradesh has very hard working populace. They have the talent and ability to race ahead of anyone, if given right opportunities."

"You will be glad to know that approximately 12 crore people in Uttar Pradesh are in working age group. This gives the state unique proposition to reap maximum demographic dividend," Singh said.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs has liberalised the Arms Rules to boost "Make in Indiaa manufacturing policy of the Government as also to promote employment generation in the field of manufacturing of arms and ammunition in the country.

"I am extremely happy to know that the Government of Uttar Pradesh is planning for Defence Production Corridor' in Bundelkhand region. This will not only generate employment for the youth in Uttar Pradesh but also boost India's defence production," Rajnath said.
Russia has voiced opposition to a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution, drafted by Western powers, on renewing anti-Yemen sanctions, which also seeks a condemnation of Iran for allegations of violating an arms embargo on the war-torn Arabian Peninsula state.

(AhlulBayt News Agency) - Russia has voiced opposition to a UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution, drafted by Western powers, on renewing anti-Yemen sanctions, which also seeks a condemnation of Iran for allegations of violating an arms embargo on the war-torn Arabian Peninsula state.



During a Wednesday meeting of the Security Council, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said that instead of targeting Iran, the UNs proposed measure should focus on the issue of sanctions against Yemen.



We do not like condemnations at all, no, in general, AFP quoted Nebenzia as saying. It is a resolution about the extension of the working group, not about Iran. So we should concentrate on extending the working group first, he added.



Nebenzia was referring to the working group of independent experts who oversee the implementation of sanctions against Yemen.



Last week, Britain circulated a draft resolution that would renew sanctions on Yemen for another year and also condemns Iran for allegedly breaching the 2015 arms embargo on the country by "failing to take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer" of short-range ballistic missiles, UAVs and other military equipment to Yemens Houthi Ansarullah movement.



The Houthi movement has been defending Yemen against a bloody Saudi-led military campaign, which was launched in 2015 with the help of the US and the UK to reinstall the countrys former Riyadh-friendly government.



The draft resolution, backed by France and the US, calls for unspecified measures in response to the UN report about Irans alleged role in Yemen, stressing that the UNSC will take additional measures to address these violations, and that any activity related to the use of ballistic missiles in Yemen is a criteria for sanctions.



The UNSC is expected to vote on the draft resolution next week.



Reuters quoted a senior UN diplomat as saying on condition of anonymity that, It is fair to say the draft is not one the Russians are currently supportive of and they have made their views clear.



Another unnamed diplomat also said Moscow views the text as unacceptable.



In a Wednesday meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres Irans permanent representative to the world body, Gholam Ali Khoshroo, also warned the Security Council that its support for any unilateral measure can aggravate the situation in Yemen.



A group of UN experts monitoring the sanctions on Yemen reported to the Security Council in January that it had identified missile remnants, related military equipment and military unmanned aerial vehicles that are of Iranian origin and were brought into Yemen after the imposition of the targeted arms embargo.



The UN experts, however, said they were unable to identify the supplier.



Both Tehran and Sanaa have repeatedly rejected the allegations as a fabricated scenario, and said the armed forces of Yemen have strengthened their missile power on their own.



Iran, along leading international human rights organizations, has called for an immediate end to the sales of arms by Washington, London and other Europeans to Saudi Arabia and other aggressors, who are killing innocent Yemeni people on a daily basis.



Earlier this week, Tehran rejected fresh allegations by the UK and France of Iranian missile delivery to Yemen as foolish as the war-torn country has been kept under an all-out siege by the Saudi regime and its allies.



In late January, Nebenzia along with other UN Security Council ambassadors visited Washington to inspect debris purportedly from a Yemeni missile that reached deep inside Saudi territory in a retaliatory attack last year, with the US claiming that it was supplied by Iran.



Following the visit, the senior Russian diplomat said the purported evidence presented by the US is not conclusive, stressing there is no case for any UN action against Tehran, which he said is vehemently denying it is supplying anything to Yemen.



The Saudi war on Yemen has so far killed around 13,600 people and reduced much of the countrys infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and factories, to rubble.



The campaign and the siege have triggered the worlds worst humanitarian crisis in the country, as the UN has put it.



The US and the UK have been the main arms suppliers to the Saudi regime over the past three years.



During his first trip to Saudi Arabia last year, US President Donald Trump signed a $110 billion arms deal with the Saudis, with options to sell up to $350 billion over a decade.



According to statistics by the UKs Department for International Trade (DIT), Britains sales of military equipment to Saudi Arabia hit 1.1 billion in the first six months of 2017.



Tehran has on numerous occasions called on the Saudi regime and the coalition of its allies to end the war and allow Yemens political groups to resolve their internal conflict through intra-Yemeni dialog.



The Islamic Republic has also submitted a four-point peace plan on the Yemen crisis to the United Nations.



Khorshroo on Wednesday reaffirmed Tehran's readiness to cooperate with the new UN special envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, to put an end to the ongoing crisis in the country.









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Predictive supply chain platform, FourKites today said it has raised USD 35 million (about Rs 227.80 crore) in Series B funding to further its geographic and product expansion.

FourKites uses connections to more than four million GPS devices and a proprietary algorithm to provide precise arrival time predictions and real-time recommendations.

August Capital led the funding round, with additional investment from existing investors Bain Capital Ventures and Hyde Park Venture Partners.

"The funding will further fuel the company's plan to double its engineering talent pool and also build new teams by the end of this calendar year, 2018," said Arun Chandrasekaran, Co-founder & CTO, FourKites.

He further said, "we are going to be heavily investing in research and development, product & engineering. This includes omni-modal tracking & end to end visibility solutions and our predictive analytics capabilities. We will also invest in our operations to help our customers realise value and be successful.

Eric Carlborg, general partner at August Capital, will join the FourKites board, a company release said.

"Predictive technology is rapidly becoming an integral component of supply chain execution, as companies recognize its enormous value,a said Carlborg.

The company recently signed international deals with Unilever for supply chain tracking across Europe, and with AB InBev in South Africa.

Other FourKites customers include - Best Buy, Conagra Brands, KraftHeinz, Nestle, Perdue Foods, Smithfield Foods and US Foods.
Swedish home furnishing retailer IKEA has plans to invest Rs 3,000 crore in Maharashtra, as it wants to set up a distribution centre in Pune and multi-format stores and experience centres across Mumbai.

The investment is nearly 30 percent of its Rs 10,500-crore investment proposal that was approved by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board to open 25 stores. But Patrik Antoni, Deputy Country Manager-IKEA India said that the company will look to invest more than Rs 10,500 crore in future.

The Maharashtra operations will be led by Per Hornell, who joined IKEA India in March 2017. He will lead and develop implementation of multi-channel retailing in the state.

Out of the planned Rs 3,000-crore investment, the company would expend Rs 750 crores on setting up the first IKEA-owned distribution centre in Pune over the next 2-3 years.

The company has an existing warehouse facility in Chakan, Pune which for the time being will serve all IKEA stores in India.

The home furnishings giant will adopt a multi-channel approach that will make its products more accessible to customers, who would be able to experience and buy them at their convenience. Multiple touch-points will include the conceptual large format IKEA stores, experience centers and small format city center stores in the future.

The first IKEA store will open in Hyderabad later this year, while a store in Navi Mumbai will be unveiled in 2019.

IKEA has four sites in the states of Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi/NCR and it will add more land sites in other major cities.

Customers will be able to buy IKEA products online from 2019.

At present, IKEA sources components from 11 suppliers in categories such as textiles, carbon steel, metal and plastic in the state. IKEA plans to manufacture more of its products in Maharashtra and then look for new suppliers and diversify.

The Netherlands-headquartered company is looking to collaborate with the State Government and is looking for partners to source local sustainable raw material.

The company would create more jobs through its retailing and distribution center operations. Each IKEA store will engage 2,000 co-workers of which 800 will be directly employed.

Currently, there are 403 IKEA stores in 49 countries with a sales volume of euros 38.3 billion.
Traders predominantly carried forward bearish positions into the March derivatives series on expiry of the February contracts on Thursday, indicating that most of the long hands are out of the system and the ones who are left are on a wait and watch mode.

Market-wide rollovers stood at 81.33 percent compared to an average of 81.83 percent seen in the last three derivatives series, and 80.52 percent seen in the previous expiry.

The Nifty futures witnessed rollovers of 62 percent compared to an average of 67.3 percent seen in the last three expiries. The Roll cost for February series was 0.06 percent compared to January roll cost which was -0.06 percent. Positive rollover cost indicates room for upside in the short term.

Although February series started on a positive note ahead of the Budget, but the momentum fizzled out soon after the Budget was announced. Introduction of LTCG tax in the Budget, as well as weak global cues, led to a steep fall in Nifty, down 6.2 percent in February series.

The Nifty February series closed with the loss of 6.21 percent and registered its worst expiry since October 2008 in absolute points. February series closed with the loss of 687 points while October 2018 series closed with the loss of 1,413 points, Chandan Taparia, Derivatives, and Technical Analyst at Motilal Oswal Securities told Moneycontrol.

Before the Budget was announced, Nifty had a one-and-half-year high open interest of 25 million shares. However, it declined by 32 percent to 17 million shares towards the end of the February series.

The current open interest has fallen and is now at the last 10-month mean levels. This means the Nifty is getting light from leverage perspective which can limit downsides, Amit Gupta, Head-Derivatives Research at ICICI Securities told Moneycontrol.

On the other hand, the rollover cost has declined from 37 to 20 which shows the formation of short positions in the index in March series which can limit the upsides also for some time, he said. Call writers have been active at 10,700 strikes in Nifty and 25,500 strikes in BankNifty for March series.

Volatility on both US and the domestic front has seen a steady decline. The US volatility index has declined from 40 percent to 20 percent, while IndiaVIX has declined from 21 percent to 16 percent. This also suggests towards possible consolidation, suggest experts.

The Nifty concluded the February series with a loss of more than 6 percent over January expiry's close. This is the biggest fall in a particular series in last fourteen months. FIIs too participated well in this correction as they shorted decent amount of index futures in last month, Jay Purohit, Technical & Derivatives Analyst at Centrum Broking Limited told Moneycontrol.

As a result, their Long Short Ratio in index futures has decreased from 79.80 percent (January expiry) to 49.40 percent (February expiry). While in cash market segment, FIIs remained net seller in 15 sessions out of 18 trading sessions of February series. The cumulatively sold equities worth Rs 14,306 crore, which doesnt bode well for the bulls, he said.

Bank Nifty

Bank Nifty closed the series with a loss of 9.07 percent and registered the worst ever fall of around 2,500 points on expiry to expiry basis. It has seen rollover of 65.27 percent with roll cost of 0.12 percent.

Bank Nifty has been underperforming the Nifty index and a hold below 25,000 could see fresh decline towards 24,500 then 24,250 zones while hurdles are seen at 25,250 and 25,500 zones, said Taparia of Motilal Oswal Securities.

Call & Put options

On the options front, OI concentration is scattered at different strikes considering it is the beginning of March series. However, maximum Put open interest is placed at 10,000 followed by 10,200 strikes while maximum Call open interest is placed at 11,000 followed by 10,700 strikes.

"On the Nifty options front, 11,000 and 10,700 call options are attracting traders attention; while 10,000  10,200 put options has added huge positions. Considering the overall options activity, 10,000  10,700 would be a broader range for the Nifty in March series, said Purohit.

How is March series likely to pan out?

Considering overall derivative activity, analysts' expect Nifty to correct towards its 200-days exponential moving average (DEMA) placed around 10,000 levels. If the index starts closing above 10,400-10,500, then the view could tilt in favour of bulls, but till then it is a sell on rallies market.

"We are expecting Nifty to correct towards 10,000 mark in the coming month and thus, any bounce towards 10700  10750 should be used to exit long positions. Aggressive traders can even initiate fresh shorts around the mentioned zone," said Purohit of Centrum Broking Limited

"On stock front, good amount of long positions got rolled in stocks like IDBI, Ashok Leyland, Apollo Hospitals, Escorts, Hind Zinc and Bharat Forge. While counters like PNB, Union Bank, Just Dial, Repco Home, Lupin, Glenmark, etc had seen a huge correction in the last series and the shorts formed in these stocks got rolled to the March series as well," he said.

10 Stocks Witnessed bullish bias

10 Stocks Witnessed bearish bias
In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Richard Harris, Chief Executive at Port Shelter Investment Management shared his views and readings on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes and emerging markets.

Harries said that the FOMC minutes does not tell anything new.

Talking about dollar, he said dollar and US treasury yields rising in tandem is a temporary feature.

He further said that the US market may be paying more attention to the Fed minutes.

On India front, he said there is value in Indian equities because it look as if equities want to go up all around the world.

According to him, there is still some life in emerging markets yet.
The Nifty, which started with a gap-down weighed down by weak global cues, managed to recoup most of the losses and closed just 14 points lower, which made a small-bodied candle on the daily candlestick charts on the February expiry day.

The Nifty closed below its crucial short-term moving averages but after forming bearish candles in the last 4 trading sessions, the bears seem to be losing momentum and a bounce-back looks possible, suggest experts.

The Nifty, which opened at 10,354, rose to an intraday high of 10,397, which was the same level as the previous close. It slipped to an intraday low of 10,340, but bulls managed to narrow some losses as the index closed just 14 points lower at 10,383.

F&O expiry session proved to be a listless day as Nifty moved in a narrow range of 57 points before signing off the session with a small bearish candle, Mazhar Mohammad, Chief Strategist  Technical Research & Trading Advisory, Chartviewindia.in told Moneycontrol.

Interestingly last three sessions trading range is limited between 60  80 points suggesting that selling pressure might have exhausted as bears appears to have lost their momentum atleast for time being, he said.

Mohammad also said that twin momentum oscillators generated a buy signal on lower time frame charts prompting to him to adopt a bullish stance for the next couple of trading sessions. Hence, traders are advised to go long if indices close in positive terrain in next trading session, he said.

If bears manage to push the indices below 10,300 levels for at least one hour, then momentum on sell side shall pick up with a target placed around 10,080 kind of levels.

India VIX moved down 6.83 percent to 14.83. VIX has declined by more than 10 percent in last two trading sessions, which is reducing the pace of selling in the market.

We have collated the top fifteen data points to help you spot profitable trade:

Key Support & Resistance Level for Nifty

The Nifty closed at 10,382.7. According to Pivot charts, the key support level is placed at 10,349.77, followed by 10,316.83. If the index starts to move higher, key resistance levels to watch out are 10,406.57 and 10,430.43.

Nifty Bank:

The Nifty Bank closed at 24,955.2. Important Pivot level, which will act as crucial support for the index, is placed at 24,828.9, followed by 24,702.6. On the upside, key resistance levels are placed at 25,034.3, followed by 25,113.4.

Call & Put options

On the options front, OI concentration is scattered at different strikes considering it is the beginning of March series. However, maximum Put open interest is placed at 10000 followed by 10200 strikes while maximum Call open interest is placed at 11000 followed by 10700 strikes.

"On the Nifty options front, 11000 and 10700 call options are attracting traders attention; while 10000  10200 put options has added huge positions. Considering the overall options activity, 10000  10700 would be a broader range for the Nifty in March series, Jay Purohit, Technical & Derivatives Analyst at Centrum Broking Limited told Moneycontrol.

Sector Rollover

"Long rollovers are seen in Technology and Metal sectors while lower short rollovers are seen in Power, Infrastructure and Capital Goods space. The long positions are still stuck in PSU banking space and are getting rolled into March series. This may keep the upsides checked in this segment," Amit Gupta, Head-Derivatives Research at ICICI Securities told Moneycontrol.

10 Stocks Witnessed bullish bias

10 Stocks Witnessed bearish bias

FII & DII Data

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares worth Rs 2,335.34 crore, while domestic institutional investors bought shares worth Rs 1,059.42 crore in the Indian equity market, as per provisional data available on the NSE.

Fund Flow Picture

Stocks with high delivery percentage

High delivery percentage suggests that investors are accepting the delivery of the stock, which means that investors are bullish on the stock.

Bulk Deals

Karnataka Bank Limited: Macquarie Emerging Markets Asian Trading PTE Limited sold 17,48,000 shares at Rs 128.72 per share.

Indiabulls Real Estate: UBS Principal Capital Asia Limited bought 16,185,106 shares at Rs 211 per share while Orient Global Cinnamon Capital Limited sold 16,426,545 shares at Rs 211.01 per share.

(For more bulk deals click here)

Analyst or Board Meet/Briefings

Yes Bank: The management met investors from New Vernon Capital and Ward Ferry Management on February 21.

NBCC: The management met representatives from Wellington Management Group on February 21.

Stocks in news

Bajaj Finance: The company allotted 1451080 shares at Rs 2 apiece.

Fortis: The company informed that it received notice from Registrar of Companies. It said that it will further be sharing in due course.

Federal Bank: The bank is set to buy 26% in Equirius Capital.

PNB: The lender has sought shareholders' nod for share issue to the government worth Rs 5,473 crore.

KSB Pumps Ltd: The Board of Directors have recommended Rs 6 per share of Rs 10 each on 3,48,07,844 equity shares of Rs 10 each fully paid up as dividend for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Federal Bank to acquire 26% stake in Equirus capital

Fortis promoter holding falls to 3%

Genus Paper boards signs MoU with Maharshtra Govt to invest Rs 1050cr for setting up Kraft paper manufacturing unit to invest Rs 600cr for expansion of current facility

Great Eastern Shipping completed sale of its vessels

Indiabulls Housing Finance allots NCDs aggregating to Rs 3000cr

Adani Transmission receives the LOI of one inter-state transmission project in Rajasthan. The project has approx 200ckt kms of line

Corporation Bank - CARE downgrades rating for various bonds to negative due to continuous stress on asset quality and associated cost impacting

performance of bank

Prakash Industries EGM on March 17 to consider issue of convertible equity warrants to promoters and non-promoter investor on preferential basis

Yash Papers enters into MoU of Rs 73.44cr with UP govt to expand its paper unit III

Dilip Buildcon wins order worth Rs 157.23cr from Andhra Govt

Sanofi India Ltd: The Board of Directors of the Company has recommended a final dividend of Rs 53 per equity share of Rs 10 for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha today said there are no plans at present to merge BSNL and MTNL, but asserted that the strategic plan outlined for promoting synergy among state-owned telecom firms will strengthen and benefit both the organisations.

"There is no thinking in government on merging the two. But we are taking steps to ensure that collaboration between MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd) and BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd) strengthens and benefits both the organisations," Sinha said.

He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event to unveil the strategic plan for telecom and organisation under Department of Telecom.

DoT today unveiled a strategic plan for bringing together state-owned companies and organisations in the sector for promoting greater operational synergy among them, including effective utilisation of human resources as well as land and buildings.

Asked whether the telecom ministry will intervene in the ongoing face-off between established private operators under COAI and telecom regulator Trai over the latter's policies and regulations, the Minister pointed out that the regulator is "independent".

"Trai is an independent regulator. Whatever the ministry has to do, it will do so with fairness and without bias," he said.

Mobile operators under the aegis of COAI have alleged that decisions by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) have put all but one operator at a huge disadvantage, and that its regulations had distorted the market.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has also alleged that Trai's orders appeared "to be strengthening the ambitions of one particular operator with deep pockets and monopolistic designs at the expense of other operators" although it did not name Reliance Jio, which has hit the incumbent operators hard by its aggressive pricing of mobile services, especially data tariffs.
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As the fraud at PNB dominates headlines, more and more experts are arguing that keeping so many banks in the public sector is actually a disservice to the nation. Shekhar Gupta in his National Interest column strongly advised the PM to shut it, sell it & forget it. Uday Kotak and Vallabh Bhansali hinted at the same as did Prof Raghu Sundaram, the dean of NYU Stern Business School, who said that it is time the discipline of the market was imposed on public sector banks.

The nationalisation of banks in 1969 and then again in 1980 is by far the most pernicious policy decision taken by any Indian PM. It happened by ordinance and without public debate. So, let us step back a bit. During the Nehru era, the government was pro-state, but not anti-markets. When it wanted to encourage steel production in India, it started these plants in the public sector (wrongly, on hindsight) but to be fair, the Nehru regime did not nationalise Tata Steels Jamshedpur plants.

Indira Gandhi was different. By nationalising profitable private sector banks in 1969, she sent out a message that any profit making bank is in danger of getting nationalised. She reiterated that message in 1980. The message ended all innovation and initiatives in the financial sector for two decades, precisely when financial innovations scaled great heights globally.

For latest updates on the PNB saga, click here.

The stagnation in the financial sector was not lost on the Congress. From 1991, the Congress governments stopped maiming markets. Bank licences were issued to private parties. Even for new steel and power projects, the government relied heavily on the private sector. But it did not reverse the bank nationalisation decision. The Vajpayee and the Modi governments also followed the same policy. So across regimes, the political leadership has been unwilling to give up their control over PSU banks. Heres why:

Until 1969, the central government had no way of making an impact on issues that genuinely touched the masses. Rural development, health, education were all state subjects. The Centre announced programmes but it had no foot soldiers in the states to implement them. Nationalisation of banks changed all that. Overnight, the heads of SBI, PNB, BOI, BOB and a dozen other banks became employees of the central government.

Since 1969, governments  UPA and NDA  have given banks targets on farm loans, education loans and home loans. More importantly, overnight in 1969, all business houses had to come to government banks for loans. It gave the governments a huge clout over big business decisions.

The NDA government has tried to end some legacy pockets of statism and crony capitalism. Auctioning national resources rather than allocating them was clearly one such step. The desire to privatise Air India is also to some extent an effort to end statism. But whenever the Finance Minister has been asked about privatising PSU banks, his repeated reply has been: Political opinion is not ready for such a step.

Clearly, the NDA government also believes that banks need to be in the public sector so that the party can achieve its goals. The Jan Dhan Yojana is a clear example of this policy. Of the 11 crore Jan Dhan accounts opened, only 3.5% were opened by the 13 private sector banks. The demonetisation exercise could have flopped badly in a country with only private banks.

The Finance Minister proudly stated in his budget speech that he has increased the institutional credit to farmers from 8.5 lakh cr in FY15 to 10 lakh crore in FY18 and that he will raise this to 11 lakh crore in FY19. Governments have command over citizens taxes. Strictly speaking, they ought not to set targets for deposits that come out of tax paid savings of the citizenry. But like the UPA, the NDA has scant respect for the clear line between the government's tax resources and the post-tax savings deposits in PSU banks. Even while capitalizing the PSU banks, finance ministry officials indicated that fresh capital will be made available to banks upon their performance, and loans to MSMEs was one of the performance indicators. And who is to answer if five years down the line these MSME loans go bad? Clearly the NDA government has been enjoying the clout it enjoys over PSU banks and is unwilling to give it up especially in the last year of its term when it would like to see more jobs created.

But now at long last the PSU banks are becoming a taint to the government's reputation and a drain on their fiscal. So, have we at last arrived at that inflexion point when the gains from owning banks are less than the pain from owning them? The NDA government and party heads have to accept the fact that the state simply doesn't have the bandwidth to run banks. Finance has become too sophisticated and the Indian economy is too market driven to allow a crucial part of the financial sector to be run on archaic socialist principles. And unlike MTNL or Air India, the government cannot let 14 public sector banks to float around like floatsam in the backwaters of the economy.

These banks are still a crucial fuel for the economy and the government. It is vital, indeed unavoidable that the government has to shape up these institutions immediately. The Bank Board Bureau (BBB) experiment has also failed. The government simply must consider turning over at least some of the banks to the market.

The other incidental advantage will be that a mere announcement that the medium term goal of the government is to turn over some banks to the private sector can have a seminal impact on the stock prices of these banks and they will be able to raise the much needed capital at a better price. Thus, even in its battered state, a bank like PNB with over 8,000 branches may appear to be a mouth watering acquisition for some well-endowed private banks.

But the question is: Will the NDA be willing to let go this pot of honey for good?
The amount of top 20 non-performing assets (NPA) accounts of public sector banks stand at Rs 1.54 lakh crore as of today. As most skeletons come tumbling out of the Nirav Modi and the Rotomac cases, analysts say this is the tip of the iceberg. This bank NPA number could keep going up and up.

On Urban Reality, Sumant Batra, a leading Insolvency Lawyer, Vivek Kohli, Senior Partner at Zeus Law, Ramesh Nair, CEO & Country Head, JLL India and MS Mani, Partner at Deloitte India discussed about the same.
In his first visit to India, Dara Khosrowshahi, chief of US-based cab hailing firm Uber Technologies, said that India was an important market and the company was here for the long run.

"Markets that are profitable, allow us to invest in markets that are growing. I believe that India for us is a high potential market," he said.

Taking about the speculations of a potential merger with rival Ola, he said that the company will continue to invest aggressively in India and Ola was an excellent competition.

"We have to build our product that it is tuned for the Indian consumers. Five years on we will still be in the Indian market. Who knows whether through an acquisition or not" he said.

Khosrowshahi was brought in by Uber in August after Travis Kalanick resigned as the CEO of the firm.

Kalanick's resignation came in June after the shareholders demanded a change in leadership following reports on bad work ethics and cases of sexual harassment in the company.

Khosrowshahi said that while accepting the role, he knew about the challenges, however he believed that the company was solving a real world problem.

"We now offer 15 million trips a day on a global basis. I also knew this was a company that had challenges but the thing that we have always knew is that this is great service... mobility and transportation as a service is something that everyone wants on a daily basis," he said.

Born in Iran, Khosrowshahi had migrated to the US with his family when he was nine years old. He belongs to the anti-Trump camp in the tech industry and has actively spoken about the Muslim ban on seven nations, which impacted Expedia customers too. Khosrowshahi holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Brown University.

Speaking about the issue of migration in the US, he said that US is an immigrants' nation at core. "The American dream is the greatest brand in the world... you come to America, work hard, respect the rules and you can make it. It is a short sighted view. I am hoping that over time our country returns to its routes," he said.

Before joining Uber, Khosrowshahi was the chief executive of online travel firm Expedia.
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Shares of Allahabad Bank lost over 3 percent intraday on Thursday as investors reacted to its announcement of exposure to Rotomac Group.

In a filing to exchanges, the public sector bank declared that it has exposure of over Rs 500 crore to the group. Further, it clarified that the said amount has been declared as a non-performing asset (NPA) and the required provision has been made.

It also informed that some accounts have been filed under National Company Law Tribunal as well.

Rotomac Global Pvt Ltd and Rotomac Exports Pvt Ltd have been filed under NCLT and admitted on 20/09/2017. The recovery process under SARFAESI is in process by the bank for Rotomac Exim Pvt Ltd, the company said in a statement.

At 09:30 hrs Allahabad Bank was quoting at Rs 51.20, down Rs 0.95, or 1.82 percent. It touched an intraday high of Rs 51.45 and an intraday low of Rs 50.50.
Addressing a local gathering, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, senior advisor to the Majlis speaker also stressed that Tehran would help the Arab state's people and participate in the reconstruction of Syria.



(AhlulBayt News Agency) - Iran announces loud and clear that it will continue its support for Syria in the latter's fight against terrorism, said a senior official at the Iranian Majlis (Parliament).



Addressing a local gathering, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, senior advisor to the Majlis speaker also stressed that Tehran would help the Arab state's people and participate in the reconstruction of Syria.



'Iran adopted a right approach and strategy in supporting Syria and could take a serious and strategic step in providing maximum national security and helping regional security, which is an indispensible factor for all countries,' Amir-Abdollahian said in the southwestern city of Ahvaz in Khuzestan Province, on the sidelines of a meeting regarding Syrian developments and Iran's approach regarding Syria.



Amir-Abdollahian also said that Iran's decision to fight against terrorism is in line with its national security and regional stability.



Referring to the Saudi war against Yemen, the official said, 'The Saudis are still going on with their strategic mistake of invading Yemen; the attacks should halt as soon as possible.'



The problem of Yemen should receive due attention from the international community, Amir-Abdollahian added.



He also warned that the siege on Yemen by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and some other countries can lead to a human catastrophe in Yemen.







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Bull's Eye, CNBC-TV18's popular game show, where market experts come together to dish out trading strategies for you to make your week more exciting and compete with each other to see whose portfolio is the strongest.

Remember these are midcap ideas not just for the day, but stocks that look attractive in the medium-term as well.

This week, Ruchit Jain, Rakesh Bansal and Vishal Malkan battle it out for top honours.

Below their top stock picks and analysis:

Ruchit Jain of Angel Broking

Buy Cyient with a stoploss at Rs 616 and target of Rs 665

Sell Bharat Financial with a stoploss at Rs 995 and target of Rs 942

Sell HDIL with a stoploss at Rs 51.20 and target of Rs 45.50

Buy Mindtree with a stoploss at Rs 707 and target of Rs 775

Rakesh Bansal of RK Global

Buy Interglobe Aviation with a stoploss at Rs 1249 and target of Rs 1330

Buy Exide Industries with a stoploss at Rs 206.8 and target of Rs 218

Buy Bharat Forge with a stoploss at Rs 733.8 and target of Rs 789

Buy IDBI Bank with a stoploss at Rs 64.8 and target of Rs 79.6

Vishal Malkan of malkansview.com

Buy Karnataka Bank with a stoploss at Rs 128 and target of Rs 145

Buy Union Bank of India with a stoploss at Rs 106 and target of Rs 120

Buy CESC with a stoploss at Rs 975 and target of Rs 1050

Buy Hexaware with a stoploss at Rs 328 and target of Rs 360
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Shares of Escorts gained around 2 percent intraday after Credit Suisse maintained its outperform rating on the stock with a target of Rs 1,040.

Credit Suisse is positive on FY19 tractor demand & margin expansion across multiple segments. It expects earnings CAGR of 25 percent over FY18-20. Further, it expects earnings CAGR of 25 percent over FY18-20.

Offtake has been strong even in January, usually a lean month, it said, adding that dealers are expecting the momentum to continue for the next few months.

Dealers acknowledge positive changes in companys functioning over past few years.

The brokerage prefers Escorts on tractor demand, margin expansion and attractive valuations.
Vijay Chopra of enochventures.com told CNBC-TV18, "In Balrampur Chini Mills I think there was a stoploss of Rs 97 and one should hold on to it. I think there is a correction which has happened in the entire sugar space and there are green shoots of revival. If you look at Mawana Sugars, if you look at Balrampur Chini and other players in this sugar market."

"There is a good possibility that we will see a bounce back in sugar space. The government is also trying to help out all the manufacturers by putting duties on import. I think one should hold on to the stock with a clear stoploss of Rs 97 probability is that one can see Rs 170-180 levels again," he added.
The Union Budget proposal to reduce the contribution of women workers to the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has met with opposition from both sides of the establishment.

A Business Standard report quoted the Labour and Employment Ministry Secretary M Sathiyavathy saying there were apprehensions on both sides over the proposal, and they are yet to decide on the issue.

Trade unions argue that the move would not incentivise people to hire more women employees, hurting their social security savings of workers instead.

Employees and employers are mandated to contribute 12 percent of the monthly income towards the provident fund and pension schemes under the EPFO, along with an additional 0.5 percent towards the EPFOs Employees Deposit linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme and 0.65 percent as administrative charges for the maintenance of the EPFO accounts.

The central board of trustees also decided to lower the administrative charges for employers from 0.65 percent of the workers monthly income to 0.5 percent.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget speech had said contribution of women employees to the EPFO will be reduced to 8 per cent for the first three years without employers contribution being reduced. He had said the move will allow more women to get into the formal economy.

The labour and the finance ministry will carry out further deliberations over the issue.
Have a long-term outlook | Timing investment is logically impossible because the best entry and exit opportunities are known only in hindsight. No one can predict market movements with certainty. Therefore, it is important to allow your investments to compound over a long term.

Uttar Pradesh government said that both public sector undertakings and private sector have promised to invest in the state.

On the first day of the UP Investors Summit, public sector undertakings and private sector evinced their interest to invest in the state.

An UP government spokesperson today said, "Among some of the top MoUs signed with the private sectors are: Adani (Rs 35,000 crore), Birla (Rs 25,000 crore), Essel (Zee Group Rs 18,000 crore), Reliance Jio Infocomm (Rs 10,000 crore) and Hinduja (Rs 10,000 crore)," he added.

Among the public sector undertakings, THDCIL (Rs 12,000 crore), BHEL (Rs 12,000 crore), Mathura Refinery-Expansion (Rs 8,700 crore), DMIC DC (Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (Rs 5,000 crore), IOCL (Rs 1,500 crore) and GAIL (Rs 1,200 crore).
Kingfisher Airlines Chairman Vijay Mallya attends a news conference in Mumbai February 6, 2007. REUTERS/Adeel Halim (INDIA) - RTR1M1NG

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United Spirits Ltd (USL) will invite bids for its sea-facing mansion called Niladri on Napean Sea Road in South Mumbai next week, according to a Mint report.

Former USL Chairman and Promoter Vijay Mallya had used the Rs 300-crore mansion as his residence in the city.

Sources were quoted as saying the Diageo Plc-owned firm is likely to begin the procedure of auctioning the 16,000 square feet property where Mallya has held parties and Kingfisher Calendar launches. It is expected to be sold at between Rs 280 crore and Rs 300 crore.

The mansion, which was used as a company guest house, has served as a residence for other senior executives and managers of the firm. There is a swimming pool, private lawns and a deck within the complex.

"It would be a clean transaction as the property is not under any litigation or any issue with the lenders," the source said.

The mansion is one of 13 real estate assets that USL has decided to sell after Mallya failed to buy them back. Following his resignation in 2016, Mallya had entered into an agreement with the company that allowed him to acquire up to 13 domestic properties within a limited time period.

A Diageo India spokesperson told the paper: "The sale of these properties is in line with our plans to monetize non-core assets."

Properties in and around Napean Sea Road, which is one of the top notch neighbourhoods in the city, typically sell between Rs 75,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh per square feet.

The firm is also in the process of selling four floors at UB Towers spread across 31,000 square feet, which is located in Bengaluru. The company is planning to sell it for around Rs 100 crore. The tower has been used as the firm's headquarters.

Mallya was declared a wilful defaulter by a consortium of banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) in 2016. He left the country and moved to UK and carries a debt of around Rs 9,000 crore related to the grounded Kingfisher Airlines.
Amid tensions from neighbouring countries, India has stepped up its military spending by nearly 54 percent in a 10-year span aiming to be at par with other nations' defence power.

India recorded the third highest change in its military spending among major powers between 2007 and 2016, according to the data compiled by Statista based on Stockholm International Peace Research Institutes (SIPRI) annual report on defence spending during the same period.

Source: Statista/Sipri via BBC.

In Budget 2018, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley raised the defence allocation by 7.81 percent to Rs 2.95 lakh crore. The hike, however, fell short of expectations as the armed forces face growing challenges on the borders with Pakistan and China.

Nevertheless, the Indian Public Finance Statistics 2015-16 data, indicate that the spending on the military has been increasing constantly.

Source: Statista

Here are a few reasons why India has been soaring its military funding over the years:

Increasing tension across border

India-China: India and China's relationship has been a roller-coaster ride as both the countries have different stakes in a range of matters such as the exact China-India border. China has been claiming over 40,000 square miles of Indian territory both in Ladakh and North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). In 1959, Indias decision to grant asylum to Dalai Lama soured the Indo-China relations further.

Recent disputes such as Dokalam standoff, blocking of India's NSG membership bid and opposition to declare the JeM chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist too haven't helped.

The year 2017, however, ended on a promising note with both sides vowing to create favourable conditions for the development of relations over Dokalam.

The fact that both India and China are emerging economies, the competitive element plays a huge part in the bilateral relationship, at times affecting trade relations between the neighbours.

India-Pakistan

India and Pakistan have been involved in four wars, several border skirmishes and military standoffs since the partition of British India in 1947. The differences over Jammu and Kashmir have been the main cause, whether direct or indirect, of all major conflicts between the two countries with the exception of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 where conflict originated due to turmoil in erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

Rising militancy in the Kashmir Valley also eats away into the defence outlay.

> Increased spending from neighbouring countries

The SIPRI data shows globally military expenditure has been on the rise, with both developed and emerging economies investing billions of dollars to modernise their military prowess.

Among India's neighbours, China was the world's second-largest military spender with an expenditure of USD 215 billion in 2016. China's 5.4 percent increase in military expenditure is much lower than 118 percent rise seen over the 10-year span. This adds more pressure on India to strengthen its military power.

Modernisation of Military

Advancement of technology brought in new defence systems such as stealth fighter Sukhoi Su-57 PAK-FA and T-14 Armata tank, thereby leading to countries like Russia ramping up their war equipment. Segregated allocation for acquiring modern defence equipment in the Budget has allowed India to record a higher spending on the acquisition of latest technology too.

Several mega contracts, including one for Rafale fighters, and Apache attack and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, have been signed by the Indian Air Force in the past few years.

Source: Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses.

A number of contracts are lined-up to acquire modernised equipment for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

Among the defence services, the Indian Army with an outlay of Rs 1,49,369 crore accounts for the biggest share in defence budget, followed by the Air Force, Navy, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Ordnance Factories (OFs).

The Achilles Heel

Increased budgetary outlay, however, may not convert India into an ultra-modern armed force. Nearly 83 percent (or Rs. 11,071 crore) of the overall growth of Rs 13,291 crore in the defence budget this year was primarily due to the hike in the manpower cost of the armed forces, according to an Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA) report.

Source: Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses.

An increased manpower leads to an increase in the revenue expenditure as the government will have to be responsible for providing required provisions such as wages, pensions, perks for all the defence personnel.

A major chunk  Rs 1.95 lakh crore  of the total allocation of Rs 2.95 lakh crore for the defence budget, has been allocated for revenue expenditure which includes expenses on payment of salaries for nearly 1.4 million active military personnel and maintenance of establishments.

This means a lower budgetary allocation for capital modernisation. Only Rs 99,947 crore has been set aside for capital outlay to purchase new weapons aircraft, warships and other military hardware.

China had significantly cut down personnel strength 4 times by 1 million in 1985, 500,000 in 1997, 200,000 in 2003 and more recently 300,000 in 2015. India too may have to make such measures in its bid to be a military superpower as the country is facing further challenges due to increased manpower.

Indian military personnel have already been facing grave shortages in many areas ranging from ammunition, assault rifles, bullet-proof jackets, night fighting-devices to howitzers, missiles, helicopters, fighters and warships, the IDSA report said.
Ravi Shankar Prasad

Digital India cannot be achieved without a Digital UP, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said today while urging investors to invest confidently in India.

India has a huge potential in the field of IT, he said at the UP Investors Summit being held here. "You see, rapidly, India is getting digitalised. Out of 130 crore people, 121 crore people have mobile...40-45 crore have smart phone."

Highlighting the importance of UP, Prasad said however that Digital India cannot be achieved without Digital UP.

"There is a digital revolution going on all over the globe, I don't want India to lag behind where there are immense business opportunities," he said.

If you talk about social networks, India has largest users of Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp, Prasad said.

He further said that by 2020, out of the total number of mobile phones world would be using, a major percentage of those would be produced in India.

"There were only 2 mobile manufacturing centres when we came to power, now there are 118. Nokia had also closed. Now there are 118 and 54 are in Noida," he said.

Noida and Greater Noida have great potential and they can become next Singapore, he said.

The Union minister further said that there are immense opportunities in setting up BPOs and the government is ready to help.

He suggested BPOs can be set up in cities like Gorakhpur, Deoria among others as today everything from order to payment is just a click away.

Uttar Pradesh has a single window clearance system now, Prasad said, adding that "the CM himself will monitor all business proposals.... investing in UP will not be a tiring process any more... Besides, the Centre is always there to help the investors and assist the state government," he said.

He also stated that when the present government took over the reins in mid-2014, optical fibre network was 358 km. "We laid 2 lakh 10 thousand ...We opened Jandhan and linked it to Aadhaar, this save a huge amount of government money," he added.
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Farmers under the Maharashtra Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha (ABKS) have planned a march from Nashik to Mumbai on March 6, demanding better compensation for the damages incurred from the recent hailstorm.

As per a Hindustan Times report the protest will be staged by nearly 1 lakh farmers across the state, demanding Rs 40,000 per acre as monetary assistance against crop damage.

The indefinite protest will block the access to the state legislature building until their demands are fulfilled, the report said.

To bring relief to the distressed farmers, we have decided to start a march from Nashik on March 6 and after reaching Mumbai, we will block access to the state legislature building till our demands are not fulfilled," Ajit Nawale, state general secretary, ABKS, told the paper.

The Maharashtra government has already sought financial assistance of Rs 200 crore from the Centre to compensate farmers for the losses. Affected farmers will get compensation as per the norms laid down under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

Two drought-prone regions in the state  Marathwada and Vidarbha  were adversely hit due to changing weather conditions, which began on February 11 and continued till February 13. The Maharashtra government had then announced compensation for the farmers as per the norms.

Under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms, farmers who cultivate crops on non-irrigated land were given a compensation of Rs 6,800 per hectare for damage caused by natural calamities. For irrigated land, farmers were entitled to a compensation of Rs 13,500 per hectare, while for horticulture or perennial crops, Rs 18,000 per hectare.

The state agriculture minister, however, had added that compensation would be limited to two hectares in all cases.

The farmers' demand also includes a proper implementation of the Rs 34,000 loan waiver scheme announced by the state government last year and the Swaminathan Commission recommendations that suggest better prices to the farm produce, waiving off their electricity bills and restoration of the power connections among others.

Due to bad weather conditions and wrong government policies, farmers are losing their patience; consequently, they are committing suicide. Instead of bringing them out from this situation, the state government is making false promises, which is why the situation is worsening even further. For instance, since the state government declared loan waiver package, 1,753 farmers committed suicide because it has failed in implementing it properly, Nawale told the paper.

According to the preliminary estimates of the state agriculture department, crops sown in nearly 3 lakh hectares may have been damaged due hailstorm and unseasonal rains with more than 3,724 villages across 19 districts being affected.

The most affected districts are Amravati (45,868 hectares), Buldhana (40,385 hectares), Osmanabad (30,112 hectares), Jalna (30,000) and Nanded (29,535).
Nandan Nilekani

Tech billionaire Nandan Nilekani will assist the government in developing IT infrastructure for the mega National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS), which seeks to cover 10-crore families, a senior Niti Aayog official has said.

The IT infrastructure for the healthcare scheme will be of a huge scale as was required for Aadhar and will have to be scaled up gradually in view of the massive range of the programme.

Former UIDAI chairman Nilekani -- the brain behind the Aadhaar -- is also a member of the GST return simplification committee.

"We have consulted Nilkeni, we want to build Aadhar like model for the scheme (NHPS)... He has agreed to help us," the official said.

The premium on insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh for every eligible household under the NHPS has been pegged at around Rs 900-1,000 per family annually, lower than the earlier estimate of Rs 1000-1,200.

Under the funding arrangement, the Centre will provide 60 percent fund, while the remaining money would have to come from respective states.

In case of special category states, the Centre will provide 90 percent of fund.

In his Budget speech earlier this month, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had provided an initial corpus of Rs 2,000 crore for NHPC which aims to provide a medical cover of up to Rs 5 lakh to over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families, constituting 40 percent of India's total population.
The government unveiled an ambitious plan for bringing together state-owned telecom organisations for greater operational synergy, including effective utilisation of human resources as well as land and buildings.

The strategic plan outlined by the Department of Telecom (DoT) will allow greater synergies amongst the state-owned entities and pave the way for them to jointly tap business and opportunities in promising areas like 5G, and Internet of Things.

The action plan covers seven entities -- Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), Indian Telephone Industries Ltd (ITI), Centre for Development of Telematics (CDOT), Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL), Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipments (TEC), BharatNet (BBNL).

Speaking on the occasion, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha said the public sector companies play a strategic role in nurturing and enhancing the government's intervention capabilities in matters of protection of consumer interests, disaster management and national security.

These organisations need to work in tandem in the market, to face competition, address new business opportunities arising from Government initiatives like Digital India and Smart City, and for optimum utilisation of their resources, he added.

The Minister cited the examples of BharatNet and the turnaround of ITI to underscore the positive outcomes of the strategic plan for the telecom PSUs.

"Under the strategic plan, we have identified specific areas where our teams will work on including manpower, settlement of legal issues and utilisation of vacant space, land and buildings. I am pleased to see the focus on clearly-defined timelines and performance indicators," Sinha said.

He emphasised it is "critical" that substantial and tangible progress is made under the strategic plan in the next six months. A review mechanism at Department of Telecom (DoT) will keep the plans on track, Sinha added.

The strategic plan -- the work on which began in January 2016 -- entails amongst other things, an effective utilisation of Human Resources including deriving synergies in training of manpower, and creation of a common platform for web-based online training by BSNL, in a time bound manner.

Other aspects include operational utilisation of vacant space, land and buildings within telecom PSUs and organisations within DoT, and promoting Make in India by taking advantage of preferential market access policy.

Also, the telecom PSUs will refrain from going to court against one another and, instead, first approach DoT for dispute resolution.

The strategic roadmap will also cover other areas like standards and certification, and prepare to tap opportunities in areas like 5G and Internet of Things (IoT).

During the event today, MoUs were also exchanged between various PSUs under the strategic plan.

BSNL, BBNL, MTNL, TCIL, and ITI through a MoU have also developed a framework to address payment issues that arise among them during execution of various business contracts.

Agreements were also signed between CDoT, ITI and TCIL pertaining to an export of products, ITI and CDOT for transfer of technology, and between MTNL, ITI and CDoT for a joint execution of Internet of Things and smart city projects.
JSW Holdings | Cash flow from operation in FY18: Rs 66 crore, FY19: Rs 89 crore and in FY20: Rs 103 crore. In the past 3-year, the stock price has risen 40 percent to Rs 2450 on August 25, 2020.

India has been ranked 81st in the global corruption perception index for 2017, released by Transparency International, which named the country among the "worst offenders" in terms of graft and press freedom in the Asia Pacific region.

The index, which ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, placed India at the 81st place. In the 2016 India was in the 79th place among 176 countries.

The index uses a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean.

India's score in the latest ranking, however, remained unchanged at 40. In 2015, the score was 38.

Transparency International further said, "in some countries across the region (Asia Pacific), journalists, activists, opposition leaders and even staff of law enforcement or watchdog agencies are threatened, and in the worst cases, even murdered".

"Philippines, India and the Maldives are among the worst regional offenders in this respect. These countries score high for corruption and have fewer press freedoms and higher numbers of journalist deaths," it added.

In the last six years, 15 journalists working on corruption stories in these countries were murdered, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

In the latest ranking New Zealand and Denmark were placed the highest, with scores of 89 and 88, respectively. On the other hand Syria, South Sudan and Somalia were ranked lowest with scores of 14, 12 and 9, respectively.

Meanwhile, China with a score of 41 was ranked 77th on the list, while Brazil was placed at 96th with a score of 37 and Russia was at the 135th place with a score of 29.

Further analysis of the results indicates that countries with the least protection for press and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also tend to have the worst rates of corruption.

The analysis, which incorporates data from CPJ, showed that in the last six years, 9 out of 10 journalists were killed in countries that score 45 or less on the index.

"No activist or reporter should have to fear for their lives when speaking out against corruption. Given current crackdowns on both civil society and the media worldwide, we need to do more to protect those who speak up," Transparency International Managing Director Patricia Moreira said.
London, UK | $16.47 billion (Image: Reuters)

An Indian Sikh man's turban was ripped by a white man in an apparent racist attack outside the UK parliament, according to a media report.

Ravneet Singh, 37, from Punjab in India, said he was waiting to enter the Portcullis House, part of the British Parliamentary Estate, to meet Sikh Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi when the assault took place yesterday.

Singh said he was waiting in the queue when the man, who was shouted "Muslim go back", approached him and attempted to remove his turban, a religious headgear worn by Sikh men.

"I was in the queue outside Portcullis House and this guy ran up to us. Just before we got to the entrance he came up to me and attacked me.

"He was pulling at my turban strongly. It half moved and I grabbed it. Before he could do anything else I shouted at him and he ran," he was quoted as saying by The Independent.

Singh said that the man made a "racist comment" in another language that he did not recognise.

"He was a white man, but he didn't sound English. He said something like 'Muslim go back'," he added.

Labour MP Dhesi, who was to host Singh, expressed "disgust" at the incident and sought action against the culprit.

"Disgusted to discover today that someone filled with hatred tried to pull off the turban of one of my guests standing in line outside @UKParliament. I hope the @metpoliceuk /authorities will take urgent action," Dhesi tweeted.

According to the report, the police have confirmed being alerted at 5.20 pm about the assault outside outside Portcullis House, the building adjacent to the Houses of Parliament, which is home to offices for MPs and their staff.

No arrest has been made so far, with the police probing the case.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said a BJP-NDPP government in Nagaland would plug the loopholes causing wastage of public money and work towards improving road connectivity in the state.

Modi said Nagaland needed a strong and stable government to work for development.

"My vision for the Northeast is transformation by transportation," he said during an election meeting at Tuensang, about 360 kilometres from here, according to the official Twitter account of the BJP Nagaland.

He said that in less than four years, the Centre has added 500 km of national highways and plans to invest more than Rs 10,000 crore in the roads of Nagaland.

Modi called on the people of the state to vote for the BJP-NDPP alliance "which would ensure that the funds reach the people".

"With the help of technology, we will plug the loopholes which are causing wastage of public money," he said.

Without naming anybody, he said a former prime minister had once stated that villages received only 15 paise out of Re 1 sent from the Centre.

"With determination, we need to change this situation," Modi said.

He said the NDA government at the Centre wanted to ensure power for all in Nagaland.

"We have brought the 'Saubhagya Yojana' which will provide electricity to all homes. Till date, more than 10 lakh LED bulbs have been distributed in Nagaland, reducing consumption of power," he said.

The prime minister said the Central government will spend around Rs 1,800 crore for making the state capital Kohima a Smart City.

He said that organic farming has a big market globally and the entire Northeast has immense potential for it.

The BJP has fielded 20 candidates and its alliance partner NDPP 40 for the February 27 elections to the 60-member Assembly.
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Pakistan today summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh here for the fourth time in a month to condemn the "unprovoked firing" by Indian troops across the Line of Control (LoC).

Director General (South Asia and SAARC) Mohammad Faisal summoned Singh and "condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian forces on February 22 in Rawalakot/Satwal Sector, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

The firing killed a labourer, working at a civilian crush plant, at Poonch river bank, it said.

Faisal said despite calls for restraint, India "continues to indulge in LoC firing".

The Foreign Office had summoned India's deputy high commissioner on February 5, 15 and 20.

Last month, the Indian envoy was summoned five times on

on January 15, 18, 19, 20 and 21.

Faisal said, "the deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws."

Faisal urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement and investigate the repeated incidents of ceasefire violations, the statement said.

He also urged the Indian side to allow the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions.

India maintains that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Meghalaya is not safe in the hands of a Congress government and appealed to the people to give BJP a chance to serve the state.

He said that ruling Congress took the people for granted as it saw no political challenge in the state, according to the official twitter account of BJP.

''Give us a chance to serve the state. We will ensure good governance guided by the philosophy of sabka saath, sabka vikas (inclusivity),'' he said at an election meeting here.

''I promise you that Meghalaya's BJP government will account for work and every penny being spent,'' he said.

Hitting out at the Mukul Sangma government, he said ''There is a long list of scams to the credit of the state government and Meghalaya is not safe in the hands of the Congress government.'

He referred to the alleged scam in the recruitment of teachers.

The prime minister said that the Centre had provided around Rs 470 crore for laying 1,100 km of roads in the state under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) but the Meghalaya government was unable to spend even 50 percent of it.

''We approved construction of 21,000 houses in Meghalaya and provided more than Rs 100 crore to the government. But they were unable to build the required number of houses,'' Modi said.

Noting that his government wants to further strengthen its 'Act East Policy', Modi said it will open up opportunities for people in the state and in the entire Northeast.

He said Rs 10,000 crore will be spent on roads in Meghalaya and improved connectivity will change the face of the state.

''We have planned to spend around Rs 180 crore for building of the new Shillong airport. It will improve the possibilities for industrial development besides generation of employment for the common man,'' the prime minister said.

Maintaining that Meghalaya has immense potential for the growth of tourism but lacks visitors, he said, ''No efforts were ever made to strengthen the sector. We will ensure more and more tourists arrive here. This will generate income opportunities for people.''

Taking a dig at Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, he said though he was a doctor the healthcare sector is in a bad shape.

"Women are forced to deliver babies at home which poses a great threat to the lives of mother and baby," the prime minister said.

The Centre, he said, has introduced 'Ayushman Bharat' scheme which entitles a family to claim Rs 5 lakh every year towards medical exigencies.

Apparently seeking to woo the voters in this Christian majority state, Modi said, ''It was the BJP government which had rescued nurses from Iraq and brought them safely to Kerala. They all were Christians''.
21:02 Mehul Choksi did not respond of summon issued by the Enforcement Directorate on February 15, reports Moneycontrols Tarun Sharma.

20:11 Nirav Modi has refused to appear before the Enforcement Directorate after summons were issued to him on February 15, Moneycontrol's Tarun Sharma has reported.

CNBC TV18 has reported

that EDs Mumbai Office has receives an email from Nirav Modi. Nirav Modi has told ED that he is occupied with business activities and so is unable to appear before it. ED is likely to serve fresh summons to Nirav Modi.

19:48 Income Tax Department has attached Gitanjali Group's SEZ property worth Rs 1,200 crore.

17:37 ED seizes Rs 100 crore deposits, luxury cars of Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has said it has frozen shares, deposits and luxury cars worth over Rs 100 crore of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups in connection with a money laundering probe against them in the Rs 11,400-crore alleged PNB fraud.

Enforcement Directorate officials said they have frozen mutual funds and shares worth Rs 86.72 crore belonging to Choksi and his group and Rs 7.80 crore owned by the Modi group.

While the total value of these shares and mutual funds is Rs 94.52 crore, the costly four-wheelers are worth a few crore and hence the total seizure value stands to be over Rs 100 crore, the officials said.

The total seizure in the case is now Rs. 5,826 crore, which the agency has said is being independently valued. (PTI)

17:22 The Ministry of External Affairs has said that it does not know the location of Nirav Modi and that he can be anywhere, according to news reports.

16:39 Enough assets to meet any liability, says scam-hit PNB

State-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) has said that it has followed lawful avenues to recover its dues following Rs 11,400 crore swindling of funds allegedly by jewellery designer Nirav Modi and associates.

The country's second largest public sector lender also reaffirmed that it has enough assets to meet any liability. (PTI)

15:53 PNB asks Nirav Modi to come up with concrete and implementable plan to repay dues, reports CNN-News18. On the other hand, Nirav Modi has filed a plea in Mumbai's CBI court to free the company's server as the company is not able to work.

11:58 A Finance Ministry official told CNBC-TV18 that they are planning to seek Banks Board Bureau's (BBB) inputs soon on whether a PNB top management rejig is possible.

10:16 ED freezes Rs 94 cr worth MFs, shares of Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi group

ED seized 9 cars of Nirav Modi and his companies. These cars include one Rolls Royce Ghost, two Mercedes Benz GL 350 CDIs, one Porsche Panamera, 3 Honda cars, one Toyota Fortuner and one Toyota Innova, reports ANI. The body froze Nirav Modi's mutual funds and shares worth Rs 7.80 Crore and Rs 86.72 crore of those belonging to Mehul Choksi Group.

08:26 PNB likely to get recapitalisation hike

The recapitalisation amount set for Punjab National Bank (PNB) is likely to increase as the Rs 11,400 crore fraud case unfolds, reports The Business Standard. The bank's performance metrics are being reviewed to see if it requires being put on the central bank's list for prompt corrective action (PCA), sources told the paper.

Apart from this, a number of reforms have been on the back burner for some time may be expedited. Out of these, privatisation of IDBI Bank, widespread board and management changes in state-owned banks, and tightening of rules governing the internal mechanism and appointment of auditors are the core plans.

The Reserve Bank of India will have to examine how the fraud affects PNBs parameters. Whether you like it or not, its recapitalisation will have to be increased, a senior official told BS. The central bank will also examine if the bank requires PCA after the latest hit, the official added.

08:01 PNB adopts strict SWIFT controls after mega fraud

Punjab National Bank has stepped up its controls on the use of global payments network SWIFT following an alleged $1.77 billion fraud, according to memos issued this month and seen by Reuters. The new measures mean only PNB officers will be able to initiate messages on SWIFT, taking away the authority of clerks to do so. Several new limits have been placed on the amount that officers can generate depending on their seniority in the bank hierarchy.

The note sent by the banks head office in New Delhi to all regional offices on February 17 also stated any SWIFT message will have to be created, verified and authorised by three different officers, starting Thursday. Previously only two individuals were needed for the process. In continuation of efforts to strengthen SWIFT operation and deploy additional measures to ensure more effective control, it has been decided to set up SWIFT user base limits, the note went on to say.

07:58 Recap of the case

What happened?

Over Rs 11,400 crore was siphoned by Punjab National Bank (PNB) issuing LoUs to top Nirav Modi. Bank officials and major diamond merchant Nirav Modi and his accomplices were involved in this case. The bank officials issued the letters to the concerned persons who approached them. The fraud started in 2010, and was detected on 25 January 2018, according to PNB's MD and CEO Sunil Mehta.

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sSharma has reported thatandhave been sent to police custody till March 5, according to CBI. Eleven were arrested earlier, some areofficials and some are directly linked tofirm.wrote towhere he said they should not have gone public with the case and that it could have been solved between the two parties.He also wrote to his employees saying that he will not be able to recover their dues.lawyer Vijaysaid, "When a passport is suspended, a show cause notice is sent by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), once we receive that we will know the reasons behind the suspension."- Supreme Court has deferred the hearing to March 16 because the Centre opposed the petition. Thewas filed bywhich seeks for deportation offor three years and an investigation of the case.s counsel has said that CBI has written to the court saying that outstanding amount is not Rs 11,000 crore but is Rs 6,000 crore, reports. The counsel also said thatwas aware of the outstanding loans.- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will set up an expert committee to address the rising incidences of frauds and divergences in classification of bad loans.- On the case, Finance Ministerblames the banks, the auditors and other authorities.
IMA Ponzi scheme case: A multi-crore scheme run by Karnataka-based I-Monetary Advisory (IMA) and its group entities allegedly duped lakhs of people by promising higher returns using Islamic ways of investment. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating the case and has filed at least three FIRs. (File image of the CBI headquarters)

Senior lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani today told the Bombay High Court that the alleged fake encounter case of gangster Sohrabuddin Sheikh was cooked up by a "politically motivated" CBI in 2005, and the agency is now "much more balanced".

Appearing for Rajkumar Pandian, an IPS officer discharged from the case, Jethmalani said Sheikh and his aide Tulsiram Prajapati, who was also killed in another alleged fake encounter, were notorious gangsters, wanted by police in three states.

Arguing before the court against a petition challenging Pandian's discharge, he claimed Sheikh was a terrorist with links to the fugitive mafia don Dawood Ibrahim.

"Sohrabuddin was a terrorist. He had been in touch with Dawood Ibrahim, who had provided him with a large cache of arms to propagate anti-national activities in the country.

"Both Sohrabuddin and Prajapati were criminals and extortionists who had several cases registered against them," Jethmalani said.

Sohrabuddin was wanted by police in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, he said.

"The police had been trying to arrest them. When Sohrabuddin was finally arrested in 2005 and was possibly shot by the police while he was trying to flee, the politically motivated CBI of that time built a story of a fake encounter," Jethmalani said, obliquely targeting the then UPA government.

The high court, which is hearing petitions against discharge of some of the accused, asked what he meant by politically motivated CBI of "that time".

"What are you trying to say?" asked Justice Revati Mohite-Dere.

Jethmalani replied that he was merely saying that the CBI "today is much more balanced."

The judge shot back, asking "Is that why it refuses to provide any assistance to this court?"

Justice Mohite-Dere has been conducting day-to-day hearing of petitions filed by the CBI and Rubabuddin Sheikh, Sohrabuddin's brother, challenging the discharge of five of the 14 police officers accused in the case, since February 9.

Sohrabuddin was killed in an alleged fake encounter by Gujarat police in November 2005, while Prajapati, a witness to the killing, was shot dead in another staged encounter by Gujarat and Rajasthan police in December 2006.

Sohrabuddin's wife Kausar Bi, who was with him, disappeared and was believed to have been killed and her body burnt to destroy evidence. Of the 38 people charged by the CBI in the case, 15, including senior IPS officers D G Vanzara, Pandian and Dinesh MN, and BJP president Amit Shah were discharged by the special CBI court in Mumbai between August 2016 and September 2017. Shah was the minister of state for home in Gujarat when the encounters took place.

Currently, the HC is hearing the arguments of Pandian's lawyer, opposing Rubabuddin's plea challenging his discharge.

Jethmalani also said that though Pandian was in Ahmedabad on the day of Sohrabuddin's death, the IPS officer had no role in it.

While the CBI's primary evidence was the testimony of Nathuba Jadeja, the driver of the vehicle in which Sohrabuddin and Kausar Bi were taken to the site of the encounter, he was an unreliable witness, the lawyer said.

In his statement before the magistrate, Jadeja had said that Pandian was sitting in the same vehicle, and Pandian and Vanzara were present when Kausar Bi's body was burnt.

However, during his cross-examination before the special CBI court where the trial is under way, Jadeja turned hostile, the lawyer pointed out.

The hearing will continue tomorrow.
FILE PHOTO: A journalist takes picture of Xiaomi's new mobile phone Mi Max at its launch in Beijing, May 10, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo

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Mumbai crime branch has arrested three loaders working at Chhatrapati Shivaji airport on Monday for allegedly stealing Xiaomi mobile phones coming from Bengaluru to the city for delivery to customers.

The accused Indrajeet Magar, 28, Satish Ombalkar, 28, Chhotelal Yadav, 26, live in Mumbai and were working at the airport for last two to three years. The police recovered 53 mobile phones from them, Hindustan Times reported.

The theft came to the light when an employee of EDS International Private Limited, the company responsible for transporting Xiaomi mobile phone from Bengaluru to Mumbai, registered a complaint with the airport police station.

The police inspector Srimant Shinde of Mumbai crime branch informed that the phones come from Bengaluru to Mumbai via Indigo Airlines in bulk and are stored in a warehouse in the city before being distributed to the customers who have ordered them online.

As per the registered complaint, several smartphones were reported missing on the way from the cargo bay at the airport to the warehouse. The police team questioned around 30 people involved in the process.

The police narrowed down to the trio after examining multiple evidence. In the custody, they confessed to the crime and on their instance, the police recovered 53 mobile phones worth Rs 6.5 lakh, Shinde said.

The police are further probing if they have been involved in any other theft at the airport.
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Government of China is providing subsidy to electric bus manufacturers to price its products lower than Indian companies vying for state governments contracts, a top official from Ashok Leyland said.

Speaking exclusively to Moneycontrol Vinod Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, said, It will be difficult for us to compete when some other government is subsidising their company to come and compete in India. It seems like an unfair competition but we will do what we have to do.

Chennai-based Ashok Leyland was one of the two final bidders for the lucrative deal to supply 25 electric buses of 9 meter type to Himachal Road Transport Corporation. The contract worth nearly Rs 48 crore was bagged by the Indo-Chinese joint venture company Goldstone Infratech based in Hyderabad.

For 9 smart cities the funding to procure electric buses is subsidised upto 60 percent by the central government. So if I go and compete using Indian tax payers subsidy and some other company comes backed by some other governments subsidy its very difficult to compete," added Dasari.

On being questioned further about the tough chances for Indian companies to bag such contracts in the future based on price Dasari, who has been the President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), said that price is not the only criteria for bagging such deals.

Chetan Maini (left) and Vinad Dasari at the 2018 Auto Expo standing in front of the Ashok Leyland Circuit S, a fully electric bus

We will have to deal with it. Bus industry is something which will not run only on price. There is also the maintenance part of it which runs for 6-7 years. And outside of China we are the worlds largest bus manufacturer. I will not ask for sops from our government to fight the Chinese, we will find a way to compete and we are confident of our technology," said Dasari.

Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra & Mahindra and JBM are some of the companies who are bidding for tenders floated by state governments and municipal corporations. At least 11 states including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka have floated tenders to buy fully electric buses.

While Dasari declined naming any Chinese company, he said I know in some instances the price which we quoted, the Chinese company quoted half.

Last year BYD Auto Industry headquartered in Shannxi, China walked away with two prized contracts of supplying fully electric buses, which Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland were keenly bidding for.

BYD in partnership with Goldstone Infratech bagged the order for supplying 25 electric buses to Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and six other buses to Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST).

While the buses supplied to HRTC, which is a eBuzz K7 type, 9 meter, 25 seater vehicle, costed around Rs 1.91 crore each, the ones supplied to BEST in Mumbai were priced at Rs 1.61 crore of the same series.

As many as seven companies had shown interest in the HRTC order comprising supply of 25 electric buses along with chargers and annual maintenance contract. Mahindra & Mahindra, JBM Auto, Volmac Engg and EV Motors India had also bid for it.

These BYD K7 BYD buses can run for 200 kms on a single charge with top speed of 75 km/hr. BYD says these buses will cost Rs 8 per km compared to 15 per km for CNG and Rs 20 per km for diesel.
Ravi Shankar Prasad

Digital India cannot be achieved without a Digital UP, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said today while urging investors to invest confidently in India.

"India has huge potential in the field of IT," the minister said while speaking at the UP Investors summit.

Highlighting the importance of UP, Prasad said Digital India cannot be achieved without Digital UP.

"There is a digital revolution going on all over the globe, l don't want India to lag behind where there are immense business opportunities" he said.

If you talk about social networks, India has largest users of FB, twitter and WhatsApp, Prasad said.

He further said that by 2020, out of the total number of mobile phones world would be using, a major percentage of those would be produced in India.

"There were only 2 mobile manufacturing centres when we came to power, now there are 118. Nokia had also closed. Now there are 118 and 54 are in Noida" he said.

Noida and Greater Noida have great potential and they can become next Singapore, he said.

The Union minister said that there are immense opportunities in setting up BPOs and the government is ready to help.

He suggested BPOs can be set up in cities like Gorakhpur, Deoria among others as today everything from order to payment is just a click away.

"IT should not be just India but India's Talent," he said.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: In this photo illustration, The Google logo is displayed on a mobile phone and computer monitor on August 09, 2017 in London, England. Founded in 1995 by Sergey Brin and Larry Page, Google now makes hundreds of products used by billions of people across the globe, from YouTube and Android to Smartbox and Google Search. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Former Google employee Tim Chevalier has reportedly sued the search giant for firing him over his internal pro-diversity posts.

Chevalier, a software developer and site reliability engineer with Google was sacked in November 2017, as per a Gizmodo report, over his posts against racism and sexism.

The present episode has links to last years internal memo by James Damore  another Google employee who was fired by the search giant - that spoke about gender bias at Google.

Chevalier had reportedly responded against Damores posts that criticised the search giants diversity policy.

As per the report by Gizmodo, Chevalier, who is transgender, queer, and disabled, alleges that Google failed to protect its female, minority, and LGBTQ employees from harassment on internal forumsbut was quick to crack down on those employees when they spoke out about their experiences with racism, sexism, and homophobia at work.

A statement on the matter released to tech blogs by Google spokesperson Gina Scigliano said, An important part of our culture is lively debate. But like any workplace, that doesnt mean anything goes. All employees acknowledge our code of conduct and other workplace policies, under which promoting harmful stereotypes based on race or gender is prohibited.

Scigliano adds, This is a very standard expectation that most employers have of their employees. The overwhelming majority of our employees communicate in a way that is consistent with our policies. But when an employee does not, it is something we must take seriously. We always make our decision without any regard to the employees political views.

Chevalier spoke to popular tech-blog The Verge and expressed his discontent, "It is a cruel irony that Google attempted to justify firing me by claiming that my social networking posts showed bias against my harassers."
Avani Chaturvedi (Twitter/Indian Air Force)



#TouchTheSkyWithGlory : Fg Offr Avani Chaturvedi became the first Indian Woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo, when on 19 Feb 18 she flew a MiG-21 Bison aircraft in her first solo flight. The photo attached has been taken after her solo sortie. pic.twitter.com/nHWe4sgSmi

 Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 22, 2018

Indian Air Force Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi has created history by becoming the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo. Making every Indian proud, Avani undertook a sortie in a MiG-21 bison Aircraft from Jamnagar Air base of Indian Air Force (IAF) in Gujarat on Monday and successfully completed her mission.

Here are some interesting facts about Avani Chaturvedi and her first solo flight:
The Centre announced a special package of Rs 925 crore for strengthening the power transmission and distribution (T&D) system in Arunachal Pradesh, an official release said.

Chairing a review meeting of the power sector with senior officers of the state government here, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R K Singh said that the fund would be used for reconductoring of old 11 KV lines and conversion of selected long LT distribution lines with 11 KV High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS), the release said.

The minister appealed the department to focus on cutting down losses and advised the fund sanctioned to be used primarily for the said purpose.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, state Power Minister Tamiyo Taga and Tourism Minister cum Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (APEDA) Chairman Jarkar Gamlin also attended the meeting.

Singh said Arunachal remains a big stumbling block in achieving the Prime Ministers goal for electrifying every village by May 2018.

Of the 900 unelectrified villages across the country, about 600 are in Arunachal, he added.

The Union minister directed the officials to expedite the work to electrify every village in the state by May 1, this year.

The minister said it is necessary for the country to reach to the level of no load shedding, which is a sign of a developed nation.
A top North Korean general will attend the closing ceremony of the South's Winter Olympics this weekend, Seoul said today.

Kim Yong Chol, who has a senior role in the ruling Workers' Party, will lead an eight-member delegation that will visit the South from Friday to Sunday, the unification ministry said in a statement.
Forty years ago, Lupe Arellano and Laura Gonzalez-Escoto founded La Isla Pacifica (translated to The Peaceful Island), a confidential shelter in south Santa Clara County for victims of domestic violence.

Today, the location of La Isla Pacificawhich has been under the umbrella of Community Solutions since 1996remains a secret to protect the victims and their families while they build new lives free of violence from those with whom they were once intimately involved.

One of our goals was to put ourselves out of business, for us not to exist, explained Arellano, who was the first manager of La Isla Pacifica, a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week safe haven. We wanted to make ourselves obsolete because society would become advanced to the point where there was no longer domestic violence.

Much to the chagrin of the two womens rights pioneers, domestic violence remains prevalent. News headlines of sexual assault, misconduct and domestic violence among some of the most powerful figures in the movie industry, government and sportsas well as the #metoo movement on social media sites such as Twitterhave made the issue more front and center now than in the past.

Arellano explained when a woman called the police to say they were in danger 40 years ago, an officer would come to the scene and ask if everything was fine. Usually, Arellano continued, the abuser would downplay the violence and let the officer know they worked things out while the victim would be cowering in the corner afraid to speak up.

(Domestic violence) was the only crime where it was left up to the victim to arrest the perpetrator, said Arellano, who helped develop South Countys first underground railroad for women looking to escape domestic violence.

In 1978, the shelter provided services for more than 180 women and children. La Isla Pacifica provided services such as counseling, medical attention, legal assistance, home relocation, transportation and advocacy.

There was no crisis line in South County at that time, Gonzalez-Escoto recalled. We began servicing Santa Clara County and San Benito Countymostly Morgan Hill, Gilroy, San Martin and Hollister.

Helping victims

Since then, countless domestic violence victims have passed through the doors of La Isla Pacifica. At first, the shelter could accommodate up to 30 people at a time (some would bring multiple children with them in hiding). If there was not a bed available, they would look elsewhere.

The beauty of it all was just life at La Isla. There was so much sharing and caring, said Arellano, a veteran of the U.S. Womens Army Corps. We would have 21 clients at a time, including their children. We would pick them up at the police department or another safe place. Then, we would get them the services they needed. Some we would put on a Greyhound to go somewhere.

Gonzalez-Escoto added: We were able to get some women into permanent housing.And we would provide them with clothing, food and furniture. We had a cadre of volunteers helping to lift us up.

The founders took to every source they could think of for funding and began networking with other similar shelters in Northern California to combine resources and not overlap services. In 1993, a more permanent funding source came as the state passed the Presley bill that reserved a portion of marriage license fees to support domestic violence.

We spoke in front of the state assembly. We went to the governor.We went to anyone who had influence at that time, Gonzalez-Escoto said.

Along with the funding, law enforcement began to criminalize domestic violence and Gilroy became one of the first cities in Santa Clara County to give out general orders on how to handle a domestic violence call. Arellano said that she and other members would go to the police departments in Gilroy and Morgan Hill, as well as the sheriffs office, during shift changes and train the officers on what to look for when on a call. That also allowed La Isla Pacifica to apply for grants from law enforcement agency grants, which they received for the first time in 1976 and five subsequent years.

Then in 1996, La Isla Pacifica merged with two other organizationsSouth County Alternatives and Bridgeto form Community Solutions, which has offices today in Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Hollister and south San Jose.

Thats when the new name Community Solutions was born, said Community Solutions Division Director Perla Flores, who explained that the new group is divided into divisions by services provided. In Morgan Hill, they focus on solutions to violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. The La Isla Pacifica shelter is operational and run by Community Solutions.

The need is still there and awareness is key, said Flores, who detailed the Community Solutions model of Protection, Prosecution, Prevention and Partnership. I still think we have a long way to go.Domestic violence continues to affect so many.

Flores added that domestic violence happens whenever one person exerts power and control over another, and it does not have to be physical.

Growing awareness

The awareness and support has grown exponentially, with 94 shelters across the state. Flores ran off the different organizations and consortiums such as the California Partnership to end Domestic Violence (which pushes for policy and advocacy along with funding) as well as the Domestic Violence Advocacy Consortium. Along with Community Solutions, other domestic violence providers involved are Asian American Community Services, Next Door Solution to Domestic Violence, Maitri and the YWCA. Flores noted that the California Office of Emergency Services provides the biggest chunk of funding for domestic violence.

Bringing more help and awareness, Community Solutions hosts a weekly South County Family Justice Center, where visitors can seek domestic violence and victim-witness advocacy as well as free, on-site advice from an immigration and family law attorney; and speak with a domestic violence police detective or the supervising district attorney.

On Feb. 15, dozens of residents joined Community Solutions in a candlelight vigil held at the Morgan Hill Downtown Amphitheater to honor survivors and those lost to domestic violence.

When we started the shelter, (domestic violence) was not talked about, Arellano said. A big change is now people will dialogue about it openly.

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What: Helping Hands & Healing Hearts

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When: 11:15am Friday, March 16

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Where: Morgan Hill Community & Cultural Center (17000 Monterey Road)

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Details: Tickets $65 per person prior to Feb. 23, $75 after Feb. 23. RSVP required by March 7. Available at communitysolutions.org or (408) 846-4704

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Gilroy (Headquarters)

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9015 Murray Avenue, #100

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Gilroy, CA 95020

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Mon-Fri / 8:30am to 5:30pm

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(408) 842-7138

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Morgan Hill

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16264 Church Street, #103

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Morgan Hill, CA 95037

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Mon-Fri / 9:00am to 5:00pm

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(408) 779-2113

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San Jose

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5671 Santa Teresa Blvd., #202 & #203

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San Jose, CA 95123

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Mon-Fri / 8:30am to 5:00pm

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(408) 225-9163

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Hollister

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310 Fourth Street, #105

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Hollister, CA 95023

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Mon-Fri / 9:00am to 5:00pm

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(831) 637-1094

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Additional information

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(408) 842-7138

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[email protected]
In Focus with Allison Walker is a 30-minute public affairs program, featuring a roundtable of newsmakers representing a range of perspectives, including local officials and expert analysts as they tackle topical issues of importance to Floridians.

In Focus airs Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., right after Political Connections.
A crowd of more than 7,000 attended a CNN town hall event Wednesday night to listen to survivors of the Parkland mass shooting and question policymakers and law enforcement about next steps following the Valentine's Day attack.

CNNs Jake Tapper served as moderator of the event, held at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida and moderated the discussion between students, parents, teachers and U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio and U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch.

Although the audience and survivors sharing the stage with Nelson, Rubio and Deutch had questions for all the lawmakers, Rubio was often targeted with questions challenging his recently stated position on an assault weapon ban.

Hard questions for legislators

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School parent Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter was among the students killed in the attack, in particular called Rubios responses to the situation, as well as President Donald Trumps, weak. He then asked Rubio to accept that guns were a factor in the hunting of our kids in this school this week and that he would work to do something about guns.

Rubio, who was booed during the exchange, countered by stating his belief that gun laws alone would not solve the problem. He went on to reiterate his stance that the assault weapons ban as it existed from 1994-2004 and current similar legislation is flawed due to its reliance on cosmetic factors relating to defining assault weapons.

Student Cameron Kasky, one of the survivors of the shooting, went further, asking Rubio to pledge not to accept any more political funding from the National Rifle Association.

Rubio responded by pointing out positions he has staked out that the NRA does not support, and saying his acceptance of their support did not equal his endorsement of all their respective positions.

"If people want to support my agenda, theyre welcome to do so. But they buy into my ideas, I don't buy into theirs," he explained.

Rubio also said he believes in changing the minimum age a person can buy an AR-15, the weapon used by Nikolas Cruz, which is something the NRA disagrees with, he said.

Rubio added that while he doesn't know what the NRA's stance is on allowing teachers to be armed, the senator said that's something he doesn't agree with.

The discussion did not solely focus on Rubio and his positions, however. Ashley Kurth, a teacher at Stoneman Douglas High who sheltered 65 students during the shooting, asked a question related to Trumps suggestion earlier in the day that teachers possibly should be armed in classrooms.

Am I supposed to get extra training to serve and protect on top of educating students? Kurth asked.

All three congressman stated they opposed Trump's suggestion of arming teachers.

The next morning, Trump tweeted that what he said was misconstrued. He suggested possibly allowing "gun adept" teachers to carry concealed weapons, not all teachers.

I never said give teachers guns like was stated on Fake News @CNN & @NBC. What I said was to look at the possibility of giving concealed guns to gun adept teachers with military or special training experience - only the best. 20% of teachers, a lot, would now be able to  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2018

....immediately fire back if a savage sicko came to a school with bad intentions. Highly trained teachers would also serve as a deterrent to the cowards that do this. Far more assets at much less cost than guards. A gun free school is a magnet for bad people. ATTACKS WOULD END!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2018

Student Robert Schentrup, whose sister Carmen was among the victims in the shooting, asked Deutch about the state of Americas democracy, considering that lawmakers have done little to strengthen gun laws despite a majority of Americans favoring stricter regulation.

It is a little bit, yes Deutch said, but then quickly pointed to the raised voices in the room and the message the spirit of activism in the evening sent as evidence that Americas democracy could be fixed.

Notably, while student Chris Grady questioned him on whether large capacity magazines for weapons had a place in American society, Rubio expressed a possible shift in his previous stances on the issue.

I am rethinking my position, Rubio said, pointing to information hed learned over the past week. He said that although a ban on large capacity magazines would not have prevented the attack, it might have made it less lethal.

Heated exchanges with NRA spokesperson

Later in the program, it was NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch and Broward County Sheriff Scott Israels turns to take questions from the audience. While the crowd was generally supportive of Israel, they often booed Loesch as she expressed her organizations commitment to keeping guns out of the hands of crazy people.

"People who are crazy should not be able to get firearms," Loesch said. "People who are dangerous to themselves and other individuals should not be able to obtain a firearm."

Teachers and parents challenged Loesch on the Second Amendment, with one teacher even asking her in the terms of a homework assignment to define a well-regulated militia within the context of the Second Amendment and how an 18-year-old with a military is well regulated.

Loesch answered by quoting founding father George Mason, who at the time defined militia as every man, every woman  an American man, an American woman who could operate and service their firearm.
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school resource deputy on duty the day of the mass shooting took up a position outside but never went in to investigate, the Broward County Sheriff said Thursday.



During a news conference, Sheriff Scott Israel said the school resource officer, Scot Peterson, chose to resign and retire following a recommendation that he be suspended without pay for his actions during the massacre.

The Valentine's Day school shooting in Parkland, Florida left 17 students and teachers dead, the deadliest school shooting since Sandy Hook in December 2012.

Israel said video shows that Peterson was armed, in uniform and on campus at the time of the shooting.

He said Peterson is seen in the video driving up outside the building where the shooting was happening and taking up a position outside. However, he didn't enter the building to confront the shooter.

"What I saw was a deputy arrive at the west side of Building 12, take up a position, and he never went in," Israel said.

Israel also said Peterson stood outside the building during the incident for approximately four minutes.

The Sheriff said the video hasn't been released, and "we may never disclose the video, depending the prosecution and the criminal case," Israel said.



Despite Peterson's retirement, the internal investigation will continue.



Nikolas Cruz, a former Douglas High student, is charged in the deaths. Officials from the Broward Sheriff's office to the FBI have said they had received tips and calls for service about Cruz in the past few years.


Orlando International Airport's governing body voted Wednesday to hold off on submitting an application that would lead to privatizing security operations at the facility.

Orlando International Airport is exploring privatizing security operations

Airport's governing board met, postponed motion to move forward

More than 100 TSA union members showed for packed meeting



Although the vote by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority delays submitting an application, it does not entirely stop the process.

Board members are expected to begin talking with 15 Transportation Security Administration-qualified contractors, as the board also works in the next 60 days to address outstanding issues it sees with TSAs leadership and service.

More than 100 union members of TSAs workforce at OIA were on hand for Wednesdays standing-room-only meeting to petition the Board to not move forward with the process to hire private screening contractors.

The Board ultimately decided to set a 60-day deadline to work with members of Floridas Congressional delegation to meet with TSA leadership in Washington.

Im taking the gloves off on this. There is a leadership problem at TSA locally, said GOAA Chairman Frank Kruppenbacher during the meeting. He later turned to the crowd and said, Screeners, youre in the middle of it, but its not about you in the bigger picture.

Kruppenbacher admitted that privatization is not ideal, but he and other board members, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, said there are issues that remain to be solved. Dyer was the only person to vote no with moving forward with this action.

Union members saw Wednesdays vote as a direct threat to their jobs.

Orlando Airport board beginning to take up issue of whether to replace TSA workers with private screeners. pic.twitter.com/2cBwmgrC4T  Greg Angel (@NewsGuyGreg) February 21, 2018

Today is a sad day for working people in the greater Orlando area, and for the millions of passengers who fly through Orlando International Airport every year, said David Cox Sr., President of American Federation of Government Employees, in a statement. While we had hoped the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority would work with members of Congress at improving management at TSA, and would listen to the working people most affected by this vote, the board instead voted to begin the dangerous proposition of outsourcing security in Orlando.

The proposal before the Board cited extended wait times at security checkpoints and falling customer satisfaction as reasons to consider the proposal.

But during the discussion, it was clear that there were deeper issues between the Board and local TSA management.

The Board decided to continue discussions within the next 60 days in an effort to resolve the issues. If those issues cant be solved, the Board may then move to begin the application that could eventually allow private screeners.

Private security operations would be allowed under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. The law says TSA would retain overall security authority at the airport and would be charged with executing a contract with an outside vendor. That vendor, by law, would have to maintain equal, or better, pay and benefits, as well as security standards as the TSA does.

There are currently 22 airports across the U.S. that use private screeners as part of the Screening Partnership Program. That includes four in Florida: Orlando-Sanford International Airport, Sarasota-Bradenton Airport, Punta Gorda Airport and Key West International Airport.

TSA leaders said their service remains superior.

Last year the Transportation Security Officers at Orlando International Airport discovered the seventh most guns in the country  84 percent of which were loaded, AFGE District 5 Vice President Everett Kelley said in a statement. These highly-trained, highly-skilled officers have sworn an oath to protect the Constitution and the American public, and have been recognized for their hard work.

According to a survey commissioned by the airport and carried out by Phoenix Marketing International, OIA passengers ranked customer satisfaction at 84 percent in November 2016 and 70 percent in July 2017.

At an airport thats expected to handle 45 million passengers by this August, TSA said Orlando International Airport has the highest rate in the nation when it comes to the number of passengers screened per lane: 720,000 passengers in 2016. TSA also points to another survey, validated by Valencia College, that shows between May 14-20, 2017, passengers ranked the overall security experience at 96 percent and TSA officer courtesy at 94 percent.

Last year, OIA was named the top airport in the country in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.

The GOAA Board will meet again April 18 to discuss the outcome of conversations with TSA in Washington. Unless those conversations satisfy the Board, they could chose to begin vetting private screening companies and applying for SPP status with TSA.

The TSA would have 120 days to approve or reject OIAs application for SPP status. An application would also require approval from Congress. After approval is given, TSA would have one year to grant a contract, and it would estimate to take a another six months from there to full transition security services.
MERIDEN  Residents are voicing opposition to a zone change that would allow Carabetta Companies to construct a 25-unit apartment complex off North Broad Street, claiming the development would cause traffic issues and lower property values.

The matter was tabled Wednesday by the citys Economic Development, Housing and Zoning Committee pending updated plans from the company.

Carabetta submitted a petition to change the zoning for properties at 1444 and 1460 N. Broad St. and several Lirot Court properties so the company can construct 25 apartment units in the predominantly single-family neighborhood.

City Planner Bob Seale said Carabetta requested the committee table the matter so it could submit more detailed site plans to help neighbors better understand what the development would look like.

Over 70 residents have signed a petition opposing the zone change. The petition says the development would be incompatible with the neighborhood, cause traffic issues, lower the value of their homes and decrease their quality of life.

During a public hearing, Stonycrest Drive resident Mark Kosnoff said he is worried about the impact of more cars to the neighborhood.

I fear that if these apartments are built, the increased traffic flow will almost certainly result in an increase in traffic accidents, Kosnoff said.

Resident Dan Zabrowski was in favor of the development, stating the city needs economic development to increase tax revenue.

Planning Commission alternate Jack Brooks disagreed, saying the apartments would go against the Plan of Conservation and Developments vision for single-family neighborhoods.

We do need development, Brooks said. This isnt the location. Its inappropriate.

The committee voted to continue the public hearing March 21. The Planning Commission is also expected to discuss the matter March 14.

ltauss@record-journal.com

203-317-2231

Twitter: @LeighTaussRJ
High school students in Meriden and Wallingford have joined others around the country in organizing walkouts to protest gun violence and support survivors of the school shooting in Florida last week.

So many victims have died and we arent going to settle for prayers anymore, said Angel Hart, a sophomore at Platt High School in Meriden, who helped organize a walkout at the high school Wednesday.

After Sandy Hook, we said never again, Hart continued, and yet its happened so much. So I think we dont trust the adults to change things anymore and were putting it in our own hands to control our future and our safety.

About 150 Platt students participated in the walkout Wednesday, a week after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

At noon, students left the school building and stood outside for 17 minutes to honor the 17 people who died in the shooting. A moment of silence was held for the victims, and Platt Principal Robert Montemurro addressed students with words of encouragement.

They really feel for the other students down there, Montemurro told the Record-Journal. Its a situation that, as 17-year-olds, I can't imagine how confused they are because as an adult and principal and a father, I still cant put my head around it.

Seeing so many kids coming together for something we all believe in was heartwarming, Platt senior Allison Macinnis said.

The walkout at Platt was part of an effort by students at schools around the country who held walkouts at noon Wednesday to honor the one-week anniversary of the shooting. Another national walkout is being organized for March 14, the one-month anniversary.

Hart said she first heard about the national walkout on social media and got classmates involved by spreading the word on social media.

Montemurro said he didnt learn about the planned walkout until Wednesday morning. While he would have preferred to plan the walkout with students beforehand, he was proud of how the students handled themselves. Montemurro said his nephew graduated from Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida two years ago.

Kids are kids. They need support. And I just wanted to let them know that administration and staff do support them, but lets just have a deeper conversation going forward, Montemurro said.

Students in other districts are also calling on school administrators to support them in participating in the national walkout demonstrations.

In Wallingford, Sheehan High School sophomores Angelina Tiroletto and Sam Gontarz met with Superintendent Salvatore Menzo this week to talk about participating in the next national walkout, scheduled for March 14 at 10 a.m. That walkout is being planned by Womens March organizers.

Tiroletto said participating in the walkout is important because it will raise awareness and hopefully bring about better security in schools.

Menzo told students he supported the idea but it would require more planning, the students said. Menzo sent an email to parents this week saying the administration is planning an organized response for students, families and staff.

We are in the process of drafting plans that would address the needs and concerns of each of these groups. In doing so, we have been working with the mayor and other local officials for their support and collaboration, Menzo wrote in the email. Our initial plans include scheduling meetings with students to discuss ideas as related to the proposed Walk-Out on March 14. We want to implement ideas to support student voice and advocacy while being mindful that not everyone may have the same feelings or beliefs.

Students, many of whom were in elementary school during the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, said they want to see substantial change come from this latest school shooting.

I have felt a sense of fear in school ever since these shootings happened, Macinnis said.

Gontarz, who has siblings in elementary school, said her worst fear is getting a call that her brother or sister has been shot or harmed.

Even if this does take years, just whatever I can do to keep them and every other innocent child safe, Gontarz said.

Gontarz and Tiroletto said they want to see improvements made to school security.

Were going to keep pushing for (better school security) until we get something because I have two younger nieces and I dont want to have to worry that theyre going to get killed in school, Tiroletto said.

The Sheehan students first learned about the national walkout next month on social media and Hart organized the walkout Wednesday after seeing other schools plans on Twitter.

I feel that almost every one of the students in this country is fed up with the way our safety has been treated, Hart said. We are saying this is enough because weve lived through so much of it and if we want change we have to go out there and change it ourselves.

In addition to the March 14 walkout, student organizers are also planning a March For Our Lives in Washington D.C. to advocate school safety and gun control. A third national walkout day on April 20 has been organized by Connecticut high school student Lane Murdock, a 15-year-old from Ridgefield, to honor the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School shootings, which killed 12 students and one teacher in Colorado.

While students at Sandy Hook Elementary School were not old enough to speak out publicly and on social media at the time, teenagers at Stoneman Douglas High School have been outspoken following the shooting, calling for stronger gun control. Local high school students said they were inspired to take action by the Florida students.

Students speaking out and running something like this could really show how capable we are and how our voices could finally be heard, Macinnis said of the Platt walkout. It didnt cause immediate change, but it shows how willing we are to continue this and continue speaking up about it.

mzabierek@record-journal.com

203-317-2279

Twitter: @MatthewZabierek
WALLINGFORD  A chicken and waffle restaurant with other locations in the state recently opened on the towns east side.

People appreciate really great food in Wallingford, said Steven Murray, owner of Cheeks Chicken & Waffles, which opened its fifth location in a plaza at 822 East Center St.

Murray said some customers like the waffles and the chicken separately, while others prefer the combination of the sweet sugar-laden Liege waffles and the light crispyness of the chicken.

The restaurant began serving customers on Feb. 1. A grand opening is scheduled for Saturday.

The menu includes sandwiches, wings, nuggets and side dishes such as fried pickles and mac n cheese bites.

Murray rotates between Cheeks Chickens four Connecticut and one New Jersey location.

Its good we have new stuff popping up in Wallingford, said local resident Jake Sizemore as he had lunch with coworkers.

Across the table from Sizemore, Walter Martinez, of Meriden, said he hadnt had a similar meal outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

Youve got to give it a 10, all around, he said.

Murray said fried chicken and waffles was one of his favorite dishes before he moved to Connecticut from Florida.

It is huge down South, he said.

He started with a food truck, which turned into a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Manchester within a year.

Now, he said, chicken and waffles has become huge.
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ABC News(CLAIBORNE COUNTY, Tenn.) -- As the nation continues to deal with the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Florida, one elementary school student in Tennessee is pleading for action.



Abigail Daniels, a fourth-grade student at Tazewell-New Tazewell elementary school, wrote the Claiborne County sheriff a letter asking for additional protection at her school.



"Dear Mr. Sheriff, I've heard about the school shootings, and I've felt sad and scared. Please, I am begging you, please let us have more protection at our schools. I don't want anyone coming into our schools and hurting kids," Daniels wrote in the letter.



Deonna Daniels, Abigails mom, said the family was watching news coverage of the shooting when her daughter came up with the idea.



It's heartbreaking to see her thinking about that at her age, the mom told ABC News. She said she wanted to write a letter and I told her as long as she was polite that it was OK.



The 9-year-old also asked the sheriff for security officers at her school along with better doors and windows for the school's buildings.



Sheriff David Ray said he was surprised to get the letter but disgraced by the idea of kids not feeling safe in their schools.



I was teary-eyed. I almost cried, Ray told ABC News.



He posted a message to Abigail on the Claiborne County Sheriffs Facebook page on Feb. 16, thanking her for the letter. He also reassured her that police officers already monitor students at her school.



Hopefully, one day we can place a police officer in every school to make it safer for you and others, Ray wrote in the Facebook post.



Only three schools out of the 12 in Claiborne County have full-time security officers, according to ABC affiliate WATE-TV. Officers patrol the schools during their shifts in the day, and there are precautions in place in the event of an active school shooter, according to Ray. However, he says, he wants to implement more security measures, such as adding a security officer to every school in the county.



There have been no threats on Claiborne County schools, Ray said, but for safety measures, there were officers posted at the school last week after the shooting in Florida.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
By IANS

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army on Thursday defended its chief General Bipin Rawat's comments about the growth of the AIUDF, a political party in Assam, allegedly because it enjoyed the support of the Muslim population as Pakistan and China were pushing illegal Bangladeshi migrants into India.

AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal took strong objection to the "shocking" remarks.

The Army said there was nothing political or religious in General Rawat's comments made in a seminar on the northeast at DRDO Bhavan on February 21.

"There is nothing political or religious in the talk. The Army Chief just mentioned amalgamation and development in the seminar," the Army said.

"Gen Bipin Rawat has made a political statement, shocking! Why is it a concern for the Army Chief that a political party, based on democratic and secular values, is rising faster than the BJP? Alternative parties like the AIUDF, the AAP have grown because of the misgovernance of big parties," Ajmal tweeted.

Ajmal asked if by making such a statement, the Army Chief was "indulging in politics which is against the constitutional mandate given to him".

He tagged President Ram Nath Kovind (@rashtrapatibhvn) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@PMOIndia) asking them to "please take note" of his tweets.

Ajmal said if the Army was clarifying there was "nothing political" in the General's statement, "why was the Army Chief dragging a political party in his speech, whose representatives are democratically elected by Indian citizens."

In his remarks on Wednesday, the Army chief said Pakistan, with support from China, was pushing illegal migrants from Bangladesh into India though he didn't name the two countries but made his references obvious by calling them India's "western neighbour" and "northern neighbour".

"They will always try and ensure that this area is taken over, playing the proxy dimension of warfare where they do not have to confront a stronger nation through conventional operations.This proxy game is being well played by our western neighbour and supported also by the northern neighbour."

Rawat said the government was looking at the northeast with the right perspective now to make sure that the population dynamics of this region could no longer be changed.

"There is a party called AIUDF. It has grown at a faster rate than the BJP has over the years... The AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam."
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The government is "ascertaining" details as to how convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal got a visa to enter India, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar today said.

A controversy erupted after Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel invited Atwal for a dinner which he was hosting for the visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his delegation tonight.

The high commission later said the invitation to Atwal was cancelled.

"There are two aspects of this. One is his presence at the event. I think this is something which should be addressed by the Canadian side. They have said that it was an oversight. And that is the reason the invitation for the reception tonight has been withdrawn.

ALSO READ: Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal not part of the official delegation, says Canadian Prime Minister's Office

"On the visa part, I cannot immediately say how that happened. There are different ways of people coming into India, whether you are an Indian national, or OCI card holder. We are ascertaining details from our mission. We will have to see how this happened," Kumar told reporters.

Live Now!

Watch the Weekly Media Briefing & Curtain Raiser Briefing on the @isolaralliance Founding Conference live on @MEAIndia's YouTube channel

Click: https://t.co/zsgmlTwYfN  Indian Diplomacy (@IndianDiplomacy) February 22, 2018

Atwal was convicted for trying to kill the then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

ALSO READ: Convicted Khalistan Jaspal Atwal no longer in Ministry of Home Affairs blacklist

The cancellation of the invitation comes at a time when Trudeau's pro-Khalistan approach is being criticised by many including Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who raised the issue with the Canadian prime minister during a meeting.

On his part, Trudeau assured Singh that his country does not support separatism in India or elsewhere.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, whose invitation to a dinner in honour of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was rescinded following a controversy, no longer figures in the Home Ministry's blacklist of Sikh extremists, officials said.

The central government time-to-time reviews the blacklist of the Sikh extremists taking into account intelligence inputs and activities of the persons concerned, a home ministry official said.

Names of nearly 150 wanted terrorists and their associates were removed from the blacklist in the last few years, the official said.

READ: Ascertaining details from Mission on how convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal got a visa, says MEA

"Atwal's name no longer figures in the current blacklist," the official said.

The review of the blacklist is always done in consultation with the Punjab government and central security agencies.

Most of the persons whose names have been deleted from the wanted list are believed to be currently based in countries like Pakistan, the US, Canada, Norway, France and Germany.

After the government removed them from the blacklist, they could move freely around the world and even return to India.

Perhaps taking advantage of the central government's decision to remove his name from the blacklist, Atwal arrived in ndia and subsequently got the invitation to the dinner being hosted in honour of Trudeau by High Commissioner of Canada Nadir Patel, the official said.

Also read: Facts about Khalistani Terrorist Jaspal Atwal in stir over Justin Trudeau event invite

Atwal was a Sikh separatist active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation when he was convicted of attempt to murder of Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

Sidhu was shot at twice on a road and survived, but was later assassinated in India.

A judge called it "an act of terrorism" and sentenced Atwal and three others to 20 years in prison.

It is not yet immediately known as to how Atwal got an Indian visa and why he was cleared to attend official events here.

Atwal is said to have been active in Canadian politics in recent years.
By Online Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has finally tweeted about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and family's visit to India via his official Twitter account. His silence on the Canadian Prime Minister's visit has been a subject of intrigue.

The PM usually tweets about foreign leaders' visit as soon as they land.

On Thursday evening, PM Modi tweeted: "I hope PM @JustinTrudeau and his family had a very enjoyable stay so far. I particularly look forward to meeting his children Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. Here is a picture from my 2015 Canada visit, when I'd met PM Trudeau and Ella-Grace."

The picture has the Prime minister with his Canadian counterpart and his daughter, Ella-Grace.

ALSO READ: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau arrives at Jama Masjid, avoids question on Khalistani terrorist invite

I hope PM @JustinTrudeau and his family had a very enjoyable stay so far. I particularly look forward to meeting his children Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. Here is a picture from my 2015 Canada visit, when I'd met PM Trudeau and Ella-Grace. pic.twitter.com/Ox0M8EL46x  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2018

In a subsequent tweet, the PM has also referred to a scheduled meeting with Trudeau and said he was looking forward to "holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres".

I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known to greet foreign dignitaries (like Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu) at the tarmac.



Trudeau's visit to India was met with an unexpected cold shoulder and later laden with controversies.

When Trudeau landed on the tarmac of Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday on a week long-visit, he was greeted by Minister of State for Agriculture Rajendra Singh Shekhawat and Indias High Commissioner to Canada, Vikas Swarup.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signs the Visitor's Book

as his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and children look on during

their visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra on Sunday. (PTI)

The Prime Minister had told Trudeau at the World Economic Forum, Davos that he would be glad to meet him when the latter visited India.

Modi's perceived cold-shouldering of Trudeau appears to have been prompted by the support the Canadian Prime Minister allegedly receives from the Khalistani movement.

Trudeau's visit was further dragged into controversy when Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel invited convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal for a dinner which he was hosting for the visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his delegation on Thursday night. The invitation was later cancelled.

ALSO READ: Who is Jaspal Atwal? Here are 5 facts about the Khalistani Terrorist in stir over Justin Trudeau event invite

Noting the lack of a welcome from PM Modi, Toronto Sun columnist Candice Malcolm tweeted: On official state visits to India, PM Modi personally greets and welcomes the Israeli PM, UAE Crown Prince and US President. For PM Trudeau, he sends a low-ranking official. Canada is back.

In another tweet, she said, Dear people of India, regardless of the views of our misguided Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the people of Canada support a united India. We oppose and condemn Khalistani radicals and Islamist terrorists."

Delhi, however, denied there was any violation of protocol, and said that Trudeau would meet Modi in Delhi on Friday, a day before he leaves. PM Modi was busy with visiting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani when Trudeau landed. He has other engagements. You cant expect the PM to be in two places at the same time, said a senior Indian official.

(with inputs from agencies)
By PTI

MUMBAI: Taking a dig at the investment figures of Magnetic Maharashtra Conclave (MMC) and the flight of the prime accused Nirav Modi in the Rs 11,400 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday remarked care should be taken to ensure that the money received as investments is not taken away by someone like Nirav Modi.

Uddhav Thackeray who replied to queries from media persons on sidelight of a book release function at the party headquarters Sena Bhavan at Dadar stated that big people indulge in corruption and flee the country. However, the poor farmer with small loans which he cannot repay is forced to end his life. Until this paradox does not end, fixing nylon nettings at Mantralaya will not solve the issue.

He added that the farmers cannot flee if they cannot pay their loans.

The Sena chief stated that if during demonetisation people were asked all sorts of questions while withdrawing their own money, how come people like Nirav Modi were allowed to siphon-off thousands of crores of rupees in the last two to three years?

Thackeray stated that the PNB scam has raised suspicion amongst the people about the safety of their hard-earned deposits in banks. They (government) squeeze your necks and extract taxes from you. However, when a bank is busted by someone intentionally then the government takes responsibility of just Rs 1 lakh only. Ive asked Sena MPs to meet the Prime Minister and Union finance minister with a memorandum to demand that the government should take full responsibility of protecting the hard-earned savings of the people, he said.

The Sena chief further remarked that with one after the other scams like PNB tumbling out of the closet, it has put the Raffale deal on the backburner. Contrary to the state Industries minister who is from his own party, Thackeray said that several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed in the last four years and not a brick has been laid in any of them, as after signing MOUs Central and State Government policies keep on changing.
Sadaf Aman By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Hyderabad, Rajendernagar, has once again erupted in protest with the Student Council of the institute giving a call for a boycott of classes, against the managements decision to roll back financial aid to SC, ST and OBC students.

In an act of solidarity, all campuses of TISS Mumbai, Hyderabad, Guwahati and Tuljapur staged a protest, took out a rally, sloganeered and boycotted classes and stalled all academic-related works on Wednesday. Over 150 students participated in the protest. Discontinuation of the scholarships and asking students to pay upfront for the hostel and dining hall fee will result in the exclusion of the students, a majority of whom are from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

WATCH: TISS students protest against fee hike, withdrawal of financial aid

As per the notification released in May 2017, all students who have been enrolled since 2016 are required to cough up a sum of `50,000 per semester towards lodging and food. All forms of aids for all sections have been slashed by the University Grants Commission on grounds of funds crunch. Arjun Mukherjee, a student council member said that the whole issue of GOI-PMS(Govt of India Post Matric Scholarship) is that of miscommunication on part of the administration. The 2016-18 batch was informed about the aid withdrawal only in 2017. Those from the 2017-19 batch were also not intimated prior to the admission. This shows that there is no liability for the repercussion on the marginalised students, he said.

Detailing the hardships the students from such background face and that such arbitrary move will not allow marginalised students to survive in TISS. With our family income barely touching a lakh, how can they expect us to pay `2 lakh for a two-year course? said an OBC student. Students said that they took admission into TISS only because they were assured that they would not have to pay anything. For first-year students, the worry is how they will pay and get through the course and for final years, in addition to the stress of project work, they fear being handed over empty envelopes during convocation, Harender Singh,a student said.

The council, however, met the deputy director who assured that their demands would be placed before the higher ups. A representation has also been submitted. The administration has been given a week to accept their demands. Attempts to reach Deputy Director S Siva Raju turned futile.
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Noelle McGee is a Danville-based reporter at The News-Gazette. Her email is nmcgee@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@n_mcgee).
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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).
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BMW Group India had a lot going for them at the 2018 Auto Expo and rightly so, as they had one of the busiest stalls at Indias biggest bi-annual auto fest. This was because the company had three major brands showcasing their line up  BMW (the four-wheeler arm), BMW Motorrad (two-wheeler arm) and Mini. Interestingly, it was not about just product showcases for the German automaker at the Auto Expo as there was a slew of launches too.

When it came to BMW Motorrad, they had not one but two motorcycles that were launched into the Indian market  the F 750 GS and the F 850 GS which were launched at a price tag of Rs 12.3 and 13.7 lakh respectively (all prices ex-showroom). On top of this, they also showcased the highly anticipated BMW G 310 R and the BMW G 310 GS as well. We get into a conversation with Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India to find out more about these motorcycles.

Watch Video
TVS Motors  the indigenous two wheeler manufacturer from India went all-out at the Auto Expo 2018 to showcase their future products, all in sync with this years theme of future of mobility. TVS showcased Indias first Ethanol based vehicle  the Apache 200 FI Ethanol. The modified Apache 200 FI is ready to run on an 85% ethanol-petrol mix, subject to governments initiation. Then theres the new Zeppelin Cruiser with 400cc engine and a power boost function that will take on modern cruisers in India. Lastly, theres the Creon all-electric scooter. We got in touch with Vinay Harne, President - NPD at TVS Motors to understand all the three products better, and also on the future strategy of TVS Motors.
New Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday said his ongoing visit to India has already yielded investments worth over one billion dollar that will generate 6,000 'high quality' jobs.

Underscoring the need for deepening bilateral ties, Trudeau said he is in India to strengthen historic ties between the two nations and the hospitality extended to his family "has been phenomenal".

"In total, this weeks trip has yielded more than a billion dollars in investments between Canada and India and that billion dollars back and forth will create 6,000 high quality jobs for folks back home and many many good jobs here as well.

"This is a true vote of confidence from the Indian Business community and the desire from companies around the world to set up shop in Canada makes sense," Trudeau said while addressing a business event coordinated by CII in New Delhi.

The visiting leader said India and Canada must "deepen and broaden" its historic friendship and "that is what this week has been all about".

Trudeau said he has engaging with all facets of Indian society.

"To be competitive in the modern economy, we need to shift from a whole government approach to a whole of country approach. This is how we strengthen our ties, this is how we both succeed," he said.

Addressing the businessmen, the Canadian Prime Minister said his country was a "pretty good place to do business" and there are "tremendous advantages of working together" for the benefit of the two countries and their citizens.

Trudeau said over 400 Canadian companies are present in India and he has "no doubt that this number will increase in the years ahead".

He also called for achieving trade and growth that lifts the poor and historically disadvantaged.

"Just as we recognise that diversity is a crucial element of progress, we also recognise that economic growth must benefit all of our people... We can have trade and investment that is both profitable and benefits society. Too many people have been left behind as global commerce has evolved," Trudeau said.

At the same event, Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said India and Canada have immense scope for cooperation in cold chain and refrigeration.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian state energy firm Petroliam Nasional Berhad, or Petronas, said on Thursday it has signed its first term agreement to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) in India.

Petronas has signed a sale and purchase agreement to supply LNG to H-Energy Mideast DMCC (HEMD), it said in a statement. The value of the deal and the volume of LNG were not disclosed.

Dubai-based HEMD is part of the LNG arm of Indian real estate group Hiranandani Group.

Earlier this month, an Indian government official said India's push to more than double the share of natural gas in its energy mix to 15 percent by 2022 will require a huge increase in imports and the construction of more LNG terminals.

The 70 million-tonnes-a-year target means India would need to import more than China took last year via both pipelines and tankers, and it would put Indian purchases close to the level of top importer Japan.

Petronas, the world's third-biggest LNG supplier, has been trying to tap new markets for LNG at a time when global supply has exceeded demand. A company official had earlier flagged South Asia as an area of significant growth potential
In case you missed it

The opposition is working on a plan to corner the Central government over the PNB bank scam issue. It plans to launch a direct hit at the PM accusing him of hiding facts, not speaking out and being corrupt. The Congress, in fact, plans to demand a joint parliamentary committee probe (JPC) to turn the heat on the government. However, it faces its first hurdle in Trinamool Congress. The TMC has openly rejected the idea saying such moves have not yielded results in the past. While the Left is supporting the Congress it needs the support of major opposition parties like DMK, SP, BSP and NCP.

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan launched his political party Makkal Needhi Maiam, which translates to Peoples Justice Centre, amid much fanfare in Tamil Nadus political capital Madurai. He also unfurled the partys flag  six interlinked hands with a star at the centre  which he said denotes the unity of the six southern states. Marking his political debut, Haasan said that he had worked in films for money for so many years, but now wants to work for people for the rest of his life.

While many on social media lauded the BJP-led central government for allowing railway exams to be conducted in regional languages, linguistic activists believe that this is the bare minimum the government could do. Celebrating #International Mother Language Day, representatives of various linguistic groups gathered to declare the Bengaluru Resolution of Language Equality and Linguistic Rights. Among the 16 points made in the resolution, the demand for conducting entrance exams and interviews for union government jobs for positions in banks, railways, army etc. in native languages was also made.

National Organisation of Bank Workers, in a statement, claimed that 18,000 Punjab National Bank (PNB) employees were transferred after the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) issued directives to public sector banks to transfer senior bank officers who have served at the same post for three years and clerical staff who have been at the same post for five years in the same branch.

In a significant development, the Supreme Court virtually stayed the operation of its own judgment, which had on February 8 ruled that land acquisition will not lapse even if the money is not deposited in the court and the landowners have not been paid. A three-judge bench of Justices Madan B Lokur, Kurian Joseph and Deepak Gupta, asked the high courts across the country not to decide any case of land acquisition on the basis of the new ruling.

Mohammed Nalapad Haris, son of Congress MLA NA Haris, was sent to 14-day judicial custody by a local court in Bengaluru for allegedly assaulting a man on February 17. Nalapad's associates have also been sent to judicial custody till March 7.

On the inaugural day of the UP Investors Summit, the state signed 1,045 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) worth Rs 4.28 lakh crores. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, It is a matter of pride for the state that fortune-500 companies are participating in the summit We are heading towards a new Uttar Pradesh.

A few days ago, a police car was caught in the middle of a busy Srinagar road and a senior traffic police officer  much to the surprise of the officers and bystanders alike  challaned the police vehicle for not having a number plate. Twelve days old in his new job, Basant Rath, the new Inspector General (Traffic) of Jammu & Kashmir has already earned a name for being Jammus 'Singham' thanks to his uncompromising attitude towards traffic violations, no matter who the violator is.

The democratically elected bodies of Jawaharlal Nehru University  the Teachers and the Students Association have a complaint  The VC does not meet us. The chorus on the campus against M Jagadesh Kumar is on how the 'LoC' (Line of Communication) between the students, teachers on one hand and the administration on the other are drawing them apart. Besides the Viva Voce on SKYPE, and VCs darbar on Mondays, News 18.com finds newer communication arrangement on the JNU campus.

Malayalam filmmaker Sanal Sasidharans controversial film S Durga has been cleared by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) revising committee after it was stopped from being screened at the International Film Festival of India by the CBFC itself, saying the "boxes" used in the movies altered title gave a different implication.

In an extraordinary order, the Supreme Court made it mandatory for the lawyers to disclose their criminal antecedents during the ensuing elections to the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (BCTNP). A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra found force in the argument that if politicians are supposed to reveal pending criminal cases against them when they fight polls, lawyers should also follow the suit when they run for bar elections.

Do you want your baby to have Aryabhata's brain or Rana Pratap's build? RSS has a recipe. The organisation is providing parents with a kit that includes 10 CDs and books with Mantras from ancient Indian texts to be used by expecting mothers.

Rcord-breaking superhero flick Black Panther has become our CBFC's latest victim. A reference to Lord Hanuman, that Marvel had specifically planted to please Indian fans, was reportedly removed from the movie. Here's a list of Hollywood scenes that our Desi Censor Board couldn't digest.

Agree or disagree?

Parents no longer insist that their kids learn their own languages but are concerned in teaching their children socio-politically dominant languages such as Hindi or English, so that 'they can advance in their lives'. As a result, the intergenerational transfer of several languages has been steadily deteriorating in our country and many mother tongues are dying. According to a list prepared by UNESCO, there are 40 languages in India that are supposed to be critically endangered and stand a chance of becoming extinct. Simantini Day has a message for the English-obsessed parents Don't steal your children's right to learn their mother tongue.

Earlier this week, what was always feared by the Delhi government officials, actually took place. Delhi's Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash was, if not assaulted, at least roughed up at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence. Getting hysterical could be a good tool for activism but certainly not for governance. It's unfortunate that Kejriwal has failed to make use of the talent which he has in form of the officers of Delhi Government. He must realise they are officers of the government and not cadres of any political party. Their loyalty is to the government and not to the party that's in power.

On reel

In one of the biggest banking frauds in India, Punjab National Bank was involved in fraudulent transactions amounting to Rs 11,400 crore. What is the PNB scam? What is Nirav Modis role? Heres a decoder.

(Get a fresh dose of the news that matters, delivered directly to your inbox, every morning. The perfect way, to get you started and informed, for the day ahead. Subscribe to News18 Daybreak here.)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who is on a week-long visit to India accompanied by his wife Sophie Gregoire and three children - Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien, is here to improve ties between India and Canada with a focus on defence and security, counter-terror cooperation, trade and investment, and tackling climate change.

During his ongoing visit, Trudeau has met with top business leaders and also visited Indian monuments with his family.

And as they say, when in Rome (India), do as the Romans (Indians) do. The Canadian PM was quite a pro at it (Or, at least he tried).

Trudeau and his family members first went to to the "Langar Hall", where thousands of devotees partake langar (community food) and also do "sewa" (voluntary service). The Golden Temple's Langar Hall is the biggest community kitchen in the world.

(Image: AP)

So far so good, eh? Trudeau was called out on social media for being "too choreographed" and his traditional Indian attires reminded people of Manyavar commercials.

Former Chief Minister of J&K Omar Abdullah attached photographs of Trudeau in different attires and wrote, "Is it just me or is this choreographed cuteness all just a bit much now? Also FYI we Indians dont dress like this every day sir, not even in Bollywood."

Is it just me or is this choreographed cuteness all just a bit much now? Also FYI we Indians dont dress like this every day sir, not even in Bollywood. pic.twitter.com/xqAqfPnRoZ  Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 21, 2018

While the social commentator Suhel Seth called Trudeau's India visit the "costliest election photo-shoot".

Why couldnt @JustinTrudeau just use Photoshop? That way he could have had photos of all the INDIAN outfits and temples and ashrams and monuments and Bollywood without having to travel so many thousands of miles? Its the costliest election photo-shoot.  SUHEL SETH (@suhelseth) February 21, 2018

And when Trudeau was received by the Union Minister Hardeep Puri at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar...

Prime Minister of Canada, @JustinTrudeau being received by the Union Minister @HardeepSPuri, on his arrival, at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, in Amritsar pic.twitter.com/TILFlFiiJG  PIB India (@PIB_India) February 21, 2018

...he was asked to take a chill-pill.

Bro Golden Temple is not at the airport, have some chill... https://t.co/UIK7hohjJN  Kabir Taneja (@KabirTaneja) February 21, 2018

Thoughts?

Justin Trudeau's entire India trip looks like a badly done Manyavar ad.   That Goan Boy (@schmmuck) February 22, 2018

Of course, Trudeau's ethnic look became a fodder for memes.

white people after one (1) yoga class pic.twitter.com/eGFf9RaOTe  Neha Yadav (@nay_yeah) February 21, 2018

Hey bro, I wont be able to make it to Rukhsars nikkah tonight. Can you substitute for me and dance with Anjali there instead? Sure thing, bro. pic.twitter.com/RssaXm4c8f  Imaan Sheikh  (@sheikhimaan) February 21, 2018

Justin tredue se hi milwa do. pic.twitter.com/Ct1r0BHUVw  Arora Sahab (@Rajesh_Arora1) February 21, 2018

somehow there's always at least one foreigner at Indian weddings taking pictures with all the guests pic.twitter.com/RHN3OI1N2x  Jose Covaco (@HoeZaay) February 21, 2018

Indian actors with Canadian citizens.. pic.twitter.com/KgxnYDM1oW  Vinay Kumar Dokania (@vinaydokania) February 21, 2018

Poo and Rohan Raichand have aged really well. You just need Anjali to complete the picture. pic.twitter.com/vTKwqLbFOZ  Avinash Iyer (@IyerAvin) February 21, 2018

Itni overacting toh shahrurk ne bhi kal ho na ho me nahi ki thi pic.twitter.com/UvQnbKNPWy  one tip one hand_ (@OneTipOneHand_) February 22, 2018

Kitna kama lete ho beta? Sir, I am the PM of Canada Haan par kamate kitna ho? pic.twitter.com/M1iqKN45HL  Nagraj (@zehreelimaut) February 21, 2018

Justin Trudeau is from Caneda Pic 1 : How others see. Pic 2 : How Punjabis see (Justinder Singh Trudeau) #JustinTrudeau pic.twitter.com/iNdQKIOViQ  Dr. Gill (@ikpsgill1) February 18, 2018

One Supports Anti-National Activities And Other One Is The Guy Famous All Over The World !! pic.twitter.com/UmR0VLfiZy  Babu Bhaiya (@Shahrcasm) February 21, 2018

Indian visit without meeting Taimur. Not possible.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau to visit Taimur Ali Khan tomorrow and discuss about the current scenario of Indian media  Berozgaar Bhartiya (@BerozgaarAbhi) February 18, 2018

Now we already know Trudeau lurveees Bollywood.

But it seems he went a little overboard with all the shiny sherwanis. Last we had seen something like this in K3G. #youremember

Trudeau rubbed shoulders with Bollywood celebrities at an event in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Sporting a golden sherwani, Trudeau along with his wife Sophie, met Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar, R Madhavan and Anupam Kher among many Bollywood celebs.

The 46-year-old Canadian PM took to his Twitter page and wrote, "Tonight, we celebrated stronger ties & new co-production opportunities between Bollywood and the Canadian Film Industry. And who better to help than @iamsrk himself... Great to meet you!"

Tonight, we celebrated stronger ties & new co-production opportunities between Bollywood and the Canadian Film Industry. And who better to help than @iamsrk himself... Great to meet you!  pic.twitter.com/1OcwsA9lMS Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 20, 2018

Actor-director Farhan Akhtar was delighted to meet Trudeau.

He wrote, "Was an honour & a pleasure to meet the Hon. Prime Minister of Canada, @JustinTrudeau & his lovely wife, Sophie.

Sir, your leadership in the discourse for ending gender discrimination serves as constant inspiration to us all."

Was an honour & a pleasure to meet the Hon. Prime Minister of Canada, @JustinTrudeau & his lovely wife, Sophie. Sir, your leadership in the discourse for ending gender discrimination serves as constant inspiration to us all. pic.twitter.com/BfzrEsL6wB Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) February 20, 2018

Veteran actor Anupam Kher was a happy man.

He wrote,"It was such a pleasure to meet the Canadian Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau & his family. What a charming & great conversationalist he is. Talked about people, culture and of course cinema.:) #Canada #India #lndianCinema #BendItLikeBeckham #SilverLiningsPlaybook"

It was such a pleasure to meet the Canadian Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau & his family. What a charming & great conversationalist he is. Talked about people, culture and of course cinema.:) #Canada #India #lndianCinema #BendItLikeBeckham #SilverLiningsPlaybook pic.twitter.com/YqQO5qOdoB Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) February 20, 2018

Maddy couldn't contain his happiness either.

"such a pleasure and honour meeting you sir. Your relatability, grace and charm was most endearing and its easy to see why you are the Pride and toast of Canada.Have a lovely rest of the tour." he wrote.

@JustinTrudeau such a pleasure and honour meeting you sir. Your relatability, grace and charm was most endearing and its easy to see why you are the Pride and toast of Canada.Have a lovely rest of the tour. pic.twitter.com/yNpZV6l4Vo Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) February 21, 2018

Any plans of joining Bollywood, Mr PM?
They say if you want to achieve something, the sky is the limit. IAF Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi proved that right by tearing the heart of the sky through her first solo sortie in a Mig-21 Bison fighter aircraft.

"She undertook the sortie from IAFs Jamnagar base on Monday," IAF officials said.

Avani is from the first batch of three women officers who were commissioned as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force in June 2016.

The three pilots, Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh, had undergone strenuous training programme to fly the fighter jets.

Only a few countries, such as Britain, The United States, Israel, and Pakistan, have allowed women in the role of fighter pilots.

Right from the moment, an Indian Air Force Handle Tweeted a photo of Chaturvedi exiting the Fishbeds cockpit, the entire nation  from ministers to common people took to Twitter to express their joy and pride.

Heres what the nation said:

Congratulations to Flying Officer #AvaniChaturvedi on becoming the first Indian woman to fly a MiG-21 Bison aircraft solo. The whole country is proud of her for this amazing feat. pic.twitter.com/KVLukYDXkw Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 22, 2018

Congratulations to Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi for creating history and becoming the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft, the MiG-21 "Bison", solo. #AvaniChaturvedi #girlrising #touchthesky pic.twitter.com/uhjrBrO4OM Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) February 22, 2018

Congrats #AvaniChaturvedi for becoming the first woman in Indian history flying a fighter aircraft solo MiG-21 Bison which has worlds highest take off & landing speed 340 mph !It was Hon @PawarSpeaks Saheb's vision to bring Women in the Defence Forces. pic.twitter.com/eRoeehOyMV Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) February 22, 2018

Flying Offcer #AvaniChaturvedi bcms first #IndianWoman to fly a fighter aircraft Solo on Feb19th - that too the legendary Mig21Bison ! Congratultns n #Respect Pics after her solo sortie (Pc ssbcrackofficial)Touch the Sky with Glory  @IAF_MCC @adgpi @indiannavy pic.twitter.com/NjYKZmt4Tm Rajeev Chandrasekhar (@rajeev_mp) February 22, 2018

Proud moment for @MinistryWCD as Fg Offr #AvaniChaturvedi, one of our #FirstLadies, becomes the First Indian Woman to fly a Fighter Aircraft MiG-21 Bison solo. We salute the braveheart for scripting history.Many congratulations to @IAF_MCC. #TouchTheSkyWithGlory pic.twitter.com/EmVkB2sVIE Ministry of WCD (@MinistryWCD) February 22, 2018

#TouchTheSkyWithGlory : Fg Offr Avani Chaturvedi became the first Indian Woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo, when on 19 Feb 18 she flew a MiG-21 Bison aircraft in her first solo flight. The photo attached has been taken after her solo sortie. pic.twitter.com/nHWe4sgSmi Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 22, 2018

Even the sky is not the limit for you. #AvaniChaturvedi . Another Indias daughter makes the Nation proud. Congratulations for this fantastic feat of being Indias first woman to fly a Fighter Jet solo. May you keep inspiring us with your passion. Boman Irani (@bomanirani) February 22, 2018

Woke up to this update on Twitter and felt really proud. Congratulations, #AvaniChaturvedi on becoming the first Indian woman to fly a MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft solo. #MorePowerToYou pic.twitter.com/Ij9nFtJluO Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) February 22, 2018

Avani means Earth. Youngest Flying officer, #AvaniChaturvedi created history and made all daughters of the Nation proud by becoming the first Indian women pilot to fly MiG-21 bison in her first training sortie.Heartiest congratulations to Avani. pic.twitter.com/q7eG4QuXGS Sunil Deodhar (@Sunil_Deodhar) February 22, 2018

A proud moment for India, Congratulations to Flying Officer #AvaniChaturvedi becomes the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft, MiG-21 Bison solo. You are an inspiration for million daughters of our nation. Salute to women power. Shahnawaz Hussain (@ShahnawazBJP) February 22, 2018

Heartiest Congratulations to Flying Officer #AvaniChaturvedi on becoming the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft, the MiG-21 "Bison". #WomenPower #GirlRising #WomenEmpowerment pic.twitter.com/IdPo2aBTYQ Babul Supriyo (@SuPriyoBabul) February 22, 2018

Proud moment for every Indian! Flying Officer #AvaniChaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft (MiG-21 bison) Congratulations!Picture credit - @ANI pic.twitter.com/dpfmVCYbg9 AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 22, 2018
Lucknow: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the setting up of a defence industrial corridor in Bundelkhand region, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday that a Defence Investors Cell will be made under her guidance to ensure speedy development of the corridor.

We will soon constitute a task force and send teams to Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow to discuss how will the defence be working in the next 50 years. A portal will be available to answer all the queries round the clock, the defence minister said during the concluding day of UP Investors Summit here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced on Wednesday that his government will establish a Rs 20,000-crore defence industrial production corridor in Bundelkhand, a region divided between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh that will generate 250,000 jobs and bring development to one of the most impoverished regions of the country.

I am making an important announcement. In this year's budget, we had announced that we will establish two defence industrial production corridors. One of them will be in Bundelkhand, Modi said addressing the inaugural session of the summit.

On the first day of the UP Investors Summit, the state signed 1,045 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) worth Rs 4.28 lakh crores. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, It is a matter of pride for the state that fortune-500 companies are participating in the summit. I want to tell you all that till now, we have signed 1,045 MoUs worth Rs 4.28 lakh crore. The amount of the annual budget recently presented by my government was Rs 4.28 lakh crore, and the amount of MOUs signed today is the same. We are heading towards a new Uttar Pradesh.

Yogi added, Uttar Pradesh is heading towards development and shedding its bimaru tag. We are trying to become developed.
New Delhi: Amid reports that Justin Trudeau is being given the cold shoulder in India, the Canadian Prime Minister was apparently set to have dinner with a former member of a banned Sikh separatist group in Delhi. The invite, however, has been rescinded.

Jaspal Atwal, a convicted former member of a Sikh separatist group, was invited to dine with Trudeau by Canadas High Commissioner to India, a report in CBC said.

A PMO spokesperson, when asked on the invite, said that it was being cancelled. Confirming the move, Canadian High Commission also said, "We have rescinded Jaspal Atwals invitation (for dinner reception with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau in Delhi). We do not comment on matters relating to the PM's security."

Atwal was seen with Trudeaus wife Sophie and Liberal cabinet minister Amarjeet Sohi in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Atwal at Trudeaus event could have led to trouble for Canadian PM amid claims of the PM being snubbed due to his alleged acceptance of Sikh separatist groups. The Canadian PM has tried time and again to assure India that he had no such inclination towards the groups.

Atwal was convicted of cabinet minister Malkait Singh Sidhu's murder in 1986 on Vancouver Island. During the time of the crime he was a member of the International Sikh Federation which has been banned in several countries, including India and Canada, as a terrorist organization. He was one of the four men who shot at Sidhus car.

This is not the only run-in that Atwal has had with the law. He has been convicted in an automobile case and was also charged with a brutal attack on Ujjal Dosanjh, who was a stark critic of the Sikh movement.
New Delhi: The president of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), M Badruddin Ajmal has hit back at General Bipin Rawat's "planned immigration" comment and said that the Army chief should not comment on political issues.

"Gen Bipin Rawat has made a political statement, shocking! Why is it a concern for the Army Chief that a political party, based on democratic & secular values, is rising faster than BJP? Alternative parties like AIUDF, AAP have grown because of the misgovernance of big parties," said the leader.

He further added, "By making such statement, isn't the Chief of Army Staff indulging into politics which is against the constitutional mandate given to him. @rashtrapatibhvn @PMOIndia please take note."

All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen Party (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi also said that the Army chief should not get involved in politics. "The Army chief should not interfere in political matters. It is not his work to comment on the rise of a political party. Democracy and Constitution allow it and the Army will always work under an elected civilian leadership," he said.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat, on Wednesday, said, that a "planned" influx of people from Bangladesh into the Northeast was taking place as part of a proxy warfare by Pakistan with support from China with an aim to keep the area disturbed.

Referring to reports of increase in Muslim population in several districts of Assam, the Army Chief also talked about Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front) in the state, observing that its growth has been "faster" than that of the BJP in the 1980s.

"A planned immigration is taking place because of our western neighbour. They will always try and ensure that this area is taken over, playing the proxy dimension of warfare," Gen. Rawat said

He was addressing a conference on bridging gaps and securing borders in the Northeast region. "I think the proxy game is very well played by our western neighbour, supported by our northern border (China) to keep the area disturbed. We will continue to see some migration happening. The solution lies in identifying the problem and holistically looking at it," he said.

Influx of illegal Bangladeshis is a major issue in Assam and the state government is now coming out with a national register of citizens to find out those living illegally in the state.

"There is a party called AIUDF. If you look at it, they have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP grew over the years," he said while referring to the BJP winning only 2 seats in 1984. "The AIDUF is moving at a faster pace in Assam."

The AIUDF, which was formed in 2005 with an aim to champion the cause of Muslim community, currently has three parliamentarians in Lok Sabha and 13 legislators in the state assembly.

The Army chief said the solution to the problem lies in ensuring development of the region by taking a holistic approach. "I do not think you can now change the population dynamics of the area. If it was five districts to eight to nine, inversion has taken place whichever be the government," he said while referring to reports that Muslim majority has increased from five to nine districts in Assam.

The Army chief said efforts should be to "amalgamate" the people living in the region and then try and "start identifying those creating trouble for us".

"The government is looking at the Northeast in correct perspective, and if that happens, time will not be far that we will be able to amalgamate the region and ensure development. And with development comes the control of the people who are residing in this area," he said.
New Delhi: The State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India (UBI) allegedly deducted money from the bank accounts of 11 crore children enrolled in government schools under the RTE Act across India, for not maintaining a minimum balance amount in their scholarship accounts.

These scholarship accounts were assigned to the children under the Right to Education Act to provide them with school uniform among other things. While SBI has acknowledged the mistake and promised to refund the deducted amount, the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued summons to UBI for fining these students and failing to reply to the commission.

News18 has accessed a copy of the summons where the child rights body mentions the several past reminders it had issued to UBI. Now, the bank is expected to explain its stand on March 6.

The commission has registered a complaint regarding fine levied on scholarship accounts. The commission has requested you number of times to take swift action in these matters and submit an action taken report. The commission now requires you to appear in person in this matter along with relative records documents on March 6, reads the summon letter addressed to the Chairperson of UBI.

The commission has also made it clear that if UBI fails to appear before them on March 6, they would be subjected to the consequences of the non-attendance as provided in the procedure of Civil Procedure Code.

Priyank Kanoongo, RTE & Education member in NCPCR told News18 that the commission chanced upon the wrongdoing while conducting workshops in Maharashtra. An education sub-committee under a zilla gram panchayat brought it to the notice of the commission.

The amount of RTE Act entitlement is like a government scholarship amount and that is an entitlement that no one can take away from the children as it is guaranteed by the Constitution. It's a right of the child, said Kanoongo.

According to the child rights body, "an approximate Rs. 400-800 is given to the economically weaker section (EWS) students for school uniforms. It is this money that the banks have deducted as a fine for not maintaining a minimum balance.

Kanoongo added that there are almost 19 crore students studying under the RTE till Class VIII. Out of these 19 crore, 38% are enrolled in private schools, which leaves "almost 11 crore students in government schools", who have bank accounts in SBI and UBI and are subjected to this wrongdoing by the banks.

According to NCPCR, most of the students, "whose money was deducted, could not purchase a uniform for this academic year".

But is there a legal mandate that permits banks to deduct any amount of money citing non-maintenance of minimum balance from bank accounts of children enrolled under the Right to Education Act.

According to NCPCR, such an act by the bank is in complete violation of an RBI circular issued last year.

"Earlier last year, the Reserve Bank of India had issued a circular to not deduct any minimum balance fee from accounts of children below 18 years," Kanoongo said.

NCPCR is also set to issue a recommendation to the RBI next week so that "all bank accounts of children below 18 years are declared to be zero balance accounts".

Apart from UBI, State Bank of India too was guilty of deducting money from the accounts of students, but has now "agreed to remedy the error".

We had send notices to both UBI and SBI. SBI has now designated officers in each and every district of the country to ensure proper implementation of the disbursal scheme. They have also given us a list of these designated officers and we have shared the list with the state education department and soon these officers will have the concerned bank account numbers and within a months time, we will transfer the amount that was deducted from the accounts of the students, Kanoongo said.
New Delhi: The Allahabad High Court on Thursday dismissed a petition demanding CBI investigation into UP chief minister Yogi Adityanaths alleged role in the 2007 riots in Gorakhpur, his then Lok Sabha constituency.

A division bench, headed by Justices Krishna Murari and AC Sharma, delivered the verdict and declined to entertain the petition against the BJP leader.

This judicial victory for Yogi comes just days after the CM had got a major reprieve from the Allahabad High Court, which dismissed a petition seeking criminal charges against him in connection with the riots.

Passing an order on the revision petition filed by Rashid Khan, Justice BK Narayana directed CJM Gorakhpur to decide the matter afresh. The verdict was earlier reserved by the High Court on December 22, 2017.

The petition, which stood dismissed, was filed in 2008 by Mohammad Asad Hayat and Parvez. The Gorakhpur riots had resulted in one persons death and were blamed on Yogis alleged hate speech. The then Gorakhpur MP was arrested and he remained in custody for 11 days.

The petition had demanded a probe against Yogi under sections 302, 307, 153A, 395 and 295 of the IPC, which pertain to murder and rioting.

The case was being investigated by the CB-CID of Uttar Pradesh Police and the hate speech recording tested positive against a voice sample of Yogi in 2013. The CB-CID, however, couldn't charge-sheet the then MP since the Akhilesh Yadav-led government didn't sanction the prosecution order.

In the last affidavit, filed on February 17 last year, the CB-CID said it hadn't received permission from the UP government. An investigating agency needs the government's approval to prosecute any person booked under sections 153a and 295 of the IPC.

The petitioners had raised apprehensions that the CB-CID may not conduct an impartial inquiry.

In the Assembly elections last year, the BJP emerged victorious and picked Yogi as the CM. He subsequently vacated his Lok Sabha seat and was elected to the states upper house.

In February this year, the Uttar Pradesh CM got a major reprieve from the Allahabad High Court, which dismissed the revision petition seeking to file a criminal case against him in connection with the riots.

Passing an order on the revision petition filed by Rashid Khan, Justice BK Narayana, however, directed the CJM Gorakhpur to decide the matter afresh. The verdict was earlier reserved by the High Court on December 22, 2017.
Kanpur: Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi on Thursday was visibly upset over a delay by officials in bringing a pair of scissors for an inauguration event here and left the place in a haste after pulling away the ribbon.

The Kanpur MP pulled up the officials as he had to wait for over three minutes for the scissors to cut the ribbon for inaugurating a solar light panel in the collectorate office.

Pulling away the ribbon from the poll with his hands, he announced that the inauguration was done.

"Are you the organiser here? What sort of a behaviour is this? You are a mannerless person," he was heard saying.

Joshi further said, "Is this how things work. I've done it now."

He then left the place saying "No scissors required now."

District Magistrate (Kanpur), Surendra Singh admitted that Joshi was angry for the delay in bringing the scissors.

"He undid the ribbon with his hands," Singh said, adding, "he scolded the officials as there were no scissors".

Singh claimed that the scissors could not found as they were actually kept under something.

He said a written explanation has been sought from the additional DM (City), Satish Pal and office bearers concerned of the organisation for their negligence.

"The action will be taken against those officials found guilty," Singh added.
Panaji: A week after his hospitalisation in Mumbai, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was on Thursday discharged and soon after he flew in here to present the budget in the state Assembly.

Parrikar, who looked weak, spoke only for five minutes while presenting the budget at around 3 pm, and left the House after it was adjourned sine die at around 3.30 pm.

In his address, he told the House that due to his ill- health, he would not be able to present the entire budget on the floor.

He said he would present the supplementary demand for grants before the end of the current financial year.

Parrikar was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on February 15 for a pancreatic problem.

Soon after his discharge this morning, he flew into Panaji and went to his residence. Thereafter, he reached the Assembly complex where he chaired a Cabinet meeting, before presenting the budget.

The total budget size is Rs 17,123 crore, which is 6.84 per cent higher than last year.

The vote-on-account for the next five months was subsequently passed by the House.

Earlier in the day, Deputy Speaker of Goa Assembly Michael Lobo informed reporters outside the Assembly about the chief minister's discharge.

"Parrikar has arrived in Goa. It is a good piece of news that he has been discharged. Parrikar has so much will power that he has recovered, and if he thinks that he should table the budget, he will come and do it," Lobo said.
New Delhi: In a major breakthrough, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday busted a child pornography racket that was being run via a WhatsApp group with members drawn from various countries.

The pornographic content was being uploaded in the group named KidsXXX. This 199-member WhatsApp group was used to upload and download child pornography across the globe.

One of the accused Nikhil Verma, a commerce graduate from Kannauj, has been arrested in the case. Probe continues on the role of the other four Indian administrators: Satyendra Omprakash Chauhan from Kandivali, Mumbai; Nafis Reja and Zahid from Delhi; and Aadarsh from Noida.

CBI sources say, the five administrators of the group belonged to India and raids were conducted at their respective residences. During the raids, which took place in Delhi, Mumbai, Kannauj and Noida, laptops, tablets, hard disks and mobile phones were seized.

Sources say, the hardware seized from the residence of these administrators had sexually explicit videos pertaining to children. Police said the interrogation of the accused is expected to bring out more details.

CBI suspects that this group is much more than just another WhatsApp group. The wide reach of the group, given that the members are from all over the world, has made the investigators wonder whether this was some kind of a master group from where porn was accessed and then distributed.

The members of the group were from different parts of the world. Some of the members can be traced to United States of America, China, Mexico, Afghanistan, Brazil, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Kenya, apart from India.

After receiving intelligence input, CBI neither joined the group undercover, nor did they put the app on surveillance, instead they targeted the IP addresses of the administrators and kept a watch over a period of time.

An official in the know of the investigation told News18, that though there are members in this group from a number of countries, they expect better cooperation with the international agencies in this case, given the global outrage against child porn.

The investigation is at a nascent stage but once these addresses are tracked, CBI is likely to move Interpol seeking details of these members. At that stage FBI might also be looped in for the probe on American soil.

US Federal Bureau of Investigation has a strong Violent Crimes Against Children Division, which looks at child sexual exploitation and online predators. These investigations involve all areas of the Internet and online services, including social networking venues, websites that post child pornography, Internet news groups, Internet relay chat channels, online groups and organizations, peer-to-peer file-sharing programs, bulletin board systems, and other online forums.
Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government on Thursday formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the death of Dalit activist Bhanubhai Vankar, who allegedly set himself on fire outside the Patan Collector's office on February 15.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had decided to set up an SIT which would be headed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Narsimha Komar, said Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja.

Other members of the SIT would be retired additional secretary Kirit Adhvaryu and IPS officer Makrand Chauhan, Jadeja said.

The SIT will submit its report after a thorough probe by March 31, he said.

Vankar (62), was associated with the Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch.

Demanding allocation of land to a Dalit family from Dudkha village in Patan district, he allegedly set himself on fire outside the Patan Collector's office on February 15.

Vankar had alleged earlier that authorities were not heeding the family's just demand for several years. He died at a private hospital in Ahmedabad the next day.

The death triggered violent protests in several parts of state, including Ahmedabad.
Rewa: Watching the planes fly over her head, little Avani Chaturvedi never thought that her fascination for aircrafts would help her break records fifteen years later. All she knew was that she had to make everyone proud like Kalpana Chawla.

Unlike other girls, Avani used to love playing with chopper and plane models. When astronaut Kalpana Chawla died, our 11-year-old daughter told us that one day she would make everyone proud just like the Indian-American, said an elated Savita Chaturvedi, mother of Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi.

True to her words, the Madhya Pradesh girl on Monday became the first Indian woman to fly fighter jet.

Chaturvedis father Dinkar Prasad is an engineer with Bansagar project, while her mother is a housewife. It was the flying officers brother, Nirabh, who inspired her to join the force.

Avani drew her inspiration from Nirabh, who is a captain in the Army. She did not even tell us before applying in the Air Force. It was only after she cleared the exam, that we got to know it, her mother said.

A native of Satnas Kothikanchan village, the Chaturvedi family now resides in Madhya Pradeshs Rewa.

Chaturvedi's mother said that her girl has shown what daughters are capable of. Its a really proud moment for all of us; even more because our daughter chose to serve the nation, her father DP Chaturvedi said.

Wishing that every family gets a daughter like hers, Chaturvedis mother advised people not to discriminate between daughters and sons as everyone is equally capable.

During last months Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also congratulated Chaturvedi, along with Bhavna Kanth, Mohana Singh, after they became fighter pilots.

Chaturvedi, Kanth and Singh had undergone strenuous training programme to fly fighter jets. They were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.
New Delhi: A "deeply dismayed" India has reacted strongly over the extension of emergency in Maldives saying the manner in which the 30-day extension was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Maldivian Constitution is a "matter of concern".

Accepting President Abdulla Yameen's recommendation, the Maldivian Parliament (Majlis) on Tuesday extended the state of emergency by another 30 days, hours after India had asserted that it was important that the island nation quickly returns to the path of democracy and the rule of law, expecting that there will be no extension.

"We are deeply dismayed that the government of Maldives has extended the State of Emergency for a further 30 days. The manner in which the extension of the State of Emergency was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Constitution of Maldives is also a matter of concern," the external affairs ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

It further said that the consequent delay in the resumption of the political process and the continuing suspension of the functioning of democratic institutions including the judiciary is likely to further delay restoration of normalcy in Maldives.

The MEA said that it was important to ensure that all democratic institutions are allowed to function in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with the Constitution.

President Yameen declared emergency on February 5 after the Supreme Court ordered the release of a group of Opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. Among them was exiled ex-president Mohamed Nasheed. The court said his 2015 trial had been unconstitutional.

On Tuesday, the MEA statement also said that the Maldivian government should implement its Supreme Court order of February 1, regarding the release of exiled former leader Mohamed Nasheed and eight others, in "letter and spirit". There has been international condemnation of the Maldivian government's moves, including the imposition of the emergency.

The US also expressed disappointment over the development in Maldives and asked President Yameen to uphold the rule of law in the troubled Indian Ocean island nation.
MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate said on Thursday it has seized a Rolls Royce Ghost, a Porsche Panamera and some half a dozen more luxury vehicles belonging to billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi and his firms, in a probe into an alleged $1.8 billion fraud against state-run Punjab National Bank.

Modi, his companies, and other firms with links to his uncle Mehul Choksi, are at the heart of the alleged fraud that involved illegally issued letters of undertaking (LOUs) from the second-largest Indian state-run lender that were used to get loans from overseas branches of mostly Indian banks.

In what has been dubbed the biggest fraud in India's banking history, police have so far arrested a dozen people - six from the bank and six more from Modi and Choksi's companies - as they continue the probe.

A lawyer for Modi has denied his client was involved in any fraud. Choksi has not commented but his firm, Gitanjali Gems, has also denied involvement in the alleged fraud.

The Enforcement Directorate, an agency focused on foreign exchange and money laundering offences, has been conducting separate searches at homes and offices of Modi. As of last Saturday, it had seized jewellery, gold, diamonds, precious metals and stones that it said were worth 56.74 billion rupees ($872.5 million).

In a Twitter post on Thursday, the ED detailed the seizures of the cars from Modi and his companies. It also said it had frozen shares and mutual funds worth 78 million rupees held by Modi and 867.2 million rupees by Choksi.

Modi, who police say left India in January with his family before the bank filed a police complaint triggering an inquiry, has not publicly commented on the case yet.

However, in a letter to PNB, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, Modi had said that his companies owed the bank less than 50 billion rupees, well below the amount alleged by the bank. He also said PNB had jeopardized its prospects of recovering the sums owed by going public with its allegations.
New Delhi: A day after India expressed its displeasure at Maldives on extension of its Emergency, the island nation has hit back saying that India was far from facts and ground reality.

In a statement issued by Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday it said that "the assertion by the Government of India that the extension of the State of Emergency by the People's Majlis was unconstitutional is a clear distortion of facts, which ignore the Constitution and Laws of the Maldives."

A "deeply dismayed" India had, on Wednesday, reacted strongly over the extension of Emergency in Maldives saying the manner in which the 30-day extension was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Maldivian Constitution is a "matter of concern".

Accepting President Abdulla Yameen's recommendation, the Maldivian Parliament (Majlis) on Tuesday extended the state of Emergency by another 30 days, hours after India had asserted that it was important that the island nation quickly returns to the path of democracy and the rule of law, expecting that there will be no extension.

The Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that President Abdul Gayoom declared the state of emergency under the powers vested in him as per the Constitution. "The Government of Maldives takes note of the public statements issued by the Government of India that ignore the facts and ground realities with regard to the ongoing political developments in the Maldives," the statement read.

It further said that other than implementing necessary measures, the nation imposed no restriction on the daily lives of people and provides protection to citizens living in Maldives, to foreign workers and to those visiting the country."

"There is no doubt Maldives is experiencing one of the most difficult periods in the history of the nation. It is therefore important that friends and partners in the international community, including India, refrain from any actions that could hinder resolving the situation facing the country," the Ministry further said.

Indian officials at the MEA also said that the Maldivian government should implement its Supreme Court order of February 1, regarding the release of exiled former leader Mohamed Nasheed and eight others, in "letter and spirit".

There has been international condemnation of the Maldivian government's moves, including the imposition of the Emergency.

The US also expressed disappointment over the development in Maldives and asked President Yameen to uphold the rule of law in the troubled Indian Ocean island nation.
New Delhi: The government is "ascertaining" details as to how convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal got a visa to enter India, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday said.

A controversy erupted after Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel invited Atwal for a dinner which he was hosting for the visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his delegation on Thursday night.

The high commission later said the invitation to Atwal was cancelled.

"There are two aspects of this. One is his presence at the event. I think this is something which should be addressed by the Canadian side. They have said that it was an oversight. And that is the reason the invitation for the reception tonight has been withdrawn.

"On the visa part, I cannot immediately say how that happened. There are different ways of people coming into India, whether you are an Indian national, or OCI card holder. We are ascertaining details from our mission. We will have to see how this happened," Kumar told reporters.

Atwal was convicted for trying to kill the then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

The cancellation of the invitation comes at a time when Trudeau's pro-Khalistan approach is being criticised by many including Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who raised the issue with the Canadian prime minister during a meeting.

On his part, Trudeau assured Singh that his country does not support separatism in India or elsewhere.
New Delhi: Commencing final hearing in the Kerala Love Jihad case, the Supreme Court on Thursday said a court cannot judge a person's choice to marry another person.

A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, observed that it is not for a court to sit over the decision of an adult to marry someone.

"We cannot say this marriage is not in her best interest. We can't decide whether it is a right choice or not. We cannot annul a marriage on this ground that the person she has married is not the right person," commented the bench, also comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud.

The bench made these observations for the marriage of the 25-year-old woman to a Muslim man after her own conversion to Islam was annulled by the Kerala High Court last year. The HC had noted that the marriage was a sham, and was conducted only with the purpose of taking her out of the jurisdiction of the HC, which had already ordered for a police probe into such conversion of young women.

As senior counsel Shyam Divan, appearing for the woman's father, justified the HC order in what he dubbed as "extraordinary facts", the judges wondered if a marriage between two consenting adults can ever be a part of a court's jurisdiction.

"We called her here and interacted with her. She has said she married out of her free will. So what troubles us is the fact that in such a situation, can a court annul a marriage? Where is the power to examine whether the consent is genuine or not? And then can we say that in this case, the consent is genuine and in another, it is not," asked the bench.

Divan pointed out that the HC order was passed only after there were materials to show that a well-oiled apparatus was working to convert these 'vulnerable adults' for illicit purposes and therefore, the HC was justified in exercise of its power under Article 226 to protect her by nullifying the marriage.

"If somebody has some connection with illegal acts, law will take its own course... if government has credible information about groups of citizens being recruited overseas for illegal purposes, government has sufficient powers to prevent their travel. But when we are dealing with a relationship under the personal law, can a court intervene and say the consent doesn't look genuine in this case?" it asked Divan.

The bench added that a court will not stand in the way of the government in exercising its power under the law nor a court will forsake its jurisdiction on trafficking but the moot question will be how to get into issues of marital status.

About 'vulnerable witness', the court observed that it is a subjective concept but the law is perhaps alien to such subjectivity.

As arguments remained inconclusive, the bench posted the case for hearing on March 8.

The court also took on record the affidavit filed by the woman on Monday and gave a week to other parties to respond to it.

It also expunged accusations levelled by the woman against activist Rahul Easwar in her affidavit about unauthorisedly meeting her and recording her on his camera. After Easwar's lawyer objected to the allegations, the woman's lawyer agreed to withdraw the averments against him.
New Delhi: A play celebrating Mahatma Gandhis assassin Nathuram Godse has been staged in Banaras Hindu University.

This happened at the three-day cultural festival organized by BHUs Faculty of Arts called Sanskriti 2018.

After a video of the play went viral, a group of students from the university have filed a complaint with BHU and the district administration to take strict action against those involved in showing Godse as a hero, and justifying Gandhis assassination.

In the video, students can be heard cheering as the play inspired by Godses Maine Gandhi Ko Kyun Maara (Why I killed Gandhi) was staged.

It included a dialogue, Mujhe garv tha main Hindu hoon. Gandhi ahimsa se hinsa karne lage, Mussalmano ka saath diya, nahi dekha gaya, socha Gandhi ko jaana hoga (I was proud of being a Hindu. Gandhi was violent to the idea of non-violence. He stood for Muslims. I could not see it and decided Gandhi will have to go). It elicited a big applause from the crowd every time it was said.

The cheers grew louder with "Maine Gandhi ko maara (I killed Gandhi)."

Taking note of this, a group of students of Banaras Hindu University complained to the University and the district administration.

In a letter, the students said that the play was part of a conspiracy to tarnish Gandhis legacy and needed to be probed. They also pointed out that that the university also had a link with Gandhi as in 1916, the foundation of the university was laid by Gandhi in a speech.

He laid the foundation for the idea of Satyagrah and enjoyed a good bond with the founder of BHU Madan Mohan Malviya. That Gandhi was insulted in BHU while Godse was eulogized. Yeh rashtradroh se kam nahi (this equals to sedition), the letter said.

It added that the event hurt the high ideals of the freedom struggle as well as the values of the Constitution and BHU.

Vikas Singh, state president, NSUI, said, In BHU campus Nathuram Godse is celebrated as a hero, it is very unfortunate.

News18 tried contacting student advisor Ranjit Pratap Singh but he could not be reached. Dean of the Arts faculty, Srinivas Pande, could not be reached for the comment either.

Chief Proctor Royana Singh told News18, Yes, we have received a letter from the students and they were upset that Godse was shown as hero. I have forwarded the complaint to the police as well. We are going to check facts of the events and probe the allegations of sedition here.
New Delhi: Apart from financial fraud worth Rs 11,000 crore, diamond merchant Nirav Modi may also be guilty of illegally acquiring the citizenship of a foreign country even while possessing an Indian passport.

According to reports, Nirav, like his brother Nishal, are long-term residents of Antwerp, Belgium.

Most of the diamonds traded across the world pass through Belgium, because of which a number of Indian diamond merchants have ties with the country. While Nishal is said to have surrendered his Indian passport after acquiring Belgian citizenship, Nirav declared himself an Indian national.

However, there are claims that Nirav acquired Belgian citizenship as well. Can an Indian national be a national of another country too? News18 answers:

What is Dual Citizenship?

Simply put, if more than one country recognizes you as their citizen, then you are in possession of dual citizenship. Every country decides and sets rules on who all it wants to consider as its citizens on its own.

There is no international convention which determines the nationality or citizen status of a person. Citizenship status is defined exclusively by national laws, which can vary and can conflict with each other.

Multiple citizenship arises because different countries use yardsticks, and not necessarily mutually exclusive, criteria for citizenship.

What are the ways citizenship is granted in India?

India has primarily five methods by which it grants citizenship to an individual. They are Citizenship at the Commencement of the constitution of India where persons domiciled in the territory of India as of 26 November 1949 automatically became Indian citizens by virtue of operation of the relevant provisions of the Indian Constitution. Next is Citizenship by descent where persons born outside India on or after 26 January 1950 but before 10 December 1992 are citizens of India by descent if their father was a citizen of India at the time of their birth, and the other is Citizenship by Naturalisation where citizenship can be acquired by a foreigner (not illegal migrant) who is ordinarily resident in India for 12 years.

Then what is Citizenship by registration?

The Central Government can allow an individual to register as a citizen of India under the Citizenship Act 1955 any person (not being an illegal migrant) if the person belongs to any of the following categories:

a. Person of Indian origin who is ordinarily resident in India for seven years before making application. Now a person of Indian origin is usually a resident in any country or place outside undivided India or a person who is married to a citizen of India and is ordinarily resident in India for seven years before making an application for registration.

Where does India stand on dual citizenship?

India categorically does not allow dual citizenship. There is an automatic loss of Indian citizenship covered in Section 9(1) of the Citizenship act 1955, which lays down any citizen of India who by naturalisation or registration acquires the citizenship of another country shall cease to be a citizen of India.

Simply, this means, you have to give up Indian passport and citizenship to the nearest Indian embassy, should you become citizen of foreign country.

Even a seal is affixed at the back of passport mentioning it is a punishable offence under Indian Passports Act of 1957, of any possession of Indian passport, should the passport holder acquires nationality of another country.

So, in Modi case, How to get hold of Belgian citizenship? What are the rules on dual citizenship?

Belgium is one of the most flexible countries in Europe to acquire citizenship as a foreign national. In Belgium, it's possible to apply for citizenship after 3 years of legal residence. Belgium has no restrictions on dual citizenship which means you can hold your current passport together with a Belgian passport.

Can Indian authorities force you to surrender your citizenship of another country should you apply for Indian citizenship?

When you become an Indian citizen there exists a mandatory obligation for you to give up your previous nationality. The process for renouncing your previous citizenship will depend on where you're from - there may be fees to pay and it's likely to take some time. These checks usually exists so that you do not evade taxes, or other liabilities.

Are there exceptions to the bar?

An exception is made for minors who acquire foreign citizenship involuntarily. At the age of 18, if they wish to take up Indian citizenship, it is granted immediately if they give up their foreign citizenship.

What is the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme?

The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) programme is an option if either your parents, grandparents or great grandparents were from India but you subsequently were raised elsewhere.

You can register and get a card which offers you some of the benefits extended to natural born Indians. In some cases, the spouse of an OCI card holder can also register, and receive benefits.

OCI should not be confused with dual citizenship and it does not offer all the benefits other citizens of India have.

However, there exists limitations on eligibility. Not only must you fulfill the family eligibility described above, you can be barred from the scheme if you or a family member live or have ever lived in Pakistan or Bangladesh.

What is the legal recourse against an individual in possession of dual citizenship? Does Indian citizenship automatically cease to exist?

According to lawyers proficient in dealing with such matters, a commission or an inquiry committee is usually set up with members from the Ministry of External Affairs is set up under the mandate of the Citizenship act should such an offence is brought to the notice of the authorities. After conclusion, if the authorities think that the offender has indeed acquired a citizenship illegally in spite of being an Indian national, then the citizenship and passport stands revoked.

However, if he has committed fraud or crimes during the possession of Indian citizenship, then they can be tried as per Indian laws and a request of extradition can be made to the country where the accused is holed up or is residing.

On some earlier occasions, politicians like Manohar Parrikar had come out in support of dual citizenship. Portugal recognizes people born in Goa during Portuguese rule as its citizens if they only register their births with the Portuguese government. They have no problem granting dual citizenship to Indians but India requires these citizens to give up their passport on taking up Portuguese citizenship.
New Delhi: Senior advocate Anand Grover, who was appointed as special public prosecutor in 2G spectrum allocation cases in 2014, on Thursday moved the Supreme Court requesting that he be relieved from all the 2G cases in all courts.

Grover cited two recent notifications issued by the Centre appointing Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta as special public prosecutor in appeals of 2G cases.

"That the applicant be relieved of the charge of being the Special Public Prosecutor in all the 2G cases in all courts," his application said.

He referred to the special 2G court verdict dated December 21, 2017, by which all the accused in the 2G cases were acquitted and refuted the claim that he had delayed the finalisation of appeals in the 2G cases challenging the special court's verdict.

He referred to an order issued on February 8 by the Department of Personnel and Training in the official gazette, which said, "The central government hereby appoints Tushar Mehta, advocate, as Special Public Prosecutor for conducting prosecution, appeals/revisions or other proceedings arising out of the cases related to 2G Spectrum investigated by the Delhi Special Police Establishment (CBI) in the Court of Special Judge (2G Spectrum cases), CBI, New Delhi, and appellate/revisional courts."

The notification did not mention about Grover who was recommended by K K Venugopal, the Attorney General, when he was representing the agency in the Supreme Court.

Grover had replaced U U Lalit after he was elevated as a Supreme Court judge.

Grover was appointed as the special public prosecutor by a bench of the Supreme Court led by the then Chief Justice of India H L Dattu.
New Delhi: Amid reports that the member of a Sikh separatist group was invited to dine with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, he was quick to say on Thursday that the person "should never have received the invitation".

"Obviously, we take this extremely seriously. He should never have received an invitation. As soon as we received the information we rescinded it, a member of Parliament had included this individual," said Trudeau.

Jaspal Atwal, a convicted former member of a Sikh separatist group, was invited to dine with Trudeau by Canada's High Commissioner to India.

Atwal was convicted of cabinet minister Malkait Singh Sidhu's murder in 1986 on Vancouver Island. During the time of the crime he was a member of the International Sikh Federation which has been banned in several countries, including India and Canada, as a terrorist organization. He was one of the four men who shot at Sidhu's car.

Reacting to the controversy, India said it will find out how Atwal managed to get the visa.

"Canadian side has already clarified that the invitation has been withdrawn. About the Visa I don't know how it happened. We will ascertain information from our Commission," said Raveesh Kumar, Spokesperson, MEA.

The trouble began when pictures of Atwal with Trudeau's wife Sophie and Liberal cabinet minister Amarjeet Sohi in Mumbai emerged a day before Trudeau was to meet PM Modi.

Atwal at Trudeau's event could have led to trouble for Canadian PM amid claims of him being snubbed due to his alleged acceptance of Sikh separatist groups. The Canadian PM has tried time and again to assure India that he had no such inclination towards the groups.

On Wednesday, during a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Trudeau had said that his country stands for a united India and does not support any separatist movement, in India or elsewhere.

Trudeau's categorical assurance came when Singh raised the Khalistan issue and sought his cooperation to crack down on elements in Canada that are working to destabilise Punjab for the creation of a separate Sikh state.
Phulbari (Meghalaya): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at a poll rally in Phulbari on Thursday, batted for the development of Meghalaya and said the north-eastern state was not safe in the hands of the Congress.

He appealed to the people to give the BJP a chance to "serve the state" and assured them that the party had the single agenda of development.

The 60-member Meghalaya Assembly is scheduled to go to the polls on February 27.

In a bid to reach out to the majority Christian population of Meghalaya, Modi said the Centre did not remain a "silent spectator" when missionaries and workers of minority communities were terrorised in conflict zones.

Modi's rally at Shyamnagar village in Phulbari of West Garo Hills district was the first in the state by a prime minister.

"For 50 years, there has been nothing. We ask you to give us five years and let us undo the damage of the last 50 years. Try us and if we fail, throw us out.

"Give us (BJP) a chance to serve the state. We will ensure good governance, guided by the philosophy of sabka saath, sabka vikas...I promise you that a BJP government in Meghalaya will account for every rupee spent," the prime minister said.

Without good roads, there could be no development, he said, adding that in the Garo Hills, the roads had become cultivating fields due to their total disrepair. "In five years, I assure you that we will bring the change the people want," Modi said.

"Wherever I see, there are only people and to think that there can be such a huge support (to the BJP) in this small state is amazing. This is a call for parivartan in Meghalaya and the people are yearning for a change," he added.

Reaching out to the Christian population, Modi said, "We have not remained a silent spectator when Christian missionaries and minority workers were terrorised in conflict zones."

He cited examples of how the BJP-led government at the Centre had helped rescue 46 nurses from Kerala when they were abducted by terrorists in Iraq.

"Father Alex Premkumar, a missionary working in Afghanistan, had been languishing in terrorist captivity for 18 long months and even his family had given up on his being alive, but we had not. Our government worked tirelessly to ensure his safe return and when I called his sister to inform her about his rescue, she could not believe that the prime minister was calling her and that her brother was alive," Modi said.

He also mentioned the help extended by his government to Father Tom to get him safely back from Yemen.

Modi urged the people to demand accountability from the Congress government in the state and spoke about the funds being released annually to the state for development purposes, most of which, he alleged, was not even utilised.

Stating that 80 per cent of the money spent in the state came from the Centre, Modi said, "Successive governments watched without taking action as funds were misappropriated every year. But when our government came to power in Delhi, we sought accountability."

This step by the BJP government at the Centre led to the states not being able to continue with their earlier routine of siphoning funds, he alleged and pointed to the monthly visits by central ministers under the Ministry of DoNER to the north-east.

"After we asked for utilisation of the funds and later insisted on spot inspection of the project sites, the Congress government in Meghalaya is now reluctant to seek project funds from New Delhi," Modi said.

Hitting out at the Congress government in the state, he said, "There is a long list of scams to the credit of the state government and Meghalaya is not safe in the hands of the Congress'' and alleged that the state government was involved in a scam in the recruitment of teachers.

The BJP-led government, Modi claimed, had brought Delhi to the north-east. "Earlier, the visits by central ministers were few and far between, but in the past four years, each month a Union minister has visited the region," he said.

The prime minister said an amount of Rs 470 crore was granted by the Centre to the state for the construction of roads in villages under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), adding that the Meghalaya government was unable to spend even 50 per cent of the funds.

He said funds for highways were enhanced from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore for Meghalaya.

Funds had also been given for the construction of 21,000 houses for the poor, the prime minister said and alleged that the Congress government had stalled the construction of about 16,000 houses.

Stating that the Centre wanted to further strengthen its "Act East Policy", Modi said it would open up opportunities for the people in the north-east.

"We have planned to spend around Rs 180 crore for building the new Shillong airport. It will boost the possibilities of industrial development, besides generating employment opportunities for the common man," the prime minister said.

Pointing out that Meghalaya had an immense potential in tourism, he said, "No efforts were ever made to strengthen the sector. We will ensure that more and more tourists arrive here. This will generate income opportunities for the people."

Taking a dig at Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, he said though the CM was a doctor himself, the healthcare sector was in bad shape in the state.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to hear the Kerala Love Jihad' case again on Thursday  10th hearing in the last seven months.

In the past four hearings, the bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra has observed repeatedly that an adult woman has an absolute right to make choices in her life and that she cannot be kept in her parents' custody.

The bench has further questioned how a marriage could be nullified by the High Court when the petition before it was a habeas corpus plea, moved by the father to trace his daughter and bring her before the court.

The apex court has not examined any of the three investigation reports submitted so far by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which was directed by the bench in August (when Justice JS Khehar headed this bench as the CJI) to start its probe into the 'pattern' of converting young girls to Islam.

Therefore, the big question that lies ahead of the hearing on Thursday is if the Supreme Court will now stay the HC order, thereby restoring the marriage of 25-year-old Hadiya, who has become the centre of a controversy after she converted and married Shafin Jahan, a Muslim man, when her father's habeas corpus petition was being heard by the HC.

The woman has already appeared before the bench and expressed her wishes to let her live her life on her own terms  - practise Islam and go with the man she loves.

On Monday, she filed an affidavit, maintaining that she is a Muslim and would want to live like one and that the apex court must restore her liberty.

In the wake of the observations made by the court on last four occasions and the latest affidavit, there seems complete justification in at least staying the HC order immediately, if not setting it aside completely due to the some other developments.

The court has looked prima facie convinced that the HC could not have annulled the marriage and that sending her to the custody of the parents was not a tenable order.

It is why after the woman was interviewed by the judges in the open court, the bench decided to take her out of the parental custody. She was asked to complete her medical studies by residing in a hostel. No restriction was imposed on her meeting the man she married.

Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh's plea to examine the NIA report has only been deferred on each occasion.

When the ASG emphasised that the probe was being carried out by the agency not on its own but under the order of the Supreme Court, the bench retorted that no probe can take place into a marriage. It added that the bench would not say anything on the other aspects of the NIA probe at this stage, but it was clear that the woman's marriage was outside the ambit of any investigation.

Considering all these strong observations and interim order, it would be completely justified if the Supreme Court stays the Kerala HC order of last year. Such an order would provide legal force to the stand taken by the woman, and will sit well with the observations made by the top court regarding her rights as a free individual.

A stay would also connote that the top court has found prima facie fault with the HC order and thus the legal reasonings why the HC orders have been altered.

Most importantly, observations will remain just observations until they are backed by a just and fair order in law. The Supreme Court has always sent the right signal about its role as a protector of rights by issuing orders, and not by merely making remarks that otherwise have no standing in law.
Hyderabad: Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone said she was not afraid to fail and not afraid to talk about the way she feels.

She believes that success and failure are all part of life and everybody fails at one point in their life. "I am at a stage in my life where I have been through everything."

She was speaking on 'Making mental wellness a boardroom priority' at the World Congress on Information Technology and Nasscom India Leadership Forum here on Wednesday.

In a packed hall at 'global influencer session' on the last day of the three-day event, Deepika, the founder of The Live Love Laugh Foundation, shared her experiences with depression and gave tips to technologists on how to overcome it.

In chat with Nasscom Vice-Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer Wipro Rishad Premji, she said that depression is going to be the next big epidemic.

She said it was important that the persons suffering from depression speak about it with his or her near and dear ones and approach a counsellor and psychiatrist.

Deepika advised all IT companies to have counsellors and psychiatrists to help the employees who may be suffering from depression.

She said the employers should also ensure that such employees are not treated differently, noting there is a lot of stigma attached to mental illness and such people don't speak due to fear of losing their job.

She believes technology can help create awareness on depression but personal touch and feel is important to help the person. "Personal feel and touch, physical proximity, one-on-one is important which technology in some way is taking away from us."

On whether social media is adding to the problem, Deepika said while it has been a boon in lot of ways, she believes that everything should be in moderation. She observed that people on social media sometimes present a glorified version of life.

Recalling her fight with depression, the actress said she was not afraid of being judged when she opened up about the problem. "It's okay to have moments of weakness, okay to break down and okay to cry. It's okay if you don't look great all the time," she said.

Replying to a query from the audience, Deepika said when she was suffering from depression, she used to feel like not getting up from bed and going for work.

"There was no motivation and drive. I was not able to think straight. You feel a burden. You feel clouded and don't feel like yourself."

About the many episodes of breaking down, she said one day when her parents were returning to Bengaluru after visiting her, she broke down in front of her mother, who understood the problem and reached out to a counsellor.

"If my mother had not understood the problem, I would not have got the intervention."

Deepika said while people suffering from depression were not expected to identify the symptoms and reach out to a psychiatrist, those around them have to understand it.

The actress said frequent sessions with counsellors, medication, lifestyle changes, spacing the work, adequate sleep and the right kind of food helped her overcome the problem.

She stressed the need for people to come out and speak about mental illness. "You are not alone. One in three or five persons feels depression. It's going to be next big epidemic to hit our country," she said.

On the activities of her Foundation, she said it was working to create awareness in Karnataka's Davangere district. "If I am able to save even one life, I will feel my job is done."
From small-budget gems shining upfront to some regular big Bollywood blockbusters, the successful films in 2017 had one thing in common- re-emergence of the middle-class in Hindi Cinema. It was a year that saw a transition of cinephiles accepting genuine performances than just make-believe. Despite a few dreadful misfires by big names, viewers found performances dipped in humour more engaging and thoughtful. From talking about the electoral policy of the country to making people aware of something as common as erectile dysfunction- humour emerged as the genre of the year.

In the first edition of News18 Reel Movie Awards, we select nominees in various popular categories and let our readers decide the outcome.

Take our poll here to vote and choose your favourite actor of 2017.

Rajkummar Rao, Trapped:

The year 2017 belonged to the likes of Rajkummar Rao who cemented their place as talents to reckon with. Ever since he made his debut in Love Sex Dhokha and went on to feature in CityLights, Rao has been the talk of the town and the year gone by stands a testimony to his craft. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film stars Geetanjali Thapaas alongside the actor but the film solely belongs to Rao, who plays Shaurya, a call center employee stuck in a flat without food, water, electricity, or a functioning mobile phone. The survival drama rests on Rao's shoulders and the actor doesn't disappoint. He delivers a nuanced and layered performance making this film a memorable one.

Ayushmann Khurrana, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan:

Not many actors will agree to play a man suffering from erectile dysfunction. But Ayushmann Khurrana took up the challenge and delivered a memorable performance in RS Prasanna's Shubh Mangal Saavdhan. Named Mudit, his character was that of a common man in love, who later finds out that he's suffering from erectile dysfunction. The actor has been in solid form since Bareilly Ki Barfi and makes you feel for Mudit with his understated charm and a genuine feeling of likability.

Adil Hussain, Mukti Bhawan:

Just a couple of films old in the purported mainstream Bollywood, Adil Hussain has carved a niche for himself that not many actors have been able to so far. In Mukti Bhawan, a film dealing with life, loss and death, Adil plays Rajiv, an office bound man, who is to accompany his 77-year-old father Daya (Lalit Behl) who wishes to breathe his last and attain salvation in Benares. Bringing to screen the complexities of life and death and the dynamics of father and son relationship, Adil delivers a heart-warming performance.

Vikrant Massey, A Death In The Gunj:

Set in the gloomy winters of 1979, in a colonial town called McCluskieganj, Bihar (now Jharkhand), the film is basically a family holiday gone wrong. And the star of this Konkona Sen Sharma's directorial is Vikrant Massey, who plays Shutu. His honest endearing performance is the gem that drives this film forward and weaves the characters in a string. He's that extra in the family that makes it through like a sparkling dew and stays with you even after you've left the theatre. Vikrant has proven his acting mettle as a supporting actor in Lootera and Dil Dhadakne Do, but in a film with a stellar cast he shines the most and thats an achievement.

Irrfan Khan, Hindi Medium:

Irrfan plays Raj, a wealthy but rough-around-the-edges garment show owner, who is devoted to his wife Meeta. It is his performance that elevates the film and leaves viewers with a thought-provoking message. The film, directed by Saket Chaudhary, is a satire on the uniquely Indian obsession with English, and the sense of entitlement and higher social standing that is associated with proficiency in the language. But it is as much a comedy about the admission process in Indian schools. Irrfan gets in the skin of his character and gets right even the smallest of things. He tickles your funny bone with the same ease he delivers thought-provoking messages.
A little over an hour and a half, Netflixs The Ritual  a British horror film, based on a novel by the same name by Adam Nevill  is all things creepy, eerie and sinister.

Directed by David Bruckner, starring Rafe Spall (Luke), Arsher Ali (Phil), Sam Troughton (Dom) and Robert James-Collier (Hutch), the film isn't the formulaic slasher that we usually get to see. The film is an outright spine-chiller that brings together psychological horror, the mysterious and unknown world of Norse mythology with a bit of supernatural elements and the twisted lifestyle of people from the backwoods.

The Ritual begins with a happy group of five 40-something men, enjoying some time together at a pub, discussing where they want to for a short vacation. And while they end up with an adventurous plan to go hiking in the Scandinavian region, instead of a lads weekend to Amsterdam, the night ends up in tragedy  a liquor store robbery taking the life of the fifth member of the group.

This particular incident later haunts Luke, the lead character, who did not stand up to the assailants who mercilessly murdered his friend in front of his eyes, as he stood hiding behind a store shelf, frozen in fear. This incident forms the basis on which the film moves forward. Six months later, the four men undertake the hike in the Swedish woods as planned, to honour the friend they lost.

Here, the director plays big on the film's setting  mysterious woods, large swathes of forest territory  where an expanse of wilderness unravels. And as the men commence their adventurous trip, everything seems perfect in the beginning. But, it gets ugly when they take an undecided, shorter and quicker route, through the vast expanse of deep, never-ending woods, towards the lodge that they had booked for themselves, after a member of the group (Dom) hurts his knee.

In the woods the group encounters everything from a mummified corpse, ripped open and fixed atop a tree in the most brutal way, creepy runes, a spooky abandoned house  where the men take shelter from the storm  that has object used in witchcraft and a totem that causes them to have the worst nightmare of their lives as they take to their beds.

The chill-inducing noises, ghostly house, mystery surrounding the freaky dream that all four have, are all elements used wisely in the film to create that sense of fear and horror among viewers. And, in fact, all four actors play their part brilliantly and more so believably.

At daybreak, the men make another attempt to reach their lodge. Meanwhile, while the men are dealing with their respective nightmares, the group seems to be falling apart after they fail to find a quick way out of the woods.

However, the director does not reveal too much about the characters in the film. There's no back story, no scenes about the personal lives of any of the characters. The film sticks to the plot, and the story centers around the four friends experiencing strange, supernatural things as they make their way to the lodge through the thick forest.

Here, we get to see the dynamics of the friendship between the four characters, how each responds to the difficult and challenging situations that arise, while at the same time undergoing and experiencing different emotions personally. We also get an insight into the trust issues the men have with one another.

Irrespective, another failed attempt out of the scary forest, forces them to spend two consecutive nights in the dark, deadly and haunted woods, resulting in grave consequences, with one horrid life-taking incident after another unfolding in front of their eyes.

And while everything seemed to be going in favour of the film, the ending seemed too straightforward and unconvincing.

But several unanswered questions like what exactly is after the men? What resides in the dark forests? Who is killing every living being that attempts to pass through the woods and the fear and horror of the unknown and unseen brilliantly takes the plot forward and also keeps you invested in the film till the end.

In all, the film makes for a nice watch, especially when you all you want to do is Netflix and chill.
News18  Blogs  Opinion

Modis and Mallyas: How They Come and How They Go, We Don't Know

File photos of Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi.

Theres something awfully wrong with Indias border management. Our security agencies seem unaware of the in-and-out movements of people of questionable characters. How they treat Indian-origin terrorists and foreigners who commit murders with kid gloves completes the picture.



Financial frauds, terrorists, murderers  chaps, who in any other country would have either received a death sentence for their crimes or would have remained in a 8x6 cell for their lives, seem to become invisible as they emplane or deplane at any of Indias airports.



The latest is the case of Jaspal Atwal. He was photographed in Mumbai the other day with Sophie Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. They are in India this week.



In the 1980s, Atwal shot at a Punjab minister visiting Canada. The minister survived. Atwal was then with the International Sikh Youth Federation which the Canadian government had declared a terrorist organisation. He got a 30-year prison term. Thats not all. Atwal has had a chequered criminal history, including a connection with a car fraud ring.



The Canadian media went to town in 2012 when he was invited as a guest to the British Columbia state legislature. The government had no answer how the convict came to be sitting in the visitors gallery. Just as today, when the Canadian government is embarrassed to answer how an invite to a Mumbai event by the Trudeaus was issued to him. The photograph with Sophie was the icing on the cake. All this happens even as Justin Trudeau is coming to terms with the Indian government turning him a blind eye for his oscillating view on Khalistani terrorist groups in Canada.



But the question to be asked is not how and why Sophie got a photo taken with Atwal. The question is how did the convicted felon get a visa to enter India? Former Sikh and Kashmiri terrorists and sympathisers of terror groups figure right up there in the lists seemingly regularly updated by Indian security agencies. Yet we have this man happily arriving in India and gracing social events.



This is merely the latest. We have no confirmation whether the Indian security agencies knew about the escape of luminaries like Lalit Modi, Vijay Mallya and now, Nirav Modi. There is a growing list of wanted Indians in London  the list compares with that of Russian mafia oligarchs who have made the UK their current home to escape punishment.



In all the three cases, the security agencies were berated by political parties in Parliament for their failure to notice the arrival of Indias most wanted at various airports with loads of luggage. All of them used their own passports to exit the country in haste.



Not noticing such arrivals and departures is one issue. The other is the desperation shown by the security agencies and/or the political establishment in India to extradite crooks and terrorists to the country and try them in Indian courts.



The desperation often ends up in counter-productive actions. Take the example of the two Italian marines who were arrested in India in 2012 for shooting two Indian fishermen. The actual case got lost in a diplomatic standoff between India and Italy. So much so, the Italians told the UN and the ICJ that India had detained the marines without even charging them. Italys brazen public relations blitzkrieg ended with the Indian government releasing the two marines. They went home.



As India watched mutely, Italy dragged the European Union into the row, got the EU to issue a warning to India about taking action against the marines, and in 2015 even deferred finalising the dates for an EU-India summit during the Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Europe that April. The Congress government tied itself in knots trying to explain to Indian Parliament in 2012 and 2013 why it failed to handle the case more judiciously.



Worse happened in the Abu Salem case. The fellow was accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case in which 257 people were killed. Salem went to Portugal. It took India over a decade simply to get him to India; that too when an extradition treaty exists between the two countries. India, however, lost the diplomatic war with the Portuguese while extraditing him. Portugal does not have the death sentence and it insisted that since Salem was arrested on Portuguese soil, Indian courts could not hang him after they took him back home.



Portugal kept a close watch on the judicial proceedings that naturally ended giving Salem only a life term  the death penalty was not even theoretically considered. It is now learnt that the Portuguese government wants to send a delegation to the Navi Mumbai jail to see whether Salem, an inmate there, was having a comfortable time. Apparently, the Portuguese government has written to the Indian government informing it of its intention! No reaction yet from Indias side.



Basic research will dish out many other such cases. India has always been at the forefront of the international fight against terror and, in recent times, highbrow crime. Yet, it seems always to be at the receiving end when it comes to taking action against offenders, including those of Indian-origin, on Indian soil or even being aware of the escape plans of fraudsters. Strange?
New Delhi: Delhi witnessed chaotic, unprecedented scenes on Tuesday when the Chief Secretary claimed he was assaulted by MLAs of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This was followed by two AAP leaders Imran Hussain and Ashish Khetan being heckled and assaulted by a mob in Delhi Secretariat. With the relationship between the ruling party and the bureaucracy at its nadir, three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit spoke to News18s Uday Singh Rana about how she handled conflict, her return to active politics and regrets over the 2017 UP elections, where she was Congresss Chief Ministerial candidate.

On Tuesday, the Delhi Chief Secretary claimed he was assaulted. Later in the day, two Aam Aadmi Party leaders were also assaulted. As a former Chief Minister, what are your initial thoughts on this unprecedented incident?

I am very disturbed after this. The bureaucracy and politicians are two wings of the same bird. You cant fly without either. Politicians take policy decisions and bureaucrats implement them. If you take a decision and there is nobody to implement it, then how are you going to work?

The relationship between Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Prime Minister Modi is far from perfect. In your initial years as Chief Minister, the Central Government was headed by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. How was your relationship with him?

It was excellent. It was as great as my working relationship with any Prime Minister. Because please remember, Delhi is not a full state. It has to go to the Central government for practically anything. But for the people of Delhi, this (Chief Minister) is the face of the Delhi Government. They dont care that you have to keep going to the Centre. For them, the CM is responsible. And we (Vajpayee and I) managed to get a lot of work done, including work on the Delhi Metro.

He (Vajpayee) would never say it was Sheila ka kaam (Sheilas work). Instead, he used to say this is Delhi ka kaam (Delhis work) and he would tell his bureaucrats to see to it that it was done. I didnt always get what I wanted. Sometimes, I went with ten demands but got eight things. But the relationship was not one of conflict, like the current relationship between the CM and PM.

So were there no conflicts at all between you and Prime Minister Vajpayee?

No, no. He was magnanimous and large-hearted. The Centre also has an interest in ensuring that Delhi gets what it needs because they would not like a shabby capital. People come here from all over the world. The diplomatic corps also lives here.

What about your relationship with the bureaucracy?

I didnt have any problems at all with the bureaucracy. Never. In fact, the first Chief Secretary I had in 1998 was appointed by the previous BJP government. I was asked by the then Home Minister LK Advani if I would like to change the Chief Secretary. I told them I was fine working with the same bureaucrat. That stood me in good stead. One expects a bureaucrat to not be political and they do what they are told to do.

At this juncture, what would your advice to the Chief Minister be?

(Laughs) I would tell him to behave like a Chief Minister.

When you look back at the 2013 Delhi Elections, which you lost, what do you think went wrong? Did you go back to the drawing board after that?

Yes, we did. A lot of things went wrong for us. There were a lot of rumours, false rumours I would say because nothing has been proven, about the Commonwealth Games. Secondly, there was probably a sense of fatigue. People said Pandrah saal ho gaye hain, ab badlo (We have had the same government for 15 years, now lets change it). Thirdly, the Central Governments aura of being a corrupt government fell on us (Delhi Congress) because we were in Delhi. Then there was the Nirbhaya case.

Do you think that the image of a corrupt UPA government was accurate?

(It doesnt matter if it was) accurate or inaccurate, the papers wrote about it and people believed it.

Ajay Maken recently said he reached out to you and asked you to play a more active role in the Delhi Congress. Why was an outreach necessary? Were you feeling upset or sidelined?

I wasnt upset. I cant be upset with my own party. Whatever they (high command) asked me to do, I do. I never said yes or no. And I dont run after anything. So if they dont ask me to do something then I wont do it.

So what will your role now be in Delhi Congress?

I dont know, it is for the Congress high command to decide. They had just asked me to be a part of the delegation that went to the Lieutenant Governor so I went there. If they hadnt asked me, I wouldnt have gone.

What did you convey to the Lieutenant Governor?

We conveyed to the LG a great concern that if the political wing of the government and bureaucratic wing of the government were at loggerheads, there wouldnt be any governance in Delhi. The Congress did a lot of work for Delhi and if the governance of Delhi collapses, it would be a great shame for the country. It is, after all, the capital of the country. He said they are looking into it but didnt give any details.

After 15 years at the helm in Delhi, you had a brief stint in Uttar Pradesh politics. You were the CM candidate of the party and then suddenly, there was an alliance with the Samajwadi Party. Looking back at that campaign, do you have any regrets?

I dont regret it. I just found it (the alliance) rather surprising. I dont regret for the simple fact that I greatly enjoyed travelling all over Uttar Pradesh and seeing the responses of the wonderful people of the state. That was very encouraging. But I regret it to the extent that well, I asked a question  Was it a necessary step to forge the alliance after the kind of positive reception that we were getting. If it were up to me I would go it alone in UP, but the High Command obviously has the final say in these matters.

20 Aam Aadmi Party MLAs are facing disqualification and Delhi may see by-elections sometime this year. Will we see a return of Sheila Dixit to electoral politics?

Well, we certainly hope that the Congress party bounces back. That is why we are all working together. As for me, I am not going to contest these bypolls.

Will you be open for a Vidhan Sabha run in 2020?

Nothing is certain in life. I never thought I would be sitting at the LGs office along with the rest of the party. Politics is all about the unknown.

You were standing right next to Rahul Gandhi when he took over as Congress President. How has he developed as a leader since 2004? Can he lead the party in 2019?

Yes, I think he is absolutely ready to lead the party. Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and everyone else also made mistakes all the time. But what matters is that he has got it in him and he is serious about it. He has gained a lot of maturity over these last few years and his interactions with people prove that. He is very conscious of the fact that the responsibility is on him now.

Can the Congress emerge as the nucleus around which a grand anti-BJP alliance can gather?

Well, there is some talk about it (grand alliance). I think Sonia Gandhi has also indicated that. Personally, I think it will be a good thing if all the like-minded opposition parties come together, instead of remaining fragmented. It will make a huge difference.

You have identified as a Nehruvian. Recently, Prime Minister Modi launched an attack on Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in Parliament. Do you think the Prime Ministers reading of history is accurate?

How can you underplay the role of Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel? We see their work all around us. How can you twist history like that? Who has made this country? Who has made all this? You (BJP) have only been there for four years and you think you can take away Nehrus legacy? It is because of Nehrus legacy that we are what we are today.
Chennai: Veteran actor Kamal Haasan made every effort to remain ideologically neutral at the launch of his political party Makkal Needhi Maiam on Wednesday, and it was perhaps this attempt that made him take the names of Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu, Pinarayi Vijayan and Barack Obama when asked about the leaders that have been his inspiration.

By labelling this unlikely combination of contemporary leaders, who have made a mark for completely disparate ideologies, as his heroes, Haasan took everyone present at the party launch by surprise as people are so used to politicians invoking the names of a Mahatma Gandhi, BR Ambedkar or Periyar.

In the run up to Wednesdays launch event, Haasan, too, had repeatedly talked about how these three yesteryear leaders and their vision of upliftment of society had always inspired him. Their posters also dotted the roadsides when he took out a rally in the streets of Rameswaram and later Madurai.

But at the launch event, where Kejriwal was also present, Hassan said he would like to pick up lessons on how to function from his contemporaries. He can absorb a leftist tilt from Vijayan, an anti-corruption stand from Kejriwal, a progressive and IT-based approach from Naidu and global humanism from Obama.

Yet, the common factor in his inspirations, apart from the former US President, is that they are all in a position to take on the BJP, an indication that he could be looking to form an alternative front on the national stage. Naidu may be an outlier as he is an NDA ally for now, but he has made no bones about the strains in ties. They are also all people who have been known for non-conventional politics.

The logo of Haasans party, six arms interlocked with a star at the centre, is also symbolic of the approach he wishes to take. It is representative of the six southern States (including Puducherry), and denotes a unified southern coalition, states where the BJP has failed to make inroads, except Karnataka.

But the question that arises is whether this approach will pay dividends in his own state, where BJP has been a non-entity till now. Political analyst Sandeep Shastri is clear that Haasan is unclear about his approach.

In Kamal, there is a mixing of too many metaphors, too many items in his agenda basket and at the end it makes his agenda very confusing. If he was only banking on Kamal the hero, it would have been prudent, but with that he is mixing Leftism, he is mixing hero ideology, he is mixing mentors, he says.

To the commoner in Madurai, Kamal saying he has mentors would give a confusing signal, he feels. His fans would say you are the mentor for us, says Shastri. Considering Tamil Nadus politics has always been local-centric, invoking an Obama or Kejriwal just doesnt gel, he adds.

So, although 20,000-plus people had gathered for his grand announcement, he still has to convert them into supporters. A few were there simply for a glimpse of their favourite film star, some felt he was the change the state needs, while others had a more wait and watch approach and said they would wait for him to implement his policies ahead of elections, and then take a call.

Haasan, after all, not only has to contend in a state that already has the tried-and-tested DMK and AIADMK parties in a thick battle, but also the promise of a party from superstar Rajinikanth.

The red, black and white in Haasan's logo are also symbolic of the Dravidian movement, and he wants to have a share of the Dravidian identity too, apart from all the other factors  a tough ask.

Political analyst N Sathiya Moorthy says his aim to join hands with the other states in the long-run to form a formidable 'southern front would be a tough ask, considering the diversity in these states and their individual aspirations.

He may be keeping his options open, said political analyst N Sathiya Moorthy on the outreach to the rest of the south. But Kerala CM Vijayan and Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu have regional and local compulsions to not join hands, at least until Kamal proves his vote-base.

Shastri feels that Rajinikanth has been shrewder in his approach so far. He is trying to bring in a spiritualism that associates with his persona of being down-to-earth, a man of the masses. That may work with the people. But an upper-caste Kamal projecting himself as a messiah, and having a left-of-centre plank  you cant bring the charisma of an actor together this way, at least thats why past experience in Tamil Nadu politics has shown, says Shastri.

And then of course, apart from the charisma of Rajini and Kamal, there is the thus-far-unexplored charisma of TTV Dinakaran that is still unfolding before the voter. What does go in their favour (for all of them) is that they have four long years to build upon their charm. Assuming the current government does last its entire term.
Chennai: Actor-politician Kamal Haasan says he held a "secret" meeting with his contemporary and friend Rajinikanth about his entry into politics and decided to maintain dignity even if they became rivals later.

While Haasan launched his party Makkal Needhi Mayyam in Madurai on Wednesday, Rajinikanth had announced in December that he will enter politics.

Writing in his weekly series in Tamil magazine 'Ananda Vikatan', Haasan, however, did not reveal when the meeting happened.

But he disclosed that they spoke on the issue of his political entry during the shoot of 'Bigg Boss', anchored by Haasan.

'Bigg Boss' was then being shot at a private studio at suburban Poonamallee, he added.

Rajinikanth was shooting for his upcoming film "Kaala" in a nearby location, Haasan said, adding he made the proposal for the meeting.

"Shall we meet secretively I asked... we later sat inside a car and discussed. I spoke about the decisions I had made," Haasan said in an apparent reference to his political plunge.

He said he proposed the meeting as he wanted his one time co-star to be in the know about his decision to enter politics before the others knew about it.

Rajinikanth "asked with surprise," when Haasan took such a decision, the actor-director said.

To this Haasan told his 'friend,' that he was mentally prepared about the plunge a long time ago but was implementing it now.

"We decided that there shall be no compromise in dignity for whatever reason. I told him that even if we are in opposing camps, the respect (for each other) should be maintained," he said, adding, it was akin to a 'yudh dharma.'

Rajinikanth endorsed his views, saying "of course, Kamal," the "Vishwaroopam" maker said.

Haasan told Rajinikanth during another meeting that there was no need for them to promote "abuse politics", he said.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Madurai, Haasan said he will be the party's president.

Later in Chennai, he said he has registered his party with the Election Commission and proposed to hold a public meeting of Makkal Needhi Maiyam in Tiruchirappally on April 4. PTI
New Delhi: As tensions rise once again between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP, three-time Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit recalls her excellent relationship she enjoyed with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The Vajpayee-led BJP government was in power at the Centre when Dikshit took over as Delhi CM for the first time.

In 1998, Sheila Dikshit unseated Sushma Swaraj to become the second woman to head the state of Delhi. In contrast to the AAP, which claims that its work has been hindered by a vindictive central government, Dikshit in an exclusive interview to News18 said she enjoyed a cordial working relationship with the then ruling party.

It (the relationship) was excellent. It was as great as my working relationship with any Prime Minister, she said.

Dikshit said she chose a conciliatory approach because it was ultimately she, the CM, who would have to answer to the people. Please remember, Delhi is not a full state. It has to go to the central government for practically anything. For the people of Delhi, though, this (Chief Minister) is the face of Delhi Government. They dont care that you have to keep going to the Centre. For them, you (The CM) are responsible.

She also appreciated magnanimous, large-hearted Prime Minister Vajpayee and said she was proud of all they had managed to accomplish together. We (Vajpayee and I) managed to get a lot of work done, including work on the Delhi Metro. He (Vajpayee) would never say it was Sheila ka kaam (Sheilas work). Instead, he used to say this is Delhi ka kaam (Delhis work) and he would tell his bureaucrats to see to it that it was done.

However, it wasnt always a yes from the then Prime Minister. I didnt always get what I wanted. Sometimes, I went with ten demands but got eight things. Sometimes I got only five. But the relationship was not one of conflicts like the current relationship between the CM and PM, she said.

When asked if this meant there were no conflicts at all between her and Vajpayee, she said, No, there wasnt. Not at all. He (Vajpayee) was magnanimous and large-hearted. The Centre also has an interest in ensuring that Delhi gets what it needs because they would not like a shabby capital. People come here from all over the world. The diplomatic corps also live here.

In fact, she said, the warmth in relations was not just limited to Vajpayee. Former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister LK Advani, too, would help her get work done, she said. She recalled an incident from 1998, just days after she stepped into office when Advani asked her if she wanted to continue working with a BJP-appointed bureaucrat.

I didnt have any problems at all with the bureaucracy. Never. In fact, the first Chief Secretary I had in 1998 was appointed by the previous BJP government. I was asked by the then Home Minister LK Advani if I would like to change the Chief Secretary. I told them I was fine working with the same bureaucrat. That stood me in good stead. One expects a bureaucrat to not be political and they do what they are told to do, Dikshit told News18.
Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that after the Nirav Modi episode people have become suspicious of banks.

Uddhav said that government should take responsibility for people's savings if a bank goes bust. "There is an environment of distrust towards banks these days. People save their hard earned money in banks. We are going to tell government now, that if a bank goes bust, Central and State governments will have to take responsibility of it," he said at a book launch function here

Apart from the Rs 11,000 crore Punjab National Bank scam, Uddhav spoke on a range of issues including, Sharad Pawars comments on Bal Thackeray, reservation and the alliance with the BJP at the book launch of senior Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe.

On the issue of reservation, Uddhav said, "If the government would have accepted economic background as the basis of reservation, the society would not have been divided to such an extent."

He also rubbished any talk of Shiv Sena responding to BJP's efforts to bring them back in alliance. "People of Maharashtra have now developed trust that we are going to fight for them," he said.

Reacting to comments made by NCP leader in an Interview to Raj Thackeray in Pune on Wednesday, Uddhav questioned him over the treatment of his father and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. Asking why 'love' was not showed towards Balasaheb when he was booked in 2000 for writing an editorial in the year 1993, he said, "He was almost 70 then. Why was no love shown then?"

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut also took a dig at Pawar at the event. "It takes people 50 years to understand the thought of Balasaheb Thackeray," he said.

"Balasaheb Thackeray always said that reservation has to be on the basis of economic condition of the person. It should not be on the basis of caste groups. People seem to realise it now. Now, they want the basis for reservation changed," Raut said.

He also mentioned that it was Balasaheb who talked of the need for Marathi pride. "People are talking of the need of Marathi people coming together now. Balasaheb had spoken about this, 50 years ago. He had said that if the state had to progress, its people should mobilise themselves on the basis of language," he said.

Raut also didn't spare the BJP leadership. "In the public domain, people make fun of Saamana (Shiv Sena mouthpiece). But the same people read the paper on the sly. In public, they question the paper, and berate it. But they can't live without reading it on the sly," he said.
Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday said the Rs 11,400 crore scam at the PNB had pushed the controversy surrounding the purchase of Rafale fighter jets to the back-burner.

"Bigwigs indulge in corruption and leave the country. However, poor farmers, who have taken small loans but are unable to repay them, are forced to end their lives. Until this contrast ends, fixing nets in Mantralaya (to prevent suicides) will not solve the issue. How were loans worth thousands of crores given?" he questioned.

He asked how it was possible for some people to siphon off thousands of crores of rupees in the past two-three years when, during demonetisation, ordinary people were asked several questions when they went to their banks to withdraw cash.

"Scams are coming out in the open one after the other. Due to this issue (the Punjab National Bank scam), the Rafale scam has been put on the back-burner," Thackeray said.

He was speaking to reporters here after launching a book by Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe, who completed 20 years in the party.

The Sena chief said there was an atmosphere of suspicion towards banks in the country today as people had deposited their life's savings thinking that banks were safe.

However, when a bank is bust by someone intentionally, the government takes responsibility of just Rs 1 lakh, he said.

"I have asked Sena MPs to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the finance minister and submit a memorandum, asking that the government take complete responsibility for people's money. If the government can wring our necks and collect taxes, why can't it safeguard our money?" Thackeray questioned.

On a query on his absence from the "Magnetic Maharashtra" business summit, Thackeray said that no actual work was done despite several MoUs being signed and 'bhoomipujan' being conducted.

"I will now go only for the actual inauguration of projects. Many a times, policies of the Centre and the state change and projects don't take off. It remains to be seen how many projects actually fructify this time. Care should be taken to ensure that the money, received by way of investments, is not taken away like how (Nirav) Modi did," he said.
Guwahati: All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal on Thursday criticised Army Chief General Bipin Rawat for his politically motivated comments and said his job is to lead the nations army and not monitor the growth of a political party.

General Rawat has stirred a controversy by saying that AIUDF's growth has been "faster" than that of the BJP in the 1980s. He suggested that AIUDFs meteoric rise in regional politics may have a direct relation with the influx of Bangladeshis in Assam. He called it a part of proxy warfare from Pakistan with support from China.

Saying that he was deeply hurt by the comments, Ajmal said that a party delegation will be sent to meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek clarification and register protest over the comments.

"We respect Rawat as the Army Chief but the comment made by him on AIUDF is not within his constitutional jurisdiction, he said.

The Army chief's comments that the AIUDF has grown at a faster rate in Assam due to immigration from Bangladesh is absolutely false and politically motivated and this is evident from the results of the last three Assembly polls, he added. AIUDF had won 10 seats in 2006, 18 in 2011 and 13 in 2016, Ajmal, party MP from Dhubri said.

He, however, said he has deep reverence for the Indian army for the role it has played to protect the country, and said he would not hesitate to meet General Rawat and clear any misunderstanding.

Hamare dil main chor nahin. Woh hamare bade hain. Darna kis baat ka? (We dont bear any ill-will in our hearts. He is our elder. Why should we be scared? he remarked.

Ajmal also pointed out that General Rawats statement come a day after the Supreme Court ordered that work on the final draft of National Register of Citizens should be completed by June 30.

We were the first political party to have taken up the cause of border fencing to stop illegal influx. If we have grown in past 12 years, it is because of votes, and not an abnormal rise. There are thousands of Hindus in our party. If any foreigner has voted for us, let the government identify them and take necessary action, said Ajmal.

Noting that Assam has a Muslim population of 34 per cent, he said, according to the Army chief's statements, AIUDF should have got the entire Muslim vote but it secured only 13 per cent Muslim votes in the last election.

The Army has come to the defence of General Rawat and said there was nothing political or religious in the talk. Army Chief just mentioned amalgamation and development in the seminar on North-East organised at DRDO Bhawan on Feb 21" it said in a statement.

(With PTI inputs)
The Telangana government is keen to use Free Space Optical Communications (FSOC) technology of Google X to provide internet access to people in parts of the state, officials said on Wednesday. The state government officials discussed the proposal with Tom Moore, Vice President, Google X on the sidelines of the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2018, which concluded here on Wednesday.

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"We had very useful preliminary discussions. He is willing to bring that technology to India as a test case," state's Principal Secretary, Information Technology, Jayesh Ranjan told reporters. The state government wants to use the technology for connectivity in the areas where it could not lay optic fibre cables under T Fiber project, aimed at providing high-speed connectivity to all the households.

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The optic fibre cables are being laid along with the water pipelines under Mission Bhagiratha, the government programme is aimed at providing drinking water to every house. "Since we have missed out on some bits, where the water pipelines were already laid, the optical technology of Google X can be used as this does not require a cable. This is something revolutionary in the area of connectivity and be easy to deploy," said Ranjan.

"We have asked him (Moore) to showcase how this technology works in bits where we missed out on fibre. His team will work on the proposal and show. If that materializes we will be the first user of this technology in India," he added. Moore delivered the keynote address on 'Connecting the next billion online' at WCIT. He said FSOC linking will help provide high-speed wireless internet access to millions without digging trenches or stringing cable along poles.

Also known as X, the moonshot factory, it had last year signed an agreement with Andhra Pradesh to deploy FSOC technology. Andhra plans to roll out 2,000 FSOC links to bring a wireless internet connection to the state. The FSOC links will plug critical gaps to major access points, like cell-towers and WiFi hotspots, that support thousands of people. Last month, Chaparai, a tribal hamlet in Boddagandi village of East Godavari district, was connected using the technology under a pilot project.

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Singapore: Three Indians have been jailed in Singapore for their involvement in consensual sexual acts with a 13-year-old girl in 2016, a media report said on Wednesday.

Gill Gurjant Singh, 25, and Surjeet Singh, 29, were each sentenced to 15 months in prison for the crime, The Straits Times reported.

Jugraj Singh, 33, was jailed for eight months for committing an indecent act on the Singaporean minor.

Offenders convicted of having consensual sexual intercourse with a minor below 14 years old can be jailed for up to 20 years and fined or caned, according to the report.

All the three men are Indian construction workers, the report said.

They had met the girl in May 2016 in Little India, a precinct of shops, eateries, pubs, motels and hotels, where she was hanging out with her friends, Deputy Public Prosecutor Jesintha Veijayaratnam said.

The girl's mother approached the police after which a complaint was registered.
London: The "politics of demonisation" provided fertile ground for human rights abuses in 2017, exemplified by the response of Europe and Donald Trump's US to the refugee-crisis, rights group Amnesty said Thursday in its annual report.

The British-based group took particular aim at the US president's "transparently hateful" executive order banning entry to citizens of several Muslim-majority countries.

"Throughout 2017, millions across the world experienced the bitter fruits of a rising politics of demonization," said the report, which was launched this year for the first time in the United States.

It accused leaders of wealthy countries of approaching the refugee crisis "with a blend of evasion and outright callousness".

"Most European leaders have been unwilling to grapple with the big challenge of regulating migration safely and legally, and have decided that practically nothing is off limits in their efforts to keep refugees away from the continent's shores," it added.

Amnesty Secretary-General Salil Shetty singled out Trump for criticism, saying the travel ban "set the scene for a year in which leaders took the politics of hate to its most dangerous conclusion".

He also condemned his decision to keep the US camp at Guantanamo Bay on Cuba open, and his ambivalent attitude to waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques. "You can imagine what this means for governments across the world who are extensively using torture," he said.

Praise for Florida teens

He noted that US attitudes had an impact across the world. Tirana Hassan, director of crisis response at Amnesty International, said: "When it comes to conflict, crisis and mass atrocities we have seen zero moral or legal leadership coming from the international community."

Amnesty said Myanmar's military crackdown on Rohingya insurgents, which prompted an exodus of nearly 700,000 Rohingya people into neighbouring Bangladesh, was the "ultimate consequence of a society encouraged to hate, scapegoat and fear minorities".

"This episode will stand in history as yet another testament to the world's catastrophic failure to address conditions that provide fertile ground for mass atrocity crimes," said the report.

It highlighted recent elections in Austria, France, Germany and the Netherlands, where "some candidates sought to transpose social and economic anxieties into fear and blame", as evidence that the "global battle of values reached a new level of intensity" in 2017.

The report also accused governments of exploiting national security and terrorism concerns "to reconfigure the balance between state powers and individual freedoms".

"Europe has continued to slip towards a near-permanent state of securitization," it warned. "France, for example, ended its state of emergency in November, but only after adopting a new anti-terror law."

However, Amnesty said that it was possible for "ordinary people" to take back the initiative, noting the Florida students demanding more gun control after the Parkland school massacre.

"There is no better example of that than what we've seen with the kids in this country standing up against gun violence in the last few days," Shetty said.

'Avalanche of online abuse'

The report also praised the #MeToo campaign for drawing attention "to the appalling extent of sexual abuse and harassment".

But it warned that Internet giants were part of the abuse problem, and that they had too much power in shaping narratives and propagating "Fake News".

"The avalanche of online abuse, particularly against women, and the incitement of hatred against minorities, drew weak and inconsistent responses from social media companies and scant action from governments," it said.

"These concerns are compounded by the extreme concentration of control in only a handful of companies over the information people view online."

It added: "The capabilities deriving from this to shape public attitudes are immense, including virtually unchecked potential for incitement to hatred and violence."

It said that the "willingness of prominent leaders to tout 'fake news'... coupled with attacks on institutions that act as checks on power, show that free speech will be a key battle" in 2018.

"We must refuse to accept narratives of demonisation and build instead a culture of solidarity," it concluded.
Washington: US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that arming teachers could help prevent massacres like last week's mass shooting at a Florida high school, voicing support for an idea backed by the National Rifle Association gun rights group.

Trump made the comment during an emotional hour-long White House meeting with students who survived the Florida shooting and a parent whose child did not. Hundreds of students joined scattered protests across the country on Wednesday, including in Washington, Chicago and Pittsburgh.

The Republican president, who has championed gun rights and was endorsed by the NRA during the 2016 campaign, said he would move quickly to tighten background checks for gun buyers and would consider raising the age for buying certain types of guns.

He spoke at length about how armed teachers and security guards could frighten off potential school shooters and prevent student deaths.

"If you had a teacher... who was adept at firearms, it could very well end the attack very quickly," said Trump.

The attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 17 students and educators were slain on Feb. 14 by a gunman with an AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifle in the second-deadliest shooting at a US public school, has revived the long-running US debate over gun rights.

The US Constitution protects the right of Americans to bear arms, a right fiercely defended by Republicans. But Trump has been under pressure to act.

Some of the participants at the meeting indicated support for Trump's idea of arming teachers. Others were opposed.

Mark Barden, whose son was killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut, said his wife, Jackie, a teacher, "will tell you that school teachers have more than enough responsibilities right now than to have to have the awesome responsibility of lethal force to take a life.

"Nobody wants to see a shootout in a school," Barden said.

After the Sandy Hook shooting, a task force backed by the NRA recommended more armed guards and teachers in schools.

Trump listened intently to ideas from about 40 people, including those from six students who survived the Florida shooting.

"I don't understand why I can still go in a store and buy a weapon of war, an AR," said Sam Zeif, 18, sobbing after he described texting his family members during the attack.

"Let's never let this happen again, please, please," Zeif said.

Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow Pollack, 18, was killed, shouted: "It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it. And I'm pissed  because my daughter  I'm not going to see again."

Trump sat in the middle of a semi-circle in the White House State Dining Room. Photographers captured images of his handwritten note card with questions like "What would you most want me to know about your experience?" and "I hear you."

PROTESTS

Before Trump's meeting, students across the United States walked out of classes in sympathy protests, including hundreds of teens from the Washington suburbs who gathered at the White House.

"I came out here because I don't feel safe in my school," said Allyson Zadravec, 15, of Northwood High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. "I want to make sure that everyone who can do something about it hears that I dont feel safe in my school.

In the Florida state capital, Tallahassee, students demanded that lawmakers restrict sales of assault rifles. Some wore T-shirts and carried signs reading: "We call BS," one of the slogans of the movement started by the survivors.

Investigators said the assault was carried out by 19-year-old former Stoneman student Nikolas Cruz, who purchased an AR-15 nearly a year ago. Police charged Cruz, who had been kicked out of the school because of disciplinary problems, with 17 counts of premeditated murder.

"Nikolas Cruz was able to purchase an assault rifle before he was able to buy a beer," said Laurenzo Prado, a Stoneman student, referring to a Florida law that allows people as young as 18 to buy assault weapons. "The laws of the country have failed."

Lawmakers in Tallahassee said they would consider raising the age limit to 21, the same standard for handguns and alcohol, although the state Senate on Wednesday opted not to take up a gun control measure.

Trump also said he was open to looking at age limits, among other measures, and lamented the closure of many mental institutions to help assess violent people.

"There's no... middle ground of having that institution where you had trained people that could handle it and do something about it and find out how sick he really is," Trump said.

Trump on Tuesday directed the Justice Department to work on a regulation that would effectively ban "bump stocks," an accessory that enables a rifle to shoot hundreds of rounds a minute.

Last October, a retired real estate investor and high-stakes gambler used multiple assault rifles equipped with bump stocks to kill 58 people at a Las Vegas outdoor concert, the deadliest attack by a single gunman in US history. Bump stocks have not played a prominent role in other recent U.S. mass shootings.

The NRA opposes an outright ban on bump stocks but has said it would be open to restrictions on the devices.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer urged Trump to back the legislation, instead of a regulation, on bump stocks.
Cairo: An Egyptian court sentenced on Thursday 21 people to death and seven others to up to life in prison over belonging to a group believed to be affiliated with the extremist Islamic State group, the state-run MENA news agency reported.

Beside the 21 death sentences, the court handed down life sentences, which in Egypt are equal to 25 years, to four defendants, and 15-year-sentences to three others, MENA said.

The 28 on trial were charged with belonging to an outlawed group linked to IS, disrupting public order, possession of weapons and endangering society among other charges. Of the total, only 12 are in custody while the others,16 suspects, are at large.

Rights groups have repeatedly criticised similar mass sentencings in Egypt and called on authorities to ensure fair trials.

Egyptian authorities have been carrying out a wide-ranging crackdown on dissent since the 2013 military overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, arresting thousands of his supporters as well as some well-known secular activists.

Earlier on Thursday, six suspected members of the now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group were ordered detained for 15 days, pending investigation over joining a "terrorist" group.

The six were arrested on Wednesday night on a farm allegedly belonging to detained former presidential candidate and "Strong Egypt" party leader, Abdel-Monaem Abul Fetouh. He was a longtime Brotherhood member before he quit the group in 2011.

Egypt listed Abul Fetouh on its terrorism list earlier this week, a designation that bans those on the list from travel, puts them on a watch list and grants authorities the right to freeze their assets.

Over the past years, Egyptian authorities have put the names of hundreds, including senior Muslim Brotherhood figures, on the list.

The Islamist organisation, which was founded in Egypt, was labeled as "terrorist" following the ouster of Morsi, a senior Brotherhood figure.
LONDON: Iran will withdraw from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal if there is no economic benefit from it and major banks continue to fail to do business with the Islamic Republic, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Thursday.

The July 2015 agreement between Iran and six major powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - obliged Iran to restrict its nuclear program in return for relief from sanctions that have crippled its economy.

U.S. President Donald Trump delivered an ultimatum to European powers on Jan. 12, saying they must agree to fix the terrible flaws of the Iran nuclear deal or he would refuse to extend the U.S. sanctions relief on Iran that it calls for. U.S. sanctions will resume unless Trump issues fresh waivers to suspend them on May 12.

"The deal would not survive this way even if the ultimatum is passed and waivers are extended," Araqchi said in a speech at Chatham House in London.

"If the same policy of confusion and uncertainties about the JCPOA continues, if companies and banks are not working with Iran, we cannot remain in a deal that has no benefit for us," Araqchi said. "Thats a fact."

Trump sees three defects in the deal: its failure to address Irans ballistic missile program; the terms under which international inspectors can visit suspect Iranian nuclear sites; and sunset clauses under which limits on the Iranian nuclear program start to expire after 10 years.

He wants all three strengthened if the United States is to stay in the nuclear deal, which is known by diplomats as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. Iran warned that the collapse of the deal would thrust the world into another nuclear crisis.

"If we lose the JCPOA, we will face another nuclear crisis, Araqchi said.

For the Europeans or the world community, when we talk about maintaining the JCPOA and saving it, its not a choice between Iranian or the U.S. market, its not a choice for economic cooperation: its a choice between having security and insecurity," Araqchi said.
Islamabad: Pakistan's deposed premier Nawaz Sharif on Thursday alleged that efforts were being made to "oust" him from politics for life, a day after he was disqualified by the Supreme Court from leading his party.

Sharif spoke to the media after appearing before the accountability court in Islamabad where he is being tried for alleged corruption in the Panama Papers case.

"This decision (disqualification from leading a party) is not unexpected for me. First, they paralysed the executive and yesterday they snatched the powers of parliament," he said.

He did not specify who he meant by "they" but apparently it was a reference to the judges of the top court.

Sharif, 68, was disqualified as prime minister by the apex court in July last year under Article 62 for failing to declare a receivable salary as an asset.

He said Wednesday's decision was a continuation of the apex court verdict of July 28 when he was sacked as prime minister, and added that "deliberations were being made to oust him from politics for life".

"In the decision of July 28 my premiership was snatched. In the decision of on Wednesday the post of president of Pakistan Muslim League (N) was snatched...My name is Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. If you want to snatch this name from me, go ahead and take it away," he said.

He criticised the decision of the court which said the Election Act 2017 was "person-specific" to facilitate Sharif to lead his party, adding that "decisions of the Supreme Court are Nawaz Sharif-specific".

"These decisions are being given in anger and smack of vengeance," he said.

Sharif appeared in court accompanied by daughter Maryam and son-in-law Mohammad Safdar, who are co-accused in one of the three cases.

It was his 18th appearance in the court.

The court reserved judgment on objections by Sharif about supplementary references by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and postponed the hearing until this afternoon.

It also decided to record statements of two UK-based witnesses via video link.

Later, Sharif consulted his party leaders during a high-level meeting about the implications of the decision and appointing a new president of the PML-N.

Sources said Sharif's ailing wife Kulsoom Nawaz and his younger brother Shahbaz were favourites to get the coveted post of PML-N president.

Some party leaders favour Yaqoob Nasir or Raja Zafarul Haq as interim president before settling on a permanent choice, according to sources.

Earlier, when Sharif stepped down as prime minister and PML-N chief after his disqualification by the Supreme Court, Nasir had been appointed as interim president of the party.

Sharif later on took over leadership of party after Election Law 2017 removed the disqualification bar to become head of a political party.

Sharif was given a warm welcome when he arrived at the Punjab House to participate in the meeting.

Meanwhile, PML-N leaders rejected the decision by the court and promised that the party would bounce back to win the election this year.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the PML-N had faced a "worse time than the existing one and will overcome all difficulties".

Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said the future of the party will be decided in consultation with the senior leadership but that Sharif would take final decisions about who will lead the party.

The decision of court was welcomed by Sharif's arch rival Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan who today claimed that Sharif had secretly met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"What sort of leader Sharif is, as he met Modi in secret because he wanted to keep it secret from the army," Khan said without sharing any details of the alleged meeting.

Sharif and some of his family members are facing charges relating to their ownership of posh properties in London.

Three cases were registered by the National Accountability Bureau against Sharif, his children and son-in-law in the court on September 8.
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that intelligence provided by his country foiled a plot by the Islamic State group to bring down a plane from Australia.

"The Israeli intelligence services thwarted the downing of an Australian plane, an unimaginable slaughter," the Israeli leader told an American Jewish conference in Jerusalem.

"This would have caused a major disruption in global air transport and this is only one of dozens of terrorist attacks we have foiled around the world," Netanyahu said, later referring to the failed plot as an IS attempt.

The Israeli army said one of its intelligence units, named 8200, provided the information in 2017 leading to the arrest of IS militants who were working "toward the execution of the attack". The elite unit gathers and analyses intelligence using sophisticated information technology.

The Israeli military said thwarting the attack "saved the lives of dozens". The time and route of the flight were not revealed.

Last year Australia arrested two men  Khaled Khayat and Mahmoud Khayat  and charged them with plotting to bring down an Etihad Airways passenger jet destined to fly to Abu Dhabi from Sydney.

They were accused of trying to smuggle an improvised explosive device onto a July 15 service, but the attempt was aborted before they reached security.

Australian police said the plot had been orchestrated by "a senior member of the Islamic State" based overseas. Etihad earlier this week confirmed it was working with authorities in Australia on their investigation.
Toronto: A Canadian court has upheld the right of Quebec's national assembly to prohibit people from entering the building with a kirpan, an article of faith for the Sikhs, media reports said.

Two members of the World Sikh Organisation of Canada were challenging a unanimous motion adopted in the national assembly in February 2011.

Balpreet Singh and Harminder Kaur did not want to part with their kirpans as they headed into a legislature hearing to submit a brief in January 2011.

The motion stated that security personnel had the right to refuse entry to anyone who did not want to remove the religious symbol.

Originally, they argued the motion was unconstitutional but then changed their position to say it was legal but non-binding.

But Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Patrick Healy rejected their arguments in a decision on Monday as he upheld a lower-court ruling that said the national assembly has the right to establish its own rules in accordance with parliamentary privilege, The Toronto Star reported on Tuesday.

The court ruling coincided with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to India where his government is reaching out to the minority community to mend fences.

Superior Court Justice Pierre Journet affirmed the authority of the legislature to "exclude kirpans from its precincts as an assertion of parliamentary privilege over the exclusion of strangers," the report said.

In his decision, Healy referred to a Supreme Court ruling that said a provincial legislature could invoke the privilege to exclude strangers to prevent journalists from filming in the precincts of the assembly.

"The Supreme Court confirmed that these general principles formed part of Canadian constitutional law and held specifically that the privilege to exclude strangers is entrenched in the Canadian Constitution," Healy wrote on behalf of a three-member panel.

"I make no comment whether the assembly's exercise of the privilege to exclude the kirpan is a wise decision. I say only that it is a legal exercise of this category of privilege. If the appellants wish to challenge it, the proper forum is the assembly itself," it said.

On Tuesday, Singh said an appeal is being considered. "We haven't reached a decision, he said in an interview. Obviously, the judgment just came out on Monday and we received it late in the day yesterday, so we're still reviewing it. But an appeal is certainly one of our options and we're considering it very seriously," Singh said.

Julius Grey, one of the lawyers who represented the plaintiffs, also said he is not ruling out an appeal with the Supreme Court. "I don't agree with the judgement and I believe it is highly appealable," Grey said.

In 2011, several Sikhs were denied entry into the Quebec legislature amid a heated debate over multiculturalism and where to draw the line when it comes to tolerating cultural practices. Security officials at the Assemble Nationale refused to let them in because they were wearing kirpans.

The Canadian prime minister is on week-long visit to India where he will be meeting Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

The Trudeau government is reaching out to mend fences with Singh who has accused it of including Sikh separatists in its Cabinet, CBC News.com reported.

Sikhs make up less than two per cent of India's population. But among Indian-Canadians, they form the largest group and have the greatest political clout; all four of Trudeau's Indian-Canadian ministers are of Sikh origin.
Washington: China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, three close allies of Pakistan, have joined hands to block a move by the Trump administration to place Islamabad on an international terror-financing watch list, a US media report said on Thursday.

While Pakistan has claimed a victory of sorts, the US was working behind the scenes during the ongoing Paris meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to take action against the country which it believes has not acted against terrorist financing and the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions.

The Wall Street Journal which first reported about the development said this was one of the rare disagreements between Saudi Arabia and the administration of President Donald Trump. Saudi Arabia, it said was acting on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The report said the US is still trying for the FATF to take a decision on this by Thursday.

Pakistan claimed on Wednesday that it had foiled US-led efforts to place it on a terror financing watch-list after the country was granted a three-month reprieve by the Paris-based international watchdog FATF.

The FATF, a global body that combats terrorist financing and money laundering, met in Paris amid reports that the US with support of some European allies was trying to place Pakistan on a list of countries that financially support terrorism.

The officials said the US effort, which included pressure on the Saudis, raised the possibility of a fresh vote on action against Pakistan as soon as Thursday. The Pakistanis were scrambling to shore up support, the WSJ report said.

Noting that the Trump administration is angry with Pakistan's inadequate efforts to combat terror groups, the daily said the US has sought to ratchet up pressure on Islamabad.

Last month, it froze some USD 2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan.The US says Pakistan is not taking action against terror groups like the Haqqani network and the Taliban. Islamabad has denied those allegations.

China, Pakistan's all-weather ally, has repeatedly blocked efforts by India, the US and the UK to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar a terrorist under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee.

Pakistan being added to the list of countries deemed 'high risk' for doing too little to curb terror financing, would have a financial implication for the country.

As a result of this inclusion, banks, other lenders and international companies seeking to do business with Pakistan could rethink financial ties, putting a damper on its already struggling economy, the daily said.

The FATF meeting is expected to continue till Friday.

On Wednesday, US state department spokesperson Heather Nauert said the FATF is expected to take a decision by today on adding Pakistan to the 'grey list' of countries not doing enough to comply with terrorist-funding regulations.
Seventeen student survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where over a dozen were killed in a mass shooting last Wednesday, lie down on the floor in silence and pray at the approximate time of the attack one week ago, inside the state Capitol in Tallahassee. (Image: AP)
A visitor takes photo with Vietnamese girls in traditional long dress (Photo: vov.vn)

The event attracted more than 20 embassies such as Vietnam, Japan, Russia, the US and Mexico, and hundreds of Egyptian and international visitors.

The festival was an opportunity for countries to introduce their specific cultural products such as traditional costumes, food and fine art products made from paper, wood and cloth, as well as art performances such as singing, dance and circus.

At Vietnams cultural space, visitors contemplated the traditional long dress, enjoyed the taste of Vietnams coffee, spring rolls and a conical hat dance by overseas Vietnamese students.

Through the festival, Egyptian and international visitors have the chance to learn more about the traditional cultural beauty of Vietnamese people, contributing to improving Vietnams image in international friends./.
Former President Robert Mugabe yesterday reportedly turned down a public birthday bash organised for him by the Zanu PF youth league, opting to privately celebrate his 94th anniversary with his close family members.





The Zanu PF youth league had approached his family with a proposal to have a mini-party for its former leader, who was removed from power in November last year following a military intervention.





According to sources, Mugabe refused to be treated to a mini-bash by the Zanu PF youth league due to the manner his party and the military treated him before his resignation.





He wants to be with his family and those who love him genuinely and not those who want to abuse his name for political gains, a close family member, said.





The family would want to hold the birthday party for our old man, as a private event. But critically, what business does the party have for a man they removed in the manner they did?





Born on February 21, 1924, Mugabe trained as a teacher and taught in then Rhodesia and Ghana before returning home to join the guerrilla war against white-minority rule.

He became prime minister after Zimbabwe attained independence from Britain in 1980. He later became president in 1987.





Zanu PF youth secretary, Pupurai Togarepi, confirmed yesterday that there was no bash at Mugabes residence, as they had anticipated. Togarepi said instead, the youth would still celebrate their former leaders legacy through charitable works.





We are only celebrating Robert Mugabe Youth Day. As for a birthday celebration, its a private function, which is confidential for me to give you a programme, he said. The youth league last week indicated a delegation would visit Mugabe at his private residence in Borrowdale Brooke to give a birthday treat to the 94-year-old icon.





Had it not been for the military action in November, this years birthday bash for Mugabe would have been held in Nyanga, hosted under the auspices of the 21st February Movement.





The Zanu PF youth league, then under the leadership of Kudzanayi Chipanga, who has since been expelled, was already mobilising resources when Mugabe was forced to resign. Newsday
Gabby Petito's Mom: The

Last Text She Sent Me Was Odd


th-25th, is part of a series of events in Hanoi to celebrate Tet festival, the Vietnamese New Year. Illustrative image. (Photo: ANTD)

Most of the foreign visitors came from China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, the US, France, Germany, Australia, Malaysia and Thailand.

The figure brought the total number of visitors to the city during the Tet holidays from February 14th-20th to nearly 375,000, an increase of 13 percent from the same period last year. The figure included 250,000 domestic travellers, up 6 percent year on year.

The local tourism industry estimated to earn more than VND1.28 trillion (USD56.5 million) during the biggest holiday of the year, up 19 percent year on year.

Most visitors flocked to the citys popular attractions, like Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Huong Son landscape complex (also known as the Huong pagoda), Ngoc Son temple in the heart of Hoan Kiem lake, Van Mieu (the Temple of Literature) and Quoc Tu Giam (the first university in Vietnam) and the Vietnam National Villages for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, which host a series of art performances and cultural activities to celebrate the traditional New Year.

Most notable is the annual Spring Calligraphy Festival which is underway at Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam from February 9th-25th. About 63 calligraphers sit in bamboo tents, wearing ao dai (long robes), and perform the writing, following the traditions of the past.

Most of four- and five-star hotels in Hanoi have cheered the Lunar New Year festival with a number of special celebration events held for their guests. For example, the Sofitel Legend Metropoles Tet Market, also known as Tet Ha Thanh, which recreated a bustling Hanoian market where visitors can enjoy a range of Tet holiday foods. Other hotels, like Pan Pacific and Apricot, hosted count-down and New Years Eve parties for their stayers./.
(Newser)  A man in his 40s, brought to Britain as an infant and sold to a pedophile ring, was formally recognized as a victim of modern slavery by the country's Home Officeand is now facing deportation as an "illegal immigrant." Yet in a statement, a Home Office official wrote that he hopes the sex trafficking victim is "pleased with the positive decision" in his case. It's just one of the disturbing stories recounted in BuzzFeed's investigation into rampant modern slavery in Britain, still a huge problem despite the Home Office considering it one of the country's top priorities. Theresa May introduced a law in 2015 intended to stop human traffickers and help their hundreds of victims, but the law has cracks that victims often fall throughparticularly because many victims came to Britain from elsewhere, and May has also pledged to make the country a "hostile environment" for illegal immigrants.

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Another victim whose story BuzzFeed recounts came to Britain from Poland in 1986 looking for work, and ended up falling into slavery and becoming trapped when one of his masters stole his identification documents. As he was traded from master to master over three decades, he endured beatings, hard labor for little or no pay, and insufficient food. Under May's 2015 law, he came forward to authorities and gained victim statusbut since he could not prove "gainful employment" while he'd been in Britain, he faced deportation. (Since BuzzFeed's piece, a source says the Home Office has decided not to enforce any deportation action on him.) Even those who are in the country legally are only granted 45 days in a temporary safehouse, and once those days are up, they can easily fall back into homelessnessthe very population human traffickers seek out for slave labor. The full piece is worth a read. (Read more Longform stories.)
(Newser)  An organization that tracks far-right extremists says the number of Ku Klux Klan chapters in the US is plummeting as a new generation of khaki-clad racists rejects hoods and robes for a "hipper" brand of hate, the AP reports. The Southern Poverty Law Center said in a report Wednesday that its count of Klan groups fell from 130 in 2016 to 72 last year. SPLC Intelligence Project Director Heidi Beirich says the Klan seems to be "collapsing" because younger white supremacists are turned off by its "old-school" traditions. The Alabama-based law center reported a surge in neo-Nazi groupsfrom 99 in 2016 to 121 last year. And it counted a total of 954 active "hate groups" in 2017, an increase of 4% over the previous year (Read more Ku Klux Klan stories.)
(Newser)  Police say they found a cache of guns and ammo, including two AR-15 rifles, in the home of a student who was overheard saying "he was going to shoot up the school sometime in the next three weeks." Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell says the "disgruntled" 17-year-old was reported to authorities on Feb. 16, two days after 17 students were killed in the Parkland, Fla., mass shooting, ABC News reports. El Camino High School security officer Marino Chavez says he confronted the student after hearing him make the threat, reports the Washington Post. Chavez says after the student said he'd only been joking, he told him: "I know you students say a lot of things. But you can't be saying these words." Authorities say the student has an "extensive" history of disciplinary problems.

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Police say that when they searched the student's Whittier, Calif., home, they found the AR-15s, one of which was unlicensed, as well as two handguns and 90 high-capacity magazines, the Whittier Daily News reports. The 17-year-old, whose name has not been released, is being held without bail on a charge of making a criminal threat. The student's brother, 28-year-old Daniel Barcenas, who told investigators he obtained the guns while stationed with the Army in Texas, is being held on charges including possession of an assault weapon. McDonnell says he believes the teen was "moving toward" an attack. The sheriff says 19 leads about possible school attacks have been received since last week's mass shooting, compared to 52 in all of 2017. (President Trump has proposed arming teachers to prevent school shootings.)
(Newser)  Sen. Bernie Sanders says that in some ways, Robert Mueller's report on Russian election meddling isn't news to himbecause he knew before the 2016 election that his supporters were being targeted by people seeking to "sow division within the American people." Sanders tells the Des Moines Register that aides noticed a rise in "horrific and ugly things" online in September 2016, after he'd already started campaigning across the country for Hillary Clinton. "In my case, it was to tell Bernie supporters that Hillary Clinton is a criminal, that Hillary Clinton is crazy, that Hillary Clinton is sickterrible, terrible ugly stuffand to have Bernie Sanders supporters either vote for Trump or Jill Stein or not vote at all," he says.

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In an interview with Vermont Public Radio, Sanders said an aide went to the Clinton campaign after noticing hundreds of new, anti-Clinton posters on pro-Sanders social media accounts and said, "I think these guys are Russians." The Clinton campaign, however, "had more information about this than we did," said Sanders, denying that the Russian bots had helped his campaign. "They were attacking Hillary Clinton's campaign and using my supporters against Hillary Clinton," he said. Politico reports that Sanders issued a statement Wednesday night stressing that the Russian activity during the 2016 election cycle is an "outrage" that deserves "unconditional condemnation" whether it involves his campaign or those of Clinton and Trump. (Read more Bernie Sanders stories.)
(Newser)  First ex-Google engineer James Damore sued his former employer for firing him after he put out a memo saying women arent fit for tech jobs. Now another ex-Google worker has brought his own suit against the company after he came out hard against Damore. Tim Chevalier's complaintwhich Wired calls a "new window into the simmering culture war inside Google over diversity"says Google canned him because he was too "politically liberal" on internal message boards, where he posted comments about Damore's "misogynistic" memo and accused Damore of having "white boy" privilege. Damore included some of Chevalier's posts in his own suit to prove there was discrimination against white men at Google. Other Chevalier posts that irritated HR included one in which he ripped into GOPers after the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville last summer, per Ars Technica.

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A manager also reportedly told Chevalier he was too deep into "social activism." Chevalier, who identifies as a "disabled, queer, and transgender" man, says he should have the right to go after those who harass other people and that "anti-discrimination laws are meant to protect marginalized and underrepresented groups, not those who attack them." His suit claims the Google work environment was a "hostile and abusive" one that doesn't protect its female, LGBTQ, and minority workers, per Gizmodo, which notes it spoke to three other current or ex-employees who say they were reprimanded for speaking out on sexism or racism there. In a statement, Google says it's all for "lively debate," but "like any workplace, that doesn't mean anything goes. All employees acknowledge our code of conduct ... under which promoting harmful stereotypes based on race or gender is prohibited." (A Google search proved this man's innocence.)
(Newser)  The last person to see missing Kansas 5-year-old Lucas Hernandez has been arrested on charges of child endangerment. Police in Wichita say 26-year-old Emily Glass, the boy's stepmother, was taken into custody Wednesday and the case is now a criminal investigation, CBS reports. Deputy Chief Gavin Seiler says Glass allegedly endangered both Lucas and a 1-year-old child. Lucas' great-grandmother tells the Wichita Eagle that the boy told her during a family visit long before the disappearance that he didn't like his stepmother because she was mean to him and had once kicked him and dragged him across a room.

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Records seen by the Eagle show that police were called to Lucas' home for domestic violence incidents involving Glass and the boy's father, Jonathan Hernandez, several times over the last few years. Police say Glass reported Lucas missing around 6:15pm Saturday, saying she had last seen him around 3pm, before she took a nap. Police say there is still hope he will be found alive. "Lucas is the sweetest, softest-hearted, kindest little kid I ever met," his father tells KAKE. "I'm so proud to be able to be his father. I miss him very much. I love him very much and I just want him to come home." (Read more missing child stories.)
It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover
(Newser)  The offices at the US Embassy in Montenegro were closed for the night late Wednesday when the attack occurred: An unidentified man threw a grenade over the compound's wall and then took his own life using a second explosive device, reports the AP. He was the only casualty, and NPR reports no motive has been disclosed, nor is it clear if the intention was to carry out a suicide attack.

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A State Department rep says the building, located in the capital city of Podgorica, was not affected, with Radio Free Europe reporting the damage was limited to a crater caused by the explosive. Americans have been warned to steer clear of the embassy until further notice. The New York Times calls Montenegro "one of the world's youngest nations": It was once part of Yugoslavia and declared its independence from Serbia in 2006. (Read more Montenegro stories.)
(Newser)  South Korea is about to host a man blamed for the killing of 46 of its citizens as part of the closing ceremonies for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Kim Yong Cholwho formerly led the North Korean military intelligence agency blamed for the deadly 2010 attack on South Korean ship Cheonanwill lead the North Korean delegation at the closing ceremonies Sunday as vice-chairman of the ruling Workers' Partys Central Committee and head of the United Front Department in charge of inter-Korean affairs, Reuters reports. "We're accepting him as we believe it would help improve inter-Korean relations and resolve the matter of denuclearization," South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon says.

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The eight-person delegation led by Kim is to arrive by road on Sunday. During a three-day stay, the group will meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to discuss a potential summit with Kim Jong Un, reports the New York Times. Ivanka Trump will also meet with Moon while in the country to lead the US delegation. An administration official tells Reuters there are no plans for her to meet with North Korean officialsan expert on North Korea says the delegation would fear being overshadowed by Trumpbut the Times describes the "possibility of a chance encounter." Mike Pence was to meet with North Korean officials during an earlier visit to the Olympics. But the meeting was called off at the last minute. (Read more Olympics stories.)
(Newser)  Nurses fired after a video appeared to show them ignoring a World War II veteran's calls for help before his death at a Georgia nursing home are now facing criminal charges, including a murder charge in one case. A grand jury on Tuesday indicted former licensed nurse Loyce Pickquet Agyeman on charges of felony murder, neglect to an elder person, and concealing a death following a police investigation triggered by 11Alive's airing of hidden camera footage from inside Northeast Atlanta Health and Rehabilitation. It showed Agyeman, former licensed nurse Wanda Nuckles, and nursing assistant Mable Turman inside the room of 89-year-old James Dempsey, who fell unconscious and ultimately died on Feb 27, 2014, after repeatedly calling for help while struggling to breathe.

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The footagefrom a camera set up by family members who reached a settlement with the nursing home, per Law & Crimeshowed staff laughing as they tried to start an oxygen machine. It also conflicted with a video deposition in which Nuckles claimed she'd given Dempsey CPR continuously until paramedics arrived. Staff didn't call 911 for almost an hour, 11Alive previously reported. Also indicted Tuesday, Nuckles is charged with depriving an elder person of essential services and concealing a death, while Turmanwho remains certifiedis charged with neglect and concealing a death. Arrest warrants for all three have been issued, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, though it's not clear if they are yet in custody. A trial date is pending. (Read more Georgia stories.)
(Newser)  A Vermont firefighter is charged with lighting his children's hands on fire in what he told police was an attempt to teach them about poor decision-making, the AP reports. Levi Dykema, 28, of Ferrisburgh, is facing three counts of reckless endangerment after police say he covered the hands of his childrenages 5, 7, and 10with hand sanitizer and ignited it. WCAX reports he's also accused of posting video of the event to social media.

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Dykema, who has pleaded not guilty, told police he was demonstrating the flammability of sanitizer and attempting to teach them about poor decision-making. Police say the children weren't injured but could have been seriously burned. The Charlotte Selectboard says Dykema has been suspended from his position as a volunteer firefighter. (Read more Vermont stories.)
(Newser)  The crime was horrific, the aftermath doubly so: A Texas family of four was shot by a masked gunman in December 2003. Kent Whitaker's wife and one of his two sons didn't make it, and Whitaker's initial desire for vengeance gave way to a decision to forgive, "no matter who was responsible"and then he found out who was. The son who survived, Thomas "Bart" Whitaker, had helped mastermind the attack and was sentenced to death. And so began the elder Whitaker's quest to spare his son from the death penalty, a crusade that just took a big step forward: The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted Tuesday to spare his life, and the situation is now in Gov. Greg Abbott's hands. What you need to know:



Things weren't looking up last Thursday: With a scheduled execution of sometime after 6pm on Feb. 22todayWhitaker on Thursday had his appeal and request for a stay rejected by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, reports the Chronicle.

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Then came Tuesday: The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles' seven members, who are appointed by the governor, voted unanimously on Tuesday to recommend that the 38-year-old's death sentence be commuted, which would mean he would instead serve a life sentence. The Texas Tribune explains how rare this is: The last time the board made this kind of recommendation was in 2009.

The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles' seven members, who are appointed by the governor, voted unanimously on Tuesday to recommend that the 38-year-old's death sentence be commuted, which would mean he would instead serve a life sentence. The Texas Tribune explains how rare this is: The last time the board made this kind of recommendation was in 2009. In Abbott's hands: It's now up to the Republican governor to make the final call. CBS News reports Abbott could accept the recommendation, reject it, or do nothing, though if he doesn't act, it could trigger a legal challenge. He has thus far said that "the most important thing is both I and my staff have the opportunity to evaluate all the facts, all the circumstances, all the law, and base our decision on all of that information." Since 1982, clemency has been recommended for three death-row inmates in the state; those decisions fell to Gov. Rick Perry, who spared one man and rejected clemency for the other two.

It's now up to the Republican governor to make the final call. CBS News reports Abbott could accept the recommendation, reject it, or do nothing, though if he doesn't act, it could trigger a legal challenge. He has thus far said that "the most important thing is both I and my staff have the opportunity to evaluate all the facts, all the circumstances, all the law, and base our decision on all of that information." Since 1982, clemency has been recommended for three death-row inmates in the state; those decisions fell to Gov. Rick Perry, who spared one man and rejected clemency for the other two. The political calculus: A political science professor tells Click2Houston that Abbott's re-election bid shouldn't really taint things, and that accepting the recommendation would probably be good for him. Abbott would "be seen as the compassionate stance ... To the extent in which [it] does alienate any voters, its going to alienate strong conservatives who are probably going to vote for Gov. Abbott in the end anyway, not for a Democrat."

Kent Whitaker's attitude: He tells the Washington Post, "I know [my dead wife and son] would not want Bart's life taken for this. They would be horrified at what's happening. This isn't just a case of a dad who is ignoring the truth about his son. Believe me, I'm aware of what his choices have cost me."

He tells the Washington Post, "I know [my dead wife and son] would not want Bart's life taken for this. They would be horrified at what's happening. This isn't just a case of a dad who is ignoring the truth about his son. Believe me, I'm aware of what his choices have cost me." The prosecutor's attitude: Fred Felcman prosecuted the case and expressed his disbelief to the Texas Tribune that "the governor should even give [clemency] a second thought." He believes the parole board gave weight only to Kent Whitaker's statements and ignored the other people affected by the crime, as well as assertions by psychiatrists and investigators that Whitaker is manipulative.

Fred Felcman prosecuted the case and expressed his disbelief to the Texas Tribune that "the governor should even give [clemency] a second thought." He believes the parole board gave weight only to Kent Whitaker's statements and ignored the other people affected by the crime, as well as assertions by psychiatrists and investigators that Whitaker is manipulative. A juror's attitude: A woman who served on the jury in the case expressed her displeasure with the clemency recommendation in comments to the Chronicle: "We tried to find a way to not kill the guy as a jury. ... The law said he needed to be a continuing danger to society and we finally decided that he was because his method of killing was to get other people to kill for him. If he could convince college kids to kill for him, what would prevent him from getting other inmates to do it? He wasn't even promising them riches, it was just, 'I don't like my family, why don't you help me?'"

(Read more execution stories.)
(Newser)  Could HR McMaster be the next figure to leave the White House? It's possible, according to CNN, reporting on "months of personal tension" between the national security adviser and President Trump. Six defense and administration officials tell the network the strained relationship is enough that the Pentagon is looking at moving the three-star general back into a military role, perhaps with a promotion to four-star general. Some say Trump might force McMaster to retire. One source says Trump feels he's "condescending," though White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday that Trump "still has confidence" in the general.

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Days earlier, however, the president appeared to upbraid McMaster in a tweet referencing comments he made about Russian interference in the election. McMaster "forgot to say that the results of the 2016 election were not impacted or changed by the Russians and that the only Collusion was between Russia and Crooked H, the DNC, and the Dems," Trump said. McMaster told reporters last month he planned "to go as long and hard as I can in service of the president," per the Hill. Though far from certain, his exit from the White House would require the appointment of a third national security adviser in a little over a year. McMaster previously replaced Michael Flynn. (Read more HR McMaster stories.)
(Newser)  A tiny cherry pit has led to the capture of America's "most wanted deadbeat" dad after nearly 20 years on the lam. Owing what the US government claims is some $560,000 in child support, Joseph Stroup fled arrest in 1998, at some point arriving in Alberta, Canada. Known there as Joop Cousteau, he got to know staff at a now-closed bar called the Bears Den, outside of Calgary, which is where the cherry pit enters the story, reports the CBC. One day in November, Stroup, 64, ordered an odd drinka Cherry Coke topped with eight maraschino cherriesthen complained a cherry pit, which he held in his hand, had caused damage to his teeth, says bar co-owner Scott Winograd. Maraschino cherries, Winograd knew, have their pits removed.

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When Stroup later brought in handwritten forms he claimed were from a dental office, Winograd did "maybe an hour's worth of Googling" and arrived at the Justice Department's website, which listed Stroup as America's most wanted deadbeat parent, per the Calgary Herald. The picture was "a spitting image. It was absolutely him," Winograd tells the CBC. He alerted US authorities and "within an hour I had the FBI, US Marshals and the Office of the Inspector General calling," he says. "They really wanted this guy." Arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency on Feb. 1, Stroup was arraigned in federal court in Chicago on Feb. 16, reports MLive. He now faces trial in Michigan over his alleged failure to financially support four children since June 1996. (Read more Most Wanted stories.)
(Newser)  In what appears to be the biggest strike in West Virginia history, thousands of teachers walked off the job Thursday, closing schools in all of the state's 55 counties, the Wall Street Journal reports. The central issue is teacher pay. The starting salary for a teacher in West Virginia is around $32,500; the average teacher salary is $44,701. According to the AP, that's the 48th lowest in the US. Dale Lee, president of the West Virginia Education Association, says teachers haven't gotten a raise since 2014. Teachers on Thursday marched on the state capitol chanting "You work for us!" and bearing signs with slogans like "No recess until YOU clean up this mess," CNN reports. The two-day work stoppage was scheduled to continue on Friday.

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"The most important thing for us right now is public education and that we're standing up for our students and our colleagues," says Christine Campbell, president of the American Federation of Teachers-West Virginia. Gov. Jim Justice signed a bill Wednesday night that gives teachers a 2% pay increase in July and a 1% raise each of the next two years. "We certainly recognize our teachers are underpaid," Justice says. But teachers say the pay increase is too little and does nothing to address other concerns, such as rising healthcare costs. Earlier this month Justice said it would be a "crying shame" if teachers went on strike, and the state's attorney general called the strike illegal. Teachers' unions have worked with food pantries to make sure kids have enough food during the work stoppage, and churches and community centers are hosting programs for kids so parents can still go to work.

(Read more teachers' strike stories.)
(Newser)  The partially nude body of 42-year-old Kat West was found face down in the street outside her home in a small Alabama town last month; now her husband has been arrested in connection with her murder, AL.com reports. William "Jeff" West, 44, was arrested Thursday morningnearly six weeks after his wife's deathat his home in Calera. According to WBMA, the Calera Police Department waited on the results of forensic testing to make the arrest, but chief Sean Lemley says William West had been a suspect from the beginning of the investigation. "We know exactly what happened that night,'' Lemley says. "And we do have evidence to support that." Regardless, police aren't giving any details into the reason for Kat West's murder or why William West is suspected of killing her. Police say Kat West was killed by blunt force trauma but aren't getting more specific than that.

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The death of Kat West drew national attention due in no small part to her career. Describing herself as an exhibitionist, West ran an adults-only subscription website under the name "Kitty Kat West." Lemley says it appears William West was aware of his wife's activities. William West is an officer with the campus police department at Birmingham Southern College. The couple has a 12-year-old daughter together who wasn't home at the time of her mother's death. "She's having to deal with the fact she's lost a parent, and now this arrest has been made,'' Lemley says. "It's definitely a tragedy." Lemley says William West "didn't seem to be very upset" by his wife's death during the investigation. "I guess people take things differently," WBRC quotes the police chief as saying. (Read more murder stories.)
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New Delhi:

After the stupendous success of his last release Secret Superstar, Aamir Khan is now busy with his upcoming movie Thugs Of Hindostan, which is in its last leg of shooting.

According to the media reports, the final sequence of the movie will be shot in the locales of Rajasthan and is likely to be completed by next month.

Talking about the climax sequence, Aamir said, "I am going abroad for a few days. Once I am back, we will resume shooting the climax in Rajasthan. The film will be completed by March end".

Mr Perfectionist also revealed that his look is yet to be revealed and that he will be sporting a different look than his previous movies.

Notably, several pics of Aamir Khan has been doing the rounds on social media claiming to be the superstar's look from the movie

To this Aamir replied, "I am going abroad for a few days. Once I am back, we will resume shooting the climax in Rajasthan. The film will be completed by March end

Produced by Yash Raj Films, the Vijay Krishna Acharya Thugs Of Hindostan brings together Aamir and megastar Amitabh Bachchan for the first time on screen.

The movie also stars Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh in key roles and will hit the theatres on Diwali this year.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, who was last seen in Hindi Medium, has been suffering from severe jaundice. The actor has been advised complete bed rest by the doctors and has been asked to take a break from his hectic schedule.

Reportedly, Irrfan is busy with promoting his upcoming movie Blackmail, which is a Abhinay Deo directorial also starring Kirti Kulhari, Divya Dutta, Arunoday Singh and Omi Vaidya in key roles.

Apart from this, Khan was also scheduled to leave for Chandigarh where he was said to shoot for his Amazon Prime series.

However, given his health conditions, he will now be staying back in to receive appropriate treatment, confirmed Irrfan's spokesperson.

Talking about Khan's future projects, he will reportedly begin shooting for Vishal Bhardwaj's next and 'Hindi Medium 2' after recovery.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

After five years of their first joint project Ishaqzaade, actors Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra have joined hands for Vipul Amrutlal Shah's upcoming directorial venture 'Namastey England'.

Arjun, who was busy celebrating his cousin Mohit Marwahs wedding in UAE returned to India before kickstarting the Amritsar schedule of the flick.

Meanwhile, both the actors on Thursday have been seen offering prayers at the Golden Temple along with the director before inception. The trio sought blessings at the Darbar Sahib and will move to Ludhiana, Patiala, Dhaka, Paris, Brussels and London after culmination of the Amritsar schedule.

The lead pair is all set to play Punjabi characters in the film and there would be no better start than seeking blessings at Golden Temple, Amritsar.

Shah, who begins with Amritsar schedule on Thursday, earlier said that this is the perfect time to be in Punjab as the weather is neither too hot nor too cold and the crops will make for stunning visuals.

"From Amritsar, we move to Ludhiana and Patiala. We are filming at more than 75 locations spread across these three cities. Later, well also be shooting in Dhaka, Paris, Brussels and finally in London. Thats how the love story progresses," Shah said in a press statement.

Also Read: Varun Dhawan, Natasha Dalal to take wedding vows anytime soon?

Both their characters are from Punjab and this is the first time that Arjun and Parineeti will be playing genuine lovers. Away from the camera, they are good friends and are always joking and pranking. Theres a lot of camaraderies and its going to be fun working with them, he added.

Arjun and Parineeti have been prepping for a few weeks. They have gone through dance rehearsals, costume trials, readings and now are ready for Lights, Camera, Action! You will see a completely new Arjun and Parineeti, Vipul said.

According to a source, closed to Namastey England, it was Arjun's idea to visit the Golden Temple for a fine start and the actor enjoyed a lot his first ever visit to the holy place.

Interestingly, the movie marks the third collaboration of Arjun and Parineeti Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar being their second.

Also Read: What? Shahid Kapoor NOT to attend Padmaavat success party; here's why

Earlier, both the actors were being inundated with love and wishes for their adorable chemistry on the screen and it will literally be a visual treat for the audience to have them come back for a love story again.

Namastey England is scheduled to hit theatres on December 7, 2018
New Delhi:

Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM), and Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, President of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), on Thursday, criticised General Bipin Rawat for talking about the rise of the AIUDF in Assam.

Owaisi said that the Army Chief should not interfere in political matters as it is not his work to comment on the rise of any political party or any political issue.

Owaisi took to Twitter to criticise the Army General after he spoke about the rise of political matter, and reminded him that the Army will always work under an elected civilian leadership in India, and said that the democracy and the constitution has allowed the functioning of any political party.

What,the Army Chief should not interfere in political matters it is not his work to comment on the rise of a political party ,Democracy & Constitution allows it and Army will always work under an Elected Civilian leadership https://t.co/PacWqqYXz1  Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) February 22, 2018

On Wednesday, Rawat referred to the faster pace of growth of the AIUDF in Assam, underlining the population dynamics of the North-East region in particular and claiming that it can no longer change.

General Rawat was speaking at a seminar on North-East Region of India- Bridging Gaps and Securing Borders which was organised by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies and Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff of the Ministry of Defence.

Also Read: Gen Rawat says Pakistan behind influx of people from Bangladesh into North East

General Bipin Rawat said, I dont think you can now change the population dynamics of this area. If it was five districts to eight to nine the inversion has taken place, whichever be the government. There is a party called AIUDF, if you look at they have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP has grown over the years. When we talk of Jan Sangh with two Members of Parliament and where they have reached, AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam. Finally, what will be the state of Assam, we will have to take a call.

Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, the President of the AIUDF, on Twitter asked why was it the Army Chiefs concern that a political party is rising faster than the BJP, and blamed that the growth of smaller alternative parties like the AIUDF and AAP are because of the misgovernance of the big political parties.

Gen Bipin Rawat has made a political statement, shocking! Why is it a concern for the Army Chief that a political party, based on democratic & secular values, is rising faster than BJP? Alternative parties like AIUDF, AAP have grown because of the misgovernance of big parties.

1  M Badruddin Ajmal (@BadruddinAjmal) February 22, 2018

The Indian Army, in a clarification over the matter, gave a statement that nothing political or religious was mentioned in the talk by General Bipin Rawat. The Army Chief just mentioned amalgamation and development in the seminar on the North-East organised at the DRDO Bhawan on Wednesday.

There is nothing political or religious in the talk. Army Chief just mentioned amalgamation & development in the seminar on North-East organised at DRDO Bhawan on 21 Feb 18: Army  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

To this remark of the Army, Maulana Ajmal questioned if nothing was wrong, then why was the Army Chief dragging the political party in his speech, whose representatives were democratically elected by the Indian citizens.

If nothing political, why was Army Chief dragging a political party, in his speech, whose representatives are democratically elected by Indian citizens? https://t.co/LkKeBdB3Qt  M Badruddin Ajmal (@BadruddinAjmal) February 22, 2018

Meanwhile, the AIUDF MLA, Aminul Ismal, said that their party is working for the downtrodden of the state and that is why the popularity of the AIUDF is growing more than the Centre-ruling BJP. He told ANI, We are hopeful that people of Assam irrespective of caste and creed, will accept AIUDF and our party will come to power soon.

The AIUDF was formed in 2005 with an aim to raise the cause of the Muslim community, and currently the party has three Parliamentarians in Lok Sabha and 13 legislators in the state assembly.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Kannauj:

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday busted an international child porn racket being run on WhatsApp from Uttar Pradesh.

The CBI said, a group called KidsXXX was circulating child pronography across the globe. The group has at least 119 members from US, UK, China, Pakistan and China.

CBI spokesperson confirmed the development and said, IT was being run by a 20-year-old commerce graduate.

The administrator of the child pronographic group has been identified as Nikhil Verma from Uttar Pradeshs Kannauj, added the CBI spokesperson.

The CBI officer further said that they will contact their counterparts in US, UK, Pakistan and Brazil to identify the group members.

Also read: Mumbai: Man kills Facebook friend after she denied having physical relationship in Nallasopara



He further added that they will initiate a probe to find out if a particular a group is working to trap minors to make the videos.

The CBI in connection to the circulation of child pronography had conducted raids in several states including Delhi, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. They have seized number of computers, mobile phones, hard disks and storage cards.

He added FIR has been lodged against the accused under violation of Information Technology Act.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday demanded that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) should be dismissed and the President's rule should be imposed in the national capital, following the alleged assault on the Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash.

Delhi Police had arrested Prakash Jarwal on Tuesday night, with Amantullah Khan, member of the AAP, being arrested on Wednesday afternoon. The police had produced both the lawmakers in the court amid tight security on Wednesday.

As per reports, the two legislators first abused the Chief Secretary and then assaulted him in the presence of the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The case is also likely to be taken up with President Ram Nath Kovind after the report has been submitted to Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The members of the Indian Administrative Services Association (IAS Association) had met the Home Minister on Tuesday, after the incident into light and sought for a meeting with the President. Rajnath Singh is likely to meet the BJP President Amit Shah over the whole issue.

AAP leader Ashutosh saying that Anshu Prakash had not produced any evidence in the case against the two arrested legislators. Reports say that the Lieutenant Governors report over the case is also backed up by the medical report which found injury marks on the Chief Secretarys face.

The Home Ministry will examine the report first, and then forward it to the President office, meanwhile taking an appropriate action.

Also Read| Delhi CS assault case: Police detains AAP MLA Jarwal

Both Amantullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal were sent to police custody on Wednesday night.

Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari told a leading daily, The MLC (medico-legal case) report has found a bruise on the lower lip and swelling behind the ears. It is clear from the report that chief secretary Anshu Prakash was beaten up by AAP legislators. Such anarchy cannot be tolerated; the AAP government must be dismissed and Presidents rule should be imposed in Delhi.

The Congress, on the other hand, opposed the idea of imposing Presidents rule. Delhi Congress President Ajay Maken said, It would be another form of anarchy to dismiss an elected government. We are not in favour of Presidents rule. Any unruly behavior by AAP MLAs and ministers must be dealt with strictly but that cannot be the excuse for dismissing the government. An elected government should only be removed by the public.

The BJP, however, is going on an all-out offensive against the Kejriwal government, saying they will not allow AAP MLAs or workers to move out of their houses. Tiwari said, The CM and deputy CM must own responsibility for the anarchy in the Capital.

Top bureaucrats on Tuesday said that they would boycott meetings called by Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues until the CM apologised.

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New Delhi:

Indian Air Force's flying officer Avani Chaturvedi on Thursday became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft, an IAF official said.

"Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo when she flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo flight," the official.

She undertook the sortie from IAF's Jamnagar base on Monday, he said. Three women pilots, Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh, had undergone strenuous training programme to fly fighter jets.

They were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for the fighter stream.

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New Delhi:

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that they have no idea how Jaspal Atwal  an Indian-origin businessman with ties to the Khalistan movement  managed to sneak into India and attend an event of the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Mumbai earlier this week.

Raveesh Kumar, MEA spokesperson said, We are trying to find out. In due course we will be able to come with a reason that how he managed to come in India.

Kumars statement comes after Atwals photograph with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus wife Sophie Trudeau and other ministers of his cabinet made rounds on the social media.

Atwal attended the Mumbai event on Tuesday and in a huge embarrassment for Canada, was photographed with the prime minister's wife Sophie Trudeau and Canadian minister Amarjeet Sohi.

Also read: Convicted Khalistani terrorist pic emerges with Justin Trudeau's wife, Canadian PM cancels dinner invite



The MEA spokesperson further added, Let us not presume things and decide how he managed to come to India and attended the event.

According to Kumar there are two aspects to it presence and visa. The Canadian side has already clarified that the invitation has been withdrawn.

He added, About the visa I dont know how it happened. We are trying to ascertain the information from our Commission in Canada.

Jaspal Atwal, an Indian-origin businessman with ties to the Khalistan movement. He was associated with banned Sikh separatist outfit International Sikh Youth Federation (ISFY)  infamous for 1984 Air India bombing. The ISYF was declared a terrorist outfit and banned in India under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2001. The organisation is also banned in USA, UK and Canada.

Atwal was also one of the four convicted for ambushing Punjab Minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in 1986. Sidhu had survived the attack.

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New Delhi:

Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, whose invitation to a dinner in honour of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was rescinded following a controversy, no longer figures in the Home Ministry's blacklist of Sikh extremists, officials said.

The central government time-to-time reviews the blacklist of the Sikh extremists taking into account intelligence inputs and activities of the persons concerned, a home ministry official said.

Names of nearly 150 wanted terrorists and their associates were removed from the blacklist in the last few years, the official said.

"Atwal's name no longer figures in the current blacklist," the official said.

The review of the blacklist is always done in consultation with the Punjab government and central security agencies.

Also read; MEA has no idea how Khalistan supporter Jaspal Atwal sneaked into India, attended Canadian PM Trudeaus event



Most of the persons whose names have been deleted from the wanted list are believed to be currently based in countries like Pakistan, the US, Canada, Norway, France and Germany.

After the government removed them from the blacklist, they could move freely around the world and even return to India.

Perhaps taking advantage of the central government's decision to remove his name from the blacklist, Atwal arrived in ndia and subsequently got the invitation to the dinner being hosted in honour of Trudeau by High Commissioner of Canada Nadir Patel, the official said.

Atwal was a Sikh separatist active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation when he was convicted of attempt to murder of Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

Sidhu was shot at twice on a road and survived, but was later assassinated in India.

A judge called it "an act of terrorism" and sentenced Atwal and three others to 20 years in prison.

It is not yet immediately known as to how Atwal got an Indian visa and why he was cleared to attend official events here.

Atwal is said to have been active in Canadian politics in recent years.

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New Delhi:

PM Narendra Modi addresses election rallies in Nagaland and will also be giving a push to BJP's victory prospects in Meghalaya on Thursday.

Both Meghalaya and Nagaland will see voting on February 27.

The BJP is making a strong pitch in both the states to expand its footprints in the northeastern states after formation of saffron party governments in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

There are six assembly seats in Tuensang district in the eastern part of Nagaland. BJP has fielded candidates on four seats while its ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) nominees are in the fray on the rest two constituencies.From here the PM will go to Meghalaya to address a rally in West Garo Hills district, considered as the Congress bastion since statehood in 1972.

The rally at Phulbari town will be Prime Minister's second campaign meeting in the state to drum up support for the BJP candidates in the assembly elections.His first was when he began his campaign from here in December last year where he had also inaugurated the Shillong-Nongstoin-Tura highway.

Here are the Live updates:

# Meghalaya needs double engine - one from Meghalaya, another from Delhi. If both the engines come to work together, all the work which had been halted for 50 years will begin at once: PM Modi in Phulbari, Meghalaya

# What is the reason that even if Crores of rupees are released by Delhi for roads, there are no roads to be seen in Meghalaya?: PM Modi in Phulbari, Meghalaya

# Today the world is appreciating India, the reason behind this is not Modi but you, the people: PM Narendra Modi in Phulbari, Meghalaya

# We have introduced Ayushman Bharat scheme which entitles a family to claim 5 lakh per year towards medical exigencies: PM Modi at Phulbari

We have introduced Ayushman Bharat scheme which entitles a family to claim 5 lakh per year towards medical exigencies: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/qbXM21Oi2G  BJP (@BJP4India) February 22, 2018

# Though the current CM is a doctor himself, healthcare sector is in bad shape. Women are forced to deliver babies at home which poses a great threat to the lives of mother and baby, says Modi during his Meghalaya speech.

# We approved construction of 21,000 houses in Meghalaya and provided more than Rs 100 crore to the government. But they were unable to build the required number of houses: PM Modi



# We will ensure more and more tourists arrive at Meghalaya. This will generate income opportunities for people, says Modi



# Meghalaya has immense potential for the growth of tourism sector but the state lacks tourists. No efforts were made ever to strengthen the sector: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

# We want to further strengthen the 'Act East Policy.' This will open up opportunities for people in the state and in the entire Northeast, says Modi

# The ruling government is recognized for scam in the recruitment of teachers: PM Narendra Modi

Also Read | Karnataka Elections 2018: Amit Shah hits out at Siddaramaiah government accusing it of appeasement, polarisation

# We have planned to spend around Rs. 180 crore for building of new Shillong airport. Thus, it will improve the possibilities of industrial development besides generation of employment for common man: PM Modi at Meghalaya

# Under PMGSY, we provided around Rs 470 crore for construction of 1100 KM of road. However, Meghalaya government was unable to spend 50% of the work: PM Modi

# The current government has wasted your 50 years. I urge you to give us a chance to serve the state, says Narendra Modi

# Give us a chance to serve the state. We will ensure good governance guided by the philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', says PM Modi at Phulbari

# The ruling party takes you for granted since they see no political challenge in the state: PM Modi

The ruling party takes you for granted since they see no political challenge in the state: PM Shri @narendramodi Dial 09345014501 to hear him LIVE. https://t.co/od6XA7VIqC pic.twitter.com/sWtGK870Xn  BJP (@BJP4India) February 22, 2018

# Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public rally in West Garo Hills district's Phulbari, Meghalaya

Meghalaya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public rally in West Garo Hills district's Phulbari pic.twitter.com/pIEuy1tJHf  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

# LIVE: PM Modi addressing public rally at Tuensang, Nagaland.

# Visuals of PM Narendra Modi's visit to #Nagaland's Tuensang.

# Energetic youth, creative women, innovative farmer and demographic dividend of Nagaland will help it scale new heights

# We have approved construction of 8,500 houses in Nagaland. For the construction of new houses and completion of old schemes for houses, we have decided to provide Rs. 160 crore to Nagaland. Under National Health Mission, Nagaland has been provided Rs 400 crore

# Today, organic farming has a big market globally and entire Northeast has immense potential for it. We are encouraging farmers to shift towards organic farming. This will add to their incomes

# Our government will spend around Rs. 1800 crore for making Nagalands capital Kohima a Smart City

# We want to ensure power for all in Nagaland. We have brought the 'Saubhagya Yojana' which will provide electricity to all homes. Till date, more than 10 lakh LED bulbs have been distributed in Nagaland, reducing consumption of power

Also Read: Gujarat Civic Polls: BJP bags 43 municipalities, Congress gains lost ground

# Connectivity is a huge challenge in Nagaland. We are working relentlessly towards eliminating it. In less than 4 years, we have added 500 km of National Highways. We have also planned to invest more than Rs 10,000 crore in the roads of Nagaland:

# We would ensure that the funds released for your state reaches you. With the help of technology, we will plug the loopholes which are causing wastage of public money:

# My vision for the Northeast is Transformation by Transportation

# The funds provided by the centre should reach the people it's intended for. A PM of India had once stated that villages received only 15 paise out of Rs. 1 from the centre. With determination, we need to change this situation.

# The NDA Government is giving special priority to the Northeast. We are making efforts to furthering prosperity in the Northeast

# There is need of a strong and stable government in Nagaland that will work for the development of the state

# Your presence here has sent a strong message to the people who indulge in divisive politics and politics of vote bank

# Modi will also address a election campaign rally in Phulbari, Meghalaya.

# PM to address a public meeting in Tuensang, Nagaland at 11am today.

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Phulbari:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at a poll rally at Phulbari on Thursday, batted for the development of Meghalaya and said the north-eastern state was not safe in the hands of the Congress.

He appealed to the people to give the BJP a chance to ''serve the state'' and assured them that the party had the single agenda of development and his party does not believe in 'politics of religion.'

The 60-member Meghalaya Assembly is scheduled to go to the polls on February 27.

In a bid to reach out to the majority Christian population of Meghalaya, Modi said the Centre did not remain a ''silent spectator'' when missionaries and workers of minority communities were terrorised in conflict zones.

Modi's rally at Shyamnagar village in Phulbari of West Garo Hills district was the first in the state by a prime minister.

''For 50 years, there has been nothing. We ask you to give us five years and let us undo the damage of the last 50 years. Try us and if we fail, throw us out.

''Give us (BJP) a chance to serve the state. We will ensure good governance, guided by the philosophy of sabka saath, sabka vikas...I promise you that a BJP government in Meghalaya will account for every rupee spent,'' the prime minister said.

Without good roads, there could be no development, he said, adding that in the Garo Hills, the roads had become cultivating fields due to their total disrepair. ''In five years, I assure you that we will bring the change the people want,'' Modi said.

Also Read: PM Modi in Meghalaya Highlights | CM is a doctor but women here are forced to deliver babies at home

''Wherever I see, there are only people and to think that there can be such a huge support (to the BJP) in this small state is amazing. This is a call for parivartan in Meghalaya and the people are yearning for a change,'' he added.

Reaching out to the Christian population, Modi said, ''We have not remained a silent spectator when Christian missionaries and minority workers were terrorised in conflict zones.''

He cited examples of how the BJP-led government at the Centre had helped rescue 46 nurses from Kerala when they were abducted by terrorists in Iraq.

''Father Alex Premkumar, a missionary working in Afghanistan, had been languishing in terrorist captivity for 18 long months and even his family had given up on his being alive, but we had not. Our government worked tirelessly to ensure his safe return and when I called his sister to inform her about his rescue, she could not believe that the prime minister was calling her and that her brother was alive,'' Modi said.

He also mentioned the help extended by his government to Father Tom to get him safely back from Yemen.

Modi urged the people to demand accountability from the Congress government in the state and spoke about the funds being released annually to the state for development purposes, most of which, he alleged, was not even utilised.

Stating that 80 per cent of the money spent in the state came from the Centre, Modi said, ''Successive governments watched without taking action as funds were misappropriated every year. But when our government came to power in Delhi, we sought accountability.''

This step by the BJP government at the Centre led to the states not being able to continue with their earlier routine of siphoning funds, he alleged and pointed to the monthly visits by central ministers under the Ministry of DoNER to the north-east.

Also Read: PM Modi Bengaluru rally Highlights: Says Congress 10 per cent sarkar, supports ease of doing murder

''After we asked for utilisation of the funds and later insisted on spot inspection of the project sites, the Congress government in Meghalaya is now reluctant to seek project funds from New Delhi, Modi said.

Hitting out at the Congress government in the state, he said, ''There is a long list of scams to the credit of the state government and Meghalaya is not safe in the hands of the Congress'' and alleged that the state government was involved in a scam in the recruitment of teachers.

The BJP-led government, Modi claimed, had brought Delhi to the north-east. ''Earlier, the visits by central ministers were few and far between, but in the past four years, each month a Union minister has visited the region,'' he said.

The prime minister said an amount of Rs 470 crore was granted by the Centre to the state for the construction of roads in villages under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), adding that the Meghalaya government was unable to spend even 50 per cent of the funds.

He said funds for highways were enhanced from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore for Meghalaya.

Funds had also been given for the construction of 21,000 houses for the poor, the prime minister said and alleged that the Congress government had stalled the construction of about 16,000 houses.

Stating that the Centre wanted to further strengthen its "Act East Policy", Modi said it would open up opportunities for the people in the north-east.

''We have planned to spend around Rs 180 crore for building the new Shillong airport. It will boost the possibilities of industrial development, besides generating employment opportunities for the common man,'' the prime minister said.

Also Read | Gujarat polls: Modi rides seaplane, offers prayers at Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha

Pointing out that Meghalaya had an immense potential in tourism, he said, "No efforts were ever made to strengthen the sector. We will ensure that more and more tourists arrive here. This will generate income opportunities for the people.''

Taking a dig at Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, he said though the CM was a doctor himself, the healthcare sector was in bad shape in the state.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Kanpur:

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sleuths on Thursday evening arrested Rotomac Pens promoter Vikram Kothari and his son Rahul Kothari from Kanpur in connection with alleged loan default of Rs 3,695 crore towards a consortium of seven nationalised banks.

The sleuths of the agency on Wednesday had questioned Kothari at his Kanpur office and residence.

Kothari, his wife Sadhana and son Rahul, all Directors in Rotomac Global pvt Ltd had allegedly diverted the bank loans towards purposes other than they were meant for, officials said.

One of the consortium members, Bank of Baroda had approached the CBI requesting an FIR against Kothari as the bank apparently feared he along with family might leave the country.

The CBI had registered a case against Kothari and his family members after receiving the complaint on on February 18 .

Initially, the alleged scam was estimated to be of Rs 800 crore but after the CBI started probe into the accounts of the Rotomac Global Private Limited the amount was found to be Rs Rs 3400 crore. The CBI found that the company had allegedly taken loans from Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Indian Overseas Bank, Union Bank of India, Allahabad ank and Oriental Bank of Commerce.

Also read: CBI begins questioning of Rotomac owner Kothari accused of Rs 3,700-Crore fraud

The Income Tax department had also attached 14 bank accounts of the pen manufacturer as part of its tax evasion probe against the company yesterday.

This is the second major bank fraud to surface in the recent past after the sensational Rs 11,400-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud, allegedly committed by diamond merchant Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, who is a promoter of the Gitanjali Group of companies.

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London:

A Scotland-based company has announced the completion of a new submarine rescue system due to be delivered to the Indian Navy next month.

JFD has a contract worth 193 million pounds with the Indian Navy for the supply of two complete "flyaway submarine rescue systems," including Deep Search and Rescue Vehicles (DSRV), Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) equipment, Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) systems, and all logistics and support equipment required to operate the service.

The first set of equipment has been designed, manufactured, integrated and ready for testing by JFD prior to shipping next month for final commissioning and trials. The remaining set of certified systems are due to be delivered to the Indian Navy in June.

"India is an important strategic partner and we encourage further cooperation between the Indian armed forces and innovative UK companies," said Simon Everest, the Head of the UK government's Department for International Trade's Defence and Security Organisation ahead of a completion ceremony at JFD's Renfrew Manufacturing Facility in Scotland on Friday.

The ceremony will mark a world-first in the final integration of a complete submarine rescue system within a single manufacturing facility, enabling engineers to test in-situ how each component part will integrate in order to deliver the optimum submarine rescue capability, the company said.

JFD's so-called third-generation rescue system incorporates an innovative new system design and tightly integrated components to ensure time-to-first-rescue (TTFR)  the time measured between system deployment and commencement of the rescue  is minimised.

In the event of an accident, this maximises the chances of a successful rescue, which is crucial in protecting the lives of submariners.

According to Giovanni Corbetta, Managing Director, JFD, speed and reliability is key in conducting safe and effective submarine rescue operations to ensure that the submariners are reached as quickly as possible to minimise the risk the situation poses to their lives.

The reliability with which any "flyaway" submarine rescue system can be deployed must be carefully balanced with its effectiveness and capability once onsite. It is essential that the system has the capability to conduct safe rescue operations in any given circumstance and under widely variable conditions, including sea states and depths.

The third generation system represents a step-change in real world submarine rescue capability, and has been specifically designed to provide a comprehensive and highly capable submarine rescue service while ensuring the system is as quick and simple to mobilise as possible to maximise the chances of a successful rescue, he added.

The JFD team has already begun conducting in-depth training with local teams of engineers in India to operate and maintain the systems.

JFD provides sub-sea rescue services, solutions products, engineering services and training to 80 countries and 33 of the world's navies including the UK's Royal Navy.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
2018-02-22 20:07:05

Philip Giraldi The Donald Trump administration is planning to install a 30,000 strong armed security force in northern Syria along the borders with Turkey and Iraq. This presumably will tie together and...support the remaining rag-tags of allegedly pro-democracy rebels and will fit in with existing and proposed U.S. bases. The maneuver is part of a broader plan to restructure Syria to suit greeknation



 
The estimated number of foreign visitors for January rose 9 percent from a year earlier to 2,501,500, a record for the month, the Japan Tourism Agency said Wednesday.

But the growth rate was the slowest since last March partly because the Lunar New Year, a major holiday season celebrated in China and elsewhere, which began later this year. The holiday period started in late January a year ago.

aWe had expected the possibility of a drop in the number but it turned out solid. It is a good starta to the year, Akihiko Tamura, commissioner of the agency, said at a news conference.

Over the Lunar New Year holidays in February, Tamura said many travelers from China chose to visit snowy areas such as Hokkaido, the Tohoku region and Niigata Prefecture.

By country and region, visitors from South Korea ranked first at 803,800, up 28.5 percent from a year earlier, likely due to an increase in low-cost carrier flights.

Visitors from China came second at 632,300, up 0.3 percent, followed by those from Taiwan at 350,500, down 0.1 percent, and Hong Kong at 160,500, a drop of 13.5 percent. The number of visitors from the latter two regions also fell in part due to the timing of the Lunar New Year.
While President Donald Trumpas decision to pull the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership initially put the deal on life support in January 2017, details released Wednesday revealed that the remaining 11 countries have managed to agree on terms close to the agreementas original form.

Japanese diplomats, thrust into a new role as lead negotiators, worked to keep the deal largely unchanged except for key provisions which could eventually be reinstated to lure the United States back to the deal, and to potentially re-engage the Trump administration in the Asia-Pacific region.

aOne of the main reasons to keep the differences between the original TPP-12 and TPP-11 to a minimum is to induce the U.S. to come back to the deal,a said Kazuyoshi Umemoto, Japanas chief TPP negotiator, during a news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday. aAlthough Japan is a trading nation, and we favored trade liberalization in general, we always had to be on the defensive side. But for the first time with TPP-11, we were able to take the lead.a

In total, the new agreement removes 22 items, many of which were specifically pushed for by the United States.

aFormally speaking the 22 amendments are suspended, but the TPP is a progressive agreement. That is why in addition to having new member economies, a change to the TPP agreement would not be impossible,a said Kenichi Kawasaki, a professor and senior fellow at the Tokyo-based National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, who previously wrote an economic analysis of the original deal.

While U.S. participation in the trade pact remains improbable in the short term, during his January visit to Davos, Trump indicated an openness to rejoining the deal and on Friday, 25 senators pressed the president to re-engage on negotiations, according to The Washington Post.
Workers at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant have finished installing a new roof covering for the No.3 reactor building.

The work started last August to set up a dome-shaped cover. It is part of preparations for removing nuclear fuel from the reactor's storage pool. A total of 566 spent and unused fuel units remain in the storage pool of the No. 3 reactor.

On Wednesday, workers installed the last part of the cover, which is 17 meters high and 22 meters wide, and weighs 55 tons.

The cover will prevent radioactive materials from spreading, and shield the building from winds.

Reactors at the Fukushima plant suffered meltdowns after a quake-triggered tsunami hit the plant on March 11th, 2011. The fuel units left in storage pools need to be removed as part of decommission work at the plant.

The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, will clear the pool of rubble and provide workers with training on remotely handling devices for the fuel removal.

Then, it plans to start removing nuclear fuel units from the No.3 reactor's storage pool in autumn this year, ahead of those of other damaged reactors.
Investigative sources revealed on Tuesday that a 25-year-old man who was shot and wounded by an officer in Miyakojima Ward over the weekend while wielding a knife was actually in possession of two knives, reports NHK

At around 11:55 a.m. on Sunday, officers on patrol saw Jota Ideo behaving suspiciously with another man on a road in the Higashi Nodamachi area. When they approached, Ideo pulled out the butterfly knife. aIall kill, Iall kill,a he reportedly said in refusing to be questioned.

After a head patrol officer, 38, pulled out his gun, Ideo continued to wield the weapon. The officer then shot him with a single bullet in the right foot, according to the Miyakojima Police Station.

Officers subsequently apprehended Ideo, who suffered an injury that is expected to require two weeks to heal. aRegarding voluntary questioning, I found it disagreeable since I was in a hurry,a the suspect was quoted by police, according to Nippon News Network (Feb. 20).

In the latest development, sources revealed that Ideo was in possession of another folding knife in addition to the butterfly knife.

On Tuesday, police sent Ideo to prosecutors on suspicion of interfering with the duties of a public servant and violating the Swords and Firearms Control Law.

During the incident, the other man fled the scene, and police are still seeking his whereabouts.

The incident took place in a business district located about 300 meters from JR Kyobashi Station on the Osaka Loop Line. No pedestrians were hurt, police said.
Argentina is in talks with Formula 1 over a return of the sport to Buenos Aires, with a potential race possibly taking place as early as next year.

Arturo Rubinstein, one of the country's leading event promoters, revealed that negotiations were underway for Argentina to become the third South American race on the F1 calendar after Brazil and Mexico.

The promoter said that funding had been secured from the local government to upgrade Buenos Aires' Autodromo Juan y Oscar Galvez , the historical venue of the Argentina Grand Prix in the past.

"We are negotiating with Liberty Media to become the promoter of the GP in Argentina," said Arturo Rubinstein.

"The government of the city of Buenos Aires has committed to fund the required works in order to get a further upgrade of the circuit according to F1 and FIAs standards.

"The works to repair and improve the circuit will start as soon as we sign the agreement to hold the race in Buenos Aires for a five year term and the estimated amount is in the range of $30m.

"In an experts opinion, the works may be finalised six months after they start."

Indeed, Rubinstein targets bringing F1 back to the country as early as next year if the work goes according to plan.

Last summer, it was reported that FIA F1 race director and safety delegate Charlie Whiting had visited Buenos Aires and conducted a track inspection to evaluate the work necessary to bring the venue up to modern F1 standards.

"Our preference is to have the race held in 2019, at the beginning of the calendar, back to back with Australia. It is worth noting that there are transpolar flights.

"Also, historically, the F1 races in Argentina were held at the beginning of the calendar. Another alternative is to have it in November, before or after Brazil."

Rubinstein said plans for a return of the Argentina GP to the calendar were initiated back in 2013.

"In early 2014 we had our first meeting in London with Bernie Ecclestone," said the promoter.

"The political and economic situation in Argentina did not help to make it happen during the following years but now its the right time.

"As Argentina has re-entered the global market, with sound reforms by the new government that took over three years ago, investor interest has surged," added Rubinstein.

"This has enhanced many opportunities for global events and networking. As an example, Argentina is hosting the biennial World Trade Organization, the G20 Summit and the International Youth Olympics."

The very first Grand Prix of Argentina took place in 1953 and the race was an irregular fixture on the calendar thereafter.

The last event to be held at the Autodromo Juan y Oscar Galvez in Buenos Aires was in 1998, and was won by Ferrari's Michael Schumacher.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Israeli analog astronauts take part in the D-Mars project at the Desert Mars Analog Ramon Station in the Negev Desert near Mitzpe Ramon, Israel, on Feb. 18, 2018. A four-day-long Mars habitat experiment by six Israeli scientists ended on Sunday in the country's Negev desert. (Xinhua/Gil Cohen Magen)

by Keren Setton

JERUSALEM, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- A team of six Israeli scientists finished a four-day simulation of life on the planet Mars on Sunday.

The mission was conducted in Israel's Negev desert in the south of the country near the Ramon crater, which is similar to Mars in terms of the land structure, geology, aridity, appearance and isolation.

It is the first Israeli space simulation center but not the only one in the world. The simulation is designed to investigate and simulate possible life on Mars. During the simulation, participants were cut off from the world, as they conducted research studies, constructed buildings that suited the conditions on Mars and wore space suits.

Israel, which has advanced space sciences, has only sent one astronaut to space so far. Although he was killed in the NASA Columbia space shuttle crash in 2003, it has not deterred the country from aspiring to send further astronauts to space. Israeli presence in global space programs is minor so far.

Israel's space agency is a main sponsor of the event, together with leading universities, research centers and hi-tech companies in the country.

The conditions in the shipping container mimic those on the red planet, aside from the lack of atmosphere and the reduced gravity. Outside, the Negev desert also serves as a location with many similarities to Mars. It is an isolated, dry area with stark geological resemblance to the distant planet.

For Professor Guy Ron, a nuclear physicist from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem who was one of the six people inside the simulator, the desolate setting was the greatest challenge. He was responsible for the study on measuring cosmic radiation.

"It is truly the defining factor, you are far away from everybody," he said. "I'm such an online person, being offline for four days was challenging and interesting."

During the days of the experiment, the scientists were held up in the container and got to know each other intimately.

"Unlike real astronauts, we did not get a chance to get to know each other before. We talked a lot," said Prof. Ron. "Bunking with someone is a great way to get to know them."

The primary goal of the experiment was familiarization with the aspects of any mission to Mars. The participants were not only in an enclosed environment. They got accustomed to moving around in a cumbersome spacesuit with a heavy helmet on their heads.

The scientists also got used to the delay in communication between Mars and Earth. In real life this is facilitated by a satellite uplink which makes for at least a three-minute lag between the two sides. Often this time period is significantly longer.

Between them, they communicated with handheld radios.

"I absolutely understand now how hard it is to do good science in these kind of conditions," Dr. Reut Sorek Abramovich told Xinhua on the site. Abramovich is a scientific advisor at the Davidson Institute of Science and Education, the education arm of the Weizmann Institute of Science.

She was responsible for three simulation experiments, including a study to search for life using the collection of soil samples, exploring the feasibility of 3D printing using local soil and a psychological study on the effect of isolation and tension on the astronaut's functioning.

Later this year, students from the institute are slated to take part in a shorter experiment.

The long term aim is to enable research in areas of food technology, communications and remote sensoring.

The difficulties that emerged during the simulation brought with them a lot of lessons for the future.

"I would definitely use more robotics," Dr. Abramovich told Xinhua.

She was the 2nd female in the team together with four males.

"You need a certain type of mindset for women to survive with men," she laughed, hoping to see many more female astronauts in the future.

Mars exploration is still much about dreams and hopes and less about reality.

But for Prof. Ron, the reality is closer than many people think.

"Kids that are in school now will be going to Mars," he believes.

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Tourists watch and feed the black-headed gulls near the Dianchi Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Feb. 21, 2018. Every year in autumn and winter, black-headed gulls flew to Kunming for warmer weather. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

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[ Editor: WPY ]
A changing zone

Anne was awarded a National Geographic Society research grant to study the glaciers of South Georgia, along with collaborators Dr Arwyn Edwards and Dr Tristram Irvine-Fynn from Aberystwyth University and Dr David Pearce from Northumbria University.

They conducted the first-ever study on the diversity of microbes that are thriving in the glaciers.

In the summer months, glaciers are extreme environments with permanently low temperatures, little growth and limited nutrients. Because of this, most of the life there is microbial, plus some microscopic animals like tardigrades.

South Georgia is also in what is called the polar transition zone, meaning its ecosystems are likely to change with the climate. An increase of only a few degrees will push the annual temperatures above zero degrees. This means it is vital to understand what organisms live there, before the landscape changes.

Anne says, 'Climate change could lead to more ecosystem decline and potentially loss of biodiversity. It is already known that many glaciers on South Georgia are retreating and thinning, and this is directly tied to the prevailing climate, highlighting the region's sensitivity.'
The Police in the Federal Capital Territory have confirmed the death of two pupils of the Local Education Authority, Kubwa II School aft...

The Police in the Federal Capital Territory have confirmed the death of two pupils of the Local Education Authority, Kubwa II School after eating biscuits at a party. It was gathered that on Tuesday, two 14-year-old pupils of the school, Nehemiah Yahaya and Yahaya Garba, of primary five and four, respectively, died after eating biscuits at a party organised by unknown persons.The spokesperson of the FCT Police, Anjuguri Manzah, disclosed that no arrest had been made as investigation was ongoing.He said the case will be transferred to the commands Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation. Following the incident, the Chairman, Bwari Area Council, Musa Dikko, suspended activities at the school till Monday, February 26.
The increase in pensions will concern 489,000 servicemen, with UAH 7 billion envisaged in the Pension Fund for this purpose this year, Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has said.

"Military retirees will already receive this money in March-April," he told the Inter television channel on Wednesday, February 21, noting that the increase will cover virtually all military retirees.

According to him, the increase in pensions will not require additional funds, since the respective funds are already envisaged in the budget of the Pension Fund.

"There will be no need to raise additional funds... There is money. The recalculation will be carried out in the Pension Fund," Groysman said.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine at a meeting on February 21 decided to raise pensions for servicemen by an average of UAH 1,500 from January 1, 2018. Social Policy Minister Andriy Reva said that military servicemen's pensions could be almost doubled from January 1, 2020.
Some of the schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents at Government Girls secondary school Dapchi in Yobe have been rescued by the a...

Some of the schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents at Government Girls secondary school Dapchi in Yobe have been rescued by the army.Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, Director General to Yobe governor on Press affairs, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Wednesday.The Yobe State Government hereby informs the public that some of the girls at Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) whose school was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists last Monday have been rescued by gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army from the terrorists who abducted them.The rescued girls are now in the custody of the Nigerian Army.We will provide more details about their number and condition in due course.His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, who is very grateful for the gallantry and hard work of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army involved in the operation, is monitoring the situation closely and will make a statement in due course the statement said. (NAN)
President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to preside over a meeting of the Council of State on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.This is the third time Buhari will be hosting the meeting of the council that has all living former Presidents and Heads of Government as members since he assumed office in 2015.Those expected at the meeting scheduled for the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa include former President Shehu Shagari, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Goodluck Jonathan.Others expected to be in attendance include former military Heads of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), as well as the former Chairman of the defunct Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo will also attend the meeting alongside the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; all living former Chief Justices of Nigeria; all the 36 state governors and the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, who are all members of the council.The spate of killings being carried out by herdsmen in parts of the country is expected to form part of discussions at the meeting.The two earlier meetings of the council presided over by Buhari were held in October 2015 and September 2016.The council has the constitutional duties of advising the President in the exercise of his powers with respect to national census, prerogative of mercy, award of national honours, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Judicial Council and the National Population Commission.It also has the responsibility of advising the President whenever requested to do so, on the maintenance of public order within the federation or any part thereof.Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2017 poll in Anambra State, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, has blamed both the federal and state governments for the proliferation of arms in the country.He also blamed the failure of policy makers in both the federal and state governments in addressing the issue of proliferation of dangerous automatic weapons for killings by herdsmen who are in possession of such arms.Obaze, who spoke on The Political Economy of Cattle Colony in Nigeria at this years annual lecture organised by the Department of Economics of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, described the frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers as a national disaster in the making, regretting that there had been incremental militarisation of Nigerias domestic and geopolitical space.He said, We are witnesses to the incremental weaponising and militarisation of Nigerias domestic and geopolitical space.Obaze said solving the herdsmen, farmers conflict required that Nigerians would rise above the battle space and seeking solutions that serve a common cause.
The Senate has warned against treating the Boko Haram attack on Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, like the case of the Chibok girls.The warning followed the adoption of a motion at the plenary on Thursday which was moved by Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe East) on the attack, where 94 students were declared missing out of which 48 had been found as of Wednesday night.Boko Haram had attacked Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, on April 14, 2014, where about 200 pupils were abducted and over half of them had either escaped or released, while others have remained in captivity.The upper chamber also said there was a resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram, which was linked to payment of ransom to the terrorist group.Granting payers of the motion, the lawmakers unanimously resolved to condemn the attack on the school and resurgence of the insurgency and urged the Federal Government to urgently rescue the girls and not repeat the Chibok girls experience.Speaking on the motion, Senator Joshua Lidani stated that the Chibok girls incidence should have taught Nigeria the lesson that schools are a major target of the insurgents. He decried that the Federal Government had continued to pay ransome to Boko Haram to secure release of captives, thereby empoweing the terrorist group.Lidani said, We have observed of recent that this spate of kidnapping happens whenever Boko Haram members are being severely attacked or are on the run. They devise a means of going to abduct people so that they would negotiate with the Federal Government for ransom.It happened with the recent abduction of some University of Maiduguri staff that were on an exploration mission. The government negotiated with them (insurgents) and they got money. Now, they have been empowered. Even on police officers wives, the Federal Government went and negotiated with them and they were given money.We need to be very proactive in this case because the idea of sitting down and always negotiating and paying ransom; we are empowering Boko Haram to continue to do more. This may not be the end of it because after this, if they have abducted these girls, they will demand ransom and if the ransom is paid, it means they would continue to engage in this.Lidani urged President Muhammadu Buhari to do more by visiting the scenes and victims of attacks to show empathy.He said, But the most worrisome aspect is the fact that at times like this, whenever we are faced with this kind of situation, the nation ought to hear from the President. He ought to say something.When there were killings in the United States in a school, the President himself went to that school to sympathise with the students and the parents. But here, since the time of the Chibok girls, we have had killings, abductions and Mr. President ought to sympathise (with the victims). He ought to utter words of sympathy; he ought to come on television and say one thing or the other. It will bring comfort to those who are in distress. People will have the feeling that the President has them in his heart.In his ruling, Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, said the Senate was aware that the military and the police are overstretched in all ramifications at this period of national insecurity. He added that it was what made the case for another level of policing stronger.
Shehu Sani, senator representing Kaduna central, stirred controversy at the upper legislative chamber on Wednesday when he said monkeys cart...

Shehu Sani, senator representing Kaduna central, stirred controversy at the upper legislative chamber on Wednesday when he said monkeys carted away N70 million from senators farmhouse.

He spoke after the northern caucus in the senate made known their decision to remove Abdullahi Adamu, senator representing Nasarawa west, as chairman.





Adamu was accused of misappropriating the N70 million which Sani said monkeys took away.





The lawmakers comment sparked an outcry on social media, particularly on Twitter.





Many made reference to how a clerk of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Benue state said snake swallowed N36 million, while some recalled how President Muhammadu Buhari could not return to office after a long vacation because rodents took over the place in his absence.





Here are some of the things said:





RT for Senate Monkey

FAV for JAMB Snake Most Influential person in our "Animal Kingdom" rn?RT for Senate MonkeyFAV for JAMB Snake pic.twitter.com/3dlaV6usWu February 21, 2018



_________



Rats were given presidential welcome.



Snakes made millionaires over night.



Monkey now the richest animal.



Nigeria we hail thee!@MrStanleyNwabia Nigeria under Buhari_________Rats were given presidential welcome.Snakes made millionaires over night.Monkey now the richest animal.Nigeria we hail thee! @segalink February 21, 2018

The way animals are cashing out recently in Naija. First, it was snake that swallowed 36m, Now monkey ran away with 70m. God shey u wont turn me to crocodile like this?   Infamous Minded (@PRODEEGY) February 21, 2018

Was here tweeting and an ordinary monkey swallowed N76million.



Im leaving these humans on twitter and going back to the Bush  The Nigerian Snake (@NigeriaSnake) February 21, 2018



Now a monkey swallowed 70 million naira.

I'm going to take zoo form, I want to be a Dragon so I can swallow 1 billion naira..

Since animals are now making it more than humans in this country First snake swallowed 36million naira.Now a monkey swallowed 70 million naira.I'm going to take zoo form, I want to be a Dragon so I can swallow 1 billion naira..Since animals are now making it more than humans in this country pic.twitter.com/5cHWym2cdb February 21, 2018





If this isnt the biggest joke of the century  Animals have taken over Nigeria oh . A sitting Senator confirmed . In his words  Monkey carted away with N70 Million Naira in senators FarmIf this isnt the biggest joke of the century  pic.twitter.com/RIhBPyZY2t February 21, 2018

Rat-snake-now its a monkey..Smh

Since all these dumb asses cant control the government,let the animals rule please,let them give it a try atleast they will know how to recoup money for the nation  JOHN TOBI (@johnickxy) February 21, 2018

Now it's monkey  am tired of this country, who have visa they are not using holla at me please pic.twitter.com/rI4tRWOJvC February 21, 2018

Snake stole N36m.

Monkey stole N70m.

Snake in the monkey shadow.



Animals no dey carry last for Nigeria again.  DaddyMo  (@officialdaddymo) February 21, 2018

These few years have seen animals become part of Nigeria. Today it's Monkey. I am so sure that during the elections next year we will hear that elephants took away the ballot boxes.  Numero Uno (@adebayo_bj) February 21, 2018

Snake swallowed $36million and thought he had made it in life forgetting that Jackie Chan taught us that the snake will always be in the Monkey's shadow  Chemical Brother  (@ndoarum) February 21, 2018

I am the monkey that swallowed 70 million naira and i wont return it to the farm  Nigerian Monkey (@70MillionMonkey) February 21, 2018

They Said Monkey Also took Away 70 million naira belonging to Northern Senators Forum...



It seems Animals are getting Richer in Nigeria while citizens are suffering.   Osas Cruz (@OsasCruz) February 21, 2018

Forget Snake swallowing money;

Worry not not about Monkey carting away money;



What about UFOs escaping with all the occupants of Aso Rock midnight?



The REAL good news.  Sir.Ariyo-Dare Atoye (@AriyoAristotle) February 21, 2018

The Nigerian Monkey that stole N70m spotted on vacation living life to the fullest.... pic.twitter.com/r61meuTNU8 February 21, 2018

A Nigerian Monkey spotted in a H&M store checking out new wears pic.twitter.com/gMgWwbL7Tz February 21, 2018
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has expressed concern over the reported abduction of 94 pupils of the Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, appealing to the federal government to ensure that the remaining girls are found and stop lying to Nigerians that the Boko Haram insurgency had been completely defeated.The governor, who also described the new report by Transparency International (TI) revealing that the perception of corruption in Nigeria worsened between 2016 and 2017, as another vindication of his position that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Muhammadu Buhari was not fighting any corruption, added that; Transparency International only confirmed what I have said before that President Buhari is only hiding under anti-corruption fight to harass his perceived political foes while protecting corrupt people in his government.In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said it was painful that despite the earlier claim by the federal government that Boko Haram was technically defeated and the latest one that the insurgency was completely defeated, 94 students could be abducted in Yobe State in just one day.He said; My heart goes to those 46 students that are yet to be found and I urge the federal government as well as the Yobe State government to do all within their powers to bring the students back to their families.Most importantly, the federal government should stop lying concerning the fight against Boko Haram insurgents because it has now become the tradition that whenever the government boasts of defeating the insurgents, greater havoc is wrecked on the country.On the Transparency International annual Corruption Perception Index, which ranked Nigeria 148 out of 180 countries assessed in 2017, showing deterioration in perception of corruption in public administration in Nigeria compared to 2016, Governor Fayose said: Transparency International has placed a question mark on the Presidents claim to integrity.Fact is that President Buhari is presiding over the worse form of corruption in the history of Nigeria and the good thing is that despite their propaganda, they have not been able hide the rot in their government from the eagle eyes of international organisations like the Transparency International.In the last few months, Nigerians have been confronted with messy revelations like the fraudulent reinstatement of Abdullahi Maina, alleged award of $25 billion contracts without following due process, Attorney-General of the Federations declaration that the EFCC lacked evidence to prove its allegations of sharp practices against prominent players in the Malabu Oil deal, alleged re-looting of exotic properties recovered from alleged looters of Pension Funds, among others.Even the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu was indicted by the DSS indictment for corruption.Therefore, the reality as revealed by the Transparency International is that the federal government under President Buhari is using APC broom to sweep corruption involving top functionaries of the government under the carpet while setting lion after opposition figure even on mere rumour of corruption.
Former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, for Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Chief Ernest Shonekan were conspicuously absent on Thursdays Council of States meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.This is as the Senate President, Bukola Saraki was hailed on arrival by the Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal as he sauntered into the venue of the meeting.As at the time the meeting started few minutes after 11am before journalists left the venue only three former Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Generals. Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar were at the venue alongside President Muhammadu Buhari.Former President Olusegun Obasanjo arrived after the national anthem and the opening prayers were said.The meeting was the third Council of States meeting held under the democratic administration of President Buhari.The Council of States meeting is always attended by former Presidents or head of States, serving and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, serving Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives as well as State governors.Aside President Buhari and the three other past presidents, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Bukola Saraki and four former Chief Justices of Nigeria were seated at the Council Chamber, the venue.The past four CJN present are Idris Kutigi, Alfa Balgore, Mariam Aluooma, and Muhammed Uwais, while the serval CJN, Walter Onnoghen was absent, though unconfirmed report has it that serving CJN is not a member of the Council of States.Also absent as at the commencement of the meeting was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.Others also present at the meeting included state governors of Adamawa, Benue, Kebbi, Jigawa, Delta, Lagos, Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Imo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Plateau, Ogun, Rivers, Zamfara, Ebonyi, Kaduna.The meeting started when President Buhari arrived the Council Chamber venue of the meeting and went round the Council chamber to shake hand with those present.The first meeting under Buhari was held on the 21st October, 2015, while the second was held in September 2016.The National Council of State is chaired by President Buhari, with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as Deputy Chairman.The opening prayers were said by Gowon and Uwaise.The meeting is focusing on issues of insecurity in the country as well as the coming elections in 2019.Officials from Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) are around to brief the council.Obasanjo, who was five minutes late, rushed when a minute silence was being observed in honour of the late former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Mustapha.He then went straight to shake hands with Buhari Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Abubakar before taking his seat.The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.The deputy governors of Bayelsa and Enugu are also in attendance.The Council of State is an organ of the Federal Government saddled with the responsibility of advising the executive on policy making.Its duties include advising the president in the exercise of his powers with respect to the National population census and compilation, publication and keeping of records and other information concerning the same; prerogative of mercy; award of national honours; the Independent National Electoral Commission (including the appointment of members of that Commission); the National Judicial Council (including the appointment of the members, other than ex-officio members of that Council); the National Population Commission (including the appointment of members of that Commission).The council also advises the president whenever requested to do so on the maintenance of public order and on such other matters as the he may direct.It was gathered that the hailing of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki by the Sokoto State governor may not be unconnected with the recent removal of the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, Senator Abdullahi Adamu on Wednesday by majority of senators from the North and his replacement with Senator Aliyu Wammako, former governor of Sokoto state.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu has called for the establishment of a new police to help check insecurity in Nigeria.Ekweremadu who presided over plenary on Thursday, said that with the high rate of insecurity and kidnapping, especially of students, security apparatus have become over stretched.The DSP spoke on a motion moved by Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim on the abduction of school girls from Government Girls Secondary School Dapchi in Yobe state.Contributing to the motion, Ekweremadu said: At this time of insecurity, the military and police apparatus have been overstretched and there are still more demands.There must be another level of policing that should be able to protect schools and other government infrastructure.If you ask the police to man all schools in Nigeria they will not be enough. So we need a new police, he said.Meanwhile, some of the schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents have been rescued by the army.Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, Director General to Yobe governor on Press affairs, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Wednesday.The Yobe State Government hereby informs the public that some of the girls at Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) whose school was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists last Monday have been rescued by gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army from the terrorists who abducted them.The rescued girls are now in the custody of the Nigerian Army.We will provide more details about their number and condition in due course.His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, who is very grateful for the gallantry and hard work of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army involved in the operation, is monitoring the situation closely and will make a statement in due course the statement said.Earlier the government had said about 50 of the girls were yet to report to the school since the attack by Boko Haram gunmen.
Mao Ohuabunwa, senator representing Abia north, says he expects President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Peace Corps of Nigeria bill into la...

Mao Ohuabunwa, senator representing Abia north, says he expects President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Peace Corps of Nigeria bill into law.





The bill was sent to the president for assent after it was passed by the national assembly in July.





Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Ohuabunwa said there is no reason for the president not to sign the bill.





The senator said those employed by the corps could be trained to gather intelligence that would keep the country safe.





Speaking to the fact, I dont really see the president withholding his assent, he said.





This is the peoples bill. This is a bill that will create employment for the youth and remember, when we were discussing insecurity, I made an allusion to the fact that, even this young men and women can be trained as intelligent officers like we have seen. Security now has gone beyond machete and guns, we need a lot of intelligence, technology.





These guys can be trained and I think this is also an avenue to reduce not only employment but even underemployment. I want to believe that the president will jump at this and definitely assent to this bill.





The senator said if the president refuses to sign the bill, the national assembly may choose to veto it.





If the contrary happens, there is always a channel of communication, he will send it back to us then we definitely know what to do from there, he said.





I dont want to preempt, but if it is true the president has withheld his assent, then we have our statutory responsibility either to veto or override the president[ial] veto.




A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has questioned the power of the National As...

A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has questioned the power of the National Assembly to alter the order of the 2019 elections

Jega made his position known at an event organised by the Youth Initiative for Advocacy Growth and Development in Abuja on Thursday.





Speaking at the event tagged, Is Nigerias Democracy Under Threat? he said the National Assemblys action undermines the independence of INEC, and would increase the cost of elections.





Several sections of the 1999 Constitution clearly state that the power to organise and set the date for elections remain the exclusive preserve of INEC.




Popular Uyo-based cleric and radio preacher, Rev. Fr. Patrick Henry Edet, who resigned as a Priest of the Roman Catholic Church, last y...

Popular Uyo-based cleric and radio preacher, Rev. Fr. Patrick Henry Edet, who resigned as a Priest of the Roman Catholic Church, last year is set to marry.

He made the announcement yesterday during his Grace Family Church service.





Edet disclosed he had fixed Saturday March 17 for his marriage.





The cleric added that his fiancee would be would unveil next week.





Samuel Abasiekong, a publisher and Secretary Uyo Division of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, confirmed the development on Facebook.





He wrote: Rev. Fr. Patrick Henry Edet, who resigned from Catholic Church about six months ago to get married on March 17, 2018 .





Last year, Edet had stated that the resignation marked the beginning of freedom for his spirit and soul.





Edet said after 11 long years, he strongly felt the need to leave, because he was feeling boxed in and it was affecting his personal relationship with God.





He said: From today henceforth, I cease to be a Catholic Priest, in my spirit and in my soul.




The participation of U.S. representative Anthony Tether in the supervisory board of the Ukroboronprom State Concern will contribute to the transparency of the state concern's work, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said.

"This is a symbol of effective cooperation between Ukrainian and American partners," the press service of the head of state quoted Poroshenko as saying on Wednesday, February 21.

The president also added that the participation of the U.S. representative in the concern's supervisory board "will promote transparency, openness and effectiveness of the institution."

"Five years ago nobody could imagine an American in the supervisory board - the adytum of secret to which nobody was allowed. It is a nightmare of the first department of the KGB. Today, we are making very decisive changes," he said.

Tether, in turn, thanked Poroshenko for the high confidence and opportunity to work together with Ukrainian partners and expressed conviction in the successful development of many projects of the military-defense complex of Ukraine.

Poroshenko state also noted that Ukroboronprom's supervisory board should develop a strategy to increase the effectiveness of management, speed of decision-making and, in coordination with the leadership of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Defense Ministry, fulfillment of tasks so that Ukrainian military could work with modern weapons. Poroshenko added that the adoption of the state defense order in February gives additional opportunities for Ukroboronprom's enterprises. He also noted the importance of entering foreign markets.
President Muhammadu Buhari is currently presiding over the Council of State meeting.

President Muhammadu Buhari is currently presiding over the Council of State meeting.

A tweet on the official Twitter handle of the Presidency says the meeting is holding at the Presidential Villa Abuja.





The tweet reads, President @MBuhari is presiding over a Meeting of the National Council of State, ongoing at the State House. #AsoVillaToday





We had earlier reported that Buhari is scheduled to host the Council of State meeting today.





Those expected to be at the meeting scheduled for the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa are former presidents Shehu Shagari; Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.





Others are, former military Heads of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.); Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.); Gen . Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.); as well as the former Chairman of the defunct Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.





Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will also attend the meeting alongside the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.





All living former Chief Justices of Nigeria; all the 36 state governors and the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, are all members of the council.





The incessant killings and destruction of properties across the country by suspected herdsmen, as well as the activities of Boko Haram terrorists may form part of discussions at the meeting.






















Sani Usman, a brigadier-general, has been replaced as spokesman of the Nigerian Army.

Sani Usman, a brigadier-general, has been replaced as spokesman of the Nigerian Army.





Usman is currently attending a senior executive course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos.





TheCable reports that Jude Chukwu, also a brigadier-general, is the new spokesman of the army. It is understood that a formal handover ceremony has been slated for Monday.





Chukwu is among the 92 colonels promoted to the rank of brigadier-general in November.





He is coming on board at a time when the army is involved in a controversy over the abduction of students of Government Girls Science Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe state.





There had been reports that some of the girls were rescued and kept in custody of the army.




Joshua Lidani, senator representing Gombe south, says the country is empowering Boko Haram insurgents by paying ransom for abducted person...

Joshua Lidani, senator representing Gombe south, says the country is empowering Boko Haram insurgents by paying ransom for abducted persons.





Lidani said this on Thursday while contributing to a debate on motion on the missing schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe state.





The senator said measures should be put in place to ensure that schools, particularly those for girls, are secured.





We need to be very proactive in this case because the idea of sitting down to always negotiating and paying ransom with this action, we are empowering the Boko Haram so that they would continue to do more, he said.





This may not be the end of it because after this, if they have abducted these girls, they will demand ransom and if the ransom is paid, it means they would continue to engage in this.





But the most worrisome aspect is the fact that at times like this, whenever we are faced with this kind of situation, the nation ought to hear from the president. He ought to say something. When there were killings in the United States in a school, the president himself went to that school to sympathise with the students.





He ought to utter words of sympathy he ought to come on television and say one thing or the other. It would bring comfort to those who are in distress. People will have the feeling that the president has them in his heart.





Moving the motion earlier, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, senator representing Yobe east, noted that there has been no case of killing.





Nobody is sure if it was a case of abduction or some of the girls who ran home have not yet come back, Ibrahim said.





These are yet to be confirmed. The federal government has already sent a high power delegation; three ministers to go and stay in Damaturu and report to Mr. President on a continuous basis until the matter is resolved.





Contributing to the debate, Ahmed Lawan, senate leader, commended Ibrahim Geidam, Yobe governor, for ensuring that families of the missing girls were comforted.





What happened is a lesson for us. That Boko Haram sees girls or women as value targets. What they did in Chibok earned them some funds, because negotiations were held somehow and they got a lot of money, Lawan said.





Now, the lesson is, we need to be extra careful and take extraordinary measures in protecting our schools; especially girls schools, in those states especially Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.





But when Hassan Mohammed, senator representing Yobe south, got up to speak, he said it was disheartening to hear Lawan commend the state government.





This is the primary responsibility of the government; to protect the lives and properties of its citizen, he said.





The state government of Yobe has serially failed in this regard. It has abdicated its primary responsibility in doing that.





But Lawan got up to challenge him citing order 53 (7) of the senate rules.





If my colleague doesnt see those reasons and he has his perspective, he doesnt have to refer to me that what I said is not in order. I have my facts, he has his facts. I will advise, that he states his fact without making reference to me, he said.




Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State yesterday held a closed-door meeting with the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commis...

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State yesterday held a closed-door meeting with the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, together with the national commissioners.





Revealing the crux of the meeting, Fayose who fielded questions from journalists in Abuja afterwards, said he was there to seek clarifications on election-related issues in view of the bragging disposition of the opposition figures in his state ahead of the coming elections.





He said: I feel that I should equally come and do an interactive session with INEC to share my ideas. INEC is a public place. It is a public office and any citizen of this country should be able to ask questions and I have come here to ask questions as it affects 2018 elections, July 14 in my state, and as it affects 2019 elections. I expressed my concerns, all that I have heard; all that is making around.





You dont want to sit down there and assume anything, I am a man of actions, I am very pro-active and I will not take the chance.





I have asked a number of questions and theyve answered me. And theyve gone through the whole process, what to expect from INEC, and they promised not to descend to the arena.





On PDPs position that it had lost confidence on the INEC, Fayose said his party should not be blamed for protesting since it was the duty of the electoral body to equally allay the fears.




A crowd of about 200 people gathered in front of U.S. Rep. Tom MacArthur's Burlington County office late Thursday afternoon "in a show of solidarity with Florida teens demanding changes to America's gun laws."

Barbara Blonsky, an organizer of the protest, said the school shooting last week that claimed 17 lives, including 14 students, resonates deeply with the New Jersey activists.

"I think what made this particular issue so powerful was seeing the video and seeing the text that people were writing," said Blonsky, a Mount Laurel resident. "People were just incredibly shook up."

Blonsky said a majority of the crowd of protesters object to MacArthur's stances on guns, including his support for a bill that would allow gun owners with conceal and carry permits in other states to carry those over to New Jersey. Current state law bans such actions.

MacArthur's office at the Gibson House Community Center on East Main Street closed at 4 p.m., just as the rally started. There was no indication the 3rd district Republican was there.

A call to his office earlier in the day for a comment on the protest was answered by an email from staffer Camille Gallo. She said a news release issued earlier Wednesday laid out the MacArthur's position.

"I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment in Congress and I have received support from the NRA," MacArthur said. "I have been a recreational shooter for much of my adult life. Yet, I have advocated for more stringent gun-safety measures, such as supporting more funding for background checks and tight regulations on bump stocks."

MacArthur also called for "stronger, more uniform background checks; federal grants to fund armed security in schools; (and) a program that partners law enforcement with social workers to help provide mental health services to individuals who need it."

Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where the Florida shooting took place, have issued a call to students around the country to get involved in strengthening the nation's gun laws. Several local students who spoke at the rally said they were moved by the call.

"We're not here to offer thoughts, prayers and condolences," said Galen Ekimov, a senior at nearby Shawnee High School. "Those have become symbols of the cowardness that permeates our politics."

Ekimov said he was "here to take action on gun safety, so children and teenagers can feel safe in school again."

Leah Lentz, a 13-year-old eighth-grader from Medford Middle School, also addressed the crowd.

"I'm angry about having to learn how to protect myself in school," she said. "I don't want my brother to grow up having to learn how to barricade doors and pull electrical cords around doorknobs to keep them shut. I want to make a change and MacArthur is not doing that for me. If he's not going to make a change then we're going to have to do something."

MacArthur has been a member of congress since Jan. 2015.

Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bduhart. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Some scams just keep coming back.

One persistent fraud starts with a job offer. It ends with the victim losing thousands of dollars.

We continue to see these scams because people keep falling for them.

But not Ken Caputo, a guy who stayed in touch with Bamboozled after we profiled his battle against New Jersey when the state told him he had to repay $17,000 in unemployment benefits.

This time, Caputo reached out to warn our readers of a scam.

It started when he received a message on LinkedIn from a relative.

"She wanted to alert me that there was an opportunity to do some customer research projects for $400," Caputo said. "It would only take up about an hour's worth of time. I just had to fill out a short application -- which I did."

After hearing nothing back for two weeks, he said, he sent his relative a message asking when he should expect to hear whether he got the job.

Caputo said she didn't respond, but that same day, he got a text message from a number he didn't recognize.

The texter asked if he had received a package.

Caputo said he hadn't yet, but before long, he got it.

Inside was a check for $2,400 and a page of instructions for the job.

The assignment? To "evaluate" the nearest MoneyGram and Walmart stores.

The first step was to deposit the $2,400 check into his account, noting he should keep $400 for his weekly salary.

A redacted copy of the instruction letter received by Ken Caputo.

Next, it said, Caputo should go to the nearest Walmart and MoneyGram stores so he could wire the remaining funds.

"You will send $1000 to each of the names below from two different outlet around you so that you notice each stores," the poorly worded instructions said.

Caputo would then fill out a form detailing his shopping experience.

The recipient of the funds, according to the instructions, had an unusual name.

We later saw in a public records search that there is indeed a person of that name in Dallas, but we were unable to track down a phone number. A Facebook message to this person's profile went unanswered.

We did see the person has a hunting and fishing license in Arkansas, is registered to vote there and has an outstanding judgment against him by an apartment complex in Texas.

We're not naming the person here because it's possible he is the victim of identity theft and not involved in the scam. It's common for cybercriminals to steal the identity of innocent people, creating fake social media profiles for trickery.

A redacted copy of the check sent by the scammers.

Next, we looked at the check, which was drawn on an account from First Madison Bank & Trust, a real bank in Colbert, Georgia.

We contacted the bank to ask it to verify whether this was a real check from its institution.

It's fraudulent in every way, said Eric Johansen, the bank's vice president and chief financial officer.

"The criminals have copied the routing number and account number and have created a fake check," Johansen said. "The address for the bank is not our address."

He said he's seen many times when a bank's information is used to create fake checks.

"The best advice for your readers is very old advice," he said. "There is no free lunch. Money does not just show up in the mail."

Even without knowing all that, Caputo said he found the pitch and the check "sketchy."

He contacted his relative and learned her LinkedIn account had been hacked. He also reported the scam to LinkedIn and to his local police department, which told him to rip up the check.

We reached out to LinkedIn about the scam attempt.

It wouldn't say how many complaints it receives, but it said it has measures in place protect members from fraudulent activity.

"When this type of activity is detected, we work to quickly remove it and prevent future reoccurrences," spokeswoman Amanda Purvis said. "We encourage our members to report any messages or postings they believe are scams and utilize our member help center as a resource to educate and protect themselves from frauds online."

These fake job scams aren't just found on LinkedIn. You can see them on all social media platforms and in online "help wanted" postings all over the internet.

While the "secret shopper" scam is nothing new, there are varieties on the scam. There are others targeting college students, another specifically marking dog walkers and babysitters, and still others promoting different kinds of fake jobs.

But they all work the same way. The phony employer sends you a check to cover your pay and the extra money you'll need to wire or use to buy gift cards. When the employer's check bounces -- and it will bounce -- you'll be on the hook for your bank overdraft and the money you sent out will be gone.

The next time you see an offer, think like Ken Caputo: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Have you been Bamboozled? Reach Karin Price Mueller at Bamboozled@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KPMueller. Find Bamboozled on Facebook. Mueller is also the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com.

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JERSEY CITY -- A man with eight outstanding warrants was arrested after he tried to steal a cop's gun that fell from its holster after a foot pursuit, officials said.

Malik Scott, 41, has been charged with theft and multiple weapons offenses for the incident on Martin Luther King Drive on Wednesday afternoon, city spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said.

Shortly after 4 p.m., police tried arresting Kevin Muldrow because they saw him buying drugs. Muldrow ran from police and officers chased him down the street and arrested him, Wallace-Scalcione said.

But during that arrest, the gun of one of the officers became dislodged from its holster and fell to the ground. Wallace-Scalcione said Scott repeatedly kicked the weapon down the street trying to hide it from police, according to the police report.

Muldrow is charged with four drug offenses, resisting arrest and obstruction. He also had two warrants for failing to appear in court.

Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
JERSEY CITY  Liberty State Park is the scene of a grisly hit-and-run in the opening moments of "Seven Seconds," a 10-episode drama that premieres on Netflix Friday and will give the nation a not-so-rosy picture of life in Jersey City.

The driver is a white cop behind the wheel of an SUV and the person he strikes is a black teen riding a bike. The accidental crash leads to a police cover-up, inflamed racial tensions citywide when a newspaper uncovers what happened and the mental breakdown of the boy's grieving mother, played by two-time Emmy winner Regina King.

The show is the brainchild of "The Killing" writer and executive producer Veena Sud, who said at a screening of the first episode last night at the Newport mall that "Seven Seconds" was designed to take place near the Statue of Liberty. Sud said when she first envisioned a series about police violence she wanted a central image to be the view of Lady Liberty as seen from Jersey City. Sud and her son visited Liberty State Park often when they lived here more than a decade ago.

"The thing that always made me angry was being able to look at the Statue of Liberty, but her back was to us," she said. "I remember thinking, that's totally what America is. The torch lit for Europe and for those people coming to these shores, but the people who are already here, and specifically in Jersey City, mostly black, mostly brown, many immigrants, her back was to us."

The show's locale is less Jersey City and more a rough approximation of it. Much of "Seven Seconds" was filmed elsewhere  a public-housing complex in Yonkers, an old railroad company building in Mount Vernon  and contains only fleeting glimpses of the city it takes place in, largely interstitial aerial shots.

This may distract Jersey City viewers who will watch and think, "Hey, that's not the Hudson County courthouse." But there are plenty of familiar references and characters in each hourlong episode: a key piece of evidence is found on Fifth Street, police officers talk about violence in the south district versus the less problematic east district and a rising political star finds his gubernatorial ambitions thwarted (he's a prosecutor, not a mayor).

Regina King, who plays Latrice Butler in "Seven Seconds," in a scene at Liberty State Park.

Coley Mustafa Speaks, 32, a Jersey City native who nabbed the role of a gang leader named Messiah, thinks the varied locations speak to the show's universality.

"It captures Jersey City, U.S.A.," Speaks told The Jersey Journal. "It not only talks about the struggle of what happens in Jersey City, but about the turmoil between the community and police everywhere."

When plans for the show were announced in December 2016, "Seven Seconds" was promoted as a ripped-from-the-headlines drama exploring racial divisions in a county still rattled by protests against police in black communities in Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri. The timing of its premiere this week makes for an especially spooky coincidence considering Jersey City is facing its own police scandals, including one involving a white cop who admitted in court on Feb. 9 that he ran into a black man with his SUV in Audubon Park last year.

Cops here in Jersey City are not looking forward to "Seven Seconds," angered by a two-minute trailer unveiled last month that makes it clear the show's narrative arc leans heavy on police officers doing bad things. Johnny Rosa, 33, a Jersey City native who appears in a handful of episodes, said he doesn't think of the show as anti-Jersey City police.

"It wasn't really based on Jersey City Police Department," Rosa told The Jersey Journal. "It's just more of the corruption of police departments across everywhere. It's not a direct hit at the Jersey City Police Department."

"Seven Seconds" premieres tomorrow on Netflix.

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
JERSEY CITY -- Two men who pleaded guilty to killing a 20-year-old Jersey City man on the street in 2015 were to be sentenced tomorrow, but the sentencing has been pushed back.

Maurice Newton, 31, and Michael Reaves, 28, both of Jersey City, were initially charged with murdering Rondell Fairley, 21, who was shot in front of his Orient Avenue home on Nov. 17, 2015, officials said.

On Dec. 7, both defendants pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter before Hudson County Superior Court Judge Nestle Rodriguez. They each face 10 years in prison with no chance of parole until serving more than eight years.

Newton has 17 prior arrests, a multi-state record and six felony convictions, including a violation of probation and bail jumping, Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Leo Hernandez said when the defendant made his first court appearance on the homicide charge.

Reaves has two robbery convictions and a conviction for a drug offense, an official said.

According to an online profile, Fairley had a young daughter, worked at UPS and graduated from Snyder High School in 2014.

The pair are now scheduled to be sentenced by Rodriguez on March 9 at 9 a.m. in the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City.
JERSEY CITY -- A Union City man who admitted tossing lit matches on a sleeping man while intoxicated and causing a devastating fire that killed his own 1-year-old son faces seven years in prison when sentenced tomorrow.

On Nov. 7, Eddie Gonzalez Sr., 27, pleaded guilty to the reckless manslaughter of Eddie Gonzalez Jr., who died in the March 4, 2017 fire that started in the family's apartment at 1404 Summit Ave. in Union City.

The fire also left 20 surrounding apartments damaged or destroyed, and heavily damaged the 119-year-old Saints Joseph and Michael Church a block away.

Gonzalez will be sentenced by Hudson County Superior Court Judge John Young tomorrow morning in the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City. He will have to serve about six years of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Edwin Diaz, 21, was also charged in the incident and in August he too pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter and will face up to three years in prison when sentenced by Young on March 2.

When Diaz pleaded guilty, he admitted that on March 4 he was in Gonzalez's apartment while Gonzalez was lighting matches and tossing them on a relative as the man slept on a couch.

Diaz said he also lit a match and ignited a piece of paper on the man, who would wake and flick off the burning items. In the next room, Eddie Gonzalez Jr., slept with his mother.

"After that, we went into the bathroom to smoke (more) marijuana and that's when all this happened," Diaz said while pleading guilty.

The boy's mother grabbed his 5-month-old sister and used the fire escape to flee the building unharmed. Gonzalez Sr. suffered burns and was hospitalized in critical condition, but he released in time for his son's wake.

Diaz also admitted that while Gonzalez was hospitalized they hatched a plan to lie about what happened. Diaz said he stuck to the bogus story when interviewed by investigators, but told the truth during a second interview.

The fire in the apartment started in the couch on which the victim's cousin had been sleeping, an official said. Diaz said the only source of fire that day was the matches he and Gonzalez had been lighting.

As part of Diaz's plea deal, he had agreed to testify against Gonzalez at trial.

Both defendants turned themselves in when they were charged by the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office about a month after the blaze.
Finance ministry proposes to sell all shares in Ukrgasbank, PrivatBank in 2020, 2022 respectively

The Finance Ministry of Ukraine as part of the gradual reduction in the share of the state presence in the banking sector from 55% of total assets as of late 2017 to 24% in the medium-term outlook proposes to completely sell Ukrgasbank, PrivatBank (both based in Kyiv).

"In particular, Ukrgasbank and PrivatBank should be fully sold in 2020 and 2022 respectively," Ukrainian Finance Minister Oleksandr Danyliuk said, presenting the principles of the strategic reformation of the public bank sector at a government meeting on Wednesday.

"Before the end of 2019, we plan to create conditions for attracting minority shareholders - international financial organizations like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), respectively, in Oschadbank and Ukreximbank," the minister said.

Danyliuk also said that the state will refrain from implementing initiatives that can determine the growth of the state's share in the banking system.

"The creation of new state-owned banks is considered inexpedient," the minister said.
After nearly two years of complaints from neighbors, a home for teens diagnosed with mental and behavioral illnesses will be closing, and the youth moved to other facilities run by the non-profit.

The home, located in a neighborhood in Franklin Township in Hunterdon County, is expected to close by April with the youth to move to other facilities, pending approval from the state Department of Family and Youth services, according to Susan Buchwald, chief operating officer for Legacy Treatment Services.

Neighbors said the facility was understaffed, and teens were leaving the home unsupervised. Township police have been called to the home 40 times since August 2016, with over 80-percent of the calls being for runaway juveniles or parking complaints, according to police records. Last summer, one teen stole a van owned by Legacy, crashing it into a utility pole.

"Those kids deserve the help they need," said neighbor Alex Rogovin, who last year called the police when he and his wife found one of the teens naked and wandering outside of their home. "If they could have figured it out and fixed the problem, then great, but (they) didn't."

Buchwald said the teens would be relocated to homes they operate in Burlington and Cumberland counties.

"It's not fair to the kids to stay in a neighborhood that they're clearly not wanted," Buchwald said. "(There's) really nothing we can say. We're at the point now, if a youth walks out the door, the neighbors are going to call the police."

A discussion about the facility on Thursday's Township Committee meeting agenda will still take place with the focus on how the township can regulate similar group homes in the future, township officials said.

Mayor Craig Repmann said Wednesday he was concerned about the safety of both community and the youth living in the group home. Repmann said the township's attorney has also had ongoing communication with the Department of Family and Youth Services.

Legacy has over 160 youth in group homes across New Jersey, Buchwald said. There are five youth living in the home in Hunterdon County, known as the Brian Crisis Stabilization and Assessment Center, with five staff onsite. The average stay in one of its facilities is six months.

Buchwald said they never had as many complaints from neighbors as they did with the Franklin Township facility.

She said there were times when a number of cars were parked outside the home. This happened, she said, when there was a staff change or visits from psychiatrists or nurses. Buchwald said Legacy addressed resident's concerns over parking and elopements.

Taylor Tiamoyo Harris may be reached at tharris@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ladytiamoyo.

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BAYONNE -- A city man was sentenced to 46 months in prison yesterday for robbing a BCB Bank in Jersey City in 2016.

Patrick O'Boyle, 60, had his sentence imposed in Newark federal court after entering a guilty plea in November to one count of bank robbery. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.

On May 25, 2016, O'Boyle approached the teller of the BCB Bank on Washington Street and demanded all "your 100s, 50s, and 20s, and make it quick because my car is double parked outside."

O'Boyle, 59 at the time, held his left arm to his side as if he had something under his sweatshirt, which the teller thought might have been a gun, authorities said.

He walked out with more than $1,200.

He was quickly apprehended on the day of the robbery by police after a description of him was broadcast over the police radio. Bank staff identified O'Boyle as the man who carried out the robbery.

O'Boyle has a history of robbing Hudson County banks.

According to previous reports, O'Boyle went inside a JP Morgan Chase Bank on Washington Street on Nov. 23, 2010, walked up to a teller and said, "Are you ready for Thanksgiving? This is a stick-up. Make it quick," and made a gesture that suggested he had a weapon.

He walked out carrying $6,000, but was arrested after boarding a Hudson Bergen Light Rail train following the robbery.

Two days later, he was charged with a Nov. 10, 2010 robbery at a Capitol One Bank on Washington Street. The bank was crowded when O'Boyle arrived, so he left to have lunch with a friend. He returned later, found the bank empty, and approached a teller and said "This is a robbery, put all the money in the bag."

O'Boyle pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery in September 2010 and was was later sentenced to 31 months in jail with three years of supervised release. He was released in June 2015.

He also has three prior arrests, four violations of probation and a federal conviction.
Firefighters investigating a three-alarm blaze that displaced dozens of residents found an unregistered gun among the debris, officials said.

Because of the extensive damage left behind at 139 and 141 Wilkinson Ave., authorities are still working to investigate which unit the weapon, only described as an unregistered handgun, was in before the fire broke out.

The fire began around 5 p.m. Tuesday on the top floor of 139 Wilkinson Ave., a three-story, six-unit building between Ocean Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive.

The fire spread to the roof and then to the attached building, officials said.

At least seven families -- consisting of 14 adults and 15 children -- were forced from their homes. The American Red Cross is assisting displaced residents.

The southern end of the city has been plagued with at least four multi-alarm fires since the end of January. At least 65 people have been left homeless as a result of those blazes.
Two Trenton drug dealers were sentenced to federal prison Wednesday for their roles in a cocaine operation that was based in Trenton, authorities announced.

Khalfini Richardson, 33, was sentenced to 13 years and Capitol T. Wellons, 32, to seven years by U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp, in Trenton.

Both had admitted conspiring to distribute over a kilogram of cocaine and 100 grams of crack cocaine, the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey announced.

Richardson and Wellons were arrested in 2016 along with Trenton-area drug dealers Bobby Williams and William Enmond, as part of an investigation by local and federal authorities.

Authorities arrested 10 people in all during 10 raids in Mercer and Bucks (Pa.) counties and seized 5 kilos of an assortment of drugs and several vehicles. The dealers operated from two Trenton residences, and controlled a drug turf on Southard Street in the city.

Authorities said the effort - Williams was the leader of the four - had strong gang ties and supplied drugs - it was a pipeline - to other central New Jersey markets, as well as towns in the Pocono region of Pa.

Williams pleaded guilty in November and is scheduled to be sentenced in March. Federal authorities say he faces a mandatory minimum of five years behind bars, maybe more.

Enmond was sentenced to five years in prison last summer.

Williams, Richardson and Wellons were also arrested in 2007 and each sent to prison or jail for being part of another Williams-led cocaine operation that also operated from Trenton in the 2000s.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Marijuana activist Edward "NJ Weedman" Forchion has been dealt another defeat.

His most recent attempt to get out of the Mercer County jail before his retrial failed Tuesday.

Forchion was ordered detained in March 2017 in order to ensure safety to witnesses or informants in a case of alleged witness tampering - which was connected to his 2016 marijuana dealing arrest.

He's since been found not guilty on one count of witness tampering, but faced a hung jury on the second count in November 2017, and an eventual retrial.

Forchion had filed an appeal with the state Appellate Division on Jan. 29, which agreed to review a Jan. 12 denial of pre-trial release in Mercer County Superior Court.

The appellate court reviewed Mercer County Judge Anthony Massi's decision, including the original detention order, and cited witness testimony from Forchion's trial. The court found Massi properly exercised his discretion when coming to the decision to keep Forchion locked up.

"Innocent until proven guilty is obviously a dead doctrine in NJ," Forchion said in a phone call to NJ Advance Media.

He has previously expressed that he feels his pre-trial detention is a form of "pre-trial punishment."

Forchion's appeals attorney, John Vincent Saykanic, said on Wednesday they've filed an emergent review of the matter to the New Jersey Supreme Court.

In the legal documents he filed, he argues Forchion is being detained, "in retaliation for his three lawsuits filed against the City of Trenton and due to his invocation of his free Speech rights."

Forchion, in the call Tuesday evening, said he was especially crushed because he wanted to campaign for mayor of Trenton, for which he's filed to run in the May election.

Olivia Rizzo may be reached at orizzo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LivRizz. Find NJ.com on Facebook
A Metuchen dad says his fifth-grade son is not a bully, and he's willing to go to court to prove it.

After Campbell Elementary School's vice principal concluded Robert E. Taylor's son had made fun of another student for his small size, Taylor filed a lawsuit to contest the decision.

"I think, really, for me it's about showing my kid that these things aren't okay," Taylor told NJ Advance Media. "You don't have to take them. There's a way of fighting them."

The incident that sparked the charge that Taylor's son had violated New Jersey's Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying law happened more than two years ago, according to the federal lawsuit filed in January.

The child, identified in the lawsuit only as "H.T.," and two other then-third grade students were in the lunchroom on Nov. 23, 2015, when one kid accidentally exposed his chest and stomach while trying to take off a sweatshirt he was wearing over another shirt, the lawsuit says.

H.T. and his friend laughed, the lawsuit claims, and the friend drew a caricature of the smaller child without his shirt on. H.T. encouraged him to post the picture on Facebook, but the drawing never appeared online, according to the lawsuit.

Facing questions from the vice principal, H.T. denied laughing at the smaller child or encouraging his friend to put the photo on Facebook, the lawsuit says.

The vice principal also learned while investigating the incident that some students previously had called the smaller child insulting names, including "skinny bean" and "strawberry shortcake," but no students accused H.T. of the name-calling, the lawsuit claims.

In a follow-up interview, H.T. admitted to the vice principal that he had laughed at the smaller child in the lunchroom and suggested the drawing go on Facebook, but he again denied any prior bullying, the lawsuit says.

The vice principal concluded that H.T. had bullied the smaller student, the lawsuit says, because although he did not admit to calling the smaller child names, he did admit he had encouraged his friend to post the shirtless picture online after he initially denied having done so.

Taylor told NJ Advance Media the vice principal believed his son probably was involved in the bullying because he admitted to being dishonest in his first interview.

Taylor appealed the vice principal's finding to the school board and then to the state Commissioner of Education, which referred the case to the Office of Administrative Law. He told NJ Advance Media that he felt OAL would not provide him a satisfactory outcome, so he filed a lawsuit.

Eric L. Harrison, an attorney representing the school district, declined to comment substantively on the case because the lawsuit is pending and involves children.

"Though we cannot stop Mr. Taylor from disclosing otherwise confidential information, the school district intends to litigate the dispute in U.S. District Court rather than in the press," Harrison said.

The lawsuit alleges that the finding of bullying violated H.T.'s free speech and due process rights. It claims racial discrimination, alleging the school district disproportionately disciplines Black students like H.T.

Taylor also alleges the school district misapplied the state law on bullying because it failed to show H.T.'s actions had substantially interfered with the school's operation or other students' rights. He asks the court to expunge the district's bullying determination against all students for whom the decision did not include a finding that the action had disrupted the school or other students.

Although the primary punishment H.T. faced for the alleged bullying was missing a day of recess, Taylor told NJ Advance Media he wanted to show his son he does not have to accept a disciplinary outcome he feels is unjust.

"I just thought it was something that I wasn't going to allow them to get away with," he said.

Marisa Iati may be reached at miati@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Marisa_Iati or on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Police interviews with Liam McAtasney in the days following the disappearance of Sarah Stern in 2016 can be used as evidence in his trial, a judge ruled Thursday.

Superior Court Judge Richard English said the interviews were conducted during a missing person investigation in an effort to locate Stern. Authorities say Stern, 19, was killed by McAtasney during a robbery at her home on Dec. 2, 2016.

Defense attorney Charles Moriarty argued that McAtasney wasn't read his Miranda rights prior to a taped interview at the Belmar Police Department headquarters on Dec. 6, 2016.

Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Decker said McAtasney wasn't in custody at that point so he "isn't rewarded that 5th Amendment right."

Decker said McAtasney, 20, came to police headquarters voluntarily, wasn't searched when he entered and was never placed in handcuffs.

"He was free to leave whenever he wanted," Decker said.

But that interview was stopped, Moriarty contended, after the detectives interviewing McAtasny learned his parents contacted two attorneys to represent their son.

"If (the detectives) asked him if he wanted to talk (to police) with two attorneys here, he would have said, 'No.' But they didn't ask that," Moriarty said.

English said that the "overall tenor of the conversation was to try and locate Ms. Stern," adding that detectives were continuing to interview other people during an ongoing investigation.

Moriarty is also seeking to have a videotaped interview between McAtasney and a cooperating witness, referred to by his initials A.C., excluded from the trial. Authorities say McAtasney confessed to killing Stern in A.C.'s car on a street near the beachfront in Bradley Beach just days before his arrest on Feb. 2.

English heard oral arguments on that motion to suppress evidence but will not make a ruling until March 26.

Police went to the home of McAtasney several times in the days after Stern's disappearance because they learned he was the last person to be with her.

Authorities say McAtasney strangled Stern at her Neptune City home and then stole $10,000 she had recently acquired from her grandmother. McAtasney then had his roommate, Preston Taylor, remove Stern's body from the home and help him dump it off the Route 35 bridge in Belmar.

McAtasney and Taylor, who were both close friends with Stern, attempted to thwart investigators by making it appear as if she committed suicide, authorities said. To further deflect suspicion, authorities said, the two participated in a community-run search of the area, even speaking with members of the media.

Taylor, 20, has admitted his role in the coverup and agreed to testify against McAtasney.

Authorities have never recovered Stern's body.

In the taped interviews with police, McAtasney calmly told officers that he was with his childhood friend Stern on the afternoon of Dec. 2, 2016, but didn't know her whereabouts. He then offered multiple reasons why she could be missing and suggested she might be in Canada.

"She's always wanting to go to Canada. She's always been obsessed with Canada," McAtasney told officers in a recorded interview with police. "She has friends up there, and if she went up there, she would have roommates," he explained in a separate interview.

McAtasney would go on to claim to detectives in a videotaped interview that Stern had a troubled home life which could have led her to flee her tight-knit community at the Jersey Shore for a life elsewhere.

At one point during the conversation with detectives at the Belmar police department, McAtasney asked detectives, "If she did jump off the bridge, what are the odds she's not somewhere out in the ocean by now?''

Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Two New Jersey state troopers will be honored Thursday morning for successfully deactivating two improvised explosive devices after a pipe bomb exploded in a terror attack along a Marine Corps race in Seaside Park in 2016.

Detective Sgt. James Abbes and Det. Stephen Christinzio will each receive a 2017 Trooper of the Year award, State Police said in a statement.

Both devices were in a trash can that exploded before the start of the delayed race. No one was hurt following the explosion, but two of the three bombs remained intact and active, authorities said.

Abbes and Christinzio donned protective gear, approached the explosives and set up equipment including robots to deactivate the devices.

"Detective Sergeant Abbes and Detective Christinzio performed with calm and focus while under extreme stress, ensuring the safety of others first before risking their own lives to execute their mission, without the luxury of knowing if there were more components of the attack yet to be acted," said Colonel Patrick Callahan, Acting Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.

"The actions of both troopers have made all of us in the State Police, past and present, proud and honored to call them Troopers of the Year."

The troopers are to receive their awards at an 11 a.m. ceremony at the New Jersey State Police Museum and Learning Center in West Trenton.

A federal judge this month sentenced Ahmad Rahimi to multiple life terms in prison for three bombings including the Seaside Park attack.

Rahimi set a pressure cooker device that blasted shrapnel across a New York City block, injuring 30 people, hours after the explosion at the race. Another bomb went off in Elizabeth as a robot tried to diffuse it.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Priya Patel has been held up six times, three at gunpoint, in her family-owned liquor store in Irvington since her husband was murdered there three years ago.

"It doesn't scare me anymore," said the 28-year-old widow. "I loved my husband so much. I've lost so much already, so losing my life doesn't scare me."

She said this last week, one day before the Florida high school shooting. The day after, Feb. 15, would be the anniversary of her husband's murder.

Amit Patel was one of 13,286 people across the country shot and killed in 2015. That was the year of the Islamic terror attack in San Bernardino, which left 14 people dead, and the racist shooting at the Charleston, S.C., black church, which killed nine people. Nearly forgotten in the "hate and race" sensational narratives of those two stories was the shooting at Oregon's Umpqua Community College, which also left nine people dead.

If you noticed the repeated use of the word "people" in that paragraph, it was purposeful. Those of us in the media should start attaching it to the numbers.

The Last Vegas shooting in October didn't leave "59 dead."

It left 59 people dead. And 59 broken families.

MORE: Recent Mark Di Ionno columns

The Second Amendment was designed to protect us from government but, in its modern application, it prevents government from protecting us.

As the names and faces of the latest mass killing victims scroll on our TV sets, and circular political debate over gun violence and gun rights rages on, the individual deaths of people like Amit Patel get lost in the "thoughts and prayers" refrain.

They are not acknowledged by news teams or politicians, not honored by prayer vigils or other public memorials.

Who cries for the Amit Patels of our country, except those closest to them? Those thousands upon thousands of people, shot and killed in the commission of robberies, domestic violence and other altercations, or just randomly murdered during reckless drive-by gunfire, where anyone close to the intended target is at risk.

Amit Patel, 28, fell into the category of "witness intimidation."

He was alone behind the counter of the Roseway liquor store on Halloween night, 2013, when a man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, a black skull cap and a face covering, came in and held him up at gunpoint.

Patel handed over the cash: a $50 bill, 13 tens, and some singles.

According to court records, the robber left the liquor store, ran into an alley, stripped himself of the black hoodie with skull graphic on the back, skullcap and mask. He also left the gun, a silver Smith & Wesson .38, used in the hold up.

After Patel was robbed, he called 911 and Irvington police responded within minutes.

Officers saw a man fitting the description of the gunman, coming out of an alley. He was a curious sight, now wearing only a tank top and blue jeans, despite the rainy night with temperatures in the 40s.

Patel was taken to the area to ID the suspect, but he told police he wasn't sure if it was the same man who had robbed him. Later, however, he identified the clothing and gun that police had recovered in the alley.

The robber, identified as Rick King, still held the exact amount and denomination of bills Patel described as being taken. Subsequent DNA tests on the abandoned clothing matched King.

King was arrested and sent to the Essex County Correctional Facility, where he spent 10 months until released on $120,000 bail. As his trial for the robbery neared, King used his freedom to eventually go back to the liquor store and execute Amit Patel. He forced the defenseless man to the floor and shot him in the head.

In the past week, we've learned much about the angry, armed young man who killed 17 of his classmates. We wonder why Nikolas Cruz was able to get a high-powered weapon. We ask why law enforcement didn't notice the pitch of his violent messages on social media.

Rick King, on the other hand, lived his life in the criminal justice spotlight. His adult record dates to 2002. His first "unlawful possession of a weapon" charge came in 2003, the second a year later. Two more followed in 2004, one in 2006, another in 2008, and the arrest in 2013 for the robbery. That's seven. And he was convicted of four.

His juvenile record, under state law, is sealed but two law enforcement sources said it was extensive.

So, while we ask how a crazed teenager, at 19, was able to purchase a high-powered rifle, we should equally ask how career criminals, such as Rick King, get their hands on so many guns, one after another, leading to the deaths of people, such as Amit Patel, who are as innocent as those 17 kids in Parkland, Fla.

Priya Patel, 28, is trying to sell the store. Her father-in-law, who helped run the store, is back in India, ailing after the death of his son. She, too, will return to India, broken-hearted. Her American Dream is over, destroyed by American violence. Just like the dreams of 17 sets of parents today in Florida.

"I wish we had children," she said. "Then at least I would have something to remember him by."

The Patel family tragedy is compounded by this irony: Priya Patel said her husband had not been asked to testify against King. Police had enough evidence to convict him without his testimony.

For King's murder trial, the evidence included video of him walking to the store, firing the shot, leaving the store and ditching his clothes. His cellphone also had multiple searches for "Amit Patel," before and after the killing.

In December, he was found guilty and, two weeks ago, sentenced to life in prison, without parole. While the impulse is to say, "finally," it is still too late for Amit Patel.

Mark Di Ionno may be reached at mdiionno@starledger.com. Follow The Star-Ledger on Twitter @StarLedger and find us on Facebook.
"Something has to be done." That's the refrain we hear over and over again after another mass shooting occurs.

But, sadly, we know very little changes and the slaughter erupts again, as illustrated in last week's Parkland, Florida, high school shooting that claimed the lives of 17 people.

You would think that after 20 young and innocent students and six adults were massacred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., in 2012 that something would have been done to stop or lessen the insanity.

But nine months after Sandy Hook, a disgruntled contractor went on a rampage at the Washington, D.C., Navy Yard, killing 12 people. Then came San Bernardino, Calif. (14 killed); Orlando, Fla. (14 killed); Las Vegas, Nev. (58 killed); and Southerland Springs, Texas (26 killed).

The list of mass killings just goes on and on and the call to "do something" goes unheeded by our leaders in Washington.

But something is different in the aftermath of the Parkland massacre. Young people, most of whom aren't old enough to vote, are demanding action from our lawmakers and our president.

David Hogg, a survivor of the carnage at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, echoed the outrage many of his fellow students felt with politicians' failure to enact meaningful gun control laws.

"We're children. You guys are the adults," Hogg told CNN.

"Instead of condolences, give us action. There is something seriously wrong here," Hogg said.

Parkland students took their own initiative. They boarded buses to Tallahassee to urge state legislators to pass gun restrictions. But the gun-friendly Florida House of Representatives rebuffed the students and turned back an effort to ban assault-style weapons like the one used by the 19-year-old shooter in Parkland.

That setback is not stopping these fired-up kids.

They are planning a nationwide "March for Our Lives" in Washington and other cities to "shame" politicians into action.

The social-media savvy generation is using YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to get its gun-control message out and it is being heard across the land.

This week, a group of students rallied against gun violence on the steps of the Ocean County Library in Toms River. Other similar demonstrations were held in Battle Creek, Mich., Bakersfield, Calif., Iowa City and many locations in Florida.

These young voices may be the spark that ignites an explosion of public opinion that will break the hold the gun lobby has on Washington.

We are starting to see some results.

President Donald Trump, no friend of gun control, broke his embarrassingly long silence on what action he would take in the wake of the Parkland shooting and announced a ban on "bump stock" devices like the ones used by the Las Vegas shooter to turn his weapons into rapid-fire killing machines.

This, however, was hardly a bold move by the president since the National Rifle Association already gave its blessing to bump-stock restrictions back in October, allowing NRA-supported politicians the leeway to make gun-control concessions.

This crumb of gun reform from Trump, which he may not even have the power to do, is at least a step in the right direction. Remember, he is the one who last year approved repealing an Obama-era rule intended to block gun sales to certain mentally ill people.

But others are heeding the swelling youth demand for action.

Gov. Phil Murphy this week paid tribute to the outspoken Parkland survivors.

"God love them, man, because our generation ain't getting it done, at least nationally," Murphy said at a Trenton news conference, where he vowed to sign gun-control legislation that was blocked by his predecessor, Gov. Chris Christie.

New Jersey already has some of the toughest gun-control laws in the country. The push now is on Washington to stop its political bickering and come to some kind of bipartisan accord on real gun reform.

Such reform is possible. In 1994, Congress passed a 10-year ban on assault weapons and large capacity ammunition magazines. Sadly, the law was allowed to lapse.

We need common sense gun laws. In all these mass shootings there has been a common denominator - guns in the hands of unstable people.

The answer is very obvious: don't allow violent or unstable people to have guns, particularly weapons capable of firing many rounds in mere seconds.

Maybe this time the young voices clamoring for gun control will make a difference. Maybe we will finally be able to say, "Something has been done."

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Ukraine's Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr Omelyan has announced the establishment of the Center of Transport Innovation and a test site for the Hyperloop project in Ukraine.

"We are establishing the Center of Transport Innovations Hype.ua, which should create the first test site in Dnipro," the minister said during a press briefing in Kyiv.

According to him, the initiative was joined by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ukroboronprom state concern, Kakhovka plant of electric welding equipment, etc.

"There is no final model of how Hyperloop One will function in the world. Therefore we are glad that we are joining the project at this stage," the minister said.

According to him, this year the ministry expects to receive the scientific evaluation of the project by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and in 2019 intends to launch a test site, i.e. to start the second phase of the project. After the test phase, the ministry intends to begin construction. At the same time, the minister specified he counts on private investments.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is not among the countries that were considered for this project. The closest country that could be a participant in it is Poland.

Hyperloop is a vacuum train project, proposed in 2012-2013 by American venture capitalist Elon Musk. Currently the project has not been implemented.
After one potential Republican congressional candidate decided not to run, a third GOP hopeful has emerged to seek his party's nomination to succeed Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen.

Investment banker Antony Ghee of Totowa joins Assemblyman Jay Webber, R-Morris, and lawyer Martin Hewitt in the Republican race.

Ghee, who was a lawyer before becoming a director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch's global wealth and investment management chief investment office, said Republicans should look at someone other than a current officeholder.

"Do we nominate a career politician in an age when most people don't trust their government or the people serving, or do we seize this opportunity to do something bold and energize our party heading into the general election?" Ghee said in his announcement.

"Without question we must do the latter, which is why I am announcing my candidacy for Congress."

Like President Donald Trump, he made overhauling immigration laws a top plank of his campaign, talking about securing the borders and ending illegal immigration, but not mentioning the 17,400 unauthorized immigrants in New Jersey brought to the U.S. as children that could face deportation.

Ghee also promised to work with the president and members of Congress of both parties to secure federal help for the Gateway Tunnel project under the Hudson River, even as the Trump administration appeared to renege on earlier funding promises.

His announcement included endorsements from state Sen. Kristin Corrado, R-Passaic, herself once mentioned as a potential candidate; and two Assembly members, Kevin Rooney, R-Passaic, and Christopher DePhillips, R-Bergen. The three state legislators, running together, won a hotly contested Republican primary last year.

Webber earlier this week picked up the support of a fellow Morris County Assembly Republican, Anthony Bucco, who also had considered running for the seat.

Frelinghuysen, R-11th Dist., announced in January that he would not seek re-election after 24 years in Washington. As as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, he is the most powerful member of the New Jersey congressional delegation.

The 11th District is considered a toss-up race by the two Washington-based publications that track congressional races, the Cook Political Report and Inside Elections.

Five Democrats are seeking their party's nomination, Mikie Sherrill, who has the backing of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee; Tamara Harris; Mitchell Cobert; Jack Gebbia; and Mark Washburne.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
Gov. Phil Murphy joined his counterparts from three nearby states Thursday to announce an effort to leapfrog the federal government and push for increased gun control on a local level.

Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island created the States for Gun Safety Coalition, the governors announced in a conference call. The group was formed by each state's Democratic governor.

Among other things, the states plan to share information they say could prevent people who pose a risk to their community from buying a gun across state lines. In New York, for example, people who are the subject of protection orders are barred from purchasing firearms.

New York will now share that information with the other states. The others may have to pass additional laws to prevent those individuals from buying guns within its borders, but the governors argued the coalition is a step in the right direction.

"Let's form a coalition of like-minded states .... and try to move the ball forward," Murphy said.

Each governor expressed their frustration with the lack of movement from Congress.

"We're not waiting for federal action. All of our states are already ahead of the federal government when it comes to laws on this issue," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. "Today we take the next step."

Rhode Island's Gina Raimondo and Conneticut's Dannel Malloy agreed.

"We can't just wait for Washington to do the right thing," Raimondo said, "So we said that we're going to take action."

They'll form a task force to trace and intercept illegal guns in the region and coordinate on potential legilsation, the governors said.

"(We'll) advocate for better laws in our region," Malloy said.

In New Jersey, Murphy is pushing forward with legislation already moving through the Democratic-controlled Legislature. The bills would:

* Reduce the permitted size of ammunition magazines from 15 rounds to 10.

* Require background checks for private gun sales.

* Ban armor-piercing ammunition.

* Make making people seeking a handgun permit under "justifiable need" demonstrate the urgent necessity for the firearm rather than a more generalized fear or concern.

* Ban .50-caliber assault rifles

* Require gun shops to sell personalized handguns, or so-called smart guns, if the technology is available on the market.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook.
Rep. Tom MacArthur, who had a 93 percent favorable rating from the National Rifle Association, has broken with the powerful gun rights lobby and endorsed background checks for all gun purchases in the wake of the Florida high school shooting that claimed 17 lives.

MacArthur, R-3rd Dist., had opposed the proposal in the past, receiving a 0 percent rating from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, according to Project Vote Smart, which tracks lawmakers' positions on key issues.

"Background checks are worthless, unless they cover every gun purchase," MacArthur said Wednesday.

MacArthur's statement came on the same day more than 200 people led by high school students held a protest at his district office in Burlington County.

While federally licensed gun dealers must check every purchaser, no such requirement exists for sales at gun shows or over the Internet.

One of the speakers at Wednesday's protest at MacArthur's office in Burlington County, high school student Galen Ekimov, said he wanted to see the congressman's next move.

"Talking about it is a step in the right direction," said Ekimov, 17, a senior at Shawnee High School in Medford. "Let's see what he does."

President Donald Trump also has called for expanded background checks.

Whether we are Republican or Democrat, we must now focus on strengthening Background Checks!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2018

MacArthur also said Attorney General Jeff Sessions should "issue guidance to states, which have their own background check systems, on ways to bolster their efforts, and make them more universal across the board."

Trump's proposed budget for the 12 months beginning Oct. 1 cuts spending to states to help them update their databases to $61 million from $73 million.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York called such cuts "downright dangerous.

The NRA spent more money on politics in 2016 than any other interest group, $55 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washington-based research group. Most of that money went to elect Trump and keep Republican majorities in the House and Senate.

Charlene is a @MomsDemand & @Everytown advocate. Randy is a member of the @NRA. I represent both in Congress. I was inspired by my discussion with them and believe we can all come together to make our communities safer by addressing gun violence. pic.twitter.com/UdjsN5a1tx  Archive: Tom MacArthur (@RepTomMacArthur) February 20, 2018

MacArthur, who has received NRA support and describes himself as "a strong supporter of the Second Amendment," supported two measures that would keep some mentally impaired individuals out of the database.

In the first instance, Trump signed legislation overturning the requirement that the Social Security Administration report to the background check database the names of those with mental illnesses who need representatives to handle their disability and supplemental benefit checks.

The rule announced by President Barack Obama was a response to the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre in Connecticut, in which 20 elementary school students were gunned down.

The second measure, pending in the Senate, would prevent the Department of Veterans Affairs from reporting the names of veterans deemed mentally incompetent.

Under the legislation, a judge would have to decide that veterans posed a danger to themselves or others before they could be denied the right to buy weapons.

He also co-sponsored the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which would require New Jersey to honor concealed weapons permits for people who got them in their home state, like they now do for driver's licenses.

In supporting the legislation, which passed the House and awaits action in the Senate, MacArthur cited the case of Shaneen Allen, a single mother of two and gun owner from Pennsylvania who was arrested in October 2013 for carrying a concealed weapon into New Jersey. She was arrested, spent 40 days in jail before making bail, and faced a prison term before Gov. Chris Christie pardoned her.

House Democrats held a sit-in on the House floor in June 2016 to press House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to allow a vote on gun safety measures. Ryan refused.

The next year, congressional Republicans adopted new rules to penalize lawmakers who hold similar protests going forward.

U.S. Sens. Cory Booker and Robert Menendez, D-N.J., joined a Senate Democratic filibuster earlier that month to force a vote on expanded background checks. Senate Republicans blocked action on the legislation.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
In his second year in office, President Donald Trump's job approval ratings remain in negative territory, with a majority of voters disapproving of his performance so far.

A Quinnipiac University poll gave Trump a 58 percent disapproval rating, with just 37 percent approving of the job he has done. Shortly after his State of the Union address, his approval rating had climbed to 40 percent, with 55 percent disapproving.

Here are five reasons why Trump remains unpopular.

1. Russia.

More than three-quarters of American voters, 76 percent, said they believed the Russian government tried to influence the presidential election, as U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded. That includes 55 percent of self-described Republicans. Just 18 percent disagreed.

A majority, 57 percent, disapproved of how Trump was responding to the threat of Russia trying to influence this fall's off-year elections, with 30 percent approving.

Question: If all of the Russian meddling took place during the Obama Administration, right up to January 20th, why arent they the subject of the investigation? Why didnt Obama do something about the meddling? Why arent Dem crimes under investigation? Ask Jeff Sessions!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2018

2. Trump still won't release his tax returns.

Trump is the first president in four decades to refuse to make his income tax returns public.

Two-thirds of U.S. voters, 67 percent, said he should release his returns, while less than a quarter, 24 percent, disagree. A majority, 52 percent, said he was keeping his returns secret because he has something to hide, while 19 percent supported his explanation that he couldn't release them because they were being audited by the Internal Revenue Service and 14 percent did not believe either reason.

"Congress has the authority to obtain the president's tax returns and has chosen not to," said Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-9th Dist., who has led the effort to force Trump to release them.

"Every day, every one of my Republican colleagues wake up and decide to abet the Trump administration's widespread corruption," Pascrell said. "Every day, congressional Republicans ignore their constitutional responsibility to provide oversight of the executive and act as shields to protect Trump from the slightest scrutiny."

3. Voters don't like the president or his policies.

By 57 percent to 40 percent, voters said they do not like Trump's policies.

An even larger percentage, 61 percent, said they don't like Trump as a person, while 30 percent said they did.

And by 57 percent to 41 percent, voters said Trump is not fit to serve as president.

4. His threat to deport the dreamers doesn't sit well with the public.

Some 690,000 unauthorized immigrants brought to the U.S. as children face deportation after March 5 because Trump revoked the protections they were given under President Barack Obama.

He also has rejected bipartisan efforts in Congress to strengthen border security, including funding a wall that Trump said Mexico would pay for, in exchange for letting the so-called dreamers stay in the country they grew up in.

Eight in 10 voters supported allowing the dreamers to remain in the U.S. and eventually apply for citizenship. Just 16 percent disagreed.

By 63 percent to 27 percent, voters said Trump wants the dreamers to be deported.

5. Women.

Trump received low marks from voters regarding his attitudes towards women. Almost two-thirds, 66 percent, said the president did not respect women as much as he respects men, with 30 percent saying he did.

They also gave him a thumb's down on handling issues with a significant impact on women, with 65 percent disapproving and 27 percent approving. ns of domestic violence.

The poll of 1,249 voters was conducted Feb. 16-19 with a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
An 18-year-old man was arrested Wednesday (Feb. 21) on a charge of terrorizing after police say he made "threatening statements" against students and staff of a Lower 9th Ward high school, the NOPD said Wednesday night.

Janero Copelin was booked into the Orleans Justice Center jail, his charge based on evidence and Copelin's statement to detectives, police said.

About 1 p.m. Wednesday, NOPD detectives learned of an Instagram post that contained "threatening content" toward students and staff of Martin Luther King Jr. High School, which replaced Alfred Lawless Senior High, at 5300 North Rocheblave St., according to police.

During the subsequent investigation, detectives identified Copelin as the person who posted the threatening content to the social media site, police said. In an interview with detectives, Copelin indicated that he had posted the message to intimidate a specific person who attends the school.

Police did not indicate whether Copelin attends or attended Martin Luther King Jr. Charter.

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He was booked about 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, according to jail records. As of Wednesday night, his bond had not been set. Court records do not show any previous felony arrests for Copelin in Orleans or Jefferson parishes.

Copelin's arrest is one of several made by South Louisiana authorities in the wake of the Valentine's Day mass shooting in Parkland, Fla. Teens in Tangipahoa and Lafourche parishes were also arrested this week after authorities say they made threats against schools.

On Monday, a 16-year-old student was detained at a New Orleans high school and then brought by New Orleans police to the juvenile detention center after he "reportedly made a statement regarding a possible shooting threat on the school," according to NOPD spokesman Aaron Looney.

Anyone with additional information on the incident involving Copelin is asked to contact NOPD's 5th District detectives at 504-658-6050.
Two people were shot Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 21) in the 2000 block of St. Anthony Street, New Orleans police said.

Police arrived at the scene and saw two men carrying a 22-year-old man with a gunshot wound, according to an initial report from NOPD issued Thursday morning. The man told the officer that he was shot in his backyard. A private car drove him to the hospital. A second 25-year-old victim with a graze wound arrived at the hospital later in the night.

At the scene, a handful of onlookers gathered near the police tape at the intersection of St. Anthony and North Galvez streets, watching as investigators documented evidence.

"It was a lot of gunshots," said a woman at the scene. "It was loud."

The woman said the gunfire, which she thinks occurred between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., sounded like at least two guns were involved.

"I could hear the difference in the gunfires," she said.

The woman, who declined to give her name, said she didn't see who was shot, as she stayed inside until police arrived at the scene.

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Nearby, on North Galvez Street, just past the intersection with St. Anthony, investigators placed about 30 line-green evidence cones on the roadway, mostly in the bike lane, and onto the grassy area running along the sidewalk.

On the other end of the crime scene, on St. Anthony Street nearer North Johnson Street, a smaller group of onlookers watched as police examined the exterior of a pale green home in the 2000 block of St. Anthony Street.

Police had blocked off North Galvez Street to traffic beginning at Annette Street and stretching to a point past St. Anthony Street.

About 5:30 p.m. a line of cars backed down North Galvez Street, from St. Anthony toward Annette as rush hour motorists realized North Galvez Street was impassable due to the crime scene.

Investigators searched around the home's exterior, often focusing on an area between the pale green home and the neighboring house, pausing to photograph the home's front facade.

This story was updated Thursday morning with additional information from NOPD.
A Baton Rouge businessman was booked Wednesday (Feb. 21) on accusations that he torched his own restaurant in a blaze that left a firefighter hospitalized with injuries last March, according to the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office.

Jonathan Paul Marino, 36, was arrested on charges of arson with the intent to defraud, injury by arson and theft after state fire officials say he intentionally set fire to The Cast Iron Kitchen, 5441 Jones Creek Road. According to a Facebook page for the restaurant, the eatery specialized in Cajun and Creole food.

Marino, whose first name is spelled "Johnathan" in East Baton Rouge Parish jail records, is also suspected of repeatedly trying to burn down a restaurant he previously owned in the Prairieville area, officials said.

Marino faces three counts of attempted arson with intent to defraud in Ascension Parish after state fire officials said he tried to set fire to the Prairieville restaurant, The Italian Bowl, at least three times in efforts to collect insurance money.

The accusations against Marino follow a months-long investigation into the March 12, 2017 fire at The Cast Iron Kitchen, according to the Louisiana fire marshal's office.

The investigation also involved the St. George Fire Department, which fought the blaze, which caused "significant" damage to the restaurant's building and adjacent tenant spaces.

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In addition, as St. George fire crews fought the blaze, a portion of the restaurant's roof collapsed, injuring a firefighter who was inside the restaurant trying to quash the fire.

Investigators' attention turned to Marino after they learned of a 2015 fire at The Italian Bowl, owned by Marino, along with his string of attempts at setting the eatery ablaze.

Surveillance footage also helped lead to Marino's arrest. In the East Baton Rouge Parish fire, footage showed Marino leaving The Cast Iron Kitchen, which was closed at the time, just minutes before smoke began wafting from the building. A short while later, emergency crews could be seen arriving on scene in response to a 911 call from a passerby.

While scouring video from the day of the fire, investigators also found footage showing Marino stealing various grocery items from an area Walmart shortly before the blaze, resulting in his theft charge, the State Fire Marshal's Office said.

Marino remained in jail late Wednesday, according to East Baton Rouge Parish jail records.

"We have and will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to defraud insurance companies for financial gain," Louisiana State Fire Marshal H. "Butch" Browning Jr. said in a Wednesday news release. "Their actions victimize every person who lives, visits, works, or does business in this state."
"Breaking Bad" actor Dean Norris was investigated last year by New Orleans Police after a woman claimed he sexually assaulted her, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times.

Prosecutors in Orleans Parish District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro's office did not file charges.

Ken Daley, a spokesman for Cannizzaro, said the office was asked late last year to offer a "non-arrest consult with New Orleans Police Department investigators regarding an alleged sexual assault" involving Norris.

Both Norris and the alleged victim were fully cooperative with law enforcement and provided statements to detectives, Daley said.

"Based upon the evidence collected to date, the NOPD did not believe it had sufficient probable cause to make an arrest," he said. "And after a thorough review of case evidence by our office, we do not believe these allegations met our even higher standard to merit prosecution at this time."

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Daley said Cannizzaro's office would re-evaluate the case "should additional evidence be made available."

"Based on the information brought to the DA's office by the NOPD, we would not have enough to go forward," he said.

Norris was in New Orleans filming the TNT TV dramedy series "Claws." The show was partially filmed at Red Carpet Nail and Spa Studio in Gretna.

Read the LA Times' report here.
The man killed during a parade on St. Charles Avenue Mardi Gras day (Feb. 13) was trying to break up a fight before he was fatally shot, according to the warrant for 21-year-old accused-shooter Eddie Dingle.

A witness told police the fight Maurice Williams was attempting to defuse was the second of two fights that occurred between the groups, the warrant states. In the first fight, Dingle's brother confronted another man for comments he made about Dingle's sister. The fight became physical, but was broken up before the shooting, according to the warrant.

Shortly after the first fight ended, two women began to fight - one was associated with Dingle's group and the other associated with Williams', according to the warrant.

According to the witness statement, Williams was trying to separate the two women and calm them down when the witness said the witness saw Dingle take a gun from his waistband. The witness told police he saw Dingle fire the gun at Williams and striking him more than once, according to the warrant.

Afterwards, the witness told police Dingle fired the handgun two more times, into a crowd of bystanders. According to the warrant, the witness has known Dingle for more than 10 years.

Police said Williams was the only person shot during the incident. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office listed Williams' age as 29. New Orleans Police on Tuesday gave his age as 30.

Dingle was booked into Orleans Justice Center jail Friday after turning himself in to New Orleans Police. He appeared in court Saturday, where Orleans Parish Magistrate commissioner Albert Thibodeaux set his bond for $250,000.

In a very different story of events, Dingle's private defense attorney, Lionel Lon Burns, said his client shot Williams in self-defense and called the killing "a justifiable homicide." Burns said Dingle will have a hearing next Tuesday, where he plans to ask for a new bond of $50,000.

"A bond should not be a ransom," Lon said Wednesday.

According to Burns, Dingle shot Williams after someone in Williams' group, "hit him (Dingle) upside the head with a pipe wrench," while he was holding his 6-month-old daughter.

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Burns also denied Williams was trying to break up a fight when he was shot. Instead, Burns said Williams, "took off his shirt and ran towards Eddie," who perceived the action as a threat, and responded with what Burns called "deadly force."

"Why would someone get shot as they were breaking up a fight?" Burns said. "The Dingle family was under attack by Williams and his family. There was no fight, the Dingles were attacked."

Burns also argues Dingle did not fire any shots into the crowd, stating Dingle told him the only two shots he fired both struck Williams.

"If he fired into a crowd, show me the spent casings, show me the cars that were hit, show me the bullet holes in houses," Burns said.

According to Burns, detectives never obtained a warrant to search Dingle's home or attempted to search for the weapon, stating Burns himself gave the gun to police.

"Police officers rushed to make an arrest to show they solved a murder," Burns said. "But they solved it without doing any real investigating."

Dingle is a local man who grew up on the West Bank, Burns said, and he is a student at Louisiana Tech who was set to graduate in December.

As to the question why Dingle brought a gun to the parade in the first place, Burns said he has a right to protect himself and his family.

"Obviously this is a very dangerous city," Burns said. "Thugs bring guns to parades, why shouldn't law-abiding citizens be able to arm themselves in case they need to protect their families, as Eddie had to do."
Ukraine to agree on new programs of financing infrastructure projects on border - Groysman

Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman has said Ukraine intends to agree on new programs for financing infrastructure projects on the state border.

"Unfortunately, the side of the program was the State Fiscal Service. The service failed to organize work, and in fact we realized that it would be practically impossible to implement this program. New head of the State Fiscal Service Myroslav Prodan tried to save this situation, but considering the procedures it became impossible," Groysman told journalists during a working trip to Sumy region.

The prime minister stressed Ukraine tried to maintain the program.

He added that a new program is possible, regarding which Ukraine will talk with its European partners.

"We will still develop cross-border checkpoints, including bilateral relations," the premier said.

As reported, earlier some foreign mass media reported that the EU was closing the project of modernization of border checkpoints with Ukraine. The matter concerned the project to modernize six Ukrainian checkpoints on the eastern border of the EU, which started in 2014.

Then the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine refuted the information that appeared in foreign media.
Police arrested a 23-year-old man Wednesday (Feb. 21) in connection with a New Orleans East armed robbery, finding an AK-47, a stolen Sig Sauer pistol, and drugs during their search for him, according to a New Orleans Police Department news release.

The 31-year-old victim in the case was approached Thursday by a man around 8 p.m. in the 7000 block of Bundy Road. The man threatened the 31-year-old with a firearm and instructed him to hand over money from his pockets. The victim then saw the man enter a nearby apartment, according to NOPD.

Authorities identified Eddie Howard, 23, as a potential suspect and executed a search warrant at the apartment Wednesday, police said. Howard and a second man later identified as Randolph Pembrook, 27, were found at the apartment.

Police also found a AK-47 rifle and stolen Sig Sauer .40 caliber pistol, as well as a bag of MDMA and 168 individually wrapped bags of marijuana.

Both men were convicted felons and were not permitted to own guns. Howard was booked with armed robbery charges, as well as illegal possession of firearms and drugs. Pembrook was booked with illegal possession of firearms and drugs.

Both Howard and Pembrook were transported to the Orleans Parish Justice Center where they await trial.

Anyone with information on the arrested subjects should contact any 7th District detective at 504-658-6070.

-- Story by Hanna Krueger, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
A period of just over five days near the end of August marked the longest stretch of time in 2017 when no one was shot in New Orleans.

Before the start of that 141-hour-and 10-minute window, at 10:30 p.m. Aug. 25, 2017, two men were shot in Gentilly. At the scene, a woman who knew one of the victims said the same man was shot in the pelvis about six months earlier at that same address, in the 2400 block of Athis Street.

That five-day stretch without a shooting ended just before 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31, when police were called to Willow Street in Central City where a man was shot in the arm. Two more people were wounded in different shootings later that same day, both of them in Algiers.

The frequency of gun violence in a city the size of New Orleans helps secure the city's spot, year after year, on grim lists of the most dangerous places in the country. While Chicago often grabs national headlines and political attention for its gun violence - 3,564 people were wounded or killed by gunfire there in 2017 -- there were more shooting victims in New Orleans, per capita, last year, than in that city. People were shot at a rate of 131 per 100,000 people in Chicago in 2017, according to data compiled by The Chicago Tribune. In New Orleans, the rate was 149 per 100,000 people.

NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune reporters tracked every fatal and nonfatal shooting in New Orleans in 2017 using preliminary NOPD reports and online police report logs. The analysis presented here excludes accidental and self-inflicted shootings.

Statistics and graphics fail to tell the stories of pained families left behind after fatal shootings. They don't describe the medical and financial burdens -- and fear -- faced by gunshot survivors. But the numbers do give New Orleanians a clearer picture of the city's gun violence problem.

Of the 585 victims of last year's gun violence, both fatal and nonfatal, 45 were juveniles. In that number was 15-year-old Rayshawn Boullt and an unnamed 13-year-old boy. Boullt, whose aunt Lawanda Tobias said he had only weeks ago left her home in Baton Rouge to live with his sister in New Orleans, was shot dead in a Jan. 21 double shooting on Desire Street in the St. Claude neighborhood. Boullt's 13-year-old friend, Tobias said, was shot in the arm and survived.

Six juveniles were killed by gunfire in 2017 in New Orleans. Among them were Jumyrin Smith, 6, and Justin Simms, 10. The brothers were taken from their Gentilly home in body bags, along with their mother Monique Smith, after the March 10 shooting. The boys' 12-year-old sister -- Smith's daughter -- was shot but survived. The case remains unsolved.

Police investigated an average of more than one shooting a day in 2017 - 454 shooting scenes in the year. Someone was killed in about 30 percent of those shootings.

The below calendar, inspired by the Washington's Post's reporting on mass shootings, shows the number of people shot on each day of the year.

* On six dates in 2017 - in January, February, June and in November -- seven or more individual victims were shot on the same day.

* On June 3, 12 people were shot in five separate shooting scenes, marking the date as the day with the most people hit by gunfire in 2017. In one of those

, outside a Mid-City event space,

and two others were wounded.

* Twenty consecutive days passed in May when least one person was shot each day. On three occasions in that relentless period of gun violence, five people were shot in a single day.

* New Orleans police investigated a new shooting 117 days out of the year, last year, about 52 percent of the year's days.

* The youngest person struck by gunfire was 5 months old. The infant was struck in the foot in Algiers. The oldest were two different men who were 75 when they were shot.

* While gun violence in New Orleans claimed victims across a spectrum of ages, the median age of gun victims was 26 for men and 29 for women.

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* To every six men struck by gunfire last year, about one woman was shot.

Each of the NOPD's police districts was touched by gun violence last year, to varying degrees. NOPD's 7th District, which polices New Orleans East, suffered the most, with 144 people killed or injured. Next was NOPD's 5th District -- which polices the Upper and Lower 9th Wards, Bywater and parts of the 7th Ward -- had 135 shooting victims.

The city's 8th District, which covers the French Quarter, CBD and Faubourg Marigny, saw the fewest gunshot victims -- seven people were shot, none of them fatally.

The number of shootings, both fatal and nonfatal, dropped significantly in the second half of 2017. NOPD Chief Michael Harrison credited the drop, in part, to the department's "summertime suppression strategy," which focused on proactive patrols and incorporated assistance from Louisiana State Police.

* A little more than 62 percent of the year's shooting victims -- 366 people -- were struck between January and June, while about 37 percent -- 219 people -- were shot in the second half of the year.

* The number of shooting scenes investigated by police decreased from 292 in the first half of the year to 172 in the second half of the year.

* There were 88 fatal shooting victims in the first half of the year, compared with 45 in the second.

A reduction in overall gun violence in the second half of the year is reflected in the month-by-month breakdown of 2017 gun violence.

* With the exception of March, which saw a slight dip in gun violence compared to other months in the first half of the year, there were fewer shooting victims in each month of the second half of the year, compared with January, February, April, May or June.

* January 2017 stuck out as the month with the most bloodshed: 76 people were shot then, including 21 fatally.

* A little more than half of the city's gunshot victims in 2017 were reported to have been shot in the following five hours: midnight, 9 p.m., 10 p.m., 11 p.m. and 7 p.m.

* The hour between 7 and 8 p.m. was when the most gunshot victims - 68 people -- were reported to have been shot. NOPD investigated a total of 50 shootings in that hour last year.

* Sunday was the day of the week with the most shooting incidents, followed by Saturday and Tuesday, respectively. The fewest shootings occurred on Wednesdays.

The first two months of last year were among the most violent. January and February, along with May, had the highest number of shooting incidents.

In 2018, the amount of gun violence in January and February is approaching a similar level to the start of last year. This year, however, there have been six more fatal shootings compared to the same time the previous year.

As of 12 a.m. Thursday (Feb. 22), 90 people had been shot in 2018 in New Orleans, including 35 who were killed. At the same time last year, 94 people had been shot, including 29 fatally.

Graphics by NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune reporter Chelsea Brasted.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, which has struggled for years to recruit and retain enough deputies to appropriately staff the city's troubled jail, on Wednesday (Feb. 21) parted with its human resources director, as well as two employees who worked in her office, the agency said.

OPSO said in a statement on Wednesday night that the agency "terminated" HR Director Johnette Staes, but Staes claimed in an interview on Thursday she resigned.

Staes was hired in January 2017 and received $110,000 a year, OPSO spokesman Phil Stelly said. Also terminated, according to Stelly, was Jessica Robinson, an HR executive assistance earning $40,000; and Jasminne Navarre, the HR manager, who earned $75,000. The agency did not immediately respond Thursday when asked the reason for what the agency referred to as terminations.

"I was not fired. I resigned because I do not feel like ... I was going to be successful with the current state of the agency," Staes said over the phone.

When asked to, Stelly produced a copy of Staes' resignation letter, which is dated Feb. 19. "This letter was received after Ms. Staes was advised that her services were no longer needed," Stelly said in an email. Staes acknowledged she handed in the resignation letter Wednesday but that it was dated two days earlier.

Staes started the job Jan. 3, 2017, after a months-long vacancy in the position. An OPSO source said both Robinson and Navarre previously worked with Staes and were hired by her. Stelly said Robinson was hired in February 2017, a month after Staes became HR director; and Navarre was hired in August. That same source, who declined to be named because the source was not authorized to talk to reporters, said the HR manager and HR executive assistant positions did not previously exist in the human resources department, at least under the previous two HR directors.

Staes was hired at a time when Gary Maynard, an independent contractor who answered only to a federal judge, was in charge of operating the jail and most functions of the sheriff's office. Maynard, a veteran in the corrections field, started in October 2016 under the title of compliance director. His job was to oversee compliance with a federal consent decree aimed at making the jail safer and improving conditions there. Maynard resigned Jan. 29, immediately after a hearing in federal court during which outside experts appointed to monitor the jail reported back to U.S. District Judge Lance Africk on the sheriff's office's progress - or lack thereof - in complying with the consent decree.

The jobs of Staes, Navarre and Robinson ended two days after Maynard's temporary replacement, former jail monitor Darnley Hodge Sr., took over operations. Staes' brief resignation letter is addressed to Hodge -- dated on the day Hodge took over -- and indicates intentions to resign effective on March 2, about two weeks after the date of the letter.

The employees' departures also came a little under three weeks after The New Orleans Advocate published a story detailing what the newspaper called "red flags" in Stae's background.

Before working at the sheriff's office, Staes led the human resources department at the Fair Grounds Race Courts and Slots, the sheriff's office said in her public job announcement. She also previously worked as an employment manager at Harrah's New Orleans Casino and Hotel.

Records show Louisiana Gaming Control Board officially revoked Stae's gaming permit in March 2017 - shortly after she started at OPSO - citing her "history of writing worthless checks," as well as "conflicting statements" she made to the board regarding the worthless checks. The board initially sought to revoke her permit in May 2016, records show, but the decision was reversed on appeal in August 2016, and then reaffirmed with the March 2017 order. The Advocate's referred to the gaming commission findings in its Feb. 2 story.

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The March 16, 2017, order revoking her permit states that Staes was "unsuitable" to possess a gaming employee permit. The two-page order continues, "A suitable person is one of 'good character, honesty, and integrity.'"

Staes said Thursday the worthless checks cited by the gaming board were "an unfortunate incident," that occurred when she "was attempting to assist a relative and it did not work out in the way that I planned," adding, "The intent was never to deceive."

"It was certainly a mistake made and a lesson learned, and I am most upset about the fact that this is being used for character assassination," she added, referring to the gaming commission findings resurfacing in connection to her job at OPSO.

"My intent was always to improve the human resources department and the agency as a whole. It is now and has always been embattled place to work, because of the nature of the work, but I do believe we did good work."

During Maynard's and Stae's tenure, at least four OPSO employees -- one of them a fairly new employee -- were arrested and fired.

Deputy Royanne Davis was

Staes said none of those employees were hired while she was HR director.

In a court order approving Maynard's resignation, Judge Africk thanked him for his service but wrote he was "dissatisfied with the pace of reform" at the jail.

The appointment of a compliance director was a condition of a July 2016 settlement to avoid a potential total takeover of the jail from Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman after plaintiffs claimed conditions remained unsafe. The jail has been under a consent decree since June 2013. It was prompted after inmates sued over conditions they claimed were unsafe and unconstitutional, and after the U.S. Department of Justice then joined suit against the sheriff's office.

Jail monitors have repeatedly criticized staffing at the jail, saying housing units are sometimes left unmanned by a correctional officer, and that deputies are not properly trained or supervised. Part of Maynard's strategy for fixing problems at the jail was to provide more training for deputies and to fill the HR director post, which is again vacant, as of this week.

The sheriff's office will appoint a temporary HR director, Stelly said Wednesday, and begin the process for searching for a permanent one.
Two students at Grace King High School in Metairie were arrested Thursday (Feb. 22) and booked with terrorizing after their whiteboard portrait captioned "future school shooter" was shared on social media, according to authorities.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office is not identifying the students, saying only that they are male and juveniles.

The pair was in a classroom Wednesday in which students were discussing the Feb. 14 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., that left 17 people dead, according to Lt. Jason Rivarde, spokesman for the Sheriff's Office.

One of the boys noted the other "looked like someone who would conduct a school shooting," Rivarde said.

The first student drew a portrait of the second on the classroom white board and added the "future school shooter" caption, according to Rivarde. The second student posed next to the drawing while other students took cell phone photos.

The students shared the photos on social media. School administrators and authorities eventually became aware of the posts on Thursday morning, according to Rivarde.

Deputies questioned the students who denied they had any intention of committing violent acts, Rivarde said. Investigators searched the homes of both students and found no evidence that either was planning a school shooting.

In addition to their arrests, the students will be disciplined in accordance with Jefferson Parish Public School System policy, spokeswoman Beth Branley said.

"It is out commitment to notify parents of any type of incident once we have obtained the most accurate information. The safety of all students and staff is our utmost concern, and we want them to feel safe and secure every day in every school," Branley said.

The Sheriff's Office reiterated that they would take seriously any threat of violence made toward any Jefferson Parish school.

"We will investigate every instance to the fullest," Rivarde said.

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The arrests came hours after about 100 panicked parents rushed to Helen Cox High School in Harvey Thursday morning to pick-up students after social media posts began circulating on Snapchat and Twitter about a threat made by a student.

But many who shared the posts or became concerned about them weren't aware that the "possible threat" had been investigated on Tuesday by Sheriff's Office. A campus resource officer spoke with the student and determined there was no credible threat, though the student was booked with being a child in need of supervision, according to authorities.

"He made a bad joke to one of his friends. But it was handled two days ago," Rivarde said Thursday morning. "Someone just heard about it and put it on Snapchat last night."

Several Louisiana school districts have found themselves responding to reports of similar threats in the wake of the Florida shooting. St. John the Baptist Parish school officials removed an eighth-grade student at LaPlace Elementary Friday (Feb. 16) after the boy made statements about shooing up the school.

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office looked into several threats, including one that was deemed credible and led to the arrest of an 18-year-old student who was booked with terrorizing after he said he would shoot faculty and fellow students as they arrived at school Monday.

St. Tammany and Orleans parish authorities have also fielded reports of threats made to schools. The New Orleans Police Department warned of a "bogus threat" on social media that prompted a brief lockdown at an unnamed Orleans Parish school. The post about the threat originated in Ohio, NOPD said.

Both parishes said they found no credible evidence of threats to schools, thus far.

The State Police noted an increase in the number of "copycat-type threats," the majority of which were found not credible. The agency encouraged citizens to report suspicious activity, but cautioned against sharing unconfirmed threats on social media.

"The sharing of unsubstantiated threats through social media could add chaos and panic to our school systems and further burden the facility, staff and student body," State Police officials said in a statement released Wednesday.

Residents should report any information about a threat to law enforcement. If the threat seems immediate, dial 911, State Police said. If it's something that may require a more investigation, call your local law enforcement office.

Emily Lane, Littice Bacon-Blood and Bob Warren contributed to this story.
Tulane University was named the top university among graduate schools for producing Peace Corps volunteers in 2018. The university announced Wednesday (Feb. 21) that 27 alumni are currently serving, with 22 of them from Tulane's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

The Peace Corps also ranked Tulane fifth among medium-sized colleges and universities in producing the most undergraduate volunteers, according to a news release. Thirty-three of Tulane's undergraduate alumni are volunteering worldwide, and Tulane stated this ranking is up from No. 10 in 2017.

The university was also ranked No. 1 among graduate schools producing volunteers in 2017.

Tulane President Mike Fitts in a released statement called Tulane's rankings "a source of intense pride" for the university, and he added that Tulane and the Peace Corps are "a perfect match" because of Tulane's focus on interdisciplinary studies to develop solutions to global problems.

It is the sort of education that prepared Tulane alumna Carlin O'Brien for work as a heath educator in Nicaragua. The university said O'Brien leads training on HIV/AIDS and gender equality workshops at the local hospitals and high schools in the country.

"I already had many of the skills that Peace Corps promoted, like monitoring and evaluation practices, community assessment strategies, and even grant writing experience," O'Brien said in the news release.

. . . . . . .

Wilborn P. Nobles III is an education reporter based in New Orleans. He can be reached at wnobles@nola.com or on Twitter at @WilNobles.
The state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority voted Wednesday (Feb. 21) to approve a plan to spend $566 million on coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects in fiscal year 2019, if all of the requested money becomes available. The vote clears the way for the Legislature to vote on the plan during its regular session that convenes on March 12.

The majority of the money in the plan will be used for design and construction of coastal restoration projects, and will be funded by financial settlements associated with the 2010 BP oil spill.

The approved spending plan is about $4 million more than proposed in December, the result of the recent approval of four new projects and of funding for construction to begin on two older projects by the federal-state Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act task force.

The plan continues to reflect the state's expectation that it will receive only between $60 million to $70 million in offshore oil revenue under the federal Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, although a recent supplemental spending bill approved by Congress also is expected to result in 5 to 7 percent more in offshore revenue for the state because a rule requiring that money to be returned to the federal treasury has been paused for two years.

The federal Department of interior has confirmed that low oil prices and the slow bounceback of drilling in the Gulf are responsible for Louisiana not receiving the maximum $140 million it could be paid under GOMESA.

Chip Kline, deputy director of the Governor's Office of Coastal Activities, told authority members on Wednesday that the Trump administration also has agreed to keep the GOMESA money in its proposed 2019 federal budget, after recommending that the program be killed, and all of the Gulf offshore money be returned to the federal treasury, as part of its 2018 budget proposal.

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise last week said that decision was the result of intense lobbying by himself, other members of the state Congressional delegation, and by state officials. The state hosted a fact-finding trip to south Louisiana for Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke that included a flyover of the state's eroding coast.

And Scalise said that he had pulled White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney aside for a similar lecture about the state's need for continued GOMESA funding to pay for restoration and levee projects during a recent Camp David retreat with President Donald Trump.

"I served with Mick in the House, and now he's the guy who drafts the president's budget," Scalise said in an interview. He said he explained the history of the development of the offshore oil industry and how the state had received little of the revenue, despite the economic and environmental effects of those operations on the state, until GOMESA was created.

Scalise said two other provisions in the supplemental bill could also help the state in the future. One would raise the cap on money to be paid to Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas under GOMESA from the present $500 million to $650 million a year during the next two years. While Scalise agrees with Interior that it's unlikely that there will be enough oil and gas revenue to even reach the existing cap over the next two years, he said including the provision in the bill creates a precedent that he hopes will become permanent.

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The second provision, proposed by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, allows a portion of the extra revenue that will be received over the next two years by selling millions of barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to offset the money used to raise the GOMESA cap. Again, while the provision likely won't be needed during the next two years because of the low price of oil, Scalise said he hopes the provision will be included in future budget actions.

If approved by the Legislature, the annual plan will provide funding for planning, engineering and design, and construction for 65 projects, and operation, maintenance and monitoring money for another 136 projects that have already been built.

CPRA Executive Director Michael Ellis told the authority Wednesday that the 2019 budget dedicated 51 percent of its money towards construction. In 2020 and 2021, the money going into construction will jump to 73 percent and 76 percent.

New Orleans area projects that will receive money in the plan, and their total cost:

Northwest Turtle Bay Marsh Creation, $31 million estimated cost, to create and nourish marsh west of the Harvey Cut-Off canal in Jefferson.

The authority also released for public comment its recommendation for spending $20 million the state will receive in BP spill-related Clean Water Act fine money to match coastal projects that individual parishes have proposed to build with their own shares of BP-related fine money.

The six projects are:

Cameron Parish - Construction of the Rockefeller Shoreline Stabilization Project ($6.67M);

Public comments on these projects will be accepted until April 9 and may be submitted by email to coastal@la.gov, or by mail to CPRA, Public Comments, 150 Terrace Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.
The Stantec Team, led by Stantec Inc., a Canadian engineering and design firm with worldwide experience in water resources projects, has been chosen to oversee the engineering and design of the proposed $488 million Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority announced Wednesday (Feb. 21).

The other consulting firms that are part of Stantec's team were not available late Wednesday.

The Mid-Breton diversion would be built near Wills Point on the east bank of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish, near river mile 69 above Head of Passes. It would move up to 35,000 cubic feet per second of water and sediment from the river into wetlands between the river and Lake Borgne, with the hope being that the sediment would nourish existing wetlands and build new wetlands in open water.

The project is expected to include an inlet channel, a gated structure in the river levee, a conveyance channel to move the sediment and water into the wetlands and open water, and a complex of outlet channels. The project also will require drainage improvements within the levee system and highway accommodations.

The state's 2017 coastal master plan update predicts the diversion would build nearly 83 square miles of new land during its first 50 years of operation.

The project has been opposed by commercial fishers who say the fresh water will either damage finfish, shrimp and crabs, or make the resources relocate out of the area. Either way, they contend the project will severely damage the fishing industry and the families who depend upon it.

Stantec was one of only two firms expressing interest in the project. The other was Arcadis, a company based in the Netherlands that provided a variety of design and consulting services to the Army Corps of Engineers during construction of the post-Hurricane Katrina levee system in New Orleans.

"We were fortunate to have two high quality proposals making this an extremely competitive process. The state is confident Stantec will bring the local experience and global expertise needed to help us design a project that will be transformational for coastal Louisiana," said Michael Ellis, CPRA's executive director.

Stantec also has local experience in engineering and design of state and local roads and highways -- and has a New Orleans office.

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In August, CPRA announced that it had hired a team led by AECOM, an international engineering and infrastructure design firm based in Los Angeles, to design the proposed $1.3 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion on the west bank of the Mississippi in Plaquemines.

As with the AECOM team, state officials will negotiate the price of the Mid-Barataria contract with the Stantec team over the next few weeks. Under state law, professional service contracts are awarded based on qualifications, and a contract amount is then agreed upon.

Also like AECOM, the Stantec team will participate in a project delivery method called "construction management at risk," or CMAR. The CPRA will hire a construction contractor in 2019, still during the early design phase of the project, to collaborate with the project team on engineering, construction issues, scheduling and cost.

A request for qualifications for the construction CMAR leader for the Mid-Barataria diversion is now being advertised.

Engineering and design of the Mid-Breton diversion will begin immediately, according to a news release issued by CPRA, concurrent with the state's efforts to obtain federal permits. Construction will begin as soon as the engineering phase and the permitting process is complete.

The corps has estimated that the Mid-Barataria project would not receive the necessary permits dealing with environmental issues and with crossing federal levees until 2022, but state officials have been working with the Trump administration to speed up that process. The state wants construction to begin on that diversion by the end of 2020.

The Mid-Breton sediment will face similar permitting problems, with construction estimated to begin in 2023 by the CPRA.

The CPRA has posted information about diversions on a special webpage: Mississippi River Mid-Basin Sediment Diversion Program

Click for Additional Sediment Diversion Resources, Mid-Breton Educational Brochure, FAQ document.
The Al Capone biopic "Fonzo" is gearing up to shoot in New Orleans, with actor Tom Hardy ("The Revenant," "Mad Max: Fury Road") reportedly lined up to portray the iconic Chicago gangster and bootlegger. Production is scheduled to begin April 2, according to the city's film office.

"Fonzo" will be written and directed by Josh Trank, who previously spent time in Louisiana on the 2015 superhero film "Fantastic Four." Lawrence Bender, a longtime collaborator of Quentin Tarantino's, is producing through his eponymous shingle.

The film will reportedly catch up with Capone in the last year of his life as he reflects on his violent past, which is clouded by syphilis-related mental decline. The synopsis:

"Once a ruthless businessman and bootlegger who ruled Chicago with an iron fist, Alfonse Capone was the most infamous and feared gangster of American lore. At the age of 47, following nearly a decade of imprisonment, dementia rots Alfonse's mind and his past becomes present as harrowing memories of his violent and brutal origins melt into his waking life."

Capone died in 1947 at the age of 48.

In won't be the first time Hardy will have played a real-life criminal. He gained attention in 2008 with his performance in the film "Bronson," in which he played a notorious English prisoner who assumed the name Charles Bronson, who lived almost his entire adult life in solitary confinement. In 2015, Hardy starred in dual roles in the film "Legend," about the twin English gangsters known as the Kray twins.

Budget figures for "Fonzo" weren't available; the production has yet to file paperwork with the state.

"Fonzo," which is also planning a shoot in Savannah, Georgia, is expected to shoot in New Orleans from April 2 to May 18.

It's one of a number of projects shooting or preparing to shoot in Louisiana, including the feature films "Eli," "Semper Fi," "Greyhound" and "Highwaymen," along with more than a half-dozen TV series.
Seventeen vehicles carrying humanitarian aid from the mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have crossed into Donetsk region through the Novotroitske checkpoint, the Ukrainian State Border Service said in a statement.

"Seventeen vehicles carrying over 320 tonnes of food and hygiene sets from the mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross have crossed the Novotroitske checkpoint in the direction of Donetsk," the Ukrainian State Border Service said in a statement released on Thursday.
Two men were arrested and $1.5 million worth of heroin confiscated during a traffic stop on Interstate 12 in St. Tammany Parish Saturday (Feb. 17), the Sheriff's office reported.

The 7.6 pounds of pure heroin represented the largest such seizure in parish history, authorities said.

Late Saturday afternoon, deputies with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Highway Enforcement Unit stopped two vehicles that were traveling together eastbound on I-12. The drivers of the two vehicles, who were not identified but are not U.S. citizens, provided deputies with vague explanations of a beach vacation, but their stories did not add up, the Sheriff's Office reported.

Sheriff's Office police dogs Nero and Echo and deputies searched both vehicles, uncovering the heroin hidden inside one of the vehicles. The 7.6 pounds of heroin has a street-level value of approximately $1.5 million, the Sheriff's Office reported.

An investigation led deputies to believe the drugs were not just passing through St. Tammany, but were destined for sale in the parish. Both drivers were arrested and booked with possession and conspiracy to distribute heroin and traffic violations. They are being held on $750,000 bond.

"With the abuse of heroin and the lethal overdoses that occur every day in the United States, this undoubtedly was a significant amount of heroin that was interdicted from hitting the streets of St. Tammany," Sheriff Randy Smith said. "Last year alone, this parish saw 80 deaths from heroin overdoses. I am sending this message now; I will not tolerate individuals bringing this deadly drug into our community."
The husband of an online exhibitionist who was found dead outside her Alabama home in January was charged Thursday morning (Feb. 22) with murdering his wife, AL.com reported.

After more than a month-long investigation that brought national attention to the small Alabama town of Calera,, authorities booked 44-year-old William "Jeff" West with killing Kathleen Dawn West.

The victim, 42, went by the name Kitty Kat West on her subscription-only website, which featured revealing photos of West, and directed viewers to her paid adult website, AL.com reported. West described herself as a full-time mom and wife on Facebook but lived a vastly different life on other social media platforms.

West's partially nude body was found in the early-morning hours of Jan. 13 outside the family's home, where she lived with her husband and the couple's 12-year-old daughter, the website reported. William West was taken into custody at his home Thursday morning without incident.
An off-duty reserve St. Tammany Parish sheriff's deputy fired his gun at a vehicle whose driver tried to run him over Wednesday afternoon following a hit-and-run crash, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office said.

No one was reported injured in the collision or gunfire, the Sheriff's Office said Thursday (Feb. 22).

In a news release, the Sheriff's Office said Christopher Townsend, 32, of Covington, was arrested and has been booked with hit and run, aggravated assault with a vehicle on a police officer, DWI, and no driver's license.

The incident was one of two in St. Tammany Parish Wednesday in which a law enforcement officer fired a weapon at a vehicle coming toward him. The Slidell Police Department said an officer fired at a U-Haul truck whose driver tried to run the officer down. That driver was arrested; the U-Haul was stolen, police said.

The Sheriff's Office said the reserve deputy, who it did not identify, was in his personal pickup truck at the intersection of U.S. 190 and Penn Mill Road near Covington around 2:30 p.m. when a westbound Pontiac G6 heading westbound on U.S. 190 crashed into the deputy's truck.

The driver of that vehicle, later identified as Townsend, continued driving west on U.S. 190 after the crash. The deputy followed and called 911 to request marked patrol units, the Sheriff's Office said.

Townsend, who the Sheriff's Office said was driving erratically, turned northbound onto Louisiana 1077 and then turned into a subdivision, where he made a U-turn.

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The Sheriff's Office said the reserve deputy got out of his truck, identified himself as a deputy and ordered Townsend to stop. The Sheriff's Office said Townsend accelerated in the deputy's direction and the deputy, fearing for his safety, "discharged his off-duty weapon at the suspect in an attempt to prevent him from hitting the deputy with the vehicle.''

The news release did not say how many shots were fired. A Sheriff's Office spokeswoman later said the weapon was a handgun.

The deputy avoided being hit and Townsend continued southbound on Louisiana 1077, where marked units that arrived on the scene apprehended him after the vehicle was disabled due to damage from the earlier hit and run, the Sheriff's Office said.

The Sheriff's Office said Townsend failed a field sobriety test on the scene. He refused to submit to a breathalyzer. Blood drawn from him will be submitted to the crime lab for analysis.

Townsend was booked into the St. Tammany Parish jail. The Sheriff's Office said he has a criminal record out of Texas, including arrests for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, theft, DWI and drug charges.

The sheriff's spokeswoman said the reserve deputy is on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.
A group of parents pressing the St. Tammany Parish School Board to create a French immersion program for the 2018-2019 school year has moved a step closer to its goal.

But there still appears to be some work ahead before the St. Tammany Parish public school district signs off on the program. The district is now collecting the signatures of interested parents and says it needs a headcount before it can take the next steps.

Parents or legal guardians of students entering kindergarten or first grade in the 2018-2019 school year must fill out the application and submit it to the school district by March 1, Assistant Superintendent Regina Sanford said.

Anne Ogden of Covington, who has a daughter who will enter kindergarten next year, presented the School Board with a petition Feb. 8 from the parents or guardians of incoming kindergartners and first graders asking the district to create the immersion program.

Program supporters say students in foreign language immersion programs often enjoy higher levels of academic achievement. The Council for Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) recommends immersion programs start in kindergarten and run through 8th grade. Students in immersion programs receive instruction from English- and foreign language-speaking teachers.

Ogden said the petition delivered to the School Board included the signatures of 36 parents or guardians of incoming kindergarten students and 27 parents or guardians of students who will enter the first grade in the 2018-2019 school year.

Having the signatures of at least 25 parents/guardians of incoming kindergarten students or incoming first-graders is one of the stipulations in a state law that requires districts to create foreign language immersion programs when petitioned by parents.

But Sanford said the petition wasn't the formal document the state requires. She said the district worked with its attorneys to draft the application. She said the application will be available at schools across the district, and principals are being told to make parents aware of it. Sanford said applications are also available at the school district's central office, 321 N. Theard St., Covington.

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Ogden said she has also been asked to help spread the application. Ogden said supporters have created a Facebook page, St. Tammany French Immersion School, where interested parents and guardians can find the application.

In some of the comment threads on that Facebook page, some parents questioned the need for such a quick turnaround for the application and worried that word hasn't gotten out.

The application includes several stipulations for an immersion program to be started. Among them the district said it has to have the available funding, it would have to be able to employ a suitable teacher, and it cannot guarantee transportation for students who live outside of the attendance boundaries for whatever school is chosen as the site.

The application binds the student to the French immersion program for the 2018-2019 school year and says if more than 25 students apply a lottery system might have to be conducted.

The district also has not said where the immersion program would be located - the application states only that the district will select a site based on space availability and the "best interests of the district.''

Ogden said the parents group is looking into a private bus program or carpool to help with student transportation.

Sanford on Wednesday said the quick turnaround for the application is because of the amount of work that would be required to create a program in time for the next school year, which starts Aug. 9. She said she understands parents might be reticent to commit their child without knowing where the program would be held, but said the district has to know how many students would be involved before deciding where it would be located.

"There's really a lot that still would need to be done,'' she said. "But until we have the (number of) students, we really can't move forward with the next step.''
School officials and law enforcement authorities in two North Shore parishes found themselves dealing with school threat issues involving social media Wednesday (Feb. 21).

They aren't alone. In the wake of the mass shooting that claimed 17 lives at a Florida high school last week, schools across the region have had to address incidents in which social media posts have spread through school communities, in some cases creating fear among students and parents.

Some of those threats were determined to not be credible; others have resulted in arrests.

In St. Tammany Parish, a threat Wednesday turned out to be a misunderstanding, the Sheriff's Office said. But in neighboring Tangipahoa Parish, several social media posts were investigated and the students responsible were removed from school, the school district said.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office said that Sheriff Randy Smith, area police chiefs and St. Tammany Parish schools Superintendent Trey Folse met Wednesday to talk about school safety and go over the safety plans already in place.

The Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post that it had investigated social media posts about a potential threat at Fontainebleau High School near Mandeville and concluded there is no threat to the school.

"Through our investigation we determined the comments originated after students overheard another student discussing a dream,'' the Sheriff's Office said. "We were made aware of the conversation overheard, investigated it and have determined there is no credibility to this threat.''

Wednesday marked the second time this week Tangipahoa Parish school officials dealt with threats. On Monday, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office said it had arrested three people in connection with threats or the spreading of potential threats at schools in that parish.

Wednesday, Tangipahoa Parish schools Superintendent Mark Kolwe said in a message on the district's Facebook page that more threats had been received.

"Unfortunately, we have had several student-initiated social media postings/threats this morning. These incidents have been dealt with and the students who were responsible for the threats have been removed from our schools,'' Kolwe's post said. "There are no ongoing problems and there are no current threats at any of our schools. However, every threat will be taken seriously and the guilty party will suffer the consequences.

Across the region, school districts have been on heightened alert.

In New Orleans, a 16-year-old student on Monday was detained at a high schoool and then brought by New Orleans police to the juvenile detention center after he "reportedly made a statement regarding a possible shooting threat on the school," NOPD spokesman Aaron Looney said.

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Administrators at Lake Area New Tech Early College High School reported the threat to police about 12:21 p.m., Looney said. No weapons were found on the student, Looney said. He said no injuries were reported, and police did not believe anyone to be in danger.

Cerise Martin, a spokeswoman for the New Beginnings Schools Foundation, the charter network that operates the school, said classes were not disrupted on Monday. Administrators contacted police, she said, in accordance with school protocol.

On Tuesday, meanwhile, Lafourche Parish authorities said a 17-year-old Thibodaux High School student was arrested and accused of threatening to bring a shotgun to school to shoot students. And in Pearl River County, Mississippi, school district authorities said they had investigated a potential threat and were satisfied it was not viable.

Nonetheless, Alan Lumpkin, the county's education superintendent, posted a note on the district's webpage asking people to be careful in their use of social media.

"Social media is a powerful communication tool,'' he wrote. "Please use this tool wisely and appropriately when sending information pertaining to potential threats. Misuse of social media and misinformation placed on social media can desensitize the seriousness of the potential threat.''

On Thursday, the St. Tammany Parish school district posted a note on its website outlining several of the district's student and employee safety policies. "If you or your child sees something unusual or has a concern, you should always let someone at the school know,'' the district said, adding that parents and students can reach out to principals, Central Office supervisors or Crimestoppers at 1-877-903-7867.

Louisiana State Police, in a news release Wednesday afternoon, noted the uptick in "copycat type threats'' following the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida. The agency said threats made to schools, churches and public institutions are "expeditiously investigated with every available resource'' and advises anyone knowing of such threats to contact law enforcement authorities or 911.

The agency also suggests using the "see something send something'' app, which can be found at http://www.mymobilewitness.com/consumer-services.php.

But State Police also warned against spreading unsubstantiated threats through social media. The agency also reminds people it's against the law to make threats against others.

Under Louisiana's terrorizing law, it's a felony to "intentionally communicate information of a crime of violence, which causes the public to be in sustained fear for their safety, causes the evacuation of a building, or other serious disruption to the general public," State Police said. Violators can be arrested and could face fines of up to $15,000 as well as possible prison for up to 15 years.

Reporter Emily Lane contributed to this story.
An 18-year-old New York woman says she was sitting in a parked car with two guys in September when two plain-clothes detectives approached them, found marijuana in the cup holder and took her and only her into custody. The woman says the detectives took turns driving the unmarked police van and raping her. She says she told them no, but how could she have said yes? She says she was in the backseat handcuffed. The detectives say the teenager agreed to sex with them. A graphic accompanying Buzzfeed's report about that woman's ordeal says "Laws in 35 states allow cops to have sex with someone in their custody." It counts Louisiana among the 35.

Buzzfeed is being a bit sensational. New Orleanians will remember that in 2011 police officer Henry Hollins was convicted and sentenced to a 45-year prison term after a woman he picked up while patrolling Central City says he raped her inside a Tchoupitoulas Street warehouse. That woman was never booked with a crime but was dumped back out on the street by Hollins. Similarly, the New York teenager wasn't taken to the station or booked with a crime but, instead, she says, was put out on the side of a road. And the two detectives she accuses have appropriately been charged with rape.

Those two prosecutions demonstrate that neither New York nor Louisiana allows the police to have sex with people they've taken into custody.

"No state allows rape by the police," Tania Tetlow, a Tulane Law School professor and the former director of the law school's Domestic Violence Clinic, said in a Monday email. "General rape laws apply to every person," she wrote, "including police officers. Instead, the question is whether the law should go further and make clear that a person in the custody of the police cannot legally consent, in the way that many states make that clear for prisoners serving time."

What that Buzzfeed graphic ought to say is that in 35 states, police can make the claim - however ridiculous - that a person they had trapped, maybe even handcuffed, freely consented to sex with them. Fifteen states prohibit such a defense.

Buzzfeed, citing a database compiled by The Buffalo News, counts at least 158 police officers charged since 2006 with some kind of sexual offense against people "under their control" and "at least 26 (who) have been acquitted or had charges dropped based on the consent defense."

Does Louisiana need a law that says explicitly that any sex on-duty police have with a person in custody is presumed to be rape because a person in custody is, well, in custody? Do we need to take away the consent defense?

Yeah, why not? Some might think it unnecessary. Some might call it redundant. But such arguments weren't persuasive when the Louisiana Legislature was debating the so-called "Blue Lives Matter" law. It was already the case that an attack on a law enforcement official was considered a worse offense than an attack on a civilian. There was no reason to give the police and district attorneys the discretion to label certain attacks on law enforcement officers hate crimes. But Gov. Joh Bel Edwards, a Democrat leading a red state, made a show of standing with the police.

If that's what we're doing here - making laws to let certain groups know they're valued - then why not make a political statement for all the people who have been or will be sexually assaulted? If this depressingly large class of people is considered important enough, then a bill that bars police officers from claiming consensual sex with people in their custody will fly through the Legislature with no opposition and be enthusiastically signed by the governor.

According to a 2013 report from The Cato Institute, sexual abuse complaints against police officers are second only to complaints alleging excessive force. At a 2007 gathering of the nation's police chiefs in 2007, almost all of the more than 70 chiefs present raised a hand when asked if they'd had to deal with an officer accused of sexual misdeeds.

Tetlow said every state has a list of people who cannot legally give consent to sex - "children, seriously disabled people, or those temporarily incapacitated by alcohol." She said that "at a minimum" the Louisiana law barring prison staff from sex with inmates should apply to police and those in their custody.

It's worth noting, though, that Louisiana Revised Statute 14:134.1 doesn't define a prison guard having sex with an inmate as rape but defines it instead as "malfeasance." The maximum fine is $10,000, and the maximum prison term is ten years.

Preventing the police from claiming consensual sex with those they detained is an idea our state's lawmakers should run with. There are already things that accused rapists can't say in court. They can't say an alleged victim is promiscuous. And if they're police who had an alleged victim in custody, they ought not be able to say their victim consented.

Jarvis DeBerry is deputy opinions editor for NOLA.COM | The Times-Picayune. He can be reached at jdeberry@nola.com or at twitter.com/jarvisdeberry.
The state will soon be pushing the locally elected officials of Powhatan out of the way to administer the finances of the northwest Louisiana village that in mid-July had only $105 in its general fund and is hiring a cop to drum up some money from
The Pechersky District Court of Kyiv has granted the request of the General Prosecutor's Office of Ukraine and exempted the former finance minister of the time of the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych, Yuriy Kolobov, from criminal liability in connection with the expiration of the statute of limitations, the Internet publication "The Court Reporter" reported from the courtroom.

According to the publication, this ruling was issued by Judge Volodymyr Karaban on February 21.

The ruling comes into force within seven days from the date of its adoption, unless an appeal is filed.

The publication noted that Kolobov himself participated in the court session via a videoconference from the Consulate General of Ukraine in Barcelona (Spain). In Kyiv, he was represented by defense lawyer Yulia Stepanenko.

"A request for Kolobov's release from criminal responsibility in connection with the expiration of the statute of limitations on December 7, 2017, was filed by Oleksiy Kuvshynov, deputy head of the procedural management department for the investigation of crimes committed by criminal organizations at the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine on February 21. He represented the Prosecutor General's Office in court on February 21," the resource writes, noting that the prosecutor refused to comment on the case to the journalist.

Kolobov was finance minister in the period of February 28, 2012 till February 27, 2014.

Kolobov was arrested in the resort town of Altea, Valencia, Spain, at the beginning of March 2015, on suspicion of committing a criminal offense under Part 5 of Article 191 of the Criminal Code (misappropriation, embezzlement of property through abuse of office).
The Rev. Billy Graham, who died Wednesday (Feb. 21) at age 99, will be buried in a casket built by Angola inmates in 2006, according to a report from WAFB-TV.

Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola first began building their own caskets about 18 years ago. Inmates before then were buried in cardboard boxes, the station reported.

"America's Pastor," as he was dubbed, had suffered from cancer, pneumonia and other ailments and died at his home in North Carolina.

Graham's body will be taken from Asheville, N.C., where he lived, to Charlotte on Saturday in a procession expected to take 3 1/2 hours and ending at the Billy Graham Museum and Library.

A private funeral for Graham will be held on Friday, March 2, in a tent at the library site and he will be buried next to his wife there. Invitations to the funeral will be extended to President Donald Trump and former presidents.

Read the full report here.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Evangelical Christians everywhere paused for a moment Wednesday when word spread that charismatic preacher Billy Graham had died at age 99. In New Orleans, memories raced back to the moment in March 2006 when Graham, then 87, momentarily came out of retirement to visit the flood-damaged city in order to preach against pessimism.

He wanted to be here

David Crosby, Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of New Orleans, was instrumental in arranging for Billy and his son Franklin's two-night post-Katrina crusade at the New Orleans Arena (now the Smoothie King Center).

"He was weak, but he held onto the pulpit." Crosby said of Billy Graham's brief sermon. "I think that after realizing his weakened condition, I was surprised that he came."

Times-Picayune religion reporter Bruce Nolan described the moment like so: "Evangelist Billy Graham seemed to close out his 60-year career as the country's most famous evangelist Sunday, calling thousands to Christian faith in wounded New Orleans with the acknowledgment that 'this is probably the last evangelistic sermon I'll ever preach.'

"Frail and tentative, the 87-year-old Graham shuffled behind a walker toward the pulpit set at one end of the New Orleans Arena as a crowd his organization estimated at 16,300 stood in a sustained roar of applause."

Crosby said that before the momentous sermon, the frail giant of American religion toured the ruined Lower Ninth Ward, even exiting the vehicle he rode in order to meet residents.

"People all wanted to get his picture and see him," Crosby recalled. "He was so gracious. He was on a walker, but he wanted to interact. He wanted to speak to pastors. He wanted to be here. It was inspiring just to see him. He didn't need to expose himself to the fumes and smells of the devastated city."

Crosby said that though Graham's wife Ruth wasn't with him, in his mind the preacher strove to translate what he was seeing for her behalf.

"He was shaking his head and saying, 'I don't know how I'll tell Ruth,'" Crosby said. "I thought to myself, 'None of us know how to put into words what we're seeing in this strange world of post-Katrina.'"

Don't get weary

Crosby's partner in arranging for the Graham's large-scale 2006 sermons was Fred Luter, pastor of the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church. Luter said that in 2006 Billy Graham called on the people of New Orleans to persevere.

"He said, 'Despite Katrina, don't get weary, this too will pass,'" Luter recalled.

As Nolan wrote: "Graham preached on his feet for 22 minutes. The arena's lighting caught his swept-back silvery hair. His familiar square jaw was taut, but his voice has grown thin with the years. Graham told a few well-received jokes and spoke admiringly of Mayor Ray Nagin and the Herculean task of recovery facing him. "How do you eat an elephant?" he advised Nagin. "One bite at a time. It's the only way."

Luter cherishes the memory of Graham's 2006 visit but his favorite encounter with Graham came six years later. In 2012 Luter became the first African-American president of the Southern Baptist Convention. When he was invited to visit the legendary minister in his North Carolina home, Luter said his reaction was: "Yes indeed."

"It was an incredible, incredible, incredible time," Luter said of his 45-minute kitchen table chat with Graham.

"He was wearing oxygen," Luter said. "He was frail but very, very alert mentally. He said he was happy to hear that at the Southern Baptist Convention an African-American had been elected. He said it was time that should have happened; it should have happened a long time ago."

More alive than ever

Dennis Watson, lead pastor of Celebration Church of New Orleans met Graham during his 2006 Crescent City visit. He said that in addition to everything else Graham should be remembered for, he was a great risk-taker. Watson said that Graham had integrated his crusades in the 1950s, even before the Civil Rights had taken hold, and was allied with Martin Luther King.

According to his Associated Press obituary: "Graham ended racially segregated seating at his Southern crusades in 1953, a year before the Supreme Court's school integration ruling, and long refused to visit South Africa while its white regime insisted on racially segregated meetings."

"He was a great example of what it means to be a Christian leader," Watson said.

"I was actually glad for him, when I heard he'd died," Watson said, because the once-energetic minister's quality of life had so diminished.

Watson said that Graham didn't fear death. "He said, 'One day you're going to hear that Billy Graham has died, but don't you believe it. I'll be more alive than I've ever been."

Acknowledge faults and celebrate virtues

Bishop J. Douglas Wiley-Taylor said that Billy and Franklin Graham's organization provided temporary trailers for his Life Center Cathedral church after Katrina. Wiley-Taylor paints a picture of a very personable Billy Graham, whose "humility was disarming."

On their first meeting, Wiley-Taylor said, he laughed despite himself when Graham, who had spent decades on the world stage, said: "Bishop, I've heard a lot about you."

"Often, when you meet someone of that stature, you don't expect someone to be that kind and warm," Wiley-Taylor said. "My experience with him was surreal. I've never met a more humble, childlike person. I mean that in the most positive possible sense. He asked me to open his water bottle."

When Wiley-Taylor's wife's camera malfunctioned as she tried to take a photo of Graham, he instructed a staff member to "buy her a camera, and buy her a good one."

Graham made good on his pledge and the camera is now a family treasure along with a small bible signed by both Billy Graham and Andrew Young, Wiley-Taylor said.

Wiley-Taylor pointed out that "the media hasn't failed to point out his (Graham's) weaknesses."

Graham, who had offered religious council to American presidents beginning with Eisenhower, was stained by his relationship with Richard Nixon, whose scandalous presidency ended in his unprecedented resignation.

According to his Associated Press obituary, Graham was recorded on tape "telling the president (Nixon) that Jews 'don't know how I really feel about what they're doing to this country.'" It was a statement that led to further embarrassment and apology on Graham's part.

But Wiley-Taylor said it's possible to acknowledge Graham's faults while celebrating his virtues.

"I think the necessity of seeing a hero's humanity is crucial to authenticity," he said.

Doug MacCash covers culture in New Orleans. Contact him via email at dmaccash@nola.com. Follow him on Twitter at Doug MacCash and on Facebook at Douglas James MacCash. As always, please add your point of view to the comment stream.
Though the freezing weather on Jan. 20 kept the Caledonian Society of New Orleans members from having a timely birthday party in honor of Scotland's famed poet, Robert Burns, it didn't stop them from having the celebration.

It was Feb. 17 that the society chose to reschedule its 44th annual Burns Supper at Southern Yacht Club. The party is just one held throughout the world on or near his birthday, Jan. 25, by those who wish to celebrate the life of Burns. (Burns passed away in 1796.)

It was also a great excuse to wear kilts and other regalia, and enjoy music from bagpipers and the New Orleans Strathspey & Reel Society, as well as possibly sample haggis, a traditional Scottish dish, that is a mix of sheep's heart, liver and lungs with minced onion, oatmeal, suet, stock, spices and salt, then boiled in an animal's stomach.

The Caledonian Society's purpose is to study, preserve, teach and present the culture of Scotland and the Isles, as well as sponsor a Scottish pipe band and grant scholarships in piping, drumming and Scottish dancing.
The Obolonsky District Court of Kyiv has dismissed the request of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych for the second interrogation of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko as a witness in Yanukovych's treason case.

At a meeting on Thursday, the court found such a petition by the defense team "completely unfounded". Yanukovych's lawyers called Poroshenko's interrogation held on Wednesday, February 21, "such that they did not take place" because they allegedly did not have the opportunity to "establish the circumstances" they wanted to establish.

"The court cannot but agree with the prosecution that yesterday in the court session you [the defense team], for one reason or another, actually ceded the questioning of Petro Oleksiyovych Poroshenko to the prosecution. Perhaps this is your defense tactics, and you will be able to realize it in the next court hearings," Presiding Judge Vladyslav Deviatko said.
A serviceman of the border commandant of the rapid response of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service in Lviv region was killed during the training shooting on Thursday, the press service of the frontier department has reported.

"On this fact, the border department has immediately informed the military prosecutor's office, the National Police in Lviv region and other cooperating structures. The investigative group is conducting urgent investigative actions at the time," the message said on Thursday.

The circumstances of the border guard's death were not reported in the State Border Guard Service.
Feb 22, 2018 NR

Young Rebel Star Prabhas' Saaho was to be canned in Dubai in early December to shoot a huge action stunt at the famous skyscraper Burj Khalifa under the action choreography of Hollywood stunt master Kenny Bates. But then, the schedule is postponed since they could not obtain the necessary permissions.

Finally, after so much of hard work, the makers have managed the necessary permissions and they are leaving to Dubai the next week. Being directed by Sujith, Saaho is an action drama. It is being produced by UV Creations with the estimated 150 Cr budget. Click the Movie button below for more info:

Saaho
Ukraine's law enforcement agencies continue to use torture, as well as other forms of ill-treatment, according to Amnesty International Ukraine.

"The investigation into the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) for its alleged secret prisons failed to make any progress. Law enforcement officials continued to use torture and other ill-treatment," the human rights organization said in an annual report, which was made available to Interfax-Ukraine.

The organization also noted that members of law enforcement agencies continued to use torture and other ill-treatment, and committed other human rights violations. There was continued impunity for past and ongoing violations of international humanitarian law.

"The Chief Military Prosecutor's investigation into the allegations of secret detention by the SBU in eastern Ukraine was ineffective. Evidence published in 2016 by international NGOs showing the existence of this practice was largely ignored by the authorities," Amnesty International Ukraine said.

The organization recalled the detention of a Ukrainian woman living in Russia, Daria Mastikasheva, who was apprehended by the SBU, held incommunicado for two days, and later accused of treason and illegal weapons possession.

"Photos taken by her lawyer of her outside the court showed signs of beatings and possible torture by SBU officers. Her lawyer also reported that she was issued with threats targeting her mother and son, until she agreed to read out a self-incriminating statement on camera. At the end of the year she was still in detention awaiting trial," human rights activists said.

The report also states that civil society activists and members of NGOs, particularly those working on corruption, were regularly harassed and subjected to violence. These incidents were often not effectively investigated, and members of the authorities, including security services in some instances, were widely suspected to have instigated them.
Marc Thiessen writes a twice-weekly column for The Post on foreign and domestic policy and contributes to the PostPartisan blog. He is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and the former chief speechwriter for President George W. Bush.
KYIV. Feb 22 (Interfax-Ukraine) - One in three Ukrainian respondents support the recognition of certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (ORDLO) as temporarily occupied territories, and one in five think it is necessary to continue military operations until the full restoration of Ukrainian power in the occupied territories, sociologists say.

According to the results of a survey conducted by the Rating Sociological Group and presented at the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Thursday, 32% of respondents support the cessation of hostilities in Donbas and the recognition of certain areas as temporarily occupied, 21% support the idea of giving these territories a federal status within Ukraine, and 8% support the secession of these territories from Ukraine.

Some 21% of Ukrainians believe that it is necessary to continue military operations until the full restoration of Ukrainian power in the occupied territory.

At the same time, most of those surveyed (63%) believe that Ukraine's unitary system is the most optimal for the country, while 19% of respondents support a federal system.

The federal structure of Ukraine is mostly supported by residents of Donetsk (39%), Odesa (38%) and Mykolaiv (31%) regions, and the unitary structure by those living in Poltava (84%), Ternopil and Ivano-Frankivsk (83%) regions.

In addition, half of those polled support a parliamentary-presidential form of government in the country, while 17% spoke in support of the transition to the parliamentary one, and 14% to the presidential one. One in five respondents were undecided.

At the same time, only 28% believe that Ukraine today needs a dictatorship with a tough leader as head of the state, while 56% are against dictatorship, and another 16% were undecided.

The survey was conducted from December 12 to December 28, 2017. A total of 30,000 respondents aged over 18 were interviewed face-to-face. The poll's margin of error does not exceed 0.6%.
KYIV. Feb 22 (Interfax-Ukraine)  Russia conducted a series of cross-border attacks on Ukrainian villages and military positions in 2014, a fact that gives grounds to view the situation as an international armed conflict," according to a study by Truth Hounds and International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR).

"From June 2014 to September 2014, Russian armed forces conducted a series of attacks on Ukrainian inhabited areas and military positions in Ukraine. These attacks demonstrated Russians direct involvement in the military conflict, giving grounds to classify it as an international armed conflict, pursuant to the International Criminal Court," says a study presented at a press conference at Kyiv's Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Thursday.

The study says there were a minimum of 134 attacks against the civilian population and civilian infrastructure in 22 inhabited areas, a circumstance that can be considered a war crime.

The study reviewed 208 attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure leading to the 100 deaths and 163 wounded civilians. Evidence that human shields were used was also presented.

The study says these war crimes are still being committed today.

"We included in the study incontrovertible evidence that Russia invaded Ukraine started in February 2014, instigating an international military conflict  not a civil war," the Truth Hounds said.

All documented incidents have been forwarded to the International Criminal Court at the Hague on December 18, 2017.
Following the September 11 twin tower attacks in 2001, a United States Special Forces team is sent into Afghanistan on deadly mission to destroy the Taliban and Al-Qaeda allies who are jointly accused of orchestrating the deadly attacks in New York, America.

With their arrival in the country, the soldiers develop an uncomfortable partnership with the Northern Alliance in taking down the insurgents.

It is a battle for survival for soldiers who are severely outnumbered by merciless militants who seek to wipe them out.

The film stars Chris Hemsworth (Thor: Ragnarok, The Avengers), Michael Shannon (Man of Steel, Shape of Water), Michael Pena (CHiPs, Ant-Man), William Fichtner (Independence Day: Resurgence, The Lone Ranger, Elysium) and Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight).

A debut film from Nicolai Fuglsig, a photojournalist, 12 Strong opens this Friday at Century Cinemax, Acacia mall and Cinema Magic, Metroplex mall.

ayebeanthony@gmail.com
Award-winning photographer Oscar Ntege is making his break into the film industry this March with a feature film dubbed Olugero Lwange, Luganda for my story.

The film tackles HIV/Aids and domestic violence with a never-seen-before approach.

The film tells the story of a young girl Martha (Mutuzo Misheline) who seeks revenge on her uncle Bob (Emmanuel Mugisha) who raped and infected her mother Julian (Margaret Nalubowa) with HIV.

In a dramatic turn of events, Julians husband Emmanuel (Joseph Kimera) who blames her for infecting her and their young daughter Melissa (Victoria Nyinamatsiko) with HIV, attacks her with acid, leaving her disfigured.

Ntege describes directing and producing the 90-minute film as an emotionally taxing process because it is a story that he and many people have seen unfold in their own lives.

The goal of this film is to make you believe that you can turn all your life scars into stars, he says.

Mutuzo, acting in the lead role, is a former Miss Tourism Tooro (2015). She also features in stage plays such as The Cage that mainly focused on the instability in Northern Uganda in the early 2000s. According to the trailer, the film promises 90 minutes of intrigue and action.

barangasam@gmail.com
It is Thursday December 21, 2017. I am seated at a round table in the exercise room at the Stroke Rehabilitation Centre (SRC), Wampeewo on Gayaza road.

It amazes me; I can type, spell correctly and, above all, the typing speed is good. This is after five years without attempting to put my hands on a computer keyboard.

The author using his laptop

Indeed, as I type the word, Rehabilitation, I find myself lost thrice. First, using r instead of l; then double l instead of single! But finally, I get it right and say, Congratulations! Thumbs up!

Then I remember the computer could spell-check for me. Nevertheless, it is a major breakthrough. Being at the SRC is not new to me. I had been here in 2013 after I was discharged from Nsambya hospital where I underwent a brain operation by Prof Kiryabwire.

He cautioned I would require time. How right he was! Five years later, I am just beginning to type something that makes a little sense.



WHAT I RECALL

The problem that led me to this state was an attack on me on August 30, 2012 at my home in Bwebajja near Kampala. I was taking a shower in the outdoors bathroom at about 10pm when hit men struck. They beat me up and must have left the scene thinking I had taken the highway to meet my Creator.

All I recall is something hard as stone hitting my head. But from my wifes narrative after coming out of the coma, I learnt the following:

My wife Josephine and the maid Agnes were in the sitting room. They waited for about 15 minutes, I was not coming back. Since food was ready, they were inquisitive on why I was delaying. It is then that they heard me making a noise.

Rushed in panic, they found me unconscious and bleeding profusely and took me to a nearby clinic. The health workers told them they would not manage my situation.

So, they continued to Kisubi hospital, where medics stopped the bleeding. But just then, I vomited blood. The breathing rate became faster before they decided to refer us to Nsambya hospital, which became my home for the next two months!

They took me for different X-ray checks. The results showed there was a blood clot in the brain. This meant a brain operation, done on September 30, 2012 by Prof Kiryabwire.

Then I was taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where I spent 24 days, moved to the general ward, St Gonzaga, for another month. In November 2012, I was discharged. I was still very weak, with a feeding tube and using a wheelchair.

I had grown so thin that one could count my ribs. The doctors recommended physiotherapy in addition to routine follow-up visits to Kiryabwire.

From Nsambya, I was taken to my brothers, Mike Wagaba, home in Gayaza. Here, I was introduced to Balibaawo herbalists who visited me daily in an attempt to set a painful leg. However, the more attempts to fix the leg were undertaken, the worse the pain would get, in addition to my brain going into sleep mode.

It was during this confusion that my friend Dr Ibrahim Bukenya came to visit me. He was touched by my condition and three days later, Bukenya was back with his car, which I readily boarded with my three caretakers to Stroke Rehabilitation Centre, Wampeewo.

I was too weak to exercise. So, he recommended a special feeding program that included special drinks, in addition to regular and timely meals. It worked. I steadily regained and after one month I started exercises. They included speech, sitting, standing, bending and walking.

Bukenya noted that my right leg was hanging when I stood up, which prevented me from walking. He requested for an X-ray and results revealed there was a mal-union in the hip joint.

He referred us to CoRSU, a specialist unit at Kisubi, on Entebbe road. CoRSU recommended that I continue with exercises mainly involving standing and that I be introduced to crutches in place of a walker.

We continued with exercises for two more months. My wife had been trained by the doctor in basic physiotherapy. He also said that being in my natural environment with my children and other family members would speed up my recovery.

So, he discharged me on condition that I report once every three months. We then went to Kyotera, where we had an office for our NGO, Friends of Rural Advancement (FORA).

A disagreement between my caretakers erupted on why I had to go to Kyotera. Two of my brothers and a sister came for me only after one week. They were not happy that we had been discharged.

I UNWILLINGLY BECOME ABSENTEE DAD

I was taken back to Gayaza. That was April 2013. While at Gayaza, I was introduced to a new bone fixer (omuyunzi). He did his work for four months. Apart from the severe pain that even aggravated the lapse in my brain, there were no results to talk about.

I was now fed up! I eagerly wanted to see my children. My first born, Solomon Mbuga, was in Primary 4 when I was hit, now he is going to Senior 3. John Paul Kyazze and Rhonah Nnamulondo had not started school then. Now they are going to Primary 3. Liz Nnakyagaba, the youngest, was three months old. Now she is 6, and in Top class.

Frank Sserwaniko with his mother

All were under the care and support of my wife singlehandedly. The bodily person in me was in Gayaza but my soul was constantly in Kyotera. It was then that I decided to make my wish known. Besides, my sister too had been away from her husband and children for a full year, taking care of me.

I think my caretakers read my mind from my behaviour. I lost appetite, constantly wore a gloomy face and the sadness inside me was evident on the outside. We often prayed about it. I remember one time we travelled to Fort Portal to meet a preacher. I was with my wife, my sister and brother-in-law.

The trip had been organized by my brother-in-law who had experienced first-hand Gods power of healing. The servant of God prayed for us earnestly and revealed to us that some ill-intended person wanted me dead. He advised me to return home and to continue praying.

You dont have to panic. The one who picked you from your home will take you back, he said.

We returned to Gayaza on Friday. The following day, Saturday, I was there marveling in silence when my brother arrived. Without much talking, he announced he was taking me to Kyotera where my family lived.

I was most delighted. Immediately my mind flew to my family; how and where they led their lives and how they would react on seeing me. Early morning I woke up thinking about my children, the banana plantation initiative, exercise, prayers, local pastors

Most of 2014, my wife and family concentrated on income-generating projects. Although we had a flourishing banana plantation in Kibingekito village, the people we put in charge were neither reporting on how it performed nor delivering food to us in Kyotera.

So, my wife had now embarked on banana planting in a plot she had earlier acquired near Kyotera. She worked there every day with the help of her relatives Bogia Kavuma, Ssempungu Lawrence, Fausta Nakawungu and Joseph Wangi.

We also made follow-up visits to my doctors; Bukenya and Kiryabwire and to CoRSU. They all recommended physical exercise. My wife worked tirelessly with the objective to produce enough food for subsistence and sale.

They were so taken up by this project. Some days, they would leave home at 7am and return at 3pm. On one such days when my wife was away at work, my brothers son Willy Ssemugooma came to check on me after several months without seeing any of my relatives.



He found me at home with a maid and my children. Up to now I dont know how I instantly decided that he should take me to Kibingekito, our parents home. He complied and hired a car to take me. That was September 2014.

OBSERVER COMES TO THE RESCUE

I dont accurately recollect what took place at Kibingekito where I stayed for three years. I vaguely recall visits to hospitals, including CoRSU and to Kiryabwire.

And I remember one day my wife visiting me and a drunken home worker chasing her away with a panga. I remember pleading with them not to go but they left unceremoniously.

I thought this was a dream but my wife confirmed this recently. It justified why they (my wife and children) kept away thereafter. I stayed in the village. Some days I would be perfect in understanding and then weeks would pass without grasping anything happening.

But I still remember this day and date: September 24, 2017.

I was visited by The Observers Baker Batte Lule and Taddewo Senyonyi. [After a very emotional reunion and interview], on September 27, The Observer published my story as told by Lule, a story that attracted so many people to my plight.

On October 22, Lule and Adrian Ddungu picked me from Kibingekito. They came with a message from Paul Senyomo, my longtime friend and roommate at university.

He was concerned that my sickness had become perennial. He has since put me under specialized doctors at Stroke Rehabilitation Centre. We are also holding special prayers with Pastor Eddy Mwangusya of El Shaddai Healing Church, on Mawanda road.

There is great improvement in the brain memory and concentration functions. As you have noticed, I have written this story myself with only few memory reminders from close friends and relatives.

I can use the Internet, read my mails and even chat on Facebook. I have lost the extra weight, and can take steps without crutches.

The main challenge now remains with the right leg which gets occasional pain when I walk and hangs it does not firmly grip the ground.

Six years of nearly total incapacitation is now paling in the new rejuvenated hope of regaining my vibrant self and I am thankful to God for the continued healing process.

My ability to write this article is evidence that more is yet to come and my qualifications in journalism are not lost yet.

serwafrank@yahoo.com.

Editors note: Sserwaniko, who worked as a journalist in several media houses before the attack has since left the rehabilitation centre and is now in the process of being reunited with his children. Because of his injuries, he still cannot work and depends on well-wishers and friends.

Should you wish to help in any way, please contact him on 0756414582.
Uganda national examination board (Uneb) generates unspecified amount of money through the sale of national examination results to parents and media houses.



The quickest way to access the examination results is by use of Short Message Service (SMS), a paid for service across different mobile telecom platforms.

Members of the public not interested in using the SMS or paying for the results have the option of using the body's online portal to access the results. However, this requires data bundles.

Uneb executive secretary, Dan N Odongo

Katherine Kawala's 16-year- old niece sat the Uganda Certificate of Education examinations in 2017. When the news of the results broke, Kawala loaded airtime on her mobile to get the results. She however, says the experience wasn't the best.



"I had to send a message three times before I could get any results. I ended up spending Shs 1500 instead of Shs 500 to get her results. That was very expensive," she said.



According to Uneb, the results are not public information and as such cannot be free of charge. Previously, Uneb would provide the examination results to media houses free of charge. But since 2013, media houses interested in the results also have to fork out money to get both the soft and hard copies.



According to Uneb some media houses pay for the results even before they are released. Uneb executive secretary, Dan N Odongo, says whoever wants to access the results has to pay a fee at some point.

"If parents want quick results, they pay Shs 500 for an SMS, which is quicker than going to the school. If media houses too want a copy they need to pay for it," he told URN.



Media houses interested in the results are expected to write an official letter to the Uneb executive secretary stating their interest for approval. The examination body then determines how much to charge the media house.

The media house then pays the money to the finance department at of the examination body, which issues a receipt that is presented to the ICT department to issue a soft copy of the results.

Peter Wakabi, head ICT at Uneb says that the examination body has since time memorial sold the examination results to media houses.

"It is not public information, it is not free of charge. It is not, it has never been free of charge," he said.



According to Wakabi, those interested in the results pay between Shs 1 million and Shs 7 million. For the full results, one would pay up to Shs 7 million and Shs 1 million for a summary of the results.



The money generated from the media houses and SMS is categorized as non-taxable income, which is used to finance operations of the examination body. The money generated from the SMS service is shared between Uneb, the telecoms and Uganda Revenue Authority in the form of Value Added Tax.



The examination body takes Shs 200 per SMS. However, Uneb declined to reveal the exact amount of money generated from this transaction. More than one million candidates are estimated to have sat last year's national examinations including 628,606 at primary level, 320,119 at O'level-and 101,269 at A'level.



Uneb would make Shs 206,945,00 if each candidate or their parents used the SMS platform to access the results. The examination body would end up with Shs 220 million if money from the media houses is also added.



The Uneb Act specifies the source of funds for the board including grants or capital from government, loans or grants from other bodies or persons and any monies that may have been paid to the body in the discharge of its functions.



The Act states the functions of the examination as conducting primary, secondary, technical and such other examinations within the country. This includes registering candidates, setting examinations, marking examinations, releasing results and preparing certificates and pass slips for sat examination.



How the SMS service works



The results for each candidate in the country in a given year are stored on the Uneb data base. When a parent or candidate sends a message through a telecom company, the SMS is sent by the telecom company to Uneb as an inquiry.



Uneb then sends the results of a candidate through the telecom company via an SMS gateway service.
Localities will continue shifting their plant structure to grow more profitable crops that are adaptive to climate change, such as corn, and fruit and vegetables, as well as developing aquaculture, especially in the northern, south central, and Central Highlands regions.

The Mekong Delta, in particular, will boost its application of high technology in order to create new varieties of fruit, vegetables and flowers, as well as developing processing and post-harvest preservation technologies.

This year, the country aims to increase the fruit plantation areas to approximately 930,000 ha and create high added value products. Each locality will develop large-scale fruit areas ensuring good agricultural practices (GAP) and food safety, in addition to high-technology vegetable and flower production, focusing on major cities.

The agricultural industry will improve rice quality and reduce its production costs via intensive cultivation.

Industrial crop growing areas, such as coffee, rubber, tea and cashew nut will be gradually reduced to 645,000 ha, 950,000 ha, 132,000 ha and 300,000 ha, respectively.

Vietnam earned a record of nearly US$3.45 billion from fruit and vegetable exports in 2017, rising by 40.5% from last year.

China, Japan, the US and the Republic of Korea were among the biggest importers of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables.
Your Excellency,

We write this letter with a profound appreciation that this year government plans to conduct elections in the six newly created districts of: Nabilatuk, Bugweri, Kwani, Kapelebyong, Kasanda, and Kikuube; elections will also be conducted to fill vacancies in about 264 of the 1,403 sub counties in Uganda.

Other elections envisaged include: parliamentary and Local Government by-elections, as well as possible Local Council I and II elections alongside the possibility of a national referendum.

In order to deliver a cost-effective and democratic electoral process that will enlist the confidence of the wananchi to participate unimpeded in the different electoral processes, electoral reforms are a must.

Your Excellency, we want to believe that it is because you clearly understand the importance of progressive political reforms that you rightly campaigned on the platform of instituting a constitutional review process.

Under chapter II of your 2016  2021 manifesto, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) commits to uphold the principle of democracy where citizens directly participate in regular, free and fair elections.

Correspondingly, NRM has situated itself as the trustee and principal guarantor of vision 2040 in which the need for democracy is recognized as the anchor to transform Uganda.

Vision 2040 states that, government will inter alia, enhance the legal and regulatory framework covering the electoral process. In line with these commitments, the second National Development Plan (NDP II) recognises that without free and fair political and electoral processes, key development objectives cannot be achieved. To this end, the NDP II proposes to enact laws to strengthen credibility of electoral processes in Uganda and citizen participation in the electoral process

Your Excellency, we recognise that following the enactment of the 1995 Constitution, Uganda has held regular elections during the set constitutional time frames  every five years. Yet, since 2001, general elections in Uganda have ended in controversy.

The 2001, 2006 and 2016 presidential elections culminated in court disputes while in 2011, elections ended in violent public demonstrations. Despite your policy direction, concerns about your governments commitment towards a transparent and accountable electoral framework persist.

Since 2001, election observers, political organisations, civil society organisations and private individuals have proposed electoral and constitutional reforms that would guarantee credible, free and fairer elections in Uganda.

Despite their significance, many of the substantive and popular electoral reforms have not made it to the legislative agenda, close to two decades later, with significant implications for our growth as a nation.

Your Excellency, your governments reluctance to consider popular progressive electoral reforms, in order to address electoral deficits that have afflicted previous elections, has dented the credibility of electoral processes.

These persisting challenges undermine commitments in the NRM manifesto, Vision 2040 and the NDP II and continue to paint elections as mere rituals that are incapable of translating the will of the citizenry into genuine democratic choice.

It is not surprising that according to a recent survey conducted by a renowned research firm, Afrobarometer, only 22% of Ugandans believe that their country is either a full democracy or a democracy with minor problems.

Your Excellency, the work of CCEDU has since 2009 affirmed the crucial need to address legal and political reforms. Through the Free and Fair Elections 2013/14 public consultations conducted countrywide, over 1,200,000 Ugandans directly endorsed the Citizens Compact and the Citizens Electoral Reform Agenda (CERA). In addition, a research conducted by Afrobarometer in 2015, indicated that 89% of Ugandans wanted electoral reforms before the 2016 elections.

Your Excellency, after the 2016 general elections, the Judiciary received approximately 118 parliamentary election petitions, accounting for about 30% of the composition of the tenth Parliament.

Contestations were as a result of widespread perceptions that elections are marred with irregularities and electoral malpractices, therefore falling short of constitutional and internationally accepted standards of free, fair and credible elections.

Violence, bribery and vote-rigging have been a constant feature of Ugandas elections at different scales across the country.

It is important to recognise that the recent 2016 electoral process was marred by avoidable legislative, administrative and logistical failures, the impact of lack of trust in the independence and impartiality of the EC, questions about the impartiality of security agencies and the use of money in electioneering.

The Supreme court ruling on the Presidential Election Petition No.1 of 2016 (Amama Mbabazi v Museveni & Ors) acknowledged electoral reforms as a prerequisite for free and fair elections in Uganda.

Your Excellency, in the recent ruling, the Supreme court recommended that the time for filing and determination of a presidential election petition be increased from 30 to at least 60 days; the use of oral evidence in addition to affidavit evidence be accepted in court; time for holding a fresh election where the previous elections has been nullified be increased from the currently prescribed 20 days;

the use of technology in elections be backed by law; sanctions against any state organ or officer who violates provisions of the law with regard to access to state-owned media be provided; election related law reform be undertaken within two years of the establishment of the new parliament; laws be enacted to prohibit the giving of donations (during campaign periods) by all candidates including a president, who is also a candidate; laws prohibiting public servants from getting involved in political campaigns be made more explicit; laws be amended to make it permissible for the attorney general to be made respondent in a presidential election petition where necessary; and that the attorney general be the authority to follow-up with the Supreme courts recommendations.

Your Excellency, the recent recommendations of the Supreme court came against the backdrop of numerous calls for substantive electoral reforms by both state and non-state actors including: Cabinet (2005, 2009 and 2015), 7th, 8th and 9th parliaments, Electoral Commission (EC), Uganda Law Reform Commission (ULRC), National Consultative Forum (NCF), Uganda Law Society (ULS), Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), Inter Party Cooperation (IPC), Citizens Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) among others.

Some of the prominent recommendations include: calls to review the appointment procedure of the EC to make it competitive and participatory; proposals on implementing a sustainable mechanism for continuous civic and voter education; proposals on mainstreaming the role of security in electoral processes; call to manage the illicit use of money and government resources especially during electoral seasons; proposals to enact and implement a code of conduct for political parties; proposals to review the mode of election of special interest groups in Parliament and other local government councils; calls to institute a comprehensive framework to manage the political transfer of power from an outgoing democratically elected president to an incoming President; provisions to counter gerrymandering; calls to trim the size of cabinet and parliament, among others.

These reforms mainly target seven pieces of legislation: the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995; the Presidential Elections Act 2005; the Parliamentary Elections Act 2001; the Electoral Commission Act 2005; the Local Governments Act 1997; the National Youth Council Act 1993; and the Public Order Management Act 2013.

Your Excellency, we acknowledge the reforms on voter registration, security of tenure of the EC as well as other administrative and technological changes that have positively, albeit minimally, had impact on improving the integrity and outcome of elections.

However, there remains a lot to be done in order to improve the credibility of the electoral process. The key to achieving the latter is a sound legal and institutional framework.

Low voter turn-out, high cost of elections, unprecedented numbers of spoilt ballot papers in elections, voter apathy, incidents of electoral violence, voter disenfranchisement, vote rigging, vote buying and misuse of money during campaigns; all point to the urgent need of a solid legal, institutional and administrative framework for election management in Uganda.

The 2016 general election cost over Shs 400 billion; however, had Uganda for instance aptly reformed its electoral process and deployed necessary technology, the cost would have essentially been lowered by over 60%.

Technology is an example of a tool which, when implemented properly, will broaden franchise, modernise elections, but most importantly cut the alarming election costs and increase transparency of the electoral process for the wananchi.

Needless to mention, the continuous reform and adaptation of the legal framework governing electoral management informed by experiences, reviews and assessments is necessary in every democratic society.

Your Excellency, we hold the view that electoral reforms should be undertaken within the context of a constitutional review process which facilitates a national conversation on our role as citizens, towards maintaining peace and ensuring the development of our country.

A constitutional review process will allow for the re-examination and reform of other sectors such as security, public service, and judiciary that seem to have historically gratuitous influence over the conduct and verdict of elections in Uganda.

Your Excellency, beyond the legislative and administrative tiers of reform, Uganda ought to invest robustly and strategically in civic education as a support measure to sustainable good electoral practices.

Civic education must integrate cognitive moral information which speaks to the prominence of the value of democracy, justice, peace alongside social values such as integrity, trust, honesty, patriotism and confidence which have over the years had a far-reaching impact on the nature of elections in Uganda. It must also be informed by our traditional values linked to social cohesion, productivity as well as law and order.

Your Excellency, it is therefore our desire and that of many Ugandans, that you urgently:

Establish an independent constitution review process whose findings and recommendations will be implemented before any subsequent national electoral exercise; and

Launch a national dialogue process that will genuinely provide Ugandans an opportunity to adaptively address root causes of conflict and issues caused by failures of the previous constitutions to provide a basis for an inclusive social contract, which aims at satisfying the needs of the citizens.

Your Excellency, we look forward to your timely and positive response and action on the issues that we have brought to your attention.

Crispin Kaheru

Coordinator, CCEDU
At just 24 years of age, Dain Yoon is already a master when it comes to optical illusions. Using only makeup, face paint and brushes, she uses her own face and body as canvas for mind-bending visual effects.

Yoons talent for painting was obvious from a very young age, and it later allowed her to attend some of the most prestigious art schools in South Korea  Yewon Arts Secondary, Seoul Arts High School and the Korean National University of Arts. But instead of pursuing what you would call a conventional artistic career, she decided to focus on illusion art, a modern art form that has proven very popular thanks to social media sites like Instagram and Facebook.

Photo: Dain Yoon/Instagram

When she started posting photos of her mesmerizing illusions on Instagram, three years ago, Dain Yoon pretty much blew everyones minds, because no one had been able to achieve that level of realism, at least not without the help of digital editing software like Photoshop. The way she achieved complex visual effects like blurred vision or distorted features by using only makeup and face paint was incredibly impressive. People started taking notice, and before long, the young artist had hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, and was making appearances on Ellen.

A post shared by Dain Yoon  (@designdain) on Feb 19, 2018 at 8:16am PST

As you can imagine, this level of realism takes a lot of work. Last year, Dain Yoon told Allure Magazine that spending hours looking at her reflection in mirrors and trying to get every detail just right is very difficult and can sometimes make her dizzy. Depending on the complexity of the project, she can spend between 3 and 12 hours turning herself into a living, breathing optical illusion.

A post shared by Dain Yoon  (@designdain) on Feb 8, 2018 at 6:02pm PST

But apparently, using only mirrors during the creative process isnt enough. She also has to check her look on camera to make sure her pictures turn out perfect too.

A post shared by Dain Yoon  (@designdain) on Jan 16, 2018 at 7:42am PST

Looking through the reflection of the mirror and the view angle on cameras differ, Yoon told Allure. Thus, solely relying on mirrors to paint give distorted views on photos because I am capturing three-dimensional subject on two dimensions.

A post shared by Dain Yoon  (@designdain) on Sep 19, 2017 at 7:31am PDT

Because her illusions sometimes turn out so unbelievable, Dain Yoon makes sure to also post videos of herself moving her face and body, to show everyone that it is all done by hand, using makeup and face paint, and not the result of Photoshop.

A post shared by Dain Yoon  (@designdain) on Aug 2, 2017 at 7:30am PDT

Three years after Dain Yoons rise to social media stardom, she remains the internets premier illusion art master, a spot she shares with the equally-talented Mimi Choi.

A post shared by Dain Yoon  (@designdain) on Jan 26, 2017 at 5:23am PST

A post shared by Dain Yoon  (@designdain) on Apr 19, 2017 at 6:46pm PDT



via My Modern Met


Evan Kraus

APCO Worldwide has lined up work from the Polish Development Fund to promote US investment and economic development assistance for Poland.

The Government of Poland owns and finances PDF, which is supervised by the Ministry of Economic Development.

APCO president Evan Kraus and a PDF representative signed a letter of authorization to begin work on the project. The DC firm will provide strategic counsel, media relations and PR services.

A formal contract is in the works.

The New York Times (Feb 20) reported that Polands nationalist government is increasingly at odds with the European Union, which finances 60 percent of the countrys public investment.

Poland is to receive nine percent of the EU budget ($105B) from 2014 to 2020.

The EU has warned Poland that it risks a serious breach of its commitment to shared values of liberal democracy and the rule of law, which member states have sworn to uphold, according to NYT.
, the now 29-year-old woman who was arrested as a teen for first-degree murder , filed an appeal to challenge her conviction. Now, the state of Tennessee has offered a response.

READ: The Story Of Cyntoia Brown, A Child Sex Slave Imprisoned For Killing Her Abuser, Has Resurfaced

As the Tennessean reports:

A legal response filed Wednesday in the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals says a state courts rejection of Cyntoia Browns appeal didnt contradict U.S. Supreme Court precedent about cruel and unusual punishment.

Brown is currently serving a life sentence for a murder that occurred back in 2004. Brown, then 16 years-old, was picked up by Nashville, Tennessee, real estate agent Johnny Mitchell Allen, who had solicited her for sex.

He lay down with her but didnt fall asleep. He kept getting up and standing over her. She became more panicked, convinced something was going to happen to her, a report previously said. Finally, she shrugged off his advances and, as he rolled over, she took a gun from her purse and shot him once in the head.

Ultimately, she was sentenced to life in prison, only eligible for parole after serving 51 years.

Although Browns legal team has argued that Brown shot Allen because she feared for her life, prosecutors for the state continue to justify her life sentence, claiming that she shot him in order to steal from him.

Celebrities such as Rihanna and Kim Kardashian West have called for Browns release.

Shawn Holley, Kardashians lawyer, was recruited by the entrepreneur and TV personality to assist in Browns case.

Kim asked me several weeks ago how she could help Alice Johnson in her fight for justice. We then began corresponding with Alice and her team of lawyers, Holley said to the New York Daily News. Since then, Kim has championed the cause of Cyntoia Brown and asked me to help her get involved in that effort as well.

Source: Tennessean.com
Pursuing integration

Reporting on Vietnams international economic integration in 2017, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said that 2017 marked the 22nd anniversary of Vietnam's accession to ASEAN and the 50th anniversary of ASEAN. Vietnam successfully hosted the APEC Year2017, significantly contributing to expanding cooperation and promoting international economic integration in Asia-Pacific.

In addition to promoting integration through negotiations and its participation in international economic cooperation programmes, Vietnam continues to promote domestic integration through the implementation of its commitments on international economic integration, institutional reform, economic restructuring and growth model innovation.

The nation has ratified ten bilateral and multilateral trade agreements with regional and international partners, including the ASEAN Free Trade Area, five FTAs within ASEAN+1 (China, Japan, India, Australia, and New Zealand), and four bilateral FTAs between Vietnam and Japan, the Republic of Korea, Chile and the Eurasian Economic Union.

In addition, Vietnam has principally completed its FTA negotiations with the EU, along with ASEAN signing the FTA with Hong Kong (China) in November 2017. The country continues to negotiate the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and bilateral FTAs with Cuba and Israel.

As such, Vietnam has been negotiating FTAs with roughly 60 economies, including key trading partners that hold approximately 90% of Vietnam's trade. Moreover, it has more than 200 trading partners around the globe, with 29 export markets and 23 import markets reaching more than US$1 billion.

According to the Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh, 2018 will continue to be a strong year for integration. The implementation of the FTAs has positively contributed to the economic development and expansion of the export market, while helping Vietnam to participate more deeply in the global value chain and production network, as well as changing the economic structure in a positive way and improving the business environment and competitiveness. If the FTAs are synchronously implemented and effectively exploited, Vietnam has a great opportunity to make full use of the benefits from such agreements, he added.

Textiles are one of the typical industries that make good use of opportunities from FTAs. (Photo: Quynh Chi)

Taking initiative to grasp the opportunity

There is no denying the achievements that have resulted from the integration process. However, according to the Inter-ministerial Steering Committee for International Economic Integration, Vietnam has not yet made effective use of the opportunities brought about by international economic integration due to the limited coordination among ministries and branches at all levels, in addition to inadequate knowledge on integration from enterprises, such as the lack of information on global markets, international law and the business environment in foreign countries. Local enterprises are small in terms of scale and weak in capacity, links and trademarks, without having a long-term strategy, making it difficult for them to compete on their "home field."

In fact, Vietnam has a difficult task so that the opportunities for international integration are not transformed into challenges. Enterprises need to be proactive in seizing opportunities and connecting with partners to expand their export markets, as well as improving their capacity and access to the global chain. According to Chairman of Ninh Thuan provincial People's Committee Luu Xuan Vinh, the current stage requires localities to actively and positively take advantage, while minimising the negative impacts from the international economic integration process.

Sharing the same view, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh frankly pointed out that localities should attach significant importance to integrating the implementation of action programmes into specific local plans that are suitable to the practical conditions in each locality. Especially, it is necessary to continue disseminating information on and guiding the implementation of commitments on international economic integration for localities, enterprises and people. It is also crucial to encourage broader and more active participation of the private sector, industry associations, social organisations and people in understanding and implementing the integration commitments.

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue said that in 2018 there will be fundamental changes in economic restructuring, in which international economic integration will be the core. This is a consistent and thorough policy, requiring a strong transformation in integration. He stressed the need for effective preparation, especially in capacity, for implementing FTAs, focusing on improving product competitiveness, perfecting institutions, and adapting to integration, especially in areas with fierce competition.

Integration is profitable in terms of tariffs, but it results in lower budget revenues, so domestic tax adjustments are mandatory but should be part of the strategy to prevent the erosion of the tax base, he said, adding that integration creates tax benefits but also obstacles from non-tariffs, requiring the harmonisation of procedures and coordination between countries to create favourable conditions for businesses development.

The international market and trade volatility is expected to increase in the near future, with some major trading partners adjusting their strategies. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the research and forecasting of new issues within the new generation FTAs and the new trend of regional cooperation shift within ASEAN and WTO, in which it is necessary to maximise the use of technical assistance and consultancy mechanism.
The two-day event drew the participation of more than 20 countries and territories across the world.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt introduced many documents, books, photos and objects on culture, history, country and people of Vietnam, especially its outstanding achievements.

Besides books on tourism introducing exciting destinations and unique features of regions, there also were maps and documents on Vietnams islands and the countrys specialities of fried spring rolls and coffee.

At this years event, visitors could also enjoy a dance with conical hats performed by Vietnamese students wearing ao dai (traditional long dress), along with performances of the Vietnam Circus Federation.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt Do Hoang Long voiced his hope that the event will provide more information on Vietnamese culture for international friends.

Vietnam and Egypt will mark the 55th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2018, and the event is part of the Embassys activities to celebrate the occasion, he added.

The Sakia Exhibition for Cultural Services is held annually and allows delegations to exchange cultural activities and boost unity and understanding.
She encouraged the association to continue renovating its operations in order to better perform its role as a charitable social organisation, and to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the handicapped and orphans with specific programmes and activities, towards greater sustainability.

On the same day, Politburo member Mai hosted a reception for Most Venerable Thich Duc Thanh, Head of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Executive Board in Thua Thien Hue province, during which she offered congratulations on the success of the seventh congress of the Thua Thien Hue chapter of the VBS (2017-2022 tenure).

Most Venerable Thich Duc Thanh affirmed that the VBS Thua Thien Hue chapter would continue joining hands with religions and compatriots across the country to strengthen the national great unity power, contributing to realising the goal of developing Vietnam into a powerful country with wealthy people living in an equal, democratic, and civilised society.

* On the afternoon of February 21, Tong Thi Phong, standing vice chairwoman of the National Assembly, paid a working visit to the Vietnam Social Security (VSS).

Politburo member Tong Thi Phong at the working session with the Vietnam Social Security.

Praising its 2017 performance, Politburo member Phong urged the social security sector to focus on addressing existing shortcomings, improving the quality of its officials and public servants, exert efforts to achieve the goals set for 2018, and accelerate specialised inspection work.

* The same day, Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich, Politburo member, Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of Defence, had a working session with the General Staff of the Vietnam Peoples Army.

Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich speaking at the working session with the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army.

Gen. Lich spoke highly of the General Staffs performance in 2017, asking the unit to continue renovating its advisory work; improving the quality of its research, assessment and prediction of the situation; and effectively and proactively responding to any circumstances.
Tourists visit the SanfangQixiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys), a scenic spot in Fuzhou, capital of southeast China's Fujian Province, Feb. 21, 2018. According to statistics from the provincial tourism department, more than 22.66 million tourists visited Fujian Province during the past week-long Chinese Spring Festival holiday, which brought a total tourism revenue of 17.224 billion yuan (about 2.715 billion US dollars). (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- China posted a double-digit growth in tourism revenue during the week-long Lunar New Year holiday, official data showed Wednesday.

The tourism industry garnered 475 billion yuan (about 75 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue, up 12.6 percent from last year's holiday, according to the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).

Some 386 million trips by tourists were made, up 12.1 percent from last year's holiday, the CNTA said in a statement.

Guangdong, Sichuan and Hunan received the most tourists among all provincial regions. Nearly half of travelers drove instead of taking public transportation.

Overseas travel remained popular, with Chinese tourists from nearly 200 cities visiting 68 countries and regions during the holiday.

People buy cold noodles, a typical food of Xi'an, at a Spring Festival Fair in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 19, 2018. Fairs were held at main scenic spots in Xi'an City to celebrate Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Shao Rui)

Southeast Asia was the top destination, while long-distance tours to countries including Argentina and Mexico were also popular.

Nearly half of overseas travels were independent tours rather than escorted group tours, the CNTA cited data from online tour operator Ctrip.com as saying.

The Chinese Lunar New Year is traditionally a time for family gatherings in China. In recent years, family travels have become increasingly common that help to drive a tourism boom across the country.

China earned 5.4 trillion yuan from tourism in 2017, an increase of 15.1 percent. The country plans to raise tourism revenue to 7 trillion yuan by 2020 in a bid to develop tourism into a major driver of economic transformation and upgrading.

This year's Lunar New Year holiday runs from Feb. 15 to Feb. 21.

People visit a temple fair at Ditan Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 16, 2018, the second day of the Spring Festival holiday. (Xinhua/Chen Xiaogen)
Opalesque Industry Update - SYZ Asset Management (SYZ AM), the institutional asset management arm of the SYZ Group, has expanded its offering of quantitative solutions through the launch of OYSTER Equity Premia Global. This new offering builds on the strong success of the OYSTER Market Neutral Europe fund and will similarly seek to deliver alpha-rich returns while aiming to maintain a near zero equity beta over time. In order to support initial asset growth and reward early investors, a one-year discount of 50% on the management fees will be offered. SYZ AM risk premia delivers returns and strong risk control

While investing in equity premia is nothing new, the approach taken by SYZ AM to 'harvest' inefficiencies in equity markets by adopting a highly liquid, long/short approach while aiming to maintain a near-zero equity market beta is a key differentiator. The Quantitative Investment Solutions team have drawn on their years of investment and academic experience to create robust equity premia, which are the key building blocks of any risk premia strategy. Commenting on the strategy, Guido Bolliger, Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of Quantitative Investment Solutions, said: "Our solution focuses on premia present in equity markets and seeks to offer the prospect of stable, alpha-rich returns disconnected from broader market behaviour. Benoit Vaucher, Portfolio Manager added "The fund aims to offer an alternative source of returns in an environment of low-rates and stretched valuations". The three-member strong team, which includes Mr. Bolliger, Mr. Vaucher and Co-Head of Quantitative Investment Solutions, Mr. Claude Cornioley, achieved a net return of +5.24% for the OYSTER Market Neutral Europe, placing it among the top quartile of its peer group. Consistent performance over market cycles

By actively and dynamically allocating among a pre-defined universe of equity premia, the SYZ AM's in-house developed strategy is designed to provide stable, alpha-rich returns over market cycles. With risk management at the core of the investment process, the fund's systematic approach supports the strategy's heavy reliance on data analysis that is used to aim to generate both performance and control risk. Stable returns in uncertain markets

In a world where finding stable, diversified sources of returns is challenging, the SYZ AM risk premia strategy can represent a very compelling proposition. The flexibility offered by equity premia can provide investors diversification, a lower correlation to broader equity markets and the potential to generate attractive alpha, all of which can serve an important role in a portfolio, in particular during periods when equity drawdowns are significant. Katia Coudray, CEO of SYZ Asset Management remarked, "The result of our investment in this new investment strategy, which represents an added expertise among our product range, has been quite satisfying." She added, "Our dedicated quantitative investment team is delivering performance consistent with our DNA of alpha-generation - but in this case, through a long/short, beta-neutral approach rather than long-only". The OYSTER Equity Premia Global fund is registered in 8 European countries: Luxembourg, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, Austria, and will be later available in other European countries. In order to support initial asset growth and reward early investors, a one-year discount of 50%[3] on the management fees will be offered.
In the U.S., recent electoral events with which were all quite familiar have prompted one particular radical re-evaluation of the political system, among many others: we find everyone from high-profile Constitutional scholars to anonymous commenters engaged in debates about the necessity, or democratic legitimacy, of the Electoral College. While the debate may not be new, it has reached an urgent intensity, and happens to occur at a time when everything seems up for grabs. When Neil Freeman proposed redrawing state borders on his presciently-named design site Fake is the New Real back in 2012, he created the map above (view it in a larger format here) to evenly distribute the countrys population. He did so with the disclaimer, this is an art project, not a serious proposal.

The idea might get a more serious reception these days. Nonetheless, the inertia of tradition hasnt lessened any. Not only is it totally unlikely that states would ever be redrawn and renamed, but the Electoral College is also a founding institution, emerging at the first Constitutional Convention when James Madison first proposed it in 1787. Since then, PBSs Kamala Kelkar wrote on November 6th, 2016, the Electoral College system has cost four candidates the race after they received the popular vote. Two days later that number went up to five.









Still, whether one deems it necessary, superfluous, or deeply pernicious, its hardly controversial to note that this electing body comes from an era so unlike our own as to be unrecognizable. A time when, as some founders argued, writes Akhil Reed Amar at Time, ordinary Americans across a vast continent [lacked] sufficient information to choose directly and intelligently among leading presidential candidates. This might still be the case for various reasons. But putting aside manufactured filter bubbles and vast disinformation campaigns, most Americans now have instant access, if they want it, to more information than they know what to do with.

When we look at the primary sources, we find the actual reason for the Electoral College: slavery. Madison, notes Kelkar, now known as the Father of the Constitution, was a slaveholding Virginian who worried vocally that Northern states would have a decided advantage, since upwards of 40% of the population in Southern states consisted of enslaved people, who, of course, would not be casting votes. Madisons proposition included the infamous and dehumanizing three-fifths compromise, which historian Paul Finkelman argues enabled Thomas Jefferson to win over John Adams in 1800.

Despite this history, most people are taught that the system arose solely to balance the interests, Amar writes, of high-population and low-population states. This sounds like a politically neutral intention. But Freeman doesnt question the legitimacy of the Electoral College, calling it a time-honored, logical system that he thinks should be preserved. And yet, he writes, its obvious that reforms are needed.

The fundamental problem of the electoral college, Freeman writes, is that the states of the United States are too disparate in size and influence. The largest state is 66 times as populous as the smallest and has 18 times as many electoral votes. This increases the chance for Electoral College results that dont match the popular vote. This is hardly the only issue. But is Freemans proposal a more stable solution to major flaws in U.S. national elections than simply scrapping the Electoral College altogether? He makes the following argument, in a series of bullet-pointed advantages. His map:

Preserves the historic structure and function of the Electoral College.

Ends the over-representation of small states and under-representation of large states in presidential voting and in the US Senate by eliminating small and large states.

Political boundaries more closely follow economic patterns, since many states are more centered on one or two metro areas.

Ends varying representation in the House. Currently, the population of House districts ranges from 528,000 to 924,000. After this reform, every House seat would represent districts of the same size. (Since the current size of the House isnt divisible by 50, the numbers of seats should be increased to 450 or 500.)

States could be redistricted after each census  just like House seats are distributed now.

Freeman based the mapfeaturing new states like Mesabi, Ogallala, Big Thicket, Chinati, and Kingon data from the 2010 Census, which, incidentally, actually did change the distribution of electors in 2012. The Census records a population of 308,745,538 for the United States, he notes, which this map divides into 50 states, each with a population of about 6,175,000.

He does seem to downplay the disadvantages, listing only two concerns about duplicated county names and a shift in state laws and procedures. Freeman doesnt mention the high likelihood of civil war or widespread social unrest if such a massive redistribution of the countrys state populations were ever attempted. Given the examples of pitched legal battle fought daily over congressional redistricting of gerrymandered states, its also probable nothing like this plan would ever make it through the courts. Considered as an art project or thought experiment in civics, however, who knows? It just might work.

via Mental Floss

Related Content:

Sal Khan & the Muppets Grover Explain the Electoral College

Why Socrates Hated Democracies: An Animated Case for Why Self-Government Requires Wisdom & Education

The True Size Maps Shows You the Real Size of Every Country (and Will Change Your Mental Picture of the World)

Josh Jones is a writer and musician based in Durham, NC. Follow him at @jdmagness
The Communist Party of China (CPC) is reviving socialism through reforms and innovations, experts noted on Wednesday, which marked the 170th anniversary of the first publication of the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

"The values, ideas, mission, theory, methodology and principles of the Communist Manifesto will always be the origin coordinates," read an article by Li Haiqing, a professor at the Institute of Marxism under the Party School of the Central Committee of CPC.

Socialism with Chinese characteristics will surely encounter new problems and new challenges, "so we need to keep using the principle of the manifesto's basic methodology" as a guide and further push the combination of Marxism and the concrete reality of China's development, said the article published by the Guangming Daily, a CPC-affiliated newspaper, on Wednesday.

Several Party organizations and media outlets have released articles to commemorate the publication of the manifesto. More than 40 scholars of Marxism from various academic institutes including the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Peking University, Tsinghua University, the Party School of the Central Committee of CPC and Renmin University of China attended a seminar held by CASS in Beijing, according to the website of CASS.

"After the Cold War, the influence of socialism has dimmed around the world, and the Western world even considers socialism a failure and its history has come to an end. But due to the success of socialism with Chinese characteristics, socialism has been revived in China," said Song Luzheng, a research fellow of Fudan University's China Institute.

Chinese students have been taught at school that socialism has revived China, transforming it from a poor, weak and underdeveloped country to an industrialized, modern, powerful and strong country, Song said.

He added that China is also reviving socialism through innovation and reform.

"In other words, China's practice has provided a viable path to realize socialism," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said at the 19th National Congress of the CPC in October 2017 that the culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics "offers a new option for other countries and nations who want to speed up their development while preserving their independence."
SEND IN THE GOATS SEND IN THE GOATS  Glinda, one of several goats from Lets Goat Buffalo in Orchard Park from Sept. 8 through Sept. 10. The goats were at the Birdsong Preserve...

BOE meeting spirals out of control as mask debate rages on Tuesdays board of education meeting marked one of the most contentious in recent memory, as the issue of masking children during the school day was once again on the minds...

Art festival, health fitness business expo set for this weekend Two long-awaited gatherings will finally occur in Orchard Park this weekend as one mega event for the community to enjoy. The Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce will present the Orchard...
A 44-year-old man admitted Wednesday to killing a Clackamas County assistant weighmaster during a traffic stop near Boring in 2014.

Dirck White pleaded guilty to murder in the February 2014 killing of 47-year-old Grady Waxenfelter. White is expected to be sentenced Tuesday in Clackamas County Circuit Court to life in prison with a minimum of 25 years served before he is eligible for parole.

White is already serving up to life in prison in California stemming from a shootout with police in Hollywood that ended with White being shot in the face. That shooting occurred nine months after Waxenfelter's death. He is also a suspect in a child rape investigation in Pierce County, Washington, that occurred before the killing, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.

According to court documents, Waxenfelter had taken a family friend on a ride-along on Feb. 6, 2014, when he spotted White hauling a trailer without a license plate on Oregon 224. Waxenfelter's duties as an assistant weighmaster included issuing traffic citations.

Waxenfelter pulled over White's pickup near Amisigger Road, left his friend in the county truck and approached White's vehicle, the documents said. At some point, White shot Waxenfelter three times from the driver's side window and drove off, according to the documents. Waxenfelter died at the scene.

White returned to his job in Estacada, where he was a logging contractor. He was supposed to be delivering wood. He told work colleagues that he returned to pick up a notebook. He then left his work pickup, got into his car and drove away, the documents said.

White remained on the loose until two Los Angeles police patrol officers responded to a car break-in on Nov. 30, 2014, and found White inside the burglarized car, the documents said.

White was carrying a handgun and ran from the officers, then exchanged gunfire with them after a chase, the documents said. One shot him in the left arm and the other hit him in the right cheek.

It was later determined White had used the same gun as in Waxenfelter's killing, the documents said.

In May 2016, a Los Angeles County jury found White guilty of attempted murder, assault on a police officer with a semiautomatic firearm, exhibiting a deadly weapon while resisting arrest, possession of a firearm by a felon and second-degree burglary of a vehicle. He was sentenced a month later to at least 38 years and eight months in prison.

Clackamas County hasn't allowed weighmasters to conduct traffic stops since Waxenfelter's death. The county was fined $2,100 in August 2014 by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division for not properly training and equipping weighmasters for such stops.

Clackamas County agreed to pay Waxenfelter's widow $700,000 the next month to settle a wrongful death lawsuit.

In an email to county employees Wednesday announcing the guilty plea, Clackamas County Administrator Donald Krupp called White's expected sentence "much deserved" and thanked the county District Attorney's Office and Sheriff's Office for their work on the case.

"I hope this brings a measure of closure to Grady's family and to his friends and colleagues here at the county," Krupp wrote. "Grady was a valued employee, and he is missed."

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey
Portland has settled a longstanding lawsuit with the vacation rental website HomeAway and its affiliates over unpaid lodging taxes.

The city has traded lawsuits with the company since 2015. It argued the company, which allows homeowners to rent out their homes as vacation rentals online, had failed to either collect lodging taxes usually paid by hotels or give the city enough information about its customers to track them down.

Portland legalized short-term rentals in private homes in 2014, requiring homeowners to undergo an inspection and secure a permit. A permanent resident must also live in the home at least nine months of the year.

The city also required sites that facilitate the rentals, like HomeAway, to start collecting the transient lodging taxes typically paid by traditional hotels. The city expected to collect $1.2 million a year, which the City Council agreed to put toward affordable housing.

But the rules as originally written left a loophole, which the City Council amended before the city renewed its lawsuit. HomeAway countersued, seeking to prevent the city from enforcing the lodging tax regulations against HomeAway. It said its customers were responsible for paying the taxes.

Under the terms of the settlement, HomeAway -- and affiliates VRBO and VacationRental.com -- will allow customers to register for a short-term rental permit online. The customer will be allowed to operate the rental while the permit is pending, but HomeAway agreed to remove listings that don't complete the process, which includes an in-person inspection.

Thomas Lannom, the director of Portland's Revenue Division, said that model would be rolled out to other vacation rental platforms like Airbnb, which had pushed the city to simplify the permitting process.

HomeAway will also begin collecting city and county lodging taxes on behalf of its Portland customers, and it will also pay the city $275,000.

-- Elliot Njus

enjus@oregonian.com

503-294-5034

@enjus
[File photo]

Americas Department of Commerce (Commerce) on Wednesday announced the initiation of anti-dumping duties (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) investigations of imports of rubber bands from China, marking U.S. fourth AD and CVD investigation against China in 2018.

According to the announcement, the investigation was petitioned by Alliance Rubber Company, involving three countries including China, Thailand and Sri Lanka. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is scheduled to make its preliminary injury determinations on or before March 16, 2018.

Based on relevant regulations, if ITC determines that there is a reasonable indication that imports of rubber bands from the four countries materially injured or threaten material injury to domestic industry in the U.S., the investigations will continue, while the Commerce will be scheduled to announce its preliminary CVD determinations in April and its preliminary AD determinations in July.

Statistics from the Commerce shows that imports of rubber bands from China was valued at an estimated $ 4.5 million, the highest among all three investigated countries.

Chinas Ministry of Commerce on Thursday issued a notification of U.S. Commerces decision on its official website, without revealing Chinas further moves regarding the investigation.

According to U.S. trade laws, for the purpose of AD investigations, dumping occurs when a foreign company sells a product in the U.S. less than its fair value, while for the purpose of CVD investigations, a countervailable subsidy is financial assistance from a foreign government that benefits the production of goods from foreign companies.

U.S. use of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties have been challenged by many countries, including Canada, which has launched a wide-range trade dispute against the U.S. citing almost 200 examples of alleged U.S. wrongdoing on Jan.10, with many concerning China, while South Korea issued a complaint at the World Trade Organization for U.S. use of AD and CVD relating to steel and transformer products.
The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission made the right decision to follow the best science and move the marbled murrelet seabird from threatened to endangered ("Marbled murrelet officially listed as endangered species in Oregon," Feb. 9).

The murrelet nests in Coast Range old growth trees, flying up to 100 miles daily to the sea and back to fish for its young. Protecting murrelets as endangered will help ensure this amazing animal's survival.

Fish and Wildlife's status review, which formed the basis for increased protections, showed that continued logging of mature and old-growth forests, particularly on state and private lands, threatens murrelets. Clearly, more needs to be done.

Oregon's Tillamook, Clatsop and Elliott state forests are critical to murrelet recovery. On the Elliott, Gov. Kate Brown showed great leadership, directing the state land board to create a habitat conservation plan with federal wildlife agencies.

For the Oregon Department of Forestry, however, similar efforts to develop a conservation plan for the larger Tillamook and Clatsop state forests never gained traction. And the department has resisted changes deemed necessary by federal scientists to protect endangered murrelets, spotted owls and Oregon Coast Coho salmon. I hope Gov. Brown will again step up and direct the forestry department to immediately re-engage with federal scientists and develop a plan to protect and recover marbled murrelets and our other endangered species.

-- Noah Greenwald, Northeast Portland

Greenwald is the endangered species program director for the Center for Biological Diversity.
While the funerals in Florida unfold, the Legislature is in session and, yes, the fever still upon us, I wonder if Oregon's teachers should shut down our schools until the state invokes a ban on military-style assault rifles.

A little context, first, courtesy of historian Taylor Branch.

On the night before the slaughter at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, Branch rose at a downtown Portland church to memorialize another Children's Crusade and another brand of domestic terrorism.

That crusade - the 1963 march, and jailing, of hundreds of school children in Birmingham, Ala. - altered the course of the civil-rights movement.

It's a telling reminder of what students, like the survivors of Stoneman Douglas, can set in motion if terrified parents and cowed legislators honor their commitment.

Branch has devoted much of his life to the lasting impact of Dr. Martin Luther Jr., winning a Pulitzer Prize for his book, "Parting the Waters: America in the King Years, 1954-63."

"We forget the breadth of the liberation let loose in that period," Branch said, noting that King's work eventually led to expanded rights - for gays, lesbians and the disabled - that King could not imagine.

Few events of that era had the visceral impact of the week when school children took to the streets of Birmingham, Ala. "The children's miracle," Branch calls it.

In the spring of '63, the segregationist white leaders of Birmingham believed they'd reined in protests by the city's black community. "Bull" Connor, the commissioner of public safety, had standing orders to arrest or disperse any and all "strolling Negroes" near city hall.

Then Rev. James Bevel of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference suggested a new insurgency: populate a fresh wave of marches with students, high school and kindergarten-age alike.

King, two weeks removed from his Birmingham jail cell, knew the strategy had its perils, but he agreed. Black children marched. Over the course of two May days, police arrested more than a thousand, jailing many of them in the stock barns at the Alabama state fairgrounds.

They also unleashed on the protestors K-9 units and fire hoses capable, Branch writes, of "knocking bricks loose from mortar and stripping bark from trees at a distance of 100 feet ...

"It was a moment of baptism for the civil rights movement, and Birmingham's last effort to wash away the stain of dissent against segregation."

As Branch noted at his Mark O. Hatfield Distinguished Historians address in Portland, the AP photographs of the carnage wrought on Birmingham's children helped to transform this country's perspective on racial justice.

In similar fashion, Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg and the teen-age survivors of the massacre at Stoneman Douglas hope to reshape our tolerance for school shootings and AR-15s.

They are leading where politicians fear to tread. How do the rest of us follow up before the power of the moment is lost in White House "listening sessions" and Marco Rubio charades?

And would a strike by Oregon teachers - the real "first responders" when lunatics take their guns to school - motivate the Oregon Legislature to do what the Florida Legislature won't:

Ban military-style assault weapons like the AR-15. Stop pretending there's a place for such monstrosities and high-capacity magazines in a lock box, much less a civil society.

Seven states and the District of Columbia have already enacted such regulations, according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

The latest Quinnipiac poll says that American voters now favor such a ban by 67-29 percent.

Suzanne Cohen, president of the Portland Association of Teachers, is a 1994 graduate of Stoneman Douglas. When I asked Wednesday about the possibility of a motivational walkout by teachers, she was understandably cautious.

Teachers don't want to abandon their kids, especially when the classroom and cafeteria provide so great a share of the daily bread. They don't want to put children at risk, even in a timely crusade for student safety.

"But this is exactly the conversation we want to be having," Cohen says. "I can't imagine a more important issue to take a stand on.

"Why wouldn't we take action to keep kids from dying in schools?"

At the dawn of the civil-rights movement, Taylor Branch reminds us, most of its champions had "no visible means of power. Not a single legislator from Texas to the Atlantic advocated an end to segregation."

It's time to find out how many legislators in Oregon still swear by AR-15s and contributions from the National Rifle Association. And if a teacher walkout is necessary to force that display of conscience, bring it on.

-- Steve Duin

stephen.b.duin@gmail.com
Federal prosecutors next week will seek a nearly 31/2-year sentence for Oregon refuge occupier Ryan Payne, the longest prison term yet for a defendant convicted in the armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

They described Payne as a central figure who helped orchestrate the armed occupation of the federal wildlife sanctuary, described by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Barrow as "one of the most extensive criminal activities in Oregon history.''

Payne repeatedly tried to persuade Harney County ranchers Dwight and Steven Hammond not to surrender in January 2016 to complete five-year prison sentences for setting fire to public land. He also pressured Sheriff Dave Ward to intervene to prevent the Hammonds' return to prison, prosecutors say.

The government submitted to the court a 91-page exhibit of recordings from weekly board meetings of the militia network Payne co-founded, Operation Mutual Defense, held in October, November and December 2015, the months preceding the refuge seizure. The board spoke of potential missions, including targeting radical Islam, intervening in the resettling of refugees in Montana and elsewhere, and attempting to free a federal prisoner by staging a "dynamic entry'' into a prison by shielding militiamen within protesters.

On Nov. 5, 2015, Payne told fellow board members, "I believe what we're about to discuss is very likely to be ... the next big event that's going to go on.''

Payne shared how he met with Susie Hammond, Dwight's wife, and gave the Hammonds a choice: "The decision that, that you guys have to make is whether you're going to watch as we defend your liberties, or you're going to stand with us as we defend your liberties ... regardless, it's looking like we're gonna defend your liberties, whether you want it or not.''

While the mutual defense board formally voted on Nov. 29, 2015, not to send militia to Harney County unless the Hammonds asked for help, Payne headed to Burns and acted with Ammon Bundy and other supporters to try to encourage a "public uprising'' of local Harney County residents.

"One thing that the Bundy Ranch taught me was that an event like that brings together the leaders. The leaders are the ones who show up,'' he said.

Payne had previously served as "militia coordinator'' for the Bundy family in April 2014 to help thwart the court-ordered federal roundup of cattle belonging to Cliven Bundy for his failure to renew a grazing permit and pay grazing fees and fines for two decades. The federal prosecution of Payne in Nevada was dismissed with prejudice last month because of prosecutors' misconduct.

Lisa Hay, Oregon's federal public defender, will push for a two-year sentence for Payne, now 34 years old. She argues anything more would be out of line with other defendants' punishments, which range from probation to a 21-month sentence given last week to Jason Patrick.

Although Payne accepts his leadership role and recognizes his possession of firearms at the refuge was intimidating and perceived as threatening, his intent was not to cause chaos or harm but to protect the refuge occupiers, Hay wrote.

She has provided the judge with opinions from a psychologist that Payne suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from his two tours of combat duty in Iraq with the U.S. Army and from a sociologist who found Payne has "evolved in his thinking'' while in custody for nearly two years and is amenable to treatment. Hay has also submitted an apology letter from Payne.

In the letter, he recognizes the court's authority, describes what he has lost as a result of his actions as well as "his dismay at the dishonor and tarnish to his integrity that he has brought upon himself,'' Hay wrote in her sentencing memo.

"He will tell the Court during the sentencing proceeding that he does not intend to engage in acts of political activism or public demonstrations any more, and has plans for helping others in Montana,'' Hay wrote.

Payne was in the first convoy of cars that arrived at the refuge on Jan. 2, 2016, and used his Facebook account to try to recruit others to the refuge. Payne was in charge of defense, organized occupiers for guard duty, trained others in military tactics and helped lead target shooting practices.

He was arrested on Jan. 26, 2016. Payne was seated as a front passenger in occupation spokesman Robert "LaVoy" Finicum's truck when the FBI and state police stopped the vehicle on U.S. 395 as the occupation leaders were driving to a community meeting in John Day. Payne stepped from the truck and surrendered. After his arrest, he told authorities he wasn't violating the law because he believed the federal government couldn't lawfully own land, according to the government's memo.

On July 19, 2016, he pleaded guilty to conspiring to impede federal workers at the refuge through intimidation, threat or force. Three months later, Payne attempted to withdraw his plea but the court denied his motion.

"The occupation did not occur in a vacuum,'' wrote Barrow, the assistant U.S. attorney. "Instead, it followed a series of events deliberately planned as armed confrontations with the federal government. Defendant Payne was an integral part of this effort. He formed two groups that were dedicated to promoting such conflicts. A significant sentence is necessary to deter defendant and others from engaging in similar criminal conduct and to protect the public.''

U.S. District Judge Anna J. Brown will sentence Payne at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonian
The Oregon Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld an order that the owner of a Eugene mini-mart must pay $60,000 to a customer who was refused entry because she had two service dogs with her.

The award was meant, in part, to address egregious conduct on the part of Kara Johnson, the owner of Duck Stop Market, according to the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries. Among that alleged conduct was telling dog owner Michel Hilt-Hayden that a sign outside her store read "No service animals" when it actually read "SERVICE ANIMALS WELCOME."

Johnson also directed all of her employees to keep Hilt-Hayden's dogs from stepping foot into the store, should they try to return, according to BOLI. An employee later wrote in the store's logbook: "New people across the street ...(c)ame with ...2 service dogs. Told them no dogs in store, wife not happy -- TOO BAD!"

After Hilt-Hayden complained to BOLI, she appeared to be followed and photographed by Johnson or her associates, according to BOLI. Someone took photos of the outside of Hilt-Hayden's apartment and photos of her as she walked with her toddler granddaughter, according to BOLI.

According to the Appeals Court summary of the case:

Hilt-Hayden has trouble seeing and hearing, and she has been diagnosed with agoraphobia, schizophrenia and post traumatic stress disorder. Among other tasks, Hilt-Hayden's dogs help her avoid obstacles while walking. They also were trained to perform a "chest compression" procedure if she suffered a PTSD attack.

Hilt-Hayden's troubles with Johnson began on April 17, 2013, when Hilt-Hayden went into Johnson's convenience store with her two dogs and her husband. Johnson told them the dogs had to stay outside her store. Hilt-Hayden responded that the dogs were service animals, but Johnson still said the dogs had to leave.

Johnson suggested that a store employee could wait with the dogs or Hilt-Hayden could stay with her dogs and use the drive-up window.

The next day, Hilt-Hayden returned with one of the dogs and a caregiver, who announced she was recording a store employee who told them the dog wasn't welcome. The employee threatened to call police if they didn't leave and told them they were "86'ed" from the property.

The next day, Hilt-Hayden returned and spoke with Johnson and her employee outside the store. Hilt-Hayden gave them some material to read about disability laws.

Hilt-Hayden filed a complaint with BOLI, which investigated and requested that Johnson pay Hilt-Hayden $30,000 in damages for physical, emotional and mental distress.

Johnson wouldn't agree to pay the $30,000, and an administrative law judge who heard the case doubled the amount to $60,000.

Johnson fought the order by arguing that one of Michel Hilt-Haydens dogs, Contessa, wasnt officially a service animal because it was still in training. The Appeals Court ruled Thursday that Contessa was still a service animal, even if she hadnt been fully trained.

Johnson also said that the other dog, Panda, didnt qualify as a service animal because Hilt-Haydens husband held Pandas leash. The American with Disabilities Act requires that the service animal be under the control of its handler, Johnson contended. But the Appeals Court ruled that the law doesnt require the person with a disability to be the person holding the leash.

"With todays ruling, the court upholds our efforts to ensure that disabled Oregonians are treated fairly and have equal access to public places," Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian said in an emailed statement.

"In Oregon, service animals are not pets," Avakian continued. "Duck Stop Market failed to recognize this as required by civil rights law, despite attempts by the complainant to convince the store owner that service animals are still allowed in stores with a no pets policy."

Johnson has been making payments of $500 a month toward the $60,000, said BOLI spokesman Charlie Burr. Johnson has paid $17,500 so far. The bureau has been holding the money in an escrow account -- pending the outcome of the appeals process, Burr said.

Johnsons attorney couldnt be reached for comment Thursday. Its unclear if she will appeal Thursdays decision to the Oregon Supreme Court.

Thursdays decision was made by a three-judge panel of the Appeals Court: Joel DeVore, Erika Hadlock and Steven Powers.

Read the opinion here.

Read BOLI's final order here.

-- Aimee Green
SPRINGFIELD  An Oregon high school student has been charged with disorderly conduct after police say he sent a Snapchat message to a girl at another high school that read: "I am the shooter!"

Lt. Scott McKee of the Springfield Police Department said the freshman boy described the message as a joke. But McKee said it wasn't taken as a joke, and it created additional panic at a time when there were rumors of a school shooting at Springfield High School.

McKee said the message was sent to the girl's cell phone shortly before noon Tuesday. The 15-year-old boy was arrested at home Wednesday and booked into a juvenile detention center.

The boy attends Thurston High, where 15-year-old Kip Kinkel killed two students and wounded 25 others in a 1998 shooting spree. Kinkel is serving a de facto life sentence.

--The Associated Press
An Oregon State Police trooper was dragged along Interstate 5 during a wild traffic stop where fists flew, cars collided and a fleeing suspect tried to ditch a brick of cocaine into a creek, police said.

The brouhaha began around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday when Trooper Travis Peterson pulled a speeding Nissan Altima over just south of Medford, court documents show.

The car, driven by Giovanni Dante White, 24, reeked of marijuana when Peterson approached it, a police report alleges.

White, whose hands and legs shook uncontrollably during the encounter, would not allow Peterson to search his vehicle, police said.

As the trooper waited for backup, the driver tried to make a getaway, court documents show.

Peterson reached inside the window of White's car to stop the suspect, police said. White responded by punching the trooper in the face and neck. Peterson struck back with a closed right fist, according to the police report.

That's when White stepped on the gas, dragging the trooper down the freeway before he broke free and returned to his cruiser, court documents allege.

Peterson, a nine-year veteran of the force, suffered minor injuries, a state police spokeswoman told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

The suspect exited off of I-5 and promptly smashed into another car at the intersection of Ellendale Drive and Barnett Road in Medford, according to police.

Police said they later found White, of Lynnwood, Washington, at nearby Bear Creek trying to toss a 2.2-pound brick of cocaine into the water. He was arrested and lodged at the Jackson County Jail.

White faces felony charges of manufacturing, delivering and possessing cocaine, attempting to elude police in a vehicle and assault on a police officer, along with misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest and hit-and-run.

A judge on Wednesday set his bail at $500,000.

-- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh

skavanaugh@oregonian.com

503-294-7632 || @shanedkavanaugh
First-term Sen. Alan DeBoer, a Republican from Ashland, will decide by Saturday if he will seek re-election to his swing district Senate seat, DeBoer said Wednesday.

Others say DeBoer has already decided to call it quits.

Capitols staffers familiar with his plans said he will announce Saturday that he will not seek re-election and endorse Jessica Gomez for the Republican primary election. Gomez is an influential businesswoman temporarily serving as one of DeBoer's legislative aides.

DeBoer did not deny that Wednesday. But he said the plans are "not firm" until they are publicly announced in a few days. DeBoer also said he and Gomez are "still talking" about his re-election plans.

DeBoer has been the Ashland-Medford area senator since 2016, when he won election to the term left unfinished by Sen. Alan Bates, who died in office. DeBoer had been Ashland's mayor and built a career owning car dealerships. He bested his Democratic opponent by just 395 votes.

Only 14 months into his legislative career, DeBoer, 66, has sparked chatter around the Captiol that he wants to head back to Ashland.

If he forgoes re-election he would likely promote Gomez, a prominent business owner from Medford and until recently a registered Democrat, in her attempt to succeed him in the Senate. Capitol staffers say DeBoer will do that and that Gomez intends file candidacy paperwork Friday.

Gomez, 41, is founder and chief executive of Medford-based Rogue Valley Microdevices, southern Oregon's first microtech company. DeBoer hired her to be his legislative assistant for the session now underway, giving her firsthand experience in how the Senate works. Gomez was unavailable for comment Wednesday.

On top of helming a microtech firm, Gomez is also active in the business development world. She serves on Oregon's economic development commission, the Oregon Business Council board of directors, the Oregon Institute of Technology board of trustees and the Medford-Jackson County Chamber of Commerce board.

Gomez had also for many years, until recently, been a registered Democrat. She changed her party affiliation to Republican in recent months, records show.

Democrats see DeBoer's seat as vulnerable during the November 2018 election, based on his narrow victory in 2016 and polls that predict a Democratic advantage during midterm voting. If Senate Democrats can hold all the seats they already have and flip DeBoer's they would have a coveted supermajority, allowing Democrats to pass tax increases without Republican support.

No one has officially filed to run in DeBoer's seat as a Republican. But four Democrats have: Julian Bell, a doctor and former gubernatorial candidate; Athena Goldberg, director of behavioral health at a southern Oregon health network; Jeff Golden, a television producer and former county commissioner; and Kevin Stine, a Medford city councilor and employee of a Jackson County community development non-profit.

Bates, a Democrat and a doctor, held the seat for 11 years.

-- Gordon R. Friedman

503-221-8209; @GordonRFriedman
Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images

BY GORDON R. FRIEDMAN

The school shooting that left 17 dead last week in Parkland, Florida sparked familiar feelings for many Americans: dread, outrage, futility.

Many asked what lawmakers could and would do to keep people safe from shooting rampages.

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Mike Stocker

The Oregonian/OregonLive asked each of Oregon's members of Congress what they think should be done to prevent mass shootings and what specific policies they would support. Among their suggestions: Allow research on gun violence, ban bump stocks and institute universal background checks.

Responses are below, in alphabetical order.

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Dave Killen/Staff

REP. EARL BLUMENAUER (D)

Children are being slaughtered," Blumenauer said. "We need Republican leadership to show some political courage, listen to the students pleading for their lives and give us a vote on commonsense reforms.

WHAT HE THINKS SHOULD BE DONE:

Blumenauer has published a 23-page paper last year that outlines his plan for firearms reforms. Its proposals include closing background check loopholes, improving mental health care, authorizing the federal government to research gun violence, regulating the most dangerous kinds of guns more strictly and enforcing gun laws that already exist.

NRA CONTRIBUTIONS: $0

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Stephanie Yao Long/Staff

REP. SUZANNE BONAMICI (D)

Congress has a responsibility to take action to prevent gun violence," Bonamici said.

"When students are afraid to go to school and when movie theaters, shopping malls, houses of worship and concerts have all become scenes of mass slaughter, thoughts and prayers and moments of silence are not enough."

WHAT SHE THINKS SHOULD BE DONE:

Bonamici, a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, said Congress can enact many policies that would reduce the number of shootings without violating Second Amendment rights.

She said possible reforms include a ban on assault weapons, allowing the federal government to research gun violence, closing loopholes that allow domestic abusers to buy guns, a system of court-ordered gun removal for people who pose a danger to themselves or others and universal background checks -- including for sales at gun shows, in private transactions and online.

NRA CONTRIBUTIONS: $0

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Chip Somodevilla

REP. PETER DEFAZIO (D)

Its clear that something must be done to combat the deadly cycle of gun violence in our nations schools," DeFazio said. "Unfortunately, our Republican-led Congress has been woefully inactive in passing legislation to address our nations gun violence problems."

WHAT HE THINKS SHOULD BE DONE:

DeFazio said Congress should ban bump stocks and similar devices that can turn a semi-automatic rifle into a machine gun, allow the government to study gun violence, pass legislation strengthening the background check system, allow people to seek emergency restraining orders against family members who pose a threat to themselves or others, close a loophole allowing domestic abusers to buy guns and increase funding for mental health care. DeFazio said Speaker Paul Ryan should also appoint a select committee to investigate the causes of gun violence.

NRA CONTRIBUTIONS: $0

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Stephanie Yao Long

SEN. JEFF MERKLEY (D)

As the survivors of the Parkland shooting have courageously pointed out, they dont want a moment of silence, they want action," Merkley said.

"We have two basic options. Option one is to take some action that might diminish the chances of another Parkland, or Umpqua, or Sandy Hook. And option two is to do nothing. I find option two unacceptable."

WHAT HE THINKS SHOULD BE DONE:

Merkley said there is no "perfect solution" that will stop mass shootings. But he said lawmakers could make mass shootings less likely by limiting the capacity of ammunition magazines, creating a requirement that people be at least 21 to buy a semi-automatic rifle, a better background check system and a ban on bump stocks and assault rifles.

NRA CONTRIBUTIONS: $0

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Mike Zacchino/Staff

REP. KURT SCHRADER (D)

Its been moving and humbling this week to see the brave young students from Parkland become so active," Schrader said, "but the reality is that parents should be able to take their children to school each morning knowing that they will come home safely that night."

He added, "This epidemic should not be happening, and there are some straightforward, bipartisan steps that we can take to curb and prevent this from continuing to happen."

WHAT HE THINKS SHOULD BE DONE:

Schrader said Congress should ban bump stocks, create a universal background check system, hold hearings on gun violence and allow the federal government to study gun violence.

NRA CONTRIBUTIONS: $5,000

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Stephanie Yao Long/Staff

REP. GREG WALDEN (R)

"I join the entire country in condemning the act of pure evil carried out against innocent lives in a Florida high school," Walden said.

"My deepest thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this tragic time, and the heroic first responders and every day citizens deserve our sincerest gratitude for their brave actions."

WHAT HE THINKS SHOULD BE DONE:

Walden said Congress should tighten the background check system used for vetting gun buyers and that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives should "re-evaluate the legality of bump stocks."

NRA CONTRIBUTIONS: $39,250

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Susan Walsh/AP

SEN. RON WYDEN (D)

"These mass shootings deserve more than thoughts and prayers -- they demand action," Wyden said, adding that he has "always believed in the right of law-abiding citizens to own guns for protection and to hunt."

WHAT HE THINKS SHOULD BE DONE:

Wyden said Congress should take up four proposals that may help curb "the gun violence thats ripping through our schools and our communities." Those proposals are a requirement that each person complete background check to buy a gun, repealing legislation that offers liability protection for the firearms industry, allowing the federal government to research gun violence, and a ban on "bump stocks," which allow semi-automatic weapons to fire as if they are fully automatic.

NRA CONTRIBUTIONS: $0
White House officials praised Oregon this week for its experimental road usage tax, indicating in the process that President Trump may explore taking the tax nationwide to help pay for his proposed road improvement projects.

The tax the White House applauded charges drivers based on miles driven, not gallons of gas burned. Volunteers for the pilot program pay 1.7 cents per mile they drive, then get a rebate on gas taxes paid at the pump. Fewer than 700 Oregonians were signed up for the program as of last year.

Trump administration officials hailed the tax as innovative in the annual Economic Report of the President, published Wednesday. The report, written by the president's Council of Economic Advisers, said Oregon's experiment offers "tangible evidence" that a pay-per-mile system could be a "promising alternative" to traditional gas taxes.

Gas tax revenues have fallen in Oregon and nationwide as cars have become more fuel efficient. That strains budgets of government agencies responsible for building and maintaining public infrastructure, which have traditionally relied on gas tax revenues for funding.

Trump's White House  usually a critic of Oregon for its liberal policies  also commended the Democrat-dominated state for its creative thinking on raising money to build roads and bridges.

"Oregon has long been a pioneer when it comes to transportation funding," the report said. It noted that Oregon was the first state to pass a gas tax, of 1 cent per gallon in 1919.

Oregon lawmakers and transportation officials have also long applauded the pay-per-mile tax pilot. Last year, however, lawmakers chose not to expand it as part of their $5.3 billion transportation plan. Instead, they increased the state gas tax and created new taxes and fees on payroll, new cars and bicycles, and DMV transactions.

Trump is seeking hundreds of billions of dollars of new federal spending in the hopes of sparking $1.5 trillion in infrastructure spending over a decade.

-- Gordon R. Friedman

503-221-8209; @GordonRFriedman
Portland's mayor wants to hire a consultant to help organize and train a new community police oversight committee, a group required by a city agreement with the U.S. Justice Department but which has yet to be formed a year after the city disbanded its predecessor.

Michael Cox, spokesman for Mayor Ted Wheeler, said the city had hoped to hire the consultant in February then appoint members to the new Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing, with it up and running in the summer.

But the city's initial request for bid proposals, due Jan. 8, apparently didn't draw enough "quality responses,'' so the solicitation was canceled Jan. 30, Cox said. A new request for proposals has been issued, partly to seek a larger pool of applicants including small businesses, according to the mayor.

A selection committee of city employees, along with mental health and racial equity advocates, has been formed, but the mayor's office declined to identify the members by name.

A U.S. Justice Department investigation found in 2012 that Portland police used excessive force against people with mental illness. The negotiated settlement with the city, approved by a federal judge in 2014, calls for changes to Portland policies, training and oversight. A central part of the settlement was to have independent oversight by community members.

Jason Renaud, a volunteer with the Mental Health Association of Portland, said clearly the old Community Oversight Advisory Board, known as COAB, needed "reworking.'' The old board disbanded in January 2017 due to internal conflicts and the lack of feedback from former police chiefs, city officials and federal officials to more than 50 policy recommendations its members crafted on police use of force, improving police encounters with people in crisis and ways to combat bias-based policing.

But to have no public discussions on the bureau's efforts to improve its interactions with people with mental illness for more than a year, a significant part of the four-year old city settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, means the "opportunity to build trust has been missed,'' Renaud said.

According to the city's request for bids, the new committee will independently assess the settlement agreement, make recommendations on how police can improve its community outreach and bureau policies, develop relationships with diverse communities in Portland, host at least quarterly town hall meetings, and share public grievances with the Police Bureau.

The new committee also is expected to hold two meetings a month, with at least one of those meetings open to the public, though its up to the committee to decide which one the public can attend.

The hired consultant would help communicate to the public the development of the new committee, establish an "equitable process'' for recruitment and selection of members, plan a retreat for the committee, ensure "group cohesion'' by setting ground rules for the committee and a vision for their work, and facilitate its public meetings. The person will have experience working with the mental health community and skills to "navigate challenging and controversial subject matter,'' according to the mayor.

No firm budget was provided. Those seeking the position are directed to estimate the cost of such services and submit a proposal to the city by March 12. The city anticipates selecting a person or firm by early April, with work to start April 16.

Because of the city's past legal challenge, an annual hearing on the status of reforms before a federal judge was canceled last year and delayed for more than a year.

That annual status hearing on the reforms is now set for April 19 before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon.

The judge also will hold a fairness hearing on whether the new committee and other amendments to the settlement agreement adopted by the City Council are "fair, adequate and reasonable.''

The Albina Ministerial Alliance's Coalition for Justice and Police Reform pushed for the fairness hearing, concerned that the new oversight group envisioned by the mayor's office gives "less autonomy and authority to the community.''

While the initial community group was primarily empowered to provide independent oversight of the police reforms mandated by the federal agreement, the new group's mission is more focused on improving the Police Bureau's engagement with the community, the coalition noted.

"The Court should accordingly hear from the community  who will be most impacted  on these matters,'' coalition lawyers J. Ashlee Albies and Kristen Chambers wrote in a court filing.

"The city has been out of compliance with the community oversight components of the settlement agreement for well over a year,'' they wrote. "As a result, the community has been left in the dark.''

City-hired consultants last year also reported that Portland police still lack the ability to track whether officers are using less force against people with mental health issues because of the lack of reliable data collected.

The Police Bureau has a community group called the Behavioral Health Unit Advisory panel that addresses police response to people in mental health crisis, but it meets behind closed doors. Neither the public nor the media has been allowed to attend the sessions.

According to the bureau's budget proposal for the next fiscal year, there were 1,012 referrals for service made to officers in the bureau's Behavioral Health Unit in the 2016-2017 fiscal year, but the unit was able to assign 44 percent of those referrals for case follow-up.

Police officers make referrals to the unit. The goal is to connect people in mental health crisis who officers encounter on the street to appropriate treatment and community resources to reduce their contacts with police and the criminal justice system.

Follow-up is based on unit capability, a person's risk to their self and others, number of contacts with officers and whether their conduct has escalated, Lt. Christian Wheelwright said. If someone is already connected to services, then a case is not assigned for follow-up by the union, but all cases are sent to Multnomah County mental health, Wheelwright said.

There are now three behavioral health teams, each made up of one Portland officer and one clinician. The bureau is asking for funding in the next budget to add two more teams. With the two new teams, the bureau's Behavioral Health Unit strives to respond to 50 percent of its referrals, according to the budget request.

Jan Friedman, an attorney with Disability Rights Oregon who sits on the Behavioral Health Unit advisory panel, said there's a lot of committed people on the panel, and she's seen improvements in how people with disabilities are discussed. Required crisis intervention training for all officers, and volunteer officers who receive additional training under the bureau's Enhanced Crisis Intervention officer program are all positive steps, she said.

Friedman, though, believes the advisory panel should hold at least some portions of its meetings in public. "I feel like there does need to be more inclusion,'' she said.

A clear community component was central to the federal settlement agreement, and is what's needed to change the public's distrust of police, she said.

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonian
Students from Washington local high schools demonstrate for stricter gun control outside the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on Feb. 21, 2018. U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he has recommended that "bump stocks", devices that enable semi-automatic weapons to fire hundreds of rounds per minute, be banned, while debates on gun rights continue across the country. (Xinhua/Ting Shen)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he has recommended that "bump stocks", devices that enable semi-automatic weapons to fire hundreds of rounds per minute, be banned, while debates on gun rights continue across the country.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said he has signed a memorandum directing Attorney General Jeff Sessions to propose regulations that ban all devices that turn legal weapons into machine guns.

"I expect these regulations to be finalized very soon," he said.

The move was a response to the massacre in Las Vegas last October, where professional gambler Stephen Paddock killed 58 people and wounded hundreds of others with rifles fitted with bump stocks.

Trump said after the deadly shooting, he directed Sessions to clarify that certain bump stock devices, like the one used in Las Vegas, are illegal under the current law.

The U.S. Justice Department said Tuesday it "understands this is a priority for the president and has acted quickly to move through the rule-making process."

The powerful National Rifle Association (NRA) said it won't comment on the proposed ban until an actual regulation is published with specifics.

"The NRA's stance on this issue has not changed," a spokesperson said. "Banning semi-automatic firearms and accessories has been shown time and again to not prevent criminal activity and simply punishes the law-abiding for the criminal acts of others."

Despite the president's move, Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein doubled down on legislation banning the devices.

"If you want these devices off the street, call congressional Republicans and tell them to stop blocking our bill," Feinstein said in a statement Tuesday. She had introduced a bill to ban bump stocks as well as similar devices last year.

According to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, more than six in 10 Americans fault Congress and the president for not doing enough to prevent mass shooting.

Trump's order came a week after a high school shooting in Parkland, Florida, where 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people with a rifle that he had purchased legally.

U.S. federal laws state that people must be at least 21 years old to buy a handgun from a licensed dealer, but they have to be only 18 to purchase a rifle or shotgun.

The Florida shooting, the second deadliest at a public school in U.S. history, has rekindled a drive for stricter firearms control.

Teenage survivors of the school shooting have called for rallies in Washington and across the country next month in support of tighter restrictions on access to guns.

"I am not going back to school until lawmakers and the president change this law," said Tyra Hemans, a 12th-grade student of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where the shooting occurred.

"Three people I looked to for advice and courage are gone but never forgotten, and for them, I am going to our state capital to tell lawmakers we are tired and exhausted of stupid gun laws," Hemans said.

The youth-led protest movement has attracted prominent celebrity supporters, including film star George Clooney, Hollywood director Steven Spielberg, and media mogul Oprah Winfrey.
Robotic window cleaners

Modern technologies have enriched traditional Spring Festival customs, and Chinese culture has also influenced the world with its unique charm during the Lunar New Year, according to a report recently issued by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba.

Thanks to e-commerce that brings countries closer, the dinner tables of the Chinese have been packed with Chilean king crabs, Boston lobsters, and orange roughies from New Zealand during the Spring Festival.

The sales of aquatic products on Alibabas online platform Tmall surged by nearly 300% during the 7-day holiday. In addition, the imports of Chilean cherries were 5 times of those from a year ago.

Artificial intelligence was another highlight during the 2018 Chinese New Year. The sales of cooking robots, robotic window cleaners, dish-washing machines and steam mops respectively increased by 145%, 169%, 188% and 320% year on year on Tmall.

The consumption of Chinese nowadays is no longer focused on basic needs; it shows the pursuit of a better life.

Even the fourth- and fifth-tier cities, as well as the rural regions have unexpectedly shown their interests in smart home appliances. Smart speakers, drones, and intelligent toilets have all been well accepted by modern Chinese farmers, according to the report.

Chinese culture is also having a bigger influence over the world. For instance, the tradition of hanging couplets has become a common practice for global merchants during the Spring Festival.

The AR-scanning of Fu character, meaning fortune in Chinese, presented by Alibabas mobile payment service Alipay, has been welcomed by more than 2,300 cities around the world.

Time has witnessed the changes of every Chinese family and the development of the country. All the changes come from the hard work of Chinese people, foreshadowing the prosperity of the new era.
The theft of a terracotta warriors thumb recently caught attention while warrior statues were on display at the Franklin Institute museum in the US city of Philadelphia, according to the Science and Technology Daily.

National treasures, such as the bronze chariot unearthed from the Qinshihuang Mausoleum or the world renowned painting Mona Lisa from the Louvre, are not allowed to leave the country, noted the Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center, the exhibitions Chinese host.

However, warrior statues are movable cultural relics according to relevant State regulations, and can be exhibited in safe and controllable places. No more than 10 statues are allowed to go abroad for a single event, said an expert from the center.

The "Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor exhibition launched in October 2017 has been an important cultural exchange activity between China and the US in recent years, said a person in charge from the center.

Overseas exhibition of Chinese cultural relics not only helps promote Chinese culture; it also enhances exchanges with other countries, said the expert. Such acts of sabotage make people indignant but its not necessary to give up eating for fear of choking as long as those exhibits are equipped with suitable guards and protections.

The universal practice suggests exhibiting the original relics instead of replicas, the expert noted. He believed that more art pieces will be exhibited as visitors quality is increasingly improved, and exhibiting cultural relics without glass frames is better when possible.

The stolen thumb has been retrieved and an emergency working group was sent to properly handle the issue, said the center. The Franklin Institute has reportedly admitted to security flaws and apologized and organizers are instructed to learn a lesson from this case and safeguard the integrity of exhibits on loan, according to the center.

The broken warrior statue is still on show with a left thumb snapped off. In addition to the Philadelphia exhibition, there have been many showings of terracotta warriors abroad, including an ongoing exhibition at the World Museum in Liverpool, UK from Feb 9 to Oct 28.
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Thousands of people entered our big summer competition from 1 July to 31 August this year. Were you one of the winners? Find out below! Thousands of people entered our big...
Silicon is an extremely common element in the earths crust, where it is found in the form of oxides. The pure form (>99%) of silicon dioxide (SiO2) was the catalyst for the electronic and computer revolution from the 1970s to the 1990s. Thanks to its semi-conducting properties, it opened the door to the development of microprocessors. This is the universe in which silicon came of age, before the watch industry began to take an interest, and decided to get in on the act.



In the 2000s, the CSEM laboratory launched a research programme with the aim of exploring the qualities of monocrystalline silicon, which resulted in the registration of a patent in 2002. A consortium of watch brands (Rolex, Patek Philippe and Swatch Group) then became associated with the programme, and secured a licence to manufacture and use these patented silicon technologies in watchmaking applications. At around the same time, in 2001, Ulysse Nardin launched a watch with a silicon escapement, the Freak.

Girard-Perregaux Echappement Constant L.M.  Girard-Perregaux

When it is pure enough, and has undergone a fabrication process in a clean room very similar to the kind of environment used for micro-processor manufacture, silicon is light, elastic and has shape memory. It is anti-magnetic and corrosion resistant, remains stable when subject to temperature changes, is extremely smooth, and therefore generates very little friction and suffers virtually no wear. For lubrication, all that is required is the ambient humidity of a watch workshop. And finally, it is manufactured via the DRIE process. It can be shaped into whatever form is required, even the most outlandish and improbable, and mass-produced. Its main disadvantage is that it breaks if subjected to stress in the wrong dimension (vertically, for a horizontal piece, for example).



The main application for silicon is in a watch escapement. The balance spring, lever and anchor wheel are the three components that benefit the most from its properties. It is there that issues such as weight, expansion, magnetism and friction are the most significant, and can cause the most damage. Rolex uses silicon for the balance springs of its womens watches, using the trade name Syloxi. Patek Philippe uses it under the name of Silinvar, primarily for its Spiromax balance springs, but also for the other components in its Advanced Research limited editions, which pioneer the use of innovative components and techniques, some of which are subsequently introduced in its current models.

Patek Philippe Advanced Research, the new Spiromax balance spring  Patek Philippe





The Swatch Group distributes silicon components to almost all its brands, whatever their price positioning. Breguet uses them  in fact, it was a pioneer  and so does Tissot. Finally, Ulysse Nardin and Sigatec produce escapement components in industrial quantities, which are then supplied to anyone who wants to use them. Ulysse Nardin itself first and foremost, but also other brands that are not members of the above-mentioned club.

A sheet of silicon pallet forks by Sigatec  Ulysse Nardin

The impetus for adoption was primarily technological. Mass production methods had to be created for use in the watch industry. This was translated into simple, flat and generic shapes. After all, a pallet wheel doesnt need any exotic geometry to work. The same goes for a balance spring, whose spatial characteristics are well known. But there was a second phase, which is still going strong, that turned to the exploration of new shapes.

Breguet  Breguet

One of the advantages of silicon is that it is easy to prototype. It is made using a process that resembles drawing an outline on a sheet of paper, which makes it easy to simply change the drawing and put it back in the furnace with all the other designs. It is a far cry from the complex design, casting, tempering, shaping and machining of steel alloy, and its what makes it possible to play around with silicon, and exploit all its qualities.



This is how we have come to see some incredible, uncategorisable shapes. In 2008, we had Girard-Perregaux and its Constant Escapement, which featured a component in the shape of an extraterrestrial butterfly between the pallet and the anchor wheels, which enhanced energy transmission. The company turned out to be a pioneer in the use of flexible componentry, espousing a principle that has since gained amazing traction in the industry. Ulysse Nardin came next with its Ulysse Anchor Escapement, which had similar benefits but with a more compact geometry.

Le tourbillon d'Ulysse Nardin Classic Ulysse Anchor Tourbillon  Ulysse Nardin

In 2017, Zenith benefited from the joint research of the CSEM and TAG Heuer, culminating in the introduction of the Zenith Defy Lab. Here, the silicon component isnt merely functional, its also demonstrative. Because of the many roles it has to play, it occupies almost the whole surface of the dial. This system uses a single piece to perform the functions normally executed by the entire regulating organ, and all at a frequency of 15 Hz.



Silicon has become omnipresent in watches. It is being considered as a replacement for some of the other springs, such as the barrel springs, which could benefit from its easily controlled and durable elasticity. It can be used to create highly complex multidimensional shapes, like the square and cloverleaf-shaped wheels of the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Square Wheel. It can also be used to coat metal pieces, thus reducing friction. It can be welded, and coated in monocrystalline diamond. The list goes on, and new applications are continually being found.
"I'm coming out of the closet! It's my second coming out," laughs Jesse Saint John. The career songwriter has only recently unveiled his personal artist project  and already, he's basically a pop star.

Having worked with artists like Sia, Carly Rae Jepsen, Charli XCX, and Britney Spears (his childhood icon, like so many millennials), Saint John could easily count his collaborations as life goals accomplished. His publishing is co-signed with Sony Music. He co-wrote "Something's Gotta Give" with Camila Cabello, and he's riding with on-the-rise artists like Lauv, too. Where do you from there? Are there even peaks to reach beyond these songwriting successes?

Emerging from behind the scenes and achieving the same popularity as an artist  presenting yourself solo  could be one. But Saint John didn't mastermind his debut; this "coming out" wasn't premeditated, per se. It wasn't until he wrote "Move," holed up in a writer's retreat in Colorado, that he realized he should claim the song for himself.

What was the process like for making "Move," and how did it compare to songwriting you've done for other people?



I wrote this with a couple of my friends, one being the producer, Tim Pagnotta, who did Walk The Moon and Neon Trees. We were in this writing retreat in Colorado; it was amazing, it was ice cold and so fun  and so separate from LA; LA gets a little stuffy. It was nice to be out and away from the whole songwriting world.

We were just playing around [on] the last day of the retreat. We were like, "What haven't we done?" There's a lot of sameness in the pop world, which I love and am happy to do, but on the last day of writing for seven days in a row, we were like, "Let's do something still pop, but funky, that we're excited about." We shared a bunch of influences, like Passion Pit, MGMT, Justice. We were like, "It'd be fun to do something kind of like this today," and then I was like, "Yeah, you know, like Uffie!" And he was like, "Who's Uffie?" He's from a more emo, alternative background, which is so cool, because I love that whole vibe too. But I showed him Uffie and he was like, "This girl is amazing." We ended up writing "Move" that day  not necessarily for me, because I wasn't an artist at the time; I was just a writer.

The more I lived with it, I was like, "Who could I send this to? What girl would sing this?" And then I realized, I was the girl who would sing it. (Laughs) I kept listening to it over and over and I was like, "If this wasn't my song, I would be jealous. I would be like, 'Oh my god, this person got to release this song, and if I was an artist, I would want to release this song.'" And I [thought], maybe I am an artist.

That's a cowbell in "Move,'" right?



Yeah, there is a cowbell in there!

It just reminds me of when I used to go dancing to electroclash kind of shit.

One thousand percent. I was super inspired by bloghouse. You know, all those amazing people, Does it Offend You, Yeah?, the Black Kids...

Yes! That's so many memories for me.

That's when I was in high school and I was in my lonely Orange County world. And I was like, "This style of music is so sick, I wanna go out to Hollywood and find these people!" (Laughs)

There wasn't anybody into that in Orange County at the time?

Me! I don't know, I was in high school doing theater and stuff.

I went to LA around that time, I went to some club  I just remember dancing to Le Tigre.

Oh my god, Heaven! Then when I got a little older, I saw Cinespace and Bardot and all that stuff. I was like, "Oh my god, I have to go there." I know it's just an hour away, but Orange County feels like a whole other world when you're there.

Did you move out to LA soon after?

Yeah, I moved to LA pretty soon after. I mean, when I was old enough to leave my mom's house.

What are the plans for your career as a solo artist moving forward?

Right now, it's really small. It's a lot of just me, which is great. We live in an era where you can kind of handle so much of the music output by yourself, just with the Internet, Spotify, and YouTube. I've had these amazing offers, which is great. The song's been out for a week-and-a-half or something (Laughs), and I'm really blessed with the way people have been reacting to it with different offers. Right now, I don't have management for my artist project; I don't have a booking agent or anything like that. I'm open and trying it on my own, which is great. I have no major plan for it; I'm just grateful to get my stuff out. I knew it would be fun and exhilarating. I have another single coming out in the next couple of months that I'm really excited about. I'm shooting the video in a couple weeks, and I'm still writing every day for other people.

Right. Are you releasing a video for "Move"? I saw some clips on Instagram...



There's not like an actual music video for it. It's just content to promote the song. I just filmed clips and things like that, then there's like a lyric video as well. I think that's kind of the modern way. Unless you're, like, Selena Gomez or something, to do a traditional album, and release a single with a music video... When you're just first starting, it's [about] creating content to get people interested and keep the buzz going.

I get that. It's an interesting way to go about it, because most people still do it that traditional way.

It's been this really interesting dichotomy when people hear my song and see my visuals. At first, they're like, "Are you alternative or pop?" And I think more people have been leaning toward telling me I'm just like a normal pop star who's using alternative, underground aesthetics and sounds to further my pop career, which is great. I never thought about it before I put ["Move"] out. I think it's up to everybody else to decide what I am. I don't really want to label it because I never really limit myself in that way.

You've previously said that you didn't want to release music because you were worried about what labels would be projected on you. You definitely have pop sensibilities, but the influences you're talking about in this song don't necessarily fall in line with that.



Exactly. I come from the pop world. I've obviously written for Britney Spears  you can't get more pop than that. But my influences are really just all over the map. I grew up worshipping Britney Spears, so I'm a mix of all my little influences, and I'm happy that way. I think the more that I try to put a label on it, the more it limits what I'm able to do, and that is the killer of creativity.

I hear that. In terms of what you're writing about it, "Move" wasn't intended for you, so it's not necessarily personal, right?

Yeah, totally. I mean, I think everything that I write, whether it's for me or for somebody else or with somebody else, there's always going to be pieces of me, and then pieces that are just totally universal that I think anybody could kind of find themselves in. So I think, while it's not "I was eight years old when my dad walked away" (singing), it's not literally...

Like a country song?

Right. (Laughs) Or like a Dashboard [Confessional] song. But it's part of my story. It's definitely part of who I am. And as I've been writing more for myself... I always have this motto, which is like, "Don't give anything to somebody else that you wouldn't sing, and don't sing something that you wouldn't be comfortable giving to somebody else." If you make it too personal, it's hard to relate to. And if you make it too universal, nobody can really relate to it.

Yeah.

So I think I'm always going to be operating from that perspective. "Move" is about being into the wrong kind of person: "I must be a masochist to love you 'cause you never come around/ Waiting by the exit for you..." It's somebody who you're longing for, and you're like, this isn't fulfilling, but for some reason I have to keep doing it. And then my next single is about "fake it until we feel it."

As I've been writing more for myself, songs that I gravitate toward keeping are the ones that are about this search for fulfillment, and this constant longing, and this forlorn kind of energy. I think there's beauty in this dissatisfaction of constantly searching for more fulfillment. I think that's a big theme through my lyrical content for my artist project. Sonically, it's definitely bombastic, and there's fun, and there's really bright elements to it  but there's this sort of icy emptiness somewhere in there too that I am loving right now.

I like that a lot. Is it too personal to ask if that's a reflection of your personal life? That longing and forever searching for more, and better?



Yeah. I think generationally that's a thing for millennials as far as this constant search for fulfillment where, as a whole we're sort of the most dissatisfied generation.

I think we have reason to be.

Totally. Of course. I think it's the world that was sort of handed to us and what we're dealing with. I think that social media gives you a lot of dissatisfaction as far as comparing your lives to other people, and just constantly searching for connection in a world in which we're supposed to be the most connected generation, yet somehow we still feel so distant from the people around us. I think it just speaks to the sort of energy of where we are right now as a community.

See, and pop has a lot of depth sometimes!

Yeah! See? (Laughs)

It can!

But it's pop. (Laughs)

I think the best pop has depth. It can be said simply, but it can still have a lot of depth.

I agree. That's the other thing I learned when I first started writing pop and writing for other people... writing music basically. I used to write these amazing long, massive songs and then I would get in the room with people and they would be like, "This is dope!" Now make it half the amount of words. So [pop] makes you choose your words really carefully, which I try to use in my daily life  to speak as concisely as possible.

...That being said, I could talk for, like, 45 minutes.





Photography & Creative Direction: David-Simon Dayan

Hair & Makeup: Marlaine Reiner

Styling: Alexandra McCall
Religion Dispatches (RD) posted an interview last week with Matthew Walton discussing his book on Buddhism and politics in contemporary Burma. Walton is the Aung San Suu Kyi Senior Research Fellow in Modern Burmese Studies at St Antonys College at the University of Oxford. His research has focused on religion and politics in Southeast Asia. He is the founder of the Oxford based blog/website discussing contemporary Burma: Tea Circle.

The Moral Universe

The book, Buddhism, Politics, and Political Thought in Myanmar, was published in November 2016 and will be followed in October of this year with Buddhism and the Political: Organisation and Participation in the Theravada Moral Universe.

Its worth noting the moral universe part of this title, as ethics are central to Buddhist thought and activity and it is good to see this root or foundation noted a title about political activity. A friend recently asked on facebook about the bodies of non-humans in the Buddhist cosmology and I was led to Gail Sutherlands 1991 book, The Disguises of the Demon: The Development of the Yaksa in Hinduism and Buddhism. The book is fascinating and well worth further exploration, but in particular it describes demons (yakkhas/yaksas) in early Buddhist thought under the heading of The Fluid, Physical, and Moral Forms of the Demons. Here, too, the moral dimension is rightly highlighted.

While Westerners, including Western Buddhists, might nod to a connection between morality and the physical world, these are seen as intimately connected in the Buddhist moral universe. The roots of suffering are greed, hatred, and delusion and these lead to our thoughts, words, and deeds, just like a shadow (Dhammapada v.2). And we are the inheritors of our past deeds, whatever I do, for good or for evil, to that I will fall heir (Subjects for Contemplation, AN 5.57).

This fundamental moral basis sets in motion the rest of the world, including our experiences as embodied humans. So Buddhists wont deny that in Syria today, bombs and shrapnel are killing people. But theyd say that these are being launched by individuals filled with greed, hatred, and delusion.

Buddhists are political

Waltons book promises to draw our attention to the fact that Buddhists are political. Buddhist political activity is driven by particular internal theoretical and doctrinal guides that are easily confusing to outsiders. Walton tells RD that Im describing a moral universe of modern Theravada Buddhist thinking that provides key ideas and understandings that Buddhists have used to make sense of the political world they inhabit. If we dont know the outlines of this worldview (and the variations of interpretation within it), were likely to miss many of the subtle nuances of Burmese expressions of political thought; for example, assuming that calls for democracy necessarily align with Western liberal democratic notions (that are themselves quite varied).

On the biggest misconceptions about Buddhism, Walton states:

I suppose the biggest one would be that Buddhism is somehow apolitical, a misconception that many of us are still struggling against, even within academia. The other frustrating thing that people working in non-Western traditions regularly encounter is an assumption that well be conveying the Buddhist view on politics. Its such an arrogant assumption to believe that all of these rich traditions can essentially be boiled down to a clear set of core ideas, whether related to politics or any other topic. This book tries to identify an influential tradition of political thinking within Burma/Myanmars recent history, but I also try to make clear that 1) its not the only one and 2) even within it, theres immense variation in how people use the concepts and ideas that come from their religious belief and practice.

Walton continues, I really want to draw attention to the depth and complexity of this tradition of thought, not least because its been actively repressed by a series of military governments in Burma/Myanmar from 1962-2011 and because its been actively utilized in recent years to demonize and exclude Muslims from membership in the political community.

The word demonize there is worth further investigation, along with dehumanize (as some Buddhist clerics have likened Muslims to dogs). The fluidity of the Buddhist moral universe allows this sort of language and, I think, genuine belief on the part of Buddhists. As Walton notes, I particularly want to push back against instrumentalist arguments about the ways religion is used in politics, instead showing that actors are themselves deeply embedded within their religious worldviews.

A great take-away from this book is, as noted in Waltons words above, the need to bracket many of our assumptions about Burmese politics. For many in the West this also means bracketing assumptions about Buddhist ethics, a topic usually conveyed in very simple and almost universally positive language. Bracketing such assumptions and past (mis)education helps us to see things as they truly are.

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First Atlantic Bank (FAB) has officially signed an investment agreement with Advanced Finance & Investment Group (AFIG Funds), manager of AFIG Fund II (Fund II or the Fund) to strengthen its capital base.



The investment which has the approval of the Bank of Ghana is part of the banks strategy towards recapitalization before the end of the year.



First Atlantic Bank is a full-service universal bank in Ghana which has been providing a wide range of banking services to corporate and retail clients for over 20 years. Since FABLs transformation from a merchant bank to a universal bank in 2011, the Bank has quickly become one of the more established local banks with an extensive footprint and a robust financial position. AFIG Funds investment in First Atlantic Bank will strengthen the Banks capital and accelerate its transition to being a market leader.



Mrs. Karen Akiwumi-Tanoh, Chairman of the board of the Bank in her welcome address said: We are glad to have attracted the backing of AFIG Funds at this critical phase in our growth. We have been engaged with AFIG Funds for several years and are delighted to have gained their confidence in our business model and future financial prospects. This investment we believe will go a long way in strengthening our capital base and will better position our bank to continue delivering excellent service to our customers at home in Ghana and abroad.



As a financial institution, we also expect to benefit from AFIG Funds rich experience in strategic investing across the continent. We sincerely welcome and acknowledge this signing ceremony as a significant step to future of shared prosperity and the economic advancement of our respective countries", she added.



Commenting further, Mr. Papa Madiaw Ndiaye, CEO of AFIG Funds said: Our Investment in First Atlantic Bank comes at anaexciting time in Ghanas economic evolution, where Investor confidence is being restored on the back of solid economic growth prospects and an increasingly favourable policy environment. It is no surprise that Ghana is expected to be Africas fastest growing economy in 2018. As a fund that has a long history of investing in and growing companiesincluding banks across West, Central and East Africa, we consider First Atlantic Bank as one of the high-ranking financial institutions that we have invested in. We believe that First Atlantic Bank has the capacity to become one of the leading banks locally and possibly in West Africa, thanks to the capacity of its board and management team, many of whom we have known for many years, and the capital we are injecting into the bank. In line with our approach to investing, we will be value-adding investors who will support the execution of the banks growth initiatives, he concluded.



Mr. Odun Odunfa, MD/CEO First Atlantic Bank expressed his appreciation to Mr. Papa Ndiaye and his management team for believing in the growth strategy of the bank. We at First Atlantic Bank acknowledge the support and are more confident in our strategic road map to attain full capitalization and beyond by the end of this year per Bank of Ghanas calendar.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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On 24 February the National Electoral Commission (NEC) officially announces the names of candidates that will appear on the ballot paper for presidential elections scheduled between 26 and 28 March.

NEC announced on 2 February that it had accepted the candidacies of two election hopefuls: incumbent President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi who is running for a second four-year term, and head of the Ghad (Tomorrow) Party, Moussa Mustafa Moussa.

The NEC has not received any legal challenges against the two candidates, nor have we received any objections on their eligibility, says NEC Spokesperson Mahmoud Al-Sherif. As a result the final list on 24 February is expected to consist of the two candidates, Al-Sisi and Moussa.

Presidential campaigning officially kicks off on Saturday. The NEC is allowing 11 days  until 13 March  for campaigning among expatriates abroad and for 28 days  until 23 March  in Egypt. In addition, candidates can withdraw from the race until 1 March.

Moussa told Al-Ahram on 19 February he has no intention of withdrawing even if President Al-Sisi is assured of victory.

My campaign will focus on a clear platform and programmes. It will then be up to the people to judge on the voting day, said Moussa.

The Ghad Party announced on 18 February the campaign team of its candidate Moussa had already been formed and was ready to start work. The executive members of the campaign have been selected and are prepared to begin campaigning on Saturday, the Ghad Party said in a statement.

In an interview with Al-Ahram Moussa said his campaign will focus on improving economic conditions.

I have just one message for Egypts political parties, said Moussa. It is that your participation in political life must be more active.

I wonder why high-profile political parties opted not to field presidential candidates though they could have easily met the registration requirements.

When the Wafd Party said it would field a candidate I was happy and said I would support them. When it backtracked I was disappointed and decided to stand myself, said Moussa. History will remember that I took this decision in order to inject new blood into Egypts political life.

Moussa, 66, is an engineer. He entered politics in 2005 when he was named deputy head of the Ghad Party, founded a year earlier by political activist Ayman Nour.

When, at the end of 2005, Nour was found guilty of forging the registration and foundation papers of the party, it was necessary for the Ghad to move and oust him from the leadership.

It was then, says Moussa, that I decided to correct the Ghads direction and align the party with the national interest.

Moussas father served as an MP for the Cairo district of Bab Al-Sheriya before the1952 Revolution.

I am a member of an old political family, says Moussa. What distracted me from politics for a long time was that I had to study in France for my BSc in architectural engineering.

The Ghad Party contested the 2015 parliamentary elections in alliance with the liberal Congress Party and won three seats.

Moussa says his decision to contest the poll triggered attacks from the Muslim Brotherhood and Ayman Nour.

I have disrupted their plans to portray the poll as a referendum, as a one man show, says Moussa. He described Ayman Nour as a small and worthless person.

Moussa opposes any political return of the Muslim Brotherhood.

This group has the blood of Egyptians on its hands and it cant be allowed back to divide the Egyptians and turn the country into a sectarian state, he says.

Moussa does not think of himself as a rival to President Al-Sisi.

I am a big supporter of President Al-Sisi, Moussa told Al-Ahram. But once I decided to run I took the matter seriously. I want citizens to choose between two programmes.

My major concern is to improve economic conditions and create employment opportunities. The greatest amount of attention in this country in the coming years should be devoted to creating jobs for young people who will soon form half the population.

Recent economic reforms have made it hard for many people, particularly the young, to meet their basic needs. I will print thousands of leaflets explaining how I intend to reverse this situation within six months, said Moussa.

Once official campaigning begins I will hold rallies in provincial governorates to address the people and explain my platform.

Moussa is hoping these rallies will attract crowds of up to 30,000.

Ten political parties held a conference last week to announce they, too, will hold rallies.

The rallies, held under the slogan Egypt first Turn out and vote, will support President Al-Sisi and mobilise citizens to vote in the upcoming election, said a joint statement released on Monday.

Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel-Aal told MPs last week that the House will adjourn in March to give MPs the chance to address their districts and persuade constituents to go out and vote.

Deputy Speaker Al-Sayed Al-Sherif told Al-Ahram Weekly that he intends to tour governorates to deliver speeches on the presidential poll.

I think it is our duty to urge citizens to actively participate in the election and send a strong message to the evil people calling for a boycott, said Al-Sherif. Great economic and security achievements make me confident that we will see a historic turnout.

* This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly

Short link:


The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), on Wednesday commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos intervention in the Togo political crisis.



According to the Foundation, the President backed by ECOWAS had taken a critical step that would contribute significantly to finding the needed peace in the former French colony.



Mrs Theodora Williams Anti, the Programmes Manager of FOSDA, speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said President Akufo-Addo had shown the needed leadership by his actions to resolve the impasse so far, given the importance of peace in Togo to Ghana and West Africa as whole.



She therefore, urged the President to remain objective and promote compliance to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and other relevant ECOWAS protocols.



She said: "This intervention has come at the opportune time and we urge the government, the various political parties in Togo, CSOs and other stakeholders to heed to President Akufo-Addo's call for compromises and accommodation where necessary."

Source: GNA









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The implementation of the ECOWAS single currency, which is targeted for the year 2020, must be met regardless of prevailing challenges within the sub-region, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasised.



Delivering his welcome address at the 5th meeting of the Presidential Task Force on the ECOWAS Single Currency programme held at the Accra International Conference Centre yesterday, President Akufo-Addo said: The structure of economies bequeathed to West Africa by the colonists was aimed at servicing the colonial masters, essentially, raw material producing and exporting economies.



Mr. Akufo-Addo further stated that the quest for an ECOWAS Single Currency is not intended to boost the trading of goods produced in third party countries, but meant to encourage the production of goods and services within the West African region.



These observations, the President said, were the reasons why the targeted timeline of 2020 for the single currency realisation ought to be attained at all cost.



President Akufo-Addo observed that the structural transformation of West African economies cannot be postponed if the region is to meet the aspirations of its young people for jobs.



The President added that it is incumbent on West African leaders to strengthen the production base of their economies, improve agricultural productivity and industrial production.



Over the next two years before the deadline of the implementation of the ECOWAS single currency, West African leaders ought to give the roadmap all the attention it deserves in order for the region to introduce the proposed single currency.



The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional institution, comprises fifteen nations. It emerged on May 28th, 1975, in Lagos Nigeria. One of the reasons behind the establishment is to ensure the existence of a single currency in the region.



The desire to integrate the region into one economic bloc that will lead to the circulation of a single currency has been on the agenda of various regional heads of states conferences, but it was discovered that colonial loyalties and the long existing monetary cooperation of Francophone nations with France was a strong impediment towards the proposal of such a target. Also, member states have not been able to meet the set of convergence criteria, which led to delays, and the shifting of dates in establishing a common currency.



In addition, there is the lack of political will and fear of domination among ECOWAS member states. To solve this problem, it was agreed in April 2000 in Accra Ghana, that a two-fast track approach strategy be adopted for the realisation of a single currency.



For the first track, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) was to form a second monetary union called the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) by July 2005, which comprises mainly Anglophone nations.



The second track is the subsequent merging of WAEMU and WAMZ to form a single currency union in the region.

Source: Today Newspaper









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The embattled Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Charlotte Osei, has been accused of running a one-man show  failing to carry along other commissioners.



The EC boss is said to have refused to hold meetings with other six commissioners to discuss the way forward for the independent electoral body.



According to information available to DAILY GUIDE, the commissioners have not held a single meeting for about a year in clear breach of the EC Act 1993; and activities at the state institution appear to have been put on hold currently.



No Meetings



DAILY GUIDE understands that it is the duty of Mrs Charlotte Osei to convene meetings to deliberate on the activities of the commission, but she had allegedly refused to do so, leaving her colleague commissioners very frustrated.



As a result, one of the commissioners, Ebenezer Aggrey-Fynn, has written a strongly-worded memo to the chairperson, asking her to arrange a meeting with immediate effect to enable the commission to carry out its functions.



He gave the EC boss a one-week ultimatum, failure of which he said he was going to use every legal avenue to get the matter settled.



The memo  a copy of which is in possession of DAILY GUIDE  was written on February 16, 2018 and was copied to Mrs Osei and her deputies in-charge of Operations and Corporate Services, as well as other members of the commission.



Constitutional Breach



The memo is suggesting that Mrs. Charlotte Osei is running the commission as a sole commissioner, contrary to the 1992 Constitution.



According to Mr Aggrey-Fynn, a similar letter he sent to Mrs. Charlotte Osei on August 21, last year to enquire about the reasons for the failure to hold commission meetings fell on deaf ears.



My memo dated 21st August, 2017 on the above subject refers. Regrettably, I am yet to receive an acknowledgement of it nor seen any action on the content, frustrated Mr. Aggrey-Fynn said.



Mandatory Provision



He drew the attention of the chairperson to Section 6 (1) (Act 451)  The Electoral Commission Act 1993  which states that The Commission shall meet at least once every two months.



He said the EC boss should know that the members of the commission are held jointly and severally for the actions and inactions of the commission.



Sole Commissioner



The worried commission member said, It is sad to note that you (Mrs. Charlotte Osei) have positioned yourself in a manner that suggests that you are a Sole Commissioner, contrary to the 1992 Constitution.



Demand Notice



I am by this memo demanding that you call a commission meeting immediately to enable the commission to carry out its functions, he declared.



He indicated, Failure to hear from you by 23rd February, 2018 on my request, will leave me with no option than to explore other options of compelling you to do so to enable me perform my constitutional mandate as a member of the commission.



Frosty Relationship



The public uproar that ensued following a series of petitions and counter-petitions filed against Mrs. Charlotte Osei and her deputies  Alhaji Amadu Sule (Operations) and Mrs Georgina Opoku-Amankwaa (Corporate Service)  gave an indication that all is not well among the commissioners.



It is public knowledge that some of the commissioners, including Mrs. Charlotte Osei, are not on talking terms and it was evident when she led the EC team to face a parliamentary committee last year.



Some of the commissioners are also reportedly required to fill the visitors form anytime they want to see Mrs. Charlotte Osei.



Chief Justice Committee



Currently, a five-member committee presided over by Justice A.A. Benin of the Supreme Court is investigating the EC chair and her two deputies as prescribed under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.



The whole action was triggered by a petition sent to the presidency by Lawyer Maxwell Opoku-Agyemang who was acting on behalf of some unnamed staff of the commission who were seeking to trigger impeachment proceedings against Mrs. Charlotte Osei.



A litany of allegations were leveled against Mrs. Osei, including spending GH3.9 million to partition an office, receipt of a bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser from the previous government, spending about $14 million for district offices when the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) had authorized her to use only $7.5 million, as well as attending Cabinet meetings under President John Mahamas administration, among others.



Counter Petition



In the ensuing heat, Emmanuel Senyo, a non-EC staff, filed a counter petition to the president against the two deputy commissioners  Amadu Sulley and Mrs. Opoku-Amankwa.



DAILY GUIDE understands that Mr. Senyo relates James Kofi Afedo, the Communication Consultant working with the EC.



Kofi Afedo, a known member of Movement for Mahama- a partisan group  was hired by Mrs. Charlotte Osei and allegedly paid him thousands of dollars.

Source: Daily Guide









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Officers of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) have arrested a Tanzanian woman, Basaida Zena Jafary with 2.3kg of speedball, a mixture of cocaine and heroin with street value of $70,000.00.



Ms. Zena Jafary, a food vendor in Tanzania, arrived in Ghana recently at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) onboard Rwanda Air flight number ET 200. She was busted whilst going through arrival formalities.



A search conducted in her check-in luggage revealed a concealment of two (2) parcels in false compartments of her luggage. The content of the parcel proved positive for narcotics substance during preliminary test conducted in her presence.



The suspected narcotic substance were further forwarded to the Ghana Standards Authority for confirmation, which tested positive for narcotics weighing 2.3kg.



Ms. Zena on interrogation admitted ownership of the parcels, and confessed that they were given to her by one Mandanje Omari in Tanzania to be delivered to someone in Accra for undisclosed amount of money.



When arraigned before court, Ms. Zena pleaded guilty to her offence and was subsequently handed a 5 years prison sentence.



NACOB admonishes the public to desist from delivering parcels on behalf of others, as it has been the conduit for trafficking narcotic drugs.







Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Government appreciates the sacrifices of the men and women in uniform, and will continue to provide the necessary logistics to enable them discharge their duty of ensuring law and order and protecting the nations borders, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured.



According to the President, ongoing operations such as CALM LIFE, COW LEG and VANGUARD, designed to deal with the menace posed by land guards, destruction being wreaked on farms and farmers by nomadic cattle herders, and illegal mining popularly known as galamsey will also continue to receive special attention to ensure their success.



President Akufo-Addo gave the assurance in a speech read on his behalf by the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at the 2017 General Headquarters West African Soldiers Social Activities (WASSA) Celebration of the Ghana Armed Forces held at Burma Camp, Accra on Wednesday 21st February, 2018.



The Government and people of Ghana continue to applaud and cherish the sacrifices that the Ghana Armed Forces make to contain armed robbery and other violent crimes through joint patrols with the Ghana Police Service the President stated.



Your continued efforts in keeping our borders safe; your response to natural disasters; protection of our maritime domain and air space to secure our strategic assets; the provision of health services to many Ghanaians in areas where you are deployed; your protection of the environment, particularly in safeguarding our river bodies against illegal mining operations under Operation VANGUARD; and your continued community assistance programmes that bring smiles to faces of the deprived in our society are all greatly appreciated, President Akufo-Addo added.



We would continue to support these operations to ensure that their objectives are achieved. The hazards of the operations are well appreciated but I have faith in your professional competence.



The President continued: In the later part of last year, upon the advice of the National Security Minister, Operation CALM LIFE was re-launched and charged with additional mandate to curb activities of violent land guards.



Following the re-launch, we provided Two Hundred (200) new Toyota Pickup vehicles for the operation. I wish to assure you that additional vehicles and other logistics required to ensure the success of the operations would be provided in due course to ensure that our cities, roads, streets and communities remain safe for citizens to go about their activities freely.



The President commended the ongoing efforts to deal with the unruly activities of nomadic herdsmen, particularly in the Agogo and Drobonso areas, where there have been reports of looting and other antisocial behavior, and served a warning to all nation wreckers that the law would catch up with them.



To those criminal groups, environmental degraders, and all whose activities pose security threat to our country, I wish to advise that opportunities exist in the economy for them to channel their energies into more productive and rewarding enterprises that will earn them a decent livelihood.



President Akufo-Addo expressed the nations condolences to the families of the men and women who have lost their lives while discharging their duty of protecting the State, and pledged the full might of the state in bringing the perpetrators to book.



I commend you for your patience in allowing due process of the law to take its course when the late Major Maxwell Mahama was murdered in May last year.



We are all aware that 14 accused persons are currently on trial. I want to reiterate here, that various state agencies including non-government agencies are seriously educating our populace on the need to stop mob justice.



I also want to recall the recent murder of Sergeant George Boakye and to assure you all that our Police Service is investigating the matter in order to bring the culprits to book.



At this juncture, may I recall the unfortunate death of the two policemen who were recently killed while on Operation COWLEG in the Ashanti Region and the five soldiers who sustained various degrees of injuries when they were shot by nomadic herdsmen in Agogo in Asante Akyem North district of the Ashanti Region.



My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and speedy recovery to the injured. Ghana is grateful for your sacrifices, and we will ensure that the law is applied to the fullest extent possible.



The 2017 General Headquarters (WASSA) Celebration of the Ghana Armed Forces was attended by past held at Burma Camp, Accra on Wednesday 21st February, 2018.







Source: classfmonline.com









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NIGERIA: Popular Catholic priest and radio preacher, Rev. Fr. Patrick Henry Edet, who resigned from the priesthood last year is set to wed.



Edet, who was a Roman Catholic priest for 11 years, announced yesterday that he will be getting married on Saturday, March 17. As for who he will be getting married to, he said she will be revealed next week. He made the announcement during his Grace Family Church service.



Samuel Abasiekong, a publisher and Secretary Uyo Division of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, confirmed the news on Facebook, writing: "Rev. Fr. Patrick Henry Edet, who resigned from Catholic Church about six months ago to get married on March 17, 2018."



While announcing his resignation last year, Edet said: "From today henceforth, I cease to be a Catholic Priest, in my spirit and in my soul. ?I forgive those who will criticize me, I live for God. I seek freedom for my soul. As I leave, I leave smiling I am so happy that I am free."









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Dr Valerie Sawyerr, a Deputy Chief of Staff under former President John Mahama, has jabbed Special Prosecutor nominee, Martin Amidu, in a write up about events that have happened between the citizen vigilante and former Attorney General Betty Mould Iddrisu.



In an article, Dr Sawyer questioned the integrity of Mr Amidu.



Below is the full article:



BIRD OF THE NIGHT (Part I)

By Dr. Valerie E. Sawyerr



Vilified even in death, Professor Mills stands taller than the vilifier!

Lied about even in death, Professor Mills stands higher than the liar!!

Indeed, he who God has blessed, no man can curse!!!



In Shakespeares Julius Caesar, Casca said in Act 1 Scene III

And yesterday the bird of the night did sit

Even at noon-day upon the marketplace

Hooting and shrieking.



On the evening of February 13, 2018, the day of Martin Amidus Parliamentary vetting, I lay down to sleep. I tossed and turned! Then I prayed:



God, the Bible says you are no respecter of persons. I know that you allow mortals to get away with so many things because of your mercy and your grace. But I also know that when the time is right in your estimation, you mesmerise and confound us with your wisdom in exposing what should be exposed for the betterment of mankind. Your will is supreme Lord  may it be done according to your wisdom knowledge and judgment.



 Because you are a God of truth, I know you will not use perceptions to judge us  because you are a God of truth, I know that you will not use information from open-source methods to condemn us  because you are a God of truth, I know you will not use unconfirmed intelligence to sentence us.



I drifted into sleep, then I heard the voice of Professor Mills from far away - illusion or reality, I cannot say - Remind Martin Amidu that God has mastery over his soul and that he will account for all evil. Encourage him to repent before it is too late because God is still a God of grace ... but judgment day will come.



I woke up seeking answers to questions:



a. Martin, for a while now you have been saying that you fell out with President John Evans Atta Mills because he tried to prevent you from pursuing the Woyome case. On Tuesday, I heard you say that you fell out with the good Professor because of a breach of trust. Which is the truth please?



b. Martin, on Tuesday I heard you say that you made allegations about the former Attorney-General Betty Mould Iddrisu to President Atta Mills. He then arranged a meeting where she was present for you to recount your allegations. This is what you considered breach of trust because her husband was your brother, so he should not have called you to recount your allegations in her presence. Did the wise Professor arrange that meeting so that Betty would have a chance to respond to your allegations, please?



c. Martin, one of the basic tenets of Natural Justice is the audi alteram partem rule. I know you are very much aware that this Latin phrase means listen to the other side or let the other side be heard as well. It is the principle that no person should be judged without a fair hearing in which each party is given the opportunity to respond to the evidence against them. As a self-proclaimed Citizen Vigilante and Defender of the Constitution, do you believe in application of the rules of Natural Justice please?



d. Martin, did you think you could make such strong allegations against a fellow Minister and the learned Professor would keep them secret and strike her a blow without giving her a chance to be heard? Kindly help me understand why? Are you above the law or is it that when you speak no one else should speak? Are you the be all and end all the beginning and the end?



Indeed, all who knew the astute Professor knew that he did not suffer bullies and cowards lightly. You could not get away with any backstabbing allegations without him arranging a meeting between accuser and the accused. He was a man who walked the talk.



Many a time, appointees had the shock of their lives when after making allegations against others, they would be in Profs office when the other party would be ushered in by his ADC, and Prof would ask them to recount their allegations in the presence of the person they had accused. That was one of Profs fair-play tactics. It made him unique in a vicious political environment riddled with backstabbing, petty accusations, major allegations and wizardry witchcraft.



So Prof called Betty to respond to your allegations in your presence and all of a sudden hell broke loose? There was screaming like a barn owl (Tyto Alba), shrieking like a bobcat (Lynx Rufus), wailing like a banshee (some call it Ignis Faatus), prancing around like an orangutan (Pongo Abelii/Pongo Pygmaeus), use of language and gestures unbecoming of an appointee towards a sitting President, even attempts in chimpanzee (Pan Troglodytes) style to physically assault a sitting President?



Why? Because it is against your custom for him to call the wife of your elder brother (Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu) in your presence to listen to your allegations and defend herself, even when the wife of that elder brother is the same person you were accusing of the most horrible crimes? So because of your custom the rules of Natural Justice should be disregarded?



You are lucky that quintessential gentlemen like Mr. Bebaako Mensah and Mr. Martey Newman were the ones in the room and you know they are unwilling to break their silence. That is why you can provocatively brandish Bebaakos name all over the place with bravado saying  Ambassador to the Vatican, call him and ask him. You are very lucky! But one day, even the quintessential gentlemen will speak. Do not push them too far!



What about the security men who had to be restrained by Mr. Newman because they burst into the room knowing the sitting President was under threat? Were they also hallucinating?



I dont blame you Martin! You can afford to be brash and brazen when dealing with nice democratic Presidents like Egya Atta and Baba JM. I dare you to do it to President Akufo-Addo and you will see your how far, since he has made it clear that he will ruthlessly devour anything in his path.



I will wait patiently for that day, because that day will surely come. Imagine the look of shock on your face when the President does not wait for his security personnel but he himself lands a solid punch on your bofrot after all All Dieeeee Be Dieeeee! Even Papa J will not be able to save you that day. Pardon me for laughing so hard. Visualising the scene tickles me pink - President AA lands solid punch on SPs bofrot as JJ tries to separate the two. Saayooooo, onukpa b dzm lo?



By the way did you know that Wikipedia lists Ghanas bofrot as an imported doughnut product. In Ghana, I guess we could describe it as a round ball of dough (flour, sugar, yeast, nutmeg, salt and water) deep-fried in hot oil to a golden-brown tint - crispy outside, full of dough and air inside.



So all hail the new Special Prosecutor designate! King of kings! Boss-less appointee! He who serves as deputy to an Attorney General and the Attorney-General is not his boss? He who serves as Attorney-General to a President and the President is not his boss? Even when he proclaimed himself the Shadow Vice-President he still did not have a boss?



If you are a man, tell J.J. Rawlings that he was never your boss. Please let me know the day and time so I will perch on the wall like a fly. I chuckle as I ponder whose defence I would come to. Thats a difficult one! Since I cant make up my mind, maybe I will just boot both sets of balls and run quickly before both turn on me, happily forgetting that they are the two wrestlers and I am simply a humble spectator oops citizen.



The Bird of the Night is defined as a nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and a large head with front-facing eyes.



In Shakespeares Julius Ceasar, Casca speaks to Cicero on the eve of the Ides of March describing bad omens he had witnessed - hearing an owl hooting and screeching in the middle of the day - which he considered a bad omen. Cicero dismissed Cascas omens, insisting that natural explanations exist even when things appear to be unnatural. Later Casca met Cassius and they discussed the omens. Cassius said that the bad omens meant trouble for Julius Caesar. The Bird of Night was a warning to prepare for a tragedy that would soon befall Caesar.



Did you know that the Flammulated Owl is also known as the Psiloscops Flammeolus and the Night Hawk, Chordeiles Minor?



Papa Alamisi, at your vetting, you dodged the question about your NDC membership with dexterity. Your answer seemed to be that as a nominee for the position of Special Prosecutor, the law enjoins that you must be neutral, so you will be neutral. What exactly does that mean please? Are you still a card-bearing member of the NDC or not? Are you a card-bearing member of the NPP or not? Who are you kidding? Does President Akuffo Addo think it is acceptable to appoint a Special Prosecutor who holds a Political Party membership card?



It is a reasonable and legitimate expectation of the citizenry that the Special Prosecutor is not a card-bearing member of any Political Party in the country. Indeed, it behoves on Parliament to ensure your resignation as Political Party member before your confirmation as Special Prosecutor, instead of hiding behind the skirt of Chairman Osei Wusu.



Please do not bring up the matter of the NDC Council of Elders directives that no member of the NDC should engage in any public or media tango. As far as I am concerned you are no longer in a position to be a member of the NDC so the directives of the Council of Elders no longer apply to you. Unless you are saying that since you have not given up your card or officially resigned, you are still a member of the NDC. Hehehe Hehehe!



Talking about our revered Council of Elders, I sent them a complaint last year September about some persons who had flouted their directives in relation to me. In October, I received a nice letter thanking me for the mature manner in presenting the matter to them and promising that they were looking into the matter. I have not heard from them after that. NDC! NDC! NDC! The disciplinary structures of the Party must work without fear or favour, if we intend to send Mr. Promise & Fail and Mr. Arrest the Cedi into retirement in 2020.



Bird of the Night! The Great Horned Owl is known as the Bubo Virginianus. It has a repertoire of sounds, ranging from deep booming hoots to shrill shrieks.



In Ghana we call the owl Patu, Petuo, Adzexe, Vigu, Vixu, Viuk!



Hahaha! We fear not!! Holy Ghost Fire dey!!!



Shalom!

I am for peace!

















Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Dr Valerie Sawyerr, former Deputy Chief of Staff in the past National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, has stated that the NDC is not waiting for the demise of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.



Your Excellency Mr Vice President, please do not let anybody convince you that the NDC is waiting for your demise, Dr Sawyerr said in a recent article.



Dr Bawumia reported for work unwell on Thursday, 19 January 2018 and was later flown to London to recuperate.



For Dr Sawyerr, Dr Bawumia should be more concerned about members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who are against him.



You must look within your own camp to find the bomb-throwers. They are watching you with the eyes of hawks, waiting to swoop. But I think you know that already. I suspect your little jig on the streets of London was to ensure that certain Birds of the Night did not fill your position before you could complete your treatment, She added.



She further advised Dr Bawumia to prioritise his health in order to maintain his fitness to discharge his duties.



Below is the full article titled Bird of the Night, Part 2 :



BIRD OF THE NIGHT ( PART 2)

BIRD OF THE NIGHT (Part II)

No rest for the weary, as the hooting sounds of the Bird of the Night fill the dark skies!



The Barn Owl (Tyto Alba) does not hoot like other owls. It lets out a long harsh screech that lasts about two seconds.



The Flammulated Owl (Psiloscops Flammeolus) has a relatively deep woop with ventriloquial effect repeated at regular intervals of about two to three seconds.



Did you hear the cacophony of sounds over the recent illness of Mr. Arrest the Cedi that sent him doing the hopscotch (tuumatu) on the streets of London without his bodyguards?



The rabid spread of those horrible rumours definitely did not come from the NDC. Your Excellency Mr. Vice President, please do not let anybody convince you that the NDC is waiting for your demise. You must look within your own camp to find the bomb-throwers. They are watching you with the eyes of hawks, waiting to swoop. But I think you know that already. I suspect your little jig on the streets of London was to ensure that certain Birds of the Night did not fill your position before you could complete your treatment.



Sir, I hope you will now take seriously the need for regular medical check ups. Follow the footsteps of your boss. It is important. And please do not tell me that the President is not your boss and that he is simply the primus inter pares.



By the way, is it true that replacement troops scheduled to go to the Gambia yesterday, for peacekeeping duties, had to stand down because you needed to use the plane? Just a question please!



Anyway, we will continue praying for you Mr. Teachers are Suffering, Nurses are Suffering, Traders are Suffering, Farmers are Suffering.



Our thunderbolt, John Jinapor, has gone a step further. He says MPs are suffering, and the Speaker is suffering.

Mr. Vice President, I think you are suffering too  or?

I love the cadence and the lyrics. Assemble the orchestra please! We need some music!

 small-scale miners are suffering (when will the ban be lifted)

 the environment is suffering (borla here, borla there, borla everywhere)

 the Cedi is suffering (playing hopscotch aka tuumatu)

 the Finance Minister is suffering (assets declaration distin)

 the Eastern Corridor road is suffering (work stoppage for over a year)

 free SHS is suffering (insufficient funds for schools)

 one village one dam is suffering (which season  wet or dry)

 one million dollars per constituency is suffering (release the money)

 one district one factory is suffering (under Trade or the Presidency)

 expatriates are suffering (cash for seats)

 unemployed are suffering (745,000 worms mistaken for jobs)

 army is suffering (no show on Barracks Regeneration Programme)

 peacekeeping forces are suffering (troops in Gambia not paid)

 creative artists are suffering (ghc1 millon fund set up in 2015 now stagnant)

 NHIS is suffering (service providers not providing)

 nurses are suffering (allowances still pending)



Suffering here, suffering there, suffering everywhere! Why Nana why?

Water being rationed! Dumsor returning! Why Nana why?

Kayayei crying! Zongos regretting! Why Nana why?

Abossey Okai traders say with deep voice! WHY NANA WHY?



The music must be interspersed with rap - Hardship yoh! Torture yoh! Distress yoh! Adversity, Affliction, Misery yoh yoh yoh! Please do not read this part sitting quietly. At each yoh you must punch the air with your fist and, if possible, do a little swing move of your body.



Hahaha! I never claimed to be a competent rap or dancehall artiste. I will leave it to Samini, Stone Bwoy, Shatta and others. Gazmilla, thumbs up to your song Afi n wor kn sormorshi. I love the sormorshi dances that go with the tune.



For those who do not know, sorshi is the Ga word for squat  so you go down, bend your knees, toes on the floor, heels up and move in leapfrog fashion in any manner that suits your fancy but in accordance with the beat of the song. We have great artistes in Ghana!



Ebony on my mind! Diamond in the rough! It is true that I do not support nudity, but I watched this girl with interest because I knew that with time and direction she would be a strong advocate for women and youth issues. After all, most men salivate at her sight, so they are likely to listen to her lyrics.



I was vindicated when she came out with Maame Hw - a song against domestic violence. She made her point crisp and clear against brutality in the domestic setting.



I love the mid-tempo rhythm of her song Sponsor. I thought she brilliantly exposed both sides of the coin  a young lady may need a financial liaison to survive even if he is over-age but the downside of this is loneliness at night because he is probably married, and his sisi will y him ya (lower back pains) because he lacks sufficient virility.



In my mind the scenario was clear - it is for the woman to choose what she wants - a man she will work together with to succeed financially, have his company at night and enjoy his sexual prowess, or a man who would lavish her with financial goodies, leave her lonely at night and be a burden in bed.

And when she released the song B di mi dwa, most minds turned only to the sexual pun on b di mi  dwa, and failed to pick up the social commentary on how hard times had become and how the wares of market women were not being patronised. I heard recently some market women were holding prayer sessions during work hours at the market praying for God to send them customers  Nana Addo eeeeeee!!!!

A step at a time, I used to say, as we prayed for Gods guidance for her. Then we woke up to the shocking news of her death. Then started all kinds of noises in the media about hell fire and brimstone. I shook my head in sadness. Some casting aspersions on the dead  others using her death to attract fame for themselves. Exploiting with one hand as they vilified with the other?



My goodness! I can only say  he/she who does not have sin, please cast the first stone. Silence? I know we will wait till eternity for any legitimate stone to be cast, as we continue to sing her song:

See Im nothing  nothing  without you Lord

From the bottomless pit you raised me up

See all the bad things I dey do  you still dey bless me

Meda wuase oooooo  Nana Onyame eeeee.

Rest in peace Ebony 



... while the Bird of the Night continues to circle around looking for prey to devour. Hooting, shrieking and screeching sounds fill the night air, as angels stand guard over Gods anointed  dispelling the darkness that looms  Nana Dum Bawu Sor; Bawu Dum Nana Sor; Kri kri Dum Kri kri Sor!



Shalom!



I am for peace!















Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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As the counter-terrorist Comprehensive Operation Sinai 2018 (COS 2018) continues to unfold, communiques released by the military spokesman indicate the operation is picking up in pace and intensity. No official timeframe has been given for the operation and experts acknowledge that it is difficult to predict how long it could take.

One military observer told Al-Ahram Weekly: The element of surprise that characterised the beginning of the operation may well be repeated when the end is declared. What is important is not the timing but whether the stated aims of the operation are realised. The operation will last as long as it takes to realise its aims.

The first 10 days of action in the field have had considerable results, according to the military spokesmans communiques. The Air Force has struck 158 mobile and fixed targets and artillery forces struck 234 targets on days nine and 10. Sixty-seven terrorists were killed in direct clashes during raids on their lairs, including three individuals on security agencies most wanted lists.

Video footage published by the military spokesman on social networking sites shows how direct confrontations are carried out in residential areas that have been cleared of civilian inhabitants.

In the course of operations military engineers disabled 306 explosive devices placed in the path of the Armed Forces, including 10 anti-tank mines. Combing operations uncovered 20 caves, one of which was being used as an explosives manufacturing lab, three communications centres including a message dispatching base, and 909 hideouts and weapons depots.

In addition, 60 vehicles and 242 motorcycles used by terrorists were either destroyed or confiscated and 1,728 people have been arrested, some suspected of involvement in terrorist attacks, others charged with providing logistical support for such attacks and some in connection with criminal investigations.

The Armed Forces also destroyed two tunnels and 35 escape holes used by terrorists during military actions.

The army has reported two soldiers and an officer killed during operations.

Naval manoeuvres proceeded in tandem with aerial and ground actions. During manoeuvres in the eastern Mediterranean the navy fired several missiles which military expert General Mohamed Qashqoush says were intended to send the message to Turkey that Egypt has the resources and capability to defend and protect the Zohr natural gas field and its other offshore economic interests.

Qashqoush added that it had become necessary to deliver a message to Turkey not only because of the way Turkish vessels had been harassing exploratory missions in the Mediterranean but because of Ankaras ambitions to surround Egypt from the south, beginning with the establishment of Turkish military facilities at Suakin.

Turkish and Sudanese officials claimed Turkey was only interested in restoring antiquity sites on the Red Sea island off the Sudanese coast but, as Qashqoush points out, if this was indeed the case why did Ankara not turn to UNESCO? In all events, Khartoum appears to have backed out of the Suakin deal with Turkey.

The navy has also deployed vessels along the northern coast of Sinai. Military experts describe this as part of an encirclement to prevent terrorist elements from infiltrating Sinai and to block their seaward flight.

According to Brigadier General Walid Atteya, military operations representative for the navy, a naval formation supported by a helicopter carrier carrying special forces and air defence units was deployed to confront terrorist elements and secure maritime routes, including the northern entrance to the Suez Canal.

As part of the operation to secure the coast from Port Said to Rafah special forces staged a marine landing in order to comb coastal areas for terrorist elements. Atteya stressed the navy was undertaking such tasks in close collaboration with the Air Force, border patrols and other military units.

In a related development the army announced the beginning of Cleopatra 2018, a joint Egyptian-French naval manoeuvre. Taking place from 20 to 23 February, the exercises are part of the armys annual plan for joint exercises with forces from friendly and allied nations.

This year the exercises are being carried out alongside the navys assigned missions within the framework of COS 2018 and include a range of activities and drills in the area of the Red Sea covered by Egypts Southern Fleet Sea.

Officials describe Cleopatra 2018 as a manifestation of the close military cooperation between Egypt and France.

Meeting with military reporters, General Yasser Abdel-Aziz, representative of the Military Operations Authority, stressed that the Armed Forces General Command had set out strict operational rules for COS 2018. They include complete adherence to commands issued by the president in his capacity as commander of the Armed Forces.

In performing their tasks the Armed Forces are required to uphold human rights, principles and standards. They must ensure the full protection of civilians during operations and adhere to internationally accepted rules of engagement.

Last week parliaments defence and foreign affairs committees criticised an Amnesty International report claiming human rights abuses in Sinai. Kamal Amer, head of the National Defence and Security Committee, described the report as tendentious and filled with mistakes and fabrications concerning military operations being carried out by the Armed Forces against terrorism.

Salah Salem, a member of the National Council for Human Rights, said: The security forces absolutely do not violate the rights of civilians. There has been a clear resolve in this regard since the outset of the operation.

Meanwhile, in a meeting with MPs from North Sinai, Ibrahim Mahlab, assistant to the president for national projects, confirmed that development projects will begin in the peninsula as soon as military operations wind down and funding is already earmarked and ready.

MP Hossam Al-Refaai said MPs had submitted a list of urgent demands on behalf of the people of Sinai. They include a request to ease restrictions on the movement of students and patients from Sinai to Suez and to improve supplies of gasoline and other fuel.

Fuel shortages are causing severe strain on residents in cities like Arish, Al-Refaai said. Some sources attribute the shortages to efforts to prevent terrorists from accessing fuel.

Last week General Commander of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defence General Sidki Sobhi met with the head of US Central Command Joseph Votel in order to discuss COS 2018. Votel reaffirmed his countrys support for Egypt in its war against terrorism and praised the successes achieved in the battle in Sinai.

In another security-related development Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri laid out a five-point message in his address to last weeks Munich security conference. He stressed that countries which facilitate the movement of foreign militants within and to the region must be brought to account; he contended it was false to compare the Islamic State (IS) to the era of the early Islamic Caliphate which lit the path to civilisation for the whole of humanity, insisting IS can only be described as a terrorist organisation; he cautioned against viewing the military defeat of IS in Syria and Iraq as the end of the fight against terrorism rather than an important step towards eliminating the threat terrorist organisations pose, adding that eliminating the threat at its roots requires an effective and resolute drive on both the national and international levels.

Shoukri underscored the need to double counter-terrorism efforts at the international level, especially when it comes to halting channels of funding, and pointed out that one of the weak points in the international communitys efforts to address the threat of terrorism was the loose and ambiguous definitions of terrorism. In this framework, he criticised the tendency to use freedom of expression to defend those who incite violence and hatred.

* This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly

Short link:


Son of U.S. President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr.'s convoy arrives at the construction site of the Trump Tower project in Kolkata, India, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018. While on a visit to India promoting the real estate, Donald Trump Jr. said any talk that his family was profiting from his father's presidency was "nonsense." (AP Photo/Bikas Das)
A Greyhound logo is shown at the Greyhound Terminal at the James Richardson International Airport in Winnipeg on September 3, 2009. Greyhound Canada has applied to regulators in British Columbia to drop five routes, four of them in northern B.C., as the company deals with plunging ridership. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri met Greek Defence Minister Panos Kammenos on 16 February on the sidelines of the International Security Conference in Munich.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman, in an official statement issued following the meeting, said the two ministers expressed their appreciation for the outstanding level of relations between Egypt and Greece. Both sides are looking forward to new developments in 2018, reflecting the strategic dimension of their relations especially in military and security cooperation in the framework of the mounting common challenges faced by the two countries.

The two sides also lauded the tripartite cooperation mechanism between Egypt, Greece and Cyprus, describing that mechanism as an excellent framework for bolstering areas of cooperation among the three countries.

The talks between Shoukri and Kammenos covered plans to fight terrorism in the region, especially in light of the increasing movement of terrorist operatives from the conflict zones in Syria and Iraq to the Mediterranean and North African regions.

In response to the Greek ministers interest in developments in the Comprehensive Operation Sinai (COS) 2018 campaign, Shoukri outlined the important part that Egypt is playing in the fight against terrorism. Kammenos expressed his appreciation for Egyptian efforts to confront that malignant phenomenon at all levels. For his part, Shoukri said he appreciated Kammenos assessment of the mounting threats in the eastern Mediterranean region.

Observers of the Egyptian-Greek-Cypriot relationship have noted the link between these talks and various diplomatic and defence messages, and Turkeys recent attempts to harass Cyprus and Greece against the backdrop of oil and gas explorations in areas off the shores of these countries.

Recently, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias warned that his countrys next response would not be peaceful in the event Turkey stages a repeat of the encounter between a Turkish coastal patrol vessel and a vessel belonging to the Greek coast guards in the vicinity of the Imia Island. Ankara disputes Greeces possession of the island.

Egypt, Greece and Cyprus have held five summits. In the first, they agreed to a tripartite cooperation mechanism which succeeded in drawing maritime boundaries among the three countries. In the last summit, held in Nicosia on 21 November 2017, the three heads of state declared 2018 the year of friendship between Egypt and Greece.

Security and defence is being given the highest priority in Egyptian-Greek relations. Tangible signs of the growing closeness are to be seen in the regular Medusa joint naval manoeuvres that have taken place in tandem with the five summits, joint military manufacturing projects and the exchange of expertise.

On Tuesday, the Egyptian Armed Forces released a noteworthy communique affirming the cooperation. In tandem with COS 2018, the Egyptian navy is carrying out a number of missions intended to safeguard vital and strategic targets in Egypts territorial waters along the length of the maritime theatre and to a depth of 1,200 nautical miles in order to safeguard the nations economic assets and to secure investments intended to bolster the national economy.

The statement added that naval forces are working around the clock to secure vast areas of the sea, at distances remote from the shores, using all available modern, advanced combat naval hardware and capacities such as frigates, submarines, missile launches and special marine forces units for their rapid manoeuvrability.

The statement added that the Zohr natural gas field is an area of special focus in the navys efforts to address all potential threats.

Egypt protects its vital interests regardless of other conditions and developments outside the scope of its vital interests, said General Hisham Al-Halabi, a lecturer at the Higher Nasser Military Academy. However, Turkish behaviour towards those countries, referring to Greece and Cyprus, naturally requires joint attention in light of our friendly and cooperative relations with those countries.

Al-Halabi stressed that the authoritative frame of reference for disputes was international law. In this respect, there is perfect clarity. Turkey has no legal capacity to claim a share of the energy resources in that area for it to display military actions.

* This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly

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Pall bearers carry the coffin at the funeral for Rebecca Schofield at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Riverview, N.B. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018. Schofield, known as Becca, started the campaign, titled #BeccaToldMeTo, after she found out her brain cancer was terminal in late 2016. Her efforts have inspired acts of kindness across the globe. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan
Residents leave a condemned apartment building after being evicted Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Montreal. Tenants of two decrepit buildings in the neighbourhood received evacuation notices three weeks ago stating they needed to vacate the premises by Thursday.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Minister of Canadian Heritage Melanie Joly speaks to reporters after leaving a cabinet meeting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on February 6, 2018. The federal government doesn't believe it can do much on its own to stem the growing tide of fake news in Canada, according to a briefing package prepared for Canadian heritage minister Melanie Joly in November. The documents, obtained by The Canadian Press through an Access to Information request, highlight that even though the government recognizes that fake news could threaten Canada's democratic institutions at a time when traditional news media is facing cutbacks and financial challenges, there's not much they can do to stop it. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Dave Nickerson, left, and his partner, Rudy, speaks with Hiro Getson, 3, in this handout image provide by his mom Krystle Getson. The Nova Scotia boy who every week waits wide-eyed for the local garbage truck now has a truck of his own Ai just on a slightly smaller scale. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Krystle Getson *MANDATORY CREDIT*
The Strong Egypt Party was left in disarray this week after two leading members were detained following accusations they had plotted with members of the banned Muslim Brotherhood to destablise Egypt in the run-up to next months presidential election.

The party also faces the threat of dissolution after lawsuits were filed demanding its activities be frozen on the grounds it has become a religious party which acts as a cover for the banned Muslim Brotherhood.

Lawyer Samir Sabri filed a lawsuit on Sunday petitioning for the Strong Egypt Party to be dissolved for violating Article 47 of the constitution which bans religious parties.

Strong Egypt Party founder Abdel-Moneim Abul-Fotouh, a presidential candidate in 2012, was arrested on 14 February at his home in East Cairo hours after returning from a visit to London.

Prosecutors ordered the detention of Abul-Fotouh for 15 days pending investigations into charges which include spreading false news with the aim of harming national security and maintaining contacts with the banned Muslim Brotherhood (MB).

On Tuesday, Abul-Fotouh, together with 15 others,were added to the terroist list on alleged links to the MB which has been designated a terrorist group by the government.

Abul-Fotouh, who joined the Muslim Brotherhood in the mid-1970s, left the group in 2011 in protest at the way the Brotherhoods extremist wing had taken control of the leadership and Guidance Bureau. When Abul-Fotouh later announced he would stand in the 2012 presidential election the Brotherhood issued a statement saying he had been expelled from the group.

In a statement issued on 15 February the Interior Ministry said the anti-Egyptian Al-Jazeera channel paid for Abul-Fotouhs trip to London so he could hold interviews with hostile television channels and tarnish Egypts image ahead of the coming presidential election.

In response, Abul-Fotouhs family said on 16 February that he had travelled to London on 8 February to participate in a seminar on political Islam and meet with television channels and media outlets.

Abul-Fotouhs interview with Al-Jazeera was no different to the many interviews he has had with local Egyptian channels, the family said in a statement. He expressed the same views in London that he has expressed on many occasions in Cairo.

The statement went on to deny Abul-Fotouh met with Brotherhood officials while in London.

The Interior Ministry claims Abul-Fotouhs visit to London and his interviews with hostile television channels were a cover to hold secret contacts with Brotherhood leaders who live in Turkey and who seek to destabilise Egypt.

According to the Interior Ministry, Abul-Fotouh secretly met with leading Brotherhood members Mohamed Gamal Heshmet, Atef Al-Shazli and Lotfi Al-Sayed Ali Mohamed and discussed plans to destabilise the country amid a series of terrorist attacks targeting vital institutions.

Prosecutors also ordered the detention of Mohamed Al-Qassass, deputy head of the Strong Egypt Party, pending investigations into charges of spreading false news and being a member of a banned group.

Abul-Fotouh and Al-Qassass founded the Strong Egypt Party in July 2012. At the time it was widely seen as providing a political home for the moderate wing of the Muslim Brotherhood.

After Egypt designated the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group in December 2013 some political analysts warned the Strong Egypt and Wassat parties were being used as a front by the banned group. The Interior Ministry has described Abul-Fotouh as a Trojan Horse which the outlawed Brotherhood is using to destabilise the country.

When the group lost its influence in Egypt in the wake of the 30 June Revolution in 2013 its fugitive officials in Turkey and the UK began using Abul-Fotouh and his Strong Egypt Party as a Trojan Horse to spread chaos, said the Interior Ministry.

Abul-Fotouhs family says he severed all relations with the Muslim Brotherhood after he decided to run for president in 2012 and points out he supported the revolution against Mohamed Morsi in 2013 and called for early elections at the time.

Gamal Zahran, a professor of political science and economics at Suez Canal University, says that just as the Wassat Party became a gathering place for the Brotherhood under a different name so the positions of Abul-Fotouh and his party shifted to become pro-Brotherhood after security forces dispersed the groups massive sit-ins in Cairo and Giza in 2013.

Should Abul-Fotouh and his party be found guilty of meeting with the banned group it will be the first step towards dissolving Strong Egypt, says Sabri.

Al-Ahram political analyst Osama Al-Ghazali Harb told Al-Ahram Weekly that despite the 30 June uprising being a revolt against Egypt becoming a religious state we still have Islamist parties such as Strong Egypt, Wassat and the Salafist Nour.

The platforms of all three mix religion with politics, calling for a revival of the Islamic Caliphate, the imposition of a strict code of Islamic Sharia and the persecution of Christians.

It seems, says Harb, we closed the door on the Muslim Brotherhood only to find the Nour, Wassat and Strong Egypt climbing through the windows.

As secular political parties in Egypt we have given priority since 2013 to tackling economic, security and political issues. The problem of fighting political Islam and religious parties was put on the back seat, Essam Khalil, head of the Free Egyptians Party, told the Weekly.

But having seen how the Muslim Brotherhood and its proxies in Egypt are still trying to turn the country into a religious state political parties need to be alert and take all legal measures necessary to close down parties which mix religion with politics in violation of the constitution.

Abul-Fotouhs familys statement said he visited the UK to underline the importance of separating religion and politics.

At the seminar he attended in London Abul-Fotouh argued Islamist organisations  particularly the Muslim Brotherhood  must stop exploiting religion to pursue their political agendas, said the statement.

* This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly

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Samuel Zeif, an 18-year-old senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., cries after speaking during a listening session with President Donald Trump and students and teachers in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Police block off the area around the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro's capital Podgorica, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Montenegro says an attacker threw a grenade at the U.S. Embassy in the capital of the Balkan state then killed himself with another explosive device. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)
Egypt's State Security Prosecution has ordered a 15-day detention pending investigation for journalist Moataz Wadnan, who recently interviewed former top auditor chief Hisham Geneina, on charges of joining an illegal organisation and inciting against the state.

The prosecution accuses Wadnan of publishing news that incites hatred against the Egyptian regime and joining an organisation that was founded in violation of the law and constitution with the aim of obstructing the state.

On 11 February, HuffPost Arabia published a videoed interview with Geneina, which was conducted by Wadnan, in which the former head of Egypts Administrative Control Authority claimed former military chief of staff Sami Anan "posseses secret documents that could incriminate state officials."

Geneina, who was arrested one day after the publication of the interview, has been detained by the military prosecution for 15 days pending investigation into his claims.

The military said in a statement last week that Geneina's claims "amount to crimes and aim to raise doubts about the state and its institutions at a time when the armed forces are waging a battle to uproot terrorism in the Sinai region."

Anan, meanwhile, is currently detained pending investigation of accusations of violating military rules and forgery of public documents.

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Im fine with it, we need the revenue and it will encourage cycling/public transit

Hate it, its too tough on local business/too confusing

I dont like it, but its probably necessary

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Perryville football coach Brent Roth is already trying to erase the game from his memory. It is probably for a good reason, too.Perryville struggled to do anything well as Park Hills Central handed 

The Pirates finally put together what Perryville softball coach Lilly Pecaut called a complete game.Everything came together as Perryville got the offense and pitching to come away with 

The Perryville boys soccer team was able to show its resiliency in multiple ways as it got back into the win column. The Pirates bounced back from a lopsided loss to Notre Dame the week before, to 

St. Vincent makes Valle Catholic play in loss St. Vincent football coach Tim Schumer didnt want his team to look at the scoreboard following the game. The score may have said that the Valle Catholic Warriors won in a lopsided game, but 

Indians take advantage of miscues to claim first victory St. Vincent found itself down two scores midway through the third quarter, and despite the deficit, coach Tim Schumer was calm.The game was not over at that point, you have to play four 

Rushing attack leads Pirates to win over Owls The Perryville football team is quickly turning into a M.A.S.H. unit. With several players already nursing injuries from the previous week, they also threw in other players who were in quarantine. 

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Guyana's government has constitutional responsibility to publish all oil related data-Dr. Hinds By Kaieter News



GEORGETOWN

Petroleumworld 02 22 2018 In the interest of transparency, the Coalition Government should publish all necessary information related to the oil and gas sector and contracts therein.



This point of view was recently posited by Executive Member of the Working People's Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, during an interview with Kaieteur News.



The political commentator was at the time commenting on the call by some members of civil society for the Government to publish all sales and production data for public scrutiny. This would give citizens the opportunity to see for themselves, what the country is making.



Dr. Hinds said that he not only agrees with this suggestion but stressed that the Government has a constitutional responsibility to do so. He said that the Government may for political reasons, and in the interest of confidentiality, be tempted to again withhold some information.



He noted, however, that such a move would only add fuel to the growing perception that the government is developing a culture of secrecy regarding the oil and gas industry. The Executive Member of the Working People's Alliance said that increased transparency is the most effective way to counter that perception.



ACCURATE REPORTING



As Guyana inches closer to oil production, the systems for accurate reporting on the sector will be essential. In fact, Advisor to Chatham House on Oil and Gas, Mr. Anthony Paul, said that Guyana, like other new petroleum producers have done, will need to develop programmes for a robust oil and gas sector.



He said that one of these programmes includes creating trusted individuals, agencies and channels for providing up-to-date information to citizens.



The Chatham House Advisor was careful to note as well that having policies which may dictate the disclosure of data is not enough.



In the case of Ghana and Nigeria for example, there are policies which expressly state that petroleum data should be released. But in several instances, there have been criticisms where the data was said to be inflated.



The Chatham House Advisor shared that Brazil has a very comprehensive system of collecting and reporting petroleum data. But it's efficient reporting required trusted individuals, agencies and channels 



Paul also stated that in the case of Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the nation's regulations provide for the disclosure of oil information. Those regulations have been in place since 1970.



However, TT is now about to put mechanisms in place to get credible data. The Chatham advisor noted that this was due to the fact that the regulatory capacity of Trinidad and Tobago was not where it should have been.



OTHER CRUCIAL FACTORS The Oil and Gas expert also noted that there will be a need for other programmes to complement the aforementioned.



In Guyana's case, Paul said there would be a need for educating citizens, special interest groups and the media on the workings of the industry; providing platforms for engaging with civil society (two way conversations) and demonstrating that feedback is incorporated into management of the sector.



Aware of the potential impacts of the resource curse, the Chatham House Advisor said that several international NGOs and multilateral agencies have been engaged in improving governance of natural resources in new oil and gas producing countries.



Paul stated that the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) has been a leader in this respect and has developed a whole compendium of tools, including Natural Resource Charter, which provides a structured approach for developing countries to manage the multiple facets of resource governance for sustainable development.



The Advisor noted that the Chatham House New Petroleum Producers Discussion Group (NPPDG) has been assisting Guyana.



He noted, too, that the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and several others have developed guidelines and tools that can be useful to government regulators and to Civil Society in developing their capacity to hold government accountable in managing the resources.



Paul emphasised that there are lots of lessons that can be learnt from these interventions.



GLOBAL WITNESS SUPPORTS



The Global Witness is an international body that works to break the links between natural resource exploitation, corruption, and human rights abuses worldwide.



It is one of many institutions, which has implored governments of oil nations around the world, to ensure that certain documents are released for citizens to scrutinise.

Story from Kaieter News



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By Liz Hampton and Ernest Scheyder

HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 02 22 2018

An oil and gas worker on a Talos Energy LLC platform in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico was killed on Saturday while replacing piping, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) said on Tuesday.

The worker was injured while removing out-of-service fire suppression equipment and later died as a result of the injuries. The company has not publicly identified the deceased worker.

No other personnel were injured and there was no fire or release as a result of the accident, Talos said in a statement.

The Houston-based company said it has initiated an investigation and was working with regulators in its review of the accident, which occurred about 64 miles (103 km) south of Lake Charles, Louisiana. The platform was being operated by Energy Resource Technology GOM LLC, a Talos subsidiary.

Offshore drilling accidents claimed 29 lives between 2009 and 2016, according to the latest data available from federal regulator BSEE, including 11 offshore workers in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon rig explosion.

The administration of President Donald Trump has proposed rolling back some regulations initiated following that accident, such as requirements for operators to get third parties to certify that safety devices work under extreme conditions. [nL1N1OS1F3]

Talos's Energy Resource Technology reported a fatality on a production platform in October 2013, according to BSEE. That accident occurred just a few months after federal regulators placed the operator on a performance improvement plan.

In 2016, Energy Resource Technology (ERT) was ordered to pay $4.2 million and put on three years of probation for felony violations tied to its offshore activities.

ERT pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to comply with regulations covering hot work and blowout preventer testing. It also pleaded guilty to violations of the Clean Water Act by dumping pollutants into the Gulf of Mexico and for tampering with methods for collecting water discharge samples, U.S. prosecutors said.

Talos self-reported the violations that led to the settlement after it acquired Energy Resource Technology in 2013 and completed a review of its offshore operations, the company said on Tuesday in a statement.

The review and settlement prompted organizational changes at the company, including the dismissal of those involved with the violations and extensive employee and contractor training, Talos added.






Iberdrola to invest 32 bln euros in Mexico over next 4 years









By Reuters

MADRID

Petroleumworld 02 22 2018

Spanish energy giant Iberdrola said on Wednesday it would invest 32 billion euros ($39.4 billion) over the next four years, mostly in networks, renewable energy and power purchase contracts in Mexico.

The utility, which supplies energy to more than 30 million people in countries including Spain, the United States and Britain, hopes to book a net profit of between 3.5 billion and 3.7 billion euros in 2022, it said in a statement.

The forecasts were made as part of a four-year strategy update released the same time as annual earnings, which showed core earnings down 7.8 percent, hurt by a drought in Spain and the depreciation of sterling against the euro.

Hydroelectric production in Spain has plunged because of low rainfall during 2017. The fierce drought on the Iberian peninsula has left rivers dry and devastated crops.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation fell to 7.32 billion euros at the Basque Country-based company, missing a Reuters polled forecast of 7.7 billion euros.

Net profit rose 3.7 percent to 2.8 billion euros, compared with a Reuters forecast of 2.59 billion euros, buoyed by capital gains from a U.S. tax reform.

The company booked a one-off capital gain of 1.28 billion euros in 2017 from the U.S. tax reform. However, nearly all of this was used as provisions to adjust values of some assets, the company said.

Revenue in Iberdrola's networks business in Britain, where it owns Scottish Power, fell 7.4 percent on lower demands and margins.

Iberdrola said it recommended a 2017 dividend of 0.32 euros per share. It said its 2022 profit forecast implied a 0.4 euros per share dividend for that year. ($1 = 0.8123 euros)






PDVSA allow to operate in Bonaire after maintenance dispute - Dutch agency









By Reuters

HOUSTON

Petroleumworld 02 22 2018

A regulatory agency has decided not to impose restrictions on Venezuelan state-run oil company PDVSA's operations at its terminal on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire after receiving new repair assurances, the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) said on Wednesday.

The Caribbean island in December said PDVSA could lose its license to operate the oil storage facility, which is essential to Venezuelan fuel oil exports, if it could not fulfill regulators' maintenance demands.

The authorities had asked PDVSA to commit to a remediation project that involved firm financial commitments. In the meantime, several oil tanks were shut because they were not in compliance with regulations, according to a company source.

The agency said on Wednesday that PDVSA has demonstrated it has the financial resources to urgently address the key overdue maintenance. The first payment was made several weeks ago, according to the source.

The ILT will not impose administrative coercion to the Bonaire Petroleum Corporation NV (BOPEC) for the time being. (It) will not shut down the use of the piers at the company, the agency said in a statement.

But sharpened supervision will follow to ensure the maintenance work is accomplished in a proper and safe way, the agency added.

A series of inspections are planned this year to verify BOPEC is taking steps to comply with the regulations. Penalties and new restrictions could be imposed if the operator does not comply, the ILT said.

BOPEC, fully owned by PDVSA, has held an environmental permit since 2014, but suffered serious delays in the maintenance of storage tanks, pipes, piers and electrical installations, according to the ILT.

The 10-million-barrel oil terminal is critical to PDVSA's logistics in the Caribbean, and its closure could hurt fuel shipments to customers in Asia at a time when the OPEC-member country is desperate for export revenue.






It's Official: Norway has avoided Dutch Disease

Kristian Helgesen/Bloomberg



Norges Bank study contradicts theory on economic impact of oil riches

By Sveinung Sleire

OSLO

Petroleumworld 02 22 2018

An abundance of oil and gas can be a curse if not managed properly. In academic circles it's called Dutch Disease, a term that was coined after the Netherlands suffered a decline in manufacturing following the discovery of major petroleum riches.

Other countries have fared worse. In Venezuela and Angola, the discovery of black gold has depressed productivity and income. Catching the malady has long been a concern in Norway, western Europe's biggest oil and gas producer. But after almost five decades of production and no major symptoms in sight, researchers at the central bank are ready to give the country of 5.3 million people the all clear. In fact, the discovery of oil has actually boosted productivity across the Nordic economy, according to a new 39-page Norges Bank working paper by economists Hilde Bjornland, Leif Anders Thorsrud and Ragnar Torvik.

Dodging Dutch Disease

The oil boom has helped improve productivity across the Norwegian economy

Norway (GDP per hour worked, current prices)

Sweden



Source: Norges Bank Research

The value-added per worker in the economy increased with the oil boom, as there's learning by doing in the oil service industries that spills over to the other industries, the economists said.

According to the paper, the same can be seen in today's North American shale boom, which has rapidly turned the U.S. into a net exporter of oil and gas. Contrary to predictions based on the influential theory of Dutch Disease, there has been no crowding out of the manufacturing sector so far in the U.S., the economists write.

The theory goes that when an economy creates a new and profitable sector, economic resources are shifted toward that area. This is known as the resource effect. The new revenue flowing in from the sector then pushes up prices and the real exchange rate. This is known as the spending effect.

The researchers say that Dutch Disease and so-called Learning by Doing theory have been paying too much attention to the spending effect. Incorporating the productivity dynamics gained from the windfall and the resource movement effect dramatically alters the conclusions of early Dutch Disease theory, the researchers say.

Western Europe's Oil Giant

The oil sector is Norway's biggest export and makes up 14% of the economy

Share of GDP

Share of exports

Source: Statistics Norway, Finance Ministry, www.norskpetroleum.no

While Norway needed outside help to discover oil in the late 1960s, it has since transformed large parts of its industry to become a global supplier of oil and gas technology, replacing less productive sectors. As the study puts it: shipyards workers who used to be welders are today experienced in complex deep sea technology.

Norway has also helped shield the economy from the spending effect by putting large parts of its oil cash into a wealth fund, which is now worth $1 trillion. The fund serves as a piggy bank for future generations and as a cushion in difficult times. The government dipped into the fund for the first time in 2016 after the country was hit by an oil price shock.

Growing Titan

Norway's wealth fund hit $1 trillion in 2017

Equity investments

Fixed-income investments

Real estate investments



Source: Norges Bank Investment Management

Prime Minister Erna Solberg has made it one of her main goals to reduce Norway's reliance on oil as renewable energy grows in popularity. A future central bank study could look at whether Norway will have successfully exited the oil age with its living standards intact.
A Cairo criminal court sentenced to death on Thursday 21 people convicted of attacking security personnel and joining a terrorist group in the case known as the "Damietta Terrorist Cell Case."

The 2014 case involved a total of 28 defendants, 16 of whom were tried in absentia.

Four of the defendants were given life sentences and three others received 15 years in prison.

Thursday's verdicts can still be appealed.

The courts preliminary death sentence was issued in December 2017 and referred to the countrys grand mufti for his non-binding opinion, as per Egypts penal code.

The defendants were charged with joining a terrorist group with the aim of obstructing the state, targeting public and private facilities, orchestrating the assassination of army and police personnel and disrupting civil peace.

Prosecutors have said that some of the defendants received military training with the Daesh terrorist organisation in Syria.

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The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is the companys first attempt at full-size, three-row SUV. Its not a design triumph. Read more

2018 Volkswagen Atlas V-6 SEL Premium with 4Motion vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid V-6 AWD: Battle of the midsize three-row SUVs.

Price: $50,275 for the Atlas as tested (but it starts at $30,750) vs. $37,479 for the Highlander (starting at $31,030).

Marketer's pitch: Volkswagen tells buyers, "Life's as big as you make it," while Toyota says, "Let's explore every possibility."

Conventional wisdom: Motor Trend says the Highlander offers "lots of cargo space, efficient hybrid variant," and is "capable in mild off-road situations," but also the "interior has a lot of cheap plastics, SE model doesn't really improve handling, [and the] eight-speed automatic always wants to be in the highest gear."

About the Atlas, Car and Driver says you'll like the "gobs of space inside, refined powertrain, plush ride" but that it's "thirsty and not a sprinter [with] some cheap interior plastics [and a] cartoonish front end."

Reality: One is bigger than I thought, and the other is smaller, but they're the same size.

To the test: It's been a long time since I've written head-to-head columns. But I could hardly avoid the opportunity with the Atlas and the Highlander, as they were parked in front of Chez Sturgis for the exact same week.

And it was serendipity. Advertising and media reports had pegged the Atlas as the first three-row SUV for full-size adults, so I was expecting something larger than a Highlander, but seeing them in a row made me realize just what had befallen me.

This week we'll get to know them and dig around inside, while next week we take them out for a weeklong spin.

What they are: The Toyota Highlander is a gray mare in Toyota's stable, a twentysomething-year-old name that  like most American vehicles (and most Americans)  has grown bulkier over the years.

The Atlas is a fresh face for 2018, Volkswagen's attempt to get serious about selling vehicles to an audience that values elbow room. They're just never going to give us the Microbus back. Why do Americans keep buying cars from Volkswagen? (Looks at sales figures.) Oh, yeah, they kind of don't.

How they look: The Highlander looks the way it has for several years. It's missed the scowling Toyota "refreshening" of late, which is a good thing.

When I posted a picture of the Atlas on social media, looking like a hipster school bus in its Kurkuma yellow coat, friends guessed it to be a Cherokee. So even despite the wild color scheme, no one is calling it groundbreaking in the design department.

Driver's Seat: Inside, both SUVs do a fantastic job of accurately representing their brands.

The Atlas steering wheel controls have Volkswagen's standard setup for cruise and stereo controls. The Highlander has Toyota's cruise stalk  my favorite  and other controls similar to Toyota models, as well.

The Highlander came with Toyota's cloth seats and felt quite like the Sturgis Family Sienna in SUV form, albeit more comfortable and with snugger seats. The Atlas had the leather upgrade, and, man, those Germans are tough. What a hard perch from which to drive.

Friends and stuff: Or from which to ride. Second- and third-row passengers will also feel the stiffness of the Atlas leather seat. The vehicle had only 600 miles on it, so the seats may need some breaking in.

As for roominess, the second and third rows are almost identical in the Highlander and Atlas. The Atlas has second-row bucket seats, so getting around inside was easier, and the third-row passengers could stretch a bit more. But in both vehicles, a 5-foot-10-inch guy like myself could sit comfortably in the second row and then only slightly uncomfortably in the third. Knees suffered the most in both vehicles, and headroom was just enough.

Cargo space is 83.7 cubic feet behind the Highlander's front row, while the Atlas boasts 96.7, which is quite a lot, especially considering the Atlas is just 6 inches longer than the Toyota.

Next week: The Atlas and the Highlander take to the road.
Ellie Devyatkin, the commercial corridor manager at the Frankford Community Development Corp., on Frankfort Avenue in front of the Transportation Center. Read more

The empty, barrel-shaped building at the northern end of the Market-Frankford Line looks like an aircraft hangar long past its useful life.

"Art is in the eye of the beholder," said City Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, who represents the community. "I'm not necessarily the best one, but that is ugly."

Where she sees an eyesore, others see an architectural gem. The building, opened in 1955 as a Penn Fruit supermarket, is one of the last well-preserved examples in the region of a once ubiquitous style meant to complement America's post-war prosperity and growing car culture.

"It's remarkably intact," said Paul Steinke, executive director for the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, which successfully petitioned in 2016 for the midcentury modernist building to be added to the city's register of historic places. When the glass is unveiled and the lights are on, Steinke said, "it virtually glows."

What all parties agree on, though, is that the old supermarket is at an enviable location. It has easy access to transit and major roadways, and is near a parcel owned by SEPTA that the transit agency wants to develop.

"That hub is one of the most transit rich and regionally accessible locations in the entire region," said Greg Krykewycz, assistant director of planning at the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. "The right big project can be a catalyst for a lot of different development."

The market, vacant since the Holiday Thriftway closed two years ago, stands catty-corner from the Frankford Transportation Center, which moves about 41,000 people a day through the Market-Frankford Line and 17 bus and trackless trolley lines. It's within easy driving distance of Roosevelt Boulevard and I-95.

People trying to revitalize the neighborhood say the historic designation that protects the 73,090-square-foot building from demolition or significant alteration may have rendered it unusable.

"People are interested in the location," said Kimberly Washington, who heads the Frankford Community Development Corp. "There's zero interest in the historic designation."

Advocates for preservation, however, say Frankford should find a use for the building, which evokes a time when cars had tail fins and Leave It to Beaver was broadcast in black and white.

"I just feel people are too quick to want to throw this building away," Steinke said. "It doesn't look good right now because it's vacant. It had a 60-year run as a grocery store. I don't see why it couldn't continue."

Frankford Avenue has been an artery for Philadelphia since Pennsylvania was one of the original colonies. Washington's army and the authors of the Declaration of Independence used it, according to the Historical Society of Frankford. Today, the Market-Frankford Line's long blue spine looms over the corridor. One Frankford beautification project at the Arrott station, a small corner park painted bright pink, is named Pause Park because conversation has to either wait or be drowned out whenever a train passes.

The line is noisy, but it keeps the corridor vital. Population growth along the rail line is three times greater than the city's rate from 2010 to 2014, SEPTA officials said. Other neighborhoods along the line, such as Fishtown and Kensington, are booming, and in January, Quinones-Sanchez introduced a bill that would facilitate elderly and affordable housing near the 46th Street, Erie-Torresdale, Allegheny, York-Dauphin Station, and Berks stops.

The area around the vacant supermarket, though, has lagged. A third of the 66,000 people in 19124 zip code live below the poverty line, according to U.S. Census statistics. Unemployment rates are higher  and median incomes lower  than in the city overall.

"This isn't a part of Philadelphia that's seen a ton of investment yet compared to some of the other neighborhoods," Krykewycz said.

SEPTA opened the current brick and glass Frankford Transportation Center in 2003, and with it diverted the tracks away from the road. The hope was that getting the street out from under the tracks' shadow might help businesses bloom.

Instead, riders who used to walk through the streets could go from trains to a parking garage or waiting buses without ever leaving the station, members of the Frankford CDC said. People now come and go without ever interacting with the neighborhood.

"A lot of the businesses that didn't survive just closed and didn't come back," Washington said.

The businesses that remain include discount clothing retailers, dollar stores, and a pawn shop where people bring back the same items each month for short-term loans to pay the bills. The arrangement is "they have six months to buy it back," said Feliciano Vega, 49, one of the owners of Gold-555. "That's collateral on a loan."

The community has big houses, but they have been subdivided into apartments that, in some cases, are leased on a weekly basis. There are drug rehab and treatment centers on the corridor. The community has violent, property, and drug crime rates higher than the city average, according to recent police data. The number of homicide and shooting victims has increased since 2013, though robberies have declined.

Residents are working toward change, though. The Frankford CDC and State Rep. Jason Dawkins, a Democrat who represents the area, have partnered to renovate and locate offices on nearby Paul Street and have helped local businesses get grants for facade improvements. The CDC encouraged the police to bar parking on Frankford Avenue opposite the Frankford Transportation Center, which eliminated a place for drug dealers to hide their wares.

Over the next two years, the city plans to spend $4 million to improve lighting and add cameras from the transportation center to Girard Avenue. SEPTA, meanwhile is investing $40 million to rehab the El's nearby Arrott stop.

The CDC also has stimulated dormant community activism, with residents and business owners now discussing how the neighborhood can improve.

"Small investments that aren't the most sexy investments  maybe in the aggregate, that stuff ends up being more impactful than a signature investment," Krykewycz said.

The closing of Holiday Thriftway in 2016 was a blow to the neighborhood. The store was a source of fresh food for residents and reliable foot traffic for neighboring businesses. Business owners near the market all said they lost customers when the store closed.

"This area needs a supermarket," said Mohammad Farooq, owner of Nothing over Budget, a discount store about a block from the property. "Every neighborhood needs a supermarket."

The blocks around the supermarket were described as having good food access before the Holiday Thriftway closed, according to data maintained by the city. Now, some of those blocks are considered food deserts.

Rite Aid of Pennsylvania bought the property for $3.7 million in 2007, according to city property records. "We have been and will continue to work with city and community officials to explore options for the property," a Rite Aid spokeswoman wrote in a statement.

The high ceiling makes it expensive to heat, and the glass facade is difficult to maintain, making the property unappealing to a new tenant, argue members of the Frankford CDC. And Quinones-Sanchez said she thought that the city's soda tax has made the grocery business less appealing.

Steinke, though, said he knew of at least one city grocer interested in the property, and Rite Aid has never returned calls he made to try to connect the company with a potential tenant.

Rite-Aid and Walgreens engaged in a partial merger last year, and Steinke speculates that Rite Aid's apparent disinterest in filling the space may be related to a Walgreen's a block away. Albertsons Cos., the company that owns Acme, has an agreement to buy Rite Aid.

Rite Aid did not reply to questions about Steinke's efforts to find a new tenant. Rite Aid could petition the city's Historical Commission to have the building's historic designation rescinded, but has not done so, city officials said.

While other former Penn Fruit buildings are still standing around the country, including a CVS on Passyunk and Oregon Avenues, almost all have been modified from their original appearance. The building on Frankford Avenue is one of the few that preserves the once familiar space-age style.

"The existing building could be adapted into a new use," Steinke said, "that could contribute to the quality of life and vitality of the Frankford neighborhood."
AR-15 rifles and their cousins are among the nation's most popular and profitable weapons. The AR-15 fires one bullet with each pull of the trigger  thus, semiautomatic  but it is easily modified to shoot continuously until the trigger is released. Read more

Teachers across Florida and at a high school where 17 people were shot dead Feb. 14 pay into a retirement fund that invests in gun companies, it was revealed earlier this week.

It turns out they're not alone.

Pension funds managed for public school teachers in at least a dozen states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, own stocks issued by the makers of firearms, including American Outdoor Brands Corp., the company previously known as Smith & Wesson that manufactured the semiautomatic AR-15 used in the attack at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This type of assault rifle has been the weapon of choice in America's mass shootings.

The financial stakes held by teacher pension funds in gun companies, like those of other equities, each represent only a sliver of the multibillion dollar state retirement systems' investments, according to a Bloomberg analysis. But the holdings have already become a hot-button issue in Florida, where last week's massacre prompted teachers and students to pressure public officials to prevent similar attacks.

The Florida Education Association, which represents educators but doesn't control the pension fund, urged the state body that does to sell its more than half-million dollars worth of American Outdoor stock, as well as that of other gun companies.

"I am sure that most of Florida's public school employees are as sickened as I am to learn that the state has invested some of our pension fund holdings in the maker of the AR-15," said Joanne McCall, president of the FEA, an affiliate of the National Education Association. "Surely there are better places for the state to invest its public employee retirement money than in companies that make products that harm our children."

The statement followed a Bloomberg report Tuesday detailing the Florida pension fund's investments in the firearms industry. Like holdings listed in other states, Florida's shares of firearms companies were actively purchased by the fund's managers, although the holdings may be part of state efforts to track equity indexes.

John Kuczwanski, a spokesman for the Florida State Board of Administration, which manages the fund, said "as fiduciaries, the SBA must act solely in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries." He didn't say whether the fund will follow the divestment demand by the teachers' union.

The SBA is overseen by Florida Gov. Rick Scott and members of his cabinet. Scott has no role in individual investment decisions made by the pension plan, according to a statement from his office. The board's two other trustees, Florida chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis and Attorney General Pam Bondi, didn't return requests for comment on divestment. All three state officials are Republicans.

Other states with teacher fund investments in the firearms industry include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

The California State Teachers' Retirement System, one of the largest pension funds in the country, has divested from firearms that are illegal in the state. It has also liquidated an investment in Vista Outdoor Inc. "related to guns that are illegal for sale in California," according to spokeswoman Michelle Mussuto. CalSTRS maintains an investment in Olin Corp., which makes ammunition, she added.

"If a company's actions have a possibility of affecting the value of their stock, certainly that's something we look at."

Jennifer Sciortino, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey treasurer's office, said her state's investments are "a complex matter" since some of the companies in which the pension fund invests also provide weapons to the military and police. "There is no discussion underway right now to alter these investments," she said. On Thursday, Democratic state legislators in Trenton were moving to introduce legislation barring such investments.

"These passive portfolios track a broad market index," a spokesperson for the New York State Teachers' Retirement System said in response to a query about its gun company stock. "No decision has been made on divestment."

The Teachers Retirement System of Kentucky confirmed its holdings in gunmaker Sturm Ruger & Co. "There has been no discussion in recent days" about divesting, said Beau Barnes, the fund's deputy executive secretary and general counsel. "If a company's actions have a possibility of affecting the value of their stock, certainly that's something we look at." Two students were killed and as many as two dozen were injured in a late January shooting at Marshall County High School in southwestern Kentucky.

In Oregon, a teachers' fund held a $5.9 million stake in Olin at the end of November as part of an S&P 400 midcap index investment, according to James Sinks, a spokesman for the state treasury.

Other states with holdings in weapons makers, according to the most recent data available, either declined comment or didn't respond to email and phone requests.

"Given there are so many other sources of investment capital available in the global financial markets, I have not seen meaningful long-term impact on the valuations of companies in the firearms industry from such divestment actions in the past," said Rommel Dionisio, managing director of equity research at Aegis Capital Corp. and a gun industry expert.
In February 1968, CBS's Walter Cronkite  popular anchorman on one of just three national nightly newscasts that came into America's living rooms for 30 minutes every night  met a trio of network reporters for dinner on a 10th-floor rooftop restaurant at the Caravelle Hotel in South Vietnam's embattled capital of Saigon. The veteran newsman, then 51, seemed shell-shocked  ordering a drink but then staring off into the distance in what one writer later called "utter disbelief" over what he'd recently seen. He watched as helicopter gunships kept firing rounds into the neighborhoods that U.S. generals had been assuring Cronkite were under the safe control of America and its ally.

That afternoon, Cronkite  who'd been touring the war-ravaged country for a special report on the state of the Vietnam War in the face of the bloody Tet Offensive launched by North Vietnam and its allies in the Viet Cong  and his two producers had flown back from Hue, site of the worst fighting, in a military helicopter along with a dozen dead U.S. Marines in rubber body bags. Now at dinner, CBS newsman John Laurence was giving Cronkite what he remembers as "an impassioned earful of personal observations" of just how badly the war was going for the U.S. and South Vietnam, further swaying Cronkite toward what would become an iconic moment in the history of U.S. journalism.

The generals and even President Lyndon Johnson had been lying to Cronkite and to the American people about what was really happening in Vietnam. This coming Tuesday will mark the 50th anniversary of the night  Feb. 27, 1968  when Cronkite went on national TV to speak the truth, that the fighting was, at best, a "stalemate" and that it was time for America to negotiate an honorable peace and leave the Southeast Asian nation. The CBS anchor's surprising and out-of-character editorial may have nudged LBJ out of the White House, but it also served as a tipping point toward what became a brief golden age of truth-telling in American journalism.

"Walter was too good a reporter not to take into account all the people he talked to on that trip," Laurence, now 78 and living in England, told me by email  meaning both the spin from the generals and the reality of the bitter fighting he'd glimpsed in Hue. "In the end, when he decided to call for negotiations, I suspect it was his reporter's intellect that figured out what was going on, despite what he was told by some he saw on the trip."

The reporter's intellect and instincts of Cronkite  who died in 2009  still echo a half-century later, at a time when a U.S. government is telling lies and threatening basic democratic norms on a scale that once would have seemed unthinkable, even back in the tumultuous 1960s when the Pentagon and the White House kept falsely assuring the public there was "a light at the end of the tunnel" in Vietnam. In 2018, can journalists look past the blinders of contrived objectivity, stare straight into the camera, and speak the plain truth? And when they do, will America listen the way it listened to Walter Cronkite in 1968?

Cronkite, who'd risen to journalistic prominence as a World War II newsman for United Press International covering bombing raids over Germany and 1944's Battle of the Bulge, was very much a creature of postwar America as it morphed into the Cold War against communism  the rationale for sending more than 500,000 U.S. troops to defend South Vietnam and prop up its shaky government. His early coverage of the war was clearly shaped by the rosy reports he received from top brass like Gen. Creighton Abrams, an old World War II buddy and source, and even from LBJ, who would call Cronkite directly to unload. But as 1967 flipped toward 1968, CBS reporters in the field were starting to tell a different story.

"The American public was getting a televised version of the truth on CBS News, though it may not have been as true as what was really going on in the countryside where the war was being fought," said Laurence, who applauds Cronkite and his producers for airing his often-critical reports. But the even grimmer reality of the war was laid bare by the Tet Offensive, a series of surprise attacks launched jointly by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces on January 30, 1968, that jolted the situation on the ground in Vietnam and public opinion back at home. The most alarming moments came when Viet Cong forces blew a hole in the fortress-like U.S. Embassy in Saigon and staged a fierce six-hour battle in which five Americans died before the invaders were beaten back.

Back at CBS headquarters in New York, the initial reports from the Tet Offensive were greeted with shock. "What the hell is going on," said an exasperated Cronkite as he ripped a particularly dire report from the news wire. This was nothing like Johnson and the generals had been telling him about the state of the war. Right away, the former war correspondent started urging his bosses to send him to Vietnam  with a twist. The avuncular Cronkite  whose just-the-facts objective reporting style had created his reputation as "the most trusted man in America"  wanted to give Americans his own personal impression of who was winning the war, and what should happen next.

Cronkite expected pushback from the network  but it never came. His boss, CBS president Dick Salant, had been thinking along the same lines. Salant argued, as reported by historian Douglas Brinkley in his definitive biography Cronkite, that the anchorman could use that trust he'd built with the viewer to cut through the layers of government propaganda. Salant reportedly told Cronkite that "we at CBS have established a reputation for honesty and factual reporting and being in the middle of the road.Tell them what it looks like  from your being on the ground, what is your opinion."

It took Cronkite and his team five grueling days to reach Saigon on Feb. 11, 1968  landing at the airport with the sounds of bombs and artillery fire in the not-far distance. As the CBS crew rode into the capitol, Brinkley wrote, they saw scared children along the road. "Cronkite had encountered the same hollowed look in the eyes of displaced persons in Belgium and the Netherlands, a fright that spoke of hunger, panic and confusion."

That put the anchorman in no mood to hear the fantastical spin from the American military commander. Gen. William Westmoreland. The troop commander known  not always affectionately  as "Westy" insisted to Cronkite that America was still winning the war despite the initial chaos, and that the crucial city of Hue was back under U.S. control even as he pressed a demand for yet another 200,000 troops.

Cronkite was skeptical, and he wanted to see the truth for himself, to spend as much time talking to the grunts as he did with the top brass. The highly paid newsman donned a helmet and heavy flak jacket, drank from a canteen and used the same foul latrines as the troops as he and his producers were unable to travel to Khe Sahn where the fighting was too dangerous  revealing in itself  before finally reaching Hue. The situation there was nothing like "Westy" had told Cronkite. Young American boys were still fighting  and dying  to retake the city.

Wrote Brinkley: "The credibility gap between the reality of Hue and Westmoreland's spin was blatant." Cronkite never got as close to the front lines as his younger correspondents like Laurence, but he saw enough, filling an old reporter's notebook with observations that today can be found at a library at the University of Texas in Austin. Years later, Cronkite told Brinkley he was only doing what he'd learned in Journalism 101 back at San Jacinto High School in Houston, Texas  "the more information, the better."

The helicopter ride out of Hue with the dozen body bags was a turning point. "It was quiet," Cronkite's producer Jeff Gralnick would later tell the Wall Street Journal. "Nobody said anything. It was an instant understanding for everybody in that helicopter of the cost of the war." When Cronkite met his old pal Abrams, now the No. 2 American general in Vietnam, by a roaring fireplace in Phu Bai, he heard another plea for the 200,000 additional troops, which he later said he found "sickening."

At this point, what remained for Cronkite was to get safely back to New York  easier said than done, as his jet took off from Saigon nearly straight up, like a rocket, to avoid enemy fire  and tell his conclusion to American people, that the war could not be won. The message that was crafted by Cronkite and his main producer Ernest Leiser, and delivered at the end of a 10 p.m. prime-time CBS News Special Report, may sound measured when viewed today, in a world accustomed to the 24/7 shouting of cable news  but it caused a political earthquake.

"Both in Vietnam and Washington to have faith any longer in the silver linings they find in the darkest clouds," Cronkite said. "For it seems now more certain than ever, that the bloody experience of Vietnam is to end in a stalemate. To say that we are closer to victory today is to believe in the face of the evidence, the optimists who have been wrong in the past." He concluded that "it is increasingly clear to this reporter that the only rational way out then will be to negotiate, not as victors, but as an honorable people who lived up to their pledge to defend democracy, and did the best they could."

Daniel Hallin, a University of California-San Diego communications professor who wrote The Uncensored War: The Media and Vietnam, said that while Cronkite was part of a larger wave in U.S. public opinion that had already begun turning against the war in 1967, as the depths of a quagmire emerged, he did help "change the conversation" among media elites about Vietnam. "It's certainly true," Hallin said, "that Johnson and other elected officials could have taken Cronkite as a sign of changing public opinion."

Just one month after the Cronkite Vietnam special aired, LBJ stunned the nation by declaring he wouldn't seek another term as a president. There remains a raging debate to this day whether the then-president had watched the CBS report and  as related in one account  said that "if I've lost Cronkite, I've lost Middle America." But the longer-term import of calling out government baloney and taking a stand on Vietnam was real.

Cronkite placed himself as the top of a journalistic tsunami as the media transitioned from pro-government Cold War mouthpieces to a tougher stance of questioning authority. LBJ's Vietnam lies were surely still ringing in Cronkite's ears in the fall of 1972 as he pushed for two extraordinary lengthy reports into the Watergate lies of a new president, Richard Nixon, that kept the scandal alive when other media was ignoring it. Likewise, the Vietnam "credibility gap" that fueled Cronkite's 1968 commentary was surely on the minds of the editors at the New York Times and then the Washington Post who published the secret Pentagon Papers in 1971, the story dramatized in the current film The Post.

Some critics insist what came to be known as "the Cronkite moment" in American journalism is overblown; after all, the president who was elected just nine months later, Nixon, had his own agenda in Southeast Asia and despite public opinion kept U.S. troops there until early 1973, at a cost of 20,000 additional American lives. The former CBS newsman Laurence says today that "Walter's stand certainly helped  though it took a long timeto work its way through to the end of the war." But he also calls the anchorman's 1968 commentary "courageous."

That courage may be the ultimate lesson from 50 years ago. Government lying didn't end  it returned in waves, with echoes of Vietnam in 2002 and 2003 when the George W. Bush administration built its case for another overseas war, in Iraq, on a bed of blatant falsehoods. Today, President Trump and his administration lie to the American people on a scale that is unimaginable, on matters as trivial as the crowd size at Trump's inauguration and as important as the scope of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election or covering up for a wife beater with daily access to the president.

What's more, Team Trump has declared that a functioning free press is the "enemy of the American people," and threatened other norms, from an independent justice system to voting rights, that are essential to democracy  and without democracy, journalism is useless. Rising authoritarianism is a time to toss "on one hand, on the other hand" out the window. Journalists today have the same responsibilities that Cronkite had in 1968, to listen to every side, to be fair, and to always remember that "the more information, the better." But the ultimate responsibility is to the higher truths that  just like Cronkite's Saigon  come under daily mortar fire in Donald Trump's warped vision of America.

"What Cronkite did says to journalists today: Watch out, there are limits to neutrality," Jay Rosen, the New York University journalism professor and media critic, told me. "When those limits are reached, 'objective' journalism is in uncharted waters, and you have to use your judgment."

Times change. Cronkite's approval ratings only grew after he spoke truth on Vietnam. Today's journalists who try to do the same thing will face withering attacks on social media from a reactionary minority that somehow elected a president. But an essential part of truth telling is not worrying about the reaction or even the ultimate outcome  but merely confronting every single lie, even when they come at you as fast as rounds from an M-16. A new kind of journalism that is clear-eyed about the current threat to democracy may or may not save America from autocracy. But it will mark today's reporters as an honorable people who lived up to their pledge to defend democracy, and did the best they could.
Egypt's army spokesman Tamer El-Refaie said at a press conference that 71 takfiris have been killed and five have been arrested since the start of the military's ongoing anti-terrorism Operation Sinai 2018, which will continue until it achieves its main goal of eradicating terrorism.

The Arabic word "takfiri" refers to extremist Sunni Muslims who accuse other Muslims of being infidels, often as a justification for using violence against them.

The press conference was held to demonstrate the results of Operation Sinai 2018, which was launched on 9 February to combat terrorism in North Sinai and other parts of the country.

El-Refaie said that seven army personnel have been killed and six have been injured during raids on terrorist hideouts since the start of the operation.

Another 1,852 people were arrested for being wanted in criminal cases or on suspicion of providing logistical assistance to terrorists. Many of those arrested have been released after being cleared of any charges.

The army has also located and destroyed three tunnels , two communication centres, 14 4x4 vehicles, 99 rifles, 269 motorbikes, 393 IEDs, in addition to large amounts of TNT and plastic explosives.

Since the start of the operation, Air Forces destroyed 158 terrorist sites, and the army's artillery destroyed 413 targets.

The army has destroyed 1,282 targets used as shelter by terrorists as well as storehouses containing medical equipment, weapons, ammunition, mines and materials used in manufacturing improvised explosive devices.

Operation Sinai 2018 involves land, naval and air forces, as well as the police and border guards.

The operation targets "terrorist and criminal elements and organisations" in northern and central Sinai, as well as parts of the Nile Delta and the Western Desert, the army said at the start of the operation.

The spokesman said that counterterrorism forces from the army, along with police forces and border guards, are continuing combing operations in pursuit of any terrorist or criminal elements.

The border guards, in cooperation with forces tasked with securing the Suez Canal waterway, are continuing their mission to protect navigation and tighten security measures at the crossings leading to the Sinai Peninsula.

The army spokesman said that Egyptian and French naval exercises are being held in the Red Sea from 20 to23 February, which El-Refaie said reflects the "depth of partnership and military relations between the two friendly countries in several fields."

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Mt. Ephraim Superintendent Leslie Koller-Walker, shown here on the playground of Mary Bray Elementary School, held an impromptu teacher-training on what to do in active shooter situations after the Parkland, Fla., school killings. Read more

Two days after 17 students and teachers were gunned down at a Florida high school last week, a lockdown was called at the elementary school where Kristin Luebbert teaches in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia.

Luebbert and her eighth-grade students at Bache-Martin were in the hallway at the time. In a flash, she shepherded them into her classroom, locked the door, found paper to cover the windows, and directed the students to the back corner.

Luebbert turned to comfort an anxious young woman, and when she looked back, she saw the other children had armed themselves with items they found in an open closet: scissors, box cutters, a heavy-duty stapler, a bottle of Windex.

"We're ready," the 13- and 14-year-old students told Luebbert. "We can fight."

As it has around the country, the shooting in Parkland, Fla., has rippled in schools around the region. Students and educators are planning walkouts; reviewing school-shooting protocol training, and, in the case of the Bache-Martin students, thinking in new ways about what they would do if a gunman stormed their building.

The Bache-Martin lockdown turned out to be a timely drill, coming just two days after Nikolas Cruz took an assault weapon into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and opened fire. Luebbert, a veteran English teacher, said her students were scared and wanted to talk about the shooting. And they wanted to know: Would she protect them?

"I'm saying to this girl, 'I would always help you be safe no matter what,' but what I'm really thinking is, 'If someone came in with an automatic weapon and started shooting, what could I do for her?' " said Luebbert.

Across the river at Mount Ephraim Public Schools, teachers were grappling with the same questions  and getting answers from an unexpected expert.

Leslie Koller-Walker, superintendent of the Camden County district, had a personal connection to the Parkland tragedy: Her childhood friend Jim Gard is a math teacher at Stoneman Douglas. As Cruz roamed the halls with a semiautomatic weapon, Gard had barricaded himself and his students inside his classroom.

Immediately after the shooting, Koller-Walker checked on her friend; Gard told her how grateful he was that three weeks before the incident, he had sat through a training session on such situations. That inspired Koller-Walker.

On Friday, she arranged for Gard to speak by video to Mount Ephraim teachers and paraprofessionals for an hour, emphasizing how his training possibly saved his students' lives: When someone knocked on his locked door during those terrifying few minutes last week, Gard did not answer it. It could have been a student stuck in a hallway banging on that door  but it also could have been Cruz.

"We're caretakers by nature; our hearts and souls are in this," said Koller-Walker. "I know when I used to run these drills with my teachers, I could tell that they would open the door, because a kid might be outside. But after Jim talked about his experiences, I would bet my house that my teachers won't open the door. It's a terrible reality, but you have to protect the kids you know you can protect."

The shooting also prompted a flood of messages and letters to anxious parents from dozens of area principals and superintendents. Many sent letters explaining school protocol for such an attack.

James Crisfield, superintendent of the Wissahickon School District in Montgomery County, went one step further.

"I believe it is time for all of us, public school leaders included, to have the courage to call for a ban on rapid-fire assault weapons," Crisfield wrote in a note posted on the school district website. "Enough is enough. We need to stop framing this as a rollback of constitutional rights, and we need to stop framing it as some sort of partisan political issue. Instead, we need to start framing this as protecting kids."

Upper Darby Police Superintendent Mike Chitwood took another tack. He said he has supported gun control for years, but with no end to school shootings it's time "to think outside the box" and train and arm teachers and other school personnel.

"I'm not a gun enthusiast. I'm for banning guns, banning assault weapons, doing background checks," Chitwood said in an interview. "I've been fighting this battle for 30 years.  But all that is not going to prevent these horrible tragedies that are happening in our country these days."

Chitwood said he would like to see a voluntary program in which certain school staff members are tapped to carry guns  after enduring a psychological background check, "rigorous training," and obtaining concealed carry permits.

"There's not enough police, not enough security to protect our children," he said.

In the majority of school shootings, he noted, the carnage takes place in under three minutes. If police respond in even five to 10 minutes, it's too late. He said that one of the teachers killed in the Parkland attack had a concealed-weapons permit but was not allowed to carry a gun on school property. If he had a gun, "would he have died? Would the kids have died?" Chitwood asked. "It's an unknown."

Asked about the chief's proposal, Upper Darby School District Superintendent Dan Nerelli said he didn't "want to dismiss any police officers' idea." But, he said, "I think teachers are hired to teach. Security is there to protect our students."

Upper Darby's security staff is unarmed, unlike other districts with armed resource officers. Nerelli said a committee was meeting next week to discuss whether to beef up security in his schools with things such as armed guards and metal detectors.

Meanwhile, students leaders there, as in other districts, are mobilizing.

Some have organized a 17-minute school walkout on March 14 to protest Congress' inaction on gun violence. As of Wednesday, more than 15 area high schools had signed on to participate, including Upper Darby, Lower Merion, Abington, Phoenixville, Haddon Township, Downingtown East, North Penn, Spring-Ford, Lower Moreland, New Hope-Solebury, Oxford Area, Central Bucks South, Bensalem, Kennett, Pennsbury, Haddonfield Memorial High School, and Shawnee as well as the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology.

No Philadelphia schools have registered, but Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. said students who participated would not be penalized. "I'll probably participate," Hite said Wednesday.

Alexa King, a Haddonfield Memorial High School student, began organizing the event at her Camden County school over the weekend and is using social media to spread word of it. About 20 students have already agreed to participate, she said.

"There have been far too many instances of school shootings in the past few years," King said in an email. "Whether or not the school backs the movement, I still plan to follow through."

Students at Owen J. Roberts School District in Chester County said that they planned to participate in the walkout and that some of their teachers planned to join them.

"Even though so many shootings have happened, we really haven't done anything to stop it," said junior Isa Sykes, 17. "As students we are literally the ones that have our lives on the line. If we protest I feel it might connect more with people who can change things."

Shakoia Hunsberger, 15, an Owen J. Roberts freshman, said she talked to her parents about the protest, and they agree it's an important step.

"I feel like families should have assurance," she said, "that when their kids are going to school they are going to be able to make it out alive."

Staff writer Avalon R. Zoppo contributed to this article.

Correction: A previous version of this article misstated the anniversary of the Columbine shootings.
The Clay Studio is moving from its Old City building to American Street just outisde Kensington. Read more

Two years ago, it became clear to Michael Lukasek, the chair of the Clay Studio, that the mecca for aspiring and experienced potters badly needed an expansion. The studio, which was founded in 1974 by five artists, had grown from serving a small group of potters to providing services for over 35,000 people on an annual basis.

"I think there are wheels in the bathroom or something now," he joked during a press event.

The Clay Studio will be breaking ground on a 30,000-square-foot facility just outside Kensington later this year, designed by Philadelphia architecture firm DIGSAU. Construction begins in the fall and will end in 2020.

"We went to every neighborhood in Philadelphia to try to figure out what felt like home for us," Jennifer Martin, the studio's vice president, said. "We picked South Kensington because it already has a good art scene going on. There are lots of makers here and artisanal things happening, and we really wanted to be a part of that."

The studio's new facility, which will cost $5 million, is located at 1425 N. American St. and will include state-of-the-art equipment and vastly larger studio spaces, allowing new offerings such as designated youth classrooms, communal workspaces to allow for interaction across all skill levels, new exhibition space, and improved access for day campers and school groups. Martin said she expects the studio to double its capacity for classes.
The finest wines almost always are farmed following the principles of organic viticulture, even if they're not formally certified as organic wines. Why? Because it has been known for decades that the chemical inputs used in conventional farming flatten wine's flavor and reduce quality potential. In particular, the multifaceted dimension of wine known as terroir  the French term for the taste of the specific place where a wine is grown  is muted by chemicals and industrial processing. That's why fine wines must be made carefully, by hand in small batches. More and more wine drinkers look for organic certification, but it can be hard to find under $20  except in South America. The wine regions of Chile and Argentina are blessed with geography that is so wine-friendly many of the chemical sprays that would be needed in places like Europe and California are unnecessary. This makes it far more economically viable to practice true organic viticulture. This lovely wine, from one of the northernmost wine valleys of Argentina's Andean foothills, is a perfect example. The cool climate produces a brighter, tangier style of Malbec, packed with flavors of black raspberries and violets. And its organic farming leaves in the layers of earthy flavor complexity that chemicals can strip away.

Cuma Organic Malbec, Calchaqui Valley, Argentina. $9.99 (regularly $12.99; sale price through Sunday). PLCB Item #2050
Jason Han (left) is a resident in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and Jack DePaolo (right) is a pediatrics resident. Read more

With Gov. Wolf's recent declaration of a state of emergency over the opioid epidemic, many physicians and hospitals must also learn how to cope with the ongoing crisis.

Two medical residents from Philadelphia share their stories of encountering different sides of the opioid epidemic and how it touches them, their patients, and their colleagues.

Jack: I see it in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Telling a mother that her newborn is going to have to be transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) because of drug withdrawal was one of the most difficult conversations I have had since starting my pediatrics residency.

The physical harm to newborns is significant. Symptoms arise after the babies have been exposed to opioids in utero. Soon after being born, these infants experience agitation, fever, sweating, poor feeding, vomiting, and diarrhea. They are placed in the neonatal intensive care unit for days to weeks.

Separated from their mothers, these infants suffer more than immediate symptoms of withdrawal. We always encourage skin-to-skin contact after birth because it improves breastfeeding outcomes, mother-child attachment, and even heart and lung function. Though hard to measure, some of these benefits are surely lost.

Furthermore, at a societal level, opioid addiction can rip apart families, sometimes leading to placements in foster care, away from mothers whose addiction is too often criminalized and punished, instead of being recognized as a disease process and treated.

In these sensitive and difficult encounters, I found myself reflecting on the totality of costs presented to society as we deal with the current opioid epidemic. The prevalence of this so-called neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) increased fivefold from 2000 through 2012. As I looked at the mother and the newborn, both victims of a systemic problem, I began to realize the dangers of this epidemic and how it was dramatically changing patient care and well-being.

Though at the time I did not understand how vast the effects of this epidemic were, I would soon come to learn that it was everywhere across the hospital, from the NICU to the cardiac surgical operating rooms.

Jason: I see it in the faces of our organ donors.

"Seven heart transplants." The attending surgeon said that in just one week in December, our program had completed seven heart transplants. Then, just as we were having this conversation in the operating room, the attending surgeon received yet another phone call.

"There may be an eighth one," he remarked, almost incredulously.

"Eight? How many do we do in a typical year?" I asked.

"About 50, but the opioid epidemic is really changing the number of available donors."

Silence fell over the OR staff. Seven heart transplants meant that seven more lives were lost prematurely. What's more, this number was continuing to rise at an unprecedented rate.

Prior to starting residency, I had been interested in the area of transplantation, an inspiring story that combines the feats of surgical pioneers and breakthroughs in medical therapy.

During medical school, I used to accompany one of our surgeons who would go to other hospitals to procure donor organs to observe these operations firsthand. To this day these memories remain as one of the most convincing testaments to our connectedness as a society. While the circumstances behind the donors' deaths were tragic  to have organs suitable for transplant, donors must have been generally healthy people who lost their lives to an accident  their selflessness gave the recipients a chance to be reborn, and to return to their loved ones.

I could not help but notice that our donor population was increasingly comprised disproportionately of young overdose victims in their 20s and 30s, no older than Jack, my colleague in pediatrics, and me.

Night after night, while observing procurement of donor organs just outside of Philadelphia, we were struck by the sight of the donors' bodies. Though pronounced brain-dead from overdose, they otherwise looked as if they could have been sleeping, neither harmed by accidents nor weathered by age. All we could do was bear witness to the overwhelming tragedy.

Deaths each year due to overdose have surpassed the peak death rate caused by HIV/AIDS in the United States. In 2016, more Americans died from opioid-related causes than died in the Vietnam War. If that is not shocking enough, we are on a trajectory to see those numbers climb to a peak of unknown magnitude.

Pennsylvania continues to be particularly hard hit by this epidemic. In 2016, 13 Pennsylvanians died daily from a drug overdose. That number is up 37 percent from just one year prior. More than 900 of these deaths occurred in Philadelphia County and 78 percent of Pennsylvania counties have overdose death rates that are higher than the national average. Rates are highest among men ages 25 to 34, but the epidemic reaches across all demographics and geographic boundaries.

This is not an epidemic that is conspicuous in hospitals, where people are covered in protective gear and units are quarantined. These are mothers separated from their newborn children too early or organ donors whose time had come far too soon.

As providers, we constantly remind ourselves and our colleagues that opioid medications can be powerful instruments for good but can easily become very dangerous. One out of every 550 patients initiated on opioid medication succumbs to an opioid-related cause of death 2.6 years later. Providers must continue to prescribe opioids with caution.

But most important, this epidemic demands systemic action. In January, Gov. Wolf declared it a state of emergency in Pennsylvania, an important step that will mobilize resources.

As frontline physicians, we believe we need policies that heal, instead of punish, people in addiction. Now is the time to come together as a community to help our patients, and to treat the root cause of this epidemic while also providing the social supports that keep families together.

Our shared experiences have taught us that this epidemic affects all of us. Once seen firsthand, the sense of urgency becomes palpable. The consequences of the opioid epidemic are observed by physicians, nurses, families, patients, and from the hospital wards to the city streets. Can you see what we see?

Jason Han, M.D., is a resident in cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and Jack DePaolo, M.D., is a pediatrics resident.
Despite our high tech, high cost health system, life expectancy is going on the wrong direction. Read more

U.S. gross domestic product is at an all-time high. U.S. life expectancy is not.

Life expectancy has fallen for the second time in two years  from a high of 78.9 years in 2014 to 78.6 years in 2016. It fell for men and women, whites, blacks and Hispanics. Statistics show that thousands were preventable, premature deaths.

Life expectancy is not supposed to fall in countries that are this rich, spend this much on health care, and pride themselves on having people who take care of each other. As a demographer working in a school of public health, I am astounded by the complacency at the loss of so many Americans in the prime of life.

Where can we turn for leadership? What can each of us do about the crisis? Public health has answers. The modern practice of public health is about building community coalitions to support many simultaneous strategies across many different sectors. The public health problems of the 20th century were not solved by magic bullets; it took massive social change and political enlightenment. It will take nothing less in the 21st century.

Between 1880 and 1945, U.S. life expectancy rose from 40 to 65 years. This was no miracle of modern medicine. Rising life expectancy preceded the discovery of most antibiotics, vaccines and most modern treatments for cancer, heart disease and kidney failure.

And, until 2014, U.S. life expectancy continued to rise. In high-income countries in Western Europe and Asia  such as Korea, Singapore and France  life expectancy has advanced well above 80.

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the death count for Americans under 65 rose by 20,566 between 2015 and 2016. Based on population growth alone, one would have expected only 6,131 additional deaths. The 14,435 additional Americans died prematurely of causes that could have been prevented.

The U.S. is not bumping up against natural limits to life expectancy. The extra American funerals were for American sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, neighbors and co-workers dying in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. Their death certificates list mostly overdoses from opioids and other substances, cirrhosis, suicide and homicide.

Public health is the profession devoted to identifying health threats, notifying the community and securing solutions from both private and public sectors.

However, modern scourges such as addiction, suicide and despair do not have easy, single solutions. We know partial remedies include funding addiction treatment, more access to the overdose antidote naloxone, better prescribing patterns and drug enforcement. None is sufficient alone.

Community vulnerability to such diseases of despair as suicide and addiction comes from a failure of social solidarity and inclusion. Sociologists regularly observe an inverse relationship between suicide rates and national markers for social trust. Public health can bring us together to tackle our current nemesis.

We're already seeing how potential solutions to these problems can take shape.

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services introduced the Public Health 3.0 plan, which asks for the nation's public health officials to gather citizens, local businesses, hospitals, schools and other government agencies to understand and respond to health threats.

In Wilkes County, N.C., a Public Health 3.0-type approach to the opioid epidemic just finished its 10th year. Known as Project Lazarus, the community's initiatives led to a 9 percent reduction in mortality. The county got pharmacists and health professionals to train health-care providers on diversion, forgery, and better pain management. They were able to engage their hospital emergency departments to discuss new pain management policies. They expanded the availability of drug rehabilitation, promoted Naloxone rescue kits, and mapped out all of the safe pill drop locations.

The critical foundation for all of this activity was an ongoing set of coalition meetings for citizens, health directors, school superintendents, sheriffs, hospital leaders and mental health professionals. Leadership and energy came from both the government and the private sector.

Public Health 3.0 has been hard to pull off, even though it doesn't require a major federal initiative. The public health workforce has a comfort zone in crunching numbers and running programs to control one disease at a time. Health departments raise much of their funds by writing disease-focused grants to state and federal agencies. There is scarce time or priority for the effort to convene communities. Few grants anywhere pay for the hard work of rallying citizens. Nevertheless, health officers do community organizing because there is no better way to prevent disease.

David Bishai, is professor of health economics at Johns Hopkins University. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
In a move that would keep Westminster Choir College in Princeton, Rider University announced Wednesday that it had reached a tentative deal to sell the music school to a Chinese education company for $40 million.

Rider's board of trustees said it had signed a nonbinding term sheet with Beijing Kaiwen Education Technology Co. Ltd. The university announced last March that it would seek a buyer for the financially struggling institution, which has been based in Princeton since 1932. The music school merged with Rider in 1992.

The announcement to sell Westminster, which has 14 buildings on a 23-acre campus, sparked protests by students and faculty, and has prompted legal challenges.

"This is the beginning of an exciting new era for Westminster Choir College, its faculty, staff and students," Gregory G. Dell'Omo, president of Rider University, said in a statement. "Kaiwen Education put forth an impressive proposal rooted in their sincere interest in the Westminster brand and in keeping the institution as a part of the Princeton community. We are eager to continue collaborating with Kaiwen Education to develop a binding agreement, the next step in this process."

Kaiwen Education, which operates two international K-12 academies in Beijing, would also take ownership of the Westminster Conservatory of Music and Westminster Continuing Education.

Details of the proposed deal remain confidential, but Rider said Kaiwen Education intends to make offers of employment to faculty and staff.

The Chinese firm also was committed to aiding students with endowed scholarships, tuition discounts, and other grant obligations, the university said.

Rider, facing its own financial issues, last year issued layoff notices to Westminster's faculty. The union representing the faculty has gone to federal court to contest the sale of Westminster. A federal judge ruled earlier this month that Rider could continue negotiating the sale.

Rider said Kaiwen Education has hired two consultants recommended by Westminster to guide the negotiations.

Dell'Omo said the proposed $40 million would allow for Rider to invest in strategic priorities and allow the university to offset some of the losses incurred in operating Westminster since 1992.

He also said the purchase price demonstrates that Kaiwen Education has the resources to commit to Westminster's long-term viability
A decorative feature at Vista Peru, 20 S. Second St., on Feb. 19, 2018. Read more

Philly's Peruvian invasion commences this week.

Vista Peru, the Peruvian restaurant/bar filling the former Serrano and Tin Angel space at 20 S. Second St. in Old City, will open this weekend. A cocktail party/open house is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. A rep for the restaurant says the hours will be 11 a.m. till midnight weekdays, till 2 a.m. on weekends.

Owner Miguel Toro, who with his family also owns El Balconcito and El Balconcito II in Northeast Philadelphia (two Peruvian-Portuguese hybrids), has set up a second-floor bar devoted to pisco, the South American brandy.

Vista Peru's first floor has a smaller bar and lounge, topped with a wooden fixture, that leads into a modest-size dining room.

Same deal at Chalaco's Ceviche & Pisco Bar, which has a March opening penciled in just up the street at 1030 N. Second St., the former Bar Ferdinand space at Liberties Walk in Northern Liberties.

Menu, overseen by chef Jose Luis Herrera, will include Peruvian ceviches and other favorites, such as the stir-fry dish lomo saltado and Peruvian char-broiled chicken. It will serve lunch, dinner, happy hour, and a late-night happy hour.

Co-owner Giovanni Delfino tells me that work is proceeding according to schedule.

His partners, Francisco Acevedo and Carmen Silva, are part-owners of five restaurants in Maryland under the brand of Lima's Chicken, which serve Peruvian-style char-broiled chicken.
By age 68, the Rev. Billy Graham had advised presidents, preached to millions, and built an international ministry that persuaded legions of the faithful to follow the way of a Christian savior. Graham was also feeling the urgency of a man approaching his 70s.

As the renowned evangelist sat before a crowd of 20,000 youths at a missionary conference in Urbana, Ill., he prepared to deliver the convention's final speech in 1987. But he changed his mind. He asked a younger colleague, the Rev. Tony Campolo, then a 52-year-old evangelical leader from Eastern University in St. Davids, to give the speech instead.

"He leaned over to me and said: 'I'm getting old. It's time for me to surrender that spot to another generation. I want you to do it,' " recalled Campolo, an activist and a professor emeritus at Eastern.

Campolo took the podium and preached a fiery message encouraging those who had gathered to consider becoming missionaries  a moment about which he reminisced Wednesday after Graham's death at 99 in Montreat, N.C.

Clergy throughout the Philadelphia area remembered the Southern Baptist minister as an expert preacher of the Gospel, a dedicated evangelist who remained focused on saving souls, and a presidential counselor who eschewed politics.

"I wish more evangelicals held true to that," said Shane Claiborne, a cofounder with Campolo of Red Letter Christians, a nondenominational movement that opposes the incursion of politics into faith  from the right or the left.

"Some of my evangelical friends talk more about Trump than Jesus," Claiborne said, "and you would never accuse Billy Graham of that."

But Graham did take a stand on social issues such as race and poverty, said the Rev. K. Marshall Williams Sr., senior pastor of Nazarene Baptist Church in Philadelphia, one of 5,000 predominantly African American congregations affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

Williams said Graham should be remembered for tearing down ropes that separated black and white attendees at one of the evangelist's signature crusades in Chattanooga, Tenn., during the 1950s.

"He took a lot of heat for that" and other efforts to combat racism, said Williams, immediate past president of the National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, said Graham's ministry inspired millions across denominational lines.

"Billy Graham navigated a century of turbulent conflict and change with the message of the Gospel and a zeal that made him one of the great Christian presences in American history," Chaput said in a statement.

But the Rev. Alyn Waller, senior pastor of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, said he wished Graham had done more to speak out about the evils of racism and segregation.

An admirer of Graham who attended his crusades as a youngster growing up in Cleveland, Waller said: "I appreciate his impact, but my critique would be that he didn't use his platform as much as he could for reconciliation." A result of that, Waller said, is the divisive and overtly political ministry of Graham's son Franklin.

Billy Graham wrestled with controversy in the early 1970s when secretly recorded conversations revealed that Graham had agreed with President Richard Nixon when he said that the media were controlled by Jews. Graham said "this stranglehold must be broken or the country's going down the drain."

"In a time of deep division and rising anti-Semitism, it's vital that we all, Jews and non-Jews, call out hateful words and sentiments," said Rabbi Joshua Waxman, president of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia. Graham's 1972 comments "fall into that category, but it's also important to mention that he came to realize that as well and that he apologized sincerely," said Waxman, of Or Hadash, a Reconstructionist congregation in Fort Washington.

Graham apologized during a crusade in 2002. He had earlier staged the large-scale evangelical meetings to Philadelphia in 1961 and 1992.

At the five-day evangelical meeting in the early 1990s, Reggie White, then an all-star defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles, made a tearful announcement that his fellow Eagle Jerome Brown had died in a car accident.

White, who died in 2004 and was also a minister, had worked with the Graham organization on projects as a college student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, said his widow, Sara Copeland White, who now lives in North Carolina, Graham's home state.

"Down here, it's like the president died," Sara White said of Graham's passing. "He never forgot about his hometown. That was one of the things Reggie really respected about him. He did a lot around the world, but his family was always first."
Ethiopia once again faces an uncertain future in the wake of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegns resignation and the declaration of a state of emergency.

Until Al-Ahram Weekly went to print on Tuesday, the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the countrys ruling coalition, has yet to designate a successor.

In this latest chapter in the political turmoil that has gripped Ethiopia for the past quarter of a century, the government was unable to calm the unrest that had erupted, especially among the countrys largest ethnic groupings, the Oromo and the Amhara. The release of a couple of thousand political prisoners failed to alleviate tensions.

According to human rights reports, about a thousand people have been killed in the latest eruption of violence, the largest toll since the fall of the communist government in the early 1990s.

In the aftermath of a previous wave of unrest, the Desalegn government declared a state of emergency from October 2016 to August 2017. A communication released by the ruling EPRDF described the state of emergency declared after the prime ministers resignation as vital to safeguarding the rule of law and the constitution in the country.

In spite of the sudden resignation, some Egyptian and Ethiopian observers suggest that it was a natural step in view of Desalegns affiliation with a religious and ethnic minority. According to the Ethiopian journalist and writer Malalu Joli, Desalegn was unable to unify the parties that formed the ruling coalition since 1991.

Hani Raslan, a researcher at Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies, argues that the fact that Desalegn was a Protestant (the majority of Ethiopians are Eastern Orthodox Copts) and from one of the smaller ethnic groups in the south prevented him from becoming an effective prime minister. As a result, he remained a transitional ruler.

Desalegn came to power in 2012 following the death of the powerful Meles Zenawi who rose to power in 1991 following the overthrow of the regime of Mengistu Hailemariam and the Derg Committee (which had ruled from 1974 to 1991).

Zenawi belonged to the Tigray, who make up about six per cent of the populace and who control the EPRDF. Raslan adds that Tigrayans also control the key institutions of the state, which is one of the reasons for discontent among the Oromo (over 34 per cent of the population) and the Amhara (about 27 per cent of the population and the ethnic group that had ruled Ethiopia for most of its modern history).

The unrest began when the government announced plans to expand the capital, which entailed what was termed sequestering land for the public weal. The land belonged to Oromo farmers who live in the countrys largest state, which includes the capital, Addis Ababa.

The government was shaken by the uprising of the Oromo who complain of being marginalised by the Tigrayan-dominated government.

According to Amnesty International, the Ethiopian government arrested thousands of Oromo in the five-year period from 2011 to 2015. According to the Jada organisation, which focuses on the conditions of the Oromo, the number of those arrested is as high as 20,000. The government denies both figures, even though it released 6,000 detainees in January.

Tensions between the national groups mounted during the 2015 elections, in which EPRDF gained control of 500 of the parliaments 547 seats. However, the main turning point, according to Alan Lofis, author of The African Decentralisation Game, came with the controversial 2005 elections in which the opposition won a third of the seats and claimed that the government had tampered with the results. Since then, the government became more authoritarian.

While the EPRDF consists of four major parties, representing the Oromo, the Amhara, the Somalis and the Tigray, the first three claim that the parties that speak in their name do not really represent them and that their participation in the Tigrayan-dominated coalition is purely nominal.

This token participation could not continue because it did not mirror the reality in the country, said Ethiopian writer Dawawit Hailemariam. For example, he said, the government refused to recognise the 2016 famine that affected 4.5 million people for what it was. It called it a food security deficit because it did not want to draw the attention of the international press.

On the other hand, Desalegn and Zenawi before him made Ethiopia the fastest growing country in Africa. The Ethiopian economic growth rate averaged 10.8 per cent, compared to the 4.8 per cent average in the rest of the continent. Within the space of a decade (2003-2013), agriculture (which contributes about 40 per cent of the GDP) grew by 5.4 per cent, manufacturing by 21 per cent and services by 12 per cent.

The Desalegn government sustained the rate of development, which never fell below nine per cent during his six years in power. Also to Desalegns credit is the fact that growth was not centralised, or confined to a particular region. Rather, it was countrywide.

Still, the Oromo were not the only ones to complain. The Somalis in the south, in Ogaden, have long been demanding independence since the time of Emperor Haile Selassie. But the Oromos and Somalis are not united against the government. Rather, they are rivals, sometimes to the point of hostilities. At the beginning of the year, clashes erupted between the two ethnic groups in relation to a conflict over pasturelands.

The Ethiopian ethnic communities lack confidence, which decreases the likelihood of a government collapse. But this does not negate the delicacy of the situation in a country with multiple ethnicities, cultures, languages and religions, and a history of military coups, famines and civil strife.

The Somali region is particularly sensitive for the government. Somalia has laid claim to Ogaden for decades and, in the 1980s, a war broke out over the region in which the US supported Somalia and the Soviet Union supported Ethiopia. That war concluded with a peace agreement signed in 1987. Some government circles remain wary of the political and tribal connections between the Somali region and Somalia.

The Oromo accuse the Somalis of recruiting youth from tribes in Somalia to fight in their militias. The Somali regional government denies this. The Oromo, according to Dawawit Hailemariam, also feel that they stand alone. The smaller ethnicities fear the Oromos numerical superiority while the Amhara could ally with the Tigray as a means to avert a Tigray-dominated ethnic dictatorship.

Although it is unclear who will replace Desalegn, many observers believe that the Tigray will not succeed in pushing their candidate through the EPRDF, but that they will simultaneously resist other candidates for fear of losing their longstanding grip on power, a fear augmented by the memory of having been excluded from power throughout the imperial and communist eras.

On the other hand, the government certainly does not want the post to remain vacant for long, not least because of foreign relations concerns. This area will probably be no less of a challenge for the forthcoming prime minister than domestic troubles. Ethiopia is in the middle of difficult negotiations with Khartoum and Cairo over the Nile Basin and the downriver impact of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The Egyptian media has charged that Addis Ababa is being intransigent, especially on the question of the schedule for filling the GERD reservoir. Egypt wants the period to extend from seven to 10 years, while Ethiopia insists on three. Egypt fears that the filling of the reservoir, which will have a 74 billion m3 capacity, will diminish its share of Nile waters (55.5 billion m3) and hamper its agricultural development, water treatment and irrigation plans.

In Raslans opinion, Ethiopias difficult situation at present may smooth out the negotiating process between Cairo and Addis Ababa. For the moment, however, Ethiopia wants to postpone the new round of negotiations and has asked Cairo for its understanding.

Ethiopias fraught relations with its Eritrean neighbour will also cast their shadow over the new prime minister. Asmara has emerged from its isolation through its rapprochement with Egypt and some Gulf countries. It has sided with Saudi Arabia and the Arab coalition in the war in Yemen and with the Arab quartet that declared an embargo against Qatar.

Asmara benefited economically from these developments, through investments in Eritrea (the UAE port development project at Asab) and developing economic relations with Egypt and Saudi Arabia. These factors will strengthen Asmaras hand vis-a-vis its Ethiopian neighbour with its larger land area, larger population, greater resource and faster economic development.

To the south, Addis Ababa continues to contend with the Somalian question. In addition to the aforementioned problems, Somalia has been unstable since the fall of Siad Berri in 1991. Meanwhile, Somaliland, not recognised internationally, has enlisted with the Saudi-led Arab Coalition alongside Eritrea.

Even Sudan, which some observers regarded as an ally to Ethiopia in the GERD negotiations, may drift away, especially in light of the recent rapprochement with Egypt.

Perhaps more alarming to the government in Addis Ababa is the spectre of investors being scared off by a continued vacancy at the top and the prospect of instability. The consequent reductions in influxes of money and revenues would severely slow Ethiopian growth and encumber the governments efforts to remedy the complex socioeconomic problems in the country.

Ethiopia certainly is facing a difficult test. In order to succeed, it needs to safeguard its federal system, sustain economic growth and preserve its foreign relations.

* This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly

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Charles Amer, 46 of Warminster, is accused of trying solicit sex from an undercover police officer he thought was a teenage girl. Read more

A Bucks County emergency medical technician has been arrested after he allegedly drove to South Jersey intending to engage in sexual activities with a minor, while still dressed in his work uniform, officials said.

Charles Amer, 46 of Warminster, has been charged with second-degree luring, attempted sexual assault, attempted criminal sexual contact, and attempted endangering the welfare of a child, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities said Wednesday that Amer, an EMT for Belmed Ambulance, Healthfleet Ambulance, Keystone Quality Transport Company and Warrington Community Ambulance, texted sexually explicit messages to an undercover detective he thought was a 14-year-old girl.

Amer agreed to meet the girl in Pennsauken on Feb. 16, where they would then go to a hotel in neighboring Pennsylvania "to engage in sexual activities."

Upon arrival, he was arrested by police. Amer has been released from the Camden County Correctional Facility while he awaits a court appearance.
Jordana Judson flew from LaGuardia Airport in New York to her hometown in Florida. Read more

Jordana Judson heard the news that a family friend was killed in the Parkland school shooting near her childhood home. She jumped in a Lyft and raced over to New York's LaGuardia Airport thinking it might be easier to buy a ticket and get on a flight home if she was there in person.

When her ride dropped her off at the airport early Thursday morning, Judson, 23, stood on the curb sobbing for a moment thinking about her friend, Meadow Pollack, 18, and her former high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the site of the deadly rampage.

"She was hysterically crying. We approached her and asked if she was all right," said New York State Trooper Thomas Karasinski, 26. "She wasn't able to get a lot of words out, but she was talking about the shooting in Florida."

Karasinski and his partner, Trooper Robert Troy, who were on duty patrolling the curbside area of the airport, pointed the distraught Judson toward the ticket counter.

Judson made her way inside, and a ticket agent told her a one-way flight that would get her to Pollack's vigil later that day would cost $700, an expense she couldn't afford. She called her mother and cried into the phone.

With the phone pressed against her cheek, she looked up and saw the two troopers who had helped her outside by the curb. They were handing the ticket agent their credit cards to pay for her flight.

"I said, 'You don't need to do that,' " Judson said. " 'I can't let this happen.' "

They said: "It's done. Go be with your family."

Judson, who works in public relations in New York, said she could barely fathom their generosity and didn't know what to say. She gave them both a hug.

Karasinski said it was the first day he'd ever worked with Troy, 27, and the two didn't discuss paying for Judson's ticket. They just assessed the situation, and each reached for his wallet to pay for the ticket, which had been lowered to $600.

Actually, Karasinski said, Troy, who has been on the force for two years, reached in his pocket about a second ahead of Karasinski.

"He went first for his wallet, and I didn't hesitate, I grabbed my credit card as well," Karasinski said. "The ticket agent was shocked for a second. Jordana looked up and was in shock."

She then thanked them profusely, Karasinski said. "She was still hysterically crying, she was in a terrible state," he said.

Karasinski, who has been with the force for three years, said he'd never paid for someone's plane ticket before. But helping people is not new for him.

"Going above and beyond is what we do," said Karasinski, who is from New York. "It might sound cliche, but that's what we do. Every day we try to find someone to help."

Judson made it home just in time to get to the vigil for Pollack, who was a senior.

Judson, who graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2012, had a special connection to Pollack. Judson's brother Ryan has been close friends with Pollack's brother Hunter since they were small children. Judson's father died of cancer when she was 8, and Pollack's father stepped in and was a father figure to her brother.

Jordana Judson and Meadow Pollack, while several years apart in age, were almost like family to each other.

Judson went to Meadow Pollack's parents' home for shiva, a Jewish tradition of a solemn gathering at the mourner's home, and said the rabbi ended his service by starting to tell Judson's story from the airport in an attempt to end the evening on a positive note. Judson got up and told the crowd of about 200 people her story in her own words. She said she hoped it brought some relief, if fleeting, for the mourners.

"What the officers did provided comfort in the moment, it made my heart full," said Judson. "It was just a selfless act of humanity. We need to see more of that to balance out all the bad in the world."

She added that for years she has volunteered to help people less fortunate than her, something she learned from her mother. When she's having a bad day, she said, she'll buy coffee for someone who is in line behind her at Starbucks.

"People need to step up and do good things," she said. "It makes the bad things a little less bad."
Timothy Canfield is on trial for murder charges after allegedly killing another man with a high-powered bow and arrow after a fight in a backyard of a Berlin Borough, N.J. home. Read more

Moments before Kereti Paulsen was killed by an arrow fired from a high-powered crossbow in a South Jersey backyard, he waved a hypodermic needle and lunged at Timothy Canfield, the archer, Canfield's lawyer told a jury Wednesday.

Jeffrey Zucker gave that account as Canfield's unusual murder trial began in a Camden County courtroom. He called the 2013 shooting self-defense.

Camden County Assistant Prosecutor Lauren Pratter offered a starkly different version, saying Canfield killed Paulsen using a bow and arrow "he had used many times on prey in the woods."

The trial is expected to have drama. Canfield, 30, of Berlin Borough, plans to take the stand to describe the shooting. The prosecutor is expected to show a video of a witness shooting a pig carcass with an arrow to demonstrate that Canfield's account is not plausible based on the puncture wound that killed him. The jury was warned about the footage, but no other details were provided.

Zucker said Paulsen was a violent heroin addict who had threatened Canfield's girlfriend and her family at their home in Berlin Borough. Paulsen had warned family members he was HIV-positive and threatened to stab them with one of his syringes, Zucker has said.

"Mr. Canfield was scared to death of Mr. Paulsen," Zucker told the jury, adding that a syringe and 18 bags of narcotics were found close to the body. Zucker said Paulsen had also burglarized the home.

Pratter painted a different picture of the confrontation. She said that soon after Paulsen appeared in the backyard of the house Canfield was living in with his girlfriend's family, Canfield went upstairs to get his bow and arrow and went outside.

"He drew back his bow and fired a single arrow into Kereti, and that arrow ripped through Kereti's body, tore through an artery in his stomach, and that's murder," she said.

Paulsen, 25, formerly of Cape May Courthouse, N.J., died shortly after the 10 p.m. shooting.

The incident started when Paulsen came to the house and got into a fistfight with a man who was visiting Trish Dulin, Paulsen's former girlfriend. Dulin lived with her parents, her older sister, Ashley Dulin, and her boyfriend, Canfield, and two children.

Paulsen had been stalking Trish Dulin and police were called to the house several times. She told police the couple had a 16-month-old baby together but they had been estranged for some time before the fistfight occurred.

The fracas brought the family outside, but after it ended, the others went back inside, leaving Paulsen alone in the backyard, the prosecutor said. That's when Canfield went for his weapon and went "outside looking for Kereti," she said.

Afterward, Canfield concealed the arrows in the attic and drove to Winslow, where he hid the bow in a woods. He also lied to police when he was first questioned.

Zucker said Canfield had panicked. Hours later, Canfield cooperated with police and retrieved the bow and arrows. He also gave a videotaped statement.

Canfield was not "an avid hunter" as the prosecutor contended, but had used the crossbow for target shooting, Zucker said. A syringe was found on the ground near Paulsen's body when police arrived.

A neighbor had heard Paulsen crying for help and called 911. Paulsen was still breathing when the EMS squad arrived but died at a hospital soon afterward.

His parents and several other relatives and friends attended the trial, which is being heard by state Superior Court Judge Richard Wells. Paulsen's mother sobbed quietly. She declined comment. The trial is expected to continue for several weeks.

Canfield is also charged with the possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, hindering apprehension, and tampering with a witness.

Ashley Dulin,who is now Canfield's wife, is also standing trial on a single charge of tampering. The couple allegedly attempted to persuade Vincent DiFilippis, the man Paulsen attacked in the backyard, to support Canfield's self-defense story.

The prosecutor said DiFilippis, of Marlton, informed law enforcement in July 2016 that Canfield and Dulin had approached him to ask him to go along with their account.

Canfield and Dulin are out on bail. They have a 5-year-old child.

Richard Friedman, who represents Dulin, said his client gave a full statement to police after the shooting and denies witness tampering. He told the jury that if "you blink, you'll miss the case" against Dulin. She is expected to take the stand.
Republicans have intensified their fight over Pennsylvania's new congressional map, appealing to the nation's highest court Wednesday and reviving talk of impeaching the state Democratic Supreme Court justices who threw out the old map.

Top GOP lawmakers submitted an emergency request to the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, asking the justices to block implementation of the new district boundaries. Meanwhile, national and state Republicans were preparing a separate federal challenge to the map.

House Speaker Mike Turzai (R., Allegheny) and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R., Jefferson) submitted their application for a stay Wednesday evening.

"The Pennsylvania Supreme Court conspicuously seized the redistricting process and prevented any meaningful ability for the legislature to enact a remedial map to ensure a court drawn map," they wrote. They noted at one point that the court's majority opinion came out two days before the court-imposed deadline for the legislature to submit a map to the governor.

The pair said in a later statement that they are also arguing that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's actions violated the U.S. Constitution's elections clause "when it legislated from the bench adding new requirements for drawing congressional districts which do not exist in either the Pennsylvania Constitution or the U.S. Constitution."

Scarnati and Turzai have fought the Pennsylvania Supreme Court since its ruling last month overturning the previous congressional map as a partisan gerrymander drawn to favor Republicans. The state high court imposed a new, court-drawn map Monday, prompting renewed vows of federal challenges. A previous request that the U.S. Supreme Court intervene was denied by Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. without comment.

A second federal challenge is also expected as early as Thursday, led by national Republicans and other state lawmakers.

If either legal challenge is successful, voters and candidates could be left in limbo weeks before the first ballots are to be cast in the primary election in May.

But experts have said Republicans face an uphill battle. Several noted that Scarnati and Turzai had been unsuccessful in a flurry of earlier challenges.

Just days after the state Supreme Court overturned the congressional district map, the top Republican lawmakers unsuccessfully asked the U.S. Supreme Court to step in and stay the order, arguing that the state court was usurping the legislature's power.

Justin Levitt, a professor and associate dean at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, said the appeal filed Wednesday is "a little more refined in the problems that it's articulating, as I would expect. So before, it was sort of the equivalent of a loud and unarticulated scream into the wind, and this time I can hear words  but it's still a scream into the wind."

He added, "I'd be very surprised if the court decided to wade into this."

Asked Wednesday why he felt a new appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court could be successful, Turzai said: "It's an issue of ripeness." He noted that, unlike when they filed their first appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has now imposed a map that he believes is "an exceptionally partisan map."

Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican, said during a rare visit to the state Capitol on Wednesday morning that he too is troubled by the map selected by the state's highest court, which has a Democratic majority. Toomey accused the state Supreme Court of violating its own criteria when it selected the map and said he will support Republican state leaders in their appeals in any way that is appropriate.

Even before Republicans filed the paperwork for appeals, some across the political aisle were vowing to defend the maps in court.

Attorneys for the Democratic voters who brought the lawsuit that prompted the redrawing of the congressional map said earlier this week that they "have already started preparing for these legal maneuvers" and called on Republicans to stop the legal wrangling.

The National Democratic Redistricting Committee, a group led by former Attorney General Eric Holder and backed by former President Barack Obama, also said it was preparing for Republican challenges to the map. The group plans to file a motion to intervene in the federal lawsuit brought by the group of national and state Republicans.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Department of State was updating its systems to help candidates, county election officials, and voters prepare for the May primary under the new maps, according to J.J. Abbott, a spokesman for Gov. Wolf.

While Democrats were toiling away on possible legal defenses or on election-related updates, some Republicans were intensifying their rhetoric. More Republicans joined discussions Wednesday about possibly impeaching the Democratic justices on the state Supreme Court.

State Rep. Cris Dush (R., Jefferson) circulated a co-sponsorship memo earlier this month to gauge interest in legislation that would seek to impeach the five Democratic justices who ruled that the map was unconstitutional. He included in that list Justice Max Baer, who said in a dissenting opinion that he agreed the map was unconstitutional but disagreed with efforts to put the new map in place for the primary. As of Wednesday, legislation regarding impeachment had not yet been introduced.

Turzai, the highest-ranking member in the Republican-controlled state House, said that any such legislation would be handled first at the committee level.

Toomey said he believed that discussion about impeaching justices was "inevitable."

U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, a Chester County Republican, called the maps "racist" on Wednesday, since under the 2011 map people of color made of a majority in two Philadelphia-based districts, and in only one under the new map. He said the justices ignored the Voting Rights Act and therefore disenfranchised black voters.

"It's just another reason why these Supreme Court justices should be impeached," said Costello, who under the new map faces an increasingly difficult road to reelection.

Inquirer staff writer Jonathan Tamari contributed to this report.
Jose Ferran Jr. (left) prays for Eric Sollenbergers pain to be relieved on the streets of Philadelphia on Feb. 16, 2018. Read more

With his eyes closed, Jose Ferran Jr. placed his hand on Eric Sollenberger's shoulder and began to pray over him as the two stood on the sidewalk outside of the former Strawbridge and Clothier building in Center City.

The men  separated by more than two decades in age and several inches in height  didn't notice the curious stares of passersby and those coming and going from the department-store-turned-office building at Eighth and Market Streets.

When asked later if they were hesitant to share such an emotional moment in such a public space, Sollenberger shook his head.

"Actually, everybody should see that. That right there is completely normal," he said. "We have to live being the City of Brotherly Love as opposed to just using the words."

Sollenberger, 47, and Ferran, 23, had just left an orientation for recovery advocates at the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS). During the training, Sollenberger, who has been in recovery from a heroin addiction for six years, shared with Ferran that he was in pain from a host of previous injuries relating to work and car accidents.

When they got outside, Ferran  who survived a gunshot to the arm in 2011  felt moved to pray over Sollenberger, and asked if it would be OK to do so.

"When thoughts come like that I just go for it because that's what the world wants," Ferran said. "The world wants us to be ourselves. The world wants us to find hope and inspire and tell our stories."

In fact, it is the art of storytelling that connected the men in the first place. Sollenberger, of Mount Airy, is a managing partner and facilitator with UrStorytellers, a group contracted by DBHIDS to provide training for recovery and faith-based communities on how to share their stories with those in need.

"It's about telling your life story and being able to use your story to help somebody else by using the right pieces at the right time," Sollenberger said.

Ferran works with Healing Hurt People, a hospital-based violence-prevention program at Drexel University's Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice, which is how he met Sollenberger. Healing Hurt People works to help kids between the ages of 8 and 18 who are wounded by guns, knives and assaults in the city.

Before Ferran was hired as a peer intervention specialist with the program, he was a client. He was a smart kid growing up in North Philly, but he started getting high and selling drugs, and joined what he calls "a squad."

"I don't want to call it a gang, but you know, there was violent stuff," he said. "I was basically trying to fulfill a need. I was trying to be somebody."

Ferran almost didn't get the chance to find out who that somebody was. At just 16, he was shot in the arm. It was then that Healing Hurt People came into his life and helped walk him through the process of healing  and growing.

"We live in North Philadelphia. Trauma is normal to us," Ferran said. "People will say 'Nah, I don't get flashbacks' or 'Trauma is not real.' I was the same way. But I can share my story with them about how it affected my body and how it affected my health and reduce that stigma."

Ferran, who wore a gray shirt with gold lettering on the back that read "Give the earth what it wants," looked at Sollenberger, who was dressed in a shirt, pants and sneakers with neon green designs of vines and snakes he'd painted on himself.

"We're different, but we're connected through this way, through storytelling," Ferran said.

Sollenberger nodded, and touched his own shoulder.

"Your prayer did help my shoulder relax," he said. "There are benefits to positive energy."

Ferran smiled and said he had to run to catch the bus to class at Temple University. He's studying to become a social worker.

Why Philadelphia?

Eric Sollenberger: "Because Philadelphia is my home and I've been in many other places in the United States and I plan to travel more but I still love coming back here. The history that's available here and being able to walk through areas that were battlefields in like the 1700s is pretty amazing to me."

Whats been a classic Philly moment for you?

ES: "There's been quite a few. I was able sing at the Robin Hood Dell in front of approximately 5,000 people  Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City"  for a contest called Recovery Idol. I did it for four years and got to sing on some stages and play with some pretty amazing musicians. So that was definitely a highlight."

If you had a wish for the city, what would it be?

ES: "I wish that people would put down their hate, mistrust and assumptions about what somebody else is about and just look at somebody for who they are, accept them for who they are and there would be a lot less problems, violence and offenses happening. I've seen those things not be present for periods of time in a multiple of places. My wish for Philadelphia is that we just all embrace each other and have that be the norm."
Clean block officer Diane Oliveras inspects the 2400 block of West Sedgely Street in North Philadelphia, as she conducts an indexing to determine where loose litter and illegal dumping is the worst, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017. Read more

Think your block is one of the city's trashiest? There's now a way to check it out.

A citywide litter index launched earlier this month, mapping Philadelphia's litter problem block by block.

The index is searchable by address and provides a score on a scale of 1 to 4 (1 being hardly any litter, and 4 requiring a large team and heavy machinery), along with pictures and information about trash day and whether the street has a block captain. The city will use the index to annually drive its response to litter issues and to track progress.

Several departments canvassed the city from August through December, and in October, we followed Diane Oliveras and Joe Miranda, sanitation officers for the Streets Department, as they indexed the blocks around 2400 West Sedgley St. in North Philadelphia.

The pair methodically counted every piece of litter on the ground: a faded red Tide detergent bottle, an empty Doritos chips bag, lottery tickets 

"This, I'd give a 2," said Oliveras. "There's about 30 pieces and it would take maybe two people to clean it up [at] most. I'd say there's a high probability there's a block captain here," she said.

Oliveras spent two minutes photographing the block, recording its score on a cellphone app.

That's one of about 24,000 city blocks to canvas. Then it was on to the next block.

"It's a little mind-boggling," said Miranda, a former trash collector for 20 years, as he counted the discarded waste a block over. "But we need to put our brains together and figure out what's going on what can we do in order to get it cleaned up."

This isn't the first time the city has done a litter index. In 2007 Philadelphia dispatched workers to survey random blocks. Information was jotted down on pad and paper and typed into an Excel spreadsheet.

This time around, the city has hit every single block. It's the best way, they say, to get an accurate reading of the issue and to figure out how to address it.

"If you have a 3, we don't want people to just know 'Yeah, my block is dirty.' We want people to have the tools they need to know how to do something about it," said Nic Esposito, director of the city's zero waste initiative.

If Oliveras and Miranda see something particularly egregious, they can call the city's enforcement arm, SWEEP, and notify 311 that something needs to be cleaned up.

It can get discouraging, Miranda said, facing a pile of trash the height of his 6'1 frame.

"We'll get this cleaned up and it'll be back to this again tomorrow," Miranda said.

Philadelphia is one of 600 cities or towns across the country that conducts litter surveys in partnership with Keep America Beautiful.



But Cecile Carson, its vice president of litter and affiliate relations, said the organization doesn't rank participating cities on their filth.

"Its very difficult to say we're going to compare litter in Dallas, Texas vs. Philadelphia because of the different land uses  socioeconomic differences, differences in consumption habits," Carson said.
Hours after news that Deniz Yucel, German-Turkish correspondent for Die Welt, was released last Friday, the Istanbul 26th Heavy Penal Court concluded the fifth and final hearing of the coup attempt media trial, ruling to punish six imprisoned defendants  including journalists Nazli Ilicak (73) and Ahmet (67) and Mehmet (65) Altan  with life sentences for attempting to disrupt constitutional order.

The Altan brothers and Ilicak were in pre-trial detention since 2016. The Altans and Ilicak were initially arrested for sending subliminal messages through television appearances a day before the July coup. The same three were then accused of making statements that are evocative of a coup.

All were held at Silivri Prison, a high security state correctional institution in Istanbul. Established in 2008, the prison is considered the countrys most modern, and Europes largest, penal facility.

The verdict was a dark moment for the rule of law and media freedom in Turkey. The case against them and the other defendants was politically motivated from the very start, London-based Deputy Director of the Human Rights Watch (HRW) Europe and Central Asia Division, Benjamin Ward, told Al-Ahram Weekly in interview.

Ward added that the evidence presented largely consisted of their journalistic work, none of which espoused violence. He also added that, The trial was marred by procedural problems, including removal of defence lawyers from the case simply for doing their jobs.

Perhaps most egregious of all was the fact that the convictions followed a 11 January ruling by the Turkish Constitutional Court that the pre-trial detention of Mehmet Altan for over a year violated his rights and was not supported by any substantial evidence, ordering his immediate release. The lower courts refused to carry out this decision, in violation of Article 153 of the Turkish Constitution, a move supported by the Turkish government, Ward told the Weekly.

Last month, a Turkish court obliged Altan to pay 7,000 Turkish Liras as a fine for insulting President Erdogan, in writings the journalist considered criticism and not insult.

Washington-based Ahvalnews senior editor Ilhan Tanir says that the court decision was very political. The Turkish government wanted to punish these dissident voices just because they were the loudest critical voices before the coup. I think that the Turkish government wanted to make a lesson with these heavy punishments for the rest. So, it is not a judicial decision but a political one.

Ahmet Altan is one of Turkeys most significant authors and journalists. His case is important for many reasons, including the fact that he, Mehmet Altan and Nazli Ilicak are the first journalists to be convicted on politically motivated charges in connection with the attempted coup. We are deeply concerned that the verdict sets a terrible precedent that could lead to similar outcomes against the many other journalists in pre-trial detention and being tried on related charges. It is also evidence of the deepening crackdown against critical voices that has intensified since the attempted coup, which Human Rights Watch and others have documented, Ward said.

Born in 1950, Mehmet Altan graduated from the Department of Economics of Istanbul University. At the age of 24 he became a journalist and worked as a reporter in several newspapers, becoming editor-in-chief of the liberal paper Taraf, which he also founded. He has written nine novels, including three bestsellers, winning several literary prizes plus awards for championing press freedom. One of his novels, entitled Endgame, has been published in English.

Altans father was a communist and leftist writer and for that reason he was jailed. One of the articles Mehmet wrote in Milliyet newspaper was entitled AtaKurd, meaning father of Kurds. In the article Ahmet asked Turks a simple question: What would you do if someone does to you what youve done to Kurds or others? In a radio interview with Georgina Godwin broadcast on the British Monocle24 internet station in 2016, Altan told his interviewer that he was fired dozens of times during his career for his writings. According to Altan in the same interview, he is facing 200 court cases. My father had more cases; he had 300. We do not have democracy in Turkey. We have never had one day of democracy in our history. Turks do not know what democracy is. We know the word, we can describe it, but we did not experience it before. I am not shocked. I used to see my father passing by the court every morning before going to the newspaper, Altan told Godwin.

In March 2010, Ahmet Altan wrote an article in Taraf entitled Genocide in which he called for recognition of the Armenian Genocide. In the article, Altan asked why the Armenian Genocide could be a subject of discussion in US, French and Swiss parliaments and not in Turkey. If you cannot discuss your own problems, you deserve to be humiliated. If you keep silent in a matter that you find so important, you deserve to be humiliated. If you try to shut others up, you are humiliated even more. The whole world interprets the killing of so many Armenians  a number we cannot even estimate properly  as genocide, Altan wrote.

The newspaper was described by Julien Assange as the bravest newspaper in Turkey.

Tanir thinks that Ahmet Altan made some mistakes in his journalistic career, like many journalists do. Some of his editorial policies at Taraf newspaper, especially during the so-called Ergenekon case, were wrong-headed and many of the columnists and reporters he accommodated there turned out to have hurt Turkish democracy with their secret agenda. However, Tanir thinks the public and the readers are the only ones who can punish a journalist, not political authorities.

Altan got in trouble not because he made some mistakes as Tarafs editor years ago, but due to his brave criticism of the Erdogan government after 2013, becoming one of the strongest critical voices against the Erdogan government His troubles started here, Tanir told the Weekly in interview.

From his prison, a few days before the court ruled to punish the Altan brothers and others with life imprisonment, Ahmet made a court defence statement entitled The Justice of Stupidity. His powerful words concluded as follows:

History has taught us a certain fact. The despots who punished their opponents in unjust ways have been eventually punished in the same manner. He who sent people to the guillotine has ended up on the guillotine, he who imprisoned people has been sent to prison, the one who exiled others has been sent into exile himself.

The types of punishment they imposed on others have been marked as a port of call in the maps of the despots own destiny. Now you want to kill me in prison. I have told you all the truth about this case and now this is what I say to you: I am prepared to die in prison. And I ask you: What about you? Are you prepared to die in prison, too? Because whatever punishment you will give us will be marked as a port of call on the map of your own destiny as well.

The other three who were given life sentences are Yakup Simsek, former marketing manager for Zaman newspaper, Zaman layout designer Fevzi Yazici and police academy instructor Sukru Tugrul Ozsengul.

Since the failed coup attempt in July 2016, the crackdown on media and freedom of expression in Turkey has had a negative impact on Turkish citizens, too. The criminal prosecution, jailing and punishment of journalists for doing their work undermines media freedom in the country. That matters to everyone in Turkey. As the European Court of Human Rights said (in Handyside v the UK), freedom of expression and media freedom constitutes one of the essential foundations of a democratic society, one of the basic conditions for its progress and for the development of every man, Ward commented.

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations (UN) made a joint statement the day the court ruling was issued. We call on Turkey to reverse todays decision and release the journalists. Imprisonment for journalism not only silences the journalists, but it also deprives Turkish citizens of their right to access pluralistic views on issues that can directly affect their lives, said Harlem Desir, OSCE representative on freedom of the media, and David Kaye, UN special rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, in the joint statement.

But will such statements and condemnations made by international human rights and press freedom organisations pave the way to a more democratic Turkey? Will President Erdogan and his government listen and react positively?

They are making difference, I think, said Tanir. But at the end of the day Turkey has one strongman and with the state of emergency powers, he has absolute power. Checks and balances collapsed. Therefore, the international organisations do not have the influence on Turkey they used to have in the past. Human rights activists are demonised in Turkey and they have been vilified by the AKP media.

Quoting a recent HRW World Report chapter on Turkey, Ward states that Turkey is the world leader in jailing journalists and media workers, with around 150 behind bars at time of writing. Most newspapers and television channels lack independence and promote the governments political line.

Ward insists his organisation will continue to seek to engage with Turkish authorities on media freedom and other human rights issues. It is important that Turkeys international partners raise the issue of media freedom and the curbs on judicial independence, that together with overbroad definitions of terrorism make these politically motivated prosecutions possible. In doing so they should focus on the structural problems as well as problematic individual cases, he said.

In the meantime, Turkish police arrested 786 people over the past week for protesting against Operation Olive Branch in the Kurdish-controlled town of Afrin in northern Syria.

Thats pretty devastating, said Tanir. Today, the latest reports show there are over 100 people getting arrested every day for opposing the operation. Obviously, this makes it impossible for the public in Turkey to discuss the advantages or disadvantages of the operation. At the end, when you oppress people, critical voices that help the government to make healthy decisions, it leads to limited discussions and narrow-minded decisions, Tanir told the Weekly.

Erdogan, like the Ottomans of the past, remains free of sanction as world governments remain silent.

Every Western or Eastern country has its own national interests. Erdogan also, just like Russian President Putin, knows very well how to play Western countries against each other, and how to punish or award them according to their behaviour by inviting them to some of the largest projects in Turkey or giving them big arms orders. Erdogan has been ruling Turkey for 15 years. He gained experience nobody has. Turkey is also on very valuable territory, and for many countries its hard for them to stay away from it. For Westerners to be more influential in the region, they want to be friends with Erdogan. Yet despite that Turkey is, perhaps, sitting on the most valuable real estate in the world, it is still much more isolated than many countries due to Erdogans policies, Tanir told the Weekly.

* This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly

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The new Second Congressional District is located in Northeast Philadelphia and the river wards. Read more

Common Cause helped bring down Pennsylvania's old congressional district map. Now, in a twist, the good-government group might undo the new map that replaced it.

Micah Sims, executive director of Common Cause Pennsylvania, said his organization and the state NAACP are considering filing suit in federal court to challenge the new map imposed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court this week.

He said it may violate the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which banned obstacles to voting by minorities.

Under Pennsylvania's former 2011 map, drawn by Republicans, nonwhites make up a majority of residents in two Philadelphia-based congressional districts. In the new map, people of color appear to be the majority in only one district, he said.

"In general, I think the new map is a really big win for democracy in Pennsylvania," Sims said. "However, we want to make sure that it is not disenfranchising voters, particularly in Philadelphia."

Common Cause has recruited several of the plaintiffs for the lawsuit that led to the 2011 map's being struck down by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as unconstitutionally gerrymandered. It also is a leader in the Fair Districts PA coalition.

The NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference, too, has argued that the gerrymandered 2011 map amounted to "voter suppression." This week, it submitted the new map to the national association's legal team to determine whether it complies with the Voting Rights Act.

Minister Rodney Muhammad, president of the Philadelphia NAACP, said the new one splits up communities of color.

"They're broken apart and minimized in a way that they could never hope to make meaningful change," he said. "This disengages and disempowers people. And, frankly, all of the apathy that we've had to fight against? This only reinforces it."

Sims stressed that the two groups were still examining data to determine the exact demographic makeup of each congressional district.

"We are not moving hastily," he said, adding that the "last thing" the groups want to do is "disrupt democracy."

If the organizations file a lawsuit, they will join several others in challenging the map. Pennsylvania and national Republicans said they will sue to block the map, arguing the state Supreme Court violated the U.S. Constitution by taking power from the legislature.

Citing the issues raised by Common Cause, Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello called the map "racist." He noted that State Sen. Vincent Hughes, an African American Democrat, urged Gov. Wolf to retain two majority-minority districts in the city.

"It didn't happen because the Supreme Court looked to partisan gerrymander and they ignored the Voting Rights Act and in the process they disenfranchised African American voters," Costello said.

A challenge to the map under the Voting Rights Act would require substantial evidence beyond simple demographics, said Michael McDonald, a political science professor at the University of Florida who has served as an expert witness or consultant in multiple redistricting and election lawsuits.

If there is a significant minority community in a geographic area, the Voting Rights Act does not require that the congressional district be drawn to be majority-minority, McDonald said. The law requires that the minority be able to effectively elect the candidate of its choosing.

"It's going to be difficult to mount the evidence," McDonald said. "If the evidence is going to fall back to, 'The district was reduced in African American population,' that's not sufficient. You've got to establish that the African American community is not effective in electing its candidate of choice."

That can be complicated, he said. For one thing, the minority community's preferred candidate can be white, or of another racial or ethnic group.

Or multiple minority groups can form a de facto coalition to elect a candidate even if no group makes up a majority.

Or, McDonald said, enough white voters in a majority-white district can side with minority voters to elect their preferred candidate.

Making a case in Philadelphia is further complicated in that only one of the three current U.S. representatives with city-centered districts is black. Rep Bob Brady's First Congressional District, which stretched from portions of South Philly to parts of Delaware County under the previous map, is majority-minority, but Brady is white.

So if the argument is that Philadelphia has gone from two majority-minority districts to only one, McDonald said, the question becomes: Why wasn't this a problem under the previous map? Was Brady not the preferred candidate for the minority groups in his district?

Plus, McDonald noted, the court map was drawn by Stanford University law professor Nathaniel Persily, who has helped courts produce maps in multiple states and is widely regarded as fair and expert.

"He understands the Voting Rights Act. He wouldn't draw a district that he thought wasn't going to be effective for voting rights, so he'd be careful about that," McDonald said. "It's a detail that would not escape him."
In an attempt to tamp down partisan gerrymandering, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a new congressional district map far more fair than the current, partisan map. Of course, it set off another series of bar fights with more legal challenges.

All this partisan bickering should be Exhibit A in the case for voters to stand up for their rights to choose their own representatives.

Partisans create districts that favor the party in power. Among other things, this prevents healthy debate on important issues like immigration, gun violence, and income inequality.

Republicans are now complaining that the state Supreme Court's new map  created when the court rejected a revision from Republicans  usurps the legislature's power to control House district boundaries. They've accused the court of being partisan because it's controlled by Democrats.

Previously, Democrats complained that the Republican-controlled legislature drew districts to favor their own candidates. Both can be right, but both are a distraction. Neither party should have such outsized influence over elections. That's the voters' job. The parties have usurped the voters' power.

The state Supreme Court map released Monday is much fairer than the existing map. Still, neither should the court be drawing up congressional districts. But it was forced to because the Republican map tilted the playing field so far toward the GOP that it was declared unconstitutional. Republicans hold 13 of the state's 18 congressional seats even though voting is almost evenly split between the two parties.

Back in 2011, gerrymandering by the GOP split 28 counties and 68 towns. The party dumped pieces of Montgomery County into five districts and split up the cities of Chester and Reading, diluting their power to elect representatives who would have to answer to their residents.

The most gerrymandered district was the Seventh, which ran through five counties to gin up enough Republicans to keep Rep. Pat Meehan in office. (He's not seeking reelection following news of a sexual-harassment complaint.)

The new map splits only 13 counties and 19 towns, doesn't split Chester and Reading, keeps Montgomery County largely intact, and corrects the old Seventh District.

This map could be used in the May 15 primaries. If it is, analysts say, Democrats may pick up two or three congressional seats in Pennsylvania as a result. But Republican litigation may throw the court-drawn map into question.

There is a long-term solution to the bickering, but it's being suffocated in the legislature. Bipartisan bills to create an independent commission to draw congressional and state legislative districts have already been introduced.

The commission would employ statisticians, cartographers, and demographers to help draw maps that would follow fairness guidelines to make districts compact and contiguous. That would give more voters the chance to elect representatives who reflect their interests.

It's hard to imagine any sound reason not to adopt this rational, fair method. But even though the legislation enjoys considerable support, with 18 of the 50 senators and 108 of the 203 House members signing on as cosponsors, GOP leadership is sitting on the bills.

Call the lawmakers, remind them that you expect fair elections, and urge them to move the bills.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R.,Texas) greets employees before leading a rally against the federal ethanol rules at the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery on Wednesday. Read more

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas on Wednesday urged President Trump to overhaul the federal ethanol mandate during a rally with refinery workers at Philadelphia Energy Solutions, which has cited the cost of complying with the biofuel standard as the major cause of its recent bankruptcy filing.

The former Republican presidential contender was invited by the refinery's management and labor union to attend a town hall event at the South Philadelphia complex before hundreds of workers, including those from other area refineries. The refiners say the federal Renewable Fuels Standard imposes high costs on merchant refiners. Cruz has made the ethanol mandate a major issue in his Senate reelection campaign this year.

PES has become a flash point in an escalating war between the oil and corn ethanol industries over the renewable fuel mandates. The ethanol industry says the Philadelphia refinery's own business decisions led to its bankruptcy.
Philadelphia fire department was called to a multi-alarm fire at Island and Paschall Ave on Thursday morning February 22, 2018. This multi-alarm fire was at the Pasco Inc. Recycling Center. Read more

A three-alarm blaze broke out in Southwest Philadelphia late Thursday morning, taking about three hours to get under control and causing major disruptions to transportation in the area.

Crews responded to the building fire on Island and Paschall Avenues shortly before 10 a.m., a spokesperson with the Philadelphia Fire Department said. The fire at the warehouse quickly grew to three alarms, and fire officials encouraged people to avoid the location, as heavy smoke filled the area.

The blaze was placed under control shortly before 1 p.m.

Transportation was impacted by the fire. Rail traffic south of Philadelphia International Airport was temporarily put on hold due to smoke, according to Amtrak. Some trains were cleared to resume moving shortly after noon.

Service on SEPTA's Newark/Wilmington Regional Rail line was also briefly suspended. Trains are running again, but some residual delays are expected.

Delays on SEPTA's Route 11 trolley are also expected. Shuttle buses are operating in both directions between 58th Street and Woodland Avenues and the Darby Loop, SEPTA spokesman John Golden said.

The PennDOT Driver License Center at 2320 Island Avenue was closed due to the fire.

Nearby, the Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School said it would dismiss students early Thursday due to low water pressure. The building is not expected to be otherwise impacted by the fire, the school said in a Facebook post.

It wasn't clear if any injuries were reported.
Today, Philadelphia's Chinatown ranks among the city's cultural treasures, home to dozens of restaurants serving authentic fare reflective of China's great diversity, as well as spectacular community events, one of which revelers enjoyed on Feb. 16 as the neighborhood gathered to welcome the Year of the Dog. The neighborhood has grown tremendously since it was established in the 1870s, when Chinese migrants fled racist violence in Western states, expanding to include a number of Asian cultures within its environs.

Nearly one hundred years after its founding, however, the neighborhood faced a potentially existential threat in the form of urban renewal. Officials released plans in 1966 to connect the Vine Street Expressway to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which involved leveling a sizable portion of the neighborhood.

Residents and activists organized to prevent the highway from fracturing the neighborhood's densely populated community, assembling a coalition of unlikely partners; the traditionally minded Chinese Benevolent Association joined forces with the Yellow Seeds, a group of young radicals. That August, a handful of youths from the coalition gathered on top of condemned buildings to shield them from demolition crews. They waved signs that read "Chinatown for people, not cars," and "Save Chinatown  homes not highways." They also chanted "Save Our Church," a reference to the Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church on Vine Street, which also faced demolition.

While not all of the activists fighting for the neighborhood's future belonged to the church, the Holy Redeemer became a symbol of Chinatown's struggle as a historically significant community resource and center of education.

The church's origins trace back to a visit to Philadelphia by the Chinese Vicar Paul Yu Pin in 1939. Exiled amidst the civil strife engulfing China at the time, Yu Pin traveled to the United States to speak to Chinese Catholics about the events unfolding across the Pacific. He appealed to Monsignor Francis X. Wastl  the pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church  to gather Philadelphia's Chinese Catholics. This informal survey uncovered only one practicing family. A priest with missionary experience in China named William A. Kavanagh appealed to Archbishop of Philadelphia Dennis Joseph Dougherty for fund-raising assistance to create a Catholic church and school in Chinatown. Dougherty supported the effort, and the archdiocese dedicated the Holy Redeemer in October, 1941.

Over the next three decades, the number of Catholics in the neighborhood grew slowly but steadily, as more immigrants settled in Chinatown and the city's population continued to rise. The Holy Redeemer not only provided spiritual services for its members but also educational opportunities for first-generation immigrants, helping newly settled residents learn English and integrate.

Chinatown's growth, however, coincided with urban construction projects such as the Vine Street Expressway. The plans not only would have diminished the neighborhood's borders, but would have destroyed the Holy Redeemer as well. As discontent among Chinatown's residents simmered, officials offered to build around the church, but the community  galvanized and civicly engaged like never beforeresisted.

The youths facing down demolition crews made national news, and it proved to be a watershed moment for the neighborhood. The protest put a pause on the project. Community activists continued to deploy a number of strategies  including policy components of the 1970 Environmental Protection Act  to delay the expressway's construction. By the time it came about, planners had made substantial changes in order to safeguard more of Chinatown.

The Holy Redeemer emerged unscathed and exists to this day, offering services in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, and serving a student body that primarily speaks English as a second language.

Patrick Glennon is a communications officer at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. pglennon@hsp.org
Russian forces suffered their highest casualties thus far in Syria this week, causing some in the countrys media to question the Russian intervention in the Syrian conflict and its benefits for Russia in the short and medium term.

There were calls for the return of Russian soldiers from Syria and an end to the Russian intervention in a conflict that these voices said was of no clear strategic significance.

On 7 February, armed convoys accompanied by T-72 and T-55 tanks approached the Conoco oil field north of the city of Deir Al-Zor in eastern Syria and bombed militia positions belonging to the US-backed Kurdish Peoples Protection Units that control the area.

This area is in the de-escalation zone east of the Euphrates River agreed in a deal between Washington and Moscow. The US apparently contacted Russia to ask about the approaching forces, but Moscow denied there were any Russians among them, claiming that they were Syrian regime and Iran-backed militias.

The US then obliterated the convoys in a ferocious military operation that did not give time for the targets to retreat.

Less than one hour into the attack, Russia asked the US to stop the bombing and to allow the regime forces to withdraw. However, Washington refused, destroying some 20 vehicles, including nine tanks, using firepower that included the use of F-15 and F-22 aircraft, Apache helicopters and Marine Corps artillery.

Washington declared it had killed 500 fighters loyal to the regime led by Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad when these had attacked an oil field where US military personnel were present, but did not mention the presence of any Russians among the dead.

Some days later, the Russian media and opposition parties revealed that 644 soldiers had been killed, including 215 Russians. The US leadership contacted its Russian counterpart on the ground to avoid further escalation, US Secretary of Defence James Mattis said.

The Russians told us they did not have any soldiers there. We know they were pro-regime forces, but I could not say if they were Iranians or Russians or mercenaries, Mattis said.

The Russian Defence Ministry continues to deny that any of its soldiers were killed, with spokeswoman Maria Zakharova only admitting that five soldiers who are believed to be Russians were killed.

They may not be enlisted in the Russian army, she said, indicating that the soldiers involved could have been enlisted by private contractors providing mercenaries to support Al-Assad regime troops.

Russias denial and its disregard for the fate of Russian mercenaries in Syria upset many. Russian presidential elections candidate Grigory Yavlinsky, leader of the Yabloko United Democratic Party, demanded that Russian President Vladimir Putin provide an account of the mass murder of Russians in Syria.

Reports said that those killed were Russian mercenaries hired by the Wagner Group, a private company, and others. Some Russian officials said the Russian government was not responsible for Russian nationals who sign up to fight with private military contractors.

However, Yavlinsky said that the Wagner Group fighters had been trained at Russian bases, had received war medals from the Kremlin, and were in fact private units belonging to the Russian Defence Ministry.

The Wagner Group is a private Russian military contractor linked to the Kremlin. Critics say that Moscow is using Wagner Group mercenaries to limit its official military losses in Syria.

This is the first direct clash between the two major powers in Syria and the first fatal engagement between the US and Russia since the end of the Cold War. The US carried out the operation with deadly accuracy using extensive intelligence. Several military experts have said it is almost certain the Americans knew that more than 200 Russians were in the convoys.

The US operation sends clear messages to Moscow, Tehran and Damascus and reveals that US-Russian coordination in Syria is now at an all-time low, with tensions high.

Some believe disputes between Washington and Moscow could now escalate, though they also say that the attacks mostly indicate the sensitivity of Deir Al-Zor to both the Russians and the Americans since the city neighbours Syrias oil and gas reserves.

The area also intersects the passage between Iraq and Syria, blocking Iran from completing its so-called Shia Crescent to the Mediterranean via Iraq and Lebanon. It is also home to US military bases in eastern and southern Syria.

For the Russians, the region allows them to impose regime control over most of Syria and opens the border with Iraq for Iran-backed combatants to come to Syria should they be needed in battles on the ground.

Russia, Iran and the Syrian regime still believe in a military option over a political solution to the conflict, seeing war as a means to impose a settlement that serves the interests of these players. This explains why battles erupted after the Russian-sponsored Sochi Conference on Syria failed when it was boycotted by the Syrian opposition and western countries.

Russia then launched a military campaign against the city of Idlib in northern Syria, and the regime destroyed eastern Ghouta outside Damascus. Russia tried to take control of the Conoco gas field, and Iran shot down an Israeli military jet.

These incidents indicate tensions among the players involved in the Syrian crisis since they neither further their interests directly nor force the Syrian opposition to submit to Russian, Iranian and regime demands. Russian soldiers were massacred, Israel destroyed 50 per cent of the regimes anti-aircraft positions, and the battles at Idlib and Ghouta triggered further anger against the regime.

The Russian forces in Syria, supported by air, land and naval bases including the Hamim Airbase and the Tartus Naval Base, have not succeeded politically. Russia has been ensnared at Deir Al-Zor and the Hamim Airbase, where several jets have been damaged, and Irans military influence on the ground has been growing on the ground.

Russia cannot impose a political solution in Syria, as has been shown by the failure of the Moscow, Astana and Sochi Conferences. Its alliance with Turkey remains fragile, and the western sanctions against it have increased. Meanwhile, the armed opposition forces are ready to work with the US if the goal is to destroy the power of the regime, Iran and Russia in Syria.

The US could now expand its punitive military operations if red lines are crossed by Iran and the regime, including by bombing high-value Iranian targets and sensitive locations for regime forces. The other players will need to remain within the margins outlined by the US, until it is time to solve the crisis based on US criteria. They include Russia, which was dealt a severe blow near Deir Al-Zor.

* This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly

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Hull-based meat processor, Cranswick has retained its top tier ranking in the sixth annual Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare, launched today (22 February) at the London Stock Exchange.

The company was the only producer to be listed in the top leadership Tier 1, which was otherwise dominated by the retail sector with Co-op Group (Switzerland), Marks & Spencer, Migros and Waitrose also maintaining their positions as global leaders on farm animal welfare.

The Benchmark, which is supported by Compassion in World Farming and World Animal Protection, and investment firm, Coller Capital, ranked 110 companies from across the world in six categories.

Cranswick retained its top ranking for the second consecutive year, demonstrating a strong commitment to animal welfare across its own operations and throughout its supply chain in the UK and globally.

It has clear positions on the avoidance of close confinement for laying hens, sows, and beef cattle, the avoidance of routine mutilations, the reduction of antibiotic usage, the avoidance of animals that have been subjected to genetic engineering or cloning, long-distance transport and pre-slaughter stunning, the BBFAW said.

While Cranswick has set, and reports on, targets relating to these issues, it also reports on its performance across a range of other animal welfare related metrics.

The sector that showed most improvement in its overall performance was foodservice. In previous years it has significantly lagged behind the retailer & wholesale and producer & manufacturer sectors, but in the 2017 Report, the restaurants & bars sector has successfully closed the gap.

The foodservice sectors average score rose from 27% in 2016 to 34% this year while the retailer & wholesaler and producer & manufacturer sub-sectors saw their respective scores stand at 37% and 38% (versus 36% and 39% respectively in 2016).

Nicky Amos, Executive Director of BBFAW said: Perhaps the most significant change relative to the 2016 Benchmark is the dramatically improved performance of the restaurants and bars sector. Our discussions with companies in the sector suggest that this improvement is being driven by increased client and consumer interest in farm animal welfare, and by NGO, media and investor pressure on these companies to make public commitments on specific animal welfare issues (e.g. on cage-free eggs, on broiler chicken welfare, on reductions in the use of antibiotics).

The Benchmark shows that many of the 110 global food companies (11 more than in 2016) covered are integrating farm animal welfare into their management and reporting processes. For example, 47% of these companies now have explicit board or senior management oversight of farm animal welfare, and 72% have published formal improvement objectives for farm animal welfare.

BBFAW said there is still much work to be done, however, as the overall average score (at 37%) remains fairly low, and 41 out of 110 companies still appear in Tiers 5 and 6, indicating that they provide little or no information on their approach to farm animal welfare.

A total of 40 producer and manufacturing companies from across Europe, the USA, Asia and Australasia were included in this years Benchmark with 25 non-movers, four new entries, seven producers rising at least one tier and four companies, Noble Foods, Ferrero, Mars and New Hope Group, falling a tier.

2 Sisters Food Group moved up a tier from Tier 4 to Tier 3 in this years Benchmark. The company has a detailed overarching farm animal welfare policy including a clear Antibiotics Policy & Strategy for poultry, and a universal commitment to the avoidance of animals subject to cloning, BBFAW said.

Dr Rory Sullivan, Expert Advisor to BBFAW noted: It is clear that farm animal welfare is moving from the farm gates to the boardroom. Increasingly, food companies see farm animal welfare as a core risk and a strategic issue, featuring alongside issues such as climate change, water and public health. Despite this, 41 of the 110 companies covered by the Benchmark  a group which includes household names such as Kraft Heinz, Mars Inc. and Starbucks provide very limited information on their approach to farm animal welfare.

Compassion in World Farmings CEO, Philip Lymbery, said: Pressure from consumers, investors, the media and NGOs, is shining a spotlight on farm animal welfare, forcing it up the corporate agenda. I congratulate those companies responding positively and encourage those yet to meet the challenge to start taking action for farm animals in their supply.

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Cpl. Mujahid Ramzziddin of the Prince George's County (MD) Police Department was shot and killed Wednesday morning while trying to protect a domestic violence victim. (Photo: Prince George's County PD)

A Prince George's County, MD, police officer was shot and killed in Brandywine on Wednesday morning while trying to protect a woman at a domestic. The suspect was later killed by police.

Cpl. Mujahid Ramzziddin was a 14-year veteran of the force and a father of four children, Fox 5 reports.

The suspect, who had a protective order against him, reportedly used a shotgun to kill the officer, who was not in uniform. The Officer Down Memorial Page reports Ramzziddin lived near the home where the incident occurred and was off duty at the time he was killed.

The suspect took the officer's gun and then led police on a chase that concluded in the area of Route 210 and Old Fort Road. Police shot and killed the suspect.
The collective homicide toll for Americas 50 biggest cities dipped slightly in 2017, a USA TODAY analysis of crime data found.

The FBI wont publish its annual comprehensive crime report until later this year, but an early review of police department crime data shows that killings decreased by at least 1% in large jurisdictions compared with 2016.

There were 5,738 homicides in the nations 50 biggest cities in 2017 compared with 5,863 homicides in 2016, a roughly 2.3% reduction.

The national decrease in killings in 2017 was largely driven by double-digit percentage dips in some of the nations biggest cities, including Chicago (14.7%), New York City (13.4%) and Houston (11%). In fact, the New York Police Department reported that its annual murder tally fell below 300 for the first time and the city notched its lowest per capita murder rate in nearly 70 years.

Baltimore is the big city with the highest per capita murder rate in the nation, with nearly 56 murders per 100,000 people. At 343 murders in 2017, the city tallied the highest per capita rate in its history. Columbus tallied 143 murders  37 more than 2016 and the most the city has seen in a single year.
Authorities say a U.S. Park Police officer was taken to the hospital after he was accidentally shot while executing a search warrant in Northwest D.C. Wednesday morning.

D.C. Police said the officer was taken to MedStar Washington Hospital Center after he was shot in the lower extremities. Park Police said the incident happened because "a Park Police Officers firearm was unintentionally discharged."

Police told WJLA TV the officer is currently at the hospital in stable condition.
Theyre creepy and theyre kooky, mysterious and spooky, and theyre coming to the stage of Rochester Civic Theatre .

"The Addams Family," a musical familiar to anyone who remembers the 1960s television series of the same name, opens March 2. The characters  Gomez, Morticia, Fester and others  were originally based on cartoons by Charles Addams.

But theyre more than cartoony eccentrics, said Misha Johnson, who is directing the show for the Civic.

"Theyre not just these creepy, macabre characters," Johnson said. "They really are like everybody else  a family."

A kooky family, yes, but a family nonetheless. And theyre characters with which any actor can have fun.

"We did some alternative casting," Johnson said. For example, Lurch, the familys lanky butler, is played by 13-year-old Logan Aackerman on stilts. Alicia Frarck will play Uncle Fester because, according to Johnson, "Fester is supposedly androgynous."

"This musical is a monster," said Johnson. "Its a huge undertaking for the Civic Theatre to produce." There is a full orchestra to accompany the cast of 18.

The monstrous show revolves around a new romance between Wednesday, the Addams daughter, and Lucas, who comes from a so-called "normal" family. Lucas family is invited to dine at the Addams mansion, where they will meet Wednesdays parents, Gomez and Morticia, her brother Pugsley, Lurch, and of course, Thing.

Andrew Walerak plays Gomez, with Meg Bradley as Morticia, Caroline Utz as Wednesday, and Rhys Van Ert as Pugsley.

There is also group of deceased Addams ancestors on stage. "The way the show is written, it has this Greek chorus of ancestors," Johnson said. "They are zombies coming out of the graves. Its not just comic relief, they help tell the story."

All of this takes place in a variety of settings, including the Addams Familys house and New Yorks Central Park. "There are 24 scenes, all in different locations," Johnson said.

As for Johnson, who took classes at the Civic as a child and then went to Colorado to study theater and to act professionally, it feels like shes back home. "Its such a joy to tell these stories in a friendly place," she said.

And theres no friendlier, or weirder, place than the hearth and home of the Addams Family.
I want to be remembered as a woman  who dared to be a catalyst of change," said Shirley Chisholm. She was an outspoken advocate for women and minorities and, as the first black congresswoman, was the "Moses that opened the Red Sea for us," said Robert Williams, an NAACP leader in Florida.

Chisholm is best known for representing New York State for seven terms in Congress, and also for being the first African-American to compete for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972.

A powerful personality earned Chisholm the name "Fighting Shirley" in Congress. She fought for racial and gender equality, ending the war in Vietnam, and advocated for the poor. The political establishment largely shunned her campaign for the presidency in overt discrimination, but her efforts would loom in the course of history.

In announcing her bid, Chisholm made the now-famous statement: "I am not the candidate of black America, although I am black and proud. I am not the candidate of the womens movement of this country, although I am a woman and I am equally proud of that. I am the candidate of the people, and my presence before you now symbolizes a new era in American political history."

On Friday, Feb. 23, the Diversity Councilwill host a screening of "Chisholm 72: Unbought & Unbossed" at 12 p.m. in Charles Hill Theatre at Rochester Community and Technical College.

Chisholm was born Shirley Anita St. Hill in 1924 in Brooklyn, New York, to immigrant parents from the Caribbean region. When Chisholm was five, her financially struggling parents sent her and her two sisters to Barbados to live with her maternal grandmother, Emaline Seale.

There, she attended a one-room schoolhouse where she got a rigorous education. She would speak with a pronounced West African accent throughout her life. And she credited the education she got for her success in politics.

"Years later, I would know what an important gift my parents had given me by seeing to it that I had my early education in the strict, traditional, British-style schools of Barbados. If I speak and write easily now, that early education is the main reason," she said.

Her bid for the presidency was history-making, but Chisholm was abandoned by the traditional political establishment. Instead, influential black leaders supported South Dakota Senator George McGovern. Most of Chisholms support came from minorities, feminists and young voters who followed the "Chisholm Trail."

William Howard, Chisholms longtime campaign treasurer, said she had a knack for connecting with people. "Anyone that came in contact with her, they had a feeling of a careness," he said, "and they felt that she was very much a part of each individual as she represented her district."

Shirley Chisholm died on January 1, 2005, at the age of 80. Her legacy for change lived on long past her death, as nearly 11 years later, in November 2015, she was posthumously awarded the distinguished Presidential Medal of Freedom.
How can we be sure that a terrorist group has been destroyed when not all of its fighters have been brought to justice and some may even be able to make their way to new arenas?

The answer to this question will determine the future of global counter-terrorism strategies in view of conflicting national priorities in the aftermath of the military successes to drive the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, from key cities in Iraq and Syria.

When reports surfaced last month that two French women awaiting trial in Iraq over accusations of joining IS could be facing the death penalty, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian flew to Baghdad to express Frances opposition to any execution.

As happens every time a French person is potentially condemned, we act very strongly to make our position known, Le Drian told reporters during the trip.

Last week, a French court acquitted a man charged with harbouring the killers who had carried out the attacks in Paris in 2015 that left 130 people dead and dozens injured.

The presiding judge said the court had found Jawad Bendaoud not guilty of providing lodging to two of the attackers and helping them to hide from police when they were the most-wanted criminals in France.

While the courts ruling brought a surprising end to the first criminal trial linked to Frances deadliest extremist violence in decades, the French governments response to the trial of the French women in Iraq left more questions about Frances legal and practical considerations vis-a-vis anti-terrorism unanswered.

Moreover, it will definitely impact the future of the global war against terrorism, which is already being hampered by national political and security calculations and interests.

Some 30,000 to 40,000 foreign fighters joined IS before the groups self-proclaimed caliphate began to crumble last year. Around 6,000 of these are believed to have come from Western nations, and there have been concerns that these individuals could now return home or move elsewhere and carry out further attacks.

Last week, representatives from countries in the US-led Coalition fighting IS met in Rome to discuss the fate of group detainees in Syria, but delegates were sharply divided on what to do with them.

One dispute between the United States and Britain centred around the fate of two British nationals accused of being IS militants who have been held by Coalition-backed Kurdish forces in Syria since mid-January.

Washington wants London to bring the two men to justice in the United Kingdom, but the British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson says the men have turned their backs on Britain and should not set foot in the country again.

Thousands of IS fighters have already returned to their home countries amid confusion over whether they have been jailed or are being tracked. Many have disappeared from the view of the security services, which have often not disclosed information on such fighters legal status for joining a terrorist organisation.

Turkish police have routinely been reporting the detention of foreign citizens crossing the countrys borders with Iraq and Syria over suspected links to IS, but little is known about whether these are now facing prosecution.

Thousands are believed to have surrendered to Kurdistan Regional authorities in northern Iraq, but there has been little news about plans to prosecute them or send them for trial in Baghdad.

While the fate of the detainees or returnees underscores a serious problem, the controversy could go beyond tackling the challenge of terrorists captured in the war to those who managed to run away from the battlefield.

In November, a BBC report disclosed that the US-led Coalition had allowed some 4,400 suspected terrorists to leave the besieged Syrian city of Raqqa with their families in a convoy going towards the Iraqi border.

In June 2016, some 1,000 militants, including senior IS leaders and some foreign fighters and their families, succeeded in making their way out of the besieged Iraqi city of Fallujah, escaping the aerial bombardement of their convoys by the US-led Coalition.

The US-led Coalition is not the only party to suspicious deals that have allowed thousands of IS fighters to escape arrest or prosecution. In August 2017, some 300 IS fighters and family members were transferred from the Lebanon-Syria border to new locations in IS-controlled territories under a deal with the Lebanese Shia group Hizbullah.

This shocking revelation was not unprecedented. Hundreds of terrorists were also allowed to go free during the battle to retake Mosul and other cities in Iraq last summer. Kurdish Peshmergas forces said they had arrested some of the escapees who were trying to make their way to Syria and Turkey.

The controversy over the IS fighters has triggered concerns that parties to the international war against IS lack a coherent strategy to track returning militants and bring them to justice.

The United Nations and human rights groups have criticised Iraqs execution of prisoners charged with affiliation with IS, accusing the Iraqi government of displaying disregard for human life and dignity.

Their criticism centres around either flaws in the Iraqi justice system or a lack of credible evidence that the death penalty deters crime more than a term of imprisonment.

The UN and the rights groups have also charged the Iraqi authorities with abuses against prisoners accused of terrorism offences and demanded guarantees of fair trials.

While such criticism is based on moral grounds and attempts to ensure the protection of human rights, it falls short of providing concrete and practical proposals for punishments that reflect the seriousness of the crimes perpetrated by the terrorists.

With the parties differing on how to deal with such challenges, including whether suspected militants should face trial in the countries where they committed their crimes or be sent home for prosecution, the United Nations now needs to come up with a tangible legal strategy for global counter-terrorism.

Under several UN resolutions, member states are required to bring terrorists to justice through effective criminalisation, but nothing has been offered to establish well-defined guidelines on the prosecution of foreign terrorists, for example.

The latest flash point about the two British terrorists and the debate over whether they should be returned to their country of origin for trial or tried in the countries where they operated highlights the need for an international mechanism for such trials.

It is evident that some countries are reluctant to take responsibility for their nationals who joined IS and participated in atrocities against foreign nations for selfish reasons or national priorities, such as the fear of a backlash at home or retaliation by terrorist groups.

While the complexities arising from bringing foreign terrorists to justice pose new challenges, the bigger dilemma that the world could witness if no action is taken dictates the need to address the problem and determine where such individuals should face trial.

In September, the United Nations Security Council approved the creation of a UN investigative team to collect, preserve and store evidence in Iraq of acts by IS that may be war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide.

Although the UN Resolution puts a cap on the inquiry, its scope could be expanded to provide a legal framework for concrete action to face up to the threat that returning foreign fighters could present to the wider world.

Under UN Security Council Resolution 2379 (2017) evidence of crimes collected and stored by the investigation team in Iraq should be for eventual use in fair and independent criminal proceedings conducted by competent national-level courts.

Ironically, the Iraqi diplomacy which under British pressure requested the resolution, has thus far failed to make the Security Council act to develop international capacity to try IS combatants and provide justice to their victims.

As long as Western nations continue to show hypocrisy and incompetence in confronting this challenge and refuse to accept the return of their nationals to face trial, the world will face the real danger that the terrorists will travel to other countries to carry out more attacks.

* This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly

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Last year I wrote about the academic tempest aroused by Professors Amy Wax and Larry Alexander in That which must not be said. They aroused the tempest with this Philadelphia Inquirer column recapitulating a few home truths.

Professor Wax is the Robert Mundheim Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She earned an M.D. degree from Harvard in addition to her J.D. degree from Columbia Law School. She holds an endowed chair at the law school. She must be one of the most prominent members of the faculty. Im thinking she doesnt need much in the way of instruction from her students or from her colleagues, for that matter.

Yet they have freely offered it, though the instruction was limited almost entirely to instruction to confess her thoughtcrime. Heather Mac Donald reviewed the unedifying response to Professor Waxs column at the time in detail for National Review. Mac Donalds NR column is outstanding.

Now Professor Wax herself looks back on the response to her column in the Imprimis essay adapted from a speech she gave at Hillsdale College. Professor Waxs Impimis essay is Are we free to discuss Americas real problems? Hillsdale, it should be noted, is one campus on which home truths can still be thought, uttered, and even advocated in the spirit of free inquiry. Thats why Hillsdale invited Professor Wax to speak about her experience.

The Wall Street Journal picked up Professor Waxs Imprimis essay to lead its Review section this past Saturday. The Journal published it under the heading What cant be debated on campus (behind the Journals subscription paywall, but, unlike the Imprimis version, including the relevant links). Among other things, the Journals version of Professor Waxs essay added this paragraph with an update that was missing from Imprimis:

As for Penn, the calls to action against me continue. My law school dean recently asked me to take a leave of absence next year and to cease teaching a mandatory first-year course. He explained that he was getting pressure to banish me for my unpopular views and hoped that my departure would quell the controversy. When I suggested that it was his job as a leader to resist such illiberal demands, he explained that he is a pluralistic dean who must listen to and accommodate all sides.

Now that got my attention. You have got to be kidding me. Penn, as it happens, disputes that Professor Wax has been asked to take a leave next year. The observant reader will note, however, that the linked article reflects no dispute with Professor Waxs account of the quoted explanation offered Professor Wax by the pluralistic dean. What a complete and utter disgrace.
Today we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of George Washington. Of all the great men of the revolutionary era to whom we owe our freedom, Washingtons greatness was the rarest and the most needed. At this remove in time, it is also the hardest to comprehend.

Take, for example, Washingtons contribution to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Washingtons mere presence lent the undertaking and its handiwork the legitimacy that resulted in success. The conventions first order of business was the election of a presiding officer. Washington was the delegates unanimous choice.

Presiding over the convention during that fateful summer, Washington said virtually nothing. In his excellent book on Washington, Richard Brookhiser notes: The esteem in which Washington was held affected his fellow delegates first of allWashington did not wield the power he possessed by speaking. Apart from his lecture on secrecy, Washington did not address the Convention between the first day and the last.

The esteem in which he was held by his fellow citizens was similarly crucial to the implementation of the Constitution during his presidency. In 1790 Rhode Island became the thirteenth state to ratify the Constitution. To mark the occasion, President Washington made a ceremonial visit to Newport when Congress recessed in August. Newport welcomed Washington with open arms. In Newport on August 18, according to James Thomas Flexner, Washington completely fatigued the company by briskly walking, fortified by the wine and punch served in four different houses along his route, from nine in the morning until one in the afternoon.

In anticipation of Washingtons visit to Newport, the members of Americas oldest Jewish congregation prepared a letter welcoming Washington for presentation to him at a public event on the morning of August 18. The letter was authorized by the congregations board and signed by its president, Moses Seixas. It is Washingtons magnificent letter responding to Seixas that that has become famous as one of the classic statements of religious toleration in America.

The congregations letter to Washington is not so well known, although the most prominent line in Washingtons letter echoes that letter. By far the most striking feature of the congregations letter is its expression of sheer gratitude to Washington himself and to America for the freedom and equal rights the congregants had attained as American citizens. Here is the congregations letter:

Permit the children of the stock of Abraham to approach you with the most cordial affection and esteem for your person and merits ~~ and to join with our fellow citizens in welcoming you to NewPort. With pleasure we reflect on those days ~~ those days of difficulty, and danger, when the God of Israel, who delivered David from the peril of the sword, ~~ shielded Your head in the day of battle: ~~ and we rejoice to think, that the same Spirit, who rested in the Bosom of the greatly beloved Daniel enabling him to preside over the Provinces of the Babylonish Empire, rests and ever will rest, upon you, enabling you to discharge the arduous duties of Chief Magistrate in these States. Deprived as we heretofore have been of the invaluable rights of free Citizens, we now with a deep sense of gratitude to the Almighty disposer of all events behold a Government, erected by the Majesty of the People ~~ a Government, which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance ~~ but generously affording to all Liberty of conscience, and immunities of Citizenship: ~~ deeming every one, of whatever Nation, tongue, or language equal parts of the great governmental Machine: ~~ This so ample and extensive Federal Union whose basis is Philanthropy, Mutual confidence and Public Virtue, we cannot but acknowledge to be the work of the Great God, who ruleth in the Armies of Heaven, and among the Inhabitants of the Earth, doing whatever seemeth him good. For all these Blessings of civil and religious liberty which we enjoy under an equal benign administration, we desire to send up our thanks to the Ancient of Days, the great preserver of Men ~~ beseeching him, that the Angel who conducted our forefathers through the wilderness into the promised Land, may graciously conduct you through all the difficulties and dangers of this mortal life: ~~ And, when, like Joshua full of days and full of honour, you are gathered to your Fathers, may you be admitted into the Heavenly Paradise to partake of the water of life, and the tree of immortality. Done and Signed by order of the Hebrew Congregation in NewPort, Rhode Island August 17th 1790. Moses Seixas, Warden

Today, as we contend with the contemporary equivalent of the Babylonish empire, let us send up our thanks to the Ancient of Days for this indispensable man. (First posted February 2006.)
Michael Moores appearance at an anti-Trump rally organized by Russian meddlers illustrates how inconsequential Russian meddling, at least in the form discussed in the recent Mueller indictment, was. Sure, Moore would not have attended this particular rally absent Russian meddling because, absent such meddling, the rally apparently would not have occurred.

But did Russia influence Moores view of Trump? Of course not. Did Russia influence Moores willingness to express his view or the vehemence with which he expresses it? No, again.

As even the New York Times has acknowledged, the false information and political advertisements that the Russians are accused of spreading could ring true only to those already predisposed to suspect the worst. People predisposed to believe the worst about, say, Hillary Clinton werent going to vote for her. They were going to vote for someone else, be it Bernie Sanders, Jill Stein, or Donald Trump.

A similar analysis applies to concerns that Russia was out to undermine our democracy by poisoning our discourse. Rich Lowry writes:

The Russians wanted to boost Trump, but as a Facebook executive noted, most of their spending on Facebook ads came after the election. The larger goal was to sow discord, yet we had already primed ourselves for plenty of that. Does anyone believe, absent Russian trolls on Twitter and Facebook, that we were headed to a placid election season involving an incendiary, mediagenic former reality-TV star bent on blowing up the political establishment and a longtime pol who had stoked the enmity of Republicans for 30 years and was under FBI investigation?

I dont. No reasonable person could.

In short, as the New York Times has said, Russian interference was a drop in the ocean.
Warplanes pounded the last rebel enclave near Syria's capital for a fifth day running on Thursday as the U.N. Security Council considered demanding a 30-day ceasefire across the country to allow emergency aid deliveries and medical evacuations.

The U.N. envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, pleaded for a truce to halt one of the fiercest air assaults of the seven-year civil war and prevent a "massacre" in the besieged eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of Damascus.

At least 403 people have been killed in eastern Ghouta district since Sunday night, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, with more than 2,116 wounded from the assault by Syria's military and its allies.

Planes have struck residential areas in the enclave of 400,000 people and, said medical charities, hit more than a dozen hospitals, making it near impossible to treat the wounded.

Panos Moumtzis, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Syria, said households in eastern Ghouta were without food, water or electricity in winter cold and 80 percent of the population of the town of Harasta was living underground.

"There is a need for avoiding a massacre, because we will be judged by history," Mistura said, urging the 15-member Security Council to act. The Council was meeting on Thursday to discussion the situation at the request of Russia.

President Bashar al-Assad's main ally Russia, which wields a veto on the Security Council, said it could support a 30-day truce, but not one that included the Islamist militants it says the onslaught on eastern Ghouta is meant to target.

PROPOSED TRUCE WOULD EXCLUDE MILITANTS

The Council was considering a resolution, drafted by Kuwait and Sweden, that demands "a cessation of hostilities throughout Syria for all military operations except those directed at the Islamic State ... al Qaeda and al Nusra Front" for 30 days to allow aid deliveries and medical evacuations.

Swedish U.N. Ambassador Olof Skoog said he hoped the Council could vote on the resolution on Thursday. But Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said he would propose amendments to the text for "it to be realistic."

Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelley Currie accused Russia of "appearing to be intent on blocking any meaningful effort" to halt the bloodshed in eastern Ghouta.

"The United States is ready to vote on this resolution right here and right now. There is no reason to delay," Currie told the Council.

"What we need is a sustained cessation of hostilities and we need it desperately," U.N. aid chief Mark Lowcock told the gathering. "Millions of battered and beleaguered children, women and men depend on meaningful action by this Council."

A resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by Russia, China, the United States, France or Britain to pass.

Residents of Douma, the biggest town in eastern Ghouta, described plumes of black smoke billowing from residential areas after planes dropped bombs from high altitude.

Searches were under way for bodies amid the rubble in the town of Saqba and elsewhere, said rescuers.

Syrian army helicopters dropped fliers over eastern Ghouta districts that included instructions for civilians wanting to leave the enclave safely, according to a media unit run by Assad's Lebanese Hezbollah ally.

The fliers called on civilians to hand themselves over to the Syrian army in order to save their own lives, with a passage highlighted on a map for a safe journey out of eastern Ghouta.

"RAINING BOMBS"

Sara Kayyali, Syria researcher for Human Rights Watch, said the situation in eastern Ghouta was deteriorating "at an exponential rate" with over 250 civilians dead in the last 48 hours. "Witnesses that we are speaking to on the ground are saying that it's 'raining bombs', she told Reuters in Geneva.

Robert Mardini, Middle East regional director for the International Committee of the Red Cross, said the ICRC was poised to offer emergency medical care in the enclave and carry out evacuations of wounded as soon as conditions permitted.

"We need to get clearance and acceptance by all sides to carry out our work. We have a convoy ready to be sent to eastern Ghouta ...as soon as there is reduction in the intensity of the fighting," he told Reuters at a media briefing in Beirut.

In Syria's north, where Turkey launched an offensive in the past month against a Kurdish militia, the Kurds said pro-government fighters were now deploying to front lines to help repel the Turkish advance, though assistance would be needed from the Syrian army itself.

The Kurdish YPG - backed by the United States in other parts of Syria - have sought help recently from the Russian-backed Damascus government to resist the Turkish thrust - an example of the strange bedfellows in a multi-sided conflict that has drawn in neighbours and world powers.

YEARS-LONG SIEGE

International attention is now focused on the humanitarian emergency in eastern Ghouta, whose population has been under siege for years and where government bombardments escalated sharply on Sunday, causing mass civilian casualties.

Moscow and Damascus say their assault on eastern Ghouta is necessary to defeat rebels who have been firing mortars on the capital - government territory throughout the war.

"Those who support the terrorists are responsible" for the situation in eastern Ghouta, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters. "Neither Russia, nor Syria nor Iran are in that category of states, as they are waging an absolute war against terrorists in Syria."

Aid workers and residents say Syrian army helicopters have been dropping "barrel bombs" - oil drums packed with explosives and shrapnel - on marketplaces and medical centres.

Residents and insurgents in eastern Ghouta say Russian planes are also involved. Syrians say they can identify Russian aircraft because they fly at higher altitude than Syrian planes.

Damascus and Moscow deny using barrel bombs or hitting civilians. They say rebels hold civilians as human shields.

Video footage obtained by Reuters showed wreckage at the Al Shifa hospital in the town of Hammouriyeh. Staff said it had been hit by air strikes and artillery.

"The clinics department is out of service, the clinical care unit is out, the surgery unit is out, the incubator unit is out, the pediatric section is out, all of the departments of the hospital are completely out of service," a man identified as a medical worker said.

"There were casualties among our staff, among patients, among the children we had," he said, adding that doctors had performed an operation in the rubble because it was impossible to evacuate in time.

SCORCHED EARTH

Opposition-held eastern Ghouta has been under siege by the Syrian army and allied forces since 2013. After government gains since 2015, it is the final rebel bastion near the capital.

Along with Idlib province in the north, part of Aleppo province and a strip in Syria's southwest, it is one of just a handful of areas left where large numbers of people remain in territory controlled by fighters seeking to overthrow Assad. The president has vowed to regain control of every inch of Syria.

Residents and opposition figures say the Syrian government and its allies are deliberately harming civilians with a "scorched earth policy" to force rebels to surrender.

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Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny said on Thursday he had been detained by police.

Navalny said on Twitter that he was detained by police as he was leaving the dentist. "They are taking me somewhere," he said.

Navalny's tweet came not long after his campaign chief, Leonid Volkov, also said on Twitter that he had been detained by police at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport.

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Over 200 data points exist today that can typically provide more than 140 use cases, with the vehicles generating a value of almost $100 per car.

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan's analysis, Automotive Data Monetization Pricing and Business Models, highlights the potential to monetize $100 per car currently and delves into how data monetization across the automotive ecosystem starts with an overarching digital strategy. For instance, to build a recurring service revenue stream or prescribe measurable objectives, digital innovation is mandatory. However, the automotive industry has to master software capabilities and introduce new monetization models to remain profitable. The total number of connected vehicles, activation rate, and consent rate are some of the key factors that help determine the automotive data monetization market across various data types.

The total revenue opportunity for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the automotive data monetization market is expected to remain on a very strong growth trajectory over the next seven years, growing from $2 Billion in 2017 to $33 Billion in 2025.

For further information on this analysis, please visit: http://frost.ly/28h.

"Contextual and vehicle usage data will evolve as the new data currency for value creation amongst B2B/B2C entities involved in the automotive ecosystem as smart mobility, connected cars and autonomous vehicles become the most viable use cases," said Niranjan Manohar, Intelligent Mobility Program Manager.

According to Frost & Sullivan, OEMs focused on connected cars, autonomous driving, and mobility must realize the disruption from non-automotive companies like Uber, Didi Chuxing, Google, and Apple. OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers need to reshape their business around IoT and big data analytics, with a focused approach to security across both horizontal and vertical business layers.

The research reveals the major growth opportunities, including:

OEMs' partnerships with technology companies to share data (only with the customers' consent) with recommended third-party service providers, such as insurance companies and smart parking service providers; and

to share data (only with the customers' consent) with recommended third-party service providers, such as insurance companies and smart parking service providers; and Tier 1 companies investing in startups that are focusing on data-driven platforms, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to leverage Internet of Things applications.

"OEMs are expected to consolidate the car data ecosystem between 2020 and 2025, eventually becoming potential technology integrators and, correspondingly, data gatekeepers," said Manohar.

Automotive Data Monetization Pricing and Business Models is part of Frost & Sullivan's Mobility Growth Partnership Services program.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion .

Automotive Data Monetization Pricing and Business Models

MD48-18

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The report " Automotive Upholstery Market by Application (Carpets, Dashboards, Roof Liners, Seat Covers, Sun Visors & Trunk Liners), Upholstery Materials, Fabric Type (Non-woven & Woven), Integrated Technology, Vehicle Type, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025" , published by MarketsandMarkets, the market in 2017, is estimated to be USD 4.65 Billion in 2017 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.59% during the forecast period, to reach a market size of USD 7.74 Billion by 2025. The market is driven by factors such as increasing vehicle production, growing demand for advanced technologies and customized automotive interiors adoption and increasing demand for light weight automotive materials.

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Browse 139 tables and 48 figures spread through 173 pages and in-depth TOC on "Automotive Upholstery Market - Global Forecast to 2025"

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/automotive-upholstery-market-125905396.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report

"Automotive seat covers to be the largest segment of the Automotive Upholstery Market, by application"

Automotive seat covers are the largest segment of the Automotive Upholstery Market, by application because automotive seats consume the maximum upholstery material. Each automotive seat cover consumes up to 2 meters of upholstery material. Luxury and premium vehicle manufacturers offer leather seat covers as a standard fit on some models and as optional fit for other variants. Mid-segment cars often offer synthetic leather seat covers. Most entry-level cars come with standard seat covers that are a combination of polyester and nylon. With the advent of autonomous driving and innovation in automotive interiors, the demand for seat covers will increase. Autonomous vehicles are anticipated to have more spacious interiors with flexible seating.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=125905396

"Synthetic leather to be the largest segment of the Automotive Upholstery Market, by upholstery materials"

Synthetic leather is largely used instead of genuine leather owing to its cost-effectiveness and comparatively more environment friendly dying and treating process. Synthetic leather is either polyurethane (PU) based or poly-vinyl chloride based (PVC). This upholstery material is stain resistant and easy to clean, making it an ideal automotive upholstery material. Due to its synthetic material, this leather type can be manufactured in a vast array of colors and textures. Synthetic leather is largely used in automotive seat cars and the demand for it is anticipated to grow with growing vehicle production and rising consumption of seat covers.

Make an Inquiry: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=125905396

"Asia Oceania to be the largest regional market for Automotive Upholstery Market"

Asia Oceania comprises China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Others. China is a hub for vehicle production and sales. The country also has a large presence of automotive upholstery raw material suppliers. The demand for automotive upholstery is directly linked to the demand and production of vehicles in this region. Since, China has a large base of suppliers, it dominates the global market for key raw materials such as nylon, polypropylene, and polyester. Japan and India are also witnessing a growing consumer demand for automotive upholstery.

The Automotive Upholstery Market is dominated by a few global application suppliers and comprises several regional players. Some of the key players operating in the market are Lear Corporation (US), Adient PLC (Ireland), Toyota Boshoku (Japan), and Faurecia S.A. (France).

Browse Related Reports

Automotive Lightweight Materials Market by Material (Metal, Composite, Rubber, and Plastic), Application, Component (Frame, Engine-Exhaust, Wheel, Door, Hood & Trunk Lid, Seat, Instrument Panel, Bumper-Fender), Vehicle Type - Global Forecast to 2021

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/automotive-lightweight-materials-market-23937731.html

Plastic Materials Market by Type (PP, PE, ABS, PU, PVC, PA, PC, PVB & Other Engineering Plastics), Application (Interior, Exterior, Lighting/Electric Wiring & Under the hood), Vehicle Type (BEV, PHEV, HEV, & ICE), & Region - Global Forecast to 2021

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/electric-vehicle-plastic-market-219387183.html

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Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

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Taliban fighters attacked a police security post in Afghanistan's central Ghazni province, killing eight local policemen, while four intelligence officials died in an ambush by insurgents in the north, Afghan officials said Thursday.

In northern Parwan province, the attackers sprayed the intelligence officials' vehicle with automatic gunfire.

Arif Noori, spokesman for the Ghazni provincial governor, said the attack on the police there happened the previous night. He said the insurgents attacked from four sides using heavy weapons, including artillery, killing eight policemen and wounding a ninth during a two-hour attack.

Government reinforcement reached the area too late to stop the attack, Noori said.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement. He said one policeman was captured in the assault,

In the Parwan attack, district governor Abdul Shookor Qudosi said the attack took place in Bagram as the officials were returning home from work on Wednesday. Four insurgents converged on the vehicle, Qudosi said, killing everyone inside.

No one immediately responsibility for the Parwan attack but the Taliban operate in the area.

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LONDON, Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned speaker Itzik Amiel, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Power Networking Academy, will be leading a key session, The Power of Authentic Connections in Life and Business: Seven Magical Strategies to Boost Customer Engagement, at the 12th Annual Customer Contact, Europe: A Frost & Sullivan Executive Mindxchange. This year's event will take place between the 11th and 13th June 2018 at Clontarf Castle Hotel in Dublin.

Amiel will draw upon his research and extensive experience to share best practices for creating genuine connections with customers. The inspiring speaker believes that the key to a successful customer engagement strategy is to develop an engaging customer experience and to truly connect with and think like your customers. He will provide insights into pragmatic ways to build these strong and immediate bonds, and will also share little-known, authentic methods of accelerating key conversations and influencing customer outcomes.

The event will also feature a panel discussion themed around Real World Techniques for Conquering Root Cause across the Enterprise. Customer contact leaders including Jan Smets, Director Retail and Customer Care, bpost; Phil Purdy, Customer and Client Services Manager, Europe, Travelzoo; and Elyette Roux, Vice President Customer Experience & Digital Innovation, Schneider Electric, will examine root causes and share how to work internally across the enterprise to effect change. They will discuss how to close silos and work as a global team, while providing strategies for making operations, logistics, marketing, back office employees and others aware of the impact of resolving root causes across the customer lifetime.

Michael O. "Coop" Cooper, Founder of Innovators + Influencers, will be presenting on the theme of Being a Better Leader: Keep People Focused, Energised, Productive and Profitable. Cooper will explain why a fast-changing business environment requires even more leadership skills than ever. He will share his perspectives on why Adaptive Leadership builds the required skills to thrive in this constantly changing environment. Cooper will give participants the tools to address the baggage holding their team back, explain how to build stronger relationships, and provide guidelines for harnessing the talents of the team and developing the mindset of a more effective, Adaptive Leader.

The highly interactive event will offer contact centre and customer experience executives the opportunity to benefit from:

Truly innovative case studies and best practices

Dynamic collaboration zones fostering disruptive and transformational thinking

Networking and discussion opportunities with leading peers and professionals in the customer contact industry

Don't miss out on the opportunity to leverage the latest customer service thinking for competitive advantage. For additional information, please email [email protected] or contact Alan Bowman at +44 1865 398 644.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion

Contact:

Kristina Menzefricke

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P: +44 (0) 208 996 8589

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
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TCO Certified is the world's leading sustainability certification for IT products. Certified products are independently verified to meet comprehensive environmental and social criteria throughout their life cycle. For projectors, criteria for high image quality are also included.

"There should be no compromise between sustainability and product performance. A high-quality display image is vital for projectors. It can influence productivity and extend the usable life of a product which also creates sustainability benefits," says Niclas Rydell, Director at TCO Development.

The demand for more sustainable IT products is growing. A recent study by IT infrastructure supplier Atea shows that 74 percent of the IT buyers in the Nordic region consider sustainability as a very high or fairly high priority issue. TCO Development has driven progress within this field since 1992, with more than 2,800 product models currently certified. With Epson now joining Casio in certifying projectors, purchasers demanding more sustainable AV products have a lot more to choose from.

"With TCO Certified, brand owners must implement socially responsible working conditions in the factories where certified products are made and are held accountable for correcting any non-conformities. Buyers can be confident that positive change will follow in the supply chain," says Niclas Rydell.

Epson's commitment to TCO Certified is part of a strategy aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of their products and working proactively to protect human rights.

Henning Ohlsson, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Epson, comments: "We have long seen how TCO Certified drives sustainability in the IT industry and we're delighted that AV buyers can now also rely on the certification to verify that the Epson projectors they buy are manufactured in a socially responsible way."

Find certified products in our Product Finder.

About TCO Certified

TCO Certified is a global sustainability certification for IT products, founded over 25 years ago. Our comprehensive criteria are designed to drive social and environmental responsibility throughout the product life cycle. Certified products are independently verified for compliance. The certification covers eight product categories including displays, notebooks, tablets and projectors.

SOURCE TCO Development
MIT Sloan School finance professor is honored for his extensive and distinguished academic work and contributions to the risk management profession.

NEW YORK and JERSEY CITY, New Jersey and CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), the only globally recognized membership association for risk managers, has selected Andrew Lo of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as Risk Manager of the Year for 2017.

The award, conferred by the GARP Board of Trustees, recognizes outstanding achievement in, and career contributions to, the risk management profession. Dr. Lo will accept the award during GARP's 19th Risk Convention, to be held March 6-7, 2018, in New York.

Dr. Lo is the Charles E. and Susan T. Harris Professor, a professor of finance, and the director of the Laboratory for Financial Engineering at the MIT Sloan School of Management. He is renowned for his contributions to academic literature and thought-leading engagement in policy discussions on such subjects as financial markets, behavioral finance, regulation, liquidity and systemic risks, and biomedical innovation. He surveyed the high points of his life's work and policy advocacy in his book, Adaptive Markets: Evolution at the Speed of Thought, written for a general audience and published in 2017 by Princeton University Press.

"We congratulate Professor Andrew Lo, who with this latest award joins a long line of distinguished risk practitioners, academics, and government officials who have contributed in exceptional ways to risk management and the risk profession," said GARP President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Apostolik. "Andrew is an inspiration to all of us who believe that risk management is everyone's responsibility and should be solidly embedded in the culture and decision-making processes of every organization."

"It's an incredible honor to be named Risk Manager of the Year by GARP, an organization I've long held in the highest regard because of its sole focus on risk management theory and practice," said Andrew Lo. "I'm especially humbled by this recognition in light of the individuals on the GARP Board of Trustees and the extraordinary group of practitioners and academics who received this award in the past."

About the Global Association of Risk Professionals

Founded in 1996, GARP (www.garp.org), is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan membership organization overseen by a volunteer Board of Trustees composed of leading practitioners. The organization has over 150,000 members in more than 190 countries and territories worldwide.

CONTACT: Craig Collins, SVP, Head of Media and Risk Intelligence, 201-719-7242, [email protected]

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SOURCE Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
PORTLAND, Oregon and PUNE, India, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, Infusion Pumps & Accessories Market, by Product, Application, and End User: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2023," the global infusion pumps & accessories market was valued at $6,478 million in 2016, and is estimated to reach $9,512 million at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2017 to 2023.

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Infusion pumps are medical devices employed to deliver medications and fluids into patients body in controlled dosages. They are designed according to the usage; for example, for stationary use, the device is placed at patient bedside, and for ambulatory use, they can be wearable or portable. Infused fluids are various medications that are administered on the basis of patient conditions such as nutrients for eternal feeding, insulin, hormones, antibiotics, and others. Moreover, these pumps are widely used in healthcare settings such as patient, outpatient, private clinics, and at-home settings.

Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/555

The major factors that drive the growth of the infusion pumps & accessories market include increase in incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer; growth in geriatric population who are more prone to aforementioned disorders; numerous applications of infusion pumps; and upsurge in demand for home-based infusion pumps products. However, high risk of postoperative complications after endotracheal intubation and dearth of skilled professionals limit the market growth. Conversely, development of technologically advanced infusion pumps and untapped potential in the emerging economies are anticipated to provide numerous opportunities for the market growth during forecast period.

The accessories & disposables segment occupied the largest share in 2016, and is anticipated to continue its dominance during the forecast period, owing to high usage, applicability, and availability of disposables for infusion therapies. However, the devices & pumps segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2023.

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Gastroenterology segment occupied the largest share in 2016, and is anticipated to continue its dominance during the forecast period. However, the chemotherapy segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2023. The utilization rate of infusion pumps for hospitals is high; however, home care segment is expected to grow at a high rate during the forecast period. This is attributed to the development of technologically advanced home-based infusion pumps.

Key findings of the Infusion Pumps and Accessories Market:

Accessories & disposables segment accounted for around three-fourths share of the global infusion pumps and accessories market in 2016.

Ambulatory surgical centers segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2017 to 2023.

Diabetes segment accounted for nearly one-fifth share of the global infusion pumps & accessories market in 2016.

North America accounted for around three-fifths share of the global infusion pumps & accessories market in 2016.

accounted for around three-fifths share of the global infusion pumps & accessories market in 2016. LAMEA is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.3% from 2017 to 2023

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North America was the leading revenue contributor to the global infusion pumps & accessories market in 2016, accounting for more than half of the share. This is attributed to the early approval of infusion pumps and high use of these devices due to rise in incidence of chronic diseases. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.9% during the study period, due to increase in affordability, surge in healthcare expenditure, and rise in awareness towards infusion pumps.

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We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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Browse 101 tables and 46 figures spread through 164 pages and in-depth TOC on "Industrial Gaskets Market"



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The wide applications of industrial gaskets in various end-use industries, growing demand from oil & gas production-related facilities in GCC countries, increasing consumption of PTFE gaskets, and stringent leakage regulations implemented by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to prevent damage to the environment are the key factors driving the growth of the Industrial Gaskets Market.

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Among material types, the semi-metallic segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the Industrial Gaskets Market in 2017.

The semi-metallic material type segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the Industrial Gaskets Market in 2017. The growth of this segment of the market can be attributed to the growing demand for metallic and non-metallic gaskets from various end-use industries.

Among product types, the soft gasket segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the Industrial Gaskets Market in 2017.

The soft gasket product type segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the Industrial Gaskets Market in 2017. The growth of this segment of the market can be attributed to the growing demand for cost-effective gaskets that can be used under extreme temperatures and pressures in various end-use industries.

Among end-use industries, the refineries segment is expected to lead the Industrial Gaskets Market in 2017.

Among end-use industries, the refineries segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the Industrial Gaskets Market in 2017. The growth of this segment of the market can be attributed to the increasing requirement of sealing products to avoid leakages of hazardous chemicals and toxins into the environment.

The North American region is expected to be the largest market for industrial gaskets in 2017.

The North American region is estimated to account for the largest share of the Industrial Gaskets Market in 2017. The growing demand for industrial gaskets from the refineries, power generation, and chemical processing sectors are expected to fuel the growth of the North America Industrial Gaskets Market between 2017 and 2022.

Some of the leading players operating in the Industrial Gaskets Market include Klinger Limited (UK), Teadit (US), Flexitallic (US), Garlock Sealing Technologies (US), Spira Power (UAE), Lamons (US), Spitmaan (India), W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (US), Hennig Gasket & Seals, Inc (US), James Walker (UK) and Denver Rubber Company (US), among others.

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BENGALURU, India, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

In continuation to our letter dated January 3, 2018 titled "postal ballot notice", please note that the

1. Voting results pursuant to Regulation 44(3) of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and

2. Report of Scrutinizer dated February 21, 2018.

will be made available on the Company's website at

https://www.infosys.com/investors/shareholder-services/Pages/postal-ballot.aspx

This is a disclosure announcement from PR Newswire.

SOURCE Infosys Limited
BENGALURU, INDIA, February 22,2018 /PRNewswire/ --

This is to inform that the Company will be participating in several investor meetings as per the details provided below.

1. KIE's Chasing Growth Conference on Feb 26, 2018 at Trident, BKC, Mumbai between 10 am and 5 pm IST attended by U.B. Pravin Rao, COO and Whole-time Director and Jayesh Sanghrajka, Deputy CFO

2. Citi India and South Asia Investor Conference 2018 on Feb 27, 2018 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai between 9am and 5pm IST attended by U.B. Pravin Rao, COO and Whole-time Director and Jayesh Sanghrajka, Deputy CFO

3. Morgan Stanley TMT conference on Feb 28, 2018 at The palace hotel, SFO between 9:30 am and 4 pm PST attended by M.D. Ranganath, CFO and Jayesh Sanghrajka, Deputy CFO

These details will also be made available on the Company's website at www.infosys.com. This is for your information and records.

This is a disclosure announcement from PR Newswire.

SOURCE Infosys Limited
Medication safety, antibiotic resistance, diagnostic errors, pressure ulcers, and sepsis, among others, will drive healthcare's avoidable cost burden of $383.7 billion by 2022, finds Frost & Sullivan

SANTA CLARA, California, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan's recent analysis, Patient Safety in Healthcare, Forecast to 2022, assesses the 30 most pressing safety adverse events affecting patients, caregivers, and healthcare organizations across the globe. Cumulatively, these adverse episodes affected an estimated 91.8 million patient admissions across the US and Western Europe resulting in around 1.95 million deaths at an average mortality of 2.1 percent and a significantly higher morbidity. The study also covers innovative and promising solutions, future market potential, convergence of new technologies, key market participants, competitive landscape, and investment trends.

In the next four years, adverse patient safety events in the United States and Western Europe such as healthcare associated infections (HAIs), sepsis, medication safety, pressure ulcers, diagnostic errors, antibiotic resistance and hand hygiene non-compliance will drive an estimated healthcare cost burden of $383.7 billion. While some adverse events, such as medication safety and hand hygiene non-compliance, are relatively well addressed by current industry solutions, under-penetrated areas such as antibiotic resistance, pressure ulcers, sepsis and unnecessary ED (emergency department) admissions will be the high opportunity growth areas for future.

For further information on this analysis, please visit: http://frost.ly/262.

Further trends driving growth in the patient safety market include:

A move to value-based , quality-driven reimbursement models;

, quality-driven reimbursement models; Advancements in medical, surgical , and patient care technologies ;

, and ; Integration between med-tech and digital health technologies such as data analytics , remote monitoring , and surveillance;

and technologies such as , , Data interoperability and enhanced use of predictive analytics for outcomes improvement; and

and enhanced use of for outcomes improvement; and Emerging use of newer technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and wearables to limit patient safety violations.

"Up to 17 percent of all hospitalizations are affected by one or more adverse events and around 15% of hospital expenditure is attributable to addressing them. The fact that 30 to 70 percent of these are potentially avoidable makes it imperative to prevent them from happening," said Anuj Agarwal, Transformational Healthcare Senior Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan. "To reap growth opportunities, care providers and market participants should target their patient safety value proposition toward low-penetration areas with significant disruptive potential like antibiotic resistance, cybersecurity, avoidable ED admissions, pressure ulcers, and sepsis."

In the next four years, Frost & Sullivan predicts the following developments:

Patient safety transitioning from an ancillary to a core value proposition for care providers;

for care providers; High adoption of patient and asset tracking as well as identification technologies ;

as well as ; Increased consolidation in the industry with large med-tech companies going for provision of targeted solutions for key unmet need areas;

going for provision of targeted solutions for key unmet need areas; Significant use of remote healthcare technologies such as Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) coupled with increasing healthcare data exchange , leading to disproportionate increase in cybersecurity risks such as protected heath information (PHI) compromise and medical device/ implants data breach; and

coupled with increasing , leading to disproportionate increase in cybersecurity risks such as (PHI) compromise and medical device/ implants data breach; and Collaboration to develop guidance documents and draft policies for best practices on risk mitigation.

"The lack of clarity on available business models, fragmented and isolated vendor solutions addressing a specific set of issues in a particular segment, and disagreement on ideal patient safety solutions and implementation costs are major hurdles currently facing the market," observed Agarwal.

Patient Safety in Healthcare, Forecast to 2022 is part of Frost & Sullivan's Transformational Health Growth Partnership Service program.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Patient Safety in Healthcare, Forecast to 2022

K200_54

Contact:

Mariana Fernandez

Corporate Communications  North America

P: +1 (210) 348 1012

E: [email protected]

http://ww2.frost.com

twitter: @FS_Healthcare

LinkedIn: Transform Health

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
TRIVANDRUM, India, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

UST Global, a California-headquartered leading digital technology services company, today announced the acquisition of Pneuron. Founded in 2010, Pneuron is a Massachusetts-based 'Cross-Platform Orchestration' start-up.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/540539/UST_Global_Logo.jpg )

UST Global's data engineering platform has been fast-evolving with added features that simplify the traditionally expensive and time-consuming process of procuring, integrating, and maintaining platforms, thereby ensuring solution agility, non-disruptive deployment, and accelerated time to value clients. The acquisition of Pneuron will help UST Global's data engineering with a proven platform, cited by Gartner as a 'Cool Vendor' and by Forrester as a 'Breakout Vendor', to meet the company's clients business needs with faster time to market.

Pneuron was founded based on a set of business objectives, specifically, to help clients build, deploy, and run applications that require components of value from widely disparate and diverse set of platforms and technologies. The platform improves time-to-value and TCO by 50% when compared to conventional approaches. Pneuron then pursued an architectural and technology strategy that delivers on that mission which provides exceptional value to UST Global customers.

Niranjan Ram, Vice President, Industry Solutions, UST Global, said, "Data orchestration and transformation with agility and speed is a multi-faceted enterprise IT problem across verticals. We are happy to announce the acquisition of Pneuron cross-platform orchestration platform that will help bridge this gap for our clients."

Dr. Adnan Masood, Chief architect of AI & Machine Learning, UST Global, added, "The next generation Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications requires powerful ETL, better data quality, and transformation capabilities which can be ramped up quickly. Acquisition of Pneuron assets will provide strategic value to help clients, as a differentiator, with cost leadership and focus. We can acquire data, interact with applications, perform analytics, deliver results in multiple ways all while giving clients significant ease, speed and flexibility."

About UST Global

UST Global is a leading digital technology company that provides advanced computing and digital services to large private and public enterprises around the world. Driven by a larger purpose of Transforming Lives and the philosophy of 'fewer clients, more attention', we bring in the entrepreneurial spirit that seeks the fastest path to value in today's digital economy. Our innovative technology services and pioneering social programs make us unique. UST Global is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California and operates in 25 countries. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies in banking and financial services, healthcare, insurance, retail, high technology, manufacturing, shipping, and telecom. UST Global believes in building long-lasting, strategic business relationships through agile and client-centric global engagement models that combines local experts & resources with cost, scale, and quality advantages of global operations.

For more information, please visit: http://www.ust-global.com.

Media Contact:

Divya Singh

[email protected]

+91-8552944004

UST Global



SOURCE UST Global
.

The European Parliament urged national leaders meeting Friday to signficantly boost contributions to the bloc's post-2020 multi-year budget to plug a Brexit hole and meet new demands

EU leaders should work to increase contributions from one percent of gross domestic product in the 2014-2020 budget to 1.3 percent in the next one, the parliament's budget committee said Thursday.

"It's a very strong message that the budget committee and the European Parliament is sending out on the eve of the informal summit of heads of state and government," budget committee chairman Jean Arthuis told a press conference.

MEPs said their call was based on input from other key parliament committees even if a full vote by the elected body must still be held.

Isabelle Thomas, a French MEP who is helping steer the proposal through parliament, said the budget committee wants the increase to 1.3 percent of GDP to "respond to Brexit and new priorities."

Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the European Commission, the EU executive, has called for nations to pay more into the EU budget after 2020 to fill a Brexit void and meet growing needs on defence, migration and climate change.

His budget commissioner Guenther Oettinger has called for raising contributions to between 1.1 percent of GDP and 1.2 percent of GDP.

He said Britain's exit could leave a hole of as much as 12 to 15 billion euros ($15-19 billion).

The European Parliament and the European Council, which groups the EU member states, will negotiate the details before finally approving the budget, with unanimity required in the council.

Jan Olbrycht of the EPP, the parliament's biggest political group, told reporters that EU leaders "should tell us what they would like to cut" if they do not agree with the proposal.

The Netherlands, Sweden and Austria, which are all net contributors to the budget, oppose increasing their contributions.

MEPs urged the member states to speed up their budget negotiations in order to reach a deal before European elections scheduled in 2019.

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MUMBAI, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Web Werks has been conferred with Maharashtra IT Excellence Award 2018 organized by Govt. of Maharashtra and presented by Hon'ble CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis

Web Werks, the leading data center provider in India, was awarded with a highly prestigious Maharashtra IT Excellence Award 2018 by Government of Maharashtra and presented by Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis at Maharashtra's Global Investor Summit - Magnetic Maharashtra Convergence Summit 2018. The award was received by Assistant Vice President Suhaib Logde on 19th February 2018 at MMRDA ground, Bandra Kurla Complex.

Magnetic Maharashtra Convergence Summit 2018 was inaugurated by honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 18th February 2018 at the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) grounds at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). It is Maharashtra's First Global Investor Summit and is considered as the biggest event, especially towards the initiative of 'Make In India' launched by the Prime Minister in 2016. This summit is a three-day long initiative. It would provide extraordinary access, insight and chances to associate and collaborate with India and worldwide industry pioneers/visionaries, academicians, central and state administrations. The summit was attended by top names from India Inc. as well as prominent global corporates.

"We are extremely honoured to be receiving Maharashtra IT Excellence Award 2018. We are earnestly grateful for the recognition we have received for our contribution to the IT Industry. We have been in this industry for 21+ years and have been a pioneer of innovations and IT solutions. The awards validate our efforts aimed at modernizing the IT architecture and solutions. This award is a result of the hard work put in by our employees. I would like to thank them for their support for making Web Werks stand out among product and services. Also, I would like to thank the Government of Maharashtra for the award. This will motivate us to contribute more towards 'Make In India'. Thank you all," said Suhaib Logde, Assistant Vice President, Web Werks Data Center Pvt. Ltd.

About Web Werks

Established in 1996, Web Werks is an ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001:2013, ISO22301 and ISO 20000 - 1 and Uptime Institute Certified Cloud Data Center Service Provider in India. Web Werks has been awarded 'the best web hosting award 2017', 'Retailer of the Year for Best Cloud Data Centers and Internet Exchange', 'Great Indian Workplace Award (GIWA) 2017', 'HostReview's Readers' Choice Awards 2017' and much more.

Web Werks focuses on quality-driven self-managed and fully managed to host services that include cloud solutions, dedicated servers and VPS hosting services on Linux and Windows operating platforms. They also deliver disaster recovery services, Innovative Rapid Cloud backup technologies, work area recovery services, CDN services, etc. They have collaborated with more than 1000+ organizations globally that include Fortune 500 companies across various business verticals. This also includes Government sectors as well, such as Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation, Nabard, NPCI, etc.

For more information, kindly visit, http://www.webwerks.in

Media Contact:

Priti Shetti

[email protected]

+91-9167-461-268

Corporate Relations

Web Werks India Pvt. Ltd.

SOURCE Web Werks India Pvt. Ltd.
DUBLIN, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Luggage (Casual, Business, Travel) Market Outlook, 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Global Luggage (Casual, Business, Travel) Market Outlook, 2023. Global Luggage market is expected to grow with a CAGR of more than 5% in the forecasted period of 2018 to 2023.

The overall luggage market can be divided into three primary sub segments; casual bags, travel bags and business bags. Casual bags are suitable for daily use especially for college going students, women for households shopping etc.

The travel bag segment, a major contributor is increasing due to increasing travel and tourism across globe with declining air fare, development of infrastructure, flexibility in job etc. And, business bags include convenience for carrying a laptop and documents. Further, rising internet penetration and technological innovation will go about as an impetus for the market development.

Major players operating in the pet care market of India are Samsonite International S.A, Mot Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA (LVMH), V F Corporation, VIP industries Limited, Ace Co., Ltd., Antler Ltd., Bric's Industria Valigeria Fine SPA, Delsey S.A, Etienne Aigner AG, Luggage America Inc.

Scope of the Report:



Global Luggage Market Outlook, 2023 discusses the following aspects of pet care market in the world:

Global Luggage Market Outlook

Global Travel Luggage Market Size By Value & Forecast

Global Casual Luggage Market Size By Value & Forecast

Global Business Luggage Market Size By Value & Forecast

Global Luggage Market Segmental Analysis: By Company, By Country, By Region, By Segment, By Sales Channel

Key Vendors in this market space



Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Abbreviations



3. Methodology



4. Global Passenger Traffic Overview



5. Global Luggage Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size By Value By Region

5.2. Market Size By Value By Segment

5.3. Market Share

5.3.1. By Company

5.3.2. By Region

5.3.3. By Country

5.3.4. By Segment

5.3.5. By Sales Channel

5.4. Global Travel Bag Market Outlook

5.4.1. Market Size By Value

5.4.2. Market Share By Region

5.5. Global Causal Bag Market Outlook

5.5.1. Market Size By Value

5.5.2. Market Share By Region

5.6. Global Business Bag Market Outlook

5.6.1. Market Size By Value

5.6.2. Market Share By Region



6. North America Luggage Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size By Value

6.1.1. Overall Market

6.1.2. Travel Bag Market

6.1.3. Causal Bag Market

6.1.4. Business Bag Market

6.2. Market Share

6.2.1. By Country

6.2.2. By Segment

6.3. USA Luggage Market Outlook

6.4. Canada Luggage Market Outlook

6.5. Mexico Luggage Market Outlook

6.6. Rest of North America Luggage Market Outlook



7. South America Luggage Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size By Value

7.1.1. Overall Market

7.1.2. Travel Bag Market

7.1.3. Causal Bag Market

7.1.4. Business Bag Market

7.2. Market Share

7.2.1. By Country

7.2.2. By Segment

7.3. Brazil Luggage Market Outlook

7.4. Argentina Luggage Market Outlook

7.5. Colombia Luggage Market Outlook

7.6. Rest of South America Luggage Market Outlook



8. Europe Luggage Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size By Value

8.1.1. Overall Market

8.1.2. Travel Bag Market

8.1.3. Causal Bag Market

8.1.4. Business Bag Market

8.2. Market Share

8.2.1. By Country

8.2.2. By Segment

8.3. Germany Luggage Market Outlook

8.4. United Kingdom Luggage Market Outlook

8.5. Spain Luggage Market Outlook

8.6. France Luggage Market Outlook

8.7. Italy Luggage Market Outlook

8.8. Rest of Europe Luggage Market Outlook



9. Asia Pacific Luggage Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size By Value

9.1.1. Overall Market

9.1.2. Travel Bag Market

9.1.3. Causal Bag Market

9.1.4. Business Bag Market

9.2. Market Share

9.2.1. By Country

9.2.2. By Segment

9.3. China Luggage Market Outlook

9.4. Japan Luggage Market Outlook

9.5. India Luggage Market Outlook

9.6. South Korea Luggage Market Outlook

9.7. Australia Luggage Market Outlook

9.8. Rest of Asia Pacific Luggage Market Outlook



10. Middle East & Africa Luggage Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size By Value

10.1.1. Overall Market

10.1.2. Travel Bag Market

10.1.3. Causal Bag Market

10.1.4. Business Bag Market

10.2. Market Share

10.2.1. By Country

10.2.2. By Segment

10.3. United Arab Emirates Luggage Market Outlook

10.4. Saudi Arabia Luggage Market Outlook

10.5. South Africa Luggage Market Outlook

10.6. Rest of Middle East & Africa Luggage Market Outlook



11. Raw Material & Manufacturing Process



12. Global Luggage Market Dynamics

12.1. Key Drivers

12.2. Key Challenges



13. Market Trends & Developments

13.1. Stylish Luggage for Style conscious people

13.2. Developing pattern of leather luggage

13.3. Preference for Light weight luggage

13.4. Smart luggage is satisfying travellers with safety



14. Competitive Landscape



ACE Co. Ltd

Bric's Industria Valigeria Fine SPA

Calvin Klein Inc.

David Jones Limited

Delsey S.A

Etienne Aigner AG

Luggage America Inc

Michel Kors Holding Ltd

Mot Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA (LVMH)

Nike, Inc

Prada S.p.A.

Raden Inc.

Samsonite International S.A

Targus Group International, Inc

Travelpro International, Inc

V F Corporation

VIP industries Limited

Valigeria Roncato S.p.A

Victorinox AG

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/r3fvcr/global_luggage?w=5





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SOURCE Research and Markets
BENGALURU, India, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

This is to inform that the Company has allotted 20,963 equity shares under the 2015 Stock Incentive Compensation Plan to the eligible employees of the Company on February 14, 2018 pursuant to exercise of Restricted Stock Units under ADR issue.

CONTACT: Neha Jain, +(91)-80-28520261, After hours number: +(91)-99-86371988, Email address: Neha_Jain32@infosys.com

This is a disclosure announcement from PR Newswire.

SOURCE Infosys Limited
ATLANTA, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Precision Aviation Group, Inc. (PAG), a leading provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry, is pleased to announce the signing of a dealership agreement with Honeywell Aerospace which allows PAG to sell, exchange and provide MRO services on Honeywell avionics products including Aspire (satcom) and SkyConnect.

"The agreement with Honeywell demonstrates our continuing commitment and dedication to meeting our customers' needs by expanding the products and services we offer," said Ketan Desai, vice president of sales and marketing for PAG. "Expanding our product offering to include Honeywell's Aspire 200 satcom and SkyConnect is a natural extension of the products and services we currently provide through all 8 of our worldwide locations," adds Desai.

Honeywell received its first helicopter platform supplemental type certificate (STC) for its Aspire 200 satcom system in 2015, and over the past 24 months has completed certification on a range of helicopters across all segments of the market, including the Leonardo AW139, the Airbus AS350, the Bell 429, the Sikorsky UH-60/S-70 family, and a fleet of Mil Mi-8s in Europe.

Our relationship with Honeywell is a valuable one not only to us but all the customers we support worldwide," said David Mast, President & CEO of PAG. "Our two companies have had a long-standing and successful service agreement in North America. With this latest announcement operators PAG supports will be able to benefit from 'just-in-time', local support for a wider range of products and services including Honeywell avionics products."

PAG will be exhibiting at Heli-Expo (PHP Booth# C2851), please stop by to learn more about the Honeywell's Aspire 200 and SkyConnect systems.

About Precision Aviation Group:

Precision Aviation Group (PAG) is a leading provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry. With nine locations and more than 260,000-square-feet of sales and service facilities in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Singapore, PAG uses its distinct business units and customer-focused business model to serve aviation customers through two business functions  Aviation Supply Chain, and its trademarked Inventory Supported Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (ISMRO) services.

PAG provides MRO and Supply Chain Solutions for Fixed- and Rotary-wing aircraft through: Precision Heliparts  PHP (www.heliparts.com); Precision Aircraft Services  PAS (www.pas-pag.com); Precision Accessories & Instruments  PAI (www.precisionaccessories.com); Precision Heliparts Canada  PHP-C (www.heliparts.ca); Precision Accessories & Instruments Canada  PAI-C (www.precisionaccessories.ca); PHP-Instruments & Accessories  PHP-LA (www.heliparts.la); Precision Heliparts  Latin America (www.precisionaviationgroup.com/php-br); Precision Aero Technology  PAT (www.precisionaerotechnology.com); Precision Heliparts  Australia  PHP-AU (www.precisionheliparts.com.au); Precision Accessories & Instruments  Australia (PAI-AU) (www.precisionaccessories.com.au); Precision Heliparts Singapore (PHP-S); and Precision Aviation Controls, Inc.  PAC (www.precisionaviationcontrols.com). PAG subsidiaries have MRO capabilities on over 35,000 products, including accessories, avionics, engine components, hydraulics, instruments, NDT, starter/generators, and wheels/brakes (www.precisionaviationgroup.com).

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/338527/precision_aviation_group_inc_logo.jpg

SOURCE Precision Aviation Group, Inc.
Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamist militants have killed five civilians and two soldiers in fresh attacks in Cameroon and Chad, local sources said Thursday.

"A group of Boko Haram fighters made an incursion during (Tuesday) night in Assigashia," a source close to administrative authorities in the northern Cameroon border area said, asking not be named.

"The attackers killed five people and wounded five more."

The raid was confirmed along with the casualty toll by an official in the Cameroon security services.

Assigashia is a border town which gives direct access to Nigeria and has seen many Boko Haram incursions in the past.

The Nigerian Islamist militants are blamed for killing another civilian in the town in January.

In Chad, meanwhile, two Chadian soldiers, including a captain, were killed in a Boko Haram ambush on Wednesday, a senior military official said Thursday.

The attack took place in the west of the country in the Lake Chad region near the Nigerian frontier as the troops were returning from a border patrol.

"The Boko Haram attackers disappeared into the islands" on the lake, the source said.

Since 2014, the year Cameroon began to fight Boko Haram, the group has killed 2,000 civilians and soldiers and kidnapped about 1,000 people in the region, according to an analysis by the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank.

Boko Haram, a militant movement opposed to Western influence and seeking an Islamic state based on Sharia law, has caused the deaths of at least 20,000 people since it took up arms in 2009.

Cameroon, Chad and Niger have all joined the military effort by Nigeria to crush Boko Haram.

Wednesday's attack in Chad was the first known assault on Chadian territory by Boko Haram since May 2017, when nine soldiers were killed.

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Kolkata, Feb 19 : The bilateral trade between Canada and India which is currently at 10 billion Canadian dollars (US $7.97 billion) is set to grow in the coming years as there is a "lot of potential" for it, a Canadian Minister said here on Monday.

According to Amarjeet Sohi, Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the North American country offers opportunities to Indian companies to work with Canadian firms and invest in Canada.

"The bilateral trade has increased significantly... We see lot of potential to grow bilateral trade," said Sohi.

There are close to 1,000 Canadian companies doing business in India while more than 200 firms of Indian origin are doing business in Canada, he told reporters at an interactive session on India-Canada trade relations organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce here.

"We will be investing close to 180 billion Canadian dollars over the next 10 years for creating new infrastructure in public transportation system, trade and transportation corridors, airports, ports, oil and gas, mining and natural resources and many others and this will provide a huge opportunity for Canadian and Indian companies. Canada is open to business," Sohi said.

Close to 10 billion Canadian dollars were invested by Canadian pension funds in the infrastructure sector in India, he said.

"We will make sure more Canadian companies are able to invest in India and Indian companies too can invest in Canada," Sohi said, adding that there is a huge potential for improving bilateral cooperation in the agriculture sector.

The number of Indian students in Canada has been increasing over the last two years and more than 150,000 students of Indian origin are currently studying in Canada, he said.

Sohi said India is the greatest source of immigrants for Canada and close to 1.5 million people of Indian origin have made Canada their home.
Chennai, Feb 19 : Conceding to DMK's demand for an all party meet to discuss the Supreme Court verdict on sharing of Cauvery river water, the Tamil Nadu government has called for a meeting here on February 22.

The Tamil Nadu governmentm in a statement issued here, said discussions are being held with legal experts on the apex court's February 16 order.

According to the statement, a meeting of all parties has been convened on February 22, at 10.30 a.m. at the state secretariat to discuss the steps to be taken to establish Tamil Nadu's rights and also to protect the welfare of Cauvery delta farmers.

The meeting will be chaired by Chief Minister K.Palaniswami.

Soon after the judgement was delivered, DMK leader M.K.Stalin had hit out at the Tamil Nadu government, saying the state has been cheated out of its share of water while Karnataka, which did not honour any of the earlier orders of the court, has got a higher share.

The Supreme Court verdict reduced Tamil Nadu's share of the Cauvery river water to 177.25 thousand million cubic feet (TMC), down from 192 TMC allocated by a tribunal in 2007.

Stalin had demanded Palaniswami to convene an all-party meet to discuss the unprecedented situation and decide on the next course of action.

"I would like to insist that representatives from farmers' association should be allowed to take part in the meet," he had said.
Ahmedabad, Feb 19 : Dressed in traditional Indian attire, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his wife and three children landed in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's homestate Gujarat on Monday.

The visiting Prime Minister and his family, here on a day-long visit, were received at the Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport here by Gujarat Minister Ganpat Vasava and State Chief Secretary.

The first engagement of the Trudeau family, dressed in shades of festive yellow and red, was a visit to the Sabarmati Ashram. After paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the Canadian Prime Minister tried his hand at the spinning wheel.

Trudeau appeared at ease as though on a family tour instead of an official visit and sported an attractive red bandhgala kurta accompanied by a cream-coloured churidar and even a matching stole.

Similarly, his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau was in a bright yellow long kurta which she teamed with white palazzo pants. She wore drop-down earrings, gold bangles and a little bindi to give her a completely traditional Indian look.

Writing in the visitor's book at the Sabarmati Asrham, Trudeau said: "A beautiful place of peace, humanity and truth that is as needed today as ever."

He then proceeded to the Akshardham Temple in state capital Gandhinagar and spent about 40 minutes there.

His last destination was the premier B-school Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, for a townhall where he had a lively session with the students, taking questions and replying in great detail.

Trudeau said Canada was open to immigration and trade.

On trade front, the Prime Minister said that current bilateral trade of $8 billion in goods and $2 billion in services had a potential to grow.

"When you think of natural connections between India and Canada, especially in field of agriculture or pulses, where we have slight challenges. We are discussing potential of growth in pulses."

Referring to the issue of immigration, especially in context of most of the countries globally looking inwards and raising barriers, Trudeau said that he and Canada firmly believed that the new reality for 21st century is going to be heterogeneous societies.

"India has done fairly well and Canada too has done fairly well to see that differences can become source of strength and not weakness... As you get more pluralistic, language, religion, ethnicity, ideology should be anchored in shared values that society subscribes to."

Trudeau went on to say that dividing society on the basis of ethnicity and religious lines was a "tribal" approach to civilisation that has over thousands of years ripped apart these beliefs.

"There are two paths - you can either amplify the anxiety in the world by blaming a particular ethnic or religious group for all the troubles in the society or you can take a more successful pluralistic approach, when you actually meet people with different story and believe that we meet them and grow."

The Canadian Prime Minister also had a word for the media, which he called "frustrating" at times but in the same breath said that it was important to support it as it tells the governments where it is wrong. "Independent media is essential for a successful democracy."

Trudeau again summoned the name of Mahatma Gandhi to be his inspiration. "He should be an inspiration to all. Idea of extraordinary strength in compassion, peace and non-violence...

"It takes tremendous amount of strength to be strong, without having to be aggressive, without having to pick fights, instead looking to better understand each other, to better question yourself."
New Delhi/ Kanpur, Feb 20 : The CBI on Tuesday continued raids at the same three locations in Kanpur for the second consecutive day as it probed a multi-crore loan default by Rotomac Pen's chief Vikram Kothari.

The Central Bureau of Investigation again questioned Kothari along with his wife.

The raided places included office and residential premises of the company's directors, where searches were conducted on Monday as well, the CBI said.

The probe agency has also sealed a residential premise and an office of Rotomac directors in New Delhi.

The loan default would touch Rs 3,695 crore, including interest, according to the CBI.
The "Imperial Russian Ballet" company will present Swan Lake at the stage of the Cairo Opera House, on 7, 8 and 9 March.

The company will be joined by two ballet stars from the Mikhaylovsky theatre in St. Petersburg: Anton Ploom in the role of Prince Siegfried and Anastasia Lomachenkova as Odette/Odile.

The "Imperial Russian Ballet" was created in 1994 in Moscow by soloist of Bolshoi theatre Gedeminas Taranda, the troupe's Artistic Director and soloist of Igor Moiseyev' Folk Dance company Nikolai Anokhine.

The company consists of 45 young dancers from the major ballet schools of Russia and cooperates with many renowned soloists from a variety of best ballet troupes.

Moscow-based, the company travels extensively around the world, presenting their varied repertoire which apart of the Swan Lake also includes other classics such as The Nutcracker, Don Quixote and Sleeping Beauty.

Performed in two acts to the music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the Swan Lake by the Imperial Russian Ballet is based on the choreography by Marius Petipa who designed the palace scenes and Lev Ivanov who created scenes next to the lake. For over a century, this version is considered to have reached an absolute perfection and beauty, and has become a foundation for all the choreographers.

In their take on Swan Lake, the company dances to this choreography, yet it is additionally revised by G. Taranda.

It is the second time for the Swan Lake to hit the Cairo Opera House's stage this year. The ballet has been recently performed by the Cairo Opera Ballet Company to the choreography of Petipa, Ivanov and late Abdel-Moneim Kamel, revived by the companys current artistic director, Erminia Kamel.

Programme:

7, 8 and 9 March, at 8pm

Cairo Opera House, main hall, Zamalek, Cairo

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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Damascus, Feb 21 : At least 250 civilians have been killed by shelling and air strikes in Syria's Eastern Ghouta in the past 48 hours, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said Tuesday.

The death toll included 58 children and 42 women, the group said in what was termed as the deadliest attack in the city in the last few years.

More than 100 were killed and another 1,200 people were wounded by the Syrian regime shelling and air strikes on Monday on the besieged Damascus suburb, the rebel-held town of Hamouria, the CNN said.

The SOHR activists and residents described it as "being under constant bombardment". The rights group said at least 106 of the civilian deaths took place on Tuesday.

The monitoring group said the death toll is the highest since the 2013 alleged chemical attack on Eastern Ghouta, which activists say killed approximately 1,400 people.

"These are the worst days of our lives in Ghouta," Eastern Ghouta hospital director and pediatrician Amani Ballour said. "We in Ghouta have been getting hit by air strikes for more than five years and this is not new to us ... but we have never seen anything like this escalation."

Various Islamic rebel groups control Eastern Ghouta, including the Al Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which was previously known as Jabhat al Nusra before renouncing its ties to Al Qaeda.

Doctors said medics were working round the clock treating hundreds of injured people. Several medical facilities in Eastern Ghouta were reported to have been struck on Monday, the CNN report said.

Medical supplies were already in short after years-long siege of the area that began in 2012.

Now, Syrian regime forces are accelerating their offensive against the suburb, one of the last rebel-controlled areas in the country.

"I can tell you that the situation is very catastrophic ... there were four hospitals that were destroyed...," said Fares Ouraiba, a doctor from the Damascus suburb. He said most of the dead were women and children.

Besides, 13 more people were killed and 77 others wounded when militants in Eastern Ghouta fired 114 rocket and mortar rounds on several neighbourhoods here on Tuesday, said Syria state-run SANA news, citing police.

SANA added that the Syrian army responded to the attacks with "precise strikes", destroying rocket launchers and fortified positions used by the armed groups.
Lucknow, Feb 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that the government would establish a defence industrial production corridor in Uttar Pradesh at an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crore that would also generate 250,000 jobs.

"I am making an important announcement. In this year's budget, we had announced that we will establish two defence industrial production corridors. One of them will be in Uttar Pradesh," Modi said addressing the 'Investors Meet' here.

The event organised by the Yogi Adityanath government is aimed to showcase the investment opportunities in the state. Corporate honchos are attending the summit.

The Prime Minister said the decision was taken keeping in mind the developmental requirements of Bundelkhand region.

The corridor will link Agra, Aligarh, Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi and Chitrakoot, he said.

The government had earlier announced that it would develop two such corridors. The first of the two runs between Chennai and Bengaluru - connecting Kattupalli port, Chennai, Tiruchi, Coimbatore and Hosur.

Modi also praised the Uttar Pradesh government for curbing red tape and rolling out red carpet for investors and taking decisions that have linked industrial development with employment generation.

"There is no dearth of resources and opportunities in Uttar Pradesh where you find 'Lucknowi chikankari', 'Banarsi zardosi', brassware of Moradabad and glassware industries of Firozabad," Modi said.

He also asked the Uttar Pradesh government to compete with Maharashtra in achieving a target of one trillion dollar economy.

"I set this challenge before Uttar Pradesh to compete with Maharashtra and let us see who will become the first trillion dollar economy," he said.

He said Uttar Pradesh today was the number one state in the production of grains, wheat, sugarcane, milk and potatoes in the whole country.

It is also the second largest producer of fruits and third largest producer of vegetables in the country.
Washington, Feb 22 : Ivanka Trump, daughter of US President Donald Trump, will lead the US delegation to attend the closing ceremony of the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games in South Korea on Sunday, the White House has said.

Ivanka, also Trump's advisor, was scheduled to have dinner on Friday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at his office in Seoul during her weekend trip to South Korea, said senior White House officials at a background briefing in the day.

Ivanka did not plan to meet officials from North Korea, said the officials on Wednesday on the condition of anonymity, Xinhua news agency reported.

North Korea sent its athletes and cheerleaders as well as a high-ranking delegation to PyeongChang, showing its willingness to improve inter-Korean relations and ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Kim Yo Jong, the younger sister of North Korean top leader Kim Jong Un, also delivered a letter of Kim Jong Un to South Korean President Moon Jae-in, inviting him to visit Pyongyang at a convenient time.

The invitation was made during an informal meeting between Moon and North Korean Olympic delegation, including the younger Kim who serves as the first vice director of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.

The PyeongChang Winter Olympics was slated between February 9-25.
Washington, Feb 22 : US President Donald Trump met survivors and families of the victims that were killed in the Florida school shooting and suggested that teachers and staff members should be provided with arms to avert such massacres, the media reported.

Trump's comment came during a White House "listening session" on Wednesday which was attended by families and students including six survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a 19-year-old man Nikolas Cruz armed with an assault rifle killed 17 people on February 14, reports CNN.

The event brought Trump face-to-face with students and parents who have demanded action on gun violence.

"If you had a teacher who was adept with the firearm, they could end the attack very quickly," he said, stating that schools could arm up to 20 per ent of their teachers to stop "maniacs" who may try and attack them.

"This would be obviously only for people who were very adept at handling a gun, and it would be, it's called concealed carry, where a teacher would have a concealed gun on them. They'd go for special training and they would be there and you would no longer have a gun-free zone," Trump said. "Gun-free zone to a maniac -- because they're all cowards -- a gun-free zone is 'let's go in and let's attack because bullets aren't coming back at us'."

Acknowledging that the idea was controversial, Trump said that his administration would give it serious study.

The President also called for more mental institutions and hospitals in addition to the idea of arming teachers.

Trump's idea of arming teachers and school staff was met with support from many of the attendees, CNN reported.

Fred Abt, father of Parkland shooting survivor Carson Abt, said he had discussed with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos that rather than waiting for first responders to arrive, it would be more efficient to have firearms locked on school campuses.

"One possible solution, which may not be very popular, would be to have people in the school, teachers, administrators who have volunteered to have a firearm safely locked in the classroom who are given training throughout the year," he said.

"There are plenty of teachers who are already licensed to carry firearms, have them raise their hands to volunteer for the training, and when something like this starts, the first responders are already on campus.

Andrew Pollack, a father of one of the 17 victims who died in the Florida shooting, said he was speaking because his daughter couldn't.

"We as a country failed our children... This shouldn't happen."

The President, flanked by the students, went around the room and shook hands before commencing the session.

Trump also later tweeted he would "always remember" the event, adding "we must keep our children safe".

"I will always remember the time I spent today with courageous students, teachers and families," he tweeted, along with a link to the full event.

"So much love in the midst of so much pain. We must not let them down. We must keep our children safe!!"
United Nations, Feb 22 : Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has turned down UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' offer to mediate between him and the opposition in the ongoing political crisis, Guterres's Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

"He offered to the President (Yameen) UN mediation but the President conveyed that mediation was not wanted at this stage," Haq said on Wednesday.

Asked about Maldives extending the state of emergency that was set to expire on Wednesday for another 30 days, he said: "The Secretary-General is following the situation in the Maldives closely and with concern."

The crisis in the island nation began on February 1 when the Supreme Court unanimously overturned the terrorism conviction of former president Mohamed Nasheed as well as that of eight other politicians on several charges.

In response, Yameen clamped down the state of emergency and arrested Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and another judge along with several politicians on February 6.

The three judges remaining on the Supreme Court overturned the court's unanimous ruling ordering the release of the nine politicians.

On Wednesday, Yameen reiterated his offer to hold negotiations with the opposition.

Responding to an earlier offer of talks by Yameen, the Joint Opposition led by Nasheed's Maldivian Democratic Party wrote to Guterres asking him to mediate and to oversee the talks.

The opposition leaders expressed scepticism about the talks offer saying they was concerned that it was a ploy to ease international reaction to its recent actions, according to the Colombo Gazette.

Earlier this month Guterres, who has called for restoration of democracy, reiterated "his belief in finding a solution to the political stalemate in the Maldives through all-party talks, which the UN continues to stand ready to facilitate".

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)
Lima, Feb 22 : At least 44 people were killed and 24 others injured when a bus skidded off the road and plunged into a river in Peru's Arequipa region, authorities said.

Seven of the injured are in serious condition, including three children, reports Efe news agency.

The accident occurred on Wednesday on the Pan-American Highway.

The authorities were still trying to determine what caused the bus to skid off the road and plunge 200 metres into the Ocona River.

The bus was travelling from Chala to Arequipa city, and was running on an expired operating permit, the transportation ministry said.

"My condolences to the families of the victims of the transit accident in Arequipa," President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski tweeted.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : Opposition parties should strive to field a common candidate against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in each constituency in the next Lok Sabha polls and alliance talks among them should start early to allow workers to align themselves, according to senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid.

He also asserted that Congress President Rahul Gandhi is the party's obvious choice as prime ministerial candidate in the Lok Sabha polls, but any announcement would have to wait for the outcome of alliance talks among opposition parties.

And he believed United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi is the best person to bring together like-minded opposition parties against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA.

"As far as I am concerned and our party is concerned, the choice is obvious. But till such time, in case there is a larger collaboration and alliance, courtesy demands that we wait till that announcement is made by the alliance. But for us it is very clear. Rahul Gandhi is very clearly the person for the job and who would lead from the front," Khurshid told IANS in an interview.

He was asked if there should be a declared opposition candidate against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2019 general election.

The former Union minister, whose latest book "Triple Talaq: Examining Faith" has hit the stands, said there has been severe erosion in Modi's credibility.

"I think there is severe erosion taking place as far as Mr Modi's credibility is concerned, but I won't say that the erosion is adequate yet. There is a slide, and erosion continues," he said.

Asked about the possibility of an opposition alliance coming about against the NDA, he said: "It is difficult to say right now, but if an alliance does not happen, we will all be very sorry for losing an opportunity."

He said discussions were quietly taking place at various levels. "There is a realisation in all parties that it is a very important turning point for Indian history. I think the ego barriers of the past do not exist any more. But it still requires a lot of footwork. Somebody quietly has to take that initiative. I can't say who will finally be the person who will do it. But quietly, discussions are going on," he said.

On fielding one common opposition candidate against the NDA, he said it is too early to say that. "But I hope it is something of that nature. It is a very complex and complicated picture, and to make simplistic predictions is not very advisable, not at this stage."

On reconciling differences among competing players in Uttar Pradesh, his home state, which sends 80 MPs to Lok Sabha, Khurshid said internal antagonisms had lowered considerably after the last parliamentary elections. "Let us see if that can go to a natural conclusion."

Asked about the timing for formal talks, he said the sooner the better.

"I think it is never too early. Though a lot of people do believe that it will give BJP more time to work against it, I think experience of some alliances of the past is very clear that if you leave it too late, then it becomes very difficult for workers to align themselves. There is a certain time that workers need to align themselves and that needs to be factored in."

Asked about Sonia Gandhi playing a leading role in bringing opposition parties together, he said: "She has a larger-than-life presence in the spectrum of liberal politics. I can't see things happening without her intervention, guidance and blessings."

On the possibility of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee playing a cementing role, Khurshid said anyone can do it.

"But that's a role in which you need to be willing to sacrifice. If you want a win-win situation, you may get the win-win situation, but you may not be able to do the kind of things that it takes for a leader with broad shoulders to do."

Asked again if Sonia Gandhi is the best person to stitch an alliance, he said: "I don't want to contradict anyone but for me clearly she is the best person."

On the minimum seats the Congress should contest in Uttar Pradesh, Khurshid said that Congress would have a much larger contribution to make across the country.

"Therefore, keeping that in mind, I would think for parliament working on par is a good formula (for UP). But no rigid formulas should stand in the way of an overall settlement if we are to save this country from fate worse than we can imagine."

On the idea that the lead party in each state should take on the BJP, Khurshid said: "That's one suggestion. There are many ways of looking at it. Some principled position needs to be taken and then, working around that position, adjustments can be made."

Khurshid said there will be a revamp in the party with Rahul Gandhi making "it very clear that he is going to give a strikingly new Congress set-up".

The former External Affairs Minister admitted that the Congress faces a tough task in the forthcoming assembly polls in the northeastern states of Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland, but said the party had good prospects in other poll-bound states.

(Prashant Sood can be reached at prashant.s@ians.in)
Jaipur, Feb 22 : The Modi health care scheme announced in the Union budget this year is quite similar to the one introduced in Rajasthan in December 2015, says Kali Charan Saraf, Rajasthan's Minister of Health.

Under the Bhamashah Swasthya Bima Yojana (BSBY), health insurance cover of Rs 30,000 for general illnesses and Rs 3 lakh for critical illnesses is being given to beneficiaries.

An individual gets a risk cover for around 1,715 diseases and is also covered for major procedures like heart surgery and kidney transplant. Around 50 million of the state's estimated 69 million people are said to be registered under this scheme.

The basic aim of the Bhamashah Yojana is to bring about an improvement in health indicators, reduce out-of-pocket expenses and provide financial security to the poor against illnesses, the minister told IANS. He said it is also bringing in a "revolution in healthcare" in the rural areas of the state.

On the "only difference" between the scheme implemented in the state and the one announced in the Union budget, Saraf said under the Modi health care scheme -- dubbed 'Modicare' by a section of the media -- the coverage amount had been increased to Rs 5 lakh for a family.

He says the modus operandi of the new scheme would be similar to the one being executed in Rajasthan, which covers almost two-thirds of the population of the state.

"In the last two years, we have disbursed claims worth Rs 1,000 crore," Saraf said, adding that, till date, 1.6 million people had benefited from the scheme in urban and rural areas. "We have empanelled over 1,300 hospitals, both government and private, under the scheme," the minister said.

Asked if the central government had held a discussion on this scheme with the state before its announcement, he said that when the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J.P. Nadda, was in Rajasthan about seven months ago, "we had updated him of this scheme as it was running quite successfully in the state".

Asked if the Rajasthan government would like to claim credit for the announcement of the central scheme, he said it was the same whether the central government was running it or the state. "It is an ambitious scheme and hence it is always good if the best things are picked up and used for the benefit of others," he added.

On the challenges in successfully implementing the scheme, he said his team had fought initial hiccups which included the slow rate of card activation, documentation and confusion on treatment packages. "But, it is running smooth now," he added.

Asked about the reasons for poor performance of the state government in the Niti Aayog report released recently, he said the report had taken 2014-15 figures into consideration. "We had hardly finished a year when the survey for this report was done. A year back, the state was under Congress rule and hence we can't be blamed for a poor performance in the state," he said.

Counting the steps his government had taken, he said that it started 581 Adarsh Primary Health Centres in Rajasthan in all panchayat samitis to receive free medicine and free health check-ups. "They do not face any trouble," he said, adding that a Rajya Janani Yojana had been set which had resulted in a 180 per cent increase in successful deliveries in the state.

(Archana Sharma can be contacted at arachana.g@gmail.com)
New Delhi, Feb 22 : AAP minister Rajendra Pal Gautam was detained here on Thursday as he was moving towards Home Minister Rajnath Singh's residence along with some party workers to protest against the "casteist remarks" made by Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash.

This came two days after the Aam Aadmi Party's Ambedkar Nagar MLA Ajay Dutt filed a police complaint against Prakash for making the remarks during a meeting at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence on Monday night.

A party official said the protest was also called against the "biased inquiry" done by the Delhi Police against their MLAs -- Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal -- who were taken into judicial custody on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting the Chief Secretary.

AAP minister Imran Hussain was manhandled at the Delhi Secretariat by a crowd protesting against the alleged assault and his Personal Secretary Himanshu Singh was beaten up, according to multiple video clips from the Secretariat.

The party complained that no action was taken against those who attacked Hussain and his aide.

The Chief Secretary on Tuesday alleged that he was beaten up by the two MLAs in the presence of Kejriwal at the Chief Minister's residence on Monday night, where he had been called for an emergency meeting.
Toronto, Feb 22 : Reacting to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's assurance to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to curb Sikh separatists in Canada, former Canadian Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh has said politicians in this country have failed to appreciate India's deep sensitivities about Khalistani activities.

"India is very sensitive about this issue because that country was partitioned in 1947 and 14 million people died. Indians will under no circumstances allow another division of their country.

"Canadian politicians, including the Prime Minister, must start appreciating India's deep sensitivities on this issue," said Dosanjh, who was the first person of colour to become Premier (equal to Chief Minister) in Canada in 2000 when he was elected to the post in British Columbia.

He said Canadian politicians, including Trudeau, have been publicly associating with separatists for a long time without any backlash from India.

"There has been no blowback from India till now despite Canadian politicians going to parades, processions and events where posters of Air India bomber Talwinder Singh Parmar and other militants are displayed and they are celebrated as heroes.

"Our Prime Minister and politicians have been taking part in these events, but India has been silently watching this for many years. I hope that Trudeau and others start appreciating India's worries," said Dosanjh.

The former Canadian Minister said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly took Trudeau aside at Davos and told him that Khalistani activities in Canada were becoming a serious issue.

He said that is why Trudeau's two ministers, Harjit Sajjan and Amarjeet Sohi, made the statement that they have nothing to do with Khalistan just before their departure for India.

He said if Canadian politicians stop pandering to separatists and going to their events, the Khalistan movement will die quickly.

Dosanjh said Trudeau's statements about India's unity would be meaningless if politicians keep going to the events where militants are glorified.

"I cannot stop anyone from glorifying anyone, but what I can do is stop going to such events. This is what Trudeau and other politicians should do now. Or they should insist that they will not attend such events if the killers of innocent people are glorified."

If Canadian politicians want to have good relations with India, they have to genuinely support the idea of a united India, Dosanjh said.

He also blamed India for not framing the issue properly to force Canada to act.

Trudeau is currently in India on an eight-day visit.

(Gurmukh Singh can be contacted at gurmukh100@gmail.com)
A large number of tourists gathered on Thursday to watch the suns rays illuminate the sculptures in the Great Temple at Abu Simbel in Aswan, an occasion that happens twice a year.

The ceremony was attended by a number of state and archaeological Egyptian and foreign officials amid tight security measures.

For most of the year, the inner sanctum of the main temple at Abu Simbel is shrouded in darkness.

But, twice a year, on February 22, Ramses IIs birthday, and again on October 22, a day celebrating his coronation, sunlight illuminates on the seated statues of the sun gods Re-Horakhte and Amon-Re, as well as a statue of Ramses II.

The statues sit in the company of the Egyptian god of the underworld, Ptah ,who remains in the shade all year.

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Raigad (Maharashtra), Feb 22 : Seventy years after Independence, a 7.5-km long undersea cable has finally brought electricity to the world-famous Gharapuri Isle, which houses the UNESCO World Heritage site Elephanta Caves, about 10-km from Mumbai, a top official said here on Thursday.

The project to electrify the island, thronged daily by thousands of Indian and foreign tourists, has cost a total of Rs 25 crore and was completed in 15 months, said Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. Regional Director Satish Karape.

"This is India's longest undersea power cable which took around three months to lay. Plus, we have installed a transformer in each of the three villages, six streetlight towers each 13-metre tall with six powerful LED bulbs and provided individual power meter connections to 200 domestic and a few commercial consumers. Intensive testing over past three days has been successful," Karape told IANS.

A function will be held at the island later in the day when renowned social reformer Appasaheb Dharmadhikari will formally 'switch on' the power supply in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his ministers Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Jaykumar Raval, Ravindra, and other dignitaries.

Karape said that of the total project cost, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority gave Rs 18.50 crore while the rest had been borne from the MSEDCL's own resources.

The 22-KV cable has four lines, including one exclusive standby line, to ensure 24x7 high quality power to the islanders with sufficient excess capacity to take care of future requirements for more than 30 years, he explained.

An unseasonal 'Diwali' has suddenly been ushered on the island, which used to be plunged into darkness after dusk in the absence of electricity at the three villages -- Raj Bander, Mora Bander and Shet Bander -- housing around 1,200 people, mostly engaged in fishing, farming, boat-repairs and tourism-related activities.

Since the past few years however, the villagers managed with just three hours electricity courtesy power generators provided by the state government, but these were expensive and unreliable.

The previous Congress-Nationalist Congress Party regime had initiated the proposal, but it fell through as the tender attracted a single bid, and later the Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena government revived the proposal almost two years ago.

The 22-KV cable has been connected directly with the MSEDCL's Olwa sub-station, Panvel Division in Raigad on the mainland, Karape said.

The official is hopeful that now, the islanders can get better educational institutions, boost tourism -- probably with overnight stay, subject to other governmental clearances -- install a lighthouse on the isle's hilltop, and even power the Elephanta Caves if the Archaelogical Survey of India permits.

Since a small dam exists on this 16-sq km island, a water filtration plant can be set up to provide safe and clean drinking water to the locals and tourists, who now rely on bottled mineral water.

The power connection is also expected to speed up work on the proposed 8-km long ropeway connecting Mumbai directly with Elephanta Island running above the Arabian Sea, planned by the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT), and billed as a boon to nearly two million tourists who visit it annually.

Inhabited since the 2nd Century BC, the island has seven big and small rock-cut caves temples carved between 5th-6th Centuries AD. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

The island also has two large British-era canons atop the hill.

Presently, the thickly-forested island abounds in monkeys and other creatures, is accessible only by an hour-long voyage by motorboats and launches from Gateway of India or Raigad, with compulsory return in the evening.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : All India Students Association (AISA) head at Delhi University on Thursday alleged that she was manhandled by several male students at Satyawati College during a programme on women's safety.

Kawalpreet Kaur, the AISA chief, alleged that the group from Satyawati, consisting of BJP youth wing ABVP members tried to sabotage her speech on Thursday by raising slogans against her and her group.

They threw her phone away when she tried to capture the attack on camera, Kaur said.

"When the talk was about to get over, many Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad members gathered in the auditorium and started disrupting the event.

"They manhandled the professors and were after me and when police came to rescue me they asked them -- Where are you taking her? We will take her life," Kaur was quoted in her message on Whatsapp groups as saying.

The ABVP is one of the political opponents of AISA, the student wing of the Communist Party of India Liberation.

One of the eyewitnesses said it began with hooting during her speech. "A group of students started hooting and howling during the speech but teachers brushed it off saying students do such things.

"Soon after, some 15-20 people came inside and started raising slogans against Kawalpreet...

"When she was being taken away by the police, one of them even said we will take her life," the eyewitness told IANS on condition of anonymity.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : Ahead of Friday's India-Canada bilateral summit, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland held a strategic dialogue here on Thursday covering a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues.

In a tweet, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted that the two leaders "had wide ranging discussions on strengthening relations in trade and investment, security and cyber security, energy, people to people contacts and other relevant bilateral and regional issues."

Freeland arrived here on Wednesday evening ahead of the bilateral summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau.

Thursday's meeting was held amid wide speculation of Modi and his government cold-shouldering Trudeau during his eight-day state visit to India that started on February 17.

Ties between New Delhi and Ottawa have been frosty in recent times as Canada is being seen as offering a platform to separatists demanding an independent Khalistan.

The visiting dignitary and his family have visited Agra, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Amritsar but Modi has not yet issued any welcome statement or tweet.

While Modi did not accompany Trudeau to Ahmedabad, a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh at Amritsar on Wednesday was organised only at the last moment. During the meeting, Singh handed over a list of nine Canada-based operatives alleged to have been involved in hate crimes in Punjab by financing and supplying weapons for terrorist activities, and also engaged in trying to radicalise youth and children in the state.

Canada is home to around 1.2 million people of Indian origin.
Kathmandu, Feb 22 : An Indian national was killed when a bus hit his motorcycle in Nepal's Kapilvastu district.

The deceased was identified as 50-year-old Gauri Shankar Chaurasia, a resident of Siddharthanagar district of Uttar Pradesh, the Kathmandu Post reported.

The incident took place on Wednesday when the bus en route to Taulihawa collided head-on with the motorcycle at Dohani, killing Chaurasia on the spot, the police said.

Chaurasia's body was taken to a hospital for postmortem.

The bus was impounded and its driver was detained for investigation.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : The BJP on Thursday staged a protest outside Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence here against the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash and demanded Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's resignation.

Hundreds of Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers assembled outside Sisodia's residence on Mathura Road and raised slogans against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

The protest was led by Delhi BJP General Secretary Kuljeet Singh Chahal.

Addressing the workers, Chahal said: "Kejriwal and his party leaders must apologise to Prakash for their behaviour."

He also accused the AAP government and Kejriwal of not acting against his MLAs who allegedly assaulted the Chief Secretary.

"They are promoting urban naxalism mindset in the people of the city. This kind of lawlessness was never seen before in the city.

"Thus the Chief Minister and his ministers must resign," he said.

The BJP protest came in the wake of the alleged assault on Prakash during a meeting at the Chief Minister's residence on Monday night.

Prakash has alleged that he was beaten up by Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan and another MLA in the presence of Kejriwal.

The Delhi Police has arrested Khan and Deoli MLA Prakash Jarwal.

The Delhi BJP workers also staged protests at several places in the city demanding the dismissal of all the AAP MLAs including the disqualified MLAs.

Meanwhile, Delhi BJP spokesperson and son of the first Delhi Chief Minister Madanlal Khurana, Harish Khurana, along with party workers protested outside the AAP Moti Nagar MLA's office.

Khurana told IANS: "We took out a bike rally in Moti Nagar constituency over present administrative situation in the national capital.

"The way Kejriwal government is behaving, it is clear that the entire administration has been stalled.

"And if the top official of the Delhi government can be attacked inside the Chief Minister's residence then one can imagine how much a common man is safe on the streets of Delhi," he said.

He added that in the Moti Nagar constituency, the people do not get proper water or electricity.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : Samsung India on Thursday announced to bring the world's first "Wind-Free" air conditioner to the country, starting from Rs 50,950.

The AC provides ideal condition to room temperature with the help of 21,000 micro air holes, without the discomfort of direct airflow and also reduces energy consumption by up to 72 per cent, the company said in a statement.

"In the air conditioning segment, direct cold air dispersion and sky-rocketing electricity bills are two problems. The world's first 'Wind-Free' AC from Samsung addresses both of these issues together, providing unparalleled cooling comfort, while guaranteeing optimum energy efficiency," said Alok Pathak, Vice President, Consumer Electronics Business, Samsung India.

A two-step cooling system first lowers temperatures in 'Fast Cooling Mode' and then automatically switches to 'Wind-Free Cooling Mode', creating 'still air' once the desired temperature is achieved.

The AC packs in the world's first "8 Pole series" and anti-corrosion "Durafin" condenser especially designed for India's harsh climatic conditions, said the company.
Thrissur (Kerala), Feb 22 : The CPI-M on Thursday demanded that the Central government make public the list of persons whose outstanding bank loans, or non-performing assets, to public sector banks, spanning oRs 2.40 lakh crore had been written off.

Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should immediately reveal the list.

"Modi is not addressing the real issues but concentrating on other things. We demand that he come out with the list of beneficiaries, whose NPAs totalling Rs 2.40 lakh crore have been written off. We also demand that the Prime Minister reveal the list of those accompanying him on foreign trips," Yechury said while inaugurating the 22nd state party conference here.

He also emphasised the need to oust the BJP-led Central government adding that it can be achieved through pooling of maximum number of anti-BJP forces.

Taking a dig at the Prime Minister, the CPI-M chief said: "During United Progressive Alliance rule, Modi used to call then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as 'Mounmohan Singh'. What has happened today? Modi has now become 'Mounendra Modi'."

Lashing out at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Yechury claimed the organisation had "taken complete control of democratic institutions".

"Each and every institution and different posts, including those of President, Vice President, Election Commission, and Vice Chancellors. Even the judiciary has not been spared."

He also accused the RSS of unleashing political violence in Kerala, and said CPI-M's policy is not to engage in violence.

"Violence is not our culture at all. But when our cadres are attacked, we engage in self-defence. But when aberrations do take place, we carry out corrections. So far, 577 of our cadres have been killed in Kerala," he said.

Yechury also said that the Indian media had been intimidated and the only narrative in circulation was the "narrative of Modi".

"What is needed at present is not choosing between Modi or (Congress chief) Rahul Gandhi. We have to choose policy alternatives which helps the country progress," he said.

Earlier, veteran Communist and former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan hoisted the party flag to formally begin the four-day CPI-M conference's proceedings.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : The practice of illegally issuing Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and Foreign Letter of Credit (FLCs) and then rolling them over to favour Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups started in 2008 and continued till these were discovered in January this year, according to CBI officials.

The illicit activities resulting in fraud of Rs 11,300 crore occurred under the nose of top Punjab National Bank officials but they claimed to be unaware of the scam.

The revelation came to the fore during questioning by CBI officials of Rajesh Jindal, who was holding the charge of Mumbai-based PNB's Brady House Branch between August 2009 and May 2011, Gokul Nath Shetty, a retired Deputy Manager from the same branch who retired in May 2017, Bechu B. Tiwari (Chief Manager, in charge of Forex Department), Yashwant Joshi (Scale II manager of Forex Department) and Prafful Sawant (Scale I officer, export).

The officials said they merely continued with the practice that started in 2008. It was not immediately clear who was in charge of the Forex Department when the illegal practice began.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials said the alleged multi-crore fraud by issuing LOUs and FLCs for sanction of loan to diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi's group of firms continued during Jindal's tenure.

Jindal, posted as GM Credit at PNB's Head Office in New Delhi, was heading the second largest branch of the bank when the practice of issuing the LoUs without sanctioned limits continued.

Arrested on Tuesday night after his day-long questioning in Mumbai, he was the 12th accused to be held in the case so far. The CBI investigators had managed to get his custody till March 5 from the special CBI court on Wednesday.

Tiwari, Joshi and Sawant were also arrested on Monday for their alleged role in the scam and will remain in police custody till March 3.

All five PNB officials arrested so far were part of the forex department at the bank's Brady House branch at the time of the fraud, said officials, adding these employees, in collaboration with the staff and associates of the firms headed by Nirav Modi and Choksi, committed wrongdoings for personal gains.

The first FIR in the scam registered on January 31 alleged that Shetty and a single window operator Manoj Kharat, during their forex department posting, fraudulently issued eight LoUs (which are a form of bank guarantee) equivalent to Rs 280 crore on February 9, 10 and 14, 2017, favouring the Nirav Modi companies to Allahabad Bank, Hong Kong, and Axis Bank, without following prescribed procedure.

It added that the funds raised for import bills were not utilised for such purposes in many cases.

PNB's employee Tiwari, in his capacity as Chief Manager, was to monitor Shetty's transactions. However, Tiwari told the interrogators that during 2015-17, he did not monitor the fraudulent and illegal LoUs issued by Shetty.

An offcial close to the investigation said that Tiwari issued three circulars on February 19, 2016, February 7 and March 14, 2017, purportedly for the sake of keeping a check on the LoUs sent through the SWIFT code of the PNB's Brady House Branch without any name.

However, he neither followed it up nor took any steps to see why his instructions were not followed by Shetty, Joshi or Sawant.

"Tiwar's deliberate acts of omissions led to the continuance of concealment and large scale liabilities of PNB to the foreign banks," said the official.

The CBI filed the first FIR against Diamond R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamond whose partners have been named as Nirav Modi, his brother Nishal, uncle Mehul Choksi and wife Ami-- who left the country earlier in early January.

The second FIR was filed on February 15 for an amount of Rs 4,886.72 crore against the Gitanjali group headed by Choksi.

CBI officials said details of additional amounts (of around Rs 6,400 crore) would be added to the first FIR.

The second FIR also names 11 directors of the three Cholksi owned Gitanjali group companies-- Gitanjali Gems Ltd, Gili India Ltd and Nakshatra Brands Ltd.

The PNB fraud came to light on January 16 when officials of Nirav Modi companies approached the bank for buyers' credit without collateral saying they had been getting such facility for years. The bank said that the official who had earlier allowed such illegal facility through LoUs and FLCs had retired by then, and on checking by officials, the whole fraud unravelled.

(Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in)
Lucknow, Feb 22 : In a big relief to Yogi Adityanath, the Allahabad High Court on Thursday refused to admit a plea for a CBI probe to prosecute the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister in a 2007 riot case that had left one person dead.

Adityanath, along with the then Gorakhpur Mayor Anju Chowdhary and legislator Radha Mohan Agarwal, was accused of inciting a mob to riot in the over a decade old case.

A bench of Justice Krishna Murari and Justice A.C. Sharma hearing the petition filed by Parvez Parwaz ruled that no case would be reopened against them.

The bench had reserved its decision on the petition on December 18, 2017, and pronounced it on Thursday.

The petitioner had challenged the order of the state government refusing to proceed against the Chief Minister.

Mohammad Asad Hayat and Parvez, in 2008 had filed petitions seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the riots that left one dead.

Additional Advocate General Manish Goel told the court that there was no ground on which the prosecution of Adityanath could be sought.

The petitioner, however, contended that Adityanath had incited the mob into rioting in 2007 after which he was arrested and kept in custody for 11 days.

A case under several sections of the Indian Penal Code had been slapped on the then Lok Sabha member from Gorakhpur.

The case was probed by the CB-CID of the state police and in 2013 inferred that the voice samples from the speech in question were indeed of Yogi Adityanath.

The agency had filed the charge sheet but the then Akhilesh Yadav government had not given the go ahead to prosecute Adityanath then.

The CB-CID in its affidavit in 2017 had said that since the case included sections 153 and 295 of the IPC, a green signal from the state government to frame charges was a must.

When the Bharatiya Janata Party rode to power in March 2017, it denied permission.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : Stating that there is no rule of law under Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal who was "working as a BJP agent", the Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday demanded action against those involved in manhandling and beating up the party's Minister and his aide.

AAP leader Ashutosh told the media that Delhi Police was "biased" against party MLAs Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal, who were arrested on the charge of assaulting Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash on Monday night.

"On the basis of a baseless complaint by the Chief Secretary, two party MLAs were arrested without evidence while those who beat our Ministers and their aides are roaming free," the AAP leader said.

He accused the L-G of working as the Bharatiya Janata Party's agent and "trying to destabilise Delhi's Arvind Kejriwal government.

Ashutosh said video proof was available against those involved in manhandling AAP Minister Imran Hussain and beating up his staffer Himanshu Singh at the Delhi Secretariat on Tuesday.

"Everybody has seen the video. (Still) no FIR was lodged against the culprits," he said.

Identifying a few in the mob -- Khatri, Sandeep Suhag, Superintendent Sahil, Sonu from the AR department -- the AAP leader said many others could be identified and demanded action against them.

He said video evidence was also there against those who heckled party leader Ashish Khetan and his aide Sahil Arora.

The Chief Secretary on Tuesday alleged that he was beaten up by the two MLAs in the presence of Kejriwal at the Chief Minister's residence on Monday night, where he had been called for an emergency meeting.

Noting that the Chief Secretary's medico-legal report said he was assaulted after midnight, he said the CCTV footage from outside Kejriwal residence showed the top bureaucrat made the exit at 11.30 p.m.

He said there was a possibility of assault on the Chief Secretary by someone after he left Kejriwal's residence or he could have fallen. "There is an unnecessary drama (going on) about it."

Earlier in the day, AAP Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam was detained as he was moving to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's residence to protest against the alleged casteist remarks made by Anshu Prakash against AAP Ambedkar Nagar MLA Ajay Dutt.

"Our Dalit MLA was arrested and not allowed to protest but protests have been going on outside (Deputy Chief Minister) Manish Sisodia's residence for the past two hours," he said, adding the police was "biased".
Newspapers have recently publicized the arrest of a Palestinian girl named Ghada, who is only fourteen years old, during a visit to see her aunt in the town of Al-Issawiya. Ghada was arrested under the pretext of entering the Arab part of Jerusalem without permit.

After her arrest, Ghada's mobile phone was confiscated and she was forbidden from communicating with her mother, who resides in the town of Al-Ram, a Jerusalem suburb.

After the girl was questioned without her relatives present, she was taken to a court that then released her on bail, which was paid by her uncle. However, the occupation army decided to send her to the Gaza Strip because its computer decided that she is from Gaza, despite the fact that she had never been to Gaza in her entire life. She was born and brought up in the West Bank.

It took human rights groups and lawyers sixteen days to return this innocent girl from Gaza to her mother's bosom.

During the last month alone, Israeli occupation forces arrested 520 Palestinians, including 92 children and 18 women. Although the West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip are all occupied territories according to international conventions, Israel prevents their inhabitants from moving from one place to another.

Millions of Palestinians are banned from entering Jerusalem and the majority of Gazas residents are also barred from entering the West Bank, and vice versa.

If any Gazan inhabitant residing in the West Bank has unfortunately fallen in the hands of the occupation forces, he will ferociously and cruelly be deported like Ghada.

Definitely, the majority of Palestinians are forbidden from entering the rest of Palestine except those who can obtain a permit from the Israeli occupation forces. The South African apartheid regime did not dare at the time to bar people from moving as Israel does.

There are numerous husbands and wives who are banned from living under the same roof due to the occupation's measures. Moreover, hundreds of thousands are deprived from seeing their loved ones and visiting their fathers and mothers or seeing their children.

What racist hatred is it that deprives tens of thousands of youths from pursuing their studies, and causes the death of tens of thousands as a result of preventing them from moving freely to go to suitable hospitals to receive treatment?

We can remember how the Western media and Western governments moved heaven and earth when the Soviet Union or China barred a dissident from travelling abroad, but we have yet to hear their protests over the banning of millions of Palestinians from the freedom of movement within their own homeland, or from traveling outside of it.

We did not hear one single protest over Ghada's maltreatment or over the psychological trauma she will endure for the rest of her life.

A few days ago, I visited a boy named Mohamed in the Palestinian village of Nabi Salih. He is fifteen years old. I saw how an Israeli soldiers bullet caused him to lose an eye, a big part of his skull and disfigured his face. He was lucky because the bullet did not end his life, as Israeli bullets have done to many children martyrs.

Whats happening in Palestine is not only an occupation and ethnic cleansing, but a racist discrimination system of Israeli apartheid which, before now, the entire world has never yet witnessed. Like the apartheid regime in South Africa, injustice will not go away by wagering on negotiating with those practising it, but by standing steadfast in its face and imposing total boycott and sanctions on it. There is no another alternative.

The writer is Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative.

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Panaji, Feb 22 : In an emotional address to the people of Goa, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who hours after being discharged from a Mumbai hospital made a dramatic appearance at the state legislative assembly on Thursday to present the annual budget, thanked the people of Goa for praying for his health.

The Chief Minister said that nothing is wrong with him and that he has just been asked to avoid "close contact".

Dressed in a uncharacteristic full-sleeved blue shirt and looking frailer than his usual bustling self, Parrikar, who was accompanied by his son Utpal, was greeted by top officials and ruling MLAs and ministers, even as opposition legislators looked at the buzzing assembly complex driveway where Parrikar's convoy had stopped to allow him to alight.

In his brief speech before tabling the budget, Parrikar said: "I thank everyone who wished me for my speedy recovery through messages, letters and prayers at various temples, churches, mosques and in other ways.

"I am overwhelmed by the overpouring of your love and affection. It fortifies my conviction that Goa and Goans are my extended family. It is your wishes and prayers which have helped me recover speedily and return to Goa.

"For complete recovery, I have been advised by the doctors some precautions in the immediate short term. During this period, my interaction with the public will be limited. However, I will be discharging my regular duties and obligations as the Chief Minister of the state."

Parrikar, who tabled a revenue-surplus budget of Rs 144.65 crore, with a stress on labour, employment and information technology, did not read out the customary budget speech. He informed the Speaker that he could not write the speech on account of his health condition.

Parrikar was on February 15 admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, after he complained of stomach pain. He was later diagnosed with pancreas-related ailment.

But, his sudden decision to present the annual budget at the assembly complex came as a surprise to his Cabinet and legislature colleagues, as well as police officials at the assembly complex, who were in a tizzy finalising last-minute security arrangements.

"It is his will to come here... He arranged the flight himself, which his whole family did not know. Family was trying to bring him after the budget session. He must have used his good offices for the first time and came on a private flight...only to show the people of Goa that 'I am a fighter'," BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral said after meeting the Chief Minister.

After a brief Cabinet meeting, where Parrikar thanked his coalition government ministers for their concern and promised to meet them again, Minister for Power Pandurang Madkaikar told IANS that the Chief Minster will address his next Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

"We are happy to have him back. He has told us that the next cabinet meeting will be convened on coming Wednesday," Madkaikar said.

Opposition leader Chandrakant Kavlekar also expressed happiness, saying the assembly is glad to have Parrikar back in the hot-seat. "We are glad to see him and we hope he recovers fully."

Parrikar only waved to the cordoned-off media on his way out of the assembly complex. However, to a question from a reporter seeking to know his health status, Parrikar said: "Nothing is wrong with me. I have been asked not to maintain close contact."
New Delhi, Feb 22 : With his first official visit to India yielding bilateral investments worth over $1 billion, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday said that both nations have close bonds owing to their deep and shared commitment to democracy and diversity.

Addressing the India Canada Business Session here jointly organised by Indian industry chambers and the Canada-India Business Couuncil, he said that the experience of diversity enriches societies and helps promote innovation and better decision making.

"This trip has yielded more than $ 1 billion of investment between India and Canada," Trudeau said, adding that he is leading around a 1,000 member delegation to India, including a record number of company representatives.

Trudeau arrived here on Friday on an eight-day visit to India, and has already presided over an Indo-Canadian business meeting in Mumbai.

"This two-way investment will create 6,000 high quality jobs in Canada and many more jobs here (India), as well.

"Both Canada and India are committed to upholding and promoting democracy, and we value diversity and the many strengths it brings to society," he said.

Giving the example of the major Canadian city of Toronto, he said "50 per cent of its population are born outside Canada."

There are 1.2 million people of Indian origin in Canada and around 500,000 of them hail from Punjab.

"The diversities of religion, gender, lived experience..all these enrich us and make us more resilient. It helps innovation and makes for better-decision making," said the Prime Minister, whose cabinet has four Indian origin ministers, including Sikhs.

"No one can convince me that diversity and innovation are mutually exclusive categories," he added.

Lauding Canada's diversity for being home to "people of my community who have done us proud in your land," Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal invited Canadian business to invest in India "to become part of our growth story".

"People of India, and especially of Punjab, welcome you with open arms," she said, referring to Trudeau.

Noting that agriculture and food processing are potentially major areas of Indo-Canadian cooperation, Badal said that bilateral cooperation is already ongoing in creating a cold chain infrastructure in India and setting up mega food parks in the country could be the next area.

After visiting Agra, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, Trudeau visited Amritsar on Wednesday where he, his wife and children prayed at the Golden Temple. He also met Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

Bilateral trade between India and Canada stood at $6.05 billion in 2016. The two countries are also working on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

There are currently around 400 Canadian companies operating in India.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has triggered a major row with his remarks that the AIUDF party has been growing faster than the BJP in Assam allegedly on the support of the Muslim population as Pakistan and China pushed Bangladeshi migrants into the northeast to destabilise India.

AIUDF chief and MP Badruddin Ajmal took strong objection to the "shocking" statement and AIMIM Lok Sabha member Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the General, accusing him of interfering in political matters beyond his constitutional mandate.

The Army, however, defended its chief, saying there was nothing political or religious in Rawat's comments made during a seminar on the northeast at DRDO Bhavan.

"There is nothing political or religious in the talk. The Army Chief just mentioned amalgamation and development in the seminar," the Army said.

The Army chief said Pakistan, with support from China, was pushing illegal migrants from Bangladesh into India though he didn't name the two countries but made his references obvious by calling them India's "western neighbour" and "northern neighbour".

"They will always try and ensure that this area is taken over, playing the proxy dimension of warfare where they do not have to confront a stronger nation through conventional operations. This proxy game is being well played by our western neighbour and supported also by the northern neighbour.

"We will continue to see some migration happening. The solution lies in identifying the problem and holistically looking at it."

Rawat said the government was looking at the northeast with the right perspective now to make sure that the population dynamics of this region could no longer be changed, referring to the state government's move of coming out with a national register of citizens to find out who have been living illegally in the state.

"There is a party called AIUDF. If you look at it, they have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP grew over the years.

"When we talk of Jana Sangh with two Members of Parliament and where they have reached, the AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam. Finally, what will be the state of Assam, we will have to take a call."

The AIUDF, which has three Lok Sabha MPs and 13 MLAs in the Assam assembly, strongly objected to the remarks, asking why the heavens were falling over the electoral success of a "secular, democratic" party.

In its maiden electoral battle, the AIUDF won 10 seats in the 2006 Assam Assembly polls. The number went up to 18 in 2011.

AIUDF chief Ajmal said he respected the Army and its chief for the sacrifices the force makes in the service of the nation.

"But the Army chief has a misunderstanding that needs to be cleared. Whatever he has said is in violation of his constitutional mandate. I see nothing but politics in his statement," Ajmal said.

Earlier, in a series of tweets he slammed the General for for making a "shocking", "political statement".

"Why is it a concern for the Army Chief that a political party, based on democratic and secular values, is rising faster than the BJP? Alternative parties like the AIUDF, the AAP have grown because of the misgovernance of big parties," Ajmal said.

Ajmal said he planned to meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue for an inquiry into the remarks that implied that the AIUDF's rise was on account of Muslim migration encouraged by Pakistan and China.

Owaisi reminded the General that the Army will always work under an elected civilian leadership in India.

"If illegal migrants are entering from Bangladesh what is the Modi government doing? The internal security is dealt by IB, police not military. We have seen the draconian consequences in our neighbouring countries when Army got involved in domestic politics," Owaisi tweeted.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : Expelled Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui on Thursday joined Congress here in presence of senior party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and Uttar Pradesh Congress President Raj Babbar.

He also merged his political outfit Rashtriya Bahaman Morcha into the party.

Siddiqui, one time the closest confidante of Mayawati, joined Congress along with BSP leaders O. P. Singh, Liyakat Ali, Achhe Lal Nishad, Arshad Khan, Begum Husna Siddiqui, Raghunath Prasad, Anil Awana and few others.

"We welcome all the leaders and thank them for joining the Congress party. This is an indication that situation on the ground is changing and the future of Congress party is bright.

"Under the leadership of party President Rahul Gandhi, people from other parties are willing to join Congress and work with him," Azad, General Secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh, told media persons.

"The Congress party will rise once again as the strongest party in the country. Today, I heartily welcome all the members to the Congress party.

"All the members who have joined the party will strengthen our support on the ground. I believe that their joining will further strengthen the party," he added.

BSP supremo Mayawati had thrown out Siddiqui and his son Afzal from the party on May 10, after which Siddiqui had levelled serious charges against the four-time Chief Minister, even alleging that she had sought Rs 50 crore from him. He had also released some audio tapes of his telephonic conversations with her.
Los Angeles, Feb 22 : Hollywood veteran Meryl Streep does not appreciate being part of disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein's legal defense, and says it is a pathetic move.

On Wednesday, the actress released a statement, via her representative Hannah Donohue, that Weinstein's inclusion of her words in a legal filing was "pathetic and exploitive", reports usatoday.com.

"Harvey Weinstein's attorneys' use of my (true) statement -- that he was not sexually transgressive or physically abusive in our business relationship -- as evidence that he was not abusive with many other women is pathetic and exploitive," Streep said.

She added: "The criminal actions he is accused of conducting on the bodies of these women are his responsibility, and if there is any justice left in the system he will pay for them -- regardless of how many good movies, made by many good people, Harvey was lucky enough to have acquired or financed."

Weinstein's lawyers on Tuesday said in federal court in New York that the proposed class-action lawsuit filed by six women should be rejected. They lawyers said that the alleged assaults took place too long ago.

The defense also cited comments made by Streep -- that Weinstein was not abusive toward her during their business relationship -- in support of Weinstein.

Weinstein's filing also included mentions of Jennifer Lawrence and Gwyneth Paltrow, who have said they felt "petrified" and "sick" about Weinstein, respectively, since allegations about him surfaced, reports usatoday.com.

On the work front, Streep is looking forward to the 90th Oscars. She is nominated in the category -- Actress in a Leading Role for "The Post".

Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the award ceremony will be held on March 4 at the Dolby Theatre here. It will be aired in India live on Star Movies and Star Movies Select on March 5.
Ghaziabad, Feb 22 : The tendering process for the first phase of the much-awaited project for a high-speed train from Nizamuddin in Delhi to Meerut in Uttar Pradesh will be launched on March 10, an official said on Thursday.

The civil work of the project may start in July next, said Executive Engineer S.S. Verma of the Ghaziabad Development Authority, who will be responsible for the project in Ghaziabad.

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has already paid its share of Rs 668 crore for the elevated corridor work in Ghaziabad. The total project cost is estimated at Rs 32,000 crore.

In the three phases of the project, the stretch from Anand Vihar to Murad Nagar, from Murad Nagar to Mohiddinpur in Meerut, and Mohiddinpur to Partapur in Meerut will be taken up.

Verma said the project will have both elevated and underground tracks.

The tender process to be uploaded on the authority website on March 20 will be regarding the elevated track only.

The proposed train will run from Anand Vihar to Sahibabad village on underground tracks and from Sahibabad to Partapur on elevated tracks.

The detailed project report was submitted in November 2017. The state government had released an initial Rs 100 crore out of its share in December 2017, Verma said.
United Nations, Feb 22 : The members of the UN Security Council may vote on a temporary ceasefire for Syria's besieged Eastern Ghouta region, a day after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres deplored the plight of the civilians trapped there as "hell on earth".

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said on Thursday that 335 people had been killed in Eastern Ghouta since Sunday evening, with 79 children and 50 women among the dead.

A draft resolution put forward by Sweden and Kuwait on Wednesday called for a 30-day halt in the fighting in the rebel-held Damascus suburb, where heavy shelling by Russian-backed Syrian regime forces took a heavy toll this week.

CNN cited the SOHR as saying that the bombardment injured another 1,745 civilians. Syria says it is targeting terrorist groups in the area.

Twenty medical facilities had been targeted by regime strikes since Monday, according to the Syrian American Medical Society, adding to the pain of civilians desperately short on food, water and drugs after years under siege.

"I am deeply saddened by the terrible suffering of the civilian population in Eastern Ghouta: 400,000 people who live in hell on earth," the UN chief said on Wednesday.

"My appeal for all those involved is for an immediate suspension of all war activities in Eastern Ghouta, allowing for humanitarian aid to reach all those in need," he said.

The UNSC's deliberations came as international outcry over the plight of civilians in Eastern Ghouta gathered force.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday said that European nations -- and Syria's backers -- must do more to halt the violence.

"What we currently see, the dreadful events in Syria, a regime fighting not against terrorists, but against its own people, the killing of children, the destruction of hospitals, all this is a massacre which needs to be condemned. We clearly say no, yet it calls on us to try and play a bigger role so that we can end such a massacre," she said.

"This call also goes for the allies of the Assad regime, especially Iran and Russia. There is a responsibility there."

In a statement late Wednesday condemning the Eastern Ghouta attacks, the White House singled out Russian and Iranian support for the Syrian regime.

"Assad and his deplorable regime must stop committing additional atrocities and must not be further abetted by backers in Moscow and Tehran," it said.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May also called for Syria and its backers to ensure that the violence stops and help is allowed in.

French President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile, accused the Assad regime of using the fight against terrorism as a "pretext" to target civilians.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin put the blame for the crisis on the rebel groups. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said those who support terrorists were "responsible for the situation in Eastern Ghouta," Russian state news agency Tass reported.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 22 : The Odisha government on Thursday organized an investment promotion roadshow in Ahmadabad to showcase the advantages of investing in the state, while also inviting Gujarat-based industrialists to participate in Make in Odisha Conclave 2018.

The flagship biennial investors' summit of Odisha is scheduled to be organized in Bhubaneswar from November 11-15 this year.

The roadshow witnessed encouraging response with over 100 leading Gujarat-based industrialists, exploring opportunities in Odisha's focus sectors.

A panel discussion on competitive advantages of Odisha as an investment destination was also organized.

Odisha Finance Minister Shashi Bhushan Behera said that "owing to the proactive and progressive governance, Odisha is fast emerging as the manufacturing hub of eastern India".

"With the objective of attracting 2.5 lakh crore of fresh investments and generating 30 lakh job opportunities as part of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's Vision-2025, the state government is working tirelessly towards diversifying and broadening the state's industrial development across focus sectors.

"We invite Gujarati industrialists and entrepreneurs to explore growth opportunities in Odisha and invest in the state," he added.

During the meetings, investors were informed about the key differentiating factors that make Odisha a unique destination for investment - a stable government for more than 17 years, 480 km coastline with deep water ports at Paradip and Dhamra, with combined capacities expected to reach over 400 MMTPA by 2020, and and the state being India's largest producer of steel, stainless steel and aluminium.

State Industries Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said Odisha's business-friendly policies and the development of world-class infrastructure have received very positive feedback from investors across the country.

"Over the last 3 years, the state government has embarked upon the implementation of a Business Reforms Program to make it easier for companies to set up and operate in the state following which Odisha has been recognized as a 'Leader' in terms of implementation of business reforms with 92.73 per cent score in the Ease of Doing Business Report of 2016," said Chopra.

The state government is also giving early bird discount on the land cost for units in Angul Aluminium Park, he added.

The state also plans to reach out to potential investors with roadshows in Germany, US, China, Japan and South Korea, as well as several Indian cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Vizag and Coimbatore, ahead of the biennial conclave.
Phulbari (Meghalaya), Feb 22 : Exhorting the 18.43 lakh electorate in Meghalaya to vote for the BJP in the February 27 Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Congress-led state government was not taking people seriously since they saw no political challenge.

"The enthusiasm and support of the people of Meghalaya towards the BJP is overwhelming. I urge the people of Meghalaya to give us a chance to serve the state. We will ensure good governance, guided by the philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'," he said at an election rally in the Garo Hills here.

The Garo Hills region in western Meghalaya with 24 Assembly segments was once considered the "heartland" of the then Lok Sabha Speaker, late Purno A. Sangma, also founding member of the National People's Party (NPP), one of the allies of the Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre, Manipur and Rajasthan.

"Meghalaya needs double engine for growth. A BJP-led government at the Centre and a BJP government in the state," Modi said.

Modi, on the second leg of his election campaign in the Christian-majority state, said the election to the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly is about freeing the state from the scams of the Congress government.

Launching an attack on Chief Minister Mukul Sangma for his alleged failure to ensure all-round development of Meghalaya, Modi asked: "Why is his government not discussing development? Why are they not telling the people about their developmental works? They are only busy in blaming Modi."

"The Chief Minister (Mukul Sangma) is a doctor, but look at the condition of health infrastructure in the state. It is in ruins. Women are forced to deliver babies at home, which poses a great threat to the lives of both the mother and the newborn," he said.

The Prime Minister accused the Meghalaya government of not utilising central funds allocated to the state for building houses for the poor.

He said the central government had provided around Rs 470 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana for construction of 1100-km roads in the state. However, he claimed, the Meghalaya government was unable to spend 50 per cent of the amount.

"We plan to spend around Rs 180 crore for building a new Shillong airport to improve prospects of industrial development in Meghalaya, besides generation of employment," Modi said.

Unlike in Nagaland, where the BJP has stitched together an alliance with the newly floated Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, the BJP is fighting 47 seats in Meghalaya all alone.
Panaji, Feb 22 : In an emotional address, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who made a dramatic appearance at the state assembly on Thursday to present the budget - hours after being discharged from a Mumbai hospital - thanked the people of Goa for praying for his health.

The Chief Minister said that nothing is wrong with him and that he has just been asked to avoid "close contact".

Dressed in a full-sleeved blue shirt and looking frailer than his usual bustling self, Parrikar, who was accompanied by his son Utpal, was greeted by top officials and ruling MLAs and ministers, even as opposition legislators looked at the buzzing assembly complex driveway where Parrikar's convoy had stopped to allow him to alight.

In his brief speech before tabling the budget, Parrikar said: "I thank everyone who wished me for my speedy recovery through messages, letters and prayers at various temples, churches, mosques and in other ways.

"I am overwhelmed by the overpouring of your love and affection. It fortifies my conviction that Goa and Goans are my extended family. It is your wishes and prayers which have helped me recover speedily and return to Goa.

"For complete recovery, I have been advised by the doctors some precautions in the immediate short term. During this period, my interaction with the public will be limited. However, I will be discharging my regular duties and obligations as the Chief Minister of the state."

Parrikar, who tabled a revenue surplus budget of Rs 144.65 crore, with a stress on labour, employment and information technology, did not read out the customary budget speech, informing that he could not write it on account of his health condition.

"My health status has prevented me from preparing a detailed budget speech, outlining the achievements, policies and new schemes of our government. However, by the end of FY 2017-18, I would be implementing in parts new schemes and measures for revenue generation, which involve rationalisation of creation of fees, taxes and duties so that they get implemented from beginning of next year," he said.

"This year will be the year of employment. My government has given stress on generating local employment by providing nearly Rs 548.89 crore for the sector of industries, labour, employment and information-technology," while presenting a Rs 17,123 crore budget for the upcoming fiscal.

Parrikar was on February 15 admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai, after he complained of stomach pain. He was later diagnosed with pancreas-related ailment.

But, his sudden decision to present the annual budget at the assembly complex came as a surprise to his Cabinet and legislature colleagues, as well as police officials at the assembly complex, who were in a tizzy finalising last-minute security arrangements.

"It is his will to come here... He arranged the flight himself, which his whole family did not know. Family was trying to bring him after the budget session. He must have used his good offices for the first time and came on a private flight...only to show the people of Goa that 'I am a fighter'," BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral said after meeting Parrikar.

Before presenting the budget, Parrikar presided over a brief Cabinet meeting, where he thanked his ministers for their concern and promised to meet them again. Power Minister for Power Pandurang Madkaikar told IANS that the Chief Minster will address his next Cabinet meeting next week.

"We are happy to have him back. He has told us that the next cabinet meeting will be convened on coming Wednesday," he said.

Opposition leader Chandrakant Kavlekar also expressed happiness, saying the assembly is glad to have Parrikar back in the hot seat. "We are glad to see him and we hope he recovers fully.

Parrikar only waved to the cordoned-off media on his way out of the assembly complex.

However, to a question from a reporter seeking to know his health status, he said: "Nothing is wrong with me. I have been asked not to maintain close contact."
Over the past few years, terrorists have taken the lives of many Egyptian people, have severely harmed the economy, and have introduced insecurity and fear into the personal lives of many.

As a result, it is more than understandable that the vast majority of Egyptian people should be fully in support of the Comprehensive Operation Sinai (COS) 2018, the governments current campaign to deal with terrorism in Sinai.

You do not need to be particularly politicised or even a regular reader of the newspapers in order to emotionally interact with and show your support for counter-terrorism efforts. You simply need to be an Egyptian whose life has been and is being negatively affected by terrorism, and there are millions of such people.

However, emotions of patriotism and satisfaction that the innocent victims of terrorism will be avenged should not lead us to overlook strategic facts about the current Sinai operations.

President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi asked for the peoples authorisation to launch the war on terrorism in July 2013, and since then several counter-terrorism campaigns and operations have been launched, these proving to be essential preparation phases for the Comprehensive Operation now taking place.

There is more than one point of significance within the current operation, both politically and militarily, but perhaps the most significant of all are the obvious changes of pattern in the execution of the operation and the modifications made to the strategy of countering terrorism as a whole. These modifications reflect how the state has benefited from previous criticisms of its counter-terrorism strategy and has made appropriate alterations.

The Comprehensive Operation now taking place in Sinai has managed to avoid previous mistakes, points of weakness, and logistical challenges. Egypts counter-terrorism operations have long been criticised for a lack of sufficient coordination between the countrys different security institutions.

Egypt has a complicated matrix of security institutions, and reaching an efficient level of coordination between those that handle the multi-sectoral dimensions of Egyptian national security is already a challenge on its own.

However, what we are witnessing now in Sinai shows that an efficient level of coordination has been reached. For the first time in the history of Egypts counter-terrorism operations, press conferences about the operations have been frequent, statistically informative, and have provided a diverse platform representing the various sectors participating in the operations.

This institutional coordination demonstrates that the state is aware of past shortcomings in previous counter-terrorism operations, and that there is now a leadership formula in place able to direct Egypts complicated security structure in the interests of national security and counter-terrorism.

The timing and preparation of the Comprehensive Operation also signal a change of pattern. Previous counter-terrorism campaigns were usually launched in response to terrorist attacks, and as such they have by nature been more oriented towards damage control and crisis management than long-term strategic targeting.

The Comprehensive Operation, on the other hand, was being prepared over more than two months, which means that unlike some previous operations it was able to coordinate the military presence and tactics on the one hand and intelligence information on the other.

This coordination was reflected in the significant results that the operation achieved within its first few days. The change of pattern does not only signal an operational change within counter-terrorism strategies in Egypt, but also a change in the vision with which Egyptian national security policies are designed.

A third change of pattern has been seen in the geographical parameters of the Comprehensive Operation. Previous operations focused mainly on Sinai and the threats emanating from Egypts eastern borders.

However, in the Comprehensive Operation the focus is not only directed towards Sinai, but also towards the southern and western borders and the eastern and northern coasts. The change is also in the strategy itself, where the focus is no longer just on dealing with terrorists in Sinai, but is also on all the different networks and potential hubs that could be used by terrorists under siege.

Several security reports have shown that links exist between terrorist networks in Sinai and networks inside Libya or in Egypts Western Desert near the Egyptian-Libyan border.

Hence, operating on more than one front means that the strategy can bring about the termination of the terrorist threat and not merely contain it in one region or give it the chance to relocate. This could also be seen as a development within the overall Egyptian national-security and counter-terrorism strategies.

Finally, it must be admitted how grave the threat of terrorism in Egypt is, and while there are many positive signs that the current operation will deliver results, specifically because of the new patterns according to which it has been designed, this threat cannot be ended within a week or two. Modern-day terrorism manages to cope with different environments, and it has been steadily losing its connection to ideology, giving it further flexibility in choosing its targets and in the strategies used.

Therefore, ending terrorism is likely to be a long-term process, and the Comprehensive Operation may be a beginning rather than an end to this process. Even if it manages to terminate the geographical presence of the terrorist groups, Egypt will still need a non-military strategy to counter radicalisation in society. It is a long battle, but one that Egypt will fight with commitment and efficiency.

* This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly

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Srinagar, Feb 22 : Kashmiri separatist leaders on Thursday demanded death for those responsible for the rape and murder of a minor in Kathua district.

At a joint protest rally, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik said they would fight for justice to Asifa, 8, who went missing from a village in Kathua early last month. Her body was found on January 17.

Police have so far arrested two persons including a special police officer (SPO), Deepak Kumar Khajuria, in connection with the case.

The SPO was incidentally part of the search party to trace the girl.

"We demand death sentence for those involved in this heinous crime," Malik told the gathering.

Geelani and the Mirwaiz, who are under house arrest, addressed the rally through telephone.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : The CBI on Thursday arrested Rotomac pen company owner Vikram Kothari and his son Rahul on charges of cheating a consortium of banks of Rs 3,695 crore (including interest) by siphoning off loans sanctioned to his company for procurement of wheat and other goods for export.

The Income Tax Department also issued a showcause notice to Kothari asking why prosecution be not initiated against the group.

The agency arrested the two after day-long questioning at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters in south Delhi's Lodi Road area.

It was the Kotharis' questioning for the fourth consecutive day since the CBI filed the case against him and his family, and raided their residential and office premises in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur.

The agency filed the FIR on Sunday night after getting a complaint against Kothari, his wife Sadhana and son Rahul, from the Bank of Baroda. Kothari is the Chairman and Managing Director of Rotomac while his wife and son are Directors.

Kothari had obtained Rs 2,919 crore from Bank of India (Rs 754.77 crore), Bank of Baroda (Rs 456.63 crore), Indian Overseas Bank (Rs 771.07 crore), Union Bank of India (Rs 458.95 crore), Allahabad Bank (Rs 330.68 crore), Bank of Maharashtra (Rs 49.82 crore) and Oriental Bank of Commerce (Rs 97.47 crore), the FIR said.

Kothari, his wife, son, firm Rotomac, some unidentified bank officials and private persons were booked on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery under the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act.

The Bank of Baroda complaint said that the banks had extended credit to the Kanpur-based firm and its related companies from 2008 onwards.

The CBI had earlier confiscated several belongings of Kothari and his family, including laptops and mobile phones.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : A day after Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat attributed the rise of Assam-based political party AIUDF to illegal immigration from Bangladesh, the party on Thursday hit back saying his remarks were "political" and "uncalled for".

The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) found its views echoed by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and the civil society which asked General Rawat to stay away from politics as that is not the Army's domain in India.

AIUDF chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal said the cause of his party's rising popularity was not illegal immigration of Bangladeshi Muslims but disenchantment of the public with larger national parties -- a trend Ajmal said was visible across the country including in Delhi where Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) got a landslide victory in the last assembly elections.

The Army chief had on Wednesday said at a symposium here that Pakistan, with support from China, was pushing illegal migrants from Bangladesh into India. Though he didn't name the two countries but made his references obvious by calling them India's "western neighbour" and "northern neighbour".

"We will continue to see some migration happening. The solution lies in identifying the problem and holistically looking at it... There is a party called AIUDF. If you look at it, they have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP grew over the years... Finally, what will be the state of Assam, we will have to take a call," Rawat said.

The AIUDF, which has three Lok Sabha members and 13 MLAs in the Assam assembly, strongly objected to the remarks, asking why the heavens were falling over the electoral success of a "secular, democratic" party.

In its maiden electoral battle, the AIUDF won 10 seats in the 2006 Assam Assembly polls. The number went up to 18 in 2011.

Ajmal said he respected the Army and its chief but demanded to know if Gen Rawat's comments against a democratic political party were not a violation of the Constitution.

He said the Army chief's remarks came at a time when the work of compilation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam is nearing completion and once the NRC is completed, it would deflate the false claims and apprehensions raised by communal forces of increasing immigration from Bangladesh.

He also underlined that the AIUDF is not a party just for the Muslims and by the Muslims, but people from all sections and communities are its members as well as voters.

Ajmal said he planned to meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue for an inquiry into the remarks that implied that the AIUDF's rise was on account of Muslim migration encouraged by Pakistan and China.

Owaisi, Lok Sabha Member from Hyderabad, reminded the General that the Army will always work under an elected civilian leadership in India.

"If illegal migrants are entering from Bangladesh what is the Modi government doing? The internal security is dealt by IB, police, not military. We have seen the draconian consequences in our neighbouring countries when Army got involved in domestic politics," Owaisi tweeted.

The All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM), an umbrella body of various Muslim organisations, asked the Defence Minister to take notice of Ganeral Rawat's remarks and clarify whether the Union government approved of the political commentary of the Army chief.

"The AIMMM considers the statement of Gen. Rawat as unfortunate and sees it as a beginning of the dangerous trend to politicalise the institution of Army which is revered by all, irrespective of political ideology and affiliation," its President Navaid Hamid said.

The Army, however, defended its chief, saying there was nothing political or religious in Rawat's comments made during a seminar on the northeast at DRDO Bhavan.

"There is nothing political or religious in the talk. The Army chief just mentioned amalgamation and development in the seminar," the Army said.
Mumbai, Feb 22 : The staggering Rs 11,300 crore fraud unearthed in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) last week, was "overlooked at multiple auditing and regulatory levels, compounding it to a point of no return", said a prominent banking industry union here on Thursday.

"The entire fraud is a huge shock, exposing the increasing trends of how the corporates loot banks and peoples' monies," said Maharashtra State Bank Employees Federation General Secretary, Devidas Tuljapurkar.

Addressing the media here, he alleged that now attempts are being made "to dilute the magnitude of the fraud" as being restricted to just "a single branch-two employees issue".

"Such massive frauds cannot be committed in merely a simple manner that a branch official could issue Letters of Undertakings (LoUs) of a whopping Rs 11,300 crore during a period of six-seven years without anybody knowing about it," Tuljapurkar emphasised, raising questions on technology, supervision, monitoring, audits, internal checks and control at various levels, besides the role of the Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) in the entire issue.

"How is it possible that the RBI, which carries out a regular audit of all the banks, failed to smell the fraud despite the volumes of money involved over so many years. Was the SWIFT software approved and tested by the RBI before it was approved for the banking sector?" Tuljapurkar asked.

This (fraud) proves that the RBI has miserably failed to fulfill its role as a regulator of the vulnerable banking sector, and with the Governor keeping quiet, it was virtually admitting to a complete collapse of the banking sector, he claimed.

Reiterating the nationwide demand by All Indian Bank Employees Association (AIBEA), Tuljapurkar urged that the PNB's top management should be kept out, till the probe into the fraud is completed.

"While we don't support the wrong-doers at the lower levels, its very strange that the top management like the Chairpersons, CEOs, Directors, Executive Directors, etc, are not covered by any Disciplinary & Conduct Regulations though they take very vital decisions," he said.

He questioned the "haste and hurry" in suspending lower officials, saying this conveyed the impression that only the lower level staffers were responsible for perpetrating scams.

Expressing apprehensions that the RBI could probably "disown" the LoUs' as it had the bankers' receipts, Tuljapurkar wondered whether the RBI had questioned the banks about the guarantees, examined the risks and created necessary firewalls to ensue the tax-payers monies are secure.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : The Congress will contest the 2018 Rajasthan Assembly polls under the stewardship of party President Rahul Gandhi and without declaring a chief ministerial candidate, a party leader said on Thursday.

The decision is perceived as a blow to Rajasthan's senior party leader and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who held the post from 1998 to 2003 and again from 2008 to 2013.

The issue was discussed at a meeting here of state Congress leaders with Rahul Gandhi, attended by Gehlot, state Congress chief Sachin Pilot, Rajasthan Congress Legislature Party leader Rameshwar Lal Dudi and former Union Minister Bhanwar Jitendra Singh.

Talking to IANS after the meeting, Congress General Secretary and incharge of Rajasthan's party affairs Avinash Pande said the state leaders assured Gandhi of keeping aside their differences and unitedly fighting the coming elections.

"Elections will be fought under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. No CM candidate will be declared. After the elections, the MLAs will elect the Chief Minister and the high command will take a decision," Pandey told IANS.

He said all senior state leaders, including Gehlot, have assured Gandhi of jointly campaigning in the state and making it a success.

The meeting was convened by the Congress chief to sort out differences among senior party leaders like Gehlot, Pilot, Singh and former Union Minister C.P. Joshi.

Rajasthan Congress President Sachin Pilot told IANS that the meeting was held to discuss the roadmap ahead of the Assembly elections and chart out a campaign strategy.

According to Congress sources, the party has finalised slogans like "Hamara agenda, Congress ka jhanda".

The party has also finalised a flagship organisational programme "Mera booth, mera gaurav" and pledged to make it successful and discussed how to make it a success.

In Gujarat, the Congress contested the Assembly polls without declaring its chief ministerial candidate. Instead, Rahul Gandhi was at the forefront of the party's campaign in the western state.

In a bitterly fought contest in Gujarat, the Congress could not manage to capture power though it raised its MLA tally from 61 to 78 in the new house.

The Congress won byelections to the two parliamentary constituencies of Alwar and Ajmer and the Assembly constituency of Mandalgarh in Rajasthan held in January. In four years, the Congress has won 20 of the 22 Assembly byelections.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday said that it has registered a case in connection with the terror attack on an army camp in Jammu on the Home Ministry's direction.

"In compliance with the MHA order, the NIA has re-registered a case in the Sunjuwan Army camp terror attack cae," an NIA official said here.

The case has been registered under sections of criminal conspiracy, waging war against the country, murder and attempt to murder of the Indian Penal Code.

The agency also registered the case under sections 7 and 27 of the Arms Act and sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

On February 10, a group of heavily armed Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorists entered the Sunjuwan army camp in Jammu and Kashmir after hurling grenades and using automatic gunfire.

Three terrorists, all of them Pakistan nationals who managed to enter the Junior Commissioned Officer's residential quarters, were killed in the anti-terror operation by the security forces.

Six army personnel and one civilian were also killed and 11 others were injured.
Tehran, Feb 22 : Iran may withdraw from the 2015 international nuclear deal if it cannot receive economic benefits, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday.

"If the policy of confusion and uncertainties about the JCPOA (or nuclear deal) continues, if companies and banks are not working with Iran... we cannot remain in a deal that has no benefit for us," Araghchi said at a speech at Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, reported Xinhua new agency citing, Press TV.

Araghchi said US President Donald Trump "has created an atmosphere of uncertainty which is like a poison for the business community in working with Iran".

"The (nuclear) deal would not survive this way even if the (US) waivers are extended," he added.

On January 12, Trump once again extended the waivers that are mandatory under the deal reached between Iran and six major world powers in 2015, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Trump said he extended the sanctions relief on Iran for the last time, threatening to withdraw from the landmark pact unless US Congress and European allies can fix the alleged "disastrous flaws" in the deal.

Trump has constantly criticised the pact inked between Iran and Russia, Britain, France, China, the US and Germany, in which the West promised to relieve sanctions on Tehran in exchange for a halt in Iran's efforts to develop a nuclear weapon.

Iran said it will not take any measures beyond its commitment to the JCPOA, nor will it accept changes to this agreement now or any time in the future.

The US is the only party that has threatened to scrap the deal, a stance that has been opposed by other participants.

Since 2017 when Trump took office, the US has sanctioned around 100 individuals and entities involved with Iran's ballistic missile program and other activities which the US deems as "illicit."

Iran has dismissed the US calls for halting its missile programme development, saying it is only for deterrent purposes.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : A 23-feet-wide replica of the Moon using imagery from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter camera and created with the help of UK space agency will tour India this month.

"Museum of the Moon" by British artist Luke Jerram will land at the British Council on February 23 and stationed at the building till March 2 to coincide with Holi.

The artwork has been travelling across the length and breadth of the country and exhibited at Gateway of India, Mumbai; City Palace, Udaipur; and Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, before its final stopover at the British Council here.

The British Council has brought 'Museum of the Moon' to mark the last phase of the UK-India Year of Culture and to launch 70 years of the British Council in India.

Alongside a unique visual spectacle, Museum of the Moon has music from award-winning British composer Dan Jones.

The opening event in Bangalore was timed to coincide with the first super blood blue Moon and the lunar eclipse in over 150 years.

"For eons, the Moon has impacted society and culture. It's been worshipped as a deity, used as a timekeeper, and has inspired artists, poets, scientists, writers, and musicians worldwide," the artist said.

"Before gas lamps and electricity, the Moon was the only night-time source of light. It was a vital light source for navigation and to work by.

"Living in cities, illuminated by electricity, we have in many ways become disconnected to the moon," he said hoping this project restores a sense of wonder, inspires questions and reconnects people with the night sky."
Lucknow, Feb 22 : The two-day Investors Summit organized by the Uttar Pradesh government drew to a close on Thursday evening with the address of President Ram Nath Kovind, who said that the state had the potential to become the biggest economic power in the country and the turnaround in the fortunes had begun.

"Youth from Uttar Pradesh are bringing laurels from all over the world and the state has also given nine Prime Ministers to this great country," he said while also pointing out that UP was also his birthplace.

The summit, Kovind said, was a step in the right direction which will take UP to dizzying heights.

Underlining the importance of the huge work force and also the biggest consumer base that the state offers, the President also pointed out his this was a major reason for investors to flock to the state during the investors summit.

Several initiatives rolled out by the state government, like the ease of doing business, single window system and industrial security, had endeared many investors into putting their money in projects in Uttar Pradesh, he added.

Kovind also said that in the last three years there has been record growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country and the cashless payments system had enhanced the scope of growth.

Earlier in the day Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addressed different sessions.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thanked the people of the state, the bureaucracy, the investors and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the roaring success of the event. He once again reiterated the resolve expressed during the inaugural session on Wednesday to ensure that each MoU signed during the meet was taken to its logical conclusion.

More than 1,200 MoUs were signed during the two day meet with investments of over Rs 4.35 lakh crore being committed by investors and industrialists like Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Subhash Chandra and Anand Mahindra. More than seven countries participated in the event.

Opposition parties have however slammed the state government over the event and have accused it of blowing up people's money on a futile exercise.

Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, of the Samajwadi Party, said that with no work to show, the BJP was once again resorting to tall promises even as deliverance on the ground was abysmal. The Congress has also said that the event was a non-starter and was likely to ring in not much in terms of investment and industrialization.
New Delhi, Feb 22 : Expelled Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui on Thursday joined Congress here in presence of senior party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and Uttar Pradesh Congress President Raj Babbar.

He also merged his political outfit Rashtriya Bahaman Morcha into the party.

Siddiqui, one time the closest confidante of Mayawati, joined Congress along with BSP leaders O. P. Singh, Liyakat Ali, Achhe Lal Nishad, Arshad Khan, Begum Husna Siddiqui, Raghunath Prasad, Anil Awana, Vijendra Vyas and many others. About 100 former BSP leaders and workers also joined the party.

The new entrants later also met Congress President Rahul Gandhi.

Azad, General Secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh, told media persons that the entry of all these leaders shows "that situation on the ground is changing and the future of Congress is bright" as under Rahul Gandhi, people from other parties are willing to join it and work with him.

To a question whether this will hamper the prospects of 'Mahagathbandhan' in UP, Azad said: "I do not think so because 'Mahagathbandhan' is formed keeping in view totally different considerations at the state level or national level.

"If you remember, last year only, Congress in UP started a crusade against the then ruling state party, we had named it - '27 Saal Behaal'. But subsequently we realized that times we cannot fight so many forces, the regional forces and the national forces at one time. Samajawadi Party also felt the same way and with the mutual understanding, we forged an alliance.

"It's another matter, whether we succeeded in our mission or not. That is secondary but our huge campaign against the state government and their campaign against us did not come in the way of forging an alliance because that was keeping in view number of other considerations at the national level," he added.

Asked if Mayawati won't get offended, Azad said: "Many of the leaders were expelled by her only, and 90 per cent of them had resigned after they were expelled. After all, they had to join some party. Before assembly elections, when they (BSP) made our MLAs defect to their party, we did not get offended. So, she should also not get offended."

BSP supremo Mayawati had thrown out Siddiqui and his son Afzal from the party on May 10, after which Siddiqui had levelled serious charges against the four-time Chief Minister, even alleging that she had sought Rs 50 crore from him. He had also released some audio tapes of his telephonic conversations with her.
Rome, Feb 22 : Italy has deported a 27-year-old Moroccan who allegedly claimed he would wage holy war or Jihad if he was not allowed to pray in prison, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday.

The Moroccan was expelled aboard a flight to Casablanca from Malpensa airport in northern Italy, the ministry said.

The deportation came immediately after the Moroccan was released from jail after serving a sentence for minor offences. While in prison in the northern city of Reggio Emilia, the suspect told warders he would wage Jihad if he was stopped from praying, the ministry stated.

The Moroccan was the 21st suspected religious extremist to be deported from Italy this year. A total of 258 such suspects have been expelled from the country since January 1, 2015, said the ministry.
Rome, Feb 23 : Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni on Thursday voiced support for his Industry Minister Carlo Calenda's "robust" challenge to Whirlpool unit Embraco's plan to shift production to Slovakia with the loss of some 500 jobs in Italy.

Meanwhile, representatives from Italy's UILM and FIOM unions on Thursday abandoned talks with Whirlpool unit Embraco in the northwest city of Turin after the company refused to reinstate nearly 500 sacked workers at its plant.

"Something isn't working and Calenda is doing just the right thing by fighting this case in such a robust way," Gentiloni said on Italian TV talk show Porta Porta.

Calenda this week took up the Embraco case with the European Commission see if Slovakia has breached European state aid rules and if Rome can be allowed to intervene to save the Riva di Chieri plant without breaching those same rules.

"EU structural funds can't be used to get companies to set up in a country: that's unfair competition and that is what we are checking with (competition) commissioner (Margrethe) Vestager," Gentiloni said.

The US-owned electrical appliances manufacturer last month announced its decision to close its factory in Riva di Chieri, near Turin, with the loss of 497 jobs and to switch production to its plant in Slovakia.

Embraco has refused requests by the Italian government and trade unions to reverse its decision and re-instate the sacked workers at its Riva di Chieri plant, prompting Calenda rule out further talks with the company's management.

Italy's Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano is asking the Slovak government for explanations on Embraco's planned delocalisation.
New York, Feb 23 : A top-level Indian-origin executive who was in-charge of auto-maker Ford Motor's North American operations, Raj Nair, has left under a cloud and has been replaced by another, Kumar Galhotra, the company announced Thursday.

Nair, who was the President for North America and Executive Vice President, quit after an internal investigation "determined certain behavior by Nair was inconsistent with the company's code of conduct," Ford said in a statement.

"We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration," said Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett.

Nair apologised for his conduct in a statement distributed by the company saying: "I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviors consistent with the principles" of the company.

Ford did not provide details of what he had done that led to his ouster.

The Detroit Free Press quoted company officials as saying "the shakeup shocked the investor community and stunned employees".

Galhotra, 52, who will take over as Group Vice President and President for North America on March 1, will be responsible for leading all aspects of Ford's North American business, the company said.

"Kumar is an incredibly talented executive with a special feel for product and brand," according to Jim Farley, the President for global markets. "Kumar is the right person to lead our North American business to new levels of operational fitness, product and brand excellence, and profitability."

According to Ford, Galhotra, who has been with the company for 29 years, became the company's chief marketing officer since last year. He also headed Ford's Lincoln line of cars, "revitalizing the luxury brand's model lineup," Ford said.

Galhotra, who grew up in India, was previously Vice President of engineering and between 2005 and 2008, also worked at Mazda's headquarters in Japan.

Nair, 54, took over the North American operations only in June last year, according to the company.

Prior to that he was Executive Vice President for product development and Chief Technical Officer having global responsibility for all aspects of the company's design, engineering, research and product development.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)
Bengaluru, Feb 23 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday dubbed the NDA government a '90 per cent commission sarkar', retaliating to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's taunt that the ruling Congress government in the state was a '10 per cent commission sarkar'.

"It's Prime Minister Narendra Modi who runs a '90 per cent commission sarkar' in Delhi. He should prove the charge that our government takes 10 per cent commission," Siddaramaiah said here.

Addressing BJP rallies in Mysuru on February 19 and in Bengaluru on February 4, Modi said Karnataka is ruled by a 10 per cent commission Sarkar.

Replying to a motion of thanks to the address Governor Vajubhai R. Vala delivered on February 5 to the joint session of the legislature, Sidddaramaiah told the legislators in the assembly that the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state was the most corrupt one from 2008 to 2013, with three chief ministers in five years.

"PM Modi should give evidence on the charges he levelled against our government. Let him prove that we take commission. If he says we take 10 per cent cut, then his government takes 90 per cent commission," asserted Siddaramaiah on the 6th day of the 10-day budget session in Vidhana Soudha.

Accusing the Prime Minister of indulging in shoot and scoot, the Chief Minister said it was Modi who revelled in 'hit and run' tactic during his visits to the state for addressing his party's (BJP) rally'

"The BJP has failed to prove the charges Modi and its leaders made against our government and me. Otherwise, they should withdraw them and apologise to the people of the state for insulting them," said Siddaramiah.

Locking horns with the Chief Minister, opposition BJP leader in the assembly Jagadish Shettar alleged the ruling Congress government was number one in corruption.

"The people know what happened during the BJP's 5-year misrule, when the rich mining district Ballari was turned into a republic by its members," recalled Siddaramaiah.

Protesting against the Chief Minister's remarks, the BJP members staged a walkout amid noisy scenes.
Janie Schumaker, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, CPHQ, CENP, FABC, Executive Director, Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing Janie is guiding BCEN as we advance the value of emergency nursing certification and foster empowered emergency, flight and ground transport, and trauma nurses through our portfolio of specialty nursing certifications.

The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), the benchmark for nursing certifications across the emergency spectrum, has appointed Janie Schumaker, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, CPHQ, CENP, FABC to the position of executive director. Schumaker has served as interim executive director since July 2017 and also served on BCENs board of directors from 2013 to 2017.

Janie Schumaker is a change agent and a highly effective leader, said BCEN Board of Directors Chairperson Lorie Ledford, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, CCRN. Janie is guiding BCEN as we advance the value of emergency nursing certification, improve our candidates certification and recertification experiences, and foster empowered emergency, flight and ground transport, and trauma nurses through our portfolio of specialty nursing certifications. BCEN recently introduced digital badging, recertification through attestation, and announced the results of a large-scale value of certification study.

Janies leadership style engages and motivates people. She truly brings out the best in everyone she works alongside, added BCEN Board of Directors Immediate Past Chairperson Mary Whelan, MSN, RN, CEN.

Schumaker is an accomplished nurse executive with over 25 years of experience. Immediately prior to joining BCEN, she was Vice President, Business Expansion for Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, MO where she led new market opportunities. From 2015 to 2016, she was Chief Nursing Officer for T-System Inc., in Dallas where she created and launched new revenue streams, revived and developed key business relationships, and transformed the client experience, increasing KLAS scores from 5th position to 2nd position in 10 months. From 2012 to 2015, Schumaker was Associate Administrator for Emergent/Urgent Services at Mosaic Life Care, where she achieved a successful turnaround of emergency services, improving and sustaining patient experience from the 4th to the 95th percentile. Schumaker managed T-Systems Center for Performance Excellence from 2009 to 2012.

Prior to that, Schumaker was Emergency Services Director at Providence Medical Center and an emergency department staff nurse at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, KS. She also held multiple positions at Truman Medical Centers in Kansas City, KS from 1996 to 2005, including staff/charge nurse, nurse educator, emergency services manager, and Corporate Director, Quality Resources. Schumaker earned her MBA from University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, KS and her BSN from University of Missouri-Kansas City. She is a lifelong resident of Kansas City, KS.

BCEN Also Announces Two Management Promotions

Hilde Marnul was named Director of Marketing and Communications after managing BCENs marketing and events since 2013. In this new role, Marnul is responsible for the strategic direction and management of BCENs marketing and communications initiatives to increase brand awareness and promote certification growth. With over 23 years of diverse marketing, sponsorship management and business development experience, Marnul launched BCENs successful superhero marketing campaign and has amplified BCENs presence and leadership at over a dozen national industry conferences. She earned her bachelors degree from Loyola University in Chicago and lives in Elk Grove Village, IL.

Naomi Savino was promoted to Business Operations Manager after serving as BCENs Business Operations Specialist from 2015 through 2017. In her new role, she manages operational support staff, develops vendor relationships and negotiates vendor contracts. When BCEN streamlined its recertification options in 2017, Savino spearheaded the operational functions supporting continuing education (CE) by attestation. Savino resides in South Elgin, IL.

About BCEN

The nonprofit Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) develops robust certification exams fostering empowered nurses across the emergency spectrum who contribute noticeably to patient care, safety and outcomes. More than 45,000 BCEN certifications are currently held by registered nurses who specialize in emergency, flight, critical care ground transport, pediatric emergency and trauma nursing. BCEN offers the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN), Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN), Certified Transport Registered Nurse (CTRN) and the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) certifications. The CEN, CFRN, and CPEN certifications are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC), the only accrediting body specifically for nursing certifications. Learn more at BCENcertifications.org. Follow BCEN on Facebook.

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Investment in Regtech products helps us provide solutions to ease the burden of regulation. Now is the time to implement solutions to ensure regulatory compliance and avoid reputation damaging penalties.

MDSL, the leading provider of international Market Data Management (MDM) and Technology Expense Management (TEM) solutions, has today announced the release of the new version of Index License Manager, an automated benchmark inventory management system. Originally built to help document and manage index license expenses, MDSL has since extended Index License Manager (ILM) to assist financial firms in meeting new ESMA and IOSCO benchmark management requirements. ILM as a Benchmark Manager has recently been successfully implemented for a large France-based investment bank, with various benchmark-consuming institutions currently piloting or implementing the solution this year.

With BMR coming into force this year, we've seen a lot of interest from clients who want a solution for both commercial license management and a benchmark compliance inventory. ILM is the only way to provide these together, said Sam Rushton, Senior Product Specialist at MDSL.

The European Benchmark regulation came into effect on 1 January 2018, requiring financial services firms on the buy-side, sell-side and custodians to implement new governance processes to audit their benchmark usage. Utilizing benchmarks not administered by a registered and authorised EU administrator can result in a fine equivalent to the greater of 1 million or 10% of a firms total annual revenues.

MDSLs ILM helps firms meet these regulatory obligations by providing a management tool to track benchmark usage; serving as a repository for all license agreements, indexes and families, and catalogues from third party index aggregators. These features allow firms to map a set of indexes onto their own portfolio of benchmark consumption (e.g. funds, structured products and data licenses for users).

Incorporating BMR classifications required by ESMA, this mapping allows firms to check that benchmark usage is in accordance with the regulation, providing information on which products are using authorised benchmarks (or otherwise), what their substitutes should be, the named authorised administrators with their competent authority, status, and EU endorsing administrator. MDSLs ILM can also integrate with a variety of other financial tools, such as post-trade reporting systems, to allow them to reconcile the authorisation status of indices used in transactions.

Our solutions are built on client feedback and we've been partnering with major financial institutions for more than 23 years to simplify their processes while ensuring compliance, said Ben Mendoza, MDSL Chairman. Investment in Regtech products helps us provide solutions to ease the burden of regulation. Now is the time to implement solutions to ensure regulatory compliance and avoid reputation damaging penalties.

###

About MDSL:

MDSL was founded in 1995 with a vision to provide financial trading organizations with tools to drastically improve the management of their market data services costs. Today, MDSL's Market Data Manager solution is the de-facto standard for market data cost management, providing specialist multi-currency market data inventory management, contract management, invoice reconciliation and reporting for over 75 financial institutions around the world. In recent years, MDSL has developed a number of other solutions aimed at the financial sector, providing management for index licenses, benchmark regulations, client trading costs and application compliance reviews. For more information, visit http://www.mdsl.com
Capitalism and Natural Law Life, Liberty, and Private Property: an enlightening approach to show that Capitalism and the modern economic structure have found advocates and opposers for the economic laws being Natural or faith directed. Capitalism and Natural Law Life, Liberty, and Private Property is the creation of published author, Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D., an United States Air Force Veteran, with a background in the aerospace industry as a logistician, engineer and manager for a variety of world known scientific companies, including Texas Instruments and General Electric. By the end of the cold war, Robert earned several masters degrees and his Ph.D. in business administration. The areas of professional focus were strategic, project, technology and innovation, as well as, operations management.

Christianity and capitalism both seem to be going through a bit of a rough patch at the time of this writing. On the one hand, we in the United Stated watched in amazement how an avowed socialist made a serious run at the presidency. At least temporarily, and at the very least, he inspired a movement among the young. On the other hand, the Freedom from Religion movement was busy pestering all kinds of Christians all over the United Statesno matter how constitutional, subtle, or innocent their expressions of faith.



Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.s new book brilliantly gives tantalizing information without a conclusive answer, in order to allow the reader to make the final elucidations on what they deem to be acceptable conclusion.

View a synopsis of Capitalism and Natural Law Life, Liberty, and Private Property on YouTube.

Consumers can purchaseCapitalism and Natural Law Life, Liberty, and Private Property at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Life, Liberty, and Private Property, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
The second graduating class of CIVIC's elite private lending training program, "Top Gun". At the juncture where hypothetical classroom scenarios collide with the reality of the lending world, our expert Account Executives are there to pave the way. This group of veterans brings a value to Top Gun and the next generation of private lending that is irrefutably priceless.

Civic Financial Services announces the second graduating class of Top Gun, the private lending financiers elite training program.

CIVIC continues its pursuit to invest in tomorrows professionals, with the commencement of this second group taking place only a few short months after that of the first graduating class. The second round of this highly sought-after private lending program received 1,350 applications, resulting in 100 interviews and the selection of 13 final candidates. After a six-week classroom training course, the graduates also completed a six-week mentorship program in which they were paired with senior level Account Executives. After successfully passing both pillars of the program, they have now joined the prior graduating class by advancing to full time Account Executive positions with well over $100,000 annual earning potential.

William J. Tessar, President at CIVIC, is proud of the Top Gun graduates and the tenured Account Executives alike. As our graduates transition into the lending workforce, it is our seasoned Account Executives who are willing to guide, mentor and elevate them to the next level in their careers, said Tessar. At the juncture where hypothetical classroom scenarios collide with the reality of the lending world, our expert Account Executives are there to pave the way. This group of veterans brings a value to Top Gun and the next generation of private lending that is irrefutably priceless.

Patrick Morgan, Valedictorian of the Top Gun Bravo Squadron, stated in his commencement speech, Ive never seen anyone invest in their employees like CIVIC has invested in us. Jack Helfrich, Director of Sales at CIVIC, shared the fact that two candidates relocated from Florida to California to pursue Top Gun. Moving cross-country is an honor and testament to CIVIC that they would take this step and sway from other promising careers to join the CIVIC family.

In speaking to the presence of the new Account Executives, Tessar states the newness that the graduates bring to both the business and the company has truly elevated everyones game.

The newly trained talent joins CIVIC at an optimal time, as the company just recently reached the epic milestone of $1 billion in historical funding. Tessar adds, To reach this level of volume as such a young company is a huge milestone in lending. I am so very proud of this organization, and I know this is only the beginning of growth and achievements yet to come.

For more information on CIVIC private lending, visit http://www.civicfs.com or call 877-472-4842.

CIVIC FINANCIAL SERVICES is a private money lender, specializing in the financing of non-owner occupied investment properties. CIVIC was created by its parent companies, Wedgewood and HMC Assets LLC, to serve investors who dont fit traditional lending criteria. Wedgewood and HMC, two of the most respected names in residential real estate, provide CIVIC with unparalleled valuation expertise in the real estate vertical as well as access to low-cost capital. With these resources, CIVIC is able to keep all operations in-house so loans are managed more closely, quickly, and efficiently.
Pursuit of Freedom by Laxmi Parasuram A universal search for understanding the complex web of life, finding meaning in relationship, and finally releasing oneself from suffering." - 5-Star Amazon Review

How in the world does a 12-year-old girl from 1940s India escape her cultures demand for an arranged marriage, and instead end up on a radical 1960s American campus?

At 12, Maya rebels against her family in pursuit of freedom. In this insightful novel, she refuses marriage, escapes home to get an education in a Catholic boarding school, and ultimately lands in America of the 1960s, when cultural protests against the Vietnam War are raging. Now a woman, she finally understands the difficulties that come with a break in tradition.

A richly imagined and deeply felt testimony to the timeless human impulse that informs all our lives.  Dr. Robert Hamburger, Professor of English, New Jersey City University

A universal search for understanding the complex web of life, finding meaning in relationship, and finally releasing oneself from suffering. Maya, the main character, never quite achieves this goal, but then, who does? In India, where she grows up, she is constantly suffocated by norms, customs, prejudices, and the mundaneness of existence  As she ventures out of India as an adult, she arrives in America full of hope in finding what was missing in her life in India  Disillusioned, Maya continues her search for meaning, finally coming to terms with God in her own way.  5-Star Amazon reviewer

About the Author: Earning an M.A. from Bombay University and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky, Laxmi Parasuram is a retired professor of English and American literature in India. She was presented a Visit Award from the British Council as well as American Fulbright post-doctoral fellowships. The author is currently active in national and community associations in Calcutta.

The compelling book PURSUIT OF FREEDOM (ISBN: 978-1482874-91-4) is available for $11.50 ($4.99 for Kindle version) and can be ordered through the Amazon website:

https://www.amazon.com/PURSUIT-FREEDOM-Laxmi-Parasuram/dp/1482874911
Oliver Sauter, WorldBrain founder A free, open-source and private browser extension, Memex lets students instantly find anything theyve seen, saved or shared online.

WorldBrain launches Memex, a free browser extension designed to save students stress and hours of work each week. Memex makes it up to ten times faster for students to organize and recover the most useful content they find online.

Thursday 22 February, 2018. With some 1.35 billion people across the world back at high schools, universities and colleges, research shows that stress, and a scarcity of time, are amongst the most common challenges that students face.

The American Psychological Association reports that students in the US suffer from stress levels as high as that of adults, in part due to feelings of being overwhelmed by their workload. According to Student Monitor, the time students spend online is increasing. In 2016 students spent an average of 20 hours online a week, a 25% increase from 2015.

Surveys of students conducted by WorldBrain, the creators of Memex, reveal that university goers who rely on the web for research lose hours of productive time each week. In their day to day life, students constantly need to refer to websites, papers, or research theyve seen in the past. Currently, students have to invest in time-consuming and laborious methods of bookmarking and organizing, in order to keep track of all the information they find valuable, says Oliver Sauter, founder of WorldBrain, the collective that has created Memex. Often  even with extensive preparation  online research gets lost and can take hours to retrieve again. The result is that the quality of a students assignments suffers, and their stress levels increase. Sauter says.

In Pretoria, South Africa, an undergraduate expresses how a common research bugbear affects him. It is so frustrating when I find a good research paper, but forget to bookmark it and cant find it again later, says Kyle de Waal, a 22 year old South African studying for a BA in Film Theory and Game Design, who participated in WorldBrains survey. I have to search through my history, or try to recreate the search parameters I used initially. Even if I bookmark conscientiously, I end up with folders within folders. Often I cant even relocate the specific phrase or quote Im looking for.

Callia Stylianou, a 20 year old undergraduate in Anthropology at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, in the US, shares the problems she has with doing research: To save the best websites and papers I find during my research, and to share them with others, I create lists of links in Google Docs. That takes so much time and is pretty messy, but its the easiest way I know.

For students like Kyle and Callia, WorldBrain Memex offers the perfect solution  one that will save them hours of work each week and reduce stress. A free, open-source and private browser extension, Memex lets students instantly find anything theyve seen, saved or shared online. Instead of spending time organising everything upfront, students now need only recall words from the text, a time, a domain or tags to relocate the information theyre looking for.

Students can search directly via the address bar of the browser and find websites within seconds.

The browser extension marries smart search functionality with absolute privacy. Memex puts users in full control of their personal data, which is stored locally on the users own computer, Sauter says.

A collaborative project, WorldBrain Memex was built with the help of a team of volunteer coders from across the world and is managed by a global, distributed team. Future development will be crowdfunded through the presale of a premium product that is priced according to the tools popularity.

Available for Chrome, Firefox or Vivaldi, WorldBrain Memex can be downloaded from: worldbrain.io.

=== ENDS ===

For more information on WorldBrain, visit http://www.worldbrain.io

For photographs or visual collateral, visit https://worldbrain.io/mediacorner/

If you would like to interview Oliver Sauter, the founder of WorldBrain, please use:

Email: oli[at]worldbrain.io

Skype: realworldbrain

Phone: +49 171 5323694

For all other media queries, email media[at]worldbrain.io
Visiture, an eCommerce marketing agency, announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ExpandLab, an eCommerce design and development agency based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Visiture is a certified Shopify Plus technology partner and industry leader in eCommerce digital marketing, while Expandlabs expertise lies in innovative eCommerce development. The marriage of the two will provide merchants an unmatched expertise in creating efficient, attractive online shopping experiences that connect brands with their target customers.

This is an incredible opportunity to bring together two great companies, each a leader in their fields, in order to provide enhanced opportunities to our clients, said Brian Cohen, CEO and co-founder of Visiture. Together, we will draw on our decades of experience to push the boundaries on design and eCommerce innovation, consistently delivering outstanding results for merchants.

As a leader in digital marketing for enterprise eCommerce brands, Visiture has experienced huge growth over the past couple of years with offices in both Charleston, SC and Atlanta, GA. In 2017, Visiture was named to the INC 5000 list among the nations fastest-growing private companies.

This acquisition affords us the opportunity to provide a suite of best-in-class services to eCommerce merchants under one roof, so to speak, said Ronald Dod, CMO and co-founder of Visiture. Its truly great to work with like-minded people who are passionate about eCommerce. We look forward to seeing how the joining of our creative talents will build future opportunities and wins for our clients.

Based in Atlanta, GA, ExpandLab, a Magento Solutions Partner, has set the standard in eCommerce development. By mastering leading-edge technology, strategic services, and thought leadership, ExpandLab has solidified itself as a resource for helping retailers overcome the complexity of omnichannel retail and selling online.

With the combined services of Visiture and ExpandLab, well be able to offer the best in class turn-key services for leading eCommerce brands, said Dennis Ngin, COO of ExpandLab. From SEO and PPC management to development and custom design, weve created an end-to-end solution with a single point of contact to fuel the growth of our clients and reduce marketing expense.

The acquisition will bring ExpandLab under the umbrella of the Visiture brand, with offices retained in both Charleston, SC and Atlanta, GA. The full creative team at ExpandLab will make the transition to the Visiture organization.

Our employees have always been the DNA behind our success, and that of our clients, said Ryan Jones, Vice President of Operations at Visiture. Were excited to add the talent and experience of the Expandlab team to the Visiture family.

About Visiture

Visiture is an eCommerce marketing agency focused on helping online merchants acquire more customers through the use of search engines, social media platforms, marketplaces, and their online storefronts. Through search engine optimization, pay per click management, conversion rate optimization, development, and user experience services; Visiture paves the way for online merchants to achieve higher returns from their online marketing channels.
The art of cosmetic dentistry is able to change a person's life.

Well-respected dentist, Dr. Kevin Hogan, welcomes new patients in North Charleston, SC for cosmetic dentistry treatment without a referral at his Mt. Pleasant practice. Achieving successful outcomes for every patient according to his or her needs, Dr. Hogan considers bone structure, dental history, and a host of other traits that make each patient unique. Dr. Hogan strives to combine science and artistry into every treatment process.

One of the most requested services Dr. Hogan performs is orthodontia, especially with the Invisalign clear braces technology. Invisalign utilizes plastic aligner trays to gently, but firmly, move the teeth into natural positions. The process offers discreetness, which is especially critical to professionals looking to avoid bracket-and-wire metal braces.

Teeth whitening is another popular option available through Dr. Hogans Mt. Pleasant, SC, office. Unlike over-the-counter whitening products, Dr. Hogan can help patients achieve long-lasting, bright teeth quickly and safely. High-tech equipment and an extremely comfortable environment make the process even more attractive to people with yellowed or stained teeth.

Dr. Hogan also offers occlusal adjustments, porcelain tooth crowns, porcelain veneers, and porcelain fillings. Each solution is created using state-of-the-art equipment, tools, and software, and is based on a patients preferred tooth shape and color, his or her facial dimensions, and other aesthetic aspects. The art of cosmetic dentistry is able to change a person's life, says Dr. Hogan. We are able to take debilitated dentition and bring that back to a beautiful smile that the patient can use with confidence.

Patients can make an appointment to talk with Dr. Hogan about cosmetic services such as teeth whitening or Invisalign in North Charleston, SC, by calling his Mt. Pleasant, SC practice at 843-639-5921.

About the Doctor

Dr. Kevin Hogan is a general dentist providing individualized care for patients in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Dr. Hogan is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry and has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education courses to stay contemporary with the latest dental technologies. In addition, he has also completed coursework with the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation and has lectured at the University of North Carolina, Emory University, the Saginaw Valley University and AUA-American University of Antigua on head and neck anatomy and oral pathology. Dr. Hogan is a member of the American Dental Association, International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics, Academy of Laser Dentistry, International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics, Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, DOCS (the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation), International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the South Carolina Dental Association. He is also a past member of the American Straight Wire Orthodontic Association, Maxillofacial Orthopedic Growth and Development, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Functional Orthodontic Society. He and his team are dedicated to providing exceptional oral care to patients through personalized treatment plans. To learn more about the services offered by Dr. Hogan, please visit his website at http://www.smilesbyhogan.com or call 843-639-5921.
World Live Surgery Workshop It is important now more than ever for both physicians and consumers to recognize the value of trained, qualified hair restoration surgeons. Education provided through the ISHRS helps to ensure these surgeons have the appropriate education to safely and effectively treat hair loss.

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration with more than 1,100 members throughout 70 countries worldwide, will host the 2018 World Live Surgery Workshop (http://www.2018wlswdubai.org/2018WLSWDubai/) for surgeons and physicians both experienced and new to the hair restoration surgery field. The live surgery workshop will be held at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, the ISHRSs partnering hospital, in Dubai Healthcare City, UAE, from March 8-10.

The program will provide an intensive educational experience. A faculty of more than 35 leading experts will teach state of the art of hair restoration, including more than 20 international guest surgeons, who are leaders in the field, demonstrating techniques during live surgeries. There will be five simultaneous surgeries in operating theaters on each day in which attendees may freely rotate to observe.

It is important now more than ever for both physicians and consumers to recognize the value of trained, qualified hair restoration surgeons. Education provided through the ISHRS helps to ensure these surgeons have the appropriate education to safely and effectively treat hair loss, said Switzerland-based Conradin von Albertini, MD, FISHRS, Chair, 2018 World Live Surgery Workshop.

Far too often we see patients approach our members for help, after suffering from the work of an unqualified professional. Educational programs such as the World Live Surgery Workshop improve outcomes for both physicians and patients, he added.

Guest Operating Faculty

Conradin von Albertini MD, FISHRS | Switzerland

Arika Bansal, MD | India

Otavio Augusto Boaventura Lima, MD | Brazil

Jean Devroye, MD, FISHRS | Belgium

Kapil Dua, MBBS, MS, FISHRS | India

Bessam K. Farjo, MBChB, FISHRS | UK

James A. Harris, MD, FISHRS | USA

Sungjoo Hwang, MD, PhD, FISHRS | South Korea

Dae-Young Kim, MD, PhD, FISHRS | Korea

Russell Knudsen, MBBS, FISHRS | Australia

Emorane Lupanzula, MD | Belgium

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS | USA

Damkerng Pathomvanich, MD, FISHRS | Thailand

Marie-Andree Schambach, MD | Guatemala

Piero Tesauro, MD | Italy

Arthur Tykocinski, MD, FISHRS | Brazil

Sanusi Umar, MD FISHRS | USA

Gregory Williams, MBBS, FISHRS | UK

Georgios Zontos, MD, MSc, PhD, FISHRS | Denmark

Dubai Surgeons

Local Liaison: Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, MD, FISHRS | UAE

Hanieh Erdmann, MD | UAE

Cagatay Sezgin, MD | UAE

Zulifqar H. Tunio, MD | UAE

Teaching Faculty

Gholamali Abbasi, MD, FISHRS | Iran

Konstantinos K. Anastassakis, MD, PhD | Greece

Vincenzo Gambino MD, PhD, FISHRS | Italy

Anil Garg, MBBS, MS, MCh, FISHRS | India

Aditya Gupta, MD, PhD, FISHRS | Canada

Robert Haber, MD, FISHRS | USA

Francisco Jimenez, MD, FISHRS | Spain

Melike Kulahci, MD | Turkey

Jennifer Martinick, MBBS | Australia

Ahmed Adel Noreldin, MD, FISHRS | Egypt

Ratchathorn Panchaprateep, MD, PhD | Thailand

Muhammad N. Rashid, MD | Pakistan

Tseng-Kuo Shiao, MD, FISHRS | USA

Bradley R. Wolf, MD, FISHRS | USA

Kuniyoshi Yagyu, MD, FISHRS | Japan

The ISHRS has created a consumer education site, which provides a list of questions patients should ask when seeking a physician http://www.ishrs.org/article/consumer-alert.

The worldwide volume of surgical hair restoration procedures performed from 2014 to 2016 increased 60 percent, with 635,189 procedures performed in 2016, according to a 2017 International Society of Hair Restoration 2017 survey.

Physician Education

Leading experts from around the world will demonstrate innovative techniques during the live surgery workshops including the use of various instruments used to perform FUE (Follicular Unit Excision), the strip technique, FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), and specialized procedures for eyebrow and beard. The use of implanters, special devices for placing the hair grafts, will also be demonstrated. The surgeries will be performed on both male and female patients and will demonstrate diverse cases.

Additionally, attendees will learn from more than 40 expert faculty physicians representing 23 countries. They will conduct presentations and discussion panels on topics including donor harvesting techniques, FUE efficiency and dynamics, implantation and placing, special cases, post op care & emergencies, hair loss, surgical planning and anesthesia, non-surgical hair loss therapies.

About the ISHRS

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is a global non-profit medical association and a leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration with more than 1,200 members throughout 70 countries worldwide. Above all, the ISHRS is dedicated to achieving excellence in patient outcomes by promoting the highest standards of medical practice, medical ethics, and research in the medical hair restoration industry. The ISHRS also provides continuing medical education to physicians specializing in hair transplant surgery and is committed to delivering the latest information on medical and surgical treatments to consumers suffering from hair loss, and most commonly from androgenetic alopecia male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss. It was founded in 1993 as the first international society to promote continuing quality improvement and education for professionals in the field of hair restoration surgery. For more information and to locate a physician, visit http://www.ishrs.org. Follow ISHRS on Twitter @ISHRS.

About The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital (AACSH)

Established in 2008, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital (AACSH) offers a unique experience by providing optimal surgical and non-surgical care. The hospital team comprises world-renowned dermatologists, cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive specialists, head and neck, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, hair transplant surgeons, nutrition specialists and wellness therapists. In addition to providing the finest surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments, the facility also offers luxurious boutique accommodations, featuring elegant rooms and suites. AACSH has also designed a world-class education center style to accommodate world congress events, trainings and workshops, as well as general public education. For more information about AACSH, you can visit: http://www.aacsh.com.
As part of his continued effort to recognize Houstons most influential people who also contribute to society through tireless creativity and influence, Mayor Sylvester Turner has declared March 2nd as Courtney Japaul Glaude Day. This public event and its associated festivities will kick off on Friday, March 2nd 2018 and will continue with annual recognition.

We are so proud to have Courtney honored by the Mayor and to also have a namesake day within the city he grew up in. It is a pretty amazing task and all of us who know him, and know what he contributes to the art of film making to both local and national causes.

JaPaul Glaude recently produced a movie titled Blink based on the subject matter of Domestic Violence. In addition to a flagship day in his namesake thanks to Mayor Turner, Courtney was also recently honored for his directors work after winning an award at this years Los Angeles Film Festival. Further, he recently hosted a media awareness day for the movie Blink in Atlanta, Georgia, bringing together the likes of national and local press and non-profit initiatives, such as Allstates "Purple Purse" initiative, which is led by spokeswoman Serena Williams.

The most recent private Press Day held at the Marke Venue in Atlanta, Ga helped to bring awareness to the subject of domestic violence thanks to Courtneys film Blink. It was at his forum that leaders previewed the film with a Q&A hosted by ALLSTATE Agent and local Atlanta partner for Blink Dorothy Coker, Harvey Mcclin of Strategic Alliance, National Recording Artist signed to Rick Ross: Queen Just Brittany and several others, but thats Courtney- he is always working towards a bigger picture and ways to use storytelling to advocate for the awareness of an important cause, finished Velma Trayham of ThinkZILLA.

Members of the press are invited to request an interview and learn more about March 2nd being JaPaul Glaude day, the red carpet release of the new film Blink and its partnership with AMC to premier on March 2nd through March 8th in Atlanta and Houston theaters.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH BLINK TRAILER > https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=16&v=_yBereJW8ck

Further, the public is invited to see the movie Blink through way of AMC Theatres. Advance tickets are now on sale through with direct links found on http://www.blinkthemovie.net. Further, the public can help to support Houstons most celebrated native by using the Hashtag #Blinkthemovie2018 across all social media platforms, including when seeing the movie and /or leaving reviews. Further, the public is encouraged to help bring awareness to the subject matter of domestic violence by becoming involved ; local churches and nonprofit organizations, which include purchasing group sale tickets.

For Media Coverage Submissions https://form.jotform.com/80493723384159 or to request an interview with Courtney Email Press@itsthinkzilla.com or call 888-509-1145
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has named Indianapolis-based business and technology consulting company eimagine on their 2018 list of Best Places to Work in Indiana. Over two hundred business across 25 industries spanning over 20 cities applied to the Indiana Chamber of Commerces program. This is eimagines fourth consecutive year to receive this honor, previously recognized in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Emily Lefebvre, Vice President of People Operations at eimagine, enthusiastically credits the companys employees for helping achieve this award. We worked hard and continue to work hard to have an innovative and exciting culture that encourages collaboration and fun. eimagine is honored to be recognized as one of the Best Place to Work in Indiana for the fourth year in a row! We are so proud of all of our hard working team members that make eimagine the dynamic organization that it is today!

Companies that participated in the 2018 Best Places to Work program received an in-depth evaluation identifying strengths and weaknesses according to their employees. The top companies in the state were determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys. The Best Companies Group, which independently handled the selection process, oversees similar programs in 29 other states.

President of eimagine, Scott Crane, is passionate about eimagine's presence and culture in the local Indiana technology scene: "Its humbling to be recognized alongside so many great companies and community leaders. eimagine is proud to be a part of the tech community for the past 20 years and excited for the future of the industry, especially in Indiana.

Best Places to Work in Indiana companies range in employee count from 15 to more than 1,700. eimagine was selected in the Small Companies category, which includes companies of between 15 and 74 employees.

We have many tremendous employers in the state, so its great to see more and more companies take part in this effort to evaluate their workplace cultures and gain the recognition they deserve, offers Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar.

The actual rankings for the companies will be unveiled on May 3rd, 2018 at the Best Places to Work Awards Dinner, held at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. In addition to the Awards Dinner, winners will be recognized via a special section of the Indiana Chambers bimonthly BizVoice magazine. The 2018 Best Places to Work in Indiana awards dinner is open to the public.

eimagine is a business and technology consulting company that has a passion for helping clients refine, enhance and automate their business. eimagine is known for helping businesses streamline their operations and run more efficiently while generating increased profitabilityoften where others have failed. eimagines comprehensive approach is based on the companys Engagement Drives Outcomes mantrathe belief that solutions begin with understanding people and processes, then leveraging technology as a tool to overcome challenges in creative and innovative ways.
JoyFlips will be launching several technical breakthroughs in version 4.0 of its family album technology at RootsTech 2018, along with an $80,000-value giveaway of 2,000 of its new FamilyArchive Kits during the event, Feb. 28  Mar 3, 2018, in Salt Lake City. The new technology in JoyFlips 4.0 will also be featured in the RootsTech Innovation Showcase during the conference.

The new FamilyArchive Kit is a secure offline automatic backup, protected by patent-pending technology, that will keep your family's digital archive safe for over 50 years. Anyone attending the conference who has a free JoyFlips account, or opens one between February 28 and March 3 at 3pm, is eligible to receive a free $40 value FamilyArchive Kit by stopping by one of the JoyFlips booths at the show. (Recipients must be 14 or older to be eligible) Offer limited to 2,000 eligible attendees. One FamilyArchive Kit per person. Anyone not attending the conference in person who opens a free JoyFlips account from February 28th through March 3rd will be eligible for a 50% discount off the normal price of $40, including free shipping, if ordered by March 31, 2018.

ABOUT JOYFLIPS 4.0

JoyFlips version 4.0 will be available to the public at the start of RootsTech 2018 on February 28, 2018. JoyFlips is a completely free and unlimited service available as an app for both iOS and Android devices, in addition to a user-friendly website which includes almost all of the same functionality of the phone app. Version 4 extends the firms leadership in family story technology with new features, including the ability to record stories as family members browse photos together on the phone, then converting those stories and photos into shareable high-resolution videos. The videos are instantly updated any time the photos or audio are changed, making them dynamically interactive. This is the first technology that makes it easy for families to create video albums of both family photos and recordings of family members sharing stories about them.

We are fulfilling our mission to provide millions of people worldwide with the tools to easily discover, record, share and preserve their familys stories, said Vincent Titolo, JoyFlips co-founder and CEO. One of the exciting new technologies in version 4 of JoyFlips makes it possible for the first time to use photos along with stories in the voices of family members to create beautiful shared videos. Now the entire family can participate in creating their own living documentaries, he added.

Version 4 of JoyFlips was completely rebuilt from the ground up not only to make it easier to use, but to add important new features allowing collaboration and on-the-phone storytelling while family members browse through photos together, added Scott Shebby, JoyFlips co-founder and CTO. Another major breakthrough is our FamilyArchive software that creates an always up-to-date secure offline backup of everything in your JoyFlips account. Our patent-pending technology brings the cost of highly reliable long-term data storage down to where almost everyone can safely archive their familys precious legacy of photos, stories and documents for generations, he continued.

Other innovative features of the free JoyFlips service include:



Importing photos from anywhere: your phone, computer, Facebook or FamilySearch, or with the built-in fast high-resolution scanner for paper photos and documents

The ability to have an unlimited number of photos and stories stored online and available wherever you are: on your phone or on your computer

Adding searchable tags with both voice and text that are also embedded in the photo jpg files

Recording searchable stories in phone conversations

Creating and sharing photo albums or video albums that contain photos and family members stories in their own voice

Inviting family members to add photos and stories to albums

Easy-to-use photo restoration, touch up and editing software

Optional FamilyArchive Kit secure Off-Line automatic backups protected by patent-pending technology that keeps your familys digital archive safe for over 50 years

ABOUT JOYFLIPS

JoyFlips is a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that allows millions of people worldwide to discover and preserve their family history by connecting old print photos and family storytelling to the vast resources of historical documents now available online. Our technology provides the tools to scan, preserve and share thousands of print photos, and to record and pass down the stories they tell through storytelling in voice and text. For more information about JoyFlips technology visit http://www.joyflips.com

ABOUT THE JOYFLIPS FAMILYARCHIVE KIT

The FamilyArchive Kit is a combination of a special long-life USB flash drive and software that automatically maintains an up-to-date backup copy of a users JoyFlips account. The patent-pending FamilyArchive Kit ensures the data stored on the USB drive remains intact for over 50 years by using Single Level Cell (SLC) NAND flash memory technology and applying error correction software that identifies errors in critical data stored on the drive and then reconstructs the original, error-free data.

The FamilyArchive software automatically creates an offline copy of the users full JoyFlips account including all photos, tags, albums, recorded stories and video albums. Each FamilyArchive drive can store a typical JoyFlips account with up to 30,000 photos, voice stories and associated video albums. Users access their offline JoyFlips account from their web browser, enjoying the full multimedia viewing of photos, stories and video albums just as it they were in their online web account. Individual image, audio and video files can also be downloaded from the FamilyArchive drive. Should the FamilyArchive storage device ever be lost, the software allows users to easily create a new copy on a new FamilyArchive device directly from their account. The FamilyArchive Kit is priced at $40 and includes free express shipping.

ABOUT ROOTSTECH 2018

RootsTech, hosted by FamilySearch, is a global conference celebrating families across generations, where people of all ages are inspired to discover and share their memories and connections. This annual event has become the largest of its kind in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants worldwide. RootsTech will be held on Feb. 28th through March 3rd, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Family History Technology Innovation Showcase will also be held during the conference. For information about attending RootsTech 2018 and the Family History Innovator Showcase, visit https://www.rootstech.org
"Tortured for Christ" the Movie Our film is ultimately about hope and love. Ive never encountered a more qualified person who managed to hate the sin and yet love the sinner than Richard Wurmbrand. And while we did film scenes of the cruelty of the communists, we tried to never lose sight of Richards enduring and powerful faith.

Seventy years ago during the Russian occupation of Romania, communist secret police arrested Pastor Richard Wurmbrand on the streets of Bucharest. Wurmbrand, like thousands of other political prisoners, was imprisoned because he publicly proclaimed his faith in Christ in an era of communist atheism. Ultimately serving more than 14 years behind bars, Wurmbrand was part of an entire generation of Christians who experienced a form of Eastern European persecution that was invisible to the rest of the world. Now, for the first time, a dramatic retelling of their story will be brought to the big screen based on Wurmbrand's international bestseller by the same name.

"Tortured for Christ" comes to U.S. movie theaters, for one night only, on Monday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. local time. Tickets for the special screening of "Tortured for Christ" can be purchased by going to http://www.TorturedForChrist.com. Christians throughout the U.S. will be inspired by the movie event scheduled to screen in nearly 700 select movie theaters.

Miraculously, Wurmbrand survived the tortures of prison and the severe illnesses he contracted. He was freed in 1964, came to America, and immediately began writing the autobiographical novel about his horrific experience that was endured by thousands of other political prisoners in the era of communist atheism.

Cole Richards, Executive Director of The Voice of the Martyrs said, "It's been 50 years since Richard Wurmbrand shared his incredible story in the book Tortured for Christ, and 50 years since he launched the ministry that is known today as The Voice of the Martyrs. Seeing this film will be a landmark experience in any Christian's walk with God. It is impossible not to be inspired, challenged and changed by this true story of overcoming love."

Executive Producer and co-writer Steve Cleary was a close friend of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, traveling extensively with them before their passing into eternity. Cleary shares, "This was an opportunity of a lifetime to capture the story of the greatest man I've ever met. I asked myself, 'If Richard could speak in church on last time, what would he say?' I believe this film captures that message and honors his legacy."

Director/co-writer John Grooters said the decision to cast and shoot the film on location in Romania was easy, especially after he saw that many of the locations and prisons where Wurmbrand's story took place were still intact. "We filmed for several days in Jilava prison near Bucharest," said Grooters. "The place is abandoned today, but the echoes of suffering still can be sensed inside those walls. It was a chilling feeling, and not just because we shot in the frigid temperatures of winter. The authenticity of all the locations really contributed to the authenticity of the performances by the actors."

Richard Wurmbrand said that to be in a Communist prison was to be tortured. He experienced many forms of brutal torture, abuse and illness. His wife, Sabina, was also arrested and spent nearly three years in Communist labor camps. The film depicts both of their stories and reveals their unwavering commitment to demonstrate the love of Christ in all circumstances to all people.

Although the film depicts the brutal persecution endured by the prisoners under their communist guards, Grooters was sensitive not to glamorize or overindulge in the terrible. "Our film is ultimately about hope and love. I've never encountered a more qualified person who managed to hate the sin and yet love the sinner than Richard Wurmbrand. We filmed the cruelty of the Communists, but we tried to never lose sight of Richard's enduring and powerful faith. By the end of the film I believe people will be more inclined to worship than to despair," explained Grooters.

The dialogue in the film alternates between English, Romanian and Russian (with English subtitles) to hold to the authenticity of this true story.

Early reviews of the film have been glowing. Well known author and speaker Ray Comfort (Hell's Best Kept Secret, The Evidence Bible, MORE) posted, "What a moving, powerful, and quality production!  It has had a profound effect on my Christian walk."

Production and Post Production was handled by Grooters Productions of Holland, Michigan who worked with Bucharest's Fast Production Film for in-country services. Grooters said, "The chance to work alongside the cast and crew we met in Romania was an unbelievable privilege. They brought not only their incredible talent, but also their passion to this production. This was a truly international cooperative on every level."

About The Voice Of the Martyrs

The Voice of the Martyrs is a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian missions organization dedicated to serving our persecuted family worldwide through practical and spiritual assistance and leading other members of the body of Christ into fellowship with them. VOM was founded in 1967 by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned for 14 years in Communist Romania for his faith in Christ; his wife, Sabina, was imprisoned for three years. In 1965 they were ransomed out of Romania, and soon thereafter they established the global network of missions of which VOM is a part. The Wurmbrands based these missions on Hebrews 13:3, which instructs us to "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." To learn more about The Voice of the Martyrs go to https://www.persecution.com/

About the Director

John Grooters is a director, writer and producer with a broad history in professional film production that spans over two decades. With more than 60 national and international awards for video production excellence, John brings a thoughtful perspective and a highly sought-after style, consistently executing visual artistry on a scale that most think only the likes of Hollywood can produce. John's experience in film is as vast as it is engaging, but his first love is storytelling - on every scale. John's work has been seen by millions throughout the world in theaters, museums, festivals, trade-shows, conferences, and on broadcast television. To learn more about John Grooters, go to https://johngrooters.com/ or visit him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/johngrootersdirector/

About Grooters Productions

Grooters Productions is an award-winning production company for HD, film, television, video, music, print, and web. They offer complete creative and in-house services for concept, production, post-production, audio, design, print, and web applications. GP also features 5.1 surround sound audio studios, 3D and 2D graphics platforms, Avid Symphony-Nitris uncompressed finishing, multiple encoding platforms and delivery options, website design and programming, and original music composition. The core of their business is full-service production and post-production with clients ranging from Coca Cola, SAF-Holland, Fleet Engineers, Focus on the Family and Anheuser-Busch. To learn more about GP, go to https://www.grootersproductions.com/ or visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GrootersProductions/
UtiliNet Europe 2018 Excellent forum to meet peers from the DSO scene in Europe for the exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices in the field of telecommunications for power distribution grids

But whilst packet-based technologies are known to improve cost efficiency and support a broader range of smart grid applications and services, there are still significant QoS concerns around the reliability and security with which mission critical services such as teleprotection and substation communication can be supported.

With TDM based technologies soon to reach obsolescence says Mandana White, Director at Phoenix Forums, organisers of UtiliNet Europe 2018, the time is ripe for utilities to fully investigate the potential of a whole new range of IP based telecom technologies and topologies to ensure that they leverage the latest solutions to futureproof their packet telecom deployments and maximise the long-term viability of these networks.

And with this in mind, Phoenix Forums are holding a 3-day conference, exhibition and networking forums, to provide utilities with a focused and technically in-depth platform for reviewing the reliability and cyber security of their telecom networks as the migration from SDH to IP-MPLS and MPLS-TP takes hold.

During the main conference 14+ utilities share their IP migration strategies, evaluating the different technology options such as SDH, IP, IP-MPLS, MPLS-TP among others. Technical presentations address the deployment of new IP-enabled services and applications such as IP SCADA, PMU, and IP Video Surveillance. Monitoring of an increasingly complex multi-vendor, multi-technology telecom network, and the integration of IP network security into a comprehensive end-to-end security strategy will be fully addressed. Assessment of the different public and private telecom infrastructure options including MVNO and PVNO will be made, as well as an examination of the future SDH and NFV service oriented telecom network architecture. Day three provides two parallel workshops, one focused on cyber-security for utility telecom professionals, and the other on supporting teleprotection services with packet telecoms.

Alongside the case-study programme there are a number of technology innovation panel discussions, a series of intimate end-user round table debates, a live demo lab of the latest packet telecom solutions, an exhibition area displaying 10+ state of the art technology suppliers, and an evening networking reception open to all participants.

Discussion topics include:



Migration timescales: planning the migration to all-IP networks to ensure effective support for new services whilst maintaining current levels of service reliability and security

Technology Mix: Determining the optimum mix to minimise capex and opex for the long term in support of new IP services (SDH, IP, IP-MPLS, MPLS-TP)

Teleprotection & Substation Automation: Understanding how utilities are matching SDH standards availability and reliability with IP networking

Integrated Telecoms Security: Developing a comprehensive end to end security strategy to achieve high levels of cyber and physical security in the transition to the digital grid

New IP Enabled Services and Applications: Enabling new IP services such as IP SCADA, PMU and IP Video surveillance

Network Monitoring: Achieving a complete overview of the increasingly complex multi-vendor, multi-technology telecom network to ensure high levels of QoS and performance

Public and Private Infrastructure Options: Evaluating the different options to deliver a cost-effective solution: Private, Public, MVNO, PVNO

Network of the Future: Understand how future service orientated networks with intelligence at the network edge will lead the next revolution in utility telecoms networks

Speakers include:

Andreas Breuer, Vice President of New Technologies and Projects & Chairman - Innogy & EUTC

Alberto Sendin, Head of Telecommunications  Iberdrola

Jurgen Tusch, Head of Telecoms  Innogy

Frank Visser, Telecommunications Architect  Alliander

Cormac Long, IP Technical Lead, Telecom Services - ESB Networks

Lhoussain Lhassani, Senior Specialist Asset Management  Stedin

Indrek Kunnapuu, Chief Telecommunications Specialist - Elektrilevi OU

Wolfgang Zeitler, Communications Architect  Bayernwerk

Zarko Velickovic, Telecommunication Network Management System Unit Manager - Elektromreza Srbije

Erik Moll, Telecom Policy Advisor - Utility Connect

Luis Matias, Associate Director, Digital Grid, Networks Digital Platform - EDP Distribuicao

Sergio Ramos Pinto, Assistant Director, Networks Digital Platform - EDP Distribuicao

Stephen Colgan, Global Business Development Leader - Vodafone Global Enterprise

Steven Blair, Research Fellow - University of Strathclyde

Prof. Antonello Monti, Director of the Institute for Automation of Complex Power Systems - E.ON Energy Research Centre

Daniel Schollhorn, Consultant - TUV Rheinland

Sponsors include:

OTN Systems is a leading supplier of mission-critical telecommunications solutions tailored for industrial applications. By working closely with numerous customers over nearly 30 years, OTN Systems has acquired the necessary expertise worldwide. The companys product line XTran was designed from day one with the requirements of the power utilities in mind. XTran is a flexible, state-of-the-art product allowing customers to go full packet. Its underlying MPLS-TP technology avoids the complexity of generic telecom solutions developed for service providers. XTran secures reliable operations in harsh environments while its management system (TXCare) supports an intuitive and simple handling. XTran makes MPLS for Operational Telecom easy.

Nokia is a global leader innovating the technologies at the heart of our connected world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve utilities with the industrys most complete, end-to-end portfolio of communications products, services and solutions to enable critical connections for automation for a safe, reliable and efficient grid and business model transformation. We create the technology to connect the world.

Testimonials from past UtiliNet Europe events include:

Excellent forum to meet peers from the DSO scene in Europe for the exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices in the field of telecommunications for power distribution grids.

Jurgen Tusch, Head of Telecoms - Innogy

A great opportunity to meet utilities from all over Europe, and to hear about their plans to upgrade their networks to support packet-based services. Interesting to see different migration strategies and how utilities adapted to that. The conference was very well organized. Exactly according to plan. High quality presentations which fully covered the different challenges in the industry.

Brre Jensen, Manager of Network Department - BKK Fibre

Once again Phoenix Forums presented a high-quality conference focused on one of the most important challenges for utilities. Throughout, an excellent blend of conference, workshops, exhibition, and networking that were highly successfully driven, forward looking, with open discussions participated by all participants.

Aurelio Blanquet, Director, Division of Automation & Telecommunication - EDP Distribution

Great place to see what companies do and how they think about future challenges. Also, the tele-protection in MPLS network was very useful and the tests and experience.

Denis Anusic, System Engineer - E.ON

Great focus. For the first time a conference focused on packet technology in the utility.

Dominique Verhulst, Head of Business Development for IP Division - Alcatel-Lucent

Event dates and location:

Conference: 15th-16th May 2018

Workshops: 17th May 2018

Location: Hotel Metropole Brussels, Belgium

Event website: http://www.utilinet-europe.com

For more information, interview and media accreditation:

Mandana White, Director - Phoenix Forums Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)20 8349 6360

Email: mandana(at)phoenix-forums.com

Phoenix Forums is an independent conference producer specialised in the smart grid sector. We work hand in hand with engineering professionals to create innovative event concepts and high-quality programmes that inform technical decision makers and enable them to deliver exceptional results.

Our approach is entirely market led. We stay exceptionally close to industry developments. Through our regular, rigorous and unbiased process of depth research with TSOs, DSOs, power generators, engineering consultancies, and technology innovators, we stay one step ahead of industry developments and provide live events that act as a catalyst for new ideas, new directions, and new approaches to achieving future energy security.

Phoenix Forums Ltd

Central House

1 Ballards Lane

London, N3 1LQ.

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)20 8349 6360

Email: registration(at)phoenix-forums.com
Griffin & Strong, P.C. ("GSPC") is under contract with the Metro Nashville Government ("Metro") to conduct the 2018 Disparity Study, a comprehensive review of Metros procurement process which will analyze contract awards to small and diverse businesses. Mayor Megan Barry and the Metro government have commissioned an additional public hearing for the 2018 Disparity Study, to be held February 27th at 6:30 PM, to ensure all Nashville residents have an opportunity to comment regarding experiences with Metro procurement. Previous hearings were held February 6th and 7th, 2018.

This date will also kick off a listening tour by Mayor Barry to coincide with a greater effort to impact Metro supplier diversity initiatives. Mayor Barry will be present to participate with GSPC, and invites business owners, community members, and leaders to discuss their experiences, both positive and negative, doing business in Nashville, and with Metro. These anecdotes will assist us in analyzing whether equal access is being granted to all firms seeking to do business. The public hearing will take place at the following location:

Public Hearing Session III

Tuesday, February 27th, 2018

from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Watkins College of Art, Film & Design

2298 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37228

Please note that this meeting is being presided over by Griffin & Strong, P.C. and not Metro or the Office of Mayor Megan Barry. Neither GSPC, Metro, or Mayor Barry will be responding to questions, only accepting commentary. Neither will the parties be responding to commentary except for additional clarity. Please be aware that everything said during this hearing will be a part of the public record and all comments will be recorded and potentially utilized as evidence for the 2018 Disparity Study. You may register via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/minority-and-diverse-business-listening-session-metro-projects-and-jobs-tickets-43175501086. Registration is encouraged, but not required for participation.

If there are any questions, concerns, or comments you wish to add, feel free to visit http://metronashvillestudies.com, contact GSPC at MetroNashvilleStudy(at)gspclaw(dot)com or Deputy Project Manager, Sterling Johnson, at sterling(at)gspclaw(dot)com.
Elk antler arches mark the corners of Jackson, Wyomings Town Square, where many of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival events will occur this September 5  16, 2018. Named the best fall festival in Wyoming by Travel + Leisure, this annual arts festival is truly a one-of-a-kind event.

The dates are set for the 34th annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival and for 11 days, from September 5 - 16, 2018, the streets of Jackson, Wyoming, will be filled with exciting events appealing to the eyes, ears, taste buds and the soul. As fall foliage glistens in the trees of the surrounding scenic mountains, Jackson Holes colorful spirit shines brighter than usual during the Rocky Mountain Wests premier cultural event.

With more than 50 family-friendly events, many of which are free, and with summer crowds departed, September is the perfect time to travel to Jackson and soak in the works of talented local and national artists, ranging from oil paintings, watercolors and sculptures to fashion, furniture and food. Named the best fall festival in Wyoming by Travel + Leisure, this annual arts festival is truly a one-of-a-kind event to put on the calendar.

Returning festival favorites include the Western Design Exhibit & Sale, which returns to the Snow King Center on September 6 with its action-packed Opening Preview Party, complete with cocktails, bites and hundreds of juried artists work to peruse, plus a live runway fashion show. The exhibit and sale continues through September 9, providing the opportunity for guests to shop and talk shop with the talented artists and designers.

Other returning Fall Arts Festival favorites include the Palates & Palettes Gallery Walk, where galleries stay open late and offer guests a look at their collections while serving wine, appetizers and in some cases live music. Locals and visitors alike crave the scrumptious Taste of the Tetons event, which offers a chance to sample creative cuisine from Jackson Holes best chefs in the beauty of Jackson Town Square.

Architecture and design enthusiasts can revel in the excitement of the Showcase of Homes Tour, offering a glimpse into Jacksons spectacular mountain homes and the opportunity to discuss technique and craftsmanship with the experts behind their design. And Western cultural history fans can tour the valleys historic ranches where cowboy heritage still thrives.

A festival finale and fan favorite, the always popular QuickDraw event again attracts dozens of artists to the world-famous Jackson Town Square, where theyre given 90 minutes to paint, sculpt and sketch their masterpieces before the live auction to sell the unique works. A full schedule of Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival events can be found here: https://www.jacksonholechamber.com/events-calendar/fall-arts-festival/.

About the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival:

Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyo., is served by major airlines including Delta, United, American and SkyWest. Reservation information for Jacksons numerous hotels, as well as a complete schedule of Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival events taking place Sept. 5 -16, 2018, may be found at http://www.jacksonholechamber.com. For additional information, contact Maureen Murphy at Jackson Hole Chamber, 307.733.3316.

Media Contact: Amy Stark, Word PR + Marketing, amy(at)wordprmarketing(dot)com, 307.734.5335
Optherium Labs is aiming to set a new standard in the blockchain industry through a cutting-edge product line

Financial security and blockchain solutions R&D company Optherium will attend the Global Blockchain Foundation's ("GBF") Singapore Blockchain Summit on February 27-28. The event aims to showcase emerging digital assets and various blockchain technologies. It will take place at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Optherium Founder and CEO, Serge Beck, said "Financial security and infrastructure have posed an age-old problem, encompassing breaches, inefficiencies, and more. Our platform will transform both institutional and user-end financial security alike, leveraging the immense power that blockchain technology is bringing to the forefront. Optherium is leading the charge in this area."

Optherium Labs is aiming to set a new standard in the blockchain industry through a cutting-edge product line that includes dynamic biometrics security, multi-signature transactions, lightning speed efficiency and a multi-currency platform. The blockchain solutions company plans to roll out the first two components from its roadmap this upcoming April, when it will launch its ecosystem and B2C offering. Optherium plans to release B2B, decentralized exchange, hedge fund and index fund offerings in the near future as well.

"The Singapore Blockchain Summit will lay the foundation for some ground-breaking work in blockchain ecosystem," shared GBF Co-Founder and Trustee Praneet Kumar. Kumar also noted that a core objective for the GBF is to build the largest human capital base for blockchain, DLT, crypto economy and emerging technologies.

"GBF is the first non-for profit community organization which brings government, enterprise, investors, startups, academia and techno-evangelists on one single platform for the cause of crypto-economic innovations," added GBF's other Co-Founder Pankajj Ghode.

About Optherium

Optherium Labs, a member of Crypto Valley Associations and the Linux and Hyperledger Foundations, is a global research and development organization building a new standard and synergy of blockchain solutions using an open-source, collaborative software development approach. This ensures the transparency, longevity, interoperability, and support required to bring new Optherium blockchain standards forward to the fintech world and to communities of software developers.

About The Global Blockchain Foundation

The Global Blockchain Foundation is an international Non-Profit social enterprise established with a global vision to build a sustainable blockchain community through international cooperation.

For additional details please visit optherium.io and gbf.world.

For media inquiries: Nathan Feifel, NathanhFeifel(at)gmail(dot)com
ZAP Data Hub transforms disparate data silos into the thread that connects a business, and drives its competitive advantage. No matter what your BI tool, an organization can use our software to access a governed hub of data for faster, more efficient and accurate reporting and analysis.

ZAP today launches ZAP Data Hub that connects, collects and unifies business data, integrating it into a secure, governed hub and preparing it for reporting and expert analysis with any BI tool.

ZAP Data Hub significantly reduces the IT overhead associated with both accessing and preparing business data for analysis, and with defining and maintaining data security and data governance. Its automated routines and intuitive user interface replace inefficient and inaccurate manual processes, as well as the need for time-consuming and expensive data warehouse projects.

ZAP Data Hub operates between a business' BI tool and its wide variety of data sources  no matter where they are located or how they are hosted  unifying them to make business-wide reporting easier and to produce game-changing insight, enabling analysis by business process instead of by individual data silo.

Such data sources might include ERP (for example NetSuite, Sage or Microsoft Dynamics), CRM and marketing systems (from Salesforce to Marketo, Zendesk and Google Analytics) or HRM and payroll. ZAP Data Hub also extends beyond on-premise and cloud-based ERP and CRM systems, integrating seamlessly with other cloud and on-premise data sources such as SQL Server, Azure SQL, Oracle, DB2, MySQL, Informix, PostgreSQL, Vertica and a limitless range of ODBC and .NET data providers. To say nothing of a business myriad of Microsoft Excel workbooks and CSV files.

ZAP Data Hub transforms disparate data silos into the thread that connects a business, and drives its competitive advantage, explains ZAPs CEO Garth Laird. No matter what your BI tool, an organization can use our software to access a governed hub of data for faster, more efficient and accurate reporting and analysis. And businesses juggling one or many data sources can go from piecemeal views of disconnected data silos to analysis of interrelated, business-wide processes to drive real business improvements.

ZAP Data Hub is GDPR-ready, EU-U.S. Privacy Shield-certified and available as a fully-featured on-demand SaaS built on Microsoft Azure. Private cloud, on-premise and hybrid deployments are also available.
Biostatisticians are embracing the freelance economy The gig economy has transformed not just industries and businesses but has also revolutionised science and research.

The uberisation of the healthcare industry has seen a increase in the number of freelance biostatisticians, who are offering their services on platforms like Kolabtree.

The gig economy has transformed not just industries and businesses but has also revolutionised science and research. As an increasing number of scientists turn to freelancing, industries have a rich pool of expertise readily available to them, on demand. Data from Kolabtree, a platform with over 4,100 registered freelance scientists, reveals how companies can overcome research and business challenges with the help of PhD-level experts.

The interdisciplinary healthcare industry, in particular, benefits from easy access to resources at short notice. A varied workforce, ranging from data scientists to biotechnologists, participates in the development and delivery of effective healthcare to global populations. Over the last few years, biostatisticians, or statisticians who work with life sciences data, have been finding an important place in the industry. Biostatistics is a specialized mathematical branch which uses advanced statistical methods for analyzing data in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Biostatisticians help make accurate inferences from complex data, playing a key role in several areas of healthcare, including drug development, public health, population genetics, epidemiology and genome sequencing. In 2017, CNN Money listed biostatistics as the 48th best career in the US.

While biostatisticians are slowly becoming indispensable in hospitals, pharma companies and research labs, hiring a full-time, in-house biostatisticians is an expensive affair. The average salary of a biostatistician is $91,800 per year, with the top-paying jobs in the federal government and pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. The job demand for these experts is expected to grow 34% over the next ten years. Recognizing this demand, biostatisticians are starting to offer their services on a freelance and/or contract basis. Since 2015, over 100 biostatisticians -- from institutions like Imperial College London and John Hopkins University -- have registered themselves as freelancers on Kolabtree. Their skills range from designing effective clinical trials to reviewing and validating the statistical power of studies being prepared to be published.

Kolabtrees freelance biostatisticians have worked on a wide variety of projects, which include recommending statistical methodologies for studies and performing advanced statistical analyses. Dlorah Jenkins, an experienced researcher and public health expert, helped Jessica Adams assess the impact of an HIV-awareness initiative in Uganda. She designed a statistical model for the study, which helped Adams and her team apply for several research grants.

Dr. Sukant Khurana, an interdisciplinary scientist, helped Robert Goldberg, co-founder of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest, estimate the value of medical innovation in specific disease areas. Goldberg said that posting his project on Kolabtree was the single best professional decision he had made in quite a while. In yet another example, an Indian statistician designed a clinical trial for a California-based breast cancer surgeon to measure the effectiveness of his treatment. Kolabtree also helped Robert Pretlow, MD of e-Health International, hire a statistician for a complex analysis of the results of his study on treating childhood obesity. In addition to performing the analysis, the freelancer also helped him draft a letter of intent for the publication of the study in a reputable journal.

The fee for these projects ranged from $400 to $2400, and the turnaround times ranged from a few days to a few weeks. Both the accessibility and affordability of the freelancers allowed for quick and easy cross-border collaboration with the clients. With the help of freelance biostatisticians, small research startups, government bodies and nonprofits, health advocacies and public health organizations will be able to take data-driven decisions on demand and deliver effective, evidence-based healthcare to those who need it most.

About Kolabtree

Kolabtree connects businesses and labs with freelance PhD-qualified scientists all over the world. The platform has over 4,000 registered freelance PhDs who are offering services such as statistical review, data analytics, literature search, writing, editing, scientific consulting and experimental design. Experts include scientists from the likes of NASA, Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Cambridge, with expertise across disciplines including life science, data science, healthcare, social science, and physical science.

If you are a business needing the help of a freelancer, you can post your project for free on http://www.kolabtree.com.
This new platform exemplifies our mission to lead, change, and disrupt the constantly evolving healthcare industry by enabling customer-specific strategies that remove waste, optimize revenue, and deliver the most intelligent insights within the workflow of a health plan or at-risk provider.

Pulse8, the ONLY Healthcare Analytics and Technology Company delivering complete visibility into the efficacy of your Risk Adjustment and Quality Management programs, today announced the launch of a radically new technology that markedly extends its lead in the healthcare analytics market. The illumin8 Active Intelligence platform applies powerful analytical capabilities to transform an organizations data  any level of complexity, any size, and from any source  into actions and results tailored to each users unique needs through a clear, intuitive, and interactive environment.

Pulse8 is committed to continuously innovate, redefine, and elevate our solutions to realize the absolute best possible performance and ROI for our customers, says Pulse8s Founder & CEO, John Criswell. This new platform exemplifies our mission to lead, change, and disrupt the constantly evolving healthcare industry by enabling customer-specific strategies that remove waste, optimize revenue, and deliver the most intelligent insights within the workflow of a health plan or at-risk provider.

Pulse8s new platform visualizes, explores, and interprets complex data by harnessing advanced technologies, such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Natural Language Processing (NLP), while packaging them within a simple, intuitive environment that can be navigated by non-technical users with the utmost flexibility. This dynamic platform streamlines the mining of your ever-mounting supply of data by enabling users to create alerts on nearly any key metric at almost any desired level of granularity. Users can either set the alert thresholds themselves or allow the illumin8 platform to learn which results are unexpectedly high or low. This next generation platform also contains AI-driven bots that distill charts and graphs into simple sentences and NLP-driven bots to process verbal queries, anytime, anywhere, security-permitting.

We are thrilled to launch this profoundly innovative technology that is surely unmatched as a business intelligence platform, states Scott Stratton, Chief Data Scientist and Vice President of Product Analytics for Pulse8. We are confident that our new illumin8 Active Intelligence platform will enable health plans to operate at their highest potential given its unprecedented capability to distill and interpret the most complex and voluminous data, turning them into action by using simple interactions backed by extremely sophisticated technologies and analytics to make it all possible. You can engage in meaningful and productive interactions based on objective data and graphical representations obtainable when you need them, where you need them. Its like having an analyst in your pocket 24/7.

Rather than hunt manually through your rapidly growing data, illumin8 users may instead create alerts on most any key metric at their desired level of detail. You can set thresholds or allow illumin8 to learn what is unexpected, alerting you only when attention is needed. AI-driven bots can distill charts and graphs into simple sentences or bullets that auto-revise as you refine your analyses. Other bots use natural language technologies to process verbal queries, security permitting, from your smart phone or tablet. The illumin8 Active Intelligence platform will provide an analytic platform to customers like no other that shifts your time from searching to acting.

Pulse8 is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of the RISE Nashville Summit from March 11-13, 2018. Our experts will be available during the conference to demonstrate our new platform and its exciting new capabilities. For more information or to schedule a demo, please email Scott Filiault at Scott.Filiault(at)Pulse8(dot)com or call 732.570.9095. You can also visit Pulse8 in Booth #2 to speak with subject matter experts and thought leaders from the team. For general inquiries, please contact us at info(at)Pulse8(dot)com.

About Pulse8

Pulse8 is the ONLY Healthcare Analytics and Technology Company delivering complete visibility into the efficacy of your Risk Adjustment and Quality Management programs. We enable health plans and providers to achieve the greatest financial impact in the Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and ACA Commercial markets as well as with Value-Based Payment models for Medicare. Pulse8 has developed a suite of uniquely pragmatic solutions that are revolutionizing Risk Adjustment and Quality Management. Our advanced analytic methodologies and flexible business intelligence tools offer real-time visibility into member behavior and provider performance. Pulse8s products are powered by our patent-pending Dynamic Intervention Planning to deliver the most cost-effective and appropriate interventions for closing gaps in documentation, coding, and quality. For more company information or to schedule a demo, please contact Scott Filiault at (732) 570-9095 or scott.filiault(at)pulse8(dot)com.

About RISE

Known as the first national association solely dedicated to health plan and provider organizations, the RISE Association equips healthcare professionals with tools and resources to navigate todays emerging landscape of accountable care and healthcare reform. https://risehealth.org/about-us
One of the many celebrations that makes Billhighway such a fun & rewarding place to work. We understand that our success starts with our team members; thus we thrive on promoting a progressive culture, developing our talent, and fostering new and exciting career opportunities for our people.

Digging together, but not with shovels. Billhighway, a provider of financial management software for component-based organizations, announced being named a 2017 Best and Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation for the sixth consecutive year!

"This award is a celebration of our dynamic workplace," said Tom Bomberski, President at Billhighway. "We understand that our success starts with our team members; thus we thrive on promoting a progressive culture, developing our talent, and fostering new and exciting career opportunities for our people.

The National Association for Business Resources (NABR) holds The Best and Brightest Competition every year to honor companies across the nation that are making their communities stronger, empowering their employees and doing business better. Only companies that have the most innovative, empowering and thoughtful human resources practices are chosen as winners.

About Billhighway (http://www.billhighway.co)

Got chapters? Weve got solutions. Billhighway combines payment processing, online banking and accounting all in one simple platform to improve operational efficiency and financial performance. Find out why were so awesome at helping component-based organizations achieve their mission at http://www.billhighway.co.

About the Best and Brightest Programs (http://www.101bestandbrightest.com)

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For competition recognizes and honors companies that go above and beyond for their employees. This competition scores contestants based on company performance, including work life balance, employee education, retention and more.

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Lucas Group Rapid technology advancements are rewriting the rules for how hiring managers connect with applicants

Lucas Group, the leader in North American executive search, announced the publication of its newest white paper, How to Job Search as a Mid-Career Professional: The New Rules for When and How to Switch Jobs, authored by Washington, D.C.-based Managing Partner Sam Peterson.

The white paper walks mid-career professionals through the process of switching jobs with a special focus on how technology changes are impacting the job search and interview process.

Rapid technology advancements are rewriting the rules for how hiring managers connect with applicants at all levels, including mid- and senior-level positions, says Peterson. From application tracking systems to using artificial intelligence to pre-screen resumes and conduct interviews, a lot has changed in the last few years. Job search strategies that worked five years ago wont deliver results today.

In addition to walking job seekers through these technology changes, Petersons white paper also provides actionable next steps to maximize LinkedIn impact, improve value-based networking, and prepare for the new interview process.

Even as companies move to use new technology to streamline their search process, LinkedIn is still ground zero for networking and candidate searching, says Peterson, who has more than 18 years of experience in executive-level Accounting & Finance recruiting. LinkedIn is where job seekers can build a strong brand and take control of their professional story,

LinkedIn contacts and professional networking is key for internal company referrals.

Whether this referral comes from a current employee or a recruiter, it can help you bypass the online submission process and ensure the right person reviews your resume, advises Peterson.

Lucas Group specializes in executive recruitment for Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal, Manufacturing, Military Transition, and Sales & Marketing. Taking pride in the professional growth and career advancement of its Associates, Lucas Group provides clear career path trajectories together with the industrys most sophisticated onboarding and ongoing educational programming. Working throughout 15 offices in the U.S., Lucas Group recruiters are able to source leading talent that no one else can.

About Lucas Group

Lucas Group is North Americas premier executive search firm. Since 1970, our culture and methodologies have driven superior results. We assist clients ranging in size from small to medium-sized businesses to Fortune 500 companies to find transcendent, executive talent; candidates fully realize their ambitions; and associates find professional success. To learn more, please visit Lucas Group at http://www.lucasgroup.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
The Laser Institute of America is pleased to announce that the 2018 Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM) conference will be held at the Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, IL, March 2728. For the first time in its 10-year history, the conference will be co-located with the Lasers in Manufacturing Event (LME). LAM attendees will be granted free access to the LME exhibit, which takes place March 2829.

The LAM conference is an excellent networking and educational opportunity for anyone interested in working in the additive manufacturing industry or discovering laser additive manufacturing solutions for their company.

Last years conference chairs will reprise their roles, with Milan Brandt of RMIT University continuing as the General Chair, and John Hunter of LPW Technology, Inc. and Minlin Zhong of Tsinghua University serving as Conference Co-chairs.

The first keynote speaker, a representative from America Makes, will address the benefits of public-private partnerships in the additive manufacturing industry. On the second day, keynote presenter Ehsan Toyserkani of the University of Waterloo will discuss recent developments in additive manufacturing in Canada.

The educational sessions following the keynote speeches will feature industry experts from companies including GE Additive, Flow Science, Caterpillar, the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology. The presentations will cover laser cladding and welding, laser metal deposition, powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, process monitoring, quality assurance, sensor technologies, additive manufacturing standardization and strategies for growing the metal additive manufacturing industry.

At the end of the LAM sessions, attendees will be invited to attend a reception on the LME show floor and to explore all of the laser manufacturing technology solutions LME exhibitors have to offer.

LAM is made possible by sponsors Alabama Laser, TRUMPF, LPW and Laserline. Each company will have representatives available at both the LAM and LME events to answer any questions attendees may have.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.lia.org/lam.

About LIA

The Laser Institute of America (LIA) is the professional society for laser applications and safety serving the industrial, educational, medical, research and government communities throughout the world since 1968. http://www.lia.org, 13501 Ingenuity Drive, Suite 128, Orlando, FL 32826, +1.407.380.1553.
Pacify Mobile App As a DC-based company, it's a dream for Pacify to be available to WIC moms District-wide," says the company's co-founder, George Brandes. "The city has been an inspiring partner and a leader nationally on extending high-tech services to the community.

The DC Department of Health Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has expanded its partnership with Pacify Health, Inc. to enable more than 4,000 low-income women to access around-the-clock breastfeeding support through a mobile application.

Since the partnership launched in June 2016, more than 500 women have signed up for access to the service through a pilot with Mary's Center, a nationally-recognized Community Health Center with eight locations in the District of Columbia. Enrolled through a grant funded by the US Dept. of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, those mothers have made over 1,500 video calls to Pacify's network of International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), 40% of which occurred outside of normal clinic hours.

"Our partnership with Pacify has allowed us to fill an important access gap," says Christi Dorsey, Director of the DC WIC Program. "While our program has a host of lactation peer educators, we have just one IBCLC on staff for roughly 4,000 annual births. This partnership dramatically expands our reach and empowers our mothers to go home with the same kind of support they receive in-clinic."

The DC WIC Pacify program will now provide all participating women with free, video-enabled support from International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) through the Pacify app. Consultants respond to women who call in less than 30 seconds, on average. This short response time is essential for new mothers who may have limited transportation or lack access to traditional healthcare services. DC now joins Mississippi and Nevada as the only WIC markets where all participants have 24/7 access to this level of care.

"As a DC-based company, it's a dream for Pacify to be available to WIC moms District-wide," says the company's co-founder, George Brandes. "The city has been an inspiring partner and a leader nationally on extending high-tech services to the community."

"This is an exciting time for community health centers," says Maria Gomez, founder and CEO of Mary's Center. "Technologies like Pacify are becoming more reliable and affordable, which enables us to deliver services to our patients in innovative and cost-effective ways."

Improved access to IBCLCs is an evidence-based strategy for increasing rates of breastfeeding initiation, duration and exclusivity. Currently, DC has only fewer than two International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants per 1000 live births, compared to the national average of 3.79, and the Surgeon General's recommended 8.6.

About Pacify | http://www.pacify.com

Launched in 2014, Pacify Health, Inc. was founded on the idea that more can be done to use mobile technology to help families access excellent pediatric care, regardless of their circumstances. Pacify's industry-leading mobile platform provides instantaneous, 24/7 support for new mothers. Mothers who download the app can connect via video-visit with clinicians including nurses, nutritionists and lactation consultants. There are no appointments or scheduling, and calls are answered in an average of less than 30 seconds. Pacify serves a diverse range of mothers via contracts with Medicaid Managed Care Companies, state Departments of Health, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, employers, and breast pump manufacturers.
Loffler named to MSP 500 Elite 150 Award The list names the most forward-thinking and trailblazing MSPs with offerings that help clients stay on top of ever-evolving information technology. MSPs are vital components in the IT ecosystems they serve, helping customers streamline IT processes while ensuring IT budgets are spent wisely.

Loffler Companies announced it has been named to CRN's 2018 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Elite 150 category. The MSP 500 list annually recognizes solution providers in North America with innovative approaches to delivering managed IT services.

The list names the most forward-thinking and trailblazing MSPs with offerings that help clients stay on top of the ever-evolving information technology landscape. MSPs are vital components in the IT ecosystems they serve, helping customers streamline IT processes while ensuring IT budgets are spent wisely.

Loffler Companies spent a significant amount of time in the past year building security and Cloud offerings and increasing their managed service offerings, while their security operations center (SOC) offering and IT security assessments grew as well. In addition, their IT consulting offerings continue to mature as a differentiator in the managed services space, as demand for IT strategy consulting is rising.

"We are thrilled by our placement on the Elite 150 list," said James Loffler, Vice President of the IT Solutions Group at Loffler Companies. "Our growth goals for managed services continue to advance and we have a strong value in the market, becoming known for IT services through our outstanding customer service and reputation for excellence."

Founded by Jim Loffler in 1986, Loffler Companies is nationally recognized as a leader in office technology and managed services. Loffler is among the top office solutions dealers in the US for service and support, with almost 500 employees working hard every day to exceed the expectations of their clients, partners and the community.

Loffler has earned recognition for seven consecutive years as a Star Tribune "Top Workplace," four successive years as a Minnesota Business magazine "100 Best Workplaces in Minnesota" and for the past two years as one of the "Best Places to Work" by the Minneapolis-St Paul Business Journal. In addition, for ten consecutive years Loffler Companies has earned the Inc. 5000 award as one of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Loffler is proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and many other worthy organizations that help the communities in which the Loffler team lives and works.

Loffler Companies provides integrated office technology and services partnered with leading brands such as Canon, Konica Minolta, Xerox, HP, Lexmark, NEC, ShoreTel, EMC and Microsoft. Its offerings include multifunctional copiers and printers, managed print services, phone and voice solutions, IT solutions, software and workflow technology consulting and on-site management of copy centers and mail rooms. For more information about Loffler Companies, call 952-925-6800 or email informatio(at)loffler.com or visit us online at http://www.loffler.com.

The MSP500 list will be featured in the February 2018 issue of CRN and online at http://www.CRN.com/msp500.
Lester Sola, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Miami-Dade Aviation Department I am confident that Mr. Solas experience in County operations, capital design, construction management contract administration and negotiations will prove invaluable to MDAD and the residents of Miami-Dade County, said Mayor Gimenez.

On February 16, Lester Sola was appointed Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. He will oversee operations at Miami International Airport (MIA) and four general aviation (GA) airports throughout Miami-Dade County, which together generate $33.7 billion in business revenue and support more than 280,000 direct and indirect jobs. MIA leads the way, handling more than 44 million passengers and more than two million tons of cargo annually, placing it among Americas busiest international passenger and cargo airports.

I am confident that Mr. Solas experience in County operations, capital design, construction management contract administration and negotiations will prove invaluable to MDAD and the residents of Miami-Dade County, said Mayor Gimenez.

Sola has served Miami-Dade County for more than 26 years, most recently as Director of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department. As Director of the largest utility in the southeastern United States, Sola was responsible for: providing high-quality drinking water and wastewater disposal services to more than 2.3 million residents, businesses and visitors daily; managing more than 2,700 employees and an annual operating budget of $796 million; and leading the largest capital improvement program in Miami-Dade Countys history. During Solas tenure at the department from 2015 to 2017, nearly 1,000 projects worth more than $1.1 billion were completed.

Sola began his career with Miami-Dade County government in 1992 as a member of the County Manager Management Training Program. He has held several high-level positions including: Contract Coordination Officer in the County Executive Manager's Office; Architectural and Engineering Consultant Coordinator for the County Executive Manager's Office; Assistant to the County Manager; Associate Director for the Aviation Department; Deputy Director for the Department of Business Development; Supervisor of Elections; and Director of the Internal Services Department.

During his more than two decades of public service, Sola has been responsible for: the reorganization of several County departments; coordination and refocusing of the capital program at Miami International Airport; the establishment of small and minority-based programs for the procurement of goods and services; establishment of centralized systems for the tracking of County capital expansion programs and professional services; and the provision of management direction to County departments, management agreements and agencies such as Aviation, Seaport, Beacon Council, Performing Arts Center and the American Airlines Arena.

Sola has a master's degree and bachelor's degree in public administration, with a minor in organizational psychology from Florida International University.

Miami International Airport offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, is Americas third-busiest airport for international passengers, boasts a lineup of more than 100 air carriers and is the top U.S. airport for international freight. MIA, along with its general aviation airports, is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $33.7 billion annually and welcoming 70 percent of all international visitors to Florida. MIAs vision is to grow from a recognized hemispheric hub to a global airport of choice that offers customers a world-class experience and an expanded route network with direct passenger and cargo access to all world regions. MIA is committed to sustainable practices. Learn more at http://www.MIAefficiency.com.
President and CIO Viju Joseph "Pefin is a solution that is comprehensive, personalized, and affordable. For a single financial plan, Pefin evaluates 2-5mm data points in real-time. Pefins neural network automatically updates financial plans as changes occur for 1/20th the cost of a human advisor.

Pefin, the worlds first artificial intelligence (AI) financial advisor, welcomed Viju Joseph as President and Chief Investment Officer to their management team in January 2018.

Josephs distinguished career in finance spans two decades which included Chief Risk Officer at Weiss Multi-Strategy Advisors, where he was responsible for risk, portfolio construction, and asset allocation for a $1.5B portfolio. Viju is also on the Board of Trustees and Investment Committee of the University System of Maryland Foundation, assisting in managing its $1B endowment. Prior to Weiss, Viju was Chief Risk Officer at Eton Park Capital Management, a $14B Hedge Fund during his tenure. Before that, Viju was an Executive Director and Co-Head of Global Market Risk in the Institutional Equity Division of Morgan Stanley where he was responsible for risk, treasury and capital management for the firms $500B balance sheet. Viju has an MBA from the University of Maryland and a bachelors degree from IIT Bombay.

Josephs role in the company will encompass leading business strategy, and scaling and expanding Pefin's product offering. As we enter the growth phase, it is critical that we maintain the nimbleness of a small organization, while building strong processes and infrastructure in a highly regulated industry.

Joseph, who was an initial investor and advisor to Pefin, explains, Financial planning and advice today is either personalized and expensive, or robo - simplistic, incomplete, but affordable. Pefin is the best of both - a solution that is comprehensive, personalized, and affordable. For a single financial plan, Pefin evaluates 2-5mm data points in real-time. Pefins neural network automatically updates financial plans as changes occur for 1/20th the cost of a human advisor.

The CEO of Pefin, Catherine Flax, is very pleased to have Joseph on board. Having Viju join the leadership of the Pefin business is a huge milestone for the company. With his decades of experience in investments and financial services, his contribution will catapult Pefin's product offering and strategic positioning in the market to a new level."

Joseph also shares that up until this point, Pefin has been privately funded. The Pefin team is now presenting accredited investors the opportunity to participate in a capital raise targeted at a minimum of $15 mm. This will be focused on strategic investors including financial services firms, asset managers and insurance companies. This opportunity is expected to close in Q1 2018.

About Pefin

Pefins proprietary, AI technology analyzes all of the data that describes an individual's financial life, and incorporates markets, tax and regulatory details, to craft personalized and affordable financial advice, available 24/7.

Established in 2011, Pefin, is a financial technology company based in New York City. Pefin, which stands for PErsonal Financial INtelligence, uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide fiduciary financial advice at the fraction of a cost of a traditional financial advisor. Pefins proprietary, patent-pending AI technology factors individual financial situations and personal financial priorities in addition to markets and regulations to craft highly tailored financial advice, available 24/7. Pefin Advisors, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor, under Section 203(c) of the Investment Adviser Act of 1940.

Request free press access to Pefin: https://www.pefin.com/press
Note: If you would like to receive this via email, please send your email address to pressreleases(at)levinassociates(dot)com

Steve Monroe, Editor

Phone: (203) 846-6800

HealthCareMandA.com to Host Webinar, The Ins and Outs of Selling your Healthcare Services Company to a Private Equity Firm

HealthCareMandA.com will host an important webinar  The Ins and Outs of Selling your Healthcare Services Company to a Private Equity Firm  on Thursday, March 8, 2018, at 1:00 PM ET. A recording of the webinar will also be made available following its live presentation. The webinar is part of the Interactive Webinar Series.

Remaining independent has become increasingly challenging for physician practices, outpatient and urgent care clinics, to name a few. Ever-growing regulations and decreasing reimbursements are adding to the strain. Private equity firms have been active in the healthcare services market for several years now, but not all small firms are willing or ready to sell to a PE firm. Join us as our panel discusses the opportunities and challenges these buyers offer, and what your business may be worth.

Lisa Phillips, Editor of HealthCareMandA.com and moderator of the panel, will pose relevant topics such as: What private equity firms are looking for in a services business; Why sellers often misjudge their business real worth; What to expect before you sell, and what you may find after; and will discuss our expert panelists views on the headwinds and tailwinds at play in this market. Our panel of experts will include Les Levinson, Head of Healthcare, Robinson + Cole; Burk Lindsey, Managing Director, Raymond James and Jay Shiland, Partner, MTS Health Partners.

If interested in this topic, then dont miss the live webinar on March 8, 2018 at 1:00 pm ET, or miss out on the recording that will be available following the webinar.

Please visit https://products.levinassociates.com/downloads/1803-webinar/ or call 203-846-6800 for more information about this interactive webinar.
Over a lifetime of accomplishments, George has shown entrepreneurial vision, and has leveraged his business success to positively impact the Frederick community in countless ways, said President Chapdelaine.

Hood College announced the establishment of The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business earlier this week.

George B. Delaplaine Jr., a prominent Frederick businessman, provided a major gift to endow the new School of Business. At a ceremony on campus attended by members of the Hood community and local and community leaders, Hood President Andrea E. Chapdelaine lauded Delaplaine rhis contributions to the community over the last half century. President Chapdelaine also honored Delaplaine with the Presidents Medal for Hope, one of Hood Colleges core values.

Over a lifetime of accomplishments, George has shown entrepreneurial vision, and has leveraged his business success to positively impact the Frederick community in countless ways, said President Chapdelaine. His family set the standard for good citizenship in Frederick even before Hoods founding, and we are proud to honor his name. The George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business will be a hub for social entrepreneurship in the community, allowing undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students enriching experiences beyond the classroom. The gift will support faculty recruitment and development, academic programming, faculty and student research, and general administrative needs.

In his remarks, Delaplaine encouraged students to develop fundamental business skills for life. Sound financial management is necessary in business and in your personal life, he said. A good business education teaches you how to use company resources wisely, especially in regard to cost-effectiveness and regulation compliance. Your own personal financial health is, without a doubt, necessary for your peace of mind.

Delaplaine is president of Great Southern Enterprises, Inc. and chair of the Board of Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. He served as past president and CEO of the Great Southern Printing and Manufacturing Company, parent company of the Frederick News-Post, GS Communications, Inc., the Job Shop and GS Net.Works. He held positions of editor and publisher, reporter and columnist of the newspapers for five decades and served as CEO of cable operations. He was inducted into the Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame by the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.

This is a special community, and I am grateful to be a part of it, he said. The College has been a valuable part of Frederick since its founding. I appreciate President Chapdelaines generosity in awarding me the Presidents Medal for Hope, and I am happy to be able to financially support the good works that continue to grow with Hood. For decades, I have worked in the Frederick community, and my family has many ties to Hood.

Delaplaines mother, Ruth Carty Delaplaine, graduated from Hood in 1913, and his sister, Frances Franny Delaplaine Randall, graduated from Hood in 1945. He and his late wife, Bettie, who he met while she worked as an assistant in Hoods biology department, both received honorary degrees in 2008. In all, the Delaplaine and Randall families have 12 alumni, including from the Frederick Female Seminary (Hoods precursor), and they have had two members on the Board of Trustees and five members on the Board of Associates.

Hood College is an independent, liberal arts college, offering 32 undergraduate majors, four pre-professional programs, 19 graduate programs, two doctorates and 10 post-baccalaureate certificates. Located in historic Frederick, near Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the I-270 technology corridor, Hood gives students access to countless internships and research opportunities.
Best Places to Work in Indiana Logo The success of ClearObject is driven by our hard working and ambitious team and it is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce as one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana, said Jenny Boushehry, director of human resources at ClearObject

ClearObject, an Internet of Things (IoT) Systems Innovator, was recently named as one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana. This thirteenth annual program was created by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group.

This statewide survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in Indiana, benefiting the states economy, workforce and businesses.

The success of ClearObject is driven by our hard working and ambitious team and it is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce as one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana, said Jenny Boushehry, director of human resources at ClearObject. Our culture has allowed us to create an exemplary work environment and we look forward to continuing to provide the atmosphere for talented professionals to showcase their talents.

To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:



Be a for-profit, not-for-profit business or government entity;

Be a publicly or privately held business;

Have a facility in Indiana;

Have at least 15 employees working in Indiana;

Be in business a minimum of 1 year.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Places to Work in Indiana. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in Indiana, analyzed the data, and determined the final rankings.

The final rankings will be announced at an awards dinner on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, then published in the May-June issue of the Indiana Chambers BizVoice magazine.

For more information on the Best Places to Work in Indiana program, visit http://www.BestPlacestoWorkIN.com.

About ClearObject

ClearObject is an IoT Systems Innovator helping the worlds best companies connect their bold ideas to the Internet of Things. We bring our years of experience, our team of experts and our coalition of leading partners together to make your IoT solutions a reality.
Christopher Guy Harrison with "Holly" Award "It is an honor for us at CG to recognize the achievements of all those stylists who stand anonymously and silently behind the scenes, and yet whose work screams volumes." - Christopher Guy Harrison, founder and lead designer for CG, and designer of the "Holly" award.

Luxury brand Christopher Guy (CG) will once again sponsor the upcoming Hollywood Beauty Awards on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at the historic Avalon Hollywood.

The Hollywood Beauty Awards recognize the incredible talent of beauty professionals in Music, Television and Film, as well as for editorial and the red carpet. Honoree awards are presented for outstanding achievements in hair, makeup, styling and photography. Pre-announced special honorees include Britney Spears (Fragrance of the Year, Fantasy in Bloom), Smokey Robinson (The Gentleman Award), and Jane Seymour (Timeless Beauty Award). Presenters include Elizabeth Banks, Samuel Jackson, Lionel Richie, Marie Osmond, Tommy Chong, Cheech Marin, Danielle Savre and more.

"The sheer brilliance of the unsung heroes of every production, photo shoot and red carpet event is simply incredible. Their challenge is to create a visual identity that remains central to the artist's onstage character, be it beauty, unsightliness, sadness or joy," said Christopher Guy Harrison, founder and lead designer for CG -- and designer of the "Holly" award. "It is an honor for us at CG to recognize the achievements of all those stylists who stand anonymously and silently behind the scenes, and yet whose work screams volumes."

The black-tie gala benefits the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Other sponsors include Moet & Chandon, LaDove, and Rikoko.

For hi-res photos or more information, please contact Michelle Rico at michelle(at)brandamb(dot)com.

About Christopher Guy:

Christopher Guy Harrison, an award-winning internationally renowned designer, is the founder and CEO of luxury furnishings brand, Christopher Guy. His creations were brought to life in the mid-90s when he set out to create the world's most fabulous and unique mirror frame collection under the name Harrison & Gil. He began building his workshops after acquiring a plot of land in Java, where he sourced the best craftsmanship from local artisans. Today, these workshops cover more than one million square feet, and Christopher Guy has evolved to creating a complete luxury lifestyle that offers timeless values.

With presence in over 42 cities including showrooms throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Christopher Guy offers a fresh approach to design, transcending modern, traditional, and cultural boundaries. Christopher Guy creations are selected by leading designers and retailers, from the grandest hotels and most spectacular resorts, to the world's finest residences. The brand's stylish appeal and often-elaborate aesthetics have led to cameo roles in many iconic movie productions such as Casino Royale (007), Ocean's Thirteen, The Hangover, The Devil Wears Prada, Charlie's Angels 2, and The Interview.

Whether as statement pieces in luxurious hotels or on Hollywood film sets, Christopher Guy's timeless and elegant designs are widely acclaimed as the world's most fabulous decorative furnishings.

For more information, please visit http://www.christopherguy.com.

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD BEAUTY AWARDS:

The HBAs were founded by LATF USA's publisher, Michele Elyzabeth. The annual award show recognizes the architects of beauty in hair, makeup, photography and styling in Hollywood. The voting board is comprised of past honorees, winners, professionals from the beauty industry; encompassing Journalists, Publicists and Beauty Experts. The HBAs is co-produced by Executive Producer, Pamela Price. http://www.hollywoodbeautyawards.com and http://www.latfusa.com

###

For more information, please contact:

Birgit Muller

Brand Ambassador for Christopher Guy

birgit(at)brandamb(dot)com

+1 (323) 332-9520
PI has the multi award-winning solution for critical alignment speed and accuracy to a nanoscale level for projects from planar testing to packaging. Honored to be nominated a second year consecutive year, the FMPA Fast Multichannel Photonics Alignment system is a 2018 PIC Awards finalist, which rewards excellence, innovation, and success in the worldwide PIC industry. Voting is open until March 23rd, with the winners of this prestigious award announced on April 10th at the PIC International Conference in Brussels, Belgium. An R&D Top 100 Most Significant Products of the Year winner and Lightwave Innovation Reviews award winner, the FMPA was recently showcased at Photonics West 2018 in San Francisco.

The SiP Solution

The FMPA Fast Multichannel Photonics Alignment Engine is an advanced alignment system based on a highly specialized digital motion controller with embedded advanced alignment and tracking functionality and a hybrid precision scanning and tracking mechanism combining the advantages of piezoelectric on servo-motorized drives. It addresses the market need for fast, parallel, nanoscale-accurate, multi-degree-of-freedom global optical alignment optimization required in key SiP production steps from planar test to packaging.

Vote for PIs SiP Alignment Solution (voting closes March 23)

http://www.picawards.net/vote

Standard and Custom Solutions

PI has over 4 decades of experience providing in-house engineered precision motion control solutions, and can quickly modify existing product designs or provide a fully customized OEM part to fit the exact requirements of the customers application.

About PI

PI is a leading manufacturer of precision motion control equipment, piezo motors, air bearing stages, and hexapod parallel-kinematics for semiconductor applications, photonics, bio-nano-technology and medical engineering. PI has been developing and manufacturing standard & custom precision products with piezoceramic and electromagnetic drives for 4 decades. The company has been ISO 9001 certified since 1994 and provides innovative, high-quality solutions for OEM and research. The PI group employs more than 1,000 people worldwide in 15 subsidiaries and R&D / engineering centers on 3 continents.
Once again, USClaims (http://www.usclaims.com) has been voted among the best in the Litigation Funding Provider and Law Firm Funding Provider categories by readers of the National Law Journal, an American Lawyer Media publication, in the publications Best of 2018 survey.

The National Law Journals seventh annual Best of survey is voted on by members of the legal community across the United States. The best service providers to the legal industry are chosen in categories including marketing, public relations, web design, mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution, recruiting, technology, research, litigation support, accounting, pre-settlement funding and reporting.

We truly appreciate National Law Journal readers recognizing USClaims as an industry leader consistently since 2013. We are committed to our mission of providing essential funds to plaintiffs, so their attorneys have the time to pursue fair, just settlements, stated Donna Lee Jones, Esq., VP/Executive Director of USClaims.

Founded in 1996, USClaims is the longest continuously operating pre-settlement funding firm in the United States. It operates by purchasing a portion of the anticipated proceeds of a legal claim and is repaid only if a case is won. In 2014, the business was acquired by Florida-based specialty finance company DRB Financial Solutions, LLC, a move that has enabled USClaims to assist more customers than ever before.

About USClaims: USClaims (http://www.USClaims.com) provides litigation funding for plaintiffs, attorneys and surgeries. Its flagship offering is providing non-recourse financial support to personal injury victims, some of whom may have suffered catastrophic injuries from defective products, unsafe premises, motor vehicle accidents, and other types of accidents; this financial support provides the injured plaintiff the means to pay bills and endure the often long and arduous litigation process.

About DRB Financial Solutions, LLC, (DRB) provides liquidity solutions to individuals and small/medium sized businesses holding high quality but illiquid assets. Having raised over $1 billion in capital and developed a robust origination platform, DRB is a market leader in five major lines of business: USClaims, CRG Financial, (http://www.CRGFinancial.com), Echelon Medical Capital (http://www.EchelonMedicalCapital.com), DRB Capital (http://www.DRBCapital.com) and Producer Advance (http://www.ProducerAdvance.com).
Retailers are discovering the necessity of driving real-time processes in their brick-and-mortar stores

EuroCIS 2018 Hall 10, Stand A72

Reflexis is thrilled to invite attendees of EuroCIS 2018 to come to Stand A72 in Hall 10 and learn about the Reflexis single platform of real-time store operations solutions. At the event, attendees will be able to meet with Reflexis experts, discuss the issues that retailers are contending with today, and view demonstrations of Reflexis solutions.

Reflexis will also be showcasing its new retail solutions: Real-Time Task Manager and Intelligent Forms. Reflexis Real-Time Task Manager enables stores to manage tasks created by IoT sensors and other system devices, as well as tasks created by corporate and the field. This gives store managers and associates a 360-degree view into task management, providing them with visibility into everything that influences the in-store customer experience. Reflexis Intelligent Forms offers a simplified way to manage the completion, distribution, and escalation of digital forms, providing greatly increased visibility into the status of submitted forms.

Retailers are discovering the necessity of driving real-time processes in their brick-and-mortar stores, says OP Choudhary, Head of Operations, EMEA. Reflexis real-time store operations solutions do just that, streamlining corporate-to-store communication, simplifying work at stores, and giving customers the perfect retail experience.

About Reflexis Systems, Inc.

The Reflexis cloud-based Real-Time Store Operations Platform helps retail simplify store operations, improve line of sight for field managers, and streamline corporate processes. Reflexis store operations, labour operations, mobility, and analytics solutions enable retailers to unleash the power of store colleagues, giving them more opportunities for customer engagement, providing customers with a more consistent brand experience.

Since 2001, Reflexis has helped more than 250 of the worlds best retailers improve store-level operations and drive quantifiable business value and significant ROI.

Reflexis Systems, Inc. is privately held and headquartered in Dedham, Massachusetts and has offices in Atlanta (USA), London (UK), Dusseldorf (Germany), and Pune (India), with additional sales presence across Europe and Latin America. For more information, visit http://www.reflexisinc.com. Follow Reflexis on: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Google+ | Instagram | Blog
We are very pleased to be working with Agri-Pulse and are confident that Monarch will prove a valuable means to empowering its sales team to maximize revenue moving forward, shared Mark Gorman, CEO, Matrix Solutions

Matrix Solutions, the only global ad sales platform built for media, today announced digital publisher, Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc., has deployed its Monarch media ad sales platform. Adopting Monarch will allow Agri-Pulse, the most trusted farm and rural policy source in Washington, D.C., to significantly extend its CRM and sales capabilities. Additionally, Agri-Pulse will be able to better manage and convert trials into paid subscriptions, as well as oversee subscription workflows.

Agri-Pulse was looking for a solution that would not only be easy to implement and use for its entire team but would also help increase sales  proving a valuable return on investment. Designed for managing media-specific sales, Monarch will position Agri-Pulse to both generate and capitalize on new sales opportunities. Monarchs comprehensive sales and revenue reports, coupled with extensive customer relationship management functionality, will provide Agri-Pulse with actionable insights.

We were looking to improve our existing sales processes, workflows and reporting, as well as empower our sales teams to serve their clients better, said Allan Johnson, VP, Marketing Director at Agri-Pulse. Monarch will provide us with greater transparency into our data while also automating many of our sales tasks, equipping us a with a solid database of information to help us significantly grow our sales moving forward.

The Monarch media ad sales platform serves as integral hub to any media companys sales organization. Operating as a centralized source, it aggregates and normalizes all disparate data sources from within the workflow to present users with enterprise-wide, comprehensive visibility. Its significant key features, a mixture of core capabilities and enhancements, include: Intelligent Alerts, Data Cards, Digital-Specific Integrations, Deal Pipeline, Reporting and Analytics, Team Dashboards, and a new Budget Module. These features, tailored to the media industry, are designed to help media ad sales teams sell inventory faster, smarter, and more efficiently.

Our recent advertising spend report highlights a +10% growth of digital ad dollars in 2017 from the year prior; publishers like Agri-Pulse are well-poised to capitalize on that expansion, commented Mark Gorman, CEO, Matrix Solutions. We are very pleased to be working with Agri-Pulse and are confident that Monarch will prove a valuable means to empowering its sales team to maximize revenue moving forward.

For more information, visit Matrix Solutions at http://www.matrixformedia.com.

About Agri-Pulse

Agri-Pulse is a comprehensive weekly report of the latest in agricultural information. A trusted farm and rural policy source in Washington, D.C., Agri-Pulse, provides a balanced perspective on a wide variety of issues including the farm bill, nutrition, trade, food safety, environment, biotechnology, organic, conservation and crop insurance. Their team of editors - the largest group covering this industry in Washington, D.C. - provides breaking news and analysis on the latest regulatory and legislative topics impacting the profitability of farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the food industry.

About Matrix Solutions

Matrix Solutions makes media happen by helping media companies to better monetize their content. Its flagship product, Monarch, is the only global ad sales platform built for media  transforming chaotic data into actionable sales information that delivers the insights necessary for prospecting, managing, evaluating and closing business. The company manages more than $13 billion in media ad revenue, offering its best-in-class analytics, sales intelligence, media-specific CRM and sales tools to more than 10,000 media sellers to more efficiently manage their workflow. For more information, please visit matrixformedia.com.
George Jalil, 2018 MIAMI Chairman Miamis economy is adding more jobs and new residents from abroad and domestically continue moving into our vibrant South Florida region, said George Jalil, a Miami broker and the 2018 MIAMI chairman of the board.

Miami existing condominium and single-family home sales rose in January as $1 million-and-up luxury transactions jumped for all properties, according to a new report by the MIAMI Association of REALTORS (MIAMI) and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system.

Miami-Dade County existing condominium saleswhich are competing with one of the most robust new construction markets in the country  increased 8.1 percent, from 874 to 945, year over year. Total luxury $1-million-and-up sales jumped 29.3 percent, from 99 to 128. Single-family home sales rose 2.1 percent, from 857 to 875. Lack of single-family home supply in mid-price ranges is negatively impacting sales despite strong demand.

Miamis economy is adding more jobs and new residents from abroad and domestically continue moving into our vibrant South Florida region, said George Jalil, a Miami broker and the 2018 MIAMI chairman of the board. Pent-up demand for Miami housing has led to more home sales, higher median sale prices and a larger total dollar sales volume in January year over year.

Federal tax reform, which was signed into law Dec. 22, sets a deductions cap for income, sales and property taxes at $10,000. The new cap is leading more residents of states with high property values and state income tax to purchase properties in states such as Florida, which has no state income tax and a pro-business tax structure.

Total Miami Home Sales, Dollar Volume Increase in January

Total existing Miami-Dade County residential sales increased 5.1 percent year-over-year from 1,731 to 1,820.

Total sales volume for all properties accounted for $791.3 million last month, up 12.7% from $702.3 million a year ago. Sales dont include Miamis multi-billion dollar new construction condo market.

Lack of access to mortgage loans continues to inhibit further growth of the existing condominium market. Of the 9,307 condominium buildings in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, only 12 are approved for Federal Housing Administration loans, down from 29 last year, according to Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and FHA.

Miami Luxury Sales Surge in January

Total luxury $1-million-and-up sales jumped 29.3 percent, from 99 to 128.

Miami condo luxury sales jumped 58.1 percent, from 43 to 68, in January 2018. Miami condo luxury sales have risen in three out of the last four months (Jan. 2018, Dec. 2017 and Oct. 2017).

Miami single-family luxury home sales rose 7.1 percent, from 56 to 60. Miami single-family luxury sales have risen in three out of the last four months (Jan. 2018, Dec. 2017 and Oct. 2017).

More than Six Consecutive Years of Price Appreciation in Miami

Miami-Dade County single-family home prices increased 6.5 percent in January 2018, increasing from $310,000 to $330,000. Miami single-family home prices have risen for 74 consecutive months, a streak spanning more than six years. Existing condo prices rose 3.5 percent, from $222,250 to $230,000 in January. Condo prices have increased in 77 of the last 80 months.

According to Freddie Mac, the average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage moved higher for the fourth straight month to 4.03 percent in January from 3.95 percent in December. The average commitment rate for all of 2017 was 3.99 percent.

Miami Distressed Sales Continue to Drop

Only 9.9 percent of all closed residential sales in Miami were distressed last month, including REO (bank-owned properties) and short sales, compared to 12.7 percent in January 2017. In 2009, distressed sales comprised 70 percent of Miami sales.

Total Miami distressed sales declined 18.2 percent year-over-year, from 220 to 180 last month.

Short sales and REOs accounted for 1.8 and 8.1 percent, respectively, of total Miami sales in January 2018. Short sale transactions dropped 37.3 percent year-over-year while REOs fell 12.4 percent.

Nationally, distressed sales accounted for 5 percent of sales, down from 7 percent a year ago.

Miami Real Estate Selling Close to List Price

The median number of days between listing and contract dates for Miami single-family home sales was 47 days, a 23 percent decrease from 61 days last year. The median number of days between the listing date and closing date for single-family properties was 98 days, a 13.3 percent decrease from 113 days.

The median time to contract for condos declined 11.8 percent to 75 days from 85 days. The median number of days between listing date and closing date decreased 6.1 percent to 123 days.

The median percent of original list price received for single-family homes was 95 percent. The median percent of original list price received for existing condominiums was 92.9 percent.

National and State Statistics

Nationally, total existing-home sales decreased 3.2 percent in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.38 million from a downwardly revised 5.56 million in December 2017. After last months decline, sales are 4.8 percent below a year ago.

Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 16,564 last month, down 1.3 percent compared to January 2017, according to Florida Realtors. Statewide closed condo sales totaled 7,634 last month, up 5.9 percent compared to January 2017

The national median existing-home price for all housing types in January was $240,500, up 5.8 percent from January 2017 ($227,300). Januarys price increase marks the 71ststraight month of year-over-year gains.

The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes last month was $240,000, up 9.1 percent from the previous year, according to Florida Realtors. The statewide median price for townhouse-condo properties in January was $179,900, up 11.7 percent over the year-ago figure.

Miamis Cash Buyers Represent almost Double the National Figure

Miami cash transactions comprised 42.4 percent of January 2018 total closed sales, compared to 43.4 percent last year. Miami cash transactions are almost double the national figure (22 percent).

Miamis high percentage of cash sales reflects South Floridas ability to attract a diverse number of international home buyers, who tend to purchase properties in all cash. Miami has a higher percent of cash sales for condos due to lack of financing approvals for buildings.

Condominiums comprise a large portion of Miamis cash purchases as 54.1 percent of condo closings were made in cash in January compared to 29.8 percent of single-family home sales.

Sellers Market for Single-Family Homes, Supply Declines in December

Inventory of single-family homes decreased 5.1 percent in January from 6,590 active listings last year to 6,255 last month. Condominium inventory increased 3.1 percent to 15,573 from 15,111 listings during the same period in 2016.

Monthly supply of inventory for single-family homes decreased 1.7 percent to 5.9 months, which indicates a sellers market. Existing condominiums have a 14.2-month supply, which indicates a buyers market. A balanced market between buyers and sellers offers between six and nine months supply of inventory.

Total active listings at the end of January increased 0.6 percent year-over-year, from 21,701 to 21,828. Active listings remain about 60 percent below 2008 levels when sales bottomed.

New listings of Miami single-family homes increased 2.2 percent to 1,913 from 1,871. New listings of condominiums increased 5.4 percent, from 2,637 to 2,779.

Nationally, total housing inventory at the end of January rose 4.1 percent to 1.52 million existing homes available for sale, but is still 9.5 percent lower than a year ago (1.68 million) and has fallen year-over-year for 32 consecutive months. Unsold inventory is at a 3.4-month supply at the current sales pace (3.6 months a year ago).

To access January 2018 Miami-Dade Statistical Reports, visit http://www.SFMarketIntel.com

Note: Statistics in this news release may vary depending on reporting dates. MIAMI reports exact statistics directly from its MLS system.

About the MIAMI Association of REALTORS

The MIAMI Association of REALTORS was chartered by the National Association of Realtors in 1920 and is celebrating 98 years of service to Realtors, the buying and selling public, and the communities in South Florida. Comprised of six organizations, the Residential Association, the Realtors Commercial Alliance, the Broward Council, the Jupiter Tequesta Hobe Sound (JTHS-MIAMI) Council, the Young Professionals Network (YPN) Council and the award-winning International Council, it represents more than 47,000 real estate professionals in all aspects of real estate sales, marketing, and brokerage. It is the largest local Realtor association in the U.S., and has official partnerships with 167 international organizations worldwide. MIAMIs official website is http://www.MiamiRealtors.com
Mitchell's Foundation strives to transform the lives of students through literacy and to inspire young people to read by providing students access to books in under-resourced communities. Malcolm Mitchells mission is to inspire young readers. The Magicians Hat will cast its spell on you.

March is National Reading Month - and just like he does on the field - New England Patriots Wide Receiver, Super Bowl Champion, Literacy Crusader and Author Malcolm Mitchell  is getting out ahead. Mitchell and Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic, have released a newly-illustrated and expanded edition of his childrens book, "The Magician's Hat."

To celebrate the books release and National Reading Month, Mitchell, in conjunction with his youth literacy initiative, Read With Malcolm and his non-profit organization, Share the Magic Foundation, have announced a week-long tour to Share the Magic of reading with thousands of children through school Reading Rallies, at family and community events, and book signings in multiple cities.

The mission of Mitchells Foundation is to transform the lives of students through literacy and to inspire young people to read by providing students access to books in under-resourced communities.

I am very excited about my books launch and to have this platform to share the magic of reading with so many more children, said Mitchell, who struggled with reading and self-esteem as a student. A life-changing experience, joining an adult womens book club in college, launched his passion to help kids find a love for reading. My mission is to be in every classroom - to reach every student that I can - and to let them know that there truly is magic inside of a book. I wholeheartedly believe that hopes and dreams can be realized by opening a book and reading. It happened to me; and I know it can happen to others.

The Share the Magic Tour kicks off on Sunday February 25, with The Magicians Hat Launch Party for children and families at Jeff Kinneys An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Cafe in Plainville, MA. Kinney, the bestselling author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, said about the book Malcolm Mitchells mission is to inspire young readers. The Magicians Hat will cast its spell on you.

Over the course of the Share the Magic Tour, Mitchell will read his new book aloud with nearly 3,000 children from eight schools, their teachers and their families during his signature Reading Rally program to be held in Boston, New York City and Atlanta. These events feature a high-energy, enthusiastic and engaging pep-rally atmosphere - with a live magician - designed to celebrate reading, energize students and motivate them to make reading a priority.

Each child who participates in a Read With Malcolm Reading Rally will receive a copy of Mitchells book to keep. Since 2015, Mitchell has put more than 30,000 copies of the original, self-published edition in the hands of students. Through his Foundation, Mitchell aims to get the newly-illustrated and expanded edition of his book to tens of thousands of children across the country. Mitchell originally self-published The Magicians Hat in 2015, while at The University of Georgia. In 2017, Scholastic, the global childrens publishing, education, and media company, acquired the rights to the book, and to two additional, original forthcoming books by Mitchell.

Immediately following the Share the Magic Tour, Mitchell will hit the road again, visiting schools, organizations and institutions, reading to children, speaking to parents and teachers, as part of his annual Read Across Georgia and Read Across New England programs, reaching an additional 6,000 students.

For a complete list of Mitchells appearances, public events and book signings during the Share The Magic Tour, visit Read With Malcolm's official website: http://www.readwithmalcolm.com

About Share the Magic Foundation:

Author, Super Bowl Champion and New England Patriots wide receiver, Malcolm Mitchell considers a love of reading to be his greatest achievement. In 2016, he founded Share the Magic Foundation with a sole purpose: to transform childrens lives through literacy. The Foundations mission is to inspire young people to read by bringing book ownership to students in Title I schools and under-resourced communities. Whether a student is a striving reader or learns differently, Read With Malcolm literacy programs provide both inspiration and motivation, and carry the message that reading is the key to achieving ones goals. To learn more about Malcolm's vision to inspire young and striving readers, please visit http://www.readwithmalcolm.com.

About Scholastic:

Scholastic Corporation is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of core literacy curriculum and professional services, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates quality books and ebooks, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, classroom magazines and other products and services that support children's learning both in school and at home. With operations in 14 international offices and exports to 165 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom collections, school and public libraries, retail and online. True to its mission of 97 years to encourage the personal and intellectual growth of all children beginning with literacy, the Company has earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families. Learn more at http://www.scholastic.com.
Jesus Sardinero, President of Mobile Business, UpChannel Sardinero's vast experience in the industry and access to senior executives is invaluable.

UpChannel today announced that Jesus Sardinero has joined its team as President of Mobile Business. Sardinero is a well-known and highly connected member of the telecommunications industry with more than thirty years of experience in significant roles at major brands like Telefonica, Motorola, Siemens and PCS Wireless.

Sardinero has been responsible for commercial operations in the Americas, Asia and Europe. As a result, he has direct experience with the sales, marketing, product development, distribution and service related challenges faced by telecoms.

We couldn't be more excited about having Jesus join us. His vast experience in the industry and access to senior executives is invaluable, stated Ron WIlliams, CEO of UpChannel. Jesus has an expansive network, and has already lined up 90 days of meetings across the major players in the industry.

UpChannel connects carriers and smartphone manufacturers with their customers, enabling recurring relationships and data-driven insight through a native mobile app called UpChannel Connect. OEMS and Carriers using the UpChannel Connect platform typically save 35% in support costs and reduce RMAs by 50%.

There are several opportunities for OEMs and Carriers to leverage the UpChannel Connect platform, says Jesus. It is very obvious to me that the UpChannel Connect platform offers exciting new opportunities for affordable and effective communication with smartphone users, states Jesus, The UpChannel Connect platform has the ability to reduce the cost of support, streamline communication, encourage upgrades, and provide better intelligence back to the OEM and the Carrier.

Jesus is meeting with his many colleagues and contacts across the industry to discuss how UpChannel Connect can add value to current business models and streamline customer support, sales, marketing and more. He will attend Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and conduct outreach and interviews while hes there.

If youd like to meet with Jesus to learn more about the platform please contact him at jesus(at)upchannel(dot)com. The UpChannel Connect platform is currently available to OEMs and Carriers at no cost.

About UpChannel:

UpChannel is a B2B SaaS (software-as-a-service) business that allows smartphone manufacturers and carriers in emerging markets to manage their relationship with smartphone owners. The UpChannel platform is currently deployed on more than 1 million devices in 105 countries. Learn more at http://upchannel.com.
PADF The STEM Academies reflect the spirit of innovation that drives our company," says Donna Hrinak, President of Boeing Latin America. "Its a joy to see kidsespecially girlsexcited about science and math.

With a grant from The Boeing Company, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is promoting STEM education in public schools in Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Panama.

During the yearlong program implemented by local nonprofit organizations, over 4,400 students in 57 schools will learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics through science fairs and after-school robotics classes. Nearly 400 teachers will also receive comprehensive training to strengthen their leadership and capacity to teach STEM subjects.

STEM education is vital because it drives our future, said Luisa Villegas, Deputy Senior Program Director at PADF. PADF is proud to make STEM education accessible in disadvantaged schools so that each girl and boy has the opportunity to grow and prosper.

The booming technology sector has spawned a great need for innovators, engineers and scientists. As the global tech sector continues to grow, machines are gradually replacing traditional manual labor with jobs that require STEM skills. Latin American students continue to rank in the bottom third worldwide in math, reading and science, according to the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data. In countries like Panama, traditional education methods have created a noncompetitive work force unable to meet modern job requirements, so employers are left to hire foreigners.

Boeing is committed to empowering the next generation of thought leaders and were happy to support this initiative with PADF, says Donna Hrinak, President of Boeing Latin America. The STEM Academies reflect the spirit of innovation that drives our company. Its a joy to see kidsespecially girlsexcited about science and math.

Local nonprofit partners will implement the new education programs. In Argentina and Chile, PADF has partnered with Fundacion Ciencia Joven; in Colombia, Jada Foundation; and in Panama, Fundacion Nacional para el Desarrollo de los STEAM(FUNDESTAM).

In Antioquia, Colombia, STEM education will be introduced to schools that serve youth who were displaced by years of armed conflict. With only a 20% high school graduation rate, families in the area are particularly vulnerable. Introducing structured initiatives like STEM education will help to rebuild the social fabric that creates stability for families.

The STEM Academies financed by Boeing are part of PADFs regional public-private initiative called STEM in the Americas, which is working in Latin America and the Caribbean to inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists. In addition to Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Panama, PADF has implemented STEM education initiatives in Brazil and Mexico.

The Pan American Development Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, brings together many stakeholders to improve livelihoods, empower communities, strengthen civil society, support human rights, protect the environment and respond to natural disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean. Established by the Organization of American States in 1962, PADF has worked in every country in the region. In the last decade, PADF has reached more than 92 million people, investing more than $600 million in development resources throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Victor Reyes who saved a fellow officers life while on duty. He is a hero. We are tremendously proud of how instinctively he executed his training. When faced with an emergency situation, you dont have time to second guess."

A U.S. Security Associates (USA) Security Officer is being hailed a hero for saving the life of his colleague. Security Officer Victor Reyes, who serves as the Assistant Public Safety Director at a high-end multi-use retail center in Glendale, CA, provided the necessary emergency response measures when fellow Security Officer Andreas Hernandez suffered a medical crisis and collapsed.

Patrons at the Glendale retail center alerted security personnel to the unfolding emergency. Officer Reyes, the first to respond, found Officer Hernandez unresponsive and with a fixed, open-eye gaze.

Suspecting a seizure as the cause, Officer Reyes rolled Officer Hernandez to his side to open his airways and facilitate better breathing. Initially, Officer Hernandez positively responded and began to breathe easier.

The improvement proved brief - soon afterwards, Officer Hernandez once again became nonresponsive and stopped breathing. Unable to locate a pulse, Officer Reyes requested an AED and began CPR compressions. He continued the life-saving measures until emergency responders arrived on the scene and took over. Officer Hernandez was stabilized at the scene and transported to the area hospital where he remained in ICU for several days. Officer Hernandez has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, grateful for his fellow Officers immediate and life-saving response. Emergency responders indicated had it not been for Officer Reyes prompt and correct response the outcome would have been very different.

The USA Security Officers are often the pre-first responders to emergencies at client sites, arriving well in advance of medical responders, police and fire fighters. Harold Underdown, Senior Vice President of Security Force Development for USA, commended Officer Reyes, stating, He is a hero. We are tremendously proud of how instinctively he executed his training. When faced with an emergency situation, you dont have time to second guess. Our job as a security company is to ensure our Security Officers have the right knowledge and skills to provide the correct and effective response to any crisis. Whether the crisis is a medical emergency, a lost child, a theft, a weather contingency, an environmental hazard or even an active shooter situation, our Officers are prepared. Without a doubt, the training we provide saves lives.

ABOUT U.S. SECURITY ASSOCIATES

U.S. Security Associates (USA) is the market-leading, wholly-owned American, full-service safety and security solutions provider. With over 160 locally-responsive offices, international locations and over 50,000 dedicated professionals, they offer the most complete array of physical security, remote surveillance, and global consulting and investigations to ensure better outcomes for thousands of clients and a range of industries. Innovative applications of leading-edge, proprietary technology enable USA to rank annually among the worlds best training companies, sustain the highest standards of quality, and underscore world-class customer service with unparalleled accountability. USAs rise as one of the largest innovative security solutions leaders is a natural byproduct of these differentiators and enable the company to provide the most Safe. Secure. Friendly. environments for people, assets, and brands. For more information, visit http://www.ussecurityassociates.com.

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STRmix  the sophisticated forensic software used to resolve mixed DNA profiles previously thought to be too complex to interpret  has been used to charge suspects in two separate murder cases in Florida.

In the first case, police used STRmix to decipher DNA mixtures found on a firearm, clothing, and other items found in a car stolen from the Jupiter, FL home at which the February 2017 shootings took place. This allowed investigators to arrest and charge Marcus Steward with the murders of Sean Henry, Brandi El-Salhy, and Kelli Doherty. Another individual, Christopher Vasata, previously had been arrested in the case.

Use of STRmix in a second case enabled the Sarasota County (FL) Sheriffs Office to charge Delmer Smith with murder and sexual battery in the April 2009 death of Georgann Lee Smith. STRmix was used by DNA Labs International to interpret multiple profiles of DNA extracted from the victims clothes, and ultimately identify Delmer Smiths DNA.

Smith is currently housed at Florida State Prison in Raiford after being sentenced to life in prison for armed home invasion and armed kidnapping in one Sarasota case, and sentenced to death for the first-degree murder of Kathleen Briles in a Manatee case. He now will be transported back to Sarasota County to face charges in the Georgann Lee Smith case.

The two Florida murder cases are among the most recent in the U.S. to successfully use STRmix. In December, evidence produced by STRmix was used to convict a Brooklyn, NY man of murder for slashing the throat of his estranged wife. In that case, STRmix was able to isolate the defendants DNA in several pieces of evidence presented during the trial.

Thirty U.S. forensic labs now routinely use STRmix in resolving DNA profiles. These include everything from federal agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI to state and local agencies, including the Michigan State Police, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the California Department of Justice.

STRmix, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary of use in live casework, is also in various stages of installation, validation, and training in 56 other U.S. labs.

In five short years, STRmix has moved from being an experimental technology to the broadly accepted norm in cases in which a sophisticated forensic software is required to resolve mixed DNA profiles, says John Buckleton DSc, FRSNZ, Forensic Scientist at the New Zealand Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Buckleton developed STRmix in collaboration with ESRs Jo-Anne Bright and Duncan Taylor from Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA).

ESR launched an upgraded version of STRmix in mid-2017. STRmix v2.5 contains a number of new features designed to improve functionality, speed, memory, and ease of use, including: multi-kit functionality, enabling interpretation of DNA profiles from different test kits; a likelihood ratio (LR) batcher tool, allowing users to calculate multiple LRs from multiple reference inputs to a previously run deconvolution; and a combined DNA Index System (CODIS) report.

For more information about STRmix visit http://www.esr.cri.nz/ or http://STRmix.esr.cri.nz/.
Support for these families is of the utmost importance. Together we can make a big impact for the families of our fallen military and first responders.

RE/MAX Properties, Inc. Realtor Michelle Fisher is now a sponsor for Angels of Americas Fallen. Angels of Americas Fallen is dedicated to honoring the legacy of our fallen military and first responders by helping their children grow and develop into strong and successful adults.

Support for these families is of the utmost importance. Together we can make a big impact for the families of our fallen military and first responders, said Fisher, who recently obtained the distinguished Military Relocation Professional certificate from the National Association of Realtors.

Fisher also recently attended the 2018 Angel Gala as a Gold Sponsor, as well as a community sponsor. The event is a memorable and heartfelt evening that celebrates the positives and possibilities in the lives of the children of our fallen military and first responders.

To donate directly to Angels of Americas Fallen, please visit https://www.aplos.com/aws/give/AngelsofAmericasFallen/donation.

In addition to supporting Angels of Americas Fallen, Fisher is a RE/MAX Miracle Agent, a dedicated supporter who participates in the Miracle Home/Miracle Property program and pledge to make a donation to her local Childrens Miracle Network Hospital, Childrens Hospital Colorado, after each closed property sale. To date, Fisher has already contributed over $10,000 to Childrens Miracle Network as a Miracle Agent and lead her brokerage firm in 2017 for total year to date contributions.

About Michelle Fisher, RE/MAX Properties

Colorado native Michelle Fisher is an Accredited Buyers Representative, Accredited Staging Professional, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified New Home Specialist, Military Residential Specialist, Military Relocation Professional, Residential Construction Certified, Seller Representative Specialist, USA Cares Certified Military Housing Specialist and Quality Service Certified. She is also a Best of Colorado Springs Awards for Real Estate recipient, as well as a 2017 American Institute of Real Estate Professionals 10 Best Client Satisfaction Award recipient. For more information, call (719) 322-6467, or visit http://mymilitaryhomesearch.com.

About the NALA

The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALAs mission is to promote a business relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. The information and content in this article are not in conjunction with the views of the NALA. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361.
The Christian faith has lost the greatest communicator it has had over the last century. (Billy Graham) took the message of salvation to billions of people. ... He inspired so many people and gave them a reason to live. Jerry Falwell, Liberty University President

As Liberty University and the nation mourn the loss of one of the greatest American evangelists of our time, thoughts and prayers go out to a family who has meant so much to the university over the years.

The Rev. Billy Graham died on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at age 99.

It has been a sad day on our campus as we mourn the loss of the Rev. Billy Graham, said Liberty President Jerry Falwell. The Christian faith has lost the greatest communicator it has had over the last century. He took the message of salvation to billions of people, giving them hope that even though we are all sinners, we can have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. It was a simple Gospel, but nobody could communicate it like he did. He inspired so many people and gave them a reason to live. Many of Billy Grahams family were students at Liberty, and they are close friends. The Liberty family will continue to keep them in our prayers.

Libertys student body spent a special time in prayer during Wednesdays Convocation.

The Falwells and Grahams have grown close over the years.

I made a special trip to Chapel Hill, N.C., while I was in college in the early 80s to attend a Billy Graham crusade, Falwell said. Becki and I also attended his 90th and 95th birthday parties and the opening of his library in Charlotte, N.C., about a month after my Dad died in 2007. The fact that four U.S. presidents spoke at that event was proof of how highly respected he was.

Falwell said he always appreciated Grahams firm focus on his ministry.

He had a gift of communication that nobody else in the Christian faith ever had, and he used it, he said. He wasnt divisible; he didnt take sides. His gift was to preach the Gospel, and he knew that anything else he did would take away from that.

In national television interviews on Wednesday, Falwell said Graham was a household name decades ago, reaching millions on television when there were only a few channels and the regular programming would be interrupted to show Grahams sermons from his crusades. He said Graham leaves a huge legacy for future generations.

So many Christian leaders today were converted through his ministry or through someone who was influenced by someone else who was converted through Billy Grahams ministry, including my father. Our students know about the history, even though they didnt live it, and are well aware of that.

Billy Grahams official obituary calls him an evangelist to the world. It reads: Throughout his life, Billy Graham preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to some 215 million people who attended one of his more than 400 Crusades, simulcasts and evangelistic rallies in more than 185 countries and territories. He reached millions more through TV, video, film, the internet and 34 books.

While his primary focus, it said, was to take the message of salvation to the world, he also provided spiritual counsel to presidents, championed desegregation, and was a voice of hope and guidance in times of trial. In 2001, he comforted his country and the world when he spoke at the National Cathedral in Washington, following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. At three global conferences held in Amsterdam (1983, 1986, 2000), Graham gathered some 23,000 evangelists from 208 countries and territories to train them to carry the message of Jesus Christ around the world.

Graham delivered his final message in 2013 via more than 480 television stations across the U.S. and Canada. More than 26,000 churches participated in this My Hope project, making it the Billy Graham Evangelistic Associations largest evangelistic outreach ever in North America.

(Read more on the life and legacy of Billy Graham and send your memorials and condolences on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Associations memorial site.)

Liberty has had many ties to the Graham family and their ministries over the years. Billy Graham addressed graduates at Commencement in 1997. His son, Franklin, has visited Liberty many times, delivering keynote addresses at Commencement in 2001 and Baccalaureate in 1996, as well as speaking in Convocation. Franklin Graham also spoke at the funeral of Libertys founder, Jerry Falwell, Sr. Many Graham family members attended. Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of Billy Graham, has also spoken in Convocation.

Franklin Grahams son Will, a 1997 Liberty alumnus, currently serves on Libertys Board of Trustees. He works with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association as executive director of the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, N.C.

Several of Billy Grahams grandchildren and great-grandchildren have attended Liberty. His grandson Basyle J. Tchividjian is a professor at Liberty University School of Law.

About Liberty University

Liberty University, founded in 1971, is the largest private, nonprofit university in the nation and the largest university in Virginia. Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains on more than 7,000 acres in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty offers more than 550 unique programs of study from the certificate to the doctoral level. More than 250 programs are offered online. Libertys mission is to train Champions for Christ with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for impacting tomorrows world.
Accel at College Station Accel at College Station's agreements with Texas Star+Plus Managed Medicaid plans will ensure increased access to care for seniors, while delivering on the promise of exceptional long-term care.

Accel at College Station Announces Successful Signing of Star+Plus Medicaid Insurance Provider Agreements

Agreements secured with third-party insurance managers Molina Healthcare, Amerigroup, Cigna Healthspring, Superior Health Plan, United Healthcare

StoneGate Senior Living, LLC, an award-winning full-spectrum senior care and housing company, announces Accel at College Station has agreements with all five Star+Plus Managed Medicaid plans. The agreements, signed with Molina Healthcare, Amerigroup, Cigna Healthspring, Superior Health Plan, and United Healthcare, allow Accel at College Station to deliver long-term care services through the Texas Managed Medicaid program.

We are proud to provide individuals in our community with the insurance options they need to access industry-leading long-term care through Texas Star+Plus Medicaid program, says Jessica Garner, StoneGate Senior Living Provider Relations and Business Development Specialist, Accel at College Station. The addition of Molina Healthcare, Amerigroup, Cigna Healthspring, Superior Health Plan and United Healthcare to our roster of insurance agreements will ensure increased access to care for seniors, while delivering on our promise of exceptional long-term care.

About Accel at College Station

Accel at College Stations 116-bed facility serves as both an in-patient transitional care center and outpatient center. The new facility, which opened its doors in November 2017, provides transitional postacute care services, including physical, occupational and speech rehabilitation services. Accel at College Station practices a lifetime wellness philosophy, with services committed to delivering comprehensive intellectual, spiritual, mental and social wellness for its patients. The facility also focuses on such high-priority care practices as wound care, bariatric treatment, stroke and cardiopulmonary recovery, orthopedic care and infectious disease treatment.

For more information about Accel at College Station, please visit http://accelcollegestation.com/.

To coordinate media interviews, please contact:

Tara Vreeland

Senior Public Relations Manager (B2C)

303.929.8363

tvreeland[at]promoteonpurpose[dot]com

Pam Abrahamsson

Senior Public Relations Manager (B2B)

503.298.9749

pabrahamsson[at]promoteonpurpose[dot]com

About StoneGate Senior Living:

StoneGate Senior Living is an award-winning full-spectrum senior care and housing company with 44 properties across Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado. Recently ranked as the nations 31st largest transitional and long-term care company by Provider magazine, StoneGate is a fully-integrated post-acute health care company, with service-lines and business units that offer transitional care, long-term care, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, wellness, pharmacy, care navigation and post-acute analytical services.

To learn more, visit: http://www.stonegatesl.com.
DocLink helps companies streamline business processes, improve efficiencies and reduce costs, all important goals for companies wanting to make a digital transformation.

Altec, a leader in enterprise document management and process automation solutions, is participating as a silver sponsor in the 2018 Third Party Advantage Conference (TPAC) conference in Vancouver, Canada February 25-27. TPAC provides a dedicated forum for product development partners to interact with partners implementing solutions for Sage 300. Altec will be showcasing DocLink, its leading document management solution that allows everyone  from the CFO, AP Clerk, Accounting Manager, to an HR Manager, Sales or IT  to spend less time managing data everywhere within their company.

Lauren Huynh, Channel Program Manager for Altec states, Altecs partners are a vital part of our business, and building strong relationships is an important measurement of our success. We do all we can to make it easy for our partners to sell our solution, and that means our sales and marketing resources are also our partners resources. Our channel partners get exceptional sales, technical training and support, as well as tried and tested marketing tools, programs and resources to help them gain a competitive advantage.

Kevin Dudevoir, Director of Sales for Altec stated, Weve attended TPAC for over 10 years and find it an excellent venue for educating partners about DocLink, and how the solution is an excellent option for their customers. We all know that document management is essential for optimizing workflows around outdated business processes, particularly in AP where most companies have a huge paper problem. But going paperless is only the first step in going digital  every member in an organization has a different perspective on how managing documents can improve their productivity and save time and money. DocLink helps companies streamline business processes, improve efficiencies and reduce costs, all important goals for companies wanting to make a digital transformation.

About Altec

Altec is a leading provider of integrated document management and process automation solutions. Its flagship product, DocLink, helps companies connect people, processes and data providing them with the ability to store, search, retrieve and send any document securely. DocLink effectively eliminates the need for paper while automating processes that improve organizational efficiency and reduce costs associated with human errors. With thousands of customers globally, Altec enjoys collaborative partnerships with Sage, Microsoft, Acumatica, Intacct, Key2Act, SAP B1, AmTech, and Epicor that deliver flexible, comprehensive solutions to adapt to an ever-changing global market. Learn more at http://www.altec-inc.com.
Altitude Trampoline Park Vista, will hosting its Grand Opening Celebration in the Vista community on February 24th!

"We're holding our Grand Opening event on Saturday 2/24 to celebrate with the community. We opened our doors to the public on 1/27. Much to our surprise and pleasure, people have expressed how eager they were for us to open our doors. In meeting those customers who come through our doors, we've fallen in love with so many of them and in the three weeks that we have been open, we have been overjoyed to see many returning smiling faces." - Tom Darlington - Park Owner

The Grand Opening Celebration will be an all-day event on February 24th and will include hourly giveaways with a grand-prize of an XBOX One S, face painting, balloon art, food trucks, dodgeball tournaments, and a teen night. Everyone is invited to come jump with Altitude during the grand opening event and check out the services they have to offer such as birthday parties, group events or fundraising events! On March 1st, Altitude Vista will be hosting Calavera Hills Middle School's fundraising event, the first of many fundraising events of which we hope to be a part of.

Park owner, Janice Darlington, says, "We are two local San Diego families with science research backgrounds. We have kids of our own and a love for adventure. Knowing what it's like to be parents, we had safety, fun and cleanliness in mind when we built our park. We're proud to be part of the Vista and surrounding North County community. We're also proud to be part of the Altitude Trampoline Park family, a highly reputable brand name when it comes to cutting edge attractions and customer service. "

Altitude Vista's facility encompasses a large interconnection of wall to wall trampolines and attractions for the amusement and exercise of guests of all ages. The indoor park will include a variety of specific activities such as Tumble Track, Performance Trampolines, Battle Beam, Kids Court, Dodgeball, Foam Pits, Dunk Lanes, as well as a Main Court.

Find out more about the grand opening celebration at http://www.altitudevista.com/grand-opening. Additionally, you can LIKE us on Facebook @AltitudeVista!
Dutch Luv Day 2018 Dutch Bros donates over 2 million pounds of food to help those in need on Dutch Luv Day.

On Feb. 14, Dutch Bros locations in seven states raised $310,273 during their annual Dutch Luv Day, established to support local food banks and organizations committed to ending hunger.

Were blown away, once again, by the support of our communities, said Travis Boersma, co-founder of Dutch Bros Coffee. The willingness of people to support each other is unbelievable and what Dutch love is all about.

Every year, all Dutch Bros locations celebrate Valentines Day by donating $1 from every drink sold to local food banks. On average, a $1 donation allows organizations to purchase seven pounds of healthy and nutritious food for those in need. This year, the money raised by nearly 300 Dutch Bros locations will allow local organizations to provide more than 2 million pounds of food for people that need it the most.

In 2017, Dutch Bros raised $251,671 through the Dutch Luv campaign. This year, with the help of their customers and communities, they were able to raise $58,602 more  a nearly 25 percent increase  to provide relief to hungry people.

Providing opportunities like Dutch Luv Day for neighbors, friends and family to be wildly generous is what gives us hope in a better future, said Brian Maxwell, chief operating officer of Dutch Bros. This is the fuel that inspires us to keep growing and create more platforms for good.

Dutch Bros Coffee donates more than $2 million every year to nonprofit organizations and causes to Make a difference, one cup at a time.

For a complete list of organizations supported by the 2018 Dutch Luv Day, and the amount raised in each community, click here.

About Dutch Bros

Dutch Bros Coffee is the countrys largest privately held, drive-thru coffee company, with more than 300 locations and 7,500 employees in seven states.

Dutch Bros serves specialty coffee, smoothies, freezes, teas, a private-label Dutch Bros Blue Rebel energy drink, and nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee.

The rich, proprietary coffee blend is handcrafted from start to finish. Each ingredient is measured, every process timed and each cup perfected.

With a mission to serve as a role model in the community and commitment to doing the right thing, Dutch Bros donates more than $2 million annually to nonprofit organizations and local causes selected by local owner-operators.

Dutch Bros Coffee is headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon, where it was founded in 1992 by Dane and Travis Boersma, brothers of Dutch descent.

To learn more about Dutch Bros, visit http://www.dutchbros.com, like Dutch Bros Coffee on Facebook or follow @DutchBros on Twitter.

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FOR MEDIA ONLY

Contact: Angi Veek / 541.660.1521 / pr(at)dutchbros.com
#MargEmoji 2019 Through this campaign, we want to help margarita lovers live the marg life by giving them another way to share great moments and experiences with friends. By this time next year, we hope we can collectively raise a margarita, and cheers to the addition of the #MargEmoji!

As the margarita celebrates its 80th birthday this year, el Jimador tequila is inviting fans everywhere to help award Americas favorite cocktail with its rightful place in pop culture, and a coveted spot on keyboards everywhere. After being snubbed once again in the most recent additions to the popular digital expression announced earlier this month, this National Margarita Day, February 22, el Jimador will launch a nationwide campaign petitioning for the addition of the margarita emoji, dubbed the MargEmoji, to the 2019 emoji roster.

According to margarita legend, the cocktail is said to have been created in 1938 by Carlos "Danny" Herrera at his Tijuana restaurant. It is believed he created it for a former Ziegfield dancer who could only drink tequila due to allergies to other spirits. Since then, the margaritas popularity has flourished, currently reigning supreme as the #1 bar call in the U.S.

Theres no denying that the margarita has played a large role in elevating tequila to Americas most beloved spirit. The cocktail has become part of a lifestyle that embodies a fun, friendly, even fashionable way to interact with the world, said Ed Carias, Senior Brand Manager for el Jimador tequila at Brown-Forman. Through this campaign, we want to help margarita lovers live the marg life by giving them another way to share great moments and experiences with friends. By this time next year, we hope we can collectively raise a margarita, and cheers to the addition of the #MargEmoji!

In addition to the digital petition via Change.org, el Jimador has invested in out-of-home media buys that will come to life via a series of posters raising awareness for the #MargEmoji campaign. These posters will target margarita fans from coast to coast, counterintuitively spreading a wave of analog awareness for the digital initiative.

To support the #MargEmoji movement, sign the petition, or visit http://www.eljimador.com to learn more.

About el Jimador

From Casa Herradura, established in 1870, el Jimador is a premium 100% blue agave tequila. The name el Jimador honors the men who harvest the locally grown agave with great pride and care. To learn more about el Jimador, visit http://www.eljimador.com.

el Jimador is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniels, Finlandia Vodka, Korbel California Champagne, Old Forester, Chambord, Tequila Herradura and Sonoma-Cutrer. For more information about Brown-Forman and our brands, visit our website at http://www.brown-forman.com. Please enjoy our brands responsibly.
School districts are struggling with their budget. I want to help them build the environments to teach our kids at the very best cost. -Steve Harper

Steve Harper is passionate about assisting school districts. As the founder of multiple companies providing software for various markets, his main focus recently has been to make the planning, construction, and post construction phases for school district leaders easy to manage.

School districts are struggling with their budget. I want to help them build the environments to teach our kids at the very best cost," said Harper

I also want to help them find ways to allocate money for future projects and to provide a tool that easily gives them the answers to share this information with their constituents. Thats always a driving force in my mind when considering our products, said Harper.

With this focus, Harper developed his newest software, BondPlanner. The product was developed to answer a question put forth by Tim McClure, Assistant Superintendent For Facilities at Northwest ISD in Fort Worth, Texas. What can you do to help us with planning? asked McClure, who was already a customer and fan of Harpers construction tracking software, Owner Insite (OI). While OI has a master planning and programming dashboard component, it doesnt fully provide all of the details necessary to fully answer the intricacies of capital improvement and bond planning.

Tim walked me through the very manual process he used to formulate the plan for their district. It was essentially a very complex and cumbersome Excel spreadsheet which was prone to errors. All of the information flowed through him, making it necessary for him to do each update, which required a lot of effort on his part. He was looking for a real-time solution to the problem. said Harper.

Since he was already working with a number of other school districts, Harper validated the need for a comprehensive yet easy-to-use system to aid in facility assessment, campus inventory and long-range financial planning. The answer was a resounding YES, he said. This was a problem that plagued school districts of every size. Realizing there was a problem to be addressed, Harper reached out to Roy Gatling, who has spent over 30 years in the information technology sector.

Steve and I had been looking for a project to do with each other for a few years, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity, said Gatling.

In November 2016, Harper and Gatling developed the framework for the application. They did a field test of the platform with McClure, who provided a few notes on the functionality and capability of the tool. We then validated it with a few other school districts and got really positive feedback. So now were in production and giving school districts an application that enables them to consolidate, manage and report on their planning data, said Gatling.

BondPlanner provides a host of capabilities, such as a catalogue of all the districts campuses, their building systems and lifecycles, replacement costs and provides cost projections years into the future based on their projected needs and associated costs.

Its easy to create projects with contingency rates and developing bond scenarios is as simple as clicking a mouse. Its a very comprehensive application," said Gatling.

BondPlanner also provides the ability for school districts to perform their own facility assessments to inform the overall capital plan. Additionally, the district can import data from a third party vendor that has done a facility assessment. Typical reports from a consultant would be a PDF document, and that isnt an optimal format. It needs to be in a database, said Gatling. We saw and heard the need to give school districts control over this process and extract more value from the information.

Now that the passion project has come to fruition, Harper and Gatling are on a mission to bring BondPlanner to school districts around the country. Their hope is the software can help school leaders manage their operations more effectively, support their needs with real data and justify the investments associated with using taxpayer dollars.

With more school districts signing on every day to BondPlanner, Harper and Gatling know they have built something important. We just want to make a positive difference for the schools. If we do that, we can play some small part in helping school leaders make an even bigger difference on the kids. said Harper.
When done well, onboarding impacts revenue growth, customer service, competitive agility and a full range of business objectives and outcomes.

SilkRoad (http://www.silkroad.com), a global leader in strategic enterprise onboarding to drive Talent Activation and business outcomes, announced the hiring of Lilith Christiansen as vice president of Onboarding Solutions. In her new role, Christiansen will lead a team dedicated to partnering with SilkRoad customers to develop world-class strategic onboarding practices and programs that transform their employee experiences and drive business outcomes.

I'm pleased to join SilkRoad because it's a pioneer in the onboarding space with the premier onboarding solution used by over 1200 customers," Christiansen said. The onboarding solutions team will help organizations build better employee experience and drive retention by connecting all of the onboarding experiences throughout the employee lifecycle. When done well, onboarding impacts revenue growth, customer service, competitive agility and a full range of business objectives and outcomes.

Christiansen brings more than 20 years of consulting experience to SilkRoad, having established a reputation as an industry expert, author and speaker. Prior to joining SilkRoad, Christiansen served as Vice President of the Organizational Development Practice group at Kaiser Associates, co-leading deep analytical and business performance perspective projects to help leading companies succeed against organizational development challenges. Christiansen is also an accomplished author; her book Successful Onboarding highlights her methodologies for creating strategic onboarding programs on a global scale to unlock hidden values from talent bases.

Lilith literally wrote the book on world-class onboarding and created Kaiser Associates practice addressing organizational onboarding. Her wealth of experience creating and implementing strategic onboarding practices to improve business results for clients uniquely qualifies her to design new programs for SilkRoad clients, said Mike DeVries, senior vice president of Sales & Marketing for SilkRoad. She understands how to connect strategic 'always-on' onboarding to talent activation to support business goals, like improved productivity, profitability, agility, customer service and the CEO vision.

Editors Note: A photo of Lilith Christiansen is available upon request.

About SilkRoad

SilkRoad provides talent activation technology enabling forward thinking HR organizations to go beyond todays talent management offerings to deliver modern, personalized talent journeys across a unified talent acquisition, onboarding and development process. SilkRoad activates the workforce, empowers HR and informs business leaders to drive better business outcomes.

For more information, visit http://www.silkroad.com, follow on Twitter @SilkRoadTweets or call 8663293363 (U.S. toll free) or +13125743700.
Morrison & Foerster, a leading global law firm, is pleased to announce that Susan Gault-Brown has joined the firms Financial Services Group as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office. Ms. Gault-Brown comes to Morrison & Foerster from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, and was also a senior counsel in the Division of Investment Management's Office of Chief Counsel at the SEC prior to entering private practice. Ms. Gault-Brown brings to the firm significant experience in investment management, FinTech, and financial services.

The diverse practice that Susan brings to the firm, particularly her extensive expertise in investment management, further strengthens our talented global finance group, said Gary Lee, co-chair of Morrison & Foersters Finance Department. Susan is a terrific complement to many of our practices, and our clients will greatly benefit from her industry knowledge.

Joseph Palmore, managing partner of Morrison & Foersters Washington, D.C. office and co-chair of the Appellate and Supreme Court Group, added: Susans coming to Morrison & Foerster underscores our ongoing commitment to further building a strong presence in Washington, D.C. and meeting the regulatory needs of our clients. Susan is the latest talented partner to join our growing team in D.C. and is a key addition to our office and the firm.

Ms. Gault-Browns practice focuses on the participants in the investment management, FinTech, and financial services industries. She advises investment advisers, exempt reporting advisors, broker-dealers, funding portals, private funds, commodity trading advisors, commodity pool operators, FinTech companies, and cryptocurrency and blockchain companies on regulatory, transactional, and counseling matters involving the securities and derivatives laws. She also regularly provides advice with respect to exemptions, no-action letters, and other forms of regulatory relief.

Ms. Gault-Brown received her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, her M.A. from Washington University, and her B.A. from Duke University.

It was an attractive proposition for me to join MoFo because of its reputation as the leading technology law firm, outstanding financial services and FinTech practices, and thriving D.C. office, Ms. Gault-Brown said. Im looking forward to working with my new colleagues in delivering the exceptional level of client service that the firm is known for.

Morrison & Foerster has added more than 20 new partners since the beginning of 2014 across its Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia offices, significantly building out numerous practices. Key additions in D.C. over the last year alone include John Carlin, Bob Litt, and David Newman, who joined from the government and are leading the firms growing Global Risk & Crisis Management and National Security Groups, and Ali Zaidi who also came to the firm from the government and has strengthened the Environment & Energy Group.

Morrison & Foerster has also been adding top talent across the firm since the start of 2018. Other partners to join the firm this year include Palo Alto-based M&A partner Khoa Do, Tokyo-based Corporate partner Jesse Gillespie, and London-based Finance partner Caroline Jury.

ABOUT MOFO

We are Morrison & Foerster  a global firm of exceptional credentials. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, investment banks, Fortune 100, and technology and life sciences companies. The Financial Times has named the firm to its lists of most innovative law firms in Northern America and Asia every year that it has published its Innovative Lawyers Reports in those regions. In the past few years, Chambers USA has honored MoFos Privacy and Data Security, Bankruptcy, and IP teams with Firm of the Year awards, the Corporate/M&A team with a client service award, and the firm as a whole as Global USA Firm of the Year. Our lawyers are committed to achieving innovative and business-minded results for our clients, while preserving the differences that make us stronger. The firm also has a long history of commitment to the community through providing pro bono legal services, including litigating for civil rights and civil liberties, improving public education for poor children, advocating for veterans, promoting international human rights, winning asylum for the persecuted, and safeguarding the environment.
Five shareholders from the Chicago office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP have been included in Leading Lawyers Top Lists in Illinois for real estate and public finance. These Top Lists recognitions are featured in the January 2018 Real Estate, Construction, & Environmental edition of Leading Lawyers Magazine.

Greenberg Traurig attorneys in Leading Lawyers Top Lists include:



Michael T. Fishman, co-chair of the firm's Chicago Real Estate Practice, ranked #5 among the Top 10 Real Estate Lawyers in Illinois

Meredith L. Katz, shareholder in the firms Real Estate Practice, was listed among the - Top 100 Emerging Real Estate-Related Lawyers in Illinois

Matthew R. Lewin, shareholder in the firms Public Finance Practice, ranked #2 among the Top 10 Public Finance Lawyers in Illinois

Corey E. Light, co-chair of the firm's Global Real Estate Practice, ranked #8 among the Top 10 Real Estate Lawyers in Illinois

Rita M. Powers, co-managing shareholder of the Chicago office and co-chair of the firm's Real Estate Litigation Practice, was listed among the Top 100 Women Real Estate-Related Lawyers in Illinois

Leading Lawyers, a division of the Law Bulletin Publishing Company, conducted a statewide search surveying thousands of Illinois lawyers to determine the top lawyers in the state. Only those lawyers who were recommended the most often are qualified as Leading Lawyers.

About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and is among the Top 20 on the 2017 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.
Folio: is calling for nominations for the fifth annual Top Women in Media Awards. Each year, this awards program honors women in the media industry who have stood out, taken risks, or been a visionary for her company, team, or market. The deadline for nominations is Friday, February 23, 2018.

More Information

All honorees of the Folio: Top Women in Media Awards bring something new and exciting to the table, but each shares the same key characteristics of smarts and exuberance, said Robbie Caploe, Publisher of Folio, whether it be through revenue and audience growth, brand extensions, product launches, business transformations, thought leadership, or pioneering savvy.

2018 Nomination Categories Include:



Corporate Champions

Change-Makers

Entrepreneurs

Industry Trailblazers

Motivators

Up and Comers

For complete entry details, click here.

Past Folio: Top Women in Media honorees include, Julia Wang of The Bump, Bonnie Kintzer of Trusted Media Brands, Gail Day of Harvard Business Review, Teresa Lurk of MBA, and Lisa Sugar of POPSUGAR. Honorees will be profiled on foliomag.com and spotlighted on Thursday, June 7 during a luncheon at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.

If you or someone you know deserves to be one of the Folio: 2018 Top Women in Media, submit your nominations at http://www.FolioTopWomen.com. Entries are due Friday, February 23.

Questions? Contact Jessica Coonan at jcoonan[at]accessintel[dot]com or (203) 899-8436. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tania Babiuk at tbabiuk[at]accessintel[dot]com or (203) 899-8498.

About Folio:

Folio: is the multi-channel resource for the publishing industry. Our primary mission is to help media companies generate revenue and increase audience engagement. For more information, please visit http://www.FolioMag.com.
Diamonds International employee delivering critical supplies to those in need Going through Hurricane Irma was the hardest thing I have ever been through. We lost everything. The islands are so small that everybody knows someone that works at a Diamonds International, so we had to step up and help our team.

The world is well aware of Hurricane Irmas wrath during the 2017 Caribbean hurricane season, where back to back storms devastated several islands and parts of the USA.

During the initial impact, it was extremely difficult to get emergency response to the affected areas due to severe infrastructural damage, creating constraints for outside relief efforts.

Local jewelry retail chain Diamonds International took immediate action on the ground to aid in the crisis situation. Over 60% of the companys employees across the Caribbean were directly impacted by the storms, many left homeless and in desperate need.

Diamonds International funded crisis relief activities in the form of: chartering private planes and boats to deliver critical supplies including food, water and blankets; coordinating special landing permits; providing medical aid and treatment; transporting and evacuating employees; supplying housing; and financial support (list below).

Taking charge of the situation, key Diamonds International employees in St. Maarten converted a destroyed apartment into the Command Center - which operated as the logistics and communication hub for emergency relief efforts across all affected islands, and housed multiple employees that were left homeless.

Going through Hurricane Irma was the hardest thing I have ever been through. We lost everything. The islands are so small that everybody knows someone that works at a Diamonds International, so we had to step up and help our team, said Kyle Holland, Regional Project Manager in St. Maarten, whose familys home and possessions were destroyed. We were evacuating people, getting medical aid and supplies to whoever needed it, coordinating shipments and permits, and its not over, we are now in rebuilding mode.

As emergency relief efforts were underway on the ground, Diamonds Internationals corporate offices in New York and Miami raised funds to help those most affected recover and rebuild their lives. Generous donations came in from all over the world, including Diamonds Internationals customers, owners, employees, retail brands, vendors and suppliers, and cruise industry partners via a Youcaring.com crowd-funding campaign.

The past months have revealed a community of colleagues united in compassion, generosity and ultimate humanity, said Joseph Hewes, Store Manager in St. Thomas. We are so thankful for the supplies, support and recovery funds to help us rebuild our lives. Its truly a privilege and pleasure to know that we are cared for, and to be part of the Diamonds International family.

Multiple Diamonds International retail stores also sustained damages in the storms, including marquee sales drivers in St. Maarten (destroyed) and St. Thomas, and Grand Turk, Antigua, Tortola (destroyed) Puerto Rico and Key West. Losses included destroyed infrastructure, inventory damages, theft, and sales from closed locations.

A prominent attraction and employer throughout the tourism-dependent region, Diamonds International is an integral part of the tourist experience, catering to millions of cruise ship passengers annually, that pour into the Caribbean daily. Diamonds Internationals corporate offices worked tirelessly to ensure daily business operations continued smoothly, and were adjusted to changes in port and cruise line itineraries, while managing the recovery efforts.

Hurricane Irma faced us with our biggest challenge to date. The damage to our employees, stores and operations was catastrophic. We are proud to say that we banded together as a company to do everything in our power to help the locals, our Diamonds International family in the Caribbean and Florida. Our teams on the ground were the real heroes. They were rescuing people and coordinating logistics all while being impacted by the storms themselves. Their dedication and resilience is incredible, says the Gad Family, owners and operators of Diamonds International and manufacturing arm Almod Diamonds.

The company is currently focused on moving forward, and assisting our affected employees to rebuild their lives. We are investing heavily to repair our stores and keep people employed, moving them forward as quickly as possible so they can get their lives going, and are not mentally and emotionally devastated.

Diamonds International has been entrenched in the Caribbean for 30 years, with over 125 locations and over 80% of its workforce in the region. The companys core philosophies are rooted in a dedication to human rights and welfare, reinvesting in the communities in which it operates, and giving back to those that helped the company grow from a small boutique in St.Thomas into one of the largest retailers and employers in the region.

--

Partial list of supplies & provisions delivered to those in need:

food, water, flashlights, air beds, generators, cell phones, computers, gas stoves, sleeping bags, bug repellent, first-aid kits, building tools, tarps, hand sanitizer, blankets, dishes, utensils, toiletries, bleach, batteries, garbage bags, towels, wipes, toothpaste, diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, baby sunscreen, female hygiene products, fuel cans, toothbrush, dishwashing soap, gloves, Ziploc bags, sunscreen, lanterns, coolers, laundry detergent, charcoal, fans, bed sheets, extension cords, matches, candles, radio, can openers, car seat belts.

Evacuation planes, boats, flight tickets, ground transportation, medical treatment, housing, shipping, and financial compensation.

Media Contact:

media[at]diamondsinternational[dot]com

About Diamonds International/Almod Diamonds:

Established in 1988, Diamonds International (DI) is the largest tax & duty-free jewelry retailer in the world. With 125 retail locations across 22 Caribbean countries, Florida, Mexico and Alaska, Diamonds International serves millions of tourists and cruise ship passengers annually with an unrivaled selection of loose diamonds, rare gemstones, designer jewelry and watch brands. DI is the exclusive retailer of the US-patented Crown of Light diamond and rare Safi Kilima Tanzanite brands. Sourcing directly from the mines, DI is a De Beers Sightholder and supports ethical mine-to-market practices. Almod Diamonds is the manufacturing affiliate of DI, and for 30 years both companies remain privately-held and family-run, with corporate offices in New Yorks prestigious diamond district and Miami. http://www.diamondsinternational.com.
Researchers in Utah are working to identify fossils found in what may be one of the largest fossil caches in the US. This 63-meter (69-yard) site may be the densest area of Triassic period fossils in the nation, maybe the world. If this site can be fully excavated, it is likely that we will find many other intact specimens, and quite possibly even new vertebrate species -- Paleontologist Rob Gay

Researchers, led by paleontologist Rob Gay, have discovered what may be one of the worlds richest caches of Triassic period fossils at an extensive site within the original boundaries of Bears Ears National Monument. The teams initial excavation led to the extraordinary discovery of several intact remains of crocodile-like animals called phytosaurs. The findings were publicly announced at this weeks Western Association of Vertebrate Paleontologists (WAVP) annual conference where researchers warned of a growing threat to their work in the region.

Based on our small, initial excavation, we believe that this 63-meter (69-yard) site may be the densest area of Triassic period fossils in the nation, maybe the world. If this site can be fully excavated, it is likely that we will find many other intact specimens, and quite possibly even new vertebrate species, said Gay, whose teams 2017 dig was funded by a grant from a special Bureau of Land Management (BLM) program that funds such research on national monuments and other national conservation lands. This funding could be at risk now that the excavation site has been removed from protections due to President Trumps legally-disputed proclamation to shrink Bears Ears National Monument by more than one million acres.

It is extremely rare to find intact fossil skulls of specimens from this period, Gay said of the three toothy, long- snouted fossils currently being examined at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm. It is rarer still to recover fossils that have been looted, which was the case with one specimen that was missing a portion of its skull. We did a little more digging before realizing this site had been looted by someone without a permit for this kind of fossil removal.

Upon discovering the missing skull fragment, Gay contacted the BLMs district paleontologist and learned that a fossil matching the specimens description and missing the portion Gay had discovered had been surrendered by an unpermitted collector to federal officials in Arizona. Using paleontological techniques, the team matched the fossil to the recent Bears Ears findings.

This may be one of the only times a recovered fossil has been traced all the way back to the location where it was looted, Gay said, adding that having so much of that fossil specimen still intact on-site was key to the identification.

Within the paleontology community, the size of this site and the potentially large number of specimens buried there represent an extraordinary opportunity to expand our knowledge of species that lived during the Triassic period, said Tracy J. Thomson, coordinator of the WAVP conference. There is an incredible amount of work yet to be done and we hope that paleontological sites like this one will get the protection they need before more of our prehistoric past is forever lost to looting or irreplaceably damaged by mining in the region.

The looted fossil skull was taken from the excavation site before Bears Ears was designated a national monument in late 2016 in an effort to protect sites and other objects of scientific interest from such looting. Now that the Trump administration has slashed the size of Bears Ears, the site and its contents are once again at risk of looting and other vandalism, said Scott Miller of The Wilderness Society. He added that the entire area also could be subject to threats from mining and off-road vehicle use, both of which have a history of destroying paleontological resources in the area.

While a discovery of this magnitude certainly is a welcome surprise, protecting such resources was the very purpose of Bears Ears National Monument, said Miller. That President Trump acted to revoke protections for these lands is outrageous, and that he did so despite the Department of the Interior knowing of this amazing discovery is even more shocking. I hope the courts will act quickly to restore protections for Bears Ears National Monument before any more fossils are looted from the area and lost to science.
Steve Bilt, co-founder and CEO, to keynote ENP Customer Experience Forum

Steve Bilt, co-founder and CEO of Irvine-based dental support organization (DSO), Smile Brands Inc. will deliver the keynote address at the upcoming Executive Next Practices Forum: 2018 CX Strategy on the evening of Wednesday, February 28 at University of California Irvine Center for Applied Innovation, 5141 California Ave. in Irvine.

When Smile Brands started in 1998, Bilt knew he had an uphill battle. Fewer than 50 percent of adults were in regular dental care, and going to the dentist was routinely cited as one of the top fears across all demographics. He set out to build a patient-focused culture that would get more people into care, and today patients give Smile Brands affiliated practices the highest ratings in the industry. In his keynote, he will share his strategy for listening to customers and building a culture where the organization, its providers and employees can work together to tackle difficult issues.

The Executive Next Practices Forum is an established network of FORTUNE 5000 C Level and key executive leaders (CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, CIO, HR) who meet to review first look innovations in business and leadership strategies. The CX Forum will showcase innovative approaches to improving the customer experience over the phone, in person and via engaging technological solutions.

The Executive Next Practices CX Forum will feature C-Suite leaders from over 18 sectors. The event is open to both members and non-members. Space is limited, so register today.

About Smile Brands

Based in Irvine California, Smile Brands Inc. is one of the largest providers of support services to dental groups in the United States. Smile Brands Inc. provides comprehensive business support services through exclusive long term agreements with affiliate dental groups, so dentists can spend more time caring for their patients and less time on the administrative, marketing, and financial aspects of operating a dental practice. Smile Brands supports approximately 400 Bright Now! Dental, Monarch Dental, Castle Dental, A+ Dental Care, OneSmile Dental, and Johnson Family Dental offices in 15 states, including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Smile Brands is a portfolio company of Gryphon Investors (Gryphon), a leading middle-market private equity firm based in San Francisco, Calif. For more information, visit smilebrands.com
"We hope by providing our training to all educators we can help school communities begin the healing process in the wake of such unfortunate tragedies. - EVP, Vector Solutions Education, Brian Taylor

Last week, Parkland, Florida was home to one of the deadliest mass shootings in recent history, with 17 people tragically killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. In an effort to help with the healing that is needed in schools right now, Vector Solutions, a leader in eLearning and performance support solutions, is making our SafeSchools Training course, Managing the Aftermath of Tragedy, available to any educator, free of charge, for the next 60 days.

As we learned about the school shooting in Parkland, we were deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with this community in the days ahead, said Executive Vice President of Vector Solutions Education Brian Taylor. We hope by providing this complimentary training to all educators, we can help school communities begin the healing process.

The course, written by Florida-based school safety experts Dr. Scott Poland and Dr. Donna Poland, is available in the SafeSchools Online Staff Training System and provides valuable information on how to help your school deal with a tragedy, should one occur. Topics covered include exploring the impact on the school community, reviewing smart policies used by many schools in the aftermath of tragedy, and reviewing ways school staff members can support students and fellow staff members.

To access this complimentary Managing the Aftermath of Tragedy course, please visit http://www.safeschools.com/cares.

About Vector Solutions & SafeSchools

SafeSchools, a Vector Solutions brand, is a leading provider of award-winning safety and compliance solutions that help create safer and more inclusive schools. The brands online product portfolio specifically designed for the education market includes management solutions for staff and student training, bullying reporting, incident tracking, and SDS management. Vector Solutions is a leader in eLearning and performance support, providing award-winning SaaS solutions. Its extensive online and mobile learning library exceeds more than 6,600 courses written by over 250 subject matter experts and reaches over 6 million professionals worldwide.
Posted Tuesday, February 20, 2018 7:00 pm

Jefferson County has paid more than $320,000 in the past 10 years to settle lawsuits brought against it for violations of the state Open Public Records Act.

In the latest case involving the failure to provide attorney Alan E. Harvey with public documents he requested on behalf of a client, Jefferson County Administrator Philip Morley called it flat out a mistake on our part. Morley said other suits brought against the county involved differences in interpreting the law.

County commissioners unanimously approved an agreement Feb. 5 to settle the Harvey complaint for $50,000.

Morley says the county is working to improve its system to fill records requests in a timely manner with the addition of a new electronics public records system called GovQA and by hiring a new public records administrator, Ken Hugoniot.

Morley also acknowledged that the county now pays all claims out of its general fund because it is no longer insured by a state risk pool for public records violations.

Commissioners also recently delayed implementation of new rules on public records being enacted after Tom Thiersch, who won a Public Records Act judgment against Jefferson County Public Utility District last year, suggested changes.

The county processes about 500 public records requests a year, Morley said.

CLEARLY AVAILABLE

Most recently, the county agreed to pay Harvey $50,000 for failing to provide records, as was promised in November 2016, almost a year before that new electronic records system was implemented.

Harvey, who was at the time with Northwest Legal Advocates, filed a request on Nov. 16, 2016 for information from Jefferson County Sheriff David Stanko related to a pending employment matter involving sheriffs Deputy Darrin Dotson. Harvey asked for emails, communications and correspondence from Dr. Pilarc and any employee in Jefferson County between July 19, 2016 and Nov. 17, 2016, according to the suit.

On Nov. 18, 2016, Sharon Mitchel, then Stankos office manager and confidential secretary, wrote in an email to Harvey that it would take until Jan. 3, 2017 to fill the request because of the size of the request.

Mitchel, wife of Stankos 2014 campaign manager, Steve Mitchel, also is no longer employed by the sheriffs office.

The suit, filed by attorney David W. Gross of Vancouver, Washington, on behalf of Harvey, states, There were no documents ever produced by the petitioner.

Jefferson County Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Philip C. Hunsucker wrote on Dec. 7, 2017 that failing to provide the records was an unintentional error and that 14 days after the county was notified of the mistake, the county provided the records.

Defendant [Jefferson County] provided additional records not in the possession of Defendant that it obtained from a psychologist who was involved in the fitness for duty evaluation of Plaintiffs client and provided the records to Plaintiff on Dec. 7, 2017, the countys response read.

Noting the county had called it a mistake, attorney Gross wrote on Feb. 12: Unfortunately, the Sheriff employed a person who was not trained nor supervised to facilitate, process, and/or expedite public records requests. If this was the mistake referenced, then we are in agreement and believe the people of Jefferson County deserved better service. Unfortunately, the only way to get the information in this matter was to initiate legal action.

It is unfortunate that legal action actually had to begin before the county would honor its legal obligations, he wrote. However, the agreement between the parties was negotiated in good faith and the matter is now settled.

OTHER CASES

While the county admitted it erred in the Harvey case, in the two other records cases for which the county had to pay, the county disagreed over interpretations of the law on what constituted a public record, Morley noted.

They were legitimately about a gray area of the law that got clarified judicially, Morley said of prior cases that cost the county more than $200,000 to settle, not including attorney fees.

In 2009, the county paid a law firm representing Joe DAmico, president of Security Services Northwest, $41,515 to satisfy a records act claim against the county stemming from a battle over permits for his security company. The suit became known as Pizzagate, because some of the records revealed the type of pizza that County Commissioner David Sullivan liked to order. That fee included any penalty to the county and reimbursement of attorney fees for DAmico, Morley said.

DAmico had asked for phone records in an effort to establish whether commissioners were communicating with a hearings examiner over a lawsuit he bought against the county about his business.

In 2017, the county agreed to pay longtime records requester Mike Belenski $150,000. In that suit, the county also agree to implement measures intended to provide greater online transparency, including hiring a full-time public records administrator.

In addition to the $150,000, the county paid an outside law firm $84,789 to defend it from 2013 to 2017, Morley said.
A student who survived the Florida shooting has accused CNN of giving him scripted questions during a CNN town hall event on Wednesday night.

Colton Haab, a 17-year-old junior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, told local WPLG news that he had prepared a question suggesting schools use veterans as armed security guards, but CNN gave him a different question.

"I expected to be able to ask my questions and give my opinion on my questions," Haab said. "CNN had originally asked me to write a speech and questions, and it ended up being all scripted."

Haab, a member of the Junior ROTC program who was hailed as a hero for shielding fellow students during the shooting, decided to skip CNN's event.

"I don't think that it's going get anything accomplished," he told WPLG. "It's not gonna ask the true questions that all the parents and teachers and students have."

The town hall featured heated debate about gun control with Stoneman Douglas students, teachers, parents, school administrators, elected officials, the NRA, and other members of the Parkland, Florida, community.

In a statement, CNN denied Haab's claim.

"There is absolutely no truth to this," the statement read. "CNN did not provide or script questions for anyone in last night's town hall, nor have we ever. Colton's father withdrew his name from participation before the forum began, which we regretted but respected. We welcome Colton to join us on CNN today to discuss his views on school safety."

On February 14, a gunman wielding an AR-15 shot and killed 17 people and injured over a dozen more at Stoneman Douglas High School.

The mass shooting has sparked a national conversation about changing US gun laws to prevent mass shootings. Students from Stoneman Douglas have been particularly active in pressuring lawmakers to enact several measures they say will better protect schools, including a ban on assault rifles and the implementation of universal background checks for prospective gun owners.

So far, their efforts have not resulted in legislative change. On Tuesday, the Florida state legislature voted 71-36 to reject a measure to consider banning the sale of assault weapons. Many of the students were at the state Capitol to witness the vote.

But the students are not giving up yet. They say they're determined to continue speaking out until lawmakers meet at least some of their demands.
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President Donald Trump suggested on Wednesday that arming teachers and school staff members could provide security against events like the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week, in which 17 students and school workers were killed.

"If you had a teacher who was adept with the firearm, they could end the attack very quickly," Trump said at the White House, during a meeting with students and parents from the school.

@realDonaldTrump No.. no it... @ Mary Morgan

@realDonaldTrump @CNN @nbc ... @ Cheryl Burris
The revelations came known when the Ghana Education Service formed a committee to investigate allegations of engaging in sexual acts with their teachers in order to pay their fees.

According to reports, some of the non-teaching staff were involved in the demand for sex from the students.

Some witnesses who appeared before the committee narrating their stories said the teachers engage in sexual acts with them.

"He took my hands and placed it on his trousers and I removed it. He told me I am not a kid and I know what message he is trying to send across, but I told him I did not understand him.

"At that time, we were in traffic [in town] so I told him I could not do what he wanted [stroking his manhood]. He said I should take his manhood into my mouth but I refused," one of the students said.

Another student disclosed to the committee how she resisted sexual intercourse with an accountant of the school.

She said "He asked me why I was refusing to have sex with him, and I told him I just couldnt do it."
Charles Sackey, brother to Franky, who spoke to Adom FM, is also threatening to take legal action against people alleging that the family is struggling to transport her body to Accra.

According to Charles, their family is not poor, adding that the false publications is just to taint the image of Franklina Yaa Nkansah.

Last week, one Elikem Kotoko claiming to be a friend to the late Franky said the family have been asked to pay GH3,000 for the body to be released.

He stated on Facebook: Frankies lifeless body was left at the morgue to its fate, and when a relation went to the morgue to retrieve the corpse, he was made aware that he had to pay GHC2,000 cedis for the corpse to be released.

And another GHC1,000 to complete the process and that GHC1,000 is alleged to be going to the medical doctor for reasons I dont know."

But, reacting to the publication, Frankys brother said the family was expecting all the three bodies to be transported to Accra since the three died together.

READ MORE: undefined

Charles said the family dispatched two members from their family to the morgue and on getting there found that his sisters body was still there after the two bodies had been transported to Accra.

Our family is not poor; reports that we couldnt transport our Franky to Accra because of money was false. Since Franky died with her friend Ebony and the soldier, we thought that either the soldier or Ebonys family would transport our own since they all died together."

He continued that Two of our members got to the morgue only to realise that Frankys body was still there, so they called one uncle who is also called Uncle Franky and he sent them money to transport the body so we have already sent Franky to Accra and we dont understand why the media must report that false story."

He has therefore pleaded with Ghanaians to disregard the claims because they have not solicited for funds from government.

Franky is not a stateswoman and so we dont expect government to bury her. She is our blood and we will take care of everything and so Ghanaians should disregard the information, he pleaded.

Charles disclosed that the family is planning to take legal action against the media for the false publication.

Now, what we are interested in, is to see that my sister rests in peace. She will be buried and after that we will meet anyone making false publication about the family in court, he warned.
Reggie n Bollie took to their Facebook recently to excitedly announce that their #GoodVibes tour would be Massive n full of variety. Were bringing you African super star @Wiyaala, the Lioness, as a guest performer in Manchester n Glasgow  Reggie added, We met Wiyaala after she performed at the GUBA Awards in London last year. We were so blown away by her energy and talent that we signed her up for a feature. We recorded Good Vibes with her and the song made it on to our new album. We are very excited, we just know our fans are going to love her!
Patrick, served as a Roman Catholic priest for 11 years. He announced yesterday that he will be tying the knot on Saturday, March 17. The identity of the lady has not been made known yet but he is set to reveal the details of the marriage next week. He made the announcement during his Grace Family Church service.
The incident which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday resulted in the instant killing of five police officers and an off duty soldier.

According to a report by News 24, the unprovoked attack happened when the unknown gang entered the police station, took the police unawares and started firing shots sporadically.

The News portal quoted one senior police officer, Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo as having said, Three members were killed instantly in the community service centre. An off-duty soldier was also shot dead as the suspects were fleeing,

The suspects made off with a police van, taking two other members. The bodies of both these members with gunshot wounds, were later found along the roadside, six kilometres from the police station.

Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo added that, According to preliminary investigations, it appears that [the] members were shot execution style.

Meanwhile, the Police commissioner General of South Africa, Khehla Sitole has vowed to leave no stone unturned to ensure the perpetrators are do not go scot-free.

Khehla Sitole said, I have activated a task team comprising experienced detectives of the South African Police Service and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation to investigate this attack.

We will not rest until we have tracked down these heartless killers and bring them to book.
The order which was given by soldiers ensured the passing of the deceased who died on Thursday, February 22, 2018, Punch News reports.

Her father identified as Hyginus reportedly collapsed having learned about his daughter's death.

Ekezie, who is a JSS3 student had in company a colleague, Delight Aguocha, when she was subjected to corporal punishment by the soldiers.

Her friend attributed the abrupt passing of the 15-year-old to the tough task assigned to the deceased whose body has been deposited at a mortuary owned by the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.

When contacted, Col. Sagir Musa, a Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, expressed to newsmen that the Imo State Ministry of Education, had planned a press release in light of the sad development.

What Pulse readers think about corporal punishment in schools

Divided reactions have trailed a poll conducted by Pulse which sought to find out from readers if erring school students should be flogged by their teachers or be indulged when they misbehave.

A majority of our site visitors favoured the use of canes on disobedient learners as opposed to being left alone.

The responses were forwarded in the light of a tragic incident which led to the death of a female instructor, Odilinye Rita, who was assaulted by the mother of a pupil named Okafor Chinaza.

ALSO READ: A female teacher was beaten to death for scolding student

The incident which occurred on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at the Starlight Secondary School, Ogidi, Anambra State, brought to the fore the lack of cooperation between educational institutions and parents, which has seen the latter object to the scolding of their children.

Rita was put at the receiving end of an undue violence after flogging the student who had refused to carry out an assigned task involving the cleaning of a classroom as indicated on a roster.
governments commitment now to the enforcement of the Excise Tax Stamp Act is total, the statement added.

This comes after the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana (FBAG) threatened to withdraw all locally manufactured products from the market if the government goes ahead with the implementation of the Tax Stamp Policy on March 1, 2018.

READ ALSO: Expresso and Glo are losing their licenses due to poor services

According to the Executive Secretary of FBAG, Samuel Aggrey the implementation of the Tax Stamp Policy has may lead to the collapse of local manufacturing companies.

He added that they have not succeeded in drawing the governments attention to their plight, hence the need to take drastic steps to drive home their concerns.

But the statement signed by the Deputy Minister of Finance said, Government has been engaging with eligible businesses on the implementation of this policy, and will continue to listen to concerns of businesses. However such expression of concerns cannot be a substitute for obeying the law.

READ ALSO: YEA calls for more companies to compete with Zoomlion

Meanwhile, an Economist, Dr Eric Osei Asibey has called on the government to tread cautiously in implementing this policy considering the opposition that is coming from some firms.

I think what should have been done is a lot more engagements and education as well as awareness to try to fashion the entire policy out with these players within this industry."

I think there could always be a melting pot where the two can agree on the modalities. As far Im concerned, I think its non-negotiable, we have to do everything possible to implement it to ensure that governments tax yield is increased and tax compliance is also well enhanced, he added.

What is the Excise Tax Stamp

The Excise Tax Stamp Act, 2013 (ACT 873) was passed by Parliament in December 2013 with the aim of helping the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) enforce the affixing of Excise Tax Stamp on specific excisable goods before they are delivered ex-factory, cleared from any port or presented for sale at any commercial level in Ghana.

The ACT subsequently received presidential assent in January 2014.

The Excise Tax Stamp Act is definitely not an introduction of a new tax. It rather requires that Excise Tax Stamps with traceable and security-enhanced features on specified excisable commodities in order to serve as preliminary evidence of the payment of the required duties and taxes and to provide an audit trail for tracing importers and manufacturers of counterfeited goods.
According to him, everybody has the right to live, including criminals, saying "only God has the power to take a life.

The ex-president never accepted to sign a death warrant for the execution of inmates condemned to death at the Nsawam Prisons during his time in office.

In his eight years as president, Mr. Kufour often granted pardon to convicts who were of good behavior, but never for once assented to a death sentence.

The 79-year-old believes the death penalty should be totally scrapped because it does not admonish value for human life.

Personally, it has been against my conscience to take a life of another human being because I am influenced religiouslyI am not the creator, he said on Joy News latest hotline documentary Death Row.

He added that he is strongly against the death sentence, and would rather prefer that it is commuted to life imprisonment.

This, he said, is necessary because sometimes innocent people could end up being executed due to a death sentence before they are proven not guilty.

I believe the general trend across the world now is to commute the death sentence to life imprisonment. Other reasons can be found in humanitarianism and religion, Mr. Kufour said, adding that with modern science, people who have been condemned and sometimes awaiting execution have later been found to be innocent through DNA examinations and the likes.
He said,"From what I see, it is not something I can suspect anyone of my sisters death. Everyone has their own problem on this earth. Some will worry about money, others will worry about barrenness and some also with their inability to get married. So how I see my sister to be quiet, she also has something to worry about. So if she can worry about something and died this way, maybe she feels that will be better. So we can only leave that in the hands of God.
Ms. Zena Jafary, a food vendor in Tanzania, arrived in Ghana recently at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) onboard Rwanda Air flight number ET 200. She was busted whilst going through arrival formalities.

A search conducted in her check-in luggage revealed a concealment of two (2) parcels in false compartments of her luggage. The content of the parcel proved positive for narcotics substance during preliminary test conducted in her presence.

READ MORE: NACOB impounds 5 tonnes of cannabis worth half a million

The suspected narcotic substance were further forwarded to the Ghana Standards Authority for confirmation, which tested positive for narcotics weighing 2.3kg.

Ms. Zena on interrogation admitted ownership of the parcels, and confessed that they were given to her by one Mandanje Omari in Tanzania to be delivered to someone in Accra for undisclosed amount of money.

When arraigned before court, Ms. Zena pleaded guilty to her offence and was subsequently handed a 5 years prison sentence.
According to him, Dr Bawumia is fixing the ailing economy and putting in place the right policies that will achieve that objective and that made him fell sick.

He said Bawumia used to keep work routines as rigorous as the Vice President.

"I have learnt a lessonnot least informed by what happened to our Vice President.

"I have an average sleeping time of about four, four and a half hours but Bawumia was just managing three hours. Three hours on the average," he said.

"Bawumia is a very diligent person, he is head of the Economic Management Team who has to be ahead of his own compatriots and he doesnt want any half-half business, thats Vice President Bawumia, you know," Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu said in an interview.

Dr. Bawumia traveled to the UK in February to seek medical attention after he complained of not feeling too well.

He went on to spend 12 days in the UK as part of his medical leave, before returning to Ghana.

The Majority leader speaking on the health of the vice president said, Bawumia has been advised by the doctors not to stress himself.
The ultimatum was issued in an internal memo by Ebenezer Aggrey-Fynn, one of the commissioners.

Aggrey-Fynn accused Charlotte Osei as running the Commission like her personal property.

He said, "My memo dated 21st August, 2017 on the above subject refers. Regrettably, I am yet to receive an acknowledgement of it nor seen any action on the content."

Aggrey Fynn believes Charlotte Osei is not adhering to the provisions of the 1992 Constitution that regulates her position.

He further said,"I am by this memo demanding that you call a commission meeting immediately to enable the commission to carry out its functions."

READ ALSO: EOCO apologises to Deputy EC boss after office invasion

It is the responsibility of the Chairperson of the Commission to call for a meeting between all the commissioners to chart a way for the Commission.
Speaking at the 5th Presidential Task Force meeting on the single currency, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, the President said introducing a single currency will encourage trade activities amongst member states.

According to him, such a move would help remove trade and monetary barriers, as well as reduce transactional cost among members of the regional bloc.

He said the idea of introducing a single currency for ECOWAS member states is long overdue, insisting a conscious effort must be made to ensure that it is brought to fruition by the year 2020.

It has been nearly 20 years since the idea of the establishment of a single currency for ECOWAS was proposed. Weve had challenges along the way towards the attainment of the convergence criteria required for the single currency to come into effect, President Akufo-Addo said in his opening speech.Weve also chalked some significant successes in planning to have a single currency which will help remove trade and monetary barriers, reduce transactional cost of economic activity and raise the living standard of our people. It is a goal we must achieve.

He further stated that a single currency for all ECOWAS member states would boost regional trade and encourage the production of goods and services within the region.

In his view, this would help strengthen the agricultural sectors of sub region countries, as it would make it easy for member states to export their raw materials to others in the sub region.

The structural transformation of our economies can no longer be postponed if we are to meet the aspirations of our young people for jobs The era of Africas industrialization has dawned so that we can also trade in the world economy, not on the basis of the export of raw materials but on the basis of things we make. Our quest for a single currency is not intended to boost trading of goods produced in third-party countries. It is meant to encourage the production of goods and services within the region, the President said.

It is thus incumbent on us to strengthen the production base of our economies and to improve agricultural productivity and industrial production There is a viable market ready to absorb the goods which will be produced by our countries.
He said Amidu's first case should be on the wife of President Rawlings on the issues surrounding her purchase of the defunct Nsawam Canary.

Danyansah is of the view that such an investigation will really prove that Amidu isn't biased and can really be forthright.

If former President Rawlings is saying Martin Amidu is the best person for the position, then his wife Konadu Agyeman must be the first person to be investigated for possible prosecution, he added.

Ex-President Rawlings has praised the integrity of Martin Amidu since he was nominated and approved as Ghana's first Special Prosecutor and thinks he is the best for the job.

READ ALSO: Martin Amidu approved as Special Prosecutor
This was after Parliament dedicated Wednesday, February 21, 2018, to debate on the various aspects of President Akufo-Addos State Of the Nation address (SONA) delivered earlier this month.

According to the Minority, the President did not speak on the countrys debt situation during his speech at the SONA.

They, therefore, want the Finance Minister to be summoned before Parliament to explain and give clarity on Ghanas current debt stock.

Member of Parliament for Ho Central, Benjamin Kpodo, led the calls, insisting the figures put out in relation to the countrys debt are confusing.

He requested that the Speaker, Prof. Mike Ocquaye, gives his consent for Mr. Ofori-Atta to appear before the House to give clarity on the subject.

With these controversies over the figures, I would want to challenge the Minister of Finance to come to this House and give us a list or a schedule for outstanding liabilities; both domestic and foreign so we put this matter to rest. Mr. Speaker, I am currently asking you to rule on this matter, the NDC MP said.

According to him, government has has not accurately reported to the people of Ghana about the true state of the countrys debt situation.
The event attracted top members of the NPP including Vice President Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia.

The late lawyer and industrialist was one of the strongest personalities in the NPP in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Bawumia eulogised the late lawyer saying, "I am deeply saddened by his loss and pray the almighty God to grant him peaceful rest. May the Lord comfort the bereaved family. Nana due!"

Menka served as a Minister of State in the Second Republic. He was on the Constitutional Review Commission set up by the late President Mills in 2009.
Dr. Bawumia attended the 2017 General Headquarters West African Soldier Social Activities (WASSA) on Wednesday February 21, 2018 on behalf of President Akufo-Addo.

However, the Vice President completely stole the show after he delivered a touching address on behalf of the First Gentleman of the land.

Have already endeared himself to the gathered lot, Dr. Bawumia took his mojo to another level when he decided to put aside his protocol duties to serve officers of the Armed Forces their lunch.

The gesture was pleasing to the soldiers, who approached the high table with smiles to receive their helpings of either banku, jollof or fried rice from the ladle of the Vice President.

Speaking on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, Dr. Bawumia said government appreciates the sacrifices of the Armed Forces in maintaining peace, law and order in the country.

He added that government is committed to providing vehicles and other logistics to facilitate their work.

The Government and people of Ghana continue to applaud and cherish the sacrifices that the Ghana Armed Forces make to contain armed robbery and other violent crimes through joint patrols with the Ghana Police Service the President stated, as read by Dr. Bawumia.

Your continued efforts in keeping our borders safe; your response to natural disasters; protection of our maritime domain and air space to secure our strategic assets; the provision of health services to many Ghanaians in areas where you are deployed; your protection of the environment, particularly in safeguarding our river bodies against illegal mining operations under Operation VANGUARD; and your continued community assistance programmes that bring smiles to faces of the deprived in our society are all greatly appreciated.
Highlighting one potentially far-reaching step, a senior administration official said they have already warned governments around the world that they could face sanctions for "significant transactions" with the Russian military.

That includes NATO ally Turkey, which has publicly announced the purchase of a Russian S-400 air defense missile system, which is seen as a challenge to US air superiority.

A second official said that "a couple of big countries" were reconsidering their purchases as a result of the global diplomatic "demarche."

Those type of third country sanctions were part of a package of measures passed by Congress approved last July, that were opposed by the White House.

Trump's vocal opposition to the package -- which entered into law earlier this year -- and his regular praise of Vladimir Putin has raised questions about whether the administration is dragging its feet.

Several members of Trump's campaign have been charged or admitted to lying to the FBI about their contacts with Kremlin-related officials who are accused of trying to sway the 2016 vote in Trump's favor.

US officials on Wednesday admitted no specific sanctions had been introduced yet, but said that was because the administration was doing its due diligence, rather than an attempt to slow-walk the process.

'National security issue'

The first official also stressed the need to avoid leaks that could tip off potential sanction targets, allowing them to move money out of bank accounts or take other mitigating steps.

"We are doing an awful lot of work, we are taking this very seriously, it is a national security issue," the official said, answering criticism.

"I would hope you would just give us a little bit of an indulgence to do some of these things behind the scenes and be able to reveal them when we can."

"We would like to get after these guys and we would like to catch them in the act and not enable them to change course  so that we have a harder time detecting them."

One example given was the shuttering of the Russian consulate in San Francisco, which was ordered closed late last year, taking Moscow by surprise.

"The Russians did not see that coming" said the first official, adding, "which is an absolute bloody miracle frankly" given reporting before a decision was made.

A third administration official hit back directly at unfavorable comparisons to Barack Obama's administration.

"The categorical thing that I've seen in so much coverage... that it is an abject fact that the previous administration was tougher than this administration is provably false," a third official said.

Trump has recently tried to shift the blame for election meddling -- which he had once decried as "fake news" -- onto Obama, arguing it occurred on his watch.

"Question: If all of the Russian meddling took place during the Obama Administration, right up to January 20th, why aren't they the subject of the investigation?" he tweeted on Wednesday morning.
Why didnt Obama do something about the meddling? Why arent Dem crimes under investigation? Ask Jeff Session!

In his tweet, Trump revived his offensive on Sessions, whom he once called beleaguered, and continued his dayslong Twitter comments on the ongoing special counsels investigation into Russian meddling. It was the latest instance of the president publicly criticizing federal law enforcement.

Trump has been questioning why the Obama administration did not do more to stop Russian interference, and he has said that his administration has been tougher on Russia than that of his predecessor.

Why arent they the subject of the investigation? Trump asked. The president regularly uses Twitter to question why the Justice Department is not investigating his political opponents.

Trump has denied that Russia was involved in the 2016 election meddling. But an indictment announced last week against 13 Russians and three companies described a sophisticated, multiyear Russian influence campaign designed to sow discord across the U.S. democratic process. On Tuesday, special counsel Robert Mueller announced charges against the 19th person in the sprawling probe that has dogged Trumps presidency.

Trump does not think Sessions  one of his earliest supporters  has done enough to protect him from the Russia probe. The president has publicly said he never would have hired Sessions if he knew the attorney general would recuse himself from the Russia investigation.

The attorney generals recusal last year was the first in a series of steps that led to Muellers appointment. Trump had once considered firing Mueller, but he backed down after the objection of a senior adviser.

In recent months, Trump has become more critical of federal law enforcement and has called senior officials at the FBI biased against him.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
The coalitions announcement emerged from weeks of debate following the decision in January by the all-powerful Constituent Assembly to put the election on an accelerated timeline, a move denounced by the opposition. The date was cemented this month by the countrys electoral commission.

The coalition had been divided between those who argued that participating in the April 22 election would end in certain failure at the polls and legitimize Maduros rule, and those who insisted that participation was an opportunity, however remote, for change.

In a statement, the coalition, the Democratic Unity Roundtable, said the election was premature and lacked proper conditions, and called it a show by the government to give an impression of legitimacy that it does not have in the midst of Venezuelans agony and suffering.

The announcement left Javier Bertucci, a little-known evangelical pastor, as the only confirmed candidate other than Maduro.

Maduro was defiant in response to the announcement, vowing to hold the election in April regardless of the boycott, and he raised the ante: He said he would ask the Constituent Assembly to call general elections for April 22 that would encompass not only the opposition-controlled National Assembly but also municipal and state legislative councils.

Should the opposition boycott those contests, too, Maduro and his party would essentially control nearly every elected office in the country.

Victory, he said, would ensure several years of cleared road, without any elections, to arrange what has to be arranged in the economy.

Luis Vicente Leon, president of the Venezuelan polling firm Datanalisis, said Maduros proposal amounted to a total renovation of the institutions, knowing that there is no possibility of the opposition obtaining any relevant position.

The opposition alliance said it would reconsider its decision if certain conditions were guaranteed, including an election date in the second half of the year, a balanced electoral commission and the presence of international observers, among other demands.

Otherwise, do not count on the Democratic Unity or the people to endorse what up to now is only a fraudulent and illegitimate simulation of a presidential election, its statement said.

Maduro, who came to power in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chavez, remains deeply unpopular amid a worsening economic crisis, soaring poverty, rampant crime, international sanctions and the exodus of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans seeking a better life abroad. But with control of the countrys legislative system, electoral machinery and highest court, Maduro has been unstoppable.

After outlasting violent street protests last year, he plowed ahead with the election of the Constituent Assembly and disempowered the opposition-controlled National Assembly.

His party then dominated regional elections, taking most of the nations governorships, and solidified its gains by sweeping municipal elections amid a boycott by the opposition alliance. International sanctions and condemnation have not appeared to slow his momentum.

During his presidency, many of Maduros most popular adversaries in the opposition have either been barred from holding public office, imprisoned or driven into exile.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Bakare's view gave credence to the debate started by controversial media personality Daddy Freeze.

Freeze has repeatedly lambasted men of God in Nigeria, calling them 'Yahoo Pastors' (meaning fraudulent pastors) for mandating their followers to pay tithe, a practice he said is unscriptural.

Speaking to BBC Yoruba service, Bakare said no Christian should feel compelled to pay tithe.

He said, "Tithing is not compulsory. No-one should feel compelled to pay - no-one is holding a gun to their head.

"Churches where pastors are becoming fat and the members are growing lean, God will judge them."

Born Ifedayo Olarinde, Freeze had started a movement called 'free the sheeple', which he said is focused on helping Nigerians change their mindset on religion.
The 20-year-old student, Ahmed Amoo, who was said to have been dismissed from the institution five months ago reportedly stormed the school on Tuesday evening with people described as his gang.

According to the Nation, Amoo and his gang invaded the gathering of new students who were having orientation night and robbed them of their money phones and other valuables.

Nigerian News Agency also reports that the gang invaded the new students' gathering from different directions with guns, knives and machetes.

A source that spoke to the Nation said as the cultists were robbing the students, the security men were alerted and they rushed to the scene. When the robbers saw the security men, they fled but they were chased and two of them, and were arrested''.

The security men went after Amoo and they tried to disarm him. He was holding a battle axe and when he resisted, they shot him on the leg.

He was eventually taken to Ikorodu General Hospital where he died early yesterday. Some of the items they stole from the students were recovered.

The gang and the security men exchanged gunshots

Also reacting to the incident, LASPOTECH spokesman, Olanrewaju Kuye said the Amoo and his gang shot at will when they saw the school security officials coming for them, adding that the security men had no choice than to retaliate.

ALSO READ: US varsity VC says Nigerians are receiving expired education

Unfortunately, we hit one of the hoodlums, Ahmed Amao, a former student who had been expelled for examination malpractice. We learnt he died on Wednesday, He said.
Yes, guys, Afro beats legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti got married to 27 women in one day back in 1978 in what was seen as a very daring move.

According to reports, Fela decided to make the bold move after rumours began to filter the air that he was holding the women in his band as captives. Fela in his usual rebel style was reported to have asked all the ladies in his band if they wanted to marry him, of which 27 of them agreed.

Then on February 20, 1978, Fela called twelve traditional priests presided over the wedding ceremony which took place at Parisona Hotel at Anthony, Lagos.

According to reports, a number of the wives agreed to marry Fela despite their parents' reluctance. The event it is said was attended by close friends and family members. Fela during the event, then placed naira notes on their heads, offered a few words and dished around marriage certificates.

ALSO READ:We need to do more in honour of Fela Anikulapo Kuti

The names of the 27 wives were Fehintola Kayode who happens to be Seun Kuti's mother,Damiregba, KeuweOghomienor, Folake Oladeinde, Folake Oladejo, Ronke Edason, Laide, Emaruagheru Osawe, Ihase, ShadeShodeinde, Suru Eriomola, Tejumade Adebiyi, Omolola Osaeti, Tokunbo Akran, Ronke, Adejonwo, Lamiley, Funmilayo, Adunni, Remilekun, Kikelomo, Lara and Bose.

After the marriage, it is reported that Fela engaged in a rotation system where he had 12 of them with him at a particular time. After the marriage, he took all 27 of them to Ghana for the honeymoon.
You can find a similar rhythm and beat on Legbegbe, the hit song by Mr Real, which has grown to become one of Nigerias early hits in 2018. In fact, the entire Shaku shaku movement and sound is based on this heavy drumming, which is tweaked by producers for variety.

That drumming isnt native to Nigeria, It originates in South Africa, where it is called Gqom. Its the South African dance sound thats come from the townships and is taking over the world.

Gqom is described as a big bang which leaves you happy after it hits you, and its exactly what 'Available' does to you  with a simple catchy chorus and a contagious beat produced by DJ Catzico and Vista; this addictive song will surely get you dancing!

What is Gqom?

Gqom (pronounced gom with a clicking sound on the g) is an unfiltered mutation of South African kwaito that has evolved in the Zulu-dominated neighbourhoods surrounding Durbans city centre.

Instead of the regular House beat and the refined production techniques of commercial South African kwaito, the gqom that comes out of the townships uses broken beats and is made on basic home computers, with producers often utilizing repetitive, sliced vocal samples, echo, and heavy percussive beats. The result is a dark, gritty and minimalist sound with similarities to dubstep, techno and Chicago juke.

Citizen Boy, who released one of the gqom tracks to gain international attention, a 2015 rework of Adeles Hometown Glory, describes to Guardian, the intense atmosphere in any room the music plays. It is heavy because no one is shy, he states. Its like they become a new version of themselves. And even those who cant dance, they have the courage to dance.

In South Africa, gqom is regarded as an unsophisticated sound and looked down on. It is rare to find gqom music pressed to CD or vinyl. Producers of the genre generally upload their new productions to mobile phones and spread them via Whatsapp groups, or upload them to MP3 sites like Kasimp3.

Over the last five years overseas interest in gqom has increased, with tracks produced in Durbans townships being played by international DJs including the owner of the Hyperdub, label, Kode9, whos likened the sound to being suspended over the gravitational field of a black hole, and lovin it.

Gqom In Nigeria

Nigerians have always made music via copying, adaptation and pasting. We grab sounds from different cultures, bring it back home to our studios, remix, chop and adapt until it is passed through a Nigerian filter. The end result is something local, deeply Nigerian, and syrupy.

Nigerians have always had a musical connection with South Africa. Our version of House music borrows heavily from the country, and in Hip-hop, stars of both cities collaborate. At some point between 2013  2015, House music dominated our pop music.

But Gqom is starting to get in, although much of it is mixed with House, in a new variant named known as Sgubhu. You can find it in Lagos club mixes, with notable names including Busiswa and DJ Tirra.

You also can find it in CDQs Nowo Soke, Say baba, and Indomie. Patorankings recent utilization of gqom to make Available is likely to inspire a fresh class of musicians, who understand the hack behind leading with heavy, dark and minimalist beats.
The complainant who intended to part with N11,000, revealed that he made payment via an online transfer but had found out after the service at Gloria Arena, Benin, that he had exceeded the planned value.

According to Kenneth, the Edo-based worship center insisted on holding on to the money claiming that it has already been submitted to God.

Daddy Freeze, who has established himself as a figure who has taken a reproachful view concerning the enforcement of tithe payment struggled to contain his emotions in a chat with the church-goer.

"Last week something happened. Somebody gave me money for something - for a project. So I went to church service but we normally use POS in the church.

"I wanted to type eleven thousand, my tithe so mistakenly I type a hundred and eleven thousand. So it was after the closing of the church that I saw the mistake when the alert came.

"So I went to them and said. Aah! This is what happened ooo...

"That money was sent to me for something - someone that was building, the person is sending the money for me to complete the window part of the building.

"So I went to them to tell them... They said that it is not possible that I have given the money to God and that is...," Kenneth said in the audio recording.

At the tail of the conversation, Daddy Freeze was heard muttering an appeal to the Gloria Arena in a bid to have the money returned.

The latest incident has put the OAP in the spotlight of another aggressive criticism of what has seemed like the use of fear tactics to motivate a church congregation to pay tithe, which has chiefly served pastors believed to enjoying an extravagant lifestyle.

Pastor shows up for church service in Rolls Royce

A pastor, Alph Lukau of the Alleluia Ministries International located in Sandton, South Africa, has gathered attention after showing up for a church service in Rolls Royce.

In addition he was accompanied by a long list of entourage including horses and siren blowing power bikes.

A video clip showed him pull out of the white vehicle as a red carpet ushered him in to his event.

A Twitter user, @TheInstigatorr who posted the footage introduced with a statement, No this is not a politician, it's Pastor Lukau making a church entrance.
The suspect, Moshood Adigun, has been detained by the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department according to Punch News.

It was gathered that the deceased had earlier lent out a sum of N4000 to his killer who was yet to submit a refund before a fight ensued on Monday, February 19, 2018.

Oyesiji had reportedly insisted on holding on to the entire amount given to the pair as part of the money expected for collection.

"They worked as security guards in the community. Moshood (Adigun) owed Ahmed (Oyesiji) N4,000.

"Somebody gave them N1,000 while they were on duty on Monday. Instead of them to share the money, Ahmed said he would not give Moshood his share. He said Moshoods debt remained N3,500.

"They argued over it and fought.

"After they were separated, Moshood went for a bottle, broke it and stabbed him in the neck. He was bleeding heavily and within five minutes, he died, says a witness who spoke to Punch.

The corpse of the deceased has been deposited at the Mainland General Hospital, Yaba, while the murder suspect prepares for an arraignment in court.

Man stabs French tourist to death after mixing cocaine with booze

A French tourist has been stabbed to death by a delivery service man, Nicholas Foy after taking some dangerous drug combination that saw him ingest 4.5grams of cocaine and other drinks.

Foy who has been arraigned in court reportedly inserted a knife into the stomach of Laurent Volpe, 49, who was on a visit to his family. The incident which occurred in Eltham, South East, London.

"Do you want some?," the accused had told pedestrians who saw him randomly target the deceased.

ALSO READ: Man stopped from killing son who tried to murder him in dream

Susanne Alavi, the prosecutor on the case told the court that Foy could not control his anger after consuming dangerous drug substances.
Before its releae, Black Panther wa heralded as a manifesto of black and african identity as the first Marvel feature film to be set in Africa. It also features the first African superhero, T'Challa who takes the role of the Black Panther.

ALSO READ: 10 things you should know about the Black Panther movie

Since its release, the most attentive viewers have highlighted references to African culture and history, such as the Dora Milaje, the female guards of the King, inspired by the Amazons of Benin.

Among these many allusions, gay rights activist and commentator, Bisi Alimi has put a very interesting case forward.

He believes that the Kingdom of Wakanda, which T'Challa rules over and most of the movie is set in, shares similarities with the famed ancient Bini Kingdom.

Two great African kingdoms

In a lenghtily-captioned post on his Instagram account, the vocal commentator related the greatness of Bini to the imposing and technologically advanced Wakanda.

He wrote, "The image you can see above is the Benin Empire in mid-western Nigeria. It was one of the many powerful advanced kingdoms that dotted the western region of the country that is now known as Nigeria.""Another of such advanced kingdom is the Oyo empire. I am sure that we all know the concept of an empire and a kingdom will not be called an empire unless it is powerful, advanced in technology, has a system of government that is well respected and an economic policy."

undefined"Why am I writing about Benin Empire this morning?", he asked. "Well, it is the fact that we have been told "Wakanda" is imaginary. We were told that it only exists in the world of our imagination but when I saw this picture I realised it is not so."The Bini Empire was one of the greatest in African history. It's capital was Edo, the area which is now known as Beniin City in Edo State.

At its height, it was one of the oldest and most highly developed states in the coastal hinterland of West Africa, dating perhaps to the eleventh century CE, until it was annexed by the British Empire in 1897.

Despite the popular perceptions of African civilisations at the time, Bini was well advanced in trade, government and structure.

Like Erediauwa, Like T'Challa

It is here that some of the similarities with Wakanda may lie. The Empire was ruled by the Oba, a position which was handed down by inheritance.

ALSO READ: Black Panther is a spectacular celebration of cinematic elegance

The Oba enjoyed a reputation close to T'Challa's. He was the spiritual and political head of the Empire and when trouble beckoned, the people looked to him to save them.

Much like Wakanda, the Bini Empire, especially the capital, was a structural phenomenon. While Wakanda had cities lying along cliff edges, Benin was surrounded by a great wall that has been described as the largest man-made wall in human history.

The city itself was a labyrinth of streets that was a testament to the planning and order that we now associate with the world's most advanced cities.

Is this enough to say the Kingdom of Wakanda was inspired by Benin? Perhaps, not. Across Africa, many ancient civilsation left their footprints in the sand and the annals of history.

The Black Panther movie did well to draw inspiration from these many sources and incorporate them into one seamless story. It is more likely that Wakanda was created in this form, as an amalgam of influences drawn from different cities and empires.

Regardless, the sentiment shared by many who have seen the movie remains valid. Wakanda is a black story.

In a world where the media has more power than any other single force (save, nuclear bombs and religion), it is important that we celebrate these victories, where the African identity is portrayed with pizzazz, verve, strength and depth.
After a long era of successive military regimes characterised by misrule and oppression, the people had high hopes for a government they could hold accountable, or so they thought.

Barely a month into the new government, the dancers came out again.

Supposedly aged 36 at the time, Salisu Buhari was a young businessman who was deemed one of the young, promising leaders who would usher Nigeria into the new era.

ALSO READ:

After getting elected into the House of Representatives, Buhari began his ascent, competing for the position of Speaker.

On the 3rd of June 1999, Salisu was elected Speaker.

Nothing is as it seems

Unbeknownst to the politicians of the Democracy era, and the millions of bullish Nigerians, Salisu Buhari was not who he said he was.

Buhari set about snuggling into his new role as the new administration settled into and restructured Nigerias mangled government institutions.

The role of Speaker is the 4th highest position in the country and Buharis role was important, to put it mildly.

But barely six weeks into his new role, the veil was lifted.

On the 16th of February 1999, Nigerian investigative news publication, THE NEWS Magazine, ran an article attacking Buharis credibility.

It claimed that the new speaker was born in 1970, not 1963 as he had claimed. Buhari had also claimed that he graduated from Toronto University.

The article dispelled that; according to its findings, Buhari had not even attended the university, talk less of graduating.

If the findings were proved true, they posed a massive problem for the new speaker. First, Section 65(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria disqualifies anyone below the age of 30 from running for membership of the House of Representatives.

Running at the age of 29 would disqualify Buhari from his membership and his position as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Buhari responded sharply, vilifying the publication for attacking him and protesting his innocence.

He took it a step further by making efforts to charge the publication to court for libel.

His confidence and assertive nature in addressing the allegations were relatively convincing when one considers the scale of such a fraud.

A complex web of lies

But when the NEWS put out its sources, there was little Buhari or anyone for that matter, could do.

The magazine had written to Toronto University, requesting confirmation that Buhari was an alumnus.

In response, Carlo Villanueva, an official of the Institution wrote,  Regarding your request for confirmation of degree for Mr Ibrahim Salisu Buhari. We have searched our records and could not find anybody with the name you are inquiring with.

It didnt end there.

Buhari had claimed that he completed his National Youth Service at Standard Construction in Kano.

This was also proved untrue as the records as his name could not be found in the list of those who completed the scheme.

Cornered and outed by the very institutions he claimed membership of, Buhari's cobra-like retorts served no purpose.

He had been found guilty in the court of public opinion and among in the halls where policies are made and sentences are meted out, the tension had reached a fever pitch.

On Thursday, July 23rd, 1999, disgraced and cornered, Salisu Buhari faced Nigerians and admitted to falsifying his age and forging certificates as well as other contents of the NEWS report.

I apologize to you. I apologize to the nation. I apologize to my family and friends for all the distress I have caused them. I was misled in error by zeal to serve the nation, I hope the nation will forgive me and give me the opportunity to serve again.

He resigned from his membership of the House of Representatives and with his tail between his legs, disappeared into the unknown.

Only the powerless will be punished

For a decade, very little was heard of Buhari. In 2013, he made his return to the news and the public space when he was appointed as a member of the governing council of the University of Nigeria by President Goodluck Jonathans administration.

Naturally, the move drew a lot of criticism.

In a feeble attempt to justify the appointment, Reuben Abati explained that Buharis apology had earned him a pardon from the President at the time, Olusegun Obasanjo.

This statement only served to explain the lack of accountability that defines the Nigerian government and the many politicians that continue to live lavish lives with allegations and clear evidence of wrongdoing at various levels hanging over them.

Since the Buhari fiasco, Nigerias legislative houses have seen many similar incidents.

One that comes to mind is that of Buruji Kashamu, a senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, who is also the Chief Executive of Kasmal Group, a conglomerate with interests in oil and gas, property and hospitality.

He is also the subject of trials and investigations in the United States regarding several cases of heroin trafficking.

Little is known about what Buhari is up to these days, but if we had to guess, wed say hes going about his business and sitting pretty on the board of one of Nigerias few passable tertiary institutions.
Originating in Chinas Jiangyong county in the nineteenth century, it is endangered today but the countrys local and national authorities are working to revive it.

Nushu literally means women's writing in Chinese. Today it is the worlds only script designed and used exclusively by women and was developed among the rural women of the Xiao River valley, in the Jiangyong county of Chinas Hunan province, where there is a mixture of Han culture and Yao folkways.

The earliest known artefact in the Nushu script is a bronze coin discovered in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province. It was minted during the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, a rebel kingdom in China from 1851 to 1864, which introduced important social reforms and adapted to a certain extent several policies regarding gender equality. The eight characters etched in Nushu on the coin mean all the women in the world are members of the same family.

A culture among women

Nushu was taught mainly by mothers to their daughters and practised for fun among women. It was used by women in a feudal society who lacked access to education in reading and writing.

This syllabic script was generally used for writing autobiographies, letters between sisters, and sanzhaoshu  "third-day missives" of good wishes, presented to a bride by her closest friends, three days after her wedding. It was also used to record folk songs, riddles and translations of ancient Chinese poems, and to compose songs for farm women that promoted morality and encouraging frugality in household management.

Zhao explains that it was customary for women to gather together to sew clothes and sing Nushu songs. The Nushu script can be found inscribed on paper and fans, and also embroidered on clothes, handkerchiefs and belts.

This script helped women in Jiangyong to dry their tears, says Tan Dun (link is external), renowned Chinese composer and conductor, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. When I hear their beautiful songs, I can see their tears. In 2008, he went back to Hunan, his home province, to research Nushu culture. At the gate of Shanggangtang village, there is an 800-year-old Song Dynasty bridge. Half of it has collapsed. It reminded me of Nushu, which is also on the verge of extinction, he wrote in his travel diary.

Rebirth

The death of centenarian Yang Huanyi on September 20, 2004, marked the start of the post-Nushu era. Yang was one of the most famous writers and holders of Nushu culture.

In 2002, Nushu was added to the Chinese National Register of Documentary Heritage. Since 2003, the introduction of Nushu workshops in Jiangyong county has helped develop this culture by attracting more people to learn about it. In 2006, the State Council listed Nushu as a national intangible cultural heritage.
At 27, she knows surely what she wants and knows what it looks like. For her, marriage is sacrosanct and as much as she does not want to become thirty before walking down the aisle, she also wants this first marriage to be her one and only.

Shed rather hold out for something longlasting, eternal even if it comes late rather than forcing her way into a potential wreck and having to jump out not too far down the road.

So while living her best life and glowing in the knowledge that she does not need to rush into marriage, she guides her steps in meeting and dating men with a checklist of 12 requirements.

As mature and encompassing and reasonable and considerate as the list is she knows shell likely not see everything in a man and shes ready to compromise.

But regardless of the will to reach a compromise, Amaka, like every serious minded Nigerian babe in 2018 wants to see at least  of the following 12 traits in a man before she settles down with him in marriage.

1. An active, functioning conscience

This replaces the cliched God-fearing man requirement which is often used in the sense of wanting someone who attends religious activities and performs religious rites.

For Amaka who represents the average single Nigerian woman who intends to marry in 2018, a functioning conscience trumps mere religious appearances. If coupled with serious adherence to religious tenets, then all the more impressive

2. A great sense of humour

Simply because laughter cures a lot of ills and leaves a relaxed and amiable mood.

3. Ambitious

More women like Amaka desire men with ambition as opposed to wanting a man just for his ready-made wealth.

Wealth is good but an absence of it wont stop this generation of Nigerian women, so far there is a clear ambition and a plan to make it happen.

ALSO READ:20 babes tell us qualities of the perfect guy to marry

4. Supportive

Loads of Nigerian women are industrious, hardworking and possess entrepreneurial knacks.

They need a man who is secure enough to support these dreams and gas them up towards making a mark at whatever they choose to do.

5. Great in bed

Simply because great sex can never be overrated and the quality of satisfaction it delivers to the soul, incomparable.

5. Considerable height

The barest minimum height requirement for the man of Amakas dream is to be just as tall as the 55 young woman.

7. Emotionally intelligent

He needs to be sensitive and discerning when dealing with emotional issues and circumstances.

The complete list of 12 can be found in the short clip above which features Uwanma Odefa, vlogger and presenter of Love, Life and Everything in Between.
Ask my 9-year-old daughter what she wants to be when she grows up, and shell tell you without a second thought: I want to be an oncologist. The reason? She wants to help people with breast cancerpeople like her mom.

Five years ago, I was a perfectly healthy, 28-year-old stay-at-home mom living in Korea, where my husband was stationed through the military. One day, when I was doing a self-exam on my breasts, my nipple started leaking fluid with blood mixed in.

READ ALSO: The health benefits of this super herb are surprising

I knew something was wrong. My primary-care doctor referred me to an oncologist, and after an ultrasound revealed two lumps in my left breast, I had a biopsy. Thats when the doctors found that I actually had four lumps, deep inside my breast. All four lumps were cancerous. I'd have to have a mastectomy to remove my left breast.

Before the surgery, we knew we had to talk to our kids about my diagnosis. At the time, my son was not quite 2 years old, and my daughter was 4, so the only one we really needed to have a discussion with was our daughter. Still. I knew she wouldn't understand the full extent of what was going on, but would need an explanation of what was about to happen. I was scared that they would be scared. I was scared she'd have questions I wouldnt be able to answer. I was scared. Period.

So, after much discussion between my husband and myself over how we would broach the subject, we sat down with my daughter, and I told her simply, Mommys sick. Shes gonna be away for a little while so she can get better.

We told her that her grandmother was going to help her dad take care of her while I was in the hospital, which is where the doctors would make her all better. While she seemed to understand what was happening, she didn't seem upset, which was a relief.

Find out how to do a breast self-exam:

However, that changed as both my children saw me recovering from my surgery for six weeksa period of time much longer than we had all anticipated, due to complications. They told me they missed me at home. They had gone from being with me all the time to only seeing me for a few hours, if that, every day, at the hospital. My son would say, "Mommy, oww," when he could tell that I was hurting. They were both so sweet and so loving, even when they were so young. Those moments got me through recovery.

After that, we moved back to the States, where an oncologist told me that my cancer was back again, this time in my lymph nodes. With my husband in Oklahoma for school, I had to explain the cancer to my kidsboth of them this timeon my own.

I sat them down and told them I was sick again, but assured them that I wouldn't have to have surgery this time. I would live at home with them, but I would have to go to the hospital almost every day to get medicine (chemotherapy) to make me stronger. I was going to lose my hair, I said, and I would feel very weak at times, so they would have to be gentle with me and be good helpers around the house while I was getting better.

READ ALSO: Cured unexpectedly of cancer

My doctors started me on a vigorous routine of chemotherapy, five days per week for a year. The treatments left me exhausted, nauseous, and emotionally drained. I told my kids we were moving, again, to where most of my family lived, so they could help take care them while I was in treatments. I reminded them that they had so many people who loved them, and now they would get to see them even more.

On days when I felt especially sick, my kids would rub my head to try to make me feel better. They would get me water and constantly ask if I was okay. My son, still so young, started to see what I was going through, and he would kiss my forehead and sometimes hold me at night. My daughter would always tell me, "It will be okay, mommy." And when I lost my hair, she would hug me and tell me I was beautiful.

I never expected that hair loss would be one of the hardest parts of having cancer, but its not easy to feel like a woman when youve lost one of your breasts and all of your hair. Maybe my daughter could sense that, and she was always there to remind me that I was the same me as before.

As my kids got older, and grew up watching me in and out of surgeries and treatments, they started to have more questions about cancer. My daughter, now 9, often ask things like How does someone get cancer? and Why do you have cancer? I tell her the truth: I really dont know, especially since no one in my family has had breast cancer. I asked her recently if she remembers when I told her I had cancer the first two times. She started to cry, and said, I didnt want my mommy to die. (I was shocked that my diagnosis had affected her so much, even when she was so young. At the time, I simply hadn't realized it.)

Every time I go in for a PET scan or a mammogram, the first thing they ask me when I get home is, Do you have cancer again? When the results are negative, they celebrate. Theyll jump up and down and chant, Mommy doesnt have cancer! Thats the best part of getting a clean scan.

Unfortunately, six months after celebrating that I was cancer-free, my breast cancer came back for a third time. That meant more surgery to remove the 25 cancerous lymph nodes and radiation five days per week for six weeks following that. It's never fun when they ask me, "Do you have cancer again?" and I have to say, "Yes." They cry, I cry, but every time, we make it through it together.

Now, I'm taking oral chemotherapy until I'm out of the woods, and my doctors are watching my cancer closely. No matter what happens, though, I know my little support system will be there, rubbing my head (although my hair has thankfully all grown back) and cheering louder for every negative result. Theyre what gets me through my hardest days.
Both states also share a peculiar history and pedigree in demography, economic viability and leading roles within each of their regional geopolitical regions. Indeed, both States represent the most populous metropolises in Nigeria, whilst contributing prominently in boosting Nigerias Ease of Doing Business Global Ranking.

From a global perspective, inter-national, inter-state and regional partnerships are fast becoming a benchmark for leading practices as globalisation blurs the lines of sovereignty and trade. This is one reason why the Governments of Lagos and Kano States, under the visionary and able leaderships of Their Excellencies - Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Dr. Abudulahi Umar Ganduje respectively are taking a lead towards leveraging on the unique comparative and competitive advantages that both states possess with this landmark partnership.

This Summit  the first of its kind in Nigeria  is the first phase in the journey towards a long-lasting partnership and promises to help both States boost economic development and on a general note, foster national unity. It definitely informs the theme of the Summit: States Partnership as a tool for Sustainable Economic Development.

The broad objectives of the Summit include:

To create awareness on both State Governments investment climate and policy thrust;

Create a platform for dialogue for potential investors in both States;

Share emerging Investment ideas with the target audience;

In line with these objectives, vibrant discussions will hold across the spectrum of the following thematic areas:

Security,

Ease of Doing Business,

Governance,

Infrastructure:-Power, Transportation & Urban Waste Management,

Agriculture,

Tourism,

Internally Generated Revenue,

Education, Skills Development & ICT.

The Summit will provide the platform for leaders in the industries, leading minds, Professionals, skilled experts, Organised Private Sector, Public Private Partnerships, Business to Business Interface, Customer to Business Interface, Inter-Governments Ministries, Departments and Agencies from both States to share leading practices and knowledge in these thematic areas, amongst others.

Both Governments of Lagos & Kano States are very optimistic of the outcomes of this Summit in terms of sustainable national development and hope that the ensuing collaboration will present a positive case study for other States to take a cue towards developing blueprints for collaborations with other entities to move them towards economic sufficiency.
Alhaji Ali Ali, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Gov. Mohammed Abubakar, said this in Bauchi while addressing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting, presided over by the governor.

Ali explained that the 18-seater, 2015 model buses would be supplied by Transfiguration Integrated Resource Ltd on loan.

He further explained that 30 buses out of the figure would be allocated to the state-owned Mass Transist Company, operators of Yankari Express, to enable the company to boost its fleet.

Ali said that 20 buses would be allocated to the 20 Local Governments in the state while the remaining 10 buses would be retained by the government.

He said that the loan would be repaid in three years through an irrevocable standing order of N190 million monthly and would be deducted at source."

Ali said that the exco also approved for the state government to access credit facilities of N8 billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the banks Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme.

He said that the state House of Assembly had earlier approved the loan while the EXCO, during its Wednesdays meeting, approved the loan to improve agricultural activities in the state.

The special adviser said that the state government would access the loan through United Bank for Africa (UBA) and would be used to encourage rice, fish and agro-allied production in the state.
The workshop organised by the Nigeria Press Council in collaboration with Word and Image Ltd. was chaired by the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

The minister noted that the fastest way to nip the dangers of hate speech in the bud was for journalists to say no to the trend.

I have always said that hate speech is not free speech.

For example, while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, it does not guarantee freedom of hate speech.

Thats because hate speech could be the precursor of violence, of genocide!, he said.

The Minister recalled the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, which left at least 800,000 people dead, noting that hate speech was a major catalyst of the killings.

He said the media played a major role in inciting extremists from the Hutu majority in that country to slaughter ethnic Tutsis and politically moderate Hutus.

Mohammed noted that a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious society like Nigeria could not afford to allow hate speech to thrive.

A fledgling democracy like ours is too fragile to luxuriate in hate speech. We must all say NO to hate speech, he said.

The minister congratulated the organisers of the workshop for its timeliness considering the background of worsening cases of hate speech in public discourse.

Mohammed said he was also delighted at the level of attention been given to the issue of hate speech especially by the media.

The fact that the media takes this issue seriously is very encouraging, because, in most cases, the media  wittingly or unwittingly  provides the platform for the dissemination of hate speech.

But I can say here, unequivocally, that the Nigerian media understands the dangers of hate speech, he said.

Sen. Suleiman Adoke, Chairman Senate Committee on Information said that hate speech is a global challenge to the extent that social media is being considered for censorship.
Hunkuyi, a member of the APC representing Kaduna North in the 8th Senate has been issued a 30-day demolition notice of his residence at Inuwa Wada Road.

Prior to the faction's break out, Hunkunyi was suspended, and 28 others were expelled from the APC in the state for alleged anti-party activities.

On Tuesday, February 20, 2018, the state government demolished Hunkuyi's house at 11B Sambo Close in the state. The building also served as the secretariat for the new APC faction.

The government said the demolition was not politically motivated but part of an exercise to rid the state of illegal structures.

The Director-General of the Kaduna State Geographic Information Service (KADGIS), Ibrahim Husseini, said the building was demolished for "non-payment of ground rent since 2010."

He explained that due process was followed and that the state government only revoked the land on which the building was cited after the owners failed to pay land charges and comply with government directives.

After revoking the land, Husseini said, the state government allocated it to the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Agency "for the purpose of developing and maintaining a public park that will provide a green area and a serene place for recreation in that residential neighbourhood."

The government warned all title owners to comply with the terms of the allocation or risk suffering a similar fate.

Act of terror

The APC faction had described the government's actions as an "act of terror".

Last week Thursday, the faction opened the parallel office Hunkuyi was suspended.

ALSO READ: 5 things governor said about 22,000 sacked teachers

Speaking to Channels TV, a Chieftain of the APC loyal to the new faction, Mikaiah Tokwak, said the action has confirmed their views that their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free association is under attack.
The EU stated this in a statement by its press Officer, Mr Modestus Chukwulaka, on Thursday, in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some schoolgirls were reported on Wednesday to have been abducted by Boko Haram insurgents at Government Girls Secondary School Dapchi, in Yobe.

Targeting children and abducting young girls as they seek to attend school is an attack on our common humanity.

The organisation sent its solidarity with the affected families, and the people of Nigeria.

The girls deserve freedom and a chance to shape their own future.

The EU remains committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and all forms of criminality.
He said the meeting was called, following reported cases of attack on the facilities of the contractor that resulted to the withdrawal of its workers from the site.

He said the Federal Government could not afford to tie the money meant for the contract down, adding that the contractor had been paid first installment of mobilsation fees.

It took time to beg them to release money for the project, so, if you dont take ownership of it and put it to use, then we might as well tell them to take their money back.

We need to have a position within two weeks for MoU of compromise to be signed assuring us that there will be peace in that place.

You must invite the contractor back to site and ensure that you suggest to them anything you want the contractor to do because you cant take over their business, he said.

Fashola said the commencement of the project was conceived by the Federal Government within the context of agitation for better quality of life in the Niger Delta.

He said the project was contracted following the efforts of some sons and daughters of the region, the National Assembly through budgetary allocation and the commitment of the NLNG.

I must emphasised at this time very clearly that it is in your hands as people who will be affected to either own this project or turn your back on it.

I am sad to hear that the contractor is being attacked, his property in Gitto yard being vandalised, topographic survey and other works being stopped in your communities.

My sense is that if a major federal government project is coming to your area, you put your differences aside particularly for the fact that the project is a potential live changing assets, he added.

Chief Abel Attoni, the Palace Secretary, Bonny Kingdom commended the federal government for inaugurating the execution of the project and the commitment of the kingdom to support the project.

He said the kingdom had constituted a committee to interface with the contractor to ensure smooth execution of the project.

Attoni said the kingdom was not aware of any attack on the facilities of the contractor, adding that the act was barbaric.

Prof Jasper Jumbo, the Traditional Head, Jumbo House, Bonny said Julius Barger had failed in its responsibility to consult Jumbo Major House before the commencement of the project.

I have not seen Julius Berger since the project was inaugurated, I have not seen the design, I dont know where the road alignment will go through.
The Minister, Mr Suleiman Adamu, while inaugurating the boards said the overall mandate of the implementation of the ministrys project would be better managed when its parastatal agencies functioned well.

According to him, the ministry has embarked on some policies and programmes, committed to the water sector that will enhance the livelihood and create jobs for the populace.

Such programmes, Adamu said, includes; the blueprint and action plan to revitalise the river basins and deliberate reforms for integrated water resources management for a wholistic overhaul of the water sector.

He said it was expected that the board members function within the established guidelines, saying relevant laws have been provided by the Federal Government for smooth engagement.

Dr Musa Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, while congratulating the newly constituted boards, urged them to work in line with the ministrys mandate towards the overall development of the water resources sector.

He cautioned them to do away with unnecessary interference with the businesses of the Management team of the river basins and other agencies, saying a retreat would be organised soon to introduce them to what is required of them.

It is against this backdrop that I urge you to be guided by the rules and administrative procedures of the public service while discharging your duties.

Let me further emphasise that the role of the governing board is to drive the general policies guiding of the parastatals and agencies as outlined by the ministry, he said.

Sen. Ubale Shittu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Water Resources, expressed worry over the non-performance of all river basins since their creation.

He urged the new board members to re-strategise to see what could be done to reposition the river basins for optimum performance.

He congratulated the boards on their appointment, while urging them to seek out ways to increase funding and support for total turnaround of the river basins in the country.
Umar explained that the projects, which would cost N4 billion, are being funded under the Universal Basic Education Commission 2015/2016 intervention projects.

He said that the project include two blocks of two classrooms, 19 blocks of two classrooms with restrooms and 33 blocks of four classrooms, as well as 17 storey buildings of 12 classrooms, and nine storey buildings of 24 classrooms.

Umar added that 16 laboratories and 19 Early Child Care Development and Education games village would also be constructed.

The chairman also said that 11,080 double seat chairs, 564 tables and chairs for teachers and 3,038 magnetic boards would be purchased for the schools.

According to him, the contractors are expected to complete the projects in the next four months.

The state government is spending a lot of funds in construction of new classrooms, renovation of existing ones and supply of furniture and teaching materials.

The board will do its best in supervising and monitoring these projects to ensure quality.

Umar appealed to the contractors to do the job according to specification and within time.

Also, Malam Jaafaru Sani, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, reiterated the state governments resolve to increase access to quality education.

Sani, represented by the Deputy Director Schools in the ministry, Malam Aliyu Idris, urged the contractors to execute the projects with integrity.
The introduction of the electronic device was done at a stakeholders meeting in Lagos.

The stakeholders include owners of hotels, restaurants, night clubs, drinking pubs, event centres and hospitality venues in Lagos state.

In a keynote address, the state Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode said that the regulation was to enable the state to put in place efficient machinery to enhance tax collection.

Ambode who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adewale, decried under-payment and non-remittance of tax to the statec governments .

He called for high commitment from residents and business owners in the payment of taxes.

Taxation is one of the ways in which government is able to finance its activities.

Funds are required to enable government to actualise its objective of provision of adequate infrastructure and services for the residents of the state at levels expected within a mega city.

Our objective is to rely less on federal funding and more on self-funded.

That is why we are leveraging on technology  the fiscalisation project  to drive economic growth and development,  he said.

Ambode urged hoteliers and bar, restaurant and event centre owners to integrate their systems with the state internal revenue service server, to facilitate monitoring of tax transactions and remittance.

Mr Olusegun Banjo, the state Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, said that the regulation would enable the state to plan and build its revenue base.

This regulation will help us build our revenue properly to fill the gap in our economic planning as well as match our income and expenditure, he said.

Mr Akinyemi Ashade, the state Commissioner for Finance, said that the state budget performance for 2017 was 82 per cent in spite of harsh economy.

Ashade said that, with the regulation, there would be increased revenue to fund and deliver high profile projects targeted for this year to make life easier for the state residents.
Abubakar Malami, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, while briefing State House Correspondents, said the performance was in multiple areas, including sector reforms and prison decongestion.

According to him, Federal Government created a committee charged with the duty of formulating policies and strategies for prison decongestion nationwide.

He said over 70 per cent of prison inmates are awaiting trial.

There were sizable numbers that could not pay limited funds imposed on them arising from their convictions.

There were those who were awaiting trial but never saw the court rooms for five years and above.

And indeed, there were multiple legislations before the National Assembly intended to support the decongestion of prison formation process.

We presented our scorecard in that respect and what the committee was doing, where we are and what had been achieved so far in terms of decongestion process.

We equally presented a scorecard as to the cases both civil and criminal prosecuted by the Ministry of Justice and their implication as to savings as done to government from 2015 to the present time.

Fundamentally arising from the cases that were conducted by Federal Ministry of Justice, the ministry succeeded in saving the government around N4.5 trillion relating to claims presented in respect to these cases which were conducted and concluded.

The Minister also said that the scorecard included private, executive and associated legislations processed under the period and the achievements, adding that it included the prosecution of on-going Boko Haram cases at Kainji.

He said FEC was informed of the number of cases prosecuted, number of convictions procured and number of discharges made in that respect.

He noted that a presentation was made for the road map for the continuation of the process particularly in respect of Giwa Barracks in Borno.

He explained that other presentations included the plea bargain as there were offers made for plea bargain in respect of pending criminal cases where the accused persons standing trials made offers which the ministry sought direction from FEC.

Malami said that a presentation was also made about the national prosecution team as it related to cases expected to prosecute and what had been done in that respect.

In a related development, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, presented report of three projects being carried out by the ministry to strengthen economic diplomacy and summary of special interventions made to various embassies.

He said with regard to the projects, we were undertaking the first one on economic diplomacy initiative.

This essentially entails cooperation with Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment where we have the foreign ministry as an interface.

We developed a portal which will be available to all businesses in Nigeria where we will be leveraging on 110 countries which we have permanent presence.

This portal will provide Nigerian business access to 110 market access tool around the world and we will have a trade representative in each embassy and any business person can upload information which will be downloaded in all embassies.

Each embassy will be required to look for a match around the world.

Onyeama explained that the portal was a market access tool to remove bottlenecks associated with getting access into the export business.

He also said that foreign businesses seeking access Nigerian markets would also utilize the portal, adding that the portal would promote Foreign Direct Investment, reverse brain drain and promote market access for Nigerians.

Another project was the Process Review, essentially a desk- to- desk review of the ministry and all the countrys embassies.

He said the third project was a citizenship diplomacy progaramme being a call centre in which any distressed Nigerian in the World could call a phone number in times of distress and be attended to promptly.

The minister mentioned the special intervention fund provided by President Muhammadu Buhari to rescue Nigerian embassies in financial difficulties.

He said that in 2016, the president released N16.3 billion which was distributed to all the embassies, adding that the second intervention was N933 million released for renovations and other debts in the embassies in October 2017.

He said the third was 32 million dollars for critically distressed 65 missions in serious debt and crisis which was approved in November 2017.

Onyeama noted that the ministry was in the process of distributing the amount to the affected embassies, adding that another intervention of N7 billion was made for the ministrys headquarters.

He said some embassies had 10 years debt overhang and Buhari had insisted that Nigerians would no longer work under such conditions abroad.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, said FEC approved three policies for the ministry.

He mentioned the approval for Science Technology and Innovation Road Map 2017 to 2030 in respect of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan to move the economy from a resource-based to knowledge-based economy.

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He said a national strategy for competitiveness was also approved to avoid importation of raw materials and products which hit N49 trillion between 2010 and 2016.

He noted that the target was to save more than N1 trillion from such importation in the next five years.

Onu said the last policy was the Executive Order 5, a revolutionary order that had tremendous potential for the country by promoting self-reliance.

Accordingly, he said, the ministry entered into MoU with an indigenous company for the manufacture on nutrition-rich biscuits for management of malnutrition.
An earlier report by Premium Times had questioned how the OSGF had appropriated N65 million claimed to have been spent on the website which technological experts evaluated to be of basic quality.

In a statement signed by Director of Information, Lawrence Ojabo, Mustapha's office has released a detailed explanation on how the N64,855,875 was spent.

He revealed the website is still undergoing redesign and upgrade that has not been launched yet. He said the website will be built on the newest web technologies language as a new server infrastructure will be installed.

He also disclosed that part of the fund will go into training 50 people that will manage the website after it has been redesigned.

The statement read, "For purposes of clarification, the existing website, the screenshot of which was published by Premium Times, is undergoing redesign and upgrading to bring it in conformity with modern technology and requirements of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

"The OSGF is a critical hub of government that maintains a very high sense of accountability and transparency in all its transactions. The new website will further strengthen this core value as it will be built on the newest web technologies language, will be secured, fully managed locally, and hosted on a dedicated server. A new server infrastructure will be installed.

"The consultants to the project will in addition train not less than 50 officers that will facilitate timely updates and ensure very robust content management system.

"Other components include new home and adjoining pages, HTML, CSS, Javascript compliance, and providing annual technical service support; acquisition of various high end systems including deployment of DL380 GEN9 E%-2629V4 US server, 2x1TB SATA  HPE Part#867448-S01; HP All-in one Desktops/Intel Processor/8GB RAM/500GB HDD/17 Screen/Windows 10; Training of web masters and web content Providers; Apple MacBook 2.7GHz, Corei7, 16GB RAM, 512SSD, 15.4 Display, Retina Display, Radeon Pro 560 with 4GB memory, etc."

"The award of the contract for the website followed the pre-requisites of the Public Procurement Act 2007, before it was awarded on October 17, 2017. The emphasis of the OSGF under the leadership of Boss Mustapha on value for money and judicious application of public resources will never be vitiated for any reason.

"It is expected that the new website will meet the expectations of a highly sophisticated, dynamic, online-savvy media-consuming public.

"This is in line with the civil service reforms strategy which calls for greater openness, transparency, and public responsiveness in Government agencies in their delivery on policies and programmes.

"Accordingly, the new website when completed in a few weeks will include more windows, platforms, and links to various agencies to enable citizens, interested persons in the business of Government from around the globe to interact more easily with Government organizations and officials, provide an effective management information system and enhance public participation and ownership of Government programmes and policies."

Website has no special features

After a review of the website earlier this week, communications officer of Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN), Sodiq Alabi, said the OSGF has to provide more details to back its claim.

"We have reviewed the website, it is simply shocking that N65 million was spent on the website. It's implausible. OSGF must provide more details on what they did with the money. The website has no special features to justify more than a million naira budget.

"It doesn't look like they are even updating the website. The copyright is 2013. It looks very impossible and suspicious."

Another review by Cheta Nwanze, Head of Research, SBM Intelligence, said the N65 million could never be justified.

He said, "The website was built using the Joomla CMS, which is a free content management system. All of the media is hosted on YouTube, which is an external server. It uses Google Hosted Libraries for its content distribution. No way can it cost N65 million, unless I heard you wrong.
TI is a Berlin based non-governmental organisation which annually deploys metrics to rank countries on accountability processes and transparency measures.

Going backwards are we?

In 2016, Nigeria was ranked 136th most corrupt country in the world with a score of 27/100.

In 2015, Nigeria was also ranked 136 in the world out of 168 countries surveyed at the time; with a score of 26/100.

However, TI ranked Nigeria the 148 most corrupt country out of 180 countries surveyed in 2017.

This means Nigeria slipped 12 places backwards.

TIs ranking is called the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) and there were released on Wednesday.

Big brother...not

In Africa, Nigeria is the 32nd most corrupt, according to TIs CPI, a ranking that deeply worries the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).

On the African continent, Nigeria ranks 32nd position in Africa out of 52 assessed countries in 2017. While Botswana leads the continent with the record of competent and largely corruption-free public administration, Nigeria hopelessly falls behind with 27 points.

"In West Africa, Nigeria is the second worst country out of 17 countries leaving only Guinea Bissau behind, CISLAC said in a statement.

It added that this fresh setback in the fight against corruption confirms that grand-corruption, political corruption, nepotism, favoritism and bribery persist in Nigeria at all levels.

"It is CISLACs view that the negative perception is mainly a consequence of the inability to combat grand corruption and astronomical plundering of public coffers costing the Nigerian tax payers around 25% of annual GDP.

"Since the current administration has come to power on the anti-corruption ticket, no significant politically exposed person has been duly sentenced on anti-corruption charges".

'Witch-hunt'

According to TI, New Zealand is the least corrupt nation on earth, as it is ranked number one with a near perfect score of 89/100.

Denmark polls a close second with a score of 88/100.

Finland, Norway and Switzerland are joined at number three with a score of 85/100.

Buhari assumed the reins of leadership in Nigeria on the back of a campaign promise to crack down on endemic graft in Africas most populous country.

However, critics say the administrations anti-corruption war has been a witch-hunt at best because it allegedly targets opposition figures.

Buhari has also been accused of shielding cronies from his anti-graft war.
Speaking through his Director of Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja, Governor Yahaya Bello said the state's hospitality should not be taken as gateway for criminal elements, assuring the people that government will protect them from the hands of criminals.

"The reports of cattle rustling in Mopa is regrettable. Security agencies will investigate the matter and bring perpetrators to justice. The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara, is working with security agencies to ensure that criminal elements do not have a place in our society.

"Our open arms is no invitation to criminals. Our first responsibility as a government is to ensure the security of lives and property in the state."

The Governor assured the management of Daniyan Farms that thorough investigations will be done to get to the root of the matter, appealing to the people of the area not to take the laws into their hands.

"Daniyan Farms has existed for decades, providing food for our people and empowering our youth and women. Government will not allow criminals to destroy those legacies.

"Government has also directed security agents to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering as rustlers are not known to reside in a particular place. They move from place to place to perpetrate their crimes.

"The good thing is that the leadership of the Fulanis in the State are working with security agents to ensure peace and harmony. We shall spare no criminal who is fomenting trouble in the State."

Security beefed up

Fanwo said the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence corps (NSCDC) in Mopamuro has been strengthened to support other security agencies to ensure peace in the area, saying the administration of Governor Bello will not tolerate acts capable of endangering the lives of the people.
TheCable reports that Tinubu copied President Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House Yakubu Dogara in his letter.

President Buhari recently handed Tinubu the task of reconciling the APC and unifying a fractured governing party ahead of another election contest in 2019.

However, Tinubu says Oyegun is frustrating that presidential directive.

Disappointment greeted me when I discovered that you had swiftly acted in contravention of the spirit of our discussions. Instead of being a bulwark of support as promised, you positioned yourself in active opposition to the goal of resuscitating the progressive and democratic nature of the APC, Tinubu wrote.

The APC leader accused Oyegun of thwarting his presidential assignment in Adamawa, Kaduna, Kano and Kogi where Governors are on a war path with Senators of the same party.

In Kano for instance, Governor Ganduje and his predecessor Rabiu Kwankwaso, have become sworn enemies.

Parallel State officials

Tinubu says Oyegun has inaugurated officials across the States parallel to the officials already heading the State chapter of the party.

While this may place you in significant affinity with those parallel officials you handpicked, this machination suggests no improvement in the welfare of the party in Kogi or at the national level.

Tinubu says Oyegun intends to undermine my mandate by engaging in dilatory tactics for the most part. When forced to act, you do so in an arbitrary and capricious manner.

Tinubu reminded Oyegun that the APC doesnt solely belong to him but all members. You have no such right as Chairman, Tinubu warned.

Tinubu also asked Oyegun to avail him of pertinent information across the States without further delay.

Frosty relationship

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the APC leader havent always been the best of friends.

In September 2016, Tinubu wrote a letter to Oyegun, asking him to leave as party Chairman because he was frustrating the progressive ideals of the APC.

To rescue the party, Oyegun must go. He has shown that he and democratic fair play cannot exist in the same party at the same time, Tinbu had written at the time.

Tinubu had added that: The APC wants to guide Nigeria into a better tomorrow. Oyegun and the cohort of unchange want to pull Nigeria back into the past where rigging and vote stealing were the old and new testaments of politics.

They want the people to think that there is no alternative to their reactionary system of skewed politics and imperious government. Thus, they seek to turn the APC into a factory of the very political malpractices the people soundly rejected in the past election.

To choke the APC in this manner is to kill the chance for progressive reform for the foreseeable future. Much more than the Ondo primary is at stake. Oyegun has revealed his teams game plan: It is the destruction of progressive politics and governance on behalf of the people.

Tinubu fell out with Oyegun in 2016 when the party Chairman backed Rotimi Akeredolu for the Ondo governorship seat against Segun Abraham who was Tinubus handpicked candidate.
The lawmaker representing the Lagos East senatorial district issued a statement through his aide, Temitope Atiba, on Thursday, February 22, 2018, to ask his constituents to disregard the report by an online news blog.

Senator Ashafa explained further that he supports incumbent governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and that he's firmly focused on his duties as a lawmaker.

The statement read, "The attention of the office of the Senator Representing the good and hardworking people of Lagos East Senatorial District has this morning 22 February, 2018 been drawn to a news item published on an online news blog known as "Society Now" and captioned "AGAIN TALKS GBENGA ASHAFA INTERESTED IN BECOMING NEXT LAGOS GOV FLOAT ABOUT TOWN".

"The Distinguished Senator Gbenga B. Ashafa hereby uses this medium to reiterate his support for the government of his Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and to state that he is firmly focused on his assignment as the Senator representing the people of Lagos East Senatorial District in the upper chamber of the Legislature.

"Senator Ashafa is equally committed to supporting the brilliant strides of the incumbent Governor of Lagos State and would continue to support him accordingly.

"It is pertinent to state at this juncture that only last week, on Friday 16 February, 2018, Senator Gbenga Ashafa used the medium of his address at the closing ceremony of the Entrepreneurship Training and Skill Acquisition program for constituents of Lagos East by his office in conjunction with SMEDAN to further publicly drum up support for the government of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, noting the good works of the governor particularly in the aspect of youth empowerment.

"It has therefore come to the Distinguished Senator as a surprise that any news medium would contemplate the possibility of him contesting against the candidacy of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in the 2019 general elections."
"Is there anybody who doubts this company's opaque practises?" Tsipras told parliament, arguing that thousands of doctors were illegally paid to prescribe Novartis drugs, that the Swiss giant helped "manipulate" the prices of its products and laundered money through medical congresses of "questionable merit."

"After hubris, catharsis is required," Tsipras said. "Justice will be served."

Only parliament has the power to investigate former ministers for actions taken while in power.

Among the ten senior politicians allegedly named by protected witnesses in a mostly US-based investigation are conservative ex-PM Antonis Samaras, EU migration commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos and central banker Yannis Stournaras.

They all deny wrongdoing.

'Mud-slinging'

"I know Tsipras detests me, but you have gone too far. You will be held to account for this frame-up against me," Samaras told parliament, accusing the government of engaging in a "mud-slinging war".

Once formed, the parliamentary commission has a month to recommend prosecution of any confirmed suspects to the chamber.

The Swiss giant is suspected of having bribed decision-makers and doctors between 2006 and 2015 to build a commanding position in the Greek health market, as well as secure inflated prices for its products even though cheaper alternatives were available.

Tsipras has pledged to employ "every power afforded by national and international law" to recover billions of euros believed to have been lost to the Greek health system as a result of the scheme.

But his opponents say the government is trying to deflect attention from the economy and foreign policy issues.

Critics also note that the allegations -- some based on second-hand accounts -- are not accompanied by hard evidence and include glaring factual errors.

Avramopoulos, who was Greek health minister in 2006-2009, has sued the witnesses who have allegedly named him in testimony for defamation and perjury, and wants their identities revealed.

"In a case file of 2,500 pages there are just two paragraphs mentioning my name...and every single word is untrue," the EU migration chief said in his lawsuit.

The alleged testimony, leaked to the press, faults Avramopoulos' handling of a blood screening contract and a large order of avian flu vaccine.

Greek central banker Yannis Stournaras, a former finance minister under Samaras, is among those cited in the case file.

Stournaras, also named because his wife's PR company organised congresses sponsored by Novartis, dismissed the claims as "idiotic" and "foul slander."

The allegations also target the socialist party's parliamentary spokesman, Andreas Loverdos, and the deputy chairman of the main opposition conservative party, Adonis Georgiadis.

Novartis' overcharging alone is estimated to have cost the Greek state some three billion euros ($3.7 billion).

Overall, corruption across the health sector cost Greece some 23 billion euros between 2000 and 2015, investigators have said.

Greece's Justice Minister Stavros Kontonis last year said Novartis had likely bribed "thousands" of doctors and civil servants.

He also accused Novartis of continuing to sell "overpriced" drugs even after the country was plunged into economic crisis in 2010 and huge cuts were imposed on state budgets, leaving many Greeks without access to affordable medicine.

The OECD has estimated that drugs purchases in Greece jumped from 23.6 percent of total health spending in 2006 to 30.7 percent in 2011. They fell to 25.9 percent in 2015 under pressure from international creditors.

Novartis has said it has been cooperating with US and Greek authorities for over 14 months, whilst conducting an internal audit of its own.
The Chinese billionaire who came forward to bankroll the project is Wang Jing, through his HKND (HK Nicaragua Canal Development) Group.

Five years ago, he won the contract given by the government of President Daniel Ortega to build and run a 276-kilometer (171-mile) canal that would slice across the country, linking the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

The deal made world headlines, both for its sheer scale but also as a sign of growing Chinese involvement in a region once considered the United States' backyard.

If seen through, it has the potential to change the fortunes of Nicaragua, one of the poorest nations in Latin America.

Panama earns nearly $2 billion a year in tolls from ships using its waterway, built by France and the US and opened a century ago.

Wang said in 2014, as he inaugurated the start of the project, that he wanted to see Nicaragua become one of the richest countries in the region.

Stalled work

But a year later, the Chinese telecoms tycoon lost a big chunk of his fortune, which was estimated at $10 billion by the financial news agency Bloomberg. Since then, he has cut a low profile.

"He's a ghost. We haven't seen him since," said Monica Lopez, a lawyer specialized in the environment who wrote a book on the proposed canal.

Feasibility studies have been carried out but never published. Other countries interested in the project, such as Iran, no longer talk about it. Excavations started in 2016 have stopped, as has construction of freeways giving access to the canal.

When contacted by AFP, Nicaragua's Canal Authority denied work had halted.

"It's true there have been delays, but this company (HKND) is still working on it. It's a very big project. It's going ahead slowly but normally," the authority's chief, Manuel Coronel Kautz, said.

Observers are skeptical.

The canal "lost its interest once the Chinese investor got weaker, and the Nicaraguan government doesn't have the capacity to move the project along by itself," said Victor Campos, director of the environmental Humboldt Center.

There's another factor posing a challenge: Panama dropping relations with Taiwan to establish diplomatic ties with China last June.

"China is going to invest $25 billion (per year) in different Latin American countries, but Nicaragua isn't on its radar," said a former diplomat, Mauricio Diaz.

Expropriation anxiety

Monica Lopez said there was always suspicion that the Chinese government was behind Wang's investment. "But the 19 trade accords China signed last year with Panama show that its interest is focused" on Panama, a wealthier nation with an already functioning canal, she said.

Eliseo Nunez noted that Wang's investment was described as a private initiative.

"I'm not sure that China was behind the canal. It seems that Wang was acting alone" and "Nicaragua fell into a sort of international scam," he said, highlighting legal uncertainties that have dogged the project.

If the project ends up being scrapped, it would remove "a sword of Damocles" hanging over the heads of thousands of poor rural landowners across Nicaragua at risk of having their properties expropriated to make way for the canal, said Violeta Granera, an opposition leader.
But the fall of Yemen has coincided with the rise of Marib, once seen as an Al-Qaeda bastion, which has been spared much of the misery owing to its oil and gas reserves, proximity to Saudi Arabia and rare tribal cohesion that has helped repel Huthi incursions.

"We have managed to push the war far away from Marib," said provincial governor Sultan al-Arada.

"Marib is untouchable," he told AFP.

Marib is now Yemen's most thriving city, thanks in part to an influx of hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people, among them entrepreneurs, doctors and a monied class that is driving up investments and real estate prices.

Hundreds of new businesses have come up, from eateries to water bottling plants, and construction sites are everywhere.

Marib offers another novelty to legions of employed youth in a country with chronic joblessness - salaries.

"The spectacular rise of Marib has come not despite the conflict, but because of it," Farea al-Muslimi, a Yemen expert at Chatham House think tank, told AFP.

"Marib has gained from the chaos surrounding it."

A weakened central government - exiled in the southern port city of Aden, where southern separatists have opened a new front in the conflict - has strengthened local governance, giving Marib more autonomy to chart its future.

Its university is expanding and businessmen who once fled the war are slowly returning.

That includes Obaid Zubaiyen, head of a family-run trade and construction enterprise with interests across the Gulf, who fled Yemen in 2011 amid increasing turmoil.

"The family is back because Marib means opportunity," said Misbah Ohag, a group manager, showing AFP a blueprint of a planned multi-million dollar project of villas, apartments and malls.

Governor Arada plans an international airport and aims to make Marib, home to temple ruins from the ancient Sabaean kingdom, a magnet for tourists -- a plan hampered by the wrenching conflict.

'Dead and limbless'

But some scars of the war rumbling on outside Marib are still visible inside the province.

At a rehab centre for child soldiers, drawings sketched by the young survivors are telling.

One showed a grenade, a tank, a helicopter gunship and crimson splashes of blood.

"They blew up my school," read the caption.

Huthi rebels have planted thousands of landmines around Marib and mangled carcases of cars litter its mountainous border.

"So many dead and limbless people," said Mohammed Abdo al-Qubati, head of Marib general hospital, home to Yemen's only functional prosthetic limbs centre in government territory.

"It's like we are waiting for the remaining people to die."

Marib, with an original population of around 350,000, is sinking under the weight of what officials say are 1.5 million displaced people from across Yemen, putting a strain on resources.

In a decrepit camp on its outskirts, dozens of people from a tribe called Jaham tugged at the sleeves of Saudi aid officials, imploring them for more relief supplies.

"This is the kind of life you wish upon your enemy. We used to live in palaces, now we live in tents," said a tribesman from nearby Sirwah district, which was overrun by the Huthis.

"No, no," interjected another tribesman. "This is not even a tent; this is wood covered with a flimsy blanket."

'Tragedy'

Huthi rebels besieged Marib for months in 2015 after they captured the capital Sanaa, but they were pushed back in fierce clashes with local tribesmen aided by the Saudi-led coalition.

Arada, one of the region's most influential tribal leaders, rallied together fellow elders to pledge loyalty to the Hadi government -- even those who traditionally supported the Huthis.

The US, behind regular drone strikes in the territory to combat Al-Qaeda, has imposed sanctions on Arada's brother, accusing him of supporting the group, a charge the governor vehemently denies.

Marib faces the constant threat of Huthi rockets, hundreds of which have been fired towards the city.

A missile strike killed six children last year during Eid festivities, Arada said.

Yemen is a chessboard of proxy warfare between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Paying a heavy price for the conflict are thousands of divided families in Yemen, split between Huthi and government territory.

"We go through checkpoint, checkpoint, checkpoint," said Amina al-Ayashi, 55, describing a circuitous route to Sanaa, where her son journalist Taufiq is in a Huthi jail as the rebels crack down on the media.

"It feels like a whole lifetime. They (rebels) humiliatingly search us. We bring clothes, bread, vegetables. They refuse..." she trailed off.

Morsal Haidara, an English professor at Marib University -- which restarted in 2016 after being shut down during months of fighting -- draws parallels to Shakespeare's Hamlet, comparing the rebels to the character King Claudius who seized the throne by poisoning his own brother.
"Our security cooperation is very good, and all four countries are contributing at least two percent of GDP to national defence in 2018," Estonian presidential advisor Lauri Kuusing said, according to Baltic news agency BNS.

The Baltic trio are among only eight NATO allies expected this year to meet the defence spending benchmark repeatedly insisted upon by Trump.

The US visit can be seen as a sign of how the Baltic states are now firmly anchored in the West, 100 years after Estonia and Lithuania regained independence after World War I. Latvia will mark its centenary in 2020.
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Pros and cons: Burning waste instead of sending it to landfill

Is burning waste better than sending it off to the landfill? A New Zealand company is thinking about it.
Opinion

Ryan Bridge: The Govt's COVID-19 messaging is all over the shop - do lockdowns stop when enough Kiwis are vaccinated?
Russian Supreme Court refuses to review notorious case of disabled Mamayev

 Yandex photos

10:55 22/02/2018

MOSCOW, February 22 (RAPSI)  The Supreme Court of Russia has dismissed a cassation appeal lodged by Anton Mamayev, a disabled and wheelchair-bound man who had received a 200,000-ruble (about $3,500) fine for armed robbery, the courts press service has told RAPSI.

The court refused to bring the case to a cassation instance for hearing, the statement reads.

In June 2017, Moscows Timiryazevsky District Court found Mamayev and his alleged accomplice Vasily Seroshtanov guilty of robbery with the use of force. Mamayev received 4.5 years in prison, Seroshtanov was sentenced to 3 years in prison.

In July, the court released Mamayev from jail and put him under travel restrictions. This decision was made soon after the court received Mamayevs medical examination results submitted by the Federal Penitentiary Service. According to the medical report, the man is suffering from an illness included in the list of diseases that prevent serving of punishment.

Earlier, Russias High Commissioner for Human Rights Tatiana Moskalkova visited Mamayev in a hospital. According to the ombudsman, Mamayev is suffering from a complex of serious including Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She filed a petition with the Moscow City Court seeking release Anton Mamayev and a request with the Federal Penitentiary Service to speed up his medical examination.

In August, the Moscow City Court replaced Mamayevs prison term with a 200,000-ruble (about $3,500) fine.
Russian company demands $3.9 million from ex-head of Tatfondbank

 flickr.com/Blogtrepreneur

11:23 22/02/2018

MOSCOW, February 22 (RAPSI)  Russian company Aida & D has filed a claim with the Commercial Court of Tatarstan seeking to include 225.4 million (about $3.9 million) in the creditors demands list against former board chairman of Tatfondbank Robert Musin, the courts ruling reads.

The claim will be considered on April 12.

On February 2, the court initiated debts restructure procedure against Musin on request of the Deposit Insurance Agency (DIA) representing interests of Tatfondbank. Overall, demands against Musin reach 16.7 million rubles (about $294,000).

Ex-chairman of the banks board is charged with large-scale fraud. According to investigators, in August 2016, employees of the bank provided false data to the Central bank to obtain credit and subsequently embezzle the funds. Later, money was transferred to accounts of the affiliated companies.

Investigators stated that the overall damage in criminal cases against Musin reaches 50 billion rubles (about $880.2 million).

On April 17, 2017, Tatfondbank was declared bankrupt.
Nemtsov murder convicts sentence extended for one month

 press service of Moscow City Court

12:32 22/02/2018

MOSCOW, February 22 (RAPSI, Nikolay Merkulov)  Moscows Basmanny District Court on Thursday increased the prison sentence of Temirlan Eskerkhanov, who had earlier received 14 years for killing Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, by one month, RAPSI correspondent reported from the courtroom.

Eskerkhanov was found guilty of contempt of court expressed in insulting an investigator. Therefore, as part of this new case, the court added a month to the term the defendant had received for murder.

The case was initiated because of Eskerkhanovs words heard by jurors. One of the words insulted the investigator; however, an expert evaluation has found no insult in the convicts speech, his lawyer Anna Byurchiyeva told RAPSI earlier.

The defendant has pleaded not guilty to insulting investigator Alexander Kamashev. Eskerkhanov insists that he is being tried unjustly.

In October 2017, sentence passed on murderers of Nemtsov took effect. The Moscow District Military Court gave the defendants prison terms varying from 11 to 20 years on July 13. The court ruled in accordance with the will of the jury panel founding all defendants guilty. Zaur Dadayev, Nemtsovs first-hand killer was sentenced to 20 years. Anzor Gubashev was sentenced to 19 years, Shadid Gubashev to 16 years, Temirlan Eskerkhanov to 14 years and Khamzat Bakhayev to 11 years. All defendants will serve their time in a high-security penal colony. The court fined defendants 100,000 rubles (about $1,700). Shadid and Anzor Gubashev, Eskerkhanov and Bakhayev were also subjected to additional restriction of freedom for two years.

In late June, jurors found all the defendants guilty of involvement in the politicians murder and illegal trafficking in firearms and ammunition. According to the verdict, they did not deserve leniency.

The jury panel stated that one of defendants, Dadayev, conspired with others, was stalking and collecting data on Nemtsov, prepared murder and killed the politician himself, shooting his victim at least six times from an unidentified gun.

Boris Nemtsov, 55, a prominent opposition politician, who held a number of high-ranking posts in the Russian government in the 1990s and in the 2000s joined the opposition, was shot down in the center of Moscow as he walked across a bridge near the Kremlin on the night of February 28, 2015.

Investigators believe that the conspirators had thoroughly prepared to commit this crime and spied on the victim.

Ruslan Mukhudinov, a former officer in Chechen Interior Ministry, is believed to be a mastermind of the murder. He was placed on the international wanted list in November 2015. Beslan Shavanov, who allegedly was also implicated in the crime, reportedly killed himself when police tried to arrest him.

Criminal prosecution of Shavanov was dismissed because of his death. Investigation into Mukhudinov is underway.
Greece extradites one of alleged leaders of notorious Russian gang

 RIA Novosti, Aleksey Danichev

13:25 22/02/2018

MOSCOW, February 22 (RAPSI)  Arthur Dzhioyev, one of alleged leaders of a notorious Russian gang, has been extradited from Greece, Russias Investigative Committee reports Thursday.

Dzhioyev has been put in detention after the extradition, the statement reads.

According to investigators, the man was a right-hand of Georgian-born Aslan Gagiyev, who had organized the crime syndicate suspected of multiple murders. Dzhioyev allegedly coordinated actions of the gangs units and was involved in killings and other especially grave crimes.

Dzhioyev, who had been put on the international wanted list, was arrested in Greece in 2015.

Russian investigators claim that Gagiyevs gang has been operating since 2004 and includes over 50 members. Members of the gang committed more than 60 counts of murder in Moscow, Moscow Region and North Ossetia including murders of officials, law enforcement officers and businessmen. Some members of the gang have already been convicted and are serving long prison terms.




Moscow court sentences March 26 rally case defendant to 1 year in prison

 RIA Novosti, Yevgeny Odinokov

14:01 22/02/2018

MOSCOW, February 22 (RAPSI)  The Tverskoy District Court has sentenced the Moscow region resident Dmitry Borisov to one year in a penal colony for using force against a police officer during an unauthorized rally held in Moscow on March 26, 2017, the courts press-service has told RAPSI.

Earlier, a prosecutor asked the court to sentence Borisov to three years in prison.

According to the Investigative Committees press service, the accused struck the police officer on duty over the head twice during the rally.

Earlier, several other men, Andrey Kosykh, Yury Kuliy, Alexander Shpakov and Stanislav Zimovets, and Aleksey Politikov have been convicted and sentenced for violence against law enforcement officers during the rally. Kosykh was sentenced to 4 years in prison, but later his term was reduced by 4 months. Kuliy has been given 8 months in a penal colony settlement. Shpakov received a 1.5-year prison sentence. Zimovets has been sentenced to 2.5 years in prison. A 2-year prison sentence given to Politikov has not taken effect yet.

The Interior Ministry reported that about 500 people had been arrested during the unauthorized rally on March 26. Overall number of people present in the area at the time was estimated at as high as 8,000 people. One of the police officers received injuries; a criminal case was launched over this incident.

According to the Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny, arrested during the rally, Moscow authorities refused to greenlight the rally in the citys center and proposed alternative areas only a day before it was to take place. Navalny said that in this case Russian legislation allows organizers to hold an event at the area, which was listed first.
Man charged with attack against Russian servicemen in 1999 goes on trial

 RIA Novosti

17:10 22/02/2018

MOSCOW, February 22 (RAPSI)  A criminal case against Rustam Ismailov, allegedly involved in the attack against members of Russian military forces in 1999, has been forwarded to the Supreme Court of Dagestan for hearing, the Investigative Committees statement reads.

The man stands charged with gang activity and infringement on the life of military servicemen.

Investigators claim that in July 1999, the accused joined a gang under the leadership of notorious warlords Shamil Basayev and Emir Khattab. In August 1999, about 1,000 gang members with automatic arms, grenades and bombs, attempted the life of Russian servicemen in the Republic of Dagestan leaving 33 persons dead and 34 others injured.

During investigation into the attack, 72 members of military forces and their close relatives were questioned and recognized as victims in the case.

From 1999 to 2017, over 70 people received prison terms ranging from 3 to 15 for participation in the attack. Criminal proceedings against seven militants including Basayev was dismissed because of their death, according to the statement.

In December 2017, the North Caucasus District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don sentenced two other members of Basayevs gang, Ramzan Belyalov and Magomed Mazdayev to 15 and 13 years in a penal colony respectively for attack and taking hostages in the Russian town of Budyonnovsk in 1995.
Tajikistans nationals sentenced up to 18 years for attempted terror attack in Russia

 RIA Novosti, Igor Zarembo

17:56 22/02/2018

MOSCOW, February 22 (RAPSI)  The Moscow District Military Court has sentenced six citizens of Tajikistan to prison terms varying from 12 to 18 years for attempted terror attack in the Moscow Region, RAPSI correspondent reports from the courtroom.

The defendants were found guilty of terrorism, abetting terrorism and unlawful manufacturing of explosives. Four of them admitted guilt in full while the other two did it only in part.

According to investigators, the defendants were tasked with a terror attack as they tried to join the Islamic State terrorist organization prohibited in Russia. They decided to blow up a public shuttle bus in the town of Lyubertsy in the Moscow Region and prepared a bucket with explosives and a timer for this purpose. Passengers of the shuttle bus noticed the suspicious item and the terror attack was prevented.
HRW, February 21, 2018

(New York)  The Afghan government and US military should investigate reports that Afghan special forces summarily executed civilians in Kandahar province during military operations from January 31 to February 1, 2018, Human Rights Watch said today. Security personnel found to be responsible for abuses, including failing to report possible war crimes, should be held accountable.

On the evening of January 31, the Special Forces Unit of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) backed by US airstrikes began an offensive against Taliban insurgents in the Band-e Timor area of Maiwand district and the Reg area of Panjwai district, according to official reports. Local residents told Human Rights Watch by phone that Afghan security forces opened fire on men as they attempted to flee, killing about 50 Taliban fighters and at least 20 civilians. One witness said, when the airplanes came we fled. But as the people were running away the forces were shooting them. Security force personnel allegedly dragged some men from their homes and then shot them. The NDS reported that 38 men were detained following the operation.

The alleged deaths of at least twenty civilians in Band-e Timor demands a prompt and impartial investigation, said Patricia Gossman, senior Afghanistan researcher. Summarily executing people in custody, whether they are fighters or civilians, is a war crime. Only a full investigation can uncover all who may be responsible.

Unlawful killings at Band-e Timor, a long-time Taliban stronghold located on a strategic transportation route, may have been in retaliation for recent Taliban atrocities. In a speech to the nation, President Ashraf Ghani said that in response to the two recent attacks on civilians in Kabul, the government had already begun operations against Taliban bases. Afghans will take their revenge, even if it takes 100 years, he said. He praised the operation in Band-e Timor as more successful and said, it will continue.

The head of the operation was the police chief of Maiwand, Lt. Col. Sultan Mohammad, who reports to Gen. Abdul Raziq, the head of the Kandahar police, who has been accused of systematic human rights violations.

In its February 2018 report, the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) noted that search operations involving NDS Special Forces, either alone or alongside international forces, caused 61 civilian deaths and 25 injuries in 2017. In one case, NDS Special Forces in Nangarhar entered a home and shot dead seven civilian men inside. In another operation in Kandahar, NDS Special Forces shot dead three men and a boy and injured seven others by firing inside a house. UNAMA found that these forces appear to operate outside of the regular NDS chain of command, resulting in a lack of clear oversight and accountability given the absence of clearly defined jurisdiction for the investigation of any allegations against them.

Under the laws of war applicable to the armed conflict in Afghanistan, the government has an obligation to investigate alleged war crimes by its forces and appropriately prosecute those responsible. Foreign forces taking part in the operation also need to conduct an investigation. Commanders who knew or should have known about crimes committed by their subordinates but took no action can be held criminally liable as a matter of command responsibility.

The Afghan governments failure to investigate past possible crimes by Kandahars security forces makes an investigation of this incident all the more important, Gossman said. Unlawful killings wont stop unless there is real accountability.
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spoilers provide all the details on how the rest of Arie Luyendyk Jr. 's search for love will unfold, as well as whether he's still dating -- or engaged to -- his winner!Following The Women Tell All special on February 25, 's next episode will air on Monday, February 26 and feature Arie choosing whether to enjoy an overnight Fantasy Suite date with his Final 3 bachelorettes: Kendall Long Becca Kufrin and Lauren Burnham In addition, "Whose ex-boyfriend makes a grand gesture to steal back one of the bachelorette's hearts?" ABC teases.Arie's journey to find his future wife allegedly ended with an engagement.According to Reality Steve spoiler blogger Steve Carbone, Arie selected Becca at the final Rose Ceremony and proposed marriage to her with a Neil Lane diamond engagement ring.The pair left the show happily engaged, while poor Lauren finished as Arie's devastated runner-up. This means that Kendall finished in third place and was ousted after his round of overnight Fantasy Suite dates.However, Carbone says that Arie and Becca have already broken up! That didn't last long!Arie allegedly began second-guessing himself after popping the question to Becca when the show's finale filmed in mid-November 2017 in Cusco, Peru.Arie ultimately determined he had made a mistake and decided to try to win Lauren back. Arie did, in fact, reconcile with Lauren, says Carbone, and now the pair are together and dating.This means fans will watch Arie propose marriage to Becca on 's Season 22 finale but then see him with Lauren at his side during the subsequent live After the Final Rose special on ABC, which will show footage of both Arie's breakup with Becca and his reunion with Lauren.So how did all of this happen so quickly?Carbone says Arie called Lauren on the phone on January 1, 2018, which was the night of premiere. He was doubting his final choice at the time.A source told Carbone weeks later on January 16 that "Arie broke up with Becca" and was "heading to Virginia to film," where Lauren's mother currently resides. Not only after Carbone received the tip, ABC vans were spotted parked outside of the mother's Virginia Beach house."This is what happened. It's not wrong... If you honestly think I'm reporting this based off a hunch, or some wishful thinking, or something to stir the pot, then you don't know how I function," Carbone wrote in his blog."The guy who whined to us about not being in love for five years since [ Emily Maynard ]. The guy who's now a matured man and is 'not looking for someone to date, is looking for my wife,' couldn't give it more than TWO MONTHS with [Becca]."Concerned fans should know Arie is currently happy with Lauren as his girlfriend, but experience was definitely a crazy ride for this 36-year-old pro racing driver!Now let's rewind a little bit and talk about the next February 26 broadcast of .Arie, working his way towards a possible proposal at the end of the all this, will take his Final 3 women to historic and exotic Ica, Peru for the adventurous and romantic overnight dates in the upcoming episode.From a thrilling buggy ride along the sand dunes of coastal Peru to an exciting plane tour of the Nazca Lines to a catamaran excursion around the Ballestas Islands, Arie will certainly have his hands full on these dates."More torn than ever, Arie acknowledges that he has fallen in love with two incredible women and has professed his love to both," ABC reveals. "However, a blockbuster surprise threatens to derail Arie's fairy tale ending."Arie will kick off his final week of dates in Peru with a day of dune-buggy riding with Kendall, which will lead to a serious conversation at dinner where the bachelorette becomes more vulnerable than ever before on the show.According to the network, Kendall will open up about how men often view her as the "novelty girl" or the "quirky" one, and she rarely gets taken seriously. Arie, however, views their relationship as special, and Kendall will allegedly confess her real feelings to Arie.On Lauren's date, the bachelorette will be preoccupied with thoughts of the other two women, and she will need more reassurance from Arie.Afraid of getting hurt again after two failed engagements in her past, Lauren will struggle to enjoy her plane tour of the Nazca Lines with Arie.Lauren will go on to drop a bombshell, and later that night, Arie will convince Lauren of his true feelings with "an extremely emotional declaration," ABC says.For Becca and Arie's date, they will explore the rich marine life around the Ballestas Islands, just off the southern coast of Peru. The couple couldn't seem happier together, and that night, Becca will reveal when she first realized she loved Arie.The pair will cuddle in a romantic tent under the stars, and ABC says Arie is compelled to reveal his deep feelings for Becca as well.The following day, will feature "one of the most dramatic twists in history," says the network, when "a mystery visitor arrives ready to upset Arie's dreams of a happily ever after."A determined man flies all the way to Peru to win back his ex-girlfriend, and the network reveals a series of intense confrontations will follow.The surprise visitor will make Arie question which two bachelorettes he should advance to the final Rose Ceremony, and his ultimate decision will allegedly be made at the last minute. As reported above, Arie will eliminate Kendall and set up a Lauren vs. Becca showdown in the finale.Carbone says the woman who will face her ex-boyfriend in Peru is Becca, and the spoiler blogger insists this man will actually propose marriage to Becca before she picks Arie -- and he in turn offers her the final rose.To read more about what happens when Becca's former flame storms into the picture, as well as the identity of this man, click here The three women still in the running for Arie Luyendyk Jr. 's heart are: Becca Kufrin , a 27-year-old publicist from Minneapolis, Minnesota Kendall Long , a 26-year-old creative director from Los Angeles, California Lauren Burnham , a 25-year-old technology salesperson from Dallas, TexasInterested in more news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
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Amur falcons are among the strongest fliers in the avian world, migrating over 5,600 km from their breeding ranges in Mongolia and North Korea to southern Africa and back, every year.

Geetanjali Krishna witnesses them on their passage through India.

The Amur falcon roost phenomenon.

Photograph: Mike Prince/Flickr.

The bamboo watchtower overlooking the Doyang reservoir was bathed in the evening light. All we could hear was the constant chirruping of some distant birds. But we couldn't really see any.

Then, we realised that the grey cast of the sky wasn't what it seemed.

Although we'd heard accounts and seen videos of the magical phenomenon we were about to witness, nothing quite prepares you for that first sight of tens of thousands of Amur falcons as they swoop in from the sky to roost in the forests of Pangti in Nagaland's Wokha district.

The birds soared lazily on air thermals, clouding the sky in endless black spirals. Finally, they descended low enough to come into focus as I looked through my binoculars.

Small for falcons, these grey raptors with orange underparts seemed unremarkable at first glance. However, Amur falcons are among the strongest fliers in the avian world, migrating over 5,600 km from their breeding ranges in Mongolia, northeast China and North Korea to their wintering grounds in southern Africa and back, every year.

This makes their annual exodus one of the longest overseas migrations amongst birds of prey.

We were so riveted by their spectacle that the sunset at about 5 pm came as a surprise.

The falcons soared in long, lazy circles before finally descending upon the trees behind the watchtower to roost for the night. Their activity suddenly ceased, and we walked back to the banks of the reservoir where our car was parked.

Our local guide, Yentsao Odyuo, told us that he had grown up watching this magnificent spectacle year after year. "Their population peaks at a couple of hundred thousand," he said. "Then, by December, they leave, only to return the following year."

A female Amur Falcon.

Photograph: Bernard Dupont/Flickr.

It's an enduring mystery why the Amur falcons come year after year to Wokha from end of October until December. How do they navigate their way across Asia to reach Nagaland when even humans have a hard time getting to this remote border state?

The behaviour of Amur falcons hasn't been comprehensively studied by ornithologists, but some years ago, researchers tagged three individuals to study their migration habit.

One of the falcons, nicknamed 'Naga', flew non-stop for five days and 10 hours from Pangti to its wintering grounds in Somalia. In comparison, commercial aircraft can only fly non-stop for about 17.5 hours.

After a night in a comfortable homestay in Pangti (several villagers here offer room and board to visitors), we set off before dawn to watch the falcons take off from their roosts.

It was a windy morning and to our disappointment, when we reached the watchtower, most of the birds had already flown off.

Instead, we decided to traipse through the forest up to the miles-long electricity wires from the hydroelectric project nearby, where thousands of falcons could be found basking in the sun.

The forest undergrowth was behaving rather strangely, I realised. As we walked through it, we were leaving wakes of shrinking foliage on either side. With a start I realised that we were in a forest of touch-me-nots, shrinking away as they came in contact with blundering human feet.

A male Amur falcon.

Photograph: Wikimedia Commons.

Odyuo told us that till 2013, locals massacred the falcons commercially, but thanks to the efforts of the village councils and the NGO Nagaland Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Trust, the killings have now almost stopped.

Some local boys, like Odyuo, have become guides. "But I still remember the taste of its meat, smoked over family hearth," Odyuo reminisced.

We spent the day in that magical forest, playing with the touch-me-nots and watching the Amur falcons lined atop the electricity wires, as far as the eye could see. We weren't, as the crow (or falcon) flies, far from Kaziranga, and I mused that visitors to the National Park could easily visit this region to see one of the most splendid avian spectacles in India.

The lack of viable roads was a huge deterrent to tourism, I mused the next day while experiencing what locals call "free spinal realignment" on the non-existent road to Wokha.

A flock of Amur falcons out on a hunt escorted us for a distance.

"Before you know it, they'll be gone again," said Odyuo. "And these hills will be silent once more."
'Russia's interest lies in boosting Pakistan's grit and capacity to withstand US pressure,' says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.



IMAGE: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, left, with his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Asif after their meeting in Moscow, February 20, 2018. Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

Afghanistan, no doubt, was what brought Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif to Moscow on a 'working visit' on February 20.

This was Asif's second meeting with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the past 5-month period. They last met in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in September.

The Russian ministry took pains to highlight Asif's visit. A 'working visit' cuts out protocol frills and gets straight to transacting business.

Yet, Moscow made an exception and issued a glowing 'curtain-raiser' to hail Asifs arrival. There must have been strong reasons to do so.

The regional backdrop is indeed tumultuous.

The new Cold War is slouching toward the Hindu Kush and Central Asian steppes and Pakistan's geography is regaining the criticality in strategic terms reminiscent of the 1980s.

The Russian statements have become highly critical of the US regional strategies in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.

Moscow has concluded that the US is determined to keep an open-ended military presence in the region.

On the other hand, Russia is being kept at arm's length from the Afghan problem.

Instead, Washington is directly engaging the Central Asian States, bypassing Russia, including at the military level.

Clearly, Washington is working hard to undermine Moscow's leadership role in the region in the fight against terrorism and to challenge Russia's notion of being the provider of security to the former Soviet republics neighboring Afghanistan.

Given the experience in Syria (where the US is covertly encouraging ISIS and al-Qaeda affiliates to make the going tough for the Russia and to create new facts on the ground that weaken Syria's unity), Moscow is increasingly weary of the US intentions vis-a-vis ISIS in Afghanistan.

To be sure, the growing presence of ISIS in the northern and eastern regions of Afghanistan facing the Central Asian region deeply worries Russia.

Moscow has repeatedly hinted that US could be facilitating the transfer of ISIS fighters from Syria and Iraq to Afghanistan. But the Americans move on, ignoring the Russian barbs.

The pattern in Syria is repeating. Lavrov brought up the US-ISIS nexus in the discussions with Asif.

The Russian side has floated the idea that the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation can be put to use 'to develop practical measures to curtail the ISIS influence in Afghanistan and prevent it from spreading to Central Asia.'

From Lavrov's remarks following the talks with Asif, it appears that the SCO summit, which is scheduled to be held in Qingdao, China, in July, may make some moves/initiatives on the Afghan problem.

Last year Russia injected a new lease of life into the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group. China will host the next meeting of the Contact Group.

The fact is that with the admission of Pakistan and India as full members, SCO now represents all key neighbours of Afghanistan.

At the media briefing after the talks with Asif, Lavrov outlined that Russia and Pakistan have common ground in regard of the Afghan situation.

The Pakistani foreign ministry readout stated that the two ministers 'agreed to closely coordinate in all Afghanistan-related processes for a regional solution of the Afghan conflict.'

Indeed, the articulations from both sides regarding the talks in Moscow on Tuesday suggest that Russia and Pakistan intend to work closely together to coordinate their approaches to the Afghan situation.

Russia has promised to step up military support for Pakistan's counter-terrorist operations.

Significantly, as per a decision taken earlier, a new commission on military-technical cooperation between the two countries is being set up.

Of course, this is happening at a time when the Pakistani military is preparing to face any cuts in US military aid.

To be sure, the talks in Moscow took place in the new Cold War conditions.

The critical difference today, compared to the eighties, would be that, as the Russian foreign ministry curtain-raiser put it, 'Today, Pakistan has become an important foreign policy partner of Russia.'

'Both countries cooperate productively at international organisations, in particular at the UN and its agencies. Cooperation between Moscow and Islamabad is based on coinciding or similar positions on most issues facing the international community, including terrorism and religious extremism.'

'Opportunities for joint work expanded considerably after Pakistan joined the SCO as a fully-fledged member in June 2017.'

'The fight against terrorism is a key area of cooperation. The situation in Afghanistan arouses common concern. We are particularly concerned about the growing influence of the ISIS terrorist group in Afghanistan and its efforts to consolidate its positions in the country's north and east.'

'We advocate a regional approach towards resolving the situation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. We expect participants in the Moscow format of consultations on the Afghan issue and the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group to work productively.'

The pronounced convergence over Afghanistan can be expected to create synergy for an all-round expansion and deepening of the Russia-Pakistan relationship.

Lavrov gave an upbeat account of the relationship as it stands today. Russia's interest lies in boosting Pakistan's grit and capacity to withstand US pressure.

Interestingly, Lavrov and Asif also discussed Syria where the US has lately switched to an offensive mode against Russia. Again, Asif voiced Pakistan's opposition to the sanctions against Russia.
Neither emotions nor a structured approach to addressing critical issues came out in Kamal Hassans inaugural speech on Wednesday, says N Sathiya Moorthy.

Image: Veteran actor Kamal Hassan speaks during his day-long road show at Manamadurai in Sivaganga district on February 21, 2018, ahead of launching his political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam. Photograph: PTI Photo.

On paper, actor-turned-politician Kamal Hassans new outfit reads and sounds more like an NGO than a political party. But the name, Makkal Needhi Maiiyam (MNM) or Peoples Justice Centre is only a take-off from the decades-old Kamal Narpani Mandram or Kamal Welfare Association, as his fan clubs were named even decades ago.

So, if the star told the people of Tamil Nadu that he was at it all along even while being a top-notch actor known for his technical prowess, he was neither joking, nor misleading them. If anything, in an era after competing fan associations of Tamil filmdoms all-time greats in MGR and Sivaji Ganesan, clashed on personalities and their politics, to Kamal should go the credit for setting the trend in making his fans do credible and timely social service, which mostly went unnoticed in the urban milieu but much appreciated in rural areas across the state.

It was thus that Kamal fans were ready blood donors, with the association chiefs in all centres having a ready list of intended donors with their blood group, contact details and all. Even more, on occasions like Diwali cracker-bursting season, rains and floods, they were also known, at least in some places and for some years initially at the very least, to have ensured that a certain number of intended donors stayed away from alcohol and cigarette for the mandatory number of days.

In a way, filmi compatriot-turned-political competitor in superstar Rajinikanth, too, may have taken a leaf out of Kamals initiative, as his fans too were soon seen doing similar good work in their immediate environment, wherever they were.

Today, younger Tamil film stars like brothers Suriya and Karthi, Vijay and Ajith, among others, are known to be doing a lot of good things, quietly for most part, occasionally, to send out the message that others can do better things than they were doing.

Among them, barring Vijay, no one has talked politics, off-screen certainly and on-screen most of the time. Though possibly under industry pressure, many of the younger crop of actors might have donned the sympathy cap on issues affecting Tamil identity, Ajith has mostly stayed away from public glare, saying acting was his profession like any other, and he would not mix business with personal life -- and has successfully got away with such abstinence, too.

If to some, Kamals party name sounded like an NGO, he need not have to despair, or perspire. The term Congress in the name Indian National Congress stood originally for only a group, assembly of people, or congregation, not to a political party, as it is known over the past century and much more. Even the very identifiable word Kazhagam in the title of successive Dravidian political parties also means only a group or centre in Tamil.

Until the Janata Party came into being, and by sheer political accident in the Emergency era of the 70s, there was no national political party, barring the two communist parties, which carried the identifiable term party in its title. In its pre-Janata avatar, the present-day Bharatiya Janata Party went only by its original name, Bharatiya Jan Sangh, or peoples group.

Launching his party in the temple town of Madurai on Wednesday evening, Kamal asked the question himself and said his party was neither left, not right, but centre, hence also the word centre in its name.

But he had owned up to his leftist ideological leanings and rationalist philosophical leanings only of the pre-AIADMK Dravidian kind, and has had nothing to say he had a centrist approach to anything politics or in personal lifestyle.

Kamal thus had Delhis Arvind Kejriwal, not a centrist in anyway, on the dais along with him, and Keralas Left-CPM chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, felicitating him through video-conferencing. He also named Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu as being among his inspirations, along with Gandhiji, Ambedkar and former US president, Barack Obama.

Yet, Kamal did not name any leader from Tamil Nadu polity, Dravidian or otherwise, as among those who inspired him, though he had often identified himself with DMKs M Karunanidhi. If it owed to DMKs working president M K Stalin slighting him by referring to paper flowers seeking to bloom, on the eve of the MNMs launch, Kamal did not mention it -- and naturally so.

In doing so, Kamal also left out the iconic Congress veteran, K Kamaraj, who is identified with early education and noon-meal revolution in the Tamil Nadu of the 50s and 60s. This was so even when Kamalahassan named education for all as a focus area in what looked like a rambling speech for a partys inaugural function.

It is not without reason that critics would seek to corner him on the education front. Independent of corruption charges and politicisation of education and educational institutions at all levels and in myriad ways, Tamil Nadu has among the best records in education for all.

It may not possibly go beyond neighbouring Kerala, where literacy is for all, better than Tamil Nadus record and seriously so, but when it comes to higher, professional education, the latter would still hold the torch for the rest of the country.

If thus Kamal had NEET-related concerns in his mind when he talked education from the dais on his partys launch day, he did not mention it, nor did he explain it.

The possibility itself is a deduction, Kamal having expressed himself on Twitter when NEET was a burning issue across the state at the commencement of the current academic year. When a medical aspirant, S Anitha, from a rural, Dalit background with high scores in the states plus-two exams lost in NEET, Kamal visited her family and said she was as good as a third daughter for him.

But neither the emotions attaching to such declaration, nor a structured approach to addressing such critical issues came out in Kamals inaugural speech on Wednesday. So did he have anything specific to offer to end the much-maligned Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which again the Supreme Court was seized of, other than to declare that he had ideas for a negotiated settlement, though in the past all negotiations of every kind too had failed?

N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and political analyst, is director, Observer Research Foundation, Chennai chapter.
'What does Bhagwat think his militia will do once it is at the border?'

'What does Bhagwat imagine his Sangh followers will do that will protect Mother India?' asks Aakar Patel.



IMAGE: RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

The last major war between two States was fought 15 years ago.

Saddam Hussain was defeated by George W Bush in 2003 in a one-sided engagement (I am referring here to the initial invasion and not the occupation).

The Iraqis had not received modern equipment for many years, and their outdated tanks and fighter jets were no match for American military power.

Though both sides went to war with almost equal numbers of soldiers, about 350,000 each, the American casualties were 1/10th that of the Iraqi side, because their equipment was much better.

The military hardware that nations spend so much money on usually is used to buy equipment for war between nations, meaning tanks, ships and planes.

For example, India's defence budget this year includes over Rs 1 lakh crore for such hardware alone.

It has become very obvious to most experts of military strategy that this is materiel that is almost certainly never going to be used except for things like our Republic Day parade.

The next modern war between two major nations will be as different from the Iraq war of 2003 as the Iraq war was from the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

To understand this we need to ask ourselves what war actually is.

A war between States happens when one side is convinced it can compel the other side through force to do what it wants.

However, getting the other side to do something can also happen without violence at all. Intelligence agencies in the United States have said that Russia meddled with the American presidential election of 2016.

Vladimir Putin wanted Hillary Clinton to lose and Donald Trump to win. There is also the accusation that Trump may have colluded with the Russians in this meddling.

This is still being investigated but what is not in doubt is that Putin and his spies meddled and influenced the American election, perhaps decisively.

On Friday, February 16, Trump's justice department charged 13 Russians, most from a group called the Internet Research Agency in St Petersburg, Russia. They set up social media accounts on a virtual private network that made it appear that these accounts were being operated from America while they were actually in Russia.

The Americans believe that these accounts, on which Putin spent less than Rs 2 crore, helped decide the election in Trump's favour.

Why did Russia want Trump to win? Because Hillary would have used sanctions and other means of limiting Russia's influence in the world. Without going to war against America, Putin got what he wanted.

I am writing this because of what the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's chief Mohan Bhagwat has said about war.

Bhagwat said the RSS could mobilise in three days a force that it could send to the border, though, according to him, the Indian Army would take six months to do the same thing. This was attacked as being anti-army, but I am not going there.

My concern is: What does Bhagwat think his militia will do once it is at the border?

Does he think, perhaps because of having seen some documentaries of the 1962 war, that the Chinese will come rushing down the mountains with rifles in their hands?

And if so what does Bhagwat imagine his Sangh followers will do that will protect Mother India?

The RSS shakhas drill the cadre regularly with some physical activity and singing of patriotic songs. This is not the sort of training that is useful even for a war fought 100 years ago, forget today.

Modern military drill training for infantry is about 400 years old and has evolved over the centuries. It is in 2018, in the era of guided missiles, totally useless.

In a war against a modern nation, our vulnerability will arise not from a lack of volunteers to fight -- the Indian Army is one of the largest in the world -- or from a lack of equipment, meaning not enough tanks or planes.

It will be a vulnerability from a lack of technology, which is usually fatal. An advanced nation will focus on disabling the enemy's communications.

A shutting down of the Internet will cripple any modern nation today in a way that Iraq could not have been in 2003.

The banking system would collapse, and bring the nation to its knees in hours.

Internal communications would become so chaotic as to produce panic and disorder.

Even purely militarily, just the attack on communications from the outside would defang a nation.

For example, the reliance on global positioning systems, which are controlled by the Americans, for aeroplanes and missiles will make them vulnerable, if not useless.

Having millions of individuals prepared to martyr themselves will not be of much help.

The enemy can compel the less advanced nation to do what it wants, without much violence.

This is the way of warfare today, and if this has not been understood it is not because of a want of information, it is because of ignorance.

I thought I should write about this because we should be aware that this is the quality of thinking that informs the RSS, and its products, including our prime minister. It is very primitive and simplistic.

It may be burning with patriotism and one doesn't doubt the intent. It is the quality that is alarming and that frightens me.

Aakar Patel is Executive Director, Amnesty International India. The views expressed here are his own.
'If the US intention was to use the FATF platform to isolate Pakistan and impose sanctions against it, that is not going to work when influential countries such as Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, China and Russia will not lend support to the US campaign,' says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.



IMAGE: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, right, with Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif at the State Department, Washington, DC, October 4, 2017. Photograph: Yuri Gripas/Reuters

A concerted move by the United States and its Western allies to bring Pakistan back into the 'watch list' of the so-called Financial Action Task Force -- FATF -- leaps out of a morality play from the Middle Ages -- an allegorical drama with Washington assuming moral attributes.

For the benefit of the uninitiated, FATF is a progeny of the G-7, conceived in 1989 supposedly to study and monitor money-laundering methods and discern compliance.

In more recent decades, it strove to morph into a watchdog on international terrorism and a Western instrument to exercise jurisdiction on 'terrorism financing'.

Pakistan, like many countries, has been in and out of the FATF's watchlist since 2008. It was, curiously, commended in 2013 for making 'sufficient progress' and was dropped from the watchlists since 2014.

The move to reinsert Pakistan into the FATA watchlist is political in nature in the present context when the US is crafting coercive instruments to pressure Islamabad to cooperate with the Trump administration's strategy to force a military solution to the Afghan war.

Put differently, it is yet another instance of the double standards that the West adopts on international terrorism.

Thus, there is blood in the hands of the US on account of its covert support for extremist groups in Syria, including the Islamic State. But FATF remained indifferent.

Specifically, Russia has openly alleged that the US is sustaining al-Nusra, the al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria, which figures in the UN Security Council's black list as a terrorist organisation, in northern Syria and is using ISIS fighters to carve out a 'zone of influence' along the Euphrates river.

Turkey, a NATO ally, alleges that the Kurdish militia in Syria is a franchise of the PKK (which the US too brands as a terrorist organisation) and yet the Pentagon uses it as its proxy in northern Syria's killing fields to push back at the Syrian regime and its allies.

As recently as on Tuesday, February 20, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov repeated the allegation voiced by Moscow (and Tehran) that the US is secretly ferrying ISIS fighters from Syria and Iraq to northern and eastern Afghanistan on the border regions facing Central Asia.

Clearly, the West's double standards are inflicting colossal damage to the fight against international terrorism.

It is not only that the US resorts to double standards but it cynically uses terrorism as an instrument to advance its global and regional strategies.

Succinctly put, terrorism has become a second tool like human rights for the consolidation of US hegemony in world politics. Look at how indignant the US State Department sounded on the Maldives situation in its latest statement on February 20:

'The United States is disappointed by reports that Maldivian President Yameen has extended the state of emergency in that country for an additional 30 days.'

'The United States continues to call on President Yameen to end the state of emergency, uphold the rule of law, permit the full and proper functioning of the parliament and the judiciary, restore constitutionally guaranteed rights of the people of Maldives, and respect Maldives' international human rights obligations and commitments.'

Will the Trump administration have the gumption to make a comparable demand on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the bestiality against the Palestinians?

Of course not, because America's political class needs Jewish money, patronage and support in electoral politics.

Such being the state of play, bordering on the cynical, the international community has done well to call the American bluff at the meeting of the FATF in Paris on February 22-23 regarding Pakistan.

The heart of the matter is that terrorism should not be politicised. Its manifestations must be uniformly condemned -- be it in Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan, Xinjiang or Kashmir.

Second, the struggle against terrorism is ineffectual so long as the root causes of terrorism are not addressed.

Third, most important, this struggle must form part of global governance -- that is, it must be waged from the UN platform.

The FATF belongs to a past when the G-7 ruled the roost in the world order. Today, the G-7 has become a relic of the past.

In fact, France's own credentials to host the FATF are highly suspect, given its bloody record in the Francophone countries and in Libya. Incidentally, French special forces even today operate inside Syria to fuel the conflict.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Pakistan has secured wide support to stall the US move against it at the FATF meet in Paris.

Even the US' NATO ally, Turkey, and its key partner in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, disfavour the US move. So indeed China and Russia.

What emerges out of this sordid drama in Paris is that the US move to isolate Pakistan is turning out to be counterproductive.

On the one hand, the propagandistic move in the FATF exposes that the US' capacity to leverage Pakistani policies is reaching rock bottom. Interestingly, an analysis by the prestigious British security think-tank Royal United Services Institute earlier this week also arrived at the same conclusion:

'The Pakistani military is fully prepared to face any cuts in US military aid and potential threats of cross border incursions by American forces and feels its global recognition and reputation of its counter terror efforts and the military's role is very different to what it was in 2001.'

'As 2018 begins, it is the Americans that need Pakistan and not the other way around. US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis has already said that he is in touch with the Pakistani military, as without them the US forces cannot move their equipment or survive in landlocked Afghanistan.'

'If anything, Trump's tweet has made Pakistan realise it has been wrong to trust America for seven decades. The Pakistanis have given full combat and logistical support to a war for which America has no answers.'

On the other hand, if the US intention was to use the FATF platform to isolate Pakistan and impose sanctions against it, that is also not going to work when influential countries such as Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, China and Russia will not lend support to the US campaign.

Finally, if the US intention is to snuff out any nascent regional initiative on Afghanistan by creating discord among the regional States at this inflection point in the 17-year old war, that is going to be wishful thinking, because the overwhelming regional opinion happens to be that a process of national reconciliation in Afghanistan is an imperative need and a top priority in the interest of regional security and stability.

This week's working visit to Moscow by Pakistani Foreign Minister Khwaja Asif indicates that efforts in the direction of mounting a regional initiative to promote intra-Afghan talks are gaining momentum.

Paradoxically, the FATF drama -- the Trump administration's failure to rally international opinion against Pakistan -- can serve a good purpose by highlighting the geopolitical reality that the US stands utterly isolated in forcing a military solution to the Afghan war.
'The prime minister can think of bullet trains and speed, but cannot think of special measures to save these magnificent creatures.'



IMAGE: A female elephant after it was hit by a train near the Panbari railway station, near Guwahati in Assam, September 2012.

Between 2009-2010 and 2016-2017, approximately 655 elephant deaths due to human-wildlife conflict have been recorded.

Of these, more than 120 deaths were due to train accidents.

Photograph: Utpal Baruah/Reuters

In a mammoth tragedy two Saturdays ago, a speeding train in Assam killed three baby elephants and two adult elephants on the railway track at night.

The elephants were crossing the track in a forested area. Locals say, that because the baby elephants did not move seeing the oncoming train, they were flanked by the adults who took the brunt of the train, but were unable to save them.

The driver tried applying the brakes, but it was too late.

The mowing down of the elephant family is a deeply troubling tragedy and should lead the government to take preventive measures.

40 elephant deaths have occurred in Assam due to unnatural causes in 100 days.

In a single month in 2016, eight elephants succumbed in train collisions in Assam; one was pregnant.

On an average 80 elephants are killed in India each year.

India is home to around 30,000 elephants. 5,600 live in Assam.

Ten days before the tragedy in Assam, a group of wildlife conservationists sent a letter to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal to act on the rising elephant deaths due to train collisions. The letter listed measures that the government needs to undertake urgently to save these gentle giants.

"The government does not seem to care and until that happens we will keep seeing such tragedies happen again and again," Debi Goenka, founder, Conservation Action Trust, and a signatory to the letter, tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih.

14 conservationists wrote a letter to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal about elephants being mowed down on railway tracks. Have you heard back from the minister?

The railway minister, environment minister, prime minister could not care a damn!

The prime minister can think of bullet trains and speed, but cannot think of special circumstances, and measures to save these magnificent creatures.

They don't understand that this is a special situation that requires special rules.

We can only hope that the government will wake up one day. Unfortunately these days, the judges also don't seem to be very concerned about most of these things.

And it is even more tragic because the elephant is the mascot of the railways.

Yes, that is the tragedy. It also has a religious significance for most Hindus, but still nobody seems to care.

We are losing our endangered animal wealth like these elephants in such tragic accidents. How can governments be sensitised about this tragedy?

Unfortunately you can't give anyone an injection of sensitivity.

It is either there or not there.

It is not as if our past prime ministers have not been sensitive people. Indira Gandhi was a very sensitive PM about wildlife, forests and environment.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a PM and human being was very sensitive.

It's not that we don't have sensitive leaders. We've had sensitive leaders who have done their bit when they were in power to stop environmental degradation.

But obviously the current leadership doesn't seem to care a damn.

There has not been a single minister who has spoken out, expressed sympathy and said s/he will do something.

What urgent measures should be taken to prevent the horrific deaths of elephants due to collision with trains?

Speed restriction is an absolute must.

Secondly, the railways will have to invest in some kind of technology which can detect the presence of animals on the tracks by installing sensors and infra-red equipment.

Third, patrolling of railway tracks by joint teams of the railways and the forest department, especially in areas where elephants are known to be crossing so that they can alert drivers in time.

Fourth, in sensitive areas, local persons should be asked to alert the station/drivers because they know the local conditions and areas prone to elephant crossings.

Fifth, civil engineers will have to build structures that will allow elephants to pass below or above the railway tracks.



IMAGE: Debi Goenka, Founder, Conservation Action Trust, has been working in the field of conservation for nearly 40 years.

Some of these measures have been taken at the Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand that have reduced such accidents, isn't it?

Under-passes have been built in Rajaji, but even that hasn't been completed. It is still a work in progress.

It took a long time to get the government to take these mitigation measures in Rajaji, but I'm told they are still not complete. It has been more than 12 years.

Hope is when these measures are taken, elephants will start using them and not use the railway track.

Just as we try and persuade commuters in Bombay to use the over-bridges rather than cross the tracks.

What are the other causes of elephant deaths in India?

Poaching has come down, but it is still happening.

Elephants get electrocuted.

They get shot at because of damaging crops.

The loss of habitat is a serious threat to elephants.

What are the primary causes for the destruction of elephant habitat?

So-called development.

We want to keep building more roads, rail lines, canals through forest areas.

We keep allowing encroachments and keep giving chunks of forest land to people for mining etc -- this is the consequence of all this.

Why elephants in Assam so vulnerable to such accidents?

Assam has a lot of elephants.

It is a hilly terrain. In winter it becomes even more difficult because of fog when you can't spot the elephants.
'There is no alternative to the BJP apart from the Congress'

'Criticising policies is okay. But I cannot agree to a statement that Nehru had no contribution in the country's development or in strengthening its democracy'

'Even BJP members privately speak about the prime minister hugging visiting dignitaries and taking them around Ahmedabad'

IMAGE: NCP chief Sharad Pawar at an event at his alma mater Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce in Pune. All photographs: Sahil Salvi

Lamenting that personal attacks had become a trend in the country's politics, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday disapproved of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticism of Jawaharlal Nehru in Parliament.

He was referring to Modi's reply on the motion of thanks to the president's address to a joint sitting of Parliament.

"Criticising policies is okay. But I cannot agree to a statement that Nehru had no contribution in the country's development or in strengthening its democracy. If democracy was introduced in the 12th century, the British also ruled us after that and we were slaves," Pawar said in Pune.

He was being interviewed by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray.

The former Union minister recalled that late Yashwantrao Chavan always used to say that Nehru was responsible for making India a strong democratic nation.

He also said former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had immense respect for individuals, irrespective of ideological differences.

Pawar said political leaders from Maharashtra, from the time of Yashwantrao Chavan, had always put the nation first.

IMAGE: In a first-of-its-kind, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray interviewed Pawar about his political journey.

To a question from Thackeray on why leaders from the other states did not do the same, the NCP chief admitted that Maharashtra had to bear the brunt at times due to its approach of putting nation above regionalism.

When Thackeray said Prime Minister Narendra Modi took visiting foreign dignitaries to Ahmedabad, instead of the other parts of the country, Pawar said for a prime minister, the nation must come first.

"Even BJP members privately speak about the prime minister hugging visiting dignitaries and taking them around Ahmedabad. I feel, when someone is the nation's leader, the country should come first. Pride about Gujarat and Ahmedabad is okay."

Stating that he had cordial relations with Modi, Pawar said, "When Modi was the Gujarat CM, he was a vocal critic of the Congress leadership and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Congress members refused to engage with him. But I was of the view that Gujarat was part of India and if Modi speaks ill of the Congress, the people of Gujarat should not be ignored. So, whatever issues of Gujarat came up, I handled them."

Pawar described Modi's remarks that the latter had come into politics holding his fingers as meaningless.

"He (Modi) has been in politics for a long time, starting with the RSS. Thankfully, my finger has not gone into his hand," he said in a lighter vein.

The former Maharashtra chief minister said a positive in Modi was that he had the ability to work hard, but pointed out that governing the country was different from running a state.

"Administering Gujarat and the country are two different things. You need a team to run the country. But I doubt if such a team is in place," he said.

IMAGE: Sharad Pawar with former Union minister and senior Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde.

About quitting the Congress twice, Pawar said he had not given up the Congress' ideology but had left due to differences.

Recalling quitting the party to form the NCP, Pawar said he was the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha while former PM Manmohan Singh was his counterpart in the Rajya Sabha at that time.

"When the prime minister loses his majority in the House, Parliamentary procedure says that the president should call the leader of opposition to form the next government. But our party president (Sonia Gandhi) met the president and staked claim to form government. I came to know about it from the TV channels," he said.

On returning to the state as CM after a stint as defence minister, Pawar said a group in Delhi worked overtime to ensure that independent leaders from Maharashtra did not grow beyond a limit.

He also said that the demand for statehood for Vidarbha must be resolved through a mandate of the people.

Calling the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train unviable, Pawar said nobody would go to Ahmedabad and Mumbai would be overcrowded.

He said Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had a challenge at hand to revive the party, adding that the Gandhi scion's willingness to learn and understand issues and engage people in a dialogue would stand him in good stead.

"If the people support him, the Congress stands a good chance. There is a need for a strong opposition in a democracy and the fact is that there is no alternative to the BJP apart from the Congress," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said a Bharatiya Janata Party-Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party government in Nagaland would plug the loopholes causing wastage of public money and work towards improving road connectivity in the state.

Modi said Nagaland needed a strong and stable government to work for development.

"My vision for the Northeast is transformation by transportation," he said during an election meeting at Tuensang, about 360 kilometres from Kohima, according to the official Twitter account of the Bharatiya Janata Party Nagaland.

He said that in less than four years, the Centre has added 500 km of national highways and plans to invest more than Rs 10,000 crore in the roads of Nagaland.

Modi called on the people of the state to vote for the BJP-NDPP alliance 'which would ensure that the funds reach the people'.

"With the help of technology, we will plug the loopholes which are causing wastage of public money," he said.

Without naming anybody, he said a former prime minister had once stated that villages received only 15 paise out of Re 1 sent from the Centre.

"With determination, we need to change this situation," Modi said.

He said the NDA government at the Centre wanted to ensure power for all in Nagaland.

"We have brought the 'Saubhagya Yojana' which will provide electricity to all homes. Till date, more than 10 lakh LED bulbs have been distributed in Nagaland, reducing consumption of power," he said.

The prime minister said the central government will spend around Rs 1,800 crore for making the state capital Kohima a Smart City.

He said that organic farming has a big market globally and the entire Northeast has immense potential for it.

The BJP has fielded 20 candidates and its alliance partner NDPP 40 for the February 27 elections to the 60-member assembly.

IMAGE: PM Modi in Tuensang on Thursday. Photograph: ANI
We have our smartphones, our computers, and what not to ensure we live a comfortable and easy life.

But what if one day all the machines in our lives were taken away? Would we survive? Would we lead happy lives?

French Farmer Jean-Bernard Huon, who lives in a corner of southern Brittany on Frances west coast, shows us what life would be without machines.

When farm machinery revolutionised French agriculture in the years after World War Two, a young Jean-Bernard Huon turned his back on the new technology and continues to do so till date.

All photographs: Stephane Mahe

French farmer Jean-Bernard Huon, 70, carries hay at his farm in Riec-sur-Belon, France. Huons manual approach to subsistence farming makes him a rarity in the European Unions biggest agricultural economy. He shuns Frances hypermarkets, instead selling his pork, veal, and butter to those who visit his ramshackle farm.

Laurence, companion of French farmer Jean-Bernard Huon, unloads manure on land near their farm in Riec-sur-Belon, France. On the small farm where he grew up, the garrulous, white-bearded 70-year-old and his partner Laurence milk eight cows by hand, grind flour manually and tirelessly collect manure to fertilise the crops that feed his livestock

Huon, 70, cuts bread during lunch at his farm in Riec-sur-Belon, France. Im a happy outsider, Huon said on the farm where he lives without hot water. Ive always managed by myself, Ive never been rich but what do I care?

Huon, 70, ploughs his land with oxen near his farm in Riec-sur-Belon, France. In the last decade, he's made some concessions to comfort. He switched from work horses to oxen that are more docile. More recently, as age imposes its own limits on his activities, he invested in two tractors for the heavy-lifting of hay.





French farmer Jean-Bernard Huon, 70, and his companion Laurence harvest beets on their land near their farm in Riec-sur-Belon, France.





French farmer Jean-Bernard Huon, 70, toasts with bikers during the annual biker rally at his farm in Riec-sur-Belon, France.

French farmer Jean-Bernard Huon, 70, walks with his oxen on his land near his farm. Huon will not criticize farmers who embrace modern-day machines and chemicals, including those who use the weedkiller glyphosate, the subject of intense debate in Europe over its potential health risks.

Farming equipment lies on the ground near Huons farm. Huon hopes to find a successor to preserve the traditional spirit of the farm, which he plans to donate rather than sell. Nonetheless, he recognises that whoever follows will have to make changes as regulatory pressures become ever tougher.

The 70-year-old inspects a barrel used for cider at his farm. His earthy existence resonates at a time when intensive farming is increasingly criticised and local, organic food supply is in vogue.

French farmer Jean-Bernard Huon, 70, looks on as he works on his land near his farm.

The French farmer writes notes beside his companion Laurence, at their farm.

French farmer Jean-Bernard Huon, 70, shaves in the bathroom of his farm in Riec-sur-Belon, France.

Huon, 70, and his friend Jeremy harvest beets on land near his farm.

Huon reads a book in his room at his farm in Riec-sur-Belon, France.
The Supreme Court on Thursday asked if a roving inquiry could be ordered into the 'issue of consent' between two adults who married at will and if the Kerala high court order annulling the marriage of Hadiya, an alleged victim of 'love jihad', was justified.

The questions from a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud came during the hearing of the Kerala conversion case.

"What troubles us is that whether there can be a roving inquiry into the issue of consent between two adults who have agreed to marry," the bench said.

Whether the high court was justified in nullifying the marriage is a pure question of law, it added.

"Marriage and investigation are two different things. As far as marriage is concerned, it does not warrant any investigation. Investigation has nothing to do with it. You can investigate any other thing," the court said.

Hadiya, the 25-year-old woman who is at the centre of an alleged 'love jihad' controversy, had on Tuesday filed an affidavit before the top court claiming that she willingly converted to Islam and wants to live with her husband Shafin Jahan.

The matter had come to fore when Jahan had challenged the Kerala high court's order annulling his marriage with Hadiya and sending her to her parents' custody.

On November 27 last year, the apex court had freed Hadiya from her parents' custody and sent her to college to pursue her studies, even as she had pleaded that she should be allowed to go with her husband.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Hadiya's father, said it was a case of vulnerable adults and the high court was justified in nullifying the marriage by exercising its power under Article 226 of the Constitution.

"In this case, marriage was used as a pretext to keep it out of the court's jurisdiction," Divan said.

Hadiya had urged the court to set aside the judgement of the Kerala high court that had annulled the marriage terming it an instance of love jihad.

The top court had earlier ordered a National Investigation Agency probe into a pattern where some women were allegedly being converted to Islam.

Later, the court decided to hear the woman and interviewed her in an open court when she made an appeal for her freedom under the Constitution.

In her affidavit, the woman told the court that 'horrendous sufferings' were meted out to her for converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim man.

The apex court had on January 23 made it clear that the NIA cannot probe the marital status of Hadiya and Jahan.

IMAGE: Hadiya outside the Supreme Court. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo
'Only when India's adversaries are convinced that India has both the necessary political and military will and the hardware to respond to a nuclear strike with punitive retaliation that will inflict unacceptable loss of human life and unprecedented material damage, will they be deterred,' says Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (retd).



IMAGE: The Agni V missile whose range can target all of China. Photograph: Press Information Bureau

Part 1: How India Must Play the Nuclear Card

India is located in a dangerous and unstable region -- it shares borders with two nuclear-armed neighbours, China and Pakistan, and has territorial and boundary disputes with both of them.

Hence, India's decision to develop credible minimum nuclear deterrence policies against the use and the threat of use of nuclear weapons is justified on the grounds of safeguarding India's sovereignty and ensuring national security.

As long as offensive nuclear deterrence continues to be so unabashedly practised by the other NWS and SNW, particularly China and Pakistan, India's defensive nuclear deterrence option cannot be compromised.

India's 'no first use', retaliation-only, nuclear posture is not only morally befitting and worthy of India's civilisational heritage, it is also an operationally sound strategy.

However, deterrence hinges on credibility and India is still far from demonstrating strong political resolve to execute a massive retaliatory nuclear strike.

Only when India's adversaries are convinced that India has both the necessary political and military will and the hardware to respond to a nuclear strike with punitive retaliation that will inflict unacceptable loss of human life and unprecedented material damage, will they be deterred.

Only then will it be possible to ensure that the nuclear monsters remain tightly leashed in and around India's neighbourhood.

The adoption of graduated or flexible response strategies will weaken the quality of India's deterrence and may tempt its adversaries to test India's resolve and capabilities.

Even though it is readily accepted by most analysts in the countries that possess nuclear weapons that these are not weapons of warfighting, first-use postures continue to be adopted and tactical nuclear weapons (TNWs) continue to be added to nuclear arsenals.

With President Donald J Trump now in power in the US and strident right-wing parties steadily gaining ground elsewhere, the arc of instability is expected to gradually spread to new areas.

It is also widely expected that under President Vladimir Putin, Russian actions will continue to add to regional instability.

President Xi Jinping's China has apparently given up former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping's advice to 'hide our capacities and bide our time' and has begun to flex its military muscle, especially in the South China Sea.

Islamic State's virulent ideology is continuing to spread to new areas even as it is losing ground in Syria and Iraq.

The world has moved from the 'unipolar moment' to an era of strategic uncertainty.

Rapidly growing technological capabilities, realistic projections of the power of emerging technologies, reasonable assumptions about the growing threat spectrum and the failure of the international community to make any tangible progress towards disarmament lead to the conclusion that the world may witness both vertical and horizontal proliferation in the coming decades.

A new nuclear arms race may soon be under way in East Asia and South Asia.

Even a pacifist country like Japan has been quietly practising 'insurance hedging' -- creating the capability to assemble nuclear weapons if it ever becomes necessary.

North Korea's belligerence and the international community's inability to rein in its nuclear weapons programme may force South Korea to consider the assembly of its own nuclear arsenal.

Unsure of President Trump's long-term intentions, a few European nations like Germany have begun to think in terms of establishing a European or even their own nuclear deterrence.

Hence, it is for good reasons that the scientists manning the Doomsday Clock managed by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists moved the hands from three minutes to midnight to two-and -a-half minutes to midnight in January 2017.

Clearly, the nuclear age is not over and, though the probability is low, oblivion may yet stare us in the face.

Even though 50,000 to 60,000 nuclear warheads have been produced since the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, some basic human survival instinct has 'repeatedly stayed the finger that might have pushed the button'.

As General J F C 'Boney' Fuller, a British strategist, had written a century ago, the ultimate object of war is peace, not victory. In that vein, the ultimate aim of deterrence is to prevent war and reduce its salience as an instrument of policy.

Prudence would lie in continuing to sharpen the cutting edge of India's nuclear arsenal so that deterrence never breaks down.

Hopefully, in the not-too distant future, collective thinking will shift from the madness of nuclear brinkmanship to the rationality of disarmament.

Perhaps, then, a few statesmen will come forward to declare that nuclear weapons are a threat to the survival of mankind and, goaded by NGOs like ICAN, the nuclear-armed countries will together agree that all the stockpiles must be destroyed.

Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (retd) is Distinguished Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi.

Excerpted from Gurmeet Kanwal's Sharpening the Arsenal: India's Evolving Nuclear Deterrence Policy, HarperCollins Publishers India, 2017, with the author's kind permission.
Another Blow to Media Freedom in Kyrgyzstan

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 20 December 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Another Blow to Media Freedom in Kyrgyzstan, 20 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb08a26.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Let Foreign Media, Rights Workers Return

December 20, 2017 8:00PM EST

By Mihra Rittmann

An airplane trace is seen behind a Kyrgyzstan national flag fluttering in a central square in Bishkek March 11, 2013.  2013 Reuters

It doesn't look like the AFP's Central Asia correspondent, Chris Rickleton, will celebrate the upcoming holidays at home in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan this year. Instead, his wife and 3-year-old daughter, both Kyrgyzstan citizens, will have to travel to neighboring Kazakhstan if they want to welcome in the new year together.

On December 9, authorities denied Rickleton, a United Kingdom citizen, entry to Kyrgyzstan.

The same thing happened to me, just over two years ago.

In my case, instead of the usual quick passage through passport control at Manas International Airport  neither US nor UK nationals need a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan  I was pulled aside and told I couldn't enter. Nothing was provided to me in writing about the decision. I was then put on a plane departing Bishkek, without a chance to pack up my apartment or say goodbye to friends, as my home was in Kyrgyzstan.

People don't expect Kyrgyzstan to arbitrarily deport international journalists or ban foreign rights workers. It's the only Central Asian country that has come close to holding free and fair elections, and where people can generally gather to peacefully express critical opinions. The Parliamentary Assembly for the Council of Europe granted Kyrgyzstan "Partnership for Democracy" status, and the European Union and Kyrgyzstan have begun negotiations to enhance their relations.

But Kyrgyzstan's human rights situation has suffered multiple setbacks this year. On December 19, a national television station, NTS, had its property frozen by a court order. Local journalists and a rights defender critical of the government have been targeted with unfounded lawsuits and barred from leaving Kyrgyzstan until they pay multi-million sums (roughly US$430,000) in "damages." A local rights defender is serving a life sentence in the face of a UN Human Rights Committee decision calling for his immediate release. This July, Vitaly Ponomarev, a Russian rights defender who has long worked on Central Asia, was denied entry at the border and banned from the country. The country's supreme court has upheld rulings muzzling free speech.

It's not too late for Kyrgyzstan's government to reverse this trend. Instead of targeting critical media, Kyrgyzstan's recently elected president and his government should ensure space for independent journalism and civil society organizations.The authorities should also welcome Chris Rickleton and others back to Kyrgyzstan.

The European Union, EU member states, and the United States, among others, should speak out against Kyrgyzstan's assault on freedom of expression and the harm caused to the Kyrgyz people.

With these blows to free speech, keeping silent is no longer an option.

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Mexico: Address Chiapas Displacement Crisis

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 22 December 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Mexico: Address Chiapas Displacement Crisis, 22 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb08ba.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Investigate Armed Attacks; Assist Displaced People

December 22, 2017 12:00PM EST

(Washington, D.C.)  Mexican authorities should investigate armed attacks in Chiapas that have led to the displacement of more than 5,000 people and provide assistance to those in need, Human Rights Watch said today.

In October, a territorial conflict about communal lands between the municipalities of Chalchihuitan and Chenalho escalated. A spokesperson for the municipality of Chalchihuitan, Nicodemo Aguilar Sanchez, told Human Rights Watch that on October 18, 2017, members of an armed group killed a man from Chalchihuitan, Samuel Luna Giron. In the following two weeks, he said, armed groups burned at least 12 houses and fired at eight others, which led to more than 5,000 people fleeing their homes.

"The Mexican government urgently needs to attend to the displacement crisis in Chiapas so that people can safely return to their communities as soon as possible," said Jose Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch. "The authorities should investigate and punish those responsible for any abuses, and ensure that the people who were forced to flee their homes receive the assistance they need."

Officials from two nongovernmental groups who recently visited the area and the Catholic priest from a nearby parish told Human Rights Watch that the continued presence of armed groups is preventing the residents from returning. A medical mission from two other local aid organizations, Salud y Desarrollo Comunitario and Ixim Antsetic, found that, in addition to the man allegedly killed by members of an armed group, at least six other people have died of illnesses or other causes related to the displacement, such as pneumonia and hypothermia.

Mexico's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have expressed their concern about the lack of food, water, and medical attention for the displaced.

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Australia Turning a Blind Eye to Ethnic Cleansing in Burma

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 28 December 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Australia Turning a Blind Eye to Ethnic Cleansing in Burma, 28 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb091a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

December 28, 2017 12:00AM EST

By Elaine Pearson

Rohingya refugees arrive at night by wooden boats from Burma to Shah Porir Dwip, near Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, September 27, 2017.  2017 Damir Sagolj/Reuters

The Australian government has resisted calls to sanction Burma's military for its ethnic cleansing campaign against Rohingya Muslims.

This makes some Australians wonder: At what point do soldiers who kill and rape hundreds of men, women and children cross a red line?

Tula Toli had been a sleepy riverside village in western Burma's Rakhine State, but now Tula Toli is synonymous with a methodical and brutal massacre.

Human Rights Watch interviewed Rohingya from the village who described in chilling detail how families sprinted to the beach as soldiers swarmed in, firing their weapons.

Soldiers rounded up the men, shot and stabbed them to death, and burned the bodies in a massive bonfire on the beach. Soldiers then turned to the women and girls and beat, raped, slashed, burned and killed them.

Rajuma Begum, 20, told us:

Between seven and 10 soldiers took us to a room in a house. I could hear women and girls screaming from the other rooms. They first took my child and threw him down on the ground. He was still alive then, and I had to watch as they slaughtered him.

Then the soldiers raped all three of us women. I was on my back [being raped] for an hour.

Military's Cruel Efficiency Suggests Planning

Tula Toli is but one of 354 villages burned since late August in the Burmese military's "clearance operations" across northern Rakhine State.

The campaign against the Rohingya followed attacks on police posts in northern Rakhine state by Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) militants on August 25.

According to the government, the militants killed 11 security force personnel.

Following the ARSA attacks, soldiers carried out their campaign against the Rohingya with a cruel efficiency that could only come with advance planning.

Many governments have condemned Burma for these atrocities at the United Nations Human Rights Council and General Assembly.

The Australian government has supported these efforts, albeit belatedly. Australia's mission in Geneva expressed concern about reports of ethnic cleansing and supported the UN Special Session resolution condemning the "very likely" commission of crimes against humanity.

In any case, it's clear that statements of condemnation are insufficient.

Satellites Show Burning Rohingya Villages

More than 655,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh. Medecins Sans Frontieres estimates that at least 6,700 Rohingya died violent deaths, most from gunshots, in just the month following August 25.

An updated map of destruction of Rohingya villages in northern Rakhine State during October and November 2017.  2017 Human Rights Watch

And satellite imagery tells us that villages in Rakhine State continue to burn  another 40 in October and November alone.

Burma's government has shown no interest in reckoning with these atrocities.

A Burmese military investigation in November whitewashed the brutal campaign. The government has refused to grant access to the Australia-supported, UN fact-finding mission, stopped cooperating with the UN's special rapporteur charged with reporting on the overall human rights situation, and blocked independent media from meaningful access to the affected areas, while arresting journalists reporting on abuses. Burma is, quite simply, hiding from the truth.

The Burmese army's investigation asserted that security forces acted in accordance with the law and had committed no abuses. It concluded that there were "no deaths of innocent people," and that the military acted in accordance with "orders and directives of superior bodies, especially the rules of engagement in connection with the rights of self-defense and in discharging duties during the armed conflicts and anti-terrorist operations."

It seems that all foreign military training, including by Australia, has done for Burma's soldiers is taught them to parrot the language of international human rights and humanitarian law to justify their operations while doing nothing to respect these rights in practice.

ADF Shouldn't Taint Itself

In the face of these atrocities and denials, unequivocal action from concerned countries is needed. That means targeted sanctions against those responsible, including senior military commanders in charge of the ethnic cleansing campaign, to prevent them from traveling to countries like Australia, and freezing any assets that they may have here. Australia should also suspend all military cooperation with Burma. The US and UK have already moved in this direction.

Australia's defense engagement with Burma is not enormous. According to Senate estimates, $398,000 was allocated to defense cooperation with Burma this fiscal year covering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and peacekeeping and English-language training.

But the thought of Burma sending its troops on peacekeeping missions is sickening. Australian defense officials have defended ongoing engagement as "necessary to allow human rights concerns to be communicated directly." But it seems all that engagement is doing is giving cover to human rights abuses.

Australia's Defence Force should not be so willing to taint itself by association with a brutal and bloody force. If the departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs won't act, then politicians should pressure them to do so.

The survivors of these abuses, like Rajuma, deserve justice and no justice will be served while impunity for the military's atrocities is the norm.

The Australian government needs to send a strong message that its response to ethnic cleansing is not "business as usual."

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Iran: Investigate Killings of Protesters

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 2 January 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Iran: Investigate Killings of Protesters, 2 January 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb093a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Halt Use of Excessive Force Against Demonstrators

January 2, 2018 12:00AM EST

People protest in Tehran, Iran December 30, 2017.  2017 Reuters

(Beirut)  Iranian authorities should refrain from using excessive force, investigate the deaths during the current protests across the country, and remove arbitrary restrictions on internet access, Human Rights Watch said today.

So far, the official news channels of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) have confirmed the deaths of at least 21 people including two security officers during the protests and clashes with security forces over the past five days. The protests began on December 29, 2017, in the city of Mashhad and have spread to more than a dozen cities in Iran.

"The rising death toll bodes ill for Iranians who are daring to take their grievances to the streets," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "Rather than issue barely veiled threats against protesters, the authorities should investigate these deaths, ensure the rights of all detainees, and guarantee that people can protest freely and peacefully."

On January 2, the IRIB news channel confirmed the death of nine people including two security forces in protests and clashes that took place the day before in Isfahan province. Earlier, the IRIB confirmed the death of 10 individuals on December 31. Authorities had also confirmed the death of two people in Dorood, Lorestan province on December 30.

Police have confirmed the arrests of more than 550 people in the Tehran, Razavi Khorasan, and Markazi provinces.

Intelligence authorities have also arrested a number of activists during the past few days.

Social media footage and state media reports indicate that in certain cities, clashes between protesters and police forces occurred and public properties being damaged. A number of videos circulating widely on Persian-language social media channels also purport to show authorities using potentially lethal force against protesters, but Human Rights Watch has been unable to verify this footage.

On January 1, Mashahalh Nemati, governor of Dorood, a city in Lorestan province, confirmed the deaths of four residents during clashes there on December 29 and 30. He also described an incident on December 30 in which he claimed a 12-year-old boy and his father were killed when a fire engine taken over by rioters hit their car. He said the rioters later abandoned the fire engine.

On the same day, Hedayatollah Khademi, a member of parliament from the city of Izeh in Khuzistan province, told ILNA news agency, the Iranian Labor News Agency, that two people had died in "unrest" in the city on December 31, but that he could not confirm their causes of death. Khademi also denied allegations on social media that people had occupied government buildings.

Social media accounts said that the police shot and killed Masoud Kiani Ghale Sardi, a protester in the city of Izeh. Human Rights Watch has not been able to confirm those accounts.

Saeed Shahrokhi, the political deputy to the governor of Hamedan province, told IRIB that three protesters were killedin the city of Tuyserkan.

On December 29, Hassan Heidari, deputy prosecutor of the city of Mashhad, announced that 52 people had been arrested for "damaging public property." Shargh newspaper, close to reformists in Iran, reported that authorities had arrested 200 people in Tehran and 100 people in the city of Arak in Marakzai province on December 30. On January 2, Ali Asghar Naserbakht, the political deputy to the Tehran's governor's office, confirmed the arrest of 200 people in Tehran on December 30, adding that 150 were arrested on December 31 and 100 more on January 1

On December 30, Hrana news agency, run by human rights activists, reported that authorities from Iran's Revolutionary Guards intelligence had arrested Faeze Abdipour, Kasra Nouri, Mohammad Sharifi Moghadam, ZafarAli Moghimi, and Mohammadreza Darvish, and transferred them to Evin prison. All are local activists of the Gonabadi Dervish community, a Sufi religious order that has suffered government discrimination.

On January 1, the Guild Association for university students reported that four members of its board who had participated in a meeting with the head of the University of Tehran to negotiate the release of students arrested during a December 31 protest had been briefly detained.

On December 30, Communications Minister Azarei Jahromi told Telegram and Twitter to shut down news channels that he alleged were distributing materials inciting violence. A few hours later, Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, announced that Telegram had suspended the Amadnews channel for allegedly instructing subscribers to use Molotov cocktails against police. However, a few hours later, IRIB news agency announced that authorities would temporarily block the popular social media application Instagram and Iran's most popular messaging application Telegram.

In 2009, Iranian authorities violently repressed protesters who took to the street to protest the outcome of the presidential election, resulting in dozens of deaths in the streets and in detention centers. The Iranian authorities also arrested hundreds of activists and sentenced them to long prison sentences after unfair trails.

Iranian authorities have a responsibility not only to ensure public safety, but also to ensure people's right to peaceful assembly and to free access to information, Human Rights Watch said.

"Blocking the popular cellphone applications Telegram and Instagram is yet another over-the-top response to people raising grievances against systematic corruption and repression," Whitson said. "Iranian authorities should change their addiction to repression and allow people to speak and demonstrate."

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Lebanon: Open Burning of Dumps Putting Health at Risk

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 3 January 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Lebanon: Open Burning of Dumps Putting Health at Risk, 3 January 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb095a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

January 3, 2018 8:18AM EST

By Bassam Khawaja

People living near open burning said they were unable to spend time outside, had difficulty sleeping because of air pollution, or had to vacate their homes when burning was taking place.

Lebanon's waste crisis gained international recognition in 2015, when garbage overflowed in the streets of Beirut. But in fact, this is just the tip of the iceberg. My organization, Human Rights Watch, found that Lebanon's mismanagement of its waste has gone on for decades, particularly in areas outside Beirut and Mount Lebanon. One consequence has been the open burning of waste, a dangerous and avoidable practice, at more than 150 dumps across the country every week, posing health risks to nearby residents.

This is not just a nuisance. It is a legal and human rights issue. Lebanon's failure to stop the open burning and inform residents of the risks to their health violates its obligations under international human rights law.

An extensive body of scientific research has documented the dangers smoke from the open burning of household waste poses to human health. It's been linked to heart disease, cancer, skin conditions, and respiratory illnesses. Children and older people are at particular risk.

Our report was based on more than 100 interviews with nearby residents, doctors, environmental experts and government officials. The vast majority of residents we spoke with reported health issues consistent with prolonged exposure to smoke, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coughing, throat irritation, and asthma. One resident said: "We are coughing all the time, unable to breathe. Sometimes we wake up and see ash in our spit."

Residents we spoke with had almost no information about the dangers of open burning or steps they should take to mitigate the risks to their health. And families said that uncertainty over whether the burning would lead to more serious health effects, such as cancer, for them and their children, was taking a heavy psychological toll.

Open burning appears to disproportionately take place in poorer parts of the country, and almost all of it takes place outside central Beirut and Mount Lebanon. We documented reports of open burning next to schools and even a hospital.

Open burning is a consequence of Lebanon's broader waste crisis. Lebanon does not have a solid waste management plan for the entire country. Instead, it has jumped from one emergency plan to the next for decades, without putting in place long-term solutions. As a result, there are now more than 900 open dumps across the country.

There is more than enough funding and technical expertise in Lebanon to adopt a nationwide waste management plan that complies with health and environmental best practices and respects international law. The European Union alone has allocated more than 70 million euros to solid waste management in Lebanon in recent years. There are clear solutions to this problem and the only obstacle here is political will. The government should finally end the open burning of waste and put in place long term sustainable solutions that protect the health of all residents.

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A Former Political Prisoner's Fragile Freedom in Indonesia

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 8 January 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, A Former Political Prisoner's Fragile Freedom in Indonesia, 8 January 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb097a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Filep Karma Arbitrarily Detained at Jakarta Airport

January 8, 2018 5:25PM EST

By Andreas Harsono

Filep Karma, a former Papuan political prisoner. In 2014, he published his book, Seakan Kitorang Setengah Binatang ("As If We're Half Animals"), about Indonesian racism against Papuans.  Andreas Harsono

Last week an activist famous in Indonesia for peacefully advocating for the independence of the country's Papua and West Papua provinces, Filep Karma, briefly became a political prisoner. Again.

This time around, Karma, who always wears the Morning Star symbol of West Papua independence on his shirt, was detained by a uniformed Indonesian Armed Forces officer after disembarking at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

What ensued was a 90-minute arbitrary detention in which seven Air Force officers, including one bearing a semi-automatic rifle, interrogated Karma about the symbol on his shirt. The officers insisted Karma remove that symbol from his clothing and asked if he was a member of the armed separatist Free Papua Movement (Organisasi Papua Merdeka or OPM). According to Karma, throughout the interrogation, the officers verbally abused him, calling him "scoundrel," "monkey," and "moron." They subsequently transferred Karma to the custody of airport police who released him without charge.

Karma, who spent 11 years behind bars after being convicted in 2005 of makar  rebellion or treason  for publicly raising the Morning Star flag, is no stranger to abuse at the hands of Indonesian authorities. In November 2011, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declared him a political prisoner and demanded that the Indonesian government release him, "immediately and unconditionally." The authorities only released him in November 2015.

Karma is just one of many Indonesians targeted under articles 106 and 110 of the Indonesian Criminal Code, which imposes multi-decade prison terms on peaceful protesters advocating independence or other peaceful political change. Many such arrests and prosecutions are of activists who raise banned symbols, such as the Papuan Morning Star or the South Moluccan RMS flags. (Human Rights Watch takes no position on whether Papua should be independent, but we oppose the imprisonment of people who peacefully express support for self-determination.)

Karma's experience last week was an unwelcome reminder that his freedom remains at risk so long as rights-violating laws are on the books, and that there are Indonesian officials who would rather call him a "monkey" than respect his right to free expression.

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Ghana: Discrimination, Violence against LGBT People

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 8 January 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Ghana: Discrimination, Violence against LGBT People, 8 January 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb099a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Some Reforms, but Colonial-Era Law Should be Repealed

January 8, 2018 5:00AM EST

Ghanaians who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) suffer widespread discrimination and abuse both in public and in family settings.

(Accra)  Ghanaians who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) suffer widespread discrimination and abuse both in public and in family settings, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. While some Ghanaian officials have publicly called for an end to violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the government has yet to repeal a colonial-era law that criminalizes same-sex activity.

The 72-page report, "'No Choice but to Deny Who I Am': Violence and Discrimination against LGBT People in Ghana," shows how retention of section 104(1)(b) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 prohibiting and punishing "unnatural carnal knowledge," and failure to actively address violence and discrimination, relegate LGBT Ghanaians to effective second-class citizenship. Police officials and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) have taken some steps to protect LGBT people. But they are still frequent victims of physical violence and psychological abuse, extortion, and discrimination in many aspects of their daily life.

"Having a law on the books that criminalizes adult consensual same-sex conduct contributes to a climate in which LGBT people are frequently victims of violence and discrimination," said Wendy Isaack, LGBT rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. "Homophobic statements by local and national government officials, traditional elders, and senior religious leaders foment discrimination and in some cases, incite violence."

Human Rights Watch interviewed 114 LGBT people in Accra, Tamale, Kumasi, and Cape Coast in December 2016 and February 2017. Human Rights Watch also interviewed three representatives of human rights organizations based in Ghana, a CHRAJ complaints officer, the assistant police commissioner, and three diplomats in Accra.

Many of those interviewed said that the law contributes to a climate in which violence and discrimination against LGBT people is common. The provision is rarely, if ever, used to prosecute people, and unlike several of its neighbors, Ghana has not taken steps in recent years to stiffen penalties against consensual same-sex conduct or to expressly criminalize sexual relations between women.

"The government should recognize that we are human beings, with dignity, not treat us as outcasts in our own society," said a 40-year old lesbian from Cape Coast. "We want to be free, so we can stand tall in public and not deal with obstacles and harassment daily  this will make it easier for us to get an education, learn a trade, get jobs and be useful and productive Ghanaians."

The Ghana Police Service has at times responded appropriately to abuses against LGBT people, for example in cases of false accusation and blackmail of gay men in Tamale. CHRAJ has an online system to register allegations of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and has processed 36 cases.

But in February 2017, Mike Ocquaye, the parliament speaker, referred to homosexuality as an "abomination" and called for stricter laws against same-sex conduct. In July, during a public discussion about prospects for abolishing the death penalty, he equated homosexuality with bestiality. His comments have heightened tensions for LGBT people and contributed to an increase in calls by some opinion leaders, including other members of parliament, to further criminalize same-sex activity.

In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, President Nana Akufo-Addo made rather conciliatory remarks. When asked why the law remained on the books, he said he did not believe "a sufficiently strong coalition has emerged which is having that impact on public opinion that will say change it  let's then have new paradigm in Ghana."

Dozens of LGBT people have been attacked by mobs or by members of their own families, Human Rights Watch found. In August 2015, in Nima, a town in the Accra region, members of Safety Empire, a vigilante group, brutally assaulted a young man they suspected was gay. In May 2016, in a village outside Kumasi in the Ashanti region, the mother of a young woman organized a mob to beat up her daughter and another woman because she suspected they were lesbians and in a same-sex relationship. The two young women were forced to flee the village.

A young lesbian woman at an LGBT community center in Accra, Ghana.  2017 Human Rights Watch

Lesbians, bisexual women and transgender men are frequently victims of family violence, Human Rights Watch found. Lesbians described being threatened, beaten, and driven from their homes after family members learned of their sexual orientation. One woman said that when her family heard that she was associating with LGBT people, they chased her out of the house with a machete. She has not been able to go back home to visit her 2-year old daughter. LGBT people's fear that the law could be used against them, combined with social stigma, serves as a barrier to seeking justice, Human Rights Watch found.

The law is inconsistent with basic tenets of the Ghanaian Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, respect for human dignity and the right to privacy. The law also violates several human rights treaties that Ghana has ratified. In April 2014, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights adopted its groundbreaking resolution 275, calling on African governments to prevent and punish all forms of violence targeting people on the basis of their real and imputed sexual orientation or gender identity.

The government of Ghana should repeal the specific provision in the Criminal Offences Act that criminalizes unnatural carnal knowledge and act swiftly to protect LGBT people from all forms of discrimination, intimidation and violence based on their real or imputed sexual orientation and gender identity.

Ghanaian authorities should also engage in a constructive dialogue with the LGBT population to better understand its needs  with a particular focus on addressing the intersecting forms of discrimination that affect lesbian and bisexual women  and ensure that the necessary legislative and policy measures are taken to ensure their safety, dignity, and equality.

"LGBT Ghanaians should have the same protection from the government as everyone else," Isaack said. "And the government should work to address the stigma that subjects people to violence in their own homes, the place where they should feel safest."

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Russia: Rights Defender Arbitrarily Arrested in Chechnya

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 10 January 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Russia: Rights Defender Arbitrarily Arrested in Chechnya, 10 January 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb09ba.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Free Oyub Titiev, Drop All Charges

January 10, 2018 11:00PM EST

Oyub Titiev stands in front of a portrait of his murdered colleague, Natalia Estemirova, in Memorial's Grozny office, Grozny, Chechnya, Russia.  2011 Maria Chichtchenkova

(Berlin)  Police in Chechnya have arbitrarily arrested Oyub Titiev, head of the local office of Memorial, Russia's leading human rights organization, on bogus drug possession charges, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Front Line Defenders, FIDH and the World Organisation Against Torture in the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, and International Partnership for Human Rights said today. Authorities should immediately free Titiev, drop the charges against him, and stop hindering the work of human rights advocates in Chechnya, the international human rights groups said.

"Titiev's arrest is a clear signal that authorities in Chechnya are trying to force Memorial out of Chechnya, which is an affront to everyone there who needs protection from human rights abuses," said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Titiev should not be in custody, where we fear his health and safety are at risk."

Police arrested Titiev, 60, at approximately 10:30 a.m. on January 9, 2018, near Kurchaloi, a town 30 miles from Grozny, the Chechen capital. One of Titiev's friends told Memorial that he saw Titiev standing by his car on a local road near the Khumyk river bridge, surrounded by five or six police officers. The same witness said that when he later went to the Kurchaloi police department to look for Titiev, he saw his friend's car parked outside.

A lawyer sent by Memorial went to the police station in the early afternoon, but police officials did not acknowledge Titiev was in custody and did not let him in. In the early evening, Chechnya's deputy interior minister informed Russia's federal ombudsperson, in response to her inquiry, that Kurchaloi police had detained Titiev. The lawyer was then admitted to the station.

Russian law provides that authorities can hold a person for up to three hours before formally placing them in custody, but the detainee is entitled to access to a lawyer as soon as they are detained. Titiev had access to his lawyer only after almost seven hours, and when the authorities issued the official report registering his detention, they listed the time of detention as 8.10 p.m., approximately 10 hours after he was first in their custody.

"The detaining authorities refused to provide any information about his whereabouts and fate for close to seven hours, in violation of international due process standards, raising a real concern that they may have been trying to forcibly disappear him," said Andrew Anderson, director at Front Line Defenders.

"Russia has an obligation under international human rights law to immediately register and acknowledge all detentions, and allow detainees access to their lawyers, a fundamental safeguard against ill treatment and enforced disappearances," said Denis Krivosheev, head of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Office at Amnesty International.

The police told the lawyer they had allegedly found 180 grams of a marijuana-like substance in a bag in Titiev's car and that Titiev was under investigation for possession of an illegal drug. Titiev denied the allegations and insisted the bag had been planted by police. If convicted, Titiev faces a maximum 10-year prison sentence. The human rights advisor to Russia's president, Mikhail Fedotov told the press, that Titiev's case may constitute a fabrication and the investigation authorities should look into the issue.

The rights groups called on Moscow to ensure that Titiev is immediately released, that there are no further threats to his security, and that human rights groups can carry out their work in Chechnya safely. Nils MuiAnieks, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a statement expressing concern about Titiev's arrest, questioning the "dubious charges that lack credibility" and calling on Russian authorities to immediately ensure his release.

Russia's international partners should follow MuiAnieks' example and publicly express their objection to this attempt to silence Memorial and urge the Kremlin to secure Titiev's immediate release and continued safety.

"Bogus drug-related charges and planted evidence are a regular tactic that Chechen authorities have used to punish and discredit their critics," said FIDH and the World Organisation Against Torture in the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders.

In the summer of 2014, a court in Chechnya sentenced local activist Ruslan Kutaev to four years in prison on fabricated, politically motivated drug charges after he criticized and disobeyed an order by Chechnya's leader, President Ramzan Kadyrov. Kutaev was paroled in December 2017. In 2016, another Chechen court sentenced journalist Zhalaudi Geriev to three years in prison on similarly fabricated drug charges. Geriev reported for Caucasian Knot, an online outlet that reports extensively on Chechnya and that has criticized Chechnya's leadership.

Memorial has monitored abuses in Chechnya for more than 25 years, reporting extensively first on abuses by federal forces during the two Chechen wars, and then on violations carried out by local authorities with the Kremlin's tacit blessing.During the past 10 years of Kadyrov's rule in Chechnya, Memorial has published hard-hitting exposes on collective punishment practices, enforced disappearances, torture and other ill-treatment, punitive house burnings, and extrajudicial killing by local security officials. They have consistently described contemporary Chechnya as a totalitarian enclave within Russia, noting Kadyrov's interference in virtually all aspects of social life, including politics, religion, academic discourse, and family matters.

Titiev has led Memorial's work in Chechnya since 2009, after the kidnapping and murder of his colleague Natalia Estemirova. His arrest follows years of threats and smear campaigns by Chechnya's authorities against Memorial and other human rights groups. Kadyrov and other Chechen public officials routinely vilify human rights defenders as "puppets of the West" and "enemies of Russia" bent on destabilizing Chechnya. Some activists also suffered attacks and harassment by local security officials or pro-government thugs.

The most recent smear came in December 2017 from Magomed Daudov, speaker of Chechnya's parliament and Kadyrov's right hand man, after Kadyrov was included as a target for US sanctions under the US Magnitsky Act and his Instagram account was blocked. Daudov accused human rights defenders of "running to their boss across the ocean and pouring rivers of lies" and said: "I wouldn't be surprised if they were involved in other subversion aimed at weakening our state . . . .I think it's time to send our enemies, those who don't like a strong Russia, [out of the country] to their foreign bosses or to isolate them from polite society. . . . If only Russia hadn't had a moratorium [on the death penalty], we could've just bid these enemies of the people 'salaam alekum' and be done with them."

"The fact that Chechen authorities have so blatantly invented drug accusations against Titiev is not surprising, in light of the vicious way they persistently target people brave enough to try to speak up about human rights abuses," said Bjrn Engesland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. "The question is,what will Russia's federal authorities do about it and whether Russia's international partners will do their utmost to ensure Moscow does the right thing?"

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Indonesian Police Arrest Transgender Women

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 January 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Indonesian Police Arrest Transgender Women, 30 January 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb0f44.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Raids Conducted Under Discriminatory Local Religious Laws

January 30, 2018 12:00AM EST

By Andreas Harsono

A transgender person walks out of her office in Banda Aceh, Indonesia on December 25, 2014.  2014 Beawiharta/Reuters

Indonesian police and Sharia (Islamic law) police jointly raided five hair salons owned by transgender women in Aceh province on Saturday. They arrested 12 waria, or trans women, forced them to strip off their shirts, and cut their hair in public. The waria remain detained as of Tuesday morning in Aceh.

Immediately following the raids, North Aceh Police Chief Untung Sangaji addressed a crowd that had gathered. "Our ulama [Muslim scholars] disagree with this disease. [This disease] is spreading," he said, according to a phone recording posted to YouTube. "It's inhumane if Untung Sangaji is to tolerate these sissy garbage." He said he would take action not only against the trans women but also any visitors to their salons, adding that he decided to work with the wilayahtul hisbah (Sharia police) after he received complaints from area Muslim clerics. The Sharia police in Aceh have a well-documented history of targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

Aceh is the only one of Indonesia's 34 provinces that can legally adopt bylaws derived from Sharia. In 2014, Aceh's parliament passed the Islamic criminal code, which includes discriminatory offenses that are not crimes elsewhere in Indonesia. Consensual sex between two people of the same sex, for example, is punishable in Aceh by up to 100 lashes.

Aceh's anti-LGBT policies have generated international opprobrium. Last May's public flogging of two gay men in Aceh  Indonesia's first public caning for homosexuality  sparked outrage far beyond Indonesia's borders. In 2016, United Nations experts expressed concerns to Indonesia's government about the abusive enforcement of Sharia against Aceh's LGBT people.

This is just the latest incident in which Indonesian police have openly collaborated with Islamists to unlawfully target LGBT-related spaces and people. These raids have targeted everything from lesbian-owned houses to private gay clubs. Last year, more than 300 LGBT people were apprehended in police raids across Indonesia.

The situation in Aceh is foreboding. Indonesia's parliament is deliberating a new criminal code, the current draft of which would criminalize consensual sex between two unmarried persons, in effect making all same-sex conduct illegal.

The North Aceh police should immediately and unconditionally release the 12 trans women and Indonesia's National Police Commission should start an investigation into the incident, including the role of Sangaji.

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Vietnam: Drop Charges, Release Democracy Activists

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 January 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Vietnam: Drop Charges, Release Democracy Activists, 30 January 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb0f5a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Wave of Repression Spreads as Communist Party Tightens Grip on Power

January 30, 2018 7:50PM EST

From left to right: Tran Hoang Phuc, Vu Quang Thuan (center), and Nguyen Van Dien.  Private

(New York)  The Vietnamese government should immediately drop all charges and release rights activists Vu Quang Thuan, Nguyen Van Dien, and Tran Hoang Phuc, Human Rights Watch said today. The first two were arrested in March and the latter in June 2017 for publishing material on the internet critical of the government, and each was charged with conducting propaganda against the state.

The People's Court of Hanoi is scheduled to hear their case on January 31, 2018.

"Tran Hoang Phuc, Vu Quang Thuan, and Nguyen Van Dien are among a growing group of bloggers and activists who use the internet to advance human rights and democracy in Vietnam," said Brad Adams, Asia director. "Arrest and imprisonment of dissenting voices will not stop the increasing number of Vietnamese from speaking up."

Tran Hoang Phuc, 23, is a student from the Law University in Ho Chi Minh City and a member of the Youth Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI). He began participating in social activities in recent years, including by helping flood victims in central Vietnam and participating in pro-human rights activities organized by the Redemptorist Church in Ho Chi Minh City. In May 2016, he publicly boycotted the national election in protest of its pre-determined outcome in a one-party state.

Also in May 2016, Tran was invited to a meeting of former US President Barack Obama with members of YSEALI during his visit to Vietnam. Tran brought documents related to the environmental disaster in April 2016 off the central coast of Vietnam caused by Formosa, a Taiwanese steel company. As he was waiting in line to enter the meeting room, public security officers arrived and took him to a police station for interrogation. According to Tran, the police questioned him about his communications with the United States consulate in Ho Chi Minh City.

In October 2016, Tran participated in a meeting in Vung Tau called "Youth and Civil Society," organized by rights activists. Within minutes, the police broke in, dispersed the meeting, and detained several activists for about 10 hours. Tran reported that he was beaten and his cellphone confiscated.

In April 2017, Tran and fellow activist Huynh Thanh Phat were abducted in Ba Don, Quang Binh province, by a group of men in civilian clothes wearing surgical masks. The anonymous men used shirts to cover the activists' faces, pushed them into a small van, and drove them away. During the ride, the men continuously beat the two activists. Tran wrote on his Facebook page that the men slapped and punched him. The two were taken to a deserted area in the forest where, according to Tran, the men "used bamboo sticks and belts to whip them." The men took their wallets and cellphones and abandoned them.

On June 29, 2017, the police arrested Tran in Hanoi for storing and posting documents they said "propagandize against the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam" and charged him under article 88 of the penal code. Shortly after his arrest, a group called "Vietnamese Students for Human Rights Association" announced its formation. According to the group, Tran is a founding member. The goal of the association is to promote reforms in universities and establish academic freedom in Vietnam.

Vu Quang Thuan, also known as Vo Phu Dong, 51, began his pro-democracy activism in 2007 when he and fellow activist Le Thang Long founded "Vietnam Restoration Movement" (Phong trao Chan hung nuoc Viet), which advocated for a multi-party and democratic political system. According to Le, the goal of the movement is to advance "Corporate reform, non-violence, dialogue, and listening for the mutual and long-term interest of the country." Le was arrested in June 2009 and charged with subversion. He served three years in prison. Vu fled to Malaysia where he applied for asylum. While waiting for his case to be heard, Vu recruited members for his movement and advocated for the rights of Vietnamese laborers working in Malaysia. He told a reporter at Radio Free Asia that he read almost 1,000 labor contracts in which [Vietnamese workers] are not allowed to "join any party or organization, participate in any protest, love and marry any foreigner." According to the Vietnamese police newspaper An ninh The gioi (World Security), in February 2010, Vu helped organize three public protests in Kuala Lumpur outside the Vietnamese embassy in Malaysia and the office of the Malaysian prime minister to urge Vietnam to release political detainees and respect freedom of speech, press, media, and association.

In April 2010, Vu attempted to self-immolate at the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur to protest Malaysia's deportation of two members of the Vietnam Restoration Movement. He was arrested by Malaysian police and deported to Vietnam in February 2011. Vu claimed that he had been issued with a document identifying him as a refugee but this was confiscated by the Malaysian police. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City, he was arrested and charged with "conducting propaganda against the state" under penal code section 88. He was released in 2015, after which he immediately went back to activism by using Facebook and YouTube to advocate for democracy and a multiparty political system.

Little is known about Nguyen Van Dien, also known as "Dien who loves the country," 34. According to Radio Free Asia, he worked with Vu to promote rights for Vietnamese workers in Malaysia. He was arrested in 2010 in Kuala Lumpur and deported to Vietnam in 2011. Nguyen helped film Vu's livestreams on Facebook on many different topics, including instructions about how to carry out a public protest in accordance with the law. Both Vu and Nguyen participated in pro-environment protests and went to the court to show solidarity with political prisoner Nguyen Huu Vinh, also known as Anh Ba Sam, and fellow activist Nguyen Thi Minh Thuy during their trial in 2016.

The police arrested Vu and Nguyen in Hanoi on March 2, 2017, for "making many clips with bad content and distributing them on the Internet" and charged them with conducting propaganda against the state.

"The Vietnamese government controls all domestic newspapers and media, which promote its agenda and function as a propaganda machine," said Adams. "Why is it so afraid of critics who have much smaller platforms on the internet and merely call for the people of Vietnam to be able to choose their leaders in free and fair elections?"

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China: Families of Interpol Targets Harassed

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 31 January 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, China: Families of Interpol Targets Harassed, 31 January 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb0f7a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

End 'Collective Punishment' in Pursuit of Suspects

January 31, 2018 7:50PM EST

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during the 86th INTERPOL General Assembly at Beijing National Convention Center on September 26, 2017 in Beijing, China.  2017 Reuters

(New York)  Chinese authorities should immediately stop harassing and detaining family members of corruption suspects living abroad to compel their return to China, Human Rights Watch said today. The global police organization Interpol and foreign governments should reject China's misuse of Interpol's "red notice" system, which alerts governments to people sought for arrest.

Human Rights Watch interviews with five "red notice" individuals found that the Chinese authorities subjected their family members in China to forms of collective punishment  unlawfully punishing someone for the actions of another. The authorities have also pressured relatives to travel to the countries where red notice individuals live to persuade them to return to China.

"Chinese authorities have put all kinds of unlawful pressure on relatives of corruption suspects to get them to return to China," said Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch. "There is no legal basis for these traumatizing guilt-by-association tactics."

In late 2012, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a purported "war on corruption." As part of that campaign, China asked Interpol to issue red notices against individuals living abroad who have been accused of corruption.

Interpol red notices are alerts seeking the arrest and extradition of wanted people, issued at the request of the government seeking those individuals. They are not international arrest warrants, however, as Interpol's member countries can determine what legal action to take in response.

In some countries that do not have extradition treaties with China, Chinese authorities have tried to secure the return of red notice individuals by putting pressure on their family members in China. Official reports often depict the individuals initially refusing to return, but later changing their minds due to "the deterrent effect of the law, policy appeals, and family influence."

Human Rights Watch research revealed that Chinese authorities, using Interpol red notices as a justification, used various means to systematically harass family members of red notice individuals. Police and prosecutors visited or summoned relatives without presenting any legal documents and threatened to detain them if they failed to convince the red notice individual to return to China. Human Rights Watch identified at least two cases in which authorities formally arrested relatives.

The police have also barred family members  including spouses, children, parents, and siblings and their families  from traveling outside China. Some children of red notice individuals have been blocked from attending schools abroad. Authorities have also imposed apparent collective punishments on relatives by freezing their assets, firing them from their positions in government-owned companies, or warning their business partners not to work with them.

Human Rights Watch takes no position on the merits of Interpol red notices discussed below. However, even properly issued red notices would not justify collective punishment of family members.

Authorities in countries in which red notice individuals reside should investigate possible harassment and other abuses by Chinese officials or their agents against these individuals or their family members. Authorities in the countries in which they reside should ensure red notice individuals in their countries have adequate protection. In cases where red notice individuals may be subject to extradition, those authorities should provide them adequate opportunity to contest the extradition, and not return anyone to China if they are likely to face persecution, torture, or ill-treatment there.

Interpol should conduct careful due diligence before processing information provided by the Chinese government and before facilitating information-sharing between the Chinese police and police forces of other countries, Human Rights Watch said. They should also ensure that fundamental rights of red notice individuals and their family members are protected.

"China's wanton mistreatment of relatives of corruption suspects is bad enough, but Interpol and other governments should not be enabling Chinese abuses abroad," Richardson said.

Detention, Threats, and Harassment of Relatives of 'Red Card' Individuals

Human Rights Watch interviewed four people based in the United States and one in Canada. All interviews were conducted in person or by phone. They are from four provinces and one municipality in China, and all said they are currently on Interpol's "red notice" list. Human Rights Watch also spoke to three lawyers who represent clients subjected to red notices. Three red notice individuals asked to remain anonymous for fear of government reprisal against their families in China. Human Rights Watch also reviewed dozens of government and media reports on returned red notice individuals, which generally corroborated the accounts of these individuals.

Detention, Threats of Detention

Interviewees told Human Rights Watch that their family members in China were very scared of the government officials who visited them. They said that police and prosecutors invoked Interpol red notices to justify punishing their family members.

Liang Jianguo (pseudonym), a businessman, said, "Police told my family that the government can take 'any actions to control' the relatives of red notice personnel and that they won't live a normal life [unless I] return to China."

Zhang Datong (pseudonym) said:

They would call [my wife] first, and say, "We are coming tomorrow morning to your home at 8:30, don't leave the house." Of course, my wife wouldn't dare to say no . . . they repeatedly threaten[ed] my wife that if I don't go back, she would be detained . . . my wife told me many times that, "You have no idea the mental distress we're under." She is very worried that if she does anything wrong to displease or provoke them, they would not allow our children to go to school.

Zhang said that the police had also harassed his septuagenarian parents: "[My parents] are very scared, too. One time after they talked to my mother, she had to be hospitalized for a month for high blood pressure-related health issues."

Li Gang, a former businessman in Wuhan, Hubei province, said that his mother showed signs of mental illness after sustained harassment:

When the authorities started to harass my mother, she was 79. During September and October 2016, it was really intense. The authorities came to our home about every other day. At the end of last year, my mother had a stroke and was hospitalized . . . My brother told me that [our] mother has been losing her mind. She would talk to herself, murmuring things like "Ganggang [Li Gang's nickname], please come back. You will be fine, as long as you sort out the money issues."

Wang Lihe (pseduonym), a former businessman, said:

They have summoned my siblings countless times, from both the [the name of the prefecture] and the provincial public security bureaus . . . Today they summon my sister, tomorrow my brother, the next day my niece, like that . . . [The police] would threaten them that if I don't go back, they would be arrested too.

Liang said:

At the beginning, the police came [to our home] about twice a week; later, two or three times a month. Every time for one or two hours. This has been going on for over a year. They come whenever they want, acting like hooligans. They threatened my wife, saying that if she doesn't do what they ask her to do, she would be jailed, and that once she's jailed, she won't be able to get out ever.

Liang said police used similar language with other relatives, including his child, a minor: "They are all scared to death. Every time my wife calls me, she cries and cries, begging me to return to China."

Xie Weidong, a former Supreme People's Court judge now residing in Canada, said that to compel him to return to China, authorities detained his sister and his adult son for over a year. Xie shared with Human Rights Watch documents detailing his case.

The Hubei procuratorate detained Xie Weidong's sister, Xie Weifang, in September 2016 and his son, Xie Cangqiong, in December 2016 in Beijing, where they were living, and took them to Hubei province. Prosecutors charged Xie Weifang with taking bribes, and accused Xie Cangqiong of being a co-conspirator with Xie Weidong in an embezzlement case. Xie Weifang was released in January 2017, after the charges were dropped. Xie Cangqiong remains held at a detention center in Hubei.

In her letter to the Chinese Communist Party's disciplinary body, the Central Commission on Discipline Inspection (CCDI), Xie Cangqiong's mother, Wang Liwei, who is divorced from Xie Weidong, alleged that officials tortured Xie Cangqiong and threatened her: "My son and his aunt, after being tortured . . . had written letters pressuring Xie Weidong to return to China. [Prosecutors] threatened me . . . ordering me to make Xie Weidong return to China, otherwise, I would be detained, too."

A 2017 Supreme People's procuratorate report revealed a case in which a family member of a red notice individual was detained. Chu Shilin, a businessman in Shandong province, returned to China from Canada in 2016, two months after authorities detained his ex-wife, Xu Jianhong, on suspicion of "harboring a fugitive," on the grounds that Xu transferred money from China to Canada to aid Chu's hiding.

Restrictions on Movement

Another tactic Chinese authorities use to compel red notice individuals to return is blocking China-based relatives from leaving the country. Interviewees said that none of their family members were shown any legal document for the travel ban. Some relatives discovered they were under a ban only when trying to leave the country, while others were informed by the authorities.

Wang Lihe said:

No one in my family can get out of the country  my mother, siblings, siblings' spouses and children. Even my company's employees. One of my employees was in the US. After they returned to China, now they can't leave. My brother is also banned from travelling domestically. He can't take the train, and can't fly.

Zhang Datong said:

My daughter had already got the admission letter to a high school in the US, but she couldn't leave the country. We had to find her another school [in China]. My son was only 8-years-old. He was stopped at the border [at the airport]. Even the customs officer was perplexed, saying, "Such a small child. What happened?" But still, he couldn't leave, and had to go home.

Li Gang said:

[Authorities] confiscated my younger brother's passport. They threatened my sister-in-law, "We know your son is attending college and it is a joint program with a US university. If you don't convince [Li Gang] to come back, your son can't leave the country. He will be 'exit-banned.'"

Xie Weidong said, "My other sister and her family immigrated to Canada many years ago. Her daughter went back to China about two years ago. Now she can't leave the country."

Liang Jianguo said:

My parents, my wife's parents, my siblings, my wife's siblings, and all of their children, everyone is being "exit-banned." My son had been studying in the UK for over a year, in a middle school. He returned to China during the break and wasn't able to go back to the UK again.

In 2010, Jiang Chunguang, the head of a public hospital in Yunnan province, was arrested for corruption. Soon after, authorities issued a red notice against Jiang's wife, Guo Xin, who at the time was in the US, accusing her of being an accomplice of her husband. Guo returned to China in October 2017. In a public letter Guo published before her return, she wrote:

The procuratorate . . . prevents my Canada-based older brother, his wife and daughter from entering China to visit [our] mother. . . . If [my] brother enters China, he will be detained . . . The deputy bureau chief of [the anti-corruption bureau] . . . phoned my sister, informing her . . . the exit ban . . . will be extended to the family's third generation. The generation of my nieces will be banned from leaving the country.

Financial Control

Interviewees said that authorities have frozen all their assets in China, including jointly held bank accounts and real estate properties, but did not present their family members with any legal documents justifying that action. The relatives only became aware of the freezes when they tried to withdraw money. Authorities sealed off the properties with tape.

One interviewee said that his relatives' employment was terminated due to him being on the red notice list.

Li Gang said:

My brother worked for a state-owned company. They terminated his employment. They made him go to the office of the procuratorate every day to assist the work of my case, but he hasn't been paid. He was told that he could only get all his wages back when I return. Every day he just sits in the [procuratorate's] office. It's like going to jail.

Li Gang said his ex-wife's brother also had to go to the procuratorate every day to "assist the investigation" of Li's case.

Zhang Datong said, "[Authorities] froze all of our accounts, even my daughter's tuition account. She had put down a deposit for the high school she was admitted into."

Xie Weidong said that the assets in China of his sister who had immigrated to Canada, "which has nothing to do with my case . . . were all frozen. She only discovered this when she tried to sell one of the houses she owned."

Liang Jianguo said that the authorities "confiscated all our properties, even the place my wife and son live. They have no place to live. There is no money for my son's education. They are on the brink."

Harassment Abroad

Chinese authorities have sent officials to countries where the red notice individuals reside to press them to return, sometimes wielding threats. A 2017CCDI report says that Chinese police went to France to bring back businessman and red notice individual Zheng Ning. In May 2017, officials traveled to the US and secretly met Guo Wengui, a Chinese billionaire against whom Interpol had issued a red notice, to pressure him to return to China. The clandestine operation was discovered by US law enforcement authorities and later revealed by US-based media.

Interviewees said that Chinese authorities sent family members, lawyers, and friends to meet them in countries where they live. Lawyers with whom Human Rights Watch spoke said that officials typically accompany relatives on such overseas visits, and, in some cases, are even present at the meetings between the relatives and the red notice individuals.

Xie Weidong told the Globe and Mail that authorities had sent his detained sister's former lawyer and his wife to Canada to harass him and his other sister. In December 2017, the lawyer and his wife appeared at Xie's home in Toronto at 2 a.m.; they also visited the home of Xie's sister in Ottawa.

"The police did not take any action against the lawyer, because they didn't think he violated the law," Xie told Human Rights Watch. "Now we are even more scared."

Hubei authorities had also asked Xie's ex-wife, Wang Liwei, in China to accompany them to go to Canada to help bring Xie back. They threatened that if Wang did not comply, they would continue to hold his son indefinitely.

"[Authorities told my ex-wife that] having an intermediary go to Canada would give cover to the officials who would want to directly speak to me [when they are in Canada]," said Xie.

Li Gang said:

Around the Spring Festival this year, officials at the procuratorate clearly told my brother that they were going to the US, in March or April [2017]. Six people. Three from the procuratorate. Two from the local CDI, plus my brother. My brother was told the purpose of the trip was to "persuade Li Gang to return to China." They showed my brother the itinerary.

A CCDI report suggests that authorities sent a relative overseas to meet a red notice individual and was successful in having her return: In 2013, authorities issued a red notice against Chen Yijuan, a former manager at a state-owned energy company in Yunnan province, alleging that she had taken bribes and laundered money. The report says Chen's cousin and the lawyers of Chen's husband went to the UK, where Chen was living, to persuade her to return to China. Chen returned in 2016.

Liang Jianguo said, "[Authorities] have sent my friends  people the police consider are very close to me  to look for me. I refused to meet them. I wouldn't tell them where I was."

Although the practice may be common, Human Rights Watch was aware of one case in which Chinese authorities deployed people from China  who were already in the country  to harass a red notice individual.

A Chinese national in the US, who rented a room in her house to Wang Lihe, said that since Wang moved in, three former acquaintances of hers had repeatedly called, texted, and visited her, urging her to evict Wang: "They keep telling me that [Wang] is wanted by Interpol and is a very bad person. I should not let him live in my house. They had come to my house to harass me and Mr. [Wang]."

The woman said she believed the three men were acting on behalf of the Chinese government:

One time, I inadvertently told the men that Mr. [Wang] went with his daughter to [an event]. Mr. [Wang] later told me that his relatives in China called him, telling him that the day after [that event], [authorities] had told them that Mr. [Wang] had gone to [the event].

The woman also said that the authorities told Wang's family that because Wang had a very good relationship with his daughter, they would work on bringing the daughter back to China as a way to force Wang to return.

Background on Skynet, Fox Hunt

Since President Xi Jinping assumed power in 2013, the Chinese government has carried out a sweeping anti-corruption campaign. Domestically, partly through shuanggui  a secretive detention system ridden with abuses that Human Rights Watch has extensively documented  the campaign has netted thousands of party leaders and rank-and-file government officials. Internationally, the government has launched operations known as "Fox Hunt" and "Skynet."

In June 2014, authorities established the International Office of Pursuing Fugitives and Recovering Embezzled Assets (aeeeeeaaaSzaa)  comprised of personnel from eight government agencies including the CCDI, Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  to hunt down suspected corrupt individuals who have fled abroad. By October 2017, 3,587 fugitives from over 90 countries had been returned to China, according to the CCDI.

In April 2015, China published a most-wanted list, called "100 red notices" (ca??ces), against 100 officials and business executives accused in major corruption cases. According to government statistics, by December 2017, 51 out of "100 red notices" had returned to China. Among them, 10 were reportedly repatriated by foreign governments, while 35 returned "voluntarily" after being "persuaded."

The total number of red notices that Interpol has issued at the request of the Chinese government in recent years is unclear, as is the number currently in effect, since many notices are only known to national law enforcement authorities, and many of those subjected to them do not know of their existence. At present, 83 Chinese nationals are publicly listed on Interpol's "red notice" webpage.

China's Red Notice Abuses; Interpol's Neutrality

Interpol's constitution stipulates that international police cooperation should be conducted in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a set of human rights standards that all United Nations member countries are expected to uphold. Interpol's Rules on the Processing of Data states that data processing in the Interpol Information System "should respect the basic rights of the persons who are the subject of cooperation."

According to Interpol, red notices may not violate the organization's policy of neutrality, found in article 3 of its constitution, which forbids the organization from "undertak[ing] any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious, or racial character." However, China has issued politically motivated red notices against dissidents and others abroad whom China sought to apprehend. Dolkun Isa, who campaigns from Germany on behalf of the ethnic Uyghur community in Xinjiang, has been subjected to a red notice for over a decade but has been unable to access or remove it, interfering with his international travel. US-based activist Wang Zaigang believed the red notice against him was in retaliation for his pro-democracy activism outside of China.

Given China's record of arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearance, and unlawful forced repatriation, Human Rights Watch in a September 2017 letter to Interpol raised concerns that those subject to Interpol red notices from China could be at risk of torture and other ill-treatment.

Human Rights Watch also raised concerns about the ability of Meng Hongwei, who assumed Interpol's presidency in November 2016, to maintain Interpol's policy of neutrality, and to respect and protect human rights as set out in its constitution. Meng is a vice minister in China's Ministry of Public Security, the police force that has harassed, arbitrarily detained, and tortured countless people for exercising their fundamental rights. Human Rights Watch has not received a reply from Interpol.

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For Brazil's Women, Violence Begins at Home

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 31 January 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, For Brazil's Women, Violence Begins at Home, 31 January 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb0f9a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

January 31, 2018 3:17PM EST

By Maria Laura Canineu

People participate in a protest march for survivors of sexual assault and their supporters in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S. November 12, 2017.  2017 Reuters/Lucy Nicholson

What kind of man would beat up a woman, especially one he ostensibly loves?

A great many Brazilian men, unfortunately.

North America and Europe are aflame with the #metoo movement, in which women are calling out men for unwanted advances, inappropriate touching, or trying to use their workplace power to extort sex. Powerful men, including several US legislators, have been toppled over allegations of harassment. Through a letter, a group of French women started wondering if #metoo is going too far and working against the cause by inadvertently portraying women as eternally powerless victims. Already this year, the back and forth between adherents of these two different views has produced an avalanche of news, comments, and social media analysis in Brazil.

But Brazilian women are not just spectators. They had already built their own movement. The #myfirstharassment campaign, which began two years ago, addressed many cases of women and girls who silently endured unwanted sexual advances. Last year, women joined voices and forces to denounce a case of sexual harassment involving a famous soap opera actor. The problem of sexual harassment has thankfully come out of the shadows. It can no longer be ignored  or tolerated.

If only we could say the same about domestic violence. While the issue has also received some attention in recent years, it has not nearly reached the same levels of social consciousness.

Brazilian women remain unsafe even  or especially  at home. Despite institutional and legal progress during recent decades, a continuing pattern of unpunished abuse leaves many Brazilian women at life-threating risk.

Almost a third of Brazilian girls and women said in a nationwide 2017 survey that they had, during the previous year, suffered violence ranging from threats and beatings to attempted murder.[1] Well over half of the attackers were current or former spouses or partners-- or acquaintances.[2] The survey found that only a quarter of Brazilian women who suffered violence reported it.[3]

One might ask: Why should I raise my voice to stop this abuse if many women who suffer violence don't even report it? Because the government's response often fails victims who do come forward. And that frightens other victims into remaining silent.

The police don't even take basic investigative steps in many cases when women report violence. They don't take a full statement or have the woman undergo a medical exam. Police stations, even female-staffed stations, lack private rooms for taking victims' statements. So even when police are willing to take a statement, women are forced to tell traumatic and humiliating stories in public  and potentially tipping the abuser off that they sought help.

Then, often, police fail to investigate fully, leaving insufficient evidence to support a prosecution. Police often don't take adequate steps to protect victims who do come forward from suffering further abuse. Altogether, women lose faith in the system.

In 2016, 4,606 women were killed in Brazil. Many of them were killed in their homes by people close to them, in most cases current or former husbands or partners. Typically, before the killing, violence had scaled up and gone unpunished.

This needs to change. Domestic violence is not a "women's issue." It's a Brazil issue. Physical and psychological violence against women is cowardly and brutish and is a violation of human rights. It also undermines progress in Brazil, keeping half the population from enjoying the security and freedom that enables full participation in social and economic life.

Better enforcement of current laws is essential. And it will take all of us, as neighbors, friends, and family members of the abusers and abused, to make domestic violence unacceptable in Brazilian society  and to force institutions to end the environment of impunity around it. Brazilian men and women alike need to raise their voices  not only against sexual harassment, but also against the violence that takes the lives of so many Brazilian women every year.

[1] Datafolha/Forum Brasileiro de Seguranca Publica, "Visivel e invisivel: a vitimizacao de mulheres no Brasil," March 2017, http://www.forumseguranca.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/relatorio-pe... (accessed June 5, 2017), p.12.

[2] Ibid., p. 15.

[3] Ibid., p. 17.

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Lebanon: Pattern of Prosecutions for Free Speech

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 31 January 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Lebanon: Pattern of Prosecutions for Free Speech, 31 January 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb0fba.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Repeal Laws Criminalizing Peaceful Speech; Drop Charges

January 31, 2018 12:01AM EST

Lebanese members of parliament attend a parliament discussion in Beirut, Lebanon, October 17, 2017.  2017 Reuters

(Beirut)  A pattern of prosecutions for criticizing officials is threatening freedom of speech and opinion in Lebanon, Human Rights Watch said today. Last week, On January 24, 2018, in the latest such case, the public prosecutor brought defamation charges against a comedy show host, Hisham Haddad, after an episode in which he made jokes relating to Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.

Authorities should drop criminal charges for peaceful speech and parliament should urgently repeal laws that criminalize mere criticism of authorities or national symbols. In no case should authorities detain people for peaceful criticism.

"The space for free expression in Lebanon is rapidly shrinking, as authorities continue to bring criminal charges in response to criticism of public officials," said Lama Fakih, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "This type of heavy-handed response does nothing but restrict free expression and opinion, and tarnish Lebanon's image."

The pattern of such cases has intensified in recent months. On January 10, Lebanon's military court sentenced a Lebanese journalist and researcher, Hanin Ghaddar, in absentia to six months in prison for defaming the Lebanese army during a 2014 conference in the United States, Ghaddar told Human Rights Watch. On January 20, Lebanon's military intelligence summoned an activist, Obada Yousef, for questioning over Facebook posts concerning leading Lebanese politicians. He was detained by the military and police for four days, he told Human Rights Watch.

In November 2017, local media reported that a prominent television host, Marcel Ghanem, was charged with obstruction of justice after he protested charges brought against two of his guests for criticizing the president. Also in November, a Lebanese poet, Mustafa Sbeity, was arrested for "insulting" the Virgin Mary in a Facebook post and detained for 16 days. His lawyer told Human Rights Watch that he was charged under articles 474 and 317 of Lebanon's criminal code, pertaining to insulting a religion and inciting sectarianism. That same month, the journalist and secretary general of the Civil Islamic Coalition, Ahmad Ayoubi, was arrested for defaming the president, and detained for 13 days, his lawyer told Human Rights Watch.

In addition to prosecutions for speech that should not be criminalized, security services including Lebanon's Internal Security Forces and army have used force in response to recent protests, further eroding the space for freedom of expression. The apparent lack of accountability for these abuses has only compounded the situation.

Although Lebanon's courts do not frequently issue lengthy prison sentences for peaceful speech, the prosecutions, use of pretrial detention, and lengthy trials further stifle free expression and opinion.

Lebanon's constitution guarantees freedom of expression "within the limits established by law." But the Lebanese penal code criminalizes libel and defamation against public officials and authorizes imprisonment of up to one year in such cases. Article 384 of the penal code authorizes imprisonment of six months to two years for insulting the president, the flag, or the national emblem. Article 157 of the military code of justice criminalizes insulting the flag or army, punishable by three months to three years in prison.

Laws that allow imprisonment in response to criticism of individuals or government officials are incompatible with Lebanon's international obligations to protect freedom of expression. Such laws are a disproportionate and unnecessary response to the need to protect reputations, and they chill freedom of expression. In addition, "libel," "defamation," and "insult" are not well-defined in Lebanese law, and such vague and broadly worded provisions can be used to quell criticism of the actions or policies of government officials.

The United Nations Human Rights Committee, which interprets the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, has held that "harassment, intimidation or stigmatization of a person, including arrest, detention, trial or imprisonment for reasons of the opinions they may hold, constitutes a violation" of the covenant, which Lebanon ratified in 1972. The committee has stated its disapproval of laws that criminalize insulting the head of state or national symbols. It has made clear that "in circumstances of public debate concerning public figures in the political domain and public institutions, the value placed by the covenant upon uninhibited expression is particularly high."

Local and international human rights organizations have long documented Lebanon's use of defamation laws to penalize lawyers, journalists, and activists for opinions and statements that are protected under international human rights law. The Skeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom found in a 2016 report that Lebanese defamation laws were being used for "targeting activists and dissidents and . . . intimidating online journalists, bloggers and Internet users from speaking about certain subjects, thus paving the way for self-censorship and the chilling of speech."

In October 2015, MARCH, a Lebanese nongovernmental organization working on freedom of expression, created a hotline, promising legal support to anyone summoned by Lebanon's cybercrimes bureau for online expression.

The proliferation of such prosecutions and the threat of arrest reflect an urgent need for Lebanon's parliament to remove criminal sanctions for libel, defamation, and criticism of public officials and symbols, Human Rights Watch said.

"The sheer number of these arrests and prosecutions for speech that should never have been criminalized is alarming," Fakih said. "Lebanon's parliament should repeal laws criminalizing free speech and defamation and put an end to these prosecutions."

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Millions of Children Denied Free Secondary Education

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 31 January 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Millions of Children Denied Free Secondary Education, 31 January 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb0fda.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Governments, Donors Should Energize Support at Dakar Summit

January 31, 2018 12:01AM EST

Secondary school students in a classroom in southern Senegal.  2017 Elin Martinez/Human Rights Watch

(Dakar)  The slow growth of free secondary education for all is jeopardizing the futures of millions of children globally, Human Rights Watch said today, in advance of the Global Partnership for Education's (GPE) 2018 Replenishment Conference in Dakar, Senegal.

Globally, more than 264 million children are out of primary and secondary school, including 62 million children of lower-secondary school age and 141 million of upper-secondary school age. Close to 80 percent of the world's out-of-school children of primary and secondary school age live in the 65 countries associated with the Global Partnership for Education. All governments attending the conference should make a commitment to support free secondary education, by law and in practice.

"Low-income countries have made meaningful progress in ensuring primary education, but secondary education still remains out of reach for millions of children," said Elin Martinez, children's rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. "Countries that have pledged to provide free secondary education should make good on these promises and those that have not should follow suit."

The Global Partnership for Education, a multilateral funding organization made up of governments, foundations, and private donors, is one of the largest global education donors and provides funding to strengthen primary and lower-secondary education in low-income and conflict-affected countries, including Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, and Tanzania. More than 43 million children of primary-school age and 35 million children of lower-secondary age are out of school in these countries.

Kidnapping, sexual harassment, and bullets are just some of the dangers Afghan girls face on their way to school.

On February 1 and 2, 2018, heads of state, ministers, and senior government officials from over 50 low-income and 15 donor countries will meet in Dakar to pledge financial commitments to fund primary and lower-secondary education for over 870 million children who live in low and low-middle income countries. The Global Partnership for Education aims to be on track to allocate US$2 billion per year from 2020.

In 2015, all United Nations member countries pledged to provide free primary and secondary education by 2030. The nearly universally ratified Convention on the Rights of the Child and various regional and other international treaties set out detailed requirements to protect the right to education. They include a core obligation to remove primary school fees and indirect or associated costs, and to make secondary education available and accessible to every child.

Countries associated with the Global Partnership for Education have carried out these core obligations to varying degrees.

The government of Senegal, which is co-hosting the conference with France, does not fully guarantee free secondary education. Although Senegalese law provides for free education for children ages 6 to 16, Human Rights Watch research found that government secondary schools charge fees and indirect costs each school year upwards of 50,000 Francs CFA (US$93) per student, forcing many children to drop out. In an open letter, Human Rights Watch urged Senegal's President Macky Sall, a global education advocate, to pledge to make good-quality secondary education fully free for all students in Senegal.

Mariama, 17, from Kolda, in southern Senegal, told Human Rights Watch: "There are young girls [in my school] who want to learn but don't have the resources to learn . . . I have not yet paid my school fees. It's hard for my parents to pay. My mom sells peanuts [in the market] and my dad sells milk. Last year . . . my mom couldn't buy the books I needed."

Zimbabwe, a GPE partner country since 2013, still charges primary as well as secondary school fees, Human Rights Watch found. While Zimbabwe's 2013 Constitution requires the government to promote "free and compulsory basic education for children," many families are faced with prohibitively expensive fees, particularly for secondary school, that can cost close to US$200 per year.

Most countries also impose indirect costs, including for compulsory uniforms, exam fees, compulsory after-school tuition, and parent-teacher association fees. Students with disabilities are often charged additional fees to be accommodated in mainstream schools. Countries that currently provide free primary and secondary education should adopt policies aimed at enrolling and retaining students from low-income backgrounds who otherwise would drop out of secondary schools due to indirect costs, Human Rights Watch said. Governments should also factor in costs in national budgets to reasonably accommodate children with disabilities.

Tuition fees and associated costs at the primary and secondary level have a harmful impact on government efforts to increase adolescent girls' enrollment in secondary school. In Afghanistan, where laws state that education is tuition-free through higher secondary education, Human Rights Watch found that families have significant costs to send children to government schools. These indirect costs  for uniforms, textbooks, and basic school material  keep many children from poor families out of school. This is particularly the case for girls, as families that can afford to send only some of their children often give preference to boys.

Homa, a 14-year-old Afghan girl said: "My sister was in school, but they couldn't afford even expenses for her, so I couldn't go to school. The younger girls went to school, but I was sewing and making money to pay for study expenses for my younger sisters. . . . We need to buy uniforms, notebooks, pens, pencils, bags, erasers. We get some books from the government but not all  we have to buy some from the bazaar."

In Nepal and Bangladesh, GPE partner countries since 2009 and 2015, respectively, financial barriers keep hundreds of thousands of girls out of school and force many to end their education prematurely. In both countries, many families marry off young girls to offset costs associated with their education. Girls are also generally at high risk of child marriage when their families can no longer afford to educate them.

Bangladesh has removed school fees at the primary level, and Nepal's Constitution states that education is free up to the secondary level, but the costs keep many girls out of school, especially at the secondary level. Both countries lack adequate nationwide measures and targeted programs to cover indirect costs for girls from the poorest families.

In recent years, Ghana and Tanzania, longstanding GPE countries, have taken important steps to provide free primary and secondary education. In 2015, the government of Tanzania adopted an important policy to remove tuition fees and prohibit any indirect costs up to lower-secondary education, while in 2017, Ghana guaranteed fully free education up to higher secondary education.

All countries involved in the GPE pledge to advance the partnership's charter, including its guiding principle to focus "resources on securing learning, equity and inclusion for the most marginalized children and youth." GPE partner countries are expected to increase their education spending to 20 percent of their national budgets.

The Global Partnership for Education should encourage all of its member countries to provide free primary and secondary education for all children in countries involved in the partnership, Human Rights Watch said. Donor countries, as well as the World Bank and other multilateral financial institutions, should provide bilateral and multilateral financial and technical assistance, including through the partnership's fund, to support countries in their secondary education commitments.

"All GPE partner and donor countries should aim high to guarantee an education for over 78 million children who remain out of school," Martinez said. "Governments serious about meeting their education commitments for all children will need to show how they plan to make fully free primary and secondary education a reality."

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Hong Kong's Great Leap Backward on Political Rights

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 1 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Hong Kong's Great Leap Backward on Political Rights, 1 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb0ff4.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

February 1, 2018 1:00PM EST

By Maya Wang

Agnes Chow speaks at a rally after she was banned from running in the upcoming by-elections in Hong Kong, January 28, 2018.  2018 Bobby Yip/Reuters

If you were tasked with organizing an election that looked democratic, but actually ensured that your side had the upper hand, how would you do it? You would find ways to restrict who could run, who could vote, and what they could vote for.

This week, Hong Kong authorities  having refused for years to budge on the issues of who could vote and what people could vote for in the selection of Hong Kong's top official, the chief executive  took a massive step backward. They decided to restrict who could run by disqualifying the Demosisto party candidate Agnes Chow and the Community Network Union's Ventus Lau in the upcoming Legislative Council by-elections.

Three years ago, during the Umbrella Movement, tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong called for universal suffrage in the selection of the chief executive. The Beijing and Hong Kong governments have failed to deliver this promise, guaranteed by the Basic Law. And they have targeted Hong Kong's semi-democratic Legislative Council (LegCo), an essential, high-profile platform for pro-democracy leaders in a city increasingly gagged by censorship of the media.

Beginning in 2016, authorities have disqualified pro-democracy figures from running for seats on LegCo or unseated them after they were elected.

In 2016, the Hong Kong Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) added a new requirement that all candidates wishing to run for the Legco must fill out a "confirmation form," in which candidates affirm that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China, a requirement that infringes on the right to peaceful expression. Two pro-democracy candidates  Edward Leung of Hong Kong Indigenous and Andy Chan of the Hong Kong National Party  were disqualified because their pro-independence stances were deemed "incompatible with the Basic Law."

Following the 2016 LegCo elections, in which a number of outspoken pro-democracy candidates won, Beijing intervened. It issued an "interpretation" of the Basic Law that compelled the Hong Kong courts to disqualify two legislators who explicitly advocated independence for Hong Kong. That court decision later led to the disqualification of four more pro-democracy legislators.

The authorities' disqualification of Chow is doubly problematic. Not only does it penalize her right to free expression, but it also suggests a harder government line against even those who merely advocate for "self-determination"  the idea that Hong Kong people should make decisions about Hong Kong's political status and socio-economic developments, a concept that is "completely different from advocating independence," according to Chow.

The grounds for disqualifying Lau are even more dubious. The EAC told Lau  who publicly advocated independence in 2016  that he was not "sincere" when he abandoned this stance by December. The officer cited Lau's three Facebook posts, and alleged that Lau had portrayed himself as a successor to pro-independence figures Edward Leung and Baggio Leung and that Lau had obtained Baggio Leung's endorsement. To bar anyone from running in elections purely because of their peaceful political views is a violation of their basic human rights to stand for elections, which is guaranteed under the Basic Law.

The EAC is a statutory body whose decisions are required to be "independent, impartial and apolitical." Yet Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng, a political appointee, has openly acknowledged her personal involvement in the decision regarding Chow's candidacy. Electoral authorities have given no explanation as to why Chow's party's platform is not in line with the Basic Law. And in Lau's case, it is deeply disturbing that an EAC officer claimed to judge a candidate's fitness to run not only by his political stance but also by his deemed sincerity. That other pro-democracy candidates who did not sign the "confirmation form" are being allowed to run deepens the arbitrary nature of the Chow and Lau decisions.

It is unclear whether Chow and Lau intend to appeal the decision in the courts, but the court has yet to hand down a decision on challenges filed by Leung and Chan over one year ago. Pro-democracy candidates are wondering where they stand vis-a-vis Beijing and the Hong Kong government's acceptability barometer, which will likely further chill expression.

Chow's disqualification also means that not a single member of any of the political groups that grew out of the Umbrella Movement  mostly made up of young people  has been able to stand for LegCo election or represent voters once elected. Hong Kong authorities are not only violating fundamental rights, but they also risk alienating large swathes of the population that support such voices.

Hong Kong authorities have the essential laws to resist being forced to do Beijing's bidding. That they won't enforce them to protect Hong Kong people's rights is an alarming development.

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Libya: Displaced Benghazi Families Prevented From Return

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 1 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Libya: Displaced Benghazi Families Prevented From Return, 1 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb100a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Torture, Disappearances, Property Seizure

February 1, 2018 12:00AM EST

Members of the Libyan National Army climb a destroyed building during clashes with opposing forces from the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council, in Sidi Khreibish neighborhood in Benghazi, Libya, November 10, 2017.  2017 Reuters

(Beirut)  Armed groups in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi are preventing thousands of internally displaced families from returning to their homes in that city, Human Rights Watch said today. The armed groups, some loyal to Libyan National Army forces (LNA), accuse the families broadly of "terrorism" or "supporting terrorism."

The LNA, headed by General Khalifa Hifter, is allied with one of two authorities vying for legitimacy and territorial control in Libya. Since May 2014, when Hiftar announced the start of Operation Dignity to root out "terrorists" from Benghazi, an estimated 13,000 families have fled Benghazi for elsewhere in Libya or abroad. Displaced people interviewed by Human Rights Watch said LNA-linked groups have seized their property and tortured, forcibly disappeared, and arrested family members who remained in the city. If proven such attacks on civilians would amount to violations of the laws of war. If committed with criminal intent, they would be war crimes.

"General Hifter needs to act resolutely to end the attacks on civilians in Benghazi," said Eric Goldstein, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "Senior LNA commanders who have stood by since 2014 while their forces torture and disappear people and plunder their property can and should be held to account by local or international courts."

As a result of armed conflicts in the country and political divisions, central authority collapsed and subsequently three competing governments emerged, now reduced to two. These are the Interim Government based in the eastern city of al-Bayda, which is aligned with the LNA and supported by the House of Representatives, and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord, backed by the UN Security Council. Key institutions, most notably law enforcement and the judiciary, are dysfunctional in most of the country. Basic services have collapsed.

The armed groups in Benghazi are preventing at least 3,700 families from returning to the city, according to the Benghazi Committee, a body based in Tripoli that coordinates relief support to displaced people from eastern Libya.

On January 6, 2018, Hiftar issued a statement denouncing the looting, destruction and appropriation of private property as well as the forced displacement of people from Benghazi. He instructed forces under the LNA to facilitate the return of Internally Displaced People (IDPs), unless there were "legal justifications."

Children displaced by conflict in Benghazi attend schools in Misrata, Libya, November, 2014.  2014 Getty Images

Human Rights Watch conducted 27 interviews with displaced people in October and November 2017 in the western cities of Tripoli and Misrata, including 24 in person and three by phone. Some of those interviewed said their relatives had fought against the LNA. Others said none of their relatives had participated in the hostilities, even if they were not in support of the LNA.



Human Rights Watch also reviewed photographs, death certificates, medical reports, and burial documents provided by interviewees which appeared to corroborate their allegations of the abuse of their relatives who remained behind in Benghazi. In one case a Human Rights Watch researcher observed the injuries and marks on the body of a former Benghazi resident who said an LNA-linked group had tortured him in October 2017.

All of those interviewed said they were unable to return to their homes in Benghazi due to threats by LNA-linked groups. Most said they had left Benghazi in October 2014, after armed confrontations intensified between the LNA and the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council (BRSC), an alliance of armed groups opposed to the LNA. Some said they had been prevented from returning after receiving direct warnings from pro-LNA armed groups to stay away, or after pro-LNA armed groups attacked their relatives as a warning.

In 18 interviews, people said armed groups affiliated with the LNA in Benghazi seized their property on the pretext that they or their families were linked to the Islamic State (also known as ISIS). In 20 interviews, people said armed groups looted, deliberately destroyed, or set fire to property and businesses.

Some relatives of people accused of being anti-LNA, who stayed in Benghazi or who tried to return, have been attacked by LNA-affiliated armed groups, often merely on the suspicion of being anti-LNA or anti-Hiftar.

In five interviews, people said that at least one relative had been arrested and tortured in Benghazi by LNA or LNA-affiliated groups, due to their membership in families targeted by these groups. Two of these torture victims were arrested and ill-treated after trying to return to Benghazi, in 2016 and 2017. Six interviewees said that the LNA or its affiliates arrested or kidnapped a relative in Benghazi who was later found dead. This includes five men among 36 men killed in a mass extra-judicial killing in the eastern city of Alabyar.

Hussein Bin Hmeid, a member of the Benghazi municipal council that has operated "in exile" in Tripoli and Misrata since the onset of hostilities in 2014, told Human Rights Watch in Misrata on October 28 that none of the governments competing to control Libya had offered any financial support to those forcibly displaced from Benghazi. He said while the Benghazi council had registered 12,900 displaced families, including 3,700 forcibly displaced, the figure was most likely much higher, as many people did not register with the council.

He said that displaced families have faced discrimination and many hurdles such as trying to access money in Benghazi banks, and getting jobs or their salaries, as well as health care and education.

Members of the Benghazi Commission met with Human Rights Watch in Tripoli on October 25. They said that the commission had distributed food parcels for 7,000 displaced families from Benghazi each month and paid the rents for some of them. Tamim al-Ghariani and Abdel Mon'em Hassan, commission members, said they received funding from private benefactors, not from the Government of National Accord.

Given the serious crimes committed in Libya and the challenges facing the authorities, the International Criminal Court's mandate to investigate the worst crimes in Libya since 2011 remains essential to ending impunity in Libya, Human Rights Watch said.

On January 27, Human Rights Watch sent a letter to the LNA leadership inviting comments on allegations of LNA-linked groups' involvement in forced displacement, appropriation of private property, torture, threats and disappearances of Benghazi residents, The LNA has yet to respond.

"The authorities in Libya are not only obligated to allow civilians who are forcibly displaced to go home, but they should also ensure that Benghazi residents can go back in security and are protected from reprisals," Goldstein said.

The Status of Benghazi

In May 2014, Hiftar announced the start of a military operation to root out "terrorism" from Benghazi. Nationwide general elections for the House of Representatives on June 25, 2014, failed to bring about consensus and were disrupted by armed groups that opposed them. The elections were also accompanied by violence that included the killing by unidentified armed groups, of Salwa Bughaighis, a prominent lawyer and human rights activist from Benghazi who had stood at the forefront of demonstrations against Muammar Gaddafi in the 2011 uprising.

In July, after the conflict spread to the western part of the country and armed clashes erupted in the capital, Tripoli, most members of the elected House of Representatives moved to the eastern city of Tobruk and convened the parliament there.

Military operations largely kicked off in Benghazi in October 2014 when LNA-aligned forces clashed with fighters affiliated with ISIS, which has since withdrawn from Benghazi, and the Benghazi Revolutionaries Shura Council (BRSC).

On July 5, 2017, Hiftar announced the complete "liberation" of Benghazi from holdout elements of the BRSC, although fighting in the downtown area of Sidi Khreibish, presumed to be the BRSC's last bastion, only ended in January 2018.

Armed groups affiliated with the LNA control large swathes of eastern Libya, with the exception of Derna, which those groups are currently besieging, and parts of the southern region. GNA-aligned forces control the capital Tripoli, Misrata, towns in western Libya, and most of the western coastal region.

The LNA in eastern Libya consists of regular units and the army special forces. Various armed groups operating in the east have aligned since 2014 with the LNA, which provides them with funding, weapons, and uniforms. These armed groups include neighborhood militias and a militia known as the Avengers of Blood, whose family members were killed fighting "terrorists" in Benghazi. Some LNA units include adherents of the strict Salafist Madakhla ideology who view Hiftar as their ruler to whom they owe obedience.

Accounts from Displaced People

Officials, victims, and relatives of victims interviewed by Human Rights Watch said that LNA forces and other LNA-affiliated armed groups were responsible for crimes against them.

Khalid al-Kibti, 50, a father of three, a Benghazi resident and an employee of the financial oversight unit at the National Treasury, was arrested and found dead soon after he returned to Benghazi in 2017. Al-Kibti left Benghazi with his family in October 2014 due to the fighting there and returned to attend to administrative issues, said a relative who met with Human Rights Watch in Tripoli on October 28.

On July 25, 2017, eight days after al-Kibti returned, eight masked men in army fatigues who refused to identify themselves, arrested him at his home late at night, the relative said. During the arrest, one of the attackers pointed a gun at another relative's head and said, "If you don't leave, we will kill you," the relative said. LNA-linked people had previously appropriated two apartments owned by the family, the relative said.

Al-Kibti's family did not know his whereabouts until he was found dead on August 7, along with the bodies of five other apparent victims of extra-judicial execution, at a garbage dump near Benghazi. The relative said:

Family members looked for Khalid everywhere after his arrest. No one knew where he was taken. One family member went to the commander of the Army Special Forces (also known as Sae'qa) who told the family not to worry, that Khalid was being interrogated by Suleiman al-Saeiti (known as "al-Masloukh,") and would soon be released. The family didn't get any more leads until someone spotted Khalid in a photo of a mass killing. The relative who went to the morgue to identify him said that his hands were tied behind his back, and that he had been shot once in the upper right arm and in the face. He also said that he was wearing a blue t-shirt, which the relative said was not the one he wore when he was arrested, and seemed emaciated.

The relative said that al-Kibti was neither politically active nor a fighter. Nevertheless, armed men in fatigues and civil clothes prevented relatives in Benghazi from receiving mourners after his death, saying, "He [al-Kibti] is Daesh, you're not allowed to organize a condolence ceremony for him."

Mona al-Sweid, 46, a lawyer, said that she, together with her mother, two sisters, two sisters-in-law and 14 of her nieces and nephews, were forced to leave Benghazi on October 17, 2014, after armed groups affiliated with the LNA shot at and severely damaged their home on October 15, 2014. The family, who were known to oppose the LNA and General Hiftar, initially fled to al-Khoms in western Libya and then moved to Tripoli.

Armed groups and individuals linked with the LNA seized their family home, an apartment building they own, and the premises of their businesses, and looted their furniture and jewelry, she said. Al-Sweid said the armed attack on their home in 2014 lasted all night, and that two of her brothers, Khalid and Mostafa, who returned fire to protect the family, were killed. Her father, Hajj Abdelsalam, and another brother, Ibrahim, who were in a different location when the ambush occurred, were arrested while trying to reach the family home, and were later found dead:

It all started at 2:15 a.m. while the whole family was sleeping, distributed on all three floors of our home. The attackers, who we later learned included a mix of LNA fighters, members of the 21 Sa'eqa [refers to 21 Army Special Forces Unit], members of Internal Security and Sahawat [LNA-linked local armed groups] from Bouhdeima and al-Majouri, at first pounded on the main door, rang the doorbell incessantly and started to shoot in all directions. After my brothers returned fire, the attackers initially retreated, but then came back and fired RPGs and other heavy weapons at the house. During a lull in the clashes, we were able to get away.

An armed group stopped her father and another brother at a checkpoint in Bouhdeima, an area in Benghazi, during the attack. Al-Sweid managed to contact them, but then the conversation stopped and she heard someone saying to her father, "You are trying to run away. Everyone knows who you are." She said:

The phone shut then. I tried to call back several times, but finally my brother Ibrahim called, although not from his phone. He said they were at the Taybah school close to their home. He said, "They are holding us and torturing us, tell our brothers who are fighting them at the house to turn themselves in." He called again with the same request, and I could hear that they were being tortured. I heard their screams. Then there was a third call from the number, and someone else spoke. I told them both brothers had been killed.

The man said, "You are Kharijites, terrorists." [Kharijites is a group of Muslims who rebelled against the Caliphate in early Islamic history.] My father, who was 75 years old, and my brother Ibrahim, were found dead at a garbage dump and transferred to the morgue by the Red Crescent. I saw their bodies at the morgue. They had been brutally tortured and they were very dirty. The medical report did not reflect the torture marks. It only mentioned that they had multiple gunshot wounds. The prosecutor who signed the report, Nasser al-Jerroushi, disappeared and remains missing.

An armed group disrupted the family's attempt to receive mourners, she said, shooting at the tent erected for the purpose outside of their uncle's house and shouting, "Get the [al-Sweid] family out."

A former Benghazi resident who did not wish to be named for fear of reprisal said during an interview in Tripoli on October 30 that he had been arrested on October 8, 2017, in Benghazi, at a LNA checkpoint in a location known as Street 602 manned by armed men wearing a mix of fatigues and civilian clothes. The men stopped him as he was carrying a suitcase and crying after learning of his mother's death that day.

He said that several of the men took him to their military base between Benina and Kweifiyah, and tortured him for three days, then released him.

When I was arrested at the military checkpoint, I was asked for my ID and when the soldiers saw that I was from Sabri, they immediately became suspicious, handcuffed my arms behind my back and put me in the trunk of a car. I was very scared as I expected anything could happen. Once the car stopped at a military camp, one of them hit me in the face and said, "I want to kill you."

They started to interrogate me about my brother, who they believed was killed during clashes with them in Sidi Khreibish [the last Benghazi neighborhood where armed conflicts between the LNA and adversaries in Benghazi took place] and called him a terrorist. But it's not true. My brother has been in Tripoli for years. For three days, they handcuffed me with metallic cuffs and suspended me upside down from my feet for many hours.

They would beat me with their fists but also with a PPR [plastic pipe] on my thighs and elsewhere. One of them would pour water into on my nose and give me electric shocks on my arms. Once the pressure was so intense on my wrists that a pair of cuffs broke while I was suspended. I was also dragged by one of the guards on the rough ground while lying on my back. Once they beat a dog that was tied up next to me, and the dog then bit me on my upper right thigh.

The Benghazi resident said that on the third day, he witnessed the torture and subsequent death of another man. He said the torturers would call the man, who was dark-skinned, "a dog" and "traitor." The man was covered in blood and was frequently given electric shocks with cables on his arms and legs. He was twitching on the floor, then he stopped moving. The torturers eventually removed him.

The Benghazi resident also said that during his time at the camp, he was locked up in the back of a prisoner transport car between the torture sessions. He said he was given a small bottle of water and bread every day. He would be locked up while handcuffed until he was removed for interrogation, three to four times each day. He was given a bottle to urinate in:

The back of the car got very hot. At first the torture was very painful, but on the second and third day, my body was so swollen I didn't feel much anymore. They used all forms of sticks and wires to beat me with. They would even pour liquor on me and sometimes urine. It was always the same group of eight people who would torture me, two at a time. Their torture methods were filthy. I don't sleep anymore. I feel completely destroyed.

Human Rights Watch saw welt marks on the man's back, and what appeared to be bruises and wounds healing on his arms, wrists, legs, and ankles. He said he had suffered kidney problems and severe back pain due to the torture and required dialysis, which he backed up with medical reports.

After he was released, he and his family decided to leave Benghazi for Tripoli.

Raja Younis and her husband, Mahmoud Saleh, met with Human Rights Watch on October 27 in Misrata, where they have lived since fleeing Benghazi on November 12, 2014. Younis said that armed groups attacked the family home on October 14, 2014, while she, her daughters and father were there. She said the family was targeted because one of her sons was "wanted" as a BRSC fighter. He was later killed in the fighting. An armed group seized the family's properties in the Garyounis area of Benghazi. They now face economic difficulties because they are unable to access their bank accounts. The family has been unable to return to Benghazi. Younis said:

One day before the attack, someone wrote on the wall of our house, "Get out or else we will kill you." When the attack on our house started, we didn't understand what was happening. There were attacks in the entire area, and I had to leave my house during the clashes. It was the beginning of Karama [the LNA's Operation Dignity], and the LNA groups had installed checkpoints and were stopping people.

We saw the Sahawat [local militia] approaching the area, so we left. We were afraid for our daughters. I went to my parent's home in al-Laithi district, but then we left and came to Misrata. After the LNA took over the Gharyounis neighborhood, our house was looted and then seized by an LNA unit known as 21 Sa'eqa [refers to 21 Army Special Forces unit]. We are all under threat now because of the allegation that my son belongs to Daesh.

Izzeddin al-Shuhumi, a retired military officer now forcibly displaced from Benghazi, left Benghazi on October 14, 2014, to attend a family wedding, intending to return. After he refused to join the LNA under Hiftar's leadership he "became a target," he said, and it was no longer possible to go back. Human Rights Watch met al-Shuhumi on October 27 and his family, in Misrata, where they now live.

Al-Shuhumi said that although a stray rocket hit his home during the 2014 fighting, the house was looted and its contents seized only after the LNA "liberated" al-Laithi area around August 2016. He said the Avengers of Blood militia seized a second property he owned, an apartment building that he was renting out:

They wanted to take my home from the beginning. Now someone from the Sahawat [local militia] has it. He rents it out to people, or installs people there to live, including his relatives. I asked an acquaintance to go and speak with the man who took my house. My acquaintance saw him and told me that the man who took my house went to the commander of the Army Special Forces in Benghazi, Wanis Bukhamada, and got a letter stating that the house is owned by a "Daeshi," which allows him to use it. They are now saying we are Daesh. I am a son of Benghazi, and I have a private business, I never expected this could happen to me.

International Law Obligations

All parties to a conflict are required to abide by the laws of war. If proven, many of the abuses alleged by those Human Rights Watch interviewed above would amount to violations of the laws of war. Certain serious violations of those laws, when committed with criminal intent, are war crimes. These include torture, enforced disappearance, the forcible displacement of civilians, and the summary execution of civilians or enemy fighters who had been captured or had surrendered.

Anyone who commits, orders, or assists, or has command responsibility for war crimes, can be prosecuted by domestic or international courts. LNA Commanders, including senior LNA leadership, may be criminally liable for war crimes of their subordinates if they knew or should have known of the crimes and failed to take measures to prevent them or hand over those responsible for prosecution.

The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, which restate and compile human rights and humanitarian law relevant to internally displaced people, provide that displacement should be for a limited time, not "longer than required by the circumstances." International law further stipulates that civilians who were forcibly displaced during a conflict should be allowed to return home as soon as possible without conditions.

Principle 21 of the Guiding Principles states that the property and possessions of internally displaced people should be protected from "pillage, direct or indiscriminate attacks or other acts of violence," and should not be "destroyed or appropriated as a form of collective punishment." The article also states that "property and possessions left behind by internally displaced persons should be protected against destruction and arbitrary and illegal appropriation, occupation or use."

Given the wide-scale and seemingly systematic nature of the appropriation of property in Benghazi by forces aligned with or under the command of the LNA, these suggest criminal intent to forcibly displace the residents, which would amount to a war crime.

International Criminal Court

The ICC prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, has a mandate to investigate crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide committed in Libya since February 15, 2011. Human Rights Watch research in Libya since 2011 has found rampant violations by parties to the conflict of international human rights and humanitarian law, including mass long-term arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment, forced displacement and unlawful killings.

On August 15, 2017, the ICC issued an arrest warrant, a first since 2011 for Libya, for Mahmoud al-Werfalli, an LNA special forces commander, for his alleged role in the killing of 33 people in seven incidents. Libya is under a legal obligation to arrest and surrender him to the court. In a televised statement on August 17, an LNA spokesperson stated that General Hiftar had on August 2  before the ICC had issued its arrest warrant  already ordered the military prosecutor in eastern Libya to investigate the alleged crimes mentioned in the ICC warrant.

Authorities in the east have not publicized any results of their investigation, and it was unclear whether such an inquiry took place.

In November, Bensouda confirmed that Libya remained a priority for her office in 2018, and that investigations were progressing well in relation to both existing and possible future cases.

On January 24, 2018, a video and photos circulated on multiple news sites and social media appear to show al-Werfalli summarily executing 10 individuals purportedly in retaliation for twin bombs at a Benghazi mosque on January 23 that killed at least 34 and wounded more than 90, mostly civilians including children. On January 26, Bensouda reiterated her call on Libyan authorities to enable the immediate arrest and surrender of al-Werfalli's to the ICC.

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Polish Crackdown Ahead of Climate Talks

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 1 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Polish Crackdown Ahead of Climate Talks, 1 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1034.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Bill Will Limit Protests During COP24 Summit

February 1, 2018 12:49PM EST

By Todor Gardos

By Katharina Rall

Environmental activists chain themselves to a logging machine during an action in the defence of one of the last primeval forests in Europe, Bialowieza forest, Poland May 24, 2017.  2017 Reuters

In mid-January, the Polish parliament passed a government-sponsored bill which, will hamper the rights of environmental activists to protest at UN climate talks in December and subject them to government surveillance. President Andrzej Duda signed the law on January 29.

The summit, known as the COP24, taking place in the southern city of Katowice, brings together states parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and thousands of experts, journalists, businesses, and nongovernmental groups.

Environmental activists and indigenous peoples who work to protect the environment are likely to be less welcome. The new law explicitly forbids spontaneous demonstrations in Katowice during the talks, which will make it difficult for groups to respond to developments at the climate negotiations.

The law also allows the police to obtain, collect, and analyze personal data about registered conference participants or people associated with its organization, without judicial oversight or their knowledge and consent. Activists fear that the measures could be used to spy on them.

It won't be the first time the Polish authorities have restricted the right to protest and the rights of nongovernmental groups. As a recent Human Rights Watch report showed, the government has previously changed the law to support demonstrations it approves of and ban related counter-protests. The government has also given the state security agency extraordinary surveillance powers without effective judicial review.

The new law not only threatens civic space in Poland, but could also limit the success of the climate summit. Activists play an important role in the global climate debate by providing relevant information to policymakers and the media. And nongovernmental groups and indigenous peoples can only carry out their important work where they can effectively exercise their right to freedom of assembly.

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Russian Activists Forcibly Disappeared, Allegations of Torture in Custody

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 1 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Russian Activists Forcibly Disappeared, Allegations of Torture in Custody, 1 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1054.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Detainee Claims Police Subjected Him to Electric Shocks to Extract Confessions

February 1, 2018 12:24PM EST

By Alexander Maier

Viktor Filinkov.  2018 Vitaliy Cherkasov

Last week, two St. Petersburg anti-fascism activists went missing for days, only to reappear in court facing terrorism charges. They are accused of being members of a previously unheard-of anarchist group called "Network," but human rights activists believe the confessions of at least one of the men was extracted under torture.

Viktor Filinkov, 23, disappeared en route to the airport on the evening of January 23, his wife told Russian human rights watchdog OVD-Info. She filed a missing person report and two days later Filinkov resurfaced, arrested on suspicion of involvement in a terrorist organization. Filinkov's lawyer Vitaly Cherkasov, and two members of the St. Petersburg Public Oversight Commission (POC) that monitors places of detention, visited him in detention the following day and were shocked by his injuries consistent with having been tortured.

The POC report notes, "numerous burns from electric shocks on his right thigh . . . and chest," and handcuff marks on both hands.

Filinkov told them that after Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers stopped him at the airport, masked men placed him in a minivan and subjected him to electric shocks while the FSB officers forced him to memorize a confession implicating himself.

Igor Shishkin, 26, left his St. Petersburg apartment on the evening of January 25 to walk his dog. His wife told media that FSB agents arrived at their apartment later that evening, with the dog and a search warrant, but without Igor. They took her in for questioning, including about her political views, later releasing her, but without telling her anything about her husband's fate.

Shishkin reappeared two days later at the same district court where Filinkov had his custody hearing. Journalists were barred from attending Shishkin's hearing. A friend of Shishkin's, who caught a glimpse of him in court, told reporters he saw bruising around his eyes.

Shishkin and Filinkov now face charges for alleged involvement in a terrorist organization, punishable by up to ten years in prison. The case file refers to other members of Network, which it accuses of an attempted violent overthrow of the government, so more arrests among St. Petersburg's activists are likely to follow. The Russian authorities should immediately end unlawful disappearances, promptly and effectively investigate allegations of torture, and ensure all future policing operations are conducted in strict accordance with due process and human rights standards.

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Tunisian Police Shut Down Dissent

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 1 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Tunisian Police Shut Down Dissent, 1 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1073.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

LGBT and Secular Protestors Targeted

February 1, 2018 2:43PM EST

By Neela Ghoshal

Tunisian and rainbow flags were raised at a march against terrorism during the World Social Forum in Tunis, March 2015.  2015 Mawjoudin Association

When Tunisian police shut down a planned demonstration on January 27, they claimed they did it for the protesters' safety. "We had information that they were going to be targeted," said an interior ministry spokesperson, according to news reports.

The rallying call of Saturday's protest, organized by the secular group Association des Libres Penseurs (Association of Free Thinkers), or ALP, was "Sayebni"  "let me be" in Arabic. Organizers knew some of their demands might be controversial: freedom of conscience, gender equality, and the elimination of "retroactive laws" such as section 230 of the penal code, which criminalizes consensual same-sex conduct, and section 52, which imposes harsh sentences for cannabis possession and use.

But the authorities' claim they were looking out for activists' own good doesn't hold water. International law obliges governments to take necessary steps to ensure peaceful protests can take place in safety and security. That may mean providing police protection to protesters in order to prevent any security incidents that might arise, such as attacks by violent counter-protesters.

Mounir Baatour, an activist working with ALP and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights organization Shams, told Human Rights Watch that the Association of Free Thinkers notified the authorities of the planned protest, as required under Tunisian law, on January 24. On January 26, after Shams publicly supported the protest and put out a call for LGBT people to attend, Interior Ministry officials summoned ALP's president and told him the protest was prohibited, without further explanation. "There was no security threat. It's because the authorities are homophobic."

The forceful dispersion of protestors suggests authorities' objections to the demonstration extended beyond participants' "safety." Baatour said police shoved and hit several LGBT protestors, twisting the arm of the director of Shams. Police briefly detained, without charge, two activists for attempting to wave a rainbow flag.

"Tunisia has, at times, allowed for demonstrations critical of government policy, but Saturday's shutdown  following on the heels of a range of police abuses during protests in early January over the adoption of austerity measure - raises questions about the depth of Tunisia's commitment to the fundamental right to peaceful protest."

The Tunisian authorities cannot pick and choose. Abiding by their international human rights obligations means allowing diverse voices to be heard  including the voices of sexual and gender minorities.

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'You've Been Warned' - Protesting in Russia

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 2 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, 'You've Been Warned' - Protesting in Russia, 2 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1b54.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Police Use Social Media to Track Potential Protesters in One Russian City

February 2, 2018 12:00AM EST

By Kaitlin Martin

Police presence at the peaceful "Voter's Strike" rally in Tula, Russia on January 28, 2018. At time of photo, approximately 25 people were participating, although the rally had not been given official permission from authorities.  2018 Alexander Hotz

When Russian authorities barred opposition figure Alexei Navalny from running for president, his supporters organized nationwide "Voter's Strike" rallies in protest. Many Russian municipalities rejected requests to hold the January 28 rallies, and police raided several Navalny campaign offices  a pattern we have seen emerge over the past year.

In Tula, a city about 200 kilometers south of Moscow, police took their quest to block protests an extra, frightening step further  by making door-to-door visits to people who said they planned to attend on social media.

Kirill, 34, told me that as his wife was leaving their apartment with their child, police approached her and tried to get her to sign a statement on Kirill's behalf, which said he had been informed that the upcoming protest was "unauthorized." The officer later warned Kirill by phone that he would face sanctions for participating in the protest. Kirill ignored the warning.

Dmitry, 25, said that police came looking for him at his mother's home. He then contacted the police, and they said they were visiting young people who planned to attend the "unapproved" protest. "You have been warned," the officer said. Dmitry did not make it to the protest.

Yelena, 29, said that police showed up at the home of her 63-year-old mother, Ludmila, demanding she sign a statement that her daughter would not attend the protest. According to Ludmila, the visit was "frightening" and brought back memories, "from the [Soviet] past." Yelena did not attend the protest.

Twenty-year-old Evgeniya said police came to her parent's home asking for her, then told her that she would face "problems" if she attended the protest. Evgeniya was also warned by an official at her college that she could be expelled for attending the protest. She learned that other classmates received similar messages. Evgeniya stayed home from the protest.

According to the online portal OVD-Info, police detained 16 people at Sunday's protest in Tula. Some were released without charge. Others have their court hearings pending or have been already sentenced to 15 days of detention and 40 hours of community service for violating regulations on public gatherings.

Freedom of assembly is enshrined in Russian law and international human rights law. Russians should be able to protest peacefully and not fear harassment from the police at their homes.

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Chemical Weapons Resurface in Syria

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 3 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Chemical Weapons Resurface in Syria, 3 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1b6a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

France Leads Initiative to Combat Impunity

February 3, 2018 8:35AM EST

By Sara Kayyali

A man breathes through an oxygen mask at a medical center in Douma, Eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria January 22, 2018.  2018 Reuters

Early on January 22, I began receiving reports from residents in Eastern Ghouta in Syria of chlorine being used in a ground attack on Douma. It was not the first time the besieged town suffered a chemical weapons attack. Almost five years ago, on August 21, 2013, a chemical attack had killed hundreds of civilians, many of them children. It was the first wide-scale use of chemical weapons in decades. The likely culprit was the Syrian government.

Fast forward five years, Syria has ratified the UN Convention on the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) created (and then Russia later vetoed) an investigative body tasked with attributing responsibility for the use of chemical weapons. Still the Syrian government continues to use chemical weapons with impunity. Since the attack on Eastern Ghouta, its forces have used chemical agents at least 30 more times.

In the days that followed the recent attack on Eastern Ghouta, we spoke to first responders and doctors, who described symptoms and smells on the victims they treated consistent with the use of chlorine gas. They told us that more than half of those they treated were women and children. This was the fourth alleged use of chemical weapons in Eastern Ghouta since the mandate of the UN investigative mechanism ended on November 17

Only a day after the January 22 attack, France launched a political initiative to combat the proliferation of chemical weapons and ensure that using them has consequences for those who do so. Aptly called 'No Impunity', the initiators also imposed sanctions against individuals and businesses with links to Syria's chemical weapons program.

The French-led initiative is a welcome break from the dangerous attempt to make chemical weapons the new normal, but on its own it is not enough.

The UNSC and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons should renew the investigative mechanism, or find an alternative. There is no substitute for UNSC action. But in its absence, states should follow France's footsteps to ensure that neither Ghouta nor any other place in Syria or elsewhere is ever hit by chemical weapons again.

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Bahrain: New Deportations of Nationals

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 4 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Bahrain: New Deportations of Nationals, 4 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1b8a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Arbitrary Citizenship Revocations Leave Many Stateless

February 4, 2018 2:00AM EST

(Beirut)  Bahraini authorities have deported eight stateless Bahrainis, whom they had previously stripped of their citizenship, since January 29, 2018, Human Rights Watch said today. The deportations followed an appeals court decision to uphold a 2012 ruling that ordered the deportation and stripping of citizenship of nine Bahraini nationals for "damaging state security."

Since 2012, Bahraini authorities have stripped 578 nationals of their citizenship, leaving many stateless. In the most recent cases, on January 31, the Fourth High Criminal Court stripped 47 people of their citizenship on terrorism related charges, and on February 1 the same court stripped another 25 people of their citizenship. Bahrain should immediately put an end to these arbitrary deportations and restore citizenship to those who have been left stateless or whose citizenship was revoked unfairly or arbitrarily, Human Rights Watch said.

"Bahraini authorities have dropped all pretense of pluralism and tolerance for dissent and are clearly stripping away the citizenships of people whom they find undesirable," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Right Watch.

On January 24, the First High Court of Appeal upheld a November 7, 2012 ruling to strip citizenship from the nine people and to deport them, according to a news report citing their lawyer.

Authorities deported four of them to Najaf, Iraq  two brothers, Ibrahim and Ismail Darwish, on January 29, and Adnan Kamal and Habib Darwish on January 30, a human rights activist in Bahrain told Human Rights Watch. Due to concerns for their safety, the human rights activist requested to remain anonymous. Bahrain deported another four to Najaf on February 1: Abdulnabi al-Mosawi; his wife, Maryam Ibrahim; and his two brothers, Mohamed al-Mosawi and Abdulamir al-Mosawi. The ninth person, Adnan Ahmed Ali, was not in Bahrain when the judgment was delivered. The human rights activist said that Ali had agreed to voluntarily leave Bahrain for Iran some years ago.

These nine people were part of a larger group of 31 people, including opposition political activists, lawyers, and rights activists, whose citizenship an Interior Ministry decree revoked on November 7, 2012. The ministry based its decision on Article 10 (3) of the Bahraini Citizenship Act of 1963, claiming the 31 were "damaging the security of the state." Only 18 of the 31 were in Bahrain at the time. Only an estimated five had dual citizenship, leaving the majority affected by the 2012 decision stateless.

The activist also told Human Rights Watch that the High Appeal Civil Court had moved up a session to consider the group's appeals from December 31, 2017, to October 26 without informing the legal teams. Though the lawyers were not at the hearing and had no opportunity to present their cases, the court refused to rescind the order. The court action deprived the 31 people of their chance to exhaust all legal means to challenge the charges against them, the activist said. The Appeals Court used this decision in its ruling to uphold the deportation orders for the nine members of the group.

Since 2012, Bahrain's courts have on several occasions issued mass sentences that included stripping of citizenship and prison terms. The 47 people stripped of citizenship on January 31 were among 60 the Fourth High Criminal Court sentenced that day on charges of forming a terrorist group.

Bahrain's Supreme Court on January 29 also upheld a one-year prison sentence for Sheikh Isa Qassim, a Shiite spiritual leader of the now dissolved main opposition group al-Wefaq, and confirmed the revocation of his citizenship.

On July 24, 2014, Bahrain's Official Gazette published amendments to the Citizenship Law of 1963. Article 10 permits the Interior Ministry, with cabinet approval, to strip the citizenship of a person who "aids or is involved in the service of a hostile state" or who "causes harm to the interests of the Kingdom or acts in a way that contravenes his duty of loyalty to it." The July 2014 amendments to Bahrain's citizenship laws grant the Interior Ministry additional authority to revoke the citizenship of people who fail in their "duty of loyalty" to the state.

Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to a nationality and that no-one shall be arbitrarily deprived of their nationality. Article 12 of the declaration states that, "No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of the right to enter his own country." In 1999, the Human Rights Committee, which interprets the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Bahrain has signed, stated that "The scope of 'his own country' is broader than the concept 'country of his nationality,'" and that it would apply to people who have been stripped of their nationality in violation of international law.

Article 29 of the Arab Charter on Human Rights, which Bahrain has ratified, states that "Every person has the right to a nationality, and no citizen shall be deprived of his nationality without a legally valid reason."

"By slapping human rights defenders, political activists, journalists, and religious scholars with arbitrary citizenship revocations and deportations, Bahraini authorities are reducing courts to rubber-stamps on their quest to stifle dissent completely," Whitson said.

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Florida: Child Marriage Ban Hits a Bump

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 5 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Florida: Child Marriage Ban Hits a Bump, 5 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1ba12.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Legislators Should Support Bill Setting Minimum Age at 18

February 5, 2018 5:43PM EST

Sonia Ossorio of NOW-NYC addresses the crowd at a protest against US laws allowing child marriage.  2016 Susan Landmann

(Tallahassee, Florida)  Both houses of the Florida legislature should pass a bill to set the minimum age of marriage at 18, with no exceptions, the Florida Coalition to End Child Marriage said today. The coalition, which consists of 13 organizations, as well as survivors of child and forced marriage, called on legislators in the Florida House of Representatives to remove a harmful amendment from a pending law to ban child marriage.

On January 31, 2018, the Florida Senate unanimously passed SB 140, which sets the age of marriage at 18 with no exceptions. On February 1, an identical bill, HB 335, was reviewed in the House Judiciary Committee. This committee amended the bill to permit the marriage of a pregnant 16- or 17-year-old, with parental consent and limiting the age difference of the spouses to two years. The members of the Florida Coalition to End Child Marriage are calling on all House members to instead pass the original version of the bill, setting the age of marriage at 18 without exceptions.

"I don't want a single other child in Florida to go through what I did," said Sherry Johnson, a member of the coalition who has been campaigning for several years to change the law. Johnson was forced to marry at age 11, in Pinellas County, under the current law, to a man who had raped her repeatedly and fathered her child when she was 10 years old. "I believe this is the year that we will end child marriage in Florida. The Senate has already passed a bill that would protect all children, and I am asking the House to do the same."

A 16- or 17-year-old is still a child, without the rights of an adult and an adult's ability to withstand pressure to marry against their will. Pregnancy does not change that. In addition, limiting the age gap between a married child and her spouse does nothing to prevent most of the harm associated with child marriage.

A growing body of research demonstrates that child marriage is associated with, and in some cases causes, severe harm to married children, wherever they live. A 2010 study found that girls or young women in the United States who married before the age of 19 were 50 percent more likely to drop out of high school than their unmarried counterparts, and only 25 percent as likely to complete college.

Girls who marry as early teens  before age 16  in the US are 31 percent more likely to end up in poverty later in life. Girls who marry while pregnant are more likely to have a second child soon after, compared with girls who become parents but do not marry. A closely spaced second birth is associated with lower economic and educational attainment.

From 2000 to 2015, more than 16,400 children below age 18 married in Florida. 80 percent of these children were underage girls who married adult men. Child marriages are often forced or coerced by parents. Florida law currently permits children to marry at age 16 or 17 with permission from their parents, and allows a child of any age to marry in the event of pregnancy if a judge authorizes the marriage.

Globally, one out of every four girls marries before age 18, and 15 million girls marry before age 18 each year. The rate of child marriage is dropping, but population increases mean the numbers are increasing. Child marriage occurs in every region of the world. The overwhelming majority of married children are girls, most of whom marry older men, sometimes much older.

Researchers have found significant associations between child marriage and mental and physical health disorders. One study found that marrying as a teenager in the US was associated with a 23 percent higher risk of disease onset  including both physical and mental health conditions  for women. Research from other countries shows a correlation between child marriage and domestic violence. Married girls often find it more difficult than married women to escape an abusive or unhappy marriage and to access services such as shelter and legal assistance.

The Senate bill was sponsored by Senator Lizabeth Benacquisto. The House bill is sponsored by Representative Jeanette Nunez.

New York, Texas, and Virginia have all passed laws in recent years aimed at reducing child marriage. Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden are among numerous other countries taking similar steps. Florida has been a leader in protecting the rights of children; if the Senate bill becomes law, it would make Florida the first state to completely ban child marriage.

The Florida Coalition to End Child Marriage includes the following organizations: AHA Foundation, Children's Campaign, Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center, Florida Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics, Florida International University Center for Women's and Gender Studies, Human Rights Watch, Jewish Women's Foundation of the Greater Palm Beaches, Minority Outreach Solutions, National Organization for Women, Sherry Johnson, Southern Strategy Group, Surly Feminists for the Revolution, Unchained at Last, and Zonta Club of Pinellas County.

"I am so grateful to every member of the Florida legislature who has taken the time to hear my story and care about this issue," Johnson said. "I want to thank every senator who voted for the bill, and all the members of the House who have voted for it in committee. We are so close to getting this done, and I just want to ask, from the bottom of my heart, for legislators to go the whole way and end all child marriage in Florida."

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US: Nursing Homes Misuse Drugs to Control Residents

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 5 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, US: Nursing Homes Misuse Drugs to Control Residents, 5 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1bea.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Government Should Enforce Rules to Stop Abuse

February 5, 2018 3:01AM EST

Nursing homes across the United States routinely give antipsychotic drugs to residents with dementia to control their behavior, despite regulatory prohibitions on this misuse of drugs as "chemical restraints." This abusive practice remains widespread even though the use of antipsychotics is associated with a nearly doubled risk of death in older people with dementia.

(Sacramento)  Nursing homes across the United States routinely give antipsychotic drugs to residents with dementia to control their behavior, despite rules against the misuse of drugs as "chemical restraints," Human Rights Watch said in a report and video released today. This abusive practice remains widespread, even though the use of antipsychotic drugs on older people with dementia is associated with a nearly doubled risk of death.

The 157-page report, "'They Want Docile': How Nursing Homes in the United States Overmedicate People with Dementia," estimates that every week in US nursing facilities, more than 179,000 people, mostly older and living with dementia, are given antipsychotic drugs without an appropriate diagnosis. Facilities administer these drugs in many cases without obtaining informed consent from residents or their families.

"People with dementia are often sedated to make life easier for overworked nursing home staff, and the government does little to protect vulnerable residents from such abuse," said Hannah Flamm, NYU School of Law fellow at Human Rights Watch. "All too often, staff justify using antipsychotic drugs on people with dementia because they interpret urgent expressions of pain or distress as disruptive behavior that needs to be suppressed."

Using antipsychotic medications as a "chemical restraint"  for the convenience of staff or to discipline residents  violates federal regulations and can amount to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment under international human rights law. Yet even when nursing homes are found to have broken these rules, they are rarely punished.

The report is based on visits by Human Rights Watch researchers to more than 100 nursing facilities in six states and more than 300 interviews with people living in facilities, their families, staff, long-term care and disability experts, government officials, and advocates.

About 1.1 million people aged 65 and over lived in around 15,600 nursing facilities across the US in 2017. Medicaid, the main US public health insurance program for people with low incomes, which is jointly administered by the federal government and the states, is the primary payer for this form of long-term care.

Antipsychotic drugs were developed to treat psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to label them with the strongest "black box" warning about the risks they pose to people with dementia. The FDA has never approved antipsychotic drugs as safe and effective for treatment of dementia symptoms.

Federal regulations bar using the drugs without adequate indication for use or appropriate monitoring, and the Obama administration planned to strengthen regulations around their discretionary, "as needed" use. However, in November 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a moratorium on this and other strengthened regulations.

Congress and several government agencies have long recognized that the overuse of antipsychotic medications is a major problem. While the percentage of residents receiving them has declined in recent years, their use remains widespread. Around 16 percent of people in US nursing homes are given these drugs without an appropriate diagnosis, according to government data. In hundreds of facilities, more than 30 percent of residents are given the drugs in this way. As the director of nursing at one facility in Kansas told Human Rights Watch, "antipsychotics are a go-to thing."

Nursing home residents and their families described the awful consequences, including sedation, fear, and frustration. A 62-year-old woman who said she was given Seroquel without her knowledge or consent at a nursing facility in Texas said: "[It] knocks you out. It's a powerful, powerful drug. I sleep all the time. I have to ask people what the day is." The daughter of a 75-year-old woman recalled that when a nursing facility in Kansas put her mother on an antipsychotic drug she "would just sit there like this. No personality. Just a zombie."

The use of antipsychotic drugs without permission from the resident or their proxy is common, Human Rights Watch found. Federal regulations require nursing facilities to inform residents of treatment options and to give them the right to refuse treatment. Some state laws require informed consent for these medications. Yet staff at many facilities openly admitted they do not even try to follow these rules.

A former nursing home administrator in Kansas said: "The facility usually gets informed consent like this: they call you up [the healthcare proxy]. They say, 'X, Y, and Z is happening with your mom. This is going to help her.' Black box warning? 'It's best just not to read that.'"

The US government is failing to hold nursing homes to account for mistreating residents through the inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs, Human Rights Watch said, despite strong regulations on paper.

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 established strong legal protections of the rights of people in nursing homes; in practice Human Rights Watch found that the regulations pertaining to antipsychotic drugs are weakly enforced. Data from CMS show that government inspectors issued 7,039 citations to nursing facilities for violations related to antipsychotic drugs between 2014 and mid-2017. Since 97 percent of these citations were deemed to have caused "no actual harm," they did not carry mandatory financial penalties  the primary means of enforcing the rules. Unsurprisingly, Human Rights Watch also found that citations did not change the use of antipsychotic drugs in those homes.

Some nursing homes have significantly reduced their use of antipsychotic drugs, Human Rights Watch found, by carefully reviewing residents' needs. In retrospect, staff at these facilities concluded that the drugs had been used far too widely. One director of nursing in Kansas said: "It used to be like a death prison here . . . . Half our residents were on antipsychotics."

CMS and its state counterparts should strengthen their enforcement of federal regulations regarding antipsychotic drugs. Residents and their families should be told they have the right to be informed of their treatment alternatives and their right to refuse. The government should ensure nursing homes employ enough staff to provide adequate care.

"The US government pays nursing homes tens of billions of dollars per year to provide safe and appropriate care to residents," Flamm said. "Officials have a duty to ensure that these often vulnerable people are protected rather than abused."



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A Stark Reminder of Mexico's Disappearances Crisis

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 6 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, A Stark Reminder of Mexico's Disappearances Crisis, 6 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1c04.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

February 6, 2018 10:30AM EST

By Tamara Taraciuk Broner

After Mexico City police officers detained 17-year-old Marco Antonio Sanchez on January 23, his family couldn't get information about his whereabouts for several days. Many Mexicans immediately assumed the worst  that authorities had "disappeared" him. As far-fetched as that may sound in a region where most people think of enforced disappearances as a practice of past dictatorships, it's actually a reasonable assumption in Mexico today.

Police detained Marco Antonio near a city bus stop where he was taking pictures of graffiti, a friend who was with him said. The officers accused Marco Antonio of attempted robbery, beat him, handcuffed him, and drove him away in an official vehicle, local media reported.

On January 26, after the media reports came out, the Mexico City Public Security Ministry said it was working to find the "missing young man." It eventually announced that four policemen implicated in Marco Antonio's disappearance had been identified and that two of them were under arrest "for not having observed some protocols." The officers claimed that they let Marco Antonio go soon after they detained him, but Mexican authorities have failed to show official records of the detention or the release.

The mystery lasted several days, during which the United Nations High Commissioner's Office in Mexico called on authorities to investigate the case as a possible enforced disappearance  that is, one involving state agents.

Finally, on January 27, Marco Antonio was presented before a judge in a courthouse in the town of Tlalnepantla, Mexico state, not far from the bus stop where he had been detained. Municipal police said that earlier that day they had found Marco Antonio wandering on a bridge, disoriented, and detained him fearing he would commit suicide. The judge released Marco Antonio, the press reported. He was found the following evening wearing different clothing, about 20 kilometers from the courthouse. It is still unclear what exactly happened to him between his arrest and the moment when he was found.

Marco Antonio and his family were relatively lucky. If prosecutors carry out a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation, we may even find out what happened to him during those five days. On February 5, the Mexico City attorney general said four police officers had been charged, and published videos from the day of his detention.

In contrast, the government reported in November that more than 34,000 people have been reported missing since 2006  when former President Felipe Calderon began his "war on drugs"  and their whereabouts still remain unknown.

The government's registry of the missing, though imperfect, is the only official source of data regarding the scope of disappearances in Mexico. The lack of adequate investigations makes it impossible to know exactly how many of these cases were enforced disappearances, in which security forces are directly or indirectly implicated, or how many are linked to organized crime. Regardless, each case is an excruciating nightmare for families and friends, who may imagine the worst  and who cannot hold a funeral or otherwise achieve closure.

Mexican prosecutors and police routinely fail to take basic investigative steps to identify those responsible for disappearances in which security forces are involved. They often tell the families to investigate on their own. And they have routinely failed to find missing people or to identify the remains of bodies or body parts found throughout the country, including in clandestine graves. According to the National Human Rights Commission, 855 clandestine graves were found in Mexico between 2007 and 2016, and only 796 of the 1,548 bodies found in them have been identified. Impunity for these cases is the rule.

This has happened even in the most paradigmatic disappearance case in recent years. Despite widespread international scrutiny, only one of the 43 students from a teachers college in Ayotzinapa who were disappeared in 2014 has been positively identified among remains that the government says are those of the students. The initial investigation into the crime was marred by irregularities, including torture of witnesses. Dozens of people have been charged with alleged involvement in the abductions, but prosecutors have not brought charges against state or federal authorities nor against members of the armed forces, although there are indications of their involvement.

The Mexican government is scheduled to present a report to the United Nations on February 13, on how it is living up to its obligations under the Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearances. It will probably highlight that a new law on disappearances, which recently entered into force after a long delay, sets the right legal framework to move forward with government policies to clean up the official registry of missing people, search for the disappeared, and bring those responsible to justice.

The law is, undoubtedly, a positive step that could contribute to solving the problem  but only if it is adequately implemented. Mexico is full of excellent laws that do not deliver meaningful results. The Mexican government's challenge today is not only to explain what it is doing and planning to do, but also to disclose a transparent and candid assessment of its results, including how many people responsible for disappearances  and enforced disappearances  have been held accountable for their crimes.

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Duterte Plan Against Rebels Ignores Tribal Community Concerns

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 6 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Duterte Plan Against Rebels Ignores Tribal Community Concerns, 6 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1c24.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Government Should Hold State Forces Accountable for Abuses

February 6, 2018 2:09PM EST

By Carlos H. Conde

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, wearing a military uniform, gestures as he attends the 67th founding anniversary of the First Scout Ranger regiment in San Miguel town, Bulacan province, north of Manila, Philippines November 24, 2017.  2017 Reuters

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has unveiled a new strategy to deal with the country's long-running communist insurgency: allow private business and investments into ancestral lands of indigenous peoples and end the poverty that fuels the rebellion.

By opening up the lands to private investment and creating employment opportunities for indigenous peoples the government hopes to undermine the influence of the communist New People's Army (NPA). By increasing jobs, "the NPA's influence over them would wane," Harry Roque, the president's spokesperson, told the media. "This means the NPA would no longer forcibly take them and turn them into fighters."

The situation in indigenous areas is not so simple.

The NPA has long been strong in tribal communities, particularly in the southern Philippines, because they are among the poorest of places, with inadequate delivery of basic services. These are also communities with a large military presence where government forces commonly act as private security for big mining and plantation operations.

Armed conflict and displacement are common in these areas. The Lumad  the collective name of Philippine indigenous peoples  often suffer from the military's abusive presence, which makes them more susceptible to recruitment by the NPA. The military, in turn, accuses the rebels of exploiting the Lumad and taps them to fight the NPA. The brutality of the conflict in these communities is well-documented , with killings frequently carried out by poorly trained paramilitary groups and militias allied with state forces.

Critics of Duterte's plan to open up the lands to developers have warned it could lead to more local violence. Many companies have a track record of degrading the environment and driving out indigenous peoples, with a predictable backlash from the affected communities and the NPA.

Indigenous communities in the Philippines have long suffered not just from government neglect, but from government abuses. Instead of leaving them at the mercy of businesses  who may or may not offer them jobs, and who can close up shop at any time  the government should take concrete steps to end rights violations and bring those responsible to justice. Government plans to improve the lives of the Lumad are unlikely to succeed so long as indigenous communities live in fear of violence, exploitation, and abuse.

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Interview: The Horror of Australia's Prisons

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 6 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Interview: The Horror of Australia's Prisons, 6 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1c3a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Prisoners with Disabilities Serving Time in Solitary, Face Physical, Sexual Abuse

February 6, 2018 6:00PM EST

By Kriti Sharma and Amy Braunschweiger

A prisoner lies in his solitary confinement cell in the safety unit at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, northern Queensland. Prisoners in solitary confinement typically spend 22 hours or more a day locked in small cells, sealed with solid doors, without meaningful social interaction with other prisoners; most contact with prison and health staff is perfunctory and may be wordless.  2017 Daniel Soekov for Human Rights Watch

About 50 percent of Australia's prison population has a disability, whether physical, cognitive, or a mental health condition. Reams of research show us how they end up in prison, but we knew little about what happens to people with disabilities behind bars  until now. After visiting 14 prisons in Australia, Researcher Kriti Sharma shares with Amy Braunschweiger her disturbing findings  that prisoners with disabilities regularly face physical and sexual abuse. Most of the people she interviewed had spent time in some form of solitary confinement, considered cruel and inhuman treatment for people with cognitive disabilities or mental health conditions.

How is it that 50 percent of Australia's prison population has a disability?

Eighteen percent of Australia's general population has a disability. The most common type of disabilities found in prisons are mental health conditions. People with disabilities are not more criminal than anyone else, but the lack of comprehensive mental health and social services has created a pathway to prison for many people with disabilities.

Many are Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders. Research shows that most of the offenses they committed are less serious than offenses committed by others  a failure to pay fines, traffic violations, or public order offenses.

What trends did you see for people with disabilities behind bars?

They're seen as easy targets. Across all 14 prisons, people with disabilities were repeatedly bullied. Other prisoners take away their possessions, cigarettes, medication. The way it happens is the nurse hands the medication out, puts it into your hand, and you swallow it, opening your mouth to show that you actually swallowed it. But after some people with disabilities take their medicine, other prisoners would make them regurgitate it up. If they didn't, they would get beaten up. One prisoner said he would be beaten up or attacked in the shower, and by the time the guards came, it was too late, he was already bashed. So he just gave in.

Some prisoners with disabilities are manipulated to do the bidding of other prisoners. If they try to resist, they will be threatened or beaten up.

Also, both male and female prisoners with disabilities faced physical and sexual violence, not just from prisoners but also from staff. In Australia's prisons, a "prison-carer" is another prisoner, paid by the prison, to help people with disabilities with things like going to the bathroom or making their bed. We documented cases where the carers were sexually abusive. There's such a power imbalance that the people with disabilities are afraid to report it. One case was uncovered by staff when they found blood and feces on the bed, and they started asking questions.

Prison officials said they go through great lengths to choose these carers. But a senior nurse in a prison said that some of the carers there were convicted of a sex crime.

Your research shows that prisoners with disabilities are also more likely to be placed in solitary confinement. Why is this?

It took us some time to uncover the frequent use of solitary confinement. They don't use those words in prisons Australia. They say "separate confinement" or "segregation."

Under international law, solitary confinement is being locked up in a room for 22 hours or more per day without meaningful social interaction. Across the prisons I visited you see people with disabilities  particularly mental health conditions -- kept in solitary for days, weeks, months, and sometimes even years.

Even when people are at risk of hurting themselves, they are kept in an observation room or a crisis center  the equivalent of solitary. Solitary confinement is damaging for any prisoner, but for prisoners with disabilities it is devastating.

We understand that prison officials are trying to keep them alive. But when a prisoner goes into this unit, they have no one to talk to. Lights are on 24/7, making it hard to sleep. They have no mental health support. They have to wear a suicide-proof gown, they're given finger food to eat  so no utensils. All this happens to them when they are having a crisis, when they're crying out for help. And they experience this as punishment. For some people, it pushes them over the edge.

We saw medical files from mental health professionals that say holding people in solitary confinement is extremely damaging, but they're not heeded. The files say the patients would get better if they were out of solitary.

It's even more damaging for Aboriginal people, because culturally family and community is so important.

We documented cases where prisoners went into these units and their condition deteriorated. They ended up in the hospital. A prisoner with a mental health condition told us he was verbally and physically abused by prison staff while in solitary, and then he started hurting himself, all because he wanted someone to speak to. "I was sobbing, they didn't respond. They opened up the grate [in the cell door] and laughed at me. I swallowed batteries in front of them," he said. "I started playing up [because] I needed to talk to someone but they ignored me." He ended up being shackled and taken to the hospital. Being ignored pushed him over the edge.

Why do staff do this?

Staff need better training to identify people with a disability. Right now, many staff misinterpret the behavior of these prisoners as being defiant and disobedient, and instead of giving them the assistance they need, they punish them.

Also, institutionalized racism against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is so common and accepted that it's not reported by prisoners. One woman with a mental health condition disability told me, "officers call me 'black cunt' heaps of times. It's normal."

How did you research this report?

We got unprecedented access to 14 prisons across Western Australia and Queensland and interviewed 275 people, including 136 prisoners with disabilities. Many of our partners haven't gotten such access. The Commissioners of Corrective Services of both those states know that dealing with prisoners with disabilities is challenging and were keen to get our input.

What was it like for you, going into these prisons?

In prisons, security is the number one priority. You leave your phone in a locker, take your shoes off when you go through security. You can only take a notebook and pen in with you. You're handed a panic button  if you press it, guards would come running in seconds. You're escorted everywhere. And you only have a very limited window to talk to people.

There's a subculture, and a prison lingo, you have to pick up. Officers are called "screws." "Dog" means traitor. They don't say they were "bullied," prisoner say they're "stood over." It takes a while to learn that and to build a rapport with prisoners. It was challenging research because prisoners are so scared to report abuse, and because you have very limited time to explain who you are and what you're doing and why they should confide in you. The same went for interviewing prison staff.

Being from India myself, it was easier. I think many of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people felt I was culturally closer to them than a white Australian would be.

A padded cell in Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, Queensland. Human Rights Watch documented at least three cases of female prisoners who were kept in windowless, perpetually lit, padded cells for several consecutive days, and in one case for over a month.  2017 Daniel Soekov for Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch has also researched what happens to prisoners with disabilities in the US and France. How does Australia compare?

There were a lot of similarities with the abuses that African-Americans and Latinos in the US face. They're over-represented in prison, they face racism and barriers to justice. On the disability front, it's also similar. When prison staff don't understand disabilities, they take punitive action. In the US, it leads to an excessive use of force. In France, it was the overuse of medication. And in Australia, it's the use of solitary. But at the root of it, there's inadequate training and access to appropriate support services.

What changes do you want to see?

In addition to training staff, we want regular and independent monitoring of prisons. This system exists in four states, but we would like it in all. We want an end to solitary confinement for prisoners with disabilities, and a first step would be for national or state-level inquiries into this issue. It's also important for people's disabilities to be screened when they enter a prison. Right now, people are asked to self-report disabilities, and many people  particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people  don't know they have a disability. Some feel shame and don't report it. If the disability is not identified, people may not get the support they need.

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Thailand: Burmese Workers on Trial for Reporting Abuses

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 7 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Thailand: Burmese Workers on Trial for Reporting Abuses, 7 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1c5a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

14 Migrants Face Year in Prison for Alleged Defamation

February 7, 2018 10:43PM EST

A worker tends to chickens at a farm in Thailand.  2007 Sukree Sukplang / Reuters

(New York)  The Thai government should publicly oppose in court the criminal defamation charges against 14 Burmese migrant workers for filing a complaint against their employer with Thailand's human rights commission, Human Rights Watch said. The trial is to begin on February 7, 2018, in Don Muang Magistrates Court in Bangkok. If convicted, the workers face up to a year in prison.

"The criminal defamation case against 14 migrant workers for reporting abusive labor conditions threatens all rights enforcement bodies in Thailand," said Brad Adams, Asia director. "The government should publicly oppose the employer's charges and protect the ability of government agencies to act on complaints of wrongdoing."

Public prosecutors and representatives of the Ministry of Labor should both play an important role in raising concerns with the court about protecting persons from retaliation for filing complaints to government agencies.

In July 2016, the 14 workers submitted their complaint to the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, accusing Thammakaset Co. Ltd.  a chicken farm in Lopburi province  of subjecting them to grueling work conditions. They said the company required them to work up to 20 hours a day without a day off over 40 or more days, forced them to work overtime, paid them below the minimum wage, restricted their freedom of movement, and confiscated their identity documents.

In August 2016, Labor Ministry officials ordered Thammakaset to pay the 14 workers compensation of 1.7 million Baht (US$48,600). However, the workers have yet to receive any compensation as the company has appealed the order in the courts.

Thammakaset filed a criminal defamation complaint in October 2016 against the 14 workers, together with a labor activist from the Migrant Worker Rights Network. Thammakaset contends the workers' complaints to the human rights commission damaged the company's reputation.

"The Ministry of Labor determined the company violated the law and ordered it to pay the workers," Adams said. "Shockingly, the company not only refused to pay but is now trying to level criminal charges against their workers for highlighting their plight."

On May 31, 2017, Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha emphasized the importance of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. He said: "The government is determined to push business operations in Thailand to be fully in line with the three pillars of the UN Guiding Principles regarding protection [of human rights], respect [for human rights], and reparation [for damage from abuse] . . . The government has undertaken actions, including enforcing a labor protection legislation that ensures fair treatment of workers and protects them from abuse and mistreatment."

However, Thailand's criminal defamation law allows employers to retaliate against workers who report alleged labor rights abuses. Article 137 of the Criminal Code makes it a criminal offense to give "false information to any official" where it "is likely to cause injury to any person or the public," and carries a penalty of up to six months in prison and a fine of up to 10,000 Baht (US$300). Article 326 makes it a criminal offense to "impute anything" to another person "before a third person in any manner likely to impair [their] reputation . . . or to expose such other person to hatred or scorn," and carries a penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 Baht ($600).

Human Rights Watch, along with an increasing number of governments and international agencies, believes that criminal defamation laws should be abolished because they are an inherently disproportionate response to the need to protect reputations. Civil defamation laws are perfectly adequate for that task.

"The government should not sit still while Thammakaset uses the courts to undermine corporate accountability for labor rights abuses," Adams said. "Thailand's national human rights commission should also step up and protect the integrity of its complaint process by speaking out against abusive criminal defamation cases."

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Bangladesh: End Crackdown on Opposition Supporters

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 8 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Bangladesh: End Crackdown on Opposition Supporters, 8 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1c7fd.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Hundreds Detained Ahead of Court Verdict on BNP Leader

February 8, 2018 9:00PM EST

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia waves to activists as she arrives for a rally in Dhaka in this file picture taken January 20, 2014. A Bangladesh court issued an arrest warrant on March 30, 2016 for former prime minister and opposition leader Zia over a deadly firebombing attack last year, a prosecutor said.  2017 Reuters

(New York)  Bangladesh authorities should stop the arbitrary arrests and detention of opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) supporters and others, Human Rights Watch said today. Hundreds have been arrested or placed under preventive detention ahead of a February 8, 2018 verdict on the corruption case against BNP chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia, and five others, including her son.

The Bangladesh government should publicly order the security forces to abide by international standards on policing demonstrations, Human Rights Watch said.

"The Bangladesh government is violating the rights to free expression and peaceful assembly by preventing opposition supporters from demonstrating," said Brad Adams, Asia director. "While all political party leaders should warn their supporters against engaging in violence, it's crucial for government security forces to act with restraint at all times."

Should Begum Zia be found guilty of embezzling over US$250,000 received in charity for an orphanage, she could be imprisoned and disqualified from running in elections due in early 2019. Anticipating protests by her supporters if she is convicted, the police have deployed additional forces, banned gatherings and protests, and arrested several senior BNP officials.

At a news conference in Dhaka on February 7, Begum Zia accused the government of false allegations to "harass me and my family," but called on her supporters to be peaceful. "The ruling [Awami League] party has curbed the rights to protest, banned processions, in an administrative order as it is more frightened than we are over the verdict," she said.

The Dhaka-based group Ain O Salish Kendra said that a "total of 1,786 persons have been arrested in the last eight days." An opposition spokesman told Human Rights Watch that thousands had been detained including members of the BNP, the Islamist political party Jamaat-e-Islami, and others not linked to any party. Concerns have also been raised that Awami League and BNP supporters might provoke violence and target each other's supporters.

Human Rights Watch urged the government to publicly order the security forces to abide by the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by law enforcement officials, which state that security forces shall "apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms," and that "whenever the lawful use of force and firearms is unavoidable, law enforcement officials shall: (a) Exercise restraint in such use and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offence and the legitimate objective to be achieved; (b) Minimize damage and injury, and respect and preserve human life."

"The Bangladesh government's claims to be open and democratic ring hollow as it cracks down on political dissent," Adams said. "The government has a responsibility to prevent and minimize violence, but it needs to do so in a way that respects basic rights, not flouts them."

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Government Crackdown Threatens Rights in Kenya

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 8 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Government Crackdown Threatens Rights in Kenya, 8 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1c918f.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

February 8, 2018 4:59AM EST

By Otsieno Namwaya, Africa researcher

Miguna Miguna (left) partakes in Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga's symbolic presidential oath of office, Nairobi, Kenya, January 30, 2018.  2018 Reuters

Human rights groups have been concerned since President Uhuru Kenyatta took power in 2013 at the authoritarian direction Kenya's government has been taking. But the situation has taken an alarming turn in the past week. Three highly repressive measures by the authorities since January 30 should worry us all, including the international community, which has been treating Kenyatta's administration with kid gloves.

Kenyan media and nongovernment groups that are even mildly critical of the government have come under immense pressure in the last five years.

On the morning of January 30, the Communications Authority of Kenya switched off KTN, NTV, Citizen and Inooro radio and television stations. The stations were broadcasting live from the site of the planned swearing as the "people's president" of Raila Odinga, Kenyatta's challenger in the recent presidential elections, in the hours before Odinga arrived to take the oath.

The Chairman of the Kenya Editors' Guild, Linus Kaikai, had publicly protested what he said was a secret meeting that President Kenyatta held with editors and senior media managers on January 26. Kaikai said that the president threatened at the meeting to take any station that aired the Odinga event live off the air. This allegation was repeated by others who said they attended the meeting, such as the vice chair of the Kenya Editors' Guild and the Chairman of the Media Owners' Association. The government neither confirmed nor denied that the meeting took place.

Also on January 30, the Kenyan authorities designated the National Resistance Movement (NRM), an activist wing of Odinga's NASA coalition, a criminal group. This step set the stage for a brutal crackdown on politicians and lawyers who took part in Odinga's oath ceremony.

Kenya is a multiparty democracy, where opposition politics are legal, so designating the NRM a criminal organization amounts to criminalizing opposition politics.

On January 31, police attempted to arrest three NTV journalists, Linus Kaikai, Larry Madowo and Ken Mijungu, allegedly to help with investigations into what interior cabinet secretary, Fred Matiangi, described as collusion between the media and the opposition to cause violence by airing Odinga's oath ceremony live. The journalists secured anticipatory bail barring police from arresting them but were required to record statements with police.

The media shutdown was arbitrary and has plunged Kenya into information darkness, undermining the right of Kenyans to access information or authenticate rumors. This is especially dangerous in the tense environment in Kenya right now, especially with the government either violently arresting and detaining opposition politicians and individual journalists, or threatening them with arrest.

Moreover, the government has shown blatant disdain for court orders. On February 1, the High Court of Kenya issued an order suspending the government ban on the media organizations. The Kenyan authorities' response was to deploy police around all relevant government offices to block court officers from serving the order. It was eventually served, but authorities continued to ignore the court order and the TV and radio stations remained off the air for another five days.

On the early morning of February 2, police broke into the house of an opposition lawyer, Miguna Miguna,and arrested him. Miguna is one of the people who swore Odinga in as the people's president That evening, Miguna's lawyers secured a court order for his release on bail.

Kenyan authorities simply ignored the order and not only failed to release Miguna but denied him access to lawyers and to medication despite reports that he had an asthma attack in police cells and urgently needed the medicine. His lawyers struggled to establish where he was being held. Miguna had not been charged by the third day even though Kenyan law requires an accused to be charged within 24 hours or be released.

On February 5, police ignored a second court order to produce Miguna in court, prompting the judge to cite the inspector general of police and the director general of the directorate of criminal investigations for contempt. On Feb 6, media reports suggested that Miguna may have been charged in a Magistrates court in the outskirts of Nairobi, but police failed for the second time to produce him before the High Court as ordered by the Judge. Instead, later that evening, and rather than present him before court as ordered, police deported Miguna to Canada, the country of his acquired citizenship.

This heavy-handed approach by the Kenyan authorities completely disregards international law and its own national law. The government and state officials have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, especially releasing people whom courts have ordered released  even more so at a time when the political stakes are so high.

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Philippines Murderous 'Drug War' in ICC Crosshairs

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 8 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Philippines Murderous 'Drug War' in ICC Crosshairs, 8 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1cd4.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

UN Investigation Still Urgently Needed

February 8, 2018 4:07PM EST

By Param-Preet Singh

A protester lights candles next to a placard, seeking justice for killings in President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs, during a protest in front of the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines August 23, 2017.  2017 Reuters

The International Criminal Court (ICC) will conduct a "preliminary examination" into killings linked to the Philippine government's "war on drugs," the court's prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced today.

Bensouda said the court will, "analyze crimes allegedly committed in [the Philippines] since at least 1 July 2016." President Rodrigo Duterte launched his anti-drug campaign immediately after taking office on June 30, 2016. Bensouda said the ICC's initial inquiry was based on allegations of "thousands" of deaths, many of which were linked to, "extrajudicial killings in the course of police anti-drug operations."

The ICC's action is a rebuke of the Philippine government's campaign of denial and distraction seemingly designed to deflect growing evidence of extrajudicial executions that Duterte and senior government officials have incited and instigated. Philippine journalists, foreign correspondents, and international human rights organizations including Human Rights Watch have compiled damning evidence over the past 19 months of police involvement in thousands of extrajudicial killings.

An ICC preliminary examination is not a full-blown, on-the-ground investigation. But it's a first step to determine a possible basis for a formal ICC investigation and sends an important signal that the severity of the alleged abuses warrants the prosecutor's scrutiny.

Duterte's spokesman, Harry Roque, dismissed the ICC's decision as a "waste of the court's time and resources." His response is just the latest example of government efforts to deny the horrific human toll of the anti-drug campaign, which has resulted in more than an estimated 12,000 deaths, the majority urban slum dwellers.

There have only been a handful of Philippine government prosecutions of police personnel implicated in drug war killings, none of which have resulted in convictions. Instead, the government has effectively institutionalized impunity for police involvement in serious rights violations. In August, Duterte vowed to pardon and promote any police personnel implicated in unlawful killings.

The ICC's announcement should spur efforts by United Nations member countries to push back against Duterte's efforts to legitimize his bloody "drug war." Indeed, the government's unrelenting hostility to international scrutiny and accountability makes a UN-led international investigation crucial. Such an investigation would send the message that UN member countries strongly support justice in the Philippines and put further pressure on the Duterte government to stop the killings and to cooperate with efforts to hold those responsible to account.

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Top Jewellers Don't Know Enough About The Gems They Sell

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 8 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Top Jewellers Don't Know Enough About The Gems They Sell, 8 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1d14.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

February 8, 2018 11:18AM EST

By Jo Becker

Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle watch a performance by a Welsh choir in the banqueting hall during a visit to Cardiff Castle in Cardiff, Britain, January 18, 2018.  2018 Reuters

An engagement ring has both financial and emotional significance. It symbolizes love and commitment that hopefully will last a lifetime. When Prince Harry chose an engagement ring for Meghan Markle, for example, he wanted it to be special. He designed the ring himself and chose a diamond from Botswana, where he spent time as a child with his mother, Princess Diana, and vacationed with Markle.

For the Royal couple, knowing the origins of the ring makes it all the more precious. But most people who buy an engagement ring have no idea where its gold and diamonds come from, or whether they might be tainted by human rights abuses.

Every year, people spend more than US$300 billion on jewellery and watches, often buying them as gifts for loved ones. But the conditions under which gold and diamonds are mined can be brutal, and in small-scale mining, child labour is common. In Ghana, I met 16-year-old Samuel, who had been working in gold mines since he was 11. He described long grueling hours crushing ore, and how he regularly coughed up blood from breathing in the ore dust. Child miners risk brain damage from exposure to mercury, used to process gold, and some have been injured or died when unstable pits have collapsed.

In countries in conflict, armed groups have murdered civilians as they battle for control over lucrative gold and diamond mines. Elsewhere, mines have polluted rivers and soil with toxic chemicals, harming the health and livelihoods of whole communities.

Globally, there is now a growing recognition that companies have to make sure their supply chains aren't tainted by abuse. Over the past year, Human Rights Watch has examined some of the world's largest and best-known jewellers to find out how they ensure their gold and diamonds are produced under conditions that respect human rights. We were disappointed by what we found.

Virtually none of the 13 jewelers we contacted could name the specific mines where their gold and diamonds originate. While most have human rights policies, few tell their customers what this means in practice. Astonishingly, many firms simply rely on their suppliers' assurances that the gold and diamonds they buy are responsibly sourced. And some have made no commitment to responsible sourcing at all.

It's not all bad news. Tiffany and Co. sources all of its newly-mined gold from a single mine in the US state of Utah, where it regularly assesses conditions. Companies like Pandora and Christ use recycled gold to avoid the human rights and environmental risks associated with newly-mined gold. For a portion of its gold, Cartier purchases the entire output of a "model mine" in Honduras. The Swiss company Chopard worked with several small-scale mining cooperatives in South America to improve working standards, and now sources part of its gold from those mines. Tiffany., Signet (the parent company to UK high streets chains H. Samuel and Ernest Jones), Bulgari and Pandora each require their suppliers to assess human rights risks in their supply chain, and work with them to address problems.

These practices show what is possible. But none of the companies we looked at fully meet international standards. This is alarming. Every jewellery firm should be able to trace their gold and diamonds to their original mines, and have a process to identify - and respond to - possible abuses in their supply chains  from the mines themselves right down to processing centres, manufacturing plants, and retail shops. They should check their own conduct and that of their suppliers through independent third-party audits, tell customers the names of their suppliers, and report publicly on what they are doing to ensure their minerals and gems are sourced responsibly.

This isn't just the right thing to do and what international standards require. It is also what consumers increasingly expect. More than a third of millennials say that when buying diamonds, responsible sourcing is the feature they are least likely to compromise on.

You shouldn't have to be a prince to know the origins of your jewellery. Consumers should ask tough questions when making a purchase. Because however exquisite the piece, you should be confident that its beauty hasn't cost someone else their health, their home, or their life.

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UN Rights Chief Urges Indonesia to End LGBT Discrimination

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 8 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, UN Rights Chief Urges Indonesia to End LGBT Discrimination, 8 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1d26.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Criminalizing LGBT People Born of Same Bigotry as Islamophobia, Says Zeid

February 8, 2018 4:48PM EST

By Kyle Knight

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein talks to reporters in Jakarta, Indonesia February 7, 2018.  2018 Reuters

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein is urging Indonesia's government to scrap clauses in a new draft criminal code that would discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. "[If] Muslim societies expect others to fight against Islamophobia, we should be prepared to end discrimination at home too," he said at the conclusion of a three-day visit to the world's largest Muslim country. "Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or any other status is wrong."

Since 2016, Indonesia's sexual and gender minorities have been under siege, including hateful rhetoric from government officials, attacks on LGBT human rights defenders, raids on lesbian-owned houses and private gay clubs, and arrests under a vague and discriminatory anti-pornography law. In 2017, police and public order officials arbitrarily arrested more than 300 LGBT people in raids. Zeid observed that the anti-LGBT moral panic was, "being cultivated seemingly for cynical political purposes."

In December 2016, Indonesia's Constitutional Court dismissed a petition seeking to criminalize all consensual sex outside of marriage, as well as adult consensual same-sex conduct  something the country has never done, except in Aceh province where Sharia (Islamic law) applies. In May, two men were publicly flogged in Aceh after neighbors caught them naked together.

The court's decision protected the basic privacy rights of all Indonesians, not only LGBT people. With some estimates that as many as half of Indonesian couples do not get legally married because of difficulties registering, criminalizing their sex lives could embolden vigilantes and overwhelm police and prison systems. After the court's ruling, the petitioners pledged to redouble efforts to amend the Criminal Code in parliament, where it is currently under debate.

Zeid urged Indonesia to, "resist attempts to introduce new forms of discrimination in law." And in its December ruling, the Constitutional Court issued a similar warning: "If one builds an argument that to maintain societal order is to force members of the society who acts in a manner considered deviant to change their behaviors through threats of criminal punishment, he or she basically believes that societal order can be created under repressive measures only."

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Vietnam: End Repression Against Religious Activists

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 8 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Vietnam: End Repression Against Religious Activists, 8 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1d4a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Hoa Hao Buddhist Practitioners Persecuted

February 8, 2018 7:50PM EST

Top: Bui Van Trung (left), Bui Van Tham (center), and Le Thi Hen (right) Bottom: Bui Thi Bich Tuyen (left) Nguyen Hoang Nam (center), and Le Hong Hanh (right)  Dao Trang Ut Trung

(New York)  Vietnam should suspend charges against six Hoa Hao Buddhist followers and investigate whether police actions against them were taken for discriminatory reasons or religious persecution, Human Rights Watch said today. Criminal trials for the six on public order charges are scheduled for February 9, 2018, before the People's Court in An Phu district, An Giang province.

The arrests stem from a public demonstration the defendants staged to protest police actions against believers in An Giang who were on their way to commemorate the death of a religious leader's mother. Police have frequently harassed independent members of this religious minority, which has a long history of friction with the government.

"This appears to be the latest instance of official persecution of members of this religion," said Brad Adams, Asia director. "The government should stop harassing and arresting those who belong to unsanctioned religious groups and leave people to practice their faith as they see fit."

The accused include Bui Van Trung, also known as Ut Trung, 54; his wife Le Thi Hen, 56; his daughter Bui Thi Bich Tuyen, also known as Lai, 36; his son Bui Van Tham, 31; Nguyen Hoang Nam, also known as Teo, 36; and Le Hong Hanh, 41.

On the evening of April 18, 2017, traffic police and men in civilian clothes set up a checkpoint near Bui Van Trung's house in An Phu district, An Giang province, to stop independent Hoa Hao Buddhist followers who came to attend the anniversary commemoration of Bui Van Trung's mother's death. The police did not cite them for traffic violations but confiscated their papers. Men in civilian clothes cursed and threatened to beat them while traffic police did not intervene. This appeared to follow a pattern of plainclothes 'thugs' being used by police for intimidation.

The next morning, traffic police and men in civilian clothes again set up the checkpoint. The traffic police instructed men in civilian clothes to impound the motorbikes of Mai Thi Dung, a former political prisoner, and of another Hoa Hao Buddhist follower, who were both stopped at the checkpoint, though neither were cited for any traffic violations. When Bui Van Trung's son Bui Van Tham tried to stop the men from taking the motorbikes, they beat him.

In response, Bui Van Trung and dozens of Hoa Hao Buddhist followers then staged a public demonstration to protest government repression. Bui Van Tham was later charged with "disrupting public order" under article 245 of the criminal code and "resisting people on public duty" under article 257. The other five were charged with "disrupting public order."

Founded in 1939 by Huynh Phu So, Hoa Hao is a Buddhist sect based in the western Mekong delta. Communist antipathy toward the Hoa Hao dates from the first Indochina war (1946-1954) when many members of the Hoa Hao community opposed the communist-led Viet Minh after the spiritual leader of the religion, Huynh Phu So, never returned from a meeting with communist representatives in 1947. During the second Indochina war (1954-1975), Hoa Hao zones in the western Mekong delta continued to resist the Viet Cong insurgency.

Hostility between the Hoa Hao community and the Communist Party continued after the end of the war in 1975. In 1999, the Vietnamese government recognized Hoa Hao Buddhism as a religion. However, many followers refused to join the state-sanctioned Hoa Hao Buddhist Church. They have been subjected to intrusive surveillance and repression. Every year, local police have used various means to prevent independent Hoa Hao Buddhist followers from gathering for important events such as the founding day of the religion or the anniversary of the death of the Hoa Hao founder Huynh Phu So. The authorities have repeatedly set up barriers to block the Quang Minh pagoda in Cho Moi district (An Giang province), which is often used by independent Hoa Hao followers for worshipping.

Bui Van Trung turned his house into an informal home church (dao trang) for independent Hoa Hao Buddhist followers in 2005 and preached the religion to practitioners who gathered at his house on numerous occasions without government approval.

Since then, his family has suffered intrusive surveillance, harassment, and intimidation on a regular basis. In April 2012, the local authorities cut off their electricity, threw rocks and rotten fish at their house, and sprayed water to prevent people from gathering at Bui Van Trung's house. Local police beat several people, Bui Van Trung told a reporter at Radio Free Asia. In May 2013, the authorities harassed, intimidated, and assaulted many of the people who tried to attend the ceremony commemorating the anniversary of his mother's death.

His family members have also been imprisoned. In July 2012, Bui Van Tham was arrested for "resisting people on public order" under article 257 of the penal code. He was convicted and sentenced to two years and six months in prison. In October 2012, Bui Van Trung was arrested on the same charge. He was sentenced to four years in prison. In February 2014, Bui Van Trung's son-in-law Nguyen Van Minh was arrested for a bogus traffic violation, charged with "disrupting public order" under article 245, and sentenced to two years and six months in prison. A bogus traffic violation was also used to arrest of Nguyen Van Lia, another independent Hoa Hao leader, in 2011.

In recent years, there have been numerous incidents of protest and government attacks centering on Hoa Hao believers. In August 2005, after one serious crackdown, a Hoa Hao Buddhist follower, Tran Van Ut, burned himself to death in protest. A dozen of Hoa Hao Buddhist activists were arrested and sentenced to many years in prison. In May 2017, Vinh Long police arrested Nguyen Huu Tan, an independent Hoa Hao Buddhist practitioner, on charges of conducting propaganda against the state. Police later claimed he committed suicide with a knife left in the interrogation room by a policeman. His family protested, pointing out many discrepancies between what they saw on his body and a blurry police video recording shown to them briefly.

Most recently, on January 23, 2018, the People's Court of An Giang province convicted Hoa Hao Buddhist activists Vuong Van Tha, his son Vuong Thanh Thuan, and his twin nephews, Nguyen Nhat Truong and Nguyen Van Thuong, to between six and 12 years in prison for "conducting propaganda against the state" under article 88.

At least 129 people are currently imprisoned in Vietnam for expressing critical views of the government, taking part in peaceful protests, participating in religious groups not approved by the authorities, or joining civil or political organizations that the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam deems threatening to its monopoly on power. Vietnam should unconditionally release them and repeal all laws that criminalize peaceful expression.

"Three members of Bui Van Trung's family served prison sentences simply because they refused to practice their religion under the control of the state," Adams said. "And now it looks like the authorities are putting him and his family members on trial for the same reason."

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Burma: Ensure Unfettered Aid in Kachin State

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 9 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Burma: Ensure Unfettered Aid in Kachin State, 9 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1d6a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Military Obliged to Protect Civilians in Operations

February 9, 2018 10:53PM EST

People displaced in the conflict between Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Burmese military for the control of an amber mine pass their time at a Christian church in Tanai Township, Kachin State, Burma on June 16, 2017.  2017 Soe Zeya Tun / Reuters

(Rangoon)  The Burmese military should ensure that humanitarian aid reaches all civilians in need in northern Burma's Kachin State, Human Rights Watch said today. On February 5, 2018, approximately 5,000 people demonstrated in Myitkyina, the state capital, against the Burmese military operations in the state.

In recent weeks there has been increased fighting between the Burmese army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kachin State, including the use of heavy weapons and airstrikes by the military. Thousands of ethnic Kachin have fled their homes, leaving unknown numbers of civilians trapped, displaced, and without adequate assistance, according to aid agencies and media reports. United Nations agencies have not been granted access to the two townships most affected by fighting.

"The embattled civilian population in Kachin State should not be forgotten amid the dire humanitarian situation facing the Rohingya," said Brad Adams, Asia director. "Both the Burmese army and the KIA should do everything possible to ensure that aid reaches civilians in need."

The fighting in Kachin State escalated significantly in mid-January. Fighting has been especially intense in Tanai and Sumprabum townships, while there has also been fighting in Mansi and Waingmaw townships.

The media reported that on January 26 the Burmese military carried out airstrikes in areas around the town of Tanai near several amber mines. Heavy fighting and shelling continued for multiple days. The escalation in fighting has trapped thousands of civilians. Additional fighting was reported in several areas surrounding the town.

Humanitarian aid groups told Human Rights Watch that hundreds of civilians remain trapped near the amber mines. Those fleeing the fighting face a walk of several kilometers and an hours-long boat ride on waterways controlled by the Burmese military with multiple checkpoints. The aid groups said that they do not have access to the areas where people are fleeing, and the UN has not been granted access to the township. Local humanitarian groups are able to provide limited aid in Tanai town, where hundreds remain displaced from previous rounds of displacement.

There has been repeated fighting in Tanai Township since June 2017, when the military distributed leaflets by air calling for all civilians to leave the area or be considered "terrorists." The fighting left civilians trapped in Tanai, with the military blocking aid and escape routes.

In Sumprabum Township, hundreds of civilians have been forced to flee from their homes due to heavy fighting and shelling. Aid groups estimate that more than 900 people have been displaced and have sought refuge in the forests. According to the UN, 500 fled from the Ndup Yang internally displaced people's camp after mortar shells landed near the camps. According to humanitarian aid groups, roads to Sumprabum are rarely reliable. Additionally, in the past several days, the KIA has reportedly destroyed several bridges on the route to the township from the capital of the state to the south in Myitkyina. Aid groups told Human Rights Watch that the only way reliable way to reach the displaced people was through military-controlled waterways.

Since early February the KIA has attacked military posts and patrols in Mogaung and Myitkyina townships near Myitkyina.

Under international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, all parties to an armed conflict are obligated to facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian assistance to all civilians in need and allow civilians to freely leave conflict areas. It is unlawful to attack civilians on the basis that they did not leave a conflict area.

"The blocking of humanitarian aid in Kachin State has put thousands of civilians at greater risk, especially those forced from their homes or trapped in combat areas," Adams said. "Donor governments need to press the Burmese authorities to protect and assist civilians caught up in the fighting."

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Gay Couples Who Could Finally Marry In Bermuda Feel Like Second-class Citizens Again

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 9 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Gay Couples Who Could Finally Marry In Bermuda Feel Like Second-class Citizens Again, 9 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1d8a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

February 9, 2018 2:41PM EST

By Boris Dittrich

Gay Couples Who Could Finally Marry In Bermuda Feel Like Second-class Citizens Again. Boris Dittrich.

Bermuda has just taken away same-sex couples' right to marry.

In a new law signed this week by Bermuda's Governor, John Rankin, the right for same-sex couples to marry has been replaced with the option of a domestic partnership, a status that will be open to both same- and different-sex couples.

Bermuda, a British overseas territory with about 65,000 inhabitants, is the first country in the world to reverse its laws on same-sex marriage, doing so with remarkable speed.

It was only May last year that Bermuda's Supreme Court ruled to allow same-sex couples to marry, and many gays, lesbians and their allies celebrated the court's decision. Cruise liner operators, who sail under the Bermuda flag on which marriage ceremonies are performed under Bermuda law, also welcomed the ruling. The decision was good for equality, tourism and business in general.

But fierce debate both in Bermuda's parliament and wider society, about whether marriage should be preserved as a union between a woman and a man, followed the court's ruling.

The Bermuda government introduced the Domestic Partnership Act 2017, which overrides the ruling on same-sex marriage, in an attempt to calm tensions and reconcile opposing views. The bill passed the House of Assembly and the Senate, and only needed the signature of the Bermuda governor to become formalized. This week saw that final step taken.

So where does this leave same-sex couples who married in Bermuda after the court's ruling but before the Act comes into effect? The Minister of Home Affairs, Walton Brown, has said that same-sex marriages lawfully contracted under Bermuda law will continue to be recognized. He added that any same-sex marriages taking place elsewhere before and during the transition period will also be legally recognized.

The decision to abolish the right to marry for same-sex couples is harsh, unprecedented, and runs counter to developments in other parts of the world.

The Netherlands was the first country in the world to introduce marriage equality at the beginning of the century, in 2001.

Since then, 25 countries have extended civil marriage to same-sex couples.

In 2017, legislation for same-sex marriage came into force in both Germany and Malta, two European Union member states. In Austria, the Constitutional Court ruled that the government and parliament have until January 1, 2019, to introduce legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry. If the government does not act by then, the law on civil marriage law will be automatically be read as if amended and from then on, same-sex marriages can take place.

In Asia, in a May ruling, Taiwan's Constitutional Court paved the way for marriage equality too, striking down the legal definition of marriage as "between a man and a woman." The court gave parliament two years to amend existing laws or pass new legislation to include same-sex marriage. If parliament fails to act, same-sex couples will automatically be able to marry. Thus, by 2019 or sooner, Taiwan will become the first Asian country with marriage equality.

In Chile, President Michelle Bachelet introduced a marriage equality bill in August, which Chile's Congress began debating in November. The debates will continue in 2018. If the bill is adopted, Chile will become the sixth country in Latin America with marriage equality.

The Australian government introduced legislation permitting same sex marriages in Parliament following the results of a national postal survey, in which 61.6 percent of respondents voted in favor of marriage equality. The Senate and the House of Representatives approved the bill, and the first marriages took place in December 2017.

The early days of 2018 have also been very positive for marriage equality in the Americas. On January 9. the Inter American Court of Human Rights affirmed, in a landmark advisory opinion, that the American Convention on Human Rights requires countries to allow same-sex couples access to civil marriage, and all of the rights and benefits that derive from it. This ruling creates an opening in the states who have ratified the Convention to follow the marriage equality example of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay.

Bermuda's decision is a serious set-back for its gay and lesbian couples. Their government has sent them a message that they are somehow second-class citizens, simply because they love someone of the same sex.

However, while there is also a risk the decision will embolden conservative groups in other countries who do not respect non-discrimination, the tide of equality is inevitably rising. And this week's move by Bermuda's government will ultimately be shown to be on the wrong side of history.

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Uganda: Human Rights Group Targeted in Violent Break-In

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 9 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Uganda: Human Rights Group Targeted in Violent Break-In, 9 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1dc4.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Police Failure to Respond to Attacks on Organizations

February 9, 2018 2:02PM EST

Ugandan human rights activists hold a press conference on February 9 to condemn the violent break-in at Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) and call on police to investigate. 2018 HURINET

(Nairobi)  Ugandan rights organization Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) was the target of a violent break-in on the night of February 8, 2018, Human Rights Watch said today. HRAPF works to protect the rights of marginalized groups including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people, and sex workers. The group reported that unidentified assailants broke into its office overnight, disabled parts of the security system, and slashed two guards with machetes, severely injuring them.

The break-in continues a string of burglaries and attacks on the offices of independent nongovernmental groups in Uganda, including a previous attack on HRAPF in May 2016, in which a security guard was beaten to death and documents were stolen. The Uganda police neither identified nor arrested suspects in that attack. According to DefendDefenders, a Kampala-based regional human rights organization, over 30 organizations in Uganda have experienced similar break-ins since 2012. No one has ever been prosecuted for any of the attacks.

"In failing to effectively investigate attacks on nongovernmental groups, the Uganda police send a clear message that human rights defenders are on their own, and cannot count on the authorities for basic protection," said Maria Burnett, East Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "We are deeply concerned that the pattern of attacks and consistent lack of police investigations is a tactic to intimidate Uganda's outspoken human rights activists."

Following a series of attacks on nongovernmental organizations in 2016, including the attack on HRAPF, Human Rights Watch and 30 Ugandan and international human rights organizations sent a letter to the inspector general of police, Gen. Kale Kayihura, expressing grave concern about the wave of break-ins and assaults. The letter requested the police to issue a public statement clarifying the steps police had taken to investigate the attacks, and how the police would ensure that human rights defenders who had been attacked, including the HRAPF defenders, would be effectively protected from further acts of violence. The inspector general did not respond or issue such a statement.

The targeted groups work on a range of sensitive issues. HRAPF, for example, provides pro-bono legal aid services to LGBTI people and sex workers and conducts research and advocacy, including with the Uganda police. On February 8, the day of the attack, HRAPF staff had held a training session for police officers in the Elgon region on the rights of LGBTI people. Organizations working on land rights and the rights of journalists and women have also experienced break-ins, and in some cases, their security guards were attacked.

As a party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, Uganda is obligated to uphold a resolution adopted at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights in May 2017 to take "necessary measures to provide human rights defenders with a conducive environment to be able to carry out their activities without fear of acts of violence, threat, intimidation, reprisal, discrimination, oppression, and harassment from State and non-State actors."

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in November 2017 calling on countries to actively support the work of human rights defenders, including by "duly investigating and condemning publicly all cases of violence and discrimination against human rights defenders."

"The Uganda Police Force should respect its obligations under African and international law to protect human rights defenders," Burnett said. "Police indifference to attacks targeting activist groups needs to end."

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Poland's Twisted Holocaust Law

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 10 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Poland's Twisted Holocaust Law, 10 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1de4.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Law Criminalizes Anyone Who Claims Polish State Was Involved in Nazi War Crimes

February 10, 2018 12:00AM EST

By Todor Gardos

A sign reading "Stop!" in German and Polish is seen at the former Nazi German concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz, during the ceremonies marking the 73rd anniversary of the liberation of the camp and International Holocaust Victims Remembrance Day, in Oswiecim, Poland, January 27, 2018.  2018 Reuters

A new law in Poland, threatening to jail those who imply the country had a role in the Holocaust, will likely have a wider chilling effect on free expression.

The law, signed by Polish President Andrzej Duda, makes it a crime punishable by up to three years imprisonment to claim that the Republic of Poland or the Polish nation was responsible for, or participated in, Nazi crimes during the Second World War.

Under the law, the Institute of National Remembrance, a state body tasked with establishing an official historical narrative and prosecuting Nazi and Communist-era crimes, will now also be able to claim compensation from anyone "damaging the reputation" of Poland.

Duda has asked the Constitutional Court to review the law to determine if it is compatible with Poland's constitution. He has also asked for clarification on what exceptions will be made for "artistic and academic" expression included under the law.

Some observers worry that the Polish government's motivation goes beyond solely trying to suppress discussion about Poland's role in crimes committed in the Second World War. Critics argue the government may be able to use the civil remedies in the law to curb broader public criticism of its track record.

While the use of the term "Polish death camps" may obscure the responsibility of the Nazis for those camps on Polish soil, the government has failed to convincingly prove that the harsh measures under the law are necessary to prevent the "falsification of Polish history" and of "slandering" Poles.

Laws that criminalize historical discussion  whether denial of, or responsibility for, genocide  have a chilling effect on free expression even if no one is prosecuted under them.

Rather than criminalizing discussion of these awful crimes, the government should seek to create an environment for public debate to thrive, in which fact-based arguments can be presented and exchanged without fear of reprisal.

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Liberia: Make Justice a Priority

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 12 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Liberia: Make Justice a Priority, 12 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1e03.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

New Government Should Take Concrete Steps on Past Atrocities

February 12, 2018 1:00AM EST

(Nairobi)  Liberia's new government should take prompt steps to pave the way for fair investigation and prosecution of serious past crimes committed during Liberia's brutal civil wars, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to President George Weah released today.

A supporter walks by an image of George Weah, President of Liberia, in Monrovia, Liberia, December 27, 2017.  2017 Reuters

Weah was elected in late December 2017, after a tense election run-off with former Vice President Joseph Boakai. Weah took office on January 22, 2018.

"President Weah has a chance to make history by ensuring that Liberia's victims at long last have a chance to see the people who committed crimes against them held to account," said Elise Keppler, associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch. "Liberia has made important progress to advance post-conflict stability, but no one has faced justice in Liberia for the brutal crimes during that period."

During two armed conflicts  1989 to 1996 and 1999 to 2003  horrific abuses were committed against civilians in Liberia. These included summary executions and numerous large-scale massacres; widespread and systematic rape; mutilation and torture; and large-scale forced conscription and use of child combatants. The violence blighted the lives of tens of thousands of civilians, displaced almost half the population, and virtually destroyed the country's infrastructure.

Liberia has not prosecuted a single person for these grave crimes.

The only efforts to bring justice for the victims have been made before courts outside Liberia, in the United States, Belgium, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Most of these proceedings were initiated under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows national authorities to pursue individuals believed to be responsible for certain grave international crimes such as torture, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, even though they were committed elsewhere and neither the accused nor the victims are nationals of the country.

While these cases help to break wholesale impunity for the crimes, they remain a severely restricted route to justice as they generally depend on the presence of the suspect on the territory of the country pursuing the case.

A Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was created in Liberia in 2006 to address the causes and impact of the country's social turmoil between 1979 and 2003. In December 2009, the TRC issued its final report, which highlighted problems in the Liberian justice system and called for the establishment of a hybrid international-national tribunal with Liberian and foreign judges to try past crimes. While supportive of the general approach, Human Rights Watch has recommended that several elements of the proposal should be revised to ensure prosecutions of past crimes in accordance with international standards.

Weah should take several specific steps to begin pursuing accountability for past atrocities, Human Rights Watch said. The government should as soon as possible establish an independent advisory committee on justice and the rule of law and develop a comprehensive and public strategy to ensure the prompt investigation and fair prosecution of those responsible for past atrocities.

As part of these efforts, the new government should revisit the TRC's recommendations with a view to establishing a court with international assistance to fairly and effectively prosecute international crimes committed in Liberia.

"The countless victims of the unspeakable crimes committed in Liberia deserve justice for what they have suffered," Keppler said. "The era of rampant impunity for international crimes should at last close."



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Mauritania: Human Rights Defenders at Risk

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 12 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Mauritania: Human Rights Defenders at Risk, 12 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1e24.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Curbs on Activism Over Discrimination, Other Sensitive Topics

February 12, 2018 6:00AM EST

March organized by the Collective of Widows and by the Collective of Civilian and Military Victims, on the Day of Commemoration of the Events of 1989-1990, November 2016, Nouakchott.  2016 Tiphaine Gosse

(Nouakchott)  Mauritania's human rights defenders face repression when they raise the country's most sensitive social issues, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The issues include ethnic and caste discrimination, slavery, and the need for accountability for a campaign of atrocities against certain groups three decades ago.

The 73-page page report, "Ethnicity, Discrimination, and Other Red Lines: Repression of Human Rights Defenders in Mauritania," examines the legal framework that allows the government to easily refuse legal recognition to associations it dislikes, on such grounds as engaging in "anti-national propaganda" or "exercis[ing] an unwelcome influence on the minds of the people." Without legal recognition, associations are hard-pressed to rent a hall for a meeting or public event, obtain permission to peacefully protest, or obtain funding from foreign donors.

"Authorities tolerate a measure of human rights activism," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "But the more activists try to address the country's most pressing social issues, the more they seem to face prohibitions, prosecutions, and obstacles designed to hobble their work."

The most disturbing current examples include an apostasy case against a blogger, Mohamed Cheikh Ould Mkhaitir, who until recently faced the death penalty because he criticized the use of religion to justify discrimination. In another case, Abdallahi Saleck and Moussa Bilal Biram, activists in an anti-slavery group, are serving two years in a remote prison after an unfair trial.

Mauritania's ethnic diversity reflects the country's location, bridging the Maghreb and West Africa. The population consists of three main ethnic groups. The first two, which together form about 70 percent of the population, speak the local dialect of Arabic known as Hassaniya. One of these groups, Beidans, are descended from Arabs and Berbers. The other, larger group is the Haratines, mostly darker-skinned former slaves and their descendants. The third group, Afro-Mauritanians, includes several ethnic groups whose native languages are African. Nearly all Mauritanians identify as Muslim.

From 1989 to 1991, during heightened tensions with Senegal to the south, authorities opened a campaign of summary executions, expulsions to Senegal, and land expropriations that targeted Afro-Mauritanians. The government of the day provided a blanket amnesty in 1993 to those responsible for the abuses. But today's government maintains that it has provided compensation and acknowledgment to the victims and their survivors, and that this page in Mauritania's history must now be turned.

Activists who reject the amnesty and persist in demanding more reparations, truth-telling, and accountability face sporadic repression. A retired colonel, Oumar Ould Beibacar, has been under a criminal investigation for two years because he publicly supported prosecuting those responsible for executing scores of his fellow officers a quarter century ago.

Mauritania abolished slavery only in 1981, and first criminalized it in 2007. The government claims that the challenge today is to remedy the vestiges of slavery, since slavery itself has been eradicated. Activists state that slavery is still practiced, though reliable data does not exist and there is disagreement on its extent.

The most outspoken anti-slavery group, the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA), is a particular target of the authorities. In addition to Saleck and Biram, who were convicted of incitement for an unarmed gathering and administering an "unrecognized" association, eight other members received lesser sentences in the same trial. In an earlier case, the group's president and then vice-president spent 18 months in prison on trumped-up charges relating to a stand-off with police in 2014 over an awareness-raising "caravan" that IRA had co-sponsored.

Mauritania has taken steps to show a commitment to the international human rights system. It has ratified most major human rights treaties, adopted domestic laws to protect human rights, and engaged with the United Nations and African human rights systems. It has provided frequent, though not unfettered, access for international rights groups. Human Rights Watch visited twice in 2017 without obstacles; officials met with the delegation, permitted visits to prisons, and provided a written response to questions, which is included in the report.

But the authorities undermine these positive steps by their repression of local activists. The whereabouts of Mkhaitir, the blogger, are unknown. Although the appeals court verdict in November should have led to his release, he has not been seen or heard from since, and authorities have said nothing publicly about his whereabouts.

The Mauritanian authorities should void Mkhaitir's conviction, immediately release him unconditionally, and repeal the provision of the penal code's article 306 criminalizing apostasy and punishing it with death. The activists Saleck and Biram should also be freed and given a new and fair trial if there is evidence to warrant it.

The government should limit the authority of the executive branch to dissolve or refuse to register groups; amend the draft associations law to eliminate the registration requirement or make it easier to register; allow any peaceful group to register; and allow public gatherings without prior permission unless there is a demonstrable risk to national security or public order.

"Authorities point to the thousands of legalized independent associations in Mauritania as proof that civil society is flourishing," Whitson said. "But the real proof is to be found in how the government treats the tiny minority of associations that aggressively raise difficult questions."

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Syria: Landmines Kill, Injure Hundreds in Raqqa

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 12 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Syria: Landmines Kill, Injure Hundreds in Raqqa, 12 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1e3a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

More International Support Needed for Clearance

February 12, 2018 12:57AM EST

Warning about mines written on outside wall of building in Raqqa, Syria, January 21, 2018.  Human Rights Watch

(Beirut)  Homemade landmines have killed and injured hundreds of civilians, including more than 150 children, in Raqqa, Syria since the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) was pushed out of the city in October 2017, Human Rights Watch said today.

ISIS had planted the antipersonnel mines when it controlled the city. They include devices often called booby traps or improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Most appeared to be victim-activated and therefore banned under international law.

"The defeat of ISIS in Raqqa was heralded as a global international victory, but international support for dealing with the aftermath of the battle, and notably the deadly legacy of mines, has not risen to the challenge," said Nadim Houry, terrorism/counterterrorism program director at Human Rights Watch. "Explosive devices have already killed and injured hundreds of civilians, but these numbers will most likely increase as more people return."

During a visit to the city in late January 2018, Human Rights Watch collected information from the Kurdish Red Crescent and international medical organizations working in the area. They found that between October 21, 2017 and January 20, 2018, mines injured at least 491 people, including 157 children, many of whom died. The actual number of victims is surely higher, as many people have died before reaching any medical assistance and those deaths were not necessarily reported.

Some members of the anti-ISIS coalition have donated funds for demining efforts, notably for clearing "critical infrastructure." But local authorities in Raqqa and medical providers expressed concerns about the limited effort to clear residential areas and said there was a shortage of demining equipment and expertise. The situation has led Raqqa residents to pay local people, who are often ill-equipped, to risk their lives to demine homes.

According to local authorities, more than 14,500 families had returned to Raqqa, notably to neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city, like al-Meshleb, by December 20, 2017. The authorities expect that substantial numbers of people will continue to return, despite the high level of mine contamination and the limited services available in the heavily damaged city.

The Raqqa Civilian Council, which is in charge of the city, issued a directive on November 21 urging people not to return to their homes before neighborhoods had been cleared of mines and other explosive devices. However, many local residents whom Human Rights Watch interviewed said that they had returned to check on their homes despite the risks because they feared looting or wanted to avoid remaining in camps for the displaced.

Residents said that relatives and neighbors were injured by explosives that detonated when they opened their refrigerator or washing machine, moved a large bag of sugar left behind, or simply pushed open a bedroom door. These accounts show that most of the victims were injured or killed by victim-activated improvised explosive devices, rather than by explosives detonated by a vehicle or by remote-control.

Poster warning about danger of explosive remnants of war on roundabout in Raqqa, Syria, January 21, 2018.  Human Rights Watch

Victim-activated devices that explode due to the presence, proximity, or contact of a person fall under the definition of an antipersonnel landmine and are banned by the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibits any use of antipersonnel landmines under any circumstance. Even if labeled as improvised explosive devices or booby traps, such mines are prohibited by the Mine Ban Treaty, which Syria has not joined.

According to one demining organization working in Raqqa, a common switch or detonator used by ISIS relied on passive infrared sensors, an electronic sensor that measures infrared light radiating from objects in its field of view and detonates when a person merely passes through a particular area. The group noted that such improvised mines have been found in "building doorways, under stairwells, debris piles, roadside, rubble piles and even buried in open fields."

The United States and other members of the anti-ISIS international coalition, including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and France, have provided or promised support for demining efforts, particularly to clear "critical infrastructure sites" while training local residents to take the lead in clearing residential areas. But the local demand for demining is far outstripping existing services.

A member of the Raqqa Civilian Council indicated that families could ask their local neighborhood council to request an inspection of their homes before returning, but that the ability to respond did not meet the demand. In just one Raqqa neighborhood, the local council reported receiving about 10 requests for house inspections a day, while they said that the local authorities' ability to respond is about 10 clearance tasks a week across the entire city.

The discrepancy has driven many local residents to simply pay someone to clear their homes. During its visit, Human Rights Watch saw young men waiting at a roundabout to offer their services to inspect houses and remove rubble, at great risk to their own lives. One local resident said that he paid 25,000 Syrian pounds (about US$50) for a man to check his house. "It's like playing Russian roulette, but these young men are desperate for money," the resident said.

International donors should make mine clearance and mine risk education a priority to protect people from these avoidable deaths and injuries, Human Rights Watch said. Countries bordering Syria should facilitate access for demining organizations and for humanitarian assistance to survivors.

"Visiting Raqqa, one is struck by the discrepancy between the international support to militarily defeat ISIS and the very timid support to deal with the aftermath," Houry said. "If the situation does not change, the ISIS legacy of landmines will continue to kill for years."

Human Rights Watch is a founding member of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which received the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to bring about the Mine Ban Treaty and for its contributions to a new international diplomacy based on humanitarian imperatives.

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The Problem with China's Latest Anti-Mafia Crackdown

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 13 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, The Problem with China's Latest Anti-Mafia Crackdown, 13 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1e5a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Past Campaigns Rife with Torture

February 13, 2018 8:00PM EST

By Maya Wang

"Strike at mafia forces" and "make the people feel safer"  these seem like unobjectionable goals for China's latest crackdown against organized crime, set to run through 2021.

A "tiger chair" specially designed to restrain detainees. Former detainees say that police often strap them into these metal chairs for hours and even days, depriving detainees of sleep, and immobilizing them until their legs and buttocks were swollen.  2014 Private

But the campaigns are often ridden with abuses. As prominent lawyer Zhang Lei, who has represented many people accused of mafia dealings, put it: "These anti-mafia cases follow the same model." That "model" is simple: torture of suspects followed by their forced confessions, intimidation of family members and business associates, and judges who defer to police and Chinese Communist Party dictates.

Consider the case of Chen Huiliang, a man investigated in 2008 by Fujian police on allegations of "participating in a mafia." Police held him for six months in an illegal detention facility, strapped him to an iron "tiger chair" for nearly two months, and beat him with police batons. Chen lost the use of one leg and suffered spinal nerve injuries. Or the case of Li Qinghong, a businessman accused of being a gang leader by Guizhou police in 2008. Police hung him by his wrists and deprived him of sleep. In both cases, the court failed to seriously examine these torture claims; Chen and Li were sentenced to five and 14 years in prison, respectively.

China's anti-crime campaigns are also problematic because they can easily double as partisan purges, such as the targeting of political rivals during the anti-mafia drive of former Chongqing party czar Bo Xilai. So it is a worrying sign that China's top court announced that those who "threaten political security" would be targeted alongside with drug kingpins, loan sharks, and other types of criminals in this nationwide campaign. Local governments said they will use the campaign to target the political crimes of their choice, including against people who collectively petition the government, and against supporters of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

The Chinese government should end its politicized criminal campaigns and emancipate the judiciary from Communist Party control. Putting a stop to torture is a critical first step.

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Cambodia: Legislating New Tools of Repression

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 14 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Cambodia: Legislating New Tools of Repression, 14 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1e7a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Hun Sen Expands Rule by Changing Constitution, Criminalizing 'Insulting Monarchy'

February 14, 2018 3:30PM EST

Prime Minister Hun Sen signs a register before a plenary session at the National Assembly of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, February 14, 2018.  2018 Reuters

(New York)  Cambodia's parliament enacted amendments to the constitution and penal code that will further consolidate the ruling party's power and stifle free speech, Human Rights Watch said today. Cambodia's donors should publicly state that these continued moves towards a one-party state will have serious political, economic, and diplomatic consequences.

With the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) dissolved, the Cambodian People's Party (CPP)-controlled National Assembly unanimously passed the amendments on February 14, 2018, following ratification by the Council of Ministers in early February. The changes next move to the rubber-stamp Senate for approval before being signed into law by King Norodom Sihamoni.

"Piece by piece, Prime Minister Hun Sen has constructed a legal and political system to cement himself as the country's sole authority, without threat of opposition or dissent," said Brad Adams, Asia director. "These amendments are the latest marker of his shift toward barefaced authoritarianism. The mask of democracy is off."

The National Assembly passed amendments to five articles of the Cambodian constitution that tighten restrictions on voting rights and freedom of association and require every Cambodian citizen to "respect the constitution" and "defend the motherland." Article 34 was changed to allow new restrictions on the right to vote, while Article 42 now gives the government authority to take action against political parties if they do not "place the country and nation's interest first," an amendment designed to target opposition parties. Article 53, which now states that Cambodia cannot interfere in the internal affairs of other countries since it opposes foreign interference in its own affairs, also appears to target the CNRP, which regularly appealed to donors and the United Nations to put pressure on the Cambodian government to hold free and fair elections and impose sanctions.

Additional election-related amendments were approved which restrict the Constitutional Council's authority to process complaints from political parties that have been denied registration by the Ministry of Interior.

"These amendments are clearly aimed at shutting up the opposition and imposing penalties on any attempt to appeal for international assistance to reverse Hun Sen's creation of a new one-party state," Adams said. "They also open the door to further law-based restrictions on basic rights."

Revisions to the penal code include a lese majeste (insulting the monarchy) provision that carries a penalty of one to five years in prison and a fine of up to US$2,500 for individuals, and $12,500 for legal entities. The law is an additional avenue for the government to pursue politically motivated prosecutions at the expense of free speech in Cambodia. "We created the law to make people scared," said Interior Ministry spokesperson Khieu Sopheak, in reference to the new provision.

Justice Ministry spokesperson Chin Malin said the CPP drafted the lese majeste law to "prevent and punish, in order to protect the dignity and the fame of the king." Yet Hun Sen's own approach toward the monarchy over his 33 years of rule has been one of minimization and contention. Hun Sen declared after his longtime political rival Norodom Sihanouk abdicated that the former king would be better off dead, and has severely restricted the current king's presence and role to curtail any potential political threat.

The lese majeste law comes on the heels of a defamation case against former Deputy Prime Minister Lu Lay Sreng, who was sued by Hun Sen for comments he made in a leaked phone call criticizing the king and the CPP. He was found guilty in absentia on January 25 and ordered to pay Hun Sen US$125,000.

Thailand's government has long abused its draconian lese majeste laws to arbitrarily detain critics, journalists, and activists, who often face long prison sentences and denial of bail. This has sharply constrained free expression in the country, including increasing restrictions on social media. Since the May 2014 military coup, at least 105 people have been arrested in Thailand on lese majeste charges.

The UN Human Rights Committee states in its General Comment No. 34 on the right to freedom of expression that lese majeste laws "should not provide for more severe penalties solely on the basis of the identity of the person that may have been impugned," and that governments "should not prohibit criticism of institutions, such as the army or the administration." The UN special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye, stated in February 2017 that "lese majeste provisions have no place in a democratic country."

With national elections slated for July 2018, the CPP has increasingly abused the justice system to prosecute opposition leaders and activists and suppress independent voices. The political crackdown reached a new peak in November 2017 with the dissolution of the CNRP, the main opposition party, and the ensuing redistribution of its 55 parliamentary seats. The CPP has used its expanded bloc in the National Assembly to pass legislation that shores up its political control. The revisions to the penal code and constitutional amendments were ratified with a unanimous vote from the 123 assembly members, with full support from the royalist party Funcinpec, which took over most of the CNRP's seats, in addition to the CPP's majority.

The new amendments suggest the CPP will further its crackdown via legislative means. After a National Assembly meeting on February 13 to discuss the amendments, a CPP spokesperson told reporters: "Cambodia needs to have a law in the future to protect the country's leaders because since 2012, people have been using social networks to foment a color revolution."

"As the national elections draw near, Hun Sen is flexing the unchecked power he's long claimed for himself," Adams said. "Targeted, concerted efforts from concerned governments are needed for any chance of deterring further repression made easier through these new provisions."

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Court Embraces Right to a Healthy Environment in the Americas

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 14 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Court Embraces Right to a Healthy Environment in the Americas, 14 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1e9a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Ruling Will Empower Citizens

February 14, 2018 1:00AM EST

By Marcos Orellana

San Andres island.  2015 Marcos Orellana

"A clean environment is a fundamental right for the existence of humanity," proclaimed the Inter-American Court of Human Rights last week, the first time the court explicitly outlined some of the key components of the right to a healthy environment.

The court affirmed that the American Convention on Human Rights, a regional treaty obliging states parties to respect rights, protects the right to a healthy environment.

Colombia had requested this opinion from the court in 2016, expressing concerns about the threat posed by large-scale infrastructure projects in the Caribbean to the human rights of the islanders of the archipelago of San Andres, located opposite Nicaragua in the Caribbean Sea. In 2013, Nicaragua announced plans for a "grand canal" connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, though construction has not yet started. Serious questions have been raised about the potential environmental impact of the project.

Colombia and Nicaragua had sparred over dominion over the San Andres archipelago. In 2012 the International Court of Justice settled their territorial and maritime dispute, granting Colombia title over the archipelago and leaving Nicaragua with a larger share of the continental shelf. That raised concerns in Colombia about the potential impact of oil and gas extraction by Nicaragua on the archipelago of San Andres.

One key question the court grappled with was this: Since environmental harm often crosses state boundaries, does the American Convention protect persons affected by environmental harm coming from another country? The answer is yes: The court explicitly said that states' obligations under the convention extend to harms caused to people outside of their borders.

This could be good news to Islanders of San Andres, who now know that they could approach the court to hold Nicaragua accountable for any violation of their right to a healthy environment.

The court's ruling is a big step forward for the right to a healthy environment and will help empower people and communities to defend it.

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Criminalizing Indonesia's LGBT People Won't Protect Them

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 14 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Criminalizing Indonesia's LGBT People Won't Protect Them, 14 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1eb4.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

February 14, 2018 12:00AM EST

By Kyle Knight

Motorcyclists ride past a banner calling for LGBT people to leave the Cigondewah Kaler area in Bandung, Indonesia, January 27, 2016.  2016 Reuters

It may seem preposterous, but some Indonesian politicians are attempting to portray the criminalization of adult consensual same-sex conduct as somehow protecting against vigilantism. Make same-sex behavior a crime, they say, and conservative elements will be placated, avoiding violent outbursts. If there is an official route to report and prosecute lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, the logic goes, members of the public won't resort to attacks.

The argument has a certain appeal amid Indonesia's intensifying moral panic about sexuality, but the substance makes no sense whatsoever  especially considering Indonesia's unrelenting government-driven campaign of vitriolic rhetoric against LGBT activism and people . But while politicians spin their current decision-making as horse trading and political compromise, their policy proposals echo the deeply problematic historical relationship between Indonesia's laws and vigilante attacks on minorities  and portend a violent future.

In late January, Zulkifli Hasan, speaker of Indonesia's parliament, who had been one of the first public figures to launch an anti-LGBT diatribe in 2016, told reporters that there were parliamentarians discussing same-sex marriage  a triggering issue in Indonesian political discourse. In 2017 social media erupted with calls to boycott Starbucks, for example, because the coffee company's CEO had four years earlier declared his support for marriage equality. Hasan's statement that legislators were discussing same-sex marriage was not true, but in Jakarta's political chess match, it effectively cornered all players into publicly affirming their support for some degree of opposition to gay equality.

One member of parliament, a representative from Aceh province, suggested the death penalty. Aceh's position is extreme; it is the only province in Indonesia allowed to implement Sharia (Islamic law) and the 2014 local criminal code includes punishments for adult consensual same-sex conduct, as well as clauses that encourage community enforcement and "snooping," which has led to widespread vigilante actions and, in 2017, Indonesia's first public flogging for homosexuality.

Other lawmakers proposed complete criminalization of sex outside of marriage, with extra penalties if it is between two people of the same gender  an anti-adultery law, with an anti-gay provision. A group called the Family Love Alliance brought a similar proposal to the Constitutional Court in July 2016, where justices rejected it 5-4.

Some other legislators involved in the criminal code revisions proposed what they see as a compromise. As Ichsan Soelistio, a parliamentarian from Indonesia's largest political party, Indonesian Democratic Party for Struggle (PDIP), and one of the members working to update the country's criminal code told the Washington Post last week: "[We] have agreed to accept a law which allows prosecution of sex outside marriage and homosexual sex, but only if one of the sexual partners or their family members report the crime to police."

Soelistio, who is a member of President Joko Widodo's party, calls this version of the law "a firewall." Without it, he insists, "the public can try to take the law into their own hands" and attack LGBT people.

The proposal is eerily similar to how Indonesian politicians have attempted to spin the country's notorious blasphemy law as a stabilizing force and a preventative measure against vigilante violence. In 2008, the government also issued an anti-Ahmadiyah regulation, reasoning that it would prevent vigilantes attacking the Muslim minority community, often accused of committing blasphemy against Islam.

The blasphemy law, article 156a of the Indonesian criminal code, was passed in 1965 and punishes deviations from the central tenets of Indonesia's six officially recognized religions with up to five years in prison.

In 2009, when Muslim intellectuals challenged the blasphemy law in the Constitutional Court, government witnesses defended the law, saying Muslim mobs would probably attack religious minorities if the blasphemy law were overturned because ordinary Indonesian Muslims believed it was their duty to defend Islam. Ultimately, in 2010 the court ruled 8 to 1 that the blasphemy law lawfully restricted minority religious expression because it allows for the maintenance of "public order." The court agreed that without it, religious minorities could become targets of violence by intolerant members of the public.

In fact, the exact opposite has happened  repeatedly.

Militant Islamist groups and community vigilantes have violently targeted Ahmadiyah, Gafatar, Christian, Buddhist, Confucian and other religious minorities. For more than a decade, police, military, and other authorities have failed repeatedly to defend these religious communities, investigate the attacks, and bring perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, dozens have been prosecuted under the law for expressing minority religious views. The law has been an abject failure in theory and practice, and a source of violence, not protection.

In rejecting last year's petition to criminalize homosexuality, Indonesia's Constitutional Court said it was for parliament to decide whether to criminalize private sexual behavior, but warned against over-criminalization. "If one builds an argument that to maintain societal order is to force members of the society who acts in a manner considered deviant to change their behaviors through threats of criminal punishment," the justices warned, "he or she basically believes that societal order can be created under repressive measures only."

So, when legislators such as Soelistio suggest that "we are not banning gay people. We are trying to give them freedom within certain limits," it rings not only hollow, but mendacious. The anti-LGBT campaign that began in 2016 has metastasized into outright violence  including police raids on night clubs that were HIV education and testing hubs, as well as private homes. At least 300 LGBT people were arrested last year.

Basic human rights aren't a matter of political horse-trading, and protection is never achieved through criminal sanctions against minorities' fundamental rights. It's not freedom of expression versus security, or privacy versus dignity. Indonesia's experience with the blasphemy law should be evidence enough to tip the balance back towards protecting human rights. Indonesia has never in its history criminalized adult consensual same-sex conduct: 2018 is not the year to do it.

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Law Not on Side of Russia's Domestic Violence Victims

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 14 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Law Not on Side of Russia's Domestic Violence Victims, 14 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1ed4.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

One Year Since Legislative Changes Weakened Protections

February 14, 2018 2:28PM EST

By Yulia Gorbunova

A protest performance staged by women's rights activists in Saint Petersburg after Russia's adoption of domestic violence legislation, January 2017.  2017 David Frenkel

A jealous husband from a small town near Moscow took his 25-year-old wife and mother of their two small boys, Margarita Gracheva, to the woods, put a knife to her throat, and threatened to kill her. The woman called the police, but when a police officer eventually called her back 18 days later, they offered only to "talk" to the husband. It was in October 2017, and as with many cases of unaddressed family violence, the situation escalated over time. Two months later, the husband chopped off Margarita's hands with an ax.

This February marks one year since controversial amendments decriminalizing first offenses of battery within the family were rammed through the Russian parliament, cheered on by conservatives citing "traditional" values and claiming they seek to strengthen Russian families. Women's rights groups, lawyers and activists warned against the amendments, voicing fears that abusers would view it as a green light.

Russia does not have a separate law on domestic violence, and there is no legal definition of it, so reliable statistics are hard to come by. But the gravity of the problem can't be underestimated. Forty percent of all violent crimes in Russia are reportedly committed within the family, yet authorities are doing far too little to both effectively prevent domestic violence and to ensure justice for victims. Gracheva's case is just an example of the way police routinely do not investigate or even respond to domestic violence complaints. Furthermore, the system is stacked against victims, who often must gather evidence and prepare cases for court themselves. Russian law does not provide for protection orders that offer survivors immediate and longer-term protection from abusers. Shelter spaces for those who need it are severely limited.

Legal experts say that Russia's domestic violence victims, who are predominantly women and children, are worse off than a year ago: fewer factors now deter abusers, and there is still no protection for victims. Several senior officials, including Russia's Minister of Interior andthe head of Russia's chief investigative agency, have criticized last year's law.

Meanwhile Margarita Gracheva's husband, now in jail, writes his wife letters threatening to kill her when he's released. Doctors managed to reattach Gracheva's left hand, but the right was smashed beyond repair. A protection order, enforced by police in a timely manner, could have helped protect her.

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Misery for Women and Girls in Greece's Island Paradise

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 14 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Misery for Women and Girls in Greece's Island Paradise, 14 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1efa.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Government Downplays Sexual Violence Risks in Migrant Hotspots

February 14, 2018 1:00AM EST

By Hillary Margolis

A girl walks next to a self-made shower at a makeshift camp for refugees and migrants next to the Moria camp on the island of Lesbos, Greece, November 30, 2017.  2017 Reuters

"Refugee women and children face heightened risk of sexual violence amid tensions and overcrowding at reception facilities on Greek islands."

This is the alarming title of the report published Friday by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), expressing grave concerns for the safety of women and children in the so-called refugee "hotspots" on Greece's islands. The Greek government quickly responded  but not as you would hope.

Greece's Ministry for Migration Policy attempted to sidestep the report's warnings about sexual violence  and overcrowding and lack of hygiene and sanitation  by implying that UNHCR's findings were not "thorough" or "scientifically substantiated."

Yet multiple Human Rights Watch investigations revealed identical concerns.

In visits last winter and in 2016 to the Moria "hotspot" on Lesbos island  one of several sites intended to receive, identify, and process migrants and asylum seekers  we witnessed dozens of women, men, and children living in tents on the site's walkways. Blankets were strung up to create a modicum of privacy in a massive warehouse. The camp, which then had capacity for 2,330 people, was housing over 6,000. We saw fetid toilets and people struggling to access clean water.

Women and girls said they experienced sexual harassment and threat of violence daily, deterring them from leaving their shelters or even going to the bathroom. They expressed little confidence that Greek authorities would help or protect them if they report incidents.

"Cynthia," 18, from Cameroon, said a male asylum seeker in Moria threatened and assaulted her repeatedly because she identifies as a lesbian and wears clothing that doesn't conform to gender norms. "He once pushed me against a tree by the throat," she said. "I haven't reported it. I'm afraid . . . If I report it to the police, maybe they won't do anything, [but] if he is reprimanded, his friends will come and hurt me."

In responding to the UNHCR report, the Ministry welcomed proposals to improve conditions in hotspots. Yet little has been done to implement previous recommendations by Human Rights Watch and other organizations to ensure that even minimum standards  such as adequate lighting, secure shelter and toilets, and effective reporting mechanisms for gender-based violence  are in place.

Every day that the Greek government dodges responsibility for dangerous conditions in hotspots is one more day that women and children are living in misery on Greece's postcard-perfect vacation islands.

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Thailand: Rights Agenda Hollow Without Major Reforms

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 14 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Thailand: Rights Agenda Hollow Without Major Reforms, 14 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1f1a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Fulfill Pledges, Restore Democratic Rule

February 14, 2018 6:42PM EST

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha gestures during a news conference after a weekly cabinet meeting at Government House in Bangkok, Thailand on January 9, 2018.  2018 Athit Perawongmetha / Reuters

(New York)  Thailand's human rights agenda will be meaningless until the government fulfills its repeated pledges to respect basic rights and restore democratic rule, Human Rights Watch said today. On February 12, 2018, Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha hosted an event at the Government House in Bangkok to promote the national human rights agenda, which was adopted in November. Hundreds of guests, including 55 foreign diplomats and representatives from international and multilateral organizations, attended.

"Thailand's junta leader should not think that polite attendance by diplomats at an event promoting a human rights agenda will trick them into believing that repression is no longer a daily reality in Thailand," said Brad Adams, Asia director. "Rather than restoring respect for human rights and returning the country to democratic rule, the junta has persecuted critics and dissidents, banned peaceful public assembly, censored the media, and suppressed free speech."

At the event, General Prayuth spoke about the government's "4+3+2+1" agenda for promoting respect for human rights and creating peace in society. The agenda consists of creating awareness, a follow-up system, innovation, and networks; adjusting databases, attitudes, and legislation; mobilizing government agencies to implement the human rights agenda; and reducing human rights abuses.

The junta has made similar promises since the May 2014 coup without taking serious action. General Prayuth continues to wield broad and unaccountable powers without any oversight. The junta-sponsored constitution, in effect since March 2017, ensures that members of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will not be held accountable for any rights violations committed since taking power. It also prolongs substantial military control of the government even after an election that the junta promises to hold in 2018.

Since the coup, the NCPO has enforced censorship and ordered media not to criticize military rule. Media outlets face intimidation, punishment, and closure if they publicize commentaries critical of the junta and the monarchy or raise issues the NCPO considers to be sensitive to national security  including reporting allegations against the military about human rights violations. Most recently, on February 6, Peace TV was forced off the air for 15 days for criticizing military rule.

Thai authorities have prosecuted hundreds of critics and dissidents on criminal charges such as sedition and computer-related crimes for the peaceful expression of opinions. Public gatherings of more than five people and anti-coup activities are prohibited. The authorities charged 39 pro-democracy activists with illegal assembly for attending a peaceful rally on January 27, which urged the government to meet its pledge to hold elections in 2018. Nine also face sedition charges for giving speeches at the rally.

Thousands have been summoned and pressured to stop making political comments, especially when citing disagreements with the junta. Claiming that diverse political opinions are harmful to stability, the NCPO has frequently censored public discussions about the state of human rights and democracy in Thailand under military rule.

The military frequently holds people accused of criminal offenses pertaining to national security in secret detention for up to seven days without charge and interrogates them without access to lawyers or safeguards against mistreatment.

The government has failed to fulfill its obligation to ensure that all people and organizations engaged in the protection and promotion of human rights are able to work in a safe and enabling environment. In recent years, government agencies along with private companies have frequently retaliated against individuals who report allegations of human rights abuses by filing criminal defamation charges and seeking prosecution for alleged computer crimes.

On February 7, 14 Burmese migrant workers were brought to court on defamation charges for filing complaints about labor rights abuses against their employers with the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand. On February 9, the 4th Army Region  in charge of Thailand's southern border provinces  filed a civil defamation complaint seeking Thai baht 10 million (US$286,000) in damages from MGR Online news for its reports alleging torture of a suspected insurgent in military custody.

"Despite the adoption of a so-called 'national human rights agenda,' there is no end in sight for military dictatorship as the ruling junta continues its crackdown on fundamental freedoms and delays a return to civilian rule," Adams said. "Pressure from Thailand's friends is urgently needed to end repression and restore respect for basic human rights."

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Australia: Electoral Bill Will Stifle Public Debate

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 15 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Australia: Electoral Bill Will Stifle Public Debate, 15 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1f3a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Nonpartisan Groups Should Not Be Registered as 'Political Campaigners'

February 15, 2018 4:59PM EST

Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull attends the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Danang, Vietnam on November 11, 2017.  2017 Jorge Silva / Reuters

(Sydney)  A proposed Australian law will limit social activist organizations from using foreign funding for advocacy purposes, Human Rights Watch said today in a submission to Australia's Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters. A committee hearing is scheduled for February 16, 2018, in Canberra.

The Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Funding and Disclosure Reform) Bill 2017 is overly broad and infringes on basic rights, particularly the rights to freedom of speech, association, and expression and the implied right to political communication, Human Rights Watch said.

"Like an independent press, vigorous and outspoken nongovernmental organizations are essential to a rights-respecting democracy," said Elaine Pearson, Australia director. "Australia already has safeguards in place to restrict the political activity of registered charities and non-profit groups."

The proposed law requires organizations that spend a specified amount on "political purposes" to register as "political campaigners" and prohibits foreign funding to organizations for those purposes. "Political purpose" is defined very broadly to include the "public expression of views on an issue that is, or is likely to be, before electors in an election period (whether or not during an election period)."

The bill would chill legitimate advocacy work of nongovernmental organizations, impose onerous reporting requirements on them, and risk stigmatizing non-partisan groups by labeling them "political."

"Whether supported by foreign or local funds, groups should be able to comment on the issues of the day, which is not the same as promoting or opposing a political party or candidate," Pearson said.

Senator Mathias Cormann, Australia's finance minister, said that, "Reform is necessary to support the integrity of Australia's electoral system, and Australia's sovereignty, by ensuring that only those with a meaningful connection to Australia are able to influence Australian politics."

Restricting foreign donations to political parties or candidates, as well as to organizations that are campaigning for political parties or candidates, are valid legal changes that Australia might choose to make. Efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to influence politics in Australia have led the Australian government to take steps to counter foreign interference in Australian politics.

But the bill makes no distinction between these types of political activities, and advocacy on issues that may arise in an election. Rather than protecting Australia's democracy, the bill threatens to undermine it by curtailing freedom of speech, expression, and association.

The Australian government should abolish the requirement for nongovernmental organizations to register as "political campaigners" and limit application of this law to restrict foreign donations to political parties and candidates. Only organizations actively campaigning for or against political parties or candidates should be required to register as "political campaigners."

If Australia adopts these amendments, it will be following in the footsteps of repressive countries like Ethiopia, Russia, India, Hungary, and Egypt, all of which have taken steps to restrict foreign funding to nongovernmental groups, with devastating consequences for civil society and freedom of expression, Human Rights Watch said. The United States, United Kingdom, and Canada do not have such restrictions on foreign funding of groups that engage in advocacy.

"Restricting foreign funding to advocacy groups is a move straight out of the authoritarian's playbook," Pearson said. "Overly broad laws that restrict foreign funding have been used to intimidate and silence NGOs in Russia, Ethiopia, and elsewhere. Australia should not go down that path."

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Families in Iraq with Alleged ISIS Ties Denied Aid

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 15 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Families in Iraq with Alleged ISIS Ties Denied Aid, 15 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1f54.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Government Should End 'Collective Punishment'

February 15, 2018 4:55PM EST

By Belkis Wille

Yesterday in Kuwait, international donors pledged US$30 billion to help rebuild Iraq. But it's unclear whether any of this support will reach one of the most marginalized segments of the population  families of suspected Islamic State (ISIS) members, many of whom joined the extremist group because of longstanding government repression.

Remnants of "Jamil's" home PMF forces destroyed on January 9.  2018 Belkis Wille/Human Rights Watch

While these families may not be the most sympathetic constituency, it is a critical group to refranchise if the Iraqi government wants to prevent future sectarian strife. But there is already mounting evidence that security forces and area residents in Mosul are preventing international aid organizations from providing these families with basic humanitarian assistance.

One aid worker told me that during food distributions last August and September in the neighborhoods of Tal al-Rumman, al-Amal, and Yarmouk, community council members reviewed the beneficiary list and struck off several families they said had ISIS relatives, telling the organization it could not provide assistance to them.

A staffer at another organization said that Federal Police forces prevented the organization from providing shelter assistance to any residents of Zanjili and Shifaa neighborhoods, stating they viewed many to be families with ISIS relatives. Police also blocked assistance to three families in the neighborhoods of al-Islah, al-Zirai, and al-Oruba for the same reason.

A worker from another aid group witnessed security personnel and community leaders select which houses in west Mosul still without power to receive water and electricity from water trucks and communal generators  the families with suspected ISIS relatives were consistently being put at the end of the queue. The worker said they were banned from bringing in fuel and water to another neighborhood for the same reason.

In January, the intelligence services informed an international aid organization to stop providing cash assistance to families in east Mosul's al-Quds neighborhood because residents reported they were providing assistance to families of ISIS relatives, an aid worker said.

International humanitarian principles call for aid to be delivered impartially to those most in need, without any distinction or discrimination. International human rights law requires governments to respect basic rights, including to food and health, without discrimination. Punishing individuals because of the actions of others amounts to unlawful collective punishment.

Having spent time in Mosul, I can attest to the anger of those who suffered during ISIS's horrific rule, and their feelings toward those perceived linked to the group. However, Iraq's government should know from its own recent history the deadly consequences of allowing the cycle of marginalization to continue and should take all measures necessary to put an end to collective punishment.

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Russian Court Says Foster Mother Unfit Because of 'Male Behavior'

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 15 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Russian Court Says Foster Mother Unfit Because of 'Male Behavior', 15 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1f73.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Discriminatory Ruling Breaks Up Family

February 15, 2018 2:00AM EST

By Kaitlin Martin

"Sometime and somewhere there used to be summer," Yulia Savinovskikh posted to Facebook in November 2017 after guardianship agency officials removed two foster children from her care.  2017 Yulia Savinovskikh

A Russian court ruled earlier this month that 40-year-old Yulia Savinovskikh is unfit to foster two children with disabilities, claiming that because she allegedly exudes a "style of male behavior," she violated Russian family legislation as well as the "traditions and mentality" of Russian society.

The two 5-year-old boys had been living with Savinovskikh and her husband for three-and-a-half and two years, respectively.

Surely, Russian "traditions and mentality" recognize that the best place for a child is in a loving home, which the couple provided for the boys, one of whom has cerebral palsy and the other a serious medical condition.

The saga began when guardianship agency authorities removed the boys from Savinovskikh's home in August 2017, groundlessly claiming that she planned to undergo sex reassignment surgery to transition to male. The authorities cited a transgender blog she wrote and a recent breast removal surgery, done for health reasons, as evidence. Savinovskikh has said she does not plan to undergo surgery to change her sex.

In the following months, Savinovskikh fought to get the children back. She announced a hunger strike outside the Social Policy Ministry's office, she raised awareness about her case in the press and online, and she appealed the guardianship agency's actions.

In its ruling, the court, located in the Ural region city of Yekaterinburg, said Savinovskikh's home was safe and comfortable for the children and that neighbors spoke positively of the family. It ignored this evidence, however, and confirmed the decision to remove the children, who are now living in an orphanage for children with disabilities. Shockingly, the court's ruling also notes that the prosecutor's office is reviewing a potential criminal case against Savinovskikh for providing improper care to her three biological children.

A parent or guardian's gender identity should not determine their fitness as a caregiver. The court's decision is discriminatory and has stripped the boys of the best chance they currently have to get the nurturing only a family can give. For almost 100 years, studies have documented stunted physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development among children separated from families and placed in institutions.

The Russian authorities should act in the children's best interests and ensure they can grow up with foster parents who love them instead of in an institution, where they risk facing neglect and abuse.

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China State TV Celebrates New Year - with Racism

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 16 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, China State TV Celebrates New Year - with Racism, 16 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1f8a.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Netizens Criticize Blackface, Stereotypes

February 16, 2018 1:29PM EST

By Sophie Richardson

Screenshot of a segment from the 2018 CCTV Spring Festival Gala.  2018 Human Rights Watch

Every Lunar New Year's Eve, hundreds of millions of people across China gather around their televisions to watch the Spring Festive Gala on CCTV, the state broadcaster. In recent years people have criticized the show for its sexism: in the 2015 gala, for instance, a sketch depicted unmarried women over 30 as unwanted second-hand goods. And a sketch in the 2017 gala extolled the virtues of women who embrace "traditional roles."

Today, many Chinese viewers are outraged about a different kind of discrimination in the form of a shockingly racist sketch. That skit, intended to showcase the Chinese government's friendship with African countries and the "One Belt, One Road" development initiative, featured a Chinese actress in blackface with an exaggerated fake posterior and a basket of fruit on her head, saying things such as "China has done so much for Africa" and "I love Chinese people! I love China!" Accompanied her was an actor from Cote d'Ivoire dressed in a monkey costume.

"If you accidentally watched the Spring Festival Gala, please take an antidote," someone posted on WeChat, the popular Chinese social media platform. "Indignant at one's own race being discriminated against in white-dominated society while at the same time proudly discriminate against other races," wrote feminist activist Zheng Churan. Censors quickly moved to erase the condemnations.

This is no aberrational slip-up by Chinese authorities. In October 2017, a charity exhibit organized by the Hubei provincial government, titled "This is Africa," displayed side-by-side photographs of Africans and animals showing similar expressions, such as a boy and a chimpanzee, each with their mouths agape.

Last March, during China's annual rubber-stamp congress in Beijing, a politician presented a proposal urging the government to "strictly control Africans" living in China, claiming they "engage in drug trafficking, harassment of women, and fighting" and "have a high rate of AIDS and the Ebola virus."

In 2012, amid a crackdown on "illegal foreigners," over 100 Africans in Guangzhou protested after an African man who was taken into a police station for questioning suddenly died in police custody. Some Africans living in the city described suffering discrimination and that the police seek out Africans to target.

China's President Xi Jinping likes to talk about his vision for a new, just world order. It's hard to see that happening when his own state media broadcasts a vision of racism  and then censors criticism of it.

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Duterte's Condom Criticism Imperils Philippine HIV Fight

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 16 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Duterte's Condom Criticism Imperils Philippine HIV Fight, 16 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1faa.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

Presidential 'Joke' Sets Back Reproductive Health Efforts

February 16, 2018 5:36PM EST

By Carlos H. Conde

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, in a televised speech before Filipino women on February 13, 2018, urges them to not use condoms, comparing usage to eating wrapped candy. 2018 PBS-RTVM

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte demonstrated reckless disregard for the health of Filipinos this week by suggesting they avoid using condoms because they "aren't pleasurable." During an address to returning overseas migrant workers, mostly women, Duterte instead advised them to use "free" contraceptive pills and illustrated his point by putting a wrapped piece of candy in his mouth. "Here, try eating it without unwrapping it," he told them. "Eat it. That's what a condom is like."

For Duterte's supporters, the comment was just the latest of his "humorous asides"  like when he supposedly wisecracked about emulating Hitler in enshrining mass murder as state policy or joshed about the gang rape and murder of an Australian nun. But it's irresponsible for the Philippine president to downplay the importance of condoms at a time when the Philippines is experiencing the fastest growing epidemic of HIV in the Asia-Pacific region.

Condom use can be key for reproductive health but for many years the Catholic Church has sought to restrict access to condoms in the largely Catholic country. It is at the center of UNAIDS anti-HIV strategy because they are "cost-effective tools for preventing [HIV and] other sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies." Condoms also have an important role in assisting the 81 percent of Filipino women who want to delay or prevent childbearing and in helping to reduce the country's high maternal mortality rate.

Policies restricting access to condoms are a threat to public health. International law obligates states to ensure access to condoms and related HIV prevention services as part of the human right to the highest attainable standard of health. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, ratified by the Philippines in 1974, directs governments to take steps necessary for the "prevention, treatment, and control of epidemic . . . diseases," including HIV/AIDS.

Instead of criticizing condoms as a pleasure inhibitor, Duterte should take meaningful action to protect the health of Filipinos by backing urgently needed policy changes to expand the accessibility and use of condoms in the Philippines.

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Libya: Residents Barred from Returning Home

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 16 February 2018 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Libya: Residents Barred from Returning Home, 16 February 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a8eb1fca.html [accessed 16 September 2021] 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.

ICC Should Investigate Forced Displacement of Tawerghans

February 16, 2018 12:00AM EST

Make-shift tent camp in Qararet al-Qatef for forcibly displaced residents of Tawergha who are blocked from returning to their hometown by militias from Misrata, Qararet al-Qatef, Libya, February 10, 2018.\  2018 Emad Ergeha

(Beirut)  Armed groups and civilian authorities in the Libyan coastal city of Misrata are blocking thousands of people from the town of Tawergha from returning to their hometown after seven years of forced displacement. Two men have died following strokes since February 1, 2018, in the deteriorating conditions for families stranded in makeshift desert camps that lack adequate health facilities.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, should investigate those implicated in possible crimes against humanity against the Tawergha community, as part of her continued efforts to address ongoing grave abuses in Libya.

"Misrata militias and authorities who are barring 40,000 forcibly displaced people from returning to their homes after seven years of living in squalid conditions are being cruel and vindictive," said Sarah Leah Whiston, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "The authorities in Tripoli should act to ensure that people already on their way to Tawergha reach it in safety and help them to rebuild their lives."

On February 1, the Misrata forces blocked thousands of people from Tawergha from returning to their town. The effort to return followed a long-anticipated decision by the United Nations-backed Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) to initiate the return process, based on an agreement brokered by the UN between representatives from Misrata and Tawergha that provided for reconciliation between the communities and compensation for victims on both sides.

Misrata militias forcibly displaced at least 40,0000 Tawerghans from their town in 2011 as collective punishment for their support of the deposed leader Muammar Gaddafi and alleged abuses by some Tawerghans against Misrata residents. Since then, the Tawergha community has been dispersed around the country in makeshift camps and private housing.

Thousands of people have tried to return since February 1. Human Rights Watch spoke on the phone on February 2 and 12 with Emad Ergeha, an activist and media spokesman for the Tawergha Local Council, the main body representing the displaced Tawergha community and coordinating relief. He said that when Tawerghans tried to reach their village on February 1, armed groups from Misrata burned tires, harassed people, and shot in the air to intimidate them.

The Tawerghans were forced to retreat from checkpoint 14 and an area known as Industrial River road, on February 1 and again on February 4. During the February 4 incident, armed groups from Misrata injured Itimah Mohamed Jebreel, a woman from Tawergha, inside a relative's car, Ergeha said.

Ergeha said that the families were stranded in newly erected makeshift tent-camps east of Tawergha. In Qararet al-Qatef, 35 kilometers east of Tawergha, between 240 and 300 families were staying in tents provided by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). An additional unknown number of people were staying with friends or relatives in the nearby town.

In Harawa, 280 kilometers southeast of Tawergha, an unknown number of families were staying in 20 to 25 tents, he said. People were also staying in a mosque and a social gathering hall in the town, provided by the municipal council. In Bani Walid, 100 kilometers southwest of Tawergha, 55 newly arrived families were added to the 230 families there who have been displaced from Tawergha since 2011.

"Libyan authorities and the UN both have critical roles to play in challenging these spoilers from Misrata," Whitson said. "After accepting a generous compensation package, it's deplorable that the Misrata groups are still trying to violently sabotage a long-negotiated agreement."

Ergeha said that the number of people in the camps has fluctuated as many families have gone back to Tripoli and other cities, given harsh weather conditions, poor sanitation, lack of health care, and poor living conditions. He said that two men suffered strokes and died in separate incidents. He said that Al-Shaali Abunab, 65, died on February 1 in Tripoli Medical Center, 245 kilometers from where he had been staying. Imhamed Ahmed Baraka, died in the town of Tarhouna on February 12 after suffering a stroke on February 10, Ergeha said.

On February 13, a fire broke out at around 10pm in one of the tents in Qararet al-Qatef, after families attempted to cook dinner, according to Ergeha. The incident resulted in two women from Tawergha suffering minor burns, he said.

On January 31, the Misrata Military Council, the Misrata Association of Families of Martyrs and Missing, and the Council of Elders of Misrata issued a statement opposing the anticipated return of Tawerghans on February 1 and seeking a postponement, claiming that parts of the UN-brokered agreement between the parties had not been fulfilled.

Human Rights Watch spoke by phone on February 12 with Abdelrahman al-Shakshak, head of Tawergha's Local Council and lead negotiator on behalf of Tawerghans. He said that some people in Misrata opposed the return of Tawerghans despite the agreement and the transfer of 25 percent of the compensation promised by the GNA as a first installment to victims from both sides. The agreement was to provide 463 million Libyan Dinars (US$348 million based on the official exchange rate) as compensation, according to an interview with Shakshak on the online news site Al Wasat, of which Tawerghan victims are to receive 170 million Libyan Dinars.

Shakshak said that the Government of National Accord had also made payments to the Interior Ministry, Ministry of Local Governance, and to the forces aligned with the government in the central region to facilitate the return.

Tawerghans have attempted to return to their hometown on several occasions since their forced displacement, but have been prevented each time by Misrata militias, who accuse them of fighting on the side of Gaddafi's forces during the 2011 conflict and of committing war crimes in Misrata. Militias mostly from Misrata ransacked Tawergha in 2011, demolishing and burning many buildings in that city. Since 2011, armed groups from Misrata have been responsible for a range of abuses against Tawerghans, including shooting at camps of displaced Tawerghans, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and torture.

There has been a lack of accountability for crimes committed against Tawerghans. Libyan authorities have prosecuted only crimes attributed to Tawerghans, convicting them mostly for killings and unlawful possession of weapons, sentencing those found guilty to jail and even imposing death sentences. No one, in particular from the militias, has yet been prosecuted for the forced displacement of Tawerghans or other serious abuses against them.

The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement provide that displacement should be limited in time and should not last "longer than required by the circumstances." International law further stipulates that civilians forcibly displaced from their homes during a conflict should be allowed to return home as soon as possible without conditions.

Certain abuses committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack on a civilian population, including torture, arbitrary detention, and forced displacement, may constitute crimes against humanity. The UN International Commission of Inquiry on Libya concluded in its March 2012 report that Misrata militias had committed crimes against humanity against Tawerghans and that the deliberate destruction of Tawergha "has been done to render it uninhabitable."

The ICC prosecutor has a mandate to investigate crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide committed in Libya since February 15, 2011. Human Rights Watch's research in Libya since 2011 has found rampant violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, including mass long-term arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment, forced displacement, and unlawful killings. In the face of mounting atrocities, Human Rights Watch has called on the ICC prosecutor to urgently expand her investigations into ongoing grave crimes by all sides, including possible crimes against humanity.

Bensouda has said that the Libya situation continues to be a priority for her office and that she will not hesitate to seek new arrest warrants should the evidence support doing so. Given the serious crimes committed in Libya and the challenges facing the authorities, the ICC's mandate remains crucial to ending impunity in Libya. The UN Security Council, which gave the ICC a mandate in 2011, together with ICC member countries should ensure the court has the political backing and resources to fully and fairly provide justice for the worst international crimes in Libya, Human Rights Watch said.

"The ICC Prosecutor should commit to investigating those implicated in serious crimes against the people of Tawergha," said Whitson. "Libyan authorities are at the same time obligated to allow this displaced community to return home in full security and without risk of reprisal."

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Washington, DC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/22/2018 --Today, Own Your Wonder CEO and founder Kristina Han, and Creative Director, Robin Izsak, announce the launch of Own Your Wonder, a brand that aims to disrupt the makeover experience, moving beyond the sales-driven retail environment and past the outdated beauty counter.



With the mantra "However you define beautyown it," the team's vision is to create inclusive, inspiring spaces that welcome all skin tones and gender identities. Own Your Wonder offers a la carte makeup application services and monthly membership programs that fit with a client's personal aesthetic and lifestyle.



"I always thought, there's a hair or nail salon on every corner, why not makeup? Why aren't pro-makeup artists easily accessible outside of a mall?" said Kristina Han, Own Your Wonder Founder and CEO. "It was exactly the service I wanted for myselfgym, shower, makeup, then straight to work."



The Harvard-educated lawyer and former Olympic swimmer couldn't let it go. After meeting another mom at her daughter's elementary school and posing the "Why isn't there a Drybar for makeup?" question, the two began to collaborate.



"It was one of those rare moments where you see a chance to change the way we've always thought about something," says Creative Director Robin Izsak. "Especially now, in light of the rising women's movement. It's not really about makeup, it's about providing a space for transformation yet still feeling like yourselfit's about totally owning the skin you're in."



Han decided to start slowly, testing the water with a pop-up location in Georgetown. "We set up a website, social presence, and hosted several events, including a holiday party with Rent The Runway," she says. "We proved the theory that there's a gap in the beauty industry for this type of service, but we also learned that the client's experience has to be flawless. Once our clients see the difference of a talented, pro makeup artist, that's what makes them come back."



Having outgrown the pop-up space, Own Your Wonder has opened in a clean, minimalist Georgetown location, with plans to expand in the DC area and beyond. Serving a range of clients, from professionals during the workday, to friends getting ready for girls' night out, to moms and daughters who bond over a makeup moment at the selfie station, Own Your Wonder is delivering on the promise to change the way women view pro-makeup application.



"The interest we're seeing from other businesses has also been encouraging," says Izsak. "So many opportunities to partner, co-market, and share ideas." Han agrees, "When people find out about Own Your Wonder, the first thing we hear is, 'Why did it take this long?'"



A second location in Tyson's Corner will be announced in spring.



About Own Your Wonder

Own Your Wonder http://www.ownyourwonder.com (OYW) is a makeup bar and brand that believes pro- makeup services should be accessible, affordable, and not limited to a shopping mall or department store experience. OYW makeup artists are the best in the business, working with all skin tones and styles. Offering monthly membership or a la carte services, OYW is an inspiring space for clients to discover their best lookno retail, no pressure. We welcome all skin tones, faiths, and gender identities.



However you define beautyown it.
As Spring Festival ends, president's reminder hits home

The weeklong Spring Festival holiday ended on Wednesday after the reunion of numerous Chinese families around the world. And as President Xi Jinping put it, such family reunions are important to fulfill the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

"During Spring Festival, when members of a family get together, we feel that reunion is happiness and unity is strength," Xi said at a gathering on Feb 14, two days ahead of Spring Festival.

Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, is regarded as the most important traditional festival for those of Chinese origin, characterized by family reunions, feasts and performances.

"We should nurture and practice core socialist values, foster the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation and love both family and the country," said Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

The president urged the people to integrate their personal and family dreams with the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

"We should pool the wisdom and strength of more than 1.3 billion Chinese people in more than 400 million households to strive for the great success of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era and realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation," he said.

Family bonds stressed

Xi has stressed the importance of family bonds, family love and family values in his speeches in recent years.

While addressing the annual Spring Festival greetings on Jan 26, 2017, Xi called on the nation to love families and friends. Love should reach to every family and bring warmth to all Chinese like a spring breeze blowing across the nation, he said.

"The Chinese people have always valued love and high morality," Xi said. He urged people not to neglect their families, comrades and loved ones, no matter how busy they are in their work.

In his Lunar New Year greetings on Feb 17, 2015, Xi stressed family bonds and family education.

Xi said that Chinese traditions and virtues of family harmony and affection should not be forgotten so as to ensure that the young grow up healthily and senior citizens are taken care of.

"Family is the basic cell of society and the first school of our life," Xi said. No matter how time has changed, the family value, family education and family building must be stressed so that the millions of families become important points for national development, ethnical progress and social harmony, he added.

The president has highlighted the importance of family and stressed family bonds, family values and family education on many occasions.

Noted in report

In his report to the 19th CPC National Congress, Xi called for efforts to cultivate and observe core socialist values through such measures as encouraging extensive public involvement, starting with families and children.

"We will encourage our people to strive for excellence and to develop stronger virtues, respect the elderly, love families and be loyal to the country and the people," Xi said in the report.

While meeting with representatives to the first National Conference of Model Families in December 2016, Xi told a story about family education. The conference was the first of its kind to honor model families selected nationwide. A total of 300 model families won the honor.

"When I was a child, my mother gave me a picture-story book seriesThe Legend of Yue Fei. One of its more than 10 volumes illustrates Yue Fei's mother tattooing four characters meaning 'serve the country with the utmost loyalty' across his back," Xi said, adding that the story deeply impressed him.

Through the story, Xi told parents to pass down sound moral values to their children from an early age, help them cultivate sound minds and ensure their healthy growth so that they will be useful to the country when they grow up.

"Parents should instruct their children through word and deed, giving them both knowledge and virtue and practicing what they teach. They should help their children button the first button in their lifetime and take the first step on the ladder of life," Xi said.

Only by realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation can the dreams of families come true, Xi added, calling on the people to integrate their love for the family with their love for the nation.

Museum established

He Yaomin, vice-president of Renmin University of China, said that Xi has highlighted the significance of family values in cultivating socialism's core values.

To implement Xi's important instructions on family values, Renmin University of China has established the country's first museum of family letters, he said, adding that the museum has played an important role in promoting positive family values.

Tian Xueli, deputy Party secretary of Liaoning Daily, said that as a Party-run newspaper, it has shouldered its responsibility in promoting traditional Chinese culture, including family values.

"General Secretary Xi Jinping has stressed that no matter how the times change, we should always respect family values," he said.

In January, Liaoning Daily published a set of six books that include nearly 200 letters from family members, such as from a son to a father or a husband to a wife, and more than 100 family stories.

Through these letters, the books show the significance of family values in the process of practicing socialism's core values and the passing on of traditional culture from generation to generation.

Value vital to fight graft

In his speech at the Sixth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection in October, Xi said some leading officials have been found encouraging their family members to accept bribes and the children of many officials have made illegal gains by using the influence of their parents.

"Degraded family value is always an important cause of officials gravely violating discipline and laws," Xi said.

For example, Liu Decheng, son of Liu Tienan, former vice-minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, accepted bribes including money, a Porsche car and a villa in suburban Beijing. Liu Tienan was sentenced in December 2014 to life imprisonment and his son also was tried.

While addressing the first National Conference of Model Families in December 2016, Xi called on top officials to take the lead in maintaining family values and learning from role models such as Jiao Yulu, Gu Wenchang and Yang Shanzhou.

Leading officials and cadres at all levels should teach their children and families to be law-abiding, frugal and self-reliant, Xi said.
China's rocket force drills during the Spring Festival.Photo/Screenshot from CCTV)

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been conducting frequent training exercises during the Spring Festival holidays, with full participation from the country's army, navy, air and rocket forces.

Three China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels conducted patrols of territorial waters off the Diaoyu Islands on February 13, two days before Chinese New Year's Eve, according to an online statement by the State Oceanic Administration (SOA).

News of Chinese fighter jets flying over the high-altitude plateau in western China was released by the PLA recently, which Chinese military specialists say shows that China is upgrading its Western Theater Command in order to confront any potential threat from India.

The pictures posted on the English version of the PLA website show a J-10 fighter jet and J-11 fighter jets conducted aerial combat training exercises in western China also on February 13.

The jets are attached to an aviation brigade of the air force under the PLA Western Theater Command, the post said.

The Western Theater Command is mainly responsible for mountain warfare at the border area with India. It is significant for China to strengthen its control of airspace over the mountainous region, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

"Strengthening the 3.5-generation fighter jets or even stationing more advanced fighters in the Western Theatre Command has been urgent for the PLA," Song said.

He added that such upgrades are usually first made in south and east theatre commands.

Considering that India possesses 3rd-generation fighter jets, China's stationing of its 3.5-generation jets will allow it to deal with any threat from India, said Song. "With India importing new jets, China will continue strengthening its fighter jets in the Western Theatre Command," Song said.

The PLA website also reported that the PLA Air Force conducted training at the foot of the Qilian Mountains in Northwest China's Gansu Province, and a navy aviation regiment was on patrol in Jiaodong Peninsula, East China's Shandong Province.

The PLA website said on Monday that the North China Sea Fleet of the PLA Navy on Saturday conducted training exercises in the Yellow Sea.

During Spring Festival, real combat training has been included in patrol, such as submarine ambush, enemy warship attacks and mine clearing and laying, in preparation to face any emergency situation, an officer with the fleet said.

On Saturday, the second day after Spring Festival, the 73rd Group Army garrisoned in East China's Fujian Province organized training to simulate a nuclear leakage, according to the PLA website.

Within 15 minutes, all the devices, facilities and vehicles reacting to the situation were ready to go into action.

China Central Television reported that during the holidays, several brigades of the PLA rocket force conducted multiple training exercises - in snowy forests and in deserts - to improve their real combat capabilities in extreme environments.
The negotiations between the Vatican and the government of the People's Republic of China represent the most important diplomatic effort by the Holy See in decades, and it is no surprise they are encountering significant opposition in the Western hemisphere.

There are two dimensions that we need to take into account to understand these negotiations. The first dimension is historical-theological. There is a long history of relations between the papacy and political authorities that goes back at least to the early fourth century, under the Roman Empire of Constantine and later of emperor Theodosius, when the Church acquired public relevance. It was the beginning of a long history of bilateral relations between the Church as a community of believers and the political community. It is a history that always had at the center the care of the bishop of Rome (the pope) for his brother bishops and the local Churches, the good relations between the Church hierarchy and the political authorities, and especially the appointment of bishops.

These issues were crucial in the "investiture controversy" of the 11th-12th century, in the tensions with emerging nation states in Europe in the early modern period, and in the struggle with nationalisms in the 19th and 20th centuries. The issue of the bishops' appointments was important also in the relations between the Vatican and Soviet Russia and Eastern European countries under communist rule after World War II.

But the parallels that are often drawn between the current negotiations with China today and the history of the Vatican Ostpolitik during the Cold War are misleading: the proper historical context for a correct understanding of the ongoing efforts is the entire 2,000-year long history of the Church and of the papacy. In this long history, the procedures for the appointment of bishops have always been very complex: they were often, and in many cases still are (in various forms, always subject to change in the long run) a moment of collaboration between the papacy and secular political authorities.

There is also a theological development that adds to this historical context. During the last century, Roman Catholicism has become a more globalized Church: Catholics and the papacy have come to terms with a wider variety of social and political contexts around the world. This means that the Church does not look for the same kind of arrangement for all Catholics in all nations, but strives for improving the relations of Catholics with the political authorities in order to maintain and foster the unity of the Church.

The goal of negotiations with political authorities is not ideological, but pastoral in the sense of helping the local Churches live their faith in a given, concrete reality, without artificial divisions between factions in their midst. Those who believe in this possible breakthrough between the Vatican and China today know that there is already a long history of Christianity in China, with which the global Catholic Church needs to be more directly in touch. This is an integral part of the vision of Pope Francis for a Catholic Church that is truly global, at the service of all humanity and of world peace.

What is typical of the international activity of the Holy See today is a direct appeal to the logic of the Gospel and not to a worldly or political logic. This is true for all the activities of the Holy See in all countries, encouraging Catholics to be fully Catholic, safeguarding communion within the Church, keeping the genuine tradition and ecclesiastical discipline, and at the same time respecting Catholics as authentically rooted in their particular countries and nations. The Vatican believes in a respectful and constructive dialogue with the civil authorities, and in doing this the diplomacy of the Vatican expresses the wishes of the global Catholic community, which cares for the Chinese Catholic community and its unity, and wants the good of the Chinese people.

Much of the resistance against this new relationship between the Vatican and the government of the People's Republic of China is rooted in a lack of understanding of these two key dimensions - the long-term historical framework of the international activity of the Holy See and the pastoral goal of its diplomatic activity. The big historical picture and the proper goals of the international presence of the Holy See are often missing in the criticism against the Vatican negotiations with China. The use of Catholicism as an ideological surrogate for Western ideologies is not new, but is especially at odds with Pope Francis' vision of Catholicism, and it makes it impossible to understand this important moment in the relations between the Vatican and China.

The author is a professor of historical theology at Villanova University in the US. Follow him at @MassimoFaggioli opinion@globaltimes.com.cn
LONDON, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- China offers huge opportunities for British businesses while the commercial partnership between the UK and China continues to go from strength to strength, Liam Fox, British International Trade Secretary said Wednesday at the China All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).

The trade secretary, who has visited China twice already in 2018, gave this speech to mark one month until the start of the GREAT Festival of Innovation in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

"Even since the Prime Minister's visit, data has been published by the ONS showing that UK goods exports to China rose by 34.9 percent last year," he noted.

He said Britain's strengths in services, consumer goods, and advanced manufacturing are a good fit for the changing shape of the Chinese economy.

"Technological advances make it easier for our SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to sell online, either directly or via a platform such as Tmall or JD.com, both of which have arrangements with Royal Mail to ease the way for a small business," Fox said.

SUPPORT FOR BELT & ROAD INITIATIVE

He reiterated the UK's support for the Belt and Road Initiative, saying it held significant commercial potential for the UK, "particularly in sustainable infrastructure, financial and legal services, innovation and technology, and public health."

"More broadly, if well implemented, the Belt and Road Initiative could help support development and global economic growth across Asia and beyond," he added.

He said Brexit offered the chance for a new chapter in relations. "We are preparing for a new chapter, post-Brexit, in our Golden Era of bilateral relations."

"It is a relationship based not only upon the personal ties forged by tens of thousands of Chinese people who come to live, work, and study in the UK, but also by the intrinsic strengths of the UK economy, and our attractiveness as a place to do business," he said.

Regarding the forthcoming GREAT Festival of Innovation in Hong Kong, Liam Fox said "this festival will be a major showcase for the UK's talent, creativity and design on the world stage."

"The best entrepreneurs and the most advanced technology from across the UK and Asia will explore how we will work, live, play and learn in the future, helping to advance the economic cooperation of our two countries for years to come," he added.
iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- The stepmother of a 5-year-old boy who's been missing since Saturday has a turbulent relationship with the boy's father, as documented in a series of police reports obtained by ABC News.

Lucas Hernandez disappeared from his Wichita, Kansas, home around 3 p.m. on Saturday, police said. His stepmother, Emily Glass, was arrested on two charges of child endangerment Wednesday. Lucas has not been found.

Police reports show repeated instances of physical clashes between Glass and Lucas' father, Jonathan Hernandez.

In February 2016, police were called to an apartment Hernandez was sharing at the time with Glass during an argument over a bar tab that Hernandez had paid, the report shows. Hernandez said Glass hit him in the face, but told officers he did not want to press charges because he didn't want her to go to jail, according to the report.

After police left, the couple started fighting again, resulting in officers returning to the residence after Hernandez threatened to throw out Glass possessions, the report says.

Nearly two months later in April 2016, according to a police report, Glass allegedly held an ax handle while arguing with Hernandez after telling him she had been sexually assaulted by a male friend. The fight started when Glass threw a shoe at Hernandez, the report states. Hernandez had a bloody nose and Glass had bruises on the side of her head, according to the report. Police couldnt determine the primary aggressor.

In November 2016, police responded to the couples apartment after a report of a loud disturbance. A report filed at the time said an officer saw injuries on the side of Hernandez's face, which he explained by saying Glass had slapped him. Glass admitted to pushing him, according to the report, but denied trying to hurt him. In the report, police noted that a childs table, "looked like a Ninja Turtle table," had been knocked over in the kitchen.

In a report from December 2017, Glass told police she was supposed to pick up someone, but said she had fallen asleep with Hernandez. The identity of the person she was supposed to pick up at the location is redacted in the report. When the couple woke up, they went to the location. Hernandezs ex -- Lucas mother -- Jamie Taylor was there and was upset, according to the report.

Glass told police she didnt know why Lucas mother was at the location because Hernandez has full custody of the boy.

Glass accused Taylor of punching her, but police found no visible injuries, the report said.

Sedgwick County jail records indicate Glass was booked at 3:27 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon on two counts of child endangerment. Police confirmed that Lucas and another child were involved, but did not identify the other child.

The search for Lucas is ongoing.

Lucas great-aunt Sally Rasmussen told ABC News that Hernandezs family had concerns Lucas was being abused and reported it to authorities in Kansas and New Mexico, where the family members live.

Both the Kansas Department for Children and Families and the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department told ABC News they are legally prohibited from discussing any history they may have with a particular family.

Hernandez spoke to ABC affiliate KAKE-TV about the allegations of abuse earlier this week.

That really pisses me off. Only because it seems like it's about something else and it's not happening now," Hernandez said. "Now, if you want to bring that up later that's fine. That's a whole separate issue. I think it's taking away from what's happening and I don't appreciate it. Not from my family, not from strangers."

He said he still believes his son is somewhere alive and he is focused on finding him.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
MUNICH, Feb. 22 (ChinaMil) -- Hundreds of government officials, experts and scholars from all over the world conducted in-depth discussions of various security threats under the new international security situation at the 54th Munich Security Conference (MSC) from Feb. 16 to 18, 2018.

Experts from the Chinese delegation at the three-day event were interviewed by reporters on hot topics such as the South China Sea issue and they refuted some countries' misinterpretation of the relevant international law.

The conference included a panel discussion on the South China Sea issue, which China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries have been committed to properly solving since the signing of the draft South China Sea code of conduct.

Senior Colonel Zhou Bo, director of the Security Cooperation Center of the International Military Cooperation Office of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, explained how some countries have misinterpreted the international law.

First of all, we must abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," Zhou said. "But the problem now is that some countries unilaterally and wrongly interpreted the 'freedom of navigation' of the UNCLOS as the freedom of military operations, which is not the principle set by the UNCLOS, Zhou noted.

Zhou said that the South China Sea issue is a dispute between China and some ASEAN countries and therefore it should be resolved through peaceful means by joint efforts of China and those countries.

Zhou also stressed that China and the ASEAN will strengthen close mutual consultations on the South China Sea issue, and he believed that it will eventually be solved through the joint efforts.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
The government will introduce a new visa allowing seasonal labor migrants to stay between one and three months.

Currently only foreign workers who have been hired by small or medium-sized businesses or farms for one year or more are given visas.

But now the government wants to legalize entry of short-term foreign labor to alleviate the labor shortage in busy seasons for farmers.
Hundreds of students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, rallied Wednesday at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee to pressure lawmakers to approve tougher gun control laws one week after one of the most deadly U.S. school shootings.

A gunman killed 17 people at the Parkland school, triggering a wave of protests by students in Tallahassee and elsewhere in the U.S. Teachers and Florida state representative Sean Shaw joined the students on the grounds of the capitol, where the Democratic lawmaker criticized a state House vote Tuesday along party lines against a bill to ban assault weapons. The vote drew the ire of student shooting survivor Florence Yared, who directed her comments to lawmakers who voted against the measure.

"Your children might become victims, too," Yared said. "You have the power to change this, and if you don't we will change you! We will vote you out," she said emphatically to cheers and applause.

Student survivor Ryan Deitsch told the Tallahassee crowd, "The more [the lawmakers] dont act, the more they dont deserve to be in office. I can vote, and I know who I am not voting for!"

The mass shooting also has sparked a wave of rallies elsewhere in Florida and in other areas of the country in an attempt force local and national leaders take action to prevent such attacks.

Mothers from across Georgia converged Wednesday on the state capitol of Atlanta to attend a Moms Demand Action advocacy group rally. The rally's purpose is to advocate for responsible gun ownership and not to ban guns.

More than 200 students at Montgomery Blair High School in the Washington suburb of Silver Spring, Maryland, walked out of school Wednesday to attend a planned protest for gun control at the U.S. Capitol. Protest organizers said students from two other suburban Maryland high schools, Richard Montgomery and Bethesda-Chevy Chase, also are participating in the demonstration.


Korea signed a free trade agreement with five Central American countries on Wednesday to reduce tariffs and build stronger business partnerships.

Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong said the trade pact with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama will help create a comprehensive partnership with the Central American nations. The signing of the deal comes after nearly three years of negotiations.

The ministry said once the deal takes effect duties on more than 95 percent of goods would be scrapped so it will pave the way for Korean companies to expand their presence in the region ahead of their Chinese and Japanese rivals.

Korea is the first Asian country to strike a free trade deal with the countries in Central America.

The FTA will likely go into effect in the first half of this year after the National Assembly ratifies it.
A source on Wednesday said about 600,000 copies of the Rodong Sinmun were printed every day until the end of last year, but now that has been cut to 200,000 and home delivery has stopped.

North Korea recently cut the number of prints of the Rodong Sinmun propaganda newspaper by two-thirds due to a paper shortage amid international sanctions.

Founded in 1945, the paper is published for members of the Workers Party. In its heyday in the 1980s it printed 1.5 million copies, but this dwindled by half during the famines of the 1990s.

The paper is supplied by the party's Propaganda and Agitation Department, which is headed by leader Kim Jong-un's sister Yo-jong.

North Korea's own paper is sparse and of low quality, so half the paper is imported from China, but imports have plummeted due to international sanctions.

"Paper is not an item on the list of banned items, but it seems that North Korea does not have enough foreign currency to buy it," said a researcher at a South Korean state-run think tank.


Picture by Alex Roebuck

PARK visitors had a right royal surprise when Prince Charles passed through on his way out of town.

The Princes of Wales flew out of Clifton Park on Friday after visiting Liberty Steel in Aldwarke  but not before enjoying a chat and a joke with the public, many of who took snaps on their phones as mementoes of the occasion.

Our picture shows the prince talking to Laura Payne from Brinsworth.

The Prince, who also visited Dearne Fire Station, was greeted in his helicopter by his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
There is speculation that the new North Korean missile could dodge air defenses and hitting the military base for a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province, if it has the same capability as the SS-26.

The missile looks strikingly similar to Russia's Iskander SS-26 missile which also formed the inspiration for South Korea's Hyunmu-2 and could be very hard to intercept.

South Korean military authorities are scrambling for a response to North Korea's new short-range ballistic missile that was unveiled at a military parade in Pyongyang on Feb. 8.

At first observers speculated that the new missile might be an improved version of the KN-02 or Toksa short-range ballistic missile with a solid-fuel engine.

But it has a larger diameter and is longer, and the wings also look more similar to the SS-26's. Another similarity is that two of the missiles were carried on an eight-wheeled mobile launcher.

Various SS-26 versions have maximum ranges between 280 and 500 km. The new North Korean missile in question is speculated to have a range of longer than 280 km. This means that it is capable of reaching the THAAD missile base.

The SS-26 has a uniquely low trajectory that allows it to avoid intercept, just like a glider. With a maximum range of 280 km, the SS-26 can reach a height of only 50 km, compared to other ballistic missiles' altitude of 80 to 90 km.

That would make it difficult for the Patriot PAC-3 missile or the home-grown surface-to-air Cheongung missile to intercept the new North Korean missile.

In August last year, the North fired an unidentified short-range missile from Kitdaeryong, Kangwon Province, which may have been the one in question.

"It flew 250 km but reached a maximum altitude of a mere 50 km, which made us believe that it was fired from a multiple rocket launcher," a military source said. "That is the same height as the SS-26, and the trajectory was also different from that of other ballistic missiles."


A RAPIST who targeted a vulnerable schoolgirl when she was just ten has had his complaints of an unfair trial thrown out.

Paul David Cartwright (37), was jailed for 16 years at Sheffield Crown Court in January last year after jurors convicted him of five counts of rape.

His victim was described as "particularly vulnerable due to her youth, and the impact of Cartwright's attacks on the youngster had been "severe", Mr Justice Nicol told Londons Appeal Court.

Cartwright (pictured), of Hawthorne Avenue, Rawmarsh, challenged both his conviction and sentence, claiming the trial judge was biased against him and criticising the lawyers who represented him.

But Mr Justice Nicol, sitting with Lord Justice Davis and Judge Richard Marks QC, said there was no merit Cartwrights bid to clear his name.

The judge, sitting with Lord Justice Davis and Judge Richard Marks QC, acknowledged that the 16-year term was tough but said it was no more than was necessary to reflect the totality of this serious offending against a very young girl.

Refusing permission to appeal, he added: The sentence may have been severe but it was not excessive.
A MAN has died after falling 800ft down Mt Snowdon on Saturday.

Steven Smith (48), of Sunnyside, slipped while climbing with a friend on the north Wales mountains icy slopes.

A post on the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team Facebook page said 14 rescue volunteers responded after calls suggesting a man had fallen 250m.

Within 15 minutes of the male falling, one of our team doctors was on scene and could confirm that the male was deceased, the post said.

Due to the seriousness of the incident the team requested the assistance of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency rescue helicopter.

Eight team members were air lifted up to Clogwyn station and made their way up to the team doctor and casualty.

Once on scene the casualty was secured and lowered to the bottom of the Cwm and carried down the Llanberis path to a point were the helicopter was able to return and recover the casualty to hospital.

The team would like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

North west Wales coroner Dewi Pritchard-Jones opened an investigation into Mr Smiths death on Wednesday, when he was publicly named.
Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) is looking into the possibility of taking diamonds from non-De Beers mines for sorting and valuing, Weekendpost quoted DTCB Managing Director Tobake Kobedi as saying.

Speaking to the concept of more capacity to take more work from other customers, Kobedi reiterated that as an organization DTCB desires not to only be limited to receiving diamonds produced by Debswana. Currently our shareholder agreement as mandated by our establishment we sort diamonds from De Beers mines in Botswana only, but we want to make propositions to our shareholders context of building a legacy for Botswana that shall exist beyond diamond depletion, that look we have to be at the base and host of the entire value chain as a country because we recover the most valuable stones from our local pits, said Kobedi.

He said that DTCB plant has a capacity to sort and value over 33 million carats of diamonds a year, but currently it only receives 22 million carats from Debswana mines. Why cant we take rough diamonds from Lucara, Ghagoo and other mines? Currently the resuscitation of Zimbabwe speaks possibilities of new diamond discoveries, why cant we ready ourselves to propose intake from them and other mines in the region?

Kobedi posed these questions explaining the intention of DTCB strategy 2020 and its vision towards to ensuring that Botswana remains a Diamond Hub beyond depletion of the stones.

DTCB Chief Operations Officer Joseph Ithobogeng said that by 2020 the company intends to attain recognition as a world-class processing organisation, be a more reliable, with repeatable and consistent delivery to customers as well as reduced pipeline and increased market flexibility and responsiveness.

We will have reduced rework through efficient quality systems, reduced business risk and increased customer confidence in meeting sales deadlines by 2020, he added.




The Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT) has announced the launch of Inheritance and Identities, a project aimed at highlighting the countrys gem and jewelry manufacturing communities.

The project is aimed at matching the unique products from local Thai manufacturers with market needs. For example, GIT helps to modernize the design of jewelry while preserving its uniqueness.

This is one of our key projects in 2018. Our main objectives are to enhance the capability of the workforce in the gem and jewelry industry, and help them develop the products to meet market needs," said Ms Duangkamol Jiambutr, the director of GIT. We also expect to create awareness of gem and jewelry products from local communities among tourists and jewelry lovers from every corner of the world.

In addition to design development, the GIT will focus on marketing the jewelry products through cooperating with partners to expand distribution channels. The GIT will showcase jewelry products from the project at the 61st Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair, hosted by the DITP from February 21 to 25.

Local artisans participating in our project will show their talent and capabilities through the jewelry displayed at the fair, Ms Jiambutr says. We expect to see local artisans sell more jewelry and increase their income. This project not only helps create jobs and generate income in local communities, but also helps preserve the heritage of valuable Thai craftsmanship.




The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) of India and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) signed a MoU for the setting up Indias largest Jewellery Park in Mumbai.

With Honble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhu and Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Honble Chief Minister gracing the occasion, the MoU was signed at the Convergence, Magnetic Maharashtra. GJEPC Chairman Pramod Agarwal signed the document on behalf the Council while CEO Sanjay Sethi signed on behalf MIDC.

India Jewellery Park Mumbai---the proposed project---will be established in Navi Mumbai on 25 acres of land with four million sq. feet of built-up area housing more than 5,000 Gem & Jewellery units in varied sizes ranging from 500 to 10,000 sq. feet, attracting an investment of about $1955 mn spread over three to five years.

A not-for-profit company, India Jewellery Park has already been constituted as a Special Purpose Vehicle(SPV) to develop the park.



Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished




The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged BitFunder, a former bitcoin-denominated platform, and its founder Jon Montroll with fraud.

The SEC's complaint, filed in federal district court in Manhattan, charges BitFunder and Montroll with violations of the anti-fraud and registration provisions of the federal securities laws. The complaint seeks permanent injunctions and disgorgement plus interest and penalties.

In a statement, the agency noted that the exchange and Montroll operated an unregistered online securities exchange and defrauded users by misappropriating their bitcoins and failing to disclose a cyberattack on its system. The attack had resulted in the theft of more than 6,000 bitcoins. The site reportedly shut down just one year after its 2012 launch.

The operator was also charged for making false and misleading statements related to unregistered security offerings.

Marc Berger, Director of the SEC's New York Regional Office, said, "Platforms that engage in the activity of a national securities exchange, regardless of whether that activity involves digital assets, tokens, or coins, must register with the SEC or operate pursuant to an exemption."

SEC officials said they will continue to vigorously police conduct involving distributed ledger and ensure that bad actors who commit fraud in this space are held accountable.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York also filed a complaint against Montroll for perjury and obstruction of justice during the SEC's investigation.

The SEC had warned investors in August to be on alert for companies that might publicly announce ICO or coin/token related events to affect the price of the company's common stock.

Last Friday, the SEC had temporarily suspended trading in three companies after they made similar statements related to questionable acquisition of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology-related assets. The affected companies are Cherubim Interests, PDX Partners and Victura Construction.

In January, the SEC had halted and froze the assets of AriseBank for offering and selling unregistered investments in their purported "AriseCoin" cryptocurrency.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
With tax season underway, the results of a Quinnipiac University National Poll showed that a majority of voters still want President Donald Trump to release his tax returns.

Sixty-seven percent of voters said Trump should publicly release his tax returns, while just 24 percent said he should not.

Quinnipiac noted every listed party, gender, education, age and racial group, except Republicans, says Trump should release his tax returns.

Trump has claimed he has not released his tax returns because he is being audited by the IRS, although only 19 percent think that is the reason. Another 52 percent believe the president has something to hide.

The poll also found that voters give Trump a negative 37 percent to 58 percent approval rating, compared to a 40 percent to 55 percent rating earlier this month following his State of the Union address.

American voters also said 56 percent to 18 percent that Trump has not been loyal to his spouse throughout his marriage, with 26 percent undecided.

The survey found that voters also say 66 percent to 30 percent, including 58 percent to 37 percent among men, that Trump does not respect women as much as he respects men.

"For President Donald Trump, deemed by American voters as perhaps dodging his taxes, disrespectful to women and disloyal to his wife, and pursued by the porn star and the Playboy playmate scandals, the post State of the Union bump goes flat," said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll.

The Quinnipiac survey of 1,249 voters was conducted February 16th through 19th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points.

(Photo: Gage Skidmore)

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Korea won the silver medal in men's team pursuit speed skating at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang on Wednesday. Lee Seung-hoon, Kim Min-Seok and Chung Jae-won skated against Norway's Havard Bokko, Simen Spieler Nilsen and Sverre Lunde Pedersen in the final and finished 1.2 seconds behind the Norwegians. This was Lee's second consecutive Olympic silver medal at the same event. Four years ago at the Sochi Olympics, Korea lost to the Netherlands in the final.

Speed skaters wave the national flag after winning the silver medal in men's team pursuit speed skating in Gangneung, Gangwon Province on Wednesday. From left, Kim Min-seok, Chung Jae-won and Lee Seung-hoon /Yonhap

Lee, a trailblazer in long track speed skating in Korea, became the first Asian male skater to win a medal in three consecutive Olympics since the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and has the most Olympic medals of any Asian speed skater. With the second-place finish, Kim has added one more medal, as he already won the bronze medal in men's 1,500 m last week. Chung became the youngest-ever medalist in Korean speed skating history at just 17 years of age.

Korean speed skaters race in the women's team pursuit speed skating in Gangnueng, Gangwon Province on Wednesday. From left, Kim Bo-reum, Noh Seon-yeong and Park Ji-woo

Meanwhile, the female speed skaters, who came under fire for their awkward behavior on and off the ice in the quarterfinals, finished in eighth place in women's team pursuit speed skating. Korea lost to Poland in the classification race with a time of 3:07.30, 4.19 seconds behind the winner and much slower than the quarterfinal time of 3:03.76. In the quarterfinals on Monday, the Korean women's team failed to cross the finish line together, with one skater, Noh Seon-yeong, left behind while Kim Bo-reum and Park Ji-woo sprinted away in the final lap. Noh had complained before that there was no training or communication for team pursuit together. Kim and Park seemingly blamed Noh for failing to catch up in the post-match interview and made the public angry for lack of team spirit.
Report: Army attacks against Saudi troops over 24 hours [22/February/2018]



SANAA, Feb. 22 (Saba)  The army and popular forces have launched military operations, including artillery, missiles and snipping attacks against US-backed Saudi-led aggression coalition soldiers and mercenaries over the past 24 hours, according to the army reports combined by Saba on Thursday.



In Jizan border province, three Saudi soldiers were sniped in Kars-Jubah site, another one shot dead in Khazan hill of Qewa village and a Saudi soldier was sniped in northern Hamidha village.



Also in Jizan, katyusha rockets were accurately fired toward Saudi soldiers gatherings in Maten camp and Mawsem gate, killing and wounding dozens.



Furthermore, artillery shelling targeted gatherings of Saudi soldiers and vehicles in Jarah valley, Sawdah and Faridha sites, while a Saudi military vehicle, carried a weapon, was burned in Kars-Jubah by artillery shells, killing and wounding all its crew.



In Marib province, five of Saudi-paid mercenaries were shot dead in several areas of Serwah front.



Also in Marib, katyusha rockets were fired toward gatherings of mercenaries and their vehicles in Mas camp and beyond Salb mountain, causing direct causalities.



In Suwah district of Marib, a military vehicle, loaded with mercenaries, was destroyed by an explosive device in Najed front of Surwah district.



In Bayda province, gatherings of mercenaries were targeted by artillery shells in Zahir and Yafaan areas of Thi-Naem district.



In Taiz province, fortifications of mercenaries were bombed by explosive devices in several sites of Salh district.



In western coast front of Taiz, a mercenaries military vehicle was smashed by a guided missile, killing all its crew.



Also in Taiz, artillery shelling targeted militias gatherings in Selw district, killing and wounding dozens, while an infiltration of mercenaries toward Tashrifat was foiled, capturing one of the mercenaries, killing and wounding dozens.

In Nehm district, artillery force of the army and popular committees targeted Saudi-backed mercenaries gatherings in Salb mountain and in front of Buhra mountain of Harib-Nehm.



Sameera Hassn/Zak

Saba
Call-center outsourcing company Ubase faces a major crisis because of problems getting visas for foreign staff.

The company, which is based in Bucheon west of Seoul, has grown rapidly in recent years by offering foreign-language call-center services to multinationals. But the Justice Ministry recently stopped extending E-7 "special occupation" visas for Ubase's foreign staff, forcing the company to send them home.

The ministry said call-center work is not included in the 82 skilled professions that meet the criteria for E-7 visas and the jobs can be done by Koreans.

Ubase CEO Hur Dae-gun said, "I don't know what to do, since we will have to lay off 97 workers in May if the ministry doesn't relent." Industry watchers say the case demonstrates the failure of Korean laws to keep up with the rapid growth of venture businesses here.

Ubase began offering foreign-language call-center services to a global hotel booking engine in 2014 and now has around 20 clients. Staff have to be fluent in English, Chinese or Japanese and are mostly university graduates, while some even have master's degrees in hotel management or education from foreign universities.

But comfortable speakers of foreign languages can be hard to find in Korea, and the company's foreign staff has swelled from 20 to 470, while the number of Korean workers rose from 18 to 260.

Ubase says the foreigners did not drive Koreans out of work but created new services resulting in job growth. The proportion of revenues from foreign clients at Ubase has grown from five to 15 percent over the last three years.


North Korea seems to be feeling an acute pinch from international sanctions. A paper shortage has apparently driven the North to cut the circulation of the state-run Rodong Sinmun daily by two-thirds, while the impoverished country no longer has access to satellite networks for air traffic control because it defaulted on payments. North Korean officials are reduced to blackmailing defectors in South Korea for money by using their family in the North as virtual hostages. The North's trade deficit has tripled, leading to a lack of hard currency.  Insolvency



North Korea seems to have been cut off from international satellite networks for eight months, a fact revealed inadvertently when an exclusive airplane carrying North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister Yo-jong entered South Korean airspace on Feb. 9. According to data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport obtained by the Chosun Ilbo, North Korean air traffic control used a landline rather than the global VSAT communication network to inform their counterparts at Incheon International Airport that the flight had taken off from Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. The North was unable to use the satellite service provided by a provider in Hong Kong because it defaulted on payments. North Korea has been unable to access the service for the past eight months. The North was apparently unable to use the service for 40 days back in November of 2015 for the same reason. As a result, South Korean air traffic controllers had to communicate with their counterparts in the North via telephone when the plane carrying Yo-jong returned to Pyongyang. And even the fixed line was apparently unstable, with air-traffic controllers in the North having problems hearing signal tones.  Blackmailing Defectors

Describing the blackmail attempts, a defector here said that North Korean authorities posted a video clip on a propaganda website slandering and blackmailing him and his family. "I also got a mysterious phone call from the North claiming that my family was begging me to send them more than W10 million," the defector said (US$1=W1,076). "It appears North Korean defectors who were either lured back to the North or went back voluntarily after obtaining South Korean citizenship are informing on other defectors that they ran into during debriefing in the South," and North Korea is using that information to blackmail them. One North Korean defector recently bought 130 tons of rice and sent it to North Korea's intelligence agency, apparently as a result of blackmail. One researcher at a state-run think tank in South Korea said, "The woman returned to the North and was reunited with a son she left behind in North Korea. She handed over the rice to guarantee her safety."  Trade Deficit North Korea's exports to China, meanwhile, are expected to drop 94 percent this year to less than US$100 million. They already fell 37.3 percent in 2017 to $1.65 billion, the lowest level since 2010, due to UN Security Council sanctions. Lim Soo-ho, an expert on the North Korean economy at the South's Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, gave the forecast in a seminar on Wednesday. According to Chinese trade data last year, exports to China of the North's main product, anthracite, fell 65.9 percent, and there was no trade from March to July and October to December because China complied with fresh UN sanctions that banned imports of North Korean anthracite. North Korea tried to make up for the loss through exports of other minerals, fisheries products and textiles, but to no avail because new UN sanctions then blocked minerals and fisheries imports in October and September last year. According to Lim, North Korea is expected to suffer a $1.58 billion trade deficit this year after a deficit of $1.68 billion in 2017, three times larger than the 2016 deficit.

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The stark realities of climate change were laid bare at the opening of the Pacific Ocean, Pacific Climate Conference in Wellington. Calls from Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi for urgent action were made as climate change is put under the microscope during the conference.

Coordinated by the Victoria University of Wellington in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (S.P.R.E.P.) the three-day conference brings together different voices spanning a range of sectors for a diverse discussion on climate change and an exchange of ideas on how to address this issue, together.

The conference scene was set with Prime Minister Tuilaepa presenting the keynote address, highlighting the challenges of climate change across Samoa and the Pacific, and showcasing the action undertaken to address these. This is what he said:

I am honoured to be invited to provide the opening address for this Conference under the auspices of Victoria University of Wellington and S.P.R.E.P. I note that the focus is on issues related to climate change and the Ocean, as they affect our region.

And so I will share the Government of Samoas responses, in line with our commitment to the Paris Agreement to mitigate and adapt to climate change, particularly through the increased use of renewable energy and reduction in our dependence on fossil fuels; as well as the Call for Action on Oceans through voluntary commitments and the Sustainable Development Goals for both  S.D.G.13 and S.D.G.14, under Agenda 2030.

Climate change is a reality that we in the Pacific Island Countries are facing every day. It is certainly a global reality even for developed countries such as New Zealand, with increasing incidents of extreme weather events in 2017, and the flash flooding in Auckland in January this year.

Last week Tropical Cyclone Gita in the course of 3 days, wreaked havoc on four countries in the region, bringing with it record rainfall and unprecedented flooding. Fortunately there was minimal loss of life.

Notable was the rapid speed with which it passed through Samoa initially as a Category 2 cyclone though still leaving a significant trail of damage through flooding as well as massive landslides never seen before.

Cyclone Gita was not as kind to our neighbours, Tonga and the southern group of the Fiji islands as it gained strength in its circuitous path. With the climatic changes we are experiencing it is not surprising to find Cyclone Gita over New Zealand, unexhausted.

For Pacific Island Countries, climate change is an existential threat. Low-lying atolls are only a couple of meters above sea level. Predictions from the scientific community put these under water by the end of 2100, if ambitious efforts at emission reductions are not made and innovative solutions to adapt to sea level rise are not realised. The displacement of people will be a norm aggravated by more severe natural disasters.

The reality of climate change and increased severity of disasters mean many communities are at risk of losing traditional homelands as tides wash away the shoreline; sea levels continue to rise and inland communities experience landslides leaving communities devoid of safer and more disaster resilient land. Added to that, are the challenges of relocation.

Pacific Island Countries need emission reduction targets consistent with 1.5 degree Celsius of global warming to safeguard our peoples wellbeing and livelihood. Unfortunately, our countries are already experiencing more intense and frequent disasters, higher storm surges, changes in rainfall and weather patterns, the prospect of ocean acidification all of which will impact on food and water security and our peoples livelihoods and wellbeing.

There is a prospect for a region where less land and diminishing opportunities will create unsustainable economies and, create uncertainty and hardship for thousands and thousands of its communities.

The situation includes higher island countries like Samoa, where we would face challenges given that almost our entire infrastructure is located on the coastline, as well as most of our population. Therefore, timely and simplified access to international climate change and disaster risk finance is a priority if we are to adapt to and mitigate climate change.

In 2015, the Pacific Island Countries, being the frontline states in the fight against climate change, were instrumental in concluding one of the toughest ever global negotiations for the Paris Agreement. Collectively, the Pacific Leaders and their delegations doggedly pursued our regions priorities until we were able to make the world see climate change through our eyes, as the most vulnerable communities to climate change impacts.

Entry into force of the Paris Agreement in November 2016 set the world on an ambitious and critical path towards resilient and low carbon development. Climate action contributes directly to SDG 13 and addresses other sustainable development goals such as SDG14.

For small islands developing states, the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway 2015 represents an integrated approach to meeting commitments to the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda and sustainable development goals.

Reflecting the regions commitment to the Paris Agreement, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders in 2016 endorsed the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific. It is a global first where the Pacific region seeks to prevent and reduce its exposure to risk from climate change and natural hazards risk; achieve low carbon development; and, improve disaster preparedness, response, recovery and reconstruction.

In June 2017, the Pacific Leaders again rallied to support and influence the outcomes of the inaugural United Nations Oceans Conference, which was co-chaired by Fiji and Sweden. Similarly, Leaders also committed their support to Fijis Presidency of the 23rd Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, held in November in Bonn, Germany.

A key focus was on the close links between Ocean and Climate and the need for Oceans to become an integral part of the continuing climate change agenda. Pacific Leaders thence, launched the Oceans Pathway at COP 23 that seeks to address and strengthen actions related to the oceanclimate nexus.

The Worlds oceans definitely play a key role in regulating the climate and they buffer among many things the damaging effects of climate change. Ocean research should therefore be at the heart of the global response to climate change.

There are also very practical steps we can take to protect our oceans and coastal ecosystems. For example we can reduce other local stressors such as destructive fishing and reduce land-based sources of pollution.

We must see mangroves and wetlands as our carbon allies, as they take up carbon dioxide and store it in their biomass and soils. So let us agree today to put a stop to the increasing destruction of coastal wetlands. For when we make the right choices to support our ecosystems, we invariably create positive growth for our ocean, our health, and our industries.

Politically it is extremely important that the momentum built in Paris be maintained. Keeping global temperature increases below 1.5 degrees Celsius is not a choice, but an absolute necessity. Yet the most recent analysis suggests the collective nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are leading us towards a world that by 2100, will be hotter by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius.

This shows that climate change is something that we are completely unable to tackle on our own, by ourselves. We recognise that all countries must determine their level of commitment through their nationally determined contributions.

At the same time we all have a role to play in seeking the greatest level of ambition from all Parties to the Paris Agreement. We understand that there are challenges for all countries, but through cooperation in good faith we can overcome these. But promises are not enough, now is the time for action and we must all act now.

The need to work together on key challenges facing the Pacific region is emphasized in the Pacific Island Forum Leaders endorsement of the Blue Pacific identity. The Blue Pacific identity reinforces the potential of shared ownership of the Pacific Ocean and reaffirms the connection of Pacific peoples with their natural resources, environment and livelihoods. Therefore securing the wellbeing and potential of the Blue Pacific is at the centre of the Forum agenda.

At the top of its sustainable development priorities, are climate change and resilience, as well as Fisheries. Among the Security priorities for the region are; human security, prioritising environmental security and building resilience to climate change and natural disasters, as well as environment contamination including impacts on the health of our Ocean and seas that we recognise as our main means and source of our livelihoods and wellbeing.

To successfully meet the challenge of securing the wellbeing and potential of the Blue Pacific requires that we maintain a strong and collective voice, a regional position and action, and a common foreign policy on priority issues vital to our development as one Blue Pacific continent.

Though the Pacific Islands, as a group may be the planets most vulnerable nations to the effects of climate change, this has not detracted the attention of the Leaders from moving forward with plans aimed at adapting and creating greater resilience to climate change and also from natural hazards.

This was showcased with the Forum Leaders endorsement of the governance arrangements for the Pacific Resilience Partnership last year in Apia, to support the implementation of the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific. Following COP 21, country Parties announced nationally determined contributions post 2020 and we in Samoa, like our friends and neighbours across the region, are taking decisive action. For example:

Samoa has demonstrated significant commitment to addressing climate change both in adapting to its impacts and mitigating  or reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming by establishing a target of generating 100% of its electricity from renewable energy sources and then to maintain this 100% contribution through to 2025, in anticipation of the increasing electricity demand.

Renewable energy options operational in Samoa through government, include a wind farm, 9 mini hydro schemes,and 5 solar power plants which are supplemented by 4 solar private partnerships. To date renewable energy penetration is 81% of the total generation capacity. Our target capability for solar power is 28kilowatt hours. While we are only at the 50% mark, I wish to note that over weekends we are able to achieve 100% generation from solar power.

Similarly at the United Nations Oceans Conference, Samoa submitted 13 voluntary contributions  and I share with you brief outlines of a few of these, as follows:

The Sa Moana Folauga is a voyage to build capacity and awareness on environment and natural resource management and to revive our voyaging heritage in communities in Samoa. This is to ensure communities are better ocean stewards through establishing marine protected areas and sustainable use of marine resources as well as switching to renewable energy alternatives to reduce carbon emissions.

Samoa was one of the first Pacific island countries to declare its waters a sanctuary for sharks, whales, dolphins and turtles in 2003. These highly migratory charismatic species form an important part of our heritage and biodiversity however as you all know these species are increasingly becoming threatened. The Aleipata and Safata districts are important marine protected areas of Samoa.

Scientific research, monitoring, and education programmes were created to promote public awareness and to foster a marine ethic of conservation and stewardship.

Support for the marine protected areas are provided through the National Ocean & Marine Committee (NOMC) which oversees our ocean and marine development activities and help to ensure a better understanding of the costs and benefits of national marine protected areas and the Marine Sanctuary.

The significance of oceanic fisheries to the Pacific island countries is manifested not only in economic growth but also in the food security of their populations. License fees for distant water fishing nations (DFWN) contribute up to 40% of government revenue for seven Pacific island countries.

The effects of climate change on tuna are that it determines where national and foreign fleets fish will have to go, as well as who will receive the total license fees from the distant water fishing nations. The projected changes in the tropical Pacific ocean are likely in the future, which means that tuna spawning grounds will be affected and that tuna movements will likely move towards the eastern Pacific. This is already evident during El Nino Southern Oscillation events.

Some adaptation measures in place include good fish management practices such as maintaining fish stocks at healthy levels. Samoa has enacted legislation that prohibits the use of destructive fishing methods including explosives, some traditional fishing methods and driftnet fishing activities in Samoas waters. This will ensure the preservation of marine habitats to support the population and recruitment of fisheries resources.l

Similarly coastal fisheries will also be affected by climate change. Impacts will likely result in the reduction of availability of food and livelihood opportunities for coastal communities due to the losses of coral reef, mangrove, seagrass and other intertidal habitats that provide food and shelter for coastal fish and shellfish.

Some of the adaptation measures put in place by Samoa include the restoration of vegetation in catchments and care for coastal fish habitats.

Samoa is looking more to enhancing management of its fisheries through improved scientific information and knowledge. The objective is to increase knowledge on stock status of highly migratory fish stocks in the western and central Pacific Ocean for sound management decisions.

In that connection, Samoa works with the Secretariat Pacific Community (SPC) in extracting biological samples from tuna species harvested by fishing vessels operating in Samoas Exclusive Economic Zone for analysis by SPCs Oceanic Fisheries Programme.

The results will increase knowledge on the movement of tuna species in the western and central Pacific Ocean and will help us understand further biological characteristics of tuna species that are very important for stock assessment work. It will also help countries make informed decisions so as not to risk breaching their limit reference points.

Additionally, Samoa has implemented measures to minimize the accidental catch of non-targeted species in its commercial fishery so it would have a minimal impact on the wider ecosystem. This includes measures such as the use of circle hooks for the longline fishery to minimize incidental catches of sea turtles and the use of devices to aid in the live release of sea turtles when accidentally caught.

We are committed to ensure mangroves, as important marine ecosystems which provide social, economic and cultural benefits for many Pacific Island communities, coastal protection and ocean biodiversity, are protected and conserved.

Mangroves are recognized as flagship ecosystems for livelihoods, climate change adaptation and biodiversity. However, they are threatened from over-harvesting, removal in favour of other developments, pollution, used as wastelands, natural phenomena and other activities.

Awareness, capacity building, research, legislation and the establishment of mangrove marine protected areas inside communities will ensure that mangroves can be rehabilitated and protected for climate change adaptation, livelihoods and biodiversity.

On waste management, the Government of Samoa has enacted the Waste Management Act 2010 as well as a Plastic Bag Prohibition on Importation Regulations 2013 that provide a formal legal framework for the management of waste.

By doing so, Samoa commits to keep its waters clean and healthy from land-based pollution via river and coastal ecosystems. Given that around 80% of marine debris is from land-based sources  and that marine litter is a key environmental challenge for Samoa with around 70% of all litter in Samoas urban coastal waters comprising plastics (such as packages, containers, bottles and nappies) and most of these being single-use items  cumulatively, they present an enormous threat to Samoas marine wildlife.

A pilot project is continuing which offers an opportunity to highlight the issue of marine debris as well as demonstrate best practice measures for effective waste management, and minimization of marine debris via the use of marine litter booms and development of waste management infrastructure.

The Samoa Ocean Health Network Initiative provides coordination for oceans and marine work involving all stakeholders to share information and advance Samoa's work on ocean conservation and the sustainable management of ocean resources. The Initiative connects the country mechanism to the regional Pacific Ocean Alliance, under the Forum Leaders endorsed Framework for a Pacific Oceanscape that considers the sustainable development, management and conservation of the Pacific Ocean and its resources, and requires regular reports to Forum Leaders.

Ladies and gentlemen

As small island developing states and being the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change whether from sea level rise, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, overfishing and marine pollution; our voices and interests should be the basis for global action.

As we strive to address the impacts of climate change, we must at the same time ensure that we invest in the livelihoods of our people. Such challenges and our diversity should be our strength to assist each other in learning from each others experiences, and best practices.

It is in this same spirit of collaboration to address similar challenges that Samoa signed up to the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary treaty in November 2017 that will ensure preserving the unique arctic flora and fauna and thus helping to slow down climate change at this critical time.

Pacific Island Countries face numerous challenges with sustainable development. We are small in size and population. We have small markets and limited trade. We are remote and our resource bases are limited. Yet we have so much to be proud of.

Pacific Island Countries have made significant steps forward, and despite our challenges, our economies are growing. We are implementing innovative adaptation measures against climate change impacts. We made considerable progress in moving our economies towards renewable energy, despite being responsible for a tiny proportion of greenhouse gas emissions.

COP23 and the United Nations Conference on Oceans demonstrated the importance of the collective support of the Pacific towards the implementation of the Paris Agreement and Call for Action.

But all of our efforts will be meaningless unless there is a concerted and more ambitious effort by all countries to reduce emissions and scale up financial support for adaptation in the most vulnerable countries.

Such a future for our generations to come is avoidable  but by building on the strengths of collective collaboration of the Blue Pacific identity that we have embraced - our smallness will have an expanded outreach, and our collective voice will soar above the roar of the angry tides.

The recognition of our earth without borders resonates with the need for a global outlook, international cooperation and solidarity, and a shared strategy, to address the challenges we face. After all, as the Honourable Prime Minister of Tuvalu always ardently advocates;  save Tuvalu and you will save the world.
The government has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. with the World Trade Organization. The WTO said Wednesday that the Korean government filed the suit last week claiming unfair trade practices by Washington, which slapped massive anti-dumping tariffs on Korean steel and transformers.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said the U.S.' reasoning that Korean businesses allegedly did not submit enough data or did not cooperate with its investigations violates WTO regulations.

The government plans to file another lawsuit against the U.S. at the WTO next month over new safeguards against Korean washing machines and solar panels. Last week, the U.S. slapped tariffs of up to 50 percent on them, claiming they have a negative impact on U.S. industries.


There is no denying this simple fact. While life in Samoa is not exactly problem free, it must be said that it is better than most places - near and far.

We dont have to look far. Following the recent devastation of Cyclone Gita, when we look across to the plight of our brothers, sisters and families in the Kingdom of Tonga, we can only be grateful.

Their suffering could have easily been ours.

But with the disaster coordination response in Samoa working extremely well, the longest many of our people went without electricity was possibly seven days. For many who have access to Samoa Water Authority, water connection was almost as quickly restored a few days later. Many people who needed help  including people who were evacuated  have already received help.

There are stories on the pages of your newspaper every day where organisations, groups and individuals have gone out to provide help where it is most needed. These and more are wonderful to see.

And today, its safe to say that we are blessed to be living in Samoa. Yes despite all the challenges, petty squabbles and problems here and there, we still enjoy a very peaceful existence, something many people around the world can only dream of.

Which is why we should be deeply grateful every day we wake up to smell the fresh flowers and the aroma of life. Indeed, there is plenty of life in Samoa for us to enjoy.

We also know that we are a mighty, resilient people. That is, regardless of what challenges we face, we always do our best to appear unfazed by it, so we try to make the most of any sad situation. You only have to look at the front page of your newspaper for the past few days to see that despite living without water  and some people decent homes  they struggle through and they keep on keeping on.

But their struggles should be a timely reminder to us all that there is a lot more work to be done. It should be a reminder to Prime Minister Tuilaepa and his administration that out there in the villages, people are yearning for help. There is much to be done in terms of sorting out these perennial problems.

One of them in our humble opinion is in our faces every day. We are referring to the growing number of beggars and street vendors on the streets. It doesnt matter where we are. We could be sitting at a very flash restaurant eating the most exotic food and suddenly they pop up out of nowhere. You could be walking down the streets and they will hassle you. You might be sitting in your car and they will knock on the window.

These people are the face of deteriorating poverty and hardship in paradise. Yes poverty.

Its ironic because for all the wonderful things Samoa has achieved  and weve achieved a lot  this unfortunately is the impression visitors to this country will take back with them.

For sure, its nice to be praised; its equally wonderful to know that we are blessed but there is no doubt in this writers mind the leaders of this country need to pay attention.

Apart from dealing with poverty, street vendors and finding jobs for the jobless, they also need to look at sorting out serious problems such as child labour, rape, incest, drugs, abuse of women and children, thefts, robberies and so forth.

When we peel away the top layers of life in paradise, you will find that these problems are getting worse and they demand that we pay some serious attention to them.

The question of whether poverty exists in Samoa is not new. A lot of people say that this does not exist here because we have plenty of food. Fair enough.

Yet, if you look at the number of beggars on the streets and those street vendors, would they be out there if there was no poverty? If they had a choice  apart from getting poorer  would they be so willing to brave the elements just to sell something for a tala?

These people dont have a choice. They are so poor and are stuck in a rut called poverty that they are forced to do the unthinkable.

Now think of the many families who still dont have electricity in Samoa. Think of the families whose plight about housing, water and food are featured on the pages of the Samoa Observer every day?

These are real stories. They are not fake news. We are not in the business of fake news.

Wed like to think that this country has not deliberately forgotten some of the less fortunate in the community. Speaking of which, we must never forget the words of Sociologist Pei Tauiliili Reupena who once upon a time cautioned that poverty, depression and hardships are killing people in Samoa.

Pei said far too many people are struggling to make ends meet. He estimates that about 90 per cent of families in Samoa are struggling with the cost of living, low incomes with many of them living in poverty.

What is happening right now is the gap between the rich and poor in Samoa is getting wide, he said. Only between five to seven families in Samoa are enjoying this economic success. They call it economic success, I call it a disaster.

Well, what do you think? Have a great Friday Samoa, God bless!
A seven-year-old girl has been reported missing from her family at Falelauniu since Wednesday.

Vaaiga Amosa was last seen wearing red shorts with a white and black t-shirt.

This is according to Police Superintendent and Media Spokesperson, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo.

He told the Samoa Observer that Vaaiga is thin in body size, has short hair and fair skin.

According to Auapaau, Vaai does not attend school.

She was last seen on Wednesday at 1:45pm.

The family does not have a photo of her at this stage and the mother is concerned on the whereabouts of her daughter.

The police wishes to appeal to the public for any information that may lead to the whereabouts of the missing child, he said.

Auapaau calls on members of the public to call 22222 or visit any nearest Police Post if they have information regarding the missing girl.
Alleged brutality and inhumane treatment inside the Prisons are some of the reasons prisoners escape from Tafaigata.

This is according to a letter penned by a prisoner and passed on to the Samoa Observer. Fearing for his safety, the Prisoner has asked to withhold his name.

But he pleas for his voice to be heard, saying they are desperate for help.

I was in custody in January and I was told that I would appear in Court on 26 February 2018, and after four days in jail, I was ill, the letter reads.

The inmate suffered from a toothache.

I couldnt sleep, couldnt eat and I requested the Tafaigata office that I needed help and wanted to go to the hospital.

But they said they had to call the C.I.D. in Apia Police station.

After four days, Im still asking them for help.

According to the Prisoner, instead of taking him to see a doctor, "they handcuffed me and took me to the jail block (pasima).

According to the letter, after two days, another inmate from the pasima got sick.

They started calling out for help. About an hour later they came and took the inmate to the back of the pasima and did something to him.

When he came back, his face was bloody and had a crack on his head.

According to the inmates letter, the next day he was placed with convicted murderers and he was scared for his life.

The whole time I was inside with those prisoners I did not sleep at all.

I slept on the concrete with no clothes and they took my clothes and I was cold at night.

So my question is do we get sent to prison to be treated like this and is it right for the prison guards to beat up the prisoners?

I was told this is why inmates break out of jail, just to get away from all this abuse.

Last month in the space of 30 days, seven prisoners had broken out of jail.

While six are back in custody, one remains at large (see story page 4).

The first four broke out in December, 2017, from Tafaigata Prison.

They included convicted rapist Lauititi Tualima, Vaioa Solia, Aniseko Vaelei and Uili Manuleleua.

The Samoa Observer reached out to S.P.C.S. Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ulugia Niuia Aumua, for a comment.

He has not responded to emails and text messages.
When your live an unfortunate life, you are grateful for all the little blessings that comes your way.

That is how Asofa Uoli tackles each day. She told the Samoa Observer her one wish is a proper home for her six children.

As you can see, our house is not much, the roofing is covered with laufala leaves and other parts with iron, but this is my humble home, she said.

The floor is not cemented.

It is made up of rocks from around the area.

These are the only things available, given my situation as we are poor, said Mrs. Uoli.

The mother of six said her husband is the only breadwinner of the family.

He works on a farm and brings home $80 weekly."

With her positive attitude, Mrs. Uoli said they have banana and breadfruit for dinner most days, unless they can afford tinned fish. They make gravy or soup.

At times we tend to just have bananas and tea for dinner and my children used to nag about it, but now not so much.

"I guess when this is dinner most days, they cant complain but eat what is given to them, she said.

They put carpet to cover the floor.

We just place sheets on the carpet and the kids sleep on it, its not leveled, it is bumpy but what can we do when we cant afford to purchase cement for the floor, she said.

Mrs. Uoli said growing up poor, while difficult, is always a good lesson for your children.

They dont take anything for granted and they dont ask for things they know their father cannot afford.

My eldest who is 12 years old has been using the same school bag for the past four years, when its ripped I sew it up and its good to go, like brand new, she said smiling.

This family does not have a toilet and they use their neighbors restroom during the day but in the evenings, they take care of their business in the nearby bushes.

As embarrassing as it is, I am honest with you that our family does not have a toilet.

This is our shower, but we dont have a toilet as we cannot afford it.

We do however use our neighbors toilet during the day, she said.

According to Asofa, the reason she refuses to have a pit toilet is because of the foul odor and other bacteria that emanate from such restroom.

As you can see, there is a hole dug up by my husband two years ago saying that we would save money for a toilet, that was two years ago and the delay is because we just dont have the finances for a toilet.

We use rain water, I mean we do have running water from the Government but because we have to boil it in case of any bacteria, I opted to wait on the rain for water, for drinking and cooking, said Asofa.

If you want to help Asofa, you can reach her at 727-5208.
The Central Bank of Samoa has issued a warning to members of the public to be on the look out organised criminals that who use social media to rob them of their money.

The warning is made in a statement issued by the Bank under the title C.B.S warns that Facebook is allegedly another avenue for stealing your money.

It has been brought to our attention that there are supposedly some people or well organized criminals that are using Facebook as a tool to get to your hard earned money, the bank warns.

They come in the form of get rich quick schemes promising you huge amounts of returns if you invest your money with them.

The business models and the products that they promote may be different (and very complicated), but the concept is still the same: invest your money with us, and we will give you a huge return!

This means, for example, if you invest $1,000 with them, you will get $10,000 in return within a few weeks. Or, invest $10,000 with them, and you get $100,000 in return within a few weeks from investing.

The Bank cautions people against believing in such a scheme.

Please be alert and vigilant of these scammers on the social network (like Facebook, twitter, snapchat, instagram and the like).

The statement goes on to provide tips in order to be social network smart:

1. Social Networks may look harmless, but once you log in to your Facebook account for example, you better be careful of who you talk to on Facebook.

2. Never trust anyone that you dont know personally or face to face. If you have never seen the person that you are talking with on Facebook before, then you shouldnt trust these types of people. You will not know who really is behind on that other side of the internet. Some people seem really friendly and well informed on the internet, but that is most likely not who they really are. You would not invite criminals and scammers into your home, likewise, you wouldnt want to talk with these types of people on the internet as everytime you speak with them on the internet, you are inviting them into your private life.

3. And lastly, avoid being snared by easy money or get rich quick schemes. It would be prudent to avoid talking with these types of people online or people you have never seen before face to face.

Should you require any further details on this, please contact the Central Bank.
Member of Parliament, Olo Fiti Vaai, has called on Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi to remove the management of the Samoa Prisons and Corrections Services.

It has been three months since prisoner escapee, Uili Manuleleua remains on the run," he said.

How can this happen in Samoa where everyone knows everyone?

Something is not right, with what has happened. This inmate escaped last year December, its now heading into the last week of February and Manuleleua is still out there.

Only in Samoa where inmates escape and then return on their own to the prison, he said.

I cannot understand or fathom how this can occur in our country.

It is not like Samoa is a big place, yet the Prisons and the Police cannot find one inmate, said the furious M.P.

It appears from the lack of efforts into finding Uili, the prisons takes this issue lightly, yet inmates who break out of jail have a tendency of burglarising homes, yet they should have been held behind bars.

The management needs to step down if they cannot do their job, said Olo.

The unaccounted inmate should have been behind bars and not scavenging around the country, he said.

Manuleleua is serving time for several burglary cases.

Last month, Prime Minister Tuilaepa slammed the poor management of the Tafaigata Prison as one of the reasons prisoners keep running away.

He has also hit out at what he has described as unfit prison guards, saying they need to get in shape so they can catch the prisoners.

I have advised the Commissioner to put the Correction Officer through some exercise or physical activities.

They should be dropped off in Apia at 7a.m. and they should run all the way to Tafaigata.

At the time, Tuilaepa said he is unhappy about the fact prisoners keep escaping at will.

I am shocked at the Commissioner for hiring them, he said about the unfit Prison guards. They should retire because its useless for them to work.

My challenge to the Minister is to remove those Correction officers who are like sumo wrestlers and are weak.

Last year December, Manuleleua joined Lauititi Tualima, Vaioa Solia and Aniseko Vaelei when they escaped.

The same day, all the inmates were recaptured with the help of members of the public, accept for Manuleleua.

Media Spokesperson and Police Superintendent, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, says they are working on new leads, however nothing concrete yet.

He reiterated they depend on public information for assistance.

We have received tips from the public, however it does not pan out and were back at square one."

We advise members of the public not to approach him directly because he is considered aggressive and dangerous, said Auapaau.

If anyone knows of any information in regards to his whereabouts please contact the police immediately on phone 911 or 22222 or contact any nearest Police post.

Efforts to get a comment yesterday from Samoa Prisons and Corrections Services Deputy Commissioner, Ulugia Niuia Aumua, have been unsuccessful as of press time.
More than 100 families affected by Tropical Cyclone Gita have a reason to smile.

Yesterday, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (A.D.R.A.) Samoa in partnership with the Rotary Club distributed food products and emergency kits to help these families rebuild their homes and get their lives back on track.

According to the Managing Director of A.D.R.A, Sua Julia Wallwork, having partnerships strengthens their work in A.D.R.A.

Rotary Club heard of the work that we do, so they called up and asked to partner with us, she told the Samoa Observer.

They asked if we needed help with our distribution and we welcomed the partnership.

To me when we go into partnership we strengthen our work at A.D.R.A.

She said Rotary Club provided emergency kits.

These emergency kits, which include tarpaulins, blankets, machetes, nails and much more will help families rebuild everything that they use and need for the house, said Sua.

The families that our teams went out to today (yesterday) were the list from the Disaster Management Office, they gave us the list and like all disaster that A.D.R.A. responds to, we aligned ourselves from D.M.O. and their assessment.

Today (yesterday) we divided our teams together with the Rotary Club into three teams.

The first team went to Falealili and Aleipata side, the second team went to the town area and the last team started from the Aiga le Tai families coming towards Afega and other villages.

She said her staff would be heading to Savaii next week Tuesday for the same purpose.

President of the Rotary Club, Louise Main said they were happy to partner with A.D.R.A.

We are extremely happy to be here, she said.

We tend to forget that there is Red Cross out there as well as A.D.R.A. and other organisations that are doing the same work that we are doing, so it makes sense that we join in partnership and help out where we can.

We werent sure whether we have food and a supply that was needed but Rotary is always ready to move during disasters, such as emergency kits that we have brought today (yesterday).

I saw the list that D.M.O. gave you, you have a big load we were only given 10 families and weve done that in one day.

But its good to be in partnership with other organisations and work hand in hand to help those in need.

The family of Sene and Afioga at Moamoa Uta were thankful to both organisations for their help.

Sene and Afioga, unemployed, have 13 children and they get money from begging.

This was according to their 17-year-old daughter, May Sene.

An official from the A.D.R.A. told the Samoa Observer that last week Friday this couple walked from Moamoa to Lalovaea seeking help for some food to feed their children.

They were given a box of canned fish as well as a bag of rice.

Kalele Soonalote and Siae Ropati Soonalote of Vaitele Fou were in tears when they were visited by Rotary and A.D.R.A.

Thank you so much for this blessing, Kalele said.

Thank you to the Government for answering our request and also your organisations for these products; this will truly help our family in the next month.

My husband is the only one who works. He is a carpenter and he only gets to come home on Saturdays.

It is such a hard life, as you can see Cyclone Gita destroyed everything especially the livelihoods, but this donation is greatly appreciated.

Ilaisa Uilis family at Leone was one the families badly affected by the flooding.

As you can see our plantation and our pig sty is completely destroyed, said Ilaisas daughter, Otilia Uili.

The water just came and destroyed everything it went inside our house and we just didnt know what to do, hence our request to the D.M.O. for some assistance.

Leiataualesa Tunus family was also a recipient.

This familys home was destroyed because a breadfruit tree fell on the house during the cyclone.

According to Faatuvale Leiataualesa Tunu, her father requested for assistance.

As you can see, the other side of our house is gone because of the cyclone, she said.

Its not safe for my kids so we are looking for some help so that we can fix our home again.

But thank you A.D.R.A. and Rotary for the assistance, we really do appreciate it.
The Livestock Division under the umbrella of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is topping up its pig stocks with the arrival on new genetics imported from Hamilton New Zealand.

According to a statement from the Government, the new stock promises to revolutionize the local piggery industry.

Arriving by commercial flights, the 23 pigs include eight male boars and 15 weaner gilts. They will undergo 28 days of post entry quarantine under the watchful eye of the Divisions Head of Animal Health, Renee Orange.

The quarantine period will allow the Animal Health Unit time to tests if the animals are disease free before they are given out to the farmers.

And for the animals to adopt and readjust to their new environment, says Ms. Orange.

Most importantly, we want to use the opportunity to introduce and encourage bio-security to all livestock farmers as one way to protect their investment from diseases, she said.

Its been ten years now since the last ship of imported pigs set foot in Samoa also from New Zealand and the new stock according to Assistant Chief Executive Chief Livestock Officer, Aiolupotea Tony Aiolupotea, is to revive the piggery industry with new genetics.

The breeding programme will start in three months and we hope by October we should have enough stock to be distributed to our multipliers in Upolu and Savaii, continued Aiolupotea.

The aim is to manage this injection of new stock and maintain strong genetics for future pig generations.

At cost of NZ$40,000, the imports expenditures to Samoa which included transportation by air is funded by the World Bank through the Samoa Agriculture Competitiveness Enhancement Project (S.A.C.E.P.).

Aside from piggery, S.A.C.E.P. is also benefiting close to 2,000 cattle, poultry and sheep farmers.

The projects goal is to support livestock producers and fruit and vegetable growers improve their productivity and take greater advantage of market opportunities.

Its three main targets are;

 Component 1: Livestock Production and Marketing. This will work to promote superior breeds of livestock, improved husbandry practices and stock management, productivity enhancing on-farm investments, while improving the quality of meat sold in local markets.

 Component 2: Fruit and Vegetable Production and Marketing. This will enable interested fruit and vegetable growers to access new, higher yielding varieties, adopt improved technology and production techniques, make productivity enhancing on-farm investments, and organize themselves to strengthen their presence in the market and meet the demands of local retailers and foodservice operators for year-round supplies of fresh fruits and vegetables.

 Component 3: Institutional Strengthening. This will improve the effectiveness of agricultural institutions (government and non-government) providing extension and adaptive research services to Samoan farmers; and the ability of these same institutions working individually or in collaboration to implement and monitor the project.
Admiring the lavalavas at the Fugalei Market was Bevan Trethowen yesterday.

When Dear Tourist approached him, he gladly agreed to be interviewed with his wife, Clair Cherry, joining in a few seconds later to share their experience of Samoa.

Bevan is from New Zealand and Clair is from Canada, but the couple has resided in Perth, Australia, most of their lives.

As first timers, they couldnt resist but admire the lush surrounding, something that is a giveaway for any first timer to Samoa.

It is a very beautiful place. We rented a car and drove around the island, amazing, Clair said. The reef around the island, spectacular, Bevan added.

They came to Samoa to visit a few local friends and theyve been here a week and a half.

We came to visit our friends, but we left them for a few days and drove around the island, Clair said.

And with a few days left before they depart, Samoa has left them in awe with what it offers, from the people, food to the atmosphere, some things that money can never buy and will surely lure them to the islands again.

Samoas just very beautiful. The people are the best thing so far, the atmosphere, the beaches are beautiful, weve seen some resorts here, so beautiful, but the people are so lovely, friendly, kind and caring, Clair shared.

And the drinks and fish, Bevan interrupted laughing, while explaining how he caught a big yellow fin tuna when he had gone fishing the previous day.

We ate the tuna, we went to Home Cafe, and they cooked the tuna beautifully, he said.

On that point, Clair added local hospitality and food were great.

Yep, thats why I have a big stomach right now,said Bevan who massaged his stomach laughing when we told him it must have been the tuna.

They were glad to have missed Tropical Cyclone Gita, arriving two days later.

The weathers been really good, we came here two days after the cyclone and you guys did an amazing job cleaning up, its like there was never a cyclone that swept through here, Clair said.

This is their first time to any Pacific Island and they have already made plans to return.

We will definitely return to Samoa and recommend Samoa to our friends, Bevan said.

Clair added: Were getting gifts for our friends, but it has to have Samoa on them.

The couple both agreed that Samoa is amazing the way it is, with little or no changes at all to its surrounding. Its perfect the way it is and definitely a secret that does not need to be advertised as a popular spot, up to a point where it becomes more of a curse than a giveaway.
PR - Since the launch of the Pacific-American Climate Fund (P.A.C.A.M.) project in July 2016, the Project Management Unit has conducted six trainings already, four in Upolu and two in Savaii.

P.A.C.A.M. is a five-year USAID project that provides grants to civil society organizations throughout the Pacific in support of climate change adaptation measures.

This programme is now rolling out its 3rd Savaii Training Programme in Salailua of the Itu Salega District.

The training will start on Monday 26th February 2018  3rdMarch 2018, at the Methodist Hall, Salailua, Savaii. Representatives from various churches are invited to attend this training programme next week.

The training programme focuses on training the participants, on Climate Change Project Design Management.

The training looks at Integrating Climate Change Adaptation issues into Planning, Monitoring, Budgeting and Reporting of project proposal and designs for the villages.

The participants of previously completed trainings are now left with the task of utilizing the knowledge and skills learnt, in developing proposals to donor agencies that can provided funding for climate Change Adaptation projects.

This is the 3rd training for Savaii Island after two previous training programmes in Savaii and four in Upolu in 2016 and 2017.

Previous participants have commented that this is has opened another pathway for them to seek assistance from funding opportunities on climate change and adaptation projects.

There are funding opportunities in Samoa that village communities can access, but we need people who can prepare proposals for their communities.

The training programme allows this knowledge based sharing for the people trained, to know how to access these funds by preparing and developing clear proposals.
Finnish pork on Chinese tables lends hope to local industry

From:ChinaDaily | 2018-02-21 23:57

HELSINKI - For the first time, Finnish pork, renowned for its high quality, joins the ranks of other foreign brands that are served on Chinese dinner tables.

Finnish meat producer Atria, based in Seinajoki, western Finland, found its way to the world's biggest pork consuming market when it delivered its first batch of meat to China last summer.

Another major Finnish food producer HKScan is following soon.

INDUSTRIAL ADJUSTMENT

In the past eight months, Atria has reached its goal of exporting 3,000 tons of raw pork to China, with exports expected to reach 5,000 tons in the first 12-month period.

Although the volume is less than one twentieth of the 1.2 million tons imported by China, Atria's CEO Juha Grohn expects sales to steadily grow if products satisfy consumers.

"Everything from the Chinese food culture we need to understand, so that our products are suitable for that kitchen," Grohn told Xinhua.

Grohn said the company has just launched new departments in the Seinajoki plant, to become more flexible to prepare different tailor-made products. The packing department and steering system enabling traceability is constructed especially for the Chinese customers.

Some 300 deboners and other operators have also been trained in meeting Chinese requirements, he said.

"I think China is enormous; the competition is very tough. What we can offer is transparency and traceability. We can follow production from farm to the last step of delivery to China," said Grohn.

So far, Atria's pork is transported to China by sea freight, but it is optional to use the China-Europe cargo train to shorten the delivery time in the future, said Grohn.

FARMERS' COMMITMENT

Finland's effort to pave the way for pork exports to China is beneficial not only for the food industry, but also to farmers who suffered from the standoff between Russia and the EU.

A farmer who gave his name as Olli told Xinhua sanctions between EU and Russia in 2014 brought about an interruption to Finnish food exports to Russia, resulting in a decline of local pig purchase prices by 20 percent.

For three years Olli's profit was almost zero, and the situation reversed only in 2017, mainly due to Chinese imports. "The Chinese market helps us a lot," noted Olli.

"We hope Chinese demand is more solid in volume and price, and it also means solid benefit for the farmers," said Grohn.

Atria cooperates with about 300 out of the 1,000 pig farms in Finland, offering them with expertise guidance and advisory services to ensure acquired pigs are clean and healthy.

Jukka Rantala, an expert with the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners, told Xinhua that Finland also has strict regulations on the raw materials to be used in pig feeds, but farmers can make up the ingredients from an approved selection with the help of advisers.

Olli's partner Pentti Honkala owns an average sized Finnish farm of 1,500 pigs. Honkala grows barley and wheat in his own farm, buys protein products from the market, and mixes them with water to feed the piglets.

"I hope Chinese customers are satisfied with our products. We have clean air, clean water, no illness, good regulation, and all farmers know each other," said Honkala, who is the only person who can enter the piggery in order to make sure it is free of disease.
New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has paid tribute to a young Samoan Kiwi who has been recognised for his generosity in helping out a homeless man in South Auckland last year.

Prime Minister Ardern attended the Kiwibank 2018 New Zealander of the Year Awards as the guest of Uili Papalii.

She posted a photo of them on her Facebook account saying: At the New Zealander of the year awards and feeling very lucky to be sitting with Uili Papalii.

You might remember Uili - he was the young man who struck up a friendship with a homeless man after giving him his lunch on the way to school for several weeks. This young man makes me feel so hopeful.

Papalii was 11-years-old when he helped out a homeless Auckland man, donating his pocket money and school lunches when he saw him in distress outside a butcher's shop.

"I was just walking to school one day and I saw him sleeping in the front of the butcher shop so I went in the shop and bought him a pie then gave him my change, he told 1 NEWS. "It kept going for two weeks.

The good deed led to him being nominated for the Local Hero Award and while not making the finalists, the kind-hearted young boy did receive a certificate of achievement and also a night at the PM's table.

He says his actions have "inspired" his friends and family.

When asked what he thought of the Prime Minister's attire for the evening, Uili simply replied "pretty".
In the wake of Cyclone Gita, one Pastor has claimed that the cyclone was a mild warning from God to the government over their decision to tax pastors. What do you think? Samoa Observer reporter, Nefertiti Matatia, asked members of the public in todays Street Talk: Do you think Tropical Cyclone Gita was a sign from God? This is what they said:

Tuiava Faamausili, 64, Malie

God speaks to all of us in different ways. Now some people say such such methods include Tropical Cyclone Gita coming to Samoa because of the taxation of the pastors. This natural disaster speaks to all of us, whatever our sins are in front of Him; the cyclone is His glorious warning. He is not just speaking to the Government, but to every citizen of this country, he is calling out to everyone to repent and renew their relationship with Him. Every wrong doing and every sin there is it is time to remove them and fix their eyes on Him. I see it as a wakeup call and we should not point fingers, but instead look inside our hearts. God has given each living soul to decide and choose for themselves between right and wrong. Every person should do what is right, but most especially his or her relationship with God himself.

Lui Tamoto, 49 Saleaumua, Aleipata

People have their own beliefs and different mindsets.

Since each person was brought up in dissimilar environments, its there and then where our morals and values are created. No one will be able to read the mind of the other, but through their actions, the motives of the heart is showcased, whether it is greed for power or a strategy to doing what is right to lead to a better future, who knows. But for me, I believe that the pastors should not be taxed. We grew up knowing that people we call our pastors are the ones anointed by God to do His work, they are His hands and feet on earth. So I reckon Tropical Cyclone Gita could be a sign from heaven, it was like a mouthpiece of God which has got everyones attention.

Sauaga Niumata, 48, Aleisa

The Bible says that everyone should have to give a portion of their money for God. Paying taxes is not the reason the cyclone came. Lets all be obedient to what the Bible says, we must respect and follow it. So often we hear people in their prayers saying God use me and when they are asked to pay for taxes they refuse, then they start saying that people are walking all over us, but keep in mind we just ask God to use us. This is one way of being used for His kingdom. We ought to experience His fullness through obeying His word and the word is Him. We are obeying Him, not some ink on the pages that we call the Bible.

Folesi Solomona, 72, Tiavea

I have lived and breathed on this earth for quite some time to have witness that this is not the ways of God. If any natural disaster is yet to come, then it is His will for it to come. The word says that we can never understand the thoughts of God and why He does the things that He does. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and at the end of the day, God pretty much does whatever He wants to do. He is the ruler of the earth and mankind. We are hanging on a thin line because of our sins, but when natural disasters come knocking on our doors, His love will never lose its power on me or anybody. Grace is the rope that ties us to the heart of God.

Toafa Ualika, 38 Malie

I disagree, if the cyclone comes then it comes, there is nothing that we could do about it. All that talk about it being a sign from God is not true. We have had worse cyclone experiences such as Val and Ofa, but the question is, did the law of taxing exist at that time? We must respect those in authority, that is what the Lord says through his word, if the people which we call our leaders do not do what is right, then it falls on them on judgement day. Our role is to be obedient to those that god has chosen to sit on the seat of decision makings; they will reap the fruits of their unfair and unjust choices.
San Diego parking giant Ace Parking says that Uber and Lyft are eating into the parking business  with as much as 50 percent less traffic at nightclubs and a 25 percent drop at restaurant valets.

A death knell for paid parking? No, Ace and others say they are going high-tech to survive.

For consumers, the bright side may be lower parking prices.

In downtown San Diego, this trend could color how much more parking is built, as the city updates its policy this year.

Uber versus parking: Heres the full story

In a September email buried deep in an environmental report, Ace Parking CEO John Baumgardner laid out the ugly truth facing the parking business.

At San Diego hotels serviced by Ace Parking, overnight parking has declined 5 percent to 10 percent. At restaurant valet stands, business is down 25 percent.

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And, most dramatically, nightclub valets are seeing a 50 percent drop off.

Homegrown Ace Parking  one of the largest parking companies in North America and also a fixture in San Diegos political and business scene  is feeling the impact from Uber and Lyft, the wildly popular ride-sharing services that allow people to leave their cars at home.

Industry experts say the nations parking companies are responding to the loss of business by going high-tech, with programs that allow people to track open parking spots and pay from their computers and phones. They hope convenience will persuade people that parking is worth it, if its easy and guaranteed.

For consumers, the bright side may be lower parking prices.

In downtown San Diego, city planners are looking at the decline as they update parking guidelines  which could lead to changes in how much future parking is built.

Will parking companies go away?

Is this an existential threat to my business model? Or, is there a way to pivot and continue to provide a necessary service? said Keith Jones, the third-generation managing partner of the Ace Parking empire, in a recent interview.

Jones likes to talk about journey management.

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Ace is hyper-focused on integrating new technology within our parking operations so we help consumers and cars, he said. We are pushing the parking and transportation industry to be connected in a way that makes parking smart.

Ace certainly isnt alone.

In 2017, 68 percent of business travelers chose Uber or Lyft, while 25 percent chose rental cars. Only 7 percent hopped in taxis, according to Certify, which tracks business travel spending.

Uber was rated as the No. 1 most-expensed and best-loved of all brands last year, beating out Starbucks, Delta Airlines and Amazon.com, according to Certify.

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At San Diego International, theres some evidence that parking is on the decline, though the numbers are murky because a Terminal 2 lot has been under construction.

Parking revenue has been flat while plane traffic is up 7 percent this fiscal year, said Rebecca Bloomfield, an airport spokeswoman.

Email from Ace Parking CEO John Baumgardner to San Diego architecture firm Tucker Sadler. (Screenshot of email )

Parking expert Casey Wagner, who hosts a National Parking Association webinar on the rise of the shared economy, said the numbers point to Uber and Lyft taking a big bite out of the parking, car rental and taxi industries.

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Weve seen that clearly in hotels, the travel industry, the impact on rental cars and taxis, short-term airport parking, restaurants and bars, said Wagner, chief operating officer of Walker Consultants in Houston.

As goes San Diego, so do other metropolitan areas, said Jones. Ace Parking has seen similar declines at its 750 parking operations from Washington, D.C., to Portland, Oregon.

In the national picture, Jones said, the decline at hotels for overnight cars is more like 15 to 20 percent.

Technology could make us like parking again

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Whats a parking company to do? Ace and other parking chains are fighting back with technology.

They are looking to compete with the convenience factor  parking reservations, parking on demand, communicating with apps, said Wagner, the industry consultant.

If I know that I have a space thats a block away, if Im the designated driver, or Im going to make several trips, that makes more sense for me than trying to organize two or three people to Uber or Lyft.

Heres how Ace Parkings leadership sees the future.

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A parking website would show the consumer that there are 10 available stalls here, or 50 stalls there. It would also show the price. The consumer pays online and scans a cellphone when arriving at the garage.

Youre not just going to show up at the airport and go, I know there are a bunch of flights to San Francisco. What I strongly believe is, we need the same mentality when it comes to parking, Jones said.

So its ingrained in your decision-making processes that, before you leave for your destination, that you are able to tie in to a parking scenario.

Ace Parking is in the middle of trying to modernize its operations to make that happen, Jones said  though the effort can be complicated by the details of ownership. The bottom line is, who pays for the cost to upgrade the technology: the property owner or the operator?

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Out of the 750 properties we are involved with, almost every one is different, based on this owner, this institution, this municipality, the way they are structured and what they want, Jones said.

In San Diego, Ace has contracts to manage parking at many public properties, including Petco Park and San Diego International.

Competition = lower prices

But if parking is still more expensive than an Uber ride, consumers will likely vote with their wallets.

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Jones and Wagner predict that ride-share competition may push down parking prices.

(Parking companies) are looking at what the cost is to park, versus Uber, Wagner said. They need to be aware of whats going to help them maintain their revenue stream.

Heres what Ace and other parking companies cant compete on: How Uber and Lyft remove the temptation to drink and drive for some users.

In New York, for example, ride-sharing services are credited with reducing alcohol-related accidents by 25 to 35 percent. However, other studies have questioned the correlation.

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Ace fully supports transportation options that help make our communities safer, Jones said. If this is a competitive advantage for ride share, then I support it.

San Diegos downtown planning agency is eyeing these parking trends, as well.

Goodbye, valets and new garages. Hello, drop-off lane

Civic San Diego is in the middle of updating downtowns five-year comprehensive parking plan. Changes could go to the City Council this year.

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Already, the city is experimenting with a designated pick-up, drop-off lane for ride-share cars on Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter, after a study determined that a community valet wouldnt be successful.

Currently, developers are required to supply a certain amount of parking spaces in a new building.

We are looking at whether those ratios should be lowered, said Brad Richter, a Civic San Diego vice president.

Ride-sharing is one factor, but the biggest point is that downtown is becoming more dense, which means people can walk to jobs and stores more easily without needing cars.

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Something else under consideration: Should the city fund more public parking?

At two public garages downtown -- Market It On Market and the 6th and K Parkade -- monthly customers are still going strong but special-event revenue has dropped off.

Two more public garages are planned at Seventh Avenue and Market Street and underneath East Village Green park. Those seem to pencil out based on analyses in the past few years, Richter said, but officials will be taking a hard look at demand for future projects.

Given the increased popularity of the ride-share services, do you need to provide as many public garages? Richter said, outlining the debate. You dont want to over build.

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jen.steele@sduniontribune.com

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Twitter: @jensteeley
Lilac Hills Ranch, a proposed housing development in Valley Center that voters overwhelming rejected just 15 months ago, is back.

And a key element of the project remains unchanged: it still calls for 1,746 homes and condos on 608 acres of farmland.

The updated development plans are now being reviewed by county planners, who will be posting new environmental documents Thursday, beginning a 45-day public comment period.

Backers say even though the density remains the same, the plans have been revised and improved and will be presented to the countys Board of Supervisors for approval, possibly before the end of this year but more likely in early 2019, a county official said.

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Lilac Hills is now under the control of a new development team, Ranch Capital LLC, and its subsidiary, Village Communities. Ranch Capital was a financial backer of the earlier version of the project headed by Randy Goodson of Accretive Investments. Goodson and Accretive are no longer involved.

When Ranch decided to pick up this project, it was important for us to really dig into what the concerns the county and the public had, said Sam Hartman, Ranch Capitals vice president. Weve hit every one of those concerns head on.

Hartman said the size of the project remains the same because reducing the number of homes would do a disservice to the public at a time when the need for new housing in the county is at a critical point.

The posting of the updated environmental documents signals a restarting of the review process, which was put on hold in 2016 by the developer for various reasons.

The countys Planning Commission had already granted its approval of the project  with numerous conditions  but instead of proceeding with a decisive hearing before the supervisors, the developers instead gathered signatures to put Measure B on the November 2016 ballot.

It sought to bypass the supervisors (whose approval at the time was in doubt) and the normal planning process by directly asking for voter approval to build on semi-rural land just east of Interstate 15 and south of W. Lilac Road.

Measure B lost by a margin of 64 percent to 36 percent. But the application for the development was never withdrawn and now it will go back to the supervisors for approval.

The ballot initiative was defeated in part by a group of grassroots organizers who waged a very successful social media campaign.

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One of the groups leaders, Mark Jackson, who lives near where Lilac Hills Ranch would be built, wasted few words Wednesday.

The developer has misrepresented facts regarding this project to the county and the public for nearly 10 years, Jackson said. I cant reach an opinion about the project without a thorough reading of what is currently proposed.

But he said the entire County of San Diego wants a couple questions answered:

Why the hell is this project even being considered by the Board of Supervisors after 735,000 voters rejected in it in November of 2016? he asked.  Why are zombie projects that benefit no one other than out-of-town speculators allowed to continue?

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Jon Rilling, Ranch Capitals project manager for the development, said Lilac Hills Ranch will benefit thousands of people who want to live in the county but cant afford to buy homes here.

There are jobs here in San Diego, he said. Sixty thousand commuters come down Interstate 15 every day from Riverside County because they cant afford to find a house in San Diego County.

He said the project will include condominiums that will sell in the $300,000 range.

Opponents have said Lilac Hills is a prime example of sprawl development that ignores the goals of the countys recently updated General Plan  a blueprint for growth in the county  which encourages growth near urban areas where infrastructure already exists. They decry development in the backcountry, a term that infuriates many in the building industry who say the backcountry is already protected.

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Lilac Hills, as well as Newland Sierra, a 2,200-unit housing project proposed for land just to the west of I-15 roughly five miles north of Escondido, are not in the backcountry but rather in the North County Interstate 15 growth corridor, they argue, where the General Plan allows for far denser development with the issuance of a General Plan amendment.

The new development team, directed by Larry Hershfield, CEO of Ranch Capital, Hartman and Rilling, have committed to making more than two dozen improvement to roads and intersections outside of the project, fixing existing safety hazards and blind curves in the area, Rilling said.

Every condition and recommendation made by the Planning Commission has been incorporated into the new project plans, Rilling said, as have all of the concerns expressed by the public.

The plans include 39 new features and call for the construction of a school and fire station. Solar panels will be put on every home and electric vehicle-charging stations will be in every garage, Rilling added.

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jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones
Three restaurants in North County and three in San Diego have been ranked by Yelp reviewers this week among the Top 100 Places to Eat in 2018.

Back for the second year in a row are Sunny Side Kitchen in Escondido, which moved up six slots to No. 45, and the Classics Malt Shop in San Diego, which rose five slots to No. 95. Two winners from 2016 returned to this years list, Yoshino Japanese Deli in Carlsbad at No. 22, and T Deli in Hillcrest at No. 42. And two new spots joined the list this year, Beyer Deli in South Bay, ranked No. 59, and Pizzamaniac in Vista, which came in at No. 87.

Introduced five years ago by Yelp, a crowd-sourced dining reviews website, the top 100 ranking is based on a data formula that looks at restaurants 5-star ratings and reviews with extra weight given to newer, up-and-coming, neighborhood eateries rather than larger, long-established regional restaurants.

List newcomer Ben Phillips, 37, said he was excited to get the news this week about his Pizzamaniac restaurant. He opened the north Vista pizzeria in February 2016 and is proud to have amassed more than 300 5-star reviews in the two years since.

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Bob and Kathy Carpenter in their small breakfast and lunch cafe called Sunny Side Kitchen, which was this week ranked No. 45 on Yelps Top 100 places to eat in the U.S. in 2018. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune )

I never wanted to own a restaurant, I just wanted to have a kitchen where I could feed people and watch them fall in love with pizza the same way I did 15 years ago, he said.

Phillips is a Vista native whose parents are both chefs. During his 20s he played guitar in a Seattle-based punk rock band. Between tours hed pay bills by working in pizzerias, where he became fascinated with the science of dough-making.

After the band broke up, he returned to Vista and spent five years apprenticing at local pizzerias where he perfected his own New York-style thin-crust dough and sauces.

At the end of 2015 he leased the shuttered Pizzamania outlet at 1461 N. Santa Fe Ave. For legal reasons he needed to change the pizzerias name, but with just $600 left to his name, he couldnt afford new signs. So he spent $300 on a letter c and Pizzamaniac was born.

Since then, hes gradually built a following of loyal customers who appreciate his quality standards. Everything is made in-house with fresh, never-frozen ingredients. Meats are cooked onsite, pizzas are hand-tossed and even the pineapple is cut fresh.

His top-sellers are a pair of white pizzas, the White Stone, with ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan, and the Presto Pesto, with mozzarella, garlic, pesto and feta cheese.

Although business is good, Phillips said he hopes the listing will bring in a lot of new customers.

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You have these dreams, he said. Its really rewarding to see that just treating your customers right and serving a quality product really works.

Sunny Side Kitchen co-owners Kathy and Bob Carpenter were happy to be ranked again to the Yelp list this year. Last years first-time ranking gave their business a big boost.

The couple opened their breakfast-and-lunch cafe three years ago after running a successful baked goods and panini booth for five years at a local farmers market. The cafe is best known for its Tuscan chicken panini, works breakfast sandwich and miniature fresh-baked cookies.

Kathy Carpenter attributes their success to a couple of factors. Many items are made from scratch (cookies, brownies, soups, meatloaf and poultry roasted in-house) and a variety of gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free options are offered. But the most important ingredient is customer service.

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People want to know whats in everything these days and when people ask for something, we hear them and we want them to know theyve been heard, she said. Were not going head to head with Thomas Keller. Were just trying to do what we do best for our neighborhood.

Beyer Deli, which joins the list this year, opened in 2001 in an industrial park just north of the border in the Otay area. Reviewers who rated Beyer with five stars mention the friendly service, extra-large sandwiches, reasonable prices and fresh ingredients.

Back for the second year in a row is Classics Malt Shop, a 50s-style diner in San Diegos Midway district, at No. 95. The restaurant sells burgers, hot dogs, malts and other ice cream desserts. Carpenter said she visited the restaurant last year after the list came out and was impressed by Classics food and service.

The owners were exceptionally pleasant and made you feel like regulars, and they had wonderful food made to order, Carpenter said.

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Yoshino Japanese Deli in Carlsbad returned to the list this year after first appearing in 2016. The lunch-only, cash-only quick-service eatery specializes in take-out poke bowls and sushi at low prices.

T Deli in Hillcrest returned to the list this year after ranking No. 30 in 2016. It is known for its chicken pesto torta, paninis, wraps and acai bowls.

No. 22: Yoshino Japanese Deli, 2913 State St., Carlsbad. (760) 889-0309.

No. 42: T Deli, 1469 University Ave., Hillcrest. (619) 682-4069 tdelisd.com

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No. 45: Sunny Side Kitchen, 155 S. Orange St., Escondido. (760) 294-4450 or sunnysidekitchencom.ipage.com/

No. 59: Beyer Deli, 3065 Beyer Blvd., Suite A105, San Diego. (619) 428-4704.

No. 87: Pizzamaniac, 1461 N Santa Fe Ave., Vista. (760) 945-9901. pizzamaniacvista.com

No. 95: Classics Malt Shop, 3625 Midway Drive, Suite B., San Diego. (619) 226-1600 or facebook.com/Classics-Malt-Shop-286917283785/.

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pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
Beer To the Rescue, Version 4.0

For the fourth straight year, its Beer to the Rescue. This year, though, the annual fundraiser has more supporters and more causes.

When it was founded in 2015 by Brandon Hernandez, now Societe Brewings chief marketing officer, Beer to the Rescue was devoted to raising money entirely for the Lupus Foundation of Southern California. While Rescue is still dedicated to fighting that autoimmune disease, this years campaign will benefit numerous other causes. These include:

The Beer for Boobs Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Team.

The Challenged Athletes Foundation.

St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital.

One More Wave, which helps wounded and disabled veterans surf.

Rescue fundraisers are scheduled between now and Dec. 8. The next event is Saturday, when Benchmark Brewing will release its Hildegard Triple IPA at the brewery, 6190 Fairmount Ave., Suite G, in San Diegos Grantville district.

This years campaign is supported by a record 42 county breweries, ranging from big players (Ballast Point, Stone) to little upstarts (Indian Joe, Savagewood). A complete schedule of Rescue parties can be found at beertotherescue.org/#events.

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Dublin Bound?

If your travels are taking you to Ireland on St. Patricks Day, theres a great chance youll head to St. Jamess Gate, Ushers, Dublin.

Thats the address of the nations top tourist attraction, the Guinness Storehouse.

We had 1.7 million visitors last year, said Colette Coughlan, the sites brand manager, and 28 percent came from the United States.

This year, Guinness will kick off its four-day St. Patricks celebrations on Thursday, March 15. The seven-floor store house, a combination brewery/museum/restaurant/bar will offer a range of beer-and-food pairing stations; classes on how to deliver the stouts perfect pour and demonstrations on how the beer is made. Even if youre not a fan of the inky black beverage thats has been brewed here since 1759, Coughlan recommends a trip to the seventh floor Gravity Bar.

You have 360-degree views of Dublin, she said. Thats really the jewel in our crown.

For this brewery, March 17 is annual bonanza. Worldwide, about 13 million pints of Guinness will be poured that day.

Cant make it to Ireland? Go to social media and post a photo of yourself wearing Guinness foam on your upper lip, and use the #StacheForCharity hashtag. For every post, the brewery will contribute $1 to its charitable Guinness Gives Back Fund.

Flock o Anniversaries

San Diegos Blind Lady Ale House, 3416 Adams Ave., is taking its ninth anniversary party to the streets. On Sunday, civic-minded beer fans will meet at the bar and then walk to Home Brewing, 2903 El Cajon Blvd., picking up trash along the route. Trash pickers, buckets and bags will be provided.

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On Saturday, Resident Brewing will mark its second anniversary by releasing bottles of an anniversary ale and tapping two versions of its Saison Prestige  the original and a nectarine variant. Resident is downtown,. 1065 4th Ave.

Kings of Beer

Before delving into Session EZ IPA (4.8 percent alcohol by volume), allow me to invoke the Arthur Axiom. I was whining about another beer once when Tomme Arthur, co-founder and director of brewing operations at San Marcos The Lost Abbey, stopped me with a simple question.

How does this beer compare to others in its category?

In other words, my guru instructed, compare pilsners to pilsners, stouts to stouts and  ahem  session IPAs to other session IPAs. Session EZ IPA may have a wispy body. but thats common among session beers, which usually have less than 5 percent alcohol.

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Within this category, EZ is pretty wonderful. There are fresh grapefruit and orange flavors; fresh-baked malts; and a clean finish. Nimble and quaffable, EZ is this weeks King.

Part of the Session series from Oregons Full Sail, EZ overthrows last weeks King, Coffee Porter (6.4 percent) from San Franciscos Anchor Brewing. Lets just say were raising the Anchor and setting Sail.

Good Scouts

My favorite cookies-and-beer event  Cookies on Tap  returns Friday through Sunday. AleSmith, Mike Hess and Stone breweries are pairing their beers with the appropriate Girl Scout cookies (Thin Mints with Mike Hess Steel Beach Lager, for instance).

For a complete schedule, go to sdgirlscouts.org/en/events/event-list/cookies-on-tap.html. Also, Girl Scout alumnae are invited to a Cookies on Tap party Friday, 4:30 to 9 p.m., at AleSmith, 9990 AleSmith Court, San Diego.

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Did You Know

You may be able to win a bar bet by quizzing your fellow tipplers about where the first recorded St. Patricks Day parade was held. The answer? New York City in 1762. San Diegos 38th annual St. Patricks Day parade  the largest west of the Mississippi  steps off at 10:30 a.m. March 17 from Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street.

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Twitter: @peterroweut

peter.rowe@sduniontribune.com
Today is National Margarita Day, and whether you prefer your drink on the rocks, frozen or with a kick of flavor, local restaurants and bars offer plenty of options that will have you singing a chorus  or two  of Margaritaville by the end of the evening.

Coasterras bar menu features seven types of margaritas, including Debs Coconut Margarita. The sweet tropical sipper is blended with Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila, coconut cream, lime juice and a coconut-salted rim. 880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego. (619) 814-1300 or dinecrg.com

Indigo Grill chef/partner Deborah Scott has combined an earthy sweetness with the classic tart flavor in her aptly named, Debs Rosemary Margarita. The icy cocktail spotlights house-infused rosemary Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar and Cointreau (a brand of triple sec), rimmed with rosemary salt. 1536 India St., Little Italy. (619) 234-6802 or dinecrg.com

SEA180 Coastal Tavern has created a Spicy Mango Tango for those who want a kick to their drink. The margarita is made with jalapeno-infused tequila, mango syrup and sweet and sour mix. The rim is lined with fresh jalapeno slices. 800 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach. (619) 631-4949 or dinecrg.com

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Mess Hall Bar inside Liberty Public Markets main dining room will offer the classic flavors of a Blue Bridge Margarita or the house-infused Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita. $5 specials will be served until 9 p.m. Mess Hall, 2820 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station, San Diego. libertypublicmarket.com

Hotel Republic will serve signature cocktails at its Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar, including its Topside Marg, a mix of Angelisco Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice and local chiles, rimmed with sea salt and Tajin seasoning. 421 W. B St., San Diego. hotelrepublic.com

The Bar at Moniker General invites guests to belly up to the 1950s-inspired cocktail counter and have a Moniker Margarita, an infusion of El Jimador Silver Tequila, Cointreau, lime and agave nectar. 2860 Sims Road, San Diego. (619) 255-8772 or monikergeneral.com

The Local is serving Local Rita, made with El Jimador Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, agave nectar and Li Hing Mui Rum. 1065 Fourth Ave., San Diego. (619) 231-4447 or thelocalsandiego.com

Celebrate Margarita Day with OB Surf Lodges Las Rocas. (OB Surf Lodge )

OB Surf Lodge has crafted Las Rocas (the rocks), a mix of El Jimador Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, rosemary-ginger simple syrup garnished with black salt. 5083 Santa Monica Ave., Suite 1F, San Diego. (619) 955-5475 or obsurflodge.com

Upper East Bar in the Gaslamp Quarter will toast to the day with its Spicy Cucumber Margarita, made with serrano chile-infused tequila, cucumber, agave and lime juice. 435 Sixth Ave., San Diego. (619) 531-8744.

Events

The second annual InTents Flavors Celebration, a farm-to-fork event, will team local farm-focused chefs and farmers at tasting stations, all for a good cause. Indulge in creative bites, beer, wine and spirits and live music on the water at Marina Village on Mission Bay. Discover what bread should taste like at the Heritage Grain Bake Off, mix and mingle with your favorite farmers market professionals and cheer for your favorite team in the Top Tents Booth Design scramble. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Kitchens for Good, a nonprofit that trains the underemployed for culinary careers. 6 to 9 p.m. Monday. Marina Village Conference Center, 1936 Quivira Way, San Diego. $95 per person. Tickets: bit.ly/2EvSRkg

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Campfire has launched Mondays Dont Suckling, a weekly series of brining and roasting a whole suckling pig  snout to tail. Serving will vary each week and the dish will be an ode to the warm weather and tropical vibes. Libations will be tiki-ish, embracing global influences ranging from the Mediterranean to Thailand. In the coming weeks, local bartenders will be invited to showcase their menus and drinks. Mondays from 5 p.m. until they run out. 2725 State St., Carlsbad. (760) 637-5121 or thisiscampfire.com

The Good Seed Food Company and chef Chuy de la Torre of Urge Gastropub have partnered to create a four-course beer-and food-pairing dinner that will take guests on a culinary journey around the world. Dishes include: shrimp carpaccio, Nigerian peanut stew, Ecuadorian lamb roast and for dessert, apple rose. 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. Longship Brewery, 10320 Camino Santa Fe, Suite C, San Diego. $50 per person. Tickets: longshipbrewery.com

Winner of the semifinal competition will move forward to compete in the finals at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. (Photo courtesy United States Bartenders Guild/Tequila Exotico )

The United States Bartenders Guild Make It Exotico San Diego Semifinal Cocktail Competition takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at barleymash, 600 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. Participants will each have a maximum of seven minutes to make their cocktails live for four judges. Cocktails will be judged on appearance, aroma, creativity, taste and overall impression. One winner will be announced and will receive an all-expense paid trip to compete in the final round of the competition in New Orleans in July. The event is free and open to the public, space permitting. bit.ly/2EKQ4XG

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People in the news

Patrick Cabido (Herb & Wood )

Chef Brian Malarkey has named Patrick Cabido as the new general manager of Herb & Wood in Little Italy. Cabido, who has worked for The Soho House and Le Charlot restaurants in New York, brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Charged with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, he plans on implementing the world-class service he grew up with in his fathers European hotels. Cabido, who speaks seven languages, attended Lausanne Hotel School (EHL) in Switzerland graduating with a bachelors degree in Hotel Management. He went on to receive a business degree from Lausanne Business School. 2210 Kettner Blvd., San Diego. (619) 955-8495 or herbandwood.com

LJ Crafted Wines was named Surfrider Foundations first fully registered Platinum Level recipient in the Ocean Friendly Restaurants program. The platinum level is the most recent addition to the foundations program, and restaurants are recognized when they meet all 10 of the environmental criteria  ranging from no plastic bags offered for takeout to energy efficiency efforts such as LED lighting and Energy Star appliances. We are grateful to the Surfrider Foundation for this recognition, said Lowell Jooste, owner of LJ Crafted Wines. Our business uses our own patent-pending technology to support a zero-waste lifestyle which aligns with the environmental values of the Surfrider Foundation. ljcraftedwines.com; surfrider.org/programs/ocean-friendly-restaurants

Addison Chef William Bradley (Michael Guo/Courtesy photo )

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Director and executive chef William Bradley of Addison Restaurant will be one of 20 participants in the 2018 Relais & Chateaux GourmetFest March 15-18 at Carmel-by-the-Sea. The four-day foodie extravaganza features an exclusive roster of Relais & Chateaux chefs and the worlds best wine estates. Guests will indulge in 20 uniquely planned events, including a strolling welcome party, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, lunches and dinners, off-site tours and lunches, VIP parties and the closing celebration. Relais & Chateaux is a global fellowship of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants, currently with more than 500 members in 60 countries on five continents. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit gourmetfestcarmel.com

Openings

Swamis Cafe will open its 11th location soon  in the space formerly occupied by Busalacchis A Modo Mio in Hillcrest. The breakfast and lunch destination will offer its signature dishes with items ranging from acai bowls and smoothies to bacon burgers and vegetarian and vegan options. 3707 Fifth Ave., San Diego. swamiscafe.com

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carolina.gusman@sduniontribune.com
For the 26th year, Kuumba Fest  the annual celebration of African-American theater, dance and much more  returns to San Diego Rep.

The theme of this years edition, which begins today: Black 2 Position.

The happenings kick off this afternoon with an Afro-Tourism Summit, plus a screening of the film When We Could Fly and other welcoming events.

The fests four-day run also will take in a Claiming Position dance showcase and a performance of the play Organics: The Making of a Woman, among many other offerings.

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Check out the full schedule on the fests website.

San Diego Kuumba Fest

When: Today through Sunday.

Where: Lyceum Theatres, 79 Horton Plaza, downtown.

Tickets: Free to $20 (depending on event).

Phone: (619) 544-1000

Online: kuumbafest.com or lyceumevents.org.

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jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @jimhebert
For a few moments Tuesday night, it looked like a pickup driver had finally done what so many other car chase suspects could not: elude police during a high-speed pursuit.

With officers on his tail, the driver veered his truck off the roadway and into a Metro subway tunnel in Boyle Heights, disappearing from view of helicopters broadcasting the chase. Metro officials shut down the Gold Line as officers went into the tunnel and checked the subway station at Soto Street.

It turned out not to be a perfect getaway. The suspect was captured, but his passenger managed to get away, at least so far.

Televised car chases have long been a source of fascination in Southern California, even though the vast majority end the same way, with drivers eventually being stopped and arrested. Sometimes, they simply give up or run out of gas. Other times, police use spike strips or the pit maneuver to spin the vehicle and stop it.

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Yet watching these chases involves a certain faith that maybe, just maybe, the driver will outrun the cops.

Against the odds, some do get away. A Los Angeles Times analysis found that the Los Angeles Police Department reported making arrests in 82% of chases from 2006 to 2014, well above the state average of 68%. More recent data were not immediately available.

People are always going to try and get away, but it is pretty hard to escape, said Greg Meyer, a retired Los Angeles police captain and pursuit training expert.

In November, three suspects thought to be involved in an armed robbery of a Laguna Niguel wireless store managed to escape police after a lengthy pursuit from Orange County to Pasadena, where they jumped out of their vehicle at the Paseo Colorado mall. They have yet to be caught.

A Los Angeles County civil grand jury report studied 421 police pursuits in the county that were reported to the California Highway Patrol in a 12-month period beginning October 2015. The report found that suspects were immediately apprehended in 67% of the chases, leaving 139 pursuits that did not end in an arrest. Fifty-nine involved vehicles that escaped, and 47 ended because police abandoned the pursuit, usually for safety reasons.

The report concluded that some pursuits caused unnecessary bystander injuries and deaths and that law enforcement officers need better training to reduce the risk of crashes during high-speed pursuits.

The Times analysis showed that LAPD pursuits injure bystanders at more than twice the rate of police chases in the rest of California. From 2006 to 2014, 334 bystanders were injured  one for every 10 LAPD pursuits, according to the review of pursuit data reported to the CHP.

Both the LAPD and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department have tightened their policies on pursuits, pushing away from chasing nonviolent offenders or suspects whose behavior at the wheel becomes so dangerous it is likely to lead to injury to pedestrians or other motorists.

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Meyer predicted that police pursuit escapes will be more difficult in coming years.

Some of the technology coming along will really make it much harder to escape. We are talking drones launched from police cars to track the getaway car, he said.

Over the years, pursuit suspects have tried to evade police by driving into parking garages or into Los Angeles International Airport, where there are flight restrictions for news choppers, or by simply bailing out of cars and running onto freeway medians.

Eighteen months ago, one particularly resourceful car thief, after an hourlong pursuit, headed into the hills above Whittier. With the stolen Honda Accord still moving, he climbed out of the drivers window and jumped while the car continued to coast down the tree-lined road.

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But the action Tuesday night was something new.

It began when Ralph Lopez Jr., 26, of Los Angeles allegedly stole a truck in Huntington Park. Police from that city gave chase. At one point, Lopez slammed into a yellow cab, sending two passengers to the hospital. Later, he drove on a sidewalk before driving into a subway tunnel. At that moment, there was concern that the truck could hit a train inside the tunnel. But Metro quickly shut off service, and it turned out there were no trains in the short tunnel, which runs through a portion of Boyle Heights.

The tunnel  it was a first for us in a pursuit, said Huntington Park Police Lt. Al Martinez. We dont like firsts.

Police eventually arrested Lopez but are still looking for his passenger.

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Videos of the trucks descent into the subway made the rounds on social media Wednesday. But Meyer worries it could have another effect.

People are going to copycat what this guy did and end up getting hit by a train, he said.

richard.winton@latimes.com

Twitter: @lacrimes
As festivals near, govt stresses on vaccination, following Covid protocols, responsible festivities

Noting that there is an overall stabilisation in COVID-19 cases, India govt urged people to be careful in the coming two-three months to retain the gains achieved in the pandemic management so far.
A 33-year-old man who drank poison and died while fleeing police on the 101 Freeway in Ventura County on Wednesday was wanted for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl inside a Los Angeles motel, authorities said.

Jonathan Hanks, of Camarillo, had been accused of luring the teen to a Reseda motel and assaulting her on Feb. 4, according to LAPD Detective Ninette Toosbuy.

Police were serving an arrest warrant at Hanks Camarillo home and confronted him early Wednesday morning, Toosbuy said. Hanks, who appeared to be preparing to drive to work, ignored officers command and sped off, hopping a curb in the process, she said.

Undercover LAPD officers followed Hanks toward the 101 Freeway and then notified the California Highway Patrol.

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The CHP tried to pull over Hanks near the Oxnard Boulevard exit, but he ignored their commands. The vehicle drifted across all three lanes of traffic and struck the center divider a short time later, near the Seaward Avenue exit, the CHP said.

He was found dead in his car. Toosbuy said Hanks drank liquid cyanide while being chased by CHP officers.

Obviously since we cant get a statement from him, its speculation on my part, but something tells me that psychologically he might have thought at some point this might catch up to me, Toosbuy said.

Hanks contacted the victim through Snapchat in December, and eventually convinced her to sneak out of her home to meet in Reseda in early February, Toosbuy said.

He assaulted her inside the motel, according to Toosbuy, who said the victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The LAPD became aware of the attack the next day.

Investigators have reason to believe there were other victims, but none have come forward yet. Hanks did not have any prior convictions, Toosbuy said.

Toosbuy said she hopes the incident will make parents more aware of the need to monitor their childrens social media activities. Law enforcement has noticed an uptick in the use of social media as a hunting ground for sexual predators, she said.

Social media presents some real risk and challenges for young people who are vulnerable, Toosbuy said. If you dont talk to your children openly about whats out there, this could happen.

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james.queally@latimes.com

Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.
One week after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., I have a thought and a prayer.

My thought is, Maybe this time will be different.

My prayer is, Please let this time be different.

Americas very-recent history of mass shootings  three in the last four months, with a death count of 101  has made us wearily familiar with the script.

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At first, there is universal horror. Then, a quick return to our warring trenches. Gun-control advocates once again demand action. Gun-rights supporters once again insist that guns are not the problem; people are the problem.

Politicians make vague noises about doing something, but nothing happens. Then we have another mass shooting, and the awful cycle starts again.

But in the midst of this dark, tribal morass, there are some glimmers of light. They are small, but they are visible.

There is the new Quinnipiac University National Poll showing that 66 percent of American voters support stricter gun laws. That is the highest number since 2008, and a vast improvement from 47 percent support in 2015.

Support for universal background checks is at 97 percent for gun owners and non-gun owners alike, and there is 83 percent support for a mandatory waiting period for all gun purchases.

Meanwhile, President Trump  who was in favor of an assault weapons ban and longer waiting periods before his National Rifle Association-supported presidential campaign  ordered the Justice Department to issue regulations banning the bump stocks used to convert semi-automatic guns into automatic weapons.

The president also says he is open to supporting legislation that would make small improvements in the national gun background check system.

But for me, the biggest reason to hope comes from the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the ones who might be best equipped to turn tragedy into action.

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These articulate teenagers began speaking out just hours after the shooting, and they havent stopped. Because they have first-hand knowledge of the horrors of a mass shooting, they are compelling advocates for gun control. So compelling, in fact, that some pro-gun people are spreading the untrue theory that some of the students are paid actors.

They arent. But they are smart enough to strike while the spotlight is hot. And unlike adults who have become numb to political hypocrisy and gun-control stalemates, the students can approach the issue with a fresh eye and a jolt of righteous fury that will be hard to ignore.

About 100 of those students converged on the state Capitol in Tallahassee on Wednesday to demand that lawmakers take action against gun violence. This was one day after the Florida state House declined to take up an assault weapons ban, which made the students angrier and even more eloquent.

After calling out Congress for failing to protect children and teenagers, Florence Yared, 17, reminded the politicians about the consequences to come.

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We are too young to vote, but soon we will be able to vote, and we will vote you out.

After the students met with lawmakers, Lorenzo Prado, a junior, summed-up our countrys gun problem in one simple statement.

The law has failed us and has led to the events that happened in Parkland.

The law has failed us. That was the message behind Emma Gonzalezs viral speech at a weekend rally, where the Marjory Stoneman Douglas senior called BS on all of the NRA talking points.

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That was BS on saying guns are just tools, like knives or cars. That was BS on the good guy with the gun stopping the bad guy with the gun. That was BS on the idea that there is nothing anyone can do.

The fact is, there are things that can be done.

We could ban gun sales to people under the age of 21, just like we ban alcohol sales to people under the age of 21. Some states have done this already, and lawmakers in gun-happy Florida are actually considering this as we speak.

We could limit the number of guns you can buy in one month, just like we limit the amount of certain cold medicines you can buy in one month. We could create a federal database to track gun sales.

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By We, I mean the people who vote for the politicians who will decide if more of us get to live, or if more of us will continue to die. As the grieving students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are reminding us, the people do have that power.

Lets use it.

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Twitter: @karla_peterson

karla.peterson@sduniontribune.com
A San Diego man is one of 10 Californians severely injured by vaping device explosions who on Wednesday filed suit against the makers and sellers of e-cigarette batteries, saying the devices are defective and unsafe.

Maxwell De La Fuente claimed, in the lawsuit, that his vaping device exploded in his pants pocket last year, causing deep burns to his right thigh.

He named Syndicate Vapes of Oceanside, Mojo Vapor of Encinitas and Los Angeles-based LA Vaporz Wholesale as defendants for selling the e-cigarette, batteries and battery charger that he used.

He alleged the companies knew the product design caused excessive overheating, making them dangerous and unsafe.

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A federal report issued last year compared the devices, when they fail, to a flaming rocket.

De la Fuente claims that he was at home in San Diego, relaxing, on Jan. 3, 2017, when the spare e-cigarette batteries in his pocket exploded. He was hospitalized with second-degree burns.

Brett Weiss, owner of Mojo Vapor online wholesaler of vaping products, said in an interview that this is the first time he has been named in a product liability lawsuit.

A mod (a modified style of e-cigarette) doesnt blow up by itself without the customer doing something wrong, in my opinion, Weiss said.

He said sometimes people may have coins or other metal objects in their pocket with a battery, which might cause a spark and explosion.

The other defendants, LA Vaporz Wholesale and Syndicate Vapes, did not respond to requests from The San Diego Union-Tribune for comment.

The De La Fuente suit includes unidentified battery manufacturers, alleging they placed profit over safety and knowingly decided to forego safer designs because of decisions to cut corners and costs.

Irvine attorney Gregory Bentley announced at a news conference that he has filed 10 simultaneous lawsuits in five counties alleging that each client was badly maimed when e-cigarette batteries blew up in their hands, pockets or purses.

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The complaints were filed in Riverside, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Placer counties for incidents that occurred in 2016, 2017 and this year.

One Santa Maria mans middle finger had to be amputated, while a Palmdale resident suffered major burns and scarring across his face, according to Bentley.

At the news conference, Eric Howell, 26, of Glendale, said a vaping device he bought in Burbank exploded in his pants pocket while he was at work on Jan. 15. He suffered second and third-degree chemical burns on his left leg and genitals.

The pain was the worst you could imagine, Howell said. He added that he was coming forward because he believes the public needs to be aware of the risks of using e-cigarettes.

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Bentley said the Federal Drug Administration has been blocked, by lack of legislation, from setting industry regulations on safety and on marketing to minors.

The U.S. Fire Administration issued a report last summer noting that between 2009-2016, media nationwide had reported 195 cases of e-cigarette explosions causing injury. The report placed the blame on the devices lithium-ion batteries.

It is clear that these batteries are not a safe source of energy for these devices, the report states. The shape and construction of electronic cigarettes can make them (more likely than other products with lithium-ion batteries) behave like flaming rockets when a battery fails.

Bentley said the figures must be greatly understated, as he is handling 80 current lawsuits and has filed 40 others previously.

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I think were the industry leader in litigating this issue and bringing attention to the failure of regulatory control on this (e-cigarette) industry, he said.

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pauline.repard@sduniontribune

Twitter: @pdrepard
San Diego Superior Court Judge Herbert Exarhos is facing an election challenge from a lawyer who once worked for fellow Superior Court Judge Gary Kreep.

The challenger, Escondido lawyer Vicki Rothman, said she worked briefly for Kreeps law organization years ago.

Kreep is also facing four challengers in his bid for re-election. They are the only two judges facing challenges.

While San Diego Superior Court Judge Gary Kreep is fending off four challengers in his re-election bid, another lawyer who once briefly worked for Kreeps law firm is challenging one of the courts longest tenured judges.

Escondido attorney Vicki Rothman is challenging Judge Herbert Exarhos, first appointed to the bench in 1987. Exarhos is seeking another six-year term.

While the races are different, there is one link. More than a decade ago Rothman worked for a time at the U.S. Justice Foundation, the Ramona-based legal advocacy group that Kreep founded and headed for years before winning election to the bench in 2012.

The foundation took on conservative constitutional law cases, often filing court briefs supporting the position of other like-minded legal groups and causes. Those have concluded cases dealing with same-sex marriage, religious liberty and the birther cases that unsuccessfully challenged the birth certificate of former President Barack Obama.

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Rothman said she had nothing to do with the birther cases, and said she did not work at the firm very long.

I did work for a short time at USJF, however that was over 10 years ago, she said in an email response to questions. I supplemented my income from my private practice which was handling civil, family and estate law, although my practice now is almost exclusively family law.

Rothmans name appears as one of three lawyers for the U.S. Justice Foundation as a friend of the court in a 2010 9th Circuit Court of Appeals case. The organization was one of many that lined up to oppose a lawsuit filed by a Sacramento-area man to remove the phrase In God We Trust from the nations money. He lost.

She was also quoted in a foundation news release in 2006 as the lead attorney on a friend of the court brief filed in the U.S. Supreme Court supporting a challenge to an anti-discrimination ordinance in Berkeley that banned subsidies for groups that discriminate. The law targeted the Sea Scouts, affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, which at the time banned gay people and atheists. The high court declined to hear the case, allowing the law to stand.

Rothman said she has not spoken with Kreep in many years and he had no influence in her decision to run against Exarhos. She said that voters should be concerned that judges are usually appointed to the bench by governors who share the same political views, and that the closed door system of the judiciary that few understand is a disservice to voters. She indicated she wants voters to have a choice.

There are many judges who are up for re-election, however, their names wont have to appear on the ballot, she said. The result is that the public lives with judges whom they have never had an opportunity to vote for or against. The hybrid of appointments-elections is a mystery to most.

Under election laws judges running for re-election who are not challenged are deemed elected, and are not listed on ballots for either the primary or general election.

While she said she had never appeared before Exarhos she noted that in 2016 the District Attorneys Office boycotted sending serious felony cases to his courtroom. The reasons were never spelled out by prosecutors or the court, but it came just after he sentenced a defendant in a murder case to less prison time than sought by prosecutors.

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Rothman said that Exarhos would most likely retire sometime during his next term, leaving the seat open to be filled by the governor.

The people have an option to vote with my name on the ballot, she said.

Exarhos, 75, is the second longest serving judge on the bench. He said he did not know why Rothman had challenged him, but was prepared for a race.

I dont understand it, he said. Ive been around a few years and never been challenged.

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He said his standoff with prosecutors has passed and he is now hearing all cases.

My little spat with the DAs office isnt baggage, he said.

Its unusual for a sitting judge to be challenged for re-election. Its expensive to mount a coutywide campaign for low-profile races that attract little attention, and lawyers run the risk of earning the enmity of other sitting judges who dont like seeing colleagues put on the spot.

Typically judges face a challenge for some controversial ruling in a high-profile case, or  like Kreep  because they have been disciplined in some way by the Commission on Judicial Performance. The commission issued a public censure of Kreep last year, making his seat a tempting target this year.

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Twitter: @gregmoran

greg.moran@sduniontribune.com
President Trump on Thursday lambasted California officials for how they are dealing with gangs and threatened to pull immigration and border agents out of the state to show just how bad things would be without federal help.

Federal agents are working to defeat gangs like MS-13, the president said, but the gang members come in, theyre smart, they actually have franchises going to Los Angeles. No help from the state of California.

He continued: I mean, frankly, if I wanted to pull our people from California, you would have a crime mess like youve never seen in California.

Referring to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, Trump added, All Id have to do is to say ICE and Border Patrol, let California alone.

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Youd be inundated, he said. You would see crime like no ones ever seen crime in this country. And yet we get no help from the state of California. Theyre doing a lousy management job, they have the highest taxes in the nation and they dont know whats happening out there.

There is no evidence that the White House actually has plans to penalize California as the president described.

Trump made the remarks as an aside in a listening session he hosted with state and local officials who have dealt with school shootings. He did not directly link the gangs to school shootings or explain his objections to how California officials are dealing with them.

Christi Parsons is a reporter for the Los Angeles Times.
Steven Ellam, a Connecticut man with a violent criminal history dating back more than a decade, intentionally rammed his car through the emergency room entrance at Middlesex Hospital Thursday morning before setting himself on fire, officials said. They did not say what motivated his act.

Federal, state and local authorities went to Ellams Middlesex home to search for explosives and other evidence, officials said, as concerned neighbors looked on.

This is a precautionary measure, Mayor Dan Drew said at an afternoon press conference.

Steven Ellam has been identified as the man who crashed his car into Middlesex Hospital Thursday (Facebook )

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About 10 a.m., Ellam, 27, crashed his Chevrolet Cobalt through the emergency room entrance doors of the hospital, then doused himself in a liquid and ignited himself, said Police Chief William McKenna. In video shared with The Courant by a witness, smoke and flames can be seen billowing out of the emergency entrance as medical staff rush to help Ellam, who is on the sidewalk, outside the doors.

The fire prompted an extensive response from city firefighters and police. Ellam was flown by Life Star helicopter to Bridgeport Hospital, but officials said they did not know his condition as of Thursday evening.

Bomb squads from Hartford and state police converged on the hospital and searched the car, finding cans with flammable liquid inside, Drew said. The liquids were sent to the state forensic lab for testing.

Officials said Ellams act was intentional, but said late Thursday that they could not yet comment on a motive. When asked if it was an act of terrorism, Drew declined to comment.

A hospital security guard was hospitalized for smoke inhalation while evacuating patients and staff following the crash, said Middlesex Vice President of Operations David Giuffrida. No other injuries were reported.

The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the scene. FBI New Haven Division Chief Patricia Ferrick said: The FBI is assisting local law enforcement with this unfolding investigation at Middlesex Hospital.

Drew said the city increased security at public facilities, including schools, but only as a precaution.

I want to make clear that the people of Middletown are safe, we believe this was an isolated incident and we believe that there is no threat to the community, Drew said at the press conference.

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Middletown police Capt. Gary Wallace said officers made an initial sweep of Ellams Milardo Lane home to determine if anyone else was in danger, but then left the house to obtain a search warrant for a further probe.

FBI at a home on Milardo Lane in Middletown, not far from Middlesex hospital. pic.twitter.com/uGCC9E4G1d  Nick Rondinone (@nickrondinone) February 22, 2018

Ellam has an extensive criminal history that began when he was 14, Wallace said.

According to Connecticuts criminal convictions database, Ellam was sentenced to 33 months in prison for an attack on a woman in June 2013 in Middletown. He pleaded guilty to first-degree strangulation, interfering with police officers and violating probation. Middletown police said at the time that Ellam accused the woman of having sinned, and that he told her she would have to repent. Police said the badly beaten woman was able to call 911.

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In 2010, Ellam was charged with assaulting his father, who had confronted him over his drinking, police said. Records show he has additional arrests for assault, a hit-and-run car accident and drunken driving.

A LinkedIn profile for a Middletown man named Steven Ellam reads a job title of Butcher of souls at Earth/Hell/everywhere in the galaxy.

Thursdays crash sent patients and staff members scrambling for safety. Hospital officials said there were about 30 patients and 20 staff members in the emergency room area at the time.

T.J. OBrien of Northford said he arrived at the hospital for an appointment at about 10 a.m., minutes after the crash.

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About a minute after that, someone came running out of the fire in his birthday suit screaming Oh my God, OBrien said.

Lindsey Heidel and Ali Mielczarski were nearby when news spread of the incident. The two live nearby and came to see the scene.

We didnt believe it at first, Heidel said. This is just insane. You dont expect it from anyone.

Heidel said a friend of hers was leaving the hospital just minutes before the car rammed into the emergency department entrance. Mielczarski said her aunt works in the hospital but was not hurt.

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Shes worked here for 35 years. Shes probably shocked, Mielczarski said.

On Milardo Lane, residents said the presence of police at their neighbors home was unsettling.

Not long after the car crashed into the hospital, Bill Wilson, who parked his car on Milardo Lane midday Thursday, got a text from his sister, who worked there. She said: I am just giving you a heads-up. Im OK.

Soon Wilson heard from his friend, who lives on Milardo Lane, about a police presence and said he could go over to check it out. I am going to stop by to see everything is OK. Thats when I saw everyone, Wilson said of the local, state and federal investigators.

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We knew the person who lived in the house. We didnt know any younger person [there], Wilson said. [My friends] concern was something bad would happen and his kid is getting out of school soon.  That was their worry.

In this secluded residential area, Wilson said: You dont expect this. I didnt expect this.

Lou DiMauro has lived several houses down on Milardo Lane for 10 years and knew the owner well, recalling block parties at the home. But that man moved to Florida about six years ago. In the times since, he said a son or grandson of the owner had moved in. I saw him out there cutting the grass a few times, but thats it, DiMauro said.

Very quiet, very quiet, DiMauro said of the man living in the home. The whole neighborhood is quiet.

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DiMauro, standing on his deck looking out at the investigators, said: You just dont know anymore. Its just the way it is.

Hartford HealthCare increased security at its emergency departments as a precaution, spokesperson Shawn Mawhiney said in a statement.

He said MidState Medical Center, both campuses of the Hospital of Central Connecticut and Hartford Hospital are accepting patients while the Middlesex Hospital emergency room is closed.

Middlesex Hospital officials said it would be closed until further notice. They have barred patient visitation unless under special circumstances and canceled all non-emergent surgeries on Friday. People should not come to the hospital for tests, either, they said.

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The state Department of Public Health has deployed the Ottilie W. Lundgren Memorial Field Hospital to ease the burden while the Middlesex Hospital emergency department is closed.

Courant Staff Writer Christine Dempsey and Josh Kovner contributed to this story.
After a week of media silence following the school shooting in Florida, the National Rifle Association has gone on the offensive in its first public response to the massacre, pushing back against law enforcement officials, the media, gun-control advocates and calls for stricter gun laws from the teenage survivors of the attack.

The gun rights group - a powerful force in American politics - used speeches and videos to try to blunt an emotionally charged wave of calls for new gun restrictions since a gunman armed with an AR-15 rifle killed 17 people at a Parkland, Florida, high school. As the teens who escaped the bloodshed have passionately campaigned for new laws, it appears the politics around the fraught issue of gun control are shifting, with President Donald Trump and someconservative lawmakers expressing a willingness to consider at least modest measures.

While the NRA initially held back from the fray, that changed as a spokeswoman debated survivors of the attack during a heated town hall and then Wayne LaPierre, the groups chief executive, forcefully decried gun-control advocates and the media for its coverage of the shooting.

They dont care about our schoolchildren, LaPierre said Thursday morning near the start of the Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Maryland. They want to make all of us less free.

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LaPierre also restated his belief that more armed security would stop school shootings, echoing Trump, while calling on parents and local authorities to beef up security on campuses. Later in the day, the Broward County Sheriff acknowledged that an armed and uniformed deputy who was assigned to the Florida school did not enter building while the attack was happening last week, taking a defensive position outside while 17 people were killed; the deputy, who was suspended, has since resigned.

Evil walks among us, LaPierre said. And God help us if we dont harden our schools and protect our kids.

LaPierres speech came on the heels of the NRA releasing a video claiming that the mainstream media love mass shootings. The video argued that members of the media benefit from covering mass shootings and use them to juice their ratings and push their agenda.

Since the rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, media coverage has been dominated by the attacks survivors, who responded with a push of furious activism unseen after previous mass shootings. Teenagers who hid in closets and ran for their lives quickly began calling for increased gun control, assailing the NRA and organizing around their message.

The survivors called for new gun restrictions in a rally Wednesday in Tallahassee, the Florida capital, and then reiterated the pleas that night at a town hall hosted by CNN and attended by lawmakers and Dana Loesch, an NRA spokeswoman.

Loesch, speaking Thursday before LaPierre, echoed the NRAs advertisement and castigated the news media with racially charged remarks.

Many in legacy media love mass shootings, Loesch said. Im not saying that you love the tragedy. But I am saying that you love the ratings. Crying white mothers are ratings gold.

Loesch questioned why there was a nationally televised town hall after one of the deadliest mass shootings in modern American history but no similar event for thousands of grieving black mothers in Chicago every weekend.

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During her appearance the previous night, Loesch sought to direct the discussion toward who should be able to obtain firearms, highlighting numerous red flags in the alleged gunmans past, including concerns from school officials and a warning ignored by the FBI.

Israel - who has said his agency is reviewing its prior interactions with the shooter as well as its response to the attack - said more armed officers alone would not solve the problems revealed by the Douglas shooting, but he announced plans to send deputies with rifles to police the countys schools.

The alleged shooter had no criminal record and was able to purchase his guns legally, officials said. Loesch sharply questioned how law enforcement had handled warnings about the suspect and criticized what she called flawed background check systems.

I dont believe that this insane monster should have ever been able to obtain a firearm, Loesch said during the forum Wednesday night. This individual was nuts.

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Speaking the following morning, Loesch also said she condemned those at the FBI who fumbled warnings about the shooter. The government has proven it cannot keep you safe, she said.

David Bowdich, acting deputy director of the FBI, said Thursday that he was concerned about his agencys public standing.

When I look through the prism of risk for our organization, I find the number one risk for our organization is losing the faith and confidence of the American people, Bowdich said in response to a question about attacks on the bureau, including those by the NRA.

Critics of the NRA dismissed its comments, which Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called pathetic, out of touch ideas. Some gun-control groups also questioned why the NRA was being given such a prominent platform in the debate, both by CNN and in Trumps remarks.

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I am so outraged that the NRA is being given a seat at the table, whether its by the media or by the president, said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, an advocacy group seeking gun reforms. Were acting as though lobbyists have a right to have a say, or to help us write our nations gun policies. They dont.

She also attributed the NRAs push to put more guns in schools as a way to increase firearms sales, noting that gun sales have fallen under Trump. Under Obama, amid fears that his administration would seek more gun restrictions, these sales reached record highs.

Much like Loeschs remarks, LaPierres speech went beyond the gun debate to touch on other politically charged issues. LaPierre, whose confrontational remarks have become a CPAC tradition, mentioned rogue leadership at the FBI, warned of European socialists in the Democratic Party, invoked illegal immigration and referenced the opioid epidemic.

LaPierre said he was horrified by the Parkland tragedy, criticizing what he called opportunists who would exploit tragedy for political gain. He invoked his own comment following the 2012 massacre of 20 children and six adults at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, saying Thursday that to stop a bad guy with a gun, it takes a good guy with a gun.

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During his speech, LaPierre decried schools as gun-free zones, though Douglas had an armed officer on the campus at the time of the attack - who Israel has said did not enter the building or confront the shooter as people were being killed. LaPierre questioned why more armed protection was afforded to everything from banks and jewelry stores to movie stars, professional sports games and politicians.

Shortly before LaPierre spoke, Trump tweeted a message of support for him and others at the NRA as Great People and Great American Patriots who he said would do the right thing.

Trump has also echoed the NRA in calling for more armed security at schools and emphasized the idea of arming teachers as a way to deter future attacks. Trump has publicly and privately floated actions that would be at odds with some positions of the NRA - a group that heavily backed him during his campaign for the presidency - including suggesting that the age for purchasing assault rifles be raised from 18 to 21.

Legislative proposals that prevent law-abiding adults aged 18-20 years old from acquiring rifles and shotguns effectively prohibits them for purchasing any firearm, thus depriving them of their constitutional right to self-protection, Jennifer Baker, a spokeswoman for the group, said in a statement.

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The alleged shooter in south Florida had purchased at least 10 guns, all rifles and shotguns, including the AR-15 used in the massacre, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the probe.

Grover Norquist, a member of the NRAs board, said he supports gun-purchase restrictions on those who are adjudicated as dangers to themselves and those who are violent felons, but he said he opposes raining the gun ownership age.

I am opposed to infantalizing teenagers, Norquist said. The guys on the left believe that treating people as children who are eligible to vote and join the military makes sense. I take the view that restricting people as children who are 18, 19, 20 years old is not helpful. I think it is a bad idea to treat adults as children.

In Florida, a day after high school students swamped the state capital to rally for new gun restrictions, Republican lawmakers were expected to release legislative language Thursday or Friday with proposals responding to Parkland. The bills are expected to include at least one provision increasing in the minimum age for purchasing semiautomatic rifles to 21.

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Republican Sen. Bill Galvano, the next Senate president who has long supported the NRAs legislative priorities, is leading the effort in his body, and he said the NRAs opposition to raising the age limit was unlikely to defeat the bill.

It doesnt complicate my efforts, he said Thursday. I think the desire to act and do something meaningful right now seems to be whats going to win the day.

The Washington Posts Michael Scherer, in Tallahassee, and Matt Zapotosky and Tom Hamburger contributed to this report.
A congressional candidate running to represent a district with the West Coasts largest Marine Corps base is under fire for comments she made about a crusty old Marine, when several of her opponents are veterans.

In a profile in Cosmopolitan magazine, Democrat Sara Jacobs, 28, of Encinitas, told an audience member at a campaign event, Its true. Im not a crusty old Marine, when asked about the districts large military population.

Democrat Doug Applegate, candidate for the 49th congressional district, speaks with voters after a debate on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at San Juan Hills High School in San Juan Capistrano. The current representative of the seat, Darrell Issa, announced his retirement. (Nick Agro / For the Times)

The magazine placed the comments in the context of a question by an audience member about candidate Doug Applegate, 64, of Vista, who was commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1974 and deployed in both the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Applegate, also a Democrat, served both on active duty and as a reservist before retiring in 2006 as a colonel.

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Jacobs comment created and awkward moment and the crowd mostly responded with silence, Cosmo reported.

Jacobs campaign told The San Diego Union-Tribune that she didnt mean any offense, and that the article took her statement out of context. According to her campaign, she was repeating language used by the questioner.

This comment was made to someone who jokingly referred to himself as a crusty old Marine and then taken out of context. If any Marines are offended, I truly am sorry, Jacobs said in a statement from her campaign.

Cosmpolitan told the U-T it stands by its account.

Applegate was traveling and not available for comment on Wednesday, but other Democrats in the race blasted Jacobs for her remarks.

As somebody who proudly served our country and risked life and limb to defend our nation and our families, I believe that no candidate for public office should attack our service members, Christina Prejean, an Air Force veteran, said in a statement. We serve because of our innate passion to protect our country. We should never tear down veterans.

Prejean left the military as a captain after six years in uniform and now works as a lawyer representing service members and veterans who were sexually assaulted while on duty.

Ashley Hayek, the president and CEO of a firm that raises money for Republicans, also attacked Jacobs for her comment.

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What a thoughtful way to acknowledge someones military service you spoiled brat @SaraJacobsCA @USMC, Hayek tweeted, ap apparent reference to Jacobs being the granddaughter of Irwin Jacobs, billionaire co-founder of Qualcomm.

Parke Skelton, a consultant for another Democratic candidate, attorney Mike Levin, tweeted that Jacobs comment Seems like a devastating error in this district.

The 49th Congressional District being vacated by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, is military-centric and includes Camp Pendleton, the largest Marine Corps installation on the West Coast. The boundaries include adjoining cities that active-duty service members and veterans have made their home. Spanning from La Jolla to Dana Point, Census data show that that about 8.6 percent of the adults in the district are veterans and another 6.6 percent of the labor force is in the military.

Many of the candidates Jacobs is running against are veterans. Besides Applegate and Prejean, Democrat Paul Kerr served 10 years in the Navy, while Assemblyman Rocky Chavez, R-Oceanside, joined the Marine Corps in 1973 and retired in 2001 as a colonel. The incumbent, Issa, served in the Army both as an enlisted soldier and later as an officer. Issa is not running for re-election.

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Understanding the military and the needs of military families is a major part of representing the area around Camp Pendleton, Chavez said. Hes tried to assist military families to send their kids to California colleges, or to get young children any special help they need at school if one of their parents is deployed.

When you start talking to military families in Vista, Carlsbad, Oceanside and San Clemente, when you talk about children and deployments and schools, they get it, Chavez said.

Jacobs campaign had supporters who are veterans call the Union-Tribune. One, Danny Jackson, said he wasnt at the event where Jacobs referred to Applegate as a crusty old Marine, but doesnt think that Jacobs meant anything malicious by her comments.

I can say that based on my interactions with Sara and the time Ive known her, that she has not had anything negative or derogatory to say about veterans, said Jackson, who served in the Army from 1969 to 1970.

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He said he supports Jacobs because of her positions on veterans. He said she doesnt want to privatize veterans healthcare and that she wants to make sure veterans services are funded and military families are supported.

Another supporter suggested by the Jacobs campaign, William Rider, is a Marine Corps veteran who served from 1967 through 1969. He said that he wasnt at the event, but he doesnt think Jacobs was attacking Applegates military service or veterans, and that she has previously assisted military families. One time she got involved with a toy drive, Rider said.

She posed with some veterans kids when we were giving them toys, Rider said. She just jumped right in. Thats what we need in this country.

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Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

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Authorities have released the name of a pedestrian who was fatally injured on a highway off-ramp over the weekend in downtown San Diegos East Village neighborhood.

Michelle Renee Bellwood, 45, was found just before 9:15 p.m. Sunday in the far left lane of westbound state Route 94 near where the highway ends in downtown, just east of 16th Street, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiners Office.

She had apparently been previously struck by one or more vehicles that failed to stop,' the medical examiners office said. ``Upon being discovered by a passing motorist, 911 was called and California Highway Patrol officers and paramedics were dispatched to the scene.'

Bellwood was pronounced dead at the scene due to obvious traumatic injuries, the medical examiners office said. Her cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force injuries.
The dismayed laborers from shuttered coal yards and steel mills didnt have to shift political allegiances to vote for President Trump in this part of the Rust Belt. They had been electing Republicans long before he showed up on the ballot.

That explains why party leaders in a congressional district stretching from the Pittsburgh suburbs to the West Virginia border are so panicked that their candidate is flailing, with a special election only weeks away.

A poor showing here would signal trouble for the midterm elections in November, in which GOP control of the House and Senate hangs in the balance. Republicans are trying to hold on to a seat being vacated by once popular Rep. Tim Murphy, who resigned after the disclosure of text messages in which the pro-life crusader pressured his mistress to seek an abortion.

The Washington GOP establishment has already spent north of $7 million propping up Rick Saccone, a low-octane state legislator whose sparring with powerful labor unions and difficulty outmaneuvering his young, inexperienced rival have unnerved conservative organizers. Vice President Mike Pence recently parachuted into the area to help. A Trump rally is planned.

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It is much more competitive than it should be, said Charlie Gerow, a veteran GOP strategist in Pennsylvania. Republicans are concerned that this could be a canary in the coal mine.

The race here between Saccone and Democrat Conor Lamb  both military veterans, both staunchly pro-gun rights, both personally opposed to abortion  reflects a broader effort by the two parties to sharpen their message to voters as the midterms fast approach. In a district Trump carried by 20 points, and the previous two GOP presidential nominees also carried by large margins, Saccones meager three-point lead has pushed Republicans into high gear.

The winner of the race will have to start campaigning again immediately for another election in November. That race in the fall will almost certainly take place before a very different electorate: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court this month ordered the states congressional districts redrawn after finding that the current map was a gerrymander that violated the state constitution.

The Republicans cannot afford to lose this, and they are worried about whether they can jump-start enthusiasm for a candidate who is not really generating his own, said Randall Miller, a political analyst at St. Josephs University in Philadelphia.

Saccone is unflinching in his ideology. In Harrisburg, he championed a bill that would have required In God We Trust to be posted in every school building. He boasts I was Trump before Trump was Trump. Unlike Murphy, who worked closely with unions in this organized labor stronghold, Saccone seems to go out of his way to antagonize them.

The last time we endorsed a Democrat for this seat was in 2004, said Rick Bloomingdale, president of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, which has endorsed Lamb. But Saccone is a very different kind of candidate. Hes tied to the right wing of his party.

House Speaker Paul D. Ryans Congressional Leadership Fund has sent 50 full-time staffers into the district to knock on the doors of Republican voters every day. It and other outside conservative groups have bombarded the airwaves with attack ads, aiming to tar Lamb, 33, a political neophyte, with labels meant to resonate with an electorate deeply suspicious of Washington.

Republican Rick Saccone, left, and Democrat Conor Lamb before the taping of their first debate in the special election. (Keith Srakocic / Associated Press )

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His name is Conor Lamb, the narrator says in one such spot. But in Washington, hed be one of Nancy Pelosis sheep. In the ad, Pelosi leads her flock while carrying a shepherds crook, as Lamb follows in the herd.

But Lamb, a former Marine, is proving a challenging target for Republicans. He has disavowed Pelosi, saying he doesnt support her continued leadership of the party. He doesnt say much about Trump, who remains popular in the district. He directs his fire instead at Ryan. The former federal prosecutor has fashioned himself more like a regular guy from the district than a leader of the progressive resistance.

As Washingtons Republicans throw everything they have at the March 13 race, the Democratic Party is trying to stay out of Lambs way, limiting its involvement. It is not looking for a repeat of the special election outside Atlanta last year, in which some voters resented national Democratic money flooding into a competitive race in the longtime GOP stronghold. Voters there ultimately elected Republican Karen Handel.

National Democrats are instead stealthily organizing from outside the 18th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, with activists reaching out to local voters from out-of-state phone banks, as well as with postcards written at organizing parties hundreds or thousands of miles away. Many of the marquee names in Democratic circles seem to be deliberately keeping their distance. An exception is former vice president Joe Biden, the Scranton native who is popular in this part of Trump country.

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The first and most important determinant in this election is white, working-class voters who supported Trump, said G. Terry Madonna, director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster. They are the same voters that Democrats are desperate to reengage with throughout the Rust Belt. This challenging western Pennsylvania race is becoming a test case of whether they can find candidates who can overcome the perception that the party represents urban elites. These are people who feel the Democratic Party walked away from them and that Trump has taken up their cause, Madonna said.

Lamb has outperformed expectations. He is raising substantially more money than Saccone, who is getting bailed out by the spending from outside groups. Whether Lamb can win, though, is in doubt. Monmouth University pollster Patrick Murray, whose latest voter survey found Saccone just barely ahead, questioned if there are any more voters left in the district for a Democrat to pick up. Lamb may be near his ceiling, Murray said. It could take something big like a scandal to move the remaining voters he needs his way.

Lamb is proceeding cautiously, as he has throughout the race, mindful that he needs to overcome any perception he would be one of Pelosis sheep.

I just dont like her, Bernie Rafferty, a retired insurance salesman from Green Tree, said of Pelosi. Never did. She shoots her mouth off too much. Rafferty had wandered into a Lamb campaign event after lunching at a church fish fry across the street. He said he found all the commercials linking Lamb to Pelosi confusing but that he was giving Lamb the benefit of the doubt. Lambs Catholic high school alma matter, his Irish heritage and his career in the Marines were enough to win Raffertys vote.

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Democratic congressional candidate Conor Lamb, left, and Jon Bowzer Bauman from the band Sha Na Na in Lambs campaign office. (Evan Halper / Los Angeles Times )

In the Lamb campaigns threadbare office space downtown, the candidate was careful recently not to give voters like Rafferty any cause for doubt. As special guest Jon Bowser Bauman of late 70s musical group Sha Na Na fame hammed it up for the small gathering of seniors, flexing his signature Brooklyn muscleman pose, Lamb struck a low profile.

Given an opening to lob some barbs at Trump during a talk with a gaggle of reporters that followed, Lamb demurred. Did he have any comment on what Trump should have said to the nation after the shooting massacre at a Florida high school? He gets plenty of advice on that, Lamb said. He doesnt need it from me.

Nor would the candidate embrace the demands for gun safety legislation that fellow Democrats are rallying around. He suggested there are already tough enough gun restrictions on the books.

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I dont have a relationship with the people of the national party on the issue of guns, he said. I have a relationship with the people of western Pennsylvania.

evan.halper@latimes.com

Twitter: @evanhalper

UPDATES:

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8:10 a.m.: This article was updated to reflect the Pennsylvania Supreme Courts decision ordering new congressional district boundaries for the November election.

This article was originally published at 3 a.m.
Thousands of California Democrats will gather Friday in San Diego for their annual convention, where potential presidential contenders will make appearances and state candidates will battle for endorsements from the party faithful in advance of the June primary.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer and U.S. Sens. Kamala Harris of California and Jeff Merkley of Oregon are among the top Democrats attending the convention whose names have been floated as possible candidates for president in 2020.

One notable California Democrat who repeatedly ran for president is not scheduled to appear: Gov. Jerry Brown, in his final year leading the state. He has previously faced protests and heckling from critics who did not agree with his stance on fracking.

During the three-day gathering, the party plans to show a tribute video for Brown before four of the candidates vying to replace him  Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, state Treasurer John Chiang and former state schools chief Delaine Eastin  speak. Amanda Renteria, an aide to Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign, entered the race last week, too late to secure a speaking slot or a place on the endorsement ballot.

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U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and her opponent, state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), will also address the gathering.

These candidates, as well as those seeking down-ballot seats, will need to get votes from 60% of the delegates to secure the partys endorsement. In addition to the gubernatorial and Senate races, the candidates running for attorney general have been especially aggressive in courting delegates in the lead-up to the convention.

The state party endorsement can come with millions of dollars of support and is a particularly important imprimatur for candidates seeking offices that are less visible than governor or senator. State party Chairman Eric Bauman asked statewide candidates to not seek the party endorsement to avoid infighting. No one listened; the candidates and their campaigns have been furiously courting delegates.

One delegate said in the last 30 days he had received 245 text messages, nine missed calls, 1,052 voicemails and countless emails, Bauman said.

The candidates will address delegates from the main stage Saturday, visit caucuses all weekend and host celebrations and hospitality suites as they seek the partys nod.

Alcohol-fueled parties are a mainstay of party conventions, but things could change this year.

Follow California politics by signing up for our email newsletter 

Newsom, whose past convention parties have closed off streets and featured celebrities such as rapper Common, will instead greet delegates Saturday afternoon and stop by parties Friday night hosted by the California Teachers Assn. and the California Faculty Assn.

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Chiang and Feinstein are headlining breakfasts for their supporters. Eastin is among a few candidates speaking to self-described Berniecrats on Saturday night at Joltn Joes in the Gaslamp Quarter.

The convention takes place against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement. In Democratic Party circles, questions have been raised about the freewheeling behavior at state party conventions. The partys convention planners responded by organizing a 24-hour hotline for attendees to report assault or threatening behavior, and there will be a larger security presence.

The California Democratic Party remains in a contentious debate about its future. It has long held control of every statewide office in California, but has seen a growing divide between its liberal and establishment wings. The tension flared during the race for chairperson last year between Bauman and Democratic organizer Kimberly Ellis.

seema.mehta@latimes.com

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Californias Democratic chairman begs Democrats to keep the peace and not ask for endorsements at convention

Dispute over endorsing candidates divides Californias Democratic Party

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Live coverage of California politics
San Diego sheriffs officials have arrested one of their own, a six-year department veteran who has been accused of groping and sexually assaulting at least 14 women under color of authority.

It was not immediately clear when Deputy Richard Fischer was arrested, what specific charges he will face or if or when he was taken into custody.

Instead, District Attorney Summer Stephan announced that an arraignment has been scheduled for today at 1:30 p.m.. A news conference featuring Stephan, Sheriff Bill Gore and others will immediately follow the court proceeding.

Fischer has been the subject of repeated sexual-misconduct allegations in recent months.

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He was accused of requesting hugs from women he encountered during calls for service. He also is accused of pulling over women and fondling them during pat-downs or rubbing their hands against his genitals.

During several of the alleged encounters, Fischer is accused of intimidating his victims by telling them that he would be checking up on them in the future.

The first legal claim was filed against Fischer and the San Diego Sheriffs Department last fall.

The department said the deputy was immediately placed on desk duty and both criminal and internal administrative investigations were opened. By November, Fischer had been placed on administrative leave and no longer permitted inside department offices.

Fischer was removed from paid-leave status last month, about the time sheriffs investigators referred the criminal case to the District Attorneys Office.

After the initial legal claim was submitted to the county, and reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune and other media outlets, more women started coming forward with stories of their own. By early this year, a total of 14 women had filed claims against San Diego County.

At the same time, victims complained that Stephan and Gore may be protecting Fischer because of his status as a law enforcement officer -- a claim both the district attorney and sheriff denied.

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The civil litigation has been referred to mediation, but settlement discussions between county lawyers and Dan Gilleon, the attorney representing the alleged victims, have not produced an agreement.

Background

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Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35

jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, is suggesting to the national media that questionable expenses of his campaign funds took place in California while he was in Washington, D.C., doing the peoples business.

But a review of campaign records and social media by The San Diego Union-Tribune shows that Hunter was regularly present, with his family, when improper campaign spending happened.

A family rafting trip in Boise, Idaho, in 2015. A trip to Disneyland the same year. An Irish dance competition at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in 2016.

According to social media and his own staff, Hunter was present for trips to all these locations  trips funded at least in part by congressional campaign contributions.

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Later, under scrutiny first by the Federal Election Commission and then by the Union-Tribune, Hunter repaid his campaign for expenses for the trips. Federal law prohibits use of campaign funds for personal benefit, to guard against undue influence by donors.

In an interview with Politico earlier this month, Hunter suggested that his wife, Margaret  who formerly served as campaign manager  made the charges that have led to an ongoing federal criminal investigation into his political spending.

Hunter told Politico to review the improper charges, and it would be obvious they were made in California, where his wife was, while Hunter was in Washington.

You can see where I was during the transactions, he said, and you can draw your conclusion.

Hunter has reimbursed his campaign for more than $60,000 of expenses dating back to 2015, charges he identified as personal, mistaken or lacking documentation. Federal criminal investigators are looking at unreimbursed expenses  and expenses dating back as far as 2009. Hunter has denied any criminal action and said any personal expenditures were honest mistakes.

Despite his statement to Politico, The San Diego Union-Tribune has documented this week and in past articles several occasions in which Hunter was present for questionable expenditures he later chose to repay. His attorney and his aides did not respond to questions about the expenses this week.

Here are details about the trips:

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Disneyland. Hunter has repaid two charges totaling $229 for food/beverages from Star Trader, a Disneyland gift shop, paid on Sept. 28, 2015. According to the manager, the store only sold two food or beverage items: Pez and a Star Wars-themed Rice Krispies treat. Hunter also reimbursed his campaign for a $58 charge at Royal Street Veranda, a restaurant at Disneyland, on the same day. The purpose of the charge was not reported in FEC records. In an Oct. 2, 2015, post on his Instagram account, Hunter shared a photo of himself with his wife and children enjoying what appeared to be the Space Mountain ride at Disneyland. Hunter wrote SpaceX Mountain on the post.

Boise, Idaho. Hunter has repaid his campaign for two charges totaling $1,084 for lodging at The Grove Hotel in Boise on July 7, 2015. He also repaid a $73 charge to Epleys Boise River Rental, which the campaign reported paying July 6, 2015. Hunter, who has family in the Boise area, posted photos to his Instagram page July 7, 2015, of two of his children floating in inflatable tubes that match a design advertised by the rafting company. He posted a photo of himself paddling a raft with a child seated in front of him. He captioned the photo, Boise River float.

Westin Hotel, Los Angeles. Hunters campaign paid $219 on Sept. 29, 2015, dates coinciding with an Irish dance competition at the Westin in Los Angeles, where a daughter of Hunters competed and placed in two events. Former spokesman Joe Kasper told the Union-Tribune that Hunter had an official event that coincided with the timing  due to ease of coordinating schedules. Hunter did not reimburse his campaign for the expenses. Hunter did reimburse two charges totaling $230, which the campaign made in August and September 2015, to Feis Productions, a company that services registrations for the Irish dance festivals where Hunters daughters competed.

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. Hunter has reimbursed two payments totaling $633 to the Arizona Grand Resort, where two of Hunters daughters had been competing in an Irish dance event in January 2016. He posted a photo on Instagram, with the two girls in competition dance outfits, at the resort. Kasper told the Union-Tribune that Hunters trip to Phoenix had been for purposes of coordinating a charity event he co-hosts annually, which is extended to donors and supporters. Kasper said Hunter had met with a coordinator who lives in Arizona, and due to travel constraints, Hunter timed it to his daughters event, rather than making multiple trips.

Family Vacation to Hawaii. Hunter repaid three charges totaling $5,161 to Aston Kaanapali Shores resort in Hawaii in April 2015. Kasper told the Union-Tribune in April 2016 that the Hawaiian hotel charges were supposed to cover Hunters lodging in connection with a planned campaign event. When the campaign event was canceled, the trip became personal travel, Kasper said.

Vacation to Italy. Hunter has repaid eight charges totaling $2,245 from the Thanksgiving holiday week in 2015. Posts to Hunters Facebook page around the same time show him posing (sometimes with his wife) in front of popular Italian tourist destinations in cities where charges occurred. Among the repaid expenses was a $217 charge at a jewelry store for food/beverages. The jewelry store told the Union-Tribune it sells no food or drink. Kasper later told the Washington Post the Italian trip was for an arrangement with the military overseas that was canceled. Hunter did not repay his campaign for three charges totaling $315 at Hotel San Gallo Palace in Florence. He did not respond to the Union-Tribunes questions about why he did not repay the charges.

Previously: Hunter

Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35

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morgan.cook@sduniontribune.com
San Diego State University wants the public to trust that it will redevelop the former Qualcomm Stadium site as promised in Mission Valley, where another developer has a competing vision. Voters will choose between the two plans in November.

The campaign may swing on who is trusted more to do what they say, so SDSUs sudden unreliability on another high-profile issue is troubling.

Less than three weeks after SDSU was expected to identify 17 members of a task force charged with reviewing the appropriateness of the Aztecs nickname and Aztec Warrior mascot, the university has gone back on its word and decided not to name the volunteers until after their work is done. Worse? The university has gone back and changed a Jan. 17 press release it posted online to remove a reference to the intended Feb. 2 release date for the names.

This desire for privacy is manifesting itself after San Diego officials kept secret the names of 28 community members, city staffers and policing professionals who interviewed police chief candidates until their work was done so no one could influence their decision-making. Privacy makes far more sense in that consequential context than this one in which assurances of openness were already given.

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The SDSU panel of alumni, faculty, staff, students and presidential appointees must provide a nonbinding recommendation by April 30 to interim SDSU President Sally Roush in advance of her final decision by May 31. The Aztec mascot and moniker have long been controversial among a segment of San Diegans who think theyre culturally insensitive, but government secrecy here sets a bad policy.

This has long been an emotional issue. After decades of off-and-on debate, student leaders voted to keep the Aztec mascot in April and SDSUs Senate voted to retire it in November. But for an institution seeking San Diegos support and trust in November, SDSUs change of mind and preferred secrecy on the Aztec mascot are two strikes against it.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion

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Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
Trump deserves a parade for all to enjoy

Re Trumps parade an insult to America and its military (Feb. 8): Donald Trumps parade is a great idea. The U.S. loves a parade. It makes us all proud.

Why is money a problem; $10 million to $30 million? The country approved of Barack Obama spending millions every time he vacationed in Hawaii and it was hardly mentioned. We all will enjoy a parade.

President Trump is giving his salary back to the country and working harder than anyone ever has for our country.

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Zoe Wettstein

San Marcos

Surely Trumps parade cant cost that much

The Office of Management and Budget estimates the cost of a military parade proposed by the President at $30 million. How can this be? What are they basing its estimate on, the salary of the military? The police and security personnel pay? What?

If the armed services do not parade, do they not get paid? If police do not provide security, they wont be paid also? These costs, whether they be Department of Defense or Municipal are borne by tax payers no matter what their duties are for the few hours of a parade that honors those who serve.

Recall that the world and media turn out for Macys Christmas parade and Pasadenas Rose Parade. Yes, there may be extraordinary costs, but not $30 million.

John Raymond

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Oceanside

Letters and commentary policy

The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below.

Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook.
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that hes considering pulling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers out of California.

Why? Because he feels the state is giving his administration no help in targeting the violent MS-13 gang, especially in Los Angeles.

Were getting no help from the state of California, Trump said from the White House. Frankly, if I wanted to pull our people from California you would have a crime nest like youve never seen in California. All Id have to do is say ICE and border patrol, let California learn.

Trump made those remarks during a meeting at the White House where he also spent a few minutes scolding California.

You would see crime like nobodys ever seen crime in this country, he said of California without federal immigration agents. And yet we get no help from the state of California.

He also took a shot at leadership in the state.

They are doing a lousy management job, Trump said. They have the highest taxes in the nation and they dont know whats happening out there. Frankly, its a disgrace, the sanctuary city situation, the protection of these horrible criminals in California and other places. If we ever pulled our ICE out and we ever said, hey, let California learn and let them figure it out for themselves, in two months, theyd be begging for us to come back. They would be begging.

Would the president really do such a thing?

You know what, Im thinking about it, Trump said.

Trump and his administration have stepped up enforcement of immigration laws since he took office, so much so that Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris, both Democrats, sent a joint letter to the Acting ICE Director Thomas Homan asking for detailed information about how raids are prioritized and asking for communications regarding upcoming raids in the state.

Diverting resources in an effort to punish California and score political points is an abhorrent abuse of power, not to mention a terrible misuse of scarce resources, the letter said.

Homan responded in an interview with Fox New.

"We don't conduct raids, he said. We conduct targeted enforcement operations. We don't go into neighborhoods, knocking on a bunch of doors, looking for people that are different than us.

Trumps quotes spread quickly across social media where some were immediately supportive of the idea.

Others were concerned about or completely against the idea.

There were plenty who thought California may be relieved by such a decision.

Whats your reaction to Trumps statements about California? Send a tweet to @sdutideas and we may add it to this page.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin


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Sales are opening next week for MSC Grandiosa sailings - one of two newbuilds coming into service for MSC Cruises in 2019. The vessel will be spending her inaugural winter season in the Western Mediterranean.

Also in the Med, MSC Sinfonia will offer longer cruises of 11, 12 and 14 nights in winter 2019/2020 including a new itinerary of 14-nights that calls at Hafia, Israel with a full two days to discover Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Also featured are Civitavecchia (Rome), Messina and Genoa to Barcelona, Marseille, Rhodes, Limassol and Heraklion, Crete.

MSC Sinfonia will also be sailing a new 12-night cruise from Genoa to Tenerife, Tangier, Cartagena, Funchal and Civitavecchia.

Before MSC Meraviglia commences homeporting from Miami, the ship will undertake two 10-night round trip itineraries from New York calling at Bar Harbor, Boston, Portland before moving onto Canadian ports Charlottetown, Corner Brook Halifax, Quebec, St. John and Sydney.

Prior to arriving in New York, MSC Meraviglia will commence a 17-night transatlantic cruise from Kiel, Germany with ports of call in Denmark, UK & Ireland, Iceland and Canada.

For winter 2019/2020, six ships will be deployed in the Caribbean, offering a wider choice of ships, itineraries and experiences than ever before and including the opening of Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in winter 2019, a new private island exclusively for MSC Cruises guests.

Located in the Bahamas Ocean Cay will offer 40 acres of beaches, split into six unique areas, each with its own distinctive atmosphere. MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Divina and MSC Armonia will all call at the island where the ships will berth at a specially built pier.

MSC Meraviglia will offer two different itineraries out of PortMiami in the West Caribbean and MSC Seaside, will continue to sail 7 nights from Miami to Western Caribbean or Eastern Caribbean.

MSC Divina will return from the Mediterranean in November 2019 offering an 11-night cruise to Jamaica, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico and the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. A 10-night cruise will include Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Maarten, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

MSC Preziosa will sail from two embarkation ports in the French Antilles: Fort de France in Martinique and Pointe-a-Pitre in Guadeloupe. The two 7-night-7 ports itineraries can also be combined in a 14-night cruise, visiting the British Virgin Islands (Tortola), St Maarten, Dominica, St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada as well as Saint Vincent & The Grenadines.

Based year-round in Cuba, MSC Armonia will give guests two and half days and two nights in Havana from Saturdays to Mondays. The itinerary includes Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Montego Bay, Jamaica and Georgetown, Cayman Islands.

MSC Opera will sail two different 7-night itineraries from Havana, offering two days and one night in the Cuban capital, the first itinerary will take guests from Havana to Belize City, before heading for the beaches of Isla de Roatan in Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico. The second itinerary spends two and half days and two nights in Havana and then moves on to Montego Bay, Jamaica, Georgetown, Cayman Islands and also Cozumel.

MSC Bellissima will come into service in March 2019 in the Mediterranean and will then move to the Middle East for winter, with two different 7-night itineraries calling at Sir Bani Yas Island, Khasab and Muscat or to Bahrain and Qatar. MSC Lirica will also join MSC Bellissima on a series of longer cruises in the Gulf. The 14-night itinerary includes calls in the Indian ports of Mumbai and Goa with an overnight stay whilst the 11-night cruise features Muscat and an overnight in Oman.

MSC Cruises second world cruise will commence on board MSC Magnifica from Civitavecchia, Genoa, Barcelona and Marseilles in January 2020 visiting more than 40 destinations and 23 countries on a three-month voyage.
The cruise lines 2019 programme marks a long-awaited return to the Black Sea, with stops in Varna (Bulgaria), Constanza (Romania) and Odessa (Ukraine).

A maiden voyage around the Baltic includes three days in St Petersburg and another new itinerary takes the small ship Aegean Odyssey to Norways Arctic North Cape.

Returning for 2019 will be Norwegian Fjords and Iceland programmes, as well as the classic Mediterranean circuits for which Voyages to Antiquity is renowned.

Voyages to Antiquity will confirm itineraries and expert guest speakers in the coming weeks.
Press Release

February 22, 2018 De Lima to launch e-book on 'Dispatches from Crame' Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima's first electronic book will be formally launched at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Quezon City on Feb. 23, to be attended by family, supporters, and fellow human rights advocates. The book, entitled "Dispatches from Crame I," contains a selection of more than 100 of De Lima's handwritten statements from her detention at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center, in Quezon City on topics such as personal, EJKs and the war on drugs, governance and social justice. "Without access to any electronic gadget and communication device, the written word is my only weapon while in detention," De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime, said. "In these challenging times where the government aims to silence dissent, my pen and paper help me express my thoughts on important issues and share my feelings about my current situation," she added. Since her illegal arrest in Feb. 24, 2017, De Lima has so far issued 244 dispatches about her views and stands on social, economic and political issues, including her reflections about the political persecution in the hands of the Duterte administration. In the e-book, some of the notable dispatches included were "Dear loved ones," "Dear dad," "I'm not the only one suffering, fighting," "I cannot be silenced," "No Regrets," "Woman-bashing in Congress," "What destabilization?" and "Why blame the media?" The Senator from Bicol personally designed the artwork on the cover of the book, which shows a bird called "pipit." She said the inspiration behind her sketch is the Filipino folk song "Ang Pipit" by National Artist Levi Celerio, which speaks of a man's cruelty to a defenseless bird. "Somehow, I can relate with the bird because I have been perennially targeted by Duterte and his minions. But still, no attacks can silence me," she said. Written over a period of one year since De Lima was unjustly detained, "Dispatches from Crame I" carries foreword by Dr. Sylvia "Guy" E. Claudio, a doctor of medicine who also holds a PhD in Psychology. The book also carries words of admiration for De Lima from prominent personalities, including former president Benigno "PNoy" Aquino, former senator Rene Saguisag, former CHR Chairperson Etta Rosales, Deputy Asia Director of Human Rights Watch Phelime Kine, former Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, and bloggers JoeAm, Will Villanueva and Candy Cruz-Datu/Cham Clowder, among others. "The electronic reader containing all of Senator Leila de Lima's many-splendored dispatches from Camp Crame, where she remains unjustly detained--should serve to remind us all that not everyone is cowed by tyranny..." Saguisag wrote. "...Her voice echoes far beyond her prison walls and is an inspiration to those both in the Philippines and beyond who seek accountability for the thousands of deaths linked to the Duterte government's murderous 'war on drugs,'" Kine stated. De Lima remains detained inside the national police headquarters in Camp Crame since Feb. 24, 2017 over bogus illegal drug trade charges based on fabricated testimonies by convicted felons. Despite the legal battle she is facing for obviously trumped-up illegal drug charges, De Lima continues to fulfill her electoral mandate as a Senator even while she is in detention. In 2017 alone, she has filed 24 bills and 48 resolutions in the Senate.
Press Release

February 22, 2018 Minority senators demand: #FreeLeilaNow Minority senators have joined calls for the "immediate release" of opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima, who will mark her first year of illegal arrest and unjust detention on Saturday, February 24. They filed late Wednesday Senate Resolution (SR) No. 645 making an impassioned call for the freedom of De Lima, the first prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime. "As her colleagues at the Senate, we are pained by the reality that a member of this Chamber is locked up in jail on trumped-up charges when she should be here with us, engaging in productive discussions, legislating laws, and serving her constituents and our country," they said. The resolution was signed by Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon, Senators Francis Pangilinan, Antonio Trillanes IV, Bam Aquino, and Risa Hontiveros. They noted that De Lima's continued unjust detention was instigated by her investigation of the Davao Death Squad as then chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and later investigation of the spate of extra-judicial killings (EJKs) in the country as a senator -- which earned the ire of then Davao Mayor and now President Duterte. De Lima's colleagues nevertheless lauded her spirit, which remains unbroken despite Duterte's effort to tarnish her reputation and oppress her. "The road to her incarceration was tormenting -- revealing in public her intimate relationships, publicly shaming her by threatening to screen in the House of Representatives her alleged sex videos, and branding her an immoral woman," they said. "Only a tenacious person with an unshakable resolve like Senator De Lima can withstand all these, unbowed, unbent, and unbroken," they added. The five senators acknowledged the increasing number of organizations and human rights advocates who have launched petitions seeking her freedom from incarceration. They cited a March 2017 resolution by the European Parliament in Strasbourg calling for "the immediate release of Senator De Lima" and the Geneva-based Inter-Parliamentary Union's call for her freedom in a report prepared by its human rights committee, among others. "In the narrow confines of her detention cell and under restrictive conditions in the PNP Custodial Center, her physical body has deteriorated; only her dogged spirit to carry on is keeping her alive," they said. The same senators filed SR No. 505 in September 2017 asking the Senate leadership to allow De Lima to participate in the sessions and deliberations of important legislative measures. The resolution has not been acted upon.
Press Release

February 22, 2018 Northern Mindanao IP leaders, sectors wary of Charter change now Regional Senate cha-cha hearings kick off in CdO CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Several indigenous and sectoral leaders in Northern Mindanao are wary of changing the 1987 Constitution now, even as they also prefer a constitutional convention to a constituent assembly as a mode of Charter change. At the Senate's first Regional Consultative Hearing on Charter Change here, Datu Brunz Babilon of the Indigenous Political Structure said his group will consider Charter change only if he and his people are given more freedom to implement the Indigenous People's Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA), which has allowed them some autonomy. But, he added, that autonomy is incomplete, as highlighted when the budget of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, together with the Commission on Human Rights and the Energy Regulatory Commission, was given a P1 budget last year on the whim of the House of Representatives. "IP autonomy po sana -- malaya kaming matupad ang IP Law. Dahil sa IPRA, ngayon lang namin nadama na tao kami. Specific na share para sa amin. Pero nakakapanlumo na pinag-usapan ang P1 lamang na budget," he said. Atty. Ernesto Neri of the Oro Youth Development Council echoed Babilon's reservations, adding that his group supports Charter change, but not now. "There are things that we need to put into consideration like expanding the social justice provision, distribution of political power to the grassroots, decentralization and devolution, recognition of gender and cultural diversity, and provisions for climate change," he said. For this, Neri proposed three items that should first be considered. "We have to strengthen the autonomy of our bureaucracy. We have to regulate our political dynasties, and we need to consider professionalizing political parties," he said. MOVES TO FEDERALISM Dr. Sukarno Tanggol, Chancellor of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), said he believes that a shift toward federalism will positively affect certain Filipino values. However, he stressed the need for more time to educate the people about the proposed changes in the Constitution. "It removes the congestion toward regional centers. Leaders will be able to come equally from the states or the regions. It increases the chances for regional leaders to become national leaders," said the university chancellor. Tanggol also he prefers a constitutional convention to a constituent assembly, as well as voting separately, explaining that Congress voting jointly would dilute the power of the Senate. Aileen Bautista of Balay Mindanao also said she believes in the shift to federalism, but not in changing the Constitution through constituent assembly. "We hope to empower ourselves economically and politically. The rich and poor, the powerful and powerless -- we think and feel that this is not possible especially with the constituent assembly," she said. After the hearing, Doris Campos, executive director of the NGO Service Inc., told the media that most people don't know what federalism is. "Naririnig nila yun, lumalabas sa TV...Pero yung mga tao doon sa grassroots, yung mga marginalized, yung mga poor or yung tinatawag nating laylayan, talagang hindi nila alam kung ano yung federalism. Ang alam lang nila, sinasabihan sila sa mga LGUs na dapat suportahan natin yung federalism (They hear it on TV...But people at the grassroots, the marginalized, the poor, they really don't know what federalism is. All they know is the LGUs tell them to support federalism)," Campos said. "Pag tinanong namin, 'Ano ba ang alam niyo sa federalism?' 'Hindi namin alam kung ano yan (When we ask them, 'You know what federalism is?' 'We don't know what that is),'" she added. The hearing, held at the Ateneo-Xavier University, is the first in a series of regional consultative hearings presided by Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, who heads the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Reforms. "Kaya tayo nandito ay para marinig mismo sa inyo ang inyong pananaw at sentimyento sa panukalang Charter change at federalism. Sa lahat ng usapang ito, kayo ang hindi dapat makalimutan, kayo ang pinakamahalagang elemento na bubuo ng desisyon tungkol sa usaping federalism (We are here to hear from you your views and sentiments on the proposed Charter change and federalism. In all these discussions, you cannot be set aside, you are the most important element that will form the decision on the issue of federalism). We are going around the country to listen to you," Pangilinan said. "We are faced with challenges as a nation, and we cannot solve them unless we solve them together. We will listen to each other and hold on to the understanding that wherever we hail from -- Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao -- we have common hopes and dreams for this nation," he said. Cagayan de Oro is the first leg of the nationwide initiative for an inclusive discussion and debate on Charter change. Subsequent hearings will be held in Cebu on March 1, Cotabato on March 8, and Baguio City on March 15.
Companies exposed to New Zealand's booming tourism sector are reaping the benefits with Tourism Holdings doubling its first-half profit, Air New Zealand lifting its dividend, Qantas Airways' Jetstar unit reporting higher passenger numbers and Flight Centre Travel Group lifting Kiwi transaction volumes.

New Zealand has seen a surge in tourism numbers in recent years. Short-term visitor arrivals, which include tourists, people visiting family and friends and people travelling for work, reached 3.7 million in calendar 2017, up 6.7 percent from a year earlier. Spending by international visitors in New Zealand was $10.6 billion in 2017, according to data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

That visitor inflow has been seen as a boost to the local economy, but also underpinned stronger earnings for a group of companies exposed to the sector and which reported today. The market response was mostly positive, with Air New Zealand shares rising 3.5 percent to $3.07, while ASX-listed Qantas gained 6.8 percent to A$5.63 and Flight Centre jumped 11 percent to A$55.68. NZX-listed Tourism Holdings was the only stock to decline, falling 1.7 percent to $5.94.

Rental van operator Tourism Holdings doubled first-half profit of tax breaks in the US and an expansion into North America, however, its New Zealand rental business, renting Maui, Britz and Mighty motorhomes and selling RV Super Centre Motorhomes, also fared well. Earnings before interest and tax lifted to $4.7 million from $2.6 million, as revenue advanced to $56.8 million from $49.4 million. The New Zealand tourism business, which operates the Kiwi Experience the Discover Waitomo Group, increased ebit to $3.3 million from $3 million as revenue edged up to $18.3 million from $17.7 million.

National carrier Air New Zealand posted a 7.4 percent fall in first-half pretax profit to $323 million but declared a fully imputed interim dividend of 11 cents per share, a 10 percent increase from the prior period and the highest ordinary interim dividend in the airlines history. The result was weighed by an 18 percent lift in fuel prices but operating revenue rose 5.6 percent to $2.7 billion, with robust demand across all markets and particularly strong growth in the short-haul network.. Passenger revenue reached an all-time record for an interim result, at $2..3 billion, Air New Zealand said.

Across the Tasman, Qantas said first-half underlying profit before tax was A$976 million for the six months to Dec. 31 as Qantas and Jetstars international operations performed well in the face of higher fuel costs and increased competitor capacity. Its Jetstar International unit, which includes New Zealand domestic and regional and Australia outbound, boosted passenger numbers to 3.25 billion from 3.14 billion, while its revenue per kilometres rose 6 percent and its available seat kilometres rose 3 percent.

Australian travel agency Flight Centre Travel Group said net profit was A$102.2 million in the six months to Dec. 2017 versus A$74.4 million in the prior year and total transaction volume was A$10.2 billion versus A$9.43 billion in the prior year. TTV represents the price at which travel products and services have been sold across the group's various operations, as agents for various airlines and other service providers, plus revenue from other sources.

Flight Centre's New Zealand acquisitions helped contribute to a positive result on this side of the Tasman, it said. In August, the company bought 100 percent of Travel Managers Group, a large broker-based retail travel group and Executive Travel Limited, an independent travel management company. At the time, it said the two businesses will add $3 million of annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, and Flight Centre said their addition will boost the New Zealand business to almost $1.5 billion in annual sales in the 2018 financial year.

In New Zealand, Flight Centre's total transaction volume rose 11 percent to A$600 million and ebit was A$1.9 million.

"In Australia and New Zealand the company is well placed to grow in the corporate sector, given its positive momentum from 1H," it said.

(BusinessDesk)

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When Kalpana Chawla died, Avani was just 11 years old. Avani told her parents that she would make them proud just like the Indian-American astronaut.

Savita Chaturvedi, Flying Officer Avani's mother, says that the latter loved playing with aircraft models, unlike other girls.

Avani Chaturvedi, 24, is the first Indian woman to fly a fighter jet solo.

And true to her word, the girl from MP, on Monday, became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter jet.

The Indian Air Force tweeted that she flew a Mig-21 Bison for 30 minutes earlier this week.

#TouchTheSkyWithGlory : Fg Offr Avani Chaturvedi became the first Indian Woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo, when on 19 Feb 18 she flew a MiG-21 Bison aircraft in her first solo flight. The photo attached has been taken after her solo sortie. pic.twitter.com/nHWe4sgSmi  Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 22, 2018

Avani was one of the first three female fighter pilots to be inducted into the Indian air force.

Avani's father Dinkar Prasad is an engineer; her mother is a housewife. It was from her brother Nirabh that she drew her inspiration. Nirabh serves as a captain in the Army.

It's a proud moment for Avani's family. More so because Avani chose to serve the country, says her father.

Avani's mother wishes that every family gets a daughter like hers. Don't discriminate between sons and daughters; everyone is equally capable, advises her mother, adding that Avani has proved what daughters can do.

Avani's family, a native of Satna's Kothikanchan village in Madhya Pradesh, now resides in Rewa.
Who will win 2018 assembly elections in Karnataka? This is a question that political pundits are asking among themselves for the last several months. But till now there is no answer in sight.





Karnataka is the last major state still under Congress rule and the BJP with a dream to make the country Congress Mukt (Nation without Congress) has been trying its best to clinch the state in the forthcoming election. Its desperation to win the state can be gauged by the fact that the saffron party has deployed all its top guns in the state. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to party national president Amit Shah and the latest Hindutva mascot and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, all are campaigning vigorously across the Southern state.





Other than Karnataka, the Congress party remains in power in just a few other states including Punjab that the party surprisingly snatched from Akali Dal and the BJP combine last year.





Karnataka is one of the biggest states in the country. It is the fifth largest economy in the country with more than sixty million people. If Congress loses the state, the BJP will be in a sniffing distance from realizing its dream of Congress mukt Bharat.





Congress has been Haemorrhaging one state after the other to the BJP for the last four years, ever since it lost the Central government to the Narendra Modi led Bhartiya Janta Party. From just a handful of states where the BJP ruled, before its ascent to power at the center, the party is ruling around twenty states on its own or in alliance with its allies.





But over the last few months things seem to be changing. The Congress party seems to be coming out of the stasis of shock and disbelief following the Lok Sabha drubbing in 2014. There are signs that air seems to be changing though rather very slowly. Congress President Rahul Gandhi seems to have overcome his initial inhibitions that made him an easy prey for the BJP and its mean electronic warfare machine.





Is Congress stock on the rise?

The Congress Party did pretty well in Gujarat elections towards the end of the year 2017. The grand old party, along with its alliance partners, consisting of small parties and Dalit groups amazed many when it bagged as many as 80 seats in the state. The BJP was claiming on top of the voice that it will improve upon its previous performance and bag 150 seats. At one time, while the polling was on, the tide seemed to be turning in Congress favour as it seemed to be outdoing the incumbent government. It is altogether a different thing that the BJP won, marginally beating the Congress and retaining the state.





Gujarat is not the only sign of improving fortunes of the Congress party in the country. Rajasthan, where the Congress party was decimated in the last Lok Sabha elections, saw signs of resurgence when in the recently held by-polls, the party thrashed the BJP winning all the three seats where by-elections were held. This included two Lok Sabha seats and one assembly seat. Not just the win, the margin of victories baffled the political pundits, sending shockwaves in the BJP cadre.





Divided opposition

The biggest hope for the Congress party in the state is the fact that the opposition is badly divided. Janta Dal (S) and the BJP, both are fighting elections separately and there are no signs that there may be any pre-poll alliance between the two. Janta Dal (S), despite being considerably weakened over the last few years is still a power to reckon with in the state and can upset the applecart of both, the BJP and the Congress.





Congress party had won the last assembly elections in the state by a landslide, winning 122 seats out of the 224 seats in the state legislature. It had won close to 37 percent votes compared to just over 20 percent votes for the JDS and just under 20 percent votes for the BJP. Both the parties won 40 seats each in the state assembly. Nonetheless, the BJP did exceptionally well in the 16th Lok Sabha elections held in 2014 winning 17 seats out of the total 28 Lok Sabha seats from the states. Still Congress held its ground and won 9 seats, improving over its previous tally of 7 in the previous Lok Sabha elections.





We shouldnt ignore the fact that in the year 2014, there was hawa blowing in favour of the BJP. Even then, BJP tally came down to 17 from 19 in the previous Lok Sabha elections. Now when there is no wave in favour of the BJP either in Rajasthan or in Karnataka, winning the state is an uphill task for the BJP, despite its all-out efforts to do so.





Siddaramaiah factor

The BJP has been winning elections in several states regularly. In Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Gujarat, the saffron party has been returning to power under three powerful leaders. Modi as the chief minister of Gujarat gave several victories to his party in one election after the other in the western state. Congress has not many powerful chieftains at state levels. Siddaramaiah and Amrinder Singh, the chief minister of Punjab are just two exceptions.





Siddaramaiah has managed the state deftly and has shown an unusual dexterity in keeping the cross section of population happy and glued to every word he speaks. He has tried to emulate the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalitha, who won the hearts of people of her state through her popular schemes for the poor. There is no denying that his different welfare schemes have made the lives of poor people easy.





While writing in the Deccan Herald, MV RAJEEV GOWDA says, First, Siddaramaiah has delivered. More than 90 per cent of the Congress manifesto promises stand redeemed. This track record stands out as a contrast to Prime Minister Modis poll promises which have been mere jumlas. Congress has provided an inclusive, stable and effective administration. There has been no major scandal or crippling dissidence over the last five years. Unlike the much-hyped Gujarat Model that benefitted only a few, the Karnataka model has assiduously worked for the have-nots through innovative social sector programs. Karnataka is the number one investment destination in the country, and Bengaluru is a vibrant, economic powerhouse.





Muslims still a factor in Karnataka

Unlike Gujarat where Congress president Rahul Gandhi cold shouldered the Muslim community, he is courting Muslim community leaders in Karnataka. Muslims not just make 15 percent of the state population, they are the part of the state mainstream and completely integrated in it. Playing communal card in a state where Muslims are completely integrated in it and part of the mainstream is very difficult for the BJP.





A Lokniti (CSDS) research found that more than half of those covered under the said survey claimed to have Muslims as their close friends. Playing communal card is easier in states where there is schism between Hindus and Muslims and not in a cosmopolitan society like urban Karnataka.

More columns by Syed Ubaidur Rahman:

Muslim Law Board shocked by top cleric's views on Babri

Narendra Modi: Why Muslims are losing hope

Why Muslims are not mourning withdrawal of Haj subsidy

Owaisi expands his appeal thanks to talaq bill

Will Indian Muslims take a break from too much focus on electoral politics?

Sify columnist releases book on Indian Muslim freedom fighters
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Wednesday night in the Parish Center at Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, Cardinal Timothy Dolan hosted a heartwarming reception to recognize generous supporters of his annual Stewardship Appeal and the Renew & Rebuild Capital Campaign.

"Thanks for accepting our invitation to this evening's event," said Cardinal Dolan, before offering a Lenten prayer of thanks to all members of the Catholic community on Staten Island.

"My grandmother always said: 'Timothy, the three most important words are 'thank you' and 'please. So keep it up. We need you and we need you more than ever. And it is joy to be with you all."

He also elicited plenty of laughter with a quip about Wednesday's spring-like temps: "You know, I was in charge of the weather today. But it will change tomorrow with slushy rain and colder temperatures. And Bishiop O'Hara (Episcopal Vicar of Staten Island) is in charge of that."

Cardinal Dolan also acknowledged Monsignor Peter Finn, dean of the Staten Island vicariate and pastor of Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, and other clergy, priests, deacons and religious sisters present and "most of all -- all of you: God's good people."

He explained that Staten Island has a total of 38 parishes and Catholic schools with great programs of religious education and outreach centers.

"I never tire of saying it: I love Staten Island," he said. "... Last year we set a goal of 20 million for our campaign and we got 21 million and parishioners from Blessed Sacrament were among our major donors. And I crossed the bridge tonight because you mean the world to me."

He also praised the fine work accomplished by Regina King, a parish leader, and Colin O'Malley, a director of adult programs like young adult masses, bible study groups and other social activities.

Bishop O'Hara offered closing prayers and echoed Cardinal Dolan's words in praising the good work and kind deeds of all on board.

Check out the video above to hear Cardinal Dolan address the crowd and catch a glimpse of parishioners who were thrilled to chat with the Archbishop of New York.
Sgt. Donald Schneider and Police Officer Timothy Kessler recently visited the Advance to discuss the Impaired Driving Awareness Course and their roles as drug recognition experts. Schneider is the agency coordinator for the NYPD, while Kessler serves as a regional coordinator on behalf of the department.

Steve Zaffarano

Meet Sgt. Donald Schneider and P.O. Timothy Kessler

Sgt. Donald Schneider and Police Officer Timothy Kessler recently visited the Advance to discuss the Impaired Driving Awareness Course and their roles as drug recognition experts (DREs).

Schneider is the agency coordinator for the NYPD, while Kessler serves as a regional coordinator on behalf of the department. They're officially under the NYPD Highway Patrol division.

Among the topics discussed were the need to train officers across New York and the responsibilities held by DREs.

Their visit was timely as New Jersey -- and perhaps New York -- seriously debate legalizing recreational marijuana.

Don't Edit

Steve Zaffarano

Police officers with greater responsibilities

DREs can be called to the scene of a serious crash or a police precinct to administer a 12-step process that includes an exam of a driver's pulse, pupils and balance.

That program can take an hour to administer.

If the charges are tied to a fatal crash, the driver is asked to submit to a blood test. If it's a routine DWI arrest, the driver is asked for a urine sample.

If a driver refuses either in New York, their license could be revoked for one year regardless of whether they're found guilty of DWI.

If any trace of marijuana is found in the blood, the penalty is up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

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Steve Zaffarano

The 12-step program administered by DREs

A dozen steps are required by drug recognition experts. They range from a blood alcohol test and eye and muscle tone examinations, to checking for injection sites and a urine, blood and/or saliva sample from the subject for a toxicology lab analysis. You can read more about the process here.

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Steve Zaffarano

No gray area: You're impaired or you're not

Whether a person drank too much cough medicine, or consumed an extra Xanax, "Either you're impaired to the point where you can't drive a car, or you're not," said Schneider. There's no gray area.

However, circumstances are significant, and police officers can make errors, both DREs said. "There's also times when an officer will bring someone in who they believe is impaired ... and they're not impaired. It's called a ruleout."

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Staten Island Advance on YouTube

Drug-impaired drivers are a threat

With the drug crisis raging on Staten Island and in other parts of the country, calls for more help from DREs have been made.

"Staten Island is still in the midst of a deadly drug epidemic and people must recognize the dangers of driving while under the influence and the consequences that can come from making one bad decision behind the wheel," District Attorney Michael McMahon said.

Kessler said drugged driving has surpassed alcohol-impaired driving: "It's a big epidemic that's coming forward. It's a problem we've never faced before."

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Steve Zaffarano

Their testimony is a deal-breaker

A certified DRE officer can provide expert witness testimony at trial to ensure that the case could move forward, while an officer not trained as a DRE would not be considered an expert in the field.

Testimony from officers who take the Impaired Driving Awareness Course will hold more weight than an officer who has not had the additional training, but they are not considered an expert.

Unlike the arresting officer who may only provide facts related to an arrest and an individual case, "We can actually give our opinion of what we feel about the case while officers rely on facts of the case. It gives layers of evidence," said Kessler.

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Steve Zaffarano

Chemistry students

While both DREs educate police officers about the the Impaired Driving Awareness Course, they're continuing to learn about possible changes in drug trends and the physical makeup of potentially future drugs by taking chemistry classes during their spare time: "Right now, it's the opioid addiction in Staten Island. In 10 years from now, it's going to be something completely different," said Kessler.

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@NYPDHighway on Twitter

About 5,000 New York police officers trained

Collectively, New York's drug recognition experts have trained approximately 5,000 police officers across the state, from New York City to Buffalo, Long Island to the rest of upstate New York.

The course is more than four hours long.

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Joseph Ostapiuk

In demand on Staten Island

Both Schneider and Kessler have visited with Staten Island police officers, including those at the 121st Precinct in Graniteville.

In February, the Staten Island Community Education Council (CEC) presented both Schneider and Kessler with awards for their efforts.

"These things are so important, and they are at the forefront of our community right now," said local CEC president Michael Reilly. "I think it's a great opportunity for us to express our gratitude for their perseverance and educating officers. It was all their work. And it was really tremendous."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Today's archive page is from May 4, 1957.

An editorial urges Congress to act sooner rather than later, referring to the fact that over the past four months, most of the legislation passed has been routine.

"Only the Eisenhower doctrine for the Mideast and the excise and corporation tax bill have carried any real impact," the editorial reads.

Still on the agenda are items such as foreign aid, federal aid to education, revision of immigrant laws and civil rights.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Edward Koster allegedly stole from a car just over a month after he was sentenced to jail in connection with the theft of $17,000 in items from another car, according to authorities.

In his latest alleged caper, the 34-year-old homeless man allegedly stole a brown-and-beige backpack, a black cellphone and black jacket from a black 1993 GMC Yukon parked in Tompkinsville. Koster allegedly ripped the internal panel from the passenger-side door during his heist on Thursday evening, according to the criminal complaint.

The victim who had parked his car near 180 Bay St. at about 6:30 p.m. allegedly spotted Koster about 10 minutes later carrying the brown-and-beige backpack, according to the criminal complaint.

The victim flagged down police who then arrested Koster at the northwest corner of Victory Boulevard and Bay Street at about 6:44 p.m., according to police and the criminal complaint.

For the Tompkinsville incident, Koster was charged with misdemeanor auto stripping, petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and criminal mischief, based on the criminal complaint.

He is being held at Rikers Island in lieu of $3,500 bail and is due back in Criminal Court on Wednesday, according to public records.
Update: Eve has called off 6ix9ine's performance, according to a manager. Click here for more.

----

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A hot rapper with a criminal sex record is set to perform at a teen party on Staten Island next week.

Tekashi 6ix9ine, 21, whose given name is Daniel Hernandez, has been booked for what is being billed as "the hottest teen party in the US" on March 2 at Eve Ultra Lounge on Arthur Kill Road in Rossville.

But the event is causing some controversy after borough parents discovered the rapper admitted to posting social media videos of him and another man participating in sex acts with an underage girl three years ago.

"When I found it was a teen party, I could not believe it," said a concerned former Staten Islander who works in the industry and knows kids who were planning to attend the event. "In such a time for the #metoo movement, how is this acceptable for teenage girls?

"It makes no sense."

A manager at Eve Ultra who asked not to have his named published said the venue was rented to a teen who then booked the Brooklyn rapper for the event.

"The guy is the hot thing right now," said the manager. "We can't tell them who to book as the performer."

6ix9ine, who also uses the names Teka$hi69 and Tekashi69, is set to do a 10-minute performance.

"I had no knowledge of the charges," said the promoter who booked the artist. "6ix9ine is the hottest artist around. The kids love him and his music."

Still, the rapper's name, 6ix9ine, is an apparent reference to a sexual act.

He also has some variation of 69 tattooed numerous times on his face, stomach, arms and fingers.

The promoter from The Trap Club, who also asked not to have his name published, said he has a binding contact with the rapper and he's already been paid for his performance. He would not disclose the amount.

There have been 250 tickets sold for the event, said the promoter.

Tickets are going for $30-$45 on Eventbrite, which bills the performance as "the hottest teen party in the US."

"He's been selling out in other boroughs at teen events, and there have been no issues," he said. "We can't pull the contract. He's coming in to do his set, then leaving."

SEX CASE

In 2015, Hernandez, then 18, posted three videos of him, another man, Taquan Anderson, and an underaged girl engaging in sex acts on social media, according to allegations in the criminal complaint.

In the first video, the nude girl is performing oral sex on Anderson, then 21, while Hernandez stands behind the child making a thrusting motion with his pelvis while he slaps her buttocks, according to the complaint.

In the second clip, the girl, dressed in a bra and underwear, is sitting on Hernandez's lap when Anderson pours a cup of liquid on the child's breasts and grabs them, authorities said.

The complaint claims the third video shows the naked minor sitting across the laps of both defendants when Anderson allegedly touches her private parts.

The alleged incident occurred in Harlem in February of 2015.

The girl was 13 years old at the time, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.

"That is me on all the videos," Hernandez is quoted as saying in the criminal complaint. "I was tagged on Instagram and then I reposted the videos using the repost Whizz app."

According to a spokesman for the Manhattan district attorney's office, the rapper pleaded guilty to use of a child in a sexual performance in October 2015.

Hernandez's plea comes with the following conditions:

He will be placed on one year of interim probation

He must not post any sexually explicit images of women or children or any images of violence against women or children to social media

He must continue mental health treatment for two years

He must regularly update the court on the progress of his mental health treatment

He must complete 300 hours of community service

He must obtain his GED

He must write an apology letter to the victim and her family

He must not be re-arrested for two years

Hernandez is due in court April 10 for an update on his compliance, said the spokesman.

Attempts to reach his attorney were not immediately successful.

Anderson pleaded guilty to possessing a sexual performance by a child in February 2016 and was sentenced to one-to-three years in prison, he added.
COMMENTARY BY STATE ASSEMBLYMAN MATTHEW TITONE

This February, we remember and pay tribute to those who persevered through racial oppression, intolerance and injustice to pave the way for civil rights in our country; we also recognize those who have taken up the helm in today's challenging times. While we celebrate the contributions black Americans have made in shaping our country for the better each and every day, National African American History Month serves as an opportunity to formally recognize their achievements. It also serves as a call to action to build on the legacies of those who came before by fighting for recognition and justice.

From the pivotal role our state played as a stop on the Underground Railroad, to becoming the first state in the nation to implement President Obama's My Brother's Keeper initiative, New York has always been at the center of the fight for justice and equality. Weeksville, Brooklyn, was home to one of the first free black communities in the United States. We're also home to the African Burial Ground, the first national monument dedicated to Africans and African-Americans of New York's earliest days, which can still be visited today.

New Yorkers like Shirley Chisholm - a native Brooklynite who served in the state Assembly, became the first African-American woman to serve in Congress and later became the first female and first African-American major-party candidate for president - showed that greatness could be achieved despite the barriers that exist.

Langston Hughes, a celebrated poet and key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, helped usher in a new age of black excellence and artistic expression, channeling struggle into verse and inspiring countless others.

James Baldwin, a literary legend and tireless champion for civil rights who hailed from Harlem, brought attention to the issues that pervaded our society and culture, exploring subjects that included interracial and LGBTQ relationships in an era when such subjects were swept under the rug.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, the world-renowned astrophysicist hailing from the Bronx, is inspiring a whole new generation of scientists and space enthusiasts. He's currently the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, where he founded the Department of Astrophysics, and was awarded the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal in 2004.

Whether born and raised here or having made our state an adopted home, these and many other New Yorkers challenged prejudice to pursue their passions and create a platform for those who followed.

There is much to commemorate and celebrate historically and culturally on Staten Island as well. Sandy Ground is the oldest continuously inhabited free Black settlement in the United States. The nurses known as Black Angels cared for tuberculosis patients at Sea View Hospital. Staten Islander Audre Lorde was New York State Poet Laureate under Governor Mario Cuomo. The Wu-Tang Clan is considered one of the best rap groups ever.

Still, for all the progress we've made, we need only to look at the White House or turn on the news to see how much further we have to go.

In the Assembly, we're continuing to fight for progressive ideals - those same ideals Shirley Chisholm championed in the Assembly chamber over 50 years ago.

We've invested in our schools, brought a college degree within reach for many more families and raised the age of criminal responsibility to begin reforming our criminal justice system and give kids a second chance. Everyone deserves a level playing field, but the truth is that for many people of color, the playing field is tilted against them. That's why we'll keep fighting to create economic opportunities and address inequities whenever and wherever we can.

National African American History Month is not only a time to reflect on past wounds and injustices, but also a chance for each and every American to seek inspiration from leaders who came before and commit to the fight for a better future.

Where would we be had Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. not shared his dream, had Rosa Parks given up her seat, had Shirley Chisholm never pursued the presidency or had Harriet Tubman not led thousands of slaves to freedom?

This month, we salute past pioneers within the African-American community, as well as the innovators and game-changers of today who continue to be a beacon of hope in the face of bigotry and divisiveness. Let us remember the sacrifices and achievements of the brave black men and women who refused to be silenced. Together, we can preserve their legacies and continue their work. As Baldwin so aptly told us, "Know from whence you came. If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go."
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Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin met with three Members of the European Parliament on Wednesday on her mission to Brussels. She met with MEP Esther de Lange, MEP Agnes Jongerius and MEP Lambert van Nistelrooij. This meeting was a follow up on a commitment made between the European Parliament and European Commission to as much as possible treat St. Martin and St. Maarten on an equal level in their recovery efforts post Irma.





This position was recently stressed by State Secretary Raymond Knops and yesterday a letter to the European Parliament was sent that it is observed that the agreement has not yet been fulfilled. The Members of the European Parliament promised to stay on top of the topic as they aware that both sides of the island have European citizens and should therefore be treated as equals in these times of recovery after a disaster.





Photo caption  Photo 1 - MEP Esther de Lange / Photo 2 - MEP Agnes Jongerius / Photo 3 - MEP Lambert van Nistelrooij




So this happened in between costume changes.

Photos obtained by CBC News show Atwal posing for pictures with Trudeau's wife, Sophie, and Liberal cabinet minister Amarjeet Sohi at an event with the Indian film industry in Mumbai on Tuesday.

His appearance at an official tour event could prove highly embarrassing for Trudeau, who has been at pains during his Indian trip to assure his hosts that Canada supports a united India and rejects violent extremism.

Atwal, who did not travel to India with the Trudeaus' entourage, was convicted of the attempted murder of an Indian cabinet minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986.

At the time, he was a member of the International Sikh Youth Federation, banned as a terrorist group in Canada, the U.K., the U.S. and India.

He's also been convicted in an automobile fraud case and was charged, but not convicted, in a 1985 near-fatal attack on Ujjal Dosanjh, an opponent of the Sikh separatist movement who later became premier of British Columbia.
A highly undiplomatic stoush has erupted in a quiet street of O'Malley over the comings and goings at the United Arab Emirates embassy.

Neighbours of the embassy in Bulwarra Close say that a fence built around the front and side of the property is not compliant with restrictions and take issue with the number of bins associated with the building, as well as a security camera that overlooks another block. A security post is attached to the fence, which is staffed around the clock.

Mandy Harris, of O'Malley, is angry at the United Arab Emirates embassy. Credit:karleen minney

The most concern centres around the number of cars that park out the front of the embassy, as well as delivery trucks that visit the property regularly.

Resident Mandy Harris said that she has had trouble with tradespeople being able to enter her property because of the number of cars on the street out the front of the embassy, and cars blocking her driveway.
Taxpayers footed a $65,000 bill for an ACT government study tour to the European Union to help Planning Minister Mick Gentleman and senior public officials investigate overseas urban planning issues last year. The study trip saw Mr Gentleman, his senior staffer and ACT chief planner Ben Ponton travel for 12 days through Prague, Brussels, Copenhagen, Berlin and Singapore for an EU World Cities program meeting in Prague. ACT planning minister Mick Gentleman led a 12-day, $65,000 study tour to the EU to examine urban renewal last year. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong Those government representatives were also joined by several business figures including ACT Property Council executive Adina Cirson and national PCA president George Katheklakis on the trip. Of the $65,000 spent for government figures on the trip, $24,880 was spent on flights, $9552 on accommodation, $6952 on travel allowance and $171 on ground transport or taxis, Mr Gentleman's spokesman said.

Of the total, about $12,000 was covered by the EU World Cities program and the total cost of the trip associated with Mr Gentleman and his staffer came to $41,557. Details of the trip were originally reported by ABC Canberra, including the $2400-odd cost of a 12 person dinner footed by taxpayers, in what Mr Gentleman's spokesman said was a standard "reciprocal" arrangement for such tours. All business delegates on the study tour covered their own costs, "with the exception of a welcome dinner hosted by the ACT government", the spokesman said. "It is appropriate for the ACT government to express gratitude to our hosts, and the non-Government members of our delegation, by covering the expense associated with hosting an official dinner," he said. He said the delegation visited cities that demonstrated best practice examples of urban innovation, environmental sustainability and smart city initiatives.
Peter Yu remembers heading down to the jetty at Broome waiting for his father to come in on the pearling luggers at high tide. The children would clamber over the wooden boats, while the divers took a break, waiting for conditions to settle down before they'd head out again.

There'd be picnics and celebrations where they would dine on the pearl meat which had been dried out on the decks, or meat which had been soaked in vinegar and chilli.

Peter Yu with a model of a wooden pearl lugger. Credit:Jamila Toderas

His father Yauhong Tai was one of the last hard-hat pearl divers in the Broome area and for Yu a new exhibition at the National Museum of Australia is a special story from both a personal and cultural perspective.

Lustre: Pearling & Australia explores the nation's pearling industry which also showcases the beauty, significance and intrigue of pearls and pearlshell across time and culture.
ACT emergency services have confirmed a two-year-old boy with a head injury was left without an ambulance in November due to a lack of resources.

The news comes as figures show ambulance shifts fell below minimum staffing levels more than 40 per cent of the time in the last financial year, despite crews working almost 36,000 hours of overtime.

A Canberra family were told they was no ambulance available for their child - twice. Credit:Rohan Thomson

The boy's family also found themselves without an ambulance for their young daughter in 2012, when she was spiking a dangerously high fever. On both occasions, the children's father said he was told an ambulance was on its way, only to get a call back saying that crew had been diverted to another call.

He was advised to take his child to hospital himself, which he did, in a "mad, stressful" rush.
Would you like to help send a message of peace out over the waters of Lake Burley Griffin, reaching across Canberra?

The new Canberra Rotary Peace Bell is being unveiled on Friday, with members of the public invited to ring it between 11am and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

An artist's impression of the World Peace Bell Pavilion at Canberra Nara Peace Park on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

The 350-kilo brass bell came from Japan. It is a replica of the peace bell at the United Nations HQ in New York.

Its design includes 103 coins from nations of the UN. It is the 23rd peace bell in the world.
That tender process, union secretary and club chairman Dean Hall has previously said, saw the club submit the top price, at $2.4 million, to buy the carpark block, but ultimately the club agreed to pay $3.5 million. Mr Hall announced his resignation from the union position last week, to take effect later this year. The audit report found that the sale of Block 30, Section 34 Dickson to the club meant taxpayers missed out on between $1.57 million to $1.82 million in potential revenue. That was primarily due to concessions that the Tradies would only have to replace 84 carparks on the site, instead of the 139 originally assumed in the tender process or the 154 that formed the basis of a MMJ valuation relied on. The ACT Government Solicitor's Office's also told the audit office that the economic development directorates' acceptance of "the Tradies' requested changes" represented "significant departures" from the original terms of the tender.

An interview between the audit office and the former director of sustainable land strategy detailed in the report also shows the former public servant was concerned that "it was clear the government wanted the Tradies to win" the tender. "I mean, the reality was that the Tradies were close allies of the ... government and the Labor party ... I was aware that the Tradies had meetings, had had meetings with the government," he told auditors. But auditors found no evidence to substantiate that belief, and Chief Minister Andrew Barr told auditors that "neither he nor, to his knowledge, other members of the government subscribed" to such views. Dr Cooper's report also found that advertisements for the tender were not advertised nationally, potentially limiting the pool of potential tenderers for the block. The report also found the government paid the club up to $830,000 more than the "potential worth" of the block of land Block 6, Section 72 Dickson - the Rosevear Place block housing the CFMEU offices.

Planning Minister Mick Gentleman said on Thursday the audit "found no evidence of wrong-doing on the part of any ACT government ministers or ACT government officials" and that it "puts the matter to bed". He said that since a previous audit report into LDA deals in late 2016, "significant work has been undertaken to improve processes and governance for large land transactions". While the government received a final draft of the report from the audit office a month ago, he said the government was still "digesting" it and would respond formally later. Opposition leader Alistair Coe said the deal amounted to a "monumental dudding" of taxpayers in favour of "the Labor party's fellow travellers" and raised serious concerns about government integrity and tender processes. Despite the audit office uncovering no evidence of political involvement, Mr Coe said Chief Minister Andrew Barr should be held to account, as the governance and tenders processes were his responsibility as Treasurer.

The former director-general of the economic development directorate also said the conclusions in the report about value for money did not take into account the overall value of the land swap and the provision of "a large parcel of land to provide social housing and for other community uses". Dickson land swap - a timeline November 2010: The ACT government requests a valuation from MM on Block 30, Section 34 at the Dickson shops. The valuation puts the car park block at $2.5 million at the time, on the basis of building a two-storey building, and the need to replace 134 car parks on the site. December 2010: The MMJ valuation reveals the Tradies Club are negotiating the purchase of Block 30, Section 34 for a "substantial redevelopment and replacement of the club facilities". 2012: The ACT government puts out a wider call for expressions of interests to buy Block 30, Section 34.
Children can also become coders with super-simple programming language

VietNamNet Bridge - Instead of complicated codes, V-logic users can become coders with simple commands like Bat den Led roi cho 1 giay sau tat den Led (turn LED lamp on, wait one second, and turn off the lamp).









Nguyen van Dong and his automatic vending shop









Nguyen Van Dong demonstrated his skills by activating a karaoke card, then saying Con duong xua em di (the old way you went in the past) and the music began.



At Dongs automatic vending shop, customers select items and make payments without checkout counters. All they have to do is insert cards into a slot at the shop and then press buttons to complete transactions.



All the links of the system were installed by Dong without assistance from technology experts.



It took me only 15 days to do from A to Z. But the results are wonderful, he said.



Dong used the set of solutions comprising programming language closer to natural language and V-Logic platform that programs automated processes.



With the increasingly high popularity of IoT (internet of things) devices, the demand for programming languages that regulate devices has also been increasing.



However, due to its complexity, this remains the holy land of IT (information technology) and automation specialists. Users can only use devices as they are initially set, and cannot customize the devices as wanted.

With the increasingly high popularity of IoT (internet of things) devices, the demand for programming languages that regulate devices has also been increasing.

Luong Ngoc Tuan, CEO of V-SYS, and co-workers decided to develop solutions which allow specialists in different fields and normal users to set up device control land regulation systems themselves, without any deep knowledge of IT.



In general, IoT devices are set with VB and Python programmed languages. But the languages are complicated and can only be used by experienced programmers with deep knowledge, and it takes months to set one system.



The problem doesnt exist in V-Logic because it uses language close to human language. Instead of complex codes, V-Logic users use very simple commands which allow them to set programs within a couple of weeks. Children also can become coders with the simple language.



As a result, professionals in the industry and ordinary users can set optimal processes themselves, easily pack their knowledge and distribute it in the market.



Tran Luong Son from Vietsoftware said V-Logic has great application potential which may cause a revolution in programming IoT devices.



V-Logic has been used to set up a shrimp feeding system and automatic acupuncture machine.





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Hunter Reid was 22-months-old in October, 2016, when he died after battling a brain tumour, the little boy showing so much strength and continuing to find joy in life until the end.

"He's a lot stronger than I am," his mother Helen Read said.

Hunter Reid and his mum Helen Read. He loved animals and going to the zoo.

"We're proud of him, very proud of him."

The adorable toddler who loved animals, swimming at the beach and going through the utensil drawer in the kitchen was a delight to his parents, Helen, a nurse at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Canberra Hospital, and Ryan, who runs his own business, Betta Bins.
Some Weston Creek residents have called on the ACT government to find an alternative site for a public housing development in Chapman approved this week.

A group of residents, called Darwinia Park action group, staged a small protest at the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, urging the government to find a different site, or to have a "genuine" conversation about the site.

Chapman residents are unhappy about the Chapman public housing development being approved. From left, Beverly and Tony Butterfield, Peter and Helen Mine, Michael Boyle, Simone Hunter, Kumar Sukumar, and Doreen Hurst. Credit:Jamila Toderas

It follows the government's planning authority earlier this week approving the proposed 20 single-storey townhouses will be at the corner of Darwinia Terrace, Kathner Street and Percy Crescent in Chapman.

The development has prompted some community concern among Weston Creek residents, particularly related to a lack of services nearby, the community facility-zoned nature of th block and the fact it is in a bushfire-prone area.
Natural health company Blackmores has become the latest business to be heavily dumped by investors in the wake of its half-year results, with its stock dropping $23.50 (or nearly 15 per cent) on Thursday.

Blackmores CEO Richard Henfrey. Credit:Jessica Hromas

As it released its results Blackmores cautioned that a "soft Australian retail market" and "supply issues" would impact its second half.

It also revealed that revenue from its Australian and New Zealand segment was down almost two per cent to $120.6 million, compared to the first half of fiscal 2017.

But highlighting how tough the market is, the company actually reported a 20 per cent rise in net profit after tax to $34 million, while total group net sales rose 9 per cent to $287 million.
Bill Gates sat down with talk show host Ellen DeGeneres for the first time this week.

Gates is the founder of Microsoft and cofounder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and is the worlds second-richest person with an estimated fortune of $US91.8 billion ($117 billion), according to Bloombergs index.

Gates officially became a billionaire when he was 31  the youngest billionaire in history, at the time. But the boost to his bank account didnt send him on a spending spree, Gates said during his interview with DeGeneres.
When most people head off to work in the morning the possibility of being assaulted, threatened or subjected to aggressive and bullying behaviour is the last thing on their mind.

21st century workplaces are meant to be safe environments in which individuals are respected and differences of opinion, when they do occur, are resolved through negotiation in a mature and timely manner.

The only legitimate exceptions might be in the case of front line troops in the armed forces and the police.

Given this, it is absolutely unacceptable that more than 40 per cent of Canberra school principals say they are at risk of violence, bullying and intimidation just for doing their jobs.
Which is not to claim that Joyce's relationship with his former staffer is not of great interest to the public. A recent ReachTEL poll of voters in New England shows 55 per cent think the media was justified in reporting the story.

For most of Australia's political history such an idea would have been unthinkable. With a handful of notable exceptions, such as the affair between Jim Cairns and Junie Morosi, journalists and politicians have been united in treating private lives as nobody's business.

The Prime Minister's decision to ban sex between ministers and staffers blows up the old unwritten rule that private lives were off limits to reporters. According to some journalists the new rules could even oblige them to go looking for sexual misconduct. Yet a vital debate, about whether this story should have been reported in the first place, appears to be unresolved.

But the fact people want to be told the story does not establish that publishing is in the public interest. There are lots of things we want to know that remain secret for very good reasons. In deciding whether to report any story, journalists need to answer only one question: is it, overall, to the benefit of the public to publish? In a case like this, that question is complex. It is necessary to weigh the benefits of disclosure against the harm it will cause.

We do need to know some things about the character of our politicians, but really only insofar as it will impact on their ability to do their jobs and deliver on their promises. No matter how big the gap between what a politician does in private and their public beliefs, no matter how much we want to know what they're really like, private lives don't tell us much about how they do their jobs.

So what else is there on the benefit side? The revelations about Joyce's partner's employment as an adviser in various ministerial offices have not yet unearthed a smoking gun. There remains no compelling evidence that Campion was improperly appointed, or profited from the affair. Ditto the revelations about a businessman who paid for Joyce's accommodation while he was in Armidale. The question of whether there has been some impropriety is a legitimate story. But there was no proof of wrongdoing at the time of the original publication, and the ongoing search for impropriety can't be used to justify the Daily Telegraph's decision to reveal the relationship in the way that it did.

It's also been claimed that Joyce's personal issues have impacted on his work performance, but surely the best evidence for how well he is going in his job is to be found in looking at what he does in his public role, not by trawling through his private life.
An Iraqi woman walks through a plume of smoke rising from a massive fire. Credit:Lynsey Addario It's been almost 15 years since millions of peaceful protesters marched in Australia and around the world in opposition to the War in Iraq. If only our leaders in Washington, London and Canberra had listened, we might have avoided the decade of horror which followed that foolish and misguided decision. Hundreds of thousands of civilians might still be alive, millions more wouldn't have been forced from their homes and the world might never have known ISIS or the nightmare of the Syrian Civil War. Or the brutal siege of Fallujah. We can't turn back the clock and save those innocent lives, or those of the brave men and women of our armed forces who lost their lives fighting under false premises, but one thing I believe we owe to them is to learn from our mistakes. That shouldn't be a controversial position, but the sorry state of our current politics makes it so. When you live in a country like ours, the dirty business of war is a stranger, the retired ADF Captain James Brown wrote recently in the Quarterly Essay. Our mechanisms for going to war lack the institutional rigour necessary to navigate a more complex world, and our decisions about conflict are not grounded by public trust and democratic legitimacy. We need urgently to re-engage with the problems of war, and to rethink just how it is that we choose whether we fight or not he added.

That's why the Australian Greens have moved again for the creation of a comprehensive, independent inquiry modelled on Sir John Chilcot's 2016 Iraq War Review in Britain. How were the decisions taken in the lead-up to the Iraq war? How was the war prosecuted? And most importantly, what does that tell us about how to avoid similar mistakes in future? The hostile response to those calls just goes to show how entrenched the bipartisan culture of silence around the military has become. There is now an unwritten rule within our parliament and elements of the media to wave through matters relating to defence, national security and defence spending. But with hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars going into defence expenditure, and new plans to expand defence exports to countries guilty of horrendous human rights abuses, silence is a recipe for disaster. Speaking out inevitably invites charges about where one's loyalties lie, but a true patriot asks tough questions and holds powerful institutions to account even when it makes them unpopular. Far from disrespecting those who serve, we owe it those brave men and women who put their lives on the line. Lieutenant General David Morrison's inspiring words in the wake of Elizabeth Broderick's 2013 review into the Australian Defence Force's unhealthy treatment of women shows the importance of speaking out and holding powerful institutions to account. After Iraq, Syria is now mired in turmoil of our own making. We must learn from that conflict too so as to do better when it comes to the next global flash point. Unfortunately, as Labor fears looking weak on matters of defence and national security, we now rely on the Greens, veterans such as Ben Wadham at Flinders University, and military experts such as our former national head of defence Paul Barratt to push hardest for accountability through an Iraq war inquiry. An Australian Chilcot Report, with the full support of the Government and the Defence Force, would go a long way towards healing the wounds opened by the Iraq War and left to fester in the long public silence that has followed. Only by understanding the rationale behind John Howard's decision to take us to war will we avoid another disastrous foreign policy catastrophe, and there could not be a more important time than with a dangerous hawk currently occupying the White House.
In the photo, there were circles around the heads of the prospective replacement leaders. There was Darren Chester with his halo, newly visible Michael McCormack, David Littlefinger*, Matt Canavan. Even Canavan, a senator, and senators can't really be the leaders.

There he was, surrounded by his blokes, with a story about leadership of the Nationals and what will happen when Joyce finally accepts he is a poisoned hay bale and needs to be tossed on the compost (I'll stop with the tortured rural analogies now).

It was the photo of Barnaby Joyce which finally did my head in.

And Bridget McKenzie, loyal Joyce deputy, who's dealt with all manner of mayhem since her ascension two months ago? Nothing. No ring of power. No gold star for good effort. Yes, a senator, much like Canavan, but minus big-noting.

When it comes to Australian leadership, women are handmaids.

It's BSDs** to the front, the toil of the loyal either ignored or unrecognised. McKenzie is the newest of these tireless women deputies and joins Julie Bishop and Tanya Plibersek. If there is gormless chaos at the top, make a woman the deputy but be sure she is never ever counted as a possible leadership contender. And in the corridors of Parliament House or the pubs where you congregate, always whisper, "policy lite, not up to the job, weak". Because what you've got now is so good, right? Where are the women?

Whether it's casual sexism in the party apparatus or just plain old entrenched misogyny at work, these women get no recognition. Poll after poll reveals Plibersek as preferred Labor leader (there were six in a row last year) yet story after story concentrates on Anthony Albanese's leadership aspirations. They even mention Chris Bowen and Tony Burke. Who are they again?

Troy Bramston of The Australian, whom I find endlessly fascinating, wrote this last week: "Newspoll shows Plibersek, from the Left, to be preferred as Labor leader, with Albanese close behind. Plibersek, like Bowen, has shown total loyalty to Shorten. She has also proved she would make a good leader, but it is doubtful she wants the job."
Australia's new data breach laws require businesses and government entities to disclose hacks and leaks that cause "serious harm", with fines of up to $2.1 million for those who don't comply, but experts say the agency responsible for enforcing them may not have the resources to do so.

The Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme  which came into effect on Thursday  is likely to cause a swell in reported breaches. Former NSW Deputy Privacy Commissioner Anna Johnston, now head of Sydney-based private consultancy Salinger Privacy, questioned whether the Privacy Commissioner could enforce the new laws, considering it hadn't been allocated any new funding by the Turnbull government.

Outgoing Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim.

In an interview with Fairfax Media, Privacy Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim  who recently announced his retirement  did not deny it would be tough to keep on top of the office's growing caseload, revealing there were already long wait times for existing matters in his office.

"I haven't received any additional funding to date for the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme," Pilgrim said. "The allocation of funding  resources to government agencies, as you would understand  is a matter for government.
Single-use plastic bags are heavily on the nose in Australia. South Australia banned them in 2009. The Northern Territory in 2011. And Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia are banning them later this year.

Celine has released its plastic shopper, which will sell for $750. Credit:Instagram

That makes Gladys Berejiklian the only recalcitrant premier in the country when it comes to supermarket shopping bags. Maybe she just doens't like the green bags that have become synonymous with the nation's leading supermarkets.

But now there is another option, thanks to French fashion house Celine. If you have a spare $750.

The thick, plastic bags debuted on the runway for its Spring/Summer 2018 collection in Paris last October and, word has it, will finally be on sale at a pop-up at department store Nordstrom in Seattle in May.
In her statement, she said she would be closing the business in order to uphold a commitment to not taking on advertising.

"Seven years into a movement, five years into a business, I feel my work in the realm is done," Wilson wrote.

"Recently I've realised that to remain true to my original commitment, I must pivot course," she wrote, later adding, "I'm an educator, a communicator. Not a money-spinner."

Wilson said she made the decision to depart the business 12 months ago, intending to sell. However, staying with the business during a transition period for a potential new owner was something Wilson said she "could not and would not do".

"But, you see, for a business that has the founder's name and noggin all over it, my stance didn't gel in the market," Wilson said. "I suspect many also had a hard time understanding why a founder would want to walk from a successful business."

Wilson, who edited Cosmopolitan magazine in the mid-2000s and has worked as a columnist for Fairfax Media and News Corp, said she would be sticking with advocacy but shifting her focus, noting she had "more education campaigns to ignite".

"The anxiety discussion, the food-waste movement this is where I need to be," she said. "As I say, my job is done in the sugar-free space and it would be remiss of me stay on board just to extract money for myself."
The NSW Education Minister, Rob Stokes, has dumped a controversial policy that tied NAPLAN results to the HSC, warning it risked favouring the privileged and leaving students anxious.

Mr Stokes said the requirement that year 9 students score three band 8s in NAPLAN to pre-qualify for their HSC would be abandoned but students would still need to meet a minimum standard.

He said he had been convinced the policy placed too much pressure on year 9 students, especially students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes has scrapped one of the government's most controversial education policies. Credit:Brook Mitchell

The policy risked linking performance to privilege, Mr Stokes said.
Adrian Piccoli says parents should focus more on their child's education. Credit:Ben Rushton

Adrian Piccolis comments on Anglo-Australian parents prioritising sport over education may spark a superficial debate, but they fail to address Australia's educational decline on the world stage.

Why shift the blame to parents? Why not face up to the the long-term failure of our federal and state governments to deliver a world class education system for all Australians?

The fact some students from non-English speaking backgrounds do better at NAPLAN does not mean that parents from English-speaking backgrounds dont prioritise their children's education.

Not every student from a non-English speaking background does well at school. And just because you value sport as a parent, it doesn't mean you see education as less important for your child.
Rachael and Jonathan Casella, with baby Mackenzie. Credit:Gabrielle Byrnes

When Rachael Casella was pregnant with her daughter Mackenzie, she chose to undertake myriad tests to optimise the chances of a healthy baby and pregnancy. But at no stage was she offered a straightforward saliva or blood test to see if she was carrying the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 gene.

The couple, who featured in a report on 7.30 on the ABC on Thursday night, lost Mackenzie to the disease when she was just seven months old. They had to endure the slow devastation of watching their daughter lose her muscle strength, her movement, her ability to feed, to swallow and finally to breathe before her first birthday.

Yet such tragedy could have been prevented if they had known about a simple genetic test they could have taken before or when Rachael was pregnant. The test for the SMA Type 1 gene has been available for some time through a pathology company that also screens for cystic fibrosis and Fragile X. Unfortunately it costs about $400 and parents do not receive a rebate through Medicare. And as Rachael and her husband, Jonathan, discovered, most GPs are not even aware of its existence.
It was compelling TV. Viewers were told to wait four days to hear the results for the popular presenter, who said: This test is so important for boofhead blokes like me because we never go to the doctor, we never think about our health.

Koch followed this up with a filmed blood test to examine prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels to detect possible signs of prostate cancer.

"Just try and relax there a bit," a urologist said to the 61-year-old while he was lying on his side, trousers around his knees, having a digital rectal exam.

Koch was aware of some of the potential consequences of these tests. He flagged the risk of having a doctor whip out your prostate, which he acknowledged could lead to impotency.

But he framed this as though it was a thing of the past, saying: The treatments are so vast these days that its not as bad as all that, and youve got to get checked. You must get checked.

If you didnt know much more about these tests, you might have felt compelled to book yourself in to see a GP or urologist this week. You might have also felt you had no choice.

This could not be further from the truth. More than ever, men like me are making a rational decision not to have prostate cancer screening tests. This is because they tend to do more harm than good.

The trouble is, Channel Seven gave men the impression these tests were life saving without breaking down the specific benefits and harms for viewers. Nor did they quantify the chance of these benefits and harms so men could truly weigh this up for themselves.
A Serbian court has ruled that two Australians arrested over a $500 million cocaine haul are to be extradited to Australia.

Prominent steel businessman Rohan Arnold, Canberra builder Trisan Waters and Arnold's businss partner David Campbell were arrested in a dramatic raid on a luxury hotel in Belgrade in January.

Police allege they were involved in the importation of 1280 kilograms of cocaine that was intercepted by authorities, concealed in steel on a Chinese container boat in Sydney last April.

The trio were arrested as they were allegedly in the middle of handing over a bag containing a pistol and $1 million in a mix of foreign currencies.
A second woman accused of manslaughter over a fatal breast enlargement operation has been granted bail, while the cause of the Sydney beauty salon owner's death remains a mystery.

Jie Shao has been charged with manslaughter. Credit:Ten News

Jia Shao, a doctor in China with no Australian qualifications, and Yueqiong Fu, a graduate nurse and salon worker, are charged with the manslaughter of 35-year- old Jean Huang.

Ms Huang went into cardiac arrest while undergoing the operation at her Chippendale business on August 30, 2017.

In the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday, Justice Natalie Adams granted Shao, 34, bail while noting there was "something vaguely artificial" in assessing her flight risk.
The widow of former Comancheros boss Mahmoud "Mick" Hawi was last week granted permission to posthumously extract sperm from her dead husband.

Carolina Gonzales submitted the application to the NSW Supreme Court just 24 hours after Hawi was shot dead outside the Rockdale Fitness First gym on February 15.

Ms Gonzales met Hawi in 1995 and the couple married in 2002. The pair had two children before his death.

An affidavit submitted to the court stated that Ms Gonzales "desired, and still desires" a child with Hawi.
The NSW Innovation Minister, Matt Kean, has apologised for the "spectacular" end to his relationship after his girlfriend, a media adviser to Malcolm Turnbull, shared explicit texts Mr Kean sent to the Miranda MP, Eleni Petinos.

Mr Kean issued a statement late on Thursday night after his girlfriend, Caitlin Keage, shared screenshots of text messages between Mr Kean and Ms Petinos on Instagram.

"I was in Adelaide trusting my partner not to play up. But alas, here we are. Another minister getting away with his predatory behaviour," Ms Keage's Instagram post said.

Under the screenshot of the message she also wrote: "When your boyfriend cheats on you when you're away with family @matt_keanmp."
Ten heavy-vehicle rollovers in 18 months at a Queensland construction site have led to calls by the state government for reassurances the health of workers is being prioritised.

The rollovers have taken place since construction of the $1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing began 18 months ago with the government promising to bring in an independent auditor to assess safety.

Artist's impression of Toowoomba Range second crossing.

Industrial relations minister Grace Grace and transport minister Mark Bailey will meet with principal contractor Nexus on Friday after they were alerted to the incidents by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

Ms Grace said the government is "deeply concerned" about the abnormally high number of incidents at the site.
A missing rower has been found dead, a day and a half after his disappearance sparked a large-scale search of the Brisbane River.

Father-of-four Mark Roomes body was found about 6pm on Thursday near Orleigh Park at West End, only just downstream from where he became separated from his rowing buddies on Wednesday in the early morning darkness.

Rower Mark Roome went missing on the Brisbane River on Wednesday.

Police formally identified the 63-year-olds body late on Thursday, after an initial struggle to retrieve it from the water.

Commercial Rowing Club member Mr Roome and two regular paddling companions were rowing single sculls upstream when they decided to turn around in windy conditions about 4.40am on Wednesday.
Shadow Police Minister Ed O'Donohue said Mr Guerin had no choice but to step aside while he was under investigation by the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission. While the investigation of a serving member is a matter for the Chief Commissioner oversighted by IBAC, the opposition believe its untenable for Assistant Commissioner Guerin to remain in charge of the Professional Standards Command while he himself is investigated by IBAC," Mr O'Donohue said. Asked if Mr Guerin should step down, Police Minister Lisa Neville said it was a matter for the Chief Commissioner. "The Chief Commissioner has taken this matter very seriously," she said.

Lets let the IBAC investigation take its course and well see what happens at the end of that. Police Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton did not act or comment on Mr Guerin's admissions on Thursday. A Victoria Police spokesman said: "It needs to be investigated and according to [IBAC] legislation and to ensure independence, we need IBAC to do it." Former Police Association boss Paul Mullet, the subject of some of the remarks, questioned why Mr Ashton had not suspended him. "It would be in the community and the members interest that he be suspended, because on a daily basis hes delegated with the power to make significant decisions against members of the police force for all forms of alleged behaviour, including this type of alleged behaviour," Mr Mullet said.

Former chief commissioner Kel Glare, who Mr Guerin also criticised online, said his position was untenable. Kel Glare pictured in 1992 when he was chief commissioner. Credit:Fairfax "For the head of ethical standards to be trolling over a period is just really beyond belief," he said. Under the IBAC act, a chief commissioner must notify the watchdog of any complaint about the conduct of themselves, a deputy commissioner or an assistant commissioner. This had already occurred after the posts were made on the Community Advocacy Alliance page, made up of a group of retired police officers chaired by Mr Glare, last year.

IBAC handed the matter back to police and no further action was taken. It's believed the comments about Mr Glare were considered to be on a lower scale. Mr Guerin was referred to IBAC again this week after The Age raised with police the comments about Mr Mullet and former chief commissioner Christine Nixon. The remarks were written under the Demerest pseudonym on the website of Sydney shock-jock Michael Smith on August 31, 2016, after Mr Mullet lost a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Ms Nixon in which he claimed she had plotted to oust him from his role. "She [Ms Nixon] bent the Mulletmeister [Mullett] over and slipped a rather large schlong up his date courtesy of the Supreme Court's decision this morning," Mr Guerin wrote. Two days later, he wrote: "Master fisherwoman Chrissy just gutted him and stuffed a nice prawn up his filleted asshole."

Christine Nixon was Victoria's chief police commissioner from 2001 until 2009. Credit:Ken Irwin Mr Guerin, who had been Ms Nixon's chief of staff, said the language was crude, coarse and inappropriate, but that he was defending her. "It's not the type language I want my mother to read about, and my daughters, and of course they have and theres one person to blame for that and you're looking at him," Mr Guerin said. Mr Guerin had called Mr Glare "out of date" after the alliance had begun to criticise the current force command. "When Kel Glare was appointed Chief Commissioner, Ronald Reagan was President of the United States, the internet was still 10 years away and mobile phones were yet to appear. Victoria Police shot and killed more people, at a rate more than all others [sic] police forces combined, than in any other time in Australian history," Mr Guerin wrote.

In May last year, he posted: "Please name the repeat murderer who did not serve jail time under the Andrews government." Mr Guerin told The Age he was entitled to engage in reasonable public comment as a private citizen using a pseudonym, but agreed he shouldn't have done it. "Sometimes you've just got to let things lie. You know, questioning the political actions of somebody. I thought it was a reasonable question, he made a claim about a murderer being released, I said 'OK, which one was that?' " Mr Guerin said. "If I got on as Brett Guerin, that would have been the story  AC (assistant commissioner) challenging minister. Completely inappropriate, completely in breach of policy. But as a private citizen ... that's why I used the pseudonym. But should I have done it? I probably shouldn't of, in hindsight." Mr Guerin said he couldn't remember when he created the profile and he couldn't remember if he used a police computer when he made the comments.
Andrews government minister John Eren will allege to parliamentary authorities that Labor factional powerbroker Adem Somyurek threatened him with a butter knife during a heated dispute in parliament on Wednesday evening.

The allegations are denied by Mr Somyurek but will plunge the Andrews government into crisis.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Tourism Minister John Eren in parliament on Thursday. Credit:Joe Armao

According to sources close to Mr Eren, the Tourism Minister is alleging that an agitated Mr Somyurek approached him while he was talking to another MP.

Mr Eren is alleging that Mr Somyurek grabbed him, causing Mr Eren to tell Mr Somyurek to leave him alone.
A major thoroughfare in Melbourne's CBD has been closed off after a deadly tiger snake was seen slithering into a gutter, forcing police to establish a large cordon around it.

Police officers and City of Melbourne animal handlers were guarding the scene at the corner of Spencer and Collins streets just after midday on Thursday as they waited for a snake handler to arrive.

As more police arrived, crime scene tape was strung up around the snake.

One southbound lane outside the Quality Hotel was also closed.
Here we are again.

The Andrews Labor government has been kicked hard in the guts once more by its greatest nemesis: the Victorian Labor Party.

For the government, Thursday was supposed to be all about turning the screws on Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and ruthlessly exploiting his record as planning minister over the contentious Fishermans Bend precinct.

Instead Labor was plunged into crisis by an (alleged) physical scrap between ministers and an ex-minister.
Kim Johnston. By the time Kim was pulled to the surface, it was too late. Aaron's 15-year-old brother Rhys sprinted to his mother and told her the tragic news. "Rhys ran over and said 'Kim's gone'. Time just stood still. It's that feeling you never want to feel," Stacy said. Dwaarlindjinaap

Aaron says the most distressing part of the situation was how long it took for emergency services to arrive at the swimming spot. St John Ambulance conceded they made a wrong turn while on their way to the scene, and Aaron said the reason appeared to be a miscommunication of the swimming hole's name, Dwaarlindjinaap. "No one could say that name on the day," Stacy said. Ultimately paramedics received the triple zero call at 2.06pm and arrived at the scene at 2.40pm. While the family said they recognised the importance of respecting the local Aboriginal culture in naming locations, they said it had the potential of confusing people during emergencies.

Now, the Mandurah family is calling for more to be done to help people stuck in isolated areas during an emergency. "We're not trying to blame anyone. We're just trying to prevent this happening again, to another family," Aaron said. The family has proposed installing universally recognised signage in all national parks, similar to the ones installed after surfer Ben Gerring died near Falcon. Ben died in a shark attack at Gearies Beach in 2016, and like any grieving family member, his brother Rick has scrutinised the final moments of Ben's life. Authorities couldn't find Ben straight away due to confusion about his location, so Rick worked to officially launch the Beach Emergency Number (BEN) signs.

They include information such as nearby crossroads, emergency phone numbers and coordinates that people could share with rescue services to facilitate locating an emergency. Safety first with first responder app Aaron said the concept should be implemented in national parks to prevent a tragedy like his sister's death. Ahead of the busy tourist season and at least by next summer is when the family would like to see the signage up. They said the Mandurah community had been very supportive of their push for emergency signage and felt it was something people in the region would back.

A St John Ambulance spokeswoman said the concept was a good idea provided people could locate the signs with ease and that they also have the capacity to direct emergency officers to a scene when they arrive. "Technology such as our first responder smartphone app  which will show latitudes and longitudes  can help guide emergency services in situations such as this one," she said. The family is also calling on the Department of Parks and Wildlife to investigate their head ranger's performance on the day and the lack of warning signs at Lane Poole Reserve. Aaron thanked the bystanders who risked their lives at the scene in an attempt to save his sister. He also thanked the Pinjarra Police for their assistance and compassion following the death.

Kim had just finished studying nursing at Murdoch University's Mandurah campus and was working with a local general practitioner. She had a passion for reading and had even started her own Instagram page dedicated to vintage books. A close-knit family, Stacy said her daughter would do anything for her brothers. Stacy said she was pleased police were investigating the suction and flow of rapids at the location. The family are in contact with Canning MP Andrew Hastie and will meet with the Shire of Murray next week to discuss the issue.
A Perth primary school teacher is facing disciplinary action after she made comments regarding a transgender person on an online news article.

Melanie Kennedy is an employee at Pickering Brook Primary School, and made the comments on a PerthNow story about a transgender woman who was sentenced to six years jail in a WA male prison.

Melanie Newman Kennedy. Credit:Facebook

"At least they put him where he belongs...in a male prison. That is what he is!!!" she wrote.

Her comment accrued 40 likes before a member of the public took issue with what she said.
Washington: The moment he saw the brilliant light captured by his camera, "it all clicked" for Victor Buso: All the times his parents woke him before sunrise to gaze at the stars, all the energy he had poured into constructing an observatory atop his home, all the hours he had spent trying to parse meaning from the dim glow of distant suns.

"In many moments you search and ask yourself, why do I do this?" Buso said via email. This was why: Buso, a self-taught astronomer, had just witnessed the surge of light at the birth of a supernova - something no other human, not even a professional scientist, had seen.

Alone on his rooftop, the star-strewn sky arced above him, the rest of the world sleeping below, Buso began to jump for joy.

Astronomers captured Supernova 2016gkg, between the two red lines, in the galaxy NGC 613, 80 million light-years from Earth. Credit:Carnegie Institution for Science/Las Campinas Observatory/UC Santa Cruz/UC Berkeley

His discovery, reported on Wednesday in the journal Nature, is a landmark for astronomy. Buso's images are the first to capture the brief "shock breakout" phase of a supernova, when a wave of energy rolls from a star's core to its exterior just before the star explodes. Computer models had suggested the existence of this phase, but no one had witnessed it.
Tel Aviv: Benjamin Netanyahu's legal woes have deepened after one of his closest confidants agreed to testify against him in a growing corruption scandal, complicating the Israeli leader's efforts to hold on to his job.

Shlomo Filber, the suspended Communications Ministry director and former chief of Mr Netanyahu's bureau, signed an agreement to become a state witness. He turned on his former boss less than a week after police recommended pressing charges against Mr Netanyahu in two other influence-peddling cases  and a day after news broke that police were investigating whether another long-time Netanyahu associate sought to bribe a judge.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations in Jerusalem. Credit:SEBASTIAN SCHEINER

Mr Filber's state-witness agreement could represent a major break in the investigation. Former prime minister Ehud Olmert went to jail for bribery in 2016 after his former secretary turned against him.

"Filber is a close confidant of the Prime Minister who can fully connect all the dots of all the people," said Keevoon Global Research head Mitchell Barak, who served as an aide to Mr Netanyahu more than 20 years ago.
A man has hurled a hand grenade at the United States embassy building in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, before blowing himself up with another explosive device, media in the city have reported.

The attack came five minutes before midnight on Wednesday, web portal www.portalanalitika.me said, adding that citizens in the area heard two explosions.

Police block off the area around the US embassy in Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, on Thursday. Credit:AP

"There was an incident," a police official, who declined to give his name, said. He did not provide details.

Police vehicle blocked the street where the embassy is located.
The head of the United States' National Rifle Association has lashed out at gun control advocates, calling them Democratic elites who are politicising the latest mass school shooting to chip away at the country's constitutionally guaranteed gun rights.

In his first public appearance since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, NRA chief executive Wayne LaPierre delivered a full-throated defense of using guns to stop gun violence, weighing into a long-running political and cultural divide over access to weapons that has been inflamed by the deaths of 17 students and staff.

It came as President Donald Trump reinforced his support for arming well-trained school teachers and also tweeted support for minor gun controls including increasing the legal age for buying assault weapons to 21 from 18 and banning bump stock devices.

"Congress is in a mood to finally do something on this issue - I hope!" he tweeted.
Flipping the pages, this isnt a book of Oprah Winfrey mantras on positivity. Its theme is simple  life is not supposed to be easy. In fact, life is a catastrophe. Petersons advice runs the gamut from the simplistic and common-sense  standup straight with your shoulders back at all times, and dont forget to make your bed and clean up your room in the morning  to the more life-changing and revelatory. Happiness is a worthless pursuit in life, according to Peterson.

The author, Jordan Peterson, is a clinical psychologist and college professor from Canada. He derives answers from theology, psychiatry and philosophy for questions about life, gender roles, and other hot button topics. His book, 12 Rules of Life: An Antidote to Chaos, is currently No. 6 on Amazon.com and is No.1 in self-help categories.

The book, his subsequent lecture videos, and a very public and pugilistic interview on UKs Channel 4 against anchor Cathy Newman (the video has been watched 7 million times on YouTube), have skyrocketed Peterson to a rare level of celebrity. Hes the public intellectual of the moment in the United States, with fame approaching the level of that once held by Christopher Hitchens.

Peterson's concern for young men and boys has set him on an emotional quest he openly cried during a radio interview describing emails and social media messages he has received from his viewers.

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Part of Peterson's fame reflects a feared crisis in young American men today. They are often stereotyped as either basement dwelling video game addicts or frat boy alpha male misogynists, out of touch both with society and their female counterparts  many with no real ambition or suitablity for marriage.

The decline of manufacturing in the US has also closed off a clear path in the work world for many young men.
It speaks to our political immaturity when the distribution of state lands takes center stage in the 2018 Parliamentary Election. It was only on the 10th October 2010, with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles, Sint Maarten became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Most of us already know that the island of Sint Maarten-Saint Martin is the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two different nations. Only 37 square miles are owned by France and the Dutch Kingdom, with Dutch St. Maarten on the South spanning only 16 square miles and French Saint Martin on the North covering 21 miles. But what we did not know, was that Sint Maarten is possessed of a bunch of fork tongue politicians who take issue with ordinary citizens receiving a small allocation of land.

We say this to reflect on the absurdity of pronouncing on the former Minister of VROMI Christopher Emmanuels decision to give out government lands in long lease to tax paying citizens of Sint Maarten. To start with, the current interim office holders are laying bare their lack of knowledge of what a Minister can or cannot do, as it is permissible, and not illegal for a Minister to issue long lease for government lands. When William Marlin secured Emilio Wilson Estate for the use of the state to secure a National Park for citizens of Sint Maarten and then government changed, the same noise makers of today quickly gave away below market price government land on long lease in a non-transparent manner to the Rain Forest Foundation; a profit making concern, and it appears those detractors and other serving Ministers and prominent technocrats were muzzled, as they said nothing.

In the current scenario it is already established that these leases were issued at market rates, so these recipients are not getting a peppercorn rate, they are instead paying market rate sums of 10 Guilders per square meter, paying to "KADASTER" and paying the notary, it is no gift.

On further scrutiny the citizens of Sint Maarten will be happy to learn the recipients are not aliens landed here, but all indigenous citizens of Sint Maarten. Some of the family names that are said to have gotten lands, have lived on the island for decades, with family both on the Dutch and French side. There is no one parcel that exceeds 10,000 square meters, there is no single parcel that any individual received that is in excess of 5,000 square meters. What will shock citizens is that this much ado about nothing is over no more than a total of 11,000 square meters.

In the final analysis it is irrefutable that the issue is not with the awarding of long lease of significantly small parcels of land, but the salient issue for the sitting interim government is their utter abhorrence that the former Minister of VROMI Christopher Emmanuel elected to distribute lands to citizens who are not of the bourgeois class. The Sarah Westcott-Williams and Theo Heyliger Team are beyond themselves at the audacity of this Minister Christopher Emmanuel, to attempt to empower the working class families by putting government land in their hands for which they have to pay.

There is a big hue and cry about Christopher Emmanuel actions as if a serious breach in protocol occurred during his short window of opportunity to serve, to not have allowed technocrats with vested interest in self-serving to have frustrated his efforts to locate government land for ordinary Sint Maarten citizens. Emmanuel has upset the apple cart, where the usual order of the day is that large non-traditional business interests snatched large pieces of land in prime locations; like next to the airport.

Good governance necessitates for national economic development pursuing policies that facilitate equitable distribution of limited land resources and with proper spatial planning ensuring countrys development agenda in a small state.

The casual non transparent distribution of water rights to proprietors already in control of large blocks of government land at Mullet Bay did not even result in a murmur. Today a minuscule amount of land for locals is too much, and the citizens names are plastered in the public domain as if they have broken laws. The only thing broken by Christopher Emmanuel is the glass ceiling that existed before Emmanuel that made ordinary people believe that it was only a privilege extended to the rich and those of lighter hue that are entitled to land. Today Christopher Emmanuel is the Equalizer. To hear Sarah and Theo busy across the land wooing would be voters and condemning Emmanuels actions as if it borders on treason, is a clear signal to voters that they plan to give nothing more than rhetoric and a T-shirt.

To his credit Emmanuel has not even blinked at this absurdity other than to promise that he is committed to continuing to place citizens in a position to access government lands through his housing platform.

Name withheld upon authors request.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Christian Party is scheduled to hold its first Cyber Public Meeting on Thursday, February 22nd, 2018 at 7 pm. As far as SMCP knows, this is the first ever public political meeting that will be held in Sint Maarten.

What is the difference between a political meeting that is being broadcasted directly via social media and a cyber public meeting? The public meeting that is broadcasted live via social media is actually organized for a live audience. Candidates address the crowd and interact with a visible audience, who cheers the speaker whenever they deem fit. Questions from the audience are part of the program.

A cyber public meeting, on the other hand, is organized for a social media crowd, located anywhere in the world. People no longer need to leave their comfortable environment such as their home, their car or even their bed to attend the public meeting. They are able to follow the meeting via their smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers. While the candidates are making their three-minute presentations, viewers may interact by liking, commenting or asking questions. After addressing the cyber audience worldwide, the candidates will immediately field questions submitted by the audience. In addition, the audience, present at the SMCP Headquarters, will also be given the opportunity to ask their questions. This event will be very interactive and as such will be very different from the regular public meetings.

This cyber public meeting is organized by the technical staff of SMCP under the supervision of Keith Peter Gittens and will be powered by 721NEWS, news-site of the well-known Gromyko Wilson, also known as the Real Paparazzi.

The actual venue of the cyber public meeting will be the SMCP Headquarters. Seating will be limited. Therefore, persons interested in attending this first ever cyber public political meeting should plan to be at the Headquarters early in order to get a seat.

Wherever you are in the world you can be part of SMCPs first cyber political public meeting. Make history and follow this meeting live on Thursday, February 22nd, 2018 from 79:30pm via facebook.com/721news or facebook.com/smcp.online/. For those who would like to be physically present, our Headquarters is located on Backstreet, #166, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. You may also call 520-4233 or 580-9474 for more information.

Wycliffe Smith

Leader of the Sint Maarten Christian Party
PHILIPSBURG:--- As the election approaches, the electorate has not been informed about your intentions with regards to the governance, development and general direction you want to lead our Country in. The SMCP has published a manifesto but that unfortunately only includes statements with respect to how they intend to work, in government or in opposition, if elected. The important questions are not answered. In order to provide the electorate with a good basis for decision making, SHTA invites all parties to officially declare their intentions, as detailed as possible, with respect to the following questions:

1. The deficits of Government, as predicted for the years 2018 and 2019 will not be funded out of the Recovery Fund (a grant (?)). Liquidity support will be provided by the Netherlands, in consultation with CFT, in the form of loans to Government. This will significantly increase St. Maarten's debts and may, in the future, limit Governments ability to fund new initiatives, policies and investments. How does your party intend to keep the debts of the Country as low as possible?

2. Real recovery of our Country takes place through redevelopment of the private sector. How does your party intend to strengthen the existing private sector and how does your party intend to attract new foreign investment?

3. The present tax system is outdated, has very high rates (for personal and corporate income tax, in an international context) and suffers from a damaging turnover tax system. The system is complex, which causes a significant lack of enforcement which causes a disadvantage for complying persons and businesses and lower than desired revenues. Over the last 7 years, revenues in a percentage of GDP have been declining. What does your party intend to do to attend to this?

4. With the World Bank and the IMF indicating that our fiscal system and labour laws hamper economic development, how does your party intend to grow the economy?

5. The last few Governments, under advices issued via CFT, have worked on introducing NHI to provide general medical coverage to the residents of St. Maarten. A very expensive system in the best of times, what is your party's view on implementation of this system in light of the damages to our economy inflicted by Irma?

Please provide this information to the electorate as soon as possible so that they can make an informed decision with respect to which party best represents their interests."
~ Says he will not heed the advice given by SZV Supervisory Board since it's all about votes ~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Interim Minister of VSA Emil Lee is hell-bent on fooling the populace of St. Maarten in order to garner enough votes on Monday for his re-election. Lee plans to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the New General Hospital on Friday despite not having the finances in place.

According to information provided to SMN News and the advice given by the Supervisory board of SZV to the Minister in 2017. It clearly states that SZV cannot withhold the finances for the Ministers pet project. Lee wants SZV to shoulder 50% of the construction cost while he will get ING-Fatum and Videnova to finance the other 50%.

SMN News has learned that Lee got the Curacao-based companies to commit to financing the New General Hospital by committing SZV to 50% of the cost.

SMN News understands that the Supervisory Board of SZV dispatched a letter to Lee two weeks ago informing him that he cannot commit SZV for the financing of the New General Hospital since the medical insurance company simply cannot withhold such an expense post Irma. Based on the contents of the letter the Supervisory Board informed Lee that SZV had over USD23M in consultant fees since he took office and began the hospital project. SVZ Supervisory board also informed the Minister that he already jacked up $10M in consultation fees for the year 2018 while SZV has lost 70% of its income.

While the war continues with the Minister and the Supervisory Board members, the war is also brewing within the United Democrats especially the candidates coming from the Democratic Party.

Based on that letter Lee chose to say that he will not follow the advice given by the Supervisory Board especially Sharine Daniel since he believes that she placed a hold on the project to assist the opposition namely the National Alliance.

SMN News learned that the leader of the Democratic Party had a discussion with Emil Lee about his emotional outburst towards Sharine Daniel and his response was that it is all about votes at this crucial time and not what the Supervisory Board of SZV advised.

It is clear that the Minister of VSA has been using his clout to maneuver the Supervisory Board of SZV since Daniel is closely aligned with the Democratic Party and also since the son in law of the DP leader is also on SZV Supervisory Board.

The members of the board are Sharine Daniel, Dwight Williams, Bryan Deher, Alexander Gumbs and Cindy Marcia.
PHILIPSBURG:--- It seemed like not only a delicious 3-course meal was on the menu, but also laughter and music were served last Saturday at the Holland House.

DJ Jansen and Joost de Jong were hosting an evening called Diner Chantant together with the fabulous staff from the Holland House. The two Dutch musical entertainers flew in a few weeks ago to help the people of St. Maarten in the aftermath of hurricane Irma.

They started at the beginning of February teaching free musical theatre classes at NIA (National Institute of Arts) and cooking free plant-based lunches and sharing them out on the streets to the people in need.

The couple raised funds in Holland to be able to buy the groceries and to allow the children to join the musical theatre classes for free. However, when talking to Paul Boetekees, the idea came up to have a fundraiser for NIA and Animal Defenders Sint Maarten at Holland House, so both the foundations could benefit more from the gentlemens presence on the island.

Since Joost and DJ have been singing and dancing in Holland for years they took the opportunity and made the fundraiser not only an evening of appetizing food, but also of singing and putting the fun in the FUNdraiser.

While eating a mouthwatering vegan crab cake, songs like Im yours from Jason Mraz, Shape of you" from Ed Sheeran and Everything from Michael Buble made the guests sway on their chairs and eventually they all sang along. The most beautiful moment was when the first notes from All of me (known by John Legend) seeped from the soundsystem., one of the guests ran up to DJ and asked if he could sing the song. DJ allowed him to, and knowing that the song contained pretty high notes, all guests where holding their breath. But when the most difficult part of the song reverbed in the restaurant, a big round of applause filled the room. It turned out that this young man was Kristopher Mercuur, who is taking the Art Heals musical theatre workshop at NIA.

At this point another student could not control her enthusiasm and beckoned Joost to hand over

his microphone, Stacy-Ann passionately joined Kristopher, magic was happening on the spot.

The gentlemen took a moment to explain why they were raising funds for the two foundations. The astounding singing of Kristopher and Stacy-Ann proved that Art really does Heal and the directors of NIA, Arlene Halley and Clara Reyes received a warm applause from the guests for their countless efforts in using the arts as a form of relief for the St. Maarten people. Present were also Mercedes de Windt and Mohana Ceasar with part of their team of volunteers. The gentlemen took the opportunity to address and praise them for their ongoing work benefiting the animals on St. Maarten.

The icing of the cake was when the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, the Honorable Jorien Wuite, who was present at the venue, surprised the fundraising party by addressing the guests and taking her precious time to contribute inspiring words towards the effort of the two organizations.

The last set of disco music got the crowd dancing at the Holland House. With the help of Chef Rene, who served a delicious vegan 3-course meal, (because how can you raise funds for the Animal Defenders, while eating them at the same time) the evening turned out to be a great succes, everyone left with full bellies and a joyous feeling.
BRUSSELS:--- Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin met with three Members of the European Parliament on Wednesday on her mission to Brussels. She met with MEP Esther de Lange, MEP Agnes Jonger, us and MEP Lambert van Nistelrooij. This meeting was a follow up on a commitment made between the European Parliament and European Commission to as much as possible treat St. Martin and St. Maarten on an equal level in their recovery efforts post Irma.

This position was recently stressed by State Secretary Raymond Knops and yesterday a letter to the European Parliament was sent that it is observed that the agreement has not yet been fulfilled. The Members of the European Parliament promised to stay on top of the topic as they aware that both sides of the island have European citizens and should therefore be treated as equals in these times of recovery after a disaster.
PHILIPSBURG:--- UNESCO has approved $50,000 for the purchasing of learning materials for Public Education that was damaged by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria.

The learning materials that are being referred to are: textbooks, workbooks, and physical education materials. The learning materials are from the different subject areas from the national curriculum such as: English and Dutch language arts, science, and physical education.

The reasons why the texts books are needed was that the damaged books and materials were in used for over a 12-year period. This grant will now facilitate the process of obtaining learning materials in line with the 21st century skills. These skills are namely: collaboration and team work, creativity and imagination, critical thinking and problem solving.

It was decided to look at different texts from two publishing companies that the Division Public Education has been working with. A comparison was made between the former editions and the newly developed programs. Besides ensuring that the content in each text offered a clear understanding of the skills and concepts to be taught, the text books selected also had to meet the criteria of developing the 21st century skills of the students. Each text book emphasis the integration of technology to enrich the learning of the students.

The Macmillan Caribbean texts was selected for both English language and Science. In addition, the Dutch program, Netherlands onder the zon was selected for students age groups, 8-12 years. The program is specifically to teach Dutch as a foreign language. This approach is needed on St. Maarten as Dutch is not commonly heard, seen or spoken. The Dutch language used in the program is focused on the daily life experiences of the students in the Caribbean and should intrinsically motivate the children to speak, read, write and listen to the Dutch language.

Since 2017, Public School teachers have been participating in a training for teaching Dutch as a foreign language. The teachers expressed great interest with the program and were eagerly looking forward to the continuation of these training which unfortunately had to be halted due to the passing of the hurricane and the delay in the receipt of the ordered program. It should be noted that other schools on the island have already started to use this new program.

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Jorien Wuite, and the Division Public Education would like to thank UNESCO for this generous donation, which will enable the Division to purchase these learning materials for Dutch and the other subjects. Although this substantial grant from UNESCO allows Public Education to acquire much needed learning materials, more funds will still be needed in order for the Division Public Education to continue its efforts of providing quality education and instruction to the students entrusted to its care.
Merkel calls for end to 'massacre' in Syria



Berlin, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2018



German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday called for an end to the "massacre" in Syria after fresh air strikes on a rebel-held enclave in the war-torn country killed another 13 people.

Condemning the Syrian regime for targeting "its own people", Merkel said: "The killing of children, the destruction of hospitals -- all that amounts to a massacre that must be condemned and which must be countered with a clear no".

At least 335 civilians have been killed since Sunday in the besieged enclave of Eastern Ghouta near Damascus as regime forces intensified their bombardment of the site.

On the eve of a European Union summit, Merkel told the German parliament that the dire situation in Syria requires the bloc to seek "to play a bigger role" in ending the crisis.

"That is something that we as Europeans need to work towards," she said.

At the same time, Merkel also urged Iran and Russia -- both allies of Bashar al-Assad's regime -- to play their part in ending the killing.

"We must do everything to find an end to this massacre," she said, adding that German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel would press the case with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
CORRECTED: Baltic presidents to visit Trump on April 3



Tallinn, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2018



US President Donald Trump will welcome his counterparts from the three Baltic states in Washington on April 3 to discuss security and economic ties, the Estonian presidency said Thursday.

The presidents of fellow NATO members Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania -- Kersti Kaljulaid, Raimonds Vejonis and Dalia Grybauskaite -- last met with Trump in Warsaw last year.

"Our security cooperation is very good, and all four countries are contributing at least two percent of GDP to national defence in 2018," Estonian presidential advisor Lauri Kuusing said, according to Baltic news agency BNS.

The Baltic trio are among only eight NATO allies expected this year to meet the defence spending benchmark repeatedly insisted upon by Trump.

The US visit can be seen as a sign of how the Baltic states are now firmly anchored in the West, 100 years after declaring independence.

"This meeting on the 100th anniversary of our independence once again reaffirms the special bond and good cooperation between the Baltic countries and the United States," Kuusing said.
Slovenian army chief sacked after NATO test failure



Ljubljana, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2018



Slovenia's premier on Thursday gave the army chief of staff his marching orders after one of its key brigades failed a NATO combat readiness test after years of defence spending cuts.

"Since the chief of staff has ultimate responsibility for the army's readiness, work and operational use of all units, the government has dismissed General Andrej Osterman," Miro Cerar said.

Cerar told reporters he had given Defence Minister Andreja Katic a month to undertake the necessary measures to grant full combat readiness of the 72nd brigade.

After coming close to needing a bailout following the global financial crisis, Slovenia slashed defence spending by a third between 2010 and 2017 to one percent of economic output.

According to Katic, this will rise to 1.14 percent by 2024, still shy of the target set by NATO allies in 2014 of raising defence spending to two percent over a decade.
Austria sues over EU approval of Hungary nuclear plant



Vienna, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2018



Staunchly anti-nuclear Austria lodged a legal complaint with the European Court of Justice on Thursday against the EU's approval of the expansion of a nuclear plant in neighbouring Hungary.

The approval, granted by the European Commission in March, would allow the expansion of the Paks nuclear plant outside the Hungarian capital Budapest with a 10 billion euro ($12.4 billion) Russian loan.

The plant is Hungary's only nuclear facility and supplies around 40 percent of its electricity needs.

"For our nature, our environment and our unique landscape, we must take up this David and Goliath struggle," sustainability minister Elisabeth Koestinger said in a statement, confirming the launching of the complaint at the Court of Justice of the European Union.

"Nuclear energy must have no place in Europe. We will not budge one centimetre from this position!" she added.

In its decision the European Commission judged that the project met EU rules on state aid, but Austria disputes this.

Austrian environmental campaigners praised the new centre-right government for pursuing a legal action that had been planned by the Social Democrat voted out of power late last year.

The Paks plant was built with Soviet-era technology in the 1980s during Hungary's communist period.

The construction of two new reactors at the site is part of a 2014 deal struck between Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Victor Orban and ally Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The work, to be carried out by Moscow's state-owned nuclear agency Rosatom, is set to more than double the plant's capacity.

Hungary's opposition has criticised the awarding of the contract to Rosatom without holding an open tender.

In 2015, the Hungarian parliament voted to keep the details of the deal secret for 30 years, something Orban's Fidesz party said was necessary for "national security reasons" but which critics said could conceal corruption.

Since the late 1970s, Austria has been fiercely anti-nuclear, starting with an unprecedented vote by its population that prevented the country's only plant from providing a watt of power.

Austria filed a complaint against EU-approved state aid for the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant in Britain in 2015, arguing that atomic energy was unsustainable and high-risk.
Baltic presidents to visit Trump on April 3



Tallinn, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2018



US President Donald Trump will welcome his counterparts from the Baltic states in Washington on April 3 to discuss security and economic ties, the Estonian presidency said Thursday.

The presidents of fellow NATO members Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania -- Kersti Kaljulaid, Raimonds Vejonis and Dalia Grybauskaite -- last met with Trump in Warsaw last year.

"Our security cooperation is very good, and all four countries are contributing at least two percent of GDP to national defence in 2018," Estonian presidential advisor Lauri Kuusing said, according to Baltic news agency BNS.

The Baltic trio are among only eight NATO allies expected this year to meet the defence spending benchmark repeatedly insisted upon by Trump.

Grybauskaite's top foreign policy advisor said the Baltic leaders will discuss preparations for the Western defence alliance's next summit on July 11-12, where Lithuania expects decisions to strengthen air defence capabilities.

"It will be a good chance to discuss the NATO summit in Brussels and present our point of view," advisor Nerijus Aleksiejunas told AFP.

The three countries on NATO's eastern flank have been spooked by their Soviet-era master Russia's actions since Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics said Thursday that the Baltic meeting with Trump is "proof of our strategic partnership".

All three Baltic foreign ministers will visit the US on March 5 to meet with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Rinkevics told reporters after a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan in Riga.

The US visit can be seen as a sign of how the Baltic states are now firmly anchored in the West, 100 years after declaring independence.

"This meeting on the 100th anniversary of our independence once again reaffirms the special bond and good cooperation between the Baltic countries and the United States," Kuusing said.
Russia tested 'over 200 new weapons' in Syria: MP



Moscow, Feb 22 (AFP) Feb 22, 2018



Russia has tested over 200 new types of arms in Syria during its campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad, a senior lawmaker said Thursday, as Moscow was accused of taking part in air strikes against rebel-held Eastern Ghouta.

"As we helped the brotherly Syrian people, we tested over 200 new types of weapons," said Vladimir Shamanov, a former commander of Russia's airborne troops who now serves as head of the Russian Duma's defence committee.

"It's not an accident that today they are coming to us from many directions to purchase our weapons, including countries that are not our allies," he said.

"Today our military-industrial complex made our army look in a way we can be proud of," he said.

Russia, a close ally of the Syrian government in the protracted multi-front war, has been accused of indiscriminate bombing throughout the conflict causing massive casualties.

The latest criticism focuses on the air strikes against the enclave of Eastern Ghouta, where more than 350 civilians have been killed in five days, but the Kremlin denied involvement in the regime-led assault.

Shamanov's remarks also come amid reports that Russia has deployed its Su-57 stealth fighter prototype in Syria, where two such planes were reportedly spotted Wednesday.

Photos of the fifth generation jet, allegedly over Syria, were re-posted by various state media Thursday.

A source in the defence ministry confirmed to RBK news agency that the two planes were sent to the Hmeimim base "for a test in real conditions."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the reported deployment of Su-57.
Pretoria (South Africa), Feb 21, 2018 (SPS) - Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs. Naledi Pandor, renewed on Tuesday her country's solid support of the struggling Saharawi people, she minister was speaking in parliament yesterday during the debate on President Cyril Ramaphosas state of the nation address delivered last Friday. Ramaphosa is expected to respond later today.

The South African official urged urged that Western Sahara  the last occupied territory on the continent  should not be neglected.

Now that Morocco has been readmitted to the AU it must be obliged to finally free the suffering masses of Western Sahara, Naledi Pandor said.

Morocco was readmitted to the African Union last year. The country left the organisation more than 30 years ago when the AU recognised the independence of the Western Sahara territory.

For his part, the new president of South Africa, Mr. Cyril Ramagosa, in his speech last Friday expressed solidarity with all Africans who are still struggling to regain their legitimate rights and determine their fate. SPS

125/090/
Lisbon, Feb 21, 2018 (SPS) - The UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, said on Monday at a press conference after being awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Lisbon that the African crises must be resolved by African leaders.

Guterres said he is "a great defender of African leadership" to solve the problems affecting the continent and that "the United Nations should be a focus of support for African initiatives."

These declarations of Guterres are a strong message for Morocco that rejects until now the implication of the African Union in the Sahrawi conflict, considering that the conflict must not leave the framework of the UN Security Council, where France sits, unconditional ally of Morocco and one of the members with the right to veto.

"We have a clear vision of partnership with African institutions in the United Nations, we have a great cooperative relationship with the African Union, and we are doing the same with sub-regional organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ", said Guterres, when asked about the current political situation in the region. SPS

125/090/TRA
Published: 22 February 2018

R&D funding grows in the 2018 budget

According to Statistics Finland, allocations for research and development increase in the government budget by EUR 85.7 million from the year before. In the 2018 government budget, the appropriations for R&D activities amount to EUR 1,883.2 million. The share of public research funding in gross domestic product will, however, remain on level with the previous year and is an estimated 0.80 per cent.

Government R&D funding by organisation in 2008 to 2018

Prior to 2018, universities of applied sciences are in the category Other R&D funding

Examined by organisation, the majority of government R&D funding is directed to universities. In the 2018 budget, the R&D funding of universities totals EUR 615.6 million, which has grown by around five per cent from the 2017 budget. The shares of R&D funding of universities and the Academy of Finland have increased since 2008, while the R&D funding of other organisations has decreased from the level seen ten years ago. The R&D funding of the Academy of Finland is EUR 444.1 million in the 2018 budget, which means that the R&D funding decreased by EUR 5.4 million from the appropriations in 2017. The R&D funding of Business Finland, in turn, grows in the 2018 budget and is an estimated EUR 391.3 million. The R&D funding of government research institutes has declined in recent years and totals EUR 189.1 in 2018.

The biggest financier of research and development activity among administrative sectors is the Ministry of Education and Culture, whose R&D funding is EUR 1,164.4 million in the 2018 budget. The sum grows by EUR 41.1 million from the 2017 budget. The R&D funding of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment also grows by EUR 61.9 million to EUR 491.0 million which is mainly caused by the increase in the R&D funding of Business Finland. Among other administrative sectors, the R&D funding of, for example, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry decrease in the 2018 budget.

Government budget allocations for R&D (GBARD) in 2018

R&D funding  million Share of R&D funding, % Change from 2017,  million Real change from 2017, % R&D funding total 1 883,2 100,0 85,7 3,3 Main administrative branches (ministries) Ministry of Education and Culture 1 164,4 61,8 41,1 2,2 Ministry of Employment and the Economy 491,0 26,1 61,9 12,8 Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 53,6 2,8 -16,4 -24,5 Ministry of Social Affairs and Health 69,9 3,7 -5,5 -8,6 Funding organisations Universities 615,6 32,7 28,5 3,4 Universities of applied sciences 1) 66,3 3,5 - - Business Finland 391,3 20,8 69,1 19,8 Academy of Finland 444,1 23,6 -5,4 -2,6 Government research institutes 189,1 10,0 -6,1 -4,5 Other R&D funding 161,8 8,6 -66,7 -30,2 University central hospitals 15,0 0,8 0,0 -1,4

1) Prior to 2018, universities of applied sciences are in the category Other R&D funding

Source: Government R&D funding in the state budget 2018, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Heidi Pirkola 029 551 3246, tiede.teknologia@stat.fi

Director in charge: Sami Saarikivi

Publication in pdf-format (314.1 kB)

Updated 22.2.2018

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Government R&D funding in the state budget [e-publication].

ISSN=2489-3250. 2018. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 17.9.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/tkker/2018/tkker_2018_2018-02-22_tie_001_en.html
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DEWITT, N.Y. -- A DeWitt couple faces charges in connection with the murder and robbery of their neighbor last year in DeWitt, police said.

Lester D. Shaffer, 37, was charged Thursday with stabbing Lyle "Budda" Lyons Jr. to death in the Midler Meadows Trailer Park, according to a news release from the DeWitt Police Department.

Investigators also charged Shaffer's girlfriend, Ashley N. Rodriguez, 30, with trying to cover up the crime, police said.

A neighbor found Lyons, 54, dead inside his trailer at 407 N. Midler Ave., Lot M6 on Dec. 14, police said.

Lyons' family had asked a neighbor to stop by his trailer and see if he was OK, police said. Nearly two days had passed since Lyons had reached out to his family, police said, and his loved ones had become concerned for his well-being.

Officers responded to the trailer park at 5:47 p.m. Dec. 14. They discovered Lyons had been repeatedly stabbed, police said.

Detectives searched for evidence and started to interview Lyons' acquaintances, police said. They discovered Shaffer and Rodriguez -- both of whom also lived in Midler Meadows -- had been trying to sell drugs that investigators suspected were stolen from Lyons' home, police said.

DeWitt Police Lt. Chris Fuller declined to specify what type of drug investigators believe the couple tried to sell.

Phone records revealed one of the suspects had tried to contact Lyons before his murder, police said.

Five days after Lyons' body was found, police brought Shaffer and Rodriguez to the department for questioning, police said.

Shaffer repeatedly changed his story when asked about visiting Lyons' trailer, police said. But he admitted giving drugs to Rodriguez, his girlfriend, police said.

Rodriguez admitted Shaffer had given her drugs and said her boyfriend told her the drugs were stolen during a robbery, police said.

Shaffer was arrested Dec. 19 and charged with selling drugs.

Police then got a warrant to search Shaffer's trailer at 407 N. Midler Ave., Lot C22, police said.

A container that matched the description of an item missing from Lyons' home was found in Shaffer's trailer, police said. The victim's DNA was found on the container, police said.

Detectives continued to investigate. They determined the couple had tried to sell the stolen drugs to "several" people, police said.

Rodriguez, of 407 N. Midler Ave., Lot C33, was arrested on Jan. 25. She was charged with:

first-degree hindering prosecution

second-degree hindering prosecution

tampering with physical evidence

fourth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance

fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property

Shaffer was arrested after he was indicted by an Onondaga County grand jury, police said. He was charged Thursday with:

first-degree murder

two counts of second-degree murder

first-degree robbery

third-degree criminal possession of a weapon

third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance

attempted third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance

Shaffer is being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center without bail, jail records show. Rodriguez is not listed in custody.

Investigators thanked Lyons' family for their help.

"The DeWitt Police Department would like to send their condolences to the children of Lyle 'Budda' Lyons and thank them for their involvement in both his life and our investigation," police said. "Their help was instrumental to the resolution of this case."

Lyons was "avid" angler and loved to cook, according to his obituary. He is survived by his two daughters and two sons.
New York state should have armed resource officers in every school, the state sheriff's association said today.

The announcement came in the wake of the latest mass school shooting, the Parkland, Florida massacre that left 17 dead.

The association, led by Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts, urged lawmakers to provide funding for armed officers in 4,500 public schools and 2,000 private schools.

These school resource officers -- which some districts already have -- would provide security while also trying to form relationships with students.

Some large districts, including in many cities, already have school resource officers in place, paid for by local taxpayers. The number of those officers has dropped, however, in recent years due to budget constraints, the sheriff's association said.

"The relationship of trust formed with the students often allows the SRO to gain critical timely information and intervene before an issue becomes an incident," Virts said in a news release.

The sheriff's association did not guess how much statewide school resource officers would cost, though it estimated the amount to be equivalent to one extra teacher.

Some statewide sheriffs, like Onondaga County Sheriff Gene Conway, already provide armed school resource officers to various school districts, with the service paid for by the local district.

The sheriff's association proposal would transfer the cost to the state.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A Syracuse man was arrested with a gun that was reported stolen in Georgia, according to police.

Arley Pressley, 21, of Syracuse has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of stolen property and resisting arrest, police said.

Just after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Syracuse police responded to a call on the 100 block of Croton Terrace about a group of men, including one with a gun, according to police.

As officers approached the group, Pressley ran, police said. An officer caught Pressley in a foot pursuit on the 1400 block of South State Street, though Pressley fought with officers as they arrested him, according to police.

Police searched the route Pressley took to 1400 South State Street and found a Taurus PT 99 semi-automatic gun with a loaded magazine, which had been reported stolen in Georgia, police said.

Pressley is currently being held at the Onondaga County Justice Center pending his arraignment, according to police.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Stacey Waterman doesn't like the spotlight.

As a longtime boss of Syracuse's backstage world, she's helped coordinate or consult for some of the biggest shows across Upstate New York, from Paul McCartney to Phish.

But when the Syracuse Area Music Awards committee announced they would induct her into its Hall of Fame this year, she hesitated.

"My first reaction was, 'No, thank you,'" said Waterman. "I have nothing but love for the SAMMYs but I was surprised to be part of that group. I like to be in the background. I don't look at myself as a Hall-of-Famer...but I'm not going to turn it down."

Stacey Waterman.

Indeed, many SAMMYs Hall of Fame inductees are longtime CNY performers, whose effects on the local music scene can be felt today. But Waterman's behind-the-scenes impact has also been enormous, even if she's not the one in the spotlight.

Her career highlights include being a programmer, consultant, production manager and logistics coordinator, working quietly for major Upstate concerts like The Avett Brothers, Bonnie Raitt and The Rolling Stones.

She's been an integral part of music programs for the Taste of Syracuse, Salt City Waltz, the Saranac Concert Series, Moe.Down Music Festival and 20 K-Rockathons.

Waterman is also the hired gun for promoter Live Nation at the Lakeview Amphitheater and Chevy Court at the NYS Fair. Last year, she said managing Lynyrd Skynyrd and Earth, Wind and Fire in one day was "totally insane."

"You can't make up how big and crazy the state fair gets because of the caliber of the artists," said Waterman. "You've got two major headliners per day and you're juggling all those flights and drivers to get bands where they need to be."

Waterman makes sure bands have everything they need when they're backstage. She figures out what the musicians eat and where they sleep. Eccentricities vary from artist to artist.

"One of the stranger requests was a veterinarian because one band had a cat that was not doing well," she said. "They were like, if the cat dies, everyone will have a really bad day. Oh, they spent so much money on that cat."

Crazy backstage stories depend on the show. Some artists are more social than others.

"The country guys love to party for sure," Waterman said. "But it's not always the headliners you'd expect; it's often the opening acts."

She's also dealt with wild bandmates or venue fire alarms going off because the bands are smoking pot.

Some promoters encourage mayhem backstage. Especially when someone's birthday rolls around, Waterman tracks down cakes or other requests for the performers.

"When The Avett Brothers had a sellout at the Landmark Theatre, they got an absurd amount of sushi," Waterman said. "We do our best to accommodate. I want everyone to leave with a good feeling."

The Avett Brothers performed at the Landmark Theatre on July 7, 2016. Scott and Seth Avett sing. (Dennis Nett)

Still, backstage management is a job. Waterman says some people think it's always a party, but many acts also keep to themselves and request privacy.

Waterman takes cues from other area promoters and festival managers, like Dave Rezak, Chuck Chao, Ed and Pam Levine and Frank Malfitano. On show days, she's usually on-site before 7 a.m. and working until after 1 a.m.

"Everyone wants to work with bands but you gotta have some stamina and thick skin," she said. "There's no whiners. It's hard work."

Waterman recently started working with Famous Artists to coordinate the Broadway shows that tour through Central New York. She'll also work on new shows for Creative Concerts at two revamped locations this summer, SI Hall at the fairgrounds and the Bud Light Amphitheater at Paper Mill Island.

"That's fun because it's all new to me," Waterman said. "You have to constantly ramp up your work. That's advice I took from Frank [Malfitano], that you're only as good as your last show."

She also credits Onondaga Nation for giving her "the best upbringing a child could have," by spending her formative years in the company of Haudenosaunee elders.

Her late father Daniel Waterman worked with local bands when she was young and fostered her love for music: "My father would have absolutely loved what I'm doing for a living."

Waterman doesn't get starstruck anymore, but she said the last time the job felt surreal was in 2015 at The Rolling Stones show in Buffalo.

"You feel the change in the air when the talent is in the building," she said. "They usually arrive mid-afternoon for soundcheck, and you can feel the change in temperature. Everyone gets a little on edge."

Another of her favorite shows was the last Allman Brothers Band concert at Mountain Jam, before the band officially retired. She left Taste of Syracuse at 2 a.m. to drive to the Hunter Mountain festival for that show.

"To get high fives from Gregg Allman and Warren Haynes was wicked cool," Waterman said. "That's when I really thought, this job isn't like everyone else's. You feel lucky."

Along with Waterman, John Cadley, Maryjo Spillane and DOVE will be inducted into the SAMMYs Hall of Fame for 2018. The SAMMYS HoF induction dinner takes place Upstairs at the Dinosaur on March 1.

Katrina Tulloch writes music and culture stories for Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Contact her: Email | Twitter | Facebook
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A registered nurse who stole prescription painkillers for her own use in Ithaca and Syracuse has turned in her nursing license.

Kathleen M. Daniels, of Cortland, admitted guilt to professional misconduct charges in a signed agreement with the state Education Department.

Daniels withdrew OxyContin without a doctor's order and did not administer it to a patient while working in Syracuse in 2016. The department did not identify the facility where Daniels was employed.

In 2013 Daniels took Fentanyl, a powerful painkiller, from a drug dispensing system at an Ithaca health facility and took it herself. She subsequently pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.

She pleaded guilty to petit larceny in 2015 in Tompkins County Court after being accused of entering a home to steal prescription drugs.

The Education Department, which licenses nurses, charged her with being habitually drunk or dependent on narcotics or other drugs.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- The Tops supermarket chain's filing for reorganization under Chapter 11 of U.S. Bankruptcy Code this week may leave a lot of people wondering what it means for them.

Here's what the company experts say it means:

For shoppers: Tops says its 169 full-service supermarkets (and five franchisees who operate under the Tops Markets banner and aren't part of the bankruptcy filing) will remain open while it reorganizes its finances.

"Tops stores are continuing to serve customers with no impact to day-to-day operations," the company said in a statement Wednesday. "The company fully expects operations to continue as normal throughout this financial restructuring process."

It said shelves will be stocked as they normally are and that all of its weekly ads, coupons, savings and loyalty programs, including TOPS BonusPlus, TOPS GasPoints, TOPS Young At Heart Day and TOPS In Education, will continue in their current forms. Tops will continue to sell and honor gift cards as normal, the company said.

But Patrick Penfield, professor of supply chain management at Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management, said customers may not see the same variety of products on the shelves if vendors worried about getting paid refuse to sell to the company.

"That's definitely a concern," he said.

For employees: Tops says it will continue to pay wages and benefits to its 14,262 employees "without interruption." And since no stores are closing, the move is not expected to result in any job cuts.

The majority of workers at the supermarket chain are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 1.

Union President Frank DeRiso did not return a call requesting comment Wednesday after the company's announcement. But prior to the company's filing, the union issued a statement saying it has been closely monitoring the company's finances over the past several months and will continue to do so while the company tries to restructure its "enormous debt."

"Currently, Tops Markets is paying all contractual obligations including health, pension and 401K contributions," the union said. "The contract for UFCW Local One's 12,000 Tops members is in full effect. We are monitoring this situation daily and will keep members informed of new developments."

It's not unusual for companies in financial trouble to ask their unions for wage and benefit concessions.

Penfield said Tops' biggest problem is its debt load, not wages and benefits. However, he said the company may seek to cut those costs down the road to compete with the likes of Walmart, Target and Costco. It may also wind up closing lesser-performing stores, he said.

"It's just incredible the competition in the grocery industry," he said.

For vendors: The company says it intends to pay vendors in full under normal terms for goods and services provided on or after its court filing.

It said it has received commitments for $265 million in new financing (a $125 million term loan from certain noteholders and a $140 million revolving loan from Bank of America) to support its operations during the court-supervised restructuring process. Tops said the financing "represents a vote of confidence in our business."

Howevern, Burt P. Flickinger III, managing director of Strategic Resource Group, a consumer industry business consulting firm, said many Tops vendors were "blindsided" by the Chapter 11 filing and have reason to worry about getting paid in full for goods and services provided prior to the filing. Plus, they likely will have to pay high-priced bankruptcy lawyers to represent them during the reorganization process, he said.

"A lot of vendors can't afford to pay these lawyers," he said. "They have thin profits."

For creditors: Tops states in its court filing that it has $1 billion to $10 billion in liabilities (it's not required at this stage to be more specific). It further states that it has 10,000 to 25,000 creditors.

Its largest unsecured creditors include U.S. Bank National Association, to which it owes $79.5 million; C&S Wholesale ($54.7 million); and Topco ($7.8 million).

Analysts say much of the company's problems stem from a series of leveraged buyouts that left it saddled with way too much debt.

Securities and Exchange Commission filings last year show that Tops has to pay more than $80 million a year just in interest on its debt, the Buffalo News reported. The company lost $44 million in 2016. Without its $80 million interest payments, it would have made a profit.

The company said the goal of its restructuring is to eliminate a substantial portion of debt from its balance sheet - reportedly cutting its annual interest payments to $20 million - and "position Tops for long-term success."

The company did not say how it will reduce its debt, but it can happen two ways in bankruptcy court. Creditors can be paid a portion of what they are owed, with the rest wiped off the books. Or, creditors can exchange their debt for an ownership stake in the company.

Flickinger warned that debt-for-equity exchanges as part of reorganizations at other supermarket chains, including A&P, Grand Union and Penn Traffic, ultimately failed because not enough attention was paid to improving store operations to bring in more customers.

He said Tops should follow the lead of its five franchisee-owned stores in Niagara County and increase staffing to reduce lines in its deli departments and improve customer service in its bakery and meats departments, he said.

Those franchisee stores do $750,000 to $1 million a week in revenue, while Tops' corporate-owned stores, which are the same size as the franchisees' stores, average only $250,000 in weekly sales, he said.

"The franchisees learned from the Wegmans model," said Flickinger. "If you take care of the customer, the business will take care of itself."

Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148
Victoria Barrett is a writer and writing teacher in Indianapolis. She is the editor and publisher of Engine Books.

By Victoria Barrett | Special to The Washington Post

Several years ago, I taught a student who seemed capable of shooting up a classroom. He radiated contempt for me, his classmates in my college freshman composition class, and the assignments, muttering about the stupidity of his peers and rolling his eyes when they spoke. His writing displayed a generalized hatred toward women and violent fantasies involving hypothetical, gruesome gun crimes against cheating girlfriends. One day as I rounded the corner, I heard him berating a female student in the hallway because she had defended me against whatever complaints he aired. Spittle flew from his face toward hers.

Eventually, as is almost always the case with such students, he found reason to complain to my boss about my teaching. He took issue in particular with my having deleted a violent comment on the class blog. My boss explained that it was my right and responsibility to maintain a safe learning space for the whole class, which sometimes meant censoring comments. The student became irrational and nonsensical. After he left, my boss walked straight to my office to say she was concerned for my safety, and had referred the student to the appropriate office for assessment of a possible threat.

Teaching freshman comp courses, like teaching high school, is routinely high-stakes, high-emotion work. Students who are still teenagers, who are struggling with leaving home for the first time, and who have probably been told that a college education is the key to a successful future carry an incredible level of stress. We're accustomed to tantrums, shouting and a wide range of irrational behavior. In my courses, that behavior tends most frequently to come from young men. But this student had evoked a more threatening tone. If anyone in the 17 years I've taught college might have shown up with a firearm, this student was the one.

So far, this sounds like a viable argument for arming teachers, an idea that bubbles up after every school shooting in this country and one that President Donald Trump expressed support for on Wednesday. But my fellow teachers and I did not enter this profession to be security guards. And if this proposal becomes a reality, we will not have safer schools. We will have confusion, possibly more tragedy and an exodus of educators at a time when our country can't afford it.

If this student had shown up with a weapon determined to harm us, what would my responsibility have been? Talk? De-escalate? Beg? Run? It seems clear that under any policy that arms teachers, it would be my responsibility to shoot my student dead. This creates more problems than it solves. If I miss or fail to fire and he murders the other students, can their loved ones sue me? What if my shot ricochets and hurts or kills one of them? What if his gun turns out to be a walkie-talkie, a misidentification that happened outside my campus's library last year, and I shoot my student dead for possession of an unusual electronic device? In these scenarios, some more outlandish than others, teachers become soldiers, and schools become liable when students aren't protected in such circumstances as a shooting.

But legal liability isn't the reason I will never carry a firearm into a classroom. If it's my responsibility to shoot someone to protect 25 others, I will have been drafted unwillingly into an ideological army to protect the rights of some civilians to own and operate military-style weapons. And I will not be conscripted.

The National Rifle Association has been accelerating and expanding the ideological warfare it wages on behalf of gun manufacturers for decades. Once legitimately a member-driven organization focusing on service and safety, it is now devoted to lobbying on the part of gun manufacturers. Because guns last a long time and are often kept and passed down, there's only one way to support the continued manufacture and sale of guns: by rebranding them as fetish properties to collect and own with pride. That is how we come to a situation in which 3 percent of Americans own half of the guns in the United States, with collections averaging 17 guns per owner, and individuals frequently owning 40-plus guns, as reported by the Guardian newspaper. Add in a load of specialized and controversial accessories like bump stocks and silencers, and you have a business that can stay solvent for a little longer.

Another way to boost sales? Arm teachers. The Department of Education counts roughly 100,000 schools in the United States. The number of classrooms varies, of course. A gun in each one looks like a very profitable bulk order.

Whatever its logic and motivation, I will not join that army.

I will never kill for a civilian's "right" to own a military weapon. Perhaps, like the draft dodgers of my parents' generation, I'll have to leave for a country where the laws make more sense. Anything to avoid the addition of "taking a life" to my job description, when that job is supposed to be about preparing young people to thrive for the rest of theirs. More likely, I will leave the profession if I cannot feel safe in my workspace, as will many others.

Our job is to teach; the job of legislators is to pass laws that serve the public. None of us are required to entertain a "solution" to school shootings that only stands to serve the interests of the gun lobby, not our students.



NY farmworkers deserve the right to unionize: Christopher D. Travis
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump endorsed stricter gun-control measures Thursday, including raising the minimum age to 21 for possessing a broader range of weapons than at present. He tweeted his strongest stance as president one day after an emotional White House session where students and parents poured out wrenching tales of lost lives and pleaded for action.

Trump said on Twitter, "I will be strongly pushing Comprehensive Background Checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise age to 21 and end sale of Bump Stocks!" The president did not immediately offer more details.

I will be strongly pushing Comprehensive Background Checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise age to 21 and end sale of Bump Stocks! Congress is in a mood to finally do something on this issue - I hope!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2018

Trump's focus on gun violence came as leaders of the National Rifle Association offered a vigorous defense of gun rights during the Conservative Political Action Conference, urging enhanced -- and armed -- security at schools.

"Evil walks among us and God help us if we don't harden our schools and protect our kids," said NRA Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre. "The whole idea from some of our opponents that armed security makes us less safe is completely ridiculous."

The NRA officials didn't address whether the federal government should raise the age limit for young adults to buy weapons, accusing Democrats and media outlets of exploiting the Florida shooting.

"Many in legacy media love mass shootings, you guys love it," said NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch at CPAC. "Now I'm not saying that you love the tragedy, but I am saying that you love the ratings. Crying white mothers are ratings gold."

The current federal minimum age for buying or possessing handguns is 21, but the limit is 18 for rifles including assault-type weapons such as the AR-15 used by a former student in last week's attack on a Florida high school that killed 17 students and staff members.

A White House official said the president was not endorsing or ruling out any specific policy.

In another tweet, Trump repeated his urgent call for trained teachers or others in schools to carry guns as a deterrent to attacks.

"If a potential 'sicko shooter' knows that a school has a large number of very weapons talented teachers (and others) who will be instantly shooting, the sicko will NEVER attack that school. Cowards won't go there...problem solved. Must be offensive, defense alone won't work!" Trump tweeted.

He has previously expressed an interest in efforts to strengthen the federal background check system. It was not clear if he would back closing loopholes that permit loose private sales on the internet and at gun shows.

The National Rifle Associated on Wednesday quickly rejected any talk of raising the age for buying long guns to 21.

"Legislative proposals that prevent law-abiding adults aged 18-20 years old from acquiring rifles and shotguns effectively prohibits them for purchasing any firearm, thus depriving them of their constitutional right to self-protection," the group said in a statement.

Trump, despite his new push for at least some gun-control changes, stressed his backing for the NRA on Thursday, tweeting that "the folks who work so hard at the @NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots. They love our Country and will do the right thing. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

What many people dont understand, or dont want to understand, is that Wayne, Chris and the folks who work so hard at the @NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots. They love our Country and will do the right thing. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 22, 2018

On Wednesday, Trump listened intently at the White House as students described the horror of the shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Florida. The students and their parents appealed to him to press for stricter gun controls.

"I turned 18 the day after" the shooting, said tearful student Samuel Zeif. "Woke up to the news that my best friend was gone. And I don't understand why I can still go in a store and buy a weapon of war. An AR. How is it that easy to buy this type of weapon? How do we not stop this after Columbine? After Sandy Hook?"

Trump promised to be "very strong on background checks." And he indicated he supported allowing some teachers and other school employees to carry concealed weapons to be ready for intruders.

The president had invited the teen survivors of school violence and parents of murdered children in a show of his resolve against gun violence in the wake of last week's shootings in Florida and in past years at schools in Connecticut and Colorado.

Trump asked his guests to suggest solutions and solicited feedback. He did not fully endorse any specific policy solution, but pledged to take action and expressed interest in widely differing approaches.

He largely listened, holding handwritten notes bearing his message to the families. "I hear you" was written in black marker.

Besides considering concealed carrying of weapons by trained school employees, a concept he has endorsed in the past, he said he planned to go "very strongly into age, age of purchase." And he said he was committed to improving background checks and working on mental health.

Most in the group Wednesday were emotional but quiet and polite.

But Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was killed last week, noted the previous school massacres and raged over his loss, saying this moment isn't about gun laws but about fixing the schools.

"It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it and I'm pissed. Because my daughter, I'm not going to see again," said Pollack. "King David Cemetery, that is where I go to see my kid now."

A strong supporter of gun rights, Trump has nonetheless indicated in recent days that he is willing to consider ideas not in keeping with National Rifle Association orthodoxy, including age restrictions for buying assault-type weapons. Still, gun owners are a key part of his base of supporters.

The people assembled for the White House meeting on Wednesday included parents of students killed in massacres at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, and Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. Students and parents from the Washington area also were present.

Trump later tweeted that he would "always remember" the meeting. "So much love in the midst of so much pain. We must not let them down. We must keep our children safe!!"
KINGSTON, N.Y. (AP) -- A 63-year-old woman has been sentenced to prison for helping her sick husband commit suicide with an overdose of prescription pills in their Hudson Valley home.

Solane Verraine has already been in jail for more than a year since her arrest in connection with the November 2016 death of her husband, 65-year-old John Owings. The Kingston Daily Freeman reports she was sentenced Wednesday to one to three years.

Prosecutors say she crushed more than 90 prescription pills and mixed them into a cup of brandy for Owings to drink in their Phoenecia apartment.

Ulster County Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Kavanagh said Owings was suffering from advanced cirrhosis of the liver and severe chronic back pain.

Verraine pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter in December.
Three sexually transmitted diseases are increasing more rapidly in the Capital Region than anywhere else in New York state.

According to a report from the Times Union, cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are disturbing, particularly in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties between 2015 and 2016.

On Feb. 15, New York State Department of Health issued an advisory warning hospitals, emergency rooms, college health centers and primary care doctors that cases of primary and secondary syphilis (the most infectious stages) increased 76 percent from 2015 to 2016 in the Capital Region. Statewide, the increase was only 22 percent, according to the Times Union.

The state saw an increase of 16 percent in HIV cases, meanwhile that number doubled in Schenectady County from 2015-2016.

Fortunately, gonorrhea and syphilis can be cured with drugs if caught early, and HIV can be treated for patients to live for a long time.

The Times Union reports the advisory said that 86 percent of HIV cases in the Capital Region cases were contracted by men who had sex with men. However, there was also an increase in females of childbearing age diagnosed with syphilis.

Why are STDs increasing after years of sex education classes in schools and television public service announcements?

It's possible that Americans are becoming complacent, according to Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and board certified doctor in internal medicine, emergency medicine and infectious diseases.

However, Adalja tells the Times Union that 'having a cure does not mean the diseases disappear from earth.'
NEW YORK CITY -- Cuomo aide Andrew Ball, who was abruptly bumped from his preferred office in the governor's chamber, testified today about the "rough and tumble" atmosphere.

Ball said he was "quite surprised" and angry to learn in 2014 that he would be moved from his prestigious desk nearby Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office down two floors within the executive chamber in New York City.

"I believed that I deserved an office on the 39th floor," Ball said. He testified he made his disappointment known to Joseph Percoco, then a top Cuomo aide.

"I was known to poke at him," Ball said. "I was unhappy. I made it clear."

Ball said the decision to move him was Percoco's "and it was final."

Ball said he often found places to sit on the 39th floor instead of at his designated desk on the 37th floor, as a kind of protest.

Ball's sudden desk change is part of the prosecution's case in a bribery and corruption trial against Percoco and three businessmen, including Syracuse-based Cor Development executives Steven Aiello and Joseph Gerardi.

Prosecutors said Cor paid bribes to Percoco through a "shell company" set up by lobbyist Todd Howe, in exchange for favors in state government. Those included favors for Aeillo's son Steve Jr. who worked with Ball and Percoco in the chamber, prosecutors said.

Ball described working in the Cuomo administration as hard, high-pressure and demanding. He agreed with a lawyer's characterization that working in the chamber is a "rough and tumble" atmosphere.

Evidence presented at trial has shown that Aiello contacted Howe about issues his son was having with Ball, and Howe in turn reached out to Percoco. Percoco responded to Aiello in an email: "I have this covered."

Ball was not asked directly whether he was given a reason why he was moved.

Defense lawyers hinted at other theories independent of Aiello Jr., including changes to Ball's job responsibilities and ongoing conversations about where his permanent desk would be.

Ball said at one point, Percoco suggested moving his desk closer to Aiello Jr. Ball said all of these conversations took place over about a four-month period.

An FBI agent previously testified that Aiello Sr. told her in an interview that Ball around this time had been putting "excess pressure" on his son and that Ball was a "difficult personality."

Ball's personality took center stage at the trial this morning.

Percoco defense lawyer Barry Bohrer described Ball as a "take-charge kind of guy."

He testified about his close but often verbally combative relationship with Percoco, and described a duty of his to send out thousands of holiday cards on behalf of the governor as "the bane of my existence."

Read our continuing coverage of the trial

Ball said he considered Percoco a mentor. He said the two were known to yell at each other, but Ball thought of Percoco like a brother.

"He was my person," Ball said at one point.

In discussing the layout of his desk and the governor's chamber, Ball, unprompted, drew directly on the screen where exhibits were displayed.

Asked about who was responsible for a promotion he received from Percoco, Ball replied, "I believe I was responsible for the promotion," eliciting laughs from the jury and gallery.

Steve Aiello Jr., who was present at the trial, laughed at Ball's jokes. According to Ball, they were roommates for about two years. Aiello Jr. no longer works in state government. He previously declined to comment on the dispute with Ball.

Ball, who now works as Cuomo's deputy secretary, declined to comment after his testimony. He referred questions to a Cuomo spokesman.

He was accompanied in and out of court by lawyer Judith Mogul, who has represented a few other witnesses who also work in the chamber, including Cuomo's Chief-of-Staff Linda Lacewell.

Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers courts, government and other issues affecting taxpayers. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992
Sunrise, Florida -- A Florida student told a local TV station that CNN gave him a scripted question to ask during the network's town hall last night.



The student, Colton Haab, is a member of the Junior ROTC and shielded classmates during the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida last week. He had planned to participate in the CNN town hall, which focused on the shooting and how to respond to it.



Haab wrote a speech and questions to prepare for the event, but told Local 10 in Miami that CNN wanted him to ask a scripted question instead. He ultimately decided not to participate, according to Local 10.

"I don't think that's going to get anything accomplished," he told the station. "I expected to be able to ask my questions and give my opinions."

Haab planned to focus his comments on school safety and had questions about potentially using veterans as armed security guards at schools.

CNN denied it provided any scripted questions. The network said in a statement that Haab's father pulled him from the town hall before the event began.

The statement also said Haab would be welcome on CNN to discuss his views.

CNN response to the claim of a "scripted question" for last night's town hall: pic.twitter.com/Mz1hMqqfkw  CNN Communications (@CNNPR) February 22, 2018

The town hall was a tense affair. Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio faced heavy criticism from students and parents at the event over his support for Second Amendment rights.

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Google + | 315-454-2112
Syracuse, N.Y -- After a pair of record-breaking 70-degree days, followed by sloppy snow today, Upstate New York could get freezing rain Friday.

While rain is likely to fall most of Friday across most of Upstate New York, the time and location for freezing rain is limited. A weather system moving in from the southwest will arrive in Upstate New York around sunrise, when temperatures are still near freezing.

The most likely areas of ice will be in Tug Hill and in the eastern Southern Tier, and reaching north as far as Utica.

"The ice will result in difficult travel conditions, including during the morning commute on Friday," the National Weather Service Binghamton office said.

Areas highlighted in pink could have some freezing rain Friday morning before temperatures warm up.

There won't be much ice, and it won't last long, but even a tenth-of-an-inch of ice could make roads slippery Friday morning.

By late morning, temperatures will rise into the 40s across most of Upstate, ending the chances of freezing rain. Up to a quarter of an inch of rain is expected throughout Friday.

Contact Glenn Coin: Email | Twitter | Google + | (315) 470-3251
STC musical to be featured at Iowa Thespian Festival

Into the woods, its time, and so I must begin my journey. Into The Woods by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. And so, the STC Music ...
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SDP Team-BHP Support



Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,662 Thanked: 10,844 Times

re: Fortnightly mini-meet : Mumbai BHPians



I loved the Mumbai-mini-meets when they were fairly regular. Most of the friends that I have made on TeamBHP are people I have met on one of those meets. It was such a great way to catch up with what's happening. The discussions and fun was amazing. Then the whatsapp group happened. It was meant for better coordination of the meets, but eventually ended up being an "endless virtual team-BHP meet", thereby making the actual fortnightly meet redundant and sort of a burden (why leave early on a weekday and navigate through dense traffic, when you can type whatever that comes to your mind at whatever time you choose). Anyways.



This time, I guess TheMileCruncher started the topic again. A few guys were ready. Swaps and Vinay pinged me about it. I had a weekly review from 7 to 8:30, so I wasn't very sure whether I would be able to make it. Somehow the call got cancelled at last moment. Vinay called and said 3 of them are already next to the Hiranandani school. Had loads of work to complete, but I packed up immediately and braved the Andheri-SEEPZ traffic to be at the meet around 7:30ish. It was great to meet up the old gang (swaps, Vinay, KD, Sid) and the new gentleman TheMileCruncher. Started from the meeting place at 9pm, only to get a call in 5 mins that VVB has reached. Took a U, went back and ended up chatting with them again till 10pm.



Had to stay up till 2am, but finished the time-critical work items before retiring to bed. No regrets though. Totally worth it!



Where do we go from here? I guess, the "fortnightly" part needs to be revisited. May be every 3 or 4 weeks would be more doable for many. Also does Friday evening makes sense for most or would people actually step out on a Saturday/Sunday for a mini-meet? Keeping the meets regular is important. Just announce the next date after one meet is over and keep on tracking confirmed/tentative participant list. I have always maintained that in a mini-meet, numbers do not matter. One would have fun and meaningful conversations with any group of size 4 to 8. Bigger meets invariably get into sub-groups and then some people might feel left out. Anyways, these are my views. Open to new ideas, discussions and healthy debates.



Cheers! Thanks guys for meeting up and special thanks to Swaps for the pics!I loved the Mumbai-mini-meets when they were fairly regular. Most of the friends that I have made on TeamBHP are people I have met on one of those meets. It was such a great way to catch up with what's happening. The discussions and fun was amazing. Then the whatsapp group happened. It was meant for better coordination of the meets, but eventually ended up being an "endless virtual team-BHP meet", thereby making the actual fortnightly meet redundant and sort of a burden (why leave early on a weekday and navigate through dense traffic, when you can type whatever that comes to your mind at whatever time you choose). Anyways.This time, I guess TheMileCruncher started the topic again. A few guys were ready. Swaps and Vinay pinged me about it. I had a weekly review from 7 to 8:30, so I wasn't very sure whether I would be able to make it. Somehow the call got cancelled at last moment. Vinay called and said 3 of them are already next to the Hiranandani school. Had loads of work to complete, but I packed up immediately and braved the Andheri-SEEPZ traffic to be at the meet around 7:30ish. It was great to meet up the old gang (swaps, Vinay, KD, Sid) and the new gentleman TheMileCruncher. Started from the meeting place at 9pm, only to get a call in 5 mins that VVB has reached. Took a U, went back and ended up chatting with them again till 10pm.Had to stay up till 2am, but finished the time-critical work items before retiring to bed. No regrets though. Totally worth it!Where do we go from here? I guess, the "fortnightly" part needs to be revisited. May be every 3 or 4 weeks would be more doable for many. Also does Friday evening makes sense for most or would people actually step out on a Saturday/Sunday for a mini-meet? Keeping the meets regular is important. Just announce the next date after one meet is over and keep on tracking confirmed/tentative participant list. I have always maintained that in a mini-meet, numbers do not matter. One would have fun and meaningful conversations with any group of size 4 to 8. Bigger meets invariably get into sub-groups and then some people might feel left out. Anyways, these are my views. Open to new ideas, discussions and healthy debates.Cheers! Last edited by SDP : 12th February 2018 at 10:59 .
McLaren Roxx BHPian



Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: MAA,COK,BOM,THN Posts: 305 Thanked: 1,175 Times

Arriving at the purchase decision & D-day PROLOGUE



2015 saw my trusty old Alto LX (lovingly referred to as Crystal) celebrate its 15th birthday. It had been my workhorse for over a decade & a half and never (almost) left me stranded ever. But with over 1,30,000 kms under her belt and nearly all of its life parked exposed to the elements, age had started to show.



Ive driven her hard, taken her for umpteen road trips  maximum being a 1,050 km Mumbai-Bangalore run in a single day. And have managed to keep her in a relatively ship-shape condition.



But with age comes the perennial demand of up-keep. Basically, grumpiness had finally set in, if I may put it that way. And the bitterest pill to swallow was the fact that I would no longer be able to rely on her for road trips, short or the long haul ones.



I shifted base to Cochin in 2013 and Crystal moved with me. After a year or so when things at work settled, it dawned upon me that if I were to explore this half of the country proper, I needed a vehicle proper. Crystal just wouldnt cut it anymore as my daily driver. Plus, roads in Kerala are awesome (yes, I know the local folks would disagree, but trust me, roads here, in general, are really good).





SHORTLISTING & TDing



Thus began my search for a suitable upgrade. With a budget of upto 16 lakhs OTR, few ground rules for this purchase were set 



1. This should be a non-incremental upgrade - as I had spent a considerably long time with just a single vehicle, instead of the average 5  8 years

2. Only the fully loaded trim would do

3. Diesel only  this after TDing a few diesel rockets, the turbo push got addictive

4. Manual only

5. If budget permits, an SUV  yes, since the time I started earning, I had a soft spot for SUVs and always dreamed to own one



So the cars shortlisted were 



1. Suzuki S-Cross 1.6



It was all about the engine. Also the fact that it was unlike any Maruti ever seen in India. I remember taking at least 6 to 7 TDs, different dealers of course, not wanting to risk being blacklisted. And every single one was ripping across the highway. The smile the boost brought to my face was evident and nothing on this list came close in that regards. All this well within my budget too.



The only thing that went against it were its looks. What were they thinking, launching a 2+ year old design in a rapidly growing and highly competitive market such as ours? Anyways, although the engine was a gem, I decided to hold off as news about the facelift had already started to trickle in.



Heart: 4/5

Mind: 2/5

Wallet: 4/5



2. Hyundai Creta 1.6



Hyundais epitome of quality. The Creta already scored well in my mind when it came to looks. It had the street cred of an SUV as well. Add to it the sweet 1.6 from Hyundai with oodles of useable torque. It made an extremely strong case for itself.

But there was something missing. I dont know how to express it, but I felt a disconnect. Although very good in all areas, it felt extremely cold. It did not tug at my heart. Plus the top end meant me stretching my budget by at least a lakh.



Heart: 2/5

Mind: 4/5

Wallet: 3/5



3. Skoda Rapid 1.5 DSG facelift



I was recommended this by a lot of friends, simply for the DSG gearbox. Despite of being fully aware of Skodas after sales, I went in for a TD. Fit and finish was good, lot of new touches had been added. Cars front facade looked extremely sharp.

However, post the TD, I came out disappointed. The engine felt muted. Plus the fact that it was an auto.



Heart: 2/5

Mind: 2/5

Wallet: 4/5



4. Honda City 2017 facelift



This was never in the running, up until the facelift launched. And boy did Honda do an awesome job with improving the front end. I am a sucker for features and those LED headlights simply stole my heart. Sunroof and a frameless IRVM were like cherries on the cake. Drive was not bad either. This car suddenly became a front runner



Heart: 3/5

Mind: 4/5

Wallet: 4/5



Honorable mentions 

1. Hyundai Verna 1.6



Ever since the first Verna launched in India, I was always fascinated with the fact that Hyundai did not shy from plonking an extremely powerful engine into it. With the fluidic design, it was a very attractive car indeed. You can say that it always had a soft spot in my heart. Famous for its unimpressive handling and the fact that it was long overdue for a major facelift, I decided to give it the skip



2. Honda BR-V



Honestly I had a lot of expectations from this launch. Ignoring the fact that it was only a facelifted Mobilio, Honda had the opportunity to load it with features, a good engine, thus making it an exciting proposition. But it was not meant to be. Uninspiring engine, average interior quality and lack of features drove me away from it.



3. Renault Duster AWD



Renault had a golden opportunity to refresh the Dusters interior and exterior with the launch of the AWD. It did not. Then with the facelift in 2016, it dropped the ball again. Its dated interior was the deal breaker for me.





You might have noticed that all cars mentioned above launched between mid-2015 to early-2017. Yes, it took me a while to decide, as I considered this to be one of the most important purchases I would make and the car would be with me for a minimum of 7 years. Hence I had to be absolutely sure.



Now, to spice up the mix, the Tata Hexa broke cover at the 2016 Auto Expo. And boy-oh-boy was it a looker. Expo reviews and first person feedbacks were extremely positive. This was definitely a car that would make me push my purchase decision till its launch.





Fast Forward to October 2016



This is when proper road test reviews of the Hexa started coming in. All of which were extremely promising. TBHP review further reinforced the fact that TML had done an excellent job with their new vehicle.



As the Hexa Experience Centre (HEC) wouldnt come to Cochin, I decided to attend it in Bangalore along with a couple of my office colleagues. Getting to look at the vehicle up close for the first time and then to experience it in person left us all mind-blown! TML definitely had a winner in their hands.



The only catch now was to see how they price it. Fingers crossed. Took a few test drives in the meantime and the folks at RF motors, Cochin were kind enough to provide a 20+ minute one, complete with some bit of mild rough-roading. Decided to wait it out.



Heart: 5/5

Mind: 5/5

Wallet: ?/5





Another Fast Forward to 18th January 2017



With bated breath, I sat in front of my computer viewing the live stream. And when the prices were revealed, it was a mix bag for me. The top variant (XT 4x4) that I had foolishly hoped go for ~18 lakh OTR was actually retailing for close to 21+ lakhs. Ouch! I could hear my heart break into a thousand pieces.



Heart: 5/5

Mind: 4/5

Wallet: 1/5



With great difficulty I steered my heart and mind towards the option that I had shortlisted so far  City or Creta, with me decision now leaning more towards the City.



While trying to work up on the financing bit, I always felt this void in my heart. Time spent at the HEC and a couple of long TDs had created a yearning that neither the City nor the Creta could fulfil really. Yet jacking up my budget by 5+ lakhs was simply not at option at the moment.



Then came news about the now famous GST and how all taxes for vehicles, especially for SUVs that were taxed the most, were speculated to drop sharply.



On D-day  July 01, 2017, as predicted, process for most cars fell. Being least bothered about other cars, I quickly checked what impact it had on the Hexas pricing. And sure enough, new OTR price now was a shade under 20 lakhs.



Now, ever since I began my search, there were so many instances when I could have finalised my purchase. But for some reason it kept getting delayed. I thought to myself, Is this a sign? It has to be!

I quickly re-worked my finances and all of a sudden, the Hexa seemed like a reality.



Finally, on my birthday, 3rd August, I decided to gift myself one and put down the booking amount.





Purchase & Delivery



Purchase was made from Fortune Motors, Thane and not from Cochin as all my official docs have that address. Plus the cops in Kerala are pretty cool with outstation vehicles, proof my MH registered Alto. While I was in the middle of coordinating with my SA, there came news of the government planning to roll back the GST benefit for SUVs. Great!



Called up my SA and asked him to invoice it right away. After making a couple of quick to & fro trips for signing of finance and delivery documents, the car was invoiced on 22nd August and delivery taken on 5th September.



Delivery experience was nothing to write home about. I probably had set my expectations pretty high  assuming that I was purchasing a Tata flagship and also after reading some wonderful ones which others had with other manufacturers. Absolutely zilch arrangement by the dealer Fortune Motors, Thane. Garland, haldi-kumkum, incense sticks, coconut  I was asked to get these! The car was mildly decorated with a few ribbons here & there. They didnt even have a bag to hand over the car documents in, forget about sweets or goodies. This, after zero negotiations done by me throughout the booking process. I didnt even ask for (well I did, but never got) for floor mats. Heck I had a much better experience buying an Alto 16 years ago.



Guess this is purely dealership related and not reflective of TML. As my other friends have had much better delivery experiences. Well, Im never buying anything from this dealer again for sure.



Although a point to note about my SA, he was an extremely communicative and helpful guy. Handed over a small Kerala house-boat replica as a gift of remembrance.



I would rate the entire experience a strict 3/5.



My first glimpse of the 'Beast'





The customary Pooja and Coconut break





Finally, she's mine!





Proud owners, makes me so happy to see the smile on their faces





Ek new car collage toh banta hai boss







It was christened 'Juggernaut', from the Marvel Comics character

2015 saw my trusty old Alto LX (lovingly referred to as Crystal) celebrate its 15th birthday. It had been my workhorse for over a decade & a half and never (almost) left me stranded ever. But with over 1,30,000 kms under her belt and nearly all of its life parked exposed to the elements, age had started to show.Ive driven her hard, taken her for umpteen road trips  maximum being a 1,050 km Mumbai-Bangalore run in a single day. And have managed to keep her in a relatively ship-shape condition.But with age comes the perennial demand of up-keep. Basically, grumpiness had finally set in, if I may put it that way. And the bitterest pill to swallow was the fact that I would no longer be able to rely on her for road trips, short or the long haul ones.I shifted base to Cochin in 2013 and Crystal moved with me. After a year or so when things at work settled, it dawned upon me that if I were to explore this half of the country proper, I needed a vehicle proper. Crystal just wouldnt cut it anymore as my daily driver. Plus, roads in Kerala are awesome (yes, I know the local folks would disagree, but trust me, roads here, in general, are really good).Thus began my search for a suitable upgrade. With a budget of upto 16 lakhs OTR, few ground rules for this purchase were set 1. This should be a non-incremental upgrade - as I had spent a considerably long time with just a single vehicle, instead of the average 5  8 years2. Only the fully loaded trim would do3. Diesel only  this after TDing a few diesel rockets, the turbo push got addictive4. Manual only5. If budget permits, an SUV  yes, since the time I started earning, I had a soft spot for SUVs and always dreamed to own oneSo the cars shortlisted were It was all about the engine. Also the fact that it was unlike any Maruti ever seen in India. I remember taking at least 6 to 7 TDs, different dealers of course, not wanting to risk being blacklisted. And every single one was ripping across the highway. The smile the boost brought to my face was evident and nothing on this list came close in that regards. All this well within my budget too.The only thing that went against it were its looks. What were they thinking, launching a 2+ year old design in a rapidly growing and highly competitive market such as ours? Anyways, although the engine was a gem, I decided to hold off as news about the facelift had already started to trickle in.Heart: 4/5Mind: 2/5Wallet: 4/5Hyundais epitome of quality. The Creta already scored well in my mind when it came to looks. It had the street cred of an SUV as well. Add to it the sweet 1.6 from Hyundai with oodles of useable torque. It made an extremely strong case for itself.But there was something missing. I dont know how to express it, but I felt a disconnect. Although very good in all areas, it felt extremely cold. It did not tug at my heart. Plus the top end meant me stretching my budget by at least a lakh.Heart: 2/5Mind: 4/5Wallet: 3/5I was recommended this by a lot of friends, simply for the DSG gearbox. Despite of being fully aware of Skodas after sales, I went in for a TD. Fit and finish was good, lot of new touches had been added. Cars front facade looked extremely sharp.However, post the TD, I came out disappointed. The engine felt muted. Plus the fact that it was an auto.Heart: 2/5Mind: 2/5Wallet: 4/5This was never in the running, up until the facelift launched. And boy did Honda do an awesome job with improving the front end. I am a sucker for features and those LED headlights simply stole my heart. Sunroof and a frameless IRVM were like cherries on the cake. Drive was not bad either. This car suddenly became a front runnerHeart: 3/5Mind: 4/5Wallet: 4/5Honorable mentions Ever since the first Verna launched in India, I was always fascinated with the fact that Hyundai did not shy from plonking an extremely powerful engine into it. With the fluidic design, it was a very attractive car indeed. You can say that it always had a soft spot in my heart. Famous for its unimpressive handling and the fact that it was long overdue for a major facelift, I decided to give it the skipHonestly I had a lot of expectations from this launch. Ignoring the fact that it was only a facelifted Mobilio, Honda had the opportunity to load it with features, a good engine, thus making it an exciting proposition. But it was not meant to be. Uninspiring engine, average interior quality and lack of features drove me away from it.Renault had a golden opportunity to refresh the Dusters interior and exterior with the launch of the AWD. It did not. Then with the facelift in 2016, it dropped the ball again. Its dated interior was the deal breaker for me.You might have noticed that all cars mentioned above launched between mid-2015 to early-2017. Yes, it took me a while to decide, as I considered this to be one of the most important purchases I would make and the car would be with me for a minimum of 7 years. Hence I had to be absolutely sure.Now, to spice up the mix, the Tata Hexa broke cover at the 2016 Auto Expo. And boy-oh-boy was it a looker. Expo reviews and first person feedbacks were extremely positive. This was definitely a car that would make me push my purchase decision till its launch.This is when proper road test reviews of the Hexa started coming in. All of which were extremely promising. TBHP review further reinforced the fact that TML had done an excellent job with their new vehicle.As the Hexa Experience Centre (HEC) wouldnt come to Cochin, I decided to attend it in Bangalore along with a couple of my office colleagues. Getting to look at the vehicle up close for the first time and then to experience it in person left us all mind-blown! TML definitely had a winner in their hands.The only catch now was to see how they price it. Fingers crossed. Took a few test drives in the meantime and the folks at RF motors, Cochin were kind enough to provide a 20+ minute one, complete with some bit of mild rough-roading. Decided to wait it out.Heart: 5/5Mind: 5/5Wallet: ?/5With bated breath, I sat in front of my computer viewing the live stream. And when the prices were revealed, it was a mix bag for me. The top variant (XT 4x4) that I had foolishly hoped go for ~18 lakh OTR was actually retailing for close to 21+ lakhs. Ouch! I could hear my heart break into a thousand pieces.Heart: 5/5Mind: 4/5Wallet: 1/5With great difficulty I steered my heart and mind towards the option that I had shortlisted so far  City or Creta, with me decision now leaning more towards the City.While trying to work up on the financing bit, I always felt this void in my heart. Time spent at the HEC and a couple of long TDs had created a yearning that neither the City nor the Creta could fulfil really. Yet jacking up my budget by 5+ lakhs was simply not at option at the moment.Then came news about the now famous GST and how all taxes for vehicles, especially for SUVs that were taxed the most, were speculated to drop sharply.On D-day  July 01, 2017, as predicted, process for most cars fell. Being least bothered about other cars, I quickly checked what impact it had on the Hexas pricing. And sure enough, new OTR price now was a shade under 20 lakhs.Now, ever since I began my search, there were so many instances when I could have finalised my purchase. But for some reason it kept getting delayed. I thought to myself, Is this a sign? It has to be!I quickly re-worked my finances and all of a sudden, the Hexa seemed like a reality.Finally, on my birthday, 3rd August, I decided to gift myself one and put down the booking amount.Purchase was made from Fortune Motors, Thane and not from Cochin as all my official docs have that address. Plus the cops in Kerala are pretty cool with outstation vehicles, proof my MH registered Alto. While I was in the middle of coordinating with my SA, there came news of the government planning to roll back the GST benefit for SUVs. Great!Called up my SA and asked him to invoice it right away. After making a couple of quick to & fro trips for signing of finance and delivery documents, the car was invoiced on 22nd August and delivery taken on 5th September.Delivery experience was nothing to write home about. I probably had set my expectations pretty high  assuming that I was purchasing a Tata flagship and also after reading some wonderful ones which others had with other manufacturers. Absolutely zilch arrangement by the dealer Fortune Motors, Thane. Garland, haldi-kumkum, incense sticks, coconut  I was asked to get these! The car was mildly decorated with a few ribbons here & there. They didnt even have a bag to hand over the car documents in, forget about sweets or goodies. This, after zero negotiations done by me throughout the booking process. I didnt even ask for (well I did, but never got) for floor mats. Heck I had a much better experience buying an Alto 16 years ago.Guess this is purely dealership related and not reflective of TML. As my other friends have had much better delivery experiences. Well, Im never buying anything from this dealer again for sure.Although a point to note about my SA, he was an extremely communicative and helpful guy. Handed over a small Kerala house-boat replica as a gift of remembrance.I would rate the entire experience a strict 3/5.My first glimpse of the 'Beast'The customary Pooja and Coconut breakFinally, she's mine!Proud owners, makes me so happy to see the smile on their facesEk new car collage toh banta hai bossIt was christened, from the Marvel Comics character Last edited by McLaren Roxx : 21st February 2018 at 22:27 .
The Wyze Cam, which received praise when it was released in October 2017 for being a feature-rich security camera at a price of $20, will soon release version 2.

The new Wyze Cam will add features and make improvements to the original, but it will retain the $20 price tag that gives the security camera such great value.

The Original Wyze Cam

The original Wyze Cam burst into the smart security camera scene last year with features such as 1080p video recording, motion and audio sensing, night vision, and a cloud storage system. The Wyze Cam also comes with a magnetic base that allows it to swivel or tilt in any direction, and a microphone and speaker that enables two-way audio.

The Wyze Cam arrived as a challenger to the Nest Cam in the suddenly crowded smart security camera space, which was also occupied by offerings from companies such as Samsung, Netgear, and Logitech. The useful features and cheap $20 price tag of the Wyze Cam, however, allowed it to gain a following among budget-conscious customers.

Wyze, however, will now look to attract more attention with the second iteration of its security camera.

What Does Wyze Cam Version 2 Offer?

The Wyze Cam version 2 keeps all the capabilities of the original Wyze Cam, but adds a few new features and improvements.

One of the new features of Wyze Cam version 2 is named Motion Tagging, which highlights motion during live streams and in the playback of recorded video. The feature makes it easier for users to see what triggered a motion alert.

Through an upcoming firmware update in March, the new Wyze Cam will also receive limited support for Amazon's Alexa. Users will not be able to issue voice commands to the Wyze Cam through an Amazon Echo, but they will be able to watch live streams from the security camera on Echo devices with screens such as the Echo Spot and Echo Show.

In addition, the second version of the Wyze Cam will come with a new CMOS sensor that makes the 1080p HD video clearer and smoother for both day and night vision. Audio quality will also see an improvement, thanks to a new audio chip and Class-K audio power amplifier.

Last but not least, the smart security camera will have a non-reflective matte finish, compared to the glossy finish of its predecessor.

The best part about it is that the Wyze Cam version 2 price stays at $20. Preorders are now being accepted for the cheap but powerful smart security camera, with shipping to start by the end of February.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Google Pay is now starting its global rollout, incorporating Android Pay and Google Wallet for a more comprehensive payment solution.

Google announced these plans last month and now, Google Pay is available on Google Play in multiple markets worldwide. Those who already have the Android Pay app don't have to do anything else. While on the Play Store the new app is called Google Pay, the existing app will still appear as Android Pay on the phones of those who have the app installed.

Google Pay Features And Benefits

Google touts that its new Google Pay offers easy and fast checkout, easy access to various offers and rewards, serving as the go-to solution for payment methods, passes, and purchases. Payments through Google Pay are fast, simple, and secure.

The company has bigger plans, and Google Pay is just a part of the picture. Google also plans to incorporate Google Pay in all of its products, aiming to deliver a simple checkout experience for customers regardless of whether they're making purchases via Google Assistant or Chrome, for instance. The process will be streamlined as customers will be able to use the cards on their Google Account across all Google Products.

Google further adds that it's also working with partners to bring Google Pay to sites, apps, and various stores worldwide. Moreover, Google Pay also works on transit in a few cities such as London, Kiev, and Portland, with more to be added soon.

Google Pay User Experience

The Home tab in Google Pay displays all necessary information at a glance. Users can see their recent purchases in this tab as well as access rewards, find stores, or get tips.

Google Pay's Cards tab, meanwhile, allows users to keep all their payment options and benefits neatly organized so they can easily find it at checkout. This tab will contain one's credit or debit cards, gift cards, offers, and loyalty programs.

Unifying Android Pay And Google Wallet

Google Wallet used to be a peer-to-peer payment service for people with a bank account or a debit card in the United States or the UK, and it worked on both Android and iOS. Android Pay, meanwhile, worked with Android phones for in-app, online, and retail purchases.

The new Google Pay aims to unify both Android Pay and Google Wallet, and it works in apps, online, in retail stores, and through P2P. At the same time, Google Pay also enables merchants to use the API to deliver an easier solution for online shoppers to submit their financial information at checkout.

P2P doesn't work just yet, but users in the UK and the United States will be able to send or request money in the following months. Google highlights that Google Pay is secure and will protect users' data.

"Like all Google products, Google Pay comes with strong security protections to safeguard your account and personal data from security threats. In other words, it's got your back," says Google.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A woman was forced to miss her Emirates Airlines flight after a flight attendant overheard her complaining about period pain to her boyfriend.

According to the World Health Organization, cabin crew who suspect that airplane passengers are ill will inform their captain, with a decision to be taken on whether the passenger is fit to travel or not. The incident highlights this guideline, though there are different views on whether the woman should have allowed to stay on her flight or not.

Woman Forced Off Emirates Flight For Menstrual Cramps

Beth Evans, a 24-year-old woman from the United Kingdom, with her 26-year-old boyfriend Joshua Moran, were onboard an Emirates flight from Birmingham to Dubai. Evans, however, was suffering from period pain, and complained about the matter to Moran.

A member of the cabin crew overheard her complaint and expressed concern over her condition. Evans insisted that the menstrual cramps were mild, describing it as "one out of ten" in terms of pain. However, the Emirates attendants insisted for Evans to deplane along with Moran, as the airline did not want to risk having her onboard for the seven-hour flight.

Despite saying that she was fine to complete the trip, Evans and Moran were forced to miss their 400 ($560) flight to Dubai just minutes before the aircraft took off, and had to spend 250 ($350) each to rebook their tickets.

"To be kicked off for period pains, it was madness." Moran said to The Sun in an interview. "They didn't have anyone look her over... They just contacted a medical team in the US and they said Beth couldn't fly."

Emirates Airlines Defends Decision

Emirates, meanwhile, denied the claim that a flight attendant simply overheard Evans complaining about period pain. In a statement made to Fox News, the airline said that Evans spoke to one of the flight's crew members to say that she was not feeling well due to discomfort and pain.

"The captain made the decision to request medical support and deplane Ms. Evans, so she could access medical assistance as needed," the airline said.

Emirates defended its decision to deplane Evans, claiming that it did not want to place her in danger in case her condition grew worse over the seven hours of flying time to Dubai.

The incident brings up the issue on how airlines should deal with passengers who are suffering from a medical condition. Unfortunately, due to the differing scenarios presented by Evans and Emirates, it is difficult to determine which side is in the wrong.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Japanese farmers introduced the Mongee banana - a new type of banana that has an edible peel. Mongee translates to incredible, making this the incredible banana. A new growing technique was invented to produce the Mongee bananas with a thinner peel that makes it easier to eat.

Previously avocados received a similar innovation when they were produced without the large pit.

Freeze-Thaw Awakening

Setsuzo Tanaka invented the Mongee banana by creating a new method of production called the "freeze-thaw awakening." Bananas are usually grown at 80F (27C), Setsuzo's bananas are grown at -76F (-60C). The bananas are first grown at the low temperatures and then replanted in the 80F temperature.

This spurs the bananas trees to grow rapidly. Bananas grown from these trees have a thinner, softer peel that doesn't mature and harden like regular bananas. It also changes the way that the peel tastes.

Unfortunately, due to the scarce production numbers of the bananas, they're not available outside of Japan. Reviews from those able to try the Mongee banana show that besides the edible peel, they're nothing like regular bananas.

A review of the banana posted by SoraNews24 in Japan shows those differences. Unlike the regular or Cavendish banana that has been described as bland, the Mongee apparently has a "very strong tropical flavor" calling it "almost pineapple-like."

The skin on the Mongee banana is described as lettuce-like by the farm that grows them, D&T Farms.

Gros Michel Revival

Setsuzo's desire wasn't initially to grow a banana with a more edible peel. He wanted to bring back the Gros Michel banana which was once "the banana" on the market before being replaced by the now ubiquitous Cavendish banana. Setsuzo wanted to bring back the Gros Michel because it has a richer taste than the Cavendish. A taste test showed the artificial banana flavor found in products resembles that of the Gros Michel.

Gros Michel bananas were almost wiped out during the 1960s by a fungus called Panama disease. To avoid using having his crop be ravaged by Panama disease, he invented the "freeze-thaw awakening" method.

This process is responsible for creating the Mongee banana. This would also explain the banana's differing taste as noted by the reviewer for the Japanese outlet.

Finding this banana may prove difficult even in Japan. D&T Farm ships only hundreds of bananas throughout the country. Each banana sells for $6 each.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A Chinese food delivery driver in New York is blaming Waze for his attempt to go through the Lincoln Tunnel. The driver was stopped by police, he blamed the Waze app for sending him on the route that forced him to go onto the bridge.

If successful, the man would've ended up in New Jersey.

Bruce Lee Gets Caught

A spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey which oversees bridges, tunnels, airports, and seaports in both states, says that the 19-year-old man, Bruce Lee, tried to use his bike to go into the Lincoln Tunnel. The Lincoln Tunnel connects Manhattan to New Jersey.

After he was arrested Lee said that the reason that he tried to take the tunnel was that of the directions given to him by the Waze app. Lee was arrested on charges of trespass and criminal possession of a weapon. Police found Lee had a dagger with him.

This isn't the first time that a man tried to drive his bicycle through a tunnel meant for cars in New York City. Another delivery driver tried to take the Holland Tunnel, and he also blamed technology for causing him to take the route.

Thousands of posts can be found online on various websites about Waze giving the wrong directions.

Waze Problems

Taking the directions can be a waste of time or get people into trouble with law enforcement. Situations like sending a man on a bike can be hilarious. In a case of life imitating art, just like in an episode of The Office, a person drove into a lake.

In January, a driver in Vermont drove into Lake Champlain. The driver said that the Waze app directed him to drive into the lake. He said that before he realized what was happening his car was already on the lake.

While the last two stories have been funny, there have also been tragic consequences for following directions from the Waze. A tourist couple in Brazil saw could happen when someone follows the wrong directions. They were led to a dangerous street with the same name as a popular tourist avenue in the city of Niteroi.

Once they made their way down the street in the car, someone opened fire causing 20 bullets to hit the car. The wife was killed, while the husband managed to drive the car away to safety.

Google has help page dedicated to helping users report wrong directions by Waze.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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A standoff between the entity that manages police employee retirement systems in Louisiana and City Hall showed signs of thawing Wednesday despite previous threats to stop approving retirement benefits for any Baton Rouge police employee hired after 2000.

The Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System and Baton Rouge's local leaders have sparred over whether police officers can count overtime payments toward retirement calculations, which can lead to higher retirement checks.

Ben Huxen, executive director of MPERS, says it's a violation of state law to count overtime pay toward retirement compensation. However, past and present city-parish and Baton Rouge Police Department officials say it should count as long as the employee was mandated to work overtime.

MPERS threatened late last year to stop approving retirement applications for any police employees hired after 2000, as officers hired before then are excluded from the current controversy. Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and BRPD Union President Sgt. C. Bryan Taylor pushed back last month against the announcement, with Broome vowing that City Hall would protect the interests of its employees.

In BRPD retirement dispute, officials argue some OT should count toward benefits A fight between City Hall and the Municipal Police Employees Retirement System has called into question a distinction that Baton Rouge officia

The MPERS board approved a retirement application at its Wednesday meeting for a senior administrative specialist with the Greater Baton Rouge Airport Police. The specialist was hired after 2000 and was the first employee who met those qualifications to apply for retirement with the board since Huxen said they would cut off retirement approvals.

But the administrative specialist's retirement approval was also based on her base salary, rather than her salary including overtime, Huxen said. And unlike some police officers  who rack up thousands of extra dollars via overtime pay  the specialist's retirement checks will only be $44 less per month than they would have been if her overtime work was counted, Huxen said.

He said City Hall has started to send MPERS breakdowns of overtime payments versus base salaries for employees, but that it will be a long process. Going forward, Huxen said, MPERS will only approve retirements for Baton Rouge police employees hired since 2000 by using base salaries and not overtime payments.

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MPERS will refund employee contributions to the retirement system paid on overtime, Huxen said. The retirement system will send the money to City Hall to give back to employees, he said.

+2 Retirement system to cut off benefits to new BRPD retirees, citing OT payment discord A disagreement between City Hall and the Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System recently reached new heights, and the fallout means Bat

"The end goal remains the same  we're trying to get this thing amicably resolved," Huxen said, adding that MPERS and city-parish officials have started having weekly conversations.

Broome signaled Wednesday that she is interested in changing state law to help move past the disagreement as well.

State law currently says MPERS "shall not include overtime" in its definition of earnable compensation, which Huxen has repeatedly cited in the dispute. An agreement between the city-parish and MPERS from 2000, when BRPD started using the system, also does not mention overtime payments for employees hired after then.

"We are committed to sharing the information necessary to have both parties fully informed," Broome said Wednesday in a statement. "We are hopeful that the dispute can be resolved amicably by legislative amendments and that we can maintain the status quo pending those joint efforts. At this time, none of our retirees have been denied their benefits."
The Rev. Billy Graham, the internationally revered Christian evangelist who died early Wednesday, is expected to be buried in a coffin built years ago by inmates at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola.

After having seen the coffins built by and for inmates on a visit to the state's only maximum-security prison in the early 2000s, Graham's son Franklin Graham requested the same coffins for his parents, former Angola Warden Burl Cain said.

"It's incredible," Cain said Wednesday. "That's what Billy Graham's going to be buried in, one of those coffins from Angola."

Cain said the coffins were plain, but that's what drew Franklin Graham to them. The coffins were made of wood and lined with comforters from Walmart, Cain said.

Billy Graham's wife, Ruth Graham, was buried in a coffin from Angola, said Ken Pastorick, Louisiana Department of Corrections spokesman.

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Cain said the Grahams requested that the names of the inmates who worked on their construction be wood-burned onto the coffins.

Former offenders Richard "Grasshopper" Liggett, who died in 2007, Clarence Wilkerson, who died earlier this month, and David Bacon, who was released in December 2016 after Gov. John Bel Edwards commuted his sentence, worked on the coffins for the Grahams, Pastorick said.

Bacon, the only craftsman still alive, could not be reached Wednesday by The Advocate.

Cain credits much of the transformation of Angola  from one of the deadliest prisons in the late 20th century to a place of spirituality by the early 2000s  to the Graham family, who donated thousands of dollars to build two chapels on the prison's property. He said Graham's children visited the prison multiple times and preached to the inmates.

"They're really part of the transition that was there," Cain said, noting they spent time with the prisoners.

"The place was blessed because of them."
The Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge and one of its priests have been dismissed from a lawsuit that claimed a teenager confessed to him in 2008 that a church parishioner was sexually abusing her, but the priest did not stop or report the alleged abuse.

State District Judge Mike Caldwell signed an order Feb. 9 dismissing the diocese and Father Jeff Bayhi from the longstanding suit by Rebecca Mayeux and her parents, the diocese announced Thursday in a news release.

The judge's order came in response to a motion by Mayeux and her parents to dismiss their claims against Bayhi and the diocese, with each party bearing their own costs.

"The decision preserves the Seal and sanctity of the Confessional which the Church considers inviolable," the diocese's statement said.

In his order, Caldwell said the woman's rights against all other defendants are reserved. The suit also named the estate of George Charlet Jr., her alleged abuser. He died in 2009.

Brian Abels, who represents Mayeux and her parents, said Thursday the suit against the Charlet estate will continue. Abels added that the claims against the church and Bayhi have been resolved.

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The judge's recent order followed his September ruling in which he said a jury cannot consider what the then-teen told Bayhi in confession.

A previous Louisiana Supreme Court ruling in the case had upheld the confidentiality of confession and the shielding of priests from being forced to testify about what they are told in confession.

The high court said "any communication made to a priest privately in the sacrament of confession for the purposes of confession, repentance, and absolution is a confidential communication  and the priest is exempt from mandatory reporter status."

Bayhi testified during court hearings in the case that he can neither disclose what is said in the confessional nor confirm that a confession took place. The Rev. Paul Counce, a Roman Catholic canon lawyer and pastor of St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown Baton Rouge, also testified in the case that the breaking of the seal of confession by a priest is grounds for automatic excommunication of the priest.

Abels had argued that Mayeux was not seeking absolution from Bayhi when she spoke with him. He also argued Bayhi had a duty under Louisiana's mandatory reporter laws dealing with sexual abuse allegations to report what he heard.
A Baton Rouge man is accused of purposely setting fire to his new restaurant on Jones Creek Road in March 2017 and fraudulently collecting insurance money on the destroyed building, according to the Louisiana State Fire Marshal.

Jonathan Paul Marino, 36, was arrested Wednesday after a months-long investigation. He is alleged to have purposely torched The Cast Iron Kitchen, destroying that restaurant, damaging other nearby businesses and injuring a St. George firefighter, said State Fire Marshal Chief Deputy Brant Thompson.

Officials also believe Marino attempted to commit arson three other times on another restaurant he owned in Prairieville before it actually burned down in 2015. Investigators are also looking into other incidents in which Marino might have purposely damaged his property to collect insurance money, Thompson said.

"It's very clear (Marino) was in a financial bind over the years and we believe that is, in fact, what motivated him to set these fires," Thompson said.

Thompson would not say how Marino started the fire at The Cast Iron Kitchen.

+3 St. George firefighter suffers minor injuries in blaze at restaurant on Jones Creek Road Sunday A fire left heavy damage inside The Cast Iron Kitchen, a new restaurant at 5441 Jones Creek Road, and sent one firefighter to the hospital wit

Marino has made a number of insurance claims in the past few years, and has collected more than $227,000 on three separate losses, Thompson said. Marino has already collected fraudulently $12,000 in partial insurance payments from The Cast Iron Kitchen fire, Thompson said.

After the March fire, someone in the Marino family started a Go Fund Me webpage to raise money for their recovery. The goal for fundraising was listed at $5,000 but only $440 was raised, according to the website.

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Marino had also collected $145,000 after his Prairieville restaurant, The Italian Bowl, burned down in 2015, Thompson said. That fire was ruled a grease fire by local officials, though Thompson said they are continuing to investigate if Marino was involved in it.

Investigators also learned that Marino attempted on three previous occasions to torch The Italian Bowl in order to collect insurance money, Thompson said.

Marino also collected $70,000 in insurance money after the interior of his home flooded, though he told investigators it was an accident, Thompson said.

Marino has not been linked criminally to the house flood or to the Prairieville restaurant fire, but Thompson said both incidents remain under investigation.

"The fact of the matter is the consumer foots the bill for insurance fraud such as this," Thompson said. "It impacts everyone.  We pay for it."

Video surveillance from the March 2017 fire shows smoke coming from the The Cast Iron Kitchen, which was closed, minutes after Marino left the building, Thompson said. While combing through other video from the area, investigators also saw Marino stealing assorted grocery items from an area Walmart shortly before the fire.

While firefighters were inside battling the flames, the restaurant's roof collapsed, injuring a St. George Fire Department firefighter, Thompson said. That firefighter went to the hospital for treatment of the injury.

Marino, of 14310 Meadow Ridge Drive, was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a count of arson with intent to defraud, injury by arson, and one count of theft. He will also be booked in Ascension Parish on three counts of attempted arson with the intent to defraud.
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A key education group Thursday recommended a $40 million increase in state aid for public schools, the second such endorsement this week.

The proposal breezed through the Superintendents' Advisory Council without debate.

On Tuesday the Minimum Foundation Program Task Force, which includes education leaders and state lawmakers, also called for the Legislature to boost school spending by $40 million, or 1 percent of the current allocation.

Key group backs $40 million increase for public schools An influential task force Tuesday recommended a hike of about $40 million in basic state aid for public schools.

The superintendents, like the MFP Task Force, advise the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

BESE will decide on March 12-13 whether to submit a request for more school money to the Legislature and, if so, how much.

The school aid is used for teachers salaries, textbooks and a wide range of other items.

The state is spending $3.7 billion for Louisiana's roughly 1,300 public schools for the current school year.

Basic state aid has been frozen for nine of the past 10 years amid recurring state budget problems.

The Legislature began a 17-day special session on Monday to grapple with the state's latest budget crisis  a roughly $1 billion shortfall for state services starting July 1.

How much public schools will get will be decided during the 2018 regular session, which begins March 12.

But whether Gov. John Bel Edwards and the GOP-controlled Legislature can agree on revenue-raising measures in the special session will determine the financial outlook for public schools and other state services.

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State Superintendent of Education John White noted that even Senate Education Committee Chairman Blade Morrish, R-Jennings, who backs the $40 million request, said Tuesday he did not know how such a message would be received in the Legislature.

White said he did not know what BESE will do on the funding issue.

Mike Faulk, executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, urged superintendents to seek the increase.

Faulk, former superintendent of the highly-rated Central School District, noted that teacher retirement and health care costs continue to rise as well as expenses linked to student accountability.

He said it was important for superintendents to "let them know that there is a need," a reference to state legislators.

The motion to ask for a $40 million boost in state school aid won approval on a voice vote without dissent.

The governor has recommended a freeze in state school aid.

Another freeze in school aid sparks resignation, worry among Louisiana superintendents After nine freezes in the past 10 years, news that basic state aid for public schools may be frozen yet again is sparking both resignation and

Edwards said that budget item was dictated by the looming $1 billion shortfall, and aides have since said he would back an increase if state dollars become available.

The advisory council includes 23 district superintendents from around the state.

Under Edwards' budget proposal, school aid would rise by $2 million strictly to account for new students.

White said enrollment has slowed, including in the Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany and St. Charles school districts.
In a change from the initial announcement, Louisiana's transportation chief said Thursday he doubts that Gov. John Bel Edwards' $600 million highway plan will allow the state to widen Interstate 10 completely from the Mississippi River bridge to the I-10/12 split in Baton Rouge.

Shawn Wilson, secretary for the state Department of Transportation and Development, said the key question is how much of the 3.5-mile corridor can be widened for $350 million, which would be allocated for the project.

Wilson told a powerful legislative committee that state officials would finish the work "as far as we can" in a bid to reduce congestion.

Even partial completion would have a major impact, he said, and ease backups on a section of coast-to-coast interstate used by about 170,000 vehicles daily.

"We could break it into smaller, manageable projects to get it done," Wilson said of the Baton Rouge work.

Wilson's latest comments differ from the governor's Jan. 12 announcement, when the Baton Rouge and other proposals were touted as an innovative way to finance long-delayed road work.

The DOTD secretary has previously mentioned in passing that $350 million might not be enough to widen all the corridor, but his comments Thursday were his most detailed on the subject.

In an interview after the meeting, Wilson said a big unknown is how much of the corridor needs to be rebuilt, not just upgraded.

"What we are doing right now is looking at constructability," he said. "And part of that is understanding how much of what is there now needs to be rebuilt.

"If a big portion needs to be rebuilt that is going to drive the cost up," Wilson said.

+5 I-10 widening? Some residents fear project's potential effect on Baton Rouge businesses Gov. John Bel Edwards' $350 million plan to widen Interstate 10 from the Mississippi River bridge to the I-10/I-12 split in Baton Rouge has re

He said pledging to widen the entire corridor would drive up state debt and spark opposition from lawmakers.

Asked if $350 million will finish the work Wilson said, "I don't think that will take care of the entire corridor."

"It may, but I am not that confident that this 60-year-old structure is not going to have some pieces of it that need to be replaced, not just repaired, not just widened."

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The effort is aimed at adding a new lane in each direction from the bridge to the I-10/12 split.

Wilson said the work will not be sequential, which means sections of the corridor could be upgraded, such as stretches from the bridge to the LSU and City Park lakes and around College Drive.

The governor's package would also make improvements on I-10 in Kenner, at Loyola Avenue, to improve access to a soon-to-be-revamped Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

Wilson testified for about 90 minutes before the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.

No votes on the governor's highway proposal were taken.

The plan has been endorsed by the House-Senate transportation committees and also faces review by the State Bond Commission.

The proposal envisions using federal bonds to finance the work, with the money repaid yearly for 12 years with federal dollars  up to $67 million  that would otherwise be used for other interstate work.

Earlier the plans won praise from Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, a member of the committee and one of the Legislature's most influential figures. "I want to commend you for picking some of these," Alario told Wilson.

"They certainly all have economic benefits for our state," he said.

"Nobody who ever comes around Baton Rouge doesn't understand the need for that," Alario said, a reference to the I-10 widening proposal.

Alario added, "If you wait another 10 years these projects will cost twice as much and we will never get to them anyhow."

Other panel members were complimentary of the plans.

Some legislators focused on the debt caused by the proposal, and the possibility of overruns.

Other work in Edwards' plan is up to $12.5 million to replace the Belle Chasse Tunnel and roadwork in north Louisiana to improve access to Barksdale Air Force Base.

Wilson said that, if the Legislature had approved a state gas tax last year, he would not be trying to finance state projects with federal bonds.

Louisiana has a nearly $14 billion backlog of road and bridge needs.

A bid to increase Louisiana's gas tax by up to 17 cents per gallon  around $500 million per year  died last year without a vote in either chamber.
Daniel 10.19-21

He said, Do not fear, greatly beloved, you are safe. Be strong and courageous! When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.



Then he said, Do you know why I have come to you? Now I must return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I am through with him, the prince of Greece will come. But I am to tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth. There is no one with me who contends against these princes except Michael, your prince."

As I've written about the demonic over the years I've often pointed us to the story of angelic combat in Daniel 10.10-14In that story the angelic messenger is delayed from coming to Daniel due to interference from "the prince of the kingdom of Persia." The angel gets free from this prince when Michael, "one of the chief princes," comes to his aid.Again, the point I've often made about this story is how theinterference is tied to aentity, the demon is the "prince of the kingdom of Persia."But there is a bit more material in Daniel 10 that highlights these connections between angelic spirits and kingdoms.At the very end of the chapter the angel says to Daniel:Notice two things. Beyond the demonic prince ofthere is also a demonic prince of. Also, note how Michael the archangel is the prince ofAgain, all this highlights the point I've made before and in my book Reviving Old Scratch . The spiritual and the demonic are deeply connected within the political in the biblical imagination. Two sides of the same coin.
Though federal taxes for utilities dropped by 14 percent on Jan. 1, the privately owned companies continue to collect at the old 35 percent rate from more than 2 million Louisiana customers.

All five elected regulators on the sharply partisan Public Service Commission reacted Wednesday with rare unanimity in demanding that the utilities to return the tax over-collections post-haste.

Right now they are charging people for taxes they know theyre not going to have to pay and their ratepayers, right now, are paying bills that are very high because of the weather, Commissioner Lambert Boissiere III, D-New Orleans, said after the panels monthly meeting. Those benefits should go to the public immediately.

Republican Commissioner Mike Francis, of Crowley, agreed: We need the money in the pockets of the people.

PSC commissioner: If Louisiana energy companies get a tax break, they need to pass it down to customers The million customers of Entergy Louisiana could see their monthly bills drop by about $4 per month if the Public Service Commission heeds the

But the PSC doesnt know exactly how much money companies saved when the federal corporate income tax dropped from 35 percent to 21 percent as part of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law Dec. 22. Plus, a web of laws and accounting regulations makes it difficult for the utilities to quickly change how much they collect from their customers  even to a lesser amount  and hard to refund those over-collections.

So, the PSC ordered their staff and company officials find a way, by March 21, to give all of the savings from the cut in the federal corporate tax rate back to customers.

Theres a lot of money out there. Its huge, said interim PSC Secretary Brandon Frey.

In addition to what companies already have collected this year, utilities set aside money to pay future tax liabilities. With the change in the tax laws, those reserves are now far in excess of the future tax liabilities.

Excess deferred taxes also must be returned to ratepayers, Frey said.

Just how much all these various pots of tax savings amount to is still being calculated.

Entergy Louisiana, which sells electricity to about 1 million customers, estimates an annual tax savings of $110 million or about $9 million a month, according to a report submitted to the PSC.

Cleco Power, which services the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain and central Louisiana, didnt release a figure but recommended refunding whatever the amount to customers on their September 2018 bills for their July 2018 usage.

SWEPCO, with about 230,000 customers in northwest Louisiana, estimated its income tax liability would go down by about $19 million.

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Phillip May, the president and chief executive officer of Entergy Louisiana LLC, said customers will benefit in several ways from the reduction of federal taxes. Company officials are working with staff to determine when and how the tax breaks will be reflected in the rates.

In other states, some regulators have ordered utilities to cut checks and some have told companies to credit the amounts to lower monthly bills.

In 1986, when another huge reduction in federal corporate taxes occurred, the PSC required utilities to reduce the rates paid by consumers by the same amount as the tax cut.

The accounting procedures and state laws that determine how much people pay each month are complicated. Generally, rates are set in a formula that takes into account the cost of making and transmitting power.

Utility companies legally cant just unilaterally change the rates, even to go lower. Usually any differences from the amount the companies thought would be collected and what actually was gathered, is balanced out at the end of the year. Other rules prohibit retroactive changes to the rate formula.

PSC Chairman Eric Skrmetta, R-Metairie, said these are the issues that need to be sorted out.

Each company is a little different, he said, adding that he expects the utilities to refund the money all at once, probably in the form of a credit that would reduce a monthly bill or two sometime during the summer.

The lower tax rate should lead to a reduction of monthly rates into the future, Commissioner Craig Greene, R-Baton Rouge. The issue is the amount that feeds into the formula and that amount, as far as taxes are concerned, has gone down, which will lead to lower prices on future bills, he said.

But thats in the future. As for the taxes being over-collected now, Greene said, that money needs to be returned  the sooner the better.

Like fellow Commissioner Foster Campbell, D-Bossier Parish, Greene was hit with an unusually expensive electric bill after the recent cold snap.

Campbells monthly bill jumped by $200 to $650 because he and his wife ran the heater, pretty much nonstop, through days of single digit temperatures.

It wasnt just me, Campbell said. My phone has been ringing off the wall from my people call to complain about high utility bills. I want people to get their money back and now is the time to do it, not four months from now.
President Donald Trump listens to Carson Abt, a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., as he hosts a listening session with high school students and teachers in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
The Tales of the Cocktail festival has been good for New Orleans, helping craft a role for the city at the forefront of an evolving drinks industry and bringing in a wave of visitors in the middle of summer.

Now it has new leaders, a new nonprofit structure and a plan to expand the potential good the event can do quite a bit further.

Gary Solomon Jr., head of the local production company the Solomon Group, and Neal Bodenheimer, proprietor of the cocktail lounges Cure and Cane & Table, have completed the purchase of Tales of the Cocktail from its founders, Ann and Paul Tuennerman.

News of an impending deal was first announced in late December, beginning a period of due diligence on the business side. The partners confirmed last week that the sale has been completed. Terms were not disclosed.

Caroline Nabors Rosen has been named the executive director. Rosen was previously executive director of the John Besh Foundation.

The main Tales of the Cocktail event remains scheduled for July 17-22 this summer.

Our goal will be stabilization. We dont want to totally shake up what works, because theres a lot that works really well, Bodenheimer said. But the big issues, the why-are-we-here questions, I think you should feel a difference this year.

The new leadership marks the next chapter for an event and organization that started small but grew to international prominence in the spirits industry. Its also one that has been on the rocks for the past year after outcry over a racially charged social media post led to its founders resignations.

With its future in doubt, many in the local hospitality industry worried that Tales of the Cocktail could shrink or even pull up stakes if bought by out-of-town investors.

Instead, the new leadership team is keeping it in New Orleans, reorganizing the entire enterprise as a nonprofit and adding a new layer to its mission by expanding its role in civic leadership and charitable giving.

In a statement, Paul Tuennerman said Tales of the Cocktail had many suitors.

We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and the interest in acquiring the company," Tuennerman said. "From the beginning, our goals were to protect the economic impact for New Orleans while making sure we passed the torch to those individuals who would further our vision and be proper stewards. We believe that the decision we made with the Solomons and Neal Bodenheimer ensures that these goals are met."

Tourism officials have responded to the development with both praise and relief.

Mark Romig, president and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp., described Tales of the Cocktail as "one of the essential components to the New Orleans tourism industry."

"I'm thrilled the Solomon family was able to partner with Neal Bodenheimer and provide the resources necessary to keep Tales in its hometown," Romig said in a statement. "I can't imagine what would have happened if we lost it.

Kristian Sonnier, a spokesman for the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the event is important on multiple levels, serving both as a cultural asset for the city and as an economic boost during the summer.

The hospitality industry is very confident in Gary and Neals leadership and excited about the direction theyll take this, Sonnier said.

A spirited event

The purchase was supported by Solomons family, which is a prominent name in New Orleans business and philanthropy. The family made a fortune in the movie theater business and has built it through the years in other sectors.

Solomon said it was the potential of Tales of the Cocktail to become a vehicle for philanthropy that drew his familys interest.

He said they see the purchase of Tales as a contribution that can set up the event to be a permanent, revenue-producing nonprofit to fund various causes. They intend to support a mix of local organizations and others working on issues that affect the spirits industry worldwide.

The revamped Tales of the Cocktail has committed to contributing $250,000 in grants in its first year.

The reason we got into this wasnt because our family needed a venture in the festival business, Solomon said. Weve been looking for years for an event that makes a lasting impact on peoples lives.

Solomon said his family was inspired by the example of Hogs for the Cause, the cook-off held each March in New Orleans to support families dealing with pediatric brain cancer. It has become a national leader in this area thanks to a network of cook-off teams, raising millions of dollars.

Its people coming together to have a good time, and the way the event channels that interest is why they keep coming back and supporting this cause, said Solomon. We see a model there that can create earned revenue for a nonprofit.

In this way, he said, people in the spirits industry who attend a networking and educational event in New Orleans will be contributing to a nonprofit that will fund a range of causes.

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Theres a lot of overlap in the issues that are important to us and that are important to the industry, Solomon said. Diversity, access, equity, addiction treatment  these are things were interested in as a family, things the city has a stake in and that the industry is calling out for. If we can address them through Tales, thats pretty attractive to us.

Under its previous incarnation, Tales of the Cocktail encompassed both a nonprofit group and a for-profit company. The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society was the nonprofit, while a company called Mojo 911, owned by the Tuennermans, produced Tales of the Cocktail. That company held all the trademarks of the Tales of the Cocktail brand.

Solomon and Bodenheimer bought Mojo 911 and have rebranded the entire organization as the nonprofit Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.

We look at this as an investment. The difference is the profits from this investment are going back into the community, Solomon said.

Growing with a culture

Ann Tuennerman founded Tales of the Cocktail in 2002 as a walking tour of New Orleans bars. It evolved into a small conference of cocktail enthusiasts centered at the Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar. It grew at a time when a cocktail renaissance was taking root across the country.

The nascent event gave the leaders of this movement a place to convene, and as the one-time niche business of craft cocktails became a big business, Tales of the Cocktail emerged as an important stop for career-building and brand development.

Along the way, it also helped change New Orleans' image in the drinks world from Bourbon Street debauchery to a more sophisticated blend of historic roots and modern trends.

The Tuennermans expanded with other events at home and overseas. One of those international events, in Edinburgh, Scotland, continues in April this year.

But the main event has always been in New Orleans in July. That is typically a slow time for the citys tourism business, and the estimated 15,000 attendees and $18 million annual economic impact the event brings are a highpoint of summer business here.

But as Tales of the Cocktail became a more prominent platform for the spirits industry and the bartender community, it has also become a focal point for issues within them. That includes questions of inclusion and minority representation, and that helped fuel the impassioned response to the Tuennermans' online incident.

The imbroglio began on Mardi Gras morning in 2017. Before riding in the Zulu parade, Ann Tuennerman posted a Facebook Live video of her wearing Zulu's traditional costume, which includes blackface makeup.

While the costume and Zulus role as the citys premier African-American krewe are widely understood in New Orleans, the image of Tuennerman, who is white, dressed in blackface was bound to be an issue as the social media post spread. The post included a comment from Paul Tuennerman that many deemed to be racially insensitive.

Official apologies soon followed, along with Paul Tuennermans resignation. But as anger grew, the incident became an entry point for broader complaints about Tales of the Cocktail.

While the July event went on as scheduled, by September media reports that Paul Tuennerman was returning to the organization prompted a new flare-up. Both founders soon resigned and announced their intention to sell Tales of the Cocktail.

Scrutiny inevitable

While the full nonprofit structure is new and the grant-making approach is expanding, Bodenheimer said Tales of the Cocktail will still be focused on its original purpose.

Ultimately the only way Tales works is if we serve bartenders and the industry, because thats who our sponsors want to reach, Bodenheimer said. If we do that, were serving the community by keeping this a strong local event.

The partners acknowledged that the event will be under scrutiny as it proceeds, with many in the industry watching to see where the new owners take it, especially after its recent turmoil.

When you buy a business, you inherit its issues. What differentiates you is how you deal with those, Solomon said.

Issues of diversity and inclusion are roiling many different industries, and Solomon said that while their conference likely cannot solve them all it can provide a well-built platform to lead the industry in these issues.

We look at the things we can control, Solomon said. We can make sure we attract and fund attendees from diverse backgrounds, so they can participate in the event. We can control that. When they get here, we can make sure there are programs where youre hearing from people from diverse backgrounds and finding programs that speak to these issues. And ultimately, its where the money goes when we make grants. We can control that too.

Both Solomon and Bodenheimer are New Orleans natives with deep roots in the city. They also have their own histories with Tales for the Cocktail. Solomon has worked with the event through his production company in past years, while Bodenheimer has been a participant and speaker and has hosted official Tales of the Cocktail events at his venues.

I think we bring a lot of familiarity to it, but we also know theres going to be a lot of pressure on us to do it right, said Bodenheimer. Were calling on a lot of people to help us, because we know we cant do this on our own.
NEW ORLEANS (AP)  A federal judge has ordered the state of Louisiana to pay more than $150,000 in fees and costs to attorneys for a man who successfully challenged a law that prevented him and other foreign-born U.S. citizens from getting married.

U.S. District Judge Ivan Lemelle's order Wednesday comes more than six months after he permanently blocked the marriage law.

Lawyers who represented Lafayette resident Viet Anh Vo had asked for nearly $213,000 in fees and more than $11,267 in costs. Lemelle awarded them $144,614 in fees and $10,140 in costs.

The Indonesia-born Vo sued in 2016 after he and his U.S.-born fiancee had their application for a marriage license rejected by court clerks in three parishes. The law blocked Vo from getting a license because he couldn't produce a birth certificate.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office fired its controversial human resources director on Wednesday, shortly after a new administrator took over operations at the citys troubled jail.

Johnette Staes' tenure at the Sheriff's Office ended almost immediately after the man who hired her in early 2017, Gary Maynard, stepped down as the official tasked with bringing the jail into compliance with a federal reform mandate.

Maynards replacement, acting jail administrator Darnley Hodge Sr., said that human resources manager Jasminne Navarre also had her last day at the Sheriffs Office on Wednesday.

Hodge declined to say whether Navarre's departure was voluntary, but she had been hired by Staes. They had previously worked together at the New Orleans Fair Grounds.

Deputies escorted both women out of the Sheriff's Office headquarters in Mid-City on Wednesday evening, a law enforcement source said.

A Sheriffs Office spokesman did not respond to a question about why Staes was fired.

The Sheriffs Office said it will soon name an interim human resources director and begin searching for a permanent one.

Maynard hired Staes at an annual salary of $110,000 to stem turnover in staff at the jail and speed up the hiring process for new employees. Yet she had red flags in her own background, as The New Orleans Advocate reported earlier this month.

She landed her job despite having bounced checks on multiple occasions between 2008 and 2011, including at a pre-school, a clothing store and a car dealership. None of the cases resulted in a conviction, and it appeared she eventually paid the bills and District Attorneys Office fees in all or most of them.

But the pattern eventually caught the attention of the state Gaming Control Board, the agency that issues permits allowing people to work at the Fair Grounds, where she spent nearly three years as HR director before joining the Sheriffs Office.

Weeks before she was hired by the Sheriffs Office, the gaming board yanked Staes' permit to work at the track, largely because she had failed to disclose her bounced-check issues when applying for her permit.

During proceedings with the gaming board, Staes received a character reference from Navarre, who later left the Fair Grounds for a Sheriffs Office job with a $75,000 salary.

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Staes also drew attention after at least two jail employees were fired within weeks of their hire date in May.

One of those deputies, Tyler Materre, was arrested in September on allegations that he tried to smuggle tobacco and marijuana into the jail to a murder suspect charged with participating in a string of 2015 restaurant holdups in Uptown New Orleans.

The second, Monica Smith, landed a job even though she faced municipal charges of criminal damage to property, disturbing the peace and battery.

The Metropolitan Crime Commission in June sent a letter warning the Sheriffs Office about Staes history of bad checks. The Sheriffs Office said it extended her probationary period as a result but kept her employed.

Her departure could be a sign that Hodge, a longtime corrections professional in Virginia who most recently served as a federal monitor for the Sheriffs Office reform process, intends to take an aggressive approach to cleaning house at the jail.

Sheriff Marlin Gusman, who won re-election last year, has been sidelined from running the facility under a 2016 order from U.S. District Judge Lance Africk. That order came as a result of a reform agreement with the federal government known as a consent decree.

When Maynard handed in his resignation last month, Africk reiterated that change was coming too slowly at the city's lockup, which has been plagued by suicides, violent attacks and drug smuggling.

"While there has been some improvement in compliance over the course of Director Maynards tenure, the court is nonetheless dissatisfied with the pace of reform and lack of compliance relating to numerous mandates of the consent decree," Africk said in his order.

The jails human resources department came in for particular scrutiny from Hodge and his fellow monitors. They said in a January report that the jails hiring requirements and background investigation practices needed to be examined and revised to reverse sky-high attrition rates.

Earlier this month, the Sheriff's Office hired a consulting firm to review whether its HR department was following best practices regarding background checks and other functions. The agency's contract with the Segal Waters firm was worth $49,000, according to public records.

Emily Washington, an attorney with the MacArthur Justice Center in New Orleans who represents jail inmates, said she hopes Staes will be replaced quickly.

Staffing levels in the jail remain in a state of crisis. People in OPSO custody continue to be without proper supervision and to suffer serious harm as a result. We hope that OPSO moves swiftly to fill the HR director position so that efforts to recruit and retain qualified staff can begin, she said.

Attempts to contact Staes on Wednesday were unsuccessful. Navarre did not immediately return a message.
Republicans are lining up to badmouth Gov. John Bel Edwards, which is hardly surprising since he is that anomalous creature, a Southern Democrat in major office.

U.S. Sen. John Kennedy and state Attorney General Jeff Landry are giving Edwards such a rotten review that they are clearly lusting for his job.

Meanwhile a congressman largely unknown in this part of the state from a place you've never heard of is also considering a run. Ralph Abraham, of Alto, has plenty of time to become a household name and is making it plain he doesn't think much of Edwards' job performance.

There have, however, been no brickbats from one Republican who already is a household name. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says he is happy where he is and won't be a candidate for promotion when Edwards is up for re-election, which makes him an anomaly, too.

Meanwhile, the exchanges between Edwards and Kennedy achieve a nastiness that is making them the Hatfields and McCoys of Louisiana politics.

Edwards has a name that suggests English or Welsh ancestry, so he can be our modern-day Hatfield. The first of the McCoys to settle in this country was born in Ireland, and names don't come much more Hibernian than Kennedy.

A Hatfield died in a shoot-out with three McCoys following a moonshine-fueled dispute on an 1884 election day in Kentucky, but that's about the extent of their feud's political implications. The insults regularly exchanged recently by Kennedy and Edwards, on the other hand, were originally inspired by politics.

Edwards has also been going at it hammer and tongs since day one with Landry. But for the prolonged personal abuse that turns a spat into a feud, we must turn to Edwards and Kennedy. They have elevated tit for tat to such an art that they have taken to accusing each other of the same thing. Each says the other is guilty of diversionary correspondence.

"If the governor wants to spend his time productively, rather than writing letters, I would very respectfully suggest to him that he clean up his Department of Corrections," Kennedy said last Thursday.

A month ago Edwards' flack said that while he "appreciates the multiple letters Sen. Kennedy has composed over the last several days in between his television appearances, his time would be better focused on congressional matters.

The letter that got Kennedy's goat was sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which had been considering a bill that would grant earlier release to federal inmates convicted on drug charges. Kennedy, whose views on such matters are reliably draconian, chimed in to suggest that the recent, modest liberalization of Louisiana's criminal justice system had been an unqualified disaster rammed through by Edwards without canvassing the views of sheriffs or district attorneys.

In fact, sheriffs and DAs had plenty of say in common-sense plans to reduce Louisiana's prison population, the highest per capita in the world, and Edwards could hardly be blamed for calling Kennedy a liar in his letter to the committee. Kennedy then declared that Edwards was in favor of letting illegal immigrants in and dangerous criminals out, so all hope of rational debate was gone.

Kennedy's observations on the Corrections Department were perfectly timed, however. That very day, former Avoyelles Parish prison warden Nate Cain was indicted yet again.

A month earlier, the shoe was on the other foot after Kennedy dashed off a letter to Edwards, who had said he supported a work requirement for able-bodied Medicaid recipients. Kennedy offered to set up a meeting to work on the necessary regulations, but made it clear in an interview that he flat-out didn't believe Edwards. The governor does not believe in work requirements, but he's in a box. If John Bel is serious, he needs to show us. It would be the first time, but if he does I'll send him a bowl of fruit or something. Kennedy said. Edwards was later reported to be working on a plan to deny subsidized health care to malingerers.

Politics is not a game for the faint-hearted, and it is only natural for Republicans to obstruct a Democrat governor are every turn and then attack him as ineffective. That doesn't necessarily mean they hate one another's guts, but, Kennedy and Edwards give the strong impression that this is the real McCoy.

Email James Gill at Gill1407@bellsouth.net.
The domain fishinghd.com may be for sale. Please click here to inquire
Their letters of support were added to the public record. By the time the comment period ended six months later, Ruggia's amendment went untouched.

And then he took action to try to ensure it stay in there: He drafted up a letter of support for the amendment from EKAF. He called Boffi and his counterparts in the French- and Italian-speaking parts of the country. He asked them to write lettersof support for the change, to show its broad support.

By December 2007, the change made it into the version of the bill that was released for public comment.

"It was seemingly a little bit harmless," Ruggia said with a subtle shrug and a twist of the wrist meant to dismiss it.

So he wrote up the amendment and slipped it into the end of the draft bill circulating around the capitol. It went unnoticed in its first year. It seemed to be considered just another little amendment necessary to bring other laws in compliance with the new rules, Ruggia said.

What if he could slip into this update a change to the language in Article 231, one that stated people could only be prosecuted if there was actual transmission and if there was malicious intent on the part of the person living with HIV? And what if he could convince others in the administration that this was, after all, a small, technical change not worthy of note?

So nearly two years before the Swiss statement codified U=U's forbearer into Swiss medical practice, Ruggia did something he wasn't sure would work. The administration was considering updating the entire epidemiology law, to bring it current from its 1970s drafting, and to address new epidemics, including SARS and H1N1.

They needed to find a way to link the law on epidemiology to the criminal code. And it was a stretch, he said.

And EKAF could recommend a change, he said, but that's where its power ended.

"It's very bad press to raise" repeal of any criminal statute, he said. "If you look, in every country, the criminal code book only gets bigger."

That's how he learned about the impact of Article 231, and the epidemiology law, Article 122, on people living with HIV. Ruggia said he considered the law itself ethically wrong and functionally ineffective, but he knew just repealing a criminal statute was a non-starter in a parliament he said was composed primarily of lawyers.

That's where Ruggia was in 2006, as EKAF's scientific secretary, a position within the Federal Office of Public Health. It was part of his job, he said, to present the commission with issues it might tackle. To that end, he read reports from Parli and attorney Fridolin Beglinger, and discrimination reports by Boffi's group and others, and listened to the opinions of activists like EKAF member David Haerry.

"That's where I can achieve more," he said. "You really have to keep a low profile if you're inside an administration."

Luciano Ruggia would prefer you not know his name. He's not shy -- in fact, with his frank manner and expressive hand motions, he'd be more aptly described as gregarious. But he prefers to do his work out of the spotlight.

One person was convicted only of having presented a risk to public health -- meaning he wasn't convicted of having caused any actual harm -- and the court ordered a suspended sentence and an obligation not only to disclose HIV status to partners, but also to register every sexual contact with the state.

People who were convicted spent an average of 18 months to two years behind bars, but one case resulted in a three year sentence -- that one included a conviction for coercion and assault, according to Parli's report.

Most cases involved new couples having sex without one partner knowing the other's HIV status or where the person living with HIV had lied about their status. Three people were prosecuted and convicted for having consensual sexual contact with a partner who knew their status and consented to taking the risk.

But what they told Parli was significant: Cases against people living with HIV had been going up across the country, from two cases before 1994 to nine cases between 2005 and 2009, with 39 people prosecuted since 1990. Twenty six of those were convicted. And half of those were despite the fact that no one acquired HIV.

For another thing, there's no national database of every decision made in every canton. To find out what the courts were doing, Parli called all 23 of the cantonal courts to get their information.

Changing Swiss HIV criminalization laws would not be easy. For one thing, the laws used to prosecute people living with HIV are general and apply to any form of assault or transmission of human disease. For another, the Swiss don't follow the legal concept of binding precedent, said Sascha Moore Boffi, a jurist with the Swiss HIV organization Groupe sida Geneve. So what happens in Geneva doesn't necessarily change a later decision in Zurich or Obwalden. Each case, he said, is decided on an individual basis.

"I will not say that the law is guilty for my infection; that was my responsibility," she said. "But I see there is a point that I was a threat [to my partner's freedom] and didn't seek enough information, just because of the law."

And you don't take measures to prevent transmission during conception if you don't know what they are, Meyer said.

But there was a new way, a legally non-binding public health approach enacted in Swiss AIDS policy in the 1990s -- one that held that every person in a relationship is responsible for their behavior and responsible for curtailing the spread of diseases. That approach said that it's up to each partner to care for themselves, and the more they were able to do that, the better it was for everyone. HIV testing is part of that -- but you don't test if you are afraid of going to jail for having sex, he said.

"From the perspective of the criminal law, it's not a question of the two individuals, of if they are willing to take the risk," he said. "That's the old way of how to deal with public health. ... It wasn't effective."

At a time when people wouldn't admit to having HIV to anyone, Parli watched people shy away from HIV testing to avoid being held liable under the law.

In practice, though, Article 231 wasn't used just to prosecute actual transmission. It was also used to prosecute hypothetical risk -- that is, potentially exposing someone to HIV; or, simply, having sex without a condom and/or without disclosure. In July 2008, Switzerland's Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne even ruled that people could be convicted under the law if they didn't know they were living with HIV at the time of sex. Another court ruling found that if you have symptoms that might indicate you have HIV, or if you have good reason to believe that someone you had sex with has HIV, you either had to disclose that suspicion or practice safer sex -- failing either of which, you risked prosecution.

"The article [231] remained dormant until the late 1980s, when some judges started to use it in HIV cases," Ruggia said.

The first thing that would have to change, he said, was the general understanding of public health, one common in much of the world, including the U.S.: It assumed that criminal prosecution could curtail the spread of a disease. The country's epidemiology law had been enacted in the 1940s to hold female sex workers liable for transmitting syphilis to "innocent clients," as public health official Luciano Ruggia told TheBodyPRO.

At the time, he was a social worker. But when he went to law school, he wondered how to disentangle the legal system from the health of people with HIV.

"Having the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS led to a social death long before the physical death," he said, adding that it was clear to him that the criminal laws and the epidemiology law were an extension of this stigma.

People regularly told friends that they were sick with anything but HIV, Kurt Parli, a wiry man with a thick head of hair, told TheBodyPRO. Cancer was a popular cover story.

In the early 2000s, around the same time that Meyer was raising her daughters, a man she had never met was spending time with people receiving treatment for HIV-related conditions elsewhere in the country. And he found himself, he said, confronted with the reality of how HIV stigma alters the trajectory of a life.

"As an activist, you can't be diplomatic," she said. "Criminalization will not come to an end that way. I'm radically against any criminalization, even if an infection is happening, even if there is a real risk. It's not OK."

Eventually, she found her way onto the Swiss National HIV/AIDS Commission, (abbreviated as EKAF in German), a national group of policy makers, bureaucrats, scientists, doctors and activists, where she said it was other people's job to be diplomatic. Her life and freedom were at stake.

"I would later go to the police and tell them, 'I had sex without a condom,'" she said. "I was waiting for someone to charge me. But we didn't find one who wanted to bring charges against me. I was too open with the idea."

She even tried to find the most conservative cantons -- the Swiss version of states -- and try to get them to arrest her for exposing her partner to HIV. She'd plan weekend getaways and get amorous with her partner.

"It's illegal," she said she'd tell them. "But if I can't infect my partner, it's a crazy law."

Most World AIDS Days, she said, you could find her face and her name in the papers, where, she said, she'd "always tell them I have sex without condoms."

As a feminist and someone who spent her teen years protesting nuclear power, it was natural for her. First she agitated for her local AIDS service organization to start a support group for women newly diagnosed with HIV. Then she put herself forth as a public figure, someone willing to speak openly about her diagnosis -- a rare event at the time.

These were stop-gap measures, though. It would be much easier, she said, if the law weren't there at all. So when, in 1999, her doctor informed her that she was on stable treatment and couldn't pass on the virus, she did two things: She tried for and conceived two children -- girls now aged 16 and 15, both born without HIV -- and she began fighting in earnest for a change to the law.

She also took another measure. She said she told partners (women and men): "No one comes into my house without a test -- because it's not my intent to be held guilty for someone else's infection."

"I was not going to risk going to jail for them," she said. "And they decided, even without talking to me, to take [the condom] off because they were having fun with the risk? This made me crazy."

It made her extra careful with later sexual partners. Twice, she said, she kicked men out of bed and out of her house, naked and throwing their clothes after them, for taking off a condom during sex without telling her.

The other was her new reality on the other side of the HIV criminalization line. As she put it: "And then to know that I could be sentenced?"

Suddenly, she said she had to process two things: One was what she described as the cruelty of medical providers, who she said told her, "It's good that your child is dead, because you are HIV positive."

Then, in February 1994, Meyer lost her pregnancy. Ten days after that, she tested positive for HIV.

The news that her partner could be prosecuted for doing exactly what she'd asked him to do scared her off from trying to get any more information about how to lower her risk of acquiring HIV during conception. Privately, the couple had condomless sex. And Meyer did get pregnant -- the fulfillment of what she called a lifelong "child wish."

"It's crazy," she said in heavily accented English. "We were two adult people who decided together and there was no violence, no dependency. We were on the same level to decide -- so lawmakers have nothing to look for in our bedroom."

He told her, she said, that among the many possible outcomes was that he could be arrested for endangering her and the public's health.

So she asked a doctor what would happen if they just had condomless sex.

Meyer learned about the laws in the early 1990s, when she and her partner wanted to have a baby. The fact that he was living with HIV and she wasn't didn't deter her. She'd decided she was willing to take a risk.

Michele Meyer has a shock of flaming red hair and a temperament that does not suffer fools gladly. And she definitely considered Switzerland's HIV criminalization laws foolish -- even before she herself was living with HIV.

As American state legislatures continue to grapple with how to modernize decades-old laws that criminalize non-disclosure of HIV status and "attempts" to transmit the virus, and as the Swiss statement -- the first time U=U entered the world -- reaches its 10-year anniversary, we look back on one model of how to do this work. And we start with a woman who has been on both sides of the issue.

"One should not," Geneva's deputy public prosecutor Yves Bertossa told the newspaper Le Temps at the time of the 30-something year-old man's exoneration, "convict people for hypothetical risk."

What changed in that month was that the long-term work of activists and people living with HIV converged with both good luck and the emergence of the science of viral load and transmissibility. It would take another several years after Mr. S's acquittal for the law to formally change. But in 2016, concerted work would change Swiss law forever, such that no one with an undetectable viral load has since been convicted of attempting to transmit HIV without also having a malicious intent.

One month later, the appeals chamber of the Geneva Court of Justice held him harmless .

He was serving 18 months for having condomless sex without disclosing his HIV status. He had argued that it didn't matter because he had an undetectable viral load and couldn't transmit the virus. But the lower Swiss court in 2008 wasn't convinced. Under Article 231 of the Swiss Penal Code and under Article 122, nondisclosure was considered an attempt to engender grievous bodily harm, and he was solely responsible for curtailing the spread of HIV.

In November 2008, a 34-year-old African man was sitting in a jail cell in Geneva, Switzerland. We don't know his name -- only that court documents called him Mr. S. We don't know which country he immigrated from. He could have been anyone. All we know is that, to the state, he was a criminal.

Pietro Vernazza, M.D., at his induction into the Love Superhero Hall of Gratitude for work on safer conception options for HIV affected couples

Then something else that Ruggia had been working on behind the scenes came out publicly: a statement in the Bulletin of Swiss Medicine saying that people who have had a suppressed viral load for at least six months, who have no other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and who are monogamous need not use condoms because they can't transmit the virus.

This became known as the Swiss statement, a scientific policy intended to allow Swiss providers to talk openly with their patients about their options for conception and other activities, but which resonated around the scientific world, where it was largely lambasted.

For Dr. Pietro Vernazza, M.D., the lead author of the statement, it wasn't purely scientific. He said he was thinking of HIV modernization while he, Bernard Hirschel, Enos Bernasconi and Markus Flepp drafted the statement, too.

But Vernazza hadn't heard about it from his own patients in his clinic at a provincial St. Gallen, Switzerland, hospital. There, Vernazza was working with people living with HIV who were forgoing having a family with their HIV-negative partners out of fear of transmitting the virus -- a fear, he said, that was not backed up by any case reports of people on effective treatment transmitting HIV. This supported his own clinical experience, and the experience of the Swiss HIV cohort at large.

By 2007, Vernazza had been on the EKAF for eight years and was now serving as its chair. He had the power, but it took Parli's advocacy for Vernazza to understand the effect of the law on his patients.

"[Parli taught us] that not only did we have the highest number of convictions within Europe but also that these convictions were not justified," Vernazza said. And just like the pointless delay or abdication of children, HIV criminalization laws were pointless, too, he said.

"To me, this is a situation where you can't just say, 'OK I'm not involved in politics,'" Vernazza said. "It motivated me to do something against it if I could. And I was in a position with this commission that I was influential enough to use this influence [for my patients]."

He paused and added, "I would consider it my duty in such a commission to fight against the incorrect application of the law."

Indeed, the conclusion of the Swiss statement makes this specific: "Courts will have to consider [this statement] when assessing the reprehensible nature of HIV infection. From the point of view of the [EKAF], unprotected sexual contact between an HIV-positive person with no other STIs and on effective [antiretroviral treatment], and an HIV-negative person does not meet the criteria for an attempt to spread an illness. It is not dangerous in the sense of Art. 231 of the Swiss Penal Code, nor to those of an attempted serious bodily injury according to Art. 122."

An Opening for Change

By late 2008, the Swiss statement was beginning to find its way into criminal proceedings -- and not by accident. Parli said there was a concerted effort to translate the statement from its scientific source to the legal world.

"The legal world is sometimes like an autonomous planetary system or something," Parli said. "There was a need to bring this information to lawyers and to judges and to the courts. But finally, it had an effect."

Indeed, the Swiss statement came out at the beginning of 2008. By the end of that year, one of the statement's primary authors, Hirschel, had testified that Mr. S couldn't have transmitted the virus because his viral load had been undetectable since at least the beginning of 2008. This directly contradicted the statement of a medical examiner during the first trial, that "a risk of contamination remained in a context of undetectable viremia."

Prosecutor Bertossa dropped charges against Mr. S during the appeal of his conviction. That was followed the next year by another acquittal based on the same grounds, according to a study presented at the European AIDS Conference in 2013.

Collectively, these decisions became known as the Geneva judgments, and they were just as much of a watershed in Switzerland as the Swiss statement.

But for Ruggia, who was still watching his amendment move at a glacial pace through the Swiss legislative process, neither the Swiss statement nor the Geneva judgments were enough.

"Article 231 was still there," he said. "Even in the case of a judgment that goes up to the federal court, there was no guarantee that the Geneva judgments would be heeded. Usually judges are not as open and progressive."

Again, lack of the legal concept of binding precedent meant that judges in other cantons were free to make their own judgments.

Related: HIV Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) Fact Sheet

Arguing Against "Virulent" Laws

So when Parli's report came out the following year, in 2009, it didn't just describe the problem; it also argued that, for many reasons, the law needed to change.

For one thing, it argued that even without the Swiss statement, consent to taking a risk ought to be a defense against prosecution under Article 231 -- and protection from HIV is both party's responsibility. Think of it as an "it takes two to tango" doctrine, a doctrine that conformed with the new Swiss AIDS policy approach to public health.

If both people are culpable, the English-language fact-sheet stated, then it stands to reason that either both should be prosecuted, or neither should.

"If one does not wish to draw this conclusion," it states, "a restriction or reversal of the application of Article 231 of the Swiss Penal Code would be worth investigating de lege ferenda [in future law]."

But the Swiss statement does exist, he went on to write, making the burden of consent and disclosure "even more virulent."

"Given that punishment on the grounds of an attempted crime always requires that the accused acts willfully, in cases of unprotected sexual intercourse where the HIV-infected person complies with [the Swiss statement], conviction on the grounds of attempted bodily harm is ruled out," the fact sheet states.

These issues, the report said, "shows the necessity to review Swiss Supreme Court practice."

But getting rid of the disclosure and consent rule is politically unfeasible, Boffi said. This is because Swiss law applies the same standards of informed consent to HIV disclosure that govern informed consent in the law in general, such as before surgery. So "it's difficult to find a way to mitigate that without weakening other forms of informed consent that we want to keep," Boffi said.

There is one way to avoid disclosure, though: Swiss law holds that practicing accepted rules of safer sex is a defense against prosecution.

"As far as [the Article 231] was concerned, our Supreme Court decided that when protection was used, no disclosure was necessary," said Boffi. "It didn't say a condom needed to be used, only that if the person abided by the rules of safer sex, that person was free of the obligation to disclose."

So Boffi and others saw an opening there: If treatment was considered protective, it could influence the law and legislators.

"Our argument was that it's very simple: It's very important to take the HIV test, because now there's treatment -- testing is an opportunity for treatment -- so every hurdle in the way of letting them test is not cost effective for public health," Parli said. "As long as the criminal law was persecuting individuals who are HIV positive and took some risks, there was no incentive to take the test -- especially for those who are acting not all the time in safe ways. It's very important to reach those people, and the fact that they were afraid after being tested that they would be criminalized, that was an important point."

And with what the Swiss statement revealed about how effective treatment prevents people who live with HIV from transmitting the virus, even if they are not using condoms, overcoming that barrier to testing and treatment is even more important.

"The more sick one is, the more risk they have to transmit the virus," Paril added. So the law just didn't make sense. "One of the important lessons we learned was that it's important to act with patients and not against them."

A Switch and a Scramble

But just as the introduction of the the epidemiology law overhaul bill went to parliament in 2010, everything changed again.

"Here I was, I was very happy, I was not screaming. I was keeping a low profile because the article [amendment] was there and nice and fine," Ruggia said, his words speeding up and becoming more clipped. "And then two days before [it was introduced to Parliament] ... they changed the article."

It turned out that someone from the Department of Justice, at the last minute, had noticed the article and pressured officials to remove it from the bill. They did, and Ruggia's bosses raised no objection.

Suddenly, Ruggia went from hopeful to both furious and scared: anger at his bosses for not fighting the change, he said, and anger that the change went against the expressed comments of organizations that responded to the proposal (comments he had encouraged); and fear because "the odds change in parliament. You don't know what's going to happen."

"I told myself, we cannot leave it like this," he said. "Working with the press is always a risk. Working with politicians is always a risk. If you want to achieve something, you have to try to take some risks."

So despite the fact that he was having to do exactly what he didn't want to do, and despite the fact that he wasn't sure he even could do what needed to be done, Ruggia started talking to connections in parliament to try to undo the change.

As in the U.S., the process of bill approval is long, and starts in a committee -- in this case, in the national council commission on health of the lower house of Switzerland's parliament. There would be a hearing on the bill.

Ruggia decided the commission needed to be at that hearing, he said. But they could not just invite themselves.

"I needed someone from the committee to invite us," he said. "I knew someone in the committee and I asked him, 'You should get me an invitation.'"

First hurdle cleared: The invitation was issued.

But Ruggia didn't want to be the one up there talking publicly. "I prefer to get people better than me to speak in public," he said.

He managed to line up a few lawyers and policy analysts. Parli was out of the country, so he asked other attorneys to speak on the law and public health.

That's the next hurdle sorted, he thought.

Then he primed the pump: As the hearing approached in 2011, he asked Vernazza to speak to a newspaper reporter about the Swiss statement and the scientific argument for changing the law. They needed, he said, "an article in the press supporting the change."

Next, he studied the committee members again and tried to figure out who on the committee would be his biggest challenges. Once again, Ruggia's goal was to draw as little attention to the change as possible, for fear of attracting vocal opposition. So he looked at the committee members in the far right party, and discovered that someone in Ruggia's network knew one of the conservative committee members pretty well.

It was a stroke of luck, something Ruggia could never have expected, he said. So that member of Ruggia's network met privately with the committee member and, in Ruggia's words, "had a discussion before the hearing." Ruggia said this wasn't to lobby, but to educate. He declined to name the member of Parliament or the member of his network who met.

And all along organizations like UNAIDS and others were issuing reports and studying HIV criminalization laws around the world, to keep a spotlight on the issue.

Then came October and the day of the hearing. The article came out. Experts testified. The Swiss statement was presented into evidence as a statement from an official group of the parliament.

And the far right party members, he said, stayed mum.

"We didn't get any opposition," he said.

The revised amendment still required people to inform their partners of their HIV status, regardless of viral load. And while it made penalties more severe for people who purposefully transmitted HIV, it still allowed courts to punish people who passed on the virus unintentionally, according to a 2011 report from the newspaper Neue Zurcher Zeitung.

It wasn't the victory that Ruggia wanted. But, he said, it was better than leaving the article as it was, with no changes at all.

Change From the Left

As the bill moved from committee to the Parliament at large, it was a touchy time, said Parli.

On the one hand, parliament was overhauling its whole epidemiology law -- not just its approach to HIV. And most of the discussion was about whether and what vaccines should be required for children to attend school.

"This was an advantage," said Parli, "because there was not a huge debate about this particular issue. [HIV] wasn't the focus."

On the other hand, they feared the day that HIV did become the focus, and what would happen.

"We were a bit afraid -- what will happen when one day the Parliament is debating the issue of HIV/AIDS and what protections should be enacted into law, and then to argue it's against the public health if the transmission of HIV is criminalized," said Parli. "This is quite crucial -- how to convince ordinary members of parliament who are not specialists in public health."

And how to do it, he said, in a rational way when, as it comes to HIV, "the questions are not discussed in a rational manner."

So Parli, Ruggia and their networks tried to keep the issue out of the limelight, avoiding reporters, and praying that a big splashy case of someone intentionally transmitting HIV wouldn't take over the news and the consciousness of members of Parliament. When occasionally it did bubble to the surface in a positive way, Ruggia said he would send the article to his contacts in Parliament.

"You don't just stop," he said. "You send an email here or there."

Related: HIV Criminalization Coverage on TheBody

Meanwhile, Meyer was getting more and more irritated with the law as it was amended.

"I was really upset with them [on EKAF]," she said. "It wasn't just about the law for me. My big hope was to change the stigma, end the stigma."

She was convinced that EKAF, Ruggia and the rest of them had it backward: prevent discrimination, and then everything will get easier. For her, it wasn't really about the science.

"Because then it's just a virus, and you can have information and testing and treatment," she said.

So she kept pushing, talking to her contacts in Parliament as Ruggia talked to his, advocating for a better change to the law.

"I was so glad there was one man in Parliament who really understood what was needed," she said.

That man was Alec von Graffenried, representative of Switzerland's Berne region at the lower chamber of parliament, known as The National Council, at the time of the law's passage. He was a member of the Green Party and on the National Council's Legal Affairs Committee. Meyer said she'd spoken with him in the past, though she didn't speak directly with him about this bill. Meyer also said she knew people who knew him. And she was constantly talking to them about how wrong the law was to be there at all.

Similarly, Ruggia said he hadn't approached von Graffenried, either. But somehow, von Graffenried found articles on the law. He told the UN Development Programme and the Inter-Parliamentary Union in a report issued later, that he simply felt it was a good opportunity to bring the law in line with the science of HIV.

So in 2013, when the bill finally made it to the floor of The National Council, von Graffenried presented a last-minute amendment that said that the law should only prosecute the rare case where someone with HIV maliciously spreads the virus -- rather than people who, he said, were engaged in "normal sexual relationships."

It was a proposal that shocked Meyer, Ruggia -- everyone.

"I was not expecting that at all," Ruggia said. And even more surprising, he said, von Graffenried's proposal was a well formulated one.

"He was taking the law in the draft and saying, 'We can formulate this better,'" he said. "I think he's the only one who noticed Article 231 in the bill at all."

For his part, von Graffenried has said the new language just made more sense.

"We can still prosecute for malicious, intentional transmission of HIV," he's quoted as saying in the UN report. "But I expect those cases will be very rare. What has changed is that now people living with HIV -- which these days is a manageable condition -- will be able to go about their private relations without the interference of the law."

All the evidence, he said, suggests that "this is a better approach for public health."

His amendment passed 116 to 40.

It would take another three years for the law to go into effect: the public still had to vote on the new epidemics law, which included the amended Article 231. Anti-vaccine advocates put a proposition on the ballot to challenge the vote. , based on a proposition put forward by what Ruggia described as an anti-vaccine. The vote failed.

The report concludes that, as a member of the Justice Committee, von Graffenried was well placed to make this argument. This should be a lesson to advocates, the report states.

"Campaigners and parliamentarians need to ensure that all the relevant departments are lobbied when working on such changes," the report states.

For Boffi, the result shows that long-term advocacy is worth it. "What can be said is that the years and years of vocal opposition and lobbying and advocacy and information -- and especially information based on concrete evidence -- did have an effect in the end. We did have the majority of parliament say this wasn't an issue. It does confirm that advocacy, even though in the short term it doesn't succeed, in the long term it can create the necessary conditions that lay the groundwork and then benefit from the fruits.

Still, there was more than a little luck involved.

"It could have gone the other way," he said. "We were very fortunate to have that one member of parliament. ... I don't believe he ever did anything related [to] HIV before that."

The Living Legacy of Stimga

Groupe sida Geneve's Boffi joined the organization long after the groundwork had been laid for Article 231's modernization. He came on in 2010, after Ruggia's draft amendment to the law, after the Swiss statement, after the Geneva judgments.

He remembers clearly his colleagues coming home from the International AIDS Society conference in Vienna that year, and how so much of the discussion was on the Swiss statement and how dangerous it might be.

Today, a decade later, Boffi said that the impact of both the law change and the Swiss statement has been immense.

"The relief [among people living with HIV] was palpable," he said. "People were saying, 'Oh this is wonderful. I can seriously consider having sex again, and not be panicked or anguished that I'm putting my partner at risk.'"

But even in Switzerland, the stigma isn't gone. There's less structural stigma there, he said. But it's still around. He spends a chunk of his time working with migrants being deported to countries where they won't have access to their HIV treatments.

And people are still being prosecuted for HIV transmission, he said. Again, there's no central database for cases -- and in Switzerland, he said people often don't seek out organizations like Groupe sida Geneve when they are arrested, as people do in the U.S. Anecdotal cases reveal that people who are not on treatment are still being unsuccessfully prosecuted, he said.

"This aspect has been forgotten," he said. "We haven't got a solution for them as far as criminalization is concerned. They shouldn't be prosecuted either."

And even if someone is on treatment, it doesn't always protect people. Since the update of the epidemiology law, he said he's watched the HIV advocacy community somewhat disband. They are not still organizing around the issue.

But the Swiss statement, as much of a watershed as it is, is not enough to end HIV criminalization, Boffi said.

"We have prosecutors now who are starting to try to have judgments where the simple fact of transmission is considered proof of mal-intent," he said. "For the time being, this hasn't gone further than the lower courts and fortunately there's been no conviction in the lower courts yet. But it is a risk, and it has to do with the fact that, rather than learn from the campaign that long-term advocacy is necessary, we did the exact opposite."

Today, he said, U=U is a new concept in Switzerland.

"It's strange," he said. "We forgot our own lessons."
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"Japan, Iceland and Singapore are the three safest countries in which to be born, as measured by their newborn mortality rates," the report, called "Every Child Alive," said.

"Babies born in Japan stand the best chance of surviving," it said, reporting a 1 in 1,111 risk of death for newborns in the country, followed by Iceland with a 1 in 1,000 risk and Singapore at 1 in 909.

On the other hand, it reported that "children born in Pakistan face the worst odds" with a 1 in 22 chance of death.

According to the 33-page report, the risk of dying as a newborn varies widely with location of birth. Annually, some 2.6 million babies die before turning a month old, with roughly one million of them dying on the day of birth. An additional 2.6 million babies each year are stillborn.

Eight of the 10 countries with the highest newborn mortality rates are in sub-Saharan Africa. Following Pakistan, the Central African Republic and Afghanistan are the second and third most risky places to be born, respectively.

"Japan has tackled this issue of every child alive historically and we have heavily invested our government resources and knowledge to solve this problem," Japan's Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Yasuhisa Kawamura told an audience attending the New York launch of the report.

Read also: Hello Kitty, Pikachu appointed ambassadors for Japan

He also stressed the importance his country places on ensuring other nations are not left behind, referring to a global push to improve the lives of millions around the globe while placing special emphasis on the most vulnerable such as infants, whom he said need the greatest level of protection.

"Most of all, newborns die because they are poor," said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF's executive director in New York. "Babies born to the poorest families are more than 40 percent more likely to die in the newborn period than the babies in the richest families."

Despite the fact that roughly 7,000 newborn babies die every day -- with more than 80 percent of the deaths preventable with "basic solutions" such as affordable health care and well-trained medical staff -- Fore pointed to improvements made in countries such as Bangladesh, where the mortality rate has fallen by more than two-thirds.

Bangladesh's Ambassador Masud bin Momen explained how his country has realized a dramatic reduction in newborn deaths from 241,000 in 1990 to 62,000 last year.

His country, he said, has committed itself to improving the odds for babies by launching a national newborn health campaign recently. This has included the introduction of special newborn care units in public hospitals in 54 districts, though further support is needed in another 20 districts.

He also said he anticipated the influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar would likely translate into thousands of pregnant women who will be facing difficulties in safely giving birth and in keeping their children alive.

"We request UNICEF to immediately extend their Every Child Alive campaign to the Rohingya refugee camps and save lives," he said.
A revolutionary approach in capturing the effects of light, painting outdoors and using pure, lighter colors has transformed masterpieces into the works we know today while giving rise to one of the influential art movements  Impressionism.

In collaboration with one of the worlds leading modern art museums, the Musee dOrsay in Paris, the National Gallery Singapore is displaying over 60 stunning masterpieces by the foremost innovators of Impressionism  the art movement closely identified with the emergence of the modern era.



Giving a nod to the Impressionists radical use of color, the displayed paintings are presented in thematic sections based on colors used by leading artists of Impressionism  from Edouard Manet, Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir to Paul Cezanne at different stages of their careers.

Impressionists palette: A selection of original and modern materials used by Impressionist artists offers an insight into their unique methods. (JP/Stevie Emilia)

Curated by Marine Kisiel and Paul Perrin from the Musee dOrsay, the exhibition  entitled Colours of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musee dOrsay  runs until March 11.



Impressionism is one of the most influential movements in the history of art, fascinating artists and art audiences around the world and across centuries, Eugene Tan, the director of National Gallery Singapore, told invited members of the media, including The Jakarta Post, during the press viewing.

In fact, the influence of Impressionism can be seen in the many works of Southeast Asian artists.



Tan told the media the selection of works from the Musee dOrsays collection provided art lovers with an accessible and visually powerful introduction to Impressionism and some of its defining themes and ideas.



We hope visitors will enjoy this rare opportunity to get up close with these significant paintings and deepen their understanding between the art of Southeast Asia and the world.

La Pie (The Magpie) by Claude Monet (JP/Stevie Emilia)

The art movement emerged when a group of young painters like Monet and Renoir began to challenge the status quo by taking a revolutionary approach to painting light and using color.



Inspired by the rapid technological innovations of the late 19th century, these Impressionists moved out of their studios to the open, capturing the fleeting effects of light as it appeared before their eyes  using newly available pigments and discoveries in the science and theory of color.



Without their revolutionary moves, Perrin said the only paintings recognized as masterpieces today may be the carefully composed and often theatrical paintings that characterized the neo-Classicism and Romanticism schools.

Starting out with the blacks used by painters in the 1850s and 1860s to represent realities of their time, the exhibition, for instance, looks into how Impressionists used white and blue tones to capture snowscapes and their shadows or lush greens and blues to depict the French landscape.



In the latter stage of the movement, soft pinks and purples were used to create new harmonies and more subjective realities.



At the exhibition, which is part of the Century of Light showcase of art from the 19th century, visitors can get up close with Le Bassin aux nympheas, harmonie rose (Water lily Pond, Pink Harmony), a painting of one of Claude Monets favorite subjects  his pond with a Japanese-style bridge, filled with water lilies  which he painted repeatedly.



Other masterpieces include Auguste Renoirs Gabrielle a la rose (Gabrielle with a Rose), which breathed new life into the great European tradition of the female nude; and Le berceau (The Cradle), arguably the most important work by the first lady of Impressionism, Berthe Morisot.

Le Bassin aux Nympheas, Harmonie Rose (Water Lily Pond, Pink Harmony) by Claude Monet (JP/Stevie Emilia)

Le Berceau (The Cradle) by Berthe Morisot (JP/Stevie Emilia)

Beyond the artworks, the exhibition expounds further on the artists working methods through images of them at work along with a display of brushes, paints and palettes used by the artists, like Auguste Renoir and Edgar Degas, themselves.



The show also addresses the shift to neo-Impressionism, which is also better known as Pointillism, with works from key neo-Impressionist artists like Georges Seurat and Paul Signac.



The president of the Musee dOrsay, Laurence des Cars, said the museum was delighted to partner with the gallery to showcase its treasures to Asian audiences. We hope they will appreciate these beautiful and evocative paintings that were part of the first modern art movement in our history, she added.
He spoke in a low, soft tone as he escorted the visitors into a room, where scores of drawings, paintings and art objects were on display.



Wayan loves drawing, this one and that one were created by Wayan, he said, referring to himself in the third person.



His name is Wayan Mudita, a 49-year-old man who was diagnosed with schizophrenia a year earlier.



He was calm but his narrative was a bit erratic. One minute he narrated his tragic love story with a Muslim girl during his university years in Yogyakarta, an episode that triggered his schizophrenia, and the next minute he enthusiastically told a story about his father, a soldier who was wounded in combat after parachuting into East Timor in 1975.



Wayan is much better now. Wayan spends weekdays here, learning to farm and painting, and weekends helping in the family rice field as well as babysitting my nieces and nephew, he said.

His father, I Ketut Murka, who attended the exhibition with a proud look on his face, corroborated that statement.



Murka recalled how Wayan returned from Yogyakarta a shaken and withdrawn young man. He lived in his own world for years until regular medication and, later on, his involvement with Rumah Berdaya gradually tore that psychotic shell of isolation.

Homemade: A Rumah Berdaya activist shows a screen-printed T-shirt and packages of incense produced by participants of the life-skill training. (JP/Wayan Martino)

Rumah Berdaya, meaning house of empowerment, is a community initiative aimed at providing a platform for people with schizophrenia to gather and share stories, learn new skills, express themselves as well as engaging in a constructive interaction with members of the public.



The initiative was first conceived in 2015 by Rai Putra Wiguna, a psychiatrist at Denpasar Regional Hospital in Wangaya, and seven of his patients.



Schizophrenia is not only a medical problem, but also a social one, Putra Wiguna said.



Efforts to assist the sufferers to be able to regain their status as a functional and productive member of society as well as to educate the public to dispel the stigma associated with schizophrenia are very important.

The small group started a weekly meeting, during which attendees share their problems. Soon, the families of people with schizophrenia joined the meeting.



In October 2015, the group made its first public appearance during an event at Taman Baca Kesiman, a privately run public library and favorite haunt of Denpasars activists and intellectuals. The event pushed schizophrenia and the struggle its sufferers face on daily basis into public consciousness, giving it the momentum it needed.



The following year, the initiative was strengthened by the participation of promising filmmaker Oka Sudarsana and visual artist Budi Agung Kuswara, co-founder of transnational art collective and social enterprise the Ketemu Project.



Budi organized a regular art class for people with schizophrenia, while Oka created a short film about them.

Upcycle: A Rumah Berdaya activist demonstrates how to make trays using recycled papers. (JP/Wayan Martino)

The initiative gained exposure through the movie and caught the attention of Denpasar Mayor Rai Dharmawijaya Mantra who in early 2017 agreed to give an empty city-owned office building on Jl. Hayam Wuruk in East Denpasar to the initiative.



In a first-of-its kind move, the city administration later employed four people with schizophrenia  all ardent activists of the initiative  as contract workers assigned to Rumah Berdaya.



The building is now the Rumah Berdaya initiatives home base. Its day-care program provides activities and life-skills training  ranging from a motorcycle washing service and urban farming to screen printing and incense making  to more than 20 people with schizophrenia.



Individuals with schizophrenia are free to come and join our programs. There are only two requirements: they must continue their medication and members of their families should also play an active part in the programs, Putra Wiguna said.



One room in the building has been turned into an art gallery to display the works of people with schizophrenia, while another room was dedicated to the memory of the late Komang Ayu, a female staffer at Denpasar Health Office who had passionately assisted the initiative in its formative years.



The initiative has also drawn growing support from local communities  a food expert offers regular cooking classes, Lala Studio provides regular gymnastic classes, Minikino short movies community offers therapeutic movie screenings and students from Denpasars Indonesia Arts Institute give art classes.

Family support: Rumah Berdaya activists and participants pose with their family portraits. (JP/Wayan Martino)

Rumah Berdaya has grown into a model that several regions across Bali intend to emulate.



It is a good model for an urban area, where people usually work outside their houses throughout the day and people with schizophrenia are often left alone at home, Putra Wiguna said.

For the rural area, the initiative has established cooperation with local public health centers by training the centers nurses with sufficient skills in treating people with schizophrenia.



There are around 540 people with schizophrenia in Denpasar and around 110 of them are still in our home-care program. The remaining have completed the program and now access their medication through a normal channel, Putra Wiguna said.



For Wayan, and many people with schizophrenia, Rumah Berdaya has provided them with more than just activities and new friends  it has given them a new purpose.



Wayan still remembered his love story, but he is no longer frustrated by its tragic end.



All Wayan wants to do know is work hard so Wayan can buy something nice for the nieces and nephew, he said before asking a visitor to buy a pack of fragrant incense.
Twitter announced Wednesday a crackdown on accounts powered by software "bots" which can artificially amplify a person or cause and which have been accused of manipulating the social network during the 2016 US election.

The San Francisco messaging platform said the move was intended to rid the service of spam-spewing automated accounts, and not aimed at people using the service according to the rules.

"These changes are an important step in ensuring we stay ahead of malicious activity targeting the crucial conversations taking place on Twitter -- including elections in the United States and around the world," Twitter developer policy lead Yoel Roth said in a blog post.

The move was the latest by Twitter to enforce rules aimed at curbing disinformation, propaganda and provocation.

Since the 2016 election, Twitter and others discovered how "bots" had been used to sow political divisions and spread hoaxes.

"One of the most common spam violations we see is the use of multiple accounts and the Twitter developer platform to attempt to artificially amplify or inflate the prominence of certain tweets," Roth wrote.

"To be clear: Twitter prohibits any attempt to use automation for the purposes of posting or disseminating spam, and such behavior may result in enforcement action."

Posting duplicative content, replies, or mentions from an array of accounts one controls, by hand or by bot, is forbidden, according to Twitter.

"Bulk, aggressive, or very high-volume automated retweeting" is also banned, along with using multiple accounts to perform automated actions at the service such as following people, Roth said.

A sole exception to the rule was applications designed to broadcast weather, emergency or other public service type announcements, according to Twitter.

Read also: Twitter won't block world leaders, citing need for discourse

Developers were given until March 23 to bring applications into compliance with the tightened rules or risk suspension.

Keeping Twitter safe and free from spam is a top priority for us," a Twitter spokesperson said.

"Today's update to TweetDeck and our developer platform is an important change to ensure we stay ahead of malicious activity targeting conversations on Twitter."

- Follower counts fall -

The crackdown is part of an effort to weed out automated and fake accounts, a move which rankled some conservative personalities.

Some users woke on Wednesday to find a sharp drop in followers, prompting a series of hashtags on the platform such as #TwitterLockOut and #TwitterPurge.

The cause was an ongoing effort to "identify suspicious account behaviors that indicate automated activity" or other policy violations, a Twitter spokesperson told AFP.

And, despite conspiracy theories that quickly gained traction at Twitter, the service denied any political bias.

"Twitters tools are apolitical," the spokesperson said.

"This is part of our ongoing, comprehensive efforts to make Twitter safer and healthier for everyone."

Twitter last month said the number of Russia-linked accounts firing off tweets evidently aimed at the US election in 2016 was more widespread than initially determined.

An indictment issued this week by US special counsel Robert Mueller, investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, named the Internet Research Agency, described as a bot and disinformation operation which sought to sow divisions in American society using social media.
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Linkedin Gemma Holliani Cahya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, February 22, 2018 15:32 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6c0971 1 National landslide,Central-Java Free

Eleven farmers are missing after a landslide hit Pasir Panjang village, Salem subdistrict, Brebes regency, Central Java, on Thursday.

Soil and rock rushed down the slopes and buried farmers working at paddy fields on lower ground. Fourteen villagers have reportedly sustained injury, while the whereabouts of 11 are unknown.

The landslide, which took place in an area belonging to state forestry company Perhutani, also cut off access between Salem and Banjargarjo subdistricts.

An official with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, said the regional BNPB would cooperate with the military, police, Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), search and rescue team and locals to search for the missing villagers.

According to Sutopo, the joint team, however, is still waiting for the situation to return to normal as villagers are worried another landslide may occur.

At this moment, we can not launch a search for the buried victims," Sutopo said.

The authorities have also barred residents from visiting the affected area.

The BNPB had previously warned landslide-prone areas in West Java, Central Java and East Java of possible landslides during the rainy season, having forecast heavy downpour in Java until March. (dmr)
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Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar, Bali  Thu, February 22, 2018 16:40 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6c55c4 1 National UK-citizen,diazepam-pils,drugs,bali,customs-and-excise,CustomsOfficials,Ngurah-Rai-International-Airport Free

A British national was arrested for his alleged attempt to smuggle 655 diazepam pills into Bali on Jan. 24.

Adam Scott H., 48, a computer analyst, was arrested by Customs and Excise Office personnel at Ngurah Rai International Airport on Jan. 24 upon his arrival via Air Asia flight FD 398 from Bangkok, Thailand.

Ngurah Rai Customs and Excise Office head Himawan Indarjono told a press conference on Thursday that customs officers grew suspicious of the suspect after scanning his belongings during an X-ray security check at the customs desk of the airport's international terminal.

Therefore, our customs officers later decided to take him to their office to further look through his belongings. We found a plastic bottle containing 655 diazepam pills without any customs declaration, Himawan said.

The suspect presented a document that he claimed was a prescription of the pills, Himawan said.

However, according to the document, the bottle contained only 42 pills of diazepam, he added.

We accused the suspect of violating the 1997 Psychotropic Law because he brought the diazepam pills without any prescription or permit, Himawan explained.

According to the investigation report, the suspect used the diazepam to relieve pain from an illness he is suffering from. "However, he brought too many diazepam pills as he thought it would be hard to get the drugs in Bali," said Bali Police drugs investigator Comr. I Made Pakris. (ebf)

Under investigation: British national Adam Scott H. was arrested for his alleged attempt to smuggle diazepam pills into Bali. (JP/Ni Komang Erviani)
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Linkedin Agus Maryono (The Jakarta Post) Brebes, Central Java  Thu, February 22, 2018 22:14 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6d6e89 1 National Brebes,Central-Java,landslide,landslides,natural-disaster,disaster,disaster-victims Free

An avalanche of mud and rocks buried dozens of people in Brebes, Central Java, on Thursday. At least five people are feared dead in Pasirpanjang village, Salem district, Brebes, where the landslide occurred, while 20 others were reportedly injured and 15 others remain missing.

A search and rescue team comprising Indonesian Military and National Police personnel and dozens of volunteers searched for the landslide victims until Thursday evening, amid rainfall.

The landslide buried dozens of houses, village roads and paddy fields located at the foot of the hill at noon on Thursday. Farmers working on the fields did not have a chance to save themselves when the landslide occurred.

Salem district head Sudarmoko said survivors of the disaster were evacuated to safer places for immediate treatment. Some of them were taken to nearby Puskesmas (community health centers) while others, especially those with minor injuries, were taken to villager houses, said Sudarmoko on Thursday.

The victims lost in the incident have been handed over to their families. The hilly land in Pasirpanjang suddenly collapsed. The eastern part of the hill buried paddy fields while the western side of the area covered roads and resident settlements, said Sudarmoko.

He said the main road connecting Salem district in Brebes regency and Majenang district in Cilacap regency was buried.

Sudarmoko said Salem district was located in the highlands and that, every rainy season, landslides often occurred in the area. (hol/ebf)

An avalanche of mud and rocks buried dozens of people in Brebes, Central Java, on Thursday. (JP/Agus Maryono)
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Linkedin Andi Hajramurni (The Jakarta Post) Makassar, South Sulawesi  Thu, February 22, 2018 21:08 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6d1240 1 Politics Takalar-regency,South-Sulawesi,corruption,graft,Makassar-corruption-court,land-manipulation Free

Burhanuddin Baharuddin, 55, a former regent of Takalar, South Sulawesi, who ended his term of office just two months ago, attended his first graft trial at the Makassar Corruption Court on Thursday.

Burhanuddin stands accused of misusing his authority by issuing a permit that allowed the use of state land in Laikang, Takalar regency, South Sulawesi, as an industrial compound. His decision reportedly incurred Rp 17 billion (US$1.19 million) in state losses.

Prosecutors said that by issuing the permit, the defendant had sold state land to a private entity.

The defendant issued a land use permit, selling 150 hectares of state land to private firm Karya Insan Cirebon, an investor that would use it as an industrial area in 2015. It was declared in 1999 that the land would be used to house a transmigration settlement, said prosecutor Ahmad Syah.

The piece of land is reportedly worth Rp 18.5 billion.

Proceeds from the sale was allegedly distributed among residents of the area, including the defendants family members  his father, his wife and children.

The defendant is charged with violating Law No.20/2001 in the Criminal Code (KUHP) on corruption.

Mangarabombang district head Muhammad Noor Utary, Laikang village head Sila Laidi and the villages secretary Risno Siswanto have also been charged for their alleged involvement in the case. (ebf)

Disgraced: Former Takalar regent Burhanuddin Baharuddin attends his first graft trial at the Makassar Corruption Court in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Feb.22. (JP/Andi Hajramurni)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, February 22, 2018 10:58 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6aba3e 4 Business Garuda-Indonesia,global-bonds-issuance,march,expansion Free

Flag carrier Garuda Indonesia will issue global bonds worth US$500 million in March as an alternative source of financing to realize a plan to expand both its international and domestic routes.

We hope to issue the bonds at the end of March, or the end of the first quarter of 2018, Garuda Indonesia president director Pahala Mansury said on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the Quo Vadis Indonesian Digital Economy event at the Hotel Mulia in South Jakarta, tribunnews.com reported.

In addition to issuing the global bonds, Garuda Indonesia would also use take out $100 million in foreign loans.

Pahala added that the airline was targeting 20 percent growth in international flights and double-digit growth in domestic flights this year.

Last year, the company recorded $3.6 billion in sales revenue, with domestic flights contributing 55 percent and international flights contributing 45 percent. "We realized 100 percent of our 2017 target," Pahala said. (bbn)
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Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar, Bali  Thu, February 22, 2018 15:32 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6c1190 1 National bali,drugs,narcotics,NgurahRaiAirport,Ngurah-Rai-International-Airport,customs-and-excise,CustomsOfficials,Germany,Germany-national,drug-smuggling Free

Customs and Excise Office personnel at Ngurah Rai International Airport have arrested a German national over his alleged attempt to smuggle various drugs into Bali.

Siegfried Karl Achim Ruckel, 55, was arrested upon his arrival at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport from Doha, Qatar, via Qatar Airways flight QR-962 on Jan. 26.

Customs officers reportedly seized 7.91 grams of heroin, 2.57 grams of amphetamine and 30 pills of diazepam from the suspect. Ruckel allegedly hid the drugs inside his belongings.

From the suitcase, we found one plastic package of heroin weighing 6.78 grams. It was hidden in a tissue package, said Bali Customs and Excise Office prosecution and investigation chief Husni Syaiful on Thursday.

The officers allegedly found the amphetamine in his white bag, 1.21 grams of heroin in his underwear and 30 diazepam pills and 23 pills containing heroin in a small brown bag.

The suspect was cooperative enough with our officers. During the search, he admitted to carrying other drugs in his underwear, Husni said.

Bali Police narcotics unit investigator Comr. I Made Pakris said they were investigating whether the suspect was part of an international drug ring.

He told us that all of the drugs were brought for his personal use only. We cannot simply believe what he told us. We should investigate whether he is part of an international drug ring that is attempting to test security procedures at the Ngurah Rai airport for a bigger smuggling attempt," Pakris said. (ebf)

Drug presser: Customs and Excise Office personnel at Ngurah Rai International Airport show evidence allegedly confiscated from Siegfried Karl Achim Ruckel in a press conference on Feb. 22. (JP/Zul Trio Anggono)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, February 22 2018

Thousands of teachers in Depok, West Java, have not received their salaries for the past two months.



Depok Education Agency head Muhammad Thamrin said on Wednesday that the agency was working to ensure that the salaries for 1,759 contract-based teachers, most of whom were elementary school teachers, would be distributed this month.



The wages come [...] from both the local administrations budget and the state budget. The central government has yet to disburse the aid, Thamrin said as quoted by tempo.co.



Depok Mayor Mohammad Idris said the delay had not been intentional and was due to a long disbursement process.



It takes time as many requirements need to be fulfilled, said Idris, adding that he hoped the funds could be disbursed this month.



Each contract teacher is paid Rp 400,000 (US$ 29.4) per month, up from the previous figure of Rp ...
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Linkedin Nethy Dharma Somba (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura  Thu, February 22, 2018 08:42 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6a5a25 1 National infrastructure,Jayapura Free

West Papuas capital of Jayapura will soon have a new icon as the construction of Halltekamp Suspension Bridge is nearing completion.

Despite the governments recent decision to halt the construction of elevated projects following accidents on construction sites, director general of Bina Marga Road Agency, Ari Setiadi Moerwanto, attended the installation of the main section of the bridge at the construction site in Jayapura on Wednesday.

We have obtained a special permit from the Bridge Safety Commission, he said.

The second section will be installed within the next two weeks.

The parts of the bridge are arranged in Surabaya, East Java, before being shipped to Jayapura by tugboat on a 17-day voyage.

The central and provincial governments have spent Rp 1.7 trillions (US$1.19 million) on the construction of the four-lane bridge, which will extend 732 meters with a width of 21 meters.

The bridge, which is planned to be finished by October 2018, will cut travel time from Jayapura city center to Skouw, an area on the border of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

The bridge will reduce driving time from 2.5 hours to only 60 minutes, Rustan Saru, Deputy Mayor of Jayapura, said.

He expressed hope that the easier travel would encourage Jayapura residents to settle in areas closer to Skouw instead of in the densely populated capital of Jayapura. (gis/swd)
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Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta  Thu, February 22, 2018 11:40 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6b021b 1 National church-attack,Yogyakarta Free

Catholic priest Karl Edmud Prier SJ says he no longer holds a grudge against Suliyono, the suspect in an attack at St. Lidwina Church in Sleman, Yogyakarta nearly two weeks ago.

I have forgiven him, just as Jesus said forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, he said during a meeting with Yogyakarta Police on Wednesday.

The 80-year-old Jesuit priest visited the police to thank them for providing protection and assistance following the attack.

Aside from Prier, three churchgoers also sustained injuries in the attack.

I am recovering now. Im not experiencing any nausea or headaches anymore, said the Frankfurt-born Prier, who has been serving Catholics in Yogyakarta since the 1960s.

Prier has long been known for introducing inculturation in Catholic churches in Indonesia. He founded the Center for Liturgical Music of Yogyakarta (PML) in 1971.

Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University graduate school director Lukas Ispandriarno, who accompanied Prier in the meeting, said Prier stood still at the altar while the attack took place.

He was sure that he would survive because he was in a house of God, he said.

Prier encouraged his congregation members to stay brave.

Dont be afraid. I am not worried. Learn how to overcome your fears, he said.

Meanwhile, Yogyakarta Police chief, Brig. Gen. Ahmad Dofiri said the incident was a reminder for members of all faiths to maintain unity amid diversity in the country.

We have to maintain unity and combat any practice that harms humanity, he said. (gis/dmr)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, February 22, 2018 15:45 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6c1425 1 City Depok,dead-body Free

A man has been found dead by local residents approximately two weeks after he passed away at his house in Cimanggis in Depok, West Java.

According to Cimanggis Police chief Comr. Sunarto, the body of the man, identified as Piter Lontoh, was discovered after locals reported smelling an odor near the mans house.

Locals said they had not seen Piter for a while, and decided to notify the neighborhood chief, who contacted the mans family, said Sunarto on Wednesday, as quoted by kompas.com.

Sunarto said the man had been known to have suffered from a stroke, and passed away in his bed unknown to his neighbors approximately two weeks before being discovered.

The mans children decided to decline an autopsy by the Cimanggis Police, preferring that the body be released for an immediate funeral. (jlm)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, February 22, 2018 16:00 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6c31fb 1 City Depok,green-space Free

Four activists from the Green Open Space (RTH) Movement issued on Wednesday a legal warning letter against Depok Mayor Idris Abdul Somad, who they deemed had failed to establish more green spaces in the city.

"The law stipulates that at least 30 percent of a city's area should be green space. For Depok, this would be 6,008.7 hectares," RTH Movement coordinator Alfred Sitorus said, noting that Depok currently had only 3,271 hectares of green space, tempo.co reported.

The organization has demanded that the city administration fulfill the targeted area of green space by 2030.

"The city administration has been neglecting the people's right to green space for over ten years. It's very hard for us to access information about the administration's progress in executing their programs," Alfred added.

Instead, he said, the Depok administration had cut down more trees on several roads and riverbanks, further diminishing the green space in the city.

"We will file a lawsuit if the city administration doesn't respond to our legal warning letter within 14 days," said Alfred.

The assistant to the Depok regional secretary of economy and development, Herman Hidayat, said that the city administration was committed to developing more green spaces.

"Opening more green spaces isn't an easy task, even though the budget is quite large. We have several other priorities like infrastructure and economic development," Herman said.

"Green spaces in Depok has increased by one percent last year, by around 184 hectares," he added.

The city has allocated Rp 9 billion (USD630,000) for green spaces this year. (vla)
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Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung, West Java  Thu, February 22, 2018 15:21 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6bebb0 1 Business APPSI,meeting,bandung,West-Java Free

Governors from across Indonesia have agreed to make inter-province trade a high priority.

The agreement was made during a national meeting of the Indonesian Provincial Government Association (APPSI) in Bandung, West Java on Wednesday.

Currently, trade acceleration has been oriented toward overseas trade, exports and imports, said APPSI chairman Syahrul Yasin Limpo, who is also South Sulawesi governor.

"But, we dont need to import textiles because we can get them from West Java. We dont need to import rice because we can get it from South Sulawesi, he said.

He said APPSI would report to President Joko Jokowi Widodo on Thursday on the inter-province trade agreement, including the progress and the obstacles.

One issue that would be discussed was how to improve inter-province connectivity to ensure that delivery costs did not exceed those of overseas trade, he added.

As an example, he noted that people in Java consumed imported corn from other countries rather than buying it from eastern Indonesian provinces because the delivery costs were cheaper.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo said there was still a lot of potential to increase inter-province trade. For example, the Jakarta provincial administration needs 43,000 cows every day, about 60 percent of which are still imported from Australia, he said.

He added that the governors needed to look for solutions on how to increase prosperity in their respective regions and to communicate directly with the president. (kmt/bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, February 22, 2018 09:16 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6a7a7b 4 Business high-speed-railway,Jakarta-Bandung,extension,KCIC,comments Free

The president director of an Indonesian and Chinese consortium for Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia China (KCIC), Sahala Lumban Gaol, has welcomed an idea to extend the project to Kertajati International Airport in Majalengka, West Java.

However, he stressed that all parties needed to focus on the 140-kilometer railway project before moving forward with the extension plan.

It is better we finish the initial planned route as the first phase of the project, then we can extend to Kertajati, said Sahala in Jakarta on Tuesday in response to the idea, which was proposed by Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, as reported by tempo.co.

Responding to criticism that the 140-km railway was not long enough, Luhut previously said the high-speed train could be extended to the airport and even to Yogyakarta or Surakarta in Central Java.

The construction of 60 km of new railway tracks from Bandung to Majalengka would burden investors as they had to allocate $5.9 billion in loans for existing project plans, Sahala added.

Sahala, who is also a State-Owned Enterprises Ministry expert staff member, said he would prefer to extend the project to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

But just finish the 140-kilometer project first. After that we can extend to both Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Kertajadi International Airport, he added. (bbn)

Editor's note: the Kertajati International Airport is in Majalengka, West Java, not in Pandeglang as we mentioned before. We apologize for the error.
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Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta  Thu, February 22, 2018 19:56 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6ceea8 1 National Yogyakarta,UII,UII-Yogyakarta,Constitutional-Court,MK,Arief-Hidayat,ethical-violation,ethics Free

Around 300 academicians, comprising lecturers, professors and students, from Yogyakarta have called on Arief Hidayat to step down from his position as Constitutional Court (MK) chief justice and member for ethical violations he has allegedly committed.

As an academician, especially as a law professor, you [Arief] should have understood well that ethical violations are a shame in the career of a constitutional justice, who should be highly respected and [act ethically], said Eko Riyadi from the Indonesian Islamic Universitys (UII) School of Law, when he read out a joint statement during a demonstration at Gadjah Mada University on Wednesday.

As of today, Arief still serves as MK chief justice despite pressure from various groups, which have expected his immediate resignation.

The MK Ethics Council has said Arief is proven to have violated ethics twice. First, he gave a special message to a junior attorney at the Attorney Generals Office and asked him to "assist" a prosecutor at the Trenggalek Prosecutors Office in 2016. The second time was when he met with members of the House of Representatives Commission III, which oversees legal affairs, during his nomination as an MK justice in 2017.

Eko said two constitutional ethics violations committed by Arief showed that he could not act as a statesman.

Eko also deplored Ariefs previous statements, in which he said criticisms launched by a number academicians were politically motivated.

We, as academicians, are really concerned with your condition, in which you could no longer think and act wisely. Therefore, we call on Pak Arief to immediately step down. (gis/ebf)

Constitutional violation: Academicians from Yogyakarta call on the MK chief justice to step down from his position in a demonstration on Feb. 21. (JP/Bambang Muryanto)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, February 22, 2018 16:28 1302 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9c6c4864 4 Business Yogyakarta,digital-economy,Kulon-progo,Bantul Free

The Yogyakarta provincial administration is set to transform 385 hectares of land in Piyungan, Bantul regency, and Sentolo, Kulon Progo regency, into a technology center similar to Silicon Valley in the San Francisco Bay Area in the United States.

The two locations are prepared to become the Silicon Valley of Indonesia, said the assistant to the Yogyakarta regional secretary for development affairs, Budi Wibowo, in Yogyakarta on Wednesday as reported by Antara news agency.

He said the areas would be converted into an industrial estate that would become the center of fashion, culinary arts, handicrafts, animation and games as well as other creative businesses. There will be no large manufacturing factories, he added.

The two areas  335 hectares in Bantul and 50 hectares in Kulon Progo  have long been the subject of the development plan.

Budi said the provincial and local administration would cooperate with any investors seeking to do business in the two areas, the development of which would be kicked off by President Joko Jokowi Widodo on March 12.

Furthermore, he said the provincial administration had coordinated with the Bantul and Kulon Progo administrations over the business license issuance plan to ensure a quick and smooth investment process.

He said the tenants of the digital valley would be small and medium enterprises (SMEs) focused on creative businesses. We have 524,395 SMEs that dominate economic growth in Yogyakarta, he added. (bbn)
Posted Wednesday, February 21, 2018 11:00 pm

The Litchfield Chamber of Commerce has announced award winners for 2018.

The Business Person of the Year is Jim Hewitt of Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc. The Rising Star Member award will be given to Jessica Vickery of Petal Pushers. The Special Recognition award will be given to Cheryl Nickerson of Bank & Trust Company and the Citizen of the Year award will be given to Jim Powell of Litchfield.

The Litchfield Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner will be held Thursday, March 22, at the Litchfield Community Center, at 6 p.m., catered by Milanos' Catering.

For more information, call the Litchfield Chamber at 324-2533.
Posted Wednesday, February 21, 2018 11:00 pm

February is known as American Heart Month, and in honor of the month-long event, it seems fitting to highlight Aaron "Titus" McCarty who is on the 1A list for a heart transplant.

"I want to get the word out about the importance of organ donation," said his wife of 13 years, Kim McCarty. "He is here right now, but if he gets a call from St. Louis, we have to go straight to Barnes Jewish Hospital because a heart is available."

McCarty, the son of Dick and Johanna McCarty and Dutch and Julie Willman, all of Hillsboro, lives in Irving with his wife, Kim. He also has two siblings, a sister, Laura Durbin and a brother, Brian McCarty, who both live in Hillsboro. The couple have four adult children, Samantha Porter age 24, Trevor Porter age 23, Brooke McCarty age 21 and Leslie Stolte age 20, all who consistently help their parents out while McCarty waits for a new heart.

"On Dec. 25, 2012, he was working on a water main break here in town. He was out all day, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. He was so sick when he came home. The next day he went to see his doctor. He was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia, but the doctors came in and told him, 'It's not pneumonia, it's your heart,'" said Kim. McCarty was immediately flown up to Springfield, where he was in and out of the hospital.

"He had three heart attacks in 2012," his wife said. "We lived at the hospital more than we have here at home."

One day, while in the hospital in Springfield, the doctors came in and said McCarty needed to go to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO for his heart.

"For the first two years, he laid in the living room in a hospital bed and I slept on the couch," his wife said. "We wanted to live normal again, so the hospital bed was removed. But then he ended up with a dry line and we had nurses in and out. He had to have surgeries.

The family found out that he needed an LVAD, known as a Left Ventricular Assist Device. At first, McCarty didn't want to have it transplanted, but with the encouragement of his children, who said they didn't want to see him die on them, he decided to get the device implanted. Three days later, on Nov. 7, 2013, he had the LVAD transplanted.

"The device is 8 lbs. It runs on batteries during the day, and Aaron charges it at night. He always has extra batteries with him. When it starts beeping, he only has so much time to switch the batteries out. He literally runs on batteries," said his wife. "Despite this, he doesn't let this get him down."

The McCarty family had a lot of support and encouragement from those in the community. Two weeks before his surgery, a benefit was given.

"The benefit was held at the Witt Lions building. Without the support of everyone, we wouldn't have made it," said Kim.

In fact, after his LVAD surgery, his wife lived down at Barnes Lodge for a month. "It was two blocks away, and every morning and every night I took a shuttle to and from the hospital to be with him."

To look at McCarty, he appears to be healthy, but underneath, he conceals the machine that makes his heart pump.

Although it took four years for him to get on the heart transplant list, nothing keeps McCarty down while he waits for a new heart. He continues to go to work, and according to his wife, he won't stop working. However, in the beginning it wasn't so easy.

"I couldn't walk from the kitchen to the living room," Aaron said.

There are certain things that McCarty has to do in order to maintain his health. He has to be careful being around anyone who is sick. And every Monday, he has to get his blood drawn to monitor his heart and to make sure things are relatively steady inside his body.

While he continues to go to work and tries to live as normal a life as he can, his wife has planned out their stay when he gets that call.

"This time, when he has his heart transplant, we will stay at the Casey Ann Hohman Memorial Association Apartments in St. Louis, MO. It will be close to Barnes where Aaron will be. In fact, we will donate to them, because of our appreciation to them," said his wife. "And, Aaron will get to see his favorite aide, Sam and his favorite nurses, 'G' and the twin nurses who are brother and sister."

Right now, McCarty is in renal (kidney) failure because of his heart. "He needs a new heart as soon as possible, before his kidneys completely fail," Kim said.

The couple couldn't handle this without the help of their kids. Back in 2012, when McCarty became sick, their children were still in school, but they never missed an opportunity to pitch in and help out around the house.

"The kids help out a lot. They clean and help him do his dressing changes where his LVAD is located," said his wife. "The oldest, Samantha moved closer. In fact, she's two blocks from us. She takes care of everyone."

Throughout this situation, it has taken a toll on Samantha and the other kids.

"My first day of college, I drove from Nokomis to Springfield, then to St. Louis when he had to have surgery. I missed two weeks of school because I stayed in St. Louis to be near him," said their daughter.

The two younger girls, Brooke and Leslie, who were in high school at the time, had a rough go as well.

"It was hard on the younger girls, because they were in high school. They kept their phones on them in case of an emergency with Aaron," said Kim. "But, it's also been hard on Aaron. When Trevor graduated high school, Aaron was in the intensive care unit at Barnes. We videotaped the ceremony for him, but it wasn't the same."

Although the family has been through a lot in previous years, they haven't had to deal or go through any of this alone. In fact, a great supporter of the McCarty family is Kim's sister, Greta Akers, the mayor of Witt.

"Greta's been my rock. She has been there every time. She is my hero," she said.

In the midst of all the family continues to endure, they are now raising two other children, Griffen and Abi. The couple also has two step-grandchildren, Rilyn and Kinlee, an eight-month old grandson, Braxton and one grandchild on the way. But the family is looking forward to McCarty receiving a new heart.

"After he receives his new heart, they will remove the LVAD. They will take it out and test it. Inside of the device is real rubies within the bearings. If we want it back, they will give us the device," said his wife.

The McCarty family continues to look at the bright side of things, and in observance of Heart Health Month, they hope that everyone will consider organ donation to save a life like husband and father, Aaron McCarty.
Posted Wednesday, February 21, 2018 11:00 pm

The Hillsboro Sertoma Club will honor Kim Noyes of Hillsboro with its Service to Mankind award during a banquet set for Thursday, March 15.

Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Hillsboro Lions Club. Tickets are $15 each and available from any Hillsboro Sertoma member and at The Journal-News office on Main Street.

The daughter of Mary Ann Cearlock, and Larry and Sheila Cearlock, she is a graduate of Nokomis High School, an LPN and realtor. As a nurse, she worked at Golden Manor in Nokomis, Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro, and the Hillsboro Medical Center, Springfield Clinic.

In the real estate business since 1995, hers is a recognizable face with Montgomery County Realty. She earned her broker's license in 1998, purchased the business from Bill Harpole and was broker/owner through 2008. She received the GRI designation (Graduate Realtor Institute) in 2004, and the Certified Negotiation Expert in 2014. She also responds to complaints as a volunteer ombudsman for Illinois Realtors, and serves as Grievance Committee Co-Chair for the Greater Gateway Association of Realtors.

Noyes has served mankind both in her community and abroad, through the Hillsboro Free Methodist Church as a past Stephen Minister, through mission trips to Guatemala, work with the Pregnancy Resource Center in Hillsboro, as a founding board member of the Unified Child Advocacy Network (UCAN), and one of the first groups of volunteers helping to establish Paws Care.

"It's everybody working together to make things better in our community," Noyes said, quoting the opening verses of Hebrews 13: "Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

Over the years, she has made many mission trips to Guatemala, the first with HELPS International after hearing of fellow church member Larry Hewitt's experience in 1999. After the first trip she was hooked and went on to complete a total of 15 trips with HELPS, working mostly as a nurse, but also installing stoves alongside her husband Bob and son, Rob. HELPS not only provides medical care, but also assistance in areas such as providing stoves for cooking and heating, an agricultural program, potable water and K-6 education through the HELPS school. She has also made mission trips with the Nazarene Church of Shelbyville to a Guatemalan orphanage "Love the Child" to help care for disabled children, and with the Hillsboro Free Methodist Church to work with former Hillsboro residents John and Donna Reynolds of Cross Commission who have a youth center and also do outreach ministry to remote villages providing medical care, installing stoves and sharing the love of Jesus.

She has sponsored children in Guatemala over the years, including a little girl who grew up to be a physical education teacher, and a four-year-old boy who is now a father and recently named a daughter, Kimberly, in honor of his sponsor.

"Its been wonderful to sponsor a child that you actually get to go see and get to know," she said. "Most children don't ever get to see their sponsors."

She became involved with the Pregnancy Resource Center when she listed and eventually sold their former location in Litchfield. A few months after the sale, she wondered if the organization was going to continue to offer their services in the community, and made a call to find out they were considering a new location in Hillsboro. She was given a key and with the help of Lea Ann Talley and others, began to put the office together, assist in volunteer recruitment, organize training and get things operational until the new director Allison Johnson was hired.

Noyes was first recruited by Tory Daniels of the Department of Children and Family Services as a member of the UCAN board, a new organization that advocates for children who may have been victims of abuse across five counties. UCAN works with law enforcement, child protective services, the criminal justice system, as well as mental and medical health services, providing safe, confidential, child-friendly interviews at a UCAN center for children ages 3-18 affected by sexual or physical abuse to disclose their experiences. The child's interview is recorded so that the child only has to tell their story once.

At a well-attended informational dinner and fundraiser organized by Noyes and Lisa Sullivan held at Nic's Steakhouse, UCAN announced a location at 108 E. Wood Street in Hillsboro would be opening soon and will greatly benefit our county. So far, UCAN has conducted over 115 interviews since it began in July 2017.

Kim has three adult children, Robby Noyes of Hillsboro, Cara Schipkowski of Walshville and Rachel Maretti of Litchfield, and six grandchildren.
A manhole fire earlier today led to the evacuation of the Hotel on Rivington and several other buildings in the area. The Fire Department reported elevated carbon monoxide levels.

The Post reported that the underground fires were called in at about 10:55 a.m. The evacuations were ordered by 12:30 p.m. Con Ed workers on the scene described the carbon monoxide levels as very dangerous.

By the afternoon, the levels were dropping. Traffic was blocked off on Rivington Street, Ludlow Street and part of Essex Street.
The offices of Universities UK in Central London are being occupied by students this afternoon.

Students are protesting in solidarity with university staff as part of the strike action that is taking place across the country today.

In a post on Pastebin the protestors write that Universities UK (UUK) is a parasitic organisation which profits directly from the increasing marketisation of our education system and that the organisation was responsible for the proposed theft of pensions from our academic staff.

Lecturers at more than 60 universities are striking over proposed reforms that could see them lose around 40% of their current expected pension in retirement.

The strike action will affect more than a million students, with the more than half a million teaching hours expected to be lost.

UUK is the representative organisation of universities in the UK, with an aim to maintain the world-leading strength of the UK university sector.

Students entered the UUK offices in Kings Cross at around 12.30pm today, posting on Facebook from inside the building:

The following statement was posted on Pastebin:

UUK IS IN OCCUPATION

In solidarity with our striking comrades, we confront the commodifiers of our education!

Universities UK (UUK) are a parasitic organisation which profits directly from the increasing marketisation of our education system. It is UUK who lobbied for raising tuition fees: a 200% rise from 2004 to 2010 alone. It is UUK who have proposed the theft of pensions from our academic staff, which will disproportionately affect those in already casualised positions, many of whom are women and people of colour. It is UUK who refuse to come to the negotiation table, putting profits before the education of students and the living conditions of staff, and precipitating the strike action which has seen students lose contact time which the agitation of UUK for tuition fees has forced us to pay for.

We believe in life after work  and in an education system designed to educate, not merely to make money for a parasitic management class, be that the Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, and Directors of our universities, or the profit seekers who run UUK. With usual incomes of 350.000 - 450.000 a year, it is the university managers in UUK who benefit from those malicious policies. The relentless quest for profit which has corrupted our education system and left thousands of people with virtually insurmountable debts is the logic of a capitalist system which understands only how to extract until there is nothing left. This is class war and were sick of it.

UUK have escalated this dispute. We are here today to tell them that we are ready not only to match their escalation, but to take it further if UUK remain unwilling to come to the negotiation table. This is a war not only for the futures of our comrades on strike, but also the future of our entire education system, and not only are we ready, we are aching to fight it. UUK lets fucking GO!

FUCK UUK! FUCK ALL UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT! WE WONT STOP UNTIL WE WIN!

The lecturers strike action is expected to last around a month, although could continue until July  potentially affecting summer exams.
Bath Spa University

Since then it has become a hotly contested topic, with then-universities and science minister Jo Johnson weighing in on the vice-chancellors excessive pay.

Adonis targeted the head of the University of Bath, Dame Glynis Breakwell, whose pay in the year 2015-16 including pension contributions reached a total of 451,000.

Johnson picked Sir Christopher Snowden to exemplify the endless upwards ratchet of vice-chancellors pay. The leader of the University of Southampton earned 352,000 in just ten months in 2015-16, including pension contributions.

Both these pay packages are somewhat overshadowed by that of the earnings of Christina Slade of Bath Spa University, whose salary totalled 808,000 in 2016-17, including a 429,000 pay-off.

The Times Higher Education has today released its 2018 survey of vice-chancellors pay, giving an even more explicit look into vice-chancellors pay by UK university.

The survey reveals that heads of UK universities in the year 2016-17 were paid an average of 268,103 in salary, bonus and benefits, seeing a 10,180 increase from the previous financial year.

After pension contributions are added to this figure, vice-chancellors received a total pay of 289,756. This amounts to a 3.2% increase in one year.

Significant payoffs for departing or retiring vice-chancellors were also exposed in the results; figures which had yet been reported.

Former VC of the University of Sussex, Michael Farthing, received a 230,000 pay-off in lieu of notice during his last month of office, while head of Birmingham City University Cliff Allan was compensated for loss of office with a 186,876 pay-off.

Exit arrangements for long-standing vice-chancellors have been under particular scrutiny in the past year since Dame Breakwells six-month sabbatical was granted following her retirement.

The level of interest in vice-chancellors pay has sky-rocketed and is perhaps symptomatic of the increase of university fees and growing awareness of holding those in power to account.

John Raftery, Vice-Chancellor of London Metropolitan University, believes the scrutiny of vice-chancellors pay has crossed a line. He condemns the selective singling-out of certain vice-chancellors for opprobrium.

On the other hand Michael Shattock, visiting professor at the UCL Institute of Education, argues that students are right to challenge the make-up of their university governing bodies.

Image credit:
This weeks episode, forebodingly titled And Then the Devil Brought the Plague: The Book of Green Light, found Jefferson and Tobias Whale, our hero and villain, pursuing one another more urgently, as their history begins to unravel, and motivations become understood.

Those same unveilings of their past are also understood to inform each mans values and drive, bringing complexity to the black-and-white dynamic (notice the interesting parallel in Jefferson being African-American and Tobias being a black albino).

Ive complained about unevenness in tone in the past, but with no episode thus far has this problem been as evident as in episode five. And Then the Devil Brought the Plague teased much information that the audience needed to better understand the world of Black Lightning, but the disparate plotlines were once again a pitfall for an otherwise fantastic show.

Black Jesus had set up many plot threads that this week would have benefited from exploring: Jennifers reasons for quitting track, Tobias and Toris plan to manipulate Khalil and Freeland against Black Lightning, or a more thorough exploration of the Green Light drug epidemic and its impact on the community.

The writers decided that instead of picking up threads that had been set up last week, at the cost of the shows rhythm, they would introduce new problems. Jefferson struggles with sudden and acute migraines, Jennifer gets into a fight with two mean girls, Anissa plays detective and discovers new information about her grandfathers work and murder, and Whale goes through his own personal trial.

Whales arch is the only one that didnt weight down this episode. Jeffersons headaches, rather than being used to explore his struggle with his own, ageing body and all that he expects of himself as Black Lightning, is explained right at the end of the episode as being a side-effect from a technical fault in the suit. Viewers cannot help but feel cheated when one of the main plot points is done away with in such a lacklustre manner.

What has improved this episode is that it did a better job of organically integrating Anissas storyline into the main plot. Hopefully as the show continues to progress, her Veronica Mars-like investigation will drive her to find Black Lightning, and maybe even realise his identity.

Her search for answers about her own abilities leads her to an online conspiracy video, which tells of a vaccine given to nine kids decades ago, which caused them to have enhanced abilities. These kids later went missing without a trace. Anissa also discovers that her journalist grandfather, Alvin Pierce, had written about these kids, and the cover-up, which the audience now knows led him to be murdered by Tobias.

Speaking of whom, the exposition of his backstory was the highlight of this weeks instalment, transforming Tobias Whale from James Bond-villain wannabe to a far more complex character who gives reasons as to why he became the way that he is, far more akin to Daredevils fantastic Wilson Fisk.

Viewers also witness Tobias and Tori plotting to climb the ranks of Lady Eves organisation, which restores some of his character strength. His playing lackey to Lady Eve in the past episode had neutered his character somewhat, and made it more difficult to see him as Black Lightnings arch rival, but this was restored and amplified when his ambitions are exposed in a conversation with his sister.

Despite tonal discrepancies, And Then the Devil Brought the Plague did well in working to give the shows world more history, raising the ante for our characters for a confrontation that is sure to come. Gambis position, for instance, though it remains a mystery, must be important enough that Tobias himself is too afraid of the consequences of harming Gambi, having to walk away when he refuses to give him information about Black Lightnings identity.

This week struggled with keeping storylines on the same level, resulting in tonal shifts that worked against the plot. However, there was still excellent character work, and it presented viewers with some answers, and many more questions.

Black Lightning is available to watch on Netflix, with new episodes arriving weekly.
Home >Police Enforcement > Tickets and Cash > Georgia Court OKs Cutting Through Gas Station To Avoid Traffic Signals
What's the over/under on how many of these will ever be released?

Source: Image Expo

Image Expo took place this morning in Portland and the publisher announced its upcoming slate of books that likely won't actually be released.

BLACKBIRD by Sam Humphries & Jen Bartel

Sam Humphries (NIghtwing, Green Lantern) and Jen Bartel team up to co-create BLACKBIRD a modern fantasy story best described as Harry Potter meets Riverdale. It follows a young woman named Nina who discovers a neon-lit world of magic masters in Los Angeles. Now they've kidnapped her sister, and Nina is the only one who can save her.

"BLACKBIRD is a labor of love, a coming of age story and beautiful people doing insane things with magic," said Humphries.

The series launches from Image Comics in October 2018.

Rob Liefeld'S BLOODSTRIKE will feature story, art, and cover by Michel Fiffe

Michel Fiffe will write, draw, and color three exciting new issues of BLOODSTRIKE. The Fiffe issues will also feature two back-up stories by Chuck Forsman and Paul Maybury with pin-ups by Ed Piskor, Benjamin Marra, Andrew Maclean, and more!

In Michel Fiffe's BLOODSTRIKE: BRUTALISTS, the creator of the indie hit COPRA shines a light on Image's most extreme series and its groundbreaking carnage. Whether it's the origin of our favorite undead strikeforce or solving the trail of mysteries that plague them, this mini-series picks up where the original title left off while introducing the concept to a new audience. Celebrate Bloodstrike's take-no-prisoners legacy by looking forward as only the new wave of comic-auteurs can! Don't "rub the blood"...drown in it.

CROWDED by Christopher Sebela, Ted Brandt, Ro Stein & Triona Farrell

Sebela took to the stage and announced two new books today, one of which was CROWDED, which he's co-created with Ted Brandt and Ro Steina cynical send-up of the app economy and online grudges.

"Josh and I have been working on this book for a few years now in secret," said Sebela. "Just waiting for the chance to unleash it on readers and we're kinda freaking out that this thing we've put so much time and sweat into is really real and really good."

In CROWDED, a platform called Reapr allows anyone to crowdfund assassination attempts. The parody ignites when protagonist Charlie Ellison is forced to fend off a wave of hitmen with the help of a low-rate bodyguard.

The series launches in Summer 2018.

DEAD GUY FAN CLUB by Annie Wu

Annie Wu introduced fans to the forthcoming DEAD GUY FAN CLUB. In this new series, the founders of a rock star's fan club reunite in adulthood to investigate the suspicious death of their hero and the involvement of an unhinged member of their old flock.

"I'm thrilled to be writing and illustrating a new series," said Wu. "I can't wait to share this weird little black comedy with everyone."

The series launches from Image Comics in Fall 2018.

DEAD RABBIT by Gerry Duggan & John McCrea

DEAD RABBIT is a new ongoing series from writer Gerry Duggan (Deadpool) and artist John McCrea (Hitman) team up with colorist Mike Spicer in a rackous series about MARTIN DOBBS, a hot-tempered, foul-mouthed former mercenary and gun-for-hire who's forced out of retirement with predictably funny and violent results. With shades of UNFORGIVEN, THE EQUALIZER and ROBIN HOOD.

"Gerry Duggan! John McCrea! The peaches and cream of comicsthough I'm not sure who's the peach...," said McCrea. "Anyway, this comic has Gerry's and my heart and soul poured into it, pick it up, you will love yourself forever for doing so..."

The series launches from Image Comics in Summer 2018.

DEATH OR GLORY by Rick Remender & Bengal

Fan favorite Rick Remender (SEVEN TO ETERNITY, DEADLY CLASS) teams up with brilliant French superstar Bengal to bring fans a high speed convoy crime thriller rocketing across the American West that examines our dwindling freedoms and the price paid by those who fight for an untethered life on the open road.

Meet Glory, raised free in a convoy, off the grid, amid the last men and women truckers fighting automation to continue living the American mythology of the open road.

Now, in order to pay for her beloved, dying Father's surgery, Glory has three days to pull off a four dangerous cross country heists with mob killers, crooked cops and a psycho ex-husband all out to bring her in or die trying.

"Rick and I have been preparing something for years now, it was a privilege to get to work with him, and an even greater one to take the time to develop something together," Bengal. "I'm very proud to finally present what we've been cooking! I hope readers will enjoy this story as much as we loved doing those pages."

The series launches from Image Comics in May 2018.

ECHOLANDS by J.H. Williams & Haden Blackman

J.H. Williams (Sandman: Overture, Batwoman) and Haden Blackman (Elektra, Batwoman) team up with colorist Dave Stewart and letterer Todd Klein for an all-new mythic fiction genre mash-up series in ECHOLANDS, a tale where the last war on Earth starts with Hope's sticky fingers...

"ECHOLANDS has been in development for years, bubbling in the background as we worked on other projects," said Blackman. "But it's a world and a cast of characters that has always drawn us back, and we're so grateful to be able to finally get the book out into the world."

On a world that has forgotten its own history, the key to excavating the past is in the hands of a young thief who must escape a vengeful wizard and his unstoppable golem.

The series will be coming soon from Image Comics.

FARMHAND by Rob Guillory

Rob Guillory (CHEW) returns to both write and draw an all-new series in, FARMHAND.

FARMHAND follows Ezekiel Jenkins, a family man and new agrarian who returns to his family fieldsbut these nightmarish crops give a new meaning to ear of corn and fingerling potatoes.

"This is a story that's been very near and dear to me for quite some time, and I'm absolutely thrilled to finally announce it," said Guillory. "I can't wait to introduce readers to the wonderful and horrific world of FARMHAND."

FARMHAND launches from Image Comics in July 2018.

JOOK JOINT by Tee Franklin & Maria Nguyen

Fresh off the buzz for BINGO LOVE's release on Valentine's Day, Franklin took to the stage to announce a new project with Image ComicsJOOK JOINTwith Maria Nguyen.

JOOK JOINT is a 5-issue time-period horror miniseries about a brothel/jazz club exposing the social evils of racism, rape, domestic violence, and inequality.

Because of its subject matter, JOOK JOINT is set to launch in October 2018, in time for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Franklin and Nguyen will work with Image Comics on coordinating special charity variants to benefit Joyful Heart, a non-profit founded by Mariska Hargitay which places focus on healing, education and advocacy.

"As a domestic violence survivor, this is a story I've been working on for years. It's been extremely cathartic and therapeutic. It was important for me to have an artist who understood what JOOK JOINT meant to me, before inviting them to embark on this journey with me," said Franklin. "I appreciate that Image Comics has allowed me to tackle this subject matter, in addition to working with us on charity variants for Mariska Hargitay's Healing Heart foundation. I now have an opportunity to use my talents to help survivors like myself. People have helped me when I was going through a rough time in my life and now I want to give back."

THE LAST SIEGE by Landry Q. Walker & Justin Greenwood

Bestselling creators Landry Q. Walker (DANGER CLUB, Supergirl Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade) and Justin Greenwood (THE FUSE, Stumptown) team up for an all-new, ongoing medieval war story, inspired by the storytelling structure of classic Spaghetti Westerns.

"For years I have wanted to tell a medieval war story, one that pulls away from the fantasy elements the genre is so often saddled with," said Walker. "Swords, castles, and rage, all in a world where life is cheap. No other frills or distractions. Seeing this book come to print is a moment I have looked forward to for a long, long time."

Greenwood added: "Fast, gritty and full of actionI'd been looking for a book to really cut loose on and this project came along at the perfect time. I haven't drawn this much dirt or blood in a long time and loving every minute of it."

The series launches from Image Comics in Summer 2018.

LEVIATHAN by John Layman, Nick Pitarra, & Mike Garland

Eisner-award winning, New York Times bestselling writer John Layman (CHEW) is back, teaming up with New York Times bestselling artist Nick Pitarra (THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS) and colorist extraordinaire Mike Garland in the all new, ongoing seriesthat's Godzilla by way of black magicin LEVIATHAN.

In LEVIATHAN, a group millennials try to do a black magic ritual for laughs and end up summoning a demonic giant monster determined to kill them all.

LEVIATHAN is coming this summer to Image Comics.

TODD MCFARLANE ANNOUNCES FIVE NEW PROJECTS

Todd McFarlane, President of Image Comics and creator of SPAWN, took to the stage today to announce five new comic projects. The timing of these come on the heels of his upcoming directorial debut for the new SPAWN feature film. The movie will be in production by late spring so these comics will hit shelf just as the SPAWN movie is getting wide publicity across multiple platforms.

To help retailers take advantage of the upcoming SPAWN news buzz he announced the five projects below:

1) MEDIEVAL SPAWN and WITCHBLADE crossover miniseries

This May release is a re-teaming of two of Image's most popular original characters.

The new mini-series is written by Brian Holguin with art by Brian Haberlin with 32 full pages of story and art will also feature a special augmented reality cover for only $2.99.

Fan favorites Spawn and Witchblade together for the first time in two decades!

2) SPAWN KILLS EVERYONE 2 (mini-series)

Due to the wonderful success of the one-shot, Todd McFarlane is creating along with Will Robson a four part mini-series that has our childish Spawn giving birth to hundreds of smaller Spawn babies who take his "kill list" and try to help out their new father.

3) MISERY (new ongoing monthly series)

In the wake of the #MeToo scandals arises a teenage hero who is tired of being pushed around and abused by the actions of others. This new character, MISERY, will help out those innocent people who have been victimized by the evil that is spread across the entire planet.

Stories will go global as Misery tries to discover exactly how to control her powers and how to make others feel her...misery.

4) SPAWN (on-going monthly title)

Comic Industry's longest running independent title continues its march towards its 300th issue as well as tying into the upcoming movie that McFarlane is writing and directing with Jason Blum and his Blumhouse Productions.

The comic Spawn is setting the stage to flush out some of his biggest enemies that he has locked on earth. He will come face to face with the Clown, Overt-Kill and an all-new Violator.

5) SAM and TWITCH True Detectives (8 part mini-series)

Detective "Twitch" Williams will be the main focus in the new full length film about to go into production and he will be introduce to a whole new audience with his appearance in the SPAWN film.

All eight issues have already been completed and will be released close to the film's announcement and trailers. Much like THE WALKING DEAD, new viewers will be drawn to the stories and characters they will be seeing on the big screen and also a potential new TV series.

NETFLIX'S MILLARWORLD TITLES LAUNCH WITH THE MAGIC ORDER

Comics titan Mark Millar (KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE, KICK-ASS, HIT-GIRL, JUPITER'S LEGACY) announced that Netflix's forthcoming Millarworld titles will be published by Image Comics, beginning with his first new project, THE MAGIC ORDER. THE MAGIC ORDER will feature art by Olivier Coipel (Amazing Spider-Man, Thor) and is planned as a six-issue miniseries.

We live in a world where we've never seen a monster, and The Magic Order is the reason we sleep safely in our beds. Magic meets the Mob in THE MAGIC ORDER as five families of magicianssworn to protect our world for generationsmust battle an enemy who's picking them off one by one. By day, they live among us as our neighbors, friends and co-workers, but by night they are the sorcerers, magicians and wizards that protect us from the forces of darkness...unless the darkness gets them first.

The series will launch from Image Comics in Summer 2018.

OBLIVION SONG by Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici

Image Comics partner Robert Kirkman (THE WALKING DEAD, OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA) took to the stage to show off the OBLIVION SONG #1 trailer for a sneak peek at what's in store for fans on Wednesday, March 7th when the new series hits stores.

PROXIMA CENTAURI by Farel Dalrymple

Farel Dalrymple returns with an all-new, six-issue miniseries full of psychedelic-science-fantasy-action drama in PROXIMA CENTAURI.

PROXIMA CENTAURI follows the teenage adventurer Sherwood Presley Breadcoat, "The Scientist" Duke Herzog, Dr. EXT the Time Traveller, M. Parasol, Shakey the Space Wizard, and Dhog Dahog. Sherwood is looking for escape from the spectral dimensional space zone and a way back to earth and his brother.

The miniseries will launch in June 2018.

THE RED HOOK, Vol 1: NEW BROOKLYN by Dean Haspiel

Emmy and Ringo Award winner Dean Haspiel brings THE RED HOOK to print for the first time.

The Red Hook is a super-thief who is bequeathed the Omni-Fist of altruism and is transformed into a superhero against his will or he will die a year after a sentient Brooklyn's heart is broken and physically secedes from America to form New Brooklyn.

The graphic novel will hit stores in June 2018.

SHANGHAI RED by Christopher Sebela & Joshua Hixon

Christopher Sebela and Joshua Hixson team up for a turn of the century revenge thriller SHANGHAI READ, a story that stretches from the deck of a boat outside Shanghai to the bleak streets (and the secret tunnels beneath them) of Portland, Oregon. A violent journey of vengeance, identity and family.

"Josh and I have been working on this book for a few years now in secret, just waiting for the chance to unleash it on readers and we're kinda freaking out that this thing we've put so much time and sweat into is really real and really good," said Sebela.

The series launches from Image Comics in June 2018.

SON OF HITLER OGN by Anthony Del Col & Jeff McComsey

Acclaimed writer ANTHONY DEL COL (Assassin's Creed, Kill Shakespeare), New York Times bestselling cartoonist JEFF McCOMSEY (FUBAR), and newcomer GEOFF MOORE come together for an action-packed, original graphic novel, SON OF HITLER.

The never-before-told story of Adolf Hitler's secret child and how this son was the key to ending World War II is now revealed in this audacious graphic novel based upon one of history's most intriguing rumors.

"Like any top secret mission, SON OF HITLER involved meticulous planning, maps, secret meetings and the twisting of arms," said Del Col. "So now that our mission has finally been revealed we can get around to the execution of it. And by execution, I mean the planned execution of Adolf Hitler."

In 1943 Nazi-occupied France a rogue British S.O.E. agent recruits a young baker's assistant for a dangerous mission by sharing with him a revelation no one would ever want to hear: he is the biological son of Adolf Hitler.

The original graphic novel will hit stores in May 2018.

UNNATURAL by Mirka Andolfo

Mirka Andolfo brings hit Italian comic title, Contro Natura, to Image Comics in an English translated fantasy erotica title, UNNATURAL.

Leslie is a simple pig girl, she loves sushi and she is trapped in a job that she hates. She lives with Trish, her best friend. In her world, which is full of anthropomorphic creatures, the government interferes in the personal lives of its citizens, up to the point of allowing only relationships between individuals of the same race. The transgressors are punished. They are accused of being... unnatural! Leslie dreams of something different for herself. But these dreams are becoming dangerous, especially because they feature a mysterious wolf. And, when she wakes up, she thinks that she is being watched...

The series will launch in July 2018.

THE WEATHERMAN by Jody LeHeup & Nathan Fox

Writer Jody LeHeup (SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER), Eisner Award-nominated artist Nathan Fox (DMZ, HAUNT, Dark Reign: Zodiac), and Eisner Award-winning colorist Dave Stewart (Hellboy, RUMBLE) merge to form an unstoppable sci-fi tour de force with THE WEATHERMAN!

Local weatherman and fun-loving amnesiac Nathan Bright was just a normal guy living the good life on terraformed Mars. But the past Nathan didn't know he had comes back to murder him when he's accused of carrying out the worst terrorist attack in human historyan event that wiped out nearly the entire population of Earth.

Confused, terrified, and ill-prepared for life as the galaxy's most wanted man, Nathan's fate lies in the hands of Amanda Cross, the disavowed government agent assigned to his case. Together the unlikely duo will have to rely on each other as they battle their way through the solar system in search of the truth buried in Nathan's lost memory...and the key to stopping the real enemy from carrying out a second extinction-level attack.

"Series artist Nathan Fox's work on THE WEATHERMAN will hit you like a bolt of lightning," said LeHeup. "Vicious and vital, it's high energy for even higher stakes. There simply aren't comics more beautiful than this."

Fox added: "Before I even finished Jody's first script I knew I had to tell this story. THE WEATHERMAN is one of the most inspired, relevant, and human stories I've ever had the privilege of contributing to and I absolutely cannot wait for people to read it."

A full-throttle, widescreen, science fiction epic about the damage we do in the name of justice and what it truly means to be redeemed...

The series will launch in June 2018.

WHAT'S THE FURTHEST PLACE FROM HERE? by Matthew Rosenberg & Tyler Boss

The critically-acclaimed, breakout creative team behind 4 KIDS WALK INTO A BANK, Tyler Boss & Matthew Rosenberg come to Image Comics for an new series, WHAT'S THE FURTHEST PLACE FROM HERE?

"I'm really excited to be making my Image Comics debut with a book that is very personal to me," said Rosenberg. "And I'm thrilled to do it with Tyler, who I can barely tolerate as a person, but is a brilliant artist and collaborator. Together we're working to make a book that we hope will impact people the same way so many of our favorite comics have impacted us over the years."

WHAT'S THE FURTHEST PLACE FROM HERE? tells the story of a gang of young punks getting lost in the wasteland of America. After their youngest member disappears their quest to find her may put them in a fight to survive against the most deadly terrain, the most dangerous gangs, and maybe even each other. Or maybe not. Either way they're going to find out how the world ended.

Boss added: "The story and world Matthew and myself have built is dense and (hopefully) exciting. I've never felt more creatively charged and I've been putting that energy into every page. I hope that old man Rosenberg can keep up."

It launches in November 2018.
Highlights include Vampironica #3, Riverdale #13, and Jughead: The Hunger #6.

Source: Archie Comics

VAMPIRONICA #3

NEW ONGOING SERIES! You can't go home again... or can you? Veronica's search for answers leads to a deadly confrontation at Lodge Mansion.

Script: Greg and Megan Smallwood

Art: Greg Smallwood, Jack Morelli

Cover: Greg Smallwood

Variant Covers: Francesco Francavilla, Audrey Mok

On Sale Date: 6/6

32-page, full color comic

$3.99 U.S.

DARK CIRCLE

THE BLACK HOOD VOL. 2 (TR)

After the soul-crushing events of BULLET'S KISS, disfigured cop Greg Hettinger leaves Philly for Southern California, but a plane ride can't separate Greg from his troubles. THE BLACK HOOD, VOL. 2 collects THE BLACK HOOD ongoing series issues #7-11.

Script: Duane Swierczynski

Art: Michael Gaydos, Robert Hack, Greg Scott, Rick Burchett, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Rachel Deering

Cover: Greg Smallwood

978-1-62738-890-0

$14.99 US/$16.99 CAN

6 5/8 x 10 3/16"

TR

136 pp, Full Color

Direct Market On-Sale Date: 5/23

ARCHIE #31

Break-ups, hook-ups, Archie on the guitar again, and the Bee drops a huge announcement! Add to this the threat of the Blossom Twins' real father, and peril is everywhere as this arc races towards its game-changing conclusion!

Script: Mark Waid, Ian Flynn

Art: Audrey Mok, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli

Cover: Audrey Mok

Variant Covers: Ben Caldwell, Pete Woods

On Sale Date: 5/30

32-page, full color comic

$3.99 U.S.

ARCHIE VOL. 5 (TR)

The fallout from OVER THE EDGE is here! One life has been destroyed, another family has been torn apartand only the kids of Riverdale High can save their town from imploding! ARCHIE VOL. 5 collects the HEART OF RIVERDALE storyline from issues #23  #27 of the ongoing Archie series.

Script: Mark Waid

Art: Audrey Mok, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli

Cover: Various

978-1-68255-929-1

$17.99 US/$19.99 CAN

6 5/8 x 10 3/16"

TR

144 pp, Full Color

Direct Market On-Sale Date: 5/2

BETTY & VERONICA: VIXENS #6

NEW STORY ARC! "Hunted": The Vixens are being followed by a sinister former foe, but he claims to come in peacecan he be trusted? Meanwhile, a young woman's mysterious disappearance has the Vixens' questioning if their actions are having consequences. Please join us as we welcome new interior artist Jen Vaughn!

Script: Jamie Lee Rotante

Art: Jen Vaughn, Elaina Unger, Rachel Deering

Cover: Jen Vaughn

Variant Covers: Sanya Anwar, Eva Cabrera

On Sale Date: 5/9

32-page, full color comic

$3.99 U.S.

COSMO #5 (of 5)

Retailers: Combined initial orders matching or exceeding 75% of combined initial orders on issue #1 will receive an additional 10% discount.

Cosmo puts on his game face for an all-new adventure! When an unexpected detour lands Cosmo inside an arcade machine, the mighty Martian will need more than wits to level up and conquer the cabinet of digital demons!

Script: Ian Flynn

Art: Tracy Yardley, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli

Cover: Tracy Yardley

Variant Covers: Game Box Art, Retro Art

On Sale Date: 5/23

32-page, full color comic

$3.99 U.S.

JUGHEAD: THE HUNGER #6

The history of werewolves in the Jones family runs deepbut does that include Jughead's little sister Jellybean as well? It's a question good ol' Jug must answer before the Coopers or Reggie's new Pack get to her first!

Script: Frank Tieri

Art: Pat and Tim Kennedy, Joe Eisma, Bob Smith, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli

Cover: Adam Gorham

Variant Covers: Derek Charm, Michael Walsh

On Sale Date: 5/30

32-page, full color comic

$3.99 U.S.

RIVERDALE #13

From Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and the writers of the new CW series Riverdale, this ALL-NEW, ongoing comic series features stories set in between episodes of the new CW TV series Riverdale.

Script: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Various

Art: Thomas Pitilli, Andre Szymanowicz, John Workman

Cover: CW Photo Cover

Variant Cover: CW Photo Cover

On Sale Date: 5/16

32-page, full color comic

$3.99 U.S.

THE ARCHIES #7

This is it! The band has reached the end of their tour. Are they ready to play the show Veronica booked for them way back in THE ARCHIES #1? Have they learned enough to open up for JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS? The hard rockin' conclusion to the beloved rock 'n' roll comic is here! FINAL ISSUE.

Script: Alex Segura and Matt Rosenberg

Art: Joe Eisma, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli

Cover: Greg Smallwood

Variant Cover: Cliff Chiang, Fiona Staples

On Sale Date: 5/2

32-page, full color comic

$3.99 U.S.

THE ARCHIES VOL. 1 (TR)

The rockin' debut featuring the battle of friendship vs. fame, with a few special guests along the way! Follow Archie's quest to make his songwriting dreams a reality, and see how the rock 'n' roll dream effects the lives of the band! Features a special cameo from indie-pop trio CHVRCHES! Collects The Archies one-shot and issues #1  #3 of the ongoing series.

Script: Alex Segura, Matt Rosenberg

Art: Joe Eisma, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli

Cover: Joe Eisma

978-1-68255-893-5

$17.99 US/$19.99 CAN

6 5/8 x 10 3/16"

TR

144 pp, Full Color

Direct Market On-Sale Date: 5/30

ARCHIE AND ME COMICS DIGEST #7

BRAND NEW LEAD STORY: "Viva La Vinyl!" Collecting vinyl records has returned in popularity, and Archie is really getting into his parents vinyl record collectionbut what will he do when he accidentally destroys his dad's prized Elton Pretzley album?

Script: Dan Parent

Art: Dan Parent, Jim Amash, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli

Cover: Dan Parent

On Sale Date: 5/16

128-page, full color comic

$6.99 U.S.

ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #289

BRAND NEW LEAD STORY: "Room With a View!" Archie's ready to move onto bigger and better thingsnamely, a bigger room! But when Archie decides to remodel himself, things might get messy!

Script: Dan Parent

Art: Bill Galvan, Jim Amash, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli

Cover: Jeff Shultz, Rosario "Tito" Pena

On Sale Date: 5/30

192-page, full color comic

$6.99 U.S.

ARCHIE GIANT COMICS SURPRISE (TR)

You'll be SURPRISED at how much fun we can pack into these GIANT compendiums of our most entertaining stories! This collection features 480 pages of iconic Archie tales in one amazing volume!

Script: Various

Art: Various

Cover: Dan Parent

978-1-68255-891-1

$7.99 US/$9.99 CAN

4 7/8 x 6 9/16"

TR

480 pp, Full Color

Direct Market On-Sale Date: 5/16

BETTY AND VERONICA JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #263

BRAND NEW LEAD STORY: "Now You 'Sea' Me!" Betty and Veronica hit the high seas for Spring Break. But it's not all fun and play as the girls start performing alongside the cruise ship illusionistwill they be able to work some magic on his terrible act?

Script: Bill Golliher

Art: Dan Parent

Cover: Bill Galvan, Rosario "Tito" Pena

On Sale Date: 5/16

192-page, full color comic

$6.99 U.S.

BETTY AND VERONICA FRIENDS FOREVER #1: AT THE MOVIES

Classic Betty and Veronica-style stories make their return with this collection of fun tales that see the two iconic BFFs get the Hollywood treatment and experience some matinee madness!

Script: Bill Golliher

Art: Dan Parent, Rich Koslowski, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli

Cover: Dan Parent

On Sale Date: 5/2

24-page, full color comic

$2.99 U.S.

B&V FRIENDS JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #261

BRAND NEW LEAD STORY: "Where the Buffalo Roam!" Betty and Veronica are checking out a college campus for a weekendbut their visit takes an unexpected turn when the school's mascot turns the campus into a real animal house!

Script: Bill Golliher

Art: Dan Parent, Rich Koslowski, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli

Cover: Jeff Shultz, Rosario "Tito" Pena

On Sale Date: 5/9

192-page, full color comic

$6.99 U.S.

WORLD OF ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #78

BRAND NEW LEAD STORY: "Historical or Hysterical!" When Brigitte makes her big Broadway debut, the gang gets together to support herbut Veronica's in need of support herself when her expensive gown rips in two!

Script: Dan Parent

Art: Jeff Shultz, Jim Amash, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli

Cover: Bill Golliher, Bob Smith, Rosario "Tito" Pena

On Sale Date: 5/2

192-page, full color comic

$6.99 U.S.
President George Manneh Weah

It may now seem almost a century since December 26, 2017, but still in our subconsciousness George Manneh Weah was set out not to be the normal, seasoned politician or intellect that we anxiously wanted to maintain the status quo. But then soon after January 22, 2018, we quickly wept away our tears and accepted the fact that Liberia, indeed, now has a very normal and highly innovative presidency of its time. With only two major speeches to his credit thus far, the new President has shown himself to be a master tactician  he is where nobody expects him.

Here are few examples that I have analyzed to demonstrate the Presidents quick adjustment to the stature of a normal and innovative presidency. A presidency that has reawakened our dreams and spirits from a long and nerve wreaking pessimism.

Example N1- President and Madam Clar Marie Weah: Enviable Executive Model Couple

Truly, it is highly refreshing to see Liberia with an enviable model Executive Couple - humble, energetic father and mother figures  with eyes to see the suffering, ears to hear the cries of helplessness, and the heart to care and comfort a people in distress and loss of direction.

In the footsteps of her husband, Madam Weah has taken on her role - visiting hospitals, orphanages and more to come. But not before then, when Liberians were first introduced to the First Lady on January 22, 2018, the detractors and some media went into a nationality phobia not any more against a White, but a Black person. That the lady was not a Liberian, but a Jamaican national. And mind you, she is a pure Negro decent and thus eligible to become a citizen of Liberia any minute of the day.

Additionally, we also forgot our history that some of our nations most brilliant and great statesmen- the Barclays, Grimes, and others  have their origins from the West Indies, arriving in Liberia from the 1860s. Well, no wonder the topic quickly disappeared, leaving our people to quietly breathe the calm festive air of change.

Please forgive us then, Madam First Lady, and continue with your humility to give and care for our abandoned orphans, the sick and poor elders. God will bless you and give you strength, courage and a long life by the side of our President as his first rampart of support, trust and love as the going gets tough.

Example N 2 - A Simple, Short, Precise Inaugural Speech

Most of us were waiting to hear the Presidents inaugural speech  a speech to be in some broken up or colloquial English, but none of that. Instead, it was excellent, short, simple and precise; all the dots, commas, hyphens, spellings, exclamation marks, etc were well in place. And most importantly, the jam-packed SKD stadium with over 40 thousand people heard loud and clear the essential in this simple, correct English speech:  Pro-poor Governance. And you must believe it  the entire stadium flew up in hysteria of applause and enthusiasm.

In effect, the President had simply established a major ideological difference from the rest of the Liberian political parties. We all knew the President to have been a populace favorite but never had the slightest idea that the man himself had a deep down populace believe and development agenda. So I dare say that the CDC could well be the de-facto left-wing liberal party that our generation has long awaited to be in total opposition to the conservative right-wing ideology that has ruled Liberia for the past 170 years.

And if my assertion is correct, then this should be a new era for our national body polity  not only for the vitality of our young democracy but also could positively change our perception on the best economic development model to hasting our general national progress. Just imagine how quick some of our financial experts and intellectuals engaged a very enlightened debate on the Pro-poor Governance platform. Because of the timing, it left no doubt on anyones mind that the platform was not a mere political rhetoric which would have tempted the Presidents critics to call him a neo-progressive. Instead, we deduced from our experts that the platform was well thought, timely and tailored to be in direct opposition to the famous Good Governance  this bureaucratic invention of the World Bank, IMF & Co. to camouflage their disastrous monetary policies of profit - strangulating poor countries into massive debt traps, poverty, and corruption.

In essence, the President was telling the World Financial cartel: Look, folks, we have now attained our democracy  the absence for which the Good Governance was established as a pretext. Let us now focus on the collateral damages - mass poverty and underdevelopment  accumulated in the process. A nice way to tell the partners that you definitely want help, but to where it is needed the most.

The other lesson to be learned from President Weahs humble speech is that the content counts the most, and not necessarily the flowery eloquence of presentation. Additionally, he has also shown us the most effective way to teach or interact with our poor and uneducated people with respect and dignity. Because we the so-called book or civilized people have a tendency to lower our people by speaking to them in broken up English and making fun or laughing at them at the same time. This practice puts the poor man or woman always in a position of inferiority, and thus never able to speak English correctly.

In short, the President is saying if we want our poor and illiterate people to learn, understand and speak the English language better, we must communicate too in simple, but very correct English.

Example N3 - First State Of The Nation Address: A Bombshell

The Presidents first State of the Nation Address was another masterpiece of simplicity, but again, the essential was said and clearly heard. By now none of us should have any doubt on the mans determination to transform Liberia profoundly in this 21st century. And make no mistake; I do not think the President underestimates the enormous challenges and obstacles along his path.

Look, I am fascinated by the Presidents moves as a seasoned tactician. He gets to where nobody expects him. Thus no one expected him to have told the Liberian people his ardent intention to lead the nation in straight accordance with our constitution. And he did not stop there, went further to read in toto the relevant articles of the constitution relative to the Good Governance of the state. Of course, at no time did he mention the word democracy; and rightly so, because democracy is embedded in our constitution.

Frankly then, we Liberians should rejoice that after taking the oath of office to respect and uphold the constitution, the President came back to reiterate his commitment to respect this organic law to the letter. Then almost admonished us that if he should default on his commitment, we must hold him fully responsible, and no one else. In other words, no one should be an eye-servant or deceitful to find any excuse for him: The President is a good man, but that those people around him are spoiling his name. No, then you are a hypocrite to get out of sight. But if you are honest then tell him where you see the wrong and give your idea on how to correct that wrong.

Further, true to his consistency and sincerity (others may think the contrary), the President told Liberians that as good as the constitution, it also has some serious flaws that taint our nationhood and undeniably impede Liberias economic development. And to get the message across, the President lifted the veil on the three main virus that poison our constitution:  Limitation of citizenship only to Black people ,  Restriction of land ownership exclusively to citizens  and  Dual citizenship .

Immediately Liberians went into a hysterical debate over any idea of amending their cherished nationality and land ownership clauses. But anyone reading keenly the Presidents propositions would find out that he gave copious convincing arguments why these articles are obsolete. In other words, it was a well-reflected idea and nothing off head. For this reason, the President did not mince his words on the nationality clause: it is my view that keeping such a clause in our constitution is unnecessary, racist, and inappropriate for the place that Liberia occupies today in the comity of nations. It could not have been said any better, Mr. President; I applaud your frankness and farsightedness.

Here is a hypothetical example. A Liberian man or woman married a White person; both worked very hard in Liberia and invested all their savings in land and real estate for their retirement  of course, everything in the name of the Liberian partner. At retirement, the Liberian partner filed for a divorce and took away everything, leaving the White partner in total destitute. Can anyone imagine this degree of a cruel racism and injustice? But most of us have acquired foreign citizenships since the civil war  with every right to buy and own anything legal that money can purchase in these countries  yet we have the most nationality phobias.

For the thousands of Liberians that line-up before the US embassy every day for visas, I wonder what will they say were the US to put a visa ban until Liberia scraps that racist clause from its constitution. Or what if those in the US could not become citizens and own a property; I wonder would they give a damn about America.

And you know something; our women are even the collateral victims. Take the Lebanese for example (our betes noires), they have no interest in marrying our women who could help them run and develop their businesses in couples. The risk is too high when homes, land and all they should own must be in the name of the woman. So they only exploit our women, and for the same reason also they do not trust us to get into any business partnership. Then we are vexed like hell with them but satisfied to grant them our 50 or 100 years land leases and receive a miserable rent in return.

But mind you, the Lebanese are not the only one to exploit us with our racist constitution. Since Harvey Firestone introduced the 99-year concession lease agreement idea to Liberia from the 1930s, all the other concessionaires that have come with the same mindset (LMC, LAMCO, NIOC, Bong Mines, and others), built only mini paradise states within Liberia; and while we sit idle on the periphery as mere spectators, our hands between our legs, dancing, boozing and playing the big-shots over a massive poverty-stricken people and an under-developed nation.

And how many of these expatriates left the walls of their mini-paradises to marry a Liberian woman or return to Liberia to invest in a country with so many natural resources and opportunities? That is your guess.

Thus the correlation between Liberias chronic under-development and its racist constitution is as clear as day to me. Those 170 years wasted cannot be attributed only to bad governance and corruption. It is, therefore, the moment that we free our country from its excess baggage carried since 1847.

Thank you, Mr. President; and please stand your ground while the time is still on your side.

Example N4 - The President And Vice President In Tandem

As we Liberians are inherently sinister people, many had hoped for an immediate collision course between the President and his Vice President. But President Weah believes strongly in the constitution, and this organic law defines clearly the roles of each one serving at the helm of power. Thus the Presidents fervent commitment to the constitution has put everybody on their guard Legislature, Judiciary, Vice Presidency, and all others  to respect the rules of good governance or be an outcast.

So all the pieces of the puzzle are perfectly in place; the VP is in her official role  head of the Legislature, deputizes for the President, Group of 77, attends cabinet meetings, and all other tasks that the President may deem necessary.

Notwithstanding, as the experience from the previous administration has shown, it is not advisable for a dissatisfied VP to distance himself at the last minute from a government to which he was a full and beneficiary participant. The most honorable thing then for a VP to do instead of keeping a grudge or tortured mind for 6 years  is to resign since the constitution does not permit the President to fire his VP. But having in mind, though, that such a resignation may come at a very high political risk.

So, Mr. President and Madam VP, I beg, please maintain an exemplarity of unity and harmony between our dynamic Executive pair and work assiduously in the interest of our country and people. And the people shall reward you.

Example N5  Voluntary 25% Salary Deduction

No one expected the President to have imposed upon himself a voluntary 25% salary deduction. It is a very laudable symbolic gesture, indeed. But let me also remind him that the former French President, Francois Hollande, did the same at the onset of his administration, but none of the other branches of government ever followed his example.

Thus, Mr. President, I am afraid that if you do not put your foot down and impose some rigorous generalized austerity measures, donors, partners, and even Liberians may not take you very seriously. In fact, your administration may be subjected to serious blackmail if you have to go around begging to meet an indecent government payroll. Some countries in Europe are still going through stringent austerity cures (reduced salaries, social security, etc to keep their heads above the waters; so why not Liberia?

Example N6  A Bilingual President: An Advantage

Most of us ignored that President Weah is bilingual - he speaks French very fluently. Since French was introduced in the Liberian schools probably in the 1960s, I think President Weah could be the first Liberian leader with the ability to chat tete-a-tete with most of the world leaders and attend AU conferences without an official French interpreter. And it is good news for the national budget, and also reinforces confidentiality and trust between leaders who do not converse through an interpreter. It is also an enormous advantage, especially when most of the African countries are francophone.

Example N7  Beware, Foreign Travels

Foreign travels are necessary during this crucial period of get to know you and your national agenda. But when that is over, Mr. President, I hold your foot, please organize quickly and take your pilgrimage forcefully to the Liberian people; then leave the rest to your principal lieutenants to carry on some of the globetrotting.

Well, Mr. President, though the road is still long, but so far, so good. I assure you of my fullest and modest support. If you get it right, I will praise you; if you get wrong, I will share my ideas. Democracy obliged.

What is your take? Please post your comments below:


Introduction

The policy experts involved in the writing of Liberias Petroleum law (2002) perhaps overlooked important aspects of the petroleum sector, including Critical Safeguard, Oil Spill, and Environmental Sustainability. The omission of safeguard in alignment with Safety, Health and Environment as was proposed by the Petroleum Law makes said document inadequate. Safeguard, which is a cardinal initiative to mitigate risks to person, environment, and facility, cannot be overlooked in the development of essential laws regulating the petroleum industry.



This piece provides an additional intuitive response to address Safeguard, Oil Spill, and Environmental Sustainability which are not covered by the Liberia Petroleum Law of 2002.



Safeguard

The word safeguarding is generic in nature. In the context of the Petroleum sector, safeguard is an emergency action that protects the environment, health, and safety through the instrumentation of statutory compliance from the aggression that could cause serious injury.



Safeguarding is not just restricted to protection but it is also applied in the investigation and improvement of the environment, health, and safety in accordance with established procedures. The formulae of safeguarding policies and laws are critical to stabilizing the Liberian economy through an extractive economic sector, like the hydrocarbon exploratory industry of Liberia. The failure to incorporate safeguarding principles in laws by regulating the hydrocarbon sector regrettably leads to the mishandling of the environment as was the case in Congo where parliament failed to incorporate safeguarding principles in their hydrocarbons law (Global witness 2013).



Today, due to the massive environmental impact of offshore oil and gas industry, roughly seventy (70) international conventions and agreements are straightly in line with offshore protection of the marine environment (Stanislav, P. and Cascio, E., 1999). On the differing, they pointed out in the new monograph Environmental Impact of the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry, that all those international conventions and agreement are not committed to offshore oil and gas development. Therefore, marine environment, safety, social protection, and cooperate responsibility issues in safeguarding national interests should be a priority for any host country in legislation and regulatory frameworks.



To prioritize safety during Petroleum operations in accordance with applicable law is an acceptable practice in the international oil industry. The omission of safeguard in the 2002 petroleum law of Liberia posed a real threat to not only the safety of the rig and the crews but also to the environment and the economy. With the right laws and proper management, Liberia can also be transformed as a result of the discovery of the oil and gas in commercial quantities. Consequently, without a doubt, safeguard is the epitome in the process of petroleum exploration, seismic acquisition and drilling because of environmental challenges faced during oil and gas exploratory process.



Safeguards and controls are the fundamental instruments in the petroleum sector as a thoughtful consideration in the risk mitigation process. It is important to incorporate Safeguarding into Petroleum laws.

The process of safeguarding and the benefits of any petroleum operation will accrue from using safeguarding method accurately with the proviso of required legislation. A strong legislative law that reflects best practices and mitigates the damage to the environment by the process of safeguarding also yields enormous benefits. Considering the core implication of threats and injury in the hydrocarbon basin, safeguarding ought to be integrated into a full spectrum to satisfy the guiding principle. The guiding principle is found to identify potential hazard and threats. With the kind of advance application and management technique to enhance best environmental practices in the Petroleum sector, it is sad to pen a petroleum law without critical safeguarding principles. Excluding the environmental safeguard and control aspects of the petroleum sector by those drafters of the New Petroleum Law of 2002 clearly acknowledged their flaws. Environmental safeguard goes with safety or environmental health and safety to mitigate potential impact. When safety procedures are ignored or absent in the Petroleum sector, it ultimately results in calamitous consequences thereby undermining economic, human survivability of the country and neighboring countries. With rigid unfolding issues brazen out in the Petroleum sector, it is shattering and signal unpatriotic moves for policymakers that drafted the New Petroleum Law of 2002 in omitting the Critical Safeguard. Legislative intentional failure to reforms oil and gas Laws might cause a serious accident to our environment.



Former President Charles Taylor reinvigorated the Petroleum sector through the establishment of the National Oil Company of Liberia and enactment of the New Petroleum Law 2002. The experts working in the sector then perhaps overlooked the fact that the protection of the natural environment is a driving force, and perhaps did not recognize that oil exploitation can also improve economy substantially, but with serious environmental costs. They did not create responsible laws and standards for safeguarding the community, and the environment, but they redirected to providing security and fill the pockets of the few elites.



Then, omitting safeguard in the Petroleum law 2002 was disastrous and exposed the oil basins and its environment to hazard than the current Petroleum law 2016 which incorporated the safeguard to address specifics.



Oil Spill

An oil spill is a friendless occurrence that is controversial in oil producing and exploratory countries. Liberia is currently in the exploratory stage of its thirty concessionary blocks. From Petroleum and Environmental engineering perspective, all stages of oil exploitation have a negative impact on the environment, including exploration. Assuming during exploration, drill cuttings, drill mud, and fluids are certainly used for stimulating production. If there is a distortion Kick, it eventually leads to blow-up that causes oil spill which has the propensity to contaminate the environment base on the magnitude of the spill.



When Oil spills, most part of streams and rivers will be an additional environmental smash up, thus rendering the water polluted and unusable for the community. Blowouts due to uncontrolled pressures during drilling and oil spills scenarios have had their toll on the hydrocarbon industry. Though human errors have led to major oil spills event, with effective controls in the workplace, still; risks can be reduced. The question continues to be asked: How can the drafters do a Petroleum Law by skipping the protection policies and its requirement in the Petroleum Sector? The Piper Oil Spill disaster (July 6, 1988) is an instructive candidate for illustrative discussions in occupational health and safety. The scale of the disaster makes room for a repeated academic investigation into the tragedy and gives it prominence in reviewing process risk and evaluation of complex decision-making process.



To the occupational health and safety specialist, the Piper Oil Spill disaster is remembered as one of the worst in human history and epitomized the need for an in-depth and continuous review of strategies in evaluating industrial practices. Today, the effects of the calamity still ring a bell in the minds of oil field workers, most especially those in the United Kingdom, although the disaster attracted global attention. The disaster typifies a scenario to learn from. The sole justification for this is the scale of the damage. The tragedy affected not only persons but also the environment and facility. With colossal death toll and economic loss, the tragedy is considered the worst in the history of oil and gas activities in the UK.



Though the recent New Petroleum Exploration and Production Reform Act 2016 provides or incorporate the general requirement for the environmental management plan and emergency preparedness during the planning and drilling operations yet still, further substantive research must be done in finding a remediable option of the Petroleum sector. Liberia is directly into exploration and seismic interpretation. The concern of oil spill response or emergency preparedness and environmental management plan is a deep-seated matter that should not be taken lightly. Oil spill incidents are stochastic. As such, no one knows when or precisely where or how they may occur (onshore or offshore). Liberia has been experiencing massive rainfall for the past Four years. And Liberia has a semidiurnal tide when there is a spill the oil may persist longer on the shoreline even when the spill happens offshore



Introducing Environmental Safeguards Provisions of the New Petroleum Law of 2016

The new petroleum law of 2016 recognizes emergency preparedness during the planning and drilling operations. This portion of the law is imperative in identifying sensitive receptors before a spill incident. In this light, protection priorities can be set and cleanup strategies can also be outlined ahead of Oil spill preparedness in using the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) as part of Oil Spill Contingency plan (OSCP).



Regarding such an inclusive proponent by the new law of 2016 in protecting the environment and its citizen, it is also important that the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Lands, Mines, and Energy, and the Petroleum Regulatory Authority play leading roles in proffering rigorous environmental standards or practices in meeting international environmental law. Introducing and using the ESI maps by those relevant institutions for oil spill response reduces environmental impacts of the spill and that of cleanup activities. During the use of ESI maps, this process can be compiled using data from three main components: Shoreline habitats, Sensitive biological resources, and Human-use resources especially in various counties where the blocks are located.



Environmental Sustainability

Liberias engagements in the hydrocarbon sector verbalize volumes in promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity management. The current petroleum act 2016 endorses the interest of environmental sustainability and biodiversity management. This New Petroleum Law 2016 signifies an obvious admiration of the importance and implications of embracing sustainable development through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).



Environmental management plans are vital, especially with regards to the exploratory process of Liberia. Unsuccessful exploration activity requires decommissioning and rehabilitation as a facet of the proper environmental plan. Hope some of the thirty concessionary blocks should undergo commissioning and rehabilitation. This is critical to avoiding an adverse environmental consequence in subsequent time In Liberia. As an oil exploratory country (Liberia), it is not just about regarding international health and safety standards, but to noticeably observe every exploratory activity in protecting the environment from pollution. Protecting the environment is considered the crux and indicator of measurable progress as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals.



There are extractive and mining companies operating in Liberia. The Sustainable Development Goals stress that poverty reduction is the measure of sound, sustainable environmental practice. Thus, nourishing the debate on sustainable development in Liberia is to emanate Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as tools of a guiding principle of sustainability towards the developmental agenda of Mama Liberia. Public participation through the view of citizens on EIA and permit application will surely be appreciated for local benefit from various operations. In practice, no country will be satisfied to have a low Human Development Index (HDI) like Liberia.



With such a low unsustainable achievement in the context of Human development, policies, reform, and enforcement should be a forerunner in meeting its economic status quo for sound and sustainable Human development. Fast forward, the exploration process of Liberia has the predisposition to induce economic, social and cultural changes through environmental sustainability and biodiversity.



Nonetheless, NOCAL has an economic shutdown, which resulted in the downsizing of employees and this is best known to the government (Madam Sirleaf regime). I cannot further comment until a proper auditing report is available because this is another compelling issue that needs to be debated. Based upon the seismic report, I am cognizant of the fact that NOCAL will suffice and contribute immensely to the growth and development of the economy provided the right (competencies) and honest people are given the chance to do the job without vindictiveness and unjustifiable nepotism.

Conclusion

There are several dangers that emanate from the issue of petroleum exploration with the lack of environmental safeguarded provision. The lack of proper environmental safeguard has the potential to trigger environmental crises beyond the local to a trans-regional terrain. Liberia offshore activities need serious environmental assessment because the outcome of this kind of scale has an enormous offshore effect. As such, the environment (Marine) should be keenly protected. Offshore facilities vary widely and are greatly influenced by field production size, Water depth, and Environmental conditions. Fortunately, with the new petroleum law of 2016 that identifies emergency preparedness during the planning and drilling operations, therefore risk assessment, safety and contingency planning as part of the decision support framework should be carefully monitored in avoiding marine pollution and impacts of offshore activities. Regarding historical event of major accidents in the onshore and offshore during both exploration and production, it is incumbent upon the Service Company or National Oil company (NOC) exploring in the Liberia basin to institute a preventive measure of hazards, calls on operating companies to demonstrate that human factors and the environment should adequately be addressed at every stage of exploration. Appreciating and including an Environmental safeguard in the New Petroleum Law 2016 should not be a written dossier, but needs to be monitored to ensure that they have appropriate stability and solidity for their use in protecting the environment and employees.

About the Author: Ambulai Johnson is an Energy, Environmental, and Health Research Professional. He has been trained in the fields of Natural Science, Environmental & Petroleum Studies, Public Health, Climate Change, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Global Leadership, and Alternative Energy. He employs critical and emerging principle in each field to address health and environmental safety issues, create social and technological advancements, and reduce risk and disease caused by environmental hazards.

What is your take? Please post your comments below:


Southern Pines, NC (28387)

Today

Isolated thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Isolated thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
Did You Know Our Quarterback Used to be a Golfer?
Posted Thursday, February 22, 2018 2:31 am

Democrats in both chambers of the state Legislature are at odds over adding more funding to public education and how to cut property taxes across Washington.

Banking on a promising tax revenue forecast, Senate Democrats want to use excess tax revenue to fund public K-12 teacher salaries and cut state property taxes. House Democrats, however, declined to invest more in salary compensation this year despite a court order that they do so. They also proposed a capital gains tax to pay for future property tax cuts.

The supplemental budget will amend the legislatures two-year operating budget, which was approved by lawmakers last summer.

On Feb. 19, Senate Democrats rolled out their version of the budget, which featured big ticket items such as putting roughly $1 billion more towards public K-12 teacher salaries, investing $163 million in mental health treatment, and a one-time reduction in state pr*operty taxes to the tune of $403 million.

Senate Democrats are vying to appease several looming court mandates with their budget proposal. In late 2017, the state Supreme Court ruled that lawmakers must speed up the implementation of funding for teacher salaries to meet an imposed 2018 deadlinethe last step in fulfilling the 2012 McCleary ruling that the state fully fund K-12 education in Washington state. The figure identified by the court was roughly $1 billion.

Additionally, as a result of a federal court 2015 rulingcommonly referred to as the Trueblood casethe state has also been ordered to improve mental health competency evaluations for incarcerated pre-trial detainees.

Last week, state economists released a forecast that predicts that over $1 billion in extra tax revenue will be flooding into government coffers over the next few years, buoying desire among some lawmakers to meet the court mandates and invest in public services without raising taxes.

Given the influx of new revenue, lawmakers are also keen on providing property tax relief, due to the statewide property tax hike that partially funded the $7 billion education package that passed the legislature last summer.

We're funding our public schools and addressing mental illness, we're living within our means, and we're returning taxes to Washingtonians at a time when economic growth is extraordinarily good, said Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Sen. Christine Rolfes, DKitsap County, at a Feb. 19 press conference.

In contrast, in addition to putting $180 million towards mental health, the supplemental budget proposal put forward by Democrats in the House of Representatives allocates no additional funding towards K-12 teacher salarieseffectively ignoring the state Supreme Courts recent order.

At a Feb. 20 briefing, Democratic House Majority Leader Rep. Pat Sullivan, DCovington, said that school districts will struggle to speed up the teacher salary funding, and that lawmakers from both parties and chambers had already committed to a two-year phase-in of teacher salary funding last year when the $7 billion education package was passed.

Well continue with the phase-in that we agreed to last year, he said.

Additionally, House Democrats want to cut property taxes by dipping into state reserves to reduce the tax rate in 2019 and 2020, while also passing House Bill 2967, which would impose a capital gains tax to finance future state property tax reductions starting in 2021.

Our neighbors and our friends back home are really hurting from our property tax increase, said the sponsor of the capital gains tax bill, Rep. Kristine Lytton, DAnacortes, at the Feb. 20 briefing. She added that, with the McCleary funding issue behind the legislature, lawmakers shouldnt rely as heavily on property taxes.

We thought we should have a more progressive tax to help pay for McCleary, said Sullivan.

According to budget documents, the one-time Senate Democratic tax cut proposal would go into effect next year, and would reduce the state property tax rate by 31 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value, amounting to roughly $400 million from state reserves. The House tax cut would temporarily reduce the property tax rate by roughly 34 cents in 2019 and 40 cents in 2020, costing around $1 billion.

Both the Senate and House proposals to cut property taxes require drawing from the state Budget Stabilization Accountcommonly referred to as the rainy day fundwhich requires a 60 percent vote in either chamber. Democrats hold a one seat majority in the Senate and a two seat majority in the House.

Democrats in the legislature have pushed a capital gains tax as a way to pay for public education in past years, but the proposal always met opposition from Republicans and some Democrats, and never made it to the governors desk. And in January, House and Senate Democratic leadership were not enthusiastic about advancing a capital gains tax during the 2018 session.

Sen. Rolfes said on Feb. 19 that if the House passes a capital gains tax as part of its budget that it wouldn't be dead on arrival.

The capital gains tax bill passed out of the House Finance Committee on Feb. 19.

House and Senate Republicans are opposed to the latest effort to push a capital gains tax. House Minority Leader Rep. Dan Kristiansen, RSnohomish, said at a Feb. 20 press conference that passing a capital gains tax would be a slippery slope to enacting an income tax.

At the same briefing, Sen. Sharon Brown, RKennewick, said: this is not the time that we should be talking about reevaluating our entire tax structure, she said.

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have played up their budgets lack of new taxes. Vice Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, Sen. David Frockt, DSeattle, said on Feb. 19 that Republicans should like their proposal because it cuts taxes without raising new revenue.

In a statement, Sen. John Braun, RCentralia, said that while he was largely happy with the Senate Democrats budget proposal, it doesnt go far enough in providing property tax relief. He later told reporters on Feb. 19 that the legislature should try to provide tax property tax relief in 2018.

Additionally, Sen. Braun said the budget should feature a broad-based business and occupation tax cut for manufacturerssimilar to a bipartisan manufacturing tax cut that was vetoed by Gov. Inslee last year. On Feb. 19, he told reporters that the tax cut should be part of the deal.

The state Supreme Court and federal courts have continued to levy penalties on the state for failing to meet the McCleary and Trueblood mandates. Both the Senate and House Democratic budgets allocate almost $150 million to pay off the accrued fees.

Rep. Sullivan said that the House plans to hold a floor vote on their budget package on Friday, Feb. 23. The Senate tentatively plans to vote on its budget package that same day.

There are less than three weeks left in the 2018 legislative session, which is slated to end on March 8.
Madagascar is a huge island with a varied climate. Heres our guide to the best times to go and how to avoid ending up in a cyclone.

If you are a nature lover or budding photographer, Madagascar should be at the top of your bucket list. In this vast and luscious island, 90 per cent of all animal and plant species are totally unique. It also has a vibrant culture, with festivals celebrating all things Malagasy throughout the year.

Madagascar covers almost 600,000 square kilometres (230,000 square miles), making it the worlds fourth largest island. Youll find everything from forest-lined beaches and lowland rainforests to semi-arid deserts and active volcanoes. Unsurprisingly, this means the climate is quite varied, and weather patterns are not always easy to predict.

Seasons are not so clear-cut in Madagascar, so we have put together a guide focusing on the best months to travel to this astonishing island.

January-March

While you can visit Madagascar in the first three months of the year, you are likely to get very wet. In January rainfall can reach up to 340mm and in February there is a high risk of cyclones, particularly in the northeast of the island. March is still part of the peak rainy season, although there is a lesser risk of being caught in a cyclone.

While you may enjoy a cheap and tourist free experience during these months, many hotels, lodges and national parks will be closed due to unpredictable weather and lots of mud. This is not the best time to make the most of what Madagascar has to offer. If you are keen to avoid the tourists and dont mind a bit of rain, April and December are much better bets.

April-June

After 3 months of rainfall, April comes as a relief to the residents of Madagascar. While there may still be some downpours, there will also be plenty of sunshine  the perfect combination to entice the islands wildlife out of hiding. It is a great time of year to observe both reptiles and lemurs making the most of the lush landscape. Most of the national parks will be open by early April.

May is one of the best months to visit Madagascar as it is not yet high season. The landscape is lush and vibrant and lemurs will be in full swing as they are no longer sheltering from the rain. Hotel prices are not yet at their peak and it will still be relatively easy to find accommodation.

Whats more, the end of May marks the time for Nosy Bes biggest cultural event of the year: The Donia Festival. Celebrating unity and culture, the festival takes place over several days and showcases home-grown music, dance and sport.

By June, average rainfall is fast decreasing, although there still may be the odd shower. The flora is particularly striking at this time of year, and humpback whales start returning to the coast of Ile Sainte Marie. June is also the perfect time to visit the southwest of the island (try Isalo National Park), which becomes blisteringly hot in the summer months. If you are up in the highlands, June marks the harvesting of the rice crops which is an impressive sight to behold.

July-September

July marks the start of Madagascars peak tourist season, so its advisable you book everything well in advance to avoid disappointment. By now we are in the midst of Madagascars winter so temperatures drop to a cooler 15-20C and it is also much dryer. This means conditions are ideal for a trek through rainforests like at Ranomafana, as it will be more refreshing than humid. The rainforests in July are buzzing with life, although some small species will be in hibernation. July is also an ideal time to observe humpback whales as they have settled on coast for winter.

Temperatures in August are similarly cool, and it also marks the time when creatures such as dwarf lemurs and chameleons go into hibernation. If you are travelling to Madagascar in August, youll get much more pleasure from exploring the coast. The Island of Tsarabanjina in Nosy Be offers fabulous snorkelling opportunities.

September brings warmer temperatures and a more peaceful atmosphere. Children go back to school at the beginning of the month so it is much quieter. Hibernating creatures also become active again thanks to a rise in temperature, so you really get the best of both worlds. This is also the peak of Madagascars bird breeding season. Many of the native birds have spectacular plumage and unique characteristics, and you may discover observing them is one of the highlights of your trip.

October-December

With lovely warm temperatures and very little rain, October is an excellent time to travel to Madagascar. It is also the month of baby lemurs. Now just a few weeks old, they adorably cling to their mothers backs as they swing through the trees. The Andasibe Reserve is an excellent spot to view the cuteness.

Temperatures rise even further in November (around 28C) and all species of wildlife are out of hibernation. Birds are still in their breeding season so this is a really great month to observe the flora and fauna. Snorkelling opportunities are in abundance and theres a myriad of tropical fish in coastal areas such as Tsarabanjina and Ifaty.

While December is the hottest month in Madagascar, it is also the start of the wet season. You are best off travelling to the south of the island where it is cooler and drier. One benefit of higher rainfall is that chameleons, snakes and lizards become more active, so its a great opportunity for photographers to take some action shots.

If you are not to worried about getting caught in a shower, December is a great time to travel to Madagascar  just make sure you pack waterproof clothing as well as your beach clothes.
Wageningen UR Uganda Ltd workson processes of innovation and change through facilitating innovation,brokering knowledge and supporting capacity development. Wageningen UR Ugandais part of Wageningen University and Research, under the unit Centre forDevelopment Innovation. Wageningen UR Uganda is implementing a 4-year ISSD Plusproject funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Kampala. Theprogramme aims to strengthen the development of a vibrant, pluralistic andmarket-oriented seed sector that is able to address key challenges that hamperthe seed sector development such as seed quality assurance and availability offoundation seed. The project is implemented in collaboration with the NationalAgricultural Research Organisation (NARO) for public varieties and food cropsand private sector for vegetable seed.
Job Title: Driver

Organisation: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

(UNHCR)

Position No.: 10007631

Vacancy Notice: 003/2018

Reports to: Senior Administrative Assistant

Duty Station: Hoima, Uganda

Post Grade: GL2

About UNHCR:

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was

established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly.

UNHCRs mandate under the Statute of the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Refugees is to lead and co-ordinate action for international

protection to refugees; seek permanent solutions for the problems of refugees

and safeguard refugee rights and well-being. UNHCR has an additional mandate

concerning issues of statelessness, as it is given a designated role under

Article 11 of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

Job Summary: The Driver is mainly responsible for up keep

and maintenance of the assigned UNHCR vehicle(s) as per technical guidance and

specifications established by the organisation. The incumbent will be required

to follow strict instructions and security guidance provided by the supervisor.

While the basic function of a driver is to drive the official vehicles of

UNHCR, he/she may be called upon to perform minor maintenance and repair of

UNHCR vehicles. The incumbent has regular contacts with staff within UNHCR

office and with service providers outside UNHCR involving a limited exchange of

information.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Drive UNHCR vehicles

for the transport of authorized passengers and delivery and collection of

mail, documents, UNHCR pouch and other items.



personnel at the airport and facilitate immigration and customs

formalities as required . Meet officialpersonnel at the airport and facilitate immigration and customsformalities as required

Carry out the

day-to-day maintenance of the assigned vehicles; check oil, water,

battery, brakes, tyres, etc. and ensure that the assigned UNHCR vehicles

are road worthy and maintained up to the established security standards.

Conduct minor repairs

and arrange for other repairs and ensure that the vehicle is kept clean.



required by rules and regulations are taken in case of involvement in

accident . Ensure that the stepsrequired by rules and regulations are taken in case of involvement inaccident

Log official trips,

daily mileage, gas consumption, oil changes, greasing, etc.

Perform any other

related duties as required by the Administrative/Finance Associate

Key Performance Indicators:

Assigned UNHCR

vehicles are properly maintained and equipped as per technical guidance

and specifications established by the Organisation.



and regulations are strictly observed . Local traffic rulesand regulations are strictly observed

Instructions and

security guidance provided by the supervisor and security focal point are

strictly followed by the Driver and the passengers during the journey









Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The ideal candidate

for the United Nations UNHCR Driver job vacancy should have completed

Primary Education or equivalent technical or commercial school.

At least two years of

previous job experience relevant to the function.

Driving licence,

knowledge of driving rules and regulations and skills in minor vehicle

repair.

Good knowledge of

English and local language

Good mechanical skills

are desired

Ability to work in

remote areas.

How to Apply:

All interested Ugandan nationals who wish to join the United Nations

High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the aforementioned capacity are

encouraged to click on the link below and follow the application instructions

after reviewing the job details.

Deadline: 26th February 2018
Shravanabelagola, a temple town in Hassan district of Karnataka is witnessing a historic eventthe 88th Mahamastakabhisheka, the anointing ceremony of the world's tallest monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali. The idol is bathed in milk, tender coconut water, sandal paste, turmeric, herbal essence (kashaya) and flowers. The religious extravaganza of the Jain community performed once in every 12 years is not just a rare spectacle, but a testimony to the spirit of an unbroken tradition that has lasted for more than 1,000 years. It continues to inspire mankind with its ideals of non-violence and peace. Lord Bahubali was the first advocate for disarmament in the world, and the values he represents are more relevant than ever, says karmayogi Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, in an exclusive interview to THE WEEK. The 67-year-old pontiff, a scholar in Sanskrit, Prakrit and Kannada, with a masters degree in history and philosophy, is heading the ceremony for the fourth time. This year, the spectacle will go on from February 17 to 25.

How ancient is the Mahamastakabhisheka tradition in Shravanabelagola?

When the 10th century AD Ganga dynasty ruled the region, King Rachamalla's commander Chaundaraya built the monolithic granite statue (58.8-ft tall). After consultation with scholars, he decided to have the Mahamastakabhisheka once every 12 years. The first one was held on March 13, 981 AD. The tradition has continued under the royal patronage of the Hoysala rulers, followed by Vijayanagar empire, Mysore Wadiyars, and also the British rule. Post-independence, the ritual was performed in 1953, 1967, 1981, 1993 and 2006. The erstwhile kings had donated 35 villages in the vicinity to raise funds for the event. But, following the land reforms act (tenancy law), the lands became the property of the tenants. So, the subsequent governments and the devotees funded the event. Till date, it has remained an unbroken tradition.

What is the significance of the event?

It helps preserve the statue. When humans are fatigued, an oil massage helps them get rejuvenated. Similarly, anointing helps in preservation of the statue. Abhisheka is an expression of bhakti (devotion) and has for long remained part of the Indian culture. It is both religious and scientific.

Jainism advocates 'aparigraha' or non-possession. Now, are the celebrations like Masthakabhisheka in tune with that spirit?

Ahimsa se sukh, tyag se shanti, mytri se pragati dhyan se siddhi (happiness from nonviolence, peace from sacrifice, progress from partnership and salvation through meditation). This is what Bahubali teaches us. Events like Mahamastakabhisheka help us showcase the ideals of great souls and their message to the world. Today, every one is busy and lacks time for self introspection. This is an occasion when one can break out of the monotony and reflect within, to keep anger, disillusionment and greed away. It purifies one's mind and dissolves all bitterness as it reiterates the value of sacrifice and selflessness. The event is not just an extravaganza that attracts a crore devotees and tourists. It is also a fund-raiser to carry out social transformation. It is not spent on the temple alone, but on education and healthcare projects. The funds raised through the kalash last time was spent on building a 50-bed children's hospital that offers free treatment. This time, we have built Bahubali General Hospital. We believe temples should not accrue funds, but spend on welfare activities.







Who is funding the event this year?

The Karnataka government has already committed Rs 190 crore to create both permanent and temporary infrastructure. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has constituted a special committee to overlook the preparations and the works are routed through the deputy commissioner's office by issuing work tenders. The Centre had released Rs 90 crore last time. This time, they chiseled the fourth stairway (630 steps) to the hills. The rail connectivity to the town from Bengaluru was also extended.







Why is the event held once in 12 years?

It has been a tradition since Chaundaraya hosted it for the first time. However, the long interval is to safeguard the statue. The granite statue is preserved with great care and even the routine jal abhishekha is not carried out after 12 noon as the stone heats up and anointing may cause damage to the statue. Likewise, we avoid substances like ghee, honey and curd while anointing, as it can harm the stone. Six months prior to the event, the statue gets a layer of protective coating done by Archaeological Survey of India. It is a national monument and it attracts a lot of visitors. We cannot erect any structure to streamline the crowds as no structure should lean on the ASI protected monument.







How relevant is Bahubali's teaching in the age of war-mongering and conflict?

Mankind has suffered from two world wars. Nobody wants war now. But 'no war, no arms' was a decision taken by Bahubali with the realisation that war leads to loss of life and property and stalls progress. Bahubali, the son of the first tirthankara (Adinath) was the first to advocate and practise disarmament in the world. He was a great king, and a warrior. But he refused to surrender his kingdom to his elder brother Bharata saying his kingdom was free. He shunned weapons and instead chose non-violent forms of combatjal yudh (combat in water), malla yudh (wrestling) and drishti yuddh (staring) and defeated his brother. Victory earned him not happiness but remorse. He became a Digambara monk (naked ascetic), stood for penance and eventually attained moksha (salvation), upholding the value of supreme sacrifice, non-violence and renunciation to free one's soul from the karmic cycle of life and death. Today, the United Nations is advocating disarmament as it is the only hope for mankind. There is a need to lay down arms and come to the negotiation table to amicably settle conflicts, without war or bloodshed. Ahimsa (non-violence) is the path to happiness and peace.







Is war inevitable or avoidable?

When Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead, a small boy asked why the weapon was created. Arms for self-defence is fine, but not for war. There's nothing that cannot be resolved by dialogue. War is not necessary and use of armschemical or nuclearwill be devastating as they destroy human life. Disarmament is a huge movement today. However, we cannot rule out war at all times, especially when the enemy invades our country. We have to declare war when it is inevitable. War to protect one's country, culture, temple, lives of people and property is justified, but war to acquire wealth, conquer lands is unacceptable. Jain warriors and commander in chiefs waged wars but not for acquisition of property but to protect one's kingdom or country.







Is renunciation a forgotten value in these times of growing materialism?

The wold population is around 700 crore, and there are 700 'sarva sang parityagi' or Digambara monks who practise total renunciation. Even today, we have both young and old people embracing the life of an ascetic, honouring the value of sacrifice and penance. When foreigners come here, they see Bahubali bhagwan and also observe the Digambara munis and exclaim, Bahubali is still there! The ancient religion of India still exists and is practised despite the onslaught of modern technology and shift in human values. That is the power of our ancient culture.







Can a commoner adopt the values of Bahubali?

It is not just the monks and nuns who renounce. A commoner who opts for a family life immerses in spirituality. Total renunciation is aim of life as moksha or salvation is a concept of liberating oneself from the cycle of birth and death. Total renunciation is not for everyone, but for those who seek liberation. At the age of 30, Lord Mahaveera left home and meditated for 12 years in a forest and led a monk's life. It is considered an ideal life. But once you get married, you have responsibilitiesyour children's education, employment and marriage. Many people embrace a monk's life in their old age. But many young people are also seeking 'deeksha'. We respect their decision. The common man can attain salvation by his good deeds, by renouncing anger, pride, lust, infatuation. One has to achieve purity of mind, free oneself from conflict and aggression, which are bad thoughts and unnecessary for human life. Goodness, honesty, simple living and high thinking is prescribed by all great acharyas. One can be spiritual in one's actions.













Does religion and tradition appeal to today's youth?

Youth have a tendency to question every ritualistic practice. So, we need to teach religion through science. Today, we are using technology in every walk of life. Science is taking giant strides, but religion is lagging behind. The reason for this is our collective failure. Religion should not shun science. Instead, the scientific basis of every religious idea should be understood. I am reminded of what Bhakti Vedanta Swami wrote in one of his books about his US visit. He asked devotees to light an oil lampthe Akhanda Deep. But the devotees asked why we could not use an electric lamp. Swami asked to conduct research on the benefits of lighting an oil lamp. It was found that an oil lamp keeps the viruses away and prevents disease transmission. So, we cannot dismiss a practice without understanding its scientific basis. We also have youths seeking deeksha today. The younger generation does not believe that visiting temples alone makes him or her a religious or righteous person. I am confident our youth have the ability and commitment to engage in social work, inculcate morals and follow the path of great leaders. But as religious leaders, we must raise to the occasion and not blindly impose traditions.







How do you perceive today's education system?

There is a need for revival of our ancient education system and values. Evey home has an engineer and doctor, but how many are practising our ancient religion and traditions? We are not just born in India, we are Indians. It is time the schools and colleges start imparting moral education. India is a democratic country and one religion cannot be taught in schools. So, every religious groups can have summer camps to help children and youths familiarise with their culture. Mother is the first teacher and she has the responsibility to pass on our tradition to the younger generation.







What is the significance of the Bhattarakas? Can you share your journey as the pontiff?

During the Muslim rule, they occupied Delhi and movement of the Digambaras had becom difficult and hence stayed in the temples. Some started wearing clothes and took over the management of the temples and to protect the temple,. Bhattarakas emerged as the custodians of the temples and the land.







I was studying in the gurukula and was a topper. My guruji chose me to be the Bhattaraka. I accepted it. For the last 47 years, I have been discharging my duties of protect this tradition. Every day, I receive the monks and nuns and ensure their comfortable stay, performing pujas in 40 temples, conducting special festivals like Mahamastakabhisheka. We have brought out Kannada translation of the ancient Jain textsJai Dhavala, Maha Dhavala in 40 volumes (originally in Prakrit language). It was the biggest project that took 15 years; we trained scholars for translation. In 1993, the Karnataka government sanctioned Rs 50 lakh for setting up the prakrit institute. This time, the government has assured Rs 21 crore to upgrade it into Prakrit University, as we have 700 students graduating every year. Sanskrit, Pali and Prakrit are our ancient languages which should be kept alive as the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain ancient scriptures are recorded in these languages.







Today we see many 'Matajis' (Jain nuns). How does Jainism look at women's spiritual journey?

Compared to men, women are in the frontline of the religious practices. During Mahavira's discourse, women always outnumbered men. Not just nuns, women in households too observe fasting at least once a week. During Paryushan Parva, they observe 10-day fasting to purify their soul. Their role should not be limited to the kitchen or treated as a servant in the house, but must be appreciated for their spiritual pursuit. Many nuns are great scholars and writers. Some teach in girls' colleges. Digambara monks are only 700, but nuns are much more in number. Deeksha is a continuous process; during the last Mahamastakabhishekha, more than 35 were initiated. And this time too, we expect many will.
Health infrastructure will multiply three-fold, pharma companies' turnover will double in five years and jobs will rain in the healthcare and pharma sectors, said Ananth Kumar, the Union minister for pharmaceuticals. All this, riding piggyback on the National Health Protection Scheme announced in Budget 2018-19, according to the minister.

Ananth Kumar, who also holds the portfolio of chemicals and fertilisers in the Narendra Modi cabinet, also has a role in converting the prime minister's promise of doubling farmers' income by 2022. His ministry has been working towards reducing the cost of urea, prevention of its diversion to the chemicals industry and ensuring its production increased. Fertiliser comprises 30 per cent of the cost of inputs of farmers. Neem coating at Modi speed, offering to buy excess urea produced at a slightly lower than the import price and reviving fertiliser plants that were shut for decades were steps they had taken with success, he said.

The jobs he listed pertained to health human resources comprising doctors, nurses, technicians and people at all levels in the diagnostic industry, their manufacture, marketing etc. We should be ready for that, he added on a very optimistic note.

Described by BJP leaders including Ananth Kumar as Namocare, it is planned to provide health insurance of Rs 5 lakhs each for 10 crore families. The minister said India was already the third largest manufacturer of pharmaceuticals in the world and exports to 215 countries. Drugs worth Rs 1 lakh crores were used by Indians.

While there were 10,000 pharma companies in the country, 1,200 of them were WHO certified and licenced to export. We procure only from these certified companies for the Pradhan Mantri's Janaushadhi Scheme, so the quality of medicines we provide is assured, Ananth Kumar said.

Under the Janaushadhi scheme, generic drugs are provided at government determined prices. When we took charge, 200 types of medicines were provided. Now we are supplying 600 varieties of drugs and as many types of health supplements. The turnover in the Janaushadhi scheme was Rs 3 crore in 2014; now it is Rs 150 crore in terms of the subsidised price, otherwise Rs 600 crore. We have 3,166 Janaushadi Kendras, and our endeavour is to increase this, Ananthkumar said providing details.

The minister also asserted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's determination to provide affordable medicines, and said capping the MRP of 1,085 medicines in the National List of Essential Medicines generally referred to as the Life Saving Drugshad resulted in savings to the tune of Rs 9,144 crore to the public. Similarly, the government had capped the price of stents that used to cost between Rs 1.25 lakh to 2.25 lakhs at Rs 31,000. On the Valentine's Day this year, it had been reduced to Rs 27,000, said Ananth Kumar, adding that they were enforcing this strictly. He insisted that the price of the stent and the procedure together be maintained at what prevailed in the six months prior to the cap notification. The government has warned the health sector players that an initial notice will be followed by criminal prosecution and possibly cancellation of licence.

So far, the government has left the custom made or tailored stent price untouched, given the economic status of people opting for them. Two years down the line, they may consider capping the price of such stents, too, he said.

India has six crore cardiac patients, ranging from neonates to the very senior citizens. The savings to them could be to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore.

From when this cap was imposed, world class stents are being made in India. From 20 per cent, the production of them has gone up to 66 per cent, he said.

The government has also capped the price of knee implants that ranged between Rs 1.55 lakh to Rs 8 lakh, at Rs 55,000, resulting in savings to the tune of Rs 5,900 crore, Ananthkumar said.

The government has also increased the number of institutes that turn out plastic engineers, who are in short supply the world over.
The ED on Thursday said it has frozen mutual funds and shares worth Rs 94.52 crore of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups in connection with money laundering probe against them in the Rs 11,400-crore alleged fraud at the Punjab National Bank (PNB).

It also seized nine high-end luxury cars of Modi as part of its investigation against him under the criminal provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Officials of the agency said frozen mutual funds and shares worth Rs 86.72 crore belong to Choksi and his group, and the rest are owned by the Modi group.

Choksi is Modi's uncle and promoter of the Gitanjali Gems group and other jewellery brands.

The central probe agency also seized nine costly cars of Modi, recovered by it during raids last week.

These include a Rolls Royce Ghost, a Mercedes Benz, a Porsche Panamera, three Honda variants, a Toyota Fortuner and an Innova.

Modi, Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies after it recently came to light, following a complaint by the PNB, that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of Rs 11,400 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

The CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the case. Both Modi and Choski are said to have left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them.
A special court in Mumbai on Thursday remanded Vipul Ambani, the president (finance) of Nirav Modi's Fire Star Diamond, and five others in CBI custody till March 5 in connection with the Rs 11,400 crore alleged fraud in Punjab National Bank (PNB).

The six were arrested on Wednesday in connection with two FIRs registered by the CBI involving Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi, the owner of Gitanjali Gems.

The FIRs are related to fraudulent issuance of 150 Letters of Undertaking (LoUs), a kind of bank guarantee, worth Rs 6,498 crore and 143 LoUs worth Rs 4,886 crore, issued during 2011-17.

Ambani, Kavita Mankikar (executive assistant and authorised signatory of three firmsDiamond R US, Stellar Diamond, Solar Exports), Arjun Patil (senior executive, Firestar group), and Rajesh Jindal, the then head of the Brady House branch of PNB, were listed as accused in the FIR registered by the CBI on January 31.

Those arrested in connection with Choksi's firms are Nakshatra group and Gitanjali group CFO Kapil Khandelwal and Gitanjali group manager Niten Shahi.

The six were remanded in CBI custody till March 5 by Special Court Judge S.R. Tamboli.

While seeking Shahi's custody, the CBI said he fabricated applications and related documents for issuance of purported LoUs for fraudulently availing buyers credit from PNB.

Shahi claimed that all documents were prepared and submitted to Shetty at the instance of one Vipul Chatalia, it said, adding that he was evasive on what was done with the documents once the transactions were completed.

"It is understood that Shetty was returning the set of documents without making the entries in their books although the corresponding SWIFT messages were conveyed to the overseas bank", the agency said.

According to the CBI, "there is every reason" to believe that Shahi had actively participated in the conspiracy and was aware of other conspirators, the modus operandi adopted and of the end-use of defrauded funds.

On Khandelwal's role, the CBI said he was reporting to Choksi and was privy to all transactions, including the illegal ones.

"He admitted that he was looking after various credit limits that were extended to the companies by PNB. During examination, he stated the companies were only undertaking transactions, including imports, against credit limits sanctioned to them," the CBI said.

Special Public Prosecutor Limosin A told the court that they had to unearth how and where these documents for the issuance of LoUs and FLCs were prepared.

He said the agency wanted to recover the documents relating to issuance of LoUs which were handed back by Shetty after transactions and unearth utilisation of the proceeds of the defrauded amount.

"We have to identity other accomplices involved, identify the modus operandi, and to ascertain how many other banks have been defrauded", said Limosin.

On Ambani's role, the agency said being the finance department's head from May 2013 to November 2017, he was aware of the fraudulent and illegal LOUs which were being issued by Shetty in conspiracy and guidance of Modi and other employees.

He was visiting and meeting not only the Brady House branch officials of PNB but also the officials of its circle and zonal offices.

"Ambani's knowledge of the fraudulent transactions is proved from the fact that during searches at his office, the applications of fraudulent LoUs made to PNB by the three firms of Nirav Modi were seized," the CBI stated in its remand application.

"The documents and circumstances prove his (Ambani's) knowledge of the fraudulent applications for LoUs being made in the same premises of Firestar group companies.

"They also prove deliberate acts of omission by Ambani by not protesting the issuance of such fraudulent LoUs that led to the continuance of concealment and large-scale fraud in this case of PNB and loss and diversion of thousands of crores of public funds. This fact prove his part in this sinister conspiracy to cheat PNB," the agency said.

On Mankikar's role, CBI said she was the authorised signatory of Modi's firms that fraudulently obtained LoUs from PNB for the issuance of buyers credit.

"She had fraudulently signed the applications for issuance of the LoUs. She told the agency that she was signing documents as per Modi's instructions without knowing facts or ramifications of her actions," the CBI said.

According to the CBI, Patil had prepared the application submitted to PNB in the name of Modi's firms for issuance of buyers credit. "He has not disclosed how and where such applications were fraudulently prepared," the agency said.

Seeking remand of Jindal, the CBI said they questioned him about the LoUs issued during his tenure in 2010-2011. "He allowed Shetty to continue issuing LoUs without following existing banking procedure, policy guidelines of PNB and RBI," it said.

Opposing the custody of the accused, defence lawyers told the court that they had revealed to the CBI whatever they knew.
Four private hospitals in Delhi-NCR are inflating bills and overcharging patients as much as even 1,000 per cent, revealed the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). The report released by the apex body for price control of drugs and medical devices on Tuesday exposed how four private hospitals in the NCR are overcharging patients through inflated medical bills.

In the report, the NPPA made a list of all such drugs that hospitals have sold to patients at higher profits. For instance, it found that a hospital was billing a patient Rs 189.95 for a single injection that it purchased for Rs 13.64a profit of over 1,000 per cent. Bed bath wet wipes, a consumable product, was purchased at Rs 33 by the hospital and billed to the patient at Rs 350nearly 950 per cent profit. However, the NPPA cannot even take any action against these hospitals for overcharging patients for consumable products as these items do not fall under the ambit of the Drug Price Control Order.

Moreover, it was found that scheduled drugs or those that fall under price control or under the National List of Essential Medicines constitute only 4.10 per cent of the billing amounts. On the other hand, expensive, non-scheduled drugs that have no price caps or fall outside the purview of price control, make up for 25.67 per cent of the total billing amounts. "It is clear that for claiming higher margins, doctors-hospitals preferred prescribing and dispensing non-scheduled branded medicines instead of scheduled medicines, which anyway cover all essential medicines," the report stated.

While Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram was indirectly referred to in the report, the NPPA declined to reveal other hospitals, which provided billing information on condition of confidentiality.

The report comes in the wake of a complaint made by the family of a seven-year-old girl who died of dengue at Fortis hospital in Gurugram a few months back. The family was asked to pay a whopping Rs 16 lakh for 15-days of hospitalisation. When the matter was taken up by the NPPA based on an RTI application, it found, from the data submitted by Fortis, that the hospital marked up the prices of medicines and other consumables used, by even up to 1,700 per cent.

"In recent months, Delhi/NCR witnessed some unfortunate deaths because of dengue and other ailments in four reputed private hospitals. In each case, the NPPA got complaints of over pricing and inflated bills from relatives of deceased patients," the report stated. The NPPA, within its jurisdiction under Drug Prices Control Order, asked for details of billing from these hospitals and analysed the same in great detail. The data received, was tabulated under sections such as, 'scheduled formulationsessential medicines that are under price control', 'non-scheduled formulationsmedicines that do not fall under price control', 'consumables', and 'medical devices'.

A number of other alarming revelations have been made by the NPPA, such as, "about 25 per cent of a patients hospital bill is the cost of non-schedule formulations, or those medicines that are not under price controls. About 10 per cent of the bill is a result of the charges for consumables and 15 per cent is for diagnostic services.

"Institutional bulk purchase by private hospitals, which in most cases keep a pharmacy of their own, makes it easier for them to get very high profit margins and indulge in profiteering on drugs and devices even without the need to violate the MRPs, which is already enough inflated," the NPPA said. It further added that "The industry, in order to get bulk supply orders, is 'forced' to print higher MRPs as per the 'market requirements'. This is a clear case of market distortion where manufacturers after accounting for their profits print inflated MRPs to meet out the demands of a distorted trade channel and patients have to incur huge out of pocket expenditure in hospitalisation cases."

"The profit margins in the non-scheduled devices such as catheters, syringes and cannula are exorbitant and clearly a case of unethical profiteering in a failed market system. Most of the drugs, devices and disposables were used and sold by the hospitals from their own in-house pharmacies and the patients were given no choice or opportunity to procure these articles from outside the hospitals where prices are supposed to be lower in most cases because of some discounts," noted Anand Prakash, Deputy Director, NPPA, who undersigned the report.

The report recommended a policy intervention to address the unethical practices carried out by private hospitals, thereby, making healthcare not just unaffordable but also inaccessible to the common man.
The world's largest furniture retailer Ikea plans to scale up its investments in India over time as it sees a huge growth potential in the market. The company had planned to invest Rs 10,500 crore in the country as per the investment proposal that was cleared by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board in 2013. Senior executives of the company, without giving a particular number, said they would look to invest more than that.

Rs 10,500 crore was the initial approval. This was when we were starting to look at India. Today, we have much better understanding of the potential India has. We believe we will invest more than the Rs 10,500 crore, said Patrik Antoni, deputy country manager of Ikea India.

India's furniture market consists of few retail chains like Godrej Interio, Shoppers Stop-owned Home Stop and Future Group's Home Town. However, the biggest competition for Ikea will be the largely unorganised market dominated by standalone stores and carpenters. In recent times, e-commerce players like Amazon, Flipkart have also entered the fray.

Globally, the Swedish furniture retailer is well-known for its products, which are ready to assemble and officials say they have visited several homes in cities like Mumbai to understand local requirements. Its first store in the country is set to open by the middle of this year in Hyderabad, where work is in advanced stages.

After Hyderabad, the second store will come up in Navi Mumbai next year, where construction is also on in full swing. This will be followed by an outlet in Bengaluru, which also the company hopes to open in 2019, after which it will open in Delhi-NCR. Later the company will look at expanding its retail footprint to other cities like Chennai and Ahmedabad among many others.

It is really about reaching the many people in India. We believe in bigger investments to reach more people, added Antoni.

In Maharashtra alone, the company is investing close to Rs 3,000 crore, which will include multi-format stores as well as experience centres in Mumbai. A similar investment is also likely to be made in Delhi-NCR.

Earlier this month, Ikea opened its distribution centre in Pune, from where it will service and supply its stores in the country. The company is investing Rs 750 crore in the distribution centre, which will be further expanded as the business grows. There may be smaller logistics centres that may be opened near Bengaluru and other large markets like Delhi. These smaller logistics units will be used to distribute products to customers, said Per Hornell, Maharashtra Market Manager for Ikea.

Each Ikea retail store will directly employ around 800 people and around 1,200 people will get indirect jobs, added Hornell.

Apart from physical stores, customers will also be able to shop Ikea products online starting 2019. The roll-out of its own e-commerce platform will be in phases and only in areas closer to where it will be physically present.

The company is also looking to rapidly scale up local sourcing in a big way.

Each market is quite local. For instance, in Europe around 60 per cent of source comes from Europe, in China its about 70 per cent. In India today, we are still quite limited. If we were to open a store today, maybe 5-6 per cent would be sourced locally. This we are now escalating, said Antoni.

At a global retail level, around 3 per cent of the total sourcing of products is from India.
Hollywood veteran Meryl Streep does not appreciate being part of disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein's legal defense, and says it is a pathetic move.



On Wednesday, the actress released a statement, via her representative Hannah Donohue, that Weinstein's inclusion of her words in a legal filing was "pathetic and exploitive", reports usatoday.com.



"Harvey Weinstein's attorneys' use of my (true) statementthat he was not sexually transgressive or physically abusive in our business relationshipas evidence that he was not abusive with many other women is pathetic and exploitive," Streep said.



She added: "The criminal actions he is accused of conducting on the bodies of these women are his responsibility, and if there is any justice left in the system he will pay for themregardless of how many good movies, made by many good people, Harvey was lucky enough to have acquired or financed."



Weinstein's lawyers on Tuesday said in federal court in New York that the proposed class-action lawsuit filed by six women should be rejected. They lawyers said that the alleged assaults took place too long ago.



The defense also cited comments made by Streepthat Weinstein was not abusive toward her during their business relationshipin support of Weinstein.



Weinstein's filing also included mentions of Jennifer Lawrence and Gwyneth Paltrow, who have said they felt "petrified" and "sick" about Weinstein, respectively, since allegations about him surfaced, reports usatoday.com.



On the work front, Streep is looking forward to the 90th Oscars. She is nominated in the categoryActress in a Leading Role for The Post.



Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the award ceremony will be held on March 4 at the Dolby Theatre here. It will be aired in India live on Star Movies and Star Movies Select on March 5.




Delhi Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam was detained on Thursday as he was moving towards the residence of Home Minister Rajnath Singh along with some party workers to protest against the 'casteist remarks' allegedly made by Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash.

This came two days after the Aam Aadmi Party's Ambedkar Nagar MLA Ajay Dutt filed a police complaint against Prakash for making the remarks during a meeting at the residence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday night.

A party official said the protest was also called against the 'biased inquiry' done by the Delhi Police against their MLAsAmanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwalwho were taken into judicial custody on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting the chief secretary.

Another Delhi minister, Imran Hussain, was manhandled at the Delhi Secretariat by a crowd protesting against the alleged assault and his personal secretary Himanshu Singh was beaten up, according to multiple video clips from the Secretariat.

The party complained that no action was taken against those who attacked Hussain and his aide.

The chief secretary on Tuesday alleged that he was beaten up by the two MLAs in the presence of Kejriwal at the chief minister's residence on Monday night, where he had been called for an emergency meeting.
Defending Army chief General Bipin Rawat's comments on the rise of an Assam-based political party, sources in the Army headquarters claim that there is "nothing political or religious" in what he said.

Speaking at a seminar on Northeast Region of IndiaBridging Gaps and Securing Borders in national capital on Wednesday, Rawat referred to the the All India United Democratic Front's (AIUDF) growth in Assam as faster than that of the BJP, which stirred controversy.

Rawat also warned against influx of migrants from Bangladesh, calling it a proxy war by Pakistan, with help from China. "I do not think you can now change the population dynamics of the area. If it was five, eight or nine districts, inversion has taken place whichever be the government," he said, referring to districts in Assam that have a Muslim majority.

Reacting sharply to the Army chief's comments, AIUDF chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, a Member of Parliament from Assam, urged President Ram Nath Kovind to take note of the political statement. AIUDF has three members in the Lok Sabha and 13 MLAs in the 126-member Assam Assembly.

The General has made a shocking political statement. Why is it the Army Chiefs concern that a political party, based on democratic and secular values, is rising faster than the BJP? Alternative parties like AIUDF and AAP have grown because of misgovernance of big parties, he reportedly told media.

But Army sources came out in support of Gen Rawat by saying that "there was nothing political or religious. He just mentioned 'amalgamation & development'.

"When illegal immigration from Bangladesh is talked about, it happens due to two reasons. Bangladeshis are running short of spacelarge part of their areas gets flooded, so people migrate. The other issue is a planned immigration, which is the proxy dimension of the issue. It is played by our western neighbour supported by our northern neighbour, Rawat said, adding that "development of northeast was the key. The government is looking at northeast in the right perspective. The solution to the problems of northeast is to amalgamate the people, along with ushering in development."

Army sources further stated that even Bangladesh prime minister has spoken about it.
The Union home ministry had taken Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani separatist, off its blacklist years ago which means that his entry into India is neither ''illegal'' nor flouting any law. Atwal's entry into India has sparked a fresh controversy and hurt ''diplomatic sensitivity'' with his presence at the dinner in honour of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

However, home ministry sources said that his entry into the country was not illegal as he had been taken off the MHA's blacklist after a review by the security agencies and state government a few years ago. A person is struck off the blacklist when the security agencies feel that he is no longer a ''threat'' from the point of view of terrorist or criminal activity.

The home ministry's blacklist includes names of terrorists and other persons who are seen as a high security threat and risk, thereby barring them from entering the country. "Atwal's entry into the country is not an illegal entry. So, as far as the security point of view, we cannot say that he has flouted any law by entering the country,'' said an MHA official.

The home ministry reviews its blacklist from time to time, and under several such procedures in the last few years, it had struck off names of around 150 Sikh extremists from the blacklist. Sources said the review of the blacklist was done in consultation with the Punjab government and central security agencies. The removal of names from the list meant they are no longer under watch of security agencies and that they could visit India.

A Sikh separatist belonging to the banned International Sikh Youth Federation, Atwal had been convicted for attempt to murder of then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986. Sidhu was shot at twice and later assassinated in India .

Sources in the government said that despite his name not figuring on the blacklist, the issue is one of political and diplomatic sensitivity as New Delhi does not want to be seen hosting the Khalistani separatist leader. Realising this, the MEA is already looking into the matter as to how he figured on the guest list in the first place.

Meanwhile, Trudeau has said during his visit that he condemned violent extremism and has assured the chief minister of Punjab that his government is not sympathetic to the Sikh separatists.
The poorest chief minister of the country is in the midst of fighting the hardest electoral battles of his life. Manik Sarkar, 69, the chief minister of Tripura, is not bothered by the rapid growth of the BJP in the state, and also the likelihood of getting defeated by the BJP in a state that he has been ruling for 20 years. Said Sarkar to THE WEEK, I am very confident that the left front government will form the government once again in Tripura. People have voted for our government in large numbers. We will come back to power, I am sure. Tripura is a state where the CPI(M) has ruled for 25 years and is one of its last bastions. Sarkar, if he wins another term, will beat Jyoti Basus record as the longest serving communist chief minister in the country. Basu, a legendary communist, was the chief minister of West Bengal for 23 years.

When asked if he was surprised in the manner the BJP fought and campaigned in Tripura, Sarkar said, Let us wait for a few more days. The picture will be clear. I am hopeful of a big victory. Whatever I have to say, I will say after the results are out.

Close to 78 per cent of Tripuras 25.73 lakh voters voted for the single-phase assembly polls in the state on February 18. The results will be out on March 3.

The CPI(M)-led front has remained an undefeatable force in Tripura. The BJP, which was never a formidable force in the state, fought the elections hard and now it hopes to force out of position the Sarkar government. The saffron party, since the last few years, has been rapidly expanding its footmark in Tripura, where it has aligned with the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT). The BJP contested 51 seats and the IPFT in nine seats.

The CPI(M) has 49 seats in the present assembly and ally, the CPI, has one seat. The Congress has 10 seats.

Of the 25 lakh voters in the state this time, 13 lakh were men and 12 lakh were women. Close to 48,000 were first-time voters in the state.

The BJPs charge in Tripura was led by no less than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was for the first time in the country that the saffron flags ploughed into the red ones in a direct confrontation between the left and the right. The Congress and the Trinamool Congress have been more or less marginalised, with many of their leaders joining the BJP. A defeat in Tripura will have a national impact in the country. Kerala and Tripura are the only states ruled by the left parties in the country.

The results in Tripura is bound to have immediate ramifications for the CPI(M) in particular. General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, who was cornered in the partys central committee last month after calling for an electoral alliance with the Congress, will be keenly looking at the results. If Sarkar loses, it will be a big boost to Yechurys stance. Interestingly, most party members from Tripura were keen for an alliance with the Congress, both at the state and the Centre, as envisaged by Yechury. It was Prakash Karat who shot down Yechurys proposal. Karats line was accepted by the central committee by a margin of 55 to 31.

If Sarkar wins the elections in Tripura, Karat will further strengthen his position in the party and there will be an end to the discussion relating to the national alliance with the Congress to counter the BJP.

Said T.K. Rangarajan, CPI(M) MP, to THE WEEK, I am a Central committee member myself. I can assure you there are no issues between Sitaram and Prakash. I dont understand why the media is speculating like this. Whatever the results in Tripura, the party will stand united. He said the CPI(M) is not worried about the election results in Tripura. The results have no implications as you suggest. It is natural in communist parties to have differences of opinion. Heathy debates keep happening in our party. Unlike other parties, we dont fight in the open. Our concerns are always for the people, said Rangarajan.

The BJPs national secretary H. Raja said the Left Front will be defeated by the BJP-led alliance in Tripura. Said Raja to THE WEEK, The CPI(M) has lost West Bengal permanently. After it loses Tripura, Kerala will be the last bastion of the communists in India.

Raja said allies of the CPI(M) in Kerala will lose confidence in the party after it loses Tripura and it will lead to a political realignment in Kerala. A defeat in Tripura would have a direct impact in Kerala. The CPI(M) in Kerala is surviving only because of its allies. The difference in the CPI(M) and the BJPs vote share in Kerala is less than 8 per cent, he said.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that it will look into how the convicted Khalistani terrorist, Jaspal Atwal, managed to attain a visa to enter India and attend an event in Mumbai, where Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also present.

"There are two aspects to it- presence at the event and Visa. The Canadian side has already clarified that it was an oversight and the invitation has been withdrawn. On the Visa part, I can't say immediately how that happened. We have ascertained information from our Commission," Raveesh Kumar, MEA Spokesperson told press here, adding that any information received would be duly shared.

A photograph of Atwal with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife at an event in Mumbai ruffled feathers, given that he is active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation

Jaspal was also invited to a formal dinner with the Canadian Prime Minister, hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner on Thursday here.

With speculation doing rounds about the terrorist getting access to such a high-level event, Kumar further said, "Let us not presume things and decide how he managed to come. This is something which we are trying to find out. In due course, we will be able to come up with a reason that how he managed to come to India."

The Canadian Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has also clarified that Atwal "is not part of the official delegation to the PM's visit to India, nor was he invited by the Prime Minister's Office."

Jaspal Atwal was one of four men convicted for ambushing and shooting Punjab Minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu on Vancouver Island in 1986.

At the time, he was a Sikh separatist active in the pro-Khalistan International Sikh Youth Federation. He and three others were convicted in 1987 of trying to kill Malkiat Singh Sidhu.

Trudeau, who is in India on a week-long State visit, has been under pressure throughout his tour to answer Indian concerns about Sikh separatism in Canada.
The Supreme Court will on Thursday hear the Hadiya case.

On Wednesday, the apex court had refused to adjourn Thursday's hearing in the case.

Hadiya's father had requested Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra to defer the hearing scheduled to be on February 22, but it was not allowed by the court.

In November last year, Shafin Jahan, husband of Hadiya, filed a complaint with the police, alleging that attempts are being made to reconvert his wife to Hinduism, ahead of her appearance in the Supreme Court.

Shafin claimed that his wife was counseled by a religious teacher for over three hours to change her religion back to Hinduism.

Earlier, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had filed a sealed report in the Supreme Court in connection with the case.

Twenty-four-year-old Hadiya had converted to Islam after her marriage to Shafin Jahan.

Hadiya is now with her parents, who have alleged that her marriage to a Muslim man is a case of so-called 'love jihad'.

The case is under the consideration of the top court, which had ordered the NIA to look into it.

In September last year, Jahan had filed a plea in the court to call off the NIA probe, alleging the investigation agency of being unfair.
If anything happens to me, please tell my story. This was...
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland made a concerted attempt to sell Canada's potential as a partner for India on Thursday, but fell short of convincing New Delhi about Canada's professed commitment to support a strong and united India.

Because, just like her Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a day earlier, Freeland, while expressing this commitment of Canada's foreign policy with sincerity, added a rider. She said that just like India prided itself in having a successful diverse and plural society, Canada took the same pride regarding its diversity and plurality.

She noted that the Indian diaspora was an important part of Canada's population, and that the Sikhs formed a very significant part of this diaspora. We welcome the contribution of all communities to Canada,'' she said. She was addressing a gathering at an event organised by the Observer Research Foundation.

Further, the minister glossed over questions on Trudeau's participation at pro-Khalistan rallies as well as the motion passed by Ontario state, declaring the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 as genocide.

The minister, instead, chose to condemn terrorism of all forms, pointing out that it could come from all communities. She said that recently, Canada was experiencing terror from white supremacists with Christian roots.

Freeland said that the issue of India's concerns about the Khalistan movement was discussed at her meeting with India's External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj. It was a constructive and useful discussion,'' she said.

The minister made a grand pitch for promoting Canada as the promised land for students and migrants, unlike some countries, which may be less interesting for students and immigrants.''

She spoke about the potential of strong bilateral ties with India, with Canada appreciating India as the largest democracy in the world as well as the fastest-growing economy.

She also attempted to hard-sell Trudeau's brand of liberalism, saying how surprised everyone was when he fulfilled his first election promise, and ensured that 50 per cent of his cabinet was female.

On a lighter note, she mentioned how a world leader asked Trudeau whether there was rancour among the male politicians who had lost out on cabinet berths because of his 50/50 policy. Trudeau had answered that the men should be grateful there was a half-and-half arrangement, or even those inside would not have been there!
Human rights group Amnesty International on Thursday accused US President Donald Trump of practicing "hateful" politics and said his policies mark "a new era of human rights regression" in the US and around the world.

"Trump takes actions that violate human rights at home and abroad... his backward steps on human rights are setting a dangerous precedent for other governments to follow," the rights group said in its annual report released at an event in Washington.

It said world leaders failed to prevent abuses such as the persecution of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. Instead, many had offered a vision of fear, Amnesty alleged in its "State of the World's Human Rights" report for 2017.

Amnesty put Trump in the same group as the leaders of Egypt, Russia, China, the Philippines and Venezuela, the BBC reported.

It said Trump and other leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, "are callously undermining the rights of millions".

"The spectres of hatred and fear now loom large in world affairs, and we have few governments standing up for human rights in these disturbing times," said Amnesty head Salil Shetty.

The Amnesty report called Trump's travel ban, implemented days after he took office in 2017, a "transparently hateful move".

"The transparently hateful move by the US government in January to ban entry to people from several Muslim-majority countries set the scene for a year in which leaders took the politics of hate to its most dangerous conclusion," said Shetty.

In its report, Amnesty criticized the willingness of world leaders to cry "fake news" -- a phrase popularised by Trump -- in their attacks on the media.

It also attacked the "weak and inconsistent" response of social media companies to a wave of abuse against women and minorities.

Among the many issues highlighted in the 400-page report are the "crimes against humanity" and war crimes in Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen, attempts to roll back women's rights in the US, Russia and Poland as well as sweeping crackdowns on LGBT communities in Chechnya and Egypt.
The government of Pakistan needs to remain vigilant about not reposing blind trust in 'friend and partner' China with regard to Beijing's reported attempts to negotiate with Baloch separatists and bring them back into the national mainstream.

An editorial in The Nation has criticised this reported overture by China with Baloch separatists with the objective of protecting its multi-billion projects, saying that if true, it is a matter of concern on many levels.

The daily cites three significant factors why this is not the benefit of Islamabad.

. It questions the fact and right of China to be allowed to hold talks with Baloch separatists in the first place, and suggests that there is a need for clarification on this score.

. If these negotiations between the Chinese and the Baloch separatists has taken place or is taking place, then it is established that parliament has been kept in the dark for years on a matter of utmost national importance, and therefore, its supremacy has been violated. And, any leakage of information regarding this development in the public only indicates there is no difference between a dictatorship and democracy in Pakistan.

. Negotiations between the Chinese and Baloch separatists will be seen as blatant interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan, as also the fact that Beijing has compromised on its principle of non-interference with the sole objective of protecting its infrastructural projects from being stopped or damaged by Baloch separatist attacks.

If China can bring the disgruntled Baloch population back into the national ambit without compromising on Pakistan's territorial integrity and sovereignty, that would be acceptable, says the editorial.

However, it cautions the authorities in Islamabad to be aware of the fact that its current chaotic situation is due to its one time blind trust on the United States for aid, and therefore, would be well advised to avoid a repeat with China.
On Thursday, multiple media organisations around the world reported that Russia may have deployed at least a pair of SU-57 fighters to the Khmeimim airbase in Syria.

The reports were based on unverified images and videos on social media showing what appears to be SU-57s in flight. The imagery also featured aircraft such as the SU-35 fighter and A-50 airborne early warning aircraft, both of which have been deployed to Syria. The Khmeimim airbase, located in Latakia province, has been the main base of operations for the Russian aerial units operating in Syria since 2015.

Exclusive#Russia deploying its brand new fifth generation fighter jet the Su-57 in #Khmemeim AB #Syria



2 Su-57

4 Su-35

4 Su-25

1 A-50U were deployed in the #RuAF AB in Latakia/Jableh today pic.twitter.com/MA4NIKyMW7  Wael Al Hussaini (@WaelAlHussaini) February 21, 2018

While the Russian military has yet to confirm or deny the claims of the SU-57 being sent to Syria, Russia has used the conflict in Syria to tout the potential of a range of weaponry such as cruise missiles, attack helicopters and warplanes to highlight the modernisation of its armed forces since the fall of the Soviet Union.

The US Air Force's F-22 Raptor, the only stealth fighter in full service currently, has already been deployed for operations against ISIS; In December, the Russian military claimed than an F-22 attempted to intercept its warplanes operating over Syria.

However, any deployment to Syria would also raise eyebrows as the SU-57 is still in development and only a handful of prototypes are known to exist. Moreover, its advanced features would prove to be of little use in anti-terrorist operations in Syria.

Developed as a rival to the American F-22 and F-35, the SU-57 has had a chequered history, since its first flight in 2010.

While the Russian Air Force originally intended to purchase approximately 160 SU-57s, with the aircraft slated to enter service by 2016-17, the aircraft's development has faced numerous delays, in particular with its engines. In 2015, the Russian government announced it would buy an initial batch of only 12 aircraft, with its entry into service expected only by 2019-20.

Russia had approached India to develop a variant of the SU-57 for the Indian Air Force, but in recent years, the IAF has been perceived to be cool to the proposal and has cited flaws with the aircraft's stealth features and its engines.

A deployment to combat operations could be used to impress the IAF and also other prospective buyers like the UAE, which, last year, expressed interest in jointly developing weaponry with Russia.
US President Donald Trump has challenged Attorney General Jeff Sessions to launch a probe into his predecessor Barack Obama's administration for failing to do enough to stop the 2016 election foreign interference, the media reported.

Trump's Wednesday remark was the latest in a series where the President has faulted Obama for not doing enough to stop Russian meddling. But it was the first time Trump suggested that Sessions was not doing enough, reports CNN.



"Question: If all of the Russian meddling took place during the Obama Administration, right up to January 20, why aren't they the subject of the investigation?" Trump tweeted.



"Why didn't Obama do something about the meddling? Why aren't Dem (Democratic) crimes under investigation? Ask Jeff Sessions!"



Trump and Sessions were in the Oval Office together on Tuesday during an event honouring law enforcement officials.



The two, according to a source, did not interact much while taking photos, reports CNN.



Trump has nursed a grudge against Sessions ever since the former Alabama senator decided to recuse himself from all Justice Department investigations into the 2016 campaign, including the ongoing Russia probe.


A Democratic Senator has urged the US Ambassador to India to ensure that President Donald Trump's son is not given any special treatment by the diplomatic mission during his ongoing India visit except that required for security.

Senator Robert Menendez wrote a letter to Ambassador Kenneth Juster, saying he was concerned that a speech to be given by Donald J Trump Jr at business summit may send a "mistaken message that he is speaking on behalf of Donald Trump".

The 40-year-old Trump Jr is currently on a business trip in India. He is the executive vice president of the Trump Organisation which is developing a number of high profile properties in various parts of India.

"Given the potential to confuse Mr Trump's private business visit with having an official governmental purpose, I write to ensure that the US embassy presence in India will have no role in supporting Mr Trump or the Trump Organisation during his time in India, other than that necessary to provide any security support for the US Secret Service," the New Jersey Senator said in a letter to Juster.

"I expect that the US State Department, includingthe US Embassy in Delhi, will treat Mr Trump no differently than it would any other American individual visiting on private business, and will take every effort to avoid any perception of special treatment or a conflict of interest," he said as he listed a series of questions to Juster on the visit of Trump Jr.

The Trump Administration has said that Donald J Trump Jr is on a personal; business visit to India.

In his letter, Menendez also raised concerns about his scheduled speech on Indo-Pacific relations at the Global Business Summit in Delhi on Friday.

"Given that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and multiple government ministers will speak at the same event, I am concerned that Mr Trump's speech will send the mistaken message that he is speaking on behalf of the President, the Administration or the United States government, not as a private individual, or that he is communicating official American policy," Menendez said.

PTI
Students galvanised by the deadly mass shooting at a Florida high school confronted lawmakers on Wednesday with demands to restrict sales of assault rifles, while President Donald Trump suggested arming teachers as a way to stop more US rampages.

The unprecedented lobbying effort by groups of teenagers and parents at the White House and at the Florida statehouse in Tallahassee played out as fellow students staged classroom walkouts and rallies in cities across the country.

Trump, in an emotional hour-long meeting with students who survived the Florida shooting and a parent whose child did not, said arming teachers and other school staff could help prevent future mass shootings, voicing support for an idea backed by the powerful National Rifle Association gun lobby.

The Republican president, who has championed gun rights and was endorsed by the NRA during the 2016 campaign, said he would move quickly to tighten background checks for gun buyers and would consider raising the age for buying certain types of guns.

The attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 17 students and educators were slain on Feb. 14 in the second-deadliest shooting at a US public school, has revived the long-running US debate over gun rights.

Investigators said the assault was carried out by 19-year-old former Stoneman Douglas student Nikolas Cruz, who purchased an AR-15 nearly a year ago.

Nikolas Cruz was able to purchase an assault rifle before he was able to buy a beer, Laurenzo Prado, a Stoneman Douglas student, told reporters at the Florida state capital, referring to a Florida law that allows people as young as 18 to buy assault weapons. The laws of the country have failed.

Florida lawmakers in Tallahassee said they would consider raising the age limit to 21, the same standard for handguns and alcohol, although the state Senate on Wednesday opted not to take up a gun control measure.

The US Constitution protects the right of Americans to bear arms, a measure fiercely defended by Republicans. But Trump has come under pressure to act.

During the televised White House listening session with students, parents and people affected by other US school shootings, Trump spoke at length about how armed teachers and security guards could frighten off potential shooters and prevent more deaths.

If you had a teacher ... who was adept at firearms, they could very well end the attack very quickly, he said, while acknowledging that the proposal was controversial. Some of the meeting participants indicated support. Others were opposed.

Mark Barden, whose son was killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut, said his wife, Jackie, a teacher, will tell you that school teachers have more than enough responsibilities right now than to have to have the awesome responsibility of lethal force to take a life.

Weapon of war

After the Sandy Hook shooting, a task force backed by the NRA recommended more armed guards and teachers in schools.

Trump listened intently to ideas from about 40 people, including those from six students who survived the Florida shooting.

I dont understand why I could still go in a store and buy a weapon of war, said Sam Zeif, 18, sobbing after he described texting his family members during the attack. Lets never let this happen again, please, please.

Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow Pollack, 18, was killed, shouted: It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it. And Im pissed, because my daughterIm not going to see again.

Trump sat in the middle of a semi-circle in the White House State Dining Room. Photographers captured images of his handwritten note card with questions like What would you most want me to know about your experience? and I hear you.

Before Trumps meeting, students across the United States walked out of classes in sympathy protests, including hundreds of teens from the Washington suburbs who gathered in front of the White House.

I came out here because I dont feel safe in my school, said Allyson Zadravec, 15, of Northwood High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. I want to make sure that everyone who can do something about it hears that I dont feel safe in my school.

In the Florida state capital, Tallahassee, students demanded that lawmakers restrict sales of assault rifles. Some wore T-shirts and carried signs reading: We call B.S., one of the slogans of the movement started by the survivors.

Trump also said he was open to looking at age limits, among other measures, and lamented the closure of many mental institutions to help assess violent people.

Theres no ... middle ground of having that institution where you had trained people that could handle it and do something about it, Trump said.

At a town hall program televised on CNN on Wednesday night, Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter was killed at Stoneman Douglas, told Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida that his comments and those of the presidents in the past week had been pathetically weak.

Rubio, under fire for saying the problems could not be solved by gun laws alone, said he would support a law that would prevent 18-year-olds from buying a rifle as well as a ban on bump stocks, an accessory that enables a rifle to shoot hundreds of rounds a minute.

Trump on Tuesday directed the Justice Department to work on a regulation that would effectively ban such devices.

Last October, a retired real estate investor and high-stakes gambler used multiple assault rifles equipped with bump stocks to kill 58 people at a Las Vegas outdoor concert, the deadliest attack by a single gunman in US history. Bump stocks have not played a prominent role in other recent US mass shootings.

The NRA opposes an outright ban on bump stocks but has said it would be open to restrictions on them.

-Reuters
When my eldest daughter first got her period, I told my son (then seven) exactly what was happening, as matter-of-factly as possible. I must have explained things very badly, however, because later I overheard him authoritatively telling his friends that girls have to wear a pad between their legs to catch the egg that drops out of them every month. He managed to give the whole thing a very sporty, wicket-keeping feel. I got the distinct impression that he was going to be following his sister around, hoping to catch the egg when it dropped, and stash it in his Crazy Balls collection.

Still, compared to the stuff most Indian men believe about womens periods, his version wasnt too bizarre at all. There are some crazy stories out thereof black magic, and witchcraft, of temples being desecrated by unclean menstrual blood, of the rotting of crops that are standing ready in the field, of the curdling of milk and the souring of pickles. And, these weirdo tales are taken so seriously, that even in these modern times, girls cannot enter temples and kitchens and engage in social activity, like offering refreshments to guests, simply because theyre on their period. Which is confusing, because if the point is to not let anybody know that this shameful thing happens to you every month, then why does tradition dictate that you so obviously set yourself apart when it happensshunning the kitchen, the temple and the common utensilspractically walking around with a neon sign on your forehead advertising that your period is on?

To me, it seems like the patriarchy just wants to poke its self-righteous nose into my chaddis, in a proprietorial, voyeuristic, control-freaky sort of way, as well as blame me for everything that happens to go wrong in the universe.

Its the kind of situation that makes me fantasise about taking a trip to Sabarimala during that time of the month, and when questioned about whether Im on my period or not, reaching down into my undies, scooping out a bit of menstrual goo, and flicking it in a slow-motion curving arc at the self-righteous interrogation squad, all the while chanting dark, threatening incantations. How they would run for cover, clutching their sacred threads!

Setting that lovely, wistful fantasy aside for a while, let me rewind to a few decades ago, when something else entered the mix, making the situation even more toxic. A big multinational waltzed into our country, and pushing aside the pads we were using, called Comfit and Stayfree, aggressively started hawking a sanitary napkin diabolically branded Whisper. What a name for a napkin, I tell you! So coy, so hesitant and complicit, and so utterly ashamed of itself. It exits the chemist shops wrapped in newspaper or in opaque black plastic, because what if somebody sees it in your shopping basket and finds out the awful truth that you actually bleed? It sidles about at the edge of the national conversation, dressed in tight, white pants, with its legs pressed tightly together. If you prick it, it apologetically oozes an antiseptic blue goo. Hushhhh it seems to say. Shhhhhhh. Lets keep it between us girls and women. Nobody must ever know. Everything that is wrong with the whole periods business is summed up in that name!

Its advertisers are aware of this shortcoming, though. They, recently, launched a campaign encouraging girls and women to raise their voices (above a Whisper, one assumes) against period shaming called Touch the Pickle (yeah, because touching the pickle is the biggest issue associated with menstruation, you know, not entering the temple or reclaiming the kitchen) and even won an award at the Cannes Advertising Festival in the newly created, womens-issue oriented Glass category. But, it kind-of stank of creative opportunism with an eye to awards glory and, so, died the death it deserved.

Our attitude to womens five days a month was summed up pretty well in the strange episode recently when actor Amisha Patel was trolled for being unpatriotic because she did not stand up for the national anthem in a movie hall. She shut up her accuser by revealing that she had the monthly girly problem and getting up would have caused a blood flow on the theatre ground. I remember thinking that both the accusation, and the explanation were equally bizarre and could have happened only in todays India.

And, just to make things worse, sanitary napkins are priced super-high. And, taxed as heavily as my bleeding on the second day. Which is ridiculous, because menstruation is not something luxurious women choose to do, like drinking a pink Cosmopolitan or getting a chocolate bikini wax. A sanitary napkin is a necessity, unlike say, bindi and sindoor, which by the way, attract no tax in beti-bachao, beti-padhao India. If any item in India deserves to be subsidised, surely, the sanitary napkin does? But, no, weve brainwashed generations and generations of women into believing that they have no rights and deserve absolutely nothing, and so naturally nobody objects when sanitary napkins are taxed and condoms are not. Except the usual rag-tag crew of feminists and female stand-up comics and other such folk of zero political importance who launched a #LahuKaLagaan campaign in protest, that was largely ignored by our policymakers.

But, finally, we have some serious beefcake on our side. A man who may actually possess a chest 56 inches wideBollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, no lessis fighting in our bloody trenches. Hes taking the story of the affordable sanitary napkin machine inventor, Arunachalam Muruganantham, mainstream, seeking to strip away the mystical, shameful, haw-ji aura so firmly attached to the business of women bleeding every month, and normalise it till it shrinks back into being the entirely natural phenomenon it is. May the goddess bless both men and the women in their lives!

Of course, the film cant provide answers to everything. Like all the issues surrounding PMS, and painful periods cramps, and whether or not employers should offer medical leave during periods.

Or, the environmental havoc wreaked by used sanitary napkins, which often end up being flushed down the toilet to block the drains or chucked into landfills to fester and spread infection, or burnt in improper incinerators which leads to toxic emissions that can affect the health of people in the vicinity.

Or, how using layered cloth is a perfectly good (even environmentally friendly) option, as long as the cloth is washed regularly and sanitised by drying under the hot sunsomething women never do because theyve been told that their menstrual cloth is unclean and must be dried secretly in some damp dark fetid space, certainly not on the washing line where their husbands undies hang so proudly.

But, it still tells an amazing tale. Murugananthams life and invention are truly both praiseworthy and inspiring. And, his concerned, loving and matter-of-fact approach to the issue is what all fathers, brothers, husbands and sons can all learn from.

Of late, we have had films about sperm donation, gents problem, toilet problem and, now, period problem. Bollywood, always quick to recognise a winning formula, seems to have zoomed into all types of bodily emissions with a vengeance. I, for one, can only applaudthe more the light that shines on these furtive, fetid, shameful spacesthe more sanitised and sunny our future will be.
A petition is being passed around Denmark which would see a penalty of six-years imprisonment given to anyone who performs a circumcision on a child at the age of eight days. This would follow Iceland which recently proposed a ban on Bris Milah  as was reported by YWN.

Human rights activists in Denmark, have already gathered 20,000 signatures of people who are against circumcising a male child at the age of eight-days as is prescribed by Jewish law. According to Bichadrei Chareidim, activists are demanding that the circumcisions be done under the auspices of a doctor in a hospital. The worry is that Mohels would not be allowed to perform the action of metziza and therefore the circumcision would not be a valid one.

According to reports published by Bichadrei Charedim, the activists still need to obtain an additional 30,000 signatures within the next five months before they can submit the petition to the government. According to the petition, only people over the age of 18 would be able to have a circumcision performed on them by someone other than a medical professional.

The activists are expected to obtain the signatures and then present the petition to the government to be drafted into a bill.

Those who stand to suffer from the petition are some 8,000 Jewish residents and tens of thousands of Muslim residents of the country. What is even more damaging is that the petition includes a clause that would see parents stand trial even if they circumcise their child outside of Denmark and then try to return to the country. They would be liable to stand trial upon their return.
The Charedi parties in Israels Knesset seem to be running scared following the developments of the past 24 hours in Israel regarding the criminal investigations being attributed to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

Party heads Aryeh Deri, Yaakov Litzman and Moshe Gafni were positive that the government would manage to pull itself out of all of the predicaments that they have found themselves in following the police recommendation to charge Netanyahu, and that the government would survive until its mandate comes to an end in 2019. But now it seems the government has been thrown for a loop, one which no one is quite sure of how it will end.

Party leaders are reading the signs and wondering if Finance Minister and Kulanu faction leader Moshe Kahlon will pull out of the government and bring about an election, or whether Netanyahu himself will break down the government and call for an election to prove that he still has the backing of the people. Either way, currently, there is a very real possibility that the government will not make it to 2019.

With a new state witness who was one of Netanyahus closest advisors in the investigation known as 4000, the situation looks grim from the publics perspective and it is unclear how both Kahlon and Netanyahu will react to the new development.

One Charedi MK who wished to remain nameless told Kikar Shabbos that the Charedi parties will really miss this government.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
I had a moment while sitting on the sofa earlier this week when I thought: I'm sure we bought our car around two years ago today  is the insurance up soon?

The main driver of our Ford Fiesta, my partner Danielle, uses the car daily for a short trip to work in Essex whereas I undertake most of the weekend leisure driving.

Like millions, we're usually prompted to renew our insurance by the annual quote coming through the door, gasping at the price and then finding ourselves a better deal.

However, this year, for whatever reason, the renewal quote didn't land on the mat.

Renewal tricks: Had we seen the renewal cost of more than 1,000 we would have been prompted into action sooner

Upon checking some old paperwork my hunch was correct  and the insurance was due to run out on Friday.

Danielle telephoned the insurer  the same one she has used since passing her test nearly 15 years ago  and asked how much the car cover would be for the next year.

The answer? Nearly 1,100. This is what would have automatically been deducted from her account if we didn't intervene.

This is more than double the price of last year - for a driver who has only made one claim in her life, when her trusty Citroen Saxo was stolen from outside a flat we used to rent in London and found written off the following day.

Aghast, Danielle asked what had pushed the price up. The staff member on the other end said car insurance costs were going up by an average of 14 per cent this year  and that a renewal letter had been sent.

Sure, average increases in the industry could explain a rise of around 60 - but not more than 600.

Danielle  who is one of the best hagglers I know  asked for the best price. Within a few minutes, this had come down to roughly 750. It still seemed far too high a leap compared to last year.

While this telephone conversation was playing out, I was busy crunching our details through a well-known comparison website.

After she hung up and I confirmed all the details I had entered were correct with her, we clicked the button to see how badly the insurer was trying to rip us off.

INSURANCE HAGGLER It's not just car insurance - other types of cover, such as home and travel, often pull similar tricks. The best way to battle it is crunch the details on a comparison website - and use it to haggle a better deal. Let us know your biggest savings in comments below...

The answer? Extremely badly. And what's more, the third cheapest quote was from  you've guessed it  the insurer Danielle has always been with.

The price was 360  lower than last year and fairly reflects the safe driver Danielle has been for the last 12 months, and for more than a decade.

What's more, we added extra mileage on  5,000 miles driven rather than 4,000, which is a more accurate description now  and I reduced the excess down from 250 to zero.

Danielle, now with a serious bee in her and our trusty Fiesta's bonnet, telephoned again.

The staff member said the likelihood was we'd put in different details to those they held.

He managed to see the quote we had run through the comparison website and compared the two.

Other than the higher mileage and the lower excess, they were the same. He feigned shock on the telephone.

So, our insurance has been secured for two thirds less than the original renewal quote. Most know to haggle like this but I didn't believe that there really could be savings this big to be made.

It's such a shame that it has got to this point in the world of driving  insurers are ripping motorists off and hope to get away with it.

If you don't have access to a comparison website, you are now likely to be paying considerably more. I don't think that's fair.

Beating the system: When you have haggled such silly figures off a renewal quote it can go to your head - and we will celebrate with a week in Sardinia. Yes, really

What did we do with the 'saving'? Snapped up two return flights to Sardinia with Air Malta from Southend Airport, with baggage, for a total price of 140 for a week  which still leave us 600 worth of savings for a hotel and spending money. Not bad for 10 minutes work. It's worth pointing out we were planning this trip anyway.

It's a ridiculous state of affairs that motorists have gotten to a point where they have to go through this annual haggle dance on the phone to get a fair price  and that a whole summer holiday can be paid for with the difference.

Why can't the renewal price just be correct in the first place?

I have chosen not to name the insurer in this article as, in the end, we got a fair price  and it's likely that many other firms pull the same trick.
A ruthless US hedge fund with a history of targeting firms in takeover talks has set its sights on City tech pioneer Fidessa

A ruthless US hedge fund with a history of targeting firms in takeover talks has set its sights on City tech pioneer Fidessa.

Activist fund Elliott Capital Advisors has revealed a stake in the British software group. On Tuesday Fidessa said it was in takeover talks with Swiss rival Temenos for 1.4billion.

Fidessa, founded in the 1980s, pioneered software used by City traders, with one of its founders expected to make millions from the sale.

Temenos, which makes software used in banking, has offered 3647p per share. But Elliotts disclosure of a 4.87 per cent holding in Fidessa will fuel speculation it wants a higher price.

Elliott has snapped up shares in firms locked in takeover talks, then eked out a profit by piling pressure on the boards of the firms involved to get the bidding price increased.

It declined to comment on its intentions.

Fidessas shares increased by 5 per cent, or 180p, to 3750p, taking them above the offer price.
Glencore boss Ivan Glasenberg

Mining titan Glencore has posted its best-ever results, boosting boss Ivan Glasenbergs pockets by around 4billion.

The Anglo-Swiss zinc, copper nickel and cobalt producer yesterday announced a 44 per cent increase in profit to 10.3billion, lifted by rising prices for commodities.

It marks a major turnaround since it hit rock bottom in a commodities downturn in 2015, with shares soaring around 450 per cent since then.

Shares have leapt from 73p in January 2016 to more than 404.55p yesterday, adding more than 4billion to chief executive Glasenbergs 1.2billion shares in little more than two years, following losses.

The 61-year-old owns more than 8 per cent of the firm, after he and fellow directors snapped up millions of shares to boost its funds in late 2015.

Head of copper Telis Mistakidis owns 3.12 per cent, or 450.1million shares, while head of zinc Daniel Mate owns 3.15 per cent, or 454.14million, shares.

All stand to gain from a hike in dividends announced yesterday.

Glencore is paying out 2billion, or 14p per share. That should give Glasenberg a further 172million based on his holding of 1.2billion shares.

He said: Our performance in 2017 was our strongest on record, driven by our leading marketing and industrial asset business. We look to the future with confidence. We believe our unrivalled positioning will continue to create compelling value for all stakeholders.

Glencore, which has around 146,000 employees and 150 mining, oil and agricultural sites, said debt fell by around 3.5billion to 7.2billion.

Glencore has around 146,000 employees and 150 mining, oil and agricultural sites

The firm said it would steer clear of some of the reckless deals that meant it was so badly hit.

Yesterday, it said it was now poised to take advantage of soaring demand for electric cars.

It believes that will mean an extra 4.1million tons of copper, 1.1million tons of nickel and 314,000 tons of cobalt will be required by 2030.

Glencore estimates its cobalt production will increase 133 per cent over the next three years.

The firm has a strong grip on the global cobalt production as it is the only major company with assets in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has about two-thirds of the worlds cobalt.

Its Katanga Mining is expected to produce as much as 34,000 tonnes in 2019.

The Anglo-Swiss zinc, copper nickel and cobalt producer announced a 44 per cent increase in profit to 10.3billion, lifted by rising prices for commodities

The price of cobalt has more than doubled last year, and that prompted the government in Congo to seek higher royalties.

Glencore said: The electric vehicle upheaval continues to unfold, with the scale of market penetration and investment, by battery and automotive manufacturers and infrastructure players, adjusting progressively upwards.

This provides an additional dimension of future demand growth for a number of our key commodities.

Analysts at Barclays said that the results were strong and were ahead of estimates.

They added: We continue to argue that perceptions of inferior asset quality versus peers are hard to justify with, amongst other things, the lowest coal and copper cash costs of the diversifieds..
Ministers are scrambling to convince consumer giant Unilever to keep its UK headquarters after the Dutch launched a charm offensive to woo the company.

Greg Clark, the Business Secretary, has reportedly met bosses 'a lot of times' amid growing concern they will choose Rotterdam over London.

If the FTSE 100 firm quits London it would abandon its HQ on the River Thames. It occupies a giant 1930s-listed building with tall, white columns. It is thought around 1,000 staff work there.

Unilever, which makes Dove, Persil, Marmite and Lynx, is also being intensely lobbied by officials from the Netherlands, who have cut taxes in a bid to make the country more attractive.

If Unilever quits London it would abandon its HQ on the River Thames which occupies a giant 1930s listed building with tall, white columns

Unilever's decision, it is thought, will be made around March 31.

Britain's 13th biggest company has an unusual dual-structure that keeps its UK and Netherlands arms legally separate with their own stock market listings.

This means it has two 'headquarters', one in London and one in Rotterdam.

Unilever pledged to simplify its management structure after seeing off a hostile 115billion takeover bid from US rival Kraft Heinz.

And even though Paul Polman, Unilever's chief executive, has said the decision is not related to the UK's impending exit from the European Union, the timing has still attracted extra scrutiny.

DO-GOODER WHO EARNS 7.4M Unilever boss Paul Polman earned 7.4m last year Unilever boss Paul Polman, 61, is that rare beast among FTSE 100 chiefs, one who feels duty-bound to run his company for the benefit of society rather than just its shareholders. Arriving at the helm of Unilever in 2009, Polman  who earned 7.4m last year  did away with quarterly profits updates, claiming they encouraged short-term thinking. He won over charities with sustainability projects, and then investors by keeping company profits at a healthy 2.9billion. The second of six children, his father worked in a tyre factory and his mother was a teacher. He studied economics at Cincinnati University, where he met his American wife, Kim, with whom he has three children. After 27 years at Proctor & Gamble, he joined Nestle, before being poached by Unilever. He's due to retire later this year.

A move to ditch the firm's London base is likely to be seen as a snub but Unilever insists no decision has been made yet and Clark and his top official, Alex Chisholm, have had talks with the firm in a bid to persuade it to stay.

They are still said to be optimistic.

Unilever employs about 7,500 people in the UK and 3,000 in the Netherlands.

The UK Government has said it is monitoring the situation but declined to comment further on the meetings.

The company has refused to comment on whether a change would lead to job losses.

But it could lose its place in Britain's FTSE 100 if it makes Rotterdam its main base.
Profits at miner Anglo American have increased 45% to 6.3bn

DIVIDEND RISE Profits at miner Anglo American have increased 45 per cent to 6.3billion while debt has almost halved to 3.2billion.

Chief executive Mark Cutifani said dividends had increased by 40 per cent.

DIRECTOR ROLE Georgina Kessel, former secretary of state in the Mexican Ministry of Energy, is joining the board of miner Fresnillo as a non-executive director.

5G TRIAL Mobile carrier O2 is to test cutting-edge internet services at its events arena in London.

So-called 5G mobile technology, fast enough to stream a high-definition video without buffering, is set to be offered for free there from the second half of 2018.

TAXI LAUNCH London-based technology star Citymapper has launched a taxi service in the capital to rival Uber.

It has been licensed by Transport for London and is free in its first week.

ON BOARD Joe Hurd, 48, a former adviser to Barack Obama, has joined the board of price comparison firm Go Compare. He runs a Silicon Valley investment business.

PROFIT UP Lending firm Together Financial Services made a profit of 31.5million in the last three months of 2017, 1.8million more than a year earlier.

CLEARING CALL Theodor Weimer, the boss of struggling German stock exchange Deutsche Boerse, has called on the European Union to redouble its efforts to steal the Citys business.

Weimer said it would be a win-win if London is stripped of its valuable euro clearing rights.

BANK LEASE Wall Street titan Bank of America has extended the lease at its City headquarters for an extra ten years until 2032.

And Germanys Deutsche Bank has won planning permission for a new headquarters in London.

BITCOIN PROBE MPs on the Treasury Select Committee have launched a probe into bitcoin amid fears the online currency is a Wild West where speculators face massive losses.

They will look at whether regulation is needed.

TARGET LOWERED Analysts at Berenberg have downgraded Hotel Chocolats rating and price recommendation after its new stores failed to be profitable in the year they opened.

The bank has reduced its price target by 40p to 340p.
The number of women working in their 50s and 60s has hit a record high.

The total reached 4.2million in December  up 3.5 per cent in a year.

Twenty years ago the equivalent figure for those aged 50 to 64 was just 2.4million.

The surge means the number of both men and women working past 50 has passed ten million for the first time.

Pension experts last night warned that many older employees  especially women  felt they had no choice but to soldier on.

The number of women working in their 50s and 60s has hit a record high. The total reached 4.2million in December  up 3.5 per cent in a year

Higher life expectancy, worse pensions and a rising state pension age are all key factors in putting off retirement, according to Tom Selby, of the savings firm AJ Bell.

He said some workers would be happy to carry on in later life but others will inevitably feel they are being forced to work themselves into the ground.

Britain gives retirees the worst state pension of any developed country, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The basic payout of 122.30 a week equals just 29 per cent of average earnings.

Baroness Altmann, a former pensions minister, warned even this figure might have to be cut to balance the books. We are one of the worlds leading economies, but our support for the oldest in society is not fit for purpose, she added.

The state pension age for women will rise this year from 63 to match men at 65, and will reach 66 for both by 2020.

Government actuaries believe it will reach 70 in the 2050s and 71 in the 2060s.

Yesterdays employment figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the number of over-50s in work rose last year by 184,000, or 1.9 per cent, to 10million.

The trend helped push total employment to a record high of 32.15million  despite the number of 18 to 24-year-olds in work falling by 67,000, or 1.9 per cent.

The surge means the number of both men and women working past 50 has passed ten million for the first time. Pension experts last night warned that many older employees  especially women  felt they had no choice but to soldier on

Employment minister Alok Sharma welcomed the news about older workers.

Staying in work for longer is better for our physical and mental wellbeing, and also means more money in pockets, he said.

These latest figures show people are positively changing their attitudes to employment in later life.

When I talk to employers its very clear that they recognise the value of older workers in terms of their experience, commitment and ability to mentor younger colleagues.

Although employment hit a record high, joblessness rose by 46,000 between October and December to 1.47million, the biggest increase in almost five years.

The jobless rate moved up from a 42-year low of 4.3 per cent to 4.4 per cent  but it is still around half the 8.7 per cent unemployment rate in the eurozone.

The number of men aged over 50 in work has risen by 975,000 or 22 per cent in the past decade to just over 5.3million.

At the same time, the number of women aged 50 or over in work has risen by 1.2million, or 34 per cent, to 4.7million.

Former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb, now director of policy at the retirement savings group Royal London, said yesterday: There are many women who are working into their early 60s who wouldnt have been in the past because they now have to.

Higher life expectancy, worse pensions and a rising state pension age are all key factors in putting off retirement, according to Tom Selby, of the savings firm AJ Bell

He added that others choose to stay in work  and could no longer be forced out at 65 following the abolition of the default retirement age in 2011.

It is a mix of people working longer because they want to and because they have to, said Sir Steve.

For some, this isnt a choice. But for others it is a positive choice. For example, you cannot be sacked for being 65 any more.

'There are people who used to be forced to retire who can now carry on.

The total employment figure of 32.15million included an increase of 88,000 in the final three months of 2017.
PIGGS PEAK  It may be a blessing to some but for pupils, the rain has made it difficult for them to reach school.



One such school is Ekubongeni High, which has a total of 460 pupils and only a third of them made it to class.

The rest failed to cross flooded rivers to the school.



Since the beginning of the week, a continuous downpour has resulted in many rivers overflowing.

Ekubongeni High School is situated in Bulandzeni near Buhleni.



The school had been cut off from a large part of the community by the Mzimnene River, which had been overflowing since Monday.

The school is one of the largest in the area, with a high enrolment of pupils who travel to the school from Buhleni or Ndzingeni near Piggs Peak.

Out of the 460 pupils from the school, about 71 of them were able to attend class.



While some of the pupils remained at home, a large number of them travelled several kilometres, only to find that they could not cross because the river was flooded.

This appears to have become a tradition for the school every time there is a continuous downpour, as it has to suspend classes due to the flooded Mzimnene.

Head teacher Funwa Dlamini expressed hope that the situation would change today so that operations may continue as normal.



He confirmed that only 71 pupils managed to reach school due to the heavy rainfall.

Dlamini said on Tuesday, there were just over 100 pupils who attended class but that the number dropped yesterday.

He explained that the major challenge was that the bridge was very low, resulting in the river overflowing.



He also said it was possible for one to walk on the bridge despite the floods but added that he did not want to take a chance with the pupils.

We advised them to go back home, said Dlamini.



Due to the large number of rivers cutting through northern Hhohho, more schools have been affected by absenteeism as pupils could not reach school.

Ekudvwaleni High school was also affected due to the Mlumati River overflowing.


MBABANE  Barbaric! This word best describes the prevalent act of people who hunt down and kill people with albinism for ritual purposes.

Two children from Vosman, near Witbank, South Africa, one of them with albinism, were kidnapped and allegedly killed.



The minors were first kidnapped allegedly by an inyanga (traditional healer), suspected to be a Swazi.

The kidnapping incident occurred on January 28, and the corpses suspected to be those of the two children were retrieved yesterday from different places in the Mpumalanga Province. The local traditional healer was arrested for the crime, and two other men, who could possibly be from the country, are on the run. The name and other particulars of the traditional healer have not been revealed as he is yet to appear in court.



According to reports from South African publications, Gabisile Shabani 13 and her 15-month-old nephew Nkosikhona Ngwenya were kidnapped by three armed men who broke into their house in the still of the night. The children were sleeping in different bedrooms.



The family is reported to have said they suspected that Shabani was kidnapped because of her albinism condition. They also reportedly told TimesLIVE that they believed Nkosikhona had been mistaken for another toddler who was in the house at the time who also lived with albinism. Albinism in humans is a congenital disorder characterised by the complete or partial absence of the melanin pigment in the skin, hair and eyes.



Gabisiles mother Anna Shabani told TimesLive that she had noticed a man watching her daughter as she walked back from school for several days in a row. She said she had neither seen the man in the area nor had she bothered to ask why he was loitering close to her home.



In the early hours of the fateful morning Anna is reported to have woken up to the sound of glass shattering. She went to check and found that one window which did not have burglar bars was broken and before she knew it there were three men inside her house.
Sydney Acuff, 16, of Silver Spring, Md. (center), screams during a student protest for gun control legislation in front of the White House, Wednesday, in Washington.
[February 21, 2018] LinkTrust Acquired by Utah-based Loyal Companies

PROVO, Utah, Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- LinkTrust, a leading provider of Saas-based affiliate and performance marketing software announced today that it has been acquired by Utah-based private equity group Loyal Companies with plans for advanced growth strategy. With the acquisition, Chad MacKay, Managing Partner of Loyal Companies, will become chief executive officer of LinkTrust - replacing current owner and CEO Bret Grow, who started the business in 2002. LinkTrust will continue to operate under the LinkTrust name and brand. Loyal Companies brings in-depth experience and resources in the Saas industry to increase scale, technology and customer experience. "LinkTrust has the standing reputation of being the leading provider of performance marketing software. We're excited to not only work with an amazing roster of companies who use LinkTrust in a key component in their business, but add to the value proposition with disruptive technology. Customers will see an even greater solution set and customer experience as we go forward," said Chad MacKay, CEO. " Utah is home to some of the most innovative technology companies found today, thanks to the abundant talent found in our very own Silicon Slopes. LinkTrust is no different, and that's what makes this so exciting. We have some aggressive goals and plans for the future but know it's the people behind the product that really make the difference."



Bret Grow, LinkTrust Founder, stated, "Today's announcement is a positive one for our customers, partners and employees. I poured my heart and soul into LinkTrust the past 15 years and am proud of the company we built, our values, and commitment to providing a positive impact in the digital marketing space. I'm excited for this next phase of growth for the company and am confident in Chad, his leadership, and the vision he has for the company." About LinkTrust

Recognized as an industry leader with outstanding customer support and platform reliability, LinkTrust empowers ad networks, digital agencies, retailers, advertisers and lead-generation marketers to accurately and easily manage and track performance marketing campaigns, marketing channel attribution, affiliate and lead-gen programs and more for hundreds of customers across the world. For more information visit: www.linktrust.com

About Loyal Companies

Loyal Companies is a Utah-based private equity group specializing in technology and media. For more information visit: www.loyalcompanies.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/linktrust-acquired-by-utah-based-loyal-companies-300602376.html SOURCE LinkTrust

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[February 21, 2018] Oshkosh Corporation Receives Sustainability Honors from Barron's and RobecoSAM

Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) today announced that it has received multiple honors highlighting the Company's commitment to sustainability. Barron's recently rated Oshkosh Corporation eighth on their first ever ranking of the "100 Most Sustainable Companies." The full report can be found here. The Barron's ranking was created in partnership with Calvert Research and Management, an arm of Eaton (News - Alert) Vance. They focused on the 1,000 largest publicly traded companies by market value that are headquartered in the United States. The group then looked at 300 performance indicators for each company from data providers including Institutional Shareholder Services, Sustainalytics and Thomson (News - Alert) Reuters Asset4 in five categories: shareholders, employees, customers, planet and community. Additionally, Oshkosh Corporation received the "Industry Mover" distinction in the Machinery & Electrical Equipment category from RobecoSAM and qualified for inclusion in the RobecoSAM Sustainability Yearbook 2018. This Sustainability Yearbook highlights companies that are strongly positioned to create long-term shareholder value. The Yearbook can be found here.



The Industry Mover Award is given to the company within the top 15% of each industry that has achieved the largest proportional improvement in its sustainability performance compared to the previous year. Aris Prepoudis, chief executive officer, RobecoSAM stated: "I congratulate Oshkosh Corporation wholeheartedly for being recognized as an Industry Mover in the Sustainability Yearbook 2018. The companies included in the Yearbook are the world's most sustainable companies in their industry and are moving the ESG needle in ways that will help us realize the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030." "These recognitions highlight Oshkosh Corporation's continued focus on sustainable operations and processes. We're honored to receive these awards and look forward to continuing to grow our commitment to sustainability in the future," said Wilson R. Jones, Oshkosh Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer.

In addition to being named one of the Top 100 "Most Sustainable Companies" and an "Industry Mover," Oshkosh Corporation was also recently named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. About Oshkosh Corporation Founded in 1917, Oshkosh Corporation is more than 100 years strong and continues to make a difference in people's lives. Oshkosh brings together a unique set of integrated capabilities and diverse end markets that, when combined with the Company's MOVE strategy and positive long-term outlook, illustrate why Oshkosh is a different integrated global industrial. The Company is a leader in designing, manufacturing and servicing a broad range of access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency, military and specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies under the brands of Oshkosh, JLG, Pierce, McNeilus, Jerr-Dan, Frontline, CON-E-CO, London and IMT. Today, Oshkosh Corporation is a Fortune 500 Company with manufacturing operations on four continents. Its products are recognized around the world for quality, durability and innovation and can be found in more than 150 countries around the globe. As a different integrated global industrial, Oshkosh is committed to making a difference for team members, customers, shareholders, communities and the environment. For more information, please visit www.oshkoshcorporation.com. ,  All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180221006516/en/

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[February 21, 2018] TAT Newsroom announces judges for Blogger Thailand 2018 Competition

BANGKOK, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is delighted to announce its talented team of expert judges for the 3rd TAT Newsroom Blogger Thailand competition, under the theme of 'Amazing Thailand - Open to the New Shades' communication concept. They are led by Richard Barrow, as the project's advisor, who has lived in Thailand for 23 years and is generally regarded as the country's preeminent blogger and travel expert. He started blogging about life and travel in 1998 and has since grown his personal brand with engaging daily posts on social media. Richard spends a lot of time on Twitter (147k followers), posting travel ideas of where to visit in Thailand mixed with topical breaking news headlines of interest to foreign visitors or expats. Most of his tweets are translated from Thai on @RichardinThai, with English on @RichardBarrow. For Richard this is all for 'fun and games' as none of his websites accept advertising or sponsorship. His day job as a teacher has been his passion since 1994, where he is currently in Samut Prakan province. Luc itrinot is a busy freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years' experience. He has been the aviation editor for France's leading business travel publication Voyages d'Affaires, since 1989. He is currently the Managing Editor for the online B2B publication ASEAN.travel. Luc relocated to Asia in 2003 to work as a Business Development Consultant for AirAsia and Thai AirAsia until 2005. Following his airline experience, he returned to journalism in tourism, air transport and increasingly in culture/architecture and heritage, commuting between Europe and Asia reporting extensively on Asian developments in both French and English around the world from his Asian base in Bangkok. In addition, he has recently been promoting European heritage architecture in Thailand with the support of the European Union.



Jamlong Boonsong is a legendary Thai documentary photographer with the Post Today newspaper. He is the current Chairman of the ASEAN Tourism Reporters Club, in addition to working as an independent travel columnist and professional photographer. He studied Communication Arts at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University, leaving school to join the then start-up newspaper, The Nation, in 1977 as a news photographer. He is the head photographer and supervised on the documentary 'Blue Earth' that brought him a new level of fame including his own fan club. Jamlong is now semi-retired and free to explore his first love of photography. Tom Racette is a writer and editor with over two decades experience working in Thailand's travel industry. Previously he was Chief Marketing Officer at HotelTravel.com in charge of creating all online content across its entire website and social media platforms. He was also Director of PR & Communications - Asia at Accor Asia Pacific, where he established Accor's first corporate communication and public relations department in Asia. Prior to that Tom spent three years as Managing Editor of PATA Compass magazine, and seven years as Bureau Chief for Travel Trade Gazette Asia (TTG Asia) covering Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao PDR. and Myanmar.

The judging panel will be chaired by a representative from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). All the judges will also be joining the winning trip, from 28 May to 1 June, 2018, to experience the 'Colours of the East' on offer in the provinces of Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. SOURCE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

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[February 22, 2018] Web Werks Honoured With Maharashtra IT Excellence Award 2018 by Government of Maharashtra

MUMBAI, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Web Werks has been conferred with Maharashtra IT Excellence Award 2018 organized by Govt. of Maharashtra and presented by Hon'ble CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis Web Werks, the leading data center provider in India, was awarded with a highly prestigious Maharashtra IT Excellence Award 2018 by Government of Maharashtra and presented by Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis at Maharashtra's Global Investor Summit - Magnetic Maharashtra Convergence Summit 2018. The award was received by Assistant Vice President Suhaib Logde on 19th February 2018 at MMRDA ground, Bandra Kurla Complex. Magnetic Maharashtra Convergence Summit 2018 was inaugurated by honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 18th February 2018 at the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) grounds at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). It is Maharashtra's First Global Investor Summit and is considered as the biggest event, especially towards the initiative of 'Make In India' launched by the Prime Minister in 2016. This summit is a three-day long initiative. It would provide extraordinary access, insight and chances to associate and collaborate with India and worldwide indusry pioneers/visionaries, academicians, central and state administrations. The summit was attended by top names from India Inc. as well as prominent global corporates.



"We are extremely honoured to be receiving Maharashtra IT Excellence Award 2018. We are earnestly grateful for the recognition we have received for our contribution to the IT Industry. We have been in this industry for 21+ years and have been a pioneer of innovations and IT solutions. The awards validate our efforts aimed at modernizing the IT architecture and solutions. This award is a result of the hard work put in by our employees. I would like to thank them for their support for making Web Werks stand out among product and services. Also, I would like to thank the Government of Maharashtra for the award. This will motivate us to contribute more towards 'Make In India'. Thank you all," said Suhaib Logde, Assistant Vice President, Web Werks Data Center Pvt. Ltd. About Web Werks

Established in 1996, Web Werks is an ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001:2013, ISO22301 and ISO 20000 - 1 and Uptime Institute Certified Cloud Data Center Service Provider in India. Web Werks has been awarded 'the best web hosting award 2017', 'Retailer of the Year for Best Cloud Data Centers and Internet Exchange', 'Great Indian Workplace Award (GIWA) 2017', 'HostReview's Readers' Choice Awards 2017' and much more. Web Werks focuses on quality-driven self-managed and fully managed to host services that include cloud solutions, dedicated servers and VPS hosting services on Linux and Windows operating platforms. They also deliver disaster recovery services, Innovative Rapid Cloud backup technologies, work area recovery services, CDN services, etc. They have collaborated with more than 1000+ organizations globally that include Fortune 500 companies across various business verticals. This also includes Government sectors as well, such as Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation, Nabard, NPCI, etc. For more information, kindly visit, http://www.webwerks.in Media Contact:

Priti Shetti

priti.shetti@webwerks.in

+91-9167-461-268

Corporate Relations

Web Werks India Pvt. Ltd.



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[February 22, 2018] Virtual Press Office Exhibitor Profiles: Mobile World Congress 2018

MWC 2018 is in Barcelona from February 26  March 1 NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The following event roundup from Virtual Press Office is a list of featured exhibitors for Mobile World Congress 2018, the world's largest gathering for the mobile industry, which takes place from February 26  March 1 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain. MWC 2018 press kits, news releases and photos are available on Virtual Press Office's dedicated news page for the event, managed by Virtual Press Office/Cision PR Newswire: http://mwc.vporoom.com/ MWC 2018 press kits on Virtual Press Office ACCUWEATHER, INC.

Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/accuweather

Nearly 2 billion people worldwide rely on AccuWeather to help them plan their lives, protect their businesses, and get more from their day. AccuWeather provides hour-by-hour and minute-by-minute forecasts with Superior Accuracy that has been well-documented. AccuWeather customized content and engaging video presentations are available through smart phones, tablets, free wired and mobile Internet sites via AccuWeather.com, award-winning AccuWeather apps, connected TVs, wearables, smart homes, and connected cars, as well as radio, television, newspapers, digital signage and the AccuWeather Network cable channel. Established in 1962, AccuWeather also delivers a wide range of highly-customized Enterprise Solutions to media, business, government, and institutions, as well as weather news, content, and video for more than 180,000 third-party websites.

DisplayLink

Hall 7 Stand 7B51

Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/DisplayLink

For more information, visit displaylink.com. Elbit Systems

Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/ElbitSystems

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international high-technology company engaged in a wide range of defense, homeland security and commercial programs around the world. The Company and its subsidiaries, operate in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems providing innovative and robust solutions with decades of experience in communication systems.

G+D Mobile Security, Inc.

Hall 7 Stand 7A41

Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/gi-de

G+D Mobile Security ensures that connectivity - for consumers as well as IoT identities and data - is secure and reliable across industries. G+D Mobile Security's industry leading eSIM Management technologies provide for the remote lifecycle administration ofmobile devices, credentials and data. In the IoT and Smart Wearables markets, G+D Mobile Security partners with established enterprise players and innovative start-ups to deliver the highest level of security to the IoT ecosystem.



G+D Mobile Security has been trusted by mobile network operators, technology companies, and financial institutions to secure their physical and digital assets for over 160 years. G+D Mobile Security is a global mobile security technology company headquartered in Munich, Germany. The company is part of the Giesecke+Devrient group. G+D Mobile Security has a workforce of 5,800 employees and generated sales of approximately EUR 860m in the 2016 fiscal year. More than 50 sales and partner offices as well as 20+ certified production and personalization sites and data centers ensure customer proximity worldwide.

Get to know us at gi-de.com/mobile-security. IDEMIA

Hall 6 Stand 6H30

Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/IDEMIA

OT-Morpho is now IDEMIA, the global leader in Augmented Identity for an increasingly digital world, with the ambition to empower citizens and consumers alike to interact, pay, connect, travel and vote in ways that are now possible in a connected environment. By standing for Augmented Identity, we reinvent the way we think, produce, use and protect this asset, whether for individuals or for objects. With close to $3bn in revenues and 14,000 employees, IDEMIA serves clients in 180 countries.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.

Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/MultiTech

MultiTech designs, develops and manufactures communications equipment for the industrial Internet of Things  connecting physical assets to business processes to deliver enhanced value. MultiTech has consistently connected customers and we've been doing so for more than 40 years. We're continuing our legacy of consistently connecting customers with the world's first commercially deployable LoRa-based suite of communications devices. MultiTech works with customers worldwide to easily enable cellular, analog, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS Machine to Machine communication capabilities for their Internet of Things applications. For more information please visit multitech.com.

Parallel Wireless

Hall 5 Stand 5I5

Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/ParallelWireless

Parallel Wireless is reimagining the wireless infrastructure market, enabling carriers to deploy any G cellular networks as easily and as cost-effectively as enterprise Wi-Fi whether for rural, enterprise, public safety, M2M, Smart Cities, or dense urban. Currently, the company in production deployment or in trials with major leading operators on six continents. Parallel Wireless' innovation and excellence in multi-technology virtualized RAN (vRAN) has been recognized with 27 industry awards. For more information, please visit parallelwireless.com.

Peraso Technologies

Hall 7 Stand 7J51

Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/Peraso

Peraso is a fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. The company is focussed on the development of 60 GHz chip sets and solutions compliant with the IEEE 802.11ad specification. 60 GHz has been adopted for interoperability certification by the WiFi Alliance under the WiGig brand, and WiGig has seen strong industry endorsement by tech giants such as Samsung, Qualcomm and Intel. For more information, visit perasotech.com. SK Telecom

Hall 3 Stand 3H10

Press Kit: mwc.vporoom.com/SKTelecom

Established in 1984, SK Telecom is the largest mobile operator in Korea by both revenue and number of subscribers. With over 29.60 million mobile subscribers including 21.08 million LTE subscribers (as of 4Q 2016), the company holds around 70 percent of the LET market in Korea. It has reached KRW 17.918 trillion in revenue in 2016. SK Telecom has led the advancement of mobile technologies ranging from 2G to 4G, and is currently setting important milestones in its journey to 5G. The company is not only leading innovation in the field of mobile network, but also providing IoT, media, home and platform services/solutions/technologies. SK Telecom is determined to play a significant role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution by achieving innovations and promoting shared growth with other players in the industry. The above press kits will continue to be updated throughout the show. Please check back during MWC 2018 for the latest news. Virtual Press Office (http://www.vporoom.com/) is a Cision PR Newswire company. Follow us on Twitter @VPOEventZone or subscribe to our RSS feed for more trade show news. If you have questions about Virtual Press Office services, or if you would like to offer feedback on this exhibitor profile roundup, please email sales@vpoinc.com.

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[February 22, 2018] Introducing Land Rover Explore, The Outdoor Phone

READING, England, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Land Rover and Bullitt Group have unveiled details of the Land Rover Explore Outdoor Phone. Designed for people who live for adventure and need a phone that can survive whatever it's put through, the smartphone will be on show at Mobile World Congress 2018, Barcelona, 26th February to 1st March 2018. To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8276351-land-rover-explore-outdoor-phone/ At the heart of the Land Rover Explore is a powerful 4000mAh battery that gives two days of typical use, or a full day of activites, with constant GPS Navigation mapping activated on the 5" HD display. Battery life can also be doubled by adding the included Adventure Pack while on the go. Once added, it can replace the need for a separate GPS device with its GPS patch antenna that improves the reliability and accuracy of the GPS. It also adds additional 3600 mAh of battery power and premium topographic mapping with Skyline augmented reality, courtesy of ViewRanger. Other hardware packs available include a large 4370mAh additional battery and a universal bike mount, all designed to enhance any adventure by enabling owners to go further, and stay out for longer. The Land Rover Explore withstands everyday use outdoors with exceptional durability. It is drop tested to 1.8 metres with a factory fitted screen protector, it can survive underwater, including salt water complying to IP68 rating and can cope with extreme temperatures, thermal shock, humidity and vibration exposure. This level of protection ensures the device can survive heavy downpours or a muddy trail and will continue to work, keeping users connected at all times. Designed in close collaboration with Land Rover, the smartphone takes subtle design cues from the unbeatably capable and versatile Land Rover Discovery. Taking inspiration from the front grille design through to the headlamp architecture and even the knurled finish of the interior dials, it elegantly reflects the essence of the Land Rover brand. It's a durable smartphone in a stylish design that is suitable for the office or enjoying the great outdoors. The home screen features a customisable Outdoor Dashboard for instant access to weather condition information and sensor data from the device. It can be set up to show the details most relevant to any activity at a glance. Separately, the Explore Hub is a curated app portal, with a content catalogue relevant to many outdoor activities, as well as the Land Rover InControl apps. Plus, small features like a handy SOS flashlight and a Night red filter mode to reduce screen gare, help to ensure the Land Rover Explore is perfect for everyone with a passion for the outdoors.



Notable features also include a bright 5-inch full HD screen that's optimised for sunlight legibility, while the touchscreen can be controlled with wet fingers or while wearing gloves. Improved connectivity options are provided by a dual SIM feature, giving users the ability to connect to two networks. Joe Sinclair, Director of Branded Goods and Licensing for Jaguar Land Rover said: "We are excited to be collaborating with Bullitt Group to create the smartphone that we'd all like to own. A perfect combination of design and functionality that embodies the Land Rover DNA and enables customers to be outdoors for longer, with the confidence to go further."

Peter Stephens, CEO of Bullitt Group, global mobile licensee for Land Rover commented: "Building on our leadership in the rugged mobile market, we see the growing customer dissatisfaction with the fragility of their mobile phone and the poor battery life in particular, preventing them from using their mobile for key parts of their day to day life. The Land Rover Explore embodies everything we know to create a device perfectly suited to any outdoor activity, whilst retaining a sleek design." The Land Rover Explore launches with the Adventure Pack, bringing GPS handheld capabilities to the smartphone straight out of the box with an MSRP of 649 / 599. It will be available to order from April 2018 via http://www.landroverexplore.com and selected retailers and operators. The Land Rover Explore will be on display at Mobile World Congress (stand CS78) followed by the Geneva Motor Show, 8th-18th March. Key Specifications Huge battery (4000mAh) plus add-on Battery Packs

IP68 Splash, Water and Dust resistance

Drop-proof to 1.8 metres with factory fitted screen protector

Premium grade, detailed off-road topographical mapping options from ViewRanger with Augmented Reality Skyline feature In-box premium off-road mapping voucher, giving a choice of country-wide or custom region topographical maps in many markets.

Customisable Outdoor Dashboard to access to the most important weather information, sensor data, and on-device tools for your activity: eg weather, wind, tides, compass, SOS light, etc

Android 'Nougat', with scheduled upgrade to 'Oreo'

4GB RAM and 64GB ROM, expandable via microSD

Deca-core 2.6GHz 64 bit MTK Helio X27 chipset with Dual SIM functionality

16 MP Rear camera, 8MP front camera, 4 x digital zoom

Bright 5 inch FHD display, Corning  Gorilla Glass 5 protected, optimised for outdoor use Touchscreen can be controlled with gloves on or with wet fingers Night red filter mode reduces screen glare, preserving natural vision in low light and at night

LTE Cat 6

Curated apps and content catalogue relevant to outdoor pursuits Adventure Pack Specification 3600mAh additional battery

25 x 25mm Ceramic Patch GPS Antenna

TPU Protective case

Stainless Steel Carabiner with canvas strap

IP68 and 1.8 metre drop tested Bike Pack Specification Bike Mount and case for both stem and handlebar

Tilt to adjust viewing angle or change device orientation Battery Pack Specification Ultimate Battery Performance, additional 4370 mAh of battery capacity

IP68 and 1.8 metre drop tested About Bullitt Group Bullitt Group helps global brands extend their product portfolios into new categories, particularly in the connected devices market. We design, manufacture, market and sell products under license for our brand partners. Since its formation in 2009, Bullitt Group has designed, manufactured and distributed millions of mobile phones, audio products, other connected devices and related peripherals to more than 60 countries across the globe. Bullitt Group's Head Office is in Reading, England with additional office locations in Taipei (Taiwan), Shenzhen (China), New York (USA)and Singapore. http://www.bullitt-group.com About Land Rover Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque each defines the world's SUV sectors, with 80 per cent of this model range exported to over 100 countries. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/643327/Outdoor_Phone.jpg )



Video:

https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8276351-land-rover-explore-outdoor-phone/



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[February 22, 2018] Really Simple Systems is the First CRM Vendor to Deliver GDPR 2018 Specific Functionality

PETERSFIELD, England, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading CRM vendor, Really Simple Systems, has launched phase one of its development to enable customer compliance, in advance of the introduction of the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/542735/RSS_Logo.jpg ) Really Simple Systems is thought to be the first CRM vendor to tackle GDPR compliance with a phased roll out of specific developments to its email marketing module. The changes will enable its clients to store contact data and run their marketing campaigns in-line with the new law. The European Union (EU) data protection legislation is due to come into force on 25th May 2018 and has implications for any business holding data on EU citizens. One of the key issues for marketers is the need to gain "explicit consent" from an individual before they can engage in any marketing communication. This includes email, SS messaging and telephone calls. The new legislation will have global affect and non-compliance is to be met with some hefty fines.



Having announced its own compliance with GDPR back in September 2017, Really Simple Systems' first phase development lets its customers record appropriate consents from online registrations. Businesses using the company's Advanced Marketing module will be able to create web-to-lead transactions that will record an individual's consent as required by GDPR. Really Simple Systems CEO, John Paterson, explains 'GDPR requires an individual to give "explicit consent" to receive any electronic marketing communication. This new release will allow businesses to collect opt-in consents from contacts before 25th May, and have an auditable log of when, how and from what IP address the consent was granted, so that they can continue to market to them after the deadline.'

The second phase of the Really Simple Systems development will follow shortly, enabling businesses to collect mailing consent from existing contacts. The third and final phase to activate the mailing and consent lists will go live before the GDPR deadline in May. Paterson continues 'GDPR is biggest marketing and compliance challenge businesses have faced for some time. It's been important to us to support our customers as they adapt to the changes. We've embraced the regulation as a positive development for individuals and a real opportunity for business'. To support customers as they prepare for GDPR, Really Simple Systems has been running a series of webinars on the subject. The next is scheduled for Thursday 15th March 2018. https://www.reallysimplesystems.com/press-releases/gdpr-2018/ About Really Simple Systems Established in 2006, Really Simple Systems provides cloud-based CRM systems for small and mid-sized businesses operating B2B. With over 21,000 customers Really Simple Systems is one of the world's largest providers of Cloud CRM systems. Customers range from single users to 100 user systems and include the Red Cross, the Royal Academy of Arts and the British Museum, as well as thousands of small and medium sized companies.

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[February 22, 2018] Neurogress' ICO to Raise $44 mn With Pre-TGE Offer of 50% Off

MUMBAI, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Indian investors' encouraging response account for substantial portion of total subscribers in on-going Pre-TGE Neurogress, an artificial intelligence (AI) based scientific software company, is raising about $ 44 million (Rs. 282 crore) growth capital in two stages (Pre-TGE & TGE) using blockchain technology. The company promoted by a group of 12 neuroscientists and technocrats has launched its ICO (Initial Coin Offer) in the first stage, with Pre-TGE (Token Generation Event) at 50 percent discount during 10th February to 25th March, 2018 . Neurogress will issue 50 million tokens at 0.0014318 Ethereum (ETH) and to raise between 1,575 ETH (Rs. 7.5 crore) and 15,750 ETH (Rs 75 crore) at Pre-TGE stage at 50 percent discount. Later, at TGE stage in the month of May 2018, the company plans to raise between 7,000 ETH (Rs. 33.6 crore) and 42,152 ETH (Rs. 202 crore). Like Bitcoin, Ethereum is a sort of currency and currently valued at Rs. 48,114 a piece. It can be bought at any of the cryptocurrency exchanges such as Ethexindia and Koinex. Of the overall token (capital) to be generated, Neurogress has allotted 10 per cent to its new blockchain-based co-invested projects and 10 percent to motivate developers in the Neurogress ecosystem and marketplace, 15 percent for developers and board members of the company, 5 per cent for conducting additional neuro-related experiments and 10 percent tokens for contingency. Neurogress develops software to execute the commands emanating from brain by reading them from a neurosystem within the human body. Neuro-controlled devices are worn like headphones which captures the commands from the brain and transmit it through Neurogess-developed software through bluetooth-like technology. The software is equipped to control anything under the sun and will revolutionise the way humans interact with technology.



Neurogress has started testing neurocontrol software on a prosthetic arm last October 2017 and has achieved significant success. Once commercialised, the technology can be used for prosthetic legs and other parts of the body besides finding industrial applications on robots receiving human commands through Neurogress software. Across all industries, eventually $1 trillion is estimated to be spent on development of neurotechnology by 2025. With deployment of human efforts to execute work getting costlier in the coming days, the robotics market place is estimated to increase to $228.5 billion by 2021. The prosthetics or exoskeleton market place is set to emerge in the near future with a market cap of $9.0 billion by 2025, and the virtual reality market will increase to $87.5 billion by 2025, according to a recent study.

Commenting on the apprehensions raised by the Indian government, Mr Aleksandr Ovcharenko - Chief Technology Officer at Neurogress said, "The apprehensions by the Indian government on risk capital being raised by new-age companies through blockchain technology is unwarranted as Indian investors are putting their money after abiding by the KYC norms. When China banned cryptocurrency, the entire trade shifted to Hong Kong. The fundraising through blockchain technology can come in handy to promote fundraising for start-ups in India and support the Government's much-famed 'Start-up India' programme." "It is observed from a few recent past ICOs, that the response from Indian investors has always been upbeat and very encouraging. So far from the current sign-ups from subscribers showing interest in the on-going Pre-TGE of Neurogress, 46% subscribers are from India. Indian investors' increased interest in disruptive technologies invented by the companies conducting Token Generation Events (TGE) are very encouraging. The current regulatory pressures have not affected the continued investments in the innovative tokens," he added. "Blockchain technology is the most transparent way of fundraising and deploying them as ever single penny invested by companies can be tracked down," he further stated. About Neurogress: Neurogress is the Switzerland headquartered, Artificial Intelligence (AI) based scientific software company promoted by a group of 12 neuroscientists and technocrats. Neurogress develops software for neuro controlling electronics and machinery. Neuro-controlled devices allow humans the ability to control the world directly using thought. Neurogress plans to develop an entire ecosystem of neuro-controlled devices based on its software platform. The company's goal is to revolutionize the way in which humans interact with technology and transform how people bring their creative and intellectual pursuits to fruition. The company also aims to make the control of electronics, software and hardware as easy and natural as never before. To know more about the company - Neurogress visit: https://neurogress.io/ Media Contact:

Pravin Vichare

pravin@thesoundrelations.com

+91-9820545985



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[February 22, 2018] Avira SafeThings WiFi Router Will Provide Comprehensive Protection for Smart Homes Against Cyber Threats

Avira, the developer behind the award-winning consumer internet security portfolio, announces the introduction of Avira SafeThings WiFi (News - Alert) Router, a solution to protect your smart home, at the Barcelona Mobile World Congress. "Smart Home security will be the most critical investment a modern household can make in 2018. We provide a solution which vendors can integrate into their products or that consumers can purchase as a complete offering from us directly; combining high performance hardware and cutting-edge security features," said Travis Witteveen, CEO of Avira. "With this product, we will create a simple package deal which will provide users with the best-in-class AI-powered security for smart devices within the home. SafeThings enhances the home networking experience, with no installation headaches." Significant threats for the smart devices During 2017, the research engine Shodan scanned over 25.9 million devices exposed to internet in DACH and over 128.7 million devices in USA. In DACH, about 4 million of these devices were found vulnerable to 60 exploits that could allow remote attackers to gain unauthorized access, while in USA over 25 million devices were vulnerable to 45 exploits. Disruptive technology at the gateway The Avira SafeThingsTM is an ecosystem: a platform as a service solution installed on the router, an AI-driven behavioral threat intelligence cloud platform, together with a user interface that enables users easily know what is going on within their home network from either a smart phone or computer. With SafeThingsTM, Avira is introducing a disruptive technology in an exceptionally easy-to-use package to secure the smart home. This AI-driven approach outperforms the current market solutions that rely on simple, static URL filters, or overloaded, inefficient deep-packet-inspection techniques. SafeThingsTM automatically discovers and profiles all the connected smart home devices via using machine learning and dynamic rules, without requiring the end user to start a complex registration process. It identifies normal behavior for each device and category, flagging anything that could indicate an anomaly; and uses the Avira Protection Cloud to crowdsource ad communicate information on new and emerging threats to other routers connected to the cloud.



The Avira SafeThingsTM WiFi Router will be available later in 2018 Avira is proposing a dual model: SafeThingsTM comes as a PaaS solution, as well as a router.

The SafeThingsTM WiFi Router will be launched later in 2018. It is intended for innovators and professional users that want to be one step ahead in terms of technology they use and how they protect their smart homes and digital lives. "Routers are very tangible. It is critical to us that we get Avira disruptive technology and our different take on Smart Home security out there in the marketplace in a container that people can really buy and plug in their houses," explained Witteveen. "Avira is all for informed consumer choice. We believe that the ISPs can be the natural intermediary, recommending routers that will provide users with the technical performance they want, along with the security capabilities which are beneficial to both the end user and the ISP. With our router, they will have that choice." In addition, the SafeThingsTM PaaS solution is a great platform for ISPs and router manufacturers to help grow their business. It can retrofit currently deployed routers, via Over-The-Air firmware update, or to flash new equipment, to provide smart home relevant protection. Overview of Features and Benefits of Avira SafeThingsTM Integrated Router and Smart Home Security solution

With security embedded, the Avira SafeThingsTM WiFi Router is the heart of connected home. Autopilot security and privacy

The Avira SafeThingsTM WiFi Router immediately and automatically protects all connected devices in the home networks including non-display smart devices such as smart door locks or connected light bulbs. Artificial Intelligence powered

Contextual analysis and machine learning is used to discover devices, block vulnerabilities, protect privacy, guard against IoT-specific malware, and prevent malicious misuse of smart devices. Profile for normal behavior

Identifies, with the help of AI and machine learning, unexpected device behavior and automatically act on these findings. Assess Risk

Calculates the risk and vulnerabilities associated with individual categories of smart devices. Immediate Threat detection

Applies security policies and counter-measures in near real-time to identified threats. Device Agnostic

Monitors all smart devices in the connected home, regardless of brand or type. Reverse Firewall Technology

Insures that information originating in the home stays in the home. Shared Intelligence

Securely shares information on detected threats across the Avira SafeThingsTM community. About Avira Avira protects people in the connected world - enabling everyone to manage, secure, and improve their digital lives. The Avira umbrella covers a portfolio of security and performance applications for Windows, Android (News - Alert) , macOS and iOS. In addition, the reach of our protective technologies extends through OEM partnerships. Our security solutions consistently lead in independent tests for detection, performance, and usability. Avira is a family-owned company that employs 500 people. Its headquarters are near Lake Constance, in Tettnang, Germany, and the company has additional offices in Munich, Bucharest, Beijing, and Silicon Valley. A portion of Avira's sales support the Auerbach Foundation, which assists education, children, and families in need. For more information about Avira visit www.avira.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180222005170/en/

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[February 22, 2018] Media Alert: Juniper Networks Brings Simplicity in Engineering to Mobile World Congress 2018

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Juniper Networks (NYSE:JNPR), an industry leader in automated, scalable and secure networks, will provide attendees at this years Mobile World Congress insights into how simplicity in engineering can reduce operational complexity, secure network infrastructure and innovate services as they transform to a 5G/IoT Distributed Mobile Cloud. The 5G and IoT offerings - including professional services  due to be highlighted at Hall 2, booth #2J60/booth 2J61 will cover infrastructure, software and security solutions through a variety of demonstrations, delivered by subject matter experts and key partners. Simple is harder than complex. Simple is a huge feat of engineering, explained Rami Rahim, chief executive officer at Juniper Networks. We have always been about innovation, and we believe that creating simplicity through engineering is innovations highest form. At this years MWC, we will show exactly how operators and service providers can simplify the transformation to a 5G and IoT distributed cloud. For Juniper, that translates to simplified architectures and easy integration with standardized connectivity, as well as exemplifying how our self-driving network offerings can simplify the ever-increasing management and operational complexity of a service providers network through automation, telemetry, intent and machine-learning. Junipers Show Highlights During the show, Juniper will show how its Distributed Mobile Cloud Solutions can help tame the complexity and overcome the challenges of the transformation to a 5G/IoT environment by taking advantage of its world-class engineering and innovation. These solutions will help mobile operators: Accelerate 5G/IoT

Juniper will demonstrate how operators can build an extensive and robust infrastructure capable of meeting the performance, latency and massive scale demands of 5G and IoT services. This includes how they can leverage CPE, access (cell site + wired), aggregation and CO/POPs as layers of virtualized computing, networking and storage for new high-value services. Drive Agility

By utilizing predictive and adaptive software platforms, service providers can learn how to implement enhanced orchestration, telemetry, analytics and machine learning across their networks. Build Trust

Through a portfolio of physical and virtual security system solutions, Juniper will highlight how it can help mobile operators scale up and scale out the protection of their networks - and that of their customers. Utilize a Best-in-Class Partner Ecosystem

Junipe will showcase various end-to-end solutions with strategic partners including Affirmed Networks, Ericsson, IBM, Infineon, NEC/NetCracker, Netronome, Red Hat and Saguna Networks.



Network Slicing Bot

Juniper has announced details on the launch of its Network Slicing Bot, the newest addition to its growing library of automation applications that simplify network operations by translating intended outcomes expressed in human language into actionable workflows, helping to deliver on its Self-Driving Network vision. Demonstrate Multi-Vendor Capability and Customer Engagement

Juniper will be part of a series of multi-vendor partner announcements and customer announcements throughout the event. These will include: A joint announcement on Junipers expanded partnership with Affirmed Networks and Netronome to give mobile providers a simple way to manage high performing distributed mobile cloud solutions for rapid deployment of IoT and 5G services. An announcement with GCI, Alaskas largest telecommunications company, on choosing Contrail SD-WAN to rapidly create innovative new service offerings and expand into new markets with its virtual managed service platform, CloudFlex SD-WAN.

Additionally, Juniper will be participating in joint solution demonstrations with Affirmed Networks, Atos, IBM, Intel, NEC/NetCracker, Netronome, Red Hat and Saguna in their respective booths throughout the event.

A 30-minute Periscope live video interview with Junipers Chief Executive Officer Rami Rahim and Chief Technical Officer Bikash Koley on Tuesday, February 27, 08:00-08:30 CET.

Juniper executives and other spokespeople will be available for media and analyst briefings throughout the show. For scheduling, please contact Penny Still, pstill@juniper.net. About Juniper Networks

Juniper Networks simplifies the complexities of networking with products, solutions and services in the cloud era to transform the way we connect, work and live. We remove the traditional constraints of networking to enable our customers and partners to deliver automated, scalable and secure networks that connect the world. Additional information can be found at Juniper Networks (www.juniper.net) or connect with Juniper on Twitter and Facebook. Juniper Networks, the Juniper Networks logo and Junos are registered trademarks of Juniper Networks, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Media Relations: Analyst Relations: Ian Williams Penny Still Juniper Networks Juniper Networks +44 (0) 1372 385 611 +44 (0) 1372 385 692 iwilliams@juniper.net pstill@juniper.net

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[February 22, 2018] Leading Earthworks Contractor D&T Excavation Chooses Kespry for Inventory Management and Topographical Analysis

MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kespry, the leading aerial intelligence solution provider, today announced D&T Excavation, an Oregon-based earthworks company serving commercial, residential and government agencies, has selected the Kespry aerial intelligence platform to perform comprehensive inventory management and worksite topographical analysis, and help ensure the safety of its employees. D&T Excavation conducted a comprehensive survey of available industrial drone options and chose Kespry following a recommendation and demonstration from their strategic equipment partner Pape Machinery, a member of the John Deere dealer network. Kespry and John Deere have an exclusive global strategic alliance to provide the Kespry aerial intelligence platform through the John Deere Dealer Network worldwide. "Everyone's biggest nightmare is to bid a job and then find out that it's something different than what you're expecting," said Dan Liechty, Project Engineer, D&T. "A lot of times, the existing contours or elevations we're getting from an engineer could be outdated or based on some inaccurate, not detailed survey techniques. There's supposed to be all this dirt there and then it ends up not being there. With Kespry, we can go out there and verify it without spending two or three days doing a topographical analysis with a GPS base and rover." D&T also keeps its customers informed about worksite project progress through the Kespry aerial intelligence platform's comprehensive analyticsand reporting capabilities.



"We saw the benefit of being able to invite customers to look at specific jobs and their progress, as well as orthomosaic photographs from the cloud," said Liechty. "From our research, we saw Kespry was the most complete, end-to-end solution. We think this is the future. Everyone's going to be using something like this." Perhaps most importantly, Kespry is helping ensure D&T employees can pursue inventory management and topographical analysis without putting themselves in harm's way. With the Kespry aerial intelligence platform's autonomous drone technology, the operator simply selects the survey area and sets the flight parameters on a user-friendly iPad application, and the autonomous Kespry Drone and Kespry Cloud do the rest.

"Using Kespry means more safety and saving time," said Liechty. "It's a huge pain to send somebody to the top of a rock stockpile and come down two or three hours later to end up with 15 topographical points, compared to the hundreds or thousands we get with the Kespry Drone." D&T exemplifies how construction companies can benefit from a comprehensive drone-based analytics solution that goes far beyond traditional mapping applications. "Our earthworks-specific aerial intelligence tools are designed with companies like D&T in mind that require granular, accurate and on-demand inventory management," said George Mathew, CEO and chairman of Kespry. "With Kespry, they're able to gather the insight that drives successful and profitable earthworks projects without having to compromise the safety of their employees. We're extremely pleased to help make the work lives of D&T's employees easier, safer and more productive." To learn more about Kespry, visit: http://kespry.com/solutions/overview About Kespry

Kespry's aerial intelligence platform is transforming how organizations capture, analyze and share insights about their business, providing the information they need to accelerate their operations. Purpose-built for industrial use yet simple enough for any user, a wide variety of industries rely on Kespry to solve business-critical problems. Delivering a fully integrated solution from drone data capture to industry-specific analytics, Kespry serves customers across North America, Europe and Australia, including John Deere, Hancock Claims Consultants, Catastrophe Response Unit (CRU), Fluor, Lehigh Hanson/Heidelberg, and Colas USA. Media Contact:

Amanda King

kespry@matternow.com

+1.720.577.5403 View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-earthworks-contractor-dt-excavation-chooses-kespry-for-inventory-management-and-topographical-analysis-300602488.html SOURCE Kespry

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[February 22, 2018] Ellisys Increases Support for Bluetooth Mesh Networking on Protocol Solutions

GENEVA, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ellisys, a leading worldwide provider of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol test, analysis, and qualification solutions, today announced a major addition to its feature support for the recently released Bluetooth Mesh Networking specifications on its industry-leading Bluetooth all-in-one protocol analysis platforms. This added support provides timely updates to the companys widely deployed Bluetooth Explorer and Bluetooth Tracker products and includes specialized analytical and performance characterizations of mesh network profiles, properties, security and privacy mechanisms, and system operation. Mesh networking is a many-to-many (m:m) range extension adaptation for Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) that opens a wide array of new applications for Bluetooth technology, primarily associated with IoT. These Ellisys feature additions are provided at no cost to Ellisys customers and are available via a standard product software update.

The additional feature support for mesh networking analysis will help to accelerate a variety of development tasks our customers undertake as part of projects that include this technology, said Mario Pasquali, Ellisys president and CEO. Mesh networking is clearly one of the most important advancements in Bluetooth technology since its inception. We are excited to provide our customers with the advanced capabilities needed to achieve the highest level of interoperability. Global product interoperability is a cornerstone of Bluetooth technology, and the Bluetooth product qualification process is central to ensuring the interoperability of the nearly 4 billion new Bluetooth devices forecasted to ship in 2018, said Marriot Winquist, Vice President of Member Development and Services at the Bluetooth SIG. Its great to see our member companies deliver tools to support the full range of Bluetooth specifications and topologies. These valuable testing tools further strengthen the Bluetooth qualification process and, as a result, help other members deliver more innovative, secure, and highly interoperable Bluetooth products to market. As specialists in wireless technologies, and in particular Bluetooth Low Energy and its role in the Internet of Things, our development team is keen to keep our development tools and capabilities current with the latest technologies from the Bluetooth SIG, said Lukasz Rymanowski, co-founder and technical lead at Codecoup. The Ellisys Bluetooth Tracker is an invaluable asset for us, and the added support for mesh technology greatly enhances our ability to fine tune our output and provide our customers with leading-edge support. Mesh Network Applications and Environments

The Bluetooth SIG recently released its highly anticipated mesh networking specificatios. These specifications define a broad spectrum of device and systemic requirements for a large-scale many-to-many network using Bluetooth Low Energy wireless technology. Bluetooth mesh networks can greatly increase the range of Bluetooth communications by using a message relay approach and are inherently uncomplicated and inexpensive to deploy, as there are no requirements for a central router or computer. These attributes make Bluetooth mesh networking ideal for various IoT applications and environments, such as Smart Home, asset tracking, industrial controls, retail, airports, offices, and more. Devices such as tablets and mobile phones that do not include a native mesh stack can still access mesh networks through proxy nodes, using a special protocol defined by the mesh networking specifications, making backward-compatibility a non-issue.



Mesh Security

At the core of mesh networking is a robust array of mandatory security mechanisms designed to provide a defense against network intrusions and passive eavesdropping. Analysis of security features will be a significant focus of mesh-related hardware and software development projects. The advanced capture engines and sophisticated application software used by Ellisys Explorer and Tracker analyzers are ideally suited to resolve and demystify the variety of security features installed on mesh networks. Availability and Information

The added feature support for mesh networks is provided as a free software update to existing Ellisys customers and is provided at no additional cost to new customers. Existing users can update their current Ellisys application software through standard means from within the application. For more information, please contact Ellisys at sales@ellisys.com or via the following form: https://www.ellisys.com/sales/contact.php

Innovative Bluetooth Test and Analysis Solutions

The Explorer and Tracker all-in-one Bluetooth protocol analysis solutions are designed to support integrated, concurrent capture and analysis of a wide variety of wired and wireless communications. These products are deployed in the labs of every major Bluetooth developer worldwide. Ellisys analyzers include passive, whole-band capture of all Bluetooth channels, a wideband approach pioneered by Ellisys engineers. Various purchase configurations are offered to meet the project requirements of a broad array of developers, test houses, and system designers. Ellisys analyzers support Bluetooth Classic (BR/EDR) and Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi, and a wide variety of wired interfaces, including logic signals, host controller interface (HCI) protocols (USB, UART, and SPI), Audio I2S, various standard interface buses, and WCI-2, all visualized over the Ellisys Bluetooth analyzer software suite. Ellisys solutions provide the convenience and accuracy of single-platform integration with unequalled precision timing synchronization of and between supported wireless technologies and wired interfaces. Ellisys also provides the Bluetooth Qualifier (EBQ) system, a Bluetooth SIG-approved, standards-based, test and qualification system for Bluetooth link layer and HCI. Bluetooth mesh networking utilizes several advanced Bluetooth 5 features, such as Advertising Extensions (Adv Ext), which have been extensively tested and validated by chip manufacturers worldwide, using the EBQ. About Ellisys Ellisys is a leading worldwide supplier of advanced protocol test solutions for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, SuperSpeed USB 3.1, USB Power Delivery, USB Type-C, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt technologies. More information is available on www.ellisys.com.

Ellisys | Chemin du Grand-Puits 38 | CH-1217 Meyrin Geneva | Switzerland

World Class Protocol Test Solutions for Bluetooth, USB, and Wi-Fi Ellisys, the Ellisys logo, Better Analysis, Bluetooth Explorer, Bluetooth Tracker, and Type-C Tracker are trademarks of Ellisys, and may be registered in some jurisdictions. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Ellisys is under license. Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi Alliance logo are trademarks of Wi-Fi Alliance. USB Type-C and USB-C are trademarks of USB Implementers Forum. DisplayPort and the DisplayPort logo are trademarks owned by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) in the United States and other countries. Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

Contact:

Ellisys Corporation

Phoenix, AZ, USA

Attn: Chuck Trefts, VP Marketing

Phone: 866-724-9185

Email: chuck.trefts@ellisys.com

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[February 22, 2018] Kazakh Search Cryptoplatform Dagrsol 2.0 and the Self-Titled Browser Will Allow All Users to Make Money

MOSCOW, February 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dagrsol Searching Engine Inc. announces that the start of their search cryptoplatform Dagrsol 2.0 and the self-titled browser is scheduled for next month. On the closed forum of the shareholders, the head of the company Artyom Gurin, described the whole strategy of the integration of the blockchain technology within one country. The first man in the republic delivered a course on the digitalization of the country, through which the created start-ups will achieve economic growth and access to the top 30 most developed countries. The registration of the Bank of Dagrsol, based on the blockchain technology, consolidates qualified investors that are aimed at developig and contributing to the innovative project, such as Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, computer vision, digital transformation and machine learning. Using Dagr Fund service developers and businessmen get full financial, legal, technical support, software, computing power, promotion, go to the IPO, produce tokens and trade shares.



Due to the decentralized server flagship search engine Dagrsol 2.0 does not preserve search history and does not keep and transfer user data. It allows active users to earn on advertising, sharing 90% of the income. Experts claim that the price of the company's shares and of Dagra cryptocurrency is going to soar above 200 $. With the primary capitalization of the project DagrSol Searching Engine Inc. share price has risen by 20%: from 0,5$ to 0,65$ per share. As of February 2018, 3 million DGR are circulating in the cryptoplatform and more than 3,500 people use currency.

Kazakh cryptoplatform Dagrsol 2.0 are going to compete with major players such as Bitcoin, Etherium and Dash due to the fact that this platform has easily accessible mining and user-friendly interface of the products and the development strategy of the company have common tendencies with Microsoft. The details will soon be known at the official presentation of the company.

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[February 22, 2018] Momentum Telecom to Demonstrate Revenue Driving Voice Solution to Electric Cooperatives

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Momentum Telecom will be sharing their industry leading solutions with electric co-ops during NRECAs TechAdvantage on February 25-28 at Booth 248 in Nashville, Tennessees Music City Center.

Momentum is thrilled to be showcasing the ability of their hosted voice solution to transform cooperatives and ignite a new path to revenue. With an award-winning and comprehensive solution portfolio, Momentum has helped enable operators to see rapid commercial subscriber growth of more than 40% over the last year in one of the nations fastest growing industries. Were excited to equip co-ops with Momentums solid infrastructure, cutting edge solutions and proven business approach for entering into the commercial voice space, said Momentums SVP of White Label Customer Experience, Tara Kelley, who will be on hand at the event. While many of Momentums partners are already electric cooperatives, this is Momentums first time exhibiting at TechAdvantage. Momentum has been an integral partner for our co-op throughout our roll out of hosted voice, said United Electric Cooperatives COO David Girvan. Every step of the way, Momentum has been there with the right products, innovative solutions, dedicated account management and more. Since day one, Momentum has been a catalyst for or growth.



As an industry leader in voice, broadband management and support services, Momentum empowers co-ops to take a completely unified and end-to-end approach to deployment, rollout and support of new revenue driving services. For co-ops attending NRECAs TechAdvantage, this is a distinct opportunity to leverage their infrastructure and create big business dividends. To learn how your business can maximize revenue opportunity with true hosted voice, visit the Momentum team at booth 248 or contact us today. Email us at wl@momentumtelecom.com or call 877-251-5554.

Momentum Telecom is a premier provider of Business Voice, BBX Broadband Management and Unified Communications solutions. Momentums solutions offer smart, customizable cloud-based applications including voice, video and collaboration tools that enhance business productivity and efficiency for direct customers and more than 500 nationwide white label and channel partners. Momentum Telecom is committed to delivering best-in-class products backed by a geo-redundant network paired with industry-leading uptime and customer service. Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, Momentum Telecom has regional offices actively serving customers across the United States. To learn more visit momentumtelecom.com or connect with us on Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter, LinkedIn or visit our blog. At Momentum Telecom, our mission is to enable others to thrive by combining smarter technology with seasoned experts while delivering unmatched customer experience. Media Contact Beth Hildreth

bhildreth@momentumtelecom.com

315-579-7112

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[February 22, 2018] Absolute Recognized as One of British Columbia's Top Employers for 2018

Absolute (TSX: ABT), the endpoint visibility and control company, today announced that it has been recognized as one of British Columbia's Top Employers of the Year. The annual list, organized by Mediacorp Canada, the editors of the Canada's Top 100 Employers program, showcases the best places to work in British Columbia. Absolute's mission is to solve the most dangerous and difficult endpoint security challenges that are plaguing organizations worldwide. In order to tackle this global issue, Absolute strives to advance the pace of technology innovation and deliver the broadest, deepest and most resilient visibility and control over its customers' endpoint populations. Every employee at Absolute is dedicated to empowering customers with the ability to act with urgency and harden their defenses against security breaches. The Company structures its values around three core pillars: passion, innovation, and trust. From these values, Absolute developed a number of initiatives designed to maintain a healthy cmpany culture. One initiative is designed to recognize employees who meet each company value through a global awards program. The Company also encourages community involvement, holds hackathon events to generate innovative ideas and invests in employee career growth through training programs and internal promotion opportunities, among other key programs.



"Centering our culture on three key values that complement each other helps us maintain a strong foundation while cultivating a rewarding atmosphere for our employees," said Amanda Mallow, Chief Human Resources Office at Absolute. "Absolute strives to recruit and retain talent that is willing to challenge and be challenged by their peers. Being recognized as a Top Employer demonstrates that we are providing an environment that offers competitive benefits, rewarding work opportunities and have great people who foster teamwork and innovation." Companies selected for the annual BC Top Employers list are selected based on criteria such as Work Atmosphere, Benefits, Employee Communications, Performance Management, Training & Skills Development, and Community Involvement, among others. Applicants are compared to other organizations in their field to determine the most exceptional workplaces that are setting the example by going above and beyond.

For more information about Absolute, visit https://www.absolute.com/en. About Absolute

Absolute set the new standard for endpoint visibility and control with self-healing endpoint security and always-connected IT asset management to protect devices, data, applications and users - on and off the network. Bridging the gap between security and IT operations, only Absolute gives enterprises visibility they can act on to protect every endpoint, remediate vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance in the face of insider and external threats. Absolute's patented Persistence technology is already embedded in the firmware of more than one billion PC and mobile devices and trusted by over 15,000 customers worldwide. For the latest information, visit www.absolute.com and follow us at @absolutecorp. 2018 Absolute Software Corporation. All rights reserved. Absolute and Persistence are registered trademarks of Absolute Software Corporation. For patent information, visit www.absolute.com/patents. The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the information contained in this news release. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180222005254/en/

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[February 22, 2018] Zephyr Appoints New Global Vice President of Marketing to Support its Global Growth

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Zephyr, the world's leading provider of software test management solutions, is pleased to welcome Tom Alexander as Global Vice President of Marketing. Tom will lead the marketing team to enhance global brand recognition of the Zephyr end-to-end suite of software products and magnify the success of the company's rapidly growing client roster. "Tom brings deep experience in building B2B sales and client relations as well as a fresh perspective to communicating the Zephyr brand story and related value propositions," said Scott Johnson, Zephyr CEO. "Tom joins us at a pivotal time of tremendous global growth and product expansion and I'm thrilled with the contributions he'll make as part of our executive leadership team." Tom has held senior executive positions with the world's largest media and marketing companies, including Comcast, Time Warner (Turner Broadcasting), Frankel & Co. (now Arc Worldwide), and most recently with high-growth digital media and technology companies including SeatGeek and TopTx. Tom has received numerous industry awards and recognition for his breakthrough B2B and consumer marketing campaigns, and is widely regarded as an excellent motivator, collaborator and proactive problem solver.



Zephyr is created for teams of all sizes with a full range of functionality and scale requirements, facilitating deployment through Zephyr Teams for small to mid-size groups and Zephyr Enterprise for large groups and company-wide roll out. A full suite of Zephyr plug-ins to Jira is also available on the Atlassian Marketplace, including the industry-leading Zephyr for Jira, Capture for Jira, and Zephyr Blueprints for Confluence. About Zephyr

Zephyr provides the world's most widely used software test management solution, powering more than 17,000 customers and 5 million users across 100 countries. Zephyr is leading a global transformation to DevOps and Continuous Testing Agility through widespread adoption of its advanced quality management, automation and analytics tools. Leading Product and IT teams in Finance, Healthcare, Media, Mobile, IT Services and Enterprise leverage the Zephyr family of products to keep pace with accelerating software delivery lifecycles. Driven by an agile company credo  to help organizations spend less time testing and more time building  Zephyr launched the first testing solution natively inside Jira nearly a decade ago. Today, companies and teams of all sizes rely on Zephyr and its end-to-end solutions, unmatched scalability and support to move from ideas to impact with increasingly greater velocity and quality of collaboration. Zephyr is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with regional offices in Philadelphia, Europe and India. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zephyr-appoints-new-global-vice-president-of-marketing-to-support-its-global-growth-300602949.html SOURCE Zephyr

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[February 22, 2018] Minister McKenna discussed ocean health and economic opportunities from climate action, in New York City

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, wrapped up meetings in New York City, during which she reinforced Canada's relationship with the U.S., highlighting the importance of NAFTA and trade for both countries as well as the need to accelerate climate action and sustainable finance to support a clean-growth economy for current and future generations. Minister McKenna also advanced Canada's priority on working together on climate change, oceans, and clean energy, during its G7 presidency. Minister McKenna met with representatives from the New York Green Bank and the Connecticut Green Bank. Canada is working to establish a Canada Infrastructure Bank, which will use federal support to attract private-sector and institutional investment to new revenue-generating projects that are in the public interest. This meeting was key to learning best practices in leveraging private-sector finance to stimulate investments in renewable energy ad energy efficiency.



Minister McKenna exchanged with New York City's Chief Resilience Officer and Senior Director of Climate Policy and Programs, Dan Zarrilli, on how communities can mitigate and adapt to climate change, learning from the city's past experience with extreme weather. Minister McKenna also consulted on ocean health, with UN ambassadors from African coastal states and small island developing states and with the United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean, Peter Thomson. The UN ambassadors expressed their extreme concern about the impacts of climate change in their countries and the health of the oceans. They also emphasized the importance of strong marine and coastal recovery strategies, resilience of coastal communities, and inclusive marine and coastal economic growth.

Minister McKenna continued her Climate Campus tour, at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, where she spoke about Canada's leadership on climate change and the role youth play in building a clean-growth future. Quotes "I am proud to be in New York to reinforce Canada's relationship with the U.S., highlighting the importance of NAFTA and trade for both countries; the need to accelerate climate action and sustainable finance to support a clean-growth economy; and Canada's priorities for the G7, including ocean health. The environment and the economy go together."

 Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

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[February 22, 2018]

Cubic Strengthens C4ISR Business with Acquisition of MotionDSP

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB) today announced the acquisition of MotionDSP, a leading provider of advanced image processing software for public safety, security and government applications. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, MotionDSP further enhances Cubic Mission Solutions' (CMS) capabilities in real-time video processing.

MotionDSP enhances the quality of real-time videos, while servicing a wide variety of industries including military, law enforcement, oil and gas, forestry, inspection services, energy and transportation. MotionDSP's solutions include a full suite of software processing capabilities for video and redaction, supporting both desktop and cloud deployments.

"We are pleased to welcome MotionDSP and its employees to our growing Cubic family," said Bradley H. Feldmann, chairman, president ad chief executive officer of Cubic Corporation. "MotionDSP will be a synergistic addition to our CMS business as we continue to build on our strategy through business acquisitions for maximum growth and return to our shareholders."







"The addition of MotionDSP's technology will enrich our solution offering," said Mike Twyman, president of Cubic Mission Solutions. "Also, we look forward to leveraging MotionDSP's position in Public Safety and other markets as new growth adjacencies for Cubic."

MotionDSP's software leverages advanced detection, tracking and geospatial processing capabilities to help users better understand their videos. MotionDSP solutions improve visual fidelity and automation of tasks with computer vision algorithms.

About Cubic Corporation

Cubic is a market-leading, technology provider of integrated solutions that increase situational understanding for transportation, defense C4ISR and training customers worldwide to decrease urban congestion and improve the militaries' effectiveness and operational readiness. Cubic Transportation Systems is a leading integrator of payment and information technology and services to create intelligent travel solutions for transportation authorities and operators. Cubic Mission Solutions provides networked Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities for defense, intelligence, security and commercial missions. Cubic Global Defense is a leading provider of live, virtual, constructive and game-based training solutions, special operations and intelligence for the U.S. and allied forces. For more information about Cubic, please visit the company's website at www.cubic.com or on Twitter @CubicCorp.

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cubic-strengthens-c4isr-business-with-acquisition-of-motiondsp-300603039.html

SOURCE Cubic Corporation
[February 22, 2018] FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Hosts Second Community Giveback Project

HOUSTON, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- During the 2018 FASTSIGNS International Convention held Jan. 17-20 in Houston, Texas, FASTSIGNS franchisees and their employees, vendors and FASTSIGNS International, Inc. corporate staff participated in the second "FASTSIGNS Community Giveback" to donate care packages for the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center. "Through the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback Project, our meeting attendees and vendors come together to support a local cause and make a positive impact in the cities that we host our system-wide events in across the country," said Tracy Lake, Director of Events at FASTSIGNS International, Inc. "We are so grateful for our military servicemen and women. With the help of our partners in giving, we are honored for the opportunity to express our appreciation and donate care packages to patients at Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center." On Jan. 20 during the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback Breakfast with a Purpose, 375 care packages were assembled. Draw string bags were filled with blankets, socks, hats, playing cards, puzzle books, personal hygiene items and handwritten notes of apprecation. Members of the FASTSIGNS International corporate team visited the VA medical center to deliver the care packages and a banner thanking military members for their service.



Thanks to the FASTSIGNS Community Giveback sponsors 4Ever Products, Canon Solutions America, Colex Finishing Inc., Custom Products Corporation, EPSON, Grimco, Listen360, Miller Weldmaster, N. Glantz & Son and Sign Source USA for their generous contributions to raise $6,750 for the donation items. About FASTSIGNS

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the largest sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 675 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS centers in eight countries including the U.S., Canada, England, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Grand Cayman, Mexico and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE). FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive sign and visual graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, sell more products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points including decor, events, wearables and marketing materials. Learn more about sign and visual graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com . Follow the brand on Twitter @FASTSIGNS, Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS or on LinkedIn. For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or call 214.346.5679). Contact: Christina Krenek

FASTSIGNS Corporate Communications

214.346.5663

Christina.Krenek@fastsigns.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fastsigns-international-inc-hosts-second-community-giveback-project-300603129.html SOURCE FASTSIGNS

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WASHINGTON - The most vulnerable of all Democratic senators up for re-election next year will attend a fundraiser co-hosted by Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger on Thursday, and with it, a GOP candidate is using it to attack his opponent. In the wake of the event, the campaign of Sen.
Johnson County mom charged with attempted capital murder OLATHE, Kan. - Therese Roever appeared in Johnson County court Wednesday afternoon via video for an attempted capital murder charge. Roever is accused of giving a non-prescribed medication to her three children, all under the age of 10. Her bond is set at $1 million.

More deets on this JoCo lady accused of trying to kill her children with meds. Read more:
Lenexa, Kansas, police are asking for help in identifying a man and woman in connection with an attempted carjacking at a gas station last week. Police said a woman was pumping gas Friday night at a gas station in the 11000 Pflumm Road when a man tried to take her car keys out of her hand.
Based on provisional data announced by the Bank of Greece, in December 2017 the balance of travel services showed a surplus of 11 million, down 76.3% from a surplus of 45 million in December 2016. This development is attributed to a 26.5% increase in travel payments (December 2017: 172 million, December 2016: 136 million), which outweighed an increase of 0.8% in travel receipts (December 2017: 182 million, December 2016: 181 million). The rise in travel receipts reflected a 1.0% increase in average expenditure per trip, as inbound traveller flows decreased by 0.3%. Net receipts from travel services accounted for 2.4% of total net receipts from services and offset 0.7% of the goods deficit.

In 2017, the balance of travel services showed a surplus of 12,680 million, up 13.2% from a surplus of 11,201 million in 2016. This development was driven by an increase of 1,389 million or 10.5% in travel receipts and a decrease of 90 million or 4.5% in travel payments. The rise in travel receipts is attributed mostly to a 9.7% increase in inbound traveller flows and, to a lesser extent, to a 1.4% rise in average expenditure per trip. Net receipts from travel services offset 69.1% of the goods deficit and accounted for 72.9% of total net receipts from services.

Travel receipts

In December 2017, as mentioned previously, travel receipts rose by 0.8% year-on-year. In more detail, receipts from residents of the EU28 fell by 5.4% to 96 million, whereas receipts from outside the EU28 rose by 8.8% (December 2017: 84 million, December 2016: 77 million). The lower receipts from within the EU28 were due to a 9.2% drop in receipts from euro area residents (December 2017: 58 million, December 2016: 64 million), as receipts from residents of non-euro area EU28 countries increased by 1.3%. Breaking down receipts by visitors country of origin, receipts from France remained roughly stable at 4 million, whereas receipts from Germany decreased by 19.2% to 14 million. Receipts from the United Kingdom increased by 7.8% to 17 million. Turning to non-EU28 countries, receipts from Russia fell by 31.4% to 4 million, as did receipts from the United States, by 19.5% to 12 million.

In 2017, travel receipts rose by 10.5%, compared with the previous year, to 14,596 million. This development is attributed to increases in receipts from within the EU28 by 13.8% to 9,843 million and in receipts from outside the EU28 by 5.6% to 4,327 million. In particular, receipts from euro area residents rose by 20.6% to 6,270 million, while receipts from residents of non-euro area EU28 countries also increased, by 3.6% to 3,573 million. Specifically, receipts from France rose by 17.3% to 992 million, as did receipts from Germany, by 31.5% to 2,553 million. Receipts from the United Kingdom also increased, by 11.6% to 2,061 million. Turning to non-EU28 countries, receipts from Russia decreased by 3.6% to 418 million, whereas receipts from the United States rose by 4.4% to 803 million.

Inbound traveller flows

In December 2017, the number of inbound visitors fell slightly by 0.3% year-on-year to 563 thousand. Specifically, visitor flows through airports increased by 3.5%, whereas visitor flows through road border-crossing points declined by 7.4%. This development is attributed to a 10.1% decrease in visitor flows from within the EU28, as visitor flows from outside the EU28 increased by 14.0%. In greater detail, the number of visitors from the euro area fell by 6.2% to 142 thousand, while visitors from the non-euro area EU28 countries also declined, by 13.2% (December 2017: 159 thousand, December 2016: 183 thousand). Specifically, the number of visitors from France decreased by 10.7% to 8 thousand, as did the number of visitors from Germany, by 3.5% to 38 thousand. Visitors from the United Kingdom rose by 24.0% to 44 thousand. Turning to non-EU28 countries, the number of visitors from Russia fell by 22.2% to 9 thousand, whereas the number of visitors from the United States rose by 13.4% to 26 thousand.

In 2017, the number of inbound visitors rose by 9.7% to 27,194 thousand (2016: 24,799 thousand). Specifically, visitor flows through airports increased by 9.9%, while visitor flows through road border-crossing points also increased, by 8.7%. In the period under review, the number of visitors from within the EU28 rose by 7.9% year-on-year to 18,583 thousand, as did the number of visitors from outside the EU28, by 13.6% to 8,611 thousand. Visitors from the euro area rose by 10.4%, while visitors from the non-euro area EU28 countries also rose, by 5.3%. Specifically, the number of visitors from France increased by 8.1% to 1,420 thousand, as did the number of visitors from Germany, by 18.1% to 3,706 thousand. Visitors from the United Kingdom increased by 3.7% to 3,002 thousand. Finally, turning to non-EU28 countries, the number of visitors from Russia decreased by 1.1% to 589 thousand, whereas the number of visitors from the United States rose by 11.1% to 865 thousand.

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: Bryan Ledgard License: CC-BY-SA
Saudi Arabia has more than 64,000 rooms across the three phases of the hotel development pipeline, representing 76 per cent of the more than 84,500 existing hotel rooms in the country, according to data from STR.



As shown in STRs January Pipeline Report, there are 187 hotel projects total in Saudi Arabia between the planning, final planning and in-construction stages. The construction phase represents the largest portion of the pipeline with almost 40,000 rooms in 94 projects.



At the market level, Makkah is set to receive the largest amount of new supply with more than 23,000 rooms in construction and more than 32,000 rooms total in the pipeline. Jeddah and Riyadh are each approaching 10,000 rooms total in the three phases of the pipeline.



Ahead of his presentation at the Saudi Arabia Hotel Investment Conference (SHIC) on February 26, STRs area director for the Middle East and Africa, Philip Wooller, said: Saudi Arabias hotel market is going through a period of massive supply expansion.



In the short term, weve already seen this growth affect performance levels, and this trend should continue as more and more properties start to come online. But it is important to note that this is part of a major long-term investment for the market to further develop its infrastructure to accommodate millions of annual visitors, which come for religious pilgrimages and as new tourism attractions spring up as part of Vision 2030.



Wooller notes that Vision 2030 was announced in 2017 as an initiative aimed at reducing the countrys dependence on oil. Included in the plan were major investments in the countrys tourism sector. The most notable project in the tourism segment is the Red Sea beach resort project, a new luxury destination along part of Saudi Arabias west coast, scheduled for construction to begin in 2019. According to STR analysts, this attraction has the potential for strong tourism business, with indications that some restrictions of the countrys religious customs will be eased in this area.



Wooller stresses the importance of considering these long-term developments when assessing Saudi Arabias hotel performance. In 2017, the country recorded a 5.2 perr cent decline in occupancy and a 4.4 per cent drop in average daily rate (ADR), resulting in a 9.3 per cent decline in revenue per available room (RevPAR) compared with 2016. Figures for January 2018 show that occupancy rose 6.4 per cent, while ADR dropped 5.2 per cent, resulting in a year-over-year RevPAR increase of 0.9 per cent.



As oil prices continue to rise, we should see performance levels start to recuperate over time, Wooller said. Although there will likely be a delayed effect, in the long run Saudi Arabias investment in tourism infrastructure should help protect the markets hotel sector during future periods of lower oil prices and help boost performance growth when oil prices are high. - TradeArabia News Service


Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is in talks with international hotel operator Accor to acquire a 15 per cent stake of its property business, said a report.



The potential transaction could value to SR28.66 billion ($7.64 billion), Bloomberg said in a report, citing sources.



PIF is looking to buy a stake in AccorInvest in collaboration with Singapores GIC Pte, the French asset manager Amundi SA and US-based real estate investment trust, Colony NorthStar.



While discussions are in advanced stages, theres no guarantee that an agreement will be reached, the news agency added.



Discussions are ongoing with tier-one French and international investors, Bloomberg said, citing Accor's statement.
Royal Jordanian (RJ) is inviting its fans, customers and frequent flyers to take part in renaming the airlines loyalty programme by submitting their suggestions through RJs social media channels.



Rebranding the name of the frequent flyer programme comes in line with RJs business plan to restructure the programme to strengthen its offerings, make it more rewarding, engaging and member friendly; which is part of the overall turnaround plan RJ is currently implementing.



The renaming campaign will last until February 27. Those interested in suggesting the rebranding name can visit RJs Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. The name should follow certain criteria: a one- or two-word name that should work in both Arabic and English, and reflect pride; it should relate to Royal Jordanian and flying. The tone should be premium and elegant, yet the name itself should be catchy and easy to read and pronounce.



RJ President and CEO, Stefan Pichler, said: We listen to our customers. Royal Jordanian listens to the Jordanian people. We are the proud national carrier of Jordan and its ambassador of goodwill overseas, which contributes to the countrys growth and prosperity.



He added: We want all Jordanians to share their suggestions with us to shape the new and improved member-award program by suggesting a name for it. This name should reflect the inspirational and unifying Royal Crown which is part of our strong brand.



Pichler noted that the frequent flyer programme is a major asset for the company as it could help increase customers loyalty to the airline and encourage the purchase of additional products. "That is why we are moving to promote the program and develop a sound and profitable business model," he said.



We care about our customers opinion and feedback, and that is what keeps us constantly looking to improve the services we offer to our guests. he added. - TradeArabia News Service


Turkeys appeal to GCC travellers continues to grow year after year, with the country recording a 43.43 per cent rise in the number of travellers from Bahrain in 2017.



According to the latest data released by the Turkish Consulate General Cultural and Information Office in Dubai, Turkey received 59,442 visitors last year, which is a significant increase from the 41,505 travellers recorded in 2016.



Most of these travellers come to Turkey as tourists, medical tourists or business guests looking to invest in the countrys many lucrative economic opportunities, said Salih Ozer, attache of Culture and Information, Turkey to the UAE.



Ozer also noted a rise in Kuwaiti visitors to the country, which climbed to 255,644 in 2017, up 42.07 per cent from 179,938 travellers visiting in 2016. Emirati travellers were also among the top traveller markets, with a total of 49,360 tourists visiting Turkey in 2017 - up 28.83 per cent from the 38,315 visitors in 2016.



Turkeys investment in diversifying its tourism sector to cater for medical and business tourists, with substantial growth and investment in the countrys Mice sector, has paid off. In 2017, Turkey received a total of 32,410,034 visitors from around the world, as compared to 2016 where the country was visited by 25,352,213 travelers, a 27.84 per cent increase.



This rise in visitor travel has also lead to an increase in tourism based revenues, which grew to $26.28 million, an increase of 18.9 per cent as compared to 2016. - TradeArabia News Service


editorial@tribune.com

Mumbai, February 22

Swedish furniture retailer IKEA will invest Rs 3,000 crore in Maharashtra over the long term to set up multi-format stores and experience centres.

We will invest close to Rs 3,000 crore over the long term in the state to set up multi-format stores. We will also open experience centres in Mumbai going forward, Patrik Antoni, deputy country manager, IKEA, said.

He indicated that the Maharashtra operations will be key for the company, and hence it has allocated sufficient funds to develop the market here.

Initially, the company had earmarked Rs 10,500 crore to open about 25 stores in the country by 2025.

Now that we have been working to open a few stores, we could increase the investments here going forward, he said, informing that Delhi-NCR would be another key market for the company.

The retailer has already committed to invest Rs 750 crore over the next 2-3 years in setting up its first distribution centre in Pune.

When asked about the delay in opening the first IKEA store in Hyderabad, he said the company was focusing on safety of workers, and quality of the construction. We will open it in the next few months, Antoni added. It is also looking at job creation, as each store would engage about 2,000 co-workers.  PTI
editorial@tribune.com

Vijay C Roy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 22

The constant hike in steel prices in the past 2-3 months is giving sleepless nights to engineering goods manufacturers and exporters. The industry fears that the 30-35% increase in prices during the period will make them non-competitive in the international market and it would be difficult for them to meet export obligations.

The price of steel ingot (raw material) has increased from Rs 28,000 per tonne in November 2017 to about Rs 37,000 per tonne today.

With such a big rise in steel and other inputs prices, it is very difficult to sustain in the present scenario. The government should act immediately to rescue the engineering industry which contributes a major share in the countrys GDP, said Shailesh Aggarwal, president, Baddi Barotiwala Nalagarh Industries Association.

According to industrialists, small exporters who have committed orders in hand are the worst hit as they are unable to execute the orders due to high input costs.

Small exporters from hand tools and hardware industry are among the worst hit as they have become non-competent in the international market. The government should take steps to control such unjustified hike in steel prices, said Sandeep Verma, chairman, Exports and International Business, Baddi Barotiwala Nalagarh Industries Association.

Sandeep said besides the steep hike in steel prices, delay in GST refund has also hit them hard. The exporters precious working capital is blocked due to the delay in GST refunds.

Upkar Singh Ahuja, president, Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU), said MSMEs are suffering due to non-availability and high prices of steel.

He said even public sector undertaking Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) was not supporting the MSMEs in such difficult times.

The CICU has also sent a representation to Union Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh and Steel Secretary Dr Aruna Sharma, mentioning that SAIL officials were helping only special customers and ignoring the MSMEs for their personal benefits.

The manufacturers have demanded immediate rollback of price hike in the steel prices and said it would have a huge impact on viability of projects. They said Indian steel makers had started exporting to China, thus creating scarcity in the local market leading to high prices.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 21

Unidentified miscreants set five autos, a motorcycle and two rehris on fire at Teen Colony, Sector 52. The incident led to a protest by residents of Sector 52, who blocked the internal sector road over the deteriorating law and order situation in the area.

Sources said while three auto-rickshaws and a motorcycle were set on fire on Tuesday night, two other auto-rickshaws were set on fire this morning.

The police said they received information around 12.50 am from Lalji, who reported that someone had set his motorcycle, that was parked near his house, on fire. Another complainant, Sahil, reported that his auto was also set on fire. Residents claimed that there were over 10 miscreants, who also threatened a few people before fleeing from the spot.

Police teams and fire tenders were rushed to the spot. A fire official said three auto-rickshaws and a motorcycle were set on fire following which two fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

Later in the morning, two more auto-rickshaws were set on fire following which another fire tender was rushed to the spot.

Agitated over the incident, local residents gathered at the spot. They staged a protest and blocked the internal road in Sector 52. Area councillor Chandrawati Shukla also staged a protest over the police failure to maintain law and order in the area. The protest continued for over two hours. Police teams were rushed to the spot to pacify the protesters. DSP (South) Deepak Yadav also reached the spot and assured the protesters that strict action would be taken against the accused.

A case has been registered against unknown persons at the Sector 36 police station.
singhking99@yahoo.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 22

After a swine flu case was reported from Bapu Dham colony recently, the UT Health Department has swung into action.

Nearly 20 health officers have been deployed in the area to sensitise residents to the flu symptoms.

Giving details, Dr Gaurav Aggarwal said the 18- year-old swine flu patient was out of danger and also discharged from the hospital.

We have learnt that the boy had visited Amritsar on February 15 where he fell ill. After returning to the city, the boy was rushed to the Civil Hospital where he tested positive for swine flu, said Dr Aggarwal.

He said besides carrying out prophylactic (preventive) treatment of the patient and persons who came in contact with the boy, the Health Department was conducting sensitisation programme.

The awareness programme was launched as the symptoms of swine flu are relatively similar to common cold. However, at the same time we are advising people not to get panic, said Dr Aggarwal.

A health department office requesting anonymity said: We have to remain extra cautious as the possibility of spreading of disease always remains high in the densely-populated areas.

Besides announcements, the Health Department officials are also visiting houses to generate awareness among residents about swine flu symptoms. People are being told to wash their hands and carry a piece of cloth or a handkerchief while visiting the market.

Health advisory
editorial@tribune.com

Rajinder Nagarkoti

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, February 21

The special investigation team (SIT) of the Haryana Police has slapped the sedition charge against 22 accused, including Honeypreet Insan, in connection with the Panchkula violence on August 25 last year.

The SIT today submitted a list of Sections slapped against all 25 accused in the violence case, at the Panchkula court.

The prosecution today started the final arguments on framing of charges and the subsequent trial against Honeypreet and the 24 others.

The court has now fixed March 6 for further hearing in the case.

According to the list submitted by SIT, besides Honeypreet, dera chiefs top aides, including Surender Dhiman, Dan Singh, Chamkaur Singh, Gobind Singh, Dilawar Insan, Pardeep Goyal, Khairati Lal, Rakesh Kumar, Sukhdeep Kaur, CP Arora, Gopal Krishan and Pawan Insan, have been charged with sedition. Besides, other Sections of the IPC have also been slapped against them.

Three accused  Sharanjit Kaur, Gurmeet Singh and his namesake  were charged with Section 216 of the IPC for harbouring an offender.

All accused, including Honeypreet, appeared in the Panchkula court today.

According to the police chargesheet, the conspiracy to spread violence in Panchkula was hatched at the dera headquarters by Honeypreet and the 45-member dera management committee.

Honeypreet, adopted daughter of rape convict Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim, has been charged with criminal conspiracy and sedition, and is the prime accused in the Panchkula violence that broke out after the conviction of the dera chief.

According to the chargesheet, the entire conspiracy to spread violence in Panchkula was hatched at the dera headquarters by Honeypreet and the 45-member dera management committee. Nearly 20 dera members, including Aditya Insan, the alleged mastermind of the conspiracy, are yet to be arrested.

Special Investigation Team seeks time to take prosecution sanction for sedition

In another case related to FIR No. 343, the SIT on Wednesday sought time from the Panchkula court to take prosecution sanction from the state government to slap the sedition charge against the accused. The state government had already rejected the plea of SIT to include the sedition charge in this case. The court has now fixed March 9 as the next date for the hearing. Recently, the Panchkula court had dropped the sedition and attempt-to-murder charges against 53 dera followers in FIR No. 335.
Mythili Bhusnurmath

Mythili Bhusnurmath

Senior consultant, National Council of Applied Economic Research

For the past fortnight or so, the Rs 11,400-crore fraud at the Punjab National Bank (PNB) has been hogging headlines; without any let-up. Even as clarity on the exact quantum and the modus operandi eludes us - is the amount Rs 280 crore as reported by PNB in its first information report or Rs 22,000 crore as reported in some papers; did the alleged perpetrator of the fraud, Golkulnath Shetty, act alone or were others in the loop, and on the take as well; how come these huge transactions escaped the notice of PNB's auditors and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) inspectors, and so on - there's been an outpouring of anger, bordering on hysteria. Especially now that political parties have joined the blame game!

Opinion on what ails public sector banks (PSBs) and ready solutions have been quick in coming, with most commentators portraying fraud as unique to PSBs and, as a corollary, calling for their privatisation.

The latest to join the bandwagon is none other than the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI): "FICCI firmly believes that the recapitalisation of public sector banks alone is not a permanent solution and will not be effective unless the inherent issues related to governance, productivity, risk management, talent, customer service, etc. are resolved. Given the continuous pressure on the government finances on account of the weak performance of the banks, the government should consider privatisation of Public Sector Banks," says the statement issued by the industry body.

Really? Is the answer so simple? Are private sector banks immune to fraud? Is privatisation the answer?

The answer to all three questions is a resounding 'No'! As experience, both in India and overseas, shows, frauds are not unique to PSBs. Nor for that matter are the NPAs (non-performing assets). In the context of the Nirav Modi case at the PNB, both fraud and the NPA have often been used inter-changeably. But there is an important, if subtle, difference.

A non-performing asset (NPA) is an asset, typically a loan in the case of a bank, where either the principal or interest or both, is not paid on the due date. This could be due to a host of factors, including, but not limited to, fraud. Thus, faulty credit appraisal at the time of loan sanction, poor business decisions, poor post-sanction follow-up or extraneous factors (such cancellation of coal block/spectrum allocations in the power and telecom sectors in India), global slowdown following the Lehman Bros collapse etc, could result in NPAs.

In contrast, fraud is a deliberate act done with the intention to cheat and if not caught and addressed in time, could make the asset non-performing. In the instant case, without doubt, bank officials at PNB colluded with the borrower to issue letters of undertaking (LoUs) that they were not authorised to issue. Their fraudulent act enabled Modi to indulge in what is known in banking parlance as circular trading, ie pay for imports with the proceeds of loans extended against fresh LoUs.

The fraud was detected only when the chief perpetrator retired and the official who replaced him refused to issue new LoUs without adequate margin. And, on being told this was the regular practice, he tried to scrutinise past records; only to find there weren't any! That's when the skeletons came stumbling out! Since it appears Modi does not intend to pay his full dues, the loan is now an NPA.

So here is a case of fraud resulting in an NPA which raises two questions. Was there a failure of systems at the PNB? Most certainly, yes! All the safeguards normally used in the contest of SWIFT, the coded messaging system meant to ensure veracity of the message were given the go-bye. Without doubt, therefore, this must be fixed and the guilty must be punished. But can we extrapolate this admittedly spectacular and inexplicable failure to say all PSBs suffer from faulty systems and are prone to frauds? Not at all!

The 1992 Harshad Mehta fraud, that held a pride of place in the annals of banking fraud in India before being overtaken by Nirav Modi, involved two banks: State Bank of India, a public sector bank and ANZ Grindlays, a foreign bank. More recently, the multi-billion dollar fraud involving manipulation of LIBOR (London Inter-bank Offer Rate), the base rate for inter-bank transactions, involved some of the most "respectable" names in banking - Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Citi - every one of which is a private bank.

As for the NPAs, the largest bank-bailout in recent times was the $800 billion Troubled Assets Rescue Programme (TARP) extended under George Bush to bail out US banks and insurance companies in the aftermath of the Lehman Bros collapse. Again, none of these was publicly-owned. In the UK, following the virtual collapse of the Royal Bank of Scotland in 2008, the government nationalised the bank. Ireland did likewise with its banks when they ran into trouble. Nationalisation was seen as the answer to troubles in the banking arena! Closer home, both Global Trust Bank and Bank of Rajasthan were private banks - the former under once high-flying Ramesh Gelli - that had to be rescued by public sector banks.

The harsh truth is that banking is not like other businesses, where the fallout from the failure of a single business can be contained. Inter-linkages between banks and the fact that they are the backbone of the payments' system in a modern economy means the failure of even a single bank - if it is large enough- can bring down the entire edifice of modern finance. Consequently, regardless of whether a bank is privately or publicly owned, no government can afford to let it sink. The US Government opted to test that hypothesis by allowing Lehman Bros to go under and all of us have experienced the fallout of that - a decade of economic disarray and slowing growth.

The question, therefore, is not whether a bank is privately or publicly-owned but how it is run. The only way to tackle fraud is through constant vigil, by banks, by auditors and by regulators. In the Nirav Modi case, clearly all three failed.
Nirmal Sandhu

Nirmal Sandhu

HARYANA, Himachal Pradesh, J&K and Punjab have one thing in common: the Chief Ministers in these states are recommending withdrawal of criminal and corruption cases. Driven by political expediency, they, it seems, have not thought through the possible consequences. The police, prosecution or court finding someone innocent on the basis of available evidence is different from politicians deciding who is guilty and who is not.

Their action may encourage law-breaking and further criminalise politics as well as the polity. It is contrary to the Supreme Court guidelines, violates the constitutional guarantee of equality before the law and amounts to interference in the independent functioning of the judiciary. Out-of-turn political acquittals induce resentment. Prisoners with political connections are more equal than others.

In a 2014 case filed by Gold Quest International, a company, the Supreme Court ruled that an FIR can be quashed under Section 482, CrPC, and Article 226 of the Constitution in disputes which are substantially matrimonial in nature, or the civil property disputes with criminal facets, if the parties have entered into (a) settlement, and it has become clear that there are no chances of conviction.

The court clarified that this would not apply in cases of rape, murder, robbery, drugs, dacoity or cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Most FIR cancellation moves made by the CMs relate to serious crimes and corruption.

Soon after taking charge, Himachals Jai Ram Thakur jumped to the rescue of Anurag Thakur, MP, with the familiar political vendetta defence. There are serious cases against him under the provisions of cheating, criminal conspiracy and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Apparently without bothering to look at the evidence, the CM has passed the not guilty verdict in favour of Anurag Thakur even though the state high court had earlier refused to stay his trial. Obviously Jai Ram Thakur is trying to be on the right side of the influential Dhumal family.

Haryanas Manohar Lal Khattar once again succumbed to Jat threats recently, just to have a trouble-free Amit Shah rally. He was not sure the state power he wielded could ensure peace. The CMs weak-kneed approach towards those charged with looting and burning public and private property has dismayed every law-abiding citizen. It is close to condoning mass violence. He badly needed to make amends for past blunders by firmly taking a stand that regardless of their number and nuisance capacity, violent protesters would be sternly dealt with.

In Kashmir the coalition government is set to secure the release of as many as 9,730 stone-pelters it had earlier portrayed as anti-national. J&K is not a normal state and the government has no clue how to restore peace and which solution might work. Excesses have happened and these drove hordes of students out of classrooms. Cases should not have been registered in the first place. A non-discriminatory enforcement of the rule of law could have shrunk the space for stone-throwing and militancy. But now the sanctity of the legal process should not be violated at the political level. Courts do take a lenient view of first-time offenders. Political rescue may send out a wrong signal.

In Punjab a former judge is scrutinising false cases against Congressmen and others. Erring policemen are being punished, while politicians who got innocents in jail are being spared. Ideally to avoid political misuse of the police the force should be depoliticised. In the Prakash Singh case the Supreme Court recommended reforms that included a permanent authority to hear complaints against the police. None of that, however, seems to interest the Chief Minister. Forget Capt Amarinder Singh, no CM would like to shed control over the police and opt for law-based policing that treats everyone equally.

Framing of innocents is common. Maybe the punishment prescribed is not deterrent enough. Judicial delays also bother everyone. Jails are swarmed with inmates awaiting trial for long years. Instead of limiting their intervention to party loyalists or sections like Jats and stone-pelters, the CMs could work to energise the easy-going prosecution, rein in litigation-prone officials and help courts clear the backlog by investing more in judicial infrastructure. But the CMs wont fix systemic loopholes. That is not in their interest. The CMs are offering bailouts as a trade-off for political support or peace.

Though courts work independently, CMs can sometime render them helpless. They go by evidence presented by prosecution. We have seen investigating officers backtracking, witnesses turning hostile and district attorneys who were trying hard till the other day to send the accused to jail suddenly finding new proof of innocence of the accused. Courts just fret and fume but can do little beyond passing strictures.

We have seen all this in the disproportionate asset cases against the Badals and expect a repeat performance in the corruption cases against Capt Amarinder Singh. Both have used political power to manipulate the system to their advantage. Badal is very generous  but only at the taxpayers expense. He doled out grants to panchayats, liberally and illegally  illegally because such grants do not get audited. The Captain is also very helpful  helpful to those close to him and who are politically useful. Bypassing the set procedures, both have handed over jobs to favourites. Distributing favours is a feudal tendency that comes naturally to both. Withdrawal of cases is part of that mindset. The rule of law is not an issue.

From the village sarpanch to the CM, no politician wants the system to work without his intervention. If things get done in offices or services get delivered in the normal course that would reduce their usefulness and cut citizens dependence on them. That is politically undesirable.

Patronage distribution requires centralised decision-making. That has its advantages but can backfire at times as it happened in Haryana. When the state burnt during the Jat agitation, district-level officials waited for orders from above. Under the good old rules of administration they would have acted on their own and controlled the volatile situation. Thus instead of letting the established system work, Khattar ended up nationally advertising his incompetence.

India is fast becoming what political scientists call a neo-patrimonial state, where the top leader disburses favours like the king in the past. Power is used for self-enrichment at every possible level. Tragically, we have got used to it or part of it. We still have a lot of distance to travel towards a modern democratic state in which citizens interaction with the government and its institutions is impersonal and government machinery delivers services like security, justice, education and healthcare, regardless of who is at the helm.

nirmalssandhu@gmail.com
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Toronto, February 21

A Canadian court has upheld the right of Quebecs National Assembly to prohibit people from entering the building with a kirpan, an article of faith for the Sikhs.

Two members of the World Sikh Organisation of Canada had challenged a unanimous motion adopted in the Assembly in February 2011. Balpreet Singh and Harminder Kaur did not want to part with their kirpans as they headed into a legislature hearing to submit a brief in January 2011.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The motion stated that security personnel had the right to refuse entry to anyone who did not want to remove the religious symbol.

Originally, they argued the motion was unconstitutional but then changed their position to say it was legal but non-binding. But Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Patrick Healy rejected their arguments in a decision on Monday as he upheld a lower court ruling that said the Assembly has the right to establish its own rules in accordance with parliamentary privilege, The Toronto Star reported. Superior Court Justice Pierre Journet affirmed the authority of the legislature to exclude kirpans from its precincts as an assertion of parliamentary privilege over the exclusion of strangers, the report said.

Healy referred to a Supreme Court ruling that said a provincial legislature could invoke the privilege to exclude strangers to prevent journalists from filming in the precincts of the Assembly. The Supreme Court confirmed that these general principles formed part of Canadian constitutional law and held specifically that the privilege to exclude strangers is entrenched in the Canadian Constitution, Healy wrote on behalf of a three-member panel.

I make no comment whether the Assemblys exercise of the privilege to exclude the kirpan is a wise decision. I say only that it is a legal exercise of this category of privilege. If the appellants wish to challenge it, the proper forum is the Assembly itself, it said. Yesterday, Singh said an appeal is being considered.

Julius Grey, one of the lawyers who represented the plaintiffs, also said he is not ruling out an appeal with the Supreme Court. In 2011, several Sikhs were denied entry into the Quebec legislature amid a heated debate over multiculturalism and where to draw the line when it comes to tolerating cultural practices.  PTI
iStock/Thinkstock(CHICAGO) -- Authorities late Wednesday night arrested a person of interest linked to the murder of a 2-year-old boy found in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood earlier that day.



The suspect was apprehended in Kankakee County during a traffic stop by police and FBI agents and will be returned to Chicago for questioning, said Anthony Guglielmi, a Chicago Police Department spokesman.



Police were called to an apartment building around 2 p.m. and found the toddler unresponsive when they went inside an upper residence.



The boy was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering severe trauma from lacerations and stab wounds, police said.



A source told ABC affiliate WLS-TV the boy may have been found in a bag.



The Cook County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Mateo Garcia.



"It's very hard to see this kind of situation around this neighborhood. It's very hard," said Rafael Abrago, who lives nearby.



"To hear something like this, to come outside and see all the cars, and the family across the street, it's kinda sad," Quen Shoda Howard, another neighbor, added.



Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
harinder@tribunemail.com

The city of Harmandar Sahib provided Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a welcome made warmer by the thawing of relations between his government and that of the Punjab state, led by Capt Amarinder Singh. Diplomacy scored a victory as the two leaders rose to the occasion when they met. They provided the right optics for the media and the discussions that took place were reassuring for both. Trudeaus statement, We will always stand against violent extremism, but we understand that diversity of views is one of the great strengths of Canada, gave the clarification that Punjab needed, tempered with an eye on his own electorate.

Punjabis have a special place in Canada and this minority has a visible presence in Canadian politics, including Trudeaus Cabinet. Some groundwork had been done before the two leaders met. Canadian defence minister Harjit Singh Sajjan and minister of infrastructure and communities Amarjeet Sohi had both issued public statements distancing themselves from the demand for Khalistan. The warm welcome in Amritsar and the meeting between the PM and the CM should lay a foundation for better relations henceforth.

Punjab has provided Canada with talented immigrants who have found the liberal atmosphere there a fertile ground for growth, both economic and social. They have made a place for themselves in Canadian society, even as they have brought a new verve to their adopted land. At the same time, they can contribute to the land of their birth with much more than just remittances. Indeed, many Indo-Canadian projects have proved successful, including some that focus on building civic infrastructure like rural sanitation. Now that there is a dialogue at the top, the bonhomie should percolate down and hopefully translate itself into substantive cooperation. Ratcheting up of rhetoric never achieves anything other than to give demagogues a chance to commandeer the discourse. For now, diplomacy has won.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 22

Leader of Opposition Abhay Chautala today threatened to launch a stir if the Centre failed to give any assurance on the construction of Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal before the INLDs scheduled rally in Delhi on March 7.

Addressing a press conference here, he said that the party was ready to launch an agitation and take harsh decisions in the states interest to get the SYL canal waters.

Claiming that the BJP government had deliberately scheduled the start of the Budget Session for March 5, he said, We will bring an adjournment motion on the SYL issue and the scrapping of the Dadupur-Nalvi project on March 6 and we will not back out till the Supreme Court ruling on the SYL canal is implemented.

At BJP president Amit Shahs rally, he said that the BJP ministers were seen forcing people to attend the rally since the turnout was very poor. This is the result of the anti-people policies of the government. We condemn the way farmers are being picked up since last night, a day before their call for Delhi gherao, and the way the BJP is using the force to instill fear in the minds of people rather than using it for addressing the worsening law and order situation in the state, he said.

Abhay said that the bureaucracy, too, was disillusioned with the government and officers wore black ribbons even to the Chief Ministers meeting yesterday. He chose to keep quiet about the fact that the officers were protesting against the treatment meted out to the Delhi Chief Secretary.

He alleged that the government was shielding a particular officer whose decisions needed to be investigated and the INLD, if came to power, would investigate his actions and take action against those who shielded him.

He said that in the Delhi CS assault case, action should be initiated against the Delhi Government since the incident happened at the Chief Ministers residence, making him equally responsible.

Replying to a question on a tweet by senior bureaucrat Ashok Khemka that the state government was trying to save some senior officials in the Manesar land case, Abhay said that the former should name the officers instead of taking to social media about it.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 22

Acting on an application alleging discrimination against decorated Army officers in the multiple plot allotment case, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today issued notice to Haryana and other respondents.

Appearing before Justice Daya Chaudharys Bench on behalf of Brig Sunil Bhandari, advocate Harmanjit Singh Sethi contended that the applicant was aggrieved by the action of Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) and the state.

Elaborating, Sethi asserted that decorated Army officers like the applicant had been singled out for the action and lodging of FIR whereas high and mighty had been left out or were being accorded protection by the state and HUDA.

Seeking directions for impleading the applicant as respondent in the case, Sethi claimed that a uniform policy had not been adopted by the state and HUDA. All FIRs are being lodged at the whims and fancy of HUDA officials, who themselves are guilty of allotment of multiple flats and plots, Sethi submitted.

He added that show-cause notices were issued to some favourite allottees, but no such thing was done in the case of others such as the applicant.

The state and HUDA have miserably failed to give an opportunity of hearing to allottees like the applicant whereas a defective show-cause notice was given to its own employees, he submitted.

Sethi added that Justice Chaudharys Bench, on two previous dates of hearing, ordered registration of FIRs against allottees facing allegations of double allotment or in cases where allotments had been made contrary to the policy. However, HUDA till date has not done so, he submitted.

In an attempt to substantiate his contentions, Sethi named DGP (Jails) Parminder Rai and IPS officer RC Jowel. He added that an FIR against Jowel was cancelled on the recommendations of the then Estate Officer, Gurgaon.

He further stated that even after the matter was brought to the High Courts notice, action was not initiated to re-lodge an FIR against Jowel, to the applicants knowledge. Hence, a policy of pick and choose had been adopted by HUDA, he argued.

How can HUDA register cases against only 54 allottees while leaving out people like Parminder S Rai, DGP, Ranjeevan Dalal, ex-DGP, TC Gupta, SC Kansal and many more allottees? he questioned.

Multiple plots: Dependants, spouses, too

The Punjab and Haryana High Court made it clear on Thursday that FIR in multiple plot allotment case was also required to be registered where plots were in the names of dependants or spouses. Justice Chaudhary, on a previous date of hearing, had ordered the registration of FIRs against "all persons" facing allegation of double allotment. Justice Chaudhary had directed the registration of FIRs in cases where allotments were made contrary to the policy. An accused in the case had, in July, 2015, placed a substantial number of VIPs in the dock. Building up a case of discrimination against HUDA, he came out with about 25 additional names of politicians and bureaucrats. The list was provided by applicant Raghbir Singh through counsel Harmanjit Singh Sethi.
editorial@tribune.com

Dinesh Manhotra

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 22

The war of words over the settlement of Rohingya in Jammu has intensified between the BJP and the PDP as the saffron party today hit back at its coalition partner for supporting the illegal settlement of foreigners in sensitive locations on the outskirts of Jammu city.

While the face-off between the coalition partners has already started on the issue, the Panthers Party today shifted the blame on the Congress and the BJP for settling Rohingya in Jammu for politics.

The campaign against the settlement of Rohingya gained momentum after the February 10 Sunjuwan Army camp attack as intelligence agencies established local support to the terrorists who stormed the camp. The camp is surrounded by colonies of illegal foreign settlers.

A day after PDP chief spokesman Rafi Mir made a veiled attack on the BJP for communalising the stay of Rohingya in Jammu, the latter blamed the former for trying to disrupt communal harmony in the region by supporting foreigners illegally living near sensitive locations.

Without naming the anyone for terming the Rohingya settlement in Jammu a human issue, BJP spokesman Varinder Gupta said: If such people have great concern for humanity then why are they not providing them shelter in the Valley.

In an obvious reference towards the PDP, Gupta said: The resistance offered by those at the helm of affairs in the state government and the majority community of the state against their deportation from the state is not understandable.

He said that by their resistance, they wanted to invite trouble for peace and communal harmony of the state.

On Wednesday, the PDP chief spokesman said the Rohingya refugees from Myanmar were protected under international laws to which the Central government was a signatory.

Rohingya have also human rights and are protected under the Constitution of India as well, he argued.

Meanwhile, J&KNational Panthers Party leader Harsh Dev Singh today said that both Congress and BJP were responsible for settling the foreigners in Jammu. The BJP and the Congress are blaming each other for their illegal settlement, he said.

He said if the Rohingya were settled in Jammu during the Congress rule, the BJP had provided them all amenities and facilitated their stay in and around Jammu and were equally responsible.

Meanwhile, Vikramaditya Singh has also joined the campaign. Have been repeatedly pointing out serious concerns arising out of the growing settlements of illegal Rohingya immigrants in Jammu region. (The) Army Chief rightly pointed out this must be addressed as a major national security threat, also acknowledged earlier by the Home Ministry, he wrote on Twitter.

6,523 foreigners in J&K
editorial@tribune.com

Srinagar, February 22

A soldier of an elite para unit of the Army was injured during an anti-militancy operation in north Kashmirs Bandipora this morning, sources said.

The brief gunfight erupted around 5 am when a joint team of the police, CRPF and the Army launched a cordon and search operation at Paribal, Hajin, over 30 km from Srinagar, after an input about the presence of militants. As the cordon was being laid, militants opened fired injuring a para soldier, a police officer said. The militants, however, managed to escape after a brief exchange of fire.

Security forces later carried out a combing operation in the area to trace the militants. As the combing was underway, youth came out on roads and threw stones at security personnel engaged in the anti-militancy operation.

Security personnel fired tear-smoke shells to quell the protest. The anti-militancy operation was later called off around 10 am.  TNS
editorial@tribune.com

Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 22

A day after a Pakistan army helicopter came close to the Line of Control in Poonch, India and Pakistan exchanged heavy firing and mortar shelling at the Uri sector in north Kashmirs Baramulla district and Tangdhar in Kupwara district.

As the LoC skirmishes were on in Uri, the senior-most Border Security Force officer in Kashmir claimed today that two Pakistani soldiers were killed across the border from the Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district on Wednesday in Indian action.

The BSF and Army gave a befitting reply to the ceasefire violation by the Pakistan army (in Tangdhar after the killing of a BSF constable) and reliable sources have confirmed that there have been two casualties on their side, said Inspector General, BSF, Sonali Mishra, after the wreath-laying ceremony of BSF Constable Sunil Murmu, who was killed in the Tangdhar sector in Pakistani sniper fire, at Humhama on the outskirts of Srinagar.

She said Pakistan did not want India to have a peaceful atmosphere. They (Pakistan) do not want peace and tranquillity in India. It is using different methods of ceasefire violations, sniping, BAT action, infiltration and it has been their plan not to allow peace here, she said, adding that the ceasefire violation could be their strategy for infiltration. Mishra said the forces were ready to tackle any situation along the LoC. We are ready for infiltration, BAT action, standoff fire, sniping alertness along the LoC is always high, she said. Meanwhile, massive shelling took place on Thursday at Hajipir in the Uri sector, some 120 km from Srinagar. At least three houses were damaged in the Pakistani shelling which began around 8 am. The Army responded in full strength, sources said Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said: Unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Uri sector began around 8 am and our troops retaliated, he said.

A police official said Pakistani violated ceasefire in the Churanda, Batgrah, Tilwari and Silikote, Hatlanga areas of Hajipir. The houses were damaged at Tilawari village. Many people fled their homes in the sector after the shelling intensified. There is no report of any casualty, he said.

On Monday evening, three civilians, including a woman, were injured in the shelling in Churnada village. A day later, BSF Constable Sunil Murmu of 124 Battalion was killed in the Tangdhar sector in Pakistani sniper fire. On Wednesday, the Army and BSF targeted Pakistani posts from Tangdhar.

Meanwhile, despite escalation of tension along the Uri sector, the routine LoC trade remained unaffected.

Sunjuwan attack: NIA registers FIR

The NIA on Thursday registered a case regarding the February 10 Sunjuwan terror attack in which five soldiers and a civilian were killed. NIA spokesperson Alok Mittal said in compliance with the MHA order on February 21, the NIA had registered the FIR in the case. It was on February 10 when militants stormed the Army station at Sunjuwan in Jammu.
shalender@tribune.com

Amarjot Kaur

At the time when Punjab burnt in the flames of communal violence, a man from Maharashtra mobilised some 2,000 people in Pune for a peace march on Bhagat Singhs birth anniversary in 1985. Sanjay Nahar, and marchers, shouted slogans: Hindu-Sikh bhai bhai when a Sikh man interrupted him. Hindu-Sikh bhai bhai hai, do you doubt it? Dont just say it, show it; youd only scream that out loud if you doubted it, the man said to Nahar.

I realised something that day  shouting slogans alone wont do. I returned to Punjab. The first time I visited the state was in 1984. There was bloodshed, anger, and violence that words cant express. I headed for Gurdaspur and started meeting people. Militancy was at its peak then, begins the 51-year-old, a science teacher at Punes SP College.

He has translated 24 Punjabi literary texts from English/Punjabi to Marathi and organised the first ever Vishava Punjabi Literary Festival in 2016 (on Guru Gobind Singh jis 350th birth anniversary) and was honoured for his contribution to Punjabi language at the International Ma Boli Diwas, organised by Punjab Arts Council, at Punjab Kala Bhawan, on Wednesday. In 2015, in Ghuman, he organised all-India Marathi literary festival that was attended by more than 20,000 people.

Connecting the dots

Sanjay would travel from village to village, in Punjab, mobilising peace marches. In Fatehgarh Churiya, a man named Sarabjit Singh Bhinder warned us, looking at our appearances. A few Hindus had been killed in Moga. We were chanting slogans from the Gurus teachings. He asked if anyone in our family was martyred and spoke of sacrifices his community had made for the nation. Sikhs felt betrayed, says Nahar.

I pacified the Sikh man telling him about how we had come there to share the pain of his community. In Mehta Chowk, Gurdaspur, every child wanted to pick up guns. Just nine-km away in Ghuman, not a person was attracted to militancy. Sant Namdev from Maharashtra had spent his last years in that village; his writings find a mention in the holy book of Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib. The villagers warmed up to us. Thats what connects Maharashtra to Punjab  language, he says.

Nahar tells us about other connecting links between Punjab and Maharashtra. In 1988, Punjab witnessed heavy floods. Datatray Gaykowad died while saving many Sikh families. He belonged to the Chibba community of Maharashtra and Aakhand Path was organised for his death ceremony, which was attended by thousands of people, he says. Every year, his organisation Sarhad gives a Namdev Award to a Punjabi. Namdev knew 22 languages. Be it Amrita Pritam or Khushwant Singh, Punjabi writers are much-loved in Maharashra. In fact, Bollywood romanticises Punjab like anything he adds.

Language, religion & politics

Punjabi, a language that has its roots in the holy scriptures of Sikhs, inadvertently fuses with religion, giving a distinct curve to the regions socio-political scenario. Nahar opines, Religion divides, language connects. Pakistani activists like Dip Sayeed of Bhagat Singh Foundation want Lahores Shadhman Chowks name to be changed to Bhagat Singh Chowk. They speak Punjabi here and in Lahore too. Urdu is not the national language of Pakistan, he says.

Englishman in New York

Though English, observes Nahar, is a connecting medium between different regional languages even in India, he doesnt dismiss its functionality. It is a rozi-roti ki bhasha, but it must never dominate our mother tongue. We need to preserve the dignity of regional languages, English can be used as a connecting medium for this, he says.

Presently, he teaches Marathi to some 39 Kashmiri students.

amarjot@tribunemail.com
rajivbhatia82@gmail.com

New York, February 22

Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston did not expect to be single once again and she is "sad and disappointed" as her marriage with Justin Theroux did not work out.

According to a source close to Aniston, the Friends star believes in love ultimately, she may not date anyone again.

"As for her future, she isn't a fan of dating and she never was. She always found dating awkward and unpleasant. She hates all the media attention that she knows she will get now. But, she is a big believer in falling in love and spending her life with a partner that loves sharing hers, the source was quoted by People as saying.

Sources close to the pair detail how Aniston and Theroux's clashing lifestyles drove them apart and how their powerful chemistry first drew them together.

Aniston, who preferred living in Los Angeles (LA) tried adopting Theroux's New York City-based luxurious lifestyle but it made her miserable. With such differences, it became totally exhausting and frustrating for the pair.

For many months they tried to make it work. They even had therapy. And while it seemed Justin gave up many months ago, Aniston only very recently started telling friends that they (relationship) were over, the source continued.

The 49-year-old actress is "doing good" after her split with Theroux.

She has an amazing life that she loves and is very grateful for. Jen would be the first one to say that she is a lucky girl, the source added.

Last Thursday, the pair announced their separation, due to "differences".

Aniston also reportedly issued a statement where she denied using Brad Pitt, her ex-husband, as a shoulder to lean on, following her split with Theroux.

Also, there are rumours that there was no evidence that Aniston and Theroux were even legally married.

Aniston turned 49 years last week and Theroux was noticeably absent from the Malibu celebration.

Aniston and Theroux began dating in May 2011 and became engaged in August 2012.

They married three years later, on August 5, 2015, at their home in Bel-Air in LA.  ANI.
editorial@tribune.com

Kohima, February 22

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed firm resolve that the Act East Policy would be made a reality to connect people of the North-East with South East Asian countries to ensure speedy development.

He emphasised that the development of the North-East was an essential component to realise the dream of a developed country. Transformation of the region by transportation is being worked out to bring about faster development in the region, he said. Modi was addressing a poll rally at Tuensang Town public ground in Nagaland ahead of Assembly poll on February 27.

He affirmed that the BJP-led NDA government was committed to the transformation of Nagaland. The dream of having a new India will go alongside the vision of the Naga people towards having a new Nagaland, he said.

Unless the North-East is developed, the dream of having a developed country will not be achieved and, therefore, the BJP government is paying special attention to the requirement of the region, Modi said.

Connectivity is a huge challenge in Nagaland. We are working relentlessly towards it. In less than four years, we have added 500 km of national highways. We plan to invest over Rs 10,000 crore in roads in Nagaland, he said.

Modi lauded efforts of the Naga people towards peace and tranquillity in the region.

He emphasised on checking leakage of developmental fund provided by the Centre and said the loopholes would be plugged with the help of technology. With the help of technology, we will plug loopholes that are causing wastage of public money, he said.

Apparently referring to former PM Rajiv Gandhis comment that villages received only 15 paise out of Re 1 granted by the Centre, he said with determination, we need to change this situation. Every penny of developmental fund sanctioned by the Centre should reach the grass-root level, he said.

Dwelling on the prime focus of Naga peoplesolution of vexed Naga political issueModi said his government was making all efforts with all seriousness.

He also exuded confidence that within next few months, an honourable and acceptable solution would be achieved for which all have to come together. Solution of the Naga problem will strengthen democracy and therefore we will make all efforts to solve the problem, he said.

Referring to problems faced by people of eastern Nagaland, he said his government was willing to talk to organisations of the area for a solution. Modi said the government would spend Rs 1,800 crore to make Nagalands capital Kohima a smart city.  PTI
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Lucknow, February 22

In a big relief to Yogi Adityanath, the Allahabad High Court on Thursday refused to admit a plea for a CBI probe to prosecute the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister in a 2007 riot case that had left one person dead.

Adityanath, along with the then Gorakhpur Mayor Anju Chowdhary and legislator Radha Mohan Agarwal, was accused of inciting a mob to riot in the over a decade-old case.

A Bench of Justice Krishna Murari and Justice A.C. Sharma hearing the petition filed by Parvez Parwaz ruled that no case would be reopened against them.

The Bench had reserved its decision on the petition on December 18, 2017, and pronounced it on Thursday.

The petitioner had challenged the order of the state government refusing to proceed against the Chief Minister.

Mohammad Asad Hayat and Parvez, in 2008 had filed petitions seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the riots that left one dead.

Additional Advocate-General Manish Goel told the court that there was no ground on which the prosecution of Adityanath could be sought.

The petitioner, however, contended that Adityanath had incited the mob into rioting in 2007 after which he was arrested and kept in custody for 11 days.

A case under several sections of the Indian Penal Code had been slapped on the then Lok Sabha member from Gorakhpur.

The case was probed by the CB-CID of the state police and in 2013 inferred that the voice samples from the speech in question were indeed of Yogi Adityanath.

The agency had filed the chargesheet but the then Akhilesh Yadav government had not given the go ahead to prosecute Adityanath then.

The CB-CID in its affidavit in 2017 had said that since the case included Sections 153 and 295 of the IPC, a green signal from the state government to frame charges was a must.

When the Bharatiya Janata Party rode to power in March 2017, it denied permission.  IANS
rchopra@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, February 22

The All India Students Association (AISA) head at Delhi University on Thursday alleged that she was manhandled by several male students at Satyawati College during a programme on womens safety.

Kawalpreet Kaur, the AISA chief, alleged that the group from Satyawati, consisting of BJP youth wing ABVP members tried to sabotage her speech on Thursday by raising slogans against her and her group.

They threw her phone away when she tried to capture the attack on camera, Kaur said.

When the talk was about to get over, many Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad members gathered in the auditorium and started disrupting the event.

They manhandled the professors and were after me and when police came to rescue me they asked them--Where are you taking her? We will take her life, Kaur was quoted in her message on Whatsapp groups as saying.

The ABVP is one of the political opponents of AISA, the student wing of the Communist Party of India Liberation.

One of the eyewitnesses said it began with hooting during her speech. A group of students started hooting and howling during the speech but teachers brushed it off saying students did such things.

Soon after, some 15-20 people came inside and started raising slogans against Kawalpreet.

When she was being taken away by the police, one of them even said they would take her life, the eyewitness told IANS on condition of anonymity. IANS
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

New Delhi, February 22

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has triggered a major row with his remarks that the AIUDF party has been growing faster than the BJP in Assam allegedly on the support of the Muslim population, as Pakistan and China pushed Bangladeshi migrants into the northeast to destabilise India.

AIUDF chief and MP Badruddin Ajmal took strong objection to the shocking statement and AIMIM Lok Sabha member Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the General, accusing him of interfering in political matters beyond his constitutional mandate.

The Army, however, defended its chief, saying there was nothing political or religious in Rawats comments made during a seminar on the northeast at the DRDO Bhavan.

There is nothing political or religious in the talk. The Army Chief just mentioned amalgamation and development in the seminar, the Army said.

The Army Chief said Pakistan, with support from China, was pushing illegal migrants from Bangladesh into India though he didnt name the two countries but made his references obvious by calling them Indias western neighbour and northern neighbour.

They will always try and ensure that this area is taken over, playing the proxy dimension of warfare where they do not have to confront a stronger nation through conventional operations. This proxy game is being well played by our western neighbour and supported also by the northern neighbour.

We will continue to see some migration happening. The solution lies in identifying the problem and holistically looking at it. Rawat said the government was looking at the northeast with the right perspective now to make sure that the population dynamics of this region could no longer be changed, referring to the state governments move of coming out with a national register of citizens to find out who have been living illegally in the state.

There is a party called AIUDF. If you look at it, they have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP grew over the years.

When we talk of Jana Sangh with two Members of Parliament and where they have reached, the AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam. Finally, what will be the state of Assam, we will have to take a call.

The AIUDF, which has three Lok Sabha MPs and 13 MLAs in the Assam Assembly, strongly objected to the remarks, asking why the heavens were falling over the electoral success of a secular, democratic party.

In its maiden electoral battle, the AIUDF won 10 seats in the 2006 Assam Assembly polls. The number went up to 18 in 2011.

AIUDF chief Ajmal said he respected the Army and its chief for the sacrifices the force makes in the service of the nation.

But the Army Chief has a misunderstanding that needs to be cleared. Whatever he has said is in violation of his constitutional mandate. I see nothing but politics in his statement, Ajmal said.

Earlier, in a series of tweets he slammed the General for making a shocking and political statement.

Why is it a concern for the Army Chief that a political party, based on democratic and secular values, is rising faster than the BJP? Alternative parties like the AIUDF, the AAP have grown because of the misgovernance of big parties, Ajmal said.

Ajmal said he planned to meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue for an inquiry into the remarks that implied that the AIUDFs rise was on account of Muslim migration encouraged by Pakistan and China.

Owaisi reminded the General that the Army will always work under an elected civilian leadership in India.

If illegal migrants are entering from Bangladesh what is the Modi government doing? The internal security is dealt by IB, police not military. We have seen the draconian consequences in our neighbouring countries when Army got involved in domestic politics, Owaisi tweeted.  IANS
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New Delhi, February 22

The CBI on Thursday arrested Rotomac pen company owner Vikram Kothari and his son Rahul on charges of cheating a consortium of banks of Rs 3,695 crore (including interest) by siphoning off loans sanctioned to his company for procurement of wheat and other goods for export.

The agency arrested them after daylong questioning at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters in south Delhis Lodi Road area.

It was the Kotharis questioning for the fourth consecutive day since the CBI filed the case against him and his family, and raided their residential and office premises in Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

The agency filed the FIR on Sunday night after getting a complaint against Kothari, his wife Sadhana and son Rahul, from the Bank of Baroda. Kothari is the Chairman and Managing Director of Rotomac while his wife and son are Directors.

Kothari had obtained Rs 2,919 crore from Bank of India (Rs 754.77 crore), Bank of Baroda (Rs 456.63 crore), Indian Overseas Bank (Rs 771.07 crore), Union Bank of India (Rs 458.95 crore), Allahabad Bank (Rs 330.68 crore), Bank of Maharashtra (Rs 49.82 crore) and Oriental Bank of Commerce (Rs 97.47 crore), the FIR said.

Kothari, his wife, son, firm Rotomac, some unidentified bank officials and private persons were booked on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery under the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act.

The Bank of Baroda complaint said that the banks had extended credit to the Kanpur-based firm and its related companies from 2008 onwards.

The CBI had earlier confiscated several belongings of Kothari and his family, including laptops and mobile phones.  IANS
harinder@tribunemail.com

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 22

The CBI has unearthed an international child porn racket with the arrest of an unemployed youth from Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh. The accused, along with four others, two from Delhi, had been uploading child abuse porn videos on a WhatsApp group for the past two years.

The youth, Nikhil Verma (20), son of a jewellery shop worker, who is pursuing graduation in commerce, was arrested from Kannauj. The others being questioned are Satyendra Om Prakash Chauhan from Mumbai; Nafees Reza and Zahid from Delhi; and Adarsh from Noida.

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They have been booked under Section 67-B (publishing or transmitting material depicting children in sexually explicit act in electronic form) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) the CBI said.

The agency said Nikhil was the administrator of WhatsApp group KidsXXX while the others were active members who allegedly uploaded child abuse videos.

The group also had members from the US, China, New Zealand, Mexico, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Brazil, Syria, Nigeria and Sri Lanka. The CBI through the Union Government has sent the mobile numbers of the suspects to the respective governments. The CBI spokesperson said showing, uploading, downloading, watching and sharing such pornographic videos was a serious offence under the I-T Act and attracted a punishment up to seven years and a fine of Rs 10 lakh.

He also said Nikhil would be brought to Delhi after completing legal formalities for questioning.

Agency sources said the sleuths would investigate the modus operandi, the purpose of running the group and the people involved in the racket. The sources further said the group currently had 219 members. The agency worked for nearly three months, without using WhatsApp surveillance, to track down the accused, the sources said. Background checks and behavioural analysis was done by the agency based on local inputs of the suspects before proceeding to act against them, they said.

(With agency inputs)
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Beijing, February 22

China on Thursday downplayed an official media report that its military is upgrading air defence along the Indian border and said both countries should work together to uphold peace and tranquillity along the border areas.

State-run Global Times on February 20 reported that China is upgrading air defence of its Western Theatre Command, which looks after the security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), to confront any threat from India.

Asked about the report during a media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, I am not aware of the information mentioned by you. I may refer you to the military.

Geng said, We hope the Indian side can work with China to uphold the peace and tranquillity of the border areas because this is in common interests of both sides.

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The Chinese Defence Ministry is yet to comment on the report.

In the report, the daily also quoted an expert as saying that the measure is aimed at confronting any threat from India in the light of India acquiring new fighter aircraft, an apparent reference to Indias acquisition of Rafale fighter jets from France.

The Global Times report was based on the Chinese military releasing photographs of a J-10 jet fighter, a lightweight multirole fighter aircraft along with J-11 a single-seat, twin-engine jet fighter, conducting high-altitude plateau in western China during the current Chinese New Year.

The jets are attached to an aviation brigade of the air force under the PLA Western Theatre Command, the website of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) said.

China has also recently commissioned its stealth fighter, the J-20, which is first in the region.

The Western Theatre Command is mainly responsible for mountain warfare at the border area with India. The LAC stretches 3,488 km, including the high-altitude Tibetan plateau.

India and China have been trying to reset their ties after last years 73-day standoff between the two sides at Dokalam in Sikkim section of boundary. PTI
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Mumbai/New Delhi, February 22

Intensifying the crackdown on the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups, the ED on Thursday said it has frozen their shares, deposits and luxury cars worth over Rs 100 crore in the money-laundering probe against them in the Rs 11,400 crore alleged PNB fraud.

As the searches on the premises of the groups continued for the eighth day by the ED today, Income Tax Department officials said property worth Rs 1,200 crore of the Gitanjali Group located in Special Economic Zone(SEZ) in Hyderabad has been attached in a fresh action.

Nirav Modi, the billionaire diamond king under the scanner of various investigating agencies, failed to depose before the Enforcement Directorate(ED) after summons were issued to him, agency officials said.

The officials said that Modi, who was summoned for Thursday by the agency under a Section of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), has now been asked to join investigations and appear before the ED in Mumbai on February 26.

They said Modi replied to the Investigating Officer (IO), who is probing him and his uncle and Gitanjali Gems promoter Mehul Choksi in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, and said the temporary suspension of his passport and pending business issues are the reasons for his non-appearance.

In a fresh development, the state-owned PNB asked Modi to come up with a concrete and implementable plan to settle the loss caused to it by fraudulent issuance of Letter of Undertakings (LoU) through one of its branches.

PNB said this in its response to a mail written by Modi, who allegedly cheated the bank of Rs 11,400 crore in connivance with a few bank officials.

ED officials said they have frozen mutual funds and shares worth Rs 86.72 crore belonging to Choksi and his group and Rs 7.80 crore owned by the Modi group.

While the total value of these shares and mutual funds is Rs 94.52 crore, the costly four-wheelers are worth a few crores and hence the total seizure value stands to be over Rs 100 crore, the officials said.

The total seizure in the case stands now at Rs 5,826 crore, they said, adding it is being independently valued.

The central probe agency also seized nine high-end cars belonging to Modi during the raids that were launched against him and Choksi on February 15 under provisions of the PMLA.

The seized car brands include a Rolls Royce Ghost, a Mercedes Benz, a Porsche Panamera, three Honda models, a Toyota Fortuner and an Innova.

Modi, Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies after the fraud came to light recently following a complaint by the PNB. The complaint alleged that they cheated the countrys second largest public sector lender to the tune of Rs 11,400 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

The CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the case. Both Modi and Choski are said to have left the country before criminal cases were lodged against them.

Separately, PNB said it has followed lawful avenues to recover its dues following the alleged swindling of funds in the fraud case.

The bank also reaffirmed that it has enough assets to meet any liability.

We have followed lawful avenues available to us as per law of the land to recover our dues, the bank said in a regulatory filing.

Stock exchanges had sought clarification on Modis comment that PNB has closed all options to recover dues by going public. PTI
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

New Delhi, February 21

Retirement fund body EPFO today lowered the rate of interest on Employees Provident Fund to 8.55 per cent for its six crore subscribers for 2017-18. The rate of interest last fiscal was 8.65 per cent.

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It is difficult to evaluate about the future in view of the present economic scenario. We paid 8.65 per cent last fiscal, which left a surplus of Rs 695 crore. This year, we have decided to recommend 8.55 per cent for 2017-18, which will leave a surplus of Rs 586 crore, Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar said after EPFO trustees meet.

Gangwar said he expected the Finance Ministry to give concurrence to the 8.55 per cent rate of interest at the CBT meeting.  PTI.

GSTR-3B filing simplified

New Delhi: The GST Network has simplified the filing of sales return form 3B whereby businesses will now be able to see input tax credit balance on the forms. One area where a few taxpayers were making errors frequently was utilisation of input tax credit and computation of balance payment in cash, GSTN CEO said. PTI
rajivbhatia82@gmail.com

Mumbai, February 22

A major fire that broke out in Mumbai's Goregaon on Wednesday has been doused.

The fire broke out at around 9:40 pm in a footwear factory at Kama Industrial Estate of Babulal Compound. Eight fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot.

At the time of filing this report, the firefighters doused the flames and one person was rescued safely while the another one suffered minor injuries, who were trapped inside the factory.

According to the preliminary investigation, the cause of the fire is said to be short circuit. No casualty has been reported so far.  ANI.
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 21

Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has created history by becoming the first Indian woman pilot to fly solo in a super-sonic fighter jet. She flew her first solo sortie in a Russian made MiG-21 fighter, thus creating history.

She is from the first batch of women fighter pilots of the Air Force.

Flying Officer Chaturvedi still has a few steps to walk before she is considered to be fully operational and can be deployed. Her unit is deployed close to the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan.

The feat was accomplished on February 19 when Flying Officer Chaturvedi took off from the Jamnagar Air base in Gujarat and successfully completed her mission.

The solo sortie in a fighter jet is the first step towards becoming a fully operational fighter pilot.

The first sortie lasted for about 30 minutes in the MiG-21 Bison fighter, which is considered a difficult platform to handle.

Flying Officers Chaturvedi, Bhavana Kanth and Mohana Singh were the first woman cadets to be admitted into the fighter stream of the IAF in 2016.

Till then, the Air Forces fighter stream was a male only domain. Flying Officers Chaturvedi and Kanth have been assigned to MiG-21 squadrons.
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

New Delhi, February 21

The government must get a free hand to probe the over Rs 11,000 crore PNB fraud case, allegedly involving billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, the Supreme Court said today.

The top court said it would step in only when agencies fail to carry out the investigation properly.

The Centre, represented by Attorney General KK Venugopal, vehemently opposed a PIL, seeking an independent probe and deportation of Nirav Modi, before a Bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra saying the inquiry has started and the FIRs have been registered.

If the government does not do things that are required, then you (petitioner) can come. It is not that the government agencies are not acting, the Bench, also comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, said, adding that the government must have a free hand to probe the scam.

Lawyer Vineet Dhanda, who has filed the PIL, said either notice be issued or a status report called from the Centre as the whole country was watching that the government had not done anything in the past in a similar case relating to Vijay Mallya.

Speeches have no impact on the court. We will hear the legal issue and not the emotional aspect, the Bench said, adding this is not the way you argue a petition. The purpose is to gain publicity. The court took serious note of the intervention by Dhanda when Venugopal was putting forth the stand of the Centre, and said I cannot say that anywhere in the world the Attorney General is stopped like this. These are publicity-oriented litigations, the Bench said, adding that the petitioner lawyer was playing to the gallery.

The Bench then fixed the PIL for hearing on March 16, saying we are not saying anything today. The SC also said it would hear the objections of the Attorney General to the petition on the next date.

The PIL has made PNB, RBI and the ministries of finance and law and justice as parties. It has sought a direction for initiation of deportation proceedings against Nirav and others involved in the fraud, preferably within two months.  PTI

CBI arrests bank GM

The CBI has arrested Rajesh Jindal, General Manager (Credit), PNB, Delhi, who headed the banks Brady House Branch in Mumbai between August 2009 and May 2011

The probe agency said it was during Jindals tenure in Mumbai, the practice of issuance of Letter of Understanding without sanctioned limits to the Nirav Modi group had started

The ED stepped up its action against the suspected shell firms linked to operations of Nirav Modi and Gitanjali Gems promoter Mehul Choksi

While the ED seized assets worth Rs 10 crore, the I-T dept attached 141 bank accounts and FDs worth Rs 145.74 crore of the Nirav Modi group

CBI seals Niravs Alibaug farmhouse

New Delhi: The CBI on Wednesday sealed a luxury property of billionaire Nirav Modi in Alibaug area near Mumbai, officials said.

The 1.5 acre farmhouse in the uber rich neighbourhood at a stone's throw distance from Arabian Sea was purchased by Modi in 2004 for Rs 32 crore for hosting special parties for his clientele to showcase his precious jewellery collection. The area has imposing farmhouses of the creme de la creme of cinema and the business world.

The "haut diamantaire's" expansive farmhouse, located about 100 km by road from Mumbai in Raigad district, also has a 12,000 sq ft bungalow with five bedrooms, a large swimming pool, a movie theatre and a library. PTI

10,000 employees left in the lurch

Mumbai: Nearly 10,000 people who were employed directly and indirectly with diamantaires Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi have been thrown out of jobs without salaries and other statutory dues being paid after their properties were sealed by the investigating agencies.

According to complaints filed with Maharashtras Labour Commissioner, at least 500 employees in Choksis Gitanjali gems in Mumbai have been asked to look for other jobs even without a notice period. We have received complaints that employees of Gitanjali Gems and other companies have not been paid for several months, a source at the Labour Commissioners office said. TNS
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Madurai (TN), February 21

Amid fanfare, with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in attendance, actor Kamal Haasan today launched his political party, christening it Makkal Needhi Mayyam, and unfurled its flag that symbolises the strength of unity.

I am not your leader, I am your tool... this gathering is full of leaders, he said moments before announcing the partys name that roughly translates to Centre for Peoples Justice. This is a party made for you, for the people, he said to thunderous applause.

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The top actor told his supporters that they have a duty, reminding them that this was not a one day event. This is going to become a way of life for us, let us remember that. He asked his followers to realise that they have a big responsibility and they had to be pioneers.

I am not a leader to give advice. I am a worker to listen to your advice, Haasan said. Besides Kejriwal, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti, farmers leader PR Pandian were among those who were on the dais for the launch event.

In his address, Kejriwal described Haasan as a real life hero who is honest, has a vision and for starting a new party as a political alternative. Lashing out at the DMK and AIADMK, he alleged that they were corrupt parties. Now you can vote for a honest party for Kamal Haasan, he said.

The party flag was unveiled just before Haasan announced the name of his party with a brief pause heightening the dramatic effect as the huge crowd roared its approval.

The flag in white background has six hands joining together with shades of red over three hands and rest with white along with a star in between surrounded by a star like background in black.

Colours black and white has a political significance in Tamil Nadu, which forms part of the flags of the two big parties of the state  AIADMK and DMKand the shades are also seen as a pointer to the Dravidian ideology. Citing a Tamil proverb of Oru Soru, which means a small example of a whole lot, he said the launch was just the first step for makkal atchi, (peoples rule).

Clad in a white shirt and a black trousers, a smiling Haasan arrived on the stage showing the thumbs up sign to his fans who had arrived in large numbers to announce the party name. His supporters waved banners sporting popular catch words from his movies like Nammavarey, (Our man) and placards of Nalai Namathey, (tommorow is ours) showing a smiling Haasan.

Haasan arrived here from Rameswaram after visiting ex-President APJ Abdul Kalams house.  PTI
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Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 21

Its fleet of fighter jets dwindling, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is set to float a fresh global tender inviting military aviation companies to make fighter jets in India.

The move comes as the Air Force is now down to 31 squadrons against the need of 42, as mandated by the Cabinet Committee on Security. Each squadron has 16-18 planes. The request for information (RFI), the first step in the tendering process, is being finalised and will be sent out to global players, sources said.

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Companies that participated in the now scrapped Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) project will be invited. The MMRCA project for 126 jets did not fructify and the government, in April 2015, announced the move to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from French major Dassault.

The MoD and the IAF will keep its options open and not restrict itself to say a single engine fighter jet, sources have told The Tribune. The option will be to get a fighter jet and it will not specify the number of engines as that then restricts the options.

These will be under make in India and to get global manufactures to have a production line in India, the project needs adequate numbers with possibility of future expansions. To speed up matters, the MoD will be looking at new additions made by global players since the MMRCA trials were carried out in 2011. The planes tested then were Lockheed Martins F-16IN, US Boeings F/A-18IN, Eurofighter Typhoon, French Dassaults Rafale, Swedish Saabs Gripen and Russian MiG-35.

In past two years, the IAF and the MoD were in talks for a single engine fighter jet with two global manufactures. However, this has been superseded by the thought process to just focus on getting additional jets without getting into single engine or twin engine variants. The existing production of 123 Tejas fighter jets being made by public sector giant Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is just taking off and it will take more than a decade for the entire lot to be manufactured. The IAF has the mandate to have 272 Sukhoi 30 MKI in its fleet. The MiG 21s are on their last legs and have to be phased out.

Tenders soon

110-115

fighter jets IAF needs

31

squadrons Air Force has currently against mandated 42
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

New Delhi, February 21

Even as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party cried foul over the arrest of two of its MLAs  mentioning them as being from the Dalit and minority communities  for allegedly attacking Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal today submitted a report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in this regard.

Edit: Not Done

A senior MHA official said: The criminal aspects of the case are being taken care of by the Delhi Police, while the ministry is looking into administrative issues like misbehaviour with a government servant.

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Based on the report, the official said the ministry is also looking into the working relations between bureaucrats and the political executive of the Delhi Government. The official refused to divulge details, but while referring to Home Minister Rajnath Singhs statement yesterday said justice will be done.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police got a jolt with a city court rejecting its plea for custodial interrogation of arrested AAP MLAs. The two were sent to judicial custody in Tihar Jail till tomorrow, when the court would hear their bail pleas, as the police sought time to reply.

The court said the grounds for judicial custody were justified as there were numerous cases against the accused MLAs.

Earlier, a medical report confirmed that the Chief Secretary sustained an injury on the lower lip, had pain in the neck and ears, and mild swelling on the right side of the face.

Rejecting the assault charge, AAP leader Ashutosh said the top bureaucrat had not produced evidence against the MLAs, and yet the two were arrested. AAP MP Sanjay Singh said the police were yet to take action over the assault on Minister Imran Hussain and Delhi Dialogue Commissions vice-chairman Ashish Khetan at the Delhi Secretariat despite video proof.
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Manas Dasgupta

Ahmedabad, February 21

Former Gujarat incharge Director General of Police PP Pandey was today discharged in the Ishrat Jahan alleged fake encounter case by a special CBI court for want of evidence. Disappointed by the verdict, the family members of Ishrat Jahan have decided to move the High Court.

Special CBI court judge JK Pandya allowed Pandeys discharge application on the ground that there was no evidence against him related to kidnapping and murder of Ishrat Jahan and three others. The court stated that the witnesses in the case had given contrary evidences to different investigation agencies. It also pointed out that the investigating officer did not take permission from the state to prosecute and file chargesheet against Pandey, which is required as per Section 197 of Criminal Procedure Code.

Pandey becomes the first accused in the case to be discharged. Pandey had spent 19 months in jail till February 2015 in the case. He was reinstated as ADGP (Law and Order) and later as DGP incharge of the state. He, however, was forced to resign as head of the state police in April, 2017, after his promotion was challenged in the Supreme Court by former top cop Julio Riberio.

Pandey was the head of the Crime Branch when 19-year-old Mumbai-based Ishrat Jahan along with three others  Javed Sheikh alias Pranesh, Zeeshan Johar and Amzad Rana  was killed in an encounter on June 15, 2004, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. The police then had claimed that they had come to carry out terrorist activities in the state and assassinate then CM Narendra Modi.

The CBI, which investigated the case had in its first chargesheet filed in 2013, accused seven police and IPS officers, including Pandey, DG Vanzara and GL Singhal, under charges of kidnapping, murder and conspiracy. The CBI had also named four IB officials, including Intelligence Bureaus Special Director Rajinder Kumar and officer MS Sinha, in its supplementary chargesheet, which still awaits Centres sanction.

Pandey in his discharge application had claimed that none of the 105 witnesses examined by the court had named him and that he had no involvement in the case. Pandey said, At times it appears that there is delay in delivery of justice in our country but eventually truth does come out. This is good for the Gujarat Police. It also shows that the courts are neutral and can take firm decisions.

The family of Ishrat Jahan has, however, decided to challenge the CBI courts order in the High Court. Definitely this is a disappointing verdict. The victims side would surely challenge the decision in the upper courts, Shamshad Pathan, lawyer representing the next of kin of those killed in the encounter said.

Pandey Headed crime branch in 2004

PP Pandey (pic) headed the Gujarat Police Crime Branch when 19-year-old Mumbai-based Ishrat Jahan along with three others was killed in an encounter on June 15, 2004, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad

The police then had claimed that Ishrat and three others had come to carry out terrorist activities in the state and assassinate then Chief Minister Narendra Modi

The CBI, in its first chargesheet filed in 2013, accused seven police and IPS officers, including Pandey, DG Vanzara and GL Singhal, under charges of murder and conspiracy

.
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 21

For the first time in the countrys history, private doctors and specialists practising in the field will teach medicine in government-run colleges.

The Medical Council of India (MCI), through amendments to the rules governing teaching eligibility, has enabled equation of consultants and specialists to professors and associate professors, provided the persons concerned fulfil standards laid for such equation.

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Changes to the Minimum Qualifications for Teachers in Medical Institutions Regulations, 1998 pave the way for private practising doctors to apply for teaching positions.

The unique provision will only be allowed for consultants and specialists to teach in 58 government district hospitals that are to be upgraded to medical colleges as per Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitleys Budget announcements. This year, the FM announced upgrade of 24 more district government hospitals.

The amended MCI teaching regulations say any consultant or specialist with more than 18 years of experience and four publications in indexed journals as first authors can be equated to a professor for teaching in a government district hospital to be upgraded as a medical college. Such a specialist would be called designate professor and upon completion of three years as faculty would be called professor.

Likewise, the conditions needed to equate consultants and specialists teaching in a government district hospital to be upgraded as a medical college with associate professors will be  more than 10 years experience and two research papers in indexed journals as the first author. The designation will be associate professor.

The MCI notification clarifies that the equation of designations is a one-time provision for the non-teaching government district hospitals which are sought to be strengthened as medical colleges and teaching hospitals.

The government had earlier asked the MCI to amend regulations for provision of faculty for 58 government district hospitals which are to be upgraded. Current MCI conditions are very stringent and do not provide for equated designations.
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Smita Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 21

Pakistan today claimed it is not being grey-listed at ongoing meetings of the UN-led Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog that combats terror financing and money laundering.

The six-day FATF meeting is underway in Paris. Established in 1989, FATF plenary meets every three months and seeks to set legal and regulatory mechanisms to counter terror financing globally. The grey list denotes countries that are not doing enough to comply with terror-funding regulations.

Pakistan foreign minister Khawaja M Asif tweeted this morning: Our efforts paid, FATF Paris 20 Feb meeting conclusion on US-led motion to put Pakistan on watch list: No consensus for nominating Pakistan, proposing 3 months pause & asking APG (Asia-Pacific Group on Money Laundering) for another report to be considered in June. Grateful to friends who helped.

While Pakistan denied the reports, sources maintained that ICRG proceedings are closed door and Islamabad was using secrecy of proceedings as a shield.

Indian official sources today said a decision on Pakistans grey-listing in Paris is yet to be made. While confirming there was lack of consensus at current ICRG round, the sources said the outcome could be different at the APG round starting today. The US, too, did not confirm any such early conclusion as drawn by the Pakistani minister.
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Lahore, February 21

Krishna Kumari Kolhi from Thar in Pakistans Sindh province will become the first-ever Hindu woman senator in the Muslim-majority country, the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party said today.

The Election Commission of Pakistan has accepted the papers of 39-year-old Kolhi who was nominated by the ruling PPP for a senate seat on minority from Sindh Assembly. The election will take place on March 3. Kolhis caste is mentioned at No. 23 in the Pakistani Schedule Castes Ordinance-1957.

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The honour to nominate first-ever non-Muslim Senator is also enjoyed by the PPP, which elected a Dalit, Dr Khatumal Jeewan, as senator in 2009 on a general seat. Likewise, Engineer Gianchand is the second Dalit to be elected as senator in 2015 by the PPP also on a general seat, a PPP spokesman said.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari-led PPP also nominated and got elected Hariram Kishorilal as senator on seat reserved for non-Muslims from Sindh in 2012. With the election of Krishna Kolhi and Anwar Laldean, a Christian worker of the party, the number of non-Muslims elected so far as senators by the PPP would grow to six, an unmatched representation in the upper house for minorities by any other political parties in the 70 years history of Pakistan, the spokesman added.

Kolhi belongs to a remote village in Nagarparkar district of Thar in Sindh province. Born to a poor peasant, Jugno Kolhi, in February 1979, Kolhi and her family members spent nearly three years in a private jail owned by the landlord of Kunri of Umerkot district.  PTI

Freedom fighter link
rajivbhatia82@gmail.com

Washington, February 22

Democratic Senator Robert has written a letter to the US Ambassador to India to ensure that, son of the US president, who is visiting India, is not given any special treatment by the diplomatic mission, except for the one required by the security.

Menendez's wrote a letter, as he said that he was concerned about a speech tomorrow at business summit by Donald J Trump Jr which may send a "mistaken message that he is speaking on behalf of Donald Trump".

The 40-year-old son of the US President is currently on a business trip India. He is executive vice president of the Trump Organization which is developing a number of high profile properties in various parts of the country.

"Given the potential to confuse Mr Trump's private business visit with having an official governmental purpose, I write to ensure that the US embassy presence in India will have no role in supporting Mr Trump or the Trump Organization during his time in India, other than that necessary to provide any security support for the US Secret Service," the New Jersey Senator said in a letter to US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster.

"I expect that the US State Department, includingA US Embassy Delhi, will treat Mr Trump no differently than it would any other American individual visiting on private business, and will take every effort to avoid any perception of special treatment or a conflict of interest," he said as he listed a series of questions to Juster on the visit of the son of the US president.

The Trump Administration has said that Donald J Trump Jr is on a personal; business visit to India.

In his letter, Menendez also raised concerns about his scheduled speech on Indo-Pacific relations at the Global Business Summit in Delhi on Friday.

"Given that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and multiple government ministers will speak at the same event, I am concerned that Mr Trump's speech will send the mistaken message that he is speaking on behalf of the President, the Administration or the United States government, not as a private individual, or that he is communicating official American policy," Menendez said.  PTI.
rchopra@tribunemail.com

London, February 22

A Scotland-based company has announced the completion of a new submarine rescue system due to be delivered to the Indian Navy next month.

JFD has a contract worth 193 million pounds with the Indian Navy for the supply of two complete flyaway submarine rescue systems, including Deep Search and Rescue Vehicles (DSRV), Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) equipment, Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) systems, and all logistics and support equipment required to operate the service.

The first set of equipment has been designed, manufactured, integrated and ready for testing by JFD prior to shipping next month for final commissioning and trials. The remaining set of certified systems is due to be delivered to the Indian Navy in June.

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India is an important strategic partner and we encourage further cooperation between the Indian armed forces and innovative UK companies, said Simon Everest, the Head of the UK governments Department for International Trades Defence and Security Organisation, ahead of a completion ceremony at JFDs Renfrew Manufacturing Facility in Scotland on Friday.

The ceremony will mark a world-first in the final integration of a complete submarine rescue system within a single manufacturing facility, enabling engineers to test in-situ how each component part will integrate in order to deliver the optimum submarine rescue capability, the company said.

JFDs so-called third-generation rescue system incorporates an innovative new system design and tightly integrated components to ensure time-to-first-rescue (TTFR)--the time measured between system deployment and commencement of the rescue--is minimised.

In the event of an accident, this maximises the chances of a successful rescue, which is crucial in protecting the lives of submariners.

According to Giovanni Corbetta, Managing Director, JFD, speed and reliability is key in conducting safe and effective submarine rescue operations to ensure that the submariners are reached as quickly as possible to minimise the risk the situation poses to their lives.

The reliability with which any flyaway submarine rescue system can be deployed must be carefully balanced with its effectiveness and capability once onsite. It is essential that the system has the capability to conduct safe rescue operations in any given circumstance and under widely variable conditions, including sea states and depths.

The third-generation system represents a step-change in real world submarine rescue capability, and has been specifically designed to provide a comprehensive and highly capable submarine rescue service while ensuring the system is as quick and simple to mobilise as possible to maximise the chances of a successful rescue, he added.

The JFD team has already begun conducting in-depth training with local teams of engineers in India to operate and maintain the systems.

JFD provides sub-sea rescue services, solutions products, engineering services and training to 80 countries and 33 of the worlds navies, including the UKs Royal Navy. PTI
rchopra@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, February 22

Canadian High Commissioner Nadir Patel has cancelled Thursdays dinner invitation to Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist.

Patel was hosting the dinner for the visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his delegation.

The High Commission has rescinded Mr Atwals invitation. We do not comment on matters relating to the PMs security, the Canadian High Commission here said.

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Atwal was convicted of trying to kill the then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

The cancellation comes at a time when Trudeaus alleged pro-Khalistan approach is being criticised by many, including Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, who raised the issue with the Canadian Prime Minister during a meeting.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said, We take this very seriously. The individual in question never should have received an invitation. As soon as we found out we rescinded the invitation immediately. The person and department will take full responsibility.

Meanwhile, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: His presence at the event should be addressed to the Canadians. Theyve said it was an oversight. On the visa part, I cant say how that happened. There are different ways people enter India. There are OCI cards, e-visas etc. We have asked the Indian mission for details. We are trying to find out how Atwal came to India.  PTI/TNS
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Toronto, February 22

Reacting to Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus assurance to Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to curb Sikh separatists in Canada, former Canadian health minister Ujjal Dosanjh has said that politicians in this country have failed to appreciate Indias deep sensitivities about Khalistani activities.

India is very sensitive about this issue because that country was partitioned in 1947 and 14 million people died. Indians will under no circumstances allow another division of their country.

Canadian politicians, including the Prime Minister, must start appreciating Indias deep sensitivities on this issue, said Dosanjh, who was the first person of colour to become Premier (equal to Chief Minister) in Canada in 2000 when he was elected to the post in British Columbia.

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He said Canadian politicians, including Trudeau, had been publicly associating with separatists for a long time without any backlash from India.

There has been no blowback from India till now despite Canadian politicians going to parades, processions and events where posters of Air India bomber Talwinder Singh Parmar and other militants are displayed and they are celebrated as heroes.

Our Prime Minister and politicians have been taking part in these events, but India has been silently watching this for many years. I hope that Trudeau and others start appreciating Indias worries, said Dosanjh.

The former Canadian minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly took Trudeau aside at Davos and told him that Khalistani activities in Canada were becoming a serious issue.

He said that is why Trudeaus two ministers, Harjit Sajjan and Amarjeet Sohi, made the statement that they had nothing to do with Khalistan just before their departure for India.

He said if Canadian politicians stopped pandering to separatists and going to their events, the Khalistan movement would die quickly.

Dosanjh said Trudeaus statements about Indias unity would be meaningless if politicians kept going to the events where militants were glorified.

I cannot stop anyone from glorifying anyone, but what I can do is stop going to such events. This is what Trudeau and other politicians should do now. Or they should insist that they will not attend such events if the killers of innocent people are glorified.

If Canadian politicians wanted to have good relations with India, they had to genuinely support the idea of a united India, Dosanjh said.

He also blamed India for not framing the issue properly to force Canada to act.

Trudeau is currently in India on an eight-day visit. IANS
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 21

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today said his country did not support any separatist movement in India or elsewhere, even as Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh handed over a list of nine Canada-based operatives allegedly promoting radicalism.

The two leaders held a 40-minute meeting at a hotel here after Trudeau  along with his wife and two children, all dressed in traditional attire  paid obeisance at the Golden Temple, underlining the significance of the large and influential Sikh and Punjabi community settled in Canada.

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Trudeau will hold talks on Friday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.

There was speculation on whether a meeting between Capt Amarinder and Trudeau would take place, but the CM cleared the air days before the Canadian premiers arrival here.

During their meeting, Capt Amarinder sought the Canadian PMs cooperation in cracking down on separatism and hate crime by a fringe element, constituting a miniscule percentage of Canadas population.

The Punjab CM also handed over to Trudeau a list of nine Category A Canada-based operatives allegedly involved in hate crimes in Punjab by financing and supplying weapons for terrorist activities, and also engaged in radicalising youth here.

Citing the separatist movement in Quebec, Trudeau said he had dealt with such threats all his life and was fully aware of the dangers of violence, which he had always pushed back with all his might, said Chief Ministers media adviser Raveen Thukral after the meeting.

Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan and Punjab Local Government Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu were also present at the meeting. Capt Amarinder shook hands with Sajjan during the talks. Last year, he had refused to meet the Canadian Defence Minister when he visited Punjab, accusing him of being a Khalistani sympathiser.

The CM raised the issue of Indo-Canadians believed to be involved in targeted killings in Punjab, urging Trudeau to take cognisance and initiate stern action.

Trudeau promised to address all concerns, saying he looked forward to closer ties with India, particularly with Punjab.

Capt Amarinder also called for cooperation between India and Canada on the issues of terrorism, crime and drugs, while seeking greater sharing of relevant information in the interest of national and international security.

Responding to concerns raised in some quarters on reports of human rights violations, the Punjab CM said any aberrations were always dealt with strictly, with even policemen being sent to jail by courts in such cases.

A press release said the two leaders agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation between their countries across various areas of bilateral relations, with the CM expressing Punjabs keenness to engage with Canada in several vital domains related to economic cooperation.

Capt Amarinder urged Trudeau to take steps to push investment by Canadian businesses in Punjab and the two agreed to collaborate through joint projects. With a large Punjabi diaspora settled in Canada, and some even finding place in Trudeaus Cabinet, relations between India and Canada continue to get stronger, he added.

Capt Amarinder also presented his books to the PM, besides a Phulkari dupatta and a shawl to Trudeaus wife. He also presented gifts for their children.

Big relief to all of us, says Amarinder

Really happy to receive categorical assurance from Canadian PM that his country does not support any separatist movement. His words are a big relief to all of us  Capt Amarinder Singh, Punjab CM

What an honour to be so well received at such a beautiful, meaningful place. We are filled with grace and humility.  Justin Trudeau, In visitors book at Golden Temple
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New Delhi, February 22

Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, whose invitation to a dinner in honour of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was rescinded following a controversy, no longer figures on the Home Ministrys blacklist of Sikh extremists, officials said.

The Central Government time-to-time reviews the blacklist of the Sikh extremists taking into account intelligence inputs and activities of the persons concerned, a Home Ministry official said.

Names of nearly 150 wanted terrorists and their associates were removed from the blacklist in the last few years, the official said.

Atwals name no longer figures in the current blacklist, the official said.

The review of the blacklist is always done in consultation with the Punjab Government and Central security agencies.

Most of the persons whose names have been deleted from the wanted list are believed to be currently based in countries like Pakistan, the US, Canada, Norway, France and Germany.

After the government removed them from the blacklist, they could move freely around the world and even return to India.

Perhaps taking advantage of the Central Governments decision to remove his name from the blacklist, Atwal arrived in India and subsequently got the invitation to the dinner being hosted in honour of Trudeau by High Commissioner of Canada Nadir Patel, the official said.

Atwal was a Sikh separatist active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation when he was convicted of attempt to murder of Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986.

Sidhu was shot at twice on a road and survived, but was later assassinated in India.

A judge called it an act of terrorism and sentenced Atwal and three others to 20 years in prison.

It is not yet immediately known as to how Atwal got an Indian visa and why he was cleared to attend official events here.

Atwal is said to have been active in Canadian politics in recent years. PTI
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Dehradun, February 22

A statement made by Chief Minister TS Rawat regarding the inclusion of Saharanpur that borders Uttarakhand border in the hill state has been greeted by anger and derision among the statehood activists and even shocked the BJP.

Though the Uttarakhand BJP chief Ajay Bhatt has risen to the defence of the Chief Minister and said that media had deliberately misconstrued the statement that has not been able to satisfy the activists.

While participating in a function in Saharanpur two days ago, the Chief Minister is said to have said that there has been a desire among the people of Saharanpur to merge with Uttarakhand, since the time the state was created and they continue to harbour the feelings now.

After it generated political heat, Bhatt was forced to clarify, Such a proposal has not being considered at the level of the party nor by the government. All the issues have been settled with the creation of the state of Uttarakhand.

BJP leader Sushila Baluni, who was part of the statehood agitation, said that the agitation was launched to create a separate hill state. We were interested in the creation of a separate hill state and did not wanted to be part of Uttar Pradesh, she said.

However, PCC chief Pritam Singh said that the BJP government is trying to deflect attention by raising such issues.  TNS
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Brussels, February 22

The Belgian police sealed off several streets in suburban Brussels on Thursday after reports of armed men and a murder, but there were no indications of terrorism, officials said.

Armed officers blocked traffic while a helicopter hovered over the scene of the incident in the Forest district, an AFP journalist said.

In 2016, the district was the scene of a shootout with police involving Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam that led to his capture three days later.

A local police spokesman told AFP a Polish man had gone to a local shop today and said that a murder had been committed at a local residence.

The residence was visited and there was nothing. But other people spoke of a disturbance nearby. Local Mayor Marc-Jean Ghyssels told broadcaster RTBF that police were called because of the presence of armed people in a building. At this stage it seems to be a private dispute. There is absolutely no link with terrorism, he said.

Belgium recently lowered its terror alert to its second lowest level, nearly two years after the Brussels airport and metro suicide attacks.  AFP
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United Nations, February 22

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has rejected an offer of mediation by Secretary General Antonio Guterres, a United Nations spokesperson said today.

The Secretary-General is following the situation in the Maldives closely and with concern. He offered to the President UN mediation, but the President conveyed that mediation was not wanted at this stage, said Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General.

The world body has been keeping a close watch on the developments in Maldives.

On Tuesday, the Maldives Parliament had extended the Emergency by another 30 days, bolstering President Yameens grip on power in the troubled Indian Ocean island nation. Yameen had first declared Emergency on February 5 after the Supreme Court ordered the release of a group of Opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. Among them was exiled ex-President Mohamed Nasheed. The court said his 2015 trial had been unconstitutional.

The Emergency will now end on March 22.

Persisting with its displeasure over the extension of Emergency in the Maldives, India today said it does not see a valid reason for the Maldivian Parliament to do so and maintained that it continues to watch the situation in the island nation.

There has been international condemnation of the Maldivian governments moves, including the imposition of Emergency.  PTI
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Brussels, February 22

Belgian police sealed off several streets in suburban Brussels on Thursday after reports of armed men and a murder, but there were no indications of terrorism, officials said.

Armed officers blocked traffic while a helicopter hovered over the scene of the incident in the Forest district, an AFP journalist said.

In 2016, the district was the scene of a shootout with police involving Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam that led to his capture three days later.

A local police spokesman told AFP a Polish man had gone to a local shop today and said that a murder had been committed at a local residence.

The residence was visited and there was nothing. But other people spoke of a disturbance nearby.

Local mayor Marc-Jean Ghyssels told broadcaster RTBF that police were called because of the presence of armed people in a building.

At this stage it seems to be a private dispute. There is absolutely no link with terrorism, he said.

Belgium recently lowered its terror alert to its second lowest level, nearly two years after the Brussels airport and metro suicide attacks.  AFP
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London, February 22

The crisis in Myanmar and reported massacres of Rohingya Muslims are the consequence of a society encouraged to hate and a lack of global leadership on human rights, Amnesty International said on Thursday.

The human rights group said in its annual report covering 159 countries that hate-filled rhetoric by leaders was normalising discrimination against minorities.

We saw the ultimate consequence of a society encouraged to hate, scapegoat and fear minorities laid bare in the horrific military campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya people in Myanmar, said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty.

Last week, the United States urged the UN Security Council to hold Myanmars military accountable for what it said was the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims.

Nearly 6,90,000 Rohingya have fled Rakhine and taken refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh since the Myanmar military launched a crackdown on insurgents at the end of August, according to the UN.

More than 6,500 Rohingya are currently trapped on a strip of unclaimed land between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Amnesty said the international community had failed to respond robustly to crimes against humanity and war crimes from Myanmar to Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

It said that leaders in countries such as the United States, Russia and China were not standing up for civil liberties and instead were callously undermining the rights of millions.

Amnesty said President Donald Trump had taken backward steps on human rights that were setting a dangerous precedent. Shetty described his move to ban people from several Muslim-majority countries in January last year as transparently hateful.

Last years report accused Trump of poisonous rhetoric.

Free speech will be a key issue for those concerned about human rights this year, the report said.

Amnesty said its staff were arrested at an unprecedented rate in Turkey in 2017, which along with Egypt and China was also among the biggest jailors of journalists.

Two Reuters reporters in Myanmar were arrested while investigating the killing of Rohingya Muslims. Court proceedings are ongoing.

In 2018, we cannot take for granted that we will be free to gather together in protest or to criticise our governments. In fact, speaking out is becoming more dangerous, Shetty said. Reuters
The new Mack LR features a performance-oriented design that is focused on refuse fleet details both big and small. Photo: Jack Roberts

Refuse is a grueling application for trucks. But, as with just about any other kind of fleet, the pressure is on to do more work with fewer workers and more powerful and capable equipment. And these trends are behind many of the design points on Macks newest refuse truck, the Class 8 LR model.

The LR debuted at WasteExpo back in 2015 and got some updates last fall. But for various reasons, no trucking journalist had been given the opportunity to examine the new truck up close and conduct a test drive  until now, when Mack graciously offered HDT the opportunity to do just that.

The conditions on the ground werent perfect. A fast-moving snowstorm swamped Macks history home in Pennsylvanias LeHigh Valley the day I flew in for my LR test drive. So Id be dealing with snow, ice and temperatures hovering in the low 20s. And while Curtis Dorwart, Macks highly knowledgeable vocational brand manager, noted that these were pretty typical conditions for refuse fleets in northern states and Canada, we still  thankfully  opted to do our walk-around and familiarization with the LR in a heated garage next to Macks impressive museum at its Customer Center in Macungie.

The Mack LR Refuse Truck Up Close

First off, Dorwart noted that the LR nomenclature for the truck simply stands for Low Rider, because keeping the vehicle low to the ground was a primary design point when Mack engineers went to work. Even with increasing numbers of partially automated, hydraulic side-boom trucks lifting and dumping trash bins, Dorwart noted that refuse drivers still climb in and out of their trucks multiple times a day during a shift. To that end, he says, the LR features an ultra-low ground clearance of just 15-1/2 inches, which makes it less arduous and safer for drivers to enter and exit the cab. This low vehicle height is combined with an array of different drive configurations, including a right-hand, standup option, with the LRs top speed limited to 20 mph when that station is in use.

Overall, the trucks exterior design is remarkably clean, with no exposed wiring and protected hydraulic lines. Dorwart says simplifying wire and hydraulic line routing with an emphasis on easier upfitting for the LR is a big reason for the trucks uncluttered look. Various nods to the tough life refuse trucks live were in evidence as well, including wiper motors that can be serviced or swapped out from a standing position at the front of the truck by simply removing four screws, as well as a front grille and windshield that can be swapped out quickly. Up above the cab, the roofing sheet metal is designed in a way to act much like a storm gutter on a house and route rain or refuse water away from the front and side windows and cab doors.

The LR cab features large front windscreen glass areas and channeling overhead to divert rain and wastewater away from windows and doors. Photo: Jack Roberts

Both the left- and right-hand operating stations are compact  thanks to the massive doghouse that dominates the middle cab section  but still comfortable. Visibility to all quarters is outstanding thanks to large window sections to the sides and rear of the cab. Views forward are excellent as well, as Mack engineers enhanced the LRs cab-forward (no hood) design by adding wrap-around front glass sections that extend in an unbroken line all the way back to the B pillars. Standard power, memory-programmable mirrors and an array of cameras covering the sides and rear of the truck complete the LRs visibility emphasis. An array of view screens is positioned in the middle of the cab where operators on both sides of the truck can quickly check live video feeds from the safety cameras around the vehicle.

Dorwart also pointed out the LRs automotive style controls, which include a surprisingly small steering wheel and an instrument cluster connected to the tilt steering column. The arrangement is compact, easy to see and ensures clear sightlines to the gauges regardless of where the driver positions the steering wheel. The doghouse top features both the LR engine and a powerful hydraulics system capable of handling the latest side-loading trash receptacle boom arms. Various boom and vehicle controls are located on the top of the doghouse and are within easy reach from both operator stations. Other new automotive features include a highly effective, in-dash HVAC system that easily kept the cab warm during the cold Pennsylvania test drive to come.

Taking the Mack LR on the Road

Given the massive doghouse sitting immediately to my right, the LR was loud when I finally turned the key and fired up the Mack MP7 diesel lurking underneath. But this is to be expected in a cab-forward truck design like this one. And, it should be noted, Mack engineers did an excellent job at keeping powertrain, hydraulic system and road noises at a minimum.

My test trucks MP7 was rated at 355 hp and mated with an Allison 4500 automatic DRS 6-speed transmission. Underneath me were Mack axles and mRide suspension, and air disc brakes, which stopped the truck crisply and quickly with very light application of the brake pedal.

The LR can be driven from both the left and right cab positions. Vehicle speed is limited to 20 mph in the right-hand seat, however. Photo: Jack Roberts

Views out of the cab are excellent, and the truck is remarkably nimble and easy to drive at the slower speeds it will spend most of its working life running (although the MP7 engine responds beautifully and accelerates the truck nicely if you put your foot down).

Dorwart, who grew up in and around Allentown, suggested a nice cruise through a neighborhood and a typical subdivision as we got underway, and the LR proved easy to handle in that environment. Given the expansive views from the cab, it was simple to spot and avoid common obstacles such as parked cars. And while it was too cold for pedestrians, the live video from the cameras around the truck gave me confidence Id be able to pick them up and easily monitor them, as well.

A couple of runs into some tight cul de sacs showed off the LRs tight turning radius, courtesy of the trucks 45-degree wheel cuts. The air disc brakes were a nice addition, as well, delivering smooth, safe quiet, stops. All in all, the LR is extremely well-mannered at residential speeds, which is a definite plus for any refuse truck.

Of course refuse trucks dont live their entire lives at low speeds. So Dorwart and I took the LR on an interstate run on I-78 over to Allentown and back. The truck was unloaded, so the ride was predictably bumpy. But the LR didnt feel top-heavy at all, and didnt wander around in the lane  a trait I notice a lot in cab-forward designs.

There werent many opportunities to get out of the right-hand lane and pass over vehicles. But the LR easily held its own at highway speeds, and the Mack MP7 had plenty of reserve power on hand when I did need to get around someone.

Mack has a pretty impressive share of the refuse market nationally, and Dorwart says response to the LR has been overwhelmingly positive since its debut. And its not hard to see why. Mack engineers listened to refuse fleets, took note of emerging trends in that market segment and delivered a thoroughly modern, detail-oriented design that will serve both the current, and future needs of those customers well.
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Did you know Indonesia is the second most generous country in the world, with a whopping 79 percent of people having donated funds in the last month?

Zakat, a mandatory annual donation under Islamic law, is estimated to be worth US$16 billion in Indonesia. This may seem like a huge sum, but if every eligible Muslim were to pay $74 a year, that figure can be reached. Now, just one percent of that amount is collected.

Together with domestic private investment, which accounts for almost half of all financing in the country, this represents a huge potential to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). And it points to a key consideration for establishing an SDG Country Platform in Indonesia.

The UNDP Strategic Plan 2018-2021 envisions Country Support Platforms to help countries design and deliver integrated solutions on the SDGs. These Platforms respond to a greater demand for collaboration among a wider range of actors, and they will look different according to context. This is where our local knowledge comes in.

Indonesians are generous people, and there is immense potential for religious giving and private investment to support the SDGs. At the same time, funding from international development partners is falling and the Government has a budget deficit preventing the needed $353 billion in infrastructure investment. Only $23 million has been channelled towards impact investment, a potentially trillion-dollar global industry that is still in its infancy in Indonesia.

The challenge that we have set ourselves as UNDP Indonesia is how to attract these abundant resources in the country to where they are needed, that is, to support the SDGs. Our response, the Innovative Financing Lab, is a pioneering Country Support Platform to support the 2030 Agenda.

With our new focus on the SDG financing challenge, it became clear we had to work differently. We sought out partners unlike ourselves, including commercial investors, and began working in a strongly collaborative manner, where organizational boundaries are blurred. We broke down barriers between units and invested in new skillsets and profiles, including Islamic finance scholars and young people. A platform provided the solution to consolidate and scale up the multiple initiatives underway into a line of services and a lean, open way of working together.



Indonesia's National Board of Zakat, responsible for the disbursement of the Islamic mandatory contributions to the poor, has pledged support for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Photo: UNDP Indonesia



These nine characteristics are key to our Country Platform

A collaborative space: It involves UN, Government, private sector and civil society in Indonesia and around the world to come up with better solutions for achieving the SDGs.

Partnerships are at its core: We are asking the banking sector, business, government, religious funds, philanthropists and investors, international financial institutions and civil society to get involved. Participation can include setting the agenda, providing funding, seconding staff, becoming investment partners and providing space.

It tests and scales innovation: The platform pilots new solutions that can be replicated within and across countries. It also advises large-scale investments to ensure that they are more sustainable and inclusive.

It is networked: The platform is part of a horizontal network of platforms, linked with and servicing other countries, where countries can guide each other through South-South Cooperation.

Focused on SDG financing: By focusing on financing, we are responding to a demand and are able to produce tangible results. The platforms scope is designing financing instruments, informing investments, developing and advising on policy and knowledge sharing.

Positioned for maximum innovation: Positioning the platform with one foot inside and one foot outside the government means that it can leverage change and be free to innovate.

Capacity-building: The skills in the platform include systems-thinking and design, SDG impact measurement, private investment and Islamic finance, technological and web solutions.

Sustainable: The estimated annual cost is between $450,000 and $1 million, depending on ambition level. The business model is based on a combination of grants and fees for services, with reliance on the latter increasing over time. A pricing policy has been developed and waiver is under preparation to allow provision of services to the private sector.

Integrated: In line with the emerging principles UN reform, UNDP acts as integrator in the platform, bringing together partners and a system wide approach to SDGs, providing a space for innovation and bolstering the role of the Resident Coordinator.

Through the platform, we present the SDGs as the trillion-dollar investment opportunity that they are, rather than focusing on the funding shortfall. The appetite among partners and the momentum around this work has caught us by surprise.

Once we started discussing with UNDP, we realized that when you are talking about SDGs you are talking about zakat, said Zainulbahar Noor, Deputy Chairman of BAZNAS, the state zakat agency. We are working together on zakat inclusion: when we collect zakat through branchless banking, we can use the funds for SDGs with UNDP.

Ill conclude with the words of Anita Nirody, UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia:

For the first time, the United Nations in Indonesia, through UNDPs Country Support Platform/Innovative Financing Lab, has an exceptional opportunity to test new financial instruments and unlock significant resources from multiple private and religious sources to support SDG implementation. The services and knowledge generated by the Platform will have benefits for Indonesia and beyond  for other UN offices that are working on innovative and integrated solutions for the SDGs.

We are excited at the prospects for our Country Platform, which we think sits well in the context of Indonesia. We look forward to hearing from other Country Offices and learning from their experiences developing their own platforms.



About the author

Francine Pickup is the Deputy Country Director for UNDP in Indonesia, Follow her on Twitter: @f_pickup


As of mid-February more than 42,000 people have crossed Lake Albert, bringing the total number of Congolese refugees in Uganda to over 251,000.  UNHCR/Eunice Ohanusi

Kyaka, Uganda  UNHCR Representative in Uganda, Bornwell Kantande, officials from Ugandas Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) Secretariat, and the WFP Country Director in Uganda, Elkhidir Daloum, today concluded a two-day visit to Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, some 200 km from the capital Kampala, accompanying a delegation of development actors.

The visit, the first of its kind in the Uganda operation, was aimed at involving development partners in the early stages of emergency response, by giving them the opportunity to conduct joint, impartial and rapid assessments, and to prioritize assistance for refugees and hosting communities, as well as national and local authorities. Six donors participated in the mission, representing Belgium, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden and the World Bank.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Administrative Officer for Kyegegwa District, Vhiona Sanyu appealed that the ongoing influx should not result in the quality of social services in the district deteriorating. "We do not differentiate between local people and refugees," she said. "The ongoing influx has stretched the available social services to the limits both for refugees and the surrounding host communities. There is an urgent need for water, education manpower, and healthcare facilities, medicines, schools and livelihoods interventions."

This year more than 42,000 people have crossed Lake Albert, bringing the total number of Congolese refugees in Uganda to over 251,000. UNHCR, OPM and partners are relocating new arrivals from Kisoro, Mitondo and Sebagoro to Kyangwali and Kyaka II Refugee Settlements in Mid-West Uganda, as well as providing protection and life-saving assistance and services.

Talking to refugees in Kyaka II, the UNHCR Representative explained the CRRF as a holistic and inclusive approach to support refugees and host communities. To the visiting delegation he said, Uganda needs political and financial support from the international community to help maintain its generous approach towards refugees, adding that sustainable socio-economic development is imperative to address the needs of the refugees and host communities.

Gracia Shante, a woman refugee leader, lamented the lack of medical services, which forces patients, including small children to seek treatment elsewhere. Medicines are not enough, she said. We need more drugs so we can receive better treatment for the many diseases refugees here suffer from.

Kwisanga Mizerreo, a refugee welfare leader said Kyaka II is overwhelmed by the sheer number of refugees flocking into Uganda. Himself a Congolese in his mid-forties, Mizerreo has for the past two years helped members of his community to identify their needs and engage in productive trade in order to thrive. He is concerned about the fate of the thousands of refugees who have recently arrived on fishing boats with very little or nothing other than the clothes on their backs and the skills they acquired back in DR Congo.

In DRC were had different sources of livelihood." he said. "We have carpenters, tailors, boda-boda riders, barbers and even graduates among us. We need livelihoods support and opportunities to train our youth in vocational skills.

Envoys from the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda said that donors are engaging humanitarian and development actors to address some of issues raised by the refugees during their visit to the settlement.

With some 1.4 million refugees from more than five countries, Uganda is the largest refugee hosting country in Africa and among the top five globally. The country continues to receive more refugees and asylum seekers from countries in East Africa and the Great Lakes region daily.

Uganda is a unique model for refugee reception. We have an opportunity to make sure this model works, and CRRF is our opportunity, said Elkhidir Daloum, WFP Country Director, pointing out that unlike refugees who live in camps in other countries, refugees in Uganda will return home, not only with their humanity intact, but with the ability and skills to contribute to their own countries.

"I call on everyone working on the refugee response in Uganda to live up to the highest standards of accountability, demonstrate our core values and continue putting the people we serve at the centre of what we say and do," Daloum added.

The Government of Uganda has undertaken several initiatives to strengthen the refugee-hosting environment in its five-year National Development Plan. The UN Country Team and the World Bank are supporting the Government of Uganda through the Refugee and Host Population Empowerment (ReHoPE) strategy, which is integrated into the UN Development Assistance Framework for Uganda. These strategic initiatives are aligned with the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) of the New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants and require continued donor support.

- END -

For more information, please contact :

Duniya Aslam Khan, Spokesperson, UNHCR Uganda, Email: [email protected] | Tel: +256 772701101

OR
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is calling for calm and restraint after worrying reports of a refugee protest turning violent in Rwandas Kiziba refugee camp.

Rwandas Kiziba refugee camps is located in the Karongi District, in Western Rwanda and hosts over 17,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, around 77 per cent of which are women and children.

Protesting refugees were reportedly angry about reduction in food assistance.

Humanitarian operations in Rwanda remain severely underfunded, forcing the World Food Programme (WFP) to cut food rations by 10 per cent in November 2017 and by 25 per cent in January 2018.

Refugee protection and safety is our top priority, said Ahmed Baba Fall, UNHCR Representative in Rwanda.

UNHCR urges the refugees to respect local laws and express grievances through dialogue, while calling on authorities to handle the situation with calm and restraint.

Some refugees have also indicated their desire to return to the DRC, out of desperation.

Refugees have the right to return to their country whenever they wish. But we urge refugees to make an informed decision and not to listen to misinformation or rumours, added UNHCRs Country Representative.

UNHCR is advocating with donors to address the gaps in humanitarian funding and urgent needs of refugees. To date, UNHCR's 2018 appeal for US$98.8 million to support refugees in Rwanda is only is 2 per cent funded.

WFP warns about potential larger ration cuts if monthly requirements of US$2.5 million are not met. Prolonged ration cuts put at serious risk food security and nutritional needs of refugees, who are dependent on assistance.

Rwanda hosts over 173,000 refugees in six camps, including Kiziba, where Congolese refugees have lived for over 20 years.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
ARMAGH, NORTHERN IRELAND - With the war in Syria entering a new and dangerous phase, one family recently received a call that would turn their lives around.

Single mother Maisaa had been eking out an increasingly precarious existence for years as a refugee in Lebanon, having fled the bombs in Syria. She recently discovered that she had been chosen to be resettled in Northern Ireland with her daughter Esraa, 9, and her son, Yahya, 7.

When my mum told us we were going I started dancing and singing, Esraa said during a recent meeting with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. He started singing too, she added, gesturing at her sheepish brother, who denied the allegation.

Northern Ireland has welcomed 860 of the 10,000 refugees who have arrived so far under the UKs Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS) programme, which aims to bring 20,000 of the most vulnerable refugees affected by the Syrian conflict by 2020.

"The resettlement opportunity is ... most important for the future of my children and their education.

Under the VPRS, in place since 2014, local authorities and community groups offer initial support to refugees, providing them with the tools to allow them to integrate, learn English, attend school and gain employment.

I am so grateful to the UK for providing us a home that is nice and safe for the children, Maisaa said at her new home in Armagh. Soon I will start language classes and then I hope to find a job so I can be a good person and give back something to this community. The resettlement opportunity is very important to me and most important for the future of my children and their education.

Catherine Halligan of Barnardos has worked with several Syrian families in Northern Ireland. The children are doing really well in school, she said. A lot of the children are getting awards every week and certificates for their hard work.

Ian Snowden, of Northern Irelands Department for Communities, described the VPRS as one of the most rewarding things he had worked on in 25 years as a civil servant. You really do see the massive difference that it makes in individuals lives and how you can turn around their experiences.

One of the first families that arrived in Ulster in 2015 told him that they had come from hell and arrived in heaven. And thats the kind of transition that many of them feel they are making.

Maisaa and her children Esraa and Yahya, playing around in the park. The Syrian family were resettled to Armagh, Northern Ireland from Lebanon under the UK's Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS).  UNHCR/Paul Wu

Maisaa and her children Esraa and Yahya, playing around in the park. The Syrian family were resettled to Armagh, Northern Ireland from Lebanon under the UK's Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS).  UNHCR/Paul Wu

Maisaa and her children Esraa and Yahya, playing around in the park. The Syrian family were resettled to Armagh, Northern Ireland from Lebanon under the UK's Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS).  UNHCR/Paul Wu

Maisaa and her children Esraa and Yahya, playing around in the park. The Syrian family were resettled to Armagh, Northern Ireland from Lebanon under the UK's Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS).  UNHCR/Paul Wu

Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, UNHCRs UK Representative, said: I have been up and down the country meeting refugee families and local communities, and the strong support for this programme and refugee integration generally is something the UK should be proud of.

As a result of the VPRS, the UK now runs one of the largest resettlement programme globally, working closely with UNHCR to provide life-saving solutions for those refugees most in need of protection. With displacement at record highs and those forced to flee in more acute need than ever, UNHCR believes it is crucial that states deliver on resettlement.

The UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd this week saw the harsh conditions facing Syrian refugees as she toured an informal refugee settlement of densely packed wood and plastic tents in Lebanons Bekaa Valley.

UNHCRs Representative in Lebanon, Mireille Girard, showed Ms. Rudd around the settlement in Qab Elias, where 46 families live. Heavy rains over the weekend had created muddy conditions. UNHCR, through its partner Save the Children, had previously distributed shelter kits for winter to help limit weather damage and to help families to stay warm and dry during harsh winter conditions.

"The strong support for this programme and refugee integration generally is something the UK should be proud of.

Families and groups of children came out to catch a glimpse of the visit in this closely-knit community where the majority of residents are from Aleppo.

The Home Secretary met a family inside their tent to hear more about their experiences and of their lives in exile in Lebanon. I heard first-hand how important the resettlement scheme to the UK is and how it helps individuals, who have fled danger and conflict, rebuild their lives, she said.

Poverty levels have been climbing for Syrian refugees in Lebanon, with over three-quarters now living on less than $4 per day and nearly 60% living on less than $3. The average monthly rent in the settlement is $100 per tent. UNHCR is supporting over 21,000 of the poorest households in the Bekaa with monthly cash assistance  payments of $175 per family which help families live in dignity and to meet basic household expenses.

Globally, under 1% of the worlds refugees benefit from the opportunity to resettle and start anew elsewhere. UNHCR hopes that the UK and other countries will pledge additional resettlement places as part of a Global Compact on Refugees, due to be agreed later this year. The Compact also aims at better supporting host countries.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomed today the renewed commitment by States in Latin America and the Caribbean region to strengthen protection and achieve solutions in situations of displacement and statelessness at a key meeting in Brazil.

This is a powerful global example for refugee protection, said High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, who also encouraged them to keep their borders open to refugees, as the number of asylum seekers is growing in the region.

His comments were made during a meeting in Brasilia on 19-20 February, where representatives of the authorities and civil society reflected on the experience and good practices developed in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of the 100 points of Brasilia  a text that will serve as the regions contribution to the global compact on refugees, which will be proposed to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2018.

The 100 points of Brazilia show that we have made 100 good steps in the direction of managing better what is without any doubt one of the defining challenges of our times, said Grandi.

The High Commissioner hailed the regions innovative initiatives as being rooted in reality and for prioritizing the most vulnerable, including survivors of sexual abuse and gender violence, and unaccompanied and separated children.

Among the regions life-saving mechanisms are resettlement programs and humanitarian visas for Syrian nationals, the establishment of humanitarian evacuation mechanisms for people at high risk in Central America, and the creation of an intra-regional transfer mechanism for refugees in the Caribbean.

Most importantly, six countries have adopted the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS)  a collective action plan to strengthen protection and promote durable solutions among countries of origin, transit and destination.

In Brasilia, Grandi noted UNHCRs readiness to provide further support to Latin America and the Caribbean, in order to strengthen asylum systems and simplify procedures, while respecting the principle of non-refoulement and the right to seek and receive asylum.

The meeting was organized by the Brazilian Government, in cooperation with UNHCR during the evaluation of the third year of the implementation of the Brazil Declaration and Plan of Action. Both were adopted in December 2014 by 28 countries and three territories in Latin America and the Caribbean to address new displacement trends and end statelessness by 2024.

Media Contacts:
Warner Artists Take Home The Most Awards Of Any Music Company



ADA, Atlantic, Parlophone and Warner Bros. All Mark Wins With Home-Grown Talent

LONDON, Feb. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Warner Music UK (WMUK) is celebrating the companys most successful BRIT Awards yet. WMUK artists won six of the eleven awards (six of the eight UK awards) announced during the show, more than any other music company. These awards follow a spectacular showing for Max Lousadas Warner Music at the Grammy Awards in New York last month.

At the 38th BRIT Awards, Dua Lipa took home British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist, Ed Sheeran won Global Success, Gorillaz was crowned British Group, and Stormzy was awarded British Male Solo Artist and Mastercard British Album of the Year, for Gang Signs & Prayer. The awards see a diverse group of artists from WMUK labels recognized, with ADA, Atlantic, Parlophone and Warner Bros. all marking wins. In addition, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallagher, Rita Ora and Stormzy all lit up Londons O2 Arena with the most electric and exciting performances of the night.

Max Lousada, CEO Recorded Music, WMG and Chairman & CEO, Warner Music UK said: Tonight was a celebration of the unprecedented opportunities for home-grown U.K. talent on the global stage. Artists like Dua, Stormzy, Ed, Liam, Rita and Gorillaz are making hugely popular and influential music that is moving culture and cascading throughout the world. Congratulations to all the winners, nominees and performers, and thank you for making music, and life, more dynamic and exciting.

Media Contacts:

James Steven

James.Steven@wmg.com

Kirsty Tranter

Kirsty.Tranter@warnermusic.com
Press Release

In an MEA-first, Etisalat to provide automated, dynamic, programmable network services to its enterprise customers with self-service ordering and configuration of services

Nuage Networks Virtualized Network Services (VNS) offers Etisalat fast, secure deployment of cloud-based WAN services over any transport with intelligent traffic steering, full application visibility and end-to-end security

22 February 2018

Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced that Etisalat has chosen the Nuage Networks Virtualized Network Services (VNS) SD-WAN solution as a key element in its cloud transformation program. Nuage Networks VNS enables Etisalat to provide automated, dynamic, programmable and more efficient services to its enterprise customers. It will enable self-service ordering and configuration of services, as well as the ability to manage and control them based on the individual requirements of the enterprise.

As enterprises embrace cloud services, Etisalat is transforming its digital services infrastructure to support them. Realizing the potential and benefit of cloud-based and software-defined technologies, Etisalat had launched a corporate-wide program to 'cloudify the network', dubbed Sahaab - an Arabic word that translates to 'cloud'. The program aims to harmonize hardware-centric telecom services with software-centric cloud services across the corporation.

The Nuage Networks VNS solution will provide the ideal enterprise branch service using x86-based CPEs. Transport agnostic, it offers fast, secure deployment of cloud-based WAN services with intelligent traffic steering, full application visibility and end-to-end security. Enterprises benefit from the auto-provisioned plug 'n' play services with quick and simple move, add and change requests.

The Nuage Networks VNS is a new wide area network service that offers customers the flexibility to adapt their network services as needed to suit ever-changing business environments. Paired with Virtual Networks Orchestration (VNO), an orchestration layer for service abstraction, Etisalat will be able to simplify, easily manage and enhance time to market of new functions and connectivity models for its SD-WAN enterprise customers.

Esmaeel Alhammadi, Senior Vice President - Network Development, Etisalat, said: "Etisalat is currently on a digital journey with our corporate strategy focused on 'Driving digital transformation to empower societies', and one of the major elements of this evolution is the cloudification of our network and the realization of our 'Sahaab Program'. The Nuage Networks SD-WAN solution will play a key role in enabling us to make our network services agile and adaptive, enabling us to offer a differentiated service experience to our enterprise customers, and positioning Etisalat as the first operator to deploy this solution in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region."

Sunil Khandekar, CEO, Nuage Networks, said: "We are pleased to be partnering with Etisalat to introduce this disruptive technology to its UAE enterprise customers. With this project, Etisalat is taking a leadership role in this fast-changing market. The Nuage Networks SD-WAN solution will help Etisalat enterprise customers gain the flexibility and functionality they need to drive their business into the cloud era."

Resources

About Etisalat

Etisalat Group is one of the world's leading telecom groups in emerging markets. Etisalat's current market cap is over AED 156 billion (42.5 billion USD). With reported net revenues of AED 52.4 billion and net profit of AED 8.4 billion for 2016, Etisalat ranks amongst the most profitable telecom groups in the world. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Etisalat Group provides innovative solutions and services to 140 million subscribers in 16 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

About Nuage Networks from Nokia

Nu-ahj: From French, meaning 'cloud'. Nuage Networks from Nokia brings a combination of technologies and networking expertise to the enterprise and telecommunications industries. The Silicon Valley-based business has applied new thinking to the problem of delivering massively scalable and highly programmable SDN solutions within and across the data center and out to the wide area network with the security and availability required by business-critical environments. Nuage Networks, backed by the IP/Optical Networks business of Nokia, has the pedigree to serve the needs of the world's biggest clouds. The cloud has made promises - the mission of Nuage Networks is to help you realize them.

For more information, visit Nuage Networks on: www.nuagenetworks.net, read the latest posts on the Nuage Networks blog http://www.nuagenetworks.net/blog/ and follow the company on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nuagenetworks.

About Nokia

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.

Nokia is enabling the infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, and shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience nokia.com .

Media Inquiries:

Kannan K

Nokia Media Relations

Phone: +971 529 823 406

E-mail: kannan.k@nokia.com

Communications

Phone: +358 10 448 4900

Email: press.services@nokia.com
UTSA President Taylor Eighmy

(Feb. 22, 2018)  Next month, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) will hold a special event to officially recognize the selection of its sixth president. The San Antonio community is invited to the inauguration of UTSA President Taylor Eighmy on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at the Convocation Center on the UTSA Main Campus.

The festivities will begin at 2:30 p.m. with a prelude and processional. A 3 p.m. ceremony will feature the Spirit of San Antonio marching band, UTSA student music and dance performances and an original poem by Carmen Tafolla, professor in the UTSA Department of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies and the 2015 Texas Poet Laureate. Guests will also hear remarks from San Antonio City Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, UTSA Student Government Association President Marcus Thomas and University of Texas System Chancellor William H. McRaven. Following the ceremony, all attendees are invited to a reception on the Convocation Center Plaza.

The celebration continues on Saturday, March 24 during a new tradition, UTSA's Day of Service. In honor of President Eighmy's vision of UTSA as an urban serving university, this day provides an opportunity for the university to give back to San Antonio. The Day of Service kicks off at 8:30 a.m. in Bill Miller Plaza at the UTSA Downtown Campus. Service projects benefitting a variety of community partners begin at 9:30 a.m.

Eighmy began his service as the sixth president of UTSA on September 1, 2017 after serving as the chief research officer at the University of New Hampshire, Texas Tech University and, more recently, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has developed a strong track record of advancing urban serving research institutions through strategic government collaborations, public-private partnerships and community engagement.

Shortly after beginning his role as UTSA President, Eighmy unveiled a long-term strategy to make UTSA San Antonios university of the future and to help it earn National Research University Fund (NRUF) eligibility and R1 (highest research activity) classification from the Carnegie Commission. The vision leverages UTSAs strengths as a great multicultural discovery enterprise, an exemplary urban serving university of the future, a world-engaged institution, a university that fosters exceptional student experiences, and an institution with exceptional people and operational and infrastructure excellence.
Camels, Climbing and Monastery Topics of Mark Jenkins Latest Talk in Jackson

Mark Jenkins, a National Geographic writer and UW Center for Global Studies Senior Fellow, will discuss his latest adventures to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt during a free public presentation Tuesday, March 13, in Jackson. (Kyle Duba Photo)

Adventurer and journalist Mark Jenkins, of Laramie, will share his latest experiences exploring the desert mountains of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt during a free public presentation Tuesday, March 13, in Jackson.

Jenkins, a field staff writer for National Geographic and a UW School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies lecturer, will present Camels, Climbing and St. Catherine: An Expedition to Egypt at 7 p.m. in the National Museum of Wildlife Art auditorium. UW international studies students will present their fieldwork projects at 6 p.m. The program is part of UWs Center for Global Studies spring 2018 World to Wyoming Series with Mark Jenkins.

Hidden in the heart of the desert mountains of the Sinai Peninsula are enormous walls and domes of red granite. Last November, Jenkins, also a UW Center for Global Studies Senior Fellow, led a four-man team of Wyoming climbers to South Sinai. Besides Jenkins, the group included Micah Rush, of Casper; and Kyle Duba and Kyle Elmquist, both of Lander.

The team lived with the Bedouin -- a grouping of nomadic Arab people who have historically inhabited the desert regions in North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq and large portions of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Jenkins says South Sinai is a pivotal region in the three Abrahamic religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. It was on Mount Sinai that Moses, according to the Old Testament, received the Ten Commandments. At the base of Mount Sinai lies St. Catherines Monastery, built in 565. It is on that site where Moses saw the burning bush.

St. Catherines is the oldest, continuously operating monastery in the world. Christians and Muslims have lived here in harmony for more than a millennium, Jenkins says. Camels, Climbing and St. Catherine: An Expedition to Egypt is about climbing big walls in a remote land; about Christian monks and Bedouin nomads; and about a place where tolerance is more powerful than terrorism.

With National Geographic images, Jenkins, during his talk, will present photographs of the people, the groups climbing adventures and the landscape of the region.

A critically acclaimed author and internationally recognized journalist, Jenkins covers geopolitics and adventure. Among hundreds of his stories, Jenkins has written about land mines in Cambodia, the war in Eastern Congo, the loss of koalas in Australia, ethnic cleansing in Burma, climbing Mount Everest in Nepal and the vanishing ski culture of the Tuvan people in the Altai Mountains of Central Asia.

Jenkins has won numerous writing awards, including the Overseas Press Club Ross Award in 2013 for The Healing Fields, a story about the landmines in Cambodia; and a National Magazine Award with colleague Brint Stirton for Who Murdered the Mountain Gorillas in 2009.

Jenkins has a bachelors degree in philosophy and a masters degree in geography, both from UW.

UWs Center for Global Studies and Office of Academic Affairs, Wyoming Humanities, Rocky Mountain Power Foundation and community partners sponsor Jenkins discussion.

For more information, call the Center for Global Studies at (307) 766-3152, email globalct@uwyo.edu, or visit the website at www.uwyo.edu/globalcenter.
English French

PRESS RELEASE

Luxemburg, 22nd February 2018

VELCAN: SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAMME

In compliance with articles 241-1 and 242-2 of the Autorite des Marches Financiers regulations, this document describes the share buyback programme authorized by the Shareholder's general meeting dated 28th June 2017, of which the implementation has been decided by the Board of Directors.

Date of the Shareholders' General Meeting which has authorized the buyback programme

The Company's authorization to buy back its own shares was given by the Shareholders' General Meeting of June 28th, 2017 (8th resolution). It is implemented by decision of the Board of Directors dated 14th February 2018

Break-up by objectives of the shares held as of date

As of date, the Company holds 337 069 own shares, representing 5.10% of the share capital, of which the break-up by objective is the following:

Share cancellation 159 819 Delivery of shares towards the exercise of securities giving access to the capital 27 250 Coverage of option plans or free shares grant plans to employees and management 150 000 Liquidity contract - Delivery of shares as part of external growth deals -

Programme objectives

The purpose of the buyback programme is to buy back shares of the Company from minority shareholders wishing to sell them at current market conditions, but not finding sufficient liquidity, in view of their cancellation.

Maximum share of the capital, maximum number of shares, characteristics of shares to be acquired, maximum acquisition price and other terms

In compliance with the limits voted by the 8th resolution of the Shareholder's General Meeting of June 28th, 2017, the buyback program will be implemented under the following conditions:

the maximum number of shares that the Company may hold as a result of acquisitions shall not exceed the limit of 10% (ten percent) of the shares composing the share capital; taking into account the 337,069 shares currently held by the Company and representing 5.1% of the capital, the Company may acquire, as of date, a maximum number of 323,475 shares representing 4.9% of the share capital; the acquisition price per share will be equal to the market price on the day of the acquisition, including in the case of block transactions that may be carried out in the market or over the counter; the maximum purchase price per share is nine euros and fifty cents (EUR 9.5), excluding acquisition costs; in view of the above, the maximum total amount that the company may allocate to the buyback of its own shares shall not exceed Euros 3,073,014.00 excluding acquisition costs; the Company's shares are ordinary shares, all of the same class, listed on the Euronext Growth Paris market (ISIN FR0010245803); the acquisitions will be carried out by an independent investment services provider who will be entrusted with the task of implementing the buyback programme, in the name and on behalf of the Company, according to market conditions and taking care not to disturb the latter.

Duration of the programme

18 months from February 22nd, 2018, in accordance with the authorization given at the Shareholder's General Meeting of June 28th, 2017, i.e. no later than August 22nd, 2019.

Other information

Liquidity contract : there is no ongoing liquidity contract as of the date of this descriptive;

The Company will not use derivative products as part of this programme;

* * *

Investor Relations Contact investor@velcan.lu

About Velcan:

Velcan is a Luxemburg headquartered investment holding company founded in 2005, operating as an independent power producer in emerging countries and managing a global portfolio of financial assets.

The company owns and operates one 15MW hydro power plant in Brazil that it developed and built in 2009. Its major power project under development is a cascade of hydropower concessions located in India and totalling 571 MW. The Group also has a smaller project of 18MW in Indonesia.

Hydropower concessions provide long periods of cash generation but their development outcome is uncertain and many years are needed to bring these projects to maturity in emerging countries: it involves field studies in remote places, obtaining the necessary authorizations and permits, and land acquisition in political and regulatory environments that can be unstable or heavily hampering. Meanwhile Velcan actively manages its treasury, investing in listed financial instruments and private equity deals.

Velcan's headquarters are in Luxemburg, with administrative and financial offices in Singapore and Mauritius. The team dedicated to the development of the Indian hydropower cascade is based in New Delhi and at the project site (Arunachal Pradesh).

The company was launched more than 10 years ago by its reference shareholder Luxembourg Hydro Power SA, owned by Velcan's management team.

Velcan is listed on the Paris Euronext Growth Stock Market (Euronext Growth/Ticker ALVEL/ISIN FR0010245803).

Velcan never performed any Public Offer as understood under Directive 2003/71/CE of the European Parliament and Council.

Disclaimer

This press release contains prospective information about the potential of the projects in progress and/or of the projects of which the development has begun. This information constitutes objectives attached to projects and shall not be construed as direct or indirect net income forecast of the concerned year. Reader's attention is also drawn on the fact that the performance of these objectives depends on future circumstances and that it could be affected and/or delayed by risks, known or unknown, uncertainties, and various factors of any nature, notably related to economic, commercial or regulatory conjuncture, which occurrence could be likely to have a negative impact on future activity and performances of the Group.

This announcement does not constitute a public offering ("offre au public") nor an invitation to the public or to any qualified investor in connection with any offering. This announcement is not an offer of securities in the United States of America or in any other jurisdiction/country.
English Dutch

's-Hertogenbosch, 22 February 2018

On 22 February 2018, Van Lanschot Kempen will start the repurchase of up to 400,000 of its own shares (depositary receipts for Class A ordinary shares). At the closing price of 21 February 2018, the programme will cost a maximum 11,0 million. It will serve to cover the depositary receipts to be allocated to employees under the existing remuneration policy and share plans.

The share buy-back programme will end on the day before the publication of Van Lanschot Kempen's 2018 annual figures, or sooner if the maximum number of repurchased shares is reached before then. Van Lanschot Kempen has tasked ING with the implementation of its share buy-back programme. ING will make its trading decisions independently of Van Lanschot Kempen.

Updates on the share buy-back programme will be announced in press releases and on the Van Lanschot Kempen website on a weekly basis.

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

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



About Van Lanschot Kempen

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

vanlanschotkempen.com

Disclaimer

This is an announcement pursuant to Article 5, paragraph 1, of Regulation (EU) Nr. 596/2014.

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

This document is a translation of the Dutch original and is provided as a courtesy only. In the event of any disparities, the Dutch version will prevail.
Decree 163 introduces an explicit requirement to comply with e-commerce regulations

Logistics is one of the services holding great potential in the country at the moment. Based on the current total export and import turnover of $425 billion and the increasing trend, the development potential of logistics services remains strong in Vietnam and is even stronger in the ASEAN. Thereby, the Vietnamese government encourages logistics businesses to take advantage of the opportunities.

Issued in 2007, at the time of Vietnams accession to the WTO, Decree 140 is ancient by Vietnamese legal standards. The law has moved on since then, as Vietnam opened up most service sectors to foreign investors, including many (but not all) business activities in the logistics sector.

Foreign investors and Vietnamese businesses seeking foreign investment must closely review each business activity they plan to conduct in Vietnam to see if foreign ownership limitations and other conditions apply. Article 3 of the new Decree 163 defines and regulated logistics services as follows:

Logistics services under Article 3 of Decree 163 Container handling services, except for provision of such services at airports; Container warehousing services as part of maritime transport support services; Warehousing services as part of support services for all modes of transport; Delivery services; Freight transport agency services; Customs brokerage services (including customs clearance services); Other services including the following activities: bill of lading inspection, freight brokerage services, cargo inspection, sampling and weighing services; goods receipt and acceptance services; and transport documentation preparation services; Wholesaling support services and retailing support services including activities being management of goods in storage, collection, sorting and classification of goods, and goods delivery; Freight transport services as part of maritime transport services; Freight transport services as part of inland waterway transport services; Freight transport services as part of rail transport services; Freight transport services as part of road transport services; Air transport services; Multimodal transport services; Technical analysis and testing services; Other transport support services; Other services provided by logistics service providers and as agreed with their clients in accordance with the basic principles of the Commercial Law.

The below chart summarises the main foreign ownership limitations (FOL) in the logistics sector.

Foreign Ownership Limitations (FOL) in the logistics sector under Decree 163 in comparison to Vietnam's WTO Services Sector Commitments (WTOSSC) (Unit: per cent)

Service Description FOL (under WTOSSC) FOL (under Decree 163) Storage and Warehouse 100 x Freight transport agency (including freight forwarding services) 100 x Bill auditing; freight brokerage; freight inspection, weighing and sampling; freight receiving and acceptance; transportation document preparation on behalf of cargo owners 99 99 Maritime transport (Passengers; less cabotage) 49 x (a) Maritime transport (Freight; less cabotage)  joint-venture fleet flying Vietnamese flag 49 49 (b) Maritime transport (Freight; less cabotage)  foreign fleet 100 100 Internal waterways transport (Passengers) 49 x Internal waterways transport (Freight) 49 49 Rail transport (Passengers) Unbound x Rail transport (Freight) 49 x Road transport (Passengers) 49 x Road transport (Freight) 51 51 Custom clearance 99 x Container station and depot 100 x Container handling (except at airports) 50 50 Distribution (import/export, commission agents, wholesale, retail) 100 x

One thing that is new in Decree 163 is its express requirement to comply with Vietnams e-commerce regulations. Article 4(2) provides that a logistics business conducting part of or its entire business electronically over the Internet, mobile or other open networks must comply with e-commerce regulations.

Vietnams main e-commerce regulation is Decree No.52/2013/ND-CP, which requires e-commerce service providers to either notify or register at the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

E-commerce providers must also protect personal information and consumer interest in accordance with Decree 52 and other laws and regulations. These e-commerce requirements will be applicable to logistics services that conducted e-commerce activities before Decree 163.
PTSC is planning to invest $57 million aboard

Establishing the joint venture company is a clause in a contract signed between YCL and Talisman Vietnam 07/03 BV (TLV) in May 2017.

The joint venture is named PTSC Ca Rong Do Ltd. and carries a total investment capital of $111.62 million, 51 per cent from PVS and the remaining 49 per cent from YCL.

Under the proposed joint venture, the two companies will jointly undertake the execution and performance of the bareboat scope of work, including the bareboat charter of the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) under the time charter contract.

Previously, in May 2017, YCL was awarded a contract from TLV for the supply, operation, and maintenance of a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) facility for the Ca Rong Do (CRD) field developmentblock 07/03 offshore Vietnam. TLV is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Repsol, the operator of the CRD field.

The estimated total aggregate value of the bareboat charter is approximately $1 billion for the entire 15-year charter, inclusive of all five yearly extension options.

The contract is for a fixed period of 10 years, with five yearly extension options exercisable by TLV. The estimated total aggregate value of the bareboat charter is approximately $1 billion for the entire 15-year charter, inclusive of all five yearly extension options.

As required under the contract bid, YCL entered into an agreement with TLV and PTSC for the novation of all rights and liabilities under the contract to PTSC. PTSC and YCL will subsequently form a joint venture company which will enter into a bareboat charter contract with PTSC for the bareboat scope of work under the contract.

A member of PetroVietnam, PTSC was established in February 1993 through the merger of two units, Petroleum Service Company (PSC) and Geophysics and Petroleum Service Company (GPTS).

PTSCs main field of operation is supplying technical services to the oil and gas and industrial sector, including engineering procurement construction and installation (EPCI) for offshore facilities; implementing engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) for industrial facilities; FSO/FPSO services; offshore support vessels; seismic survey services; as well as geophysical and geotechnical survey services, among others.
Wounded Syrians wait to receive treatment at a make-shift hospital in Kafr Batna in the besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus following Syrian government bombardments. (Amer ALMOHIBANY/AFP)

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the council on Wednesday (Feb 21) that the open meeting would allow all sides to "present their vision, their understanding of the situation and come up with ways of getting out of this situation."

"I think this is necessary given the concern that we heard today," he added.

He spoke shortly after Guterres called for an immediate halt to "war activities" in Eastern Ghouta where he said 400,000 people were living "in hell on earth."

"This is a human tragedy that is unfolding in front of our eyes, and I don't think we can let things go on happening in this horrendous way," he added.

The Russian ambassador later said the appeals from the UN chief and Western powers to halt the violence in Eastern Ghouta were one-sided and did not consider the Syrian government's stance.

"There are terrorists there who the Syrian army is fighting and the terrorists are shelling Damascus," Nebenzia said, adding "that is being neglected."

"It's a complex situation and not just a one-way street," he said, according to remarks released by the Russian mission.

'EASTERN GHOUTA CANNOT WAIT'

Guterres expressed support for a bid at the Security Council to agree on a draft resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire in Syria to allow for deliveries of humanitarian aid and medical evacuations.

Sweden and Kuwait presented the measure to the council on Feb 9, but negotiations have been tough-going, with Russia raising objections to the proposed truce, diplomats said

"I fully support that effort, but I believe Eastern Ghouta cannot wait," Guterres told the council.

The negotiations have dragged on as Syrian forces backed by Russia have escalated a fierce offensive on Eastern Ghouta.

Close to 300 civilians have been killed since Sunday including 24 Syrians who died when government warplanes dropped barrel bombs on the town of Kafr Batna on Wednesday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Swedish Ambassador Olof Skoog told reporters he hoped that a vote on the draft resolution demanding the ceasefire could take place "in the next few days," possibly as early as Thursday.

Asked whether there was a consensus on the draft text, Skoog said: "That, I don't know yet."

Russia has resorted to its veto power at the council to block resolutions targeting its Syrian ally.

The latest draft text circulated last week calls for the truce to go into effect 72 hours after the adoption of the measure and for aid deliveries and medical evacuations to begin 48 hours after that.
Vietnam is considering boosting pork exports

Impressive performance across the board

In 2017, the export of agricultural products marked new records, such as fishery exceeded and forestry products hit $8 billion, and fruits and vegetables broke the record of $3.45 billion by increasing 40.5 per cent compared to 2016.

China, Japan, the US, and South Korea were the four leading markets importing Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, with market proportions of 75.7, 3.7, 2.9, and 2.5 per cent, respectively. Besides, the quality of Vietnamese fruits has gradually been confirmed, and the products conquered such hard markets like the US, the EU, Japan, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Cashew nut exports hit 353,000 tonnes and $3.52 billion in 2017, up 1.9 per cent in volume and 23.8 per cent in value. The US, the Netherlands, and China remained the three biggest importers with 35, 15.6, and 12.9 per cent of Vietnams exports, respectively.

About 3.4 million tonnes of cashew materials were harvested throughout the year, 1.6-1.7 million tonnes of which has been processed in Vietnam.

Forestry exports were estimated at $8 billion, up 9.1 per cent on-year. The US, China, and Japan are the three leading import markets, taking up 42.8, 14, and 13.5 per cent of the total, respectively.

In 2017, the exports of agricultural products such as rice, coffee, rubber, and tea recovered but did not hit the earlier record. Rice exports reached 5.89 million tonnes and gained $2.66 billion, up 22.4 per cent in volume and 23.2 per cent in value on-year. 1.39 million tones of rubber have been exported throughout the year, fetching $2.26 billion, up 11 per cent in volume and 35.6 per cent in value.

Pork and seafood in the red

Of Vietnams major agricultural sectors, husbandry is the weakest export sector. The output of pork was estimated at 2.75 million tonnes in 2017, ranking sixth over the world. However, almost all live-weight pigs were exported to China through unofficial channels. Unofficial exports of live-weight pigs to China reached 12 million animals in 2016 (equivalent to 33,000 ones daily).

In 2017, live-weight pig exports to China have been cancelled and pig farming went into the red as supply exceeded demand. As a result, farmers have been reporting losses during the past year and a half.

Official exports of live-weight pig hit 19,475 tonnes in 2017 and fetched $78.38 million, down 54 per cent in volume and 22.7 per cent in value on-year.

Fisheries also slipped into the red after the EU gave a yellow card for Vietnamese fishery products on October 23, 2017 due to not meeting requirements on illegal unregistered and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Vietnams seafood exports to the EU have recovered since then, but the time period of checking product traceability has been raised, leading to increased storage time and checking fees for Vietnamese firms. This also made importers in various markets anxious about Vietnamese fishery products.

Targeting $40 billion this year

Since the beginning of the year, a multitude of issues in agriculture and rural development arose. Firstly, it was imperative to remove the yellow card for seafood exports to the EU. Thereby, Vietnam has to perfect its institutions to manage fishing fleets and increase the inspection of fishing vessels on sea and at ports, as well as confirm the origin of aquatic goods and put a stop to the illegal exploitation of foreign waters.

The newly approved Law on Fisheries (2017) needs to be enforced effectively to ensure fishing activities are in line with EU and global regulations. Relevant ministries and agencies should collaborate and do their utmost to remove the yellow card.

Breaking open the pork exporting market is one of the major tasks set forth by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). Following the first batch of Vietnamese chickens exported to Japan in last September, MARD and husbandry companies have set their eyes on exporting Vietnamese pork to the world.

Gabor Fluit, director general of De Heus Group Asia, said: After the success of exporting chickens to Japan, De Heus and partners will try to export pork to China, Japan, and South Korea.

According to MARD, the export value of fruits and vegetables was estimated at $321 million in the first month of 2018, up 36.9 per cent on-year. This is a spectacular performance and a foundation to actualise the goal of $40 billion of agricultural exports in this year.

At the conference summing up agricultural and rural development in 2017, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc set the goal of $40 billion for agriculture, forestry, and fishery exports. The common view is that as long as the country manages to pump out the necessary solutions to remove disadvantages and seizes the opportunities present, this goal is absolutely possible.

Export goods spotlights 2017 Vietnam's agricultural, forestry, and fisheries (AFF) exports have seen spectacular performance in certain product categories and markets, such as processed chicken exported to Japan or dragon ...

Company to build factory to increase chicken exports The Koyu & Unitek Company, based in the southern province of Dong Nai, plans to develop a second chicken processing factory to meet the demand ...
English Danish

Company announcement 5/2018

Sborg/Copenhagen, February 22, 2018

NNIT enters into significant agreement with STARK

NNIT A/S ("NNIT"), a leading provider of IT services and consultancy, announces that it has entered into a four-year agreement, with an option of a one plus one year extension, with STARK Danmark A/S, part of STARK Group, a new customer in the enterprise segment. The outsourcing agreement covers IT-infrastructure operations and application maintenance and represents a lower medium-size three-digit DKK million amount.

The agreement increases NNIT's backlog for 2018 as well as for 2019 and 2020, but does not change NNIT's guidance for 2018 or the long-term targets.

Contact for further information

Investor relations:

Jesper Wagener

Tel: +45 3075 5392

jvwa@nnit.com

Press:

Helga Heyn

NNIT Communications

Tel: +45 3077 8080

hhey@nnit.com

About NNIT

NNIT A/S is one of Denmark's leading IT service providers and consultancies. NNIT A/S offers a wide range of IT services and solutions to its customers, primarily in the life sciences sector in Denmark and internationally and to customers in the public, enterprise and finance sectors in Denmark. As of December 31, 2017 NNIT A/S had 3,030 employees. For more information please visit www.nnit.com.
LONDON, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Guggenheim Investments, the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners announced on February 22, 2018 that it has entered into an agreement with Accel-KKR to provide debt facilities to support its refinancing of Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS), the market-leading global provider of software solutions to retail, wholesale, merchant and distribution markets.



KCS provides software to 14,000 customers worldwide, offering end to end ERP solutions including Supply Chain Management, Quote to Cash, Financial Management, CRM, Warehouse Management, Transport Management, Business Intelligence, ePOS and more specifically for the wholesaler, distributor, retailer and merchant sectors.

The business has been supported with Unitranche facilities and committed acquisition lines provided by Guggenheim, details of which are not disclosed.

Commenting on the transaction, Tara Moore, Managing Director at Guggenheim said KCS is a highly respected leader in its field and is led by a very entrepreneurial management team. We are delighted that Guggenheim is able to provide a financing solution to both Accel-KKR and the Company that supports the ongoing execution of the already successful growth strategy in Europe and the US.

Tom Barnds, Managing Director at and founding partner of Accel-KKR added, Following six strategic acquisitions since our original investment in 2015, our new credit facility with Guggenheim, combined with our existing capital base, will allow KCS to aggressively execute its acquisition strategy to expand its product breadth and geographic reach in the distribution and manufacturing ERP space.

About Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS)

Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) provides specialist software, services and support to deliver fully integrated trading and business management solutions to distributive trades customers, large and small  wherever they are in the world. Immersed in the distributive trades for over 40 years, our technical experts are thought leaders in trading and management technology, and our innovative and flexible approach ensures our customers partner with us for the long-term. Our mission is simple: to design and deliver high performance, integrated ERP solutions that enable our distributive trade customers to source effectively, stock efficiently, sell profitably and service competitively

About Guggenheim Investments

Guggenheim Investments is the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners with more than $250 billion1 in total assets across fixed income, equity, and alternative strategies. We focus on the return and risk needs of insurance companies, corporate and public pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations, consultants, wealth managers, and high-net-worth investors. Our 275+ investment professionals perform rigorous research to understand market trends and identify undervalued opportunities in areas that are often complex and underfollowed. This approach to investment management has enabled us to deliver innovative strategies providing diversification opportunities and attractive long-term results. 2

1Guggenheim Investments total asset figure is as of 12.31.2017. The assets include leverage of $12.1bn for assets under management and $0.4bn for assets for which we provide administrative services. Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Guggenheim Real Estate, LLC, GS GAMMA Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited and Guggenheim Partners India Management. 2This document is issued by Guggenheim Investment Advisors (Europe) Limited, which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) FRN: 499798 and is only directed at persons who are professional clients or eligible counterparties for the purposes of the FCAs Conduct of Business Sourcebook.

Media Contact

Ivy McLemore

Managing Director, Investment Communications

Guggenheim Investments

Ivy.mclemore@guggenheimpartners.com

(212) 518-9859
CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nevada is the third most attractive jurisdiction in the world for mining investment, behind only Finland (1st) and the Canadian province of Saskatchewan (2nd), according to the Annual Survey of Mining Companies released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian policy think-tank.

Rich mineral reserves, competitive taxes, efficient permitting procedures and certainty around environmental regulations will still attract significant investmenteven with slumping commodity prices, said Kenneth Green, senior director of the Fraser Institutes energy and natural resource studies.

This years survey of mining executives rates 91 jurisdictions around the world based on their geologic attractiveness for minerals and metals and the extent to which government policies encourage or deter exploration and investment.

Overall, investment attractiveness fell slightly around the world.

In Australia, every jurisdiction received lower scores on policy this year, indicating increasingly unattractive government regulations across the country. Western Australia ranked 5th overall, followed by Queensland (12) and South Australia (14).

As a whole, Australiawhich ranked as the most attractive region overall last yearhas fallen to 2nd this year after Canada. The U.S. is the third most attractive region overall, followed by Europe.

In South America, Chile (8th) has jumped back into the top 10 having tumbled to 39th last year. And Peru, which ranked 28th last year, also rose to 19th in this years survey. Argentina is also much more attractive for mining investment this year, with the countrys overall score increasing by more than 50 per cent.

Capital is fluid and one jurisdictions loss can be anothers gain because mining investors will flock to jurisdictions that have attractive policies, Green said.

Sound regulatory regimes are an absolute must for policymakers who want to attract increasingly precious commodity investments.

Most attractive jurisdictions for

mining investment Least attractive jurisdictions for

mining investment 1) Finland 82) Nicaragua 2) Saskatchewan 83) China 3) Nevada 84) Romania 4) Ireland 85) Venezuela 5) Western Australia 86) Bolivia 6) Quebec 87) Mozambique 7) Ontario 88) Chubut (Argentina) 8) Chile 89) Mendoza (Argentina) 9) Arizona 90) Kenya 10) Alaska 91) Guatemala



MEDIA CONTACT:

Kenneth Green, Senior Director, Natural Resource Studies

Fraser Institute



To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact:

Bryn Weese, Media Relations Specialist, Fraser Institute

Tel: (604) 688-0221 Ext. 589

E-mail: bryn.weese@fraserinstitute.org

Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Become a fan on Facebook

The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institutes independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org
PCC and Advocacy Council Work Together to Provide Training and Raise Awareness

The Gibraltar Health Authoritys Primary Care team have welcomed the opportunity to work together with the Advocacy Council for Health Service Users with Additional Needs, to deliver informative talks and help raise awareness regarding disabilities and different additional needs.

The Advocacy Council represents various associations, societies and support groups, which support members of our community living with Dementia, Downs Syndrome, Autism, Mental Health Issues and Hearing Impairments, amongst other conditions.

The Council members explained: We work together to advocate for members of our community with additional needs and ensure they receive the care they need and deserve. Furthermore, frontline staff are key to delivering better value for service users and we are grateful for the opportunity to work with the GHA, to provide an important and informative educational programme.

The Advocacy Council brings a wealth of knowledge and shared experiences, which are conveyed to front line staff to improve communication and engagement with health service users, who may need extra requirements. The forum is working together to develop an ongoing, structured educational teaching programme, specifically designed for the PCC staff. The aim is to help staff better understand issues affecting some service users, strategies to promote positive life changes, relational connectedness and care in how to manage complex health care needs.

The programme began with talks on Understanding Disabilities, which is being held over the period of two days, on 22nd and 23rd February.

The PCCs Clinical Nurse Manager, Ms Suzanne Romero, said: Caring for people with disabilities can, at times, be challenging, though, ultimately rewarding and instructive. We endeavour to protect our most vulnerable service users and bring about improvements with appropriate structures and processes in place. We openly welcome this initiative, which will shape and influence future services.

Minister for Health, Care and Justice, the Hon Neil F Costa MP, opened the talks, adding: It is my fundamental view that we must ensure we work closely with our community and engage with our service users. The Advocacy Council provides invaluable support to our health professionals and I am pleased that we have formed such a strong relationship since its formation last year. We regularly hold meetings on different areas within our health services, which have already proven to be extremely constructive and useful. This is yet another beneficial initiative, where we can work together towards our common goal - improving and developing on the services we offer our community.
CM to Meet Izquierda Unida at No 6

The Chief Minister, The Hon Fabian Picardo, QC, MP, is receiving representatives from the Spanish Opposition Party, Izquierda Unida, tomorrow.

The Party requested the meeting late last month and the visiting delegation, led by Regional Coordinator Antonio Maillo, includes Inmaculada Nieto, Member of the Andalusian Parliament and MEP Marina Albiol.

Izquierda Unida has expressed its concerns over the repercussions of Brexit in the Campo de Gibraltar and wishes to exchange views with the Chief Minister on the matter. The meeting is scheduled for midday at No 6 Convent Place.
Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures/Marvel Studios/20th Century Fox

The list was first published in February, but has been updated to reflect newly announced films and production changes to ones that were previously included.

Female-fronted action pictures are becoming the Hollywood dish du jour, and it seems like theres a fresh piece of casting news about a gender-swapped reboot or a lady mercenary movie every week. So how and when will you be able to sate your unremitting appetite for badass ladies on the big screen? Vulture has mapped out all of the female-led action films either in development, in production, or in the can and on their way to a theater near you. Get ready for a slew of assassins looking for vengeance, a few precocious kids solving mysteries, a sampling of superheroes, and hopefully more high-quality wigs than were capable of counting.

In Development

355

Status: Quickly in development. Jessica Chastain brought this one to Simon Kinberg when they were on the set of X-Men: Dark Phoenix, and he liked the idea so much he agreed to direct and help her develop it. Chastain then called up Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Lupita Nyongo, and Fan Bingbing, and they all agreed to join the cast and travel to Cannes to pitch the movie to studio buyers, where it was promptly snatched up for a lot of money.

Description: A group of spies from agencies around the world (Chastain & Co.) will come together to defeat a global organization thats looking to acquire a very big and bad weapon.

A Patriot

Status: In development, with Eva Green set to star, joined by Kathy Bates and Ed Skrein. Dan Pringle will direct a script he co-wrote with Toby Rushton.

Description: Green stars as a Border Corp captain in a future authoritarian state that has walled itself away from a world ravaged by climate chaos and resource wars. Her job is to help ensure the purity of the populace, until a troubling discovery makes her doubt the regime she has pledged her loyalty to.

The Aeronauts

Status: In preproduction, but with stars and a director in place with Amazon.

Description: Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones star as a researcher and pilot team that goes on a science mission in a hot-air balloon. They ascend higher than anyone ever has, and have to fight for survival in the thinning atmosphere. (Of course a Jones/Redmayne action-thriller would be set in a hot-air balloon in the mid-1800s.)

Atomic Blonde 2

Status: Announced

Description: Charlize Theron said during her Watch What Happens Live appearance that the Atomic sequel was a go, but didnt provide any plot details. Expect a lot of fighting and hopefully many amazing coats.

Bad Monkeys

Status: The movie was announced two years ago and is still classified as in development, but no fresh news has been provided for a while.

Description: Margot Robbie is set to star in and produce Monkeys through her company, Lucky Chap. Its based on the novel of the same name by Matt Ruff; Robbie would play Jane Charlotte, a woman arrested for murder who gets sent to a psych ward after saying that she fights for a group called the Department for the Final Disposition of Irredeemable Persons. She proceeds to go mad  or is she the only sane one? Kind of sounds like an alternate origin story for Harley Quinn.

Ballerina

Status: Very early development. It was announced last summer, but no star is attached yet.

Description: Lionsgate won the rights to this script, and John Wick producer Basil Iwanyk is signed on to develop it. The story focuses on a young woman whos raised to be an assassin, and whos eventually tasked with tracking down and killing her own family.

Batgirl

Status: In development. Although it seemed like the project would stall after Joss Whedon backed out as screenwriter and director, Warner Bros. pushed ahead and announced earlier this year that Christina Hodson would be handling the script.

Description: Batgirl movie will follow the Barbara Gordon incarnation of the comics character. Shes got crime-fighting in her veins as the daughter of Gotham City police commissioner James Gordon, and is also a very computer-savvy hacker.

Birds of Prey

Status: Its very possible this is the film Margot Robbie has reportedly been developing for two years already, which was previously listed here as an untitled project. Cathy Yan has been tapped to direct a script from Batgirl writer Christina Hodson.

Description: Robbie talked about a Harley Quinn movie that would put her with a girl gang, but that would be totally separate from other Harley movies that have already been announced. Meaning: This is different from Gotham City Sirens. Warner Bros. did say before Suicide Squad even hit theaters, though, that theyd like to do a Harley-centric spinoff that paired her with an ensemble of other female DC characters, and thats exactly what Birds of Prey is. The movie is expected to start shooting this year.

Black Widow stand-alone movie

Status: Screenwriter attached.

Description: It was announced earlier this year that Kevin Feige and Marvel had hired a writer for a Black Widow stand-alone screenplay. Scarlett Johansson would obviously star, and reportedly met with studio heads to talk about goals for a solo movie.

Cash Truck

Status: There hasnt been much movement since this movie was announced at Cannes last year.

Description: Sandra Bullock committed to star in this action-thriller, based on the French movie Le Convoyeur. Bullock would play a down-on-her-luck woman who starts work at an armored car company, and eventually starts pursuing her own mysterious agenda on the job.

Cleopatra Jones

Status: In development, Undergrounds Misha Green is producing and writing the script for the reboot.

Description: Details about the new film are not yet known, but in the 1973 original, Cleopatra Jones was a James Bondtype who worked as a special agent for the U.S. government and dealt with drug-related crimes. Her nemesis was a lesbian drug kingpin named Mommy whose poppy-growing operation Jones shut down, catalyzing a showdown between the two.

Enola Holmes

Status: This one is in early stages, since it was just announced at the start of the year, but Millie Bobby Brown is set to star in and produce.

Description: Brown plays the titular heroine in this adaptation of Nancy Springers Enola Holmes Mysteries novel series. Enola is the baby sister of Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes, and wouldnt you know it, a crack sleuth in her own right.

The Division

Status: In development, with David Leitch signed on to direct and Jessica Chastain starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.

Description: In the near future, a pandemic virus is spread via paper money on Black Friday, killing millions and wreaking havoc on New York. By Christmas, society has descended into chaos, and a group of civilians conveniently trained to operate in catastrophic conditions is activated to save who and what remains. Its based on the very popular video game.

Freakshift

Status: Production is scheduled to start in August, with stars and a director in place.

Description: Alicia Vikander, Armie Hammer, and Sasha Lane star in the next film from Ben Wheatley (Free Fire), which follows a group of cops who hunt down and kill nocturnal subterranean monsters.

Gotham City Sirens

Status: There is a long and confusing slate of Harley Quinnrelated projects in the hopper with Warner Bros. and this is one of them. Margot Robbie would star and David Ayer is attached to direct, but no more news has been announced yet.

Description: The movie would theoretically star Robbies Harley Quinn alongside Catwoman and Poison Ivy, i.e., it would follow bad girls doing bad-girl things.

Hummingbird

Status: This one is in preproduction, but has a star and a director attached.

Description: The lead role has changed hands on this movie three times, going from Zoe Saldana to Olivia Munn and now Milla Jovovich. Its about a black-ops assassin who starts to doubt her training when shes given a dubious assignment; producers say its like both Lucy and the Bourne franchise.

Related Stories It Took Sandra Oh 30 Years to Get to Killing Eve

The Killer

Status: In development, with John Woo returning to direct a reboot of his action classic, this time starring Lupita Nyongo.

Description: An assassin with a strict moral code can no longer abide the amoral ways of her employer, and so seeks to get out of the game. Nyongo will play the role previously held by Chow Yun-fat.

Kitty Pryde stand-alone movie

Status: Deadpool director Tim Miller is reportedly developing a stand-alone Kitty Pryde movie with Brian Michael Bendis writing a script.

Description: No story details yet, but Kitty was previously played fleetingly by Ellen Page in the X-Men franchise. The character attended Xaviers School for Gifted Youngsters and can phase shift at an atomic level, meaning she can run through solid surfaces, among many other skills.

Marian

Status: The project was announced with Margot Robbie attached to star in and produce the movie, based on a spec script, but no director has been hired.

Description: Maid Marian rises to power after Robin Hood dies, and she leads her people in a war that will decide the fate of the kingdom.

Monster Hunter

Status: In development, with Paul W.S. Anderson directing Milla Jovovich in the starring role. Its set to start shooting this fall.

Description: Anderson and Jovovich will keep their Resident Evil mojo going with this adaptation of the Capcom video game, in which players assume the role of a hunter in order to kill or capture large monsters across various landscapes. So, not totally unlike Resident Evil.

The Mother

Status: Announced and with a script from Misha Green that was acquired by Netflix.

Description: The Mother is an action-thriller with a plot thats said to be in the style of La Femme Nikita or The Professional. It has a female lead, and is considered to be a franchise opportunity, according to Deadlines reporting.

O2

Status: Announced, with a Black List script from Christie LeBlanc and Anne Hathaway lined up to star.

Description: A woman wakes up inside a cryogenic chamber with no memory of how she got there, but she must escape before her air supply runs out.

Painkiller Jane

Status: The movie was announced last fall, and while there is no director attached, a screenwriter has been signed on to adapt it from the comic of the same name. Jessica Chastain is set to star and produce.

Description: Chastain would play Jane Vasko, a New York cop recruited by the FBI to infiltrate and take down a drug- and human-trafficking ring. After almost dying, she develops regenerative abilities and becomes an almost indestructible vigilante. Its like Luke Cage and Daredevil and Jessica Jones all rolled into one!

Realm

Status: Possibly stuck in development, since it was announced in 2015 and there havent been any updates since. But it hasnt been declared dead yet.

Description: The movies announcement made waves, since it was based on an original concept from Stan Lee and billed as the first Chinese female superhero for the big screen. Li Bingbing (whom Americans will see later this year in The Meg) was attached to star, but no plot details were given at the time.

Ruthless

Status: In development. San Andreas director Brad Peyton is attached to helm, and Steve Spielbergs Amblin Entertainment is producing.

Description: Its another female John Wick! In this iteration, shell be a retired assassin who decides to take one last job after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, because she needs the money to provide for her daughter.

Silver & Black

Status: There are screenwriters attached, and Gina Prince-Bythewood will reportedly direct.

Description: A Sony-produced superhero film based on the characters Silver Sable, a mercenary who hunts war criminals, and Black Cat, a burglar turned hero.

Related Stories Star Wars Breakout Kelly Marie Tran on The Last Jedi and Shirtless Kylo Ren

Star Wars Episode IX

Status: Definitely happening and definitely no one is spilling secrets.

Description: Star Wars remains an ensemble-powered saga, but this trilogy has always been about Reys journey.

Untitled Lupita Nyongo and Rihanna movie

Status: A really good pseudo-idea that was born on Tumblr and has been picked up by Netflix.

Description: If this thing really comes to pass, it will star Lupita Nyongo and Rihanna in a heist movie directed by Ava DuVernay and written by Issa Rae. Or it will die as the best vaporware ever.

Untitled Harley Quinn and Joker movie

Status: Warner Bros. is in the Margot Robbie business big time. This project was announced last fall, but is still in the earliest stages of development, though it reportedly has a writer-director pair attached.

Description: Margot Robbie and Jared Leto getting up to all kinds of Harley and Joker high jinks and aggressively loving up on each other.

Untitled Terminator Sequel

Status: In development, with Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger committed to reprise their iconic franchise roles, and Deadpools Tim Miller slated to direct. James Cameron is also involved with the production, making it the first officially Cameron-blessed Terminator since Judgment Day in 1991.

Description: Plot details are secret so far, but it was described in The Hollywood Reporter as a movie that once again sets up the battle between (wo)man and machine. Mackenzie Davis has been cast as a soldier-assassin, and a casting search for a Latina lead is reportedly ongoing.

Wonder Woman 2

Status: Patty Jenkins is slated to return as director with Gal Gadot to star in the sequel, which is in development.

Description: The timeline will reportedly move into the 80s for the Wonder sequel, with the Cold War and USSR factoring in. Jenkins has also teased another love story.

In Production

Dreamland

Status: Dreamland is in production with Miles Joris-Peyrafitte directing a Black List script from Nicolaas Swart. Margot Robbie is starring and producing through her LuckyChap banner.

Description: A 17-year-old boy in Dust Bowl America is set on capturing a wanted bank robber so he can collect the bounty on her head, and save his family farm from foreclosure. He manages to find her before law enforcement can, but finds out that she is a lot more capable and deadly than anyone realized.

Peppermint

Status: The film was in production earlier this year. Its expected to debut in 2018, but does not yet have a release date.

Description: Jennifer Garner stars in this action-thriller thats been described as John Wick, but with a lady. It focuses on a woman (Garner) who devotes herself to becoming a killing machine so she can avenge the drive-by shooting deaths of her husband and daughter. Naturally, its directed by Pierre Morel, of Taken fame.

Bumblebee

Status: Currently filming, and will hit theaters on December 21.

Description: This Transformers spinoff gives us a look at Bumblebees life in the 1980s, and it stars Hailee Steinfeld as his faithful owner.

Anna

Status: Currently in production, and expected to be released later this year.

Description: A Luc Besson thriller joint that stars Sasha Luss as his latest exceptional female, Anna. Shes probably going to beat a lot of people up.

Related Stories How Wonder Woman Changed DCs Entire Movie Strategy

Captain Marvel

Status: Currently filming, and will hit theaters March 6 of next year.

Description: Marvels first female-lead superhero movie stars Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, a.k.a. Captain Marvel, an extremely powerful figure in the comics canon. We dont know much  except that its set in the 1990s, and that, based on behind-the-scenes photos snapped of Larson, shell be rocking a Rachel hairdo.

Rhythm Section

Status: On a filming hiatus until June, with a theatrical release scheduled for February 22 of next year.

Description: Blake Lively will seek vengeance and wear many wigs as assassin Stephanie Patrick in this action-thriller based on the spy-novel series by Mark Burnell. Its the third feature from director and cinematographer Reed Morano.

Postproduction and Coming Soon

Ant-Man and the Wasp

Status: In theaters July 6.

Description: Granted, this isnt called just The Wasp, but its obvious Evangeline Lilly and Michelle Pfeiffer are the true stars of this next Marvel entry.

The Darkest Minds

Status: Designated as being in postproduction, and has a theatrical release date of August 3.

Description: Amandla Stenberg stars in this sci-fi thriller, wherein a disease has wiped out all but 2 percent of American kids, and the survivors have developed superpowers and have been placed in internment camps. Stenberg breaks out and joins a bunch of teens on the run from the government.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix

Status: Designated as being in postproduction, and has a theatrical release date of November 2.

Description: Sophie Turner stars as young Jean Grey in this origin story of her evil alternate persona the Dark Phoenix, with previous X-Men franchise anchors Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, and James McAvoy reprising their mutant roles.

Related Stories If You Want to See the Best Roles for Young Actresses, Watch Horror Films

Widows

Status: In theaters November 16.

Description: Brace yourself for this screen adaptation of a British mini-series from 1983, in which four widowed women plan to finish a heist job their dead husbands failed to complete. It stars Elizabeth Debicki, Viola Davis, Carrie Coon, Michelle Rodriguez, Cynthia Erivo, Jacki Weaver, and that doesnt include any of the men, like Andre Holland, Daniel Kaluuya, Jon Bernthal and  do we even need to go on? Oh yeah, and its directed by Steve McQueen.

Alita: Battle Angel

Status: In theaters December 21.

Description: Robert Rodriguez directs this adaptation of the popular manga of the same name, which stars Rosa Salazar as Alita, a cyborg with no memory of herself before being destroyed and put back together. She must solve the secrets of her past while she also changes the world. It also stars Mahershala Ali, which is a win for us all.

The New Mutants

Status: In theaters February 22, 2019.

Description: The next X-Men franchise entry after Dark Phoenix is a haunted-house thriller about a bunch of young mutants who need to escape a derelict medical facility. Anya Taylor-Joy and Maisie Williams topline as Magik and Wolfsbane, respectively.

Close

Status: Categorized as in postproduction, but with no release date.

Description: Noomi Rapace plays an elite bodyguard forced to go on the run with her charge, a billionaire heiress, after a kidnapping attempt.
Every week Vulture highlights the best new music. If the song is worthy of your ears and attention, you will find it here. Read our picks below, share yours in the comments, and subscribe to the Vulture Playlist for a comprehensive guide to the years best music.

Beach House, Lemon Glow

Conventional wisdom says that if youre trying to make a real go of this whole being in a band thing, itd be smart to drastically tweak the formula that made you popular in the first place. Its rare that youll come across an artist who has succeeded because they did the same thing over and over and over again. The Baltimore duo Beach House are one of the few whove found a formula and stuck to it with success. In 2015, though, they released two albums, Depression Cherry and Thank Your Lucky Stars. Both were solid, but didnt reach the same dusky, romantic heights of their previous four releases. Now, with Lemon Glow Beach House have found a way to push their sound into new territory without losing the intimacy and wonder that made their best work so compelling. Lemon Glow is hypnotic and bubbly. Where most Beach House songs grow until they eventually bloom, this one loops on itself endlessly. Its their best single since the last time they had a great single. Sam Hockley-Smith (@shockleysmith)

YG, Suu Whoop

The balance in music between reality and appearance has always been especially hard to maintain when it comes to gangster rap, a genre where the facts are often hard to stomach and the myths have a way of replacing the world they were made to represent. Its a dangerous calling, and YG seems to have been put on Earth to make it that much more so. The lead single from his upcoming third album, Stay Dangerous, is a myth-busting menace where the rising West Coast legend coldly flaunts his Blood bona fides at the expense of clownish red-flag posers far and wide. Produced by J Holt and DJ Mustard, the track marks the renewal of the partnership between YG and Mustard. Though the heavy 808s and weaving keyboard line owe much to Atlanta trap, theres a spareness and firmness specifically tailored to fit YGs no-nonsense attitude. Its a heartening sign for the incoming collection and a much-needed reminder of how just fearsome integrity can be. Frank Guan (@frankophilia)

Frank Ocean, Moon River

We know from Frank Oceans limited-edition Boys Dont Cry magazine that hes a big film enthusiast, but we also knew that long before then. What we didnt know is just how inspired by Breakfast at Tiffanys he is to be moved to the point of covering the wistful Moon River, Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercers Oscar-winning song from the film, sung by Audrey Hepburn herself. And he covered it on Valentines Day no less! (Listen, that day gets even the coldest hearts in their feelings.) Like the best Frank Ocean interpretations, its meditative, simple, vocally mesmerizing, and just plain dreamy. It comes at you like a summer breeze felt from a New York fire escape and carries you away with it, wherever its going. Dee Lockett (@Dee_Lockett)

Dr. Octagon, Octagon Octagon

The character of Dr. Octagon is voiced by absurdist rap legend Kool Keith, who raps about legitimately insane things like too bold for ocean water, monkeys sniffin ice, contact jupiter fools martians bring my rice over lush, psychedelic production from Dan the Automator and expert turntablism from DJ Qbert. Strangely, nonsensical songs that all seemed to take place in or around an intergalactic doctors office, and for some reason featured a whole lot of references to animals, actually ended up crossing over. Released in 1996, the first Dr. Octagon album, Dr. Octagonecologyst, became a cult classic. Now, after more than 20 years and a sequel to the first Dr. Octagon album, which did not feature any production from Dan the Automator, we have Octagon Octagon, a sensitive portrait of American masculinity. Just kidding! I have no idea what this song is about, and thats exactly how I want to feel about any given Dr. Octagon song. Heres a sample lyric: Octagon stadium, where the Octagons play / I hear it everyday, Octagon arena with Octagon orchestra / Octagon milk backstage for every age. Maybe its about biters? SH-S

Vybz Kartel, Real Bad Gal

Despite having been behind bars for over six years, Vybz Kartel, the World Boss, somehow continues to release music on a semi-regular basis. His latest track, Real Bad Gal, sees Kartel pairing up with producer and Mixpak founder, Dre Skull, for the first time since 2011s Kingston Story. Using a surprisingly minimalist beat, Dre Skull and Kartel channel classic 90s-era dancehall for much of the song, mixing tinny Super Cat/Robert Livingstonstyle drums with the contemporary EDM-influenced sound Dre Skull established on Yuh Love back in 2009. Though were just hearing it now, Real Bad Gal has been in the works for several years  as Kartel fans might remember, we first heard a snippet of the track on PartyNextDoors Not Nice in 2016. Luckily, it seems, it was worth the wait. Corinna Burford (@coriburford)

Polo & Pan, Pays Imaginaire

Wow. A dreamy French pop song that drifts in and out of sounding like Debussys Clair de Lune  and the video has clips from The NeverEnding Story and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen? Just @ me next time, Polo & Pan. Jordan Crucchiola (@jorcru)

Mount Eerie, Tintin in Tibet

Like most of Phil Elverums recent work, Tintin in Tibet grapples with the loss of his wife, Genevieve Castree. Elverum writes about his memories of her, and the loss he feels directly, using one specific memory as a way of branching off into what sounds like stream of consciousness, but isnt. The title of this song refers to the times he and Castree read Tintin in Tibet to each other in French, which is a simple, and heartbreakingly mundane memory. But theres more to it than that: Tintin in Tibet is widely considered to be Herges best Tintin story. In it, the titular character searches for a friend who seems to have survived a plane crash in the snowy mountains of Tibet. He isnt sure if his friend is alive, but he goes in search of him nonetheless. Prior to this volume, most Tintin stories had been defined by a specific formula: Tintin solves a mystery, or goes in search of a person/valuable with the help of his friends. There is a nefarious character whom he eventually thwarts.

Tibet bucked those conventions  there is no particular villain, just miles and miles of beautifully illustrated snow. In life, Tintin creator Herge was undergoing a personal crisis. He wanted to abandon Tintin and devote himself to abstract art, an idea he ended up nixing. Knowing this, Tintin in Tibet stands as a journey that is about rediscovering a sense of self during great personal trauma. Elverums song is about a specific memory, but it doesnt take much to connect the dots between the work he remembers reading with Castree, and what that work ended up meaning for its creator. SH-S
Brendan Fraser. Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

After a period of movie superstardom in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Brendan Fraser fell into obscurity. In a long profile for GQ timed to his return to TV in Trust, Fraser digs into the long arc of his career, claiming he backed away from Hollywood, in part, after being sexually assaulted by the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Philip Berk at a luncheon in 2003. Fraser claims Berk reached around, grabbed his behind, and that one of his fingers touches me in the taint. And he starts moving it around  I felt like someone had thrown invisible paint on me, Fraser said.

According to Berk, he pinched Frasers ass in jest  and when Frasers reps asked the HFPA for a written apology at the time, he wrote one, but claimed to GQ that it admitted to no wrongdoing and that Mr. Frasers version is a total fabrication. In the wake of the experience, Fraser started to become depressed, blaming himself for overreacting and not knowing how to deal with his shame, saying it made me retreat. It made me feel reclusive. While other factors contributed to the decline of Frasers career  elsewhere he describes the extensive surgery necessary to recover from the physical exertion of the Mummy franchise  this trauma was certainly part of it. It messed with his sense of who I was and what I was doing, he said. In my mind, at least, something had been taken away from me.

Update, February 23: The HFPA has responded to Frasers claims saying in a statement that it had no prior knowledge of the allegations and has opened an investigation into them.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc. (NYSE:FSM) (TSX:FVI) is pleased to report updated Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates as of December 31, 2017 for the Caylloma Mine located in Peru, the San Jose Mine located in Mexico and the Lindero Project in Argentina.



Jorge A. Ganoza, President and CEO, commented: Our infill drill programs at San Jose and Caylloma mines were successful at replenishing reserves mined in 2017. Mr. Ganoza continued, In addition, the exploration programs over the last year at Caylloma have yielded a 92 percent increase in tonnes of Inferred Resources. This success underpins the potential for this mine to continue presenting opportunities to extend its life.

Highlights of Reserve and Resource Update

Combined Proven and Probable Reserves for the Caylloma and San Jose mines are reported at 6.6 Mt containing 44.8 Moz silver and 273 koz gold, representing year-over-year decreases of 2 percent and 7 percent in contained silver and gold ounces

Combined Inferred Resources for the Caylloma and San Jose mines are reported at 8.3 Mt containing an estimated 39.6 Moz silver and 193 koz gold, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 6 percent in contained silver ounces and a 17 percent decrease in contained gold ounces

Lindero Proven and Probable Reserves are reported at 88.3 Mt containing 1.7 Moz of gold, representing a year-over-year increase of 4 percent in contained gold ounces

Lindero Inferred Resources are reported at 5.7 Mt containing 0.07 Moz of gold, representing a year-over-year decrease of 89 percent in contained gold ounces. The optimization of the ultimate pit shell to schedule only material defined as Mineral Reserves has significantly impacted the reported Mineral Resources due to the exclusion of material at the periphery of the pit.

Mineral Reserves - Proven and Probable Contained

Metal Property Classification Tonnes

(000) Ag

(g/t) Au

(g/t) Pb

(%) Zn

(%) Ag

(Moz) Au

(koz) Mines Caylloma,

Peru Proven 116 92 0.29 1.97 3.05 0.3 1 Probable 1,487 91 0.23 2.27 3.62 4.4 11 Proven + Probable 1,603 91 0.23 2.25 3.58 4.7 12 San Jose,

Mexico Proven 24 151 1.22 N/A N/A 0.1 1 Probable 5,013 248 1.61 N/A N/A 39.9 260 Proven + Probable 5,037 247 1.61 N/A N/A 40.1 261 Total Proven + Probable 6,640 210 1.28 N/A N/A 44.8 273 Projects Lindero,

Argentina Proven 26,009 N/A 0.74 N/A N/A 0.0 618 Probable 62,263 N/A 0.57 N/A N/A 0.0 1,131 Proven + Probable 88,272 N/A 0.62 N/A N/A 0.0 1,749 Total Proven + Probable 44.8 2,022





Mineral Resources - Measured and Indicated Contained

Metal Property Classification Tonnes

(000) Ag

(g/t) Au

(g/t) Pb

(%) Zn

(%) Ag

(Moz) Au

(koz) Mines Caylloma,

Peru Measured 510 78 0.32 1.19 2.29 1.3 5 Indicated 1,386 90 0.32 1.36 2.23 4.0 14 Measured + Indicated 1,896 87 0.32 1.32 2.24 5.3 20 San Jose,

Mexico Measured 34 71 0.55 N/A N/A 0.1 1 Indicated 287 63 0.47 N/A N/A 0.6 4 Measured + Indicated 321 64 0.48 N/A N/A 0.7 5 Total Measured + Indicated 2,217 84 0.34 N/A N/A 6.0 25 Projects Lindero,

Argentina Measured 610 N/A 0.24 N/A N/A 0.0 5 Indicated 11,897 N/A 0.24 N/A N/A 0.0 92 Measured + Indicated 12,507 N/A 0.24 N/A N/A 0.0 97 Total Measured + Indicated 6.0 121





Mineral Resources  Inferred Contained

Metal Property Classification Tonnes

(000) Ag

(g/t) Au

(g/t) Pb

(%) Zn

(%) Ag

(Moz) Au

(koz) Mines Caylloma,

Peru Inferred 5,751 105 0.35 2.82 4.07 19.5 66 San Jose,

Mexico Inferred 2,596 241 1.53 N/A N/A 20.1 128 Total Inferred 8,347 148 0.72 N/A N/A 39.6 193 Projects Lindero,

Argentina Inferred 5,700 N/A 0.36 N/A N/A 0.0 65 Total Inferred 39.6 258

Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources are as defined by CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Mineral Resources are exclusive of Mineral Reserves Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability There are no known legal, political, environmental, or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Mineral Resources or Mineral Reserves Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves are estimated as of June 30, 2017 for San Jose and as of September 30, 2017 for Caylloma and reported as of December 31, 2017 taking into account production-related depletion for the period through December 31, 2017. Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves for Lindero are reported as of September 9, 2017 Mineral Reserves for San Jose are estimated using a break-even cut-off grade of 117 g/t Ag Eq based on assumed metal prices of US$19/oz Ag and US$1,250/oz Au; estimated metallurgical recovery rates of 92% for Ag and 91% for Au and actual operating costs. Mineral Resources are estimated at a 100 g/t Ag Eq cut-off grade with Ag Eq in g/t = Ag (g/t) + Au (g/t) * ((US$1,250/US$19) * (91/92)). Proven + Probable Reserves include 2.74 Mt containing 25.6 Moz of silver and 153 koz of gold reported at a 120 g/t Ag Eq cut-off grade and Inferred Resources totaling 1.36 Mt containing 11.3 Moz of silver and 62 koz of gold reported at a 100 g/t Ag Eq cut-off grade located in the Taviche Oeste concession and subject to a 2.5% royalty Mineral Reserves for Caylloma are estimated using break-even cut-off grades based on estimated NSR values using assumed metal prices of US$19/oz Ag, US$1,250/oz Au, US$2,200/t Pb and US$2,500/t Zn; metallurgical recovery rates of 84% for Ag, 17% for Au, 93% for Pb and 90% for Zn with the exception of high zinc oxide areas that use metallurgical recovery rates of 57% for Ag, 17% for Au, 57% for Pb and 35% for Zn; and actual operating costs. Caylloma Mineral Resources are reported based on estimated NSR values using the same metal prices and metallurgical recovery rates as detailed for Mineral Reserves; and an NSR cut-off grade of US$50/t for veins classified as wide (Animas, Animas NE, Nancy, San Cristobal) and US$135/t for veins classified as narrow (all other veins) Mineral Reserves for Lindero are reported based on open pit mining within designed pit shells based on variable gold cut-off grades and gold recoveries by metallurgical type. Met type 1 cut-off 0.27 g/t Au, recovery 75.4%; Met type 2 cut-off 0.26 g/t Au, recovery 78.2%; Met type 3 cut-off 0.26 g/t Au, recovery 78.5%; and Met type 4 cut-off 0.30 g/t Au, recovery 68.5%. The cut-off grades and pit designs are considered appropriate for long term gold prices of US$1,250/oz. Lindero Mineral Resources are reported within the same conceptual pit shell above a 0.2 g/t Au cut-off grade using a long-term gold price of US$1,250/oz, mining costs at US$1.67 per tonne of material, with total processing and process G&A costs of US$7.84 per tonne of ore and an average process recovery of 75%. The refinery costs net of pay factor were estimated to be US$6.90 per ounce gold. Slope angles are based on 3 sectors (39, 42, and 47) consistent with geotechnical consultant recommendations Eric Chapman, P.Geo. (APEGBC #36328) is the Qualified Person for resources and Edwin Gutierrez (SME Registered Member #4119110RM) is the Qualified Person for reserves, both being employees of Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. Totals may not add due to rounding procedures N/A = Not Applicable

San Jose Mine, Mexico

As of December 31, 2017, the San Jose Mine has Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 5.0 Mt containing 40.1 Moz of silver and 261 koz of gold, in addition to Inferred Resources of 2.6 Mt containing a further 20.1 Moz of silver and 128 koz of gold.

Year-over-year, Mineral Reserves remained unchanged in terms of tonnes and contained silver, while contained gold decreased by 6 percent after net changes resulting from production-related depletion and the upgrading and conversion of Inferred Resources to Mineral Reserves due to a successful infill drill program focused primarily on the Stockwork zones adding 0.7 Mt of new reserves averaging 286 g/t Ag and 1.44 g/t Au. Silver grade decreased 1 percent to 247 g/t and gold grade decreased 6 percent to 1.61 g/t.

Measured and Indicated Resources exclusive of Mineral Reserves decreased year-over-year from 0.8 Mt to 0.3 Mt due to a decrease in operating costs and better commercial terms resulting in the breakeven cut-off grade for reserves decreasing from 127 g/t to 117 g/t Ag Eq.

Year-over-year, Inferred Resources decreased 20 percent and 23 percent in contained silver and gold ounces, respectively. Silver grade decreased 4 percent and gold grade decreased 8 percent. The net variation is due to reductions resulting from the upgrading of Inferred Resources by infill drilling in the Trinidad North and Stockwork zones.

Brownfields exploration program budget for 2018 at the San Jose Mine is US$8.4 million, which includes 45,500 meters of diamond drilling and 340 meters of underground development for drilling access and platforms. Exploration drilling will focus on the Trinidad Central and Trinidad North zones and on the sub-parallel Victoria vein.

An infill drilling program of 6,485 meters for the upgrading of Inferred Resources into Measured or Indicated Resources is underway at the San Jose Mine. The budget of the infill drill program for 2018 is US$0.84 million.

Caylloma Mine, Peru

As of December 31, 2017, the Caylloma Mine has Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 1.6 Mt containing 4.7 Moz of silver and 12 koz of gold, in addition to Inferred Resources of 5.8 Mt containing 19.5 Moz of silver and 66 koz of gold.

Year-over-year, Mineral Reserve tonnes remained unchanged while silver grade decreased 16 percent to 91 g/t, lead grade decreased 6 percent to 2.25%, and zinc grade increased 10 percent to 3.58%. Changes are primarily due to mining related depletion and the upgrading and conversion of Inferred Resources to Mineral Reserves due to a successful infill drill program focused on the Animas NE vein.

Measured and Indicated Resources, exclusive of Mineral Reserves, decreased by 6 percent year-over-year to 1.9 Mt.

Inferred Resources increased by 2.7 Mt or 92 percent year-over-year. Silver grade decreased by 17 percent, whereas lead and zinc grades increased 69 percent and 37 percent, respectively. The increase in Inferred Resources is primarily due to a successful Brownfields exploration drill program of the Animas NE vein that discovered 2.5 Mt of new resources averaging 81 g/t Ag, 3.82% Pb, and 5.42% Zn.

Brownfields exploration program budget for 2018 at the Caylloma Mine is US$2.2 million, which includes 10,250 meters of diamond drilling. Drilling will focus on a previously unexplored area between ore shoots on the Animas NE vein that were discovered in 2017 (see Fortuna news release dated October 11, 2017).

An infill drilling program of 6,150 meters for the upgrading of Inferred Resources into Measured or Indicated Resources is being presently conducted at the Caylloma Mine. The budget of the infill drill program for 2018 is US$0.71 million.

Lindero Project, Argentina

The Lindero Project has Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 88.3 Mt containing 1.7 Moz of gold, in addition to Inferred Resources of 5.7 Mt containing 0.07 Moz of gold (see Fortuna news release dated September 21, 2017).

Year-over-year, Mineral Reserve tonnes increased 7 percent while gold grade decreased 2 percent to 0.62 g/t. Changes are primarily due to increases in the expected metallurgical recoveries based on updated testwork conducted in 2017, adjustments in projected processing and refining costs, and the conversion of Inferred Resources to Mineral Reserves due to the metallurgical infill drill program conducted in late 2016.

Measured and Indicated Resources exclusive of Mineral Reserves decreased year-over-year from 34.8 Mt to 12.5 Mt due to the application of updated metallurgical recoveries and the optimization of the ultimate pit shell.

Year-over-year, Inferred Resources decreased 88 percent in tonnes and 89 percent in contained gold ounces. The net variation is primarily due to the optimization of the ultimate pit shell to schedule only material defined as Mineral Reserves, resulting in the exclusion of 34.2 Mt or 0.47 Moz of Inferred Resources located at the periphery of the updated pit design. In addition, 6.6 Mt or 0.07 Moz of Inferred Resources was upgraded to Mineral Reserves as a consequence of the metallurgical infill drill program and adjustments in the geological interpretation.

The 2018 Brownfields exploration budget at Lindero is US$321,000 which includes investigating the economic potential of including the Arizaro gold-copper porphyry target that lies within the concession block into the existing Lindero resource through additional surface mapping and 2,000 meters of core drilling targeting shallow, high-grade copper-gold mineralization.

An infill drilling program of 2,000 meters is to be conducted at the Lindero Project in the second quarter of 2018 to improve the grade estimates of material planned for mining in Year 1 and collect additional metallurgical samples for testwork in the second half of 2018. The budget of the infill drill program for 2018 is US$460,000.

Qualified Person

The Mineral Resource estimates have been prepared under the supervision of Eric Chapman, Vice President of Technical Services of Fortuna Silver Mines. The Mineral Reserve estimate and the Mineral Resource estimate exclusive of Mineral Reserves were prepared under the supervision of Edwin Gutierrez, Technical Services Corporate Manager for Fortuna Silver Mines.

E. Chapman and E. Gutierrez are Qualified Persons as defined by the National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Chapman is a Professional Geoscientist of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of British Columbia (Registration Number 36328) and is responsible for ensuring that the information contained in this news release is an accurate summary of the original reports and data provided to or developed by Fortuna Silver Mines.

About Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Fortuna is a growth oriented, precious metal producer with its primary assets being the Caylloma silver mine in southern Peru, the San Jose silver-gold mine in Mexico and the Lindero gold Project in Argentina. The company is selectively pursuing acquisition opportunities throughout the Americas and in select other areas. For more information, please visit its website at www.fortunasilver.com .

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Jorge A. Ganoza

President, CEO and Director

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Trading symbols: NYSE: FSM | TSX: FVI

Investor Relations:

Carlos Baca- T (Peru): +51.1.616.6060, ext. 0

Forward looking Statements

This news release contains forward looking statements which constitute forward looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and forward looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, Forward looking Statements). All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are Forward looking Statements and are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the Forward looking Statements. The Forward looking Statements in this news release may include, without limitation, statements about the Companys plans for its mines and mineral properties; the Companys business strategy, plans and outlook; the merit of the Companys mines and mineral properties; mineral resource and reserve estimates; timelines; the future financial or operating performance of the Company; expenditures; approvals and other matters. Often, but not always, these Forward looking Statements can be identified by the use of words such as estimated, potential, open, future, assumed, projected, used, detailed, has been, gain, planned, reflecting, will, containing, remaining, to be, or statements that events, could or should occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

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 be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward looking Statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, whether the Companys activities at its properties will proceed as planned; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; changes in prices for silver and other metals; technological and operational hazards in Fortunas mining and mine development activities; risks inherent in mineral exploration; uncertainties inherent in the estimation of mineral reserves, mineral resources, and metal recoveries; governmental and other approvals; political unrest or instability in countries where Fortuna is active; labor relations issues; as well as those factors discussed under Risk Factors in the Company's Annual Information Form. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in Forward looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward looking Statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the Companys activities at its properties will proceed as planned; expectations regarding mine production costs; expected trends in mineral prices and currency exchange rates; the accuracy of the Companys current mineral resource and reserve estimates; that the Companys activities will be in accordance with the Companys public statements and stated goals; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained; that there will be no significant disruptions affecting operations and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward looking Statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any Forward looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that Forward looking Statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on Forward looking Statements.

This news release also refers to non-GAAP financial measures, such as cash cost per tonne of processed ore; cash cost per payable ounce of silver; total production cost per tonne; all-in sustaining cash cost; all-in cash cost; adjusted net (loss) income; operating cash flow per share before changes in working capital, income taxes, and interest income; and adjusted EBITDA. These measures do not have a standardized meaning or method of calculation, even though the descriptions of such measures may be similar. These performance measures have no meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Reserves and Resources

Reserve and resource estimates included in this news release have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for public disclosure by a Canadian company of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and reserve and resource information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. In particular, the term "resource" does not equate to the term "reserves". Under U.S. standards, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made.

The SEC's disclosure standards normally do not permit the inclusion of information concerning "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" or "inferred mineral resources" or other descriptions of the amount of mineralization in mineral deposits that do not constitute "reserves" by U.S. standards in documents filed with the SEC. You are cautioned not to assume that resources will ever be converted into reserves. You should also understand that "inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. You should also not assume that all or any part of an "inferred mineral resource" will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimated "inferred mineral resources" may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies except in rare cases. You are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an "inferred mineral resource" exists or is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in-place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures. The requirements of NI 43-101 for identification of "reserves" are also not the same as those of the SEC, and reserves reported in compliance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as "reserves" under SEC standards. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth in this news release may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.
David Cross. Photo: Getty Images

Last week, Jeffrey Tambor was officially cut from Transparent after Amazon concluded its investigation into claims of sexual misconduct made against the actor. Today, David Cross is voicing his support for his longtime Arrested Development co-star. The actor told AM New York, I cant speak for everybody, but I know there are a number of us who stand behind him  from the limited amount we know, we stand behind Jeffrey  and I am one of them. He also backed up Tambors frustration with Amazons handling of his dismissal from the show, and questioned the validity of the companys fact-finding methods. I think its very curious that Amazon didnt make public the results of their internal investigation, said Cross. Im not sure why they would do that. I just know the whole thing is rather curious to me. Netflix has yet to comment on whether or not the Amazon investigation would affect Tambors return to Arrested Development. The entire regular cast of the series is signed on to return for the shows fifth season, which has already finished filming and will premiere later this year.
Having so many celebrities on social media these days may demystify Hollywood, but its still a dark environment that serves as the perfect stage for a neo-noir murder mystery. In Gemini, Lola Kirke stars as Jill LeBeau, the personal assistant and best friend of Zoe Kravitzs in-demand starlet, Heather Anderson. Heather is burning out on the life, and feeling increasingly paranoid about her safety, as obsessive fans and abrasive colleagues seem to close in on her. After a terrible crime is committed, Jill becomes both the primary suspect and the person best positioned to solve it. But shell have to evade the law to make that happen. In the clip above, Jill is at the end of a long day of fighting Heathers battles when a too eager fan of the star interrupts their dinner. She bears an uncanny resemblance to Heather, and immediately feels too comfortable invading her personal boundaries. Will the fan factor into the coming tragedy? Or is she just a red herring? Find out when Gemini opens in limited theaters on March 30.
Lupita Nyongo and Trevor Noah. Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Lupita Nyongo is set to star in movie based on Trevor Noahs autobiography Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood. According to Deadline, the Oscar-winning actress will play the comedians mother, Patricia, who raised her mixed-race child (Noah) during Apartheid, when it was illegal for children to be born with parents of different races. The book details Patricias influence on her sons life and her deeply held religious beliefs. Patricia also survived a harrowing incident in which her ex-husband, Noahs stepfather, shot her in the head in 2009.

When I read Trevor Noahs Born a Crime, I could not put the book down, the Black Panther actress wrote on Instagram. Excited to announce that I will be starring in and producing its feature film adaptation!
Meryl Streep. Photo: Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

Meryl Streep would like Harvey Weinsteins legal team to keep her name out of their defense strategy for the disgraced producer. Earlier today, Page Six reported on legal documents in which Weinsteins lawyers used Jennifer Lawrence and Streep as proof that he is not a sexual predator, since neither woman has attested to being molested by him. But the Hollywood icon did not take kindly to Weinsteins team using her to try and exonerate their client. Harvey Weinsteins attorneys use of my (true) statement  that he was not sexually transgressive or physically abusive in our business relationship  as evidence that he was not abusive with many OTHER women is pathetic and exploitive, Streep told Deadline. The criminal actions he is accused of conducting on the bodies of these women are his responsibility, and if there is any justice left in the system he will pay for them  regardless of how many good movies, made by many good people, Harvey was lucky enough to have acquired or financed.

According to Page Six, the lawyers justified invoking Streep because she stated publicly that Weinstein had always been respectful to her in their working relationship, but neither actress spoke in explicit defense of Weinstein. Streep has said she never knew about his alleged abuse until the first exposes were published about him last fall, while Lawrence characterized his presence as a paternal one in their interactions, though added she was aware he was a dog and a brute. In interviews since the early days of the Weinstein scandal started unfolding, Lawrence said the news made her feel sick in my bones, and Streep has said, The behavior is inexcusable, but the abuse of power familiar.
Photo: Bob Berg/Getty Images

In terms of future paths, every band has several bands within it at the beginning. Radiohead was lucky; they got to walk down most of them. Over a career spanning decades, the British quintet has been, at different times, an electronica outfit specializing in cold, alienating brilliance; a delicate art rock collective high on thin, bright, watery lines of melody; a surging wall of guitars, determined to make no points that couldnt be made forcefully; and an electronica outfit specializing in warm, fuzzy recessions; maybe much else that weve somehow neglected to notice. The band seems to have as many looks as the moon has phases, a trait cherished by critics who get easily bored and a tad annoying to fans, who cant help but wish the band would stick with the sound of their favorite album. Though currently Thom Yorke & Co. seem busy curating their past output and suing Lana Del Rey, a long history of abrupt progressions means that theres no way to safely assume theyve run out of new sounds to present.

In this context, the bands first album has always been difficult to grasp. While the bands subsequent collections would each present a distinct, unique aesthetic (or, in the case of 2003s Hail to the Thief, a mishmash of preexisting distinct, unique aesthetics), Pablo Honey, released 25 years ago today, stands apart in its formlessness. Its not a moon in the night sky so much as the cloud in front of it. Powered by Creep, a seething, sullenly explosive lead single which remains the bands highest-charting song in the United States, Pablo Honey sold well and guaranteed the fledgling band a career. But its also the source of a small degree of embarrassment from a band whose ambitions and self-presentation soon progressed beyond its humble beginnings. Heaven forbid anyone should judge us on Pablo Honey, guitarist Ed OBrien said in 1997 as OK Computer blazed a pale trail across the firmament. For a long time, it was the only album whose songs would never be included on tour set lists.

Critics and the band alike seem baffled by an album so atypical, so shapeless  and above all, so sincere. Virtually nothing about Pablo Honey predicts the band that would emerge in The Bends and its successors. For all their sonic differences, what unites them is a pronounced sense of irony, and irony is precisely what Pablo Honey lacks: Its a collection of songs where, even if some of the emotions are double-edged, their tone of delivery is straightforward. The questions of mass communication and social disaffection that Radiohead would mine later on is almost entirely absent as well.

And if the world does turn

And if London burns

Ill be standing on the beach with my guitar

I want to be in a band when I get to heaven

Anyone can play guitar

And they wont be a nothing anymore.

(Anyone Can Play Guitar)

Even a band that comes to be renowned for detachment, it turns out, is subject to the same candor and haziness that tends to typify first albums. Since it hasnt truly sunk in that the band is a public figure, the group operates entirely within its own matrix of influences; for the first and only time, there are no fans expecting anything from them, because there is nothing on which to base expectations. Perhaps not surprisingly  and this is what ties the album to the bands future production  Pablo Honey falls between existing genres. Creep owes its sour dynamism and soft-loud contrast to the Pixies, and the melodic heft of Dinosaur Jr. is a clear inspiration throughout, but in general the coruscating edge of 80s U.S. college rock has been softened by a coolness more British than American; even when they seethe, the songs on Pablo do not sweat. There are tendencies  abetted by the lack of irony  toward popular rock: a Billboard review at the time of release likened certain songs to U2. A BBC review in 2008 detected elements of prog rock. You could even argue that the album presages certain developments in American rock that had yet to take place in 1993: smoothing out the roughness of grunge and displaying a charm at once sweet, bland, and a little acid, Pablo Honey could be described as a British take on a Foo Fighters album two years before the first Foo Fighters album existed; and doesnt Jonny Greenwoods definitive guitar chunk on Creep sound, in retrospect, like the first sign of the rise of nu-metal?

Time and again, the emphasis falls on the indefinite and uncertain: The point is that anyone can play guitar, not on who is actually playing or what the guitar actually sounds like. Dear sir, I have a complaint, Yorke sings on Stop Whispering. But, he adds, I cant remember what it is. The meekness would take on a sarcastic edge in later albums, and the complaints would become more grandly articulate, but something was lost in the evolution too; for all its fumbling, Pablo Honey retains an appeal thats muffled by the reserve and distance of later Radiohead collections. If those albums show off all the different bands that Radiohead could be, their first displays glimpses of the bands they could have become but didnt.

In this sense, the albums final track, Blow Out, is its most intriguing. With its spare, piercing lyrics focused on touch and texture shot through with measured guitar freak-outs, it dramatizes the tension between the bands drive toward formality and a more basic desire for immediate connection. Everything I touch, Yorke mournfully repeats, turns stone. Supple and intense, the song presents a band, mature beyond its years, capable of making its most abstract tendencies palpable and moving. Its a reminder that there still remain possibilities for new pulses and progressions in rock  even if Radiohead, perhaps grasping itself too firmly, seems to be turning into a monument of the genre.
They Charge for the Sun. Photo: Film Independent

With its fully realized, finely detailed vision of the technologically advanced, never-colonized African republic Wakanda, Ryan Cooglers Black Panther is notable for being one of the purest expressions of Afrofuturism rendered on film to date. The term, coined by the academic Mark Dery in his 1994 essay-cuminterview collection Black to the Future  which features insightful perspectives from authors Samuel R. Delany, Greg Tate, and Tricia Rose  has come to connote a flexible artistic aesthetic, and a framework for critical thought thats applicable to multimedia work focused on imagined and alternative global black experiences, often laced with strong political undercurrents. As the author Ytasha Womack writes: Afrofuturism combines elements of science fiction, historical fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy, Afrocentricity, and magic realism with non-western beliefs.

A runaway box-office success and genuine cultural phenomenon, Black Panther may be the highest-profile Afrofuturist artwork to penetrate the public consciousness, but it doesnt exist in a vacuum. Afrofuturist ideas and aesthetics, across a variety of art forms, long predated the terms coinage (see, or rather, read W.E.B. Du Boiss remarkable 1920 short story The Comet), and continue to develop apace today. Multi-hyphenate superstar Janelle Monae is arguably the most notable contemporary proponent of Afrofuturism, having built her entire career around a high-concept and impressively sustained edifice of android androgyny. In the cinematic realm, Black Panther is related to  and in some cases directly inspired by  several spiritual forebears. Here are six of the best.

Space Is the Place (Director: John Coney, 1974)

With a meticulously constructed persona steeped in African mythology, the free-jazz legend Sun Ra (born Herman Blount in Alabama in 1914) is one of the central pillars of Afrofuturistic thought. He also once taught a course at Berkeley in 1971, entitled Afro-American Studies 198: The Black Man in the Cosmos. Heres a reported quote from one of his lectures:

Im thinking about the future of black Egypt, which is outside of the realm of history. History has been very unkind to black people, so actually what Im always talking about is the myth, and nothing that has ever been is part of what Im talking about, because Im saying that black folks need a myth-ocracy instead of a de-mocracy. Because theyre not gonna make it in anything else. Theyre not gonna make it in history.

One of Black Panthers most poignant aspects is its beautifully conceptualized vision of a free, tech-rich African superstate or, in Sun Ras terminology, a myth-ocracy. Ra envisioned his own myth-ocracy in his sole feature film, 1974s Space Is the Place. The plot, such as it is, sees Ra engage in a cosmic card game with a blindingly white-suited megapimp (an amazingly OTT Ray Johnson) to determine the fate of the black race. This unpredictable mixture of interplanetary travel, social commentary, goofy blaxploitation stylistics, and thrilling concert footage is a wild, funny  and oddly moving  ride. It makes for a hell of a double bill with Black Panther.

Yeelen (Director: Souleymane Cisse, 1987)

Whether or not to share the vast knowledge and unlimited resources of Wakanda is the central dilemma that powers the plot of Black Panther. A similar conflict lies at the heart of Yeelen (1987), the spellbinding, Cannes Jury Prizewinning masterpiece by the Malian auteur Souleymane Cisse. Possibly set during the Mali Empire of the 13th century (although the era is never explicitly stated), Yeelen charts the coming-of-age odyssey of a young man possessed of supernatural powers as he prepares for a showdown with his evil and selfish sorcerer father, who will stop at nothing to ensure his son does not share his magical energy. Unlike the megabucks CGI-fest of Black Panther, however, Yeelen derives much of its force from the simple power of Cisses organic artistry, including the utterly staggering use of natural light and widescreen West African landscapes, impressionistic framing, and the occasional, breathtaking cross-fade or cut.

Sankofa (Director: Haile Gerima, 1993)

Black Panther is the rare film that has explicitly striven to open up a serious dialogue around the contrasts and commonalities of experience and history shared between black Africans and African-Americans. Twenty-five years ago, the great Ethiopian-born, U.S.-based director Haile Gerima did a similar thing in his blistering magical-realist drama, Sankofa. Unfolding like a fever dream, it tells the story of an American fashion model in Ghana who, while unwittingly working on a shoot at the Cape Coast Castle  a location which was historically used in the Atlantic slave trade  is magically transported back to the antebellum South. Here, she experiences the horrors of slavery, and ultimately, the redemptive power of community and rebellion. Sankofa is a beautiful and disturbing Afrocentric interrogation of the past through a contemporary lens.

Welcome II The Terrordome (Director: Ngozi Onwurah, 1995)

Bury me in the ocean with my ancestors who jumped from ships, gasps Black Panthers Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) with his dying breaths, cause they knew death was better than bondage. This very situation serves as the opening sequence of this harrowing, little-known sci-fi, which was first film directed by a black British woman to receive a U.K. theatrical release. A haunting prologue set in North Carolina in 1652 sees an Ibo family calmly drown themselves rather than succumb to the chains of slavery, before the film leaps into the near future to immerse the viewer in an apocalyptically bleak slum  the eponymous Terrordome  where crime, drugs, and racism are as rife as the brutality visited upon the majority black inhabitants by the cops. With a title riffing on a fierce Public Enemy cut, Terrordome is a lost (and exceptionally rough-cut) gem of 1990s British cinema which has much to say about contemporary race relations, police brutality, and the limits of progress.

The Last Angel of History (Director: John Akomfrah, 1996)

Much like the characters of Black Panther who flit seamlessly between Oakland and Wakanda, the curious and compelling British docudrama The Last Angel of History presents the Data Thief, a mythical figure who must travel through time, space, and African diasporic history in search of the code that holds the key to his own future. Crafted by the radical, avant-garde British outfit Black Audio Film Collective (now Smoking Dogs Films, and still making great work), The Last Angel of History is a tantalizing blend of sci-fi parable and essay film that also happens to be a fine primer on the aesthetics and dynamics of contemporary Afrofuturism  it was the first film to include the then-recently minted term. Compelling interviews with musicians (Lee Scratch Perry, George Clinton), writers (Samuel R. Delany, Octavia Butler) and cultural critics (Greg Tate, Kodwo Eshun)  plus a vast range of archival video and photography, combine to create a heady brew.

They Charge for the Sun (Director: Terence Nance, 2017)

Nances beguiling short film plunges us into a future where people live nocturnally to avoid the harmful rays of the sun, and must pay exorbitant rates to bask in its rays under controlled conditions. It would be criminal to spoil it here, but this chilly dystopian vignette ends with a surprise twist thats simultaneously out of this world and totally down-to-earth: a hymn to the natural magic of melanin. Nance is but one of an inspiring and singularly talented crop of young, contemporary black filmmakers  including JaTovia Gary, Kahlil Joseph, Frances Bodomo and Jenn Nkiru  who are making Afrofuturist-flavored work in a variety of spaces, from short films to music videos and gallery installations.
A staple in the Athens community is one step closer to remodeling and expanding their facility.

The Limestone County commission gave the Alabama Veterans Museum nearly 15 thousand dollars for the expansion --- that money is going directly toward tearing down a dock on the property and putting up a new building in its place.

"There's so much history here and it'll give us a better opportunity to spread the word about what our veterans have done, what the military has done," said regular volunteer Yvonne Dempsey.

"Expansion would give us about seven thousand more square feet and would allow us to showcase things we have gotten from our volunteers," said volunteer Tyre Benefield.

Expansion is exactly what the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives is getting.

On Tuesday -- the Limestone County commission gave nearly 15 thousand dollars to Hawkins Ground Work. That company will knock the dock that's been standing on the property since the early 1900s.

Museum officials and volunteers say they've been looking to expand for the past 10 years. They told WAAY 31, they are eagerly anticipating the new building -- which will include classrooms, a library and more room for artifacts -- and say they wouldn't have been able to do it without the help of the commission.

However, that donation is not the end of the road. Right now the museum has raised 300 thousand dollars on its own -- but hope to have a million raised by the end of may with 2.2 million dollars as the end goal.

"Once people see what we're doing they're start to get excited," said museum director Sandy Thompson.

Those who spend majority of their time at the museum say they're feeling hopeful about its expansion and its ability to give the Athens and Limestone county community insight into history.

"We enjoy giving people tours and telling them about our history," Benefield said.

"It'll be a big boom for the community," said Dempsey.

As far as when construction will begin, they say they're hoping soon, but a date has not been determined.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Civil rights groups are again challenging a federal judge's ruling that an Alabama law requiring government-issued photo ID for voting is not discriminatory.

The Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Greater Birmingham Ministries and minority voters filed an appeal in U.S. District Court in northern Alabama on Tuesday. The organizations sued in 2015, arguing that the law disenfranchises 100,000 voters. Most are black and Latino.

U.S. District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler ruled in favor of the state in January. Alabama's Secretary of State said the government provides a mobile-home service to issue IDs but acknowledged only five visits have taken place since the lawsuit was filed.

The plaintiffs are asking for the canceled trial to be rescheduled and the issue resolved before the state's midterm primary elections in June.

(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

2/22/2018 11:42:49 AM (GMT -6:00)
MOBILE, AL (WALA) -- A Mobile Police officer was shot and killed Tuesday night in Toulminville.

Mobile Police Chief Lawrence Battiste said Officer Justin Billa was shot as he approached a murder suspect in the area of Crawford Lane and Avondale Court near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

Police said the killer, identified as Robert Hollie, 72, killed his ex-wife, Fonda Poellnitz, 58, earlier Tuesday night near her home on West Ridge Road. Poellnitz's daughter said Hollie lived in a house on Avondale Court and that's where he encountered the police officer.

Minutes after Officer Billa was shot, Mobile Police officers surrounded the home and Hollie started firing more shot at them. Chief Battiste said his officers returned fire. About three hours later, police found Hollie dead inside the house.

Billa joined the Mobile Police Department in January 2016. He was named Officer of the Month in June 2016.

FOX10 News interviewed Billa the following month about making a difference and building relationships in the community.

"We need to go back to helping people instead of just taking them to jail and creating bigger problems," Officer Billa said in July 2016. "That's my ideal of good policing and I feel like that's what the chief is working towards."

During that interview, Billa also told FOX10 News that he shares a moment with his wife every day before he goes to work.

"She tells me she loves me every day before I leave for work. And I make sure I do the same."

Officer Justin Billa leaves behind a wife and a 1-year-old son.

Wednesday morning, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson issued the following statement: Today we mourn the loss of Officer Justin Billa who was killed last night while responding to a call for service. Officer Billa had been with the Mobile Police Department since 2016 and served our citizens with honor and distinction during that time. Officer Billas death affects more than just the Mobile Police Department. The death of a first responder in the line of duty is a loss that affects the entire city. This morning we grieve for the family and friends of Officer Billa who have lost a father, a son, a husband and a trusted colleague. I offer my prayers in addition to the full support of the city as we deal with this tragedy."

Also, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statement. The governor said:

"Alabama is mourning the loss of one of our own Mobile Police Officer Justin Billa who was killed in the line of duty. My prayers are with his wife, young child and the city of Mobile."

Ivey ordered flags across Alabama to be displayed at half-staff to honor Billa's life and sacrifice.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

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(CNN) -- Surveillance footage from the Florida high school where 17 people were gunned down was not live, as responding officers initially thought -- it was actually on tape delay, the Sun Sentinel newspaper reported.

The video images were "delayed 20 minutes, and nobody told us that," Coral Springs police Chief Tony Pustizzi told the Sun Sentinel.

But Coral Springs police Capt. Brad McKeone, one of the responding officers, said the tape delay did not hinder the police response to the victims.

"It had no delay. It didn't slow us down to getting us to anybody," McKeone told CNN.

The main difference, McKeone said, was that officers thought they were going to confront the gunman. In reality, the shooter had already left Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

"I expected to be in a gunbattle," McKeone said.

Broward County Public Schools has not responded to CNN's request for comment Thursday about the school surveillance system. The Broward County Sheriff's Office, which is now leading the shooting investigation, also has not explained why the video was on tape delay.

Gunman was already at Walmart

While the tape delay might not have increased the number of casualties, it did hamper efforts in locating the gunman.

McKeone told CNN about 20 to 25 officers were on the first, second and third floors of the school when they thought the shooter was still inside.

"Somebody would say, 'He's on the second floor,' and we had guys on the second floor saying, 'We're on the second floor, we don't see him.' That's when we figured out there's a tape delay," Pustizzi told the Sun Sentinel.

Police scanner traffic from the streaming website Broadcastify detailed what police thought was happening at 2:54 p.m. on February 14:

"They are monitoring the subject right now," one person says. "He went from the third floor to the second floor. He may have a gas mask on now. Stand by for further. They're monitoring him on camera."

But according to a timeline provided by the Broward County Sheriff's Office, the suspect purchased a drink at a Subway restaurant inside a Walmart store at 2:50 p.m. -- four minutes before the scanner traffic said the gunman was still on the second floor of the school.

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Finnish English

Apetit plc, Investor News on 22 February 2018 at 1:00 pm

Apetit Plc will publish its Financial Statements Bulletin 2017 on Thursday, 1 March 2018 at 8:30 a.m. The Financial Statements Bulletin 2017 can be found on the companys web pages at apetitgroup.fi/en after its publishing.

A briefing (in Finnish) for analysts and media will be held on 1 March 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in Hotel Scandic Simonkentta, meeting room Espa (address: Simonkatu 9, Helsinki). In the briefing CEO Juha Vanhainen presents Financial Statements Bulletin. The presentation material will be also published on company web pages after the event.

Please inform of your participation to Mrs Tuija Osterberg, tel. +358 10 402 2110 or e-mail tuija.osterberg@apetit.fi.

Apetit Plc

For more information, please contact:

Sanna Vaisanen, Director, Communications and IR, tel. +358 10 402 4041
(CNN Money) -- Elon Musk's goal of delivering high-speed internet to the world just got a little closer to reality.

SpaceX on Thursday launched a rocket carrying two experimental satellites from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The satellites will test out the technology the company plans to use for its internet service, according to public filings.

The company kept the test satellites largely under wraps and chose to focus on the primary payload for Thursday's launch -- a defense and security satellite for the Spanish government called PAZ.

But Musk confirmed in a tweet the small internet satellites, which hitched a ride along with PAZ, made it into orbit. He said the satellites, nicknamed "Tintin A" and "Tintin B," will attempt to beam the words "hello world" when they pass over Los Angeles Friday morning.

SpaceX's internet ambitions have the support of Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai. On February 14, Pai urged the FCC to approve SpaceX's broader proposal to deliver "broadband services directly to [people] anywhere in the United States or around the world" at speeds similar to the quickest ground-based internet connections.

SpaceX eventually wants to put more than 10,000 tiny satellites into Low-Earth Orbit. The satellites will whisk around the planet about 335 km (208 miles) to 1,325 km (823 miles) above the Earth's surface.

Billions of people around the globe still lack internet access, so companies have been racing to find a better way to beam internet down from the sky.

Related: FCC chairman backs SpaceX plan for internet satellites

They include OneWeb, a startup that's attracted backing from the likes of Richard Branson's Virgin Group, Coca-Cola and Qualcomm. It has approval from the FCC to send internet satellites into orbit.

If SpaceX gets approval for its satellite project, it'll be a first for an American-based company in the race to provide internet via Low-Earth Orbit satellites, FCC Chairman Pai said.

Some of SpaceX's internal financial documents obtained by the Wall Street Journal last year show the company has high expectations for this satellite network.

"SpaceX projected the satellite-internet business would have over 40 million subscribers and bring in more than $30 billion in revenue by 2025," the Journal reported.

The PAZ satellite that SpaceX delivered for the Spanish government will stay in orbit for about five and a half years, making full loops around Earth 15 times per day, according to Airbus, the primary contractor for Paz. And it will capture images of our home planet -- day or night and no matter what the weather looks like -- using radar technology.

Earlier this month, SpaceX drew public attention with the launch of its massive new rocket, Falcon Heavy, which is now the most powerful operational rocket in the world.

There are plans to fly a communications satellite and a payload for the U.S. Air Force on board a Falcon Heavy later this year. But Thursday's launch used a Falcon 9, the rocket SpaceX has flown since 2010.

SpaceX is famous for its gravity defying attempts to land rocket boosters after launch. It's successfully completed the task after more than 20 launches. The boosters -- which account for about 60% of the cost of a rocket -- are guided home so they can be is to reused on future missions, bringing down the price tag of a single launch.

The rocket flown on Thursday used one of those pre-flown boosters, but SpaceX did not attempt another landing.

It did, however, attempt to recover the rocket's fairing, which is the white nose cone at the tip of the rocket that protects the satellites during launch.

A large ship outfitted with an enormous net, nicknamed "Mr. Steven," went out to sea in an attempt to catch the fairing.

Musk confirmed via social media that the fairing missed the boat, but landed in one piece nearby.

"Missed by a few hundred meters, but fairing landed intact in water," Musk posted on Twitter. "Should be able catch it with slightly bigger chutes to slow down descent."

--Seth Fiegerman and Dave Goldman contributed to this report.

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A state board has approved Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital's request for a cancer center that would be located next to the new North Alabama Medical Center.

On Wednesday the state Certificate of Need Board approved the request from ECM and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System in a 4-1 vote. The proposed facility would expand ECM's current treatment services and add technology and resources from UAB, hospital officials said.

"The community has been asking for this, they want it. I think we do have a precedence of cancer more than some other areas - I dont know why that is. We also have more of an elderly population which can lend itself to cancer," said North Alabama Medical Center CEO Russell Pigg.

The facility would be located adjacent to the North Alabama Medical Center, which is scheduled to open on Veterans Drive in Florence later this year. The new medical center will replace ECM Hospital.

"Bringing a cancer center just makes sense," Pigg said. "It's something else that people can just stay home and get there care for. We want to bring what other communities have to the Shoals area."

The cancer center would provide medical oncology and infusion therapy, along with other cancer treatments. Hospital officials said it would also let patients continue care with their oncologist and allow treatment plans to be administered in Florence.
HOUSTON , Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dril-Quip, Inc. (NYSE:DRQ) today announced that Dril-Quip Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, its wholly-owned subsidiary based in Singapore, has been awarded a contract to supply top tensioned riser (TTR) systems and related services for the development of the Ca Rong Do Project located offshore Vietnam operated by Repsol with the participation of Mubadala, PVEP and PetroVietnam.



Dril-Quip will provide a drilling TTR system and multiple TTR systems for the production, gas injection and water injection wells. The systems will include tie back connectors, tapered stress joints, riser joints, riser connectors, keel joints, tensioner joints, spool joints, flexible jumpers, surface wellheads, surface trees, control umbilicals and tensioner systems.

Blake DeBerry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dril-Quip, stated, We are pleased to be awarded this significant contract that would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our employees at multiple locations around the world. We believe the enhanced product offerings resulting from our January 2017 acquisition of OilPatch Technologies (OPT) also played an important role in our successful proposal, and we look forward to further strengthening our position as a leading provider of TTR systems by successfully executing on this project.

About Dril-Quip

Dril-Quip is a leading manufacturer of highly engineered drilling and production equipment for use onshore and offshore, but which is particularly well suited for use in deepwater, harsh environment and severe service applications.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the provision of equipment and services, the estimated value of the contract and the expected timing of delivery. Forward-looking statements are based upon certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors. These statements are subject to risks beyond the Companys control, including, but not limited to, the volatility of oil and natural gas prices and cyclicality of the oil and gas industry, the Companys international operations, decisions made by the Companys customers and suppliers, operating risks, and other factors detailed in the Companys public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain material factors that could cause the Companys actual results to differ from those contemplated in this press release include, but are not limited to, the amount of products actually ordered pursuant to the contract, the Companys ability to successfully manufacture and deliver, and the customers acceptance of, the products ordered. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.
TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cobalt 27 Capital Corp. (Cobalt 27 or the Company) (TSXV:KBLT) (FRA:27O) is pleased to announce that it has acquired a 1.75% Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty on all future production over all metals from the Dumont Nickel-Cobalt Project (the Dumont Project), which contains the world's largest undeveloped, permitted, and construction-ready reserves of nickel and cobalt, located in the geopolitically secure and mining-friendly Abitibi region of the Canadian province of Quebec.



Investment Highlights1:

RNC Minerals Corporation (RNC Minerals) holds the operating interest in the advanced-stage Dumont Nickel-Cobalt Project which is positioned to deliver nickel and cobalt for, among other things, use in electric vehicle and grid storage batteries. Production is anticipated to commence in 2020.



Cobalt 27 is not raising capital to fund the acquisition of the NSR, which is immediately accretive to NAV per share.

The Dumont Project is a nickel sulphide project making it ideal for producing nickel and cobalt material feed to be sold directly into the battery industry. Only 50% of the worlds nickel mine supply is suitable for battery manufacturing. The Dumont Project is the second largest nickel reserve and the largest undeveloped cobalt reserve globally.

The Dumont Project is a long-life nickel and cobalt project with an initial 33-year life of mine, over 1 billion tonnes of reserves, and the potential for significant future expansion, up to an additional 30 years, from equally large nickel and cobalt resources. The NSR has a 60 year term plus an automatic 60 year renewal.

Proven and probable reserves of 1.18 billion tonnes of ore containing 3.15 million tonnes (6.9 billion pounds) of nickel and 126,000 tonnes (278 million pounds) of cobalt.



The NSR covers all metals produced from the Dumont Project, including Nickel, Cobalt, Platinum and Palladium.



Initial annual production of 33 ktpa (73 million pounds) of nickel and 1.0 ktpa of cobalt (2.3 million pounds) contained in concentrate, with production to be expanded in year five to an annual average of 51 ktpa (113 million pounds) of nickel and 2.0 ktpa (4.3 million pounds) of cobalt. The production profile of the company will make it a critical source of raw materials from a safe jurisdiction to both the automobile and grid storage industries at a time when few development stage projects exist globally, and almost no such projects exist in stable jurisdictions.



The timing and project location (Canada) are of particular note, considering the continued armed conflict and potential mining code changes in the DRC  home to over 65% of world cobalt production.



The Dumont Project is a low cost, large scale development project with a low strip ratio of 1.1:1 and major supporting infrastructure including road, rail, power and water in place.



To be paid quarterly in U.S. dollars once the Project enters production, Cobalt 27 anticipates the Dumont NSR royalty will provide the Company with cash flow over the 33 year initial life of mine, and beyond.

We are very pleased to add the Dumont NSR to our portfolio and the timing couldnt be better. At a time when the DRC, which produces over 65% of the worlds cobalt, grows ever-more unstable, OEMs, battery manufacturers, and automobile companies, are increasingly focused on sourcing nickel and cobalt in stable, conflict-free jurisdictions. The Dumont Nickel-Cobalt Project is a world-class, North American nickel-cobalt development asset, located in one of the worlds best mining jurisdictions. As the second-largest nickel reserve and the largest undeveloped cobalt reserve globally, it ranks among the top battery metals projects in the world and one of only a few nickel-cobalt projects that will be built this cycle, commented Anthony Milewski, Chairman of Cobalt 27.

The 1.75% NSR royalty contains a US$15 million buyback right to the Dumont joint venture to repurchase 0.375% of the 1.75% NSR (Repurchase Option), which if exercised would result in a 1.375% remaining NSR. The terms of the Repurchase Option imply a US$70 million value for the entire 1.75% NSR. The one-time Repurchase Option is only exercisable on the third, fourth or fifth anniversary of the original royalty agreement dated July 8, 2015.

The Dumont NSR royalty will be the Companys first investment in its new wholly-owned subsidiary, Electric Metals Streaming Corp. (Electric Metals Streaming), which will also hold Cobalt 27s future streaming and royalty investments and is incorporated in the Province of Ontario. Cobalt 27 is currently negotiating additional cobalt streaming and royalty agreements where cobalt is mined as a byproduct metal and intends to finalize the first of several cobalt streaming agreements over the next year.

With todays announcement, Cobalt 27 continues to be ideally positioned to take advantage of the early stages of the technology metals upcycle where large-scale, base metal producers are actively seeking to leverage cobalt byproducts to fund mine expansion and repay debt using alternative, non-dilutive sources of capital, further stated Mr. Milewski With the formation of Electric Metals Streaming, our plan is to build on the Companys 2017 acquisition of 2,982 tonnes of physical cobalt, to provide shareholders with near-term revenue and cash flow, diversified asset exposure and additional future avenues for growth.

Mr. Justin Cochrane, Director and President of Cobalt 27, has been appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Electric Metals Streaming. Electric Metals Streaming will be overseen by an independent Streaming Committee of the board of directors of Cobalt 27. Mr. Cochrane will continue in his role as Director, President and COO of Cobalt 27.

Completion of the acquisition of the NSR is subject to certain customary conditions of closing, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, and is expected to be completed shortly. Cobalt 27 has not received any scientific or technical information in respect of the Dumont Nickel-Cobalt Project that is not otherwise publicly available. The scientific and technical information in respect of the Dumont Nickel-Cobalt Project in this release is derived in its entirety from Royal Nickel Corporations publicly filed disclosures and Cobalt 27 has not independently verified any such information.

In connection with the acquisition BMO Capital Markets acted as financial advisor to Cobalt 27 and Stikeman Elliott LLP acted as the Companys legal advisor.

About Cobalt 27 Capital Corp.

Cobalt 27 Capital Corp. is a minerals company that offers direct exposure to cobalt, an integral element in key technologies of the electric vehicle and battery energy storage markets. The Company owns over 2,982 Mt of physical cobalt and manages a portfolio of cobalt royalties. The Company intends to continue investing in a cobalt-focused portfolio of streams, royalties and direct interests in mineral properties containing cobalt, while potentially adding to its cobalt physical holdings when opportunities arise.

For further information please visit the Company website at www.co27.com or contact:

Betty Joy LeBlanc, BA, MBA

Director, Corporate Communications

+1-604-828-0999

info@co27.com

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. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release.

Forward-Looking Information: This press release contains certain information which constitutes forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation: statements pertaining to the Dumont Nickel-Cobalt Project (including with respect to anticipated life of mine, timing of commencement of production, future rates of production, anticipated capital and operating expenses, and mineral reserves and resources); statements pertaining to the implied value of the NSR and the length of payments; statements pertaining to the anticipated performance of operations at the Dumont Nickel-Cobalt Project; statements pertaining to the Democratic Republic of Congo; statements pertaining to the OEM, battery and automobile industries; and statements pertaining to completion of the acquisition of the NSR and the timing thereof. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the Company's control. For more details on these and other risk factors see the Companys most recent Annual Information Form on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the heading Risk Factors. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties underlying these forward-looking statements materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements could vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this release and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise it to reflect new events or circumstances. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

1 All scientific and technical information in respect of the Dumont Nickel-Cobalt Project is based on a NI 43-101 Technical Report entitled Technical Report on the Dumont Ni Project, Launay and Trecesson Townships, Quebec, Canada dated July 25, 2013 and available at www.rncminerals.com and under Royal Nickel Corporation's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Spring Hope, North Carolina, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hemp, Inc. (OTC PINK: HEMP), a global leader in the industrial hemp industry with the largest hemp mill in the western hemisphere, announced today that the Company applauds the Alaska House of Representatives for unanimously passing Senate Bill 6 Monday, legalizing industrial hemp and establishing a pilot program for its growth and production. The bill was passed with a vote of 36-0.

SB-6 is an Act relating to the regulation and production of industrial hemp; relating to industrial hemp pilot programs; providing that industrial hemp is not included in the definition of 'marijuana'; providing that cannabidiol oil is not included in the definition of 'hashish oil'; clarifying that adding industrial hemp to food does not create an adulterated food product; and providing for an effective date, according to Alaska State Legislations website.

Hemp, Inc. and wholly-owned subsidiary Industrial Hemp Manufacturing, LLC have been on the frontlines of advocating for and assisting with legislation that supports the hemp industry nationwide, including in Alaska. Industrial Hemp Manufacturing Regional Sales Manager Jack Bennett recently spoke with CBS-affiliated KTVA regarding the industrys support for SB.

Our team has been instrumental in advocating for legislation that will allow hemp farming, manufacturing, and production to flourish nationwide, said David Schmitt, COO, Industrial Hemp Manufacturing, LLC. We dedicate countless hours to working with lawmakers and policy influencers to educate them about the benefits of hemp for the U.S. economy as well as provide valuable input on the drafting of legislation to ensure the long-term success of these programs.

Next, SB-6 will go to the Senate for a vote.

To view the KTVA news clip, click here.

ABOUT HEMP, INC.

With a deep-rooted social and environmental mission at its core, Hemp, Inc. seeks to build a business constituency for the American small farmer, the American veteran, and other groups experiencing the ever-increasing disparity between tapering income and soaring expenses. As a leader in the industrial hemp industry with ownership of the largest commercial multi-purpose industrial hemp processing facility in North America, Hemp, Inc. believes there can be tangible benefits reaped from adhering to a corporate social responsibility plan.

SOCIAL NETWORKS:

http://www.twitter.com/hempinc (Twitter)

http://www.facebook.com/hempinc (Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/KingOfPot (Bruce Perlowins Facebook Page)

https://www.facebook.com/TheHempUniversity/ (The Hemp University's Facebook Page)

http://investorshangout.com/Hemp-Inc-HEMP-87248/ (Investors Hangout)

SUBSCRIBE TO HEMP, INC.S VIDEO UPDATES:

"Hemp, Inc. Presents" is capturing the historic, monumental re-creation of the hemp decorticator today as America begins to evolve into a cleaner, green, eco-friendly sustainable environment. What many see as the next American Industrial Revolution is actually the Industrial Hemp Revolution. Watch as Hemp, Inc., the No. 1 leader in the industrial hemp industry, engages its shareholders and the public through each step in bringing back the hemp decorticator as described in the "Freedom Leaf Magazine" article "The Return of the Hemp Decorticator" by Steve Bloom.

"Hemp, Inc. Presents" is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by visiting www.hempinc.com. To subscribe to the "Hemp, Inc. Presents" YouTube channel, be sure to click the subscribe button.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURES

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Hemp, Inc.

(855) HEMP-OUT

info@hempinc.com

http://www.hempinc.com

For Investor Relations, please send correspondence to:

ir@hempinc.com
Wanted: discrete volunteers who can distinguish between a deep, double woo-hoo hoot and a soft, deep, and continuous low oom oom oom sound.

The Powerful Owl, which is listed as vulnerable in Queensland, has been increasingly observed in urban areas of the past few decades, according to BirdLife Southern Queensland project officer Rob Clemens.

A Powerful Owl. Credit:Alyssa Sbisa, 2015, courtesy birdlifephotography.org.au

So the organisation has put out the call for south-east Queensland residents to become citizen scientists to help monitor the bird after the success of a similar initiative in Sydney.

The long-term conservation of this species will require management actions within urban environments, Mr Clemens told the Jimboomba Times.
Revelations of dodgy donations, travel rorts and the cosy relationship between politicians and industry lobbyists appear to have battered people's trust in Australia's public sector, pushing the nation downwards in a global corruption index.

Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index shows Australia's score has fallen another two points - from 79 out of 100 down to 77 - reflecting growing community scepticism about the integrity of the nation's institutions.

The anti-corruption organisation says while Australia's ranking is unchanged - it remains equal 13th out of 180 countries - its score has slipped eight points since the index began in its current form in 2012.

Inappropriate industry lobbying has damaged perceptions of Australia, according to Transparency International. Credit:Louie Douvis

This suggests a loss of trust in the Australian public sector and the perception, at best, that

corruption has gotten worse in only a few short years, said Transparency International Australia chief executive Serena Lillywhite.
Malcolm Turnbull has dismissed the idea China presents a "threat" to Australia despite new moves by US authorities to counter Chinese political influence, ahead of the Prime Minister's talks on regional security with US President Donald Trump this week.

Mr Turnbull warned against a "cold war" view of China and sought to emphasise its role in preventing a nuclear crisis with North Korea, which he described as the "first" priority in dealing with strategic threats to Australia.

"A threat, technically, is a combination of capability and intent. China has enormous capability of course, it's growing as the country becomes more prosperous and economically stronger. But we do not see any hostile intent from China," Mr Turnbull told Sky News ahead of his visit to Washington DC.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington DC later this week. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

"We don't see the region through what is frankly an out-of-date Cold War prism. Neither, by the way, does Donald Trump. President Trump has a long experience in this part of the world as a businessman. He understands the significance, the economic significance of China's rise and its opportunity."
Acting Prime Minister Mathias Cormann has backed Barnaby Joyce after the Deputy Prime Minister emerged from his week on leave to insist there was no wrongdoing stemming from his affair and urging people to "move on" from the scandal.

In an interview with Fairfax Media, the Nationals leader has insisted Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and other colleagues - based on a "don't ask, don't tell" understanding - had not known about the relationship when his lover Vikki Campion was appointed to a series of jobs.

Mr Joyce also reiterated his view that Ms Campion was not his partner at the time, which would have made the appointments a breach of the ministerial code of conduct. During the interview at the couple's Armidale apartment, Ms Campion produced payslips to downplay her salary in those positions.

But Nationals MP Andrew Broad has fired a shot at his leader, making a public suggestion that Mr Joyce's position was untenable.
Australian victims of notorious St John of God Brother Bernard McGrath have urged New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to include churches in a child abuse royal commission after McGrath's fight against extradition from New Zealand stopped the Australian royal commission from a public inquiry into the Catholic order.

Victims, their families and advocates in Australia and New Zealand are mobilising after the New Zealand government established the child abuse royal commission on February 1, but controversially failed to include sport- and faith-based institutions, and restricted investigations to sexual and physical abuse allegations between 1950 and 1999 where the state was involved.

Bernard McGrath. Credit:Judith Whitfield

Ms Ardern and Children's Minister Tracey Martin said the royal commission could investigate abuse cases involving children under state care in church facilities but the inquiry was "about the people, not the institutions".

The restriction could rule out up to 50 per cent of complainants, critics say.
NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Research teams from top executive search firms in the UK, Europe and beyond will convene for AESC's Executive Research Forum on March 22, 2018 at Londons St. Ermin's Hotel.



AESC Global Chair, Paul Benson of Korn Ferry, will open the event sharing insights on the executive search profession in an era of widespread disruption and lightning-fast change.

Clare Mahon, AESC Managing Director for the Europe & Africa region, will guide participants on the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and its impact on the role of executive researchers. The session will cover how, when, and why research teams solicit, use, access, and store personal data, as well as determine legitimate interest and consent of candidates, sources, and referees.

Kelsey Froehlich and Ekaterina Tomashchuk of Mintz Group, a global leader in due diligence and investigations services, will lead an engaging session on uncovering potential issues through smarter research.

American expert trainer to global research teams, Rachel Roche, will take participants through an interactive session on new strategies and concrete methods to maximize every moment of the candidate conversation.

Vera Klaus of Phoenix Executive, a recruitment research company, will lead a hands-on session on best practices for the mapping of organisations. The session will cover various ways to generate quality organisational maps, including internet research and cold-calling, and the importance of telephone research and referrals.

Laura Stoker of AIRS, a world leader in recruitment training, will examine the changes taking place with professional networking sites, demonstrate other options available for finding candidates, and share fast sourcing ideas to make locating candidates off the beaten path easier.

Karen Greenbaum, AESC President and CEO, commented: "AESC Forums provide cutting-edge professional insights in a dynamic, non-competitive, interactive environment. The focus is on sharing best practices, emerging research techniques and tools, and different approaches to the challenges faced by today's executive research teams.

AESC's event is sponsored by AESC partners AIRS, The Cluen Corporation, Invenias, Mintz Group and Phoenix Executive. To learn more about AESC's Executive Research Forum, or to register, please visit the AESC website at www.aesc.org.

About the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants

AESC is the voice of excellence for the executive search and leadership consulting profession worldwide. Its rigorous Code of Professional Practice guides our members in nearly 1,300 offices in 74 countries and beyond to serve as strategic advisors on behalf of their clients. In turn, AESC members are best positioned to provide companies with a competitive advantagethe ability to find, attract and develop the best talent in the world and ensure that executives are successfully integrated.

Contact:

Joe Chappell, AESC

jchappell@aesc.org

+ 1 (646) 757 5492


Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has confirmed Israel helped Australian authorities thwart an alleged plot to blow up an airliner flying out of Sydney last year.

His comments followed remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday that Israeli intelligence services had prevented the downing of an "Australian airliner" as part of wide-ranging international intelligence-sharing.

Referring to the case last July of an alleged plot to bring down an Etihad Airways plane, Mr Dutton confirmed Israel had provided the original tip-off to Australian intelligence officials.

"I can confirm it. In doing so I want to thank the Israelis very much. Obviously we've got a very close working relationship with them," he told Sky News on Thursday.
Bauchi, Nigeria: The Nigerian military has rescued 76 schoolgirls and recovered the bodies of two others of the more than 90 students who went missing during a Boko Haram attack on a village.

The students were feared missing after the attack on the village of Dapchi in the northeastern state of Yobe, two sources told Reuters.

Reuters was unable to determine the situation of the remaining missing students.

The disappearance, if confirmed, would be one of the largest since Boko Haram abducted more than 270 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok in 2014. That case drew global attention to the nine-year insurgency, which has sparked what the United Nations has called one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
Washington: Special Counsel Robert Mueller has filed a new set of criminal charges against US President Donald Trump's former campaign aides Paul Manafort and Rick Gates that include bank and tax fraud, escalating a legal battle that started last year.

Manafort and Gates are already facing criminal charges, filed by Mueller's office last October, that include conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy to defraud the United States and failure to register as foreign agents for political work they did for a pro-Russian Ukrainian political party.

They were among the first to be charged as part of Mueller's investigation into whether the Trump presidential campaign colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 election. Trump has denied any collusion took place.

The latest indictment, filed on Thursday, includes allegations of wrongdoing as recently as January 2017 and said Manafort and Gates were desperate for cash when their lobbying business dried up.
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: OZ Management LP and

Och-Ziff Management Europe Ltd (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 GVC Holdings 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 21 February 2018 (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" Yes

If YES, specify which:

Ladbrokes Coral Group plc

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:



Euro 0.01 ordinary (IM00B5VQMV65)



Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: (2) Cash-settled derivatives:



6,865,814 2.262 1,550,000 0.511 (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:



TOTAL: 6,865,814 2.262 1,550,000 0.511

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





(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 Euro 0.01 ordinary CFD increasing a short position 50,000 GBP 9.19

(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"









(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"









(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO





Date of disclosure: 22 February 2018



Contact name: Janine Frederick Telephone number: 02077584420

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
Freedom Leaf Announces Hempology CBD Line Now Available In Multiple Retail Locations Across the Country







LAS VEGAS, NV , Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freedom Leaf, Inc. (OTCQB: FRLF) today announced it has filed its 10Q for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017.

Noted recently hired CFO Richard Groberg: Given my insertion into the middle of the year-end process, the tax law changes, international acquisitions, the retirement of all convertible debt repayments and equity infusions before and after quarter end, that was quite the learning curve. Im looking forward to now turning part of my attention to the numerous revenue-generating projects the Company has initiated.

"Thanks to the efforts of our new CFO and our team, we now expect to move quickly into a new phase of the Companys development as we continue to acquire and integrate additional revenue-producing companies," said Cliff Perry, Freedom Leafs President and CEO. Perry went on, This 10Q is only a stepping stone to our goal to become debt free and move forward with our new revenue streams: Hempology and Leafceuticals.

Hempology is Freedom Leafs exclusive line of Hemp CBD products, including CBD Herbal Vapors, Mint CBD Oil, and CBD Pet Treats. After two successful trade shows at the Tobacco Plus Expo and CHAMPS in Las Vegas, Freedom Leaf is announcing that its CBD product line will soon be available in retail locations in more than ten states across the country, including California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Texas, Michigan, Georgia, and Alaska.

Chris Thompson, Freedom Leafs Director of Digital Marketing, who has been heading up the Hempology marketing and branding, explained, Securing these important wholesale orders shows that the Hempology CBD brand is attractive to retail stores who are excited to start carrying our products. These stores are only the beginning; Freedom Leaf will continue to expand our Hempology distribution throughout 2018.

Additionally, Freedom Leafs wholly owned division, Leafceuticals, Inc . operates a NuAxon industrial CO2 supercritical extraction facility in North Las Vegas. The Leafceuticals extraction facility is operating under the guidelines of the Nevada Department of Agriculture Industrial Hemp pilot project to extract Cannabidiol (CBD) and other valuable components of hemp grown locally in Pahrump, NV. The project has produced 12 kilos to date, with a market value over $200,000 in gross revenue. This process can be replicated on a monthly basis. The company intends to meet all of its (CBD) needs for production of the Hempology product line.

In March, Freedom Leaf co-founders Richard Cowan and Clifford J. Perry are attending Spannabis, the huge Cannabis expo in Barcelona, and meeting with partners and other potential acquisitions for Freedom Leaf Europe, our European subsidiary.

Cowan explained, Our potential growth in Europe and Latin America is at least as great as in the US.

About Freedom Leaf

Freedom Leaf, Inc., The Marijuana Legalization Company, is a fully-reporting and audited, publicly-traded company trading under the symbol (OTCQB: FRLF). Freedom Leaf, Inc. is a leading, go-to resource in the cannabis, medical and recreational marijuana, CBD and industrial hemp industries. It is involved in mergers and acquisitions in these industries, including incubation/acceleration and spin offs of new companies involved in those industries.

Freedom Leaf Inc.'s flagship publication is Freedom Leaf Magazine, The Good News in Marijuana Reform. The company produces a portfolio of news, print and digital multi-media verticals, websites, and web advertising, for the ever-changing emerging cannabis, medical marijuana and industrial hemp industry. The Company also owns LaMarihuana.com, the worlds leading Spanish digital publication focused on these industries, and Marihuana-Medicinal.com.

Freedom Leaf, Inc. does not handle, grow, sell, or disperse marijuana or related products in the United States.

All of our European activities are in full compliance with relevant EU laws.

Investor relations information can be found on the FreedomLeafInc.com company website.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical are "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. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as Freedom Leaf, Inc. or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences include the uncertainty regarding viability and market acceptance of the Company's products and services, changes in relationships with third parties, and other factors described in the Company's most recent periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 30, 2016 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

Investor relations information can be found on the FreedomLeafInc.com company website.




NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Attorney Advertising -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC reminds investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Kobe Steel, Ltd. (Kobe or the Company) (OTCMKTS:KBSTY) (OTCMKTS:KBSTF) and certain of its officers, on behalf of shareholders who purchased Kobe American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) of Kobe Steel on the open market in the U.S., during the period May 29, 2013 through October 12, 2017, and were damaged thereby. Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firms site: http://www.bgandg.com/kbsty.

This class action seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose the quality of its products and integrity of its operations by emphasizing that it offers excellent products and services with special attention to product safety as it has an organizational culture that is highly sensitive to compliance issues. The lawsuit claims that the Company withheld data on many of its aluminum, copper, iron and steel products, and knowingly sold products that failed quality control tests.

On October 8, 2017, Kobe Steel stated that it has discovered that in its Aluminum & Copper Business, including group companies, a portion of the products traded with customers did not comply with the product specifications which were agreed between the Company and its customers. Data in inspection certificates had been improperly rewritten etc., and the products were shipped as having met the specifications concerned. Following this news, shares of Kobe ADRs dropped $2.37 per share or roughly 40% during that week.

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint you can visit the firms site: http://www.bgandg.com/kbsty or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Investor Relations Analyst, Yael Hurwitz of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 212-697-6484. If you suffered a loss in Kobe you have until February 26, 2018 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a corporate litigation boutique. Our primary expertise is the aggressive pursuit of litigation claims on behalf of our clients. In addition to representing institutions and other investor plaintiffs in class action security litigation, the firms expertise includes general corporate and commercial litigation, as well as securities arbitration. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contact:

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC

Peretz Bronstein or Yael Hurwitz

212-697-6484 | info@bgandg.com
From 5 to 9 February 2018, the WCO provided strategic support to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs and Excise Department under the Mercator Programme. A team of WCO experts met with senior officials, front-line officials, and made site visits to operational and commercial areas to evaluate reforms for modernizing Customs and implementing the WTO TFA.

Before the mission, the team conducted open source research on the GRA utilizing Guyana government, GRA, and global data sources. The in-country component of the evaluation looked at holistic organizational issues using as references the WCO Diagnostic Framework and the WTO TFA. The two references combined provide a more holistic analysis for trade facilitation, compliance and enforcement, and enabling organizational institutional arrangements.

As part of the in-country assessment, the team conducted interviews of senior managers and operational staff as well as public and private sector stakeholders to gain insight across all levels of the organization. Visits were made to GRA headquarters in Georgetown, Customs offices Moleson Creek port facilities, and to Georgetown port and Transit Warehouse inland facilities, in order to observe GRA procedures and processes at these locations.

The GRA operates in a complex, high-profile environment. It engages in high-volume business-process activities such as processing import, export, transit and transhipment consignments, while preparing or responding to urgent and high-profile events. Recommendations were made to enhance reforms underway as well as support preparations for drafting a strategic plan with supporting organizational functional alignment, implementation plans for core business areas (e.g. human resource management, risk management, enforcement and compliance, trade facilitation, etc.) and on-going projects.
RCS enhances SMS with rich, contextual, branded messages



Twilio allows developers to integrate support for multiple messaging channels - SMS, MMS, RCS, Facebook Messenger and more - using one API

In partnership with Twilio, 1-800-Flowers.com becomes one of the first brands in the world to roll out rich order notifications via RCS Business Messaging

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Twilio (NYSE:TWLO), the leading cloud communications platform, today announced the addition of RCS (Rich Communications Services) to Twilio, giving every messaging application built using Twilios platform the ability to reach users via rich, interactive messages. A recent study found that 9 out of 10 consumers globally want to message with brands and that 66% of consumers prefer to communicate with brands via messaging over any other means. Via RCS, consumers can view high resolution photos and videos, add appointments to their calendar, receive directions to a business location, initiate a support call and even share their location from within the message. With Twilio, developers can use one API to deliver powerful and diverse, rich messaging experiences for any device or platform while maintaining the ubiquitous reach of SMS.

RCS is an initiative to bring more enhanced messaging features to every phone on the planet through a universal standard. This standard brings the rich messaging features consumers expect from popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger with the universality of using the default messaging app on your phone. According to the GSMA, RCS is used by more than 157 million active users globally, implemented by more than 22 handset manufacturers and support announced on more than 50 carrier networks. Twilio is a part of Googles Early Access Program which is designed to help brands and developers adopt RCS business messaging more easily.

The number of consumer messaging channels continues to proliferate and businesses are under pressure to keep up, said Patrick Malatack, general manager of messaging at Twilio. When developers build on Twilio, they trust that we will support every messaging channel consumers want to communicate on, now and in the future, all through one simple messaging API. With Twilios addition of RCS, you get a powerful rich messaging experience paired with the broad reach of SMS. We look forward to helping businesses future-proof their applications and cant wait to see what they build.

Businesses are looking to maximize consumer reach while engaging consumers with the best possible messaging experience for their device. Previously, in order to support users across multiple messaging channels such as SMS or Facebook Messenger, developers would need to wrestle with variations in APIs, capabilities, and tooling. With Twilio, developers no longer need to deal with this fragmentation in the messaging ecosystem. In addition to enabling developers to integrate every messaging channel with one API, Twilio also enables business users to build RCS apps in minutes through Twilio Studio, a drag and drop communications builder.

In collaboration with Twilio, 1-800-Flowers.com is one of the first brands in the world to integrate RCS Business Messaging into their customer communications and is using the channel to send rich order confirmations and delivery updates, allowing customers to easily modify their order, delivery window, and more without ever having to sit on hold to speak with an agent.

At 1-800-Flowers.com, communications is core to delivering a great end-to-end experience for both the sender and the recipient, said Amit Shah, chief marketing officer at 1-800-Flowers.com. RCS is now being used to enhance our customer experience by allowing customers to modify orders, track shipments and place additional orders within the message. Twilio allows us to deliver that experience using the same API we already use for SMS.

Were pleased to have Twilio as part of our Early Access Program to help businesses upgrade their SMS messages to RCS, said Amir Sarhangi head of RCS at Google. Twilios support of RCS enables developers in Twilios ecosystem to build more dynamic messaging experiences for their customers, exponentially expanding the reach of RCS as a universal standard.

RCS Business Messaging is now available in developer preview through Twilio Channels and will be showcased at Mobile World Congress next week in the GSMA Innovation City. To learn more, please visit https://www.twilio.com/channels/rcs.

About Twilio

Twilio's mission is to fuel the future of communications. Developers and businesses use Twilio to make communications relevant and contextual by embedding messaging, voice, and video capabilities directly into their software applications. Founded in 2008, Twilio has over 900 employees, with headquarters in San Francisco and other offices in Bogota, Dublin, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Malmo, Mountain View, Munich, New York City, Singapore and Tallinn.



Source: Twilio, Inc.




OTTAWA, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) is pleased to announce the recipients of their 2018 Organic Leadership Awards:

2017 Organic Innovator of the Year -- Cuisine Soleil

Awarded for their innovative Grilled Lentils Healthy Snacks, their focus on expanding the availability of plant-based protein products and their dedication to using Canadian organic ingredients.

2018 Organic Supplier of the Year  Yorkshire Valley Farms

Awarded for expanding the organic poultry market through international exports, new product offerings and the companys significant investment in consumer and retailer education.

2018 Organic Champion of the Year  Carmen Wakeling (Eatmore Sprouts & Greens Ltd.)

Awarded for her incredible involvement with organics across BC, including being an organic business owner, a deep involvement in provincial associations and her support of organic and agricultural research projects.

2018 Organic Retailer of the Year  Sweet Cherubim

Awarded for their commitment to organic integrity and breadth of organic product offerings, with organic accounting for over 70% of their store inventory.

The award winners were announced last night during COTA's Second Annual Organic Gala & Leadership Awards Dinner at the Sage Bistro in Vancouver, BC. The event brought together COTA members and industry leaders from across the organic sector to celebrate the accomplishments of organic in 2017.

COTA's Organic Leadership Awards recognize those who have done something exceptional to advance the organic industry or support organic education in Canada by demonstrating skill and innovation, and achieving identifiable and lasting changes to promote and protect organic agriculture and trade. Award winners serve as inspirational leaders to the organic sector, exhibiting personal commitment, leadership and vision above and beyond that required of them.

Congratulations again to this year's winners! If you know a company, farm or association who exemplifies the principles of organic, keep them in mind for next year's Organic Leadership Awards!

About the Canada Organic Trade Association

The Canada Organic Trade Association is the membership-based association for the organic sector in Canada: representing growers, processors, certifiers, provincial farmers' associations, importers, exporters, retailers and others throughout the organic value chain. COTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy.
English Danish

The Board of Directors of TDC A/S hereby invites the Company's shareholders to attend its annual general meeting, which will be held on

Friday, 16 March 2018 at 10 a.m. (CET) at Kromann Reumert, Sundkrogsgade 5, 2100 Copenhagen .

The Board of Directors has decided to hold the annual general meeting by physical attendance.

Before the general meeting, coffee and breakfast will be served from 9 a.m. (CET). No refreshments will be served after the general meeting.

Agenda:

1. The report of the Board of Directors on the Company's activities during the past year.

2. Presentation and adoption of the annual report.

3. Resolution to discharge the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee from liability.

4. Resolution on the distribution of profits.

5. Election of members and alternate members to the Board of Directors.

6. Election of auditor.

7. Proposals from the Board of Directors or the shareholders:

Amendment of the Company's Remuneration policy for TDCs top management (Board of Directors and Executive Committee), including general guidelines for incentive pay to the Executive Committee, and amendment to Article 16a of the Articles of Association. Adoption of the Board of Directors' remuneration for 2018. Amendment of the Articles of Association regarding retirement age for members of the board of directors. Other amendments of the Articles of Association.

Any other business.

Re item 4 on the agenda:

The Board of Directors proposes that the general meeting adopt a decision not to distribute any dividend. The background for the proposal is that the expected offer from the consortium of DKK 50.25 will be reduced by any dividend paid, why the Company since the announcement of the expected offer has received a number of enquiries from shareholders that do not wish to receive dividend but rather a higher sales price for their shares.

In the event that the expected offer does not proceed to completion, the Board of Directors is authorised by the general meeting to resolve to distribute interim dividend at DKK 1.05 according to section 183 of the Companies Act, provided that the Companys and the group's financial position warrants such distribution.

Re item 5 on the agenda:

The following members of the Board of Directors are nominated for re-election: Pierre Danon, Lene Skole, Stine Bosse, Angus Porter, Pieter Knook, Benoit Scheen and Marianne Rrslev Bock.

Re item 6 on the agenda:

It is proposed by the Board of Directors to re-elect PricewaterhouseCoopers in accordance with the Audit Committees recommendation. The Audit Committee has not been influenced by a third party and no clause of a contract entered into with a third party has been imposed upon it, which restricts the general meetings choice of certain auditors or audit firms.

Re item 7a on the agenda:

Due to the revision of the Committee on Corporate Governance Recommendations and due to the expected implementation of the EU directive on shareholders rights in Danish legislation the Board of Directors proposes changes to the Remuneration policy for TDCs top management (Board of Directors and Executive Committee), including the general guidelines for incentive pay to the Executive Committee.

If the proposed amendment of the remuneration policy, including the general guidelines for incentive pay to the Companys Executive Committee, is adopted by the general meeting, the Board of Directors proposes to amend Article 16a of the Companys Articles of Association as follows:

"At the General Meeting held on 16 March 2018, the Company considered and amended Remuneration policy for TDCs top management (Board of Directors and Executive Committee), including the general guidelines for incentive pay to the Executive Committee. The guidelines are available on the Company's website, www.tdcgroup.com."

The proposed remuneration policy, including the general guidelines for incentive pay to the Companys Executive Committee, can be seen with changes in Appendix 1. A description of and the rationale behind the proposed changes to the Companys remuneration policy can be seen in Appendix 2.

Re item 7b on the agenda:

It is proposed by the Board of Directors that the general meeting adopt that the members of the Board of Directors may receive the below cash remuneration for their work in 2018, including work on board committees. The proposal is identical with the cash remuneration proposed to and adopted by the Annual General Meeting in 2017. The Board of Directors also propose, as in previous years, that the general meeting adopt that members of the Board of Directors can receive benefits, e.g. free phone.

Type of fee Cash compensation 2018 Ordinary board member DKK 400,000 Vice Chairman DKK 700,000 Chairman DKK 1,100,000 Audit Committee, member DKK 150,000 Audit Committee, chairman DKK 250,000 Compensation Committee, member DKK 100,000 Compensation Committee, chairman DKK 150,000 Nomination Committee member DKK 25,000 Nomination Committee chairman DKK 50,000

Re item 7c on the agenda:

Due to the revision of the Committee on Corporate Governance Recommendations, including the removal of the recommendation regarding stipulation of a retirement age for members of the board of directors it is proposed by the Board of Directors that the requirement in Article 14(2), ultimate sentence, regarding that board members must resign from the Board of Directors no later than at the first Annual General Meeting which is held after their 70th birthday, is removed from the Articles of Association.

The Board of Directors includes age in the assessment of the qualifications of a Board member, but the Board is of the opinion that age itself cannot constitute any ground for qualification or disqualification.

Re item 7d on the agenda:

Due to the update of the Companys website the Board of Directors proposes the following amendments to the Articles of Association:

In Article 6, 8, 10, 16a and 22 the Companys website is amended to www.tdcgroup.com.

The proposed amendments of the Articles of Association will be made available on the Company's website, www.agm.tdcgroup.com, no later than Thursday, 22 February 2018.

--oo0oo

At the time of the general meeting, the Company's nominal share capital is DKK 812,000,000 divided into shares of a nominal value of DKK 1 or any multiple thereof.

Under Article 10(1) and 10(2) of the Articles of Association it is the number of shares and voting rights registered or filed for registration in the Company's register of shareholders at the date of registration (Friday, 9 March 2018 at 11.59 p.m. (CET)) which determines the shareholders' right to attend and vote at the general meeting.

The proposals in item 4, 7 a) and 7 b) must be passed by a simple majority of votes. The proposals in item 7 c) and 7 d) must be passed by at least two-thirds of both the votes cast and of the share capital represented at the general meeting.

The following information will be available to the shareholders on the Company's website, www.agm.tdcgroup.com, no later than Thursday, 22 February 2018: (1) The notice convening the general meeting including appendices, (2) the total number of shares and voting rights in the Company at the date of the notice, (3) the agenda, (4) the 2017 annual report (English version), (5) proposal of the amended Articles of Association and (6) the proxy form and the vote by correspondence form.

Shareholders who prefer to receive the 2017 annual report can access this via the Companys website, www.agm.tdcgroup.com. Shareholders who prefer to receive the 2017 annual report by e-mail should contact TDC, Investor Relations, by telephone +45 6663 7680 or by e-mail to investorrelations@tdc.dk.

Up until one week before the general meeting, shareholders may submit written questions to the Company's management on matters affecting the assessment of the 2017 annual report, the Company's position in general or other matters to be resolved at the general meeting. The shareholders may also ask questions about the Company's relations to other TDC Group companies. Shareholders wishing to exercise this right may send their questions by letter to the Company or by e-mail to investorrelations@tdc.dk. The questions may be answered in writing, for instance by making the answers available on the Company's website, www.tdcgroup.com/en/investor-relations/annual-general-meeting. No answer is required to be provided if the shareholder who has asked the question is not represented at the general meeting.

At the general meeting, shareholders may also ask oral questions about these matters to the Company's management or oral questions about the 2017 annual report to the Company's auditor elected by the general meeting.

Shareholders, proxies and any accompanying adviser must have an admission card to attend the general meeting. Admission cards may be ordered on the shareholder portal via the Company's website, www.agm.tdcgroup.com, or on the website of Computershare A/S, www.computershare.dk. Admission cards will be sent out electronically to the email address registered in the shareholder portal upon registration. The admission card must be presented at the general meeting either electronically on a smartphone/tablet or printed. Shareholders who have not registered an email address can download the admission card as a PDF and print it from the shareholder portal or pick-up the admission card at the general meeting by showing a valid ID.

Shareholders carrying voting rights can obtain voting cards at the general meeting by presenting their admission card.

Admission cards must be ordered at the latest by Monday, 12 March 2018 at 11.59 p.m. (CET).

At the general meeting, shareholders may vote by proxy by presenting an instrument of proxy duly signed and dated. Proxies may be granted electronically on the Company's website, www.agm.tdcgroup.com, or on the website of Computershare A/S, www.computershare.dk, by using Nem-ID or username and password. Nem-ID will only be compatible if the shareholder has a Danish CPR number. Electronic proxies must be granted by Monday, 12 March 2018 at 11.59 p.m. (CET). Alternatively, a proxy form may be downloaded from the Company's website, www.agm.tdcgroup.com, and sent by letter to the Company or Computershare A/S or by e-mail to gf@computershare.dk. If an admission card has been ordered in time, a proxy may be granted physically until Friday, 16 March 2018 at 4.00 p.m. (CET). Proxies may be revoked by letter to the Company or Computershare A/S, or by e-mail to gf@computershare.dk.

Shareholders may also vote by mail. It is possible to vote electronically on the Company's website, www.agm.tdcgroup.com, and on the website of Computershare A/S, www.computershare.dk, by using Nem-ID or Computershare username and password. Nem-ID will only be compatible if the shareholder has a Danish CPR number. Alternatively, a voting form may be downloaded from the Company's website, www.agm.tdcgroup.com, and sent by letter to the Company or Computershare A/S or by e-mail to gf@computershare.dk. In order to stay valid, the postal vote must be received by the Company or Computershare A/S no later than Thursday, 15 March 2018 at 10.00 a.m. (CET). Postal votes that have already been cast cannot be withdrawn.

Letters should be sent to Computershare A/S, Lottenborgvej 26D, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby.

Kromann Reumert has a limited number of parking spaces available in the basement. Shareholders who have the option of taking public transport are therefore encouraged hereto. Alternatively, refer to the parking spaces at Konditaget Luders on Helsinkigade 30, 2100 Copenhagen , a few minutes walk from Kromann Reumert.

The Board of Directors





Background information on the proposed candidates to the Board of Directors

Pierre Danon, Chairman, born 1956.

Chairman of the Compensation Committee and the Nomination Committee.

Education: Degree in Civil Engineering, Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussees, 1978. Law degree, Faculte de Droit Paris II Assas, 1978. MBA, HEC School of Management, Paris, 1980.

Management duties: Chairman of the Board of Directors of Solocal Group. Executive Chairman of the Boards of Directors of Voila and AM Baltics. Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of AgroGeneration. Non-executive Director of Ciel Investment Limited.

Lene Skole, Vice Chairman, born 1959.

Member of the Compensation Committee and the Nomination Committee.

Education: Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Financing), Copenhagen Business School, 1986.

Management duties: Chief Executive Officer of Lundbeckfonden and member of management of Lundbeckfondens two wholly-owned subsidiaries. Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and member of the Audit and Risk Committee in rsted A/S. Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and member of the Remuneration Committee and the Scientific Committee in H. Lundbeck A/S. Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and member the Audit Committee and Nomination Committee in Alk-Abello A/S. Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and member of the Compensation Committee in Falck A/S. Member of the Boards of Directors of Tryg A/S and Tryg Forsikring A/S and member of the Audit Committee and Risk Committee in Tryg A/S.

Stine Bosse, born 1960.

Member of the Audit Committee.

Education: Master of Law, University of Copenhagen 1987. Strategic Agility Programme, Harvard Business School, 2008.

Management duties: Chairman of the Boards of Directors of TELE Greenland, BankNordik Group, Nunaoil A/S, The Danish European Movement and BRNEfonden (the Childrens Fund). Member of the Board of Directors of Allianz Group. Adjunct Professor at Copenhagen Business School.

Angus Porter, born 1957.

Member of the Compensation Committee and the Nomination Committee.

Education: M.A. (Natural Science) and Ph.D., University of Cambridge, 1978 and 1981.

Management duties: Chairman of the McColls Retail Group Plc. Co-Chairman of Direct Wines Limited.

Marianne Rrslev Bock, born 1963.

Chairman of the Audit Committee.

Education: MSc in Business Administration and Auditing at Copenhagen Business School, 1991. State Authorised Public Accountant, 1997.

Management duties: Chief Financial Officer in Brdrene Hartmann A/S and member of the Boards of Directors of six subsidiaries hereof. Member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Accounting Committee of the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority. Member of the Board of Directors and member of the Compensation and Nomination Committee of Kemp & Lauritzen A/S. Member of the Board of Directors of Axel Muusfeldts Fond.

Pieter Knook, born 1958.

Member of the Compensation Committee and the Nomination Committee.

Education: M.A. in Electrical Sciences at Trinity Hall, Cambridge University, 1980.

Management duties: Chairman of the Board of Directors of Matillion Limited. Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bullitt Group. Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pulsant Limited. Member of the Board of Directors of Bio-Key International Inc. and Coromatic AB. Trustee of Lunar Missions Ltd. Angel Investor at Cambridge Angels.

Benoit Scheen, born 1966.

Member of the Audit Committee.

Education: M.A. in Computer Sciences, 1990, and B.A. in Economic and Social Sciences, 1987, University of Namur, Belgium.

Management duties: Venture Partner at Volta Ventures. President EMEA of Brightstar Corporation.

Of the seven candidates to the Board of Directors six candidates are independent and one candidate is non-independent. Pierre Danon is considered non-independent, because he during the past five years has delivered services to TDC in the capacity of consultant.

For inquiries regarding the above please contact TDC Investor Relations, on +45 6663 7680 or investorrelations@tdc.dk.

This notification was made by Dennis Callesen, Investor Relations Manager at TDC A/S.





TDC A/S

Teglholmsgade 1

0900 Copenhagen C

DK-Denmark

tdc.com

http://prlibrary-eu.nasdaq.com/Resource/Download/b08b521c-ea43-4204-a901-bc6f16906916

http://prlibrary-eu.nasdaq.com/Resource/Download/793ba47a-7fcd-4f69-9e1d-8f248a67ba9b

http://prlibrary-eu.nasdaq.com/Resource/Download/b2774574-99c4-47ca-aef0-ac3aed2f4ee4
NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading organic marketing company, Conductor announced it will host its annual C3 Conference March 7-8th at New World Stages in New York City. The conference will bring together more than 800 marketing leaders from large global brands including Google, Amazon and WeWork CEO Adam Neumann, to discuss all-things marketing  from integrating chatbots into your marketing plan, to the role SEO plays in building your global content strategy.



There is no other event where so many great companies are coming together to learn and share how to be successful with modern marketing, said Seth Besmertnik, CEO and Co-founder of Conductor. We are thrilled to be hosting yet another C3 conference in New York to bring together the worlds best marketers to demonstrate how to earn customers the right way.

The conference brings together the best of the best in the industry to see inside real use cases to glimpse how great brands successfully run their marketing programs. Through these action-oriented sessions, power executives will elevate industry conversations and raise challenges and solutions. In its 6th year, the event has been divided into three brand new tracks: Big Picture Strategy, Creative Innovation, and Winning Tactics.

Attendees will learn the latest marketing insights from leading global executives, to name a few:

Additional speakers range from many of the worlds best-known brands in both B2B and B2C, to key influencers in the industry such as Microsoft, Home Depot, Slack, Aetna, American Eagle Outfitters, HTC, Forrester, Ticketmaster and many more. Key influencers include Joe Pulizzi (Founder, Content Marketing Institute), Wil Reynolds (Founder and Director of Strategy at Seer Interactive) and Alison Levine (NY Times best-selling author and Everest expedition team captain).

For more information about the confirmed speaker roster please visit: https://c3.conductor.com/#speakers.

Im very excited to be speaking at C3 this year, its one of the rare conferences that features content right at the cutting-edge of marketing blended together with an experience that leaves every marketer inspired and energized for the future, said Purna Virji, Senior Manager, Global Engagement at Microsoft. If you are a marketer who is serious about success in the modern age, you need to be there.

For more information about C3 go to https://c3.conductor.com/.

About Conductor

Conductor is the world's leading organic marketing company. Our content intelligence platform, Conductor Searchlight, generates customer intent insights that lead to compelling content, increased traffic, and higher organic marketing ROI. Conductor's technology enables marketers to understand their prospective customers' intent by revealing the trends and topics they are searching for at every phase of purchase process. Customizable dashboards and workflows guide marketers through the content creation process, empowering them to continuously measure, refine, and demonstrate the effectiveness of their SEO and content marketing efforts. Conductor's forward-thinking customers include global brands like Citibank and SAP, emerging leaders like Birchbox and JustFab, and leading agencies like iProspect and Acronym. Conductor was ranked #38 by Inc. Magazine in its Fastest Growing Private Companies list, and has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in America for six years running.

Media Contact

North 6th Agency

conductor@n6a.com

212.334.9753, ext. 117
Fort Polk, LA (71446)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Great Lakes Graphite Inc. (GLK or the Company) (TSX-V:GLK) (OTCQB:GLKIF) (FWB:8GL) announced today that it has signed a Proposed Term Sheet with Saint Jean Carbon Inc. (SJC) (TSX-V:SJL) to sell a 95% stake in the Lochaber Graphite Deposit, located in SW Quebec. The Companies have also agreed in principal to form a partnership that will focus on growing upstream opportunities that focus on supplying the North American Market with Battery Grade graphite material for EV cars and battery storage systems.



The Lochaber Graphite Deposit, located in the prolific Buckingham Graphite Region of Quebec is a former producing mine that boasts high purity capability through simple flotation methods and a favourable particle size distribution for making battery anode materials. The complete NI 43-101, published by SRK Consulting can be found here: http://www.greatlakesgraphite.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/NI43-101-Res-Est-Lochaber.pdf

Under the proposed Term Sheet, both companies will also work together on specific material applications for the energy markets and collaborate on projects that require high purity crystalline natural flake graphite. These applications will be defined in a definitive agreement which will include the costs and revenues associated with these new applications.

Paul Gorman, CEO of GLK commented on the proposed transaction by stating, With our business model being marketing centric and focused on supplying high purity graphite to North American customers, its extremely helpful for us to partner with a Company that has an impressive asset base that can bring these centrally located graphite properties to production in an environmentally friendly way.

Paul Ogilvie, CEO and Chairman of SJC stated, Acquiring a past producing, developed property like Lochaber will accelerate our plans to have material to test, sample and qualify with many battery customers. With our mill now operational, we look forward to produce high purity material and engineer carbon products for the chemistries of these new technologies.

For a 95% interest in the Lochaber Graphite Deposit, SJC will issue 3,000,000 common shares of the corporation to GLK, pay a 1.75% operating royalty on production, pay CDN $425,000 over four years in four equal payments and enter into an offtake with GLK and its affiliates to have the first right of refusal on up to 10,000 metric tonnes of graphite concentrate during the mines production life.

A definitive agreement will be signed by both parties upon completion of a 10 day due diligence period and will be subject to approval by shareholders and the TSX Venture.

About Great Lakes Graphite: Great Lakes Graphite is a Clean Technology Minerals Processing Company focussed on supplying technology customers with innovative, high quality value-added carbon products. Great Lakes Graphite is one of the first new domestic suppliers to a growing regional customer base.

The Company has partnered with Ashland Advanced Materials (AAM) for commercial-scale purification operations at Ashlands 110,000 square foot purification facility located in Niagara, New York.

Through our partner relationships, Great Lakes Graphite began selling micronized synthetic graphite beginning in 2016 and now supplies natural flake graphite products to a growing customer base.

Further information regarding Great Lakes can be found on the Companys website at: www.GreatLakesGraphite.com

Great Lakes Graphite trades as GLKIF on the OTCQB market in the US and as GLK on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada. There are currently 125,656,830 shares outstanding.

For more information, please contact:

Paul Gorman

Chief Executive Officer

Email: PGorman@GreatLakesGraphite.com

Susan Murphy

Manager, Administration

Email: SMurphy@GreatLakesGraphite.com

1-800-754-4510 x101

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.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information: Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward looking information" which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking information. When used in this press release, such forward looking information may use such words as "may'', "will'', "expect'', "believe'', "plan'' and other similar terminology. Forward looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations relating to the future events and the operating performance of the Company, and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Company to fulfill the orders and future orders, regulatory requirements, general economic, market or business conditions and future developments in the sectors of the economy in which the business of Great Lakes operates. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Please see the Company's financial statements, MD&A and other documents available on www.sedar.com, for a more detailed description of the risk factors. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward looking information, whether a result of new information, future results or otherwise, except as required by law.
Phillies win wild one on passed ball in 9th; top Cubs 6-5
SHERIFF MCDONALD ATTENDS WHITE HOUSE SCHOOL SAFETY CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP

THE SHERIFF APPEARED ON FOX NEWS THURSDAY NIGHT ON THEIR 11 PM REPORT

And McDonald said on Fox News the roundtable that he participated in on Thursday in the nation's capitol with the president and others was more than a photo op. There had been some serious mistakes made in the Florida shooting, said McDonald, and the lone armed deputy on the scene at the school during the shooting, who reportedlly remained outside and never went into the school building during the incident, may have been overwhelmed or as McDonald pointed out may not have been trained properly.

Sheriff McDonald told the Fox New's nationwide audience Thursday night that there are a lot of factors involved in gun safety, including the mental health issue...and he acknowledged that we have had our own mental health challenges here in North Carolina.

Overall, he said, he believes President Trump is looking at the right things with suggestions for gun safety and he believes the roundtable discussion held Thursday, with the president, the attorney general, and others in Washington, D.C. was worthwhile

(By Larry Freeman Updated 11:30 PM 02/22/18)

From earlier reports:

Washington, D.C.  On Thursday, Henderson County Sheriff Charles S. McDonald attended a school safety roundtable at the White House with President Donald Trump, State and local leaders, law enforcement officers, and education officials.

Sheriff McDonald, one of 12 attendees to the event, spoke with President Trump, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, and others about addressing the need for school security measures in light of the recent shooting in Parkland, Florida. The event was part of an ongoing initiative from the White House to receive feedback on gun safety measures from local officials.

I appreciate the opportunity to bring a local perspective from western North Carolina to what has become a national conversation, said Sheriff McDonald. School security is a multi-faceted issue that is going to take cooperation from numerous stakeholders to bring about change and enhance the safety of our children. I would like to thank President Trump and especially Congressman Mark Meadows for their invitation to share ideas concerning this important issue. Congressman Meadows has always been a great supporter and friend to sheriffs across North Carolina. I want to acknowledge his leadership and thank him for his ongoing support for law enforcement across our great state.

I can think of no better individual or professional to represent our districts schools and law enforcement at the White House than Sheriff Charles McDonald, Rep. Meadows (R-NC) said. Im thrilled that our district had the opportunity to give direct input, straight to the President of the United States, on the issue of keeping our schools, students, and teachers safe. I want to thank Sheriff McDonald for making the trip to Washington, D.C. to speak, the President for his kind invitation, and the White House for hosting the event. No matter where you stand on the issue of gun safety, one principle remains true: the willingness to listen and directly involve American citizens in the conversation is a major part of what makes America great.
Estimados amigos,

Les doy cordialmente la bienvenida a este Blog informativo con articulos, analisis y comentarios de publicaciones especializadas y especialmente seleccionadas, principalmente sobre temas economicos, financieros y politicos de actualidad, que esperamos y deseamos, sean de su maximo interes, utilidad y conveniencia.

Pensamos que solo comprendiendo cabalmente el presente, es que podemos proyectarnos acertadamente hacia el futuro.

Gonzalo Raffo de Lavalle

Las convicciones son mas peligrosos enemigos de la verdad que las mentiras.

Quien no lo ha dado todo no ha dado nada.

Helenio Herrera

History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.

Karl Marx

If you know the other and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

Sun Tzu









We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.



Paulo Coelho
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Civil rights advocates are denouncing Donald Trumps move to nominate Gordon Giampietro to fill a vacancy on the Eastern District of the federal court in Wisconsin.

Giampietro has a record of statements against LGBTQ people  and supports discrimination against them.

Sadly, Gordon Giampietro manages to stand out among a number of unfit, anti-LGBTQ judicial nominees put forward by the Trump-Pence administration, said Wendy Strout, Wisconsin state manager for the Human Rights Campaign, the nations largest LGBT civil rights group.

She added, Giampietros extreme anti-LGBTQ rhetoric is deeply disturbing and should not be rewarded with a lifetime judicial appointment representing Wisconsin on the federal court. If confirmed, Wisconsinites could not count on Giampietro to uphold their civil rights.

HRC provided details of Giampietros record, which were first reported by Buzzfeed.

In one interview in July 2015, Giampietro said a U.S. Supreme Court ruling for same-sex marriage is worse than Roe because of the damage it does to civil society.

He said Justice Anthony Kennedy went off the rails years ago, in Lawrence against Texas, the case that overturned Texas law criminalizing consensual same-sex sex.

Analiese Eicher, the program director of the progressive One Wisconsin Institute, said, The most basic promise of our legal system is that everyone is equal before the law, and Giampietro has shown with his own words that he does not share those values.

He is not qualified for a lifetime judicial appointment and he ought to do the right thing and withdraw himself from consideration for this nomination, and any others in the future.

One Wisconsin Now, along with other progressive groups, also has challenged Trumps nomination of Michael Brennan to fill the Wisconsin seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit.

Last August, Trump nominated Brennan, whos described by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights as having a far-right judicial philosophy. The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the nomination Jan. 24.

Organizations and their members had called on U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley  the Iowa Republican who chairs the committee  not to hold a hearing and to urge Trump to withdraw the nomination, emphasizing the president ignored a longstanding bipartisan agreement between Wisconsins U.S. senators to recommend judicial candidates.

The concern was summarized in a letter from People for the American Ways Marge Baker to Grassley and committee members: In nominating Brennan, President Trump simply ignored a longstanding bipartisan arrangement between Sens. Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin on recommending judicial nominees. The eight-year history of this vacancy is an indispensable backdrop to understanding why consideration of the nominee at a hearing would represent a dangerous surrender of congressional authority and senatorial influence to Donald Trump.

Johnson signaled his support for moving Brennans nomination forward by returning a so-called blue slip  but Baldwin did not.

Grassley, at the outset of Brennans hearing, dismissed concerns. He said the nominee has bipartisan support, an impressive legal career and as a state judge had a well-qualified rating.

On Feb. 15, the committee voted 11-10 along party lines for Brennan, sending the nomination to the full Senate.

Eicher, in a statement to the press, has said Brennans work on Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walkers judicial selection committee gives progressives reason to worry.

As the head of Scott Walkers judicial selection committee, Michael Brennan thought Rebecca Bradley  with her virulent homophobia, antipathy to women who were the victims of date rape and opposition to legal contraception  and Daniel Kelly, who wrote comparing affirmative action to slavery, were qualified for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Anyone who thinks people like that are qualified to be state high court justices has no business being considered for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench.
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Posted Wednesday, February 21, 2018 12:00 pm

Graveside service at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at New Hope Cemetery, Omaha; visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.

Ron Smith, age 81, of Omaha, passed away peacefully at his home, Saturday, Feb. 10 (2018). He was born Oct. 10, 1936, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Arnold and Ruth (Murphy) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ron was raised in LaGrange, Illinois. He served in the U.S. Navy as a reserve assigned to the U.S. Silversides, docked in Chicago, Illinois. He served 22 years on the Maywood, Illinois, police force, having retired as a sergeant. After moving to Branson, then Omaha, he served an additional 20 plus years as a constable for Boone County, retiring as chief of police of Omaha. He was an avid hunter and greatly enjoyed heading to deer camp with his buddies each year. He was a wonderful part of the community of Omaha.

Ron is survived by his son, Patrick Ronald Smith, of Westminster, Colorado; his daughter, Susan Danielle Smith, of Shorewood, Illinois; his granddaughter, Ellie N. Sidell and husband, Zach; his grandson, Gabriel P. Smith; along with a host of friends who dearly loved and will always miss him.

Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.

Graveside funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at New Hope Cemetery in Omaha, with Bro. Arvin Adams officiating.

Pallbearers are members of the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boone County Sheriffs Reserve, in honor of Ron Smith, Boone County Sheriffs Office, 5800 Law Drive, Harrison, Arkansas, 72601.

Sign the online guestbook at rollerfuneralhomes.com/harrison
Africas rich fossil finds should get the air time they deserve

Palaeontology, like much else in the cultural landscape, has a strong western influence and bias.

Students are more likely than not to be given textbooks and external readings from Europe and North America no matter where they are in the world.

I often think about my own experiences as a palaeontology student in France now that Im lecturing the subject at a South African university. Back in those days, I knew more about North American and British fossils than about those from my own country. The textbooks havent changed much since. So, when I started as a lecturer at Wits University in 2017, I wondered if I should just be talking to my students about North Americas fossil record, or Britains.

There are, of course, some good books written on the subject from an African perspective. But these are nowhere near as ubiquitous as the works of palaeontologists from North America and Europe.

I decided to set the usual textbooks aside and to create my own lecture series based only on African literature about palaeontology and the continents fossil heritage. There were two reasons for this. The first is that while Africa is widely acknowledged as the birthplace of humankind, its incredibly varied fossil record is often overlooked.

And secondly, how can the continent hope to produce world-class scientists in the future if students arent learning about their own heritage.

Many of the planets most important life forms originated in Africa: bacteria-like organisms; many dinosaur species and, of course primates  including humans. Even the rocks on the continent are among the oldest in the world. Some of them date back more than three billion years.

From single cells to complex organisms, from sea to land, from small to giant, the continents many and breathtakingly diverse landscapes and the soils beneath them have witnessed and recorded all the great transitions in the history of life on Earth. It is crucial to give this unique heritage the attention it deserves so that current students and future generations can better understand the evolutionary processes that have brought us to this point.

Some crucial moments in time

Life originated in seas, and the African fossil record documents the origin of multicellular organisms two billion years ago in what is today Franceville, a city in Gabon. Fossils in Namibia, meanwhile, represent the Ediacarian biotope, the earliest discovered marine ecosystem, dating back 600 million years and made up entirely of strange, pneumatic creatures that floated.

The rise of fish, too, is well represented in Africas fossil records. Fossils embedded in South African rocks that date back 320 million years offer evidence of lobe-finned fish (the same family as coelacanths). Theyre the ancestors of all terrestrial vertebrates  that is, amphibians and reptiles.

You may think that one of these fish evolved into a walking creature whose new legs took it from the water to the land. But the very first transition from sea to land wasnt actually achieved by a vertebrate. It was a scorpion, as a fossil also found in South Africa has taught us.

Some fossils found outside modern-day Africa also hold lessons about the continent.

Mesosaurus was a small crocodile-like animal that lived 300 million years ago. Mesosaurus fossils have been found in both Africa  Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa  and in Brazil in South America. Its fossil presence in those two very different places made Mesosaurus very important, since this proved that what are today two separate continents were once part of a giant landmass (along with Antarctica, Madagascar and Australia). It was a supercontinent called Gondwana.

It was on Gondwana that the earliest dinosaurs were born. And they thrived across what is today Africa. For instance, fossils show that the tallest animal which ever lived  the Giraffatitan, which stretched to a huge 12 meters  roamed modern-day Tanzania. Peeling back layers that were formed 100 million years ago in the Cretaceous in parts of North Africa yielded evidence of predatory carnivorous dinosaurs like the Spinosaurus (which you may recognise from the Jurassic Park films). These beasts were as big, or sometimes larger, than the famous North American Tyrannosaurus rex.

The next transition came 66 million years ago. Dinosaurs died out and mammals diversified. These mammals fossil records show them to be the ancestors of some of Africas most famous wildlife, like elephants.

And of course, there were humans  or there would be, eventually. The earliest hominim fossil was found in Chad; it dates back between six and seven million years. Time moved, landscapes shifted; and, 300 000 years ago, the continents first recorded fossil hunters emerged. Fossils and other evidence have revealed that the earliest representatives of our own species, Homo sapiens, collected fossil sea shells in Morocco.

Sharing knowledge

This is but a quick glimpse into what I want my students to learn. By teaching them how amazingly rich and diverse their palaeontological heritage is, I aim to inspire this new batch of future scientists to keep studying the evolution of different species.

Only by educating more students about their past will academics have a chance to reach out to communities across Africa, raising awareness about the importance of the continents fossil heritage to us all, and ultimately give to Africa what the continent really deserves: more African palaeontologists.

Julien Benoit, Postdoc in Vertebrate Palaeontology, University of the Witwatersrand. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
South Africa must resist another captured president: this time by the markets

The ANC has made a dangerous habit of bringing post-apartheid South Africa to the brink of instability and the common ruin of all.

The resignation of former President Jacob Zuma and his replacement by Cyril Ramaphosa was such a moment. It brought home the point that the over-concentration of power in the office of the president has clearly not worked.

A rethink on president-centred politics and the threats it poses to the democracy are crucial for the post-Zuma period. South Africa needs to re-imagine democratic practice, leadership and how power works.

Some sections of South African society have reduced the Zuma problem to a corruption problem. Dismantle Zumas kleptocratic network, the argument goes, and all is solved. Zumas demise and a few high profile prosecutions will suffice.

But another view on the Zuma problem  and one with which I concur  suggests it is a problem of contending class projects inside the ANC. The neoliberal class project under Presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki saw South Africa integrated into global markets. It maintained stability through modest redistributive reforms. This project laid the basis for a new black middle class to emerge while systematically weakening labour and the left.

But it surrendered the state (including the presidency) to transnational capital and the power of finance.

The Zuma project, on the other hand, advanced looting as the basis of accumulation and class formation. The extra-constitutional state that emerged deepened the macroeconomic, institutional and legitimacy crisis of the ANC-led state. The left and labour, aligned with the ANC in the tripartite alliance, were co-opted and divided. Both these projects are entrenched in the ANC.

Now what? Messiah-centred presidential politics is extremely dangerous. This is particularly true in a country of extreme inequality and with a formal concentration of power in the office of the president. If politics is not represented, thought and acted beyond this, South Africa is going to repeat historical mistakes.

Since the ANCs December 2017 conference the media, the banks and international institutions have been talking up a narrative of the Cyril effect. Zumas removal is attributed to this. In fact the Cyril effect is a narrative of capture of South Africas new president by transnational and financial capital.

South Africas democracy cannot afford another captured president beholden to credit rating agencies, currency fluctuations, investment flows and business perceptions. South Africas democracy has to be grounded in the needs of its citizens and the mandates given by its Constitution.

The Cyril effect is hyperbole

The end of Zuma was in fact not because of the Cyril effect. In the main Zuma was removed by the peoples effect which connected the dots of corruption, a mismanaged state and rapacious capitalism.

This resistance was expressed over 15 years through various institutions and social forces. These included:

The ANCs legitimacy crisis

As a result of all this activity the crisis of legitimacy in the ANC  and the ANC state  has deepened. This has placed immense pressure on the party to act. In this context, Ramaphosa is playing out his role out of necessity and to secure the ANCs electoral fortunes.

For middle class and rich South Africans Ramaphosas state of the nation speech represented a return to normalcy  a democracy that works for a few. Thats not to say that the new president didnt make some important announcements in his state of the nation address. This included his comments about state owned enterprises, redistributive state programmes and anti-corruption mechanisms.

Nevertheless, the speech struck chords that resonated with the return to normalcy narrative.

But South Africans cant repeat the mistake made in 1994 when progressive civil society demobilised. The peoples effect has to continue to shape a post-Zuma democracy in the interests of all. The ANC has abused majority support and cannot be trusted with the future of South Africa.

Peoples power has to be strengthened and continuously mobilised around strengthening democratic institutions, ending corruption, fundamental economic transformation and advancing systemic alternatives to the climate crisis.

Vishwas Satgar, Associate Professor, Department of International Relations, University of the Witwatersrand. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
UTICA - When a police officer gets a promotion, retires, or decides to leave the job, it usually creates a job vacancy. Filling those vacancies is becoming more difficult for police agencies across the country, and Utica Police Chief Mark Williams tells us why.

"This new millennium generation is more apt to quit, rather than our generation used to stick it out and try to make it work."

Rome Police Chief Kevin Beach tells us theres other challenges that limit the hiring process.

"Unfortunately in this line of business you know our police academys only run once a year. Its a very tough process that we go through."

Becoming a police officer is a tough task. These are just some of the things you have to go through to become a police officer:

"A physical agility test. We call the people in. They fill out background packets. Theyre backgrounds, polygraph. And then theres a panel interview with the command staff. Theres psychological testing. Now they have to go through medical testing. Before they even get to an oral interview. Then they have to go through drug testing. The process is several months long before we even choose who were going to hire. Then the final phase is sitting down with a public safety psychiatrist to see based on your answers are they suitable to be a police officer."

Once the testing is completed and the officers finish the academy, then they have to go through on the job training. All that takes time and money. Police officers often leave city departments for the State Police to make more money, or smaller departments for less stress. Either way keeping experienced police officers is becoming more difficult with each generation.




ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A Republican congresswoman from upstate New York says "many" people who commit mass murder are Democrats.

U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney made the comment Wednesday on Talk 1300 Radio during a discussion about calls for stricter gun control since last week's deadly Florida high school shooting. She says she finds it interesting "so many" people who commit mass murders "end up being Democrats" but offers no evidence to support that.

Democratic state Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi is opposing Tenney this fall and calls her comments "disgusting" and "toxic."

Tenney later said her comments were in response to a question about the failure to prosecute illegal gun crimes.

Tenney was first elected in 2016. Her district covers a large swath of central New York including the cities of Binghamton, Utica and Rome.

(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

-----UPDATED BY WKTV-----

A statement from Congresswoman Claudia Tenney regarding her comments in an interview with Fred Dicker Wednesday:

"I am fed up with the media and liberals attempting to politicize tragedies and demonize law-abiding gun owners and conservative Americans every time there is a horrible tragedy. While we know the perpetrators of these atrocities have a wide variety of political views, my comments are in response to a question about the failure to prosecute illegal gun crime. I will continue to stand up for law-abiding citizens who are smeared by anti-gun liberal elitists," said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

You can listen to the full interview with Talk 1300 Radio here.
WHITE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)  The American Red Cross is offering food and shelter to people who have been forced to leave their homes due to flooding.

Related: Flooding causes road closures across our viewing area

Photos: Torrential rain causes area flooding

A shelter in Monticello is reopening at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Best Western Plus Brandywine Inn & Suites at 304 S. 6th St.

In Benton County, people can find shelter at the Boswell Fire Station at 307 W. North St.

Spokesperson Wendy Starr says the group has a shelter ready in Delphi, although it's currently on standby. That means it's not in use right now, but it's ready to go if more people evacuate or lose power. The shelter is in the gymnasium of The Sanctuary Pentecostal Church at 401 E. Monroe St.

If you have any questions for the American Red Cross, you can call 765-742-6975.

EMA Director for White County, Roberta Yerk, says there are evacuations in Buffalo on Chapman Drive and Maple Bend. There are also evacuations in Monticello on Diamond Point Court and Brandywine.
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - The Area Plan Commission has recommended approval of a rezone for a proposed subdivision in Dayton. This comes after the commission heard from both supporters and those in against it.

Wednesday night's public hearing lasted more than two hours. There were 31 letters read out loud and several people spoke both for and against the proposal.



The plans call for 110 homes, south of town off Dayton Road.

The Dayton Town Council voted to annex the land for the proposed subdivision last summer.

Supporters said they welcome growth and think it will be good for businesses in town.

"The proposed subdivision will add value to Dayton, financially and culturally. The long history of the developer and builders in providing high-quality homes in this county is well known and we welcome their vision in Dayton," said Dave Leininger.

Those against it said they are concerned about added traffic and worry about having to pay to expand utilities to the area.

"We know our town better than anyone and we value its uniqueness. We believe our town is worth fighting for. We do not want this rezone until it is bound to an appropriate plan that complements our small-town charm," said Jennifer Manago.

In a 12-1 vote, the Area Plan Commission recommended approval. That recommendation will be sent to the Dayton Town Council.

The town council meets on the first Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m.

News 18 will continue to follow the process as it unfolds.
Benton County, Ind. (WLFI)--Benton County is one of two Indiana counties under a travel warning due to flooded roads.

A warning is the highest level of travel advisory issued to keep people off the roads.

Right now the highway department is advising people to avoid driving, especially in the dark.

The flooding has left the department with a shortage of high water signs.

Supervisor David Jessie says that's forcing crews to get creative.

"We just go upstairs and find old parts and take them apart and make brackets so they will stay up on their own, but like I said it's just everywhere and we can't cover them all." Jessie said.

Jessie says they've also gotten reports of cars driving into the water.

He wants to remind drivers that although the roads may look clear, high water can be deceiving to drivers.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  The Indiana GOP has elected the founder of a consulting firm to be state's next representative on the Republican National Committee.

Anne Hathaway, the founder of Hathaway Strategies, was selected on Wednesday as Indiana's RNC national committeewoman.

Hathaway has long been involved in Indiana and national politics. She worked at the U.S. Treasury Department and was an assistant to former Vice President Dan Quayle, who is from Indiana.

She also served previously as chief of staff to the RNC.

Hathaway was recommended for the committeewoman position by Gov. Eric Holcomb.

She replaces Marsha Coats, the wife of former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats, who announced she was stepping down in September. Dan Coats is currently President Donald Trump's director of national intelligence.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
WEA TOWNSHIP, Ind. (WLFI)  Some building materials are not meant to withstand a fire.

Right now, there's a bill moving through the Statehouse that would require builders to disclose whether they're using these materials.

Firefighters and families of those who have fallen to this issue are rooting for the legislation to pass.

"I don't consider days normal anymore," said Bob Smith as he stared at pictures of his brother inside the Wea Township Fire Department.

"I think it makes me close to him again," said Smith.

There are signs of his brother, Steve, around every corner inside the department.

"They always made fun of him because of the size of the boots he wore," said Smith.

But they always loved Steve for the size of his heart.

"He was always outgoing, he was always laughing, he was always smiling he was always caring," described Smith.

Steve Smith was killed in June of 2006 while trying to rescue someone he thought was inside a burning home.

"He might have died in vain because there was nobody in there," said Smith.

But Bob believes his death could still save lives, if Indiana lawmakers are willing to listen.

Steve died after falling through a burning floor made of advanced structural components.

"It's a safety issue for Firefighters," said Professional Firefighters Union Vice President Mike Whited.

He said these advanced parts are great for building. They're lighter, stronger and cheaper than traditional wood, but when they catch fire the collapse rate is so much greater. That's because of weak points like fast burning glue or metal holding the products together.

"All we want to know is if it's in the roof or in the floor or both," said Whited.

Whited also lost someone close to him due to these materials.

"I was actually at the fire," said Whited.

While trying to put out a church fire in Muncie, the roof collapsed on him and broke his back.

"I just recently had my third surgery," said Whited.

He's spent the past several years lobbying for legislation to help firefighters learn more about what they're walking into. It hasn't been easy.

"The people who were opposing it felt like this may devalue the product it may make people not want to live in buildings that have this in there and that is by far not the reason we are doing this," said Whited. "We're not trying to say that this is inferior product, it's a superior product in many ways except when it catches on fire the collapse rate is so much greater."

Senate Bill 393 requires people to disclose the use of these advanced materials when they apply for a building permit. That information would be given to local 911 dispatching systems.

"Every fire truck going to the scene will get the same exact information," said Whited.

Wea Township Fire Department Public Information Officer Samuel Shell said the bill could help firefighters and potentially save lives.

"It would make us go back to the drawing board as far as what we do and our procedures," said Shell. "We would take a little more of a cautious approach to those type of structures."

Whited is confident it will pass this session but Bob Smith wishes this law existed when his brother was alive.

"I believe it would have been different," said Smith.

Smith hopes it is different for the sake of others but unfortunately for him, he's left remembering, honoring and forever wondering what could have been for his brother.

"I think someday he would have been chief because that's what he wanted to do," said Smith.

The bill already passed through the whole Senate and so far, a House committee.

If it passes and is signed by the Governor, the law would go into effect after June 30th.
MONTICELLO, Ind. (WLFI) -- Crews are using boats to help neighbors evacuate their homes near Diamond Point in Monticello. Since early Wednesday morning there have been nearly a dozen water rescues.

The area is still under a flood warning and crews are urging people to evacuate while they still can. People affected said they're glad to be safe. But they say it's tough to see their homes under water.

Kristina Brambley had to evacuate her home in Monticello's Brandywine neighborhood home Wednesday morning.

"They put us in raft and they walked us up to safety," said Brambley.

She's only lived in this house for two years. She never imagined she'd see flooding like this.

"I was freaking out. I thought - we're stranded, we can't get out," said Brambley.

Brambley only had time to pack a small bag. She said it's sad to think about the belongings left behind.

"You don't realize what you have. To turn around and walk away from everything you worked so hard for," said Brambley.

Crews have made several water rescues just in the Diamond Point and Brandywine neighborhoods. Jack Roth is new to the area. The flooding caught him off guard.

"We moved up here from Houston so we're used to flooding in Houston," said Roth. "But I had no idea that I might find the same thing in Indiana."

"We've been advising people that the water will not crest on river in this area until probably sometime Saturday," said Fire Chief Galen Golan.

The Monticello Fire Department has been going door to door, urging people to get out while they can.

"A point will come that just because you can't get out doesn't make it an emergency to us," said Logan. "We're still responding on ambulance calls and fire calls while we're still trying to evacuate people out."

For the neighbors who live in the Diamond Point and Brandywine neighborhoods, it's now just a waiting game.

"We just need to see a real miracle and see God love and drain some of this water," said Roth.

Logan said the last time he saw flooding like this was back in 2008.
Campus events explore free speech issues

First Amendment: The first panel, Speech on Campus, for The First Amendment Under Fire" symposium was moderated by Vivian Hamilton of W&M Law School. Panelists included Sigal Ben-Porath of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, Marieke Tuthill Beck-Coon of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), and George Nwanze of the W&M Law School Class of 2019. Photo by David F. Morrill

First Amendment: Panel two, Can Racial Justice and Hate Speech Co-Exist? was moderated by Neal Devins of W&M Law School. Panelists included Wornie Reed from Virginia Tech; Susan Herman, the president of the ACLU and professor of law at Brooklyn Law School; and Alexander Tsesis from Loyola-Chicago School of Law. Photo by David F. Morrill

First Amendment: William & Mary Law Schools Jeffrey Bellin moderated the third panel on Policing Protests. His panelists were Rachel Harmon, University of Virginia School of Law; Timothy Zick, W&M Law School; and Claire Gastanaga, executive director of the ACLU of Virginia. Photo by David F. Morrill

Forum: Panelists at the Jan. 25 event at the Sadler Center included (from left) Professor Vivian Hamilton, Law School Dean Davison M. Douglas, Professor Timothy Zick and Dean of Students Marjorie Thomas. Photo by David F. Morrill Photo - of - Hide Caption

Are First Amendment speech protections under attack? Can colleges and universities provide learning opportunities that value all students equally and also value free expression? How can law enforcement safeguard speech while protecting public safety?

These were just some of the many topical questions considered during The First Amendment Under Fire: A Symposium on Speech, Protest and the Role of State Actors, held at William & Mary Law School on Feb. 2. The event was one of several recently held at W&M to explore issues around free speech.

First Amendment issues

Open to students, academics and the general public, the Feb. 2 day-long event was co-sponsored by William & Mary Law School and the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, and made possible with the assistance of the William & Mary student chapter of the American Constitution Society.

I think its fitting that these conversations are going to occur in the halls of our countrys oldest law school  created by Thomas Jefferson and George Wythe in 1779 to engage complex, difficult issues of public policy, said William & Mary President Taylor Reveley in introductory remarks.

Reveley added that competing views can be advanced and debated amid civility in a law school that has as one of its missions to prepare students to participate effectively in the political life of our country.

Civil debate and hearty question-and-answer sessions with attendees were indeed the order of the day in three panel discussions, the first of which tackled the hot-button issue of Speech on Campus. Moderated by event coordinator Vivian Hamilton (W&M Law School), the panel included Sigal Ben-Porath (University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education), Marieke Tuthill Beck-Coon (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education) and George Nwanze (W&M Law School Class of 2019).

The subject was, unsurprisingly, far from straightforward, with philosopher Ben-Porath arguing that a framework for free speech on campus should be educational and relational rather than legal. Beck-Coon, on the other hand, worried that that would lead to universities policing speech.

A second-year law student, Nwanze shared his conception of the First Amendment before beginning the study of law, then after studying the doctrine in upper-level courses in First Amendment  Speech and Education Law. Nwanze explained that he had initially shared the popular media conception that individuals have the same speech rights wherever they may happen to be, to a more complex and refined understanding of speech doctrine.

I first realized that although I can exert my First Amendment right, it cant be used to restrain virtually everyone; its largely used as an implement for restraining government action and preventing the government from taking a course of action, he said. Its not a prophylactic measure that confers an affirmative right, but rather something that prevents my right from being restrained.

The second panel, moderated by Neal Devins (W&M Law School), sought to answer the question Can Racial Justice and Hate Speech Co-Exist? Panelists included Susan Herman (president of the ACLU and professor of law at Brooklyn Law School), Alexander Tsesis (Loyola-Chicago School of Law), and Wornie Reed (Virginia Tech).

The final panel, moderated by Jeffrey Bellin (W&M Law School), looked at Policing Protests, and included Claire Gastanaga (Executive Director, ACLU of Virginia), Rachel Harmon (University of Virginia School of Law), and Timothy Zick (W&M Law School).

Susan Herman, President of the ACLU, was impressed by the range of topics and willingness to share differing views. I thought that todays conference was an incredibly good demonstration of freedom of speech, she said.

Nwanze said that working alongside well-known experts was a really humbling experience.

Their background and depth of knowledge is astoundingly impressive; their knowledge of the First Amendment has really been helpful and insightful in framing questions that Ive had personally about how speech operates on campus and how it operates further in broad society, Nwanze said. This has been very educational, sort of the quintessential, law school experience I hope to have.

Return to campus



After the contentious August 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, symposium co-organizer Claire Gastanaga found herself heartened by the symposiums thoughtful and considered conversation about difficult, complex issues.

There have been times in the past when it was easier to be an advocate for the First Amendment, and there are definitely changes that have taken place that make it hard to understand exactly how one assures the public safety and the public right to speak, and those are issues that we are going to be wrestling with for some time in the future, Gastanaga said. So wrestling with them in this kind of atmosphere is really good.

The event marked the return to campus by Gastanaga, who was at W&M in September to speak at a student-sponsored event titled Students and the First Amendment. In September, student protestors prevented Gastanaga from speaking at that event, prompting a statement and campus message from Reveley.

Silencing certain voices in order to advance the cause of others is not acceptable in our community, Reveley said in September. This stifles debate and prevents those whove come to hear a speaker, our students in particular, from asking questions, often hard questions, and from engaging in debate where the strength of ideas, not the power of shouting, is the currency.

In my view, refusing even to hear ideas with which we disagree does nothing to sharpen our own capacity to combat them in a cogent, convincing fashion. I do not believe it is an effective way to push toward needed change. And it is very unlikely to persuade those with whom we disagree to consider the possibility that they might be mistaken. Hanna Holborn Gray, president emerita of the University of Chicago, cut to the core when she noted that 'education should not be intended to make people comfortable. It is meant to make them think. Universities should be expected to provide the conditions within which hard thought, and therefore strong disagreement, independent judgment, and the questioning of stubborn assumptions, can flourish in an environment of the greatest freedom.'

Reveley also expressed a strong desire to have the campus take a serious look at the First Amendment, with all viewpoints welcome.

Its grand to have the ACLU alongside William & Mary as the motive forces for the conference. Vivian Hamilton from our Law School and Claire Guthrie Gastanaga from the Virginia ACLU have pulled the laboring oars, Reveley said in his opening remarks on Feb. 2. They have done so to great effect. We owe them robust thanks. Claire, it is especially wonderful to have you back in our midst. We have looked forward very much to your return to William & Mary. Speaking personally, you know how much I value your work and how eager I have been to have you back in the Colonial capital and on our campus.

Free speech on college campuses

The event was a continuation of discussion started in January with an interactive forum on free speech on college campuses.

The Jan. 25 program, held in the Sadler Center, was co-sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion and the Student Assembly. William & Mary then concluded what has been a series focused on free speech with a day-long symposium titled "The First Amendment, Protest, and the Role of State Actors." The symposium was hosted at W&M Law School and co-sponsored by William & Mary and the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia.



Law School Dean Davison M. Douglas facilitated the discussion at the Sadler Center by presenting a series of speech scenarios based on actual events that have occurred on campuses around the country. He said the issue of hate speech on campuses was among the most pressing issues facing higher education.



Douglas invited audience members to consider how a public college or university would appropriately respond under current law in each scenario, and to cast their votes on outcomes for each scenario using their cell phones, tablets or laptops. Online polling software quickly tallied and displayed the results. W&M Law Professors Vivian Hamilton and Timothy Zick and Dean of Students Marjorie Thomas were on hand to share their perspectives.



Douglas posed a question at the start of the event to test the audiences knowledge of an important legal principle: that the First Amendment explicitly imposes on only government actors, such as public colleges and universities, the obligation to protect speech.



As part of the discussion that followed, Douglas invited Zick to give a brief overview of the First Amendments free speech clause. Zick is the author of three books: Speech Out of Doors: Preserving First Amendment Liberties in Public Places (Cambridge University Press, 2009), The Cosmopolitan First Amendment: Protecting Transborder Expressive and Religious Liberties (Cambridge University Press, 2014) and The Dynamic Free Speech Clause: Freedom of Speech and Its Relation to Other Constitutional Rights (forthcoming, Oxford University Press).



The free speech clause of the First Amendment protects a broad range of communications, with just a few categorical exceptions, Zick told the audience. Those exceptions include, for example, speech that incites violence, threats, libel, child pornography, and obscenity. The justifications for such broad protection, he said, have developed over time and have endured despite periods in our history in which speech rights were not afforded equally to all citizens. Those justifications are that free speech facilitates free inquiry and the search for truth, promotes self-government by an enlightened and intelligent citizenry, and provides a bulwark against authoritarianism, government censorship, and abuse of power.

Todays protection for countercultural ideas or countercultural identities is the product of a revolution that took place in the twentieth century with regard to free speech doctrine, he said. That revolution extended protection to speakers whose speech was at one time considered dangerous or harmful, including atheists and religious skeptics, religious speakers, civil rights protesters, anti-war protesters, advocates for same-sex marriage and advocates for abortion rights.



In one scenario discussed, two students were expelled from a public university after they were videotaped leading a racist chant on a bus that was taking members of a fraternity to an event. The question posed to the audience was: Assume the expelled students sued and claimed their free speech rights were violated. Who should prevail, the students or the university? Although almost seventy percent of the audience said the university should prevail, the panelists said the students would likely prevail in court on free speech grounds, despite the deeply offensive content of their speech.



Hamilton, who teaches courses in education law and race and the law, said that any discussion of the legal protection afforded to speech would be incomplete without acknowledging the corrosive effect of hate speech on society and on the dignity of the individuals it targets. In addition to her appointment as a professor of law, Hamilton is an affiliated professor with the Gender, Sexuality, and Womens Studies Program.



Hate speech communicates to members of the targeted group that they are not welcome and equal members of society, she said. "It draws on and intensifies the effects of stigmatization that members of the targeted group have previously undergone.

Additional scenarios focusing on free speech guarantees on public campuses included admitted applicants exchanging racist and anti-Semitic communications on Facebook and students chalking provocative and anti-Muslim statements on university sidewalks. Panelists and the audience also discussed cases in which schools grappled with the cost of providing security for a white supremacist speaker, as well as students who shouted down or physically accosted a controversial author.

The Division of Student Affairs at William & Mary seeks to engage students in an ongoing conversation about how to talk about difficult issues as a community, Thomas said. As Dean of Students, she takes seriously any concern voiced by a student or group of students about speech that makes them feel unsafe or unwelcome on campus. She noted that professional organizations such as Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and the Association of Student Conduct Officers are engaged in discussions about how administrators can protect free speech rights on campus while also ensuring the safety of students and maintaining a learning environment conducive to their institutions mission.




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Police and Crime Commissioners call for St Davids Day holiday

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Feb 22nd, 2018

St Davids Day is our national day and I believe that we should introduce it as a holiday to celebrate our status as a nation.

That is the view of North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones, who along with his counterpart in Dyfed-Powys, is calling on Prime Minister Theresa May to give Wales new powers to make St Davids Day a public holiday.

According to North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones and Dafydd Llywelyn, police and crime commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, its only right that the people of Wales should be allowed to celebrate the national day properly.

Although not a crime or policing issue, the comment released via the PCCs press consultants does note the police are large employers, with tens of thousands of staff.

As a result the PCCs are now urging the UK Government to give the Welsh Assembly the power to introduce this holiday  which they say would enable them to follow the precedent set in Scotland in 2006 when the Scottish Parliament designated November 30th, St Andrews Day, as a national holiday.

Arfon Jones said: St Davids Day is our national day and I believe that we should introduce it as a holiday to celebrate our status as a nation.

It is something I feel very strongly about  we have had a meeting about how we can the distinctive Welsh identity of our police forces and this is a step we can take.

Celebrating St Davids Day with a public holiday would celebrate the fact that we are Welsh and that Wales is a country in its own right with its own distinctive identity and customs.

Many countries have national holidays  in the USA it is Independence Day and in France they have Bastille Day and Victory in Europe Day while in Spain Catalans celebrate their own national day on September 11.

Just as in Scotland it would be at the discretion of employers but it would at the very least be a recognition and a celebration of our own national identity.

Mr Jones and Mr Llywelyn are also planning to raise the matter at the next meeting of the four Police and Crime Commissioners in Wales.

Mr Llywelyn said:The four Comnmissioners and the four Chief Constables, as employers of tens of thousands of people in Wales, should lobby the Assembly for this change to be introduced.

Arfon and I believe there is a great deal of support for the idea of creating a new official holiday to celebrate our patron saints day.

It is not a great legislative issue and there is no real barrier to creating a new holiday in Wales.

It would be a flagship day for our national pride and a mark of our maturity as a nation.

On Thursday 1st March the annual St Davids Day parade through Wrexham town centre  more details about times / how to take part, here!
Last Friday, February 16, Brazilian president Michel Temer (MDB) decreed a federal intervention in the law enforcement system of Rio de Janeiro, expected to last until the end of this year. Tapped to lead the intervention is Army General Walter Souza Braga Netto, who has been given absolute powers over the states civil (investigations) and military (patrolling) police forces and prison system, empowered to overrule any decisions by elected officials, including the governor and mayors, and even to change law enforcement agencies internal regulations.

Gen. Braga Netto is the commander of the Eastern military division in Brazil, which includes Rio, and was responsible for the military operations in Rio de Janeiro during the Summer Olympics in 2016. With the military intervention, Rio de Janeiros law enforcement secretary, Roberto Sa, resigned on the same day. It is the first time since the promulgation of the 1988 Constitution that such an ostensibly legal federal intervention has been triggered and the first time since the end of the Brazilian military dictatorship in 1985 that an Army General has assumed a civil position.

The immediate pretext for the military intervention was a combination of armed conflicts between the drug trafficking factions and the police and the wave of robberies and assaults on tourists and residents of the city of Rio de Janeiro during the world-famous Carnival, a period in which the city receives more than 1 million tourists and street parties are estimated to attract 6 million.

Moreover, Folha de Sao Paulo estimated on February 17 that violent crime in Rio was back at the level that existed before the high-profile military and police operations that followed the victory of the citys bid to host the 2016 games back in 2008. This is largely due to the deepening of the economic crisis in Brazil and in Rio de Janeiro in particular, the first state to both decree financial collapse in 2016 and to adhere to a federal recovery plan in 2017. The number of deaths per 100,000 inhabitants increased from 29 in 2012 to 40 in 2017.

The number of conflicts between drug traffic gangs and the police and between each other has also increased since the deepening of the economic crisis in the state. In January of this year, the Cidade de Deus and Rocinha favelas [shantytowns] had 41 and 32 armed conflicts between the police and the drug traffic respectively, closing schools, blocking streets and leading to deaths of drug soldiers, as well as local residents struck by stray bullets.

The fact is, however, that Carnival violence was 35 percent lower than was reported in 2016. Nonetheless, partly in an attempt to change the subject from some of the most politicized parades since the 1980s, the corporate media, particularly Rede Globo, the largest media group in Brazil, sought to whip up public fear over the violence in Rio de Janeiro, which they covered extensively.

While Rios Carnival contest vice-champions, Paraiso do Tuiuti, made harsh criticism of Temers government, comparing the reforms to the legalization of slave labor, and featuring as one of its main parade components an actor dressed as Dracula wearing Brazils presidential sash, depicting Temer as a neoliberal vampire, Globo worked to create an atmosphere of hysteria that was used to justify the military intervention, without any concern for the mortal threat to democratic rights it represents.

Gang violence in Rio is being used as a pretext for an increasing presence of the military in Brazilian political life, in anticipation of a massive reemergence of class struggle. Operations are effectively following the strategy laid out by far-right Army Gen. Hemilton Mourao in a September address to supporters last September, according to which the presence of the military should increase through successive approximations. The address was marked by the chilling warning that if the judiciary does not remove individuals involved in corruption from public life, we will have to impose it, an explicit reference to the charges of corruption against Temer rejected by the national congress last year.

Gen. Mouraos words prepared the way for an article in Brazils oldest daily, Estado de Sao Paulo, by reserve Gen. Luiz Eduardo Rocha Paiva last October, in which he openly defended a military intervention, even without legal basis, in case the deepening moral, social, economic and political crises result in the breakdown of the federal powers.

The intervention is, accordingly, only the latest step in a protracted process. Last May, 1,000 troops from the Workers Party-created Gendarmerie (Forca Nacional de Seguranca) and the Federal Highway Corps were sent to the state as part of a new national security plan, in which Rio de Janeiro was designated as its laboratory.

Then in July of last year, the federal government issued a Guaranty of Law and Order decree, which allowed Rio de Janeiro to be policed by 8,500 Army and Navy troops deployed along with armored cars and tanks.

Last September, 1,000 Army and Navy troops and 10 tanks blocked the main accesses to Rocinha, laying siege to the favela as the state police went in looking for drug trafficking leaders. Army troops were seen with their faces covered by skull-painted masks along with the Armys Police Corps, the trademark repressive force of the countrys last military dictatorship (1964-1985).

The next step taken by Temers government was revealed on Monday, February 19, by defense minister Raul Jungmann, who said that the military operations in Rio de Janeiro will require the issuance of collective search and seizure warrants--a pseudo-legal cover for arbitrary mass detentions and house-to-house searches. This measure, along with a law issued last October that gives exclusive power to military courts to judge crimes committed by members of the military against civilians during emergency operations, amounts to a carte blanche for wholesale military repression.

The corporate media, for its part, is asking for more: a day after the intervention was unveiled, Merval Pereira, one of Globos most prominent pundits, approvingly quoted comparisons made by army officials between the situation in Rio and that which the Brazilian Army faced in Haiti, where it led a United Nations peacekeeping mission for 13 years, committing or covering up widespread, colonial-style abuse against the local population.

Workers must have a clear understanding that, under the pretext of fighting gang violence, nothing less than a path to dictatorship is being opened up. House Speaker Rodrigo Maia has withdrawn the governments most important project, the arch-reactionary Pension Reform, from consideration for a vote by the federal legislature because it is understood that a constitutional amendment cannot be voted on under conditions of a suspension of civil rights. The question that inevitably arises is, with the intervention set to last at least until December, what about an even more important vote, the October general elections? Are they going to be canceled as well?

As with the Russian interference in the United States, the terror threat in France, and immigrant violence in Germanyand the MeToo hysteria more broadlyunsubstantiated allegations regarding gang influence will be increasingly used to condition public opinion to the drive toward dictatorship.

Since September 2016, during the mayoral elections, the Electoral Courts then-president and Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes has made gang influence a central issue in the 2018 elections. On January 11, BBCs Brazilian edition ran an interview with former Drug Control Secretary Walter Maierovitch, highlighting his claim that PCC [Brazils largest gang] finances churches and may influence elections, quoting similar claims by Temers Intelligence chief, the far-right General Sergio Westphalen Etchegoyen. Once more such declarations beg the question: what would stop mass warrantless searches from massively targeting political opposition?

Against such a backdrop, the attitude of the Workers Party (PT) and its pseudo-left satellites is nothing less than politically criminal. The intervention and the subsequent cancellation of the Pension Reform vote in the Lower House of Congress presented the opportunity to demobilize whatever passed for preparation by the union apparatus for a supposed day of struggle set for February 19.

Accordingly, the first reaction of the PTs mouthpiece CartaCapital was to highlight technical issuessuch as arguments that The army is not prepared to deal with urban crimeand and to counsel caution by the government with pieces like one titled, Intervention causes discomfort among police ranks, says former commander-general.

The pseudo-left, for its part, treats the intervention as inefficient and populist, in the crudest bourgeois political terms, even to the right of the bourgeois pundits.

In a typical pro-repression statement on January 17, the PSOL (Socialism and Liberty Party, a parliamentary split-off from the PT in which both Pabloite and Morenoite tendencies are active) blamed the federal government, which fails in its constitutional duty to patrol the borders, and called for more integration between security agencies, investment in technical police (partnering with universities) and the fulfillment by the federal government of its obligations in curbing the international drugs and arms traffic.
At the end of the 1990s, under Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, the Green Party organized the first German combat mission since the end of the Second World War, in Yugoslavia. Since then, they are hated among workers and youth as a party of war. Meanwhile, the former pacifists have moved so far into the camp of militarism that they now attack the Christian Democrat-led defence ministry from the right.

After the Rheinische Post had reported on Monday morning that the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) was not able to equip its soldiers with sufficient protective vests, winter clothing and tents for their use in the NATO rapid reaction force, the Greens defence spokesman, Tobias Lindner, took umbrage in an interview with broadcaster Deutschlandfunk.

We see a picture of operational readiness which is really frightening, Lindner said angrily. In 2019, Germany is supposed to make an important contribution to the spearhead of NATO, and now not only were highly complex weapon systems lacking but things like long underpants and tents. He could also imagine that this was only the tip of the iceberg and wants to know, what about ships, what about planes.

Lindner went so far as to attack the remarks of Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen (Christian Democratic Union, CDU) at the Munich Security Conference from the right. He wondered what von der Leyen had said on the subject in Munich at the security conference. She had said that one cannot solve all problems with the Bundeswehr within two years. But she had been in office for more than two years, and the equipment problems had been well known since autumn 2014 at the latest. So there would have been enough time for Frau von der Leyen to actually do something.

The World Socialist Web Site has commented on von der Leyens war speech in Munich. The defence minister reiterated Germanys commitment to NATOs spending target of two percent of GDP for the military, which is also set out in the coalition agreement between the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats (SPD), and announced a massive rearmament offensive. Above all, she wanted to continue the turnaround of the Bundeswehr, this meant increasing the Bundeswehr personnel and continuing to invest and modernize, she said. It concerned a Europe that can also throw more military weight on the scales, and the construction of a European Defence Union and an Army of the Europeans.

Although von der Leyens programme recalls the rearming of the Wehrmacht (Armed Forces) in the 1930s, Lindner considers it to be not aggressive enough. In principle, von der Leyen had the whole of the last legislative period to revise processes and to ensure that one can quickly procure such simple things as tents, and that this does not take years. He wondered about von der Leyens record after four years, commissions have been set up, reports have been written, and the misery is more transparent. But that did not mean anything had changed.

Lindner openly expressed solidarity with the military brass, who are placing their demands on the political class with increasing vehemence. He had the impression that the command staff no longer accept that the situation be whitewashed. At least there is now a culture there that says, people, if you give us an order, as in this case, to spearhead NATO, then we will also say honestly what our material needs are.

The defence ministry was also trying to whitewash things in the parliamentary defence committee, he said. The Greens had therefore requested that Frau von der Leyen attend the Defence Committee this week and comment on these press reports. He expected that the Minister and also the Inspectors [most senior officers] of the branches of the armed forces explain what the situation really is. What is the situation regarding weapons systems, what is operational? He was curious as to whether the grand coalition and the minister have the backbone and the courage to comment on this at the meeting.

The criticism of Lindner and the Greens is of a piece with the positions of the neoliberal Free Democratic Party and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The FDP parliamentary group has tabled a motion for the defence committee meeting this week to establish a committee of inquiry into the operational readiness of the Bundeswehr. The right-wing AfD is also heading an aggressive campaign against the armys supposed inability to fight. The troops lack almost everything. Despite this, the grand coalition continued the course of underfunding, tweeted Rudiger Lucassen, the AfD representative in the defence committee and a former serving soldier.

The Left Party is also fully participating in the return of German militarism. The party has a total of four parliamentary deputies in the defence committee, including Christine Buchholz of Marx-21the German sister organisation of Britains Socialist Workers Partywho has regularly visited German troops abroad alongside von der Leyen. Stefan Liebich, a senior Left Party representative in the Foreign Affairs Committee, also participated prominently in the Munich Security Conference. As early as 2013, he worked on the study New PowerNew Responsibility, the blueprint for the aggressive return of German militarism to the world stage.
This is the second in a two-part series. Part one was posted yesterday.

In response to widespread opposition to the candidacies of the Party of the Institutional Revolution (PRI) and National Action Party (PAN), leading figures of the political establishment have attacked National Regeneration Movement (Morena) candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), painting him as a left-wing threat to stability.

According to PAN candidate Ricardo Anaya Cortes, We agree that we need a change of regime, not a replacement of autocracies. Let it be clear: Neither through PRI continuity nor through the authoritarian restoration, concentrator of power, unipersonal and caudillista that represents Morena.

This is a barely veiled reference to Lopez Obrador having praised Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro at times, such that he will operate as an, autocratic caudillo, a Latin American strongman, and run Mexico like Venezuela. In response to this threadbare propaganda Lopez Obrador insists I do not fight for money, I do not fight for power, I fight for ideals, I fight for principles, even if it seems strange.

Leading figures like Javier Lozano, vice coordinator of messaging for Meade, who until recently was a PAN operative have accused Russia of meddling through the Internet on AMLOs behalf. These attacks are so flimsy that the spokesperson of the presidency, Eduardo Sanchez, had to proclaim that they were without any proof. Undeterred, Lozano argued that mere accusation would open the door to attempts by the US to increase its influence in Mexico, given the anti-Russian hysteria in the US.

In December, US National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster also claimed that Russia has launched a campaign to influence Mexicos 2018 presidential election and stir up division. The PRIs president Enrique Ochoa Reza also affirmed that Russian and Venezuelan interests are supporting Lopez Obradors campaign, again without offering evidence. When he was US Secretary of Homeland John F. Kelly, now White House chief of staff, warned that a left-wing president in Mexico  would not be good for America or Mexico.

Not surprisingly, despite these smears, Lopez Obrador, who lost the 2006 presidential election to Calderon as the PRD candidate due to massive fraud, given the records of the PRI, PAN and PRD, has maintained a consistent, at times double-digit lead, in the polls, registering as high as 38 percent.

While the threat of increased intervention by US imperialism in Mexicos affairs is real if he wins, in reality Lopez Obrador represents little threat to the capitalist order in Mexico. Like Bernie Sanders, Lopez Obrador is a bourgeois politician heading up a bourgeois party. If needed he will serve the Mexican ruling class as a means to forestall revolution, like Syriza in Greece.

AMLOs electoral coalition, Together we will make history, is comprised of Morena, the Labor Party (Partido de Trabajo, PT) and the Social Encounter Party (PES), a right-wing party comprised mostly of Evangelical Christians that opposes gay rights, same-sex marriage and abortion.

Its vague program consists of little more than watered down nationalist-based reforms, much of which amounts to little more than populist demagogy.

For example, Lopez Obrador promises to undo much of Pena Nietos energy reform, to build more refineries, stop importing gasoline, and provide cheap energy.

AMLO proposes a 12-mile-deep free or open zone along the 1,800-mile border with the United States, which would include all of Mexicos border cities with the US, such as Tijuana and Juarez, in order to promote growth in this this region of Mexico. Under this proposal incentives will be given, taxes will be lowered, gasoline prices will be lowered and job creation will be encouraged. The 11-16 percent value added tax previously imposed in the order area would be repealed.

Neither AMLO nor Morenas program mentions imperialism, despite over of a century under the boot of US dominance.

Instead, Morena, in the more nationalistic pre-1980 tradition of the Mexican bourgeoisie, seeks better terms for Mexican business when dealing with US capital. AMLO stresses that the largest plants installed in Mexico belong to American investors or businessmen that export merchandise and their profits to the United States and leave very few jobs or taxes in Mexico. Morenas official program calls for cooperative development with US businesses and for higher competition internally and competitiveness externally.

More generally, while Morenas program calls on the state to promote the national economy, AMLO insists that Mexican development is to be accomplished without increasing taxes on the wealthy, by freeing up funds lost to corruption, and by the government acting with austerity, that is, not spending significantly on social programs or infrastructure. The country, AMLO says should no longer be indebted. This is a right-wing, reactionary program through and through.

AMLO opposes the interests of the working class in calling for uniting all sectors of society, women and men, poor and rich, religious and free thinkers, as long as they do not partake of the corruption endemic to the Mexican ruling class. Thus, billionaire Carlos Slim Helu, once the worlds richest man, is welcome to participate in AMLOs unity campaign, because he is allegedly an honest businessman, rather than part of what AMLO calls the corrupt mafia in power who traffic in influence.

But Mexicos main problem is not corruption as AMLO would have it, but capitalism. Corruption goes hand in hand with capitalism, and it will not disappear without its demise.

Rather than critiquing capitalism, AMLO puts forth universal civic, social and democratic values such as all that it takes to bring about social and economic rebirth. Such vague moral appeals will solve nothing, and can only serve to shield the actual mechanisms of capitalist exploitation.

According to AMLO the middle classes have a profound desire for liberation, to make justice a reality and establish an authentic democracy. But the nine percent under the top one percent in Mexico is the upper-middle-class layer that Morena and AMLO politically represent; they view the masses of workers as a threat to their wealth and privileges. This layer includes trade union operatives, academics and state bureaucrats.

In 2015 AMLO sold out the struggles of teachers in poor southern Mexico states who were opposing Pena Nietos education reform, that is, the attacks on their wages and rights. He pushed them to sit down with intransigent federal officials such as Osorio Chong, who were heading up these attacks.

Not surprisingly, when masses of Mexicans in last years gasolinazo protested a 20 percent hike in gas prices, AMLO attacked those who blocked refinery facilities or looted stores for employing fascist strategies. Order, he said, had to be brought to such chaos. Any and all violence had to be avoided in order to assure a peaceful and democratic road to change, despite the ever-increasing violence of the Mexican state and its military and police agencies against the population.

AMLO and Morena deny the masses of Mexico their political independence, or a road to pursue their own class interests and taking power. AMLOs call for a moral and cultural revolution rules out social revolution.

AMLOs nationalistic point of departure completely abstracts from the globalized economy that has predominated the Mexican economy the last three decades, the rule of giant transnational corporations and banks. His ideology offers no solution to the crisis that continues to crush Mexican workers and peasants.

The essential democratic and social needs of the working class and Mexican masses cannot be met under the rule of any wing of the Mexican national bourgeoisie, all of whose own privileges depend on the brutal exploitation of workers and poor farmers and on their ties to imperialism.

All of the major parties routinely engage in diversion of funds to buy votes of poorer voters, not just the PRI. Given vicious infighting amongst sections of the Mexican bourgeoisie widespread electoral fraud can be expected once again this year. According a December 2017 New York Times article Pena Nieto spent on the order of two billion dollars on publicity during his first 5 years as president. So the sums available for electoral abuse are massive. Electronic hacking of polling stations is also to be expected, not by the Russians, but by the warring factions of the Mexican bourgeoisie. The PRI already faced allegations of widespread electoral fraud in 2017 as to the election of Pena Nietos cousin Alfredo del Mazo as governor of the state of Mexico.

More dominant sections of the American and Mexican bourgeoise may well oppose even AMLOs mild proposals for reform. But the Mexican bourgeoisie remain well aware that the greatest danger facing them is an explosion of mass opposition by the Mexican working class. In the face of that danger it is to Lopez Obrador they may well turn.

Whatever the course the elections take, the Mexican working class can have no illusions that any section of the ruling class will protect its fundamental interests. Those interests can only be accomplished through building an independent political movement, based on a socialist, anti-capitalist program, that unites the working class of North, Central, and South America, which faces the same concerted attacks by their ruling financial oligarchies.

Concluded
Victimized Maruti Suzuki India workers have informed the World Socialist Web Site that later this week government lawyers, acting on orders from Haryanas advocate-general, will urge a High Court to sentence 13 of their fellow workers to death by hanging.

The 13 were convicted on frame-up murder charges last March and sentenced to life in prison. But this has not satisfied Indias ruling elite or the owners of the Japanese-based transnational Suzuki. They are baying for the workers blood, with the aim of intimidating workers across India.

Twelve of the 13 are executive members of the Maruti Suzuki Workers Union (MSWU), which workers at Maruti Suzukis Manesar, Haryana car assembly plant established in 2011-12 in bitter struggle against management and a government-recognized, company-stooge union.

Government lawyers are also reportedly seeking to overturn the acquittals of 117 other Maruti Suzuki workers on various grave charges, including rioting and assault.

The Maruti Suzuki workers have been the target of a legal vendetta, involving the police, prosecution, judiciary and both of the Indian ruling class principal parties. The frame-up was initiated, and an associated purge of 2,300 workers at the Manesar plant implemented, in the summer of 2012, when the Congress Party formed the government in Haryana and led Indias national government. It has continued seamlessly under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments that replaced them in 2014.

The sole crime of the 13 workers threatened with execution, 18 other workers who were convicted alongside them on lesser charges last March, and the 117 workers whose acquittal the authorities are vindictively appealing, is to have rebelled against poverty wages, precarious employment, and a brutal work regime.

The World Socialist Web Site has previously provided a detailed, five-part exposure of the frame-up, as part of our efforts to mobilize workers in India and around the world to win the immediate release, and vacating of all charges against, the Maruti Suzuki workers. (see: The frame-up of the Maruti Suzuki workersPart 1: A travesty of justice)

On July 18, 2012, management provoked an altercation with the workers. In the ensuing melee, a fire mysteriously erupted that led to the death by asphyxiation of the one manager sympathetic to the workers, Avineesh Dev. For more than a year prior to this, police on orders of the Haryana Congress Party government, had repeatedly been deployed to suppress worker protests at the plant, which had emerged as a center of worker resistance in the giant Gurgaon-Manesar industrial belt that lies on the outskirts of Indians capital, Delhi.

Without even the pretense of an investigation, the police, working hand-in-glove with management, blamed the workers for the altercation and fire and launched dragnet arrests of scores of workers using lists of suspects supplied by the company.

Some of the arrested workers were subjected to abuse and torture to try to coerce them into making confessions.

The subsequent trial of 148 of the workers was a travesty of justice.

None of the Maruti Suzuki workers who were at the plant on July 18, 2012 but not charged testifiedan omission the presiding judge justified with the claim that they would have given false testimony, either because they were sympathetic to, or intimidated by, the MSWU.

The fire was the crux of the prosecutions murder case. Yet it could not establish where, when, or how the fire started. The authorities did claim to have found a matchbox, which supposedly escaped detection during the initial investigation of the fire and inexplicably survived unscathed in an area destroyed by the blaze. But nothing tied this matchbox to any of the workers.

As with other crucial pieces of evidence, police failed to carry out the most rudimentary forensic tests on this matchbox.

The prosecution changed basic elements of its narrative of the case, including what weapons workers supposedly used in their alleged attack on company managers.

Defence lawyers showed that the police had arrested 89 workers based on lists supplied by a Maruti Suzuki official who wasnt even employed at the Manesar plant and then fabricated evidence, finding four witnesses to implicate the workers, because they feared their illegal collusion might be exposed. Several police also submitted bogus Medicolegal Certificates (MLCs) as proof of their claim the workers had attacked them when they intervened in the July 18, 2012 melee.

So patently illegal were the polices actions, the judge was forced to exonerate the 89 along with 29 other workers that no prosecution witness identified or correctly identified.

But the judge did so, with the aim of saving the most essential part of the frame-upthe murder charges against the MSWU leaders.

In finding them guilty, he repeatedly shifted the burden of proof from the prosecution onto the workers and willfully ignored that the entire case against the workers had been assembled by the same police who had fabricated evidence and led by the same police inspector who had colluded with Maruti Suzuki management and admitted under cross-examination his MLC was fraudulent.

While the trial was in progress, politicians and prosecutors repeatedly connected it with the need to reassure investors that Indian authorities can be counted on to suppress worker unrest. In urging that the 13 workers be sentenced to die, rather than condemned to life in prison, special prosecutor Anurag Hooda declared, Our industrial growth has dipped, FDI [Foreign Direct Investment] has dried up. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is calling for Make in India, but such incidents are a stain on our image.

Employers in the Manesar-Gurgaon industrial belt and across India now routinely cite the fate of the Maruti Suzuki workers when faced with demands for better wages and working conditions and threats of industrial action.

Prime Minister Modi and Indian Finance Arun Jaitley, meanwhile, have repeatedly met with Maruti Suzuki officials, including Suzuki Chairman Osamu Suzuki, in the 11 months since the 13 Maruti Suzuki workers were sentenced to life in prison.

They view Suzuki as a flagship in their efforts to make India a global cheap labour manufacturing chain hub. Modi has repeatedly boasted that Indian labour costs are far below those in China. Indeed, industrial wages in India are now at least four times lower than in China.

It is these conditions of brutal exploitation that Indias venal ruling elite is seeking to uphold through its vendetta against the Maruti Suzuki workers.

If Indian authorities now feel so emboldened as to seek the death penalty for the MSWU leaders and the overturning of the acquittal of the 117, it is because the trade unions and the twin Stalinist parliamentary parties, the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), have completely abandoned the Maruti Suzuki workers.

For weeks, the Stalinists failed to even report the frame-up convictions of the 13 workers on their websites or in their newspapers and after they did, they quickly resumed their silence.

They will not lift a finger to mobilize the working class in support of the Maruti Suzuki workers, because to do so would jeopardize their cozy relations with the political establishment.

When asked about the role of Indias major labour federations, like the Stalinist-led CITU and AITUC, Abhiram and Jitenderthe members of the Provisional Committee of the MSWU who informed the WSWS about the states renewed efforts to impose the death penalty on the 13said, They are doing nothing for us. Not before or after the convictions. They are completely finished here. The trade unions are only after dues. Workers want an alternative.

Workers in India and around the world must come to the defense of the Maruti Suzuki workers. In challenging sweatshop exploitation, they were striking a blow for workers not just in India, but around the world. Their defence is a vital first step in forging the international unity of the working class that is needed to fight global capital.

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Free the Framed-Up Maruti Suzuki Workers

[20 March 2017]
Even many commentators in the corporate media noted the lacklustre character of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) convention held in Ottawa last weekend. Amid deepening geopolitical rivalries that could trigger a major war on the Korean peninsula or in the Middle East, attacks on democratic and social rights, and the reemergence of working class struggle in Canada and internationally, the social democrats only mustered a few tepid criticisms of Liberal government policycriticisms that three years ago could just as well have been made by the current prime minister, Justin Trudeau.

The centerpiece of the gathering was a keynote address by the NDPs new federal leader Jagmeet Singh, a darling of the partys right-wing establishment and former deputy-leader of the Ontario NDP. Singhs vapid, Obama-style politicsepitomized in his love and courage mottoinfused a 40-minute speech in which he made clear the continuity of his leadership with that of his right-wing predecessors, Thomas Mulcair and Jack Layton.

Singh criticized mounting social inequality and outlined a few tepid reform proposals, including a government-run pharmacare system, extra funding for housing, and increased taxation on the ultra-rich, causing the pseudo-left Fightback to gush that the message seems finally have gotten through that reformism without reforms is not what people want to hear.

In reality, the NDP remains as subservient to big business, and as pliant a tool of the capitalist elite in dissipating and derailing social opposition, as ever. Anyone who claims otherwise either suffers from political amnesia or is out to deceive the population. Every single provincial NDP government that has held power in Canada during the last three decades, from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, has imposed social spending cuts, cuts in public sector workers real wages, and tax hikes for working people. This was true of Bob Raes Ontario NDP government in the early 1990s, as it is of the current Rachel Notley-led NDP government in Alberta, which collaborates closely with the provinces big oil corporations and has imposed austerity measures during the three years it has held office.

The NDPs pro-war record

The true orientation of the NDP and its allies in the trade union bureaucracy was most strikingly demonstrated at last weekends convention by their shameful and complicit silence on Canadian imperialisms major role in Washingtons military-strategic offensives around the world.

Since its release last June, Canadas social democrats have maintained virtual radio silence on the Liberal governments new national defence policy, which includes a pledge to hike military spending by 70 percent over the next decade. And that silence continued last weekend.

The biennial NDP convention was held just one month after Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland co-hosted a conference with Trumps Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Vancouver, which reassembled the US-led coalition that waged war on the Korean Peninsula from 1950-53. Yet the NDP did not see fit to criticize the Vancouver summit, nor Freelands and Trudeaus repeated statements pledging solidarity with the US as it threatens to annihilate the North Korean people.

This is because the NDP is a pro-war, pro-imperialist party. Beginning with the NATO bombardment of Yugoslavia in 1999, it has endorsed Canadas participation in an ever-lengthening list of US-led wars and interventions, including the Afghan war, the regime change war in Libya, and the 2004 ouster of Haitis elected president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Given this record, it should come as no surprise that party officials resorted to anti-democratic maneuvers to suppress discussion on a number of resolutions deemed too controversial, including several criticizing Israels brutal oppression of the Palestinians.

Last weekends convention was the first since Mulcair was unceremoniously dumped as leader in April 2016, following the partys disastrous performance in the 2015 federal election. When the election was called in August 2015, the NDP was poised, according to the polls, to become the largest party in parliament for the first time ever. But with the backing of the NDP and trade union top brass, Mulcair, a former Quebec Liberal government minister, waged a campaign that was even more right-wing than Trudeaus. Mulcair pledged to balance the budget at all costs, spurn any tax increases even for the top 1 percent, further increase military spending, and join with the big business Liberals in a post-election coalition or alliance to form a progressive alternative government to Harper and his Conservatives.

There was no criticism of any of this from the rostrum of last weekends convention, only promises that the NDP will henceforth think and act bolder.

In some respects, Singhs speech and the NDP convention marked a further shift right. The NDP made no issue of the Liberal governments Bill C-59, which in the name of reforming Harpers Bill C-51, enshrines the vast new powers the Conservatives gave Canadas national security apparatus in 2015 in the name of fighting terrorism. In fact, Bill C-59 not only sanctions the Canadian Security Intelligence Service breaking of virtually any law to disrupt vaguely-defined threats to national security; it gives the Communications Security Establishment new offensive cyber-war powers.

In keeping with the NDPs studious avoidance of most foreign policy issues, Singh had nothing to say about the Trudeau governments efforts, notwithstanding tensions with Trump over the renegotiation of NAFTA, to deepen Canadas military and strategic partnership with the US, including by modernizing NORAD. This underscores that Singh and the NDP establishment, like their bourgeois masters, support Ottawas continued close cooperation with US imperialism as the best way to advance Canadian big business predatory global interests.

The pseudo-left and the NDP

The Toronto Stars Chantal Hebert aptly observed that the convention showed that the social democrats are struggling to differentiate themselves from the big business Liberals. Singhs keynote speech, added Hebert, fell well short of being a major departure from the partys recent past. The notion, she continued, that the weekends deliberations have put the NDP on the path of a shift to the left mostly goes to prove that movement on the Canadian political spectrum is often in the eye of the beholder.

The chief role in concealing this reality falls to the various middle class pseudo-left groups which operate within the NDP and on its periphery. Socialist Caucus (a faction within the NDP led by members of the Pabloite Socialist Action group), Fightback (which also functions as a loyal NDP faction and is the Canadian section of the misnamed International Marxist Tendency), and the International Socialists (who maintain formal organizational independence from the NDP) all continue to advance the absurd claim that this pro-war, pro-big business party can be pressured to the left and serve as an instrument of working people in fighting austerity and even for socialism.

In this, they are reprising the role played by their pseudo-left counterparts in Britain, who have hailed Jeremy Corbyns election as leader of the Labour Party. Corbyn won overwhelming support with his pledges to end austerity and the UKs nuclear weapons program, but promptly junked them once he became leader in 2015 and has otherwise compromised with the Blairite party on every essential issue. Corbyn has instructed Labour-led local authorities to implement Tory austerity measures, allowed the partys right wing to give the Conservatives the votes they needed to wage war in Syria, and has abandoned his opposition to the Trident nuclear weapons program.

Corbyns aim was never to return the Labour Party to socialism, but to ensure that radicalized young people and workers remain confined within the straitjacket of Labour, which for a century has been one of the two principal parties of British imperialism. Corbyns close collaborator and Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, summed up their goal when he told a Labour activists meeting last October that they have to save capitalism.

During last years NDP leadership contest, the pseudo-left desperately sought to find a candidate to Corbynize the NDP. Fightback plumped for Niki Ashton, who twice voted for Canadas involvement in the bombardment of Libya in 2011, declaring her to be Canadas Corbyn. When the WSWS exposed Ashtons war-mongering record, Fightback was outraged. (see: The Canadian NDP and the Libya war: Niki Ashton is a liar)

The campaign to Corbynize the NDP continued last week with an event entitled Courage to Leap, held on the sidelines of the convention and promoted by the International Socialists. It was organized by a group calling itself Courage and by supporters of the Leap Manifesto. The latter is a nationalist document advocating social justice and the transition to a green economy within the confines of capitalism and the nation-state system. Its principal authors and champions are Naomi Klein and her husband, the filmmaker and scion of the NDPs first family, Avi Lewis.

The goal of the Courage to Leap meeting was to convince the approximately 300 in attendance that the NDP could be transformed into a fighting organization for working people. It was addressed by Emma Rees and Adam Klug, two leading Corbyn campaigners in the UK, and by Becky Bond, a political adviser to Bernie Sandersthe independent US Senator who used socialist rhetoric to trap leftward-moving workers and youth within the big business Democratic Party and the Hillary Clinton campaign for US president.

Nobody cared to address the fact that Kleins and Lewis Leap Manifesto is an explicitly pro-capitalist document that was even circulated among Liberal Party politicians when it was first released in the fall of 2015. This was summed up perfectly by Lewis, when he wrote in the Globe and Mail that Leap is a Marshall Plan for employment, a reference to Washingtons plan to revive capitalism in western Europe after World War II, so as to forestall social revolution, provide markets for US goods, and create a stronger base for waging the Cold War.

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Why is Canadas pseudo-left rallying behind NDP leadership candidate Niki Ashton?

[16 September 2017]

Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party: the strategic lessons

[15 November 2016]
Audiences worldwide have been subjected to yet another installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film series. The latest film is Black Panther (directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyongo), based on Stan Lee and Jack Kirbys 1966 comic book character of the same name.

The film has been overwhelmingly hailed as a defining moment in African American and movie history for featuring an almost entirely all-black cast, directed by an African American director, with a screenplay by black writers (Coogler and Joe Robert Cole). Such praise, however, only testifies to the general degradation of art, culture and film criticism in contemporary America. The films supposed achievements do not save it from being a vacuous work, which does not withstand a moment of serious reflection.

It is set in the fictional African kingdom of Wakanda, where tribesmen have succeeded in harnessing the energies of the alien metal vibranium, which centuries before struck the planet during a meteor shower. This metal also gives those who possess it the strength, speed and instincts of a black panther.

With the use of this resource, Wakanda has developed into a technologically advanced nation, concealed from the rest of the planet via a cloak of invisibility. Its ruler, King TChalla/Black Panther (Boseman), defends his kingdom decked out in a bulletproof panther suit.

Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa/Black Panther in Black Panther

We are supposed to look upon this silliness as having a profound import for the simple reason that Black Panther is the first Marvel film, as was the comic series in its time, starring a superhero of African descent. Needless to say, the identity politics crowd is having a field day proclaiming the film to possess a vast social and artistic significance.

Apart from its racialist theme, the film is nothing more than a conventional Hollywood blockbuster, chock full of action sequences, explosions and the rest. But moviegoers have been told it is their civic duty to go see it because it shows black people in positions of power.

The premise that in todays world a black superhero represents some kind of social or moral breakthrough is itself absurd. The United States, after all, elected Barack Obama as its head of state twice and has seen a highly-privileged section of African-Americansno less reactionary than their white counterpartsin some of the highest offices of the state (Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Eric Holder, etc.). The presence of blacks at the head of capitalist states, from the US to South Africa, has done nothing to improve the lot of the masses of working and poor people, black or white.

More fundamentally, the use of race as the basis for evaluating a film, or any other creative work is artistically bankrupt and politically reactionary. The pedigree for such conceptions can be found in the theory and practice of Aryan art, which flourished under the Nazis.

News coverage in the lead-up to the films release, a key component of its multi-million-dollar marketing campaign, gave the impression that a viewing of the film would be enough to inspire impoverished black children to lift themselves up by their own bootstraps. Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, has joined in the general establishment promotion of the work, sending out tweets encouraging his followers to see the film.

This carefully orchestrated and well-funded marketing scam is driving millions to see Black Panther, providing mega-profits for its distributor, Walt Disney Studios.

The movie has generated record proceeds of more than $400 million worldwide so far, making it the highest-grossing opening for a film with a black director. It is expected to be among the highest grossing movies of all time, guaranteeing a rush of sequels, spin-offs, theme park attractions and merchandising gimmicks.

Absolutely revolting, but not unexpected, have been the paeans surrounding the film in the mainstream press, with the New York Times leading the way, as usual. The New York Times Magazine featured a lengthy article (Why Black Panther Is a Defining Moment for Black America) hailing the film for being steeped very specifically and purposefully in its blackness.

The article quotes Jamie Broadnax, creator of pop-culture website Black Girl Nerds, who enthuses, Its the first time in a very long time that were seeing a film with centered black people, where we have a lot of agency [The cast members] are rulers of a kingdom, inventors and creators of advanced technology. Were not dealing with black pain and black suffering and black poverty. In other words, Black Panther is a sort of feel-good movie, refreshing because it focuses on the exploits of a monarch and his retinue and ignores the riff-raff below.

The ecstatic response to Black Panther has a thoroughly scripted character. The reviewers know what is expected of them, and they deliver the desired product. More troubling are those reviews whose authors are deeply and pathologically immersed in the racialist world view that infects the middle-class pseudoleft. Andrew Stewart proclaims in Counterpunch that he does not know how to review this superb film. Why? He is afflicted with the terrifying neurosis of whiteness. This is, Stewart confesses, one of the most painful and insurmountable failures of his life. His life is a failure because, while I earnestly wish  that I might stop being a racist and white supremacist, Im never going to totally overcome this.

One cannot help but feel embarrassed for the author of such self-abasing drivel.

But what of the content of the movie?

Even if one makes allowances for the comic book aspects of the story and the required suspension of disbelief, there is something ludicrous, to put it mildly, about the assertion that seeing an African king possessed of superhuman strength and agility back-flipping across the screen speaks in some profound way to the situation facing the masses of people, black, white or any other epidermal pigmentation.

While fantasy films and literature depart radically from reality in many ways, the best efforts are rooted in an effort to criticize that which exists and/or consider how society might be reordered to the benefit of humanity. With Black Panther, Coogler and Cole present a supposedly ideal African society, free from colonialism and imperialism, in which nothing makes sense.

Over the films more than two-hour running time, there is no effort to explain why a technologically advanced society must conceal itself from the rest of the world behind a wall of invisibility, or why it maintains a feudal form of government, in which a king is chosen through ritual battle to the death or surrender.

Far from employing fantasy to imagine a society more advanced than our own, Coogler and Cole recreate uncritically a political regime that incorporates the worst features of social and political backwardness. The great Wakanda is, in essence, a fragile mono-cultural society in which a military camarilla led by a king hoards its one scarce resource and jealously controls its distribution.

While the distribution of vibranium could apparently have an immense positive impact on the development of humanity, the Black Panther fights to keep it locked away behind the walls of his country, using it only to develop advanced gadgetry and weapons.

This vision of an ideal society is a glorified reflection of ex-colonial countries where the benefits derived from control of scarce and valuable resources go to a fabulously wealthy privileged elite.

It is not surprising to learn that Coogler based his vision of Wakanda on what he observed during a research trip to South Africa, Kenya and, most notably, Lesotho, a land-locked constitutional monarchy headed by King Letsie III, where 80 percent of the population relies on subsistence farming and the majority lives in extreme poverty, despite lucrative diamond reserves.

Ironically, Black Panther is most successful in its treatment of the main villain, Erik Killmonger Stevens, played by Michael B. Jordan (Fruitvale Station and Creed), a character who ends up being more sympathetic in his cause than the titular hero. Jordans portrayal manages to lend complexity and an element of tragedy to a seemingly standard evil movie villain.

Stevens has been twisted by the life of poverty he has experienced growing up orphaned in Oakland, California, a nod to Cooglers hometown and the birthplace of the Black Panther Party. But in order to fit this character in to the storylines reactionary framework, it is revealed that Killmonger earned his namesake as a US black-ops specialist, who has decorated his torso with burn marks for each life he has taken in his various engagements in Iraq, Afghanistan and on the African continent.

Jordan explained his motivation for the Killmonger character in an interview with Rolling Stone: This young black man from Oakland, growing up in systemic oppression, not having his mom and dad around, going to foster care, being a part of this system I understood his rage, and how he could get to the point where he had to do what he had to do, by any means necessary.

The most shameful point in the film comes when a Wakandan tribal leader explicitly promotes national isolationism and anti-refugee sentiment, declaring that, if you let refugees in, you let their problems in.

On top of this, Coogler couldnt help but promote illusions in American imperialism with the inclusion of a good white character, the CIA operative Everett Ross (Martin Freeman). Ross assists TChalla in saving Wakanda from Killmonger by remotely piloting a heavily armed unmanned airship, echoing the drones used to kill enemy combatants in Americas wars in the Middle East and Africa.

According to star Chadwick Boseman (4 2, Get On Up, Marshall), a major inspiration for the personality of TChalla/Black Panther was none other than Obama, a leader [who] can hold his tongue and hold his ground (Rolling Stone).

Boseman likens the heros vibranium battle suit to the United States possession of nuclear arms, proclaiming, its a similar thing Who would you want to get the call at three in the morning? I'd rather it be someone like [Obama] or TChalla than  somebody else.

One is not surprised to see journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates, an acolyte of Obama and proponent of the racialist outlook that courses through Black Panther and its marketing campaign, receive special thanks in the films credits.

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[21 December 2016]

Identity politics and the growth of inequality within racial minorities

[07 October 2017]
The Munich Security Conference (MSC) held last weekend was dominated by rising, potentially violent conflicts between the imperialist powers and Russia and China. How close the world is to a possible war between nuclear-armed powers was epitomized by the MSCs main report, which featured an introduction by Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger that warned, The world has gotten closermuch too close!to the brink of a significant conflict, and which backed up this assessment by listing US war threats against North Korea, China's rapid economic growth, conflict with Russia in Eastern Europe, and the US confrontation with Iran.

Yet amid all the talk of a common external threat in the form of Russia, China and Iran, the MSC was characterized by a widening rift between the US and the European Union centred on plans to create an independent European military capability. This was initiated last year by the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) treaty and detailed in a second MSC document, More European, More Connected and More Capable, Building the European Armed Forces of the Future.

It was impossible to hide the accelerating, historic collapse of the institutions of world capitalism that Washington created after emerging from World War II as the imperialist world hegemon.

Just nine months ago, in response to US President Donald Trump declaring his belief that NATO was an outmoded institution, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Berlin would now pursue an independent foreign policy from Washington. In the future, she said, we will have to fight for ourselves.

At the 2018 MSC, the EU, led by Berlin and Paris, declared that it would no longer be constrained in its own actions by NATO structures dominated by the US and would undertake to become an independent world power, spending hundreds of billions of euros per year on its own war machine. In the run-up to the MSC, plans were announced in both Berlin and Madrid for a doubling of military spending, and Paris announced a 300 billion military budget for 2018-2024. This 35 percent increase included tens of billions to be spent on nuclear weapons.

Taking advantage of US demands for increased military spending and for Europe to assume its share of the burden of policing the world, the EU powers declared that they would now take their rightful place in a new multi-polar world. The MSC document stated: 'America first' and Brexit may have the welcome effect that other stakeholders in the liberal order try to make up for less internationalist Anglo-Saxons The European Union as a whole could play a stabilizing role for the liberal international orderas could other groupings of liberal democracies, such as the renewed 'Quad' [US, Japan, India, Australia] in the Asia-Pacific.

The MSC reports proposals for the EU to become a world power finds its echo in the agreement on which the Christian Democrats and the Social Democratic Party intend to form a new grand coalition government, working in alliance with President Emmanuel Macron of France. This pact lays out a staggering area in which to establish EU influence: the Balkans, Russia, Turkey, Afghanistan, the Middle East, the Persian Gulf and North Africa. That is, the EU aims to build a sphere of influence larger even than that of the Third Reich at the height of Hitler's conquests. Macron's call for a return of the military draft in France and threats to bomb Syria are signals that the EU plans to pursue these aims through a large-scale resort to arms.

These plans elicited a warning from a spokesman for US Defense Secretary James Mattis. He said Washington had concerns that some proposed initiatives risked pulling resources or capabilities away from NATO. Mattis himself asked the European powers for written assurances that EU military cooperation would not compete with the NATO alliancewhich the EU refused to do.

Since the Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, US policy has been to use its unchallenged military position to maintain its dominance over world affairs. In a 1992 document, Pentagon planners asserted that Washington had to convince potential competitors that they need not aspire to a greater role or pursue a more aggressive posture, and to discourage them from challenging our leadership or seeking to overturn the established political and economic order.

This has failed. Based on a Berlin-Paris axis, powerful factions of the European imperialist bourgeoisie are now openly challenging Washington's role as undisputed world hegemon.

Accompanying these military tensions is a dramatic deterioration in political and economic relations. The European powers all reject the US ultimatum to accept its modifications to the Iranian nuclear deal or face renewed sanctions that could hit European corporations doing billions of dollars worth of business in Iran. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel delivered a blunt statement at the MSC on the Iran nuclear deal, declaring: We negotiated this deal together. We refuse to give it up and we will not do so. On the contrary, we advise our American friends not to let this deal fail.

The European Commission has also denounced threats of a 24 percent US tariff on steel and a 7.7 percent tax on aluminum and threatened action in kind against a range of US exports. Two days after the conclusion of the MSC summit, EU finance ministers met to discuss their collective response to this threat and Trumps moves to slash corporate taxes to encourage a repatriation of tech industry investment to the US.

Germanys leading business paper Handelsblatt commented: Wars sometimes start by mistake. Historians, for example, have often compared the prelude to World War I with the stumbling of sleepwalkers. It is no different with trade wars. The verbal rearmament that is currently taking place between the US, Europe and China also runs the risk of escalating the conflicts over cheap steel and aluminum imports into an open trade war.

Trade and military war are inextricably linked. A ruthless struggle for markets and strategic influence is unfolding between the wealthiest capitalist powers. To think that this struggle can long continue without leading to war is to place heavy bets against history. The working class in Europe and internationally is faced with the emergence of a ruthless inter-imperialist struggle to redivide the world, similar to that which, a century ago, led to World War I and the October 1917 revolution.

The force emerging as the alternative to the bankrupt capitalist system is the international working class.

The imperialist drive to war goes hand-in-hand with an escalating social and economic crisis that contronts billions of workers worldwide and increasingly discredits the capitalist system in their eyes. Last year, polls found that American youth prefer communism or socialism to capitalism, and that over half of European youth would join a mass uprising against the existing social order if they had the chance.

These events vindicate the International Committee of the Fourth Internationals insistence that the dissolution of the Soviet Union did not signify the final triumph of capitalism. It has not overcome the basic conflicts identified by the great Marxists of the 20th centurybetween world economy and the nation-state system, and between socialized production and private profitwhich led to war and social revolution. Rather, the ruling elites are spending hundreds of billions of euros drawn from economies devastated by a decade of crisis in a new global drive to war.

Workers cannot allow themselves to be divided from their class brothers and sisters in other countries. As the Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky wrote in 1934, a year after Hitler came to power, the task is to follow not the war map but the map of the class struggle. Already, there is massive opposition to war in the American and European working class and to the social austerity policies pursued to fund the rival war machines. The necessary response to the escalating capitalist crisis is the unification of the working class in a socialist anti-war movement.
A 46-year-old Tamil asylum seeker, Santharuban Thangalingam, imprisoned in a detention facility in the Melbourne suburb of Broadmeadows, was due to be deported today by the Australian government, despite the risk of torture and imprisonment on return to Sri Lanka.

The Australian Border Force (ABF), the para-military agency that oversees the capture and removal of asylum seekers, issued Thangalingam with a deportation notice on February 8. The ABF told him he will be physically escorted on his flight to Colombo and not permitted any visitors. Thangalingam refused to sign the deportation order.

Thangalingam is a victim of two policies pursued by successive Australian governments. One is the anti-refugee border protection regime of barring entry to asylum seekers trying to flee to Australia by boat. The other is a concerted push by Canberra, in partnership with Washington, to firmly align Sri Lanka, a strategically-located island in the Indian Ocean, behind the US-led drive to combat Chinas growing influence across the Indo-Pacific region.

Last October, the UN Committee against Torture asked the current Turnbull Liberal-National government to refrain from returning [Thangalingam] to the Republic of Sri Lanka while his complaint is under consideration. It was an interim measure to prevent his deportation, pending an investigation.

According to the UN brief submitted on December 26, Thangalingam was a senior member of the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), working in its naval wing, the Sea Tigers. In May 2009, nearly three decades of civil war in Sri Lanka ended with the LTTEs defeat and the imposition of de facto military rule in the countrys north and east.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbulls government flatly rejected Thangalingams application for refugee status under the UN test of fearing persecution if forcibly returned to Sri Lanka. His application was refused on the basis that he did not reveal his connection to the LTTE when he first arrived in Australia in 2012.

A former member of the Sri Lankan parliament, M. K. Shivajilingam, has confirmed that Thangalingam played a leading role in the LTTE. A former LTTE member, Manoharan Thanapalasingam, also confirmed his role, saying: [I] believe 100 percent that hell be tortured and [I] will not be surprised if hes arrested right at the airport  and then taken to military camps  and that hell be tortured indefinitely.

Australias permanent mission to the UN in Geneva dismissed the UN request, declaring it is not necessary to take the interim measures requested because there were not substantial grounds for believing [Thangalingam] faces a real risk of irreparable harm if returned to Sri Lanka.

On February 19, just four days before Thangalingam was due for deportation, the UN withdrew its interim request, effectively approving the deportation of a man who faces brutalisation at the hands of the Sri Lankan authorities.

Thangalingam initially did not report his connection to the LTTE because he feared deportation and punishment. This was not an unfounded fear. In August 2012, Australias Greens-backed Gillard Labor government, in a move to strengthen geo-strategic relations with Sri Lankas authoritarian President Mahinda Rajapakse, began mass deportations of refugees to Colombo, initially sending back 700.

In December 2012, Labors Foreign Minister Bob Carr conducted a four-day visit to Sri Lanka, during which he announced direct military cooperation with the Rajapakse government, including intelligence sharing, under the fraudulent banner of combatting people smuggling of refugees.

Since then Labor and Liberal-National governments alike have continued the mass deportations, including 29 Sri Lankan asylum seekers who were deported last December, three months after the Australian High Court sanctioned the policy of forcible removal.

There are many documented cases of Tamil refugees, especially alleged LTTE members or supporters, being tortured by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) after being deported to Sri Lanka.

Despite this, the current Sri Lankan government of President Maithripala Sirisena, like that of his predecessor Rajapakse, has denied any mistreatment of refugees or the Tamil minority. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, when visiting Australia last year, said: They [Tamils who fled the country] are welcome to return to Sri Lanka and we wont prosecute them.

Sirisenas administration has been painted as less ruthless than Rajapakses. In truth, the torture and imprisonment of Tamils has continued. Victims, speaking to the Associated Press after fleeing to Europe last year, described physical and sexual torture at the hands of the CID during 2016 and 2017. All the men were rounded up under the pretext of working with the LTTE.

A Tamil Refugee Council spokesman, Aran Mylvaganam, said the deportation notice against Thangalingam ignores the reality facing returning Tamils. He stated: Members and suspected former members of the LTTE continue to be disappeared, detained, tortured and harassed by the Sri Lankan security forces.

Mylvaganam also cited numerous condemnations by UN agencies of Australias violations of human rights. He commented: It is unreasonable for the Committee against Torture to accept the testimony of the Australian government while ignoring eye-witness testimony of refugees in this case.

Turnbulls government has refused to comment on the deportation. Instead, a Home Affairs Department spokesperson told the Guardian: Australia does not remove people to their country of origin where it would be inconsistent with Australias protection obligations.

In reality, Australian governments have systematically violated the UN refugees convention since the late 1990s, repelling asylum seekers, often without even permitting them to apply for protection visas. Thousands more have been detained in onshore and offshore prison camps, effectively indefinitely, in defiance of the international treaty, which forbids punishment of refugees, regardless of how they seek to enter a country.

All Australias main political parties are responsible for the mass deportations of Sri Lankan asylum seekers to face possible torture and death, including the Greens, who propped up the minority Labor government from 2010 to 2013.
Syrian government forces have launched an assault on the enclave of eastern Ghouta over recent days with the aim of recapturing it from Islamist rebels. US media outlets have seized on the escalation of violence to legitimize and call for the expansion of Washingtons illegal military intervention, which is aimed at toppling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and installing a US puppet regime in Damascus.

Syrian aircraft, backed by Russian planes, have conducted repeated air strikes on the area over recent days. According to a report by the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, upwards of 270 civilians, including more than 60 children, have allegedly been killed. The strikes, which have included the dropping of barrel bombs, have damaged hospitals and other critical infrastructure. Doctors Without Borders said that 13 of its facilities have been hit.

Eastern Ghouta has been used as a military base by Islamist groups throughout the conflict. They regularly shell government-controlled districts in Damascus and have continued to do so during the latest offensive, killing at least 12 and injuring dozens more on Tuesday alone.

Human rights groups such as Amnesty International issued statements condemning the civilian deaths and appealing for a ceasefire. United Nations officials described living conditions in Ghouta, where only one aid truck has arrived over the past three months, as hellish.

With its trademark moral double standards and outright hypocrisy, the corporate-controlled media in the US has provided saturation coverage of the government offensive. The transparent aim is to whip up public support for a catastrophic escalation of the Syrian war that could put the lives of millions of people at risk.

Videos of the carnage were widely circulated, including in articles published online by the major news outlets, while the Washington Post ran a piece containing a series of pictures from Ghouta.

In a lengthy New York Times article, the newspaper of record proclaimed that Assads forces would show no quarter and described the attack on Ghouta as the deadliest in Syria in years.

This turns reality on its head. The bloodiest and deadliest assaults in Syria and Iraq since the conflict began have in fact been carried out by the United States and its proxies. The civil war itself, which has claimed the lives of over 400,000 people, was deliberately incited by Washington seven years ago to bring about regime change in Damascus.

In the devastating air and ground onslaught to recapture the ISIS-held city of Mosul in Northern Iraq, which lasted over six months, conservative estimates placed the number of civilian deaths at between 5,000 and 10,000. Some reports were substantially higher, with one Iraqi estimate suggesting that 40,000 were slaughtered in the vicious onslaught. Many were massacred as US military personnel indiscriminately fired artillery shells into the city, which was home to some 1.5 million people.

As the bombardment of Mosul raged on, President Trump announced the lifting of the limited restrictions imposed on the US military in Iraq and Syria by Obama. This lead to a vast intensification of air strikes and a corresponding sharp rise in civilian deaths. In one attack in March 2017, a US air strike in Mosul killed up to 300 Iraqis, more than Assads forces are alleged to have killed in their current offensive.

Evidence also emerged of the US deploying white phosphorus shells, which are banned under international law.

When the battle shifted to Raqqa last summer, US war planes were slaughtering more than 100 innocent civilians every week as they dropped high-powered explosives on residential areas. In the end, to pursue its broader strategic goals of preventing Iran from consolidating control of eastern Syria and opening up a land corridor from Tehran to Damascus, Washington allowed thousands of ISIS fighters to escape Raqqa so they could take on pro-Assad forces.

Throughout both of these shameful episodes, which international rights groups criticized as war crimes, the Times and other establishment media mouthpieces not only buried reports of civilian casualties, not to mention images or videos from the war zone, but positively praised the US military for its supposed restraint in carrying out air strikes.

The media outcry over Ghouta is merely the latest in a long line of propaganda campaigns to drum up support for the US war in Syria by portraying it as a humanitarian crusade against an evil dictator. When the Assad regime, backed by Russian air power, launched a sustained assault to recapture Aleppo in late 2016, politicians and the media accused Assad and Russia of war crimes for causing civilian casualties while systematically downplaying or covering up entirely reports of deaths in government-controlled parts of the city due to shelling by the Jihadists. The eventual removal of the Islamists from Aleppo, including the Syrian affiliate of al-Qaida, represented a significant setback for US imperialism.

The latest war-mongering media campaign takes place under conditions in which the Syrian conflict has become even more explosive. Seeking to secure its unchallenged dominance over the energy-rich Middle East against its rivals, Washington has escalated its intervention in Syria over recent months. In a February 7 air strike, US warplanes bombed a convoy of pro-Assad forces, reportedly killing hundreds, including several Russian contractors, and the US is collaborating with the remnants of ISIS to prevent Assads forces from recapturing energy reserves in eastern Syria.

Russia continues to support Damascus, its chief ally in the Middle East, meaning the danger of a direct military clash between the worlds two largest nuclear powers remains extremely high.

Washington is also determined to push back against Iranian influence in Syria as part of a broader strategy to contain and prepare for all-out war with Tehran. This has encouraged Israel to step up its intervention into the conflict, targeting Iranian installations in Syria February 10 in what were the largest Israeli air strikes in the country in over thirty years.

In northern Syria, a new front in the war appears to have opened over recent days after Assad dispatched pro-government militias to back the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in the enclave of Afrin against an invasion by Turkish troops. Turkey intervened to prevent the emergence of a Kurdish-controlled region on its southern border and has threatened to push eastwards to Manbij, raising the risk of a clash with US special forces, who are deployed in the city to train and operate alongside the YPG. Russia gave its tacit backing to the Turkish operation in hopes of exploiting the divisions between the two NATO allies to strengthen its hand in Syria.

A US escalation of the Syrian conflict could thus rapidly provoke a regional war that would draw in the major powers on opposing sides. Some of the media pundits howling most hysterically of all over events in Ghouta are quite prepared to back, and are indeed explicitly calling for such a development.

Jonathan Freedland complained in a column for Britains Guardian entitled The slaughter in Syria should outrage us. Yet still we just shrug that the CIA-concocted allegations of the use of chemical weapons by Assad last April only resulted in a limited US cruise missile strike. He added ominously, Until now the only message we have sent Russia, Iran and Syria is a silent shrug. If we want the killing to stop, we need to say so.

The prospect of such a catastrophic conflict is not a fantasy of so-called liberal journalists, but is actively being prepared by US imperialism. Just last month, the Trump administration openly acknowledged that great power rivalries represent the main national security threat to the United States. It also announced the creation of a 30,000-strong border force for Syria made up predominantly of the Kurdish YPG militias to support the more than 2,000 US military personnel already in the country.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Pentagon has submitted a request for $1.8 billion worth of arms to wage war in Syria and Iraq. This amounts to 20 percent more than the entire arms budget for Middle East operations in 2017.
On the eve of a scheduled two-day statewide walkout by teachers in West Virginia set for Thursday and Friday, the state legislature issued a provocative ultimatum calling on educators to accept an inadequate pay offer backed by threats of legal action.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey released a statement on Wednesday calling the walkout unlawful. He said his office stood ready to support any local authorities that might try to block the strike by means of court injunctions. In a statement Tuesday afternoon, state School Superintendent Steve Paine delivered the same message, declaring, work stoppages by public employees are not lawful in West Virginia.

Some county school superintendents have announced school closures for Thursday and Friday, while others, like Ohio County Schools Superintendent Kim Miller, reiterated the illegality of a strike. Miller told the press, An injunction may occur in the near future that will force me to force employees to come to work.

In advance of the walkout, articles appeared in the corporate media warning teachers of consequences, including possible dismissal, should they strike. A 1990 opinion by the state Attorney Generals Office was cited this week in the Charleston Gazette-Mail, threatening that striking teachers could be suspended, fired, barred from teaching for a year or even fined and jailed for defying any court injunction ordering them back to work.

Teachers are determined to fight. Speaking to the World Socialist Web Site, Rebecca, a teacher in West Virginia, said, My mom was a teacher. She went on strike in 1990, and I was in the ninth grade, so I know what it means. But everything they accomplished in 1990 is gone now. West Virginia became 48th in teacher pay in 2007 and has stayed here. I have to work a second job to supplement my income and provide for my family, mostly because of PEIA [Public Employee Insurance Agency] fees.

Jenny spoke of the broad public support the teachers struggle is generating. You should know that many residents and students are supporting our teachers and their fight. Communities are coming together to help parents burdened by the strike by providing child care, and since many children are from very poor families, food pantries and churches are making sure kids have lunch.

The salary increases for teachers advocated by the Democrats and Republicans in the state legislature are derided by educators as an insult to our intelligence. The bill passed by the Republican-controlled House and Senate calls for an immediate 2 percent pay raise for teachers, with 1 percent increases for each of the next two years.

The wealthiest man in the state, Governor Jim Justice, who has flip-flopped between Democratic and Republican parties whenever politically expedient, is expected to sign the bill and has urged teachers and other school employees to accept the deal. Six of 12 Senate Democrats supported the legislation.

A strike was sanctioned by the overwhelming vote of educators throughout all 55 counties across the state. The American Federation of Teachers-West Virginia (AFT-WV) and the West Virginia Education Association (WVEA), responded by calling the limited, two-day action, which is aimed at letting off steam as the unions continue negotiations with state legislators.

Recent weeks have seen an escalating series of county walkouts and protests, spearheaded by teachers in the former coal mining counties of southern West Virginia.

The struggle by West Virginia teachers takes place amidst signs of growing militancy among educators nationwide. In Oklahoma, teachers are demanding an across-the-board pay increase and have started a petition calling for a walkout. Teachers in Jersey City, New Jersey and Pittsburgh are also threatening strike action.

For these reasons, the AFT-WV and the WVEA are particularly concerned to limit the scope of the walkout. The unions fear that after decades in which the class struggle has been bottled up, the determined struggle of West Virginia teachers could serve as an inspiration for a broader movement of the working class.

The unions are seeking to derail the mounting demands for action by the membership by subordinating teachers interests to the political jockeying of various Democratic legislators. To this end, they are advancing the cynical slogan Remember in November, aimed at electing Democrats in the midterm elections. In reality, the Democrats, like the Republicans, are beholden to the transnational energy companies that dominate the state and oppose any tax increases that would impact the bottom line of big business.

At a mass rally of teachers in Charleston on February 17, union officials touted Democratic politicians as allies of teachers in flagrant disregard of the actual record of the Democratic Party, which controlled the state for the major part of the 20th century, starving education and public services of funds.

Teachers should recall that it was Governor Gaston Caperton, a millionaire Democrat, who threatened the mass firing of teachers in 1990. At that crucial turning point, the AFT and NEA caved and ordered the 19,000 teachers back to work, rather than fighting to extend the strike to the entire working class of West Virginia. Meanwhile, the Democratic-controlled state legislature refused to even consider demands by teachers for a 5 percent pay increase.

Caperton had been elected in 1988 with the support of virtually all the unions in West Virginia. He soon launched an onslaught against workers in the state, sending state police to smash the picket lines of striking Pittston coal miners and cutting $100 million from the state budget, including a hiring freeze and the closure of state-run hospitals. At one protest at the state capitol, Caperton arrogantly told teachers to shut up when he was interrupted by shouts and catcalls.

In exchange for calling off the strike, the unions accepted a vague pledge from Democratic Party leaders in the state legislature to call a special session to discuss school finance reform. The long-term result of this betrayal has been to leave West Virginia teachers near last in the US in terms of salaries.

Teachers cannot subordinate their fight to the maneuvers of the unions with the Democratic Party, which is just as hostile to teachers as the Republicans, but must chart an independent political course in opposition to the whole corporate controlled political framework.

The World Socialist Web Site and the WSWS Teacher Newsletter are urging educators, school employees, state workers and parents to take the conduct of the struggle out of the hands of the AFT-WV and WVEA and elect rank-and-file committees at every school, workplace and community.

These committees should launch a fight to guarantee full and adequate funding for public education, and decent pay and benefits for teachers and public employees. This should include an immediate 50 percent pay increase and the elimination of all health insurance deductibles and co-pays.

The success of this struggle requires that teachers mobilize the widest support, not only among workers in West Virginia, but among educators and workers nationally and internationally. It poses the question of a reorganization of society on a new and higher basis, production for human need, not private profit.

We urge teachers to contact us, subscribe to our WSWS Teacher Newsletter and take up this fight.
Border tensions between China and India could again flare-up, say analysts, following a report in Chinese state media detailing the country's build-up of air defense capabilities close to its western frontier.

According to a Global Times report, reposted on the English version of the People's Liberation Army's website Tuesday, China is upgrading air defense in its Western Theater Command -- the strategic area covering security along the country's mountainous far western border -- "in order to confront any threat from India."

Two countries were involved in a months long border stand-off in 2017 Report comes at a time of steadily deteriorating India-China ties, say analysts

The article notes that images of Chinese J-10 fighter jet and J-11 fighter jets conducting aerial combat training exercises in western China were released by the People's Liberation Army (PLA), on February 13, two days before the traditional Lunar New Year holiday.

"With India importing new jets, China will continue strengthening its fighter jets in the Western Theater Command," military expert Zhongping Song was quoted as saying.

The announcement is an important signal after last summer's territorial standoff between the two countries in Doklam, near the borders of India, China and Bhutan, analysts say.

Speaking to CNN, Kanti Prasad Bajpai, the director of the Centre on Asia and Globalization at Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, said the article could be interpreted as China signaling to India that Doklam "isn't over" and that India shouldn't "get too complacent."

"It's fairly clear they (the Chinese) are trying to send a message in the post-Doklam period about their resolve to be strong," said Bajpai.

Not new

According to M. Matheswaran, a retired Indian Air Force marshal who previously commanded forces in India's northeast, China's J-11 fighter jets have been in use for at least five years in the Tibetan area, and therefore the timing of the media report may be viewed as a "hint."

"It's not India threatening China, it's that they're threatening India," said Matheswaran. "I don't think India has the force size to threaten China at the moment."

The J-11 jets are China's answer to India's Sukhoi-30 fighters, which are Russian in origin. While the Chinese report claims the J-11 are "3.5 generation jets" and outclass India's third generation jets, Matheswaran said that both sides are in actual fact operating "fourth-generation jets."

Earlier this month, China announced its newest domestic stealth fighter jet, the fourth-generation J-20, was combat ready.

Seen as China's answer to US F-22 and F-35 stealth fighter jets, the J-20 is intended to improve the air force's overall fighting ability.

A spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment on the report, saying they only comment on official statements from the Chinese government.

Territorial flare-ups

The newest media reports are just the latest step in a decades-long contest between the two rivals for dominance in South Asia, and come at a time of steadily deteriorating ties, say analysts, who point to Chinese investment in countries in the Indian Ocean like the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and Chinese frustration with India's unwillingness to join its One Belt One Road (OBOR) development initiative as recent points of contention.

In 2017, the two countries were involved in a tense months-long border dispute in Doklam -- a thin strip of land bordering both countries and Bhutan, in the Himalayas. Though not a part of Indian territory, the area is close to the "chicken's neck," a strategic corridor that serves as a vital artery between Delhi and its far northeastern states.

The stand-off was sparked after Bhutan accused China of constructing a road inside its territory in "direct violation" of treaty obligations. China, which does not have formal diplomatic relations with Bhutan, denied the accusation, contending that Doklam is part of Chinese territory.

Beijing accused India of sending troops into Bhutan, further escalating the dispute and resulting in both sides temporarily upping their military presence in the region.

Diplomatic efforts ended the stand-off in late August.
Lenin was once quoted as saying, "There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen." This could perfectly describe the past week in Africa. Across the continent, a number of game-changing political developments have followed each other in quick succession in one of the most tumultuous weeks of any decade.

In South Africa, Jacob Zuma resigned after a presidency marked by corruption and impunity. Shortly after, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn stood down following months of intensifying public protest. In the same week, Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe's long-standing opposition leader, passed away after a lifetime spent challenging human rights violations under former President Robert Mugabe.

The pace of these successive changes has been significant, but the ground has been stirring for some time. Last year Africa bid farewell to its three longest-serving leaders: Yahya Jammeh of Gambia (22 years), Jos- Eduardo dos Santos of Angola (38 years) and Zimbabwe's Mugabe (37 years) -- all leaders of governments known for their brutal repression of dissent.

Given the scale and long history of the repression enacted by these governments, many thought they would not live to see their end. In Gambia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia, recent developments were unthinkable -- until they happened.

Who could have imagined that the gates of Ethiopia's notorious prisons would open so widely, allowing thousands of prisoners of conscience to walk free? That Eskinder Nega, the courageous journalist who spent seven years behind bars for criticizing the government, would finally be reunited with his family?

Who in Gambia would have believed that Ousainou Darboe and Amadou Sanneh, two former Amnesty International prisoners of conscience who spent years in jail for speaking out against repression, would be ministers in the new government?

Who would have dared to question the reign of dos Santos and see his family lose its grip over Angola's oil industry and wealth?

The growing resilience of people standing up against repression and demanding respect for human rights is a cause for hope in uncertain times. It suggests the politics of fear may finally be withering away.

Since 2016, mass protests and people's movements -- often articulated and organized through social media -- have swept the continent.

#Oromoprotests and #amaharaprotests in Ethiopia, #ThisFlag in Zimbabwe and #FeesMustFall in South Africa were some of the most powerful manifestations of this growing defiance. These protests were often spontaneous, viral and driven by ordinary citizens, in particular young people who bear the triple burden of unemployment, poverty and inequality.

This trend continued in 2017. From Lom- to Freetown, Khartoum to Kampala and Kinshasa to Luanda, people went out to the streets in large numbers, ignoring threats and bans on protests and refusing to back down even in the face of brutal clampdowns.

The triggers for these protests vary. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, it was delays in publishing the electoral calendar that got people out on the streets; in Chad it was an increase in the fees charged to traders at the N'Djamena Millet Market; in Togo it was hikes in oil prices; in Kenya it was frustrations over the electoral process.

But what unites them is the strength in defiance and the demand for change, inclusion and freedom. While some of these protests had violent elements -- mostly in reaction to heavy-handed clampdowns -- the majority were peaceful and driven by a demand for basic rights and dignity.

And there is every reason to believe that this trend is unstoppable.

Amnesty International's report on the state of the world's human rights documents how 2017 saw the arbitrary and brutal suppression of the right to peaceful protest in more than 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including through unlawful bans, excessive use of force, harassment and arbitrary arrests.

But this did little to silence dissent despite the best efforts of those who want to crush and silence dissent. In fact, it is becoming clearer that failing to respect freedoms and fulfill human rights obligations is ultimately self-defeating.

This should serve as a wake-up call to all governments that the solution to lasting peace and stability lies in guaranteeing more freedoms, not less. Political shifts mean nothing if they don't result in greater respect for human rights. People who care about freedom and equality are ultimately concerned not with which leader is in power, but whether or not they respect human rights.

Only time will tell what these political changes will truly mean for us Africans -- especially for the poor, the young, the marginalized, the repressed and silenced.

But what is clear is that people across the continent are not willing to wait decades to find out.
Colombia was once the rising economic star of Latin America. Now it has a long list of challenges - and the latest is an unprecedented refugee crisis.

Venezuelans are pouring in to flee the humanitarian disaster in their home country.

Colombia was already dealing with corruption scandals, record cocaine production, proposed cuts in American aid, oil headaches and a costly peace agreement to end a 50-year civil war.

Another blow came in December, when Standard & Poor's cut Colombia's credit rating to one level above junk status. And a presidential election is coming in May.

The Colombian economy grew just 1.8% last year, the slowest pace since the global financial crisis a decade ago. In 2011, it was booming at 6%.

"It's certainly not the star that it was four or five years ago," says Richard Francis, director of Latin America sovereign debt at Fitch Ratings.

'Numbers of people that would pose a challenge to any country'

Venezuelans are suffering under severe shortages of food and medicine, a worthless currency and a political regime that many governments, including that of the United States, consider a dictatorship.

Those crises are driving people into Colombia in huge numbers. More than half a million Venezuelans were living in Colombia last year, up 62% from the year before. Makeshift refugee camps are popping up in parking lots and parks in Colombia's largest border city, Cucuta.

Colombia is both a place to stay and a point of passage. The number of Venezuelans crossing into Colombia en route to somewhere else rose 600% last year, to 231,000.

President Juan Manuel Santos recently tightened border controls and ordered 3,000 more national guardsmen to the border.

On the Colombian side, "hospitals are overflowing," says Raul Gallegos, a Bogota-based associate director at the global consulting firm Control Risks. "You have Venezuelans living in parks because they can't find a place to live. This will only get worse, and it will have a financial impact for the Colombian government."

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees recently opened a third office along the Colombia-Venezuela border to complement the Colombian government's humanitarian efforts.

Josef Merkx, UNHCR's representative in Colombia, told CNN that Colombian officials and border communities are doing their best, but are "strained."

Latin America "is facing one of the largest population outflows in its history," Merkx said in an email. "Colombia had not been a host country to great numbers of migrants and refugees, and they are receiving numbers of people that would pose a challenge to any country."

Other simmering problems

The costly refugee crisis comes at a particularly tough time. Colombian leaders have imposed belt-tightening measures - higher taxes and cost-cutting at the state-run oil company - to reel in spending.

Like many nations, Colombia suffered mightily from a plunge in oil prices that started in late 2014. Oil is Colombia's top export, and the economy depends heavily on commodities for growth.

The oil downturn put Colombia in a hole, and it's still digging out. The country's mining, manufacturing and construction industries all shrank last year. That hasn't happened since at least 1999, government figures show.

It faces a complication that many other oil-rich nations don't: Colombians citizens are legally allowed to halt or prevent drilling, exploration and extraction projects because of environmental or health concerns.

As of December, there were 45 such petitions, according to a government agency. Experts say foreign companies are losing their appetite to drill there.

"It's easier to do business in Venezuela's oil sector than in Colombia's oil sector," Gallegos says. "Colombia can't afford to be a country where local communities block extraction activity."

Other problems have bogged down the economy. Santos' administration has been embroiled in a bribery scandal that has rocked Latin America. Experts say it has delayed or halted some public infrastructure projects.

Another longstanding problem: Cocaine. The U.S. State Department reported that cocaine production in 2016 in Colombia rose to an all-time high, and the Trump administration has proposed cutting aid to Colombia by 36%.

Implementing Colombia's peace agreement with the guerrilla rebel group known as FARC is one more financial burden. Humanitarian goals have been achieved: FARC rebels handed in weapons last year, ending a 50-year civil war. But integrating thousands of rebels and their captives into society is expensive. Santos raised taxes last year in part to pay for peace costs.

Despite challenges, 'Overall the Colombian economy is healthy'

Some economists say the challenges are mild in the big picture. Colombia hasn't had a recession since 1999. And despite the economic downturn, unemployment has remained around 9%.

Its problems are northing compared to the misery next door in Venezuela. It doesn't face as many threats from the Trump administration as Mexico does. Its economy also didn't collapse with oil prices and corruption scandals like Brazil, which suffered through its longest recession.

Colombia's once infamously high murder and crime rates have plummeted in the last 15 years. By almost all measures, it has progressed significantly from the dark days of drug lord Pablo Escobar.

Santos received the Nobel Peace Prize last year for ending the civil war.

Growth is projected to pick up a bit this year, too. The glass is half full, some say.

"There will always be challenges," says Marc Hofstetter, an economist at the University of the Andes in Bogota, "but overall the Colombian economy is healthy."
COLUMBUS, Ind.(WTTV)  Columbus police say a juvenile was arrested after posting a threatening message on social media directed at Columbus East High School.

According to police, a fire alarm was accidentally set off by students who were moving items inside the school around 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

Officers learned that while the students were outside, a threatening social media message was sent by a former student who is no longer enrolled at the school.

Columbus East administrators began making lockout preparations at the school when the juvenile was located off school property.

The juvenile was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Bartholomew County Youth Services Center on a preliminary charge of Intimidation, a level six felony.

The Bartholomew County Sheriffs Department assisted with the incident which remains under investigation.

This is the second juvenile arrest Columbus police have made in just as many days for social media threats. On Tuesday, a Columbus East High School student was taken into custody following a threat of violence on Snapchat.

This story was originally posted on CBS4Indy.com
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A Terre Haute man is facing six serious charges after reports that he strangled and injured his ex-girlfriend.

Matthew Bauer is in the Vigo County Jail.

Police say they were called to Bauer's ex-girlfriends house about a month ago. Police say Bauer was intoxicated.

That's when they say, he strangled her.

The victim had to go to the hospital for several injuries to her face, shoulder and legs. Police say there was a no-contact order in place against Bauer at the time.

Bauer faces a $75,000, cash only bond.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - After last week's school shooting in Florida, many are looking at gun laws across the nation.

Gun owner Harry Shields says, "I think you should be able to sell a piece of your property. That's what it is to me, a piece of property."

Generic Handgun Pointed Generic Handgun Pointed

Gun owner Don Chamberlain shares, There's some problems that need to be addressed."

Both Shields and Chamberlain have personally sold guns. But the lack of restrictions on that process in Indiana have some concerned.

Firearms salesperson at Carson Arms, Mack Adams, says, "I think it would probably be more beneficial if the Indiana background requirements were a little more strenuous. As far as to ensure that anyone who is buying a weapon has been through that background process."

Right now in Indiana, you could sell a gun to a stranger you connected with online or at a gun show. Other than your judgment of character and their word, you don't really know who you're selling to.

Adams says, "It is your responsibility as a sales person to know that person is not a felon, are they addicted to alcohol or drugs, are of legal age, and can legally own that weapon."

In the state of Illinois to legally own a firearm or ammo, you have to have a firearm owner identification card. In Indiana, that isn't the case. But Adams says when it comes to personally transferring a gun, it is a good idea to ask for an Indiana Carry Permit.

Adams says, "Anything negative in their background other than you know maybe speeding tickets that type of stuff, they won't be issued that Indiana Carry Permit. So a lot of people I know that do sell guns to individuals, they will not sell a gun to someone if they cannot show them a valid permit."

Another way to get around uncertainty, is to get a gun dealer involved.

Chamberlain says, "It would be very simple to go into a dealer inside a gun show and say we would like to have this transferred, would you take care of it?"

On the spot, a background check is done, which could help prevent a gun from getting into the wrong hands.

Officials suggest keeping a log of guns you've bought and sold, and to have both parties sign and date it. That way, if the new owner doesn't take the step to have the gun transferred into "their" name, you have documents to protect you.

Both Shield and Chamberlain say they prefer to only sell guns to people they know. But Chamberlain is still a big supporter of gun transfers through a Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer.

He says, "I only dealt with personal acquaintances, but who they deal with I have no control or knowledge of. You don't know what will happen to your gun if it's not in the right hands.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind (WTHI) - A Terre Haute North Vigo High School student has been arrested for threatening other students on Snapchat.

Terre Haute Police arrested 18-year-old Tyler Keith on a felony count of Intimidation.

Prosecutor Terry Modesitt says this case is absolutely a felony case. According to court documents filed in the case, Keith posted a picture of himself on Snapchat pointing a handgun at the camera.

On the barrel of the gun read the message "good luck on your finals." Final exams at Vigo County High Schools started Wednesday.

Modesitt said he's in favor of these cases being charged as felonies.

"With everything going on across the country to start with, something like this can cause havoc in a school or somewhere else as far as everything that someone is really thinking about doing this," Modesitt explained.

Keith's case is set for trial in August.

Prior to the hearing, he had been released on his own recognizance. He's to stay off of social media and away from firearms.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Spilling out wrenching tales of lost lives and stolen security, students and parents appealed to President Donald Trump on Wednesday to set politics aside and protect Americas school children from the scourge of gun violence. Trump listened intently to the raw emotion and pledged action, including the possibility of arming teachers.

I turned 18 the day after the shooting, said a tearful Samuel Zeif, a student at the Florida high school where a former students assault left 17 dead last week. Woke up to the news that my best friend was gone. And I dont understand why I can still go in a store and buy a weapon of war. An AR. How is it that easy to buy this type of weapon? How do we not stop this after Columbine? After Sandy Hook?

Trump promised to be very strong on background checks. And he suggested he supported allowing some teachers and other school employees to carry concealed weapons to be ready for intruders. But largely he listened, holding handwritten notes bearing his message to the families. I hear you was written in black marker.

The president had invited the teen survivors of school violence and parents of murdered children in a show of his resolve against gun violence in the wake of last weeks shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and in past years at Newtown, Connecticut, and Columbine, Colorado. The latest episode has prompted a renewed and growing call for stronger gun control.

Trump invited his guests to suggest solutions and solicited feedback. He did not fully endorse any specific policy solution, but pledged to take action and expressed interest in widely differing approaches.

Besides considering concealed carrying of weapons by trained school employees, a concept he has endorsed in the past, he said he planned to go very strongly into age, age of purchase. And he said he was committed to improving background checks and working on mental health.

Most in the group were emotional but quiet and polite.

But Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was killed last week, noted the previous school massacres and raged over his loss, saying this moment isnt about gun laws but about fixing the schools.

It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it and Im pissed. Because my daughter, Im not going to see again, said Pollack. King David Cemetery, that is where I go to see my kid now.

A strong supporter of gun rights, Trump has nonetheless indicated in recent days that he is willing to consider ideas not in keeping with National Rifle Association orthodoxy, including age restrictions for buying assault-type weapons. Still, gun owners are a key part of his base of supporters.

Over 40 people assembled in the White House State Dining Room. Among them were students from Parkland along with their parents. Also present were Darrell and Sandra Scott, whose daughter was killed in the Columbine shooting, and Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden, who lost children at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut. Students and parents from the Washington area also were present.

The student body president at the Parkland school, Julia Cordover, tearfully told Trump that she was lucky enough to come home from school.

She added: I am confident you will do the right thing.

Not all the students impacted by the shooting came to the White House.

David Hogg, who has been one of the students actively calling for gun control was invited but declined, said his mother Rebecca Boldrick.

His point was (Trump needs) to come to Parkland, were not going there, she said.

Throughout the day Wednesday, television news showed footage of student survivors of the violence marching on the Florida state Capitol, calling for tougher laws. The protests came closer to Trump, too, with hundreds of students from suburban Maryland attending a rally at the Capitol and then marching to the White House.

Inside the executive mansion, Trump said at the end of an hour listening to tales of pain and anguish, Thank you for pouring out your hearts because the world is watching and were going to come up with a solution.

Television personality Geraldo Rivera had dinner with Trump at his private Palm Beach club over the weekend and described Trump as deeply affected by his visit Friday with Parkland survivors. In an email, Rivera said he and Trump discussed the idea of raising the minimum age to purchase assault-type weapons.

Trump suggested strongly that he was going to act to strengthen background checks, Rivera said.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said Wednesday they would introduce a bill to raise the minimum age required to purchase rifles from gun dealers, including assault weapons such as the AR-15.

A kid too young buy a handgun should be too young to buy an #AR15, Flake said on Twitter. A buyer must be 21 to purchase a handgun.

The NRA did not respond to a request for comment. Trump embraced gun rights during his presidential campaign, though he supported some gun control before he became a candidate, backing an assault weapons ban and a longer waiting period to purchase a gun in a 2000 book.

On Tuesday, Trump directed the Justice Department to move to ban devices like the rapid-fire bump stocks used in last years Las Vegas massacre. The White House has also said Trump was looking at a bill that would strengthen federal gun background checks.

But those moves have drawn criticism as being inadequate, with Democrats questioning whether the Justice Department even has authority to regulate bump stocks and arguing that the background check legislation would not go far enough.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment about how it might implement Trumps order or how an ongoing bump stock review would be affected. ATF reviewed the devices and approved them in 2010, finding they did not amount to machine guns that are regulated under the National Firearms Act that dates to the 1930s.

An effort to pass bump stock legislation last year fizzled out.

On background checks, Trump has suggested he is open to a bipartisan bill developed in response to a mass shooting at a Texas church. It would penalize federal agencies that dont properly report required records and reward states that comply by providing them with federal grant preferences.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said the bill is a small step, stressing that Democrats want to see universal background check legislation.

Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania said Wednesday that hell probably reintroduce bipartisan legislation that would require background checks for all gun purchases online and at gun shows. He said he planned to discuss the idea with Trump.

That bill first emerged with backing from Toomey and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia following the 2012 slaying of 26 children and adults in Connecticuts Sandy Hook Elementary School. It failed then and at least one more time since.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WTTV)  A former Indiana University student is facing drug charges after police believe he may have been dealing out of the TKE fraternity house.

Levi Lewis was put on authorities radars back in December after police reportedly found 14 pounds of marijuana, Vyvanse, more than $3,000 in cash and three vape canisters inside a car parked at his fraternity house.

IUPD was tipped off about Lewis by Evansville police, who were investigating a homicide that allegedly involved Lewis.

On Dec. 30, they told investigators at IU that Lewis and a non-student, 41-year-old Michael Pardee allegedly went to Evansville to sell drugs. Police said Lewis arranged the deal and Pardee ended up fatally shot during it. Lewis was reportedly in the car with Pardee when the shooting took place and called 911.

Police said Pardee left his truck at the TKE house in Bloomington. A search warrant was served and authorities found the drugs listed above, including 26 Vyvanse pills prescribed to Lewis.

The next day, Evansville police were granted a search warrant for Lewis phone and discovered evidence that reportedly tied Lewis to large-scale narcotics dealing, some deals taking place at the TKE house.

Based on that gathered evidence, IUPD got a search warrant for Lewis room inside the TKE chapter. They reportedly found marijuana, edibles, paraphernalia and a small amount of what appeared to be cocaine.

This comes after TKEs charter was suspended on Feb. 8 for violating their international bylaws. IU confirmed Lewis left the university at the start of this semester.

At the time, IU and TKE investigated the violations together, but did not release details of those specific violations.

When we were notified by Indiana University and IUPD regarding violations of TKEs Bylaws and Constitution, Tau Kappa Epsilon took immediate steps to uphold our values and principles through closing our Gamma-Kappa chapter, the chapter said on Wednesday.

Police discovered that Lewis had a prior conviction for possession of marijuana and charged him with dealing marijuana, possession of cocaine, both felonies, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia, both misdemeanors.

Lewiss first court date on these charges is set for March 14 in Monroe County.

It is not known at this time if Lewis will face charges related to the death of Michael Pardee in Evansville.

Indiana University released the following statement following Lewis arrest:

Indiana University immediately acted to investigate the alleged behavior upon learning of it and worked to support the IU Police Department in determining the facts of the case. These are serious allegations not in line with the values of IU and certainly not acceptable for the safety and well-being of our students. We support the actions of TKE International in closing the chapter given the nature of these charges.

*This story was originally published by WTTV in Indianapolis.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI)- At least 17 people were killed when police say Nikolas Cruz opened fire at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

The shooting left an impact on the nation and a painful conversation about how to prevent children from losing their lives.

The Sheriff leading the investigation says Cruz fired into five classrooms on two floors before dropping the weapon and taking off.

It led to the question of where the school resource officer was at the time of the shooting. The Sheriff confirmed the school resource officer was at the school during the shooting, but he never came across Cruz.

But, it does leaves concerns about safety in schools even when there is protection.

Brenda Simmons has been school resource officer for West Vigo Middle School for about one year.

"I go home at night and I'm smiling... I'm happy," Simmons said.

She says she does it all for the kids.

"I've always loved working with kids," she said.

She spend two days at Honey Creek Middle School and three days with the kids at West Vigo.

"We are not just here to scare the kids," she said. "We are here to help."

Simmons says she serves as a mentor and someone to talk to.

"You have that one-on-one and they get to know you," she said.

The students are her kids she never had. Simmons was devastated when she heard about the mass shooting at a Florida high school. "It broke my heart, Simmons said. "Yet, another school shooting."

The shooting killed nearly 17 students and left several injured.

"God-forbid it ever happens here," Simmons said. "We just try to do the best we can."

Simmons says she checks nearly 15 doors numerous times in a day. And, she keeps a close eye on more than 30 security cameras inside and around the building.

"A lot of these kids just want to be heard," she said.

Simmons will tell you it's not about the security measures. "People give warnings and we have to take heed to those warnings," she said.

She says it all comes down to listening to the children. It is all about having a healthy relationship.

"Let's keep that open communication with us and the kids and the family," Simmons said.

There is one resource officer for each of the West Vigo schools. Simmons says the officers are there to listen. But, police ask if you do ever see or hear of any unusual activity to call them immediately.
SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - A social media hoax is causing concern in Sullivan County.

Sheriff Clark Cottom says the worry began in the community late Wednesday night.

That's after a Facebook post was shared locally.

The post "loosely" referred to "SHS" as in Sullivan High School.

Cottom says the original post originated out of Ohio.

It was investigated and determined to be a hoax.

Sullivan County sheriff officials have notified local school administrators.
Three big Western companies are investigating allegations that prisoners in China made packaging bearing their brand names.

Household products group 3M, and fashion retailers H&M and C&A are responding to an article published by the Financial Times last week in which a British corporate investigator who was imprisoned in China said he witnessed fellow inmates making packaging that carried the names of the companies.

Peter Humphrey was arrested in China in 2013 on charges that his risk consultancy firm illegally acquired private data of Chinese citizens while doing work for corporate clients. He has consistently denied the charges, but was found guilty in 2014 and spent nearly two years behind bars.

"Our men made packaging parts. So much for corporate social responsibility," Humphrey wrote in the Financial Times article, referring to his fellow prisoners. "I recognized well-known brands -- 3M, C&A, H&M."

Related: The disappeared: Accounts from inside China's secret prisons

Humphrey wrote that the firms involved may not have known prison labor was being used to make their products. The inmates earned about 120 yuan ($19) a month for their work, he added. That's a fraction of average wages in China's vast manufacturing industry.

3M, which is best known for making Scotch Tape and Post It notes, said it "does not engage or participate in exploitative working conditions, and we are not aware of any 3M suppliers in China using prison labor."

"We take our commitment seriously and are investigating Mr. Humphrey's report," the Minnesota-based company said in a statement.

H&M said that it couldn't confirm whether Humphrey's allegations were true, but added that it was taking them "very seriously."

"We are currently looking for further and more detailed information together with our China-based team in order to make an investigation," it said, adding that prison labor "seriously violates the regulatory framework that our suppliers must follow."

Related: BlackRock's Larry Fink says CEOs should try to improve the world

C&A said it was not aware of the use of prison labor in its Chinese supply chain but would "try to obtain more information on the case to be able to conduct a formal investigation."

It added that it has processes in place to identify subcontracting practices that could lead to forced labor.

Humphrey didn't specify in his article whether the prisoners were being forced to work on the packaging bearing the brand names.

China's Ministry of Justice didn't respond to requests for comment on the subject of prison labor. The prison service in Shanghai, where Humphrey was jailed, declined to comment.

The US government has in recent years stepped up efforts to battle forced labor in prisons in China and other countries.

A report last year by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, a group set up by the US Congress to monitor relations between the two countries, said China still operates a network of prisons that use forced labor to make goods for export.

Here are the full statements from the companies mentioned in Humphreys' report:

3M

"3M is committed to responsible and sustainable operations, and selects suppliers that share our commitment. As specified in our Supplier Responsibility Code, 3M expects its suppliers to be in full compliance with all applicable labor and human resource laws, as well as committed to upholding the human rights of workers and treating them with dignity and respect as understood by the international community.

3M does not engage or participate in exploitative working conditions, and we are not aware of any 3M suppliers in China using prison labor. We take our commitment seriously and are investigating Mr. Humphrey's report."

H&M

"It is completely unacceptable placing manufacturing into prisons and it seriously violates the regulatory framework that our suppliers must follow. Since it is a non-negotiable requirement, a failure to comply would immediately lead to permanent termination of our business contract.

We are aware of the claims and we take it very seriously. At this point we can't confirm whether they are accurate or not. We are currently looking for further and more detailed information together with our China based team in order to make an investigation."

C&A

"We never tolerate any kind of forced or bonded labor in our supply chain. This is backed by our rigorous supplier code of conduct and audit program, where if forced labor is found, the supplier is immediately terminated. This includes any kind of prison labor. We audit all 273 of our suppliers' factories in China at least annually, and have not observed or been made aware of the use of prison labor in our Chinese supply chain. To enhance our approach, our sustainable supply chain auditors and quality assurance teams have practices in place to detect unauthorized subcontracting that could ultimately lead to forced or bonded labor at the factory level.

We take these allegations mentioned by the author very seriously and will try to obtain more information on the case to be able to conduct a formal investigation."

-- Nanlin Fang contributed to this report.
A suggestion to arm teachers is back in the spotlight this week in the wake of the Florida high school shooting after President Donald Trump raised the idea Wednesday.

"Am I supposed to get extra training now, to serve and protect on top of educate these children?" Ashley Kurth, a teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, asked during CNN's town hall on the debate over guns Wednesday night in the wake of the Parkland, Florida, massacre.

Here's what some lawmakers, parents and other officials have said in favor and against such a proposal:

Teachers should be armed

- President Donald Trump

"If you had a teacher who was adept with the firearm, they could end the attack very quickly," Trump said during a listening session Wednesday at the White House with survivors of school shootings and their families.

With this measure, Trump said, teachers would have to take special training and schools would no longer be gun-free zones, saying up to 20% of teachers could be armed to stop "maniacs."

"A gun-free zone is 'Let's go in and let's attack because bullets aren't coming back at us,' " he said.

- Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel

Schimel said his office is willing to train teachers, school administrators and even janitors to let them carry guns in schools if "it gets to that point."

"We will train them," the Republican told CNN affiliate WTMJ in Milwaukee. "We would put those teachers who are willing to do that through scenario training; we will repeat it so they become comfortable it."

He added, "We recognize that while we cannot stop all bad things from happening, there are steps we can take."

- Fred Abt, the father of a student who survived the Parkland shooting

At the White House listening session, Abt said there should be firearms locked on school campuses.

"There are plenty of teachers who are already licensed to carry firearms. Have them raise their hands to volunteer for the training, and when something like this starts, the first responders are already on campus."

He added that teachers and administrators would have to receive training through the year.

- Hunter Pollack, whose sister Meadow was killed in last week's shooting.

"If you could find 20% of maybe retired law enforcement officers, or a teacher who could go through discreet training to carry a firearm around his waist, it could've been a very different situation," he said Wednesday while attending the White House event.

- Nik Clark, a parent and gun advocate in Wisconsin.

Clark said teachers would not have to carry guns at all times under such a plan. Instead, firearms would be stored in a lock box that could only be opened by scanning their fingerprints.

"I'd be disappointed if there are not teachers in every school who are willing to go through training," he told WTMJ.

"The deterrent factor would be huge," Clark said. "Anyone who wanted to do harm would know that some teachers in the school are armed. When it's a life-or-death situation, the teacher is the last line of defense."

- A rural Colorado school district

Board members of the Hanover School District --- just outside Colorado Springs -- approved a resolution Wednesday that will allow teachers and staff to carry concealed weapons on campus.

"I'm for it because we're a rural school ...," Michael Lawson, the board's secretary, told KUSA in Denver. "We're 15 to 30 minutes away from the sheriff's department. If we have to call 911, a lot can happen in 15 to 30 minutes."

The district would require anyone wanting to carry a gun to take 24 hours of firearms training, obtain a concealed carry permit from El Paso County and get approval from the school board.

Teachers should not be armed

- Sen. Chris Murphy

Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, told CNN's Anderson Cooper that arming teachers "is a recipe for disaster."

"One, you put a whole mess load of guns close to kids that can be used accidentally. Second, you create crossfire that can get a lot of innocent people killed. Third, you make it hard for police responding to figure out who the good guy is and who the bad guy is," he said.

- Sen. Bill Nelson

The Florida Democrat called arming teachers "a terrible idea," saying that school staff would likely have access to low-caliber weapons unlike the shooters.

"If the weapon is a high-caliber, rapid-fire assault weapon, it is hard to go into a fight if you've got just a handgun. That's not a fair fight. So, get the assault weapons out," Nelson said at the CNN town hall Wednesday night.

- School shooting survivor Alfonso Calderon

"Teachers are meant to be educators," Calderon told CNN's Don Lemon on "CNN Tonight" on Wednesday.

"They're meant to teach young minds how to work in the real world. They are not meant to know how to carry AR-15s. They are not meant to know how to put on Kevlar vests for the other students or themselves," the 16-year-old said.

- Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel

The Parkland school is in Broward County, and Israel ordered his deputies to begin carrying rifles on school grounds Wednesday. But he is against ordering a similar measure for educators.

"I don't believe teachers should be armed, I believe teachers should teach," the sheriff said at Wednesday's town hall. "But that's exactly what's wrong with this country. We have people in Washington, D.C., representatives, senators and legislators telling teachers what they should do without asking teachers, 'What do you want to do?' "

- National Education Association President Lily Eskelsen Garcia

The leader of the teachers union said bringing more guns into schools would not make them safer.

"Our students need more books, art and music programs, nurses and school counselors; they do not need more guns in their classrooms," she said in a statement. "Parents and educators overwhelmingly reject the idea of arming school staff."

- David Benke, a retired math teacher

Benke said the solution to the problem isn't as simple as giving educators guns.

"Let's say you're an armed teacher, and 90% of the time you're going to be in your classroom with your kids. Something happens. Do you then leave your kids and go bad guy hunting? Pretty bad ethical dilemma to put somebody in," said Benke, who helped restrain an active shooter at a Colorado middle school in 2010.

"I would rather have a school resource officer -- usually they're a sheriff's officer -- in every school," he said.
Haiti has suspended the international poverty charity Oxfam Great Britain from operating in the country after reports of sexual misconduct by some of its employees.

"The Haitian government has decided to suspend temporarily the authorization of Oxfam GB to operate in Haiti," Bocchit Edmond, the chief of mission at Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in London, tweeted directly to CNN's Max Foster and other UK media on Thursday.

Oxfam representatives met with the Haitian government after the suspension, the charity said.

Oxfam International Regional Director for Latin America Simon Ticehurst and Oxfam Intermon Executive Affiliate Unit head Margalida Massot met Haitian government officials and committed to cooperate with their investigation, the statement said.

The suspension will last two months, according to the aid group, while Haiti investigates how Oxfam GB handled the allegations of staff paying for sex during the agency's humanitarian response to the 2010 earthquake.

"Oxfam has apologized to the Haitian government and people for abuses by former staff that occurred in 2011. Oxfam is committed to putting in place a number of wide-sweeping initiatives to improve its global safeguarding policies and practices, including the establishment of an independent commission and putting more staff and resources into its safeguarding teams," the statement concluded.

Internal report made public

On Monday, the charity issued an apology to the Haitian government for a 2011 prostitution scandal. An internal report that was made public includes allegations that three staff members "physically threatened and intimidated" a witness during an internal investigation into the scandal.

Allegations first emerged last week that a number of staff members, including the country director, hired prostitutes at Oxfam properties while working in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

Four staffers were dismissed and three others resigned after the investigation, including Haiti country director Roland van Hauwermeiren.

Oxfam said it dispatched a team to Haiti to investigate the allegations and, during an interview with investigators, van Hauwermeiren admitted to hiring prostitutes on Oxfam property and agreed to resign.

The names of the other staff members involved in the scandal have been redacted in the publicly available version of the report.

According to the document released Monday, allegations of sexual misconduct were first reported to Oxfam in July 2011 after an email from a source whose name has been redacted.

In its report, Oxfam said allegations the sex workers were underage could not be substantiated nor ruled out.

The report didn't address claims that van Hauwermeiren and his team had been previously reported for alleged sexual misconduct while working in the African nation of Chad, but no action was taken at the time.

In an open letter, published by Belgian broadcaster VTM last week, van Hauwermeiren denied sleeping with a prostitute in the villa Oxfam had rented for him.

"I had up to three times intimate contact in my house. (She) was, in my opinion, a mature honorable lady, not an earthquake victim and no prostitute," he said in the letter.

UK Parliament looks into scandal

On Tuesday, the UK's secretary of international development, Penny Mordaunt, told Parliament that Oxfam put its reputation ahead of its responsibility to report incidents of sexual exploitation, resulting in a betrayal of the British people and the charity's staffers who do put people first.

"They did not provide a full report to the Charity Commission. They did not provide a full report to their donors. They did not provide any report to prosecuting authorities," Mordaunt said. "In my view Mr. Speaker they misled, quite possibly deliberately."

Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of Oxfam International, told Parliament that Oxfam has been improving but is not yet where it wants to be.

"This is about abuse of power. This is about abuse of women and girls because they are powerless, they are vulnerable, they are voiceless," she said. "Whether they have given them some money from an Oxfam program or from their pocket as their salary, it's still abhorrent, and we are ashamed and upset about it, and we're going to root it out of our organization."

Oxfam Great Britain Chief Executive Officer Mark Goldring apologized for what happened in 2011 and said: "At the time Oxfam conducted an investigation. It was wrong not to report that set of issues to the Haitian authorities and decide how they wanted to handle it."

The international charity, which has affiliates and offices around the world, has already been severely damaged by the allegations, which were first reported by the Times of London in early February.

The devastating earthquake in 2010 killed between 200,000 and 300,000 people in Haiti.
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - The Starkville Pride organization is planning to file a lawsuit against the City of Starkville, according to the Starkville Daily News.

This comes after the Starkville Board of Aldermen voted to deny its permit request for a pride parade in a 4-3 vote.

The paper reports that Roberta Kaplan of Kaplan & Company, LLP will represent Starkville Pride organizer Bailey McDaniel and the group after being notified by the Campaign For Southern Equality.

Kaplan has previously dealt with litigation issues involving LGBTQ rights in Mississippi. She told the Starkville Daily News that from what she's gathered the city has denied the group of its rights and she thinks she has a strong case.

According to the Starkville Daily News, Kaplan intends to be prompt with the lawsuit.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Wednesday, the Leon County Sheriff's Office arrested multiple students for making violent threats towards area schools while just miles away at the Florida Capitol, thousands rallied for gun control.

Three students, two 15-year-olds and a 17-year-old, were arrested on Wednesday for making threats.

Deputies say the 15-year-olds made verbal threats to shoot up Nims Middle School and Second Chance at the Ghazvini Learning Center in front of a teacher, leading the teacher to call in deputies.

The two teens were arrested and charged with making verbal threats.

A Godby High School student was also arrested Wednesday morning, after threatening to shoot up the school on Instagram.

WTXL spoke with deputies about how they are handling these kinds of threats.

"We take every threat to our school and our children seriously, even before the events from last week," said Lt. Grady Jordan. "There have been several times we've had incidents like this and we immediately jump in the investigation because, again, we take all threats seriously and we're going to take those down as best as we can and bring those people to justice."

The 17-year-old was charged with written threats to kill and resisting an officer without violence.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Leon County Schools excused students from school to participate in Wednesday's events at the Capitol, which included a rally calling on legislators to make changes to gun laws.

The decision led to some criticism in the community.

Dozens of students poured out of school buses Wednesday morning and made their way to the Capitol. A lot of them carried signs and told WTXL they'd be here whether or not the district allowed it.

Several students from Godby, Lincoln and Chiles high schools were part of a massive rally outside the Old Capitol.

The Leon County Republican Party blasted superintendent Rocky Hanna for allowing students to miss school and to use school resources for a "political rally," but students we talked to said now is the time to be heard.

"This is a very serious issue, and it affects people in our age group obviously," said Elon Davis, a sophomore at Chiles High School. "If we can't voice our opinions now, then, in the future, when it's actually important, we're not going to do it then either."

The district says it received many phone calls from parents about whether or not their kids would be excused from class. A spokesperson notes students were also excused to attend the Donald Trump rally in 2016.
MIAMI (WTXL) - A man accused of stealing the identities of teachers statewide and using their information to collect unemployment benefits has been arrested.

Ralph Alonso Everett Jr. of Miami was arrested for organized scheme to defraud, reemployment assistance fraud and criminal use of personal identification, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said in a news release.

A second man, Isaiah Lewis also of Miami, remains at large. Everett and Lewis attempted to defraud the state of more than $200,000 in fraudulent claims. Losses to the state exceed $50,000.

The investigation identified more than 100 employees associated with 65 different school board districts that had their identities illegally used to submit fraudulent reemployment assistance claims from February through December 2016.

Everett was booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on an $80,000 bond.

Attorney General Pam Bondis Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute the case.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida)- Roughly 100 students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School walked the halls of the State Capitol Wednesday, imploring lawmakers to enact stricter gun laws and increase mental health funding.

The students met with more than 70 legislators on Wednesday pleading with them to take swift action to prevent another tragedy like the one that left 17 people, including 14 teenagers, dead, one week ago in Broward county.

Among others, the students met with House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron Wednesday morning.

They were also scheduled to meet with Governor Rick Scott later Wednesday afternoon.

During his meeting with students, Negron became emotional talking about attending the funeral of one student Tuesday.

He says the students' time in Tallahassee are not in vain.

"We appreciate you taking the time to be at the capitol, and to share your perspective on an appropriate legislative response to not only this terrible tragedy, but also other tragedies that have occured," Negron said.

During a Wednesday news conference held by the students, their reaction was mixed.

Lorenzo Prado, a junior at Stoneman Douglas High School, says significant changes are needed, not just something small to make the students feel good.

"The laws of our beloved country allowed for the deranged gunman to purchase a gun legally," Prado said. "The law has failed us, and let the events that happened in Parkland occur."

Happening at the same time as students spoke inside the State Capitol, other proponents of gun-control and stricter school-safety laws held a rally that included one of the largest crowds to gather outside the capitol since the 2000 recount.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Before the meeting with lawmakers, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School began with a march to the capitol.

For 100 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students, a night in the Civic Center was a night well spent.

"We're feeling empowered, we're feeling united, we're feeling anxious and nervous," said Demitri Hoth, a student at Stoneman Douglas high.

Those students traveled six and half hours Tuesday night to the Capital City all for the purpose of speaking out against what they call lax gun policy in Florida.

"We come here today to talk about a variety of issues that all encompass one unifying theme which is gun reform," said Hoth.

Gun reform that some lawmakers say they've been working diligently to bring about for years.

"I've been trying to pass bills that would strengthen gun laws that get nowhere. But NRA backed bills don't have a problem," said Senator Gary Farmer, who holds the seat for district 34. "Hopefully that changes now."

Many say that change starts with the 100 Parkland students, their parents, and teachers making the trek from the Civic Center to the capital.

"We're marching for our classmates," said Isabella Pfeiffer, who's also a student at Stoneman Douglas high. "We're marching because we don't want this to happen again."

Inside the capital, students were crying as they plead with lawmakers to do something about the laws in Florida.

"My friends are dead because someone easily got a gun, walked into my school, and gunned him down," said Pfeiffer. "Look me in my eyes and tell me that you'll make sure that never happens again."

And while those students met with lawmakers inside the Capitol, House, and Senate buildings, students from Leon County high schools and supporters gathered at the state capitol stairs to show their support with chants, signs, even a voter registration drive.

The students head back to Broward Wednesday night, but they say this isn't a one day mission and they want lawmakers to something about it in the next three weeks of session.
(WTXL) - South Georgia plans to celebrate the Airmen of Moody Air Force Base and their families from March 12 - 17.

'South Georgia Loves Moody Week' focuses on involving residents of Berrien, Cook, Lanier and Lowndes counties in events and activities.

"The men and women who serve our nation deserve our full support whether they are on a mission abroad or on duty at an installation closer to home," said Bill Parry, president of the Association of Defense Communities, a national organization focused on community/military issues.

"Communities have found many ways to show service families that they are welcome on both sides of the installation fence, and the Great American Defense Communities program has quickly become an important way to highlight their successes."

South Georgia Loves Moody Week's schedule:

Monday, March 12th: Kick-Off Event

Tuesday, March 13th: Pray for Moody Day

Wednesday, March 14th: South Georgia Loves Moody Kids Day

Thursday, March 15th: Fly your flag for Moody Day

Friday, March 16th: Red Carpet for Moody Day

Saturday, March 17th: South Georgia Businesses Love Moody Day

To learn more about how you can get involved in South Georgia Loves Moody Week, contact your local Chamber of Commerce (Berrien, Cook, Lanier and Lowndes counties) or follow the organizer on Facebook at @SouthGeorgiaLovesMoody. You can also share your experiences by using the hashtag #moodyisus
THOMAS COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - We now know the identity of a man who led Thomas County Drug Squad Agents on a chase Tuesday afternoon.

17-year-old, Kendarius Deandre Daniels was arrested by drug agents who said he sold a half ounce of meth to an undercover narcotics agent.

Agents say they were attempting to arrest Daniels when he began to run for several blocks.

According to the drug squad commander Daniels was found under a house near Wright street and Bartow streets.

"One of the deputies was told he was possibly hiding in some bushes near a house," the drug squad commander said. "That deputy was able to go to that area and found the man hiding underneath the house, he took off his jacket and was underneath the house."

Daniels was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and willful obstruction of law enforcement officers.

According to Schofill, the case is still under investigation and more charges are forthcoming with other individuals involved in the sale.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Two 15-year-old students have been arrested after making verbal threats to shoot up Nims Middle School and Second Chance at Ghazvini Learning Center.

The Leon County Sheriff's Office says they arrested the two teens Wednesday afternoon for making verbal threats.

They say both students attend Second Chance at Ghazvini Learning Center.

A school resource deputy was notified by a teacher that the teens had been making statements about conducting a school shooting.

One of the suspects asked, "Did you hear about the shooting that is occurring tomorrow?" The teen continued saying the shooting would happen at Second Chance and said, "I might shoot this place up!"

The second suspect then chimed in, saying "I am going to shoot up Nims Middle School tomorrow and then Second Chance ... I ain't kidding!"

Both were taken into custody and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center without incident.

This is the second incident in Leon County that involved violent school threats.

Earlier Wednesday, deputies arrested a Godby High School student for threatening to shoot up the school on Instagram. Read more about that story here.

WTXL is choosing not to identify the suspects due to their age.
Thermopolis mayor speaks out on privatizing Pioneer Home

WORLAND - With concerns that local lawmakers can't stop two area state facilities from becoming private facilities, area legislators are working on giving the communities more time to plan for any changes that might be coming.

Senate File 112, sponsored by the Wyoming Joint Appropriations Committee and moving forward through the State Senate with third reading today, would effectively put two e...
WORLAND - Ninth District Court Judge Norman E. Young has denied a motion for Partial Summary Judgement filed on behalf of the plaintiff, in the case Campbell versus Tri-County Telephone Association.

WORLAND - Ninth District Court Judge Norman E. Young has denied a motion for Partial Summary Judgement filed on behalf of the plaintiff, in the case Campbell versus Tri-County Telephone Association.

The lawsuit, filed in December 2016 by a former board member of TCT, claims that the original, 2014 sale of the telecommunications company was undervalued and defrauded approximately 825 members of...
WORLAND  Washakie County voters and interested public are invited to attend Voting in Wyoming in the Next Decade, a voter-information meeting being held tonight at the County Commission Chambers of the Washakie County Courthouse, hosted by the Office of the County Clerk.

WORLAND  Washakie County voters and interested public are invited to attend Voting in Wyoming in the Next Decade, a voter-information meeting being held tonight at the County Commission Chambers of the Washakie County Courthouse, hosted by the Office of the County Clerk.

Beginning at 7 p.m., County Clerk Mary Grace Strauch will give a presentation on the current status of voting in the...
by Alessandra Cardone

MILAN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni warned against fiscal and social dumping within the European Union (EU) on Wednesday, as a struggle to avoid the loss of some 500 jobs at a Whirlpool-Embraco factory near Turin continued.

"We cannot allow forms of fiscal and social dumping, at least within the EU," Gentiloni said in an address at an ITC research center in Milan, later broadcasted by his office. "This is why the government has made Embraco an exemplary case: because it concerns the way of being together in the European Union," Gentiloni added.

The term "fiscal dumping" usually refers to the practice of offering very low taxes in order to lure investments or businesses in its own state, which is considered unfair in terms of competition.

Embraco is a Brazilian unit of U.S. appliance maker Whirlpool, which produces refrigeration compressors and has a plant at Riva di Chieri near Turin, in northwest Piedmont region.

In January, Embraco announced it would lay off 497 workers out of total 537, within its plan to relocate its production from Turin to Slovakia by 2018.

The announcement angered Italy's government, which was trying to negotiate redundancy and other welfare measures with the management to reduce the social costs of the relocation.

It also became a critical issue in the public debate, due to the approaching of the general elections in March.

Italy appealed to the European Commission in order to verify whether Slovakia somehow offered incentives to the Brazilian firm that may amount to state aid, which was not allowed within the EU internal market.

On Tuesday, Italian Minister for Economic Development Carlo Calenda met EU Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager in Brussels to discuss the issue.

The EU official promised to look thoroughly into the matter, and that the Embraco case would become a concern for the EU executive body "in case taxpayers' money had been used," Ansa news agency reported.

In a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday, Vestager said the EU needed time to ascertain whether the case involve a wrong use of funds, but also that it would make sure internal market rules were not disobeyed.

"Everyone may have a reason to move, that is not our business, but it becomes a concern for us if taxpayers' money is involved," Ansa quoted the competition commissioner as saying.

"Funds should be used to create new jobs and not to move jobs from one country to another," Vestager added.

In the same hours, Calenda announced Italy's national agency for inward investment Invitalia held a meeting in Rome with a foreign firm possibly interested in buying the production facility near Turin. No further details about the company involved were unveiled.

Calenda added he would meet the unions next week in Turin to update them on the government's efforts to find an alternative solution to the Embraco plant closure, Ansa also reported.

Finally, Italy's Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan on Wednesday said the EU should be severe with Slovakia, in case a misuse of state aid to attract firms from other EU countries was proved.

"I have complete confidence in the competence and impartiality of Competition Commissioner Vestager," Padoan told La7 TV channel.

"If there has been state aid, which is possible, I expect the European Commission to take severe measures, because it would be a serious violation of internal market rules."
PARIS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday called for a truce in Syria's eastern Ghouta district to facilitate evacuation of civilians and access to humanitarian aid in the rebel-held enclave.

At a joint press conference with his Liberian counterpart Georges Weah, the French president asked the United Nations's Security Council to rapidly adopt a resolution regarding the violence escalation in the Syrian district.

In a statement issued on Feb. 20, the French foreign ministry condemned "indiscriminate attacks" which "constituted a serious violation of international humanitarian law."

Eastern Ghouta has for long been the major threat to the capital Damascus, with rebels, including al-Qaida-linked ones, launching several attacks to infiltrate the capital.

The rebel-held Eastern Ghouta in the countryside of Syrian capital Damascus has witnessed intense airstrikes and shelling as military showdown is approaching.

The spark of the recent unprecedented violence was ignited a couple of months ago when al-Qaida-linked groups launched an offensive against a key military base in the city of Harasta in the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta countryside of Damascus, prompting a counter military offensive in that area.

The attacks at the times were coupled with rebels shelling of the capital Damascus, and Syrian airstrikes targeting the rebel positions in Eastern Ghouta.

But the situation has dramatically worsened in recent days when a wide-scale military offensive on Eastern Ghouta was in place, preparing to end the presence of al-Qaida-linked groups in that area.

But the situation is not easy, as around 350,000 civilians are still living in Eastern Ghouta, which is a large countryside constituting of several towns and villages under the rebel control.
MOSCOW, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Russia will hedge against the risks in the defense industry market caused by unfair competition of the United States, the Kremlin said Wednesday.

"Certainly, we are trying to hedge against the risks arising amid manifestations of unfair U.S. competition on the market of military and technical cooperation as well as trade in special hardware on an international scale," Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on Washington's claims that Russian defense sector seriously suffered from U.S. sanctions.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Wednesday that Russia might lose contracts worth more than three billion U.S. dollars as many countries stopped buying Russian products as a result of U.S. extension of anti-Russian sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) signed into law in August 2017.

According to Nauert, the U.S. has warned against signing contracts with Russian enterprises in the military industry and threatened to impose sanctions against countries, persons and organizations that violate the law.

Russia is aware that the U.S. deliberately hampered Russia's military and technical cooperation with other countries, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Wednesday.

Noting that everything is under control, Peskov refrained from revealing details as "military-technical cooperation is a very sensitive area."
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Qualcomm has reached an agreement with NXP Semiconductors N.V. to purchase the Dutch chipmaker. The U.S. chipmaker raised its offer to 127.50 U.S. dollars per share.

Qualcomm on Tuesday increased its takeover bid for rival chipmaker NXP Semiconductors in hopes of shoring up support for the deal, and to potentially fend off its own unwanted suitor, Broadcom.

Under the new terms, Qualcomm would pay more than originally proposed, and the threshold for how many NXP shareholders must agree to tender their shares would be lowered to 70 percent from 80 percent.

"Qualcomm's leading SoC capabilities and technology roadmap, coupled with NXP's differentiated position in Automotive, Security and IoT, offers a compelling value proposition," Steve Mollenkopf, CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated was quoted as saying in a statement.

In statements, Qualcomm officials said NXP technology would bolster their company's products for the next-generation 5G wireless standard.

"We remain highly confident in our fiscal 2019 Non-GAAP EPS target of $6.75-$7.50, which includes $1.50 per share accretion from the acquisition of NXP," said Mollenkopf.

The 44 billion U.S. dollars deal comes one week after leaders of Qualcomm met with Broadcom executives to discuss a 146 billion U.S. dollars buyout, according to media reports. The chipmaker has rejected buyout offers from Broadcom twice.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 06:31:56|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAMASCUS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The rebels in Syrian Damascus' Eastern Ghouta region didn't respond to calls for a cessation of hostilities and laying down arms, the Syria-based Russian Reconciliation Center said Wednesday.

In a statement, the Russian center said the "the armed men in Ghouta haven't responded to the repeated calls of our military personnels to lay down weapons and start negotiating."

"We haven't received any response from the armed groups in that area," the statement said, adding that the rebels in Eastern Ghouta are preventing the civilians from leaving.

The statement warned of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Eastern Ghouta.

The rebel-held Eastern Ghouta has been under a heavy government forces' shelling since Sunday evening, as part of the first stage of the Syrian forces offensive to end the presence of the ultra-radical rebel groups, including al-Qaida-linked ones, in that region.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said as many as 3,000 airstrikes and artillery shelling targeted Eastern Ghouta over the past four days.

The UK-based watchdog group said a total of 310 people have been killed and over 1,550 others wounded by the shelling on Eastern Ghouta over the past few days.

The oppositional monitor said six medical centers and hospitals have gone out of service as a result.

Meanwhile, the rebels in Eastern Ghouta have rained down Damascus with tens of mortar shells, leaving many people killed or wounded.

The rebel mortar shelling nearly paralyzed the life in the eastern neighborhoods of Damascus close to Eastern Ghouta.

That sprawling region, which constitutes of several towns and villages, is the only threat to the capital Damascus now that the army cleaned the vicinity of the capital from other directions from the rebel groups.
LONDON, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Wednesday urged the British government to act swiftly to "offer more clarity" about its plans for Brexit, saying that "the clock is ticking."

The prime minister, tweeting after his talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street, called for swift action from London over its Brexit plans.

"So the British government really needs to offer more clarity about where it wants to go," Rutte said.

"The clock is ticking, and we need to move fast," the prime minister said. "I sincerely hope that we'll succeed in reaching agreements that are good for us all."

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for May said in a statement said that during the meeting, May gave an update on Brexit negotiations with both leaders agreeing on the importance of concluding the terms of the implementation period in March and the terms of the future partnership as soon as possible.

"The prime minister set out her vision for a bold future economic partnership with the Netherlands and the whole of the EU after the UK leaves, stressing that we should all be optimistic and flexible to achieve a trading relationship which is as frictionless as possible, which Prime Minister Rutte welcomed," the spokesperson said.

The Netherlands has been one of the UK's closest allies in the European Union (EU), the Dutch prime minister noted, adding that relations between the two nations are "fantastic."

"In view of our close economic ties, it is clearly crucial for the Netherlands and Dutch business to ensure a strong relationship post-Brexit," Rutte said.

The British government has asked the EU to consider granting the UK a longer Brexit transition period than the one proposed by Brussels, documents drawn up by negotiators show.

The European Commission has said the transition, during which the UK would be bound by EU rules despite being outside the bloc, should end on Dec. 31, 2020, but UK negotiators said on Wednesday that they want to discuss the possibility of a different duration -- amid concern that there may not be enough time to prepare for Brexit.

"The UK believes the period's duration should be determined simply by how long it will take to prepare and implement the new processes and new systems that will underpin the future partnership," negotiators said in an explanatory note leaked ahead of its planned publication.

Depending on the future trade deal struck with Brussels, the UK might have to significantly overhaul the physical infrastructure of its ports and airports to cope with a dramatic increase in customs checks, as well as do other work that has yet to actually begin nearly two years after the referendum.

The transition is highly controversial with Conservative Brexiteers, who say that it amounts to making Britain a "vassal state" of the EU where it would follow EU rules without having any say over what they were.

However, British Brexit Secretary David Davis said the period is a "bridge to the future" and only amounts to a "short period" in the EU's orbit.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 07:47:10|Editor: Mengjie

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CHICAGO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Overseas Chinese in U.S. Midwest are lucky enough to have a feast of Chinese cultural performances to ease their nostalgia while embracing the 2018 Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dog.

For local natives, they have a bite of typical Chinese culture.

On February 16, the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the City of Chicago kicked off its Chinese New Year celebrations at Chicago Cultural Center with lion dances; and on the following day, the Chicago Symphony Center presented to some 2,500 audience ancient Chuanju Opera excerpts and Chinese folk music played in the way of symphony

On February 19, Detroit 2018 "Happy New Year" concert was held at Detroit Symphony Hall, Michigan. Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra presented 1,500 audience traditional Chinese music such as Uighurs folk song "Life Your Veil" and popular song music "Crossing River" as well as the Symphony No.1 in D major. The combination of Chinese folk music with Western classical music.

On the same day in Carmel, Indiana, 1,200 audience watched dances, acrobatics, magic presented by the Jiangxi Troupe from Jiangxi Province, China.

In the coming week, Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra, Jiangxi Troupe and Guangdong Troupe will continue their performance tours in Iowa, Missouri, Colorado, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan.

"China and the U.S. are two countries with significant influences in the world, and people-to-people exchanges are the basis for our bilateral relations," Chinese Consul General in Chicago Hong Lei said. "I believe with joint efforts, cultural exchanges between China and U.S. will be further enhanced and the friendly ties between people of the two countries will be constantly strengthened."

With cultural exchanges being the basis, economic ties are the booster to the relationship between the two countries.

U.S. Midwest abounds in resources and is hub of agriculture and manufacturing industry. State governments and enterprises in this region highlight their economic and trade ties with China. In 2017, governors of Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, and Iowa have one after another visited China, hoping to seek more investment and cooperation opportunities.

According to statistics provided by Chinese Consulate in Chicago, total trade volume of nine states in U.S. Midwest with China exceeded 90 billion dollars in 2016. From 2000 to 2016, Chinese enterprises invested nearly 15 billion dollars in the nine states in U.S. Midwest, directly creating 36,000 jobs.

Meanwhile, many multinational companies from U.S. Midwest have increased their investment, expanded their business and opened new production bases and R&D centers in China, taking huge profit from the Chinese market.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 07:52:11|Editor: pengying

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BRASILIA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- President Michel Temer denied on Wednesday, through his spokesperson Alexandre Parola, that the federal state of emergency declared about public safety in Rio de Janeiro had any political motivations.

In a statement, Temer said that the electoral agenda "is not nor will be the cause" of the federal takeover of Rio de Janeiro, amid spiralling crime.

"The president reiterates that any decision of the government is exclusively based on the real needs of the country, the electoral agenda is not nor will be the cause of the government's actions," Parola told the press.

This declaration was in response to comments by former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who accused Temer of sending the army into Rio de Janeiro due to political interests.

On Wednesday morning, Lula, candidate for the Workers' Party (PT), said that Temer had carried out the federal intervention to take votes away from Jair Bolsonaro, a candidate of the Social Christian Party (PSC).

Bolsonaro, a former soldier and lawmaker known for his far-right views, is polling at around 15 percent and has a real chance of qualifying for the second round of the election in October.

"Temer wants to take the votes of Bolsonaro and came up with sending the army in Rio de Janeiro," said Lula.

Lula, who is leading the poll about preferred candidates for the October elections, will be barred from running if he loses an appeal against a guilty verdict for corruption and money laundering, which would see him jailed for 12 years and one month.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 08:02:12|Editor: Mengjie

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SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- A senior executive officer of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, a major commercial hub in Alaska in the U.S. northwesternmost state, said Wednesday that he is expecting to increase more flights to China.

Jim Szczesniak, the airport's new manager who resumed office on Jan. 22, told local media that he puts top priority to the role of the airport in the state's economy and making good preparations for the upcoming summer tourism season, particularly tourists from China.

"We've had some exciting meetings with (the) Chinese delegation lately, that's included some potential talks of air service over there," he said.

Last week, an official of the Alaska Chinese Association told Xinhua that Alaska officials are working to talk with the Chinese side on opening direct flights from Alaska to China.

Szczesniak said he wants to build on Anchorage's role as a global center for air cargo transport.

"We're going to continue to push that avenue to see if we can get some direct access to Asia," he said.

Szczesniak, who is a former executive of O' Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, said he wants to boost the airport's capability to expand its air cargo power in international trade.
BERLIN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Germans are divided on the issue of urban driving bans on diesel vehicles, as the Federal Administrative Court is poised to assess the issue on Thursday, a survey has found.

According to the survey published on Wednesday by internet-based market research and data analytics firm YouGov, 43 percent of German citizens favor such bans, while an equal number of respondents oppose them.

The German Government recently admitted that at least 20 of its cities would fail to comply with European Union limits for nitrogen oxide emission levels by 2020. This has renewed calls to forcibly remove older, polluting diesel vehicles from the most heavily affected urban areas.

Although respondents in the YouGov poll were evenly split on diesel driving bans, 70 percent of them said the automotive industry has not done enough to lower its negative environmental impact so far, while 10 percent said they had trust in German carmakers.

On Thursday, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig will assess earlier verdicts from courts in Stuttgart and Duesseldorf which favored removing older diesel vehicles on the ground of the risk their nitrogen oxide emissions pose to citizens' health.
CANBERRA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Support for the British monarchy in Australia has hit a record low, a survey has found.

A poll of 1,000 people undertaken by market research company Research Now found that the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had done little to turn Australians into royalists.

According to the poll, 52 percent of Australians now support a shift to a republic while 25 percent were unsure and only 22 percent preferred the monarchy.

Among respondents aged between 18 and 24, almost one third of respondents said the announcement of Prince Harry's engagement and the Duchess of Cambridge's third pregnancy made them more likely to support a republic while 62 percent said the events had no effect on their opinion.

Support for the monarchy remained strongest among those aged 65 years and above with 36 percent disagreeing that Australia should become a republic.

Research Now's poll presented a significantly worse result for monarchists than an Essential poll published in July which returned a result of 44 percent support for a republic and 29 percent opposition.

In order for Australia to become a republic, a referendum on changing the constitution must be successful.

Despite leading the referendum cause at the 1999 referendum, which was defeated by a margin of 55 percent to 45 percent, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has ruled out introducing another referendum under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten has promised that a referendum would be held as soon as possible if he is elected prime minister.
ABUJA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday ordered three members of his cabinet to investigate an attack by terror group Boko Haram on an all-girl college earlier this week, a government spokesperson said.

Minister of Defense Mansur Dan-Ali, Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama and Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed have been asked to visit Dapchi village in the northeastern state of Yobe to get first-hand information on the attack on the Government Girls' Technical College on Monday, Mohammed told reporters here.

The minister said Buhari also directed military and other security agencies to take immediate control of the college and rescue the missing students.

According to officials, at least 46 students remain missing following the attack. Other reports said at least 13 students were still missing.

About four years ago, 276 girls were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents from the Girls' Secondary School in Chibok town in Yobe's neighboring Borno State. Only 107 of the Chibok girls have been rescued or returned amid ongoing government negotiation with Boko Haram.

The outlawed group has been trying since 2009 to establish an Islamic state in northeastern Nigeria. They have killed some 20,000 people and displaced millions.
A war of words broke out today at one the trials underway in Yerevan of Sasna Dzrer group members accused of illegal arms possession and seizing a Yerevan police station in July 2016.

Exchanges of Youre a Turk, No, youre a Turk were heard in the courtroom when tensions rose between the state prosecutor and the defendants.

The verbal brawl started when the issue of the inclusion of public defenders in the case was raised. Many of the defendants have complained over the courts ruling to bring in public defenders since the private attorneys hired by the defendants have boycotted the trial in the past, walking out of the courtroom.

When State Prosecutor Petros Petrosyan began to express his opinion on the matter, defendant Pavel Manukyan interrupted him by saying: I despise your decision and statement.

The court warned Manukyan that hed be removed from the courtroom if such outbursts continued.

Manukyan responded, I spit on your decisions. The court decided to remove him from the courtroom for five hours.

Manukyan was then heard saying, Why did you bring this Turk next to me?, evidently referring to Prosecutor Petrosyan, who shot back, Youre the Turk.

Defense attorney Arayik Gharagyozyan then stood up and asked the court to bring charges against the prosecutor for calling his client, the hero Manukyan, a Turk.

The attorney argued that if the court had found Manukyans words to be disrespectful, it must do the same in the case of Prosecutor Petrosyan.

Judge Mesrop Makyan replied that he had taken all necessary legal steps required by him and that the defense attorneys could take up the matter elsewhere.

With this, the court adjourned.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 11:07:48|Editor: Mengjie

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BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai police have caught 36 people for producing and selling counterfeit traditional remedy ejiao, or donkey-skin gelatin.

More than 8,000 bootleg products worth 40 million yuan (6.3 million U.S. dollars) were seized, China Daily reported on Thursday.

The counterfeits, actually made with ox hide and edible gelatin, were fakes of those made by Dong'e Ejiao Co, China's top ejiao maker based in Shandong Province.

The Shanghai Municipal Food and Drug Administration received a report from Dong'e Ejiao in 2017 that some shops in Shanghai were suspected of selling fake products of the brand.

The administration sent an investigation team in tandem with police. The team bought products from the shops and identified them as fakes.

The team later found that the suspects took part in illegal production in rural Henan Province since August. They made the counterfeits using ox hide and edible gelatin with fake labels and packaging supplied from Guangdong Province.

On Dec. 7, police raided the illegal production sites in Henan and Guangdong and a site where products were stored, while detaining the suspects.

About 90 percent of the country's ejiao products are made in Shandong Province, which mainly imports donkey skin from Peru, Mexico and Egypt.

According to the Qianzhan Industry Research Institute, the production of China's ejiao manufacturers has grown from 3,200 tonnes in 2013 to 5,600 tonnes in 2016, with an annual growth of more than 20 percent.
ABUJA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's aviation authorities on Wednesday opened an investigation into a passenger plane overshooting the runway in the southern city of Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The Accident Investigation Bureau, a government agency, is investigating the incident.

The Boeing, operated by local airline Dana Air, was damaged after overshooting the runway while landing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday afternoon. All the 49 people on board were safely evacuated.

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria had said the mishap could have been caused by a heavy rain accompanied by strong wind and storm.

The runway was temporarily shut and reopened after inspection.
ABUJA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Prison guards shot dead two attackers and wounded another when a group of bandits attempted to free prisoners in Nigeria's northwestern state of Sokoto on Wednesday, local police said.

They had attacked a prison van carrying 18 inmates to court for trial, police said.

The attack was repelled by prison guards, leading to the death of two bandits, police spokesperson Cordelia Nwewe said.

An investigation is on, Nwewe said, adding that none of the 18 inmates were freed by the attackers.
LONDON, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday said her recent visit to China has helped deepen the UK-China "Golden Era" relations.

At a reception at 10 Downing Street to celebrate the Chinese New Year, May said the cooperation agreements signed during her visit can bring more job opportunities to Britain.

The British government will take further action to promote the bilateral trade and cultural exchanges, she said, ending her brief speech by saying "Happy New Year" in Chinese.

May paid an official visit to China from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, her first since she took office in 2016.

It was also the first trip to China by a British prime minister since Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Britain in 2015, when both sides sealed the China-UK "Golden Era" partnership.

During May's visit, important consensus was reached on bilateral efforts to enhance the "Golden Era" of China-Britain ties, the Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Liu Xiaoming, said.

A series of agreements were signed in such fields as trade and economy, education, culture, and science and technology.

Liu and British Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Jeremy Hunt were among the guests at the reception to celebrate the Year of the Dog, which started on Feb. 16, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
HAVANA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. Congressional delegation on Wednesday urged President Donald Trump's administration to improve relations with Cuba amid tensions stemming from alleged "acoustic attacks" against U.S. diplomatic personnel in Cuba.

At a press conference after a three-day trip to Cuba where they met President Raul Castro and other government officials, the delegation, led by Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy, talked of the need to return to an era of engagement and cooperation.

"It's important for the Trump administration to stop falling back on Cold War policy that didn't make sense decades ago and makes less sense now," Senator Ron Wyden told reporters.

The delegation began their visit Monday by meeting with Cuban Foreign Ministry officials to talk about the alleged attacks suffered by U.S. diplomats in the Caribbean nation.

Over 20 U.S. diplomats suffered health problems between November 2016 and August 2017, which Washington called "acoustic attacks".

The incidents led to the partial closure of the U.S. embassy in Havana and a halt in issuing U.S. visas from there.

"We need to get back our embassy fully staffed ... There is no way we are going to have improved relations if we don't have the personnel here to do it," Leahy said.

The delegation said it was a mistake for the Trump administration to make political decisions based on an inconclusive investigation.

"I have no idea what happened to our diplomats here, U.S. agencies that are investigating this matter also don't seem to have a clue and we may never know. It was a mistake to cut back on our diplomatic personnel in Cuba," Representative Jim McGovern said.

The U.S. State Department issued a travel warning last year, telling Americans not to visit Cuba as some of the alleged attacks ostensibly occurred in hotels.

"It was a mistake to put out a travel advisory on Cuba warning Americans about their safety if they travel here. We feel safe in Cuba and I urge the Secretary of State to cancel this advisory," McGovern added.

The delegation's visit has been described as a "fact-finding trip" about the changes in Washington's policy toward Cuba.

"For too long our policy towards Cuba has been guided by paranoia and suspicion... it has resulted in a policy that I would characterize as stupid. We need to learn from our history, 50 years of hostility and estrangement was bad for the U.S. and Cuba," McGovern said.

Last year, Trump backpedaled on thawing ties with Havana by limiting trade with and travels to the Caribbean nation.

U.S. companies are forbidden from engaging in any type of commercial activities with over 180 Cuban companies associated with the Cuban armed forces. U.S. citizens are restricted from making individual trips to the island.

"Normal relations between the U.S. and Cuba are critically important, we need to move past any policies that have existed in the past, particularly those that have existed for 50 years and didn't bring about the change that any of us would like to see," Senator Gary Peters said.

Just before Trump assumed office, both nations signed over 20 cooperation agreements and bilateral meetings frequently took place.

However, the situation has changed dramatically since then and only a few exchanges on law enforcement, human and drug trafficking and security have taken place.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 13:08:12|Editor: ZD

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BELGRAGE, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- A suicide attacker threw an explosive device in the U.S. embassy compound in Montenegrin capital Podgorica Thursday before blowing himself up with another bomb, announced the Montenegrin government.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 13:08:12|Editor: ZD

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SEOUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has notified South Korea of its plan to send a high-ranking delegation to the closing ceremony of the 23rd Winter Olympics, Seoul's unification ministry said Thursday.

The ranking DPRK delegation, led by Kim Yong Chol, a senior official of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, will make a three-day visit to South Korea beginning Sunday when the closing ceremony is held in South Korea's eastern county of PyeongChang.

Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, will accompany Kim as a delegate together with six support staff. They will come to South Korea via the land route in the western border.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. smartphone chip supplier Qualcomm on Wednesday criticized Singapore-based microchip maker Broadcom for lowering its bid to acquire Qualcomm earlier in the day, saying it made an "inadequate offer even worse".

"Broadcom's reduced proposal has made an inadequate offer even worse despite the clear increase in value to Qualcomm stockholders from providing certainty around the NXP acquisition," the Californian chipmaker said in a statement.

"Broadcom has refused and continues to refuse to engage with Qualcomm on price," Qualcomm said.

Qualcomm is currently in a bid to acquire its Dutch rival chipmaker NXP Semiconductors. On Tuesday, Qualcomm increased its offer for NXP to 127.50 U.S. dollars per share to reinforce the bid, and to potentially fend off its own unwanted suitor Broadcom.

The 44-billion-dollar deal to acquire NXP started one week after Qualcomm leaders met with Broadcom executives to discuss a 146-billion-dollar buyout, according to media reports. The chipmaker has rejected buyout offers from Broadcom twice.

Early this month, Qualcomm announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously rejected the revised non-binding, unsolicited proposal by Broadcom to acquire all outstanding shares of Qualcomm for 82.00 U.S. dollars per share (60.00 dollars in cash and 22.00 dollars in Broadcom stock), which Broadcom announced on Feb. 5.

Broadcom announced early Wednesday that it would lower the bid to 79.00 U.S. dollars per share (57.00 dollars in cash and 22.00 dollars in Broadcom stock, following Qualcomm's decision to raise its bid for NXP Semiconductors.

"Qualcomm's leading SoC (system on a chip) capabilities and technology roadmap, coupled with NXP's differentiated position in Automotive, Security and IoT (Internet of Things), offers a compelling value proposition," Steve Mollenkopf, CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated, was quoted as saying in a statement.

In the statement, Qualcomm officials said NXP technology would bolster their company's products for the next-generation 5G wireless standard.

Qualcomm is the world's largest supplier of long-term evolution baseband chip sets, which enable smartphones and tablets to connect to cellular networks and are used both for voice and data transmission.
KABUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- At least 32 Taliban militants were killed after Afghan air force struck their hideouts in western province of Farah on Wednesday, the country's Defense Ministry said Thursday.

"The strikes were launched in Bala Buluk and Pusht Rod districts, and those among the killed were two divisional Taliban commanders named Mullah Khairullah and Aman Kandahari," the ministry tweeted.

Seventeen Taliban militants were also wounded in the sorties.

The strikes also destroyed two militants' vehicles full of explosive materials and six suicide bombing vests in the province, 695 km west of Afghan capital of Kabul.

Afghan security forces and the NATO-led coalition troops have beefed up security operations and airstrikes as the war-weary Afghans are facing upsurges in attacks by Taliban insurgents and Islamic State militants across the country.

The Taliban insurgent group, which has been waging an insurgency of more than 16 years, has yet to make comments.
KABUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Five national intelligence agency personnel have been killed following an armed attack in eastern Afghan province of Parwan, a local news agency, Pajhwok Afghan News, reported on Thursday.

The victims were serving in neighboring Kapisa province but they were travelling in a vehicle to their homes in Parwan before coming under attack by gunmen in Bagram district of the province, according to the report.

One of the victims named Gulab Din was a senior provincial intelligence official in Kapisa, the report added.

The attackers fled the scene after the shooting and Taliban insurgents have claimed responsibility for the incident.

Bagram Airfield, a main U.S. and NATO forces' military base in Afghanistan, is also located in Bagram district.

The Taliban insurgents launch attacks against security forces in the district, 50 km north of Kabul, from time to time.
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan personally greeted Lebanese President Michel Aoun, now in Armenia on an official visit, when he arrived at the Presidential Palace in Yerevan.

The two presidents then retired for a face-to-face discussion of issues of mutual interest.

President Sargsyans public affairs office released the following statement:

Dear Mr. President, I cordially welcome you to the Republic of Armenia. It is a great pleasure and honor for us to host the President of friendly Lebanon in Armenia, and we are eager to deepen multifaceted relationship with Lebanon.



I remember with great warmth my visit to Lebanon back in 2012, which was a strong incentive for the development of our relations. I am sure that your visit will open up a new chapter in our relations. Our interstate relations have only a 25-year history, but our peoples friendship has lasted for many centuries. Of course, the Armenian community plays an important role in the furtherance of friendship between our two peoples. We are grateful to the people and leadership of Lebanon for their caring attitude towards our compatriots. They became full-fledged citizens of Lebanon and, at the same time, were able to preserve their ethnic identity. And of course, we are grateful to Lebanons authorities, including your parliament, for the recognition of the fact of the Armenian Genocide. This is a crucial contribution. Mr. President, you are welcome to Armenia! I am very glad to welcome you to Yerevan, President Serzh Sargsyan said.

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Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 14:23:31|Editor: pengying

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MEXICO CITY, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Mexico's central bank has seen delays in planned investments due to uncertainty about the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the bank's chief economist, Daniel Chiquiar, said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a financial summit, Chiquiar said the uncertainty surrounding NAFTA and the possible consequences of the commercial relationship between Mexico and the U.S. have been "severe" for investment.

"In the event that this uncertainty dissipates, we can hope the investment will return," he added.

Mexico, Canada and the United States have been renegotiating NAFTA since August at the behest of U.S. President Donald Trump, who believes the agreement has been detrimental to American jobs and the economy.

Negotiators will meet in Mexico City later this month for the seventh round of NAFTA talks.

Chiquiar said the Mexican economy has shown resilience to external shocks and is flexible enough to absorb negative impacts, especially to exchange rates.

If the trade relationship with the U.S. changes in the future, the economy will be capable of adjusting its pricing system to the new environment, he added.

In its latest monetary policy statement on Feb. 8, the central bank said the Mexican economy was facing a complex scenario, in large part due to economic and geopolitical risks threatening the global recovery.
CANBERRA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The world's largest producer of batteries and solar energy systems has announced it will set up an assembly facility in South Australia (SA).

Germany's Sonnen GmbH also announced it would move its Australian headquarters from Sydney to Adelaide.

Under the plan, 50,000 household batteries will be assembled in Adelaide over a five-year period, creating 190 permanent full-time jobs.

Jay Weatherill, Premier of SA, said the installation of the systems could create another 300 jobs.

Weatherill, who has made renewable energy a major focus of his re-election campaign, did not pledge any funding for Sonnen, but did say the government would help the company find a suitable location.

Sonnen is the operator of Germany's largest "virtual power plant," a system that integrates several power sources to provide a reliable supply, but will find tougher competition in SA where Elon Musk's energy storage giant Tesla has promised to build the world's largest virtual power plant.

The announcement of Sonnen's move came as Weatherill promised to make 100 million Australian dollars (78 million U.S. dollars) available in interest-free loans for households to purchase solar panels and batteries.

If re-elected for a historic fifth consecutive term, Weatherill's Australian Labor Party (ALP) will offer 10,000 homes loans of up to 10,000 Australian dollars (7,800 U.S. dollars) under the scheme.

"It's going to slash bills, we've already seen that with our virtual power station, modelling demonstrates a 30 percent reduction in energy power," he told reporters on Thursday.

"We've seen from the national regulator that renewable energy projects are projected to reduce energy bills by (235 U.S. dollars) over the next two years, so it's just beginning to happen."

A similar scheme announced by the Opposition Liberal Party in October last year would see up to 40,000 homes given loans of 2,500 Australian dollars (1,950 U.S. dollars) to purchase solar systems.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian Government's decision to put the public security of the state of Rio de Janeiro under federal intervention is not an electoral move, a government official said Wednesday.

Presidency spokesperson Alexandre Parola made the statement when meeting the press in capital city Brasilia.

"The election agenda is not and will not be the cause for the president's actions," Parola said.

The Senate gave its final approval late on Tuesday to making the army responsible for security in crime-plagued Rio through the end of 2018, following the measure's approval by President Michel Temer and the Chamber of Deputies.

Though the federal intervention has ample support, it has met with some criticism too. Former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said it was a pyrotechnic show to garner votes for Temer in the presidential elections.

Temer's opponents also questioned the assigned duty of the federal troops and the timing of the measure.

The federal intervention prevents Brazil from approving a key pension reform because constitutional amendments cannot be legally completed during a federal intervention.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department said late Wednesday that it has confirmed there was a small explosion near the U.S Embassy in Montenegro's capital city of Podgorica at approximately midnight local time.

"The embassy is currently conducting an internal review to confirm the safety of all staff," said U.S. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert in a tweet.

"At this time, Embassy officials are working closely with police to identify the assailant(s)," Nauert added in a second tweet.

A suicide attacker threw an explosive device in the U.S. embassy compound in Podgorica Thursday before blowing himself up with another bomb, announced the Montenegrin government.
HOUSTON, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, Wednesday urged the education department to ensure the safety of schoolchildren in Texas, following the Florida school shooting that killed 17 last week.

Abbott sent a letter to Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath, ordering immediate action to address school safety.

In the letter, he outlined a number of steps to be taken by state education leaders to help respond to and prevent tragedies such as the Florida high school killings.

The actions include cataloging and sharing all available information from the Texas School Safety Center on school safety programs and distributing the information to all schools.

The goal is to ensure that all schools have access to the best and the most up-to-date information about strategies to protect them and students from attacks.

Abbott also wants to ensure that all Texas public schools have completed their statutory school safety audits, all districts have a multi-hazard emergency operations plan, and schools have conducted safety and security audits on all facilities, both instructional and non-instructional.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced Wednesday that U.S. government has started work on construction for a border wall replacement near downtown Calexico, about 190 km east of San Diego in the state of California.

The project covers an area from approximately the Calexico West Port of Entry extending westward beyond the Gran Plaza Outlets, which includes around 2.25 miles of all-weather roads, according to a statement released by the federal agency.

A wall in this area was built in the 1990s out of recycled scraps of metal and old landing mat, and the El Centro Sector wall replacement is one of Border Patrol's highest priority projects, said the CBP statement.

The construction of a more substantial replacement wall will better ensure the safety of agents and the public and create a better atmosphere for business and commerce, all while enhancing overall border security, the statement added.

It's the first border construction project contract awarded by the Trump administration aside from eight different prototypes of border wall that were built near the Otay Mesa border crossing San Diego.

The Trump administration told U.S. Congress last month that it wants 18 billion U.S. dollars over the next decade for the initial phase of a U.S.-Mexico border wall.

Half of the around 3,300-km border between the two nations would have a border wall or other fences by 2027 if the work was completed.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Asian American population grew 22 percent between 2000 and 2010 in San Gabriel Valley in the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area in western U.S. state of California, showed a new report released Wednesday.

There are over half a million Asian Americans living in Los Angeles County's San Gabriel Valley, more than there are in 42 states or in the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Chicago, according to the report titled "A Community of Contrasts: Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the San Gabriel Valley" released by Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles.

The region's total population grew only 2 percent between 2000 and 2010. The growth of Asian American population is significantly faster than any other racial group, and only less than Latinos in number.

The report also finds that the number of majority Asian American cities in the San Gabriel Valley doubled from 6 to 12 between 2000 and 2010.

San Gabriel Valley is known for its vibrant Chinese American community as Chinese Americans make up over half of its Asian American population. Over half of the L.A. county's Chinese American populations live in the region.

The region is also home to large Filipino, Vietnamese, and Korean American populations.

"The Asian American population in the San Gabriel Valley is a community deeply impacted by poverty and low-wage work, affordable housing concerns, and environmental challenges," said Jeffer Giang, research analyst at Advancing Justice - Los Angeles and the report's primary author.

"With over two-thirds born outside the U.S., it is a rapidly growing community directly impacted by the current debate on immigration," Giang added.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles is the largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 14:58:46|Editor: ZD

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BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese tech giant Tencent's popular social media platform WeChat reported a record high number of hongbao, or red packet, users during the Spring Festival holiday as mobile payments prevailed.

About 768 million people used the service during the holiday, rising 10 percent compared with last year's holiday, according to the company.

The Chinese lunar New Year is traditionally a time for family gatherings and blessings when people give red envelopes with cash inside to their relatives, especially the younger generation. This year's holiday ran from Feb. 15-21.

Someone from the east Chinese city of Nanchang was the luckiest user, receiving 3,429 red packets, while one generous user from west China's Chongqing Municipality gave 2,723 red packets.

China is the world's largest mobile payment market, with players like Tencent and Alibaba promoting use of their third-party payment tools to help turn the world's second largest economy into a cashless society.

WeChat data showed that Hong Kong became the most popular overseas shopping destination during the holiday, followed by Thailand and Japan.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 15:03:47|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- More Chinese travelled by air during the just-concluded week-long Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, official data showed Thursday.

A total of 11.4 million passenger trips were made from Feb. 15 to 21, up 16.1 percent from the last year's holiday, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

The flight punctuality rate also improved, increasing 6.1 percentage points to 90.95 percent.

Popular tourism destinations like Haikou, Lijiang, and Harbin saw busy airports as many Chinese families chose to travel domestically.

Some 386 million domestic passenger trips were made, up 12.1 percent from last year's holiday, official data showed.

Travelling by air has become increasingly popular in China thanks to expanding air networks. Over 5.1 million commercial flights were recorded last year, up 9.48 percent year on year, official data showed.
CANBERRA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce will face a challenge to his leadership when the parliament resumes on Monday.

Andrew Broad, member of parliament (MP) for Mallee in Victoria, on Thursday became the first MP from Joyce's National Party of Australia, which is part of the governing Liberal National Party (LNP) coalition, to call for the deputy prime minister's resignation.

Joyce has come under intense pressure since it was revealed earlier in February that he had engaged in an extramarital affair with former media advisor Vikki Campion who is expecting their child in April.

National Party MPs will meet when the parliament resumes on Monday with Broad confirming he would tell the meeting that Joyce should resign and spend time on the backbench.

Broad is the first member of the Nationals to call for Joyce's resignation, following the lead of several Liberal Party members.

He said that his decision was influenced by the fact that Joyce was unable to serve as acting prime minister while Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is in the U.S. on an official visit this week with the deputy prime minister instead taking a week of personal leave so as to stand aside.

"I need to know as a member of parliament that the person who is going to be the acting prime minister has got their mind on the job," Broad told Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio on Thursday evening.

"At this point in time it is not fit for Barnaby to ... step up as acting PM.

"The prime minister has seen that to be evident at this point for Barnaby's best interest, and for the national best interest and for the National Party's best interest."

If Joyce is defeated in a leadership vote, Veterans Affairs Minister Michael McCormack is widely considered the person most likely to take over as Nationals leader and deputy prime minister.

On Monday, McCormack refused to support Joyce as leader, saying he would continue in the position "as long as he gets the support of the National Party room."

Earlier in February, the saga prompted Prime Minister Turnbull to introduce a ban on ministers having sexual relationships with their staff, a move which Joyce responded to by calling the prime minister "inept."

The first interview with Joyce and Campion since news of their relationship broke was published by Fairfax Media on Thursday, a move that Mathias Cormann, who has stepped up as acting prime minister while Turnbull is away, said was part of Joyce bringing "order" back to his personal life.

"The issues that Barnaby's been dealing with are very deeply personal and some of it obviously had spilt over into the professional, and Barnaby made the right decision to take some leave in order to put some order in all of these matters and that's what he's doing and that's appropriate," Cormann said.

Since news of the affair broke, Joyce has faced questions about a series of promotions Campion received within the National Party after her relationship with Joyce began.

Under the ministerial code of conduct, the employment of a partner or family member must be approved by the prime minister, but Turnbull said he never consented to the appointments.

Joyce rebutted by saying that he did not consider Campion his partner at the time, despite having lived together.

Their living situation has also come under scrutiny with the two living in a townhouse owned by a friend of Joyce's in his New South Wales electorate of New England rent-free.
The Presidents of Lebanon and Armenia summed up the results of their talks with statements issued for the mass media.

***

Statement by President Serzh Sargsyan after meeting with President Michel Aoun of the Republic of Lebanon

Distinguished Mr. President,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I once again warmly welcome the President of the Republic of Lebanon, General Michel Aoun, and the members of his delegation. Mr. President, this is your first visit to our country which is sure to give fresh impetus to our friendship based on deeply rooted historic ties.

I am pleased that the talks with President Aoun went off in a warm atmosphere in tune with the spirit of Armenian-Lebanese friendship. We had a substantive discussion on the entire agenda of bilateral cooperation. We reaffirmed our countries determination to deepen and further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation on the basis of mutual trust.

Our diplomatic relations ushered in the quarter of century last year, but our peoples friendship has a centuries-old history, which is by far promoted by the Armenian community of Lebanon.



We pointed out that during these years we succeeded to give our friendship a new quality, forming strong ties of cooperation in political, trade-economic, cultural, scientific and other spheres.

We highlighted the high level of political dialogue between our countries as an important stimulus for mutually beneficial cooperation in all spheres.

We emphasized the importance of inter-parliamentary relations especially considering that in April Armenia will switch over to a full parliamentary system of governance. In terms of bilateral relations, we attach great importance to the economic component.

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SEOUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's foreign ministry on Thursday denounced Japan for its renewed territorial claim for Dokdo islets, called Takeshima in Japan, lying halfway between the two countries.

The ministry said in a statement that the South Korean government strongly protested against the Japanese cabinet's dispatch of a senior-level official to an event hosted by a local Japanese government, which claimed its sovereignty over the Dokdo islets.

The statement said it meant the repetition of an unfair territorial claim by the Japanese government to the Dokdo islets, urging Tokyo to stop holding the provocative event.

The Japanese government sent a vice minister-level official to the Takeshima Day event, hosted by Japan's Shimane Prefecture earlier in the day.

The prefecture designated Feb. 22 as the so-called Takeshima Day in 2005, having held an event since then to claim its administrative sovereignty over the rocky outcroppings.

The Japanese cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has dispatched a high-ranking official to the event for the sixth consecutive year.

South Korea regained its sovereignty over the Dokdo islets from Japan since its liberation from the 1910-1945 Japanese colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

South Korean people see Japan's claim for the Dokdo islets as its denial of the atrocities committed by Japan during the colonization.

The South Korean foreign ministry urged Japan to immediately stop claiming its sovereignty over Dokdo, which it said is South Korea's indigenous territory historically, geographically and according to international laws.

The ministry noted that Japan should squarely and humbly face history as a responsible country.
OTTAWA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday is likely to boost bilateral trade, a leading economist said in a recent interview.

Sources revealed that there will be no signing of a free trade deal on Friday between the two countries. But a new partnership between a Canadian and an Indian think-tank, to be unveiled following the two leaders' meeting, could fast-track a trade pact that has been stalled for more than seven years.

The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), located in the high-tech Canadian city of Waterloo, and Gateway House, the Mumbai-based Indian Council on Global Relations, are set to announce an initiative involving Canadian and Indian public and private sector officials.

"If we had this in place five or 10 years ago, the investor protection and trade agreements might have gone more smoothly," said CIGI president Rohinton Medhora, a Mumbai-born economist, in an interview.

Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Canada and India began in November 2010 when Stephen Harper, the former leader of Canada's Conservative Party, was prime minister.

Talks to establish a Canada-India Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) commenced in 2005 and concluded two years later but went nowhere when the Indian government put a halt to the deal in 2013 over concerns about investor-state dispute mechanisms featured in FIPA.

Medhora said that Trudeau' s visit to India won't lead to doubling of two-way trade, currently worth about 6 billion U.S. dollars, as the previous Harper Canadian government had hoped to reach by 2015.

"But Trudeau is creating a platform for that growth to happen," said Medhora.

Trudeau arrived in India on Feb. 17 for a week-long state visit.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 16:05:34|Editor: Zhou Xin

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A police officer helps a child to get on a train at Yuncheng Railway Station in Yuncheng, north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 21, 2018. Rising trips have been witnessed on Wednesday, the last day of week-long Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, as people return to work from their hometown. (Xinhua/Bao Dongsheng)
KAMPALA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Nine refugees were confirmed dead on Thursday morning and more than 300 people were isolated in several health centers due to a cholera outbreak in Uganda, local authorities said.

The outbreak occurred in Hoima District, 230 km northwest of the capital Kampala, where most of the refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are settled.

So far thousands of refugees have fled the DRC following tribal clashes in the country's eastern region.

Fred Kugonza, the Hoima District disease surveillance officer, told Xinhua on Thursday morning that "the outbreak is still going on although we have made some interventions."

"There is so much influx of refugees from Congo. Even yesterday I was at the Sebigoro landing site and many of them were yet to be transferred to the settlement camp in Kyangwali," Kugonza said.

The health officer said that refugee influx caused the cholera outbreak as "no case of local residents has been reported so far."

Uganda's Ministry of Health is expected to make an official announcement about the cholera outbreak, according to Kugonza.
File photo of refugees from the Democaric Republic of Congo seen at Kitale police station in Trans-Nzoia County in the Rift Valley region, Kenya, Nov. 5, 2013. (Xinhua/Robert Manyara)

KIGALI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Rwandan police will start investigations into the causes of Tuesday's protests at Kiziba Refugee Camp in Karongi District in western Rwanda, which houses thousands of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) refugees, said the Rwandan government on Wednesday.

Several refugees were injured during the protest as they pelted security personnel with stones, Director of Refugees Affairs in Rwanda's Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugees affairs Jean Claude Rwahama told Xinhua by phone later Wednesday.

In the protest, the refugees also attempted to attack the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Karongi, Rwahama added.

The protests followed a decision of the World Food Program (WFP) to reduce food assistance to all refugees hosted in Rwanda by 25 percent, due to funding shortage, said a statement issued government spokesperson office.

Refugee representatives have been meeting the camp management, local authorities as well as partner agencies of the United Nations to discuss the situation, said Jean Claude Rwahama, Director of Refugees Affairs in Rwanda's Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugees affairs, in the statement.

"It is unfortunate that some refugees resorted to violence even as local authorities and security personnel were working to find a solution to their grievances," said Rwahama.

Several people were injured during the protest, but there were no fatalities, he said.

"We remain mindful of the rights of refugees but also caution them that they must respect the laws of the host country," said the director, adding that the police will carry out thorough investigations into the matter.

"Whoever is behind the unlawful acts will have to account for it," he said.

The refugees' claims have been heard by government partners and a solution would be found through "negotiation, not though violent protests," said the official.

The Kiziba camp is one of the five refugee camps in Rwanda. It was established in 1996 when thousands of Congolese refugees were fleeing insecurity in eastern DR Congo.
PHNOM PENH, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The election for the four mandate of the Cambodian Senate, or the upper house, is ready to kick off on Sunday, a spokesman said on Thursday.

Four political parties are standing in the election: the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) of Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the Funcinpec Party of Prince Norodom Ranariddh, the Cambodian Youth Party, and the Khmer National United Party.

"The Senate election will be voted by 11,695 people who are all 123 members of parliament and 11,572 commune councilors," Hang Puthea, a spokesman for the National Election Committee, told Xinhua, adding that they will cast their ballots at 33 polling stations across the kingdom.

He said the senate has 62 seats, but the election will be held for 58 seats only, as two senators will be appointed by King Norodom Sihamoni and two others by the National Assembly, or the lower house.

A total of 276 observers from 12 organizations had registered to monitor the election, he added.

According to the spokesman, a preliminary result will be announced on Sunday afternoon, as the official one will be on March 3 if there is no complaint filed by any political parties against the result.

The senate election is held in every six years. The last one was conducted in Jan. 2012.
Supporters of Ethiopian opposition leader Merera Gudina take part in a demonstration along the streets of Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, Jan. 17, 2018. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Command Post that was established to watch over the implementation of Ethiopia's state of emergency on Wednesday issued details for the 6-month period.

Possession of armaments at public areas or transferring firearms to third party as well as providing support to activities which affect the peace and well-being of citizens are amongst of the restricted activities during the state of emergency period, state affiliated FANA Broadcasting Corporate (FBC) quoted head of the command post as saying on Wednesday.

Siraj Fegessa, Secretariat of the Command Post and Ethiopian Minister of Defense, while announcing details of the martial law, also outlined actions and measures that would be taken against individuals and groups found violating the directives.

The decree, among other activities, also prohibits issuing statement on security matters without the permission of the Command Post, distributing erroneous information that contradicts the law and the directives issued by the Command Post. It also forbids carrying weapons in unauthorized regions of the country.

The state of emergency, due effective as of Friday Feb. 16, was imposed by Ethiopian Council of Ministers, saying it was to protect the country's constitution, and the safety of citizens and their property from the dangers that would arise from the ongoing violent demonstrations in different parts of the country.

The state of emergency also outlines curfews prohibiting movement of individuals around infrastructures, investment areas and other related places.

It also prohibits obstructing transport services, carrying out attacks on infrastructures and development institutions, hampering activities of law enforcement bodies, and staging unauthorized demonstrations and meetings.

Actions that hinder the teaching and learning process at schools, strike at sport fields, committing violence inciting actions, hindering distributions of basic goods as well as obstructing cultural, public and religious festivals are also said to be illegal during the state of emergency period.

The command post also authorized Ethiopian security officers to take measure against individuals or groups that are found in breach of the curfew.

National Security Council of Ethiopia (NSCE) has recently urged citizens to respect the state of emergency.

The current 6-month state of emergency period is the second the East African country imposed since the second half of 2016. Ethiopia had witnessed a 10-month long state of emergency period since October 2016, following the Ethiopian parliament's decision on March 30 to extend the initial 6 months long period by an additional four-month.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 16:09:15|Editor: Zhou Xin

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MEXICO CITY, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese automaker Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) on Wednesday unveiled a plan to build its first factory in Mexico for the North and South American markets.

The company will invest around one billion U.S. dollars for the construction of the plant set to begin in 2020, Jimena Saenz, BAIC's director in Mexico, said in an interview with Xinhua.

BAIC launched brand automobiles in the Mexican market in mid 2016, while the brands of D20 sedans and X25 SUVs were assembled at a local plant in the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz.

"BAIC's commitment to Mexico is long-term. We want to be close to our suppliers," said Saenz.

Thanks to the positive market response in Mexico, the company sold 1,140 vehicles in 2017 and expects the figure to reach 4,000 units in 2018, she said.

"It is a year of uncertainty," she said, referring to the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Mexico, the United States and Canada, and the country's presidential elections in the summer.

As one of China's five largest automakers, BAIC sells automobiles in 53 countries, including South American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 16:59:34|Editor: Yurou

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BAGHDAD, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi authorities said that more than 1,500 women and children from families of Islamic State (IS) militants are held by the Iraqi authorities, and the Iraqi government is coordinating with their countries to decide their fate, an Iraqi newspaper reported on Thursday.

"We are holding 500 wives of IS warriors, all are foreigners, in addition to their children, bringing their number to more than 1,500," the al-Mashriq newspaper quoted Mohammed al-Sudani, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, as saying.

Sudani said that his ministry made many contacts with the countries to which those detainees belong to decide how to deal with the children, according to the newspaper.

For his part, Saad al-Hadithi, the spokesman of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's media office, confirmed that all "foreign nationals who committed crimes and violations against the people of Iraq, whether directly or by supporting the terrorist IS militants, will be subject to the Iraqi law," the newspaper quoted Hadithi as saying.

"This also applies to foreign women (of IS families) who committed such actions inside the Iraqi territories," Hadithi said.

"The government will coordinate with the countries to which the detainees belong. If they are not proven to have committed crimes or killings and bombings in Iraq, they will be handed over to their countries," Hadithi added.

Thousands of foreign fighters from different countries had joined IS group which established the self-proclaimed Islamic State in parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014. Hundreds of them have been killed, captured or run away after the Iraqi forces liberated all of the urban areas under their control, including their major stronghold in the city of Mosul, in late last year.
A picture taken on January 27, 2018 shows a destroyed house reportedly belonging to members of the Islamic State (IS) group in the city of Ramadi, the capital of Iraq's Anbar Governorate. In Iraq's Sunni-dominated Anbar province, residents struggling to rebuild after years of Islamic State group rule are adamant: there will be no return for the families of jihadists. (AFP photo)

BAGHDAD, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi authorities said that more than 1,500 women and children from families of Islamic State (IS) militants are held by the Iraqi authorities, and the Iraqi government is coordinating with their countries to decide their fate, an Iraqi newspaper reported on Thursday.

"We are holding 500 wives of IS warriors, all are foreigners, in addition to their children, bringing their number to more than 1,500," the al-Mashriq newspaper quoted Mohammed al-Sudani, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, as saying.

Sudani said that his ministry made many contacts with the countries to which those detainees belong to decide how to deal with the children, according to the newspaper.

For his part, Saad al-Hadithi, the spokesman of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's media office, confirmed that all "foreign nationals who committed crimes and violations against the people of Iraq, whether directly or by supporting the terrorist IS militants, will be subject to the Iraqi law," the newspaper quoted Hadithi as saying.

"This also applies to foreign women (of IS families) who committed such actions inside the Iraqi territories," Hadithi said.

"The government will coordinate with the countries to which the detainees belong. If they are not proven to have committed crimes or killings and bombings in Iraq, they will be handed over to their countries," Hadithi added.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 17:44:45|Editor: Zhou Xin

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SHANGHAI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Investors have renewed optimism towards hedge funds in 2018, after a strong year for risk assets globally, a new survey indicates.

Deutsche Bank has released its 16th annual Alternative Investment Survey, with responses from 436 global hedge fund investors managing and/or advising 2.1 trillion U.S. dollars in hedge fund assets.

The hedge fund industry grew by 6.4 percent in 2017 and assets under management reached an all-time high of 3.21 trillion dollars by year-end, according to the report. The respondents' hedge fund portfolios broadly met their 2017 return targets, representing the first year that investors achieved their set targets in four years.

"We are seeing a shift in momentum with improved performance and positive flows," said Greg Bunn, Global Co-Head of Prime Finance at Deutsche Bank. "One in two investors plans to grow their allocation to hedge funds in the next 12 months. We found that the average respondent expects to boost the size of their portfolio by 129 million dollars this year."

The survey reveals that investors are optimistic in their outlook for the industry in 2018, expecting hedge funds to receive 41 billion dollars in net new investor capital for the year.

According to the survey, Western Europe has displaced North America as the most sought after investment region, with 37 percent of investors planning to add to their European exposure in 2018. Asia is close behind, with 30 percent planning to add to Asia, including Japan.

Ashley Wilson, Global Co-Head of Prime Finance and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) Head of Equity Trading at Deutsche Bank, said, "Investors appear more optimistic in their outlook for Europe and Asia. These regions provide more alpha opportunities across multiple countries with diverse market structures."
COLOMBO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will launch a global marketing campaign starting from next month to attract more and more tourists to the country, an official here said on Thursday.

Consultant to the Tourism Promotion Minister, Felix Rodriguez told Xinhua that Sri Lanka had planned to increase its tourist arrivals up to 4 million by 2020.

"We received only around 2 million last year. If we are to increase it up to 4 million in another couple of years, it will be a challenging task," he said.

He said the digital promotion campaign would be launched next month, targeting tourists from China, India, France, Germany and Britain.

"Afterwards, we will go to the next step of advertising in global media outlets. We need to increase the frequency of our flight operations with various destinations in the region to facilitate increased arrivals," he said.

According to Rodriguez, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a committee to look into the development of tourism industry in the country.

Tourism is a growing industry in Sri Lanka, with the highest number of arrivals from the countries such as China and India.
A picture taken on February 20, 2018 shows a convoy of pro-Syrian government fighters arriving in Syria's northern region of Afrin. (AFP photo)

DAMASCUS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian government forces started entering Kurdish-controlled neighborhoods in the northern part of Aleppo city in northern Syria on Thursday, a monitor group said.

The government forces will set up checkpoints and hoist the official Syrian flag in Sheikh Maksud, Bustan al-Basha, Enzarat, Halak, Sakan al-Shababi, Haydarieh, Shqaif and Bani Zaid, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The UK-based watchdog group said the new development comes after the Syrian government side sent pro-government Syrian fighters to aid the Kurdish fighters in defending the Kurdish-controlled enclave of Afrin in the northern countryside of Aleppo against the Turkey-led military campaign.

No more details were made public but the entry of Syrian forces to the Kurdish-controlled neighborhoods in Aleppo seems to be part of a deal between the Kurdish forces and the Syrian army.
MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- At least eight Taliban militants were killed and a local Taliban commander was arrested following an Afghan Special Operations Forces operation in the country's northern province of Balkh, local police said Thursday.

"The raid was launched early Thursday morning in Noshira area of Chamtal district, leaving eight Taliban militants dead and a Taliban divisional commander named Mullah Akhtar arrested," Sayyed Sarwar Housaini, spokesman of 707 Pamir Police Zone based in the region, told Xinhua.

According to Housaini, no civilian or security force member has sustained life or property losses during the operation.

Fighting has escalated in Afghanistan as the Taliban insurgency spreads from its traditional strongholds in the south and east to the once peaceful region in the north, where Taliban have been recruiting from among the youth.

Taliban has yet to comment on the report.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 18:25:03|Editor: Yurou

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Afghan Special Force members take part in their graduation ceremony in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Feb. 22, 2018. About 350 police officers graduated from a key training center in the Afghan capital and would join the country's security forces, said the country's Interior Ministry on Thursday. (Xinhua/Rahmat Alizadah)

KABUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- About 350 police officers graduated from a key training center in the Afghan capital and would join the country's security forces, said the country's Interior Ministry on Thursday.

A total of 349 police officers celebrated Thursday their graduation at an Afghan National Police (ANP) training center and the graduates would join the Special Operations Forces, the ministry said in a statement.

The graduates received a six-month training and as professional military officers, would help their countrymen to live in a secure and peaceful environment, it noted.

Since Jan. 1, 2015, Afghan security forces have assumed the full security charge from NATO and U.S. forces, but around 16,000 foreign troops still remained in Afghanistan to train and assist local security forces in their fight against the insurgents.

The country has been hit by a series of deadly Taliban and Islamic State-claimed terror attacks since beginning this year, which left scores of security forces and civilians dead and injured.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 18:30:04|Editor: Lu Hui

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Iowa governor Kim Reynolds (L) wishes audience a Happy Lunar New Year in Muscatine, Iowa of the United States, on Feb. 21, 2018. A Lunar New Year concert featuring rewritten traditional Chinese opera and folk music was held in the small mid-west town of Muscatine, Iowa, on Wednesday night. (Xinhua/Wang Qiang)

MUSCATINE, UNITED STATES, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- A Lunar New Year concert featuring rewritten traditional Chinese opera and folk music was held in the small mid-west town of Muscatine, Iowa, on Wednesday night.

The concert by China's Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra lasted for about two hours. The audience more than once gave a standing ovation to the Chinese musicians on the stage, who performed rewritten Chinese Opera music including that of Huangmei Opera, Shaoxing Opera and Beijing Opera.

Among the audience was Allen Abrahamson. "The concert is wonderful," he said. "We are thankful that the Chinese Orchestra is willing to come here." It was the second time Allen went to a Chinese New Year concert in Muscatine.

Fifteen-year-old Brigette, who played the clarinet in her high school band, said her love for music was one of the reasons she came.

"I love the whole experience," Brigette said. "Music is such a great thing, and it connects people. It is connecting these two cultures."

Muscatine has hosted several Chinese concerts in the past, and the town is home to a number of Chinese cultural programs throughout the year.

"It definitely helps," said Kyle Munson. The concert and other Chinese cultural events bring greater exposure to China for those with an interest, said Munson.

Iowa governor Kim Reynolds was on hand. In her opening speech, she said she hoped the concert "fosters a even deeper relationship between Iowa and China."

Muscatine is the third stop for the Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra's U.S. tour. Paper cut works and Chinese food were also present.
MALE, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen has said the country will receive 3.4 billion U.S. dollars worth of investment in the next five years, which will lead to a strong economic growth, his office said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the statement, when addressing the parliament on Wednesday night, Yameen also assured to restore peace and stability and make the Maldives an upper middle income nation.

"A lot of work has been carried out in the past four years in order to create business opportunities, to bring in investments and to develop small and medium business enterprises," Yameen said.

Yameen said in the next five years, 1.6 billion U.S. dollars is to be invested through the 40 foreign investments registered last year in the tourism industry, and from industries other than tourism, 50 investments have been registered, representing an investment capital of 1.8 billion U.S. dollars over the next five years.

Yameen said the Maldives had been able to secure funding for numerous national projects as it had maintained good relations with financial institutions such as the Asia Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), and the export-import banks of many countries, as well as other investment banks.

He further said his government had developed several sectors including education, fisheries, health and its "HIYA" (Shelter) project, the biggest housing project launched by the government this year. This project would be completed next year and is expected to provide housing to more than 160,000 people residing in the Maldives.

The Maldivian parliament on Tuesday approved extending the state of emergency in the island by 30 days following a request by President Abdulla Yameen.

The President's Office in a statement said the president had requested for an extension as the threat to national security had not diminished following the Supreme Court ruling on Feb. 1 ordering the release of detained opposition leaders, including self-exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed.

President Yameen declared a 15-day state of emergency on Feb. 5 after the surprising Supreme Court ruling, which was, however, rescinded shortly after the declaration of the state of emergency.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 18:50:09|Editor: Lu Hui

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SUVA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- A total of 200 China-aided vehicles were handed over to the Fijian government here on Thursday.

Both sides believe that the much-needed vehicles for the South Pacific island state will contribute to a better service in education, healthcare and other sectors in both urban and rural areas.

Speaking at the handover ceremony of the vehicles, Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama thanked China for the vehicles which include 50 school buses, 30 ambulances, 50 police cars, 50 minibuses and 20 panel vans.

"I'd like to begin by thanking the government of China for making (such) a donation that will contribute to assisting my government to achieve this objective. China has been a steadfast friend, and we are deeply appreciative of this assistance," he said.

The prime minister also hoped that he will work with the Chinese side to make the strong partnership between China and Fiji even stronger.

For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo said that the vehicle project is made possible under the direct attention from both Chinese and Fijian leaders who witnessed the signing of the vehicle project agreement. This project demonstrates the strategic partnership between China and Fiji based on mutual respect and common development.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 18:50:10|Editor: Yurou

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Visiting Lebanese President Michel Aoun (L) attends a joint press conference with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan in Yerevan, Armenia, Feb. 22, 2018. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met here with his Lebanese counterpart, Michel Aoun, on Thursday, with both sides pledging to enhance bilateral cooperation. (Xinhua/Gevorg Ghazaryan)

YEREVAN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met here with his Lebanese counterpart, Michel Aoun, on Thursday, with both sides pledging to enhance bilateral cooperation.

According to a statement released by the Armenian presidency, Sargsyan expressed Armenia's interest in deepening ties with "friendly" Lebanon, and is confident that Aoun's visit to Armenia would "open a new page in our relations."

For his part, Aoun expressed hope to enhance relations between the two nations. "There are a lot of areas we can work in for the benefit of our two countries," Aoun was quoted as saying.

The Lebanese president has been on an official two-day visit to Armenia since Wednesday.

Lebanon is home to an influential Armenian community which occupies six seats in the 128-member Lebanese parliament.
WELLINGTON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Thursday visited Canterbury to mark the seventh anniversary of the 6.3-magtitude earthquake that killed 185 people, stressing to support the children of Christchurch and Kaikoura living with the legacy of earthquakes.

"We all want our kids to have a happy and carefree childhood, but sadly for too many that's not the reality in Canterbury," Ardern said in a statement.

Since 2011, there has been a 93-percent increase in demand for mental health services for children and young people in quake affected areas, she said, adding, "We want to wrap more care and support around these children at an early age."

The prime minister announced the first stage of the government's plan to deliver dedicated mental health support to primary and intermediate schools in the region.

This is the first step in a 28 million-NZ dollar (20.5 million-U.S. dollar) program that will be rolled out rapidly over the next three years, Ardern said, adding that ultimately it will result in a mental health worker for approximately every 500 primary and intermediate age school children in Canterbury. Every primary school aged child in Canterbury will have access to a mental health worker.

"This new approach will allow specialist support to be tailored to the needs of individual children, their families and communities," she said.
KABUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- At least three militants were killed and two others wounded after Taliban gunmen clashed with security forces on the outskirts of Farah city, capital of western Afghan province of Farah on Thursday, local 1TV News Afghanistan reported.

The fierce clashes started roughly at 10:00 a.m. local time in Darwaza-i-Dehak locality, at the entrance of the city, and lasted for a while, according to the report.

The attackers were disguised in army uniform and they tried to advance and seize control of areas in the outer side of the city, the report said, adding that "no security force member was hurt during the fighting."

Afghan army and police have repulsed Taliban multi-pronged attacks against Farah city within the past months as the militants have been trying to capture the full control of the city.

The violence has been on the rise as Afghan security forces struggle against a surge in attacks by anti-government fighters since the drawdown of foreign forces within the past three years.
WELLINGTON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand will make a further 1.5 million NZ dollars (1.1 million U.S. dollars) in humanitarian assistance available to help people affected by the on-going conflict in Syria, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Thursday.

"The situation for civilians in Syria remains dire, with more than 13 million people requiring humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs," Peters said in a statement.

The public infrastructure in Syria has been devastated. More than half of the medical clinics and one in three schools have been destroyed. Access to safe drinking water is limited for much of the population, he said.

The funding will be delivered via the International Committee of the Red Cross which will help provide food assistance, access to water and sanitation, and medical support to hospitals and health centers in Syria, Peters said.

"New Zealand also calls on all sides to respect international law, protect civilians, and ensure rapid and unhindered access of humanitarian personnel and delivery of aid," he said.

This latest contribution brings New Zealand's total humanitarian funding for the Syrian crisis to 23.5 million NZ dollars (17.2 million U.S. dollars) to Syria since 2011.
GHAZNI, Afghanistan, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- A Taliban attack in Afghanistan's eastern province of Ghazni left eight local policemen dead and another wounded, a provincial government spokesman said Thursday.

"Taliban militants attacked an Afghan Local Police (ALP) checkpoint, late on Wednesday night, in Rubat area of Deh Yak district, following which, eight ALP police personnel, including an ALP commander, were killed and another was wounded," spokesman Aref Noori told Xinhua.

The government established the ALP, or community police, in 2010 to protect villages and districts around the country where army and police have limited presence.

Confirming the incident, Zabihullah Mujahid, a purported Taliban spokesman, told local media that their fighters succeeded in killing at least nine local policemen, after taking control of their check-point in Deh Yak.

The violence has been on the rise as Afghan security forces struggle against a surge in attacks by anti-government fighters since the drawdown of foreign forces within the past three years.
ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's Somali regional state said Thursday it has pardoned 1,500 detainees as part of efforts to help reconciliation and create national consensus.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Ethiopia Somali Regional State Communications Affairs Bureau said the detainees who are imprisoned in the region's jails were pardoned as per the decision of Somali regional state president Abdi Mohammed.

The statement also called on Somali prisoners jailed in federal prisons to be given the opportunity for pardons just like what prisoners from other regions have recently been provided.

The Ethiopian government has since January released thousands of detainees from federal prisons.

The released detainees largely come from Oromia, Amhara and Southern regional states, which have been scenes of incessant protests since 2016 over complaints of political and economic marginalization.

The unrest has largely avoided the Somali regional state, which a decade ago was a scene of fierce fighting between a rebel group Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) and the Ethiopian army.

The rebel group made international headlines in April 24, 2007 when it launched a deadly raid on an oil field in the Somali regional state.
ANKARA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish government is considering introducing harsher measures including chemical castration for sex offenders after several cases of child abuse made headlines in the country amid a public outcry.

Turkey wanted to impose a measure to chemically castrate those convicted of sex crimes in 2016, but the country's highest administrative court, the Council of State, stopped its implementation last August, saying its definition and limit were "vague."

Now the controversial measure is once again on the table amid widespread child abuse cases. A government commission has been formed and will announce decisions in the coming days.

"The courts will decide on the use and duration of chemical castration to limit or eliminate sexual desire. We wish to establish this again within a few days," Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul said Wednesday.

The government was putting the issue back on its agenda, Gul said, adding that, as a father, he was "appalled."

PUBLIC OUTCRY AFTER CHILD RAPE

In the latest case to cause widespread outrage in the country, a 20-year-old man has been accused of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl in the southern town of Adana.

Prosecutors on Tuesday demanded 66 years in prison for the man after the alleged assault at a wedding party on Feb. 10, Anadolu Agency reported.

On Monday, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said a commission on preventing child abuse, which was set up with six ministers including Gul, would announce a series of measures to tackle the very sensitive problem.

Chemical castration, which involves using drugs to reduce libido, does not prevent a person from experiencing sexual urges indefinitely, the effects are reversible. However, health experts have pointed out that the long-term use of some drugs may lead to serious and permanent side-effects, including cardiovascular disease.

Several other countries which use chemical castration as punishment for sex offenders include the United States, Russia, Indonesia, Australia and South Korea.

The number of court rulings on child sexual abuse in Turkey has soared from 3,778 in 2006 to 21,189 in 2016, according to data of Justice Ministry cited by human rights groups.

Nearly 60 percent of the suspects in the 2016 cases were convicted, Turkey's Human Rights Association (IHD) said.

Women's rights groups came out in force on social media against the proposal.

The Women's Assemblies organization criticized on Twitter that chemical castration was "against human rights" and was "a punishment that was distant from modern law."

The group added that "the solution is to stop giving reduced sentences in child abuse cases."

Canan Gullu, a prominent activist for women's rights argued that if Turkey would enforce the existing laws against child abuse and swiftly judges suspects, there will be no need for the chemical castration.

"We need to have swift verdicts with no abatement from the judges for the criminals. We need also to educate people, this is a more humane way to combat the plague of pedophilia and incest cases," said Gullu who is the chairman of the Federation of Women's Associations of Turkey.

CONCERNS OVER CHEMICAL CASTRATION

The President of the Union of Medical Practitioners (TBB), Rasit Tukel, also expressed concerns over the measure mulled by the government.

"Let's be clear these are criminals, yet when the person is no longer mandated to take the pertinent drugs, he will return to his early self, without any psychiatric change and eventually the same impulses," said professor Rasit Tukel, quoted by daily Hurriyet.

"We should refrain from considering medical procedures as a punishment," he argued.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described child abuse as "dynamite that will push our society to collapse."

Speaking to press after a meeting of the ruling Justice and Development party (AKP), the Turkish president promised to deal with the issue of child abuse in Turkey.

"My mind about these matters is that it is very important to solve all of them in a scientifically meaningful way," he said, warning that growing levels of child abuse "would lead to the collapse of our society."

Turkey was shocked already in January by a scandal about an Istanbul hospital allegedly covering up dozens of pregnancies of underage girls. It reignited discussions in Turkey about child marriages and sexual abuse of children, with critics accusing the government of failing to protect society's most vulnerable group.

The Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital reportedly treated 115 pregnant underage girls, 39 of whom were Syrian nationals, in the first five months of 2017.

The reports came out after a psychologist working at the hospital contacted the prosecutor's office. Women's and children's rights activists said the case was just the tip of the iceberg. The Turkish government has launched an investigation into the alleged cover-up by hospital staff.

Hospitals in Turkey are required to inform authorities of pregnancies involving girls under the age of 18. If they are under the age of 15, the cases are automatically considered as sexual abuse.

In Turkey, the minimum age for marriage is 17 for both men and women but exceptions can be made with the consent of legal guardians.

Turkey last November implemented a law that allows state-registered religious scholars to conduct civil marriage ceremonies, a proposal slammed by critics for facilitating child marriages and sexual abuses.

Turkish women's rights groups said that many child brides in Turkey were Syrian, whose family entered the country as refugees and are especially vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 19:50:28|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in late 2012, the CPC Central Committee has advanced reform in various fields and taken socialism with Chinese characteristics forward.

Over the five years since then, reform has expanded from economic sectors to political affairs, social development, culture, the environment, Party building and the armed forces.

-- Initiated in 2015, supply-side structural reform remains the centerpiece of the economic agenda, pruning overcapacity, clearing up the large inventory of unsold homes, curbing debt and lowering business costs.

In 2018, the focus will shift to eradicating ineffective capacity, fostering new growth drivers and cutting costs in the real economy.

-- Continuing reform of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) will include changing the share-holder structure, spinning off non-core assets and more innovation.

So far, two groups of SOEs in electrical services and civil aviation are experimenting with a mixed-ownership, allowing private or foreign investment in particular companies.

-- Rural land ownership reform began to grant farmers more rights to benefit from collective land in villages in 2014. The pilot program, a significant aspect of the rural revitalization strategy, has expanded rapidly.

During the past three years, farmers have started to own shares in collective assets and receive returns each year. The rural land ownership system has been streamlined and grassroots governance improved.

-- Since the 18th CPC National Congress, more than 600 administrative approvals have been abolished or moved to lower-level offices.

In September 2017, the State Council decided to further cut red tape, separating business operation permits from business licenses.

-- The latest round of healthcare reform began in 2009, with "healthcare for all" as its core objective. All public hospitals have joined a program to end 60-year practice of drug price markups. Basic medical insurance now covers 1.35 billion people, 95 percent of the population.

-- In judicial reform, a more specialized and professional judiciary is evolving. Meddling in law enforcement and judicial affairs is now recorded and reported.

-- To establish a national supervision system against corruption, commissions have been set up in 31 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, to supervise those who exercise public power. A draft supervision law was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for a second reading in December 2017.

-- The "five-sphere integrated plan," which stresses coordinated economic, political, cultural, social and ecological advancement, attaches unprecedented importance to environmental protection.

Meetings of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau in 2015 approved two documents on environmental protection, introducing systems of natural resource assets ownership, use and compensation, performance evaluation and accountability.

-- After about two years of research and discussion involving over 690 military units and local organizations, a national defense and military reform was unveiled in 2015.

Military organizations were revamped and the joint combat command mechanism improved. The four military headquarters -- staff, politics, logistics and armaments -- were reorganized into 15 agencies, while the seven military area commands were regrouped into five theater commands.

All these achievements were led by the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at the core.

-- In December 2012, shortly after being elected general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Xi said during a visit to China's reform and opening up frontier Shenzhen that reform had come up against some hard issues and entered "a deep-water zone."

-- At the second group study session of the 18th CPC Central Committee Political Bureau on Dec. 31, 2012, Xi asked for sober-mindedness in following the right direction as well as the political courage and wisdom to deepen reform.

-- Xi led a team of officials who drafted a document for the third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, which focused on "major issues concerning comprehensively deepening reform." The document was unanimously passed at the plenary session in November 2013.

-- The Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform of the 18th CPC Central Committee, which Xi headed, held 38 meetings, approving 365 documents, setting over 350 initiatives and introducing more than 1,500 measures.
Turkish-backed Syrian opposition fighters move in a vehicle as they battle for control of the village of al-Bayyah northeast of the town of Afrin near the border with Turkey on February 21, 2018. (AFP photo)

ISTANBUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's strong reaction against the entry of pro-Damascus forces into Afrin, where Turkish troops are fighting Kurdish militia, has to do with concerns that the move could undermine Ankara's plans at home and in Syria, according to analysts.

Damascus' involvement in Afrin would bust Ankara's hope of creating a Sunni zone in northern Syria, Hasan Koni, a professor of public international law at Istanbul Kultur University, told Xinhua.

Turkey is widely believed to be seeking to forge a Sunni-dominated area along its border in northwestern Syria by supporting the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and some moderate rebel groups in Idlib province.

As the advance of the Turkish army gained momentum on Tuesday in the Kurdish militia-held Afrin district, reports came that some pro-government forces arrived in Afrin to help the Kurdish militants counter the Turkish offensive.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said later that day that the convoy of the pro-regime fighters had to turn back without making it to Afrin under artillery shelling by Turkish troops.

Underlining Turkey's determination to not allow any such move, Erdogan warned that those attempting to aid the Kurdish militia, known as the People's Protection Units (YPG) which is treated by Ankara as a terror group, would pay a heavy price.

Some pro-government militia as well as Syrian army forces have managed to enter Afrin despite Turkish shelling, according to some press reports.

Citing Syria's state-run Sana news agency, Russia's Sputnik reported on Wednesday that new units of Syria's popular militia had made it to Afrin to fight against the Turkish army.

The pro-government forces are Shiite militia close to Iran, according to some reports.

The Syrian government, with which Ankara refuses to communicate politically, sees the Turkish army's presence on Syrian soil as an invasion and an assault on its sovereignty.

"Ankara reacts because whatever strategy and plans were made for Afrin and later for Manbij could now be thwarted," Faruk Logoglu, a former senior diplomat, told Xinhua.

Ankara said its troops would also move eastward, following the Afrin operation, to kick the YPG out of the town of Manbij, where U.S. troops are based.

On Jan. 20, Turkish troops, backed by FSA militants, launched Operation Olive Branch to drive the YPG out of Afrin, but they have advanced slower than expected so far, heightening concerns about more risks in the quagmire of the Syrian theatre involving world and regional powers as well as shifting alliances.

Ankara's attitude may also have to do with the critically important presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for November 2019, Koni feels.

Noting the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is exploiting the Afrin operation to win public support, he said any involvement of the Syrian forces would risk a success story in Afrin.

The AKP has been much criticized by the opposition for politically using the Afrin operation, as it is widely argued that success in Afrin would make snap elections more probable.

Reports have long circulated about Kurdish militia negotiating with Damascus to hand over the control of the Afrin canton to the Syrian army.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned on Monday that the operation would continue in case Syrian forces, including the Syrian army, would arrive in Afrin to protect the YPG rather than fight it.

The Syrian government's control of Afrin is probably viewed by Ankara as a preemption of Turkish influence in the region, observed Logoglu.

For Koni, the Turkish government may have plans about uniting Afrin with Idlib and then leaving them to FSA's control.

Under a deal with Russia and Iran aimed at ending clashes in Syria, Turkish troops have set up six observation posts in Idlib province, the only major stronghold for jihadist rebels now in the war-torn country.

There have been reports in the past suggesting Ankara's good ties with some jihadist groups in Idlib, where Tahrir al-Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, is the leading force.

Turkey's Hurriyet daily said at the end of January that militants of Tahrir al-Sham escorted a Turkish military convoy heading toward the town of al-Ais in Idlib.

The AKP has been often criticized at home for supporting terror groups in Syria and for acting as patron to jihadist groups in Idlib, some of which represent moderate rebels for Ankara.

In December, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem accused Ankara of having designs on Syrian territory, while Ankara has repeated its claim about respecting the neighbor's territorial integrity.

Turkey has already controlled a swathe of Syrian territory since it completed in March last year a military operation in northern Syria aimed at driving the Islamic State away from the Turkish border and preventing the three Kurdish cantons from uniting along the border.

The land under Turkish control lies between the Afrin canton and the eastern side of the Euphrates River.

Top Turkish officials have often said that the areas cleared by the Turkish army from terror groups in Syria would be handed over to locals rather than the Syrian government.

President Erdogan said recently some of the around 3.5 million Syrian refugees being sheltered in Turkey would be settled in Afrin after the area is cleared of the YPG militants.

Yet another reason for Ankara's outcry against the presence of pro-Damascus forces is that both Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the YPG are regarded as foes by Ankara, said Logoglu.

Such a perception would make any agreement between them as a collusion against Turkey, he noted.

In case the YPG hands over Afrin to Damascus, the legitimacy of the Turkish operation would be highly questionable. Turkey would then appear as a country that has declared war against Syria rather than as one fighting terrorism, said Koni.

Logoglu maintained that a clash between the Turkish and Syrian armies is most unlikely because it is a scenario the Russians would make efforts to circumvent.

Arguing that Russia's presence in Syria depends on the survival of al-Assad, he said, "Russia therefore will not put al-Assad at risk, knowing he would suffer defeat in any confrontation with the Turks."
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistan's ruling party is scheduled to hold a high level emergency meeting in Islamabad on Thursday to chalk out future strategy after the country's top court barred former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from heading the party.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan, which had disqualified Nawaz Sharif for holding public office in July last year over corruption charges, also ruled that a person, who is not eligible to become member of the parliament, is "debarred from holding the position of Party Head."

Sharif was appointed head of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) in October last year after the parliament passed a law in September that allowed a disqualified person for public office to head of a political party.

Several opposition leaders had approached the country's top court against PML-N decision to elect Sharif as head of the party.

The PML-N resented the court's latest verdict while the opposition parties welcomed it shortly after the Supreme Court's Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar delivered the verdict against Sharif's party leadership.

The Election Commission of Pakistan removed the name of Nawaz Sharif as head of the PML-N and advised the party's secretary general in a letter to appoint a new party chief.

Political affairs experts are seemed unanimous that the court's verdict is a big shock for the ruling PML-N at a time when the senate elections are scheduled for March 3 and the parliamentary elections will be held in mid-July.

Senator Usman Kakar said he was disappointed at the court's decision to remove Sharif as head of the PML-N. "Only parties have the right to elect or remove party leaders. The courts cannot decide about the leadership of the parties. It is the right of political parties to elect their leaders," Kakar, a senior official of a local party, told Xinhua late Wednesday.

"I think the Supreme Court decision is not only for one person but it would be applied for everyone. It is a dangerous trend and culture. Parliament is supreme and sovereign and can take decision under the constitution," the senator further said.

The opposition parties welcomed the court's verdict while the PML-N showed an angry reaction.

Former President and Co-Chairman of the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party Asif Zardari blamed Sharif for the development and insisted that the courts decisions should be respected.

"Clash between the state and the institutions will not favor anyone. It is unfortunate that Nawaz Sharif has chosen the path of confrontation with the state institutions," said Zardari in a statement on Wednesday in reference to Nawaz Sharif's hard-hitting speeches about the judiciary.

A spokesman for the PML-N described the verdict as contrary to the fundamental requirements of justice. "There is no precedent of such decision in the democratic history. It would harm democratic norms in Pakistan. Controversial decisions to snatch leadership from political parties will never succeed," the spokesman said.

Imtiaz Gul, head of the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies, said that the disqualification of Sharif as head of a political party will further "sharpen the divide between the PML-N and the judiciary with serious implications for domestic politics."

"This may also serve as booster for the PML-N ahead of elections," Gul told Xinhua late Wednesday. He said Sharif and his family members, who are facing trial in an anti-corruption court, have yet to provide legally sustainable answers to questions about their properties abroad and even the trial "may go against them."

Zahid Hussain, a current affairs TV program host, views the decision of the Supreme Court as a "serious setback" for Sharif and his PML-N party.

"Some party leaders were not in favor of Nawaz Sharif's approach towards the judiciary and they would advise him do not move towards confrontation," Hussain told Xinhua.

He said some party leaders had suggested appointing Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of Nawaz Sharif to head the party after his removal as the prime minister, but the suggestion was not accepted.

Hussain also opined the court verdict could benefit the party as people could show sympathy for the party in the general elections, adding Nawaz Sharif would be available to share his opinion with the party leaders despite his removal as the party chief.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 20:00:31|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- China's central bank on Thursday gave the green light to a credit-scoring platform for individual online lending activity.

The company, under the name Baihang Credit Scoring, was granted a three-year license, with Zhu Huanqi, chairman of Huida Asset Management Co. Ltd., as the legal representative, according to a statement published on the website of the People's Bank of China.

Supplementary to the state-run personal credit database, Baihang is China's first unified, private platform to provide personal credit information services.

With registered capital of 1 billion yuan (around 150 million U.S. dollars), Baihang was jointly founded by eight credit firms including Tencent Credit and Alibaba-backed Zhima Credit, as well as the National Internet Finance Association of China, which is the largest shareholder with a 36-percent stake.

Analysts believe the platform will help address the lack of records on personal online creditworthiness and improve the country's credit-scoring system.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 20:00:32|Editor: Yurou

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DUBAI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressed Thursday its "deep concern" over the escalating violence and the worsening humanitarian situation in the eastern region of Ghouta in Syria, UAE state news agency WAM reported.

UAE calls for an immediate ceasefire to protect the safety of the civilians, said the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in a statement.

"Syria has suffered enough through severe conflict and the systematic targeting of civilians and cannot bear more bloodshed," said the statement.

The Gulf Arab state also stressed the need to allow access for humanitarian aid to reach the wounded to offer medical treatment and food.

The UAE reiterated that the only solution to the Syrian crisis is the Geneva-based political solution and appealed to all parties to activate this political process.

It also expressed its deep concern over foreign interference on the ground, which violates Syrian sovereignty and aggravates the crisis, renewing its calls for an end to the bloodshed that has torn the country, its social fabric and institutions and threatening its unity.

On Sunday, the Syrian forces started the prelude to a massive ground offensive with heavy fire cover and airstrikes, while the rebels started raining down the capital with mortar shells, almost paralyzing life in eastern neighborhoods close to Eastern Ghouta.

The military campaign aims to end the presence of the rebels in eastern Ghouta, pro-government media outlets said, but it is no easy task as the rebels have been entrenched there for years.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 20:10:35|Editor: Zhou Xin

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SHANGHAI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai authorities have approved the arrest of seven people in connection with the recruitment of women for pornographic live-streaming videos.

According to the People's Procuratorate of Shanghai's Minhang District, one of the suspects, Yu Jinchuan, set up servers overseas to run five live-streaming applications from June to December of last year. Yu hired others to remotely operate the apps and recruited women to appear in sexually explicit performances via the apps. This helped attract many viewers, whose numbers exceeded 10,000 during peak times.

Viewers had to pay membership fees to use the apps, and the money was distributed between the live-streaming performers and the app operators. According to the procuratorate, revenue from the apps exceeded 30 million yuan (4.7 million U.S. dollars).

Live streaming emerged in China in 2005, and made a significant breakthrough in 2016. However, problems such as the streaming of obscenity, violence and other inappropriate content have surfaced as the market has grown.

Revenue from live streaming reached 30.45 billion yuan in China last year, according to the Ministry of Culture.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 20:25:38|Editor: Lu Hui

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Volunteers serve porridge for tourists at Xiuying port in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 22, 2018. Ferry services resumed Thursday on the Qiongzhou Strait, a major gateway to China's southernmost island province of Hainan, but time will be needed to clear the backlog of stranded vehicles. Haikou has set up 237 volunteer service areas for travelling families between Sunday and Thursday morning. Over 6,500 volunteers have offered help. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan)

HAIKOU, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Rain and falling temperatures since Thursday afternoon have brought more worries to passengers stranded by heavy fog in south China's Hainan Province.

A prolonged heavy fog has disrupted ferry services on the Qiongzhou Strait, a major gateway to the island province, affecting tens of thousand of passengers, with many of them heading back home after spending their Spring Festival holiday on the island.

According to the government of the provincial capital of Haikou, as of 4 p.m. on Thursday, more than 14,000 cars were still waiting at the city's three ports, with some having already been stranded for over 14 hours.

The number increased from the morning as more cars joined the queues to leave Hainan for Guangdong Province via the strait.

Huang Maocai waited in a queue stretching about one kilometer with his truck loaded with peppers, which he was attempting to transport and sell in markets in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong.

"I arrived here yesterday afternoon at about 2 p.m. The rain will obviously make the traffic worse. Maybe I will have to wait until tomorrow morning to get on a boat," he said, adding he is afraid that the delay will affect the quality of the peppers.

A passenger surnamed Hu, from Nanjing City, was on holiday with her family in Hainan. Now the family is waiting to get across the strait. "It's getting colder now, and I'm afraid that my kid could catch a cold," she said.

The civil affairs department of Haikou set up four new rescue stations to cope with the rain and cold. A total of ten tents, 300 raincoats and 1,600 quilts were sent to the stations.

"The need for hot water increases as the weather gets colder. We are supplying more hot water to passengers, and some companies have been voluntarily sending hot steamed buns and food to them," said Li Yonghua, official with the department.

Ferry services on the strait resumed on Thursday morning on the Qiongzhou Strait after being suspended Wednesday night. However, the ferries are travelling slowly due to low visibility.

A freighter and a passenger ship collided off the coast of Guangdong at about 12:46 a.m. on Thursday. The freighter sank and two people are missing. Rescue work is under way.

"We are working with the city of Zhanjiang in Guangdong to ensure the shipping route operates normally," said Gu Gang, executive vice mayor of Haikou.

Hainan, known for its tropical climate and clean air, is a popular destination for Chinese tourists on winter holiday.

"It's the first time my family has travelled during the Spring Festival holiday. It's also an unexpected experience," said Fu Yingying, from Chongqing Municipality, who drove with her family to Hainan.

The family of six left Wenchang and arrived at Haikou on Wednesday afternoon. They have been waiting in the long queue outside a port.

"Luckily, volunteers offered us water and food. Without them, it would have been very hard to get through last night," Fu said.

Volunteer Ma Suying told Xinhua that she can understand the irritable moods of some passengers. "But most stranded passengers are calm and polite," she said.

Haikou set up over 200 volunteer service areas for travelling families between Sunday and Thursday morning. Over 6,500 volunteers have offered help.

The Haikou city government advised vehicles heading to the ports to delay their plans. It also issued a notice Wednesday night, asking residents to take Thursday, the first working day after the Spring Festival holiday, off to alleviate traffic jams caused by the waiting vehicles.
NEW DELHI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Troops of India and Pakistan Thursday exchanged heavy fire and targeted each other's positions on the Line of Control (LoC) dividing Kashmir, officials said.

The two sides exchanged fire in Uri sector of frontier Baramulla district, about 117 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Indian officials said Pakistan violated cease-fire agreement and targeted military posts and civilian areas, following which they also retaliated.

"Today Pakistan violated cease-fire in Uri sector and our side retaliated to that firing effectively," Indian army spokesman told Xinhua.

However, in Thursday's fierce exchange, no loss of life was reported in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Locals said some shells fired from the Pakistani side landed on houses in the area.

A wreath-laying ceremony was organized Thursday in a border guards camp of India's Border Security Force in Srinagar for a slain border guard. The border guard was killed during skirmishes on Tuesday in Tanghdar area of frontier Kupwara district.

Meanwhile, Pakistani foreign ministry Thursday accused India of resorting to unprovoked firing and said it killed a civilian on the Pakistani side.

It also summoned the Indian deputy high commissioner to register their protest.

"Pakistan has denounced unprovoked Indian firing on the LoC in Rawalakot sector on Thursday that resulted in the killing of one civilian," a statement issued by Pakistan's foreign ministry said.

"The Indian deputy high commissioner J P Singh was summoned to foreign office today and a strong protest was lodged."

Continued skirmishes earlier this month led to killings of troops as well as civilians on both sides, and also triggered migrations of civilian population living close to the frontier.

The skirmishes on LoC and the International Border (IB) in Kashmir between troops of Indian and Pakistan are going on despite an agreement between them in 2003 to observe a cease-fire.

Both India and Pakistan accuse each other of resorting to unprovoked firings and violating cease-fire agreements. And both sides maintain that their troops gave befitting replies.

The two countries are currently at loggerheads with each other. There has been no considerable improvement in the relations of the two countries or resumption of bilateral relations ever since Narendra Modi became the Indian Prime Minister in 2014.
by Xinhua writer Zhang Dailei

LONDON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- A Hero Born, the first volume of famous Chinese martial arts novelist Jin Yong's Legends of the Condor Heroes, was on Thursday published in English for the first time.

British publishing house MacLehose bought the rights to the book five years ago and commissioned the translation work to Anna Holmwood, a professional focused on Chinese-English literary translation.

After years of hard work, the 400-page translation, priced at 14.99 pounds (20.8 U.S. dollars), finally hit bookstores.

"I feel very excited and a little nervous also of course. It is a big moment for me personally," Holmwood told Xinhua from her home in Sweden.

"If you are a fan of Lord Of The Rings and are looking for the next best thing, A Hero Born is definitely the book for you," Waterstone, one of Britain's biggest chain bookstores, said on its website.

Jin Yong is the pen name of Louis Cha, 93, who now lives in Hong Kong. He is one of the best-selling Chinese authors alive with over 300 million copies of his works sold in the Chinese-speaking world.

Despite their popularity, only few of Jin Yong's martial arts novels have been translated into English. The Legends of the Condor Heroes, one of his most well-known works, covers the Song Dynasty and features hundreds of characters, telling a story full of gravity-defying kung fu, treachery, loyalty and love.

Holmwood, who has also translated works by other contemporary Chinese authors, said she became very involved in the details and admired Jin Yong's brilliant writing. "It is like I become captured in the world and the writing and it doesn't let me go," she said.

Having studied history and Chinese at university, Holmwood spent many years in China. As a fan of Chinese classical poetry and literature, she recommended Jin Yong's novels to a book agent in 2012. "It was mainly because of the quality of the writing and also because of his status in Chinese culture. The publisher in Britain was very excited to see there was such a big beloved author who still hadn't been translated into English, at least not by a trade publisher," she recalled.

She said translating Jin Yong was a big challenge in some ways, not only because of the specific culture, references and historical figures, but also because she knew it was going to attract a lot of attention.

"Of course it does make me nervous that the translation will be read against the original in a way that most translations don't. So I have taken on the task with a humble heart," she said.

At the same time, she wants her translation to be fun and easy to read. "I have really tried to emphasize fluency in English. I thought about how Jin Yong would speak to English readers. For me, translation is not just about making sure that it is accurate or correct word for word. If it's a fast and fun read in Chinese, it should be fast and fun read in English," she said.

The Times called the book she translated "hugely entertaining" and selected it as Book of the Month.

Paul Engles, editor of the book at MacLehose Press, shared with Xinhua how he enjoyed the reading: "It's a pure joy to read; a wonderful story full of loveable characters and abundant wit and charm. The setting is uniquely fascinating."

"I can't wait to read the second volume in the series, which should be delivered early next year," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 20:55:47|Editor: Lu Hui

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KUWAIT CITY, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah said on Thursday that Kuwait stands side by side with Egypt in its fight against terrorism.

The minister made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Egyptian Intelligence Agency Chief Abbas Kamel, the Kuwaiti Interior Ministry's Public Relations and Security Media Department said in a statement.

Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah underlined the depth of brotherly relations and joint cooperation between Kuwait and Egypt, the statement said.

Both sides share the same views and positions on all regional and international issues, the minister added.

The Egyptian intelligence chief lauded firm security relations between Egypt and Kuwait, pointing to Kuwait's regional and international role in fighting terrorism.

Egypt's army has been struggling to uproot the strongholds of militants, now belonging to the Islamic State branch in Sinai, since the ouster of the Islamist leader Mohamed Morsi, in response to mass protests against his rule in 2013.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 21:00:48|Editor: Yurou

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MANILA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines is assessing the situation of its citizens working abroad to find out if there is a need to widen the ban on the deployment of workers to include other countries than Kuwait, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday.

"We are doing an audit now and find out the places where we deploy Filipinos and our countrymen suffer brutal treatment and human degradation," Duterte told reporters in the central Philippines city of Iloilo.

Duterte flew to Iloilo to condole with the family of Filipina domestic worker Joanna Demafeliz, who had been murdered in Kuwait. Her body was found earlier this month inside a freezer in an abandoned apartment. Philippine authorities believed the killing had happened over a year before.

Duterte has ordered a ban on the deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait in the wake of reported deaths and abuse of many Filipino workers there.

The Philippines has recently repatriated nearly 3,000 Filipinos reportedly being abused in Kuwait. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the embassy there is still processing the repatriation of at least 10,800 undocumented Filipinos.

Kuwait, which was surprised by Duterte's order to ban sending new workers there, has extended its amnesty program to allow the embassy to process the papers of several thousands more of undocumented Filipinos to return to the Philippines.

Most of the distressed workers overstayed or ran away from their abusive employers.

The Philippine DFA remains in close coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to ensure a successful outcome of negotiations with the Kuwaiti government, aiming at improving the protection mechanisms for the more than 250,000 Filipinos working there.

The abuses of Filipino workers in Kuwait has been going on for years already, according to Senator Joel Villanueva, chair of the Senate committee on labor, employment and human resources development.

Hans Leo Cacdac, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief, clarified during a Senate inquiry that a total of 196 Filipino workers died in Kuwait since 2016, 79 percent of which were medical cases, 7 percent accidents, 11 percent alleged suicides and 3 percent unspecified cases.

The Philippines is one of the world's largest labor exporters. The economy is heavily reliant on the remittances the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) send home.

Due to lack of employment in the Philippines, up to 12 million Filipinos work abroad to seek greener pastures.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 21:00:49|Editor: Yurou

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BAGHDAD, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi authorities handed over four women and 27 children from families of Islamic State (IS) militants to Russia, a local television reported on Thursday.

"Iraq has handed over four women and 27 children from those who were tricked to join the Daesh (IS) terrorist group," al-Sumaria channel quoted Ahmed Mahjoub, spokesman of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, as saying.

Mahjoub said that those transferred IS associates "have not been proven to be involved in terrorist operations against civilians or security forces," adding that "they will be prosecuted in Russia for illegally entering Iraq."

Earlier, an Iraqi newspaper reported that more than 1,500 women and children from families of IS militants are held by the Iraqi authorities, and the Iraqi government is coordinating with their countries to decide their fate.

"We are holding 500 wives of IS warriors, all foreigners, in addition to their children, bringing the number to more than 1,500," the al-Mashriq newspaper quoted Mohammed al-Sudani, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, as saying.

Sudani said that his ministry made many contacts with the countries to which those detainees belong to decide how to deal with the children, according to the newspaper.

For his part, Saad al-Hadithi, spokesman of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's media office, confirmed that all "foreign nationals who committed crimes and violations against the people of Iraq, whether directly or by supporting the terrorist IS militants, will be subject to the Iraqi law."

"This also applies to foreign women (of IS families) who committed such actions inside the Iraqi territories," Hadithi said.

"The government will coordinate with the countries to which the detainees belong. If they are not proven to have committed crimes or killings or bombings in Iraq, they will be handed over to their countries," Hadithi added.

Thousands of foreign fighters from different countries had joined IS group which established the self-proclaimed Islamic State in parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014. Hundreds of them have been killed, captured or run away after the Iraqi forces liberated all of the urban areas under their control, including their major stronghold in the city of Mosul late last year.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 21:10:51|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese central authorities have launched a campaign to clear up outdated regulations to safeguard the integration of military and civilian development, according to a circular provided to Xinhua Thursday.

The campaign will examine the regulations in this field adopted in the last 40 years, said the circular jointly issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission.

It aims to identify the documents that create barriers to the two-way flow of technology, human resources, capital and information between the military and civilian sectors, as well as those that fail to give private enterprises equal treatment in market access and intellectual property protection, said the circular.

The outdated regulations and requirements will be revoked or modified.

Authorities in charge of the review were asked to fully consult other agencies, companies, industry associations and experts in the process.

It also called for a long-term mechanism and routine inspections to keep the remaining regulations up to date.
KIEV, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian authorities will develop tourism in the area near the destroyed Chernobyl nuclear power plant, Ukraine's state agency for the Chernobyl zone management said Thursday.

In particular, a new hotel and an information center for tourists will be opened in Chernobyl in the near future, the agency said on Facebook.

In addition, tourism experts will develop new routes for visitors across the most interesting sites of the area, it said.

The Chernobyl plant, located some 110 km from Kiev, witnessed one of the worst nuclear accidents in human history on April 26, 1986.

Since 2010, Chernobyl has been officially open for tourists after the environmental situation in the area has been improved. The place now is completely safe if tourists strictly follow the instructions of tour guides.

About 10,000 tourists visit the Chernobyl zone every year. Apart from visiting the disaster site, the visitors can also enjoy the rich wildlife which is flourishing in the abandoned area without human presence.
NAIROBI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- International scientists have called for concerted efforts to stop spread of the invasive alien species, which they say are contributing to Africa's inter-community conflicts.

The scientists who ended a workshop on invasive species in Nairobi on Wednesday evening said such species are also responsible for tremendous economic losses through loss in forest and agricultural productivity, and the spread of diseases.

Arne Wilt, Invasive Species Coordinator at CABI's Invasive Species Coordinator, attributed Africa's rising intercommunity and human-wildlife conflicts to the increase of invasive species.

Wilt said the invasions by the species in adjoining agro-ecosystems reduce crop and pasture production, hence forcing some communities to encroach into others land.

"Pastoralists and farmers' conflicts have grown, spread and intensified over the past decade hence posing a threat to security in some countries," Wilt noted.

Wilt said such species also forced wildlife to forage outside on farms, resulting in increased human-wildlife conflict.

Such problems have been pronounced in Nigeria and Kenya in recent years, according to him.

Hiver Boussini, Animal Health Officer with the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), said livestock production is also affected when invasive weeds colonize prime grazing land, thus driving farmers into marginal areas.

"Competition for access to resources and fear of the plant and disease spreading across the area leads to conflicts between communities," he added.

Boussini said that elephant-human conflict in Central Kenya is also an example of conflict caused by invasive species as the presence of Opuntia stricta forces the wildlife to move to farms.

"It is time that the African governments allocate funds for the eradication of invasive species," he added.
NEW DELHI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The inaugural conference of the international solar alliance (ISA) will be held in New Delhi on March 11, the country's external affairs ministry announced on Thursday.

The event is expected to set the ball rolling for India's leadership in providing affordable renewable energy.

The conference will be attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emanuel Macron, besides a hosts of other heads of states and heads of governments from countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Seychelles, Ghana, Gabon, Australia, Venezuela, Fiji, Mauritius, among others.

So far as many as 55 countries have signed the ISA framework agreement out of which 26 have already ratified it.

The ISA has become the first treaty-based international and inter-governmental organisation to be headquartered in India. Its secretariat is located in Delhi's neighbouring town of Gurgugram in the state of Haryana where a land of five acres has been allocated for it.

The government of India has also allocated a fund of 130 crores Rupees (about 20 million U.S. dollars) for setting up the ISA, and an additional 45 crores Rupees (about 7 million U.S. dollars) would be provided for in the next three years.

Multilateral development banks, UN agencies, business entities in renewable energy, civil societies, have also been invited for the conference.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 21:40:59|Editor: Zhou Xin

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LHASA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Losang Nyandrak, 45, in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, was proud that his household was no longer registered as a low-income family in the new year.

The farmer-turned-contractor is a resident of Sijijixiang New Village near Lhasa, the regional capital.

In December 2016, a total of 1,310 residents from 285 households, including Losang Nyandrak, were relocated to the new village.

With a total investment of 143 million yuan (22.6 million U.S. dollars), construction on the new village began in August and was completed in December two years ago. In addition to homes, there are also electric power facilities, supermarkets and clinics.

Villagers can choose to work their original land or lease the land to agricultural companies. Nearly 500 villagers have so far attended skill training courses on everything from driving a car or excavator to weaving carpets.

The village is near the airport expressway, the railway and a national highway. Children can attend school in nearby towns and counties.

Before the relocation, Losang Nyandrak tried to seek employment in factories and on construction sites during slack seasons. But job opportunities were rare.

He had two daughters who were at school ages. His wife was in poor health and needed money for medical treatment. To make things worse, he had a car accident a few years ago and went into debt as a result in order to compensate for injuries.

The annual income for his family of four was only 8,000 yuan in 2015, far below the national poverty threshold.

Thanks to improved traffic and more demand in construction near the new village, Losang Nyandrak became a contractor for projects outside the village and recruited more than 80 fellow villagers.

Last year, his family's income surged to nearly 57,000 yuan. With more money, the family had more reasons to enjoy Losar, or Tibetan New year, which coincided with Spring Festival this year.

As one of the traditions to welcome Losar, "Gutu," or doughy meat porridge, was served at the family dinner table on the eve of the new year. The next day, the family made an offering of the "Qiema," a rectangular wooden box containing roasted barley and fried wheat grain, symbolizing harvest in the next year.

"We enjoyed the holiday very much, especially after such a good year," said Losang Nyandrak, who was busy entertaining his former neighbors at his new home.

Inside the two-story building, Tibetan carpets were laid out on almost every inch of the floor and stairs. His wife Drasang, now in better health, went all out for the new year shopping, with all kinds of snacks, beverages, fruit and clothes.

According to the regional government, about 263,000 impoverished villagers are expected to be relocated to new areas with convenient traffic, better environment and modern facilities from 2016 to 2020.

So far over 100,000 people have been relocated to 714 sites.

Losang Nyandrak has plans to launch a farmer cooperative in the village, which requires an investment of up to 500,000 yuan.

"A cooperative of our own will offer steady employment for more villagers," he said.
JAKARTA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita expressed his optimism here on Thursday of the country's improving exports this year after significant growth in its non-oil and gas exports last month.

"The non-oil and gas export improvement was a good start to support national export targets this year," the minister said.

The nation posted exports of 14.45 billion U.S. dollars last month, up 7.86 percent from the corresponding period a year earlier. Export growth in non-oil and gas commodities reached 8.57 percent, significantly contributing to last month's export figure, while the oil and gas export only grew 1.10 percent in the period.

The ministry learned that the non-oil and gas trade balance booked a surplus of 182.6 million U.S. dollars last month, contributed by the nation's trade with India, the United States, the Philippines, the Netherlands and Bangladesh in the month.

Among the non-oil and gas commodities, mineral-based fuels, jewelry, iron and steel, wooden pulps, fish and shrimps, grains, core and ash metals and garments highly contributed to national exports in the sector last month.

Besides the countries where the nation secured trade surplus, Indonesia also saw increasing shipping of non-oil and gas commodities to Saudi Arabia, China and Japan, the minister said.

The trade ministry has set a target of obtaining a national export growth of 7 percent this year from last year's estimated record of 170.3 billion U.S. dollars.

To attain the target, the Southeast Asia's largest economy is aiming at new markets for its export commodities, including African and South American countries, according to the minister.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 21:46:02|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Senior leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Thursday stressed efforts to build Xiongan New Area into a "high-quality modern socialist city."

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting attended by members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

The area, established in April 2017, is a new economic zone about 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing in Hebei Province. It is the third new area of national significance after the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone and the Shanghai Pudong New Area.

CPC leaders agreed that building the new area is a "historic project" after hearing a report about the progress on a development plan for Xiongan.

The new area is significant for helping phase out some non-capital functions from Beijing, exploring a new model of development in densely populated areas, restructuring the layout of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, promoting high-quality development, and creating a new engine for the modernized economy, according to a statement released after the meeting.

Designing of the new area plan has made important progress on the basis of thorough investigation, feedback from different parties, and revisions and improvements, said the statement.

The planning and building of Xiongan New Area should feature a global perspective and an international standard with Chinese characteristics, making it a national model in promoting high-quality development, it said.

The meeting also stressed a reasonable layout for the city, with innovation in accordance with the regional culture and landscape.

Efforts should be made to build a digital and intelligent city, with an emphasis on green development, according to the statement.

A string of national innovative platforms and efficient transportation networks should be created in the area, it said.

Measures should be taken to support Xiongan in accelerating reform and opening up, while a number of major projects should be launched at an appropriate time, it said.
BUDAPEST, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Hungary and Australia are fully in agreement on migration issues, namely on preserving the sovereignty of a country, maintaining security, mostly at the borders, and on addressing the root causes leading to migration, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said here on Thursday.

The words came at a joint press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

The Hungarian minister praised Australia's handling of illegal immigrants, while Bishop stressed that Australia did not want to teach other countries about migration management, but Australia was a good example of maintaining openness to refugees if they were settled in a government-determined, orderly manner.

"Australia is happy to share its migration experiences. Australia is a country of immigrants, the most successful multicultural country, all over the world," she said.

Bishop also told that her country believed in welcoming refugees but insisted on maintaining the country's sovereignty over migration policy.

In addition, "Hungary strongly supports the start of negotiations of a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Australia as soon as possible," Szijjarto pointed out, adding that he hoped for a speedy start of negotiations under the Bulgarian rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union(EU).

He told journalists that Hungary and Australia were committed partners in the fight against terrorism, for instance Hungarian and Australian soldiers were fighting the Islamic State in Iraq.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 22:06:11|Editor: Zhou Xin

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by Xinhua Writer Zhang Yongxing

SUVA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- China's assistance to Fiji showcases the historic responsibility of China as a major country and the sincere aspiration to build a community of shared future for mankind, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo said here on Thursday.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, the Chinese ambassador said that China and Fiji, both developing countries, have a profound traditional friendship. The two countries are true friends who could share happiness and woe.

China's assistance to the South Pacific Island state is selfless and sincere with no political conditions attached, the ambassador noted.

"The Chinese government always respects Fiji's developing path of independence and conforming to its own national conditions," Qian said. "China's assistance to Fiji is selfless and sincere with no political conditions attached. China's assistance to Fiji is unswerving and will not be influenced by the changing international and regional landscapes. It targets the wellbeing of the Fijian people."

"China's assistance to Fiji upholds justice and pursues shared interests, and has set a good example of mutual support between developing countries under the framework of south-south cooperation," said the ambassador. "China's assistance to Fiji showcases the historic responsibility of China as a major country and the sincere aspiration to build a community of shared future for mankind."

Qian stressed that with the request of the Fijian government and full consultations by the two countries, China has provided Fiji with the much needed assistance.

Currently, China's assistance to Fiji, which covers various sectors such as infrastructural construction, energy, agriculture, healthcare, sports, emergency humanitarian aid and human resources, has made significant contribution to improving Fijian people's wellbeing, promoting social and economical development, and balancing regional development in the island state.

"As the new Chinese ambassador to Fiji, upon my arrival in Fiji, I heard good remarks from Fijian officials and the public regarding the recently-opened Stinson Parade Bridge and Vatuwaqa Bridge," said Qian, who arrived in Fiji about one month ago.

"They told me that the China-aid bridges had eased Suva city's traffic and brought convenience to the public's travel."

He believes that no one knows better than the people and the government of Fiji on whether China's assistance is productive or not.

"I feel proud that China-aid programs are acknowledged by the Fijian government and people. Aside from the vehicle project and bridge project, China has also implemented assistance programs such as Nabouwalu-Dreketi Road, Somosomo Hydropower Station, Juncao Mushroom Demonstration Center, Rice Technical Cooperation Project in recent years. These projects have been playing an important role in helping Fiji improve the people's livelihood, promote socio-economic development and balance regional development," he said.

As for Thursday's handover of the 200 China-aid vehicles to Fiji, the ambassador said that the vehicle project is made possible under the direct attention from leaders of both countries. He sees the project demonstrating the strategic partnership between China and Fiji based on mutual respect and common development.

With joint efforts made by the two countries, China has now become one of the major trading partners of Fiji, the most important source of foreign direct investment and the No. 4 source of tourists of Fiji. And the mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation between the two countries have maintained a healthy momentum of development.

The ambassador also hoped that China and Fiji can work together to seize the tremendous opportunity brought by the international cooperation under the "Belt and Road" Initiative, continue to consolidate mutual trust, expand exchanges, promote cooperation, enrich the connotation of the strategic partnership between the two countries, so as to push China-Fiji relations to a new height.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 22:11:13|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- China will allow more enterprises to cooperate with vocational schools to better integrate education with business, according to a guideline released by the Ministry of Education.

Enterprises are encouraged to recruit students as interns to offer training opportunities.

A pilot project that allows 1,000 vocational schools in 100 cities in China to cooperate with enterprises will be launched, according to the guideline.

Cooperation between enterprises and vocational schools will be focused on talent training, technological innovation, employment and entrepreneurship, as well as cultural inheritance.

So far, about 30,000 enterprises cooperate with vocational schools in China, according to the ministry.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 22:16:15|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BEIJING, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday marked the 170th anniversary of the publication of the Communist Manifesto, the guiding political document for the communist movement.

With the publication of the document, written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, in February 1848, Marxism emerged "as if a lightning cut through dark sky," said an article published by Xinhua News Agency on Thursday.

A commentary published in Thursday's People's Daily, the Communist Party of China (CPC) flagship newspaper, compared the Communist Manifesto to "a glorious dawn in human spiritual history" and "a spiritual home for communists."

Chinese communists today can still learn a lot from and be inspired by the Communist Manifesto, said an article published on Study Times, which is run by the CPC Central Committee Party School.

The Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China published a post titled "Happy Birthday, Communist Manifesto" on its WeChat public account, which was read by more than 100,000 people and liked by thousands.

"From the Communist Manifesto to Leninism, from Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, the Scientific Outlook on Development to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we can see a coherent trajectory," said Han Zhenfeng, dean of the School of Marxism at Beijing Jiaotong University.

Although China has walked its own path of revolution and socialist development, Marxism has always been the guide, said Prof. Chen Xianda at Renmin University of China.

The Communist Manifesto, among other classics of Communism, could be seen on the bookshelf behind President Xi Jinping as he delivered a New Year speech on Dec. 31, 2017 that was broadcast on TV and online.

In the 170 years since the publication of the document, the world has seen China emerge from a weak, less-developed country to a prosperous nation and break away from the development model of the West and figure out a more suitable pattern of modernization.

Socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era is not only a cause for China but also an important and remarkable part of socialism in the 21st century, said Jiang Hui of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

The year 2018 marks the 170th anniversary of the Communist Manifesto as well as the 40th anniversary of socialist China's launch of the reform and opening-up drive.

China offers a reference for other developing countries that struggle to modernize, as well as developed countries troubled by inherent plight, said Fang Ning, head of the Institute of Political Science at CASS.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 22:16:15|Editor: pengying

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Kalilou Traore, ECOWAS commissioner for industry and private sector promotion, speaks during an economic and business forum with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Istanbul, Turkey on Feb. 22, 2018. Turkey and West African states on Thursday vowed to deepen their trade and economic relations through mutual investments. (Xinhua/He Canling)

ISTANBUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Turkey and West African states on Thursday vowed to deepen their trade and economic relations through mutual investments.

"Our main goal here is to maximize the mutual benefits of both sides in a balanced manner," Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said at an economic and business forum with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Istanbul.

"We can build together, produce together, sell what's produced together and share the profit," said Zeybekci.

The minister also urged ECOWAS member states to finalize a fully-integrated free trade agreement to be signed in the very near future, "so that both sides could both win and our relations become long-term, sustainable and predictable."

According to Zeybekci, Turkey's trade volume with ECOWAS members stands now at 3 billion U.S. dollars, far below the expectations.

"Our target in the short term is to increase our trade volume to 5 billion and raise it to 10 billion dollars in the mid term," he said.

Kalilou Traore, ECOWAS commissioner for industry and private sector promotion, spoke of rich investment opportunities in West African states in the fields of water, energy, agriculture and transportation, including highways, railways and sea routes.

He called on Turkish companies to invest in these fields, pledging to help facilitate the entire process of investment.

Germain Essohouna Meba, president of the Federation of West Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the importance of the private sector's development in West Africa.

He noted that the private sector has been diverted significantly toward the fields of energy, agriculture and transportation, "in which the need for new investments remains high."

"The investment and trade agreements that will be signed during the forum with Turkey will definitely contribute to the development of these fields," Meba said.

Present for the two-day forum are ministers, high-ranking officials and over 1,000 business people from 15 West African countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 22:31:18|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Treasury said Thursday it raised about 2 billion U.S. dollars in a new sovereign bond issue listed at the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The Treasury said the issuance of the Eurobond that closed on Wednesday follows a successful roadshow conducted with international investors, who have expressed a significant level of interest.

"This issue was seven times oversubscribed. And makes it one of the highest order book for an issue from Africa," it said in a statement.

"The successful issuance confirms the continued vibrancy of our economy, and the fact that investors consider Kenya a go-to destination for their investments," it said.

The bond was arranged by a consortium of banks including the Citibank, JPMorgan, Standard Bank and Standard Chartered Bank.

According to the Treasury, having the issue listed in the London Stock Exchange further supports the liquidity for the issue.

"We have seen significant investment to our growing economy from global corporations and investors and this listing provides yet a further avenue for investors to participate in our story," it said.

The East African nation has now issued two Eurobond after the first one in 2014, which raised 2.8 billion dollars from international investors.

The Treasury said that the fact that Kenya received 14 billion dollars in investor appetite reflected the continued support the country receives.

"We now have a dollar yield curve stretching out to 30 years, making Kenya one of only a handful of governments in Africa to achieve this," the Treasury said.

It said that the funds will be applied towards the government's development initiatives including infrastructure as well as liability management.

Economic analysts say Kenya is currently facing an impending payment of the first part of a Eurobond amounting to 774.8 million dollars in 2018.

Britain-based risk and strategic consulting firm, Control Risks identifies Kenya's current debt as a potential deadlock to potential investments in the economy.

"The reality is that debt at the moment is sustainable based on what we see going on in the economy but there isn't room to do much more," Control Risks Associate Director Patrick Matu said in Nairobi. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 22:41:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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PYONGYANG, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Thursday condemned the ongoing U.S.-Japan joint war drills as a dangerous provocation.

A spokesman for the Korean National Peace Committee said in a statement that the United States and Japan have been staging "combined air-defense and missile-shielding drill" from Feb. 16 under the pretext of tackling "threats" from the DPRK's ballistic missiles and fighter jets, according to Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The exercise, which will end Friday, reportedly included the inspection of the system of joint detection, tracking and interception of the DPRK's ballistic missiles and fighter jets through coordinated operation of the air-defense network of the United States and Japan, said the spokesman of the official body in charge of dealing with inter-Korean peace work.

The drills also included the interception drill of Patriot missiles under the Japan Air's "Self-Defense Force (SDF)" and the emergency sortie drills of its fighter jets, said the spokesman.

"The recent drill assumes greater bellicosity and danger as its scope has been expanded as never before with the involvement of the Japan Air SDF and U.S. Marines and Air Force units as well as the Japan Maritime SDF and units of the U.S. navy," the spokesman said.

The spokesman also accused the United States and Japan of trying to tarnish the "improving atmosphere" of the inter-Korean ties and peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 22:46:25|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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JERUSALEM, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian man was killed by Israeli troops during his arrest in the West Bank early Thursday morning, according to Palestinian sources.

The man was seriously beaten after he was laying on the ground incapacitated, before he died, said the sources.

The Palestinian Prisoners' Club identified him as Yassin al-Saradeeh, a 33-year-old resident of the southern West Bank city of Jericho.

A spokesperson of the Israeli military confirmed the man died following his arrest but said he was an assailant who had tried to attack soldiers during clashes sparked by military raid to arrest suspects in Jericho.

During the clashes, "a Palestinian assailant armed with an iron rod ran towards IDF (Israel Defense Forces) troops and attempted to attack the troops," the spokesperson said in a statement.

The soldiers then "fired towards" the suspect, the spokesperson said, adding that they also "confronted him from close range" before they caught and arrested him.

A knife was also found in his possession before the army evacuated him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The military did not specify the cause of the Palestinian's death.

Al-Saradeeh's family told Israel's Ha'aretz newspaper that al-Saradeeh did not try to attack soldiers but was apparently trying to run away from the riots.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners' Club, he died after inhaling tear gas fired by the soldiers.

A CCTV video that has surfaced on Palestinian social networks shows al-Saradeeh running forward in an apparently empty alley, holding an object in his hands. A group of soldiers than appeared, one of them fired towards his legs from a very close range. The other soldiers were seen gathering around him, kicking and beating him with rifles.

The incident took place on the day that Amnesty International released a report, denouncing Israel for killing Palestinian civilians without a trial.

"Israeli forces unlawfully killed Palestinian civilians, including children, and unlawfully detained within Israel thousands of Palestinians from the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), holding hundreds in administrative detention without charge or trial," the report read.

The human rights group further blamed Israel for "torture and other ill-treatment of detainees, including children."

In 2017, an Israeli court convicted Sgt. Elor Azaria of manslaughter of a Palestinian assailant after he was shot and lay on the ground wounded and motionless in the West Bank city of Hebron in March 2016.

Israel occupied the West Bank during the 1967 Middle East war and has controlled it ever since, despite international criticism.
MADRID, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Huawei Spain, the arm of the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, has been certified as a Top Employer 2018, by the Top Employers Institute, the company confirmed in a press communique on Thursday.

The Netherlands-based Top Employers Institute is the global certifying company which "recognizes excellence" in the conditions companies create for their workers. 2018 is the second consecutive year that Huawei has been certified as a "Top Employer" after it was recognized for the first time in 2017.

Huawei Spain was praised for the way it attracts and develops talent and the excellent conditions offered to workers through its Human Resources department.

"It is an honor for Huawei to receive this award for the second year in succession as it confirms our strategy to attract and retain talent is on the right track," said Tony Jin Yong, CEO of Huawei Spain.

He said that recognition from organizations such as the Top Employers Institute inspired Huawei Spain to "strengthen" its development of young talent, adding that the company would continue to work closely with "universities and business schools," to continue offering opportunities.

The Top Employers Institute evaluates 600 good practices in human resources in making its decisions.
DHAKA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- A four-day BASIS SoftExpo, Bangladesh's biggest showcase for software products, kicked off Thursday at capital Dhaka's Bangabandhu International Conference Center, also known as Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

About 200 national and international IT companies are showcasing their products and services in this mega annual exposition of Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith inaugurated the program as the chief guest while Post, Telecommunications and ICT Minister Mustafa Jabbar was present as a special guest.

Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) has been organizing the annual mega event BASIS SOFTEXPO since 2003.

BASIS officials said the 4-day event will be a big congregation of ICT companies, personalities, key policy makers, industry leaders and other ICT stakeholders.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 23:01:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SHANGHAI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese conglomerate Fosun International Limited announced on Thursday it had purchased a controlling stake in French fashion label Lanvin.

Fosun will become the majority shareholder while the current shareholders will retain a minority stake in Lanvin, according to Fosun.

The French fashion house was established in 1889. Currently, Lanvin operates in more than 50 countries with women's wear, menswear, children's wear and accessories including footwear and leather goods.

Founded in Shanghai in 1992, Fosun has being actively investing in the global fashion and consumer industry.

Fosun recently founded the Fosun Fashion Group to deepen its foothold in the global luxury market.

"As China becomes the main growth driver of the global luxury market, we are confident that Fosun can bring great incremental value to Lanvin with its global resources and expertise," said Cheng Yun, executive president of Fosun Fashion Group.

"We are absolutely committed to Lanvin's high luxury positioning and the exceptional quality of its products manufactured in France and Italy," Cheng said.

The sales volume of the luxury market on the Chinese mainland hit 142 billion yuan (22 billion U.S. dollars) in 2017, up 20 percent year on year, according to a report released by the consulting firm Bain & Company.

In 2018, sales growth is expected to reach between 10 to 15 percent, according to the consulting firm.
BUDAPEST, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian automotive software developer NNG unveiled its expansion plan in China on Thursday including the establishment of a 50-strong development team in Shanghai, China's biggest city and financial hub.

"China is becoming for us the biggest electrical vehicle market of the world, for commercial and passenger cars," Giles Shrimpton, CEO of NNG told a press conference here.

For the time being, NNG is providing local solutions for five Chinese carmakers, and they are expecting their business opportunities to expand with the increase in the sales of cars.

"In 2016, the company's sales of 98 million euros came from 2 percent from the Chinese domestic market, whereas Chinese exports made up 5 percent to 7 percent of revenue, which we would like to increase to 20-25 percent in the future," the CEO added.

Valentin Pecs, NNG's leader responsible for the development of the Pacific Ocean area, including China, said that the Chinese expansion would have a positive impact on the number of staff in Budapest as well.

"NNG's products will continue to be developed in the company's headquarters in Budapest, whereas the Chinese department will be dealing with the local adaptations," He added.

"Navigating in the Chinese market has a lot of local challenges, including local traffic regulations, the handling of faulty GPS signals in big cities, and special searches tailored to Chinese culture," Pecs explained.

According to NNG, the company's navigation systems are used in more than 30 million vehicles worldwide, including 30 car brands.

The company has presence in many countries, such as the United States, Brazil, Switzerland, Israel, China, Japan and India.

NNG opened its Shanghai office in 2012, mainly on sales and localization roles.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 23:26:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Saud Abu Ramadan

GAZA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- A senior Islamic Hamas movement official, who is currently in Cairo, called on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday to smoothly and gradually transfer power to the Palestinian people and let them choose their future leadership through general elections.

Khalil al-Hayyah, deputy chief of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, told Xinhua in a special telephone interview that Hamas called on Abbas to "rearrange the Palestinian home so that the authority will move smoothly and gradually."

"Even if elections are held, Abbas can compete for the presidency, if he really wants to. This is his natural right," said al-Hayyah, adding "but at the same time, we have to deeply think in all directions, and deeply look for and study all options, mainly in case President Abbas dies or retires, in accordance to the law."

A senior Hamas delegation, headed by the movement's leader Ismail Haniyeh, arrived in Egypt two weeks ago to hold talks with the Egyptian security intelligence officials on internal reconciliation, the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and other issues.

"Abbas' term or era only ends through elections, but in case Abbas is absent or a vacuum emerges for any other reason, we will never accept that anyone forces our people to choose a leadership. Our people should choose and decide their leadership," said al-Hayyah.

On Feb. 19, Hamas delegation in Cairo expanded, where members of the movement's politburo who were in exile were also called to join the meetings with the Egyptian security intelligence officials. So far, nothing has been unveiled on the exact topics discussed between the two sides.

Al-Hayyah revealed that Hamas had discussed with the Egyptians over U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

According to him, one of the major issues on top of the talks was the reconciliation agreement reached in Cairo last October of handing over power in the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) consensus government, which has not been fully implemented due to differences.

"I believe that the Palestinians need unity and rebuilding the Palestinian establishments," he said, adding "this can only be achieved through the accurate implementation of the reconciliation agreements, mainly forming a unified leadership, which is Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)."

He stressed that after the formation of a unified leadership and reform of the PLO, "the Palestinians will go for presidential and legislative elections. We cannot keep saying that we want to hold the elections and in practice we don't."

Asked if Hamas discussed with the Egyptian side the new U.S. peace plan, better known as the deal of the century Trump intended to present soon, al-Hayyah said "the Egyptian position is so far clear that it will reject the U.S. proposal, which neglects our rights in Jerusalem."

Al-Hayyah denied several media reports claiming that Hamas has been under severe pressure from Cairo to make more concessions to reconciliate with Abbas. "On the contrary, there was no pressure at all, our ties with Egypt are very positive and we always welcome Egypt's role to sponsor our dialogue."

He unveiled that Egypt will send to Gaza a senior security intelligence delegation to resume the implementation of the deal reached in Cairo last October. "We are really eager to achieve reconciliation and hopefully we will be able to complete the implementation of our reconciliation agreements soon."

The Cairo reconciliation deal was partly implemented, mainly including the handover of crossing points to the PNA and the transfer of the government ministries to the government of Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. However, disagreement still remains on transferring tax collection, employees' salaries and interior security.

Azzam el-Ahmad, head of Fatah delegation to the dialogue with Hamas had earlier stated that Abbas insists that the sanctions he imposed on Hamas and on the Gaza Strip will be lifted only after Hamas fully hand over its power in the Gaza Strip to the PNA. However, Hamas insists that sanctions must be lifted.

"We are fully committed to the accurate implementation of the agreement, we are ready to hand over tax collection to the PNA when it pays the employees salaries in the Gaza Strip, but until now we found no guarantees from PNA that the salaries will be paid when we transfer the taxes to it," said al-Hayyah.

Meanwhile, al-Hayyah denied earlier reports of Israeli media saying that several military leaders of Hamas had joined the movement's delegation in Cairo to discuss prisoners swap with Israel. "I haven't heard anything like that, and most probably, Israel publishes such reports to ease pressure and anger of the captive Israel families."
ABUJA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The governor of Nigeria's northeastern state of Yobe, Ibrahim Gaidam, on Thursday said none of the schoolgirls declared missing after an attack by terror group Boko Haram earlier this week was rescued by the military.

Visiting the Government Girls' Technical College in Dapchi area of Yobe for the first time since the attack late Monday, Gaidam told families of the missing schoolgirls to "keep praying that the girls should be found."

The governor's statement dismissed claims that the Nigerian military had rescued some of the girls, barely 24 hours after his spokesman said some of the rescued girls were in the custody of the army.

According to officials, at least 46 students are still unaccounted for. Other reports put the figure at 13.

Over 94 students were missing at first. But the state government said 28 returned late Tuesday and 20 more came back early Wednesday.

Police and state officials said there was no evidence that the girls had been abducted but the Yobe government suspected that some of the students are in Boko Haram's captivity.

A local teacher said as Boko Haram outlaws went into students' dormitories, many of the girls jumped over the fence and escaped into the bushes.

Some of the girls who had returned told the school authorities that they were rescued by villagers from the bushes.

About four years ago, 276 girls were abducted by the Boko Haram from the Girls' Secondary School in Chibok town in Yobe's neighboring Borno State. Only 107 of the Chibok girls have been rescued or returned amid ongoing government negotiation with Boko Haram.

The outlawed group has been trying since 2009 to establish an Islamic state in northeastern Nigeria. They have killed some 20,000 people and displaced millions.
CAPE TOWN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- South African MPs on Thursday called for speedy intervention to stop increased attacks on police officers amid rampant crimes.

This followed the killing of five police officers by a group of unidentified gunmen at a police station in Ngcobo, Eastern Cape Province on Wednesday.

The attack highlights the vulnerability of unsecured police stations across the country, Parliament's Select Committee on Security and Justice said.

Police stations in other parts of the country have also come under attack, said the committee.

The committee urged the SAPS to urgently address security at police stations.

"The South African Police Service (SAPS) should urgently address this matter to ensure the protection of its members, both on and off duty," said Committee Chairperson Simphiwe Mthimunye.

According to statistics provided by Parliament, 57 police officers were killed in 2016/17.

Mthimunye blamed poor enforcement of gun control laws for the increase in police killing.

He cited 2016/17 crime statistics as saying that 18 to 21 murders are committed daily with guns.

"The SAPS must therefore ensure effective implementation of the Firearms Control Act of 2000, tighten firearms control measures and root out fraud and corruption among police officials in the gun licencing process to prevent the loss, theft and sale to criminals of legal confiscated and surrendered guns," Mthimunye said.

The Select Committee will be interacting with the SAPS on budget and resourcing to provinces and police stations, he said.
BERLIN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The German consumer goods- and chemicals giant Henkel has recorded its highest-ever revenue in 2017 since its foundation more than 140 years ago, the company told press on Thursday.

"2017 was a successful year for Henkel. Despite challenging and volatile market conditions, we reached new record levels in sales and earnings and achieved our financial targets for the year", a statement by chief executive officer (CEO) Hans Van Bylen read.

The Duesseldorf-based firm achieved total revenue of 20.03 billion euros (24.7 billion U.S. dollars) (plus seven percent) during the past business year, whilst also witnessing a rise in its adjusted operating profits by 9.1 percent to 3.461 billion euros.

As a consequence, Henkel will pay out its highest ever dividends to investors. The news was warmly welcomed on financial markets and propelled the company' share price upwards by nearly three percent to 109.35 euros.

The adhesive division, which accounted for nearly half of total revenue and includes popular brands such as Loctite, performed especially strongly in 2017. By contrast, the development of cosmetic products, contributing 19 percent of total revenue, offered a more "mixed picture", according to Van Bylen.

The CEO noted that revenue achieved with cosmetic brands such as "Schwarzkopf" and "Syoss" fell in the final quarter (Q4) of the year and announced the launch of a programme of innovation to regain lost market share.

While Henkel breached the watermark of 20 billion euros in revenue for the first time in 2017, it still posted a negative net financial result of -55 million euros due to the high cost of several large acquisitions. Van Bylen spent nearly 2 billion euros on company purchases during the past year and emphasized that more mergers could follow as Henkel continued to pursue an aggressive growth strategy.

"Going forward, we will continue to focus on sustainable profitable growth with attractive returns. We are committed to deliver on our financial ambition 2020," a statement by the CEO read.

Amongst others, Henkel hereby highlighted a corporate goal to double online revenue from currently just over 2 billion euros to more than four billion euros in 2020. (1 euro = 1.23 U.S. dollars)
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-22 23:56:49|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- U.S. private flight company SpaceX on Thursday launched its first two test satellites for its global broadband internet-in-space project.

The company plans eventually to create a giant constellation of about 12,000 small satellites delivering broadband access around the world.

A used Falcon 9 rocket blasted off at 6:17 a.m. local time (1417 GMT) from Space Launch Complex 4E at California's Vandenberg Air Force Base, carrying Spain's PAZ, a radar-imaging satellite, and two SpaceX test satellites for global broadband.

The launch's primary mission is to deliver PAZ into orbit for the Spain-based company Hisdesat. The satellite has been deployed approximately 11 minutes after launch.

"Successful deployment of PAZ satellite to low-Earth orbit confirmed," the California-based company tweeted.

According to the mission description, equipped with an advanced radar instrument, PAZ will cover the entire globe in 24 hours, serving both commercial and government needs. Designed for a mission life of five and a half years, PAZ will orbit Earth 15 times per day, providing an internet coverage for an area of over 300,000 square km from an altitude of 514 km and at a velocity of 7 km per second.

However, PAZ was not riding alone on the recycled Falcon 9.

Quietly on board were two additional experimental broadband satellites, Microsat-2a and Microsat-2b, a big first step in SpaceX's long-term plans to create satellite internet over the next decade.

Falcon 9's first stage for the PAZ mission previously supported the FORMOSAT-5 mission from SLC-4E in August 2017. SpaceX did not attempt to recover Falcon 9's first stage after Thursday's launch.

SpaceX called off an attempted launch of its Falcon 9 rocket Wednesday morning due to strong high-altitude winds. The launch, initially targeted for Saturday, Feb. 17, was first delayed 24 hours due to final checks, and then subsequently to no earlier than Feb. 21 because of additional checks and mission-related requirements.
| 2018-02-23 06:30:13|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SUVA -- China's assistance to Fiji showcases the historic responsibility of China as a major country and the sincere aspiration to build a community of shared future for mankind, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Qian Bo said here on Thursday.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, the Chinese ambassador said that China and Fiji, both developing countries, have a profound traditional friendship. The two countries are true friends who could share happiness and woe. (Fiji-China-Assistance)

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ISLAMABAD -- Being jobless for a year, the rising debt burden, deprivations of his two school-going children, all these were the ordeals pushing Taj, a driver, into depression and hopelessness.

"It was the dark period of my life. My children's sufferings were very painful. To be true, a couple of times, an idea to commit suicide hit my mind when I failed to buy dresses for them on Eid," Taj recalled. (Pakistan-China-CPEC)

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SINGAPORE -- Singapore looks forward to participating in the inaugural China International Import Expo (CIIE) and hopes that the companies will take full advantage of the opportunities in an increasingly open Chinese market, through the CIIE platform, said an official on Thursday.

Singapore's Senior Minister of State of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Sim Ann also said at a press conference here that for Singaporean companies, the CIIE is highly relevant to the Belt and Road Initiative. (Singapore-China-Import Expo)

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MANILA -- The Philippines is assessing the situation of its citizens working abroad to find out if there is a need to widen the ban on the deployment of workers to include other countries than Kuwait, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday.

"We are doing an audit now and find out the places where we deploy Filipinos and our countrymen suffer brutal treatment and human degradation," Duterte told reporters in the central Philippines city of Iloilo. (The Philippines-Overseas Workers-Ban) Enditem
MAPUTO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) in Mozambique told Xinhua on Thursday in Maputo that it has an aid package of more than 300 million Euros (about 370 million U.S. dollars) to support the country's rural development in the northern province of Nampula and central Zambezia, in sectors of energy, agriculture and transport.

According to Isabel de Almeida, Head of Cooperation for the EU delegation in Mozambique, the aid program will be carried out for a period of seven years, as part of the EU Development Fund, which will bring considerable benefits for local small farmers.

"The program linked to agriculture competitiveness should be the first to implement, later will follow the energy project, and the last part of cooperation will be that of transport," said Isabel.

The EU expectS to have the three components targeting the two provinces in full implementation by 2020, an initiative fully controlled by the EU itself, to facilitate access to alternative energies and transform precarious road access into the drive for trade.

"Our objective is to bring down poverty levels and create an inclusive and sustainable development, which means more agri-business by facilitating access to the market and business for small farmers," added Isabel.

The EU official clarified that the intention to improve small farmers' access to agri-business doesn't mean to directly promote Mozambican products in EU market, but to work with selected value chains to explore the potential for investment and identify means to add value to agricultural products, including processing for national and external markets.

EU expects that neighboring provinces in central and northern regions of the country will also benefit from this investment.

The EU says it is pleased with the cooperation with Mozambican government, characterized by dialogue and mutual consultation so far.

"We evaluate the cooperation with the government positively, there is an excellent cooperation with the national office and the decision to work in Nampula and Zambezia is a result of long-term discussion and consultation as we worked together," said Isabel.
ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- East African countries that are celebrating the Nile Day in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa on Thursday called for collective and sustainable actions on the development of the Nile River.

Celebrating the Nile Day under the theme "The Nile: Shared River, Collective Action," Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) member countries have expressed their aspiration towards the optimal and sustainable utilization of the world's longest river.

Speaking in connection to the 12th annual Nile Day celebration, NBI Secretariat Executive Director, Innocent Ntabana, called for collective actions so as to strengthen collaboration among member countries and the sustainable use of the river's basin.

"To obtain the optimal utilization and ensure sustainability of the resource, Nile basin countries must act collectively, balancing interests and focusing on common goals at basin level," Ntabana said.

The day is a commemoration of the establishment of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), which currently brings together ten Nile basin countries that are Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and DR Congo.

The NBI member states have a shared vision of achieving sustainable socioeconomic development through the equitable utilization and benefit from the common Nile Basin water resources.

Ethiopia's Minister of Water, Irrigation and Electricity, Seleshi Bekele, said that the establishment of the NBI in Feb. 22, 1999 marked "a major milestone in the history of Nile cooperation."

According to Bekele, the establishment of the NBI was the first time that the countries jointly agreed to establish an all-inclusive basin-wide institution to provide a platform for consultation and coordination among Nile riparian countries.

At least 500 Nile Basin participants, including Nile Council Ministers (Nile-COM), representatives from NBI member countries and researchers are said to be amongst of the attendants of the commemoration day celebrations that are underway at the headquarters of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA) and in different parts of Addis Ababa.

According to NBI, Nile Day provides an opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of basin-wide Nile Cooperation in jointly taking good care of and utilizing the shared Nile Basin water and related resources for win-win benefits.
VALLETTA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Lecturers of the Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) held a two-hour strike on Thursday over a dispute between the college and the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) on a new collective agreement.

MUT and MCAST are currently locked in talks over a new pay package for lecturing staff, after the previous agreement expired in 2016.

The union is demanding that the package match that of lecturers of the country's Junior College, another post-secondary education institution.

While the MUT has accused MCAST of not showing any goodwill in talks, the college has insisted that it has offered lecturers an attractive offer that will see their salary matching that of Junior College lecturers by 2019.

MCAST president Silvio De Bono said the college remained open to discussions with the union at any time, adding that the college wanted to conclude talks as quickly as possible.

He acknowledged that MCAST's offer did not match the unions demands, adding however that the college also needed to ensure the financial sustainability of any package offered.
MADRID, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese brands are expanding in the Spanish safety and IT security market, according to analysts and industry players.

At the ongoing International Security, Safety and Fire Exhibition here, Chinese firms said that for many Spanish clients, Chinese security and safety products are cost-effective with customized solutions, helping them better compete against traditional giants such as Bosch.

Chinese technology can be found in the security systems of almost every important area in Spain: from the Spanish Post Office to Toledo's historical church; from extremely crowded areas such as metros and retails, to places with extremely high-level security requirements such as banks, prisons and energy bases.

Many believe a combination of quality service and innovative products -- rather than simply low prices -- are boosting Chinese firms.

Zeng Yiqun, the country manager for Spain & Portugal at Chinese surveillance technology company Dahua, said: "We first established our office in Madrid in 2015. In the past three years, we have gained more than 30 percent of the market share in Spain and Portugal."

Ye Xiaofeng, technical manager in charge of the Spanish market for Chinese technology company Hikvision, said: "Our sales on video surveillance products and services have increased by 80 percent in 2017, with plenty of room for growth."

New players are still entering the market. Xu Hanwen, from the International Business Department of Chinese company Uniview, told Xinhua that his firm was at the exhibition to "seek new opportunities in Europe."

Zou Lujian, the technical director of the Madrid office of Dahua, underlined the role of innovation. "We are the first company to successfully combine analogical technology with intellectual property. It's a great technological innovation with independent intellectual property," Zou said.

"In the future, Chinese brands will be recognized because of their cutting-edge technology and product quality instead of low price," he added.

More than 600 companies from all over the world gathered here to present new products and technologies on work safety, home security, counter-terrorism, natural disasters and national defense.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-23 00:32:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Iran may withdraw from the 2015 international nuclear deal if it cannot receive economic benefits, Iranian deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi as saying Thursday.

"If the policy of confusion and uncertainties about the JCPOA (or nuclear deal) continues, if companies and banks are not working with Iran, we cannot remain in a deal that has no benefit for us," Araqchi was quoted by Press TV as saying during a speech at Britain's Royal Institute of International Affairs in London.

Araqchi said U.S. President Donald Trump "has created an atmosphere of uncertainty which is like a poison for the business community in working with Iran."

"The (nuclear) deal would not survive this way even if the (U.S.) waivers are extended," said Araqchi.

On Jan. 12, Trump once again extended the waivers that are mandatory under the deal reached between Iran and six major world powers in 2015, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Trump said he extended the sanctions relief on Iran for the last time, threatening to withdraw from the landmark pact unless U.S. Congress and European allies can fix the alleged "disastrous flaws" in the deal.

Trump has constantly criticized the pact inked between Iran and Russia, Britain, France, China, the U.S. and Germany, in which the West promised to relieve sanctions on Tehran in exchange for a halt in Iran's efforts to develop a nuclear weapon.

Iran said it will not take any measures beyond its commitment to the JCPOA, nor will it accept changes to this agreement now or any time in the future.

The U.S. is the only party that has threatened to scrap the deal, a stance that has been opposed by other participants.

Since 2017 when Trump took office, the U.S. has sanctioned around 100 individuals and entities involved with Iran's ballistic missile program and other activities which the U.S. deems as "illicit."

Iran has dismissed the U.S. calls for halting its missile program development, saying it is only for deterrent purposes.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-23 00:42:02|Editor: huaxia

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ARUSHA, Tanzania, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Hectares of natural forests have been cleared by artisanal gold miners in northwestern Tanzania's district of Mbogwe, posing a serious environmental threat, authorities said on Thursday.

Emmanuel Bwai, Mbogwe District Forest Officer, said the increasing number of small-scale gold miners poses a serious threat to Mbogwe Bukombe Forest Reserve, which is close to Moyowosi and Kigosi Game reserves.

According to Bwai, artisanal gold miners have been cutting down trees for building their mine pits, hence became a challenge towards sustainable forest management.

"We've been fighting against the vice, but the fight seems to get out of hands as the speed of deforestation is alarming," said Bwai.

Charles Tui, Mbogwe District Environmental Officer said: "Apart from arresting the perpetrators, we've now resorted to educating them on the use of iron bars in reinforcing their mine pits instead of logs."

Elias Kayandabila, Mbogwe District Council executive director, said the government planned to plant 1.5 million trees every year to replenish the highly degraded areas from the anthropogenic factors like uncontrolled mining activities.

A forest inventory by the Tanzania Forest Services Agency in 2015 found that forests and wooded areas cover over 48 million hectares of land. It also found that wood remains the main source of fuel for Tanzanians, even in urban areas.

The current deforestation rate in Tanzania is approaching 373,000 hectares every year, making it among the highest in East Africa. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-23 00:52:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAMASCUS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met on Thursday with visiting Russian special envoy for Syrian affairs Alexander Lavrentiev to discuss the counter-terrorism cooperation, the state news agency SANA reported.

Both sides discussed the ongoing coordination and cooperation in fighting the terrorist groups in Syria and ways to boost the efforts to pave the way for the political track, according to SANA.

The meeting came at a time when Russia called for a UN Security Council meeting to discuss the situation in Eastern Ghouta in east of Damascus, where the fighting between government troops and rebels has escalated recently, creating a humanitarian crisis in the region.

The rebels have rained down Damascus with mortar shells while Syrian government retaliated with intensified airstrikes and shelling on the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta.

Opposition activists described the situation in Eastern Ghouta as catastrophic, as more than .

A day earlier, the Syria-based Russian Reconciliation Center said the rebels in Eastern Ghouta have not responded to the calls for laying down their weapons and endorsing a ceasefire.

Russia's Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia told the 15-member council on Wednesday that the UN Security Council must meet on Thursday to discuss the situation in Eastern Ghouta.

He said the appeals from Western powers to halt the violence in Eastern Ghouta were one-sided as they did not consider the Syrian government's stance.

"There are terrorists there who the Syrian army is fighting and the terrorists are shelling Damascus," Nebenzia said, adding "that is being neglected."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-23 00:52:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ISTANBUL, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Five former Turkish soldiers on Thursday were sentenced to life in prison over their involvement in the failed military coup in 2016.

The 25th High Criminal Court in Istanbul handed down aggravated life sentences to the quintet, suspected members of a network blamed for orchestrating the putsch on the night of July 15, 2016, for violating the constitution, the state-run Anadolu news agency said.

In addition, the defendants were each sentenced to 41 years in prison for damaging property and causing intentional injuries, teh report said.

The investigation and crackdown related to the coup attempt has resulted in over 150,000 people dismissed or suspended from their posts and 55,000 others arrested.

Many of them were suspected of being linked to the Gulen movement led by the U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is regarded by Ankara as the mastermind behind the coup.

The U.S. has so far rejected Turkey's requests for extraditing Gulen over his role in the failed coup that left 250 people killed, which strained Ankara's ties with the United States.
LONDON, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- British culture and arts minister Michael Ellis Thursday announced he has placed an export ban on the work, The Destruction of Pharaoh's Host by artist John Martin, in a bid to prevent the rare watercolor from being exported.

The painting, depicting the famous Biblical story of the parting of the Red Sea, is heading to an overseas home unless 2 million U.S. dollars can be raised.

The drawing, by Martin (1789-1854) illustrates the story of Moses releasing the waters of the Red Sea, after they had miraculously parted to allow the fleeing Israelites to cross, thereby drowning the pursuing Egyptian army.

Employing a panoramic composition to magnificent effect, Martin plays with the scale of the figures and the scenery to maximize the epic nature of the drama. The emotional force of this scene of deliverance and retribution is heightened by a blood red sunset below a sweeping black sky.

Martin's works of Biblical subjects, such as The Destruction of Pharaoh's Host published in 1833, were hugely popular and influential with admirers including the author Charles Dickens and the famous Bronte sisters who grew up with them on the walls of their father's parsonage.

Ellis said: "This incredibly dramatic picture captures the imaginative and apocalyptic subjects for which Martin is best known. I hope it can remain in the UK, where it can be admired and studied for many years to come."
NEW DELHI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- India has ranked at the 81st place on the scale of corruption perception index for 2017 released by Berlin-based corruption watchdog -- Transparency International.

"The index, which ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and businesspeople, uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean," a statement issued by Transparency International said.

"This year, the index found that more than two-thirds of countries score below 50, with an average score of 43."

India's score stands at 40.

"Analysis of the index results indicates that countries with the lowest protections for press and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also tend to have the worst rates of corruption," Transparency International said.

Despite promises and pledges from governments from time to time in India to uproot the menace of corruption, it continues to be deep-rooted.

In 2014, India's right wing Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) came to power riding an anti-corruption wave promising to increase accountability. However, three years down the line little seems to have changed.

India's main opposition Congress party that ruled the country for two consecutive terms from 2004-2014 faced serious allegations of corruption. The Congress party was accused of being involved in corruption scams including the 2G spectrum scam and coal block allocation scam.

In the 2G spectrum scam, the politicians and bureaucrats were accused of undercharging mobile telephone companies for frequency allocation licenses, while as in the coal block scam, lack of transparency and irregularities were found in their allocations.

India's former prime minister Manomhan Singh, known as one of the cleanest politicians in the country, was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and later summoned by court in the coal scandal in 2015. Though he was not charged with any crime, he was investigated for criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust and corruption-related offences in the case.

The two cases rattled India and saw downfall of the Congress Party in 2014 elections.

"If we take the latest survey from Transparency International into account, then little has changed in India vis-a-vis corruption," said Burhan Majid, an Assistant Professor of law at Central University in Kashmir.
MOMBASA, Kenya, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's tourism stakeholders on Thursday expressed optimism about the growth of cruise tourism next season which begins in September.

The Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast Executive Director Sam Ikwaye said the arrival of six cruise ships at the Kenyan coast is a sign of confidence for the destination.

Ikwaye said the current season, which started on September 2017 and is coming to an end in March has been able to bring in over 4,747 high-end tourists at the Kenya coast through the Indian Ocean.

Since October 2017, a total of six cruise vessels have docked at the port, with international guests from Britain, United States, Canada and other nationalities.

"When cruise liners come to your destination, it brings in two things; the high-end tourist who spend good money on their arrival and gives the destination an endorsement," said Ikwaye.

He spoke at the port of Mombasa after receiving, MS Isgnia with 1,066 tourists, which includes 680 passengers and 386 crew members. They are from Zanzibar heading to Seychelles.

He urged Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to finish up the cruise ship terminal in the record time in readiness for the next season and Mombasa County government should ensure a clean city and supporting infrastructure for the cruise ship tourism.

"We are now asking KPA and the Mombasa County government to put up supporting infrastructure to support cruise ship tourism. We need good roads and cleaner city," he said.

Kenya Ports Authority Head of Corporate Communication, Bernard Osero said this season has been the best in the recent years.

KPA management is working round the clock to finish the construction of the 4.5 million U.S. dollars state-of-the-art, world-class cruise ship terminal at berth number one.

The new terminal will have state-of-the-art security features, an immigration center, a hotel and accommodation facility and other social amenities.

Osero said they are sure that the terminal, which allows simultaneous berthing of two Oasis-class cruise ships (world largest passenger ships), will be completed by July.
KIEV, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The first China International Import Expo (CIIE) offers a chance for Ukraine to boost its exports to China, Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Stepan Kubiv said on Thursday.

"China is a multi-billion-dollar consumer market, where Ukraine can supply many products, ranging from food to industrial goods, clothing, various equipment and services," Kubiv was quoted as saying by the government's press service.

Ukraine will display a large exhibition stand uniting a range of companies at the expo scheduled for November in Shanghai, China, he said.

"I am convinced that the national stand of Ukraine will help our exporters to show themselves in a comprehensive way and to enter the advantageous Chinese market," Kubiv said.

According to Ukrainian statistics, Ukraine exported about 2 billion U.S. dollars worth of goods to China last year, up 11.3 percent from a year before.

On Feb. 1, Ukraine announced its participation in the CIIE, a major event to be organized by the Chinese government to promote a new round of high-level opening-up.

The expo, which will include exhibitions and forums, provides a platform for trade and services, and offers opportunities for closer international cooperation.

State leaders, entrepreneurs and scholars from over 100 countries and regions are expected to participate in the expo.
ATHENS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Greek Finance Ministry welcomed on Thursday the new upgrade of Greece's credit rating by Moody's as one more sign that Greek economy is recovering from the debt crisis.

The credit ratings agency upgraded Greece's rating by two notches late on Wednesday to B3 from Caa2 on Wednesday, noting that the country is heading towards a successful completion of its third bailout this summer and return to international markets.

The new upgrade which comes after similar upgrades by other ratings agencies lately show that there are positive expectations for the Greek economy in following months and years, commented the Finance Ministry in an e-mailed press statement.

"The government continues to work steadily and intensively, committed to the country's final exit from the program in August 2018," the ministry said.
BRUSSELS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- To mark the 10-year anniversary of a catastrophic earthquake that hit Wenchuan County in China's southwestern Sichuan Province, China opened a photo exhibition on Thursday at the European Parliament here.

The exhibition was a way for China to express its deep gratitude to the European Union (EU) and its member states for lending a helping hand.

Dozens of photos are on display of emergency teams from EU countries working in the quake-hit areas, as well as photos showing the jaw-dropping transformation of Wenchuan and the economic achievement of Sichuan Province in the past ten years.

On May 12, 2008, an earthquake of a magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scale hit Wenchuan County, claiming more than 69,000 lives and razing almost the whole county to the ground.

It was the deadliest earthquake to hit China in a century.

"After ten years of hard work, Wenchuan has regained life, like a phoenix rising from the ashes," said Ambassador Zhang Ming, the head of the Chinese mission to the EU at the launching ceremony of the photo exhibition.

He stressed that "presenting Wenchuan's achievements is the best way to say thank you to those who have helped her, including the EU".

The ambassador heaped praise on the EU for the assistance it provided to China at the time.

"We will never forget those European relief and medical staff who worked day and night on the ground, side by side with their Chinese colleagues," he said.

Nor would China forget the EU's financial contributions to the cause, Zhang said.

"We will never forget the generosity of the EU institutions, the member states, and people from all walks of life, who made 710 million Chinese yuan (about 110 million U.S. dollars under the 2008 exchange rate) of donations."

He recalled that Herman Van Rompuy, president of the European Council from 2009 to 2014, visited the quake-hit region and joint reconstruction projects conducted by China and the EU.

Zhang also applauded Serge Abou, then EU Ambassador to China, who went to the Chinese foreign ministry immediately after the disaster to make donations.

"Though they are not personally here today, we still want to say 'thank you' to them, to the EU delegation to China, and to everyone who offered help and support," said the ambassador.

Echoing Zhang, Yang Xingping, vice governor of Sichuan province, said in his speech that besides being a gift of thanks to the EU for aid, the exhibition also aimed to deepen the economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between Sichuan and EU member states.

Dimitrios Papadimoulis, vice president of the European Parliament said, "Support and assistance is something very important that brings the EU and China closer, and more importantly, brings our peoples together in a common effort."

"This exhibition is taking place in a very important moment when EU-China relations are constantly improving," he said, hailing the photo exhibition for its symbolism.

It "indicates the power of the human commitment to overcome huge difficulties, and the truthful results of international operations", Papadimoulis said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-23 02:12:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DUBAI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the deputy supreme commander of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces, met with visiting former U.S. President Bill Clinton on Thursday to discuss the UAE-U.S. ties.

Both sides hailed the strong UAE-U.S. relations and reviewed an array of issues of mutual concern, the state news agency WAM reported.

The meeting was also attended by Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE ambassador to the U.S., and Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, the undersecretary of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi.

Clinton, who headed the White House from 1993 to 2001 as the 42nd U.S. president, has been a regular speaker at business and educational conferences in the UAE for many years.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-23 02:17:23|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Iran is ready to work with the new UN special envoy to Yemen to resolve the crisis there, Iranian UN ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo was quoted as saying Thursday.

Iran is ready for cooperation with Martin Griffiths, the new UN special envoy to Yemen, to end the crisis in Yemen through political approaches, Khoshroo said in a meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, the Tasnim news agency reported.

Any uncalculated and unilateral measure at the UN Security Council regarding Yemen would only lead to deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Yemen, Khoshroo said.

The UN will harness the best means to reach a political compromise in the war-torn Yemen, Guterres was quoted as saying.

Griffiths will replace Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed who announced on Monday that he will step down from the post at the end of next month.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-23 02:42:31|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Iran and the Netherlands have expressed readiness to foster closer political and economic ties, Iran's Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

The announcement was made after a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his visiting Dutch counterpart Sigrid Kaag in the capital Tehran.

During their meeting, Zarif and Kaag exchanged views on a range of political issues, including the ongoing situation in Yemen and Syria.

The talks also covered the expansion of the bilateral economic ties, particularly the cooperation in the sectors of oil and gas as well as banking.

For her part, Kaag expressed her country's willingness to establish closer cooperation with Iranian companies.

The Dutch minister also highlighted the Netherlands' support to the Iranian nuclear deal, internationally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saying Amsterdam remains committed to its full implementation.
ROME, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The cabinet of Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni approved three decrees on Thursday which will implement prison reform.

The bills have already been approved by parliament.

"Our objective is for the prison system to reduce the rate of repeat offenders," Gentiloni told a press conference after what was the last cabinet meeting of his administration ahead of a national election on March 4.

The measures include investments of 36 billion euros (44.4 billion U.S. dollars), which Gentiloni called "a very important contribution to our economy", according to ANSA news agency.

As well, the measures will enact new contracts for prison staff "after a nine to 10-year freeze", Gentiloni said.

"After waiting nine to 10 years, our public employees, the security sector and local bodies have a new labor contract," the outgoing center-left prime minister said. "This is a fact of great relevance for many families," ANSA cited him as saying.

In recent years, Italy has invested a great deal in alternative sentencing for non-violent crimes, such as house arrest, in a bid to reduce overcrowding in prisons.

The current prison system law was approved in 1975.
DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania has been ranked number 103 out of 180 countries included in the global corruption perceptions index for 2017, said a report by Transparency International (TI) released on Thursday.

The index awarded the east African country a score of 36 points which was a slight improvement from 2016 and 2015 where the country registered a score of 32 and 30 points, respectively.

However, Tanzania comes second in the east African bloc ahead of Kenya and Uganda which are at positions 143 and 151 in the index which ranks countries on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

Rwanda leads the pack among countries within the East African Community (EAC) with a score of 55 at position 48 while the troubled country of Burundi tails the region as the worst performer in the graft perceptions index posting 22 points at position 157 in the world.

According to the TI, New Zealand and Denmark rank highest with scores of 89 and 88 respectively while Syria, South Sudan and Somalia rank lowest with scores of 14, 12 and 9 respectively.

The rankings indicate that best performing region is Western Europe with an average score of 66 while the worst performing regions are Sub-Saharan Africa (average score 32) and Eastern Europe and Central Asia (average score 34).

"No activist or reporter should have to fear for their lives when speaking out against corruption. Given current crackdowns on both civil society and the media worldwide, we need to do more to protect those who speak up," said Patricia Moreira, the Managing Director of Transparency International.

Following the results of the index, Transparency International has urged governments and businesses to do more to encourage free speech, independent media, political dissent and an open and engaged civil society to curb corruption.

It has also recommended governments to minimize regulations on media, including traditional and new media, and ensure that journalists can work without fear of repression or violence also calling upon civil societies to promote laws that focus on access to information.

"This access helps enhance transparency and accountability while reducing opportunities for corruption. It is important, however, for governments to not only invest in an appropriate legal framework for such laws, but also commit to their implementation," said the global civil society organization leading the fight against corruption.

Since assuming the office in November 2015, President John Magufuli has been instrumental in waging war on graft and reducing unnecessary government expenditures.

His crusade on corruption also saw a number of government officials getting sacked while prominent businessmen were put on trial for their involvement in the vice.
ALGIERS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Algerian-Tunisian Energy Cooperation Committee is due to meet on Feb. 26-27 in Tunis to discuss enhancing energy cooperation, the Algerian Energy Ministry said Thursday.

Preceded by a meeting of experts, the committee will be co-chaired by the Tunisian Energy Minister Khaled Kaddour and Algerian counterpart Mustapha Guitouni, the ministry said in a statement.

The progress and development of the ongoing projects and contracts, as well as future cooperation opportunities, will be on the agenda of this meeting, it said.

At the last committee meeting held in 2017 in Algiers, the two parties agreed to further optimize operating capacity of electricity interconnections between the two countries, examine the possibility of increasing the energy transit line and expanding electricity trade, as well as exchange expertise in supplying remote and border areas with gas and electricity.

The committee noted with satisfaction the proper functioning of the electrical interconnection lines following the commissioning in 2014 of the 400 KV line linking Cheffia in Algeria to Djendouba in Tunisia.

In addition to strengthening the electrical interconnection, Algeria and Tunisia have also cooperated in the field of hydrocarbons.

Algerian energy giant Sonatrach and the Tunisian National Oil Company established in 2003 a joint venture called "Numhyd," which is in charge of the exploration and production of oil and gas in both countries.
LAGOS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Thursday commissioned a newly established 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in northwest Katsina State to address security challenges in the region.

The army chief said the establishment and operation of the brigade was part of the robust response to the numerous security challenges in the country.

Buratai said the brigade was set up after a threat analysis of the state and the entire North-West zone.

He said the Army Council gave the approval for it under the 2016 "Order of Battle."

The military chief said the establishment of the formation was strategic in view of the numerous security challenges the nation was grappling with.

He said in particular, the state was faced with the challenges of cattle rustling, armed robbery and armed banditry, as well as cross border crimes.

Earlier, the state governor, Aminu Masari, said nine local government areas in the state share boundary with the Kamuku forest, where a lot of criminal activities take place.

According to him, the forest covers Kaduna, Niger and a few other states in the northwest, noting that the challenges of cattle rustling, armed robbery and armed banditry still remain.

The governor promised to support the army and other security agencies in the state in the efforts to rid it of criminality.
KIGALI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) will Friday send a contingent of 40 personnel to participate in a three-week Multinational Peace Support Operations Exercise in Bangladesh due from next week, the army said in a statement.

The exercise will run from Feb. 26 to Mar. 12, 2018, with the participation of 780 peacekeepers from 40 countries, said the statement released Thursday.

Codenamed "SHANTI DOOT 4", the exercise is aimed at building capacity of the armed forces of troops contributing countries in the UN peace operations and providing them with an opportunity to share natural cultural values, it said.

Rwanda Army Chief of Staff Jacques Musemakweli urged RDF officers and troops to reflect the force's values and be good ambassadors of the country during the multinational exercise.

The exercise is jointly organized by the U.S. Pacific Command, a unified combatant command of the United States Armed Forces responsible for the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, and U.S. Africa Command as well as Bangladesh as the host nation, according to the statement.

It will take place at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operations Training at Rajendrapur Cantonment, central Bangladesh, said the statement.
VIENNA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Austrian government has announced Thursday that it has commenced legal action to sue the European Commission over its approval of an expansion to the Paks Nuclear Power Plant in neighboring Hungary.

Austrian Minister of Sustainability and Tourism Elisabeth Kostinger Thursday confirmed the news in a press release.

In late January Austria said it would take the case to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.

Under the plan, Hungary would add two new reactors, doubling the power capacity of the Paks plant, which is located 5 kilometers from Paks in central Hungary.

The total cost of the expansion of the nuclear power plant is estimated at 12 billion U.S. dollars.

The Hungarian opposition criticized the project due to the lack of its transparency, but the new power plant has been evaluated by the European Commission and received all of the permissions earlier 2017. It should be completed in 2023.

"Austria has always been a country that has vehemently spoken out against nuclear power," the minister said, arguing that nuclear power must have "no place in Europe."

"We will not deviate from this stance even by a centimeter," she added.

She also said Austria's nature, environment, and unique landscape means it is compelled to fight this "David versus Goliath" battle.

Austria has a long-standing opposition to nuclear power, and last year already made clear its intentions to oppose the Paks expansion.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-23 04:27:55|Editor: pengying

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Illegal migrants are seen at an illegal migration reception center in Tripoli, Libya, on Feb. 22, 2018. Libyan on Thursday called on the international community to help resolve the problem of illegal migration which has burdened the war-torn country. (Xinhua/Hamza Turkia)

TRIPOLI, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Libyan on Thursday called on the international community to help resolve the problem of illegal migration which has burdened the war-torn country.

Mohamed Sayala, Libyan foreign minister of the UN-backed government, issued the call at the tripartite international committee on illegal migration in Libya attended by the African Union, the European Union and United Nations.

The meeting is aimed at discussing ways of cooperation to assist the stranded migrants in Libya and to facilitate their deportation to the countries of origin.

Sayala said European countries should help Libya develop an electronic monitoring system to secure the borders, and to establish development projects in the countries of origin to reduce the flow of illegal migrants.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner of Social Affairs of African Union Amira Al-Fadel and EU Ambassador to Libya Bettina Muscheidt, as well as officials of the United Nations Mission in Libya and international organizations dealing with the issues of migration and humanitarian relief.

"Libya has provided all the requirements and continues to provide assistance needed by the migrants in the reception centers, despite lack of any international support for Libya in this regard," Sayala said.

The Libyan minister mentioned that Libyan law criminalizes the entry into Libya without a visa, while stressing that the Libyan society rejects the resettlement of illegal migrants in the country still reeling from a civil war.

"Libya has nothing to hide from the international community on illegal immigration. The reception centers are open to all regional and international organization," Sayala added.

Al-Fadel confirmed that the African Union would continue to support Libya's efforts to combat illegal immigration through coordination with the Libyan authorities to identify migrants.

She revealed that there is a possibility of starting to collect and prepare a database on immigrants, and cooperating in training of Libyans to do the job.

Following the meeting, the participants visited the illegal immigration reception center in the Libyan capital Tripoli and met with its officials there.

Commenting on the visit, Brigadier Mohamed Beshr, head of the Libyan anti-illegal immigration department of the Ministry of Interior, said that the committee and the department agreed on holding consultations on future cooperation on fighting illegal migration.

The two sides agreed to continue consultation on providing a support package for the anti-illegal immigration department and training personnel to build a database to track the migrants so to facilitate the process of deporting them to their countries of origin, Beshr told Xinhua.

Libya has become a preferred departure point for illegal immigrants from Africa to cross the Mediterranean into Europe, in order to flee their home countries affected by violence, war and poverty.
LUANDA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The installation of the first direct link between Africa and South America will be made on Friday in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil, the chairperson of Angola Cables Executive Committee Antonio Nunes told local media Thursday.

The official said that the installation of the South Atlantic Cable System (SACS) on the Brazilian coast will be an important milestone for the conclusion of this strategic project for Angola, as it represents a turn of the page in the world digital communications, especially since it is the first direct link between the African and South American continents.

According to him, with the launch of this system in Luanda (Angola) and Fortaleza (Brazil), the waiting time for communications of about 350 thousandths of a second will be reduced to just over 60 thousandths of a second.

He stressed that the content produced in these regions and the international connectivity provided by submarine cables could generate great economic benefits mainly for Angola, with great potential of attracting technological companies of the region that need high connectivity.

"The project enters the final phase, which translates to how close we are to the realization of this ambitious project that will put Angola on the world map of telecommunications," he said

"With the completion of SACS soon, and its entry into operation in the third quarter of this year, Angola is increasingly close to becoming one of the telecommunications centers in the sub-Saharan region," he said.

To Nunes, this phase of cable installation in shallow water is "one of the most important aspects of the project, not only because it is the final part, but also because it is the phase in which various levels of interaction and activity with different entities are required simultaneously."

"When SACS is operational, we will see a significant improvement in communications between Angola, African countries, and the Americas. The waiting time for communications, known as latency, is going to reduce fivefold, from the current about 350 thousandths of a second to just over 60 thousandths of a second," he said.

SACS incorporates optical technology capable of providing the most advanced submarine telecommunications system. The Submarine Cable will have an initial capacity of 40 terabits per second (tpbs), equivalent to 100 gigabits per second (gbps) x 100 wavelength x 4 pairs of fiber.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-23 05:18:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Marking its 10th anniversary, online accommodation giant Airbnb announced Thursday a new hotel-like tier of service, called Airbnb Plus, on its platform.

The new unveiled category of rentals is being marketed as a more standardized style of service that is "verified for quality" and includes a set of amenities one might typically find in a hotel.

"Every Airbnb Plus home is one-of-a-kind, thoughtfully designed, and equipped with a standard set of amenities - whether you're in a private room or have the entire place to yourself," the company said.

The California-based company says Airbnb Plus is a new selection of only the highest quality homes with hosts known for great reviews and attention to detail. Hosts of the properties must have a 4.8 out of 5-star rating or higher.

All Airbnb Plus homes are rated by the company's inspectors. The homes will be "visited in person to ensure comfort, consistency, and design."

According to The New York Times, the average nightly rate for an Airbnb Plus listing will be 200 U.S. dollars, instead of 100 U.S. dollars for standard listings.

The higher-end accommodations that meet 100-point quality checklist is debuting with more than 2,000 homes across 13 cities, including Austin, Barcelona, Cape Town, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Melbourne, Milan, Rome, San Francisco, Shanghai, Sydney, and Toronto.

Since it started 10 years ago, Airbnb has had 300 million overnight stays, according to media reports. However, the company, which wants to have more than one billion people staying in its rentals in 10 year, is still not mainstream enough to compete with hotels.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-23 05:28:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- A senior United Nations relief official on Thursday urged the international community to boost support for humanitarian efforts in crisis-gripped Central African Republic (CAR), where nearly half the population requires assistance.

UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Ursula Mueller made the appeal in the capital, Bangui, on Thursday at the end of a four-day visit to the country.

"CAR is facing a large-scale humanitarian crisis," she said. "Violence is fast spreading across the country while urgent and critical needs are increasing and should be covered. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence and insecurity."

Clashes between the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition and anti-Balaka militia, which are mostly Christian, plunged the country into civil conflict in 2013.

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has described the CAR as "a fragile country" that has been devastated by years of conflict and faces both structural and economic challenges.

Mueller said protection will "remain central" to its action there in 2018.

UN and its partners are reportedly seeking 516 million U.S. dollars to meet the needs of nearly two million people in the CAR this year, or roughly half the population.

However, Mueller said, funding for humanitarian operations in the country has declined over the past three years. Meanwhile, the number of internally displaced people nearly doubled in 2017 to 694,000.

The CAR is one of three countries that Mueller is visiting in West and Central Africa. She will also visit Cameroon and Chad in a mission that will wrap up next Tuesday.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-23 05:33:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAMASCUS, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Syrian military on Thursday urged civilians in Eastern Ghouta in east of Damascus to leave ahead of an imminent military offensive.

Syrian military helicopters dropped leaflets over the rebel-held areas, reported the War Media, the media wing of the Syrian army.

The civilians were requested to move to areas under the Syrian army control, as the leaflet included instructions on how to take safe exits illustrated on a small map.

The instructions also warned the civilians against cooperating with the anti-government rebels.

"Brother citizens in Eastern Ghouta, the area is surrounded by the Syrian army... Everyone is tired of this war that has brought nothing to the Syrians but death and destruction of the homes, hospitals, and schools," the leaflet said.

Because of the armed rebels, thousands of children, mothers, fathers, and brothers have lost their lives or ended up in shelters and camps, it continued.

"Our families in Eastern Ghouta, we hope you don't cooperate with the armed men to protect your lives and we call on you to leave the area as we guarantee your safety," it said.

The military also pledged to offer security and food to the people once they left Eastern Ghouta, promising them a safe return to their homes "after the elimination of terrorism."

This development came as massive military reinforcements have reached the outskirts of Eastern Ghouta as part of the preparations for a military campaign to defeat the rebels in that sprawling area, including the al-Qaida-linked ones.

Eastern Ghouta has seen intense bombardment in recent days, as a prelude to the anticipated military campaign.

The recent violence in eastern Damascus was triggered a couple of months ago when al-Qaida-linked groups launched an offensive against a key military base in the city of Harasta in the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta region, prompting a counter military offensive in that area.

The attacks at that time were coupled with rebels' shelling of the capital Damascus, against which Syrian government troops retaliated by launching airstrikes targeting the rebel positions in Eastern Ghouta.

But the situation has dramatically worsened in recent days, creating a humanitarian crisis that has attracted the international attention.

The rebels' mortar shells have rained down on Damascus so heavily that the life in the Damascus' eastern neighborhoods near Eastern Ghouta has been largely paralyzed with people cowering in their homes, not daring to leave for safety reasons.

The hospitals in Damascus, mainly those close to the east, have been jam-packed with wounded people and children. Moreover, residents in eastern Damascus have refrained from sending their kids to the schools, as three children were killed on Tuesday when a mortar shell struck their school in central Damascus.

Late last Sunday, the Syrian army amassed forces on the outskirts of Eastern Ghouta and started heavily shelling the rebel positions.

Eastern Ghouta, where around 350,000 civilians are still living, has for long been the major threat to the capital Damascus, with rebels keep launching attacks at the capital.

Four key rebel groups are positioned inside Eastern Ghouta, including the Islam Army, Failaq al-Rahman, Ahrar al-Sham and the Levant Liberation Committee (LLC), otherwise known as the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that 400 people have been killed and hundreds of others wounded by the bombardment of Eastern Ghouta since Sunday.

The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) said Thursday that two of its subbranches in Eastern Ghouta had been damaged, adding that several of its workers were wounded.

It urged the conflicting parties to separate its centers from the military targets.

The UN has urged for a one-month long cessation of hostilities to enable its teams on the ground to deliver relief aid to the affected civilians inside Eastern Ghouta.

On Thursday, the UN Security Council held an emergency session to discuss the situation in Eastern Ghouta.

Mark Lowcock, UN undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, on Thursday called on the Security Council to take "urgent and concrete action" as violence escalates in Syria.

The international community must take "urgent and concrete action," Lowcock told the council.

Meanwhile, Kuwait and Sweden put forward a draft resolution on reaching a month-long ceasefire and sending humanitarian relief to Eastern Ghouta.

But the Russian envoy to the UN Vassily Nebenzia said that Russia would not support the resolution put forward by Sweden and Kuwait in its present form, calling it unrealistic.

Later on, news was circulated that voting on the resolution is postponed till Friday amid information about Russian amendments to the draft.

For his part, Bashar al-Jaafari, the Syrian envoy to the UN, told the UN Security Council session that the draft resolution submitted by Kuwait and Sweden was not coordinated with the Syrian delegation.

The Syrian diplomat noted that groups in Eastern Ghouta designated as terror organizations by the UN Security Council have been targeting Damascus with hundreds of rockets and mortar shells on a daily basis, causing the death and injury of dozens of civilians.

The remarks by al-Jaafari and the Russian envoy indicate that there will be no tolerance with the rebels in Eastern Ghouta as the decision has apparently been made to eliminate the rebels.
RABAT, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani said on Thursday that his government will further strengthen its efforts to fight corruption.

El Othmani hailed Morocco's nine-spot advance in its world ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index 2017 compared to a year earlier.

According to the list released on Wednesday, the North African kingdom ranks 81st out of 180 countries with 40 points, as opposed to 90th with 37 points in 2016.

The Moroccan prime minister said the government places fighting corruption as its top priority as it has set up the National Anti-Corruption Committee and strictly implemented the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in partnership with the civil society.

The number of annual reported corruption cases has risen from 7,000 to 13,000 since the launch of a toll-free anti-corruption hotline by the Ministry of Justice and Liberties in 2015, El Othmani noted.

These reports have led to the conviction of dozens of people, who were sentenced to imprisonment in 31 corruption cases, he said.

The government has also taken measures to protect the informants, while making laws to ensure an effective system of transparency, the prime minster added.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-23 06:18:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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QUITO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela should attend the upcoming Summit of the Americas, a gathering of hemispheric leaders organized by the Washington-based Organization of American States (OAS) and hosted this year by Peru, Ecuador said on Thursday.

The South American country weighed in on the matter following Peru's attempt to disinvite Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

"Ecuador thinks the Summit of the Americas should include all of its members, especially to have a venue where we can express our ideas, disagree and make recommendations behind closed doors," Ecuadorian Foreign Affairs Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa said.

Peru's move appeared designed to influence the April 22 presidential elections in Venezuela, in which Maduro plans to run for reelection.

"We have a constitutional mandate of not interfering in the domestic affairs of states," Espinosa said.

Cuba and Bolivia have also expressed their support for Maduro's presence at the April 12 to 13 summit.
Education Lab is a Seattle Times project that spotlights promising approaches to some of the most persistent challenges in public education. It is produced in partnership with the Solutions Journalism Network, a New York-based nonprofit that works to spread the practice of solutions-oriented Read more
Firefighters work to extinguish a fire at 102 E. Aurora St. in 2006. The building caught fire again Wednesday morning and appears to be a total loss.

By RALPH ANSAMI

[email protected]

Ironwood - The early Wednesday morning fire at 102 E. Aurora St. in downtown Ironwood that resulted in one death and other injuries wasn't the first fatal fire in the building.

On Dec. 15, 2006, the body of Greg Pecotte, 25, was found after a third-floor apartment in the building near the corner of Lowell and Aurora streets burned.

The Daily Globe reported Pecotte's body was found by firefighters after the blaze was extinguished. At that time, the downstairs business on the first floor was a clock and watch establishment.

Pecotte, a 1999 Hurley High School graduate who was blind and had diabetes, died of smoke inhalation in the accidental fire, then Ironwood Public Safety Department Director Robert Erspamer said.

In that blaze, volunteer firefighters Mike Wiemeri and Jason Holmes were treated at the scene by Beacon Ambulance and apartment residents Theresa Vernetti, 63, and Joe Cavosie, 65, were treated and released from Grand View Hospital.

Short response

The IPSD responded to Wednesday's 3:49 a.m. fire with full force from the police-fire station just a block and a half away.

A second adjacent building at 104 W. Aurora St. was also destroyed. Debris from the upper floor of that building ended up on the roof of the Contrast Coffee building next door. City records show the two destroyed buildings date back to the 1920s.

The entire main street block was closed Wednesday during the firefighting efforts that turned streets to ice during near zero temperatures. Business U.S. 2 was re-routed through downtown.

City Manager Scott Erickson and numerous onlookers watched the buildings burn from near the Ironwood Theatre, across the street, around 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Erickson said the three-story Chelsi's Corner building was owned by Chuck Hagstrom. Hagstrom also owned the second burned building next door.

Chelsi's Corner was a clothing store that offered everything from plaid shirts for Ironwood's autumn downtown Plaidurday celebration to home goods and jewelry.

Chelsi's Corner drew rave reviews on its Facebook site.

"What a great store in town. You can find a little something for every corner of your life," Dorena Herrara-Perez posted on the site.

The building previously housed an Italian restaurant and hardware store, among other business ventures.

School closed

The smoke from the fire was visible Wednesday morning from Kimball.

The fire forced the closure of Luther L. Wright K-12 School on Ayer Street, blocks away, around 9:30 a.m. because of the heavy smoke that was blowing southeast, children were sent home and the air ventilation system in the building was shut off when the smoke became excessive.

Around 10 a.m., a staff member at the school said some staff members remained, but were preparing to leave the building.

Many other homes in the city were affected by the smoke.

There was a brief power glitch downtown around 9 a.m., following an earlier outage.

Water turns brown

City officials issued a warning about discolored water downtown during the firefighting efforts and it turned brown citywide, they later said.

Officials said at noon the brown water would likely continue until the fire was extinguished and the hydrant could be turned off.

City utility customers were advised to conserve water.

While classes at Ironwood resumed today, an automated message to parents Wednesday encouraged students to bring bottled water for the remainder of the week. The message said washing hands in the water was ok, but could be followed up with the use of hand sanitizer.
This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company.

As of 2020, Minuteman Review is now the proud owner and operator of Your Defence News, a website with a long history of breaking huge news stories and investigative journalism.

We hope you are equally as excited as us.

This means that now the teams of Minuteman can combine with the firepower of Your Defence News to stay at the absolute forefront for our readers.

Keep an eye. Big things are coming soon. We couldn't be more excited.

In the meanwhile, here are some of our most popular posts and categories to keep you busy.

Happy shootin' my friends!

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News

Orlando, Florida - On Wednesday, I visited with two very special ladies who were willing to share what art therapy has meant to their healing process. I visited Florida Hospital Cancer Institute in Orlando.

The first patient, Julie, articulated how difficult life is when you first receive a cancer diagnosis. You dont want to let anyone in. You build a wall, a barrier to protect yourself while processing the news. She resisted going to see the art therapist at first. But she credits Jessica, the art therapist, with breaking through that wall. She says due to art therapy, she is focused on her future, and she has a hopeful outlook.

Anne, a colon cancer survivor of many years, continues to attend art therapy sessions to help her with issues she still deals with related to her illness. I asked her what surprised her the most about art therapy. She said she was surprised at how the art therapy sessions seemed to unlock the emotions buried deep within. Once those emotions surface, they can be dealt with in the art therapy session.

We were serenaded during our session by the music therapist playing the flute softly in the background.

Hats off to Florida Hospital for having vibrant art and music therapy programs.

I am honored to have this national and international platform to shine the light on art therapy. I hope you continue to follow along, as I will share stories about my visits across the United States and around the world to elevate art therapy.

Art therapy is near and dear to my heart.
Arizona News

Phoenix, Arizona - Tuesday, Governor Ducey delivered the annual International State of the State address focusing on Arizonas strong trade and business partnerships with the international community.

Not only have Arizonas international relationships never been stronger, the opportunities to prosper from international partnerships and cooperation have never been greater.

Business Relationships

Arizonas business and trade relationships remain crucial to our states growing economy.

In 2017, Arizona exported over $20 billion of goods to 202 countries around the world.

In 2017, Arizona imported over $20 billion of goods from 162 countries around the world.

Arizonas exports alone support over 95,000 jobs in the United States.

Majority foreign-owned establishments employ over 100,000 people here in Arizona.

In 2017, Arizona saw:

$19 billion in trade from NAFTA countries (Mexico and Canada).

$7.8 billion in trade from European countries.

Over $4 billion in trade with China and $1.6 billion with Japan.

Our strongest trading partners: Mexico and Canada

Mexico

The Arizona-Mexico Commission, established 59 years ago, facilitates collaboration on cross-border trade and security.

Two-way trade with Mexico approached nearly $16 billion in 2017, supporting approximately 100,000 Arizona jobs.

More than 46 million people, 17 million cars, and 760,000 trucks cross the Arizona-Mexico border in two-way traffic (2015).

Arizona will be home to SkyBridge Arizona, the first inland cargo inspections facility in the nation to house both Mexican and United States customs. The project is set to bring 17,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs to Arizona.

Canada

Arizona has a $4.5 billion bilateral economic footprint with Canada.

Arizonas annual trade with Canada for 2017 totals over $3.5 billion.

350 Canadian businesses operate in Arizona, making Canada the largest contributor of foreign direct investment employment in our state.

Nearly 150,000 jobs in Arizona, or 1 in 20, result directly from trade and investment in Canada.

A significant portion of international housing in Maricopa County, the fastest growing county in the United States, is Canadian-owned.

Tourism

In addition to Arizonas thriving business partnerships with the international community, tourists from all over the world visit Arizona to experience our great climate and quality of life.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - Bridgets Gift is joining forces with the Jersey Mikes restaurant located at 11231 E. Commercial Center Loop in Yuma for the 8th Annual March Month of Giving campaign. During the month of March, customers can make a donation to Bridgets Gift at this location.

The campaign will culminate in Jersey Mikes Day of Giving on Wednesday, March 28, when local Jersey Mikes restaurants will give 100 percent of the days sales  not just profit  to Bridgets Gift.

On Day of Giving, local Jersey Mikes owners and operators throughout the country will donate their resources and every single dollar that comes in to more than 170 different charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more.

I would like to extend a personal invitation to you and your family to visit Jersey Mikes Subs throughout the month of March, and especially on Day of Giving when 100 percent of sales  every penny  will help support neighborhood needs, said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mikes founder and CEO, who started the company when he was only 17 years old.

For a list of participating restaurants in your area and for more information on our charity partners, please visit our charity listing by state. Everyone is invited to come in to a local Jersey Mikes restaurant and enjoy a delicious sub meal.

Last years Month of Giving campaign raised more than $5.5 million for local charities nationwide. An astounding $4.6 million of that amount was raised on Day of Giving alone. Since 2010, Jersey Mikes locations throughout the country have raised more than $28 million for worthy local charities and distributed more than 2 million free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes.

For more information about Jersey Mikes Subs Month of Giving, please visit: www.jerseymikes.com/mog .
Polonia se impune pe piata dronelor militare de ultima generatie

Polonezii investesc tot mai mult in capacitati militare de ultima generatie. Insa pe langa un proces de achizitii cu adevarat de invidiat, in care se regasesc aeronave de generatia a V-a F-35 sau tancuri Abrams, industria din Polonia se pare ca are succes si in a vinde [citeste mai departe]
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump suggested on Wednesday that arming teachers could help prevent massacres such as last week's mass shooting at a Florida high school.

Trump voiced support for the idea during an emotional White House meeting with students who survived the shooting and a parent whose child did not.

"If you had a teacher ... who was adept at firearms, it could very well end the attack very quickly," said Trump, who acknowledged the idea would be controversial.

He sat in the middle of a semi-circle in the State Dining Room of the White House, listening intently as students wept and pleaded for change. He vowed to take steps to improve background checks for gun buyers.

The meeting included six students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 17 students and educators were slain on Feb. 14 by a gunman with an AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifle in the second-deadliest shooting at a U.S. public school.

"I don`t understand why I can still go in a store and buy a weapon of war, an AR," said Sam Zeif, 18, sobbing after he described texting his family members during the Florida shooting.

"Let`s never let this happen again please, please," Zeif said.

Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow Pollack, 18, was killed, shouted: "It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it. And I`m pissed - because my daughter - I`m not going to see again."

Trump said his administration would emphasize background checks and mental health in an effort to make schools safer.

"We`re going to be very strong on background checks, we`re doing very strong background checks, very strong emphasis on the mental health," Trump said.

"It`s not going to be talk like it has been in the past," Trump said.

Trump`s support for any tightening of gun laws would mark a change for the Republican, who was endorsed by the National Rifle Association gun rights group during the 2016 presidential campaign.
When the dust settles a bit on the Punjab National Bank scam surrounding luxury jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi's Gitanjali Jewels, whose shares tanked through the week, we are likely to find that the disgraced companies being investigated by authorities for bank frauds and/or loan defaults may be sitting on hidden assets. I speak of intellectual property such as brands and designs, relationships with exquisite artisans who craft jewellery, and valuable staff who might have done no wrong while their masters made pots of money through dubious means.

Among the welter of jokes, memes, innuendos, explanations and scandalised messages that I received on the elusive Nirav Modi last week, one from a woman friend stood out: "Nirav Modi designs are too good. I love to copy them."

I have my doubts if this Wharton business school dropout himself did his designs, though his official website claims: "Nirav Modi is the only living Indian diamond jeweller lauded at international auctions at Sotheby's & Christie's. Our diamond jewellery designs have earned the distinction of being recognised as among the best in the world."

A bow-tie-clad Modi has been photographed with sultry models sipping champagne, and his name is plastered alongside movie star Priyanka Chopra's image in the hotspots of Delhi and Mumbai. However, apart from his family origins in the diamond business, what one sees is carefully crafted glitter that is more about the showy man than the jewels he sells. His name may now be a liability but his own letter to the Punjab National Bank, in which he has the audacity to accuse the fraud-hit bank of spoiling his business, reveals he has 2,200 employees, hundreds of who must probably be talented in design, craft or marketing.

Take a look at Gitanjali Jewels. Its website says the company "offers a dazzling bouquet of world's leading jewellery brands that include Nakshatra, Gili, D'damas, Asmi, Diya, Maya Gold, Parineeta, Collection G, Gold Expressions,.." et al. A deeper probe reveals that Gitanjali's promoter Mehul Choksi might have sold elegant choker necklaces but also specialised in choking whistleblowers in his group including franchisees and a former managing director who says the company sold fake or substandard diamonds to unsuspecting customers. Two of his key employees quit this week, including the company secretary who said her conscience would not permit staying on amid disclosure problems.

Nirav Modi has written to the PNB that authorities raiding his Firestar group firms seized assets estimated at Rs 5,649 crore that would have covered the money he owed to the bank. There are those who say that these assets, especially uncrafted diamonds, could have been multiplied by value through his skills. But look harder, and you will find the true expertise belong to designers and artisans. In the case of Gitanjali, even a good amount of the capital for investment came from franchisees.

In all likelihood, the Firestar and Gitanjali companies are headed for the cleaners and promoters may have to make way for the banks and the government to fix the future of the assets they leave behind.

While brand experts debate the future of the jewellery brands, it might make sense for us to look back at the erstwhile Satyam Computer Services Ltd, which was rescued in a government-led effort and folded into the listed Tech Mahindra after being hit by India's biggest accounting fraud. The sad part is that many employees at the core of the software company left in a maze of uncertainty - in a business in which people are assets.

I think designer jewellery also has a huge amount of unsung human capital, just like software. The PNB fraud may be a good opportunity to look beyond the crony-capitalist promoters and reward the real people who make it happen. My big idea: why not create the jewellery equivalent of Amul (for milk products) or Khadi (for village industries) and fold all the brands and remaining assets of the disgraced jewellery firms into an entity that may be truly world-class while helping artisans and designers?

The place of Tech Mahindra in the Satyam rescue act may theoretically be taken up by a rival like Titan Ltd (which owns Tanishq) or P.C. Jeweller Ltd. However, a third, more enchanting option, would be to create a cooperative of artisans and designers and put it in league with private equity companies and existing staff of Nirav Modi's Firestar group companies and Gitanjali group entities to form a new age company that rewards old-world talent.

Gujarat, where the origins of Modi and Choksi lie, is also home to Amul. Indian jewellery could do with a Verghese Kurien who can bring together artisans and reward them properly. From all indications, Choksi and Nirav Modi reaped dubious and disproportionate profits standing on the back of the sweat, inspiration and talent of thousands of artisans and designers, besides franchisees who sunk money into stores only to feel cheated. We need to reward the real hard work that went under their facades.

There are dozens of modern jewellery designers in India to match the traditional craft of artisans in and around towns such as Gujarat's Palanpur whose business families, including those of the Modis and Choksis, have made waves in the Belgian town of Antwerp, the global diamond hub. It is time to craft a new global company whose design matches the best of jewels and one that could shine in an ethical yet trendy manner, the way Amul has done at the top of a milkmen's cooperative movement.

It is a romantic idea for a corporate rescue but one that I think deserves attention. After all, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants a big boost to "Make In India." Let us not confuse that with "Fraud in India."

(Madhavan Narayanan is a senior journalist who has covered politics, diplomacy, business, technology and other subjects in a long career that has spanned organisations including Reuters, Business Standard and Hindustan Times. He is currently an independent columnist, editor and commentator. He is listed among the top 200 Indian influencers on Twitter. He tweets as @madversity)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)
Mumbai: Akshay Kumar is shooting for Kesari, a film based on the Battle of Saragarhi, produced by Karan Johars Dharma productions. The hunk of an actor, who recently made a splash on the silverscreen as an unusual superhero  Padman  took to Twitter Thursday to share an adorable pic from the sets of the period film.

He tweeted: Innocent smiles galore on set today. Shooting with these lovely children playing Afghani kids in #Kesari based on the Battle Of Saragarhi, one of the bravest battles fought in India (sic).

Innocent smiles galore on set today. Shooting with these lovely children playing Afghani kids in #Kesari based on the Battle Of Saragarhi, one of the bravest battles fought in India. pic.twitter.com/OqFjXg6BpJ  Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) 22 February 2018

Kesari is a film based on the Battle of Saragarhi. Akshay will essay Havaldar Ishar Singh, the military commander of 21 Sikh regiment, who on September 12, 1897, fought bravely against Afghani invaders in the war which eventually came to be known as the battle of Saragarhi.

The film directed by Anurag Singh has gone on floors and is slated to release on 21 March 2019.

Parineeti Chopra has been roped in to play the leading lady opposite Akshay. She is thrilled to be a part of the film. Upon being chosen as the female lead, Parineeti took to Twitter to thank the makers of the film.

She tweeted: She tweeted: So excited to be a part of this legendary journey!!! Thankyouuu @karanjohar @akshaykumar @DharmaMovies #AnuragSingh #Kesari (sic).

For the unversed, Salman Khan was initially a part of the film as a co-producer. But on realising that Ajay Devgn had announced a film on the same subject much earlier, the Dabangg Khan decided to walk out of the project, which would have been his first joint production with Johar, reports suggest.

Interestingly, Randeep Hooda too is doing a film based on this subject.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court today rejected a plea seeking penal action against the producers and director of Bollywood movie 'Padmaavat' for the alleged glorification of the practice of 'Sati'.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar dismissed the plea saying the petitioner should have approached the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) at an appropriate time.

"The film stands released without any complaints and it is already in public domain. If the petitioner was having any complaint with regard to the issue raised in his writ petition, he should have made a complaint before the CBFC at an appropriate time. We find no merit in the petition. The same is dismissed." the court said.

A PIL by social activist Swami Agnivesh had sought deletion of the scenes that depict the practice of 'Sati'. 'Sati' is an obsolete funeral custom where a widow immolates herself on her husband's pyre and the law prohibits it.

The court had earlier observed that according to one of the disclaimers in the film, it is a work of fiction and therefore, it does not show any intention or animus on the part of the producers or director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, to propagate the practice.

The petition, filed through advocate Mehmood Pracha, had sought directions to the Delhi Police to lodge FIR against Ajit Andhare, one of the producers, and Bhansali.

Central government standing counsel Manish Mohan, who appeared for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the censor board, had opposed the plea, saying the movie was certified for public viewing after considering all the aspects.

The court had said that in the present day and age, it was "hesitant to accept" the petitioner's claim that someone would follow such a practice just by seeing the movie.

The high court on January 25 had rejected a Rajasthan-based group's plea seeking quashing of the certification granted to the film, saying the Supreme Court had permitted its release.

The film, which hit the theatres on January 25, is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and has Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor in the lead roles.

It is based on the saga of a historic battle of 13th century between Maharaja Ratan Singh and his army of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi.

The impending release of the movie had led to several incidents of vandalism, including an attack on a school bus in Gurugram and torching of a Haryana Roadways bus on January 24.

The set of the movie was vandalised twice -- in Jaipur and Kolhapur, while its director Bhansali was roughed up by members of the Karni Sena last year.

The apex court had paved the way for the nationwide release of the movie by staying the ban on its screening in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It had also restrained other states from issuing any such notification or order banning the screening of the film.
New Delhi: Superstar Salman Khan has a packed calendar and looks like he will be working round-the-clock next year as well. Well, Bhaijaan has just wrapped up the Bangkok schedule of 'Race 3' and returned to Mumbai along with co-star Jacqueline Fernandez.

Recently, Sajid Nadiadwala announced that 'Kick 2' will be on roll soon and hit the screens on Christmas 2019. While Salman's name was seen on the formal announcement poster, the leading lady was not revealed.

The buzz picked up that Jacqueline, who was seen in the original 'Kick' will not be seen in the sequel and Amy Jackson's name popped up instead. However, filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala has refuted all such rumours.

Sajid told DNA, We had already decided that there would be a sequel. Ive been writing it for a year now. As I had a lot of other things on my plate, it was taking time. Ill restart the writing process. We should be ready to roll the movie next year after Salman finishes all his current films. Kick 2 will release on Christmas 2019.

Adding more, he said, At an event, Salman was handing over the Best Director Award to me and he had said in jest, Kick 2 is ready now, and Jacqueline, you are not there! He just joked and news spread that Jackie would be replaced in the film. Once I finish penning the script, Ill be completely sure. But at present, shes there in what Im writing. But its too early to talk about it.

So, you might actually see Salman-Jacky together on the big screens one more time!
Mumbai: One of the producers of a planned Rs 500 film on the Ramayana today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh government's cinema arm Film Bandhu.

The MoU was sealed at the UP Investors Summit 2018, today, according to a statement by the producer Madhu Mantena.

Billed as India's most expensive film, the project is also backed by Allu Aravind and Namit Malhotra besides Mantena.

Awanish Kumar Awasthi, principle secretary (information department) and chairman of Film Bandhu, announced that they will fully support the efforts of making Ramayana in Uttar Pradesh, the statement said.

There was, however, no official word on the development.

Speaking at the event, Mantena said he was inspired to make the film by the life and work of Anand Pai of Amar Chitra Katha. Pai popularised mythological stories through his Amar Chitra Katha stories.

Mantena, who has produced Ghajini, said the new project is an effort to retell Indian mythology to all generations in all its audio visual glory with the help of the latest technology and visual effects.
New Delhi/Chennai: Customers of telecom service provider Aircel in Chennai are facing a tough time as they are rushing to apply for mobile number portability amidst reports of closure of the company's services

Some of the customers said they were neither able to make a call nor receive and they termed it as the first step towards total closure of services.

Some complained that they were unable to use the mobile number porting facility due to network issues. Meanwhile, media reports are saying that Aircel is creating manual codes to facilitate porting requests as there has been a huge rise in demand of porting over the past few days.

In Tamil Nadu, Aircel had about 20 million customers and as of September 30, 2017 and 88.8 million customers nationwide.

Aircel has reportedly warned its employees to be ready for difficult times ahead in the wake of funding crunch that may lead the company to file for bankruptcy, as per a financial daily report.

Amidst intense competition in the market, the Maxis-owned telcos operations has not been able to keep pace with rivals.

A report in the Economic Times said that Aircel's chief executive officer Kaizad Heerjee, in an email to employees earlier this week, said that the company has no funding for some time and has been dependent on cash generation from its current business operations.

The paper earlier this week reported that Aircel will soon file for bankruptcy at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

The board of the telecom company, which has a Rs 15,500 crore debt, has been dissolved ahead of the move. The application to the NCLT will be submitted within a few days.

The decision has been reportedly taken following the Reserve Bank of India scrapping all debt revamp schemes in favour of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

Since Aircel has not made payments since September, banks cannot restructure Aircel.

Two weeks ago Idea Cellular suspended interconnect services with Aircel for non- payment of dues. Idea said it will restore interconnect services immediately after Aircel makes the payment, but did not specify the outstanding amount.

Idea said that despite multiple reminders since November 2017, the operator had failed to meet its payment commitments forcing Idea to suspend interconnect services, as per the terms of interconnect agreement.

Aircel and Reliance Communications had signed binding agreements in September 2016 for the merger of RCom's mobile businesses with Aircel. However they terminated the deal in October last year for the lapses with mutual consent.
New Delhi: Karti Chidambaram, son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday moved the Supreme Court (SC) seeking a stay on the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) summons against him in connection with the INX Media money laundering case.

The apex court has agreed to hear Chidambaram's plea on Friday.

Last week Karti had appeared before the ED for the second time in connection with the case.

The central probe agency had earlier summoned Karti on February 2 after which he informed them that he would be unable to depose as he has an interlocutory application pending in the Supreme Court in this case. He was earlier grilled by the agency in this case on January 18.

The central probe had registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), the EDs equivalent of a police FIR, against the accused named in a CBI complaint, including Karti Chidambaram, INX Media and its directors -- Peter and Indrani Mukerjea.

The ECIR was lodged under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

It was the Enforcement Directorate which had provided information about the alleged illegal payments made by INX Media, based on which the CBI had filed its FIR.

The CBI had also carried out searches at the houses and offices of Karti Chidambaram across four cities for allegedly receiving money from the media firm owned by the Mukerjeas to scuttle a tax probe.

The Chidambarams, however, have denied all the charges made against them.

The CBI had filed the FIR against Karti and the Mukerjeas on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, receiving illegal gratification, influencing public servants and criminal misconduct.

The agency has alleged that Karti received money from INX Media for using his influence to manipulate a tax probe against it in a case of violation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) conditions to receive investment from Mauritius.

The CBI FIR was made out against Karti, his company Chess Management Services, the Mukerjeas (currently in jail on charges of murder of their daughter Sheena Bora), INX Media, Advantage Strategic Consulting Services and its director Padma Vishwanathan.

With Agency Inputs
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday froze shares and mutual funds worth Rs 94 crore of Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi groups, in the alleged Rs 11,400-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud.

In total, ED froze mutual funds and shares worth Rs 7.80 crore belonging to Nirav Modi and MF and shares worth Rs 86.72 crore belonging to Mehul Choksi Group.

The investigative agency also seized 9 luxury cars of Modi. These cars include one Rolls Royce Ghost, two Mercedes Benz GL 350 CDIs, one Porsche Panamera, 3 Honda cars, one Toyota Fortuner and one Toyota Innova.

ED seized 9 cars belonging to #NiravMod and his companies. These cars include one Rolls Royce Ghost, two Mercedes Benz GL 350 CDIs, one Porsche Panamera, 3 Honda cars, one Toyota Fortuner and one Toyota Innova. pic.twitter.com/Kfx0rkPrIW  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Meanwhile Modi Choksi have asked their employees to look for new jobs. As per Zee Business, Choksi's Gitanjali Gems has handed over pink slips to five thousand employees.

Nirav Modi too has reportedly written to his employees to look for another job. He is said to have told his employees that the future is unsure and thus they should explore other avenues.

As part of the multi-agency probe in the case, the Income Tax department this week attached seven properties of the Gitanjali group and its promoter Mehul Choksi, uncle of Modi, in Mumbai.

While the ED is looking into the money laundering aspect of the Rs 11,400-crore scam, the CBI continues to focus on unravelling the mystery behind issuance of Letters of Understanding and Letters of Credit bypassing the bank's regulatory mechanism.

The ED and the Income Tax department have zeroed in on about 200 dummy or shell companies in India and abroad that were being used to route or receive funds as part of the alleged fraud.

Modi, Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies after it recently came to light, following a complaint by the PNB, that they allegedly cheated the nationalised bank to the tune of Rs 11,400 crore, with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank. The CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the case.

With Agency Inputs
New Delhi: Rotomac pens owner Vikram Kothari and his son Rahul Kothari were arrested by the CBI on Thursday in connection with the alleged loan default of Rs 3,695 crore to a consortium of seven nationalised banks, news agency Press Trust of India has reported.

As per the FIR, Kothari owes Rs 754.77 crore to the Bank of India, Rs 456.63 crore to the Bank of Baroda, Rs 771.07 crore to the Indian Overseas Bank, Rs 458.95 crore to the Union Bank of India, Rs 330.68 crore to the Allahabad Bank, Rs 49.82 crore to the Bank of Maharashtra and Rs 97.47 crore to the Oriental Bank of Commerce, where the principal loan amount stands at Rs 2,919.39 crore, however, the amount swelled to Rs 3,695 crore, including the accrued interest, because of repeated defaults on payment.

On Wednesday, Kothari and his son were questioned by the CBI for the third consecutive day at the investigation agencys headquarters in New Delhi.

Earlier, Kothari was questioned in Kanpur by CBI officials. His residence and office in Kanpur were among the multiple locations raided by CBI sleuths last week.

The CBI alleged that Kothari, his wife Sadhana and son Rahul, all directors of Rotomac Global Pvt Ltd, had allegedly diverted the loan amount towards purposes other than what they were meant for.

The CBI has initiated the action on the complaint of Bank of Baroda, which was a member of the consortium led by Bank of India, which had approached the agency fearing that Kothari may flee the country like Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi.

Initially, the alleged scam was estimated to be worth Rs 800 crore, but after the CBI launched its probe into the accounts of Rotomac Global Private Limited, it was found that the company had allegedly taken loans from the Bank of India, the Bank of Maharashtra, the Indian Overseas Bank, the Union Bank of India, the Allahabad bank and the Oriental Bank of Commerce.

On 20 February, the ED had notified all the land, sea and airports in the country to prevent the exit of Kothari and his family members from India, in connection with its money laundering probe.

It had also conducted searches at multiple locations in Uttar Pradesh, including in Unnao and Kanpur, to gather evidence in the case.

The ED had slapped criminal charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against the company and its promoters on 18 February, based on a CBI FIR filed on the same day.

Meanwhile, the Income Tax Department has issued a show cause notice to the group stating as to why prosecution should not be launched against them for alleged tax evasion.

The Income Tax department had also attached 14 bank accounts of the pen manufacturer as part of its tax evasion probe against it on Tuesday, 20 February.

The Income Tax Department on Wednesday, 21 February, said it has attached four immovable assets of the Rotomac group and its promoters in connection with an alleged tax evasion probe against them.

They said the properties, three in Kanpur and one in Ahmedabad, were provisionally attached on 20 February.

These attachment of assets, they said, has been carried out to "recover outstanding tax demands" from the group, understood to be about Rs 85 crore.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: The BJP on Thursday staged a protest against Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in connection with the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by its two legislators - Prakash Jarwal and Amanatullah Khan.

According to reports, the Delhi BJP-led by its chief Manoj Tiwari, today held a protest outside Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence in connection with the case.

The Delhi BJP is said to be holding a 'prayer meet' over the shocking incident.

Alleged assault on Delhi's Chief secretary Anshu Prakash case: BJP workers protest outside Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's residence. pic.twitter.com/ZA88lml6t7  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

The IAS Association and several political parties have condemned the attack on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash.

Strongly condemn the assault on Chief Secretary, Delhi. It's a criminal, cowardly & deplorable act and an assault on the Constitution. We stand by our colleagues in Delhi and demand immediate arrest of the perpetrators of such shameful act.  IAS Association (@IASassociation) February 20, 2018

Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal's party is also holding a protest outside Home Minister Rajnath Singh's residence, alleging attack on his party leaders inside Delhi Secretariat.

AAP workers protest outside HM Rajnath Singh's residence alleging attack on AAP leaders in #Delhi Secretariat. pic.twitter.com/wJJ4lAc0CI  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

However, AAP minister Rajendra Pal Gautam was detained as he was moving towards Home Minister Rajnath Singh`s residence along with some party workers to protest against the "casteist remarks" made by Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash.

Calling the alleged assault on a Delhi bureaucrat a "conspiracy", the ruling AAP said that its two MLAs - Prakash Jarwal and Amanatullah Khan - were arrested in the case without any inquiry because they belonged to the 'Dalit and Muslim' community respectively.

Based on the allegation of assault made by Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, the two were arrested on the BJP`s instructions without being given a chance to state their version, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh told the media.

Citing examples of Gujarat's Una and Rajasthan's Pehlu Khan's case, Singh said under the BJP`s rule in various states, Dalits and Muslims were becoming victims of communal violence.

Taking a dig at BJP Delhi unit chief Manoj Tiwari, Sanjay Singh said, "You call us urban Naxalites (Maoists)? We have never incited any violence (among different communities)."

Singh further said that the police ignored the evidence on the attack on Delhi Minister Imran Hussain and his personal secretary Himanshu Singh but acted on the statement by the Chief Secretary.

"We have the video footage of what happened at Delhi Secretariat yesterday (Tuesday) when our Minister and his Personal Secretary were attacked by a mob that was incited by the BJP but nothing has been done about it,'' he alleged.

"Words of the Chief Secretary are being treated as gospel truth," he said, adding the top bureaucrat was making "false" allegations.

Singh's AAP colleague Ashutosh too alleged that people outside the Delhi Secretariat were provoked and that led to the commotion and beating up of Hussain and his aide onTuesday.

"CCTV footage should be made public to identify the perpetrators," he demanded.

The AAP leader said that an emergency meeting was convened on Monday night to address the issue of 250,000 families who were deprived of food rations due to faulty implementation of Aadhaar.

"When the Chief Minister (Arvind Kejriwal) can visit people at 2 am or 3 am, why can't there be a late night meeting regarding the important issue of rations,'' Ashitosh asked.

"If somebody dies of hunger in the state, will the Chief Secretary be answerable or will it be the Lt Governor (Anil Baijal)? Arvind Kejriwal will be questioned," he said.

According to the AAP leader, the Chief Secretary, who has alleged that AAP MLAs assaulted him in the presence of Kejriwal during the meeting, would have called police immediately after the incident if he was actually assaulted.

"Anybody physically assaulted by someone would immediately call the police. Why didnt the Chief Secretary do so? The next morning he started making these allegations against our MLAs,'' he said.

Asking why the Chief Secretarys injury report wasn`t prepared by a doctor on the same day, Sanjay Singh said: "The medico-legal certificate is coming today when the incident happened three days back."

Stressing that this was a BJP-led Central government`s conspiracy against the AAP, he said, "To be associated with AAP is considered to be a crime by the Centre.

In view of allegations of assault on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash and Delhi minister Imran Hussain's aide in two separate incidents, medical examination reports revealed injuries on both persons.

The Chief Secretary' medical examination report revealed "mild swelling behind both ears" and "bruise over lower lip". The report has termed the nature of injuries as "simple" and the weapon used as "blunt".

Meanwhile, the ministerial aide`s medical report shared by a Delhi government spokesperson revealed "multiple bruises seen all over back, linear in shape".
New Delhi: The fraud at the Punjab National Bank (PNB) without doubt raises questions about the quality of auditing in India. Following this failure of the audit system at PNB's Mumbai branch for seven years, the government is planning to notify the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).

Sources close to the development told Zee Business that NFRA will be notified soon. After notification, the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) will be the body that will regulate chartered accountants in the country and set standards for their functioning. In the case where professional or other misconduct in auditing is proved, stringent penalty provisions have been proposed under NFRA. In case of individuals, the penalty will not be less than one lakh rupees, but it may extend to five times of the fraudulent amount. For audit firms, the penalty could be between ten lakh rupees and exceed up to ten times of the fees received.

At present, the penalty imposed for misconduct by auditors is one lakh rupees.

In addition, the individual or the firm will be debarred from engaging himself/itself from practising as a member of the Institute of Chartered Account of India for a minimum period of six months or for a higher period not exceeding ten years.

At present, auditors are regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), which was set up under Section 28A of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. The act has mandated the body to conduct independent audit quality reviews.

Creation of National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) was proposed in Companies Act 2013, but the body never came into existence. It was proposed for the establishment and enforcement of accounting and auditing standards and oversight of the work of auditors.

- (Reported by Alok Priyadarshi)
Panaji: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar arrived in Goa on Thursday after he was discharged from Mumbai's Lilavati hospital where he was hospitalised for the last few days. The Goa CM had been in the hospital since February 15 for a pancreas-related ailment. The CM landed at Goa's Dabolim International Airport at around 11.40 am.

The CM reached the state assembly at around 2 pm and presented the budget. He is also likely to address a press conference later in the day.

Visuals of Goa CM #ManoharParrikar at the State Assembly. pic.twitter.com/85ttdmC7tw  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Parrikar was rushed to the Lilavati Hospital after he complained of food poisoning. There had been reports that he may have to be flown to the USA for treatment. Owing to the rumours, the hospital had to issue a statement saying the CM was doing well.

''It has been brought to our notice, various malicious and misleading reports/rumours are floating around in the electronic/print media with regard to the health of Hon Chief Minister of Goa. We categorically deny all such rumours,'' the hospital had said in the statement. The hospital had further stated that the BJP leader is was responding well to the treatment.

The Chief Minister's Office has throughout maintained that he was suffering from a pancreas-related ailment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Mumbai to inaugurate 'Magnetic Maharashtra' Global Investors Summit in suburban Bandra, had also visited the Lilavati Hospital to enquire about Parrikar's health.
Director Martin McDonagh's latest film, 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri', is a promising tale that begins with a flourish but loses its momentum at mid-point and peters out by the end.

It is, nevertheless, an emotionally honest film that navigates a difficult premise in unexpected ways to deliver a remarkable tragi-dramedy that makes you uncomfortable -- yet allows you to sympathise with the protagonist.

Desperate situations call for desperate measures and that is what a grieving mother, Mildred Hayes, resorts to in this film.

Seven months after the rape and murder of her 19-year-old daughter, Angela, Mildred feels that the local police, lazy and racist, is doing nothing to investigate the case.

So she hires the three rarely-used billboards that are situated outside the eponymous town from an advertising agency and puts up three red hoardings with bold black prints which read" "RAPED WHILE DYING", "AND STILL NO ARRESTS", "HOW COME CHIEF WILLOUGBY?"

Obviously this is not funny to the police. While Chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) -- who, despite what Mildred thinks, is a loving family man and one of the most responsible officers in town -- feels guilty, his junior colleague Dixon (Sam Rockwell), an incompetent, racist, morally-twisted, and homophobic officer, thinks otherwise.

While the presence of the three hoardings generates different reactions from both the officers as well as the rest of the people, the controversy keeps the town abuzz.

The narrative deals with complex issues such as guilt, anger, imperfect redemption, forgiveness and the manner in which conservative societies view women. The director injects enough humour into the film to turn this into a kind of tragi-comedy full of moments of black humour.

The humour never undermines the key characters' well of hurt and the film transports us to a world with different emotions, all intense and very similar to those we experience in real life.

The film is brought to life with some knockout performances, especially from Frances McDormand. She is highly original and excellent as the flawed Mildred, the tough-as-nails woman with a vendetta who is resilient and fearless in her almost biblical wrath.

You also admire her when she refuses to back down but is also quick with a withering comeback when confronted.

You feel sorry for her because of how she is treated, the guilt she feels about the way she spoke to her daughter before she died, and because one understands her anger. It is almost impossible not to support her and get carried away by her plight.

She is ably supported by Rockwell and Harrelson as the police officers, Lucas Hedges as her son Robbie, Abbie Cornish as Chief Willoughby's wife, Peter Dinklage as the midget who tries to date Mildred, Zeljko Ivanek as a police sergeant, Caleb Landry Jones as the ad-sales agent who rents out the billboards, John Hawkes as Mildred's ex-husband Charlie who left her for a teenager named Penelope, played with hilarious innocence by Samara Weaving.

Apart from these, the character that stands out in an insignificant role is that of Dixon's tough mother.

On the production front, the film, shot by cinematographer Ben Davis, is basic and unfussy and offers palpable tension and atmosphere. The frames capture the locales and the emotions of the performers with sharp clarity. And these visuals are astutely layered over American folk music composed by Carter Burwell.

And, the open ending of the film allows you to debate about the moral complexities in society, much after you leave the theatre.

(Ratings: 3.5/5 Stars)
New Delhi: The Delhi police told a court on Thursday that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's advisor VK Jain has given contradictory statements about the alleged attack on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by Aam Aadmi Party ( AAP) legislators.

It has said that "new facts" have emerged after the interrogation of Jain, who disclosed that MLAs Prakash Jarwal and Amanutullah Khan surrounded the chief secretary and he saw them assaulting the senior bureaucrat, additional public prosecutor Atul Shrivastava told Metropolitan Magistrate Shefali Barnala Tondon.

Jain had previously said he had not seen anything as he had gone to the washroom at the time of the incident on Monday night.

"New facts have emerged in the case. The advisor to the CM is being interrogated and his statement under section 164 of the CrPC has been recorded. He has given us four names. The police custody of both the MLAs is required to unearth the whole conspiracy," the prosecutor said moving a fresh plea for their custody, PTI reported.

Khan and Jarwal were on Thursday sent to a 14-day judicial custody in Tihar Jail by the court, which reserved its order on their bail pleas for Friday.

During the hearing, Shrivastava told the court that Jain had called the chief secretary for a meeting at 08:45 pm on Monday and at 10:00 pm the officer confirmed to him that he would attend the meeting.

Advocate Rajiv Mohan, appearing for Prakash, also supported the plea for police custody, saying the alleged attack on the officer was pre-meditated and was witnessed by the CM's adviser.

In his statement, Jain said when the meeting started, Kejriwal said that MLAs wanted to discuss certain issues but randomly all of them started questioning the chief secretary about the delay in the release of funds for AAP government's media publicity on its achievement in education and fighting corruption.

Jain was picked up by the Delhi Police on Wednesday morning from his residence at Maharani Bagh in connection with the case.

The chief secretary has alleged in his complaint that he was sitting on a sofa flanked by Khan and another AAP MLA during the meeting.

"Khan and the other MLA, without provocation from my side started hitting and assaulting me with blows on my head and temple," he alleged in his complaint.

Delhi: Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash's complaint letter to Police over yesterday's incident pic.twitter.com/zvdsNGatIN  ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2018

However, AAP has claimed that the chief secretary had been called for a discussion on rations.

AAP's response to false allegations by Chief Secretary pic.twitter.com/dl3M2MrXW6  AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 20, 2018

AAP countered the allegation with a statement that about 2.5 lakh families were deprived of rations last month due to faulty Aadhaar implementation and party MLAs were under tremendous pressure from the public.

"There was a meeting of MLAs at the CM's residence. The CS refused to answer questions, saying that he was not answerable to MLAs and the CM, and that he was answerable only to the LG. He (Prakash) even used bad language against some of the MLAs and left without answering any questions," the party claimed in a statement.

It described as "false information" claims that the meeting and the argument were about TV ads.

"Now he (CS) is making such ludicrous allegations. Obviously, he is doing it at BJPs behest. The BJP has stooped very low in disrupting governance in Delhi through the LG and officers. If the CS can make such wild allegations, one can imagine the kind of obstacles that are being created in AAP governments work by the BJP through the officers," it said.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's India visit plunged into a controversy on Thursday over a dinner invitation to convicted 'Khalistani terrorist' Jaspal Atwal by the Canadian High Commissioner to India.

However, swiftly moving to control damage, High Commissioner Nadir Patel cancelled the invite for the dinner, hosted on Thursday night for Trudeau, while the External Affairs Ministry said it will "ascertain" how Atwal entered India.

"The High Commission has rescinded Mr Atwals invitation. We do not comment on matters relating to the PM's security," the Canadian mission said in a statement.

Atwal was convicted for trying to kill the then Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986. He was also charged in a 1985 near-fatal attack on Ujjal Dosanjh, a member of Trudeau's Liberal Party, but was not convicted.

Dosanjh, who later became the premier of British Columbia, spoke exclusively to WION on the Canadian PM's visit and the controversy over the invitation to Atwal.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

"It is troubling to know that a man who was convicted for an assassination attempt is in the delegation led by Canadian PM. He was invited to the official dinner in PM Trudeau's honour by the Canadian high commission. Therefore, I assume that he is somewhat known to the PM's delegation as well as the high commissioner... one is baffled by the fact that Atwal, who had attacked someone like me back in the '80s, is included in the high commissioner's dinner. He was acquitted of the charges but then he again tried to kill the visiting Punjab cabinet minister (Malkiat Singh Sidhu) and I believe that kind of man who served time in jail as a result of that conviction ought to have been known to the Prime Minister's Office," he said.

On being asked as to whether Atwal attacked him because he espoused the cause of 'united India', Dosanjh said, "That was the reason. I was one of the very few people in Canada who spoke up at that time and I spoke up for two reasons - one for the unity and integrity of India and more importantly for the unity of the Indian community."

Regarding the attack on Malkiat Singh Sidhu, he said, "He attacked me first and he, of course, denied the attack. He was acquitted on technicalities by the judge... but then he went on to attack the visiting Punjab Cabinet minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu on Vancouver Island and for that, he was convicted..."

On what the Canadian government could do to make things better, Dosanjh told WION, "It encourages them indirectly by appearing in their events, by appearing on their stages, by appearing in parades where some of the mass murderers like Talvinder Parmar - who bombed Air India - where their portraits are glorified... It is alright for PM of Canada to say that we won't support Khalistan but what really needs to be done and where I think Indian politicians have been absolutely inept is the framing of the question. The question ought not to be framed by politicians like 'Mr Trudeau do something about these people in Canada' that's not the issue because Canada will simply say to you we are a free country, people are free to express their views so is India. The question is not whether you express or they express their views, the question is whether the government, the cabinet ministers, the Prime Minister and other politicians in this country associate themselves with the Khalistanis in their functions, their parades."

"When these terrorists pray in those parades openly and shout Khalistan slogans and glorify those murderers, it is then that politicians shouldn't adorn those stages, that is what's wrong. Politicians must cease and desist from doing that and if they understand this, the Khalistan problem in Canada will disappear and that's what the government of India needs to say to Canadian politicians," he further said.

To read the full interview click here.
(Reporting by Jitender Sharma)

The CBI has arrested one person for being an administrator of a WhatsApp group dedicated to sharing child pornography. Cases have also been registered against five other administrators and 114 members of the group, which had members from seven other countries.

The man who has been arrested has been identified as 20-year-old Nikhil Verma, from Uttar Pradesh's Kanauj. Cops seized his laptop, mobile phone and hard disks. The CBI also conducted raids in Delhi and Noida in connection with the case.

The group in question has 199 members and has been active for two years, the cops said. It had members from China, Pakistan, US, Brazil, Afghanistan, Kenya, Nigeria and Sri Lanka. The police said they are contacting law enforcement agencies of these countries in connection with the illegal activities on the group.

The CBI has clarified that it is in the process of identifying the members and administrators of the group, and is not focusing on identifying the child victims yet. It also said categorically that none of its staff joined the group in the course of the investigation.

The investigative agency began monitoring the traffic on the WhatsApp group after receiving intelligence inputs on the sort of material being shared. CBI officers used the IP addresses of the members, field surveillance and physical verification to identify the members of the group. The profiles of the suspects were cross-checked with their neighbours, they said.

Verma, who has been arrested for being one of the administrators was operating out of Kanauj. CBI officials said he is a commerce graduate who is unemployed and that his father works in a jewellery shop. Other administrators have been identified as Satyender Om Prakash Chauhan from East Mumbai's Kandivali; Nafees Reza from Delhi's Nirankari Colony; Zahid alias Zakir from Delhi's Bhairon Road, and Adarsh from Noida.

(With input from ANI)
BENGALURU: Tempers are running high in poll-bound Karnataka. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday hit out at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government claiming that it was a "90 per cent commission government".

"The previous BJP government in Karnataka was the most corrupt ... And the present dispensation at the Centre is a 90 per cent commission government," he alleged.

Siddaramaiah also claimed that the BJP leaders have been levelling allegations against the ruling government in the state but have not been able to prove anything against him. "According to the law, whoever levels charges against anyone, should prove them. The BJP and its leaders here have been levelling corruption charges and calling my rule a 10 per cent commission government, but have failed to prove these charges," he said.

He added that his government did not need any lessons on clean governance from a party whose "four ministers are in jail for corruption". His comment comes after Modi had recently dubbed the Congress dispensation a "10 per cent commission government" during public meetings in Karnataka.

Agitated by his remarks, a heated exchange of words was seen between the treasury and opposition benches in the Karnataka Assembly. Stepping up its attack, the Opposition BJP said Congress ministers held several benami properties across the state. "Siddaramaiah government was the most corrupt and its ministers owned many benami properties across the state," BJP leader Jagadish Shettar said.

BJP's Vishweshwar Hedge Kageri also added that the Congress government was being desperate. As the chief minister continued attacking the Modi government, BJP members staged a walkout from the assembly.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland on Thursday discussed issues of "bilateral interest" during a strategic dialogue, held in the backdrop of the Khalistan controversy shrouding Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit.

Asked if the two leaders discussed the issue of Canadian government's soft approach towards the Khalistan issue, external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar did not give a direct answer and said, "all matters of bilateral interest came up for discussion."

He said it was a "good meeting", during which they had wide-ranging discussions on strengthening relations in trade and investment, security and cyber security, energy, people to people contacts and other relevant bilateral and regional issues.

About the meeting, Kumar also tweeted, "the two plural democracies are keen to build upon the strong complementarities of our existing strategic partnership."

Today's meeting comes a day ahead of Trudeau's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Indian Army is the largest voluntary defence force in the world and is renowned for its valour, heroism, sacrifice, fortitude and professionalism. The force has more than 1.36 million active soldiers while there are over 2.8 million reserve personnel. There is always a huge rush to join the Army among the youngsters as soldiers and officers.

The official twitter handle of the Indian Army has released a short video with a shloka from the Bhagavad Gita which says the bravehearts who attain martyrdom on the battlefield shall go to heaven and those who win the war will rule the earth.

The video shows officers and soldiers paradropping from helicopters, getting ready for a rescue and relief mission and undertaking combat operations. The short clip of 33 seconds sums up the ethos of Indian Army.

The Supreme Commander of the Indian Army is the President of India and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is a four-star general, leads the force. The Army operates across a wide range of geographical regions including the icy heights of Siachen, the hot deserts of Thar, dense forests of the northeast and the creeks of Gujarat. The values of the army infused in the soldier through the years of training are:

Espirit-de-Corps: The spirit of comradeship and brotherhood of the brave, regardless of caste, creed or religion. The motto is, "One for all and all for one"!

Spirit of Selfless Sacrifice: The tradition is never to question, but to do or die for the three "Ns"; Naam, i.e. name-honour- of the unit/Army/Nation, 'Namak'(salt) i.e. loyalty to the Nation, and 'Nishan', i.e. the insignia or flag of his unit/regiment/Army/Nation which the soldiers hold afloat willingly.

Valour: Fearlessness in combat and in the face of the enemy even when fighting against great odds or even when facing sure death.

Non-discrimination: The Indian Army does not discriminate on account of caste, creed or religion. A soldier is a soldier first and anything else later. He prays under a common roof. It is this unique character, which makes him bind in a team despite such diversity.

Fairness and Honesty: The spirit of honesty and fair play. He fights for a just cause that extends even to the enemy (prisoner or wounded).

Discipline and Integrity: Discipline and integrity impart the feeling of patriotism, honesty and courage under all circumstances, however strong be the provocation otherwise.

Fidelity, Honour and Courage: He is a man on whose shoulders lies the honour and integrity of his nation. He knows that he is the last line of defence and he cannot fail the Nation.

Death to Dishonour: A close bond amongst soldiers forces them to choose death to dishonour. The concept of 'IZZAT' (HONOUR) in the clan / unit enables them to shun the fear of death; to be called a coward in the peer group is worse than death.

Forthrightness: A soldier has to be forthright, for on his word the men he leads are going to lay down their lives without questioning why.

These values stoke the attitude of Service before Self in every soldier. The famous credo of Chetwode Hall at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun is deeply imbibed in the men in Olive Green. It is the spirit of this credo, imbibed in every officer that binds him with his men in an unshakeable bond of camaraderie:

The safety, honour and welfare of your country comes first

always and every time.

The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next.

Your own ease, comfort and safety come last always and every time.

Organisation (Arms and Services) of the Army
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus week-long visit to India is marred in a controversy over a convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal attending his event in Mumbai and getting photographs clicked with his wife Sophie Trudeau. However, the Canadian Prime Minister has decided to remain silent on the issue.

When a journalist of news agency ANI posed the question to Trudeau during his visit to Jama Masjid in the national capital with his family, the Canadian PM refused to even acknowledge the question and continued posing for shutterbugs. A video of the same was released by the news agency.

#WATCH Delhi: ANI journalist questions Canadian PM #JustinTrudeau about invitation to Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal for a formal dinner reception, gets no reply. pic.twitter.com/IRHGehpksm  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Attributing the information to CBS News, news agency ANI reported that Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, was clicked by shutterbugs along with the Canadian PMs wife, Sophie Trudeau. He was also photographed with Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi.

Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist who was active in the banned Int'l Sikh Youth Federation, photographed w/Canadian PM's wife Sophie Trudeau at an event in Mumbai on 20 Feb. He was also invited for formal dinner with Canadian PM, invite being rescinded now (CBC News) pic.twitter.com/pT7P3eLq1L  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Atwal was, according to the report, also invited for a formal dinner with Justin Trudeau and his family. However, it has now been cancelled. The invitation for the February 22 event, to be held at Canada House in New Delhi has been extended to him by Nadir Patel, High Commissioner for Canada to India.

Jaspal Atwal was active in banned terrorist group international Sikh Youth Federation. He was convicted of the attempted murder of former Indian minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu on Vancouver Island in 1986. Atwal was one of the four men who ambushed and shot at Sidhus car.

The 46-year-old Canadian PM arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for a week-long visit on the invitation by his 'friend' Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Canadiam PM also visited Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat during his visit.

Before embarking on his maiden India visit, Trudeau had tweeted, "Wheels up for India and a busy visit, focused on creating good jobs and strengthening the deep connection between the people of our two countries."
New Delhi: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will this year take place through the two traditional routes -- Nathua La Pass in Sikkim and Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand -- and the registration process for the annual pilgrimage has started, the External Affairs Ministry announced on Wednesday.

The announcement comes after China said it would allow the Nathu La Pass to be used after having blocked the route last year in the wake of the Doklam stand-off.

In a statement, the External Affairs Ministry said that the registration process started on February 20 and will close on March 23.

The Yatra will be held from June 8 to September 8 this year and applicants should be at least 18 years and not more than 70 years as of January 1, 2018.

Mount Kailash, in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, is considered the abode of Lord Shiva and is sacred to Hindus. Located near lake Mansarovar, the place is considered holy by Jains and Buddhists as well.

Earlier this month, Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh informed the Lok Sabha that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Nathu La route was not undertaken in 2017, after the Chinese government cited unfavourable conditions to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage on this route.

The resumption of the annual pilgrimage through Nathu La was raised by India during meetings between the two sides last year, he said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also discussed it with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in December last year. "Subsequently, the Chinese government has confirmed resumption of (the) Yatra on this route," Singh said.

China did not allow Indian pilgrims to travel to Kailash Mansarovar through Nathu La after the face-off between the Indian and Chinese militaries on the Doklam plateau in Bhutan. The pilgrims opting to undertake the pilgrimage through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand were allowed.

According to Wednesday`s ministry statement, the route through Lipulekh Pass which involves some trekking, is estimated to cost about Rs 1.6 lakh per person and the pilgrimage will be conducted in 18 batches of 60 pilgrims each.

The duration of the Yatra is 24 days for each batch, including three days in Delhi for preparatory work.

"This route passes through important sites like Narayan Ashram, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, etc. Yatris can also see the scenic beauty of Chialekh Valley, or the Om Parvat which has the natural occurrence of snow in the shape of `Om` on this mountain," the statement said.

The route through Nathu La Pass is motorable and suitable for senior citizens unable to undertake arduous trekking.

Using this route will cost about Rs 2 lakh per person and duration of the Yatra is 21 days, including three days in Delhi for preparatory work. This year 10 batches of 50 pilgrims each are scheduled for this route."

"From Gangtok the route passes through scenic places like Hangu lake, and through the vast landscape of the Tibetan plateau," the statement said.

As in previous years, first-time applicants, medical doctors, and married couples would have priority for this year`s Yatra.

"Senior citizens would have priority on the Nathu La route if they opt for it. Two persons may apply and undertake the Yatra together, subject to conditions," the ministry said. "Yatris can select both routes indicating priority or select only one of the routes. They will be allotted a route and batch through computerised draw of lots."

Registration for the Yatra can be done on the website https://kmy.gov.in and applicants have to scan and upload passport pages containing personal details, address details, and a photo to complete the application.

Selection of applicants will be through a fair computer-generated, random, gender-balanced selection process.

Applicants will be notified of their selection after the computerised draw through automated email or SMS. After selection, applicants have to pay the confirmation fee as detailed on the website, to confirm their participation.


Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is on a week-long visit to India, and his family photographs from places like Taj Mahal in Agra, Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat and Amrtisar have been circulated on news and social media platforms widely. But the latest photographs from a dinner event of the Trudeaus in Mumbai has triggered a big controversy. According to those photographs, a convicted Khalistani terrorist was part of the event.

Attributing the information to CBS News, news agency ANI reported that Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist, was clicked by shutterbugs along with the Canadian PMs wife, Sophie Trudeau. He was also photographed with Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi.

Jaspal Atwal, a convicted Khalistani terrorist who was active in the banned Int'l Sikh Youth Federation, photographed w/Canadian PM's wife Sophie Trudeau at an event in Mumbai on 20 Feb. He was also invited for formal dinner with Canadian PM, invite being rescinded now (CBC News) pic.twitter.com/pT7P3eLq1L  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Atwal was, according to the report, also invited for a formal dinner with Justin Trudeau and his family. However, it has now been cancelled. The invitation for the February 22 event, to be held at Canada House in New Delhi has been extended to him by Nadir Patel, High Commissioner for Canada to India.

Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi, photographed with Jaspal Atwal at in Mumbai on 20 Feb. Atwal, a former member of banned terrorist group Int'l Sikh Youth Federation, was invited for dinner with #JustinTrudeau in Delhi, today (CBC News) pic.twitter.com/cO3h3YcUUA  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Jaspal Atwal was active in banned terrorist group international Sikh Youth Federation. He was convicted of the attempted murder of former Indian minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu on Vancouver Island in 1986. Atwal was one of the four men who ambushed and shot at Sidhus car.

Jaspal Atwal was convicted of the attempted murder of Punjab minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986, he was one of four men who ambushed & shot at Sidhu's car. (Pic: Invite to Jaspal Atwal for dinner with Canadian PM #JustinTrudeau, Source: CBC News) pic.twitter.com/dqZpWEwgls  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

The 46-year-old Canadian PM arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for a week-long visit on the invitation by his 'friend' Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Canadiam PM also visited Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat during his visit.

Before embarking on his maiden India visit, Trudeau had tweeted, "Wheels up for India and a busy visit, focused on creating good jobs and strengthening the deep connection between the people of our two countries."

The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries in key areas of mutual interest trade and investment, energy, science and innovation, higher education, infrastructure development, skill development and space, a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Cooperation in security and counter-terrorism, as well as an exchange of views on global and regional issues of mutual interest, will also form important components of the visit.
NEW DELHI: Facing ire over the invitation to convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that the invite should never have been sent. "We take this extremely seriously. He should never have received an invitation. As soon as we received the information, we rescinded it. A member of Parliament had included this individual," the Canadian PM clarified.

A controversy erupted after Atwal, Sikh separatist convicted of attempting to murder of Punjab minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu in Vancouver in 1986, was invited to an event that was held in Mumbai where Trudeau was present. Atwal was photographed at the event alongside Trudeau's wife Sophie Gregoire, according to Canada`s public broadcaster CBC.

The Canadian embassy rescinded his invitation but refused to comment on whether Atwal was part of Trudeau's official delegation. "We do not comment on matters relating to the PM's security," it said.

Atwal was a member of the International Sikh Youth Federation, an organisation outlawed in India and Canada, among other places, that seeks an independent Sikh state of Khalistan.

Meanwhile, Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Randeep S Sarai has taken responsibility for inviting the pro-Khalistani terrorist to Prime Minister Trudeau's reception dinner in New Delhi, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday.

"I alone facilitated his request to attend this important event. I should have exercised better judgment, and I take full responsibility for my actions," Sarai said in a statement, which Canadian journalist Abigail Bimman shared on Twitter.

The Canadian journalist further added that Trudeau said Sarai "has and will" take responsibility for inviting Atwal, adding that, Sarai will not be kicked out of caucus.

The Ministry of External Affairs, on the other hand, is trying to ascertain how a visa was issued to the Khalistani terrorist. "Let us not presume things and decide how he managed to come. This is something which we are trying to find out. In due course we will be able to come up with a reason that how he managed to come in India," ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.
In view of the heavy rush during Holi season, the Indian Railways has decided to run several special trains in Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. The East Central Railways administration will run nine special trains, including Patna-Ranchi-Patna Special.

Here is the list of special trains announced for Holi:

1. 08621 Ranchi Patna Holi Special: The Ranchi Patna Holi special train will be launched at 11.15 pm from Ranchi junction on February 28. It is scheduled to reach Patna at 9.15 am the next day. The same train, with number 08622, will leave Patna on March 1 at 10.15 am and reach Ranchi the same day at 6.30 pm.

2. 03561 Asansol Patna Holi Special: The Asansol Patna Holi Special train will leave Asansol at 7.15 am on February 24, February 25, March 3 and March 4. The same train will be 03562 Patna Asansol Holi special and depart from Patna junction at 3.15 am on February 24, February 25, March 3 and March 4.

3. 03429 Malda Town Anand Vihar Holi Special: The Malda Town-Anand Vihar Holi Special train is scheduled to depart from Malda Town at 9.05 am on February 24 and February 25. The same train will be 03430 Anand Vihar-Malda Town Holi Special and depart from Anand Vihar junction at 5.10 pm on March 6 and March 13.

4. 01657 Habibganj-Patna Superfast Holi Special: The Habibganj-Patna Superfast Holi Special train will leave Habibganj junction at 4.30 pm on February 28. 01658 Patna-Habibganj Superfast Holi Special train will depart from Patna junction at 1 pm on March 1.

5. 03041 Howrah-Raxaul Holi Special: The train will depart from Howrah junction at 10.50 pm on February 25. Train number 03042 Raxaul-Howrah Holi Special will leave Raxaul junction at 7.45 pm on February 26.

6. 03135 Kolkata-Chapra Holi Special: The train will leave Kolkata at 8.05 pm on February 26. The train will reach Chapra via Vardhman, Durgapur and Asansol. Train 03136 Chapra-Asansol Holi special will leave Chapra at 1.20 pm on February 27.

7. 08181 Tata-Chapra Holi Special: The train will depart from Tatanagar junction at 5.05 am on February 28. Train 08182 Chapra-Tata Holi Special will leave Chapra for Tatanagar at 11 pm on February 28.

8. 03031 Howrah-Gorakhpur Holi Special: The train will leave Howrah junction at 11.55 pm on February 28. Train 03032 Gorakhpur-Howrah Holi Special will leave Gorakhpur at 7.05 pm on February 29.

9. 08021 Santragachi-Darbhanga Holi Special: The train will leave Santragachi at 3.40 pm on February 28. Train 08022 Darbhanga-Santragachi Holi Special will leave Darbhanga at 1.50 pm on March 1.
Flying Officer Avani Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to pilot a fighter aircraft when she made her first solo flight in a MiG-21 Bison on February 19. The MiG-21 has been one of the mainstays of the Indian Air Force for decades, and is set to be completely phased out over the next two years.

Here is a quick 10-point guide to the MiG-21:

1. The MiG-21's full name is the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21. It was designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau of the Soviet Union in the 1950s. It made its first flight in 1956, and was first inducted into active combat duty in 1959.

2. It is one of the most used fighter aircraft in aviation history. It has been used by the air forces of more than 60 countries on four continents. It is presently operated by the air forces of 13 countries, and has been retired from the air forces of 49 countries.

3. It is the most-produced supersonic aircraft, with close to 11,500 being built.

4. After the Soviet Air Forces and the Russian Air Force, the MiG-21 was most prominently used by the Indian Air Force. The IAF purchased its first MiG-21 in 1961, under an agreement which gave India full transfer of technology and the rights to build the aircraft in India. It became the first supersonic fighter operated by the IAF.

5. The MiG-21 FL variant was designed specifically to meet India's requirements. The first MiG-21 built entirely in India rolled out in 1970. Around the turn of the century, IAF MiG-21s were upgraded, and the variant was called the MiG-21 Bison. This was the variant that Avani Chaturvedi flew in.

6. The nicknames most commonly used for the MiG-21 in the IAF are 'pencil' and 'rocket' - 'pencil' because it looks like one with wings slapped on and 'rocket' because it is a single-engine aircraft with everything mounted around it. It can flay at a top speed of 1.8 mach, close to 2200 km per hour. Estimates of the range of different variants of the MiG-21 over the decades has ranged from 650 km to 1250 km.

7. More than 1200 MiG-21s have been inducted in the IAF over the decades. Close to 300 are presently in service. The MiG-21 has served in IAF combat in the 1965, 1971 and 1999 wars with Pakistan.

8. In the 1971 war, they proved to be decisively better than the Lockheed F-104 Starfighters of the Pakistan Air Force. These face-offs between the MiG-21s and the Starfighters were the first supersonic air battles on the Indian subcontinent.

9. MiG-21s have scored 11 confirmed kills for the IAF. However, this number is likely to be on the lower side considering the revisionist claims of the Pakistani military.

10. Crashes of MiG-21s of the IAF have gained attention over the past decades, with the media giving it the moniker of 'flying coffins'. However, Air Force officials say the number of crashes only seems high because of the large number of the aircraft in service.
New Delhi: Some of the valuable paintings seized by the investigative agencies from billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi's residence and offices may be fake.

As per reports, the agencies are trying to ascertain whether the valuable paintings are real or not. Though Nirav Modi is said to have bought certain works of famous painters at auctions, the agencies suspect that most of the other paintings may be a replica of the original one.

The jeweller is known to have gifted paintings of famous artists to his exclusive clients in foreign countries in order to impress them. He is also believed to have gifted such paintings to few rich and the famous people in India.

The investigative agencies suspect that some of the paintings seized from Nirav Modi's residence may have come from China. Forged artworks is business there.

On the other hand, some of the paintings confiscated from Nirav Modi's house are oil and abstract paintings which do not have the name of any artist on them.

Some 20 paintings have reportedly been seized from his house and office.

Nirav Modi, his uncle Mehul Choksi and others are being investigated by multiple probe agencies after a fraud came to light recently following a complaint by the Punjab National Bank. It is alleged that they cheated the nationalised bank with the purported involvement of a few employees of the bank.

Choksi is promoter of the Gitanjali Gems group and other jewellery brands

On February 14, 2018, PNB had disclosed that it had detected fraudulent transactions with a financial implication of about Rs 11,400 crore and the matter had been referred to law enforcement agencies for the recovery.

The CBI and the ED have registered two FIRs each to probe the case.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Thursday that it has frozen shares, deposits and luxury cars worth over Rs 100 crore of the Nirav Modi and Choksi groups in connection with a money-laundering probe against them, as per PTI.

ED officials said they have frozen mutual funds and shares worth Rs 86.72 crore belonging to Choksi and his group and Rs 7.80 crore owned by the Nirav Modi group.

While the total value of these shares and mutual funds is Rs 94.52 crore, the costly four-wheelers are worth a few crores and hence the total seizure value stands to be over Rs 100 crore, the officials said.

The total seizure in the case is now Rs. 5,826 crore, which the agency has said is being independently valued.

The central probe agency also seized nine high-end cars belonging to Nirav Modi during the raids that were launched against him and Choksi on February 15, 2018, under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The seized car brands include a Rolls Royce 'Ghost', a Mercedes Benz, a Porsche Panamera, three Honda models, a Toyota Fortuner and an Innova.

(With PTI inputs)
In a bizarre statement, former Bihar health minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadavs son Tej Pratap Yadav has accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi of letting ghosts loose in his government bungalow. Citing this reason, the young RJD leader has even vacated the residence.

Talking to mediapersons on the issue, he said, I have vacated the official residence because Nitish and Modi have released ghosts in the bungalow to haunt me. Hence, I have decided to leave the bungalow.

In July 2017, the Bihar government had asked Tej Pratap to vacate the official residence after the Janata Dal United broke the Mahagathbandhan alliance to side with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

However, this is not the first time that Tej Pratap has indulged in something controversial with the ruling JDU-BJP alliance. Almost two months back, he had hit out at Nitish Kumar, calling him dhokhebaaz.

Speaking at a public rally in Motihari in Bihar, the RJD leader had said that he does not want a dhokhebaaz dulhaniya like Nitish.

Earlier, he had even threatened to enter Sushil Kumar Modis house and disrupt his sons marriage, which had led to a war of words between the two leaders on microblogging site Twitter as well. Clarifying his statement, he later told a local television channel that he considered the BJP leader as his father. He had also said in the same interview that he would want Modi to find a bride for him.

Following his threat, Tej Pratap had, however, made attempts to play it down by saying that he was not a terrorist and Modi could go ahead with sons wedding without any fear. "I am not a criminal or a terrorist. Sushil Modi should go ahead with the wedding without worry or fear," he had said.
NEW DELHI: The Army has been forced to issue a clarification after General Bipin Rawat commented on the rise of Maulana Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front) in Assam. The Army said: "There is nothing political or religious in the talk. The Army Chief just mentioned amalgamation and development in the seminar on North-East organised at DRDO Bhawan on 21 February 18."

The Army chief is facing the heat for saying that the rise of the AIUDF has been "faster" than that of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 1980s. "There is a party called AIUDF. If you look at it, they have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP grew over the years," he said while referring to the BJP winning only 2 seats in 1984. "The AIDUF is moving at a faster pace in Assam."

Criticising General Rawat for his comment, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi had cautioned the Army chief against speaking on political matters. Owaisi had said that it is not the work of the Army chief work to comment on the rise of a political party. "What, the Army Chief should not interfere in political matters it is not his work to comment on the rise of a political party, Democracy & Constitution allows it and Army will always work under an Elected Civilian leadership," Owaisi said in a tweet on Wednesday.

General Rawat had said that a "planned immigration is taking place because of our western neighbour. They will always try and ensure that this area is taken over, playing the proxy dimension of warfare," General Rawat had said, talking about the influx of people from Bangladesh into the Northeast. He was addressing a conference on bridging gaps and securing borders in the Northeast region.

Speaking about the AIUDF, party MLA Aminul Islam said their popularity is increasing because of the work that they are doing. "AIUDF is working for the downtrodden. this is why our popularity is growing faster than BJP. We are hopeful that people of Assam irrespective of caste and creed, will accept AIUDF and our party will come to power soon," Islam said.
Guwahati: All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal took strong objection to the remarks of Army chief General Bipin Rawat`s comments about the growth of the party in Assam allegedly because it enjoyed the support of the Muslim population.

"We respect General Rawat a lot but I think he has been misinformed and misguided. People say we are a Muslim party which is false. We've always given 20-25 seats to our Hindu brothers in all elections. Muslims brothers had also laid down their lives for the freedom struggle. We're Indians. Let us live with the dignity of an Indian," he said.

"If Army chief is saying that demographic change is happening in Assam then it is the government's job to check it. We are the only party which said that shoot anyone who infiltrates into our borders," Ajmal added.

"Have asked for time to meet with the President, PM and Home Minister. Our MLA delegation will meet and clarify our position. Whenever I meet HM, he meets me warmly and addresses me as 'Badruddin bhai'. If we were anti-national would he welcome me," he pointed out.

Earlier Ajmal had tweeted, "General Bipin Rawat has made a political statement, shocking. Why is it a concern for the Army chief that a political party, based on democratic and secular values, is rising faster than the BJP? Alternative parties like the AIUDF, the AAP have grown because of the misgovernance of big parties."

He had asked if by making such a statement, the Army chief was "indulging in politics which is against the constitutional mandate given to him".

Gen Bipin Rawat has made a political statement, shocking! Why is it a concern for the Army Chief that a political party, based on democratic & secular values, is rising faster than BJP? Alternative parties like AIUDF, AAP have grown because of the misgovernance of big parties.

1  M Badruddin Ajmal (@BadruddinAjmal) February 22, 2018

By making such statement, isn't the Chief of Army Staff indulging into politics which is against the constitutional mandate given to him. @rashtrapatibhvn @PMOIndia please take note.

2  M Badruddin Ajmal (@BadruddinAjmal) February 22, 2018

If nothing political, why was Army Chief dragging a political party, in his speech, whose representatives are democratically elected by Indian citizens? https://t.co/LkKeBdB3Qt  M Badruddin Ajmal (@BadruddinAjmal) February 22, 2018

General Rawat said that Pakistan and China are behind illegal immigration in the Northeast. He made this statement while addressing Northeast Region of India Bridging Gaps and Securing Borders Summit in New Delhi on Wednesday.

"Migration from Bangladesh is due to two reasons. One, they are running out of space. Large areas get flooded during the monsoon and they have constricted area to stay. So, people will continue coming into our place," the Army chief said.

"The other issue is a planned immigration that is taking place because of our western neighbour (Pakistan). They will always try and ensure that this area is taken over by proxy warfare. This proxy game is being very well played by our western neighbour and supported by our northern neighbour (China)," he said.

Maintaining that it was difficult to change the population dynamics of Northeast, General Rawat said, "There is a party called AIUDF. They have grown in a faster time-frame than the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) grew over the years. When we talk of Jan Sangh with two MPs and where they have reached, AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam."

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: Army Chief Gen Bipim Rawat has warned that Pakistan is behind what he calls 'planned' influx of people from Bangladesh into the northeast.

"A planned immigration is taking place because of our western neighbour. They will always try and ensure that this area is taken over, playing the proxy dimension of warfare," Gen Rawat said, talking about the influx of people from Bangladesh into the northeast.

Migration from Bangladesh is due to two reasons. One, they are running out of space. Large areas get flooded during the monsoon & they have constricted area to stay: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat (21.02.18) pic.twitter.com/Cwoc3Xg7lS  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Gen Rawat said that it is part of a proxy warfare by Pakistan, which is getting support from China with an aim to keep the area disturbed.

"I think the proxy game is very well played by our western neighbour, supported by our northern border (China) to keep the area disturbed. We will continue to see some migration happening. The solution lies in identifying the problem and holistically looking at it," he said.

Gen Rawat also referred to reports of an increase in Muslim population in several districts of Assam.

The influx of illegal Bangladeshis is a major issue in Assam and the state government is now coming out with a national register of citizens to find out those living illegally in the state.

"There is a party called AIUDF. If you look at it, they have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP grew over the years," he said while referring to the BJP winning only 2 seats in 1984.

"The AIDUF is moving at a faster pace in Assam," he added.

The AIUDF, which was formed in 2005 with an aim to champion the cause of Muslim community, currently has three parliamentarians in Lok Sabha and 13 legislators in the state assembly.

He made these remarks while addressing a conference on bridging gaps and securing borders in the northeast region.

The Army Chief said that solution to the problem lies in ensuring the development of the region by taking a holistic approach.

"I do not think you can now change the population dynamics of the area. If it was five districts to eight to nine, inversion has taken place whichever be the government," he said while referring to reports that Muslim majority has increased from five to nine districts in Assam.

Rawat called for the need to "amalgamate" the people living in the region and "slowly identifying' those creating trouble for us".

He added that the Centre is looking at the northeast in correct perspective, and if that happens, time will not be far that the government will be able to amalgamate the region and ensure development.

''And with development comes the control of the people who are residing in this area," he said.

Shrinking land space in Bangladesh and the yearly floods are the main reasons for migration from the Asian country, he said.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said he looks forward to holding talks with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Friday.

"I look forward to meeting PM Justin Trudeau and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries," he tweeted.

PM Modi added, "I hope PM Justin Trudeau and his family had a very enjoyable stay so far. I particularly look forward to meeting his children Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien."

He also posted a picture from his 2015 Canada visit.

I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres. I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2018

I hope PM @JustinTrudeau and his family had a very enjoyable stay so far. I particularly look forward to meeting his children Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. Here is a picture from my 2015 Canada visit, when I'd met PM Trudeau and Ella-Grace. pic.twitter.com/Ox0M8EL46x  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2018

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland on Thursday discussed issues of "bilateral interest" during a strategic dialogue.

EAM @SushmaSwaraj and Canadian Foreign Minister @cafreeland had wide ranging discussions on strengthening relations in trade and investment, security and cyber security, energy, people to people contacts and other relevant bilateral and regional issues. pic.twitter.com/FfIFx5AfB0  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 22, 2018

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said it was a "good meeting", during which they had wide-ranging discussions on strengthening relations in trade and investment, security and cybersecurity, energy, people to people contacts and other relevant bilateral and regional issues.

On the other hand, Trudeau said on Thursday that said his ongoing visit to India has already yielded investments worth over one billion dollars that will generate 6,000 'high quality' jobs.

Underscoring the need for deepening bilateral ties, the Canadian PM said he is in India to strengthen historic ties between the two nations and the hospitality extended to his family "has been phenomenal".

"In total, this weeks trip has yielded more than a billion dollars in investments between Canada and India and that billion dollars back and forth will create 6,000 high-quality jobs for folks back home and many many good jobs here as well. This is a true vote of confidence from the Indian Business community and the desire from companies around the world to set up shop in Canada makes sense," he said while addressing a business event coordinated by CII in New Delhi.

Trudeau said India and Canada must "deepen and broaden" its historic friendship and "that is what this week has been all about".

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will on Thursday hold a strategic-level dialogue with her Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland ahead of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Friday.

Apart from her meeting with Sushma Swaraj, Freeland will also meet Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu later today, according to the MEA.

Freeland will also be part of the Canadian delegation that will participate in Friday's bilateral parleys.

Freeland is part of the delegation accompanying Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who is on an official visit to India.

Trudeau arrived here last week along with his family and a delegation of ministers and business leaders.

After visiting Agra, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, Trudeau had visited Amritsar on Wednesday where he, his wife and children prayed at the Golden Temple.

Trudeau also met Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

Trudeau, during his meeting with Singh, said that his country did not support any separatist movement in India or elsewhere. Amarinder Singh later said that he raised the issue of 'Khalistan' and the support certain elements in Canada were given to it to cause a disturbance in Punjab.

"The categorical assurance from Trudeau came when Captain Amarinder Singh sought the Canadian Prime Minister's cooperation in cracking down on separatism and hate crime by a fringe element, constituting a negligible percentage of Canada's population.

"Citing the separatist movement in Quebec, Trudeau said he had dealt with such threats all his life and was fully aware of the dangers of violence, which he had always pushed back with all his might," Chief Minister's Media Advisor Raveen Thukral disclosed after their 40-minute meeting.

Amarinder Singh thanked Trudeau for his explicit stand on a united India.

There are 1.2 million people of Indian origin in Canada and around 500,000 of them hail from Punjab.

The bilateral trade between the two countries Canada stood at $6.05 billion in 2016.

The two countries are also working on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

(With Agency inputs)
Srinagar: Pakistani troops on Thursday fired at the Indian border posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a quick response from the Army.

According to an Army official, ''The Pakistani troops opened unprovoked firing at the Indian posts in the Hajipeer area of the Uri sector in Baramulla district this morning triggering an equal response from the Army.''

''The Indian soldiers are retaliating the aggression from across the LoC effectively and in equal measure,'' he added.

So far, no casualties have been reported in the incident.

Meanwhile, a fierce gunfight erupted between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district this morning.

''As soon as the security forces cordoned off Paribal village in Hajin area following information about the presence of the terrorists, they were fired at, triggering the fighting,'' a J&K Police official said.

"The gunfight is still on," the police added.

(With Agency Inputs)
Bhopal: In an unusual incident, the Mayor of Bhopal Alok Sharma got the moustache and beard of some people shaved in order to instill the values of cleanliness in them.

The incident took place at a road crossing in Bhopal's ward number one.

He said that they had to make Bhopal number one in terms of cleanliness and for that, the initiative should begin from the person himself.

As per reports, Sharma asked them to shave regularly. Later, he compared shaving to cleanliness mission and said that the way one cleans one's face and makes it appear nice, one should also keep one's area and city clean in a similar manner.

Sharma also asked people to separate the dry and the wet garbage before disposing of them.

A stage had been decorated for the event and in a video of the incident, people can be seen being called one by one to get their shaving done.

(To view the video click on the link above).

Swachh Bharat Mission or Clean India Mission is a campaign that aims to make India clean, elimination of open defecation through the construction of household-owned and community-owned toilets being one of the objectives.

The mission aims to achieve an ODF in the country by October 2, 2019, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, by constructing 12 million toilets in rural India.

The campaign was officially launched on October 2, 2014, at Rajghat in New Delhi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
New Delhi: Honor 9 Lite, a device launched under Huawei's sub-brand Honor, has started receiving "Face Unlock" feature via HOTA (Huawei's Over the Air update), the company said on Wednesday.

The HOTA rollout has started in batches and will be rolled out to everyone by March 5.

"'Honor 9 Lite' will be the most affordable smartphone in the Indian market to support 'Face Unlock' feature and will further emerge as the best value for money smartphone with superior hardware and software configurations," P Sanjeev, Vice President, Sales, Huawei Consumer Business Group, said in a statement.

The 5.65-inch Honor 9 Lite has dual cameras on both the front and rear and runs Android 8.0 Oreo with EMUI 8.0.

The quad-camera smartphone is available for Rs 10,999 (32 GB variant) and Rs 14,999 (64 GB variant).
Shillong: The Congress on Thursday demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's explanation for allegedly unleashing "multiple engines of corruption" in the country.

The party also sought Modi's response on the decision to undo the backward area region grant which, it said, stifled the growth of the hill states and north-east.

The prime minister must answer on the multiple engines of corruption he has unleashed in the country, Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala told reporters here.

The prime minister must also answer as to why did he decide to undo the backward area region grant, which used to help states like Meghalaya and other states, where the districts are backward, get special central funding, he added.

The Congress' fresh salvo on the prime minister followed a scathing attack by party president Rahul Gandhi yesterday, who had described Modi as an "instrument of corruption."

The 60-member Meghalaya Assembly will go to the polls on February 27. The BJP is making a determined bid to dislodge the Congress, which is ruling the north-eastern state for the last 10 years, from power.

Surjewala said, The prime minister must also answer why did he undo the SC/ST sub-plans. A large number of people in the north-eastern states belong to the scheduled tribes and they were beneficiaries of the ST sub-plan.

He added that the stifling of the special grant for Meghalaya, Nagaland and other north-eastern states had hurt them.

The Congress leader also alleged that there was a systematic prosecution of Christians during Modi's rule, adding that brazen attacks on and vandalising of churches had taken place over the last few years.

In 2014-2015 alone, Surjewala claimed that 11 churches were attacked and vandalised in and around Delhi by the Bajrang Dal and the Dharam Sena, both outfits claiming affiliation to BJP-RSS.

No action was taken and no arrest made and yet, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh comes here (Meghalaya) and speaks about law-and-order, he said.

The Congress leader said for the first time in the country's history, the singing of carols at the Rashtrapati Bhavan was stopped last year, despite the fact that it had nothing to do with religion.

He also alleged that December 25 was converted by the BJP from being celebrated as Christmas to "Good Governance Day" to give an adverse message to the Christian community, adding that the move was opposed even by the allies of the saffron party such as the Naga People's Front and the People's Party of Arunachal Pradesh.

Surjewala said no one had forgotten the gruesome incident in which Christian missionary Graham Staines and his two minor sons were burnt to death by Bajrang Dal activist Dara Singh and others in 1999 in Odisha, when the BJP was in a coalition government in the state.

Stating that instead of development, division was being celebrated in the country, he added that this was the difference between the Congress and the BJP and its allies like the NPP.

We celebrate development, brotherhood, cohesion, multi-ethnicity and diversity of customs, languages, food habits, colours of skin. That is what India is about and you cannot convert the country into a regimented, fascist regime, which they (BJP) are trying to do, the Congress leader said.

Responding to a query, Surjewala claimed that the Congress government's performance in Meghalaya was the biggest evidence of delivery on the ground, despite the sinister campaign launched by the BJP and its "puppet", the NPP.

The truth remains that the Congress government has rolled out a new agenda of development on the ground in the last five years. The agenda of development is for the people of the state to see, he said.
Phulbari: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at a poll rally on Thursday, batted for the development of Meghalaya and said the Northeastern state was not safe in the hands of the Congress.

He appealed to the people to give the BJP a chance to ''serve the state'' and assured them that the party had the single agenda of development.

PM Modi's rally at Shyamnagar village in Phulbari of West Garo Hills district was the first in the state by a Prime Minister.

The 60-member Meghalaya Assembly is scheduled to go to the polls on February 27, 2018.

Here is my speech at the rally in Phulbari, Meghalaya. https://t.co/tude3MjpB5  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2018

Following are PM Modi's top quotes:

In a bid to reach out to the majority Christian population of Meghalaya, PM Modi said the Centre did not remain a ''silent spectator'' when missionaries and workers of minority communities were terrorised in conflict zones.

- ''For 50 years, there has been nothing. We ask you to give us five years and let us undo the damage of the last 50 years. Try us and if we fail, throw us out."

- ''Give us (BJP) a chance to serve the state. We will ensure good governance, guided by the philosophy of sabka saath, sabka vikas... I promise you that a BJP government in Meghalaya will account for every rupee spent."

- ''In five years, I assure you that we will bring the change the people want."

- ''Wherever I see, there are only people and to think that there can be such a huge support (to the BJP) in this small state is amazing. This is a call for parivartan in Meghalaya and the people are yearning for a change."

- ''We have not remained a silent spectator when Christian missionaries and minority workers were terrorised in conflict zones.''

- ''Father Alex Premkumar, a missionary working in Afghanistan, had been languishing in terrorist captivity for 18 long months and even his family had given up on his being alive, but we had not. Our government worked tirelessly to ensure his safe return and when I called his sister to inform her about his rescue, she could not believe that the prime minister was calling her and that her brother was alive."

- PM Modi urged the people to demand accountability from the Congress government in the state and spoke about the funds being released annually to the state for development purposes, most of which, he alleged, was not even utilised.

- ''Successive governments watched without taking action as funds were misappropriated every year. But when our government came to power in Delhi, we sought accountability.''

- ''After we asked for utilisation of the funds and later insisted on spot inspection of the project sites, the Congress government in Meghalaya is now reluctant to seek project funds from New Delhi."

- ''There is a long list of scams to the credit of the state government and Meghalaya is not safe in the hands of the Congress.''

- ''Earlier, the visits by central ministers were few and far between, but in the past four years, each month a Union minister has visited the region."

- ''We have planned to spend around Rs 180 crore for building the new Shillong airport. It will boost the possibilities of industrial development, besides generating employment opportunities for the common man."

- "No efforts were ever made to strengthen the sector. We will ensure that more and more tourists arrive here. This will generate income opportunities for the people.''

(With PTI inputs)
Mumbai: Bigg Boss 11 winner Shilpa Shinde recently visited Luv Tyagi in Delhi. The former Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai star took to her Instagram page to share a pic with her co-contesant.

She posted: So here is a surprise for all #Shilpians Met Luv @luvtya6i today in Delhi (sic).

Luv too posted a pic on his Instagram page.

@shilpa_shinde_official A post shared by Luv Tyagi (@luvtya6i) on Feb 21, 2018 at 10:54am PST

Luv, who participated in Bigg Boss 11 as a commoner, went on to become one of the most popular contestants. He couldnt make it to the list of finalists but proved to be a charmer for sure. The shows grand finale took place on January 14. A

After getting evicted from the house, Luv, who is an aspiring model / actor, had said, The theme of Bigg Boss 11 is Padosi aa rahe hai bajaane baraah and thats exactly what Ive managed to do in these past three months. It took me a while to understand the nuances of this game, and with time, I managed to do well  which is what helped me get this far. This has been the most memorable experience of my life and getting evicted in the semi-finale is a big deal in itself.

Shilpa on the other hand, was already a celebrity but her popularity grew manifold post Bigg Boss 11.

After winning the show, Shilpa had said, To be able to hear your name in the voice of Bigg Boss as a winner is the best feeling that one can ever experience. It is a show that has made me more respectful towards myself. I have learnt a lot on this show and more than that I have grown stronger as person and as a human being. The immense love and warmth from a lot of people has got me here to this stage. I had decided that if ever in my life I would need any kind of support, I would turn to Salman Khan, but destiny had other plans and ultimately brought me here at this juncture.
Los Angeles: Actor Jennifer Lawrence has shot at the trolls and media, who criticised her over her revealing dress, calling the debate "sexist" and "utterly ridiculous".

The 27-year-old actor took to Facebook to give it back to those who had commented that she should have worn a coat in the cold weather of London at the event for her latest Soviet spy thriller "Red Sparrow".

Lawrence wrote she did not think she needed to cover her dress with 'a coat and a scarf' and even if she was standing in the snow, it was her "choice" to go for coveralls or not.

She was dressed in black Versace gown with a plunging sweetheart-style neckline and a hip-high slit.

"Wow. I don't really know where to get started on this 'Jennifer Lawrence wearing a revealing dress in the cold' controversy. This is not only utterly ridiculous, I am extremely offended.

"That Versace dress was fabulous, you think I'm going to cover that gorgeous dress up with a coat and a scarf? I was outside for five minutes. I would have stood in the snow for that dress because I love fashion and that was my choice," she wrote.

Social media users and some fashion portals also pointed out that while her co-stars Joel Edgerton, Jeremy Irons, Matthias Schoenaerts and director of the film Francis Lawrence were all dressed in winter clothes, she was "forced" to play dress up as she was the female lead.

Lawrence said the media was "overreacting" over "silly issues", thus veering the attention from more important issues at hand.

"This is sexist, this is ridiculous, this is not feminism. Overreacting about everything someone says or does, creating controversy over silly innocuous things such as what I choose to wear or not wear, is not moving us forward. It's creating silly distractions from real issues. Get a grip, people. Everything you see me wear is my choice. And if I want to be cold THAT'S MY CHOICE TOO!" she said.
New Delhi: The end of FY18 is likely to bring good news for lakhs of Central government employees as reports are there that the Narendra Modi government is mulling to take a final call on the further hike in basic pay demand of the employees.

It is believed that the Central government employees most of the problems, especially financial, will be solved if Modi government accepts their demand to increase the minimum pay.

As per media reports, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has assured to implement the pay hike for government employees from April.

Reports further said that the promises made by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on fitment factor and payscale to lower-level employees might also become a reality. Earlier reports stated that the Gazette will have these information in the next financial year and it might be implemented from April 2018.

If reports are to be believed then central government employees will soon see a Rs 3000 rise in their minimum pay scale, increasing the minimum basic pay from Rs 18,000 to Rs 21,000.

Minimum pay scale of Rs 21,000 has been predicted for quite some time now, although the employees believe this hike will bring no positive impact on their financial position.

When the 7th Pay Commission was approved by the Union Cabinet last year, the minimum basic pay was increased from Rs 7,000 to Rs 18,000 whereas the maximum pay increased to Rs 2.5 lakhs with a fitment factor of 2.57 times.

However, the employees were demanding that the minimum basic pay be increased to Rs 26,000 with a fitment factor of 3.68 times.

A government employee in an OdishaTv.in report said, "If the government increases the fitment factor 3 times, the problems will continue to hunt us; 3.68 times fitment factor hike from the existing 2.57 times can only work for us."

We dont have any faith on this government. You would have noticed, all the policies introduced by the Modi government are anti-employees. The government has failed us. But hopes are still there, said another employee in the report.

The government might implement the new salary from April 2018, but it is in no mood to give arrears to the employees.

According to an earlier report, financial advisors to the government are of the view that arrears on higher minimum pay will bring an extra burden to the exchequer.

Recent reports have also mentioned that, for entry-level employees' basic pay may go up to Rs 18,000 from previous Rs 7,000, while for the highest level like the secretary  the pay scale could rise to Rs 2.5 lakh from Rs 90,000.

Moreover, basic pay of Class 1 officers is expected to start from Rs 56,100.

According to the Finance ministry, 7th Central Pay Commission will benefit 34 lakh civilian employees and 14 lakh Defence Forces personnel. It had examined 197 allowance, recommending abolition of 53 allowance and subsuming 37 others. Also, 7th Central Pay Commission recommended revised rates commensurate with Dearness Allowance.

There are still confirmations pending from the government or the department concerned or ministry with regards to pay scale and fitment factor.
New York: Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston did not expect to be single once again and she is 'sad and disappointed' as her marriage with Justin Theroux did not work out.

According to a source close to Aniston, the 'Friends' star believes in love and she may not date anyone again.

"As for her future, she isn't a fan of dating and she never was. She always found dating awkward and unpleasant. She hates all the media attention that she knows she will get now. But, she is a big believer in falling in love and spending her life with a partner that loves sharing hers," the source was quoted by People as saying.

Sources close to the pair detail how Aniston and Theroux's clashing lifestyles drove them apart and how their powerful chemistry first drew them together.

Aniston, who preferred living in Los Angeles (L.A.) tried adopting Theroux's New York City-based luxurious lifestyle but it made her miserable. With such differences, it became totally exhausting and frustrating for the pair.

"For many months they tried to make it work. They even had therapy. And while it seemed Justin gave up many months ago, Aniston only very recently started telling friends that they (relationship) were over," the source continued.

The 49-year-old actress is 'doing good' after her split with Theroux.

"She has an amazing life that she loves and is very grateful for. Jen would be the first one to say that she is a lucky girl," the source added.

Last Thursday, the pair announced their separation, due to 'differences'. Aniston also reportedly issued a statement where she denied using Brad Pitt, her ex-husband, as a shoulder to lean on, following her split with Theroux.

Also, there are rumours that there was no evidence that Aniston and Theroux were even legally married. Aniston turned 49 years last week and Theroux was noticeably absent from the Malibu celebration.

Aniston and Theroux began dating in May 2011 and became engaged in August 2012. They married three years later, on August 5, 2015, at their home in Bel-Air in L.A.
New Delhi: Microsoft on Wednesday announced support for e-mail addresses in 15 Indian languages across its apps and services, including Office 365, Outlook 2016, Outlook.com, Exchange Online and Exchange Online Protection (EOP).

Indian users would be able to use local language e-mail addresses for Outlook accounts on their personal computers, the company said on the occasion of the International Mother Language Day.

It would also allow users to seamlessly send/receive mails to/from local language e-mail addresses via Outlook client on PCs, Outlook.com in addition to Outlook apps for Android and IOS.

"Making e-mail addresses available in 15 languages is an exciting step to making modern communications and collaboration tools more accessible and easier to use for all," Meetul Patel, COO, Microsoft India, said in a statement.

"We are making technology use the language of people and not requiring people to first learn the traditional language of technology," Patel added.

The initiative is part of the company's ongoing efforts to support Email Address Internationalisation (EAI) across its products and services eco-system and make technology accessible in local languages.

The languages being introduced are those that support Unicode -- an international encoding standard for use with different languages and scripts.

Microsoft's products will also support additional Indian languages as and when their IDNs and e-mail addresses become available in the future, making this feature forward compatible.

Last month, Microsoft announced the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Neural Networks (DNN) to improve real-time language translation for Hindi, Bengali and Tamil languages.

This technology would help users in getting results that are more accurate and natural while surfing the Internet across any website on the Microsoft Edge browser, Bing search, Bing Translator website, as well as Microsoft Office 365 products like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Skype.
Read the original text at 112.ua.

Ukraine's permanent representative to the United Nations, former Ukraines ambassador to Russia (2010-2014), Volodymyr Yelchenko, was interrogated in Obolonsky Court of Kyiv in the case of the ex-president's treason case. Find out the key points of Yelchenkos testimony.

On the Russian military in Crimea

We have learned from media that approximately February 27, 2014, Russian military personnel began to appear in Crimea, although the Russian side denied this information, assuring that these were Russian regular units that are part of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Crimea. But even after watching the Russian news, it became clear that these were not only the military that had always been in Crimea, but there were some additional units. In addition, Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed us that there were at least several dozen special flights of Russian aviation, mainly to the Belbek airport. These flights, apparently, were used to transfer the additional forces. The Russian side has refuted that.

On Ukraines reaction to the Russian aggression in Crimea

We wrote letters. Almost every day, I wrote to the opposition and sent the telegrams to three addresses: to Ukraines acting president, to the Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. As Ukraines ambassador in Russia, I regarded that it was necessary to do everything possible (or at least try) to bring our bilateral relations back to normal, even despite those tragic events that were taking place in Crimea, and later in Donbas. I have already left Moscow at that time. I regarded that the leadership of Ukraine who read this information probably had more information from other sources and made a decision based on other information (that I was not aware of). Therefore, I cannot say that this was not accepted or was accepted.

On protest notes to Russia

At least until I have been in Moscow and after my departure, we have been sending protest notes to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation almost every day or even few times a day. Moreover, I can add that my last visit to the Russian Foreign Ministry was on March 8.

On the plans of the Russian Federation concerning Ukraine

I think that it would not be a mistake to say that they had some farther plans and would not stop on Crimea. So it happened; this time it began in Donbas. Here, apparently, they need a permission (Yanukovych's letter with the request to call Russian troops in Ukraine, - Ed.) Just in case it was necessary. We do not know all of their plans, maybe, they wanted to go further or stop in Donbas, or go to Kharkiv, to Kyiv. But they needed this permission.

On Yanukovych's letter with the request to call Russian troops in Ukraine

From the very beginning, after Churkins speech (Vitaly Churkin, the late Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN) at a meeting of the Security Council on March 3, 2014, he asked the UN Secretariat to distribute these UN documents, but he, as far as I understand, has sent a copy without a signature. Therefore, the UN Secretariat appealed to Churkin. It follows from the logic of the situation that Churkin first sent this letter to the UN Secretariat without a signature. The UN Secretariat drew his attention to the fact that they need a signature, and the right document was sent later... They have sent the first document they could find, and when they were asked to provide the official document with a corresponding signature, they have sent the same document, but this time it was signed.

May 4, 2017, a trial in absentia over former President Viktor Yanukovych on charges of high treason began. Obolonsky District Court of Kyiv held the first preparatory meeting on the case of the encroachment of Viktor Yanukovych on the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Criminal Code provides a punishment of deprivation of liberty for a period of 10 years or life imprisonment. One of the main evidence in the case is the fact that Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych asked Russia to send troops across the border to protect civilians (March 1, 2014).
Poland assigns high priority to the observance of the sovereignty principle and territorial integrity, remembering the actions of Russia beyond the principles of the international law

Open source

Poland stands for the deployment of the UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas because it is important for the security of the country. Jacek Czaputowicz, the Foreign Minister of Poland claimed this during the briefing at the UN Security Council as PAP reported.

Talking about Ukraine, Czaputowicz noted that it would be good if UN also participated in the settlement of the Donbas Conflict, sending the UN Czaputowicz there.

It is difficult to reach the agreement on this issue but the work continues. Poland is one of the most active countries in this region because the situation in Ukraine is very important for the security of our country also because of the refugees inflow from there, Czaputowicz said.

The minister noted that Poland assigns high priority to the observance of the sovereignty principle and territorial integrity, remembering the actions of Russia beyond the principles of the international law, such as annexation of Crimea and support of the militants in Donbas.

Previously Vladimir Putin instructed the Russian Foreign Ministry to introduce the draft resolution to the UN Security Council, as he believes such a mission could help resolve the conflict. Ukraine phrased its opinion on the subject, saying that it objects to having peacekeepers from Russia participating in the UN mission.

Ukraine also insists that the peacekeeping mission must be deployed on all occupied territories, including the Russian border. Russia objects to this, saying that it contradicts the Minsk agreements, and insisting that the peacekeepers are needed solely to guard the SMM OSCE observers and be present on the contact line.

As it was reported earlier Kurt Volker, the US Special Envoy to Ukraine and Vladislav Surkov, the Counselor of Russian president discussed all topical issues on the settlement of the Donbas conflict, including the issue of the UN peacekeepers in Belgrade on November 13.

Earlier, Surkov claimed in the result of the meeting with Volker that the US proposed addendum to the Russian draft resolution on the UN mission in Donbas. Particularly, the American side offered to add 29 points to the draft resolution but Russia accepted only 3 of them.

Later Stepan Poltorak, the Defense Minister of Ukraine claimed that Russian participation in the UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas is excluded during his his meeting with his Canadian colleague Harjit Sajjan.
Open source

International Committee of the Red Cross mission sent 320 tons of humanitarian assistance to the temporary annexed Donetsk region. The press office of Ukraines Border Guard Service reports.

17 vehicles with 320 tons of cargo with food and hygiene packages sent by the International Committee of the Red Cross got past the Novotroitske checkpoint, the message says.

As 112.internaional reported earlier, the International Committee of the Red sent 190 tons of humanitarian assistance to the temporary annexed Donetsk region in September 2017.

On February 22, Russia sent another so-called "humanitarian convoy" to the Donbas territory occupied by the pro-Russian militants. The trunks carry more than 430 tons of cargo, among which "mainly children's food sets and medical equipment," claimes Emergency Ministry of Russia.

Russian authorities have been sending the so-called humanitarian convoys to Ukraine since August 2014. The Russian side claims the trucks carry food, water, medicines, books, agrarian instruments and other necessities. Ukrainian border guards cannot check the contents of trucks, and Russia refused to send their humanitarian aid through the controlled checkpoints on the border, as requested by Ukraine. Ukraine insists there are weapons and ammunition aboard the trucks, so they reach Kremlin-backed militants that keep on attacking Ukrainian positions.
The trunks carry more than 430 tons of cargo, among which "mainly children's food sets and medical equipment"

Russia sent another so-called "humanitarian convoy" to the Donbas territory occupied by the pro-Russian militants. This was reported by the press service of the Emergency Ministry of Russia.

"The humanitarian column of the Russian Emergency Ministry reached the "Donetsk" and "Matveev Kurgan" checkpoints on the Russia-Ukraine border. Now all the vehicles of the column undergo the necessary customs procedures," the report said.

The trunks carry more than 430 tons of cargo, among which "mainly children's food sets and medical equipment."

The previous column of Russian trucks arrived in the Donbas on 25 January. The cars carried more than 400 tons of goods, including children's food kits," as the Russian ministry calimed.

As it was reported earlier Russian authorities have been sending the so-called humanitarian convoys to Ukraine since August 2014. The Russian side claims the trucks carry food, water, medicines, books, agrarian instruments and other necessities. Ukrainian border guards cannot check the contents of trucks, and Russia refused to send their humanitarian aid through the controlled checkpoints on the border, as requested by Ukraine. Ukraine insists there are weapons and ammunition aboard the trucks, so they reach Kremlin-backed militants that keep on attacking Ukrainian positions.
Cooperation between Ukraine and Kuwait is of strategic importance, according to the Deputy Prime Minister Pavlo Rozenko, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

If the relevant Ukrainian ministries and institutions engage actively, energy resources of the Middle East may play a crucial role in Ukraines efforts to diversify energy imports and to create a reliable system of energy security, - P. Rozenko pointed out at a meeting of the Ukrainian part of the intergovernmental commission on Ukraine-Kuwait cooperation, the Deputy Prime Ministers press service informed on Thursday.

Participants also discussed issues pertaining to the expansion of cooperation between the countries in the agricultural, humanitarian, transportation and infrastructure development.Rozenko considers that cooperation between Ukraine and Kuwait across different sectors is very promising. He pointed out that the national development strategy New Kuwait 2035 introduced in January 2017 creates excellent opportunities for the enhancement of bilateral relations between the countries in the transportation and infrastructure sectors.

A roadmap for the next meeting of the commission was prepared at the end of the session.

Earlier it was reported that Kuwait may purchase AN-178 aircrafts produced by Antonov State Enterprise in Ukraine. When the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin visited Kuwait in November 2017 he announced that a visa-free regime for Ukrainian visitors in Kuwait may be introduced soon.
Open source

In 2017 Ukraine imported 13.942 billion cubic meters of natural gas worth $3.23 billion from the European Union, the State Statistics Service of Ukraine has informed, UNIAN reports.

Most gas came from Switzerland  a total of 5.6 billion cubic meters worth $1.3 billion were delivered from there. Also, 3.7 billion cubic meters worth $847.8 million were shipped from Germany, another 1.5 billion cubic meters worth $343.2 million arrived from Poland.

Ukraine received 48.6 million cubic meters of gas worth $11.2 million from Austrian traders, 542 million cubic meters worth $127.3 million from the United Kingdom, 67.3 million cubic meters worth $15.9 million from Italy, 179 million cubic meters worth $40.7 million from Luxembourg. Additionally, 222.16 million cubic meters worth $55.3 million were shipped from Slovakia, 768.2 million cubic meters worth $178.9 million were delivered from Hungary, another 1.02 billion cubic meters worth $237.9 million arrived from France, 252 million cubic meters worth $55.6 million were purchased from the Czech Republic.

In late November 2015, Ukraine quit purchasing natural gas from Russias Gazprom. Generally, Ukraine doubled gas imports from Europe in 2015 against 2014, to 10.3 billion cubic meters, simultaneously cutting the purchase of hydrocarbons from Russia by 56.5%. In 2016, Ukraine imported a total of 11.1 billion cubic meters of gas from Europe alone. Particularly, 9.1 billion cubic meters were purchased from Slovakia, 1 billion cubic meters arrived from Hungary, whereas 1 billion cubic meters were shipped from Poland.
Open source

The European Union has officially confirmed that it stops financing projects to develop more than 10 checkpoints on the western border of Ukraine. In addition, Ukraine will have to return some of the funds. This is stated in the official explanation of the European Commission, Evropeyska Pravda reports.



EU spokeswoman Maia Kosjancic explained that the Union stops implementation of projects for which it was required to transfer 29.2 million euros.



"We are talking about six projects with European financing for a total of 29.2 million euros, the main beneficiary of which was the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine. Due to the delays in their implementation, given our assessments and the reports of the EU member states, we came to the conclusion that projects could not be completed on time, "she said.



According to Kosjancic, these six projects are already in the process of closing, allocated and not spent money should be returned to the accounts of the European Commission. However, the EU press secretary clarified that the European Union is ready to support reforms in Ukraine in the future.



The source in Brussels explained that, contrary to the statements of representatives of the Ukrainian side, the decision of the European Union is final.



"The decision to close these projects is final, it was carefully weighed and is based on proper assessment," the official explained. The interlocutor also noted that during the implementation of these projects, Ukraine received from the EU a third of the grant funds allocated for the project - about 10 million euros. Most of these funds remained unused.



According to preliminary data, Kyiv spent about 2 million euros. Accordingly, Ukraine should reimburse the EU about 8 million euros. Thus, the total value of funds that were offered to Ukraine, but not used, is about 27 million euros.

Related: OSCE observers record about 150 blasts in Donbas
Klimkin thinks that Ukraine has really commendable perspectives in this sphere

The authorities of Ukraine and Albania exchanged the offers on the Free-Trade Area agreement. Ditmir Bushati, the Foreign Minister of Albania claimed this at the joint press conference with Pavlo Klimkin, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister as Interfax-Ukraine reported.

We exchange the first projects of our agreement (on the Free-Trade Area) on the basis of the real interest of our business in such exchange, particularly, in the sale of the agricultural products, Bushati said.

In his turn, Klimkin added that his colleague will discuss the offers on the Free-Trade Area with Stepan Kubiv, the first Vice-Prime-Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine.

We think that we have really commendable perspectives in this sphere, the minister noted.

Earlier the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine plans to appoint the honorary consul of Ukraine to Albania.

Ditmir Bushati, the Foreign Minister of Albania pays the official visit to Ukraine.
Russia has tested the effectiveness of a significant arsenal of its new weapons in Syria.

This was stated by the head of the State Duma Defense Committee Vladimir Shamanov, reports Interfax.





"By assisting the fraternal Syrian people, we tested more than 200 new weapons," Shamanov said at a meeting of the State Duma on Thursday, speaking within the "hour of statements" from the "United Russia" faction.





Thus, the deputy stressed, Russia demonstrated the effectiveness of its weapons to the whole world.





"It is no coincidence that today, in a number of directions people are coming to buy our weapons even from countries that are not our allies," he said.





Shamanov also noted the contribution of workers in the military-industrial complex.





We recall, according to some media reports, as a result of the strike of the US-led coalition on February 7 in Syria, about 300 fighters of the private military company "Wagner" connected with the Kremlin, who participated in the actions on the side of the forces of Syrian President Bashar Assad, were killed and injured.




The possibility to strengthen the diplomatic presence of Ukraine in Albania is under discussion

The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine plans to appoint the honorary consul of Ukraine to Albania. Pavlo Klimkin, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister claimed this during the joint press conference with Ditmir Bushati, the Foreign Minister of Albania as Interfax-Ukraine reported.

We plan to appoint the honorary consul of Ukraine to Albania, Klimkin said.

According to the minister, the possibility to strengthen the diplomatic presence of Ukraine in Albania is under discussion, however, the decision will be made on the basis of the dynamics of the development of the relations of the countries.

We will see whether we begin with the full diplomatic presence in the form of the embassies or with the offices of the embassies. It depends on the dynamics of our relations, Klimkin explained.

Ditmir Bushati, the Foreign Minister of Albania pays the official visit to Ukraine.
Open source

International human rights organization Amnesty International criticized the state of human rights in Ukraine for 2017-2018, in particular, recalling the lack of progress in the investigation of the so-called "secret prisons" of the Security Service of Ukraine, torture by law enforcement officials and the persecution for criticizing the authorities.

The report on the state of human rights in Ukraine was published on the official website of the Amnesty International organization.



In particular, the organization recalled the detention by Security Service of the Ukrainian woman, who lives in Russia.



"On August 15, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained for two days Darya Mastikasheva, a Ukrainian citizen who lives in Russia and visited her mother in Ukraine. She was accused of high treason and illegal possession of arms. Her phoyos, which her lawyer did outside the courtroom, show signs of beating and alleged torture by SBU employees," the organization said.



Also her lawyer reported that Daria Mastikasheva received threats against her mother and son until she agreed to read out to the camera an appeal in which she was charged with crimes. As of the end of the year, she was still in detention awaiting trial.



In addition, Amnesty International states that the Ukrainian authorities have increased pressure on their critics and independent public organizations, including journalists and anti-corruption activists. By the way, state bodies opened criminal proceedings and passed laws aimed at restricting the rights to freedom of speech and freedom of association.



The organization added that they continued to illegally detain and imprison their opponents in the occupied territories.



"In November, the de facto" supreme court "in Donetsk sentenced a man to death. The authorities in occupied Russia, Crimea intimidated, harassed and opened criminal proceedings against their critics," Amnesty International said.

Related: Red Cross sent 320 tons of humanitarian assistance in Donetsk
Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr Omelyan said about the success of negotiations with the Irish Ryanair company.





He said this at a press conference

According to him, representatives of the company flew to Ukraine for talks on February 22.





"I have not commented on anything before the signing of the contract. In fact, we had negotiations today, indeed they were successful, indeed, the company will start its flights this fall," the minister said.





The Irish company will conduct flights from Lviv and Boryspil airports.

However, the directions are still unknown.





We recall that on July 10, Ryanair canceled the planned start of work at the Ukrainian market.

The company said that the airport "Boryspil" preferred airlines with high tariffs, including "International Airlines of Ukraine."

In " Boryspil " management, in turn, said that the company put forward demands that can not be met.

In addition, airport director Pavlo Ryabikin said that because of the ultimatum of Ryanair airport could incur losses of 2 billion USD.





On July 13 it became known that the International Airport " Boryspil " decided to resume negotiations with Ryanair.




The exact address of the memorial is removed from the document to accelerate the process of land assignment

Heavenly Hundred Memorial in Kyiv mignews.com

An act on the construction of the memorial and museum complex of Heavenly Hundred Heroes in Ukraine came into effect. The document was published in Holos Ukrayiny.

The document is aimed at the construction of Heavenly Hundred memorial complex on the Heavenly Hundred Heroes Alley.

Land plot for the complex will consist of several lots of communal property and a part of the lot, which belongs to the state-owned enterprise Ukraine Hotel. This is why there is a need to remove the exact address, leaving the following statement: land plots for construction, operation and maintenance of the memorial complex and its elements.

Earlier, we reported, that the act, under which the land plot on Instytutska Street (   ,   ) were to be transferred for the construction, operation and maintenance of the memorial complex of Heavenly Hundred Heroes. It is about this particular lot, but the address was removed from the text.

Recently, the project of the future Heavenly Hundred Heroes memorial was made public.

One of the most tragic events in the history of independent Ukraine took place in Kyiv on Maidan Nezalezhnosti 4 years ago, on February 18-20, 2014 - the brutal execution of participants of the Revolution of Dignity. During the clashes in the center of capital, 73 civilians and 11 law enforcers were killed. The Trade Unions Building on Maidan burnt to the ground.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko posthumously awarded 104 Heroes of Heavenly Hundreds the title of Heroes of Ukraine, as well as three foreigners - a citizen of Belarus Mikhail Zhiznevsky, Georgia - Zurab Khurtsia and David Kipiani. They were posthumously awarded the Order of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes.
The term of the appeal for the decision of the court should expire

The European assets of Serhy Klyuyev, the Ukrainian businessman who was recently removed from the sanction list by the European Court will not be unfrozen as DW reported citing the EU Court.

The court determined to wait until the term of the appeal for the decision of the court expires. The representatives of the EU Council did not report on the intentions of the department to appeal for the decision to unfreeze the assets of Serhy Klyuyev.

However, the appeal is not really meaningful, taking into account that the sanctions stop to act on March 6.

The European institutes consider all possible variants of the legal actions and will make a decision on the further actions in the proper time, the EU Council representative noted.

As we reported on February 21, the European court made a decision on the illegality of the last wave of the sanctions imposed against Serhy Klyuyev, the businessman, former MP and brother of Andry Klyuyev, the former head of the Administration of the president by the EU Council in 2017.

The court noted that the sanctions can be imposed only against the officials who identified as the responsible for the illegal misappropriation of the state funds. The EU Court thinks that the EU Council should check the reasonableness of the accusations of the particular person before the imposing of the sanctions.
Obolonsky district court of Kyiv refused the defense of Viktor Yanukovych in their appeal to question President Petro Poroshenko for the second time. This became known during the session on Thursday broadcasted on 112 Ukraine channel.

The petition for interrogation was filed by Yanukovych's lawyers, arguing that during yesterday's interrogation they did not have time to ask all the questions of interest.

"As the defense already stated during the hearing it has not been given the opportunity to take full advantage of its right to ask questions even within certain time limits. In connection with this and given that the questions, the process of questioning, chronology and topics, that the questions are based on the built-up defensive position, we believe that the specified interrogation has not taken place because the circumstances which the protection could have been established with the help of testimony of this witness were not clarified. We ask the court to interrogate the witness Poroshenko in this criminal case again," Adriana Fozekosh, Yanukovychs lawyer explained.

In their turn, prosecutors did not support this proposal.

"The prosecution considers that the motion is not reasonable at all because yesterday, the witness Poroshenko was interviewed about the circumstances of the criminal proceedings. The defense had all the possibilities, even more time to ask questions regarding the circumstances, but the defense did not take advantage of its right and did not ask questions concerning the circumstances of the criminal proceedings. Therefore, the prosecution considers that this appeal should be denied, as it is groundless," the prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko said.

As a result, the court called the motion groundless, stating that protection yesterday did not use its right to interrogate the president.

As it was reported earlier Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko said about the threat to his life during his trip to Crimea on February 27, 2014. He claimed this during a session of the Obolon court of Kyiv where he is witnessing in the case of high treason of his predecessor, ex-president Viktor Yanukovych.

It is known that Poroshenko, on behalf of the then Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Turchynov, on February 27, 2014, was sent as a deputy to Crimea to settle the conflict. There, the acting president made sure that the Verkhovna Rada did not work and was surrounded by Russian military:

"I personally ascertained that the Verkhovna Rada was closed, did not work, was surrounded by so-called "little green men", servicemen of the regular forces of Russian Federation, and a chain of people in camouflage who called themselves Crimean self-defense, but were coordinated by special services officers of the Russian Federation," he noted.

Earlier, the Obolon District Court of Kyiv allowed the questioning of Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine within the case of the state treason of Viktor Yanukovych, the former president of Ukraine in the regime of the video conference from the presidential administration. It is supposed that the questioning will last for an hour and a half since 14:00 till 15:30.
He will not fulfill the decision of the State Border Guard Service that banned him from the entry to Ukraine until 2021

Mikheil Saakashvili, the former president of Georgia and former head of Odesa Regional Administration intends to return to Ukraine in the near future as he reported on Facebook.

It is the end of this authority with me or without me and I will come back home to Ukraine soon and long before then in three years, he wrote.

The politician thinks that there are too many citizens in Ukraine who are not satisfied with the absence of the changes and reforms.

They think that Saakashvili is the mover of the peoples protests and they will get rid of the public resentment. It is another stupid mistake. People are annoyed with the absence of the changes, reforms, total falsity and thievish authorities. Saakashvili is one of the million of such unsatisfied people, he claimed.

Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine revoked the Ukrainian citizenship of Saakashvili last July on the basis of the false data that is indicated in the form for the Migration Service.

On Sep. 22, 2017, the Mostysky court in Lviv found Saakashvili guilty of unlawfully crossing Ukraines border. In January 2018, the District administrative court of Kyiv refused Saakashvilis appeal to the Migration service as to recognizing him a refugee. On Feb. 6, the court denied this claim again.

As we reported on February 12, Saakashvili was detained by the task force of the Border Guard Service in a restaurant in downtown Kyiv. Also, Mikheil Saakashvili, a former Governor of Odesa region and ex-President of Georgia, was readmitted to Poland, from where he illegally came to Ukraine last September.

Later Saakashvili came to the Netherlands and got the ID card there that allows him to live and work in the EU.
Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko said about the threat to his life during his trip to Crimea on February 27, 2014

Open source

Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko said about the threat to his life during his trip to Crimea on February 27, 2014. The Ukrainian president claimed this during a session of the Obolon court of Kyiv where he is witnessing in the case of high treason of his predecessor, ex-president Viktor Yanukovych, 112 Ukraine TV channel reports.

It is known that Poroshenko, on behalf of the then Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Turchynov, on February 27, 2014, was sent as a deputy to Crimea to settle the conflict. There, the acting president made sure that the Verkhovna Rada did not work and was surrounded by Russian military:

"I personally ascertained that the Verkhovna Rada was closed, did not work, was surrounded by so-called "little green men", servicemen of the regular forces of Russian Federation, and a chain of people in camouflage who called themselves Crimean self-defense, but were coordinated by special services officers of the Russian Federation," he noted.

"As soon as the journalists began to film me, and this was the video evidence of the empty and not working Verkhovna Rada, which did not make any decisions, a command was given to block me, surround me and use physical means. I tried not to let them do it. After we completed the shooting, giving journalists the opportunity to film me on a video camera, my attempt to get to the Crimean Verkhovna Rada was blocked by these persons, including Russian servicemen, I headed down another street to my car, " Poroshenko said.

The President added that Crimeans came to his aid during the confrontations that happened near the Supreme Council of Crimea:

At this time, I was surrounded by dozens at first, and later on hundreds of people. A part of them were provocateurs, who tried to punch, press, and threaten me. But some people came to my defense and I think at that time my life was under direct threat and I thank those people who defended me by their actions, the President said.

As it was reported earlier the defense of Viktor Yanukovych, the former president of Ukraine stands against the questioning of Petro Poroshenko, the president of Ukraine in the regime of the video conference on the case of the Yanukovychs state treason.

Earlier, the Obolon District Court of Kyiv allowed the questioning of Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine within the case of the state treason of Viktor Yanukovych, the former president of Ukraine in the regime of the video conference from the presidential administration. It is supposed that the questioning will last for an hour and a half since 14:00 till 15:30.
Beowulf Sheehan

It sometimes seems that it is difficult for human beings, across geographies or generations or cultures, to care about one anothersome archaic biological me-before-them mechanism, maybe. But there's life-sustaining worth in what we've built by way of culture, magic in communication, and more specifically, in story. In story, we are given an explicit moral framework that allows us to do thatto care about others. Story really might be humanity's greatest invention. In Francisco Cantu's highly anticipated memoir released on Feb. 6, The Line Becomes a River: Dispatches from the Border, the particular thrums on the same frequency as the universal as readers connect to distinct stories of migrants on the US-Mexico border.

Cantu had studied border politics in college and joined the Border Patrol immediately thereafter, hoping that heas Mexican-American and a Spanish speakermight bring some different sensibility to the service. In turn, he hoped the work might give him an inside perspective, and that would allow me to unlock the border and see things that other people hadn't seen, he said, over the phone from Dallas, where he was on the second day of his book tour. He thought he might later become an immigration lawyer or a policy maker in some capacity. But when I left, Cantu said, I had more questions than I even came with.

You must understand, Cantu's mother tells him in the first chapters of the book, that you are stepping into a system, an institution with little regard for people. Cantu grapples with the ramifications of that point through the entirety of the 250-page account. In fact, he struggled with it long after he had left the Border Patrol. Some leftist activists have reacted against Cantu's book suggesting that it normalizes inexcusable cruelty; others read a deeply personal inquiry into his own complicity in that system, and a reproach of the powers-that-be. The reception for the book has been fraughtsome have accused Cantu of profiting from the stories of people whose lives he had a hand in fracturing. Other readers find a necessary amplification of these stories that too often get lost in the discussion of immigration. Cantu came to his writing practice haunted by persistent dreams spurned by his experiences, and so he returned to journal entries he had made during his four years of work in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

The things I remembered the most after leaving the Border Patrol weren't car chases or making big drug busts, he said, what I carried with me years after I quit were these individual encounters with specific crossers. In The Line Becomes a River, Cantu retells, with striking lyricism, these stories. He recounted to me one encounter with a pregnant woman and her husband who had gotten lost and were left by their group as they passed through the Sonoran desert. It turned out that the woman had spent most of her life in the US; she spoke perfect English, she was a school teacher. The couple asked Cantu to do them a favorjust drop them off at the border, spare them the processing and deportation. At the time, Cantu described, there was no conflict at all for me. The answer was no, I'm just doing my job. He asked them their names, feeling that I wanted these people to be safe, I wanted to remember who they were. A couple of hours later, he had already forgotten. Looking back on it, that's sort of part of the numbness and normalization that happens in order to do that job. You forget who these people are. That alarmed methe way all these individuals blended together. Writing this down and taking those stories out of my journal was a way of reclaiming those experiences and giving a name and a face to so many of these people that I had encountered, he said.

For Cantu, the individual lives intersecting with the border and so profoundly impacted by its policies are central to any understanding of the place, though those particular stories are often subsumed by statistics, lost in rhetoric. To me now it seems like the most important thing moving forward having questions about immigration reform or border policy reform is to acknowledge first and foremost how huge and complex and nuanced this issue and this place is. To address the actual human costs of the policy.

Moreover, people won't stop crossing, no matter what kind of architecture one side raises to keep the other out. Cantu has seen smugglers use hydraulic lifts to raise panels so cars could drive underneath and holes burnt by welders into the standing wall so people can go through. To me, Cantu said, I don't see an argument for a bigger, stronger wall; I see an argument that no matter what kind of obstacle we put there, no matter what kind of barrier, its going to be subverted. People are going to find a way up, over, under or around it. Which makes the current policy of enforcement through deterrencelargely by heavily enforcing urban areas under the assumption that crossing the unforgiving deserts that provide the only other avenue to the United States wouldn't be attemptedillogical, even cruel. And nearly 6,000 migrants have died crossing since 2000. I've seen people with silver dollar-sized blisters on their feet, or who were dehydrated to the point that they were near death. I've encountered dead bodies. For me, it's an absolute humanitarian crisis that is happening on our soil because of these policies, Cantu said. And we don't talk about them, we don't mourn their deaths, we don't name their bodies, they often remain unidentified. To me, that's unacceptable, and it has to change.

This is part of the work that Cantu's book doesthrough story connecting readers to experiences they may not have or understand or often hear. I hope that the book  brings home the emotional weight and the value and dignity of each of these lives, so we don't think about migrants as an undifferentiated mass, so that we don't think of them as statistics. So we think about each number as being representative of a human life, an individual. I hope  that it makes an impact emotionally on the reader so they bring that with them when they look at the border, he said.

By assimilating into an unjust system, Cantu lost some of his own humanity. The past cant be repaired, but this book is much more Cantus own contrition as an account of life as a Border Patrol agent. The Line Becomes a River is available for purchase now at your favorite local, independent bookstore, and Cantu visits Bookworks (4022 Rio Grande Blvd. NW) this Friday, Feb. 23 at 6pm for a reading and discussion of the work.
Linn Meyers

Linn Meyers is a multidisciplinary artist living in Washington D.C., but at the beginning of March she will begin a brief tenure in Albuquerque as the artist in residence at the Tamarind Institute. Meyers has visited the Institute four times previously. On March 11, she will begin work on collaborative pieces with current master printer Valpuri Remling. Meyers spoke to us from the streets of D.C., on a walk to a nearby museum. I think I can walk and think at the same time, she mused before eloquently elaborating on her work and how at times the Tamarind has influenced it.

Alibi: What are you working on lately?

Meyers: I'm working on some paintings, and the plans for a site-specific project that will be in Maine in the fall.  It used to be that I would have described my primary focus as drawing and painting and the other work, printmaking and site specific work were secondary to that. Now, I characterize it differently. The site-specific work is now the larger piece of what I do.  In between those projects I'm in the studio painting and drawing. And also giving some thought to the ways in which I can take my current interests and areas of inquiry with me to Tamarind.

How has being at the Tamarind impacted your work?

Printmaking is really important to the other work I do, because it is always collaborative. Because of that, I have insights I wouldn't have otherwise. My work in the studio is generally not so collaborative. That collaborative element that happens in the printshop is really important, and new findings emerge through that process. I then bring that back to my studio with me. That plays out in my paintings and drawings and even the site-specific projects. My experiences at the Tamarind have all had really valuable impact on the other work that I do.  In collaboration I explore territory I wouldn't have had the opportunity to explore otherwise.

How did you connect with this medium in the first place?

I started out as a printmaker in college,  and I studied lithography in high school. I loved it so much that I applied to college as a printmaker.  [After that] I discovered that despite how much I loved the practice and loved the physicality of it, I had sudden clarity that it wasn't going to be my life's work. I think it had to do with the fact that in order to be a really good printmaker, you have to be really good at following instructions and I'm a ruler-breaker by nature. I think [one] key to great printmaking is to know which rules to break and which rules not to break.  What's great about working at Tamarind is that I still get to play, and they are the ones that are in charge of the list of rules. I don't have to fumble around with that stuff. They have such knowledge of what the medium has to offer that I don't have.

Does that eliminate some fear of failure?

When you're making an image that's going to be printed, whether on a stone or a plate  you have the goal of producing an image that will be reproducible.  You could make a whole image on a stone that's lovely and then you try to print it and it totally disappearsthat happened the last summer I was at Tamarind. I spent 15 hours working on this gorgeous drawing on a stone, and then they processed it and the whole thing disappeared.  In an interesting way, it relates nicely to the site-specific work I do. The work is impermanent. I put in a ton of hours and energy and heart making these impermanent large works. I love that about them. It's almost a practice what you preach thing. If I make things that disappear, I have to be okay with working on a stone that sometimes just doesn't work out. It's okay because you're learning along the way.

And you get good practice at letting go. Is there anything about Albuquerque that keeps you coming back?

I really think its valuable for any of us to get out of our regular environs. To make creative work outside of what we're used to, outside of our homes and studios and the people we're used to being surrounded by. I think surprises happen then.

You can catch Meyers at her free artist talk, at the Tamarind Institute (2500 Central Ave. SE) on Thursday, March 22, at 5:30pm.
Exhibition features newspaper column excerpts and photographs from Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and Albuquerque resident Ernie Pyle's work and life. The exhibit runs through 3/30.

Pulitzer Prize winning journalist (1944) and Albuquerque resident Ernie Pyle (1900-1945) was widely recognized as the greatest war correspondent of World War ll. A roving reporter and columnist who traveled alongside the American infantry in World War II and wrote about the daily lives of average soldiers, Pyle was, in the words of Staff Sergeant Ralph D. Martin, correspondent for the military newspaper Stars & Stripes, "simply, honestly, better than anybody else, he was the one who told [the American people] just how the American soldier was living...just what his thoughts and worries and daily problems were...a GI-wise gypsy."

New Mexico Humanities Council hosts Ernie Pyle: A GI-Wise Gypsy, an exhibition featuring newspaper column excerpts and photographs from Pyles work and life. The exhibit runs February 1 through March 30, 2018. Join us on Thursday, February 22 at 6:00pm for a reception and conversation with historians and editors of Ernie Pyle: Tributes to Americas Best Loved Newspaper Columnist, Baldwin G. Burr and Richard Melzer.

This program is part of the Democracy and the Informed Citizen Initiative, administered by the Federation of State Humanities Councils. The initiative seeks to deepen the publics knowledge and appreciation of the vital connections between democracy, the humanities, journalism, and an informed citizenry. We thank The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for their generous support of this initiative and the Pulitzer Prizes for their partnership.
PLEASE NOTE!

Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!

All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!

(One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!)
Ann Lerner and Nick Maniatis with the N.M. Film Office discuss how the industry is a top economic driver for Albuquerque and N.M.

Join NMAMA at our February 22 Lunch & Learn to hear from two key figures in New Mexicos film and TV industry. Ann Lerner with the City of Albuquerque's Film Office and Nick Maniatis with the New Mexico Film Office will discuss how the industry is a top economic driver for Albuquerque and New Mexico, including:

- How they market the city and the state to the TV/film industry

- What steps they have taken to ensure Albuquerque and New Mexico remain great choices for production

- How almost every business in Albuquerque and New Mexico benefits from the film industry

- How you can get involved: be a background extra on set, have your home used as a film location
Calls for Madigan to step down follow sexual harassment allegations from at least two young women that worked for the Speaker's legislative and political staff over the last several years - thus earning the "Sex in the Capitol" scandal tag.

SPRINGFIELD - More calls for Democrat House Speaker Mike Madigan came from Republican primary contenders Wednesday morning. Gubernatorial candidates of both parties, Democrat attorney general candidates as well as others were joined by now-Burr Ridge mayor Mickey Straub and former state Rep. Dwight Kay (R-Glen Carbon), who are running for the House in the March 20th primary.

The Speaker reportedly responded to the calls, saying, "That's not going to happen."

I call on Mike Madigan to resign and ask my opponent to stand with me against Madigan, said conservative state representative candidate Mickey Straub, who is challenging House Minority Leader Jim Durkin in his district's primary on March 20th.

For decades politicians in both parties have quietly colluded to protect their own power and the Springfield culture at our expense. This behavior should not be tolerated in either party. That is why we need fresh, independent representation in Springfield," Straub said.

Downstate GOP candidate Dwight Kay agreed.

"It's bad enough Madigan is the kingpin of the corruption in Springfield which has hurt our families with higher property taxes and fewer jobs. Now we learn he has been protecting sexual predators for years," Kay said in a statement.

Kay said as a single father, he had a large responsibility in raising his children.

"In the world we now live in, we constantly worry about the safety and the future of our daughters, sisters, grand-daughters, and all women. Will they be able to grow up in world free of the predatory behavior so common and ignored by today's leaders?"

"I was disgusted to hear that Speaker-for-life Mike Madigan has allowed a culture of sexual harassment and intimidation and the abuse of women perpetuate in his office year after year. He's been in office since the early 1970's and I wonder how long this culture of abuse has been tolerated?" Kay said.

Straub pointed to his opponent Jim Durkin as having worked with Madigan for nearly 20 years.

"Durkins actions align with his statement in The Western Springs Journal (August 2016) when he said, 'I agree with Madigan more than I disagree with him,'" Straub said. "Durkin has proven he wont hold Madigan accountable."

Straub said for three years, while 27 sexual harassment complaints against lawmakers gathered dust, the legislative inspector generals office sat vacant on Madigans and Durkins watch. It took years and a whistleblower to finally get them to act.

Madigan took three months to fire his longtime aide Kevin Quinn, who was accused of sexually harassing political consultant Alaina Hampton for months. Madigan finally took action when details about the situation were leaked to the media. Earlier this week, Madigan fired another employee in response to complaints.

Id compare it to the Wild-Wild West, but I wouldnt want to insult the west, Straub said.

Where was Jim Durkin while the legislative inspector generals office sat empty?

Where has Durkin been for 10 terms and 20 years? Where is Jim Durkin now, as Republicans and Democrats call for Madigan to resign? said Straub. Over their decades-long partnership, Durkin has demonstrated he wont hold Madigan accountable. His silence reaffirms what we already knew.
Independent filmmaker, actor, comedian and entrepreneur Olan Rogers, whose work has largely been confined to a popular YouTube channel, makes the leap to non-internet-based television with his new series Final Space. Produced by Conan OBriens company and aired on TBS, Final Space is a serialized sci-fi cartoon with a serious funny streak.

The star-spanning story centers around Gary Space (voiced by series creator Rogers), a cocky but mostly incapable con man running around future Earth. Unfortunately for him, hes tossed into space jail after impersonating a pilot in order to impress a cute member of the Infinity Guard (Earths space age military). For his crime Gary is stuck alone on a working prison ship. His only companions are HUE (famed voice actor Tom Kenny), an overly officious computer, and a deep space insanity avoidance companion named KVN (Fred Armisen). Five years later, Garys not doing so well. Hes convinced hes the ships captain and has developed an unnatural attraction to a refrigerator. (Also, HUE keeps adding to his sentence for minor infractions.)

One fateful day Captain Garys insane loneliness is broken when a squishy green beachball of an alien crashes into the prison ship. Gary names him Mooncake and adopts the cute lil guy as his pet. As fate would have it, though, the evil Lord Commander (Doctor Who star David Tennant) is pursuing Mooncake for his own nefarious needs. Soon a horde of well-armed bounty hunters descends upon the prison ship, and Gary is fighting for his life (and possibly the fate of the galaxy).

Underneath its simple, cartoony design, Final Space is surprisingly complex. In addition to our addled protagonist, we get storylines involving Avocato, a tough but reluctant bounty hunter whos being blackmailed into his line of work, and Quinn, the Infinity Guard whom Gary was hitting on who is now in the process of uncovering an intergalactic conspiracy. Steady stream of jokes aside, the shows tone is occasionally emotional and unexpectedly tense. (The show is actually told in flashback as Gary is dying of oxygen deprivation in the void of space, surrounded by the wreckage of a devastated space fleet.)

Overall, Final Space isnt as rude as Rick and Morty or as nerdy smart as Futurama, but it certainly plays like the bastard child of those two cartoon faves. The shows extended pilot serves as a solid introduction to Rogers wide universe of action and humor. The ongoing storyline offers just enough mystery to ensure continued viewing. Given the right kind of exposure and some receptive audiences, Final Space could easily become its own object of cult obsession.
Reel World

Femme Frontier

The US-Mexico Border: Place, Imagination and Possibility is an exhibition and a schedule of citywide public programs organized by 516 ARTS. This Thursday, Feb. 22, one of those ongoing public programs is the Femme Frontera: Short Films Showcase at Guild Cinema (3405 Central Ave. NE). Starting at 7pm Angie Reza Tures and other guest filmmakers introduce this film screening on the subject of how female filmmakers are interacting with issues connected to the US-Mexico border. Femme Frontera is a collective of six women filmmakers from the US-Mexico border dedicated to inspiring and empowering female filmmakers from both sides of the border. Tickets are $8 general admission or $5 for students and seniors.

That screening event is followed up on Saturday, Feb. 24 with the workshop Smart Device Filmmaking with Femme Frontera at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (1701 Fourth Street SW). Instead of simply watching movies, you can learn to make themusing only your smartphone or tablet. Members of Femme Frontera teach you the basics of visual storytelling, setting up a scene, taking advantage of available lighting and how shot framing can influence your story. This workshop runs from 10am to 2pm. Cost is $20 or $15 for members. To reserve a space, email claude@516arts.org or call 242-1445.
With its multiple- record- breaking opening weekend behind us, Marvels latest comic-to-screen adaptation needs little introduction and no help whatsoever from lowly film reviews. But even in the wake of such well-deserved success, its appropriate to take a pause and look at the timely cultural phenomenon as well as the damn good action movie that is Black Panther.

Based on the late-60s comic book character from Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Black Panther arrives somewhat late to the Marvel Cinematic Universebut with what seems like perfect timing. Following up on his introduction in Captain America: Civil War, Black Panther follows Prince TChalla (Chadwick Boseman from biopics 42 and Get On Up) back to his African homeland of Wakanda after the assassination of his father, TChaka (John Kani). Wisely, writer-director Ryan Coogler (snapped up by Disney/Marvel after the success of his indie success story Fruitvale Station and his canny Rocky reboot Creed) forgoes the standard-issue origin story. TChalla is not only the heir apparent to Wakanda but also its latest in a long line of superpowered guardians, the animal-masked warrior/ scientist/ diplomat known as Black Panther.

The bulk of this epic, Shakespearean take on superheroes revolves around TChallas quest to assume the throne of Wakanda. What seems like a cut-and-dried case of pomp and circumstance is soon complicated by a challenger (Winston Duke from Person of Interest as the leader of Wakandas rival White Gorilla cult), a bad guy with a sonic claw (famed CGI actor Andy Serkis, making a rare physical appearance) and a full-fledged royal usurper (Michael B. Jordan from Creed andlets please forgetJosh Tranks abortive Fantastic Four reboot). The result is something along the lines ofbelieve it or notGame of Thrones crossed with Tron.

That might seem like an odd combination for a superhero movie, but Marvel has excelled over the years at turning its various comic book franchises into some wildly diverse film properties. The 70s-style conspiracy thriller that is Captain America: The Winter Soldier couldnt be more far removed in look and feel from the cynically comic space opera of Guardians of the Galaxy. And yet they exist comfortably in the same universe. Black Panther stakes out its own unique territory in the MCU, mixing the royal backstabbing and intrigue of George R.R. Martins fantasy series Game of Thrones with the impossibly high-tech, glowing bodysuit action of Disneys Tron.

Coogler has aligned himself with a veritable army of costume designers, set decorators, CGI artists and prop builders to envision the world of Wakanda. Its an Afrofuturist wonderland that would read like fantasy if it werent so wedded to the realm of science. Seems that thousands of years ago, a meteorite composed of pure vibranium crashed into the heart of Africa. Wakanda was founded atop that mound of priceless and powerful metal. In the generations since, Wakanda has built itself into a high-tech paradise. Incredibly advancedsocially, spiritually and technologicallythe nation has, nevertheless, shut itself off from the rest of the world. It pretends to be an impoverished nation of farmers, hiding its towering cities and flying cars behind an invisible and impenetrable barricade.

It would seem, then, that only an internal threat could bring down Wakanda. That threat comes in the form of Erik Killmonger (Jordan), a ruthless American special forces soldier who turns out to be TChallas long-lost cousin. Upon ascending the throne, TChalla takes on the many heavy burdens his father left behindnot the least of which is Killmonger, who has vowed righteous revenge on the country that abandoned him. Thanks to Jordans forceful performance, Killmonger emerges as one of the best realized, most justified bad guys in superhero history.

Certain viewers might feel Black Panther is somewhat removed from the standard costumed heroics of other superhero films. There is, after all, no supervillain trying to destroy the world here. But thats sort of the point. For years pundits have been predicting audiences are on the verge of suffering from superhero fatigue. But if comic book movies can offer this much diversity in tone, in visuals, in storyline, then theres no reason for burnout in the genre. (Seriously, DC/Warner Bros. Pay some friggin attention to the competition.)

Black Panther is an absolute wonder to behold on the big screen. It looks like nothing anyone has ever seen before. Since the 90s Afrofuturism has become something of a buzzword for the growing subgenre of African speculative fiction. But even devoted fans of that movement havent beheld anything approaching the size, scope, budget and reach of Black Panther. Its a watershed moment for black culture. No doubt about it. This is the first Marvel movie that seems worthy of strong Oscar considerationat the very least for its gorgeously realized costumes and wonderfully conceptualized production design.

There are those, of course, for whom this moment feels alien and uncomfortable. Lets acknowledge these straight-up xenophobes and wonder at their lack of understanding, empathy, adventure and curiosity. As a comic-book-loving suburban white kid, I grew up dreaming about seeing movies with heroes such as Captain America and The Avengers. My wishes have come true in spectacular fashion. Im ecstatic that African-American kids are currently having that moment of joy and representation. And I, for one, dont feel left out of the celebration at all. Sure, Black Panther looks different than anything else Ive seen on the big screen. But thats one of the things thats great about it. Its a privilege to be witness to something so fresh, self-confidant and culturally significant. Heck, nobody complained about Guardians of the Galaxy being alien and uncomfortable. And it only had one Earthling in it! Why should a movie set in Africaeven a fanciful realm like Wakandabe at all alienating? Answer: It shouldnt be. And it isnt. Its thrillingly alive, vibrantly realized and unusually earnest. Welcome to the new Age of Heroes.
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Weekly Specials Theres some exciting new food and drink openings on the horizon, friends. If you like drinking beers on patios or cuddling dogs while you drink your latte, please read on to find out about opportunities to do both of those things.

Canine Cafe Fundraising Youve heard of cat cafes by now, right? Well, canine cafes are a thing too. New Mexico Pets Alive is currently raising funds and supplies to expand their canine cafe (which is a venue for folks to play with and adopt shelter dogs) to a larger location. This new location will serve coffee drinks and prepared food and drinks, so you can sip on something while you cuddle some puppers. To see a list of supplies still needed, to donate cash or to volunteer, check out caninecafe. org/ list- of- supplies- needed.

UNM Taproom to Open in Fall According to a news release on Feb. 14, UNM plans to begin construction of a taproom on campus starting this summer. The project was originally proposed by UNM student leaders Gus Pedrotty and Sara Collins in the fall of 2016. The taproom design was crafted by students from the UNM School of Architecture and Planning, and construction should be finished in time to open for the 2018 fall semester.

Cutbow Coffee Opening Soon Paul Gallegos, an Albuquerque native with over 25 years of coffee roasting experience from working at Peets Coffee in California, is returning to open his own shop in the North Valley. Cutbow Coffee will open its doors at 1208 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, in about two weeks. The area doesnt have a craft coffee shop to call its own, so it will likely be welcomed with open arms. Expect to hear more about Cutbow here in the coming weeks.

ABQ Restaurant Week Albuquerque Restaurant Week is coming upfrom March 4 to 11, participating restaurants across the city will be offering special fixed price menus to diners. If youre looking for an excuse to go out and try a new-to-you restaurant, this is it. Regular menu service will be offered as well, but, lets be honest, you should really get that multiple course sampler dinner. You can see the whole list of participating restaurants at albuquerque. nmrestaurantweek. com.
courtesy of Sandia Casino

Its funny to go to a casino in your own townit feels like something youre only supposed to do when youre on vacation. But on special occasions, say, if its your anniversary, or you just passed the bar exam, or youre trying to really impress your date, it can be fun to pretend that youre on vacation for the night. A good place to celebrate all those things is Sandia Resort and Casino, the sprawling and luxurious bit of Las Vegas that lives on the northern edge of Albuquerque.

Sandia has dining and drinking options all over its nine floors, all of them at varying prices and fanciness of dress code. Theres Thur Shan Buffet on the ground floor, where you can go back for plate after plate to your hearts content, and theres Kiva Coffee for grabbing a pastry and a latte. Then, of course, theres Bien Shurthe restaurant and bar on the top floor with sweeping views of the Sandias, a roaring fireplace in the dining room and bartenders who roll up their sleeves to mix your drink.

To get to Bien Shur you have to walk through the sea of bright and noisy slot machines that crowd around the west-facing entrance to Sandia. You can consult one of the many touchscreen concierge devices scattered throughout the place if you want directions from where youre standingyes, the place is really that big. On your way to the elevators, youll pass a security guard who will ask if youre either a guest at the resort or going to the restaurant. Theres a big custom button that just says restaurant in the elevator. Theres something really satisfying about punching that button.

If youve just won big on one of the tables downstairs, Bien Shur is where you come to celebrate with a bottle of red and a ribeye steak. If, like me, you just want to have a couple drinks with your friends on a weeknight, you can go straight to the bar and not worry quite so much about how youre dressed.

There are two bars in Bien Shur; the second one is only open on particularly busy nights. The one just to the south of the host stand at the entrance is always staffed, and there you can order from the bar or the restaurant menu. The bar menu includes six signature cocktails, four classic cocktails and three different kinds of margaritas, along with their generous list of beer and wine. Theres also a page of surprisingly seafood-heavy small plates perfect for sharing after you and your companion have had a couple drinks and are feeling that particular brand of tipsy hungry that seasons any meal so well.

Before you get there, though, take your time on that drink menu. The Boulevardier ($13) was the drink I gravitated towards: a drink made with Knob Creek single barrel reserve bourbon, Aperol, vermouth and fresh orange. Served straight up in a chilled martini glass, this smoky drink scratches the same itch as an Old Fashioned, but with a slightly more complex palate courtesy of the bittersweet Punt e Mes vermouth. If you like bourbon drinks that dont lean too much on sweetness, youll enjoy this slow-sipping cocktail.

After this dark and stormy drink, I followed with a pisco sour ($13) for a brighter note. Pisco, a high-proof spirit made from grape juice and native to Peru, is mixed with lime juice, cane syrup and frothy egg whites in this cocktail. No sour mix here, of course. The egg white froththe key ingredient to a real sourmakes this a light and airy drink, served on the rocks and perfect for a summer evening.

If youre wiser than me, youll head to Bien Shur just before the sun sets, so you can watch the Sandias glow pink during those few magic minutes before twilight. The views are a definite selling point at this place, but they look even better when youve got a nice drink in your hand. After youve slaked your thirst and loosened your tie a bit, you can always head down to the casino to play around on the penny slots and complete the vacation fantasy youre living.
Courtesy UNM Health Sciences Center

Millions in housing, more millions for healthcare and a trade trip to Singapore crossed the Bernalillo County Commission table since we last checked in with the busy bunch of regional administrators tasked with bringing Bernalillo county into the 21st century. Heres a summary of what they worked on in Mid-February.

Step Down to Step Up

Commissioner Wayne Johnson is in the midst of participating in his last couple of commission meetings, as a commissioner, anyway. He will step down from the body effective March 1. Johnson, a Republican, was elected to the commission in 2010. He was appointed state auditor December 2017 by Gov. Susana Martinez after the Auditor Tim Keller won the Albuquerque mayors race. The Governor will also appoint Johnsons replacement on the commission. The district represented by Johnson takes in parts of the northeast side of the county.

Affordable Digs

Bernalillo County residents looking for affordable or workforce housing will soon have some new digs to consider. Commissioners approved $23 million project revenue bond with DBG Properties LLC for the proposed Valle de Atrisco Family Apartments. The bond will go to build a 240-unit family housing complex on Dennis Chavez Ave. between 98th and 118th Streets on the countys westside. The complex will offer 120 one-bedroom units, 72 two-bedroom units and 48 three-bedroom units to people with incomes at or below 60 percent of the median income.

Healthy Millions

Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with the University of New Mexico Hospital and the Indian Health Service. This is part of a long standing federal agreement between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bernalillo County to operate the hospital known as UNMH. This outlines how UNMH will use about $95 million generated annually in voter-approved property tax money. In 2016, voters approved the reissue of the mill levy that supports this project and the commission must revisit and reissue the memorandum every eight years.

Attorney Maureen Sanders explained the complicated document that covers a range of objectives for reporting, accountability, transparency along with addressing the need for primary and low-income care, Native American care. The memorandum addresses behavioral mental health and substance abuse care as well. Some of the highlights include working on increasing the number of primary care facilities; decreasing emergency room wait times; recruiting and training specialists in medical specialties critical to Native Americans and confer with the public-school system to consider the feasibility of school-based mental and medical clinics.

Singapore Sling

Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins will embark on a trip to a Singapore trade conference in April. But the approval to travel was not unanimous. Commission Chairman Steven Michael Quezada voted against the trip, saying if he were to make the trip himself, the media would portray him as corrupt. He went on to opine that when anyone from his district travels anywhere it becomes a media frenzy to make those from said district look corrupt. If I do it I am a criminal and misusing taxpayer money, he bemoaned. Apparently, he was referencing media coverage former commissioner Art De La Cruz received when he took a trip to Cannes, France for a real estate conference in 2016 that cost the county over $18,000.

The local Trade Alliance group recommended Hart Stebbins to attend the International Trade Fair for Wine and Spirits, which is billed as the largest trade fair in Asia. County Manager Julie Morgas Baca said Hart Stebbins was asked to attend because of her connections in the area. She will be with three other New Mexico business people showcasing their locally marketed wine, coffee and spices. Baca said similar commission trips have been taken in the last few years costing between $3,000 and $6,000, to places such as Israel, Brazil and Taiwan.

Hart Stebbins said she lived in Southwest Asia for a while. And still goes there at least once a year on her own to keep up her friendships and business connections. She said she does not think the trip will cost the full $3,500 that has been budgeted. We will do everything we can to keep costs down, she said.

Commissioners Lonnie Talbert supported the trip saying, We want to be known internationally. We have been sitting around waiting for them to come to us. That approach doesnt work.

Quick Hits

 After 5 years of no raises, Commissioners approved a 4-percent raise for white collar Association of Federal, State, County and Municipal Employees union members. Each employee will get a $2,000 bonus as well.

 The Commission negotiated an 8-percent raise with the union representing all Sheriff Deputies and additionally, a one-time $3,000 bonus to every union member. The pay is retroactive to July 1, 2017.

 Commissioners received an official report about the new baby twin Dahl lambs, and a lot more, out at the Gutierrez-Hubbell House at 6029 Isleta Blvd. SW.

 Commissioner approved $7 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds for New Mexico owned Vitality Works, for a planned expansion of its manufacturing plant, laboratories and other facilities. Vitality Works makes medicinal and botanical supplements.

 Bernalillo County was one of 23 jurisdictions across the country that were issued letters by the US Department of Justice demanding it turn over immigrations enforcement policies. The county has until Feb. 23 to answer the correspondence. Commission Chairman Quezada said the county was not going to change its position with the threat of losing federal grant monies looming like the sword of Damocles, overhead. The county has been expected to receive only about $61,000 in federal justice grants, but the Commissions stand on immigration may change that.
Laura Paskus Via NM Political Report

Well citizens, you may be wondering about this years legislative session over at the Roundhouse in Santathats what they call our states capitol building, even though it might be more properly described as a cylindrical sectionand of course were here to tell you.

It was a heroic convocation that featured a measure of bipartisanship among a group of politicos who clashed badly at last years session, requiring a special session in May of 2017 to clear up important monetary disputes. This year though, lawmakers, lobbyists, state officials and yes, the public, brought this years 30-day session to a close last week after working diligently to bring peace, justice, and most importantly, money to the Land of Enchantment. Lets see what they were up to, then.

The Money Thing

As reported earlier in these here pages, state lawmakers approved a $6.32 billion state budget with little partisan hemming and hawing getting in the way of making sure our state had enough in its coffers to effectively continue operations and otherwise provide needed services for the citizens of the state.

According to Representative Sheryl Williams Stapleton (D-Bernalillo) the House Majority Floor Leader, the budget bill increases funding for safety and crime reduction, public education, economic development and jobs, our state agencies and our general fund reserves. In a written correspondence to constituents, sent just after sessions end, Stapleton added, We are fortunate to be able to use $293 million in new revenue to provide some increased funding for high priority needs and help our state get back on sound financial footing.

That sounds great, Representative Stapleton, as long as you (and the rest of us tethered to life in this state) remember that approximately $188 million of that new revenue comes from an late upsurge in gas and oil receipts, a fact which the legislative finance committee warned gathered lawmakers about early in the session. Something, something about not depending on a volatile revenue source from a volatile industry for sustained economic relief. Just saying.

Children of New Mexico

Though increased penalties for child abuse, as well as increased funding for early childhood care and education programs were on the minds of many lawmakers as they worked their way through the yearly gathering, bills providing for both stalled in the senate chambers.

Despite a last-day call from La Tejana herself for review of legislationMartinez sent an official letter to the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee last Thursday, near the sessions end, writing that I do not need to tell you about the tragedies we all have faced in the last few months as children 12 and older were brutally beaten to deaththe bill, HB 100, designed to provide harsher penalties for the violent abuse of children older than 11, failed in committee before she could take action on the legislation.

Domestic Violence

One of the bills that will be taken upstairs (or wherever the heck La Gobernadora hangs out when shes ready to wield the pen) is an important item that defines and seeks to prevent a particularly insidious form of physical abuse. SB 61, sponsored by Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-Albuquerque) gives prosecutors the tools they need to go after offenders who have engaged in strangulation, making the act a felony related to aggravated battery.

Ivey-Soto credited the bills success to the untiring, years-long efforts of domestic violence advocates, prosecutors and first responders who are concerned about the prevalence of this particular type of violence against women in New Mexico.

In addition, the Governor will also get to review HB 40, a measure introduced by Representative Monica Youngblood (R-Albuquerque) that would require law enforcement agencies to provide officer in-service training about strangulation and its documentation when working on domestic violence cases.

Although the governors spokespeople have been mum about whether shell sign this particular bill into law, domestic violence advocates, such as Sheila Lewis, of Santa Fe Safe, says she is confident that the governorlong known for her law and order prioritieswill approve the measure.

More Winners

 Attempts to change the amount of funding for the states lottery scholarship program failed to make the grade, resulting in stasis for a program that some lawmakers see as troubled, but which, factually speaking, provide an effective, if imperfect path to higher education for students who live in a state plagued by poverty and illiteracy.

 Spaceport America, located in the southern part of the state, somewhere in the general vicinity of the place flying saucers supposedly landed and interacted with human beings about 70 years ago, may get more funding and tighter security parameters to operate withinalthough some lawmakers are concerned how the proposal shields information about the programs finances from public scrutinybecause state officials are now convinced the human space takeoff and landing spot is due to finally grow into a giant this year.

If the governor agrees, then shell green light the part of the budget that calls for $10 million to build a new hangar, as well as a healthy boost to the ports operating budget and language that exempts Spaceport America and its operations from the usual scrutiny guided by open records laws.

 Although both houses of the legislature approved of SB 176, a measure to raise the salaries of high ranking state elected officials (including the Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General) by 10 percent, La Tejana was quoted as saying she would apply the veto pen to the legislation. Hows that for bipartisan fair-mindedness? This particular move shows some foresight and concern for citizens, which strikes this reporter as ironic, as shell be done with governating (for good) within a year.

This is the real home of N.M. politics.
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Letters The Deal With Don Dear Alibi, What is the deal with this Don Schrader? Although your department listing does not include him as a "contributing writer," it might as well; he seems to have carte blanche to air his screeds. He offers himself as a mahatma, but he only comes across as a jerk. Lest it be thought, given his oft-stated proclivities, that I'm a jilted paramour, I am not; I'm a regular (" creative" ) person who wonders why this guy gets press.

I Love a Parade! Dear Alibi, Oh, I do hope Donald Trump is able to get a military parade for himself, and I suppose the nation. I hope he decides to negotiate subcontracting the parade arrangements with N. Korea. They have some impressive high steppers in their parade ranks, and the phallic missiles, thatll make the public forget about small hands. Here Id thought that Trump was simply self-serving and generally clueless but he has redeemed himself with the parade initiative. We do live in the best of times.

Students Call Out Journal Dear Alibi editor, This is the letter the Albuquerque High newspaper sent to the Albuquerque Journal concerning their latest political cartoon [Feb. 7, 2018]: As the Albuquerque High newspaper class, which publishes the AHS Record; the oldest continuously published school newspaper in New Mexico, we are shocked at the publication of yesterdays [Feb. 7, 2018] political cartoon depicting immigrants as gang members, suicide bombers and muggers without context or explanation. We realize that the cartoon might have been sarcastic, but we cannot see clear evidence of intent. Publishing this sort of cartoon and then supplying this material to a high school such as ours which is not only diverse (86% minority) but seriously affected by the current immigration hysteria, is both unethical and for most of us, immoral. We expect an explanation either in print or directly to us as to how such a lapse can happen in a city like Albuquerque and a state like New Mexico.

Studying the Southwest Ladies and Gentlemen, I am a student at Cascade Christian Schools, and I am writing a report on the state of New Mexico. We are responsible for gathering as much information as we can about your state. If any of your readers would like to help me by sending any pictures, postcards, used license plates, facts, products, etc. from your state, it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you very much.
Between February 20-22, Norway's Kirkenes hosts the international conference devoted to the development of cooperation in the Barents Region.

Among the main speakers are Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soereide, Minister of Local Government and Modernization Monica Maeland, Transport Minister Ketil Solvik-Olsen and his Finnish counterpart Anne Berner, EU Ambassador at Large for the Arctic Marie-Anne Coninsx, Former Foreign Minister of Norway Thorvald Stoltenberg (the father of the current NATO Secretary-General), who is considered the founder of the Barents Region, Deputy Governor of the Murmansk Region Alexei Tyukavin, and other representatives of local governments and businesses.

The conference's main topics include the 25th anniversary of the Barents Region, resources management, logistics in the Arctic as well as the development of relations. The program includes the roundtables: A Tourism Industry with Sustainable Growth; Aquaculture Towards 2050; The Green Shift Meets Future Mineral Requirements; Oil and Gas Activities. The agenda also includes the strategic value of the Barents Region, its infrastructure demands and prospects for transport development.

The Barents/Euro-Arctic Region was established back in January 1993 to expand international and regional cooperation and develop people's diplomacy. The region's area totals 1.9 million square kilometers; its population is 6 million. The region includes Norway's counties of Nordland, Troms, Finnmark, Swedish counties Vaesterbotten and Norrbotten, Finland's Lapland, Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu, and Russia's Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions, the republics of Komi and Karelia, and the Nenets Autonomous Area.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The bills on the Armenian Genocide will be discussed in the Parliament of the Netherlands on February 22, at 11:00 local time, Masis Abrahamyan  chairman of the Armenian National Committee of the Netherlands, told ARMENPRESS.

The author of the bills is Joel Voordewind from the Christian Union party of the Netherlands.

Tomorrow the Dutch-Armenians will also be present at the hall as listeners. A Q&A session will be held with the foreign minister of the Netherlands. But as there is a coalition agreement, there is no doubt that the proposals of Joel Voordewind, who put the bills into circulation, will be passed, he said.

Joel Voordewind put into circulation two new bills on the Armenian Genocide. The first one is the confirmation of the 2004 decision on recognizing the Armenian Genocide, and the second one will impose a visit every year to the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial on April 24 at the ministerial level.

Let us remind that the discussion was scheduled on February 15, but was postponed.

English  translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan
Photo by Lee Milner Tony Young as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rich McCoy as President Lyndon Johnson in rehearsal for the Hoogland Centers upcoming production of All the Way.

This aint about the Constitution. This is about those who got more, wantin to hang on to what they got, at the expense of those who got nothing. And feel good about it.  President Lyndon Baines Johnson, discussing opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, from All the Way by Robert Schenkkan



After President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, Vice President Lyndon Johnson of Texas was thrust into the presidency with less than one year until the next national election. The tumultuous period between Kennedys death and Johnsons 1964 electoral victory provides the timeframe for All the Way, a play by Robert Schenkkan making its regional debut at the Hoogland Center for the Arts on Friday, March 2. It is an ambitious, explosive production the likes of which may not have been seen on a Springfield stage before.

Photo by Lee Milner Reggie Guyton and Timothy Crawford rehearsing as civil rights leaders Stokely Carmichael and Roy Wilkins.

Photo by Lee Milner Rich McCoy and Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson in rehearsal as Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson.

Photo by Lee Milner Rich McCoy (seated) as LBJ, surrounded by a small portion of All the Ways large cast.

The tumultuous 11 months covered in the plays two brisk acts find Johnson, portrayed by veteran Springfield actor and director Rich McCoy, steadfastly working to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, playing a tense balancing act between congressional Republicans and Democrats while simultaneously negotiating with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.(played by Tony Young) and other civil rights leaders  in the process risking the loss of his traditional backers in the South. The result is a high-stakes drama with both historical significance and unexpected resonance with todays social and political landscape, with many of the concerns dramatized in the plays civil rights struggle finding echoes in current arguments regarding immigration reform and groups like Black Lives Matter. There is also plenty of ribald humor, mostly emanating from the character of Johnson, a man who oozed political incorrectness long before the phrase came into popular use.The plays director, longtime area theater fixture Phil Funkenbusch, was a fan of All the Way from the time the play was first published in book form in 2012. I was interested in it just because Robert Schenkkan is an interesting writer, he said, mentioning his fondness for the authors earlier work. All the Way eventually enjoyed a successful run on Broadway, garnering the 2014 Best Actor Tony Award for Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston, who played LBJ. A chance to see a production of All the Way at the Repertory Theater in St. Louis in 2015 cemented Funkenbuschs determination to eventually direct a version of the play in Springfield. I was blown away by it, how it moved, he said. I immediately thought of Rich McCoy  I thought he could play the part of LBJ. Id seen him in a couple of plays the last few years and he was really good.Not long after that, Funkenbusch presented a copy of the script to McCoy and the two spoke of the project frequently over the next few years. Eventually, Gus Gordon, executive director of the Hoogland Center for the Arts and a producer of this production, offered them the first two weekends in March to present All the Way (the title derives from Johnsons 1964 presidential campaign slogan, All the way with LBJ). Everything told me not to do it, Funkenbusch said. I didnt want to do January rehearsals  Im too old and tired! And I was nervous about getting a big group of people to come and do it  theres something like 36 speaking parts! Its ridiculous. In the end, despite his concerns and the demands of a full schedule as theater director for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Funkenbusch decided to go all the way with All the Way.Instead of auditions, he organized a series of semiformal readings last fall where he invited people to take on different parts and cast the various roles as he went along. Its been interesting and its been hard for me, he said. This was a difficult piece to direct, I couldnt just start at Act 1 and go through the play, I had to look at everyones schedules and piece together rehearsals, so thats what weve been doing for the past three weeks.Funkenbusch decided it would be easier for the actors if they worked on individual scenes, but this approach had its own difficulties, with actors arriving for short, 15- or 20-minute rehearsal appointments, then leaving immediately to make way for the next cluster of performers. Im confident that it will come together, though  theyve done enough work, Funkenbusch said.Along with the huge cast orbiting McCoy as the central figure of President Johnson, this production of All the Way promises to be visually distinctive, utilizing back projections, minimal props and stark lighting. The action is fast-paced, structured around short, impactful scenes, some larger set-pieces and a few powerful monologues from Johnson which occasionally approach the level of Shakespearean drama  albeit with a Texas drawl. I want the acting to be natural, I want it to be real, Funkenbusch said. I dont want acting. And I think this play will lend itself to that.Its a very dramatic piece, said Rich McCoy. Ive been studying the script since last September. He acknowledged that January and February tends to be a tough time to get people to commit to rehearsals but said that the All the Way ensemble has been pulling together. We havent had any petty absences  if somebodys not here its because of sickness or something in the family, weve been able to keep things rolling pretty well. Phils been a master at keeping things scheduled and making sure we can progress on this.Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson, an instructor in the University of Illinois Springfield theatre department, plays First Lady Claudia Alta Lady Bird Johnson. She became involved in the production when Funkenbusch reached out to her. Thibodeaux-Thompson has her Lone Star State bona fides in order. I grew up in Houston, I lived in Austin and Ive got family in the hill country so I have that surface knowledge to bring to playing Lady Bird, she said, mentioning that she had previously known very little about the former First Lady other than the bluebonnets she famously planted throughout Texas and which still grow wild there today. I think this play might be surprising for audiences, she said. On the one hand it is linear but it is still not a traditional, realistic play  it is very cinematic.A pivotal figure in the play is that of Martin Luther King, who goes toe-to-toe with Johnson as the Civil Rights Act makes its way through the legislative process. Tony Young  a 30-plus-year acting veteran who works at the Illinois secretary of states office and is the vocalist for the versatile local band Baad Boyz  was cast in the plumb part of Dr. King and even in rehearsal brings an impressive gravitas to his scenes. Ive worked with Phil Funkenbusch before, Young said. Its an honor to be playing Martin Luther King Jr. This is a phenomenal cast. I want people to come see the show with an open mind and know that they will learn from this production. It has humor as well as great wit.We live in the world Lyndon Johnson created...All of the issues that we fight about covertly and overtly have their genesis in that time.  All the Way author Robert Schenkkan, quoted in New RepublicOne thing the play makes clear is that this was an age where, if you wanted to get things done, you had to be willing to compromise and work together, said McCoy, referring to Johnsons constant, intense negotiations with both Democrats and Republicans throughout the play. Its something we just dont see anymore in national politics and that absence is what has gridlocked our country. McCoy marveled at the breadth of accomplishments Johnson achieved during the first few years of his presidency, many of which have been overlooked and obscured by his handling of the Vietnam War. There was the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, Medicare and Medicaid and NPR and lots more, all because he was able to get the Senate Republicans to compromise on certain things.It seems like every single night, at every rehearsal, theres a point where we all look at each other and somebody says, This is happening today, said Funkenbusch. Some of these scenes, like one where Stokely Carmichael is talking about white police officers, are almost spooky. Also, people these days dont really know LBJ. He is so crass. While we were rehearsing, someone said hed never get elected today. Then everyone laughed.So much of this is making our heads spin, agreed Thibodeaux-Thompson, referring to how the racist and discriminatory rhetoric coming out of the southern politicians mouths in the play resembles language emerging from the alt-right and other neo-conservative groups active today. Theres a lot of, What year is this? What the holy crap?Right now, I believe that our country is going through a lot of change, said Young. Sometimes it seems as though we are rolling back history  and as a nation we need to be careful of that. The timing for this play couldnt be better. I think the community is going to be able to receive a great message from it.Stand up for Truth and lo, I will be with you even until the end of the world.  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.All the actors are working hard, doing the back story on their characters so we understand who these people were, said McCoy, pointing out that All the Way is something of an historical pageant, because none of the characters are fictional. Theyre all historical men and women and we need to understand their desires and motives. I was in sixth grade when Kennedy was assassinated and Johnson became president so that was during my formative years. This is a character Ive grown up with, one way or another.LBJ was so difficult, said Funkenbusch. He was not the nicest guy you were going to ever meet and I keep telling Rich that he cannot be soft in this role. In preparation for the play, Funkenbusch re-read the portion of The Years of Lyndon Johnson, the multi-volume biography of Johnson by Robert Caro, dealing in detail with the first year of the Johnson presidency.A friend of mine who has played LBJ in this show elsewhere got me a book called The Texas White House, which has some great stuff about the Johnsons and their relationship, said Thibodeaux-Thompson. They had only been dating for seven weeks or so when they got married  they met in the summer and got married in November, which is crazy. The biggest challenge in playing Lady Bird, she said, was the way that she is portrayed as loyally absorbing the presidents often nasty verbal treatment of her. Its bizarre, to our modern mindset, she said. Theres an almost cliche sense of stand by your man there but at the same time, she had put up the money for his very first campaign [for Congress, shortly after their marriage in the mid-1930s]. Theres a sense that LBJ did reluctantly rely on her  though I dont think he would ever have openly admitted that.At the time all this was taking place, I was four and five years old, said Tony Young. My family was living on the edge of their seats [regarding the passage of the Civil Rights Act]. But as shown in this play, the fact that LBJ decided to take up the mantle and continue that fight [for the Civil Rights Act] is absolutely unbelievable. In a time when it was not the most popular thing to do, he knew it was the thing that had to be done. Young said the scenes of Dr. King interacting with his fellow civil rights movement leaders are among the most galvanizing and exciting moments for him. There is such a great gathering of humanity, so much tension in that group, and they are all trying to represent the people. Young also said that his scenes with Rich McCoys LBJ could be daunting. Rich is a formidable LBJ, he said, but I think for the two of us, portraying these leaders of their time, our goal has been to make sure the people understand it was a very tense situation but they both have respect for each other.There is also a personal reason Young felt it was important to take part in this particular production. LBJ personally awarded my family the Medal of Honor for my uncle who was killed in Vietnam, he said. Youngs uncle, Milton Lee Olive III (Nov. 7, 1946  Oct. 22, 1965), known to the family as Uncle Skipper, was the first African-American to receive the Medal of Honor from the Vietnam War. If you look it up, you can see LBJ awarding it to my family, Young said.All the Way will run at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. in Springfield, for six performances, on Friday and Saturday March 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Sunday March 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. For tickets and further information, visit http://www.hcfta.org or call 217-523-2787.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. President Serzh Sargsyan on February 22 sent a congratulatory letter to Peoples Artist of Armenia, movie director Artavazd Peleshyan on the 80th birthday, wishing him happiness and new achievements in his career, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

You have a great contribution to the development of Armenian and world cinema. You are one of the greatest representatives of the cinematography whose work and art was registered in the chronicle of the world cinematography becoming a guide for movie directors and artists.

You managed to show in the film the hidden episodes of human essence and psychology, human and nature relationships, and your films created by unique talent and skill are brilliant manifestations of unique sense and interpretation of image and movement, spatial thinking and use of new expression ways, reads the Presidents congratulatory letter.



English  translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. The UN Security Council will hold a session on the situation in the Syrian suburb of Eastern Ghouta on the edge of Damascus on February 22, as 12:00 (21:00 Yerevan time), the UN Permanent Representative to Kuwait said, RIA Novosti reports.

The UN will hold an open-door session dedicated to the situation in the Eastern Ghouta at 12:00. The representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will present a report, the Kuwaiti mission said.

In addition, the Security Council may hold a voting on the resolution proposed by Sweden and Kuwait to establish a 30-day humanitarian ceasefire across Syria. According to their proposal,48 hours after the establishment of ceasefire the UN should deliver humanitarian cargos for the civilians.

English  translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Kurdish forces have resisted the offensive of the Free Syrian Army, which includes Turkish troops, in northern Afrin, according to Firat.

According to the news agency, the Kurdish self defense forces have destroyed two tanks and one armored infantry vehicle in the Sherran district. At least 20 Turkish soldiers and Free Syrian Army troops were killed. Firat reported about an additional 20 casualties of the Turkish military in nearby areas. The Kurdish forces have lost 14 fighters in the last 48 hours.

Turkey continues heavy artillery and air force strikes at Jandaris, where the Kurdish forces are located.

Kurds reported civilian deaths and injuries in the city.

In January 2018, the Turkish military began an operation in the Kurdish-majority Afrin Canton and the Tel Rifaat Area of Shahba Canton in Northern Syria. Turkey code-named the operation as Operation Olive Branch. In the pretext of fighting terror, Turkey is actually targeting the Kurdish population.

English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. US President Donald Trump has suggested arming school teachers for self defense, The Hill reported.

The US President made the suggestions during a meeting with students who survived the latest school shooting which claimed 17 lives in Parkland, Florida.

"If you had a teacher who was adept at firearms," he president said, "they could very well end the attack very quickly."

He added that he means concealed carriage, and teachers will undergo special training.

Trump also vowed heightened background checks for gun permits.

"We'll be very strong on background checks, very strong emphasis on the mental health of somebody, he said.

English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Just days after the major exhibition dedicated to the 200th anniversary of birth of renowned painter Ivan Ayvazovsky ended, the National Gallery of Armenia is planning to organize an exhibition dedicated to acclaimed painter Minas Avetisyans 90 anniversary of birth.

Director of the gallery Arman Tsaturyan told ARMENPRESS its been a while since a large-scale Minas exhibition has been organized.

Tsaturyan said they want to organize a splendid and inclusive exhibition, comprising paintings of the great artists from both the gallery and private collections.

A significant part of paintings by Minas Avetisyan are kept by private collectors, and Tsaturyan says he is negotiating with the individuals to include the paintings in the upcoming exhibition.

We will try to display paintings which have never been displayed before, he said.

Author: Angela Hambardzumyan

English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. The pogroms of Armenians in Sumgait and Baku were a result of overt Armenophobia, which even today havent received adequate political, legal and moral assessment by the international community and relevant agencies, Speaker Ara Babloyan said during parliamentary hearings on Sumgait Pogroms: Armenophobia as Azerbaijans state policy.

Our people have given their assessment and response by the liberation of Artsakh, proclamation of sovereignty and building of an independent state. But the crimes committee 3 decades ago must not remain as a closed chapter of history for the civilized world. The base of documented facts on the pogroms of Armenians in Sumgait and Baku are perhaps lesser than the facts on Nazi actions during World War II, but it isnt less in gravity, especially that the Azerbaijani fascism exceeds the Hitler fascism of that period with its cruelty and hatred, Babloyan said.

The Speaker stressed that the Sumgait and Baku pogroms still await a complete assessment, while the Armenian refugees and their descendants who were forcibly displaced await justice.

According to the Speaker, the response of Azerbaijan over the Artsakh Liberation Movement was no surprise taking into account Azerbaijans long-standing hatred for people, especially Armenians.

This hatred was fully uncovered 30 years ago in the Armenian-populated Sumgait in Azerbaijan. The state-sanctioned crime resulted in hundreds of Armenian residents getting killed or wounded, numerous of our countrymen were forcibly displaced and lost their property, Mr. Babloyan stressed, adding that the violence and murders continued afterwards in Baku, Ganja and in all cities of Soviet Azerbaijan where Armenians were living.

English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. The official welcoming ceremony of President of Lebanon Michel Aoun, who is in Armenia on an official visit, was held at the Presidential Palace on February 22, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

The ceremony was followed by a narrow format meeting between the Armenian and Lebanese Presidents.

Dear Mr. President, I warmly and sincerely welcome you in the Republic of Armenia. For us its a great pleasure and honor to host the President of friendly Lebanon in Armenia, and we are deeply interested in deepening our relations with Lebanon at all spheres.

I warmly remember my visit to Lebanon in 2012 which gave a new impetus to the development of our ties. I am confident your visit will open a new page in our relations. Our inter-state relations have just 25 years of history, but the friendship of our peoples is calculated in centuries. Of course, the Armenian community plays a great role in strengthening the friendship of our peoples. We are deeply grateful to the Lebanese people and leadership for the caring attitude shown to our compatriots. Over the course of time they became full citizens of Lebanon by maintaining their national identity. And, of course, we are grateful to the Lebanese leadership, including the Parliament, for recognizing the fact of the Armenian Genocide. This is a very important contribution.

Mr. President, once again welcome to Armenia. I am very happy to welcome you in Yerevan, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said.

In his turn the Lebanese President thanked his Armenian counterpart for the invitation and considered the visit to Armenia a great honor for him.

During your visit to Lebanon in 2012 I also attended the dinner organized for you, and at that time we had a brief talk. I am very happy to be in Armenia.

Yes, there are representatives of the Lebanese-Armenian community in my delegation  the minister of tourism, also MP Bagratunian. Your Excellency, I must say that the Armenian community had a great contribution to Lebanons development and prosperity. They are quite seriously engaged in all fields of their activity and responsible circles. We rely on them very much in all fields. We are a broad society, and the Armenian community managed to maintain their culture and identity in Lebanon. Of course, we attach importance to and are proud of this pluralism and cultural diversity since we are able to benefit from them and develop Lebanon.

This visit aims at further strengthening the relations between Armenia and Lebanon. We hope the Armenia-Lebanon relations will further expand and deepen. There are numerous sectors over which we can work, and this will be for the benefit of our two countries, the Lebanese President said at a meeting with President Serzh Sargsyan.



English  translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. A moment of silence was held in the Armenian parliament during hearings on the Sumgait pogroms.

Larisa Alaverdyan, president of the Against Legal Arbitrariness NGO, offered to pay tribute to the victims of the event during the parliamentary hearings titled Sumgait Pogroms: Armenophobia as Azerbaijans state policy.

Alaverdyan stressed that survivors of the Sumgait pogroms are among the participants of the discussion. I bow before all of you, she said.

English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENRESS. Ethnic Armenian MP of Turkey from the Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) Mr. Garo Paylan has sent an inquiry to the countrys interior minister Suleyman Soylu regarding the Istanbul governments interference and obstruction of the Armenian Patriarch election, Agos reports.

In the inquiry, the lawmaker reminded that back in 2017, before the constitutional referendum, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had vowed to the Armenian community of Turkey to deal with the patriarchal election issue.

Mr. Paylan mentioned that Patriarch Mesrop Mutafyan is incapacitated due to severe illness, which was the reason of Aram Ateshyans appointment as patriarchal vicar in 2010, however the appointment was against the rules of the Armenian Church.

Although Archbishop Garegin Bekchyan was elected as patriarchal locum tenens on March 15, 2017 in accordance to the constitution and all necessary procedures, the Istanbul Governors Office sent a letter on February 5, 2018 to the patriarchate, claiming they only acknowledge Ateshyan.

In the case when the Armenian community was waiting for the patriarchal elections which it is entitled to, state interference in the process both ignores our church traditions and causes despair within the community, Mr. Paylan said.

In this context, the MP asked the interior minister on what grounds the state has interfered in the patriarchal election process.

Paylan asked what has changed after the statement of President Erdogan regarding the election, why was the process stopped, and why has the Deputy Governor used the term so-called when addressing the elected locum tenens.

English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Deputy foreign minister of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharyan says 30 years ago in those days one of the darkest pages of the history of the region was written when Azerbaijan, in response to the peaceful demands of the Artsakh people to determine their own fate, tried to silence the Armenians of Artsakh by the wave of Armenian massacres across the country, reports Armenpress.

The first manifestation of this policy were the massacres of the Armenian population of Sumgait hundreds of kilometers away from Stepanakert demonstrations. And the wave of this violence, which started in Sumgait, continued in other cities of Azerbaijan, Kirovabad, Baku. Today Azerbaijans anti-Armenian policy has become an inseparable part of domestic and foreign policy of that countrys leadership based on which they build the self-consciousness and establishment of the Azerbaijani people, the deputy FM said.

He stated that over 30 years the behavior of the Azerbaijani leadership has not changed. We witnessed it in 2013 when Ramil Safarov, sentenced for killing an Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan with an ax, was released and declared a hero upon returning to Azerbaijan. During the April four-day war in 2016 the world again witnessed hatred manifestations in the Azerbaijani society against Armenians directed both against the civilians and the prisoners of war. Azerbaijan once again proved that the rules of the civilized world, the international humanitarian and human rights norms are empty voices for that countrys authorities, deputy FM Kocharyan stated.

The Azerbaijani authorities, contrary to the numerous calls of the international community and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries, instead of preparing their society to peace, still continue their militaristic and maximalist policy. The Nagorno Karabakh conflict is not being settled due to the Azerbaijani authorities policy on responding by force and threat of force to the legal demand of the Artsakh people to live in peaceful, democratic and free country, the Armenian deputy FM noted.

He said a consciousness matures among the international partners that as long as the Azerbaijani leadership continues its anti-Armenian policy, peace, stability and security are under danger in the South Caucasus region. Committed to the ideas and goals of the Karabakh movement, we will force Azerbaijan to peace to rule out the possibility of new Sumgait massacres, to reach the international recognition of Artsakh and to guarantee the security and prosperity of Armenians in the region by our unity on pan-national issues and consistent and targeted work within the country and international platforms, Shavarsh Kocharyan highlighted.

English  translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan
click to enlarge PHOTO BY LARRY D. MOORE Jim Hightower

A fresh Reclaim the South movement of young African-American populists is emerging, kindling long-suppressed hope in the racially scarred Deep South and offering the possibility of real economic and cultural progress.

Guess whos mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, the states capital city? Chokwe Antar Lumumba  a black, 34-year-old lawyer who was raised in Jackson in a family and community of longtime Black Power activists. Last June, backed by Our Revolution and Working Families Party, Lumumba was elected with 93 percent of the vote, and he promptly pledged to make Jackson the most radical city on the planet. For example, instead of giving away government subsidies to lure rich corporations, Lumumba is trying to make the city a national showcase of home-grown cooperative enterprises owned by the people themselves.

In August, the incumbent mayor of Birmingham, Alabama  an old-style, dont-rock-the-boat politico favored by the citys power brokers  thought he was cruising to an easy re-election. Then, wham!  an underdog populist challenge by 36-year-old African-American attorney Randall Woodfin stunned the city powers with a first-place showing that forced the mayor into an October runoff. Woodfin, a city prosecutor and school board member, went on to defeat Birminghams corporate and political establishment by winning the mayorship with 58 percent of the vote. He did it by proposing an all-out populist agenda, building a broad coalition of local progressive activists, and running a dogged ground game with the full support of Our Revolution, Working Families Party and other national groups. Our Revolution, for instance, deployed some 70 volunteers to help in the runoff and sent more than 11,000 text messages to voters urging support for Woodfin.

Likewise, other full-bore, African-American populists won big in races for local offices across the South, including:

 Khalid Kamau, a Black Lives Matter activist and national Democratic convention delegate for Sanders, who won a South Fulton, Georgia, council seat with 67 percent of the vote.

 Braxton Winston, a young community activist and battler against rampant inequalities in the enforcement of justice in Charlotte, North Carolina, who won a city council seat.

 And LaShadion Shemwell, a 30-year-old barber and Black Lives Matter proponent, who pulled 57 percent of the vote in his extraordinary run for a city council seat in McKinney, Texas.



The nationwide progressive offensive in 2017 produced other ground-shifting results such as many victories by immigrant candidates, including in Somerville (MA), Helena (MT) and Minneapolis; a rebellion in previously red suburbs; and several wins by openly transgender men and women, including House of Delegates (VA), several city council seats and even a few seats on local school boards. Victories like these are proliferating because immigrant populations are growing, the LGBTQ community has become more readily accepted, Trumpism and GOP extremism are turning voters off, a rapid and relentless downsizing of the middle class is altering attitudes, and serious grassroots political organizing by Our Revolution, Democratic Socialists of America, Working Families Party and other progressive groups is making a difference.

We can draw two big lessons from these wins in the red South and victories by others previously counted out of the by the status quo: progressives with a full-throated populist message can win nearly anywhere; and the assertion by establishment Dems that progressive populism is not a winner is  in two words  bovine excrement.


YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. On February 20 thirty years ago, the Council of People's Deputies made a historic decision, based on the will of the people of Artsakh, which opened a new page in the history of Artsakh and became an important stage in the Liberation Movement, members of the France-Artsakh Friendship Circle said in a statement on Artsakh Revival Day.

 The Artsakh Movement was an unprecedented, truly democratic and peaceful movement for the civic and national rights, economic equality, and cultural identity. The Friendship Circle recalls that on February 13, 1988, tens of thousands of people in Stepanakert spontaneously united, chanting Freedom", "Glasnost and Perestroika", and "Reunification with Armenia".

The Artsakh Movement for the inalienable right of the people of Artsakh to life, to freedom, and the right to determine its own destiny inspired millions of people in the post-Soviet area in their struggle for freedom. The Friendship Circle also reminds that the Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan, to which Nagorno Karabakh had been arbitrarily annexed, responded to the democratic, peaceful and legal demonstrations by the massacres against the Armenian population committed in different cities of Azerbaijan (Sumgait, Kirovabad, and Baku) with a medieval cruelty.

The Friendship Circle notes that since then, the racial hatred against Armenians has become the state policy pursued by the Azerbaijani authorities at the highest level, thus denying the very right of Artsakh people to existence. The Friendship Circle pays tribute to all those who at their own sacrifice created possibilies for the Republic of Artsakh to become independent and to build a democratic statehood. It reaffirms the necessity and irreversibility of soonest recognition of the full independence of Artsakh by the international community. The Friendship Circle believes that the reality demands the return of the Republic of Artsakh to the negotiation table, which is crucial for the achievement of a final settlement of the conflict and establishment of peace in the South Caucasus, the statement said.

English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Lebanon stands with Armenia in the protection of the natural rights of sovereignty, peace and prosperity of its people, President Michel Aoun said after holding talks with Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan in the Presidential Palace in Yerevan.

The Lebanese president thanked President Sargsyan for supporting his country in the international arena.

President Aoun was pleased to note that the meeting with President Sargsyan proceeded in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The Lebanese president highlighted the role of the Armenian community of Lebanon in terms of the firm and strong ties of the two peoples and states. Many of these representatives are accompanying me today, they are highly appreciated by the Lebanese society for their role in the social, economic, cultural and several other sectors of the country, President Michel Aoun said.

The President of Lebanon arrived in Armenia on an official visit on February 21.

English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. After President Serzh Sargsyan and Lebanon counterpart Michel Aoun held talks in Yerevan, an expanded format negotiations were held with delegations of both countries.

The Armenian and Lebanese presidents delivered statements for the press after the negotiations.

President Sargsyans statement at the joint press conference:

Dear Mr. President,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Once again I warmly welcome the President of the Republic of Lebanon, General Michel Aoun and members of his accompanying delegation to Armenia. Mr. President, this is your first visit to our country, which will likely boost our friendly relations which are based on solid historic ties.

I am pleased to state that our conversation with President Aoun proceeded in a warm atmosphere in line with the friendly Armenian-Lebanese spirit.

We had an in-depth discussion about the entire agenda of bilateral cooperation, we reaffirmed the commitment of our countries to continue deepening and strengthening our multilateral cooperation based on mutual trust.



Although last year our diplomatic relations entered their quarter century, the friendship of our peoples has a history of many centuries, in which, certainly, the Lebanese-Armenian community has its unique place.

We both were pleased to note that during these years we succeeded in conveying a new quality to our friendship: forming close partnership ties in political, commercial, cultural, scientific and other sectors.

We attached importance to maintaining the high level political dialogue which exists between our countries as an important impetus of mutually beneficial cooperation in all sectors.

We underscored the importance of further development of inter-parliamentary ties, especially taking into account that Armenia is transitioning to a full parliamentary administration system from April. We attached great importance to the economic component in terms of development of bilateral relations. We assess the continuous expansion of Lebanese investments in Armenia to be positive. Lebanese presence in Armenia is visible in the banking, services, agricultural and numerous other sectors.

We are zealous in expanding these achievements even more. We agreed to carry out work for increasing bilateral trade turnover volumes. The legal-contractual field regulating almost the entire economic sector exists, which forms an additional atmosphere of confidence for our partners. Overall the nearly five dozen documents signed between our countries serve as a firm basis for productive partnership in different sectors.

We highly praised the effective partnership and mutual support of our countries in international structures especially in matters of vital importance for us. We agreed to continue working in the same spirit for deepening our multilateral cooperation even more.

I presented to the Lebanese president the latest developments of the peaceful settlement process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. It is our indubitable conviction that there cant be any solution of the conflict which will anyhow disrupt the right of the people of Artsakh of living freely and safely in their historic homeland. In this context, we concurred with my colleague that whatever the solution be, its basis should be the right of the people of Nagorno Karabakh to live free on its historic lands. And I have to say that we also concurred with Mr. President that in the Jerusalem issue the most important is the negotiations process, and these kind of issues cannot be solved with the use of force.

More than 100 years have passed already since the Armenian Genocide, but there are historic events and feeling of gratitude which dont have an expiry date. I once again expressed gratitude to the people and authorities of Lebanon for hearty accepting and giving the opportunity to live and create to Armenian refugees in that cruel part of our history. We are thankful that Lebanon stands with us even today in the efforts of condemning and preventing this crime.

Unfortunately we continue to witness crimes against humanity in the Middle East, namely in Syria. In this regard we attach importance to Lebanons practical and effective contribution in the fight against terror and fundamentalism and we assess highly the humanitarian aid for the Syrian people during these years. With its modest opportunities, Armenia has also extended its helping hand to our Syrian brothers and sisters.

I am proud that Armenia succeeded in having its humble contribution in providing stability and security in friendly Lebanon with the participation of Armenian peacekeepers in the UNIFIL mission stationed in the south of the country.

We agreed with the President of Lebanon to continue active Armenian-Lebanese contacts and boost cooperation in all sectors of mutual interest in the same spirit. And I am very happy that Mr. President accepted our next invitation to come to Armenia in autumn and participate in the Francophonie summit.

Thank you Mr. President, and now I am pleased to give the floor to you.

Lebanese President Michel Aouns statement for the media at the joint press conference:

We had positive and constructive negotiations with His Excellency President Serzh Sargsyan. We addressed the process of bilateral relations of the last years, the recorded tangible progress, as well as the main work implemented for strengthening this progress today. Our meeting proceeded in a warm and friendly atmosphere, which reflects the solid human ties which unite us, the unique relations of the Armenian and Lebanese peoples and especially the presence of many Lebanese [people] with Armenian origins. Many of these representatives are accompanying me today  ministers of the government of Lebanon and Members of Parliament.

I drew the attention of President Sargsyan on the reality on what appreciation this segment enjoys in our society, with its vitality, culture, civilization, socially and their influential participation in the political and economic life.

We also discussed the situation in the, crises and wars in certain countries of the region, especially in our neighbor Syria. We agreed over the necessity of finding peaceful solutions to the crises and ending the war machine, because violence gives birth to violence and extremism only, the proof of which are the continuing unrests of the last 7 years which began in our region. I presented to President Sargsyan the challenges which Lebanon withstood as a result of the Syrian war, namely the penetration of threats of terrorist organizations and their cells to both our country and other countries of the region and the world. I reassured that Lebanon has successfully resisted these threats and eliminated terrorist cells  establishing peace and stability in our society. We mutually agreed that by relying on the culture of progression, respect of the rights of peoples and states, it is important to strengthen bilateral and international cooperation in the fight against terror because no country can refrain from its threats.

We also talked about the Syrian migrant issue, which has become harder in neighboring countries of Syria, especially in Lebanon. I presented to the President that our country is being pressured in social, economic and security terms, having one and a half million migrants on its territory, with no sufficient international aid measures to take care of their needs. On this occasion we stressed that it is necessary to work to achieve international mutual agreement which will ensure the return of Syrian refugees to safe areas of their country and it will be under the control of the Syrian state.

I thanked President Sargsyan for supporting Lebanon and its issues in the international arena, then reassured that Lebanon in turn is supporting Armenia in the protection of the natural right of its people to sovereignty, peace and prosperity.

Let me mention that during the talks we addressed the Israeli threats aimed at Lebanon, which relate to our oil rights in the exclusive economic zone, construction of the division wall, which is reaching disputed points near our southern border. I confirmed that Lebanon has protected its land and marine borders with all legal measures, and in this matter we rely on our friends of the international family by expecting from them support in withstanding these threats and not escalating the situation.

I also thanked the President for inviting me to participate in the upcoming 17th Francophonie summit in Yerevan in October and I responded to it, wishing success in the preparation works for the summit.

Thank you.

English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenias minister of agriculture Ignati Arakelyan departed to France on February 22 to participate in the International Agricultural Exhibition and Agriculture Minister Conference.

The conference will be held on February 23 and will bring together ministers from 20 countries.

Armenias minister of agriculture will meet with his French counterpart Stephane Travert later on the same day.

A meeting with the French Development Agency is also planned.

English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Defense minister of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan on February 21 received the delegation led by Toivo Klaar  EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, the ministry told Armenpress.

The defense minister highly appreciated the Armenia-EU relations and welcomed Toivo Klaars appointment as the EU Special Representative. He attached importance to the EUs balanced position on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement and political support to the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs which is clearly reflected in the Armenia-EU framework agreement.

Toivo Klaar in his turn highlighted the EUs stance on solving the NK conflict exclusively through peaceful negotiated means.

By the request of the guest the defense minister introduced the current situation in the state border and the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact, as well as touched upon the recent militaristic statements of the Azerbaijani military-political leadership, stating that such behavior in no way contributes to the conflicts peaceful settlement. Mmaking such statements doesnt require a great wisdom, quite the contrary, the absence of wisdom contributes to a provocation propaganda with irreversible consequences for their own people, minister Vigen Sargsyan said. Both officials highlighted the proper reaction of the international community to such statements.

During the meeting they also discussed a number of issues relating to the Armenia-EU partnership agenda, as well as regional security issues.

English  translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Talks over the agreement between Armenia and Iran on excluding double taxation of revenues and property and preventing avoidance of taxation were held in Yerevan from February 19 to 22 as a result of which the agreement has been initialed, the Armenian finance ministry told Armenpress.

The Armenian and Iraqi sides expressed their readiness to take steps to organize the signing process of the agreement as soon as possible.

English  translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. The Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on February 21 conducted a monitoring in the north-eastern part of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, in Tavush province, the Armenian defense ministry told Armenpress.

From the Armenian side the monitoring was conducted by the field assistants to the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ghenadie Petrica and Ognjen Jovic. No ceasefire violations were registered during the monitoring.

Due to difficult relief conditions, it was impossible to ensure video surveillance between the sides and the monitoring was conducted by exchanging information according to orientation directions.

Within the frames of the monitoring a briefing was held during which the OSCE officials were introduced on the current situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border and the statistics of ceasefire violations by the Azerbaijani armed forces.

English  translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. While on an official visit to Armenia, President of Lebanon Michel Aoun visited the Armenian Parliament where he met with Speaker Ara Babloyan, the Parliament told Armenpress.

The meeting was also attended by Vice Speaker of the Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov, representatives of the parliamentary factions and members of the Armenia-Lebanon friendship group.

Welcoming the Lebanese President and his delegation members to the Parliament, Speaker Babloyan expressed hope that this visit will contribute to strengthening and deepening the bilateral relations.

The Parliament Speaker appreciated the Armenia-Lebanon political ties linking them with centuries-old historical friendship, historical connections and the great role of the Armenian community.

Ara Babloyan highly appreciated Michel Aouns contribution to the stability, security and development of Lebanon.

Talking about the Lebanese-Armenian community, the Speaker said they are first of all devoted citizens of Lebanon and have a complete role in the countrys political, economic, social, cultural and educational life.

Speaker Babloyan highlighted the need to strengthen the Armenian-Lebanese inter-parliamentary ties and the cooperation of the parliamentary friendship groups.

The Lebanese President thanked for the warm reception, stating that he is happy to visit Armenia.

According to him, Lebanon is a country with cultural diversity where people of different nationalities and religious live together peacefully by respecting each other. President Michel Aoun, commenting on regional affairs, highlighted ensuring security and stability.

At the end of the meeting the Lebanese President left a note at the Honorary Guest Book of the Parliament.

English  translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is a beautiful country in terms of tourism, and Lebanon has a beach, Lebanese minister of tourism Avedis Guidanian said highlighting the reasons of being mutually attractive for the tourists of both countries, Armenpress reports.

In a meeting with reporters at the Armenian Presidential Palace, the minister said the number of tourists visiting Lebanon from Armenia exceeded 11.000 in 2017, and not only Armenians, but also Lebanese people visited Armenia from Lebanon. The tourists visiting Armenia from Lebanon, are not only Armenians, but also Lebanese people who are interested in Armenia as a religious tourism destination, he said.

According to him, the Lebanese people love Armenia through the local Armenian community and at least want to visit our country and see it by their own eyes. The Beirut-Yerevan regular flights operating daily in summer also contribute to the visits.

Avedis Guidanian also talked about the necessity to make the bilateral ties in industry more effective, stating that they will be in the spotlight of discussions during the Armenian Prime Ministers visit to Lebanon in mid-March of 2018.

We feel in Lebanon as Lebanese citizens, but we never forget our Armenian origin, he said.

English  translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan on February 22 held a luncheon with President of Lebanon Michel Aoun who is in Armenia on an official visit, the government told Armenpress.

The officials highly appreciated the existing level of relations between the two friendly countries and attached importance to the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation. PM Karapetyan introduced Armenias economic situation, stating that positive growth trends in all spheres of economy have been recorded recently.

Both sides highlighted deepening the economic ties between the two states. In particular, they considered banking, agriculture, tourism and several other fields as prospective for the mutual partnership.

English  translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan
Illinois Democrats are struggling to find their balance following news that Speaker of the House Michael Madigan took three months to fire a staffer following an accusation of sexual harassment from a campaign worker.



The accusation, brought forth by Alaina Hampton and supported by inappropriate texts sent by the accused, Kevin Quinn, came in November 2017. This occurred while Madigan pushed for sexual harassment training in response to a #MeToo letter from Illinois women at the Statehouse.

On Feb. 19, Madigan released a statement regarding another sexual harassment accusation, saying, Last week I was advised of inappropriate behavior by a volunteer toward a candidate and staff during the 2016 election. I quickly made sure the individual had no participation in any activities my committees are involved in.

He went on to say, I reaffirm my commitment to change the culture. I do not tolerate inappropriate behavior or abuse of any kind and remain committed to ensuring all individuals can do their work without fear of harassment, abuse or retaliation.

The Hampton story broke a day before Governor Bruce Rauners Feb. 14 budget address, and was the focus of several questions following the address.

Rep. Scott Drury, D-Highwood, an attorney general candidate, said he is renewing his call for Madigan to step down.



He certainly has lost the confidence of the public, Drury said in a press conference, and he has shown a complete inability to deal with the real issue of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual assault, both in and outside of the state of Illinois, outside of the Capitol.

Its time for colleagues  Democrat and Republican  to get together and demand that we have new leadership in the House, Drury said.

Madigan later responded by comparing Drury to Rauner, saying, The Rauner agenda is to remove me as the speaker  So for Drury to say that I should step aside  thats the same thing as Rauner saying I should step aside, which I dont plan to do.

Drury is one of several Democrats calling for change.



In a press conference following the budget address, Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Evanston, said, Ive been saying that Speaker Madigan has been in power for too long and is too powerful for a very long time. I think we need to make sure there is a thorough investigation.

But I think its very very important here that we dont only make this about one person, he continued, speaking of the accused, Quinn. Theres an attitude in this Capitol building that when a scandal happens, fire one person and then pretend the problem is solved.

Bisss running mate, Rep. Litesa Wallace, D-Chicago, agreed.



I think that we have a very systemic situation, Wallace said. And as Ive often said, cutting off the head of a snake does not change the fact that there is still a snake present.

On Feb. 19, the duo released a joint statement calling for Madigan to step down as the chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois and questioning his status as speaker.



Times up for Mike Madigan and the political machine he controls, the statement said. After Alaina Hampton bravely came forward, Madigan had an opportunity to lead, and chose to make more backroom deals. These actions demonstrate he cannot and should not lead our party, and also cause us to seriously question his role as speaker of the House.

Ra Joy, running mate to gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy, is on the same page, tweeting Step one, elect new chairman, in response to Madigans call to develop a plan to elevate women in the Democratic Party.



However, other Democrats are slow to turn on the Democratic leader.

Following the budget address on Feb. 14, Sen. Kwame Raoul, D-Chicago, an attorney general candidate, said, Not every case is investigated in the same timespan. I cannot speak to this specific case, myself, without having investigated the fine details of it  I dont think any of us can. He went on to criticize Madigan, however, for not suspending Quinn while investigating the accusations.

Gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker repeatedly said that he didnt know all the facts when asked about the issue on Feb. 14, but noted that an investigation shouldnt take three months.



Megan Swett is an editorial intern for Illinois Times through the public affairs reporting program of University of Illinois Springfield. Contact her at intern@illinoistimes.com.
YEREVAN, 22 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 22 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.11 drams to 480.57 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.69 drams to 590.67 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.02 drams to 8.47 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 3.50 drams to 667.37 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 139.73 drams to 20557.13 drams. Silver price down by 2.03 drams to 253.93 drams. Platinum price down by 27.37 drams to 15419.78 drams.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan visited the National Polytechnic University of Armenia on February 22 on the occasion of the launch of the activities of the aerial robotics education-research center.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office, Serzh Sargsyan toured in the center accompanied by the Ministers of Education and Science, Transport, Communication and IT, Deputy Defense Minister and the University Rector, which specializes in designing UAVs.

The center is aimed at improving engineering education in Armenia, encouraging professions that can contribute to the defense of the country.

The establishment of the center became a reality thank to the support of the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, the donation of "Fatherland" military-patriotic foundation and the co-funding of the Polytechnic University.

English  translator/editor: Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian received EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia Toivo Klaar on February 22.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, greeting the guest, Minister Nalbandian noted that he had a meaningful and productive meeting with Federica Maria Mogherini on February 21, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and highlighted the continues active dialogue with the EU.

The interlocutors referred to the issues of Armenia-EU relations, exchanged views on the ratification process of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.

The Special Representative of the EU informed the Armenian FM about his recent meetings in Baku.

Edward Nalbandian presented to Toivo Klaar the joint efforts of Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair countries aimed at reaching an exclusively peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

The Armenian FM noted that during the meeting of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Krakow initiated by the Co-chairs an agreement was reached to expand the monitoring capacity of the Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office. Regarding this agreement Armenia and the Co-chairs issued almost the same statements, while Azerbaijan never referred to this agreement. A few days ago the Co-chairs were in Baku and Azerbaijan again refused to respect this agreement, Nalbandian emphasized. The Minister noted that in the statement issued based on the results of the last regional visit the Co-chairs once again underlined the necessity of the implementation of the commitments assumed during the summits. FM Nalbandian highly appreciated the unconditional support of the EU to this position of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs.

Edward Nalbandian also highlighted EUs consistent position supporting the approaches of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs, particularly, the three principles of the international law that serve as basis for Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, which are the exclusion of using force or the threat to use it, territorial integrity, equality of nations and self-determination.

The ambition of Baku to present their desires as the reality has reached a point that they do not hesitate to distort even EUs principled approach, Minister Nalbandian stressed.

Toivo Klaar reaffirmed the support of the EU to the activities and proposals of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs aimed at a peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

English  translator/editor: Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan received on February 22 Foreign Minister of Madagascar Henry Rabary-Njaka.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Government of Armenia, the Premier noted with satisfaction that bilateral political dialogue has activated in the recent years in different international platforms, and particularly in the International Organisation of La Francophonie and efforts should be made to transfer this positive tendency also to trade and economic relations. In this context Karen Karapetyan highlighted the participation of the businessmen from Madagascar in the business forum on October 11-12 in the sidelines of the Francophonie summit. The PM noted that a very favorable economic situation for investments has been established in Armenia and there are good opportunities not only for the Armenian market, but also for entering to the 3rd markets.

The Foreign Minister of Madagascar thanked for the cordial reception and noted that he is impressed by the visit to the 1st Christian country. According to him, Madagascar welcomes and has maximally supported the idea of holding the Francophonie summit in Armenia. Henry Rabary-Njaka noted that in the sidelines of the visit of the president of his country to Armenia in October, the opportunities for developing bilateral economic relations will also be discussed. Henry Rabary-Njaka also suggested viewing Madagascar as a platform for entering the African market.

The Armenian Premier welcomed the first visit of Madagascars governmental delegation to Armenia and expressed readiness to actively work for the development of cooperation between the two countries.

English  translator/editor: Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenians of Netherlands have no doubts that the two resolutions on the Armenian Genocide will be adopted by the parliament of Netherlands. President of the Federation of Armenian Organizations of the Netherlands Mato Hakhverdyan told ARMENPRESS that almost all the parliamentary factions had a positive stance on the resolutions during the parliamentary hearings and expressed readiness to vote in favor of them.

With the exception of one small faction the three members of which are Turks, all the other factions had a positive stance on the adoption of the resolutions, Mato Hakhverdyan said.

Its expected that the voting will take place I the evening of February 22. The statement of the parliament is expected. There are no doubts both resolutions will be adopted, the President of the Federation of Armenian Organizations of the Netherlands stressed.

The author of the resolution is MP Joel Voordewind from Christian Union party. According to one of the two resolutions, the foreign minister of the Netherlands will be obliged to visit Armenia and pay tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide at Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex each 5th year.

English  translator/editor: Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Famous British historian, writer Niall Ferguson made the following twit The President of Armenia is a man of impeccable literary taste after learning that President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan presented his book to the directors of publishing houses on the Book Giving Day, reports ARMENPRESS.

On Book Giving Day, February 19, President Serzh Sargsyan called at Bookinist bookstore in Yerevan, where he met with top executives of several publishing homes.

The President and the meeting participants congratulated each other on Hovhannes Tumanyans birthday and on the occasion of Book Giving Day. President Sargsyan noted that the good tradition of celebrating the Book Giving Day is indeed one of the best ways of marking the great poets birthday. The meeting participants exchanged books as gifts. The President donated Civilization: what is the different between the West and the Rest by British historian Niall Ferguson.

English  translator/editor: Tigran Sirekanyan
SAN FRANCISCOBuff blond Alam Wernik has made quite a splash on Instagram, and now Falcon Studios Group has signed an agreement with him to become the newest Falcon Studios Exclusive. The native Brazilian who grew up in Argentina will appear exclusively in Falcon Studios and NakedSword Originals releases.

Wernik, the high-Q Instagram personality now living in New York City, has amassed over 220,000 followers with revealing images of his sculpted body, exotic features and juicy ass. Having an intimate connection with the camera, Wernik started making homemade videos alone and promoting them to his social media audience, which caught the attention of the gay porn industry. Two top models in the industry introduced Wernik to NakedSword Originals director mr. Pam, who quickly discussed his potential with Falcon Studios Group and NakedSword Network president, Tim Valenti.

Upon seeing his photos and videos he created, Valenti booked him on shoots and immediately began discussions to make him and Exclusive. Werniks already shot the NakedSword Original title No Vacancy, which will be out mid-April, and hes currently on set for his first Falcon blockbuster production, Zack and Jack Make a Porno, due to hit the streets in May.

With a statuesque six-foot-nothing body, weighing in at 180 pounds of lean muscle, Alam is a physical treasure who served in the Brazilian navy and whose hobbies include anything active like biking, hiking, swimming and working out at the gym. He's a power-bottom of epic proportions.

Alam Wernik is strikingly handsome, physically exquisite and he is a natural-born performer, stated Valenti. Alam has an exotic look and a personal charm that will take him to amazing heights in gay porn. We welcome his fans and cant wait to introduce Falcon and NakedSwords audience to this breathtakingly stunning man. We know they will fall for him just like we have.

Im very excited to introduce the next steps of my online journey to the fans of Falcon Studios and NakedSword Originals as well as my loyal audience, stated Wernik. Im grateful for the opportunity to represent Falcon Studios and NakedSword Originals as an exclusive model of the most recognized and creative brands in the gay adult industry.

To learn more about Alam, fans can follow him on Twitter, and on Instagram. Alam Wernik is also available for appearances. Booking inquiries can be made through Falcon VP Marketing Toby J. Morris ([email protected]).
CYBERSPACEIn January, Mia Malkova released a new film, but this one, God, Sex and Truth, was perhaps better described as an art film rather than an adult movie. Nonetheless, Malkovas director on the controversial film is now reportedly facing arrest and possible imprisonment in his home country of India for his role in shooting the project starring AVN's 2014 Best New Starlet.

Ram Gopal Varma, a maverick, 55-year-old Bollywood director, claimed that he filmed Malkova, who appears nude throughout the film, somewhere in Europe. But according to media reports in the Indian press, Varma may have actually shot the movie in a luxury hotel located in his hometown of Hyderabad, a bustling metropolis in southern India with a population nearing 10 million.

If indeed Varma shot the Malkova starrer there, he would indeed be facing legal trouble because producing porn in India is illegal.

A coalition of womens rights groups in India, spearheaded by the All India Democratic Women Association has become so certain that Varma shot the film in Hyderabad that starting on Wednesday, they staged a 48-hour hunger strike to demand the filmmakers arrest.

Their efforts appear to have ben successful. According to a report in The Hindu newspaper, police filed charges against Varma, the first step before arresting the controversial director.

If the allegations prove true, not only Varma but managers at the hotel where the docu-drama was allegedly filmed could be looking at prison sentences.

The womens rights activists say that they have photographic evidence showing Malkova in Hyderabad during the time when the film, whose full title is God, Sex and Truth: A Philosophical Treatise of Mia Malkova, would have been shot. They also say that behind-the-scenes production still from the film have appeared on line, and that several known filmmaking associates of Varma can be seen in those photos.

In January, before the film was even released, womens groups staged protests against the film, burning Varma in effigy during one demonstration in which they called for God, Sex and Truth to be banned in India.

"What was the message Varma would be giving to the youth in India with his dirty film? one protest leader, K. Nagalakshmi, said to the India Today news site.

In response to the possible criminal charges against him, Varma posted a message on his Twitter accountsaying that he had no comment.

Varma responded to reports that he was under criminal investigation, in a Wednesday Twitter posting.

Its baseless false propaganda by Tv 9 that I was called by (Central Criminal Station) on Friday the 23rd, he wrote on his Twitter feed. In reality that is not true at all and its just a part of a malicious campaign by Tv 9 to spread lies about me.

Varma reportedly faces charges of obscenity and insulting the modesty of a woman.
LOS ANGELESColleen Godin announced the growth of her pleasure industry consulting business with a new website, ThePleasureConnection.net, and expanded opportunities for collaboration with clients.

After two years of gradually building up my reputation as a miscellaneous freelancer, I decided it was time to take the next step and create a more concrete foundation that shows potential clients exactly what I can do for their business, said Godin, who is re-branding her one-woman show as The Pleasure Connection. Ive always presented myself as a reliable, knowledgeable pleasure professional with a true passion for sexual wellness. With an official website and focused re-brand, I can further my reach and simplify the collaboration process for busy clients.

Godins resume runs the gamut of the pleasure business from ground-level sales to the B2B market. She got her start 10 years ago working the sales floor of a popular brick-and-mortar boutique. Later, Godin moved up to extensively travel and provide educational training sessions for major manufacturers. Most recently, Godin has added journalism to her repertoire, covering the latest trends in sex toys and sexual wellness for international trade publications and sex-positive media sources.

The Pleasure Connection offers manufacturers and distributors, retailers, media outlets, and other sexual health-based businesses a la carte access to writing, marketing, and events services, like trade shows and product trainings, copy writing for websites, blogs and product packaging, and social media marketing.

Consulting allows me to custom-fit my most valuable skills to a companys specific needs, says Godin. After working traditional salaried positions in the industry for a few years and then transitioning to freelance, I've been able to take a step back and see which specific skills I can bring to a business that offer the most value.

Godin recently joined The Women of Sex Tech, a collective of female pleasure industry professionals dedicated to the continuous evolution of the industry as a positive, inclusive space for all.

Through the popularity of sex education and the sex-positive movement, consumers have demanded more for their sexual health and happiness, said Godin. I think we're only going to go onward and upward from here, and I look forward to working with other pleasure pioneers to make their brands a staple in the growing sexual wellness sector.

To learn more, visit ThePleasureConnection.com or email [email protected]
U.S. Postal Service Has A Plan To Save $2 Billion Dollars A Year

THE PROPOSED PLAN:



Conversion of their Delivery System to Communal or Curbside Delivery would Save $2 Billion Annually .

That's the Plan. Our Postal Service has had this Plan in the can since at least the summer of 2014. The problem with the Plan is it is still in the can in February 2018. There are some among us that do not understand the undeniable fact that having a plan to save money does not result in money saved. It is the implementation of the money-saving plan that saves the money.



Anybody got a Can Opener?



This is an excerpt from my Blog Posting on May 28, 2014...

"WASHINGTON (AP) - Millions of Americans would no longer get mail delivered to their door but would have to go to communal or curbside boxes instead under a proposal advancing through Congress.

The Republican-controlled House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, on an 18-13 party-line vote, approved a bill Wednesday to direct the U.S. Postal Service to convert 15 million addresses over the next decade to the less costly, but also less convenient delivery method."



There is hope...Or is there? It says above "advancing through Congress" and it says "approved". The problem is I searched the Internet for an update on this idea but could not find one. It appears to have gone "poof".



There is something else that caught my eye in the above two paragraphs and that's "on an 18-13 party-line vote".



It is an Etched in Stone Undeniable Fact that Congress cannot agree on anything and here is how it works...

 An idea is proposed.

 The first thing any member of Congress asks is, "Which party made this proposal?"

 If the answer comes back that the Democrat Party made the proposal, a Democrat says, "That's brilliant! I agree wholeheartedly" and a Republican says, "That is unworkable! You can bet that this proposal is DOA (Dead on Arrival)" (They all love to say, Dead on Arrival.)

 If the answer comes back that the Republican Party made the proposal, a Republican says, "That's brilliant! I agree wholeheartedly" and a Democrat says, "That is unworkable! You can bet that this proposal is DOA (Dead on Arrival)". (They all love to say, Dead on Arrival.)



As usual I have a fix...

 Do not tell any member of Congress who made any proposal.

 Do not let them discuss any proposal.

 Do not let them go to Happy Hour because this would give them occasion to find out who proposed the proposal.

 Hold a vote within 20 minutes of the surfacing of any proposal.



This would force the various Members of Congress to make up their own minds without the Party's Leadership telling them how to think.



I drove to Washington yesterday and asked the first 12 Members of Congress I came across what did they think about the Curbside Delivery Save a Ton of Money Proposal.



Without exception each one of them immediately took out his Smartphone and Googled the word, "think".



My drive home was very depressing.



Would I kid u?

Smartfella



Lagniappe: I forgot to mention I did talk to a 13th Member of Congress, Senator Leghorn. I found him slumped down in his Nap Desk on the Senate floor mumbling to himself, "Why are they so concerned about a mere $2 Billion? Two is not much. Why 2 is not even 3."

When I told him that $2 Billion was 2 Thousand Million Dollars, he slumped down even further.


Civitas Institute says governor used elected office for personal gain in negotiating 'slush fund' from Atlantic Coast Pipeline operators

"This is a serious matter of public trust and transparency, and it's critical the people of North Carolina know exactly what happened, and whether any of Cooper's actions violate ethics laws."

Cooper could use the fund to financially help past, present, and future political supporters, notably Conservation Votes, the N.C. Sierra Club, N.C. League of Conservation Voters, and Environment America. These organizations have partnered with companies specializing in mitigation services, or law firms and nonprofits compensated for advocacy or representation in renewable energy disputes.

Cooper received hundreds of contributions from individuals and businesses along the pipeline route. They could be rewarded with money from the escrow fund.

If Cooper used his official office and title to get money from a company in exchange for a state permit and approval of the pipeline, that could constitute an impermissible gift.

The Civitas Institute has filed a state ethics complaint against Gov. Roy Cooper, seeking a ruling and possible investigation into questions of his handling of $57.8 million from a utility coalition building the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.Civitas President Donald Bryson says in release issued Wednesday, Feb. 14.Bryson said.Civitas filed the complaint as McClatchy's The Insider reported Cooper has ordered the staff of the State Board of Elections and state Ethics Commission tountil a lawsuit challenging the merger of the two agencies wraps up.Meanwhile, Carolina Journal received confirmation that neither Cooper nor his newly hired lobbyist Lee Lilley have responded to a pointed series of 15 questions about the pipeline fund posed Monday by Sen. Bill Rabon, R-Brunswick, and Rep. David Lewis, R-Harnett, chairmen of the Senate and House rules committees, respectively. They requested a response no later than Thursday.a legislative source said.the source said.Cooper spokeswoman Noelle Talley dismissed the seriousness of the complaint.Talley said.she said.she said. Only government entities and qualified nonprofits would be eligible. She cited the Rural Infrastructure Authority and the Clean Water Management Trust Fund as examples of organizations that could fulfill those goals and distribute the funds.The Civitas complaint mirrors much of what CJ has reported since Cooper's Jan. 26 announcement he would collect the nearly $58 million. The news release was issued less than a half hour after the state Department of Environmental Quality announced it awarded a vital water permit necessary to extend the 600-mile natural gas pipeline through eight North Carolina counties.The memorandum of understanding between Cooper and the pipeline operators said money would be used for three purposes: repairing environmental damage, underwriting economic development, or supporting renewable energy projects in the eight counties along the pipeline's path.Critics, including former Gov. Pat McCrory, Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, and former House Republican Leader Paul "Skip" Stam, have criticized the secretive Cooper deal as a slush fund (see here and here), or an improper government exaction requiring pipeline operators to pay for something they already were entitled to receive.The Civitas complaint says the short time frame in which the DEQ and Cooper announcements were issued make it appear the payment and permit were related.Cooper contends the money was a voluntary gift from the energy companies. But the complaint cites state Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, saying the money was a negotiated deal. "It was just that that was a condition of getting the permit granted," Harrison was quoted Feb. 6 by WRAL-TV.Carolina Journal first broke the news that the energy companies brokered a much different deal with Virginia authorities than the Mitigation Memorandum of Understanding Cooper made with the pipeline operators. Negotiations continue between the developers and West Virginia, where the fracked gas originates. The Civitas complaint picked up on that point:"Governor Cooper's fund is far more open-ended, unconstrained, and rife with potential for abuse" than the Virginia agreement, the complaint said. "Governor Cooper ... can spend funds from this account at his pleasure, and on projects or initiatives that have little if anything, to do with mitigating the environmental impact of the pipeline."The complaint raises the specter that the Cooper escrow fund could run afoul of several provisions of the N.C. State Government Ethics Act, which expressly forbids elected officials from leveraging their offices for personal gain.The Ethics Act also forbids state officials and covered persons from using their official positions to generate any foreseeable financial benefit, and prohibits state officials from accepting gifts of any value in exchange for official action. The Ethics Act also requires officials to exercise due diligence before acting on any potential conflicts of interest.Wednesday afternoon, Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, asked Cooper to recuse himself from taking any action on House Bill 90.Berger and Moore said in a joint statement.the complaint said. But it is unclear if he exercised sufficient due diligence before signing the agreement.Potential violations and conflicts of interest, according to the complaint, include:
Now that it is fully apparent, to all who have the ability to pay some modicum of attention, that Imposter President Biden has extreme cognitive issues, in addition to being an inveterate liar: Can OUR Republic continue with this Executive Office that has completely failed, so many times, on far too many issues here at this early date in this abysmal presidency?

No, Joseph R. Biden is completely unqualified, morally and cognitively, to represent real Americans, and lead this Republic of disparate peoples.

Yes, Joseph R. Biden has started whispering again, even softer now than before; so, I know he still cares, plus, OUR media will soon stop reporting on Afghanistan in favor of OUR Socialist issues.
This week . . .

Oriens Aviation formally opened their new maintenance hangar at Biggin Hill Airport. The company sold five PC-12s last year and is set to expand its service offering by supporting other types at the former Avalan Aero shop.

Mike Walsh , CEO of Asia Jet and AsBAA board member encourages anyone with an interest in business aviation in Asia to attend ABACE in Shanghai, April 17-19.
Venezuela is in crisis. The South American country has been a sore festered with political turmoil and socioeconomic woes for years now. Unemployment is a pandemic in the country and, thanks to the devaluation of their currency, what little food can be had there, is largely unaffordable by the nation's people. As a result of these conditions, crime has become rampant, countless businesses in the country have shuttered and shortages of the staples we take for granted have become commonplace. Reuters reports that the shortages have begun to effect an unexpected, exclusive group of Venezuelans: organ transplant recipients.

According to Reuters, there are around 3,500 organ transplant recipients living in Venezuela today. Thanks to modern medicine, theses recipients have been able to lead largely normal lives. But as the country's ability to afford medicines made in other countries, make their own drugs or pay medical personnel diminishes, the lives of its organ transplant recipients are being put at risk. The drugs needed to keep their new organs from being rejected by their bodies have run out. So far, at least seven of the country's citizens have died as a result, with 35 additional transplant recipients reporting that their new organs are now being rejected by their bodies.

The suck doesn't stop there: thanks to the fact that only around half of Venezuela's dialysis machines are operating, tens of thousands of people waiting for lifesaving surgeries are at risk of dying as their blood can't be cleaned of toxins. The doctors who are still working to keep people alive in the country are exhausted and frustrated by the conditions they're now forced to work in:

"It's incredibly stressful. We request supplies; they don't arrive. We call again and they still don't arrive. Then we realize it's because there aren't any," said a kidney specialist at a public hospital, asking to remain anonymous because health workers are not allowed to speak publicly about the situation.

And because no disaster is complete without the presence of vultures waiting to prey on the vulnerable, a black market trade in medicines can provide you with the drugs Venezuelan need to live another dayif they're lucky.

Image via Wikipedia Commons
News / National

by Staff reporter

Civil servants are fretting over government's delay in paying them their 2017 bonuses, two months into 2018.Civil servants' unions who spoke to the Daily News yesterday said most government workers had given up hope of getting paid their 2017 bonuses, accusing the re-elected Cecilia Alexander-led Apex Council of being toothless.Government had said the 2017 bonuses would be staggered this year, starting with the army, doctors and nurses being paid first, then the police and lastly teachers.But two months into 2018, government has failed to pay civil servants their bonuses reportedly due to a lack of funds."We suspect that government will pay us bonuses when they see fit, probably towards elections to use that as a campaign tool because they know that with the current leadership at the Apex Council, they will not be under any pressure," Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general Raymond Majongwe said.Former Apex Council deputy president Ladistous Zunde also accused Alexander of being too soft with government during negotiations."During negotiations with government before they threw me out clandestinely, our colleagues were more of a hindrance than help as they took sides with government and even ganged up against me saying I was undermining the chairperson's authority by being too vocal," Zunde said."They wanted me to use diplomacy but I insisted that diplomacy does not work in trade unionism because negotiations without arms are like music without instruments."Now that they are running the show on their own, I doubt if they will be brave enough to confront government over bonuses."While Alexander was not immediately available for comment, George Mushipe, the Apex Council secretary, denied that the union had been teeth-clipped."I do not think that position is correct because we have been making frantic efforts to engage government on the issue of bonus but sadly they have not been able to give us exact dates apart from the commitment to pay," Mushipe said."We have, for your own information, engaged the highest office in the land where we have been referred to the Labour minister."We are also going to hold a meeting of the Apex Council to deliberate on issues to do with dates of payment so that we move away from mere promises to tangible action. That can only come from an organisation that is not captured by anyone," he said.This comes as there is confusion in government over whether civil servants are still under the Labour ministry or President Emmerson Mnangagwa's office.Labour minister Petronella Kagonye told the Daily News last week she had been informed that civil servants now fall directly under Mnangagwa's office."Until recently, I thought that civil servants were under my purview until I was corrected that in fact they are under the president's office," Kagonye said after a meeting with the country's labour unions last month.The civil service used to be under the ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, which has since been reconfigured to the ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.Government pronounced on Monday that it will announce the dates shortly. Secretary for Finance and Economic Planning ministry Willard Manungo said: "Minister (Patrick) Chinamasa will shortly be communicating the payment dates."We're yet to set the date for the announcement, but it will be soon. The payment of bonuses will be staggered as we have said before."Chinamasa last year assured civil servants that they would be paid their 2017 bonuses, and claimed he had set aside $176 million for their 13th cheque.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE burial on Tuesday of the late MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai was never going to be complete without incidents of violence that he often used to crush dissent in the party.Mr Tsvangirai, who died in South Africa on February 14, was buried at his rural home in Buhera. During his burial, MDC-T party youths gave their leader a befitting send off by engaging in violence, a principle they learnt from him.Never mind the eulogies given by different speakers at the burial, violence was part of the late Mr Tsvangira's legacy that the youths were not prepared to bury with their departed leader.On the day, one of the party's vice presidents Dr Thokozani Khupe, secretary general Mr Douglas Mwonzora and Tsholotsho legislator under the proportional representation Ms Lwazi Sibanda were on the receiving end of the violence that was unleashed by the rowdy party youths.Dr Khupe and Mr Mwonzora had to seek refuge in a hut in one of the nearby homesteads while Ms Sibanda was struck by an object on the face.Dr Khupe, narrating her ordeal, said when they got to the homestead to greet Tsvangirai's mother, they were accosted by 10 party youths, allegedly acting on behalf of Mr Nelson Chamisa the party's acting president, who were later joined by a mob baying for their blood."They started assaulting us accusing me of being a dissident and that I should return to Matabeleland saying we will kill you, you people. This is because there are people who want to wrestle power violentlythere are those appointed by the president (Tsvangirai) who want to use violence to take over power.They are busy beating up people, they are the ones who sent people to assault me."They wanted to kill us because as we were walking away, a man offered us his hut as refuge. While we were inside the hut, they started throwing stones at us and took a burning long in a bid to burn the thatched hut," she said."Because it was raining the roof did not catch fire but only smoke came in. If it wasn't for the rains we would have been burnt inside that hut."As they did that, they were saying 'today we want to kill you Khupe, you are the one disturbing our candidate' . They kept chanting 'Chamisa Chamisa' and we don't agree with that."Dr Khupe went on to dismiss the meeting of the MDC-T National Council that appointed Mr Chamisa the party's acting president as bogus."I want to tell them that this thing of saying a woman and a person from Matabeleland can't be president, I will end it. ..they want to wrestle power, that won't happen."I don't recognise Chamisa as acting president, when our president ( Tsvangirai) appointed Chamisa vice president, I told him that I won't recognise Chamisa as there were no constitutional provisions to empower him to appoint additional vice presidents," charged Dr Khupe."Now he is sending people to kill me, I won't have that."Dr Khupe went on to declare herself the party's acting president saying she will soon call for an extra ordinary congress to choose Mr Tsvangirai's successor.It is the view of this piece that the violence that Dr Khupe and others were subjected to on Tuesday is not new, it has been a prominent feature in the interactions within the MDC-T.The only new scenario is that the fights are happening in the absence of the late Mr Tsvangirai as his deputies Mr Chamisa, Dr Khupe and Engineer Elias Mudzuri jostle to succeed him.To those who had hoped that after Mr Tsvangirai, the MDC-T would adopt a new kind of politics, Tuesday showed that the leadership in the party has learnt nothing new and forgotten nothing from their old politics of violence.While, many would sympathise with Dr Khupe because violence has never been good and can never be justified, it would have been great for Dr Khupe to have spoken against violence when the likes of the late Mr Gibson Sibanda, Professor Welshman Ncube and Ms Trudy Stevenson among others were assaulted by party thugs during the split in 2005.The behaviour of condemning ills only when one is now the victim is the height of hypocrisy.The stance against violence should be a principled one and taken at all times when the ill is committed against people other than oneself.Many other incidents of violence occurred in the MDC-T like the party's Bulawayo congress in 2011 but the MDC-T leadership including Dr Khupe continued to bury their heads in the sand.In his memoirs, the united MDC's founding secretary for legal affairs Mr David Coltart reveals that the 2005 split was caused by Mr Tsvangirai's love for violence.Mr Coltart also revealed that Mr Tsvangirai did not only engage in intra-party violence where he used "agents provocateurs" such as one Tonderai Ndira but sought to escalate violence into a nationwide confrontation with the ruling Zanu-PF.The lawyer further revealed that Mr Tsvangirai in 2006 trained bandits in South Africa in preparation for a violent takeover of power in Zimbabwe.The burial of Mr Tsvangirai on Tuesday was attended by a cross section of people ranging from diplomats representing different countries, officials of political parties from within and outside Zimbabwe and civil society.What the MDC-T successfully did in front of all these people was bringing out their true character of violence and total disregard for decency. They couldn't even afford their leader respect and decency by overlooking their differences just for one day but continued to tear each other apart.This is the same party that has over the years accused the ruling Zanu-PF party of engaging in violence especially towards elections but evidence was laid bare on Tuesday.Since his inauguration in November last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has preached peace, unity, tolerance and love.He has guaranteed that the country will hold free, fair, credible and non violent elections this year and has extended a welcoming hand to those foreign bodies that want to come and observe the polls.Most importantly, the President has called on all Zimbabweans to work together towards the restoration of the country to its former glory.While the President's calls have been heeded by the majority of Zimbabweans, it has fallen on deaf ears on the part of MDC-T. They would rather stick to what they know best which is violence.As the country draws closer to elections, it has become clear that President Mnangagwa and his ruling Zanu-PF party are the only orderly organisation working towards the interest of its people and the choice on who to rally behind is not a difficult one.
News / National

by Staff reporter

JABULA Primary School in Binga has dragged eight parents to court for failing to settle a combined debt of more than $2 000 in outstanding fees and levies.The children of those who were taken to court are either attending school or completed their primary education while still owing.Jabula Primary School in Lusulu, Binga, filed summons at Victoria Falls magistrates' court citing the eight parents.Varying amounts of money are owed by the parents: Aaron Nyathi ($192), Precious Ndlovu ($210), Phumulani Moyo ($300), Charles Ngwenya ($638), Nkulumani Nkomi ($202), Ngali Tshinga ($224), Steward Msipha ($288) and Earnest Mpofu ($252) including court costs. School fees required per term for each pupil at the rural school was not stated in court.A school representative Mr Tholani Amos said the parents had a combined outstanding debt of more than $2 000."Some of their children have finished primary education while others are still at school," said Mr Amos.He pleaded with the court to order the parents to settle their debts which he said were adversely affecting the school's operations.Mr Amos said the parents were supposed to pay full fees and levies in advance or before the end of each school term.In response the parents pleaded with the court to be given time to settle their debts saying they were unemployed.One of the parents, Mr Ngwenya pleaded with the court to be given a year to settle his $638 debt.Ms Rangarirai Gakanje ordered parents to settle their debts this year."Settle your debts within 2018 starting on Wednesday. Paying your debts does not exempt you from paying fees for the current school term," said the magistrate.In 2011, the then Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Maphios Cheda ruled that school heads who expel, suspend or withhold pupils' results on the basis of non-payment of fees and levies were committing an offence under the Children's Act."The issue of tuition or levy fees has been a topical issue for a number of years. It is, therefore, necessary to deal with it at this point once and for all. In my opinion the issue of fees directly relates to the law of contract."When a parent or guardian secures a place for a child at a school or tertiary institution, a contract is entered between the said institution and the parent with regards to the payment of fees," ruled the judge."The said contract can either be express or implied. The parent undertakes to pay all fees, which the institution levies against the student from time to time."
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Political commentator Rafero Muparajo has claimed that the ruling Zanu PF had to take over the funeral of MDC-T late leader Morgan Tsvangirai's logistics because it realized that the opposition party was disorganized.The Emmerson Mnangagwa led administration provided state assisted burial to Tsvangirai in honour of his contribution to democracy and in that he was a former Prime minister"Why Zanu PF is a star is this MDC T leadership burial, they have strategists who saw how broke and unorganized the organization is, they took-over the body the moment the MDC President passed on, organized how it was to be chartered (first mistake), first mistake how, if the body had flown from SA to say Joshua Nkomo airport, the leadership could have capitalized in making the people's hero travel by road, with people wide and across Zimbabwe paying their last respects, by so doing electrifying and winning sympathy along the way," he said."The ruling government saw and countered that, they personalized and directed proceedings. The same happened from Harare to Buhera, Tsvangirayi was flown, yes flown and everyone was happy kuti zvaitika zvangazvisingaitike, did Tsvangirai voters who couldn't travel to Harare pay their last respects along the way, the ones kwaaipfuura nako going to her rural home, NO, because he was going to draw sympathy from the people. Surely even if the funeral was state assisted, MDC T as a party had a bigger role to play, my take."
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

A commentator Martin Taruwona has described the late MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai's funeral as number two to be largely attended after the South Afrfican late President Nelson Mandela.Tvsvangirai died in South Africa on Wednesday last week and was burried on Tuesday in Buhera home."Tsvangirai's funeral has become number 2 in terms of attendance in Africa with around 746 875 mourners; number one being that of Mandela which attracted more than a million. Census by Gabriel Tsungami by the late Monday 19th February 2018 showed that about 750000 eligible mourners gathered at Tsvangirai's rural homestead to pay their last respect to a departing Hero. Of the mourners converged in the remote area 18346 were foreign diplomats who were aware of Tsvangirai's quest to free the people of Zimbabwe from the oppression of Zanu PF's rule. Of the available foreign nationals , 11241 were fellow whites from the European land paying their last respect to a departing visionary leader," he said."Analysis by Priscilla Codman revealed that there has never been such a gathering in Malaysia since a time immemorial. Jog Higgins also revealed that in Canada they are yet to find a man like Tsvangirai who fought with all his effort setting aside all the hate speech which is a common mantra in Zanu PF party. Tsvangirai is deeply remembered by his party supporters by urging them to desist from any form violence warning them to learn from his experiences. Taking the way and number of times Tsvangirai was attacked by Zanu PF thugs one would agree with me that the veteran leader was given a long life by His Majesty God. He could have died before even forming an opposition party of the century."He said however, this gathering has sent a clear message to all humanitarian organs ( UN , Sadac OAU etc) that Zimbabwe has been run by wrong leader since 1980 and even now."The masses of the people have spoken, the voice of the people has been heard: President Morgan Richard Tsvangirai was a visionary leader who had won the hearts of millions through his humble leadership style. We wish you a happy second life in the second world of life where you have gone. Its hard to believe yes but thank you President Morgan Richard Tsvangirai your foot prints of the rule of Law are clear to everyone," he said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

In Parliament, former diamond executive Lovemore Kurotwi is telling MPs that Obert Mpofu demanded a $10m bribe when he was Mines Minister.Businessman Lovemore Kurotwi was arrested in 2010 on charges of prejudicing the State of $2 billion in a botched diamond deal after then Mines minister Obert Mpofu accused him of fraud.Mpofu himself is expected to appear before the Temba Mliswa-led portfolio committee.
News / National

by Trevor Sagota in Harare

The reaffirming by government recently that the 21st of February is the Robert Mugabe National Youth day has sparked mixed reactions from a cross section of society.Robert Mugabe was removed from power by the military in a move dubbed 'Operation Restore Legacy' which resonates more with the desire to restore the political and economic integrity of a nation with over 85 percent youth unemployment rate. For the first time in 37 years, ZBC TV aired events other than Mugabe's birthday celebrations. On 21st ZBC TV screened live National Railways of Zimbabwe launch of a new passenger train and President Emmerson Mnangagwa graced the event.In an interview with the press, youths in Harare said the youths have little to celebrate from his governance that ruined the economy and rendered the productive populace including graduates turned destitute and vendors."The holiday is named Robert Mugabe National Youth day...What did Mugabe do for the youths? Even in his youthful days did he do anything outstanding for the youth? Has he sought to promote the youth in anyway, did he subscribe to giving youth better recognition? All these questions have a no answer...it is a misnamed holiday given some veneer of legitimacy with the national youth day."The fact that the government proclaimed the holiday via a statutory declaration on 24 November shows President Mnangagwa is keen on upholding the Mugabe legacy", Pascal Kunyeda, Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) journalism and Media study student said.A Kuwadzana youth Privildge Nyamayaro said, the holiday should have been named Mugabe day, not Robert Mugabe National Youth Day."I am confused they call it a youth day yet they are talking about someone's illustrious work it does not make sense though ,anyhow I do not see anything to be hyped up about the day, check out the position of the youths themselves in the country", he said.Farai Mugaviri IT student at the National University of Science and Technology said although some would like the former president to be remembered as a revolutionary icon who was a pan African revolutionist who advocated for black empowerment and have always wanted empowerment policies to benefit the youths. A stock take of his policies will reveal that his politics of patronage benefited those in the Zanu PF party especially those who supported his style of governance that disempowered many youths and benefited a few in government."Former president is arguably one of the most hated people in the history of the country. Hearing people speak, his reign, his legacy is more on the negative than positive. Do we need a youth day? Yes, on his birthday? No."There is need for a better criterion, other than just Zanu Pf people just choosing it. If they just want to make it a public holiday, they need to leave the youth out of it", Mugaviri said.The general perception is that the Robert Mugabe National Youth Day should serve the interest of the youth giving them a platform to consider their position in the political, social and economic history of the nation. The holiday may not be imposed to serve patronage interest or to create an opportunity during this campaigning period.However some youths argued that people need to applaud Former president Cde Robert Mugabe's contribution to the liberation as well as to this nation at large."I think 21st of February it is just a day that we should celebrate, despite his mistakes. Robert Mugabe was and still is a pillar of our democracy. It is important to have the day though at least we know we exist somewhere within the crowd."What is so disappointing about the youth themselves is that they are not being innovative, crying out about jobs yet tertiary institutions aim at providing relevant skills someone has to use in his or her career. These days should empower themselves not rely on handouts," Shamiso Mutero a youth from Harare added.The day was previously commemorated as the 21st February Movement by the party in celebration of the "principles and ideas" of the former president. However government on 24 November 2017 published statutory instrument 141 of 2017 which proclaimed every 21st of February as a public holiday under the public Holidays and Prohibition of Business act.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Commutter omnibus operators have organised a shut down Harare tomorrow in protest over the Harare City Council's move to relocate them from the Central Business District to the outskirts of t5he city which they say burden their clients in terms of fares.The shut down had initially been slated for February 26 but the organisers moved it to tomorrow citing urgency in dealing with the issue."We are calling upon all commuters and commuting public for a demonstration against slavery treatment in our own country. How can one in sober sense increase the cost of living whilst the government is failing to meet the poverty datum payment," reads the notice to all members."We will not seat and be quite if we are treated as slaves. Arise Harare and lets speak, we are the heart of Zimbabwe and we will not allow City of Harare to do as they please. No person in the CBD on Monday , No car in the CBD until they allow us to get to destination. There decision has no economic sense but they are poised to punish city people. Is this what we call independence."They declared that they do not want to see car in town.
News / National

by Staff reporter

kombi ban reversed  City of Harare (@cohsunshinecity) February 22, 2018

Below is his statement in full.

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT PUBLIC WORKS AND NATIONAL HOUSING, ON HARARE METROPOLITAN URBAN TRANSPORTATION DISRUPTIONS.



The Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, in its capacity as the authority in charge of the administration of the Urban Councils Act !Chapter 29:503, regrets the hurried decision taken by the Harare City Council to immediately ban commuter omnibuses and kombis from entering the Central Business District without first providing a viable and inexpensive alternative for the commuting public to use.



Accordingly, and in full view of the decentralized function that the Harare City Council would ordinarily exercise by legislative delegation, I, as the responsible Minister, hereby reverse and rescind with immediate effect the said decision and subsequent announcement by the City banning commuter omnibuses and kombis access to the Central Business District until such time that proper and sustainable transit arrangements are put in place for workers and the travelling public. My directive is issued in terms of Section 314 of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter29:151.



My directive has been issued in light of the fact that the Council's decision and action are not in the interest of the inhabitants of the Council Area and the Harare Metropolitan Province, to the extent that they hinder free travel by tourists and the general public, and injure the general national and public interest. Accordingly, I have conveyed the reversal and the rescission to the City Council in writing. Kindly note that my directive does not cover unregistered vehicles unlawfully engaged in commuter services such as "mushikashikas". Equally, the directive does not condone other illegal activities such as vending in undesignated places, littering and illegal money changing. These must keep off the streets as required by low.



As the responsible Minister, I apologize to all Harare Residents, Residents of the Harare Metropolitan Province and our valued visitors for the disruptions and inconveniences already suffered. Further, I inform all Residents of the Metropolitan Province that the renewal of the City and other local authorities, along with the orderly restructuring of the City's public transport system, will be properly undertaken by Central Government. All stakeholders, including transport operators, businesses, residents and vendors, through their respective representatives, will be consulted for smooth execution.



Already, significant steps towards developing a Transport Master Plan for the Metropolitan Province of Harare have been undertaken.



Honou J.G. Moyo

Minister of Local Government Public Works and National Housing.

22/02/18

Local Government Minister July Moyo has revoked Harare City Council's "hurried" decision to ban kombis from CBD.The reason is that there was not enough consultation before the decision was taken and did not serve the interest of the public and encourage the free movement of locals and tourists. He said such a ban could not be instituted without a reasonable 'inexpensive alternative'.The City of Harare also confirmed the lifting of the kombi ban.On Thursday there had been running battles between police and kombi drivers.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Russia has availed 70 academic scholarships in engineering, geology and medicine to eligible Zimbabweans.The pronouncement was made when Russian Ambassador Sergey Bakharev paid a courtesy call on Minister of State for government scholarships in the Office of President Dr Christopher Mushohwe.Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Zimbabwe Mr Bakharev conveyed the good news that Russia is offering 70 academic scholarships in 2018 with high prospects of increasing the figure next year.Areas of medicine, engineering and geology are set to benefit from the fully paid scholarships and Minister Mushohwe announced that they will immediately advertise the opportunity to allow Zimbabweans who meet the minimum requirements to apply.Mr Bakharev noted that the gesture was necessitated by the realisation that Zimbabwe is lagging behind with regards to professionals in neurology, heart transplant and cancerous diseases despite the nation possessing intelligent brains.The Russian Scholarship Scheme will equip and improve the country's human capital resource
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 33-YEAR-OLD woman appeared in court for allegedly attacking a Dzivarasekwa woman with a knife accusing her of assaulting her son.Karen Zirabada was not asked to plead to attempted murder charges when she appeared before Harare magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa.She was advised to approach the High Court for bail application and the matter was remanded to March 6.Prosecuting, Linda Gadzikwa, alleges that on February 13, at around 4pm, Zirabada attacked the complainant with a knife on the arm accusing her of assaulting her son.The State further alleges that the complainant sustained serious injuries and she is currently admitted in hospital.
Opinion / Columnist

Thamsanqa Mlilo - Director at Mediation for Peace Centre, human rights activist and social commentator

Recently President Emerson Mnangagwa fielded questions in Davos, Switzerland was quoted in local and international press saying he was prepared to appear before the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission if need be. I hope he will be afforded an opportunity to tell his side of the story, especially the critical roles he played in the execution of genocide, since he was senior Minister in charge of Security during Gukurahundi expedition in Matabeleland. The gross human rights abuses inflicted on people of Matabeleland and some parts of Midlands cannot be wished away or white washed.While we applaud the prospects of setting up a Commission to look into human rights abuses, we remain sceptical and cautious on government intentions. We have seen from previous experiences that mere setting up of Commissions do not necessarily mean accountability and transparency on behalf of the government. Zimbabwe is at crossroads because perpetrators of genocide are leading figures in the country and are in positions of power and influence.It's quite interesting the suggestion by Vice President Kembo Mohadi that traditional chiefs will be key drivers of national peace and reconciliation project. I hope chiefs fully understand complexities of this task. This matter goes beyond tradition, culture and customs. It is a serious human rights matter. It will be naive and short-sighted if ruling elite elect to turn the Commission into a political project with pre-determined outcomes.When the government formulates the Commission's terms of reference it will be prudent to learn from other countries that have gone through similar experiences; Kosovo, East Timor, Sierra Leone, Argentina, Chile, Germany, Rwanda and South Africa. Hopefully the civil society, press and other independent institutions will play oversight role to hold the Commission accountable, transparent and nonpartisan.There is need to bring to justice officials who violated human rights. Without justice it will be foolhardy to talk of national healing and reconciliation. It is well known that since the dawn of independence the army, police and security agencies had been responsible for widespread detention without trial of government opponents, extensive judicial and extrajudicial executions, 'disappearances' and torture.I am very much aware that the Lancaster House settlement included an amnesty for all acts carried out in the course of war. Earlier the nationalist movement had been vocal calling for Rhodesian leaders to be brought to trial, yet these demands were not reflected in the agreement reached. Thus the amnesty to human rights was rationalized by describing all abuses committed before independence in the context of war.Gukurahundi onslaught was not civil war, but genocide in its purest form. Unarmed civilians were targeted, butchered and dumped in shallow graves some left to rot in the open veldt. This was not a normal military operation. It was a human rights violation and war crime.Any individual associated with heinous acts of barbarism must be brought to the bar of justice without any further delay. These developments are important if there is to be a return to peace in the country, and not simply the absence of conflict, which accurately describes the current state on the ground. It is axiomatic that peace and stability cannot exist with war criminals in positions of power.During the dark days the Minister for Defence, Sydney Sekeramayi vigorously denied large numbers of civilian deaths.In response to a question from Zapu MP, he told Parliament that the National Army did not rape, murder, terrorise or abduct peasants and workers.He added: "In the operations currently underway, a good number of dissidents and their collaborators have died."The Minister declined to answer MP Don Goddard, who asked if the Newsweek report alleging that about 500 civilians had been killed in the previous three weeks was true, saying: "If people want to be entertained by the speculation in that paper, they are free to do so". When Zapu MP Edward Ndlovu asked if he knew that "majority" of those killed were civilians, Dr Sekeremayi said that it was regrettable that "in a conflict situation..probably some innocent people fall victim"In many countries where there have been widespread human rights violation, an official inquiry will seek to establish the true facts in order to establish accountability, to prevent further abuses, and as a precondition for compensation or prosecution. With respect to these goals, the Chihambakwe Commission was a failure. In addition, since it was never released publicly, it failed to establish any sense of accountability among security forces or prevent further violations from occurring.The government used the Commission as a tool to deflect criticism while not allowing it to be implicated by the inquiry's findings. In a nutshell the investigation amounted to little more than a public relations exercise. How much could have been achieved by a four member commission whose mandate was restricted to investigating only those human rights violations which occurred during the first five months of 1983?Former President Robert Mugabe on 5 April 1983 promised to undertake an official inquiry into the charges levelled against his government."So it is our duty and a sacred one, to examine any evidence or information by carrying out practical investigations so as to arrive at the truth. Once this exercise has been completed, the Government will reveal the facts as they have found them."Despite assurances made by Mugabe and Sydney Sekeramayi, Minister of State (Defence), the results of the Chihambakwe Commission were never released to the public. Some disturbing trends the Dumbutshena Commission which had investigated Entumbane disturbances, its report was also never released to the public. In Zimbabwe's first treason trial Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, Lookout Masuku, Nicholas Nkomo, Misheck Velaphi and other top Zipra Commanders were also denied access to Dumbutshena report.Among the documents subpoenaed by their defence were the transcripts, and report of the Dumbutshena Commission of enquiry into Entumbane disturbances, minutes of the meetings of the Joint High Command, transcripts of radio messages between Gwaai assembly point and 1 Brigade, memos submitted by Zipra to the High Command, and Zipra archives which were seized at Nest Egg farm in April 1983. The State issued certificates preventing the release of the documents on the grounds of state security.As a human rights activist who worked mainly in Matabeleland I have met many survivors of Gukurahundi genocide, some have passed on others are still traumatized or confined in wheel chairs having suffered from physical torture, beatings and all forms of verbal abuse. It was inflicted on the people facing drought and famine in 1983. The severity of the drought was felt mostly in Matabeleland. Under those difficult circumstances all store were closed, buses no longer running, no private cars allowed. This was another weapon used by Gukurahundi to inflict maximum pain through hunger and starvation.There is a deluge of information on human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. Besides international research institutions a lot has been documented within the country. Among leading veritable sources of data is Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace and Legal Resources Foundation.CCJP has done excellent human rights work for in the country dating back to the days of Rhodesia under Ian Smith. They did thorough research on Karima Kraal genocide of June, 1975 in which 21 people were killed. The Catholic Commission asked for independent inquiry into the massacre, this was flatly refused by The Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Mr Pieter Van Der Byl while fielding questions at a press conference. Subsequently there was no inquiry no prosecution.In black ruled Zimbabwe we expected government to act differently, but alas! Zimbabweans were subject to worst forms of human rights violation by their own government. It is more than thirty years now we are yet to know the full story behind the Gukurahundi massacres. Zimbabweans, particularly those in Matabeleland and Midlands want a full closure of what happened. It is in the hands of President Munangagwa led government to take people in his confidence and explain why such horrific crimes against humanity were perpetrated against defenceless villagers.Below is a graphic detail of some of the massacres carried out by Gukurahundi soldiers. The carnage of Gukurahundi was not only felt in Tsholotsho but it spread too many communities both in Matabeleland North and South and some parts of Midlands. The most notorious concentration Camp was in Bhalagwe in Matabeleland South where thousands were tortured to death or disappeared.It is known that on July 10 1983, Five Brigade soldiers descended on a village on the Silongwe line in Tsholotsho.They herded some two dozen people into a thatch roof hut and set in on fire. Twenty one people were burned alive, including nine women and six children.Some of the names of those who perished in this gruesome incident include: Mtshumayeli Mlilo,Mutshumayeli's wife(MaMguni), Molina Mlilo,Sithabani Mlilo,Enock Mlilo,Enock Mlilo's wife(MaDube),Laizah Mlilo,John Mlilo(2 years old) Esther Sibanda,Roger Siwela, Roger Siwela's wife(MaNdlovu-8 months pregnant), Ntandane Sibanda,Thembie Sibanda,Solani Mpofu(Mrs Bishop) Annah Dube,Fuwani Ncube,Fuwani Ncube's wife,Jele Ncube and John Khuthani (bayoneted and buried alone).On 13 April 1983, seven men were shot and killed by members' of Gukurahundi (5 Brigade) at Khumbula-Pumula Line inTsholotsho District. They were buried in one shallow mass grave. Those killed include: Sibongo Sigadula, David Ndiweni, Mxotshwa Ndlovu, Josiah Moyo, Polly Ndlovu, Aaron Gumede and Cesary Maphosa (a school teacher whose home is in Kezi).In the words of Emeritus Desmond Tutu, 'Confession, forgiveness and reconciliation in the lives of nations are not just airy-fairy religious and spiritual things, nebulous and unrealistic. They are stuff of practical politics.'It is important not to equate forgiveness with reconciliation. The road to reconciliation requires more than a collective memory of the past and ability to forgive. Reconciliation requires not only individual justice, but also social justice.In a culture of peace, power grows not from the barrel of a gun, but from participation, dialogue and cooperation.
Opinion / Columnist

Third letter to Women of Zimbabwe: International Day of Women 2018Paed0philes who abuse babies, toddlers, little girls and boys should never be spared from hanging. We ask the government to uphold capital punishment only to those males who think that they can cure their HIV/AIDS on vulnerable young lives who deserve honourables lives like all of us and them men. It is now order of the day to read in the social children who are sexually abused by sick men in our society who cannot control their sex drive. Zimbabwe has turned into a sick society: those men and women whose sick intentions are to abuse children mainly to cure their STD diseases they got due to their carelessness. We welcome death sentences to such situations. Those Paed0phile intentions should be warned in advance; knowing what will happen if they sexually abused children they will think twice about sexually abusing babies and toddlers.Child rape, child sexual abuse and sexual violence on growing children have become pandemic in Zimbabwe in all towns and cities; in rural areas it's even worse. We believe something greater than thunder must be a corrective measure to protect our growing up population: Death by hanging is greater than thunder: it is only punishment by hanging applicable to Paed0philes is all but appropriate: physically removing them from our socieities. Sexual violence on children in Zimbabwe is done almost on daily basis; the social media is full of such sick stories: articles relating to child abuse in our country. We feel men are not scared of prison anymore, hence they repeat these atrocities again when they leave those jails. The best to scare those Paed0phile tendencies is to constitutionally remove them from the societies altogether: hanging is the solution. When some of them Paed0philes are hanged, then it is when these men with overly sex-drive: cannot control iziqu zabo will think twice about abusing babies and small children.What men particularly sexually crave in girl-babies and girl-small children is the tenderness of the female genitals of these children, when a child starts crying because of pain of penis-penetration, that's when they get their 0rgasm moment, they then hit harder tearing the inner parts of the child, death in most cases does take place and the women in the home will just inform the neighbours that our child has passed on because of "measles" "indingindi" "gwirikwiti". The story about the girl child untimely ends there. In this case women are involuntary and indirect Paed0phile, that's where the complicity defines it. It takes a brave woman to report sexual abuse done to children in the home to the police. This will be sexual violence done in the home, concealed by women. I have a text-book-case of naming and shaming sexual abuse in my family in the public, I was attacked by women in the home; the Paed0phile himself was silent about his criminal sexual abuse on three minors: all of them sisters- it is sanitised and called abalamu bakhe. The Paed0phile wayelamuza. He goes scot free to this day. But in my case I feared to go home for some time because I intentionally exposed an abusive male member. I named and shamed him. I will be attacked by women first: "She washed dirty linen in the public" women will be sent to attack me, I will be dressed down by women who have been given the custodianship to silence trouble causers in the family.The culture of silence protects criminals; it is the women in most cases who protect rape criminals in our homes. We should remember too that sexual violence on children is not confined to shanty towns and low income brackets and high residential areas. Sexual violence is equally done in those posh areas of Borrowdale Brook in Harare and in Matsheumhlope and Hillside in Bulawayo.Ladies and gentle in this article I am talking about sexual abuse: I was called all sorts of names: "are you seeking limelight, Nomazulu? Nobody has ever asked how those abused girls who were abuse by a brother feel to this day. At tender age of 8 years 11years to 13years girls were subjected to sex video cuttings they had to see to bring the Paed0phile to the point of sexual act: arouse him to sexually act. How does a girl-child grow up with disturbed emotions of sexual nature? How is a girl-child going to develop those investigative potentials to become inventive to empower herself in such an exponentially developing world, when she inherently fears life in her world? The lives of girl-children are seriously tempered with at an early age, sometimes cut short, but since they are girls it does not matter much, they are girls anywhere, second-class citizens to this day. (Girl-child lives matter equally)The UNICEF conventions declarations passed on a resolution that no woman, no child should ever have to experience sexual violence especially from someone they know and trust most. In Zimbabwe today 1 in 8 girls between the ages of 12 and 17 have been victims of forced sexual intercourse or forced sexual acts. In some cases some of the victims are too young to know what actually happened to them. Most victims are traumatized by the sexual abuse itself, and to still think they can report it, is just not possible at all. The subsequent problems that arise when the father or guardian commits such sexual crimes traumatizes all in the family to submission. Those are the factors influencing child-sexual abuse at homes: male dominance; man chauvinism, a man is the centre of the universe, men's professed inability to control sexual drive and desire to have sex anytime of the day.We salute the police of Zimbabwe for the good work they do in trekking down Paed0philes in our societies. When they are caught they are really dealt: the law takes its course and are given fat sentences yes, but we feel because of the prevalence of sexually abuse to even babies, something greater than thunder must take place: hanging. Even in the social media the police: ZRP work has been commendable by many. We thank you for the good work!!! Their work becomes problematic when young girls are threatened to drop cases of sexual abuse to protect the family name. It is for this reason that capital punishment should never be tempered with. Those Paed0philes should know that a rope can be activated anytime if found guilty of crimes against humanity.There are cases of women who have been sexually abused when they were young children and when they report their cases thirty years after: they are laughed at: why did they not report the cases then and not now. I am the one who can give an text book answer to that. I got courage to speak about my own abuse when I became 50 years: 50 years! I was having serious issues that related to sexual abuse at an early age that led to say it all. I wrote my autobiography to name and shame those that abused me. If someone who knew about my abused times, and she/he spoke causally about it at my age of 20 years, I would have collapsed with shame and disgrace. I needed a secure place to talk about my sexually abused times in my early life. At my age I feel so safe and am empowered even to confront my abusers dead or alive.It is for this reason I decided to expose abuse in my family, I could not stand abusers gloating about sexual intercourse as if it was a national trophy to abuse under-aged children. I am empowered enough to trigger a case for police investigation when I get to Zimbabwe. My whole activism is about fighting cases of abused children of all ages by whatever means. Fear is not an option! This statement should never be used in political parties only but "fear is not an option" should be a #ME TOO# movement, must be made to use of even to such cases of sexual violence in babies, toddlers, little girls, young women and senior elderly women are not spared from sexual abuse.It would be good if Mrs Mnangagwa took the plight of sexually abused girl-children as her "Chefsache." Much as we applaud the arm of the law that is effective: it's still not enough: a person like Mrs. Auxillia Mnangagwa could make a difference if she really take active actions: goes on radio and television: talks about sexual abuse/sexual violence of minors in Zimbabwe. Sexual abuse in Zimbabwe is alarmingly prevalent, it is a scourge, something must be done urgently, and we cannot go on like that. We are losing a lot of talent: some sexual abused children get retarded at an early age making it almost impossible to reach their potential to contribute effectively in their personal and community development. Sexual abuse on children is horrendous, it is criminal, it is a crime against humanity. Those who abuse children must face permanent punishment. It is for this reason that we feel those who are capable of casually committing such horrendous crime must face the rope.It would be good if we started this #ME TOO# movement for the reason of exposing rot in our midst. A criminal register should be introduced in Zimbabwe. People with record of sexual abuse should never be near the children's institutions of learning and homes for orphans. How many teachers have raped under-aged pupils in classrooms?With a very heavy heart, I pen off
One day, the heads of a company sent Fran Martinez to install pipes in France. The project was promising, but what he found when he arrived was not what he had expected. He was placed in a house to share with all of his co-workers, where the unluckiest of the lot had to sleep in the hallways. The situation for Spaniards in France is deplorable, but for the Polish or Romanians it's downright criminal," he asserts. Everything they put on your payroll is a lie," says a 42-year-old Galician worker, who spent four months building supermarkets in Paris and another four in Saint-Nazaire, a small French city located at the mouth of the Loire River.

Once a symbol of national industry pride, the shipyards of Saint-Nazaire have now become hosts for a paradigm that the EU is looking to put an end to: displaced workers migrating to member countries, willing to accept lower wages and terrible working conditions. There, they hope that what was laid out in the Brussels agreement  that migrant workers will be incorporated into the local workforce  will ring true in the near future.

Alain Georget is one of the 8,000 workers who earns a living by working on the Saint-Nazaire shipyards, on which, until recently, liquid natural gas tankers and helicopter carriers were being built. Working conditions for the French workers are really rough: they have to physically strain themselves to no end, earn insufficient salaries and have bad schedules," Georget explains. "But for displaced workers the situation is usually much worse.

Once a symbol of national industry pride, the shipyards of Saint-Nazaire have now become hosts for a paradigm that the EU is looking to put an end to

Terrible conditions, vulnerability, and job insecurity are all things that have made contacting on-site workers difficult, since they are wary about appearing in this article, which forms part of the journalist-led initiative Citizens' Europe, funded by the European Parliament.

The free movement of workers makes up one of the three fundamental pillars of the EU. Two million European workers are sent off to other member countries by their employers. In Germany, a third of the 30,000 workers in slaughterhouses is made up of waves of migrants from southern or eastern Europe. Companies based in Luxembourg have hired a number of French workers only to later send them back to their home country, in order to save on welfare expenses. Within Belgium's construction industry  of which a third of workers are displaced  there have been cases of 22 levels of subcontracting. Some companies have put the wage gap between their oldest members and new migrant hires through the wringer; taking advantage of the fact that the statistics on regulating displacement are outdated by about 20 years and reforms have yet to be implemented.

The displaced worker, after being hired in their home country  not to be confused with the EU citizen who voluntarily migrates to look for a new job in another member state  should benefit from the same contracts as their native EU member-country counterparts, according to the Brussels agreement passed in October, which will still take years to go into effect. The EU maintains a basic principle in this reform: you get the same pay for the same job in the same place. An example of this would be Slovakian workers subcontracted in Vienna who now have the right to the same Christmas bonus that their Austrian co-workers receive.

There is a lack of French license plates in the Saint-Nazaire employee parking lot, but there is an abundance of trucks from Poland, Hungary and the Baltic countries. It's also easy to find some Spanish, Portuguese, or Greek cars, and even some from non-EU member countries such as Serbia or Ukraine. The trade unions calculate that there are more than 2,000 displaced workers in Saint-Nazaire. The shipyard has become a Tower of Babel. It is complicated and inefficient to work with people who you cant communicate with, explains Georget, who is a trade union delegate of the General Confederation of Labor.

Many of the displaced welders or carpenters in Saint-Nazaire are unaware of their rights since the Brussels agreement, and are tricked into working more hours than the established ones in their contract,

The architecture and the urban layout of Saint-Nazaire can make a visitor think that this city of about 70,000 inhabitants lacks historic value. The 18-by-300-meter concrete mass on the oceanfront says otherwise. This Nazi-engineered powerhouse was built during the German occupation to house and repair part of the German fleet in the Atlantic. The submarine base became a prominent bomb target of the Allies, and by the end of the war the city was in ruins and deserted.

Despite this, the base resisted and the small contingent of Nazi troops in Saint-Nazaire was the last group to surrender in all of Western Europe, a year after the liberation of Paris and two weeks after Hitlers suicide. Saint-Nazaire, also an old slave-trade port, shifted its focus to the Atlantic again after the war. Today, this is where the biggest cruise ships in the world are built.

The shipyards never close down  there is always someone working long hours. Many of the displaced welders or carpenters in Saint-Nazaire are unaware of their rights since the Brussels agreement, and are tricked into working more hours than the established ones in their contract, according to Georget. He believes that labor investigations should uncover further corruption in the industry to work in concert with these new accords. The signed contract may be legal, but when it comes to displaced workers, the promises they contain are almost never realized," he says. Those of us hired in France work a 35-hour week while displaced workers are willing to work 50 hours for less money."

Aerial view of the shipyards in Saint Nazaire, September 2016. Stephane Mahe REUTERS

For the most part, displaced workers in Saint-Nazaire live a simple, routine life. Most of them do not stay for more than a year. Despite their labor conditions being worse than their native co-workers', some of the displaced potentially increase their monthly income up to four times in their home country just by earning French minimum wage. Their goal is to save as much as possible and return to their country to continue working for the same company, something that trade unions consider a roadblock when it comes to reporting these cases.

The efforts to reach an accord in Brussels have highlighted divergences between East and West. French president, Emmanuel Macron, took the issue as his first cause celebre in Europe, and managed to impose limits to the viability of the reached accord. We have put a stop to big companies who hire from a foreign workforce with the only objective being to reduce production costs, says Anges Jongerius, a Dutch eurodeputy. Jongerius stresses that there are displaced workers who live under unacceptable conditions and that when the reform gains momentum, the employers will have to pay their workers living and transportation costs. In Poland the reform has been rejected, where there are arguments about the consequences of being part of a single market  one being that there is a cheap labor force. Hungary, Lithuania and Latvia have adamantly supported Warsaw.

The unemployment rate in Saint-Nazaire is over 10%, a rate slightly over the regional (Pays de la Loire) and national average. Along with the port and the shipyards, an Airbus plant employs 3,000 more people. The displacement of workers and the salary or labor dumping that takes place makes it difficult to hire local young people, says Xavier Perrin, deputy mayor of the city. He claims that the dishonest use of displaced workers promotes ideas of nationalism and populism. The socialist politician argues that with the large number of French people who move to Saint-Nazaire to work in their industries, the region should update and adapt job training to local needs.

The measures approved in Brussels will increase the cost and administrative burden of displacement. However, these costs only represent 0.9% of the European workforce and only 0.4% of workers are in countries with a minimum salary that is better than their home countrys, because of which their economic impact on a global scale is very limited. Nevertheless, in Saint-Nazaire, employees believe that these measures will have a great economic impact and finally end unequal salaries. Martinez, who ended up leaving the Galician company for not getting paid overtime in France, hopes that employees will no longer feel discriminated in Europe because of their nationality.
At the 2016 IPCPR Trade Show, La Palina Cigars introduced the La Palina Nicaragua line. As the name indicates, it is a line being produced in Nicaragua. When Bill Paley first resurrected the La Palina brand back in 2010, he went to the Graycliff factory in the Bahamas to produce his first line, the La Palina Family Series. As his portfolio grew, Paley started contracting with many leading factories in the cigar industry and La Palina lines would come out of Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. By 2015, the one major cigar producing country that La Palina was not in was Nicaragua. It appeared that would change La Palina was negotiationg with Hirochi Robaina and the La Corona factory, however that partnership would never come to be. By 2016, AJ Fernandezs Tabacalera Fernandez would become the Nicaraguan factory to produce a La Palina line. The result was two blends: the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro and La Palinas first Connecticut Shade cigar, the La Palina Nicaragua Connecticut. Today we take a look at the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro in the Toro size.

The choice of Tabacalera Fernandez was not a total surprise. While certainly AJ Fernandez was handling production for many leading brands, there was another connection. Late in 2015, Paley brought in Clay Roberts to be his CEO and co-President. Roberts is best known for spending many years heading up marketing at AJ Fernandez Cigars. Roberts had ties to the factory and it made a lot of sense.

There is one thing that is different about the La Palina Nicaragua line. This line, along with another 2016 release, the La Palina El Ano 1896 (made out of PDR Cigars in the Dominican Republic), would introduce an alternate logo. This logo would feature the initials LP on it. Prior to the La Palina Nicaragua, with the exception of the La Palina Classic, the line would feature the black and white image of Paleys grandmother Goldie Paley.

Without further aletsets break down the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Toro and see what this cigar brings to the table.

Blend Profile

In addition to being produced in Nicaragua, the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro is a very Nicaraguan-centric blend. It features Nicaraguan tobaccos for the binder and filler. As the name indicates, the cigar features an Oscuro (darker) wrapper from Ecuador.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Oscuro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Country of Origin: Nicaragua (Tabacalera Fernandez)

Vitolas Available

The La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro is available in three sizes. The cigars are presented in 20-count boxes. In addition, the Oscuros sister-line, the La Palina Nicaragua Connecticut , comes in the same sizes:

Robusto: 5 x 52

Toro: 6 x 50

Gordo: 6 x 58

Appearance

The Ecuadorian wrapper of the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Toro isnt the darkest oscuro wrapper. Even the La Palina Black has a darker wrapper. In this case the Oscuro wrapper on the La Palina Nicaragua had almost a milk chocolate look to it. This was a wrapper that had a slight amount of oil on the surface. It was a slightly bumpy wrapper with some visible veins. This was also a dark enough wrapper to hide the wrapper seams.

There are two bands on the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro. The primary band features the alternate La Palina LP logo in large gold font with black trim. The logo sits on a pale yellow background with dull gold pinstripes. There is a pale yellow ribbon design with gold trim. On that ribbon is the text NICARAGUA in black font. There is metallic gold trim across the top and bottom The top center of the band features a partial metallic gold frame with the text LA PALINA etched on it. The lower part of the band also features a partial metallic gold frame with the text EST 1896 in small black font. The remainder of the band has gold, pale yellow and black color scheme to it.

The secondary band is a simple white band with dull gold pinstripe near the top and bottom. The center of the band has the text OSCURO  also in dull gold font.

Preparation for the Cigar Experience

Prior to lighting up the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Toro, I used a straight cut to remove the cap. Once the cap was removed, I proceeded with the pre-light draw. The cold draw delivered notes of chocolate, wood, and a slight cedar note. I considered this to be a satisfactory pre-light draw. At this point, I was ready to light up the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Toro and move into the smoking experience.

Flavor Profile

The La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Toro delivered a mix of chocolate, wood, white pepper, and dried fruit. Early on the chocolate notes move into the forefront. The dried fruit became a close secondary note with the wood and white pepper settling in the background. Early on, there were some notes of black pepper on the retro-hale.

During the first third, the dried fruit occasionally made its way to the forefront. Unlike other cigars where I get a dried fruit note, this one was dialed back on the sweetness. Later in the first third, the wood notes transitioned to a cedar note and the white pepper notes dissipated. The cedar notes also now mixed in with the pepper on the retro-hale.

By the start of the second third of the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Toro, the dried fruit notes moved into the forefront. During this phase, the chocolate notes diminished and the cedar notes increased. Toward the midway point, the pepper notes returned on the tongue, but this time had more of a black pepper varietal. It was also at this point where the dried fruit notes diminished.

When the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Toro entered the final third, the cedar notes took over as the primary note. There still were notes of dried fruit, chocolate and pepper in the background. I noticed a little bit of harshness toward the end, but by this point, it was time to put the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Toro down. At the close of the cigar, the resulting nub was cool in temperature, but slightly soft to the touch.

Burn and Draw

The burn of the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Toro performed quite well. This was a cigar that had no trouble maintaining a straight burn path. The actual burn line remained relatively straight  requiring what I would consider to be a normal amount of touch-ups This was a cigar that had a firm ash with a salt and pepper complexion to it. Meanwhile, the burn rate and burn temperature were both ideal.

The draw also performed quite well. This was a draw that balanced out the openness and resistance very nicely. In the end, the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Toro was not a difficult cigar to derive flavors from.

Strength and Body

The La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Toro started out medium strength and medium to full-bodied. As the cigar experience progressed, there was a gradual increase in intensity of both attributes. By the close of the cigar experience, while the intensity level increased, I still found the Oscuro Toro to be medium strength and medium to full-bodied.

In terms of strength versus body, I found the body had the edge from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

When Bill Paley brought La Palina back in 2010, the company was very much grounded in boutique roots  most notably with the Family Series and Goldie releases. Along the way, the company has focused a lot on its core lines. Looking at La Palina in 2018, this is a company that clearly is focused on regular production and expanding its footprint. When it comes to the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro, I would put it into the latter category. That being said, the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Toro is still a solid release by La Palina.

Flavor-wise, this is definitely a cigar that is better in the first half than the second half. At the same time, I wouldnt say the La Palina Nicaragua Oscuro Toro is going to bring a radically different flavor profile when up against comparable cigars. This is a cigar Id recommend to an experienced cigar enthusiast. Its also a cigar that I wouldnt discourage a novice from trying. As for myself, its one I would smoke again and pick up some multiples for the humidor.

Summary

Key Flavors: Chocolate, Dried Fruit, Cedar, Classic Wood, Pepper

Burn: Excellent

Draw: Excellent

Complexity: Medium Plus

Strength: Medium

Body: Medium to Full

Finish: Good

Rating

Value: Buy Multiples

Score: 89

References

News: La Palina Nicaragua Introduced at 2016 IPCPR Trade Show

Price: $8.50

Source: La Palina

Brand Reference: La Palina

Photo Credits: Cigar Coop
THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Hours spent binge-watching that hot new series might feel great, but it's doing no favors for your blood vessels, new research shows.

The study found that people who spend too much time in front of the TV are at increased risk for blood clots in their veins -- a condition called venous thromboembolism (VTE).

These clots, which often occur in the legs, can dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially deadly condition called pulmonary embolism.

The clots have also been nicknamed "economy-class syndrome," after cases occurred among passengers on long-haul flights.

As the University of Minnesota researchers explained, sitting for long periods of time can cause blood clots to form, because normal circulation through the legs and feet is impaired.

So, could prolonged TV viewing raise the risk? To find out, the researchers analyzed data from more than 15,000 Americans, aged 45 to 64, in a long-term study that began in 1987.

As of 2011, nearly 700 cases of VTE had occurred among the participants.

Those who watched a lot of television had a 70 percent higher risk of developing one of the clots than people who never or seldom watched TV. This risk remained high even after factors such as the person's weight or exercise levels were taken into account.

The research was published online Feb. 21 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis.

The study couldn't prove that it was the TV watching, specifically, that caused the uptick in clots, it could only point to an association.

Still, "even individuals who regularly engage in physical activity should not ignore the potential harms of prolonged sedentary behaviors such as TV viewing," lead author Yasuhiko Kubota, of the University of Minnesota, said in a journal news release.

Two heart specialists unconnected to the study agreed that "couch potato" lifestyles can certainly impact health.

Dr. Maja Zaric is an interventional cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. She said there's "undoubtedly" a connection between time spent watching TV and a person's odds for blood clots, but she wished the research had been more specific about just how much TV time was involved.

Zaric pointed out that participants simply estimated their TV viewing time as "never or seldom," "sometimes," "often" or "very often" -- and those assessments could be very subjective.

"It would be interesting to see how much actual time in hours was there in each category," Zaric said. "There may be a different view on the amount of TV watching between an obese subject with advanced arthritis and chronic back pain and a fit subject at healthy weight."

Dr. David Friedman is chief of heart failure services at Northwell Health's Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital, in Valley Stream, N.Y. He said, "this is another study indicating the need for people to be more physically active and fit, move more, and keep weight in check -- and probably watch less TV."

Friedman suggested that as people become more mobile and watch television on their smart devices, "they could improve aerobic physical fitness and watch their favorite TV programs on the go as a way to help mitigate this effect."

More information

The American Heart Association has more on venous thromboembolism.
THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Mention legalizing medical marijuana, and people often think two things:

This will prompt teens to think marijuana use is OK, and more will start using it.

Legalizing marijuana will reduce the number of adults overdosing on opioids.

As it turns out, neither has proven to be true, according to new research.

Since medical marijuana first became legal in California in 1996, it's been legalized across nearly three-fifths of the United States. However, that's had virtually no impact on the rate of recreational marijuana use among teens, a broad review of published studies has found.

"Several years ago, before the group of papers we [analyzed] started to be published, people thought that medical marijuana laws would increase teen marijuana use by 'sending the message' to teens that marijuana was safe and acceptable to use," explained Deborah Hasin, the new study's lead author.

However, she said, "it doesn't seem that teens were impacted much by this -- perhaps because they didn't find the legalization of medical use very relevant to them or didn't even know about the laws."

Hasin is a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.

The impact of marijuana legalization also has been minimal on the risk for fatal overdosing among adult users of opioid pain medications, a separate study team has found.

On the opioid link, American, Australian and British researchers found little to suggest that increased access to medical marijuana as an alternative way to manage chronic pain has led to any measurable drop in deaths from opioid abuse.

In fact, lead author Wayne Hall warned that research suggesting any substantive link between the two is "weak." He is a professor with the Center for Youth Substance Abuse Research at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.

Hall and his colleagues caution that "it is premature to recommend the expansion of access to medical cannabis as a policy to reduce opioid overdose risks in the United States and Canada."

Though the chances of overdosing on marijuana are low, the drug has been shown to have only a "modest" effect for pain control, according to the researchers.

"There are much better treatments [than marijuana] that have been shown to reduce [opioid] overdose deaths that are not currently being widely used in the U.S.A.," Hall said. "Foremost among these is medication-assisted treatment, using methadone or buprenorphine."

Despite the findings of both research teams, legalizing medical marijuana is not consequence-free, Hasin said.

"Passing laws legalizing marijuana use has some social benefits -- business and tax revenues, job creation, and reduction in unfair race-based arrests," she said.

"And while not every marijuana user experiences harms, using marijuana does have some risks, including withdrawal, addiction and increased chances of vehicle crashes," Hasin said.

The results of both studies are published online Feb. 22 in the journal Addiction.

Paul Armentano, deputy director of NORML, the marijuana information and advocacy organization, said he was "hardly surprised by the results" of the finding regarding use among youth.

Dozens of studies, he said, "affirm that regulating either adult marijuana use or medical purposes is not associated with any significant uptick in either youth use, access, problematic use or drug treatment admissions.

"The data is clear and consistent on these issues, and those opining to the contrary are either willfully ignorant or woefully ignorant of the relevant science," Armentano said.

More information

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has more on medical marijuana.
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Journalists acquitted, released

Turkish authorities on February 17 released from jail Deniz Yucel, Turkey correspondent for the German newspaper Die Welt, who had been imprisoned for a year pending investigation, according to Reuters. A Turkish court on the same day also indicted Yucel on charges of propagandizing for a [terrorist] organization and provoking the people to hatred and animosity, according to news reports. The maximum penalty for the two charges is 18 years.

The daily Evrensel, citing the German Suddeutsche Zeitungs coverage, reported that Yucels release was part of ongoing negotiations between Berlin and Ankara.

According to Suddeutsche Zeitung, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel secretly met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the presidents recent trip to the Vatican.

Yucel left Turkey on a German government plane the day he was released, according to Agence France-Presse.



An Istanbul court ordered the release from prison of Nur Ener, an editor for the conservative daily Yeni Asya, and ordered Ener to be held under house arrest, the journalists employer reported on February 20.

Turkish authorities arrested Ener on March 6, 2017, and accused her of having ties to the Hizmet network, also known as the Gulen movement, which the Turkish government blames for the failed coup attempt in July 2016 , according to Yeni Asya.

Eners trial will continue on April 19.



A court in the southeastern city of Hakkari on February 22 acquitted Sermin Soydan, a former reporter for the shuttered Dicle News Agency, who was charged with obtaining secret state documents, according to a tweet from Mahmut Oral, a regional representative for the Journalists Union of Turkey who attended the session, and a report by the pro-Kurdish Mezoptamya Agency.

Authorities jailed Soydan on May 12, 2017, and released him from prison on November 23 pending trial, CPJ has documented.

Journalists sentenced to life in prison

A Turkish court on February 16 handed life sentences without parole to Ahmet Altan, an internationally recognized novelist and former chief editor for the shuttered daily Taraf; Mehmet Altan, an academic, columnist, and TV host, most recently with shuttered outlets Can Erzincan TV and the daily Ozgur Dusunce; Nazl Ilcak, a veteran journalist, columnist, and TV host, most recently with shuttered outlets Can Erzincan TV and the daily Ozgur Dusunce; and Fevzi Yazc, former layout editor for the shuttered daily Zaman. The four, who have been jailed since 2016, were found guilty of attempting to topple Turkeys constitutional order in the failed July 2016 coup attempt through their journalistic activities, according to news reports.

Prisoners serving life sentences are kept in single-person cells and are allowed one hour out of their cells each day. They are allowed to make two phone calls and get two visits from direct relatives per month, according to a 2014 article by lawyer and human rights activist Gulizar Tuncer.

Journalists detained

Istanbul police on February 18 detained Elif Cetiner and Melike Ceylan, reporters for the pro-Kurdish Mezopotamya Agency, while the pair was conducting street interviews in the Hac Ahmet neighborhood, their employer reported.

Cetiner and Ceylan were released after questioning the same day.



Police in the eastern city of Van on February 16 detained Ferhat Duman, a newspaper distributor for the pro-Kurdish daily Ozgurlukcu Demokrasi, while he was distributing the days paper, his employer reported. Duman remains in police custody; CPJ was unable to determine the reason behind his detention.



Police on February 6 detained Cetin Kursun, a former employee of the shuttered Kurdish language daily Azadiya Welat, the online newspaper Gazete Karnca reported.

A court in the city of Mardin on February 20 ordered Kursun to be held pending trial on suspicion of aiding a [terrorist] organization without being a member, according to Gazete Karnca.
The International Mother Language Day (IMLD) was observed across the world on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic, multilingualism and cultural diversity. This year it is the 18th anniversary of IMLD.

The observance of this day signifies importance of mother language as the greatest weapon to express ones feeling. Mother Language of one country is the sign of independence of that country. It is most powerful instruments of preserving and developing tangible and intangible heritage.

The theme of 2018 International Mother Language Day is Linguistic diversity and multilingualism count for sustainable development. It requires mastery over mother tongue to foster sustainable development. It seeks to highlight importance local languages that transmit cultures, values and traditional knowledge for promoting sustainable futures. Observance of this day also supports target 6 of Goal 4 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which states that ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.

Background

The International Mother Language Day was instituted by tUnited Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by passing resolution 61/266 in 2007. The resolution had called upon member states to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world.

Since 2007, it is observed annually by member states to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The day was first proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

The day, February 21 in 1952 assumes special significance in Bangladesh where scores of people (activists), mostly students and teachers of the Dhaka University, were mercilessly shot down by the Pakistani army when Bangladesh was East Pakistan. The activists had protested against imposition of Urdu as the national language side-stepping Bengali  their mother tongue and the protest came to be known as Language Movement.
Ukraine imports almost 14 bcm of gas from Europe in 2017

In late November 2015, the country refused to purchase natural gas from Russia's Gazprom.

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Russia stealing Ukraine's gas: over 3.5 bcm illegally extracted from gas field in Crimea

The Odeske gas field with an estimated 21 bcm gas deposit is located in Ukraine's economic zone.

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Ukraine's government to allocate over US$259 mln to raise pensions for military pensioners

The increase in pensions will touch upon 498,000 military pensioners.

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Ukraine's government starts talks with potential partners in managing GTS

According to Kistion, the government will hold such consultations within two days with those who "showed willingness to have our back".

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Talks with IMF on increasing gas tariffs at "hot stage"  Rada Speaker

Andriy Parubiy believes the decision would be taken somewhere around May.

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Russia snatches two-thirds of Ukraine's Black Sea shelf following Crimea grab

Estimated reserves in the area range from 100 to 300 billion cubic meters of gas.

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Hyperloop test site to be built in Dnipro (updated)

This year the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine should complete the project's expert assessment

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Nigerias health, education, agriculture and governance sectors will get an extra assist from the United States. The U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, announced $89 million in additional development assistance to Nigeria to continue its support for development goals outlined in a Development Objectives Assistance Agreement between the U.S. and Nigerian governments signed in 2015.

Nearly half of the new funding, $44 million, will support HIV/AIDS control through the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. The remainder will help northeast Nigeria increase agricultural productivity, economic growth and resilience through the U.S. Governments Feed the Future initiative; strengthen education; support good governance; and improve water and sanitation infrastructure. The new funding brings the total U.S. government assistance provided under the five-year assistance agreement to $808.5 million.

USAID collaborated with the Nigerian Ministry of Budget and National Planning, the Nigerian Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Power, and Education, and state-level government counterparts  among others to structure the bilateral assistance agreement, which runs through 2020.

In addition to the development assistance funding, the United States provides humanitarian assistance to people affected by the ongoing conflict and severe food insecurity in Nigeria and throughout the Lake Chad Basin. The U.S government led by USAID has provided more than $526.7 million in humanitarian assistance since 2017, and continues to be the single largest bilateral humanitarian donor to the region.

This new assistance underscores how important the relationship between Nigeria and the United States continues to be, USAID/Nigeria Deputy Assistant Administrator Julie Koenen said. Our strong partnership with Nigeria and its institutions will help Nigerias efforts to improve its health, education, agriculture and governance systems where they are needed most throughout the country.
(Reuters) - Three suspected Bahraini militants wanted on terrorism charges died at sea in unexplained circumstances this month and another is missing, activists said, after they appear to have fled the country by boat headed for Iran.

The incident shines a rare light on alleged links between a small, armed fringe of Bahrain's Shi'ite Muslim opposition and Iran, which authorities in the Western-allied Gulf kingdom accuse of helping stoke years of attacks against its police.

An activist group in their home village called Youth of Karbabad hailed the four men as "holy warriors" in a statement, saying they sought to flee authorities by sea.

"They were martyred...in a sinking in regional waters near Iran on February 7 in hazy circumstances which remain unclear".

Ruled by a Sunni monarchy, Bahrain has cracked down on perceived threats since pro-democracy Arab Spring protests in 2011 led mainly by the island kingdom's Shi'ite majority were quashed with help from Gulf Arab neighbours.

It has shuttered the main opposition parties, jailed or stripped the citizenship of prominent dissidents and put the top Shi'ite spiritual leader under de facto house arrest.

According to Bahraini security dossiers on the men lost at sea reviewed by Reuters, all of them had been convicted in absentia for attacking police and taking part in riots and were on the run inside Bahrain.

One, Maytham Ali Ibrahim, was wanted for killing a police officer with a fire bomb last April.

Bahrain's coast guard denied any knowledge of the incident. Iranian authorities did not respond to requests for comment, and Tehran has denied any support for Bahraini militancy.

Under pressure from authorities, many activists, clerics and some militants appear have moved to Iran and other countries in recent years.

A militant commander was killed in a Bahraini commando raid last year along with several comrades headed to Iran on a speedboat after they staged a prison break.

Three wanted militants who also took part in the escape did arrive in Iran. They appeared at a lecture in the Iranian holy city of Qom praising their slain fellows, according to a video filmed and distributed by activists.

At a wake held in Qom for the three militants lost at sea on Tuesday, an exiled Bahraini leader mourned their death in a videotaped statement.

"We heard about their departure but they were missing for a long time at sea and the boat was found after three days ... from the first moments the Iranian authorities were looking for them," Sheikh Abdullah al-Duqaq said.

The Iranian coast guard had no role in their deaths, he said. Calls by Reuters to Duqaq's telephone went unanswered.
Saeid Rezaie, one of the seven members of the former leadership group of the Bahais, who has been recently freed after being ten years behind bars, says that people of Iran never accepted the claim that Bahai leaders are involved in espionage against their homeland.

Rezaie who was arrested in 2008 was freed from prison February 16 after completing a ten-year sentence for espionage, charges he denies.

The Bahai, like some other religious minorities in the Islamic Republic, are persecuted for their beliefs and subjected to harassment and wrongful imprisonment, according to rights groups.

Mr. Rezaie and six of his colleagues were arrested in 2008 after an early-morning raid on their homes, the Bahai International Community (BIC) said in a statement. They were part of the ad hoc group known as the Yaran (the Friends) which tended to the basic spiritual and material needs of the Iranian Bahai community. The group was formed with the knowledge and tacit approval of authorities after formal Bahai institutions were declared illegal in Iran in the 1980s. Mr. Rezaie is the fourth individual from among the former Yaran to be released.

The Yaran were accused by Iranian authorities of espionage, sacrilege, propaganda against the establishment, and spreading corruption on Earth.

Rezaei insists all charges against himself and his companions are baseless, and that as adherents to the Bahai faith, their imprisonment was pre-ordained by the Islamic Republic authorities despite the lack of evidence of their alleged crimes.

Ten years have passed and now I am released from prison, nevertheless, they have not yet presented one single shred of evidence against us, Rezaei told the New York based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) February 20. Our lawyers saw a letter written by counterespionage agents of the Intelligence Ministry admitting they had not found any evidence of our involvement in espionage. However, as you know, they did not need any evidence since they had already decided our fates.

Yaran members Fariba Kamalabadi, Mahvash Sabet, and Behrooz Tavakoli have been also freed after completing their sentences, but three other members of the group remain behind bars. They include Jamaloddin Khanjani, 84, Afif Naeimi, 56, and Valid Tizfahm, 44. All are expected to complete their sentences in the coming months.

Rezaei says that despite the authorities attempts to deprive Bahais of their spiritual identity, he and his fellows have remained steadfast in their beliefs.

Bahais are not confrontational, we are only different, and difference should not lead to confrontation, he said.

Representatives of the Bahai community abroad say their brethren in Iran are subjected to a variety of economic persecutions and deprived of educational opportunities.

Although Mr. Rezaie and three other members of the Yaran have been released, the persecution of the Bahais in Iran continues unabated, said Diane Alai, a representative of the Bahai International Community (BIC) to the United Nations in Geneva. From prison, Mr. Rezaie will go back to a community that is still under immense pressure from the government and faces discrimination and persecution for no other reason than belief in the Bahai faith.

Before he was imprisoned, Rezaie, an agricultural engineer, ran a successful farming equipment business that was targeted by authorities. Bahai-owned shops and businesses are regularly closed by the authorities and their owners are harassed, thus depriving Bahai families of an income. The BIC calls this practice economic apartheid.

The Bahai faith, whose adherents are thought to number between five to seven million worldwide, originated in Persia in the 19th century and has been at odds with Irans Islamic clergy since its inception.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Nigar Guliyeva- Trend:

The international community has switched its ambition from achieving a comprehensive solution and long lasting peace on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to simply avoiding war, said Kristian Vigenin, the OSCE PA Special Representative on the South Caucasus.

Vigenin made the remark when presenting his report at the winter session of the OSCE PA in Vienna on Feb.22, further voicing regret over lack of the progress on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution.

"That is not sustainable and has to be reversed. The OSCE PA can play a role but only when conditions for that are created, especially in the capitals of the countries concerned," he said.

Vigenin stressed that the OSCE PA can play a main or supporting role in holding of interparliamentary/ interinstitutional dialogue and dialogue between NGOs, people to people contacts.

Vigenin further noted that he has invested a lot of efforts to increase the role of OSCE PA in the South Caucasus by strengthening the coordination and cooperation with other relevant players, including the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group.

"The three Co-Chairs (from France, Russia and the United States) have declined several invitations to inform the OSCE PA on their work, even in informal formats. I could only achieve a meeting with them, when I was able to share my views on the issue and explain the possible added value of stronger involvement of parliamentarians in the process. We agreed to further exchange information about our activities but this could not lead to stronger engagement. Their work remains very closed, with rare press releases for the public which contain no substantive information," he said.

Vigenin hailed the fact that during these two years he had direct access to the OSCE Secretary General and enjoyed his full support.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Nigar Guliyeva  Trend:

The Khojaly massacre was a result of the illegal occupation of Azerbaijani territory by Armenia, said Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, the secretary general of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the OIC said in a message.

He made the remarks in his address on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the commemoration of the massacre in the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly, and paid tribute to all those, who lost their lives in the 1992 atrocity.

The Secretary General referred to the Cairo Final Communique of the 12th Session of the Islamic Summit and resolutions adopted by previous sessions of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, which considered the actions perpetrated against civilian Azerbaijani population in the occupied Azerbaijani territories as war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

He further reiterated the OICs full support to the initiatives and efforts of Azerbaijan to put an end to the occupation of its territories and to restore its territorial integrity.

On Feb. 25-26, 1992, the Armenian armed forces, together with the 366th infantry regiment of Soviet troops, stationed in Khankendi, committed an act of genocide against the population of the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly. As many as 613 people, including 63 children, 106 women and 70 old people were killed in the massacre. Eight families were totally exterminated, 130 children lost one parent and 25 children lost both. Some 1,275 innocent residents were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 people still remains unknown.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.22

By Nigar Guliyeva- Trend:

Resolution of the protracted conflicts, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, remain top priority for the OSCE, Italys Undersecretary of State of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Vincenzo Amendola said answering question within the winter session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna on Feb.22.

"Protracted conflicts remain top priority of our action. This is not just a prolonging state of a diplomatic approach, but a reality, the fact that we have to check the situation," he said.

Asked about the expansion of the Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Amendola reminded that the sides agreed on the issue at the Krakow meeting this January.

The Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia met in Krakow on Jan.18 with the participation of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Andrew Schofer (USA), Stefan Visconti (France) and Igor Popov (Russia), and Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Samir Ali  Trend:

The crimes of Armenia against Azerbaijan have to be seriously investigated, thoroughly considered and assessed in international tribunal, spokesman of Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry Hikmat Hajiyev said on Feb. 22.

All international organizations recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, Hajiyev said.

Armenia must understand that. Armenian armed forces have to be withdrawn from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. The current status-quo is unacceptable. Azerbaijans territorial integrity must be ensured, he said.

Double standards exist in this process. We are doing our best to make Armenia's crimes against Azerbaijan be investigated and assessed at international level, Hajiyev said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

Trend:

A group of Estonian MPs expressed condolences to the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the Khojaly tragedy, said the message posted on the website of the Estonian parliament.

We share the pain of the people of Azerbaijan caused by the Khojaly genocide, during which more than 600 innocent civilians, including many children, women and the elderly were murdered, the message said.

We strongly condemn the perpetrators and their criminal, inhumane acts committed against Azerbaijani civilians in the night of 25 to 26 February 1992 during the occupation of Khojaly, which are nothing short of a crime against humanity, the message said. The perpetrators of this genocide must be prosecuted.

We express our support for the efforts of the Republic of Azerbaijan aimed at restoring the countrys territorial integrity, the message said. A peaceful solution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is an important factor for the development of the entire region.

On Feb. 25-26, 1992, the Armenian armed forces, together with the 366th infantry regiment of Soviet troops, stationed in Khankendi, committed an act of genocide against the population of the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly. As many as 613 people, including 63 children, 106 women and 70 old people were killed in the massacre. Eight families were totally exterminated, 130 children lost one parent and 25 children lost both. Some 1,275 innocent residents were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 people still remains unknown.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

Trend:

Azerbaijani Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev as part of his visit to Egypt met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, the press service of the Azerbaijani Economy Ministry said in a statement Feb. 22.

At the meeting, the sides discussed the development and further prospects of mutual relations, and noted that Egypt and Azerbaijan cooperate in international organizations as well.

Mustafayev stressed that Azerbaijan has established good-neighborly relations with all countries, excluding Armenia, and intends to develop its relations.

He said that in the first years of independence, 20 percent of Azerbaijan's lands were occupied by Armenia. Today, Azerbaijans economy is developing dynamically, he noted, adding that Azerbaijan has a strong army and is able to liberate the lands occupied by Armenia.

However, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, remaining committed to peace talks and international law, supports the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through negotiations, Mustafayev said.

Sameh Shoukry, expressing wish to visit Azerbaijan, noted that he was glad of Azerbaijans success.

He stressed that Cairo supports the peaceful steps of Azerbaijan. The Egyptian foreign minister noted that he supports peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Egypt wants the conflict be settled in accordance with international law and the wishes of the Azerbaijani people, Shoukry said.

At the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

Minister of Investment and International Cooperation of Egypt Sahar Nasr and Azerbaijani Ambassador to Egypt Tural Rzayev also attended the meeting.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

An event dedicated to the 26th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide was held in Turkeys capital of Ankara.

The event was held by the Azerbaijani embassy in Turkey together with Ankara municipality.

Adviser to the Turkish president Yalcin Topcu, MP from the ruling Justice and Development Party Emrullah Isler and other officials delivered speeches at the event.

The speakers spoke about the atrocities committed by Armenians against Azerbaijani civilians in Azerbaijans Khojaly town on Feb. 26, 1992.

On Feb. 25-26, 1992, the Armenian armed forces, together with the 366th infantry regiment of Soviet troops, stationed in Khankendi, committed an act of genocide against the population of the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly. As many as 613 people, including 63 children, 106 women and 70 old people were killed in the massacre. Eight families were totally exterminated, 130 children lost one parent and 25 children lost both. Some 1,275 innocent residents were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 people still remains unknown.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Khojaly tragedy is a bleeding wound of Azerbaijan and Turkey, Necdet Unuvar, head of the Turkey-Azerbaijan interparliamentary friendship group, said.

Unuvar made the remarks at a meeting with Azerbaijani MP Elman Mammadov in Ankara Feb. 22.

Unuvar stressed that the Khojaly tragedy will never be forgotten.

On Feb. 25-26, 1992, the Armenian armed forces, together with the 366th infantry regiment of Soviet troops, stationed in Khankendi, committed an act of genocide against the population of the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly. As many as 613 people, including 63 children, 106 women and 70 old people were killed in the massacre. Eight families were totally exterminated, 130 children lost one parent and 25 children lost both. Some 1,275 innocent residents were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 people still remains unknown.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

Trend:

Armenians tried to burn down their homes in Azerbaijani city of Sumgayit, and blame Azerbaijanis in that, senior investigator of the Investigative Directorate for Serious Crimes under the Azerbaijans Prosecutor Generals Office Nadir Mirzayev said addressing the meeting dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Sumgayit events of 1988.

The investigation ascertained that although former members of security agencies had been discharged from the investigations concerning the Sumgayit events, their analysis showed that a diversion group consisting of 2025 people and pretending to be Azerbaijanis expelled from Gaphan had been acting in the city, Mirzoyev said touching upon the diversion groups involvement in the Sumgayit events.

Some suffered Armenians told them [investigators] about that. Even though the information had been submitted to operative-investigative group of USSR Prosecutor Generals Office, for some reason it wasnt inspected and was gone fruitless. It was also determined that a group of persons was speaking on the meetings calling to expel Armenians from the city. The persons werent residents of Sumgayit and were speaking in Armenian among themselves, Nadir Mirzayev said.

It was revealed that on the eve of the Sumgayit events a number of cars with Armenian registration numbers had been detected in the city. Moreover, many Armenian individuals had been staying in Baku and Sumgayit hotels and left out right after the events.

It was also determined that Armenians living in Sumgayit tried to provocatively burn down their homes and property and blame Azerbaijanis in that. The investigation ascertained that Armenians knew about the mass disorder in advance.

The day before the mass disorder special video filming equipment, tripods for video cameras etc., were installed on the rooftops of numerous buildings in different parts of Sumgayit. During the events, robbery of Armenians homes, as well as the actions of a naked woman in the street, was recorded with soviet servicemens consent by an individual, who presented himself as Armenian.

These facts prove that the mass disorder in Sumgayit was orchestrated by Armenian nationalists and sympathetic provokers from the Soviet government, the senior investigator said.

Mirzoyev noted that an investigative group conducted a search in the office of USSRs former Interior Minister Boris Pugo in the framework of the August 1991 coup detat attempt case. Among the documents found were folders with data on exile of Meskhetian Turks from Uzbekistan, the events in Nagorno-Karabakh etc.

The data in the documents revealed that the Soviet Interior Ministry was being comprehensively informed about the Krunk organization, operating in Nagorno-Karabakh, its members and activity. The data included information both from the interior ministries of Armenia and Azerbaijan and from the respective agencies of the Soviet Interior Ministry. The Soviet government had known about the events since the very first day but purposely stayed idle.

The criminal case on murder of D.Khudatov, D.Orujov, Y.Gasymov, S.Aliyev and V.Babayev during the mass disorder caused by actions of servicemen and other persons, was closed on Dec. 30, 1988 by Military Prosecutors Office of Baku Garrison. It was later merged with the current case No. 60206 [on the Sumgayit events] to continue the investigation.

The investigation determined that Valery Markaryan, an Armenian resident of Baku with extremist ideas, brought soldiers to Sumgayit and used the highly-dangerous situation to drive a bus into civilians, ultimately killing five Azerbaijanis. Markaryans connection with Armenian extremist organizations of Sumgayit was also established, Mirzoyev said.

Many Armenians were saved by Azerbaijani neighbors and friends, who had hid them in their homes from robbery, raids and other violence.

In spite of the propaganda from dashnak-communist groups creating an image of wild and bloodthirsty Azerbaijanis, Armenians exposed to violence from Armenians was saved by their Azerbaijani neighbors. These facts along with the materials of the criminal case were also included in the decisions of the Russian Federations special courts, the senior investigator said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

Trend:

The Sumgayit unrest was a provocation against Azerbaijan by the intelligence services of Armenia and the State Security Committee of the USSR, reads a joint statement issued by Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry and Prosecutor Generals Office of Azerbaijan on Sumgayit events of 1988.

The statement further reads that since the end of 1980s Armenia has resorted to violence, terror, provocations on ethnic grounds and use of military force in an attempt to realize its baseless and illegal territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

"Those actions started with the attacks on the Azerbaijani population both in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and in Armenia itself, continued with Armenias direct military aggression against Azerbaijan since 1991 and culminated in brutal killings of thousands of Azerbaijani civilians, the ethnic cleansing of about 1 million indigenous Azerbaijanis from their homes in both Armenia and the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and the extensive destruction and pillaging of the seized areas.

The Armenian leadership, chauvinist Armenian ideologists and extremist organizations have planned and carried out inter-ethnic disturbances in other parts of Azerbaijan as well, which were necessary to them as a means of launching an extensive anti-Azerbaijani campaign for covering up mass expulsion of indigenous Azerbaijani population from Armenia, separation of Nagorno-Karabakh from Azerbaijan, Armenias unlawful annexationist intentions and violent methods for their achievement.

At that time peak of inter-ethnic unrest was masterminded in Sumgayit in February 1988 and it was one of such deliberate provocations.

By 1988 Sumgayit, which is located about 30 km. away from Baku, was a multinational city since local population made up of fifteen different nationalities. The number of overall population was 258,000, out of which 18000 were ethnic Armenians. No any ethnic tensions were recorded in Sumgayit until February 1988. Nowadays Sumgayit continues to preserve its multinational and multi-confessional features as other cities of Azerbaijan.

On 26th of February, the central square of Sumgayit was captured by protestors who objected to the killing of 2 Azerbaijanis who had been shot by Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan on February 22, 1988. By Armenian extremists and agent-provocateurs the protest was instigated towards the disturbances.

To investigate the unrest, the USSR General Prosecutors Office opened a criminal case, the special operative-investigative group headed by investigator on especially important criminal cases Vladimir Galkin consisting of 231 investigators and the same number of operatives from different parts of USSR was formed. As it was revealed by the investigation of the USSR General Prosecutors Office riots claimed the lives of 32 people, 26 of which were Armenians and 6 Azerbaijanis. With the verdicts of the court 92 persons sentenced to lengthy imprisonment, and one was sentenced to death penalty.

However, investigation conducted by the USSR General Prosecutors Office identified only some of perpetrators of Sumgayit disturbances and provided their punishment with the decisions of the courts. Under the pressure of the USSR political leadership and State Security Committee (KGB) of the USSR investigation have failed to come to logical conclusion and determine the ones who have ordered and organized the Sumgayit unrest.

As a manifestation of Azerbaijan's decisive political will to investigate the true essence of this crime, the episodes on which USSR General Prosecutor's Office tried to pass in silence, with the order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the Decree of the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated March 19, 2010 suspended five criminal proceedings of the former USSR General Prosecutor's Office on mass disorders in Sumgayit were renewed, and combined into a single criminal case. The investigation was entrusted to the investigative-operative group under the First Deputy of Prosecutor General consisting of the investigators and operatives of the Prosecutor's Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service.

The assessments and analysis of evidences collected by this investigation group confirm that the Sumgayit unrest was a provocation against Azerbaijan by the intelligence services of Armenia and the State Security Committee of the USSR.

Armenian ideologists and their supports in high political leadership of the USSR, understanding the illegality of separation of Nagorno-Karabakh from Azerbaijan based on Soviet Constitution have resorted to such provocation with the aim of justifying the idea of impossibility of further coexistence of Armenians together with Azerbaijanis, providing complete ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijani population in Armenia and discrediting Azerbaijan.

The USSR State Security Committees interest in perpetration of this provocation was driven from the intention to destabilize the situation in the Soviet periphery in order to cut the intensified centrifugal aspirations, justify further repressive methods and to demonstrate that the Soviet Republics cannot survive alone without the strong centralized power of USSR.

The similar unrest and provocations were carried out by the KGB in Osh (Kyrgyzstan), Fergana (Uzbekistan), Tbilisi (Georgia), Vilnius (Lithuania) and other peripheral parts of the Soviet Union.

Despite the fact that on the eve of the disturbances and during their occurrence in Sumgait and in the surrounding areas, there were sufficient personnel and mechanized equipment of the Internal Troops of the USSR Interior Ministry and defense forces. However, no preventive action was taken by them to bring the situation under the control.

The assaults to the apartments and other violent actions were carried out on the basis of the advance prepared list of residents and plan under the leadership and command of Eduard Grigoryan, repeatedly convicted, an ethnic Armenian and a resident of Sumqayit. The Armenians who were subjected to attacks were the ones who refused to donate to the covert "Krunk" and "Karabakh" Armenian committees seeking separation of Nagorno-Karabakh from Azerbaijan.

During the unrest, E.Grigoryan exercised special cruelty against Armenians and was fully identified by armenian Majlumian sisters, whom he raped. E.Grigoryan was sentenced to imprisonment with the decision of court, however, after the collapse of the USSR he was transferred to Armenia's prison and was immediately released under suspicious circumstances.

According to ongoing investigation he is accused of deliberate murder under aggravating circumstances, gang rape and other grave crimes and by a court decision, preventive measure in the form of arrest was chosen in his respect and he was declared wanted by Interpol.

His current address has been identified by operative means and brought into the knowledge of public. However, E.Grigoryan currently under the patronage of Armenias intelligence services continues to live freely in the third country.

Investigative materials demonstrate that if not the humanism and audacity of Azerbaijani population of Sumgayit, the scale of disturbances would have been bigger as planned by the organizers of this provocation. The testimonies of Armenian eyewitnesses prove that dozens of Armenian were sheltered and rescued by Azerbaijani families during the unrest.

Despite the special control and censorship of the USSR on photo-video recording, surprisingly photo/video filming of the events was carried out with pre-installed recording equipment and immediately was taken out of the territory of USSR and widely was disseminated by Armenian lobby organizations as part propaganda against Azerbaijan.

Although the events in Sumgayit were used deliberately for propaganda and disinformation purposes against Azerbaijan by Armenia and Armenian lobbying organizations, as a result of measures taken by the Government of Azerbaijan and the objective and fact-based investigative materials it has been proved with sufficient and irrefutable facts that Sumgayit unrest was organized by Armenian chauvinist nationalists and their supports to achieve their insidious intentions.

At present in order to identify and prosecute all organizers and perpetrators of Sumgayit disturbances, as well as to disclose their supports comprehensive investigative-operative actions are continued by the investigative group.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Samir Ali - Trend:

The Sumgait clashes were committed by the Armenian separatist forces under a prepared scenario by the order of the pro-Armenian forces represented in the Soviet leadership, Eldar Sultanov, head of the press service of the Prosecutor Generals Office of Azerbaijan, said Feb. 22 in Baku at an event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Sumgait events.

Sultanov added that the investigative and operational actions revealed the true essence of the Sumgait events.

On March 31, 2016, during the presentation of a book titled Sumgait events from a primary source by journalist Saadat Gadirova in Moscow, Vladimir Kalinichenko, a member of the first investigative and operational group of the Prosecutors Office of the USSR and other participants said that the Sumgait events were organized by the State Security Committee of the USSR on behalf of the leadership of the USSR, serving the Armenian lobby, and therefore, none of the organizers of the clashes were brought to responsibility, said Sultanov.

He added that the investigative and operational group consisting of the employees of the Prosecutor Generals Office, the Interior Ministry and the State Security Service of Azerbaijan continues comprehensive investigative and operational measures to identify and bring to justice all organizers of the clashes, as well as to expose their accomplices.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

Time will come when those who committed the Khojaly genocide will answer for their crimes, Deputy Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Bahar Muradova said Feb. 22 at the presentation of the book titled Khojaly Witnesses Speak published by the newspaper Azerbaijan.

Muradova noted that this book is very important and reflects the bloody pages of Azerbaijans history.

This book expands Azerbaijans capabilities in the struggle for justice, Muradova said.

On Feb. 25-26, 1992, the Armenian armed forces, together with the 366th infantry regiment of Soviet troops, stationed in Khankendi, committed an act of genocide against the population of the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly. As many as 613 people, including 63 children, 106 women and 70 old people were killed in the massacre. Eight families were totally exterminated, 130 children lost one parent and 25 children lost both. Some 1,275 innocent residents were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 people still remains unknown.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Details added (first version posted on 13:31)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Samir Ali - Trend:

The Sumgait clashes were committed by the Armenian separatist forces under a prepared scenario by the order of the pro-Armenian forces represented in the Soviet leadership, Eldar Sultanov, head of the press service of the Prosecutor Generals Office of Azerbaijan, said Feb. 22 in Baku at an event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Sumgait events.

Sultanov added that the investigative and operational actions revealed the true essence of the Sumgait events.

On March 31, 2016, during the presentation of a book titled Sumgait events from a primary source by journalist Saadat Gadirova in Moscow, Vladimir Kalinichenko, a member of the first investigative and operational group of the Prosecutors Office of the USSR and other participants said that the Sumgait events were organized by the State Security Committee of the USSR on behalf of the leadership of the USSR, serving the Armenian lobby, and therefore, none of the organizers of the clashes were brought to responsibility, said Sultanov.

He added that the investigative and operational group consisting of the employees of the Prosecutor Generals Office, the Interior Ministry and the State Security Service of Azerbaijan continues comprehensive investigative and operational measures to identify and bring to justice all organizers of the clashes, as well as to expose their accomplices.
details added (first version posted on 15:00)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

Trend:

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian needs to be enlightened about the basic principles of international law and the Helsinki Final Act, spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Hikmat Hajiyev said in Baku Feb. 22.

Hajiyev was commenting on Nalbandians recent statement at the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament.

In his statement Nalbandian was engaged in distortion of real facts of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the norms and principles of international law, as well as Helsinki Final Act, Hajiyev said. Nalbandian put forward absurd allegations against Azerbaijan.

He said that the respect to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of countries is a fundamental corner stone of contemporary international relations.

The contrary of this is the way towards chaos and the return to the late 30s and early 40s of the last century, he added.

The unlawfulness within the Soviet legal system of attempted unilateral secession of Nagorno-Karabakh by Armenian separatists without Azerbaijans consent was confirmed at the highest constitutional level, he said. The definition of the territory of Azerbaijan as it proceeded to independence and in the light of the applicable law clearly included Nagorno-Karabakh.

Hajiyev said that Armenias territorial claims against Azerbaijan are accompanied with the violence, terror and ethnic cleansing of indigenous Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh and transformed into the large-scale war unleashed by Armenia against Azerbaijan after dissolution of USSR.

As a result, Armenia occupied 20 percent territories of Azerbaijan by use of force and conduced complete ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijani population in the seized lands and in the territory of Armenia, he said. In order to disguise its direct responsibility for military aggression against Azerbaijan, Armenia distorts and misinterprets the principle of the peoples right to self-determination.

In reality, such a view has nothing in common with the principle of self-determination set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Final Act) of 1975 and other international documents, he said.

That the Nagorno-Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan was reaffirmed by the UN Security Council in its relevant resolutions on the conflict and from that time onward has been repeatedly stated at the international level, Hajiyev said.

He said that it is important to note that the resolutions of the Security Council, recognizing that Nagorno-Karabakh constitutes part of Azerbaijan and reaffirming the inviolability of international borders and the inadmissibility of the use of force for the acquisition of territory, were adopted after the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh had unilaterally declared their independence.

To justify his countrys illegal territorial claims against Azerbaijan and the use of military force, the Armenian foreign minister misinterprets the documents of international organizations, including EU institutions, he said.

Of particular interest in this regard is the declaration on the disintegration process in the Soviet Union, adopted by the European Council on December 10, 1991, in which it underlined the importance of respecting the provisions of the Helsinki Final Act and recalled that according to these provisions, the frontiers of all states in Europe are inviolable and can only be changed by peaceful means and agreement, Hajiyev said.

Later, in its Guidelines on the Recognition of New States in Eastern Europe and in the Soviet Union, the European Council reiterated the requirement to respect for the inviolability of all frontiers which can only be changed by peaceful means and by common agreement, he said.

In the Charter of the United Nations and the Helsinki Final Act, to which the Armenian foreign minister refers, the principle of the non-use of force is explicitly linked to the inadmissibility of changing the boundaries of states through violent means and implies a prohibition on the acquisition of territory by force, he said.

For this purpose, the Helsinki Final Act expanded Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and codified the territorial integrity, the inviolability of frontiers and the non-use of force as separate principles to emphasize the norm of territorial integrity, he said.

These principles were reaffirmed in the Helsinki Final Act in a way to emphasize that they are consequential principles generated by the foundational norm of territorial integrity, he said.

Moreover, with regard to self-determination the Article VIII of the Helsinki Final Act establishes: acting at all times in conformity with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and with the relevant norms of international law, including those relating to territorial integrity of States, Hajiyev added.

In the statement the Armenian foreign minister touches upon the intensification of talks and reduction of tension, he said. It is very well known that the main reason of tension is the continuation of occupation and the presence of armed forces of Armenia in the occupied lands of Azerbaijan. In order to reduce the tension and eliminate the facts of military risks Armenia must withdraw its forces from occupied lands of Azerbaijan.



Armenia must finally understand that the military occupation of the territory of Azerbaijan does not represent a solution and will never produce a political outcome desired by Armenia, he said. The resolution of the conflict is possible only on the basis of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders.



Instead of misleading its own people and the international community Armenia must cease its policy of occupation and ethnic cleansing and comply with its international obligations and withdraw its forces from the territories of Azerbaijan, he said. Sooner Armenia understands this reality, sooner sustainable peace and security will be established in the region.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

President of the International Eurasia Press Fund Umud Mirzayev sent an appeal letter to President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani.

According to the appeal, four members of the European Parliament abused their power and made an illegal visit to the occupied Azerbaijani territories.

The document urges European Parliament to take measures against four MEPs Lars Adaktusson, Charles Tannock, Eleni Theocharous and Michele Rivasi.

These MEPs undermine the development of dynamic cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, Mirzayev said. The steps taken by some MEPs contradict not only to the diplomatic norms and international law, but also the fundamental ethical principles.

"Recent visit of Lars Adaktusson (MEP) from the European People's Party to the occupied Azerbaijani territories means that he supports occupation, aggression and bloody ethnic cleansing. Member of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) Eleni Theocharous (Cyprus) also visited the area of Nagorno-Karabakh illegally."

These MEPs hold biased and unconstructive position aimed at supporting anti-Azerbaijan forces, make all in their powers to cast a shadow on all the work done jointly by Azerbaijan and the EU, he said. Despite the ceasefire announcement in 1994, Armenians continue killing Azerbaijani civilians who are living close to the frontline.

People die because during three decades the international community fails to name the aggressor and Armenia continues its aggression encouraged by impunity, Mirzayev added.

Over 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent districts, have been under the occupation of the Armenian armed forces for more than 25 years, Mirzayev said. In Azerbaijan, one out of every eight people is a refugee or IDP; 1.2 million people became refugees and internally displaced people as a result of Armenian occupation and military operations.

Mirzayev said such a behavior of some MEPs diminishes the trust of Azerbaijani people in the wish of the EU to support the peaceful resolution of the conflict.

EU and EP support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Eastern Partnership countries, he said. The visit of some MEPs to occupied Azerbaijani territories and their contacts with the criminal regime established in the occupied territories aggravate relations between the peoples of two countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and totally undermine the possibility of a rapprochement between the two nations.

We express our sincere hope that European Parliaments president will make every effort to prevent the turning of the European Parliament into an anti-Azerbaijan platform, Mirzayev said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

Trend:

Azerbaijan has announced the media outlets that will allocate free airtime and space for publication for pre-election campaigns in the April 11 presidential election.

Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (CEC) said in a message Feb. 22 that free airtime and space for publication will be allocated to the registered candidates at Public Television, the "Azerbaijan", "Xalq Qazeti" and "Baku Worker" newspapers.

If the abovementioned media outlets as well as other TV and radio organizations make a decision about the possibility of allocating paid airtime and space for publication for pre-election campaigns, they must send relevant notifications to the CEC.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

Trend:

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy said in a message Feb. 22.

The minister conveyed greetings and a letter from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The minister stressed that the restoration of the joint intergovernmental commission for economic and scientific-technical cooperation between Azerbaijan and Egypt is connected to the economic development of both countries.

Speaking about the reforms in Azerbaijan, Mustafayev stressed that as a result of the reforms, a favorable climate for business and investments was created in the country.

During the meeting, the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was touched upon. It was stressed that Armenia occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijans territory and continues occupation despite the decisions and resolutions of international organizations

Mustafayev also updated the Egyptian president about the meetings held within his visit to the country, the meeting of the joint commission, and the documents to be signed.

Mustafayev also wished success to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the presidential election in March.

Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said that Cairo is ready to cooperate with Azerbaijan in all spheres.

Emphasizing that Egypt and Azerbaijan are friendly and fraternal countries, the Egyptian president expressed gratitude to Azerbaijanis and personally to President Aliyev for the support rendered to his country in a difficult period.

The Egyptian president also conveyed greetings to President Aliyev.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

Azerbaijans State Motor Road Agency has a goal to build more than 2,000 kilometers of roads covering at least 600 villages in 2018, chairman of management board at the Agency, Saleh Mammadov said.

On top of that, the workplan includes construction of a tunnel in the area of the Baku Olympic Stadium, five pedestrian crossings, some projects in Baku White City, a new road connecting the Ziya Buniyatov Avenue with the Balakhani-Binagadi highway, the Padar-Sabirabad road continuing the Shamakhi-Padar road, a new bridge over the Samur River bordering Russia, reconstruction of two avenues and two streets in Sumgayit, construction of a motor road in the Ganly-gyol area etc., Mammadov said.

Mammadov added that the Agency plans to build, reconstruct and repair at least 2,171 kilometers of motor roads.

Work schedule has already been approved," he said. "According to an order of the president, the new M-1 Baku-Guba-Russian border motor road - a part of the transportation corridor - will be built. The Alat-Astara-Iranian border motor road with a length of 243 kilometers will be built and commissioned in 2018.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

Trend:

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the heads and deputy defense ministers of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Venezuela, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Mongolia, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan, invited to a solemn evening on the occasion of the Defender of the Fatherland Day at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow, website of the Russian presidential administration reported.

"You, as people in uniform, have a special attitude towards arms, the army, the entire power component of the state. You understand more than anyone how carefully you need to treat this and how highly credible is the trust in such a sensitive area as military affairs", Russia's president noted

"I want to wish success in ensuring the security of your states", Putin said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Nigar Guliyeva  Trend:

Uzbekistan's government intends to gradually reduce the state's presence in the economy to increase the priority role of private sector.

This is indicated in the draft resolution of the president of Uzbekistan on measures to further reduce the state's participation in commercial organizations.

The Economy Ministry, which has developed the document, proposes, particularly, to create companies with state shares and state unitary enterprises solely upon the decision of the president.

The draft document proposes the Accounting Chamber of Uzbekistan, in conjunction with the State Committee for Promotion of Privatized Enterprises and Development of Competition, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, within three months, to :

- review the activities of economic companies with state shares and state unitary enterprises for compliance with the objectives of their establishment (meeting the social needs of the population and ensuring public order, security and state interests);

- to define a list of industries and spheres of activity where economic companies with state shares and state unitary enterprises can be created;

- to develop a comprehensive analysis of management systems of business entities with state share, identify the main factors that impede the development of corporate governance and limit the rights of private shareholders;

In Uzbekistan, the number of enterprises and organizations increased by 3,600 (1.3 percent) in January 2018 and amounted to 289,100 as of February 2018.

In late 2017, the total number of enterprises and organizations reached 285,500, which is 25.2 percent more than in the same period last year.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.22

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Egypt looks forward to cementing cooperation with Azerbaijan and pumping further Azerbaijani investments into the domains of major national projects, natural gas and the Suez Canal Development Corridor, said Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Azerbaijans Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev in Cairo, Egyptian media reported.

Mustafayev is on a two-day visit to Cairo, heading the Azerbaijani delegation at the meetings of the intergovernmental commission for economic, technical and scientific cooperation.

Shoukry hailed existing cooperation between Egypt and Azerbaijan in different issues and multilateral organizations, adding that Cairo is keen to boost relations with Baku.

Shoukry briefed Mustafayev on available investment opportunities in underway mega projects, especially in light of the Egyptian governments plans to develop infrastructure and support various economic sectors, notably the oil and natural gas.

For his part, Mustafayev commended political rapprochement between the two countries and joint cultural commonalities.

He posted Shoukry on mega economic projects carried out by Azerbaijan, especially in the fields of infrastructure, gas export, oil and railways.

Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Egypt stood at $8.03 million as of 2017, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Heads of Azerbaijani and Russian railway agencies, Javid Gurbanov and Oleg Belozerov, discussed development of transportation and the tariffs on the Samur-Akhalkalaki and Samur-Astara routes, Azerbaijan Railways CJSC said in a message Feb. 22.

The sides met at the "Strategic Partnership 1520: Central Europe business forum held in Vienna.

Further development of the western part of the North-South international transport corridor, issues of freight and passenger transit via the Samur-Astara and Samur-Akhalkalaki routes, tariff terms and other topics were discussed during the meeting, the message said.

Gurbanov said North-South is among the priority international transport projects for Azerbaijan.

"Azerbaijani side has carried out its obligations in the shortest time. Construction of a railway station and an unloading terminal on a 35-hectare area in Iranian Astara is almost finished," the message said.

Commissioning of the Astara (Azerbaijan)-Astara (Iran) international railway is expected in the next few months. The first six-car test train from Russia has been recently sent via the line.

The International North-South Transport Corridor is meant to connect Northern Europe with Southeast Asia. It will serve as a link connecting the railways of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia. At an initial stage, it is planned to transport 5 million tons of cargo per year through the corridor and over 10 million tons of cargo in the future.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Nigar Guliyeva - Trend:

In 2017, the Asian Development Bank financing in Tajikistan focused on such sectors as energy and transport, accounting for 48.3 percent and 31.7 percent, respectively, of all projects under implementation.

The review meeting held in Dushanbe assessed the performance of projects funded by ADB in the country over the past 12 months. Participants agreed that performance of all ADB-funded projects last year remained satisfactory.

ADB appreciates the governments strong ownership of our joint operations, said Pradeep Srivastava, ADB Country Director for Tajikistan, who jointly chaired the meeting together with Farrukh Hamralizoda, Chairman of the State Committee on Investments and State Property Management. Tajikistan has one of the best performing portfolios across ADB, and maintaining this good performance is very critical.

ADBs ongoing portfolio in Tajikistan in 2017 included 13 projects and one program amounting to $759 million, financed from 17 grants ($643 million) and four loans ($116 million). Apart from energy and transport, ADB financing also focused on public sector management (6.7%); agriculture, natural resources, and rural development (6.6%); education (4.2%); and finance (2.5%). There were also 7 technical assistance grants totaling $13 million.

To date, ADB has approved over $1.5 billion in concessional loans, grants, and technical assistance to tajikistan. ADB and Tajikistans development partnership, which began in 1998, has restored and built the countrys new transport and energy infrastructure, supported social development, expanded agricultural production, and improved regional cooperation and trade.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members48 from the region.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Nigar Guliyeva  Trend:

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan can resume direct flights in early March 2018, Uzbek media reported referring to Turkmen Ambassador to Uzbekistan Shiri Shiriyev.

He reminded that the agreement on the air traffic resumption was signed last May during the visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Turkmenistan.

"We are currently working on opening of a direct flight from Ashgabat to Tashkent. According to preliminary data, the flights will be carried out twice a week, and the launch is scheduled for early March, while the flights will be performed by Turkmenhovayollary (Turkmen Airways). In the future, the frequency of flights can be increased, and part of the flights will be performed by the Uzbek side," the ambassador said.

Air communication between the two countries was ceased on May 2, 2013 due to profit issues. Then the flights were carried out by the Uzbek side.

The ambassador further informed that President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov will pay a state visit to Uzbekistan this spring.

He noted that presently, the parties are actively preparing for the meeting of the two leaders.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Ali Mustafayev  Trend:

Kazakhstans government plans to allocate 100 billion tenge annually to provide centralized water supply in rural areas of the country, said Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Construction and Housing Affairs of the Ministry of Investment and Development of Kazakhstan Beibut Shahanov at a meeting of the Kazakh government.

He stressed that the state budget provides 67.9 billion tenge for implementation of 193 projects in 2018, which is 17.6 percent more compared to 2017, Kazakh media outlets reported.

The country aims to increase the access of rural settlements to centralized water supply systems to 59 percent, as well as to increase the same indicator in cities to 94 percent.

"As part of the instructions of the president, we plan to increase financing for rural water supply to 100 billion tenge per year. This will increase the pace of development of the sector and provide more people with drinking water," Shahanov said.

In 2017, the government of Kazakhstan allocated 55.8 billion tenge from the budget for implementation of 164 projects.

The implementation of water supply projects in 2017 allowed to provide more than 184,000 people with clean water. Currently, 93.8 percent of urban residents and 57.4 percent of rural residents in the country have access to the centralized water supply.

($1 = 319 tenge on Feb. 22)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkey will open a new checkpoint in Sirnak province bordering Iraq, Turkeys Customs and Trade Ministry told Trend on Feb. 22.

The new checkpoint will be opened in Uludere district, the ministry said.

Work on creation of the new checkpoints infrastructure is currently ongoing, the ministry noted.

The ministry didnt announce the precise date when the checkpoint on Turkish-Iraqi border will be opened.

Currently there are 27 checkpoints in Turkey, four of them bordering with Iraq.

Seven of the checkpoints arent used, with one of the non-operating checkpoints bordering with Armenia.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

Small insurance companies in Azerbaijan must think about their future activity, first deputy chairman of the board at Ateshgah Insurance Akbar Madatli said.

According to him, such companies better specialize in certain segments of the insurance market.

Specialization in certain segments could increase the companies qualification and help them find their niche in the market, Madatli told Trend.

According to him, the market is currently glutted, because the number of insurance companies in Azerbaijan is more than actually required.

Currently, most of the collections and premiums account for the first 10-15 companies. Hence, I believe 15 insurance companies to be sufficient for the market to fulfill the obligations to the people, Madatli noted.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Ali Mustafayev  Trend:

The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and Bogatyr Komir company signed a loan agreement to finance Bogatyr Komirs investment program aimed at modernizing coal production processes at the Bogatyr mine, the press service of EDB said in a message.

The document was signed by Andrey Beliyaninov, Chairman of the Management Board, from the EDB, and Murat Abdygulov, General Director, and Nikolay Korsakov, First Deputy General Director and CFO, from Bogatyr Komir.

The EDB will extend a loan facility of 196.6 million euro for eleven years. The loan will be used to finance an investment project to modernize production at the Bogatyr mine by introducing continuous mining technology.

This is expected to raise the output to 50 million tons, improve the quality of end products, cut mining costs, and reduce adverse environmental impacts. A part of end products will be exported to Russia.

The project supports the development of the countrys power sector, said Andrey Beliyaninov, Chairman of the Management Board at the EDB.

It is also important to the EDB that it has a significant integration effect. In particular, it will help to enhance the efficiency of coal mining, maintain output for a longer period of time, and promote trade between Russia and Kazakhstan, he said.

The EDBs new loan agreement with Bogatyr Komir, one of Kazakhstans largest coal miners and the main employer in Pavlodar Region for over 6,000 people, is the third one, in addition to the loan facilities opened in December 2011 and November 2013. Back then, the Bank extended some $50 million and $25 million for seven years, respectively.

Over the first ten years from its start, the project is expected to raise coal output by an average of $75 million a year and increase mutual trade between the EDB countries as a result of coal exports by $27 million a year on average. It will also help to minimize adverse environmental impact, as extracted coal will be stored within the mines.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.22

By Nigar Guliyeva  Trend:

The Russian company "RosGeoPerspectiva" and the State Committee of Uzbekistan for Geology and Mineral Resources are planning to sign a final version of the agreement on geological studies next week, Uzbek media reported.



Avazbek Daminov, the head of the department for attracting foreign investments at the State Committee, said that the final version of this agreement is being finalized.



He noted that the document can be signed before the end of February.

In December 2017, "RosGeoPerspectiva" and the State Committee for Geology and Geology signed an agreement to conduct geological study and pilot production in the promising areas of Kazakhtau and Kazakhtau 1 in Navoi region of Uzbekistan.

Within the framework of the agreement the Russian company created the operating company Mistog.

The volume of proven and confirmed gold reserves in Uzbekistan is about 2,100 tons. The total reserves are approximately 3,350 tons. Two largest enterprises - Navoi and Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Combines are engaged in the gold production in Uzbekistan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Ali Mustafayev  Trend:

The parliament of Kazakhstan approved amendments to the legislation on land relations in its second reading.

According to a key provision of the document, foreign companies and private individuals will not be able to take farmland even for temporary use, Astana TV reported.

New amendments provide for additional clarifications. In particular, now, Kazakh enterprises will not be able to lease land if they have even the smallest percentage of foreign participation.

"The bill extends the moratorium on granting agricultural land for lease to joint ventures with a share of foreigners or foreign legal entities in the authorized capital. Now, any percentage of foreign participation in the authorized capital will lead to impossibility of obtaining the agricultural land plots," Berik Ospanov, a member of the Kazakh parliament, said.

Ospanov said that until Dec. 31, 2021 agricultural lands will not be leased to foreign land users.

In addition, the bill establishes the most transparent mechanisms for provision of agricultural land. A company or a person can obtain them only on a competitive basis.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Ali Mustafayev  Trend:

Romania will remain a supporter of the Southern Gas Corridor Project and its development plans, Deputy Minister of Energy of Romania Iulian Tudorache told Trend.

"The Southern Gas Corridor project is an extraordinary example of what can be done when countries work together and when I say this I mean not only the countries that are directly involved in this implementation effort but also the significant and constant support provided by other potential beneficiary countries of this project in the forthcoming expansion stages", said Tudorache.

The official stressed that the key element of bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Romania in the field of energy is the development of the Southern Gas Corridor and its connection with the Vertical Corridor.

"This will open the perspective for Romania to import gas from Azerbaijan", said the deputy minister.

He also talked on the BRUA project, which is expected to connect the natural gas transmission systems between Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria.

"The countries, engaged in the BRUA project may take over some of the gas volumes that could be available through the Southern Corridor infrastructure. BRUA represents a key link between Southern Gas Corridor and Central Europe, in the next stages of project expansion", Tudorache added.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority projects for the EU and provides for the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to Europe.

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 Shah Deniz Stage 2, 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 (TANAP) and Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).

Subscribers of Trend News Agency can read this and other exclusive materials before they are published in open access.

More information on Trends news products can be found here.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Russias Pegas Fly (Ikar Airlines) will launch flights from Moscows new Zhukovsky international airport to Baku from March 1 as part of the winter schedule, according to message posted on the airport's website Feb. 22.

The airline will operate "Zhukovsky" - Baku regular passenger flights daily until the end of the winter schedule on March 24.

Flights will be performed via Boeing-738 aircraft.

As part of the summer schedule (from July 27 till October 29, 2017), the company operated flights three times a week.

The Zhukovsky International Airport opened on May 30, 2016.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
The Ministry of Economy of Kyrgyzstan is tasked to develop a short and long term draft concept of the digital economy until September 15, 2018. The corresponding instruction was given by Prime Minister Sapar Isakov at the meeting of the Government, Kabar reports.

He specified that there is a tendency of digitizing the economy at countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and thus in this regard Kyrgyzstan needs to introduce work on modern technologies.

"The State Committee for Informational Technologies and Communications (SCITC) and the State Registration Service (SRS) of the Kyrgyz Republic should be assisted in the development of the project. We must not lag behind the processes that are taking place around us," the Head of Government said.

Moreover, in accordance with the Decree of the President on the announcement of 2018 as the Year of Development of Regions, general work is started in this area of focus.

"We need to look for appropriate sources of funding. The President must be aware of real picture of the state budget. For example, 2.9 bln soms are foreseen for capital investments. This is not enough. But, nevertheless, we must do our best to optimize expenditures and direct funds to the development of the regions," the Prime Minister stressed.

Isakov also said that it is important to create competitive conditions in the regions. Therefore, he instructed the Ministry of Economy to attract investment.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Feb. 22

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Strategic importance of strengthening good-neighborly relations between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan was mentioned at a press conference of the Turkmen Embassy in Tashkent, according to a message of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.

The meetings of the Turkmen and Uzbek presidents on March 6-7 and May 19-20, 2017 in Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi gave powerful impetus to the Turkmen-Uzbek interaction and laid new foundations for long-term and strategic bilateral relations, said the message.

It was also noted that the Seventh Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA VII) was held in Ashgabat on Nov. 14-15, 2017, following which the Ashgabat Declaration was adopted.

Participants of the press conference were also informed about the events that took place in Turkmenistan in 2017 as part of its chairmanship in the Energy Charter Conference.

In addition, information was provided about the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the Afghan section of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, the laying of a power transmission line and a fiber optic communication line along the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) route, as well as the opening of a new railway along the Serhetabat-Turgundy (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan) route.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Nigar Guliyeva  Trend:

Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov will pay a working visit to Moscow on Feb.22-23, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said in a message on Feb.22.

The sides will consider implementation of agreements reached during the state visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Russian Federation on April 4-5, 2017.

Lavrov and Kamilov will also exchange views on the Russian-Uzbek foreign policy interaction and regional issues. Particular attention will be paid to the problems of regional security in Central Asia and the situation around Afghanistan.

The sides are expected to sign a cooperation program between the foreign ministries of the two countries.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Gazenfer Hamidov  Trend:

Turkeys gas import from Iran amounted to 792.81 million cubic meters in December 2017, 7.5 percent less year-on-year.

Natural gas imports from Iran accounted for 13.2 percent of the countrys total gas imports in the one-month period compared to 15.4 percent in December 2016, according to a report released by Turkeys Energy Market Regulatory Body.

Irans share from the countrys gas market was 14.5 percent in November 2017.

The Islamic Republic was Turkeys second gas supplier in the period, after Russia.

Turkeys gas import from Iran in January-December 2017 stood at 9.2 billion cubic meters (bcm).

Turkeys total natural gas import stood at 5.995.8 bcm in December 2017, registering a rise by 7.56 percent year-on-year.

Irans overall gas exports to Turkey accounted to 7.8 and 7.7 bcm in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

Gas import sources December 2017(mcm) Share (%) Y/Y change (%) Russia 2,630.65 43.87 -6.91 Iran 792.81 13.22 -7.56 Azerbaijan 595.55 9.93 0.17 Algeria 529.98 8.84 -7.87 Qatar 525.69 8.77 504.59 Nigeria 394.97 6.59 102.91 Trinidad and Tobago 239.22 3.99 39.88 Equatorial Guinea 189.01 3.15 100 US 97.92 1.63 24.43 Total 5,995.79 100 7.56

Turkey also exported 61.79 million cubic meters of gas to Greece in December 2017, indicating a fall by 17.32 percent year-on-year.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:

A senior insurance official has announced the industrys deadline for adopting the International Financial Reporting System (IFRS).

Abdolnaser Hemmati, the head of the Central Insurance of Iran, has said that the countrys insurers most comply with the IFRS by 2021, Ibena (Iranian banks and economy news agency) reported.

He further added that the country has already adopted measures to pave the way for adopting the IFRS.

According to the official a joint committee between the Securities and Exchange Organization of Iran (SEO), Audit Organization of Iran as well as the Central Insurance has been set up to facilitate the issue of adopting the IFRS.
Tehran, Iran, Feb. 22

By Kamyar Eghbalnejad  Trend:

Iranian Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Shariatmadari has described Azerbaijan as a proper place for automotive and car part manufacturing industries.

"I believe that automotive and spare parts manufacturing industries are capable of developing in Azerbaijan," the minister told Trend.

He further expressed hope that a joint Iran-Azerbaijan venture for producing cars will be inaugurated soon in Azerbaijan.

The car plant is being built in Azerbaijans Neftchala Industrial Site on the basis of an agreement signed with Iranian leading automobile manufacturer Iran Khodro, with a nominal capacity of 10,000 units per year.

Iran exported $1.6 million worth of car parts to Azerbaijan in the first nine months of the current fiscal year (March 20-Dec. 21).

About 1,200 car part makers are actively contributing to the industry in Iran and they sold worth of $8 billion of products over the last fiscal year.

The Islamic Republic imported $2.794 billion worth of car parts, making 7.4 percent of the countrys overall imports in the 9-month period. The figure indicates a 113 percent rise year-on-year. Iran also exported 1,891 passenger cars during the first nine months of the current fiscal year.

SAIPA, Irans second biggest carmaker, has echoed plans to expand cooperation in the automotive industry with Azerbaijan.

"We have put on agenda the issue of long-term cooperation with Azerbaijan and will definitely expand out cooperation with the neighboring country in the automotive sector," CEO of SAIPA Mohsen Qasem-Jahroudi has told Trend.

Over the first nine months of the current Iranian year (starting March 20), SAIPA was the second largest producer of the country after Iran Khodro producing 261,100 passenger cars, indicating a jump of 16.7 percent year on year.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has once again confirmed that Iran is fulfilling its commitments under the 2015 multilateral nuclear agreement, IRNA reported.

The new quarterly report released on Thursday read that Irans enriched uranium reserves stood at 109.5 kilograms until February 12. It said Iran did not exceed its 300 kilogram cap on enriched uranium during its reporting period.

In this report dubbed verification and monitoring Irans nuclear activities under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano reaffirmed for the tenth time Irans compliance with the contents of the deal regarding reserves of heavy water, rate of enrichment and stockpile of enriched uranium.

The report further noted that Iran has continued to inform IAEA of reserves of heavy water and allowed it to monitor the reserves.

IAEA in its latest quarterly report underlined that it would continue to verify the non-diversion of nuclear materials at the nuclear facilities.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Azer Ahmadbayli  Trend:

The task of rebuilding Iraqi economy is currently seen much harder to do than fighting with IS (the Islamic State terrorist organization), but anyway it is much better than the endless explosions in Baghdad and loss of thousands of human lives.

A lot has been said about the difficulties Iraq could face within this long and complicated process. War-ravaged cities, widespread corruption (Iraq ranks among the top ten most corrupted states), sectarian strife in Iraqi society, millions of displaced people, remnant of IS members hidden in the country, current relations with the Kurdish autonomy being, let's say, not so smooth, damaged health and sanitation system, etc.  those factors make the countrys revival a great challenge.

What can Iraq be given credit for? Perhaps, its rich resources, with oil in the leading spot.

I don't know how much the Iraqi people and the government are motivated to take on the challenges, and whether the motivation is similar to the one Germans had after the WW2.

The International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq, held recently in Kuwait, fixed an amount of about $30 billion agreed to be given by a number of the countries-participants, against $88 billion that, Iraq announced, are needed in whole for the success of the process.

Despite relatively good amount for the first try, the promised funds should be transformed from verbal commitment to real money, and apart from Iraqs spoiled record as a corrupt state there is one more factor which will likely play a decisive role in this transformation and in possible further financial inflows.

Many of the Conference participants limited themselves with assurances to the Iraqi government in the matter of getting Iraq back on its feet.

The US and most of the GCC states are among Iraqs prospective investors. However, Washington hasnt pledged any funds within the Conference. The Gulf countries have each allocated average by one billion. Just for courtesy.

The US and its Arab allies are slow to invest large amounts of money until Iraq is under strong Iranian influence.

Real financial aid will largely depend on the outcome of the forthcoming elections in this country. To be more precise, greater investments are likely to be made conditional upon a policy the new Iraqi Government will conduct, particularly towards Tehran.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Conference, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir described the Iranian presence in Iraq as 'destructive'. He expressed hope that Baghdad, in cooperation with neighboring countries, can build a better future for its people, Middle East Monitor reported.

This is a clear message to Baghdad: The further away you get from Iran, the more chances for you to receive our assistance.

It is in this context that his comments should be interpreted.
The U.S. Embassy in Podgorica, Montenegro has informed U.S. citizens of an "active security situation" amid reports of an attack, The Washington Examiner reported.

The U.S. Embassy in Podgorica advises U.S. citizens there is an active security situation at the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica. Avoid the Embassy until further notice, said an alert sent from the embassy on Thursday, local time.

The embassy did not get into specifics about the situation, but Jon Haworth, deputy news editor at Sky News, said the embassy was attacked with grenades and that one of the attackers has been reported dead in an explosion.

A report from web portal www.portalanalitika.me said that an unidentified man threw an explosive device at the embassy before blowing himself up, according to Reuters.

Police blocked off the street with a vehicle and no damage to the embassy was evident, said a Reuters photographer in the area.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday the European Union needed to develop a response to growing global political and economic pressures and that this would be the spirit of an EU summit this week, Reuters reports.

I am convinced that, firstly, the world is not waiting for us - neither for us in Germany, nor for us in Europe - and secondly, more than ever we need European answers to the pressing, big questions of our time, Merkel told Germanys Bundestag lower house of parliament.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Since the beginning of the Operation Olive Branch, 1,829 terrorists have been killed in Syrias Afrin district, the Turkish General Staff said in a message Feb. 22.

In particular, 49 members of Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), Peoples Protection Units (YPG) and the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organizations were killed in Afrin on Feb. 21.

On Jan. 20, the Turkish Armed Forces, together with the Free Syrian Army, launched the Operation Olive Branch in Afrin, Syria.

F-16 fighters of the Turkish Air Force are involved in the operation, inflicting strikes on the positions of PYD/YPG on the Syrian-Turkish border.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Another funder of this work is the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a trade association affiliated with ALEC and SPN that filed anti-union briefs in Friedrichs and Janus. Why should private-sector NFIB care about public-sector unions at all? In his book The One Percent Solution: How Corporations Are Remaking America, One State at a Time, political economist Gordon Lafer quotes a 2015 NFIB blog post: Because ... if unions are dealt a blow in the public sector, private sector businesses might see decreased pressure from pro-labor forces on issues ranging from the minimum wage to paid sick leave and other employee benefits.

Lafer, a professor at the University of Oregons Labor Education and Research Center, insists the corporate money behind these institutions should not be overlooked. Who are the most serious opponents to the corporate agenda on the minimum wage, paid sick leave, health insurance and NAFTA free trade? Lafer asks. [Corporations] think they will get rid of their best-funded opponents on a whole range of issues.

DEFUNDING THE DEMOCRATS

Grover Norquist is excited about a potential Janus victory for another reason. Seven million public-sector employees who pay between $4 billion and $8 billion a year in duesa third of them will quit [paying], he told The Atlantic. Now try funding the modern Democratic Party without union duesgood luck.

While fair share fees do not directly fund union political activity, any loss of funding could weaken a unions organizational capacity, ultimately undercutting electoral clout. According to FollowTheMoney.org, unions contributed an estimated $602 million to state and federal races and ballot initiatives in 2016. Slightly more than half of that ($319 million) came from public-sector unions. In 2016, labor was the largest contributor to state-level Democratic candidates, accounting for at least 18 percent ($128.7 million) of their total fundraising. Unions also mobilize their workers as persuasive door knockers at election time who can explain who they are and what they fight for.

Research by academics like Columbias Hertel-Fernandez suggests that the erosion of public-sector union membership by ALEC bills has also dampened political participation. His most recent study, based on data from 1980 to 2016, shows that right-to-work laws decrease Democratic presidential vote share by 3.5 percent and depress overall turnout.

behind closed doors

It would be imprudent for Bradley or SPN to be as blunt as Norquist in public (given their tax-exempt status as charitable organizations), but internal Bradley and SPN documents are clear about their goal of bleeding the Democratic Party of funding.

Norquist has long described unions, public-sector workers and trial lawyers as the funding pillars of the Democratic Party. In internal documents prepared for its board of directors, Bradley staff channels Norquist and recommends continued funding for the NRTDLF because big Labor and trial attorneys  are the two principal funding pillars of the Left. Bradley has gifted the anti-affirmative action Center for Individual Rights, which represented the Friedrichs plaintiffs, with more than $1.5 million.

Materials prepared for the Bradley board track Friedrichs and the cases leading up to it. A map from the pro-worker Economic Policy Institute is included to show states that allow fair share fees, annotated to show the potential monetary losses for unions at $500 million to $1 billion per year. Bradley staff quote the leftist In These Times, which characterized Friedrichs as a case that could decimate public-sector unions.

Another case leading up to Janus was Bain v. California Teachers Association, which attacked the way the union processed political fees. Bradley staff called Bain and Friedrichs combined a powerful one-two punch against unions, predicting that all that would remain to fund the unions political apparatus would be the hardcore teacher members.

For Bradley, the anti-union work was a twofer. Bradley has long been a proponent of the privatization of Americas schools; Americas public school teachers and powerful teachers unions stand in the way. Internal documents show Bradley staff bluntly advocating projects to defund teachers unions and achieve real education reform at the same time.

Teachers unions are at the heart of all this, says Harvards Theda Skocpol. Teachers exist in every community across the country. They are educated, they speak up, and they care about public schools. Break the teachers unions and you break the organizational power that exists in and around the Democratic Party at the state and local level.

In an April 2016 fundraising letter obtained by the Center for Media and Democracy and published in the Guardian, SPN CEO Tracie Sharpe asks her readers to help strike a major blow to the Lefts ability to control government.

I am writing you today to share with you our bold plans to permanently break the power of unions this year. ... I am talking about the kind of dramatic reforms weve seen in recent years in Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and now West Virginiafreeing teachers and other government workers from coercive unionismand spreading them across the nation.  Im talking about permanently depriving the Left from access to millions of dollars in dues extracted from unwilling union members every election cycle.

SPNs secret union-busting toolkit even celebrates this February 2016 quote from a Wisconsin AFSCME leader talking about the devastating impact of Walkers Act 10 bill: Do we have less boots on the ground? Yeah. Do we give the same amount of money to candidates? No.

The Freedom Foundation in Olympia, Wash.a featured and feted SPN memberhas been equally explicit in its fundraising letters. One 2014 letter obtained by the Guardian reads, The Freedom Foundation has a proven plan for bankrupting and defeating government unions through education, litigation, legislation and community activation.

A Freedom Foundation-produced brochure, titled Undue Influence: Public Unions Cycle of Power, Electioneering, shows multiple charts and graphs on union spending in campaigns and elections. The graph Democrats Dependence on Union Funds lists 31 Washington state Democratic legislators and their union campaign contributions. The accompanying text argues that the problem associated with union electioneering could be solved by weakening unions and eliminating fair share fees.

SPN member groups have also cited their union-busting efforts as key to electing Trump. The Wall Street Journal profiled Tracie Sharpe in a post-election puff piece on its editorial page, titled The Spoils of the Republican State Conquest. She tells the paper that Wisconsin and Michigan were only thinly blue and that the destruction of the states unions has put the GOP on better footing. When you chip away at one of the power sources, that also does a lot of get-out-the-vote, Sharpe chirped. I think that helpsfor sure.

Unions lost 136,000 members in Wisconsin; Trump won by 23,000 votes. Did the labor reforms enacted in Wisconsin and neighboring Michigan help Donald Trump win those states? asks Norquist associate Matt Patterson in the Daily Signal. No question in my mind. Hard to fight when your bazookas been replaced by a squirt gun.

Most of the groups pursuing this agenda, including Bradley and SPN, are tax-exempt charitable groups. After Citizens United ushered in a surge of dark money groups, the Obama administrations IRS attempted to distinguish real charitable organizations from false ones, only to have the effort shut down by tremendous blowback from the Right. Ever since, the IRS has been reluctant to take action on these kinds of issues.

There is simply no basis in law to find that defunding or attacking unions is a tax-exempt charitable activity, says attorney Marcus Owen, former director of the IRSs exempt organizations division. On the contrary, such actions are deeply infused with private benefit to employer interests and political party interestsbut not with community or public benefit, which is required under the law.

DEGRADATION OF CRITICAL SERVICES

The Democratic Party is not the only loser in this scenario; real harm will be done to U.S. workers and their families. Following World War II, unions expanded dramatically, representing 35 percent of the workforce at their peak in the mid-1950s and helping to usher in an era of shared prosperity. According to the Economic Policy Institute, unionized workers make 20 percent more, on average, than other workers, but their ranks have shrunk to 6.5 percent of private-sector workers and 34.4 percent of public-sector workers in 2017. This decline has exactly tracked the decline of the American middle class.

The attack on public-sector workers is also an attack on women and African Americans, groups disproportionally represented in public-sector unions. According to a National Womens Law Center analysis, women make up 55 percent of union-represented public-sector workers, and a 2010 analysis from the Center for Economic and Policy Research shows that African Americans are 30 percent more likely than the overall workforce to hold public-sector jobs.

One silver-lining argument contends that an adverse Janus ruling presents an opportunity for unions to simply do their job better: Talk to every member, innovate on services and benefits, and do the kind of deep organizing needed to outmaneuver wealthier opponents. The data from Wisconsin, however, is not encouraging. Five years after Walkers draconian Act 10 bill, Wisconsins union membership rate had dropped from 14.2 percent to 8.3 percent of the workforce. The impact of Janus would be less immediate but would snowball over time: Weaker, less effective unions have a harder time attracting members.

If fair share fees are struck down, it simply wont be possible to provide the expertise to bargain with employers to increase wages and benefits, says John Matthews, the retired executive director of Madison Teachers Inc., a National Education Association affiliate in Wisconsin.

The erosion of public-sector unions means that public-sector jobs will pay less and become less attractive, degrading not just a source of good jobs but the critical public functions these workers serve. The average annual salary and benefits for teachers in Wisconsin dropped by $10,843 after Act 10 was passed, a 12.6 percent reduction. The result has been a staggering shortage of teachers, including an extreme shortage in math and science, forcing the states independent Department of Education to reluctantly issue emergency teachers licenses.

For the most part, the right-wing machines deeply financed, organized and focused attack on workers has rolled its agenda through without meaningful resistance from Democrats. To be sure, in Wisconsin, the union-busting plan was met with one of the largest sustained mass protests in labor history and a 16-day occupation of the Capitol. Fourteen Democratic state senators even fled to Illinois to block a vote on Act 10. But too often, the Democratic Party has been asleep at the switch. First Jimmy Carter, then Bill Clinton, then Barack Obama failed to pass a national card check programa measure that would have made forming a union as easy as signing a postcardwhile their party controlled both houses of Congress.

If the Janus verdict goes against public-sector unions, the great challenge for Democrats will not merely be one of funding, but one of leadership. Who will step up to push for the renewal of trade unions, not just for the partys political future, but for a country that cannot progress toward economic and social justice without a prosperous and muscular labor movement?

Mary Bottari is the deputy director of the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD). She helped launch CMDs award-winning ALEC Exposed investigation in 2011 and is a recipient of the Hillman Prize for investigative journalism.

This story was supported by the Leonard C. Goodman Institute for Investigative Reporting. David Armiak and Elena Sucharetza provided research assistance.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 22

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Turkey successfully tested engines for home-manufactured ANKA drones, the research center of the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) announced in its report on Feb. 22.

According to the TAI, mass production of the engines will be launched in the shortest time.

Earlier, Turkey finished development of an engine for the home-produced ANKA drones.

From 2011 the production of mobile outposts that have proved useful in fights against the militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), and also the handguns Canik TP9, unmanned aircraft ANKA and other military equipment has been set up in Turkey within the framework of the strengthening of the domestic defense industry.

Turkey is also developing a domestic military laser system.

Earlier, the trials of the domestic-made long-range surface-to-surface missiles have also been conducted in Turkey.

The new rocket, named KAAN was launched from a firing ground in the province of Sinop in the north of Turkey and having flown 280 kilometers in the given direction, fell in the Black Sea.

The KAAN rocket system, produced by the company "Roketsan", was first demonstrated at the International Defense Industry Fair IDEF-2017 in Istanbul.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Turkey on Thursday strongly condemned the Dutch parliament's motion recognizing Armenian allegations of "genocide" during 1915 events, Anadolu reports.

"We strongly condemn the decision of the Netherlands' House of Representatives today to recognize the 1915 events as 'genocide'," Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Describing the Dutch parliament's decision as "baseless", the ministry said the decision has no place in either history or justice. "Therefore, it has no legal binding or validity," it added.

It further said "Turkey's position regarding 1915 events is based on historical facts and principle of law."

Turkey's position on the events of 1915 is that deaths of Armenians in eastern Anatolia in 1915 occurred after some sided with invading Russians and revolted against Ottoman forces. A subsequent relocation of Armenians resulted in numerous casualties.

Ankara does not accept the alleged "genocide", but acknowledges there were casualties on both sides during World War I.

Turkey objects to the presentation of the incidents as genocide but describes the 1915 events as a tragedy for both sides.

Ankara has repeatedly proposed the creation of a joint commission of historians from Turkey and Armenia plus international experts to tackle the issue.
President Donald Trump during a meeting on Wednesday endorsed the idea of teachers in the United States carrying concealed guns and having gun-free zones near schools to prevent mass shootings, Sputnik reported.

"Its called concealed carry, where a teacher would have a concealed gun on them, theyd go through special training and they would be there  and you would no longer have a gun free zone," Trump said during a meeting at the White House with people impacted by school shootings. "If you had a teacher who is in depth with firearms, they could very well end the attack very quickly."

Donald Trump also said that the United States will start conducting strong background checks on gun purchases that emphasize peoples mental health.

We are going to be very strong on background checks, well be doing very strong background checks, very strong emphasis on mental health, Trump said on Wednesday during the meeting.

Last week's shooting at the Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, was among the deadliest in US history. The February 14 attack saw Nikolas Cruz, a 19-year-old former student of the school, use an AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifle to mow down his victims. Local authorities said Cruz purchased the assault rifle legally around one year before the incident.
US Customs and Border Protection said in a press release on Wednesday that it has started construction of a 2.25-mile wall that will replace a stretch of fence on the US border with Mexico, Sputnik reported.

"The area of the border wall replacement will be an approximately 2.25-mile section replaced with 30-foot high bollard style wall," the release said on Wednesday. "The El Centro Sector wall replacement is one of Border Patrols highest priority projects. [The fence] in this area was built in the 1990s out of recycled scraps of metal and old landing mat."

US Customs and Border Protection explained that the El Centro Sector is a high-intensity area of illicit immigration and drug trafficking.

Last year, Customs and Border Protection agents captured 18,633 illegal aliens, seized 5,554 pounds of marijuana, 483 pounds of cocaine and 1,526 pounds of methamphetamine and 2,521 ounces of heroin.

The El Centro Sector is located in the southern portion of the US state of California in the Imperial Valley and four border patrol stations are responsible for covering 70 miles of the border.

Constructing the wall on the US border with Mexico has been President Donald Trump's signature pledge on the campaign trail and during his presidency. Shortly after taking office in January of 2017, Trump signed an executive order to initiate the border wall project.
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KYODO NEWS - Feb 22, 2018 - 19:18 | All, World

Japanese and Russian economic ministers agreed Thursday to prioritize cooperation in lifting productivity using information technology to move ahead with their broader economic ties ahead of a summit expected in May.

Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko said at the outset of a meeting with his counterpart Maxim Oreshkin in Tokyo that the economic cooperation package proposed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2016 was an "important cornerstone of Japan-Russian ties."

"We have agreed to provide support to realize the individual projects toward the planned summit" between Abe and President Vladimir Putin, Seko said in a press conference after their talks. Seko doubles as minister for economic cooperation with Russia.

Abe is likely to meet Putin when he is expected to attend an economic forum in St. Petersburg in May.

Oreshkin hailed progress in the talks on bilateral cooperation, saying at the press conference that the two countries will act on the matters discussed.

It was the second working group gathering involving high-level officials from the relevant ministries of both countries, following the inaugural one in November 2016 in Moscow.

Tokyo has sought to bolster economic ties with Moscow based on an eight-point package in an attempt to create a favorable environment to settle a territorial dispute over a group of islands off Hokkaido that were seized by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II.

The eight points include cooperation in the medical field, energy development, industry promotion in the Russian Far East and personnel exchanges.
Yellowstone tour guide man

Mendenhall Olga/Shutterstock

A treasure estimated to be worth $2 million may be hidden somewhere in the Rocky Mountains.

Millionaire Forrest Fenn said he hid a chest filled with gold and valuables somewhere in the mountains in 2010.

He's since provided a number of clues to the treasure's location in a poem.

At least four people have died searching for the treasure.



The ongoing search for hidden riches in the Rockies has reportedly claimed another life.

Montana station KULR TV reported 53-year-old Jeff Murphy fell to his death while hunting for Forrest Fenn's hidden treasure in Yellowstone over the summer.

Fenn, a millionaire, art dealer, and former fighter pilot, said he hid an assortment of gold and valuables in a bronze chest somewhere in the Rocky Mountains in 2010. The treasure has been estimated to be worth about $2 million.

Fenn said he's given nine clues to the treasure's location, in the form of a poem advising the reader to "begin it where warm waters halt." He's also published two books, "The Thrill of the Chase" and "Too Far to Walk," which include a map featuring New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.

Thousands have trekked into the wilderness of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana to seek it out.

Murphy was one such searcher. The husband and father of two was described in his obituary as a world traveler, hiker, and photographer. His wife reported him missing on June 8, 2017. His body was found the next day. Murphy apparently lost his footing while hiking up Turkey Pen Peak and fell 500 feet. His death was ruled an accident.

MAP

Google Maps

But Murphy's death isn't the only one that's been linked to the quest for treasure.

Grandfather and Colorado resident Randy Bilyeu vanished in January 2016, while scouring the wilderness of northern New Mexico for Fenn's treasure. His skeletal remains were found along the Rio Grande in July 2016. The Denver Post reported that his cause of death couldn't be determined.

Story continues

Colorado pastor Paris Wallace's family told authorities he journeyed to New Mexico in order to seek out the secret cache, The Denver Post reported. According to the Forth Worth Star-Telegram, the 52-year-old's body was found not far from his car on June 18, 2017.

Forrest Fenn treasure

Forrest FennEric Ashby moved to Colorado in April 2016 to find the treasure, according to NBC. He was rafting along the Arkansas River with a group on June 28, 2017 when the vessel overturned. Ashby never resurfaced, and the three people with him did not call the authorities. They were summoned by a third party witness. The Canon City Daily Record reported that the 31-year-old's body was found July 28, 2017, and identified through DNA.

In response to the deaths, authorities have called on Fenn to put a halt to the search. He has declined to, but urged searchers to take safety precautions. He's also noted that people shouldn't look anywhere that an 80-year-old man couldn't feasibly hide a heavy bronze chest.

The Albuquerque Journal reported that Murphy's wife Erica said she didn't blame Fenn for her husband's death, and that he "wouldn't have wanted to hinder anyone" from searching for the hidden treasure.

NOW WATCH: Divers just discovered rare Roman treasure thats been hiding for the last 1,600 years

See Also:

SEE ALSO: There's a fortune hidden somewhere in the Rocky Mountains, and this millionaire is the only one who knows where it is

DON'T MISS: A millionaire who hid a fortune in the Rockies explains how he views money and happiness after 86 years
What's in the Cards for Windstream (WIN) in Q4 Earnings? Windstream (WIN) is likely to gain from improving sales, cost cutting and pricing-initiative plans, SD-WAN and cloud suite in Q4. Access line losses are likely to hurt.

Windstream WIN is slated to report fourth-quarter 2017 results on Feb 22, before market open. Based in Arkansas, the company is a leading rural local exchange carrier in the United States.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $1.49 billion, reflecting year-over-year improvement of 13.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at a loss of 39 cents per share, indicating year-over-year growth of 23.5%.

Meanwhile, the company has a negative earnings surprise history. Earnings lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the previous four quarters, with an average miss of 57.0%.

Lets see how things are shaping up for this announcement.

Factors Likely to Influence Q4 Earnings

We appreciate Windstreams focus on improving sales, cutting costs and pricing initiatives, which are expected to boost profitability and check churn. Meanwhile, the company is seeking diversification from legacy telecom services to more business, enterprise, and wholesale opportunities. To meet this end, Windstream has made a significant financial investment to upgrade the companys network and product portfolio, including significant advances in software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) capabilities and a new Cloud Core architecture. Additionally, the acquisitions of EarthLink and Broadview have also played a major role in boosting the companys SD-WAN and cloud suite.

The launch of a multi-featured SD-WAN solution and its cloud-to-cloud disaster recovery management solutions should rake in considerable profits. Expansion of its metro fiber network business in newer areas and its aim to extend the deployment of G.fast technologies over traditional copper telephone wires bode well.

The company announced SDN-enabled multi-vendor services partnerships with Ciena Corporation CIEN, Infinera Corporation INFN and Coriant in the MEF17 Proof of Concept showcase. MEF17 focuses on advancing Third-Network connectivity and cloud services for the digital economy & the hyper-connected world.

Story continues

However, in the past three months, Windstream has not performed well. The stock price has declined 35.5%, underperforming the industrys gain of 5.3% in the said time frame.

Moreover, Windstream has been losing access lines, thanks to pricing pressure and fierce competition. The company is under pressure due to losses in the wholesale business. Being a local exchange carrier, Windstream is exposed to stringent regulatory measures by the Federal Communications Commission as well as state regulations.

Further, continuous investments in technology and network upgrades may dent the companys earnings. Outdated network equipment has been the primary reason for discontinuation of the DSL (digital subscriber line) service in CLEC (competitive local exchange carrier) territories across 25 states.

Despite managements efforts to modify financial profile, we are concerned about Windstreams highly leveraged balance sheet.

Earnings Whispers

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Windstream is likely to beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate this quarter. This is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. Unfortunately, that is not the case here as elaborated below.

Zacks ESP: Windstream has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. This is because both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at a loss of 39 cents. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before theyre reported with the Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks Rank: Windstream has a Zacks Rank #3, which increases the predictive power of ESP. However, the companys 0.00% ESP makes surprise prediction difficult.

We caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Sell rated) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.

Windstream Holdings, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

Windstream Holdings, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Windstream Holdings, Inc. Quote

Stock to Consider

SBA Communications SBAC from the broader Computer and Technology sector has the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat in fourth-quarter 2017 on Feb 23. The company has an Earnings ESP of +7.80% and carries a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The companys sales for fourth-quarter 2017 and first-quarter 2018 are estimated to increase 5% and 6.4%, respectively.

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FILE PHOTO: The logo of Barclays is seen on the top of one of its branches in Madrid, Spain, March 22, 2016. REUTERS/Sergio Perez/File Photo

By Lawrence White and Emma Rumney

LONDON (Reuters) - Barclays PLC showed its confidence in future earnings on Thursday by restoring its full dividend, despite lacklustre investment banking income, restructuring costs and U.S. tax reforms hitting the bank's 2017 bottom line.

Shares in the British bank were up 5.1 percent to 212 pence at 1043 GMT, sending Barclays to the top of the FTSE index risers after it said it would resume paying its full dividend of 6.5 pence per share, which it halved in March 2016 in order to provide extra funds to pay for restructuring.

"It is our firm intent, over time, to return a greater proportion of our earnings to shareholders, both through the annual dividend and in other ways," Barclays Chief Executive Jes Staley said in a statement.

Although Barclays posted a pretax profit of 3.5 billion pounds ($4.9 billion) for 2017, up from 3.2 billion pounds a year ago, this was worse than the 4.7 billion pound average of analysts' forecasts compiled by the bank.

Those forecasts excluded conduct charges, with the bank taking a 700 million pound hit for mis-selling of payment protection insurance and a fresh 240 million pound charge relating to alleged foreign exchange manipulation.

Barclays reported a 1.9 billion pound attributable loss, after a 901 million pound tax writedown in the United States and a 2.5 billion pound loss on the sale of Barclays Africa.

But it gave no update on a Financial Conduct Authority inquiry into Staley over his attempts to unmask a whistleblower who had raised concerns about a Barclays executive.

However, it said the financial watchdog had begun a new probe into its systems and controls for the handling of customers with troubled unsecured loans. It said it could not yet estimate the financial impact of this.

PLANS IN PLACE

Barclays was the worst-performing bank in the FTSE 100 index in 2017, falling nine percent on concerns about both its investment bank and its legal and regulatory troubles.

Story continues

Staley has championed an aggressive push in investment banking that has so far largely failed to bear fruit.

Profit in the Barclays International division was down 22 percent in 2017, driven by a 4 percent fall in income from its investment bank and rising impairments, the bank said.

"We have strong plans in place to address that underperformance in 2018," Staley said.

Staley later told reporters that plans to improve the division's performance include investment in "people, technology and balance sheet," without giving further details.

The CEO's pay was down 8.5 percent from the previous year, while the bank also disclosed a gender pay gap of almost 50 percent in its International unit.

Barclays' investment bank has struggled to keep pace with U.S. peers in recent quarters, despite plans announced in October to shift some 20 billion pounds in assets from corporate lending to riskier but higher-yielding trading activities.

Chief Financial Officer Tushar Morzaria said that the bank had gained market share, with business down in dollar terms by 10 percent compared with 20 percent at its biggest U.S. rivals.

($1 = 0.7204 pounds)

(Reporting by Lawrence White and Emma Rumney; editing by Sinead Cruise and Alexander Smith)
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation PNW is likely to beat estimates when it reports fourth-quarter 2017 results on Feb 23. In the third quarter, the utility company delivered a positive earnings surprise of 5.58%.



Why Likely a Positive Surprise



A stock needs to have a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. Our model conclusively shows that Pinnacle West is likely to beat earnings this quarter as it possesses both components.



Zacks ESP: The companys Earnings ESP is +12.20%. This is because the Most Accurate estimate is 12 cents, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 10 cents.



You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before theyre reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.



Zacks Rank: Pinnacle Wests Zacks Rank #3, when combined with a positive Earnings ESP increases the possibility of a beat.



We caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Sell-rated) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.



Pinnacle West Capital Corporation Price and EPS Surprise

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | Pinnacle West Capital Corporation Quote

Factors to Consider



Pinnacle West is expected to gain from improving economic conditions in Arizona, which is likely to have a positive impact on demand.



The companys continuous investments in traditional generation, transmission & distribution lines will help it serve customers efficiently. The rate increase in August 2017 will impact fourth-quarter 2017 revenues.



The extended planned outage at Four Corners may hamper earnings in the quarter under review.



Other Stocks to Consider



Here are other players from the industry that have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.



Public Service Enterprise Group PEG has an Earnings ESP of +1.92%. It carries a Zacks Rank #3 and is expected to report fourth-quarter 2017 results on Feb 23. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Edison International EIX has an Earnings ESP of +1.44%. It carries a Zacks Rank #3 and is expected to report fourth-quarter 2017 results on Feb 22.



Eversource Energy ES will report fourth-quarter results on Feb 22. The company has an Earnings ESP of +0.66% and a Zacks Rank #3.

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Senator Bernie Sanders pinned blame Wednesday on Russias interference in the 2016 election squarely on Democrat Hillary Clintons campaign, largely reflecting President Donald Trumps repeated claims. The Vermont independent, who ran in the Democratic primary in 2016, also scuttled any notion that his campaign was aided by Russia.

During an interview with Vermont Public Radio, Sanders rebuffed Special Counsel Robert Muellers indictment of 13 Russians and three Russian entities that detailed how Russia used social media to favor the Sanders and Trump campaignsas well as othersover Clintons.

Well, ha 'Supporting my campaign?' No," Sanders said. "They were attacking Hillary Clinton's campaign using my supporters against Hillary Clinton."

Trending: Marion Marechal-Le Pen: "When The People Are Given the Opportunity to Take Their Country Back, They Will Seize It."

The expected frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 also challenged what the Clinton campaign knew and failed to act on regarding Russias actions to divide the country and disseminate false information to voters.

The real question to be asked is what was the Clinton campaign [doing about Russian interference]? They had more information about this than we did, Sanders said.

GettyImages-912436440

Getty Images/Pete Marovich

Sanders also told the public radio station that toward the end of the 2016 election cycle one of his campaign volunteers had notified Clintons campaign about a particular Facebook page.

"A guy who was on my staff  checked it out and he went to the Clinton campaign, and he said, You know what? I think these guys are Russians, Sanders said.

Don't miss: Russia Wants U.S. To Join It In Bombing Ghouta and Winning The War For Assad in Syria

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However, later his former campaign manager, Jeff Weaver, claimed that Sanders had no direct knowledge of Russian interference and instead based his assertion on a recent news article. A former Clinton campaign aide denied that they had ever been contacted about Russian interference by the Sanders camp.

Seeking to clarify his remarks, Sanders later insisted to Politico that Russias efforts, at the behest of President Vladimir Putin, deserved unconditional condemnation.

Let there be no confusion about my view. What the Russians did in the 2016 election cycle deserves unconditional condemnation, Sanders' statement read. That includes all of their conductwhether it was active support of any candidate or active opposition to any candidate or the decision to no go after a candidate as a way of hurting or helping another campaign.

Sanders also pointed out that almost everyone had condemned Russia over its meddling, except for Trump.

Still, Sanders' comments echoed some of Trumps accusations against former President Barack Obama, the Democratic National Committee and Clinton about perceived inaction after learning of Russian interference.

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By the way, if Russia was working so hard on the 2016 Election, it all took place during the Obama Admin. Why didn't they stop them? Trump tweeted in June.

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Also in June, Trump called out Obama and Clinton: The reason that President Obama did NOTHING about Russia after being notified by the CIA of meddling is that he expected Clinton would win.

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Trump also tweeted in May: When will the Fake Media ask about the Dems dealings with Russia & why the DNC wouldn't allow the FBI to check their server or investigate?

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This article was first written by Newsweek

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Bill Gates has paid over $10 billion in taxes but says he should pay more

Billionaire Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is worth an estimated $91.8 billion , and he pays billions in taxes to the federal government. But he says he should be paying even more.

"I need to pay higher taxes," he told CNN's Fareed Zakaria during a recent interview. "I've paid more taxes, over $10 billion, than anyone else, but the government should require people in my position to pay significantly higher taxes."

Gates' comments came on the heels of a criticism of 2017's GOP tax reform.

"It was not a progressive tax bill, it was a regressive tax bill," he told Zakaria. "People who are wealthier tend to get dramatically more benefits than the middle class or those who are poorer. It runs counter to the general trend you'd like to see, where the safety net is getting stronger and those at the top are paying higher taxes."

Fellow billionaire Warren Buffett agrees. "I don't think I need a tax cut," Buffett told CNBC regarding reform efforts.

Buffett, who's worth an estimated $87.2 billion , specifically spoke out about the estate tax, which is levied on assets transferred from one person to another at the time of death. He said eliminating it would be a " terrible mistake " because the current system in America vastly favors the rich.

In theory, he could leave billions each to his children and grandchildren, who wouldn't have to pay taxes to inherit it. "If they were lucky enough to come out of the right womb and have the right name, Buffett, they could build tombs for themselves like Egyptian pharaohs never dreamed of," he said.

"I sure don't think it's good for a society where there's a ton of inequality to start with. I think that's a terrible mistake," he added.

In the end, the estate tax wasn't fully repealed , but it was furthered scaled back.

Left to their own devices, Gates and Buffett use their funds to give back in other ways. In 2010, the duo partnered up on The Giving Pledge , through which ultra-wealthy individuals commit to giving away at least half of their wealth to charitable causes.

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Alongside his wife, Gates also works full time on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation , which spends more than $4 billion per year fighting disease, improving education, distributing vaccines and battling wealth inequality across the globe.

"Even before we got married, we talked about how we would eventually spend a lot of time on philanthropy," Gates wrote in the couple's 10th annual letter describing the foundation's charity work.

"We think that's a basic responsibility of anyone with a lot of money. Once you've taken care of yourself and your children, the best use of extra wealth is to give it back to society."

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By Anthony Boadle

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's defence minister said on Thursday that Boeing, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX and other U.S. aerospace companies have expressed interest in launching rockets from its Alcantara military base near the equator and visited the site in December.

"They were very impressed," Defence Minister Raul Jungmann told reporters. "They showed interest, but I can't say whether it will materialize."

Alcantara's location makes it attractive because one-fifth less fuel is used to launch satellites into orbit along the equator compared with sites farther north or south.

Besides SpaceX, Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) and Boeing Co (BA.N), the Alcantara visit included smaller aerospace U.S. companies Vector Space Systems, which launches small satellites, and Microcosm, which focuses on providing low-cost access to space, an organizer of the trip said.

Rubens Barbosa, a former Brazilian ambassador to the United States who organised the visit to the base, said the U.S. companies were eager to use the Alcantara site.

However, Elon Musk's SpaceX, fresh off the successful launch this month of the world's most powerful rocket, said the comments were not correct.

Reports that SpaceX is interested in launching from Brazil are inaccurate, spokesman John Taylor said in a statement.

Lockheed Martin and Vector Space Systems did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Boeing said it sent two executives to visit the base.

"Boeing sees this as an exciting time in the space industry as we build rockets for launch, test new spaceships, and develop innovative technologies for keeping humans alive on orbit in deep space," the world's top planemaker said.

"International partnerships will play an important role in making that a reality, and we look forward to Brazil's participation," Boeing said in a statement.

Boeing is currently seeking to buy Brazil's Embraer (EMBR3.SA), the world's third largest commercial plane maker and the main player in the country's aerospace industry.

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American companies will not be able to launch rockets from Brazil until the South American country signs a Technology Safeguards Agreement (TSA) with Washington to protect U.S. intellectual property.

A previous attempt to do so in 2000 was scuttled by the leftist government of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva when he took power in 2003 and has never been ratified by Congress.

Brazilian lawmakers are expected to approve a new TSA that is now being negotiated with the United States.

Jungmann said in addition to U.S. companies that China, Russia, France and Israel were interested in a partnership with Brazil to use the Alcantara site. Brazil envisions multiple users for the base.

"I think we could setup five launch platforms," Jungmann said.

A variety of countries have worked with Brazil on space issues. Over the past two decades, China has put up five small satellites that Brazil uses to observe agriculture, the environment and the destruction of Amazon rainforest.

Brazil abandoned plans to build its own rockets after an explosion and fire in 2003 at Alcantara killed 21 people.

Brazil then turned to the Ukraine to provide space technology but cancelled the deal in 2015 after the former Soviet Union republic's financial problems left it unable to provide rockets as promised.

(Reporting by Anthony Boadle in Brasilia; Additional reporting by Brad Brooks in Sao Paulo; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Broadcom lowers bid for Qualcomm to $79 per share, down from $82 per share

Broadcom is now offering Qualcomm $79 per share, down from $82 per share.

Qualcomm last week rejected the $82 per share deal, which lead director Tom Horton said was "just not even close to what the value of the company is."

Broadcom CEO Hock Tan had previously said a merger between Qualcomm and NXP Semiconductors would lower the value of the company.

Broadcom AVGO lowered its bid for Qualcomm QCOM on Wednesday to $79 per share  down from $82 per share  in light of a possible deal between Qualcomm and NXP Semiconductors NXPI .

Qualcomm last week rejected the $82 per share deal, which lead director Tom Horton said was "just not even close to what the value of the company is."

Broadcom CEO Hock Tan had previously said a merger between Qualcomm and semiconductor company NXP would lower the value of the company.

"Broadcom believes that a responsible Qualcomm board could have preserved value by following [proxy advisor Institutional Shareholder Services'] clear recommendation to work with Broadcom on the NXP transaction and negotiate the sale of Qualcomm to Broadcom," Broadcom said in a statement .

"Instead Qualcomm's board acted against the best interests of its stockholders by unilaterally transferring excessive value to NXP's activist stockholders. Despite this direct value transfer, Broadcom remains committed to delivering a value-maximizing offer to Qualcomm stockholders," the statement added.

All other terms of the deal remain, including $8 billion in proposed break-up fees , Broadcom said.

The new offer would return the $3 per share if Qualcomm and NXP failed to complete their deal.

Qualcomm raised its bid for NXP to $127.50 on Tuesday, partially in an effort to help fend off Broadcom's bid .

Broadcom has nominated six members to the Qualcomm board, constituting a majority of the 11-person board, to be voted on in March when Qualcomm holds its annual meeting.

"Broadcom remains confident that Qualcomm's stockholders will continue to support its proposal to acquire Qualcomm, and looks forward to concluding a transaction with this Qualcomm board of directors, or the newly elected Qualcomm board following its annual meeting," the company said.

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Qualcomm did not immediately return a CNBC request for comment.





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Time to Buy the Beaten-Down Emerging Market ETFs? Some investors are rotating out of earlier high flying technology stocks into cheap emerging markets.

A successful investor understands the importance of adding well-performing stocks in the portfolio at the right time. Notably, indicators of a stocks bullish run include a rise in share price and strong fundamentals.

Cisco Systems Inc. CSCO is one such technology stock that has been on healthy growth trajectory, of late. The companys shares have returned 29.3% year over year, outperforming the 28.1% rally of the industry.

Lets delve deeper and take a look at some of the factors aiding the performance.

Positive Earnings Surprise History

Cisco has an impressive earnings surprise history. The company outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, delivering a positive earnings surprise of 2.9%.

Further, it has a long-term expected EPS growth rate of 5%.

Upward Estimate Revisions

In the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ciscos current year witnessed upward revisions. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year is pegged at $2.51 per share compared with $2.46 per share projected 30 days ago.

Valuation Looks Impressive

On the valuation front too, the stock looks attractive. The company currently trades at a forward P/E multiple of 19.9x, significantly lower than the Zacks industrys average of 25.4x. The ratio, which is obtained by dividing a stocks current market price with its historical or estimated earnings, measures how much an investor needs to shell out per dollar of earnings. Consequently, the lower the P/E of a stock, the better it is for a value investor.

Q2 Upbeat

Cisco delivered second-quarter fiscal 2018 non-GAAP earnings of 63 cents per share beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 59 cents. Further, the figure increased 6 cents from the year-ago quarter of 57 cents.

Revenues increased 3% year over year to $11.887 billion and marginally surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11.817 billion. Acquisitions contributed 80 basis points (bps) to revenue growth in the quarter. Security, Infrastructure Platforms and Applications revenues increased in the quarter.

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Management also provided positive top-line guidance for third-quarter fiscal 2018 based on order strength and improving traction of the subscription-based model.

For third-quarter fiscal 2018, revenues are projected to increase 3-5% on a year-over-year basis. Non-GAAP earnings are anticipated between 64 cents and 66 cents per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 62 cents, while that for revenues is at $12.18 billion.

Other Driving Factors

During the quarter, the company closed its previously announced acquisition of BroadSoft for $1.9 billion. The planned buyout of Broadsoft will boost the company's recurring revenue base.

Cisco also completed the acquisition of Skyport Systems during the quarter.

The company also witnessed enhanced product adoption. The majority of the companies including the likes of Ameritas and Orange selected Cisco to improve IT security, and enhance work processes and automation.

The company also announced various product innovations and partnership programs during the quarter. With emphasis on multicloud, the company announced its HyperFlex platform and Container Platform, which is expected to further expand product portfolio. The company is also reportedly working on a hyperconnected car in collaboration with Hyundai, which will help it in penetrating the smart-vehicle solutions market.

We believe that Ciscos expanding footprint in the rapidly growing security market looks promising. The companys security solutions continue to add customers. Additionally, the companys partnerships with Viacom VIAB, Alphabets GOOGL division Google and Alibaba BABA will help Cisco gain significant traction in the cloud and IoT space in the long run.

Ciscos extended partnerships with the likes of Apple, IBM and Microsoft are also likely to bolster growth, particularly in the cloud and IoT. Moreover, Cisco joined forces with Aon and Allianz to provider better cyber risk management solutions for business, which is another positive for the company.

Bottom Line

Looking at these positives, we believe that Cisco is one technology stock that deserves a place in investors portfolio.

Consequently, investing in this stock can yield returns in the short term.

Zacks Rank

Cisco carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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Pam Codispoti

JPMorgan Chase

Pam Codispoti created the now-legendary Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, and now she runs JPMorgan Chase's expanding retail branch network.

The bank is adding 400 new branches over the next five years and hiring more than 4,000 new employees.

In a recent interview, we asked Codispoti what she looks for in hiring new talent.

She said adaptability, as well as the capacity and willingness to continually learn, are paramount at JPMorgan Chase.



Business Insider recently spoke with Pam Codispoti, the JPMorgan Chase exec responsible for creating the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card that became a sensation, about millennials, myths, and the other challenges she'll confront in her next job.

After her success running branded cards at JPMorgan, Codispoti was promoted back in October to run the banking giant's retail branch network. Unlike the many banks that are scaling back their brick-and-mortar presence, JPMorgan is making a contrarian bet and expanding its physical bank presence with 400 new locations in the next five years.

Codispoti will be guiding the expansion, and all those new branches mean she'll be overseeing a lot of hiring  the new locations will require more than 4,000 new employees  as well in her new role.

So what does Codispoti look for when she's hiring new talent? Adaptability, as well as the capacity and willingness to continually learn, are paramount, she told Business Insider.

"I look for the potential of someone to be a great business athlete," Codispoti said. "So that if we bring them into the firm, they're going to succeed in whatever role it is that they're going to be in  whether it's a field role, a marketing role, a financial and analysis role  that they have the potential to learn and to develop and take on new positions."

She used her own career trajectory as an example. She started with a strategy background, spent 12 years at American Express before jumping to JPMorgan Chase's branded cards division, and now after three years at the bank she's in a completely different line of business.

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"I like the idea of bringing in folks like my own career progression who can move around to lots of different things," Codispoti said.

She continued: "Really folks that have a growth mindset  they're constant learners. They are willing to try things and take risks, both from a calculated risk from a business perspective and a career perspective. They're open to new things. People that are bold and welcome challenges. Those are some of the things we look for."

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Ford announced the departure of its Executive Vice President and North America president Raj Nair on Tuesday, following an internal probe that found his behavior to be inconsistent with the companys code of conduct.

The Michigan-based automotive giant did not elaborate on what kind of allegations prompted the internal investigation into the executives behavior, but the press statement carrying the announcement included Nairs apologies.

I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviors consistent with the principles that the Company and I have always espoused, the executive said in the statement.

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Nair, who was appointed to the role in May, is set to lose almost $5 million worth of Ford shares which would have been paid out if he had stayed in his role until May 2020, according to Reuters.

02_22_Nair

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

A few months after Nair's appointment, the company agreed to pay up to $10,125 million to settle a sex and race harassment investigation led by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

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The EEOC found reasonable cause to believe that personnel at two Ford facilities in the Chicago area, the Chicago Assembly Plant and the Chicago Stamping Plant, had subjected female and African-American employees to sexual and racial harassment," the federal agency wrote in a statement about the case date August 15. "The EEOC also found that the company retaliated against employees who complained about the harassment or discrimination.

Another sexual harassment lawsuit filed three years ago against the company concerning the two Chicago plants is currently making its way through the court system. Tonya Exum, Christie Van and Miyoshi Morris, three women who are current and former employees at the facilities, detailed the harassment suffered at the hands of their supervisors and union representatives at the Chicago City Council's Finance Committee on Tuesday, as the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

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Exum, Van and Morris were some of the women who shared their experiences of intimidation, bullying and groping at the Ford plants with The New York Times in December, as the publication that first reported on the Harvey Weinstein scandala watershed moment in the fight against gender-based violence and discrimination that launched the #MeToo movement, unearthing dozens of stories of harassment and assaultturned its attention to blue-collar workplaces.

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Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett wrote an open letter in response to the Times reporting on the company, apologizing to its employees. On behalf of myself and the employees of Ford Motor Company, who condemn such behavior and regret any harassment as much as I do, I apologize. More importantly, I promise that we will learn from this and we will do better, the open letter read.

There is absolutely no room for harassment at Ford Motor Company, Hacketts letter continued. We dont want you here and we will move you out for engaging in any behavior like this.

In commenting on Nairs departure, Hackett reaffirmed the companys efforts to stamping out sexual harassment. We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration, he was quoted as saying in Tuesdays press statement. Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values.

This article was first written by Newsweek

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Kumar Galhotra

Ford

Ford has promoted Kumar Galhotra to run its all-important North America business.

The move comes one day after the Ford veteran Raj Nair resigned as the company's North America head amid allegations of inappropriate conduct.

Galhotra is a 29-year Ford veteran who had served as chief marketing officer and was leading the comeback of the Lincoln brand.



One day after Raj Nair, Ford's North America president, abruptly resigned from the company amid allegations of inappropriate behavior, the automaker has moved rapidly to stabilize the leadership of its most important market.

Ford announced Thursday that Kumar Galhotra, who was promoted to be chief marketing officer last year, would take over as group vice president and president for the US and Canada unit.

In a statement, CEO Jim Hackett said Ford was "very fortunate to have an experienced and committed executive team in place driving every day to significantly strengthen our business while building toward our vision of becoming the worlds most trusted mobility company, designing smart vehicles for a smart world."

Before becoming CMO following the departure of then-CEO Mark Fields last year, Galhotra oversaw the revival of the Lincoln luxury brand.

Like Nair, Galhotra, 52, is a Ford veteran. Nair spent three decades at the company before departing after an investigation into allegations of unacceptable personal conduct (Ford told Business Insider the allegations were not of a financial nature). Galhotra has been with the automaker for 29 years.

"Kumar is an incredibly talented executive with a special feel for product and brand. He is also a seasoned leader who knows how to drive a business transformation," Jim Farley, Fords executive vice president and president of global markets, said in a statement.

"Kumar is the right person to lead our North American business to new levels of operational fitness, product and brand excellence, and profitability."

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Additional management changes announced

Ford also announced several other management changes. Ford Credit CEO Joy Falotico will take over at Lincoln and assume Galhotra's role as CMO. David McClelland will take on Falotico's role, and Galhotra will be assisted by Stuart Rowley, who will become vice president and chief operating officer of Ford North America.

Ford's deep executive bench has been a valuable resource as the company transforms itself to address opportunities in electric cars, autonomous vehicles, and shared mobility. When Fields stepped down, Hackett was able to call on executives such as Galhotra and Nair to step up.

Nair's sudden departure after years of increasing responsibility  some observers saw him as a possible future CEO candidate  created a serious problem for the company.

The North American business drives the majority of Ford's profits, with a sales mix rich in high-margin pickup trucks and SUVs. It's critical to funding Hackett's strategy of moving Ford into emerging opportunities and ensuring what he calls the carmaker's "fitness" to be fully prepared for what comes next in an industry undergoing rapid change.

Ford shares lagged other carmakers' and the markets in 2017 and are down 16% year-to-date.

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Ford found Nair had behaved in ways 'inconsistent with companys code of conduct.'



Ford's (F) North America president Raj Nair is leaving the company, effective immediately.

The announcement follows an internal investigation into reports of inappropriate behavior, Ford said Wednesday. The inquiry determined "certain behavior by Nair was inconsistent with the company's code of conduct."

"We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration," said Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett . "Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values."

Shares of the second largest U.S. automaker were flat in after hours trading Wednesday.

Ford said it would announce Nair's replacement in the near future.

Nair joined Ford in 1987 as a body and assembly operations launch engineer, and eventually rose up the ranks to become president of Ford North America, a post he held since June 1, 2017. Prior to that, Nair was head of Ford's global product development and chief technical officer.

"I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviors consistent with the principles that the Company and I have always espoused," Nair said, in a press release. "I continue to have the utmost faith in the people of Ford Motor Company and wish them continued success in the future."

(Correction: Raj Nair has been president of Ford's North American business since June 1, 2017.)
FILE PHOTO - Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers a speech while U.S. Vice President Mike Pence listens during a banquet hosted by Abe at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, February 7, 2018. REUTERS/ Kiyoshi Ota/Pool

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday ordered his top advisory panel to consider ways to increase foreign workers to deal with the country's chronic labour shortages.

Abe also asked cabinet ministers to consider ways to limit fluctuations in consumer spending when the government raises the nationwide sales tax in 2019.

The prime minister's comments are a sign of the new policies he will try to prioritise this year to ensure that a recent run of solid economic growth remains on track.

"I want to be able to show some direction on accepting foreign workers by the summer," Abe said at a meeting of the Council of Economic and Fiscal Policy.

The government will examine visa requirements and regulations for both high-skilled and low-skilled foreign labour, a government official told reporters at a briefing.

However, the government is particularly concerned about an increase in exchange students and part-time trainees who are working illegally in low-skilled jobs in retail, construction, and agriculture, the official said.

The number of illegal workers in these industries has been growing rapidly recently, showing the government needs to do something to meet growing demand for workers, the official said.

Japan has one of the world's most rapidly shrinking and ageing population due to a declining birth rate and improved life expectancy. Labour shortages have become so pronounced that companies in retail and other services have started to shorten operating hours or scale back business operations.

The government is scheduled to raise the nationwide sales tax to 10 percent from 8 percent in 2019. The last time the sales tax was hiked in 2014, it caused big fluctuations in consumer spending and a temporary contraction in gross domestic product.

(Reporting by Stanley White; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
Only a quarter of registered voters are seeing the effects of the recently passed tax cuts in their paychecks, according to a Politico/Morning Consult poll released Wednesday. The majority of respondents  51 percent  said they havent seen a change in their take-home pay, while 24 percent said they arent sure.

Those with higher incomes were more likely to report an increase, with 40 percent of respondents with incomes over $100,000 a year saying theyve noticed a bump in the last few weeks. Only 16 percent of those earning less than $50,000 a year said theyve seen a change. Republicans were also more likely to report a take-home pay hike, at 32 percent, compared to 21 percent for Democrats and 22 percent for independents.

The differences in responses could be related to the size of the tax cuts for different income levels. Lower- and middle-income workers can expect to see relatively modest increases in their take-home pay. According to an analysis by the Tax Policy Center, Taxpayers in the bottom quintile (those with income less than $25,000) would see an average tax cut of $60, or 0.4 percent of after-tax income. Taxpayers in the middle income quintile (those with income between about $49,000 and $86,000) would receive an average tax cut of about $900, or 1.6 percent of after-tax income. Spread out across 52 or 26 paychecks, those changes could be easy to overlook, especially as health care costs continue to rise. By contrast, workers in the top quintile (over $149,400) can expect to see a tax cut worth $7,640 on average  worth nearly $300 per paycheck for those paid biweekly.

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The poll also found that the tax overhaul was supported by 45 percent of respondents, with 35 percent opposed. Those are the same results as a month ago, suggesting that the tax cuts, while supported by a plurality of voters, arent getting more popular, contrary to Tuesdays New York Times poll that showed approval for the tax overhaul rising to 51 percent. At a more general level, though, the polls are in rough agreement, showing that about half of the country now supports the GOP tax bill.

The Politico/Morning Consult poll of 1,989 registered voters was conducted from February 15 to February 19, and the results had a margin of error of plus/minus 2 percentage points.

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A Moscow bank keeps popping up in the Trump-Russia affair. Ben Schreckinger reports with the latest.

On Tuesday, Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller made another surprise indictment, this time of a London-based lawyer for allegedly lying to the FBI.

Like two of Muellers previous targets, Paul Manafort and his deputy Rick Gates, the lawyera man named Alex Van Der Zwaanhad done work for Ukraines previous, pro-Russia government, which was overthrown in a popular uprising in 2014.

And according to the indictment, the false statements in question were about communications he had in 2016 with Rick Gates and an unnamed Person A related to that work.

So on its surface, Tuesdays indictment relates solely to a single branch of Muellers investigation: Paul Manaforts dealings with the pro-Russia faction in Ukraine.

But search beyond the scant details offered in the two-page indictment and theres an intriguing link to a whole other branch of Trump-Russia inquiry: the Alfa Bank mystery.

As it so happens, Van Der Zwaan, the lawyer indicted Tuesday, is the son-in-law of Russian oligarch German Khan. Khan is a director and co-owner of Alfa Bank and one of three key leaders of its parent company, the sprawling conglomerate Alfa Group.

Those of you following along at home will remember Russias Alfa Bank popped up prominently in the Steele Dossierand figured in news reports that the FBI was investigating unexplained connections between the Trump Organization and computer servers owned by the bank.

The exact nature of the relationshipif there is onebetween Alfa Bank and Trump World, has been unclear. But with Van Der Zwaan, who pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Mueller may have quietly given us a new connection worth noting.

Heres what we know:

Van Der Zwaans father-in-law, Khan, is named in former British spy Christopher Steeles dossier in a section that deals exclusively with Alfa Bank and its relationship to Putin. In the dossier, Steele alleges that the bank and its founders remain close to the Russian president and that they continued to trade significant favours between them.

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The bank and its executives have denied the allegations in the Steele Dossier. And last May, Khanalong with two other Alfa Bank co-founders, Mikhail Fridman and Petr Avenbrought a defamation suit against BuzzFeed and several of its journalists after they published those portions of the dossier.

While the dossier didnt posit any relationship between Alfa Bank and Trump, much has been made of the mysterious communication between one of the banks computer servers and a server owned by the Trump Organization. The communication occurred at a time, during the campaign, when very few other serves in the world were trying to communicate with the Trump server. (Most of the other attempts to communicate with the Trump server during that period apparently came from a Michigan company owned by the family of Trumps future education secretary, Betsy DeVos, the sister of international-man-of-intrigue Erik Prince.)

Tech experts remain befuddled by the links between the Trump server and that of Alfa bank, and both companies have said the servers were not part of any communication backchannel and have suggested instead that the activity could be explained by spam marketing emails. But federal counterintelligence investigators have reportedly taken an interest in the activity, and the Trump Organization and Alfa Bank have never quite landed on the same page about the matter,

As of last March, CNN reported that the FBI was still scrutinizing the servers and that the companies involved have provided CNN with new explanations that at times conflict with each other and still don't fully explain what happened.

Its all a lot to wrap ones head around. In the small world of the new Russian elite, the fact of Van Der Zwaans family ties to Alfa could be coincidental. And the indictment bears no discernible relationship to the bank.

But in the fog surrounding the Mueller investigation, this latest indictment provides one more reason to keep an eye on Alfa Bank.

Ben Schreckinger is a GQ correspondent in Washington, D.C.
After Google announced earlier this month that it was going to wrap Nest back into Google's hardware operation, everyone figured we'd see a bit more overlap between the two. Sure enough, just two weeks later: the Nest Cam IQ Indoor is getting support for Google Assistant.

Nest says the app update that lets users toggle Google Assistant functionality should hit sometime today. The Nest Cam IQ already has a microphone and speaker built-in for two-way communications, so this just repurposes that existing hardware.

Once you've turned on the functionality, Google Assistant on the Cam IQ should work the same as it does on any Google Home device (minus a few things that would generally require a bigger speaker, like playing music, making phone calls, or listening to the news)  just say "OK Google" followed by your question.

It sounds like this functionality is only coming to the Cam IQ Indoor for now  so don't try barking commands at the outdoor Cam or your old Dropcams just yet.
Investors in Viacom, Inc. VIAB need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the February 23, 2018 $28.50 Put had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.



What is Implied Volatility?



Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.



What do the Analysts Think?



Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Viacom shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Viacom is a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) in the Media Conglomerates industry that ranks in the Top 27% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, seven analysts have increased their earnings estimates for the current quarter, while no analyst has dropped the estimates. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from 70 cents per share to 79 cents in that period.



Given the way analysts feel about Viacom right now, this huge implied volatility could mean theres a trade developing. Often times, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.



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The Reverend Billy Graham, perhaps the most widely heard Christian evangelical in history, died Wednesday at the age of 99 at his home in Montreat, N.C. He had been treated for cancer, pneumonia, and other ailments in recent years but died from natural causes.

His career spanned for more than six decades, preaching to more than 200 million people worldwide and ministering to several U.S. presidents including Dwight Eisenhower, Lyndon Johnson, and Bill Clinton. Queen Elizabeth II is even thought to have sought his spiritual guidance, as depicted in an episode of Netflixs period drama The Crown. President George W. Bush credits Graham for his spiritual change from a lukewarm Christian to a serious and committed evangelical. He developed strong relationships with every president since Harry Truman thanks to his spiritual counsel. Americas pastor reached millions of people through his rallies, his nearly 30 books, and his radio program Songs in the Night. Graham was the most prominent religious leader of his era, converting 3 million people to dedicate their lives to Christianity.

Check out the gallery above for photos of Billy Graham with past presidents and other influential world leaders.

See original article on Fortune.com

More from Fortune.com
Photo credit: Forza - YouTube

From Road & Track

Raj Nair, preisdent of Ford Motor Company North America, is leaving the company effective immediately over "innapropriate behavior," per a Ford statement. The decision came after an internal investigation into his conduct. Nair's replacement will be announced shortly.

"We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration," said Ford CEO Jim Hackett in a statement. "Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values."

In a statement, Nair said "I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviors consistent with the principles that the Company and I have always espoused. I continue to have the utmost faith in the people of Ford Motor Company and wish them continued success in the future."

Ford did not disclose specifics on Nair's innapropriate conduct, and when reached on the phone by Automotive News reporter Michael Martinez, Nair declined to comment.

Prior to stepping up as president of Ford North America, Nair was Ford's global chief technology officer. He played a big role in getting the new Ford GT into production and back to sports-car racing, including Ford's victorious return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans 50 years after the company's first victory there.

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Paul Manafort

Paul Manafort Credit: Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM[/caption] Robert Mueller, the special counsel, brought new charges Thursday against former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and his deputy, Rick Gates. A grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, returned a 32-count indictment that includes charges of bank fraud and tax fraud. Manafort and Gates were charged with 12 counts, including money laundering and failure to register as a foreign agent, in October. Both men pleaded not guilty, and U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson has not yet set a trial date for the case in Washington, D.C. Lawyers for Manafort and Gates did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a status report filed in the district court in Washington, D.C., lawyers for the special counsel said they were prepared to bring the new charges in D.C., but that one of the defendants would not waive his right to venue. The document did not specify which defendant it was. "If venue had been waived, the defendants would have faced a single indictment in one district, and not two indictments in adjacent districts," the document said. The new charges include 16 counts related to false individual income tax returns, seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts, five counts of bank fraud conspiracy and four counts of bank fraud. The charges allege Manafort and Gates made millions lobbying on behalf of the government of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovych and his political party, and hid the income form U.S. authorities. They disguised the income as loans and by making payments to offshore accounts, the indictment said. After Yanukovych fled Ukraine for Russia, their income declined, and the indictment claims the two men fraudulently obtained loans by failing to disclose existing debt and falsely inflating their income. Overall, the indictment said more than $75 million flowed through the offshore accounts. It alleges Manafort "used his hidden overseas wealth to enjoy a lavish lifestyle," spending millions on "luxury goods" for himself and extended family, and to purchase multi-million dollar homes. Gates used money to pay for his mortgage, children's tuition and interior decoration of his home. A spokesman for the special counsel said he did not have any information on when an arraignment will be held. Gates is due in court in D.C. Friday morning, where Jackson will hold a sealed hearing on a motion by his lawyers, Shanlon Wu of Wu, Grohovsky & Whipple, Walter Mack of Doar Rieck Kaley & Mack and Annemarie McAvoy of McAvoy Consulting, to withdraw from the case. Sidley Austin partner Tom Green, also entered an appearance in Gates' case in D.C. Thursday. Green has reportedly been working with Gates for weeks, but had yet to enter his appearance in court. Press reports earlier this week indicated Gates may switch his not guilty plea on the earlier charges, though he has yet to do so. Green did not yet respond to a request for comment. The new indictment come just days after Mueller charged Alex Van Der Zwaan, a former associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, with one count of lying to investigators. the son of a Russian oligarch named German Kahn, pleaded guilty Tuesday. Van der Zwaan admitted to lying about his communications with Gates and an unnamed person in 2016 about a 2012 report he and other Skadden lawyers worked on. The report was on the trial of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, an adversary of Manafort's client, Yanukovych. Manafort reportedly helped arrange for Skadden to conduct the report. [falcon-embed src="embed_1"] Read more:Former Skadden Associate Pleads Guilty in Mueller ProbeMueller's Team Charges Russian Nationals in US Election InterferenceDOJ's Civil Division, Citing 'Surge' in Lawsuits, Wants 22 More LawyersDOJs Political Appointees Missing as Career Lawyers Defend Mueller ProbeWhat to Know After Latest Hearing in Paul Manafort's Criminal Case
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U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission building in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi)[/caption] SAN FRANCISCO  The Securities and Exchange Commission in new guidance Wednesday urged public companies to guard against insider trading before cybersecurity breaches are disclosed and to ensure there are clear internal procedures in place to determine when a hack might be "material" to investors. The 24-page guidance, formally adopted Tuesday, is the first to be issued on cybersecurity by the SEC commissioners. The SEC staff issued a shorter guidance document in 2011 focusing primarily on how companies should disclose cyber risks and incidents, and how threats might affect their financials. The new guidance underscores how critical cyber infrastructure has become to modern business, comparing it to "the importance of electricity and other forms of power in the past century." "There is no doubt that the cybersecurity landscape and the risks associated with it continue to evolve," SEC Chairman Jay Clayton said in a statement announcing the guidance's release. He added that he has tasked the agency's Division of Corporate Finance "to carefully monitor cybersecurity disclosures as part of their selective filing reviews." "We will continue to evaluate developments in this area and consider feedback about whether any further guidance or rules are needed," Clayton added, hinting at the possibility of new cyber breach disclosure regulations further down the road. The guidance comes roughly a half-year after the credit reporting agency Equifax disclosed last September it had suffered a massive data breach, reportedly resulting in the leak of personal data on some 145 million people. In the wake of that debacle, it emerged that a number of Equifax executives had sold stock before the hack became public. The company's board later cleared those executives of insider trading suspicions, concluding they were not aware of the data breach when they made the trades. The SEC's new guidance prods companies to consider "prophylactic measures" to guard against trading by company officers on the basis of non-public information about a data breach, such as restricting trading while a hack is being investigated. "[W]e believe that companies would be well served by considering how to avoid the appearance of improper trading during the period following an incident and prior to the dissemination of disclosure," the document adds. The SEC doesn't indicate that it expects more frequent disclosures by public companies. But it does make clear that it wants registrants to spell out internal procedures for determining when a cyber incident is serious enough that investors must be informed, and involve their boards in providing oversight on cybersecurity issues. "Companies should assess whether they have sufficient disclosure controls and procedures in place to ensure that relevant information about cybersecurity risks and incidents is processed and reported to the appropriate personnel, including up the corporate ladder, to enable senior management to make disclosure decisions," the guidance says. Determining exactly what kinds of cyber information should be disclosed, however, is still a highly subjective process, according to the document. The guidance says the SEC would consider cybersecurity information to have been omitted "if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider the information important," or if it would have "significantly altered the total mix of information available." The agency, at the same time, said it does not want companies to disclose technical information that could offer hackers a "roadmap" for how to breach their systems.
FILE PHOTO: Police officers stand in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC, U.S., January 19, 2018. REUTERS/Eric Thayer/File Photo

By Andrew Chung

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that Americans injured in a 1997 suicide bombing in Jerusalem cannot seize ancient Persian artifacts from a Chicago museum to satisfy a $71.5 million court judgment against Iran, which they had accused of complicity in the attack.

The justices, in an 8-0 ruling, upheld a lower court's decision in favor of Iran that had prevented the plaintiffs from collecting on the judgment, which Tehran has not paid, by obtaining antiquities held at the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute. The important Persian cultural artifacts, on loan from Iran to the museum since the 1930s, include clay tablets boasting some of the oldest writing in the world.

Justice Elena Kagan did not participate in the decision.

The decision could make it harder for plaintiffs in other cases arising from militant attacks overseas to seek compensation by seizing and selling off cultural relics owned by foreign countries.

The case required the Supreme Court to determine what types of assets are immune from seizure under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. That 1976 federal law largely shields foreign governments from liability in American courts, except for countries like Iran that have been designated by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism.

The lawsuit stems from a 1997 attack in which three members of the Islamic militant group Hamas blew themselves up at a crowded pedestrian mall in Jerusalem, killing five people.

Several of the injured, including lead plaintiff Jenny Rubin, and their relatives sued Iran in federal court alleging it had provided material support for the attackers.

The court agreed, awarding them $71.5 million. Iran refused to pay, prompting the plaintiffs to target precious artifacts, including the Persepolis Collection, thousands of ancient tablets and fragments, many inscribed with Elamite writing, on loan since 1937 and held at the Oriental Institute.

Story continues

University of Chicago spokeswoman Marielle Sainvilus said the ruling "reaffirms the university's continuing efforts to preserve and protect this cultural heritage."

Asher Perlin, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said the Supreme Court missed an opportunity to "hold Iran's feet to the fire."

"This was a difficult loss for my clients who have been waiting for justice for more than 20 years since the Iran-sponsored terrorist attack that shattered their lives," Perlin said.

In 2016, the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the artifacts from being turned over to the plaintiffs.

The law exempts from immunity certain foreign-owned property used for commercial purposes in the United States. The lower court ruled that the exemptions cover only property used by the foreign state and not by a third party like the university.

The appeals court also said a 2008 change to the immunity law did not create a standalone right for victims of militant attacks to collect on judgments regardless of commercial activity or other exemptions. The Supreme Court agreed.

In the unanimous ruling, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that the change "does not in itself divest property of immunity." She also said the plaintiffs had shown no evidence that the U.S. Congress intended to remove all obstacles to enforcing terrorism-related court judgments.

Wednesday's ruling is also likely to dictate the outcome of a similar dispute pending before the justices in which four different groups of plaintiffs representing those injured in other allegedly Iran-backed attacks are seeking to enforce court judgments by seizing $17.6 million in assets held by Iranian government-owned Bank Melli.

(Reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham)
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Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Credit: Jason Doiy/ ALM [/caption] The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday made it more difficult to attach museum artifacts and other holdings in the United States to fulfill judgments against foreign countries under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. By a unanimous 8-0 vote, the court said the law in most instances does not provide a freestanding basis for parties holding a judgment  to attach and execute against the property of a foreign state. The ruling, authored by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, put an end to a long-running effort by victims of a 1997 suicide bombing attack in Jerusalem to collect a default judgment against Iran by seizing Persian artifacts housed by the University of Chicago and Chicagos Field Museum of Natural History. More than 30,000 clay tablets with ancient writing were loaned to the university by Iran in 1937. Out of respect for the delicate balance that Congress struck in enacting the FSIA, we decline to read into the statute a blanket abrogation of attachment and execution immunity  absent a clearer indication of Congress intent, Sotomayor wrote. Justice Elena Kagan was recused in the case, likely because of her earlier involvement in the case as U.S. solicitor general. Dorsey & Whitney partner Juan Basombrio, an expert on the law, said Wednesday the decision will have broader application beyond the context of terrorism because the Supreme Court has held that the grounds to attach assets of a foreign state are only those specifically set forth by Congress in Section 1610 of the FSIA. Therefore, courts cannot expand beyond those specifically numbered grounds. Asher Perlin, a lawyer in Hollywood, Florida, who has been with the case since it went before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, argued for the plaintiffs. The appeals panel ruled in 2016 that there is no freestanding exception in state-sponsored terrorism cases to the immunity that shields foreign governments under U.S. law. The high court agreed with the circuit ruling. University of Chicago professor David Strauss, a veteran advocate who also directs the law schools appellate and Supreme Court clinic, argued against the seizure. The United States sided with Iran and the university as amicus curiae.
FILE PHOTO: Bitcoin (virtual currency) coins placed on Dollar banknotes, next to computer keyboard, are seen in this illustration picture, November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

By Thomas Wilson and Taiga Uranaka

TOKYO (Reuters) - A blunder at a Japanese cryptocurrency exchange let investors briefly buy bitcoins for free - though none were able to profit from the mistake.

Zaif, a government-registered exchange run by Osaka-based Tech Bureau Corp, said on Tuesday that a system glitch had let seven customers buy bitcoin with no yen value during a 20-minute window last week.

The exchange voided the trades after discovering the error, which happened on Feb. 16 - though it was still trying to resolve the issue with one customer who tried to transfer the knock-down bitcoins from the exchange, a spokesman told Reuters.

Zaif's operator had already faced checks after last month's theft of $530 million in digital money from Coincheck Inc, with regulators fearing its systems were at risk from cyber-attacks.

The latest flub could draw further attention to security and systems at cryptocurrency exchanges, which were already under scrutiny in the wake of the Coincheck heist. The theft also drew into question Japan's system of overseeing exchanges.

Zaif is one of 16 exchanges registered with the government, which last year allowed a further 16 - including Coincheck - to continue operating pending full registration.

The registered exchanges will form a self-regulatory body from April, sources have told Reuters. They had originally planned to merge two existing industry bodies representing both registered and unregistered exchanges.

The body will set out rules on issues like exchange security and advertising, and will lay out penalties for members who don't follow the policies, the Nikkei business daily reported on Wednesday.

Japan last year rolled out the world's first system to oversee cryptocurrency exchanges, in a bid to protect customers and stamp out illegal uses of cryptocurrencies as it sought to nurture a young and promising sector.

The regulator opted for relatively loose rules to help nurture the industry, mostly populated by start-ups. The Coincheck heist exposed flaws in the system, and - for some experts - raised questions over Japan's dash to regulate the industry amid crackdowns by countries from China to India.

Bitcoin surged more than 1,300 percent last year but lost about half its value at one point this year as more governments and central banks signalled possible regulatory crackdowns.

(Reporting by Thomas Wilson and Taiga Uranaka; Editing by Shri Navaratnam and Kim Coghill)
DHS holds classified briefings for state elections officials

State election officials who were in Washington, D.C., for a conference were briefed on election systems cybersecurity by intelligence community officials, the Department of Homeland Security, and members of law enforcement.

A DHS account of the classified briefings for members of the National Association of State Election Directors and the National Association for Secretaries of State (NASS) said they "focused on increasing awareness of foreign adversary intent and capabilities against the states' election infrastructure, as well as a discussion of threat mitigation efforts."

In addition to talking with secretaries from all 50 states, DHS also briefed the newly formed, industry-centered Sector Coordinating Council for the Election Infrastructure Subsector and met with the Government Coordinating Council for the Election Infrastructure Subsector that formed last October in the wake of mounting evidence of Russian interference in the 2016 elections. NASS Director of Communications Maria Dill Benson told GCN's sibling site FCW in a Feb. 20 email that her organization's "top priority  is to improve communication between DHS and state and local election officials. We see all of these meetings and briefings as a positive step forward."

State election officials prize their independence from the federal government, and some have at times bristled at calls for more federal involvement in overseeing the cybersecurity of state and local election systems.

At last year's NASS winter meeting, for instance, the group's current president, Connecticut Secretary of State Denise Merrill, questioned the need for DHS' then-recently-announced designation of election infrastructure as critical infrastructure. At that meeting, Merrill called the designation "a broad new role for the federal government" and said she wanted written guidance from the agency on what the designation meant specifically.

The incoming NASS president, Vermont Secretary of State Jim Condos, said he thought DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen was downplaying threats foreign powers, specifically Russia, posed to the integrity of U.S. elections.

That independent streak apparently continued in the group's latest meetings. The Huffington Post reported that NASS' president-elect Condos questioned Nielsen about President Donald Trump's continued downplaying of Russian interference in the 2016 election, according to an account in the Huffington Post. Condos' office didn't respond to FCW's request for comment.

Separately, the Justice Department announced the creation of a Cyber-Digital Task Force to examine how to enhance and improve law enforcement in the digital realm. The memo announcing the task force mentions a host of cybersecurity threats, including "efforts to interfere with our elections."

A report from the task force is due June 30.
New supercomputers headed to DOD

Department of Defense research labs has ordered Hewlett Packard Enterprise supercomputers to accelerate the development and acquisition of advanced national security capabilities, according to a company statement.

Four HPE SGI 8600 systems are going to the Air Force Research Laboratory's DOD Supercomputing Resource Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base where they will be used to model current and advanced air, naval and ground weapon systems and platforms. Another three will be installed at the Navy DSRC to support advanced weapons capabilities and provide high reliability for the Navy's global weather modeling requirements.

The HPE SGI 8600 is a sixth-generation computer running 24-core Intel Xeon scalable processors that offers petaflop speed and scalability to thousands of nodes. Bill Mannel, the vice president and general manager of HPC and AI at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, said these types of machines are becoming vital to the goals of agencies like the Defense Department.

The DODs continuous investment in supercomputing innovation is a clear testament to this development and an important contribution to U.S. national security, Mannel said in a statement.

These new HPE computers were purchased as part of the High Performance Computing Modernization Program, which uses high performance computing to advance DOD objectives.

At the Army Research Laboratory, SGI ICE XA supercomputers were used to improve vehicle armor to better protect against IEDs. With the machines researchers analyzed vehicle animations -- that rotating the images, moving them back and forward in time, manipulating them and testing improvements much faster than could be done through physical experiments. The research led to a new, more effective armor that took less than four months to get into the battlefield, where it enabled a 20 percent reduction in fatalities.
OTTAWA, Feb. 20, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc. (Cornerstone or the Company) (TSXV:CGP) (Frankfurt:GWN) (Berlin:GWN) (OTC:CTNXF) announces that the potential to make substantial gold and copper discoveries at its Bramaderos project in Ecuador continues to grow, with multiple targets identified from a combination of exploration results.



Figures and tables referred to in this release can be seen in PDF format by accessing the version of this release on the Companys website (www.cornerstoneresources.com) or by clicking on the link below:

http://www.cornerstoneresources.com/i/pdf/NR18-11Figures.pdf.

Highlights

Integration of newly processed heli-magnetics data, with radiometrics, and soil sampling has generated multiple porphyry and epithermal targets within the Bramaderos concession:

 10 porphyry targets identified

 10 epithermal targets identified, of which two are associated with larger underlying porphyry targets

  The Limon gold-copper target now measures 2km x 1km

The West Zone target is displaying potential for a buried porphyry system beneath the epithermal system defined at surface

Several epithermal gold-silver targets have been defined based on soil geochemistry

3-D processing of magnetics data is underway

Preparation of drill access tracks and drill pads at West Zone and Bramaderos Main is underway

Trenching is ongoing to define further strike extensions to mineralization at Bramaderos Main

All documents for the issuance of the drill permit are with the Department of Environment

Further Information

Multiple new targets have been defined based on the integration of newly processed detailed heli-magnetic and radiometric survey results and new soil sampling results, and existing targets have been strengthened.

Cornerstone CEO Brooke Macdonald said:

Systematic exploration work over the entire Bramaderos concession is currently delivering high priority targets to be drill-tested. Most of them have never been drilled. The heliborne geophysical survey brings a new dimension to data integration, confirming previously defined targets at surface and outlining a series of new targets to be explored. This is highly encouraging to see prospective data collected every month since day one on that property and to see how they fit well together into robust mineralization models.

Target Definition

The recent acquisition of magnetic and radiometric data across the entire Bramaderos concession provides a key dataset that assists in mapping the geology (faults, alteration types and intrusions). These geophysical datasets underpin the definition and refinement of target areas for porphyry Au-Cu and epithermal Au-Ag mineralization when interpreted in conjunction with geochemical and geological data.

These key datasets have been integrated in a GIS package and targets have been defined based on overlapping and complementary features. The datasets comprise 2-D processed heli-magnetics and radiometrics, current soil sampling results, geological mapping and trenching.

Porphyry Au-Cu targets were defined by identifying deep magnetic anomalies that are surrounded by zones of magnetic lows caused by surrounding alteration around the porphyry centres, and if soil sampled, where there is accompanying Au, Cu and Mo anomalism at surface.

For example, the Limon target as defined by its geophysical signature and overlapping gold and copper soil geochemical anomaly now measures 2km x 1km.

Importantly the West Zone target, which has strong surface evidence of a well mineralized gold epithermal system, also has an associated larger porphyry target.

The soil sampling has been particularly diagnostic in defining epithermal gold targets (so far defined in the central parts of the property) through the identification of element associations similar to those recognized at West Zone.

The defined areas of interest comprise 10 targets for porphyry Au-Cu and an additional 10 targets for epithermal Au-Ag.

This work has also defined a widespread and continuous area of alteration covering over 17 km2 and extending up to 8km x 4km in dimension which coalesces around, and envelopes, many of these target areas. Some of the porphyry and epithermal targets overlap, which is to be expected from a technical perspective (see Figures 1-3).

Three blocks of geophysical data have been defined for 3-D inversion modelling over 7 of the 10 porphyry targets. This work will deliver 3-D models of the magnetic signature of the target areas that can then guide exploration and particularly drilling. This work is expected to take approximately 3 weeks.

Soil sampling and trenching is also ongoing to expand the coverage and to fill in gaps in the current datasets. This work will further strengthen the definition of targets for drilling.

Drill Permitting Update

An updated EIA report, recording the positive local response to the EIA process at Bramaderos, has been submitted to the Ministry of Environment. Contact is being maintained with the Ministry and significant effort is being directed towards receiving the permit to allow for drilling.

Preparation of drill access tracks and drill pads at West Zone and Bramaderos Main is underway to allow for an efficient start to drilling once the permit is received. A short list of drill contractors has been identified and the selection of the preferred contractor is imminent.

An inspection by the National Water Secretariat (SENAGUA) has been completed for the water permit process.

About Bramaderos

The Bramaderos concession is owned by Cornerstone subsidiary La Plata Minerales S.A. (PLAMIN), which has signed a binding letter of intent with Sunstone Metals Ltd. (formerly Avalon Minerals Ltd.) (ASX:STM), whereby Sunstone has the right to earn a 51% interest in the project by spending US$3.4 million over 3 years to complete a phase 1 drill program. If this first option is earned, Sunstone can go to 70% by funding a bankable feasibility study, and can go to 80% by financing 100% of the cost of construction of a mine and mill (see news release 17-08 dated April 10, 2017).

Qualified Person:

Yvan Crepeau, MBA, P.Geo., Cornerstones Vice President, Exploration and a qualified person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for supervising the exploration program at the Bramaderos project for Cornerstone and has reviewed and approved the information contained in this news release.

Sampling and assaying

Rock samples are collected by PLAMINs personnel, placed in plastic bags, labeled and sealed, and stored in a secure place until delivery by PLAMIN employees to the LAC y Asociados ISO 9001-2008 certified sample preparation facility in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Rock samples are prepared crushing to 70% passing 2 mm (10 mesh), splitting 250 g and pulverizing to 85% passing 75 microns (200 mesh) (MSA code PRP-910). Prepared samples are then shipped to MS Analytical Services (MSA), an ISO 9001-2008 laboratory in Langley, BC, Canada, where samples are assayed for a multi-element suite (MSA code IMS-136, 15.0 g split, Aqua Regia digestion, ICP-AES/MS finish) and gold by Fire Assay (MSA code FAS-111, 30 g fusion, AAS finish). Over limit results for Cu (>1%) are systematically re-assayed (MSA code ICF-6Cu, 0.2 g, 4-acid digestion, ICP-AES finish). Gold is assayed using a 30 g split, Fire Assay (FA) and AAS finish (MSA code FAS 111). Over limit results for Au (>10 g/t) are systematically re-assayed (MSA code FAS-415, FA, 30g., gravimetric finish).

Soil samples are dried at low temperature, screened to 80 mesh (MSA code PRP-757), a 15 grams portion is then assayed for a multi-elements suite (MSA code IMS-136, Aqua Regia digestion, ICP-AES/MS finish).

Quality assurance / Quality control (QA/QC)

The MSA Analytical Laboratory is a qualified assayer that performs and makes available internal assaying controls. Duplicates, certified blanks and standards are systematically used (1 control sample every 20-25 samples) as part of PLAMINs QA/QC program. Rejects, a 100 g pulp for each rock sample, are stored for future use and controls.

About Cornerstone:

Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration company with a diversified portfolio of projects in Ecuador and Chile, including the Cascabel gold-enriched copper porphyry joint venture in north west Ecuador. Exploraciones Novomining S.A. (ENSA), an Ecuadorean company owned by SolGold Plc and Cornerstone, holds 100% of the Cascabel concession. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including SolGolds fully funding the project through to feasibility, SolGold Plc will own 85% of the equity of ENSA and Cornerstone will own the remaining 15% of ENSA. SolGold Plc is funding 100% of the exploration at Cascabel and is the operator of the project.

Further information is available on Cornerstones website: www.cornerstoneresources.com and on Twitter. For investor, corporate or media inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations:

Mario Drolet; Email: Mario@mi3.ca; Tel. (514) 904-1333

Due to anti-spam laws, many shareholders and others who were previously signed up to receive email updates and who are no longer receiving them may need to re-subscribe at http://www.cornerstoneresources.com/s/InformationRequest.asp

Cautionary Notice:

This news release may contain Forward-Looking Statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of Cornerstones plans, objectives, strategies, intentions and expectations. The words potential, anticipate, forecast, believe, estimate, expect, may, project, plan, and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Statements. Although Cornerstone believes that its expectations reflected in these Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, such statements may involve unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed in our regulatory filings, viewed on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. For us, uncertainties arise from the behaviour of financial and metals markets, predicting natural geological phenomena and from numerous other matters of national, regional, and global scale, including those of an environmental, climatic, natural, political, economic, business, competitive, or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our Forward-Looking Statements. Although Cornerstone believes the facts and information contained in this news release to be as correct and current as possible, Cornerstone does not warrant or make any representation as to the accuracy, validity or completeness of any facts or information contained herein and these statements should not be relied upon as representing its views after the date of this news release. While Cornerstone anticipates that subsequent events may cause its views to change, it expressly disclaims any obligation to update the Forward-Looking Statements contained herein except where outcomes have varied materially from the original statements.

On Behalf of the Board,

Hugh Brooke Macdonald

President and CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.




Discovers New Mineralization Exposed by Road Cuts



Appoints New Director

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Centenera Mining Corporation (Centenera or the Company) - (TSXV:CT) (OTCQB:CTMIF) reports that drilling has begun at the Esperanza Copper-Gold Project, San Juan Province, Argentina. Centenera received a drill permit in late 2017 (previous news release November 20, 2017) and immediately mobilized heavy equipment to begin refurbishing approximately 40km of road access. This work was completed in late December at which time the drill camp and related infrastructure was delivered in preparation for drilling in early January 2018. Unseasonal storms and flash flooding in January meant that road repairs and new drill access roads had to be constructed, causing a short delay to the drill start. The required earthworks have exposed significant new mineralization at surface, expanding the previously known footprint of mineralization to the southeast.

New Mineralization Discovered

In the process of construction of new road access to the first drill platform, new mineralization was exposed at surface, in an area previously indicated as being underlain by unmineralized basement gabbro complex (Figure 1). The exposed mineralization is hosted in intensely altered rock interpreted to be part of the highly-prospective Canyon Stock which now appears to extend significantly further to the southeast than previously known.

The mineralized rock contains dense pyrite veinlets with supergene sulphides over approximately 75m. Moving further southeast an additional 20m of slightly less mineralized rock has been observed. True thickness of mineralization is not known at this time. Mapping and sampling will be completed over the coming weeks.

Esperanza Copper-Gold Porphyry Highlights

The outcropping copper-gold porphyry mineralization at Esperanza was first drill-tested in 2006-2007 by 7 drill holes totalling 2,011 metres. All drill holes intersected significant copper-gold mineralization (Figure 1). Drilling highlights include:

Best intersection is 353.1m 1 from surface, grading 0.35% copper and 0.18 g/t gold (0.49% copper equivalent 2 ) including 243.1m 1 grading 0.40% copper and 0.21 g/t gold (0.57% copper equivalent 2 )

from surface, grading 0.35% copper and 0.18 g/t gold (0.49% copper equivalent ) including 243.1m grading 0.40% copper and 0.21 g/t gold (0.57% copper equivalent ) Mineralization is outcropping at surface with a pyrite halo extending over a 1,400m x 850m area

Drill holes generally intersected mineralization at surface

Mineralization is open all directions

Majority of drill holes terminated in mineralization (due to the depth limitations of the drill rig) and are open at depth

Several drill holes demonstrate increasing grade with depth

Notes: 1 True width is not known. 2 Copper equivalent = copper grade % x (0.795 x gold grade g/t), where the conversion factor of 0.795 is calculated by comparing the value of 1 tonne of copper ore (at copper prices of $2.20/lb ($4,850.16/t)) to the value of 1 t of gold ore (at gold prices of $1,200/oz ($38.58g/t)) and assuming 100% recovery.

Figure 1: Map showing location of existing drill holes at Esperanza (blue, 2007) & the first new hole (red, 2018). The location of recently discovered mineralization (95m horizontal distance) is highlighted and labelled. Some of the best mineralization to date has been intersected at the Canyon and Oro Rico Stocks. New mineralization suggests that the Canyon Stock extends southeast.

Figure 2: Photographs of the drill camp and mobilization of drill equipment using low-impact mules.

Appointment of New Director

The Company also announces that it has appointed Mr. Robert Kopple to the board of directors. Mr. Kopple is an experienced investor, businessman and lawyer. He is involved in a broad range of corporate financing activities with public companies. Mr. Kopple is an experienced lawyer and a senior partner in a law firm based in Los Angeles specializing in estate planning, tax law and business transactions. He is an experienced investor with diverse interests in real estate and in several operating companies in mining, health care and technology. Mr. Kopple is a significant investor in Centenera Mining.

Stock Option Grant

The Company also announces that it has granted 700,000 stock options to a director of the Company. The options are exercisable to purchase common shares of the Company on or before February 21, 2021 at a price of $0.20 per share. With this issuance, the Company has granted a total of 7,110,000 options.

PDAC

Centenera will have a booth at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference from March 4 to March 7 2018. The Companys booth is #3143. The management team will be there to meet shareholders and answer questions regarding the Esperanza drill program.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

The Esperanza copper-gold porphyry drill testing was undertaken by Cardero Resource Corp. from 2006 to 2007. On site personnel at the project rigorously collected and tracked samples, which were then sealed and shipped to ALS Chemex for analysis. ALS Chemex's quality system complies with the requirements for the International Standards ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 17025: 1999. Analytical accuracy and precision are monitored by the analysis of reagent blanks, reference material and replicate samples. Quality control was further assured by the use of international and in-house standards. Blind certified reference material was inserted at regular intervals into the sample sequence by Cardero personnel in order to independently assess analytical accuracy. Finally, representative blind duplicate samples were forwarded to ALS Chemex and an ISO compliant third-party laboratory for additional quality control.

Qualified Person

Keith J. Henderson, P.Geo., is the Company's qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for portions of this news release, and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr.Henderson is not independent of the Company, as he is an employee, a shareholder 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 mineral resource assets in Argentina. The Company intends to focus its 2017 exploration activities on drill-testing its flagship Esperanza copper-gold project. Other assets, including the El Quemado lithium pegmatite project in Salta Province and the Organullo gold project, are intended to be explored by the Company with the aim of proving project potential and attracting a joint venture partner or a project sale. The Organullo project has approximately 8,000 metres of historical drilling and assay results. Organullo 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, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement, timing and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Project and otherwise, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, the Company's expectation that it will be able to enter into agreements to acquire interests in additional mineral properties, the successful negotiation and execution of a definitive Option Agreement for the Project, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves on the Project, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are 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. Often, but not always, forward looking information 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 information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities at the Project, including the geological mapping, prospecting and sampling program being proposed for the Project (the "Program"), actual results of exploration activities, including the Program, 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 and copper, 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 or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including TSXV acceptance, for the Property acquisition, 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 Company's Management Information Circular (April 2016) and as discussed in the annual management's 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 information. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward looking information in this news release or incorporated by reference herein.

Figures accompanying this announcement are available at

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3325c5c8-0bd0-494e-8b23-2424bba82083

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/619cd2ad-71a0-46ab-83b2-5404873d18d3
English French

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Feb. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A major milestone in the evolution of one of the worlds biggest cocktail competitions will be celebrated this year when BACARDI crowns the 10th winner of its BACARDI Legacy Global Cocktail Competition. Canadian national finalist Sabrina Mailhot, hailing from Montreal, Quebec, will be amongst the global elite vying for this prestigious title with her cocktail, the Sequito.



Hundreds of thousands will tune in live to join over 200 guests at Mexico Citys Museo Numismatico Nacional on May 1st to see the winner announced. A panel of top talent from the drinks industry, including Alex Kratena, Ivy Mix, Shingo Gokan, Benjamin Padron and Carina Soto Velasquez will decide who takes home the coveted trophy.

We are beyond excited to be celebrating ten years of BACARDI Legacy this year, says Dickie Cullimore, Global Ambassador for BACARDI rum. For the past decade this competition has given huge support to the careers of hundreds of bartenders by welcoming them into BACARDI Legacys Gran Familia. This unique stable of talent has delivered a raft of new, original and delicious classic BACARDI cocktails to bars throughout the world, many of which have left a lasting legacy and will be ordered for many more years to come. Were thrilled to be bringing Legacy to Latin America - a place that exudes the spirit of BACARDI rum  for the first time and we cant wait to welcome our competitors for an amazing week of education, competition and friendship.

Since 1862, BACARDI, the worlds most awarded rum, has been at the forefront of cocktail culture, sustaining its legacy as the mixing spirit of choice in the worlds most celebrated cocktails. The BACARDI Legacy Global Cocktail Competition challenges bartenders to create the next generation of classic rum cocktails that will have an enduring popularity; to stand alongside drinks such as the Original BACARDI Mojito, the Original BACARDI Daiquiri and the Original BACARDI Cuba Libre.

Competitors are permitted to use BACARDI Carta Blanca, BACARDI Carta Oro or BACARDI 8 Anos for their cocktail and rules dictate that the drinks must have no more than six ingredients and be replicable around the world. BACARDI Legacy has become a hugely prestigious competition and is regarded within the industry as a true test for the modern mixologist to not only create a drink that has the hallmarks of a classic, but also to successfully promote it as such, for which they are awarded a third of their marks in competition.

The winners reward is unique: a bespoke year of travel, opportunity and experience in which they will serve their Legacy cocktail at some of the finest bars in the world, all underpinned by the BACARDI global industry network. Current champion, Ran Van Ongevalle, shared his experience so far this year:

Since my win in 2017, so much has changed. I have travelled with BACARDI to New York, New Orleans, Mexico City, Miami, Puerto Rico, Dubai and Berlin; the BACARDI network has also supported my own travels currently, allowing me to host seminars and serve my Legacy drink Clarita across India and Asia. I have to stress how amazing it is to be part of the BACARDI Family  their global team is like no other and the opportunity and support they create for the bartenders is something unique. I cant wait to be back in Mexico City to meet the 2018 finalists and help decide who wins this year!

Former winners of BACARDI Legacy will attend the final in Mexico and this unique gathering will allow for reflection on how far their careers have come since winning, as well as the ways in which they have supported and mentored each other before, during and after their wins.

The global final will conclude five days in Mexicos capital in which competitors will attend immersive workshops led by some of the industrys finest, prior to two days of semi-final competition. Eight will progress to the Global Final on 1st May. Both days of semi-finals and the Grand Final will be streamed live from the events Facebook page

Judging the Grand Final in Mexico:

Ivy Mix  Founder of Speedrack, co-owner of Leyenda in Brooklyn and 2015 American Bartender of the Year

Jose Sanchez Gavito  Maestro de Ron BACARDI and grand final judge since the competition first began

Ran Van Ongevalle  2017 BACARDI Legacy Global Champion

Alex Kratena  Founder of industry non-for-profit P(OUR) and former Head Bartender of multi-award winning Artesian, London

Semi-final judges:

Danielle Dalla Pola  World-renowned Tiki enthusiast and owner of award winning Nu Lounge bar in Bologna

Benjamin Padron  Leading drinks industry figure and mentor, owner of Mexico's award-winning Licoreria Limantour

Gn Chan  2016 BACARDI Legacy Global Champion

Carina Soto Velasquez  Award winning bartender and co-founder of Quixotic Projects, a Paris-based hospitality company which owns and manages the celebrated venues Candelaria, Glass, Le Mary Celeste, and Hero

Pamela Wiznitzer  Creative Director and bartender at Seamstress in New York, the Spirited Awards American Bartender of the Year 2016 and currently National President of the United States Bartenders' Guild



Judging the bartenders on their drinks promotional campaign:



Shingo Gokan  2012 BACARDI Legacy Global winner, owner of Shanghais Speak Low and Sober Company and winner of the Spirited Awards International Bartender of the Year 2017.



Enrique Comas  6th generation member of Bacardi family and BACARDI Senior Manager Trade Advocacy for Latin America & Caribbean



Kofi Amoo-Gottfried  Facebooks Head of Brand & Consumer Marketing. Formerly BACARDI Global Communications Director for the rum category.



Mariana Fernandes  BACARDI Rums Brand Marketing Team.

The 34 competitors will represent the following:

Argentina

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Brazil

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

Cruise Ships

Cyprus

Finland France

Germany

Greece

India

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Mexico

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway



Portugal

Singapore

South East Asia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

USA (2 finalists)





www.facebook.com/BacardiLegacyGlobalCocktailCompetition

www.twitter.com/bacardilegacy

www.instagram.com/bacardi.legacy

Photography and video footage of the week-long event including the semi-finals and final will be available from the BACARDI Media Centre  www.bacardimediacentre.com

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Kwong, Account Director, Pomp & Circumstance PR, lisa@pomppr.com

Ania Gilbert, Account Manager, Pomp & Circumstance PR, ania@pomppr.com

About BACARDI Rum - The World's Most Awarded Rum

In 1862, in the city of Santiago de Cuba, founder Don Facundo Bacardi Masso revolutionized the spirits industry when he created a light-bodied rum with a particularly smooth taste - BACARDI. The unique taste of BACARDI rum inspired cocktail pioneers to invent some of the world's most famous recipes including the BACARDI Mojito, the BACARDI Daiquiri, the BACARDI Cuba Libre, the BACARDI Pina Colada and the BACARDI Presidente. BACARDI rum is the world's most awarded spirit, with more than 674 awards for quality, taste and innovation. Today, BACARDI rum is made mainly in Puerto Rico where it is crafted to ensure the taste remains the same today as it did when it was first blended in 1862. http://www.bacardi.com

The BACARDI brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

LIVE PASSIONATELY. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

BACARDI AND THE BAT DEVICE ARE TRADEMARKS OF BACARDI & COMPANY LIMITED

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/068e7a26-96b2-4845-b6b0-8679fe8e9644
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Midas Gold Corp. (TSX:MAX) (OTCQX:MDRPF) today reported on continuing progress in its feasibility-level metallurgical test program for the Stibnite Gold Project (Project) located in Idaho, USA. This important component of the Project feasibility study (FS) is progressing well and is expected to be concluded in the second quarter of 2018. The work, conducted at several laboratories, is being coordinated by Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd. (Blue Coast) and M3 Engineering and Technology Corp. (M3), under the guidance of a team of metallurgical experts working with Midas Gold.



Highlights of the results of metallurgical testing since the completion of the 2014 preliminary feasibility study (PFS), all of which should have economic benefits to the Project, include the following:

A coarser primary grind, reducing energy and grinding media costs;

Higher gold and antimony concentrate grades;

Higher overall gold and antimony recoveries;

Reduced reagent consumption, reducing operating costs; and

Use of on-site limestone for pH control, significantly reducing the need for trucked-in lime, thereby reducing operating costs. On-site limestone use also increases environmental performance, improves downstream gold recovery and reduces reagent consumption, which provides both environmental and economic benefits.

Progress with metallurgical testing, including a number of pilot plant runs, has demonstrated potential for improved environmental and economic parameters in the upcoming feasibility study, said Stephen Quin, President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. These test results represent another important milestone in the advancement of the Stibnite Gold Project towards completion of a feasibility study.

Previously Reported Progress

Earlier work, described in a press release dated February 14, 2017, achieved progress in risk reduction in primary grinding design and in reducing projected costs of the flotation process while generally enhancing metallurgical recoveries. Highlights of progress as compared to the PFS reported in that press release included (see February 14, 2017 news release for details):

Reduced consumption of flotation reagents, reducing operating costs; Coarsened primary grind (from 75 to 85 microns), reducing energy and grinding media costs; and Improved antimony concentrate grades from 59% to 63-65%, reducing shipping costs and increasing payability.

This update provides information on key advancements made since the February 2017 press release.

Reductions in Concentrate Production

The majority of capital costs associated with the processing plant for the Stibnite Gold Project are related to the autoclave and associated processes, so a reduction in the tonnage of concentrate into this process can be expected to reduce the size, and hence cost, of that part of the process facilities. Consequently, recent flotation work has developed a cleaner flotation process that reduces the amount of material to be processed through the proposed on-site pressure oxidation and related circuits, while still achieving overall gold recoveries matching or exceeding those reported in the PFS. This work has included batch and pilot plant programs, with the pilot plant performance closely replicating the enhanced metallurgy achieved in batch testing.

Process Enhancements in Pressure Oxidation

During 2017, significant progress was made in the development of the pressure oxidation and downstream unit processes for the Project, initially confirming work that had been done for the PFS, then exploiting opportunities to make the process more robust and cost effective, and to reduce technical risk. Initial testing, completed in mid-2017, provided the foundation for a successful, 6-day pilot plant campaign in Q4/2017 on flotation concentrate from representative composite samples of Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats material. This program largely supported metallurgical recovery expectations from the PFS and so validated the process as proposed in the PFS.

However, opportunities were identified during this work that have subsequently been shown to enhance the process further. The key process refinement involved incorporating the use of ground limestone in the autoclave to control free acid levels, which offers some key benefits:

It enhances the environmental stability of the final process products;

By using limestone mined on-site as a neutralization medium, it substantially reduces the tonnage of lime to be trucked to site, which would reduce operating costs and offsite vehicle traffic;

It has been demonstrated in testing that the use of limestone improves the ease of downstream processing and potentially reduces cyanide consumption, which would also reduce operating costs; and

It also makes the metallurgical performance more robust and less susceptible to variations in ore types being mined from the various feed sources in the Project.

Further benefits are likely to be realized from this process enhancement. These are expected to have further positive impacts on Project economics, but at this stage these are not fully quantified. The enhanced process, using ground limestone for pH control, has been extensively tested by both bench-scale and pilot plant testing, and is a proven approach used effectively at other commercial pressure oxidation operations. A variety of feed types from all three deposits have been tested and all were found to respond well to the enhanced process.

Latest Gold Recovery Projections vs Pre-feasibility Study

Below, the overall recoveries of gold achieved from flowsheet development in the FS are compared with those adopted for the PFS. Note that the final recoveries adopted for the FS may differ from those listed below, depending on results from the variability studies currently underway:

Low Antimony High Antimony Yellow Pine Hangar Flats West End Yellow Pine Hangar Flats Flotation recovery FS testing to date - Batch 93.7 91.9 n/a 91.4 91.8 - Pilot plant 92.3* PFS projection 93.2 91.8 n/a 90.1 87.6 POX-CIL extraction FS testing to date - Batch 97.5 98.0 98.0 97.5 98.0 - Pilot plant 98.3* PFS projection 97.6 97.0 98.2 97.6 97.0 Overall recoveries (Overall recoveries include assumed 0.8% post-CIL gold loss) FS testing to date - Batch 90.6 89.3 n/a 88.4 89.2 - Pilot plant 90.0 PFS projection 90.2 88.3 n/a 87.2 84.3 Notes:

* A blend comprising Yellow Pine and Hangar Flats materials was processed in the pilot plant.

n/a: West End projected recoveries by flotation/POX/CIP recoveries are variable and linked to sulphide content in the feed. Overall recoveries are a blend of direct leaching and flotation/POX/leach and will be determined in the geo-metallurgical exercise later in the study.

Work is presently focusing on fine-tuning the remaining downstream processes.

Geometallurgy and Variability

The geometallurgical program is advancing in parallel with the hydrometallurgical testing. A first phase, involving diagnostic process testing of the different lithological and alteration ore types, has (not surprisingly) revealed links between ore geology and expected metallurgy. This work has been used to create a suite of samples to be tested as part of the flotation variability program. These samples have been selected to encompass the variability in plant feed types to be expected though the life of the Project. This testing is currently underway and is expected to be complete within three months.

The pressure oxidation variability studies are largely complete, with one more round of tests planned, mostly to provide samples for environmental testing of the combined (flotation and leach) process tailings.

Details of the previous news releases, the Project and the 2014 Preliminary Feasibility Study can be found filed under Midas Golds profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or at www.midasgoldcorp.com.

Management Changes

At the end of February, 2018, Midas Golds Chief Operating Officer, Bob Barnes will be retiring from his executive position. Nevertheless, Mr. Barnes will continue to serve on the Board of Directors of Midas Gold Idaho, Inc. in a non-executive function, with continued emphasis on environmental compliance and safety. During his six plus years with the Company, Bob has played a leadership role as the Stibnite Gold Project has transitioned from exploration through PEA and PFS and has particularly left his mark on the safety and environmental compliance aspects of site activities, where there was only one lost time incident in five years of drilling and other site activities, and six years without a recordable environmental incident.

Also at the end of February, Rocky Chase, Midas Golds Vice President of Environment and Sustainability will be departing the Company. During more than five years with the Company, Mr. Chase focused on environmental compliance, baseline environmental data collection, permit application preparation and many other tasks integral to the advancement of the Stibnite Gold Project into the regulatory process.

Midas Gold thanks both Mr. Barnes and Mr. Chase for their contributions to the Company over a number of years and wishes them the best in their future.

For further information about Midas Gold Corp., please contact:

Liz Monger  Manager, Investor Relations

(t) 778.724.4704

(e): info@midasgoldcorp.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/midasgoldidaho

Twitter: @MidasIdaho

www.midasgoldcorp.com

Compliance with National Instrument 43-101

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (NI43-101) and reviewed and approved by Stephen P. Quin, P.Geo., President and CEO of Midas Gold Corp., and a Qualified Person. The metallurgical testing program for the Stibnite Gold Project was carried out under the supervision of Christopher Martin, MIMMM, C.Eng., a Qualified Person and Principal Metallurgist for Blue Coast Metallurgy Ltd.

About Midas Gold

Midas Gold Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries Midas Gold Idaho, Inc., Idaho Gold Resources, LLC and Stibnite Gold Company, is focused on the exploration and, if warranted, development of deposits in the StibniteYellow Pine district of central Idaho that comprise the Stibnite Gold Project. The principal gold deposits identified to date within the Project are the Hangar Flats, West End and Yellow Pine deposits, all of which are associated with important structural corridors, as well as a mineral resource contained in Historic Tailings.

Forward-Looking Information

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or financial performance that is based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action including actions taken with the goal of improving, expanding and de-risking previously defined mineral resources; the timing and availability of future drill results; the potential for antimony production from the Project; the anticipated completion of a feasibility study and filing of a NI 43-101 technical report in conjunction therewith; potential sites for additional drilling that could result in potential improved confidence, enhanced economic returns and/or extending higher grade areas. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as once, estimates, potential, opportunities, confirm, if or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", should, "would", "might" "be achieved". In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Midas Gold Corp. (the Corporation) has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that pending drill results will be available in a timely manner without undue delay; that areas identified as potential sites for additional drilling will yield results consistent with management's expectations based on the 2014 PFS; any additional financing needed will be available on reasonable terms; the exchange rates for the U.S. and Canadian currencies will be consistent with the Corporation's expectations; that the current objectives concerning the Stibnite Gold Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that the current price and demand for gold will be sustained or will improve; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and that all necessary governmental approvals for the planned activities on the Stibnite Gold Project will be obtained in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the industry-wide risks and project-specific risks identified in the 2014 PFS and summarized above; risks related to the availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms; operations and contractual obligations; changes in exploration programs based upon results of exploration, including drill results; changes in estimated mineral reserves or mineral resources; future prices of metals; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks, including environmental matters under US federal and Idaho rules and regulations; impact of environmental remediation requirements and the terms of existing and potential consent decrees on the Corporation's planned exploration and development activities on the Stibnite Gold Project; certainty of mineral title; community relations; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; the Corporation's dependence on one mineral project; the nature of mineral exploration and mining and the uncertain commercial viability of certain mineral deposits; the Corporation's lack of operating revenues; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licenses and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; currency fluctuations; changes in environmental laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; risks related to dependence on key personnel; and estimates used in financial statements proving to be incorrect; as well as those factors discussed in the Corporation's public disclosure record. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Corporation and may cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-Looking Information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, the Corporation does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.




WEST KELOWNA, British Columbia, Feb. 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- COLORADO RESOURCES LTD. (TSX-V:CXO) ("Colorado" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert P. Shaw as President and CEO effective February 26, 2018.



Mr. Shaw holds a M.Sc. in Economic Geology, earned at the University of Alberta in 1990 and has over 30 years of mineral exploration experience throughout the Americas. Recently Mr. Shaw was President of the Western Canada Greenfields Group pursuing project generation and mineral exploration opportunities in the North American cordillera, focused on British Columbia from March 2016 until January 2018. With Golden Star Resources/Cambior Inc, he worked on the generative and development teams at Omai (Guyana) and Gros Rosebel (Suriname). He was a founding member and Exploration Manager of Metallica Resources Inc. (Cerro San Pedro, Mexico; Gramalote, Colombia; Mara Rosa, Brazil; El Morro-La Fortuna, Chile). In Peru he was co-founder of Compania Minera Phosphex and was responsible for the re-discovery of the giant Mantaro phosphate deposits (Sprott Resources Corp  Stonegate Agricom). From 2002 to 2010 he worked for AngloGold Ashanti where he served as Chief Geologist, Colombia and consultant for the Americas and was a formative member of the generative team which identified and advanced numerous projects including Gramalote, La Colosa and La Quebradona which, collectively, contain drill indicated resources exceeding 40 million ounces Au.

Lawrence Nagy, Chairman of the Board stated: The Board of Directors welcomes Mr. Shaw to the Company in this very important leadership role. Robert has an impressive skill set that he has acquired during his 30 years of experience in worldwide mineral exploration, project evaluation and project generation and advancement. We look forward to Robert bringing a new perspective and sound leadership to Colorados exploration team as we continue to advance our impressive exploration portfolio in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia while seeking project acquisitions elsewhere that will provide year round exploration opportunities.

The Company would like to thank Mr. Travis for his contributions over the years to Colorado as President and CEO and wishes him the best in his future endeavors. Mr. Travis remains a director of the Company. Colorado has filed on SEDAR the notice for its annual general meeting set for April 6, 2018.

Grant of Options

Upon his appointment, the Company will grant a total of 500,000 stock options to Mr. Shaw in accordance with the Companys stock option plan. The options are exercisable for a period of five years at an exercise price of $0.15 per share.

Mr. Shaws appointment and grant of options are subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

About Colorado

Colorado Resources Ltd. is currently engaged in the business of mineral exploration for the purpose of acquiring and advancing mineral properties located in the Golden Triangle British Columbia and holds approximately 1,200sq km of mineral claims in this prolific metalliferous region. The Companys main exploration projects within British Columbia include KSP and North ROK. Additionally the Company holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Greensprings project located in eastern Nevada.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

COLORADO RESOURCES LTD.

Lawrence Nagy

Lawrence Nagy

Chairman of the Board

For more information, please contact:

Lawrence Nagy

Colorado Resources Ltd.

T: (250) 768-1511

F: (250) 768-0849

TF (855) 768-1511

W: www.coloradoresources.com

NR 18-03

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release, constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including: that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events, that the Company obtains required regulatory approvals, that the Company continues to maintain a good relationship with the local project communities. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to prove not to be valid or reliable, which could result in delays, or cessation in planned work, that the Company's financial condition and development plans change, delays in regulatory approval, risks associated with the interpretation of data, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the Company as set forth in the Company's Managements Discussion and Analysis reports filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law.

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.
Taipei, Taiwan, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lantern festival has been the symbol of one of the traditional Chinese festive events, and the 2018 Taiwan Lantern Festival, which opened Feb. 16 and will run through March 11 in Chiayi under the auspice of the Chiayi County government, is bringing to visitors an unprecedented experience to witness the exchange and stimulation of eastern and western cultures.



Some of the focuses of the event were works by American artist Janet Echelman and Australian contemporary art team The Amigos.

Janet Echelman is a world renowned sculptor, and good at incorporating old technics into advanced technology in creating unique art works made of fishnet wires.

Her work in exhibition this time was 1.26 which Janet created just after the 2010 Chile earthquake when she learned of NASA data that measured the effects of the earthquake and ensuing tsunami.

Earth day time was cut short by 1.26 microseconds as the strong quake resulted in the acceleration of the Earths rotation, making the disaster common among different countries and peoples.

The tsunami wave ripples were presented by the wires of a 900 square-meter net supported in the air by five 15-meter tall steel columns. The 1.26 (microseconds) work, while being exhibited in Chiayi, symbolized they saw each other as Chiayi lies at 23.5 degrees north latitude, and 23.5 was pronounced in Mandarin Chinese like Ai Shang Wo (falling in love with me).

The 1.26 work through the projected changing lights, illuminated the fishnet wires that were flying in the wind under the night sky spotted with stars, symbolized the transformation or elevation of the disaster and sadness to love.



The Amigos, a team established by Australian artists Simone Chua and Renzo B, has been good at industrial designs. Its work Birds of Lumos, exhibited at the Southern Branch of the Palace Museum, combined a natural style with the steampunk, a subgenre of fiction of science fantasy that incorporated technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery, forming another kind of light sculpture.

The work and the Feibai Hall and Moyun Hall, both in the Southern Branch of the Palace Museum and famous for its collection of Asian classics, constituted a picture showing the exchange of western technology and eastern arts in the same dimensional space.

About 2018 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi

Date: February 16 to March 11, 2018.

Location: Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, Taizi Blvd, and Chiayi County Administrative District.

Website: www.taiwan.net.tw/2018taiwanlantern

Visit the links at https://goo.gl/f2Q3wp




English Danish

PRESS RELEASE, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK:



FLSmidth to deliver the key technologies for a fourth copper concentrator to KAZ Minerals in Kazakhstan

Underlining FLSmidth's ability to deliver competitive, productive and efficient copper concentrator process equipment anywhere in the world, KAZ Minerals in Kazakhstan, has selected FLSmidth as their technology partner for a new, 75,000 tonnes per day line at Aktogay. FLSmidth's scope of supply includes the key machines, installation supervision, commissioning, start-up and ramp-up support.

The order will support KAZ Minerals in doubling the throughput of their Aktogay open pit copper mine from 75,000 tonnes per day to 150,000 tonnes per day. FLSmidth has previously delivered three complete copper concentrators to KAZ Minerals; one in Aktogay in 2015 and two in Bozshakol, also in Kazakhstan, in 2014.

"This new order highlights FLSmidth's strong partnership with KAZ Minerals after we successfully delivered the key technologies for their three other world-class copper concentrators in Kazakhstan. It also emphasises the value of our highly efficient equipment and services that maximise their return on investment, increase productivity and minimise environmental impact, from pit to plant" said Manfred Shaffer, Group Executive Vice President, Minerals Division.



Facts

Total order size: more than USD 100 million

Scope: new copper concentrator with the latest environmental control systems to mitigate environmental impact and technology for the highest levels of energy efficiency and maintainability and productivity

Equipment: SAG and ball mills, gyratory crusher, pebble crusher, primary and regrind cyclones, flotation cells, scavenger cells and cleaner cells, dust collectors, overland conveyor, belt feeders, in-plant conveyors, lime slaking plant, screens, concentrate and tailings thickeners

Plant capacity expansion: 75,000 tonnes per day

Customer: KAZ Minerals

Geography: Aktogay, Kazakhstan

The order will be delivered by Q1 2020





Media contact

Kristoffer Bohr Grnbk

Content Manager,

Group Communications

Mobile: +45 3093 1427

krg@flsmidth.com Business contact

Manfred Schaffer

Group Executive Vice President, Minerals Division

Phone: +45 3618 1800

FLSmidth delivers sustainable productivity to the global mining and cement industries. As the market-leading supplier of engineering, equipment and service solutions, FLSmidth improves performance, drives down costs, and reduces the environmental impact of operations. Present in more than 50 countries and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Group and its 11,700 employees generated revenue of DKK 18 billion in 2017. www.flsmidth.com
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated)



TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Torex Gold Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Torex") (TSX:TXG) reported today the Companys financial results for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Fred Stanford, President & CEO of Torex stated: We are happy to have 2017 behind us, with its ramp-up challenges and illegal blockade, now in the rear-view mirror. I would like to acknowledge the team for their excellent contribution in solving the inevitable ramp-up challenges and for their disciplined execution of the strategy to resume operations under blockade conditions. 2018 will be the year that the team completes the last 10% of the ramp-up and showcases the potential of the ELG asset. It will be a year rich in catalysts with the re-start, completion of the SART plant, completion of the ramp-up of the processing plant and the Sub-Sill, continued exploration results from Sub-Sill, and an updated PEA for Media Luna. It will be a busy and productive year, and we all look forward to getting on with it. He added  A special thanks to the great many that have supported the team in a myriad of ways as we worked to by-pass the illegal blockade. That support has enabled the potential that 2018 provides for Torex shareholders, employees, and communities.

Operations Update:

The processing plant is processing between 10,000  15,000 tonnes per day. The three day ball mill liner change has been completed. Recoveries have been on plan at approximately 86%, and grades have averaged 2.3 g/t, as we blend in some of the lower grade ore from the stockpile. Ore is being processed from all three open pits, El Limon, Guajes and El Limon Sur. Approximately 50% of our employees have been called back to work, with the remaining employees expected to be called back by the end of the month. As of last Sunday, 25,000 ounces of gold have been poured since January 16 when the operations re-start was initiated. Cash reserves at the beginning of this week were $118 million, including $14 million set aside for reclamation obligations.

At the February 13 meeting to set a date for the union selection vote, the Labour Board and the two unions agreed to defer the meeting to March 15. While this process unfolds, operations continue to ramp up with excellent support from local communities, unionized employees, staff employees and contractors.

This release should be read in conjunction with the Company's year ended December 31, 2017 Financial Statements and MD&A on the Company's website or on SEDAR.

HIGHLIGHTS

An illegal blockade has been by-passed

An illegal blockade (the Blockade) of the ELG Mine Complex by a competing labour union, demanding a change in labour union resulted in a complete shutdown of operations from November 3, 2017 to January 15, 2018. With community and employee support, an alternative access to the plant was established, which by-passed the Blockade, and facilitated the re-start of operations on January 16, 2018. On January 26, 2018, with tensions escalating between local communities, the state government authorities intervened and removed the Blockade. The legal process to determine which union will represent the unionized employees is on-going. The Company is prepared to work with whichever union the majority of union eligible employees select.

Plant ramp-up activities now focused on closing the final 10% gap to design throughput levels

Gold produced totalled 28,162 ounces for the quarter and 240,873 ounces for the year.

totalled 28,162 ounces for the quarter and 240,873 ounces for the year. Mine production in the quarter, 2,952 kt, averaged 86,824 tpd. Mine production for the year totalled 26,450 kt, and averaged 86,156 tpd. Mine ore production in the quarter, 633 kt, averaged 18,618 tpd. Mine ore production for the year totalled 3,648 kt, and averaged 11,883 tpd.

in the quarter, 2,952 kt, averaged 86,824 tpd. Mine production for the year totalled 26,450 kt, and averaged 86,156 tpd. in the quarter, 633 kt, averaged 18,618 tpd. Mine ore production for the year totalled 3,648 kt, and averaged 11,883 tpd. Average grade mined in the quarter was 3.03 gpt and 2.50 gpt in the year.

in the quarter was 3.03 gpt and 2.50 gpt in the year. Plant throughput in the quarter, 428 kt, averaged 12,588 tpd, or 90% of design capacity of 14,000 tpd. Plant throughput in the year, 3,710 kt, averaged 12,084 tpd, or 86% of design capacity in the year.

in the quarter, 428 kt, averaged 12,588 tpd, or 90% of design capacity of 14,000 tpd. Plant throughput in the year, 3,710 kt, averaged 12,084 tpd, or 86% of design capacity in the year. Average grades processed in the quarter of 2.72 gpt and 2.43 gpt in the year.

in the quarter of 2.72 gpt and 2.43 gpt in the year. Gold recovery in the quarter averaged 85% and 86% in the year, consistent with design expectations.

Financing

On January 29, 2018, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by BMO Capital Markets, under which the underwriters agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis, 4,370,000 common shares at a price of C$12.60 per common share for gross proceeds of approximately C$55.0 million (the Offering). The Offering closed on February 7, 2018 and resulted in aggregate net proceeds of C$58.5 million to the Company. As part of the Offering, the underwriters partially exercised their over-allotment option and subsequently purchased an additional 12% of the Offering with the remainder of the over-allotment option being exercised and closing on February 16, 2018, for aggregate net proceeds of C$60.0 million to the Company.

Maiden ELG Underground mineral reserves and mine plan

The ELG Underground mine plan includes 29 months of production, delivering 480 kt at 11.65 gpt containing 180,000 Au ounces. Total capital required is $23.0 million with the majority in the first year.



includes 29 months of production, delivering 480 kt at 11.65 gpt containing 180,000 Au ounces. Total capital required is $23.0 million with the majority in the first year. Step-out exploration drilling for the Sub-Sill zone continued to demonstrate the potential to add resources, with high grade intercepts beyond the boundaries of the current mine plan.



continued to demonstrate the potential to add resources, with high grade intercepts beyond the boundaries of the current mine plan. ELG open pit mineral reserves and resources remain largely unchanged, except for depletion.

Grade and tonnage reconciliation to the reserve model for the ELG Open Pits



Total ounce reconciliation of 89% to the reserve model for the quarter, and 104% for the year.



of 89% to the reserve model for the quarter, and 104% for the year. Grade reconciliation of 88% to the reserve model for the quarter, and 108% for the year.

Media Luna Project progressing

25-year common land, lease agreement signed for the use of the land required for the exploration, construction, and mining of minerals at Media Luna.

The Company initiated an in-fill drilling program budgeted at $15.0 million to upgrade, to the Indicated confidence level, 25% of the current inferred resource of 7.4 million Au Equivalent ounces (51.5Mt @4.48g/t Au Eq.). The program will form the basis for a Media Luna feasibility study scheduled for the second half of 2019.

Financial results

Net loss totalled $12.6 million, or $0.16 per share, on a basic and diluted basis for the year, and net loss of $25.0 million, or $0.31 per share, on a basic and diluted basis for the quarter.

totalled $12.6 million, or $0.16 per share, on a basic and diluted basis for the year, and of $25.0 million, or $0.31 per share, on a basic and diluted basis for the quarter. Adjusted net loss 1 totalled $14.3 million, or $0.18 per share on a basic and diluted basis for the year, and adjusted net loss1 of $20.0 million, or $0.25 per share on a basic and diluted basis for the quarter.

totalled $14.3 million, or $0.18 per share on a basic and diluted basis for the year, and of $20.0 million, or $0.25 per share on a basic and diluted basis for the quarter. Earnings from mine operations totalled $54.7 million for the year, and $6.7 million for the quarter.

totalled $54.7 million for the year, and $6.7 million for the quarter. Cash flow from operations totalled $73.6 million for the year, and cash outflows from operations of $6.6 million for the quarter.

totalled $73.6 million for the year, and cash outflows from operations of $6.6 million for the quarter. Revenue totalled $314.9 million and cost of sales totalled $260.2 million, or $1,046 per ounce of gold sold for the year ended December 31, 2017. Revenue totalled $40.8 million and cost of sales totalled $34.1 million, or $1,086 per ounce of gold sold for the quarter.

totalled $314.9 million and totalled $260.2 million, or $1,046 per ounce of gold sold for the year ended December 31, 2017. totalled $40.8 million and totalled $34.1 million, or $1,086 per ounce of gold sold for the quarter. Gold sold for the year ended December 31, 2017 totalled 248,797 ounces for total proceeds of $311.9 million at an average realized gold price 1 of $1,254 per ounce. Gold sold for the quarter totalled 31,398 ounces sold for total proceeds of $40.3 million at an average realized gold price 1 of $1,284 per ounce.

for the year ended December 31, 2017 totalled 248,797 ounces for total proceeds of $311.9 million at an of $1,254 per ounce. for the quarter totalled 31,398 ounces sold for total proceeds of $40.3 million at an of $1,284 per ounce. Cash balances as at December 31, 2017 totalled $58.8 million (including restricted cash of $13.9 million).

as at December 31, 2017 totalled $58.8 million (including restricted cash of $13.9 million). Total cash costs 1 of $709 per ounce of gold sold for the year ended December 31, 2017, and $755 per ounce of gold sold for the quarter.

of $709 per ounce of gold sold for the year ended December 31, 2017, and $755 per ounce of gold sold for the quarter. All-in sustaining costs1 of $989 per ounce of gold sold for the year ended December 31, 2017, and $1,016 per ounce of gold sold for the quarter.

Qualified Persons

Scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dawson Proudfoot, P.Eng., Vice President, Engineering of Torex Gold Resources Inc. and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call today at 9:00 am (ET) where senior management will discuss the 2017 operational and financial results. Access the conference call as follows:

Webcast access: A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Companys website at www.torexgold.com.

Telephone access: Please call the numbers below approximately ten minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. Toronto local or international 1 (416) 915-3239

Toll-Free (North America) 1 800-319-4610

Toll-Free (France) 0 800-900-351

Toll-Free (Switzerland) 0-800-802-457

Toll-Free (United Kingdom) 0 808-101-2791

The webcast will be archived on the Companys website.

About Torex

Torex is an intermediate gold producer based in Canada, engaged in the exploration, development and operation of its 100% owned Morelos Gold Property, an area of 29,000 hectares in the highly prospective Guerrero Gold Belt located 180 kilometers southwest of Mexico City. The Companys principal assets are the El Limon Guajes mining complex (the ELG Mine Complex), comprised of the El Limon, Guajes and El Limon Sur open pits, the El Limon Guajes underground mine including zones referred to as Sub-Sill, El Limon Deep and 71, and the processing plant and related infrastructure, which is in the commercial production stage as of April 1, 2016, and the Media Luna deposit, which is an early stage development project, and for which the Company issued a preliminary economic assessment in 2015. The property remains 75% unexplored.

For further information, please contact:

TOREX GOLD RESOURCES INC. Fred Stanford

President and CEO

Tel.: (647) 260-1502

Email: fred.stanford@torexgold.com Gabriela Sanchez

Vice President Investor Relations

Tel.: (647) 260-1503

Email: gabriela.sanchez@torexgold.com

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS



This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Notwithstanding the Company's efforts, there can be no guarantee that the Company will not face unforeseen delays or further disruptions of its operations. Forward-looking information also includes, but is not limited to, the expected successful completion of the ramp-up, completion of the SART plant, completion of the ramp-up of the processing plant and the Sub-Sill, exploration results from the Sub-Sill and the completion and timing of an updated PEA for Media Luna and the related in-fill drilling program, the union selection vote, the expected production from the ELG Underground mine plan and related capital requirements, and continued safety and security. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will be taken", "occur", or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation, those risk factors identified in the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management, made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

1 Refer to Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures in the Companys December 31, 2017 Managements Discussion and Analysis for further information and a detailed reconciliation.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX:NCU) (Nevada Copper or the Company) is pleased to welcome Tom Albanese and G. Ernest Ernie Nutter to a newly created Advisory Board, which will assist the Company with corporate, technical, operational and financing strategies to further the Companys key objective of advancing its Pumpkin Hollow project in Nevada. The Company anticipates that Messrs. Albanese and Nutter will be nominated for election to its Board of Directors at the Companys next Annual General Meeting.



Evgenij Iorich, Chairman of Nevada Coppers Board of Directors, stated:

On behalf of the Board, I wish to welcome Tom and Ernie to the Nevada Copper team. Their broad mining industry knowledge, experience and networks will be of great advantage for Nevada Copper as we seek to strengthen our team and gear up to commence construction of the Pumpkin Hollow project.

Tom Albanese is currently a Director of Franco-Nevada Corporation. He was previously Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Vedanta Resources plc and Vedanta Limited from 2014 to 2017. Mr. Albanese was Chief Executive Officer of Rio Tinto plc from 2007 to 2013, and previously served on the Boards of Ivanhoe Mines Limited, Palabora Mining Company and Turquoise Hill Resources Limited. Mr. Albanese holds a Master of Science degree in Mining Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mineral Economics both from the University of Alaska Fairbank.

Ernie Nutter is a highly regarded mining analyst, formerly with one of the worlds largest money managers, Capital Group, from 2004 until his retirement in 2017. Prior to this, he spent over 13 years with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) where he was Managing Director of RBC Capital Markets, Director of RBCs Global Mining Research team and former Chairman of RBC Dominion Securities (now RBC Capital Markets) Strategic Planning Committee. Mr. Nutter holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Dalhousie University.

About Nevada Copper

Nevada Copper controls the 100%-owned Pumpkin Hollow copper project located near Yerington Nevada. The Pumpkin Hollow copper project is located entirely on private land close to infrastructure with all required power and water supplies secured. With the project entirely on private land, all required Nevada permits for construction and mine operations are in hand for both and underground and open pit operation. The Companys Pumpkin Hollow Copper Project represents an attractive, shovel-ready, fully-permitted copper project located in an ideal mine-friendly location. For further information please visit the Nevada Copper corporate website (www.nevadacopper.com).

NEVADA COPPER CORP.

Evgenij Iorich, Chairman

We seek safe harbour

For further information call:

Eugene Toffolo, VP, Investor Relations & Communications

Phone: 604-683-8266

Toll free: 1-877-648-8266

Email: etoffolo@nevadacopper.com

Robert McKnight, P.Eng.,

Executive Vice President & CFO

Phone 604-683-1309

Email: bmcknight@nevadacopper.com
BRIGHTON, Mich., Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CGE Energy (OTCPink:CGEI), the leading engineer of no capital cost energy solutions, applauds the reinstatement of the Small Wind Investment Tax Credit (ITC). CGE Energys patented WINDe20 vertical axis wind turbine is at the leading edge in innovation in the small wind turbine space, and the extension of the ITC expedites its market adoption.



Signed into law on February 12, 2018, Congress passed new bipartisan legislation, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (H.R. 1892), that included a multi-year extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for small wind turbines (100kW and smaller), and other clean energy technologies. The legislation, retroactive to January 1, 2017, extends the ITC through 2022.

The ITC reinstatement also supports CGE Energys commitment to U.S. manufacturing, as they are in the process of engineering and design optimization for the manufacturing of their 105-foot WINDe20 turbine. CGE Energys strategic manufacturing partner is ROUSH Industries, headquartered in Livonia, Michigan.

WINDe20 generates clean power on-site and can be installed, maintained and removed without a crane. The turbine is quiet, safe for birds, and its blades even collapse in storms all feats that help clear barriers for small wind turbines and sustainable energy.

"Bipartisan support for distributed generation, small wind power is commended. To CGE Energy it means sustaining American businesses, employees, schools and communities as well as supporting clean air and clean water domestically, said CGE Energy President & CEO Bryan Zaplitny. And, specifically with WINDe20, it means improving life safety, responding to emergencies, communication and community infrastructure.

For small wind turbines, the ITC is 30 percent for projects that begin construction before 2020; 26 percent ITC for projects that begin construction before 2021; and, 22 percent ITC for projects that begin construction before 2022. Another aspect of CGEs comprehensive project technologies, is the installation of highly-efficient Combined Heat and Power (CHP) natural gas generators, which also now qualify for a 10 percent ITC if construction begins before 2022.

While CGEs energy project economics does not rely on tax credits, they allow the projects to have greater impact, increase CGEs bottom line which is paid forward to help bring further financial benefit to the customers.

About CGE Energy

CGE Energy (OTCPink:CGEI) makes it easy for businesses, local governments, and non-profits to receive the benefits of sustainable energy projects with no upfront cost. CGE hand-selects the very best facilities to partner with and turns their wasted energy into immediate and continuous savings for the customer. By uniquely selling sustainability-as-a-service, CGE's proprietary Sustain business model delivers an exclusive combination of todays best energy efficiency and sustainable energy generation technologies, including CGEs exclusive WINDe20 wind turbine, http://www.cgeenergy.com.

This release may contain forward-looking statements including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or future strategies that are signified by the words expects, anticipates, intends, believes or similar language. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors. All forward-looking statements included in this release are based on information available to us on the date hereof and speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

Investor Relations Contact:

Andrew Barwicki

Barwicki Investor Relations, Inc.

Phone: 516-662-9461

Media Contact:

Paul Schneider

CGE Energy, Inc.

Phone: 248-446-1344
I was trying to type in the code to get my boarding passes at the airport in Atlanta, but I kept typing it in wrong. A young lady that worked for the airline asked could she help me.

She asked, Where are you traveling to on this cool January day in Georgia? I replied, Minnesota.

She then asked me if I owned a globe, and why would I want to fly north in the winter? I told her I was going to Minnesota to tour robotic dairy farms. She looked at me and asked, What do you do for a living?

I told her proudly, I am a dairy farmer. She smiled, looked at me with awe and said, I have never met a farmer. I smiled back and replied, Now you have!

To say the least, I was blown away by her comment. I live in a fairly rural part of Georgia and thought everyone had a farmer friend or relative that farmed in Georgia. I forgot how many people now live in urban areas of our state and country.

I took just a moment to tell the young lady about our farm while the boarding passes were printing. I smiled and told her that now she knew a farmer that was working to produce the food she saw in the supermarket. She laughed and said it was interesting to finally meet a farmer.

I have told several of my farming pals about the lady that had never met a farmer. I told them that I hoped I made a good impression on her, and that perhaps she can put a smiling face with the food she purchases.

You never know when you will have a chance to spread dairys positive message. It could be through social media or even a chance encounter. We need to let the consumer meet their farmer.
The Times piece addressed the threat of a broader conflict emerging in the wake of that initial clash, in which an Iranian drone breached Israeli airspace, leading to the destruction of a dozen military sites in Syria and the downing of one Israeli jet. The article noted that in the event of further escalation, it was likely that Israel and its backers would face an entire axis comprised of the Syrian army, a patchwork of Iran-backed militias, Irans longstanding Lebanese proxy Hezbollah, and perhaps the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Additionally, the Times pointed to the ways in which Irans construction of a so-called Shiite crescent connecting Tehran to Damascus by way of Iraq had opened up the door to more active transfer of weapons to Hezbollah and other militant proxies. It has been suggested that these activities have lately been in service of long-term Iranian plans for the region that involve total victory over rebels who oppose the Syrian dictatorship of Bashar al-Assad, after which the attentions of the resistance axis would shift to confrontation with Israel.

This assessment of the situation was given additional credence on Tuesday when Newsweek reported on the war of words that had developed after the February 10 drone incursion. That report emphasized the public response that had been delivered by Mohsen Rezaei, a former head of the IRGC and secretary of the Expediency Council, in response to warnings from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Since the flare-up, the Israeli PM has repeatedly declared that his country would take action against Iran if it attempted to continue building military bases in Syria. These statements seem to have serve the dual purpose of threatening Iran against any further incursions while also urging the United States and other major players to take actions that would constrain Irans regional ambitions. The imperative for this action was arguably underscored by Rezaeis response, which vowed that Tel Aviv would be leveled to the ground if Israel launched any sort of attack.

U.S. and Israeli leaders dont know Iran and dont understand the power of resistance, and therefore they continuously face defeat, Rezaei said in an apparent reference to the growing threat posed by networks of anti-US and anti-Israeli forces organized under the Iranian banner.

Despite the mutual threats coming from Tel Aviv and Tehran, there appears to be widespread agreement among global policy analysts that neither side is eager for war with the other. But while this might support the conclusion that outright military conflict is still some distance away, there are immediate signs of possible proxy war. This threatens to have the effect, among other things, of further prolonging and complicating the Syrian Civil War.

On Wednesday, Haaertz reported that Israel had apparently expanded its support of seven Syrian rebel groups. This change of strategy reportedly includes the provision of arms to those groups, and it is motivated by a desire to prevent Assad from reasserting control over the Golan Heights and subsequently providing Iran with a foothold along a fuzzy border with Israel.

Haaertz also characterized the move as a response to contrary changes in the strategies of the US and its allies. These include Americas withdrawal of much of its own support for armed opponents of the Assad regime, as well as the decision of international negotiators to allow Iranian installations as close as five kilometers to the Israeli border, as opposed to the solid 60 kilometers requested by Israeli officials.

To the extent that these conditions have intensified the threat of further clashes between Israel and Iran, they may have also spurred additional efforts by Western powers to exert pressure on Iran and its allies to more seriously pursue a political solution. Agence France Presse gave this impression in a report on Wednesday, which highlighted some of the latest statements on the matter from the Germany government.

The report identified a spokesperson for German Chancellor Angela Merkel as pointing the finger at both Iran and Russia for the persistence of devastating airstrikes in Syrias Eastern Ghouta region. Without the support of these two allies, Assads regime would not be where it is today, said Steffen Seibert, and undoubtedly, without this support, this regime would have to show more readiness to negotiate in the UN (peace) process.

But while these remarks seem to identify Iran as a potential contributor to the peace process, reports like the one in the New York Times suggest that Irans priority in Syria is a complete military victory in service of hegemonic ambitions for the broader region. On the other hand, the Russian role in Syria is not generally characterized in this way, and various analysts have suggested that divergent interests between Moscow and Tehran could lead to the former helping constrain the latter.

This possibility is underscored by the fact that Russia has historically maintained good relations with Israel and thus would presumably favor a solution that secures at least some of its interests where Iran and Syria are concerned. But while Russian support may ultimately be a factor in preventing Iran from following through on its latest and greatest threats against Israel, there is little expectation of it being a similar factor in constraining Irans broader regional ambitions, at least as long as Iran and Russia remain close allies.

But these broader ambitions have also been put back in the spotlight following the clash with Israel and the subsequent Western condemnations of Iranian activities in the region. On Tuesday, Fars News Agency quoted Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as rejecting statements issued by both Britain and France regarding the Iranian ballistic missile program and the alleged transfer of Iranian arms to regional proxies like the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Qasemi referred to accounts of these activities as lies despite the fact that the United Nations Panel of Experts recently released a report confirming previous American accounts of evidence for the Iranian origin of Houthi missiles which were recovered after being shot down in Saudi Arabia. The denials were also reiterated by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani while hosting acting Dutch Foreign Minister Sigrid Kaag, according to Press TV.

As well as calling the accusations of missile shipments completely wrong and baseless, Rouhani asserted that Irans adversaries were playing a blame game instead of working to resolve the crisis. In an effective mirror image of the German calls for intervention with the Assad regime, Rouhani urged Western powers to bring an immediate halt to the Saudi bombing campaign against the Houthi rebels. But given that the Houthi rebels control a far greater portion of Yemeni territory than Syrian rebels control of their own country, Rouhani might be seen as demanding that the world accept a permanent Iranian presence in both countries.

Such demands are often much bolder and much more explicit when they come from other, recognizably hardline Iranian officials. In an example of this, Iranian.com highlighted incendiary comments from Hossein Shariatmadari regarding Iranian efforts to expand the regimes influence in another country of the region: Bahrain.

The conservative journalists assertion that Bahrain belongs to Iran was reportedly seen as least partly reflecting the view of regime authorities, given that Shariatmadari is also a close adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iranian.com also notes that the Revolutionary Guards are recognizably eager to contribute to sectarian tensions in Bahrain, with an eye toward shifting it away from the Western sphere of influence and toward Irans Shiite crescent.

But while that article is actually sympathetic to Irans efforts to assert its own influence against that of the US and its allies, Iranian.com is also pessimistic about the chances of success in that endeavor, assuming the Western powers remain committed to defense of the status quo. It is not clear whether this observation extends to assessments of Irans chances of securing permanent footholds in Syria and Yemen. But as those efforts continue to develop and bring the Islamic Republic into conflict with longstanding regional adversaries, it seems likely that Western powers will respond by exerting more pressure on Tehran.
Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, Mira Ricardel, was quoted in the report as having said in a February 5th news release from the Commerce Departments Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) that the sanction shows that trade with Iran that defies U.S. export laws and regulations will not be tolerated.

In a statement released by the US Department of Commerce, it was revealed that Turkish national Gulnihal Yegane had established a series of companies that purchased aircraft equipment from US on behalf of Irans Mahan Air. The carrier is under sanctions by the United States on charges of airlifting weapons and military forces to Syria.

An article by Radio Farda alleged that the jet parts were obtained through the Turkish fronts in the past several years, most recently in December.

The trade action could strengthen the position of those in the Trump administration who oppose the deal between Iran and the aircraft manufacturer Boeing to sell aircraft to an Iranian carrier, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

In 2016, Boeing finalized a $16.6 billion deal with with Iran Air. This deal was viewed as evidence of the normalizing of U.S. relations with Iran following the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and P5+1  the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council: China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United Statesplus Germany and the European Union. Commonly known as the nuclear deal, under the JCPOA Tehran agreed to freeze development of its nuclear program in exchange for international sanctions being lifted. Ending the Boeing deal could impact the nuclear agreement.

Iran has been planning to renovate its outdated airline fleet, but an estimated $40 billion in contracts for Boeing and Europes Airbus, which relies on U.S. licensing for its own agreement with Iran due to the many U.S.-made parts on its planes, may be impacted as well, according to the WSJ report. Additionally, the WSJ claims that while the U.S. has loosened sanctions again Iran Air, they remain in place against Mahan for over a decade due to its alleged collaboration with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
While there is much speculation about the cause of the crash, officials have dismissed the theory of technical problems as a rumor. Still, according to the Iranian newspa-per Shargh, technical problems were reported on the same plane on January 25th.

Officials of Aseman Airlines say that the Iran Civil Aviation Organization would not have permitted the plane to fly if it had technical problems. They say that the more likely causes were atmospheric conditions and the location of Yasujs airport.

Some Iranian officials have pointed to the planes advanced age. Ali Abedzadeh, the head of the Iran Civil Aviation Organization, said the plane had been manufactured in 1993, but an Air France flight engineer said in an interview that the age of the plane would not have been a factor in the crash. We still have Airbuses that are more than 30 years old, but still fly without any problem, he said. We even have planes that are almost half a century old but nothing has ever happened to them. What makes a plane safe for its passengers are inspections and on-time replacement of its compo-nents.

As well, Before any plane takes off from the runway, said the flight engineer, it is inspected by flight mechanics. They give the pilot a list, confirming that all compo-nents and instruments are working properly and then the pilot shares the lists with flight engineers. Both the pilot and flight engineers must confirm that the plane is safe for flight before it can take off. In the flight cabin the pilot has a gauge that tells him the altitude. If the instruments are working properly it is impossible for the pilot to be unaware of the altitude.

He said further, that the instruments are effective no matter how bad atmospheric conditions are. A plane simply does not crash into a mountain. Even in the midst of clouds and fog, the instruments do what they are supposed to do. The distance be-tween the plane and the mountain or the sea is quite clear. Pilots fly by instruments. Saying the pilot did not see the mountain is wrong. It is highly likely that the planes instruments had technical difficulties and it is quite possible that the pilot did not no-tice the problem.

According to Skytrax, a trusted UK-based consultancy that ranks airlines and air-ports around the world, Iran Air has one of the worlds worst safety records, writes Aida Ghajar in an article for Track Persia.

Irans Ministry of Roads and Urban Development reported in 2016 that, between 1979 and 2014, Tehran was at the top of list for air accidents, with a total of 1,985 fatalities.

According to the Iranian Aviation News Agency, following the 1979 revolution, there have been a number of airplane crashes resulting in fatalities in Iran every year.
McMaster says that Irans goal is to establish regional hegemony for itself by weakening the Arab states. In fact, Arab states have continually complained about Irans grasp, which has reached throughout the region.

In an op-ed for the New York Times, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said that Irans activities were not surprising. She wrote, Since the signing of the nuclear agreement, Irans support of dangerous militias has markedly increased. Its missiles are turning up in war zones all across the Middle East.

She explained that, A panel of experts found that Iran is violating a United Nations weapons embargo  specifically, that missiles fired by Yemens Houthi rebels into Saudi Arabia last year were made in Iran.

Also warning about the sophistication levels the Iranian weapons have reached, McMaster went on to say that the time was ripe to act against Iran.

The 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers was supposed to curb Irans nuclear program. US President Trump called it, the worst deal ever made and said is has emboldened Iran, and opened up its economy to foreign investment. The deal has given Iran the money to fund wars, and the Arab people have suffered in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

The Houthis in Yemen have been launching the Iranian-made missiles that Ambassador Haley referred to, at Saudi Arabia for more than a year. Riyadh has been targeted, but fortunately, the missiles were intercepted. Although the Iranian-aligned Houthis have launched scores of missiles at the kingdom, the have caused little serious damage. However, they have deepened tensions between Riyadh and Tehran. Saudi Arabias Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, called Irans supply of rockets to the Houthis direct military aggression that could be an act of war.

The international communitys been called upon to hold Iran accountable for its weapons smuggling into Yemen. An article published by Track Persia says that, The international community should act immediately at the UN Security Council and hold Iran accountable for such transgressions. World powers should also threaten to pull out of the nuclear accord if such destabilising and aggressive behaviour continues against Arab states.
African Americans Contribution to the City of Venice

The Abbott Kinney Library on Venice Boulevard in Venice Beach hosted a revival of sorts, during its Black History Month programming; the gathering was part rally, part sermon, part Black history lesson on the forgotten people of Venice Beach, California.

Elders and community activists of the Venice Beach area came to tell their stories of growing up in Venice and the community that they feel is slowly and deliberately being dismantled. Special remembrances were made of the institution of The First Baptist Church of Venice, located on Westminster Avenue and 7th Avenue in the Oakwood community of Venice. Started by Arthur Reese and 45 dedicated members, The First Baptist Church of Venice was once a thriving place of refuge for the people in need. The church is a huge part of the Black history in Venice and a vigilant group of resident and activists are fighting to keep the doors of the church open to the community while developers from the Neighborhood Council have professed other plans as new owners of the church structure. 45 years after slavery had ended these small group of Venice residents made a place for themselves to worship. says organizer, Laddie Williams, This history needs to be told and were going to continue to tell it, as their great, great, great grandsons and daughters.

Williams, Venice residents and community organizers compiled a moving exhibit of photos and newspaper articles on the importance of African Americans contributions to Venices history; a history that goes untold in modern Venice paperbacks and history books. Black people and native people have been in Venice since 1910 but no one talks about it. Weve been completely erased from the history of Venice, says Laddie. This is why were doing this today. We all know that African Americans played a great history in the world, especially in the United States. So to be White washed out of all of the books written about Venice and the history of Venice is not fair. No fair at all. So we have to be the change that we want to see.

The program of speakers included Pastor Oscar Rhone who gave a mini sermon on the why Jesus is needed today; Cynthia Fenton who spoke on the importance of telling our stories, Lydia Ponce who read a moving poem of survival, Miguel Bravo who read from his blog and Elder Jataun Valentine. You probably heard of what they call the inkwell, beach? When I was a baby going down there, it was all grass. It was called Spook beach. I actually thought that was the name until my cousins said that the reason why they called didnt like the name Inkwell is because back in the day when I went to school we used ink to write with the pens. The color was always dark blue or black, remembers Jataun Valentine. Well let me tell you what I just found out two years ago about this beach. My grandfather, Arthur Valentine, Sr. had taken my father and my aunt and my grandmother to a beach in Topanga Canyon and the police told them they had to leave because it was for Whites only. My grandfather said no. They (the police) beat him up and shot him in the leg. When he went to court, they said that my grandfather had a weapon but it had taken two years and finally they dropped the charges and he won the case. Thats when he decided and the other Blacks decided that we needed a beach of our own. What you know now as the Inkwell use to be a horrible beach where the sewage would come from the ocean. This is where the Black people went. Coming from Los Angeles, Santa Monica and all over, feeling that we had finally got our own beach.

Activist Miguel Bravo led the audience is a Native American ancestral song, which spoke of the energy of trauma that still lives on the streets of Venice. Remembering the untimely death of his father when he was a young boy, Miguel believes that saving the First Baptist Church of Venice, isnt just about religion as much as it is about history. Our existence is our existence but I feel that spirit of Venice in here; the Venice of when I was growing when we were all one people who only wanted to love and grow our families and our communities.

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Black Leaders Discuss African Americans in War Times

Gun violence, economic disparities and media representation were among the topics debated at the panel discussion sponsored by city of Los Angeles and Our Authors Study Club.

The presentation, held at L.A. City Hall on Feb. 15, featured community leaders expounding on the national Black History Month theme, African Americans in War Times: Abroad and at Home.

Coordinated by L.A. Public Works Commissioner Mike Davis and his committee, the program included remarks by OASC President Ernestine Gordon, OASC member Maude Johnson and MTA Commissioner Jacqueline Dupont-Walker.

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ABC7 news anchor Marc Brown moderated the panel, which featured LADWP Commissioner William Funderburk, Cultural Affairs Commission President Charmaine Jefferson, and NAACP Veterans Affairs Chair Judy Welch. Other participants were Dr. Jody Armour of USC, Dr. John Davis of CSU  Dominquez Hills, Dr. Maulana Karenga of CSU  Long Beach, Dr. Boris Ricks of CSU  Northridge and Dr. Natalie Sartin of CSU  Long Beach.

Kicking-off the dialogue with current events, Brown cited the news reporting on the Feb. 14 mass shooting at a Florida high school. Noting that the White shooter, who used an assault weapon to kill 17 people, had been described as troubled, Brown asked panelists for their thoughts on how people of color are portrayed by the media.

The data will show that there is disparities in how mass shootings are covered [and] the victims of mass shootings. As of this day, weve had 18 or 19 mass shootings. Each of those shootings has had racial issues and we have not heard that. We probably havent heard it because we have a (lack) of African Americans who can speak to it on the news without retribution, said Ricks.

Welch, who is an Air Force veteran, noted, The majority of our mass murderers are not people with skin like myself and the media wants to depict these people as troubled, but with African Americans, they are violent, they have violent tendencies and they use stronger words.

In the military, I was only allowed to carry a M16. If the military cant carry them (assault rifles), why should the public?

Offering another aspect, Karenga insisted the medias differences in portraying people of color actually stems from the nations long history of oppressing minorities, such as the genocide against Native Americans, the holocaust of slavery imposed on Africans and the brutal disposition of Mexicans and also the brutalization of Asian labor.

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Explaining further, he said, Their ancestors did this and even the media reaffirms it. Theyre killing people all of the time. Were in a war zone. Were struggling all of the time. We have to put it in a Black context. We can always talk about humanity, but we cant do it at the expense of our own humanity.

Jefferson, who previously served as executive director of the California African American Museum, believed the medias reports on gun violence have an underlying message implying that people of color should not have guns.

The real reason you end up with an enormous fight about these guns is the idea that I need these guns to protect me against those people. We understand who actually those people are, said Jefferson.

Expanding the discussion to the gun violence war, Armour said that the focus should be on reducing the number of African American victims, which do not occur from mass shootings, but more frequently from Black-on-Black incidents as a result of socio-economic conditions.

A lot of times, it is members of the Black community, truly disadvantaged Blacks, turning guns on one another and squeezing the triggers. If you want to reduce that rate of violence, focus on the social inequalities, remarked Armour.

They are crimes of poverty, covenant schools, and industrialized inner city neighborhoods. Lets not forget the restrictive covenants, re-gentrification, the constant struggle many persons are encountering, he said.

As Brown neared the end of the forum, he asked panelists for suggestions in applying lessons from the past to guide African Americans in the future. Funderburk said citizen can take advantage of city government resources to improve their quality of life. For example, LADWP recently launched an Equity Metrics Data Initiative to ensure that their services and programs positively impact low-income ratepayers.

We wrote the rules that communities can use to empower themselves through DWPs ratepayer largesse. The equity metrics has focused renewed attention on funding additional customer engagement, policy development and outreach to increase participation in rebates, said Funderburk.

In a city where 40% of the households qualify as low income, targeting these groups for attention has always been a priority.

Responding from an educational standpoint, Dr. Davis urged the Black community to oppose Trump administration efforts to dismantle President Obamas policies that consider the racial and socio-economic composition of those students being suspended or expelled.

We have got to be a lot more aggressive in asserting some of the gains that we had. We need protective policies that will keep our kids safe and in school and most productive so that these things will happen not with White boys shooting things up, but our kids arent suffering on the other end of the spectrum as well, he said.

Karenga added, There is no substitute for an aware and engaged people constantly involved in a multiplicity of activities that define and advance their future. Love each other and our people. Seek and speak truth. Demand justice. Be constantly concerned with the well being of the world.

Tori Bailey, MS, contributed to this report.
California Legislative Black Caucus Remembers the First Black Lawmaker

The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), celebrated the first African American Legislator, the Honorable Frederick Roberts. This Black History Month, they recognized the 100th anniversary of Roberts remarkable 16 years of dedicated service in the California State Assembly.

CLBC Chairman, Assemblyman Chris Holden (AD 41) speaks to the accomplishments of Frederick Roberts as he passed laws to prohibit discriminatory practices commonly referred to as Jim Crow Laws in California. Frederick Roberts was ahead of his time, a pioneer and advocate not only for African American rights, but human rights. His courageous leadership opened the doors for many African American lawmakers like me who stand in the Capitol today.

Friday, California lawmakers were also joined by Frederick Roberts descendants: Ellen Wales Hodnett, David Warren Hodnett, Robin Johanna Roberts, Keith Elliot Lawrence, Karen Willard, Lena Simone Willard, Jamie Lee Roberts, Heather Ann Hiles, Deborah Veney, and Regina Jones. Ms. Hodnett, Hon. Robertss great niece, remembers the historic nature of her great uncle and the strength it took to be the first Black in Californias legislature. My uncle was ahead of his time in race relations  he did not like the term Negro, but rather called him and other Blacks: American of African descent.

The CLBC also recognized students from Willie Brown Middle School for winning first place in the Black Minds Matter competition at CSU-Fresno. This middle school team outshined 12 schools, including high school teams. The CLBC proudly presented the students with certificates for their academic excellence and leadership in an imitative to make their school healthier. Their findings report that after a student consumes unhealthy foods, they are more likely to behave poorly and receive discipline while at school. The Willie Brown Middle School principal mentioned: Students who eat junk food constantly, go to the bathroom more often, dont eat school food, and lack of nutrition. The students also met their Assemblymember and Senator as well as CLBC members. Students of the award winning team, the Culture Keepers include: President Elijah Brown (8th grade), Vice President AmBriana Daniels (8th grade), Secretary Eziyah Wilson (8th grade), Historian Monaee Angel-Short (8th grade), Member Jabarr Harvey (6th Grade), and Member Sincere Bryant (6th grade).

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Celebrate Black History Month With These Unique Airbnb Experiences

ADVERTORIAL

As Angelenos across the city celebrate Black History Month, Airbnb is offering a great new way to share in the celebration of Black history and culture. The travel company offers a variety of one-of-a-kind, local experiences that give Angelenos and visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in music, design, food, nature, and history lessons led by Black entrepreneurs throughout Los Angeles.

We are proud to join our community in celebrating Black History Month. Airbnb Experiences are a powerful driver of entrepreneurship, creating pathways for locals with a shareable passion or skill to incubate new business ideas and leverage their unique expertise to benefit from the growing tourism economy. They also provide another way for hosts to ensure that travelers in LA spread their dollars to neighborhoods and small businesses that have never benefited from tourism before, said John Choi, Airbnbs Head of Public Policy for Los Angeles.

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Originally launched as a way for people to earn supplemental income by renting out extra space in their homes to guests, Airbnb expanded its offering to include local experiences in Los Angeles in 2016. Hosted by passionate locals, like nature guides, pastry chefs, and salsa dancers, experiences help small businesses and individuals turn their passions and skills into a source of income for themselves and the community.

In Inglewood, guests can join The .WAV  pioneers of Afrobeats and Afrotrap in Los Angeles  in celebrating Black culture surrounded by live music, poetry, and dance. The group has teamed up with a local chef, artisans, and vendors for AFROHOUS Brunch, a weekly event aimed at empowering diverse voices and bridging the gap between African Americans and Africans through art and music. Since its launch last year, the collective has grown to include some of the most talented and respected local artists and attract both local and international guests of all ages.

For those interested in fashion and design, travelers can spend the afternoon with Holly, a premium denim designer, in crafting their very own Maxi Skirt in her sunny studio on the iconic Hollywood Boulevard. Holly had been teaching sewing to people all over the world through an online video channel for nearly a decade, however the Airbnb platform has allowed her to share her passion in a new way. She loves being able to connect with her students in person and hear their stories. Many have never sewn anything in their life and are excited to leave with handmade garments they can actually wear. Holly is also a high school teacher in South Los Angeles and hopes to start a program young students who want to learn about fashion design.

Guests can also join Burt, a Grammy-winner and seasoned music producer, who has worked with iconic artists like Public Enemy, Aloe Blacc, Sonny Digital, Aerosmith, and Method Man. Aspiring performers, producers, and music lovers learn the basics of DJing, including handling vinyl, transitioning songs, scratching and more. Burt also hosts a Master Class for those with more experience wishing to hone in on specific specific performance or production skills. With many participants, the relationship has grown beyond the one-time session into a real mentorship.
Harrison Blake Apparel, Your Online Luxury Experience

Harrison Blake Apparel offers the latest garments and accessories that finish off the perfect look for any gentleman looking to conquer a board room meeting or enjoy a night out on the town.

Recently, the Los Angeles Sentinel spoke with the mastermind behind the Black-owned business, Richard Taylor, to discuss how Harrison Blake came to be.

Taylor, a Michigan resident, created Harrison Blake Apparel in 2014, now the company is celebrating five years. Taylors degree in business administration combined with his work experience in producing garments and clothing for the military, provided him with the background he needed to launch his luxury apparel business.

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Currently, the online company allows customers to purchase neckties, bow ties, silk pocket squares, and much more in a variety of colors, patterns, prints, and materials. All of the prices on the website are under $20 except for the Harrison Blake Monthly Dapper Club. The monthly subscription includes one necktie and four matching accessories every month for $25, free shipping included. Additional Harrison Blake clubs include, the Bow Tie Club, and the Floral Tie Club.

When I first started, I was making lapel pins, and that was the only thing I was producing at the time, said Taylor.

Thats when I decided to make my own branded website. After about ten months in, thats when I expanded and started doing other accessories besides lapel pins like neckties, pocket squares, bracelets and things like that.

Although the business is spearheaded by Taylor, he also receives help from his mother, father, and his daughter who handles the business social media accounts.

Like many business owners, Taylor too faced challenges during the process of starting his business.

[Some of the] obstacles included finding good suppliers that had the quality we were looking for. There were some mistakes that were made by me. At one point, we tried to have some womens accessories, which I really knew nothing about and that was part of the fail.

So I gave up on that and decided to focus on just mens accessories, he said.

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Looking back at his life, Taylor never saw himself as a business owner. In fact, prior to getting involved in business, Taylor focused on writing and self-publishing for four years before he decided to start Harrison Blake.

Thats kind of what got me started. Just developing my own extra income, and I kind of attribute that to getting me on this path of entrepreneurship, he said.

As a Black business owner, Taylor understands the importance of encouraging young men and women to pursue entrepreneurship as a career path. During the interview, he spoke of his own journey and provided advice for those seeking to start their own business.

The biggest thing is to get started even if you start slowly or start small thats okay. Just feel free to grow your business gradually. You dont have to go into debt or always take on investors, he said.

Also, what helped me was leveraging the power of social media and making connections with various, different, and past influences and whatever business they may be in so that you have influences in that market. [Next,] retail to them and allow some of those people to try your products and recommend you to their audience. That will really get your business out there a lot faster than you can do on your own!

Harrison Blake Apparel offers high quality mens accessories and a variety of products for gentlemen at a reasonable price. For more information on the company please visit www.harrisonblakeapparel.com, and follow them on Facebook @Harrison Blake Apparel and on Instagram @wearlapelpins.
HBCU Day at City Hall

As a part of City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawsons celebration of African American Heritage month series of public programming, City Hall recognized Historical Black College & Universities (HBCU) Day with a reception and council presentation for HBCU Alumnae Alisa Orduna and Karim Webb. Tuesday, February 13 at 9am, the community was urged to wear their HBCUs tee and sweat shirts representing their alma mater. A City Hall Proclamation ceremony recognized the work of Xavier University alumna Alisa Orduna who was recently appointed Senior Advisor on Homelessness to coordinate the communitys comprehensive efforts to address homelessness who currently serves as the Director of Homelessness Policy for the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a post shes held since 2015. Also receiving recognition was Morehouse graduate Karim Webb who holds the current position as Co-Owner and Operations Partner of PCF Restaurant Management, a Los Angeles-based franchisee of Buffalo Wild Wings. When they ask me why, I say to help people see possibility for themselves and work passionately to create the lives they desire,  says Karim. Im glad to be able to facilitate this via entrepreneurial endeavors and thankful I live and do business in a city governed by people who believe in our approach.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities have been under attack as irrelevant in the 21st century by some scholars now that segregation of public and state school was a violation of the 14th amendment and unconstitutional for more that 60 years. There are those in attendance like the Councilman Herb Wesson, a proud graduate of Lincoln University of Lincoln, Pa. who believe attending HBCUs were vital to their success. As a proud alum of Lincoln University, Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a special place in my heart, says Councilman Wesson. Today we honored two HBCU graduates who have done right by Los Angeles  Alisa Orduna and Karim Webb. We must continue lifting up these institutions and the individuals they empower.

As more and more African American high school graduates started attending state and city colleges and universities in the 60s, HBCUs suffered attendance and funding resources. Families had access to Ivy league and aspired for the access and social status it brought to their childrens future. However, it was in the 80s and 90s that support for HBCU resurged especially in films like Boyz n the Hood and Spike Lee films in addition to The Cosby Show and A Different World. Today, African-Americans can attend any college and university, but more than four times as many students choose historically black colleges and universities than 40 years ago. Im so proud to honor just a few of the LA folks who carry their HBCU pride, dedication, and brilliance into their work, says Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson.

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For 159 years, historically black colleges and universities have shaped African American history. Today, they are shaping LAs future.
Kimberly Freeman Joins USC As New Dornsife Associate Dean of Diversity

USC has announced that Kimberly Freeman has been hired as the new Associate Dean and Chief Diversity Officer for the USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. She is working with faculty, staff and students to complete the development and implementation of a college-wide diversity strategic plan. This will include strategies for recruitment and retention of an increasingly diverse community, assessment of ongoing and proposed diversity initiatives, and cultivation of an inclusive college environment that promotes success for students, faculty and staff.

Her role will include supporting mentorship and training initiatives, including training on topics related to diversity, inclusion, campus climate, civility, and equity. She will work to enhance the educational experience of students and establish an inclusive welcoming environment for culturally diverse students, staff and faculty.

Freeman comes to USC Dornsife from UCLA Anderson School of Management, where she served for four years as assistant dean for diversity initiatives and community relations. Freeman said her primary goal in her new role will be to build an inclusive culture at USC.

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Freeman earned a bachelors in industrial engineering and operations research from the University of California, Berkeley. As a student, she was active in the National Society of Black Engineers, a student-run, non-profit organization that built strong students, leaders, and professionals in the engineering and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.

Freeman is not new to the Trojan Family. While working as an environmental engineering specialist for Southern California Gas Company she earned her masters from USC Price School of Public Policy and later an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. (She is now completing a doctorate in Education Leadership at UCLA.)

Kimberly Freeman has extensive knowledge and experience in working within the South Los Angeles and Southern California community. Previously Ms. Freeman worked at Southern California Gas as the Director of Community Relations. She was the lead person in supporting a number of community and non-profit programs for So. Cal Gas and lead the team that was responsible for managing all of the non-profit and philanthropic inititiatives for the Gas Company and Sempra Energy. She was also served as an adjunct professor at USC Price School of Public Policy.

In an interview with Susan Bell in a USC Dornsife publication Ms. Freeman stated that Whether at school, at work, or abroad, I have always been in settings where Ive had to meet new people and learn about new cultures, she said. Those early experiences have informed my worldview, my professional choices and how I view the importance of diversity and inclusion in workplaces and on campuses like USC.

Notwithstanding her love of travel, she said shes glad to have returned to USC.

Ive traveled back to USC for this next part of my career journey, and it feels like home. I love the integration of the campus with the community. I walked on campus the first day, and I already felt the connection.
Lois Catherine Banks Richard

Lois Catherine Banks Richard was born on July 31, 1931 to Ernest Banks and Edna Porch Banks in Pasadena, California. The first of two children, Lois and her family lived in diverse Northwest Pasadena neighborhoods her entire childhood. Lois grew up around social change as her parents were active in community activities. Her father taught Adult Education night classes in their home and her mother served as Area Captain for the Community Chest (United Way) and spear-headed the de-segregation of the Pasadena YWCA pool.

As a result of her parents encouragement and activism, Lois was confident and active in academic councils, social clubs and student government during high school and college. Lois graduated from Pasadena High School at the age of 16 after skipping two grades. In 1949, while attending Pasadena City College, Lois was the only African-American student on the English Council, Red Cross Council and elected to the Associated Student Body Cabinet. Following in her fathers footsteps, she attended UCLA and graduated in 1952 with a BA degree in Education.

After meeting and dating at UCLA, Lois and Rodney Richard Jr., were married on September 6, 1953 at All Saints Church in Pasadena. They lived in Fort Lee, Virginia during Rods two year Army ROTC commitment. Lois and Rod moved back to Pasadena, built their first home and had two children -Rodney Armand III and Leslie Allyson.

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Lois started her teaching career in the Compton School District but soon worked in the Pasadena Unified School District at Jackson and Washington Elementary Schools. Her students absolutely loved her ever encouraging personality and positive teaching style (four of her 1959 sixth-grade students visited her in 2015 to show their life-long appreciation).

In 1966, Lois led the initial growth and development of the Pasadena Head Start program for underprivileged pre-school children and their families as a part of President Lyndon Johnsons War On Poverty. She oversaw the formation of several new services including three care centers, the Home Start program and the Head Start Enrichment program. These programs also assisted numerous young women (including parents, volunteers and staff) in graduating from high school and college and also served as the model for several other childcare programs. In 1973, Lois obtained her Master of Arts degree from Azusa Pacific College by taking night classes while working full-time and caring for her family. Lois innovation at Pasadena Head Start led her to be elected as State President  Association of Head Start Administrators and appointed to the National Executive Board. Over a seven year period, Lois also managed the family while Rod, who after the age of 40, attended medical school and residency.

After 13 years of innovative service at Head Start, Lois retired to establish and manage Rods pediatric private practice in Pasadena. While managing the growth of Rods multiple successful practices in Pasadena and East Los Angeles, Lois enthusiastically established relationships with and encouraged each parent to see their childrens unique gifts and talents.

Throughout her life, Lois was known for her brilliant mind, excellent writing skills and her commitment to serving under-represented children and communities. She was active on many civic, educational, community service and social justice organizations including the American Association of University Women, Pasadena Heritage, NAACP, City of Pasadena Resource Allocation Committee, Commission on the Status of Women, Pacific Oaks School Childs Steering Committee, Committee to Oversee Human Experiment at Caltech and JPL, Black Womens Forum, Charles Drew Medical Auxiliary, The Pasadena Links and Pasadena Neighborhood Housing Services. She served on boards at the Lanterman Regional Center, Pasadena Child Health Foundation, Pasadena Day Nursery, Urban Coalition, Five Acres and Sequoyah School. She was also a charter member of the Delta Sigma Theta  Pasadena Alumni Chapter and an early member of the Pasadena Chapter of Jack & Jill.

In 1979, Lois ran for a Pasadena City Director (Council) seat and obtained the majority of her districts votes. In a mandated runoff, she lost the election due to the citywide vote tally. Lois became the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit brought by her along with over a dozen organizations including the ACLU and NAACP. The result of these efforts led to watershed change in civic voting rules and allowed for much more diverse civic representation in Pasadena (1982) and throughout the country.

During over 30 years of service, Lois received numerous awards including California State Assembly  Woman of the Year in 1988 and recognition from National Head Start Association. Lois and Rod opened their home for political and community fundraising events and social affairs for young and old. On a personal note they literally opened their home numerous times for extended periods to those in transition.

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Lois could not go anywhere in the Pasadena area without seeing extremely grateful former students, Head Start participants, employees or long-time friends. Extremely proud of her familys five generation Pasadena roots (since 1898), in 2011 Lois entered and placed second in A Little Old Lady from Pasadena Contest sponsored by the City of Pasadena, Pasadena Star News and the Rose Bowl. Upon the recognition and true to her lifes work, she stated that she wanted to be sure there was a little old lady representing people who looked like me.

Lois enjoyed socializing, entertaining, reading, family road trips, camping, sewing, civic participation, telling family stories and most of all interacting with and talking about her children and grandchildren.

Lois was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and nephews Michael Harris and Blake Edwards. She is survived by her son Rodney III, daughter Leslie Richard, MD and son-in-law Richard Craven, sister Virgie Edwards, grandchildren Jordan, Jade, Maya, Nicholas, nieces and nephews Drew Edwards (Johanna), Lynette Speed Anderson (Randolph), Horace Speed (Joyce), Gary Speed, Vincent Harris (Celeste), Trevor Harris (Kamela), extended family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all still her legacy and loving spirit live on.
Los Angeles Among Over 50 Counties Poised for Rural Internet

Los Angeles is among the over 50 counties that are on track to receive high-speed internet for their rural areas in the near future. The Federal Communications Commission began its Connect America Fund more than 5 years ago, to offset the high cost of getting quality internet service to these spaces. The entity will hold a reverse auction beginning July 24, where internet providers will compete for up to $2 billion in funds to distribute to underserved areas.

Connecting the unconnected in rural America is my top priority, said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. Im excited that our CAF auction will provide opportunities for innovative companies and cooperatives to bridge the digital divide for the California consumers and small businesses that lack high-speed access today.

Poor phone lines in many rural areas may limit download speeds to 23-26k or less. Many of these lines serve relatively few customers and phone company maintenance and speed of repair of these lines is often limited and their upgrade for modern quality requirements is unlikely. This results in a digital divide.

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Broadband access is essential in the 21st Century for jobs, education, information and economic development. In early 2009, Congress directed the FCC to develop a National Broadband Plan to ensure every American has access to broadband capability. Congress also required that this plan include a detailed strategy for achieving affordability and maximizing use of broadband to advance consumer welfare, civic participation, public safety and homeland security, community development, health care delivery, energy independence and efficiency, education, employee training, private sector investment, entrepreneurial activity, job creation and economic growth, and other national purposes.

Since 2011, the FCC has targeted more than $9 billion in support for rural broadband expansion to over 4 million homes and small businesses through CAF.

The Rural Broadband Auctions Task Force, in conjunction with the Wireless Telecommunications and Wireline Competition Bureaus, will host a workshop on the application process for the CAF Phase II auction on March 14 in Washington. The workshop will include detailed information about the CAF II auction application system. The workshop is open to the public and will be available for viewing online. After the event, a recording will be available for streaming.
Mosley Debuts New Black Hero in Latest Novel

Author Walter Mosley excites readers once again with the debut of a new Black hero in his latest novel, Down the River Unto the Sea.

The book introduces Joe Oliver, an unjustly convicted former police officer who after serving hard time at Rikers Island in New York, opens a private detective agency and embarks on a dangerous quest to clear his name.

Along the way, Oliver seeks to prove the innocence of a young, Black militant journalist who has been accused of killing two on-duty police officers.

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The public will have an opportunity to meet Mosley and learn more about the novel by attending his discussion and signing on Feb. 23, at Eso Won Books in Leimert Park.

Based on the reception to Mosleys previous novels, Down the River Unto the Sea will likely keep people reading straight through to the end, especially considering its sub-themes of police brutality and corruption. In an advanced review, the Library Journal described the book as another imaginative page-turner from a mystery grand master.

While some may think Mosley is making a statement about prison or unjust convictions, he insisted that was not his intention in penning the novel. Im not trying to make a statement. Im writing about a situation in which people make choices. If I was making a statement, I would write something non-fiction, he said during a recent interview with the Los Angeles Sentinel.

Actually, Mosley had been mulling the subject of prison for nearly 15 years, but just recently wrote about the book while working in Hollywood on John Singletons Snowfall series on FX.

For a long time, Ive been thinking about Black American men and women who are in prison or having been in prison or the police being after them for basically acts of self-defense and how confusing that is, said Mosley.

I dont know what happens in any crime, but what I do know is that a lot of times, if you happen to be a person who is working against the system thats working against you, you become a target. So I decided I wanted to write about someone (the journalist) who was going up against policemen who were crooked. He went up against them, he fought them and he happened to come out on the winning side, but then he was given the death penalty.

The character, Oliver, is hired to investigate the journalists case and ultimately proves that the reporter acted to protect himself. Also, as he unravels the truth, Oliver proves his own innocence, too.

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After that decision  this man was really protecting himself  what action can you take because theres no legal action you can take, none. So what does he do? And I wanted to write that book and so I wrote it, Mosley said.

Mosley, who has written a range of fiction, nonfiction, political and philosophical works, issues his 54th book with Down the River Unto the Sea. Over the years, his writings have earned several honors including the Anisfield Wolf for works that increase understanding of race in America, the O. Henry Award for his Socrates Fortlow story and a Grammy award for album notes on Richard Pryors And Its Deep Too. In 2016, Mosley was named the first African American recipient of the Grand Master award presented by the Mystery Writers of America.

Raised in Los Angeles, he graduated from Hamilton High School in 1970 and went on to earn a political science degree from Johnson State College in Vermont. After relocating to New York City, Mosley discovered his gift of writing and hasnt stopped since.

Im happy to be writing a book like this, said Mosley. Its entertaining and political in its way.
Murry Leads Catholic Churchs Committee Against Racism

The Catholic Church has joined the nationwide effort to battle intolerance and bigotry with the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism.

Formed last August by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the committee is headed by Bishop George V. Murry, S.J., one of eight active African American bishop in the international denomination.

As part of his mandate to engage the Catholic Church and society in uniting to find solutions to discriminatory attitudes, Murry spoke in Los Angeles on Feb. 13 as part of the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies Tom and Julie Condon Lecture Series at USC. His goal was to move people from talk to tangible, consistent deeds to eliminate what he refers to as Americas original sin.

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Emphasizing the importance of consistency, Murry explained, The Catholic Church has [taken] a number of positions and ads speaking out against racism. But what happens is we speak out against it and then theres very little follow up. Then something happens and we speak out against it again and then it just disappears.

What we want to do with the Committee Against Racism is two things: to speak nationally against racism and also challenge people to move from thoughts to actions.

Murry and the committees campaign calls for holding listening sessions around the country to hear from people impacted by racism and their suggestions to combat it. The sessions will be followed by Conversations on Race and the USCCBs issuance of a pastoral letter on racism and study guide in Fall 2018. In addition, an ecumenical gathering of with Protestant, Muslim, and Jewish groups will take place this month in Washington, DC to discuss their experiences and best practices to handle racist behavior.

Throughout the process, Murry will likely share lessons from his personal experiences as a Black American Catholic, whose presence in the Church is minute compared to Whites and other ethnicities. Out of 70+ million U.S. Catholics, an estimated 3 million are African American and of 17,651 parishes, 798 are considered to be predominantly Black.

Also, Murry, who has been a priest for 39 years, is one of just 24 African-American bishops in the history of the Catholic Church. In the United States, African American bishops lead six U.S. dioceses including one archdiocese.

However, racism is not limited to one group of people, acknowledged Murray, who stressed, I want to help all of us to understand the many faces of racism and understand what people go through who experience it. For example, racism in the Pacific Northwest is generally aimed at Native Americans, but here in Los Angeles, it would be aimed at Hispanic Americans and African Americans. There are other places where it might be aimed at Asian Americans, said Murry.

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But, its one thing to recognize theres a problem. Its another thing to say, I need to make some changes. White people, Black people, Hispanic people, Asian people, Native American people  together, we need to take action to change our way of thinking and our behaviors that result from that thinking.

Despite his daunting task, Murry remains optimistic about the improvements the committee can make and the encouragement he has received, especially within the Catholic Church.

One of the things that stand out for me is how much support I got from bishops, priests, religious women, laypeople and Catholics across the country who wrote, sent an email, called to say how important it was [that] the Church take a clear and consistent stand against racism. I got an email today from a nun in Michigan who said Just continue what youre doing. Dont give up, he said.

For Murry, the bottom line is, The Church has to take a stand against racism period, whether people are Catholic or non-Catholic and were inviting anybody of goodwill to be a part of this. We believe every person is created in the image and likeness of God, therefore every person deserves respect. Racism disrespects people of color.

About Bishop George V. Murry

Bishop Murry, a New Jersey native now serving the Youngstown Diocese, originally belonged to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, but converted to Roman Catholicism while attending parochial school in Baltimore. Murry received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from St. Marys Seminary in Baltimore. In 1972, he was admitted as a member to the Society of Jesus. After completing his period of novitiate in 1974, he went on to obtain a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley and a Masters and Doctorate in American Cultural History from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1979.

To learn more, visit usccb.org
NAACP Announces Key Partnerships during Annual Board Meeting

During its annual public board meeting in New York City, the NAACP announced several key partnerships designed to expand the reach, impact and effectiveness of the nations oldest and largest civil rights organizations.

During its public annual board meeting, the association announced partnerships with key organizations of color designed to help mobilize voters for mid-term elections and increase membership for the 109-year-old organization.

The NAACP signed agreements with the NNPA: The Black Press of America; the National Minority Pan Hellenic Council; the African- American Institute, and The LINKS as part of an overall strategy by the NAACP to shift resources towards mobilization efforts for the 2018-midterm elections.

Working with partners remains a critical part of unifying the Black community as we prepare to make our voices heard at the polls and on ineffective public policies, said NAACP National Board Chairman Leon W. Russell. These groups have answered the call to work with us to expand membership and our ability to educate our community on the need for aggressive civic engagement.

Partnerships included Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with:

The LINKS: A group of nearly 15,000 professional women of color, with 285 chapters in 41 states, the District of Columbia and the Bahamas.

National Newspaper Publishers Association(NNPA): Also known as, the Black Press of America, the NNPA is a trade association of the more than 200 African American-owned community newspapers from around the United States that reach millions weekly.

Africa-America Institute(AAI): An organization created to expand education on Africa, increase capacity building and foster relationships between Africans and African Americans.

National Pan-Hellenic Council(NPHC): Is an international organization representing nine (9) International Greek letter Sororities and Fraternities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

These partnerships are not simply for show but part of our strategic plan to unite the various strands of our community into working and more powerful forms of operational unity, said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. We have come to understand that elections have consequences and if the consequences of the most-recent presidential election means we recognize the need for greater unity among people and organizations of color and act on it; then we are moving in the right direction, added Johnson.

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In attendance for the signing were:

Thomas Battles, Chairman of the National Pan Hellenic Council; Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and Mrs. Dorothy Leavell, Chairman of NNPA; Dr. Marcella Maxwell, the LINKS National Liaison; and Mr. Austin R. Cooper, Jr.; Government Affairs Representative for the Africa-America Institute. All groups will require members to join the NAACP, if not already members.

We are entering this partnership at a critical time when voting rights are being challenged and our HBCUs are closing, said Thomas Battles Jr., Chairman of the National Pan Hellenic Council. The NAACP and the Divine 9 will work together in preparing our communities throughout the nation for the upcoming midterm elections, the census and beyond, added Battles.

As part of their agreement, NNPA will provide membership forms in all of their over 200 weekly publications and provide regular weekly and monthly columns to NAACP leadership.

The NAACPs partnership with the Black Press extends for decades but a new attack on the rights of communities of color has revitalized their relationship. The partnership of the NAACP and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) combines two of our oldest institutions of more than 200 years moving on the critical issues of today, said NNPA Chairperson Dorothy R. Leavell.

Dr. Ben Chavis, the president and CEO of NNPA, agreed with her assessment.

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The NNPA proudly unites with the NAACP in a strategic national partnership to increase NAACP memberships, African American voter registration and turnout in 2018, and to strengthen African American owned newspapers and media companies, said Dr. Chavis. We applaud the leadership of NAACP Chairman Leon Russell and President and CEO Derrick Johnson for standing up to ensure effective strategies in collaboration with the NNPA and other national African American organizations.

Not in attendance but part of the recent key partnerships signed by the NAACP was the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.
We Need Educational Equality in Our Schools

This Black History Month, Lets Take Back the Fight for Education Equality

Frederick Douglass. Condoleezza Rice. Martin Luther King, Jr. Clarence Thomas. Ida B. Wells. Shirley Chisholm.

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All of these leaders will receive renewed national attention during this Black History Month. And all have something else in common: their emphasis on education.

None of these leaders would have been able to achieve the remarkable victories or overcome the incredible obstacles they faced without an education.

I share their passion for education equality. Ive fought for it all my life.

My own battle started in 1961, when I joined 25 other black students to integrate a segregated junior high school in Richmond, Virginia. And it hasnt stopped since. I fervently believe all childrenno matter their race, religion, income, age, or addresshave an equal right to receive an excellent education.

Thats more than opinion. Its the law of the land. In the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling that ended school segregation, Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote, It is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity, where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.

Nearly 65 years later, however, its painfully obvious that education in America remains very unequal. Too many schools are failing their students. Schools that squash childrens dreams, beat down their hopes, and diminish their expectations have created a crisis in the black community. Today, in many large U.S. cities, more than half of all African American students never graduate high school.

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All children deserve to get the tools they need to make their dreams come true. But high school dropouts typically dont have them. As a result, its much harder for them to get a job, much less earn what those who do graduate make. Theyre also more likely to commit crimes and be victimized by crime. Far too often, the dreams they once had turn into nightmares.

I was fortunate. Even though I was kicked, punched, and stuck with pins during the integration battle, I was able to attend a better school. Too many kids today dont have that chance. Instead, anti-reform forces block them from going to better-performing schools.

Who are the anti-reformers? A determined cartel of teacher unions, education bureaucrats and career politicians. They make a lot of money from the current system in the form of union dues, salaries and political contributions. And they view any attempt to change that system as a threat and anyone seeking to advance education equality as their enemy.

Just ask U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Testifying before Congress, DeVos explained her goal is ensuring that every student has an equal opportunity to receive a great education. But rather than be hailed for seeking the equality promised decades ago, shes being attacked by those who want things to stay just as they are.

If you are wealthy, connected, or elected, chances are your child goes to or graduated from a great school. But if you live in a poor urban neighborhood, your child is much more likely to go to a failing school, a school where more than half of all students cant read or write well, have low math scores, face the daily threat of bullying and violence and wont graduate.

Do these sound like equal terms to you?

I sayno more! The crisis of failing schools has afflicted too many Americans for too long, and it will never end so long as we continue to deny every child their equal right to an excellent education.

And so I call on all caring Americans to join me in this fight. Its a part of our heritage as a peopleand of our inalienable rights as citizens of this nation.

Kay Coles James is president of The Heritage Foundation. You can follow Kay on Twitter @KayColesJames.
Woman with Erbs Palsy Claims LAPD Officers Participated in Beating Her

Earlier this month, Zennea Foster, a woman born with Erbs Palsy, continued her testimony during a civil trial about how officers from the Los Angeles Police Department 77th Street Division allegedly retaliated against her in February of 2015.

On February 4, 2015, Foster and her boyfriend arrived to her rental property in South L.A. where several tenants who live on fixed income stay, to address the authorities about a stabbing incident that allegedly involved one of her tenants.

According to Foster, soon the situation escalated resulting in one of the officers repeatedly punching her in the face and other parts of her body, and pinning down her non-functioning arm underneath her body.

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Following the incident, Foster was charged with battery on a police officer, and resisting, obstructing or delaying an officer in the performance of his duties.

Although Foster admits to hitting one of the officers in self-defense, she is suing the Los Angeles Police Department for civil rights violations, assault, and battery.

It was a natural reaction after he hit me, said Foster of Los Angeles police Officer Andre Burton.

During the trial, Foster told the Los Angeles Superior Court jury that after falling to the ground, other officers joined in and began kicking, and striking her with their knees or elbows which later resulted in Foster feeling back pain.

They kept saying I was resisting arrest, but I wasnt, Foster said.

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According to Fosters lawyer, Douglas, his clients legs were hobbled and she survived the worst beating of a female by police.

Never in my over 37-year career have I ever heard of a woman being beaten as badly as Zennea Foster was on February 4, 2015, said Douglas.

The Defendants concede that they are responsible for her battered and bruised face. One of the Defendants who was recently deposed admitted that he could think of only one other time in his 27-year police career of a police officer punching a woman two times in the face. Another officera sergeantconceded that he had never over the course of his 21-year career ever heard of a police officer striking a woman twice in her face. Another officer conceded that he had never encountered another incident in his nine-year career of a woman being punched twice in her face by another officer. That officer stands at least nine inches taller than Ms. Foster and weighs at least 60 pounds more than her and just heightens the outrageousness of his actions. That she is disabled and physically unable to have done the things that she was alleged to have done serves to increase the maliciousness of her attack.

As of press time, the civil trial continues and Fosters attorney will deliver any closing arguments involving the case. For the latest news on the case of Zennea Foster case please visit www.lasentinel.net
The rights group Amnesty International says the worlds most powerful leaders have made angry political speech a normal behavior.

Amnesty International released its report on the human rights situation in 159 countries Thursday.

The report says leaders in Egypt, The Philippines, Venezuela, China, Russia and the United States have harmed the rights of millions of people by their use of such language.

Margaret Huang is executive director for Amnesty International USA.

She pointed to Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte as an example in connection with his anti-drug trafficking campaign.

In the case of the Philippine President [Rodrigo] Duterte he has actually called on people to go out and kill those they suspect to be drug dealers, Huang said.

The report also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump in connection with his effort to deny travel visas to people from Muslim-majority countries with high levels of terrorism. It described the action has hateful. It also criticized European leaders for being unwilling to deal with the problems of migration to their countries.

Salil Shetty leads Amnesty International. He said the world saw how bad a society can behave when it is encouraged to hate, fear and blame minorities. The main example was, in his words, the military campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya people in Myanmar.

Report targets reproductive rights

The report denounced what is known as the Mexico City Policy of the U.S.

The policy bans U.S. State Department and USAID funding to international groups that provide abortions or abortion support. The Trump administration has expanded the measure to include all U.S. international health care funding. The administration says the policy is designed to protect the lives of unborn babies around the world.

John Lotspeich is with Marie Stopes International, a non-governmental group that supports contraception and abortion services.

He says that birth control measures are less available in places like Madagascar, Uganda and Zimbabwe because of the loss of funding.

The group says the policy has cost organizations like theirs millions of dollars.

The U.S. State Department, however, says that funding for most health groups continues. These include non-governmental organizations and government agencies. The department said this is because they have met the requirements of the policy.

Amnesty: free speech also suffered in 2017

The rights group also said that free speech suffered, especially in China, Egypt and Turkey.

Amnesty Internationals Huang noted that her own group had been affected.

Turkey has imprisoned more than 50,000 people over the last couple of year including both the chair and director of Amnesty Turkey, she said.

In Turkey, she said, there was an effort, in her words, to arrest anyone who has been critical of the government, which is the same kind of situation we are seeing in Egypt and China.

However, the report praised movements such as the Womens March in the United States and the international #metoo campaign. The international protests and social media campaign have brought additional attention to the issues of sexual abuse and harassment worldwide.

Each year, Amnesty International releases its report called The State of the Worlds Human Rights.

This years report of over 400 pages discusses human rights issues such as armed conflict, the justice system and poverty all over the world.

The 2017 report also drew attention to government efforts to cut costs saying this was a human rights issue. The report noted that such measures hurt peoples ability to get education, health services and housing.

Im Mario Ritter.

Mariama Diallo 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.

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Words in This Story

encourage  v. to make (someone) more likely to do something

funding  n. money that is used for a special purpose

abortion  n. a medical procedure used to end a pregnancy

contraception  n. things that are done to prevent pregnancy

harassment  n. the act of repeatedly annoying or bothering someone
Four years ago, Israeli forces and Hamas militants fought a 50-day war. The fighting caused heavy damage to many buildings, roads and other infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.

Now, Israel fears a humanitarian disaster along its border. The country is appealing to the world to provide support for a series of development projects in Gaza.

Qatar has become an unlikely partner in the Israeli effort. The wealthy Gulf state has offered to donate money and is urging other nations to do so.

But, it remains unclear whether the rest of the international community is ready to help.

Donors have noted some successes in rebuilding Gaza since the 2014 war. But they say Israeli government officials are still too slow in approving projects. And they say Israels blockade of Hamas-ruled Gaza is working against the goal of developing the territorys economy.

The World Bank has helped direct the rebuilding effort. The aid organization said, Israel now realizes the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its impact on the population.

Gazas recent history

Gaza is a small piece of land between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. Conditions there have worsened since Hamas militants seized the area in 2007. The militants took away control from the Palestinian Authority.

Israel and Egypt set up a blockade in an attempt to weaken Hamas. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has increased pressure on Hamas by cutting wages of public servants and limiting electricity. He hopes his administration can regain control of the territory.

Israel and Hamas have fought three conflicts since the group took control of Gaza. The most recent one, in 2014, was especially damaging. The United Nations says nearly 20,000 homes were destroyed, and over 150,000 others were damaged. Hospitals, schools and infrastructure were also damaged.

After the fighting ended, international donors gathered in Cairo and came up with a $3.5 billion reconstruction plan. But only 53 percent of the promised money has been donated, according to the World Bank.

Gazas economy is in trouble. Unemployment is over 40 percent. Public water supplies are undrinkable. And Gazans receive only a few hours of electricity a day.

The Associated Press says evidence of problems are clearly noticeable on the streets of Gaza. Many of the roads are in bad condition. Drivers often see young men sitting idly in groups on sidewalks.

Many storekeepers spend their time on smartphones since few people are buying their products. And the air is often filled with the smell of waste from the Mediterranean.

Israel and Hamas blaming each other

Israeli officials blame Hamas for the conditions. They say Israel has no choice but to continue the blockade, which restricts imports and exports, because the group is plotting ways to attack Israel.

The militant group has said it wants to destroy the Jewish state.

But fearing a humanitarian disaster that could lead to violence, Israel has begun to soften its position.

Israel and the international community, however, have different ideas for how to fix the situation.

On January 31, Israeli officials appealed to an emergency gathering of donor nations to support delayed projects sought by the international community. The officials said the projects are expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Israeli list is reported to include a power line, natural gas line, industrial area and waste treatment center.

Mohammed Al-Emadi, the head of Qatars Gaza reconstruction committee, urged other nations to support the effort.

We have to fund as soon as possible, he told the AP. When you want to do work in Gaza, you have to go through the Israelis.

Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism

Qatar, the United States and the European Union have been leading donors to what is called the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism. The program was set up after the 2014 war to rebuild the territory while avoiding contact with Hamas.

Under the effort, the Palestinian Authority leads the projects, while Israeli security officials consider and approve them. The United Nations studies the movement of supplies to make sure that things like cement and metal pipes do not reach Hamas.

Israel considers the system to be a success. Israeli reports say nearly 90,000 homes have been rebuilt, while 380 large projects, such as hospitals, housing and water treatment centers, have been completed.

Qatar has provided money for some of the biggest projects. These include an $84 million road across Gaza and a $114 million group of buildings in southern Gaza and a modern hospital.

U.N. and World Bank officials say the reconstruction mechanism has worked well on normal projects. But they say actions by Israeli officials and security inspections of complex equipment have resulted in delays of up to six months.

At the donors conference last month, the Israelis promised to ease some restrictions and to speed up work. The World Bank welcomed the steps.

UN diplomat Nickolay Mladenov said that for Gazas economy to truly recover, the world must direct its attention to bigger goals. These include halting the militant activities of Hamas, permitting the Abbas government to retake control of Gaza and ending the Israeli blockade.

This will fully enable the international community to support the economic and social revival of Gaza, he said.

Im Alice Bryant.

And I'm Phil Dierking

Josef Federman wrote this story for the Associated Press. George Grow adapted his report for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

infrastructure  n. the system of public works in an area

impact  n. a major effect; the force of one thing on another

reconstruction  n. the act of rebuilding

according  adv. as stated by or in

idly  adv. without much thought or effort

fund  v. to pay for

cement  n. a hard substance made from a mixture of soft powder, water and other substances

revival  n. a return of importance, strength or interest

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Is it Time to Buy Back into Dennys Stock Down Here?

Iconic fast-casual restaurant chain Dennys, Inc. (NASDAQ: DENN) stock has rallied off its last earning sell-off as it bumps up against the $16.66 resistance level setting up a daily make or break resolution.

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The following companies are subsidiares of CVS Health: @Credentials Inc., ACS ACQCO CORP., ADMINCO Inc., AE Fourteen Incorporated, AHP Holdings Inc., AMC - Tennessee LLC, APS Acquisition LLC, ASCO HealthCare LLC, ASI Wings LLC, AUSHC Holdings Inc., Accendo Insurance Company, Accordant Health Services L.L.C., Active Health Management Inc., Administrative Enterprises Inc., AdvancePCS SpecialtyRx LLC, AdvanceRx.com L.L.C., Advanced Care Scripts Inc., Aetna, Aetna (Beijing) Enterprise Management Services Co. Ltd., Aetna (Shanghai) Enterprise Services Co. Ltd., Aetna ACO Holdings Inc., Aetna Asset Advisors LLC, Aetna Behavioral Health LLC, Aetna Better Health Inc., Aetna Better Health Inc., Aetna Better Health of California Inc., Aetna Better Health of Florida Inc., Aetna Better Health of Kansas Inc., Aetna Better Health of Michigan Inc., Aetna Better Health of Missouri LLC, Aetna Better Health of Nevada Inc., Aetna Better Health of North Carolina Inc., Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma Inc., Aetna Better Health of Texas Inc., Aetna Better Health of Washington Inc., Aetna Capital Management LLC, Aetna Card Solutions LLC, Aetna Corporate Services LLC, Aetna Dental Inc., Aetna Dental of California Inc., Aetna Financial Holdings LLC, Aetna Florida Inc., Aetna Global Benefits (Asia Pacific) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Bahamas) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Bermuda) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Europe) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits (Middle East) LLC, Aetna Global Benefits (Singapore) PTE. LTD., Aetna Global Benefits (UK) Limited, Aetna Global Benefits Limited (DIFC UAE), Aetna Global Holdings Limited, Aetna Health Holdings LLC, Aetna Health Inc., Aetna Health Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Aetna Health Insurance Company, Aetna Health Insurance Company of Europe DAC, Aetna Health Management LLC, Aetna Health and Life Insurance Company, Aetna Health of California Inc., Aetna Health of Iowa Inc., Aetna Health of Michigan Inc., Aetna Health of Ohio Inc., Aetna Health of Utah Inc., Aetna HealthAssurance Pennsylvania Inc., Aetna Holdco (UK) Limited, Aetna Holdings (Thailand) Limited, Aetna Inc., Aetna Insurance (Hong Kong) Limite, Aetna Insurance (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Aetna Insurance Company Limited, Aetna Integrated Informatics Inc., Aetna International Inc., Aetna Ireland Inc., Aetna Korea Ltd., Aetna Life & Casualty (Bermuda) Ltd., Aetna Life Assignment Company, Aetna Life Insurance Company, Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC, Aetna Multi-Strategy 1099 Fund LLC, Aetna Network Services LLC, Aetna Partners Diversified Fund LLC, Aetna Pharmacy Management Services LLC, Aetna Resources LLC, Aetna Risk Assurance Company of Connecticut Inc., Aetna Rx Home Delivery LLC, Aetna Services (Thailand) Limited, Aetna Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Aetna Student Health Agency Inc., Aetna Ventures LLC, Aetna Workers Comp Access LLC, Alabama CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Alaska CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Allina Health and Aetna Insurance Company, Allina Health and Aetna Insurance Holding Company LLC, American Continental Insurance Company, American Drug Stores Delaware L.L.C., American Health Holding Inc., Arbor Drugs, Arizona CVS Stores L.L.C., Arkansas CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Badger Acquisition LLC, Badger Acquisition of Kentucky LLC, Badger Acquisition of Minnesota LLC, Badger Acquisition of Ohio LLC, Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Company, Banner Health and Aetna Health Insurance Holding Company LLC, Banner Health and Aetna Health Plan Inc., Beauty Holdings L.L.C., Best Care LTC Acquisition Company LLC, Busse CVS L.L.C., CCI Foreign S.a R.L. (R.C.S. Luxembourg), CCRx Holdings LLC, CCRx of North Carolina LLC, CHP Acquisition LLC, CP Acquisition LLC, CVS 2948 Henderson L.L.C., CVS 3268 Gilbert L.L.C., CVS 3745 Peoria L.L.C., CVS AL Distribution L.L.C., CVS AOC Corporation, CVS AOC Services L.L.C., CVS Albany L.L.C., CVS Bellmore Avenue L.L.C., CVS Care Concierge LLC, CVS Caremark Advanced Technology Pharmacy L.L.C., CVS Caremark Indemnity Ltd., CVS Caremark Part D Services L.L.C., CVS Caremark TN SUTA LLC, CVS Foreign Inc., CVS Gilbert 3272 L.L.C., CVS Health Solutions LLC, CVS Indiana L.L.C., CVS International L.L.C., CVS Kidney Care Advanced Technologies LLC, CVS Kidney Care Health Services LLC, CVS Kidney Care Home Dialysis LLC, CVS Kidney Care LLC, CVS Manchester NH L.L.C., CVS Media Exchange LLC, CVS Michigan L.L.C., CVS Orlando FL Distribution L.L.C., CVS PA Distribution L.L.C., CVS PR Center Inc., CVS Pharmacy Inc., CVS RS Arizona L.L.C., CVS Rx Services Inc., CVS SC Distribution L.L.C., CVS State Capital L.L.C., CVS TN Distribution L.L.C., CVS Transportation L.L.C., CVS Vero FL Distribution L.L.C., Campos Medical Pharmacy LLC, Canal Place LLC, Care Pharmaceutical Services LP, CareCenter Pharmacy L.L.C., Carefree Insurance Services Inc., Caremark Arizona Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Arizona Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark California Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Florida Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Florida Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Hawaii Mail Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Hawaii Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark IPA L.L.C., Caremark Illinois Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Illinois Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Irving Resource Center LLC, Caremark Kansas Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark L.L.C., Caremark Logistics LLC, Caremark Louisiana Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Maryland Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Massachusetts Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Michigan Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Minnesota Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark New Jersey Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark North Carolina Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Ohio Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Pennsylvania Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark PhC L.L.C., Caremark Puerto Rico L.L.C., Caremark Puerto Rico Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Redlands Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Repack LLC, Caremark Rx L.L.C., Caremark Tennessee Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Texas Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Texas Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Ulysses Holding Corp., Caremark Washington Specialty Pharmacy LLC, CaremarkPCS Alabama Mail Pharmacy LLC, CaremarkPCS Health L.L.C., CaremarkPCS L.L.C., Central Rx Services LLC, Claims Administration Corp., Cofinity Inc., Compscript LLC, Connecticut CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Continental Life Insurance Company of Brentwood Tennessee, Continuing Care Rx LLC, Coram Alternate Site Services Inc., Coram Clinical Trials Inc., Coram Healthcare Corporation of Alabama, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Florida, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Greater D.C., Coram Healthcare Corporation of Greater New York, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Indiana, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Massachusetts, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Mississippi, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Nevada, Coram Healthcare Corporation of North Texas, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Northern California, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Southern California, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Southern Florida, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Utah, Coram LLC, Coram Rx LLC, Coram Specialty Infusion, Coram Specialty Infusion Services L.L.C., Coventry Consumer Advantage Inc., Coventry Health Care National Accounts Inc., Coventry Health Care National Network Inc., Coventry Health Care Workers Compensation Inc., Coventry Health Care of Illinois Inc., Coventry Health Care of Kansas Inc., Coventry Health Care of Missouri Inc., Coventry Health Care of Nebraska Inc., Coventry Health Care of Virginia Inc., Coventry Health Care of West Virginia Inc., Coventry Health Plan of Florida Inc., Coventry Health and Life Insurance Company, Coventry HealthCare Management Corporation, Coventry Prescription Management Services Inc., Coventry Rehabilitation Services Inc., Coventry Transplant Network Inc., D & R Pharmaceutical Services LLC, D.A.W. LLC, Delaware CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Delaware Physicians Care Incorporated, Digital eHealth LLC, District of Columbia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., E.T.B. INC., Echo Merger Sub Inc., Eckerd Corporation of Florida Inc., Employee Assistance Services LLC, Enloe Drugs LLC, Enterprise Patient Safety Organization LLC, EntrustRX, Evergreen Pharmaceutical LLC, Evergreen Pharmaceutical of California Inc., Express Pharmacy Services of PA L.L.C., FOCUS HealthCare Management Inc., First Health Group Corp., First Health Life & Health Insurance Company, First Script Network Services Inc., Florida Health Plan Administrators LLC, Garfield Beach CVS L.L.C., Generation Health L.L.C., Geneva Woods Health Services LLC, Geneva Woods LTC Pharmacy LLC, Geneva Woods Management LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy Alaska LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy Washington LLC, Geneva Woods Pharmacy Wyoming LLC, Geneva Woods Retail Pharmacy LLC, Georgia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., German Dobson CVS L.L.C., Goodhealth Worldwide (Asia) Limited, Goodhealth Worldwide (Global) Limited, Goodyear CVS L.L.C., Grand St. Paul CVS L.L.C., Grandview Pharmacy LLC, Group Dental Service Inc., Group Dental Service of Maryland Inc., Health Care Management Co. Ltd., Health Data & Management Solutions Inc., Health Re Inc., Health and Human Resource Center Inc., HealthAssuance Pennsylvania Inc., Healthagen LLC, Highland Park CVS L.L.C., Holiday CVS L.L.C., Home Care Pharmacy LLC, Home Pharmacy Services LLC, Hook-SupeRx L.L.C., Horizon Behavioral Services LLC, Idaho CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., IlliniCare Health, Indian Health Organisation Private Limited, Innovation Health Holdings LLC, Innovation Health Insurance Company, Innovation Health Plan Inc., Interlock Pharmacy Systems LLC, Iowa CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., JHC Acquisition LLC, Kansas CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Kentucky CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., LCPS Acquisition LLC, Langsam Health Services LLC, Lo-Med Prescription Services LLC, Lobos Acquisition LLC, Longs Drug Stores, Longs Drug Stores California L.L.C., Louisiana CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., MHHP Acquisition Company LLC, MHNet Life and Health Insurance Company, MHNet Specialty Services LLC, MHNet of Florida Inc., Managed Care Coordinators Inc., Managed Healthcare LLC, Martin Health Services LLC, Maryland CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Med World Acquisition Corp., Medical Arts Health Care LLC, Medical Examinations of New York P.C., Melville Realty Company Inc., MemberHealth LLC, Mental Health Associates Inc., Mental Health Network of New York IPA Inc., Meritain Health Inc., Merwin Long Term Care LLC, MetraComp Inc., Minor Health Enterprise Co Ltd., MinuteClinic, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Alabama L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Arizona LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Florida LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Georgia LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Hawaii L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Illinois LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Kentucky L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Louisiana L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Maine L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Maryland LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Massachusetts LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Nebraska L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of New Hampshire L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of New Mexico L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Ohio LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Oklahoma LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Oregon LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Pennsylvania LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Rhode Island LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of South Carolina L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Texas LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Utah L.L.C., MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Virginia LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Washington LLC, MinuteClinic Diagnostic of Wisconsin L.L.C., MinuteClinic L.L.C., MinuteClinic Online Diagnostic Services LLC, MinuteClinic Physician Practice of Texas, MinuteClinic Telehealth Services LLC, Mississippi CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Missouri CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Montana CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., NCS Healthcare LLC, NCS Healthcare of Illinois LLC, NCS Healthcare of Iowa LLC, NCS Healthcare of Kansas LLC, NCS Healthcare of Kentucky Inc. (Oh, NCS Healthcare of Montana LLC, NCS Healthcare of New Mexico LLC, NCS Healthcare of Ohio LLC, NCS Healthcare of South Carolina LLC, NCS Healthcare of Tennessee LLC, NCS Healthcare of Wisconsin LLC, NIV Acquisition LLC, Navarro Discount Pharmacy, Nebraska CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., NeighborCare Holdings Inc., NeighborCare Inc., NeighborCare Pharmacy Services Inc., NeighborCare Services Corporation, NeighborCare of Indiana LLC, NeighborCare of Virginia LLC, New Jersey CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Niagara Re Inc., North Carolina CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., North Shore Pharmacy Services LLC, NovoLogix LLC, OCR Services LLC, Ocean Acquisition Sub L.L.C., Ohio CVS Stores L.L.C., Oklahoma CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Omnicare, Omnicare Holding Company, Omnicare Inc., Omnicare Indiana Partnership Holding Company LLC, Omnicare Pharmacies of Pennsylvania East LLC, Omnicare Pharmacies of Pennsylvania West LLC, Omnicare Pharmacies of the Great Plains Holding LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy and Supply Services LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy of Tennessee LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy of the Midwest LLC, Omnicare Property Management LLC, Omnicare of Nebraska LLC, Omnicare of Nevada LLC, Omnicare of New York LLC, Oregon CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., PE Holdings LLC, PHPSNE Parent Corporation, PP Acquisition Company LLC, PRN Pharmaceutical Services LP, PT Aetna Management Consulting, Pamplona Saude e Beleza LTDA, Part D Holding Company L.L.C., PayFlex Holdings Inc., PayFlex Systems USA Inc., Pennsylvania CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Performax Inc., Pharmacy Associates of Glenn Falls LLC, Pharmacy Consultants LLC, Phoenix Data Solutions LLC, Precision Benefit Services Inc., Prime Net Inc., ProCare Pharmacy Direct L.L.C., ProCare Pharmacy L.L.C., Prodigy Health Group Inc., Professional Risk Management Inc., Pt. Aetna Global Benefits Indonesia, Puerto Rico CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Red Oak Sourcing LLC, Resources for Living LLC, Rhode Island CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Roeschens Healthcare LLC, RxAmerica, Schaller Anderson Medical Administrators Incorporated, Scrip World LLC, Sheffield Avenue CVS L.L.C., Shore Pharmaceutical Providers LLC, Silverscript Insurance Company, Soma Intimates, South Carolina CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., South Wabash CVS L.L.C., Specialized Pharmacy Services LLC, Spinnaker Bidco Limited, Spinnaker Topco Limited, Stadtlander Drug Company, Stadtlander Pharmacy, Sterling Healthcare Services LLC, Superior Care Pharmacy LLC, Sutter Health and Aetna Administrative Services LLC, Sutter Health and Aetna Insurance Company, Sutter Health and Aetna Insurance Holding Company LLC, T2 Medical Inc., TCPI Acquisition LLC, TargetPharmacy, Tennessee CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Texas Health + Aetna Health Insurance Company, Texas Health + Aetna Health Insurance Holding Company LLC, Texas Health + Aetna Health Plan Inc., The Vasquez Group Inc., Thomas Phoenix CVS L.L.C., Three Forks Apothecary LLC, U.S Healthcare Holdings LLC, U.S. Healthcare Properties Inc., UAC Holding Inc., UC Acquisition LLC, UNI-Care Health Services of Maine LLC, Universal American - Medicare Part D Business, Utah CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., VAPS Acquisition Company LLC, Value Health Care Services LLC, Vermont CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Virginia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Virtual Home Healthcare L.L.C., Warm Springs Road CVS L.L.C., Washington CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Washington Lamb CVS L.L.C., Weber Medical Systems LLC, Wellpartner LLC, West Virginia CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Westhaven Services Co LLC, Williamson Drug Company LLC, Wisconsin CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Woodward Detroit CVS L.L.C., Work and Family Benefits Inc., ZS Acquisition Company LLC, Zinc Health Services LLC, Zinc Health Ventures LLC, bSwift LLC, and iTriage LLC.
GlaxoSmithKline Plc is a healthcare company, which engages in the research, development, and manufacture of pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products. It operates through the following segments: Pharmaceuticals; Pharmaceuticals R&D; Vaccines and Consumer Healthcare. The Pharmaceuticals segment focuses on developing medicines in respiratory and infectious diseases, oncology, and immuno-inflammation. The Pharmaceuticals R&D segment focuses on science related to the immune system, the use of human genetics and advanced technologies, and is driven by the multiplier effect of Science x Technology x Culture. The Vaccines segment produces pediatric and adult vaccines to prevent a range of infectious diseases including, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella, polio, typhoid, influenza, and bacterial meningitis. The Consumer Healthcare segment develops and markets brands in the oral health, pain relief, respiratory, nutrition and gastro intestinal, and skin health categories. The company was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Middlesex, the United Kingdom.

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Cambian Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides specialist educational and behavioral health services for children in the United Kingdom. It offers services in the areas of autism and learning difficulties, residential care and education, therapeutic fostering care and emotional support, and deaf. The company delivers its services through a network of 222 specialist children's facilities in England and Wales. In addition, it is involved in property and trading businesses. The company was formerly known as Project Zelda plc and changed its name to Cambian Group plc in March 2014. Cambian Group plc was founded in 2003 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Bristol-Myers Squibb: 1096271 B.C. ULC, 345 Park LLC, A.G. Medical Services P.A., AHI Investment LLC, AbVitro LLC, Abraxis BioScience Australia Pty Ltd., Abraxis BioScience Inc., Abraxis BioScience International Holding Company Inc., Abraxis BioScience LLC, Abraxis BioScience Puerto Rico LLC, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Adnexus, Adnexus a Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Company, Allard Labs Acquisition G.P., Amira Pharmaceuticals, Amira Pharmaceuticals Inc., Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Apothecon LLC, B-MS Generx Unlimited Company, BMS Benelux Holdings B.V., BMS Bermuda Nominees L.L.C., BMS Data Acquisition Company LLC, BMS Forex Company, BMS Holdings Sarl, BMS Holdings Spain S.L., BMS International Insurance Designated Activity Company, BMS Investco SAS, BMS Korea Holdings L.L.C., BMS Latin American Nominees L.L.C., BMS Luxembourg Partners L.L.C., BMS Omega Bermuda Holdings Finance Ltd., BMS Pharmaceutical Korea Limited, BMS Pharmaceuticals Germany Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals International Holdings Netherlands B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Korea Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Mexico Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Netherlands Holdings B.V., BMS Real Estate LLC, BMS Spain Investments LLC, BMS Strategic Portfolio Investments Holdings Inc., Blisa Acquisition G.P., Bristol (Iran) S.A., Bristol Iran Private Company Limited, Bristol Laboratories Inc., Bristol Laboratories International S.A., Bristol Laboratories Medical Information Systems Inc., Bristol-Myers (Andes) L.L.C., Bristol-Myers (Private) Limited, Bristol-Myers Middle East S.A.L., Bristol-Myers Overseas Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Israel) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (NZ) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Proprietary) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Taiwan) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (West Indies) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb A.E., Bristol-Myers Squibb Aktiebolag, Bristol-Myers Squibb Argentina S. R. L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Axia Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb B.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Belgium S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Business Services Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada International Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Delta Company Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Denmark Filial of Bristol-Myers Squibb AB, Bristol-Myers Squibb EMEA Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Egypt LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Epsilon Holdings Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Ltda., Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Portuguesa S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb GesmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holding Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings 2002 Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Germany Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Ireland Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Pharma Ltd. Liability Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Ilaclari Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb India Pvt. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Company Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Investco L.L.C., Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Bristol-Myers Squibb Kft., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg International S.C.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb MEA GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Manufacturing Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Marketing Services S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Norway Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Nutricionales de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Peru S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (HK) Ltd, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (Thailand) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Holding Company LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Ventures Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Polska Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Products SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico/Sanofi Pharmaceutical Partnership Puerto Rico, Bristol-Myers Squibb Romania S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.A.U., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Holding Partnership, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Service Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Services Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Spol. s r.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Theta Finance Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Trustees Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Colombia S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Costa Rica Sociedad Anonima, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Guatemala S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb/Astrazeneca EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership, Bristol-Myers de Venezuela S.C.A., CHT I LLC, CHT II LLC, CHT III LLC, CHT IV LLC, CR Finance Company LLC, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals Inc., Celem LLC, Celem Ltd., Celgene, Celgene A.B., Celgene AS, Celgene Ab (Finland), Celgene Alpine Investment Co. II LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. III LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. LLC, Celgene ApS, Celgene B.V., Celgene BVBA, Celgene Brasil Produtos Farmaceuticos Ltda., Celgene CAR LLC, Celgene CAR Ltd., Celgene Chemicals Sarl, Celgene China Holdings LLC, Celgene Co., Celgene Corporation, Celgene Distribution B.V., Celgene EngMab GmbH, Celgene Europe B.V., Celgene Europe Limited, Celgene European Investment Company LLC, Celgene Financing Company LLC, Celgene Global Holdings Sarl, Celgene GmbH [Austria], Celgene GmbH [Germany], Celgene GmbH [Switzerland], Celgene Holdings East Corporation, Celgene Holdings II Sarl, Celgene Holdings III Sarl, Celgene Ilac Pazarlama ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Celgene Inc., Celgene International Holdings Corporation, Celgene International II Sarl, Celgene International III Sarl, Celgene International Inc., Celgene International Sarl, Celgene K.K., Celgene Kft., Celgene Limited [Hong Kong], Celgene Limited [Ireland], Celgene Limited [New Zealand], Celgene Limited [Taiwan], Celgene Limited [UK], Celgene Logistics Sarl, Celgene Ltd, Celgene Luxembourg Sarl, Celgene Management Sarl, Celgene NJ Investment Co, Celgene Netherlands B.V., Celgene Netherlands Investment B.V., Celgene Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Celgene Pte. Ltd., Celgene Pty Ltd, Celgene Puerto Rico Distribution LLC, Celgene Quanticel Research Inc, Celgene R&D Sarl, Celgene RIVOT LLC, Celgene RIVOT Ltd., Celgene RIVOT SRL, Celgene Receptos Limited, Celgene Receptos Sarl, Celgene Research Incubator At Summit West LLC, Celgene Research S.L.U., Celgene Research and Development Company LLC, Celgene Research and Development I ULC, Celgene Research and Development II LLC, Celgene Research and Investment Company II LLC, Celgene S. de R.L. de C.V., Celgene S.L.U., Celgene S.R.L., Celgene SAS, Celgene Sarl AU, Celgene Sdn Bhd, Celgene Services Sarl, Celgene Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Celgene Sp. Z.o.o., Celgene Sro [Czech Republic], Celgene Summit Investment Co, Celgene Switzerland Holding Sarl, Celgene Switzerland II LLC, Celgene Switzerland Investment Sarl, Celgene Switzerland LLC, Celgene Switzerland Sarl, Celgene Tri A Holdings Ltd., Celgene Tri Sarl, Celgene UK Distribution Limited, Celgene UK Holdings Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing II Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing III Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing Limited, Celgene d.o.o., Celgene sro [Slovakia], Celmed LLC, Celmed Ltd., ConvaTec Divestiture, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals AB, Crosp Ltd., Delinia Inc., Deuteria Pharmaceuticals Inc., DuPont Pharmaceuticals, E. R. Squibb & Sons Inter-American Corporation, E. R. Squibb & Sons L.L.C., E. R. Squibb & Sons Limited, EWI Corporation, EngMab Sarl, F-star Alpha, FermaVir Pharmaceuticals L.L.C., FermaVir Research L.L.C., Flexus Biosciences, Flexus Biosciences Inc., Forbius, Galecto Biotech, GenPharm International L.L.C., Gloucester Pharmaceuticals LLC, Grove Insurance Company Ltd., Heyden Farmaceutica Portuguesa Limitada, IFM Therapeutics, Impact Biomedicines Inc., Inhibitex, Inhibitex L.L.C., Innate Tumor Immunity Inc., JuMP Holdings LLC, Juno Therapeutics GmbH, Juno Therapeutics Inc., Kosan Biosciences, Kosan Biosciences Incorporated, Linson Investments Limited, Mead Johnson (Manufacturing) Jamaica Limited, Mead Johnson Jamaica Ltd., Medarex, Morris Avenue Investment II LLC, Morris Avenue Investment LLC, MyoKardia, O.o.o. Bristol-Myers Squibb, Oy Bristol-Myers Squibb (Finland) AB, Padlock Therapeutics, Padlock Therapeutics Inc., Pharmion LLC, Princeton Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Receptos LLC, Receptos Services LLC, RedoxTherapies Inc., Route 22 Real Estate Holding Corporation, SPV A Holdings ULC, Seamair Insurance DAC, Signal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Sino-American Shanghai Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Societe Francaise de Complements Alimentaires(S.O.F.C.A.), Squibb Middle East S.A., Summit West Celgene LLC, Swords Laboratories, VentiRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Westwood-Intrafin SA, Westwood-Squibb Pharmaceuticals Inc., X-Body Inc., ZymoGenetics, ZymoGenetics Inc., ZymoGenetics LLC, ZymoGenetics Paymaster LLC, iPierian, and iPierian Inc..
Australian authorities say they have helped make the Indian Ocean safer for air and sea travelers since Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished in the vast expanse four years ago through search and rescue training with island nations.

Search and rescue officials from Mauritius, the Maldives and Sri Lanka are visiting the Australian Maritime Safety Authority headquarters in Canberra this week as part of a regional training program that began in 2015.

Rick Allen, an Australian search and rescue coordinator who is taking part in the training, said five Sri Lankan fishermen were rescued faster and more efficiently after their boat sank in 2016 thanks to the three countries having an Australian online broadcast system to alert merchant shipping to emergencies.

Were all about strengthening the response options that are available in search and rescue. Were particularly dealing in that remote northwestern part of the Indian Ocean, Allen said.

Already were seeing benefits. So the program not only involved work-shopping, meeting together, it also involved delivering systems and delivering tool that enable our partners to work more effectively in search and rescue, he added.

Australia has developed particular expertise in search and rescue operations that test the limits of the distances that search planes can stay airborne.

Because of Australias isolation, the nation of just 24 million people has search and rescue responsibility for around 10 percent of the Earths surface.

From a downtown second-floor control room in land-locked Canberra, the authority coordinated a massive multinational search by air and sea search for Flight 370.

The plane is thought to have crashed in the remote, far southern Indian Ocean on March 8, 2014.

The Boeing 777 with 239 passengers and crew on board was initially thought to have crashed on its flight path from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing. Subsequent information confirmed the plane had flown far off course.

Aircraft based in the west coast city of Perth searched for more than a month across more than 4.6 million square kilometers of ocean.

An aviation official from Mauritius has been attending the training sessions since they began in January 2015. A wing flap confirmed to be part of Flight 370 was found on a Mauritius beach in May 2016, brought by ocean currents from the presumed-but-still-not-found crash site.

The great thing about this program is the human-centered approach, said Mohammad Karimbocus, chief officer in the Mauritius Department of Civil Aviation.

It is also concentrating on getting people competent enough to deal with the unexpected and unlikely disaster scenario  all in the light of the MH370 tragedy, he added.

While Flight 370 motivated the program, officials worked on more mundane scenarios this week in Canberras Joint Rescue Coordination Center, where maritime and aviation incidents are managed side by side.

The maritime officials handled the imaginary rescue of a merchant seaman who fell overboard from a cargo ship deck off the north Australian coast near the city of Darwin. Aviation officials dealt with a scenario of a light plane that reported smoke in the cockpit while flying toward Darwin. Rod McGuirk, Canberra, AP
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull heads to the United States yesterday, accompanied by the largest Australian political and business delegation ever to visit the U.S.

President Donald Trumps softening opposition to joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership will be up for discussion when he meets Turnbull at the White House tomorrow. The trade deal among 11 countries includes Australia, which also has a bilateral free trade partnership with the United States.

Turnbull, a wealthy 63-year-old former Goldman Sachs partner, sees himself as having a lot in common with Trump, as they are both successful businessmen who entered politics relatively late in life.

Security risks in the Asia-Pacific region created by a more assertive China and North Koreas nuclear ambitions will also be on the agenda.

Turnbull will be seeking a clear picture from Trump on how he expects the North Korean crisis to unfold, said Kim Beazley, a former Australian defense minister who was ambassador to Washington until 2016.

Generally speaking, when an Australian prime minister meets an American president, the globe is traversed, all sorts of things, the commitments we have in common, where were going to go in Iraq and all the rest of it, Beazley told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

The difficulty facing Mr. Turnbull is nobody can be absolutely sure how the current president engages on any of those fronts, Beazley added.

While in Washington, Turnbull will address the U.S. National Governors Association.

Trade Minister Steven Ciobo said the most significant Australian political and business delegation to ever visit the United States signified the strength of the bilateral relationship.

The United States is Australias most important security partner, while China is Australias biggest trading partner. Australia attempts to avoid taking sides in U.S. and Chinese rivalry.

A recent Australian foreign policy statement and the U.S. National Defense Strategy both view China and Russia as potential threats to global security.

Trump and Turnbull both dismiss speculation that their relationship had been damaged by their first, terse telephone conversation as national leaders last year in which the president reluctantly agreed to honor an Obama administration deal to resettle up to 1,250 refugees that Australia had rejected.

Turnbull has since met Trump in New York, but the Washington meeting will be their first in the context of an official state visit.

Two-way trade between the United States and Australia was USD52 billion and growing last year, with the United States enjoying a trade surplus, according to Australian government figures. AP
A total of 250 boxes of unused firecrackers and fireworks will be destroyed today, the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) announced yesterday. Sales of these items within the area designated for the discharge of firecrackers and fireworks in Macau and Taipa ceased yesterday. The IACM is still counting the number of collected undischarged firecrackers and fireworks, but already estimated that the number will be 50 percent more than that of last year. During the period of destruction, both the Ponte Governador Nobre de Carvalho and R. da Torre de Macau will be closed to transportation.

Student enrolment for 2018/2019 opens on March 1

The Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) has informed in a statement that parents and guardians of students who are enrolling in the different primary and secondary education schools for the 2018/2019 academic year, can obtain the necessary information and proceed with enrolment at their chosen schooling institution from March 1. A total of 65 schools will accept applications for admission to the school for the first year of primary education and 55 school units will open for enrolment to the first year of secondary level. The DSEJ also noted that payment for the reservation fee of the school vacancy for the new students should not be made before April 11. If necessary, parents can go to the DSEJ website to access specific information on enrolment under the section A guide to school enrolment information. The guide includes information about student enrolment of different levels of education, as well as, links to school websites and application forms.

View protection stirs worries

Lam Iek Kit, member of the Urban Planning Committee, expressed his worries about the landscape view surrounding Our Lady of Penha Church to Ponte Governador Nobre de Carvalho, according to a report by Cheng Pou. The protection plan for Macaus historical area proposed 11 locations be protected because they are sites from which the public can view the citys landscape. Earlier, the government said that it has no intention to protect the area. The president of the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), Mok Ian Ian, informed that the issue is still under consultation, and that the IC holds an open stance regarding the topic.
The Portuguese state-owned banking corporation, and the second largest bank in Portugal, Caixa Geral de Depositos (CGD) has officially closed its offshore branch in the region. The confirmation follows an order from the Chief Executive (CE) published in yesterdays government Official Gazette, which revokes the executive order number 7/2013 that granted the finance institution the authorization to operate this branch in Macau.

The intention of the CGD to close several of its offshore branches was already acknowledged in July last year when the president of the bank, Paulo Macedo, announced during the presentation of the banks half-year results that he intended to close offshore branches in at least Macau and the Cayman Islands.

At that time, he noted that new deposits were already suspended and clients were being contacted to decide the destination of approximately EURO 350 million (around MOP3.48 billion) which the branch was holding in the clients accounts.

CGD is one of the major shareholders of Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), one of the main banks in the region, in addition to being a money issuer alongside the Bank of China.

Back in mid-January this year, a similar order from the CE also revoked the authorization for the establishment of an offshore concession to another Portuguese bank  Banco Portugues de Investimento. RM
Marine veteran Jeff Harris was among the first to sign up when the Providence VA hospital started offering acupuncture for chronic pain.

I dont like taking pain medication. I dont like the way it makes me feel, he said.

Harris also didnt want to risk getting addicted to heavy-duty prescription painkillers.

Although long derided as pseudoscience and still questioned by many medical experts, acupuncture is increasingly being embraced by patients and doctors, sometimes as an alternative to the powerful painkillers behind the nations opioid crisis.

The military and Veterans Affairs medical system has been offering acupuncture for pain for several years, some insurance companies cover it and now a small but growing number of Medicaid programs in states hit hard by opioid overdoses have started providing it for low-income patients.

Ohios Medicaid program recently expanded its coverage after an opioid task force urged state officials to explore alternative pain therapies.

We have a really serious problem here, said Dr. Mary Applegate, medical director for Ohios Medicaid department. If its proven to be effective, we dont want to have barriers in the way of what could work.

The epidemic was triggered by an explosion in prescriptions of powerful painkiller pills, though many of the recent overdose opioid deaths are attributed to heroin and illicit fentanyl. Many opioid addictions begin with patients in pain seeking help, and acupuncture is increasingly seen as a way to help keep some patients from ever having to go on opioids in the first place.

For a long time in the U.S., acupuncture was considered unstudied and unproven  some skeptics called it quack-u-puncture. While theres now been a lot of research on acupuncture for different types of pain, the quality of the studies has been mixed, and so have the results.

Federal research evaluators say theres some good evidence acupuncture can help some patients manage some forms of pain. But they also have described the benefits of acupuncture as modest, and say more research is needed.

Among doctors, there remains lively debate over how much of any benefit can be attributed simply to patients belief that the treatment is working  the so-called placebo effect.

There may be a certain amount of placebo effect. Having said that, it is still quite effective as compared to no treatment, said Dr. Ankit Maheshwari, a pain medicine specialist at Case Western Reserve University, who sees it as valuable for neck pain, migraines and a few other types of pain problems.

Many doctors are ambivalent about acupuncture but still willing to let patients give it a try, said Dr. Steven Novella, a neurologist at Yale University and editor of an alternative medicine-bashing website. He considers acupuncture a form of patient-fooling theater.

Acupuncturists and their proponents are exploiting the opioid crisis to try to promote acupuncture as an alternative treatment, he said. But promoting a treatment that doesnt work is not going to help the crisis.

Acupuncture has been practiced in China for thousands of years, and customarily involves inserting thin metal needles into specific points in the ears or other parts the body. Practitioners say needles applied at just the right spots can restore the flow of a mystical energy  called qi  through the body, and that can spur natural healing and pain relief.

In government surveys, 1 in 67 U.S. adults say they get acupuncture every year, up from 1 in 91 a decade earlier. That growth has taken place even though most patients pay for it themselves: 2012 figures show only a quarter of adults getting acupuncture had insurance covering the cost.

The largest federal government insurance program, Medicare, does not pay for acupuncture. Tricare, the insurance program for active duty and retired military personnel and their families, does not pay for it either. But VA facilities offer it, charging no more than a copay.

Jeff Harris signed up for acupuncture two years ago. The 50-year-old Marine Corp veteran said he injured his back while rappelling and had other hard falls during his military training in the 1980s. Today, he has shooting pain down his legs and deadness of feeling in his feet.

Acupuncture helped settled my nerve pain down, said Harris, of Foxboro, Massachusetts.

Another vet, Harry Garcia, 46, of Danielson, Connecticut, tried acupuncture for his chronic back pain after years of heavy pain medications.

Acupuncture is just like an eraser. It just takes everything away for a brief period, and keeps pain down for up to 10 days, said Garcia.

About a decade ago, the military and Veteran Affairs began promoting a range of alternative approaches to pain treatment, including acupuncture, yoga, and chiropractic care.

In 2009, former Army Surgeon General Dr. Eric Schoomaker chartered a task force to re-evaluate the Armys approach to pain, which had centered on opioids. The focus was understandable  nobody who has his leg blown off screams for acupuncture, said Schoomaker, who is now a professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, a military medical school in Bethesda, Maryland.

But he added there was also openness to acupuncture and other approaches among soldiers and sailors who, while overseas, had tried non-drug approaches for chronic pain. Schoomaker said he was inspired to seriously consider alternative approaches by his wife, a yoga instructor.

Now two-thirds of military hospitals and other treatment centers offer acupuncture, according to a recent study.

The militarys openness to alternatives is because the need is so great there, said Emmeline Edwards of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a federal scientific research agency. Perhaps some of the approaches have been used without a strong evidence base. Theyre more willing to try an approach and see if it works.

Her agency is teaming up the Pentagon and the VA to spend USD81 million on research projects to study the effectiveness of a variety of nondrug approaches to treating chronic pain.

While research continues, insurance coverage of acupuncture keeps expanding. California, Massachusetts, Oregon and Rhode Island pay for acupuncture for pain through their Medicaid insurance programs. Massachusetts and Oregon also cover acupuncture as a treatment for substance abuse, though scientists question how well it reduces the cravings caused by chemical dependency. Jennifer McDermott, Dake Kang & Mike Stobbe, Providence (R.I.), AP
Wynn Palace has earned Five-Star triple crown for its hotel, spa, and Sushi Mizumi restaurant on the 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating list.

Collectively, Wynn Resorts has the most Forbes Travel Guides (FTG) Five-Star awards of any independent hotel company in the world, the gaming operator noted in a statement.

Wynn Palace is the first and only resort in the world with more than one thousand rooms to receive Five Stars. That accomplishment is a testament to the team of employees who deliver a flawless experience to our guests each and every time, said Matt Maddox, CEO of Wynn Resorts.

Wynn Palace offers a range of custom-designed spa treatments, and dining experiences including Sushi Mizumi, an intimate 14-seat Five Star restaurant serving the finest seafood imported fresh daily from Tokyos famed Tsukiji Market.

Also of note for 2018, Wynn and Encore Macau will maintain its exclusive status as the only resort in the world with eight FTG Five-Star awards, and Wing Lei restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas remains the only FTG Five-Star Chinese restaurant in North America.

Forbes names Conrad five-star hotel

Forbes Travel Guide has unveiled its annual Star Rating list, naming Conrad Macao, Cotai Central, a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel for the fourth year in a row.

Conrad Macao also has the distinction of being the only Conrad Hotel in the world to achieve this status.

Bodhi Spa at Conrad Macao was also awarded a Four-Star rating for the fifth consecutive year.

It is a tremendous honour for us to receive such a prestigious accolade. Our mission is to ensure our discerning guests enjoy a wonderful experience during their visit to Macau, and to be recognized for this dedication to excellence with a Forbes Five-Star rating for the fourth straight year is incredibly rewarding for the devoted team here at Conrad Macao, said Bede Barry, general manager of Conrad Macao.

The hotel has 654 spacious guestrooms including 224 suites located in a 40-storey tower overlooking the Cotai Strip.
Foreign domestic workers interviewed by the Times said that they would agree to move to Beijing if the citys labor protection law is more extensive than that of Macaus.

Beijings municipal commission of commerce said yesterday that the municipality is considering allowing foreign professionals to bring their own domestic workers to Beijing this year.

Under this amendment, domestic workers holding foreign passports, including those who are working in Hong Kong and Macau would be allowed to work in Chinas capital under the condition that employers hold a working visa or permanent residence in Beijing.

These employers should also provide an employment contract and personal guarantee for domestic employees.

Authorities said in a statement that the move would attract high-level foreign talent and would help the citys domestic service system to improve.

Currently, foreign household services are still illegal in Beijing.

Speaking to the Times, some domestic helpers hoped that the move would come to pass under the provisions that China and their respective country of origin would have a mutual memorandum.

[They would] agree to move to Beijing if the labor protection law and salary would match Chinas standards and if the government has an agreement from our government, said Eric Lestari, the former president of an Indonesian migrant group.

Yosa Wariyanti, president of the Indonesian Macau Workers Union said that domestic workers would want to see a concrete legal policy and standard contracts before they agreed to move to the sprawling capital.

We heard that the salary [can be higher] in China than in Hong Kong and Macau, so many workers, I think, will want to move. But not all, since some workers enjoy living and working in Hong Kong and Macau, said Wariyanti.

Some household workers also expressed that they would consider moving to Beijing, along with their employers, if living conditions are better than that of Macau.

The municipal commission of commerce, together with 11 other departments of the city, jointly issued a circular in December 2017, encouraging innovation in home services and the introduction of foreign maids, according to state news agency, Xinhua.

Just last year, Shanghai became the first city in mainland China to grant a residence for foreign domestic workers to enter the city.

The Philippine Consulate General continuously reminds its nationals in the region that it is illegal to work and obtain employment in China as domestic helpers and private tutors.

It informed its compatriots to exercise caution in dealing with agents, individuals and recruitment agencies in both Macau and the Philippines who offer employment in mainland China as nannies, domestic workers and private tutors.

The Times knows of cases where domestic workers are brought to Guangzhou, along with their employers, as cleaners in the employers residences.
Japans military has witnessed a ship-to- ship transfer on the high seas that it strongly suspects violates U.N. sanctions on North Korea, in the third such incident reported by Japan in the past month.

A maritime Self-Defense Force PC-3 surveillance plane and an escort ship saw a North Korean-flagged tanker alongside a smaller ship on Feb. 16 about 250 kilometers off Shanghai in the East China Sea, the Foreign Ministry said this week.

Photos posted on the Foreign Ministry website show the two ships with what appear to be hoses running between them. The ministry identified the North Korean tanker as the Yu Jong 2. It said the other vessel is of unknown nationality, but had Min Ning De You 078 written in Chinese on its bow, which is shorthand for an oil ship from Ningde city in Chinas coastal Fujian province.

The U.N. has toughened sanctions on North Korea to pressure it to give up its nuclear weapons development. Japan and the U.S. have said the sanctions must be enforced strictly to be effective, and asked China in particular to tighten enforcement.

The Foreign Ministry said Japan had notified the U.N. Security Council of the transfer. AP
Vancouver, one of the hottest housing markets in North America, is getting a little tougher for wealthy Chinese buyers.

British Columbia Finance Minister Carole James announced measures targeting foreign buyers and speculators in the first budget since her government was elected on a pledge to make housing more affordable for residents of Canadas Pacific Coast province.

Starting from yesterday, foreigners will pay the province a 20 percent tax on top of the listing value, up from 15 percent now, and a levy on property speculators will be introduced later this year, according to budget documents released this week. The government will also crack down on the condo pre-sale market and beneficial ownership to ensure that property flippers, offshore trusts and hidden investors are paying taxes on gains.

Premier John Horgan faces formidable demands after taking power in a fiercely contested election last July. His New Democratic Party made expensive promises to topple the Liberals, whose 16-year-rule brought the fastest growth in Canada, but also surging property while incomes stagnated.

Public outrage has surged amid perceptions that global capital seeking a stable sanctuary, especially from China, is driving double-digit gains in Vancouver, the countrys most expensive property market.

The expectations that we will do everything in our first budget are huge, James told reporters in the capital Victoria. Our goal is fairness  fairness for the people who live here, who work here and pay their taxes here.

James said a raft of new measures are intended to moderate the surge in housing prices, which she said had emerged as one of the top concerns of both residents and businesses struggling to recruit workers due to the high cost of living.

The new speculator tax takes effect this fall and will apply to foreign and domestic investors who dont pay income tax in the province. It will start at 0.5 percent of the propertys assessed value in 2018 and rise to 2 percent thereafter. Primary residences and homes leased as long-term rentals will be exempt.

B.C.s real estate market should not be used as a stock market. It should be used to provide safe and secure homes, said James. Thats why were cracking down on speculators who distort our market.

The levy, she said, will also capture satellite families  a term with Chinese origins to describe those families where the breadwinner remains in the home country while the children and spouse reside abroad to take advantage of educational and employment opportunities.

The foreign buyers tax will also be extended beyond the Vancouver region to properties in Victoria and other parts of the province. Taxes on the provinces most expensive properties will also rise  homes worth more than CAD3 million (USD2.4 million) will pay a 5 percent property transfer tax when sold, up from 3 percent.

Separately, the government and Airbnb Inc. have reached an agreement requiring the company collect an 8 percent provincial sales tax and as much as a 3 percent local tax on short-term rentals, according to budget documents.

Public outrage has been further stoked by fresh media reports alleging Vancouver casinos and real estate have become vehicles in recent years for laundering the illicit proceeds of high-rolling Asian gamblers and drug dealers with links to the Chinese fentanyl trade.

Were taking steps to counter tax fraud and money laundering  that starts with closing loopholes and better access to information, James said. The province has asked the federal government to create a multi-agency group to target tax evasion, money laundering and housing, according to budget documents.

James vowed that investors flipping pre-sale condos will have to pay tax. Developers will be required to collect ownership information on the selling and re-selling of contract assignments in new buildings, and the data will be shared with tax authorities.

She also vowed to bring more transparency to murky ownership records  it isnt clear who owns nearly half of Vancouvers most expensive properties, according to a budget document. The province will demand more information about beneficial property ownership in tax forms. That information will also be made publicly available and shared with tax authorities and law enforcement agencies, James said.

The budget plan forecast a CAD219 million surplus in the fiscal year beginning April 1, more than the CAD151 million projected for the year ending March 31. The surplus is expected to rise to CAD281 million in 2019-2020, according to the budget. Economic growth is pegged at 2.3 percent this year, following a 3.4 percent expansion in 2017.

Over the next three years, it includes plans to invest more than CAD1 billion in childcare, CAD1.6 billion in affordable housing, and to also eliminate healthcare premiums at an annual cost of about CAD1 billion.

That plan will be funded by a new health tax on employers, as well as the new and expanded housing measures. Combined, they will create extra tax revenue of CAD880 million this fiscal year and CAD2.2 billion the following year, according to budget documents.Natalie Obiko Pearson, Bloomberg
The measure announced by the Macau government to amend a law aiming to prevent foreign judges for ruling on matters of national security, might dent confidence in Hong Kongs judicial system, sending a very wrong message if the proposal goes ahead, Simon Young, a Hong Kong legal scholar told the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

The proposal will be presented before Hong Kong lawmakers as early as next month, but it has already raised criticism from local senior legal professionals such as the president of the Macau Lawyers Association (AAM), Neto Valente, who described it as unconstitutional. Added criticism from across the Pearl River now comes with Young expressing concerns about the future of Hong Kongs foreign judges, especially after two of the small but significant cadre were subjected to verbal attacks over rulings they recently made in high-profile cases.

Young, an associate dean (for Research) at the University of Hong Kongs faculty of law, said to SCMP, it is unclear why Macau is taking the step at this time, warning, this is a worrying development. Perhaps the real reason is a fallacious belief that Chinese judges will be more patriotic and more likely rule in a way that protects national security.

However the legal scholar also noted, Im not aware of any rational or empirical basis to support such a belief. In Hong Kong, when foreign judges are appointed to the Court of Final Appeal they are first and foremost a Hong Kong judge, not a foreign judge.

Young also pointed out that any move to interfere with the chief justices (or any other court leaders) discretion to empanel the most suitable judges to hear cases could amount to an interference with the exercise of independent judicial power and would thus violate Article 83 of the Macau Basic Law. He noted that if this were to occur in Hong Kong, it would violate Article 85 of the Hong Kong Basic Law. Young further added any move towards excluding foreign judges from hearing cases, which they would otherwise be entitled to hear, may lead people to think that their government does not trust foreign judges. This would be a very wrong message to send and would dent confidence in one of the most successful aspects of the Hong Kong and Macaus judiciaries since their respective handovers.

At the beginning of the month, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Sonia Chan, informed the press about the proposal to enforce this measure, insisting that the aim was not to discriminate against non-Chinese judges but to make the operations of the judiciary smoother, and to accelerate trial proceedings.
Green Cross, the largest and the oldest Veterinary Hospital in Macau has just acquired unique equipment that puts Macau on the leading edge of house animals veterinary medicine.

Starting from last week, the Clinic has had at its disposal a Computed Tomography (CT) Scan, especially designed for animals. The machine is a prototype and will provide Macaus pets with the best possible diagnostic care. Henrique Galvao, a veterinary physician specialized in orthopedic surgery and endoscopy, is one of the managers of the hospital and he explained to the Times, this is a machine that only exists in major reference centers in the world, namely universities and research institutes. Its a prototype and so it also carries a risk (for us) to acquire this very unique equipment but its a controlled risk and we believe that the benefits [of it] can easily outweigh the challenges [such as the acquisition price].

In terms of benefits, Galvao explained that the CT Scan can provide detailed 3D images of the internal anatomy, making it the best diagnostic tool to diagnose head and spinal injuries, lung and liver cancers, brain tumors, bone and joint degenerative diseases as well as hernias and some kinds of fractures in cats, dogs and exotic animals.

Another big advantages is that through the CT Scan, we can use it as a help to guide minimal invasive surgical techniques, like placing a needle in the spinal cord or guiding a venous catheter for example from a leg to the heart.

It [is already] allow[ing] us to detect a lot of clinical situations that until now were impossible to detect and also to provide a correct diagnosis and information to the pet owners, Galvao said. He went on to note that on the first day of use, it was possible to detect two situations, one in a dog suffering from epilepsy and another in a cat that had fallen from a third floor and had lost mobility on the rear legs that before [the CT Scan] was impossible to reach a conclusive diagnosis. It is a great help on the most complex cases and we do have many.

As for challenges, Galvao noted the need of space (the machine is not much smaller than the human version of it) and the need of a professional team of people that can operate it and make proper use of the equipment, citing an example, we humans, when doing a CT Scan, need to be able to control ourselves and remain completely still, as animals it is an even more complex situation as we do need to resort to breathing stop and complete immobilization through anesthesia, which can only be done by a very well trained expert in this field.

The cost of the machine was MOP5 million and with their investment the veterinary hospital aims to provide a better service and to cut expenses that were previously shouldered by pet owners; to perform this kind of procedure, it was previously necessary to travel to the two available CT scan machines in the neighboring territory of Hong Kong.

According to information from the clinic, the equipment will be accessible to other Macau veterinary clinics, examinations using the CT Scan machine will be available through referrals.
A Philippine court has sentenced an Australian man to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on human trafficking and child pornography charges.

Drew Frederick Shobbrook, 51, listened quietly as the verdict was read in a court in Cebu city. Footage shot by local broadcaster ABS-CBN of the proceedings showed Leslie Ann Fernandez, a Philippine national co-accused in the case, crying next to Shobbrook.

Both were arrested during a 2013 operation in which 15 girls were rescued by Philippine authorities.

According to the International Justice Mission, a global organization that partners with local authorities to fight human trafficking and child sexual abuse, Shobbrook used girls for pornographic images and videos that he then distributed online.

Three victims testified at the trial that girls were also offered to other foreigners for sexual exploitation, according to the organization.

Attorney John Tanagho of the IJM said the conviction sends a strong message to perpetrators of human trafficking for online sexual exploitation of children in the Philippines.

Whether someone is a foreigner or a Filipino, if they sexually abuse Filipino children online or by creating child pornography, then they will be held accountable, Tanagho said.

The IJM says there has been an increasing number of cases involving the online sexual exploitation of children in the Philippines, with the crime spreading as more people gain access to the internet. More than 80 percent of victims rescued from online sexual exploitation are minors. AP
Students who survived the Florida school shooting prepared to flood the Capitol today [Macau time] pushing to ban the assault-style rifle used to kill 17 people, vowing to make changes in the November election if they cant persuade lawmakers to change laws before their legislative session ends.

About 100 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students arrived at a Tallahassee high school to extended applause yesterday [Macau time] after a 640-kilometer trip on three buses. They told the 500 students and parents waiting for them that they are fighting to protect all students.

Were whats making the change. Were going to talk to these politicians tomorrow. Were going to talk to them the day after that. Were going to keep talking, were going to keep pushing until something is done because people are dying and this cant happen anymore, said Alfonso Calderon, a 16-year-old junior. You guys are what were trying to protect.

Despite their enthusiasm and determination, the students and their supporters arent likely to get what they really want: a ban on AR-15s and similar semi-automatic rifles. Republican lawmakers are talking more seriously about some restrictions, but not a total ban.

Instead, theyre discussing treating assault-style rifles like the one suspected gunman Nikolas Cruz is accused of using in the Valentines Day attack more like handguns than long guns. That could mean raising the minimum age to purchase the weapon to 21, creating a waiting period and making it more difficult for people who exhibit signs of mental illness from buying the weapon even without a diagnosis.

Democrats attempted to get a bill to ban assault rifles and large-capacity magazines heard on the House floor. Republicans, who dominate the chamber, easily dismissed it. Students who were at the Capitol ahead of their classmates who arrived later found Republicans steered the conversation away from gun restrictions.

Rachel Catania, 15, a sophomore at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland said she got a lot of non-answers from the politicians she spoke with.

I know its going to be hard, but I know we can do it, she said. Were not going to be the school that got shot, were going to be the school that got shot and made something happen. A change is going to happen.

The students on the seven- hour bus ride checked their phones, watching videos and reading comments on social media about the shooting, some of which accused them of being liberal pawns.

As the grieving Florida students demanded action on guns, President Donald Trump yesterday directed the Justice Department to move to ban devices like the rapid-fire bump stocks used in last years Las Vegas massacre. It was a small sign of movement on the gun violence issue that has long tied Washington in knots.

We must do more to protect our children, said Trump, a strong and vocal supporter of gun rights. He added that his administration was working hard to respond to the Florida rampage.

The students planned to hold a rally to put more pressure on the Legislature.

I really think they are going to hear us out, said Chris Grady, a high school senior aboard the bus.

The Feb. 14 attack initially appeared to overcome the resistance of some in the states political leadership, which has rebuffed gun restrictions since Republicans took control of both the governors office and the Legislature in 1999. However, many members of the party still have strong resistance to any gun-control measures.

The Parkland students also plan to meet with top legislative leaders, including House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron.

Florida has a reputation for expanding gun rights. Negron sponsored a 2011 bill that Republican Gov. Rick Scott signed into law that banned cities and counties from regulating gun and ammunition sales.

Scott organized three committees to look at school safety, mental health and gun safety issues that met yesterday and vowed to make changes to better protect students. While Scott told reporters several times that everything is on the table, he did not answer whether his proposal would include any bans on any type of weapons.

Instead, Scott said he is interested in making it harder for people who are temporarily committed to obtain a gun. He also pledged to increase spending on school safety programs and on mental health treatment.

Authorities said Cruz, 19, had a string of run-ins with school authorities that ended with his expulsion. Police were repeatedly called to his house throughout his childhood. His lawyers said there were many warning signs that he was mentally unstable and potentially violent. Yet he legally purchased a semi-automatic rifle.

Stoneman Douglas senior Diego Pfeiffer was realistic about what change would happen before the Legislature goes home March 9, but said anything is a good first step.

The best case scenario is we move a step forward and thats all were asking here. Were asking to help save student lives, he said. Whether its funding or mental health or gun safety or any of that sort of stuff  I am pro any of that.

But he also said if change doesnt come in the Legislature, he noted hes now 18 and he has the power of his vote.

Youre our senators and youre our representatives for now. If you dont help us make a change soon, you will be left in the dust, he said. Im happily going to vote for anybody whos going to be on our side, the side of childrens lives. How can you say no to that?

Lush reported from St. Petersburg, Florida. Associated Press writers Gary Fineout in Tallahassee and Sadie Gurman in Washington contributed to this report. Brendan Farrington, Josh Replogle & Tamara Lush, Tallahassee (Fla.), AP
Tipical housings in the rural area of Brejo do Amparo District, Januaria, Minas Gerais. The nearby Tocantins brook passes on the right, which is the only water source for most of the inhabitants. Cisterns are used for water caption during the short rainy season. Credit: Stefan M. Geiger, 2018

To detect detect intestinal schistosome infections, the World Health Organization recommends using the Kato-Katz technique, which analyzes slides of fecal matter. But the approach often misses people who are infected with only a low burden of parasites and, as a consequence, shed only a few eggs in fecal samples. Researchers have now analyzed the efficacy of other testing approaches in a setting with low parasite burden; their results appear in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Schistosomiasis, or infection with the flatworm Schistosoma mansoni, affects more than 240 million people worldwide. In some countries including Brazilcontrol programs have led to a significant reduction in the prevalence and parasite burden of endemic populations. However, in this setting it can be difficult to detect active infections since the Kato-Katz technique loses its sensitivity.

Stefan Geiger, of Brazil's Federal University of Minas Gerais, and colleagues examined 254 individuals in a moderate prevalence area of Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, using four different approaches to test for intestinal schistosomiasis. The approaches were: the standard Kato-Katz technique, which analyzes slides from up to three fecal samples; a modified Helmintex method, which isolates eggs from 30 g. of feces using magnetic beads; a saline gradient, which cleans 500 mg of feces to detect eggs; and a rapid urine test (POC-CCA) which detects a secreted protein produced mainly by adult worms of S. mansoni.

When additional tests were used alongside the Kato-Katz method, the estimated prevalence of schistosomiasis in the population rose 2.3 times, from 20.4% to 45.9%. All methods lost their high sensitivity at low and very low intensity infections. The sensitivity of the POC-CCA (64.9%) was similar to the sensitivity of analyzing six Kato-Katz slides from three fecal samples. The best sensitivity was obtained with the Helmintex method (84%).

"In its present form, Helmintex is not applicable for large-scale screening due to the required sample size and the time-consuming sieving and sedimentation processes, but might be an adequate reference standard or gold standard for the evaluation of newly developed, field-based diagnostic tests," the researchers say. "We believe that a combination of methods has to be implemented since the schistosomiasis control programs in different regions of the world are moving from morbidity control towards transmission control and elimination."

Explore further Effectiveness of point of care diagnostics for schistosomiasis

More information: Oliveira WJ, Magalhaes FdC, Elias AMS, de Castro VN, Favero V, Lindholz CG, et al. (2018) Evaluation of diagnostic methods for the detection of intestinal schistosomiasis in endemic areas with low parasite loads: Saline gradient, Helmintex, Kato-Katz and rapid urine test. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 12(2): e0006232. Journal information: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Oliveira WJ, Magalhaes FdC, Elias AMS, de Castro VN, Favero V, Lindholz CG, et al. (2018) Evaluation of diagnostic methods for the detection of intestinal schistosomiasis in endemic areas with low parasite loads: Saline gradient, Helmintex, Kato-Katz and rapid urine test.12(2): e0006232. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006232
Researchers studying a rare genetic disorder that causes severe, progressive neurological problems in childhood have discovered insights into biological mechanisms that drive the disease, along with early clues that an amino acid supplement might offer a targeted therapy. The research, which found abnormalities in a biological waste-disposal process called autophagy, links the mechanism underlying rare pediatric neurogenetic disorders to more common neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington's or Parkinson's disease.

"We showed that this rare neurological disorder disrupts autophagy, which plays a role in many neurodegenerative disorders in both children and adults," said study leader Xilma R. Ortiz-Gonzalez, MD, PhD, a pediatric neurogeneticist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She added, "We identified a urine test that can serve as a biomarker of this specific pediatric disorder, which we call TBCK-encephaloneuropathy. We want to build a patient registry and eventually use this biomarker to test if it could help monitor response to treatment, with the long-term aim of developing a precision medicine treatment for this devastating disease."

The study team reported its findings online in Annals of Neurology on Dec. 29, 2017.

TBCK-encephaloneuropathy (TBCKE) is caused by a mutation in the TBCK gene, which has been a focus of previous research by CHOP scientists and others. Although >TBCK mutations have varied effects, including a broad range of intellectual disabilities, motor impairments, autistic features, and brain abnormalities, TBCKE is a severe subtype, with progressive neurodegeneration involving the brain as well as progressive muscle weakness.

The team also seeks to investigate why some children with TBCK mutations can have much milder presentations than others, and whether this provides a clue to understanding differences in the underlying mechanisms of the disease. The current study reported on a cohort of eight unrelated boys, ranging from age 9 to 14 years, all of Puerto Rican descent. All had a mutation, called the Boricua mutation, at the same location on the TBCK genep.R126X. They all share a very severe presentation, including profound intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, low muscle tone, and progressive dysfunction in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. By adolescence, the patients had chronic respiratory failure caused by their progressive neuromuscular weakness.

Scientists already knew that the TBCK protein, coded for by the gene with the same name, regulates signals along the mTOR biological pathway. Abnormal mTOR signals occur in epilepsy, autism, ID and other neurological conditions. One key role for mTOR signaling is in autophagy, the normal cleanup process in which cells dispose of damaged proteins, lipids, and other biological objects.

When autophagy doesn't function normally, neurodegenerative diseases may result. Researchers in the current study found that the Boricua mutation leads to abnormal autophagy, which could be why this specific cohort of patients with TBCKE have a neurodegenerative course.

The study team found a potential biomarker for TBCKEabnormal levels of chemicals called oligosaccharides in the patients' urine. Further studies will determine if oligosaccharide levels could become a simple laboratory test to help diagnose the disorder. Notably, oligosaccharide levels improved when the researchers added the amino acid leucine to the patients' cells in laboratory cultures.

"Leucine activates mTOR signaling that was disrupted by the mutation, so this finding suggests that leucine might offer some improvement in disease symptoms if used in patients," said Ortiz-Gonzalez. This is consistent with previous CHOP research in a TBCK-related disease, which showed potential therapeutic benefits in using leucine in affected cells.

Ortiz-Gonzalez and her CHOP collaborators are continuing to investigate the biology of TBCKE, while working to establish a patient registry of children with this rare disorder. Her eventual goal is to identify more patients and perform studies that could set the stage for a clinical trial to test leucine or a similar compound as a personalized treatment for this severe childhood disease.

Explore further New syndrome named, causes a rare intellectual disability

More information: Xilma R. Ortiz-Gonzalez et al, Homozygous boricua TBCK mutation causes neurodegeneration and aberrant autophagy, Annals of Neurology (2017). Journal information: Annals of Neurology Xilma R. Ortiz-Gonzalez et al, Homozygous boricua TBCK mutation causes neurodegeneration and aberrant autophagy,(2017). DOI: 10.1002/ana.25130
Melanoma cells under the microscope. Credit: AG Clemens A. Schmitt, MDC/Charite

An international research team has succeeded in stopping the growth of malignant melanoma by reactivating a protective mechanism that prevents tumor cells from dividing. The team used chemical agents to block the enzymes responsible for erasing epigenetic marks at the DNA. This discovery has potential for use in future combination therapies.

Cellular senescence - a state in which cells terminally cease to divide - prevents mutated cells from turning into tumors. This natural protective mechanism puts cells into a hibernation-like condition and is controlled by epigenetic tags located on the protein building blocks the DNA is wrapped around. These tags co-control how the genetic information encoded by the DNA is actually used. Cancer cells, however, were now found to deactivate the tags via a mechanism that was hitherto unknown.

An international team of researchers led by Professor Clemens A. Schmitt from Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin, the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), and the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) has now demonstrated that, in cancer cells, these important epigenetic marks are often erased by demethylase enzymes. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of these enzymes restarts the protective mechanism, explains the team in an article published in the journal Cancer Cell.

Demethylase blockers halt malignant melanoma

The research team conducted its study on almost 500 tissue samples taken from patients with black skin cancer, also known as melanoma. In roughly a third of the samples, researchers found a significant increase in the production of the demethylase enzymes able to stop the protective mechanism.

In melanoma cell cultures as well as mice and zebrafish with malignant melanoma, the researchers genetically modified the activity of these enzymes. They also used chemical agents to target and block them, which caused the cells to fall into the sleep-like state of senescence, thus stopping them to further divide. The experiment was even successful in mice with implanted human melanoma tissue, which is important information for future applications in patients. One of the agents used is currently explored in clinical trials for the treatment of lung and blood cancer.

In their investigation of melanoma samples from mice, the researchers observed that immune cells migrated into the tumor tissue once the senescence process had been reactivated by drugs. These and other important findings would not have been possible without using animal models.

Senescence keeps cancer cells in hibernation

Together with programmed cell death, cellular senescence is one of the body's most important lines of defense against cancer. This protective mechanism epigenetically silences genes that regulate cell division. Methyltransferase enzymes mark histone proteins - the "spools" around which DNA is wrapped. These marks deactivate the section of DNA that is next to the histone. Clemens Schmitt and his team investigated two different demethylase enzymes that are able to counteract this process. Their ability to "erase" these histone marks makes the enzymes crucial for controlling and disabling senescence.

Potential seen for combination therapies

Cellular senescence is an important and welcome avenue for cancer therapies due to its ability to prevent the further growth of tumors. But its functions are not limited to blocking cancer, as Schmitt's research team recently reported in the scientific journal Nature.

Clemens Schmitt believes the immigration of immune cells into the tumor that was observed in the senescence mechanism holds great potential for a new type of combination therapy. "We think the combined use of demethylase blockers and targeted immunotherapy might be extremely effective," reports the clinical oncologist and researcher, who is Vice Director of the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology in Charite's Medical Department.

These findings are particularly promising for the treatment of melanoma, as this cancer responds poorly to chemotherapy and is better combated with the help of new immunotherapies. Schmitt and his colleagues now want to see how well immunotherapy and senescence-inducing therapy can be combined in clinical trials.

Explore further Cancer cells that escape from senescence found to have an enhanced capacity to drive tumor growth

More information: Yong Yu et al, Targeting the Senescence-Overriding Cooperative Activity of Structurally Unrelated H3K9 Demethylases in Melanoma, Cancer Cell (2018). Journal information: Cancer Cell Yong Yu et al, Targeting the Senescence-Overriding Cooperative Activity of Structurally Unrelated H3K9 Demethylases in Melanoma,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2018.01.002
Heavy metal concert fans: there are striking differences in the emotional responses of fans and non-fans of death metal. Credit: Parth Joshi/flickr

Death metal is a baffling genre to many people. The music is aggressive, the lyrics are often violent and misogynistic, and it has been blamed for inciting violent crimes such as rape and murder.

Cannibal Corpse, one of the most successful death metal bands, has sold over 2 million units worldwide and sings about topics such as murder, rape, torture, infanticide, decapitation and necrophilia. The sale of Cannibal Corpse recordings was even banned in Australia from 1996-2006.

Why are millions of music lovers around the world so powerfully attracted to aggressive music? Should we be concerned? There is evidence that exposure to music with violent themes can leave people feeling hostile, but most of this research has not considered the experiences and motivations of its fans.

Our recent research, soon to be published in the American Psychological Association's journal, Psychology of Popular Media Culture, addressed this gap by comparing the experiences and motivations of fans and non-fans of death metal music.

We asked 48 fans and 97 non-fans to listen to music from bands such as Cannibal Corpse. They then rated their emotional experiences, using a range of psychological scales, and described why they believed the music elicited such responses. We also assessed their motivations for listening to music, and asked them to list any other feelings or attitudes towards it.

Our results revealed striking differences in the emotional responses of fans and non-fans of death metal. For non-fans, listening to music with violent themes resulted in uniformly negative experiences. It left them feeling tense, afraid and angry.

But the music had the opposite effects for its fans, giving rise to positive experiences such as power, joy and peace. Fans, it seems, can selectively attend to particular acoustic and lyrical attributes of violent music in a way that promotes psychosocial goals.

Instead of leaving them feeling hostile, the music helps fans to discharge or distract from their own negative feelings, increase energy levels, and generate powerful, visceral emotional states.

Non-fans were understandably troubled by the violent, often misogynist lyrics, which typically lack the narrative context and moral point that justify representations of violence in theatre or film.

In the popular hit Hammer Smashed Face by Cannibal Corpse, the lyrics include lines such as "I smash your fng head in until the brains seep in through the cracks" and "violence is now a way of life." Many non-fans in our study expressed incomprehension as to how anyone could possibly endorse such repugnant lyrical content.

However, fans typically expressed no such concerns about the lyrics. When describing their motivations for listening to the music, one fan explained that "when I'm feeling low or lazy it helps me feel energised."

Another suggested, "when I'm angry it brings me to a dark place internally so I can work through it."

A third speculated that "it has something to do with the primal scream in us, it's a release, accepting and empowering."

Why are fans seemingly untroubled by lyrics that depict themes such as the rape, murder and decapitation of women and children? One possibility is that fans distance themselves psychologically from the offensive lyrics because they know those depictions are fantasy and not reality. This process allows violent content to be compatible with their enjoyment of the music.

A second possibility is that the shocking nature of the lyrics, which boldly cross internal censorship lines, fuels and amplifies the visceral experiences that they seek while listening to this music.

A third possibility is that the offensive lyrical content of death metal partly functions as a deterrent for non-fans, defining a sharp boundary between "insiders" and "outsiders," and enhancing a sense of identity and belonging within the community.

One thing is certain: death metal fans don't listen to music for its "aesthetic beauty"  an important motivation for people who listen to "sad" music. Rather, they appreciate its energetic, empowering appeal. For fans, violent music provides both a source of powerful visceral emotions and a form of social surrogacy, leading to a strong sense of community and shared identity.

Explore further Napster expands its music experience

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
Infections and autoimmune diseases are more common among people who have undergone heart surgery as children and had their thymus removed at the same time, which is often done to get access to the heart. This is evident in a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

"One should pay heed to the increased risks for these patients and, if possible, avoid removing the thymus," says Olov Ekwall, professor of pediatric immunology at Sahlgrenska Academy, Sweden, and chief physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

The thymus is situated high in the thorax and is a gland with important functions in the development of the immune system. In the current study, researchers have identified individuals in Sweden who had their thymus surgically removed during the 1997-2009 period in connection with an operation for congenital heart diseases before they were five years old.

The 5,664 people who were identified were compared with two control groups. One control group consisted of 2,276 people who also underwent heart surgery as a child but retained their thymus. The other group included about 56,000 people matched for age and gender who have not had heart surgery.

What is clearly evident in the Swedish health care registers is the fact that those who lack a thymus have an increased incidence of autoimmune diseases in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissue; Type 1 diabetes; thyroid disease; rheumatic disease; and hypersensitivity to gluten.

Thyroid disease is more common than in both control groups; type 1 diabetes is more common than in the group that had heart surgery with the thymus intact; and rheumatic diseases and hypersensitivity to gluten are more common than among those who did not undergo surgery.

The study also points to an increased incidence of tumors compared with those not operated on, but there the risks remained very small.

Nevertheless, the incidence of infections is greater. Both viral and bacterial infections are more common among people without a thymus than in both control groups. In relation to the non-surgical group, fungal infections also are more common. However, many infections can go under the radar.

"There probably is under-reporting here because the registers have poor or no coverage of primary care. The patients have not only needed care but even hospital-based care, such as on-site or outpatient care at the hospital," Olov Ekwall notes.

Each year 200-250 children in Sweden have their thymus removed in surgery due to congenital heart disease. Olov Ekwall emphasizes the importance of keeping a close watch on this group, in which only a few people have passed the age of 40 yet, and also of developing surgical methods that preserve the thymus.

"In some cases the thymus can be divided in the middle or moved aside during the operation. In other cases it's necessary to remove the thymus, but removing the entire gland can be avoided."

Explore further Can we turn back the clock on an aging thymus?

More information: Judith Gudmundsdottir et al. Long term clinical effects of early thymectomy: associations with autoimmune diseases, cancer, infections and atopic diseases, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2018). Journal information: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Judith Gudmundsdottir et al. Long term clinical effects of early thymectomy: associations with autoimmune diseases, cancer, infections and atopic diseases,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.01.037
From ultrasound images (left), Max Planck researchers have reconstructed how the heart muscle contracts vortex-like (centre) in cardiac arrhythmia. This also allows the researchers to locate the filaments (right) that form the centre of the vortices. It is hoped that these insights will provide the basis for developing improved treatment methods. Credit: MPI for Dynamics and Self-Organization

Every five minutes in Germany alone, a person dies of sudden cardiac arrest or fibrillation, the most common cause of death worldwide. This is partly due to the fact that doctors still do not fully understand exactly what goes on in the heart during the occurrence. Until now, it was impossible to visualize dynamic processes in the fibrillating heart muscle, or myocardium. In today's publication in Nature, an international team of researchers headed by Jan Christoph and Stefan Luther of the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization and Gerd Hasenfu of the Heart Center at the University Medical Center Gottingen show for the first time how vortex-like, rotating contractions that underlie life-threatening ventricular fibrillation can be observed inside the heart with the help of a new imaging technique, which can be used with existing ultrasound equipment. In the future, this newly developed imaging technique may help medical doctors to image and thus identify heart rhythm disorders, helping them to better understand cardiac disease and further develop new, more effective methods for treatment.

When the heart muscle no longer contracts in a coordinated manner, but simply flutters or twitches  a condition referred to medically as "fibrillation"  it is a highly life-threatening situation. If the ventricles, the main chambers of the heart, twitch in this disorderly way, there is just one opportunity for medical intervention: the heart must be defibrillated within a few minutes with a strong electrical shock, which is very painful and can damage the heart's tissue. Fibrillation of the atria, on the other hand, is not directly life-threatening; however, if left untreated it can have dire consequences. For over 100 years, researchers have sought to understand the mechanisms behind fibrillation so as to improve treatment options. "The key to a better understanding of fibrillation lies in a new, high-resolution imaging technique that allows processes inside the heart muscle to be observed," says Stefan Luther, Leader of the Biomedical Physics Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization and Professor at University Medical Center Gottingen.

Diagnostic breakthrough

"The mechanical movements of the myocardium during fibrillation are highly complex, but they are also highly characteristic  almost like a fingerprint of fibrillation," says Jan Christoph, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization and the Heart Center at the University Medical Center Gottingen and lead author of the study. Together with Stefan Luther and an international team of researchers, the physicist has presented an imaging method that allows the fibrillating myocardium to be visually time-resolved in three dimensions, and therefore much more accurately than was previously possible  and it does so using clinically available high-resolution ultrasound equipment.

3D ultrasound measurements of mechanical filaments in the fibrillating heart. Credit: Max Planck Society

The new diagnostic method will help to make the treatment of ventricular fibrillation and possibly also atrial fibrillation more effective. The improved understanding of fibrillation, which can be achieved with the procedure, could help to advance the development of novel defibrillation techniques. In low-energy defibrillation, for example, the electrical pulses used to stop fibrillation are much weaker but much more targeted compared to the current, very painful method, which uses high-energy electric shocks. With the new form of ultrasound imaging, researchers could learn how to use low-energy pulses to restore normal heart rhythm.

The Gottingen-based researchers are now refining the method so that it will also be able to visualize the complex excitation dynamics, which occur during atrial fibrillation. In the future, cardiologists will be able to see exactly where pathological foci of excitation need to be removed by ablation. The new ultrasound method may also be helpful in the research, diagnosis and treatment of heart failure, during which the myocardial cells do not work effectively as their coordinated contractile movements are disrupted. Doctors would be able to determine the causes with the help of detailed ultrasound scans, enabling them to detect heart failure earlier and treat it more effectively.

Electrical waves cause mechanical contractions of the heart

Every heartbeat is triggered by electrical waves of excitation that propagate through the myocardium at high speed and cause the myocardial cells to contract. If these waves become turbulent, the result is cardiac arrhythmia. Doctors have long known that in cardiac arrhythmias, rotational electrical waves of excitation swirl through the heart muscle. Until now, their investigations of cardiac arrhythmias have focussed on such electrical vortices. However, they have not been able to ascertain a full picture of the dynamics, neither in the laboratory nor in the clinical setting. The MPIDS researchers took a different approach. Instead of concentrating on electrical stimulation, they looked at the twitching contractions of the fibrillating myocardium. "Until now, little importance was attached to the analysis of muscle contractions and deformations during fibrillation. In our measurements, however, we saw that electric vortices are always accompanied by corresponding vortex-shaped mechanical deformations," physicist Jan Christoph explains.

Computer simulation of an electromechanical vortex in the heart muscle tissue. Credit: Max Planck Society

Ventricular fibrillation in 3-D

In order to visualize the trembling movements inside the heart muscle in three dimensions and to correlate them with the electrical excitation of the heart, the researchers developed new high-resolution ultrasound measuring methods. They also showed that these methods can be used in high-performance ultrasound equipment that is already in routine use in many cardiology institutions. By analyzing the image data of the muscle contractions, they were able to observe exactly how areas of contracted and relaxed muscle cells move in a vortex through the myocardium during fibrillation. They also observed filament-like structures that were previously known to physicists only in theory and from computer simulations. Such a filament-like structure resembles a thread and marks the eye of the whirlpool-like wave or cyclone moving through the myocardium. It is now possible for the first time to pinpoint these centres of the vortices inside the myocardium.

In addition to ultrasound scans, the researchers used high-speed cameras and fluorescent markers that reveal the electrophysiological processes in the myocardium. The images obtained confirmed that the mechanical vortices correspond very well with the electrical vortices.

According to the researchers in Gottingen, ultrasound technology has progressed tremendously in recent years in terms of image quality and imaging speeds, and the potential of modern ultrasound technology has yet to be fully exploited. "Together with the immensely increased computing power of modern computers and rapid advancements in computer graphics and digital image processing, new measurement and visualization possibilities are being created for investigating the heart. We can apply these developments in medicine today," Jan Christoph says.

Electrical waves on the heart surface. Credit: Max Planck Society

From physics to medicine

The study is an example of successful interdisciplinary collaboration between physicists and doctors at the DZHK. "This revolutionary development will open up new treatment options for patients with cardiac arrhythmias. As early as 2018, we will use the new technology on our patients to better diagnose and treat cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial diseases," says Gerd Hasenfu, co-author of the study, Chairman of the Gottingen Heart Research Center Gottingen and the Heart Center at the University Medical Center Gottingen. Stefan Luther is certain of one thing: "Peering deeply into the inner dynamics of the heart marks a milestone in heart research and will decisively shape our understanding and treatment of heart disease in the future."

Explore further Cause of killer cardiac disease identified by new method

More information: J. Christoph et al. Electromechanical vortex filaments during cardiac fibrillation, Nature (2018). Journal information: Nature J. Christoph et al. Electromechanical vortex filaments during cardiac fibrillation,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/nature26001
Demyelination by MS. The CD68 colored tissue shows several macrophages in the area of the lesion. Original scale 1:100. Credit: Marvin 101/Wikipedia

Scientists have shown in mice that skin cells re-programmed into brain stem cells, transplanted into the central nervous system, help reduce inflammation and may be able to help repair damage caused by multiple sclerosis (MS).

The study, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, is a step towards developing personalised treatment based on a patient's own skin cells for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS).

In MS, the body's own immune system attacks and damages myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibres, causing disruption to messages sent around the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms are unpredictable and include problems with mobility and balance, pain, and severe fatigue.

Key immune cells involved in causing this damage are macrophages (literally 'big eaters'), which ordinarily serve to attack and rid the body of unwanted intruders. A particular type of macrophage known as microglia are found throughout the brain and spinal cord - in progressive forms of MS, they attack the CNS, causing chronic inflammation and damage to nerve cells.

Recent advances have raised expectations that diseases of the CNS may be improved by the use of stem cell therapies. Stem cells are the body's 'master cells', which can develop into almost any type of cell within the body. Previous work from the Cambridge team has shown that transplanting neural stem cells (NSCs) - stem cells that are part-way to developing into nerve cells - reduces inflammation and can help the injured CNS heal.

However, even if such a therapy could be developed, it would be hindered by the fact that such NSCs are sourced from embryos and therefore cannot be obtained in large enough quantities. Also, there is a risk that the body will see them as an alien invader, triggering an immune response to destroy them.

A possible solution to this problem would be the use of so-called 'induced neural stem cells (iNSCs)' - these cells can be generated by taking an adult's skin cells and 're-programming' them back to become neural stem cells. As these iNSCs would be the patient's own, they are less likely to trigger an immune response.

Now, in research published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, researchers at the University of Cambridge have shown that iNSCs may be a viable option to repairing some of the damage caused by MS.

Using mice that had been manipulated to develop MS, the researchers discovered that chronic MS leads to significantly increased levels of succinate, a small metabolite that sends signals to macrophages and microglia, tricking them into causing inflammation, but only in cerebrospinal fluid, not in the peripheral blood.

Transplanting NSCs and iNSCs directly into the cerebrospinal fluid reduces the amount of succinate, reprogramming the macrophages and microglia - in essence, turning 'bad' immune cells 'good'. This leads to a decrease in inflammation and subsequent secondary damage to the brain and spinal cord.

"Our mouse study suggests that using a patient's reprogrammed cells could provide a route to personalised treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, including progressive forms of MS," says Dr Stefano Pluchino, lead author of the study from the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge.

"This is particularly promising as these cells should be more readily obtainable than conventional neural stem cells and would not carry the risk of an adverse immune response."

The research team was led by Dr Pluchino, together with Dr Christian Frezza from the MRC Cancer Unit at the University of Cambridge, and brought together researchers from several university departments.

Dr Luca Peruzzotti-Jametti, the first author of the study and a Wellcome Trust Research Training Fellow, says: "We made this discovery by bringing together researchers from diverse fields including regenerative medicine, cancer, mitochondrial biology, inflammation and stroke and cellular reprogramming. Without this multidisciplinary collaboration, many of these insights would not have been possible."

Explore further Using donor stem cells to treat spinal cord injury

More information: Peruzzotti-Jametti, L et al. Macrophage-derived extracellular succinate licenses neural stem cells to suppress chronic neuroinflammation. Cell Stem Cell; 2018; 22: 1-14; DOI: Journal information: Cell Stem Cell Peruzzotti-Jametti, L et al. Macrophage-derived extracellular succinate licenses neural stem cells to suppress chronic neuroinflammation.; 2018; 22: 1-14; DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2018.01.20
Electron micrographs of hepatitis C virus purified from cell culture. Scale bar is 50 nanometers. Credit: Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University.

Heroin is worse than other drugs because people inject it much sooner, potentially resulting in increased risk of injection-related epidemics such as hepatitis C and HIV, a Keck School of Medicine of USC study shows.

As more people use opioids, many switch to heroin because it's more potent and cheaper - a trend that complicates disease prevention as health officials crack down on opioids, said Ricky Bluthenthal, first author of the study and a professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School of Medicine.

Stigmatizing drug use is an ineffective way to address a public health outbreak, he added.

"The market is saturated with opiates. That cat is out of the bag," Bluthenthal said. "At this point, we have to figure out what we're going to do about opioid abuse because the opioid crisis is leading to downstream infectious disease epidemics such as acute hepatitis C."

Published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence on Feb. 15, the study surveyed 776 people in Los Angeles and San Francisco about their drug use. Researchers limited the investigation to heroin, methamphetamine or speed, powder cocaine and crack cocaine.

About 99 percent of participants who used heroin, regardless of demographics, eventually injected the drug - nearly three times the injection rate of people who used crack cocaine. The second most injected drug was meth or speed, with 85 percent of users reporting that they moved to injection.

Heroin had the shortest incubation period - about half a year - from initial drug use to drug injection. It took meth and speed users about twice that time and powder cocaine users nearly five times that length of time to begin injecting.

"Heroin is less expensive than opioids and more potent," Bluthenthal said. "So transitioning to heroin is reasonable. Heroin is much more efficient when injected, and that's why we see this trend."

On the road to a solution

As the nation tries to clamp down on the opioid epidemic, it may inadvertently drive people to heroin more quickly, Bluthenthal said. The real solution, he noted, is to get people better treatment for their opioid addiction.

From 2002 to 2015, there was a six-fold increase in the number of overdose deaths involving heroin, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Hepatitis C linked to injection drug use has increased three-fold over a 10-year period, the study stated, citing research from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

"We want to interrupt people from escalating their drug use from legal prescription opioids to illicit heroin use," Bluthenthal said.

Possible solutions include drug consumption rooms, supervised injection facilities, syringe exchange programs, overdose prevention education and naloxone distribution, Bluthenthal said. Naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdose.

"We're always trailing the epidemic: We don't know there is a problem until the bodies and infections start showing up," Bluthenthal said. "We now know people are moving from opioids to heroin to injection. We missed the opportunity to change that progression, so we need to move more aggressively to reduce opioid abuse and to implement safer venues to consume drugs. The end result will benefit public health."

Explore further From pill to needle: Prescription opioid epidemic may be increasing drug injection
(HealthDay)Prediabetes defined by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is associated with worse prognosis than definition by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or two-hour plasma glucose (2hPG), according to a study published online Feb. 16 in Diabetes Care.

Dorte Vistisen, Ph.D., from Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen in Denmark, and colleagues followed 5,427 participants aged 50 to 79 years without diabetes for a median of 11.5 years to examine the incidence rates of a major event (nonfatal/fatal cardiovascular disease or all-cause

mortality) for different definitions of prediabetes. Of the cohort, 11.6 percent had prediabetes by the World Health Organization (WHO)/International Expert Committee (IEC) criteria and 36.8 percent had prediabetes by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. In a subset of 4,730 individuals with additional measures of 2hPG, 14.0 percent had prediabetes.

The researchers found that the incidence rate in the context of prediabetes versus normoglycemia was 54 and 37 percent higher with the WHO/IEC and ADA definitions, respectively, and decreased to 17 and 12 percent after adjustment for confounders. Prediabetes by HbA1c correlated with a doubling in the incidence rate by the IEC and ADA criteria. Excess risk was reduced to 13 and 17 percent, respectively, upon adjustment. In the adjusted analysis, prediabetes by FPG or 2hPG was not linked to excess risk.

"The excess risk among individuals with prediabetes is mainly explained by the clustering of other cardiometabolic risk factors associated with hyperglycemia," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

Explore further Duration of diabetes, prediabetes linked to presence of CAC

Copyright  2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
(HealthDay)America is well aware of its opioid epidemic, but there's a hidden crisis brewing with prescription sedatives such as Xanax and Valium, a new review warns.

Known as benzodiazepines, overdose deaths involving these medications have increased exponentially over the past decade, in lockstep with a steady growth in prescriptions for the drugs, the review authors found.

Use of these drugs has become too casual in modern society, said review author Dr. Anna Lembke. She's an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences with the Stanford University School of Medicine.

"These are highly addictive and potentially lethal drugs, and many people don't know that," Lembke said. "Sadly, most physicians are also unaware of this and blithely prescribe them without educating their patients about the risk of addiction."

Benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, insomnia and seizures.

Prescriptions for benzodiazepines increased by 67 percent between 1996 and 2013, from 8.1 million to 13.5 million. The quantities of drugs obtained with these prescriptions more than tripled during that same period, the researchers said.

As a result, more people are becoming addicted to benzodiazepines and falling victim to overdose. Overdoses involving the drugs multiplied sevenfold between 1999 and 2015, increasing from 1,135 to 8,791 deaths.

"Just like with opioids, people overestimate the benefits and underestimate the risks of benzodiazepines," Lembke said. "They are effective for a panic attack or severe insomnia, but when taken daily long-term, people develop tolerance and dependence. They stop working and they can even make anxiety and insomnia worse."

Many overdose deaths involve people taking a benzodiazepine with another substance, such as opioids or alcohol, the review authors added.

Despite this, rates of prescribing benzodiazepine with opioids has nearly doubled, increasing from 9 percent in 2001 to 17 percent in 2013, the study found.

The review was published Feb. 22 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

One expert said the trend is a recipe for trouble.

"It is important to acknowledge the risks involved in the overuse/misuse of benzodiazepines, especially when combined with other medications or alcohol," said Bruce Goldman. He is director of substance abuse services at Zucker Hillside Hospital, in Glen Oaks, N.Y.

"While we have learned that there are more effective treatments for chronic anxiety than the long-term reliance on benzodiazepines, many people have now been dependent upon them for years," Goldman said.

Benzodiazepines are best used intermittently, Lembke said, no more than a couple of times a week. More frequent use should be limited to a very short duration, no more than two to four weeks.

"If you're someone who's relying on benzodiazepine to get through a day, you need to think very seriously about getting off of them," Lembke added.

Other warning signs of addiction include needing increased doses to get the same effect, or resorting to doctor shopping to maintain a steady supply of the drug, she explained.

"Those are very worrisome signs because they indicate you've developed a tolerance and you're investing a lot of time and effort overcoming that tolerance," Lembke said. "Essentially, you're taking it not to help with your sleep or anxiety but to treat the withdrawal from the last pill that you took."

Some users are now buying highly potent synthetic forms of benzodiazepine on the internet, which also increases overdose risk, she warned.

Lembke believes that regulators and the medical community should restrict benzodiazepine use by employing methods now being used to combat the opioid epidemic.

For example, health care providers should be required to check a prescription database before issuing a scrip for a benzodiazepine, to make sure the patient isn't addicted or misusing the drug in combination with other substances, she suggested.

Doctors also could require urine drug screens to make sure benzodiazepines are being taken as prescribed and not combined with other drugs, Lembke said.

Physicians can also help by clearly laying out the potential dangers of benzodiazepine use, said Dr. Karan Johar, a pain management physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

"There has to be a level of caution," Johar said. "Myself and other board-certified pain management doctors generally give patients an informed consent agreement for treatment," which outlines the potential for addiction.

Lembke noted that people concerned about their benzodiazepine use should not quit them cold turkey, because they could suffer from withdrawal symptoms.

"Benzodiazepine withdrawal is potentially life-threatening," she said. "If you've been on them for a long time, it's important to work with a medical professional to taper off in a safe way."

Explore further Combining opioids with anti-anxiety medicines linked to greater risk of overdose

More information: Anna Lembke, M.D., associate professor, psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif.; Bruce Goldman, LCSW, director, substance abuse services, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, N.Y.; Karan Johar, M.D., pain management physician, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City; Feb. 22, 2018, New England Journal of Medicine Anna Lembke, M.D., associate professor, psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif.; Bruce Goldman, LCSW, director, substance abuse services, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, N.Y.; Karan Johar, M.D., pain management physician, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City; Feb. 22, 2018, American Addiction Centers has more about benzodiazepine addiction. Journal information: New England Journal of Medicine

Copyright  2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
ARCHIVED - Suitcase boys father handed 92-euro fine



Almost 3 years have passed since 8-year-old Adou was found in a suitcase at the Ceuta border

The father of a young boy named Adou, who briefly made the front pages of the Spanish newspapers almost three years ago when customs baggage x-ray photos showed him crammed into a suitcase as he attempted to cross the border from Morocco into the Spanish north African enclave of Ceuta, has been handed a 92-euro fine for his role in the incident.

8-year-old Adou was found inside his suitcase in May 2015, and soon became known in the Spanish press as the suitcase boy. But as more details about his story became known, and it transpired that his father Ali Outtara, a resident in the Canaries, was attempting to reunite the boy with his family, sympathy grew for him and the plight of his father.

After Ali Outtara was reported to have convinced a Moroccan woman to bring Adou over the border into Ceuta, from where he planned to take him to the Canaries, he was prosecuted on charges of placing the life of his son in serious danger, and his defence was not helped by changes he made to his original declarations to the police: for example, he first confessed to having organized Adous crossing into Spain, and then denied all knowledge of the plan.

Finally, though, the case came to court this week, and almost three years after the events the provincial courts of Cadiz decided on a fine amounting to just 92 euros as adequate punishment, having taken into account the 33 days which Ali Outtara spent behind bars after first being arrested.

Adou attended the court session with both of his parents (he has been adopted by his stepmother following the death of his natural mother) and Ali explained that it was this bereavement which caused him to start trying to bring his son to Spain from the Ivory Coast. His first attempt ended in failure when he paid 5,000 euros to a native of Cameroon who failed to fulfil his side of the deal struck, namely to bring Adou to Madrid.

Ali then travelled to Morocco and brought Adou as far as the Ceuta border, where he entrusted him to a Senegalese individual without any knowledge that the means of crossing into Spain would be to cram his son into a suitcase. With his trial at last over, he stated that his only intention now is to settle in Bilbao with his family and request Spanish nationality, having lived in this country for over 10 years.

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Finance minister Malusi Gigaba has stated that the government plans to increase the tax on luxury goods, with a specific classification for smartphones.

He proposed that the excise duties on luxury goods be raised from 7% to 9%.

A less complex means of applying higher taxes to luxury goods is to increase ad valorem excise duties, Gigaba stated in his budget review this week.

Government proposes to increase these rates, which are already applied to some goods that are consumed mainly by wealthier households.

The associated revenue-raising potential is not significant, but it is aligned with the progressive structure of the tax system, he said.

Ad valorem products include motor vehicles, electronic equipment, cosmetics, perfumes, and other products generally regarded as luxury items.

However, Gigaba said this list will now include smartphones.

Effective 1 April 2018, the maximum ad valorem excise duty for motor vehicles will be increased from 25% to 30%, and the classification of cellular telephones will be updated to include smartphones to ensure they attract ad valorem excise duties.

In addition, the ad valorem excise duty rates (now at 5% and 7%), will be increased to 7% and 9%, ensuring that households spending more on luxury goods contribute proportionately more to revenue, he said.

Gigaba said the government also plans to consult on a proposal to replace the flat rate for cellphones with a progressive rate structure, based on the value of the phone.
The South African telecommunications market continues to evolve, with Wi-Fi remaining a prominent technology in this evolution.

Wi-Fi continues to become faster and more ubiquitous, and remains a popular technology to keep users connected.

To see what the local telecoms market has in store for 2018, MyBroadband spoke to Riaan Graham, director for sales in sub-Saharan Africa for Ruckus Networks.

What trends do you expect to see this year?

Looking into 2018, we believe the state of the Wi-Fi industry continues to look positive. The bottom line is that Wi-Fi is the most suitable solution for the data challenges arising from a worldwide infatuation with, and insatiable demand for, extended and better wireless data services of all types  a utility certainly worth the investment. Furthermore, the trends below are marking the Wi-Fi landscape: Increasing effective connectivity  we are seeing positive signs with regards to infrastructure developments across the continent, critical to Africas data and connectivity needs.

 we are seeing positive signs with regards to infrastructure developments across the continent, critical to Africas data and connectivity needs. The advent of smarter cities  there are a few things preventing Africa from truly connecting wirelessly to the Internet, and as these barriers fall, we are likely to see larger African cities roll out smart city initiatives. The technology is available, but its up to local governments to bring budgets and departments together to make this a reality.

 there are a few things preventing Africa from truly connecting wirelessly to the Internet, and as these barriers fall, we are likely to see larger African cities roll out smart city initiatives. The technology is available, but its up to local governments to bring budgets and departments together to make this a reality. The role of fibre in Africa  The story of fibre in South Africa has just begun. Government plans to have fibre cables in place throughout South Africa by 2020 and there is still a far way to go  especially outside highly-affluent areas. The good news is that there are a number of service providers who are focusing on fibre and driving residential connections, as more connections come online and speeds increase, prices start to drop.

 The story of fibre in South Africa has just begun. Government plans to have fibre cables in place throughout South Africa by 2020 and there is still a far way to go  especially outside highly-affluent areas. The good news is that there are a number of service providers who are focusing on fibre and driving residential connections, as more connections come online and speeds increase, prices start to drop. Technology driving service delivery  As the urbanisation of cities continues to grow, we will see that efficiencies in service delivery in these cities become key to connectivity. How do such cities scale to service a growing urban population? Think of basic services such as water management, traffic management, and waste management. All of these services are under strain. With the development of Smart City initiatives, new technologies such as IoT will be used to address these ever-increasing demands. Wi-Fi is the ideal technology to use as backhaul for IoT sensors and will drive the mass adoption of IoT in our cities.

What were your most popular products in 2017?

2017 was a great year for Ruckus Wireless. We witnessed the biggest uptake of the following products: All our outdoor Wi-Fi products which are used for hotspots.

The Ruckus R510 802.11ac was on the same level of demand, which is mainly used in medium-to-large indoor enterprise environments.

What can we expect from Ruckus in 2018?
Armenia institutes proceedings against Azerbaijan before International Court of Justice

Armenia President meets with WHO Director-General in Geneva

Armenia high-tech industry minister receives Head of EU Delegation Andrea Wiktorin

Taliban's ad hoc government holds first session

3,000 French medical workers dismissed for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19

Russia, China, Iran and Pakistan affirm need to achieve national reconciliation in Afghanistan

Armenia State Revenue Committee chief and Russian counterpart discuss cooperation in taxation sector

World's former first racket ties the knot with Macedonian billionaire (PHOTO)

UEFA Europa Conference League: Tottenham tie score, LASK outscore HJK

Members of opposition "Armenia" parliamentary faction meet with delegation led by Baroness Caroline Cox

Armenia Deputy PM: Gyumri's Shirak International Airport has everything to serve European low-costers

Ambassador: I don't believe Belarus gives preference to Yerevan or Baku when it comes to relations

Armenia President appoints Chief of Staff of Special Army Corps-Deputy Commander of Corps

Zakharova: Russia has told Baku about its position on the Turkish-Azerbaijani joint military exercises

Digest: Armenia assumes CSTO chairmanship, Armenian COVID-19 situation is tense

Armenia Deputy PM: Government intends to end construction of alternative roads in Syunik Province in spring 2022

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives US Ambassador

Armenia Deputy PM on current situation on Goris-Kapan road: Authorities didn't have a choice

Armenian parliamentary speaker to Baroness Caroline Cox: You are widely recognized and loved in Armenia

Geghamasar community head: Armenia Gegharkunik Province Jaghatsadzor village reservoir under Azerbaijan control

Armenia ex-President Serzh Sargsyan's brothers son, daughter sue Prosecutor General's Office

Dollar continues dropping in Armenia

New district under construction in Artsakh for 92 families displaced by war (PHOTOS)

Local grape growers block Yerevan-Armavir motorway

Russian trade representative: Armenia-Russia trade turnover has grown by 17.5%

Karabakh emergency service: Remains of another fallen serviceman found

3 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh

3.4-magnitude earthquake hits 10 km northeast from Bavra village of Armenia's Shirak Province

Armenia President travels to France

Armenia Parliament Speaker to Dutch Ambassador: Azerbaijan's rhetoric not aimed at establishing peace in region

Armenia Parliament Speaker to Ambassador: Armenian-Iranian trade turnover hasn't undergone serious changes

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan visits imprisoned opposition MP now in civic hospital

Armenia parliament confirms list of delegates of delegation to the PACE

Armenia PM: CSTO potential needs to be supplemented with unmanned formations

Octavia Spencer apologizes to Britney Spears and her fiance for inappropriate comment

Armenia minister of economy: We are concerned about situation at Goris-Kapan road

Armenia national team member candidate Artyom Simonyan scores goal for Volgar

Iran ambassador has 2nd meeting with Azerbaijan presidential assistant

Sports minister: Armenia Olympic medalists bonuses will increase

Armenia assumes CSTO chairmanship

Armenia EXPO 2021 forum opens in Yerevan

Court rejects rape lawsuit against Marilyn Manson

Armenia FM finally manages to head for Tajikistan

Armenia economy minister: Our healthcare system may not be able to withstand coronavirus patients pressure

Armenia Special Investigation Service chief is appointed Anti-Corruption Committee chair

Bayern Munich extend contract with Leo Goretzka for 4 years (PHOTO)

Health minister on COVID-19 situation in Armenia: We have increase in ratio of deaths, severe course

764 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Archbishop of Prague: Armenia is surrounded by enemies, question of its existence is raised even now

Roma vs. CSKA Sofia: Bookmakers view

Russias Putin to attend CSTO leaders meeting, via video link

Sotk-Vardenis motorway of Armenia blocked

UK woman amputates leg to save unborn daughter

Armenia PM, Tajikistan President discuss bilateral relations, CSTO

Turns out killing of about 1,500 dolphins in Faeroe Islands was pointless

Newspaper: Armenia FM punishing CSTO?

Newspaper: Armenia ruling power wants to push vetting to fore again

Another fallen soldiers remains found in Artsakh search operations

Champions League: Results of the day

Armenia's Pashinyan: Armenian villages of Syunik Province haven't been and won't be encircled, even though there is risk

Armenia PM: Armenian government will not change its political course

Armenia's Pashinyan arrives in Dushanbe on working visit

Prosecutors of Armenia and Russia attend discussions devoted to fight against corruption and cybercrimes

Pashinyan: Refusing to pull out troops based on borders of Soviet era would have been disastrous for Armenia

Israel defense minister says Iran will be able to produce one nuclear bomb soon

Armenia PM clarifies spending of funds donated to Hayastan All-Armenian Fund during 44-day war

Armenia Deputy PM: There won't be surprises in terms of natural gas price in the near future

EU Special Representative, Azerbaijan FM discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

UEFA Champions League: Borussia Dortmund defeat Besiktas, Sheriff outscore Shakhtar

Armenia health minister: Authorities have the right to adopt restrictive measures to maintain public health

Armenia PM: Azerbaijan has always declared that it plans to resolve Karabakh conflict militarily

Husband of Armenian pregnant woman who died from COVID-19 shares true story about wife's death

Armenia culture minister: Authorities raise issue of state of Armenian monuments on all platforms

Armenia PM: Specialists will explore issue of Azerbaijan's failure to recognize borders of USSR

Lautaro Martinez reaches agreement with Inter Milan

Armenian PM: Panels and footholds were placed since Goris-Kapan road is beyond Armenia's border

Azerbaijan Internal Affairs Ministry confirms detention of two Iranian truck drivers

Armenia PM: Government is ready to consider signals coming from Ankara

Pashinyan: Armenia and Karabakh will do everything possible to make sure route through Lachin corridor remains unchanged

Armenia Ararat Province ex-deputy governor appointed chief of Penitentiary Service

Armenia PM to leave for Tajikistan on working visit

Deputy Mayor of Armenia's Goris: Armenian drivers told me Azerbaijanis had stopped their trucks and checked them

Armenia MOD holds discussion devoted to planning of budget for 2022, makes certain adjustments

Armenia PM refutes news about secret negotiations with Baku

Digest: US doesn't consider issue of Nagorno-Karabakh issue resolved, latest on COVID-19

Armenia army's General Staff chief receives newly appointed US Military Attache

Armenia PM states reason why he used Azerbaijani toponyms to describe situation in Syunik Province

Lithuania Ambassador to Armenian official: Lithuanian experience will be interesting for Armenia

Deputy Mayor of Armenia's Goris: Azerbaijani police detained 2 Iranian drivers in Vorotan

8 international ombudspersons to participate in Russia's elections as experts, including Armenia's Ombudsman

Armenia Security Council Secretary meets with Russian counterpart in Dushanbe

Azerbaijanis celebrate anniversary of Armenian pogrom in Baku with military parade in Artsakhs occupied Shushi

Azerbaijani police detain two Iranian truck drivers on Armenia's Goris-Kapan road

Iran embassy in Armenia on situation on Goris-Kapan motorway section: Elimination of road obstacles is topical

Armenia FM unable to travel to Dushanbe due to aircraft engine malfunction

Armenia government officials answering questions from MPs

Armenia Labor and Social Affairs Ministry to carry out new social support program for displaced citizens of Artsakh

Armenia finance minister receives Japan Ambassador

Bayern score goal in 78th consecutive game

Armenia State Revenue Committee chief receives Latvian State Revenue Service's Police Department delegation
Armenia institutes proceedings against Azerbaijan before International Court of Justice

Armenia President meets with WHO Director-General in Geneva

Armenia high-tech industry minister receives Head of EU Delegation Andrea Wiktorin

Taliban's ad hoc government holds first session

3,000 French medical workers dismissed for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19

Russia, China, Iran and Pakistan affirm need to achieve national reconciliation in Afghanistan

Armenia State Revenue Committee chief and Russian counterpart discuss cooperation in taxation sector

Members of opposition "Armenia" parliamentary faction meet with delegation led by Baroness Caroline Cox

Armenia Deputy PM: Gyumri's Shirak International Airport has everything to serve European low-costers

Ambassador: I don't believe Belarus gives preference to Yerevan or Baku when it comes to relations

Armenia President appoints Chief of Staff of Special Army Corps-Deputy Commander of Corps

Zakharova: Russia has told Baku about its position on the Turkish-Azerbaijani joint military exercises

Digest: Armenia assumes CSTO chairmanship, Armenian COVID-19 situation is tense

Armenia Deputy PM: Government intends to end construction of alternative roads in Syunik Province in spring 2022

Armenia Parliament Speaker receives US Ambassador

Armenia Deputy PM on current situation on Goris-Kapan road: Authorities didn't have a choice

Armenian parliamentary speaker to Baroness Caroline Cox: You are widely recognized and loved in Armenia

Geghamasar community head: Armenia Gegharkunik Province Jaghatsadzor village reservoir under Azerbaijan control

Armenia ex-President Serzh Sargsyan's brothers son, daughter sue Prosecutor General's Office

Dollar continues dropping in Armenia

New district under construction in Artsakh for 92 families displaced by war (PHOTOS)

Local grape growers block Yerevan-Armavir motorway

Russian trade representative: Armenia-Russia trade turnover has grown by 17.5%

Karabakh emergency service: Remains of another fallen serviceman found

3 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh

3.4-magnitude earthquake hits 10 km northeast from Bavra village of Armenia's Shirak Province

Armenia President travels to France

Armenia Parliament Speaker to Dutch Ambassador: Azerbaijan's rhetoric not aimed at establishing peace in region

Armenia Parliament Speaker to Ambassador: Armenian-Iranian trade turnover hasn't undergone serious changes

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan visits imprisoned opposition MP now in civic hospital

Armenia parliament confirms list of delegates of delegation to the PACE

Armenia PM: CSTO potential needs to be supplemented with unmanned formations

Armenia minister of economy: We are concerned about situation at Goris-Kapan road

Iran ambassador has 2nd meeting with Azerbaijan presidential assistant

Sports minister: Armenia Olympic medalists bonuses will increase

Armenia assumes CSTO chairmanship

Armenia EXPO 2021 forum opens in Yerevan

Armenia FM finally manages to head for Tajikistan

Armenia economy minister: Our healthcare system may not be able to withstand coronavirus patients pressure

Armenia Special Investigation Service chief is appointed Anti-Corruption Committee chair

Health minister on COVID-19 situation in Armenia: We have increase in ratio of deaths, severe course

764 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Archbishop of Prague: Armenia is surrounded by enemies, question of its existence is raised even now

Russias Putin to attend CSTO leaders meeting, via video link

Sotk-Vardenis motorway of Armenia blocked

UK woman amputates leg to save unborn daughter

Armenia PM, Tajikistan President discuss bilateral relations, CSTO

Turns out killing of about 1,500 dolphins in Faeroe Islands was pointless

Newspaper: Armenia FM punishing CSTO?

Newspaper: Armenia ruling power wants to push vetting to fore again

Another fallen soldiers remains found in Artsakh search operations

Armenia's Pashinyan: Armenian villages of Syunik Province haven't been and won't be encircled, even though there is risk

Armenia PM: Armenian government will not change its political course

Armenia's Pashinyan arrives in Dushanbe on working visit

Prosecutors of Armenia and Russia attend discussions devoted to fight against corruption and cybercrimes

Pashinyan: Refusing to pull out troops based on borders of Soviet era would have been disastrous for Armenia

Israel defense minister says Iran will be able to produce one nuclear bomb soon

Armenia PM clarifies spending of funds donated to Hayastan All-Armenian Fund during 44-day war

Armenia Deputy PM: There won't be surprises in terms of natural gas price in the near future

EU Special Representative, Azerbaijan FM discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Armenia health minister: Authorities have the right to adopt restrictive measures to maintain public health

Armenia PM: Azerbaijan has always declared that it plans to resolve Karabakh conflict militarily

Husband of Armenian pregnant woman who died from COVID-19 shares true story about wife's death

Armenia culture minister: Authorities raise issue of state of Armenian monuments on all platforms

Armenia PM: Specialists will explore issue of Azerbaijan's failure to recognize borders of USSR

Armenian PM: Panels and footholds were placed since Goris-Kapan road is beyond Armenia's border

Azerbaijan Internal Affairs Ministry confirms detention of two Iranian truck drivers

Armenia PM: Government is ready to consider signals coming from Ankara

Pashinyan: Armenia and Karabakh will do everything possible to make sure route through Lachin corridor remains unchanged

Armenia Ararat Province ex-deputy governor appointed chief of Penitentiary Service

Armenia PM to leave for Tajikistan on working visit

Deputy Mayor of Armenia's Goris: Armenian drivers told me Azerbaijanis had stopped their trucks and checked them

Armenia MOD holds discussion devoted to planning of budget for 2022, makes certain adjustments

Armenia PM refutes news about secret negotiations with Baku

Digest: US doesn't consider issue of Nagorno-Karabakh issue resolved, latest on COVID-19

Armenia army's General Staff chief receives newly appointed US Military Attache

Armenia PM states reason why he used Azerbaijani toponyms to describe situation in Syunik Province

Lithuania Ambassador to Armenian official: Lithuanian experience will be interesting for Armenia

Deputy Mayor of Armenia's Goris: Azerbaijani police detained 2 Iranian drivers in Vorotan

8 international ombudspersons to participate in Russia's elections as experts, including Armenia's Ombudsman

Armenia Security Council Secretary meets with Russian counterpart in Dushanbe

Azerbaijanis celebrate anniversary of Armenian pogrom in Baku with military parade in Artsakhs occupied Shushi

Azerbaijani police detain two Iranian truck drivers on Armenia's Goris-Kapan road

Iran embassy in Armenia on situation on Goris-Kapan motorway section: Elimination of road obstacles is topical

Armenia FM unable to travel to Dushanbe due to aircraft engine malfunction

Armenia government officials answering questions from MPs

Armenia Labor and Social Affairs Ministry to carry out new social support program for displaced citizens of Artsakh

Armenia finance minister receives Japan Ambassador

Armenia State Revenue Committee chief receives Latvian State Revenue Service's Police Department delegation

CSTO Collective Security Council to discuss urgent security issues, Armenia PM to also attend meeting

Friendship group with India to soon be set up again in legislature, says Armenia parliament speaker

Armenian doctors protesting near Prosecutor General's Office in support of Armen Charchyan

Toivo Klaar: Important to reduce tensions on border to contribute to better climate for negotiations

Turkey, Azerbaijan air forces holding joint military exercises

Zas: CSTO foreign and defense ministers councils next meeting will be held in Armenia

PACE regrets tragic humanitarian consequences of Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict

Russia deputy FM, Red Cross president discuss humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

US does not consider Karabakh status issue resolved, says envoy to Armenia

US government to provide $9.5m to combat corruption in Armenia

Opposition Armenia Bloc holds meeting chaired by ex-President Kocharyan (PHOTOS)
YEREVAN.  President of Lebanon Michel Aoun met with Armenian Parliament Speaker Ara Babloyan on Thursday.

Vice Speaker of the Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov, the representatives of parliamentary factions and members of the Armenian-Lebanese friendship group took part in the meeting, the press service of the parliament of Armenia reported.

Ara Babloyan expressed hope that the visit would promote the strengthening and deepening of bilateral relations. Eduard Sharmazanov evaluated Armenian-Lebanese political relations, driving their centuries-old friendship, historical ties and the significant role of the local Armenian community. Ara Babloyan highly appreciated Michel Aouns contribution to the stability, security and development of Lebanon.

Talking about the Armenian community of Lebanon, Ara Babloyan noted that they are devoted citizens of Lebanon and play a significant role in the political, economic, social and cultural life of the country.

Ara Babloyan noted the necessity of strengthening the Armenian-Lebanese inter-parliamentary ties and cooperation of the Parliamentary Friendship Groups.

According to Lebanese President, Lebanon is a country of cultural diversity, where people of different nationalities and faiths live side by side in harmony, respecting each other. Touching upon the regional issues, the President highlighted the provision of security and stability.
YEREVAN.  The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative takes the Aurora concept and program to the world, co-founder of the initiative said.

The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, in its third year, is transforming the Armenian experience into a global movement committed to inspiring each of us to protect the humanity and life of our fellow man. It is gratifying to welcome Auroras heroes to various venues around the world and witness their impact on others in the humanitarian community, as well as on students, teachers, members of the media, said NoubarAfeyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, on the eve of the second Aurora Dialogues event outside Armenia.

On March 1, the Aurora Dialogues will be held in New York in collaboration with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. This comes just three months after a successful Aurora Dialogues program was held in Berlin, in collaboration with the Robert Bosch Foundation. These collaborations are yet another way that the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, embodies its vision of Gratitude in Action.

Ruben Vardanyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, explained. Today, Armenians of our generation and those who come after us, have the opportunity to express our gratitude by taking action and making a difference in peoples lives. Not to use that opportunity to give back would be a sign of immense ingratitude.

In December 2017 the inaugural Aurora Prize Laureate, Marguerite Barankitse, together with three Aurora Prize finalists participated in the Aurora Dialogues in Berlin. In March 2018Aurora Prize Laureate Dr. Tom Catena, together with three Aurora finalists and Marguerite Barankitsewill be featured during the New York program. After New York, the Aurora Dialogues will continue to travel around the world, including to Moscow, London, Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, Beirut and other global centers.

In the first two years, wefocused on bringing the world to Aurora, said Vardanyan. We invited leaders and personalities from around the world to become members of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee, to participate in a prize ceremony that combined the best of human values and the Armenian heritage, to participate in discussions about current issues critical to the future of humanity. Now, in our third year, Auroras programs reach five continents and this years prize ceremony which will be held in a very different special, highly symbolic venue, will reflect that global presence.

Auroras greatest impact may be considered the work that is done by the Aurora Prize recipients. Each Laureate is gifted $100,000and is offered the opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by distributing an additional$1 million award to organizations which support the Laureates vision. Over the last two years, 6 organizations in 14 countries have served thousands of women, children and others in need of help to survive. Auroras impact from Brazil to Burundi means, in the words of the 2016 Laureate Marguerite Barankitse,Children in Africa and Latin America know that Armenians are helping to make their lives more hopeful.

Auroras international reach is also evident through the Aurora Humanitarian Index, which demonstrates that there is a consistently growing awareness of the Aurora name and mission in a dozen cities around the world. The fact that over these three years, the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity has received nearly 1500nominations from over 125 countries is evidence of Auroras global range.

Beyond the Aurora Prize, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative offers scholarship support to 24 students from 9 countries at United World Colleges and 10 students from 4 countries at American University of Armenia; they will carry the Aurora vision with them throughout their lives.

The commitment to proactively integrate Armenia into the global conversation is seeing results. The dissemination of the Auroramessage around the world is the greatest source of satisfaction and measure of success.
Exclusive in IS' Naba 120 Reports Resumption of "War of Attrition" in Libya, Attacks in Sirte Including Suicide Bombing
Haiti's Minister of Planning and External Cooperation Aviol Fleurant speaks during an interview with Reuters in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Feb. 19, 2018. (Reuters/Andres Martinez Casares)

Haiti Vows Abuse Review of All Charities After Oxfam Hid Crimes

PORT-AU-PRINCEOxfam hid information about sexual misconduct from authorities in Haiti, a senior official in the Caribbean nation said on Monday, and he vowed to launch a wide-reaching investigation into charities operating there.

Oxfam officials met Haitis planning and external cooperation minister, Aviol Fleurant, in Port-au-Prince on Monday to hand over a copy of a 2011 internal report which states that the British charitys former Haiti country director had admitted to using prostitutes during a relief mission following a devastating earthquake that hit the Caribbean island nation in early 2010.

It was the first meeting between Oxfam, one of the worlds biggest disaster relief charities, and the government in Haiti since a recent Times of London report that said some of Oxfams staff paid for sex, triggering a scandal that has seriously damaged the charitys reputation in the UK and abroad.

What hurt me at the end of the meeting is that they admitted that Haitian authorities had, at no time, been informed by Oxfam about the commission of such crimes, Fleurant told Reuters in an interview.

According to the law, someone who is aware of the perpetration of a crime is obliged to alert the nearest authorities, the minister said.

Prostitution is illegal in Haiti. The minister also said he was looking into reports, denied by Oxfam, that one of the women was under age.

Oxfam staff accused of sexual misconduct threatened witnesses https://t.co/ntEoc99zg0 pic.twitter.com/EL9olmNeVz  CBS News (@CBSNews) February 20, 2018

Former Judge Claudy Gassant said that under Haitian law it could be considered illegal to not report a crime to relevant authorities.

After the meeting, Simon Ticehurst, Oxfam Internationals director general for Latin America and the Caribbean, said he apologized to Haitis government and people for what happened, and said the organization was willing to collaborate as much as we can in further investigations.

Wide Investigation

Oxfam earlier on Monday released the 2011 internal report documenting accusations against Roland Van Hauwermeiren, who ran the charitys operation in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and resigned in 2011. Hauwermeiren has denied paying for sex with prostitutes or abusing minors.

We have taken a lot of measures to improve our internal safeguarding measures. We have given, as best as we can, explanations as to what happened in 2011, Ticehurst said.

Despite suspicions of sexual misconduct in his past field operations, which Oxfam called "gender issues" in reports, senior aid official Roland Van Hauwermeiren was "allowed to move on" to work with the organization in DR Congo and ultimately in Haiti, says reporter @TimesONeill. pic.twitter.com/zx34JAVluh  Democracy Now! (@democracynow) February 21, 2018

Fleurant said the government wanted all charities operating in Haiti to reveal more about sexual misconduct by their missions in the country.

An investigation has been launched into the functioning of all non-governmental organizations, regarding sexual crimes and abuses, he said, without giving more details.

Last week, Haitian President Jovenel Moise said sexual misconduct by staff of Oxfam was only the tip of an iceberg and called for investigations into Doctors Without Borders and other aid organizations which came to the country after the earthquake.

On Monday, Doctors Without Borders said it was unclear from Moises remarks what specific cases he was referring to, and said it was seeking to gain a better understanding of the Haitians governments concerns.

By Joseph Guyler Delva

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Officials inspect the damage after a bomb blast in Lashio, Burma Feb. 21, 2018 in this picture obtained from social media. (Ministry of Information Webportal Myanmar/via Reuters)

Two Dead, 22 Hurt From Bomb Blast in Northeast Burmese City Lashio

YANGONA bomb blast killed two bank employees and injured 22 other people in Burmas northeastern city of Lashio on Wednesday, the government and the military said.

Police said an investigation was under way but would not elaborate on whether there were any suspects in the attack. Lashio is in Burmas restive Shan State where several ethnic insurgent groups are fighting the Burmese military.

We just received a (local) police report about the bomb blast in Lashio (on Tuesday) evening, police spokesman Colonel Thet Naing said in Burmas capital Naypyitaw.

The two dead were both women, government spokesman Zaw Htay said in a post on Twitter linked to a government statement on the Lashio explosion.

The military said in a statement 22 people were injured.

Another police spokesman, Colonel Myo Thu Soe, said no suspects could be identified at this stage. Were still investigating, he told Reuters.

A Lashio resident, 27-year-old Lway Dehnin, said she heard the explosion around 4:30 p.m. near two banks close to the regional health ministry building in the heart of the city of 170,000 people.

The explosion happened near Aya and Yoma banks. The windows in the buildings were broken. Also the windows of the ministry of health and some nearby houses were broken, said Lway Dehnin.

Yoma Bank said two of its Lashio branch employees were killed and that both of its branches in the city would be temporarily closed. Unverified photographs and video clips posted on social media by local residents and journalists showed the bank buildings with blasted windows and damaged signboards. A wall of Yoma Bank building also showed signs of damage.

Lashio is one of the largest cities in Burmas northeast, straddling the main road connecting the central city of Mandalay with the main crossing on Burmas border with China at Muse, about 68 miles to the north.

Bomb explosions in cities in Shan are not unusual, but they are typically much smaller than Wednesdays blast. Civilian fatalities and injuries are rare.

Burmas de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi wants to revive a stuttering peace process to end decades of ethnic wars. Two armed groups signed a ceasefire with the government last week.

Ending near-perpetual civil war has been Suu Kyis stated top priority, but the Buddhist-majority Southeast Asian country has seen the worst fighting with rebels in years since she took office almost two years ago.

By Thu Thu Aung and Shoon Naing

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Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call(WASHINGTON) -- A Republican candidate running for what will be an open Senate seat in Arizona reiterated the call for mental health reforms over new gun laws in the wake of the latest school shooting in Florida.



"I think that we can look at the existing laws that we have on the books and see what's working and what's not but making new gun laws doesn't seem to do much for the criminals or the mentally ill," Kelli Ward, who is one of the Republicans vying to fill Sen. Jeff Flake's seat come November, told ABC News' "Powerhouse Politics" podcast. "It just seeks to make it more difficult for law-abiding gun owners."



Ward calls herself "a proud supporter of the Second Amendment" and says that she is open to considering increasing the age required for gun sales.



"I think upping the age a bit to 21 before you can purchase a firearm is reasonable because I as a parent, if I want to take my children out to the gun range to teach them how to properly handle firearms, I'm more than able to do that but they don't need to be able to go and purchase one themselves perhaps," she said.



Speaking directly about the "heartbreaking" deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., Ward said that the system's failure to help the alleged gunman, Nikolas Cruz, before the shooting should prompt mental health reforms.



"We let that kid down. He's been crying out for help basically for his entire life and he's been pushed aside and pushed aside and pushed aside to the point that he created havoc and committed this horrific act and what I think we need to be looking at is the mental health issue, not only in the adult population but also in kids," Ward said.



"We have to be finding ways to connect people so that they don't feel that utter loneliness and that just the despair that is playing out on this kid's face. You have to also be looking at bullying behavior and finding ways to root that out so that our kids are growing up in a safer, healthier and happier environment so that we don't get to this point again and again and again in this country," she said.



Turning to the impending March 5 deadline that President Donald Trump imposed as decision day for the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program, Ward says that no permanent solution should be agreed upon until multiple facets of border security are addressed.



Ward included the funding of the border wall, the end of the diversity lottery immigration program, the elimination of chain migration, and defunding sanctuary cities as steps that need to come before a permanent DACA solution.



"Once we do that, and only then can we talk about a permanent solution for that population. In the meantime, I'm fine with a temporary solution to allow them to continue to work, to continue to go to school, to live without being in fear, while we secure our border," Ward said.



Ward is in Washington D.C. this week to attend the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), and, when asked, would not directly call Trump a conservative.



"I don't think that President Trump ran as a conservative. He ran as a Republican, he ran as someone who was going to offer something different from what we've had decade after decade after decade, and I've been very happy with what he's delivered," Ward said.



"I think he's done a lot of conservative things. I don't know, you'd have to ask how he describes himself," she said. "I describe myself as a liberty-loving constitutional Republican."



Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved




Home | News | General | Kunu drink effect on pregnant women: Pros and Cons

There are different Nigerian drinks made from tiger nuts. Most of them are good for your health because they are natural beverages that can be prepared at home and help you stay healthy. Kunu Aya is one of such non-alcoholic drinks we want to discuss right now. Does Kunu drink and pregnancy go well together? Are there any side effects of Kunu drink you must know about before taking it? What are the benefits?

Expecting a child is the best moment for most women. Waiting for a little baby is precious and women can only think of eating and drinking healthy foods and drinks during those 9 months. Thus, you might wonder if you can drink Kunu drink during pregnancy or not.

Kunu and pregnancy: pros and cons

Kunu Aya has a second name. It is also known as Tigernuts milk, and you can easily guess the main ingredient of this beverage. These nuts are rich in different minerals and vitamins, and this is why they can be turned into a tasty and healthy drink. To find out if it is safe to take this drink when you are pregnant let's list benefits and side effects of this beverage, so you could weigh all pros and contras.

Benefits of Kunu Aya milk:

Natural vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, PP) and minerals (iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium)

Good natural source of protein, cellulose, vegetable fat and healthy oils

Way to low down your high blood sugar level

Nice method to make immune system stronger

Activation of cerebral blood flow which is actually good for mothers and babies

Rich source of antioxidants

A way to prevent the possible heart diseases development and atherosclerosis

Better work of digestive system and improved metabolism (you can avoid bloating problems)

READ ALSO: Tiger nut and dates juice recipe

Side effects of Kunu drink

Even though the tiger nuts are rich in vitamins, important minerals, and boast great energy value, they could also cause some side effects during pregnancy:

Weight loss effect

Possible allergy reactions (could affect both mother and her future child)

It is not advised to prepare Kunu drink if you are pregnant and have liver disease or obesity. Besides, pregnant women should talk to their physician before drinking any juices and beverages even though they are made from natural products such as tiger nuts.

Just make sure you are not allergic and maybe small quantities of the Kunu Aya drink will work well during your pregnancy since getting natural vitamin B, calcium and other minerals (and vitamins) is perfect for pregnant women. Remember that natural products are good for your health when taken in small quantities.

READ ALSO: How to preserve tiger nut milk?

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Home | News | General | Edo APC leaders warn against automatic tickets to PDP defectors

By Simon Ebegbulem

BENINCON-CERNED members of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State have warned the leadership of the party against giving automatic tickets to defectors from Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in order to avoid crisis in the party.

The APC leaders, in a letter addressed to the APC caucus leader in the state and former governor of the state, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, by Dr Imade Festus, expressed worries over what they described as rumours, allegations that the party had perfected plans to give automatic ticket to some PDP defectors, saying that such action will plunge the party into crisis ahead the 2019 general elections if the leaders fail to have a rethink.

APC

He said, People have laboured in this party before now and we feel that they deserve to be compensated. We are raising this alarm because we have it on good authority that the senator representing Edo South, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, is negotiating his way back to APC, the same way Senator Ehigie Uzamere did and got the ticket of APC for his second term.

Urhoghide intends to move to APC when it became clear that the hierarchy of the PDP in the state is asking Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to run for the Senate in Edo South so as to run for the 2020 governorship as a senator if he wins.

It is sad that the politics of PDP is affecting the APC in the state despite how hard most people have worked to keep the party united.

We are saying that we are no fools and will resist any attempt to give automatic tickets to PDP defectors. We are not against people joining the party but we believe that when they come they should queue behind others who have been in the party before.

Edo South is the biggest senatorial district in Edo State and our party leaders must be careful by ensuring equity and justice to members so that the party will not be plunged into crisis ahead the general elections We must avoid any action that will give the PDP edge ahead the elections, he stated.

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Home | News | General | Lagos to demolish, prosecute occupants of structures under high tension cables

Plans review of guidelines on construction of gas, petrol stations

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

lagosLAGOS State Government yesterday gave indication of plans to review laws on construction of gas plants and petrol stations with a view to checking increasing cases of explosion at gas stations to ensure safety of residents.

This came as the government warned occupants of structures under high tension cables to immediately vacate the premises, threatening to prosecute them and demolish such structures.

Illegal Market and structure under the high tension power lines

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Rotimi Ogunlewe, who disclosed this, said the actions were necessary to prevent loss of lives and properties in the state.

Ogunlewe informed that due to the dynamism of the society, the physical planning law was subject to periodic review to conform with the current development in the society.

He expressed concerns over the safety of residents in whose neighbourhood the gas plants, petrol stations were sited, saying the review would enhance safety of Lagosians.

On structures under high tension cables and other sites prohibited for habitation by law, he said it was unfortunate that some residents in the state were so desperate that they could conveniently live and work under high tension cables without considering the consequences.

According to him, the role of any government was to ensure safety of lives and properties at all times, stressing that the current administration would do everything to ensure that lives and properties were not endangered.

On payment of compensation for the property owners affected by the ongoing infrastructural development projects across the state, Ogunlewe, said compensation would be adequately paid, appealing to the affected landlords to bring documents or photographic evidence of the affected properties.

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Home | News | General | PDP holds NEC, BoT meetings today

INEC register, insecurity top agenda

By Dirisu Yakubu

ABUJATHE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will today hold its 78th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting at its Wadata Plaza, national secretariat, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

PDP

Also meeting today at the same venue are members of the partys Board of Trustees (BoT), under the chairmanship of Senator Walid Jibrin.

Although details of the meetings were sketchy as at press time, it was gathered that the two organs of the party would deliberate on a wide range of issues, chief of which is the level of preparedness by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2019 elections.

The party, according to findings, is worried by alleged criminality in the registration of minors by INEC in Kano and Katsina states in the recently concluded elections and is seeking ways to press for the withdrawal of the Permanent Voter Cards, PVC, once such cases of underage registration are proven.

A party source who pleaded anonymity told Vanguard that the level of insecurity in the country would also be looked into by the party, stressing that in the weeks ahead, other organs of the party including the PDP Governors Forum, would similarly meet in the interest of the party.

The various organs of the party will be meeting regularly now in preparation for the task ahead. Tomorrow (today), the BoT will meet and NEC will meet too. You will recall that the issue of the registration of minors in Kano and Katsina is one issue our party is looking at closely. We all know what happened in 2015 and it is only natural for the party to draw the attention of the world to the realities of the moment, he said.

He also noted that security challenges in some parts of the country could be a ploy by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to make voting difficult, if not impossible in those areas.

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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi yesterday, frowned at the incessant killings going on in the country even as they called for an end to the senseless bloodshed.

He said this yesterday in Lagos, at a conference on African origins tagged: New scientific evidence on origins of Nigerian peoples, organised by Adulawo media in conjunction with the Royal House of Oduduwa and Genetics Society of Nigeria.

The Ooni of Ife, who was a special guest of honour, in his remarks urged Nigerians to let peace reign in the country even as he insisted that nothing ought to warrant killings in the country.

Ooni Ogunwusi said historically, we are all brothers and sisters and cannot afford to be divided; we need to embrace one another and put end to the incessant killings across the country.

The Ife monarch, who called for unity among Nigerians, said there is need to put an end to the killings.

He said: If we speak with one voice and protect one another across board, the generation yet unborn will be very happy that we fought for them. We cant continue to be divided. Why are we killing ourselves? Enough is enough; let us look inward to take our region and country as a whole to another level.

He added that the unborn generation may find it difficult to forgive if we failed to come together as one and promote our heritage.

There is no nation in the world that has grown without heritage, culture and tradition of that nation. Look at Japan, they didnt jettison their culture, he said.

He charged Southerners and Nigerians, in particular, to come together and promote what they share in common.
The Kogi State Government has warned cattle rustlers that their nefarious activities will not be condoned in the State.

Speaking through his Director of Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo in Lokoja, Governor Yahaya Bello said the states hospitality should not be taken as gateway for criminal elements, assuring the people that government will protect them from the hands of criminals.

The reports of cattle rustling in Mopa is regrettable. Security agencies will investigate the matter and bring perpetrators to justice. The State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara is working with security agencies to ensure that criminal elements do not have a place in our society.

Our open arms is no invitation to criminals. Our first responsibility as a government is to ensure the security of lives and property in the state.

The Governor assured the Management of Daniyan Farms that thorough investigations will be done to get to the root of the matter, appealing to the people of the area not to take the laws into their hands.

Daniyan Farms has existed for decades, providing food for our people and empowering our youth and women. Government will not allow criminals to destroy those legacies.

Government has also directed security agents to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering as rustlers are not known to reside in a particular place. They move from place to place to perpetrate their crimes.

The good thing is that the leadership of the Fulanis in the State are working with security agents to ensure peace and harmony. We shall spare no criminal who is fomenting trouble in the State.

Fanwo said the NSCDC in Mopamuro has been strengthened to support other security agencies to ensure peace in the area, saying the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello will not tolerate acts capable of endangering the lives of the people. He also said the State Government has invested heavily in training Men of the Kogi State Vigilante Service to ensure security at the grassroots.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, yesterday, condemned the incessant killings going on in the country.

The respected monarch, therefore, called for an end to the senseless bloodshed

He said this yesterday in Lagos, at a conference on African origins tagged: New scientific evidence on origins of Nigerian people.

The Ooni of Ife, who was a special guest of honour, in his remarks urged Nigerians to let peace reign in the country, even as he insisted that nothing ought to warrant killings in the country.

Ooni Ogunwusi said historically, we are all brothers and sisters and cannot afford to be divided; we need to embrace one another and put end to the incessant killings across the country.

The Ife monarch, who called for unity among Nigerians, said there was need to put an end to the killings.

He said: If we speak with one voice and protect one another across board, the generation yet unborn will be very happy that we fought for them. We cant continue to be divided. Why are we killing ourselves? Enough is enough; let us look inward to take our region and country as a whole to another level.

He added that the unborn generation may find it difficult to forgive if we failed to come together as one and promote our heritage.

There is no nation in the world that has grown without heritage, culture and tradition of that nation. Look at Japan, they didnt jettison their culture, he said.

He charged Southerners to come together and promote what they share in common.

Also speaking, the Attah of Igala, Dr. Michael Oboni, blamed colonialism for the challenges confronting the country, even as he urged Nigerians to take their destiny in their hand.

Oboni said: When the colonialists came, they disorganized our well-articulated system. They enslaved our people and divided us in their own interest.

We cannot continue to dwell on the past but chart a better way forward. It is better late than never. I am glad our eyes are getting open more every day, we are gradually realizing what we have in common and once we project it, it unites us more.
The Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, has confirmed that the abducted Yobe school girls have been rescued.

Ahmad wrote on Twitter: The Yobe State Government hereby informs the public that the girls at Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) whose school was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists last Monday have been rescued by the Nigerian Army.

The girls were reportedly rescued at Jilli-Muwarti, a border village between Gaidam in Yobe state and Borno State .

It is still unclear how many of the girls they rescued.

Mr. Abdullahi Bego, Director-General Press Affairs to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam said the girls were currently in the custody of the Nigerian military.

The Yobe State Government hereby informs the public that some of the girls at Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) whose school was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists last Monday have been rescued by gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army from the terrorists who abducted them.

The rescued girls are now in the custody of the Nigerian Army. We will provide more details about their number and condition in due course.

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, who is very grateful for the gallantry and hard work of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army involved in the operation, is monitoring the situation closely and will make a statement in due course, he had said.

The students are expected to undergo medical check-up before proceeding to Damaturu, the state capital.

The girls were abducted when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Government Girls Secondary School, Dapchi, in Yobe State.
Home | News | General | Soldiers in Imo state allegedly frogmarch pupil to death for coming late to school

- Queendaline Ekezie, a 15-year-old pupil of Army Day Secondary School in Imo state, was allegedly frogmarched to death by soldiers

- Ekezie was reported to have arrived late to school and was asked to frogmarch by the soldiers

- The victim's friend, Aguocha, stated that her friend was healthy before the incident, adding that the punishment killed her

A 15-year-old Queendaline Ekezie of Army Day Secondary School, Obinze, Owerri, the Imo state capital, was allegedly killed by soldiers after undergoing rigorous punishment for coming to school late.

The soldiers were reported to have asked her to frogmarch for coming late to school on Thursday, February 21, Punch reports.

NAIJ.com gathered that victim, who became exhausted after repeating the exercise several times, was said to have collapsed and was reportedly rushed to an army hospital where she died.

READ ALSO: Buhari: Katsina elders lambast Obasanjo

It was learnt that her father, Hyginus, heard the news, he passed out and was rushed to a hospital in the community for treatment.

It was reported that Queendaline, who was in junior secondary school 3, was with a colleague, Delight Aguocha, a JSS 2 pupil, when the incident happened.

Aguocha told Punch correspondent that the rigour of the punishment killed her friend.

She said: On that day, we had set out at 7.am. We waited for a motorcycle to take us to school till it was 8.am. When we became frustrated, we decided to board a commercial cab. But the driver did not leave the motor park until the car was filled with passengers.

When we got to school at 9.am, we met three sets of late comers on the ground. Two soldiers were asking each set to do frogmarch to a particular distance after which they picked their bags and entered their classes.

When it was our turn, we were about reaching the finishing line when they said we were not doing it right and we should start again. After we repeated it, we went to pick our school bags, but one of the soldiers said he was still not satisfied.

I completed the punishment the third time and I picked my bag and left. I suddenly discovered that my friend was not with me. When I returned to the place, I saw her crying. She started vomiting the food she ate that morning. She was saying, my back, my chest. The soldiers were just staring at us.

The victim's friend stated that while the 15-year-old groaned with pain, a teacher who was just arriving in the school, observed her and asked if she had been sick before the time.

Aguocha said she told the teacher that her friend was healthy, adding that the school principal, who also later arrived, joined in examining her.

It was learnt that the victim, who could no longer walk, was carried into the principals car to be taken to the army hospital.

Aguocha stated that Queendaline was given an injection and later put on a drip.

She added: After they put on the drip, she started vomiting blood. Blood was spurting out of her nostrils, mouth and ears. I called the teacher to inform her and she alerted a nurse who said her condition had worsened.

The victims sister, Immaculate, a senior secondary school 3 pupil in the school, alleged that her sister was not given adequate medical attention which contributed to her death.

She said: On that Thursday, she left for school before me. But because she had a delay, I got to school earlier.

I was called around 10.am that she was in the hospital. They didnt put her on oxygen and the drip had stopped flowing. When I saw her, she was vomiting blood and shouting. She suddenly became still and the nurse asked us to leave. They announced that she was dead.

Immaculate said her sisters dream of becoming a lawyer and fighting for human rights had been destroyed, adding that the soldiers should be held responsible.

Reacting to the incident, the 82 Divisions spokesman and deputy director, army public relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, said it would be premature to make a comment as the Imo state ministry of education had planned to issue a statement on it on Thursday, February 22.

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that a teacher at Government Day Secondary School Sankalawa in Bungudu local government area of Zamfara, allegedly flogged a student to death.

The incident was revealed on Wednesday, February 21, by Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar-Gummi, the deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly.

Gummi, who spoke on matters of urgent public importance during the assemblys sitting in Gusau, said that the House had received several reports on the issue.

Who should get higher salary - doctors or teachers? - on NAIJ.com TV

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Home | News | General | El-Rufai reacts to allegation he demolished APC secretariat in Kaduna

- Governor Nasir El-Rufai responded to the allegation that he led a team to demolish Senator Hunkuyi's house and a secretariat of a faction of APC

- El-Rufai said the demolition was lawful and has nothing to do with politics

- The governor, however, denied the allegation by Senator Hunkuyi that he led the team that demolished the building

Governor Nasir El-Rufai has reacted to the allegation that he led a team of people to demolish a Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) belonging to a faction under the leadership of Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna North).

The governor said the demolition dully follow the law of the state and the idea that the building was demolished as a form of political move was wrong.

He also added that Senator Hunkuyi's claim that he (El-rufai) personnaly led a team to demolish the building was not only fabricated but laughable.

New Telegraph reports that the governor, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Political and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mallam Uba Sani, said the government followed due process in the demolition exercise as the title of the property was officially revoked and a notice served on the owners of the property before the building was pulled down.

READ ALSO: Nigeria in 148th position in latest TI corruption ranking

The APC secretariat was demolished on Tuesday, February 20, two days after a faction of the ruling party suspended the governor for six months for alleged anti-party and anti-people activities.

The Kaduna state government said it has converted the piece of land to a recreation park.

The governor spokesperson said: It is not a persecution, otherwise you will also consider the demolition of over 100 property belonging to other people in the last one year in Kaduna State as persecution.

We cant have two laws. It is just the same law that was used to demolish the property of some other people who ran afoul of the law that was applied in this case. The only difference is that those other people are poor, downtrodden and have no voice. Is it because he is a Senator and a big man, he has the voice and can go to the media and twist the facts?

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It is also laughable to say that Governor Nasir el- Rufai personally drove the bulldozer to the property to demolish it."

Recall that NAIJ.com previously reported that Governor El-Rufai reportedly issued a 30-day quit notice to residents of a building at Inuwa Wada Road.

The building reportedly belongs to one Alhaji Suleiman Uthman who is considered the Kaduna governors political opponent.

APC official tells why his party could be voted out in 2019 - on NAIJ.com TV:

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Home | News | General | We have saved N4.5tn from court cases in two years - Malami

- The federal government said it has saved over N4.5 trillion from high profile cases prosecuted by the ministry of justice between 2015 and 2017

- The attorney general of the federation and minister of justice Abubakar Malami confirmed the achievement

- Malami also noted that his ministry had presented its score card to council in the last two and a half years

The attorney general of the federation and minister of justice Abubakar Malami briefed on Wednesday, February 21, disclosed that it has saved over N4.5 trillion from high profile cases prosecuted by the Ministry of Justice between 2015 and 2017.

The Nation reports that Malami made this known at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

READ ALSO: Peace-building: Anambra police host Igbo leaders, Fulani herdsmen

Malami said: ''In respect of federal ministry of justice what was presented to the Council today is the score card from 2015 to 2017.

''We presented a score card as to cases both civil, criminal that were prosecuted by the federal ministry of Justice and their implications as to savings that were done for the government commencing from 2015 to the present time.

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''Fundamentally arising from the cases that were conducted by the federal ministry of justice, the ministry has succeeded in saving the government around N4.5 trillion relating to the claims that were presented in respect of these cases which were indeed conducted and concluded.

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that Malami said he wanted briefed on the facts that led to the arrest and detention of the chairman of Innoson motors company, Innocent Chukwuma, by the EFCC.

He stated this on Thursday, December 21, while speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), at the Presidential Villa Abuja.

The FEC meeting which was started on Wednesday, December 20, was concluded Thursday afternoon, December 21. It was chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.

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Home | News | General | World War II Millie Bailey veteran celebrates 100th birthday with a special wish

The foremost World War II veteran, Millie Bailey, on Tuesday, January 30, celebrated her 100th year birthday, with a special wish that the next generations are better human beings where true equality is embraced by all.

Bailey, who grew up in the Deep South, she joined the Army during World War II and ended up the Commander of a womens unit.

She currently lives in a Senior Apartment complex in Columbia, Howard county.

Bailey, in a recent interview, said: I havent had a paying job since 1975, but my young friends say I shouldnt say Im retired, just say I work without pay.

READ ALSO: Insecurity: President Buhari meets Obasanjo, Jonathan, others

According to Fox News she has volunteered in different capacities during the past few decades. She has worked with children in Howard County Schools.

Bailey has also packed care packages for soldiers overseas. She has been on advisory boards from police to education.

Recounting the impact segregation and discrimination had on her life, Mailey said she hoped the next generations are better human beings.

Her dream is for true equality. She said: I would like for everybody to see what they can do to help somebody else, like when you go to buy groceries, buy some extra cans and bring it to the food bank. Yes, live every day thinking what can I do to make it a better world.'

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Bailey was recognised Monday night by the Howard County Council for her volunteer efforts, as she celebrated her 100th birthday.

In an earlier report by NAIJ.com, President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, February 19, congratulated Nigerias former ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, on her 70th birthday.

President Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, joined the Awolowo family, friends and professional colleagues of the cerebral daughter of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in celebrating the landmark age, in a life that has over the years been lined with service to her fatherland, and humanity, as a medical doctor, diplomat and philanthropist.

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Home | News | General | Fayose tells FG to publish list of recovered properties by EFCC

- Ayodele Fayose has urged Nigerian federal government to publish all the properties recovered by the EFCC

- He alleged that most of the recovered properties had been sold and resold.

- Fayose also called on the federal government to create a website where all the properties recovered will be listed

The executive governor of Ekiti state Ayodele Fayose has challenged the Buhari led federal government to publish all the properties it claimed it had recovered and their owners as well as buyers of the properties when they are eventually sold.

The governor who made this call in a statement, on Wednesday, February 22, said Nigerians were no longer interested in being governed with propaganda, Tribune reports.

READ ALSO: Insecurity: President Buhari to hold meeting with Obasanjo, Jonathan, others

In the statement made available by Lere Olayinka, Fayose's assistant on public communications and new media, Fayose said: Nigerians want to know how many properties were recovered and who bought the properties. Who authorised the sale?

Nigerians want details, not propaganda because most of these properties have been sold and resold.

The federal government should create a website where all the properties recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and to whom they were sold will be listed so that by one click, Nigerians will have information.

How can Nigerians continue to trust the position of the same EFCC that said in April 2016 that the allegation of corruption against Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) Chairman, Danladi Umar was mere suspicion and would be difficult to prove in court, but now charged the same CCT chairman to court on the allegation it described as mere suspicion?

Going further, he said: On November 23, 2017, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, the chairman of the Senate committee investigating the botched reinstatement and promotion of the former chairman the Presidential Task Force on Pensions, under the leadership of Ibrahim Maina told Nigerians on the floor of the Senate that almost all the exotic properties recovered from alleged looters of Pension Funds had already been re-looted by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Last year November also, the attorney general of the federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), while testifying before the national assembly alleged that one of the properties recovered from alleged looters of Pension Funds was already sold to a Lagos lawyer.

How are we now sure that the same people who re-looted the recovered pension loots have not also looted the recovered properties the president said will be sold?

Speaking further, Governor Fayose said: The federal government cannot continue to tell Nigerians stories without background. The era of Baba has said is gone in Nigeria. The era of the president acting like a lord of the manor is gone, we are in a democracy.

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Many people were blackmailed and coerced to surrender their properties. A typical case is the one on Malabu Oil where people have been scandalised, harassed and their names destroyed via media trial and the Attorney General of the Federation now come out to say that there is not enough evidence to try them. What will now happen to the lies told against those people?

The federal government should, therefore, publish and state clearly what has happened in the EFCC between 2006 and now. Nigerians need to know the recovered properties sold by Ibrahim Magus predecessor, Ibrahim Lamorde and other previous EFCC chairmen. Those who bought them should be made public too.

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that president Muhammadu Buhari said all unclaimed looted assets including landed properties recovered by the federal government would be sold and the proceeds deposited into government treasury.

The president made this known on Monday, February 19, when he addressed members of Daura Emirate coalition who paid him a condolence visit at his country home, Daura, Katsina state.

President Buhari noted that many suspected looters of government resources had been denying ownership of their ill-gotten properties and assets across the country.

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Home | News | General | Supreme Court berates FG's lawyer over applications in Saraki's CCT trial

The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned indefinitely in a case involving Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki

- The case is the Federal Governments appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja to strike out some charges brought against Sarak

- The appeal is in relation to the ongoing Sarakis trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for allegedly failing to declare his assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday, February 21 berated the federal government's counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) for filing an incompetent application in the appeal that emanated from false assets declaration suit brought against the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Saraki by government.

Jacobs in a trinity application before the Apex Court challenging the ruling of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) and the Court of Appeal was said to have failed to file appropriate exhibits of the two lower courts along with other processes he filed in the court.

Saraki's CCT trial has dragged on for a couple of months. Photo credit: SP media office

READ ALSO: FG queries Magu, Keyamo for prosecuting CCT boss Umar

Angered by the development at the resumed hearing of the appeal, the presiding judge, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed told the federal government counsel, that the court is disappointed that a lawyer of his standing could file such as incompetent application knowing what the extant rules of the court are before such applications are filed.

Efforts to salvage the situation by the counsel failed as the panel of justices of the Apex Court insisted that the application was incompetent.

Jacobs had earlier told the court that the exhibits are part of the records of the court filed, but he was berated that it is untenable excuse as he ought to know better the rules of governing the practice of the court.

Later, he accepted and acknowledged the errors of the application and pleaded that he be allowed to file the necessary affidavits with the exhibits.

As a result of his pleading, Justice Mohammed gave him 24 hours to file the correct affidavits with the exhibits.

The Supreme Court adjourned hearing in the appeal indefinitely stating that the counsel on both sides would be communicated on the next hearing date.

Saraki had through his counsel Mr. Kanu Agabi SAN approached the supreme court to set aside part of the Court of Appeal decision which ordered him to defend 3 out of the 18 count charges on false assets declaration brought against him by the Federal Government.

The Court of Appeal had partly upheld the decision of the Danladi Yakubu Umar led Code of Conduct Tribunal by nullifying 15 out of the 18 count charges against the Senate President for being frivolous and unsustainable.

Saraki in his appeal is praying the Apex Court to uphold the decision of the Code of Conduct Tribunal made in his favour by nullifying and setting aside the entire 18 count charges against him.

Saraki, on Monday, February 19, expressed his excitement as 25 out of the nations 36 states have voted on the constitution review amendments that were passed by the National Assembly in July 2017.

Saraki, who took to Facebook to share his excitement, said that the passage of the amendments by the 25 states was a testament to the fact that with the right vision and follow-through, we can achieve ANYTHING as a nation.

He also said the process was a pointer that politicians from various walks of life and various parties can still come together to get things done.

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The Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu has called for the establishment of a new police to help check insecurity in Nigeria.

Ekweremadu who presided over plenary on Thursday, said that with the high rate of insecurity and kidnapping, especially of students, security apparatus have become over stretched.

The DSP spoke on a motion moved by Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim on the abduction of school girls from Government Girls Secondary School Dapchi in Yobe state.

Contributing to the motion, Ekweremadu said: At this time of insecurity, the military and police apparatus have been overstretched and there are still more demands.

There must be another level of policing that should be able to protect schools and other government infrastructure.

If you ask the police to man all schools in Nigeria they will not be enough. So we need a new police, he said.

Meanwhile, some of the schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents have been rescued by the army.

Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, Director General to Yobe governor on Press affairs, disclosed this in a press statement issued on Wednesday.

The Yobe State Government hereby informs the public that some of the girls at Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) whose school was attacked by Boko Haram terrorists last Monday have been rescued by gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army from the terrorists who abducted them.

The rescued girls are now in the custody of the Nigerian Army.

We will provide more details about their number and condition in due course.

His Excellency Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, who is very grateful for the gallantry and hard work of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army involved in the operation, is monitoring the situation closely and will make a statement in due course the statement said.

Earlier the government had said about 50 of the girls were yet to report to the school since the attack by Boko Haram gunmen.
Mao Ohuabunwa, senator representing Abia north, says he expects President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Peace Corps of Nigeria bill into law.

The bill was sent to the president for assent after it was passed by the national assembly in July.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, Ohuabunwa said there is no reason for the president not to sign the bill.

The senator said those employed by the corps could be trained to gather intelligence that would keep the country safe.

Speaking to the fact, I dont really see the president withholding his assent, he said.

This is the peoples bill. This is a bill that will create employment for the youth and remember, when we were discussing insecurity, I made an allusion to the fact that, even this young men and women can be trained as intelligent officers like we have seen. Security now has gone beyond machete and guns, we need a lot of intelligence, technology.

These guys can be trained and I think this is also an avenue to reduce not only employment but even underemployment. I want to believe that the president will jump at this and definitely assent to this bill.

The senator said if the president refuses to sign the bill, the national assembly may choose to veto it.

If the contrary happens, there is always a channel of communication, he will send it back to us then we definitely know what to do from there, he said.

I dont want to preempt, but if it is true the president has withheld his assent, then we have our statutory responsibility either to veto or override the president[ial] veto.

Ohuabunwa added that if the police continue to prevent the corps from using its office, he would bring up the matter in the senate.
Shehu Sani, senator representing Kaduna central, stirred controversy at the upper legislative chamber on Wednesday when he said monkeys carted away N70 million from senators farmhouse.





He spoke after the northern caucus in the senate made known their decision to remove Abdullahi Adamu, senator representing Nasarawa west, as chairman.

Adamu was accused of misappropriating the N70 million which Sani said monkeys took away.

The lawmakers comment sparked an outcry on social media, particularly on Twitter.

Many made reference to how a clerk of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Benue state said snake swallowed N36 million, while some recalled how President Muhammadu Buhari could not return to office after a long vacation because rodents took over the place in his absence.

Here are some of the things said:

 Omoniyi Israel (@omoissy) February 21, 2018

 DaddyMo ???????????? (@officialdaddymo) February 21, 2018



_________ Nigeria under Buhari_________ Rats were given presidential welcome. Snakes made millionaires over night. Monkey now the richest animal. Nigeria we hail thee!@segalink @MrStanleyNwabia

The way animals are cashing out recently in Naija. First, it was snake that swallowed 36m, Now monkey ran away with 70m. God shey u wont turn me to crocodile like this? ????????????????  Infamous Minded (@PRODEEGY) February 21, 2018

Was here tweeting and an ordinary monkey swallowed N76million. Im leaving these humans on twitter and going back to the Bush

First snake swallowed 36million naira.

Now a monkey swallowed 70 million naira.

I'm going to take zoo form, I want to be a Dragon so I can swallow 1 billion naira..

Since animals are now making it more than humans in this country???????????????????? pic.twitter.com/5cHWym2cdb  ???? Ug Nke G ???????? (@t_riumphant) February 21, 2018

Animals have taken over Nigeria oh . A sitting Senator confirmed . In his words  Monkey carted away with N70 Million Naira in senators Farm If this isnt the biggest joke of the century ???????????? pic.twitter.com/RIhBPyZY2t

Rat-snake-now its a monkey..Smh????

Since all these dumb asses cant control the government,let the animals rule please,let them give it a try atleast they will know how to recoup money for the nation  JOHN TOBI (@johnickxy) February 21, 2018

Now it's monkey ???????????? am tired of this country, who have visa they are not using holla at me please pic.twitter.com/rI4tRWOJvC  raphaella ???????? (@raphviks) February 21, 2018



Monkey stole N70m.

Snake in the monkey shadow. Snake stole N36m.Monkey stole N70m.Snake in the monkey shadow. Animals no dey carry last for Nigeria again.

These few years have seen animals become part of Nigeria. Today it's Monkey. I am so sure that during the elections next year we will hear that elephants took away the ballot boxes.  Numero Uno (@adebayo_bj) February 21, 2018

Snake swallowed $36million and thought he had made it in life forgetting that Jackie Chan taught us that the snake will always be in the Monkey's shadow  Chemical Brother ???? (@ndoarum) February 21, 2018

I am the monkey that swallowed 70 million naira and i wont return it to the farm  Nigerian Monkey (@70MillionMonkey) February 21, 2018

They Said Monkey Also took Away 70 million naira belonging to Northern Senators Forum... It seems Animals are getting Richer in Nigeria while citizens are suffering. ????



Worry not not about Monkey carting away money; Forget Snake swallowing money;Worry not not about Monkey carting away money; What about UFOs escaping with all the occupants of Aso Rock midnight? The REAL good news.

 DaddyMo ???????????? (@officialdaddymo) February 21, 2018

 Omoniyi Israel (@omoissy) February 21, 2018
Home | News | General | Why I won't return to school - Yobe student

- One of the students of Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, who recently escaped from being captured by Boko Haram says she will not return back to the school

- She said chief of army Staff Lt. Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai must be the gateman of the school before she returns

- Faiza also added that one of her classmate was bitten by a snake as they tried to escaped their way through the bushes

One of the girls who escaped Boko Haram onslaught at Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Faiza Mohammed, says she will not go back to school except Yusuf Tukur Buratai, the chief of army staff Lt. General is the gateman of the school.

Faiza who recounted her experiences said one of her classmate was bitten by a snake as they tried to escaped their way through the bushes in the night to unknown destinations, the Natio reports.

READ ALSO: Insecurity: President Buhari to hold meeting with Obasanjo, Jonathan, others

Faiza said: Our teachers tried to keep us together. They tried their best to control us not to scatter into the bush but some stubborn students started jumping the fence to run into the bush. There were some of us that hide into nearby houses from the school.

Going further, she added that: I told my mother that I will not go back to that school again except Buratai is the gateman. But my sisters daughter told me that my demands are impossible because Buratai cannot come down to Dapchi to become gateman at my school. What I simply want is for government to provide for us enough security.

Because of what my sister said. I will go back but if I see not security, I will just come back and study at home and write my final exams and my JAMB," Faiza said.

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that President Muhammadu Buhari directed minister of defence, retired Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali; minister of information, Lai Mohammed; and that of foreign affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama to visit Dapchi village in Yobe to assess the reported abduction of schoolgirls.

Lai Mohammed made this known when he briefed State House correspondents after the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

NAIJ.com gathers that the meeting, which was held at the State House Council Chamber on Wednesday, February 22, was presided over by President Buhari.

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Joshua Lidani, senator representing Gombe south, says the country is empowering Boko Haram insurgents by paying ransom for abducted persons.

Lidani said this on Thursday while contributing to a debate on motion on the missing schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe state.

The senator said measures should be put in place to ensure that schools, particularly those for girls, are secured.

We need to be very proactive in this case because the idea of sitting down to always negotiating and paying ransom with this action, we are empowering the Boko Haram so that they would continue to do more, he said.

This may not be the end of it because after this, if they have abducted these girls, they will demand ransom and if the ransom is paid, it means they would continue to engage in this.

But the most worrisome aspect is the fact that at times like this, whenever we are faced with this kind of situation, the nation ought to hear from the president. He ought to say something. When there were killings in the United States in a school, the president himself went to that school to sympathise with the students.

He ought to utter words of sympathy he ought to come on television and say one thing or the other. It would bring comfort to those who are in distress. People will have the feeling that the president has them in his heart.

Moving the motion earlier, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, senator representing Yobe east, noted that there has been no case of killing.

Nobody is sure if it was a case of abduction or some of the girls who ran home have not yet come back, Ibrahim said.

These are yet to be confirmed. The federal government has already sent a high power delegation; three ministers to go and stay in Damaturu and report to Mr. President on a continuous basis until the matter is resolved.

Contributing to the debate, Ahmed Lawan, senate leader, commended Ibrahim Geidam, Yobe governor, for ensuring that families of the missing girls were comforted.

What happened is a lesson for us. That Boko Haram sees girls or women as value targets. What they did in Chibok earned them some funds, because negotiations were held somehow and they got a lot of money, Lawan said.

Now, the lesson is, we need to be extra careful and take extraordinary measures in protecting our schools; especially girls schools, in those states especially Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

But when Hassan Mohammed, senator representing Yobe south, got up to speak, he said it was disheartening to hear Lawan commend the state government.

This is the primary responsibility of the government; to protect the lives and properties of its citizen, he said.

The state government of Yobe has serially failed in this regard. It has abdicated its primary responsibility in doing that.

But Lawan got up to challenge him citing order 53 (7) of the senate rules.

If my colleague doesnt see those reasons and he has his perspective, he doesnt have to refer to me that what I said is not in order. I have my facts, he has his facts. I will advise, that he states his fact without making reference to me, he said.

The senate further urged the federal government to recover the girls so that it would be another case of the Chibok girls.
Former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, for Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Chief Ernest Shonekan were conspicuously absent on Thursdays Council of States meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This is as the Senate President, Bukola Saraki was hailed on arrival by the Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal as he sauntered into the venue of the meeting.

As at the time the meeting started few minutes after 11am before journalists left the venue only three former Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Generals. Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar were at the venue alongside President Muhammadu Buhari.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo arrived after the national anthem and the opening prayers were said.

The meeting was the third Council of States meeting held under the democratic administration of President Buhari.

The Council of States meeting is always attended by former Presidents or head of States, serving and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, serving Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives as well as State governors.

Aside President Buhari and the three other past presidents, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Bukola Saraki and four former Chief Justices of Nigeria were seated at the Council Chamber, the venue.

The past four CJN present are Idris Kutigi, Alfa Balgore, Mariam Aluooma, and Muhammed Uwais, while the serval CJN, Walter Onnoghen was absent, though unconfirmed report has it that serving CJN is not a member of the Council of States.

Also absent as at the commencement of the meeting was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

Others also present at the meeting included state governors of Adamawa, Benue, Kebbi, Jigawa, Delta, Lagos, Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Imo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Plateau, Ogun, Rivers, Zamfara, Ebonyi, Kaduna.

The meeting started when President Buhari arrived the Council Chamber venue of the meeting and went round the Council chamber to shake hand with those present.

The first meeting under Buhari was held on the 21st October, 2015, while the second was held in September 2016.

The National Council of State is chaired by President Buhari, with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as Deputy Chairman.

The opening prayers were said by Gowon and Uwaise.

The meeting is focusing on issues of insecurity in the country as well as the coming elections in 2019.

Officials from Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) are around to brief the council.

Obasanjo, who was five minutes late, rushed when a minute silence was being observed in honour of the late former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Mustapha.

He then went straight to shake hands with Buhari Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Abubakar before taking his seat.

The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

The deputy governors of Bayelsa and Enugu are also in attendance.

The Council of State is an organ of the Federal Government saddled with the responsibility of advising the executive on policy making.

Its duties include advising the president in the exercise of his powers with respect to the National population census and compilation, publication and keeping of records and other information concerning the same; prerogative of mercy; award of national honours; the Independent National Electoral Commission (including the appointment of members of that Commission); the National Judicial Council (including the appointment of the members, other than ex-officio members of that Council); the National Population Commission (including the appointment of members of that Commission).

The council also advises the president whenever requested to do so on the maintenance of public order and on such other matters as the he may direct.

It was gathered that the hailing of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki by the Sokoto State governor may not be unconnected with the recent removal of the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, Senator Abdullahi Adamu on Wednesday by majority of senators from the North and his replacement with Senator Aliyu Wammako, former governor of Sokoto state.
Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has written a scathing letter to the national chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, accusing him of sabotage.

TheCable reports that Tinubu, who copied the president, vice-president, senate president and speaker of the house of representatives, pointedly accused Odigie-Oyegun of contravening the spirit of the discussions both of them had at the party secretariat when President Muhammadu Buhari gave him the assignment of reconciling aggrieved members.

In the letter, dated February 21, 2018, the former governor of Lagos state said disappointment greeted me when I discovered that you had swiftly acted in contravention of the spirit of our discussions. Instead of being a bulwark of support as promised, you positioned yourself in active opposition to the goal of resuscitating the progressive and democratic nature of APC.

Tinubu said while Odigie-Oyegun mentioned Kogi, Kaduna, Kano and Adamawa as places affected by serious party issues, you have taken it as your own personal ambition to thwart my presidential assignment in these key states.

He accused the chairman of rushing to Kogi state to unilaterally inaugurate officials parallel to the officials already heading the state chapter of the party.

While this may place you in significant affinity with those parallel officials you handpicked, this machination suggests no improvement in the welfare of the party in Kogi or at the national level, Tinubu wrote.

Tinubu said Odigie-Oyegun apparently seeks to undermine my mandate by engaging in dilatory tactics for the most part. When forced to act, you do so in an arbitrary and capricious manner.

The third republic senator said even if Odigie-Oyegun had personal qualms with him, it is his right as a human being but you have no such right the chairman of this party The party belongs to all of its members.

He asked the former governor of Edo state to refrain from taking any more improper unilateral decisions with regard to the national and state chapters of the party.

He reminded Odigie-Oyegun that the assignment was given to him by Buhari, stating that in furtherance I request that you make available to me the status reports and all the pertinent information regarding the state chapters without further delay.

TheCable understands that Tinubu, who is supporting Buhari for a second term, is not comfortable with Odigie-Oyeguns continued leadership of the party, although pro-Buhari governors have impressed it on the president that it was better to elongate Odigie-Oyeguns tenure than risk a new convention that could further fracture the party.

Tinubus relationship with Odigie-Oyegun has been on a downward trend since the APC primary election for Ondo governorship in 2016.

Segun Abraham, thought to be Tinubus preferred choice, was defeated in controversial circumstances by Rotimi Akeredolu, who went on to win the governorship election.
The Senate has hinted that the Nigerian government paid ransom to secure the release of some of the Chibok girls kidnapped in April 2014 by Boko Haram terrorists.

This was revealed on Thursday, while the lawmakers were deliberating on a motion seeking the intervention of the federal government on the rescue of the 46 girls, who were reported missing from their school in Dapchi, Yobe state after insurgents invaded their school.

The Federal Government had confirmed that negotiations took place in the release of some of the 276 captured Chibok girls, but kept mum on the issue of possible payment of ransom.

Over 100 of the Chibok girls have been released while scores more are still being held by the terrorists.

Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan, stated that Boko Haram now use them as target to get funds.

What happened was unfortunate and after the Chibok incident, it was the wish of every Nigerian that it doesnt happen again in the country. I want to, at this point, commend Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari, for immediately taking action by directing the armed forces to move into Yobe to ensure that Boko Haram did not run away with any single girl.

I want to also commend the Governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Geidam, for ensuring that parents were comforted, for sending officials of the ministry of education to go round the families and ensure that they took head count of the girls from that school.

What happened is a lesson for us. That Boko Haram sees girls or women as value targets. What they did in Chibok earned them some funds, because negotiations were held somehow and they got a lot of money.

Now, the lesson is, we need to be extra careful and take extraordinary measures in protecting our schools; especially girls schools in those states especially Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has expressed concern over the reported abduction of 94 pupils of the Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, appealing to the federal government to ensure that the remaining girls are found and stop lying to Nigerians that the Boko Haram insurgency had been completely defeated.

The governor, who also described the new report by Transparency International (TI) revealing that the perception of corruption in Nigeria worsened between 2016 and 2017, as another vindication of his position that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Muhammadu Buhari was not fighting any corruption, added that; Transparency International only confirmed what I have said before that President Buhari is only hiding under anti-corruption fight to harass his perceived political foes while protecting corrupt people in his government.

In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said it was painful that despite the earlier claim by the federal government that Boko Haram was technically defeated and the latest one that the insurgency was completely defeated, 94 students could be abducted in Yobe State in just one day.

He said; My heart goes to those 46 students that are yet to be found and I urge the federal government as well as the Yobe State government to do all within their powers to bring the students back to their families.

Most importantly, the federal government should stop lying concerning the fight against Boko Haram insurgents because it has now become the tradition that whenever the government boasts of defeating the insurgents, greater havoc is wrecked on the country.

On the Transparency International annual Corruption Perception Index, which ranked Nigeria 148 out of 180 countries assessed in 2017, showing deterioration in perception of corruption in public administration in Nigeria compared to 2016, Governor Fayose said: Transparency International has placed a question mark on the Presidents claim to integrity.

Fact is that President Buhari is presiding over the worse form of corruption in the history of Nigeria and the good thing is that despite their propaganda, they have not been able hide the rot in their government from the eagle eyes of international organisations like the Transparency International.

In the last few months, Nigerians have been confronted with messy revelations like the fraudulent reinstatement of Abdullahi Maina, alleged award of $25 billion contracts without following due process, Attorney-General of the Federations declaration that the EFCC lacked evidence to prove its allegations of sharp practices against prominent players in the Malabu Oil deal, alleged re-looting of exotic properties recovered from alleged looters of Pension Funds, among others.

Even the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu was indicted by the DSS indictment for corruption.

Therefore, the reality as revealed by the Transparency International is that the federal government under President Buhari is using APC broom to sweep corruption involving top functionaries of the government under the carpet while setting lion after opposition figure even on mere rumour of corruption.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the latest report by Transparency International (TI) showing that corruption has worsened under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has vindicated its stand that the current APC-led government is inherently and overtly corrupt.

The party said, by this new TI report, the African Union (AU) must have now realized its error in naming President Buhari as the African Union (AU) anti-corruption champion and should immediately withdraw the conferment.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Thursday, said the TI report has exposed the fact that those parading daily as champions of anti-corruption are rather superintending over the worst kind of official sleaze and hypocrisy in the history of Nigeria.

The party said the APC administration has been deceiving Nigerians with a holier than thou posturing and painting others black when it is swimming in forms of corruption that are eminently festered by official concealment by the Presidency.

According to the statement, When the PDP first alerted that the APC and its incompetent Federal Government were swimming in an ocean of concealed corruption, many did not know to what extent.

It is shocking that under our saints, Nigeria has moved significantly from the 136th it ranked in 2016 to 146th in 2017, with President Buhari presiding on our nation.

This is a government that has been providing cover for its corrupt officials while operating heavily on propaganda, persecution of opposition members with fabricated charges and toiling to sway the people with false performance indices.

This is a government that offered protection to former APC governors who were accused of stealing money meant for the development of their states to fund the 2015 APC presidential campaign, and even rewarded them with ministerial appointments.

We challenge the APC and the Presidency to speak out on this TI report. What have they to say when the world is now aware that they are complicit in humongous sleazes including the leaked official memo showing underhand oil contracts to the tune of N9 trillion ($25billion dollars) at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources which are under purview of President Buhari as Petroleum minister?

What has the APC government to say when the world is aware that it is complicit in shady oil subsidy deals amounting to trillions of naira by its cabal who has also been fingered to be behind the illegal lifting and diversion of crude worth N1.1 trillion to service APC interests?

The world is now aware of the diversion of billions of naira meant for fight against insurgency and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) by the presidency cabal; the concealment of theft, by the cabal, of billions of naira at the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) among other heavy sleazes around the presidency.

As we speak, the APC administration has increased taxes, levies and tariffs without a transparent remitting regime while funds said to have been recovered in the anti-graft war have not been adequately accounted for.

Instead, the government has been peddling false figures and bogus claims to hoodwink Nigerians while its cabal continues to fritter away funds meant for the good of the people, the statement concluded.
Home | News | General | Just in: 2 Dapchi school girls reportedly killed in rescue operation, 13 still missing

- Two dead bodies of the missing Dapchi school girls were said to have been recovered by the army

- Some school girls of GGSTC, Dapchi in Yobe state, were abducted on Monday, February 19 by suspected Boko Haram insurgents

- Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of the state had on Thursday, February 22, faulted army's claim that some girls were rescued

Two dead bodies of the missing Dapchi school girls abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents on Monday, February 19, in Yobe state, were said to have been recovered by the Nigerian army during rescue operation on Wednesday, February 21.

According to Reuters, reports also indicates that the Nigerian army rescued 76 of the school girls.

READ ALSO: Abia state governor Ikpeazu lambasts Nnamdi Kanu

NAIJ.com gathered that Boko Haram terrorists had, Monday, February 19, attacked the Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe state, and abducted many of the girls.

Ever since, several conflicting reports have emerged as to the true situation of the incident. While some reports claimed the Nigerian army rescued 68 of the girls and that 111 of them were still missing, other reports claimed 76 of the school girls have been rescued while two have been killed and their dead bodies recovered.

The students of Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe state

Meanwhile, the Yobe state Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, has faulted the claim that the Nigerian army actually rescued some of the girls.

The governor made the disclosure when he visited the affected families in Dapchi community, Yobe state.

Gaidam was said to have told the people of Dapchi community that none of the abducted schoolgirls has been rescued yet.

The report also said the Governor urged the affected parents and the community to continue praying for the safe return of their daughters.

Meanwhile, a report by Reuters claimed that while the military has rescued 76 of the girls, two of the them have been killed while 13 others are still missing.

The report said a resident and a local government official said there is jubilation in Dapchi community over the rescue of the girls.

Everybody is celebrating their coming with songs and praises to God almighty, said Babagana Umar, one of the parents whose daughter had disappeared.

The only sad news is that two-girls were dead and no explanation.

They said the rescued girls were returned to the village of Dapchi late on Wednesday evening.

Earlier on Wednesday, February 21, sources said 91 students were still unaccounted for after a roll-call was taken at their school on Tuesday, February 20.

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, February 21, dispatched the foreign affairs and defense ministers to Yobe to investigate the situation.

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Parents and witnesses who earlier revealed the news of the missing students to newsmen spoke on condition of anonymity because they said they had been warned by Nigerian security and government officials not to disclose the disappearance.

Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had earlier reported that Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe state faulted the claim that the Nigerian army rescued some of the girls of the Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe state who were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents on Monday, February 19.

Survivors of Boko Haram - on NAIJ.com TV

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Home | News | General | All about Dangote Flour Mills

Probably every Nigerian knows of the billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote and his companies. Today, we are going to pay close attention to one of his ventures, namely Dangote Flour Mills Plc. Join us, as we talk about the history of the company, its business profile and the people who occupy the highest ranks in the business.

Short history of Dangote Flour Mills

It all started back in 1999, when one of the biggest and fastest growing conglomerates in Nigeria Dangote Industries Ltd opened a new division by the name of Dangote Flour Mills. The company began with a single mill in Apapa, which produced 500 metric tons per day.

However, it soon expanded, as the year 2000 saw the opening of the new mill in Kano. Then, another mill was opened in Calabar in 2001. In 2005, Dangote Flour Mills expanded to Ilorin.

A year after that, Dangote Industries decided to unbundle its operations, which was why in 2006, Dangote Flour Mills was incorporated. Thus, according to the scheme of arrangement sanctioned by the Federal High Court, in January 2006, Dangote Industries transferred its liabilities, undertakings and assets of the flour division to Dangote Flour Mills.

What started as a single mill in Apapa quickly grew along with the demand for flour and flour-based products. Today, the four mills have a cumulative capacity of 5,000 metric tons per day (Kano produces 500 metric tons, Apapa and Ilorin  1,000, Calabar  1,500.

In addition to that, Dangote Flour Mills also has three subsidiaries, which are fully owned. These are:

Dangote Noodles Ltd

Dangote Pasta Ltd

Dangote Agro sacks Ltd

The company has significantly grown over the years and will most likely continue to grow, as long as there is the demand for its products.

What does Dangote Flour Mills Nigeria do?

READ ALSO: Luxurious Aliko Dangote house in Abuja

The main focus of Dangote Flour Mills is, of course, flour. The company mills, processes and markets branded flour. The products of the Dangote Flour Mills include:

Confectionery flour

Bread flour

Bran (wheat offal)

Semolina

If we include the products of its subsidiaries, then it also produces instant noodles, spaghetti and macaroni.

The mills use state-of-the-art equipment accompanied by quality technical expertise to produce the best product possible. Dangote Flour Mills import the raw material from the United States via ships. The product in question is Hard Red winter wheat 2. From the ports, the wheat is conveyed to the inland mills with the Dangote Industries-owned wheat silo trucks.

Dangote Flour Mills Plc top executives

Dangote Flour Mills has quite an esteemed board of directors. For instance, the Chairman of the company is Asue Ighodalo, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Sterling Bank Plc and a member of several boards and associations.

The Group CEO is Thabo Mabe. At one point, he was the CEO of Unilever Nigeria. Executive Director responsible for the supply chain, who is also the Deputy CEO, is Alhaji Ahmed Shehu Yakasai. He has been with the Dangote Group since 1997. Executive Director responsible for commercial activities is Halima Aliko Dangote, who, besides being the daughter of Aliko Dangote, is also one of the key figures in the company.

The company also has three Directors: Yabawa Lawan Wabi, Arnold Ekpe and Olakunle Alake. The legal adviser and company secretary is Aisha Ladi Isa. Dangote Flour Mills has 13 regional offices all over the country, including the ones in Abuja, Sokoto, Osogbo and other locations.

Judging by the sheer amount of product Dangote Flour Mills produces every day, it seems obvious that it employs a lot of people. If you are interested to know more about Dangote Flour Mills recruitment, head over to careers.dangote-group.com, where you can find the latest information about job listings.

To sum it all up, Dangote Flour Mills is a rather successful venture of Aliko Dangote that is soon going to clock 20 years of operation.

READ ALSO: The richest black man in the world in 2017

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Home | News | General | Abia state governor Ikpeazu lambasts Nnamdi Kanu for not being straightforward

- The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has been criticised by the Abia state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu

- Ikpeazu said Kanu is not a straightforward person, adding that the IPOB leader speaks from both sides of his mouth

- The governor said that Kanu never consulted him before taking any action

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state has condemned the leader of the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, saying that he is not a straightforward person.

The governor said: Whenever you talk with Nnamdi Kanu, he always speaks from both sides of his mouth, he is not a straightforward person."

NAIJ.com gathered that the governor stated this during a three-minute interview he granted BBC Igbo service, which was posted on YouTube on Wednesday, February 21.

READ ALSO: Demolition of Kaduna APC factional secretariat had no political motives - Govt insists

He added: He never consulted me before taking any action. Its true that Igbos are being marginalised but how can we get to the promised land? Who will lead the Igbos to the promised land? Do we have enough guns if war should break out?

The governor claimed that of all the tribes in Nigeria, the Igbos, more than any other, want Nigeria to stay united.

Kanu, who is wanted by the Nigerian government for alleged treason, has not been seen in public since September 2017.

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was reportedly hiding in the creeks in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria as security operations continued in the southeast.

It was learnt that Kanu suddenly disappeared from Abia state, where he resided and carried out majority of his activities since returning from detention.

There were indications that Kanu was hiding with some of his aides who escaped the heat of the Operation Python Dance in his home-base.

Market Survey: Umuahia traders open up on state of things in the Abia state capital - on NAIJ.com TV

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Home | News | General | JAMB goes tough on candidates, bans 16 items from examination hall (see list)

- JAMB says eye grasses worn by candidates on medical grounds would be thoroughly scrutinized by invigilators to ensure they are not for ulterior motives

- The examination body states that item that may compromise the sanctity of the examination will be confiscated by examination officials

- Admission seekers protest end of 2018 UTME registration, seek extension

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has listed 16 items including eye glasses and wrist watches that will not be allowed into the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) halls.

The secretary of JAMB UTME Monitoring groups, Ngozi Egbuna, made the disclosure in a memo to some civil society groups which will participate in the monitoring of the examination, Vanguard reports.

The board however, stated that eye grasses worn by candidates on medical grounds would be thoroughly scrutinized by invigilators to ensure they were for ulterior motives.

READ ALSO: Insecurity: President Buhari to hold meeting with Obasanjo, Jonathan, others

The memo read: Kindly note that examination officials are allowed to scrutinise eye glasses or similar devices and where convinced that such item may compromise the sanctity of the examination, the examination official should confiscate it.

Where examination official (board staff or ad hoc staff) or any authorised person is found with any of these prohibited items in the examination hall, such compromising action would be treated as a deliberate act of examination sabotage and necessary sanction will be applied.

The prohibited items includes:

1. Wrist watches

2. Pen/biro

3. Mobile phones or similar electronic devices,

4. Spy reading glasses which should be scrutinised

5. Calculators or similar electronic devices

6. USB, CD, hard disks and/or similar storage devices.

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7. Reading/writing material

8. Cameras

9. Recorders

10. Microphones

11. Ear pieces

12. Ink/pen readers

13. Smart lenses

14. Smart rings/jewellery

15. Smart buttons

16. Bluetooth devices

Meanwhile, not fewer than 500 admission seekers on Thursday, February 22, protesting the closure of the registration portal for the 2018 University Tertiary Matriculation Examination organised by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board.

Punch reports that the students, who stormed Bariga area of Lagos with placards on Thursday, complained that majority of them have not registered.

The 2018 UTME examination is scheduled to hold between March 9 and 17, but the protesters requested an extension of the examination till May.

Nigerians express mixed feelings as JAMB reduces admission cut-off to 120 on NAIJ.com TV

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Home | News | General | Just in: We are not sure of the true situation of the missing girls - Minister Lai Mohammed reportedly says as he visits Yobe

Lai Mohammed, Nigerias information minister, visited Yobe state on Thursday, February 22, to ascertain the true situation following a recent attack on a school in Dapchi and the abduction of some children by members of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Premium Times reports Mohammed as saying: On the issue of the number of missing girls, we cannot give what we are not sure of, until we hear from their parents, we cannot say this is the number.

Give us a few more time please.

Mohammed was reportedly among the three ministers that President Muhammadu Buhari asked to help find out the facts about the incident at the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi.

READ ALSO: Insecurity: President Buhari to hold meeting with Obasanjo, Jonathan, others

The report said Mohammed arrived the community with Khadijat Bukar-Ibrahim, the minister of state for foreign affairs. They were received by the governor of Yobe state, Ibrahim Geidam, and the theatre commander, Operations Lafiya Dole, Major General Rogers Nicholas.

We are still monitoring the situation and what I want people to understand is that since two days ago some of the students who fled to neighbouring towns and communities had returned and more have been returning.

When we arrived here we have been briefed by the governor and the GOC about the situation of the students. We know there are few students who are yet accounted for, but we dont want to manufacture stories on this issue. But give us few days, we will be able to tell you exactly the real situation of things.

But you can see response of the military, the response of the state government is quite commendable. Since four days now we have been following the efforts being made to arrest the situation, he said.

He continued: But we must understand that these are they dying days of the Boko Haram and what they intend to do is to embarrass the government because they have been degraded, they have been pushed out of Sambisa forest.

They have been starved out of oxygen and the oxygen they feed on is publicity so that they can grab the worlds attention.

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But I can assure you that with the determination of our gallant military, the days of Boko Haram are numbered.

NAIJ.com earlier reported that one of the girls who escaped Boko Haram onslaught at Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Faiza Mohammed, said she would not go back to school except Lt General Yusuf Tukur Buratai, the chief of army staff is the gateman of the school.

Faiza who recounted her experiences said one of her classmate was bitten by a snake as they tried to escaped their way through the bushes in the night to unknown destinations.

Female aerospace engineer from the Tsaigumi UAV team - on NAIJ.com TV

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Home | News | General | Son of Lagos traditional chief denies involvement in former NURTW boss murder case

- The controversy surrounding the recent confessions of an alleged notorious serial killer, Adeola Williams, known as Ade Lawyer, is still on

- Lagos socialite and philanthropist, Ambassador (Dr) Prince Kazeem Eletu Odibo has washed his hands off the travails of Ade Lawyer

- He stated that he does not know the alleged serial killer on a personal level

Lagos socialite and philanthropist, Ambassador (Dr) Prince Kazeem Eletu Odibo has washed his hands off the travails of the alleged notorious serial killer, Adeola Williams famously known as Ade Lawyer, who was recently paraded in Lagos by the Nigerian Police for alleged murder.

Ade Lawyer was apprehended alongside former National Union Road of Transport Workers (NURTW) chairman, Lagos state chapter, Alhaji Rafiu Akanni Olohunwa in connection with the murder of Ganiyu Ayinla, popularly known as Pinero, the Personal Assistant to the NURTW chairman in Idumota, Azeez Lawal, known also as Kunle Poly."

Late Lawal was killed on Tuesday, January 23 during an attack on Kunle Poly in the Idumota area of Lagos Island.

Prince Kazeem Eletu says he won't be distracted by the allegations against him. Source: Twitter

READ ALSO: Police arrest former NURTW boss, alleged serial assassin over murder

Ade Lawyer however confessed during interrogation that he was contracted by Olohunwa to assassinate Kunle Poly.

He also alleged that he had worked for many influential Nigerians, including Prince Kazeem, the youngest son of late popular traditional Lagos chief, Gbadamosi Bamidele Eletu Odibo.

In a swift reaction, Prince Kazeem, washed his hands off the allegations, stressing that the suspect has never worked for him.

He made this known in a press statement sent to NAIJ.com on Thursday, February 22.

According to him, he saw the accused person once, when he came alongside some area boys during a dispute over a land boundary.

It wasn't even a physical fight. Nobody exchanged blows at all. It was just a verbal disagreement with the man who also claimed the (disputed) land belongs to his family.

We were surrounded by area boys, some of whom always hail me anytime they came across me and as a kind gesture, I do give them money. So, this bearer (Ade Lawyer) was among them.

He came with one NURTW official that day. While the argument was ongoing, the police from the Ilasan station at Lekki/Ajah came and invited us to their station.

That was the first and the last time I met this fellow (Ade Lawyer), part of the statement read.

As for the land dispute, Prince Kazeem said: We were transferred to Area J Command and both sides were asked to bring relevant documents which we did. At the end, the Area Commander instructed both parties to maintain peace and return to the status quo based on the Supreme Court judgment in favour of our family as the rightful owner of the land.

Meanwhile, Prince Kazeem has said despite the distractions from Ade Lawyer's claim, he would continue to serve humanity through his newly unveiled NGO.

Last Saturday, February 17, he celebrated his 40th birthday and launching of his foundation in Victoria Island, Lagos.

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No fewer than 40 traders and artisans, including fashion designers, hair dressers and carpenters benefited from the foundation during his 40th birthday celebration.

Beneficiaries of the foundation pose for a photograph with Prince Kazeem Eletu during the official launch. Source: Twitter

Prince Kazeem called on other non-profit and charitable organizations to partner with him to ensure that the undeserved communities in Nigeria are reached with humanitarian assistance.

NAIJ.com previously reported that Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday, January 23, threatened to ban the activities of the NURTW in the state if the union's leaders failed to stop the violent activities of their members.

At the end of a Security Council meeting in Lagos, the state government ordered the immediate suspension of all NURTW activities in Lagos Island following the crisis rocking the unions chapter.

See the faces of newly arrested criminals in Lagos State - on NAIJ.com TV

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Home | News | General | Stop sabotaging my presidential assignment - Tinubu tells Oyegun

- APC national leader, Bola Tinubu, accuses party chairman, John Oyegun, of violating the agreement both of them had at the party secretariat

- He alleges that Oyegun has unilaterally inaugurated officials parallel to the officials already heading the Kogi state chapter of the party

- APC sets up committee to investigate disagreement in its Kaduna state chapter

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has accused the national chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, of sabotaging efforts to reconcile aggrieved party members.

The Cable reports that Tinubu in a letter dated Wednesday, February 21, accused Oyegun of violating the agreement both of them had at the party secretariat when President Muhammadu Buhari gave him the assignment of reconciling aggrieved party members.

READ ALSO: Insecurity: President Buhari to hold meeting with Obasanjo, Jonathan, others

He said: Disappointment greeted me when I discovered that you had swiftly acted in contravention of the spirit of our discussions. Instead of being a bulwark of support as promised, you positioned yourself in active opposition to the goal of resuscitating the progressive and democratic nature of APC.

In the letter copied to the president, vice-president, Senate president and speaker of the House of Representatives, the APC national leader faulted the party chairman for allegedly taking actions to hinder the reconciliation process in Kogi, Kaduna, Kano and Adamawa states.

He said Oyegun had unilaterally inaugurated officials parallel to the officials already heading the Kogi state chapter of the party

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While this may place you in significant affinity with those parallel officials you handpicked, this machination suggests no improvement in the welfare of the party in Kogi or at the national level, Tinubu wrote.

He urged the APC national chairman to stop taking unilateral decisions with regard to the national and state chapters of the party. Tinubu also reminded Oyegun that the assignment of reconciling aggrieved party members was one given him by President Buhari.

Meanwhile, the national working committee of the APC has set up a three-man committee to embark on a fact-finding mission to Kaduna state with a view to identifying the remote and immediate causes of the disagreement.

It will be led by the deputy national chairman (south), Engr Segun Oni and is expected to also identify the immediate causes of the disagreement and the circumstance that led to the demolition of the house of Senator Hunkuyi.

The committee is expected to report back to the NWC within a week. Other members of the committee are the national auditor, chief George Moghalu and Hajia Rahmatu Alliyu, national woman leader.

APC official tells why his party could be voted out in 2019 on NAIJ.com TV

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Home | News | General | Anambra monarch says killer-herdsmen, strayed wild cards

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

NNEWITHE traditional ruler of Omor in Ayamelum Local Government Area, Anambra State, His Royal Highness, Igwe Chris Oranu, has described as strayed wild cards herdsmen responsible for various attacks and killings of people in his and other communities in Nigeria.

herdsmen

He said they are first time visitors, who strayed into their victims communities and engage in clashes and killings in their host communities nationwide, especially his agrarian community in Anambra State.

Igwe Oranu, who recently ascended the throne of Omor, said this during a ceremony in Omor, where he unveiled his development blueprint for the predominantly farming community and equally played host to a body of farmers association and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector in the council area who paid him courtesy visit.

Igwe Oranu, who also observed that established herdsmen who know the grazing route where they graze regularly and have their families residing in those communities do not engage in violent clashes with farmers and killing of people in their host communities.

He said: The regular herders know their grazing locations and had known their hosts very well and would naturally not rock the boat of the existing smooth relationship between them and their hosts. The ones causing trouble and killing people and burning their houses are strayed wild cards who enter host communities for the first time.

On his strategies to contain further attack against his people, he said he has fine-tuned strategies with which to cope and wade off invading herdsmen, adding that the Anambra State Government has also done well in that area by putting structures in place through office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Cattle Menace, who supervises and advises the governor on that and other related issues.

Again, there is an understanding between the Governor of Anambra State and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders, such that if the cattle destroy any farm, there is a desk at the governors office to report the matter for prompt attention, investigation and action, he noted.

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Home | News | General | Akeredolu flags-off accelerated birth registration of children in Ondo

The Governor of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, has flagged off accelerated birth registration of children between ages 0-17 in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, a project of Olori Connection which aims at bridging gaps in the healthcare system of the state.

Arakunrin Akeredolu, who noted that it was the first time in the history of the state that wives of monarchs are directly involved in governance, urged monarchs across the state to provide the needed support for their wives to succeed.

Governor of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, has flagged off accelerated birth registration

The flag-off ceremony in Ifedore is the first to be kick-started in the state and across the nation on Accelerated Birth Registration. It is an initiative conceptualised by the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, to help actualise the goals of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+ N) initiated by the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari.

Earlier, Mrs. Akeredolu paid homage to Oba (Dr). Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede (Ogidi III), the Olowa of Igbaraoke in his palace, acknowledging that the flag-off ceremony was a milestone event which will go a long way in combating maternal mortality.

Olori Tinuade and Adejoke Agbede, wives of Olowa of Owa another

The wife of the Governor explained that the initiative will make birth registration easy for mothers and will also go a long way in helping the government to plan for the development of the state.

I can tell you that history is being made here today because throughout Nigeria, this is happening here for the first time. We are kick-starting registration of children in this vicinity and that will ensure that no woman in this state find an excuse for not registering her child.

We aim to achieve one hundred percent registration of all the children born in this state. Our Akowe Abiye will also use the opportunity to get some other information that will help us to know where we are having problems and that will help us to know where to direct our intervention, she added.

Olori Tinuade and Adejoke Agbede, wives of Olowa of Owa others

Mrs. Akeredolu also used the opportunity to implore all the women in the local government to take advantage of the programme to register the birth of their children between ages of 0-17.

Delivering a lecture on the importance of birth registration, Dr. Banke Oluwafemi, explored the advantages of birth registration, stressing that it is a continuous and compulsory exercise which parents must undertake for their children as part of the fundamental rights.

While noting that it is the first of its kind in Nigeria as data collected would help government to know areas of intervention when it comes to the number of parents who undertake immunization, breastfeeding among others for their children, Dr. Oluwafemi however charged parents to take advantage of the programme to register the births of the children.

In her remark, the chairperson, Ifedore Local Government, Mrs. Oladipupo Ajibola, thanked the First Lady for picking Ifedore as the first point of call.

Olori Tinuade and Adejoke Agbede, wives of Olowa of Owa, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for embarking on the project, stressing that it was indeed a milestone achievement as it is coming during the reign of their husband.

The event also featured, among others, free medical checkups, presentation of birth certificate to children and as well, the flagging-off of road construction from Igbaraoke through Igbuji to Ekiti boundary town as part of activities marking Arakunrin Akeredolus one year in office.

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Home | News | General | Corruption: Shameful under Buhari, Nigerias moved 12 steps backwards in TIs report  Reno

For the past two and a half years, former President Goodluck Jonathan has maintained that his administration fought corruption like no other government before it, which is why in 2014, Nigeria made her best ever improvement on the annual Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, moving from 144 the previous year, to 136, an 8 point improvement.

Transparency had taken note of the total elimination of the corruption in the fertilizer procurement scheme via the e-wallet initiative of the Jonathan administration which cut out the middle man and thus saved the nation over 200 billion.

Transparency International also took cognizance of the introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) which weeded out 50,000 ghost workers from the federal civil service between 2011 and 2015, saving the Federal Government over $1 billion annually.

But perhaps most significant in the progress made in the anti corruption war under former President Jonathan was the political will that the then Nigerian leader had to fight the scourge.

It was noted that Dr. Jonathan speedily investigated and fired his ministers and aides who were accused of corruption or conflict of interests. That administration also dismissed the alleged and very notorious pension thief, Abdulrasheed Maina, from service.

Having made such significant progress in improving Nigerias anti-corruption rating, it is very disappointing that in the latest Corruption Perception Index released by Transparency International today, Nigeria has relapsed deeper into corruption and has moved 12 steps backwards from 136 to 148.

We consequently advise that timely efforts should be made to stem the free fall of Nigeria into the abyss of corruption. Let us retrace our steps and refrain from showy media trials while little or nothing is done on the legal front.

Let us also respect the judiciary and not hound or intimidate them in an attempt to cow them into giving favourable judgments against perceived political opponents.

Let us call a spade a spade and conduct a true anti corruption war rather than an anti opposition war.

The days of hand cuffs for the opposition and hand outs for the cronies of the government must be put behind us.

Allegations like the $25 billion NNPC contracts awarded without due process or the dubious 1.1 billion budgeted to clean the office of the National Security Adviser must be investigated and not swept under the table.

Nigeria belongs to all of us and we cannot watch it sink into the abyss without raising flags. This is a patriotic duty and we call on all Nigerians to rally together to confront the monster of corruption.

Finally, this latest evidence from Transparency International has made a mockery of the African Unions gesture of making President Muhammadu Buhari its anti corruption champion. By this action, the AU now appears to be supporting corruption by making a man under whom corruption has increased its anti corruption icon.

It does not help that in recent years, Nigeria has refused to obey valid court judgments in Nigeria and beyond Nigeria. It is to the great embarrassment of Nigeria that we who used to be the pillar of the ECOWAS sub region are now routinely cited for flouting judgments of the ECOWAS court. That ought not to be. That ought not to be at all.

Reno Omokri

Number One Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years, Chibok, 2015 and the Conspiracies.

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Home | News | General | Saraki advises media on quality reporting

The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki on Thursday, advised the media on quality reporting.

Saraki gave the advice when a delegation from the International Press Institute (IPI) led by its Director Barbara Traori paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Saraki said quality reporting would ensure the strengthening of the countrys democracy which would result into a free press.

The strengthening of the democracy of a country will rest not only on the media but the government.

That is why we really should be partners in progress and work closely together.

Saraki

That is not happening.There is need for us to continue to do that based on the understanding that we are on the same side.

Institutions like us must be strengthened and when we strengthen our institutions, we dont strengthen individuals because some of us will come and go but we must strengthen our institutions and democracy, he said.

The president of the senate said that when the parliament and the press work together as institutions, it would go a long way in ensuring that Nigerians were better served.

Earlier, Mr Nduka Obaigbena , Chairman, IPI World Congress Organising Committee, said the institute was a network of global journalists, editors and publishers dedicated to promotion of free press and good governance all over the world.

Obaigbena, who is the publisher of This Day Newspapers, said it was the decision of the IPI to grant Nigeria the hosting rights.

It is in our interest to showcase the best of Nigeria, to showcase our democracy which is thriving and continuing, to showcase the fact, that in Nigeria, we dont quite have the trouble of the media.

Barbara Traori, the Director of the Institute called for greater cooperation between the government and the media.

Of course there will be healthy tensions between the news media and the authorities.

But we also do believe that in a democracy such as Nigeria, the space that the state can offer to quality journalism is vital.

Not only in the sense of hands off but also in the sense of proactively giving the journalistic community, the safety they need to work professionally.

I am grateful that yourself and the institution you represent support this event and reiterate the request and hope that you would consider joining not only the congress, but also addressing our esteemed delegates she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference is scheduled to hold in June.

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Home | News | General | Delta 2018 Budget: Allocation to Isoko Nation, a show of marginalization- Ogheneyole

THE Director-General, Revive Africa Initiative, RAI, Comrade Ugagaoghene Ogheneyole, has described the budgetary allocation to Isoko Nation as a show of marginalization.

Out of a total of N161billion which is the Delta State budget, N4.5billion which is one per cent of the total budget was allocated to Isoko Nation for capital project.

Ogheneyole, who was reacting to the details of the 2018 budget which indicated that one per cent of the total budget was allocated to Isoko nation, blamed the three lawmakers representing Isoko nation, adding that the outcome of the budgetary allocation was first hand evidence of poor legislation by the trio.

He said inter-alia : Who are we to blame, of course, the blame goes to the three lawmakers representing Isoko nation in the Delta State House of Assembly. Funny enough, one of the three is the Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly.

 Frankly speaking, I dont know what they were doing in the hallowed chamber when the budget was presented and passed. This is unacceptable and an aberration and we are going to resist it within the confines of the law.

 Isoko nation has always supported the current administration without reserve, so; we dont know why such amount was allocated to us and our lawmakers kept mute. What is one per cent going to do for Isoko nation who is a major producer of oil in the state? He asked rhetorically.

Ogheneyole, who is also a frontline House of Assembly hopeful for Isoko North Constituency under the Social Democratic Party, SDP, insisted that the amount was an aberration that needed to be corrected.

He called on the Delta State Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa and the three lawmakers representing Isoko nation in the state House of Assembly, to, as a matter of urgency, come up with ways to augment the budget through the supplementary budget.

He warned that the only way Isoko nation which he noted was the second producer of oil in the state would keep mute over the issue was if the issue was addressed in the supplementary budget.

We have started mobilizing our people to resist this injustice meted out on us. We are not slaves or second class citizens in Delta State, we are a major stakeholder of this state. We have communities in the state from Isoko with over 51 oil wells like Uzere community.

In fact, we are the second highest oil producing community in Delta State. There is hardly any community in Isoko nation that does not have oil. Again, apart from the oil deposits in Isoko, we were also key factors to the emergence of this administration, we voted for PDP 100 per cent. With all these, how can one per cent be allocated to us?

Considering this development, we, therefore, state that the representatives of Isoko nation have failed completely to project and speak for Isoko nation and we are not going to fold our arms and watch injustice take the front burner.

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Home | News | General | Winners emerge at Brownsville inter-school spelling contest

IT was an interesting competition as winners emerged from nine schools that contested at the inter-school spelling competition organised by Brownsville College, Park View Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. The competition held at Brownsville was in three categories, JSS1, JSS3 and SSS1 involving two students representing each school from different senatorial zones of Lagos State.

The schools that contested were British International School (BIS), Edgewood Secondary School, Global International Secondary School, Lagoon Secondary School, Whitesands School, St. Joseph Secondary School, May Day College, Holy Child College and the host, Brownsville College, Ikoyi.

Following the rule of the competition, 15 seconds were allowed to spell a word which attracted 10 marks if spelt correctly and 10 seconds for bonus with five marks. Any school caught cheating would be disqualified while marks will be reduced from any school its student was caught distracting the competition. At the end of it all, EWC Lekki took first position, British International School came second and Brownsville College, Ikoyi, 3rd position in JSS1 category.

In the second category, JSS3, Brownsville College, Ikoyi and British International School took first position and Lagoon Secondary School 3rd position. In the SSS1 category, British International School took first position, EWC, Lekki came second while Holy Child College third. Speaking on the essence of the competition, Director of Studies, Brownsville College, Jamal Kasumu said, as a co-educational institution that runs British/Nigerian curriculum in order to unleash inner potentials and instil confidence, we aim to fully help our students develop their individual talents and interests.

We also emphasize on leadership skills,opportunities and the ability to assume responsibilities at all levels, even as we endeavour to build a reputation in the Lagos community to produce outstanding examination results at all levels.

He further said that the competition aimed at fostering a relationship with other schools and to help students understand the pronunciation of certain words as well as understand their meaning and the ways words are being used.

Continuing he said that with our combined British/Nigerian curriculum we assure our students will always get the best.

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Home | News | General | Most of the elected APC politicians will not get second chance in 2019 because of poor governance - Satumari reportedly claims

- Kudla Satumari says the ruling All Progressives Congress will be massively defeated in 2019 because of poor leadership

- Satumari accuses APC of abandoning its manifesto and claims Buhari won in 2015 because people wanted to test him

- He says the candidate of the PDP will be a Muslim and would divide northern votes in 2019

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kudla Satumari, has reportedly declared that many political officers on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not be re-elected in 2019 because of alleged leadership failure.

Daily Independent reports that Satumari, a leader of the PDP in Borno state, said this while speaking on the state of the nation.

He reportedly argued that the APC government at the centre had jettisoned its much-talked about manifesto and failed the country thus causing avoidable recession.

READ ALSO: Breaking: Yobe Governor Gaidam faults army's claim, says no abducted schoolgirl rescued yet

He complained about the countrys difficult economic situation saying people are hungry, millions are getting thrown out of job while the economy continues to contract as investors see no need to return for investment.

He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari won the 2015 election because of Nigerians eagerness to see something different including people who were indifferent about him; he was not tested so people wanted to see what he could do.

Also, majority of the voters in the north saw the 2015 election as war between the north and the south thus the controversy surrounding the ways voting took place.

He was seen as a Muslim because the election saw all kinds of sentiment being expressed as all Muslims saw him as their own.

But in 2019, he said things would be different.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party too would be a Muslim. The thought of any massive votes like 2015 wont exist again.

Senator Musa Kwankwaso would divide the Kano vote. The former governor of the state together with Ibrahim Shekarau would break any bloc vote from Kano state.

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Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, both former vice presidents have joined forces, and so APC would not get the kind of votes they got in Kaduna in 2015 again in the upcoming election.

Bauchi State is also slipping away from the hands of APC due to bad leadership, he said adding that any thought of APC winning the 2019 election with the votes from the South West should not exist because Buhari didnt win the 2015 election with the votes from the zone.

Votes from the South West to Buhari were not up to one million.

North West gave him the votes that he won the election but the region is being sharply divided," he added.

NAIJ.com earlier reported that the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of doing everything possible to rig the 2019 general elections in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Secondus said his party supported the electoral amendment by the Senate that put the presidential election last. He said there was nothing with the sequence.

What would you do differently if you were Nigeria's president? | Street Gist - on NAIJ.com TV

[embedded content]

Source: Naija.ng

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Home | News | General | Telecom: Competition will drive down tariffNCC

By Dennis Agbo

ENUGUTHE Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, has said that it is not worried about the short term tariff modulation among telecom providers, saying that competition among the operators will drive down their prices.

NCC spoke against the background of differences in tariff among telecom operators, saying that even though it regulates tariff in the industry, it was not much worried over tariff differences among the operators.

NCC Head of Media and Public Relations, Mr Ruben Muoka, made the position known in Obollo-Afor, Enugu State at the 35th edition of the commissions Town Hall meeting.

Muoka said: As a regulator, we dont interfere with day-to-day pricing. What we have done is to give a band within which the service providers will not charge beyond. What we entrenched in the system is competition. Competition is going to drive down prices and it has been so because if that service provider increases the price of his data services, there is option to go to another provider.

We are about to give them instruction that on auto renewal, that even when your data expires, you will have 14 days to roll it over in consideration of the consumer.

Chairman of Udenu local government council, Mr. Frank Ugwuanyi while speaking to newsmen suggested that telecom operators should pay taxes to councils where their operational masks are mounted.

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Home | World | Africa | PRC condemns all forms of violence

People's Rainbow Coalition ( PRC) wishes to express shock and disgust at the violence perpetrated on the persons of Mdct Vice President Dr Thokozani khupe, Mdct Secretary General Mr Douglas Mwonzora and Mdct National Organising Secretary Mr Abedinico Bhebhe in Buhera during the burial of Zimbabwe's Democratic icon par excellence Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai . Its unfortunate that such callous acts of violence occurred at a time when Zimbabweans from all walks of life converged at Humanikwa Village to witness and bid farewell to a Democratic icon who for the entirety of his democratic struggle fought for a free society in which men and women can express themselves without fear and favor. Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai demonstrated to the world that humanity can live together in harmony and peace without defaulting to violence, intimidation and hate speech.

PRC condemns all forms of violence. Violence has no place in modern society. Hate speech, tribal hatred and gender based violence are archaic tenets and medieval mentality that negates total emancipation of mankind in the 21st Century. PRC believes and affirms that disputes and misunderstandings amongst mankind can successfully be resolved through constructive dialogue, self restraint and maximum tolerance of one another's diverse views and ways of interrogating issues.

PRC urges Zimbabwean Youths to take their time and reflect that they are the leaders of today and that they should never allow them selves to be used as weaponry of violence by anyone who holds position of authority. To that end, Zimbabwean youths have a duty to contribute positively towards the well being of our nationhood. PRC hopes that all the perpetrators of violence against the Mdct leadership be brought to book for justice delayed is justice denied.

Adv Gift Nyandoro

PRC Spokesperson

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MDC has shown once again that it is a violent party which grows on intimidation blackmail and instilling fear. Tsvangirai's funeral has shown the lunatics behaviour of the paid drunk MDC outfits where in Khupe and Mwonzora were almost killed burnt in a locked up thatched house. What never seizes to amaze was that all this dog's breakfast behaviour was blamed on ZANU-PF. We must come together and reject the politics of division and violence.

It has been exposed at Humanikwa village that all violence is manufactured in MDC-T. The day the world was supposed to burry the democratic icon the true colours of such icon came out. Mr Mwonzora and Ms T Khupe were tribally abused and violently shaken. They had to seek refugee in the hut of a ZANU-PF peace loving cadre who was sickened by such violence. Remember when Tsvangirai ordered his youth to beat up Mangoma and Biti. Biti was served by his agility as he jumped into Tsvangirai's car while Mangoma was left to the mercy of the youth who wanted to target the criminals surrounding Mangoma's clothes. In the process Mangoma emerged with bruised ego and swollen chicks.

This week we have watched with dismay as our former Prime Minister was laid to rest amidst scenes of violence which defied the sombre mood expected at a funeral. The overzealous youthful Chamisa failed to lay out a vision for a party driven by division and violence ridden outfit The Women's Relevance in the Party was left reeling chamisa will again lay out policies that will add yet another layer of discrimination and disenfranchisement, violence and thuggery. Democracy was buried together with Tsvangirai.

Our country is facing a political crisis, but this is not an excuse to turn away from one another. This government's rhetoric on social serves one purpose: to accentuate differences within our communities must be carried forward. It is only ZANU-PF which can do this. MDC-T has failed its members. But we know that women can only lose out under a party that pits people against their neighbours. We know that when people are shunned because of difference, women experience a double prejudice. MDC Chamisa has shown no respect for women from the bereaving gogo Manyonda and shocked Khupe. The trauma Khupe experienced when the house she was hiding in was set on fire can not be relived.

This form of violence must never be tolerated especially when we are near elections. If MDC loses they will cry foul and will start violence. We look up to ZANU-PF to bring in peaceful elections and defy the trigger happy Chamisa and his hired hooligans.

Zimbabwe is calling for a different approach. And ZANU-PF is starting by listening. This week, while Chamisa is preparing to burn more leaders and beat up a lot more we've been speaking to thousands of people across Zimbabwe and asking them the simple question: what do you want? The results we've heard have offered suggestions for an election system based on justice and equality; a culture based on opportunities for all; a thriving society that celebrates diversity. The voices of people that we have heard have been insightful, moving, and heartbreaking. And they have again proven that we have more in common than that which sets us apart. Zimbabwe needs peace. We must shun violent parties and move on to a prosperous nation.

WE strive to represent everyone who seeks equality. As MDC-T inflames tensions within our communities and fuels tribalism on our streets, we are reaching out and building a more inclusive politics.

ZANU PF has the hearts of many at heart and it is only fair that in the coming elections we vote ZANU PF.

WE vote for peace

Vazet2000@yahoo.co.uk
Home | World | Africa | 'Learn to appreciate good deeds,' Adv. Mahere told

Mt Pleasant independent candidate Advocate Fadzayi Mahere is under attack on micro blogging Twitter after she said President Emmerson Mnangagwa's commissioning of rail equipment under National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) Transnet deal in Bulawayo today, (Mugabe's) public holiday is a joke.

Mahere denounced Mnangagwa via Twitter saying, "But it's a public holiday? What a joke "

"Learn to appreciate good deeds whoever has done them .if it for the good of the nation then what is your problem? Isn't that what you are fighting for? You are not perfect either and remember its all about this nation not personal feuds and hating," tweeted kuda collin matimbu.

@banftaf said, "this girl always thinks she is perfect."

"Well it looks like the advocate has lost meaning of a joke," said a Twitter user Bhekilizwe Zwelinjani

Meanwhile, exiled Professor Jonathan Moyo also castigated president Mnangagwa's commissioning saying he disrespected Mugabe.

"The launch of this NRZ project by Mnangagwa on a public holiday to mark the first RGM National Youth Day disrespects President Mugabe whose legacy the Junta claims it seeks to restore & insults the Youth whom the day honours.it's like working on Chisi," said Moyo via Twitter.

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The son of a Zanu-PF Member of Parliament (MP) was shot in a suspected case of mistaken identity by Chinese nationals on Monday night.

Hurungwe West MP Keith Guzah's son, Kevin who was in the company of a lady "friend" Kudzai, was allegedly shot on the hand by two Chinese nationals when they opened fire on a team that had robbed one of them of $8 500.

The shooting injured his hand, according to police.

The boy, who is studying at a Chinese university, reportedly endured a tremendous amount of pain, frustration and anxiety since the incident.

Guzah yesterday refused to shed light on the matter only saying "I am sorry I am not commenting on that."

The legislator's other son Keith took to Facebook to vent his frustration.

"Are we safe are we in Zimbabwe?"

"Yesterday my brother Kevin was shot twice by (sic) Belgravia shops after he left KFC.

"This act was done by some type of armed Chinese security force that mistook him for being a robber.

"Do we draw arms based on assumptions? Is it legal to open fire in public?

"Why are these Chinese people so heavily armed? Kevin just arrived in Zimbabwe one week ago from China where he is studying at the North China University of Technology and is an upstanding citizen when in their country.

"He is meant to graduate in June 2018. Why did he deserve this? Zimbabwe justice must prevail and I will not rest until those who wrongfully shot at him and his friend Kudzai are put in jail."

Police spokesperson Charity Charamba said investigations were underway.

"Yes there was a shoot-out. He (Guzah's son) was caught in the cross fire.

"There was an armed robbery which was in progress and he was passing through there and in the process he was shot in the arm.

"The police are investigating to establish who shot him," Charamba said.

She could not be drawn to comment whether it was the Chinese nationals who shot Guzah's son.

"There was an armed robbery taking place in which the Chinese lost $8 500. We are still investigating," she said.

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Home | World | Africa | Mugabe rejects birthday bash offer

Former President Robert Mugabe yesterday reportedly turned down a public birthday bash organised for him by the Zanu-PF youth league, opting to privately celebrate his 94th anniversary with his close family members.

The Zanu-PF youth league had approached his family with a proposal to have a mini-party for its former leader, who was removed from power in November last year following a military intervention.

According to sources, Mugabe refused to be treated to a mini-bash by the Zanu-PF youth league due to the manner his party and the military treated him before his resignation.

"He wants to be with his family and those who love him genuinely and not those who want to abuse his name for political gains," a close family member, said.

"The family would want to hold the birthday party for our old man, as a private event. But critically, what business does the party have for a man they removed in the manner they did?"

Born on February 21, 1924, Mugabe trained as a teacher and taught in then Rhodesia and Ghana before returning home to join the guerrilla war against white-minority rule.

He became prime minister after Zimbabwe attained independence from Britain in 1980. He later became president in 1987.

Zanu-PF youth secretary, Pupurai Togarepi, confirmed yesterday that there was no bash at Mugabe's residence, as they had anticipated. Togarepi said instead, the youth would still celebrate their former leaders' legacy through charitable works.

"We are only celebrating Robert Mugabe Youth Day. As for a birthday celebration, it's a private function, which is confidential for me to give you a programme," he said. The youth league last week indicated a delegation would visit Mugabe at his private residence in Borrowdale Brooke to give a birthday treat to the 94-year-old icon.

Had it not been for the military action in November, this year's birthday bash for Mugabe would have been held in Nyanga, hosted under the auspices of the 21st February Movement.

The Zanu-PF youth league, then under the leadership of Kudzanayi Chipanga, who has since been expelled, was already mobilising resources when Mugabe was forced to resign..

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Home | World | Africa | Tsvangirai succession bombshell

THE late MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai's spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka, has said he will soon release audio recordings of the late former prime minister speaking on his succession, as tempers continue to soar in the opposition party.

Tamborinyoka, in an exclusive opinion piece, said it was disappointing that Tsvangirai agonised in his last days after he was barred from meeting his preferred successor.

"I will be relaying to you Morgan Tsvangirai, in his own voice, divulging the succession permutations and his succession preferences," he said.

"That revelation will put paid to any doubts about the satisfaction of Morgan Tsvangirai's spirit at what is about to unravel.

"That revelation is a function I promised him I would posthumously execute as a valediction to my role as his spokesperson."

Tamborinyoka said Tsvangirai died a frustrated man, as he was barred from seeing the people he loved.

"I know he died a frustrated man by being precluded from seeing and talking to those he loved  those he wanted around him in his final hours," he said.

"For the record  and without going into details  I know this because he told me himself."

There are reports that Tsvangirai's widow was stopped from visiting the late MDC-T leader in hospital, although it is not clear whether Tamborinyoka was referring to this incident.

Tsvangirai died in South Africa last week after a long battle with cancer of the colon, and his death has triggered fierce succession fights among his three deputies  Thokozani Khupe, Nelson Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri.

Khupe is on record saying as per the party constitution, she is the one that must lead the party, and not Chamisa.

On the other hand, Mudzuri claimed he was called to South Africa by Tsvangirai and was ordained to lead the party in an acting capacity.

Chamisa had earlier reportedly travelled to South Africa to meet Tsvangirai, but was barred by close family members sympathetic to Mudzuri.

Meanwhile, party spokesperson, Obert Gutu yesterday insinuated he will quit MDC-T in protest over violence meted against Khupe, secretary-general, Douglas Mwonzora and organising secretary, Abednico Bhebhe at Tsvangirai's burial in Buhera on Tuesday.

"Big announcement, I'm not going to continue associating myself with an organisation that advocates for violence and thuggery," he said.

"I'm a principled politician and professional.

"I'm not quitting politics. I'm going to contest in Harare East constituency in the 2018 elections."

According to the MDC Alliance, Harare East has been reserved for People's Democratic Party and Gutu could either be willing to go against MDC-T or quit the party.

In a follow-up interview with NewsDay, Gutu said he was not leaving the party.

"My tweet is very self-explanatory. I am not adding or subtracting anything on my tweet," he said.

"A person, who quits, resigns and I am not resigning."

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Home | World | Africa | Grace Mugabe's PhD supervisor investigated

One of the lecturers who supervised Grace Mugabe's PhD thesis is reportedly being investigated by the Zimbabwe anti-graft agency.

According to the state-owned Herald newspaper, University of Zimbabwe (UZ), lecturer Professor, Claude Mararike faced arrest once investigations were concluded.

Zimbabwe Anti-corruption commission (ZACC) spokesperson, Phyllis Chikundura confirmed the development.

"He (Mararike) is under investigation and he faces arrest once investigations have been completed," Chikundura was quoted as saying.

This came after reports said that the UZ head Levi Nyagura was arrested last Friday over the controversial awarding of the PhD to Grace.

Investigators at the ZACC said they had arrested Nyagura over the suspected fraudulent awarding of a doctorate to the former first lady.

Grace, whose husband resigned in November under pressure from the military, received the doctorate in 2014 amid allegations she did not study for it.

She was awarded the degree after just months of study. Former president Robert Mugabe was university chancellor at the time.

Doctorates typically required several years of full-time research and writing.

According to the privately-owned Standard newspaper, it had emerged that Nyagura "single-handedly accepted Grace's application to study for the PhD without the knowledge of the UZ's sociology department".

Prosecutor Oscar Madhume said that Nyagura accepted Ntombizodwa G Marufu (Grace's maiden name) application "without the knowledge and recommendations of the departmental board and faculty of higher degrees committee in violation of UZ quality assurance guidelines and benchmark".

The court heard that Nyagura appointed Professor Mararike and Professor Chaneta to supervise Grace.

Nyagura pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded to March 5 on $200 bail.

As part of his bail conditions, Nyagura was ordered not to interfere with State witnesses who included lecturers, the report said.

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Home | World | Africa | MDC-T Zhombe defends Chamisa over violence

MDC-T Zhombe Constituency has defended Acting party President Nelson Chamisa who is being accused of busing thugs to beat up Vice President of the party Thokozani Khupe and others at Morgan Tsvangirai's funeral in Buhera.

Sections of the society have condemned Chamisa for allegedly unleashing thugs to attack party officials against his ascendancy to Presidency after Tsvangirai's death.



"Ndinoita dambudziko nevanhu varikuti Chamisa is hiring thugs to beat up or threaten his opponents/rivals. I beg to differ with pple of such mindset.

I have simple questions for those people. Masupporters eHighlanders/ Dynamos/ Caps zvaanorova masupporters eimwe team anenge atumwa nema players here?

Vanhu varikugara vachirovana nenyaya yekuti ndiyani anogona between Messi and Rinaldo ndiMessi naRonaldo varikuvatuma here?," said the party structure.

"Issue of violence has nothing to do with the player but the supporter. A player can't control the behaviour of supporter. Unless people are saying Chamisa was on public telling his supporters to beat up people. Even the bible has the story of Peter cutting an ear of a soldier but that has nothing to with Christ. Do we go around blaming Jesus for Peter's behaviour? NO. Violence is bad but we don't need to blame players for the behaviour of supporters."

The party said its only Zanu PF that uses state resources including unleashing members of the ZNA to shoot point blank defenceless citizens.

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Home | World | Africa | Tsvangirai's second book to be published soon

Tsvangirai's new book, "Service and Sacrifice", is to be published soon, according to @luke_tambo. Tsvangirai's first book was "At the Deep End" in 2011.  Zim Media Review (@ZimMediaReview) February 22, 2018

The late MDC-T President Morgan Tsvangirai's second book which chronicles his numerous battles in opposition politics under then President Robert Mugabe's abusive rule is set to be published soon.Tsvangirai revealed that he was writing his second book in his New Year's message this year (2018).

"You, the people have travelled with me a journey that had its own tribulations," said Tsvangirai as he wistfully went down memory lane about his transformation as a firebrand union leader to a cutting edge politician.

"Yet it was also a journey in which we worked hard and achieved so much together.

"I am in the process of writing a book that is set to be a collective national treasure on the great things we have achieved together over the years in our journey of service and sacrifice."

Tsvangirai's first book, At the Deep End, released in 2011, traces his journey as a teenage mine worker to a trade union leader and finally to Zimbabwean Prime Minister in a coalition government with his one-time nemesis, Mugabe.

The book, written with assistance from his late aide and veteran journalist William Bango, is an absorbing tale of state harassment, torture, persecution which included treason later, his acquittal.

Although labelled a traitor by the Mugabe regime, Tsvangirai casted himself as a man who remained committed to working for peace and democracy for all in his country.

His next book is almost likely to carry a similar tale also though widely expected to have a rather sad anti-climax to the political life of an opposition leader who has seen his once promising political career sag under a prolonged battle with colon cancer.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: Africa

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Home | World | Africa | 'Tsvangirai's funeral number two in Africa to be largely attended'

A commentator Martin Taruwona has described the late MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai's funeral as number two to be largely attended after the South Afrfican late President Nelson Mandela.

Tvsvangirai died in South Africa on Wednesday last week and was burried on Tuesday in Buhera home.

"Tsvangirai's funeral has become number 2 in terms of attendance in Africa with around 746 875 mourners; number one being that of Mandela which attracted more than a million. Census by Gabriel Tsungami by the late Monday 19th February 2018 showed that about 750000 eligible mourners gathered at Tsvangirai's rural homestead to pay their last respect to a departing Hero. Of the mourners converged in the remote area 18346 were foreign diplomats who were aware of Tsvangirai's quest to free the people of Zimbabwe from the oppression of Zanu PF's rule. Of the available foreign nationals , 11241 were fellow whites from the European land paying their last respect to a departing visionary leader," he said.

"Analysis by Priscilla Codman revealed that there has never been such a gathering in Malaysia since a time immemorial. Jog Higgins also revealed that in Canada they are yet to find a man like Tsvangirai who fought with all his effort setting aside all the hate speech which is a common mantra in Zanu PF party. Tsvangirai is deeply remembered by his party supporters by urging them to desist from any form violence warning them to learn from his experiences. Taking the way and number of times Tsvangirai was attacked by Zanu PF thugs one would agree with me that the veteran leader was given a long life by His Majesty God. He could have died before even forming an opposition party of the century."

He said however, this gathering has sent a clear message to all humanitarian organs ( UN , Sadac OAU etc) that Zimbabwe has been run by wrong leader since 1980 and even now.

"The masses of the people have spoken, the voice of the people has been heard: President Morgan Richard Tsvangirai was a visionary leader who had won the hearts of millions through his humble leadership style. We wish you a happy second life in the second world of life where you have gone. Its hard to believe yes but thank you President Morgan Richard Tsvangirai your foot prints of the rule of Law are clear to everyone," he said.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: Africa

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Here's where you can buy Rihanna's birthday tee  https://t.co/XOOTj4xhAy pic.twitter.com/DTvwveSwI0  Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) February 21, 2018

Rihanna and her family arriving at her birthday party in NYC last night pic.twitter.com/P9UZWHfKni  Ultimate Rihanna (@URihannaSite) February 21, 2018

Toni Braxton at Rihannas 30th Birthday Party  pic.twitter.com/3wxKEREgtz  MEFeater Magazine (@mefeater) February 21, 2018

Paris Hilton and fiance Chris Zylka spotted at @Rihannas 30th Birthday Bash last night in New York City!  pic.twitter.com/3XQc2CY3Ur  Paris Hilton Online (@OnlineHilton) February 21, 2018

Oooohhhh word?!?!?  Im playing her whole album in her honor! Happy birthday @rihanna https://t.co/Vu6uRU8iLZ  Bruno Mars (@BrunoMars) February 20, 2018

Happy birthday, @Rihanna! I hope it shines bright like a diamond and makes you feel like youre the only girl in the world. Go on and take a bow.  Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) February 20, 2018

really hoping Rihanna shows up theres still time  Years & Years (@yearsandyears) February 21, 2018

A special edition Fenty Beauty Killawatt 'Dirty Thirty' was launched to celebrate Rihanna's 30th birthday! pic.twitter.com/klDmG2jCFK  MAKEUP (@glowkit) February 21, 2018

celebrated herlast night at The Grill Restaurant. She had an intimate four-course dinner followed by a party at The Pool. Celebrities including, and, who performed a six-song set for the birthday girl on her special day. The Bajan beauty wore a Saint Laurents Spring 2018 look - which had a billowing magenta ruffle top with a high-cut skirt. She completed the look with diamond and ruby earrings and other blinged out jewelry.They crushed hundreds of bottles of champagne, andsnuck into the afterparty through a side door. On her last day in her 20's, Rih wore a 'I Hate Rihanna' t-shirt. Also to help celebrate, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna released a special '' birthday highlighter. Check out photos from the fiesta behind the cut as well as some celebrities tweeting Rih a happy birthday.not about ha birthday but Olly! <3 it sorta counts!
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I think it's great. This is the fifth of six episodes so you can binge them all this week or next.

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It's a good touch that the walls still have bullet holes



Can't believe it's only day 25



Edited at 2018-02-22 03:54 am (UTC)

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I just watched the Waco: Madman or Messiah? doc the other day and I thought I'd check the series, and I just watched the first episode and I look forward to the rest. I also realized recently that I have the Paramount channel, but this show is not airing on it for some reason during its scheduled time so who knows.

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It was crazy watching Madman or Messiah after watching the first two episodes of this! I think they did a great job reenacting a lot of stuff.



It's 10 est. If you have fios etc you can watch it on paramounts website too, sometimes you have to log in sometimes it seems like being on the same network(?) is enough.

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i really wanted to watch this but i don't have cable. anyone know where i can stream it?

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It's driving me crazy how the head of the investigation keeps going up against Gary and doing shit that is only going to make things worse. Like Gary has been through this. He knows how this works. Let him do his job god damn. And tanks and loud music and lights is surely going to make them come out! Dumbfucks.



I loved how Gary was like "you're saying that you're going to push someone who we already think is capable of mass suicide to the brink with loud music and lights?" I was like yas drag ha and their shitty logic.

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Wow. Great job, OP. I salute you.

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I was 99% sure mods won't approve my post after yours. Thank God my job wasn't for nothing lol

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ray of light (the single) was my mother's JAM. whenever I hear it I just think of her trying to hit that screaming note madonna does and laugh.

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mte on all counts!

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I have a lot of love for this album

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I still play Frozen, Nothing Really Matters and Power of Goodbye regularly.

I liked Ray of Light a lot when it came out, but now it gives me a headache with how aggressive it is lol

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Good Lord, this is the last time I really loved her music.

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same, nothing else grabbed me in quite the same way. i loved a few individual songs but overall, this was the last time i was really checking for her

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man i used to be obsessed with this album as a kid - the visuals in the frozen video are still really stunning to me even today. the part where she shatters into birds is just gorgeous. the appropriation in her videos bothers me now but i was too young to think it was anything but cool back then lol overall i still really enjoy this album, more now as an adult than as a kid. it really stands out. thanks for putting this together OP! totally going to put this on today!

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Wonderful post )|(

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this era made me STAN Madonna cause her butch MASC looks were everything with them arms

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When Madonna found out Henna Tattoos existed!



I loved this album too, when it came out I was a Junior in HS and I remember my friends and I listening to it and being excited for this album. The music was great, and her song Frozen and Nothing Really Matters. Good stuff.



She was fun in this album, I kinda wished she stopped here.



but no, she didn't and she got more embarrassing.



but she's an icon of my youth.



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I was obsessed with the Frozen video and I remember when it first aired on MTV.



Now I feel old 

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Great post! I think I got this album when I was like 10 or 11 because I loved Frozen. About five years later I finally listened to the whole thing and was so into it. (yeah, young me only listened to the one song a CD was purchased for lol) So many of these were my high school angst anthems. It's still the only Madonna album I own in its entirety. This post is giving me so many memories, wow.

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Masterpiece! One of the best and influential pop albums ever created <3

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I only found out about 3 weeks ago Ray of Light is a cover and my foundation was shook. That song and album cemented me as a Madonna stan.



Also, The Power of Good-bye is just SO GOOD.

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Are they really bitching that 11k wasn't enough? Seriously?

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On $80k? Uh, yeah, seriously.

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On $80k? Uh, yeah, seriously.

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On $80k? Uh, yeah, seriously.

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On $80k? Uh, yeah, seriously.

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agreed. We're supposed to be okay with the most lavish, wasteful lifestyles and find them inspirational. But dropping $80k on a tab is perverse.

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it sounds like they only brought out drinks, 11k is a lot for literally just popping bottles



Edited at 2018-02-22 06:46 pm (UTC)

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Ok granted this girl just brought out some bottles, but the principle is this - 15%, no matter what the total amount, isn't enough when you're expected to tip out at least 2% of the SALE to your bartender, plus maybe 2% to the host, and 2% to the bussers (which equals 4800).



In addition to the fact that with a bill that high, you probably have more than one server working the table, and finally, the fact that you're DEFINITELY gonna be taxed on at least 10% of that, but more if it's not in cash?



I got inflammatory as hell about this for a second, even though it seems like the original waitress isn't pissed and this was the suggested amount, but still - the principle applies, no matter how high the bill.







Edited at 2018-02-22 07:28 pm (UTC)

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how is it that chomsky is always right

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Right? 11K to bring out some bottles.  Be happy you're not working at Texas Roadhouse.

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no offense but i can't @ ppl who are always like "let celebs/rich people spend what they want!! it's their money and they can do what they want with it!!!"

like an $80,000 tab alone?!?! why...what?!?!

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I mean if they want to waste their money go for it. Jay-Z is known to donate to charity so he is giving back to the community at least.

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lol every asshole millionaire/billionaire gives to charity

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Meh, it's not like it'd be mine if they weren't wasting it.

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It's people that would be doing the same if they had that money. 99.9% of them will never come close though so idk why they feel the need to defend it.

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lmao ikr what could they have possibly ordered? 500 bottles of champagne?

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it's funny because in real estate posts a lot of people rightfully bitch about how it's gross how celebs don't redistribute wealth and now people are defending a celeb's right to keep his money for himself

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At least he's spending it and not hoarding it

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A lot of the money went back to him, considering he only ordered his own brand of champagne. He probably wrote the whole thing off as a marketing expense. But seriously, why is his champagne 1k or more per bottle?

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lol tip wank

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In before European ONTDers comment not understanding the importance of tipping in the US

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Im an American that has lived in Europe for the last 15 years and even though I know tipping isnt a thing in these parts I always feel super guilty for not tipping.

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there are countries in Europe where you don't tip at all?

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Omg Europeans are the worst tippers ever my god. And dont give me this its just because they dont know! They are straight up dicks about it. Bossy, needy, rude, interrupting other customers & then tipping $2 on a $60 tab. They know exactly what theyre doing 

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same with us here in south america

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I generally only tip food deliverers

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if only i had 90k to drop like that i wouldn't have student loan debt. lol



i waited tables for years and i honestly don't know how i'd feel in this situation. would an extra 7k be awesome? sure, but i don't have 11k right now though either...

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lol, I wanna be a server at this place TF

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how would you even split that kind of tip up? that's amazing



but also wtf he can more than afford to tip 15% lol

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Oh God.

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lol sis $11K is a lot, even if they was serving them for 3 hrs.

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It's a lot in general but not compared to what he spent. I don't think the percent you tip should go down just bc you spend more.

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Shouldn't it though? You're paying extra for the product, not the service in situations like this. Although I'm sure he got better service than most people.

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this is the kind of mentality that results in the rich paying less taxes than the poor.

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God idk if I can read the incoming comments here as a server.



Also lets state right off the bat that tipping culture is different in America than the rest of the world because most of us make $2.13 (federal min. tipped wage) to less than $5 an hour because tipped wages can legally be below federal minimum wage.



Edited at 2018-02-22 05:27 pm (UTC)

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Yup, the min wage thing is messed up, it does depend on the state. California and a few other states pay min wage plus tips.



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pretty sure here in OR you have to pay at least minimum state wage. In my isolated little region nobody tipped when I was growing up, whoops :( Bad habit picked up right there for when I traveled out of my area.

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Jfc, that's like less than we pay our interns.

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that's so fucked up, why haven't they changed that?

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looks like he tipped on the subtotal of $74,000 so he did tip 15%. and as someone who's worked as a waitress, why would i ever be mad about making $11k in one night

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I doubt that it all is going to one person.

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But tax is always included when calculating the percentage, that is definitely not 15%

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What? oops.. i've always thought the opposite, you tip on subtotal. Why would you tip on taxes?

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What? Tax isn't supposed to be included in the tip.

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Nope. I went out to eat the suggested tip was the tip minus the tax. I calculated just to check.

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To me it actually looks like when a place adds in the tip already onto your bill so who even knows what it couldve ended to be. The person who tweeted isnt a waitress so they really have no clue what the tip couldve ended up to be.

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I see both sides but......damn 11k? Shit that's awesome.

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What is it like, one months rent and a trip to the laundry mat in NYC. Good night for that server

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Gurl unless you rich, no one is paying 11k a month in Manhattan

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11k in tips? shiiit i'm in the wrong profession

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Nah, tip wank has gone too far

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mte, it should be illegal to publicly shame people on social media for tips. the servers should have legal action against them for invasion of privacy

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huh I think I agree with you



it's kind of fucked up, isn't it?

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This is a great feature and out of all the mediocre white guys making bank, I'd take him over any of these other rats.

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I'm a little uncomfortable about Fraser, given the way MRAs have taken him up as their poster boy for hating women post-divorce and for "unfair" divorce agreements that "always" benefit women.

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Should he be faulted for that though?

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ugh you know Reddit is gonna take all the credit for his career revival

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Your comments in this post seem really dismissive of what he went through.

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That's not fair at all and you're pushing a view that will just damage him. I saw you thought he should have spoken up about his divorce, and how his PR 'vilified' her and that certainly was not the case at all. He doesn't need to release anything to the public -- and even in this article, he barely spoke about his divorce. You're basically turning his situation into a Weinstein/Gretchen Mol rumor-mill and that's kinda gross.

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It's a sad read. So brave of him to speak out, though.

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So the article doesn't explicitly mention #MeToo by name, and Fraser doesn't appear to be claiming sexual abuse on the part of Ratner, just that he acted really strangely.

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His claim was against Philip Berk.

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Sure, but I'm pointing out the way that the title and summary could be misleading for anyone who doesn't read the article.

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it's not misleading. he mentions rose, ashley and mira by name, and the fact that they came forward with their stories. "I watched this wonderful movement, these people with the courage to say what I didn't have the courage to say." what movement do you think he's referring to?

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log off

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go have a cig break sis

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What is wrong with you? I hate that youre making me use this argument because it makes me feel like a redditor, but if this were a woman making these claims you would not be so dismissive.

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I adore him. This was a depressing read.

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i fucking miss brendan fraser. nathan fillion is like the only person who kind of reminds me of him in spirit. love you, brendan fraser!!!

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this is so sad. hollywood is horrible pt 230582

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The article mentions that the interview went viral because people thought he was sad, Fraser simply states that it was because he was.



:(

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Yea we're taught to like, shut down any emotion that is deemed "negative", it's ridiculous. Some people seem to have a really warped view of how they think humans should behave and it's in no way based in reality.

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ia. or try to make a person feel better when they cant, which just makes it worse.

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I dont remember one with Brendan but I remember Sad Keanu.

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This so much. No one is allowed to feel sad let alone share it publically without ridicule.

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Exactly. Sometimes ppl see sadness as a weakness, like positive this and positive that be positive all the time, smile till your face hurt. I mean shit let me take a breather and embrace this sadness and Ill b back to my normal self. Reality are not constant.

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poor Brenden <3

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I really loved him in Bedazzled and the Mummy franchise. This sucks to here. :(

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Same. And Monkeybone

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George of the Jungle >>>>

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i loved blast from the past lol

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your icon <3 <3 and I agree!

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<3



Forreal though, her fight scene with Rachel in part 2 was.... something 

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I don't remember Bedazzled but I liked the Mummy, except the last one without Rachel, Journey and Blast from the Past.

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Bedazzled, Blast from the Past, and The Mummy are so so good and fun.

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Fraser says the experience messed with his sense of who I was and what I was doing. Work, he says, withered on the vine for me. In my mind, at least, something had been taken away from me. This past fall, he watched other people come forward to talk about similar experiences, he says. I know Rose [McGowan], I know Ashley [Judd], I know Mira [Sorvino]I've worked with them. I call them friends in my mind. I haven't spoken to them in years, but they're my friends. I watched this wonderful movement, these people with the courage to say what I didn't have the courage to say.



He was in a hotel room just weeks ago, watching the Globes on TV, Fraser says, as the actresses wore black and the actors wore Time's Up pins in solidarity, when the broadcast showed Berk in the room. He was there and Fraser was not.



Am I still frightened? Absolutely. Do I feel like I need to say something? Absolutely. Have I wanted to many, many times? Absolutely. Have I stopped myself? Absolutely.



Damn :(

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This is just so sad. I can't imagine.

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It's funny when guys are like TAKE IT AS A COMPLIMENT LOL bc assault can make you feel literally worthless. My heart goes out to the guy.

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I'm actually interested to hear if he was blacklisted the way Mira and Ashley were. People forget Brendan was fucking A-list in the 90s. He was in everything that I shouldn't have been watching but was as a child. And he was talented. Great in drama and comedy. Blockbusters and award winners. And then his career was just over out of nowhere. It never really made sense to me why or how he became a joke.



Edited at 2018-02-22 06:17 pm (UTC)

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Mte

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Yeah I loved him in all his movies that I got to see and wondered why he just suddenly disappeared. This article made so much sense.

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This is true. I wonder.

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oh this is gut wrenching

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I need to read later but omg poor dude, I love him so much. Blast from the Past is a masterpiece tbh, it's sad that he disappeared because he's so enjoyable to watch.

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I was hoping this was up here. i read this whole article and i feel horrible for him. I'm glad he felt like he could let it all out now.



"Fraser says when the day came to shoot the scene where he punches himself out, he put on the most ostentatious clothes he could find to play Brendan Fraser. It was my vision of the worst version of myself. And I get to deck me. And the point, finally, is this: The reason I was adamant about wanting to do thatby which he means take a film role with a bunch of cartoons that involved punching himself in the faceeven if I didn't realize it until much, much later, is that at that time I think I wanted to knock myself out. I wanted to take the piss out of myself before someone else would, 'cause I had it in my head that I had it coming."





wow im at MAXIMUM sadness



Edited at 2018-02-22 05:36 pm (UTC)

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Oh man, this is a sad interview.



My mom loved him, so I have seen just about every one of his movies from the 90's, multiple times. I had no idea he'd suffered so many injuries during filming things over the years, that's awful. And how fucking gross of Philip Berk.



This part made me laugh a bit, though:



I'm okay, he says. I think I just need to let some arrows fly.

He excuses himself as I ponder what this means. A few minutes go by. When he returns, it's with a leather quiver full of arrows strapped to his back. He steps out onto his porch. Outside, he lofts a bow, nocks an arrow. Down below on his lawn, maybe 75 yards away, is an archery target. He releases the arrow straight into the target's center. Bull's-eye. Then nocks a second arrow, and does it again.





Edited at 2018-02-22 05:31 pm (UTC)

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Lmao I laughed so hard at that cause you know he was like



Oh Im sure thats a metaphor he prob just needs some time alo- oh no real arrows

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LMAO me too.

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lol same

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I just cackled. I wasn't expecting that to be so literal.

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lmao

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You got: Scar



You'd probably do some shady shit to get to the throne.



https://www.buzzfeed.com/genamourbarrett/which-disney-villain-matches-your-personality?origin=filqui&utm_term=.egrrpXzPGx#.nkGl4exE18 : ScarYou'd probably do some shady shit to get to the throne.

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Jealous! Scar is my fave.



You got: Hades

You relate most to a villain who's evil, but also has a good sense of humour. After all, what's the point of being vengeful if you can't have a little fun?



Lame. I've still never seen Hercules oops.

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You got: Scar



You'd probably do some shady shit to get to the throne

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You got: Ursula

Theres no one more persuasive and ambitious than Ursula. You two are one in the same.

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You got: Queen of Hearts

Kinda loud and shouty with a pretty short temper  people know not to mess with you.



Accurate.gif

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You got: The Evil Queen



There's only room for one to be "fairest in the land" and that's you.



true

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You got: Queen of Hearts

Kinda loud and shouty with a pretty short temper  people know not to mess with you.



u don't know me buzzfeed, I'm eternally quiet and have a long fuse.

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You got: Ursula



Theres no one more persuasive and ambitious than Ursula. You two are one in the same.



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You got: Jafar

An evil sorcerer with the badass clothes to match. Youre definitely Jafar.

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You got: Queen of Hearts

Kinda loud and shouty with a pretty short temper  people know not to mess with you.

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You got: Jafar

An evil sorcerer with the badass clothes to match. Youre definitely Jafar.



I always saw myself as an Ursula tbh.

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i told myself that i was jasmine, but i realise nowwww i'm jafar

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i don't need to take this. i am who i am because of ursula. body postive aquatic business woman putting thievin' ginger ho's in they place since 1989.

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I got the Wicked Queen from Snow White.

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I got Scar too! This fierce bitch...

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Hades! Yes, thats my boo!

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You got: Queen of Hearts



Kinda loud and shouty with a pretty short temper  people know not to mess with you.





----



Oh?

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You got: Captain Hook

Tick, tick, tick! Your personality match is the stealthy Captain Hook!



What? Explain.

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You got: Maleficent

Youre just like the Mistress of All Evil. Smart, cunning, and not to be fucked with.

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You got: Hades



You relate most to a villain who's evil, but also has a good sense of humour. After all, what's the point of being vengeful if you can't have a little fun?

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You got: Queen of Hearts

Kinda loud and shouty with a pretty short temper  people know not to mess with you.

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You got: Queen of Hearts



Kinda loud and shouty with a pretty short temper  people know not to mess with you.

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Banning all semi-auto weapons may have been popular with the audience at #CNNTownHall, but it is a position well outside the mainstream https://t.co/18rMDwEfGs  Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 22, 2018



He's already backtracking. What a POS. He's already backtracking. What a POS.

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Lol, okay. What a piece of shit.

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Wow what a brazen way of saying "as long that donation check clears, I don't care how many of you get killed"



He's despicable

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NRA's bitch, he can hump a cheesegrater

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Punk ass bitch...

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as the old saying goes: the "moral majority" is neither.

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Goodbye to his political career.

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which of course is a lie when polls say nearly 70% approve of such bans

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I cannot believe that Lorde and Jack Antonoff have made me feel sorry for Lena Dunham of all people.



How grimy.

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they just were so vehement when denying it that it just makes them look bad and hetero normative, lmao

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Are they officially together now?

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come baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack

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the father, the son, and the holy spirit. we are so blessed to have these three. and those angel kids in parkland. i'm finally feeling good about our future again.

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I had one martini and one-and-a-half glasses of wine last night and slept like shit and feel like crap today. I blame the fact that I had a salad for dinner, not that Im old.

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Today is my work anniversary and I think I'm getting a raise *fingers crossed*

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Fingers crossed for you!

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Go you, go you!

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Sending you positive vibes 

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GET THAT $$$!

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Yay, good luck!

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watched the view clips on youtube from this morning and megan mccain drives me crazy. idk how people tolerate her.

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do i even wanna know what her position is when daddy takes the most kickbacks from the nra

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giiiiirl she got real salty fast, mentioned twice how she's a member of the NRA and got sassy with the audience about it, said the woman who was at the town hall last night from the NRA is a friend of hers..it was a mess.

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I just submitted a post about it lmaoo

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I wish someone at the table would bring up her husband tweeting those awful things about the students who are protesting. Trash attracts trash, I guess.

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I JUST SAW THIS ON TWITTER OMGGGGG i love it

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just saw this too, sooooo happy omg

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AHHH! I love it!!!

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its perfect Im in love omg

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IT'S SO GOOD

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I love it!!

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so good! janelle is the best

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We are truly not worthy. This is  on every possible level.

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i love EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS, right down to the prince influences ljfdlfkjdsfjds

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Yassssss

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This sort of reminds me of Prince.

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FUCK ME UP, JANELLE

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i got a pair of on clouds and i love them, they're so flexible and lightweight. but idk if they're wide enough to accommodate you w/ an ankle brace.

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I'm thinking about getting my hair dyed a grayish lavender, but I'm also contemplating doing keratin. Would I be able to do both or should I just stick with the dye? My hair is dark, but I love my few grey hairs, so I want to just do my whole head. I also can't decide if I think it'd look good on me. I'm going around in circles thinking about this. Me when I heard Billy Graham kicked the bucket:I'm thinking about getting my hair dyed a grayish lavender, but I'm also contemplating doing keratin. Would I be able to do both or should I just stick with the dye? My hair is dark, but I love my few grey hairs, so I want to just do my whole head. I also can't decide if I think it'd look good on me. I'm going around in circles thinking about this.

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I spent ages thinking about this last year and decided against it because it would be pretty damaging. I know how tempting it is though.

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Same 

I'm walking circles round Zara lately cos there's an outfit i want bad lol

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ugh big mood

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yall i have the fluuuuuu. my doctor gave me tamiflu lol but i feel like shit. who wants to kiss me and get it? :)

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SAME my immune system hates my mfing guts

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If you had mono, I'd make out with you. I've been obsessed with getting mono since I was a kid and saw Romy and Michele's High School Reunion. In it, Romy says "remember that time you got mono and lost all that weight?" and ever since then, I've been wanting to get it lmao

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gross. stay away from me, typhoid mary

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Def not kissing you but you have my sympathy. Feel better bb.

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Hope you're feeling better than before and that you kick this flu's ass!  <-- VIRTUAL KISSES ONLY WHILE YOU'RE SICK.



Omg I'm just now checking Roundup... Get well soon, bb!! Hope you're feeling better than before and that you kick this flu's ass! 

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Hi. A spider almost crawled onto my eye last night and the image of its legs hovering above backlit by my phone is straight out of a horror movie.

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omg

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I have this thing where whenever I wake up in the middle of the night, I see spiders. They aren't there and I know it. It's pretty common but it's funny considering how spiders are basically the one thing that freaks ONTD out.



Speaking of which, we need a bomb ass creepy post where everyone scours the web for good creepypastas and unsolved murders and shit. they used to be so poppin like five years ago.

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Creepy posts used to be EPIC! I would stay up so late reading them and spooking myself out ughh I miss it!

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THAT HAPPENS TO OTHER PEOPLE? Bro sorry for the caps but i was wondering what that was. Like if i wake up too fast i see little black spots all over my walls and i know theyre not real but its so bizarre

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I see annoyingly loud, talkative people. The mind works in terrifying ways.

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i wanted to order food on skip the dishes or smthing, but it just feels like a waste for one person, lol. like the added delivery fee and driver tip.



i'll prob just drive to the subway or the pho near my work. there's nothing around here which is so depressing. i'm not in the mood for pho though :(

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My niece is pregnant ya'll. She just got married in November. Fucking everyone is pregnant but me, FML.

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congrats to her but also sending you the best/most positive vibes

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Pregnant and expecting? 

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Could have been a faux pregnancy.

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lmao



And someone got paid for this 

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listen sometimes we get pregnant and aren't expecting it. that's why we have the noble and pultizer prize winning docu-series, i didn't know i was pregnant. maybe until recently she just thought it was gas. but now she went to the doctors and is expecting a baby instead of tooty-toots.

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whenever i've heard people say that, they were making it clear the baby was planned.

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congrats!! i'm 27 and p sure by the time i want a kid (if i'll even want one) i'll be 35-40, so this gives me a bit of hope.

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OOo this fills me with hope thanks!

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Omg I have hope.

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awesome. i wonder if modern medicine has helped the average mother age to be older, or if women's bodies all along are able to carry a child at that age but due to other factors the average lifespan was shorter so women had to have babies earlier.



tho i'm sure some of it is regardless of health and more cultural. i read someone on a forum who said her doctor told her she was an "advanced age" mother when she was pregnant at THIRTY THREE. But that was also in Utah so i'm sure that dumb doc really only saw all the 21-22 year old Mormon women having their first babies and then wrapping things up by 30. But that's definitely not the norm outside of Mormonland obviously lol

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i heard ur eggs scramble at 34 so this is very good to hear!

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Aww yay! Im encouraged by this :)

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I had my second baby six weeks ago at 38, was 35 with my first. A close friend was 39 when she had her first and another was 40 (shes now 42 and pregnant with her second). All conceived naturally.

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a girl i work w/ is 35 and just had her first bb with my cousin



(my cousin is only 23 however ... butthatsnoneofmybusiness.gif)

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my mum was 35 when she had me!

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You still have lots of time but if its something that bothers you a lot maybe talk to your doc about freezing your eggs (though it can be expensive)

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catherine o hara and lucille ball had their first babies when they were 39/40 and went on to have another baby as well.



i like to think of these when i feel down haha

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My friend had two children in her early 30s and just had her third at 42. Most women I know had children later in life. Successful, healthy pregnancies.

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my mum had me at 42. It was uncommon as shit in the eighties but I'd say it's way more common now.

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She is stunning and her boyfriend is just so painfully dull, but if shes happy k cool.

The only thing that might make me want children is thinking i might not have offerings to crossver in dia de los muertos tbqh, coco's impact.



Edited at 2018-02-22 07:42 pm (UTC)

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Hopefully itll have 99.9% of her genes

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Well, not surprised after that post last night. Congrats to her!

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I hope he knows how incredibly lucky he is.

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The world is about to be blessed with a bb Regina George!

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I think she was lying about her age earlier in her career

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she still looks so young to me though

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saying she was older or younger?? bc i swear i remember in the mean girls commentary they said she was 27 at the time of filming but that would make her over 40 now

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right? that's the real news here...wtf

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Well I'll be damned, Life & Style actually got something right.

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aw congrats to her! she's a lovely person

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That red carpet part seems weird. Why would they have to do that?

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i think in hollywood that's the official "coming out as a couple" move.

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Congrats

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family stone is so underrated!

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I'm not looking forward to the inevitable comments calling her too old to be pregnant.



Congrats to her. Looks like we have the same due date about.

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congrats to you too, sis!

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too old to be pregnant?? shes not even 40! and congrats to you! ;)

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Ooooh boy. Then you should see other sites with comments saying a woman is too old once she hits her late 30s.

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get that money yara!

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has anyone developed an algorithm for this yet? yara, zendaya, amandla, tessa, zoe, repeat?

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ikr. it seems like they only offer roles to the same group of light skin young black women.

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yup

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without a doubt.

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Forgot Kiersey Clemons and Alexandra Shipp



But yeah, very repetitive... I cannot even think of a name black actress of that age group who is even medium to dark

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shiftyeyesemoji

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i just downloaded this book, is it any good?

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It's quick and very sweet. I enjoyed the style and actually found the lead characters really adorable.

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ohh cool, im reading pachinko at the moment so i need something less heavy to go w/ next haha

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I thought it was really sweet and realistic

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lol shes never gon go to college

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I was gonna say Daniel sounds white but he's Korean so that's cool.

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lol i always kind of associate the name with korean-americans because ive met enough named daniel but also i dont actually personally know any white men like that they make up like .00001% of my social circle/real life interactions.

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The authors husband is Korean American so its loosely based on her relationship with him.



Edited at 2018-02-22 11:00 pm (UTC)

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She'd be a good lead. I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet story, quick and easy. I hope they keep Daniel Korean, I don't trust Hollywood.

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I hope so too.

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Is Daniel white? Cuz I am low key getting bored of interracial drama movies

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Korean

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Korean American - based on the authors relationship with her own husband.

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Still interracial, but.... Well, Nicola is Jamaican-American and her husband is Korean-American. She channels herself and her family's backgrounds in her books.

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She is not good in Grown-ish but get those opportunities, I guess...

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I'm actually listening to this book right now.

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She can't act at all

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The book was corny and cute but I picture Letitia Michelle Wright in the part

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that would've been interesting. i mean she can act for one lol. can't be too hard to find a jamaican/-american actress tho

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Gorgeous girl but her voice is such a boner killer

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Was hoping they would make the lead dark skinned. Watch her have two dark skinned parents or a dark skinned dad and a light mummy. I love the book but I wish we got a bigger range of younger black actresses.

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Here's hoping she takes some acting classes. I've been watching grown-ish and yikes, not that she's the only bad actor on that show. They could all do with acting classes There was an episode where she was supposed to cry and it was bad.

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Canadian Grant to Aid Sharing of Brain Research Data

The $10.17 million grant will create the Canadian Open Neuroscience Platform, a partnership of 15 universities that will facilitate sharing of data that supports research to advance treatments for Canadians suffering from neurological diseases.

The government of Canada and Brain Canada announced a $10.17 million grant that will create the Canadian Open Neuroscience Platform. It is a partnership of 15 universities that will facilitate sharing of data that supports research to advance treatments for Canadians suffering from neurological diseases.

Health Canada reports neurological conditions affect an estimated 3.6 million Canadians, and new research is key to improving the lives of those living with brain-related diseases and disorders.

Speaking on behalf of Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, David Lametti, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, joined Brain Canada on Feb. 19 to announce the grant. Their announcement was made during the CONP's inaugural meeting at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital at McGill University.

"The government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadians with neurological conditions. The platform being created with this funding will be a central repository for innovative brain research. With access to such data, researchers will be better equipped to pursue medical breakthroughs that will improve the lives of Canadians living with brain diseases and disorders," said Taylor.

"Brain Canada is excited to have been the catalyst for this national platform to 'hardwire' Canadian neuroscienceto collect, link, and analyze data from across the country, to get to improved patient outcomes more rapidly," added Inez Jabalpurwala, president and CEO of Brain Canada.

The platform will allow leading neuroscientists from across Canada to pool data from diverse sources, making the information easier to access and share. IT will benefit those working to identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease, for example, and research to advance drugs that could stop neurodegeneration.

The $10.17 million in funding for the project was provided through the Canada Brain Research Fund and includes $5.08 million from the government of Canada.
Phuket, Thailand, 21st February 2018  Two unforgettable culinary events were held this month at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, allowing guests to celebrate Valentines Day and Chinese New Year.

The expert chefs from the resorts The Andaman Kitchen and Big Fish restaurants created a series of stunning beachfront buffet dinners that reflected the exquisite ambience of each occasion.

Couples were able to celebrate their love for each other with a fantastic Valentines Day dinner on the pristine sands of Nai Yang Beach. To create the most romantic atmosphere, eight white silk cabanas were set up on the beach, providing perfect seclusion for the diners. In addition, a dedicated Valentines buffet was served up at Big Fish, the seafront restaurant.

Then on the night of Chinese New Year, a Hong Kong-style dining experience was created at The Andaman Kitchen. An extensive buffet spread featured an array of classical Cantonese dishes and festive favorites, providing the perfect celebratory evening for the whole family to enjoy.

Both these culinary events provided wonderful opportunities for guests to unwind with their loved ones, either for an intimate romantic evening or a fun-filled family celebration.

These events also showcased the resorts ability to make magical memories and allow its guests to celebrate lifes major milestones even when they are far from home.

At Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach we always aim to be innovative and exceed our guests expectations. With our fantastic culinary occasions, we have enabled our guests to celebrate the occasions that are most precious to them in unique and meaningful ways. We will continue trying to perfect the art of hosting and allowing our guests to Travel Brilliantly, in line with Marriotts brand promise, said by David Ippersiel, the resorts General Manager.

For more information and to book your next culinary journey at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach, please email: hktnb.restaurant@marriott.com or call +66 (0)76 625 555.
Opposition to nuclear power has spanned the political spectrum in Austria, which held a national referendum on the subject in 1978

Staunchly anti-nuclear Austria lodged a legal complaint with the European Court of Justice on Thursday against the EU's approval of the expansion of a nuclear plant in neighbouring Hungary.

The approval, granted by the European Commission in March, would allow the expansion of the Paks nuclear plant outside the Hungarian capital Budapest with a 10 billion euro ($12.4 billion) Russian loan.

The plant is Hungary's only nuclear facility and supplies around 40 percent of its electricity needs.

"For our nature, our environment and our unique landscape, we must take up this David and Goliath struggle," sustainability minister Elisabeth Koestinger said in a statement, confirming the launching of the complaint at the Court of Justice of the European Union.

"Nuclear energy must have no place in Europe. We will not budge one centimetre from this position!" she added.

In its decision the European Commission judged that the project met EU rules on state aid, but Austria disputes this.

Austrian environmental campaigners praised the new centre-right government for pursuing a legal action that had been planned by the Social Democrat voted out of power late last year.

The Paks plant was built with Soviet-era technology in the 1980s during Hungary's communist period.

The construction of two new reactors at the site is part of a 2014 deal struck between Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Victor Orban and ally Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The work, to be carried out by Moscow's state-owned nuclear agency Rosatom, is set to more than double the plant's capacity.

Hungary's opposition has criticised the awarding of the contract to Rosatom without holding an open tender.

In 2015, the Hungarian parliament voted to keep the details of the deal secret for 30 years, something Orban's Fidesz party said was necessary for "national security reasons" but which critics said could conceal corruption.

Since the late 1970s, Austria has been fiercely anti-nuclear, starting with an unprecedented vote by its population that prevented the country's only plant from providing a watt of power.

Austria filed a complaint against EU-approved state aid for the Hinkley Point C nuclear plant in Britain in 2015, arguing that atomic energy was unsustainable and high-risk.

Explore further Austria to sue over Hungary nuclear plant expansion

 2018 AFP
Purdue Improved Crop Storage bags are opened during a ceremony in Pala, Chad. The hermetic grain storage bags have allowed farmers in Africa to safely store their grains so they can sell their crop well beyond harvest. PICS Global Inc. is making the bags commercially available for farmers worldwide. Credit: Purdue Agricultural Communication photo/Beksoubo Damienne

The internationally recognized Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bag, a specially designed bag to prevent insect-caused post-harvest losses for farmers in developing countries, is now commercially available for farmers worldwide.

The PICS technology, which received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is a triple layer sealed plastic bag that cuts off the oxygen supply to create hermetic conditions, thereby eliminating insect damage in storage of dry grain. The use of PICS bags provides farmers the flexibility to sell their grains when they choose while supplying healthy, clean and insecticide-free food to their families throughout the year. In addition to the physical bags, the PICS project also provides demonstration of the bags and training to farmers.

Larry Murdock, a distinguished professor in Purdue's Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture, invented the PICS technology. Along with Murdock, Dieudonne Baributsa, an associate professor of entomology, and Laurie Kitch, a former Ph.D. student of Murdock's, founded PICS Global Inc., a company with a goal of providing a chemical-free, low-cost method to improve food availability for millions of farmers around the world.

Murdock said the PICS journey started in the 1980s.

"In the late 1980s I traveled to Cameroon, Africa, and after talking with farmers I became convinced that post-harvest losses were one of the major constraints for farmers, preventing them from increasing production, feeding their families, and maintaining a livelihood," he said. "At first I wanted to address post-harvest storage for specifically cowpeas, or black-eyed peas."

In 2007, Murdock and his Purdue-based associates received $12 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the first phase of the PICS project, PICS1. PICS1 was implemented in 10 countries in West and Central Africa, including Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, Cameroon, Benin, Togo and Chad. By the end of 2013, the project had reached 31,000 villages and 1.7 million farmers, and 2.5 million bags had been sold.

In 2011 PICS team received a second grant from the Gates Foundation to explore the usefulness and value of the bags for controlling storage insect pests of additional crops including maize, sorghum, wheat, rice, peanut, common bean, hibiscus seed, mung bean, pigeon pea and Bambara groundnut.

"Although initially the bags were specifically made for cowpea storage, it wasn't long until farmers started asking about using the bags for other crops," Baributsa said. "We tested crops all around the world including Afghanistan, India and several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa." "We determined that the bags were good for storage of all these other crops without modification."

In 2014, the PICS team received the third grant from the Gates Foundation for a five-year project to commercialize the bags in Sub-Saharan Africa to improve market access and food security among smallholder farmers. The bags are being promoted in seven countriesthree in West Africa, three in East Africa, and one in Southern Africa.

Ten years after the current version of the PICS bag started to be disseminated, PICS Global was established to leverage the success of the project by finding ways to reach larger markets outside of Africa and align the supply chain to provide the bags to farmers more efficiently.

Credit: Purdue University

"Through the Gates supported project we already had sales up to a significant enough level that made us believe we would be able to form a successful business," said Kitch, who also serves as CEO of the company.

Baributsa said the aim of PICS Global is to reduce post-harvest losses at the farm level by providing PICS bags to farmers all over the world through an extensive, efficient and effective supply chain.

"Right now our big question is, how do we get into larger markets like India, Nepal or Bangladesh where we don't have a primary donor to fund the project? That's why we started nurturing the idea of a private company," he said. "A private company will also help us better align the supply chain so we are able to produce enough bags, and get them to farmers at the right time and fast enough."

By 2017 the project had reached more than 56,000 villages, 5 million farmers had been trained and more than 12.5 million bags had been sold.

Baributsa said the company has a large opportunity to expand its products reach.

"The potential for the number of bags to be sold is much larger than what we've been able to reach so far. Of the seven countries we are currently in, there is a potential to sell 8 million bags per year. Last year, more than 3.8 million bags were sold around the world," he said. "We started this company to reach that potential and increase access to these bags for farmers in different areas of the world, not just Africa. PICS Global will allow us to reorganize, strengthen and improve the supply chain so the bags are produced in large quantities and the distribution process is more efficient."

Baributsa said the company is looking into consolidating manufacturing.

"The company could possibly develop manufacturing hubs in specific regions to be able to increase production and then inevitably reduce the cost of production," he said. "Farmers right now are paying about $2.20 to buy a bag that can store 220 lbs. of grain. If we are able to make the manufacturing and supply chain process more efficient, we should be able to reduce the cost even further."

Technology used by PICS Global Inc. has been licensed through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization.

PICS Global also plans to have subsidiaries in specific regions and partner with existing licensees or new ones to establish joint venture manufacturing and/or distribution companies.

"First and foremost we are a social enterprise. The majority of the money generated by the PICS bags remains in the developing countries they are sold," Kitch said. "Our work not only provides benefits to farmers themselves, but also provides valuable income to local actors in the supply chain. We are establishing ourselves as a global platform for social impact and are opening up opportunities for social impact investors to invest on the ground in joint venture partnerships with PICS Global."

Explore further Hermetic bags save African crop, but not how experts once thought
A large-scale study of urban wetlands around metropolitan Chicago showed that over 99 percent were invaded by at least one non-native plant species. Credit: Jeff Matthews, University of Illinois

The wetlands in and around Chicago are overwhelmingly invaded by non-native plants, according to a new study by University of Illinois researchers. The study, which pulls together species occurrence data from over 2,000 wetlands in the urban region, is the first to describe wetland invasion patterns on such a large scale in the Chicagoland area.

The data came from a decade's worth of environmental assessments, a required step in any new road or building construction project. Normally, once these assessments are submitted to regulatory agencies, they're filed away and rarely seen again. But the U of I researchers suspected that, together, the assessments contained a goldmine of information.

"For us, it was a shame that all of these data are available and are not being used to answer some large questions about the state of natural communities across the region. Compiling them into a large regional data set allowed us to answer questions at a large scale that hadn't been addressed before," says Jeff Matthews, assistant professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at U of I, and co-author on the study.

The main question had to do with the degree of invasion by non-native plants in Chicagoland wetlands. And the answer was staggering.

"We have worked in the Chicago region long enough that we thought we knew the extent of the problem. But even having that past experience and knowing that invasive species are pervasive, the numbers were still shocking to me," Matthews says.

Non-native plant species were present in over 99 percent of the wetlands in the data set, and, on average, non-natives made up over a third of the species present in individual wetlands. One species in particular, reed canary grass, was nearly ubiquitous: it was found in some 74 percent of the surveyed sites.

Being non-native is not necessarily a bad thing - many of our most important crops are non-native - but when non-native species thrive and steal space and nutrients from native plants, that's a problem. And with a third or more of the native species being replaced by non-natives, ecosystems can be inextricably altered.

"We saw a recurrence of certain groups of non-native species that are associated with major roads," Matthews says. "We assume this linked to road salt, because most of the species in these recurring groups are highly tolerant of salt; they're actually maritime species that have moved in from the coast. We're seeing the same collection of species throughout the Chicago region along the tollways and major interstates."

Invasions can happen anywhere that aggressive non-native species are introduced, but the researchers say urban centers like the metropolitan Chicago area are at greater risk.

"Urbanization can lead to loss or extirpation of species entirely from a region, through habitat loss and pressure from non-native species," says Dennis Skultety, a GIS/GPS specialist with the Illinois Natural History Survey at U of I, and the lead author on the study. "Urban areas are an introduction point for non-native species, whether they're coming in through commerce as hitchhikers on trucks or ships, or are intentionally introduced through the horticultural industry or pet trade."

Although the overall picture looks bleak, Matthews says even invaded wetlands have value. "These wetlands still provide flood water storage, improve water flowing through those sites, and provide wildlife habitat to some extent."

Skultety says that a practical lesson from the work is to redefine what is achievable for wetland restoration in urban areas. "We should focus more on the functional values that wetlands provide, and not necessarily get hung up on a single metric of vegetation quality."

The article, "Human land use as a driver of plant community composition in wetlands of the Chicago metropolitan region," is published in Urban Ecosystems.

Explore further Herbivores play important role in protecting habitats from invasive species

More information: Dennis Skultety et al, Human land use as a driver of plant community composition in wetlands of the Chicago metropolitan region, Urban Ecosystems (2018). Dennis Skultety et al, Human land use as a driver of plant community composition in wetlands of the Chicago metropolitan region,(2018). DOI: 10.1007/s11252-018-0730-5
Lab photo from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability. Credit: Michael Barrett Boesen

The transition toward sustainable biobased chemical production is important for green growth, but productivity and yield of engineered cells frequently decrease in large industry-scale fermentation. This barrier to commercialization of more bioprocesses is largely ascribed to the physical inefficacies of large cubic-meter steel tanks.

Bioengineers have long debated whether it was realistic for evolution to eliminate production of engineered production cells during the relatively short time courses of large industrial-scale production. According to a new study published in Nature Communications, the role of evolution has been underestimated in limiting bioprocesses.

"Using a new ultra-deep DNA-sequencing approach, we found that evolution constrains bioproduction. We can use this insight to redesign our cell factories to produce more efficiently at an industrial scale," says Morten Sommer, professor at the Technical University of Denmark.

The study from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability suggests that the mechanisms of evolution are constraining the scale-up by a variety of mutations wider and faster than previously expected. Findings indicate that evolution is a more important threat to scale-up, and it cannot be ruled out that it limits the efficiency of commercialized large-scale fermentation.

"Evolution of non-productive cell subpopulations leads to loss of production in our case studies. The speed of evolution depends on the biochemical product, but it can definitely happen within industrial time-scales. This makes it difficult to scale-up biobased processes," says Peter Rugbjerg, postdoc at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability.

By using ultra-deep sequencing of thousands of different cells, it is now possible to score the different error modes of scale-up and design against evolution earlier. The researchers are now validating their bioinformatics approach and testing how widespread the problem is in the actual industry by collaborating with fermentation companies.

Results hint that engineered production genes in chemical producing bacteria were mainly mutated by non-expected disruptions and genetic rearrangements, rather than the slower, classical point mutations known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The mutations make the nonproducing cells more fit in the competition for nutrients of a fermentation tank.

"We discovered that a wide diversity of genetic disruptions turned producing cells into nonproducing when we deep-sequenced thousands of production organisms over time. Cells have many built-in ways to remove unneeded genes, and it turned out the most important is overlooked in standard analysis tools," says Peter Rugbjerg, postdoc at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability.

The evolutionary mutants that eventually led to complete loss of production could be detected very early at frequencies below 0.1 percent, which may permit future identification of failing fermentations earlier.

Residing at the ultra-low frequency when grown in the laboratory, the mutants played no negative role in production in shake flasks and were traditionally difficult to detect. However, the advantage of lost production means these early mutations had already determined the magnitude of production decline that happens as the process is scaled up to industrial growth durations. "Based on these findings, I would encourage companies running industrial scale fermentations to deploy deep sequencing of the fermentation populations to assess the extent of detrimental evolution," says Morten Sommer. He expects that addressing this detrimental evolution would substantially improve commercial bioprocesses.

Explore further Pausing evolution makes bioproduction of chemicals affordable and efficient

More information: Peter Rugbjerg et al, Diverse genetic error modes constrain large-scale bio-based production, Nature Communications (2018). Journal information: Nature Communications Peter Rugbjerg et al, Diverse genetic error modes constrain large-scale bio-based production,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03232-w
Some molecular biologists who study the proteins that regulate cell operations, including Elizabeth Vierling at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, do not confine their research to understanding the molecules' current roles. They also look deep into the proteins' evolutionary past to explore what structures have allowed proteins with new functions to develop in response to new needs.

An expert in how plants cope with heat, Vierling's interest for many years has been small heat shock proteins (HSPs), which accumulate in plants at high temperatures and appear to act as "molecular chaperones" to protect other proteins from damage.

For work reported in the current issue of Science, Vierling, Indu Santhanagoplan and Eman Basha at UMass Amherst and Vierling's longtime collaborator, Justin Benesch and his Oxford University group, experts in protein biophysics, looked at two types of small HSPs to address what they call a "basic evolutionary puzzle." That is, how two different types of small HSPs, Class I and Class II, evolved from a single type over 400 million years ago to form two distinct types with different functions.

"It's always important to consider evolution when you're looking at protein function, because it provides insight into potential functional differences, as well as features important for function," Vierling points out.

She explains, "We know that mosses, some of the first plants to live on land, as well as all the other plants we see around us, can make both Class I and II small HSPs. We've also demonstrated that these two small HSPs have different functions, though exactly how they work remains unclear. However, the algae that came before land plants only have one type of these small HSPs. Therefore, sometime while plants were evolving functions needed to live on land, they basically duplicated their single small HSP to create two types of small HSPs, and this must have been advantageous."

For small HSPs to duplicate themselves and go on to evolve would be easy, she adds, if each acted as a single unit. "But most proteins work in complexes," she points out, "with partners of either more of the same protein units or different ones. This makes developing a new function harder, because a new function may require changing partners. New partners not only have to fit each other, but may also have to not be promiscuous. That is, they can't act in a complex with the original unit. This is the case for the small HSPs, which assemble into dodecamers with 12 of the same units."

"Millions of years ago when the small HSP duplication took place," the molecular biologist says, "the two would have been identical, like clones. At some point, they developed enough differences that they don't co-assemble anymore. They started to do different things."

For this work, Vierling says her lab contributed knowledge about the two small HSPs and understanding of their functional differences. They also created a mutant protein important for demonstrating structural similiarities and differences between the two. Benesch's lab contributed expertise in advanced biophysical characterizarion of proteins, the principles of protein architecture and assembly, and the biophysics surrounding those.

Vierling says that usually when researchers look at how protein structures assemble, they look at where the structures touch, because that's where they are compatible. "One of the new understandings of this work is that we found there are places away from the interacting surfaces that affect whether or not they can assemble. So you can't just look at where they contact each other, you have to look at other factors."

She adds, "This paper does all the fancy biochemistry and biophysics to show why these two small HSPs cannot co-assemble. The reason has to do with the energetics of the final structure, and some of the data may be quite esoteric for evolutionary biologists. But because physical principles control protein structure and intereaction, these are important factors to consider in studies of protein evolution. This work also further solidifies the recognition that these two small HSPs have to have very distinct roles in the cell."

In addition to experiments, the team used computer simulations to look at how changes in the way the two proteins might look when bumping into each other could affect their ability to assemble as dodecamers, or 12-part units. One of the first co-authors, Georg Hochberg, also did extensive bioinformatics analysis of protein databases to put the work into a broad evolutionary context.

She says, "When the data are taken together, calculations of basic physical parameters could show that it was energetically favorable to make dodecamers of the same type of subunit. This was the result not only of very small changes in the parts of the proteins that stick together in the dodecamer, but also due to parts of the protein that flop around before they stick together. This information is of interest relative to designing protein complexes that can function in new ways."

In addition, the data predicted that complexes with many identical units like the Class I and II small HSPs are rare in nature, suggesting their importance to plants should not be underestimated and defining their precise mode of action in plant protection is an important goal. Vierling, who is a member of the Models to Medicine (M2M) protein homeostasis group at UMass Amherst's Institute of Applied Life Sciences, was supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and Massachusetts Life Sciences Center in this work.

Explore further Plants under heat stress must act surprisingly quickly to survive

More information: "Structural principles that enable oligomeric small heat-shock protein paralogs to evolve distinct functions" Science (2018). Journal information: Science "Structural principles that enable oligomeric small heat-shock protein paralogs to evolve distinct functions"(2018). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi  1126/science.aam7229
A juvenile delta smelt inside a rearing tank at the UC Davis Fish Conservation and Culture Lab. Credit: Dale Kolke / California Department of Water Resources

Genetic tools can be a powerful complement to visual identification of endangered fish, indicates a study from the University of California, Davis.

In the study, published in the journal Conservation Genetics, researchers conducted genetic analysis on fin clips from endangered delta smelt, threatened longfin smelt and invasive wakasagi smelt. The fin clips were among those collected as part of the Yolo Bypass Fish Monitoring program.

One-third misidentified

The scientists were looking for signs of hybridization, which they found is not a significant threat for this population of delta smelt. But the genetic analysis detected something they had not expected: About 27 percent of the fish originally thought to be native delta smelt in the Yolo Bypass were actually nonnative wakasagi. Overall, roughly a third of the samples were misidentified.

The co-authors emphasize that this was a sampling from one section of the delta smelt's habitat. The results do not suggest that there are fewer delta smelt overall than previously thought. Co-author Brian Mahardja from the California Department of Water Resources said the agency's monitoring program caught almost no delta smelt during the first 10 years of sampling in the Bypass but caught more than ever within the past five years.

"The results of this study do not alter the long-term abundance trends of delta smelt in the Yolo Bypass, but it does mean we need to genetically identify our fish for higher accuracy," Mahardja said.

A complement to surveys

Delta and longfin smelt are native to the San Francisco Estuary but have experienced drastic population declines in recent years. The latest California fish survey in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta found only two delta smelt during four months of trawling from September to December.

Efforts to protect delta smelt have made it the target of debate between environmentalists seeking to protect the ecosystem and interest groups seeking increased water deliveries for farming and urban uses. Surveys of native fish abundance inform management decisions and lead to policy changes that affect millions of Californians.

Comparison of different smelts. The top left is a correctly identified delta smelt, and top right is a correctly identified wakasagi smelt. Bottom left is wakasagi that was originally thought to be a delta smelt. Credit: UC Davis

"Genetic identification can be a great complement to traditional surveys, particularly where visual identifications are challenging," said lead author Alyssa Benjamin, a lab technician with the UC Davis Department of Animal Sciences.

Younger smelt harder to identify

The study demonstrates the difficulty of identifying these fish solely by appearance. Delta, longfin and wakasagi smelt have similar features and a capacity to hybridize with each other. While it is possible to distinguish the three species by sight, hybrids are nearly impossible to distinguish by looks alone.

Wakasagi smelt present additional challenges. As juveniles, wakasagi can look identical to delta smelt. A key distinguishing feature is that wakasagi develop several spots under their jaw, while delta smelt do not. But these spots do not tend to emerge until the wakasagi are older, making identification among juveniles more challenging. In fact, 95 percent of misidentified fish were juveniles.

Not all areas analyzed

Delta smelt live only in the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which includes the Yolo Bypass, a 59,000-acre floodway protecting Sacramento and the southern Sacramento Valley from seasonal flooding.

The researchers note that the study did not analyze all areas where delta smelt are surveyed. Misidentifications are most likely to occur in areas where both delta smelt and wakasagi are present. This includes the Yolo Bypass but is not expected to include the entire estuary.

The Yolo Bypass Fish Monitoring Program also uses a unique, rotary screw trap, which is checked once a day for sampling. Some of the fish are in various stages of decay by the time biologists check the trap, which can make identification more difficult.

"Many of the factors affecting the identification are specific to this area of the Yolo Bypass," Benjamin said. "I think other areas of the Delta will find better accuracy, so we'd have to explore those areas before making any assumptions about the rest of the estuary."

Explore further Delta smelt population on the rise, survey finds

More information: Alyssa Benjamin et al. Use of single nucleotide polymorphisms identifies backcrossing and species misidentifications among three San Francisco estuary osmerids, Conservation Genetics (2018). Journal information: Conservation Genetics Alyssa Benjamin et al. Use of single nucleotide polymorphisms identifies backcrossing and species misidentifications among three San Francisco estuary osmerids,(2018). DOI: 10.1007/s10592-018-1048-9
A new report suggests that while UK universities are likely to suffer because of Brexit, German universities may reap the benefits.

This is one of the findings from a study of the potential impact of Brexit on UK and European universities. The report is based on a series of interviews with academic staff, university leaders and policymakers in higher education across 10 European countries between April and November 2017.

The report shows that since the referendum result, European academics were less likely to seek UK partners as leaders on collaborative research bids. There was also a reluctance from some European academics to involve UK partners in research bids at all.

Germany emerged as a significant potential 'winner' from Brexit, with countries in both northern and eastern Europe planning to reinforce their existing partnerships with German universities.

The findings indicate that while the UK is an extremely important player in European research and higher education, it is not as central as Germany. Germany is currently the top research collaborator for 19 European countries and the second top collaborator for seven countries. By contrast, the UK is the top collaborator for only one country (Germany) and the second top for nine countries.

The UK's strong position in European higher education and the market orientation of UK universities also create imbalances and tensions in its relationships with other partners, according to the report. Nonetheless, participants in all the countries studied valued UK academics' role in leading research consortia and saw the participation of their UK partners as essential to many of their research projects.

The report reveals a mixture of anxiety and hope. The loss of the UK as an academic exchange partner was a concern for countries sending significant numbers of students to the UK. On the other hand, for countries where universities offer tuition in English, the departure of the UK from the EU was seen as an opportunity for increasing incoming numbers.

Participants in some of the countries studied suggested Brexit might provide an opportunity to 'poach' high-profile UK-based academics and funds. Yet many participants were more concerned with finding ways of maintaining cooperation and expressing solidarity with their UK colleagues.

UK-based academics feared waves of restructurings and redundancies and loss of funding in the wake of Brexit. The report suggests that Brexit will have a very unequal impact across the different nations of the UK, on different types of university and across disciplines. This concern was echoed in other countries as well.

There was also a widespread fear of a net loss of early-career academic positions, not only in the UK but also across the EU, as many of these positions are funded by research grants held with UK partners.

All the countries studied in the report expressed fear not only that the quality and reputation of European research would suffer with the UK's departure from Europe, but that Brexit posed a threat to the European project at large.

Dr Aline Courtois from the Centre for Global Higher Education at the UCL Institute of Education, the editor of the study, said:

'The report highlights that Brexit is not an issue for UK higher education only. It creates uncertainty for other countries as well, with fears that research cooperation and academic mobility will be severely affected across the EU and that the region as a whole will lose its competitive edge. The exact impact of Brexit on the higher education sector, in the UK and beyond, is still largely unknown; some countries may benefit in the short term in certain ways, but overall it is perceived as a significant risk.'

Susan Wright, director of Centre for Higher Education Futures at Aarhus University, says about the Danish case study, which she led:

"The repercussions and uncertainties of Brexit are being felt across Europe and were expressed by the Danish academics and policy makers. Interviewees valued the UK's research excellence and its leadership in HE-industry research consortia. Although the market pressures on UK research and education sometimes make collaboration difficult, still half of Denmark's H2020 projects have British partners and most international co-authors of Danish articles come from the UK. For policy makers, the UK is a valuable ally in negotiations over whether EU funding policy should be based on quality or regional development. For university administration, continuing cooperation post Brexit heralds a 'bureaucratic nightmare' of contract renegotiation, but academics were more imperturbable, as one put it, 'Let's see the results of the negotiations, then we'll find a way to carry on cooperating anyway'."

Explore further What are the likely effects of Brexit on UK regions?
Panel 78 in La Pasiega. The scalariform (ladder shape) composed of red horizontal and vertical lines dates to older than 64,000 years and was made by Neanderthals. Credit: C.D Standish, A.W.G. Pike and D.L. Hoffmann

Scientists have found the first major evidence that Neanderthals, rather than modern humans, created the world's oldest known cave paintings - suggesting they may have had an artistic sense similar to our own.

A new study led by the University of Southampton and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology shows that paintings in three caves in Spain were created more than 64,000 years ago - 20,000 years before modern humans arrived in Europe.

This means that the Palaeolithic (Ice Age) cave art - including pictures of animals, dots and geometric signs - must have been made by Neanderthals, a 'sister' species to Homo sapiens, and Europe's sole human inhabitants at the time.

It also indicates that they thought symbolically, like modern humans.

Published today in the journal Science, the study reveals how an international team of scientists used a state-of-the-art technique called uranium-thorium dating to fix the age of the paintings as more than 64,000 years.

Until now, cave art has been attributed entirely to modern humans, as claims to a possible Neanderthal origin have been hampered by imprecise dating techniques. However, uranium-thorium dating provides much more reliable results than methods such as radiocarbon dating, which can give false age estimates.

The ladder shape composed of red horizontal and vertical lines (centre left) dates to older than 64,000 years and was made by Neanderthals. Credit:  P. Saura

The uranium-thorium method involves dating tiny carbonate deposits that have built up on top of the cave paintings. These contain traces of the radioactive elements uranium and thorium, which indicate when the deposits formed - and therefore give a minimum age for whatever lies beneath.

Joint lead author Dr Chris Standish, an archaeologist at the University of Southampton, said: "This is an incredibly exciting discovery which suggests Neanderthals were much more sophisticated than is popularly believed.

"Our results show that the paintings we dated are, by far, the oldest known cave art in the world, and were created at least 20,000 years before modern humans arrived in Europe from Africa - therefore they must have been painted by Neanderthals."

A team of researchers from the UK, Germany, Spain and France analysed more than 60 carbonate samples from three cave sites in Spain - La Pasiega (north-eastern Spain), Maltravieso (western Spain) and Ardales (south-western Spain).

All three caves contain red (ochre) or black paintings of groups of animals, dots and geometric signs, as well as hand stencils, hand prints and engravings.

According to the researchers, creating the art must have involved such sophisticated behaviour as the choosing of a location, planning of light source and mixing of pigments.

Drawing of Panel 78 in La Pasiega by Breuil et al (1913). The red scalariform (ladder) symbol has a minimum age of 64,000 years but it is unclear if the animals and other symbols were painted later. Credit: Breuil et al

Alistair Pike, Professor of Archaeological Sciences at the University of Southampton and co-director of the study, said: "Soon after the discovery of the first of their fossils in the 19th century, Neanderthals were portrayed as brutish and uncultured, incapable of art and symbolic behaviour, and some of these views persist today.

"The issue of just how human-like Neanderthals behaved is a hotly debated issue. Our findings will make a significant contribution to that debate."

Joint lead author Dirk Hoffmann, of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, added that symbolic material culture - a collection of cultural and intellectual achievements handed down from generation to generation - has, until now, only been attributed to our species.

"The emergence of symbolic material culture represents a fundamental threshold in the evolution of humankind. It is one of the main pillars of what makes us human," he said.

"Artefacts whose functional value lies not so much in their practical but rather in their symbolic use are proxies for fundamental aspects of human cognition as we know it."

Early symbolic artefacts, dating back 70,000 years, have been found in Africa but are associated with modern humans.

Panel 3 in Maltravieso Cave showing 3 hand stencils (centre right, centre top and top left). One has been dated to at least 66,000 years ago and must have been made by a Neanderthal (colour enhanced). Credit: H. Collado

Other artefacts including cave art, sculpted figures, decorated bone tools and jewellery have been found in Europe, dating back 40,000 years. But researchers have concluded that these artefacts must have been created by modern humans who were spreading across Europe after their arrival from Africa.

There is evidence that Neanderthals in Europe used body ornamentation around 40,000 to 45,000 years ago, but many researchers have suggested this was inspired by modern humans who at the time had just arrived in Europe.

Study co-author Paul Pettitt, of Durham University, commented: "Neanderthals created meaningful symbols in meaningful places. The art is not a one-off accident.

"We have examples in three caves 700km apart, and evidence that it was a long-lived tradition. It is quite possible that similar cave art in other caves in Western Europe is of Neanderthal origin as well."

More information: D.L. Hoffmann at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany el al., "U-Th dating of carbonate crusts reveals Neandertal origin of Iberian cave art," Science (2018). Journal information: Science D.L. Hoffmann at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany el al., "U-Th dating of carbonate crusts reveals Neandertal origin of Iberian cave art,"(2018). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi  1126/science.aap7778
The High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), a DOE user facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, provides antineutrinos for the PROSPECT experiment. This photo shows the process of refueling HFIR. Credit: US Department of Energy

Except in horror movies, most scientific experiments don't start with scientists snooping around narrow, deserted hallways. But a tucked-away location in the recesses of the Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) provided exactly what Yuri Efremenko was looking for.

Efremenko, an ORNL researcher and University of Tennessee at Knoxville professor, is the spokesperson for the COHERENT experiment, which is studying neutrinos. The team uses five particle detectors to identify a specific interaction between neutrinos and atomic nuclei. The most abundant particles in the universe, neutrinos are extremely light and have no electric charge. They interact very little with other particles. In fact, trillions pass through the Earth every second, leaving no impression. Needless to say, they're notoriously difficult to detect.

At first, the team surveyed a bustling area near the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), a DOE Office of Science user facility at ORNL in Tennessee. The neutrons the SNS produces drive 18 different instruments that surround the SNS like spokes on a wheel. The SNS also produces neutrinos, which fly off in all directions from the particle accelerator's target. But putting the neutrino detectors on the same floor as the SNS would expose the devices to background particles that would increase uncertainties.

"We were really fortunate to go into the basement one day," said David Dean, ORNL's Physics Division Director. After moving some water barrels to the side and conducting background tests, they were in business. The basement location would protect the machines from exposure to background particles. Once scientists installed the experiment's detectors, they nicknamed the hallway "Neutrino Alley."

The experiment, called COHERENT, poses a stark contrast to most other neutrino experiments. To catch a glimpse of these miniscule particles, most experiments use incredibly large machines, often in remote locations. One is located at the South Pole, while another shoots neutrino beams hundreds of miles to a far detector. Besides its mundane location, COHERENT's main detector is barely bigger than a milk jug. In fact, it's the smallest working neutrino detector in the world.

But COHERENT and a sister experiment at ORNL, PROSPECT, are showing that neutrino experiments don't have to be enormous to make big discoveries. These two modest experiments supported by DOE's Office of Science are poised to fill some major gaps in our understanding of this strange particle.

The Mysteries of the Neutrino

While neutrinos are some of the smallest particles in the universe, investigating them may reveal massive insights.

"Neutrinos tell us a tremendous amount about how the universe is created and held together," said Nathaniel Bowden, a scientist at DOE's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and co-spokesperson for PROSPECT. "There's no other way to answer a lot of the questions that we find ourselves having." Understanding how neutrinos interact may even help us understand why matterand everything made out of itexists at all.

But neutrinos haven't made answering these questions easy. There are three different types of neutrinos, each of which behaves differently. In addition, they change type as they travel. Some scientists have proposed a not-yet-seen particle called the sterile neutrino. Physicists theorize that if sterile neutrinos exist, they would interact with other particles even less than regular ones do. That would make them nearly impossible to detect.

But that's a big "if." A sterile neutrino would be the first particle not predicted by the Standard Model, physicists' summary of how the universe functions.

"Neutrinos may hold the clue to discovering particle physics beyond the Standard Model," said Karsten Heeger, a Yale University professor and co-spokesperson for PROSPECT.

Searching for a Coherent Answer with COHERENT

A team of scientists from ORNL, other DOE national laboratories, and universities designed the COHERENT experiment to identify a specific interaction between neutrinos and nuclei. While physicists had predicted this interaction more than 40 years ago, they had never detected it.

Most neutrinos only interact with individual protons and neutrons. But if a neutrino's energy is low enough, it should interact with an entire nucleus rather than its individual parts. Theorists proposed that when a low-energy neutrino approaches a nucleus, the two particles exchange an elementary particle called a Z boson. As the neutrino releases the Z boson, the neutrino bounces away. As the nucleus receives the Z boson, the nucleus recoils slightly. That interaction is called coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering.

Because most nuclei are much bigger than individual protons or neutrons, scientists should see this type of interaction more frequently than interactions driven by higher energy neutrinos. By "seeing" the tiny recoil energy, COHERENT's gallon-sized detectors make it possible for scientists to study neutrino properties.

Bjorn Scholz (left) from the University of Chicago and Grayson Rich of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory show off the world's smallest neutrino detector, which is part of the COHERENT experiment. Credit: US Department of Energy

"It's kind of cool that you could actually see an interaction of neutrinos with something you can hold in your hand," said Kate Scholberg, a Duke University professor and collaborator on COHERENT.

But none of this would be possible without ORNL's SNS. The neutrinos the SNS produces pass through concrete and gravel to reach ORNL's basement. They have just the right energy to induce this particular interaction. The SNS's pulsed beam also allows scientists to filter out background "noise" from other particles.

"There's quite a flux of neutrinos that was being wasted, at the SNS, so to speak. It is the perfect source for coherent scatteringthe cat's pajamas," said Juan Collar, a University of Chicago professor and collaborator on COHERENT.

After running for 15 months, COHERENT caught neutrinos in the act of handing off Z bosons 134 times.

Looking over his graduate student's shoulder as he crunched the data, Collar was thrilled to see that the results came out exactly as expected. "When we finally looked at the processed, full dataset, we went 'wheeeeeee!'" he said.

Measuring this phenomenon  neutrino-nucleus elastic scattering  gives physicists a new and versatile tool to understand neutrinos.

"It's opened our window to look for the physics beyond the Standard Model," said Efremenko.

Using this interaction, scientists may be better able to understand how supernovae explode and produce neutrinos.

While these detectors are mainly used for fundamental research, their tiny size could also be useful for other applications. Nuclear reactors produce different types and amounts of neutrinos, depending on whether they produce energy or weapons-grade material. A detector as small as COHERENT's could make the effort to monitor nuclear facilities much easier.

Finding Precision with PROSPECT

While COHERENT looked for a specific phenomenon, the PROSPECT experiment will focus on making incredibly precise measurements of neutrinos from a nuclear reactor as they change type. Past nuclear reactor experiments have resulted in measurements that depart from theory. The PROSPECT team has designed an experiment that can explore any discrepancies, eliminate possible sources of error, or even discover the sterile neutrino.

Compared to previous neutrino reactor experiments, PROSPECT will be able to more accurately measure the number and type of neutrinos, the distance they travel from the reactor, and their energy. PROSPECT differs from other experiments in that its detector has multiple sections instead of one single chamber. This allows scientists to measure and compare various neutrino oscillation lengths  that is, how far from the reactor neutrinos are changing type.

If sterile neutrinos exist, this detector design may also enable scientists to observe regular neutrinos transitioning into sterile neutrinos. In theory, this new form of neutrinos should appear at a specific distance from the detector core.

The High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), a DOE Office of Science user facility at ORNL, will provide PROSPECT with its neutrinos. Commercial nuclear reactors use a variety of uranium and plutonium fuels with different combinations of isotopes. This results in a broad spectrum of neutrino energies. That makes it difficult to pinpoint which isotopes are producing which neutrinos. As a research reactor, HFIR only uses one isotope of uranium: uranium-235. By measuring the antineutrinos from that single isotope, the PROSPECT team can better understand how all nuclear reactors produce neutrinos.

Scientists in the PROSPECT collaboration recently finished building a detector at Yale University's Wright Laboratory. While the active detector region is much bigger than COHERENT's milk-jug sized detector, it's still only four feet wide and weighs about five tons. Compared to detectors that weigh thousands of tons, this experiment too runs on the small side. Once PROSPECT is completed and in place, it will take data for three years.

While these experiments seem miniature in comparison to others, they could reveal answers about neutrinos that have been hiding from physicists for decades. It may just be a matter of scientists knowing where and how to look, even if that's down a seemingly ordinary storage hallway.

Explore further Solid start in the quest for an elusive particle
Bee visiting broad bean flowers. Credit: Royal Holloway, University of London

Scientists from Royal Holloway, University of London and the University of Cambridge have been taking part in an experiment to optimise broad beans to increase bee visitation rates; and their findings could benefit both the beans and the bees.

In research published in Ecology and Evolution, the researchers found that it might be possible to optimise broad bean plants (Vicia faba, also known as field beans) to produce flowers that are better for bees when they visit them, and also improve the quality or quantity of beans that plants produce.

Dr. Emily Bailes, lead author of the study from the School of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London, said: "We know there are certain things that affect how often bees will want to visit a particular flower. Things like the flower's colour, size and shape have an effect, as does how much pollen and nectar a flower produces. We wanted to do two things: work out how 'rewarding' it was for bees to visit broad bean crops, and then see if we could specifically breed broad bean plants to make them attractive as possible for bees. The way to do this is to look at their flowers."

After studying 208 different broad bean plants, and collecting data from more than 2,000 individual flowers, the researchers found that genetic differences are responsible for causing flowers to produce differing amounts of nectar and pollen  meaning that farmers and scientists may be able to ensure the variations of broad beans they plant, have more bee-appeal than current crops.

"This is good for a few reasons," explains Dr. Bailes. "Firstly, more than 70% of the most important crops grown around the world are reliant on animal pollinators (like bees), meaning they can produce more food when their flowers are visited by these pollinators. We might be able to apply this research to other crops, potentially increasing their yield and making them more bee-friendly.

"Secondly, protecting our bees has become increasingly important. By planting crops that are good food sources for bees, we can potentially help our bee populations living on agricultural land."

The researchers grew 30 different genetic lines of beans, growing multiple plants of each line. Growing them in a greenhouse, under controlled conditions, they were able to minimize any variations in the plants' environments. This meant that the differences they observed in the flowers were most likely due to genetic differences between the plants  which is something that can inform which variations of beans farmers should grow.

Prof Beverley Glover, senior author of the paper from the University of Cambridge said: "This potential to breed and plant crops that have a higher reward value for the bees could be used to increase the amount of food for bees available in agricultural land. This is beneficial for the environment, the bees, and farmers, especially when used in combination with wildflower strips to provide food at other times of the year."

In the UK, more than 125,000 tonnes of broad beans are produced every year and 192,000 ha of beans were grown in 2017.

Explore further Sick bees eat healthier
An aerial shot of the Vumbura Plains in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. NASA and Conservation International are partnering to map and value ecosystems in Botswana and other African countries that are members of the Gaborone Declaration for Sustainability in Africa. Credit: Conservation International/John McCormack

NASA and the nonprofit Conservation International are partnering to use global Earth observations from space to improve regional efforts that assess natural resources for conservation and sustainable management.

Under a three-year agreement signed on Feb. 22, NASA will support two Conservation International-led initiatives, one focused on land ecosystems in Africa, the other on water resources along the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. NASA researchers will analyze and model remote-sensing data from the agency's fleet of Earth-observing missions and commercial satellites, mapping ecosystems at regional and national scales. Satellite data, with its coverage of broad swaths of terrain, are critical for understanding the impacts of human activity on the environment.

The long-term goal of the NASA-Conservation International collaboration is to develop decision-making tools and practices based on satellite observations of Earth that can be used worldwide.

"Space-based remote-sensing systems provide critical benefits, since they enable fine-scale, accurate measurements to be made over the entire globe," said Woody Turner, NASA's program manager for ecological forecasting in the Science Mission Directorate's Earth Science Division. "With these initiatives, we aim to create and test standardized analysis approaches that can then be applied to ecosystems around the world, once again demonstrating the benefits to society of NASA's satellite data and research."

The first of the two Conservation International initiatives is the Gaborone Declaration for Sustainability in Africa, a commitment by member African nations and nongovernment entities to ensure that the contributions of the natural world to sustainable economic growth and human well-being are quantified and integrated into development and business practices. The second initiative is development of a Freshwater Health Index, a tool for evaluating the health and sustainability of freshwater resources to inform planning and management. A pilot program using the index is currently in place along the Mekong River.

Satellite-based rendering of Africa. Credit: NASA WorldView

The Gaborone Declaration was the result of the 2012 Summit for Sustainability in Africa held in Botswana, which brought together countries from around the continent to address the challenge of growing their economies while protecting their natural resources.

Conservation International helps coordinate implementation of the declaration, which aims to drive sustainable development in signatory countries through activities such as ecosystem accounting, which is a framework to value the goods and services that ecosystems provide.

For example, a forest may supply food for sustenance and commerce or support ecotourism jobs. A forest may also help other elements of the ecosystem such as rivers by preventing erosion, filtering sediment and drawing in rainfall.

Satellite-based rendering of the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. The river, part of which is viewable in the lower center of the map as a brown, curling line traversing north to south, flows through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before discharging into the South China Sea. Credit: NASA WorldView

A country's natural resource contributions are then assigned monetary values, allowing them to be considered alongside the values from more traditional economic sectors such as mining, agriculture and energy production to provide a more comprehensive economic accounting.

By using remote-sensing measurements and advanced analysis techniques to make detailed maps of hundreds of thousands of square miles of ecosystems, NASA is contributing to the first critical step in the framework. "Space-based remote sensing is essential because these areas are very large," said Turner. "By applying NASA's integrated Earth systems science approach, we're also able to show how air and fresh water quality, along with biodiversity, are connected within and across these vast ecosystems. Conservation International contributes the economic theory that allows valuation of the natural systems."

"At the moment, few of these natural resources are incorporated into national statistics, and as a result, they are absent from macroeconomic indicators that countries rely on for important policy- and decision-making," said Daniel Juhn, a vice president for Conservation International. "The potential for using ecosystem accounting as a means of treating nature as an economic sector is compelling. So far 13 governments in Africa have signed on to this because they see the value in this information to help transform their economies to better achieve their sustainable development goals."

The other collaborative sustainable growth initiative, the Freshwater Health Index, is a web-based decision-support tool that allows users to monitor the health of major freshwater systems and other interdependent ecosystems. The index provides detailed insight into the tradeoffs of various human impacts and identifies high-priority, high-leverage human actions that improve the economic contributions of fresh water ecosystems.

Person fishing at sunset on Tonle Sap Lake, near Akal village in Cambodia. Tonle Sap, which feeds into the Mekong River, is an important food and economic resource for surrounding populations but is threatened by overpopulation, overfishing, dam development and more. NASA and Conservation International are partnering to map ecosystems connected to and including Mekong River to develop tools for evaluating the impacts of such threats as well as potential interventions on the entire Mekong Basin. Credit: Conservation International/Kristin Harrison and Jeremy Ginsberg

As part of their pilot program along the Mekong River, Conservation International has worked with governments and other stakeholders to implement policies that preserve forests and associated ecosystems that sustain the river, adopt sustainable fishing practices and support industries such as ecotourism that provide economic value while also preserving natural resources.

The Mekong River, which flows through several countries before discharging into the South China Sea, provides food and employment for hundreds of millions of people. Overfishing, dam development and deforestation, among other activities, have threatened the livelihoods of those who depend on the river's resources.

Much of the work to date with the Freshwater Health Index has been targeted at local decisions and impacts, with collaboration between representatives from villages, provinces and national agencies. NASA has already collaborated with Conservation International to develop models that allow decision-makers to evaluate the impacts of proposed dam construction on fisheries and water allocation. Conservation International now plans to apply NASA's remote-sensing techniques to scale up its efforts to the entire Mekong basin, with an aim toward developing models that can forecast the outcomes of climate change scenarios.

"There's demand from our partners in Asia for tools to model the impacts of climate change on the Mekong basin," said Derek Vollmer, senior director of freshwater science for Conservation International. "What impact would a drought or more variable precipitation have on various freshwater indicators? I see a large role for NASA in lending its expertise in crafting and analyzing the impacts of these climate scenarios."

For more than five decades, NASA has used the vantage point of space to understand and explore our home planet, improve lives and safeguard our future. NASA brings together technology, science and unique global Earth observations to provide societal benefits and strengthen our nation.
Credit: kavalenkau, Shutterstock

Against a backdrop of increased concern about the safety of traded cargo across Europe, the EU-funded IRON project has developed a handheld device for sub-parts per billion (ppb) gas detection based on proprietary mid-infrared laser spectroscopy, combined with patented photoacoustic technology.

Existing devices to analyse toxic gases and air pollutants are limited in terms of their size, performance, versatility and usability. The EU-funded IRON project has developed a miniaturised detector that offers both sensitivity and selectivity to reliably and simultaneously detect small concentrations of multiple gases. This enables a range of new applications from cargo container safety monitoring to explosives detection, opening up possibilities within the growing green economy.

The IRON project solution's reliable detection of small concentrations of hazardous gases has resulted in the introduction of new products to the market including GASERA ONE SHED and GASERA FORMALDEHYDE.

From fixed mount analysers to portable, handheld instruments

The project's technology allows users to simultaneously measure small concentration of gases. As a project member and CEO of Gasera, Dr. Ismo Kauppinen explains, "High selectivity and high sensitivity for multi-gas measurement enables us to provide very competitive technology useful in a number of scenarios such as emission testing in the automotive industry or for formaldehyde measurements in air quality applications."

The device works by sealing sample gas in a measurement chamber. To enable identification, a laser is then used to irradiate the gas with infrared light at frequencies corresponding to those found in known gas molecules. If the sample gas is present in the chamber, some of the infrared energy is then absorbed by the gas, resulting in a localised increase of heat energy, pressure and temperature. This matching process results in the photoacoustic chamber creating acoustic waves of the same frequency, which are then converted into electric signals for a microphone using patented cantilever technology, 100 times more sensitive than conventional microphones.

As well as being at the frontier of high-end technology, utilising many new components such as lasers, the IRON project solution also exploits technology associated with the Internet of Things. To deliver comprehensive monitoring it uses a cloud based platform to cater for data analysis from a variety of instruments, alongside engaging a variety of communications architectures.

The project has successfully tapped into a pre-existing market for portable analysis devices which require laboratory grade performance. It did so by not focusing exclusively on technical development but also on identifying users' requirements and expectations, especially relating to cargo handling. This enabled the team to develop a unique, scalable monitoring solution that integrated value-added features such as longer battery operation time, shorter measurement time, an avoidance of toxic gas consumables, online analysis and automated notification about hazardous concentrations.

Explaining why there are few solutions currently available Dr. Kauppinen points out, "Awareness of the problem is rather low and so the relevant regulations are not in place which means that comprehensive solutions exist presently only in selected ports." He adds that, "We expect this to change during the coming years as EU policies are expected to improve the safety of international trading."

Sustainable progress without compromising the environment, safety or well-being

The IRON project's technological developments have already contributed to world-class automotive emissions testing (SHED) and air quality measurements which can identify small concentrations of formaldehyde, usually a very difficult process. The same technology can also be applied to scenarios where the presence of multiple gas components is a huge challenge, including: cargo container safety, indoor air quality monitoring, hidden person detection, explosives and narcotics detection.

Combined these applications direct IRON's current market offering, significantly supporting the EU's safe trading initiatives for consumer protection, social rights and environmental rules. In the shorter term as Dr. Kauppinen says, "We will continually improve our algorithmics with more on-site tests, where laboratory tests are available for comparison. We expect this to get easier as awareness about cargo and warehouse safety grows."

Explore further Device for the simultaneous measurement of gases that reduce indoor air quality
At some locations in the crystal lattice, a carbon atom (white) is missing, and at the neighbouring site there is a nitrogen atom (yellow). Credit: Vienna University of Technology

Storing information in a quantum memory system is a difficult challenge, as the data is usually quickly lost. At TU Wien, ultra-long storage times have now been achieved using tiny diamonds.

With quantum particles, information can be stored and manipulated  this is the basis of many very promising technologies, such as extremely sensitive quantum sensors, quantum communication or even quantum computers. There is, however, a significant problem: it is difficult to store information in a quantum physical system for a long period of time. The quantum information tends to dissipate within fractions of a second due to interactions with the environment.

At TU Wien it has now been possible to store quantum information for hours at a time using special diamonds. This makes the quantum information even more stable than the conventional information stored in the working memory of our computers. The results of this research have now been published in the journal Nature Materials.

Diamonds with defects

A special quantum system is being utilised at TU Wien, which has been sparking great interest all over the world. "We are using tiny diamonds intentionally seeded with small defects," says Johannes Majer, Research Group Leader at the Institute of Atomic and Subatomic Physics at TU Wien. Normally a diamond is composed only of carbon atoms. By irradiating the diamond, it is possible to introduce a nitrogen atom into the diamond structure in place of a carbon atom at certain points, which then leaves an unoccupied point in the crystal lattice next to it. This "lattice defect" is known as an NV- centre or nitrogen-vacancy centre. The nitrogen atom and the empty site can assume different states, so this lattice defect site can be used to store an information quantum bit.

The microwave resonator with the diamond in the middle. Because of the lattice defects, the diamond is black. Credit: Vienna University of Technology

The decisive issue is for how long this information remains stable. "The time scale in which a quantum bit typically loses its energy and with it the stored information is technologically one of the most important characteristics of such a quantum bit," explains Thomas Astner, the lead author of the publication. "Understanding precisely the reason for the energy loss and the speed of this process is therefore crucial."

For the first time, scientists at the Institute of Atomic and Subatomic Physics at TU Wien have now been able to experimentally determine the characteristic period during which the diamond errors lose their quantum information. The diamonds were coupled to microwaves so that quantum information can be written and read. The special microwave resonator used for this purpose was developed by Andreas Angerer at TU Wien in 2016. It can be used to determine, with great precision, how much energy is still being stored in the diamond.

Record times

The measurements were carried out at very low temperatures, just above the absolute zero temperature, at 20 millikelvins. Heat would disturb the system environment and erase the quantum information. It became apparent that the diamonds can store their information over several hours, much longer than was thought possible. "The information in the D-RAM chip of an ordinary computer memory is much less stable. There the energy is lost within a few hundred milliseconds, meaning that the information then has to be refreshed," says Johannes Majer.

Not all diamonds with defects offer the same storage periods. The record is held by a special diamond manufactured by the team working with Junichi Isoya at the University of Tsukuba in Japan. It was irradiated with electrons over several months to generate as many N-V centre defects as possible without introducing any other detrimental effects. A quantum storage period of 8 hours could be measured in this diamond.

"Initially we could hardly believe these wonderful results," says Johannes Majer. The phenomenon was therefore investigated thoroughly using computer simulations. Johannes Gugler and Professor Peter Mohn (also at TU Wien) carried out complex calculations that led to the explanation that the extraordinary stability of diamond quantum storage is due to the particularly stiff diamond lattice. "Whereas other materials display lattice vibrations that can rapidly lead to the loss of the information stored, the coupling of quantum information to the lattice vibrations is very weak in diamonds and energy can be stored for hours," says Thomas Astner.

Explore further Diamonds coupled using quantum physics

More information: T. Astner et al. Solid-state electron spin lifetime limited by phononic vacuum modes, Nature Materials (2018). Journal information: Nature Materials T. Astner et al. Solid-state electron spin lifetime limited by phononic vacuum modes,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41563-017-0008-y
Thought to be the world's last-remaining 'wild' horse, Przewalski's horses actually descend from horses domesticated by the Botai people about 5,500 years ago. Credit: Lee Boyd

There are no such things as "wild" horses anymore.

Research published in Science today overturns a long-held assumption that Przewalski's horses, native to the Eurasian steppes, are the last wild horse species on Earth. Instead, phylogenetic analysis shows Przewalski's horses are feral, descended from the earliest-known instance of horse domestication by the Botai people of northern Kazakhstan some 5,500 years ago.

Further, the new paper finds that modern domesticated horses didn't descend from the Botai horses, an assumption previously held by many scientists.

"This was a big surprise," said co-author Sandra Olsen, curator-in-charge of the archaeology division of the Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum at the University of Kansas, who led archaeological work at known Botai villages. "I was confident soon after we started excavating Botai sites in 1993 that we had found the earliest domesticated horses. We went about trying to prove it, but based on DNA results Botai horses didn't give rise to today's modern domesticated horsesthey gave rise to the Przewalski's horse."

The findings signify there are no longer true "wild" horses left, only feral horses that descend from horses once domesticated by humans, including Przewalski's horses and mustangs that descend from horses brought to North America by the Spanish.

"This means there are no living wild horses on Earththat's the sad part," said Olsen. "There are a lot of equine biologists who have been studying Przewalskis, and this will be a big shock to them. They thought they were studying the last wild horses. It's not a real loss of biodiversitybut in our minds, it is. We thought there was one last wild species, and we're only just now aware that all wild horses went extinct."

Some of the Botai horses were found to carry genetic variants causing white and leopard coat spotting patterns. Credit: Ludovic Orlando, reworked by Sean Goddard and Alan Outram.

Many of the horse bones and teeth Olsen excavated at two Botai sites in Kazakhstan, called Botai and Krasnyi Yar, were used in the phylogenetic analysis. The international team of researchers behind the paper sequenced the genomes of 20 horses from the Botai and 22 horses from across Eurasia that spanned the last 5,500 years. They compared these ancient horse genomes with already published genomes of 18 ancient and 28 modern horses.

"Phylogenetic reconstruction confirmed that domestic horses do not form a single monophyletic group as expected if descending from Botai," the authors wrote. "Earliest herded horses were the ancestors of feral Przewalski's horses but not of modern domesticates."

Olsen said the findings give rise to a new scientific quest: locating the real origins of today's domesticated horses.

"What's interesting is that we have two different domestication events from slightly different species, or separate sub-species," she said. (The Przewalski's horse's taxonomic position is still debated.) "It's thought that modern-day domesticated horses came from Equus ferus, the extinct European wild horse. The problem is they were thought to have existed until the early 1900s. But, the remains of two individuals in St. Petersburg, Russia, are probably feral, too, or at least probably had some domesticated genes."

Olsen led excavation of Botai sites associated with the earliest-known domestication of horses. Credit: Sandra Olsen

Olsen began excavating Botai village sites in Kazakhstan in 1993 after the fall of the Soviet Union made the region accessible to western scientists. Some of the horse remains collected by Olsen were tested as part of the new study showing their ancestry of modern-day Przewalskis.

The Botai's ancestors were nomadic hunters until they became the first-known culture to domesticate horses around 5,500 years ago, using horses for meat, milk, work and likely transportation.

"Once they domesticated horses they became sedentary, with large villages of up to 150 or more houses," said Olsen, who specializes in zooarchaeology, or the study of animal remains from ancient human occupation sites. "They lived primarily on horse meat, and they had no agriculture. We had several lines of evidence that supported domestication. The fact the Botai were sedentary must have meant they had domesticated animals, or plants, which they didn't have. More than 95 percent of the bones from the Botai sites were from horsesthey were in a sense mono-cropping one species with an incredible focus. If they were hunting horses on foot, they would have quickly depleted bands of horses in the vicinity of the villages and would have had to go farther afield to huntit wouldn't have been feasible or supported that large human population."

The KU researcher also cited bone artifacts from Botai sites used to make rawhide thongs that might have been fashioned into bridles, lassos, whips, riding crops and hobbles, as further evidence of horse domestication. Moreover, the Botai village sites include horse corrals.

"We found a corral that contained high levels of nitrogen and sodium from manure and urine," said Olsen. "It was very concentrated within that corral. The final smoking gun was finding residues of mares' milk in the pottery. It's commonplace today in Mongolia and Kazakhstan to milk horseswhen it's fermented it has considerable nutritional value and is very high in vitamins."

The Botai buried horses with their snouts pointing southeast toward the rising sun. Credit: Sandra Olsen

Interestingly, Olsen found that after slaughtering horses, the Botai buried some horse skulls and necks in pits with their snouts facing the southeast, toward where the sun rose in the morning in autumn. Mongols and Kazakhs slaughter most of their horses at that time of year because that is when they retain the most amount of nutritious fat in their bodies.

"It's interesting because throughout the Indo-European diaspora there's a strong connection between the sun god and the horse," she said. "It may be that Botai people spoke an early proto-Indo-European language, and they also connected the horse to the sun god. Later in time, and this idea is in the historical record for the Indo-European diaspora, it was believed the sun god was born in the east and rode across the sky in a chariot, pulled by white horses. According to the belief, he would then die in the west and be reborn every day."

The team behind the paper believe Przewalski's horses likely escaped from domestic Botai herds in eastern Kazakhstan or western Mongolia.

Excavation at the Botai site, Northern Kazakhstan, 2017. Credit: Alan Outram / University of Exeter

"They started developing a semi-wild lifestyle like our mustangs, but they still have a wild appearance," Olsen said. "This is partly why biologists assumed they were genuinely wild animals. They have an upright mane, something associated with wild equids. They also have a dun coat, like the ones you see in the Ice Age cave paintings in France and Spain made when horses were wild. Their size, however, is very similar to what you see at Botai and other sites."

By 1969, Przewalski's horses were declared extinct in the wild, and all living today originated from just 15 individuals captured around 1900. Today, there are approximately 2,000 Przewalski's horses, all descended from those captured horses, and they have been reintroduced on the Eurasian steppes. In a sense, the horses have fared better than the peoples who once domesticated them.

"The Botai people seem to have vanished from their homeland in northern Kazakhstan," said Olsen. "Perhaps they migrated eastward to Mongolia since the later Bronze Age people there shared the practice of ritually burying the horse's head and neck pointing toward the rising sun in the autumn, the time of year they were slaughtered. That's a very specific shared trait."

More information: C. Gaunitz el al., "Ancient genomes revisit the ancestry of domestic and Przewalski's horses," Science (2018). Journal information: Science C. Gaunitz el al., "Ancient genomes revisit the ancestry of domestic and Przewalski's horses,"(2018). science.sciencemag.org/lookup/  1126/science.aao3297
Bolinas Lagoon in 2009. Credit: Public Domain

On one side, there's the rising ocean. On the other, rising buildings.

Squeezed between the two are California's salt marshesa unique ecosystem filled with pickleweed and cordgrass, shorebirds and many endangered species.

Coastal wetlands such as Bolinas Lagoon in Marin County, the marshes along Morro Bay and the ecological preserve in Newport Beach can purify the air, cleanse urban runoff before it flows into the sea and reduce flooding by absorbing storm surges like a sponge.

But there's little room left for this ecosystem along the changing Pacific Coast, as the sea continues to rise and Californians continue to develop the shore. Southern California today has already lost three-quarters of its salt marshes.

The rest could be gone within 100 years. Salt marshes in California and Oregon could disappear entirely by 2110, according to a new study by a team of scientists led by the U.S. Geological Survey. Only a few might survive in Washington. The research quantifies for the first time the fate of this entire ecosystem on the West Coast, based on current projections of sea level rise.

"We're essentially drowning the marshes," said Glen MacDonald, a University of California, Los Angeles professor of geography and one of the authors of the study. "If we stay on the same carbon pathway that we are on now, and we take a look at conservative estimates of sea level rise, we would see California vegetated salt marshes we know today, Oregon vegetated salt marshes we know today, 100 percent gone by the first decade of the 22nd century."

The study, published Wednesday in Science Advances, examines 14 major estuaries along the West Coast, from the marshes of Port Susan Bay in northern Washington down to the Tijuana River Estuary.

Marsh by marsh, over the course of many years, scientists measured elevation, tidal flooding, the distribution of vegetation and rates of sedimentation. Using sea level projections by the National Research Council, they designed a sophisticated model to project how each marsh would fare. By even the most conservative measures, the damage was significantespecially in California.

Coastal marshes naturally adapt to sea level rise by migrating inland through a process called transgression. But by building the Pacific Coast Highway and developing up to the edge of basically every marsh, Californians have drawn a line in the sand.

"Think about Seal Beach, think about Carpinteria," MacDonald said. "You have expensive housing, you have commercial developments, you have our major coastal highways, the railroad, basically hemming in those marshes."

The building of dams, channelizing rivers and paving roads have also cut off the natural amount of sediment that flow through these marshes and into the ocean, which would add the vertical height these marshes need to fight sea level rise.

This coastal squeeze is also eroding beaches. A USGS study last spring projected that up to two-thirds of Southern California's beaches could disappear by 2100 because of similar pressures from sea level rise and human interruptions to sediment flow.

California's marshes are already at a disadvantage compared to the East Coast and Gulf Coast, researchers noted, because of the steep cliffs along much of the coastline.

"Naturally, even without the people, there's limited opportunities for the marshes to adjust by moving inland," said Richard Ambrose of UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, another author of the study. "But even in places like Newport or Morro Bay, where there might be places naturally for them to move, we've got the roads and we've got buildings. ... Adding humans on top of our natural coastline gives these marshes really nowhere to go."

Beyond losing the hundreds of species that depend on this unique ecosystem, Ambrose said, the disappearance of these marshes would have a devastating impact on flood protection.

When there's this buffer of vegetation between land and sea, a storm surge cannot build up as much, he said. During Hurricane Katrina, for example, there was significant flooding in areas that once had marshes.

"Louisiana lost miles and miles and miles of wetland, and lost it for two main reasons: One is they channelized the Mississippi River," Ambrose said. "The other is all the oil and gas developmentthey dug a bunch of canals, which cut up the wetlands and made it easier for the wetlands to drown."

USGS research ecologist Karen Thorne, the study's lead author, said the new research provides a modeling tool and a more concrete time-frame for policymakers on what must be done to conserve these marshes.

One option, which Thorne and others are studying, involves adding thin layers of sediment to a salt marsh plain to increase its elevation. But this approach is expensive and must be repeated to keep pace with sea level rise.

Another option, albeit less popular, would be for officials to strategically acquire property along the coast and keep it open for marshes to migrate inland. In the northern San Francisco Bay, for example, farmers have been retiring their lands to Sonoma Land Trust and fish and wildlife agencies. In 2015, a levee at Sears Point Ranch was breached to allow salt water to fill a 1,000-acre tidal marsh basin for the first time in more than a century.

"Are there other places where we can say, 'Yeah, we have some development here, but the cost of protecting it is going to be so high, whereas saving the marsh is compensation for the loss of that developed landscape?'" MacDonald said.

MacDonald often thinks back to his first day of field research, in the Tijuana River Estuary, one of Southern California's last salt marshes. He marveled at the vast landscape, the undercurrent of life and the majestic shorebirds taking flight.

"You really absorb just the beauty of these marshes and their importanceand then to realize, we could be among the last generations in California to see these ecosystems," he said. "It's unbelievably sobering."

Explore further Normal weather drives salt marsh erosion

More information: K. Thorne el al., "U.S. Pacific coastal wetland resilience and vulnerability to sea-level rise," Science Advances (2018). advances.sciencemag.org/content/4/2/eaao3270 Journal information: Science Advances K. Thorne el al., "U.S. Pacific coastal wetland resilience and vulnerability to sea-level rise,"(2018). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aao3270

2018 Los Angeles Times

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The argument against echo chambers is well documented: helped by social media algorithms, we are increasingly choosing to interact in safe spaces, with people who think and act like us - effectively preaching our opinions to the converted. As a result, this behaviour is distorting our world view and, in the process, our ability to compromise, which in turn, stimulates political polarisation. However, new Oxford University research suggests that social media and the internet are not the root of today's fragmented society, and echo chambers may not be the threat they are perceived to be. In fact most people use multiple media outlets and social media platforms, meaning that only a small proportion of the population, at most, is influenced by echo chambers.

While the internet is of course the home of social media, it is also a hub of other media choices. These include online news websites and links to print newspapers and magazines, as well as offline media such as TV and radio platforms. Many of our conversations with friends and family also take place online, via our social media and email platforms.

Using a random sample of adult internet users in the UK, researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute and the University of Ottawa examined people's media choices, and how much they influenced their interaction with echo chambers, against six key variables: gender, income, ethnicity, age, breadth of media use and political interest. The findings reveal that rather than encouraging the use and development of echo chambers, the breadth of multimedia available actually makes it easier for people to avoid them.

Dr Grant Blank, co-author and research fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute, said: "Whatever the causes of political polarisation today, it is not social media or the internet. "If anything, most people use the internet to broaden their media horizons. We found evidence that people actively look to confirm the information that they read online, in a multitude of ways. They mainly do this by using a search engine to find offline media and validate political information. In the process they often encounter opinions that differ from their own and as a result whether they stumbled across the content passively or use their own initiative to search for answers while double checking their "facts," some changed their own opinion on certain issues." The research shows that respondents used an average of four different media sources, and had accounts on three different social media platforms. The more media outlets people used, the more they tended to avoid echo chambers.

While age, income, ethnicity nor gender were found to significantly influence the likelihood of being in an echo chamber, political interest significantly did. Those with a keen political interest were most likely to be opinion leaders who others turn to for political information. Compared with the less politically inclined, these people were found to be media junkies, who consumed political content wherever they could find it, and as a result of this diversity they were less likely to be in an echo chamber.

Dr Elizabeth Dubois, co-author and Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa, said: "Our results show that most people are not in a political echo chamber. The people at risk are those who depend on only a single medium for political news and who are not politically interested: about 8% of the population. However, because of their lack of political engagement, their opinions are less formative and their influence on others is likely to be comparatively small."

Explore further A 'stranglehold' on the data that could help explain political extremism
NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope is a powerful space observatory that opens a wide window on the universe. Primordial black holes are a potential source of gamma rays, the highest-energy form of light. Credit: NASA

Some theories of the early universe predict density fluctuations that would have created small "primordial black holes," some of which could be drifting through our galactic neighborhood today and might even be bright sources of gamma rays.

Researchers analyzing data from the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope for evidence of nearby primordial black holes have come up empty, but their negative findings still allow them to put an upper limit on the number of these tiny black holes that might be lurking in the vicinity of Earth.

"Understanding how many primordial black holes are around today can help us understand the early universe better," said Christian Johnson, a graduate student in physics at UC Santa Cruz who developed an algorithm to search data from Fermi's Large Area Telescope (LAT) for the signatures of primordial black holes. Johnson is a corresponding author of a paper on the findings that has been accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal.

Low-mass black holes are expected to emit gamma rays due to Hawking radiation, a theoretical prediction from the work of physicist Stephen Hawking and others. Hawking showed that quantum effects can give rise to particle-antiparticle pairs near the event horizon of a black hole, allowing one of the particles to fall into the black hole and the other to escape. The result is that the black hole emits radiation and loses mass.

A small black hole that isn't absorbing enough from its environment to offset the losses from Hawking radiation will steadily lose mass and eventually evaporate entirely. The smaller it gets, the brighter it "burns," emitting more and more Hawking radiation before exploding in a final cataclysm. Previous searches for primordial black holes using ground-based gamma-ray observatories have looked for these brief explosions, but Fermi should be able to detect the "burn phase" occurring over a period of several years.

A limitation of the Fermi search was that it could only extend a relatively short distance from Earth (a small fraction of the distance to the nearest star). The advantage of looking nearby, however, is that primordial black holes could be distinguished from other sources of gamma rays by their movement on the sky.

"It's like looking at the sky at night and trying to decide if something is an airplane or a star," Johnson explained. "If it's an airplane, it will move, and if it's a star it will stay put."

Any primordial black holes still around today would have started out much larger and have been gradually losing mass for billions of years. To detect one with Fermi, it would have to have reached the final burn phase during the roughly four-year observation period of the study. Over a period of a few years, it would go from undetectably dim to extremely bright, and would burn brightly for several years before exploding, Johnson said.

"Even though we didn't detect any, the non-detection sets a limit on the rate of explosions and gives us better constraints than previous research," he said.

Explore further Study shows first evidence of winds outside black holes throughout their mealtimes

More information: Search for Gamma-Ray Emission from Local Primordial Black Holes with the Fermi Large Area Telescope, arXiv:1802.00100 [astro-ph.HE] Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Search for Gamma-Ray Emission from Local Primordial Black Holes with the Fermi Large Area Telescope, arXiv:1802.00100 [astro-ph.HE] arxiv.org/abs/1802.00100
This photomicrograph of a blood smear contains a macro- and microgametocyte of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. Credit: Wikipedia.

One of the biggest obstacles to eradicating malaria is a dormant form of the parasite that lurks in the livers of some patients. This dormant form is resistant to most antimalarial drugs and can reawaken months or years later, causing disease relapse.

Malaria researchers know little about the biology of these dormant parasites, so it has been difficult to develop drugs that target them. In an advance that could help scientist discover new drugs, MIT researchers have shown they can grow the dormant parasite in engineered human liver tissue for several weeks, allowing them to closely study how the parasite becomes dormant, what vulnerabilities it may have, and how it springs back to life.

After verifying that they had successfully cultivated the dormant form of the parasite, the researchers showed that they could also sequence its RNA and test its response to known and novel antimalarial drugsboth important steps toward finding ways to eradicate the disease.

"After 10 years of hard work, we were able to grow the organism, show it had all the functional hallmarks, perform a drug screen against it, and report the first transcriptome of this elusive form. I'm really excited because I believe it will open the door to both the basic biology of dormancy as well as the possibility of better medicines," says Sangeeta Bhatia, the John and Dorothy Wilson Professor of Health Sciences and Technology and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Bhatia is also a member of MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, and the senior author of the study.

MIT graduate student Nil Gural is the first author of the paper, which appears in the Feb. 22 issue of the journal Cell Host and Microbe.

Persistent infections

Most human cases of malaria are caused by one of two parasite species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Plasmodium vivax, while less deadly, produces dormant forms known as hypnozoites (so called because they are "hypnotized"), and can lead to recurring infections.

In 1991, Aneityum, a small island in the Southwest Pacific, was chosen as a site to test possible measures to eradicate malaria. Researchers sprayed against mosquito larvae and supplied bed nets and malaria medicine across the entire island. These efforts led to the complete eradication of Plasmodium falciparum within a year. In contrast, it took five years to eliminate Plasmodium vivax.

"This dormant form has been seen as the critical barrier to eradication," Bhatia says. "You can treat the symptoms of vivax malaria by killing all the parasites in the blood, but if hypnozoites linger in someone's liver, these forms can reactivate and reinfect the blood of a patient. If a mosquito comes along and takes a blood meal, the cycle starts all over again. So, if we want to eradicate malaria, we have to eradicate the hypnozoite."

The only existing drug that can kill hypnozoites is primaquine, but this drug cannot be used in large-scale eradication campaigns because it causes blood cells to rupture in people with a certain enzyme deficiency.

Bhatia's team became aware of this problem in 2008, when the World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation called for a renewed effort to eradicate malaria, which infects more than 200 million people every year and killed an estimated 429,000 in 2015. Her lab is working with special micropatterned surfaces on which human liver cells can be grown, surrounded by supportive cells. This architecture creates a microenvironment in which human liver cells function much the same way as they do in humans, making it easier to establish, maintain, and study infections of the liver.

Bhatia, who initially used this technology to model hepatitis infections, realized it was also well-suited to studying the liver stage of malaria. She and her malaria team lead, Sandra March, began with Plasmodium falciparum, the strain that can be cultured in lab settings, and found that parasites grown in these liver tissue followed the same life cycle observed in natural infections. They also found that the system could be used to test responses to experimental malaria vaccines.

Following that success, Bhatia's lab began working with Plasmodium vivax. Efforts to bring the parasite-infected mosquitoes into the United States were unsuccessful, so Gural, the paper's lead author, traveled to collaborator Jetsumon Prachumsri's lab in Thailand repeatedly to obtain samples from infected patients and perform the experiments there.

Using their new technology, the researchers showed that they could grow small forms of the parasite that had all of the known features of hypnozoites: persistence, sensitivity to primaquine, and the ability to "wake up" after a few weeks.

New drug targets

Once the researchers were confident that these forms were actually hypnozoites, they set out to do some further studies. First, they obtained six candidate antimalarials now in development and tested them for activity against their Plasmodium vivax samples. They found that none of them could kill established hypnozoites, which was what they had expected based on clinical trials. They now plan to test a larger set of new compounds, working with the nonprofit group Medicines for Malaria Venture, which has a collection of thousands of drug candidates.

Working with scientists at the Swanson Biotechnology Center at the Koch Institute and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, the MIT team performed the first sequencing of the hypnozoite transcriptome. No one had been able to look this closely at hypnozoites before, and RNA sequencing revealed that the dormant forms were not transcriptionally silent, as had been expected, but instead express a different subset of genes than those found in their active counterparts.

In future studies, Bhatia, in collaboration with other MIT labs, plans to use single cell RNA-sequencing to identify gene signatures to uncover the signaling pathways that control hypnozoite dormancy and reactivation. The researchers will also study corresponding changes in gene expression of the infected liver cells. This approach could yield potential new drug candidates that would specifically target the dormant forms of the parasite, bringing the field closer to its goal of eradicating malaria. The researchers also hope to identify biomarkers that could be used to diagnose patients who have an otherwise undetectable dormant infection.

Explore further New way to target an old foe: Malaria
This map shows fishing activity by vessels broadcasting the automatic identification system. Credit: University of California - Santa Barbara

The global fishing fleet is so big it can be seen from space. Really.

Fishing activity now covers at least 55 percent of the world's oceansfour times the land area covered by agricultureand can now be monitored, in near real time, to the level of individual vessels. In fact, 70,000 vessels of the global fishing fleet traveled 460 million kilometers in 2016, equivalent to traveling to the moon and back 600 times.

Using satellite tracking, machine learning and common ship-tracking technology, scientists from UC Santa Barbara teamed up with colleagues at Global Fishing Watch, National Geographic Society's Pristine Sea project, Dalhousie University, SkyTruth, Google and Stanford University to illuminate the extent of global fishingdown to single vessel movements and hourly activity. Their findings appear in the journal Science.

"I think most people will be surprised that until now we didn't really know where people were fishing in vast swaths of the ocean," said co-author Christopher Costello, a professor at UCSB's Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. "This new real-time dataset will be instrumental in designing improved management of the world's oceans that is good for the fish, ecosystems and fishermen."

Activity tracks for different types of fishing vessels over one calendar year. AIS tracks, recorded by satellites, of a trawler (blue line), a purse seiner (green line) and longliner (red line). The trawler covered approximately 48,000 km, the purse seiner 72,000 km, and the longliner 94,000 km in one year. Purse seiners target mainly schooling species from small sardines to ocean-going tuna. Longliners target mainly pelagic (ocean-going) species such as tuna, shark and billfish. Trawlers target mainly demersal species close to the sea floor such as flatfish, crab and rays. Credit: Global Fishing Watch

While the dataset is hundreds of times higher in resolution than previous global surveys, the total area of the ocean fished is likely higher than the 55 percent estimated. That's because some fishing efforts in regions of poor satellite coverage or in exclusive economic zones with a low percentage of vessels using the automatic identification system (AIS) were not included.

The team used machine learning technology to analyze 22 billion messages publicly broadcasted from vessels' AIS positions from 2012 to 2016, to answer the question, "What drives commercial fishing behavior?" Based solely on vessel movement patterns, the Global Fishing Watch algorithm was able to identify more than 70,000 commercial fishing vessels, the sizes and engine powers of these vessels, what type of fishing they engaged in, and when and where they fished down to the hour and kilometer.

This new global view of fishing draws on advances in satellite technology and big data processing.

More than 40 million hours of fishing activity was observed in 2016, and while most nations appeared to fish predominantly within their own exclusive economic zones, China, Spain, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea accounted for 85 percent of the observed fishing on the high seas.

Credit: Global Fishing Watch

"This dataset provides such high-level resolution on fishing activity that we can even see cultural patterns, such as when fishermen in different regions take time off," said co-author Juan Mayorga, a project scientist in the Sustainable Fisheries Group at the Bren School and with NatGeo's Pristine Seas. For example, in the Chinese fishing fleetthe largest in the worldduring Chinese New Year fishing activity is reduced to levels comparable to those during seasonal bans enforced by the government.

The investigative team also found that when and where fishing occurs are tied more to politics and culture than to natural cycles such as fish migrations and marine food production. "Our analysis demonstrated that policies, cultures and economics play a huge role in driving fishing behavior," Costello said.

"In addition, we examined whether fishing diminished when fuel prices were high and found a weak response," he added. "These are the kinds of things about which we've always speculated but haven't ever been able to testuntil now."

The resulting interactive mapwhich is freely available to the publicshows a near real-time view of the fishing patterns of individual vessels and fleets. This allows anyone to see what is going on in their own backyard and to observe where policy boundaries are in place and where they are not.

Maps of total fishing effort, with a dark theme and a light theme. Credit: Global Fishing Watch

"By making this data public, we are providing governments, management bodies and researchers with the information needed to make transparent and well-informed decisions to better regulate fishing activities and reach conservation and sustainability goals," Mayorga said.

The study not only opens a gateway for improved ocean management but also confirms that fishing activity is clearly bounded according to differing management regimes, which indicates the role that well-enforced policy can play in curbing overexploitation.

"This collaboration opens up myriad research opportunities," Costello explained. "We are leveraging the products developed by Global Fishing Watch to address new and important research questions that will improve fisheries sustainability around the world."

More information: D.A. Kroodsma el al., "Tracking the global footprint of fisheries," Science (2018). Journal information: Science D.A. Kroodsma el al., "Tracking the global footprint of fisheries,"(2018). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi  1126/science.aao5646
The enzyme that produces DNA building blocks plays an important role when cells divide. In a new study, researchers have discovered for the first time that the so-called master switch of the enzyme can change locationswhile still performing the same task.

All life forms need to create new cells in order to grow or to replace old cells. But before a cell can divide, it must copy its entire genome. This is where the enzyme in question comes into play. The enzyme, RNR, produces the building blocks required for DNA replication. When copying DNA, it is important to have precisely the right amount of the four different types of building blocks. Too much or too little of any of them causes mutations that may eventually lead to cancer.

The so-called master switch is the specific part of the enzyme that regulates the number of different building blocks. When a sufficient number of building blocks for DNA copying or repair has been produced, the enzyme is switched off with the help of the master switch. Without this function, the enzyme would constantly be working to produce more building blocks.

The protein module functions something like a molecular epoxy glue, since it has the inbuilt capacity to stick the proteins together but can only do so when the "hardener," one of the DNA building blocks, is present in high enough concentration. This acts as a signal that the enzyme needs to be switched off.

The researchers have now investigated this enzyme in a marine bacterium and, for the first time, discovered that the on/off switch of the enzyme was in a different location. "The switch has genetically jumped from one subunit to another, yet it continues to perform the exact same task. This was a major surprise to us and demonstrates nature's ability to use existing components in completely new ways," says Derek Logan, senior lecturer in Chemistry at Lund University in Sweden.

The researchers conducted a detailed study of how the master switch works when switching on and off. By closing and opening, the subunits literally stick together or let go. Derek Logan studied the switch function together with colleagues from universities in Stockholm, Uppsala, Umea and Tel Aviv. The researchers show how the RNR enzyme continues to regulate the number of different building blocks, despite its unusual location.

Although the study concerns a marine bacterium, the researchers believe it is generally interesting that this type of basic regulation can take different evolutionary paths. The research findings may prove useful in the future for developing new antibiotics and in industrial contexts where it is important to be able to switch enzymes on and off in the production of chemicals.

"This function could potentially be used to stick other unrelated proteins together to prevent them from working if needed," concludes Derek Logan.

Explore further New knowledge about the building blocks of life

More information: Inna Rozman Grinberg et al. Novel ATP-cone-driven allosteric regulation of ribonucleotide reductase via the radical-generating subunit, eLife (2018). Journal information: eLife Inna Rozman Grinberg et al. Novel ATP-cone-driven allosteric regulation of ribonucleotide reductase via the radical-generating subunit,(2018). DOI: 10.7554/eLife.31529
Microscopic image in false color of Trypanosoma brucei surrounded by red blood cells. Credit: Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern

Trypanosomes are single-celled parasites that cause diseases such as human African sleeping sickness and Nagana in animals. But they are also used in basic research as a model system to study fundamental biological questions. Researchers of the University of Bern have now investigated how trypanosomes equally distribute their "power plant" to the daughter cells during cell division. The discovered mechanism potentially opens new avenues for drug interventions.

Trypanosomes can cause devastating diseases in people: the sleeping sickness in Africa, Chagas disease in South America and recently also in Europe. They can also affect animals, and cause Nagana in cattle in Africa. There are still no suitable therapies for these diseases. Researchers led by Prof. Torsten Ochsenreiter of the Institute of Cell Biology at the University of Bern have studied the mitochondria, the "power plants" of single-cell trypanosomes, and have now discovered that these behave differently from cell power plants in humans during cell division. The findings could also help to develop new medicines against the diseases caused by the parasites.

Mitochondria are small separate units in the cell, which also act as power plants and provide the organism with energy. Mitochondria were originally independent bacteria which were incorporated by a cell around 1.5 billion years ago. During their coexistence, the bacterium was further and further integrated as a power plant into the cell, which was evident in the fact that the construction plans of the power plant were increasingly transferred into the host cell from the bacterial genome.

Today, almost the entire structure of the mitochondria is stored in the genome of the host cell. "Almost entirelybecause the mitochondria have still retained a little autonomy," Anneliese Hoffmann from the Institute of Cell Biology of the University of Bern, lead author of the study, explains. "They still have some essential components of the power plant in their own genome." If a cell splits today, not only does it have to ensure to duplicate its own genome and distribute it equally among the daughter cells, but also that the mitochondrial genome is passed on accordingly. The structures and mechanisms necessary for this were largely uncharacterized until now. Three research groups from the University of Bern in collaboration with the Oxford Brookes University (UK) have now decoded parts of the mechanism. They use a revolutionary high-resolution technology for this, the so-called "stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy."

Innovative microscope

Trypanosomes are well suited as a model system in life sciences, as they have only one very large mitochondrion with only a single giant genome. Human cells usually have over hundreds to thousands of mitochondria, each with several genomes. This very simple mitochondrial setup in trypanosomes is similar to the situation 1.5 billion years ago, and allows to analyse the development of cells to their present condition. Furthermore, both the size of the mitochondrion and its genome are an advantage in microscopic analyses. "And finally, it is much easier to follow a single mitochondrion and mitochondrial genome during cell division than to follow hundreds or even thousands at the same time," Torsten Ochsenreiter from the Institute of Cell Biology says.

For their study, the Bern research groups used a new microscope, which allowed them to look into trypanosomes and their mitochondria with a resolution of less than 50 nanometres. Here they could observe the distribution of the mitochondrial genome during cell division. "We succeeded in describing in detail the machinery required for mitochondrial genome distribution during cell division in trypanosomes," Ochsenreiter says. This includes the precise order of components in the machinery, their size as well as interactions. They discovered that the cell initiates the construction after which every component is added one by one to the machinery. Differently from previously investigated organisms, trypanosomes appear to have developed most modules exclusively for their function in the mitochondrial genome distribution machinery.

Applicable to other diseases

"Along with the findings for the fundamental research, the study also provides new techniques, which can also be applied to other organisms in the future," Ochsenreiter explains. For example, the causes of the incorrect distribution of the mitochondrial genome can be studied in some human diseases, such as muscular disorders or even specific forms of cancer. "But the differences discovered in the distribution machinery in parasites and humans are of particular interest for developing new medicines against the sleeping sickness and other illnesses caused by trypanosomes in humans and animals."

The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Explore further Unusual protein production found in trypanosome mitochondria

More information: Anneliese Hoffmann et al. Molecular model of the mitochondrial genome segregation machinery in Trypanosoma brucei, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2018). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Anneliese Hoffmann et al. Molecular model of the mitochondrial genome segregation machinery in Trypanosoma brucei,(2018). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1716582115
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Five women scientists from the developing world have been awarded an international prize for research that promotes socio-economic development and a better quality of life.

The awards  a partnership between the Elsevier Foundation and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)  were presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which took place in Austin, Texas this month (15-19 February).

Hasibun Naher from Bangladesh, Germaine Djuidje Kenmoe from Cameroon, Silvia Gonzalez Perez from Ecuador, Dawn Iona Fox from Guyana and Witri Wahyu Lestari from Indonesia each received a US$5,000 cash prize for their work.

 If they have the opportunities and support, women in the developing world can become leaders in their field  Jennifer Thomson

Naher was recognised for her work on computer simulation of tsunamis; Djuidje Kenmoe for the study of molecular friction-and-wear for improving energy efficiency; Gonzalez Perez for molecular modelling of new sustainable materials; Fox for work on converting waste into materials with added value; and Lestari for her research on the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks for various applications in medicine or environmental protection.

OWSD president, Jennifer Thomson, says the women distinguished with the award show that, if they have the opportunities and support, women in the developing world can become leaders in their fields.

Not all women have the opportunity to do so. According to 2015 data from UNESCO, women in much of the world face social, political and economic barriers to dedicating their working life to science  but those who live in developing countries can face additional, different obstacles.

Poverty, for instance, is strongly linked with unequal access to secondary education, and this may keep women from obtaining a university degree in almost in any field.

Another obstacle is related to culture and traditions that maintain inequalities between men and women. According to a UNESCO report from 2017, parents with more traditional beliefs about gender roles tend to discourage their daughters from pursuing a scientific career.

To become a scientist in a developing country, a woman must be creative and committed, Djuidje Kenmoe, the Cameroonian OWSD-Elsevier prize winner, told SciDev.Net. This, she added, is because in addition to academic work, she will often be tied to social and familiar responsibilities and duties.

This highlights the importance of a prize that is specific to women scientists who live and work in developing countries, argues Hortensia Moreno, a researcher from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and a specialist in gender studies.

According to Moreno, this prize highlights the need to promote women scientists presence in scientific fields they may have been prevented from entering  both in formal ways, for example through restrictions on studying or entering into academic life, and in symbolic ways, through myths, stereotypes and narratives that feed the false notion that women do not have an aptitude for science.



Djuidje Kenmoe believes that science and education can promote change in her community. This is why part of her work is about convincing families that they should offer a girl the same opportunities they offer to a boy. Girls ought to know that when they have a job they can be financially independent, and have an important power in family decisions.

According to Moreno, prizes also represent the interests of the organisations that grant them. They can legitimize economic power, but also have value as they allow even a minimal distribution of wealth.

Elsevier has faced strong criticism from the scientific communities in several European countries, who pay large sums to publish and access articles in journals owned by the company. At the end of last year, 200 German academic institutions cancelled their subscriptions to the publishing house in a push for national negotiation that offers fairer payments for their publications and open access for the institutions that produce them.

This piece was amended on 27th February, 2018, to clarify that the criticism was directed at Elsevier, not the Elsevier Foundation.
This year, everyone on the planet was plunged into a brave new world, as the coronavirus pandemic
" " The image of a Kuiper Belt object that NASAs New Horizons space probe took from 3.79 billion miles (6.12 billion kilometers) away from Earth. NASA.gov

NASA's New Horizons space probe was launched in 2006 on a mission to gather information about Pluto and its moons and the Kuiper Belt, a ring of debris on the edge of our solar system. After reaching Pluto in 2015, the craft made some startling discoveries, including ice-covered mountains that towered 11,000 feet (3,500 meters) above Pluto's surface, and a massive 4- to 6-mile (7- to 9-kilometer) deep canyon on the surface of Charon, one of Pluto's moons.

Now, the spacecraft has achieved yet another mind-blowing feat, by using its Long Range Reconnaissance Imager instrument to take these pictures of Kuiper Belt objects and the Wishing Well star cluster from a distance of 3.79 billion miles (6.12 billion kilometers) from Earth. That's the farthest away from our planet that any camera has snapped images, surpassing the famous "Pale Blue Dot" image of Earth shot by NASA's Voyager 1 back in February 1990.

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New Horizons may produce even more spectacular images when it awakens from its current hibernation and does a close-up fly-by of a Kuiper belt object called 2014 MU69, which is located about 4 billion (6.43 billion) miles from Earth, in January 2019. One of the things New Horizons will be trying to find out is whether MU69 is actually two pieces of rock, orbiting close together. MU69 will be the most distant object ever observed with a fly-by.

Now That's Interesting Voyager 1, the spacecraft that previously held the most-distant-image record, is now in interstellar space, more than 13 billion miles away from Earth.
After Robert Muellers indictment of 13 Russians last week, there can be no doubt that the Kremlin meddled with the 2016 election by spreading lies through social media that twisted voters judgments. But what about more direct forms of interference: Did Russia shift the elections outcome by hacking registration rolls or voting machines?

The fact is that its impossible to say. In September, the Department of Homeland Security informed officials in 21 states that Russians had hacked into their registration systems in the run-up to the election. Whether the hackers manipulated the rollsremoved names or switched their precinctsno one has investigated; perhaps no one could investigate, as so many months had passed before the hack was revealed.

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It is becoming clearer by the day that, whether or not this less visible form of meddling took place in 2016, it could in 2018 and 2020. It is well within the means of even slightly above-average hackers. And U.S. officials are doing little to erect any barricades, though they could do a lot if they wanted.

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Some dismiss the threat, noting the vast decentralization of our voting system100,000 polling stations in 8,000 election precincts. Even if a fair number of voting machines were hacked, it would affect only a small percentage of the votes.

But these numbers ignore a larger systemic problem. In hearings last year before the Senate Intelligence Committee, J. Alex Halderman a professor of computer science at the University of Michigan, testified that only a handful of vendors and contractors provide the equipment used in election machines. Attackers could target one or a few of these companies and spread malicious code to election equipment that serves millions of voters, he said. Furthermore, in close elections, decentralization can actually work against us. An attacker can probe different areas of the most important swing states for vulnerabilities, find the areas that have the weakest protection, and strike there.

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For the past decade, Halderman has run the red teamsthe simulated attackerin games to test the vulnerability of election machines. In those games, he testified, his team could reprogram the machine to invisibly cause any candidate to win. We also created malicious softwarevote-stealing codethat could spread from machine to machine like a computer virus, and silently change the election outcome.

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In the realm of computer hacking, these sorts of attacks are far from the most sophisticatedand the methods for blocking the attacks arent so sophisticated either. We know what to do, Bruce Schneier, a noted cybersecurity specialist, said in a phone interview. Its not a matter of figuring out the tech. The problem is our political system.

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In a letter to Congress last June, 103 computer scientists warned that the danger to democracy from vote hacking was real and recommended some basic steps to ward off this threat. They were all pretty basic: Replace all paperless voting machines, set minimum cybersecurity standards for voter-registration systems, test optical scanners (computers that read paper ballots) to ensure that they are accurately reading the ballots, and conduct postelection audits to ensure that the scanners and the paper ballots produce the same result.

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This month, the Center for American Progress released a study measuring the degree to which each of the 50 states meets these basic standards. The results were alarming. Paperless voting systemstouch screens with no paper backupsare still used in 14 states. Only 26 states require postelection audits. Forty-one states use database software that was created more than a decade agoso long ago that the vendors no longer track vulnerabilities or send patches to the users.

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More distressing still, some of the worst laggards, by these measures, are battleground states. Florida gets an F, judged as incomplete or unsatisfactory on six of seven security metrics. Pennsylvania and Arizona get Ds. Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, Virginia, and Wisconsin get Cs. No state gets an A. Just 10 get Bs.

A few states have been preparing for the next assault. In New York (one of the states that earned a B) Gov. Andrew Cuomo is requesting $5 million for a multipronged election cybersecurity effort, and a number of officials elsewhere are emulating some of New Yorks steps. Colorado and Rhode Island (also B-graded states) passed bills last year requiring postelection audits. Virginia (apparently trying to improve on its C grade) has switched to a statewide paper-ballot system. Alabama (another C state) now requires election officials to undergo cybersecurity training. At least 36 states have asked the Department of Homeland Security for help in assessing their voter registration systems.

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This last measure is the result of a decision by the Obama administration, during its last month in office, to designate the American election system as a critical infrastructure. (Other critical infrastructures include the electrical power grid, the transportation network, banking and finance, water supplies and dams, and so forth.) Potentially, this is significant: Officials in sectors that receive this designation can receive intelligence briefings, flash warnings, and best-practice seminars on cyberthreats and cybersecurity.

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The U.S. against Russia is a fair fight. Fifty separate states against Russiathats not a fair fight.  Bruce Schneier

However, the New York Times this week revealed that this program is spotty at best. Some state election officials have benefited from the briefings; others have found them too vague to be useful. The Times article didnt say so, but many state officials simply didnt want to take part, and nothing in the rulebook says they have to.

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Richard Clarke, who served as the White House cybersecurity chief for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, told me that many state officials dislikedand several resistedObamas decision to designate the election process as critical infrastructure. They viewed the step as an unwelcome instance of federal interference.

The fact that elections are controlled by the states, and not by the federal government, is one reason for the lackluster adoption of basic security measures. As Bruce Schneier puts it, The U.S. against Russia is a fair fight. Fifty separate states against Russiathats not a fair fight.

Six U.S. senatorsthree Republicans and three Democratsare sponsoring a bill they call the Secure Elections Act, which would set uniform cybersecurity standards for the election process nationwide and provide advice and assistance to states that request help. But even this actwhich has been endorsed by several former senior intelligence officialsleaves it up to the states whether to comply with the standards.

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However, a close reading of the Constitution reveals that the U.S. Congress has more power over the election process than the bills sponsorsor any other legislators on recordwant to assume. Article 1, Section 4 reads:

The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing [sic] Senators.

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In other words, yes, the states regulate the times, places and manner of holding election, but Congress can pass a law to alter those regulations. The fact that the drafters made an explicit exception when it comes to the Places where senators are chosen suggests that the Congress can step in to set the law on the Times and Manner of holding elections. Long ago, Congress set a uniform time (the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years). There is no reason why Congress could not also set the manner of holding electionsone manner being strict and mandatory cybersecurity standards and practices.

Congress, of course, should assert this prerogative for only very good reasons. How about staving off the interference of a hostile foreign power in our democratic process? Its hard to imagine a better reason than that.
Conspiracy theorists this week have suggested that the Florida teens rallying for gun control measures after surviving last weeks school shooting are being manipulated by billionaire donor George Soros. This lunacy shouldnt be surprising.

Soros has been a particular boogeyman for the American right since the 1990s and more so since the late 2000s, when he became a favorite target on Fox News, particularly of Bill OReilly and Glenn Beck. More recently, Soros has been accused of bankrolling movements including Black Lives Matter and the Womens March. (It is true that Soros Open Society Foundations have funded a number of liberal groups in the U.S., some of which were involved in these protests, but thats very different from himas some claimplanning the protests or paying people to show up at them.) Even Colin Kaepernick has been accused of being a Soros plant. Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, during last Decembers special election, accused Soros of promising a liberal sexual agenda, adding that Soros culture is not our American culture. Soros comes from another world that I dont identify with. He added that the Jewish Soros is going to the same place that people who dont recognize God and morality and accept his salvation are going.

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But Americans might not be aware that Soros-phobia is a global phenomenon. Soros has been a target of the Russian government and media since the mid-2000s, when he was accused of fomenting the color revolutions that ousted Russian-backed governments in Georgia and Ukraine. The Hungarian-born Soros foundation did fund civil society groups in a number of formerly Communist countries, including some that were involved in these revolutions, though again, that doesnt mean that the sentiments driving these movements werent genuine.

Back in the days when Republicans described Russia as Americas biggest geopolitical threat, and Democrats were incredulous at the notion, it seemed ironic that the American right and the Putinists shared a fixation on Soros. In the Trump era, the relationship between conservatives and Russians is, shall we say, a bit murkier, and the Soros-phobia of recent years seems like a harbinger of the arrival of Putin-style politics on the American political scene.

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These days, Soros-phobia seems to be everywhere. His donation to a group seeking to keep Britain in the EU sparked controversy among Brexit backers. Pakistan recently ordered the local affiliate of Open Society Foundations to close, without explanation.

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Nowhere has Soros-phobia dominated the political debate as much as in his native Hungary. There, as Foreign Policys Emily Tamkin recently wrote, Soros the myth, the ghost, the star of every conspiracy, looms larger than ever. The increasingly authoritarian right-wing leader Viktor Orbans government launched an ad campaign last year accusing Soros of orchestrating efforts to settle refugees and migrants in Hungary. (While the ads themselves dont mention Soros Judaism, many of the posters have been defaced with swastikas and anti-Semitic graffiti.) Orban has also backed legislation known as the Stop Soros bill, aimed at shutting down the Soros-founded Central European University and, more recently, targeting any nongovernmental organization that it deems to be supporting illegal immigration.

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Soros is a scapegoat for a government that has been condemned both at home and abroad for its anti-immigrant politics and undermining of the rule of law, so it was dispiriting to see Britains Telegraph citing the Hungarian governments campaign in an opinion piece condemning Soros anti-Brexit activities. It also cited the fact that Russia and Uzbekistan banned the OSF as evidence against Soros.

The Telegraph piece is reminiscent of a letter sent last year by six U.S. senators led by Republican Mike Lee, which asked Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to investigate claims in the Macedonian state media that Soros and the U.S. State Department had worked together to undermine governments and promote left-wing causes in Macedonia and Albania.

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Given the not-so-subtle anti-Semitic undertones in much of the anti-Soros activism, its also alarming to see it so enthusiastically embraced by the current government of Israel. The Israeli right has criticized Soros for some time now over his support for the liberal pro-peace group J Street and organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch that regularly criticize Israeli policies. More recently, Netanyahu has accused Soros of being behind the campaign against his governments controversial plan to deport African migrants. The prime ministers son Yair spread an anti-Semitic meme that suggested Soros was behind the ongoing corruption allegations against the Netanyahu family. Former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke and the neo-Nazi website Daily Stormer both endorsed Yairs attack on the 87-year-old Holocaust survivor.

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The notion that Soros promotes his political agenda in countries around the world isnt exactly wrong. Hes given money to candidates in the U.S. and provided support to groups that oppose government policies in other countries. He would describe what hes promoting as small-d democratic values and liberalism rather than a particular political agenda, but those values are not exactly uncontested, especially these days. But hes relatively upfront about his activities in contrast to his main enemies, and the attacks on him often seem less motivated by what hes done than what he represents.

Soros is an easy target, and not just because hes a rich Jew with liberal political beliefs. With his background in finance (the man who broke the Bank of England had a controversial career as a currency speculator), his intellectualism (Open Society Foundations is named after the best-known work of his hero, the philosopher Karl Popper), and jet-setting cosmopolitanism, he checks virtually every box of what the worlds current crop of authoritarian populists hate.
The shape of the Parkland, Florida, shootings aftermath is unlike that of any other American massacre. For the first time, the teenage survivors of a school shooting have assumed the mantle of leading the activist response to the tragedy. Their courage in the face of fear and loss has inspired several nationwide actions this week, including student-led walkouts at middle schools and high schools in Virginia, Maryland, Arizona, and Kentucky, among other states.

Yet, in some ways, the response to Americas most recent killing spree is exactly like all the others. Parents of victims beg conservative legislators to do their duty to protect children from military-grade weapons. Those legislators blame mental illness and the lack of metal detectors, armed guards, and personal firearms in schools. Marches and vigils are planned. Gun control legislation is proposed and swiftly shut down. Loved ones are left to grieve and try to make sense of the ghastly American lottery that decided it was their turn to sacrifice a child to the business of guns. The rest of the country moves on to the next massacre with a regularity that begets a shameful, inescapable numbness.

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Gun-control advocates trying to interrupt this well-worn cycle have a difficult task ahead of them. Every shooting seems to spur activists to take a new angle on the seemingly intractable problem of a country saturated with killing machines. Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords started Americans for Responsible Solutions, a conservative-sounding gun-control PAC, after a man shot her in the head and killed six people at an event in her Arizona district. The June 2016 massacre at the Orlando Pulse nightclub inspired the creation of Gays Against Guns, or GAG, which colors its activism with sexual irreverence, and the Pride Fund, a PAC that describes itself as Americas only LGBTQ organization solely focused on gun policy reform.* After the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, mothers founded Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, informed by the successes of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

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In response to the Parkland shooting, advocates are trying a few tactics that are relatively new to the gun-control debate, if not to progressive activism writ large. Students in Connecticut are trying to plan a National School Walkout on April 20, the anniversary of the 1999 Columbine massacre. Teachers have discussed doing their own. High school survivors from Parkland have announced a March for Our Lives to take place in Washington on March 24, with concurrent satellite marches in other locales around the country, along the lines of the Womens March held the day after Donald Trumps inauguration. It has the potential to be the largest national demonstration for gun control the U.S. has ever seen.

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Those whove watched children slaughtered in their classrooms many times over with no discernible change in gun-control policy or decline in American gun ownership may have reason to doubt that any of these activist measures will accomplish what the others have not. None of the organizations founded after other massacres have shifted the U.S. gun-control conversation in meaningful ways, jolted the general public into a new sense of urgency, or changed the hearts and mindsand, more importantly, the votesof legislators. Recent polling shows that 97 percent of Americans support universal background checks for gun purchasers, including 97 percent of gun owners, and more than two-thirds support a nationwide ban on assault rifles. Clearly, public opinion is not enough to sway public officials bankrolled by the National Rifle Association, which opposes any expansion of federal gun regulations, including stronger background checks.

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Any gun-control legislation passed by the current federal government will require Republicans to swallow decades worth of pride and essentially admit that theyve been lying about guns all along. There are almost no facts on the GOPs side when it comes to guns: All available data conflicts with the right-wing narrative that guns are effective tools of civilian self-defense. Republicans know this, and argue for more guns, including guns in schools, anyway. Gun-control advocates will have to give Republican legislators willing to buck the party lineif any existfeasible cover from organizations like the NRA.

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Even if Congress succeeds in passing new legislation, the courts have also historically favored pro-gun arguments. In 2008, the Supreme Court ruled D.C.s handgun ban unconstitutional. Lower courts later struck down the Districts ban on open and concealed carry and, just last fall, its requirement that firearm owners present a good reason for getting a concealed carry permit. The kinds of sweeping restrictions that would actually make a significant dent in gun deaths might fizzle at the Supreme Court even if they somehow made it out of the legislature.

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In other words, the best outcomes gun-control activists can hope for in the foreseeable future are incremental. Florida legislators have agreed to consider instating a three-day waiting period for all rifle purchases and raising the legal age for assault-rifle possession to 21. Such a law might have prevented Nikolas Cruz, the 19-year-old who allegedly murdered his Parkland classmates with an AR-15, from buying his gun, but only temporarily. The same legislative body refused to even discuss a possible ban on assault weapons, while teen survivors of Parkland looked on, even as they approved a resolution calling pornography a public health risk. These are not people prepared to be moved by a rousing address, postcards from progressives, or a march on the National Mall.

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Like the Womens March, the March for Our Lives hopes to make a statement with a massive turnout backed by a loose policy goalto demand that a comprehensive and effective bill be immediately brought before Congress to address these gun issues. The organizers of the Womens March have made the bewildering decision to hold their own event, a school walkout, 10 days before the March for Our Lives, possibly diluting the impact of both. (They would have been wise to confer with the teens leading the post-Parkland charge about how the Womens March organization could best support their common goals.) In some ways, the Womens March is an example of what marches can and cannot accomplish: The organizations own anti-gun march from NRA headquarters in Virginia to the Department of Justice, held last summer, had no apparent effect on policy or public discourse. The people marching, and the people paying attention, were all on the same side, and those who werent were unlikely to be swayed by protest signs. But the main Womens March last January emboldened large numbers of brand-new activists to channel political power in their home communities toward progressive ends. The changes theyve made have been small but significantsupporting local candidacies, organizing town halls with legislators, confronting racism within feminist movements. The marchs full impact will not be felt for years or decades to come.

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Likewise, the brilliant Parkland activists may fall short of their immediate goals, but they are shaping a political future that will outlive the NRAs best-funded apologists. A recent model of presidential voting found that events that occur when a person is 14 to 24 years of age have the biggest effect on her political views. What a person experiences at age 18 has three times the impact on her worldview as what she experiences at age 40. Todays teenagers, born after the Columbine shooting in 1999, which set off an unending cycle of school shootings in America, have lived their whole lives under the specter of a school massacre. Now, they are witnessing their peers take on elected officials and the countrys most powerful interest group on national television, and watching as the adults in charge sputter falsehoods in response to life-or-death truths. Teens, who also walked out of their schools after Trumps election and Jeff Sessions decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, are now protesting injustice as a matter of course.

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The Parkland activists are inspiring, and inspired by, a new generation of leaders who feel confident in their power, and who know how to use social media for effective organizing. Thats partly a credit to Black Lives Matter actions, which prompted students to rise up in Ferguson, Missouri; Baltimore; and around the country, and the Womens March itself, which encouraged young feminists to see themselves as part of a broader, intersectional movement. A teenagers lack of experience in social-justice organizing is also her strength: She sees possibilities and promise where adults are too tired or cynical to go. An issue as divisive and urgent as guns, which seems to set people on one of two mutually exclusive planes of reality, demands that fresh perspective.

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But what is idealism, gumption, and fire against a multibillion-dollar status quo? Parkland leader Emma Gonzalez and some of her peers will be eligible to vote this fall, and most others will come of age by the 2020 elections. Perhaps by the time theyre ready to run for office, the Republican Party will be ready to relax its stranglehold on gun policy, especially if Gonzalezs voter registration push brings waves of new Democrats to the polls come November. As Trumps election confirmed, people tend to vote with their affiliated party, and Republican voters are extraordinarily unlikely to want gun control enough to vote against their partys candidate. Young voters, who trend progressive, have the lowest voter turnout of any age group. If they made guns their one big issue and actually showed up at their polling places to prove it, they might have a shot at kicking out enough of the GOP to make meaningful strides against gun violence and scare the party into rethinking its obstinance. In that sense, the gun lobbys lies are just the first of two major opponents Parkland activists will face in their fight. The second is apathy. If the thousands of students marching in the streets this week are a representative cross-section of their generation, that may not be such an impossible obstacle to overcome.
How do you solve a problem like a partisan gerrymander? Its not as easy as you might expect. Most Americans want fair districts, yet the meaning of that phrase has proved elusive. Few want representatives to choose their own voters. But how do mapmakers ensure voters have a real opportunity to choose their representatives?

On Monday, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ventured an answer to this question, releasing a remedial map designed to undo the states Republican gerrymander in time for the 2018 midterms. Republicans in the state responded predictably, claiming the process was rigged to favor Democrats and renewing calls to impeach the courts Democratic justices.

Some redistricting experts agreed the map was designed to help Democrats win more seats. The reality is more complicated.

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Pennsylvanias current gerrymander is a straightforward exercise in packing and cracking, a time-honored tool of partisan mapmakers. In 2010, Republican legislators drew a map that packed as many Democrats as possible into five districts. They then distributed the remaining Democrats throughout 13 Republican districts, cracking Democratic communities to dilute their vote. This process created notoriously dysmorphic districts, including the infamous Goofy kicking Donald Duck.

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Despite a near-even split in votes for both parties, that gerrymandered map has meant that Pennsylvania consistently sends 13 Republicans and five Democrats to the U.S. House of Representatives. A group of voters sued, alleging that the maps extreme partisan lean violated the state constitution. In January, the state Supreme Court agreed by a 52 vote, directing the legislature and governor to redraw the map. After a failed appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, Republican leaders submitted yet another biased plan, which Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf rejected. The court then commissioned its own map from Stanford Law School professor Nathaniel Persily.

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Upon first glance, its obvious Persily prioritized the Pennsylvania Supreme Courts chief objectivethe creation of compact and contiguous districts that divide as few political subdivisions as possible. The old map split 28 counties and carved up innumerable communities; Persilys splits 13 counties, while generally keeping communities in the same district. His map is cleaner, tighter, and vastly more logical than the old one.

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There are, however, indications that Persily may have considered more than compactness. The Cook Political Reports Dave Wasserman suggested Persily made conscious pro-Dem mapping choices to comply with partisan fairnessthat is, the theory that parties should be entitled to the same proportion of seats as votes. Nate Cohn, Matthew Bloch, and Kevin Quealy, who authored a thorough New York Times analysis, agreed with Wasserman, writing that Persilys map consistently makes subtle choices that suggest that partisan balance may have been an important consideration.

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Its undeniable that Persilys new map distributes voters more evenly, meaning Democrats and Republicans will probably win nine seats each under the plan, mirroring the aggregate vote in the perennial swing state. Either party could nab an extra seat in a wave election. Even so, its not clear that Wasserman, Cohn, Bloch, and Quealy are entirely correct about Persilys motivations. The University of Floridas Michael McDonald, who studies redistricting, pointed to a computer program designed to draw 500 maps that prioritize compactness and ignore partisanship. A majority of the plans it produced had a probable 99 split, just like Persilys map.

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Still, Real Clear Politics Sean Trende made a strong case that Persily did draw at least a handful of districts with the goal of making them more competitive. That raises a tricky question: Does Persilys map constitute its own partisan gerrymander? And, more broadly, should courts ignore politics altogether when theyre fixing gerrymanders?

In Pennsylvania, the answer is likely nofor a very specific reason. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court may have emphasized compact districts, but its opinion dove much deeper into the state constitutions guarantee of free and equal elections. Partisan gerrymandering, the court wrote, dilutes the votes of Pennsylvanians who affiliate with the Democratic Party. It is axiomatic, the court continued, that a diluted vote is not an equal vote, as all voters do not have an equal opportunity to translate their votes into representation. Thus, each and every Pennsylvania voter must have the same free and equal opportunity to select his or her representatives.

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This theory of fair districts differs from those put forth in gerrymandering litigation elsewhere. Republican plaintiffs in Maryland relied on a theory of First Amendment retaliation, arguing that Democrats had punished them for expressing their support for the GOP. Democratic plaintiffs in Wisconsin deployed a similar argument under the U.S. Constitutions Free Speech and Equal Protection clauses, asserting that Republicans had illegally discriminated against them on the basis of their political association. In both instances, the courts focused on what the U.S. Constitution prohibits, asking whether extremely gerrymandered maps run afoul of individual constitutional rights.

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The Pennsylvania Supreme Court asked a different question, focusing on what its state constitution requires. It found that a free and equal election is one in which voters have an equal opportunity to translate their votes into representationthat is, to elect a congressional delegation that matches voters will. A certain amount of partisan balance is inherent to the courts vision of a healthy representative democracy.

If Persilys map did tweak a few district lines to create a 99 split, he was merely responding to the Pennsylvania Supreme Courts directives. And those directives are perfectly reasonable. In its decision to rein in the states partisan gerrymander, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court didnt call for total political neutrality. Rather, it appears to have favored the creation of competitive districts, ones that had a better chance of approximating the voters will. Persilys map is not a Democratic gerrymander. Its a bespoke attempt to repair Pennsylvanias broken democracy.
Today in Conservative Media is a daily roundup of the biggest stories in the right-wing press.

As Americans are trying to take in the latest flurry of Russia-related prosecutorial activityfrom the indictments of 13 Russians and three Russian companies to reports about active Russian bots and troll farmsthe countrys centrist conservative media isnt buying it anymore. Any of it. Not one bit. For a sense of where the conservative center has drifted on just about all things Russia, the home page of National Review Wednesday is broadly illustrative of the growing consensus on the right that the irrevocably tainted Russia investigation has functionally run aground, should never have gotten this far in the first place, and is driven by Democratic hysteria.

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Interspersed with Billy Graham tributes, were these four Russia-related stories:

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Dont Overestimate Trumps Ability to Knowingly Collude with Russia

Despite the indictment of 13 Russian professional social-media pranksters who worked to tip the 2016 election to Donald Trump, I remain somewhere between skeptical and agnostic on the question of whether or not Trump knowingly and secretly colluded with the Russians to win the election, Jonah Goldberg writes. Oh, I think hes morally capable of having done it  Nor do I think Trump surrounded himself during the campaign with people who would have talked him out of collusion (save for then-senator Jeff Sessions)  But while they may have been willing to coordinate with the Kremlin, Im not at all certain they would have been able to pull it offand keep it a secret.

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Exit, Pursuing a Bear: With the Democrats Russian obsession having dwindled to absurdity, President Trump can continue to move the country forward.

It is both dismal and amusing to see the rationalizations of the diehard Kremlin collusionists after Robert Muellers spurious indictment of the 13 Russians who will never encounter the vagaries of U.S. justice, Conrad Black writes. The charge of conspiring against the United States is nonsense, and the whole ambiance of the investigation now is that of a phantom consolation prize for the absence of a crime, a victim, or a culprit, all amplified by the hollow sanctimony of an official America that has meddled countless times in the elections of other countries (usually for the general good of the Western alliance).

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Obstruction Confusions

[I]t is specious to claim that a president can be found guilty of an obstruction offense, under federal criminal statutes, on the basis of acts that are within his lawful authority, even if the acts spring from malign motivations, Andrew McCarthy writes.

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The Russian Bot Hysteria

If only Joe McCarthy had lived to see this moment, when it is suddenly in vogue to attribute large-scale events in American politics to the hand of Russia and to inveigh against domestic subversion, Rich Lowry, National Reviews editor, writes. Mueller obviously isnt a McCarthyite, and cant be held responsible for the hysteriaand hopeful expectations of an impeachment-level eventthat has built up around his work. The Russia campaign was a shockingly cynical violation of our sovereignty, he continues. But the scale of the operation shouldnt be exaggerated. In the context of a hugely expensive, obsessively covered, impossibly dramatic presidential election, the Russian contribution on social media was piddling and often laughable.

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As the debate over gun control roils a week after the Parkland school shooting, John McCormack at the Weekly Standard has some advice for gun control advocates: primary Democrats. With every GOP senator from Susan Collins to Ted Cruz opposed to a renewed assault weapons ban, its understandable that gun-control advocates would target Republicans for defeat, McCormack writes. But until they go after pro-gun Democrats in primaries, particularly Democrats in blue states, its difficult to see some of the calls to enact the assault weapons ban as little more than partisan posturing.

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Breitbart went after CNN for a report the network aired about Americans who unwittingly interacted with Russian bots, saying that CNNs Special Investigations Unit reporter Drew Griffin shamed a Florida woman when he showed up at her doorstep to ask her about a pro-Trump political event she shared on Facebook that was organized by Russian operatives.

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A Florida woman who ran a Trump supporters page that unwittingly promoted a Russian-coordinated event on Facebook says she doesnt believe that she was influenced by Kremlin-linked trolls https://t.co/DmgDRFRwyn pic.twitter.com/OAz5julCyA  CNN (@CNN) February 21, 2018

The woman reportedly received violent threats online after the segment aired. Conservative commentators were unimpressed by CNN thrusting a private citizen into the spotlight. Drew Griffin and the network have not yet confronted Michael Moore, who attended a rally allegedly organized by Russians, Breitbart noted.
In one short week, the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have modeled power, eloquence, truth-telling, and hope. Because America seethes with dead-eyed monsters, they are being decried by lunatics as crisis actors, the tools of George Soros, and FBI plants. Despite the fact that these young people are now quite literally contending with death threats and mockery, as well as slammed doors, they are organized and organizing and we should all be taking notes.

I understand the twin temptations to shelter them from whats to come and to lecture them about the ways they may be doing it wrong. But I, for one, have found myself humbled to near-silence by these brave teenagers, and not just because they are media savvy and seemingly without fear. They are extraordinary. With each spin of the news cycle, these students are offering a lesson for all of us about what protests can look like, and how we can reimagine social justice, in the Trump era.

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These kids arent naive. They are just better at this than we are. Here are a few of their insights:

1. Give Donald Trump Precisely 5 Percent of Your Mental Energy

These students arent wasting their time and energy on the president. Outside a handful of tweets on the day of the shootings, and a line or two in speeches and television appearances, the student protesters are modeling how to essentially ignore Donald Trump. They have no interest in talking to him or even about him. They have internalized the lesson that he is a symptom of the problem but unworthy of credit or blame. I suspect that if the rest of us ignored the president half as ably as they have, wed all have vastly more emotional energy for the fights that really do matter.

2. Dont Waste Time Fighting People Who Dont Share Your Values and Goals

The Stoneman Douglas students dont seem to be wasting their time debating or negotiating with the gun lovers on the other side. They are simply working to get gun legislation passed, to raise awareness, and to energize other young people. As someone who has devoted the greater part of the past year to an intramural media debate about whether to give up completely on the other side or to strive to change hearts and minds, its refreshing to see that this doesnt really matter. Stoneman Douglas cant be bothered with David Brooks. Endless progressive debate over engagement with opponents or the lack thereof and the complex moral nuance of allyship is a luxury these kids cannot afford and arent bothered by. Good for them. They have work to do. If Wednesday nights CNN town hall proved anything, it was that the National Rifle Association and GOP senators literally have no answers for them. They arent wasting time on gentle persuasion. They know when they are being lied to.

3. They Dont Seem Hellbent on Having Leaders

While a handful of students clearly took the helm in the immediate aftermath of the shootingincluding Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg, and Cameron Kaskythey have been joined in recent days by Alfonso Calderon, Sarah Chadwick, Jaclyn Corin, and others. Together, they rotate on and off the cable shows; they march on Tallahassee, Florida; and they seem utterly content sharing the spotlight. Ive yet to get the sense that this shared duty makes them nervous and very much suspect that it gives them huge comfort. I dont know if 17 years old is pre or postmonomaniacal egoism, but its actually refreshing to see these young peopleof all genders and races and sexual orientationsbolstering and supporting one another.

4. They Expect to Win

The adults forgot to tell the kids at Stoneman Douglas that they cant win against the NRA. As Alec MacGillis suggested last week, decades of demoralized fatalism have allowed progressives to persuade themselves that the NRA and Republican interests are too powerful to overcome, causing liberals to give up the fight before it begins. But no one shared this received wisdom with Emma Gonzalez. If you actively do nothing, people continually end up dead, so its time to start doing something, she said last weekend. That may sound naive to an older generation of progressives, but its also the only possible starting point for changing the terms of the debate. I, for one, am grateful to be reminded of its essential truth.

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Conservatives prefer their victims silent and passive. When they start to actually evince anger, they are denounced as either lying fabricators (like Rob Porters former wives) or crisis actors (like the students at Stoneman Douglas High). Unless you are calling for more cops, more guns, more walls, more prisons, and more punishment, you are a nuisance to be derided and denied. And thats the beauty of the Parkland kids. They dont care. We scoff that theirs is a generation raised on reality shows, Instagram, and YouTube, but they are more aware of what is real and what is fake than the adults around them. Far from acting, or ritualized performance, these students have veered so far from any received post-tragedy script that, one week after the shooting, they are still dominating the news cycle. This is what being awake and alive and human and compassionate actually looks like. Pitting all that against Dana Loeschs hard, shiny little NRA talking points reveals the made-for-cable fakery weve bought into en masse.

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The kids of Stoneman Douglas really dont much care what this president thinks, or what the NRA thinks, or even what we in the media think. The central mistake we have made this past week is trying to understand how this vast army of eloquent, purposeful, and clear-eyed students has been all-but-invisible to us until now. The better lesson we can take from them is that, thankfully, we have been almost entirely invisible to them. They are unconstrained by our norms and unmoved by our plight, and not really all that interested in our corny media tropes about childhood, suffering, and power. Good for them. Its about time.
Nokia only fairly recently entered the digital health business in earnest, but it may already be giving up. On Tuesday, the Verge published a story based on a leaked memo in which Nokias chief strategy officer wrote that its digital health business has struggled to scale and meet its growth expectations and that Nokia doesnt see a path for [the digital health division] to become a meaningful part of a company as large as Nokia. (Nokia did not comment for the Verges story.) This is a huge bummer, because for a long time, under a different name, Nokias digital health business was one of the most exciting and best-reviewed hardware-makers on the planet. Perhaps the most surprising thing about this: The two companies have only been fully merged for about six months.

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Nokias health tech business is actually a French startup, Withings, acquired in mid-2016. Withings was founded in 2008 and gained recognition for its suite of connected health products that looked sleek and modern and worked well, too. While many wearable and smart health products have a tendency to look gadgety, Withings shunned that aesthetic (or lack thereof). Its productslike its Activite Pop fitness tracker, which masqueraded as a minimalist wristwatchfeatured bold color accents and refined yet fun details. Besides fitness trackers, the company also made connected scales, health monitors, and smart home products.

Since being acquired by Nokia in a $191 million deal in April 2016,Withings has come out with a handful of new devices, which landed with critical but not commercial acclaim. In a review of the Steel HR, a smartwatch that came out in early 2017, TechCrunch wrote that the company does the hybrid smartwatch right. The reviewer also said after testing it out over the course of CES 2017, he wouldnt be ready to take it off any time soon. That is high praise for a new product, particularly one in such an oversaturated category. Later in 2017, when the WithingsNokia transition was complete, Nokia Health debuted two new products, a connected scale and a premium connected blood pressure monitor. Other previously Withings products were simply rebranded under the Nokia name. Since then, theres been little fanfare about the product line, and no notable new launches.

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In 2016, however, Nokia was gung-ho about its new foray into the connected health space. Withings shares our vision for the future of digital health and their products are smart, well designed and already helping people live healthier lives, Ramzi Haidamus, president of Nokia Technologies, said in a press release at the time. Combining their award-winning products and talented people with the world-class expertise and innovation of Nokia Technologies uniquely positions us to lead the next wave of innovation in digital health. Nokia wasnt alone in seeing huge potential profit in digital health. According to a projection made in 2014 by the Consumer Electronics Association, the connected health space was on target to become an $8 billion business by the end of 2018.

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You might be tempted to think that this is an example of a big company squelching the potential of the promising startup it acquired. But its unclear how successful Withings was before Nokia scooped it up. While Withings was a darling of the health tech trend, its productslike its $100 infrared thermometermay never have been as popular with consumers as they were with the press. If the startup was open to an acquisition, its likely Withings was in need of a cash infusion that wasnt coming from sales of its products. Alternatively, Withings could have seen the acquisition as an opportunity to get the financial and technical resources to develop more ambitious products. Whatever the case, Nokia had big goals for its Withings-fueled Health division, and Withings didnt deliver. But its almost certainly not Withings fault. There was plenty of criticism of Nokias update and redesign of Withings Health Mate app, which removed several popular app features and was full of bugs. The company called the issue regrettable, which should have been our first sign that things were amiss.

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Nokia may not completely shutter its health businesstechnically, its been placed under strategic review, the Verge reported. But considering Nokia Chief Strategy Officer Kathrin Buvac closed the leaked memo with the phrase Failing fast isnt failure, it is accelerated learning, its evident that Nokia considers its short venture into the connected health space a failure, and thats certainly not good news for the teams working on those products. Its also bad news for consumers who own Withings or Nokia health productswhat does this mean for app support in the future?and for the connected health space in general. Withings raised the bar both for design and functionality. If it had been acquired by almost anyone else in the industry, it probably would have succeededeven if not by Nokia standards.
What does the weather app on your phone have to do with an effective democracy? A lot, according to the experts Future Tense gathered in Washington on Feb. 8 for the event What Our Democracy Needs to Know. Your phones weather app demonstrates how we rely on government services for data that drive our economy and policy decisions (not to mention weekend plans). But our speakers contend that these very institutions are under threat. According to Sylvia Mathews Burwell, president of American University, we need to protect the entities that provide lawmakers factual analysis and aggregate data, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Without them, its impossible for lawmakers to step in and create new policy and move quickly on pressing issues, she argued.

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In one example of how technology has become crucial to democratic institutions, the speakers discussed how the 2020 census, which will be conducted digitally for the first time, could both keep up with the private sector and offer meaningful data to government leaders. An accurate Census is critical for everything from our economy to our educational systems.

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Trend lines are a critical component of actually a functioning democracy, said Ken Prewitt, Carnegie professor of public affairs and former vice president for Global Centers* at Columbia University and a former director of the U.S. Census Bureau. A [functioning] democracy has to have an information platform.

But speakers also emphasized that big data alone wont save us. Rather, protecting our democracy will require an ability to correctly analyze that data and to communicate it effectively to the public. Burwell discussed how, during her time as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, she and her staff relied on public health centers and social media to raise awareness of outbreaks such as Zika and Ebola. In terms of building public trust, speakers also pointed to institutions like museums and universities as sources of knowledge. Lorelei Kelly, senior fellow at Georgetown Universitys Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation, called on them to be public intermediaries in times of distrust.

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But how can we overcome the political tensions that create distrust in expertise and knowledge both from citizens and lawmakers?

We need a language more sensitive to findings from the history, sociology, and politics of knowledge that truth in the public domain is not simply out there, ready to be pulled into service like the magicians rabbit from a hat, Sheila Jasanoff, founder and director of the program on Science, Technology and Society at Harvards Kennedy School of Government, wrote in a related piece recently republished on Future Tense.

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Cecilia Munoz, vice president of policy and technology at New America, pointed out that data can help lawmakers overcome ideological biases. She cited an instance during her time in the Obama administration, where she served first as director of intergovernmental affairs and later as director of the Domestic Policy Council, where her team was examining the movement to ban the boxthat is, banning questions about criminal records during job interviews and applications. Though it was a policy many Democrats supported, she and her team had to consider data that went against their assumptions and suggested that the approach could actually lead to more discrimination.

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Its a question we actually dont know the answer to yet. And its important not to forge ahead with a policy as a result of ideology or pressure or whatever it is in the absence of information about whether or not your theory of the case is actually true, said Munoz. Being willing to explore whether or not your theory of the case is true is tremendously important if the policy making is going to be effective.

But a crisis of expertise and how its employed in government has always been a tension in American democracy. Jasanoff argued that America defaults to a truth or bust skepticism that allows decision makers to define that truth by their own ideological leanings. She noted that that is markedly different from Western Europe, where sentiments against policy issues like abortion and climate change exist but have less influence on policy. Arthur Daemmrich, director of the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation at the Smithsonian Institution, suggested that the ability of citizens to get more data from a variety of sources has only hastened the crisis of expertise.

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There was disagreement among panelists as to how to rebuild trust in expertise, though many pointed to rebuilding the knowledge infrastructure in Congress as an important stepespecially when 2018 midterm elections will bring significant turnover in institutional knowledge, as Kelly pointed out.

The only thing that I think is going to be able to fix this problem is a real love for the institutions and going back to basics and rebuilding the shared knowledge system that was eliminated over the last 20 years, said Kelly. For instance, the Congressional Research Office has seen significant downsizing in the past two decades, and the Office of Technology Assessment, established in 1972, was infamously shutdown in 1995. The Office of Science and Technology Policy, which has also seen cuts since Donald Trump took office, still lacks a director.

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Theres also a need to create a clearer pathway between technology and Capitol Hill, something speaker Travis Moore is leading as the director of Tech Congress, a fellowship program that places technologists in congressional offices.

One thing that I think we need in terms of keeping government up to speed is we need to at least get to a place where government knows what it doesnt know, said Moore.

Watch the full event on the New America website.
Future Tense Fiction is back this week with Mother of Invention, a new short by Nnedi Okorafor (author of Marvels Black Panther: Long Live the King) that tells the story of a pregnant woman living in a smart home designed by her ex-fianceone of a few abodes he may have made a little too smart.

After you read it, check out the accompanying commentary by Internet of Things expert Stacey Higginbotham on what the story tells us about how connected homes should respond to residents with different needs. And if Okorafor reminds you that youre still geeking out over the release of Black Panther last weekend, take a moment to read Michael Bennetts commentary on how the film marks a significant moment in the mainstreaming of Afrofuturist ideas in popular culture.

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In other news, earlier this week, people were cheering on Germanyand not for the Olympics. Instead, they were applauding a decision by a German court that ruled Facebooks policy of requiring users to register with their real names is illegal. Slates April Glaser explains why some U.S. activists see it as a positive sign. Elsewhere on Future Tense, Ian Vandewalker and Lawrence Norden suggest changes companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Google should make to curb Russian troll factories before the 2018 midterm elections. Such moves will be important, since indictments of overseas cybercriminals never do much.

Other things we read while pondering how cryptocurrency mining is disrupting the search for extraterrestrials:

Swype no more: A eulogy for the now-defunct third-party keyboard of smartphones past.

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Chaos bots: Russian bots are still sowing chaos, and are out in force in the wake of the Parkland shooting and the latest Mueller investigation indictments.

Well done, nerds!: Slates Alex Barasch explains why a new batch of emoji updates represents a win for scientists.

Rolling the Dyson: The vacuum-maker is getting into designing electric cars. But why?

Events:

Join Future Tense and Batman writer Tom King on Tuesday, March 6, in Washington for a screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. The film will be followed by a discussion between King and Slates Jacob Brogan. RSVP here.

For Future Tense,

Tonya Riley

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University.
Just as Presidents Day weekend kicked off, special counsel Robert Mueller indicted the Russian organization Internet Research Agency and 13 Russian nationals for interfering in the 2016 presidential election. The fact that Russia meddled in one of our most treasured democratic processes isnt a revelationits been well-known and confirmed that Russia waged information warfare on the American public to influence our voting behavior.

But the new indictment gave new detail about how Russia brought online an old tactic it has long depended upon: good ol fashioned racism. Russia used the U.S. history of racial oppression and its persistent challenges with systemic racism to manipulate (or at least attempt to manipulate) Americans electoral choices. And this wasnt a simple add-on tactic to a larger influence operation. Rather, its in keeping with several decades of Russian efforts to use the United States treatment of its black citizens as a counterpoint to the American narrative of freedom and equality. The major difference today is that social media marketing allows Russia to do with efficiency and scale what it could never do with Cold Warera print and radio propaganda.

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In other words, fanning the flames of Americas racial tensions is as Russian as vodka and blini.

In the 1930s, whenever the United States would criticize the Soviets human rights record or civil liberties issues, theyd simply respond, And you are lynching Negroes. Soviet media routinely covered racial violence in America throughout the mid-20th century. In 1946, for example, a Russian newspaper reported the beating and torture of a black veteran in Louisiana and the bestial mobbing of four black men in Georgia by white mobs who went unpunished. These sorts of tactics were employed through the 1980s when the Soviets aired The Man From Fifth Avenue, a scathing documentary portraying the United States as a society rife with racism, homelessness, and economic inequality through the lens of life in New York City. And they continue today.

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We know from Muellers findings that the Russians goal was to support Donald Trumps campaign and obstruct Hillary Clintons path to victory. So, the strategy is pretty straightforward: Craft racialized messages that reduce black voter support for Clinton while increasing white voter turnout by riling racial resentment. And then get those messages into the appropriate online echo chambers. Et voila.

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Heres what the indictment outlined. Russian companies and bad actors began to encourage U.S. minority groups not to vote in the 2016 U.S. presidential election or to vote for a third-party U.S. presidential candidate. They used Facebook and Instagram accounts with names like Blacktivist and Woke Blacks to promote the Black Lives Matter movement and post messages like this: [A] particular hype and hatred for Trump is misleading the people and forcing Blacks to vote Killary. We cannot resort to the lesser of two devils. Then wed surely be better off without voting AT ALL. And they paid for political advertisements that stated, You know, a great number of black people support us saying that #HillaryClintonIsNotMyPresident and Hillary Clinton Doesnt Deserve the Black Vote.

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This type of propaganda relied on two primary phenomena of present-day politics. First, our engagement patterns on social media platforms filter the information we receive. Our online activitiessuch as the people and organizations we follow, the pictures and posts we like, the news stories and ads we click on, and how much time we spend on a siteserve to curate the information we receive and tailor our experiences. This creates the infamous filter bubble, a concept Eli Pariser describes at length in his book of the same title, wherein our choices and website algorithms make it far more likely that we mostly consume information on social media that confirms our beliefs.

Second, political scientists have long known that our political beliefs are shaped by our identities and interpersonal interactions. As we self-select into ideological communities online, we also place a higher value on the information we receive there because its curated to our tastes through our own actions and through sharing by people we trust. In this way, our politics are socially affirmed and regulated such that our Facebook or Twitter feeds can become a sort of tribal scrapbook and instruction manuals for our political behavior.

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Our Facebook news feed or Twitter timeline can become a sort of tribal scrapbook and instruction manual for our political behavior.

Taken together, voters receive particular information, which they are inclined to trust, and are, in turn, influenced by it. This is what Russia was banking on. For example, it could promote Black Lives Matter group pages and purchase ad space targeting an urban audience, a well-known euphemism for black people. And as the pages were shared, they would begin circulating within black social media bubbles in the hopes of influencing some segment of the vote. We know this approach is effective as evinced in the success of the Russian propaganda Blackmatterus site and Facebook community. It had more 223,000 likes, sold apparel, had accompanying Twitter and Instagram profiles, and hosted a PayPal account that likely helped fund other Russian trolling efforts. (In fact, PayPal didnt take the account down until Slates April Glaser asked about it.)

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For the content of its messages, the Russians only had to listen to voices within black America. Part of the art of information warfare is that fabricating storylines isnt a prerequisite  in fact, the preferred method is to repurpose and amplify a fact or actual viewpoint. They couldve easily pulled the Hillary Clinton doesnt deserve the black vote ad from a widely read February 2016 piece in the Nation by Michelle Alexander. They couldve observed the warnings and debates around black voters supporting Republican or third-party candidates as a protest vote against what they perceive to be an unresponsive Democratic Party. They couldve noted the last-resort strategy for some black voters of exiting the electoral process altogether by choosing not to vote. As voting rights activist Ed Brown once said, The view is that blacks have nowhere else to go, but blacks always have somewhere to gothey can go fishing. Russia happily offered the Caspian Sea.

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Russia didnt need to create fantastical narratives. It simply had to pay attention to black Americans frustrations with a nation and a party that isnt responsive to its political demands. Further, it knew amplifying messages around Black Lives Matter and black activism would also incite low-education white Americans who formed a core segment of Trump supporters. Polls show that nearly 2 in 3 white Americans viewed the Black Lives Matter movement unfavorably and white racial resentment was key to Trumps election victory.

So when Russian race trolling on social media met primed white audiences, it activated their biases. And when it encountered targeted black audiences, it manipulated their desire for racial solidarity. Its nearly impossible to determine whether Russian interference effectively suppressed black electoral power or altered the outcome of the election. But this much is clear: Though Russias black ops may have gone digital, its weaponization of black Americas experiences is the same game its always played.
Toys R Us is slated to close 180 stores across the US as the 115th North American International Toy Fair gets underway in NYC. But the market is rewarding nimble small businesses creating new toys faster than large established corporations.

Fox Business reports Toys R Us hopes to restructure and recover after the company filed for bankruptcy. The 180 stores it is closing represent around one-fifth of its locations, but it is not affecting the US toy industry as expected. The $27 billion US market has slowed down, growing at only 1 percent in 2017, but the slowdown is attributed to the ebb and flow of the toy industry as products become hits or flops.

For small companies, the market provides great opportunities. At the fair, small toy companies told Fox Business it is all about having the right product, delivering it to market faster, and smart marketing.

Shay Chen, CEO and founder of Flycatcher Inc. told FOX Business, For a startup in the toy industry, the hardest thing will be getting to the market so you need a good sales group and obviously you need a good toy.

More than 1,000 toy companies from over 100 countries are attending the toy fair, and many of them are small companies looking to come up with the next big hit. And this requires spotting trends on social media and collapsing production times, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Small Toy Companies Can Compete by Being Nimble

If small toy companies want to compete, they have to be very flexible and identify trends quickly to capitalize on them. This means fast turnaround times before copycats flood the market with imitations of your hit toy.

The Wall Street Journal explains toy companies are copying the production model of fast-fashion retailers who introduce new items in as little as 25 days. And this is where small companies can compete because they move much faster than their larger counterparts. However, Hasbro, Mattel, and others have also implemented this model within their companies with divisions designed to operate just like small companies delivering quick turnaround times.

But, as Chen said, at the end of the day, creating a hit toy is the best way to beat your competition.
Populists are more creative than liberals

The essence of creativity and good governance is about finding a coherent story. When every city gets smart, being a stupid city will be an advantage, says a strategic management expert.

Is it enough for state servants to be more effective at their jobs at making the lives of citizens better? The Slovak Spectator spoke to Maciej Kisilowski, a strategic management expert from the Central European University in Budapest, during his visit to Bratislava in early February.

The Slovak Spectator (TSS): Can you describe the concept of value in the public sector, which you introduced in your book?

Maciej Kisilowski (MK): We systematically analysed two situations to take lessons from. In the case of Estonia becoming a digital society we focused on how the strategic concept is related to the countrys identity, the needs and the competition with other Baltic states. The subtitle of my book is Achieving personal success when managing public organisation. I very much believe that we will attract and retain great people in the public sector only when we start thinking about their personal success. So I actually mentioned Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former Estonian president and now a fellow at Stanford, and how he distinguished himself thanks to becoming the face of e-government in the world at the moment.

Maciej Kisilowski is an Associate Professor at the Central European University in Budapest. His research focuses on the theory of regulation, nonmarket strategy, public management and non-dogmatic approaches to public law. In his book Adminstrategy he researched a dozen government agencies around central and eastern Europe on innovative government.

TSS: What about the second case?

MK: It was about Maria Schmidt, the creator and director of TerrorHaza (the House of Terror), a favourite museum of Viktor Orbans government. She is a historian with strong links to the current government and, according to Forbes, the fifth-most influential woman in Hungary. Through her I wanted to show that we should learn from people we disagree with. I strongly disagree with Schmidts politics but I think she is very effective and creative at what she does.

TSS: What is the place of creativity in the public sector?

22. Feb 2018 at 8:30 | Peter Adamovsky
Cabinet okays trade agreement with Canada

CETA will have a positive impact on bilateral trade between Slovakia and Canada, according to the Economy Ministry.

Slovakias government greenlighted the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) at its February 21 session.

The agreement facilitates the trading of goods and services by removing customs duties and trade barriers. It is the most ambitious free-trade agreement that the EU has reached with an important G7 partner, the Slovak Economy Ministry said.

At the same time, the government recommended the parliament to approve it as well, the TASR newswire reported.

What are CETAs benefits?

The European Parliament approved CETA on February 15, 2017, and it took effect provisionally as of September 21, 2017. It still needed to be ratified by individual member states in order to take effect completely.

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Read also: Slovak reactions to the inking of CETA Trade Agreement Read more

Customs duties for products exported from the EU to Canada should be completely removed after CETA has been in place for seven years, the Economy Ministry said. The agreement will make it easier for European firms to gain a foothold on the Canadian market and will create better conditions for developing investments. It will establish new trading and investment opportunities for both EU and Canadian companies.

CETA will remove duties, end limits regarding access to public orders, open the market up for services and provide predictable conditions for investors. The agreement also contains guarantees preventing economic profits at the expense of fundamental rights, social standards, government rights to regulate, protection of the environment and health and consumer safety, TASR reported.

Impact on trade exchange

The EU and Canada will remove duties for 98 percent of customs items as of the first day of CETAs implementation, which is the best result ever achieved by the EU in negotiating a free-trade agreement. Duties in the industrial sector will be fully liberalised, which will save about 470 million annually for EU exporters.

The Economy Ministry estimates that CETAs effect on the Slovak economy will equal 0.013 percent of GDP on average. Meanwhile, the ministry expects the agreements impact on job creation in Slovakia to be 0.012 percent of total employment.

Adopting CETA will have a positive impact on bilateral trade between Slovakia and Canada, chiefly thanks to expected positive effects in the automotive industry, stated the ministry, as quoted by TASR.

Removing customs hurdles should result in an 8-percent increase in Slovakias exports to Canada, and the figure might even reach 18 percent if there is a strong reaction to falls in prices.

22. Feb 2018 at 14:11 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Colorful Bulgarian exhibition at airport

The exhibition presenting Bulgarian artists has a clear association with the Bratislava airport: not one, but two destinations in the country are served from there.

Since February 14, an exhibition introducing Bulgarian photographers and visual artists has been open at the M.R. Stefanik airport in Bratislava. Called Colorful Bulgaria, the exhibition is organised by the Bulgarian Embassy to Slovakia, hailing the former countrys presidency of the Council of the European Union.

On the ground floor, visitors can mostly see the works of Ladislav Cvetkov, the TASR newswire wrote. Among the approximately 40 photos there are also works of other artists, capturing the typical Bulgarian colours of cities like Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv and Ruse. The pictures reflect the beauty of the Bulgarian mountains and sea, the countrys folklore traditions, pottery and art, as well as both the modern and historical faces of Bulgaria.

While most of the exposition is in the departure hall, a section of it is in the General Aviation Terminal (so-called VIP terminal) where private clients and state delegations are served. Here, artist Petar Marinov has about 20 paintings, mostly in the oil medium.

This exhibition is one of the activities which we dedicate to the Bulgarian presidency of the Council of EU and it gives us the opportunity to introduce Bulgaria not only from the political but also its cultural side, as this is a country with ancient traditions, Yordanka Chobanova, Bulgarian Ambassador to Slovakia, told TASR at the festive opening.

Bulgaria is one of the most popular holiday destinations among Slovaks  around 75,000 Slovak citizens visit her homeland annually, the ambassador added.

From Bratislava, they can fly with direct connections to their favourite destination, spokesperson of the airport, Veronika Sevcikova, noted, as cited by TASR. Regular flights already bring travellers to the capital, Sofia, and beginning at the end of March a new direct line will fly to the resort of Burgas, she added.

The exhibition at the Bratislava airport, where artworks depicting the ancient Bulgarian sites of Bozenci and Etera are also shown, lasts until March 31.

22. Feb 2018 at 17:12 | Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovska
Fico: Women need protection, especially as more migrants arrive in Europe

The prime minister repeated that he refuses to allow the emergence of "compact Muslim communities in Slovakia" as he announced Slovakia will not ratify the Istanbul Convention as a whole.

Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on February 22 that Slovakia will not ratify the Istanbul Convention as long as doubts persist about its accordance with the Slovak Constitution, particularly its paragraph about marriage as a bond between a man and a woman.

Read also:

Read also: Asylum seekers avoid Slovakia Read more

Ficos statement came on the heels of protests against the Convention organised by people from conservative Christian circles. One such protest was staged in the northern-Slovak town of Tvrdosin on February 10.

Instead of ratifying the Istanbul Convention as a whole, Fico proposes to introduce national laws that would increase the protection of women from domestic violence.

Any violence against women is unacceptable and has no place in our society, Fico said as quoted by the Sme daily, and added that the protection of womens rights is particularly important at a time when migrants make up more and more of the European population and bring with them cultural and social patterns from their countries of origin, including the perception of a woman as a submissive human being.

Read also:

Read also: As EU presidency looms, Fico goes anti-Muslim again Read more

I am against the emergence of compact Muslim communities in Slovakia on principle, Fico said, as quoted by Sme. So that these communities are not able to preserve the habits that Europe and its Christian historical roots refute as wrong and unjust.

Christian Churches in Slovakia issued a joint statement earlier on February 22 speaking against the Istanbul Convention and calling on the government to withdraw its signature from the document. The religious representatives, just like Fico, labelled the Convention controversial.

Read also:

Read also: Fico rejects creation of compact Muslim community in Slovakia Read more

We are in favour of the protection of women from any violence whatsoever but we cannot agree with the ideologies that present equality as sameness and go as far as to deny the differences between men and women, the statement reads, as quoted by Sme.

22. Feb 2018 at 21:55 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Discrimination against Roma remains widespread in Slovakia says Amnesty International report

The report points to discrimination against Roma in Slovakia, systemic segregation of Roma children in education and Slovakias complaint against mandatory refugee relocation quotas.

The world is reaping the terrifying consequences of hate-filled rhetoric that threatens to normalise massive discrimination against marginalised groups, Amnesty International (AI) warned on February 22nd as it launched its annual assessment of human rights.

Last year our world was immersed in crises, with prominent leaders offering us a nightmarish vision of a society blinded by hatred and fear, said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International. This emboldened those who promote bigotry, but it inspired far more people to campaign for a more hopeful future.

The report, The State of the Worlds Human Rights, covers 159 countries and delivers an analysis of the state of human rights in the world today.

In the section on Slovakia AI points to discrimination of Roma, systemic segregation of Roma children in education and Slovakias complaint against mandatory refugee relocation quotas.

The discrimination against Roma remained widespread, reads the report.

It recalls that the European Commission continued an infringement procedure against Slovakia for systematic discrimination and segregation of Roma children in schools. Slovakia also failed to address the systemic over-representation of Roma children in special schools and classes for children with mild disabilities. Mainstream primary schools lacked the human and financial resources to tackle the segregation of Roma pupils.

The report points to the adoption of a new crime prevention strategy in January aimed at strengthening policing in Roma settlements.

It triggered concern by NGOs over ethnic profiling and discrimination, reads the report.

The report also pointed to, among other cases, the opening of investigations targeting six victims of alleged excessive use of force by the police in the Roma settlement in the village of Moldava nad Bodvou in June 2013. The police accused the victims of having committed the criminal offence of falsely accusing the police of wrongdoing.

AI recalls that in September, the Court of Justice of the European Union rejected the application submitted in 2015 by Slovakia and Hungary against the mandatory relocation scheme which aimed to relocate refugees from EU member states such as Greece and Italy. The CJEU held that the EU institutions can adopt the provisional measures necessary to respond effectively and swiftly to an emergency situation characterized by a sudden inflow of displaced persons.

By the end of 2017, Slovakia had accepted only 16 asylum seekers of the 902 that it was assigned, reads the report.

22. Feb 2018 at 22:19 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Slovak food producers exhibit in Dubai for the first time

Agriculture Minister Matecna discussed investments with Sheikh Mansour as well as horse breeding, equitation and falconry.

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This year, for the first time in history, Slovak food and beverage producers presented their products at GULFOOD DUBAI, the worlds largest annual food, beverage, and hospitality exhibition where more than 5,000 companies from 120 countries around the world showcase their products. The national exposition was organised by the Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) and the Agriculture Ministry. Nine food producers from Slovakia presented their products directly at the exhibition, while a further 18 businesses were on a business mission in Dubai.

Although Slovakia cannot compete with the amount of production, it definitely can compete with the quality of foodstuffs, said Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Gabriela Matecna (SNS) as cited by the SITA newswire. If our food producers want to be successful, it cannot be done without marketing and presentation.

Matecna also held talks with Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, minister of presidential affairs and member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. Their talks revolved around the topics of investments and research in food security, water quality and energy, as well as cooperation over horse breeding, equitation and falconry.

video //www.youtube.com/embed/CMdlqvWDgcw

22. Feb 2018 at 22:03
Slovakias story of economic success

The country marks 25th anniversary of its existence as an independent state

The independent Slovak Republic celebrated 25 years of existence on January 1, 2018. While expectations and predictions for the newly-formed state were rather pessimistic and cautious 25 years ago, the story of independent Slovakia is a success, at least from the economic point of view. Slovakia has transformed into a country with a functioning market economy and is now a member of WTO, OECD, NATO, the EU and the eurozone. Real wages are 73 percent higher than in 1993 and average Slovaks can afford more goods and services than they could 25 years ago. Slovakia still lags behind its former peer, the Czech Republic, which started from a better position. The gap between the two countries, however, is getting smaller.

Yet Slovakia should not rest on its laurels. To remain competitive and maintain its economic growth, it needs to improve its education, implementation of innovations and research as well as development in order to become a knowledge-based economy that does not remain the assembly hall of the Europe.

Slovakia, in spite of the pessimistic baseline factors, belongs among the most successful economies of the former Eastern Bloc, said Vladimir Masar, who occupied senior governmental positions when the federation was splitting and the new Slovak and Czech Republics were created. We are not only maintaining the pace within the Visegrad Group, but we also manage to reduce the gap towards the EU average. But the continuation of the success of the last 25 years is not a matter of course. Slovakias economy should undergo a qualitative change in order to generate higher added value.

A look back

Vladimir Masar, when looking back on the development of independent Slovakia and its economy, sees two main processes affecting the countrys development over the last 25 years.

When speaking about 25 years of independent Slovakia, it is very important to understand the beginning, at what time the Slovak Republic was established and what were the baseline factors, said Masar. When the federation split, he held senior positions in the finance ministry and later became the first governor of the newly-established Slovak central bank, the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS). Since 2000, he has served as director of Deloitte in Slovakia.

In his opinion, many people do not distinguish between the economys transformation and the split of the federation and the impacts they had on Slovakias economy. Masar believes these processes are separate as the Slovak economy would have to undergo transformation from the centrally-controlled economy to a market economy, regardless of the ensuing split of the federation and creation of independent states.

The transformation of the communist and centrally-controlled economy to a market economy was dramatic and fundamental, said Masar.

The Czech-Slovak economy was not the only one undergoing this transformation since the whole Eastern Bloc consisting of satellites of the former Soviet Union as well as former member states of the Soviet Union had to undergo the transformation as well.

At that time, even Western economists did not dare say how to manage such a process because nobody had any experiences with the fall of such a huge economic block, said Masar. It was a unique, historically unparalleled event.

What was very important, Masar recalled, was securing the fast change of ownership of state assets in order for communist parties to lose economic control over the countries. This was due to the assumption that if communist parties hold economic power, they can easily regain political power.

This was one of the reasons why many transfers of ownership were quite peculiar and rightfully criticised, either due to their effectiveness or transparency, recalled Masar, adding that at the time the quality of the processes was not as important as the speed at which they were completed. Nobody could say at that time whether this was not just another 1968, and everything would revert to the past. This time aspect was a very important realization back then.

At the fall of the communist regimes, the Eastern Bloc was strongly undercapitalised. As Masar recalled, companies were indebted while they borrowed money only to repay old debts rather than buying new technologies or developing in other ways. This was also the case for Slovakia.

Slovakia suffered from very high unemployment, much higher than the Czech Republic. Industry in the Czech Republic was better able to adapt to new conditions. Slovakia, with its high share of heavy industry and defence industry, was in a worse position.

Slovakia actually had to build its economy from scratch, said Masar.

Split of the federation

During such turbulent times, the federation split and two independent states, the Slovak and Czech Republics, were created. The new states divided property and other assets at a 2:1 ratio favouring the Czech Republic when the size and population of the countries were taken into consideration. The ocation of the given property was also taken into consideration.

The most important thing was that the whole process of dividing assets was cultivated, peaceful and free of the problems that occurred in other countries, said Masar. This was really an economic value of a non-economic character.

Slovakia had to form its institutions and needed to join the International Monetary Fund as well as other international monetary institutions in order gain access to loans. The process was well-managed and served as the basis for the new states.

The starting position of Slovakia was worse than that of the Czech Republic, recalled Masar.

Political analyst Grigorij Meseznikov agrees, recalling that after the split of the federation, Slovakias GDP accounted for 47 percent of the European average while that of the Czech Republic equalled 77 percent.

Today, we are at 77 percent and Czechs at 88 percent, Meseznikov told the Novy Cas daily, ascribing the bigger headway of Slovakia to EU membership and reforms. We beat several odds like Meciars authoritarianism, which almost led us to a dead end. Even though we are slightly worse off than the Czech Republic based on objective criteria, they were much better off during the split.

Jan Stemberk from Charles University in Prague stressed for the Hospodarske Noviny that the differences in Slovak and Czech economies were apparent from the industrial revolution.

Czechia belonged to the most developed parts of the Habsburg monarchy, said Stemberk. Industrialisation and modernisation processes befell Slovakia only later.

During the existence of the joint state belonging to Slovaks and Czechs, these differences were gradually erased. But Czech industry was more developed and competitive than Slovakia after the split. While in Czechia there remained middle-sized production that could trade with neighbours from the European Union, Slovakia had a lot of heavy and defence industries with ineffective structure. It failed to compete with rivals on the EU markets. This affected the further development of the two economies.

Slovakia made a leap forward when the Mikulas Dzurinda government took power in 1998 and introduced economic reforms. The adoption of the European single currency helped Slovakia too.

Slovakia is an active part of one of the biggest and most effective globally-acting economic and political groupings, said Masar, adding that what he regrets is the weak performance of Slovakia in the effectiveness of the public sector.

Within the Visegrad Group, last year the GDP per capita was 88 percent in the Czech Republic, followed by Slovakia with 77 percent, Poland with 69 percent and Hungary 67 percent.

Masar insists that Slovakias economy should undergo a qualitative change in order to generate higher added value.

This is closely linked with education, R & D and innovation, said Masar, adding that only better education and R & D can offer Slovakia more sophisticated and innovative processes and prevent it from remaining the assembly hall of Europe.

22. Feb 2018 at 21:42 | Jana Liptakova
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Ltd, Phadia Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., Phadia Malta Holdings Limited, Phadia Oy, Phadia Real Property AB, Phadia Sweden AB, Phadia Taiwan Inc., Phadia US Inc., Phadia s.r.o., Pharmacaps Mexicana SA de CV, Phenom-World B.V., Phenom-World Holding B.V, Phenom-World Innovations B.V., Phinotex, Pierce Biotechnology Inc., Pierce Milwaukee Holding Corp., Pierce Milwaukee Inc., Polychromix, Power Sweden Holdings I AB, Power Sweden Holdings II AB, Power Sweden Holdings III Aktiebolag, Princeton Gamma-Tech Instruments LLC, Princeton Security Technologies, Prionics AG, Prionics Asia Ltd., Prionics Deutschland GmbH, Prionics France SAS, Prionics Italia S.r.l., Prionics Lelystad B.V., Prionics USA Inc., Priority Air Express LLC, Priority Air Express Pte. Ltd., Priority Air Express UK Limited, Priority Air Holdings Corp, Priority Solutions International, Promedica Pty Limited, Proxeon, Proxeon Biosystems ApS, Qiagen, REP GBP I-B Blocker Inc., Raymond A Lamb Limited, Remel Europe Limited, Remel Inc., Richard-Allan Scientific Company, Robbins Scientific LLC, Robocon Labor- und Industrieroboter Gesellschaft m.b.H, Rupprecht and Patashnick, Rupprecht and Patashnick (R&P), Russell pH Limited, S.C.I. du 10 rue Dugay Trouin, SCI Inno 92, STC Bio Manufacturing Inc., Samco Scientific (Monterrey) LLC, Samco Scientific LLC, Saroph Sweden AB, Schantz Road LLC, Seradyn Inc., Shanghai Life Technologies Biotechnology Co. Limited, Shanghai Thermo Fisher (C-I) Trading Co. Ltd, Shanghai Thermo Fisher (S) Trading Co. Ltd, Southern Trials (Pty) Ltd., Specialty (SMI) Inc., Spectra-Physics AB, Spectra-Physics Holdings Limited, Spectra-Physics Holdings USA LLC, Spectronex, Staten Island Cogeneration Corporation, Sterilin Limited, Stokes Bio Ltd., Sweden DIA (Sweden) AB, SwissAnalytic Group GmbH, Systems Manufacturing Corporation, TFLP LLC, TFS Breda B.V., TFS LLC, TFS Singapore HK Limited, TFSL Financing GP LLC, TFSL Senior GP Holdings 2 LLC, TK Partnership, TKA Wasseraufbereitungssysteme, TMOI Inc., TPI Real Estate Holdings LLC, TSP Holdings I LLC, TWX LLC, Technology Design Solutions Pty Ltd, Thermedics Detection de Argentina S.R.L, Thermo Allen Coding Limited, Thermo Asset Management Services Inc., Thermo BioAnalysis LLC, Thermo BioAnalysis Limited, Thermo BioSciences Holdings LLC, Thermo CIDTEC, Thermo CRS Holdings Ltd., Thermo CRS Ltd., Thermo Cambridge Limited, Thermo Cayman Holdings Ltd., Thermo Corporation, Thermo DMA Inc., Thermo Detection de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Dutch Holdings Limited Partnership, Thermo EGS Gauging LLC, Thermo Eberline Holdings I LLC, Thermo Eberline Holdings II LLC, Thermo Eberline LLC, Thermo Electron (Calgary) Limited, Thermo Electron (Chile) S.p.A., Thermo Electron (Karlsruhe) GmbH, Thermo Electron (Management Services) Limited, Thermo Electron (Proprietary) Limited, Thermo Electron A/S, Thermo Electron Australia Pty Limited, Thermo Electron Export Inc., Thermo Electron Holdings SAS, Thermo Electron Industries, Thermo Electron LED GmbH, Thermo Electron LED S.A.S., Thermo Electron Limited, Thermo Electron Manufacturing Limited, Thermo Electron Metallurgical Services Inc., Thermo Electron North America LLC, Thermo Electron Pension Trust GmbH, Thermo Electron Puerto Rico Inc., Thermo Electron SAS, Thermo Electron Scientific Instruments LLC, Thermo Electron Sweden AB, Thermo Electron Sweden Forvaltning AB, Thermo Electron Weighing & Inspection Limited, Thermo Elemental Limited, Thermo Environmental Instruments LLC, Thermo Fast U.K. Limited, Thermo Finland Holdings LLC, Thermo Finland Holdings MT1 B.V., Thermo Finland Holdings MT2 B.V., Thermo Finnigan LLC, Thermo Finnigan Limited, Thermo Fisher (CN) Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher (CN) Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher (CN) Malta Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher (CN-I) Luxembourg LLC, Thermo Fisher (CN-II) Luxembourg LLC, Thermo Fisher (Cayman) Holdings I Ltd., Thermo Fisher (Cayman) Holdings II Ltd., Thermo Fisher (Finland Holdings 2) LLC, Thermo Fisher (Finland Holdings) Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher (Gibraltar) II Limited, Thermo Fisher (Gibraltar) Limited, Thermo Fisher (Heysham) Limited, Thermo Fisher (Kandel) GmbH, Thermo Fisher CHK Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher China Business Trust, Thermo Fisher China Business Trust II, Thermo Fisher Costa Rica Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Thermo Fisher Cyprus Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Detection Mexico LLC, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics (Ireland) Limited, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AB, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AG, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AS, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Aps, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Austria GmbH, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics B.V., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics GmbH, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics K.K., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Limited, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics NV, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics S.L.U., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics S.p.A. , Thermo Fisher Diagnostics SAS, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Thermo Fisher Eurobonds Ltd., Thermo Fisher Financial Services Inc., Thermo Fisher GP LLC, Thermo Fisher German Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Germany B.V., Thermo Fisher India Divestco Private Limited, Thermo Fisher India Holding B.V., Thermo Fisher Insurance Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Insurance Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Investments (Cayman) Ltd., Thermo Fisher Israel Ltd., Thermo Fisher Production et Services SAS, Thermo Fisher Project Cyprus LLC, Thermo Fisher Re Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Australia) C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Barbados) Holdings Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Breda) Holding BV, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Bremen) GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific (CN) Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (China-HK) Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (DE) Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Ecublens) SARL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance I) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance I) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance II) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance III) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance III) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Fuji) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Holding II) B.V. & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Hong Kong) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (IVGN) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (IVGN) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Johannesburg) (Proprietary) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Mexico City) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Milwaukee) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Mississauga) Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Monterrey) S. De R.L. De C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (NK) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) Austria Holding GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) UK LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) UK Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN-I) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN-II) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN1) UK Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Panama) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Panama) Dutch LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Praha) s.r.o., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Real Estate 1) GmbH & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Real Estate 1) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Schweiz) AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Shanghai) Instruments Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Suzhou) Instruments Co. Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific AL-1 LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific AU II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Africa Proprietary Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Aquasensors LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Australia Pty Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific B.V.B.A., Thermo Fisher Scientific BHK (I) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific BHK (II) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics UAB, Thermo Fisher Scientific Beteiligungsverwaltungs GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Biosciences Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Brahms LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Brasil Instrumentos de Processo Ltda., Thermo Fisher Scientific Brasil Servicos de Logistica Ltda, Thermo Fisher Scientific C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cayman Investments LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Chemicals Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific China (C-I) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific China (S) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings I B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings III B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings IV B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Chromatography Holdings Aps, Thermo Fisher Scientific Chromatography Holdings S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus I Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus II Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus III C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus III Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus IV C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus V C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Denmark Senior Holdings ApS, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie 1 Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie Financing S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Europe GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC Finance C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSIR Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSIR Financing S.a.r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSUKHCO Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Falcon Senior Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Finance Company BV, Thermo Fisher Scientific GENEART GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Germany BV & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific HR Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings (Cayman) I, Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings (Cayman) II , Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings Europe Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific IT Services GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Pvt Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Malta) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Sweden) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Sweden) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments Malta (Sweden Financing) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Invitrogen Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings I B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings III B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific K.K., Thermo Fisher Scientific Korea Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific LSI Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life CV GP Holdings II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life CV GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Enterprises C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Enterprises GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing (Cayman), Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings III C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International Holdings I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments I S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments III S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments IV S.a.r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta Holding I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta Holding II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments US Financing I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments US Financing II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life NL Holdings GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Netherlands Holding C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior GP Holdings II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Switzerland Holdings GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Tech Korea Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Enterprise Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment UK I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment UK II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investments Holding LP, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Israel Investment I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Israel Investment II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Luxembourg Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Enterprise Holdings S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg German Holdings S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Life Technologies UK Holding S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Sweden Holdings I S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Sweden Holdings II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Venture Holdings I S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Venture Holdings II S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Malta Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Messtechnik GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Mexico City S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Middle East Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Milano Srl, Thermo Fisher Scientific NHK Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific New Zealand Holdings, Thermo Fisher Scientific New Zealand Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Norway Holdings AS, Thermo Fisher Scientific Norway US Investments LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Odyssey Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Odyssey Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Operating Company LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Oy, Thermo Fisher Scientific PN2 C.V, Thermo Fisher Scientific PN2 LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Panama I Cayman Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Peru S.R.L., Thermo Fisher Scientific Pte. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Re Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific SL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Senior Financing LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Senior Holdings Australia LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific South Africa Proprietary Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific SpA, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Holdings Luxembourg I S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Holdings Luxembourg II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Investments Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Switzerland Holdings C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific TR Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Taiwan Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific West Palm Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Wissenschaftliche Gerate GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Worldwide Investments (Cayman), Thermo Fisher Scientific eCommerce Solutions LLC , Thermo Fisher Senior Canada Holdings LLC, Thermo Foundation Inc., Thermo Gamma-Metrics Holdings Pty Ltd., Thermo Gamma-Metrics LLC, Thermo Gamma-Metrics Pty Ltd, Thermo Holding European Operations LLC, Thermo Hypersil Ltd, Thermo Hypersil-Keystone LLC, Thermo Informatics Asia Pacific Pty Ltd., Thermo Instrument Controls de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Thermo Kevex X-Ray LLC, Thermo Keytek LLC, Thermo LabSystems Inc., Thermo LabSystems S.A., Thermo Life Science International Trading (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Thermo Life Sciences AB, Thermo Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Thermo MF Physics LLC, Thermo Measurement Ltd, Thermo Measuretech Canada Inc., Thermo Neslab LLC, Thermo Nicolet Limited, Thermo Onix Limited, Thermo Optek (Australia) Pty Ltd., Thermo Optek Limited, Thermo Optek S.A., Thermo Orion Inc., Thermo Portable Holdings LLC, Thermo Power Corporation, Thermo Process Instruments GP LLC, Thermo Process Instruments L.P., Thermo Projects Limited, Thermo Quest S.A., Thermo Radiometrie Limited, Thermo Ramsey Italia S.r.l., Thermo Ramsey LLC, Thermo Ramsey S.A., Thermo Re Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Pte Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Sdn Bhd, Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc., Thermo Scientific Services Inc., Thermo Securities Corporation, Thermo Sentron Canada Inc., Thermo Sentron Limited, Thermo Shandon Inc., Thermo Shandon Limited, Thermo Suomi Holding B.V., Thermo TLH (UK) Limited, Thermo TLH L.P., Thermo Trace Pty Ltd., Thermo-Fisher Biochemical Product (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ThermoLase LLC, ThermoSpectra Limited, Trek Diagnostic Systems LLC, Trek Diagnostic Systems Ltd., Trek Holding Company II Ltd., Trek Holding Company Ltd., Trex Medical Corporation, USB Corporation, Union Lab Supplies Limited, United Diagnostics Inc., VG Systems Limited, Westover Scientific Inc., ZAO PE Biosystems, eBioscience GmbH, eBioscience Ltd, eBioscience SAS, and picoSpin LLC.
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 Coding GmbH, Allen France SAS, Alpine Automation Limited, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Holdings Inc., Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, AppliChem Inc., Arylux Hungary Elektromechanikus Alkatreszgyarto Kft, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix (Suzhou) Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Holdings Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel (Ireland) Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument, Brooks Instrument (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Buell Industries Inc., CAPMAX Logistica S.A. de C.V., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS (Australia) Pty Limited, CS (Finance) Europe S.a.r.l., CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, CSMTS LLC, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures (Australasia) S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Cetram Pty Limited, Coeur, Coeur (Shanghai) Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Densit Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, 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., Dorbyl U.K. (Holdings) Limited, Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO (Holding) AG, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elga Skandinavian AS, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, FEG Investments L.L.C., Fasver, Filtertek, Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech (Taicang) Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart (Japan) K.K., Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart Foster Belgium, Hobart International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., 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 (China) Investment Company Limited, ITW (Deutschland) GmbH, ITW (EU) Holdings Ltd., ITW (European) Finance Co. Ltd., ITW (European) Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW (Ningbo) Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Airport Ground Equipment (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ITW Alpha Sarl, ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components LLC, 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, 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 Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., 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 Contamination Control (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Delta Sarl, ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.A., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Finance Designated Activity Company, ITW Finance Europe S.A., 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 II Inc., ITW Global Investments LLC, ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics (Thailand) Ltd., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Italy S.R.L. in liquidazione, 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 LP, ITW Holdings UK, ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Hungary Finance Beta Kft, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW International Intellectual Property LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Finance Srl, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lombard Holdings Inc., ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW M FILMS II LLC, ITW MH LLC, ITW Marking & Coding (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Medical Group de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., 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 Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Plastic (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Philippines Holdings LLC, 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 Spraytec, 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 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 Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., ITW haubold Paslode GmbH, Ideal Molding Technologies LLC, Illinois Tool Works (Chile) Limitada, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Norway AS, 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 (Shanghai) Ltd., Instron (Thailand) Limited, Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Holdings Limited, Instron International Limited, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, International Leasing Company LLC, International Truss Systems Proprietary Limited, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kester Components (M) Sdn. Bhd., Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft Argentina S.A., Krafft S.L., Lock Inspection Systemes France Sarl, Loma Systems (Canada) Inc., Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Luvex - Industria De Equipamentos De Protecao Ltda., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, Magna Industrial Co. Limited, Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, Norden Olje AB, North Star Imaging Europe, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Odesign Inc., 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., Penta Dnepr LLC, Penta Sever OOO, Penta Volga OOO, 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., Ramset Fasteners (Hong Kong) Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Salter India Limited, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco (Nederland) B.V., Simco Japan Inc., 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 Tape Group B.V., Stokvis Tapes (Hong Kong) Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Taiwan) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes BVBA, Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, 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 Sverige AB, Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Tarutin Kester Co. Ltd., 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 (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode (Qingdao) Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tregaskiss Welding Products, US Finance Gamma LLC, Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V.B.A., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta (Guangzhou) Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Vesta Global Limited, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., W Packaging Technology (China) Co. Ltd., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wujiang Advanced Cleaning Co. 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12 Wall Street analysts have issued "buy," "hold," and "sell" ratings for Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy in the last twelve months. There are currently 1 sell rating, 8 hold ratings and 3 buy ratings for the stock. The consensus among Wall Street analysts is that investors should "hold" Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy stock. A hold rating indicates that analysts believe investors should maintain any existing positions they have in GCTAF, but not buy additional shares or sell existing shares.

View analyst ratings for Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy or view top-rated stocks.
SINGAPORE -- A Singapore church official convicted in a multimillion-dollar fraud case was charged again in court on Thursday after trying to flee the city-state on a boat a day before he was to begin serving a reduced jail sentence.

The five-year long legal battle that mixed fraud and faith had gripped the wealthy southeast Asian island, where there is little tolerance of corruption.

Chew Eng Han, who was the treasurer of the City Harvest Church and an investment manager, had hired a boat to escape to neighbouring Malaysia, a trip of less than an hour, when he was arrested by the coast guard on Wednesday, Singapore police said.

Chew was arrested "for attempting to leave Singapore illegally," the police said in a statement, adding that their investigation continued.

Chew and another man were arrested in a motor boat off the island of Pulau Ubin north of Singapore. Chew had S$5,000 in cash, the police said. Singapore media said the pair claimed to have been fishing when questioned.

Chew, who is in custody, could not be reached for comment. Reuters could not immediately contact his lawyer to seek comment.

Chew was among six church leaders convicted in October 2015 of misusing millions of dollars to support the pop-singing career of the wife of a church co-founder. She was not charged in the case.

Chew was to have begun serving a sentence of three years and four months, which had been cut from six years on appeal.

Earlier in February, a Singapore court rejected a prosecution appeal to reinstate longer jail terms for the church leaders, after they were cut by the High Court in April 2017.

Chew and the other accused all had their sentences cut nearly in half, prompting public criticism and a pledge by the government to amend a law that led to the shorter sentences.

The 57-year-old Chew had been allowed to stay outside of prison on bail until after the Lunar New Year so that he could spend time with family, his lawyer told the court last month.

While megachurches originated in the United States, some of the largest are in Asia, where packaging the traditional biblical message into a more dynamic format of pop music, lively services and social media has lured a new generation of followers and turned the churches into major enterprises.

City Harvest had a congregation of 15,923 and more than 50 affiliations in China, the United States, and seven other countries in 2016, its latest annual report shows.
Many expats in Vietnam may have been back to work on Wednesday after a week-long break, when the locals observed the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival. Chances are some of their Vietnamese coworkers were either absent or present with no mood of working.

The phenomenon comes as no surprise to the Vietnamese, with the first lunar month, which began on February 16, traditionally considered the month of festivities.

The thinking originated from the good old days when most Vietnamese worked on the field, and Tet was the time for family reunion and participating in a series of traditional festivals and folk festivities.

People jostle to participate in a Tet festival in northern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

In modern time, such a conception has become outdated as most salaried workers in Vietnam are usually given a few days or a week at most to celebrate Tet. Despite this, some would return to work with the festive spirit after a week of unwinding and partying.

The syndrome is more or less the same as the so-called Blue Monday, or the most miserable day of the year that usually falls in January, in some Western countries.

The Blue Monday is determined each year based on a series of factors such as weather, debt level, the amount of time since Christmas and New Year. It is believed that on that day, many are in depression over the money they spent for celebrations, their failure to achieve New Year's resolutions, or low motivational levels.

Some Vietnamese salaried workers, who started their Tet break early last week, would feel the same during their first working day after the holiday on Wednesday.

Tet is a great time for partying. Photo: Tuoi Tre

This is why Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc requested on Wednesday that public workers resume work promptly now that the holiday was over.

We should put an end to the outdated thinking that the first lunar month is a time for festivals, the premier said as he chaired a meeting between the governments standing board and some ministries and sectors.

Why not in the mood?

February 16 marked the first day of the Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Dog in Vietnam, with public workers given days off from February 14 to 20.

Many have devoted so much of their energy and motivation to Tet celebration that they went to work on Wednesday with little liveliness and enthusiasm.

People get wild at a Tet festival in northern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

It is not unusual for offices to be scarce of employees, and those who were present would dedicate their time to talking about their holiday, sharing delicacies that they failed to use up over Tet, or even playing cards.

The common excuses for such a lack of working spirit are I have yet to enjoy Tet to the fullest, or I have lost my energy having to return to the city from my hometown.

Others argued that the back to office day this year was in the middle of the week, so they found it hard to stay focused and motivated to work, with the weekend only three days ahead.

Some said they did not really enjoy Tet at all, having to join the Tet travel rush to their hometowns, where they had to visit a number of relatives and prepare holiday feasts.

Tet is also the great time for partying and drinking, and it is not easy for male workers to return to work sober when they made a toast to welcome the Year of the Dog every single night before.

This Tuoi Tre caricature depicts how Tet celebrations may affect beer-lovers.

And yet, for those in northern Vietnam, a series of festivals are waiting for them in the first lunar month.

These include the three-month Huong Pagoda Festival, which started in Hanois outer district of My Duc on Wednesday, the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival in Ninh Binh, the Lim Festival in Bac Ninh and the Tran Temple Festival in Nam Dinh.

Vietnam will observe its first full moon in the lunar calendar on March 2, after which many believe it will be the right time to forget Tet and get back to work.

The Huong Pagoda Festival in Hanoi on February 21, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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A Vietnamese national has won the top prize of a photo contest organized by the Asian Development Bank to showcase the development progress in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

Anh Dung Kieu bagged the US$500 prize for his photo depicting early morning trading at a floating market in the southern Vietnamese province of Soc Trang, the ADB announced on Tuesday.

The second prize of $200 went to Pitchayawat Proongsak from Thailand, while his countryman Saravut Whanset won the special prize of $100 for the entry that garnered the most likes on social media.

These winners have beaten more than 1,200 entries from nonprofessional photographers from ADB member countries in the contest that ran from January 8 to February 9.

A bridge connecting Thailand and Lao PDR. Photo: Pitchayawat Proongsak

The event was held in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the ADB-backed GMS Program, with submitted entries, accessible via the hashtag #GMS25, showing how daily life in the Mekong subregion has changed in the last 25 years.

Countries under the GMS program, which focuses on increased regional cooperation and integration for inclusive and sustainable development, include Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Established in 1992 with support from ADB, the GMS program helps the implementation of prioritized subregional projects in transport, energy, telecommunications, the environment, human resource development, tourism, trade, private sector investment, and agriculture.

As of 2017, ADB had approved $8.2 billion for 87 GMS loans and grants, while GMS member countries and development partners provided $5.5 billion and $7.1 billion, respectively.

Vietnam is scheduled to host the Sixth GMS Summit, themed Leveraging on 25 years of cooperation, and building a sustainable, integrated, and prosperous GMS, from March 29 to 31, with GMS countries leaders expected to endorse the Hanoi Action Plan 2018-2022.

A fisherman works at sunrise along the Mekong River in Thailand. Photo: Saravut Whanset

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration.

Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members  48 from the region.

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Check out the news you should not miss today, February 22

Society

-- Ho Chi Minh Citys deputy chairman Tran Vinh Tuyen has demanded that every municipal department and regulatory agency develop an app to better communicate with and serve local citizens.

-- As most salaried workers in Vietnam entered the first working day after the week-long Lunar New Year (Tet) festival on Wednesday, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc requested at a meeting that they resume work promptly, instead of thinking that it is still festive time.

-- Ho Chi Minh City police on Wednesday officially put Nguyen Huu Tinh, the suspect in the homicide of a family of five last week, into custody and launched legal proceedings against him for the charges of "murder" and "stealing assets."

-- Two serious traffic accidents occurred on the National Highway 1A passing through the southern province of Vinh Long on Wednesday, blocking traffic on a 10km section.

-- A 33-year-old man was stabbed and slashed to death by an unidentified knifeman, who allegedly came to remind him to pay off a VND300,000 (US$13) debt, in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday.

-- A teenager in Hanoi has accused a GrabCar driver of stealing her left-behind purse with some VND20 million ($880) worth of cash inside, while the driver asserted that he had never seen the bag.

Business

-- Vietnam targets to rake in $21 billion from cultivation exports in 2018, about 2.3 percent higher than last year, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Wednesday, citing the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

-- Vietnam's stock market resumed trade after a five-day Lunar New Year festival break on Wednesday, with the benchmark VN-Index surging 2.6 percent to 1,087.15 points, its best close since February 2.

-- Vietnamese automaker THACO on Wednesday inaugurated a VND500 billion ($22.03 million) agricultural machine-making factory at its auto mechanic complex in the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone in the central province of Quang Nam.

Lifestyle

-- A ceremony was held at the Hai Ba Trung (Trung Sisters) Temple in Hanois Me Linh District on Wednesday to mark the 1978th anniversary of the Hai Ba Trung Uprising.

-- Vietnamese national Kieu Anh Dung was announced the winner of the GMS25, a photo contest held by ADB to showcase the development progress in the Greater Mekong Subregion, with his photo depicting early morning trading at a floating market in Vietnams Soc Trang Province.

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While several departments and sectors in Ho Chi Minh City are already serving the public online, a top leader has requested that mobile apps replace websites as the cores of the municipal e-governance system.

Tran Vinh Tuyen, deputy chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City administration and leader of the citys administrative reform initiative, believes that websites have fallen behind the times and fail to properly suit the needs of city dwellers.

Only mobile apps are capable of promptly resolving complaints and petitions from the citizens, Tuyen told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper in an interview published Thursday.

Tuyen underlined that building electronic governance, or e-governance, is a key task of the citys administrative reform effort, as it helps cut time and increase transparency in delivering public services.

E-governance is the application of information and communication technology for providing government-to-citizen and government-to-business services, exchange of information and communication transactions.

The system minimizes the need for citizens or businesses to make in-person contact with public servants, thus obviating possible corruption, the official explained.

The land-use planning app is seen on a smartphone screen in this photo taken in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Tuyen said District 1, the citys business center, and District 12 have been selected for a pilot smart city project, and their respective administrations have come up with several good initiatives on e-governance development.

The municipal administration will encourage other districts to follow these examples and have their own ideas and innovation in improving the quality of public services, he added.

Apps are proving their usefulness

On top of these improvements, Tuyen underlined that some departments and agencies have developed mobile apps to enhance their service quality, an approach all public service providers in Ho Chi Minh City are now required to adopt.

For instance, he elaborated, in December last year the Department of Planning and Architecture launched a website and an app allowing residents and investors to look up information regarding land-use planning citywide.

Users can view information regarding the state of a piece of land including its area, road width and usage planning with only a few taps on their smartphone screens.

The Department of Transport has a traffic information app, enabling commuters to monitor traffic in real time and report congestion or other infrastructure problems to authorities via their mobile devices.

In the coming time, the Department of Construction should develop an app to provide construction guidance to citizens and investors, and its environment counterpart also needs one to help locals with land-related paperwork, Tuyen said.

The municipal administrations view is that all sectors and departments service the public via apps rather than only via websites which have become outdated.

A screenshot of the traffic information app operated by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The Binh Thanh pioneer

As far as public service apps are concerned, the administration of Binh Thanh District has taken the lead and eventually become a successful pioneer.

Launched in April 2017, the Binh Thanh app, through which citizens can look up planning information and submit evidence of violations to authorities, has been yielding fruitful results.

Less than a year from its launch, the app has received thousands of downloads, with local authorities being committed to handling all verified complaints within 120 minutes from receipt.

The whistleblowers will also be notified as soon as the cases are resolved.

Ward-level leaders confirmed to Tuoi Tre that the text- and photo-based evidence provided by members of the public has been of great help for authorities to tackle violations, particularly those committed by sidewalk occupants.

The Binh Thanh public service app is seen on a tablet screen in this photo taken in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre

C.M., a Binh Thanh resident who downloaded the app right after its introduction, said he has since sent a few dozen complaints, mostly about urban order violations, to officials.

I am pleased to see that reports of those who illegally occupied the sidewalks or committed environmental offenses have been swiftly addressed and resolved, M. told Tuoi Tre.

The citizen noted, however, that complains regarding construction violations seemed to be handled more slowly.

I understand this matter is more complicated and takes time to be resolved, but authorities should try to handle it faster to increase public trust and encourage more reports via the app, he added.

From the initial success of the Binh Thanh app, the Ho Chi Minh City administration is considering if it can develop a similar app on a citywide scale.
A Vietnamese man has been captured for allegedly destroying forests in the Central Highlands.

Phan Thanh Nghia, 52, the chief suspect for the offense, will face four months imprisonment, according to a decision by the police of Dak Glong District, Dak Nong Province.

Nghia has purportedly damaged nearly 15 hectares of the forest under the control of a local company.

On February 6, in the region under the management of the company, authorities found a number of people using chainsaws and machetes, setting fire and working the soil of a denuded area in which trees had been previously cut down.

At the scene, forest rangers arrested five people: Phan Thanh Nghia; Y Tu, 21; Duong Van Thanh, 51; HJe, 33; and Y Thieu Bon Dop, 34.

The destruction is for cultivation purposes, according to police officers.

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Traffic jams still haunted travelers on major routes connecting Vietnams Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday and were intensified by multiple road accidents.

A large number of people were still traveling back to Ho Chi Minh City from their hometowns in the Mekong Delta following the end of the Lunar New Year holiday, placing enormous pressure on National Highway 1.

In Vinh Long Province, two traffic crashes occurring in the afternoon severely exacerbated the gridlock on the highway as well as its detour in the locality.

Despite efforts from traffic police officers, vehicles were stuck in heavy congestion along a 10 kilometer section of the road.

Traffic police deal with a road crash. Photo: Tuoi Tre

As of 6:00 pm on the same day, thousands of motorbikes and automobiles were still traveling at a snails pace in the area.

Aside from the two routes, the section of National Highway 57 near Dinh Khao Ferry Station in Long Ho District, Vinh Long, also suffered bottlenecks, Tran Hoang Tu, vice-chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

Many officers were mobilized to control the traffic and deal with the congestion, Tu said, adding that they had to work relentlessly until the evening.

A serious traffic jam near the site of the accident in Vinh Long Province. Photo: Tuoi Tre

In a relevant development, many passengers of Futa Bus Lines in Can Tho City were exhausted as they had to wait long hours for their buses to Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday evening.

According to employees of the transport service, their buses could not reach Can Tho in time to pick up passengers as they were stuck in the traffic jams in Vinh Long.

Nguyen Thanh Hai, who works for a factory in Ho Chi Minh City, was scheduled to leave Can Tho for the southern metropolis at 5:00 pm.

However, his bus was nowhere to be seen as of 7:00 pm.

Hai decided to reschedule his trip to the next morning and returned to his relatives house for a rest.

Passengers wait for their buses in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on February 21, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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The Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam has issued an official document suggesting that Vietnamese people following the religion refrain from burning joss paper at Buddhist temples nationwide.

A number of Vietnamese people send this kind of offerings to dead relatives in the afterlife in the belief that their spirits can live comfortably there and help them in many aspects in return.

The document is signed by Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, permanent vice-chairperson of the Sanghas managing committee.

It proposes that the Sangha chapters in municipalities and provinces across Vietnam give directions to local monks and nuns heading monasteries or pagodas, especially those recognized as historical relics, regarding the organization of celebrations in a civilized, thrifty and non-ostentatious fashion in accordance with the Vietnamese and Buddhist traditions.

Categorizing joss paper burning as superstitious, the document also underlines that lectures at the above places should draw attention to the preservation of positive points in national customs, and spread the value of compassion, generosity and religious tolerance to the listeners.

On the official website of the Sangha, Venerable To Lien disapproves of the ghost money practice by affirming that the Buddha did not teach anything on that.

Conventional wisdom has it that the dead have needs similar to those they have when alive; and many people, out of great love for the deceased, purchase various paper offerings in the form of houses, cars, air-conditioners, mobile phones and U.S. banknotes in order to send them, he wrote.

Where amongst Buddhist scriptures and Confucian doctrines can Vietnamese intellectuals find the philosophy of burning joss paper? he asked.

The monk added that since no such findings emerge, Buddhists are recommended to abolish paper offerings.

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Two doctors in Vietnam have been attacked after refusing to let a family member of a pregnant woman take photos of her caesarean section.

The victims are Pham Hai Ninh, an anesthesiologist, and Hoang Duc Trung, a surgical assistant, at the Yen Bai Province Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital.

According to reports of the infirmary, Q.T.P.T. underwent a caesarean delivery at the facility at 11:00 am on Tuesday, following a request from the patient and her family.

During the surgery, L.H.N., a family member of T., climbed onto the window of the operation room to take photos of and film the C-section.

The surgical team asked N. to stop such action but they were threatened by the man.

After the caesarean section finished at around 11:40 pm, the surgeons and nurses exited the room before being attacked by N.

Ninh and Trung suffered most of the injuries.

Ninhs head was bleeding along with a wound in his canthus, while Trung suffered multiple bruises across his bodies, Nguyen Van Tuyen, director of the provincial Department of Health, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

The two doctors were brought to the Yen Bai Province General Hospital for treatment, Tuyen continued.

The surgical team was politely asking the man to stop taking photos. They did not have any hostile manner toward him, the health official stated.

The provinces health department has also asked the Department of Police to deal with the case.

The attacker has escaped following the incident.

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According to D., who spoke to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Wednesday afternoon, her daughter N. had hailed a GrabCar ride from Kim Ma Street to Ciputra International City in the Vietnamese capital on Monday.

It was not until a few minutes after the driver had dropped N. off at her destination and driven away that the high school senior realize she had forgotten her purse in the vehicle, the mother said.

The purse contained around VND10 million (US$440) in cash among other important personal papers, D. claimed.

When her daughter tried to reach the driver via his phone number available on the Grab application, the number was out of service, she said.

D. added that she had also tried using different phone numbers to call the driver but none of them could get through.

A screengrab of the GrabCar ride that N. took on February 19, 2018

The mother and daughter contacted Grabs customer support hotline in Hanoi twice, on Monday evening and Wednesday morning, but were told on both occasions that Grab did not manage the drivers or their vehicles.

D. went on to contact Grabs PR department on Wednesday afternoon and was told that the response by its customer support was misguided.

Grab has promised to provide support but did not go into detail about their plan, D. said.

Grab has responded to Tuoi Tres request for comment in a letter sent on Wednesday, in which the company said it had reached out to the driver in question as well as the customers who rode with him after N. to ask if they had seen the girls purse.

None of them recalled having seen such a purse inside the vehicle.

The driver has agreed to engage in direct conversations with N. and D. to discuss the issue, according to Grab.

The ride-hailing platform operator added that it had received no complaints about the drivers behavior since he started becoming a GrabCar partner in October 2017.

The man was noted for returning a lost phone to its owner on February 10, 2018.

Therefore, we have advised N. to report the case to authorities. Grab commits itself to providing relevant information and to working closely with police should our cooperation be requested, the letter reads.

Lawyer Nong Thi Hong Dung. Courtesy of Dung

Nong Thi Hong Dung, a lawyer based in Ho Chi Minh City, advises those who think they have left something in a Grab or Uber vehicle to immediately contact the respective companies customer support hotlines.

If a driver should be found guilty of deliberately appropriating a lost item, he or she could be sentenced to between three months and three years behind bars in accordance with the Penal Code of Vietnam, Dung said.

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Steve Price is being rushed to South Africa to head back into the jungle as ratings for Im A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here has TEN nervous.

Price featured in the show last year coming 5th but managing to win some praise from cynical viewers. He will make his return on Sunday as a late addition despite the celebrities being told no further additions were coming.

But this week the show hit an all-time low, falling under the 500,000 mark. Given the cost of producing the show, those figures are unacceptable.

After the inclusion of Vicky Pattison, Paul Burrell, and especially Lisa & David Oldfield, viewers have been switching off.

But while Price may have won praise for showing a different side to his personality, and hosting Jungle Radio interviews, improving figures is a tall order before the finale due on Sunday or Monday March 11 / 12.

Its a shame TEN could no call upon Lisa Wilkinson or Carrie Bickmore to help bring viewers back. Weve already seen the Price in the Jungle show and many will still view him at the low end of the likeability-scale.

If only those rumours of Fran Drescher had proven true. If only CBS had dug deep and sent a big name star from the USA.

Heck even Anastasia from Gogglebox would have been a better pick.
SKY News will stage a Tasmanian Peoples Forum on Wednesday February 28 with Premier Will Hodgman and Opposition Leader Rebecca White, in conjunction with The Mercury, ahead of the state election.

Political Editor David Speers will moderate the one-hour Live at the Hobart Town Hall, where the leaders will take questions from undecided voters chosen by Galaxy polling.

Were looking forward to bringing a national spotlight to this fascinating campaign in Tasmania. These forums always throw up some surprises and a great way to see whats really on the minds of voters and how the two leaders go without a prepared script, said Speers.

Chris Jones, The Mercury Editor said: Weve heard a lot from the politicians during this campaign about what they think is important, but the Peoples Forum is a great opportunity for us  and them  to hear what the voters care about. Im excited The Mercury can host this important event with Sky News in the critical last week of campaigning. Its another sign of our commitment to leading the public debate in Tasmania on behalf of our readers.

Prior to the Peoples Forum David will anchor his award-winning political program Speers Live from the venue at 4:00pm AEDT, joined by The Mercury Editor Chris Jones and State Political Editor David Beniuk.

Following the forum at 9:00pm AEDT, David will dissect the results with Paul Murray on Paul Murray Live and examine the leaders responses to the issues and concerns raised by the people of Tasmania.

Sky News will also feature multi-platform coverage on www.skynews.com.au, @SkyNewsAust, and www.facebook.com/skynewsaustralia. International viewers can watch the forum at www.australiachannel.com.au.

Then on Saturday March 3 as Tasmanians head to the polls, Sky News will have unrivalled coverage and analysis Live from 6:00pm AEDT.

David Speers will anchor election night coverage Live from the Sky News Canberra centre crossing Live to guest panellists including Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck and Labor Senator Lisa Singh who will be with the respective leaders on the night.

Wednesday February 28

4:00pm AEDT Speers with David Speers Live from Hobart

6:00pm AEDT Credlin with Peta Credlin

7:00pm AEDT The Bolt Report with Andrew Bolt

8:00pm AEDT The Mercury / Sky News Peoples Forum Live from Hobart

9:00pm AEDT Paul Murray Live with Paul Murray

11:00pm AEDT Heads Up with Janine Perrett

Saturday March 3

6:00pm AEDT

Tasmania Votes 2018 anchored by David Speers

From polls opening through to the evening, audiences can see extensive coverage of the Tasmanian State Election through highlights on SkyNews.com.au, Facebook (facebook.com/SkyNewsAustralia) and Twitter (@SkyNewsAust). International viewers can watch the election coverage on Australia Channel www.australiachannel.com.au.

Exclusive to Sky News Live, Foxtel Channel 601
School Safety and the Placebo of Gun Control

By Rob Morse. February 19th, 2018

Article Source

We have to do something.

Ive heard that phrase time and again from politicians and gun control spokesmen. With some 23 thousand firearms regulations already on the books, it seems that weve done quite a lot that hasnt worked. Those ineffective laws dont stop the urge for more feel-good regulation after the murders in Parkland, Florida.

We tried mandatory background checks. Those laws didnt stop the mass murder at Umpqua Community College in Oregon. Background checks didnt stop the murders at Isla Vista, California, or at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California. I chose these particular examples because Oregon and California have some of the most restrictive firearms transfer laws in the country..including mandatory background checks. They already failed, but I expect the gun-prohibitionists to call for more background checks.

We tried gun-free zones, but they failed too. Rather than stop mass murderers, gun-free zones seem to attract these killers. In fact, almost all of our mass murders took place in gun-free zones. The reason is easy to understand. Mass murderers dont want to get into a gun fight. Instead, they want to shoot innocent victims who cant shoot back. Gun-free zones effectively disarmed the honest people who were never a threat in the first place. Unfortunately, also we disarmed the honest people who could slow down or stop the murderer. Expect to hear more calls for gun-free zones.

We tried an assault weapons ban back in 1994 under President Clinton. The ban didnt disarm criminals. It didnt stop mass murders. Dedicated mass murderers got their guns before they committed their crimes, or they got them by murder. The assault weapons ban didnt stop them in either case. The ban only made it harder for honest gun owners to own some guns, and that is the lesson we havent learned.

Before you pass a new law, assume that the people who commit mass murder will break it. Passing another law will only change the behavior of the honest people who obey the law. If more laws could stop mass murder, then our 23 thousand gun regulations should have done it long ago.

The sad fact is that were passing laws to make us feel better rather than to effectively stop attacks on our schools. We know what we should do, but doing it doesnt give us that warm feeling inside, the pleasure of a quick fix of putting more ink on paper and passing another law.

We should know better. It is amazing to me that we finally have a generation who figured out that drug prohibition laws dont work. That same generation is now eager to pass more gun prohibitions. Some things never change.

I want us to change what were doing and to protect our children. We need better mental health treatment. We also need armed staff in schools. That is what law enforcement says. That is what we do for the children of elite society, and I think they are right.

Our kids deserve it too.

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After seven students from the University of Bristol took their own lives in less than 18 months, the university's Vice-Chancellor has finally decided to do something about it - albeit controversially - and it's about time other institutions across the country followed suit.

The Guardian report that the number of students who disclose having a mental health problem in their first year has risen fivefold and reached 15,395 in the past decade whereas the rate of Student suicides has risen to it's highest rate since 2007, according to a study by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), with 134 students taking their own lives in 2015 alone.

What is causing the rise of suicides?

The alarming rise of students taking their own lives has been attributed to a combination of social media pressures, increased awareness of mental health issues, student debt and the uncertainty of the world for young people, with political turmoil home and abroad and global warming.

Mental health issues have already led to a record number of students with mental health problems dropping out of university in 2015.

Indeed, 26 percent of students were also using or waiting to use university counselling services during their time at university whilst separate research in the form of a 2016 YouGov survey found that 27 percent of students have a mental health problem.

The report also revealed that female first-year students were significantly more likely than their male counterparts to disclose a mental health condition in 2015-16, whereas four years previously both were equally likely.

Additionally, the report revealed that 94 percent of the 58 higher education institutions surveyed had seen a jump in demand for counselling services over the past five years, while 61 percent had seen demand jump by more than a quarter.

What is currently being done to tackle this?

Despite the high number of suicides across universities, only 29 percent have an explicit strategy on student mental health and well-being, according to the report.

Bristol University's Vice-Chancellor, Hugh Brady, has introduced a "whole institutional" model of pastoral care to tackle student mental health and suicides and will be spending an increase from 2.6 million to 2.9 million which follows on from the 1m wellbeing strategy introduced last autumn.

The latest version will add a new tier of professional support with full-time trained staff in three student support centres in the three main groupings of residential halls, available around the clock, 365 days a year.

However, he has come under fire for axing the number of academics who act as Wardens from nine to three across the university, a move which is being opposed by 92.1% of voting students.

In response to this, the Vice-Chancellor insists that the new model will improve on the old system and says that student wardens may not be able to fulfill the role to the best of their ability as they are doing this on top of their full-time jobs and are often unavailable during evenings and weekends.

Following the backlash, the university has added that there will be Senior Residents made up of students who work part-time as live-in peer mentors alongside Chief Residents who will be made-up of senior post-graduates who have already been senior residents in the past and has boosted the number of live-in mentors to 120 from a proposed 54.

What else needs to be done?

The moves that the University of Bristol is making to deal with the recent spate of student suicides at the institution are tailored to their current situation but regardless they must be learnt from by the rest of the universities across the country.

The report's recommendations include introducing a new NHS Student Health Fund and a new student premium to top up funding for GP practices which have a high proportion of patients who are students and finding and accessing better national data on which interventions have been most effective thus far.

Universities UK has also said that student mental health is "a strategic priority" and has introduced its own framework to guide universities when embedding mental health resources across their campuses.

Where can you get help?

Although it's not always easy to tell when someone is at risk of suicide, here are some warning signs to look out for in others:

Loss of energy

Appearing more tearful

Not wanting to talk to or be with people

Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy

Finding it hard to cope with everyday things

Appearing restless and agitated

Not liking or taking care of themselves; feeling they don't matter

Using alcohol or drug s to cope with feelings

s to cope with feelings Becoming withdrawn and losing touch with friends and family

The NHS website also offers a lot of advice on how to best help someone who is suicidal.

If you are feeling suicidal yourself, you can call The Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit their website.
THE NHS is one of the main concerns for the public and it is a key reason as to why people voted for Brexit, whether it was believing that the funding could be put too the NHS or that migrants do in fact are the cause of high waiting lists. Both of those have been disproved multiple times but recent reports have highlighted the growing problems within the Health Service, from unfilled positions, wasted money and failing to honour junior doctor contracts.

With immigration a big issue to most leave voters and the governments appeasement of the far-right, there could be even bigger issues facing the NHS.

Particularly when it comes to staffing levels, which have already dropped since the vote to leave the EU.

Permanent NHS crisis

On Wednesday, the Nhs Improvements quarterly performance report for the three months ending 31 December was released and it showed that there are almost 100,000 vacancies to be filled. That is equivalent to one in 11 and this coincided with an increase of almost 250,000 more people visiting A&E during the same period. NHS improvement revised its estimate of the year-end deficit to 931 million (88% worse than previously estimated) after providers reported an estimated 1.3 billion year-to-date deficit.

There is a significant issue of wasted money within the NHS and University of Bristol experts conducted a study of 120 hospital trusts and found that millions are being wasted on management consultants.

The trusts are estimated to spend around 1.2 million on consultants each year to improve efficiency and service quality, however, the research shows they often have the opposite affect as they found that consulting projects are often disruptive.

Furthermore, a junior doctor is taking an NHS trust in Derby to court over failures to honour contracts of her and 20 other contracts.

Dr Sarah Hallett says it is up to NHS trusts to make sure that junior medics get a half-hour break after every four hours they are continuously on duty. However, she claims that patients are at risk because the doctors are not getting enough rest.
Christians have refused to meet Vice-President Mike Pence over Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Christian communities wrote a letter to Mr Trump pleading with him to think about what he was doing. In the letter, 13 leaders of Palestine's diverse Christian community warned of the danger of going ahead with this announcement.

Mr Trump should have declared West Jerusalem as the Jewish capital and East Jerusalem the Palestinian part of the city. The final status was to be discussed in the Oslo agreement.

With Trump's announcement about Jerusalem as Israel's capital, it would seem this has now been scuppered.

Palestine's varied Christian Community

The Holy Sepulchre is believed to be the actual birthplace of Jesus Christ with Armenian, Catholic and Greek Orthodox sharing this place of worship. Other Christian denominations exist too including Baptists, Methodists and Anglicans.

There are also Christians living in Israel proper who by and large are recognised as Israeli citizens. However, some Christians have experienced a harsher side to Israel's tolerance of others.

Many young Christian Palestinians see no future in staying in the West Bank or Gaza with many seeking their fortune abroad.

Christian Zionists and Israel

Evangelical Christians in the US support Israel because they see the formation of a Jewish state as heralding the second coming of Christ. Vice-President Mike Pence is a Zionist Evangelical so it is only natural he would follow this doctrine. Of course, it is unfair to tar all Evangelical Christians as being Zionists.

Non-Zionist Christians around the world regard Zionism as a corruption of Christ's teaching. It seems Zionist Christians ignore or deliberately overlook the fact there have been Christians in Palestine since Christ's ascension. Christians in Palestine and the wider Middle East are frustrated and angry that many western Christians are Zionists.

In the USA in particular, Zionism has a huge following. People like Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar, John Hagee and Franklin Graham are all passionate evangelical Zionists. Channels like the God channel espouse this doctrine broadcasting live from the heart of Israel.

This poisonous doctrine when enacted as US policy is a worldwide disaster of epic proportions. From the invasion of Iraq to the US support for Israel Christian Zionism has a lot to answer for.
THERESA MAY has faced a two-pronged assault over Brexit, one from Labour and Jeremy Corbyn, the other is from her own hard-right backbenchers. David Davis was full of optimism when he declared that Brexit will not lead to a Mad Max style dystopia and Corbyn did take note and pressed May over Brexit during PMQs. Furthermore, a paper from Whitehall that has been shared with member states of the EU shows part of what the government are seeking from Brexit.

Whilst there has been fierce debate over Labours position, the government have largely kept their plans under wraps despite constant pressure from campaigners and MPs from all parties.

Which perhaps is more concerning but nonetheless, there is a little more clarity.

Brexit means?

First of all, a group of 62 hard-line Brexiteers have signed a letter to the PM urging her to force a Clean Break from the EU, advocating taking on WTO rules and potentially opening up British public services such as the NHS to US health firms. The letter contains names such as colonial throwback, Jacob Rees-Mogg, serial filibusterer, Phillip Davies along with former cabinet ministers Priti Patel and Ian Duncan-Smith. This underlines the significant split on the Conservative Party over Brexit because in a paper shown to all EU member states shows that Whitehall are seeking an open-ended transition period after Brexit.

In the paper shared with all member states, it says The UK believes the periods duration should be determined simply by how long it will take to prepare and implement the new processes and new systems that will underpin the future relationship. The UK agrees this points to a period of around two years but wishes to discuss with the EU the assessment that supports its proposed end date. This is likely to deepen the divide further especially if you consider the letter sent by the hard-liners stated they were against anything that tied the UK to the EU.

Customs union and UK farming

Furthermore, Jeremy Corbyn has outlined that the UK would have to have a customs union with the EU, so that a hard border in Ireland is definitely avoided, he said in questions after a speech to manufacturers body the EEF on Tuesday that Northern Ireland was key to this decision. But also stated that the continuation of trade as a whole was important.

He said that membership of a customs union was an end point post-Brexit, but it is not the only option on the table. This signals an important shift in policy and a definitive answer on Labour policy.

Ironically, it is Michael Gove who could become an awkward opposition to certain aspects of Brexit as he has come out in support a new seasonal agricultural workers scheme beyond Brexit. Gove has stated that there is compelling evidence for a new SAWS and that British farmers will need access to workers globally. He has suggested that he would support a special arrangement for the tens of thousands of farmers who keep farming productive and profitable. Although, he was unable to make a formal announcement, this support would no doubt be putting pressure on the Home Office and May, who is coming under increasing scrutiny from the hard-line backbenchers, particularly over immigration.

Meanwhile anti-Brexit campaigners will launch a campaign blitz to promote the benefits of remaining closely aligned with the EU. The Best for Britain group have declared around 1.2 million in funding and are planning some billboards but significant spending on digital advertising. This would be a move that was effective for the Leave campaign during the referendum. The decision to begin a blitz now is due to the upcoming parliamentary votes on whether the UK should remain as part of the customs union.
Former Battle of Malta Organizers Announce Malta Poker Festival

February 22 2018 PokerNews Staff

The former organizers of the infamous Battle of Malta tournament, event founder and director Ivonne Montealegre, and the Portomaso Casino, have announced a new tournament festival on the Mediterranean island of Malta. After a legal dispute with the owners of the BOM brand, Montealegre has now set her sights on a new event, dubbed the Malta Poker Festival.

Like its predecessor, the Malta Poker Festival Main Event will have a buy-in of 550 with a guaranteed prize pool of 500,000. The event takes place in the Portomaso Casino in Malta, running November 1-6, 2018.

Besides the 550 Main Event with the half million guarantee, the festival will have several side-events. One of them is a second chance event with a guarantee of 10,000.

2018 Malta Poker Festival

Dates: November 01-06, 2018 Place: Portomaso Casino - St. Julians, Malta Main Event Buy-In: 550 Guaranteed Prize Pool: 500,000

Montealegre comments: With an operation like the one we have at Portomaso Casino, breaking records for the past 7 years, it makes sense to take the tournament to the next level. We have been listening to our clients and have recalibrated the entire operation to focus on good quality poker in the most spectacular destination in Malta.

Montealegre: "We have recalibrated the entire operation to focus on good quality poker in the most spectacular destination in Malta."



Danilo de Bernardis, the tournament director for the event, adds: Portomaso Casino is the only venue on the island capable of hosting an event of this magnitude. We have both the manpower and the facilities to create a comfortable, ethical, and professional environment to conduct an unforgettable poker experience. Our team is as strong as it gets after working together for 7 years.

The Battle of Malta, in collaboration with poker website PokerListings.com, has been an enormous event in Malta in recent years. In 2017, the 550 buy-in event attracted a massive field of 2,074 entries. Nadav Lipszyc from Israel came out victorious, banking 200,000 ($232,585). The Battle of Malta was not only known among poker players for the tournament itself, but the parties surrounding the event gained fame in the poker playing community as well.

The new event, dubbed the Malta Poker Festival, is set to prolong that legacy with an opening cocktail party and an official party during the festival. The tournament organization also promised lots of added value to the players, but details are yet to be released. Same goes for the full schedule, which will be announced at a later stage according to the tournament organizers.

While the event is still some months away, buying-in is already an option on the official website. A package including accommodation is also available:

4 Nights Accommodation - 5 Star Hilton Hotel, Malta

Malta Poker Festival Main Event Buy-In (550)

Daily Breakfast & Buffet Lunch at the Casino

Complimentary Opening Cocktail Party and Official VIP Party
Columbus Energy announced on Thursday that its operations in Spain have been dismantled following the expiry of its concession.

The companys subsidiary, Compania Petrolifera de Sedano S.L.U. (CPS), will lose a considerable amount of its Spanish workforce as Columbus said the normally "short and straight-forward process" of closing the concession and enabling a tender for a new concession to take place has been hampered by Spanish authorities.

Management said the experience had been "protracted and frustrating", accusing the authorities of having an "apparent disregard" for the continued employment of staff in the Burgos area.

Leo Koot, executive chairman of Columbus, said: "The decision to commence the collective dismissal procedure was taken because the company has incurred significant costs in Spain due to the government's decision not to renew the La Lora concession, exacerbated by the lengthy period between that decision and the (yet to be completed) closure of the concession."

The company will retain some employees to help with the tendering of a new concession and maintain the Ayoluengo field until the new concession is awarded.

Columbus said the cost of layoffs will be fully met from currently available funds within the company.

"Despite the latest developments we are committed to re-applying for the new concession and obtaining value from our investment and today's news is not impacting our overall strategy and delivery of our Trinidadian assets which are the main cash generator and opportunity for growth of the business," said Koot.

Columbus Energy is a London-based oil and gas producer and explorer with a focus on Trinidadian projects and a view to expand into South America.

As of 0808 GMT, Columbus shares were down 2.86% at 5.10p.
Specialty pharmaceutical company Diurnal has secured two Japanese composition of matter patents for new products, it announced on Thursday.

The patents are for Diurnals Alkindi product, a treatment for adrenal insufficiency in paediatric and elderly adult patients now protected until 2032, and its Chronocort product, giving the companys modified release hydrocortisone formulation in market protection until 2033.

Martin Whitaker, chief executive of Diurnal, said: "Japan is a significant potential market for both Alkindi and Chronocort. We are therefore delighted that these patents have proceeded to grant and will create the cornerstone of our strong exclusivity position in this territory.

The companys UK and US variants of the patents have already been granted.

"We will now look to secure a local partner, in line with our commercialisation strategy outside of the US and Europe, and will liaise with local regulatory authorities to determine the clinical studies that will be required for approval," said Whitaker.

Diurnal is a Cardiff-based company, dedicated to auctioning high-quality hormone therapeutics to assist with lifelong treatment for rare and chronic endocrine conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency.

As of 0848 GMT, Diurnal shares were up 1.69% at 180.50p.
Freight management services provider Xpediator announced on Thursday that it has seen a 59% increase in revenues for 2017, up to 116m.

The company reported that its three acquisitions from 2017 contributed 10m of the revenue, which was assisted by the companys three divisions all generating organic revenue growth over the course of the financial year.

Xpediators three divisions are Freight Forwarding, which trades under the Delamonde brand, Transport Services, traded under Affinity, and Logistics & Warehousing, which includes pallet distribution traded under Pall-Ex franchises.

The company described the year, which saw it raise an aggregate of 7.8m in new equity investment, acquire EMT Logistics, Benfleet Forwarding and Regional Express, and successfully listing on AIM as "transformational".

Stephen Blyth, chief executive of Xpediator, said: "Road transportation is growing across Europe driven by GDP increases underpinning commercial confidence together with the increasing consumer switch to ordering goods online. There is anticipated to be a shortage of capacity in the European transportation sector due to equipment and driver shortages, however we are well placed to ensure continued services with a wide supplier base in addition to our customer base in Affinity."

Affinity, which provides bundled fuel and toll cards, benefited from growth in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region while the groups largest division Delamonde enjoyed strong demand from the Balkan, Lithuanian and Bulgarian markets.

"We are capitalising on the positive market environment and growing organically whilst executing our strategy of being a market consolidator through acquiring sub-scale business which are immediately earnings enhancing with the potential to flourish as part of the Group. I'm pleased with the performance of each of the three businesses acquired during the year," said Blyth.

Braintree based Xpediator was founded in 1988 to provide freight forwarding services across the UK but has since expanded across Europe, with particular focus on the CEE region.

As of 1250 GMT, Xpediators shares were up 12.99% at 43.50p.
Energy futures climbed on Thursday following the release of data showing a large drawdown in US stockpiles, which helped to buoy the entire complex.

According to the latest weekly figures from the Department of Energy, commercial crude oil inventories in the States declined by 1.6m barrels a day over the week ending on 16 February.

Analysts had forecast an increase of 1.8m b/d; however, Thomas Pugh at Capital Economics cautioned that the drop was mainly the result of a big fall in the nation's imports, which at over 7.0m b/d were down by an average of 867,000 b/d versus the prior week.

Indeed, with exports rising by 722,000 b/d, net imports fell below the 5.0m mark for the first time since 1992, Pugh pointed out.

"Oil prices jumped by almost $1 per barrel on the release of today's report as lower crude stocks, falling net imports and signs that production is levelling out all boosted sentiment. However, we think that US production is likely to resume its upward trend over the next few weeks. Net imports may also rebound if the Brent-WTI spread remains narrow, as it is cheaper for some refineries in the Gulf coast to import crude than to ship it from the middle of the US," Pugh cautioned.

Against that backdrop, as of 22:03 GMT West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures for next month delivery traded on NYMEX were 1.57% higher to $62.65 a barrel, alongside more modest gains for March gasoline and heating oil futures.

As an aside, in its latest Annual Energy Outlook the Energy Information Administration, the DoE's statistical arm, projected that US tight oil output would exceed 8.2m b/d by the early 2040s and account for 70% of total US output, versus 54% in 2017.

March 2018 natural gas on the other hand was 1.62% lower to $2.62/MMBTU.

Meanwhile, and from a bird's eye view, the US dollar spot index was drifting lower by 0.28% to 89.75, alongside a rise of 0.45% to 88.67 for Bloomberg's commodity index.

Gold managed to eke a gain of 0.13%, finding a bid towards the end of the session, which saw the April 2018 COMEX contract close at $1,333.80/oz..

In the same space, earlier three-month copper futures on the LME had risen to $7,162 per metric tonne after opening at $7,088 per tonne.

Soft commodities were decidedly mixed on the other hand, with May 2018 CBOT wheat adding 1.03% to $4.6425 a bushel but similarly-dated cocoa futures on ICE closing 1.24% lower at $2,146 a tonne.
244,000 more people entered the UK in the twelve months leading to 30 September than those leaving, despite falling numbers of net EU migration in the wake of Britain's decision to leave the Union.

The latest headline estimates from the Office of National Statistics came in at a similar level to those of the previous quarter, but even though EU net migration had fallen from the record levels observed during 2015 and 2016, the volume of Europeans entering the UK was still higher than the number of those leaving.

Nicola White, ONS Head of International Migration Statistics, said, "Today's figures show that 244,000 more people are coming to the UK than leaving so net migration is adding to the UK population and is at a similar level to early 2014."

"Looking at the underlying numbers we can see that EU net migration has fallen as fewer EU citizens are arriving, especially those coming to look for work in the UK, and the number leaving has risen. It has now returned to the level seen in 2012," she continued.

The number of EU citizens coming to the UK for work-related reasons fell by 45,000 to 248,000 during the period, in particular among those coming to the UK "looking for work"; however, non-EU net migration increased over the year, with 185,000 National Insurance number applications from non-EU citizens.

Tim Thomas, director of employment and skills policy at the EEF, said the ONS data confirmed what many businesses "already know"  that steep falls in the amount of EU nationals looking to the UK for job prospects had continued, with certain nationalities, such as France and Germany, hitting historic lows throughout the period.

"The UK government needs to shout, loudly, and in the direction of the EU that their citizens are needed, welcome and will enjoy long-term security by coming to the UK to work, study and settle. Without this, more will see the UK as a destination of risk, not choice," Thomas said.

At the same time, in 2016 the UK had seen a decrease in the number of non-EU citizens arriving to study, however, the most comparable student visa data from the Home Office, and the latest ONS estimate of non-EU citizens arriving to study, indicated a return to the level before the previous year's decrease with 113,000 non-EU students entering the UK to study, 26,000 more than in the previous year.

"The figures also show that non-EU net migration is now larger than EU net migration, mainly due to the large decrease in EU net migration over the last year. However, migration of both non-EU and EU citizens are still adding to the UK population," White added.

In 2017, the UK granted asylum, alternative forms of protection or resettlement to almost 15,000 individuals, 40% of who were under 18 years of age.
Storage space operator Safestore reported a 9.8% year-on-year rise in first quarter group revenues on a constant currency basis to 35.1m.On a like-for-like basis, revenues were up 5.5% to 32.8m.

Chief executive Frederic Vecchioli said the results had been supported by revenue from Safestore's recent acquisition of Alligator Self Storage, which complemented solid like-for-like growth.

The strong trading momentum from our Paris stores continued in Q1, combined with encouraging UK occupancy growth, he said.

"Over the last 18 months we have consolidated our market leading positions in the UK and Paris with the addition of 30 stores to the portfolio via the acquisitions of Space Maker and Alligator and the opening of six new sites.

We continue to progress our new store pipeline with four new sites in London Birmingham Merry Hill and Paris Poissy. In addition, our strong and flexible balance sheet allows us to continue to consider value accretive investments as and when they arise.
84 local units adopt new names, centres

Eighty-four local governments have either changed their names or centre. Their move follows widespread dissatisfaction with the decision of Local Level Restructuring Commission (LLRC) to fix their names and centres.
London's FTSE 100 was down 1% to 7,206.71 in afternoon trade on Thursday as investors waded through a deluge of earnings and digested a downward revision to fourth-quarter UK GDP.

British Gas owner Centrica was the standout gainer despite reporting a 17% drop in full-year adjusted operating profits, as investors welcomed a steady dividend, an increase to the cost efficiency programme and signs that management will be more focused on turning around the overall performance. The company also said that it was cutting 4,000 jobs by 2020.

Barclays was a high riser as it declared its intention to more than double dividend payouts in 2018 to 6.5p per share after lower costs helped lift profits last year. Peer RBS was in the black ahead of its annual results on Friday.

IAG and Pearson were also trading higher ahead of results on Friday.

RSA Insurance gained as it posted a jump in full-year profit and bumped up its dividend as a strong performance in Scandinavia, Canada, the Middle East and Ireland helped to offset a poor showing the UK.

On the downside, BAE Systems fell as investors focused on the fact that it expects earnings to be flat this year, rather than the jump in 2017 earnings.

British American Tobacco retreated even as it reported on what it claimed was a record year, with its "transformational" acquisition of Reynolds American leading to a 37.6% surge in revenue to 20.29bn. Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell said investors were likely focused on the continued decline in cigarette sales in most countries.

Anglo American was down even as it reported a 45% jump in full-year earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation thanks to higher commodity and copper prices. The miner missed underlying earnings expectations by 3 cents at $2.57 per share.

Imperial Brands and HSBC were weaker as their stock went ex-dividend.

Risers

Centrica (CNA) 140.00p 5.90%

Barclays (BARC) 212.15p 4.97%

RSA Insurance Group (RSA) 632.00p 3.10%

NMC Health (NMC) 3,446.00p 1.35%

Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) 280.20p 1.01%

International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 622.40p 0.91%

Admiral Group (ADM) 1,912.00p 0.79%

Hargreaves Lansdown (HL.) 1,719.50p 0.20%

Pearson (PSON) 702.80p 0.20%

Evraz (EVR) 428.30p 0.16%

Fallers

BAE Systems (BA.) 578.60p -3.79%

British American Tobacco (BATS) 4,299.00p -3.39%

Imperial Brands (IMB) 2,579.50p -3.24%

HSBC Holdings (HSBA) 726.80p -2.74%

Barratt Developments (BDEV) 552.60p -2.61%

Mondi (MNDI) 1,878.00p -2.52%

Anglo American (AAL) 1,752.60p -2.45%

ITV (ITV) 168.05p -2.44%

G4S (GFS) 256.40p -2.44%

Intertek Group (ITRK) 4,915.00p -1.94%
This month, the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents approved University of North Georgias (UNG) proposal for its first Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree program in visual arts.

"I was just tremendously excited," said Dr. Pamela Sachant, head of the visual arts department at UNG. "The faculty and students have been waiting for years for this to happen. Ever since I arrived 13 years ago at UNG, they have been asking if we would get it."

Starting in fall 2018, UNG students can apply to the newest bachelor's degree program after completing the foundation courses in visual arts. Some of those courses are two-dimensional design/color, drawing one, three-dimensional design, and one course in a chosen studio area.

Applicants must maintain a grade point average of 2.75 or higher, be subjected to a portfolio review and undergo an in-depth assessment of their work and goals, Sachant said.

"We will have a stringent admission process," she said.

This will not deter art majors such as Hunter Kindberg, a junior majoring in visual arts with a concentration in digital arts from Cumming, Georgia. He said he was glad to hear about the recent addition. Kindberg plans to apply for the program if he is eligible.

"I'm always looking for ways to push myself and become a better artist," the 27-year-old Army veteran said. "I love to create."

Katie Spangler, a sophomore majoring in visual arts with a concentration in digital arts, said she would love to apply to a program that would give her a more diverse and in-depth expertise in her desired concentration.

"I think that the BFA in visual arts will really help with career placement and look good on a resume," the 20-year-old Watkinsville, Georgia, native said. "It will show that we have a background of fine arts and not just arts. This degree program is an amazing opportunity to allow students to graduate with a larger body of work and stronger set of skills that could be used in the workforce.

Before students can enroll in the new program, the visual arts department must implement it. Sachant said that will take some time.

"We are going to begin slowly," she said. "It is all new territory for us and we want to do it right."

The tentative plan is to initiate the degree program with five to 10 students in their sophomore year. Juniors and seniors may be too far into their programs to switch to a new degree.

"I know I am going to have some very disappointed students," Sachant said.

The new program will take UNG's visual arts program to another level by offering students a greater number of art courses, a greater number of courses in their areas of concentration and more professional development coursework.

The biggest change, though, is the effect on the senior student exhibitions. Currently, students are part of a group exhibition their senior year, Sachant said.

"When we change to the BFA in visual arts, each student will have an individual art exhibition," she said. "So they will leave with a portfolio to show future employers and clients. The new degree program is more desirable than a traditional bachelor of arts degree, especially for those who plan to apply to a master's degree program," Sachant said.

That is music to Kindberg's ears.

"If I find a masters degree that I feel would take me in the right direction Id definitely go for it," he said. "There is always more to learn."

For more information about the program, visit the Department of Visual Arts webpage.
The University of North Georgia (UNG) is one of the top universities in the nation when it comes to students earning the prestigious Fulbright grant to study internationally, the U.S. Department of State has announced.

For the 2017-18 school year, eight UNG students were awarded Fulbright grants, placing UNG second nationwide among masters universities  UNGs category in the Carnegie classification system used by education researchers to distinguish between different types of colleges and universities. Initially, nine UNG students were awarded finalist spots, but one student was unable to accept the award due to a conflict. An additional UNG student was an alternate.

UNG and Emory University were the only two universities in Georgia, public or private, to be designated as top producers of U.S. Fulbright students this year.

UNG is proud to be a state leadership institution, and this achievement is an indicator of the excellent academic and leadership development opportunities that we provide for our students, UNG President Bonita Jacobs said. I am pleased that our students are well prepared to take advantage of the transformational experiences provided through the Fulbright program and other nationally competitive scholarships."

UNG students awarded Fulbright grants are currently studying in countries around the world, including South Korea, Germany, Senegal, Bulgaria, and Poland.

The opportunities afforded to students through a Fulbright grant can be game-changers for their academic and professional careers.

"This is an amazing opportunity for my personal, student and professional career, said Faith Brown, a 2017-18 Fulbright Scholar and the first student from UNGs Gainesville Campus to be selected as a finalist. I intend to go to graduate school for multimedia studies when I return for Bulgaria, and Fulbright is going to open so many doors to help make that possible."

For 2018-19, eight additional UNG students have been selected as Fulbright semifinalists. They are waiting on decisions from potential host countries.

"Our students continue to showcase their academic prowess by being selected for renowned national scholarships," said Dr. Tom Ormond, UNG provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. "The Fulbright Program selects fewer than 2,000 students across the nation each year and for eight finalists to come from UNG is a remarkable feat."

The Fulbright Program, the U.S. governments flagship international educational exchange program, is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 300,000 participants  chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential  the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research; exchange ideas; and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

Each year, UNG assists students, recent graduates and faculty as they work through the Fulbright application and interview process.

Since 2013, more than 75 UNG students have received a nationally competitive scholarship. Students interested in learning about nationally competitive scholarships like the Fulbright should contact Dr. Anastasia Lin in the Nationally Competitive Scholarships Office.

The full list of top Fulbright-producing colleges and universities can be accessed through The Chronicle of Higher Education.
After nearly three full days of a government shutdown, Democrats and Republicans were able to come together and pass a bill to the desk of Donald Trump to reopen the government. Following the president's signature, Donald Trump Jr. took time to gloat on social media.

Trump on Twitter

Once the government shutdown was offical last Friday night at midnight, both the Democratic Party and Republican Party made sure to point the finger of blame at once another. Democrats have been pushing to extend the DACA program which allows protections for illegal immigrants who were brought into the United States as children.

For Republicans, they have taken a hard-line stance on funding for border security, including the construction of a southern border wall. Despite their differences and bickering over the last 72 hours, both sides found a way to compromise on a short-term spending bill that will keep the government funded until February 8. As expected, Donald Trump took a shot at the Democrats before signing the bill into law, which led to his son, Donald Jr., tweeting out his thoughts on January 22.

Taking to Twitter on Monday was Donald Trump Jr. who was happy to brag about his father following the end of the government shutdown.

"Still not tired of winning," Don Jr. tweeted out, while using the hashtags "winning" and "MAGA" before attaching a meme of the president.

Americans dont forget that the #SchumerShutdown put illegal immigrants ahead of our military and American childrens insurance. Just remember where you stood in their eyes.  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 23, 2018

"Americans dont forget that the Schumer Shutdown put illegal immigrants ahead of our military and American childrens insurance," Donald Trump Jr.

posted, before adding, "Just remember where you stood in their eyes." In his final tweet as of pres time, the younger Trump touted the success of the economy via a recent investment announcement by Apple. "This is a big Deal and not one Democrat voted for it... actually this ALONE is more than Dems said would come back into the US Economy, imagine when all other companies do the same!!!" he wrote.

This is a big Deal and not one Democrat voted for it... actually this ALONE is more than dems said would come back into the US Economy, imagine when all other companies do the same!!! #AmericaFirst https://t.co/mJJqNPNgHe  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 22, 2018

Instant reaction

After Donald Trump sent out his tweets, he was quickly met with heavy backlash from his critics. "Did your Russian friends write this and then you translated it into English or were you able to work this out in English on your own?" one tweet wondered.

You promised to stay out of politics remember? Just like daddy your word means nothing. And thats pretty much all a person has isnt it? That means.....you got nothing JR.  Anne Steitz (@annepearl1) January 23, 2018

Did your Russian friends write this and then you translated it into English or were you able to work this out in English on your own?  Gregory Rutchik (@garutch) January 23, 2018

"You Criminal.

Your Day is coming MAGA Moron and your entire Trump Crime Family will pay for the #treasonous acts committed," a follow-up tweet stated. "You promised to stay out of politics remember? Just like daddy your word means nothing. And thats pretty much all a person has isnt it? That means.....you got nothing JR," yet another tweet noted.

Let's imagine in 3 years when the deplorables realize nothing has come their way.  : Brendan O'Malley : (@brendanomalley5) January 23, 2018

Poll: Trump's job approval rating at his one year mark is at 36 percent! Oh yeah - still winning  Jmaidan (@Aidanmj128) January 23, 2018

The #TrumpCrimeFamily thinks that taking advantage of people, calling names and being the most hated group of people on the planet is "winning". They love spreading hate.  Alfred Delp (@OhmsParty) January 23, 2018

"The Trump Crime Family thinks that taking advantage of people, calling names and being the most hated group of people on the planet is 'winning.' They love spreading hate," an additional Twitter user posted. "Let's imagine in 3 years when the deplorables realize nothing has come their way," a social media user wrote.
As the Russian investigation heats up, special counsel Robert Mueller is looking to question Donald Trump as soon as next week. Once the news broke, Sarah Huckabee Sanders was put in position to defend the president.

Sanders on Mueller

Once Donald Trump defeated Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton to become the 45th President of the United States, red flags were quickly raised as to why so many polls and political experts got their predictions wrong. Within weeks, several well-respected news outlets and government agencies found that not only did Russia hack into the Democratic National Committee during the election, but that their goal was to help elect the former host of "The Apprentice." As expected, Trump has continued to deny any wrongdoing, despite evidence pointing in his direction.

Since then, questions remain around various past and present associates of Trump being linked to Russia, including former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. With former FBI Director Michael Flynn leading the investigation, the White House has done their best to dismiss the claims as a "hoax" and "witch hunt." After the Washington Post reported that Robert Mueller is now looking to question the president, Sarah Huckabee Sanders addressed the issue during her January 23 press briefing.

"If Mueller asked [Trump] to submit to an interview, is that something the president would be open to?"

"Probably just about every day this year we have said that we are going to be fully cooperative with the special counsel. We are going to continue to do that." pic.twitter.com/FAkuZcg4hi  CBS News (@CBSNews) January 23, 2018

While taking questions from reporters on Tuesday afternoon, it was only a matter of time before White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked about Donald Trump speaking to Robert Mueller.

"As we have said probably just about every day this year since we have been here, we have said that we are going to be fully cooperative with the special counsel," Sanders said.

Mueller seeks to ask Trump about Flynn, Comey ousters, indicating an intensifying focus on potential obstruction of justice issues https://t.co/4gnvDjVpto  Washington Post (@washingtonpost) January 23, 2018

"You guys are absolutely obsessed with everything to do with collusion, if it has anything to do with the president," Sarah Huckabee Sanders went on to add.

Sanders was then grilled further on Donald Trump's recent attacks on the FBI and whether or not the president wants there to be a change. "The president has a great deal of confidence in Director Wray, and he feels if any changes need to be made, the director will make that decision and carry them out," she added, but did confirm that Trump is worried that the FBI is "extremely biased against him."

Sarah Sanders: Most Everyone in America Thinks Theres Nothing to Russia Probe (VIDEO) https://t.co/TtAToOYIph pic.twitter.com/hY8JJmEX2v  Mediaite (@Mediaite) January 23, 2018

Instant reaction

After Sarah Huckabee Sanders took part in her press briefing, critics of the administration made sure to sound off.

"What is the point watching Sarah FU**ABEE Sanders when U know she is going 2 be (sanctified) lying?" one tweet read.

Let's start the rumor that Sarah Huckabee Sanders is having an affair with Stephen Miller. Mostly because it makes sense for those two despicable people to find love behind the gold curtains of the Oval Office.  Dana Erickson (@wiscodana) January 23, 2018

What is the point watching Sarah FUCKABEE Sanders when U know she is going 2 be (sanctified) lying? #TuesdayThoughts #SarahHuckabeeSanders  Reckless Mouth (@banterjeremy) January 23, 2018

"Every time @PressSec says 'we have confidence' somebody ends up fired," a Twitter user wrote. "Let's start the rumor that (SHS) is having an affair with Stephen Miller.

Mostly because it makes sense for those two despicable people to find love behind the gold curtains of the Oval Office," an additional tweet added.

Whenever Sarah Huckabee Sanders is lying for Trump, she always seems to be wearing fresh lipstick. Also some kind of brown shadow on her nose, and a strange white goo on her chin. Some new makeup trend, I guess?  Tiffany #BLM  (@borrinet) January 23, 2018

I always fantasized about which superpower I would want: flying, turning invisible, x-ray vision...

Turns out none are as impressive as Sarah Huckabee Sanders' ability to live with herself #shutdown #shutdown2018 #ShumerShutdown  Michael Unger (@mike_unger) January 23, 2018

Sarah Sanders reminds me of why Im glad Mike Huckabee never became president.  .p (@pevnut_) January 23, 2018

"Whenever Sarah Huckabee Sanders is lying for Trump, she always seems to be wearing fresh lipstick.

Also some kind of brown shadow on her nose, and a strange white goo on her chin. Some new makeup trend, I guess?" yet another tweet wondered. "(SHS) has the worst poker face. She smiles every time she lies while shaking her head," a tweet noted.
In what has become routine, Donald Trump has decided to lash out on social media in an attempt to get a few things off of his chest. In the president's most recent round of tweets, he was able to cover a variety of topics.

Trump on Twitter

The new year hasn't been kind to Donald Trump as he's been forced to deal with several controversies. Whether it's been the release of "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" by author Michael Flynn, his remark about several foreign countries being a "sh*thole," his alleged affair with an adult film star, or the continuing Russian investigation, the former host of "The Apprentice" can't seem to stay away from scandal.

Amid the controversy, Trump has stuck to his story and talking points, blaming the "Fake News" for any of the negative reporting on his administration, while doing his best to deflect to more positive news like the improved economy. As seen on his Twitter feed on January 23, the president was quick to tackle these issues.

Thank you to General John Kelly, who is doing a fantastic job, and all of the Staff and others in the White House, for a job well done. Long hours and Fake reporting makes your job more difficult, but it is always great to WIN, and few have won more than us!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 23, 2018

Taking to Twitter on January 23, Donald Trump wasted no time lashing out.

"Even Crazy Jim Acosta of Fake News CNN agrees," Trump tweeted, while quoting the CNN host who criticized the Democrats over the government shutdown, while adding "Thank you for your honesty Jim!"

Even Crazy Jim Acosta of Fake News CNN agrees: Trump World and WH sources dancing in end zone: Trump wins again...Schumer and Dems caved...gambled and lost. Thank you for your honesty Jim!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 23, 2018

Donald Trump then turned his attention to recent reporting that Chief of Staff John Kelly would soon be out of a job, insisting that he was staying in the White House and blaming "fake" news for the report.

"Long hours and Fake reporting makes your job more difficult, but it is always great to WIN, and few have won more than us!" he wrote.

In one of the biggest stories in a long time, the FBI now says it is missing five months worth of lovers Strzok-Page texts, perhaps 50,000, and all in prime time. Wow!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 23, 2018

Trump on Immigration

Not stopping there, Donald Trump addressed the issue of immigration reform, warning about the future of the Daca program that Democrats have been pushing to extend.

"Nobody knows for sure that the Republicans & Democrats will be able to reach a deal on DACA by February 8, but everyone will be trying," Trump wrote. "The Dems have just learned that a Shutdown is not the answer!" he added.

Nobody knows for sure that the Republicans & Democrats will be able to reach a deal on DACA by February 8, but everyone will be trying....with a big additional focus put on Military Strength and Border Security. The Dems have just learned that a Shutdown is not the answer!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 23, 2018

Donald Trump's reference to February 8 is in regards to the deadline of the short-term spending bill that was signed on Monday to keep the government open.

While it's unknown if DACA and other immigration issues will be agreed upon, only time will tell how it all plays out as Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Senate have another two weeks to come together and compromise on a long-term solution.
Donald Trump Jr. is on an overseas trip to India to promote the family's real estate properties. During his trip, the president's son decided to offer a few thoughts about the country's poorest individuals.

Don Jr. in India

When Donald Trump first announced his plan to run for president, many wondered if his private businesses would conflict with the job of running the United States. After pulling off the upset victory over Hillary Clinton, the new president transferred control of the business to his sons, with Donald Jr. being the most vocal. Over the last year, Donald Jr.

has been quick to defend his father regardless of the controversy and scandal that he's faced. In addition, the younger Trump has been promoting the business around the world, including his latest stop in India.

Trump Jr. praises poor Indians for their "spirit": "There is still a smile on a face" https://t.co/dRYAYacymv pic.twitter.com/mpuyAMoEc7  The Hill (@thehill) February 20, 2018

According to The Hill on February 20, Donald Trump Jr. arrived in New Delhi, India to help promote the Trump Organization luxury apartments, where he also sat down for an interview with CNBC. When addressing his experience with the nation's poorest people, Donald Jr. commented that if "You go through a town, and I dont mean to be glib about it, but you can see the poorest of the poor." "There is still a smile on a face," he continued, explaining that the poor in India have a "different spirit" compared the less fortune in other counties who he believes "walk around so solemn."

Double down

Not stopping there, Donald Trump Jr.

attempted to explain that the positive attitude of the poorest people in India could lead to success later in life, noting that money doesn't always equal happiness. "I know some of the most successful people in the world," Trump Jr. said, before concluding that "some of them are the most miserable people in the world." Trump's remarks didn't come as a surprise to critics who often accuse the president's family of being out of touch with the majority of the people around the world.

Moving forward

While Donald Jr. and Eric Trump continue to take control of the family business, speculation has increased about whether or not their father still has private say in what takes place. The conflict of interest for the former host of "The Apprentice" has not been a major headline due to a wide-range of issues plaguing the current administration, but it's still an issue that is in the back of the mind of many Americans, especially those who are critical of the commander in chief and his family.
Almost four years ago, a story out of Georgia shocked and enraged many Americans. The case involved a World War II veteran named James Dempsey, an 89-year-old man who died while a patient at the Northeast Atlanta Health and Rehabilitation Center. Thanks to a hidden camera left by Dempsey's family, internet and television viewers watched in horror as Dempsey died while asking for help from staff nurses. Shockingly, the video revealed not only that the nurses failed to follow basic CPR procedures, but that several of the women cracked jokes while Dempsey gasped his final breaths.

On Wednesday (Feb. 21), some of these women received homicide and neglect charges. A report by FOX News provided most of the information used in this article.

The accused include Loyce Pickquet Agyeman, Wanda Nuckles, and Mable Turman. Agyeman has been charged with felony murder, Nuckles has received a charge of depriving an elder of essential services, and Turman is currently facing a serious charge of neglect. The Brookhaven Police Department of Brookhaven, Georgia have credited the Dempsey family's video with helping them to bring the 2014 case to trial.

The case of Dempsey's death received extra momentum late last year when the 2015 testimony of nursing supervisor Wanda Nuckles was released to the public.

In the video, it can be seen that the nurses stopped giving Mr. Dempsey chest compressions. Such an action is forbidden unless an order is given by a doctor. Nuckles at first claimed that she gave continuous chest compressions, but the hidden camera video showed otherwise. The video also shows that Dempsey's vital signs were not properly checked after CPR was performed.

When asked why she and other nurses were laughing during the ordeal, Nuckles claimed ignorance.

Died while screaming

In the hidden camera video, Dempsey, who served his country as a member of the US Navy during the Second World War, can clearly be seen screaming (or rather choking) out calls for help. The somewhat slow response to Mr.

Dempsey's cries has been sighted in the charges against all three nurses. In 2015, when the tape became known to officials at Northeast Atlanta Health and Rehabilitation, they decided to keep the three nurses on staff for ten months. Only at that time were the nurses fired. Indeed, Ms. Nuckles and one other nurse did not hand in their nursing licenses to the Georgia Board of Nursing for several months after the firing.

In another video deposition, Mable Turman cited the rehabilitation center's staffing issues as one of the reasons for Dempsey's demise. Turman, who was at Dempsey's side as he died, told lawyers that she did not notice that the 89-year-old man's was slowly losing consciousness.

Both Turman and Nuckles, the latter of whom has labeled herself as "Queen of Resident's Rights," waited a full hour after Dempsey's initial call for help to phone 9-1-1.

Frightening finale

The death of James Dempsey is, tragically, not terribly unusual. According to the Nursing Home Abuse Guide.org, a full 40 percent of America's 3.2 million nursing home residents will suffer some kind of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse while in care. More than one-quarter of these crimes are never reported to the police. One statistic even states that in one out of every three nursing homes in the United States, some form of elder abuse occurs.

James Dempsey's tragic death only came to the public's attention thanks to a hidden camera. Thousands, possibly even millions of elderly citizens have suffered similar fates without drawing any media attention whatsoever.
According to the Portland Press Herald, 17-year-old Angela McDevitt helped prevent a possible mass shooting from happening at Arlington High School in Fair Haven, Vermont. McDevitt received several messages from her friend Jack Sawyer, which said he planned on shooting up the high school and had prepared for a couple of years.

According to WCAX, Angela McDevitt said she was conflicted on what to do, because Jack was not acting the way she knew he would act. McDevitt brought the Facebook messages to the school and contacted law enforcement. Because of that, Angela McDevitt is being hailed as a hero for helping prevent a mass shooting at the school which holds 400 students.

Jack Sawyer had a troubled past

Jack Sawyer appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including attempted murder. The two friends met at the residential treatment center and school Ironwood in Maine. McDevitt said they were both battle depression and behavior issues. The center is set in a farm setting aimed at healing students. At the school and facility, Sawyer's life revolved around chores, the outdoors and animals.

Sawyer is now thrust into the spotlight as the nation debates over gun control and school shootings. Angela McDevitt says Jack Sawyer was a nice person when she knew him and was said when she saw the messages, but knew she had to report those messages because lives were at hand.

McDevitt said she knew it was serious because it's not something you would joke about right after what happened in Florida.

It's up to students to act if they see something

McDevitt first went to her guidance counselor, who then gave the messages to police. Vermont's Governor Phil Scott praised Angela for her actions to avert what could have been a horrific disaster.

Sawyer is now currently behind bars and McDevitt is calling for more stricter gun control.

McDevitt is also urging students to say something if you see something, admitting that it is a hard thing to actually do when you know the person involved. Angela McDevitt has said she doesn't want to be praised because she knows Sawyer.

She acknowledges she saved lives but also lost someone she thought she knew. McDevitt told WCAX that in order for students to become more comfortable with reporting suspicious behavior is to create a relationship between counselors and students early on.

USA Today confirmed that Sawyer attempted to buy a shotgun at a sporting goods store in Maine but was unable to do so because he did not have a Maine driver's license. However, he was able to buy the same gun in Vermont and also intended to purchase several more weapons including an AR-15.
It's no secret that Donald Trump has not had the best relationship with celebrities. In the most recent shot from Hollywood, action movie star and former governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger has decided to hit back at the president.

Arnold on Donald

From the day Donald Trump announced his plan to run for president, he quickly fell out of favor with the more left-leaning Hollywood. Trump's remarks about illegal immigrants from Mexico being "rapists" and "murderers" didn't go over well with celebrities, even with those who were Republican.

As the election moved forward, Trump engaged in a heated war of words with Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was soon tapped to replace him as host of "The Apprentice." The former reality show host ripped into Schwarzenegger on more than one occasion, criticizing him for his job on the show as well has his performance as governor. In return, Schwarzenegger would routinely call Trump out over a variety of issues, most notably his policies on climate change. After it was announced that the president could approve additional off shore drilling in the waters off Southern California, Schwarzenegger decided to throw shade at Trump during a pair of tweets on January 23.

Dont touch California. If you want to drill, do it off Mar-a-Lago. Or better yet, look to the future, follow CAs lead & go green and we can all breathe easier. The USs largest economy is nearly 50% renewable. #ProtectThePacific https://t.co/oRIrmRfbDM  Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) January 22, 2018

Taking to his personal Twitter feed this week, Arnold Schwarzenegger sent a message to Donald Trump over his decision on oil drilling in the Pacific Ocean.

"Dont touch California," Schwarzenegger warned. "If you want to drill, do it off Mar-a-Lago," he added, in reference to the president's private resort in Florida.

Our fishing, tourism, and recreation industries employ hundreds of thousands of great people. Our coasts are an economic gold mine. Do not put them at risk.  Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) January 22, 2018

"Better yet, look to the future, follow CAs lead & go green and we can all breathe easier," the "Terminator" star went on to tweet, before pointing out that "the USs largest economy is nearly 50% renewable." Schwarzenegger noted that the coast was an "economic gold mine" and warned the president "Do not put them at risk."

Trump's take

While much of the argument against increased drilling is due to environmental reasons, Donald Trump has made it clear that's it not a main concern for his administration.

Trump has spoken out against the idea of climate change and global warming in the past, going as far as claiming it was all a "hoax" made up by China, while engaging in additional mockery on social media. As of press time, neither the president nor the White House have responded to Schwarzenegger's tweets, though considering Trump's history, it's possible that he does.
Berth row delays Cabinet expansion

The much-anticipated Cabinet expansion failed to materialise on Wednesday as Prime Minister KP Oli and Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal could not agree on the number of ministries.
On Sunday night, the 60th Annual Grammy Awards took place and as expected, it got political at times. In response, United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley decided to speak out on Twitter.

I have always loved the Grammys but to have artists read the Fire and Fury book killed it. Dont ruin great music with trash. Some of us love music without the politics thrown in it.  Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) January 29, 2018

Haley on Grammys

Just like the Academy Awards and the Emmy Awards, the Grammy Awards became another platform for celebrities to express their disdain for Donald Trump and the current administration.

On Sunday night, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took part in a skit along side several celebrities who decided to read passages from Michael Wolff's "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House." "One reason why he liked to eat at McDonald's: Nobody knew he was coming and the food was safely premade," Clinton read. "His comb-over: A product called Just for Men," Cher read. Other artists like John Legend, Snoop Dog, and Cardi B also did readings of their own. When the segment ended, supporters of the president were not happy, which was evident during a January 28 tweet by Nikki Haley.

Taking to Twitter on January 28, Nikki Haley expressed her frustration at the Grammy Awards for becoming too political in regards to the "Fire and Fury" segment.

"I have always loved the grammys but to have artists read the Fire and Fury book killed it," Haley wrote. "Dont ruin great music with trash," she added, while concluding, "Some of us love music without the politics thrown in it."

Instant reaction

Not long after Nikki Haley sent out her tweet, critics of the administration quickly fired back.

"Oh please you know if it was pointed at Obama youd be silent on this issue. Youre ambassador to the UN youve got better things to do than tweeting like your boss," one tweet read.

LOL your boss took a break from assaulting women & targeting minoritys to tweet about Jay Z and you had nothing to say. Artists are *supposed* to speak out against injustice.  Anil Dash (@anildash) January 29, 2018

you should pick up a history book: music has always been political in this country.  Varsha Venkatasubramanian (@_varsha_venkat) January 29, 2018

Oh please you know if it was pointed at Obama youd be silent on this issue. Youre ambassador to the UN youve got better things to do than tweeting like your boss  Jack the Snack (@jmcconnell522) January 29, 2018

"Music and art is political," one tweet read.

"Having a sense of humor might help here," Don Moyhihan tweeted out. "Oh please give me a break! You sit back silent as Trump trashes nearly every person in this country who isnt white or doesnt worship the ground he walks on. If you want to stand up with a message you better get your moral compass in the right direction first sister," yet another tweet added.

some of us citizens, don't like our politicians to be complicit and spineless while burning down our reputation all over the world and supporting a bumbling idiot. so... whateva, lady.  I, Howie (@howieEkremer) January 29, 2018

Oh please give me a break! You sit back silent as Trump trashes nearly every person in this country who isnt white or doesnt worship the ground he walks on. If you want to stand up with a message you better get your moral compass in the right direction first sister.  preising (@preising) January 29, 2018

But its ok for Donald Trump to trash Jay-Z, Meryl Streep, the cast of Hamilton, etc?  Andrew Weinstein (@Weinsteinlaw) January 29, 2018

"LOL your boss took a break from assaulting women & targeting minoritys to tweet about Jay Z and you had nothing to say.

Artists are *supposed* to speak out against injustice," Anil Dash wrote. "Some of us citizens, don't like our politicians to be complicit and spineless while burning down our reputation all over the world and supporting a bumbling idiot. so... whateva, lady," a Twitter user wrote.
Jenelle Evans is in an impossible spot. Her husband, David Eason, was recently fired from Teen Mom 2 and the network cut all ties with him. While she isn't necessarily tied into what he said, they come as a package deal for the most part. Evans can do bad all by herself, but mixed with Eason, she had caught a lot of backlash. While it is uncertain what MTV will decide to do with Jenelle in relation to what David posted on Twitter, there is already speculation surrounding what she will do.

Fight to stay on 'Teen Mom 2'

There is a possibility Jenelle Evans could continue filming the reality show.

That is contingent on MTV allowing her to finish up the last six weeks that need to be filmed. A crew was pulled from her property when David Eason was fired, and they have yet to be back. With a house and property, the reality star needs to have income flow. Without Teen Mom 2, Evans would have to fall back on her Medical Assistant training. The money from the network has padded her lifestyle.

Aside from the luxuries the show has afforded Jenelle Evans, she is still dealing with custody issues. She will need the money to fight her mother for Jace, and Nathan Griffith and his mother, Doris, over Kaiser. The legal battles are far from over. Having a medical assistant job won't cover what the lawyers will want.

Standing firm with David

The other option for Jenelle Evans is to walk away from Teen Mom 2 and MTV completely. There have been rumors that she intends to stand by her man, despite the cost. If she doesn't support David Eason, her marriage could crumble. The two share a daughter, and the battles will just keep coming. Rumors in the past have strongly suggested that Eason may have been physical with Evans at times.

Teen Mom 2 cameras caught portions of arguments, and it didn't look good. Jenelle has denied that David ever abused her.

At this point, Jenelle Evans' decision is yet to be made. MTV is still deciding what to do with her, which includes whether or not to fire her. If they continue filming Teen Mom 2, her storyline will be lacking.

David Eason will no longer be filmed, and since he lives in the same house, there will be limited interactions available. Of course, there will still be Barbara Evans and Jace, so Jenelle could be filmed with those interactions. There is still a lot to be figured out, but at this point, fans believe she will end up off the show to support her husband and their family.
Arie Luyendyk Jr. is a few days away from revealing his love-to-be. Just ahead of the hitch in "The Bachelor," he has revealed his top three favorite women. In the most recent episode of "The Bachelor," Arie was seen visiting homes of his final four lady loves. The main objective of this visit was to meet and greet their family members and make a decision about sending someone home after the Rose Ceremony. "The Bachelor" Season Finale is expected to take place in about three weeks. So who were these top lucky three?

Kendall

Arie first stopped by in Los Angeles, which is Kendalls hometown.

Initially, Kendall was televised as talking about how it is difficult for her to meet people who understand her. She took Arie on a creepy tour to the taxidermy storage room. In response, Arie was recorded as saying that taxidermy isnt his thing. However, the handsome bachelor was still seen having fun with Kendall. In the second part, Kendall got more hands-on with Arie by taking him to mount taxidermied rats. This sequence ultimately ends up in both Arie and Kendall playing with stuffed rats at some point. Following this, the duo headed to Kendalls parents house for dinner. It is here that viewers are informed of the fact that Kendall has a twin sister named Kylie. In the end, Arie asks Kendalls father for his blessings in case he decides to propose to her.

Becca

Aries next stop was Minnesota, where Becca takes him on a date to an apple orchard. She opens up to Arie by narrating the time after her father passed away. It is revealed that Uncle Gary, who is a pastor, has stepped in her fathers shoes as her guidance. Arie was seen as getting along well with Becca Ks family as well.

The handsome bachelor even had a great heart-to-heart conversation with Uncle Gary about Beccas father and his love for duck carving and hunting.

Lauren

Aries last stop was Laurens hometown in Virginia Beach, VA. He is shown to be highly nervous to meet Laurens father, who is ex-military personnel. There is even a point wherein Arie leaves the table to wipe off the sweat beads on his forehead.

After he returns to the table, he is asked a series of questions by Laurens family. Arie and Laurens father strike a chord only when the former mentions the time he spends with troops in Iraq.

Meanwhile, "The Bachelor" 2018 season finale is surely going to be an absolute delight for the fans. Next week, fans will know the final two. There is a lot to come, stay tuned.
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies have become quite the buzz these days; fresh on the mind of millennials and oldies alike. Far too many people bought in during its December peaks near $20,000, and not long after, it tanked to a low in the $5,000 range. This is far from uncommon in the world of cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin hit the mainstream in 2017. Less than a year prior, no one except devout techies and maybe a couple finance guys had ever heard the word "bitcoin." Now, you're lucky if you haven't been interrogated about it by your barber, or grocery store clerk.

Bitcoin on the move?

After the January 2018 lows, many are hoping it will soon rally to new heights. Though just last May, Bitcoin was only $2000. Now, its making millennials rich.

On January 28, Bitcoin hit a new recent high, barreling past $11,500. Known for its volatility, it soon after has cozied back down to under 11k.

Like the stock market, Bitcoin prices can be subject to news, special events, even holidays.

Crypto news influences prices

From CCN.com, "Bitcoins advance has been notable both because it occurred during Chinese New Year  which often places sell pressure on cryptocurrencies  and because US legislators appear to have formed a bipartisan consensus around regulating cryptocurrencies.

That Bitcoin continues to rise even against this backdrop is a testament to its growing anti-fragility in the face of external threats."

As Bitcoin chatter has become much more common, governments are talking amongst themselves, trying to determine the best course of action.

We've seen activity on both sides of the fence. South Korea, a huge player in the cryptocurrency space, and one of its top financial regulatory advisors have come out in support of cryptocurrencies this week.

"South Koreas Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) chief Choe Heung-sik said the government will back the cryptocurrency industry to develop in the country. Specifically, the official said the government will support normal transactions of cryptocurrencies, three weeks to the day after the government moved to curtail anonymous accounts trading in crypto markets in late January," reported CCN.com.

India has also shown support, as its Prime Minister has given cryptos a vote of confidence, telling his country get ready to adapt to the new technology.

Other the other side, "The Central Bank of Poland has admitted to sponsoring a smear campaign against cryptocurrencies on Facebook, Google and Youtube. This news was first reported on a Polish news portal, money.pl," according to CNN.

What will happen next? Your guess is as good as ours. Stay tuned.
In-Depth

Disaster Recovery 101: Back Up, Restore and Verify with VMware

From vSphere Replication to SRM, Trevor Pott discusses disaster recovery basics.

When is a backup not a backup? When you can't get information out of that backup. Backups are worthless if you can't actually restore from them, a truism that underlies much of the real-world planning around disaster recovery.

VMware's broad portfolio of applications and services provides an excellent basis for examples and discussion of disaster recovery issues. Chief among the relevant products and features are vSphere Replication, VM Encryption and Site Recovery Manager (SRM).

Building on its popularity in the on-premises datacenter, VMware's backup and disaster recovery solutions tie into its VMware Cloud on AWS offering, as well as the myriad vCloud Director (vCD)-based services provider clouds. VMware, of course, also has a broad ecosystem of partners who provide solutions in this space.

Restore Ability

There are a number of reasons why information might not be able to be restored from a backup. One of those reasons could be that the backups were lost, perhaps because they were stored on the same site as the primary data. For VMware administrators this failure mode might happen if they relied only on vSphere snapshotting capabilities for data protection and nothing else.

Snapshots offer the ability to roll back after a change (for example, updates) proved not to work. Snapshots are not backups.

But even administrators who have invested in off-site backups can also find their backups don't provide them the ability to perform restores. The encryption keys might be lost, backups corrupted, or they might no longer have access to the application required to decode the metadata and extract usable information.

VMware has solutions to these problems. Encryption issues are handled through integration with a key management server. Corruption and metadata sanity are addressed by using the testing capabilities built into SRM.

In addition to being able to extract data from a backup, you must have somewhere to extract that data, and a plan to do something with it. A small organization with a single premises might have a disaster recovery plan that consists of "Do not return to operation if the building burns down," or it could turn to insurance to replace losses, knowing that rebuilding -- including replacing IT infrastructure -- could take months.

In these, and other similar scenarios, backups are viewed by the organization primarily as a means to provide a check against ransomware and other non-disaster recovery scenarios. Should disaster strike, the primary use of the backups is likely to be extracting information for tax and insurance purposes.

Many businesses, however, intend to continue operating, even in the face of a disaster. Even for the smallest of organizations there are disasters that can take out an organization's on-premises IT without being a complete loss to the whole organization. Floods, electrical surges that fry computers and theft all qualify.

vSphere Replication solves this problem. vSphere Replication is a feature included with versions of vSphere starting from the Essentials Plus package. It provides basic site-to-site replication capabilities for organizations that have multiple sites, with recovery point objectives (RPOs) as low as 5 minutes.

For most businesses, then, a backup is not a backup unless it can both extract the information from the backup to somewhere useful and act on the data that has been recovered. In other words, backups are only part of the equation. Disaster recovery planning is a necessary component. This is where SRM comes in.

Verification Matters

SRM is VMware's data protection orchestration layer. The existence of SRM is predicated on the ideas that being able to extract information from your backups should not be left to chance, nor should organizations blindly trust that the backup solution will work. Verification of the backups matters, and SRM exists to make sure that organizations can be certain that their backups will do the job.

Most backup applications and services come with some form of backup verification. This is used to ensure that the backup solution is backing up what it intended to back up. It does not guarantee that an organization is backing up what it expected to back up, nor does it guarantee that the backup application made sense of what it was supposed to back up. It merely verifies that what went into the backup application on one end came out the other.

True backup verification requires more than technology. It involves a multi-stakeholder approach, where all stakeholders who are expecting backups to operate on their data have the opportunity to verify that the data they expect to be backed up is being backed up. And, more importantly, that it can be restored as needed.

Another important consideration is that a backup is restored in the manner that is expected. A backup solution that relies entirely on snapshots, for example, may not offer the ability to do file-level restores from operating system environment (OSE) images. Similarly, the ability to do granular restores from databases or message-level restores from mail servers might not exist. VMware administrators seeking these features need to turn to ecosystem partners, as VMware's own data protection solutions do not provide any application-level functionality.

All stakeholders should not only be sure that their data can be recovered, but they must be made aware of the time these recoveries will take, and the steps required to recover that data. Most important of all, everything needs to be tested to ensure that what the stakeholders think should happen is, in fact, what will happen.

Networking Concerns

For those who are backing up entire workloads, restoring those workloads so they can be put back into service can be tricky. Restoring a workload to its original environment is usually reasonably simple, but restoring a workload to a disaster recovery site rarely is.

The most commonly encountered issues are related to networking. For example, unless you're using layer 2 bridging between sites -- a networking solution that remains uncommon -- static IP addresses cannot be used. The new site will have a different network configuration, and in order to be accessible workloads will have to have completely dynamic networking. This may include a requirement that the workload be able to have its virtual NIC replaced as part of the restore process.

For many workloads, there is more to be considered than simply ensuring that IP addresses are dynamic and DNS gets updated with the new IP. Workloads that are expected to be accessible from outside the firewall will need to have firewall rules created or altered to reflect the restoration of that workload to the disaster recovery site.

VMware provides NSX as the solution to networking woes. VMware products such as SRM integrate with NSX, allowing for automation and orchestration of network configurations as required for data protection and testing purposes.

For some workloads, ensuring that the networking part of the equation is handled is time-consuming and difficult. It's also critical to solve this problem before disaster strikes. The absolute wrong time to discover that you cannot access your workloads after restore is when the primary site has gone down and you need those workloads up immediately.

Cloud Disaster Recovery

The cloud offers a cost-effective way to do backups and disaster recovery. There's no need to establish, operate and maintain a second site. An organization simply rents space on someone else's datacenter, sends the backups there, and if disaster strikes, lights up the workloads on the cloud provider's infrastructure.

Not all cloud providers are equal, however, and some are far less forgiving than others. Consider those cloud providers that don't offer console access to virtual machines. If the networking problems discussed earlier are not resolved, then any attempt to light up a backed up workload risks bringing up a workload with networking that's not appropriate for the environment, and thus cannot be accessed by OSE-level remote access tools. For organizations that don't adequately and regularly test their backups, picking a cloud provider that offers console access is critical.

In addition, cloud providers update their infrastructure and solutions at different rates. When an organization is backing up on-premises workloads to a cloud provider, it's important to understand the planning and deployment cycles of that cloud provider. Ensuring that your on-premises hypervisors, choice of OSEs, backup solution and cloud provider are all compatible is an ongoing process.

VMware's headline cloud offering is, of course, VMware Cloud on AWS. VMware Cloud on AWS is essentially a fully featured VMware solution installed on bare metal servers and hosted in an AWS datacenter. For those not interested in VMware Cloud on AWS, there are numerous vCloud Director-based services providers around the globe.

Regional services providers and managed services providers that have evolved into cloud services providers set themselves apart from the more mainstream public clouds. Services providers tend to offer more personalized management and even full-service consulting to help organizations solve their backup and disaster recovery concerns. They also offer solutions to data sovereignty and privacy concerns that may not be adequately addressable by using a solution backed onto one of the major public cloud providers.

Regardless of your vendor ecosystem, always remember: If your data doesn't exist in at least two places, it doesn't exist. If you haven't verified that your data can be restored to a useful state, then it also doesn't exist. Test rigorously, and test often. And when possible, involve your cloud services provider directly in your efforts.
Virginia Tech Native American students are making strides to connect with Virginias tribal communities.

In January, some members of Native at VT, a small but growing student organization, visited the Monacan Indian Nation in Amherst County, Virginia, to discuss college life and learn about the nations history.

The daylong trip occurred a few days before President Donald Trump signed a bill to grant federal recognition to the Monacan Nation and five other Virginia tribes. It gave university students and faculty the opportunity to learn more about the Monacans, on whose land Virginia Tech was built.

The days mission mirrored that of the first Tribal Leaders Summit last year at Virginia Tech, which reinvigorated partnerships between the university and the states recognized tribes. On March 31, Native at VT will sponsor another event to connect Native American communities with Virginia Tech. The organization will host its second Powwow on the lawn of the Graduate Life Center.

While at the Monacan Nations home in Bear Mountain, several Virginia Tech students spoke during a culture class about college and fielded numerous questions from tribal young adults about everything from academics to financial aid. Chief Dean Branham leads the Monacan Nation.

These young adults were driven to pursue higher education, which I was really impressed by, said Jason Chavez, a junior majoring in political science and a member of the Tohono Oodham Nation.

The Virginia Tech students and several university faculty and leaders also toured some of the Bear Mountain facilities. The faculty and leaders included Menah Pratt-Clarke, vice president for strategic affairs affairs and vice provost for inclusion and diversity; Mae Hey, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Sociology and a faculty fellow for the American Indian & Indigenous Cultural Center at Virginia Tech; Melissa Faircloth, advisor to Native at VT; and Sam Cook, an associate professor in the Department of Sociology, where he is also director of American Indian Studies.

The exchange was wonderful, said Cook, organizer of the trip. The Monacan kids asked very substantive questions, and our Native at VT students became spontaneous mentors.

Virginia Techs ties to the Monacan Nation made the visit especially meaningful. In 1999, the Monacan tribal council petitioned the university to establish an American Indian Studies program and related initiatives, Cook said.

It is something that we owe the Monacan Nation, to go out and recruit students, Chavez said. In a sense, this is their school.

Chavez is one of many Hokies finding common ground through Native at VT, an organization that aims to advance the visibility and values of Native Americans on campus. When he moved to Blacksburg from Arizona with his wife, who attends the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Chavez sought out Native at VT and began attending weekly meetings, even before he became a Virginia Tech student.

I wanted to get involved with other students who are in the same sort of position that I was, experiencing the isolation that Native Americans can sometimes feel, he said. Understanding the Native American culture and the issues around the Native American experience can sometimes be overlooked.

American Indian students are one of the smallest minority groups at Virginia Tech. There are 48 American Indian or Alaska Native undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, according to the universitys 2017-2018 enrollment profile.

Native at VT, which formed in 2008, has at least 13 active members. A year and a half ago, Faircloth, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Sociology and a member of the Coharie Tribe in North Carolina, became the groups advisor and helped to provide needed structure. Since then, several new students have joined, including Nizhoni Tallas, a freshman from Arizona, and a member of the Navajo Nation.

Coming here and being able to form a community with other Native Americans, that was really helpful in my transition into college and finding a sense of community here at Virginia Tech, Tallas said.

Tallas is majoring in environmental science, and she plans to get her Ph.D. One day, she said, she wants to create a science, technology, engineering, and math program to inspire the Navajo Nations youth to consider these kinds of careers.

I want to encourage other students to explore and find their passions, she said.

Written by Jenny Kincaid Boone
Brian Malow believes that he can make anyone laugh. But laughter isnt necessarily his end goal. The self-proclaimed science comedian wants to make people think.

There are ways of looking at the world that can tickle someone or shock or surprise someone, said Malow, who will make several guest appearances at Virginia Tech this Sunday and Monday for events hosted by the universitys Center for Communicating Science. Art and humor and science, all have something in common in showing you something in a way you havent seen it."

On Sunday, Malow will moderate a panel discussion, The Role of the University in an Era of Science Skepticism and 'Fake News," at 3 p.m. in the Moss Arts Centers Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre. The panelists for the event are Robin Reed, evening news anchor for WDBJ7; Sally Morton, dean of the Virginia Tech College of Science; Audra Van Wart, director of education and training at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute; and Sylvester Johnson, the universitys assistant vice provost for the humanities and director of Virginia Tech's Center for Humanities.

On Monday at 7:30 p.m., Malow will perform his popular stand-up comedy routine in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre. Earlier in the day, at 2 p.m., he will discuss science communication at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicines Vet-Med Commons.

The work of communicating science can seem so heavy and so weighty and so important, but it's also joyful and even funny sometimes, said Patty Raun, director of the Center for Communicating Science.

Malow isnt a scientist. But he calls himself a science geek.

From the time he was in middle school, Malow read science fiction novels, in particular those by authors Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke, which he enjoyed because they offered real scientific explanations.

Malow pursued a pre-med track at the University of Texas at Austin, but he wasnt sold on the career. Later, while enrolled in the universitys masters program for television production, he entered a stand-up comedy contest and advanced to its final round.

Before long, Malow was doing stand-up gigs in comedy clubs.

I was hooked, he said, by phone from Raleigh, North Carolina, where he lives. I got swept off my feet by stand-up.

Naturally, science found its way into his comedy routine.

Because I was a science geek, I had this tendency towards geeky topics and geeky language and metaphors, Malow said. Its starting out with a regular topic but fueling it through a lens colored by science fiction and weirdness.

Now he travels around the country, performing comedy and giving scientists tips on how to describe their work to the general public.

Malow claims that anyone can understand his comedy, though people with a science bent may find his references particularly funny.

Not every joke is about science. He may talk about his parents or his girlfriend, and science sort of slips into it, Malow said. For example, he has joked that his parents weight fluctuations reflect the conservation of mass within the family.

Malow performs for a wide variety of audiences, from the general public to largely scientific crowds at universities, the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the National Science Foundation, the American Chemical Society, Apple, Dell, Microsoft, and more.

Scientists often pay close attention to whether or not the facts in his routine are true.

A lot of comedians can say stupid and untrue things on stage, and it doesnt matter much, Malow said. My crowd really busts me if its not accurate or true.

While visiting Virginia Tech, he will discuss science communication, a subject that he often addresses with scientists. Malow previously worked in communications for the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and he also produced science videos for Time Magazines website.

Scientists are not trained on how to communicate with the public, Malow said.

It comes down to really being yourself on stage and not stilted or scripted, he said.

Another word of advice to scientists from Malow  explain what the science means to people.

For a TEDxBerkeley talk last year at the University of California at Berkeley, Malow told the story of how Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning American physicist, as a child, would listen to his father read about dinosaurs from an encyclopedia. His father would describe the size of a dinosaur in ways that Feynman could understand and visualize, stating, If this dinosaur was standing in our front yard and you looked out the window of your second-floor bedroom, you would be looking at him right in the eyes.

He took those bare facts, and he translated them into what they really mean, Malow said. I resonated with it.

Written by Jenny Kincaid Boone
Bridging the gap

Public education must not be politicised if it is to catch up to, and surpass, private education
Lockheed flexes IT muscle with new unmanned software package

In another sign of just how deep Lockheed Martin remains in the IT world, the company this week released a new software package it says can control dozens of unmanned vehicles simultaneously.

Called "VCSi," the commercial software is designed to be adapted to any vehicle small or large. It also is built to manage multiple missions.

"The user can integrate as many vehicles as required to complete their missions, including boats, quadcopters, fixed-wing aircraft or even high-altitude pseudo satellites. Across commercial or military missions, VCSi is adaptable to the challenge and further extends the power of the human-machine team, John Molberg, business development manager at Lockheed, said in a release.

The company unveiled the software at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi.

And in an indication of how important the international market is for the company, the software was developed in Canada and is free of export restrictions.

I wanted to call attention to this announcement because it lines up with the strategy Lockheed announced two years ago when it jettisoned its primary IT business that merged with Leidos. Lockheed said then that its remaining IT capabilities would focus on platforms. In this case, the platform is unmanned vehicles.

Another IT focus for Lockheed is cyber and command-and-control systems, but again the focus is around platform.

Of course, Lockheed's biggest and most lucrative platform is the F-35 fighter jet that has been described a flying node on the network. The F-35's sensors and other ISR capabilities are constantly sharing data and the plane is constantly receiving data. The goal is enhanced battlespace awareness from the tip (the F-35) back to the commanders wherever they may be.

All of that takes software and IT.

Lockheed may not be an IT company in the same way many of the others we write are. But IT is still a core capability for the world's largest defense contractor.
American Electric Power Co., Inc. engages in the business of generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. It operates through the following segments: Vertically Integrated Utilities, Transmission & Distribution Utilities, AEP Transmission Holdco and Generation & Marketing. The Vertically Integrated Utilities segment engages in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity for sale to retail and wholesale customers through assets owned and operated by its subsidiaries. The Transmission & Distribution Utilities segment engages in the business of transmission and distribution of electricity for sale to retail and wholesale customers through assets owned and operated by its subsidiaries. The AEP Transmission Holdco segment engages in the development, construction and operation of transmission facilities through investments in its wholly-owned transmission subsidiaries and joint ventures. The Generation & Marketing segment engages in non-regulated generation and marketing, risk management and retail activities. The company was founded on December 20, 1906 and is headquartered in Columbus, OH.

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Randgold Resources Limited is engaged in gold mining, exploration and related activities. The Company's activities are focused on West and Central Africa. The Company operates through the gold mining segment. The Company operates various mines, such as Morila, Loulo, Gounkoto, Tongon and Kibali. The Company is exploring in African countries, such as Mali, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Company also holds an interest in the Massawa project. The Company holds Morila Limited, which holds interests in the Morila mine in Mali. As of December 31, 2016, Morila mine has produced 122,370 ounces (oz) of gold. The Company holds a controlling interest in the Loulo mine, located in Mali, through Societe des Mines de Loulo SA (Loulo). The Loulo mine is mining from over two underground mines. As of December 31, 2016, Loulo mine has produced 350,604 oz of gold. It has a controlling interest in the Gounkoto mine through Societe des Mines de Gounkoto SA.

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Ormat Technologies, Inc. operates as a holding company. The firm engages in the provision of geothermal and recovered energy power business. It operates through the following segments: Electricity, Product and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment focuses in the sale of electricity from the company's power plants pursuant to PPAs. The Product segment involves in the manufacture, including design and development, of turbines and power units for the supply of electrical energy and in the associated construction of power plants utilizing the power units manufactured by the company to supply energy from geothermal fields and other alternative energy sources. The Energy Storage segment consists of battery energy storage systems as a service and management of curtailable customer loads under contracts with U.S. retail energy providers and directly with large commercial and industrial customers. The company was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Reno, NV.

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How do 13-year-olds envision the ideal city for aging in the future? It will include multigenerational housing, all kinds of autonomous vehicles and lots of cool technology to track health and help keep residents safe  such as robot caretakers, self-balancing shoes and a bionic suit that deploys airbags when the wearer falls.

Those were some of the design suggestions offered at the 26th Future City Competition that was held in Washington, D.C. The annual contest  featuring a different focus each year  challenges middle school students from around the country to come up with a plan for improving the world. The 2018 contest asked the kids to envision an age-friendly city 100 years in the future. Some 40,000 students participated, with 600 students from 44 teams making it to this prestigious final round of competition.

Its a serious contest that would be daunting for many adults. Kids are required to come up with innovative solutions to issues such as how their imagined city would get its food supply, offer efficient transportation and control waste  as well as find ways to keep the older residents happy and healthy. To qualify, they submitted a virtual city design using "SimCity," the city simulation online game; a 1,500-word essay explaining their plan; and a scale model of their city built with recycled materials. Many of the kids said they had spent 200 or more hours of work on their projects, with the oversight of mentors, over the past several months.
Dr KC blames human errors for birth date row

Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Govinda KC has blamed human error for the inconsistencies in his date of birth.
The Wall Street regulator FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, which aims to protect investors from scam artists, says those artists are targeting investors  using FINRAs name.

The overseer of U.S. brokerages recently issued an alert indicating that, as part of a scheme to collect fraudulent fees, criminals are sending emails purporting to be official communications from FINRA.

Those communications, supposedly part of a FINRA effort to compensate victims of securities fraud, are actually a tool to extract more cash from people who have been previously ripped off.

One fraudulent email, brought to FINRAs attention last fall by the daughter of a man targeted by the scam, employs a standard technique of con artists: pretending to represent a government agency or regulator. Scammers, for example, often represent that they are working for the Internal Revenue Service or the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Its a common tactic that cons use to bolster their credibility, said Gerri Walsh, senior vice president of investor education at FINRA.

The fake FINRA message had been sent to an older American who had lost money in an earlier stock scam. The sender indicated that FINRA was attempting to reimburse the investor more than $160,000 for his losses, but the investor would have to first pay an upfront fee of $15,000. The emailed request for funds features FINRAs logo and the name of the organizations president and CEO, Robert W. Cook.

One of the best things you can do to protect yourself from impostors and other scammers, said Walsh, is to independently check the information they give you. Thats what this particular targets daughter did. She was worried about her elderly father, Walsh said.

This is not the first time that FINRA has alerted people about con artists using its name. The regulator issued a warning 10 years ago about a similar scheme targeting overseas investors. And in 2016, it reported that criminals were trying to steal peoples personal information by masquerading as FINRA hiring managers and conducting job interviews via Skype.
Stencil Group apartment projects approved by planning commission

At the Board of Zoning Adjustment meeting, the board approved a $28.5 million project to start.
Former NTB officials get 7-yrs prison term for corruption

The Special Court on Thursday convicted two former officials of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and a travel entrepreneur on corruption charges and sentenced them to seven years in jail. The court, however, gave clean-chit to 20 others in the corruption case.
Grounded NAC plane likely to resume flights on Thursday

A grounded Airbus aircraft of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) is expected to resume service on Thursday as its damaged engine has been replaced.
Copyright  2018 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  A longtime scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory with a top-level security clearance is under investigation for submitting fraudulent claims for travel reimbursement, according to federal court documents.

Investigators with the Office of the Inspector General in the federal Department of Energy, of which LANL is part, interviewed the scientist on Feb. 6 and obtained a warrant to search his Santa Fe home last week.

The Journal is not identifying the suspect, who the documents say has a Department Q Top Secret Security Clearance for his weapons work at the lab, because he has not been charged with a crime.

It was LANLs Ethics and Audit group that on Feb. 2 reported that the scientist apparently was receiving travel reimbursements for made-up trips, according to the documents.

A LANL investigator provided apparently fictitious or altered receipts submitted by the scientist for airlines, hotels and a car rental company. When questioned earlier this month, the scientist terminated the interview when asked about receipts submitted for reimbursement for a trip last year, says the DOE agents affidavit.

The document also says a LANL employee confirmed that the scientist under investigation was not at a lab in the California city that the scientist claimed to have traveled to during the time period covered by the allegedly faked receipts.

The scientists house in Santa Fe was searched Feb. 15 and an Apple MacBook and other computer-related items including external hard drives and a thumb drive were seized.

Asked for a comment, a LANL spokesman provided a statement that said, Criminal investigations are a matter for law enforcement and the Laboratory is fully cooperating with the investigation. The Laboratory takes accusations of criminal activity very seriously, and takes personnel actions, including dismissal, when appropriate.
A Belen High School sophomore was arrested Thursday for making a threat against his high school on social media, one of 10 similar incidents around New Mexico this week and part of a nationwide trend following the mass killings at a Florida high school last week.

Belen Police Chief Scott Conner said Jonathan Flores, 16, of Belen, is charged with assault on school personnel, public nuisance, disturbing lawful assembly, disorderly conduct, unlawful use of a telephone and interference with an education system.

Mr. Flores has admitted to creating a secondary Snapchat account, Conner said. He admitted to sharing it to himself and then sharing it with others. He told the detectives he had no intention of shooting up the school and that he does not own any weapons. He said he only did it to see what kind of response he would get from the school and law enforcement.

The threat, in part, said ATTENTION all bhs (sic) students prepare too (sic) see my wrath tomorrow hahaha you all (expletive) up. Im going to be the next to go down in history you SCUMS (expletive) all bhs, I dare you to go to school tm (sic) I want to see how many people I can take with me.

Belen police were made aware of the social media threat late Wednesday night and contacted school district officials, who decided to place the high school on a two-hour delay Thursday morning so law enforcement could search the campus. Nothing was found out of

place.

BPD detectives contacted Snapchat and obtained the users IP address. They then contacted the cellphone provider, which provided the users name and address.

Belen police also worked with Los Lunas police, who were working to identify the source of a threat to Los Lunas High in which someone posted: No one better go to los lunas high (sic) tomorrow or all you (expletive) are dead! If you do go better watch yourself see you soon.

Los Lunas Superintendent Dana Sanders said in a news release that these types of messages have been circulating at numerous schools throughout the state, following the tragedy in Florida, in which 17 students, teachers and staff were shot and killed.

Similar incidents occurred in Albuquerque, Espanola, Farmington, Kirtland, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho and Santa Fe this week.

Albuquerque police arrested Cibola High School freshman Chelsea Slaton on Wednesday night after police say she threatened a shooting at the school using Snapchat. She faces a misdemeanor charge of threatening a school, Bernalillo County District Attorneys Office spokesman Michael Patrick said Thursday.

Meanwhile, the office is also prosecuting three teens in connection with an incident at Albuquerque High School in which two current students and a former student were found with a rifle and two pistols, all loaded, in a vehicle on campus Tuesday.

Patrick said they believe Freddie Sedillo, 17, was driving the vehicle with passengers Josiah Montano, 17, a former AHS student, and Frederick Jimenez, 15.

In Rio Rancho, police sent extra officers to Rio Rancho High School on Wednesday morning after a threat was posted Tuesday night on Snapchat that read: I am going to shoot Humanities building up Rio Rancho High first then Fine Arts School tomorrow at 8:30 a.m.

Rio Rancho police Capt. Andrew Rodriguez said officers found nothing out of the ordinary.

In Santa Fe on Wednesday, Ortiz Middle School student Jesus Rodriguez, born in 2005, was charged with interference with public officials or the general public, use of a telephone to terrify, harass, threaten or intimidate a witness, threatening a witness and disorderly conduct.

A female student told principal Felicia Sena that she and another female student were talking to Rodriguez on the phone around midnight Monday when Rodriguez made a comment about wanting to shoot up the school, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Santa Fe Police Department.

Officers also spoke with a male student who said Rodriguez told him that he was going to do it and that he was going to use an AR-15 and a Glock.

Jesus did not deny or admit in making the statement about wanting to shooting (sic) up the school, according to the complaint.

In Las Cruces on Thursday, Las Cruces High School student Ernest Padilla, 18, was booked into jail on one count of unlawful carrying a deadly weapon on school premises.

Administrators discovered a photo of him on Snapchat with a rifle a day earlier. An accompanying message stated Mexican school shooter along with the abbreviations for just kidding.

Also Thursday, two Espanola Valley High School students were arrested for making a shooting threat against the school.

Maj. Randy Sanches with the Rio Arriba County Sheriffs Office said 17-year-old Alex Zammaron and 15-year-old Jacob Garcia were confronted by a school security guard about 8:45 a.m. after the guard allegedly overheard them say lets shoot it. The boys then allegedly told the guard, Just dont come to school tomorrow. No weapons were found in their lockers.

On Wednesday, a 17-year-old Kirtland Central High School student, Noah Ridgeley, was detained and accused of making a bomb threat against the school, according to San Juan County authorities.

A day earlier in Farmington, a 14-year-old unnamed female student faced charges for making a threat toward Tibbetts Middle School, according to a post on the Farmington Police Departments Facebook page, the Daily Times reported.

Journal staff, Associated Press and the Daily Times contributed to this report.
ROSWELL, N.M.  A New Mexico man accused of a 2013 murder was found not guilty after less than an hour and a half of jury deliberation.

The Roswell Daily Record reports Steve Guardado of Roswell was acquitted of first-degree murder Wednesday in the killing of Stoarmy Joel Vargas.

Guardado had been accused of murdering Vargas on Oct. 25, 2013, allegedly in retaliation after losing his friend, Victor Oaxaca, just two days earlier in a separate homicide.

Guardado denied killing Vargas or even going to the victims home.

Deputy district attorneys Michael Thomas and Kristen Cartwright declined to comment.

___

Information from: Roswell Daily Record, http://www.roswell-record.com
AUSTIN, Texas  When the Texas Board of Education last produced history curriculum guidelines for public schools, experts decried its members for attempting to promote religious and conservative ideology over facts.

Now the state is considering revisions to the 2010 standards, which a group of academics slammed in a report Thursday. Among their complaints: lessons downplaying slavery as the Civil Wars cause, exaggerating the influence of Moses on U.S. democracy and applauding the National Rifle Association and Newt Gingrichs Contract with America.

The report suggests some heavy editing, but it remains to be seen whether the boards 10 Republicans and five Democrats will comply when they begin voting on rewrites in November. For years, the panel has generated attention for such things as trying to limit lessons on evolution and climate change in science textbooks.

The best we can hope for right now is the more egregious mistakes are rectified, one of the reports authors, Edward Countryman, a history professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, said Thursday in a conference call. I think its possible.

The report was commissioned by frequent education board critic the Texas Freedom Network, but its authors say their objections are about facts, not politics.

Their report notes how one board member in 2010 described slavery as an after issue and how Texas resulting curriculum standards suggested it was the Civil Wars third cause behind sectionalism and states rights. The board also asked the states nearly 5.4 million public school students to compare ideas from Abraham Lincolns inaugural address with those of the one by Confederate President Jefferson Davis, which didnt mention slavery while championing small-government values.

Authors also fault Texas standards for including Confederate General Thomas Stonewall Jackson as an example of effective leadership.

Last years white supremacist march in Charlottesville, Virginia, and subsequent efforts to remove Confederate monuments around the country have underscored debates on how the Civil War is taught in different states. But Texas Civil War lessons perpetuate a historical mistruth promoted by southern apologists after the war, the report says.

It suggests instead asking students to examine the conflicts causes, particularly the central role played by slavery while recommending scrapping requirements that glorify Confederate heroes.

The report also calls for removing curriculum standards listing Moses among the people whose principles informed the American founding documents while trimming language suggesting that the separation of church and state wasnt a fundamental ideal of the Constitution. It says thats one of the most blatant examples of using Texas curriculum standards to promote a political argument that is unsupported by sound scholarship and past court cases nationwide.

The quibble over wording here could not be more misleading, said Emile Lester, a report co-author and political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia.

The report faults education board member David Bradley, a Republican from Beaumont who isnt seeking re-election in November, for previously offering to make a $10,000 donation to charity if anyone can find the words separation of church and state in the Constitution.

Reached by phone, Bradley said, Ive still got the money in my pocket. The report notes that the Constitutions framers intended strong separation between religion and government policy, even if its not specifically spelled out.

What are the studies with university professors? That, generally, 90, 95 percent of them vote liberal Democrat? Bradley responded. And youre going to complain about ideology?

The report also sees the current standards as cheerleading too much for free market economic systems, small government and low taxation. It recommends cutting lessons appearing to justify Sen. Joseph McCarthys notorious hunts for communists and asking students studying groups like the United Nations to evaluate efforts by global organizations to undermine U.S. sovereignty.

And, it slammed as inaccurate and biased requiring Texas students to learn about the 1980s and 1990s conservative resurgence built on the efforts of things like the NRA and 1994s congressional Contract with America.

What happened eight years ago was a political circus and a travesty, said Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller. It undermined the education of our kids and turned Texas into a national joke.
HUNTSVILLE, Texas  Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday spared the life of a convicted killer shortly before the mans scheduled execution for masterminding the fatal shootings of his mother and brother.

In sparing the life of Thomas Bart Whitaker about an hour before he was scheduled for lethal injection, Abbott accepted the state parole boards rare clemency recommendation. Whitakers father, Kent, also was shot in the 2003 plot at the familys suburban Houston home but survived and led the effort to save his son from execution. Abbott commuted the sentence to life without parole.

Im thankful not for me but for my dad, Bart Whitaker told prison officials after getting the word in a tiny holding cell a few feet from the death chamber. Any punishment that I would have or will receive is just, but my dad did nothing wrong. The system worked for him today. And I will do my best to uphold my role in the system.

The seven-member Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, whose members are appointed by the governor, recommended unanimously Tuesday that Abbott commute the sentence. Abbott, a Republican had the option of accepting the recommendation, rejecting it or doing nothing.

Mr. Whitakers father, who survived the attempt on his life, passionately opposes the execution of his son. Mr. Whitakers father insists that he would be victimized again if the state put to death his last remaining immediate family member, Abbott said in a proclamation issued Thursday evening, adding that Whitaker had also agreed to waive all further rights to parole.

Abbott, also citing the parole boards recommendation, added: The totality of these factors warrants a commutation of Mr. Whitakers death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

It was only the fourth time since the state resumed executions in 1982 that the parole board has recommended clemency within days of an inmates scheduled execution. In the previous cases, then-Gov. Rick Perry, also a Republican, accepted the boards decision in one case and rejected the other two, who subsequently were put to death in the nations most active capital punishment state.

Kent Whitaker said he was humbled and looked forward to hugging and touching his son.

It was overpowering, he said of the governors decision, which he learned in a phone call from Keith Hampton, one of his sons lawyers. He and supporters were nearby the prison in a home used by inmate visitors and were standing and praying, Whitaker said. He put Hamptons call on his speakerphone.

The room erupted, he said.

Hampton said he was very relieved (Abbott) did the right thing.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesman Jason Clark said Bart Whitaker placed his arm through the bars of the holding cell after he was finished speaking with prison officials and asked to shake his hand.

I havent touched another person in 13 years, Whitaker told Clark, who said he accepted the prisoners request. Death row inmates in Texas are kept alone in their cells for 23 hours a day and their one hour of recreation also is alone in a concrete wall enclosure.

Agency spokesman Jeremy Desel said Whitaker would not be returned to death row but would be taken to a prison processing facility where hed be treated as a new incoming inmate and eventually assigned to a unit in general population, a process that likely would take a couple of weeks.

Kent and Patricia Whitaker and their two boys had returned home the night of Dec. 10, 2003, following a restaurant dinner to celebrate Bart Whitakers college graduation when they were confronted by a gunman wearing dark clothes and a ski mask. Patricia Whitaker and her 19-year-old son, Kevin, were killed. Kent Whitaker and Bart were wounded.

Nearly two years later, Bart Whitaker was arrested in Mexico after investigators determined he arranged the plot in hopes of collecting a family estate he believed was worth more than $1 million.

Im 100 percent guilty, Whitaker testified at his trial in 2007. I put the plan in motion.

He hated his parents and brother at the time, he said.

Whitakers father said he loves and has forgiven his son, calling him a changed person.

As the greatest victim in this case, you dont have to convince me how awful this crime was, Kent Whitaker said.

Evidence showed the plot included two of Bart Whitakers friends and was at least his third attempt to kill his family. Whitakers wound to his arm was meant to draw attention away from his involvement. Unknown to his parents, the dinner celebration marking his graduation was a fraud. Hed dropped out of school months earlier.

The gunman, Chris Brashear, pleaded guilty in 2007 to a murder charge and is serving life in prison. Steve Champagne, who drove Brashear from the Whitaker house the night of the shootings, took a 15-year prison term in exchange for testifying at Whitakers trial.
SAN ANTONIO  A state senator from San Antonio faces a potentially long prison term after his conviction Thursday on 11 federal counts of money laundering and wire and securities fraud.

Sen. Carlos Uresti was charged in May in connection with his roles at a now-defunct oilfield company. The jury deliberated over two days before reaching its verdict. Several of the charges could lead to prison sentences of up to 20 years. Sentencing is scheduled for June 25.

Uresti was found guilty along with a co-defendant, Gary Cain, who was an executive with FourWinds Logistics. The pair lied to investors in order to make money for the company, prosecutors said.

Their trial lasted about four weeks.

Uresti was not up for re-election until 2020. The Democrat said after the verdict he plans to appeal the conviction.

Federal prosecutors have said FourWinds operated an illegal Ponzi scheme against its investors. Uresti was the companys general counsel. He also owned a small stake of company shares and earned commissions for recruiting investors.

FourWinds was a fracking sand company that went bankrupt in 2015.

Urestis attorney had argued the lawmaker had no knowledge the companys head was squandering money on expenses unrelated to the companys business.

The former chief executive of FourWinds, Stan Bates, pleaded guilty in January to federal securities fraud and other charges. Hes scheduled to be sentenced in April and faces decades in prison.

Uresti had testified in bankruptcy court in September that he and his legal team investigated FourWinds in the wake of his indictment to learn the reason for his indictment, the San Antonio Express-News reported. He testified that only then did he learn that it appears that it might have been a Ponzi scheme.

Such a scheme is an investment fraud that pays existing investors from the contributions of new investors and telling them they were returns on their investments.
One of the University of New Mexicos top leaders and a longtime figure in New Mexico state government has announced his retirement.

UNM announced Thursday that David Harris will retire, but not until the end of the year. He will stay in his position overseeing the schools budget and numerous key programs.

Harris has, in his more than 40-year career, led all of the states core budgeting agencies and counseled two governors before joining the university in 2004.

Hes been invaluable to government and certainly to the University of New Mexico, said state Sen. Stuart Ingle, R-Portales. If theres anybody who knew the budget backwards and forwards, it was David Harris.

Harris currently holds the titles of executive vice president for administration, chief operating officer and chief financial officer. He served as interim president of the school for a short stint in 2006.

After careful and detailed discussions with President (Chaouki) Abdallah and incoming President (Garnett) Stokes, I wish to announce my intention to retire from my position at The University of New Mexico by the end of the year, Harris said in a written statement.

The change comes as the university prepares to take on a new president, Stokes, who takes office on March 1. She said in the announcement that she is grateful Harris will stay on to help her transition to her new post.

Ingle said Thursday that Harris has for decades been the person turned to for guidance and help understanding crucial elements of government and university processes.
Hissan to hold intl meet on education policy

The Higher Institutions and Secondary Schools Association Nepal (Hissan) is holding an international conference to discuss an education policy that suits the new federal set-up.
Google India announced the launch of Tamil language support for its advertising products - Google AdWords and Google AdSense to support the Tamil language web publishers and also help advertisers to reach out to the large base of Internet users in Tamil. With this launch, Google has now scaled support for Indian language advertising to cover Hindi, Bengali and Tamil.

Advertisers will now be able to develop a rich and seamless campaigns to target their audience through Tamil-language search and display ads. In addition to that, content creators who have websites and blogs in Tamil will be able to sign up for Google Adsense and run ads on their content and attract advertisers from across the globe.

According to Shalini Girish, Director - Google Marketing Solutions, Google India, Majority of Indias Internet users are not fluent in english, and we have been very focussed on enabling Indian language support across our key products to make the Internet more useful for everyone. With the launch of Tamil support in our advertising products, today we are enabling both the content creators and advertisers to connect with the Indian language users in their languages. We saw a huge acceleration in Hindi content creation, when we launched support for Hindi languages, and we hope that the addition of new languages like Bengali (launched late last year) and now Tamil will provide the necessary boost to content creation in local languages and grow digital advertising in Indian languages.

To start monetizing your Tamil content website with Google AdSense:

India has 234 million Indian language users who are online (compared to 175 million English web users) and it is expected another 300 million Indian language users will come online in the next four years. The most important aspect of making the web more useful and meaningful for all of India is to make Indias Internet more representative of todays India.

Please visit the AdWords help center to set up and run search or display campaigns.
P&G India announces its new Managing Director & CEO Mr. Madhusudan Gopalan who will take over from April 1, 2018. Mr. Madhusudan Gopalan has more than 18 years of experience working for the company across business units and diverse geographies like India, US and ASEAN countries. Madhusudan is currently leading the P&G business in Indonesia where he has led strong sales growth, share turn around, strong value creation and cash productivity. Madhusudan will take over from Mr. Al Rajwani, who is set to retire from the company after 37 years of service after the end of the financial year. Until his retirement, Al will help in onboarding Madhusudan on the India business and enable a smooth transition. During Als tenure, over the last three years, the P&G business in India underwent a portfolio transformation that saw the company go from losing money to delivering triple digit-profit in a couple of years. In the first half of the companys financial year 17-18 ending December17, P&G has delivered double-digit sales growth with majority of the business growing share. P&G continues to be the market leader in most of the segments it operates in like baby diapers, blades & razors, feminine care, shave prep, health care, anti- ageing skincare, and is number 2 in shampoos and toothbrushes.

Madhusudan started his career with P&G in India 1999 as a new hire in the Sales function from Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta and worked in various locations across India including being part of P&Gs first Modern Retail team in India. His first international assignment was to P&G's headquarters in the United States, where he worked with the P&G Wal-Mart business team. He returned to India as the Head - Market, Strategic & Planning and oversaw the rapid growth of P&Gs business that grew 10 times in the space of a decade. He then moved to Indonesia as Head of Sales where he learnt to speak the local language, Bahasa Indonesia. Madhu later assumed the position of ASEAN Commercial Leader based in Bangkok, where he oversaw the commercial category teams across all P&G ASEAN countries and helped set up P&Gs e-commerce business teams in the region. Madhu returned to Indonesia as the Head of P&G business, where he is responsible for developing P&Gs business, organization and corporate reputation. Madhu has more than 18 years of diverse experience in the FMCG industry with P&G, working in India, US and ASEAN markets; wide range of categories and channels.
WARC has released its latest monthly Global Ad Trends report, digesting up-to-date insights and evidenced thinking from the worldwide advertising industry, with a focus on out of home (OOH) advertising.

Based on media channel data in 96 countries and detailed findings from the worlds key ad markets  Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom and United States  which between them account for approximately two-thirds of the value of global advertising trade, key information includes:

Successful brands allocate an average 13% of their media budget to OOH

Budget allocation to out of home by successful brands within WARCs case study database has averaged 13 per cent over the eight years to 2016. OOHs share has remained largely stable, which tallies with the channels share of global display advertising spend.

The report also finds that government and non-profit organisations (26 per cent of budgeted spend), alcoholic drinks brands (16 per cent) and retail brands (14 per cent) are among the highest investors in OOH.

Out of homes share of global advertising spend has averaged 6 per cent since 1990

Out of homes share of global ad spend has steadily decreased since 2012, but is stable over the long-term.

OOH has accounted for an average 5.9 per cent of global advertising spend since 1990. The latest verified data show that OOH ad spend amounted to $31 billion in 2016, a 5.8 per cent share of the global total. Preliminary estimates for 2017 put spend at roughly the same level.

Excluding search, classified, and other spends, OOH accounts for 7.9 per cent of the global display ad market.

Digital accounts for over a third of all outdoor advertising expenditure and is growing rapidly

Data show that digitals share of total global out of home advertising spend reached 34.8 per cent in 2017. Long-term projections suggest digitals share will rise close to 45 per cent in 2021.

Data from WARCs international partners show that digitals share of total OOH ad spend varies by key markets and is increasing rapidly in all. In Australia, digital out of home (DOOH) ad spend was at 40.2 per cent in 2016 and likely to have risen above 45 per cent in 2017. Preliminary estimates for 2017 put the United Kingdoms DOOH share at 46.5 per cent, up from 37.7 per cent in 2016; and in the US, it is thought to be 22.4 per cent in 2017, up from 20.8 per cent in 2016.

Out of home CPM is routinely lower than the all media average

Data from WARCs Media Costs Database show that out of home cost per thousand (CPM) in key markets is routinely lower than the all media average. Australia and the UK are the only exceptions.

The average CPM for an outdoor ad with an all-adult target audience in key markets is $6.41, compared to an all media average of $12.20 for the same audience.

UK consumers open to facial recognition for security purposes, but less so for marketing

Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) is being trialled as a means of offering shoppers more targeted information in stores. In a recent national survey, WARC and Toluna conclude that UK consumers are open to the application of FRT for products and services as well as for security purposes, but do not find the concept of personalised marketing messages appealing.

Summing up, James McDonald, Data Editor, WARC, said, Out of home is an industry staple, attracting a consistent share of successful brands budgets over the long term. The channel delivers affordable reach with CPM routinely below the all media average.

He added, Out of home is well-placed for future advancement with rising digital penetration delivering flexible creative informed by rich audience data. New tech, such as facial recognition, is being tailored to improve shopper experience, but advertisers need to heed consumer concerns.

Global media analysis: A round-up of the importance of out of home advertising

3.5% average rise in out of home cost per thousand this year

5.9% out of homes average share of global ad spend since 1990

7.9% out of homes share of global display ad spend

13% successful brands budget allocation to out of home between 2009 and 2016

45% digital share of global out of home advertising spend by 2021

65% of UK consumers are not happy for facial recognition to be used to offer marketing messages

Global Ad Trends is part of WARC Data, a dedicated online service featuring current advertising benchmarks, data points, ad trends and user-generated expanded databases. Aimed at media and brand owners, market analysts, media, advertising and research agencies as well as academics, WARC Data provides current advertising and media information, hard facts and figures  essential market intelligence for ad industry related business, strategy and planning required in any decision making process.

To Read More Click here.
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Indian wives of Madhes

Biased citizenship laws have been created to promote ethnic homogeneity in Nepal
Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon is headed to the State House on Thursday morning to discuss an S.C. House bill that would allow a city, by ordinance, to annex pieces of land smaller than 25 acres as long as they are bounded by the city on all sides.

Osbon will attend the S.C. House Judiciary Constitutional Laws subcommittee meeting Thursday. The meeting begins at 9 a.m.

If enacted, the bill  the "Local Government Efficiency Act" or H3158  would allow cities or municipalities to more easily absorb enclaves, commonly known as doughnut holes. Doughnut holes are unincorporated pockets of land that are embedded in cities.

Constitutional Laws subcommittee agenda The agenda for Thursday's meeting that includes the "Local Government Efficiency Act."

Around here, that means potentially annexing areas that currently fall to Aiken County but are more or less  but not legally  within the city.

"They're considering giving cities the opportunity to, if there's a doughnut hole, to have the opportunity to work toward annexation of the doughnut hole," Osbon said Wednesday.

The bill requires potential annexations to have been completely bordered by the City for at least five years. An area can be annexed if it borders a state line, military complex, national park or body of water, the bill continues.

Doughnut holes can prove confusing: Certain city services  trash pickup, often times  don't extend into enclaves. Osbon said there are plenty of doughnut holes in Aiken, and the issue here is emergency response.

"It's really a public safety issue," Osbon said. "Does it get toned out to the City or toned out to the County?"

Osbon said the Local Government Efficiency Act is also an issue of home rule  local actions should fall to local governments, basically.

"Home rule is something that I think South Carolina really does need to consider," Osbon said. "The closer you are to the people, the more responsive you're going to be."

The Municipal Association of South Carolina is keeping an eye on the bill. It's listed as a priority on the association's legislation tracker.

State Rep. Bill Clyburn, D-Aiken, has sponsored the bill.
After years of informal negotiations, the United States is facing mounting pressure to reach a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia or risk getting shut out of the Gulf kingdoms lucrative energy market.

But Riyadhs refusal to give up on certain capabilities that could be used in a nuclear weapons program has caused concern among lawmakers that the Donald Trump administration may be too keen to strike a deal.

Under Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, Congress must review any agreement to supply a foreign state with US nuclear technology. While the Trump administration has yet to publicly rule out any concessions, Saudi insistence on retaining the right to enrich uranium and to reprocess plutonium faces significant roadblocks on Capitol Hill.

I think we have made clear  not that it was necessary  that a 123 agreement that in any way contemplated an enrichment program is going to face a lot of opposition in Congress, a congressional source familiar with the debate told Al-Monitor. So I just dont think that the executive branch is going to go there.

The United States and Saudi Arabia have had on-and-off talks over a nuclear transfer agreement since 2012. But Riyadhs recent announcement that it intends to award contracts for its first two nuclear reactors by the end of this year has created a new sense of urgency in Washington.

US firm Westinghouse is among those that have expressed interest, but its bid would be hamstrung if theres any legal uncertainty about its ability to work with the Saudis. Firms in Russia, China, France and South Korea have also joined the fray.

Its very hard to see how the US stays in the mix if at the same time there is nothing moving on the 123, said the congressional source. Its possible, I suppose, but it makes it difficult, so I do expect that the US will engage and soon.

Energy Secretary Rick Perry visited Saudi Arabia and discussed Riyadhs solicitation for bids to build its first two nuclear reactors late last year. Soon after, Bloomberg reported that the administration was actively considering a 123 agreement that would grant the Saudis wide latitude to pursue uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing.

Nonproliferation champions in Congress have been pushing back since. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told the Saudi ambassador last month that he would force a floor vote and debate on any proposed 123 agreement with Riyadh.

It seems crazy to loosen important nonproliferation standards just to try to secure an uncertain commercial deal, Markey told the Journal.

Instead, many lawmakers want any deal to adhere to what they call the gold standard embodied by a civilian nuclear agreement with the United Arab Emirates. The 2009 deal allows South Korea to use US technology to build nuclear reactors in the UAE; the first of the reactors is set to be operational this year.

But the UAE agreement also contains a provision allowing the emirates to seek to reopen negotiations if Washington were ever to strike a more favorable deal with any other Middle Eastern country. The congressional source argued that an overly permissive agreement with the Saudis would immediately reopen those existing agreements.

Even aside from concerns about whether the Saudis should go down that path from the US point of view, the source said, the precedent would cause very significant difficulties for the US with existing other agreements.

Riyadh says it ultimately hopes to spend approximately $80 billion on a total of 16 reactors. But many nonproliferation experts are skeptical of the oil-rich countrys true intentions. Instead, theyre concerned that Riyadhs real intent is to keep pace with Irans more advanced nuclear program, which the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action legitimized even as it hobbled its ability to build nuclear weapons.

Members of the Saudi royal family have suggested that they may have an interest in nuclear weapons at some point in the future, Daryl Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Association, told Al-Monitor. There is considerable concern in Congress about any nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia that does not somehow make it harder for the Saudis to acquire enrichment and reprocessing technology in the future.

Robert Einhorn, the former State Department special adviser for nonproliferation and arms control under President Barack Obama, said there are likely divergent views on the matter within the administration.

There are probably some disagreements, Einhorn told Al-Monitor. There are some who probably want to persist with the gold standard and may even believe that we can talk the Saudis into it. Others believe that its very unlikely to get the Saudis to accept the gold standard and so we have to settle for something else and there continue to be disagreements that we have to resolve.

Einhorn himself has drafted a proposal in the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists that he describes as a wee-bit short of the gold standard. He suggests an agreement that would allow the Saudis to ask Washington for permission on certain enrichment and reprocessing activities after 15 years.

The congressional source said the Saudis are clearly ready to move forward and the Trump administration has held at least one Cabinet-level meeting on the issue. Now all thats missing is for the National Security Council to make a policy decision and set out the negotiating instructions to our people so that they can get underway.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  Gaza's first e-publishing house, Khota Books, sells both e-books and hard copies on its website from the comfort of readers' homes.

The publishing house was established by two young Gazans in August 2016 and offers both traditional and self-publishing. It initially published only local writers, but as of January 2018, it's acquiring reprint rights to works by international writers such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Mahmoud Madi, founder and executive director of the publishing house, told Al-Monitor, My colleague and I have noticed that young people are not interested in reading books and no longer visit public libraries, which results in a loss of our culture and heritage. Neither did we have any [electronic] publishing houses here in Gaza to promote books written by local authors." He added that many good books have never had a chance in Gaza because printing them is so expensive. Electronic books can be published at a much lower cost.

He added, My colleague and I decided to create an e-publishing house to publish books online, allowing readers to download and read them, as well as order a hard copy and have it delivered to their doorstep.

He noted, After signing with an author, we [edit the work] and then issue it a national book number from the National Library in the Palestinian Ministry of Culture as well as assign an international standard book number. We upload the book on the website and print copies.

Madi said that after each book is published, Khota Books organizes a book signing for the author and invites a number of other Palestinian authors. The public events offer visibility to both the author and the publisher.

Madi said that Khota Books' current list includes about 20 books from local and foreign authors. More than 20,000 readers have downloaded them so far, and more than 5,000 hard copies have been shipped.

Co-founder Mahmoud al-Shaer told Al-Monitor, For five years, Madi and I participated in technological exhibitions in the Gaza Strip; we are experts now. So we decided to exploit our technological capabilities by creating an e-publishing house to encourage reading and promote books written by local authors. Their first book, No Sugar in the City by poet Hind Jawdeh, was published on Aug. 11, 2016.

He added, What is unique about an e-publishing house is that it allows books to reach foreign readers: Few Gazan authors with very distinguished books have the chance to share them with readers in other countries, nor are they able to participate in international book exhibitions held in different Arab countries, due to the Israeli siege and the continued closure of the Rafah border crossing."

Shaer explained that in addition to No Sugar in the City, Khota's list includes the popular Shashmu by satirical writer Akram Sourani, "Testimonies on the State of Palestinian Division" and "Autumn Leaves" by Muhannad Younis, and "Nests of Memory," a collection of short stories by 100 Arab writers from Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

He said five Khota books by local authors took part in the Cairo International Book Fair earlier this month, noting that although the writers were unable to attend, their books made it to one of the largest book fairs in the Middle East.

Khota Books sells both electronic and hard copies for very low sums; no book is over $3, Shaer said, noting that Khota Books is the first and only publishing house in Gaza to obtain translation rights to novels by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Jose Saramago. For the first time, these writers will be available both in hard copy and e-version through a Gaza publisher.

The director general of the Libraries Department in the Ministry of Culture in Gaza, Mohammed al-Sharif, praised Khota Books' efforts to encourage reading, as young people too often get their information only from social media and prefer to read on a screen.

The ministry supports such projects that increase cultural and cognitive awareness and encourage reading and we always make sure to grant them the necessary licenses and national book numbers, he noted.

Sharif said that there are traditional publishing houses in Gaza that publish and distribute books to bookstores and libraries. But with today's technology, young Gazans are more interested in screens than traditional books, so having an e-publishing house in the Strip that allows Gazans to easily buy books and read them online is a positive development, he added.

Mohammed Khalil, a 25-year-old government employee, told Al-Monitor, After graduating from university three years ago, I stopped reading books because I found everything I needed to read on social media. But after Khota Books was founded, I was able to download ebooks and read them on my devices.
Irans moderate President Hassan Rouhani reacted Feb. 21 to the recent flaring of tensions between Gonabadi dervishes and security forces, saying he will not tolerate any violent behavior toward law enforcement officers.

Clashes between dervishes and security forces in Tehran reached a climax Feb. 19, when a supporter of the Gonabadi order reportedly rammed riot police with a bus, killing three officers. Two members of the Basij militia were also killed in separate but related incidents  one was rammed by a car while the other was stabbed to death.

The clashes led to the arrests of 300 dervishes and left 30 officers injured. According to some reports, three dervishes were also killed  though this was later denied by the semi-official ISNA news agency.

Members of the Gonabadi order adhere to the Sufi branch of Islam, though they adhere to Shiite beliefs. The name of the order is derived from its base in the northeastern city of Gonabad. The recent clashes  one in a line of incidents over the years as the authorities periodically clamp down on the Sufis  erupted as a group of Gonabadi dervishes gathered in front of their grand masters home in northern Tehran to protest the reported erection of a checkpoint in the neighborhood.

In reaction to the violence, Rouhani lauded the performance of the police, saying that the officers had shown [well]-thought-out management [of the situation] with maximum tolerance.

The Iranian president emphasized that while he respects all beliefs and thoughts and accepts the diversity of cultures and opinions, violent behavior by any group is condemned.

He added, [We] will not tolerate violent behavior and insulting the police, which is the protector of order and security in society.

After spiraling tensions and the deadly clashes, it seems that both sides have adopted a softer tone to achieve a resolution. Nour Ali Tabandeh, the Gonabadi grand master, issued a statement Feb. 20 expressing regret over the death of police and Basij forces.

He addressed his followers in his statement, saying their travel to Tehran to stage a protest was not right. If you are worried about my health and you want to come to Tehran, [I should say] thank God Im well and there is no concern about that.  [Do] not come to Tehran during this period, Tabandeh said.

Adopting a conciliatory tone, Tabandeh added, Fortunately, now that the country is in the hands of leaders who believe in God and the Prophet [Muhammad], it would be good if they attempt to eliminate the hostilities that can lead to these kinds of painful clashes.

Seemingly addressing those reportedly among his followers who were behind the killing of the security personnel, Tabandeh noted, Everyone should know that only those who observe Sharia and spiritual orders are considered dervishes, and they are the real dervishes.

Adopting the same soft tone, Interior Minister Abdolrahman Rahmani Fazli seemed to want to distance real Gonabadis from the violence, claiming on Feb. 21 that those who clashed with police were not dervishes.

He stated, We know the dervishes as a wise, logical and moderate current.  We dont attribute Mondays events on Pasdaran Street to this current.

The interior minister, however, added, Those who are seeking to violate the law must not suppose that police forces tolerance, restraint and intelligence are due to their passivity. Despite all the plans [those seeking to incite violence] had, they [the police] attempted to solve the issue with negotiations and talks, but unfortunately, those who were [trying to sabotage the situation] werent seeking to observe the law and engage in cooperation with police forces and werent willing to negotiate at all, and resorted to illegal and violent activities.

He continued, Eventually, police forces managed to arrest those who were there in 15 minutes and refer them to the judiciary.
Likud Knesset member Miki Zohar sounded quite emotional during a Feb. 19 interview in which he compared the assassination of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin to what theyre doing to the prime minister. He made the comment to Radio Haifa a day after the Case 4000 scandal exploded with a wave of arrests that scooped up people close to Netanyahu.

The media has described Case 4000 as the most serious of all the Netanyahu scandals. Shaul Elovitch, who owns controlling interest in the telecommunication giant Bezeq, allegedly received hundreds of millions of shekels in the form of an easing of regulations by the Ministry of Communications. In exchange, Netanyahu would receive favorable coverage on the Walla website, which Bezeq owns.

The feeling that morning among Netanyahus hardcore supporters in the Likud was that the noose around the prime ministers neck is getting tighter and that the police will not rest until they bring him down. This stems from the narrative that Netanyahu has etched deep in their minds. He has been so successful in getting this message across that Zohar went as far as using Rabin's assassination to argue with stunning sincerity that the recent events are an attempt to depose Netanyahu through undemocratic means.

What happened next was no less ridiculous. Zohar presented a conspiracy theory claiming that the former head of the Department of Investigations, Yoav Segalovich, is colluding with the chairman of Yesh Atid, Yair Lapid, to take out the prime minister undemocratically. This theory is based on the testimony that Lapid gave in Case 1000 at the request of the police and might result in Netanyahu being charged with a crime.

The comparison to the Rabin assassination was not something that Zohar pulled out of his hat in the heat of the interview. He had said it in other interviews, including on the Knesset Channel and on social media. In response, the Labor Party was quick to recall the incitement that preceded Rabins assassination. It released a statement saying, We will not forget, and we will not forgive, all of those who stood on the balcony [overlooking the October 1995 anti-Rabin demonstration in Jerusalem with placards showing Rabin in an SS uniform], who took part in the procession carrying a coffin, and who led the campaign of wild and unrestrained incitement, which fueled the assassin of an Israeli prime minister. The statement did not mention Netanyahu by name, but the insinuation was clear. Netanyahu was one of the speakers at that demonstration in Jerusalem, and he was present at the coffin procession in those dark days of uninhibited incitement that preceded the assassination.

More than two decades have passed since then, and more genies are coming out of the bottle as a result of the Netanyahu scandals. The political and public mood is becoming increasingly corrosive in the debate between those who believe that Netanyahu should resign now and those who are convinced that he is being persecuted by powerful forces, including the police, who are working to bring about his downfall. It doesnt look like the tension will die down anytime soon.

The division is mainly along political lines, between the right and the center-left, even though this is in essence not an ideological dispute. (In any case, ideological differences between the right and center-left in Israel have actually been dulled over the years.) In fact, it is a personal fight over Netanyahu's character. People are either for him or against him. Under such circumstances, serious issues, such as the tense security situation in the Gaza Strip, the diplomatic stalemate and various economic items on the agenda are disappearing under the weight of Bibimania.

Obviously, this serves Netanyahus interests. He was responsible for this heated discourse, and he dragged his opponents into it. Even Lapid, who tried not to get sucked into the Anyone but Netanyahu campaign, has been swept up by Bibimania over the past few days. Being called a snitch by coalition chairman David Amsalem, and presented as someone who is trying to use the police to take down the government through his testimony, left Lapid with few choices, so he changed strategies accordingly.

In the past, Lapid's efforts to win over Likud voters made him careful not to attack Netanyahu directly. Now he has been lashing out at Netanyahu with all the force he can muster, using every available means, including personal attacks. This makes the fight over the prime ministers office a two-person race. Lapid may lose some Likud supporters along the way, but he could win votes from people whose top priority is replacing Netanyahu. It is safe to assume that as elections draw nearer  they are scheduled for November 2019  and if indeed the main competition is between Netanyahu and Lapid, Lapid's strategy could work. Even ardent supporters on the left, who were disappointed by Lapids efforts to pander to the right and the ultra-Orthodox, may end up voting for him. Their overall objective will be to consolidate forces to bring down Netanyahu.

This is not the first time that Netanyahu has managed to evoke such intense emotions in the opposing camp. This time, however, the feelings are much stronger than in the past. Netanyahus opponents feel that he has corrupted the system of government itself for his personal benefit, trampled on the rule of law and left the legal system in tatters by destroying everything good about it. In contrast, his most ardent supporters and large swathes of the Likud are willing to forgive him for his missteps and self-indulgences. They believe that Netanyahu is an excellent prime minister who protects the interests of the right. That is why, they say, he is being persecuted by the left, which is now in cahoots with Lapid and the police. It doesnt matter that some of their claims stem from conspiracy theories. They still have an eager audience.

Actually, even if Netanyahu is forced to resign before the next election, he will still be a powerful presence. It looks like there will be plenty of Likud supporters who will claim that he was deposed in a putsch orchestrated by the police after his rivals could not defeat him at the ballot box.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu isnt going anywhere. Even after the release of news about Case 4000, he is signaling that he intends to fight, claiming that it is all part of the continuing witch hunt against him. Netanyahu still has the political backing of his coalition and certainly of his own party, so despite his complicated legal situation, he can continue to dictate the countrys agenda.

Alongside addressing diplomatic and defense affairs, such as participating in the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 18, Netanyahu is steering the political discourse so that it focuses on the anti-Netanyahu campaign. This serves his own interests and bolsters his electorates loyalty to him. The challenge his rivals face will be to escape this trap and find ways to distinguish themselves from him and the Likud on the core political and economic issues.
Saudi Arabia has hired an international law firm specializing in energy regulation in its efforts to extract a favorable agreement on civil nuclear cooperation from the United States.

Newly published lobbying disclosures reveal that the Saudi Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources hired Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman in the past few days to advise it on a potential bilateral agreement with the United States concerning peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The firm will also provide Riyadh with guidance on related legal matters concerning the development of a commercial nuclear program. The deal is for an initial term of approximately 30 days and billing comes to $890 per hour.

Saudi insistence on retaining certain capabilities that could be used to produce nuclear weapons faces steep resistance in Congress even as some elements of the Donald Trump administration seem open to a more flexible deal.

Neither the Saudi Embassy nor Pillsbury responded to Al-Monitors request for comment.

Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 stipulates that the US government and Congress must sign off before American firms can transfer nuclear technology abroad. The US-based firm Westinghouse is competing with Russian, Chinese, French and South Korean firms for a lucrative contract to build Saudi Arabias first two nuclear reactors but would need a green light from Washington to proceed.

The United States and Saudi Arabia began on-and-off again nuclear negotiations back in 2012.

Pillsbury previously furnished the Saudis with legal advice and assistance regarding the development of a peaceful commercial nuclear energy program from 2011 to 2014 and supported Riyadh in its US negotiations. The firm separately registered to lobby Congress and the Barack Obama administration on behalf of the Saudi Embassy for six months in 2015.

Key lawmakers in both parties have pushed back on any agreement that doesnt strictly limit Riyadhs ability to use US nuclear technology for a weapons program, but the White Houses position remains murky. Bloomberg reported last year that the administration is actively considering an agreement that would give the Saudis greater flexibility to enrich uranium and reprocess plutonium.

The administration continues to explore ways to engage in civil nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia in ways that meet our nonproliferation concerns, a White House spokesman told Al-Monitor.

Saudi Arabia ultimately hopes to build 16 nuclear reactors at a cost of approximately $80 billion.

In August 2016, IP3 International, a consulting firm representing a consortium of US, French and Chinese energy firms, prepared a proposal for Saudi Arabias King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, pitching the construction of 16 reactors in the Gulf kingdom and 30 reactors in other countries throughout the region under a Saudi- and US-led security umbrella. ProPublica first reported last year that future Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn worked for IP3 International at the time.

The proposal reportedly gained traction early last year within the Trump administration after it was pushed by Flynn and others in the White House. Flynn resigned under an ethical cloud in February 2017, and he has recently come under scrutiny for failing to disclose trips to the Middle East in 2015 where he pushed a similar proposal at a previous company. The White House told Al-Monitor that no such proposal is currently under discussion.
Merkel, Abe congratulate Oli on his election to high office

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on his election to the high office.
ALEPPO, Syria  The Syrian regime launched fighter aircraft, cannons and missiles in a fierce attack on residential neighborhoods and public facilities in Rif Dimashq in Eastern Ghouta on Jan. 30. Dozens of people were killed, others were injured and the infrastructure was destroyed.

At least 24 people, including five women and a child, were killed in 15 air raids that targeted Otaya, al-Nashabiya, Hazarma and Deir Salman in al-Marj. Seven people were also killed, including four children, and others were injured after air raids carried out by regime forces hit Arbin the same day. The aircraft also targeted Mesraba with several air raids, killing three people and injuring others. The Syrian Civil Defense group reported the use of internationally banned cluster bombs Feb. 20 targeting Saqba in Eastern Ghouta, yet did not specify the losses.

The Aleppo Media Center reported Feb. 20 there had been 137 air raids, in addition to 44 explosive barrels that helicopters launched on the same day, killing 110 people, including women and children, and severely wounding dozens.

The Syrian Human Rights Observatory published a report Feb. 14 stating that 760 people were killed, including 300 children and women, in addition to more than 2,200 injured as a result of 5,500 missiles and air raids targeting towns and cities in Eastern Ghouta between Nov. 14 and Feb. 14.

The Directorate of Education and Higher Education in Rif Dimashq, which is affiliated with the opposition-led interim Syrian government, issued a statement Feb. 7 announcing the suspension of all classes to protest the shelling of schools, medical facilities and houses of civilians. The directorate justified its decision with its inability to protect its students and staff from the military aircraft. It called on international organizations to halt the systematic shelling on schools and civilians in Eastern Ghouta.

Yasser Obeid, the head of the local council in Saqba, told Al-Monitor, The latest campaign that the regime launched on Eastern Ghouta targeted residential areas and vital facilities that offer services to citizens. The regime did not shell any military opposition factions spots. The northern and central parts of Eastern Ghouta have become distressed areas, with a rising number of victims and wounded people. We are facing a shortage in the number of doctors, medical facilities and first aid kits. Our situation is delicate.

The United Nations announced Feb. 14 the entry of an aid convoy to al-Nashabiya, in coordination with the Syrian Red Crescent. The convoy carried food and health equipment to 7,200 people. Currently, 400,000 people are besieged by the regime in Eastern Ghouta.

With the escalation of the campaign, the Revolutionary Command Council in Damascus and Its Countryside issued a statement Feb. 11 declaring all towns and cities as distressed areas. The statement called on the UN General Assembly to unite for peace in Syria and to hold accountable the criminals of war who are targeting civilians. The statement blamed Russia first and the UN Security Council second for the war crimes that the Syrian regime is committing against civilians in Syria, in general, and in Eastern Ghouta, in particular. Sweden and Kuwait had submitted a bill for a cease-fire to the Security Council Feb. 10, but it has yet to be voted on.

On Feb. 11, activists inside and outside of Eastern Ghouta started using the hashtag #Save_Ghouta to highlight the Syrian regime's crimes.

Meanwhile, the Syrian regime forces continue to use chlorine gas to shell residential areas. Many civilians were injured in Douma and neighboring areas of the international highway on the outskirts of Harasta and Douma after the regime forces shelled Douma Jan. 13 with ground-to-ground missiles, allegedly loaded with chlorine gas.

On Feb. 20, the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) published a one-sentence press release, saying, No words will do justice to the children killed, their mothers, their fathers and their loved ones. The rest of the statement was blank with a footnote at the bottom: UNICEF is issuing this blank statement. We no longer have the words to describe childrens suffering and our outrage. Do those inflicting the suffering still have words to justify their barbaric acts?

The Palestine Scholars Association in the Diaspora issued a statement Feb. 20 expressing its anger over the civilian massacre. The Muslim people and states called for the need to take action and stop the heinous crimes.

UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura told Reuters Feb. 20 that the escalation might end in another Aleppo, referring to similar events that plagued the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo at the end of 2016.

The French Foreign Ministry announced Feb. 20 in a statement that the attacks on Ghouta targeted residential areas and infrastructure on purpose, thus breaching international law. France blamed the events on the Syrian regime and its allies Russia and Iran, which are among the guaranteeing parties of the de-escalation agreement signed in Astana that includes Eastern Ghouta.

The shelling is ongoing and has pushed more than 5,000 families to leave their houses and head to safer areas in the besieged Ghouta area. Mohammad Bashir, the director of the department of studies at the Eastern Ghouta Relief Office, told Al-Kul radio Jan. 27 that families found shelter in the cellars of buildings. He said the United Relief Office  an independent relief and development organization offering services and care to the distressed  offered emergency aid to more than 500 displaced families from different cities and towns.

Baraa al-Shami, a media activist in Eastern Ghouta, told Al-Monitor, The regime has been directing its anger at Ghouta for more than two months, and the shelling has recently escalated. Around 400,000 people are besieged and have nowhere to go. People are living in building cellars that have not been shelled yet. Some of these cellars have been equipped to serve as shelters, while others are unlivable. But people have to live with this situation.

The medical field is finding it hard to rescue the wounded, especially those in critical condition. The siege is preventing the entry of sufficient medical equipment during shelling. Hamam, the director of public relations at the medical center in Saqba, who refused to reveal his full name, told Al-Monitor, The medical situation in Eastern Ghouta is bad. As of the beginning of 2018, the fierce and hysterical shelling has wounded hundreds of civilians, and hospitals havent been able to welcome them all. Medical equipment has been used up during the shelling, and we demand that the UN and international organizations allow the entry of urgent medical equipment to Eastern Ghouta.

The regime forces escalation followed several failed attempts to raid the enclaves cities and towns. The armed opposition factions had managed to advance in Harasta Dec. 31 and control several neighborhoods, especially the road linking Harasta and Arbin. Whether the regime raids areas under the armed oppositions control or incurs losses on the ground, its civilians who pay the price.
Turkeys embattled opposition Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) said on Thursday it is preparing for a possible early general election in which it expects to clear the 10% vote threshold to enter parliament, despite a government crackdown that has jailed nine of its lawmakers and largely crippled the Kurdish political movement.

The HDP, which draws support largely from Kurdish voters, has seen almost all 102 mayors from a sister party ousted from their posts and thousands of party members arrested on charges of supporting Kurdish militants, which the party denies. Dozens of Kurdish civil society groups and news outlets have also been banned, part of a broader clampdown during a state of emergency imposed after a failed military coup in 2016. The HDP is not implicated in the putsch.

An early election is now on Turkeys agenda.  We have made preparations for a vote if it is held this July or in the fall, Pervin Buldan, the HDPs newly elected co-chairwoman, said at a press conference. Public opinion polls show that the HDP has not fallen below 10%, and despite the constant detentions, is increasing its support, and so it does not face the problem of falling below the vote threshold.

Municipal, parliamentary and presidential elections are all slated for next year, and last week Prime Minister Binali Yildirim rejected suggestions that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) was preparing for an early vote.

Nevertheless, speculation continues to mount that it is, especially after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this week the AKP had agreed with parliaments smallest grouping, the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) to form a pre-election alliance. Legal changes to allow the MHP to retain its status as a political party in order to receive Treasury funding were submitted to parliament on Wednesday.

Right-wing opposition leader Meral Aksener said she expects a general election on July 15, the second anniversary of the abortive coup that Erdogan thwarted and that has since allowed him to consolidate power. However, the head of parliaments second-biggest party, the center-left Republican Peoples Party (CHP), has said he believes elections will be held as scheduled.

Erdogan once spearheaded a peace process with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984 at a cost of 40,000 lives. But negotiations collapsed and the PKK returned to violent tactics in 2015, and Erdogan now vows to crush the rebellion militarily.

His cooperation in recent years with the MHP taps into a surge of nationalist sentiment in Turkey unleashed by the PKKs renewed insurgency that included a series of bombings in Western cities that killed scores of people.

Turkeys fight against the PKK has now led it into the Syrian province of Afrin, where last month it launched a military operation to block territorial gains by the PKKs Syrian affiliate, saying Kurdish forces on its border pose a national security threat. The incursion is wildly popular with Turks and has the support of opposition parties, except the HDP.

Buldan accused the AKP and MHP of forming a dirty alliance based on hostility toward Kurds and alienating conservative Kurdish voters who once saw the powerful Erdogan as their best chance at ending decades of violence and expanding their cultural and political rights. Traditionally, about half of Kurdish voters, who make up roughly 20% of the electorate, support the AKP.

The campaign in Afrin, as well as Turkish belligerence toward Kurds in northern Iraq after they held an independence referendum in 2017, has pushed Kurds in Turkey to the HDP, Buldan said.

Those Kurds who have voted for the AKP will reconsider that support in the next election, she said. The AKP relies on Kurdish voters in the West, especially Istanbul. There are now Kurds who regret voting for the AKP [who say], We voted for the AKP to resolve the Kurdish question, but instead we see that wherever there are Kurds, they are being attacked.

Turkish opinion polls are notoriously unreliable, but a handful of recent surveys show the HDP may retain its share of the vote, including one poll released on Thursday that put it at 12%.

Buldan said the HDP has not ruled out forming its own alliance to contest the election and is prepared to work with those circles that support democracy, peace and freedom in Turkey. Yet she also pilloried the HDPs most likely partner, the CHP, for backing the Afrin operation and a law in 2016 that lifted lawmakers immunity from prosecution, which led to the arrests of the HDP parliamentarians.

Selahattin Demirtas, the HDPs former leader, has been in prison for 15 months accused of ties with the PKK. A charismatic former human rights lawyer, Demirtas expanded the partys share of non-Kurdish votes with a progressive platform that included an unfulfilled pledge to peacefully resolve the Kurdish issue.

The HDP won a record 5.2 million votes in June 2015, the first time a pro-Kurdish party had crossed the 10% threshold, the worlds highest barrier to parliament.

The European Union has said Demirtas arrest undermined efforts to find a political solution to the PKK conflict. Seven of the HDPs 59 lawmakers have been stripped of their seats since the crackdown, disenfranchising hundreds of thousands of voters.

Buldan and her co-chairman Sezai Temelli replaced Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, who is also in jail, at a party congress earlier this month.

Demirtas declined calls from some in the party to remain leader, recognizing he would be unable to lead the party in an election from a prison cell, said Buldan. There is a void without Selahattin and Figen in our midst, she said.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillersons Feb. 16 visit to Ankara, against the backdrop of unprecedented tensions between the two countries, appears to have averted a train crash in ties, as one Turkish analyst put it. That the sides are talking now instead of hurling open or barely shrouded threats at each other is a positive development, seasoned diplomats say.

In an article for Hurriyet, retired ambassador Oguz Celikkol pointed out that Tillerson was immediately preceded by US national security adviser H.R. McMaster, who met President Recep Tayyip Erdogans chief adviser Ibrahim Kalin in Istanbul, as well as talks between US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and his Turkish counterpart Nurettin Canikli in Brussels on the sidelines of a NATO gathering.

A better atmosphere has emerged in both capitals, compared to a week ago, for ties to be repaired and normalized, and for trust to be reinstated in relations, Celikkol wrote.

Nevertheless, Tillersons extended talks with Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu appear to have produced few if any concrete solutions to contentious issues. They resulted instead in a general understanding of the need to normalize ties. The sides agreed to establish what they are referring to as a set of mechanisms that will start working by mid-March to address outstanding issues.

Pro-government analysts have been quick to argue that tough talk from Erdogan and the dire warnings from Cavusoglu forced the American side to seek to solve its problems with Ankara.

Erdogan reacted angrily last week to a US general who threatened to respond robustly to any Turkish move on Manbij in northern Syria that might endanger American forces or fighters from the US-supported People's Protection Units (YPG) there.

Those who say that they would respond if they are hit have never tasted an Ottoman slap, Erdogan said, using the Turkish idiom for a deadly or incapacitating slap.

Cavusoglu said before Tillersons visit that Turkish-American ties were at a point where they would either improve or break completely and added that Turkey would no longer tolerate empty promises from the United States.

Mehmet Acet, a pro-government columnist for Yeni Safak, listed two reasons Tillerson had come to Ankara. The first, he contended, was the determination Turkey displayed with its operation against the YPG in Afrin, and the second was Ankara's declaration that the Afrin operation would be extended to Manbij and beyond, as far as the Iraqi border, to regions held by the YPG with US backing.

When Turkey showed its power in the field, its shadow fell on the diplomacy table and Washington had to act according to the new situation, Acet argued.

Others reasoned that Washingtons continuing need for Turkey, given Turkeys strategic location and its hosting of vital US military assets, forced the Donald Trump administration to try to resolve issues that have clouded ties.

Whatever it was that brought Tillerson to Ankara, major hurdles, especially regarding Syria, remain if ties are to be normalized.

Turkey has a long list of demands, which include the thorny issue of the extradition of Fethullah Gulen, the Islamic preacher residing in Pennsylvania who Ankara says masterminded the failed coup against Erdogan in 2016.

Turkey also wants the United States to end its alliance with the YPG, which Ankara says is a Kurdish terrorist organization, and take back the weapons the group was supplied.

Ankaras immediate concern, though, is to rid Manbij and territories east of the Euphrates River of the YPG. US forces backing the YPG are also deployed in those regions. Erdogan has been warning that if the United States doesnt take the actions Ankara wants, Turkey will.

Hurriyets Washington representative Cansu Camlibel said in her assessment of Tillersons visit, We should now expect Ankara to hold off on a possible attack on Manbij while Turkish and American officials sit down to narrow the gap between them in the coming weeks and months.

During his press conference with Cavusoglu in Ankara, where both men went out of their way to underline the continuing importance of maintaining their strategic partnership, Tillerson said Manbij would be a priority issue. Its one of the first areas were going to work on. The United States made commitments to Turkey previously. Weve not completed fulfilling those commitments, he said.

His remarks appeared to suggest that an accommodation could be arrived at over Manbij, which is different from what Washington has been saying.

Cavusoglu said the first aim would be to push the YPG out of Manbij, east of the Euphrates. He nevertheless expressed Turkey's lack of trust in the United States during his opening remarks at the press conference.

There were certain promises that were not kept, and there were certain issues that we could not resolve. So from this point on, we want to focus as to how we can take solution-oriented steps so that the issues are not just on paper, he said.

Few specifics emerged during the press conference, but Reuters reported while Tillerson was in Ankara that Turkey had proposed a joint deployment of Turkish and US forces in Manbij. Such a deployment could take place only if YPG fighters first withdrew from Manbij to positions on the opposite bank of the nearby Euphrates River, an unnamed Turkish official was quoted as saying.

Camlibel questions this proposal, given the continuing US reliance on YPG fighters. The reported Turkish proposal to push the YPG out of Manbij and in their place station Turkish troops together with US troops will be a hard one for the Trump administration to sell to US commanders on the ground, she said.

What happens east of the Euphrates, even if an agreement is reached over Manbij, is another unanswered question. Washington has indicated that it plans to remain in Syria for the foreseeable future. It is unlikely, therefore, to compromise its hold over territories east of the Euphrates held by the YPG with support from a large US military contingent.

The question of Manbij still remains an unsolved problem, too. Some are suggesting that Washington is merely playing for time with Tillersons remarks on the topic because it sees that Turkeys operation in Afrin is going to take months to succeed, during which time the overall situation may change for Ankara.

As matters stand, the situation in Afrin has already gotten more complicated for Turkey, following reports that the regime is sending forces there in response to a call from the YPG. If true, few believe it could have happened without Russian approval.

That these reports emerged immediately after Tillersons visit also begs the question of what the Russian response will be if Ankara and Washington reach an agreement over any part of northern Syria. Moscow could interpret it as another case of Turkish vacillation that ultimately makes it an unreliable partner for Russia. Turkeys dilemma is that it cant afford to anger Russia at the moment.

Meanwhile, the continuation of the uncertain political and military environment in Syria and the very real potential for unexpected developments could threaten any progress made in resolving differences between Turkey and the United States, two supposed strategic partners that act more like adversaries today than friends. The animosity will ensure that their ties remain fragile.

So while a crash may have been averted in Turkish-American ties for now, there is no guarantee that new tensions will not emerge if their new mechanisms cant produce viable solutions.
The Commerce Department announced affirmative final determinations in the antidumping duty investigations of biodiesel from Indonesia and Argentina, and the International Trade Commission is set to issue final determinations for the investigations April 6.



The Commerce Department on Wednesday announced affirmative final determinations in the antidumping duty investigations of biodiesel from Indonesia and Argentina.

In the Argentina investigation, Commerce calculated final dumping rates of 60.44 percent for LDC Argentina S.A.; and 86.41 percent for Vicentin S.A.I.C., Renova S.A., Oleaginosa Moreno Hermanos S.A., Molinos Agro S.A., Patagonia Energia S.A., VFG Inversiones y Actividades Especiales S.A., Vicentin S.A.I.C. Sucursal Uy, Trading Company X, and Molinos Overseas Commodities S.A.

In the Indonesia investigation, Commerce determined a dumping rate of 276.65 percent for PT Musim Mas on the basis of adverse facts available because the company failed to provide certain information requested, Commerce said.

For the same investigation, Commerce calculated a final dumping rate of 92.52 percent for Wilmar Trading PTE Ltd., and for all other producers/exporters.

Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia based on the final rates upon publication of final affirmative AD determinations in the Federal Register.

Todays decision allows U.S. producers of biodiesel to receive relief from the market-distorting effects of foreign producers dumping into the domestic market, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement. While the United States values its relationship with Argentina and Indonesia, even our closest friends must play by the rules.

The National Biodiesel Fair Trade Coalition, an ad hoc association comprising the National Biodiesel Board and 15 domestic biodiesel producers, petitioned for the duties, Commerce said.

The International Trade Commission (ITC) is set to issue final determinations for the investigations on April 6.

If the ITC makes affirmative final injury determinations, Commerce will issue antidumping orders, but if the commission makes negative final determinations of injury, the investigations will be terminated with no duties assessed.
In terms of today's news and in response to a tweet from Ben Bradley, a British Conservative member of Parliament, Jeremy Corbyn instructed his solicitors to tell Mr. Bradley to take down his "libelous" tweet; otherwise, he'd be the victim of legal action.

Jeremy Corbyn, the British leader of the Opposition, has been embroiled in what's been called a "spy scandal." This scandal involves Corbyn's alleged meetings with Czech "spies" in the 1980s.

So what exactly did the tweet say? (It has since been deleted.)

"Corbyn sold British secrets to communist spies get some perspective mate!! Your priorities are a bit awry!"

This tweet was perhaps written in haste by Bradley. It was posted in an exchange with the fantastically named group Far Right Watch. (Are Tory M.P.s also "Far Right" now? Is Far Right Watch itself Far Left?)

A spokesman for Corbyn said: "Jeremy has instructed solicitors to contact Ben Bradley to delete his libelous tweet or face legal action."

As it is, Corbyn's "office" has admitted that he met a "Czech diplomat" in the House of Commons. However, according to that source, the claim that Corbyn was "an agent, asset or informer for any intelligence agency is entirely false and a ridiculous smear."

Okay. So why was a fairly insignificant British M.P. (a known Marxist socialist) meeting a "Czech diplomat" in the 1980s? Corbyn didn't even have a position in the Labor Party's Shadow Cabinet at the time. Indeed, outside "radical socialist" groups and activities (as well as meetings with "anti-imperialist" groups such as the IRA and Sinn Fein), Corbyn had little importance in the British parliamentary system. Thus, surely this meeting was a little odd and must also have been a little...well, unofficial. Unless, of course, small-time M.P.s often met senior diplomats in the House of Commons and elsewhere.

So did Corbyn also meet diplomats from South Africa, Chile, etc. at the same time (i.e., the 1980s)? Or was he choosy about which kind of diplomats he met?

It's hard to know what's going with the Corbyn "spy scandal." There are members of the Corbyn Cult who will defend him no matter what. And there are enemies of Corbyn who will attack him "by any means necessary."

It's also hard to say whether or not all  or indeed any  of the details are true in this latest case against Corbyn.

For example, even if Corbyn did have dealings with communist spies, I doubt that he'd have "sold British secrets to 'Communist spies,'" as Ben Bradley claimed in his tweet. Any positive dealings Corbyn would have had with communists (as with Iran, Hamas, Hezb'allah, the IRA, etc.) would have been for ideological and political reasons, not for financial gain.

In any case, supporters of Corbyn have boiled most of this story down to the shady details of a single former Czech spy (or "intelligence officer"). However, British newspapers have claimed that it is documents contained in the archives of Czech intelligence that show that Corbyn met Czech spies on three occasions in the 1980s.

Now, it's possible that Corbyn didn't know they were spies. And even if he did, he might not have "fed them confidential and important information." What he might have done is simply ideologically and politically sympathized with the Czech communist state, which these spies  or diplomats  worked for.

Nonetheless, it's certainly possible that Corbyn did have dealings with communist spies.

Why? The answer is simple.

Corbyn was (or is) ideologically and politically sympathetic to communism, as well as to the Soviet Union, Marx, Lenin, Trotsky, etc. All of that would have given him good reasons to liaise with communist spies (as well as communists generally), just as it gave him a good reason to liaise with the "anti-imperialist" and largely Marxist IRA in the 1980s. And just as Corbyn didn't plant or make bombs for the IRA, so he probably didn't "sell secrets" to communist spies. Corbyn's relationships with "Britain's enemies" would have been entirely political and ideological in nature.

Let me offer more evidence for my position.

Many people say "a man is known by the company he keeps." That's not always true. However, it becomes truer when the person you're discussing appoints one of his friends the executive director of strategy and communications for the Labor Party and another friend the campaign chief for the same party, as Jeremy Corbyn did in early 2016. Both these friends are self-described "communists" and fans of the Soviet Union.

Corbyn's campaign (election) chief during the last election was Andrew Murray. Murray was a member of the Communist Party of Britain until he joined the Labor Party under Corbyn's leadership. (He's also became chair of the Stop the War Coalition after Corbyn himself stepped down.) From 1986 to 1987, Murray also worked for the Soviet Novosti news agency. He has also expressed "solidarity" with North Korea.

Murray joined the British Labor Party only at the end of 2016. Three months after leaving the Communist Party of Britain, Murray became the Labor Party's campaign chief.

What about Seumas Milne?

Mr. Milne was and is now executive director of strategy and communications for Corbyn and the Labor Party. His "communist tendencies" are well known in the United Kingdom.

In terms of politics, Milne has been a systematic fan of Stalin and the Soviet Union. Milne once claimed that "history has been unkind to" Josef Stalin. He also gave the lowest number I've ever seen for the number of people murdered by the Soviet socialist regime.

So what about Jeremy Corbyn himself?

Take Corbyn's own words, as expressed in the House of Commons in the 1980s:

I had an interesting meeting with an environmental campaigning group from the Soviet Union... those people felt that they had the power to change the policies to stop the destruction of their own environment. The policies of free-market economies... have led to the pollution of the North sea and the Irish sea[.]

So Corbyn believed that environmental activists had more political power in the Soviet Union than their equivalents did in the Western democracies. What's more, Corbyn seems to have thought this simply because of what was said to him during a single meeting.

In retrospect, it's ironic that Corbyn said the above just two years before the fall of the Soviet Union. This isn't a surprise, however. Corbyn, at that time, had a more favorable opinion of the Soviet Union than he had of the United Kingdom  at least under Margaret Thatcher.

In 1988, Corbyn also took his honeymoon in the Soviet Union. It was then that Corbyn decided to call for a "complete rehabilitation" of Leon Trotsky.

A Labor Party source, in response, said:

Jeremy Corbyn has clearly been fixated by the political ideology and tactics of Leon Trotsky for some time, but perhaps he could now focus on the rehabilitation of the Labour Party, which has been performing very poorly in the polls since he became leader. Trotsky didn't have to worry about the troublesome business of winning elections, but the Labour Party does.

So, to sum up.

If Joe Bloggs (or John Doe) had met communist spies (or "Czech diplomats") in the 1980s, then none of this would matter that much. However, it's possible that the "radical socialist" leader of the British Labor Party (i.e., Jeremy Corbyn) did so. Now, that's an entirely different story...

Paul Austin Murphy is a writer on politics and philosophy. He's had articles published in The Conservative Online, Philosophy Now, New English Review, Human Events, Intellectual Conservative, Brenner Brief (Broadside News), etc. Murphy has two blogs. One: Paul Austin Murphy on Politics. Two: Paul Austin Murphy's Philosophy. His Twitter account can be found here.
Anyone who has ever met Prince Albert, The World's Smallest Perfectly Formed Colored Midget, can tell you why. I got to know Prince Albert during my days in the carnival when my ride, The Round Up, was often located next to the freak show.

The new Black Panther movie may have been sold as an anti-white screed dripping with racial hostility, but those who are looking for that kind of venom in this year's biggest biggest cinematic experience are going to disappointed.

In addition to the albino woman sword-swallower, Priscilla the gorilla woman, and her husband, the alligator-skinned man, Prince Albert took the stage and told people about his life and world travels  as he did to me when he came to visit Dottie, the woman who took tickets at my ride.

Paying or free, Prince Albert attracted a crowd that loved his tales of a girl in every port. From time to time, Prince Albert offered them the following wager: "I bet anyone $5 I can tell them the time, the place, and the location where they got their shoes."

Someone would always wave a $5 bill around, if for no other reason than to learn the trick. And if he were here today, Prince Albert would earn the $5 by saying, "It is Wednesday, 10 a.m., and you got your shoes on the end of your feet."

The moral of the story, Prince Albert reminded the marks, is never play another man's game.

After seeing Black Panther, there is no doubt that the marketing gurus who turned Black Panther into the most talked about movie of the decade were playing us like a nation of willing and ignorant marks.

Anyone who saw the trailers saw all the clues as to what they thought the movie would be about. First there was the '60s classic from Gil Scott Heron, "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"  or, to put it more accurately, "music to burn buildings by." That was not in the movie, by the way.

The same trailer featured some sounds from Killer Mike, best known for chanting "when are you n going to unite and kill the police m."

The next clue came from the director, who made his mark at the helm of Fruitvale Station, which documented how black people in Oakland are relentless victims of white racism and that is why cops go around killing black people on the BART system for no reason whatsoever.

If that was not enough, the internet was full of stories and comments about the magical setting of Black Panther, the kingdom of Wakanda, and how that is how Africa would look today like if white people had not messed it up. Alternately (and often in the same breath), Wakanda is what Africa looks like today, but white racists in the media just do not want us to know.

Joy Reid, MSNBC's resident arbiter of all things racist  and all things are racist  had a joyful interview with the guy who wrote the cover story for Time Magazine on the movie. After about four minutes of celebrating Black Panther as the greatest artistic achievement in history, mostly because it had black actors and a black director, they turned to their reliable whipping boy and source of all problems for black people in America: Donald Trump and his followers.

They both agreed that Trump-supporters are haters, but not even the haters could stop this tsunami of truth about black victimization and ultimately triumph over white racism.

But that is far from what the movie is about. In fact, Black Panther takes lots of shots at several things that will endear it to the so-called haters.

Starting with Trump: The king and advisers in the movie have several conversations about their civilization and how far ahead of the world they are. And why they have not shared it with other Africans. The answer to this is the same answer that won the New Hampshire primary for the Most Hated One: refugees are bad because they bring their problems with them.

The lovely ladies and their artifacts of black American culture do not escape the movie's scrutiny, either: the king's female bodyguards shave their heads, except when they are on a mission. When we see a female general with a wig, a weave of the kind you can buy in any Asian-run convenience store in the ghetto, she condemns it and wonders why anyone would ever wear such an ugly thing.

She throws it away at the first chance she gets.

Fathers and families who abandon their children are condemned loudly and often. In Wakanda, children have mothers and fathers. They are even married.

All the discussions among powerful and capable black people are taking place in a language seldom heard here  maybe to the point of unfamiliarity for many of the first-night theater-goers. They speak the queen's English, maybe better than the queen herself.

The bad guy, however, is from Oakland, and he acts and speaks that way  especially when he tries to blame white people for black dysfunction, and especially when he hatches a plan to use the advanced weapons of Wakanda to kill all the white people around the world so black people can take their turn running the planet.

No one from Wakanda shares that point of view.

There's a white villain, but also a white good guy, and he even works for the CIA.

So anyone hoping for Gil Scott Heron's paean to the black revolution to come to life on the silver screen must wait longer. Or watch Netflix for the dozens of other movies of recent years that fit that description.

Until then, people are just going to have to make do with a pretty good action movie based on a comic book  all absent the racial hostility and venom that fill so many aspiring Hollywood wannabe blockbusters of the last five years.

Django Unchained, anyone? Do not expect to see the stars of this movie appearing on Saturday Night Live, as Jamie Foxx did, joking that the best part of doing that movie was killing all the white people.

That's not how they roll in Wakanda.

Now, can I have my $5?

Colin Flaherty is the author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Don't Make the Black Kids Angry. You can check out his daily podcast and new videos at minds.com/ColinFlaherty.
The owners of the New York Times and the Washington Post certainly know what freedom of the press means. More importantly, they know what they want us to believe. In their lese-majeste world, "the press" spoken of in the First Amendment is the credentialed, organized, established press. Only this press is afforded the superior First Amendment protections in the Constitution.

Familiarity can breed contempt, and also boredom and neglect. Take freedom of the press. The phrase is known by all, but to what purpose?

Or so they would have us believe.

For the most part, in the popular imagination, the organized press is winning this battle of interpretation. To prove it, ask yourself: are bloggers, wearing pajamas, "the press"? Whatever your politics, are rogue, disruptive individuals like James O'Keefe, who go undercover in the manner made famous by 60 Minutes, also "the press"?

Or, even more pointedly, in a case currently being argued in the Southern District of New York, when the CIA discloses information to "trusted reporters" at the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times, is the CIA then obligated to release that same information to an "independent" unaffiliated citizen-journalist? The CIA says no. Judge Colleen McMahon, to her credit, has initially rejected the CIA argument.

Is this privileged, self-serving view of the Press Clause legally correct? What if freedom of the press means an actual, you know, press, as in printing press?

First Amendment scholar Eugene Volokh has comprehensively surveyed these two alternative meanings. His conclusion: legally speaking, it is no contest, and decisively consistent across time. Freedom of the press protects all users of the printing press. The protection attaches to the technology. There is no special protection enshrined in the Constitution for the press as a profession.

Freedom of the press "secur[es] a right of every person to use communications technology, not just a right belonging to members of the publishing industry."

Even more surprising, this position is controlling in Supreme Court opinions.

As summarized by Professor Volokh:

Throughout that time [from 1931 to the present], it turns out, the press-as-technology view has been dominant, and it continues to be dominant today. Many Supreme Court cases have officially endorsed this view. No Supreme Court case has rejected this view (though some cases have suggested the question remains open).

That is not to say the organized press organs have abandoned their cause. On occasion, they have received a receptive hearing, most disturbingly garnering four votes in dissent in the case of Citizens United v. FEC, asserting that "one type of corporation, those that are part of the press, might be able to claim special First Amendment status." It is the dissenting words of Justice Stewart, sounding from a bygone era, that represent the fondest hope of established media. Said Justice Stewart, "The primary purpose of the constitutional guarantee of free press was ... to create a fourth institution outside the Government as an additional check on the three official branches."

Though the constitutional argument is seemingly, and hopefully, settled, most of us are not lawyers, and increasingly, it does not matter.

What does matter is that the organized media club perceives itself as specially protected. It seeks special privileges. It awards itself special honors. It insists on its moral superiority. And it certainly behaves as though freedom of the press uniquely meant freedom of the institutional press.

Here is the real fight, and it is not one properly left to well paid lawyers in First Amendment litigation. At issue is the public understanding of the press in the modern internet era. Will we as citizens accede to this legal wrong? Will we continue to accord the established press the privilege and respect that it would have us believe, falsely, resides in the First Amendment?

There is a term for such self-deception, developed by a psychology and cognitive science professor at Yale, Tamar Gendler. In layman's terms, an alief is a belief that we know to be wrong but nonetheless accept as true and, more to the point, act upon as true. In politics, it is the use of dehumanizing language and imagery to undermine an opponent or class of individuals. The invented symbol becomes reality. In psychology, an experiment has people label a bottle of plain water as poison. The self-made label alone makes them averse to drinking a liquid they know to be harmless. More vividly, people can form household flour into the shape and color of poop, and it becomes immediately less desirable.

As applied to the press, the alief is that the organized press holds a special, constitutionally ratified higher status in our society. It is an alief closely aligned with another modern affliction of credentialism. Wear the label of a first-rate institution, and forever after, you will be accorded the respect and status of an elite.

In part, the elite status of the organized media is collapsing of its own weight. Newsweek sells for a dollar; the Washington Post becomes a vanity press funded by America's only quadzillionaire, Jeff Bezos; and CNN sees it audience decline by 30%. Independent of economic trends, leading press personages figure largely in the recent wave of sexual harassment allegations and resignations.

Like sunlight, failure and disgrace are effective disinfectants.

The problem is that for all the well advertised decline in the mainstream media, they still are the primary conduit for shaping public opinion. Nowhere is this truer than in matters of politics and public policy  and elections.

It is in this sense vital to appreciate that our freedom to disseminate ideas in written form inheres in the press itself, in the technology of the press. It is the right of every single American. The organized media have no place of honor here.

Muhammad Ali famously said, in what George Plimpton termed the shortest poem in the English language, "Me We." The Me in publishing is morphing at astronomical rates to We. In our daily lives, we are all become printing presses, on social media, Reddit threads, blog posts, video uploads, podcasts, comments, online content.

We are all protected.

The fight that needs to be won is the well earned push off the pedestal for organized media. They are not our betters. Increasingly, they are not our equals.

To fight organized media effectively, to break the alief of a privileged institutional press, the First Amendment must be framed visually. We must see freedom of the press exactly for what it is: the right inhering in us all to make use of a press to disseminate ideas. That includes the digital press in our hands, on our desks, or responding our voices.

For legal support, Professor Volokh is reassuring:

Supreme Court majority opinions have continued to provide equal treatment to speakers without regard to whether they are members of the press as industry...[T]he bulk of the precedents point towards equal treatment for all speakers  or at least to equal treatment for all who use mass communications technologies, whether or not they are members of the press as industry. But it is the public understanding that needs to win out. Our First Amendment right is the direct lineal descendant of Gutenberg's press. With a mere screw and movable bar, the Gutenberg press was largely unchanged, though improved for mass output, over three hundred and fifty years, through to our founding. Insert block type in a frame, cover with paper, press for the printed text.

That's it. It is not complicated. That is our First Amendment freedom of the press.

Let's use it.

William Levin is a graduate of Yale Law School and an investment banker in New York.
What complicates matters is that there is no way of knowing which of the dozens of at-each-other's-throat sects is the legitimate Islam. As soon as Muhammad died, his religion of peace became a house of internal war: jockeying for power and leadership started, sects formed and splintered into sub-sects, and bloodletting began in earnest.

Islam has spawned many sects that are master practitioners of the art of double standards. As far as Muslims are concerned, what is good for Muslims is not good for non-Muslims, and what is bad for Muslims is good for non-Muslims.

The internal infighting in Islam is presently playing in full color  in red  most dramatically, in the Iraq and Afghanistan and other Islamic theaters. Shiites raid Sunni civilians, slaughter them like sheep, and toss their bodies like trash in the streets or the rivers. The Sunnis return the favor with just as much viciousness and savagery.

Question: If this is the way these Muslims treat each other, how would they deal with the infidels if they had the chance?

Answer: These devoted followers of Muhammad would deal with the infidels exactly the way Muhammad did: behead the non-believers, take them as slaves to hold or sell, or make them pay back-breaking jizya  poll taxes.

Some may object that writings like this are little more than hate-mongering and fanning the fire that rages between Islam and the non-Islamic world. They may further play the Islamic apologists' few well worn propaganda cards as evidence for their contention that Islam is not what its detractors claim.

Here are the few favorite cards:

- "There is no compulsion in religion," says the Quran. (But the full context is never shown.)

- Islam means "peace," so Islam is a religion of peace.

- "For you, your religion, and for me, my religion," Muhammad reportedly said.

The Muslims and their apologists quickly run out of their few cards, and the rest of the Islamic deck is all about intolerance, hatred, and violence toward the infidels, toward all others who are not true Muslims, and even toward those who consider themselves Muslims. Shiites, for instance, judge the Sunnis as traitors to Islam, and Sunnis condemn the Shiites as heretics. Each side deems the other worthy of death and hellfire.

This internecine Islamic war of the religion of peace is not confined to the Shiite-Sunni divide. There are so many internal divisions within each side that listing and describing them comprehensively would be an encyclopedic work.

So who is right? What are the facts about Islam, and how does Islam impact the ever-shrinking village Earth and its inhabitants? Admittedly, this is a huge question and cannot be answered satisfactorily in one article. However, some facts can be presented to help the reader decide.

There is no need to belabor the point that Islam is not, and has never been, a religion of peace. The word "Islam" is derived from taslim, which purely means "submission," while the term for "peace" is "solh." Another derivation of the word taslim is "salema," which means "good health" and so on.

Irrespective of what the term "Islam" may mean, the facts on the ground conclusively demonstrate Islam's violent nature from its very inception. No need to go back to the time of Muhammad and examine the historical records. Just a few contemporary events should make the point.

Here is a partial list: the savage Shiite-Sunni bloodletting in Iraq; the barbarism of the resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan; the genocide in Sudan's Darfur region; the Somali killings; the Iranian mullahs' murder of their own people and support of mischief abroad; the incessant terrorist acts of Hamas, Hezb'allah, and Islamic Jihad on Israel, and numerous fatwas on infidels and the apostates; the bombing of Shiite mosques in Pakistan and Iraq; and the Shiite retaliation against soft innocent and civilian targets.

Clearly, there is no place on the planet where Muslims reside that is in peace from the religion of peace. America, Spain, France, the Netherlands, England, Thailand, France, India. and Indonesia have already been attacked, while others, such as Denmark, have been threatened and sanctioned.

Stretching the benefit of the doubt beyond limits, one may believe that all these acts of horror are committed by a small minority of thugs and radicals who happened to be Muslims. Fine, let us ignore all those "fringes" for now  those who are giving Islam a bad reputation. And never mind Saudi Arabia, the cradle of barbarism, fixed in formaldehyde since Islam's inception. Also, let us overlook the dastardly Shiite fanatics presently ruling (ruining) the great nation of Iran. Iranian Shiite Hitlerists are hell-bent on wiping Israel off the face of the planet, while viciously devastating Iran's own largest minority  the Baha'is, people universally recognized as law-abiding and peaceful.

Islamic rules are called sharia law or the Islamic law. Sharia law is a misnomer, for laws must be squarely based on justice and fairness to all, while sharia law is nothing more than a primitive set of dogmata stipulated by Muslim men for the benefit of Muslim men.

Sharia law disenfranchises women from their legitimate equal rights with men and prescribes barbaric punishments such as stoning, amputation of limbs, and death. Sharia law, contrary to what its advocates claim, does not limit application of its draconian provisions to Muslims only: it considers any and all disputes involving Muslims with non-Muslims also in its purview to adjudicate. Sharia law is inherently arbitrary, obsolete, and discriminatory in the extreme. Wherever Sharia law rules, injustice prevails. Non-Muslims, women, and even children are victimized by its biased and cruel provisions.

Sharia law represents a twist to the concept of Blind Justice: it is indeed blind to justice. Even a cursory examination of Sharia's family law, for instance, proves unequivocally its blindness to justice: it makes the shameful past laws, such as Jim Crow laws, seem as paragons of fairness by comparison.

These are the conditions on the ground wherever sharia rules. Violence of all forms is endemic to Islamic law and is not confined to any fringes. Sharia law itself is the fringe  a fringe that is oppressive, hateful of others, and violent to the core. Presently, fanatical Islam is lashing out with mad fury before its own final demise. The "infidel" world has been complicit in the surge of Islamism through its mistakes, complacency, and greed.

Warning: Islam is not a religion, but a political ideology which incites hate, violence, intolerance, and terror. Islamists are terminators. You cannot bargain with them. You cannot reason with them. They do not feel pity or remorse or fear. And they absolutely will not stop, ever, until all the infidels are dead or have submitted to Islam. "The only language the Islamists understand is the language of force."

In non-Muslim lands, Islamism, flush with petrodollars, has been accelerating in its drive for the world caliphate and is moving at the speed of light by building more mosques; printing more indoctrinating Islamic books; imposing its presence in Western culture; bullying, intimidating, and challenging more Christians and other peaceful people of faith; and using our democratic laws against us.

"Fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, harass them, lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war." Qur'an 9:5

"Fight those who do not believe until they all surrender, paying the protective tax in submission." Qur'an 9:29

Truth, only naked truth, can set us free. And freedom is our greatest gift of life. Life without freedom is death disguised as life. Remember Patrick Henry's cry: give me liberty, or give me death. Humanity cannot afford, and must not ignore, the emergence of the latest threat to its very existence on this planet. We must fight for life, for liberty, for freedom and end the nightmare of Islamic hellfire.
The Florida School Shooting: Typical Leftist Exploitation

When I first heard about the terrible Florida school shooting, I knew that the American left (Democrats, fake news, and Hollywood) would shamefully exploit the victims the way they always do. The leftists' manual, Rules for Radicals, says, "In the arena of action a threat or a crisis becomes almost a precondition to communication." In other words, "Never let a crisis go to waste." Always exploit the victim's pain and suffering to further the leftist agenda. We've seen leftists repeatedly use this insidious, heartless tactic. Every time a tragic incident happens, cold, calculating leftist operatives run to the victims with open arms, pretending to have their best interests at heart, vowing to fix the problem. But rather than seek real commonsense solutions, leftists use victims as cover to further their extreme agenda and attack people they hate: Christians, gun-owners, the NRA, conservatives, Republicans, achievers, non-victim-minded minorities, and straight white men. The same way Muslim terrorists attack using women and children as shields, leftists attack their enemies from behind victims. It is disgusting and evil.

Remember the crazy white guy who shot up the Charleston black church? Leftists worked Americans into a frenzy, using the black victims to ban Confederate flags, demand the removal of historic monuments, and blame gun-owners and white Americans. The shooter never referenced flags or monuments. It did not matter. Leftists exploited the victims to enact racial revenge against Southerners and bash America. When the Islamic terrorist massacred homosexuals in an Orlando nightclub, leftists worked Americans into a frenzy. Leftists used the dead homosexuals to attack Christians, anyone not in favor of redefining marriage, the NRA, conservatives, Republicans, and gun-owners. None of these had anything to do with the massacre. Leftists practically ignored the actual shooter. Black repeat criminal Michael Brown assaulted a clerk while robbing a convenience store. Brown was shot resisting arrest, wrestling a police officer for his gun. Leftists promoted the lie that Brown was murdered by a cop while surrendering with his hands up. The left's "hands up, don't shoot" lie led to cops being ambushed and assassinated and Obama usurping control of police departments across America. See how leftists exploit every incident? How does one cop defending himself lead to Obama taking control of police departments across America? Meanwhile, blacks murdering each other in record numbers in cities controlled by Democrats gets a yawn from leftists. We the People don't matter to leftists, only furthering their agenda and punishing their enemies. In the recent Florida shooting, we have a disturbed young man whom the FBI knew about. The cops came to his home 39 times. Like most youths, the shooter posted his craziness online. And yet nothing was done to stop him. Leftists are hiding behind and exploiting the traumatized students. Leftists are lecturing everyone about not politicizing the shooting while they have the students parroting Democrat talking points. Insidiously, leftists shifted blame from the actual shooter to Republicans, Trump, the NRA, and law-abiding gun owners. We've seen this scene in western movies. Loudmouth leftists stand on the jailhouse steps, working the town folks into an angry mob. Innocent Republicans, Trump, the NRA, and gun-owners who had nothing to do with the shooting are locked up inside the jailhouse. A leftist community organizer screams, "Let's drag those no-count varmints into the public square and high-tech lynch 'em!" Neither Republicans, Trump, the NRA, nor gun owners had anything to do with the Florida school shooting. Therefore, getting rid of them will not prevent the next shooting. Leftists will accuse anyone stating this obvious truth of not caring about the students. People are offering commonsense real solutions like hiring security or allowing teachers to carry. Leftists don't care about real solutions to protect our kids. Leftists care only about using the students as pawns to attack their political enemies. I'm talkin' pure evil, folks. Leftists always try to make us throw our brains out the window and submit to their emotion-driven idiocy, always shrouded in bogus compassion. Ultimately, leftists want government to confiscate all guns. If that happens, we will be at the mercy of armed bad guys. Why? Because criminals do not obey gun laws. Why do leftists reject evidence confirming that crime is lower and people are safer wherever citizens are armed? Bad guys are typically cowards and opportunists. Democrat politicians, fake news media, and Hollywood elites are obsessed with government taking our guns while surrounding themselves with heavily armed security and even secretly carrying guns. Leftists lobby government to place rules on us that do not apply to them. Our hearts and prayers go out to victims of the Florida shooting. It is truly shameful watching leftists behaving like ambulance-chasers, rushing to every incident to throw Americans' pain, suffering, and lives on the altar in worship to their false god of liberalism. Lloyd Marcus, The Unhyphenated American

Help Lloyd spread the Truth

http://LloydMarcus.com
As leftists are prone to do, they took Trump's words literally  the opposite of how his supporters approach Trump's joking. Commenting on what someone else said  "yeah, I guess, why not?" Trump being Trump.

"Treason" is a term occasionally bandied about but rarely discussed seriously. President Trump, in a recent speech, joked about it . Referring to the catatonic Democrats during the State of the Union address, "They were like death and un-American. Un-American. Somebody said, 'treasonous.' I mean, yeah, I guess, why not? Can we call that treason? Why not? I mean, they certainly didn't seem to love our country that much."

In typical fashion, the media blew a gasket  led by CNN, of course, with Chris Cillizza, with a straight face, declaring that Trump actually believes that not clapping for him is treasonous.

It's just like when the media took literally Trump's debate comment on the missing Hillary Clinton emails. "I will tell you this, Russia: if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing." He was joking over the James Comey assertion that the FBI couldn't find the missing emails.

Again taking Trump literally, not seriously, Politico, close relative of CNN, responded, "Trump urges Russia to hack Clinton's email."

So what about the T-word Trump let slip? Treason. As the media never takes Trump seriously, how about a serious discussion of what treason is?

A simple dictionary definition popping up on a Google search is "The crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill the sovereign or overthrow the government."

The U.S. Constitution, Article 3, Section 3 has similar words. "Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort."

The U.S. Code, from 1948, further clarifies. "Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason."

What are the commonalities? Allegiance to the U.S., meaning U.S. citizens. Who assist enemies, which would be foreign governments, aiding them. Waging war against the United States, with the goal of removing the sovereign, meaning president, or overthrowing the lawful government.

War, in the days of the Constitution, was muskets and cannons. Two centuries later, war is more sophisticated: electronic surveillance, fabricated evidence, weaponized government agencies.

In other words, it's exactly what was going on before, during, and after the last presidential election. We're talking opposition research by one political party, created by and with the assistance of a foreign entity, declared "valid intelligence" by the government of the same party, then presented to a secret court dishonestly, resulting in illegal surveillance of the candidate and campaign of the other political party. These surveillance results were then illegally disseminated to the media, who willingly spread the disinformation far and wide to the entire world.

What was the goal? To subvert the Constitution, the lawful transfer of power from one administration to the next. Having failed, the conspirators then tried to undermine the sovereign, the president, through accusations and investigations, assisted by a foreign enemy.

The phony dossier, described by former FBI director James Comey as "salacious and unverified," created with the assistance of the Russian government, served as the basis of spying on a political candidate and campaign.

Post-election, the losing candidate, "within twenty-four hours of her concession speech," cooked up a scheme to blame her loss on Russian interference. The Russians did indeed meddle, mostly after the election  not to affect the election outcome, but to sow discord within America, as the recent Mueller indictments described.

They were assisted by the Deep-Staters within the FBI and DOJ, altering testimony, leaking classified information, conspiring to "kill the sovereign or overthrow the government." Not literally kill, but to cripple the president via false information, leading to his impeachment and removal from office.

All this is not to leave out the U.S. media, willing and eager participants in Russian propaganda and meddling, co-conspirators in the coup against the duly elected leader of the country. This is the same country these people all pledged allegiance to at some point. Either informally as U.S. citizens, or formally when taking their oaths of office.

So where does the T-word fit into all of this? American citizens conspiring to overthrow the duly elected constitutional president and executive branch of government. Working with a foreign government, an enemy, willingly waging war against the president, trying to "kill the sovereign."

Sure sounds like the above definitions of treason.

What's the punishment? It's not only the president who can be impeached. The Constitution, Article 2, Section 4: "The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors."

According to the U.S. Code, those guilty of treason "Shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States."

Don't hold your breath waiting for any of this to actually play out, although it is within the realm of possibility. Military tribunals and Gitmo are predicted on some of the blogs and Q discussion boards. More likely, the guilty will be given a pass, in exchange for shutting up and going away.

But for the swamp to be truly drained, for the light of truth and liberty to shine brightly on the Deep State, a reckoning and accounting are necessary. The concept of treason is well ensconced in the U.S. Constitution, even if it is rarely discussed or considered.

As this collusion story plays out, "treason" is a word that needs to be brought back into discussion and applied if necessary and appropriate.

Brian C Joondeph, M.D., MPS is a Denver-based physician and writer. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
NC's central committee meeting on Feb 25

The Nepali Congress has called its central working committee meeting on February 25. The meeting would take place at its central office, Sanepa, at 9:00 am.
On Wednesday there was an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal by William Galston titled: "The Clear and Present Danger of Trump.

His weekend Twitter outburst calls into question his ability to discharge his powers.

The article starts off:

In business, it is said, the customer is always right. Politics is more complicated, because citizens are called upon to be more than consumers. The people commonly intend the public good, Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist 71, but their good sense would despise the adulator who should pretend that they always reason right about the means of promoting it.

Within the article it says:

In November 2016, 46% of the American people made a mistake, elevating to the highest office in the land a man incapable of discharging its duties. Now our country and our friends around the world are wrestling with the consequences.

I believe it is the people who elected a community organizer in 2008 and 2012 who wanted to remake the United States that merited the statement claiming such voters made a mistake, elevating to the highest office of the land a man incapable of discharging his duties. Now our country and our friends around the world are wrestling with the consequences.

Trump is having to fix the United States and the rest of the world because Obama:

Obama weaponized America's intelligence agencies, its State department, the IRS, the Justice department, and the FBI, all to go after his political enemies and make the government more powerful on his and his party's behalf, instead of working for the American people. (Instead of the media caring that Obama targeted political enemies, most of the media targeted the same people themselves, such as the Tea Party.)

Considering the Justice Department to be his own personal fiefdom to control as he liked, Obama repeatedly abused power. If he didnt want the Black Panthers prosecuted for voter intimidation, they were let off. If he didnt want IRS employees, or Hillary Clinton and her staff charged for obvious violations of the law, they werent charged. National security officials such as John Brennan, James Clapper, Susan Rice, Eric Holder and others could commit perjury with no worries of prosecution. If Obama didnt want immigration laws enforced, they werent enforced, and sanctuary cities and states had no worries. Obama did have the DOJ go after Arizona for wanting to enforce existing federal immigration laws, and heaven forbid any state that passed constitutional, common-sense voter ID laws. Freedom of religion was never safe under Obama as he demonstrated by going after the Little Sisters of the Poor over Obamacare. People who disagreed on climate change were threatened with legal action by Obama's top enforcer, Attorney General Loretta Lynch. Reporters such as Fox News's James Rosen were targeted if Obama wanted them to be targeted. Leakers and those who illegally unmasked peoples names under Obama had no worries so long as they were targeting political opponents of the president. (The media not only didnt care that Obama ran the Justice Department with an iron hand, they actually supported him every step of the way, and to this day pretend that under Obama, the Justice Department was run independently. In fact the media also pretends that the Obama Administration was scandal-free. It is easy to be scandal-free if the Justice Department and media look the other way and say otherwise.)

Obama pulled out of Iraq against the advice of the men on the ground and enabled the "JV team" of ISIS terrorists to build up.

He failed to live up to America's and NATO's commitment to put up missile defense shields in the Czech Republic and Poland, all to appease Russia.

He did next-to nothing as Russia attacked Crimea and Ukraine. Yet it was in our national interest to help Ukraine, yet Obama refused. I would call that a dereliction of duty, and extremely dangerous.

He told Russia, thinking he was assuring them secretly, that he would be more flexible after the 2012 election. It was only found out at all that he did it because he was caught on a hot mic.

He allowed the sale of a fifth of America's uranium resources to Russia, even though he and others obviously knew of the clear corruption that was occurring to allow the deal.

He didnt care and made sure Justice didnt care as the Clintons and the Clinton Foundation got massive amounts of money that clearly was related to Hillarys government position in quid pro quo corruption transations.

He made the world a much more dangerous place by giving the biggest sponsor of terrorism, Iran, a nation that calls for "Death to America and Israel" 1.7 billion dollars

He used a fake Russian dossier funded by Hillary Clinton and her Democratic Party as an excuse to spy on Trump. He allowed his people to illegally leak phone calls and unmask names of people who were illegally spied upon.

He allowed North Korea to continue building up its weaponry to threaten the world. It is now up to Trump to try to rein in North Korea after 25 years of appeasement.

But to Galston, the danger is Trump, because he continually tweets that there was no collusion with Russia by him or his people. It's ridiculous: Trump has to spread the word because elitists like Galston and most of the media have continually spread the lie that there was. The media spreading disinformation is much more dangerous than the miniscule amount of cash the Russians spent before and after the election.

It is a shame that Galston and others had their blinders on during the eight years of the "Clear and Present Danger" of Obama to the U.S. citizens and the people of the world as he ballooned the power of government. It is Obama who also caused the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals problem by going outside the Constitution and refusing to enforce immigration laws, not Trump.

Thank goodness we have Trump now (and not Hillary Clinton) because Trump is trying to transfer the power, purse and freedom back to the American people as fast as he can. Had we had Hillary, a clearly corrupt person, she would have continued to amass power and money for the government and herself, expanding in Obama's footsteps.
Are Democrat midterm ambitions the real reason Parkland is still in news?

Unlike after other mass school shootings, the movement from Parkland to propaganda has had tremendous lasting power. The tragedy's wake has seen sustained news coverage and energized anti-Second Amendment protests, ostensibly due to organic "student activism." Yet post-shooting leftist anti-gun appeals and young students willing to facilitate them are nothing new. What is new is that the Democrats just recently suffered a devastating political one-two punch. Not long ago, Democrats were licking their chops at the prospect of a November midterm sweep. Since then, however, two momentous things have occurred: both the Trump-Russia-collusion narrative and the Democrats' generic congressional poll numbers have collapsed. To right this listing ship, leftists need a new issue, and fast, and they may think they've got it: gun control.

As U.S. News & World Report informed us on Feb. 14, "The new Morning Consult/Politico poll released Wednesday showed respondents rewarding Republicans for passing the tax cut bill in December, with 39 percent saying they would vote Republican if the election were held today compared to 38 percent who would vote for Democrats  down from a 10-point Democrat advantage in mid-December." The same poll showed President Trump's approval rating drawing even with his disapproval numbers; in fact, Trump's approval figure is three points better than Barack Obama's was at the same time in his presidency. This was wholly unanticipated. On Feb. 16, the Friday before a three-day weekend, Special Counsel Robert Mueller announced the vanity indictments of 13 nationals and three entities of the Russian persuasion. A Project Veritas sting operation had already captured CNN figures on video last summer admitting there was nothing to the Trump-Russia collusion story and that they were pushing it for ratings (and if CNN knew that it was nonsense, so did the rest of the mainstream media), but this didn't stop Fourth Estate Russia fakery. But with these nonsense indictments  of men who can never be extradited and tried  the writing is on the wall: "The Trump-Russia collusion narrative is dead," as Fox News put it. How bad is it for the Dems? The party for months was talking about impeaching President Trump as if it were only a matter of time. Now some leftists claim that collusion was never even the focus of the Mueller investigation! They just wanted to learn more about Russian meddling, you see. The people who gave us revisionist history now have graduated to revisionist current events. It gets worse still. Mueller's latest indictment, of lawyer and son-in-law of Russian oligarch Alex Van Der Zwaan, may lead to the implication of prominent Democrats. So the Dems and media may want Mueller's investigation off the front pages posthaste, and they need an issue to replace it and hopefully buoy their flagging poll numbers. Ergo Parkland, Parkland, and more Parkland, 24-7. The Democrats, mind you, have played this game before. Remember how "contraception" suddenly became a big issue during the 2012 campaign? This was no accident. As former Clinton insider Dick Morris explained at the time, the Democrats needed to replace prenatal infanticide  which is no longer a winning issue for them  with something else. As he put it, "It used to be ten points more pro-choice than pro-life[;] now it's ten points more pro-life than pro-choice.... So what they're trying to do now is replace it with contraception." So prenatal infanticide became contraception, and Russia control becomes gun control  as the demagogues transition from defending the killing of unborn children to bemoaning the killing of older children  whatever it takes to win. The reality is that the left's focus isn't on stopping school shootings, but on stopping GOP momentum. The Parkland kids are a handy means to that end. Contact Selwyn Duke, follow him on Twitter, or log on to SelwynDuke.com.
On Tuesday evening, I was watching CNN (note to editor: my request for hardship duty pay will follow) when I observed a new low point  and considering the recent history of CNN , that's really saying something. The program was The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. Like all of the hosts on CNN, including news anchors, Blitzer is consistently anti-Trump, so I wasn't expecting anything close to fair and balanced. But what I saw this time was even more obnoxious and telling. As Blitzer and his talking head guests opined, a chyron on the bottom of the screen (the text scrolling with breaking news updates or quick summaries of points being discussed) said, all in caps:

See also: CNN busted trying to put scripted words in mouth of hero Stoneman Douglas student at televised town hall

BREAKING NEWS:

WHITE HOUSE REPEATS TRUMP'S FALSE CLAIM

THAT HE'S TOUGHER ON RUSSIA THAN OBAMA

There it was, right out in the open: an unproven, opinionated editorial judgment on a supposed hard news program, spelled out for everyone to read.



CNN Tuesday February 20, 2018, 6:41 P.M. EST.

At that point in the program, at 6:41 P.M. EST, Blitzer and CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins were discussing a tweet by President Trump:

I have been much tougher on Russia than Obama, just look at the facts. Total Fake News!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2018

This was the on-air dialogue at that point in the broadcast, according to CNN's transcript:

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: You know, it's very interesting, Kaitlan, because the president tweeted once again today this: "I have been much tougher on Russia than Obama. Just look at the facts. Total fake news." What does the White House point to as evidence of that? KAITLAN COLLINS, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, they were asked about this several times at the press briefing today, and Sarah Sanders referred to the president building up the military and exporting things to Eastern Europe, and those  that lethal arms sale to Ukraine and whatnot. She pointed to all those things, but she couldn't point to anything that was tangible that he really did that was more than what the Obama administration did. And that's because over this last year that this president has been in office, for 13 months now, he's dodged the subject of interference by Russia in the election and whatnot. And that was the thing. The bar is so low here for the president to condemn Russia for what they did, and yet we have not seen that, even in light of what we learned on Friday about this incredibly savvy scheme on behalf of the Russians to interfere in the election. But the statement put out by the White House, the first graph of it dealt with the fact that the president felt that it showed there was no collusion between his campaign and the Russians. And then if you looked at what the president tweeted all weekend, which is just a window into what he really thinks, he was much more critical of Democrats and the FBI and his own national security adviser than he was Vladimir Putin and the Russians.

As the live discussion went on, CNN's chyron, quoted and pictured above, for a number of minutes blared CNN's interpretation as opposed to objective reporting of the "breaking news." It was obviously an editorial judgment, since its claim is by no means a universally agreed on fact.

For some context, ignored by CNN, one need only recall President Obama's hot mic comment to place-holding Russian president Medvedev, as reported widely at the time, including in a March 26, 2012 article in the New York Times:

President Obama found his private moment of political candor caught by a live microphone on Monday as he told President Dmitri A. Medvedev of Russia that he would have "more flexibility" to negotiate on the delicate issue of missile defense after the November election, which Mr. Obama apparently feels confident he will win.

On February 20, 2018, in its analysis of Trump's February 20, 2018 Twitter claims, Politifact noted:

"Obama's first national security strategy only mentioned Russia as a potential partner, never as a possible threat," [Matthew] Kroenig [an associate professor in the Department of Government and School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University] said. "He promised in the famous 'hot mic' episode that he would have 'flexibility' to make concessions on missile defense after the (2012) election. He refused to intervene in Syria in part because his team feared direct conflict with Russia. He refused to provide lethal aid to Ukraine fearing escalation with Russia. And he did not develop a serious strategy to deter the threat of Russian nuclear 'de-escalation' strikes."

It was supposedly a turning-point moment in the third and final presidential debate in the 2012 campaign when President Obama chastised Republican nominee Mitt Romney for identifying Russia as a major foe of the U.S. In putting down Romney's assertion, Obama said:

"I'm glad that you recognize that Al Qaeda is a threat, because a few months ago when you were asked what's the biggest geopolitical threat facing America, you said Russia, not Al Qaeda. In the 1980s, they're now calling to ask for their foreign policy back because, you know, the Cold War's been over for 20 years. I know you haven't been in a position to actually execute foreign policy. But every time you've offered an opinion, you've been wrong."

Not exactly a hard-line view about Russia from the POTUS.

The Obama administration supposedly pursued a slightly harder line against Russia during Obama's second term  although that judgment is undergoing increasing challenge by the emerging evidence pointing to the Obama administration's embrace of the infamous Trump dossier that was produced with the apparent connivance and input of Russia and its much-maligned President Vladimir Putin.

The left-of-center media analysis website Mediaite took note of CNN's performance on Tuesday in a story titled "CNN Completely Jumps the Shark with Chyron Fact-Checking Subjective Trump Claim." The author, Aidan McLaughlin, is no friend of President Trump, judging by his recent Mediaite articles and his Twitter feed.

John Noonan, the senior counselor for military and defense affairs in the office of Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), issued two tweets on Wednesday criticizing CNN's action:

CNN respectfully, please tell your producer not to do this. You cant anniont [sic] yourself arbiter of these debates Strikes on Russian backed forces in Syria. Lethal asst to Ukraine, reforming NATO armor/airborne forces, military/intel increases all tougher on Putin than last Admin pic.twitter.com/ULuU699J54  John Noonan (@noonanjo) February 21, 2018

You can get experts to debate the merits of each admins policies, thats perfectly fine. But this isnt just putting your finger on the scale  its sitting on it. I agree when you say a free and fair press is important. Pls remember the latter cc @omriceren who screengrabbed  John Noonan (@noonanjo) February 21, 2018

On another subject of current trending interest  the mounting campaign supporting legislation to restrict Second Amendment rights and enact new gun laws in the wake of last week's school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.  CNN anchor Chris Cuomo was immediately called out for repeating a lie that was exposed as such two years ago. Cuomo's fake news report claimed that a 20-year-old with an expired ID was able to buy an AR-15 "semi-auto" rifle in five minutes. Cuomo tweeted this made up story, and when he was informed that it had been debunked, not only did he not correct his error or, God forbid, apologize, but he doubled down with a follow-up tweet that continued to obfuscate the issue. It should be noted that Cuomo, unlike Sean Hannity or Laura Ingraham at the Fox News Channel, is a supposed news  and not opinion  program anchor. This story is detailed at IJR and The Weekly Standard.

Thanks to the high profile newly accorded the fake story by Cuomo and CNN, Sam Zief, a student at Stoneman Douglas High School and a participant in the listening session on school violence with President Trump in the White House State Dining Room on February 21, tearfully and angrily repeated the false claim about the 20-year-old and the AR-15. A live audience of millions of viewers watched as multiple channels broadcast the event live. The video clip of what Zief said to the president went viral afterward.

Anyone tuning in to CNN for real, accurate news should look elsewhere  or have his head examined.

Peter Barry Chowka is a veteran reporter and analyst of news on national politics, media, and popular culture. He is a frequent contributor to American Thinker. In addition to his writing, Peter has appeared as a guest commentator on NBC; PBS; the CBC in Canada; and, on January 4, 2018, the BBC in London. For announcements and links to a wide selection of Peter's published and broadcast work, follow him on Twitter at @pchowka.

Corrected Tom Cotton's party affiliation to R
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D., N.J.) and Lee Zeldin (R., N.Y.) are circulating a letter to their congressional colleagues urging them to back an effort demanding the Trump administration's Department of Justice open an investigation into Al Jazeera's recent spy operation. The lawmakers argue that in light of this and other efforts by the Middle Eastern news network it should register as a foreign agent under U.S. law.

The Washington Free Beacon is reporting that a bipartisan group of congressmen is demanding that the Department of Justice open an investigation into Al Jazeera, the Qatari-based media company. The website published a story on February 13 that detailed a sophisticated spying operation on American Jews by Al Jazeera, and Congress wants the media company to be identified as a foreign agent.

Such a designation under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, or FARA, would show Al Jazeera is under the thumb of the Qatari government, which funds its operations, and not an independent news organization, as it claims to be. The Free Beacon first reported last week that Congress is actively working to see Al Jazeera designated under FARA following a secret effort last year to spy on the American Jewish community as part of a documentary it claims will expose Jewish control of the media. Al Jazeera has been sending letters to a slew of Jewish organizations and pro-Israel individuals asking them to comment on what appears to be secret recordings that the news outlet claims confirms Jewish meddling in foreign affairs. Al Jazeera's actions are being viewed as tantamount to a foreign-funded spy operation on U.S. citizens conducted on American soil. In light of this spy effort, Gottheimer and Zeldin are seeking support for an effort to force Al Jazeera to register as a foreign agent under FARA.

The U.S. is not the only nation that thinks Al Jazeera is a mouthpiece for radical Islam. Last year during the Qatari crisis, where the Gulf States threatened war with Qatar over their support for Iran, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt all threatened to close Al Jazeera bureaus in their countries because the media company is seen as the propaganda arm of the Qatari government. Egypt actually arrested Al Jazeera employees for their support of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The question isn't whether Al Jazeera is a propaganda organ. The question is who takes its people at their word that they're not.

"American citizens deserve to know whether the information and news media they consume is impartial, or if it is deceptive propaganda pushed by foreign nations," the lawmakers write in a draft letter to the DOJ that is currently circulating on Capitol Hill. A copy of that letter was obtained by the Free Beacon. This would put Al Jazeera in the same category as state-funded propaganda outlets such as RT, a Russian-controlled outlet that was recently forced to register under FARA as part of a similar push. "Congress needs clarification as to whether additional foreign principals should also be required to register under FARA, including Qatar's Al Jazeera, which the U.S. State Department has indicated is state-controlled," the lawmakers write.

Al Jazeera's coverage of Middle Eastern issues has been hysterically anti-American and anti-Israel. Its paranoid conspiracy theory about Jews having outsized influence on American foreign policy would be laughable if the organization didn't firmly believe it. To "prove" that contention, the network created a document that purportedly included several prominent American Jews expressing alarm about anti-Semitism.

As part of the upcoming documentary, a mole paid for by Al Jazeera infiltrated these organizations and recorded pro-Israel advocates discussing efforts to combat anti-Semitism and boycotts of Israel. Ahead of Al Jazeera running this production, it has sent several letters to subjects who were secretly recorded asking them to respond to a range of allegations that the Qatari outlet claims confirm that American Jews are working to influence the American government and block global efforts to boycott Israel, known as the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, or BDS.

American Jews have an interest in U.S. policies in the Middle East just as Mexicans in America have an interest in U.S. policies regarding immigration. It's a free country with a Constitution that guarantees the right to assemble peacefully and redress grievances. Al Jazeera's problem is that its staffers are hysterical anti-Semites who want Israel destroyed.

The congressional letter to DoJ asking for the investigation pulled no punches:

"We find it troubling that the content produced by this network often directly undermines American interests with favorable coverage of U.S. State Department-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations, including Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaeda's branch in Syria," the letter states. "Furthermore, Al Jazeera's record of radical anti-American, anti-Semitic, and anti-Israel broadcasts warrants scrutiny from regulators to determine whether this network is in violation of U.S. law," the letter continues. "Such an investigation should cover the full range of activities undertaken by Al Jazeera in the United States, including reports that it infiltrated American ... nonprofit organizations."

Al Jazeera's coverage of the U.S. and Israel is reminiscent of the wildly conspiratorial coverage of America by TASS during the Cold War. In the 1980s, the Kremlin was still showing race riots from the '60s as "news" on TV. Russian TV was also fond of showing workers' strikes from bygone eras and trying to pass them off as current events. Imagine the surprise of the Russian people when broadcasts from the West finally began to be seen and Soviet citizens were able to see how miserable their lives were compared to citizens in the West.

Al Jazeera's portrait of Jews in America is likely to be equally idiotic. Why does anyone believe these people to be anything but a mouthpiece for Islamist propaganda?
Almost all female suicide attempts fail because they are mainly desperation signals. Teenage boys are more likely to pull the trigger and kill themselves, and one way to destroy yourself is to kill others.

Psychiatrists look at suicidal kids and instantly ask, "Was he signaling rage and desperation? For how long has this kid been screaming, and nobody did anything effective?"

We know that Nikolas Cruz wasn't hiding a thing about his killing rage in the months and even years before the Florida school massacre.

According to the best British newspaper in America, the Daily Mail, Nikolas Cruz abused his ex and sold knives out of a lunchbox. He was disciplined by the school 25 times and finally expelled.

Celebrities and politicians are hotly trying to jump on the wave of publicity, truly despicable "Me too!" characters, feasting off blood and death.

Good Morning America could not pass up an interview with survivor Ariana Lopez. In her circle, everybody knew that Cruz was dangerous. He didn't bother to hide it. According to Ms. Lopez, Cruz was signaling his rage and murderous feelings like mad.

Lopez made it clear during her interview that Cruz's problematic behavior and mental health issues were on clear display at school. 'He used to sell knives out of his lunch box, which I thought was insane. You can't have knives, this is a school', said Lopez of Cruz. 'He would be like, "hey guys, want some knives?"' One of the incidents that led to his being disciplined was a fight in September 2016. Footage of the brawl emerged over the weekend. Cruz was suspended for two days as a result of the fight, which was over a former girlfriend.

This changes the picture completely: what the hell were the school counselors and police authorities doing while Cruz was signaling murderous intentions? There is an air of looming tragedy over the Florida school killings, and secretly, many people knew or suspected what was to come.

Teachers, administrators, counselors, and cops knew, but apparently the cops kicked it upstairs to the FBI.

The local cops, school administrators, the whole education system failed in the face of the most obvious threat, walking free and bringing knives to school in his lunchbox.

The FBI does not have the resources to follow up on every enraged and threatening kid in the country. Now they are blaming the usual suspects in what has become a regular media ritual that does nothing productive, though it does sell newspapers.

Any competent teacher, administrator, school cop, or counselor should have seen the signs and should have diverted Cruz into a protected environment where he could be educated and monitored. If his friend Ariana knew he was selling knives, so did dozens of other kids, teachers, administrators, and all the rest. No person in authority acted responsibly. They just kicked the can down the road.

This has little to do with the gun issue, except that buying seven rifles is just another alarm bell going off in the night. Ordinary, sane adult responsibility was lost or passed to somebody else, among the many, many adults and students who knew all about Cruz.

Our heroic corporate media are running the usual blame script and doing nothing useful. But published scientific studies show that school shooters are triggered by "media contagion." Kids who are full of rage at girlfriends, teachers, school counselors, and cops don't have the self-control to keep their feelings secret. They signal like mad, often secretly hoping to be stopped. Media contagion is hogging the headlines even today. Right now, you can see the next school shooter getting ready to kill for just a few days of glory and a lifetime of jail. If you're desperate enough, it all seems worth it.

The psychiatric literature is filled with studies on kids who are both suicidal and homicidal, kids who believe that becoming a celebrity murderer is the goal, to take revenge for rejection starting in childhood and repeated over and over in middle school and high school.

There is no mystery about the Nikolas Cruzes of the world. They have been around forever. It's just that they were spotted and taken care of with discipline and, yes, with love and acceptance, whether they deserved it or not. If they acted out, they were punished appropriately, and if they looked dangerous, they were diverted to activities where they could do no harm.

That's what fathering is all about, and that is what the ancient phrase "in loco parentis" means. Cruz should have been effectively disciplined from childhood onward, but he was allowed to grow into a raging menace, recognized by other students and by numerous adults.

Our culture is still "stuck on stupid," as LTG Russell Honore said in New Orleans long ago. The only beneficiaries are the worldwide media, celebrity culture, the education lobby, politicians, and maybe even the cops.
Eight people were killed and at least 30 others were wounded in Presidents Day weekend shootings across Chicago.

So what is Mayor Rahm Emanuel doing about it? CWB Chicago:

The number of police officers assigned to Chicago's 22 police districts has fallen by 23 cops since Mayor Rahm Emanuel promised to add 970 officers to the department in September 2016 according to the latest manpower numbers released by the Chicago Police Department in response to a Freedom of Information request.

Analysis of the numbers shows that a commonly held belief that Emanuel is taking cops from safer neighborhoods to protect the more dangerous, high-homicide areas is simply false: Four out of the five worst districts for homicides have lost officers since Emanuel's promise to hire 970 cops.
In the darker corners of the internet dwells a theory as outlandish as it is compelling: That the real father of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is the late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.

Over the last few weeks, the Canadian media have reached an important conclusion :

The theory falls apart after only a cursory look at the historical evidence, but it persists for one reason alone: Justin Trudeau's appearance is strikingly similar to that of the late Cuban dictator. "Preposterous!" Canadian historian Robert Wright told the National Post. (He also requested that the word 'preposterous' be printed in bold and italic). Wright's 2007 book, Three Nights in Havana, is an account of the relationship between Castro and Pierre Trudeau. While the Trudeaus did indeed develop an unusually cozy relationship with the Cuban dictator, Justin Trudeau was already toilet-trained by the time his mother, Margaret Trudeau, first met Castro in 1976. "Their biographies just don't intersect at all," said Wright.

Like a lot of internet theories, this one will hang around for a while. They always do.

The story was made a bit more complicated because of another rumor: Fidel Castro's son committed suicide and allegedly left a note referring to Mr. Trudeau as his half-brother.

So what do we have here? We have P.M. Trudeau, who does look like Fidel Castro. And his parents had a cozy relationship with Fidel Castro and spent time down in Cuba.

The rumor is probably not true, but the physical similarity is obviously there!

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
The unraveling of Elizabeth Warren's fraudulent claim to Native American heritage has entered a new and dangerous stage for the senator who wants to be the next Democrat nominated for president. While she was on the Harvard Law School campus as the sole (purported) Native American faculty member, she ignored three requests to speak to Harvard's Native American Law Student Association (NALSA), according to that group's head at the time.

Dr. Gavin Clarkson, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation who received both a doctorate and a law degree from Harvard while Warren was a professor, says he "personally invited" her three times to visit with Harvard's Native American Law Student Association (NALSA), which he headed while attaining his dual degree. Warren, who had identified as a minority in law professor directories and was touted by Harvard as a Native American hire, never accepted his invites. "I was on campus at Harvard for five years, from 1998 to 2003," Clarkson said. "Warren was identified in the AALS law teacher directory as an American Indian faculty member." "Hi, we're the Native American students on campus and it would be nice to meet the only Native American professor on the faculty," was the message Clarkson was attempting to get across, but he says he was dismissed by Warren every time. "I personally invited Elizabeth Warren, face to face, three separate times," Clarkson said. "I did it at least once per year for three straight years," he said. "She basically dismissed me all three times."

This story smashes to bits Warren's latest attempt to do damage control by speaking to the National Congress of American Indians last week and promising to work on their pet issues. She stiff-armed the lonely Native American law students, who must be reckoned as having needed her support.

"We were constantly concerned about the fact that Harvard was doing a terrible job relative to peer institutions at recruiting American Indian students, despite the fact that Harvard was founded in its original charter to educate American Indians," Clarkson said. "Part of it was they weren't putting in the effort to go out and recruit American Indian students, but usually if you have an American Indian on the faculty, that faculty member takes the lead on going out to Indian country and recruiting students," he said. "I don't know that Warren in the five years I was at Harvard ever stepped foot on a reservation." Clarkson says he made clear to Warren during his interactions with her that the reason he was extending his invite to her was because her "reputation on campus was as the only Native American member of the faculty." On the other hand, he notes, other professors on the faculty who "cared about Indian students" would "meet with us all the time." Clarkson says he knows of at least two other times Warren was invited to meet with NALSA by members on the other side of the political spectrum who were also dismissed.

Posing as the champion of an underrepresented minority requires a little bit of attention to the actual members of that minority who ask for help in order to even start to pass the smell test.

Apparently, Professor Warren felt that she had better uses of her time than speaking with members of the minority of which she claimed membership (albeit claiming only 1/32  enough under the evident "one drop rule" used by Harvard when it was desperate for a minority tenured law professor.)

Even if Warren were to reverse her position and actually take a blood test on offer from 23 and Me or Ancestry.com, and even if such a test revealed a trace of Indian heritage, she would be seen as callous toward the less powerful members of her group. This is known as being an "apple"  red on the outside, white on the inside.

Note also that in the currency of academic elitists, Dr. Clarkson's credentials are far superior to Warren's. Powerful evidence that affirmative action was the sole reason she got a tenured professorship at Harvard is that she was the only faculty member there who did not attend an elite (top ten) law school. So, irony of ironies, she was ignoring students who had earned their way to the elite status she acquired on the cheap.
Facebook has agreed to a music licensing agreement with European rights company International Copyright Enterprise Operations (ICE), as part of efforts to compensate music rights owners of soundtracks that are represented by ICE. Some of the ICEs works represent PRS in the UK, STIM in Sweden, and GEMA in Germany. It should be pointed out that the licensing deal covers tracks used on Facebook, Instagram, Oculus, and Messenger, with the exception of WhatsApp, which the ICE considers being purely for private communication use only, though it does not rule out the idea of including the service in the licensing deal pending a review of the matter. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed as the ICE wants this piece of information to remain non-public.

The multi-territorial license encompasses 160 territories and 290,000 rights owners, covering video content uploaded across Facebooks internet properties. At the same time, those videos covered by the license will also become part of a repository of content that will be accessible to users who wish to use those media files for videos they are making. As part of the agreement, Facebook and ICE will jointly develop a reporting system for the royalties paid.

The deal is part of Facebooks broader efforts to fulfill its obligation to music rightsholders by making sure the soundtrack included in video creation is paid for. In fact, the social networking site has recently struck similar agreements with record labels and other companies in the music industry over the last couple of months as part of that effort. In December last year, Facebook and Universal Music Group inked a multi-year agreement to let users of the social networking site upload videos containing licensed music to the core Facebook service as well as Oculus and Instagram without having to worry that the video might be flagged and removed due to copyright infringement. Last month, Facebook and Sony/ATV Music Publishing also signed a content licensing agreement to make sure the users of the largest social media network dont infringe on the copyrights of music rights owners. Under the deal, Facebook licensed the whole Sony music library, currently estimated to cover more than three million songs.
A new study conducted by the independent network testing firm P3 shows that the High Performance User Equipment (HPUE) technology significantly improves the coverage and the network speeds of the American carrier Sprints 2.5GHz TD-LTE network. For this test, the engineers from the testing firm drove 36 miles, or 57 kilometers, around the Chicago metropolitan area and obtained around 4,000 test samples using two units of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. The researchers activated HPUE in only one of the two units of the Galaxy Note 8. The test results show that HPUE improves the coverage of Sprints 2.5GHz LTE network by as much as 24-percent. The research firm also noted that since smartphones with HPUE were able to stay longer on the carriers high speed 2.5GHz LTE network, the average download speed achieved by the HPUE devices is 49-percent higher than the average download speed achieved by devices without HPUE.

Sprint first announced the HPUE technology back in late 2016. The carrier mentioned that this technology aims to boost the quality and physical range of its 2.5GHz network in order to match its 1.9GHz network. It is important to note that while Sprints LTE network running on Band 41 can offer faster data speeds, it has a considerably shorter range and it is less capable of penetrating walls, resulting in poorer indoor coverage. At this point, the company is selling 15 HPUE-enabled smartphones, although the carrier is still working with handset makers in order to increase the number of HPUE devices available.

Sprint also mentioned in its press release that it is implementing other measures to boost the coverage and the speed of its network. For example, the carrier mentioned that it is in the process of upgrading all of its cell sites in order to support all of the companys LTE frequencies, including the 800MHz, the 1.9GHz, and the 2.5GHz bands. In December last year, the carrier mentioned that only 50-percent of its towers support the 2.5GHz LTE band. The carrier is also densifying its network by deploying more small cells, and it is also installing massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antennas, which Sprint claims could enhance the capacity of its network by as much as ten times.
Nepal-bound gasoline being sold en route

Gasoline imported from India is being sold en route before reaching Nepal as prices are higher across the border. And with Nepal-bound tankers arriving only partially filled, state-owned Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has had to hike imports to make up for the shortfall.
The Mate 10 Pro recently became the worlds first smartphone to drive a car, with one of Huaweis teams leveraging the artificial intelligence-enabled hardware of the device to come up with a simple object recognition service meant to allow a vehicle to detect and avoid obstacles. The video below shows a succinct recap of the companys efforts to develop such a solution, with the final setup including a special Porsche Panamera model rewired in order to be controllable by Huaweis latest Android flagship. The smartphone itself has been installed on the dashboard but didnt scan the road using its dual-camera setup designed by Leica. Instead, its hardware processed the information collected by other sensors installed in the vehicle in order to make decisions on the go.

Huaweis engineers claim they only took five weeks to develop the service as they challenged themselves to deliver a workable solution within that precise timeframe after first coming up with the idea. The Chinese tech giant calls the project RoadReader and is touting it as yet another piece of evidence proving that its object recognition hardware and software are of the industry-leading variety. Huawei claims its custom-built Porsche Panamera isnt just capable of seeing its environment but can also understand it, being able to distinguish between thousands of various objects. The companys short video demonstration had the car accurately recognize a dog and opt for an evasive maneuver in order to avoid a collision, with that entire process being powered by the Mate 10 Pro, i.e. the HiSilicon Kirin 970s neural processing unit.

Huawei claims the success of its trial proves that even its consumer-grade chips are already powerful enough to rival the cutting-edge silicon built specifically for autonomous vehicles. The RoadReader project will be showcased at Barcelona, Spain-based MWC 2018 scheduled to take place next week. The trial isnt the first occasion that saw Huawei collaborate with Porsche; the two firms have been releasing Porsche Design-branded smartphones for years now, whereas the Huawei Watch Porsche Design also made its way to the market last summer. The companys latest Android flagship recently released in the West, including the United States, though Huaweis retail partnership with AT&T ended up falling through over political pressure from Washington concerned about the firms close ties to Beijing, according to recent reports.

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Researchers at the University of Washington have used lasers to charge a smartphone battery wirelessly with a combination of lasers and a power cell thats mounted to the back of a smartphone, in this case a Galaxy S5 by the looks of it. According to the researchers the charging method is completely safe thanks to a inclusion of four guard sensors that will shut off the laser beams if the area in front of them is blocked or impeded, meaning it would be perfectly fine to use and then walk away from it to let the charging continue without having to stay and keep an eye on things.

The lasers will charge from a distance of up to 14 feet away from the phone and the connected battery cell, so it wouldnt have to be as close as the two units are in the video below. However, it is mentioned that the laser emitter could be adjusted to allow for an extension of the charging distance up to 40 feet which would give users a little more freedom. This would allow the phone to sit on a desk or coffee table from across the room from where the phone is as long as its still in plain view of the device, as the lasers will need to be in line of sight of the two custom 3D printed retroreflectors (the little cubes) on either side of the battery cell.

The charging is said to be as fast as it would be if the phone was plugged in normally, though something to consider is that the phone used in the video and likely the testing, is a Galaxy S5, which charges slower than most of the phones that are available today, such as the Pixel 2 XL. Its not mentioned exactly how fast the charging is in regards to the timing, but it is mentioned the laser can deliver up to two watts of power steadily and without hesitation. Since this technology is just being researched and tested this isnt anything consumers should expect to see as a viable charging option for regular everyday use, but it does showcase that there are more than a few possible ways to charge devices wirelessly, and it wouldnt necessarily have to be for just smartphones even though that is the technology that was used for the testing.
National carrier T-Mobile and networking giant Nokia have pulled down LTE downlink speeds of 1.3Gbps in a joint trial utilizing license assisted access, or LAA technology. The testing was conducted in T-Mobiles own lab in Bellevue, Washington, using equipment sourced from Nokia. To be specific, the Nokia equipment in question was Nokia AirScale Micro Remote Radio Head, along with an AirScale system module. The 14 antenna layers provided yielded those incredible LTE speeds through 5-component carrier aggregation across both licensed and unlicensed spectrum. 256QAM and 44 MIMO were also used in the test. The Nokia equipment is considered a high-capacity small cell, which means that it will mostly be helping to boost speed and capacity in urban areas once it begins commercial deployment, and it could also be used in T-Mobiles 5G rollout. On top of traditional LTE equipment and 5G solutions, Nokia works with in-between 4.9G equipment, and this is part of that series.

According to T-Mobile Chief Technology Officer Neville Ray, T-Mobile plans to work on deploying the same equipment in the lab tests. These deployments will make up a small cell network that will serve LTE-Advanced to customers for now, including the same LAA technology seen in the lab test. The kicker with this deployment is that it will form a foundation for the companys future 5G ambitions, allowing it to update existing hotspots in some markets to support 5G, rather than having to put down entirely new equipment deployments. Nokia Mobile Networking President Marc Rouanne seconded that notion, saying that it provided T-Mobile with LAA-compatible LTE technology that can expand the Un-Carriers current repertoire for higher download speeds and capacity than whats possible with current tech, while also laying the groundwork for 5G.

T-Mobile has been running field tests on 4.9G and 5G technology with Nokia for quite some time, and now it seems that those tests will be yielding an actual commercial product in the very near future. Nokia, for its part, has been working on 5G solutions worldwide with a range of carriers and telecom entities. Its 4.9G solutions are not quite as popular as its 5G equipment, which could indicate that many carriers plan to jump straight from 4G LTE to 5G. In some developing countries, the ease of deploying and building out small cells could mean that areas with little or no connectivity may suddenly jump to 5G.
Uber and Toyota are looking to strengthen their self-driving car partnership, with their top officials recently meeting to discuss such efforts. Uber Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi revealed he held talks with Toyota President Akio Toyoda and Executive Vice President Shigeki Tomoyama earlier this week as part of his first Asian tour in the role of the ride-hailing startups head. No details of the meeting were disclosed, though at least some talks likely revolved around the duos recently established collaboration aimed at commercializing e-Palette, Toyotas concept of on-demand cities based on autonomous driving technologies.

The Japanese automaker officially announced e-Palette at this years Consumer Electronics Show held in early January, naming Uber as one of the partners helping it develop and optimize the platform for large-scale use. Uber and Toyota have been pursuing driverless vehicles on their own for years now, with both seeing them as a potential growth engine that could ensure their businesses are sustainable in the long term. Toyota also has a stake in Uber it bought in 2016, though the size of it remains undisclosed to this date. The San Francisco, California-based startup was recently said to be considering selling its Southeast Asia business to rival Grab but Mr. Khosrowshahi indirectly denied those reports during his Asian tour, saying the company has no intentions of scaling down its investments in the region.

According to recent projections from Wall Street analysts, Ubers endgame isnt to replace the taxi industry as it originally intended but is instead now seeking to challenge the very concept of personal car ownership. By densifying its network of drivers, promoting carpooling, and transitioning to electric vehicles, the company is looking to reduce its operating expenses and pass on many of those savings to consumers, with its biggest tool to do so being autonomous driving technologies that would eliminate the need for drivers. Ultimately, Uber is hoping to make its service more affordable than owning a car, hence positioning itself as the ultimate provider of mobility solutions for both private and enterprise clients, some industry watchers believe. The company is presently targeting an IPO in 2019 and its core business may become profitable as soon as 2021, according to Mr. Khosrowshahis recent statements.
One killed in bus accident

A person was killed and a pregnant woman seriously injured when a bus they were travelling in met with an accident near the Police Boarding at Shukla Gandaki Municipality-5 of Tanahu district on Wednesday.
Chandan Kumar Mandal is the environment and migration reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering labour migration and governance, as well as climate change, natural disasters, and wildlife.
The enlarged entity will have 15 US offices and international locations including Beijing, Bangkok, Dubai, London and Tokyo.

Wally Martinez, current managing partner of Hunton & Williams, will be the managing partner of the combined firm while Robert V. Jewell, managing partner of Andrews Kurth Kenyon, will become managing partner emeritus.

Herbert Smith Freehills makes commitment for Trans staff

Transgender employees at Herbert Smith Freehills have been given a major vote of support from the firm, with the launch of its Global Transitioning Guidelines.

We are a trans-inclusive workplace, and these Guidelines ensure that trans* employees are treated with the same respect and understanding in every office across our global network, explained Justin DAgostino, regional managing partner for Asia and global disputes head. He is also executive sponsor of the firms IRIS network, which connects LGBTI employees across the firms global footprint.
The new partner also worked at Magic Circle outfit Slaughter and May, before moving to legacy Nabarro, which last year combined with CMS Cameron McKenna and Olswang in UKs largest law firm merger yet. From Nabarro, she made the move to Dentons in 2014.

Weve been looking to expand our IP and IT offering in Australia, and Robyns diverse, international experience completely fits the bill. Her expertise and focus on the hotel, retail, and healthcare sectors, growth areas for the Australian practice, are also welcome, said Ian Dardis, Dentons CEO in Australia. Being able to relocate someone who is already a part of the Dentons family and is familiar with both our clients and our offering is an added benefit.

Dentons said that Chatwood has a specialty in international licensing, particularly in the retail, hospitality, and healthcare sectors.

Chatwoods practice covers franchising and distribution, commercial contracts and concession agreements, information technology and communications law, e-commerce law, and data protection and privacy. She also specialises in all forms of new technology and IP such as artificial intelligence, payment platforms and crypto currencies, and augmented reality and virtual reality.



Robyn Chatwood
NEDC

This possibility has been brought into the open by Japanese motoring publication Cliccar, with the report stemming from the Cooper S donor vehicle on which the test mule spied near the Arctic Circle is based. In other words, its just your average speculation, not the sort of report based on an insiders knowledge.When you think about it, two variations of the electrified MINI makes sense if you can make a parallel to what BMW is doing with the i3 and i3s. Also anticipated to borrow drivetrain technology from the smallest BMW i model in the lineup, the Cooper E and E S would cater to different customers with different needs from those who enticed to pay upwards of $44,450 on the i3.As per Cliccar , the Cooper S E could develop up to 184 PS (181 horsepower) and 270 Nm (199 pound-feet) of torque if the i3s supposition will be proven correct. On paper, that translates to 6.9 seconds for the sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 miles per hour) and 160 km/h (99 mph) in terms of top speed in the case of the i3s.Driving range? The Japanese publication suggests that 400 kilometers (just under 250 miles) are enough for this particular application, with 80 percent of the lithium-ion battery capable of being charged in as little as 40 minutes. And thats a lot of range bearing in mind the i3s is-rated 280 kilometers (174 miles).Whatever the future may hold for the MINI brand in terms of electrification, it is known that BMW is utmost serious about its next generation of electric vehicles. After all, the Bavarian automaker knows that electro-mobility will be a huge part of the automotive scene of the 2020s.
Update:The wait for the arrival of the 1:18 scale models was even shorter than we expected. For instance, a Spark-delivered (Porsche Dealer Edition) will land next week. Limited to 333 units, the model will be offered for 259 ($319 at the current exchange rates) and you can check this out in the Facebook post below.onfiguration for the 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS costing well over $200,000, those who will be able to adorn their driveways or garages with the most powerful naturally aspirated Neunelfer ever are few. Nevertheless, we're here to help you get over such matters, all with the help of scale models.Now that the 991.2 incarnation of the Rennsport Neunelfer has made its debut, the time has come from its desk-sized versions to hit the web.And it seems that these models have more in common with the actual car that other models. For one thing, the big-boys-toys have reached us via a leak - as you've noticed, the images portraying the scale models are actually photos of screens.Then there's the limited availability of most models. To be more precise, the goodies we see here involve the non-Weissach Package Lizzard Green (the launch hue for the track special), Miami Blue and Chalk, all of which will only be built in 1,911 examples. There's also Lava Orange (this was the launch color for the pre-facelift model), whose production won't be capped.The models we have here come in a 1:43 scale, but the Facebook label delivering the images isn't aware of their actual maker - these could be brought to the world be either Minichamps or Spark.As for those of you willing to get their hands on 1:18 scale models, it shouldn't take all that long until these reach the market.Meanwhile, we're inviting you to check out the soundtrack of the new 4.0-liter flat-six occupying the posterior of the newcomer - we delivered a sample of the 525 hp mill's voice yesterday, when we showed you the thing being drifted on ice by rallying legend Walter Rohrl.We are now looking forward to finding out the Nurburgring number of the 991.2 GT3 RS, with our expectations being sky-high (think: below seven minutes).The wait for the arrival of the 1:18 scale models was even shorter than we expected. For instance, a Spark-delivered (Porsche Dealer Edition) will land next week. Limited to 333 units, the model will be offered for 259 ($319 at the current exchange rates) and you can check this out in the Facebook post below.
Despite the fact the coupe and convertible have yet to make their debut, BMWBlog believes that the Concept M8 Gran Coupe will take center stage at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. Thats somewhat hard to get ones head around, more so if you go through the list of premieres the German automaker has earmarked for the Swiss show.In no particular order, the confirmed models are the all-new X4, X2, M3 CS, 2 Series Active Tourer and 2 Series Gran Tourer, i8 Roadster, and thats about it. The 8 Series, including the Concept M8 Gran Coupe, isnt featured on the list at all. On the other hand, theres the possibility the Bavarians could be pulling off a surprise debut.The new BMW M8 Gran Coupe will join the M8 Coupe and M8 Convertible as the successors of the fans darling 6 Series family, argues BMWBlog. As it stands, the 6 Series has been reduced to the family-oriented Gran Turismo. And just like the 5 Series Gran Turismo before it, the 6 GT is focused on practicality first and foremost.In addition to whats been already told, the concept is expected to be introduced as a design exercise , so not many details will be unveiled at the show. Bearing in mind that this is the modus operandi of BMW for a handful of years now, this isnt exactly news to our ears.The M8 nomenclature is an indicator of what could be hiding under the hood. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the F90 M5 is the culprit, packing in excess of 600 horsepower and a fast-shifting automatic transmission. If theres a case to be made for M xDrive, then the way the M8 Gran Coupe picks up speed on corner exit will be certain to beggar belief.
According to the official announcement, the decision to part ways with Nair comes after the carmaker conducted an internal investigation and found the executive has acted in ways which are inconsistent with the companys code of conduct.We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration, said Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett. Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture, and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values.On his part, Nair admits to some wrong doing, but also stopped short of providing some insight into the matter.I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviors consistent with the principles that the Company and I have always espoused, said Nair.I continue to have the utmost faith in the people of Ford Motor Company and wish them continued success in the future.Nair joined Ford in 1987, as a body and assembly operations launch engineer. He slowly climbed the ranks of the company, being promoted to head of global product development and chief technical officer. Eventually, he was named president of Ford North America in July 2017.According to Fortune , the executives stock bonus is valued at $5 million. The carmaker has not said if the decision to part ways with Nair will affect the now-former executives financial expectations.Although not confirmed as being related to the #MeToo movement, the decision to sack Nair already stirred speculation toward a connection.The most recent prominent business man to feel the heat of sexual misconduct accusations is Shervin Pishevar, investor and co-founder of Hyperloop One , the company which now, under the guidance of Richard Branson, tries to change public transportation forever.
Police kill gangster Pun in Devdaha shootout

Gangster Manoj Pun was killed in a police encounter in Devdaha Municipality of Rupandehi district on Wednesday morning.
This story actually kicked off back in 2015, when Jon's first RS6 burned to the ground following an armed robbery soon after the athlete sold it to a car dealer in Amsterdam.It looks like nostalgia determined the pro slider to commission a new build. While the old car packed around 1,000 hp, the one we have here comes with 705 ponies (and 880 Nm of twist).However, as you'll get to notice in the piece of footage at the bottom of the page, there's no reason to worry about any lack of muscle. Massaged by German aftermarket developer ABT, which came up with the RS6+ nameplate, this C7 RS6 Avant packs all the grunt one might need.As for the aural side of the dog-friendly vehicle, the custom exhaust system fitted to the car allows the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 under the hood to fully express its feelings and emotions. Spoiler alert: you should expect plenty of pops and rattles.The Audi features a two-face take, with half the vehicle coming in white and the other half covered in black.There is one odd detail on this super-wagon, though. We're referring to the Michelin stickers on the Continental tires. Then again, these stickers could always be a trolling move, so perhaps the aficionado will explain this in the future.Jon seems to be planning a trip to Monaco to inaugurate his RS6+ and, judging by the smile on his face, this will be a memorable trip.
kW

kWh

The company already has the Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter in operation, but that's a considerably lighter model with a maximum range limited to 100 kilometers (62 miles). It's designed for use in urban areas, which explains why UPS was one of its first clients. Now, though, Daimler's main brand, Mercedes-Benz, is unveiling the eActros - a heavy-duty 100 percent electric truck based on the regular Actros model. Unlike the eCanter, it has a maximum payload of 23 tons (11,5 tons per axle) and, depending on conditions, can cover up to 200 kilometers (124 miles) on a single charge.The Mercedes-Benz eActros has two electric motors located close to the rear-axle wheel hubs generating 125(170 hp) and 485 Nm (358 lb-ft) of torque each. Thanks to special gearing ratios, the torque output can reach up to 11,000 Nm (8,113 lb-ft) from each motor, meaning the eActros shouldn't have any problems going up a slope no matter the load.It uses a 240battery pack that takes charging rates of up to 80 kW. That means a full recharge will take three hours at best, which isn't great, but shouldn't be that much of a problem provided there are charging possibilities on site while the truck is being loaded or unloaded.The Mercedes-Benz eActros isn't for sale yet. Instead, the German manufacturer is handing over a fleet of two- and three-axle trucks to various customers for field testing. Mass production of the new model is scheduled all the way back to 2021, which means they're looking at a pretty extensive testing period.As it stands now, the specs of the eActros seem pretty limited. Daimler appears to be well aware of this considering this statement from Stefan Buchner, the Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks: "Initially, the focus will be on inner-city goods transport and delivery services  the ranges required here are well within the scope of our Mercedes-Benz eActros.However, it's a start, and also a step further than anyone has made so far. Tesla is slating the Semi electric truck to enter production by the end of next year, which means it would effectively beat the eActors not only in specs, but also to the market delivery. But the two aren't direct competitors and, for the moment, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is the only manufacturer with a working vehicle in this segment.
A glimpse into the future of Lister... The Storm II. pic.twitter.com/n3zctMxnvD  Lawrence Whittaker (@ListerLawrence) February 21, 2018

A glimpse into the future of Lister... the Storm II, is how Lawrence Whittaker, the man behind the return of the Lister Motor Company, describes the automakers next big thing. Pictured as a rendering next to the Knobbly , the Storm II features unmistakable exterior styling and a whole lot of potential.Although its easy to associate the front-end design with that of Lotus concepts from not that long ago, Lister managed to style the Storm II in such a way that it doesnt interfere with the visual identity of other automakers. Arguably the most interesting detail as far as the eye can see in this rendering is the Formula 1 -inspired shark fin, which aids with the aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.Ever since Lister was brought back from the dead in 2014, head honcho Whittaker has made it clear that a full-on hypercar is his greatest ambition for Lister, the sort of automotive excellence on four wheels that could hold its own against the likes of McLaren. The thing is, not much else is known about the Storm II.Older comments by Whittaker suggested that Lister is seeking investors to buy into the development of the newcomer. Chances are, however, that the profit the company will make from tuning Jaguar models might be redirected towards this purposeful project.In regard to get-up-and-go, the Storm II is expected to borrow a trick from the original Storms book. More to the point, a Jaguar-sourced V12 bored to 7.8 liters and supercharged for good measure. With a projected 1,000 brake horsepower from this setup, the most potent Lister of them all could top 250 miles per hour on full song, all for the price of 2 million.
Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce rival to Amazon, is making its first big push into the American market with a substantial play by its affiliate, Alipay. It's built around China's two-week lunar new year celebration, which has brought thousands of Chinese tourists to the United States, most of whom prefer to spend at retailers that accept a mobile wallet.

Quick take: At home, some 520 million Chinese retail shoppers use Alipay. But last year they also took 135 million journeys abroad, including to Europe and the U.S. Given their payment preferences, shopping has been a stumbling block. But now, Alipay has payment agreements with some 170,000 North America retail locations, reports Fung Global Retail Tech's Deborah Weinswig.

It's a rapid offensive, since Alipay only broke into the U.S. market in late 2016.

since Alipay only broke into the U.S. market in late 2016. It's too early to know how much is being spent using the app, but if last year is a teacher, the Chinese visitors will spend $2,733 each on average in U.S. stores, hotels, taxis and so on.

much is being spent using the app, but if last year is a teacher, the Chinese visitors will spend $2,733 each on average in U.S. stores, hotels, taxis and so on. A primary spending point will be airports, says Humphrey Ho, managing director of Hylink Digital US, a Beijing-based digital ad agency. On the way out of the country, Chinese tourists gravitate to duty free "and buy a ton of alcohol, smokes and gifts" to bring home, Ho tells Axios. If they are at LAX or San Francisco International, they will be able to use Alipay.

What's next: Alipay will seek to try to scale up its U.S. presence, getting more boutique hotels and individual luxury brands to accept it. And after that, the company will try to persuade Americans themselves to embrace its mantra of the "cashless society," Ho said.
A new consensus of analysts assures us that we should not worry as automation dislodges up to hundreds of millions of white and blue collar workers across the planet over the coming years, since virtually all will find new jobs. But Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and an early candidate for president in 2020, says those new jobs are already late  a dystopian age of automation is already here.

Quick take: Yang is a long shot, but his anti-robot message  coming not from a Luddite but from the tech world itself  resonates, especially when he seems to be tattling on his pals. He tells Axios that while experts and politicians debate the potential impact of robotization, his Silicon Valley friends are already angling to figure out how to make it happen faster so they can cash in.
By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijans financial sector is on its way to recovery, the World Bank told Azernews.

The past few years in general have been very saturated for banking sector. The previous year was not an exception, since the Institute of Banking Ombudsman, the Financial Literacy Council, as well as Azerbaijan Credit Bureau were established in the country. This has not been without revocation of licenses, however, not in such numbers as in 2016.

If 2016 was a real test for Azerbaijani banks, then 2017 became for them a year of reforms, active stabilization adaptation to new economic realities and preparations for the resumption of growth. Global oil prices slumped in 2014, hitting Azerbaijans banking sector hard.

The country devalued its currency, the manat, twice in 2015, putting the financial sector under acute stress. Ten banks lost their licenses in 2016 because they could not meet capital requirements.

"The government has undertaken many crucial reforms since 2015. Among other things, in 2016 the government set up a new financial regulator, the Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FIMSA), tasked with supervising Azerbaijans banking and insurance sectors and securities markets," the WB underlined.

To fully restore market confidence and support private sector development, Azerbaijan still must address several critical challenges, according to the Bank.

To absorb losses from toxic assets and finance growth, Azerbaijani banks need capital, the banks recommended. Making room for new lending and investments requires legal and regulatory changes to enable restructuring, selling, or writing off non-performing loans (NPLs). Restoring market confidence and soundnessas well as fostering competition and integrating Azerbaijan with global financial marketsrequire Azerbaijani banks to enhance governance, improve business practices, strengthen risk management, and adopt stricter financial disclosure and reporting standards.

The Bank also recommended strengthening of the Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FIMSA) of Azerbaijan.

"Maintaining financial stability while protecting depositors and investors rights requires strengthening FIMSAs powers to set and enforce prudential rules independently. Moreover, reducing the risks and costs of lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) requires continuing ongoing efforts to strengthen credit market infrastructure and create an enabling framework for SME finance," the Bank said.

The World Bank Group is providing extensive advisory support to Azerbaijan under several existing programs. As just one example among many, based on international experience, the World Bank Group advised the authorities to develop a comprehensive 5-pillar strategy to address NPLs. We stand ready to offer further guidance, and we remain committed to supporting Azerbaijan on its path to prosperity.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
By Trend

Entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan participated in a business forum held by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

More than 20 representatives of large Azerbaijani companies and over 50 executives of Uzbekistan enterprises operating in construction, trade, pharmaceuticals, packaging materials, printing, ICT (Information and communication technology) and other fields participated in the event.

The representatives of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Investments, Uzkurilishmaterialary, Uzkimyosanoat, the directorate of the international business center Tashkent City, the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan, the Neuron Technologies LLC company, discussed cooperation in various fields with Azerbaijani counterparts during the business-forum.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs' Organizations of Azerbaijan signed an agreement on cooperation.

Totally 84 enterprises with Azerbaijani investments, including 71 joint ventures and 11 enterprises with 100 percent Azerbaijani capital function currently in Uzbekistan. They operate in such areas as trade, engineering, metalworking, finance, energy, services, food and light industry.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
By Trend

Oil-rich Azerbaijan is making progress in its drive to diversify sources of economic growth and improve its business environment, but needs to do more, say officials from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

There is still a lot of work to be done, but the Azerbaijani government is taking measures to encourage the non-oil part of the economy to grow, the World Banks country manager, Naveed Hassan Naqvi, said in an interview with Reuters.

The World Bank expects the Azerbaijani economy to grow by 1-1.5 percent in 2018, he said.

Naqvi said there were some signs of improvement in the business environment in the last 18 months, including simplification of visa regulations for foreign visitors.

Nariman Mannapbekov, the Asian Development Banks country manager, praised measures taken in the agriculture sector and the implementation of structural reforms to improve trade.

We see good progress in the simplification of customs clearance, the introduction of electronic payments of custom duties, reducing the time period for getting some licenses, Mannapbekov told Reuters.

He said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) wanted to see reforms in agriculture that were sustainable and results-oriented, and said the introduction of strong corporate governance at large state-owned enterprises would be beneficial for the economy and its diversification.

Mannapbekov said that in April the ADB might raise its forecast slightly for 1 percent economic growth in Azerbaijan this year.

Azerbaijan joined the WB group in 1992 and ADB in 1999.

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By Rashid Shirinov

Every year, Azerbaijani hazelnuts, which are the second most exported product of the countrys agriculture, conquer new markets around the world. Azerbaijans Azhazelnut company has signed a contract with an UAE company at the Gulfood 2018 exhibition in Dubai.

The contract envisages the export of 40 tons of blanched hazelnuts to the UAE, Azerbaijani Economy Ministry informed on February 21.

During the exhibition, the proposals were also discussed to create a distribution network for the export of Azerbaijans dairy and confectionery products to Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and the UAE.

Azerbaijan is represented by 23 companies at the Gulfood 2018 exhibition, which kicked off on February 18 and will last until February 22.

The country, ranking fifth in the world for hazelnuts exports, is one of the few countries with appropriate weather conditions for hazelnut cultivation. This allows Azerbaijan to produce about 40,000-50,000 tons of in-shell hazelnuts annually.

Several varieties of hazelnuts, such as Atababa, Ashrafli, Ghalib, Ganja, Sachagly, Topgara and Yagly, are cultivated in Azerbaijan. Many of the country's hazelnut orchards are situated in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains in the regions of Gakh, Zagatala and Balakan.

Azerbaijan makes up 4 percent of world hazelnut production. The country's revenue from hazelnut exports exceeded $100 million in 2017. The permanent clients of national hazelnuts are Russia, Germany, Italy, France, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus and Baltic countries.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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By Laman Ismayilova

Days of Iranian cinema will be held at the Nizami Cinema Center in Baku on February 23-27.

The festival is co-organized by the Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Culture Center of the Iranian Embassy in Azerbaijan.

The movie Bodyguard will be screened on the first day of the festival.The screening starts at 18:00.

The film is about a middle aged man who protects high-ranking political figures in Iran. The movie is directed by Iranian filmmaker Ebrahim Hatamikia. Bodyguard was first shown in the 34th Fajr International Film Festival.

Sweet Taste of Imagination movie will be presented to the audience on February 24.

Directed by Kamal Tabrizi, the movie recounts the story of a man so fascinated with protecting the environment that he has dedicated his entire life to it. All he can think of is clean energies and educating others on how to keep the planet safe. This is when he meets a young lady who equally fascinates him.

Cinema lovers have a chance to enjoy Crazy Rook  movie directed by Abolhassan Davoodi on February 25.

The film is about a group of people who met on social media and are forced to work together when one of them commits a crime which if not solved, will concern all of them.

The film won the Best Director and the Best Film awards in the 33rd Fajr International Film Festival.

Kiumars Pourahmads drama Where Are My Shoes? will be shown on the last day of the festival.

It's a movie adaptation of the American author Lisa Genovas debut novel Still Alice. The movie is about an elderly man and factory owner who suffers from Alzheimer's disease.

Azerbaijani and Iranian peoples have common cultural and religious traditions.

Two countries successfully cooperate in many areas, including agriculture, transport, tourism, industry and other spheres.

In 2017, Baku hosted the Iranian Culture Days within the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games.

The events aroused big interest among Bakus residents. Representatives of the country performed at a series of concerts, featuring country's national songs and dance numbers.

The Days of Iranian and Azerbaijani cultures in 2010 and 2011 also kicked off with a great success.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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Province 2 CM Raut garners 82 confidence votes

Province 2 Chief Minister Lal Babu Raut has secured 82 votes in his favour while 18 lawmakers cast their votes against him.
By Laman Ismayilova

YARAT Contemporary Art Space invites cinema lovers to the Winter Season of Future Shorts Festival.

The screening will be organized as a part of YARAT FreeStyle Program on February 28.

YARAT FreeStyle Program is an open platform for everyone who looks to engage creatively with a broad and diverse audience.

The film festival covers 40 countries, 100 cities, six continents and offers 1,400 films screenings per year throughout the world. During its 12 years existence, the festival has gained the attention of movie fans over a huge territory from Finland to Mexico. The festival gives an opportunity for professionals and newcomers all over the world to become a part of an international cinematographic community.

The Winter Season of Future Shorts includes six films. All films will be shown in original language with Russian subtitles. The event starts at 19:00. Admission is free.

Adress: Bayil, National Flag Square

YARAT is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to nurturing an understanding of contemporary art in Azerbaijan and to creating a platform for Azerbaijani art, both nationally and internationally. Based in Baku, YARAT (meaning CREATE in Azerbaijani) was founded by Aida Mahmudova in 2011.

It realizes its mission through an on-going program of exhibitions, education events and festivals. YARAT facilitates exchange between local and international artistic networks including foundations, galleries and museums.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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By Laman Ismayilova

As we enter the thick of winter, now is the time to really focus on staying healthy. There is a sharp rise in the incidence of flu in many countries.

New flu epidemic outbreaks in Azerbaijan and doctors say that recovery from this viral disease usually takes 10-15 days, medicina.az reported.

The Allergista and pulmonologist Elaza Mikayilzade said that she also suffers from this virus more than one month.

The virus spreading in Azerbaijan is an adenovirus infection of acute respiratory diseases. It usually affects children between 6 month and 5 years, adults and elderly people, especially patients with chronic illness, said the doctor.

The low and upper respiratory tract and mucous membranes of the eyes are damage by conjunctivitis. Inflammation and growth of cerebellum and lymph nodes, myocarditis, bronchitis, angina, sinusitis are also observed.

The virus is very durable. It can be killed by using ultraviolet lamp. For recovery, patients should stay at home two weeks.

Infectious disease can be spread from one person to another. The virus is secreted from the body through the throat and feces. The virus is dangerous 3-4 weeks. Antibiotic treatment from adenovirus is wrong at the beginning of the treatment period.

The physician advises the patients to rid their houses from any flu germs. Patients should clean their houses, wash towels and to air habitable rooms.

The treatment should by all means begin as soon as possible. Remember that traditional medicine won't help you in this case. Wear facemask both at home and outside to prevent the spread of flu.

However, new virus isn't the only thing we need to concern. All necessary measures are taken to prevent the flu epidemic spread from Russia.

The representative of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Healthcare Safaya Ahmadova told Trend that many border health measures are implemented to prevent international spread of the disease. Regular checks are carried out at border crossings. The relevant organizations are informed of the immediate isolation of patients in case of such suspicion. Control over anti-epidemic and disinfection measures is strengthened in medical institutions.

Ahmadova stressed that in general, the epidemiological situation in Azerbaijan is stable.

Although the country has recorded cases of infection with acute respiratory viral infections, the number of such cases decreased by about 10 percent compared with last year. Until now, during the checks in the Anti-Plague Station, no influenza viruses have been detected.

So far, we have not detected an influenza virus spread from Russia or other countries but it would be good if people would be careful when visiting places where diseases are common. If there are suspicious signs, people should visit the healthcare institutions, she added.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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By Trend

MP Nagif Gamzayev will address memorial conferences at Yeni Yuzyil, Bahchechehir and Aydin Universities in Istanbul dedicated to the 26th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, the Azerbaijani parliament said.

During his speech, the deputy will provide information on the history of the Karabakh conflict and the Khojaly genocide.

During the conferences, the universities will organize exhibitions of photos, books and other documents reflecting the brutal killings of the peaceful civilians by Armenian armed forces due to their ethnicity.

Turkish deputies, rectors, heads of municipalities, heads of NGOs and media representatives will take part in the event.

On Feb. 25-26, 1992, the Armenian armed forces, together with the 366th infantry regiment of Soviet troops, stationed in Khankendi, committed an act of genocide against the population of the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly. As many as 613 people, including 63 children, 106 women and 70 old people were killed in the massacre. Eight families were totally exterminated, 130 children lost one parent and 25 children lost both. Some 1,275 innocent residents were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 people still remains unknown.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

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By Rashid Shirinov

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian needs to be enlightened about the basic principles of international law and the Helsinki Final Act, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys Spokesman Hikmat Hajiyev said on February 22.

He was commenting on Nalbandians recent statement at the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament.

The spokesman noted that when addressing the Committee, Nalbandian distorted the facts of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, norms and principles of international law, and put forward absurd allegations against Azerbaijan.

Hajiiyev reminded that the respect to the territorial integrity, sovereignty and inviolability of internationally recognized borders of countries constitute the basis of contemporary international relations. Rejection of these principles is the way towards chaos and the return to the situation of 1930s-1940s, he noted.

The unlawfulness within the Soviet legal system of attempted unilateral secession of Nagorno-Karabakh by Armenian separatists without Azerbaijans consent was confirmed at the highest constitutional level, the spokesman said. The definition of the territory of Azerbaijan as it proceeded to independence and in the light of the applicable law clearly included Nagorno-Karabakh.

Hajiyev said that Armenias territorial claims against Azerbaijan are accompanied with the violence, terror and ethnic cleansing of indigenous Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh and transformed into the large-scale war unleashed by Armenia against Azerbaijan after dissolution of USSR.

As a result, Armenia occupied 20 percent territories of Azerbaijan by use of force and conduced complete ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijani population in the seized lands and in the territory of Armenia, he said. In order to disguise its direct responsibility for military aggression against Azerbaijan, Armenia distorts and misinterprets the principle of the peoples right to self-determination.

The spokesman added that in reality, such a view has nothing in common with the principle of self-determination set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Final Act) of 1975 and other international documents.

The fact that Nagorno-Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan was reaffirmed by the UN Security Council in its relevant resolutions on the conflict and from that time onward has been repeatedly stated at the international level, Hajiyev said.

He noted that to justify Armenias illegal territorial claims against Azerbaijan and the use of military force, the Armenian foreign minister misinterprets the documents of international organizations, including EU institutions.

The spokesman also commented on Nalbandians statement about intensification of talks and reduction of tension. It is very well known that the main reason of tension is the continuation of occupation and the presence of armed forces of Armenia in the occupied lands of Azerbaijan. In order to reduce the tension and eliminate the facts of military risks Armenia must withdraw its forces from occupied lands of Azerbaijan, Hajiyev said.

The spokesman noted that the resolution of the conflict is possible only on the basis of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders.

The sooner Armenia realizes this reality, the sooner sustainable peace and security will be restored in the region, he concluded.

Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan by laying territorial claims on the country. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities.

To this day, Armenia has not implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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By Trend

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed an order Feb. 21 on measures for construction, provision and creation of infrastructure for a carpet production workshop in the Gobustan District.

According to the order, two million manats of the amount indicated in sub-paragraph 1.49.5 "Allocation of funds envisaged in the 2018 Azerbaijani state budget for state investments (investment expenditures)" of the presidents Jan. 22, 2018 order will be allocated to Azerkhalcha OJSC.

The funds will be allocated to build a carpet production workshop in Gobustan, provide it with equipment, machines and create its infrastructure.

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By Trend

Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Mladen Ivanic will take part in the 6th Global Baku Forum to be held March 15-18, the State Committee for Work with Diaspora of Azerbaijan said in a message Feb. 21.

The 6th Global Baku Forum, organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, will be held with the support of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora.

Ivanic will be the main speaker at a panel session at the 6th Global Baku Forum.

President of Albania Ilir Meta, President of Montenegro Filip Vujanovic, current and former presidents of other countries, prime ministers, ministers, prominent politicians are expected to attend the forum.

The forum is planned to discuss such global issues as peace and security in the Middle East, the current and future situation in the Balkans, Chinas foreign policy, economic development under capitalism, environmental degradation, etc.

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By Rashid Shirinov

One mine was discovered in the Gapanli village of Azerbaijans Tartar region, Azerbaijans National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) told Trend on February 21.

The agency received information about the mine in the village and immediately sent the special mobile group to the place of detection.

ANAMA inspected the sown area and as a result of urgent operational search activities discovered a TM-62M anti-tank mine. The specialists transferred it to the relevant territory of the agency for neutralization.

Moreover, ANAMA inspected the adjacent area of 100 square meters, but there were no other dangerous items or devices.

In general, the agency experts conducted inspections in 23,315 square meters in Agdam, Agstafa, Tartar, Gazakh and Lankaran regions as well as in Baku and Sumgayit from February 1 to February 21. They inspected five houses and household plots, three cultivated areas, one private house, five pastures, water canals and areas near rural cemeteries, territories of household waste, administrative areas of Regional Police Departments, territories of a concrete plant and markets. As a result, the agency discovered and neutralized 684 unexploded ordnance.

ANAMA was established in 1998 for planning and coordination, management and monitoring of mine action related activities all over the country. The problem of unexploded ordnance in Azerbaijan can be divided into the areas that are still under the occupation of Armenian forces and other areas of the country. Most of the unexploded ordnances are the result of Armenian aggression.

Over the past year, ANAMA defused up to 93 million square meters of the Azerbaijan's territory, detecting and defusing 35,117 unexploded ordnance (UXOs), 204 anti-tank mines and 35 anti-personnel mines.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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By Trend

As a result of investigation and trials in 1988-1990 over the mass clashes organized in Azerbaijans Sumgait city, these events received no objective legal assessment, their true organizers and the ones who ordered them werent brought to responsibility, Eldar Sultanov, head of the press service of the Prosecutor Generals Office of Azerbaijan, said Feb. 22 in Baku at an event dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Sumgait events.

In his speech, Sultanov noted that the crimes committed by Armenian and pro-Armenian forces in Sumgait city are part of terror, genocide and ethnic cleansing policy pursued by Armenia for many years against Azerbaijanis, adding that these crimes are also a part of policy of territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

Over the years, Armenian separatists have been referring to Sumgait events in order to justify their aggressive policy, the Khojaly genocide and other crimes committed in Azerbaijan, resorting to distorting facts, falsifying documents and other nefarious methods to present lies as truth, Sultanov said.

He noted that immediately after these events, an anti-Azerbaijani information campaign was launched in Armenia, in the Soviet press and at the international level.

He said that the study of criminal cases, according to which the investigative and operational group of the Prosecutor Generals Office of the USSR held the investigation, showed that the investigation was biased and incomplete, and the true essence of the events wasnt disclosed.

The participants of the crime werent fully identified, while the organizers of these events werent brought to responsibility, no measures were taken to identify and prosecute them, the cause and conditions of the crime werent investigated at all, he added.

The investigative and operational group of the Prosecutor Generals Office of the USSR, which included 231 investigators from various republics and security officers, collected a large volume of materials and many persons were brought to justice, he said. However, the versions put forward at the beginning of the investigation that the Armenians were allegedly injured and the Azerbaijanis were guilty caused biased conduct of the investigation and served a certain political order.

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By Trend

The Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN Geneva Office organized a special meeting entitled "Intermodal Communication and Role of Historic Transport Routes: Great Silk Road", the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a message Feb. 21.

This event was held in Geneva during the 80th session of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

The views on the main aspects reflected in the UN General Assembly resolution "Strengthening of the relations among all modes of transport to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals" were exchanged.

Turkmenistan has repeatedly reaffirmed the need for systematic global cooperation and strategic planning in the transport sector.

Among the keynote speakers were the permanent representatives of the UNECE member-states, in particular Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan.

The issues of ensuring energy security, the development of gas infrastructure in Europe and in general, on the Eurasian continent, are often touched upon at the UNECE sessions.

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By Kamila Aliyeva

The modernization of the Nurek hydro power plant (HPP) in Tajikistan, which will be carried out in two phases, will require 10 years and $700 million.

The cost of the first phase of the project is $350 million and these funds are allocated by international financial institutions.

In particular, the International Development Association (World Bank) allocated $225 million, the Asian Bank for Infrastructure Investments (ABIA) - $60 million. About $57 million of the total amount are grant funds. The implementation period for the first phase of the project is 5 years, Avesta reported.

The government of Tajikistan has attracted and spent 79 million for the modernization of the HPP, or, more precisely, for the reconstruction of the open switchgears (500-kV and 200-kV). However, other parts of the hydro power plant also need reconstruction, including hydroelectric generators.

In 2009, the turbine was modernized at Unit 3, which allowed increasing the generator's capacity from 150 MW to 335 MW. In 2013, the wheel was replaced and the turbines of the Unit 8 were modernized.

The capacity of the Nurek hydropower plant in Tajikistan, after its modernization, will reach 3,300 MW, or increase by 10 percent, according to the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources.

The Nurek HPP is the country and Central Asias largest hydropower facility providing over 70 percent of the total generation in Tajikistan. It is part of the Vakhsh cascade of hydropower plants. The plants installed capacity is 3,000 MW (eight 335 MW units and one 320 MW unit). It was commissioned in 1972; the latest unit was commissioned in 1979. At present, the plant is operating at 77 percent of its design capacity because of obsolete equipment and lack of maintenance. Therefore, the maximum capacity of the Nurek HPP in recent years has not exceeded 2,220 MW.

The storage volume of the reservoir is 10.5 cu km (the effective storage is 4.5 cu km); its surface area is 98 sq km and length about 70 km. The dam has 300 m in height (the worlds highest dam of this type until 2013). The average output exceeded 10,223 million kWh a year between 2014 and 2016.

Mountainous Tajikistan experiences frequent power blackouts. Previously, Central Asia had a unified energy system. It included 83 power plants with total capacity of 25,000 megawatts in the territory of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and southern Kazakhstan.

In winter, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan accumulated water in reservoirs and received electricity and energy resources (coal and natural gas) from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. In summer, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan sent water to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for irrigation farming.

As much as 50 percent of the power generating capacity in the united power grid of Central Asia and Southern Kazakhstan was concentrated in Uzbekistan.

However, after Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan left the unified energy system of Central Asia in 2003 and 2009, respectively, the system ceased to function.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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Race for Congress PP leader begins

The race for Parliamentary Party leaders post has begun in Nepali Congress following the call for the first session of federal parliament. Former Prime Minister and Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba is the front-runner in this race. General Secretary Shashank Koirala and leader Prakash Man Singh too are eying the post.
Hull-Daisetta is the latest Southeast Texas school district to announce they're investigating a threat of violence, they said Thursday.

"We are currently investigating an altercation between two students that led to a threat of violence," the district said in a Facebook post. "Local law enforcement has been involved and the student has been removed from the school."
Guiseppe Barranco/Photo Editor

A Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School student apprehended by law enforcement after allegedly posting a threat on social media has been transferred to the Minnie Rogers Juvenile Detention facility, according to information from the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

The 16-year-old appeared before Orange County Judge Troy Johnson Thursday morning, who ordered the student to remain at the facility pending possible charges, the department said.
Update: A Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School student accused of posting a threat on social media was apprehended by authorities Wednesday and is expected to appear for a detention hearing this morning, according to information from the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The since-deleted post made by the 16-year-old "indicated a threat of violence." Detectives visited the student's home late Wednesday, and from there he was detained, the department said.

He is expected to appear for a detention hearing this morning, where he could be charged with terroristic threat, a class A or B misdemeanor.

Previous Report: Two Orange County high schools are addressing threats made by students, they said Wednesday.

A Little Cypress-Mauriceville High student allegedly made a threat on social media that was reported to the school.

"Administrators have notified law enforcement and the student will not be on campus," LCM said in a Facebook post.

RELATED: Silsbee High School threat made on social media

A West Orange-Stark High School student was removed from campus after making "an inappropriate comment that was interpreted as a terroristic threat," the district said.

WO-C CISD said the principal "apprehended the student" after the threat was reported.

"Law enforcement authorities were immediately contacted," the district said Wednesday. "The student is in the process of being removed from the campus pending further disciplinary action."

West Orange-Cove CISD said Monday night that they had investigated possible threats and believed they were "based upon rumor."

RELATED: Threats made against schools run rampant in Texas after Florida mass shooting

In an earlier alert sent to parents and posted on Facebook, the district said security would be heightened.

The student is the second in a Southeast Texas school to be accused of making a terroristic threat in the last week after a shooting at a Parkland, Florida high school on Feb. 14.

A Kirbyville student faces criminal charges after allegedly saying he wanted to "kill everybody" during a class discussion about the shooting, according to Kirbyville Police.

RELATED: Kirbyville student sent to alternative campus after alleged terroristic threat

"With the current climate, please talk to your students about the seriousness of these types of statements," LCM said in their statement.
Nearly 50 people were arrested in central Texas in connection with prostitution charges. Police used websites like Craigslist and Backpage to lure out potential "Johns" and pimps.

The 47 suspects were arrested between Jan. 7 and Feb. 4 as part of the 15th National Johns Suppression Initiative. McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara told Chron.com that his office had the sixth-most arrests among police departments in the nation during the initiative.

TEXAS DEATH ROW NEWS: 'The only way people are safe is if he is dead:' Juror in Fort Bend death row case speaks out

"We catch people of all walks of life. It's mind boggling," McNamara said. "We've been doing this since October 2014. They still keep coming out of the woodwork. One day I want to have a sting where no one shows up."

McLennan County includes Waco and lies North of Austin and south of Dallas.

Over the past four years, McNamara said the McLennan County Sheriff's Office has arrested teachers, police officers, and other professionals. The sheriff said that one suspect drove from San Antonio to McLennan County - approximately a 180-mile journey.

SHOCKING: Katy homeowner shot in garage

McNamara said his office will continue to do prostitution stings and release arrest photos and names of suspects.

"We're not going to let up. We get people from all walks of life, some sicker than others," McNamara said.

Scroll through the gallery above to see who was arrested in the sting.

Will Axford is a digital reporter for Chron.com. Read more of his stories here and follow him on Twitter.
The principal of Judson Early College Academy was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of drunk driving and unlawfully carrying a weapon, according to online jail records.

Michael Sean McFalls, 58, was arrested on the charges Feb. 10 and booked into the Comal County Jail. He posted a $5,000 bond and was released shortly thereafter.

RELATED: Suspects at large after killing 1, injuring 1 in shooting at NW Side hotel, police say

David Ferguson, a spokesman for the New Braunfels Police Department, said McFalls crashed his pickup truck around 11 p.m. in the 1000 block of Walzem Mission Road. McFalls showed "signs of intoxication" and officers found an almost empty bottle of liquor in the car, Ferguson said.

He was given a field sobriety test, voluntarily provided a breath sample and was arrested. After his arrest, police found a Glock handgun in his car, Ferguson said.

RELATED: SAPD: Woman facing multiple charges after string of phone store robberies

According to McFalls personal website, he's been a principal in Judson ISD for at least 16 years and has spent at least 31 years in education.

Judson ISD officials said McFall had been placed on administrative leave, pending a review.

"The students and parents of the school have been informed of the situation while the matter is given careful consideration under board policy," officials said in a statement.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

Caleb Downs is a crime reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here.| cdowns@mysa.com | Twitter: @calebjdowns
SC directs DoTM to halt issuance of embossed number plates

Supreme Court (SC) has issued an interim order directing the Department of Transport Management to stop the issuance of embossed number plates.
Here are seven updates for ASC leaders to know for Feb. 22, 2018.

SSI launches analytical product for ASCs

Revenue cycle management company SSI launched ASC Analytics, an analytics product for ASCs. The software will provide insights into case management, clinical operations, financial performance, cost analysis and scheduling.

Former Surgery Partners CEO Michael Doyle resigns from board

Former Surgery Partners CEO Michael Doyle resigned from the company's board of directors Feb. 16 after more than a decade of service. Mr. Doyle stepped down as CEO in September 2017. Surgery Partners appointed Wayne DeVeydt its new CEO in January.

Driscoll Children's Hospital raises $980k for new pediatric ICU, outpatient surgery center

A Jan. 26 fundraiser for Corpus Christi, Texas-based Driscoll Children's Hospital raised more than $980,000. The money will go toward the hospital's new North Pavilion, which will house a new pediatric intensive care unit and a new outpatient surgery center.

How the AAAASF, Nebula Data Intel partnership can transform your ASC

The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities and Nebula Data Intel are starting a new data initiative that will collect clinical and operational data to give outpatient surgical centers an all-encompassing look at their center's performance compared to other centers through a preference card.

Specialty Orthopedic Group building facility with surgery center

Tupelo, Miss.-based Specialty Orthopedic Group is building a 33,000-square-foot facility scheduled to open in February 2019, according to the Daily Journal. Specialty Orthopedic Group CEO Sparky Luster said 12,000 square feet of the new facility will be dedicated to a surgery center with four operating rooms.

Carolinas Centers for Sight offers $3k procedure to treat presbyopia

Howard Greene, MD, is one of three ophthalmologists in South Carolina to perform Kamra Inlay, a surgery that improves blurry reading vision and helps the eye focus on nearby objects, according to The Sumter Item.

ICD-11 is on its way

WHO has published a beta draft of the ICD-11 that includes new chapters and changes to code structures. With up to 13 dimensions, the ICD-11 is designed as an EHR-compatible database. It will link with the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine  Clinical Terms, which is currently a component of many EHRs. When officially released, ICD-11 may help U.S. specialty groups build codes that more accurately describe conditions.
Here are six gastroenterology-focused ASCs or facilities that were newly opened or announced in January.

WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center and the Martinsburg Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of a new outpatient surgery center offering gastroenterology and ophthalmology services.

Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health opened its 22,000-square-foot, $17 million Jefferson Surgery Center, which focuses on gastroenterology among other specialties.

Southlake-based Texas Digestive Disease Consultants entered into the Houston market through the recently announced addition of Greater Houston Gastroenterology.

Los Angeles-based Keck Medicine of University of Southern California recently opened the Norris Healthcare Center, a 116,000-square-foot facility with an outpatient surgical center offering GI services among other specialties.

Pueblo, Colo.-based Parkview Medical Center opened a new outpatient center with four endoscopy suites.

The Hospital Authority of Tift County will break ground on a replacement facility which will include an outpatient surgery center for Adel, Ga.-based Cook Medical Center. The surgery center will offer GI services, among others.

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The industry hit most frequently with a variety of cyberattacks in 2017 was the healthcare sector, according to a Feb. 20 report released by Beazley.

For the report, Beazley  a London, U.K.-based cybersecurity insurance company with offices in Asia, Australia, South America, the Middle East and the United States  analyzed the roughly 2,500 data breaches that affected its clients during 2017.

Here are the top industries hit by ransomware in 2017, according to Beasley.

1. Healthcare: 45 percent of cross-industry ransomware incidents

2. Finance: 12 percent

2. Professional services: 12 percent

4. Manufacturing: 7 percent

5. Education: 6 percent

5. Retail: 6 percent

Here are the top industries hit by W-2 email phishing scams in 2017, according to Beasley.

1. Healthcare: 28 percent

2. Education: 18 percent

3. Retail: 15 percent

4. Professional services: 13 percent

5. Hospitality: 7 percent

5. Manufacturing: 7 percent

To access Beazley's report, click here.
Here are four revenue cycle management tips from industry experts, published by Becker's Hospital Review since Feb. 6.

1. "Healthcare providers who acknowledge the significance of cost and quality in this time of increasing premiums and copays, and already large and growing deductibles, can be an important part of this new, more open patient [financial] conversation. To do so, providers can make treatment cost information available to patients prior to appointments for non-acute health issues. Advanced revenue cycle tools make it easier than ever to gather and share this information before or immediately following an appointment. A revenue cycle management solution with built-in patient financial data is the first step in responding to and staying aligned with healthcare consumers now and in the future." - Kevin Lathrop, president of TriZetto Provider Solutions, a Cognizant company

2. CMS is slated to start mailing new Medicare ID cards to beneficiaries in April as part of Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act requirements to replace Social Security numbers with Medicare beneficiary identifiers. Ahead of this change, "two key actions need to be taken by your practice: prepare your front desk staff to collect this information from your patients and verify that your practice management system is able to accept the new information and use it to bill your claims." - Dale Gentz, network executive with The Halley Consulting Group

3. "To reduce the recurrence of [claim] denials, it's imperative that healthcare systems employ a multidisciplinary approach that leverages technology and data analytics to optimize processes and shift from a reactive to a proactive approach. By employing data analytics, problematic areas can be identified and internal processes fine-tuned to reduce denials, accelerate cash flow and decrease administrative inefficiencies." - Kyle Kobe, vice president of consulting and analytic services at nThrive

4. "Credentialing is important to hospitals, clinics and independent doctors' offices because one misstep in the process can bring it to a halt, potentially impacting revenue for a considerable length of time. When the process stops unexpectedly, it can impact patient care and the physician's job at the hospital as well.

"Any well-thought-out process takes into account the many items necessary to secure credentialing from payers. In addition, the potential for errors are many, so it's important to identify where these may occur and have a mitigation plan in place. Whether the healthcare organization is large or small, a very specific, step-by-step plan is necessary to ensure the process is completed quickly and efficiently, and, hopefully, without any snags." - Kevin Lathrop, president of TriZetto Provider Solutions, a Cognizant company

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The World Health Organization is preparing ICD-11 coding guidelines for official release in June.

Here are four things to know about ICD-11.

1. WHO initiated the beta phase for ICD-11 in 2012. The beta draft is available online, not final and updated routinely.

2. The latest draft version contains about 30 main categories. New categories include conditions related to sexual health, traditional medicine conditions and diseases of the immune system. The traditional medicine chapter involves "disorders and patterns which originated in ancient Chinese medicine and are commonly used in China, Japan, Korea, and elsewhere around the world."

3. The latest proposal for ICD-11 also includes "gaming disorder" under the subcategory of "disorders due to addictive behaviors." The ICD-11 draft describes a digital gaming disorder as "a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior  [perpetuated] despite the occurrence of negative consequences."

4. ICD-11 is designed to be compatible with electronic health applications and information systems, and is available in a wide range of languages, including English, Russian, Arabic and Spanish.

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Iron County Medical Center, a critical access hospital in Pilot Knob, Mo., has faced financial troubles for months, and the facility filed for bankruptcy protection Wednesday.

Here are four things to know.

1. The hospital, which is owned by the Iron County Hospital District, filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy  a bankruptcy proceeding that offers distressed municipalities protection from creditors while a repayment plan is negotiated.

2. Iron County Medical Center CEO Joshua Gilmore told KFVS bankruptcy protection will help the hospital achieve financial stability. "I, along with my team of very dedicated employees, have been working diligently and tirelessly to find ways to remedy the situation," Mr. Gilmore said regarding the hospital's financial position. "While we have made progress in many areas, we have not been able to pay down our debts in a manner that provides us the protection we need to get to short-term viability and long-term sustainability."

3. In its bankruptcy petition, the Iron County Hospital District listed assets between $1 million and $10 million and liabilities between $10 million and $50 million.

4. Hospital leaders are asking Iron County residents to vote in favor of a half-cent sales tax on the April ballot. The tax would generate roughly $350,000 to $420,000 annually for the hospital.

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As commercial payers swallow up more physician groups and nonacute care services, nonprofit hospitals will see greater pressure on their volumes and margins, according to Moody's Investors Service.

Moody's analysts predict insurers will be able to provide preventive, outpatient and post-acute care to their members through acquired providers at a lower cost than hospitals. As a result, insurers will begin carving out hospitals and select services from their contracts, leaving nonprofit hospitals with fewer patients and less revenue.



CVS Health's $69 billion bid for Aetna and Optum's takeover of Surgical Care Affiliates are examples of integrations that could threaten nonprofit hospitals' bottom lines, Moody's said.

On another front, nonprofit hospitals face increasing pressure from insurers moving quickly to value-based payment programs. Payers will also leverage their growing scale, driven by Medicare and managed Medicaid expansions, in rate negotiations.

"Insurers flexing their negotiating power by offering lower rate increases will likely result in more standoffs and terminations of contracts between insurers and hospitals," according to Diana Lee, a Moody's vice president. "To regain leverage, we expect hospitals to continue [merger and acquisition] and consolidation."



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Savannah, Ga.-based Memorial University Medical Center, which was recently acquired by Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare, failed to comply with Medicare billing requirements for 39 of 131 inpatient and outpatient claims reviewed by HHS' Office of Inspector General, according to an OIG report.

The 39 claims that did not comply with Medicare billing requirements resulted in the 612-bed hospital receiving $599,530 in combined overpayments during 2015 and 2016, according to the OIG.

Extrapolating from the sample results, the OIG estimated MUMC received at least $1.4 million in overpayments from Medicare during the audit period.

After subtracting claims the hospital correctly reprocessed during the audit period, the OIG recommended the hospital refund Medicare just over $1.3 million. The OIG also recommended the hospital exercise reasonable diligence to identify and return any additional overpayments received outside of the audit period and strengthen controls to ensure full compliance with Medicare requirements.

In written comments on the draft report, MUMC disagreed with 17 of the 39 claim errors the OIG identified. The hospital said the inpatient rehabilitation facility claims were not audited by the OIG, but were instead audited by an independent medical reviewer who did not allow the hospital to submit additional documentation that would show the 17 claims met medical necessity requirements for the services provided. MUMC said it would pursue the Medicare appeals process for these claims.

After reviewing MUMC's written comments, the OIG maintained its findings and recommendations. The OIG said independent medical reviewers were provided all documentation necessary to determine medical necessity for the inpatient rehabilitation facility claims.

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Scribes call for guarantee of minimum wage

A section of media persons have reiterated their demand for minimum wages and other rights to a Nepali journalists forum.
Almost one week after Nokia said it was beginning a strategic review of its digital health business, a leaked internal memo revealed company officials don't see a future in it, according to Reuters.

Nokia's digital health business, which includes activity trackers and smartwatches, has been around for roughly two years. The company has struggled to break into the competitive market, even after a 2016 acquisition of France's Withings, a consumer electronics company. After it introduced a smartwatch last year, it wrote down $137 million (141 million Euros) of goodwill on the business.

"Rather than only falling in love with our technology, we must be honest with ourselves. In its entirety, our digital health business has struggled to scale and meet its growth expectations," Nokia's Chief Strategy Officer Kathrin Buvac wrote in the letter to employees, according to Reuters.

"Currently, we don't see a path for it to become a meaningful part of a company as large as Nokia... Failing fast isn't failure, it is accelerated learning," she added.

A Nokia spokesperson declined Reuters' request for comment on the memo, but said: "We now need to see how the strategic review progresses  there is no pre-ordained outcome."

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Cincinnati-based The Christ Hospital Health Network President and CEO Mike Keating is departing later this year, according to a Cincinnati Business Courier report.

Mr. Keating plans join a New York-based healthcare private equity firm. He has served as Christ Hospital CEO for five-plus years, assuming the role in 2013 after serving as interim leader. Prior to that, he was on the hospital's board for 21 years.

During his tenure as CEO, the health network expanded into Montgomery, Ohio, and Liberty Township, Ohio. Additionally, the Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Cincinnati grew from a two-year associate program to a four-year degree program.

Mr. Keating was previously co-founder and managing partner of Keating Vollmer & Co., a private investment firm.

The Christ Hospital Health Network's board has established a search committee to find Mr. Keating's successor. Mr. Keating will stay on as a board member to assist in the transition, according to the report.
Cliff Robertson, MD, is senior vice president of divisional operations at Englewood, Colo.-based CHI and CEO of CHI Health, the system's Nebraska/Southwest Iowa Division.

As CEO of CHI Health, he oversees 14 hospitals, 136 clinical locations and over 12,500 employees. Prior to joining the system in 2014, Dr. Robertson simultaneously served as interim CEO of Houston-based St. Luke's Health System and COO of CHI Franciscan Health in Tacoma, Wash.

Dr. Robertson took the time to answer three key leadership questions from Becker's.

Editor's note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and style.

Question: Is it important for CEOs to have a public presence?

Cliff Robertson: A public presence is critically important for a CEO; in fact it was one of the biggest changes I experienced when I transitioned from COO to CEO.

I believe a CEO has an obligation to dedicate time toward community engagement because that leads to a public presence for the organization. I actively participate in the local Chamber of Commerce, am willing to meet with media to discuss the issues of the day and specifically meet with business leaders. These gatherings are not only "meet and greets," but they give me an opportunity to share information about our organization's strategic direction and initiatives. I also make a point of communicating with community stakeholders directly through monthly updates and video blogs. All of these efforts can be valuable and are designed to create a more public presence for CHI Health.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you face right now as a CEO?

CR: The biggest challenge all CEOs face is explaining the "why" to front-line staff and clinicians. The considerable changes taking place in healthcare today and accompanying disruption create doubt about the future and anxiety for all of us in healthcare.

I focus on helping our team understand "what" is changing and then the "why" behind the decisions we make as an organization. I learned a while ago the best thing I can do as CEO is help our team understand where we are going and at the same time answer their question of, "What does this change mean for me?"

Q: What is the greatest misconception people have about being a CEO?

CR: I think some folks assume I make decisions all the time. I actually believe in the wisdom of groups. That includes having our front-line staff involved in deciding how best to resolve our organizational problems. I see my role as a facilitator of groups that have to "get their hands dirty" as they help us solve the many challenges we face.
While health insurers and benefit managers saw stocks tumble on news Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase & Co. will enter the healthcare arena, the editorial board at USA Today isn't convinced the move will be as disruptive as some think.

In an opinion piece published Feb. 20, USA Today editors wrote, "To BBD [Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffett and Jamie Dimon] we say: Go for it. If you can come up with ways to provide your employees with better health care for less money, more power to you. To the rest of the country we would say this: Don't get too excited. Not even a company as crafty as Amazon, or a bot as all-knowing as Alexa, can fix our nonsensical health care system."



USA Today said the reason an Amazon-Berkshire-JPMorgan company won't create overarching change is because U.S. healthcare is built upon an "upside-down" architecture. They wrote providers and drug companies "have monopoly or near-monopoly powers" to set prices, while employers and payers are much more fragmented.



"The three companies  particularly Amazon  are known for their ability to disrupt industries. But in health care, they aren't up against an old-school industry fallen behind the times; they're facing powerful monopolies or near-monopolies brimming with technology of their own," according to the report.

To view the full opinion piece, click here.



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John Serocki, MD, an orthopedic surgeon who practiced at Yuma (Ariz.) Regional Medical Center and San Diego-based Scripps Memorial Hospital, died Wednesday in a small plane crash commuting to work, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The plane, which Dr. Serocki was flying, crashed around 6:30 a.m. shortly after takeoff. The 61-year-old orthopedic surgeon planned to fly from San Diego to Yuma. Dr. Serocki's brother said he had been commuting to work in Yuma via airplane for years.

"Today we have lost an exceptional physician, colleague and friend, a man who dedicated his life and career to caring for patients," said Bharat Magu, MD, CMO at Yuma Regional Medical Center, in a statement. "Dr. Serocki was an outstanding physician who genuinely cared for people. His compassion and kind nature will be deeply missed."

Dr. Serocki earned his medical degree from Chicago-based Northwestern University Medical Center and later became an orthopedic surgeon. He practiced medicine for 25 years and was also a member of Doctors Without Borders.

No one on the ground was injured and Dr. Serocki was the only person on board.
For many women in healthcare, sexual harassment is a workplace reality that can come from peers, superiors and patients, NBC News reports.

"It just comes par for the course, unfortunately," said Meghann Justice, RN, a travel nurse who has worked in emergency rooms across the country for the last six years

Ms. Justice and her colleagues aim to shed light on what women who work in the medical profession encounter on a regular basis as the #MeToo movement spreads.

Female residents, nurses and surgeons told NBC News about misconduct and inappropriate comments they received from their colleagues, including propositions in hospital call rooms and questions about their bra sizes from male co-workers.

A number of women also said sexual harassment from patients is common in the workplace. The majority  71 percent  of nurses said they had been harassed by a patient, according to a recent Medscape poll.

"I think sexual harassment in general is probably one of the most persistent problems in the workplace, but in terms of nursing, the lines are blurred because we see patients in their most vulnerable state, some that require patients to get naked, and unfortunately, people take certain liberties that they wouldn't have had they been fully clothed," said Seun Ross, DNP, MSN, director of nursing practice and work environment at the American Nurses Association.

For healthcare providers, who have an ethical obligation to treat patients, addressing harassment from a patient can be difficult. For example, patients' behavior may be affected by their age, mental state or medication they are taking, causing them to act in ways they might not normally act.

"I think once we understand what the true definition of sexual harassment is, which is any advances that are unwelcome or unsolicited that are sexual, and we stop excusing it, then the change will happen," Dr. Ross said. "We want to drive accountability so we're able to enforce consequences, and once we do that, you'll see more and more nurses speak out."
Seventy-six-year-old Raymond McKenna shot and killed his 74-year-old wife Tuesday morning at Jefferson Health's sub-acute rehabilitation unit in Sewell, N.J., before killing himself, according to NJ.com.

Mr. McKenna died at the scene of the shooting. His wife was taken to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J., where she was pronounced dead, according to the report.

The local police department and prosecutor's office are investigating the incident.

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A grand jury indicted two nurses and one nursing home aide on numerous charges  including felony murder  relating to the 2014 death of a patient at a Georgia nursing home, according to WXIA.

The patient, 89-year-old James Dempsey, died at Northeast Atlanta (Ga.) Health and Rehabilitation in 2014. Footage obtained by WXIA last November showed nursing home staff laughing as the World War II veteran called for help numerous times, gasped for air and died.

The Brookhaven (Ga.) Police Department launched a criminal investigation into Mr. Dempsey's death after WXIA released the footage.

On Tuesday, grand jurors charged Loyce Pickquet Agyeman, a former licensed practical nurse, with felony murder and neglect to an elderly person. Former LPN Wanda Nuckles was charged with depriving an elderly person of essential services, and Mable Turman, a certified nurse assistant, was charged with neglect to an elderly person. Jurors also charged all three women with one count of concealing the death of another person.

The District Attorney's elder abuse and exploitation unit will prosecute the case. The court has not set a trial date yet.

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Fond du Lac, Wis.-based Agnesian HealthCare, a part of St. Louis-based SSM Health, faces a federal lawsuit alleging the nonprofit hospital defrauded Medicare, according to the FDL Reporter.

Here are four things to know about the lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Eastern Court of Wisconsin about five years ago.



1. The lawsuit, filed by a former employee with Agnesian Health's Fond du Lac Regional Clinic, alleges the system violated Stark Law by compensating physicians who funneled business to Agnesian Health.



2. Orthopedic physician Clark Searle, MD, said from 1996 through 2015, Agnesian adjusted physicians' compensation to account for specialty referrals to Agnesian facilities, services and providers. He also claimed deferred payments were linked to an agreement limiting which providers physicians could refer patients to if those physicians left Agnesian. There were exceptions to this agreement, such as if a referral to a non-Agnesian facility was in the patient's best interest, Dr. Searle said.

3. Agnesian Health told FDL Reporter it denies the claims. The system referenced Republic Gov. Scott Walker's repeal of the Wisconsin False Claims for Medical Assistance Law in 2015, which is Wisconsin's version of Stark Law.

4. Proceedings in the lawsuit are scheduled through mid-2019. Dr. Searle requested a jury trial and triple the amount of damages, according to the report.
The U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday rejected CareFirst's appeal to review a case involving a 2014 data breach, according to Bank Info Security.

The breach exposed nearly 1.1 million patient records, and in August 2017, a three-judge panel determined the risk of potential harm was substantial, allowing a class action lawsuit to advance. In November 2017, the insurer petitioned the Supreme Court to review that lower court's ruling.

In its appeal, CareFirst argued lower courts struggle figure out if data breach victims have a constitutional right to sue. Or, more specifically, with the threshold question of whether data breach victims meet the Article III requirement of a concrete or imminent injury.

Attorney Jonathan Nace of the law firm Nadel and Nace, which also represents plaintiffs in the case, told Bank Info Security he didn't believe the Court should be concerned with establishing a precedent related to data breaches.

"The fact is that data breaches are happening all the time. The D.C. Circuit's opinion and the Supreme Court's decision to deny cert simply indicate that our courts will permit citizens to hold corporations accountable when they fail to take reasonable precautions to protect our data," he told the publication. "When you consider all of the Americans who have had their data exposed, it is important that corporate America understands that if they do not take reasonable steps to protect data, they will be held responsible. "

The case, CareFirst v. Attitas, will be sent back the Washington court that dismissed CareFirst's request the case be thrown out.

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Provincial ministers and secretaries of Province 7 have raised suspicion that employees at the Urban Development and Building Construction Division Office (UDBCDO) might have been involved in irregularities while managing the office of the provincial government agencies.
The District of Columbia and 11 states in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the United States lack enough providers certified to prescribe medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction to meet current treatment demands, according to an analysis conducted by Avalere Health.

For the analysis, Avalere researchers looked at state-level opioid overdose death rates compiled by the CDC for 2016 and compared this data with the number of providers in the state certified to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid addiction treatment. Researchers used this comparison to develop a provider-death ratio for each state. Washington D.C., and 11 states  Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin  displayed significantly lower than average provider-death ratios. For example, Missouri had 919 fatal opioid overdose deaths in 2016, but only 286 providers certified to prescribe buprenorphine.

"For individuals who are struggling with opioid dependence, buprenorphine can be a critical step in their road to recovery," said Caroline Pearson, senior vice president at Avalere. "Extending prescribing privileges to nurse practitioners and physician assistants can facilitate access to this evidence-based treatment."

In 2016, federal legislators passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which permits nurse practitioners and physician assistants to gain Drug Enforcement Administration-certification to prescribe buprenorphine. On Jan. 23, the DEA amended its regulations "to incorporate these statutory and regulatory changes." The DEA began transitioning mid-level practitioners to certified MAT prescribers after the passage of CARA and has certified 5,000 mid-level practitioners to treat and prescribe medication to patients with opioid addiction.

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Three Ohio legislators want to draft a bill barring insurers like Anthem who cover emergency department visits on a discretionary basis from state contracts and tax incentives, The Columbus Dispatch reports.

Under Anthem's ED policy, which took effect in Ohio at the beginning of this year, Anthem will review diagnoses after members' emergency room visits. If the condition is determined to be nonemergent, Anthem may not cover the ED visit.



Here are four things to know about Ohio lawmaker's proposals.



1. At a news conference Feb. 21, state Rep. Alicia Reece, D-Cincinnati, said her and other lawmakers are considering a bill to penalize insurers who impose ED policies akin to Anthem's. Ms. Reece, along with two other Democratic representatives, said a potential bill would deny tax breaks and contracts to manage insurance for state, county and city employees to insurers like Anthem.



2. The three lawmakers plan to ask for intervention from Ohio Gov. John Kasich, R, on Anthem's ED policy. They also will call on Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, R, to investigate the legality of Anthem's discretionary coverage.

3. Anthem spokesperson Jeff Blunt told The Columbus Dispatch, "Anthem's ER program aims to reduce the trend in recent years of inappropriate use of ERs for non-emergencies. For non-emergency health-care needs, ERs are often a time-consuming place to receive care and in many instances 10 times higher in cost than urgent care." He added Anthem members  with 3.5 million located in Ohio  should always call 911 or visit an ER if they have an emergency.

4. Anthem rolled out its ER policy in Ohio, Indiana, New Hampshire, Missouri, Georgia and Kentucky. The Columbus Disptach reports the policy has several exceptions, including:
Republican Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson plans to hold a special legislative session to discuss low reimbursement rates pharmacies receive from pharmacy benefit managers, reports Arkansas Times.

Here are four things to know.

1. The motivation to call a special session on PBMs comes amid complaints from Arkansas pharmacists who say reimbursement rates have fallen so low, they are actually losing money on prescriptions. This revenue loss is forcing some pharmacies to lay off employees or even go out of business.

"Our local pharmacists  are an integral and critical part of our health care system in Arkansas," Mr. Hutchinson said in a statement cited by Arkansas Times. "We're a rural state. Independent local pharmacists are very important.  If they go out of business, that's a problem for our state."

2. The governor on Monday said the most ideal solution would be a market-based initiative in which pharmacists, insurers and PBMs develop a pricing model without government intervention.

3. Mr. Hutchinson also expressed his support for legislation giving the Arkansas Insurance Department authority over PBMs. If such legislation is passed, Arkansas would be the first state to regulate these companies.

"I support giving the Insurance Department oversight.  It's my understanding that no state has really put PBMs under regulatory authority yet," the governor said, according to Arkansas Times. "I know a number of states are considering it."

4. Mr. Hutchinson said the special session will occur after the Arkansas legislature's ongoing fiscal session, but did not give a specific date.

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In a move to expand its cancer immunotherapy pipeline, Merck & Co. inked a deal Wednesday to buy Viralytics, a virus-based cancer drug firm, for 502 million Australian dollars ($394 million), according to Reuters.

Here are three things to know.

1. Viralytics, a Sydney, Australia-based biotech company, uses viruses to detect and kill cancer cells.

2. Under the terms of the deal, Merck will pay 1.75 Australian dollars ($1.37) per share for the company.

3. "We are eager to further build on Viralytics's science as we continue our efforts to harness the immune system to improve long-term disease control and survival outcomes for people with cancer," Roy Baynes, MD, PhD, senior vice president and head of global clinical development, CMO of Merck Research Laboratories, said in a press release.
Surgeons at Severance Hospital of the Yonsei University Health System in Seoul, South Korea, successfully performed spinal surgery using Medtronic's O-ARM O2 imaging system and Stealth Station, its accompanying navigation system, Korea Biomedical Review reports.

Here are three things to know:

1. Neurosurgeon Dr. Kim Keung-Nyun led the surgical team, who completed the posterior fixation surgery on a 60-year-old male patient suffering from radiating pain in the leg and spine.

2. Medtronic's O-ARM O2 records high-quality, 3-D images of the patient's body during surgery, which are automatically transmitted to the Stealth Station. The Stealth Station is a navigation system that gives the physician information about the patient's anatomy while reducing X-ray exposure. The systems are predominately used for spinal navigation.

3. There are about 1,200 units of Medtronic's O-ARM in operation around the world. There are four are in Korea, and Severance said that it is one of four local hospitals equipped with the system and the only one to use the second-generation version, which has twice the range of 3-D imaging and half the radiation compared with the first iteration.

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The English developer who has pledged to build four hotels in Belfast and former Formula One driver Eddie Irvine are to join a group from the city at an international property event.

Lawrence Kenwright, the head of Signature Living, is joining the delegation of 70 business leaders next month at MIPIM in Cannes.

The Liverpudlian, who plans to open a George Best-themed hotel and three others, will be joined by other property developers such as Gary McCausland of Richland Group to present investment and development opportunities to an audience of 28,000 potential investors.

The delegation is 80% funded by the private sector, with sponsor companies putting up over 300,000 to cover costs.

The Belfast team will be taking part in 15 events focusing on selling points for the city such as its record for foreign direct investment and the quality of life of its residents.

Jackie Henry, Northern Ireland managing partner at Deloitte and head of the private sector group, said: "Once again, the Belfast delegation will champion our strong proposition as an outstanding city in which to live, work, visit, learn and, importantly, invest.

"We have structured a busy programme of engaging events that will enable us to showcase how and why Belfast is an attractive city for investors and what is driving growth and regeneration in the city."

Ms Henry said there will also be special interest slots, including a session in which Irvine talks about the accelerators of Belfast's growth.

Mairead O'Donnell, chair of Belfast City Council's city growth and regeneration committee, said it had become "more important than ever" to promote Belfast on the global stage.

"Investors, developers and employers who are familiar with Belfast can see first-hand the wave of transformation taking place in our city, and they are making positive decisions about their future here as a result," she added.
Continental Europes largest port has warned of additional expense and delays to trade as a result of Britain leaving the EU.

Dutch authorities have already begun recruiting customs officers in Rotterdam, with the ports boss estimating that several hundred will be needed to deal with the bureaucratic burden of Brexit.

Rotterdam Port Authority chief executive Allard Castelein warned of huge queues of lorries at ports on both sides of the English Channel, and said Brexit would raise the cost of goods imported into and exported out of the UK.

He raised doubts that a deal on frictionless trade can be reached by the official date of Brexit in March 2019.

Mr Castelein compared the situation to the Y2K Millennium Bug crisis, when authorities and companies spent millions preparing for the expected impact on computers of the arrival of the year 2000, without any certainty about what the scale of the problem would be.

I think the implications of Britain leaving the European Union are underestimated, Mr Castelein told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

It might mean a huge backlog of trucks at the various ports, which at this juncture we are not used to nor can we accommodate themAllard Castelein, Rotterdam Port Authority boss

We will need several hundred customs officers. Any goods and any trade of volume between the UK and the continent will have to be cleared in Rotterdam or have to be cleared in the UK.

Those processes will take significant amounts of time and will incur therefore cost, which will mean that the products will become more expensive and/or the incomes of the people shipping the goods will be reduced.

It might mean a huge backlog of trucks at the various ports, which at this juncture we are not used to nor can we accommodate them.

According to Office for National Statistics figures, UK exports to the Netherlands totalled 31 billion in 2016, with imports of around 42 billion.

Much of the trade in goods is conducted via Rotterdam, with a significant proportion involving products which pass through the Dutch port before being re-exported to destinations around the world.

Mr Castelein backed efforts to avoid the erection of barriers to trade, saying: I do believe we need to negotiate for the best, as frictionless as possible, because that will serve both countries and both sides of the Channel best.

But he added: However, I do believe we need to prepare for the worst. From my understanding, it would appear to be unlikely that a little over 400 days from now such agreements will be in place.

I compare the situation to the Y2K scenario. We need to prepare for an uncertain situation that will emerge the day Britain leaves the European Union.

It is in my book a very serious issue and has my utmost attention.
Channel 4's hit series Hunted is seeking out applicants for its new series.

The popular programme sees volunteers go off the grid and become a 'fugitive' with the mission of evading capture from some of the UK's finest expert trackers.

Producers are now looking for people from Northern Ireland to take part who think they have what it takes to disappear in 21st century Britain.

Friends, family members or co-workers can join forces in hopes of sharing the 100,000 prize, if they manage to beat the trackers.

So, do you think you've got what it takes to disappear and go on the run?

You can apply to take part in the new series of Hunted by visiting www.huntedapplications.com.

Closing date is Monday, March 12 2018. You must be 18 years or over to apply.
The Brit Awards went off without a hitch at the O2 Arena in London on Wednesday night but there were a few memorable moments of the emotional, awkward, and hilarious variety.

Here's what went down...

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Cheryl and Liam and the 'don't stop' safe word

Host Jack Whitehall sat down with former One Directioner Liam Payne and his girlfriend Cheryl, hours after rumours of an impending split hit the media.

He kicked off by referring to a nervous-looking Liam as Cheryl's 'plus one' and spoke about Liam featuring on the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack with Rita Ora.

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He said it sounded "saucy" and asked if there was a "safe word".

Liam said: "She knows that" nodding at Cheryl and Cheryl quipped 'don't stop'. Liam looked shocked and she stroked his chin. It was all kinds of awkward.

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Este from Haim's superb video bombing

As Cheryl and Liam chatted to Whitehall, Este from Haim had viewers in stitches with her background antics.

While some outlets accused her of being drunk, she tweeted, "not drunk, just living my truth".

not drunk, just living my truth https://t.co/WTARWSCenR  Este Haim (@jizziemcguire) February 21, 2018

Holly and Philip at it again

Host Jack Whiltehall struck again when he said the This Morning hosts were already "wasted" during the show.

The remark was in reference to the fact that the morning TV duo have arrived in to work a little worse for wear following the National Television Awards on more than one occasion. Jack told them to "control" themselves as Holly preened Philip's hair, which was a little weird.

Whitehall also takes aim at himself

While no celebs were safe, neither was Whitehall himself.

Before he introduced Rita Ora's performance the comedian joked about the lack of diversity among the hosts of the Brits in recent years (Dermot O'Leary and Emma Willis, Ant and Dec, James Corden and Peter Kay).

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However, he added: "Despite the unimaginative choice of white male hosts, this is one of the most diverse and inclusive line-ups in Brits history and we are continuing that trend with our next performer. She is one of the most successful female artists ever, its the brilliant Rita Ora.

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Liam Gallagher and Live Forever

After Ariana Grande reportedly pulled out of her Manchester tribute performance due to 'unforeseen circumstances', Liam Gallagher stepped in to pay tribute to the 22 people who died when a suicide bomber attacked the Manchester Arena in May with Oasis hit Live Forever.

The entire audience sang along and it was an emotional moment at the O2 Arena.

Stormzy's powerful rap for Grenfell

The grime artists bagged two gongs - British Male Solo Artist and Album of the Year - for Gang Signs and Prayer, but it was his performance which garnered the most attention.

He closed the show with an emotional performance which saw him take aim at Prime Minister Theresa May over Grenfell.

In a freestyle rap, he said: Theresa May wheres the money for Grenfell? What you thought we just forgot about Grenfell? You criminals, and youve got the cheek to call us savages, you should do some jail time, you should pay some damages, you should burn your house down and see if you can manage this.
A survey of more than 60,000 children here has found that many are not reading books which are challenging enough for their age.

The UK-wide study by literacy and assessment provider Renaissance UK, which surveyed 60,438 young people from year 1 to year 11 in Northern Ireland, found that book difficulty levels rise sharply with each year of primary school, but this falls off at secondary school.

The study found the decline was consistent among both boys and girls.

The results, which are detailed in the What Kids Are Reading Report released today, include findings that children in the first year of secondary school tend to be reading one year less than their chronological age.

By the second year (age 12) pupils are reading two years below their chronological age. And by the third, fourth and fifth year of secondary school pupils are reading at least three years below their chronological age - meaning that many pupils sitting their GCSEs at age 16 have the reading ability of a 13-year-old or lower.

The slump was also found in schools across the UK.

The most read book in Northern Ireland's primary schools is Roald Dahl's classic The Twits, followed by comedian-turned-author David Walliams' books The Midnight Gang and Gangsta Granny in second and third place.

In secondary schools Gangsta Granny takes the first spot, followed by Jeff Kinney's Diary Of A Wimpy Kid and then, again by Walliams, The Midnight Gang. Dundee University's Professor Keith Topping described the findings as striking, and said pupils should be encouraged to push themselves to read more difficult books.

The Department of Education said: "The department looks forward to seeing the report and will give it due consideration in the context of our literacy and numeracy strategy, Count, Read: Succeed, which sets challenging targets for attainment in literacy and numeracy and which we are on track to achieve.

"Accelerated Reader, the commercial programme on which this study is based, focuses on encouraging children and young people's personal reading and as such is not part of structured classroom learning.

"While the outcomes provide useful data, classroom teachers take a much broader approach to improving literacy and to addressing reading challenges through a broad suite of interventions, well-informed support and a thriving school library provision."
Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley has been urged to introduce measures tackling the legacy of Northern Ireland's violent past (Jonathan Brady/PA)

The British Government should urgently introduce measures addressing the legacy of Northern Irelands violent past, Amnesty International said.

Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley is to consult on mechanisms for investigating historic wrongdoing envisaged in the Stormont House Agreement between the main parties following the collapse of powersharing talks.

Amnesty said Northern Ireland had failed dismally to deal with past human rights violations, end discrimination on marriage equality and reform outdated abortion laws.

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Northern Ireland campaigns manager Grainne Teggart said: The collapse of the Stormont talks is no justification for the continuing denial of rights.

The Secretary of State Karen Bradley must deliver on legacy issues, marriage equality and abortion reform.

She said conflict victims continue to suffer the consequences of political failure to properly address past human rights abuses.

We welcome the Secretary of States comments that she will consult on implementation of bodies set out in the Stormont House Agreement and support reform of inquests.

This must be done urgently and bring an end to the denial of truth and justice.

The rights of LGBT+ people in Northern Ireland to be treated equally should not be held to ransom by the absence of devolved governmentGrainne Teggart, Amnesty International

A number of new agencies were agreed by political leaders under the 2014 Stormont House Agreement.

An Historical Investigations Unit would examine unsolved murders while an Independent Commission on Information Retrieval would help families to learn more about the fate of their loved ones.

Northern Ireland remains the only part of the UK where same-sex couples cannot marry.

Ms Bradley has said it is a devolved matter but the power of Westminster to legislate remains unaffected.

She has added: If this issue were to be raised in Westminster, the Governments policy is to allow a free vote on matters of conscience such as equal marriage.

The DUP has argued in the past that people in same-sex relationships are free to enter civil partnerships but marriage is between a man and a woman.

Ms Teggart said the UK Government must end daily discrimination against same-sex couples and introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity bringing Northern Irelands laws on marriage equality into line with the rest of the UK.

She added: The rights of LGBT+ people in Northern Ireland to be treated equally should not be held to ransom by the absence of devolved government and a seemingly never-ending talks process that has so far failed to progress these issues. The UK Government can and must fix this.
The Irish government will not allow Brexit to undermine the Good Friday Agreement, the Tanaiste has told a US audience.

Speaking in New York, Simon Coveney said that one of the Republic's aims in the Brexit negotiations is "the creation of the closest possible future connection between the EU and the UK".

Addressing an event organised by Columbia University, Mr Coveney added: "The other key strategic objective for us is to ensure that the outcome of Brexit does not in any way undermine the hard won gains of the peace process, as exemplified by the Good Friday Agreement.

"The EU, and of course the US, played a pivotal role in this achievement, together with the British and Irish Governments.

"And the Agreement was endorsed by huge majorities in Northern Ireland and in Ireland. We therefore all share the same goal of protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process."

He also stressed the importance of restoring Stormont, in order "to harness greater and broader Northern Ireland input into how to make the best of Brexit".

Due to the current crisis, Northern Ireland is represented at the Joint Ministerial Committee on Europe by the head of the Civil Service. It is the only UK devolved region not to have political representation on Brexit.

"Despite the efforts of both Governments in recent months, and especially in recent weeks, it is deeply regrettable that there is at present no power-sharing Executive in place. However, we will not give up - we cannot give up," Mr Coveney said.
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 22nd February 2018 The scene at the old Belfast Telegraph building on Royal Avenue in Belfast city centre after an overnight fire. Mandatory Credit Matt Mackey / Pressye.com

The scene at the old Belfast Telegraph building on Royal Avenue in Belfast city centre after an overnight fire. Mandatory Credit Matt Mackey / Pressye.com

The scene at the old Belfast Telegraph building on Royal Avenue in Belfast city centre after the fire. Mandatory Credit Matt Mackey / Presseye.com

The scene at the old Belfast Telegraph building on Royal Avenue in Belfast city centre after thefire. Mandatory Credit Matt Mackey / Pressye.com

Police are investigating a fire at the former Belfast Telegraph building early on Thursday morning.

The blaze erupted in the first floor of the empty Royal Avenue building at around 3.30am.

Two crews were sent to the scene, however, it became apparent further resources were needed and in the end eight crews tackled the fire.

The Fire Service said it was too early to say what the cause was and no one was in the building at the time.

Fire Service district commander Carl Dorris said substantial damage was caused to one room and the rest of the building untouched by the fire.

"We quickly extinguished the fire, but the building was heavily smoke logged so using breathing apparatus we conducted a search of the scene and ventilated the building," he said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation and the scene has been handed over to police.

The building was home to the Belfast Telegraph for almost 130 years before owners Independent News and Media took the decision to close operations and move to its new Clarendon docks base in August 2016.

Since the move concerts have been held in the former print halls and there are plans to transform part of the building into a hotel.

Police appealed for anyone with information to contact police.

Sergeant Allister Hagan said: The incident was reported to us around 3.40am today and a number of NIFRS appliances attended to extinguish the fire. The road was cordoned off for a time. No-one was in the building at the time and no-one was injured.

We are investigating the cause of the fire and we asking anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area between 3-4am to get in touch with us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 131 of 22/2/18.

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Brexit cannot undermine the hard won gains of the Northern Ireland peace process, Irelands deputy PM has said.

On a trip to the US, which will include meetings with officials from President Donald Trumps administration, Simon Coveney said a strategic objective of the Brexit negotiations for Ireland was the creation of the closest possible future connection between the European Union and the UK.

He said that it was in the EUs interests and overwhelmingingly in Irelands interests to have a confident and co-operative UK on its doorstep.

Talking down Good Friday Agreement because it raises serious and genuine questions of those pursuing #Brexit is not only irresponsible but reckless and potentially undermines the foundations of a fragile peace process in Northern Ireland that should never be taken for granted  Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) February 20, 2018

The other key strategic objective for us is to ensure that the outcome of Brexit does not in any way undermine the hard won gains of the peace process, as exemplified by the Good Friday Agreement, Mr Coveney said.

The EU, and of course the US, played a pivotal role in this achievement, together with the British and Irish Governments. And the Agreement was endorsed by huge majorities in Northern Ireland and in Ireland.

We therefore all share the same goal of protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process.

Mr Coveney said if the UK is to enjoy the best possible relationship with the EU post Brexit, the UKs regulatory rules and structures will need to be closely aligned with those of the EU.

I strongly welcome Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Karen Bradleys steadfast support for the Good Friday Agreement in the Commons today:https://t.co/VK49swD1tI  Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) February 20, 2018

But he added: Being outside cannot be the same as being inside. Contrary to what some may say, you cannot have your cake and eat it.

The deputy PM also emphasised the importance of restablishing powersharing in Northern Ireland.

We urgently need to see the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly to harness greater and broader Northern Ireland input into how to make the best of Brexit, Mr Coveney said.

Despite the efforts of both governments in recent months, and especially in recent weeks, it is deeply regrettable that there is at present no power-sharing Executive in place. However, we will not give up  we cannot give up.
Social media users have levelled criticism at DUP MP Ian Paisley after a tweet in which he called Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald "Loopy Lou".

It came in a retweet by Mr Paisley of a thread from BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg, in which she was giving an account of Mrs McDonald's meeting with PM Theresa May on Wednesday.

The thread recounted that Mrs McDonald claimed the DUP had not given a "true and accurate" picture of negotiations, and that Mrs McDonald had accused the PM of allowing the DUP to block power-sharing at Stormont.

Mr Paisley wrote: "Loopy Lou's Party walked out of Stormont".

Dublin-based Sinn Fein councillor Paul Donnelly tweeted in response: "I thought at one stage last year that we really saw shift in terms of mutual respect and understanding after Martin's death.

"You played a real part in that and it's pretty disappointing to see your comment today."

Former Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness died in March of 2017.

Writing underneath the original tweet, a number of users questioned the appropriateness of the comment considering the focus on respect in negotiations to restore Stormont.

"Do you think that is appropriate, Ian? Name-calling like you're in a playground. This isn't America, that stuff isn't acceptable," wrote one user.

"Letting your side down Ian with comments like that, also letting Northern Ireland down," wrote another.
North Down MP Lady Hermon has poured cold water on claims that she walked out of a sitting of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (NIAC) to avoid hearing evidence from loyalist blogger and former flag protester Jamie Bryson.

Mr Bryson, who is from Donaghadee in Lady Hermon's constituency, appeared as a witness at the Westminster committee yesterday morning for the session titled 'Devolution and Democracy in Northern Ireland - dealing with the deficit'.

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The appearance of a man who became prominent during protests following the democratic Belfast City Council decision to fly the Union flag from City Hall on designated days only caused controversy earlier this week when Alliance leader Naomi Long pulled out of giving evidence, claiming the committee had lost credibility by inviting him.

Mr Bryson was listed as a representative of the group Unionist Voice Policy Studies.

He appeared angry that Lady Hermon, who is the member of the NIAC, was not present during his evidence, and claimed she had absented herself as an act of protest against him.

But in a statement issued to the media yesterday, Mr Bryson said he continued to have "much respect for Lady Hermon and would be more than happy to have a cup of tea and conversation with her to try and understand why she believes that the voice of one of her constituents, and indeed the grassroots unionist group I represent, should be denied the opportunity to engage in an open process such as the NI Affairs Committee".

Lady Hermon told the Belfast Telegraph that she will read the transcript of Mr Bryson's evidence, and said he is welcome to meet her at her office in Bangor.

"Jamie is a constituent of mine, and he knows my door is always open for him to come for a cup of tea and a chat," she said.

"As for attendance at NIAC, it is not compulsory for members to attend every evidence session, but I will certainly read the transcript of his evidence when it is published.

"Meantime, I look forward to putting on the kettle for him at my Bangor office."
Detectives investigating the murder of amateur boxer Raymond Johnston arrested a suspect yesterday.

The 34-year-old man was detained under the Terrorism Act in Poleglass, west Belfast.

Mr Johnston was blasted twice in the chest in front of his partner and her 11-year-old daughter after two masked gunmen entered his home on Glenbawn Avenue in Poleglass just before 8pm last Tuesday.

The arrest came after the PSNI carried out seven planned searches in west Belfast.

A number of items were seized and taken away for forensic examination.

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce said: "The manner in which Raymond's murder was carried out was particularly savage.

"We are determined to catch those responsible and give justice to the Johnston family, and while we have made progress in the investigation, we still need help from the community.

"I am appealing to any members of the public that had contact with Raymond, or anyone who was in the area at any time on Tuesday, February 13, and had a dashcam fitted in their vehicles, to contact us."

Police are also calling on anyone who saw a man wearing a blue coat with fur around the hood making off from the scene to get in touch.
More than 80,000 patients were waiting more than a year to see a consultant by the end of 2017.

The NHS in Northern Ireland is facing an unprecedented crisis after it was revealed more than 80,000 patients were waiting more than a year to see a consultant by the end of 2017.

Figures published by the Department of Health show that by December 31, 2017, 80,651 patients had waited more than 52 weeks for a first consultant-led outpatient appointment.

Roy Beggs MLA, Ulster Unionist Health spokesman, said the figures were frightening.

There is a major and unprecedented crisis in our health service, he said.

Never before in the NHSs 70 year history have so many local people been waiting, and for such appalling lengths of time.

It is shocking and outrageous that at the end of December 2017 there were 80,651 people waiting for over a year for their first appointment with a consultant. The figure in the same period the year before was just over 47,000.

Mr Beggs said the size of the increase in just 12 months illustrates the pace at which the problems in the health service are escalating.

He added: Tragically we are now long past the point of some patients coming to harm as a result of the delays.

The fact that so many people and conditions are now being pacified with pain relief, rather than actually receiving treatment for the problem, is simply appalling.

It wouldnt be tolerated anywhere else in the United Kingdom, and it shouldnt be tolerated here.

Our health service urgently needs a period of intensive support, stability and longer-term planning.

NHS targets state that at least 50% of patients should wait no longer than nine weeks for a first outpatient appointment, with no patient waiting longer than a year.

More than three quarters of patients (76.2%, 206,983) waited for more than nine weeks.

In a statement, the Health and Social Care Board said waiting times experienced by many patients continued to be "unacceptable."

The board said a number of factors- including a growing older population, increased demand for services and a lack of funding- was putting the health service under huge pressure.

The statement added: "While additional investment, if available, would allow us to bring waiting lists down in the short to medium-term, the only long-term answer is to continue to transform services.

"A range of transformation initiatives, highlighted in the Department of Healths one-year update report on the strategy to tackle waiting times in Northern Ireland, show that progress is being made.

"These include primary care alternatives to hospital referrals which will enable patients to receive high quality assessment and treatment more quickly, and which will help to free up appointments and treatment for urgent and complex cases in secondary care.

"Rolling out such new pathways across Northern Ireland will require funding support, as part of the drive to transform care."
PACEMAKER BELFAST 22/02/2018: Lecturers go on Strike at Queen's University in Belfast on Thursday Morning. The University and College Union (UCU) is taking the action over a dispute over changes to staff pensions. Classes at Queen's University (QUB) and Ulster University (UU) face substantial disruption due to strike action from lecturers. Picture By: Pacemaker.

PACEMAKER BELFAST 22/02/2018: Lecturers go on Strike at Queen's University in Belfast on Thursday Morning. The University and College Union (UCU) is taking the action over a dispute over changes to staff pensions. Classes at Queen's University (QUB) and Ulster University (UU) face substantial disruption due to strike action from lecturers. Picture By: Pacemaker.

PACEMAKER BELFAST 22/02/2018: Lecturers go on Strike at Queen's University in Belfast on Thursday Morning. The University and College Union (UCU) is taking the action over a dispute over changes to staff pensions. Classes at Queen's University (QUB) and Ulster University (UU) face substantial disruption due to strike action from lecturers. Picture By: Pacemaker.

Lecturers go on Strike at Queen's University in Belfast on Thursday Morning. Picture By: Pacemaker.

Lecturers and staff strike at Queen's University in Belfast on Thursday Morning. Picture By: Pacemaker.

Northern Ireland students should complain to their universities and look for refunds for their tuition fees if their courses are affected by industrial action.

Queen's University Student Union President Stephen McCrystall said they fully supported staff in their dispute saying it was important students were not adversely impacted.

"The staff are not the enemy and the students are not the enemy," he told the Belfast Telegraph. "It is the responsibility of the universities to ensure they look after their staff and that includes the right to a pension."

Lecturers and non-academic staff at Ulster University and Queen's began strike action on Thursday alongside almost 60 other institutions across the UK. An escalating wave of stoppages are planned over a four-week period by members of the University and College Union (UCU). The protest surrounds changes to pensions.

Queen's said it was working to make sure it was "business as usual" during the disruption.

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"Obviously the universities will not know how they will be impacted until the strike actually happens," said the student union president.

"We are fully behind the staff and their campaign for a fair pension. It is worth remembering that it is in the university's interest to support staff so they don't feel they should go on strike and can go back to the job they love.

"This is an unfair attack on staff working condition."

Are you affected by the strike action? Contact digital.editorial@belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Both Queen's and the students union have issued advice to students on what they should do in terms of classes and for handing in coursework on time.

However, some final year students have had classes cancelled.

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"It is disappointing the universities could not come to agreement with their staff and they have been forced into taking a strike. We have been encouraging the students to support it and we realise the decision was not taken lightly," continued law graduate Mr McCrystall.

"We have advised students that if they are affected they should write to the university to complain - while expressing support for the action - and look for a refund of part of their tuition fees. Hopefully that will encourage the universities to look for a resolution. We also have advice centres and support officers to provide help.

"It is important the university works to make sure no student is adversely impacted and has proper planning in place and we would hope the universities reconsider their response in response to their staff concerns."

Queen's University was asked how it will protect students from being adversely impacted by the action and if they would be offering refunds.

A spokeswoman said: "Queens University is disappointed that UCU has decided to take industrial action over proposed changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).

"The University does not support industrial action and will be taking all necessary steps to ensure that it is business as usual, with minimal impact on the quality of services and support provided to our students and other stakeholders.

UCU Northern Ireland official Katharine Clarke said: "Clearly the managements of our universities are unconcerned about their staff facing poverty in retirement after a lifetime of dedicated service.

"This is totally unacceptable and has left our members with no alternative but to strike to defend the pensions they have paid into over the course of their employment."

An Ulster University spokesperson said: "We understand the strength of feeling amongst staff and recognise that the decision to strike is not taken lightly by University staff.

"Despite this national dispute, we are working hard to minimise the impact of disruption on campus and to ensure that our students are not disadvantaged by the industrial action.

"While there has been some disruption, we are continuing to do everything possible to safeguard both the student and staff experience during this time.

"Undoubtedly a large volume of assessment will be unaffected by the strike, but any that are would be treated sympathetically by the academic staff involved and by Boards of Examiners.

"Fees cover a full range of services provided directly to students in addition to teaching. We have no reason to believe at this stage that any graduations will be delayed or that students will be prevented from completing their programmes of study on time, or progressing as expected because of the industrial action."

The spokesman added: "The USS pension scheme is facing a significant deficit and an affordable solution is crucial to the sustainability of the Higher Education sector. At a national level, negotiations between Universities UK (UUK) and University & College Union (UCU) have been ongoing for many months to identify a way forward in building a stable and secure pension fund, whilst ensuring contributions are affordable for both employees and the universities, and a proposal is now to be consulted upon.
George Keenan was granted bail at the High Court this morning.

An alleged paedophile hunter has been remanded back into custody after flouting a ban on accessing social media platforms.

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard George Keenan breached bail conditions within 24 hours of being released on charges of targeting suspected sex offenders.

The 34-year-old used WhatsApp messenger - despite being restricted to a mobile phone capable of just voice calls and simple text messages.

A defence lawyer said it had been a "silly and stupid mistake" for which Keenan apologised.

"He's a man of low intelligence," the lawyer added.

Opposing renewed bail, police claimed Keenan has ignored previous undertakings to stop hunting suspected paedophiles.

Referring to the defendant's alleged activities, Sergeant Adrian Moutray told the court: "He identifies individuals he disagrees with on the internet, communicates with them and brings them to a location of his choice with other like-minded people and uses the internet to humiliate them live online."

District Judge Fiona Bagnall was told the defendant has publicly stated his intention is to "destroy these individuals lives".

Keenan, of Glenwood Court in the Dunmurry area of Belfast, is among three alleged paedophile hunters facing a raft of assault, false imprisonment and attempted intimidation charges.

He is also accused of trying to menace an investigative reporter during a confrontation in the south of the city on February 6.

BBC reporter Kevin Magee was allegedly confronted by a number of people at a coffee shop on Botanic Avenue while making a news report on the activities of groups operating in Northern Ireland.

Charges of disorderly behaviour, attempting my force, threat or menace to cause Mr Magee from refraining to broadcast a television interview, and obstruction have been brought over that incident.

On Tuesday Keenan was granted bail on condition that he abide by a series of conditions aimed at stopping any futher paedophile hunting activities.

Those restrictions included a prohibition on using social media platforms and only access to basic mobile phone functions.

He was arrested again on Wednesday after the breach was detected.

The defence lawyer argued that his client borrowed the device, switched off mobile data and then used WhatsApp to send details of the new number.

But Sergeant Moutray insisted: "I do not believe any undertakings Mr Keenan gives."

Judge Bagnall also expressed concerns at the breach occurring just after bail was granted.

"He voluntarily entered into an agreement with the court, but straight away breaks that," she said.

Despite being told Keenan has now "seen the error of his ways", she ordered that he must be remanded in custody.

The defendant is now due back in court by video-link on March 22.
Queen's and Ulster University have expressed their opposition to planned industrial action by lecturers at the universities. (Peter Byrne/PA)

Queen's University has expressed its opposition to planned industrial action by lecturers over pension reform.

In its statement, Queen's University said it is "disappointed" at the decision to take industrial action.

A spokesperson for Ulster University said it accepted pension reform was "challenging for all involved" and it would endeavour to minimise the impact strike action had on students.

Staff at the two universities join their colleagues at 61 universities across the United Kingdom in taking a four-week period of industrial action over pensions.

Strike action is due to begin on Thursday, and will continue with a five-day walkout taking place on the days before and after the weekend.

The University and College Union (UCU), which represents lecturers across the UK.

The protest is against changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme, the largest principal private pension scheme in place for lecturers in the UK.

Lecturers are opposing a proposal to end the benefit element of the scheme, to be replaced with a defined contribution scheme based upon stock market investment performance.

UCU have said gambling with the pension scheme in this way will leave a typical lecturer almost 10,000 a year worse off in retirement than current set-up.

A spokeswoman said: "The University does not support industrial action and will be taking all necessary steps to ensure that it is business as usual, with minimal impact on the quality of services and support provided to our students and other stakeholders.

An Ulster University spokesperson said: "There is no doubt that the process of pension reform is challenging for all involved and that difficult decisions will need to be taken. We understand the strength of feeling amongst some staff arising from the reform proposals and respect the right of staff to take part in authorised industrial action.

"We also understand that this strike action is unsettling for staff and for students and are working to minimise any impact on campus or possible disruption to the learning experience. We are taking steps to ensure that our students are not disadvantaged by this industrial action over the weeks ahead."
Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard has defended opening his constituency office in a building named after two IRA men as "absolutely fitting".

He was responding after the son of an IRA victim said the centre "glorified" terrorists. MLA Jim Wells described it as a "sickening insult" and questioned the MP's commitment to "represent everyone".

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Speaking to BBC Talkback, Mr Hazzard described Mr Wells' comments as "hypocritical" saying the building has been named after Peter McNulty and Paul Magorrian since before he was born. Mr Wells rejected the clams.

The MP said it was "absolutely fitting" both the office and the local Sinn Fein branch were named after them.

"They were killed in their area and their families are held in the highest regard," he said.

"I would also point out that less than 50 metres from this office there is a British war memorial to remember all those that gave their lives in a British uniform, some of whom in that uniform killed Paul Magorrian who was killed beside my office by a British soldier.

"We have a place in Castlewellan where the British army are remembered and our Irish republican dead are remembered and I would call on people to enter this discussion with caution and with a little bit more of the facts."

Mr Hazzard rejected Jim Wells' claim the office move would put people off using his constituency service saying "plenty of people" from across the community had already been in the building looking his support.

"I have no doubt in the society we live in there would be people who would have trouble engaging with me simply because I am a Sinn Fein representative. Likewise there will be people who find it difficult to deal with a DUP representative. That is the type of society we come from.

"The Good Friday Agreement states very, very clearly we are coming out of conflict and we all have right to remember our dead. we have to keep in prinicples of a shared society and moving forward."

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Jim Wells rejected Mr Hazzard's accusations of hypocrisy saying he has complained to the House of Commons standards commissioner.

He told the BBC it was a "different situation" for MP Emma Little Pengelly to host a constituency advice service in a band hall which is linked to two UDA men shot by the IRA.

"It's a totally different situation because this is his [Mr Hazzard's] full time constituency office paid for by the tax payer."

"A constituency office has to be neutral... I would never name my constituency office after a loyalist paramilitary that's for sure," he added.

The Commissioner for Standards told the Belfast Telegraph that it was not currently investigating the matter, adding that the funding of MPs' offices was a matter for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).

However, while IPSA confirmed it does pay some expenses to Sinn Fein MPs, which can include the running of the offices of the party's MPs, it does not have any specific rules over the naming of these offices.

McNulty (47) was killed in a premature bomb explosion during an attack on Castlewellan RUC base on January 26, 1972, while Magorrian (21) was shot dead by the Army in Castlewellan on August 14, 1974.
There has been anger after Sinn Fein's South Down MP set up his office in a building named after two IRA men.

Victims of the Provos have questioned how Chris Hazzard can serve the entire constituency when his office "glorifies" terrorists.

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Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald was among the guests at the official opening of the office in Castlewellan at the end of last month.

Now a new sign has been erected for the McNulty-Magorrian Advice Centre, in honour of local IRA men Peter McNulty and Paul Magorrian.

Sammy Heenan, whose father William (51) was murdered in 1985 outside his home just five miles from the town, said he was disgusted.

He queried how an MP can serve everyone in his constituency from an office with a sign bearing the name of terrorists, and challenged Mr Hazzard to condemn all paramilitaries and stop holding "double standards".

Mr Heenan said that recently Mr Hazzard had condemned the UVF's Loughinisland massacre on one page of a local paper, while on another he "was giving a eulogy at a terrorist shrine in Castlewellan".

"What message does that send out to a vulnerable Protestant community in that town?" he asked.

"Sadly, using this office named after two terrorists shows selective condemnation of terrorism. I have challenged Chris Hazzard twice publicly and he has ignored them both. It appears he is not prepared to represent everybody in the constituency."

Mr Heenan was 12 when his father was shot dead. No one has ever been convicted.

"I have demanded that Chris Hazzard speak out and condemn the murder of my father, but so far he hasn't responded. The murder of my father is an uncomfortable truth for the Provisional movement because he was not a member of the security forces," he said.

"I have no doubt that Chris Hazzard would not have to travel too far to find someone who knows something about the murder of my father."

Sandra Harrison, whose brother was killed by the IRA 30 years ago, and chairs a local victims group called MAST (Mourne Action for Survivors of Terrorism), said many who live in Castlewellan were disgusted.

"We feel like our noses are being rubbed in it. We are being reminded again and again every time we drive past that centre about the terrorists," she said.

"This does not feel like equality - Mr Hazzard is the MP for South Down, but operating out of that office, there will be many people who would not feel comfortable walking through that door.

"My brother was murdered 30 years ago last week. You try to get on with life, but seeing signs like that really brings the trauma back."

Kenny Donaldson, spokesman for Innocent Victims United, added: "We have been contacted by several IVU families based in South Down who are deeply hurt by what has happened. A Member of Parliament for all? What a sickening insult".

DUP MLA Jim Wells said: "Sinn Fein speak of 'reaching out' to their unionist neighbours whilst erecting a sign which will cause enormous offence to the families of the 70 innocent victims of terrorism in South Down.

"What makes this development even more appalling is that when he was elected as the MP for South Down, Hazzard promised that he would work for all the people of the constituency.

"How could anyone who is not a republican feel comfortable going into a constituency office so obviously dedicated to two IRA terrorists?"

Mr Wells has made a complaint about the name of the office to both Westminster's Commissioner for Standards and the Assembly.

An official from the Assembly responded to Mr Wells in an email telling him that his concerns will be investigated, and "if necessary, any appropriate action taken".

The Commissioner for Standards told the Belfast Telegraph that it was not currently investigating the matter, adding that the funding of MPs' offices was a matter for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).

However, while IPSA confirmed it does pay some expenses to Sinn Fein MPs, which can include the running of the offices of the party's MPs, it does not have any specific rules over the naming of these offices.

McNulty (47) was killed in a premature bomb explosion during an attack on Castlewellan RUC base on January 26, 1972, while Magorrian (21) was shot dead by the Army in Castlewellan on August 14, 1974.

Sinn Fein said: "The Sinn Fein advice centre in Castlewellan - which is currently being used as the constituency office by Chris Hazzard MP - has been named after Peter McNulty and Paul Magorrian for 25 years. Under the Good Friday Agreement, everyone, including Irish republicans, have the right to remember their dead with dignity and respect."
A report on speech and language therapy after a stroke has warned some people are not being provided for (Handout/PA)

Some stroke survivors have not received any speech and language therapy in Northern Ireland, a professional body warned.

Their communication needs should be assessed within three days of an attack, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) urged.

A third of those affected by the debilitating events were not happy with their one-to-one therapy, while almost three-quarters were satisfied with their group sessions, research by Ulster University suggested.

The inability to communicate basic needs can be terrifying for survivors and it is essential that speech and language therapy commences in the immediate aftermath of a strokeBarry Macaulay, Stroke Association

Alison McCullough, head of the Northern Ireland office of the RCSLT, said: This survey once again demonstrates how crucial speech and language therapy is in supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of stroke survivors who may be having difficulty communicating or swallowing.

It is worrying to see that some stroke survivors are still not receiving the amount of therapy that they need, with some saying they are not receiving any provision at all.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain.

There are more than 100,000 in the UK each year; around one every five minutes.

The college surveyed the communication needs of 71 people in Northern Ireland after a stroke.

Nine out of 10 survivors believe that communication difficulties following their stroke have impacted hugely on their lives, the study showed, and that fewer people are now receiving speech and language therapy after a stroke than a decade ago.

Ms McCullough added: We are calling for a Communication Lifeline to form a core part of stroke aftercare to ensure that stroke survivors have their communication assessed within 72 hours so that they can be given a means of communicating even at a basic level.

We would also urge commissioners to ensure that the provision of specialist speech and language therapy is available throughout Northern Ireland.

Barry Macaulay, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said the therapy was important to survivors recovery.

The inability to communicate basic needs can be terrifying for survivors and it is essential that speech and language therapy commences in the immediate aftermath of a stroke and continues to be provided in the community on a longer-term basis to enable greater independence and well-being.

This improves positive outcomes and empowers stroke survivors to communicate their most basic needs to carers and close family members right from the beginning.

We support RCSLTs call for a Communication Lifeline as this would ensure a uniform approach to stroke care across Northern Ireland.
Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew has condemned vandalism to an Irish language road sign

A bilingual road sign in Co Tyrone has been vandalised.

Vandals spray painted over the Irish language portion of the Mid Ulster District Council sign erected just outside Caledon.

Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew has condemned the damage.

The Fermanagh South MLA said: "The vandalism of this sign is indicative of the attitude of some in society who show a complete disregard and lack of respect for the Irish identity.

"There is no excuse for this type of vandalism and it will not be tolerated.

"Anybody removing, destroying or vandalising bilingual signs is involved in criminal damage and should be reported to the PSNI.

"Occurrences like this bring into focus the need for protection of Irish Language rights through Acht na Gaeilge [Irish language act]."
The Siberian blast, blowing its way across the continent from Russia, will bring snow storms and freezing weather to the eastern side of England and Scotland in the coming days

Northern Ireland is expected to escape the worst of the weather as the 'Beast from the East' makes its way across Europe.

The Siberian blast, blowing its way across the continent from Russia, will bring snow storms and freezing weather to the eastern side of England and Scotland in the coming days.

But while Northern Ireland should expect cold temperatures the weather will be crisp and dry through the weekend and into next week.

A high of 5-6C is expected tomorrow, falling by a degree on Saturday, with the lowest temperature of the weekend expected to arrive on Sunday - freezing or just below.

Stuart Brooks from the Met Office said the Irish Sea would provide an extra layer of protection against the biting Arctic winds.

"Northern Ireland will feel quite still and settled compared to other areas," he said.

"Yes, it will feel cold but it's still going to be dry over the weekend, and while temperatures are likely to dip below freezing overnight on some days, because the sun will be out in the daytime, frost won't stick around."

As well as the protection from the Irish Sea, the icy wind from Russia will hit the eastern part of the UK first.

"It's moving like a big clockwise circle but by the middle of next week that direction could completely change to northerly or north-easterly direction," said Mr Brooks.

He warned if temperatures were to dip further and the dry weather changed there could be snow going into March.
A woman has appeared in court in Ballymena after recording a drink-drive breath reading of more than four times the limit.

A woman has appeared in court in Ballymena after recording a drink-drive breath reading of more than four times the limit.

Roberta Lorraine Aiken (36), of Phoenix Fields, Ballymena, registered 145 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath with the legal limit being 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

The reading is one of the highest ever before a court in Northern Ireland, and higher than anything recorded by the PSNI in its drink-drive clampdown over Christmas last year.

Aiken was warned she faces more than just a driving ban and fine when she is sentenced.

In court she pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in her breath.

Ballymena Magistrates Court heard the detection came to light on November 11 last year following a collision in the town.

The detection came before the annual Christmas drink drive clampdown which ran during the month of December but as an example of how high Aiken's reading was, the biggest reading in the whole of Northern Ireland over the festive period in 2017 was 133 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

At Ballymena Court, defence barrister Michael Smyth accepted Aiken had a "high reading" and District Judge Peter King said: "She was more than four times the legal limit".

At Thursday's court, sentencing was deferred until March but Aiken was given an interim disqualification from driving.

Judge King said that as the reading was so high that ultimately the case would not only be dealt with by just a fine and a ban but other options could include making Aiken do Community Service.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd meets Syrian refugees during a visit to the Qab Elias Informal Settlement in the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, close to the Syrian border (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Britain is considering extending its commitment to resettle vulnerable refugees from the brutal Syrian civil war, the Home Secretary said, as the number already brought to the UK passed 10,000.

Amber Rudd said she was hopeful the Vulnerable Person Resettlement Scheme (VPRS), which aims to rehome 20,000 people by 2020, would hit its target early.

Figures released on Thursday by the Home Office showed 10,538 people have been granted refuge in Britain under the scheme.

Speaking on a trip to a camp in Lebanon, less than 15 miles from the Syrian border, Ms Rudd said she was already holding talks about what may follow the scheme.

The bloody conflict shows little sign of ending and allowing displaced families to return home, with hundreds killed since the weekend in Eastern Ghouta.

The representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Lebanon has said that Britain and the rest of Europe need to step up and rehouse half-a-million refugees.

On her trip to Lebanon on Monday, which can be reported for the first time today, Ms Rudd met a family who are due to be rehoused in Britain before she visited an informal tented settlement (ITS) in the town of Qab Elias.

There she met some of the 46 families  around 200 people  who have called it home since fleeing Syria.

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Ms Rudd told the Press Association: Twenty thousand is definitely achievable by 2020 and I hope that we may get there earlier than that in fact, and at the moment I am consulting with stakeholders and really engaging with other departments to decide what we should have to replace that when we go forward after 2020.

The UKs approach is a dual approach. One, we help with funds  we are one of the largest bilateral donors to help in the region, we have done 2.46 billion since the Syrian crisis (began)  and also to do resettlements.

I hope it will involve both of those going forward after 2020.

Ms Rudd spoke as rebel-held area Eastern Ghouta, outside the capital Damascus, was shelled by Syrian government and Russian forces. The death toll from the relentless artillery strikes has passed 250.

The VPRSs 20,000 target was set by then prime minister David Cameron in September 2015.

The first 12 months of a refugees resettlement costs are funded by the UK Government using the overseas aid budget.

The UK has also committed 2.46 billion in funding.

Mireille Girard, the UNHCR representative in Lebanon, said the Qab Elias ITS was really far from what we would call the standard for a refugee settlement, and before the war it had housed seasonal agricultural workers.

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It was now home to families who were on average 800 US dollars in debt to the landlord and struggled to find work.

While each family has fresh water and a toilet, she added: These are not conditions for people to remain in until peace happens in Syria, so we pick the most vulnerable people.

Unfortunately not more than that because we dont have enough resettlement quota from all the countries.

The UK has done very well, we are very grateful for that, you have taken a remarkable number of people  we are reaching 10,000 this year.

The UK has done very well, we are very grateful for that, you have taken a remarkable number of people - we are reaching 10,000 this yearMireille Girard, UNHCR

But still it is a drop in the sea compared to what is needed. We will need the UK to do more and we will need all countries to contribute to this programme so we can remove at least 10% of the refugee population from this region, which is five million large.

Ten per cent will not be an enormous number for Europe or the rest of the world.

Ms Rudd said that the British public should be proud of what the VPRS had achieved, adding: It is the largest number of any European country of resettlement from the region, it is the largest the UK has done from the region and people have been very kind about saying how effective it is and how good the care is when people get to the local authority.

So I think it is an important contribution to our overall commitment helping in this region.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, pictured during a recent visit to Piece Hall in Blackledge, Halifax, presented the Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education. (Peter Byrne/PA)

A decades-long effort to compile a historical thesaurus of English to aid the nations understanding of the language has earned a leading university a prestigious award.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall celebrated the achievements of Glasgow University and other academic institutions when they presented them with the Queens Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education at Buckingham Palace.

Glasgow University was recognised for a 53-year project to compile more than 797,000 worlds into a two volume and online resource for language lovers and researchers alike, which maps the way English has been used over the past 1,000 years.

TRH presented awards to 21 UK universities & colleges, who are being recognised for a wide range of innovative work. pic.twitter.com/1oppTmNNvV  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) February 22, 2018

Also among the winners was the Institute of Cancer Research which has developed a drug for men with late stage prostate cancer and since 2005 has seen 10 drugs it has developed begin clinical trials.

Professor Marc Alexander, Glasgow Universitys director of the thesaurus, said the projects founder, Michael Samuels, was trying to overcome the shortfalls in dictionaries, where much of our knowledge of the language is based, which place words alphabetically and does not aid our understanding.

We have a way with words! Today we've been awarded a Queen's Anniversary Prize for our #WorldChangingResearch on the worlds first historical thesaurus.

 https://t.co/UQwvqppqiz pic.twitter.com/DnJa828ozL  University of Glasgow (@UofGlasgow) December 1, 2017

He added: If you rearrange everything we know according to the meaning, so all the words for red are together or the words for love or death, you start to see the connections and the important thing is we dated each word.

So its not just heres 50 words for love its heres 50 words and heres the exact date we know that word meant love.

One of the professors undergraduate researchers Kyle Gunn, who is studying English language, joked that he had been working on rude words which past researchers had tried to ignore.

The Prince heard about the work being done at @ICR_London on pre-eminent work in cancer drugs discovery and @LivUni on drug design and safety with outstanding work in HIV, leukaemia and epilepsy. pic.twitter.com/c0hOL4OTmf  The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) February 22, 2018

He said: I spent a lot of time looking at the sexual intercourse category and because of the way a lot of words are recorded you dont find a lot of the dirty ones in the earlier sources.

The student said they were omitted from early dictionaries as compilers did not want readers to know the words existed.

He added: Having worked in the sexual intercourse category there are not many that I can repeat, but Bawcock from 1599 is a good one.

Its a lot less dirtier than it sounds. Its a term of endearment in the way you would use darling.

Charles is chancellor of the University of Wales while Camilla has the same role with Aberdeen University and they spent more than an hour chatting to the winning university and institutions during a palace reception.

The Queens Anniversary Prizes are awarded every two years to universities and colleges who submit work judged to show excellence, innovation, impact and benefit for the institution itself and for people and society generally in the wider world.
Education Secretary John Swinney has been asked to detail meetings between government officials and witnesses to a Holyrood committee regarding named person legislation.

The written request comes after Mr Swinney was asked to provide assurances in November over questions on whether the Scottish Government sought to directly influence evidence to the committee.

The Scottish Parliaments Education and Skills Committee has written to the Cabinet Secretary as some members are concerned his previous answers did not fully address matters raised.

Now, the committee has set out 16 points for Mr Swinney to address with a detailed timeline including dates that witnesses providing evidence were approached by Scottish Government officials, ministers or special advisers and the rationale behind the contact.

Further details requested are whether Scottish Government officials acted unilaterally regarding meetings with witnesses or if Mr Swinney or his advisers gave them instruction.

The Committee has today written to John Swinney asking a series of questions on Government contact with those giving evidence to the Committee on Children and Young People (Information Sharing) (Scotland) Bill https://t.co/bgq8LPs8HT  Education, Children and Young People Committee (@SP_ECYP) February 21, 2018

The letter from committee convener James Dornan states: To give parliament its place, any assurances offered to witnesses by the government on ways in which policies will be changed or supplemented should be raised with the relevant committee first.

This must be the case as this committee moves forward with scrutiny of the Bill, anything less than this could be considered a slight on this committee.

It adds: The committee understands that, in general, engagement with stakeholders is important to the government in developing legislation that is as robust and as applicable to those required to implement it as possible.

Labours education spokesman Iain Gray praised the committees actions, saying it is demanding answers on the suspicion that Scottish government exerted pressure on their witnesses prior to evidence on Named Person Bill.

The row surrounds evidence given proposed legislation brought forward in response to a legal challenge to the named person policy.

Quite rightly, the committee demanding answers on the suspicion that Scottish government exerted pressure on their witnesses prior to evidence on Named Person Bill. https://t.co/JqzS7dNkrr  Iain Gray (@Iain_C_Gray) February 21, 2018

The named person scheme would involve a single point of contact, such as a teacher or health visitor, being appointed to look out for the welfare of every child.

The Children and Young People (Information Sharing) (Scotland) Bill aims to address the Supreme Courts finding last year that information-sharing provisions in the original legislation were incompatible with human-rights law and requires ministers to publish a code of practice for professionals on how information should be shared.

Last year, MSPs agreed to remove a key parliamentary deadline for the new Bill, paving the way for delay to the named person scheme.

The committee refused to publish a report on general principles of the Bill, required to enable the legislation to proceed to the next parliamentary stage, until ministers provide a draft code of practice instead of an illustrative version of it.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: As is entirely right and proper, the Scottish Government engaged with stakeholders throughout the passage of the Information Sharing Bill and we will continue to do so in the development of supporting materials, such as the Code of Practice and guidance.

This is to ensure that those affected by developing law and policy are well informed, their concerns are heard and that they can be involved and influence changes that will affect them.

We will consider the Education and Skills Committees letter and respond shortly.
Scottish Secretary David Mundell has said he is positive a deal can be done to break the deadlock between Holyrood and Westminster over crucial legislation.

The Conservative cabinet member spoke out after the latest talks between the UK Government and the devolved administrations on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill broke up without agreement

The Scottish and Welsh administrations have consistently refused to recommend granting legislative consent for the Bill as it stands, claiming it is a Westminster power grab which puts devolution at risk.

Scottish Brexit Minister Mike Russell said: The clock is ticking on Scotlands future as we draw ever closer to the UK leaving the EU while there is continuing uncertainty on fundamental and crucial issues.

But with the UK Government now having put forward the draft of an amendment to the controversial clause 11, Mr Mundell said he thought a deal could be done.

Brexit Minister @Feorlean explains that clock is ticking on Scotlands future following meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on EU Negotiations in London https://t.co/I7JAAEOF8i  ScotGovEurope (@ScotGovEurope) February 22, 2018

Speaking to reporters in London, the Scottish Secretary said: Were making progress.

Were not there yet, these are complex negotiations but I think the UK Government has demonstrated by bringing forward the draft of amendment that we are demonstrating flexibility, we are addressing the concerns that both the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament have raised.

While he said inevitably there is a timescale for agreement to be reached, Mr Mundell added previous discussions with Holyrood ministers went to the wire before a deal.

The Scottish Secretary said: Whats very clear from todays discussions is that both parties want to reach agreement, the devolved administrations and the UK Government want to reach agreement. We know now what we need to do and the areas we need to further discuss to get to that agreement.

So I remain positive we will get an outcome, we can agree an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill, we can agree how to take forward the important frameworks that will be needed once we leave the EU, ensuring not just that we respect the devolution settlement, which is vitally important, but also that we allow the UK to continue to be able to function as the single market it is.

What happens to devolved powers must be a matter for Holyrood and the UK Government must recognise thatMike Russell, Scottish Brexit Minister

Clause 11 of the Bill returns devolved powers from the EU to Westminster in the first instance, which UK ministers claim is necessary to create UK-wide common frameworks.

The amendment put forward by the UK would mean the vast majority of devolved powers powers would automatically return to Edinburgh and Cardiff.

But Scottish Government ministers however have repeatedly refused to consent to any legislation which would reduce devolved powers at Holyrood.

Mr Russell said: With regard to the EU Withdrawal Bill, the absolutely fundamental point is that the devolution settlement and the powers of the Scottish Parliament cannot be changed unilaterally by the UK Government. What happens to devolved powers must be a matter for Holyrood and the UK Government must recognise that.

Progress is being made and we will continue to talk. I will continue to fight for the best deal for Scotland.
A Labour peer has said he has not heard "more irresponsible words from a former cabinet minister" after a prominent Brexiteer said the Good Friday Agreement may have served its purpose.

Lord Adonis criticised the claims from former Northern Ireland secretary Owen Paterson as well as other Eurosceptics in recent days.

During the course of the debate Tory former minister Lord Robathan also suggested the agreement may have to "move on" and be amended.

Former transport secretary Lord Adonis, an ardent Remainer, told peers: "I think the most disturbing and alarming thing that's happened in respect of the Brexit process in the recent past is the collapse of the power sharing talks in Northern Ireland last week.

"And the response of both the DUP leadership and, I have to say, some prominent members of the Conservative Party, including a former Conservative Northern Ireland secretary, since that collapse, who have said that they believe that the time may have come to end the Northern Ireland agreement.

"Including a tweet, a tweet from the said former Northern Ireland secretary, Owen Paterson, saying he thought the Northern Ireland agreement had now served its purpose.

"Can I say, I do not think I have heard more irresponsible words from a former cabinet minister in the recent past than those."

Lord Adonis said it was not a coincidence that those calling for an end to the Belfast Agreement were predominately "ardent Brexiteers".

He also singled out Tory MEP Daniel Hannan, who he accused of "playing with fire".

Lord Adonis added: "Playing fast and loose with the peace of Northern Ireland in the cause of Brexit is I think is utterly reprehensible."

Earlier, Lord Adonis had asked Brexiteer Lord Robathan if he agreed with those Conservatives who had said the Good Friday Agreement should end.

Lord Robathan said: "No I don't. I think the Good Friday Agreement has achieved a great deal.

"However, as with all agreements, sometimes things have to move on. Not be changed necessarily, move on.

"The reason that these people said there should be an end to the Northern Ireland agreement was because of the failure to get together a government in a devolved government. Nothing to do with Brexit."

When challenged again by Lord Adonis, Lord Robathan said the agreement had taken a great deal of time to put together.

"But as life changes, so sometimes we need to adjust, amend things, and I think that's what noble Lords are trying to do today," he said.

Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws said it "shocks me that people have such short memories", having been involved in many of the most serious trials resulting from the Troubles.

The QC and Labour peer added: "If we really are concerned about that achievement, which was a great achievement in getting that peace treaty through, getting that peace process through, if we are really concerned about putting that at risk, we would not be so cavalier with the idea of what is provided by having a customs union, and why that is so important and that sustaining it into the future must be one of the things that we're seeking to do."

Labour former Northern Ireland secretary Lord Hain said the UK and Ireland had joined the European Union at the same time.

"What we're doing is now putting ourselves, for the first time since the common travel area and all the rest of it, and historic situations, for the first time outside in a place very different to them," he said.

"That is why the problem's arisen."
A MAN from Northern Ireland was one of two maintenance men who raped a Vietnamese nail salon manager and left her to die in a burning car they torched, a court has heard.

Quyen Ngoc Nguyen (28) was led into a "trap" and held captive at Stephen Unwin's home in Shiney Row, Tyne and Wear, by him and co-accused William McFall (51), who is from Northern Ireland, a jury was told.

They held the seven-stone woman for more than four "terrifying" hours before she was incapacitated, carried out in a sheet and then dumped in her burning Audi A4, down an unlit lane leading to some allotments.

Firefighters were called in the early hours of August 15 when neighbours heard explosions and the mum-of-one's badly burned body was discovered face down on the back seat.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the men forced her to give them her PINs and they took two bank cards and withdrew a total of 1,000 before and after she was killed.

There was evidence she had been sexually abused, possibly with a gun or with a toy lightsabre, and raped.

McFall was living in Blackpool but frequently lived and worked with Unwin maintaining properties.

Shortly before their victim arrived at Unwin's home in Shiney Row, McFall texted his friend: "We raping the chink xxxx".

Unwin (40) replied: "Remove daft s*** like that lol".

Jamie Hill QC, prosecuting, told the jury the defendants, who deny murder and rape, blame each other.

He said: "We anticipate that they will seek to blame one another for causing Miss Nguyen's death.

"It is our case that they share joint responsibility for a murder that was motivated by a depraved sexual lust and financial greed."

Miss Nguyen, who was less than 5ft tall, had come to the UK in 2010 from Vietnam, the court heard.

She helped her sister run a nail salon in Gateshead but there was also a "secret" element of her life, renting properties for people without the correct immigration documents, and some of the addresses were used to cultivate cannabis.

Unwin had met her the previous April through his job working for a landlord, and appeared to have gained her trust, Mr Hill said.

It became apparent afterwards McFall and Unwin had been stealing drug crops to sell on, with the pair filming themselves a month before the murder at a cannabis farm, speaking in mock Oriental accents.

Mr Hill said that it was not known why Miss Nguyen, who was known as Anna, had visited Unwin on the evening of August 14.

CCTV from a neighbour showed her arriving and it seemed she did not plan to stay long, Mr Hill said.

As Unwin goes to the door, he can be seen gesturing to someone to keep out of sight, the court heard.

"We ask you to infer that they may have already set a trap," Mr Hill told the jury.

After the murder, the pair worked together and went for lunch at a Wetherspoon's pub while the murder investigation got underway.

The victim was identified from her dental records.

After police traced the car to her, a link was made to Unwin and both defendants were arrested soon after.

The case continues.
A Royal Navy patrol ship has escorted three Russian warships as they travelled through the English Channel.

The incident involving Portsmouth-based HMS Mersey and a Wildcat helicopter from RNAS Yeovilton is the third time in two months that the Royal Navy has been scrambled to keep a watch on Russian vessels passing the UK.

A Royal Navy spokesman said the Russian spy ship Feodor Golovin, landing ship Alexander Ostrakovskiy and tanker Yelnya have been supporting Russian operations in Syria and were believed to be returning to their base ports in the Baltic and Barents seas.

HMS Mersey has spent the last 72 hours tracking a Russian spy ship task group as it sailed past the UK @HMS_Mersey https://t.co/rvBmWnHwYj pic.twitter.com/hK6GtyVd92  Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) February 22, 2018

He added: Portsmouth-based Mersey and her 34 crew broke off from a regular fishery protection patrol in home waters and sailed to meet the Russian trio as they approached the Channel, taking over from the French Navy which has monitored the task groups progress through the Bay of Biscay.

The patrol ship has spent 72 hours tracking the Russians as the vessels made their way into the North Sea, handing over to the Dutch Navy once the three ships had passed through the Strait of Dover.

Lieutenant Alexandra Karavla, the patrol ships executive officer, said: Ships like HMS Mersey are the eyes and ears of the Royal Navy around the UK, we are at sea for 320 days a year, so Mersey provides the Navy with a ship ready to respond at short notice like this.

Although her routine business is patrolling UK waters and helping to enforce fishery legislation, HMS Mersey was tasked to locate, meet and escort the ships through the English Channel.

In this we have been well supported by a Royal Navy Wildcat from 815 Naval Air Squadron and by Nato colleagues. Operations like this would not be possible without such support and co-operation.

Although her routine business is patrolling UK waters and helping to enforce fishery legislation, HMS Mersey was tasked to locate, meet and escort the ships through the English ChannelLieutenant Alexandra Karavla

This tasking proves why HMS Mersey is vital to UK Defence. The flexibility and options these offshore patrol vessels provide to the Government is evident in the variety of tasking undertaken.

Able Seaman Ryan Flynn, a warfare specialists who has been tracking the Russian ships progress, said: Exciting operations like these are why I joined the Royal Navy. I love these ships because one day I will be conducting

a fishery protection boarding and the next day I will be following Russian warships off the South Coast. Its the best job in the world.

At the beginning of the year, frigate HMS Westminster was dispatched to keep track on the activities of two Russian frigates and their support vessels returning to the Baltic after operations in the Middle East, while HMS St Albans monitored the new Russian warship Admiral Gorshkov at Christmas.
A wave of strike action by university workers has begun at institutions across Scotland in a bitter row over pensions.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) are planning 14 days of action in the coming weeks.

The UCU said more than 145,000 students will be affected by the strikes, with ten institutions ultimately taking part.

Watt a good turn out. Thanks as well to @HWUnion pic.twitter.com/oMFRFxCfOi  Heriot-Watt UCU (Votey McVote Branch 4-in-a-row) (@UCU_HWUBranch) February 22, 2018

The dispute centres on proposals put forward by Universities UK for changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).

Employers argue the pension scheme is 6 billion in deficit, while the union says the proposals would leave a typical lecturer almost 10,000 a year worse off in retirement.

A recent ballot saw more than four-fifths of UCU members back strike action in a 63% turnout in Scotland.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has sent solidarity and thanks to university workers while Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard visited the picket line at the University of Glasgow.

He said: I am happy to show my support and solidarity with University academic staff who are taking a stand against a proposed punitive cut in their pensions.

The Universities Superannuation Scheme needs to be properly funded and University employers need to be prepared to negotiate with the UCU to keep the Universities Defined Benefit Scheme open.

St Andrews University said the vast majority of the institution is working normally on Thursday, with 250 of 2100 staff having voted to strike.

The University of Glasgow said the impact of the strike appears to be minimal.

Today, thousands of university staff will take part in the biggest strike our Higher Education sector has ever seen.



I join staff, students and @UCU in calling for the employers to commit to meaningful negotiations to resolve this dispute. pic.twitter.com/RMzWynVZXk  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 22, 2018

A spokesman said: We are still assessing the impact of todays action, but can say that campus appears to be as busy as normal and we have not detected any significant impact on teaching or learning.

Staff are striking on Thursday and Friday this week and Monday to Wednesday next week.

Further strike action is also planned for Monday March 5 through to Thursday March 8, followed by a five-day walk out commencing on Monday March 12 and ending on Friday March 16.

Aberdeen University

Dundee University

Edinburgh University

Glasgow University

Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh

Open University in Scotland

St Andrews University

Stirling University

Strathclyde University

The Scottish Association for Marine Science at the University of the Highlands and Islands

They are among 64 UK universities to be hit by strikes.

Due to academic timetabling, union members at the universities of Edinburgh and Stirling are not taking part in the action this week, but will participate in all the other strike dates and are also set to walk out on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 March.

UCU Scotland official Mary Senior said: Nobody wants to take strike action, but staff across Scotland feel they have no choice. These hardline proposals would slash staff pensions and are simply uncalled for.

It is staggering that the universities have refused to engage with the union and a real insult to staff and to students.

Universities UK said it has met UCU over 35 times in the last year to discuss reforms.

A spokesman said: UUK remains at the negotiating table, but so far UCU has refused to engage on how best to address the funding challenges facing USS. It is important now that UCU engages on how best to ensure the long-term sustainability of the scheme.

He added there are scheduled discussions with UCU on key issues with the USS.

The spokesman continued: The changes proposed will make USS secure and sustainable, safeguarding the future of universities.

University staff will still have a valuable pension scheme, with employer contributions of 18% of salary, double the private sector average. This makes strike action very disappointing.
Following the mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida where a 19-year-old shot dead 17 people, Florida senator Marco Rubio took questions from victims parents, teachers and fellow students at a televised meeting.

Also answering questions at CNNs Stand Up town hall was National Rifle Association (NRA) spokeswoman Dana Loesch, as well as Democrat representatives senator Bill Nelson and congressman Ted Deutch.

These are five of the stand out moments from the evening.

1. Rubio is against Trumps suggestion to arm teachers

A teacher who sheltered dozens of terrified students during the Florida high school shooting asked why some think it's a good idea that she be armed.



Sen. Marco Rubio responded, "First, I don't support that." https://t.co/DzYzyoXhiF #StudentsStandUp pic.twitter.com/2scIZd7AMz  CNN (@CNN) February 22, 2018

On the same day, President Trump had held an invite-only meeting at the White House with people affected by school shootings.

He said he was considering backing an idea to let teachers carry concealed weapons.

But during the town hall meeting, Rubio said he did not support the idea of arming teachers.

Expand Close Marco Rubio speaks to crowd with palms outstretched AP/PA Images / Facebook

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A teacher, Ashkey Kurth, who witnessed the shooting, said she was a Trump voter who supported the second amendment and asked Rubio if she should be trained and armed following the shooting.

I dont support that, he told her.

The notion that my kids (would be) going to school with teachers that are armed with a weapon is not something that quite frankly Im comfortable with.

2. Rubio was confronted by a victims parent on gun control

Expand Close Man in the audience stands up to ask a question in a microphone pointing up to the stage AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter Jaime was one of the 17 killed on Valentines Day, stood up and told Rubio his statements on the incident and those of your president this week have been pathetically weak.

Both Trump and Floridas Republican governor declined to attend the town hall meeting.

The grieving father told Rubio to acknoweldge that guns were the factor in the hunting of our kids.

The senator responded that mass school shootings could not be solved by gun laws alone.

3. The county sheriff encouraged the crowd to push for stricter gun laws

Sheriff Scott Israel of Broward County, where the mass shooting happened, told the young people caught up in the attack to press for gun control from their politicians, or not re-elect them.

Americas watching you, he said, there will be change.

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel to NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch: You just told this group of people that you are standing up for them. You're not standing up for them until you say, 'I want less weapons' https://t.co/mTli3fm9tF #StudentsStandUp https://t.co/Buf7EYEDIp  CNN (@CNN) February 22, 2018

He also challenged the NRAs Dana Loesch, telling her she was not standing up for the victims as she claimed unless she advocated for fewer firearms.

4. Rubio said he was reconsidering his position on large capacity magazines

Would you agree that there's no place in our society for large capacity magazines?



Rubio: I traditionally haven't supported it but after this and some of the details I learned ... I am reconsidering that position https://t.co/1zo7oRaJHW #StudentsStandUp https://t.co/lzGQlSPytq  CNN (@CNN) February 22, 2018

Just days after the shooting, lawmakers in Florida voted down the possibility of hearing a bill that would ban assault rifles and large capacity magazines.

Chris Grady, a student from the Stoneman Douglas High School who has recently enlisted in the army, asked the senator whether he would consider banning large capacity magazines that allowed shooters to fire more rounds than they would normally considering the guns size or design.

Rubio admitted that he had not been an advocate for changing the law in this area, but told Grady: After this and some of the details Ive learnt about it Im reconsidering that position.

5. One of the victims parents recited a poem his son wrote

Max Schachter, father of Florida high school shooting victim Alex Schachter, shares a poem that his son wrote https://t.co/S0A1zyyTQ7 #StudentsStandUp pic.twitter.com/RFIzSbZi2y  CNN (@CNN) February 22, 2018

Max Schachter read his son Alexs poem Life Is Like A Roller Coaster.

Eventually it comes to a stop. You wont know when, or how, but you will know that it will be time to get off and start anew. Life is like a roller coaster, he told the crowd.

The 14-year-old was a keen trombone player and baritone, and his family are starting a scholarship in his name.
World leaders and aid groups are calling for an end to the Syrian governments bombing of opposition-held eastern suburbs of Damascus that has left hundreds of people dead in recent days.

The air strikes on rebel towns in the suburb known as eastern Ghouta were reported by several local opposition activist groups and a Britain-based war monitor.

The Syrian Civil Defence that works in opposition-held areas said its paramedics rushed to several areas after the shelling.

Civil defense teams working to evacuate the injured civilians after renewed artillery shelling targeted #Douma city in #Eastern_Ghouta today. #SaveGhouta #Syria Feb 22 pic.twitter.com/eV0cMXzKQo  The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) February 22, 2018

Syrian government forces have been pounding the area for days, hitting residential buildings, hospitals and infrastructure and overwhelming medics and rescue workers.

The bombardment has forced many among the nearly 400,000 residents to sleep in basements and makeshift shelters, and has overwhelmed rescue workers who have spent days digging out survivors from the wreckage of bombed buildings.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate suspension of all war activities in the area where he said people are living in hell on earth. The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a resolution, called for by Sweden and Kuwait, ordering a 30-day ceasefire throughout Syria to enable delivery of humanitarian aid and evacuation of the critically sick and wounded.

"I am deeply saddened by the terrible suffering of the civilian population in eastern Ghouta: 400,000 people who live in hell on earth."



-- @antonioguterres on the situation in Syria. https://t.co/aMQXUlAQ8V pic.twitter.com/0fjHShLDkQ  United Nations (@UN) February 21, 2018

Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia called a 30-day ceasefire unrealistic, but Moscow said it would consider supporting the UN-proposed ceasefire if it does not cover extremists such as the Islamic State group and al Qaida-linked groups.

The Russian military is again supporting Syrian President Bashar Assads forces as it did in the all-out assault on the rebel-held half of Syrias largest city, Aleppo, in late 2016, which drove the rebels from their enclave there.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for the European Union to step up pressure on Russia and Iran to end the violence in Syria.

The regime is not fighting against terrorists, but against its own people, killing children, destroying hospitals, and this is a massacre to be condemned, she told Parliament.

A young boy cries after surviving air strikes in #Arbin city in #Ghouta . Most of the victims were children after 18 civilians were killed yesterday. Scenes like these have been repeated again and again. Let us hope they do not become commonplace in this world. #SaveGhouta pic.twitter.com/Mv4TQmCg36  The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) February 21, 2018

Besides Assad, Mrs Merkel said Iran and Russia have a particular responsibility as they are both supporting the government forces. She said Germanys foreign minister plans to talk directly with his Russian counterpart and called for other EU nations to also do what they can.

We need to do everything in our power to put an end to this massacre, she said.

Russian news reports, meanwhile, said Moscow has increased its forces in Syria with several warplanes, including its latest fighter jets.

News outlets carried pictures of a pair of Su-57 fighters heading to land at Hemeimeem air base in Syrias coastal province of Latakia that serves as the main hub for Russian operations in Syria. An early warning A-50 plane, four Su-35 fighters and four Su-25 ground attack jets also arrived at the base on Wednesday.
Calls for a criminal probe have been rejected as prosecutors say such a case would be unlikely to lead to a conviction (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Dutch prosecutors have rejected calls to open a criminal investigation into four major tobacco companies on charges including attempted murder or manslaughter.

The decision was a blow to what Dutch anti-smoking organisations had hoped would be a new legal front in the fight against the tobacco industry.

Amsterdam lawyer Benedicte Ficq filed what she called a worlds-first criminal complaint in 2016 seeking a prosecution on behalf of two ex-smokers, including a mother suffering from lung cancer, and a youth smoking prevention organisation. Hospitals, doctors and other groups later joined the call.

Ms Ficq had called for the prosecution of Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International and Imperial Tobacco Benelux.

But the Dutch Public Prosecution Service (DPPS) said in a written statement that it sees no prospect within current laws of a conviction.

Smoking is deadly and the design of cigarettes does add to this but according to the DPPS, the tobacco manufacturers have not acted in violation of either the law or the current regulatory framework, the service said in an English-language statement.

We see the damaging consequences of smoking every day in our patientsRene Medema, chairman of the board of the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital

An Amsterdam hospital that was among those calling for a prosecution said that 55 people die each day in the Netherlands as a result of smoking. It vowed not to give up the legal fight.

Rene Medema, chairman of the board of the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital, said the hospital would discuss the options for appealing the decision or petitioning a judge to order prosecutors to launch an investigation.

We see the damaging consequences of smoking every day in our patients, Mr Medema said in a statement. We have to make clear to the tobacco industry that their way of working is unacceptable.

When Ms Ficq filed her request, the Dutch association of cigarette and tobacco makers labelled it a publicity stunt and said it was confident that the sale of a legal, heavily regulated product is not a crime in the Netherlands.

On Thursday, the association said it had no further comment at this stage.

The Dutch case was being monitored by other anti-tobacco groups looking at similar action.

British group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is also looking at a criminal case against cigarette makers.

When criminal liability succeeds, it will make it difficult, if not impossible, to legally continue to market and sell cigarettes, ASH says in a statement on its website.

AP
Two French soldiers have died in Mali after their armoured vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device.

The office of French president Emmanuel Macron said a soldier and an officer were killed on Wednesday morning in the attack. They were part of an operation to fight terrorism in the West African country.

Frances 4,000-strong counter-terrorism force in Mali, part of Operation Barkhane, is meant to fight extremist groups in the African region of the Sahel, which also includes Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania and Niger.

Mr Macron praised the courage of the French soldiers and their determination to continue their mission, which allows to strike blows against the enemy.
Whether you need inspiration for the perfect Mother's Day gift, or you just fancy a day of indulgence, we've come up with the perfect itinerary to make sure you use your time wisely at The Linen Green in Moygashel.

Northern Ireland's only designer shopping village has everything you need in a unique location with the latest fashion, shoes, homeware, gifts, and beauty therapies all within reach as well as free parking with 650 parking spaces.

But time is precious and there's plenty to get through in one day, so here's a handy hour-by-hour guide to make sure you get the most out of your shopping experience.

10am - 11.30am

Fashion first

We are huge believers in getting the big jobs done first, so start off with a look around The Linen Green's luxury fashion boutiques.

Among the chic offerings are Storey Womenswear, Pauls Boutique and The Boudoir which provide a sophisticated and modern selection of daywear to occasion wear for ladies of all ages.

All three boutiques stock exclusive labels from Italy, Spain, UK, Germany, USA and Ireland, while The Boudoir also stocks their exclusive My Sisters Closet range creating an impressive portfolio of brands from some of the best known designers in fashion.

And we havent forgotten the little ones at Ring O Rosies who sell the most gorgeous designer kids-wear for both casual and Special occasions from new born to 12 years old.

11.30am - 12noon

Craving coffee?

Finding the perfect outfit can be an exhausting task, so enjoy a short rest period at the Loft Cafe to refuel for your next encounter.

All food is freshly prepared with tasty paninis and a variety of sandwiches and wraps on offer.

But if you don't want to ruin your lunch, why not opt for a delicious traybake or cupcake with your coffee or tea before heading back out to the shops.

12noon-12.30pm

If the shoe fits...

No outfit is complete without the perfect shoes, so take a look around The Linen Green's bespoke stores to find the perfect fit for your feet.

Within the shopping village are Panache and Pavers which both offer comfortable and stylish footwear from a huge list of top brands, as well as the exclusive Panache range.

Each store also offers a selection for both men and women, so whether you're looking for a treat for yourself or the perfect gift, you'll find the ideal fit at The Linen Green.

12.30pm - 1.30.pm

There's no place like home

Finding the perfect pieces for your home can be an exhausting challenge, but thankfully with a number of ideal stores within the shopping village there's plenty on offer to suit your style and budget.

Founded in 1951, the family run Bedeck offers a stunning range of bed linen, towels, duvet and pillows with a selection of high quality home & interior products and giftware.

Meanwhile, Foxford offers beautifully designed Irish products, including luxurious throws and cushions woven in the Foxford Mill in Co Mayo and a beautiful range of furniture and luxury bedlinen designed by Irish designer Helen McAlinden - simply a stunning addition to any home.

1.30pm - 2pm

Slip into something more comfortable...

The Lingerie Room prides itself on being Northern Ireland's leading lingerie store with a fantastic range to suit any taste.

With collections from the UK and Europe, the luxurious lines on offer include lingerie, nightwear and swimwear for all occasions including bridal, maternity and mastectomy ranges.

Go on, treat yourself...

2pm- 3pm

Ladies that lunch

No doubt you will have worked up quite a hunger by this stage of the day, so it's the perfect time to visit the Synge & Byrne Cafe for a spot of lunch.

Priding itself on offering "old fashioned food" steeped in local roots, the menu also includes exotic teas and delicious coffees

The perfect R&R in the midst of your busy shopping experience.

3pm - 3.30pm

Shine bright

Audrey Hepburn, Naomi Campbell, and Yasmin Le Bon are just some of the names associated with Newbridge Silverware, Ireland's premier designer and producer of homeware and giftware products.

And since opening at The Linen Green in 2010, the company has evolved to become a premier provider of quality jewellery.

Whether it's earrings, necklaces, brooches or bracelets, Newbridge Silverware has a stunning selection of contemporary and vintage pieces, guaranteed to make you shine.

3.30pm - 4.30pm

Pamper session

By this stage you might need a bit of a pampering session to revive, rejuvenate, revitalise, and The Linen Green has the perfect options.

David Graham Hairdressing welcome old and new clients to their salon and offer expert free advice for consultations - could you be tempted to a new look?...

Or maybe you could be tempted by a treatment at LA Pro make-up and brow studio? Here the team offer make-up applications, lessons and masterclasses, HD Brow treatments and products, Bellamianta spray tan, and Fatlash Mink lashes.

4.30pm - 5.30pm

Gorgeous gifts

If you've spent the day treating yourself, you might be inclined to pick up the perfect gift for someone you love - and there's no shortage of options at The Linen Green.

Among the selection of stores offering the perfect range of gifts are A LA Mode, R Nook, Lavish Preferences, Paper works and V& R Cookware and Gifts.

With so much to choose from this might be your biggest challenge of the day.

5.30pm - 6pm

Time to relax

It's been a busy day so grab , collect your thoughts, marvel your purchases, and plan your next visit to The Linen Green which is open Monday to Saturday from 10am-5.30pm.

For more information, including travel and parking guidance, please visit www.thelinengreen.co.uk.
A Rohingya woman who was living in no-man's land on the border between Myanmar and Bangladesh sits with her belongings after arriving at the Balukhali refugee camp in the Bangladeshi district of Cox's Bazar, Jan. 24, 2018.

Hundreds of Rohingya refugees living on a strip of unclaimed land along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border protested Wednesday against their repatriation to Rakhine state, saying they would not return without guarantees for their safety.

The demonstration took place a day after Bangladesh and Myanmar officials met in a Rakhine village and agreed in principle to resettle the refugees stranded along the border, according to a deputy commissioner from Bandarban, a southeastern Bangladeshi district, who attended the meeting.

We demonstrated early morning Wednesday against the resettlement plan that does not guarantee our security, Dil Mohammad, organizer of the demonstration, told BenarNews. We have announced today that we will not return unless our safety is ensured and a U.N. force is deployed.

A YouTube video of the demonstration showed protesters raising clenched fists and chanting slogans as Myanmar soldiers and other officials watched from behind a barbed-wire fence.

According to Mohammad, the demonstrators demanded that Myanmar authorities must recognize Rohingya as citizens of the country and allow journalists and international groups to investigate widespread allegations of killings and other atrocities targeting members of the ethnic minority.

Unless the demands are met, the Rohingya stranded at the no-mans land will in no way return to Myanmar, he said.

Officials could not provide exact numbers because the refugees havent gone through a verification process, but the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) estimates that about 1,300 families, or approximately 5,300 people, live near a canal in the so-called no mans land between the two countries. Bangladeshi officials estimate that 6,500 are sheltering there.

At least 688,000 Rohingya Muslims fled to Bangladesh amid a military offensive launched in response to attacks on police and army outposts in northern Rakhine State by Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) insurgents in August 2017. The U.N. and United States have labeled Myanmars counter-offensive as ethnic cleansing.

In November, Dhaka and Naypyidaw signed a bilateral agreement to repatriate some 700,000 Rohingya sheltering in refugee camps in southeastern Bangladesh. The process has not begun but, last week, Bangladeshs home minister handed Myanmar officials a list of more than 8,000 refugees whose information is now being verified by Naypyidaw for repatriation.

UNHCR, in a statement released Tuesday, reiterated that everyone has the right to seek asylum, just as they also have the right to return home when they deem the time and circumstances right.

People who have fled violence in their country must be guaranteed safety and protection, and must be consulted on their future. Any decision to return must be voluntary, based upon a free and informed choice, the U.N. agency said.

A makeshift settlement built by Rohingya refugees is seen in no-mans land between the Myanmar and Bangladesh borders. [Tushar Tohin/BenarNews]

Take them back

Abdul Mannan, the divisional commissioner of Chittagong, led the 12-member Bangladeshi delegation at Tuesdays meeting in Rakhine on the resettlement of the Rohingya refugees stranded in the no-mans land, officials in Bangladesh told BenarNews.

They said U Ye Htut, the deputy commissioner of Maungdaw township in Rakhine, attended the meeting in Dhekibunia village. Myanmar Border Guard (BGP) officials, immigration officials and police representatives were present, they said.

As the Rohingya living in the no-mans land at Tambru point have yet to enter Bangladesh, we at the meeting proposed that the BGP take them back, Dilip Kumar Banik, deputy commissioner of Bandarban and one of the Bangladeshi team members, told BenarNews.

They have assured us they would resettle the Rohingya, Kumar Banik said, referring to Myanmar officials. But they have not given us any resettlement date.

A Myanmar minister visited the strip of land at Tambru last week, according to news service Agence France-Presse. It reported that the minister warned the Rohingya refugees, who live in makeshift settlements, that they would face consequences if they did not take up a Myanmar offer to return.
Philippine police said Thursday they had killed 10 suspects in anti-drugs operations north of Manila, while human rights watchdog Amnesty International reported that crimes against humanity may have occurred in the Duterte administrations ongoing war on narcotics.



Police said 63 other suspects were arrested and at least one was wounded in the raids, which took place from around 12 a.m. Wednesday till early Thursday in suburban Bulacan province. Officers from 24 police stations took part, provincial police chief Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr said in a statement.



Bulacan police is continuously and relentlessly implementing its intensified campaign against illegal drugs, Caramat said, adding that those arrested were properly booked.



The new killings bring the death toll in the drug war to at least 4,043 people since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in June 2016, according to a tally compiled by BenarNews from police records.



The figures do not include thousands of other suspects believed to have been killed by pro-Duterte vigilantes, a claim the president has publicly rejected. He instead has blamed rival drug gangs for many of the killings, which have totaled at least 12,000, according to estimates from human rights advocacy groups.



Amnesty: Systematic, planned, organized



Despite overwhelming evidence the government continued to deny that gunmen with links to police were involved in the wave of extrajudicial killings of drug suspects, London-based Amnesty International (AI) said Thursday in releasing its annual report in Manila.



The deliberate, unlawful and widespread killings of thousands of alleged drug offenders appeared to be systematic, planned, organized and encouraged by the authorities, and may have constituted crimes against humanity, the report said.



Most of those killed were from poor urban communities, it said.



Amnesty noted that the successive killings of three teenagers last year in Dutertes drug war had provoked a national outcry. It forced the president to remove police temporarily from a lead role in anti-narcotics operations in October. Duterte reinstated police in a frontline role in December.



Meaningful investigations into killings of alleged drug offenders failed to take place; no officers were known to have been held into account, AI said. Relatives of victims continued to be fearful of reprisals if they filed complaints against police.



AI issued its report two weeks after the International Criminal Court in The Hague said it was opening a preliminary investigation into whether President Duterte had committed crimes against humanity in the course of his governments crackdown on narcotics.



Duterte has welcomed the inquiry, but his spokesman said administration officials believed it would not succeed because there was no direct evidence linking the president to the killings.



Felipe Villamor in Manila contributed to this report.
Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Chalermchai Sithisart speaks with an insurgent from Thailands Deep South during a Bring People Home ceremony in Pattani province, Feb. 2, 2018.

Violence in Thailands Deep South escalated in recent weeks as hardline insurgents tried to dissuade comrades from surrendering through the militarys Bring People Home rehabilitation program, a leader of the regions biggest rebel group said Wednesday.

Hardliners launched the attacks this month to create fear among other insurgents, the political wing leader of Barisan Revolusi Nasional (the National Revolutionary Front, or BRN), who identified himself as Uzmai, said in a rare interview with BenarNews. Citing concerns for his own safety, he asked that his identity and location not be publicized.

They claimed they conducted the attacks to challenge the program and to create fear among the insurgent members, giving them a message to not surrender. So the situation got more violent, Uzmai told BenarNews.

In early February, Lt. Gen. Piyawat Nakwanich, the army commander in Thailands southern border region, presented nearly 300 enrollees identified as insurgents, including BRN members, as they surrendered symbolically as part of the newly revamped Bring People Home project.

In addition, more than 100 members of the Patani United Liberation Organization, another southern Thai rebel group, traveled from Malaysia where they had settled years ago to sign up for the program.

Bring People Home allows enrollees to live in their home villages while attending activities such as attitude adjustment indoctrination sessions and vocational training aimed at helping them get jobs and reintegrate back into civilian life after laying down their weapons.

Since the ceremony on Feb. 2, insurgents mounted several attacks across the Deep South that injured 22 security personnel, seven civilians and five students. Five other officials and eight civilians were shot and killed during the same period, but their deaths have not been linked to the insurgent attacks.

The existing BRN members wreak havoc every time they can and with whatever they can. We saw a lot more officials targeted, be they vice village headman, village headman, soldiers or government contractors, Uzmai said.

Tensions exist among BRN militants who have stayed in the Deep South and others who moved abroad with their families to escape the violence, the political wing leader added.

The rumor of rifts in the BRN is true, he said. Over the past decades, militants who have conducted violent attacks cant stay at home. Their families have faced hardship while the leaders live a good life, better than a tycoon.

Uzmai said the government had offered good incentives for insurgents to join the rehabilitation program, and Malay-speaking residents of the predominantly Muslim Deep South did not object when hardcore insurgents were captured, unless they were tortured by the Thai military.

Up to the people to help

Piyawat, meanwhile, called the increase in violence normal.

They continue attacks as they did. We use the lawful way to stop them, he said. I want to stay in this region. I want to successfully create safety zones in the three provinces in the Deep South and the 14 provinces of the South.

It is up to people to help. I want those people to come back and help develop the country, he said.

A Deep South analyst said the government must maintain a peaceful approach in the region.

Lately, the perpetrators want to show off their strength and counter officials implementation of the program, Deep South Watch director Srisompob Jitpiromsri told BenarNews.

The government must keep a cool head, he said, adding that he expected the situation in the Deep South to improve soon.

Violence has killed close to 7,000 people in the Thai Deep South since the decades-old separatist insurgency re-ignited 14 years ago.
Bowling Green State University is answering the call for a better pathway to becoming a licensed long-term care administrator with its new graduate specialization in that area. Graduates will be prepared to sit for licensing exams in Ohio to serve as administrators of nursing homes and other facilities such as assisted living.



Since 2013, BGSU has offered the only interdisciplinary masters degree program in gerontology in the state, allowing students to focus on gerontology, human development and family studies, kinesiology, health promotion, or social policy and administration. The new specialization expands on BGSUs program and fills a growing demand for professionals with expertise in aging, policy and administration.



It is aimed at undergraduates in gerontology or other helping professions who would like careers as administrators, and at people already working in the field, such as nurses, social workers or activity directors, who would like to move into administrative positions and become licensed. Because these nontraditional students tend to be already working, many courses will be offered online or at night to meet their needs.



Graduates will have an understanding of not only aging but also finance, insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, regulations and other related areas. Because the program is interdisciplinary, students will take classes across the University.



The programs required 1,000-hour internship will give them a broad familiarity with all aspects of nursing homes and care facilities, from nursing to maintenance to food service, said Dr. Wendy Watson, associate professor and gerontology program coordinator in the College of Health and Human Services.



As the aging population rapidly expands, it is surprising that there are so few academic programs aimed at preparing these much-needed professionals, Watson said. The gerontology program at BGSU is one of only four undergraduate long-term care programs in Ohio accredited by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB), and one of only 13 in the nation. There are only two other nationally accredited programs: one in Maine and the other in Washington, D.C. BGSU plans to become the third this spring.



Graduate programs specializing in long-tem care administration are even more scarce.



We get calls all the time asking about this, Watson said. There are really limited options. To be an administrator of a nursing home in the state of Ohio, you must go through a program that is accredited by NAB. If you dont have an undergraduate degree in long-term care administration, the only other options in Ohio are to get another undergraduate degree or take a three-week course in Columbus that also requires a 1,500-hour internship, usually unpaid, with no financial aid available. Its not easy for many people to do this.



Because administrators deal with very vulnerable populations, Watson said, nursing homes are among the most highly regulated facilities. And as care for the elderly expands to include assisted living and home- and community-based services, there is discussion at state and national levels about corresponding multi-level licensure.



Were very fortunate to be ahead of the curve on this with our interdisciplinary masters program in gerontology and now this specialization, Watson said. Its a niche we can fill.




A former Virden business owner who lost his electronics store in a fire last year has laid a formal complaint against an RCMP officer for conduct he alleges gave insurance firms reason to avoid acting on his claims.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 22/2/2018 (1302 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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A former Virden business owner who lost his electronics store in a fire last year has laid a formal complaint against an RCMP officer for conduct he alleges gave insurance firms reason to avoid acting on his claims.

In addition to the formal complaint, Reny Kitto's counsel is preparing a lawsuit against his two insurance companies for their inaction in financially compensating him. He is trying to sell numerous properties to cover his debts.

"Its the worst feeling in the world," Kitto, 43, said on the phone from Nakusp, a village of 1,500 people in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, where he now resides. "Its all because this officer and his outrageous lies about me and now the insurance companies, theyre just stalling and starving me out."

Kittos business, Arkay Computers Ltd., succumbed to a fire that gutted three historic storefronts in Virdens downtown last September.

Earlier this month, the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP received Kittos complaint.

In it, Kitto alleges the insurance companies were told by a member of the Brandon major crime unit that he was unwilling to submit to a polygraph test and was unreachable.

"Both of these lies tainted the waters and gave the insurance companies reason to deny my claim," Kitto wrote in his complaint, a copy of which was received by The Brandon Sun. Kitto said he requested a polygraph test from the beginning to prove his innocence.

The test was eventually conducted late last year, Kitto said.

In the month since, he said the same police officer, who The Brandon Sun is declining to name because the allegations are unproven, is refusing to release the results. The officer told the insurance companies the findings are "inconclusive," Kitto heard from one of the firms.

As such, the insurers are refusing to pay him until police finish investigating, Kitto said. (One firm gave him $30,000 to cover some merchandise)

RCMP spokesperson Tara Seel said police could not speak about Kittos complaint since the investigation is ongoing.

In terms of the fire, no arrests have been made. Seel could not speak to specifics on that investigation, either, only to say police believe the blaze was deliberately set.

While he awaits a resolution, Kitto is "on the edge of financial ruin," his complaint read.

"I have everything in my life up for sale and hopefully I can last long enough that insurance will finally help, but it is a huge unknown," he said.

According to the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP, an investigator will be assigned to the complaint. RCMP may ask Kitto to consider an "informal resolution," regarded as an agreement, or an investigation would be conducted.

Kitto is trying to sell the computer repair shop and electronics store he opened in 2016 in Nakusp with his girlfriend.

He left his son Jake in charge of the Virden location, also called Arkay Computers, when he moved to B.C.

Both stores were authorized dealers of The Source.

SUBMITTED On Sept. 23, 2017, firefighters battle the blaze that decimated Seventh Avenue storefronts in Virden. The electronics store owned by Reny Kitto is seen in the foreground.

"I was so excited when we started this other store," Reny said. "We had two stores, it was awesome, it was such a good feeling, and now Im going to lose everything."

Altogether, he owes at least three-quarters of a million dollars due to the arson.

He has no choice but to sell the Nakusp business, on the market for $249,000.

"Whats changed recently is the bank," Kitto said. "They called and ... they want everything paid up, otherwise theyre be pursuing action to take the property and seize whatever else."

He has no faith in the insurance system. Theyre using the polices investigation, and the reportedly "inconclusive" polygraph test, as an excuse to avoid paying up, he alleges.

He said SGI Canada, his insurer on the building, has not returned his calls in a month.

Portage Mutual Insurance, who insured the business, was waiting on satisfactory polygraph results and, if that isnt attained, the conclusion of the polices investigation, according to a letter sent to Kitto by an insurance adjuster. A request for comment from the insurer was not returned Wednesday.

SGI Canada spokesperson Jennifer Rathwell could not comment on a specific customer or claim, citing privacy.

Speaking generally, she said if any customer were being investigated for arson, "SGI Canada, or any insurer for that matter, would first need to wait for the conclusion of that investigation."

A Winnipeg insurance lawyer, who agreed to speak on background, had never heard of a polygraph demand in order to move forward with a claim, but that didnt mean the requirement isnt admissible, he said.

Kitto believes the police officer is "dead set that I hired somebody" to set the fire, he said.

He had no reason to set the building ablaze because his business was "very profitable," he said. He estimates hes losing $150,000 in profit a year.

As reported last September, firefighters initially went to Kittos electronics store the night before the fire because the electrical wiring shorted out.

It left the place without functioning alarms, said Kitto, who told The Sun his son and an electrician were planning to reconnect the power and make repairs the next morning, on Saturday.

"It seems really weird that I would line all that up if Im going to hire someone to go back in there and burn it."

At 5:45 a.m. on Sept. 23, Virden RCMP responded to the structure fire, which started in the electronics store on Seventh Avenue and spread to a neighbouring building with two other storefronts. The brick-veneer buildings were decimated by the blaze.

Total damage is estimated at $2 million.

Kitto believes the 19-year-old man accused of burning the abandoned Ross Consolidated School, in the surrounding municipality, less than 24 hours after the downtown fire, is responsible for both. Police have not said if the two incidents are related.

In addition to the Nakusp electronics store, Kitto is selling a home and commercial property in Pipestone and vacant land outside Virden.

 ifroese@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ianfroese
A new female calf has been bord in Dublin Zoo - just a week after they celebrated the birth of a male Asian calf.

Born on Tuesday February 13, the Rothschild giraffe calf stands at over 6ft tall and weighs an estimated 40kg.
By Gordon Deegan

The move by Trinity College Dublin (TCD) to axe the title freshman has been described by students as absolutely ridiculous, an April Fools joke, an absolute embarrassment, complete nonsense and a slap in the face for feminism.

Documents released in response to a Freedom of Information request show that the move sparked an angry backlash from TCD students and how the college botched the initial announcement.

On November 28 last, in a joint letter, TCD Vice Provost, Prof Chris Morash and President of the TCD Students' Union, Kevin Keane sent out an email to the college population confirming that the title for first and second year students is to be changed from Freshman to the gender neutral term, Fresh.

However, the move to phase out the freshman title brought an angry response, with some students - and academics - focusing on the college replacing the noun Freshman with the adjective fresh.

In an email, Associate Professor in Physiology, Dr Aine Kelly wrote within hours of the announcement being circulated: I fear that this may make the College look ridiculous. Are we to have a Fresh Week' in 2018/19?

In another email, Fellow Emeritus of History, Prof David Fitzpatrick wrote: What a shame that the Equality Committee chose an adjective rather than a noun, thus embarrassing first and second year students of all genders.

The morning after the announcement, an internal email referred to RTEs Ryan Tubridy show was making merry at our expense while another referred to some unflattering coverage about the announcement on the shows November 29 broadcast.

The error left the college scrambling and a clarification email was sent out at 5pm on November 29 from Prof Morash and Kevin Keane that fresh is intended to be used as an adjective in context e.g. Junior Fresh Student and that the noun fresher can also be used to ensure grammatical accuracy.

The email said that the use of 'fresher' and 'fresh' was approved by the Equality Committee on December 5, 2016.

In response to the clarification, well known TCD academic, Prof Brian Lucey emailed in response When youre explaining..

The initial announcement confirming the change stated that this small but important change will ensure that all Trinity students are equally included by the language used to describe them - be they male, female or of another gender identity.

'Needless change'

However one student emailed back to state surely this is a premature April Fools?. The student wrote: I am all for equality in every single aspect of life. But surely, this is a step too far - the man in freshman stands for human, every one of us is included.

Another student signing off as a 'Senior Freshman Science' also hit out at the decision to phase out freshman writing this feels like an ill-thought out attempt at pandering to a small, albeit very vocal minority of students who may find this term problematic.

Another student wrote as a woman, I can tell you that I, and Im sure most others, did not have any issue with this until one was created.

Other emails from students variously described the change as absolutely ridiculous, complete nonsense, very silly, shocking , absurd and pathetic.

Another caustically commented Thanks for the update. Im really looking forward to the SU Equality Committees screening of Bat v Super.

Another female signing herself off as a Senior Freshman said that the term Freshman used in the TCD context is already gender neutral. She said: If it was ever offensive, it ceased to be years ago. As a female student, I dont feel excluded from this at all.

One other student wrote: Absolute embarrassment. Tackle real gender inequality issues you snowflakes, while another Senior Freshman science student wrote this is a waste of everyones time and will not achieve anything other than a loss of respect and worth for this well-established educational institution.

One TCD history and political science student who describes herself as a feminist also hit out at the move describing the change as a slap in the face for feminism.

She wrote: It is hard to express how frustrating it is to be a feminist and to have this kind of thing happen. This is petty and certainly not how I see the gender reaching equality.

The student stated that from speaking to her peers this initiative is hugely misled. She wrote: As a woman, it is blatantly obvious that we are not equally included in TCD. It can be seen simply by looking at the faculty members.

She went on to state: The term freshman has never been a worry of mine or any of my peers. It has never been an issue. However the prevalent issue of female exclusion is.

In an email, Fionan Tierney wrote: I believe that this is a needless change which does nothing for improving how students see themselves. It is conforming to the growing idea of a PC culture in which no one can bear the thought of being offended in any way, shape or form about who they are."

Mr Tierney said: This change is a step too far to pander to the easily offended.

One student did state great move, thanks in response to the change while another stated "I would like to applaud you on trying to make the word 'Freshman' more gender neutral and it is greatly appreciated".

In response to TCD issuing the second email containing the clarification, TCD academic, Dr Sarah Alyn Stacey wrote: It is regrettable that such confusion has arisen where there are important gender issues to be addressed in college - promotion of women, representation of women on College committees, sexual harassment to name but three.

Dr Stacey added: The public might well be more concerned with how we address these issues than with our - in my opinion - unfortunate jettisoning of our historic title of Freshman.

In an emailed response to those who complained, TCD Equality Officer, Aoife Crawford wrote on November 30 freshman did offend and/or exclude some - but of course not all - students and staff.

Ms Crawford wrote: The change is in keeping with a general increase in the non-gendered use of language in the university e.g. chair instead of chairman for heads of committees, recognising the fact that these are not necessarily men."

Ms Crawford said that the Students Union is very supportive of the move stating this change to a gender neutral term is indeed just a small step towards gender equality and it requires little resources.

She added: You are right that other actions will have greater impact on gender equality and please be assured that those are what the college spends much more time and effort on.
Update 9.10pm: Fine Gael senator Catherine Noones allegations of sexism and bullying against a colleague are to be investigated by party bosses, writes Daniel McConnell, Political Editor.

Ms Noone, a member of the industrial and commercial panel, made the allegations at a private meeting of party TDs and senators in Leinster House on Wednesday night.

The party confirmed that its general secretary, Tom Curran, has been informed of the allegations by chairman Martin Heydon.

Parliamentary Party Chairman Martin Heydon has written to General Secretary Tom Curran regarding an internal matter within the party, said a statement.

A party spokesman said: Due process will be followed and the matter will be dealt with swiftly.

Fine Gael expects party colleagues to treat all with the utmost respect, professionalism and dignity at all times. Any internal party matters are dealt with the strictest of confidence and Fine Gael will not be making any further comment.

At the meeting on Wednesday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar committed to fully investigating the claims, saying that sexism had no place in the party. He said he was disappointed to hear such claims and insisted bullying would not be tolerated within the party.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan also stressed that avenues were available within the party to members with concerns of this nature.

Ms Noones intervention at the meeting followed a presentation about the partys efforts to encourage more women to contest elections for Fine Gael.

Ms Noones allegations are the second incident to rock the party in recent months.

In November, Barry Walsh resigned from the executive council of Fine Gael over regrets the tone and language he used in tweets that he has posted. He also accepted that some tweets had caused serious offence to many people and I apologise unreservedly for that.

Mr Walsh came under considerable pressure to stand down after it was disclosed that he had posted abusive and personalised tweets.

The issue was brought to light by Dublin Bay South TD Kate OConnell, who had also sat on the Oireachtas committee on the Eighth Amendment, at a Fine Gael meeting where she presented a series of tweets by Mr Walsh, some of which were directed at her.

Read Daniel McConnell's full report in tomorrow's Irish Examiner.

Earlier:Fine Gael Parliamentary Party Chairman Martin Heydon has written to the General Secretary of the party about a bullying issue.

Fine Gael Parliamentary Party Chairman Martin Heydon has written to the General Secretary of the party about a bullying issue.

Senator Catherine Noone raised concerns about bullying and sexism from a male colleague at a parliamentary party meeting last night.

Senator Noone told her parliamentary party a male colleague regularly talks down to her and is misogynistic.

This evening, Chairman of the PP Martin Heydon has written to General Secretary Tom Curran about the issue.

A spokesperson for Fine Gael says due process will be followed and the matter will be dealt with swiftly.

They say they expect party colleagues to treat all with the utmost respect, professionalism and dignity at all times.

Senator Noone told her colleagues last night the issue had become too much to take.

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is understood to have responded strongly to the issue saying it wouldn't be tolerated.

Digital Desk
By Ann O'Loughlin

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has found that domestic laws of EU member states allowing the indiscriminate retention of telecommunications data are "not permissible" and are "off the menu," the High Court has heard.

On the third day of High Court action bought by convicted murderer Graham Dywer his counsel Remy Farrell SC said a 2016 ruling by the ECJ found domestic laws allowing telecommunication data be retained and accessed without any safeguards being present breach privacy rights contained in the European Union Charter.

Dwyer claims the 2011 Communications (Retention of Data) Act, which allowed Gardai obtain and use data generated by Dwyer's mobile phone during his 2015 trial for the murder of childcare worked Elaine O' Hara, breached his privacy rights and should not have been used.

He claims the 2011 Act was introduced to give effect to the 2006 EU directive concerning the retention and use of data.

In 2014 the European Court of Justice (ECJ) found the directive was invalid.

Dwyer's claims the 2011 Act suffers from the same flaws identified by the ECJ.

Dwyer claims certain provisions of the 2011 laws breach his privacy rights under the Irish Constitution, European Convention on Human Rights as well as the EU Charter.

In his action against the Garda Commissioner, and the State, Dwyer seeks various declarations that his privacy rights have been breached.

The application is opposed, and the respondents say Dwyer is not entitled to any of the declarations sought.

In submissions to the court Mr Farrell said in addition to the 2014 ECJ decision, following a case brought by Digital Rights Ireland Ltd against the Minister for Communications, an ECJ ruling in 2016 also supports Dwyer's application to have provisions of the 2011 Act struck down.

Counsel said following a case brought by multi-national communications operator Tele 2 over Sweden's data retention laws the ECJ ruled that indiscriminate retention of data, where users are not made aware private data can be accessed by parties including the police, is not allowed counsel said.

The ECJ found that targeted data retention regimes might be allowed if certain safeguards were present and only data that is strictly necessary is accessed and used, counsel said.

Under the 2011 Act there are "no independent safeguards present," counsel said.

The 2016 ruling counsel said "tied up" some of the issues left over from the 2014 decision, and specifically dealt with domestic laws of a EU member state concerning data retention.

Counsel said the respondents to Dwyer's action seemed to be arguing that considerations such as the use of data retention regimes in the investigation of serious crimes including the prevention of terrorist attacks were not taken into account by the ECJ.

Counsel said that was not the case.

The ECJ had considered information such as how the French authorities used retained data in the investigation or terror attacks on their soil, and to track French citizens who had gone to fight in the Middle East before arriving at its decision.

The ECJ's ruling in 2016 was also referred to in a report by former Chief Justice John Murray's on Ireland's data retention regime, which described the 2001 Act as being contrary to EU laws and amounted to mass surveillance.

"While that report was advisory", counsel said "it was difficult to imagine a more stark rebuke," counsel said.

Cork born Dwyer (45) denies killing Ms O'Hara, and his appeal against his conviction is pending before the Court of Appeal.

The high court action, before Mr Justice Tony O'Connor, continues.
By Ann O'Loughlin

Sinn Fein political manager, Nicky Kehoe, was a senior member of the IRA and he cannot sue for that because it is true, counsel for RTE told a High Court jury today.

What Mr Kehoe had sued over was that former junior minister Joe Costello had said on a live radio show that Mr Kehoe "is" a senior IRA member, Cian Ferriter SC said.

However, counsel said, in the three-to-four minute exchange between Mr Costello and Sinn Fein representative Eoin O'Broin on that Saturday with Claire Byrne show, Mr O'Broin "ripped to shreds" the Costello allegation.

By the end of that exchange, Mr Costello withdrew the allegation and said Mr Kehoe "was" a senior IRA member.

Mr Ferriter was making the closing speech to the jury on behalf of RTE on the sixth day of Mr Kehoe's action over the October 2015 broadcast when Mr Costello alleged a former chief of staff of the IRA was at meetings of Dublin City Council telling Sinn Fein councillors how to vote. Mr Kehoe's name was first used by Mr O'Broin, then a councillor and now a TD, who also went on to defend Mr Kehoe on the show.

Mr Kehoe says the reputation he built up 26 years since last coming out of prison had been destroyed in "one swipe". RTE should have shut down the debate as soon as his name was mentioned, he says.

RTE denies defamation and says it is not liable.

Mr Ferriter said it was an "extraordinary feature" of this case that Mr Kehoe had come to court saying that RTE said he was a member of the IRA. But that was not stood over on the show and he cannot sue for that because he actually was previously a member of that organisation.

Mr Kehoe cannot take just "one bit" of the broadcast and the law required that it be taken as a whole, he said.

The "elephant not in the room" in this case was why did Mr Kehoe not sue Mr Costello, who was the "real villain" and who must bear the lion's share of responsibility if the jury does find there was defamation, he said.

RTE says there was no defamation but the law is clear and there was no bar or reason whey he could not sue Mr Costello. Not only did he not sue or send a legal letter, he did not even lift up the phone to call a man he knew for 30 years but decided "I will go after RTE", counsel said. It was a remarkable feature of the case that Mr Costello was not in the witness box.

RTE also argued, in the context of its fair and reasonable defence, the jury had to consider that this was an unprecedented situation where a TD sent out to represent the government on a radio show makes this allegation and Ms Byrne and her producer deal with that responsibly.

Mr Kehoe's case is that Ms Byrne was floundering when the allegation was made, that she had lost control and had some huge meltdown in a distinguished career as one of the top broadcasters in the country. But this was not so, counsel said.

"It is not remotely tenable to say she and RTE acted irresponsibly. Her judgment call was impeccable", he said. The matter, including a clarification at the end of the programme, was dealt with in accordance with RTE radio guidelines, he said.

Witnesses called on Mr Kehoe's behalf said they didn't think he was actually damaged by the broadcast in his own community.

The proceedings were misguided and should never have been brought, counsel said.

Mr Ferriter urged the jury to dismiss the case.

Declan Doyle SC, in his speech on behalf of Mr Kehoe, said the law in Ireland is that if your are defamed you sue for damages. RTE had tried to present, during cross examination of Mr Kehoe, that he was taking this case for substantial compensation.

Nicky Kehoe.

But what had happened was Mr Kehoe had first got a transcript of the radio show before going to his solicitor. RTE had denied it had defamed him "from the start" and if Mr Kehoe's solicitor had not put something in the original letter about damages, he (the solicitor) would have been criminally negligent, Mr Doyle said.

This was emblematic of the way RTE had dealt with this case and had tried to present it as though it was in some sort of bubble, away from the real world. But, counsel said, there was an "even bigger bubble" in RTE which was an organisation detached from the real world, he said.

At the end of the exchanges on the radio show, the allegation against Mr Kehoe was still hanging there. It had not been put to bed as claimed by RTE, counsel said.

The evidence of one of Mr Kehoe's witnesses, a member of the local GAA club and a fireman, was that there was banter some days after the programme among his fire fighter colleagues asking was he "now taking instructions from the army council".

Any reasonable and rational analysis of that allegation was that Mr Kehoe was a member of the army council and was subverting democracy by giving instructions to Sinn Fein members of Dublin City Council, counsel said.

Mr Kehoe had been upfront and was ashamed about his IRA past, but this case was about someone being accused of subverting democracy in 2015, counsel said.

RTE had tried to present Eoin O'Broin as some kind of strategist and orator who had put Joe Costello on the ropes during the programme. You would think from RTE 's portrayal of Mr O'Broin that he was "Winston Churchill, Barrack Obama, Lionel Messi and Katie Taylor all rolled into one", counsel said.

"But did you ever hear such nonsense in all your life and Eoin O'Broin's contribution is laughable if the consequences for Nicky Kehoe were not so serious".

In relation to Joe Costello, it was said by RTE that if it was not for Mr Costello there would be no case. If it were not for RTE they would not be here, counsel said. RTE had nine or 10 opportunities to close down the radio discussion but did not do so and left it to Mr O'Broin, he said.

Mr Doyle urged the jury to award a very significant amount of damages.

The jury is expected to go out to consider its verdict later today following the judge's charge.
By Ann O'Loughlin

A jury in a High Court defamation action by Sinn Fein political manager Nicky Kehoe against RTE will resume deliberations in the case tomorrow.

The jury was sent out to consider its verdict at 5.30pm this evening but came back a half an hour later when Mr Justice Bernard Barton told them he knew they had a lot to consider in the case and and they could sit on until 8pm if they felt they could reach a verdict by then.

The jury foreman asked if they could be allowed to discuss that and a few minutes later they returned and said they would like to come back on Friday.

The judge discharged them for the day and said they could resume deliberations as soon as they met in the jury room in the morning.

Earlier, in his closing speech on behalf of RTE, Cian Ferriter SC said Mr Kehoe had sued over comments by former junior minister Joe Costello had said on the live Saturday with Clare Byrne radio show that Mr Kehoe "is" a senior IRA member, Cian Ferriter SC said.

However, counsel said, in the three-to-four minute exchange between Mr Costello and SF representative Eoin O'Broin, who was another panellist on the show, Mr O'Broin "ripped to shreds" the Costello allegation.

By the end of that exchange, Mr Costello withdrew the allegation and said Mr Kehoe "was" a senior IRA member, counsel said.

Mr Ferriter said it was an "extraordinary feature" of this case that Mr Kehoe had come to court saying that RTE said he was a member of the IRA. But that was not stood over on the show and he cannot sue for that because he actually was previously a member of that organisation.

Mr Kehoe cannot take just "one bit" of the broadcast and the law required that it be taken as a whole, he said.

Mr Kehoe's action is over the October 2015 broadcast when Mr Costello alleged a former chief of staff of the IRA was at meetings of Dublin City Council telling SF councillors how to vote. Mr Kehoe's name was first used by Mr O'Broin, then a councillor and now a TD, who also went on to defend Mr Kehoe on the show.

Mr Kehoe says the reputation he built up 26 years since last coming out of prison was undone in "one swipe". RTE should have shut down the debate as soon as his name was mentioned, he says.

RTE denies defamation and says it is not liable.

The "elephant not in the room" in this case was why did Mr Kehoe not sue Mr Costello, who was the "real villain" and who must bear the lion's share of responsibility if the jury does find there was defamation, Mr Ferriter said.

Joe Costello

Declan Doyle SC, in his speech on behalf of Mr Kehoe, said the law in Ireland is that if your are defamed you sue for damages. RTE had tried to present, during cross examination of Mr Kehoe, that he was taking this case for substantial compensation.

But what had happened was Mr Kehoe had first got a transcript of the radio show before going to his solicitor. RTE had denied it had defamed him "from the start" and if Mr Kehoe's solicitor had not put something in the original letter about damages, he (solicitor) would have been criminally negligent, Mr Doyle said.

This was emblematic of the way RTE had dealt with this case and had tried to present it as though it was in some sort of bubble, away from the real world.

But, counsel said, there was an "even bigger bubble" in RTE which was an organisation detached from the real world, he said.

At the end of the exchanges on the radio show, the allegation against Mr Kehoe was still hanging there. It had not been put to bed as claimed by RTE. counsel said.

Any reasonable and rational analysis of that allegation was that Mr Kehoe was a member of the army council and was subverting democracy by giving instructions to SF members of Dublin City Council, counsel said.

In his charge to the jury, Mr Justice Barton reminded the jury they were the only finders of fact in this case which is significant for both Mr Kehoe and RTE.

They had to balance the fundamental constitutional right to freedom of expression and the right to a good name, he said.
By Ruaidhri Giblin

A man jailed for raping and threatening to kill his wife as their marriage was breaking down continues to show no remorse for raping her, the Court of Appeal has heard.

The 43-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was jailed for ten years after being convicted by a jury in the Central Criminal Court.

He was the third person to be convicted for marital rape since rape within a marriage was made illegal in 1990.

The trial court heard that the woman had to stay in contact with her husband after the rape so he could have court ordered access to their child.

A jury of eleven men and one woman convicted him of raping his wife in their home in May, 2014 and of threatening to cut her face, having denied the charges.

He was also convicted of threatening to kill the woman the next day over the phone.

However, the jury failed to reach verdicts on charges that he head-butted her and threatened to do serious damage to her when they met to discuss custody of their son.

He had admitted assaulting his wife with a hammer.

Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment with the final two suspended in June 2016.

The Court of Appeal upheld the man's conviction last December holding that none of the grounds or appeal argued on his behalf succeeded.

Giving judgment on that occasion, Mr Justice Alan Mahon said the man, an Arab Muslim from north Africa, married his wife, an Irish national, in 2005.

Mr Justice Mahon said a series of assaults and threats, including rape in the marital home, culminated in an attack by the man on his wife and her mother during which both were struck with a hammer.

Moving to appeal his sentence today, his barrister, Ronan Munro SC, submitted that the sentence was excessive for a single rape offence and the sentencing judge placed insufficient weight on the mitigating factors.

Not only had his client no previous convictions but, Mr Munro said, he had been a good husband and father and the couple had been in love up until the breakdown of the marriage.

He said the man had suffered a depressive episode a year beforehand and it was in that context that these offences occurred.

Mr Munro said the court should not lose sight of the person who existed before the depressive episode.

If he existed once, he can exist again, counsel said.

The Court of Appeal heard that the man refuses to show any remorse for the rape offence.

Moreover, he continued to be unaccepting of his conviction in that he had decided to bring his unsuccessful conviction appeal to the Supreme Court, although he was within his rights to do so.

Mr Munro said his client had indicated shame and remorse in relation to the assault.

Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Seamus Clarke SC, said it wasn't a single incident but a Spring and Summer of torment for his wife which included the breaching of a barring order, threats and assault.

Dismissing his conviction appeal in December, Mr Justice Mahon said the man, at the outset, had raised concerns that he would not receive a fair trial before a jury made up of Irish citizens most likely to be entirely of the Christian faith.

It was pointed out that the man was a foreign dark skinned Muslim from north Africa.

Mr Justice Mahon said this was really a challenge to the Juries Act 1976.

There was a concern that an Irish person of the Christian faith might have a view that men of the Muslim faith treated women generally, and more particularly their wives, with less respect or at least differently than was the norm in Irish society.

The trial judge said any suggestion a jury panel should be told they should not serve if the were racially prejudiced was insulting to any potential jurors and that it presumes prejudice on their part.

She said she would give the jury the usual warnings.

Mr Justice Mahon said juries had time and time again shown themselves well capable of acting responsibly and discharging their duty to determine an accused guilty or not guilty in accordance with evidence presented in the trial.

He said Irish juries were regularly called upon to consider the guilt or innocence of persons charged with rape and various types of sexual offences including, on occasion, where the accused is a foreign national or a member of a non Christian religion.

To assume or to have any significant concern that racial or religious prejudice was a significant feature in Irish society to the point that the probability of a fair trial could or should be called into question was without foundation.

It was quite likely that any special or unusual warning on possible prejudice against Muslims or foreigners would simply be considered insulting and entirely counter productive, Mr Justice Mahon said.

The fact the jury disagreed on two specific counts strongly suggested that they took their duty to fairly try the man seriously and were not prejudiced or biased against him because of his religion, colour or nationality, Mr Justice Mahon said.

Mr Justice George Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Alan Mahon and Mr Justice John Edwards, said the court would reserve its judgment on the sentence appeal.
By Gordon Deegan

A 30% surge in asylum seeker applications here last year has resulted in the State moving to open as a matter of urgency a new direct provision centre in Lisdoonvarna in north Clare.

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) has written to Clares Oireachtas members to confirm that the new centre at the King Thomond Hotel outside Lisdoonvarna will open on March 5.

The new centre will have the capacity to accommodate 115 asylum seekers. RIA officials are to meet with local representatives in Lisdoonvarna today to answer questions over the move.

The renewed pressure on the system follows the 30% surge in applications by asylum seekers last year with 2,927 received - up from 2,244 received in 2016.

The new figures provided by the Dept of Justice show that the largest cohort of asylum seekers were from war-torn Syria accounting for 545 or 18.6% of the total

The numbers of Syrians seeking asylum here last year was more than double the 244 Syrians to seek asylum here in 2016.

The RIA is charged with operating the direct provision system and in his letter, Principal Officer at the RIA, Eugene Banks there are some 5,200 asylum seekers living in 34 accommodation centres around the country. Our existing accommodation centres are full across the country, leaving very little bed capacity for new asylum seekers coming to Ireland.

He said: As a consequence, RIA is having to contract additional capacity to meet the demand for accommodation for asylum seekers.

Mr Banks said: In view of the pressure on space currently within our existing accommodation services, the new centre needs to be opened as a matter of urgency.

In his letter, Mr Banks said: The centre will provide essential accommodation and shelter to asylum seekers. It is anticipated that it will also generate employment and business opportunities in the locality.

The move to enter the one-year deal with the owners of the King Thomond hotel, James White and Co Ltd, follows the RIA seeking expressions of interest from property owners to accommodate asylum seekers last month.

The company is headed up by Marcus White and it also operates the Hydro Hotel in Lisdoonvarna.

A spokesman for the Dept of Justice said yesterday that a number of premises were offered to the Dept as a result of the call for interest and all offers were assessed.

The asylum seeker figures for 2017 show that the second highest number of applications was from Georgia - 302 (10.3%), Albania - 282 (9.6%), Zimbabwe 262 (9%) and Pakistan 200 (6.8%).

In his letter to the Oireachtas members, Mr Banks stated: I appreciate that the opening of the centre will be a matter of local interest. Your assistance is important in enabling RIA to explain to local groups and stakeholders the reason why the centre is being opened and to set out any possible implications for the local area.
By Louise Walsh

Narconon has confirmed its plans for a controversial drug rehabilitation centre in Meath and has contacted a number of local politicians to seek a meeting to address any 'misinformation'.

The off-shoot group of the Church of Scientology, which has to date never confirmed its role in the purchase of a former school in Ballivor, has emailed politicians through a Dublin PR group.

The email, which has also been sent to the Ballivor Community Council says it wants to address 'a lot of misinformation circulating about the Narconon programme and its plans'.

It says it's 'willing' to answer any questions on themselves or their plans.

It also confirms that Narconon has bought a premises in the village and their 'wish' to open a drug rehabilitation facility under the Narconon name.'

Narconon says it wants to meet all interested people to tell them about their plans including the 'benefits to the community' and offer them a chance to meet former drug addicts who have completed the programme.

The email says: "I am writing to you on behalf of Narconon who you might know has purchased a premises in Ballivor and wish to open a drug rehabilitation facility under the Narconon name.

"As you may be aware there is a lot of mis information circulating about the Narconon programme and its plans and we now want to give everyone and anyone who is interested, an opportunity to brief them and have them ask whatever questions they wish of us.

"As a courtesy we first contacted the Ballivor Community Council yesterday and are awaiting a date and time from them to let us know when we might be able to meet with them  hopefully over the next few days.

"We would like to offer you an opportunity, at a venue, date and time of your convenience to hear from us about Narconon, what they do, what the plans are for the premises in Ballivor including the potential benefits to the community and also to talk to a couple of former drug addicts who have successfully gone through the programme.

"We want to give you a full brief on the proposed premises and we are open and are willing to answer any and all questions that you or your constituents may have."

Pic: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

However, Meath Sinn Fein TD Peadar Toibin, who was one of the TDs to receive the email, said he will not be meeting with the group without the wishes of the Ballivor locality.

He added that he intends to introduce a Dail bill to regulate the whole sector and stop 'rogue operators from functioning.'

He said: "After a blinding absence of consultation the Church of Scientology are now looking to employ a publicity form to convince locals and elected reps alike.

"The key points in all of this is that this service is completely unregulated, that the state itself has stated that there is no evidence as to the efficacy of the service.

"There is widespread worries in the community as to the dangers of this service and its effect on the community.

"I hope to introduce a bill in the Dail that will see regulation in this whole sector and this will in all likelihood prevent rogue operators from functioning.

"I wont be meeting with the Church of Scientology without the expressed will of the community of Ballivor".

It is understood the local community of Ballivor are meeting to discuss the new proposals from Narconon.

The Ballivor Says No group are still intent to travel to Dublin next week to present a petition from the local community against the plans for the centre to the Dail.

A spokesperson for Narconon added today that they were 'keen to outreach to the people of Ballivor initially, with a wider communications outreach planned' at a later date for the media.
Revenue officers have seize contraband cigarettes in a house in Dublin.

The officers seized 20,000 unstamped cigarettes in an intelligence led operation yesterday when they searched the house in the Dublin 7 area.

The contraband cigarettes, branded Excellence, have an estimated retail value of more than 11,000 representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of more than 8,800.

A woman in her 40s was questioned by Revenue officers and investigations are continuing.
By Ann O'Loughlin

St Vincents University Hospital, has apologised in court to the widow and family of a patient who died in the hospital for any shortcomings in his care as they today settled a High Court action for 150,000.

63-year old William Clarke's life was cut short and his family are very concerned about what happened at the hospital, his counsel Dr John O'Mahony SC today told the High Court.

Counsel told Mr Justice Kevin Cross St Vincents University Hospital had issued an apology in the case which he read to the court.

St Vincents University Hospital, would like to offer its apologies to Mrs Breda Clarke and family, and the family of Mr William Clarke, for any shortcomings in the care and treatment of the late Mr William Clarke whilst a patient of St Vincents Hospital that caused or contributed to his untimely death.

Dr John O Mahony SC told the court is was a very sad case in which liability was conceded.

Counsel said Mr Clarke had been unwell for a number of years and was admitted to St Vincents University Hospital in September 2013 complaining of abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. He had a CT scan which showed colitis and he was treated with antibiotics and steroids and discharged home on October 14, 2013.

Mr Clarke was readmitted to the hospital on October 29, 2013 and the clinical picture was a new diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. He was treated with antibiotics and steroids but he clinically deteriorated on November 21, 2013 and was brought to the operating theatre and a laparotomy was performed.

Counsel said Mr Clarke died the next day.

Mrs Breda Clarke, Mackintosh Park, Pottery Road, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin had sued the Dublin hospital over the death of her husband William at St Vincents Hospital on November 22, 2013.

It was claimed there was a failure to clinically examine, assess, diagnose and treat Mr Clarke in any competent manner.

It was also claimed a standard of care was provided to Mr Clarke which was inadequate and unreasonable and below the standard Mr Clarke was entitled to expect. It was further claimed there was a failure to perform a laparotomy or surgical exploration in a timely manner and a failure to diagnose and treat bowel ischaemia in a timely manner or at all.

Approving the settlement Mr Justice Cross offered sincere sympathy to the Clarke family on their sad loss and he noted the apology would provide some comfort to some members of the family.
Update 6pm: Belgian police sealed off part of a Brussels suburb on Thursday and searched two apartments, warning residents to stay inside following witness reports that an armed man could be at large.

The area in the Forest neighbourhood was reopened after about three hours and police spokeswoman Kathleen Calie later confirmed the incident was not terror-related.

The incident began after a Polish man reported what he said was a murder, Ms Calie said. When police arrived at the address they found nothing. "It seems he may have expressed himself badly," Ms Calie said.

But witnesses there said that an incident had happened at a nearby building and they reported seeing an armed man, so officers from Belgium's special federal police force were called in, she said.

Update 2.30pm: Belgian police say an incident involving a suspected armed man in Brussels is not terror-related.

Brussels police spokeswoman Kathleen Calie said officers from Belgium's special federal force were deployed to the Forest suburb following witness accounts that an armed person could be at large.

A search of one building produced nothing, and a second search is ongoing.

Ms Calie said "we can rule out terrorism."

Police sealed off part of the neighbourhood and Associated Press television images showed armed officers hiding behind buildings and staking out a rooftop in the area.

Masked police, some with automatic weapons, were aiming their guns high at a building near the Place Saint-Denis. A police helicopter flew overhead.

Broadcaster RTL quoted Forest mayor Marc-Jean Ghyssels as saying that police "suspect the presence of an armed man". The area was sealed off at around 12.30pm local time and people were warned to stay in their homes.

A suspect in the deadly Paris attacks in November 2015, Salah Abdeslam, hid in Forest and was caught up in a shootout with police in a nearby apartment.

Belgium recently lowered its threat level after almost two years on high alert. In March 2016 suicide bomb attacks on the Brussels airport and an underground station killed 32 people.

File image of Police patroling in Brussels, Belgium.

Earlier: Police lock down part of Brussels amid gunman reports

Belgian police have sealed off part of a Brussels suburb amid media reports that an armed man could be at large.

Associated Press television images showed armed police officers hiding behind buildings and staking out a building rooftop in the Forest neighbourhood of the Belgian capital.

A police helicopter flew overhead.

Broadcaster RTL quoted Forest mayor Marc-Jean Ghyssels as saying that police "suspect the presence of an armed man".

A suspect in the deadly Paris attacks in November 2015, Salah Abdeslam, hid in Forest and was caught up in a shootout with police in a nearby apartment.

There was no immediate indication that today's incident is terror-related.

This is a breaking news story, more as we get it...
Indonesian customs officials have arrested two foreigners accused of attempting to smuggle drugs on to the tourist island of Bali.

Customs chief Himawan Indarjono said on Thursday that British citizen Adam Scott and German Siegfried Karl Achim Ruckel were arrested at Bali's Ngurah Rai airport.
Students and parents have delivered emotional appeals to President Donald Trump to act on school safety and guns after last week's mass shooting in Florida.

The administration is seeking to show resolve against gun violence in the wake of last week's shooting in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 dead and has prompted a growing call for stronger gun control.

Mr Trump promised to be "very strong on background checks," adding that "we're going to do plenty of other things" as he listened to students, parents and teachers at the White House.

He was faced with grieving families looking for answers. Few had concrete suggestions, but a few spoke in favour of raising age limits for buying assault weapons.

Addressing those in attendance, President Trump floated the deeply controversial prospect of arming teachers.

He said: "[Concealed carry] only works where you have people very adept at using firearms, of which you have many. It would be teachers and coaches."

He cited the case of Aaron Feis - the Stoneman Douglas coach who witnesses said was killed while he 'shielded' students from the shooter - as an example of someone who he claimed could have benefited from having a weapon.

President Trump explained: "A teacher would have a concealed gun on them. They'd go for special training, and they would be there and you'd no longer have a 'gun-free zone'. A gun-free zone to a maniac, because they're all cowards... is 'let's go in and let's attack, because bullets aren't coming back at us'."

The National Rifle Association - which endorsed Trump ahead of the 2016 US election - has long supported concealed carry policies, but the idea has also faced fierce opposition. One Hawaii Senator described the idea as 'literally insane'.

Eliminating gun free school zones and arming teachers is literally insane and based on the NRA business model that the solution to gun violence is to sell more guns.  Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) February 21, 2018

Parkland student Samuel Zeif said he has heard of 15-year-olds buying rifles. Cary Gruber, father of a Parkland student, implored Mr Trump: "It's not left and right," adding "if you can't buy a beer, you shouldn't be able to buy a gun".

A strong supporter of gun rights, Mr Trump has nonetheless indicated in recent days that he is willing to consider ideas not in keeping with National Rifle Association orthodoxy, including age restrictions for buying assault-type weapons.

The US President also drew attention on social media with a list of notes he was holding during the White House event.

Better look at @realDonaldTrump cheat sheet to ask #StudentsStandUp at the Listening Session. This is a pathetic showing of just how narcissistic he really is. "What can we do to help you feel safe?" it says. Try listening...they have been screaming it for a week, #GunReformNow pic.twitter.com/gAD5YV9GyE  Johnny Akzam (@JohnnyAkzam) February 22, 2018

Over 40 people assembled in the State Dining Room. Among the group were six students from Parkland, including the student body president, along with their parents.

Also present were Darrell and Sandra Scott, whose daughter was killed in the Columbine, Colorado, shooting, and Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden, who lost children in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. Students and parents from the Washington area were also present.

The student body president at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Julia Cordover, tearfully told Mr Trump that she "was lucky enough to come home from school".

She added: "I am confident you will do the right thing."

Television personality Geraldo Rivera had dinner with Mr Trump at his private Palm Beach club over the weekend and described Mr Trump as "deeply affected" by his meeting on Friday with survivors of the Flordia shooting .

Mr Rivera said he and Mr Trump discussed the idea of raising the minimum age to purchase assault-type weapons.

Mr Trump "suggested strongly that he was going to act to strengthen background checks", Mr Rivera said.

Mr Trump embraced gun rights on his campaign, though he supported some gun control before he became a candidate, backing an assault weapons ban and a longer waiting period to purchase a gun in a 2000 book.

Throughout the day on Wednesday, television news showed footage of student survivors of the violence marching on the Florida state Capitol, calling for tougher laws.

The protests came closer to Mr Trump too, with hundreds of students from suburban Maryland attending a rally at the Capitol and then marching to the White House.

Daniel Gelillo, a senior at Richard Montgomery High who helped organise the protest, said students were hoping to pressure lawmakers to act. He said that "up 'til now nothing has quite fazed them".

On Tuesday, Mr Trump directed the Justice Department to move to ban devices like the rapid-fire bump stocks used in last year's Las Vegas massacre. The White House has also said Mr Trump was looking at a bill that would strengthen federal gun background checks.

But those moves have drawn criticism as being inadequate, with Democrats questioning whether the Justice Department even has authority to regulate bump stocks and arguing that the background check legislation would not go far enough.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives lacks authority under current law to ban bump stocks.

"If ATF tries to ban these devices after admitting repeatedly that it lacks the authority to do so, that process could be tied up in court for years, and that would mean bump stocks would continue to be sold," said Ms Feinstein, of California, calling legislation the only answer.
Update: 1.54pm: Dutch prosecutors have rejected calls to open a criminal investigation into four major tobacco companies on charges including attempted murder or manslaughter.

The decision was a blow to what Dutch anti-smoking organisations had hoped would be a new legal front in the fight against the tobacco industry.

Amsterdam lawyer Benedicte Ficq filed what she called a world's-first criminal complaint in 2016 seeking a prosecution on behalf of two ex-smokers, including a mother suffering from lung cancer, and a youth smoking prevention organisation. Hospitals, doctors and other groups later joined the call.

Ms Ficq had called for the prosecution of Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International and Imperial Tobacco Benelux.

But the Dutch Public Prosecution Service (DPPS) said in a written statement that it sees no prospect within current laws of a conviction.

"Smoking is deadly and the design of cigarettes does add to this but according to the DPPS, the tobacco manufacturers have not acted in violation of either the law or the current regulatory framework," the service said in an English-language statement.

An Amsterdam hospital that was among those calling for a prosecution said that 55 people die each day in the Netherlands as a result of smoking. It vowed not to give up the legal fight.

Rene Medema, chairman of the board of the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital, said the hospital would discuss the options for appealing the decision or petitioning a judge to order prosecutors to launch an investigation.

"We see the damaging consequences of smoking every day in our patients," Mr Medema said in a statement. "We have to make clear to the tobacco industry that their way of working is unacceptable."

When Ms Ficq filed her request, the Dutch association of cigarette and tobacco makers labelled it a publicity stunt and said it was confident that "the sale of a legal, heavily regulated product is not a crime in the Netherlands".

On Thursday, the association said it had "no further comment at this stage".

The Dutch case was being monitored by other anti-tobacco groups looking at similar action.

British group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is also looking at a criminal case against cigarette makers.

"When criminal liability succeeds, it will make it difficult, if not impossible, to legally continue to market and sell cigarettes," ASH says in a statement on its website.

AP

Earlier: Dutch prosecutors to decide on criminal tobacco case

Dutch prosecutors are set to announce today whether they will open a criminal investigation into four major tobacco companies on charges including attempted murder or manslaughter.

Amsterdam lawyer Benedicte Ficq filed a criminal complaint in 2016 seeking a prosecution. Hospitals, doctors and other groups have since joined the call.

An Amsterdam hospital that is among those calling for a prosecution said 55 people die each day in the Netherlands as a result of smoking.

Mr Ficq has called for the prosecution of Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International and Imperial Tobacco Benelux.

The Dutch association of cigarette and tobacco makers has labelled the call for prosecution a publicity stunt and said it is confident that "the sale of a legal, heavily regulated product is not a crime in the Netherlands".

- PA
A mother in the UK has been jailed for a minimum of 14 years and nine months for suffocating and poisoning her eight-week-old son.

Hannah Turtle, 22, pleaded guilty to the murder of her son James Hughes seven days into her trial at Mold Crown Court.

She also admitted three counts of ill treatment of the infant and two counts of poisoning.

At a sentencing hearing today, the court heard she had put her anti-depressant drug fluoxetine into his bottle on two occasions in the weeks leading up to his death in June 2016.

Turtle, from Shotton, North Wales, had held her hand over the baby's mouth and nose, causing him to stop breathing, on three occasions before his death.

On June 9 2016, the court heard, she was alone in the bedroom of the home she shared with her partner Ian Hughes and his mother Kathleen when she placed her hand over his nose and mouth as he slept in his Moses basket.

Judge Mr Justice Lewis said: "In one interview, you said James was struggling, his arms and legs flailing as you pressed down.

"You then sat alone for some minutes.

"You then went to speak to your partner's mother in her room. You did not tell her what you had just done."

Turtle returned to the bedroom after a few minutes and called Mrs Hughes to say the baby was not breathing.

He was taken to hospital and put on life support but died four days later.

Sentencing, Mr Justice Lewis said: "James was an eight-week-old baby deserving of protection and you, his mother, should have provided that protection.

"Instead you suffocated him."

In a statement read out by David Elias QC, prosecuting, Mrs Hughes described her grandson as "an angel" and said Turtle had "ruined" the family.

She said: "I feel she is pure evil and there is nothing I can say that does justice to how we are all feeling."

Mrs Hughes added: "She does not deserve forgiveness for the cruel and evil crimes she has committed."

Turtle, with short hair and wearing a rosary necklace, cried at times as her offences were described to the court.

Gordon Cole QC, defending, said she had a history of mental illness and self-harm.

He said her trial had had to be adjourned after she had cut herself with a razor blade.

The court heard psychiatrists' reports showed she had a personality disorder and had been suffering from factitious disorder, formerly known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, where a person inflicts pain on another.

Mr Cole said: "The evidence in this case points to a young woman with a very troubled background."

Mr Justice Lewis said he was not sure Turtle had intended to kill her son but was sure she intended to cause him serious harm.

He said: "James was a healthy, happy baby who, in his short life, was a source of joy and was much loved."

- PA
Theresa May is hosting an eight-hour inner Cabinet summit intended to finally thrash out the UK's Brexit objectives after Tory tensions on EU withdrawal broke to the surface again.

The British Prime Minister is heading crunch talks with senior ministers at Chequers on Thursday in a bid to secure a united line on the exit agenda.

The 11-member inner Cabinet Brexit committee will meet at May's country residence to decide a clear negotiating path as talks with Brussels step up a gear.

With the gathering expected to continue late into the evening, Mrs May is aiming to get clear Cabinet consensus on the details of Britain's framework for a future relationship with the EU.

However, there was a setback to Mrs May's plans on the eve of the meeting, as the European Commission released a document explicitly rejecting her "three baskets" approach to future regulatory co-operation.

The approach, set out in her speech in Florence in September, envisages different areas in which the UK would either continue with existing regulatory frameworks, operate its own separate rules largely mirroring those in the EU or diverge significantly from the Brussels regime.

But a set of slides setting out the commission's negotiating position stated: "UK views on regulatory issues in the future relationship including 'three basket approach' are not compatible with the principles in the EuCo (European Council) guidelines."

British attempts to "cherry-pick" EU rules threaten the integrity of the single market, while efforts to preserve UK influence over EU decision-making after Brexit "risk to unsettle the EU 'ecosystem'", the slides warned.

Meanwhile, Labour announced that Jeremy Corbyn will make a significant speech on Brexit policy on Monday, in an apparent attempt to steal a march on the Prime Minister, who is expected to use a high-profile address days later to set out her own vision of Britain's "end state" relationship with the EU.

Mr Corbyn has come under pressure from Labour MPs to provide clarity on his stance on membership of the single market and customs union, and a spokesman said on Wednesday that his thinking on the issue was "evolving and deepening".

The Chequers meeting comes after leaked negotiating guidelines caused concern among Brexiteers, and the Government was forced to dismiss claims it was seeking a more open-ended transition deal after the UK formally quits the trading bloc in March 2019.

The paper stated the length of the "status quo" transition "should be determined simply by how long it will take to prepare and implement the new processes and new systems that will underpin the future partnership", which "points to a period of around two years".

The transition strategy outlined in the documents has not been agreed by the Cabinet, according to reports in The Daily Telegraph.

Writing in the newspaper, leading Leave campaigner Jacob Rees-Mogg said that the document would bring about "Brexit in name only" and be a "perversion of democracy".

Mr Rees-Mogg expressed concern about a lack of attention to immigration in the strategy paper, saying: "Concern over lost control over migration was a significant issue in the referendum.

"Whoever compiled this document proposes no changes to it for an indefinite period and would thereby let down millions of voters.

"To avoid the perversion of democracy that Brexit in name only would be, it is essential that we are able to sign trade deals in the fixed transition period."

The Chequers summit is part of a "road to Brexit" series of events intended to set out the Government's ambitions for a post-withdrawal settlement with the EU.

Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that the Government is braced for Anglo-Dutch giant Unilever to base a new unified HQ in the Netherlands rather than the UK.

- PA
A two-year-old boy has died and his brother is critically ill in hospital after a hit-and-run.

The toddler was killed after he was struck by a car at around 2pm on Thursday, West Midlands Police said.

His six-year-old brother was also hit by the vehicle on MacDonald Road, Stoke, Coventry, and is in a critical condition in hospital.

A 22-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman have been arrested by police after a black Ford Focus was found abandoned shortly after the incident.

Both boys suffered life-threatening injuries but nothing could be done to save the younger sibling.

The force have said the road remains closed while emergency services are at the scene and officers are speaking to witnesses.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the force's collision investigation unit, said: "We are still trying to establish how this tragic incident has happened and anyone who hasn't yet spoken to an officer should call us on 101.

"This is a parent's worst nightmare and it's impossible to imagine their grief, but specialist officers will be supporting them as our investigation continues."

- PA
Sweden and Kuwait called for a vote on a UN resolution ordering a 30-day cease-fire throughout Syria to enable delivery of humanitarian aid to millions of people in acute need, and the evacuation of the critically sick and wounded.

But the Security Council resolution would exempt attacks directed at extremists from the Islamic State group, al Qaida and the Nusra Front - targets the Syrian government and its Russian allies say they are pursuing.

The proposed resolution, put in a final form yesterday, expresses "outrage at the unacceptable levels of violence" and attacks on civilians in several parts of Syria, particularly in Idlib governorate and the rebel-held Damascus suburbs of eastern Ghouta.

Whether Russia uses its veto or abstains in a vote on the resolution remains to be seen.

Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia called a 30-day cease-fire unrealistic, and diplomats said during negotiations on the text he argued that it couldn't be enforced.

Instead, he proposed a change that would have the parties agree to a cease-fire themselves which was rejected by the sponsors, the diplomats said.

"We cannot simply decide that there is a cease-fire," Mr Nebenzia said on Wednesday in an audio recording from Russia's UN Mission. "That's a long and complex process to achieve. Cessations cannot be established by putting a word in the resolution."

Soon after final draft of the resolution was circulated, Mr Nebenzia called for an open Security Council meeting on Thursday on eastern Ghouta. Some diplomats complained privately that Russia was trying to delay action on the 30-day cease-fire resolution.

The UN human rights office said on Wednesday that at least 346 people have been killed in eastern Ghouta since the Syrian government and its allies escalated an offensive on February 4.

Mr Nebenzia told the council it's important that all sides in the conflict present their understanding of the situation in eastern Ghouta "and come up the ways of getting out of the situation there".

Russia understands "there are terrorists there who the Syrian army is fighting and the terrorists are shelling heavily Damascus - and that has been neglected," he said.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier urged an immediate suspension of "all war activities" in eastern Ghouta, where he said 400,000 people are living "in hell on earth."

The UN chief said a suspension of fighting must allow for humanitarian aid to reach all in need and the evacuation of some 700 people needing urgent medical treatment.

"This is a human tragedy that is unfolding in front of our eyes and I don't think we can let things go on in this horrendous way," he said.

US ambassador Nikki Haley supported the UN chief saying "it is time for us to realise that we can't continue to look away."

Later, she accused "the barbaric Assad regime" of attacking men, women and children.

"It is simply preposterous to claim that these attacks on civilians have anything to do with fighting terrorism," Ms Haley said in a statement. "The Security Council must move to adopt a resolution establishing a cease-fire."

But since the Syrian conflict began nearly seven years ago, the Security Council has been deeply divided, with Russia backing president Bashar Assad's government and the US, Britain and France supporting the opposition. The result has been paralysis and inaction.

The proposed Syria humanitarian resolution drafted by Sweden and Kuwait expresses "grave distress" that more than 13.1 million people in Syria need urgent humanitarian assistance and "outrage" at the escalating violence and lack of access to civilians in need.

It calls for a cease-fire throughout Syria to begin 72 hours after the resolution's adoption. It states that 48 hours after a cease-fire starts humanitarian convoys must be allowed "unimpeded and sustained access" and the UN and its partners must be allowed to evacuate urgent cases.

The draft resolution also calls for the immediate lifting of sieges including in eastern Ghouta, Yarmouk, Foua and Kefraya.

- PA
Perpetual's chief executive and managing director, Geoff Lloyd, says the key to thriving as an active fund manager is "remaining relevant and staying close to clients and clients' needs".

"If you don't stay relevant you are not going to survive," Mr Lloyd said.

Most of Perpetual's profits are generated by its fund management arm, Perpetual Investments, which is under pressure from low-cost index-tracking funds.

At his last profit result before he steps down, Perpetual's CEO Geoff Lloyd said he was pleased to have delivered a 'solid' result. Credit:Pat Scala

Colonial First State Global Asset Management announced on Wednesday it would be shutting its 25-year-old "core" Australian equities function, as well as its global resources unit.
A NSW government minister has called for a Labor councillor charged with allegedly defrauding a training organisation part owned by the CFMEU of more than $220,000 to step aside from his public duties.

NSW Police has confirmed Hills Shire councillor Ray Harty has been charged with dishonestly obtaining more than $220,000 by deception from Comet Training, which is jointly owned by the NSW divisions of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union and the Master Builders Association.

The 72-year-old former general manager of Comet Training, who received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2012 for services to the construction industry, will face the charge of allegedly dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception at Burwood Local Court on Thursday April 12.

Councillor Ray Harty Credit:Natalie Roberts NRO

Comet Training's former financial controller, Amy Cai, has also been charged with fraudulently obtaining more than $200,000. Police said a 56-year-old woman was charged on Thursday with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception. She was granted bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on Thursday, March 1.
Global gas giant Linde Group is eyeing off further investment in Australia after a $35 million upgrade of its BOC unit's Sydney gas manufacturing facility. Earlier this week BOC  which is fully owned by German-based Linde, the world's largest maker of industrial gases  announced an upgrade of its Wetherill Park facility, investing $20 million in Australian first speciality gas production and $15 million in an automated, robotic warehouse management system. Linde Global Chief Executive Aldo Belloni said the company is now looking to install more automated robotic cylinder sorting and movement systems of the same scale at its other Australian plants. BOC is considering investing in automated robotic systems at its Brisbane and Melbourne plants. Were looking at plants on the east coast for expansion with this technology, were looking at more opportunities at the Brisbane and Melbourne plants, Mr Belloni said.

He said the expansions would be for conventional gas operations and of a similar scale to the $15 million system installed in Sydney, potentially reaching $30 million in additional investments. Mr Belloni said Linde had operated in Australia for a number of years, and reached a point where it needed to expand.We could either invest or leave, and we didnt want to leave, he said. The new facility was opened on Wednesday by the Federal Minister for Resources, Matthew Canavan, and the NSW Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayers. Mr Belloni said the facility can provide increased support to Australias LNG industry as it is able to produce around 8000 different types of gas, meaning the local sector would no longer have to source many of the speciality gasses from overseas. Previously, we didnt have the capacity for creating these speciality gasses in Australia, so customers often had to wait for them to be exported from the UK or Europe," he said. " Now we can be more responsive.
None had all the advantages conferred by family wealth and connections, posh schools and fancy universities. They began as writers before the modern expansion in government assistance for the arts and the tertiary education sector that provided opportunities for writers to supplement the meagre income derived from publication.

A Free Flame is a fascinating group portrait of a generation of leading 20th century women authors who appear to have enjoyed long and successful literary careers. But despite finding readers and attaining canonical status, none of them had it easy in their creative and personal lives. To begin with, Gwen Harwood, Dorothy Hewett, Ruth Park and Christina Stead belonged to a generation of Australians that experienced the turmoil and deprivations of two World Wars and the Depression.

It has never been easy to make a living as an independent writer in Australia. Back in the 1890s, Henry Lawson advised anyone aspiring to a literary career to flee the country or else equip themselves with a gun and a mirror. These were the only options in avoiding the endless struggle against economic hardship and grudging acceptance that he saw as the fate of the Australian writer.

Park, a prolific and remarkably versatile writer who with her writer spouse depended on income from freelance writing to pay the bills, lived in a slum with their five children.

While each of these four had a vocation, none was granted a sinecure. Compounding their marginal status as writers, they faced gender-based prejudice that threatened to destroy their artistic ambitions. These women had to contend with their personal demons as well as be prepared to fight the monsters of misogyny.

What in particular interests Ann-Marie Priest, who teaches Australian literature at Central Queensland University, is how each of these authors reconciled herself to the aching urge to write. "My aim," writes Priest, "is to tease out their narratives of vocation in order to establish a sense of how they were able to authorise themselves to become artists at a time when 'woman' and 'artist' were generally considered to be mutually exclusive terms."

A Free Flame is reminiscent of the type of collective biography established by Lytton Strachey with Eminent Victorians. Priest distils an essence of what these four women had in common as contemporaries while also differentiating them vividly as exceptional individuals, the narratives of whose lives and work are compelling and inspirational.

Writing is a solitary activity that leaves plenty of room for distraction and self-doubt. Any writer, no matter how accomplished, may benefit from the unstinting support of those closest to them as well as recognition in the wider culture.
Though he has published a number of novels, Mamet is best known as a playwright (Oleana, American Buffalo, Sexual Perversity in Chicago) and script writer/director (House of Games, Wag the Dog, State and Main). Mamet is justly celebrated for his dialogue  acute, breathless, streetwise patois. This may be found, though perhaps insufficiently, in Chicago. Here is gangster Jojo explaining to the hero, Mike Hodges, journalist and war veteran, why he never carries a gun.

Chicago is post-Great War, Prohibition days in the Windy City. It is a crime story, a love story, and a newspaper story. Occasionally it recalls E.L. Doctorow's superior quasi-historical fictions such as Ragtime and Billy Bathgate where fictional figures and historical identities merge in perfect harmony. In Chicago Al Capone and other prominent Chicagoans have walk-on parts .

"Chicago was a town where nobody could ever forget how the money was made. It was picked up from floors still slippery with blood," said Norman Mailer on the Chicago stockyards in Miami and the Siege of Chicago. Floors in David Mamet's novel Chicago are also slippery with blood but the blood is human.

"Why? You kill somebody, they're more apt. Somebody? Come looking for you: not only later on, but now, as it makes a noise. My trade, part of it, is, one: to plan, I don't need the gun. Part of the plan is 'IT GOES WRONG.' It goes wrong. I am not without resources; I've thought out an exit; a plan of escape; excuses, which may either extricate me, buy me time to attempt the same, or explain myself to the cops in such a way they might, on the way to the slam, offer me a drink instead of beating the shit out of me for my presumption.

"Guns, some guys? Use them to threaten people. All I know, the only thing they're actually good for, shoot 'em."

Imagine that speech delivered by Dustin Hoffman, or Joe Mantegna, or Robert De Niro, three of Mamet's acting stable, and you will hear the wonderful precise punctuation.

"I am an American, Chicago-born  Chicago, that somber city" That is Augie March at the beginning of Saul Bellow's 1953 novel that bears his name. Mamet and his protagonist Mike Hodge would doubtless agree with Augie. Mamet also was Chicago-born, in 1947. He, and Mike, doubtless know well Upton Sinclair's line in The Jungle a propos the Chicago Stockyards: "We use every part of the pig but the squeal."

The criminals whose paths cross Mike's are not kind to squealers either in this tale of bars, brothels, and newsrooms in which not even the innocent are spared. Mike's beloved Annie Walsh is executed in his bed by two homicidal goons wearing raglan-sleeved overcoats. Mike devotes much of the action of the novel to discovering the why of Annie's death. The answer is not only banal, but even more distressing in that he was in no way responsible, and no longer need feel obliged to drink himself to death. The solution to this slaying as to many others involves a purloined letter, which Mike eventually unearths, or un-safes.
THE BBQ 

(PG) 87 minutes

The little Aussie battler comedy is a hard thing to pull off. There have been so many over the years, and so few that really worked. Most people agree on The Castle, where the mixture of satire and affectionate parody was never sneering; a few would include Strictly Ballroom, although it's perhaps in its own misanthropic category.

Muriel's Wedding, with its satire about Porpoise Spit and corrupt local councillors transcended the genre to become cosmopolitan, suburban, satirical and yet inclusive.

Stephen Amis, director and co-writer of The BBQ, nods at The Castle in a couple of ways: he uses a boy narrator, Jayden Cook (Frederik Simpson), who tells us his dad only knows to do one thing really well, and that's barbecue. Later he mentions another family, the Kerrigans who live down the road, in case we have missed the antecedents. That's a risky nod to make. Comparisons can be brutal. Tell 'im 'e's dreamin', as Darryl Kerrigan might have said.
Sydney's long, hot summer shows no sign of wavering in its final days, bringing with it some unwelcome guests.

Beachgoers who head to the coast to make the most of the last weekend of summer can expect sunny skies and warm temperatures, as mild weather heats up in coming days.

Blue bottles cover the shore at North Bondi Beach as the last weekend of summer approaches. Credit:Jessica Hromas

However they have also been warned to look out for bluebottles, with lifeguards at North Bondi dodging big waves, as well as armadas of the creatures strewn across the sand this week.

Weatherzone meteorologist Kim Westcott said north-easterly winds sweeping through the city would keep a lid on hotter temperatures in the city, but the west was set to swelter.
She also had cerebral palsy. An ongoing inquest by Coroner Jacqui Hawkins is examining the appropriateness of her medical care in the last six months of her life, and a decision by Royal Melbourne Hospital doctors to put her in palliative care at age 21. It is also is investigating the standard of care provided to Sarah by Annecto, the disability provider that operated her residential care home in Melbournes western suburbs, in addition to the role of the Department of Health and Human Services. Sarah Hammoud in the final days of her life. A volunteer community visitor from the Office of the Public Advocate told the court that the Niddrie shared home that Sarah lived in was one of the more troubling residences she would visit in the region.

Ms Whitehead said she believed Sarah was at risk after the visit in January 2016. She was concerned about a lack of appropriate equipment and risks to staff after being told five people had already been hurt handling Sarah. Also noted was the cleanliness of Sarahs bed, which Ms Whitehead said was very dirty with brown stains, and feeding practices that could put Sarah at risk of choking. Another community visitor, Sheila Narayan, who would later be appointed Sarahs guardian, said while staff at the home seemed to have a lot of affection for Sarah, there were apparent shortfalls in their understanding of her medical treatment. Ms Narayan said she was also concerned about the time it took for Sarah to be provided major equipment after an assessment in late January 2016.

She said in early March she was still waiting for a hi lo bed with crash mat, as Sarah was often found on the floor of her bedroom in the middle of the night. Because there was only one person working at night, Sarah would be made comfortable on the floor until another staff member arrived in the morning, Ms Narayan said. The court heard that Sarah always wore a helmet, because if she was upset she would get up from her wheelchair and fall to the floor. And a paediatrician who saw Sarah from the age of nine said she had problems with extreme self-harm, including face slapping and head banging. Medical records show that Sarah was first diagnosed with olecranon bursitis (swelling at the tip of the elbow) in 2013, which recurred over the years despite numerous rounds of antibiotics.

Her condition took a dramatic turn for the worse on March 5, 2016, when she was admitted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with a fever and wound on her left elbow. It was discovered that she likely had osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection and widespread septicaemia, a life-threatening bloodstream infection. Her condition was so grave that doctors decided that she should be discharged back to her residential care facility and receive palliative or supportive care. The treating general medical unit decided that her care should be focussed on comfort, and that her underlying infection was not likely to be cured, wrote Associate Professor Brian Le, a doctor at the hospital. Sarah landed back in hospital again a few days later with a horrific tongue injury, including partial amputation of the tongue and gross evident gangrene.

Professor Le wrote that she was in septic shock and in a terminal phase of care. She died in the palliative care ward on March 21, 2016, in the presence of her family. Sarah's mother Susan Alsaeed wiped away tears when talking about her daughter. Sarahs mother, Susan Alsaeed, attended the first day or the coronial inquiry and said she was unhappy with the care her daughter received from Annecto.
I would stamp noisily up the front steps of the London terrace house which doubled as the HQ of the small but influential production company that Gary ran, to herald my arrival, then turn the key hesitantly in the heavy front door calling out an overly exuberant greeting - "Morning!" - a warning of sorts for him to get decent. It was such a relief those mornings I walked in to find him already at the computer. In clothes. Even better, when he wasn't there at all, a note to say he'd gone to a meeting.

To avoid this uncomfortable and increasingly common scenario I deliberately started getting to work late, just fifteen minutes or so to give the man - let's call him Gary - time to get dressed. It didn't help. When I'd been there a few weeks he gave me my own key, told me to let myself in. This was worse because it increased the likelihood of catching him unawares.

" He refused to pay me. Several months of work by now and I needed the money badly to pay my rent. I'd given up my return flight to Australia on the promise of this job and I was stuck." Credit:Shutterstock

I passed it off, every time, as him just running late, caught unawares by the enthusiastic young journalist who turned up each morning right on time ready to begin the working day.

When your older male boss greets you at the door of his home office in a dressing gown (a short one) with, it would seem, not much underneath, hair still wet from the shower, is that sexual harassment? At 25, I didn't think so. I wasn't sure what it was.



Most days we worked side by side in that front room office. He did the deals, I did the interviews with movie stars and directors on film sets and at press junkets across the UK and Europe, feeding them to news outlets around the world. It was a dream job - in theory - for a young journalist just lobbed in London on a working holiday. Except for the semi naked boss.



He would take me to lunch sometimes too. It seemed harmless enough. After working away all morning prepping for the next interview, he'd suggest we duck up the street for a bite. I would have much preferred to eat a sandwich at my desk or outside in the fresh London air - by myself - but I feared it would be rude to decline. So we strolled up a few times to a cafe overlooking the canal in Little Venice, much more than I could afford on my backpacker budget, where he insisted on paying.



We talked shop mainly, from memory. Nothing untoward. But he drank wine (I didn't) and, once, possibly twice, he stroked my forearm. It was a crafty move. Not blatant enough to be construed as sexual, the sort of touch you might offer a good friend. There's a good chance at the time we might have been discussing me missing my boyfriend in another country. I talked about him a lot. On purpose. But the arm touch was a gesture that was way out of line for a boss and his young charge. I yanked my arm away, abruptly enough to make it clear I was not up for it and he had to stop, but not enough to embarrass him and call him out on what I now see was nothing short of sexual harassment.



In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein inspired cavalcade of sexual harassment allegations and the subsequent #MeToo campaign, like many women, I scoured my brain for any me-toos in my own life. Memories that I'd buried or had been reluctant to speak up about, or unsure if it was indeed sexual harassment or just men being men and no big deal, really. I drew a blank. I was one of the lucky ones, I decided. Apart from the obligatory inappropriate breast stare, and the senior male reporter who retorted, "she must have her period" when I was insistent about the way a story was handled, and the sound recordist who made my life hell (stormed off set on one occasion) because I declined the offer of a date, I seemed to have come out unscathed.

I'd been bullied, yes. Quite severely by several men and some women. But nothing of a sexual nature. Or so I thought.
Drones will deliver food to homes in Tuggeranong as a trial of the technology moves into the suburbs.

Project Wing has been testing its drones with residents living with large backyards in rural community Royalla but is ready to take its next big leap.

Project Wing has been developing a drone delivery service for Tuggeranong, delivering hot meals and chemist supplies. Delivery project manager Luke Barrington takes delivery of a hot lunch from Guzman Y Gomez. Credit:karleen minney

Flying at 120 km/h and delivering food from Mexican fast food business Guzman y Gomez, and items from Chemist Warehouse, Project Wing has signed up 150 users in its early tests.

Now it wants to learn how to deliver to smaller backyards as it readies its technology for cities.
Diane Erickson of West Ryde was pleased to see some good reports about Australia Post (C8) for a change, as her husband "has worked there for 38 years and is the 'go-to' person for lost items. He is always getting calls about missing post and usually manages to locate them. Annoyingly, although admittedly handy, he also has the same unerring knack at home."

Another bouquet instead of the usual brickbat for our postal services (C8). "I posted a large book to Bulgaria which would have cost $80 by air but only $35 by sea, so it went by sea," writes Philip Zillman of Manly. "I was told it would take three months  it arrived in eight days."

According to Peter Bower of Naremburn's Telstra landline bill, "a call to a non-Telstra mobile for two minutes 33 seconds cost $1.63, while a three-minute 22-second call to a mobile in the Florida cost $1.39. That's 55 per cent more per minute to chat with someone 14 kilometres away in Petersham than 15,000 kilometres away."

Sad memorials to accident fatalities at roadsides are an all-too-common occurrence, especially when travelling on country roads. "Driving along the Lakes Way at Rainbow Flat in NSW," writes Anne Sefton of Forster, "I passed a simple white cross neatly inscribed 'KOALA'. Someone cared."

"Getting drenched on my ride to work confirmed a long-held theory of mine," postulates John de Bres of Rose Bay. "If the Bureau of Meteorology predicts there is a 10 per cent chance of rain, there is a 90 per cent chance of it landing on me."
There was nary a bike to be seen at the funeral of slain former bikie boss Mahmoud "Mick" Hawi.

Instead, a convoy of luxury cars rolled in one after the other, including Rolls Royces, Bentleys and three stretch limousines.

The cars were white, but the mourners wore black at the Al Zahra mosque in Arncliffe, among them young, burly, tattooed men, as well as women, children and babies in prams.
A New Zealand man accused of the manslaughter of a driver with a history of road rage has been found not guilty of manslaughter by a Queensland jury.

But Tamate Heke was found guilty of unlawful striking causing death.

Tamate Heke is seen arriving at the Supreme Court in Brisbane, Thursday. Credit:AAP

He had denied unlawfully killing Shane Merrigan during an incident on Brisbane's Gateway Motorway on December 1, 2015.

The Brisbane Supreme Court jury took half a day to decide Heke had been provoked when he punched the 50-year-old, causing him to fall onto the road and into the path of an oncoming truck.
Blood on the front seat of a crashed car where a fatally injured man was allegedly left to die could help police prove their suspect was driving.

Owen Sugay suffered critical injuries when the Subaru Impreza in which he was a back-seat passenger crashed into a concrete pole in Wollert, north-east of Melbourne, between 5.35am and 5.45am on January 5.

Mr Sugay was still alive when a passer-by came across the car in Bindts Road at least 30 minutes after the crash, Melbourne Magistrates Court has heard, and was treated by ambulance paramedics soon after, but he died at the scene.

Police said at the time he might have survived had he received medical treatment earlier.
"Just because someone is under investigation, doesn't mean they're suspended or stood down, it just depends on the risk," he later told The Age. "The approach we take today with officers ... you look at the risk. We suspend them as a last resort. It's a big deal to suspend someone at any level. Take them out of the workplace, take them out of their support circle." Asked if he should be held to a higher standard because of his position, Mr Guerin said it was a matter for IBAC. After Mr Guerin's frank admissions, a spokeswoman for Mr Ashton said the commissioner would wait for IBAC's advice. Assistant Commissioner Brett Guerin. Credit:Wayne Taylor

The comments Mr Guerin made the disparaging remarks about former chief commissioner Christine Nixon and former Police Association boss Paul Mullett on the website of conservative commentator and Sydney shock-jock Michael Smith. The comments came after Mr Mullett lost a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Ms Nixon in which he claimed she had plotted to oust him from his role. "She [Ms Nixon] bent the Mulletmeister [Mullett] over and slipped a rather large schlong up his date courtesy of the Supreme Court's decision this morning," he wrote on August 31, 2016. "More importantly, though, how many firefighters knew their union was funding this capricious and doomed-from-the-start private legal escapade with their subscriptions?

"The Police Association thanks them for funding their former secretary, as they refused to do so. Fireman [sic] are good at putting out fires. But deep thinking, however, is a bit beyond them." Former police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon. Credit:Penny Stephens Two days later, Mr Guerin made more comments about Mr Mullett: "I'm afraid he's flopping all over the boat's floor now, Taz. "Master fisherwoman Chrissy just gutted him and stuffed a nice prawn up his filleted asshole. "No doing the Rex Hunt for this Rex Hunt. He's gawn."

'I thought I would defend her' Mr Guerin told The Age he made the comments to defend Ms Nixon and Victoria Police, and was entitled to use a pseudonym to do so. "I worked with Christine Nixon quite closely for a period of time ... so I thought I would jump in and defend her," he said. "And I did it in a way that in hindsight I shouldnt have, I shouldnt have used that type of language. "I dont want to overstate my fame, but if I put a post in relation to something to do with the law or a way a case was disposed of, it becomes a story, 'oh Victoria Police are saying that'.

"I think Im entitled to engaging in reasonable public comment as a private citizen using a pseudonym." He said his son might have created the account for him, and could not remember if he had used a police computer when posting the comments. Victoria Police said it was not aware of the comments regarding Mr Mullet and Ms Nixon until The Age raised the matter on Wednesday. Police integrity In 2007, the Office of Police Integrity investigated a union delegate, believed to be a serving officer, who allegedly used the police's email system under the name "Kit Walker" to defame a former union president.

Mr Ashton was head of the OPI at the time. "Police in both their public and private lives shall conduct themselves in a way that instills public confidence in their integrity and engenders respect," the OPI said. The Professional Standards Command's role is to investigate complaints against police and promote high ethical standards within the force. Mr Mullett said Mr Guerin should be suspended in light of revelation. "Why hasnt the Chief Commissioner suspended him?" Mr Mullet said.

"It would be in the community and the members interest that he be suspended, because on a daily basis hes delegated with the power to make significant decisions against members of the police force for all forms of alleged behaviour, including this type of alleged behaviour." Mr Mullett told The Age he was considering his legal position. Former Police Association secretary Paul Mullett. Credit:Craig Abraham Under the nom de plume, Mr Guerin also criticised former police chief commissioner Kel Glare in several Facebook posts last year. The posts appeared on the Facebook page of the Community Advocacy Alliance, a group of retired executive police officers chaired by Mr Glare.

In a post on May 8, Mr Guerin took aim at Mr Glare, accusing him of being "out of date" and questioning his performance as chief commissioner. Loading "When Kel Glare was appointed Chief Commissioner, Ronald Reagan was President of the United States, the internet was still ten years away and mobile phones were yet to appear. Victoria Police shot and killed more people, at a rate more than all others [sic] police forces combined, than in any other time in Australian history," Mr Guerin wrote. The Facebook page in the name Vernon Demerest has been deleted. "It's a tool I don't want to use anymore," Mr Guerin said.
Twenty people have now been charged in a corruption probe that has focused on a drug counsellor alleged to have procured drugs in exchange for giving false evidence in court and supplying clean urine samples to users.

Anthony Dieni, 69, faces more than 220 charges, including drug trafficking, perverting the course of justice, obtaining financial advantage by deception and theft, as part of an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission investigation that has cast doubt over a series of judgments made in Victorian courts.

Mr Dieni was the operator of the now closed St Paul's Rehabilitation Prevention, a Strathmore-based charity that provided support to people with addiction problems. He is now in custody following his arrest last year.

As part of his role with the charity, he regularly gave evidence to courts in support of drug users in bail applications and plea hearings.
A Perth council has launched a new online system which promises to hand out alfresco permits within minutes to local businesses who apply for them.

The City of Vincent launched the online "self-assessment and self-approval" system on Thursday, and said it would give businesses access to its free alfresco permits instantly with little council oversight.

Alfresco dining is a major part of Leederville's main street. Credit:Jessica Wyld

The system was reportedly road-tested with a number of local businesses before it was officially made live, and City of Vincent mayor Emma Cole said the move was a bid to encourage vendors to set up shop in the area.

"Cutting red tape for local businesses has been a major focus for the City of Vincent for a number of years now," she said.
A man who told police he was car-jacked at knife-point and forced to drive his kidnappers around for two hours allegedly fabricated the incident to make an insurance claim.

The 28-year-old Ashby man claimed he was sitting in his parked blue Ford Falcon on Howe Street in Osborne Park on February 7 when he was approached by two men who got into his car.

The Osborne Park street the man claimed he was kidnapped from. Credit:Google

He told detectives the men held him at knife-point and ordered him to drive the car for approximately two hours before stopping on Marmion Avenue in Eglington, where he was kicked out of the vehicle.

The car was found a day later abandoned at a park in the far northern suburbs and was seized for forensic examinations.
The ACT government is set to form a cross-directorate working group to look at how to regulate billboards in the territory, after a massive backlash to the prospect of legalising them.

However the Greens say the government must crack down on illegal outdoor advertising first.

Canberrans have a cheeky message for politicians looking to legislate on billboards.

ACT Planning Minister Mick Gentleman tabled the government's response to last year's inquiry into billboards in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

That inquiry, prompted by musings from Chief Minister Andrew Barr that the ACT's long-standing billboard ban should be re-examined, inspired a record number of submissions and a bold social media campaign urging politicians to keep Canberra ad-free.
Controversial ex-Fairfax MP Clive Palmer has announced his eponymous political party will contest the next federal election.

In a statement issued on Friday morning, Mr Palmer said the Palmer United Partys executive committee had resolved to contest the next federal election, which could be held as early as this year.

Clive Palmer has announced his Palmer United Party will contest every seat at the next federal election. Credit:AAP/Jono Searle

It would be an unexpected return to politics for Mr Palmer, whose party was deregistered in Queensland in 2016.

He has since been embroiled in a lengthy court process over the collapse of Queensland Nickel, which resulted in nearly 800 job losses in Townsville and a debt of $300 million.
Washington: Malcolm Turnbull has refused to endorse Barnaby Joyce as his Deputy Prime Minister ahead of a crisis meeting on the Nationals leadership within days, taking a neutral stance amid fears the turmoil will wreck the government.

The Prime Minister stepped back from the widening scandal over Mr Joyces personal life to insist it was up to the Nationals to decide their leadership and that no Liberal should seek to influence the outcome.

The leadership of the National Party is a matter for the National Party, Mr Turnbull told reporters in Washington, D.C. where he is meeting with US President Donald Trump and speaking at a conference for governors.

Nationals backbencher Andrew Broad has called on Mr Joyce to step aside in the wake of revelations of his relationship with Vikki Campion, his former media adviser, and the expected birth of their baby boy in April.
A staggering $1.2 billion is owed in unpaid fines in Queensland, an audit office report has revealed.

About $191 million of the debt was potentially unenforceable because the person had died, was unable to be identified or the debt was registered more than a decade ago.

$1.2 billion is owing in unpaid fines in Queensland.

As of June 2017, about 4.2 million fines were unpaid and 1.5 million fines - or $364 million - were under a payment plan.

Since 2012-13, the total value of Queensland's unpaid fines debt, including fees, increased by 54 per cent, up from about $775 million.
1. Yes. COVID-19 can only be stopped through vaccinations. A mandate is needed.

2. Yes. This is a major step, but were facing a national emergency. It is a justifiable move.

3. No. The government is right to promote vaccinations, but not to require them.

4. No. This is government overreach and legally questionable. A mandate is wrong.

5. Unsure. Its in the publics interest, but mandates infringe on individuals rights.

Vote

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The agreement reached Monday to tap Israeli gas - something that has been in the works for years - would be a shot in the arm for Egypt's bid to return to exporting gas, as it did just a few years ago, including to Israel. But exports became a casualty to plummeting Egyptian production, rising domestic consumption, and toxic politics in the wake of the Arab Spring. The shift from exporter to importer spelled a double whammy for Cairo: a loss of gas export revenues and greater expenses to import the stuff. Details are still lacking, including exactly how Israel will get the gas to Egypt, since there's no firm pipeline route yet. And the export deal is hardly proof that energy development is a panacea for the region's disputes. Israel's two gas export deals - with Egypt and Jordan - were signed with the two Arab countries with which the Jewish state already had peace treaties, and even then relations are still fraught at times. Meanwhile, hopes that natural gas pipelines and projects could soothe years of tensions between Israel and Turkey have apparently evaporated. "Politics drives energy relations, not vice versa," Tsafos says. And Israel has other energy-fuelled disputes at the present. Lebanon's decision this month to award an exploration concession to three international firms - France's Total, Italy's Eni, and Russia's Novatek - to drill in a promising block off the Lebanese coast has ignited fresh tensions between Beirut and Jerusalem. That's because both countries claim a slice of the waters where the firms won a concession and hope to start drilling next year. Lebanon, which sees all the offshore blocks as belonging to it, has vowed to pursue development regardless of Israel's claims. The southerly block in question is seemingly one of the most promising for natural gas, says Sukkarieh of MESP, and the firms have offered to drill far from the disputed slice of water to assuage Israeli concerns.

But Israel hasn't backed down, with Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman calling the development plans "provocative conduct." All the while, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has waded into the energy dispute, reiterating late last week that it could attack offshore Israeli energy installations if Israel interferes with Lebanon's development plans. "The present clash is still at a rhetorical level, but things in this region can quickly escalate, which highlights the need to pursue mediation," Sukkarieh says. Mediation was at the top of the agenda during Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's recent visit to Lebanon, as it has been for U.S. officials since 2012, but with little success. A senior U.S. diplomat tried again Wednesday but found little Lebanese appetite for U.S. proposals. While Israel wants continued U.S. mediation in the spat, Lebanon and especially Hezbollah see Washington as too pro-Israel to play that role, especially after the Donald Trump administration's controversial decision to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said the United States is "not an honest broker." State Department officials were tight-lipped about what progress, if any, was made before and during Tillerson's trip, and the senior diplomat made no statements Wednesday. A senior State Department official told reporters last week that the United States hopes that "choices are made which contribute not just to stability, which we always want, but also to the greater prosperity of Lebanon, full stop."

The Lebanese-Israeli maritime border isn't the only festering dispute that is being aggravated by a fight over potential energy riches. Cyprus, which has been feverishly drilling off its own coast in the hope of finding big gas fields as Israel and Egypt have done, finally struck gold this month with what could be a massive discovery south of the island, in a field known as Calypso. Cyprus's only other decent-sized discovery, Aphrodite, came years ago, and the country had little success since then in replicating its neighbors' good fortune. The new discovery could give Cyprus the critical mass needed to develop its gas fields and fulfil its dreams of supplying Europe with energy; Aphrodite alone was too small to make large-scale infrastructure investments viable. But just as the new discovery transforms Cyprus's energy prospects from iffy to hopeful, it is also raising Turkey's dander. This month - as it did in 2014 - a Turkish ship intercepted a drilling vessel in Cypriot waters; Ankara, which recognises the Turkish north of the divided island, refuses to cede those waters to Greek Cyprus and angrily warned it could take further action if development continues. The Turkish Foreign Ministry said it is "determined to take the necessary steps" to support the northern half of the island in its dispute with Greek Cypriots, who Ankara said are "irresponsibly jeopardising the security and stability of the Eastern Mediterranean region." Turkey even blamed energy exploration for helping scupper last year's talks at re-unifying Cyprus.
Latest News Greg Medcraft on markets, ASIC and how brokers are changing the mortgage industry in Australia Greg Medcraft on blockchain, brokers and the booming market for mortgages in Australia

How commercial brokers can help their clients get to the end of lockdown Fintech offering support to get SMEs over the line and get the recovery started early

Mortgage Choices home loan settlements in the six months to December 2017 went down to $6bn from $6.4bn in the first half of FY17 despite growth in its loan book, as lending policies toughen.

The companys loan book grew 3.2% to $54bn in the first half of FY18, while net profit after tax on a cash basis was up 7% to $12.5m.

Home loan settlements are down slightly half on half due to changing market conditions, in particular, tightening lending policies, which can impact conversion from approval to settlement, chief executive John Flavell told Australian Broker.

The company is likely to ramp up focus on other areas of business, including financial planning, as broking commission revenues decline and as it sees growth in these areas.

Broking accounted for 88.2% of the companys gross revenues in the first half of FY18, down from 90.2% in the same period of FY17, while the proportion of gross revenue from non-residential lending went up to 11.8%.

Origination and trail commissions received fell by 3.0% to $84.64m on a cash basis from $87.23m in the first half of FY17.

While the companys number of broking franchises went up to 452 from 449 in the six months to June 2017, its number of brokers or credit representatives was slightly down to 649 by end-December, from 654 six months ago.

The company said gross revenue growth from financial planning and diversified products, up 15.3% and 12.7% respectively, helped offset the decline in revenue from broking commissions, proving the merit of its diversification strategy.

Flavell said the company will continue to grow its business through diversification, increasing broker productivity, and extending its brand presence.

To increase broker productivity, it launched a new website in January and is launching a new broker platform in phases starting this month. Bolstering its brand presence involves growing the number of its retail shopfronts and launching a new advertising strategy.

Related stories:
The RBA has warned that investors with IO loans might face negative equity more quickly than P&I borrowers if house prices were to drop substantially.

RBA assistant governor Michele Bullock said on Monday that a large share of property investors has chosen IO loans because of the tax incentives, and that this could be a source of financial stress if their circumstances were to take a negative turn.

She pointed to a large proportion of IO loans that are due to expire between 2018 and 2022.

While some IO borrowers will just move to P&I terms and others may extend their interest-only period, some may not be able to meet current standards for extending IO repayments and would find shifting to P&I terms difficult to manage, Bullock said.

This third group might find themselves in some financial stress. While we think this is a relatively small proportion of borrowers, it will be an area to watch.

Speaking at an event in Sydney, Bullock said that though investors tend to have lower starting LVRs and often have other assets as well as earn rental income, they have less incentive than owner-occupiers to repay their loans.

Indeed, the macro-financial risks are potentially heightened with investor lending, she said.

Illustrating how investor lending could increase such risks, Bullock said investors might be more inclined to sell investment properties when house values drop to minimise capital losses, which might exacerbate the price fall.

As investors purchase more new dwellings than owner-occupiers, they might also exacerbate the housing construction cycle, making it prone to periods of oversupply and having a knock on effect to developers, she said.

Growths in investment and IO loans have slowed as APRA clamps down on higher risk lending.

RBA data released on 31 January shows that investor home lending grew 6.1% (seasonally adjusted) in the 12 months to December 2017  down from 6.2% from a year ago.

Banks have also recorded slowdowns in their investment and IO lending businesses. CBA reported earlier this month that its home loan growth moderated to 5.2% in the 12 months to December 2017, dragged down by the sluggish increase in investment home loans.

The banks investor home loans increased by 0.5%, while owner-occupied loans grew 7.5%. IO lending comprised 21% of total flows at the end of December 2017, down from 38% six months ago.

There is no end in sight to investment and IO lendings troubles now that APRA is zeroing in on investment and IO loans in its latest proposals targeting higher-risk residential mortgage lending.

Under APRAs proposal, standard eligible mortgage portfolios will be categorised into lower-risk and higher-risk exposures  besides being assigned risk weights according to LVR.

IO and property investment loans and loans to SMEs secured by residential property will fall under the higher-risk category, while the lower-risk class will include owner-occupied P&I loans and would apply after consideration of lenders mortgage insurance.



Related stories:

Investor lending slows: RBA

Brokers split on APRA's 'systemic concentration' move

APRA addresses 'systemic concentration' in home loans
In 2017, the largest cryptocurrency Bitcoins price rose over 1,300 per cent, and it has been swinging wildly this year, worrying regulatory agencies globally. Nicolas Cary, Co-founder and President of Blockchain, the largest blockchain firm globally, provides the technology that supports storing and transactions of Bitcoins. He spoke to BT's Manu Kaushik over the phone, in the middle of a busy day at his London office.

Question: How has your journey been so far?

Nicolas Cary: We have raised $70 million from Google Ventures, Richard Branson, Lightspeed Venture Partners and a variety of other investors. We have entered the Indian market in partnership with a startup, Unocoin, based out of Bengaluru. We have partnered them to make it easier for Indians to get digital currencies like Bitcoin more quickly. We have been growing faster than ever.

Our company's name is frequently confused with the core innovation that everyone is so excited about because of its disruptive potential. The technology that actually makes the transactions possible in digital currencies is known as blockchain technology. For the first time in human history we have a software that makes it possible for all people, regardless of where they are in the world, to faithfully execute secure economic transactions with each other using nothing but software. This means that individuals using a peer-to-peer network can send any type of secured value over the internet and its just as easy as making a conference call.

A blockchain is giant spreadsheet in the cloud. Except instead of there being one copy of this ledger or spreadsheet, there are actually many copies, and those copies are distributed all over the world. When one of the ledgers gets updated with a transaction, meaning somebody moves value from one person to another, all the ledgers get instantly updated simultaneously.

The first blockchain that has been running without any interruption for over eight years now is the Bitcoin network. This is significant because Bitcoin pioneered the first application of a blockchain. Its purpose was to create peer-to-peer cash. Bitcoin is money for the internet that uses blockchain to exchange value. The reason a blockchain is necessary is because there's something known as digital scarcity. Blockchain makes it possible to create a perfectly unique digital asset. So essentially, counterfeit-proof digital assets. Once you have counterfeit-proof digital assets, you can use them for lots of things like mimicking the properties money. That's one of the reasons why digital currencies like Bitcoin have taken off. But it's really just the first application.

Besides Bitcoin, what are the other potential uses of blockchain technology?

A:Blockchain is now being explored for use cases far beyond just making peer-to-peer payments. Once you have a recordkeeping system that can keep track of very vital information whether it is money or something else, use cases start to expand rapidly. For example, blockchain technology is currently being used to pioneer use cases for everything including trade finance which is the movement of goods from different markets. The World Economic Forum (WEF) is working to build a blockchain-based programme to track tuna fish as they get harvested from the sea, moved on to processing, shipped to the market, and ultimately put on the shelves of supermarkets for consumers. Using blockchain, they are certifying that the total catch and yield are in compliance with fishing regulations. The applications apply far beyond fish to rare earth minerals like diamonds to timber to precious metals. In fact, there are companies doing all of those things. It's exciting that Andhra Pradesh in India has pushed forward an initiative to build a proof of concept for land titling system on blockchain.

Beyond those two things, I think the one area that's gaining traction right now is using blockchain technology to issue tokens that represent value in private companies. You may have heard of ICO (initial coin offering). It's basically a way to form capital - do a fundraising - and exchange a future promise for utility on some type of software platform. So you can imagine a world where instead of there being driving companies, Ola or Uber, there's actually just software that's running in the cloud. The users of the platform, drivers and riders, are exchanging tokens on the platform that grow in value as more and more people use it.

These are extremely innovative business models that didn't exist even 12 months ago. We are really excited. It's almost like having credits on a system.

Which countries are fast in adopting blockchain technology?

A:We have seen the regulatory environment across Europe and the US maturing significantly over the past few years. Japan has legalised Bitcoin as a form of tender.

China has banned Bitcoins and and similarly so have other countries...

A:China has restricted some usages of digital currencies. It's interesting that China has also been strong in preventing or expanding the use of other popular technologies including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. So their position should not be of too much concern . There are still users of Bitcoin in China. The full breadth of use cases has been restricted through some regulations. I would point out that since China has issues strict regulations, the value of Bitcoin has continued to increase just like the value of Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

It's interesting that they can be really against something and actually cause it to be more successful.

Major cryptocurrencies are falling sharply. Regulators across the world taking a harsh stance on cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ripple, Ethereum and Litecoin. What do you think is their future?

A:We strongly believe in the future of digital assets and our mission is to make it easy for people to participate in this new ecosystem. In many countries, like South Korea and the EU, regulators are taking notice and looking for ways to embrace blockchain technology and digital assets. This is a step in the right direction and will provide important safeguards for consumers. Ultimately, the financial system has not meaningfully changed and many have been left out, or left behind. Digital assets are reducing those barriers and providing more people with access to financial tools whether its transacting, saving or investing.

There are hundreds or thousands of new digital assets. Bitcoin is just one of them. These technologies have the ability to bring billion of users into the financial economy because of the incredible scale they provide. Not only is this really good for innovation and creating jobs, but we also think it's going to improve the speed at which commerce happens. We think that regulators should take a progressive and thoughtful approach when it comes to looking at these technologies because the development work and effort that they provide will most likely make it possible for a significant amount of people to join the economy.

Like a lot of new things, it can seem confusing and little intimidating. We have found that regulators that are open-minded in their approach towards technologies can get over some of the technical complexities and see some of the benefits. In India, there's a strong interest in making sure that everyone can affordably transact with each other.

What are the challenges for blockchain technology?

A: One of the challenges is that when you use distributed network, you do have latency issues. Even though it's running reliably for over eight years, there are so many people using it today that sometimes the transactions can take more time than users would expect. That's the current drawback in an area that requires more research across our industry. How can you deal with capacity increases? Five to 10 years from now, we are going to need networks that can handle millions of transactions per second. In the peak retail season, Mastercard and Visa are doing 35,000-40,000 transactions a second.

As the world gets more inter-connected, as more devices are online, and IoT (Internet of things) comes to reality, we are going to need transactional network that can operate at huge scale. We are doing some cutting-edge research in cooperation with leading institutions like Imperial College and Cornell University to sort out those things.

You don't need to use blockchain for everything. Blockchain makes sense when you don't want to have to trust some type of entity. The whole point of it is that you can perform actions without having to worry about counter-party risks. There are a lot of people going around and saying that you should put blockchain on everything, the reality is that there are plenty of use cases for regular centralised databases too. Blockchains are perfect for financial transactional use cases.

What's the market size of blockchain technology and what's the growth potential?

A:The worldwide market cap for digital assets today is around $200 billion that includes Bitcoin, Bitcoin cash, Ethereum and a few others. If you look at the opportunity five years from now, I think you have to study the trend lines to evaluate past performance. There are lots of places in the world where this technology can have valuable and positive impact. In the past year we have had faster growth in Argentina, Venezuela, Greece, Ukraine, Russia, China to some extent and the UK.

In our survey, 50 per cent of our users have performed at least one cross-border payment in India. We think the remittance use case is a strong one as a form of money or payment. The digital currency Bitcoin is called digital gold because of its properties. Bitcoin is counterfeit-proof - you cannot invent more of it. It's fungible, it's easily divisible means that it can break it down to tiny pieces and you can send it anywhere in the world instantly with absolutely zero counterparty risk. It mimics the property of gold. In India, the store of value use case is probably winning out over the basic use case of payments.
In a big breakthrough, the CBI on Thursday arrested Rotomac Pens owner Vikram Kothari, his son Rahul Kothari and two directors of the company for defrauding a consortium of banks of over Rs 3,695 crore, reports ANI. The agency was questioning the stationery czar-turned-loan defaulter for the past three days. Kothari had taken several loans worth Rs 2,919 crore - with interest around Rs 3,695 crore - from a consortium of seven banks since 2008, but allegedly used the money for other business purposes, and defaulted on them.

Apart from his son, the role of his wife Sadhna Kothari, and his company directors, is also under scanner, as they allegedly hid information about his fake companies from the banks. Besides conducting raids at his facilities across UP, the ED had informed all the authorities concerned to make sure he didn't flee from the country like billionaire Nirav Modi would defrauded the PNB of around Rs 11,400 crore.

Seven banks, Rs 2,919-crore loan

Of the total Rs 2,919 crore principal amount (excluding interest) given to Vikram Kothari's Rotomac, Bank of India loaned Rs 754.77 crore, Bank of Baroda Rs 456.63 crore; Indian Overseas Bank Rs 771.07 crore; Union Bank of India Rs 458.95 crore; Allahabad Bank Rs 330.68 crore; Bank of Maharashtra Rs 49.82 crore; and Oriental Bank of Commerce Rs 97.47 crore.

CBI arrests #VikramKothari and his son, both Directors of M/s. #Rotomac Global Pvt Ltd, Kanpur (UP), in an on-going investigation of a case on allegations of cheating a consortium of 7 banks. pic.twitter.com/dePyv1gyPU - All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) February 22, 2018

Did banks know about Kothari's fake firms?

Nirav Modi's PNB scam was apparently a trigger point for one of the seven consortium members (Bank of Baroda) to come forward with a request to the CBI to lodge an FIR against Kothari, who they feared might flee the country like many other billionaires, including Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. The central investigation agency registered a case against Vikrant Kothari after BoB's deputy general manager Brijesh Kumar Singh approached it on February 18.

The BoB, the CBI courses believe, might have panicked over the fact that he could use his money power to get away from the country, which is why they requested the CBI to seize the passports of Kothari and his family members. The BoB's inquiry into Kothari had earlier revealed he was using the loan for various purposes instead of buying wheat from overseas. The report adds the BoB complaint to the CBI states Kothari's bank "account is of high value in this fraud case, we apprehend that directors/guarantors of the company may try to escape from the country to skip from legal/criminal proceedings."

As per the complaint, BoB, after its probe, knew that his suppliers abroad never existed. "Our representative from Hong Kong Branch visited the address given by the company for M/S Gulf Distribution Ltd and found that the company is maintaining a virtual office and any physical office...was not present at the address," the complaint says.

Modus operandi, twisting of system

The inquiry reveals Vikram Kothari used different methods to seek loan from these banks. As per the allegations, in a clear violation of Fema (Foreign Exchange Management Act) Rules, he used loans availed for export to help his Kanpur-based company. He allegedly created many fake companies by furnishing forged documents to seek loans from these banks.

Kothari had availed Rs 485-crore loan from Mumbai-based Union Bank of India and Rs 352-crore loan from Kolkata-based Allahabad Bank. A year later, he didn't pay either the interest or the loan. Last year, BoB, after declared him a wilful defaulter for the loan default, and he moved the Allahabad high court seeking removal of its name. The court declared he was "wrongly declared a wilful defaulter by BoB despite having offered assets worth over Rs 300 crore since the date of default".
Continuing its crackdown in the Nirav Modi fraud case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday seized Nirav Modi's collection of 9 luxury cars, including a Rolls Royce Ghost and 2 Mercedes Benz GL 350 CDIs. The agency had earlier sealed a sea-facing property of beleaguered celebrity jeweller Nirav Modi in Alibaug near Mumbai.

The 1.5 acre farm house located in tony Alibaug neighbourhood was reportedly purchased by Modi in 2004 for Rs 32 crore. Modi hosted lavish parties for his uber rich clientele to showcase his precious jewellery collection. Modi's farmhouses is in the immediate vicinity of who's who of the cinema and the business world.

Modi expansive farm house is located about 100 km by road from Mumbai in Raigad district also has a 12,000 sq ft bungalow with five bedrooms, a large swimming pool, a movie theatre and a library, they said. On his website, the absconding jeweller calls himself a 'haut diamantaire'.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has asked Sebi to freeze Mehil Choksi's shares in Gitanjali Gems. But what comes as a dampener for the investigative agencies is the fact that almost 78.56 per cent of the promoters' shares in Gitanjali Gems were pledged in December. At the end of quarter ending December 2017, Mehul Choksi held a 27.76 per cent shares of Gitanjali Gems valued now at Rs 94 crore.

The CBI on Wednesday presented six persons arrested before special a CBI court in Mumbai which remanded them in custody till March 5. Those arrested include Vipul Ambani, president (finance) of Fire Star Diamond, executive assistant Kavita Mankikar and senior executive Arjun Patil (all of Modi's companies).

Kapil Khandelwal, CFO of Nakshatra group and Gitanjali group, and Niten Shahi, manager of Gitanjali group were also arrested by the agency.

From Punjab National Bank, the CBI took into custody Rajesh Jindal, General Manager credit, at present posted at the bank's head office in New Delhi. Jindal, who was the head of the Brady House, Mumbai, branch of the bank during 2009-11, was taken into custody last night, they said.

It is alleged that the issuance of Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) to Nirav Modi group firms without sanctioned limits started during his tenure.

The Finance Ministry will soon call a meeting of top officials of scam-hit Punjab National Bank and other lenders to amicably resolve the issues concerning payment liabilities of Rs 11,400 crore arising from the alleged fraud, sources said.

India's second largest bank PNB has said it will honour all its bonafide commitments after the scam surfaced involving allegedly fraudulent use of Letter of Undertakings (LOUs) by jeweller Nirav Modi and his associates.

The government is of the view that the issue is between PNB and other public sector banks and it should be resolved amicably as soon as possible, sources said.

Keeping this in mind, the Department of Financial Services would soon call a meeting of top officials of all the banks involved in the matter, sources added.

The PNB fraud pertains to issuance of fake Letters of Understanding (LoUs) to companies associated with billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi by errant PNB employees, which enabled these companies to get buyers credit from international branches of other Indian lenders.

Banks said to be directly or indirectly affected by the scam include SBI, Allahabad Bank and Union Bank of India.

with PTI inputs
The ED seized Nirav Modi's nine luxury cars, including a Rolls Royce Ghost, Porsche Panamera, two Mercedes Benz GL class, three Honda cars and a Toyota Fortuner, on Thursday. The agency earlier sealed the diamantaire's several properties across the country, including sea-facing property in Mumbai's Alibaug. The CBI also recovered crucial documents from the office of Firestar International finance chief Vipul Ambani. Overall, the assets worth over Rs 6,000 crore have been seized so far. Though his whereabouts are still unknown, the agencies wants to cripple Nirav Modi's empire in India before zeroing in on his properties across Hong Kong, Belgium and Dubai. The ED has asked Sebi to freeze Nirav's maternal uncle Mehul Choksi's shares in Gitanjali, a company which is also accused of perpetrating the fraud. However, in a dampener to the agencies, Choksi's around 78.56 per cent of the promoters' shares in Gitanjali Gems were pledged in December.

The Opposition parties are up in arms against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence, and further delay in his arrest could jeopardise the BJP's poll prospects. Congress President Rahul Gandhi's has slammed the PM and the FM over his deafening silence, which, he alleged, shows where the PM's loyalties lie. Shiv Sena in editorial mouthpiece 'Saamana' has said "Nirav Modi has been a partner of the BJP and was at the forefront in helping the BJP collect funds for elections". Nirav Modi, in his second letter to his employees, has told they should "look for other career opportunities" as he's unable to pay salaries due to freezing of his bank accounts.

9.15pm: Nirav Modi, for the second time, has declined to appear before the ED for questioning. The agency is now planning to send him the third notice, which, if he refuses, will make things worse for the billionaire, as it will only help the agency in his extradition process.

8.22pm: The Income Tax (I-T) department has attached Gitanjali Group's SEZ property worth over Rs 1,200 crore in Hyderabad. The department has attached total 141 bank accounts/FDs of the group so far.

Income Tax Dept attached SEZ property of #GitanjaliGroup in Hyderabad. As per assessee's own valuation, it's worth about Rs 1200 Crore. IT Dept also attached 141 bank accounts/FDs of the group so far. Cumulative credit balance in these accounts is about Rs 145.74 Crore:IT Sources - ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

6.59pm: Surender Mehta of Indian Bullion and Jewellers' Association has raises doubts over the probe agencies' evaluation of Nirav Modi's seized assets of Rs 6,000 crore. "How can the evaluation of Rs 6,000 crore in one single day. Find me a valuer who can value Rs 6,000 crore worth of diamonds in one day. So, it clearly means that this Rs 6,000 crore is Maximum Retail Price of the Nirav Modi shops, and the actual value could be less than Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 3,000 crore."

Surender Mehta of Indian bullion & jewellers association questions the investigation asks, how can evaluation of Rs 6,000 Cr be done in a single day. #NEWSROOM #HuntForNiravModi

LIVE https://t.co/4fqxBVUizL pic.twitter.com/bNPKYdUULj - India Today (@IndiaToday) February 19, 2018

6.43pm: The ministry of external affairs has said there's no authentic information about the whereabouts of Nirav Modi. "He could be anywhere".

6.37pm: Come up with a concrete plan to settle the loss caused to the PNB by fraudulent issuance of Letter of Undertakings (LoU), says PNB in response to Nirav Modi's letter. "You were getting LoUs issued illegally and in an unauthorised way through few bank officials. Your commitment and undertaking for sparing of the total liability was not backed by providing upfront amounts and timelines. However, should you have any concrete and implementable plan, do revert back," the mail said.

6.06pm: Shares of Punjab National Bank fell over 2 per cent to end at Rs 114.65 on BSE on Thursday. At NSE, shares of the company slipped 2.30 per cent to close at Rs 114.60. Since February 12 till February 19, the stock had fallen almost 28 per cent.

5.55pm: The CBI is questioning a total of 12 arrested accused, including PNB officials, in the Nirav Modi case. The main accused in the case, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, are still on the run.

5.28pm: Vipul Ambani, who was the CFO of Firestar International Group, was also the director in eight of these companies, which worked as shell firms linked to the Nirav Modi Group. Of the eight companies, six are registered at the same address, CBI sources confirm. Over 120 shell companies, registered only at 17 addresses, have been found to be linked with the Firestar Group and Gitanjali Group. Vipul Ambani was allegedly in the know about all the fraud that was going on in the duo's companies.

My piece; the #NiravModi #PNBScam is a face-palm moment for #NarendraModi; the only thing Mallya, Modi, Choksi did not get at VIP send-off at the airport was a hug perhaps. That would have been terrible optics.https://t.co/ozR9BipWQo - Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) February 22, 2018

Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha says: "Ever since 2014, gross non-performing assets (NPAs) have gone up nearly 400 per cent from 2.36 lakh crore to an estimated 9.5 lakh crore as of March 2018, as have the number of frauds perpetrated on the heavily regulated PSU banks."Two days after Finance Minister Arun Jaitley held auditors responsible for failing to detect those who were defrauding banks, he said the government was planning to implement stringent auditing standards by notifying Section 132 of the Companies Act, 2013, reported ANI.

4.30pm: PNB in a statement has said the bank had informed its board, BSE, NSE, on February 5 when its initial probe came out. When the actual amount enhanced to Rs 11,400 crore, it also lodged an FIR with CBI. The bank says if the probe formation had gone public, it would have hurt the recovery prospects. "We (PNB) have enough assets/capital to meet liability as per law," reports ANI.

4.20pm: India Today reports Actor Bipasha Basu has slammed Mehul Choksi's Gitanjali Gems of using her pictures despite the ending of her contract with the company. "Tried to make GiLi stop using my pictures."

4.00pm: The CBI has confirmed the involvement of two arrested accused, Kapil Khandelwal, CFO, Nakshatra and Gitanjali Group and Kavita Mankikar, executive assistant and authorised signatory of three accused firms, reports NDTV. Their testimony is crucial to know how the scam took place, and that who all might be involved.

3.15pm: During questioning, Rejesh Jindal, who headed Brady House branch between 2009 and May 2011, and other arrested PNB officials including Gokulnath Shetty, told the agency they merely followed a practice - of issuing fake Letters of Understanding (LoUs) and Foreign Letter of Credits (FLCs) - that started in 2008, reports Firstpost. Jindal was arrested after his questioning on Tuesday.

3.10pm: As per the CBI, Firestar Group finance head Vipul Ambani was aware about the fake Letter of Undertakings (LoUs), which were issued by PNB's Brady House branch's former deputy GM, Gokulnath Shetty, between 2008 and May 2017. The probe reveals Ambani was in constant contact with Brady branch officials as well as high-ups in the bank's zonal offices in Mumbai and Delhi.

Vipul Ambani in his aforesaid capacity as President Finance, was also visiting, meeting not only officials of Brady House PNB Mumbai, also the officials of PNB Circle, Zonal office at Mumbai and Head Office, New Delhi: CBI #PNBScam - ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Also read: CBI arrests Vipul Ambani, first big arrest in the Rs 11,400-crore scam

3.00pm: In a major shake-up, the country's second largest public sector bank, PNB, has transferred over 1,000 employees who have completed three years at a PNB branch, reports India Today. The decision comes in light of a mega bank scam at the PNB's Brady House branch in Mumbai.

Major shake-up in PNB after #MegaBankLoot, 1000 staff with 3-year term in a branch transferred. Here's the latest report. #ITVideohttps://t.co/NounxnP7mg pic.twitter.com/yyWoYQPRhJ

- India Today (@IndiaToday) February 22, 2018




On Thursday afternoon, Nitin Khandelwal, chairman, All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF), was busy drafting answers for foreign publication on Nirav Modi. The irony is the 52-year-old Khandelwal never met him nor has Nirav Modi or any member of his company or any other diamond association in India.

"Until the news of scam broke out, 95 per cent of the jewellers and traders didn't know who Nirav Modi was," says Khandelwal, a fifth-generation entrepreneur and CMD of Khandelwal Jewellers Akola Pvt Limited who is still in shock as to how Nirav Modi managed to get such a huge loan without the backing of margin money. "For the last few months, I am asking for a loan enhancement of Rs 10 crore for business expansion and the banks are denying it without the 100-per cent margin money. It's surprising how (Nirav) Modi was given such huge credit," he says, adding that "A few years back I had to even keep 10 per cent cash margin with banks even in case of a gold loan."



Khandelwal sees a sharp dip in the value of diamonds and jewellery confiscated with the authorities and government agency. "It wasn't easy to buy a product from Nirav Modi. Even if you entered his showroom to buy Rs 10 lakh worth of diamond products you wouldn't get the product. You needed an appointment as well as a reference to buy the product from him," says Khandelwal.

He adds: "There was no benchmark on the price he used to charge on his products. They were easily five to six times higher than what one could have got in the Indian market, and therefore today when the products are out from his showroom they aren't the same value. My guess is that it will only be worth one-fourth or one-fifth of the cost."

He said the Nirav Modi's brand value had disappeared overnight and the products confiscated would be priced according to the actual market value, not the price it used to enjoy at his showrooms.



The PNB fraud has happened at a time when the industry is trying to come out of the impact of the demonetisation and the GST; the centre in January brought down the GST on rough diamond from 3 per cent to 0.25 per cent. The recent bank fraud has certainly given the diamond traders a reason to worry about their working capital and funding from banks.

Says Khandelwal, "The diamond industry gives direct employment to one crore people and as many as 35 sectors from packaging to logistics. Therefore, banks should not treat us likes thugs. For us, our name is more important. Our history says we have sold off our house and property to repay banks. We can't have a bad name in our own community; we would otherwise be out-casted from the society."

The Modi-PNB scam has hit small and mid size companies, for banks, particularly state-run, have suddenly increased scrutiny by adopting stringent measures, which has delayed disbursement.



The Gems and Jewellery Board will meet next week to take a decision on Mehul Choksi's membership. "Barring the senior officials and management personnels, we will help employees of Gitanjali by accommodating them. We will do whatever we can to get them employment."
Aircel has been in the news for the past couple of days due to its financial issues. A few days earlier reports also emerged about how the telecom operator warned its employees of difficult times ahead. As reports mention, profitability and revenue of the company is on a decline. In the midst of this, Aircel customers from Tamil Nadu and the Northeast, especially Assam took to social media to complain about its interrupted services.



Some customers even laid siege to some of its outlets in Coimbatore following rumours about closure of its service. A company official clarified the network service provider was facing some issues and they were trying to resolve it. According to some of the customers they were neither able to make a call nor receive and they termed it as the first step towards total closure of services.

Some even complained that they were unable to use the mobile number porting facility due to network issues.

The company outlet employees tried to convince the protesting customers, saying the rumours were spread by the competitors and claimed there were no such issues. But when contacted by PTI, an official spokesperson of Aircel, said they were trying to resolve the issue. "Aircel is facing network issues and we are trying to find a way to resolve this at the soonest possible," the official said.

The interruption in service arose from tower infrastructure providers stopping their services for the company due to financial issues. One of the operators that control around 10,000 towers in Tamil Nadu, switched off 9,000 of them.

There has also been a mass exodus of customers who are opting for portability, leading to crashing of Aircel servers. Around 15 million of its 89 million customers are in Tamil Nadu alone. According to a report in Business Standard, company officials revealed that in the past few days they have received almost 10 times the number of port requests they usually receive. A crash of servers means that the supply of porting codes has been affected.

To put it in perspective, Aircel received a million port requests in the past few days, with half of them coming on Wednesday itself. The company has the capacity to handle less than 1,00,000 port requests in a month.

K Sankara Narayanan, head of SBU (South), Aircel, said that they are in talks with the tower infrastructure provider to put their services back up so that customers don't suffer. According to reports Aircel is now creating manual codes to see through each of these porting requests.

The onslaught of Jio has been felt acutely by the company. Aircel's profits dropped to Rs 5 crore by mid-year in 2017 after the launch of Jio, before it slid to an operating loss of Rs 120 crore. Last year, Aircel and Reliance Communications had planned to join hands but the deal did not materialise either.

Aircel, owned by Malaysia's Maxis Communications is considering filing for bankruptcy under NCLT.

(With PTI inputs)
The central government has unveiled a plan to synergise the operations of public sector organisations under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to better utilise the business opportunities arising out of its ambitious Rs 42,000 crore BharatNet project. The move will benefit PSUs like MTNL, BSNL, BBNL, TCIL, ITI, C-DoT and TEC which are already cooperating to connect one lakh panchayats across the country with broadband network through the ongoing first phase of BharatNet. The second phase, with an outlay of Rs 31,000 crore is meant to extend this service to 2.5 lakh panchayats by March 2019.

"The combined strengths of PSUs will enable them to tap the immense business opportunities that are arising out of Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G telecom services in near future", said Aruna Sundararajan, Secretary, Telecom.

At a function in Delhi on February 22, the PSUs signed seven MoUs to formalise its synergistic partnership. The "strategic plan" includes effective utilisation of human resources, settlement of legal issues among PSUs entities and optimal utilisation of land and buildings, among others. The PSUs have also developed a revenue sharing framework to address the payment issues arising out of joint execution of business contracts and assignments.

The PSUs are hopeful of playing a lead role in implementing the government's Digital India initiatives like e-health, e-commerce and e-education services. They also expect to promote startups in these areas and provide a fillip to entrepreneurship programmes that promote smart infrastructure. Indigenisation and import substitution by making use of the government public procurement policy and development of 5G products and services ecosystem are other emerging opportunities they wish to tap.

The decision to prepare a comprehensive plan to synergise the operations of telecom PSUs were taken in January 2016. The roadmap, prepared after two-years' deliberations however is silent on mergers and acquisitions among PSUs in the telecom space.
The European Union must develop a response to growing global political and economic pressures and this will be the spirit of an EU summit this week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday.

Merkel pointed to the crisis in Syria and the growing importance of Asian economies as needing a European response.

"More than ever we need European answers to the pressing, big questions of our time," she told Germany's Bundestag lower house of parliament.

French President Emmanuel Macron in September offered an ambitious vision for Europe, but has had to wait for a response from EU powerhouse Germany, with much on hold in Berlin as Merkel attempts to cement a governing coalition.

In her remarks to the Bundestag, Merkel made clear that the future of the European Union would be a top priority in her fourth term as chancellor, provided the coalition between her conservatives and the pro-European Social Democrats (SPD) goes ahead.

"It is no coincidence that the first chapter of the coalition agreement is on Europe".

The parties have agreed on a deal but SPD members are voting to approve it, with the result due on March 4.

Merkel also said the forthcoming debate about a new budget for the 27-member bloc after Brexit was an opportunity to rethink the system.

"The debate about the future financial framework is also a chance to look at the finances of the EU as a whole," she said.

The budget is one of the topics to be discussed at the EU leaders summit this week.

Merkel also sought to reassure some in her party who are more sceptical about deeper EU integration, and in particular about paying out for poorer members.

"The stability and growth pact will remain the compass for Europe," she said, adding that in future structural funds within the bloc should be linked to the taking in migrants.

"Solidarity cannot be a one-way street," she said.

"With the distribution of structural funds, we must ensure that the allocation criteria in future reflect the engagement of many regions and municipalities in absorbing and integrating migrants." (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
It was announced yesterday that RaboDirect Ireland, the online savings bank, will be closing on 16th May 2018. The decision follows moves by its parent, the Rabobank Group, to simplify its business model across the world and reduce costs.

RaboDirect was established in Ireland in 2005 to provide efficient funding for lending activities. In a statement yesterday, the bank said that as conditions have changed across Europe generally, including Ireland, this source of funding is no longer required by Rabobank.

The bank says it continues to be committed to its corporate banking activities in Ireland, with its exclusive focus on Food and Agri clients, and they will not be impacted by the withdrawal of RaboDirect from the Irish market.

Rabobank said in a statement yesterday, "We would like to thank our customers for their support over the years. We pride ourselves on our customer service and have always tried to make sure that doing business with us was as easy as possible. We intend to continue to honour these commitments as we exit the market and will make it as straightforward as possible for our customers to close their accounts and transfer their savings securely to another financial institution. We have begun contacting each customer directly with the actions they need to take before 16th May 2018."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Senior representatives from academia and business met in eirs Head Office in Dublin today as part of a Connecting Women in Technology (CWIT) event. The gathering explored how the sectors can work together to encourage the progression of women in STEM.

Speakers included representatives from eir, DCU, Ibec, WomanUp and ESB International. They were joined by Minister of State for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell OConnor T.D., who called on leaders from both fields to take ownership of the issue and to work together to deliver meaningful change.

In his opening address, Managing Director of eir Business and host of todays event, Bill Archer said, "We are all too familiar with how under represented women are in general in STEM and we are acutely aware of the impact of this issue. Identifying the obstacles and taking immediate and sustained action to tackle them is at the heart of why we are here today. We have to shift perceptions, eliminate hurdles and make those fundamental changes that need to be made in education, in business and across society in general."

Senior Labour Market Policy Executive at Ibec, Dr. Kara McGann added, "Losing women from STEM comes about as a result of the "perfect storm" - research sees them worn down by macho cultures, serious isolation and disengaged by the lack of career progression. To stop the flow of women from STEM requires changing the environment, creating a sense of belonging, tackling stereotypes and bias and setting women up for success. Failure to address this will only continue the STEM female brain drain."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
A Sa Sa store seen in Hong Kong in December 2013. The Hong Kong-based cosmetics retailer plans to close all of it stores in Taiwan by the end of March.Photo: IC

Hong Kong-based cosmetics retailer Sa Sa International Holdings Ltd. has decided to close its loss-making operations in Taiwan and focus on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Singapore markets, the company announced Wednesday.

The companys Taiwan stores, which totaled 21 by the end of 2017, will be closed by the end of March, according to a company statement.

The groups performance in Taiwan has recorded losses for six consecutive years and has been persistently weak, the company said. The group took measures to reorganise the management team of its operations in Taiwan to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs with the aim of narrowing its losses, but the results were unsatisfactory.

Around 260 employees will be affected and they will be compensated according to local labor regulations, the company said. Sa Sa said that although the closure will result in a loss, it will not have a significantly adverse effect on the companys overall financial performance because the Taiwan market only accounted for 2.5% of its total turnover for the six months ending September.

Sa Sa said in its statement that the retail markets of the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau are poised to benefit from infrastructure developments and policies, including the impending opening of the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and national policies including the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative.

The company will also concentrate on its e-commerce businesses, it said Wednesday. E-commerce accounted for 4.9% of the companys total turnover for the six months ending September, more than physical store contributions each from the Chinese mainland, Singapore and Malaysia.

The group launched a flagship store on Alibabas online marketplace Tmall in September, marking a milestone in its digital strategy, the company said in an earnings report.

Shares of Hong Kong-listed Sa Sa increased 2.15% on Thursday.

Contact reporter Coco Feng (renkefeng@caixin.com)
A Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 smartphone sits on display at a launch event in Beijing in September. The Chinese smartphone-maker opened a store on Monday in Quezon City near Manila in the Philippines. Photo: VCG

Following strong recent performance at home and abroad, the number two Chinese smartphone-maker Xiaomi Inc. has launched its first offline store in the Philippines.

The licensed Mi Store, located in Quezon City near Manila, officially opened on Monday to a crowd of over 2,000 people, according to a social media post by Xiaomi founder Lei Jun.

While Xiaomi products have been available in the Philippines for years, the newly opened store is the Chinese companys first official physical presence in the country, Xiaomi public relations personnel told Caixin.

The Quezon City store will sell around 90 items, including smartphones and home appliances made by Xiaomi, according to local technology blogger Technobaboy.

In recent years, Chinese brands have grown rapidly because of strong domestic demand. But fierce competition and market saturation have pushed them to expand abroad.

Xiaomi has the second-largest market share within China, behind leader Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., and is vying for fourth place globally with Chinese brands OPPO Electronics Corp. and Vivo Communication Technology Co. Ltd., according to recent data from TrendForce.

Xiaomi launched online sales of its smartphones in the Philippines in 2014, but lackluster performance led the company to slow its activity in the country, leaving 2015s Mi 4i the newest device currently advertised on its Philippines website.

But Xiaomi now appears to be making a comeback in the Southeast Asian country after promising results within and outside of its home country in recent months. According to separate reports by market research companies Canalys and Counterpoint, Xiaomi beat Samsung in 2017 to become Indias top smartphone brand by shipment volume. The company, which also has stores in India, Singapore, Egypt and Russia, is reportedly planning a Hong Kong listing this year.

Contact reporter Teng Jing Xuan (jingxuanteng@caixin.com)
For years, researchers have been trying to figure out better ways to find out if a person has cancer and to find it early when its most curable. They want a test thats easier on patients and faster for doctors. One idea thats gaining ground is called a liquid biopsy. A biopsy is a sample of tissue or cells taken from almost any part of the body and sent to a lab to check for cancer. The liquid in this case is your blood. The concept is that your doctor may one day be able to use a small sample of your blood to screen for cancer, before you have any symptoms.

Recently, a study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins published results about how their blood test, called CancerSEEK, supports the concept for a single blood test to screen for several types of cancer. Their test studied 2 types of markers in the blood associated with cancer: certain proteins and pieces of DNA, called circulating tumor DNA. The test is far from ready for wide use though. They tested CancerSEEK on people who had already been diagnosed with cancer to see if the blood they collected would allow them to prove the presence of cancer and where it was. The test was stronger on finding some types of cancer than others and it had some false positives, meaning it showed there was cancer when there really wasnt. Still, the study caused a lot of excitement. So, we got a perspective from Len Lichtenfeld, MD, deputy chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society. Heres what he said about the research thats been done to get us to this point and where research needs to go to bring us closer to the reality of such a comprehensive, simple screening test.

What Its Taken to Get Here

Cancers early detection by means other than X-rays, colonoscopy, or Pap smears has been a subject of research for at least 2 decades, if not longer, Lichtenfeld says. During that time, he says, weve been learning and discovering more about using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to evaluate cancer and about the pros and cons of trying to find cancer early.

First, researchers discovered how to find and study ctDNA. Before using tumor DNA to find and evaluate earlier stages of cancer, this technology was used to monitor patients after they received treatment for an advanced cancer, Lichtenfeld explains.

Circulating tumor DNAs are tiny fragments of DNA in the blood that break away from tumors. After treatment, the ctDNA levels decrease because the tumor is either smaller or has been removed. Researchers monitored ctDNA levels in blood to watch for increases over time. They realized they could see an increase in the ctDNA several months before they could visibly see a recurrence of cancer, he says. And, of course, finding a recurrence sooner allows for a quicker treatment response.

Another way researchers have used ctDNA is to monitor an advanced cancer for genetic changes that might influence treatment, Lichtenfeld says. What they learn may help inform how a patient will respond to a certain treatment or show whether a patient is developing resistance to a treatment that has been working.

Researchers can take a biopsy of a tumor and also test the blood for ctDNA to get a more complete picture of a cancers genetics.

A sample from sticking a needle into a tumor doesnt reflect all the genetic changes in that cancer or all the places that cancer may be, Lichtenfeld says. But the ctDNA sort of acts like a vacuum cleaner, bringing together all the DNA fragments and finding other mutations that may be elsewhere. So, the 2 testsa biopsy of the solid tumor and a liquid biopsyare definitely complementary.

Weve learned that some cancers dont really need to be found. A blood test to screen for and evaluate cancer has been around for many yearsthe prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. Long before we had fancy diagnostics like CT scans, Lichtenfeld says, medical school professors taught future doctors that autopsies on men show many inconsequential prostate cancers, ones that never appeared during life. Those men died from some other cause, he explains, so finding that cancer while they lived wouldnt have made a difference.

This may be the case with other types of cancer, too. Not every cancer is aggressive or lethal, Lichtenfeld says. Some cancers are so slow growing that they would never need treatment. We need better methods to differentiate which ones can be left alone and which ones need to be treated.

Weve learned that finding cancer early may not be enough. I came from an era where we blindly accepted that every cancer we found early was a life saved. We thought we could prevent spread and death, but that wasnt the case, Lichtenfeld says.

The available technology for both screening and treatment then was different from what doctors use now. But this is still true: Not every cancer we find can be effectively treated, Lichtenfeld says. The underlying biology of the cancer can sometimes dictate the outcome, despite our best efforts.

People tend to forget that just because you find a cancer when its small doesnt mean that the patient wont have problems in 10 or 15 years, or earlier for that matter, he says. Were doing better than we did, he says, but not as well as we need to be.

Its a lesson we need to heed: Small is not always betterits frequently better, he says, but not always better. We dont know yet whether screenings with a liquid biopsy could help doctors learn how aggressive a cancer is.

Whats Happening Now in Liquid Biopsy Research

In the last several years, both academic and commercial researchers published reports about finding circulating DNA in earlier stage cancers. Many of the studies are trying to solve the same problems, with researchers using different technologies and approaches.

Many researchers are trying to solve the problem of tiny amounts of ctDNA. Theres only a very small amount of circulating DNA even with a medium-sized tumor, Lichtenfeld explains. Plus, ctDNA is only one type of DNA circulating in the blood. Pregnant women have DNA from their babys placenta in their blood. People whove had a heart attack or stroke may also have DNA fragments in their blood. Collectively, all those DNA fragments are called cell-free DNA. So, researchers need to be able to accurately identify ctDNA among all the other types of DNA in blood to avoid false alarms, telling someone they have cancer when they dont.



But the amount of tumor DNA is infinitesimal, Lichtenfeld says. With cancer, youre looking for a very small quantity of ctDNA in a sea of unrelated proteins.



Researchers are also exploring ways to identify where the cancer may be. The goal is to use the cell-free DNA in the blood to learn that a person may have cancer somewhere in the body before its easily visible by current techniques, such as colonoscopy, mammography, x-rays, or CT-scans. The very fact that the cancers not yet visible means doctors need a screening tool that gives them some guidance about where to look. Otherwise, doctors could be going all over the body in a fruitless search, Lichtenfeld explains.



In this recent study, researchers combined technologies. They looked at both cell-free DNA and known protein markers for several common types of cancer. With that combination, the cell-free DNA allowed researchers to sort for circulating tumor DNA and know, yes, we have a mutation that suggests cancer. Linking ctDNA information with a protein marker offered them some sense of where the cancer may be found, Lichtenfeld says. For example, they look for raised levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), known to be associated with ovarian cancer.

Their ability to pin down the cancers location varied based on where it started in the body. Their best results were with colorectal and ovarian cancers. Their least accurate results were with liver and lung cancers.

Future of Liquid Biopsies

Looking at ctDNA going forward, I have no doubt were going to get to a point someday  next year or whether 10 years from now, I dont know  but were going to get to the point where we will be able to screen using a blood test, Lichtenfeld says. To get there, a lot of complex issues need to be solved.

Our analysis has to catch up with the technology and data. One of the incredible places we find ourselves, Lichtenfeld says, is that technology advances quickly, but our ability to analyze the impact of that technology and determine how best to use it, is much further behind. The translational science, understanding how to use the data we collect, is even more difficult and takes more time and patience.

Some researchers, like the team at Johns Hopkins, are using artificial intelligence, what they call supervised machine learning, to help them. Its a matter of combining a lot of data to recognize or answer whether a mutation truly has a role in a particular cancer, Lichtenfeld explains. The machine continues to learn. The next time it makes a better choice, and it continues to make better and better choices.

We need to translate what we know to people who havent been diagnosed with cancer. I dont want to minimize the Johns Hopkins research because it is elegant science, Lichtenfeld says. It takes a lot of work to get to where they are.

But its one thing, he says, to use a liquid biopsy to test a patient who you know already has cancer, as they did for their study. Its completely different to translate that into a situation when youre screening millions of people who have no evidence of cancer, he says.

Researchers need to develop a meaningful test that does no harm. Lichtenfeld believes that getting the technology piece down is going to be a much shorter period of time than determining the true value of the test.

We run the risk of having an available test that people use, without it being meaningful. Does it tell us anything? Does it make a difference? Lichtenfeld says.

A meaningful liquid biopsy of the future, he says, will need to find cancer in someone with no signs of it and be able to determine where that cancer may be in the body. It also needs to tell us whether that cancer requires treatment. And if so, it needs to make use of what weve learned in the past to guide the best way to treat that cancer and favorably impact the patients future.

One of the keys in this discovery process is not only to find the cancer cell or find the mutated DNA fragment circulating in the blood, but also to find out whether that particular persons cancer is going to be a problem. To me, thats going to be an even bigger challenge, Lichtenfeld says.

We need to keep funding the research. We need to use our excitement about the work on liquid biopsies to make certain we can continue to advance this science. Were not at the end of the road. We definitely have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.
Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

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Log on to the PGCIL official website.

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On the home page, hover over the Careers tab.

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Select Openings from Job Opportunities option.

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On the right-hand side of the page, click on the advertisement that reads, Rolling Advertisement for Engagement of Apprentices.

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Click on the link that reads, Click here to apply.

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The list of vacancies will be displayed on the screen.

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Click the CLICK HERE TO APPLY button on the left-bottom of the page.

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Select the appropriate option from the drop-down list box displayed on the new page.

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Ensure that the necessary documents are ready to upload and click on the button that reads, I've above data.

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Enter your mobile number and re-enter the OTP that you receive to start with the application process. Follow the subsequent pages and complete the registration.
From time to time, the best cars of Brazilian brands appear all over the world, despite their low production and...
City council candidates debate economic growth strategy, budget issues

Four candidates for two at-large seats and three candidates for the District 1 seat debated public safety, economic development and road repair issues.
In 1953, Robert Jeffress mother, Judy, got saved at a Billy Graham crusade at Dallas Cotton Bowl.

After the crusade, Graham  the world-famous evangelist who died Wednesday (Feb. 21) at age 99  gave a guest sermon at First Baptist Dallas.

The day he preached, he also joined the church, said Robert Jeffress, who grew up in the historic Dallas congregation  which will celebrate its 150th anniversary this year  and has served as its senior pastor since 2007.

Graham formally placed membership at First Baptist Dallas  where the late Rev. W.A. Criswell was the longtime pastor  even though he didnt live in Texas. He never would. But Graham maintained that membership for more than 54 years.

On the day of Grahams passing, Jeffress remembered his mothers reasons for choosing First Baptist.

My mom looked at my dad and said, If its good enough for Billy Graham, its good enough for me, Jeffress told Religion News Service in a telephone interview from Jerusalem.

And thats the day she joined the church, added Jeffress, who is one of President Trumps evangelical advisers and part of a delegation of Christian leaders visiting Israel this week.

A year later, I was born and grew up at First Baptist Dallas. So, in many ways, Im a Christian  and Im the pastor of my church  because of Billy Graham.

In A Prophet With Honor: The Billy Graham Story, first published in 1991 and set for an updated, expanded release by Zondervan in March, Rice University biographer William Martin noted that Graham conducted crusades in half a dozen U.S. cities in 1953.

The four-week crusade in Dallas was the most successful: The climactic closing service drew a capacity crowd to the 75,000-seat Cotton Bowl, Martin wrote, making it the largest evangelistic meeting ever held in America to that point.

Why did Graham place membership at a church nearly 1,000 miles from his home in Montreat, N.C.?

I think his reason for joining the church was that he appreciated Dr. Criswell, my predecessor, and his strong stand on his belief in the inerrancy of the Scripture, said Jeffress, whose Southern Baptist megachurch claims 13,000 members and occupies six city blocks on a $135 million campus at the heart of downtown Dallas.

Dr. Graham wanted to associate with a church like that.

But in an interview with his biographer, Graham gave a different reason.

If I belonged to a Baptist church in the neighborhood, they would continually be asking me to work in church affairs, Graham told Martin. When Im at home I attend my wifes Presbyterian church and naturally they dont ask me to do anything.

Martin noted that Graham did not mention that the Dallas church was also the largest Southern Baptist congregation in the world.

Other observers point out that deep in the heart of Texas, the big-time revivalist understood the importance of big-oil money.

Those big-oil guys were mostly wealthy Texas evangelicals who wanted to fund evangelism and missions, including Grahams work, said Barry Hankins, a Baylor University history professor and author of several books on Southern Baptists. Graham, therefore, came to Texas often and developed relationships with Texas big oil, and from this came his membership at First Baptist Dallas."

Anointed With Oil: God and Black Gold in Modern America, a forthcoming book by University of Notre Dame history professor Darren Dochuk, will highlight Grahams big-oil connections.

Graham was close to several Dallas-Fort Worth oil families, many of whom attended First Baptist or the prominent Methodist and Presbyterian churches in Highland Park, Dochuk said in an email. But through longstanding family ties (on wifes side), Graham was also familiar with Houston and its legion of independent oilmen. So both cities and their oil wealth  and the state as a whole  mattered a lot to him.

Not until late 2008 did Graham switch his membership to a congregation closer to his home in the North Carolina mountains.

At age 90, he was voted in as a member of First Baptist Spartanburg in Spartanburg, S.C. The change came after Graham started watching that churchs pastor, Don Wilton, on television every Sunday, said A. Larry Ross, who served as Grahams spokesman for more than 30 years.

Pastor Don has been coming to his home to have prayer and Bible study with him regularly since then, said Ross, who is based in Dallas. But he was a member at First Baptist Dallas until then, having placed his membership here while W.A. Criswell was the pastor.

First Baptist Dallas was the childhood church home of James Lankford, now a U.S. senator from Oklahoma. Lankford, who was baptized at First Baptist Dallas as a red-haired little boy, recalls the pride he felt attending the same church where Graham was a member, even though he never met Graham.

As Lankford grew older and became a pastor himself, Graham remained one of his spiritual heroes. The Republican senator reflected Wednesday on how Grahams style of preaching changed over the years.

He was a wagging-his-finger, salvation preacher at the beginning, yelling and stomping around, (with) long messages, Lankford told Religion News Service in a telephone interview.

And toward the end, all of his focus  in fact, for decades there  was about the love of God and how God pours his love out on us and offers us this incredible, free gift. And he was so incredibly gracious in how he would present the message.

In a post on the First Baptist Dallas website, Jeffress called Graham the most impactful evangelist since the Apostle Paul.

Cissie Graham Lynch, a granddaughter of the late evangelist, is a part of the evangelical delegation in Israel.

She and I were just talking about (Graham) yesterday and how much he was ready to go home and be with the Lord, Jeffress said. He said often, Heaven is my home, Im just passing through this world. So I think there will be sadness on our part, but also a real happiness for Dr. Graham.

Watch a Live Stream of Billy Graham's preaching from the Billy Graham Evangelical Association.

Visit the BGEA's memorial page for Billy Graham to leave a condolence message.

Courtesy: Religion News Service

Photo courtesy: Wkimedia Commons

Publication date: February 22, 2018
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At a time when where supposed to be brought together and united as Americans to support our athletes abroad, the media has proven true the old slogan "my enemy of my enemy is my friend." Since the very start of the Trump administration we have heard warnings from the left in our country of how a dictatorship might be on the rise and that President Trump stole the election (although there has been no credible evidence found to prove the point.).

However, with the arrival of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's (who is an actual dictator) sister, Kim Yo-Jong, the media again lost all credibility after praising the tyrant's sister. Since arriving at the Olympics on Feb.9, the media has taken every chance to report negatively on the Trump administration who is being represented by Vice President Mike Pence and his wife.

But praise a dictator's sister? CNN didn't wait long to help start the negative coverage. In their first article they described an historic first handshake between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean representative, Kim Yo-Jong as a positive moment-it didn't take them long to start throwing in negative jibes at the vice president. While describing the scene as historic (which it was), they described Pence as looking "stony faced," during the historic moment. Continuing down in the article, they ran a description titled "Pence looked uncomfortable."

In another CNN article, which was titled "Kim Jong UN's sister is stealing the show at the Olympic at the winter Olympics," CNN went onto lavish praise on the dictator's sister. The Koreas have been divided between communist and free, since the end of the Korean War in 1953 when the two sides agreed to an armistice and agreed to dividing the country after three years of war, which left almost 40,000 American troops dead. Kim Il-sung became leader of the North Korean side and started the repressive policies that are now in place. North Korea has also undergone several famines since the end of the Korean War. The most recent, lasted from 1995 to 1998 and resulted in the deaths of approximately two to three million (though numbers are hard to accurately get from the restrictive regime.). The famine also came at a time when the world community provided aid to the dictatorship, as the regime often used missile tests as a bargaining chip for the aid.

The media negativity toward the Trump administration continued not only with CNN's coverage, but several other outlets including, the Wall Street Journal, who in one of their articles described the North Korean cheer squad as "being impossible to ignore." The North Korean's routinely threaten their people with execution at foreign events for not performing satisfactorily to the regime's likening. Another troubling headline came from NPR, as the author titled her title, "Amid Olympic Detente, Pence Snubs North Koreans in Visit to Pyeongchang." The author of the piece didn't wait long to trash into Mr. Pence. In the opening paragraph she stated how "Pence is facing backlash," for his snub of the North Korean representative. Yet the author does not go into detail about who Mr. Pence is facing backlash from.

In a final display of the media's favoritism of the North Korean regime, Politico ran a title "Fred Warmbier criticizes North Korean Olympic Spirit." Warmbier is the father of Otto Warmbier who was taken into custody by the North Korean regime and was later returned to the U.S unconscious and died a few days later. He had significant brain damage and was unconsciousness when he was returned to the United States after being detained for allegedly stealing a party poster in a North Korea hotel room.

The heart of the issue for the media criticism of Mr. Pence is his staunch position against same sex marriage. Mr. Pence also signed a religious freedom law while Governor of Indiana in 2015. In the latest available poll, only seven percent of journalist are registered Republicans. Critics said that it made it easier for employers and businesses to discriminate against the LGBT community in Indiana.nCoverage of the issue in the media is also heavily favored in toward supporting same sex marriage. A poll done by Pew Research Center in 2013 has shown that a majority of the major news channels, had high favorable numbers supporting same sex marriage. MSNBC had 64 percent positive coverage, while 30 percent was mixed and six percent opposing. Fox News had 29 supporting coverage, with 63 percent mixed and eight percent opposing. CNN had 39 percent supporting coverage, 57 percent mixed with four percent opposing coverage.

In North Korea, however, gays as well as Christians are horribly oppressed by the Kim regime with both facing extreme oppression. Both sides are not allowed to come out openly and express their beliefs or views in fear of being arrested.

The media has shown their hypocrisy for supporting a brutally oppressive regime which not only oppresses a favorite group of theirs in the culture wars but also has shown their un-Americanism by siding with foreign dictatorships over President Trump.

Tom Manning is a professional writer from Lindenhurst, New York.
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Bullet Blocker is an American company specializing in products intended for self-protection. They offer bulletproof clothing, backpacks, briefcases and other items. Unsurprisingly, their sales of backpacks have soared after the shooting in Parkland, Florida.

In other news, Switzerland has made it illegal to boil a live lobster. The Swiss say this method of killing lobsters is cruel since the crustaceans can sense pain. Authorities recommend electrocution or sedating the lobster by dipping it into saltwater and then thrusting a knife into its brain.

The new law also gives domestic pets further protections. For instance, dogs can no longer be punished for barking.

Consider that abortion is legal in Switzerland and is covered by the country's mandatory health insurance. While their abortion rate is less than half that of the US, one in five women in Switzerland will have an abortion at some point in their lives.

Any pregnancy in Switzerland can be aborted before 12 weeks. After this time, a woman can have an abortion if her doctor believes her "physical integrity" is threatened or she will face "profound distress" should the pregnancy be allowed to continue to term.

Neurologists report that at 20 weeks, unborn babies probably feel pain more intensely than adults. Babies born at 21 weeks can survive. The good news is that most Americans want abortions to be banned after twenty weeks; the tragic news is that they aren't.

And in Switzerland, the government has acted in response to the pain of lobsters but has left its abortion laws intact.

"Learn how to discern the truth"

Janet Denison has written a blog for Christian Parenting discussing the Disney show, "Andi Mack". The program was voted 2017's Top Rated Show for tween girls. LGBTQ proponents are applauding its portrayal of a boy who realized he was attracted to the same boy a girl had a crush on.

Janet notes that in 1970, 29 percent of American adults believed premarital sex was acceptable behavior. By 2012, such acceptance had grown to almost 60 percent. She concludes: "As parents, you need to help your kids learn how to discern the truth, and the lies that are represented as truth, in television programming. The popularity of shows like "Andi Mack" matters to our culture, and especially to our kids."

I encourage you to read Janet's article and her insights for parents. In helping us "discern the truth," I'd like to focus on a principle that is profoundly countercultural today.

"Everything exists for the glory of God"

"Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).

In A Faith and Culture Devotional, theologian Sam Storms contributes an article titled "A Christian Theory of Everything." Here is that "theory": "Everything exists for the glory of God. Everything-from quarks to quasars, from butterflies to brain cells-was created and is sustained so that you and I might delight in the display of divine glory."

How does this fact relate to us? Dr. Storms continues:

"Only humans are fashioned in the image of God. We are the only species that establishes schools and conducts research and preserves archives of information. We alone have been granted remarkable capacities to reason and reflect, deduce and conclude. We alone can glorify God by rejoicing in the beauty of his creative handiwork and relishing the splendor of his self-revelation in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ" (his italics).

When you consume culture in any of its forms, ask yourself: "Does this glorify God?"

Does abortion glorify the God who creates life at conception (Psalm 139:13-16)? Does homosexual activity glorify the God who creates humans as "male and female" and intends marriage to be the union of one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-5)?

Does pornography glorify the God who made sex for marriage (Hebrews 13:4)? Does euthanasia glorify the God who forbids murder (Exodus 20:13) and numbers our days (Job 14:5)?

Imagine the difference in our lives if we developed the reflex of asking before everything we say and do, "Will this glorify God?" Imagine the impact on our culture if every Christian lived exclusively for the glory of God.

"The person who fears God"

Living for the glory of God will not bulletproof our bodies. We will still be susceptible to the natural laws of this fallen planet and the sins of fallen people.

But living for the glory of God will bulletproof our souls. It will keep us from grieving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) and lead us into abundant life in Christ (John 10:10).

So, here's the question: Will you ask the Holy Spirit to help you live for the glory of God today?

Scripture promises: "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit "helps us in our weakness" (Romans 8:26) and produces "fruit" that glorifies our Father (Galatians 5:22-23).

Jerry Bridges: "The person who fears God seeks to live all of life to the glory of God." Will you fear God today?

Originally posted at Denisonforum.org.
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Most major news outlets are still missing one of the most significant developments in religion among US Latinos/Latinas, who are otherwise known as Hispanics.

Latinos now number about 57 million people and are the largest ethnic conglomerate in the nation. Their growth is changing everything from the way American businesses market their products to how politicians are tailoring their messages.

A Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) survey released in 2013 shows that only 53 percent of Latinos under the age of thirty now identify as Catholic. That would have been closer to 90 percent just a few decades before. About 25 percent of Hispanics now are Protestant.

Whereas the continued growth of Protestantism is not that surprising anymore, an unexpected trend was the rise of "nones" among Latinos. In September of 2017, the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) released a study titled "America's Changing Religious Identity." It showed that 20 percent of Hispanics are unaffiliated, and that compares to 12 percent reported in a 2013 PRRI survey.

"Nones" is a common term for those who affirm no religious affiliation in surveys of religious behavior. Many may be atheists, but most simply don't identify with any specific religious organization or with any particular religion even if they regard themselves as religious.

In April 15, 2013, TIME magazine had a cover story on "The Latino Reformation." It was filled with insightful commentary about changes in Hispanic religious behavior, but it lacked any acknowledgement of the strength of Hispanic nones.

However, the rise of the Latino nones is not new to those of us who study Latino literature, where some of the first signs of this shift were taking place in the 1950s and 1960s.

Already in Pocho (1959), reputed to be the first Mexican American novel, Jose Antonio Villarreal (1924-2010) relates the story of Richard Rubio, a boy who becomes an atheist as he becomes more educated and assimilated into American culture.

In the 1960s, more Mexican American authors became openly critical of religion. Works by Oscar Zeta Acosta, (e.g., The Revolt of the Cockroach People, 1973) trace his rejection of Christianity and religion altogether. Tomas Rivera's And the Earth Did Not Devour Him (1971), also told through the eyes of a young boy, relates the slave-like existence of Chicanos in the fields, and the questioning of God's existence.

Throughout history, secularism first becomes visible among the most educated segments of the population. Shmuel Feiner's The Origins of Jewish Secularization (2010) traced the beginnings of Jewish secularization to a small group of elite writers and intellectuals in western and central Europe. Their ideas eventually spread to wider audiences. Something similar has been happening among Latinos as they become more educated.

There are efforts to organize Latino nones. In 2010, David Tamayo founded, and became president of, the Hispanic American Freethinkers in Washington, D.C. In 2015, an American Atheist conference was held in Puerto Rico for the first time.

The national conventions of American Atheists in the past few years have featured Latino speakers. Yet, the power of Latino nones cannot be gauged purely by how many formal organizations they can build. Rather, their power will be wielded in ways that only those willing to fine tune surveys will detect.

Some politicians may think that Latinos are generally more conservative on social issues. The 2013 PRRI survey shows otherwise. For example, the survey found that a "majority (55 percent) of Hispanics favor allowing gay and lesbian Americans to marry, compared to 43 percent who are opposed." Among the Hispanic nones, support for gay marriage soars to an astounding 80 percent.

Unlike Latino evangelicals, you will not easily find nones in any particular place. The Latino nones have no churches that politicians can visit, or major leaders they can court. Yet, the Latino nones are everywhere.

Mass media advertisements, especially those emphasizing the separation of religion and government, may be one way to attract them. In fact, politicians may win points just by acknowledging the existence of, and respect for, Latino nones.

The rise of the Latino nones could have been on the cover of TIME magazine in 2013. The rise of Latino nones definitely merits a cover story for any national news outlet today.

Hector Avalos is Professor of Religious Studies at Iowa State University, where he was the founder and first director of the US Latino/a Studies Program. He is also the author of Strangers in Our Own Land: Religion in U.S. Latina/o Literature (2007).
3 dangers of being a conceited Christian

Conceit is a dangerous thing. Because of this, many of us make the wrong decisions, engage in all the wrong engagements, and dig a pit for our very selves to fall into. You may not believe what I'm saying, but what I'm saying is true:

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud." (Proverbs 16:18-19)

In this article we'll take a closer look at what conceit is, and the often-ignored dangers that it brings to any unsuspecting Christian.

Dangers of "Christian" conceitedness

1) We think "I'm anointed" in all the wrong ways

Conceited Christians, ministers or pastors in particular, have what we can call an "anointed one" syndrome. I once heard a pastor label this more aptly, calling it "anointed narcissism."

Pretty sarcastic, but true.

Many Christians today think so highly of themselves.

Some think their callings or God-given assignments are so big, another Christian's calling seems unimportant -- perhaps enough to call these "small-calling Christians" to be part of their "big vision," or to help them achieve their "great destiny."

That's just so self-centered.

The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of Man who had the highest calling of all, made Himself a servant to all men. Think about that: God in the flesh, serving us by dying for our sins to purchase our salvation.

Very humbling.

Consider Philippians 2:3-8, which says:

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."

2) Thinks he is "sinless" or always innocent

Conceited Christians think they cannot be blamed for anything. They believe they are above reproach even when they're not. They simply cannot see the truth about themselves because they refuse to.

Proverbs 26:12 tells us,

"Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."

Such a person does not and will not take responsibility for his faults, because he believes it's always somebody else's fault.

3) Lofty self-righteousness

Conceited Christians think too highly of themselves, they believe they live by higher standards compared to others, Christian or not.

I was once very conceited, thinking that I'm a better Christian than others. And yes, thinking that I'm a better man than the "unsaved people I see."

Truth is, a Christian's self-conceitedness breeds self-righteousness. The Lord Jesus warns us against this. He said in Matthew 23:11-12,
Billy Graham funeral: Trump, Obama and Bill Clinton expected to attend ceremony under canvas

Billy Graham's funeral is expected to be attended by Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence as well the living former US presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, George H W Bush and his son George W Bush.

As CBN put it, Graham will finish in the same way that he started  under a large white tent in front of thousands of people.

Yesterday evening, the family spokesman Mark DeMoss announced that the great preacher's funeral service will be held on Friday, March 2, at 12 noon in a canvas tent set up near The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Last night tributes continued to flood in from all around the world as everyone from presidents to preaches mourned his passing.

Graham's coffin will be moved from the funeral home in Asheville in the state to Charlotte this Saturday, February 24.

On Monday and Tuesday, Graham will lie in repose at the Graham Family Homeplace from 8am to 10pm, when the public will be allowed to pay their respects.

The funeral service will be private and will include family members, friends, and community leaders who were touched by Graham's ministry with around 2,300 people in total attending the 90-minute service.

Graham himself spoke regularly about death and approved the planning and details of his funeral arrangements years before his death and made sure the focus will not be on him, but on the gospel, CBN reported.

His son, Franklin Graham, will give the eulogy, and his other children will speak briefly to honour their father.

In 1949, Graham's preaching first gained national prominence when he held a 'crusade' in downtown Los Angeles under a large white tent, also known as a 'canvas cathedral'. He then went to impact the lives of millions through his powerful speaking and altar calls with thousands saying their lives were transformed by his preaching.

DeMoss said: 'His family and team members thought it would be fitting to also conduct his funeral service under a tent as a reminder of how his public ministry was launched.'

At Graham's request, his casket was hand-made by inmates of Angola Prison in Louisiana in 2006.

Graham will be buried at the Billy Graham Library next to his wife Ruth, who died in 2007.

You can read Billy Graham's obituary here.
Billy Graham, Harringay, 1954: Memories of a crusade counsellor

More than 60 years ago a fiery young American evangelist hit the British religious scene like a bombshell.

Billy Graham's crusades weren't warmly received by the establishment or the secular media, at least at first  Michael Ramsey, then Bishop of Durham, condemned the 'menace of fundamentalism' and accused him of being both sectarian and heretical, while newspaper columnists sneered at the 'Yankee spellbinder'.

For the wider church, though, he was a revelation. He filled the 11,400-seat Harringay Arena for 12 weeks. Closing events at Wembley Stadium and White City attracted 120,000 and 65,000 respectively. The organisation required was extraordinary, and rested on the meticulous preparation that was a hallmark of his campaigns.

Among the many details that needed to be addressed  from music to transport, first aid and stewarding  was what would happen to those who responded to his invitation to get up out of their seats and commit their lives to Christ. An army of counsellors was trained to come alongside them, having memorised appropriate Bible verses in advance.

In the Spectator of March 12, 1954, no less a figure than John Betjeman wrote of his impressions of the event. An Anglo-Catholic, he was surprisingly positive. 'Billy Graham knows his Bible so well and he brings the scenes of Our Lord's life on earth, so vividly before us, that neither Catholic nor Evangelical could quarrel with him,' he says. 'He is genuinely above religious differences and if any intolerance or quarrelling comes into the campaign, it will not be Billy Graham's work but the devil.'

Of the counsellors he wrote that it was a pity there would be so few Catholics among them  Anglican or Roman  but that 'provided the counsellors have the clarity and breadth of Billy Graham I do not think we need imagine that their care of converts committed to them will be misdirected.'

One of those counsellors spoke to Christian Today about her memories of the event.

Mary Southam is 90 years old, and became involved through a college friend.

'It was a very thrilling time,' she says. 'I'd never come across anything like it before. Not only was he a wonderful speaker and communicator, but he was so sincere, so humble.'

She and her friend Margaret went twice a week ('all we could manage as we were working full-time'). She recalls them being urged to suck a peppermint during the last hymn in preparation for their counselling duties as they 'had to get quite close to people'  just one example of the organisation and attention to detail that so impressed her.

Mary was young, only 21. 'I didn't feel very capable,' she says. 'There was one person I was a complete failure with; we were not on the right wavelength at all. But you just do the best you can.'

She's never forgotten the experience. 'It must have had a fairly profound effect on me. Here I was, a young teacher with no experience  it humbles you. But if God wants you to do this, he'll help you to do it.

'It seems long ago now, but I never got tired of going. Every night it was full.'

And, she concludes: 'In some ways it's as clear now as it was then  I still remember going into that great arena.

She was one of the counsellors who had, as Betjeman put it, the 'clarity and depth' exemplified by Billy Graham himself  though she would probably laugh at the comparison.

'It was a great privilege,' she says. 'I wouldn't have missed it for the world.'
Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez pack on the PDA during wedding reception in Jamaica

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez recently put their love on full display in Jamaica.

The former Disney star and Bieber recently traveled to Montego Bay, Jamaica for Jeremy Bieber's wedding to his longtime girlfriend Chelsey Rebelo. The Canadian crooner served as a groomsman for his father's nuptials on Monday. Although they were not the ones who got married, Gomez and Bieber looked every bit the honeymooners as they packed on the PDA.

The lovebirds could not get enough of each other  cuddling and kissing as they spent time together away from the other wedding guests. Based on the photos obtained by Daily Mail, the event was a casual wedding. Gomez rocked a flowy dress while Bieber wore a white shirt and pink bow-tie. They were also photographed sitting quietly while enjoying the event from one of the tables.

As Seventeen magazine points out, this is not the first time Bieber and Gomez went to a wedding together. Back in 2011, the couple attended a wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The "Love Yourself" crooner and Gomez, who was just 19 at the time, witnessed the marriage of Shannon Larossi  a costume designer on Disney's "Wizards of Waverly Place." The brunette beauty also served as a bridesmaid during the event.

Bieber and Gomez have yet to officially confirm their relationship, but they continue to go on low-key dates. They have been photographed many times, including attending church or having dinner dates. "Justin is still very happy. They have had quiet date nights at home and outings to local, low-key spots, a source previously told PEOPLE. "They are still catching up and just enjoy hanging out."

The insider added, "They have learned from past mistakes and are not putting any pressure on each other. Things are much different and more mature."
UK ban on South Sudan pastors overturned, Church welcomes U-turn

The Home Office has reversed a ban on two pastors from South Sudan who had twice been denied visas to enter the UK for a Church of Scotland training event.

The original decision to ban two Christian South Sudanese ministers from the country was dubbed 'ludicrous' by a Scottish MP. Backed by the Church of Scotland, North East Fife MP Stephen Gethins had urged home secretary Amber Rudd to overturn the ruling. Former Moderator of the Church's General Assembly, Very Rev Dr John Chalmers, said he was 'shocked' by the situation, and that it was denying the ministers access to an 'important event'.

One of the men, Rev Orozu Daky, said he was 'deeply disappointed' by the visa rejection, especially since he has travelled widely and previously obtained visas in Germany, Switzerland, the USA and Scotland.

Gethins said: 'All 11 Presbyterian Church of South Sudan representatives are coming here thanks to generous sponsorship by the Church of Scotland and congregations.

'They are coming for peace mediation training which will benefit their country, as well as strengthening links with Scotland.'

Following outspoken protests, the ban was reversed. Chalmers said: 'This was the response we were hoping for. I am delighted at this turnaround in events  now our course will go ahead as planned and with these two participants set to benefit from both advanced conflict resolution and an opportunity to experience a respite from the trauma of their everyday lives. When they return to South Sudan we expect them to be refreshed in themselves and carrying a new hope for the future of their nation.'
The Billy Graham backlash: Why speak ill of the dead?

There's that ancient word to the wise that our present generation might do well to heed: 'Do not speak ill of the dead.' In the polarised age of furious Twitterstorms and instant hot-takes, we might do well not to speak too soon either.

Yesterday brought news of the passing of Billy Graham, age 99, the incomparably influential preacher who has shaped American evangelical Christianity. A flood of obituaries praised Graham's fervent faith and his legacy for the Church. But as is normal now in any online reaction, there came the backlash too.

Pink News summarised Graham simply as an 'Anti-gay evangelical preacher' in an article listing several controversial comments the evangelist had made throughout his career, including his position on homosexuality, and a comment he made  and immediately said he regretted  that AIDs was a 'judgment from God'. The progressive site The Advocate took a similar route with its response: 'What the Obits Aren't Saying: Evangelist Billy Graham Was a Homophobe'.

When former President Barack Obama tweeted in celebration of Graham's life, describing him as a 'humble servant who prayed for so many  and who, with wisdom and grace, gave hoped and guidance to generations of Americans,' one user received nearly 2,000 likes for their response: 'Delete this'.

Journalist Lauren Duca might have been the most scathing in her obituary: 'The big news today is that Billy Graham was still alive this whole time. Anyway, have fun in hell, bitch..."respecting the dead" only applies to people who weren't evil pieces of s**t while they were living, thanks.'

Of course, more broadly the reactions were more generous about the man who counselled numerous US presidents yet remained nonpartisan, who inspired millions and transformed the Christian culture of the day. Some raised antisemitic marks he made, others praised his work with Martin Luther King in the Civil Rights Movement.

But the diverse, impassioned reactions to the man's life prompt one to consider the good of our instant, intensely reactive responses to death of famous figures. The deluge of takes on the meaning of Graham's passing felt overdone, not because Graham wasn't significant, but because a flurry of articles assessing a man's legacy, be it in mourning or celebration, seems an odd, somewhat inhuman response to death. Yes, it's a symptom of our 24-hour instant-news culture in which time is ever of the essence, where if we don't react now, tomorrow will apparently be too late. Perhaps given that's just how our online news and social media function, so resistant to rest and genuine reflection, seeking change might seem ambitious. Indeed, saying nothing in response the death of a titan such as Graham might seem odd and improper too.

Billy Graham was a humble servant who prayed for so many - and who, with wisdom and grace, gave hope and guidance to generations of Americans.  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 21, 2018

But why the need to so passionately lionise or denigrate the dead, so immediately after their end? As many have noted, Graham was a flawed human being who lived 99 years on the earth: of course he did and said things he regretted and that we wouldn't applaud. Of whom could we not say the same?

Regarding his comments in certain pamphlets about homosexuality, to jump to defend Graham here would be to miss the point. The blunt language certainly is offensive to many, and many would reject the theological sentiment as well; the church of course continues to be conflicted in debates over human sexuality. But it's also generally understood that it's not right to judge the past by the standards of the present. Not only that, but the world is full of people who disagree with you and who live complex lives that can't be summed up in a tweet. Engaging that difference is difficult, painful even, but is necessary for any meaningful community.

If you believe someone's views were 'problematic', that they made grave errors in their life that caused harm to others, then what you believe is that they were human, like you. You need not worship them as a god, nor dismiss them as a demon  mercifully and radically, you need not say anything at all.

Not speaking ill of the dead is quite a challenge in the adversarial, grandstanding age of the culture wars. But it's an urgent call. Forgetting the essential humanity of those we've lost, we might just lose our own in the process.

You can follow @JosephHartropp on Twitter
Trump administration rejects asylum for more than 100 Iranian Christians

More than 100 Iranian Christians and other refugees have been denied asylum in the US by the Trump administration.

The refugees have awaited asylum acceptance in the US for more than a year, having been based in Vienna in the meantime, according to Foreign Policy.

Mainly Christians and other non-Muslim individuals, they had applied for visas under the Lautenberg Amendment, US legislation established to protect endangered religious minorities. Refugee cases under this amendment processed before Trump entered office reportedly had a success rate of nearly 100 per cent. The US State Department said in a statement to FP: 'These individuals were subject to the same rigorous process for resettlement as all refugees and, following input from all relevant departments and agencies, the applications for resettlement were denied.'

However, Hans Van de Weerd, vice president of US programs at the International Rescue Committee, said: 'The hypocrisy of this administration has no boundaries. It criticizes the Iranian regime, encouraged the protests, but refuses to provide safety to those who flee and are not safe from the Iranian government.'

Van de Weerd said: 'The Iranians in Vienna are in desperate circumstances. Without income or the right to stay in Austria, they have but no choice to be deported to Iran, unless another nation steps up or Austria grants them asylum.'

The State Department spokesperson said that 'The United States will not force anyone to return to Iran,' but religious freedom advocates say such a deportation is the most likely next step and could result in severe punishment for those who once fled the country.

World Relief, one of America's largest refugee resettlement agencies, last month damned Trump's travel ban on refugees as a 'net loss' for the US that hurt persecuted Christians, a group Trump had previously promised to protect.

The constitution of Iran, a majority-Muslim country, offers some religious freedom rights for recognised sects of Islam along with Christians and Jews. But evangelical Christians and other faith groups face persecution for violating bans on proselytising. People from religious minorities have in recent years been imprisoned in harsh conditions for committing 'enmity against God' and spreading 'anti-Islamic propaganda'.

Austria meanwhile is renowned for its draconian treatment of immigrants. According to the Global Detention Project, 'Austria has sharply increased the number of people it places in immigration detention after years of declining detainee populations. While it continues the controversial practice of placing immigration detainees in "Police Detention Centres", the country opened a new dedicated immigration detention centre in 2014, which is partly operated by the multinational security company G4S. The country has also announced plans to significantly boost removals, focusing mainly on people from the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.'
Why we need fewer bishops  if any  in the House of Lords

Britain is really odd. We proudly boast of being the home of the Mother of Parliaments, and have  rather reluctantly, admittedly  exported democracy around the world. On the other hand, its huge size has rendered our House of Lords an international laughing-stock (at around 800, second only to the Chinese National People's Congress).

Furthermore, while we are resolute in our defence of freedom of religion, no less than 26 seats in the Lords are reserved for Anglican bishops, the Lords Spiritual. They are the archbishops of Canterbury and York, the bishops of Durham, London and Winchester, and 21 of the longest-serving bishops from elsewhere. To try to achieve a measure of gender balance, for the next few years all vacancies will be filled, where possible, with women, regardless of seniority.

A really serious attack on the bloated size of the Lords has now been launched and reform is finally getting somewhere. The Burns Committee on reducing its size produced a widely welcomed report in October last year. This week the prime minister has written to the Lord Speaker, Norman Fowler, saying: 'I intend to continue with the restraint which I have exercised to date and, when making appointments, to allocate them fairly, bearing in mind the results of the last general election and the leadership shown by each party in terms of retirements. I will also operate on the basis that there is no automatic entitlement to a peerage for any holder of high office in public life.'

All well and good, but as the Law and Religion blog points out, this has consequences. The Burns report makes no recommendations about the Lords Spiritual, but obviously if the Lords is reduced in number and their own numbers are not, they provide a larger proportion of its members. It might be argued that this returns them to the status quo ante the swelling of numbers in recent years; or it might not. Either way: the historical anomaly of bishops having the right to make our laws just because they're bishops is being brought into sharper focus again  and in the current climate, arguing for their retention at all is a pretty tough gig.

So this is arguably a time for the CofE to demonstrate a willingness to change before change is forced on it. Full disclosure: I'm a Baptist. I don't believe in state churches. I believe in freedom of religion, so I don't believe any religion should be privileged above another. And that's what we have: not just one religion, but one denomination of one religion, gets to be part of our legislative process not because anyone really believes it should, but because that's the way it's always been. It's hard to imagine anything in principle less defensible.

However, when it comes to politics, the British have an aversion to principle. We don't like grand systems, like the French. Our only attempt at revolutionary change  chopping King Charles' head off and establishing the short-lived Commonwealth, for which my own spiritual ancestors were notably enthusiastic  was a failure. We tend to ask of something, not 'Is it right?' but 'Does it work?'

So, while the establishment of the Church of England is in the eyes of a good Baptist a theological monstrosity and we wouldn't start from here, it's worth asking what is worth preserving from the current arrangements.

One of the arguments sometimes used in favour of having bishops in the Lords is that they represent all denominations and all religions; we don't need to worry about the voice of 'faith' being heard in Parliament, because the Anglicans will do it for us.

That is, to say the least, more than a bit patronising.

However, the idea of there being religious representation in the Lords  if it could be made more representative  is not in itself a terrible idea. Voices of faith can add value to the democratic process of lawmaking. They are a corrective to a purely utilitarian philosophy of the greatest good for the greatest number. They remind lawmakers of a wider thought-world. They represent a continuity with our ancient customs that is congenial to our way of doing things.

It would be entirely possible for the CofE to cede some of its privileges in this respect, to agree a voluntary reduction in the number of bishops and suggest instead the inclusion of representatives of other churches  perhaps through Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. It is not beyond our communal wit to include representatives of other faiths, as well.

If we are happy to continue with a House of Lords whose members inherit their positions as descendants of Norman invaders or are randomly awarded them on some kind of merit, we might think it's still worth including religious representatives as part of the mix.

In theory, of course, and with a delightful irony, one of them might even be a Baptist, creating a theological quandary it's probably impossible to resolve.

Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
PHILADELPHIA - Sen. Ted Cruz, in a speech to refinery workers here Wednesday, said federal ethanol rules were earning "Wall Street speculators and giant integrated companies" a "windfall" while small refineries struggle.

"The speculators can go speculate somewhere else," Cruz said. "This is about jobs, good jobs that provide for your families. They are at risk from a broken regulatory system that needs to be fixed."

The Texas senator's visit to Philadelphia comes as Washington remains divided on whether to reform an ethanol mandate that analysts say has benefited some large oil companies and biofuels producers, but hurt smaller refineries.

The refinery Cruz visited Wednesday is owned by Philadelphia Energy Solutions, which has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, blaming the federal mandate that requires ethanol be blended into the nation's fuel supply for driving up their costs.

Many refiners, such as the one in Philadelphia, don't blend ethanol into the gasoline. Under federal rules, they must buy blending credits instead, but the cost of these credits have jumped in recent years. Credits are bought and sold in an opaque, thinly traded market, which critics of the ethanol mandate say is subject to manipulation by Wall Street investors.

In a tent set up on the grounds, Cruz spoke to hundreds of workers still dressed in coveralls.

"If you stand with the working men and women then stand up and fix this broken RIN system," Cruz said, referring to the biofuels credits many refineries buy instead of blending ethanol into their gasoline.

Greg Gatta, the CEO of the refining company, urged government action on what he was not "just another issue" in Washington but about a "region's livelihood."

Oil industry vs. farmers

The debate over ethanol, which is made from corn, has pitted two of President Donald Trump's key constituencies: the oil industry and farmers. Since a meeting with Trump last year, Cruz has been tried to negotiate a deal with farm-belt senators from the Midwest to reduce the cost of biofuel credits. But so far there has been little discernible sign of progress, even as Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, the Senate majority whip, and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt urge compromise.

Cruz has proposed capping the price of biofuel credits, something Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said he could not support because it would damage the ethanol industry. Still, Cruz said Wednesday that "we are making real progress to a win-win solution."

Geoff Cooper, executive vice president of the Renewable Fuels Association, a trade group representing biofuel companies, dismissed Cruz's visit to Philadelphia as "political grandstanding." He also disputed that the ethanol mandates contributed to the bankruptcy of the refinery.

Criticism called 'dirty pool'

Cooper said some observers are calling the refinery bankruptcy a canary in a coal mine, "but it's nonsense."

"Every refinery across the country has to contend with the same obligations, and they're all doing OK," Cooper said.

A number of financial analysts have said the refinery's troubles had more to do with poor decision making by management and losing favorable pricing after the lifting of the U.S. crude export ban opened other markets to producers. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concluded in a 2016 report that refineries were"recovering the cost" of biofuels credits "through higher sales prices of the petroleum products they sell."

Cruz defended the Philadelphia refinery's management, noting that smaller refineries have unique financial challenges relative to those owned by large oil companies.

"It's dirty pool," Cruz said of the criticisms.
Commercial litigator Annapoorni Sankaran joined Holland & Knight's office in Houston as a partner. She was previously a lawyer with Greenberg Traurig.

Sankaran specializes in bankruptcy litigation. She also advises clients on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act matters, including developing internal compliance programs.
A Houston man has pleaded guilty to selling a semi-automatic pistol to a convicted felon who could not legally buy one, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

"Selling a gun to a convicted felon is a crime that ATF takes very seriously," reads a statement from Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
When it comes to drinking in Houston, we have an embarrassing amount of great places to imbibe.

Of course, the old reliables are still around, like Anvil Bar & Refuge and Catbird's in Montrose. The Continental Club near Midtown, and Big Star Bar in the Heights are still winning over converts. There is no bad day that West Alabama Ice House can't fix, ditto for The Flying Saucer downtown.

RELATED: The Harp on Richmond to close end of February 2018

Sadly, in 2018 we will lose venerable Irish bar The Harp on Richmond as the owner shuffles off into retirement in late February.

Declan Plunkett is ready to finally have a St. Patrick's Day holiday all to himself after nearly 35 years of pouring drinks for others on that special day.

Lest we forget that Jimmy's Ice House in the Heights also served its last Lone Star this past summer too. It was just reborn as Bobcat Teddy's with a spit-shine and an expanded booze menu. Don't worry, bottled beers are still the same price as they ever were.

In 2017, Houston became acquainted with two new offerings from bar maven Bobby Heugel's Better Luck Tomorrow and Tongue-Cut Sparrow both opening shop and drawing crowds.

Lil' Danny Speedo's Go Fly a Kite Lounge on the east end became a local staple with a jukebox beloved by drinkers of every stripe, and The New Potato off Clinton Drive felt like home for many in that area starved for a drink.

They'd still like a grocery store, too.

RELATED: Thanks to Harvey, 2017 was a tumultuous year for Houston restaurants

If adventurous Houstonians are looking to visit a "historic" Houston watering hole for a change in 2018, we suggest visiting Lone Star Saloon, located across the street from the METRO bus station in downtown.

It has a TABC license dating back to 1972, meaning that it has been serving thirsty Houstonians for over 45 years. It's easily one of the most authentic dive bars in Houston and a sight to behold - especially on pay day.

(Yes, the concept of historic in amnesia-ridden Houston doesn't mean much, but we'll take it.)

No telling what 2018 will bring to the Houston bar scene, but rest assured the city's bar owners and bartenders have something up their (tattooed) sleeves.

Remember, it doesn't matter where you drink as long as the company is warm and the drinks are stiff.

Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com. He's an intolerable native Texan.
Sophie Macey said she developed a passion for interpreting in elementary school. Here, she learned to converse with her deaf friends who only communicated through American Sign Language.

In high school, Macey's teachers put her in the same classrooms as the deaf students and she took on the role of unofficial interpreter during group projects, Macey said.

Macey has taken those skills and created Bayou City Interpreting LLC  a business that helps deaf students like her friends from grade school. Macey, an Atascocita native, has an associate's degree in interpreting from Lone Star College - North Harris and is a state certified interpreter.

"I never thought to make a career out of (interpreting) until I graduated from high school and my aunt found an article in the newspaper for Lone Star College - North Harris about their program. She was like, 'Sophie, you already know sign language, why not become an interpreter?,'" Macey said. "The deaf community has been my friend since I was just 7 years old."

With nearly a year of experience running the Bayou City Interpreting LLC, Macey said she hopes to expand her business and continue to help those in need of a language interpreter.

"Interpreters are needed every day in any situation you can imagine," she said.

Macey also has contracts with local school districts and universities. She currently has six full-time interpreters in addition to four part-time interpreters who can translate in American Sign Language, English and Spanish.

"It is my goal in my heart to be able to service as many of the deaf students in the Houston area," she said.

When working at a school, the interpreter follows the student around to his or her classes and interprets what the instructor is lecturing that day.

"It's really great for interpreters to get a plan of action with the teacher and develop a good relationship with the teacher because they can get their lesson plans and know this vocabulary is going to come up in the week and they're ready and prepared," Macey said.

Macey also pointed out that there are people who are nonverbal who only communicate through American Sign Language.

Currently Bayou City Interpreting is serving educational facilities but is looking to serve other industries as well that needs an interpreter.

"Interpreters are extremely valuable because just think about whatever communication you're good in, if an interpreter is not there, then the deaf person is not getting the same equivalent access to the communication," Macey said. "The role of the interpreter is still so that the deaf community has access that the hearing community has access to."
NEW DELHI - Donald Trump Jr. said any talk of his family profiting from his father's presidency is "nonsense" during a trip to India that has raised ethical concerns about using the name of the American president to promote international business ventures.

The eldest son of President Donald Trump said his family is actually missing out on business opportunities because his father pledged to conduct no new foreign business while he was in office.
The state of Mississippi on Wednesday awarded a tax break worth up to $6 million for a hotel project involving the Trump family business, a public subsidy that could indirectly benefit President Donald Trump.

The board of the Mississippi Development Authority approved the tourism tax rebate, which had been requested by the development's local owners, Dinesh and Suresh Chawla. The Trump Organization will brand and manage the hotel and collect fees from the Chawlas for doing so.

The subsidy, to be paid out over a period of many years, is expected to offset nearly a third of the Chawlas' projected $20 million in costs for building the hotel, which is scheduled to open this fall in Cleveland, Mississippi. The property, called Scion West End, is to be the first in a new line of four-star Scion hotels that the Trump Organization announced late in the 2016 presidential campaign.

The state's approval of the tax rebate is the culmination of more than two years of efforts by the Chawlas that predate their partnership with the Trumps, according to emails obtained by The New York Times through a public records request. After the Chawlas announced plans last June to team up with the Trumps, Suresh Chawla alerted an array of personal contacts and state and local officials, including an aide to Mississippi's governor, Phil Bryant, in emails with the subject line "Trump Hotels Coming to the Mississippi Delta."

The decision to approve the request was not unusual for the agency, which evaluates applications for the tourism rebate program based on set criteria and has granted similar subsidies to other hotels.

The award renews legal questions about a Trump-affiliated property receiving benefits from a state or local government. Ethics watchdogs and the president's critics say the Mississippi tax break would benefit the president, albeit indirectly, because he continues to own the Trump Organization through a trust.
Bermuda offshore drilling company Borr Drilling Ltd. said Thursday that it has agreed to acquire Houston's Paragon Offshore Ltd. for about $232.5 million as part of its push to consolidate the drilling rig market.

Paragon, an international driller with a fleet of 32 rigs, emerged from bankruptcy last year as a private company. The proposed acquisition, expected to close next month, will expand Borr's fleet of modern rigs and allow it to retire some of Paragon's older models.
Some people in the know have called HGTV's home improvement show "Saving Galveston" the "Fixer Upper" of Galveston's oldest and most charming homes.

Ashley and Michael Cordray own a real estate and renovation company on the island, bringing some of the historic island's properties back from certain death to live again.

RELATED: Galveston's storied 'Kettle House' history revealed

The pilot episode of "Saving Galveston" premiered last summer on HGTV to great acclaim from fans of house-flipping shows and Texas history buffs. The show and concept proved to be popular.

Now a full season is slated to air, according to the couple's Instagram page. The upcoming season includes eight one-hour episodes. The pilot aired on HGTV in June, July and November of last year. No word yet on a premiere date.

A handful of clips on the HGTV site show the pair doing what they do best.

It was the Cordrays' social media presence that initially got them attention from producers in search of the next great reality show duo.

The Save 1900 Realty Facebook page shows off the duo's work on homes on the island and their many, many trips to Home Depot. They are also fond of salvaging items that they can reuse in the homes they renovate.

RELATED: Vintage pictures of Galveston, Texas' underrated jewel

They also keep fans up to date on their newest HAR listings.

"These homes have often stood for more than a hundred years; we want to give them new life and ensure they will be around for a hundred more," the Cordrays write on their website.

The pair are Texas A&M University at Galveston graduates to boot, so they have a dog in the fight to keep Galveston beautiful.

They met in 2008, began dating in 2011, and got hitched in 2014.

Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com.
A 24-year-old South Texas woman is facing up to life in federal prison after pleading guilty to trafficking minors online.

Angela Marks, of Sweeny, pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday after being implicated in the scheme in February 2017. Authorities said Marks forced at least three minors to pose provocatively for photos that she used for inquiries on Backpage.com, where they were offered up for sex in exchange for money.
The year is going to the dogs. And that's a good thing, for the most part.

The Year of the Dog started Feb. 16 on the Lunar calendar, which is dictated by the moon's cycle and falls between mid-January and mid-February.

If you are as loyal as man's best friend, this is your year.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated as a major holiday in China and around the world, with festivities lasting 15 days. The Asia Society hosted festivities in the Museum District and the Galleria last weekend, including a Tibetan drum dance, Dai peacock dance and sand-painting demonstration. Children received traditional red envelopes of money -- called hongbao in Mandarin or lai see in Cantonese. Festivities continue Feb. 24 and 25 at the Galleria.

Anyone born in the year of the dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 or 2018) is said to be honest and loyal. Famous dogs include Kate Middleton, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Judi Dench and the late Michael Jackson.

"This year is a very stable year about loyalty and persistence," says C.C. Lee, president/CEO of STOA Architects and an expert on Chinese culture. "You should be very focused on what you are doing and be loyal to your dreams Don't be persuaded by outside influences."

Chinese culture promotes living in balance and harmony, Lee says. And because it's an "earth year" as opposed to water, wood or metal, it'll be good time for real estate and construction businesses and industries related to the earth.

"This year won't be a good year for the financial business, like banking and investments," Lee predicts. "Those industries should operate more conservatively this year. For other industries, it'll be a neutral year - nothing good, nothing bad."

Though dogs are loyal to a fault and won't abandon friends or family, they do bite. People who are dogs in Chinese astrology tend to have a sharp tongue and can be quite stubborn and judgmental.

LUNAR NEW YEAR: Thousands celebrate in southwest Houston

More Information Lunar New Year Festival What: The Asia Society's Lunar New Year continues with a second weekend of festivities at The Galleria. Families can welcome in the Year of the Dog with performances and arts and crafts projects inspired by Asian traditions. When: Noon- 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, and Sunday, Feb. 25 Where: The Galleria, 5085 Westheimer, 77056 (Level One near Saks Fifth Avenue) Arts & Crafts: Chinese New Year lanterns, Hong Kong wishing trees, Japanese Kimono greet-ing cards, Mongolian Tsagaan Sar camels, Year of the Dog masks Performances:

Saturday: Sanggar Tari Citra Indonesia, dance, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Filipino Young Professionals of Houston, dance, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday: Dance of Asian America at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Viet Wave, music, at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. See More Collapse

According to Chinese folklore, if it's your zodiac year, you will be inherently unlucky. The fix: Wear red underwear to ward off bad luck.

Lee is skeptical about the lucky underwear.

"If you are a dog, you need to be more conservative and focus on your inner strength rather than expend a lot of external energy," Lee says.

COLLECTIBLE: New 'Year of the Dog' stamp celebrates Lunar New Year

When it comes to the home, he suggests adding yellow or red accents, such as pillows or throws, if you have dark or black furniture. Also, during the Year of the Dog, the home needs lots of light, says Lee, a feng sui practitioner.

"This is an earth year, and for balance, you need elements of fire. Light is a fire element, so keep the lights turned on this year."
Students for Concealed Carry urged license-to-carry holders to "be mindful" of their firearms' location and condition at all times after University of Texas at Austin police recovered two abandoned guns in two days this week from women's bathrooms.

"This type of incident most commonly occurs when a license holder is new to concealed carry or frequently changes his or her manner of carry in order to accommodate different styles of clothing," Quinn Cox, Southwest Regional Director of the group, said in a statement early Thursday. "We at SCC recommend that all LTC holders adopt a consistent restroom routine that allows them to continuously maintain control of their firearms."
In a legislative hearing Wednesday, Texas university presidents praised a possible new funding practice that's lately grown more popular around the nation: Having the state give campuses bonus money based on the number of students they graduate.

A so-called performance-based funding system would also give the colleges and universities extra dollars if they graduate low-income students or students who were not prepared academically when they first entered college.

This idea was one of several elements to Texas higher education funding system that lawmakers and university leaders considered Wednesday in a joint hearing, which follows a contentious legislative session in which higher education advocates feared significant slashes to their state funding.

INTERIM GOALS: University free speech, Harvey topics for lawmakers

Many large research universities were spared by the state budget, but some smaller schools saw 10 percent cuts, and lawmakers expressed frustration with the formula the state uses to finance its universities. The committee of state senators and representatives that met Wednesday was tasked with examining how public universities are funded before the next legislative session begins in 2019.

The states higher education coordinating board has long advocated for performance-based funding, a model in place in more than half of U.S. states and some of Texas community and technical colleges.

University presidents and some lawmakers appeared to agree on Wednesday, praising the system as a good incentive for universities to focus on getting students diplomas and into the workforce.

John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, said universities are like private companies and will do whatever necessary to get money, therefore leading to better student outcomes.

FEDERAL CLASHES: Texas colleges, universities brace for hard changes

Sen. Charles Schwertner, a Georgetown Republican, pushed back, asking if penalizations would work better than incentives to encourage better graduation rates.

Stuart Stedman, the coordinating board's vice chair, hesitated.

"The penalty idea bothers me," he said, adding that colleges shouldn't shoulder all responsibility for student outcomes, as elementary and high schools may not prepare their students effectively before they enroll in college.

Campus presidents and lawmakers also discussed funding disparities between the University of Texas and Texas A&M Systems and other state schools.

The Texas Constitution requires that the multibillion-dollar Permanent University Fund solely finance the Texas A&M and University of Texas Systems, drawing the ire of the University of Houston and other universities that want access to that money.

Brian McCall, who leads the Texas State University System, said that the Permanent University Fund distributes about $1,220 per student each year. The Higher Education Fund, which backs dozens of other universities  gives about $440 annually per student.

We have to do more than just dream big, said University of Houston System Chancellor Renu Khator. It takes a lot of investment.

Next week's hearing may be more contentious.

Then, lawmakers plan to discuss special item funding, which the state Senate tried to eliminate last session to the tune of about $700 million in cuts in an early budget draft.

This money  much of it was eventually reintroduced  funds research centers, academic programs and faculty salaries.

The joint committee that met Wednesday seeks to create a report on higher education funding by June. Committee co-chair Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills appeared open to scheduling more meetings beyond next week's if necessary.

Lindsay Ellis writes about higher education for the Chronicle. You can follow her on Twitter and send her tips at lindsay.ellis@chron.com.
Trees along South Fry Road between Interstate 10 and Highland Knolls Boulevard apparently won't be removed for a Harris County Precinct 3 mobility project after all.

Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack said his decision to cancel the project contract is not based upon a petition drive started by Nottingham Country resident Lori Doucet-Alexander which collected about 1,800 signatures.

"I put it on hold because I felt like it was too intrusive," said Radack, and because of a lack of cooperation by the city of Houston and MUDs.

"It's fairly irritating to me that municipal utility districts in that area and other areas have signed limited purpose annexation agreements with the city of Houston," Radack said.

Customers pay an extra 1 percent sales tax when shopping at those businesses which the city splits with MUD districts, he said. While the city and MUD are making money, Radack said Houston does nothing for the infrastructure within the area where the tax is collected.

Houston City Council District F includes commercial portions of Fry Road south of I-10. District F Councilman Steve Le couldn't be reached for comment.

"I'm not going to spend money over there," Radack said.

He said he didn't want to spend county money to help the city and MUDs make more money, and didn't want to encourage development to draw more traffic to boost sales-tax revenues.

"If they want to participate and help mobility fine," said Radack. "I'm not going to recommend widening of Fry Road."

He suggested businesses could adopt changes to minimize their customers' vehicles blocking traffic on main lanes. He said he thinks Houston and the MUDs need to step up.

The $547,856 county contract for road construction and traffic signal improvements on South Fry Road was the low bid last fall. Work started this month and was supposed to be completed by June 1.

"The County Engineer will be working with area municipal utility districts and the Texas Department of Transportation to find a better plan to address traffic congestion in the area," said Eric Heppen, project manager, Harris County Precinct 3, in an email.

Doucet-Alexander, a four-year resident of Nottingham Country, saw the county's "your tax dollars at work" signs go up. She said she asked people what was happening and no one knew. Then she saw the Xs on the big old oak trees and said everyone was really concerned that the trees were being cut down.

She said she and other neighbors talked to county representatives about the project, which in some cases residents saw as unnecessary, and were told nothing could be done and work would proceed. But she said just because a contract is in place or work's started doesn't mean it can't be changed.

"It's normal neighborhood traffic," said Doucet-Alexander. "Nothing out of the ordinary for morning and evening rush hour traffic."

Traffic volumes are more than 30,000 vehicles per day along South Fry in this area, according to the county.

Doucet-Alexander, who said she's not an activist or politically active, said she was taken aback by such drastic measures for a problem that she didn't feel really existed.

Noting the residential character of the area, she added that widening the intersections would invite more people to use them. "We don't want it altered to make it more commercial."

She and neighbors met at a local coffee shops to make signs to let residents know what was going on. Some residents intend to attend the Feb. 27 Harris County Commissioners Court meeting to present the petition to officials, she said.

Her observation is that the biggest reason for the outcry was that the community had no input on the project.

A portion of the change.org petition reads, "The residents of Nottingham Country and the surrounding communities had NO OPPORTUNITY to voice opinions, concerns and priorities surrounding a project that will drastically impact our community. This is a solution that we did not ask for and do not want. These trees are synonymous with the Nottingham Community and if you mention our area to anyone familiar with Katy you will most likely get a mention of the trees in response. They are a treasure 40 years in the making that should be preserved for future generations and not mowed down for convenience. They are the reason many of our residents chose this place to be their home."
West Side Shrine Club

Shriners around the country and IHOP are welcoming diners to IHOP's National Pancake Day benefiting the 22 Shriners Hospitals from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Feb. 27.

The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) will be celebrating National Pancake Day by offering guests a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. With every short stack of pancakes served, diners will be encouraged to make a donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Between Feb. 24 and March 4, law enforcement agencies across Texas are teaming up to search for anyone with outstanding warrants. The Rosenberg Police Department is participating in this "Warrant Round-Up."

Rosenberg police urge anyone with outstanding fines to pay them immediately if they do not want to be arrested.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land was recently honored for its efforts in maintaining patient safety.

The Leapfrog Group - a nonprofit organization committed to driving quality, safety and transparency in the U.S. health care system - recently released new Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, which assign A, B, C, D and F letter grades to hospitals nationwide. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital was one of 823 hospitals to receive an "A" for its commitment to reducing errors, infections and accidents that can harm patients.

"Hospitals that earn top marks nationally in the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade have achieved the highest safety standards in the country," said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. "That takes commitment from every member of the hospital staff, who all deserve thanks and congratulations when their hospitals achieve an 'A' Safety Grade."

Developed under the guidance of an expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 30 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals twice per year. It is calculated by top patient safety-experts, peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.

"This achievement is a testament to the dedication we have for patient safety," said Chris Siebenaler, CEO at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. "Every employee and physician at the hospital is focused on how they can impact and improve the safety of our patients. Receiving our eighth consecutive 'A' grade since 2014 shows that we are making a significant difference in keeping our patients safe while under our care."

To see Houston Methodist Sugar Land's full grade visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.

For more information about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281-205-4514 to find a doctor in your area. Visit our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.
A Mexican citizen accused in the execution-style killing of two Baytown teens in 2015 was finally brought back to Texas on Wednesday to face capital murder charges after fleeing the country more than two years ago.

Brandon Alejeandro Flores, an unlicensed barber who is believed to have gang affiliations, was taken into custody at Bush Intercontinental Airport after the U.S. Marshals Service extradited him from Mexico, according to the Chambers County Sheriff's Office.

"I'm thrilled," Sheriff Brian Hawthorne said.

However, authorities had to agree to waive the death penalty in exchange for the 23-year-old's extradition from Mexico.

The long-awaited arrest comes just over three years after 18-year-old Alejandro Chavez and 17-year-old Jarvis Morgan disappeared in Baytown while visiting Flores for a haircut.

A month later, deputies found their bodies dumped in a secluded bayou near Anahuac, about 50 miles east of Houston.

They'd both been shot execution-style and weighted down before they were tossed off a bridge, authorities said.

Within days, Baytown police and the Chambers County Sheriff's Office together identified four suspects in the double killing.

Jose Juan Chavez, 20, and Valentin Jose Lazo, 31, were both arrested in Baytown that same month.

Neither fired the fatal shots, but they were "instrumental" in the crime, according to Chambers County District Attorney Cheryl Lieck, and allegedly helped dispose of the bodies.

Both men are currently in jail, indicted but still awaiting trial on capital murder charges.

Richard Gonzalez, then 21, also was charged with capital murder, but a grand jury declined to indict him in May 2015.

Meanwhile Flores - accused of pulling the trigger - fled to Mexico. Initially, authorities there arrested him for a minor crime in December 2015. But police let him go before finding out he was wanted in Texas.

Then in spring 2016, U.S. marshals and Mexican federal police arrested Flores in Reynosa, Mexico. One of his arrests - though Hawthorne said it's not clear which one - came after a shootout with Mexican police.

At the time, the federal authorities said it could take weeks or months to extradite Flores - though instead it took more than a year.

"He is a Mexican citizen, which made it difficult for us to get him back," Hawthorne said. "He was here illegally."

The process was also complicated by the fact that Mexico does not have the death penalty and won't extradite suspects who could face death.

"The district attorney had to be willing to take the death penalty off the table to bring him back," Hawthorne said.

Lieck said she likely wouldn't have pursued the state's harshest punishment in the case anyway, given Flores' age and limited criminal history.

It's also not yet clear what may have motivated the killings, Hawthorne said. As of late Wednesday evening Chambers County authorities hadn't yet had a chance to interview Flores, who was still being booked into the local jail.

"We don't know whether the homicides were gang-related, but his tattoos appear to show gang affiliation," Hawthorne said. "He was brought here as a baby. We educated him in our schools, and then he killed two teens and ran off to Mexico."

At this point, Flores doesn't yet have a lawyer, but Lieck said the case would likely go to trial. He's due in court Thursday.

His co-defendants have both been indicted but neither have plea deals in place - though Lieck was optimistic that Flores' arrest could change things.

"I'm sure they were thinking that we would never find him," she said, "but we've had our eye on him for a long time."
The family of a Houston woman who died last year is suing her former landlord and a pest control company, claiming that a bedbug-killing heat treatment used in the womans apartment killed her.

In a wrongful death suit filed in Harris County on Tuesday, the family of Elizabeth Ashbaugh accuses the owners of the Laure Point Senior Apartments and Certified Termite and Pest Control of negligence that resulted in her death.
Back in late 2016, Houston rap scene veteran Mr. 3-2 (real name: Christopher Barriere) was gunned down in the prime of his artistic life.

On Wednesday, in a Houston courtroom, his killer was sentenced to a lengthy prison stint for that murder.

RELATED: Tupac Shakur got his iconic 'Thug Life' tattoo in Houston

The Harris County District Attorney's Office announced that a jury had given Vincent Depaul Stredic 30 years in prison for his role in Barriere's violent end.

Barriere was just 44 years when Stredic, now 40, shot and killed him in the parking lot of a gas station off Sam Houston Parkway. The two men had driven to the gas station with two others and became involved in a heated argument.

Harris County District Attorneys Office

Stredic used a shotgun from the trunk of his vehicle to shoot Barriere in the side of the head. Stredic then fled the scene, but returned twice more to threaten a second male and shoot another. He was later apprehended by police.

"Hopefully the jury's verdict will give some measure of closure to Christopher's family, friends, and fans, who loved him so much," Assistant District Attorney Dave Brucker said in a statement Thursday.

RELATED: Meet the Texas student behind the Longhorns' rap video

Stredic's trial concluded Wednesday in the 177th State District Court.

The inventive Barriere was a member of the influential Screwed Up Click and on the Rap-A-Lot roster of artists. He got his rap name Mr. 3-2 from his first name starting with the third letter of the alphabet and his last name with the second.

After his death, collaborators and friends like Snoop Dogg memorialized him on social media.

Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com.
Cindy Schultz

A malfunctioning pizza oven is to blame for sending two Austin hotel workers to the hospital Wednesday afternoon.

Austin firefighters were called out to the 37-story Fairmont Hotel in downtown Austin shortly before 3:30 p.m. Wednesday to reports of a gas leak, according to the Austin American-Statesman. When they arrived, they found that a pizza oven in the hotel's kitchen was spewing carbon monoxide throughout the first seven floors of the building.
A day before Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas coast last August, an internal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers forecast predicted that the storm would fill Houston's Barker Reservoir to record levels, flooding neighborhoods on the reservoir's western border for two weeks or more, government records show.

That projection was made Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017 - before Harvey hit Houston. The next day's Army Corps forecasts got worse and worse: Both Barker and Addicks reservoirs would spill beyond government-owned land, engulfing nearby homes and businesses.
A yearlong undercover investigation into a suspected narcotics operation in Central Texas resulted in 23 arrests, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies launched "Operation Ice Storm" in October of 2016, using undercover officers to identify methamphetamine dealers in the area rather than street level users, according to a news release.

The investigation revealed the dealers were peddling black tar heroin along with methamphetamine. Deputies also discovered that several suspects were affiliated with the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, according to the release.

RELATED: Austin developer accused of exposing himself to a young girl

Deputies recently wrapped up the first phase of the investigation, according to the release, and obtained 24 arrest warrants for 20 suspects. They served the warrants with the help of the Coryell County Sheriff's Office on February 16.

The 20 were charged with possession or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance.

During the operation, three additional people were arrested on drug possession charges, according to the release. Deputies also seized drug paraphernalia, marijuana and methamphetamine during the raid, according to the release.

"Let the record show, if you choose to peddle your poison in our county, we will hunt you down and work to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law," the sheriff's office said in the news release.

Click through the slideshow to see suspects' mugshots.

Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com
State Sen. Carlos Uresti and co-defendant Gary Cain were found guilty Thursday on all 20 combined felony charges in a criminal fraud trial over the last month that has stunned San Antonio and the state capitol.

The two were convicted in federal court here of defrauding investors in the now-defunct company FourWinds Logistics, which bought and sold sand used in fracking for oil production before it collapsed in 2015. Uresti, 54, was convicted on 11 criminal charges while Cain, 61, was convicted on 9 charges.

"Today, justice was done," U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas John Bash said in a statement. "It's a somber day for the state, for the city because whenever someone who's in a position of public trust defrauds other people and causes harm to other people, that's very sad. So we're not celebrating, but we're satisfied that justice was done."

He said he hoped the verdict sends a message to others: "it doesn't matter your status in government or in the community. If you commit fraud, you're going to be held accountable."

Uresti and Cain face the possibility of years in federal prison and up to millions in fines when they are sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra on June 25.

Amid a media throng outside the courthouse, Uresti said he was disappointed with the verdict, apologized to his wife and resolved to keep his Senate seat  despite a call from state Democrats to reconsider his role in politics.

"This a shock to all of us," Uresti said when asked about how this would impact him politically. "This is not the verdict we were expecting, so I'm going to meet with my family and my wife and my attorneys and we'll make those decisions down the road."

Uresti said he has no plans to step down from office and will appeal the ruling.

"Absolutely," he said when asked if he would appeal. "And those are the things we're going to discuss with our lawyers as well."

Cain hasn't decided whether he'll appeal yet, according to his lead lawyer Charles "Chad" Muller.

"We'll review the verdict and we'll review the case, the transcripts, and decide what further action we'll take," Muller said.

The Texas Democratic Party issued a statement pressuring Uresti to reconsider his position in the state Senate, saying "no one is ever above the law."

"Today, jurors exercised the awesome responsibility entrusted to them by the court. We have the utmost respect for the American judicial system, and we trust that the ensuing process will ensure that justice is served," said party spokesman Tariq Thowfeek. "After being found guilty of such serious crimes, Senator Uresti must seriously consider whether he can serve his constituents."

The verdict came after 11 hours of jury deliberations over three days following a month of sometimes salacious testimony involving prostitutes, sex, drugs and deceit at FourWinds. Former CEO Stan Bates pleaded guilty to criminal fraud charges last month, admitting that he misused investor money for his own pleasure.

The ex-Marine fostered a bacchanalian atmosphere at the company, former employees testified. Some employees said Bates appeared to have a cocaine habit and used company cash on hookers, expensive cars and to pay for his son's fraternity dues. Prosecutors called FourWinds a Ponzi scheme.

"FourWinds Logistics was essentially set up as a fraudulent scheme to lure investors to put money with the co-conspirators via false pretenses, false promises, misrepresentations, including altered bank statements," Bash said. "That money was supposed to go to buy fracking sand for oil production. But in actuality, a lot of that money went to pay prior investors, a lot of that money went to personal expenses by the co-conspirators  everything from gifts and travel and luxury vehicles to controlled substances, even prostitutes."

Although the defense team acknowledged that FourWinds was a scam, they tried to convince the jury that Uresti didn't know until it was too late and shouldn't be convicted as a result.

"Carelessness, negligence, foolishness," Uresti lawyer Tab Turner told jurors in closing arguments Tuesday. "The law says you have to have criminal intent."

The courtroom was opened shortly after 10 a.m. as defense lawyers and prosecutors were informed by court staff to return for the verdict.

Uresti stared emotionless at the courtroom deputy as she read the verdict to the packed room  turning to face the jury for the last two charges. Cain also showed no reaction in the courtroom, but he was wiping away tears as he left.

Uresti's wife Lleanna, who missed the verdict, held her husband in a long embrace outside the courtroom.

Bash changed his travel plans to witness the verdict. The FBI's special agent in charge for San Antonio, Christopher Combs, and other federal agents were also in the courtroom. None of the eight men and four women on the jury would comment to reporters as they left the courthouse.

The San Antonio Democrat, who didn't testify in his own defense during the month-long trial, isn't required to give up his seat even though he's now a convicted felon.

Texas ethics rules allow him to remain in office until he exhausts the appeals process. However, there could be renewed calls for him to end his nearly 21-year political career now that he's been found guilty and facing jail time. Uresti said he has no plans to step down from office and will appeal the ruling.

The State Bar of Texas likely will soon seek compulsory discipline against Uresti, who has been a licensed attorney for more than 25 years. Uresti's license would be suspended during any appeal; otherwise he faces disbarment and the loss of his livelihood as a convicted criminal.

It was Uresti's legal dealings that landed him in federal prosecutors' cross hairs in the first place. The lawmaker was part of the team of attorneys that secured a $2.5 million out-of-court settlement for Denise Cantu of Harlingen in 2012 following the deaths of two of her children in a vehicle rollover two years earlier.

Uresti recommended Cantu, 38, invest some of her settlement in FourWinds, which prosecutors say was a Ponzi scheme that squandered investors' money. Cantu invested $900,000 and lost $800,000. She has sued him for fraud and the case is pending.

Uresti told Cantu the FourWinds investment was "guaranteed," "good as gold" and she could get her money back if she wasn't satisfied, she testified during the trial.

Besides recruiting investors, Uresti also was FourWinds' outside legal counsel and a 1 percent owner of the company.

Prosecutors said Uresti had financial difficulties that led him to "groom" Cantu, becoming her friend, confidant and financial adviser before drawing her into a sexual relationship.

Cantu, the government's star witness, revealed details of their relationship  testifying how Uresti first told her she looked "sexy" while they were attending a deposition in her wrongful-death case and how they exchanged sexually explicit texts. She also testified they had sex in the bathroom shower at his law office. He has denied being sexually involved with her.

During the trial, an Internal Revenue Service investigator told jurors how none of Cantu's money ever went to buy sand. Instead, the money was used to pay an earlier FourWinds investor.

Cantu wired $800,000 to a FourWinds entity to buy sand in June 2014. A week later $700,000 of that money went to FourWinds' operating account at Chase. The company then cut a $40,000 check to the Uresti Law Firm that was deposited in its trust account.

Uresti told the San Antonio Express-News in a 2016 recorded interview that was played for the jury by prosecutors that the loan was "kind of like an advance on future commissions (and) future legal work." Trust accounts generally are set up for holding client funds that are meant to be kept separate from a lawyer's own money.

Cantu and a group of Mexican nationals that invested in the company testified they were not aware that Uresti stood to get a cut of their profits. The Mexicans, in particular, said they would never have agreed to that since Uresti was holding their money as an escrow agent and that would have been a conflict of interest.

Outside of the jury's presence last week, Ezra said FourWinds was a "scam from the get-go" because Bates misrepresented the company to investors.

Investors' money was used to fund FourWinds' launch, according to evidence presented during the trial. None of FourWinds' principals put in any of their own money to start the company, though Bates told investors he put in $2 million of his own money and passed around a fraudulent bank statement claiming that it had almost $19 million in the bank.

Friends warned Uresti about Bates, calling him a "complete con man" and a "shady individual," testimony during the trial revealed. Yet the lawmaker seemed to have blinders on in his dealings with Bates. The pair are ex-Marines and government witnesses said Uresti told potential investors that a Marine is an "honorable person" you can trust.

A FourWinds office manager testified that the company had a reputation as a "brothel" that employed "surgically enhanced women" and let workers booze it up. Witnesses also testified that he thought Bates might have been using cocaine.

Bates pleaded guilty to eight felony charges last month rather than stand trial. He was the fourth company official to plead guilty in the case.

Bates brought on Uresti co-defendant Cain as a company consultant to find financing for the business on the recommendation of Uresti and Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood. Cain and LaHood were business partners in Trinity Global Funding & Consulting for a time when Cain became involved with FourWinds.

Prosecutors say Cain knew about the fraud at FourWinds a month after joining the company in September 2014. Two months earlier, a Bexar County jury acquitted Cain of swindling Rackspace Hosting Inc. in a 2007 land deal. LaHood was part of Cain's defense team.

Cain, who took the stand in his own defense, said it wasn't until early 2016  several months after he parted ways with FourWinds  that he learned the full scope of how officials there mishandled investor money.

In a November 2015 sworn statement made in Bates' personal bankruptcy case, however, Cain said he noticed irregularities with FourWinds' financial records in late 2014 or early 2015.

"I ... saw evidence of misuse of investor funds including commingling (and) failure to return funds to investor accounts," Cain said in the affidavit.

Despite this knowledge, Cain continued to be paid a $15,000 consulting fee every two weeks until he parted ways with FourWinds in May 2015.

Uresti has other legal matters hanging over his head.

The legislator is accused in another criminal case of using his consulting business  Turning Point Solutions  to split $850,000 in bribes with Jimmy Galindo, a former county court judge in Reeves County in West Texas. Galindo has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and failure to file a 2013 tax return. The case against Uresti is scheduled for trial in May in the same San Antonio courthouse that he has spent almost the last five weeks in.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has an ongoing civil investigation into the FourWinds case. An SEC official from Fort Worth was present for Cantu's testimony.

Staff writer Peggy Fikac contributed to this article.
AUSTIN -- Ahead of one of the most important Texas elections of the year, Attorney General Ken Paxton's office is cracking down on schools and districts he worries are telling people how to vote.

But one school district is pushing back.

Lewisville Independent School District officials are refusing to take down its video encouraging educators to use their "teacher voice" and vote in the election for candidates who support public education, despite a cease and desist letter the Texas attorney general's office sent them last week.

The school district's legal counsel argues the attorney general's accusation that the district of unlawfully electioneering is "misleading at best and inaccurate at worst."

"As you know, uniting behind the common cause of public education is not a violation of any law, and supporting public education generally is not 'supporting or opposing a candidate for nomination or election to public office or office of a political party, a political party, a public officer, or a measure,'" Jeff Crownover, Lewisville ISD's general counsel, wrote in his letter to the state Monday.

Crownover accused the attorney general's office of "jumping to conclusions" about the three-minute video and expressed disappointment that the state resorted to a cease and desist letter without calling the school district or its board members to discuss the matter first.

He added the district, which sits 30 miles northwest of Dallas, wants to work with the attorney general's office on the matter.

Paxton's office said it is willing to meet with district officials, but first wants to review some of the district's internal records.

The video at the center of the attorney general's concern features LISD Superintendent Kevin Rogers strongly urging teachers to vote in this year's primary election, saying the Texas Legislature is attacking teachers and public education.

"If you don't vote, our legislators do not care what you think. Is that harsh? Yes, but it is true," Rogers said in the video. "It is time for you and me to choose legislators that serve us as constituents instead of being worried about the fringe of their party."

Concern over whether school employees are unlawfully trying to influence elections through their government positions comes in part from Empower Texans, a conservative group that had sent letters to an unknown number of teachers and others looking for people to report instances of school districts using their platform to garner support for liberal candidates.

Since then, Attorney General Ken Paxton was asked to opine on the activities of Texas Educators Vote, a group organizing efforts to encourage teachers to go to the polls. Houston state Sen. Paul Bettencourt asked Paxton to weigh in on the group's activities, arguing the group's viewpoints "espouse a political perspective on education" by encouraging teachers to vote "in support of public education."

Paxton later issued an opinion stating activities such as busing students to the polls to vote are illegal unless the trip serves an educational purpose.

"There are some who think that even illegal efforts to promote voting are good, and any effort to enforce the law is suppressing the vote," Paxton, a conservative Republican, wrote in a Houston Chronicle editorial Wednesday.

OPINION: Paxton: Schools should encourage voting - not pick winners and losers

Texas is controlled by Republicans in the Legislature and in all statewide-elected offices  Democrats last won statewide election in 1994  leaving many elections to be decided in the March primary election.

Texas is also home to chronic low voter turnout. In the last non-presidential election cycle in 2014, nine out of 10 people old enough to vote did not cast ballots in the March primary election, according to statistics from the Texas Secretary of state. That leaves many elections in the hands of a small population of loyal voters.

"This is all designed to suppress educators from voting," said Clay Robinson with the Texas State Teachers Association. "If a great number of educators vote, they will not be voting for candidates Ken Paxton like or Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick likes," he said, adding the two are in favor of school vouchers that use public money to send students to private schools.

Lewisville ISD is the only one of three school district accused of "unlawful electioneering" to refuse to comply with the attorney general's office request to take down media or social media posts pertaining to the election.

Brazosport ISD, about 60 miles south of Houston, agreed to take down tweets and retweets from Superintendent Danny Massey applauding, recommending and endorsing legislative candidates.

Holliday ISD, which sits outside Wichita Falls, also agreed to comply.

Holliday ISD's official Twitter account retweeted comments such as "True conservatives believe in a strong public education system for all children #txed @pastors4txkids @Texans4E @TxEdVote," a link to a page on a website exploring "the costs of losing rural schools" and a link to a news story about House Speaker Joe Straus supporting candidates who want to add more resources for public education.

ELECTION: Paxton issues cease and desist letters to school districts for alleged 'electioneering'

The attorney general's office released a statement Thursday morning saying that it is continuing its discussion with the three school districts and continues to investigate complaints about electioneering at school districts.

"School districts exist to educate, not function as political action committees," Paxton said in the statement.

Read the letters here:

OAG cease and desist letter to Brazosport ISD; Brazosport ISD's response, OAG's response

OAG cease and desist letter to Holliday ISD; Holliday ISD's response, OAG's response

OAG cease and desist letter to Lewsville ISD; Lewisville ISD's response, OAG's response

Clarification: This story has been edited to describe Twitter messages from Brazosport ISD's superintendent as both "applauding" and "endorsing" legislative candidates.

Andrea Zelinski covers politics for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook. Send her tips at andrea.zelinski@chron.com.
If youre in the market for the perfect doomsday cabin in the woods, youd be hard-pressed to find a better property than Kevin Cross lakefront home in the Alaskan bush. Its self-sustaining and surrounded by millions of acres of prime fishing and hunting land.

Its 75 miles from the nearest road, or any kind of town, Cross says. Thats 75 miles through woods that you cannot walk through. You might be able to snowmobile through them in the winter, and its questionable if you can get there by boat in the summer. For all intents and purposes, this property is designed for somebody to go away and not see anybody.

The nearest town is Skwentna, with a population of just 37 at last official count.

The 1,250-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath doomsday cabin on 7.6 acres is listed for $159,000. Cross bought the home six years ago as the ultimate getaway for his friends and family. The homes original owner was a military vet with strategic expertise who spent thousands of hours crafting the ideal home for a hard-core prepper.

Best of all? The next homeowner will inherit the entire setup, including about a half-million dollars in tools and equipment on the property.

The only thing Im taking is my clothes and guns, Cross says.

Hes leaving behind a Kuboto tractor, modified Chevy S-10 pickup dump truck, small-scale lumber mill, welding and cutting torches, mower, wood chipper, two snow machines, compressors, and a garage full of tools. The larger equipment, such as the tractor, was flown in on a dual-prop cargo helicopter.

The home backs up to a large, unnamed lake (Cross calls it Otter Lake), with year-round pike fishing. He has two floating docks on the shoreline, which he uses to launch his 12-foot-long, flat-bottom fishing boat. Less than a mile away, theres world-class Alaskan salmon fishing on the Yentna River.

Cross lives full time in Anchorage, which is 45 minutes away by Beaver, the cargo bush plane made by de Havilland. It costs around $1,000 round-trip to fly from Anchorage to Otter Lake with your family and about 2,000 pounds of cargo. Cross says you schedule a pickup date for the pilot, and confirm with the company using a satellite phone.

Cross keeps multiple first-aid kids on the property, with survival kits and satellite phones, in case one of the buildings catches fire and he needs to rough it until help arrives.

That isolation means there's a lot of time to read books out by the lake, fish, barbecue, and otherwise relax. Its so silent out there, you can hear the air hum, Cross says.

During the summer, as the sun sets, the lakes ecosystem bursts to life, with bugs skating across the water, dodging hungry birds and fish. During the winter, the night sky is incredible, with the moon shining so brightly, you can walk without a flashlight. And theres the northern lights, which dance across the sky in bands of green.

So why would Cross ever sell this off-the-grid dream cabin? He says his kids are getting older, and he found himself flying out to the property less. It's time to turn it over to the next prepper and wait for impending doom in Alaskan isolation.

The post End of the World? Ultimate Doomsday Cabin in Alaska Seeks $159K appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
You could have heard a pin drop in the room. We were debating the target architecture of a large program. Someone in the room had said: We created a target architecture four years ago, which we all believed in, and I guess we are half-way through implementing it. So, why is this not helping us achieve the outcomes we are chasing now? Its because everything is morphing  the business, the situation, the customer, the outcomes, etc. We should stop guessing the future.

Creating a better business outcome should always be our top priority, but how do you get there? Here are my top five recommendations:

1. Stop trying to implement a system  it distracts us from our original goal

Most IT discussions at an enterprise level focus on what kind of system or architecture is required to achieve the business goals. The dialog then quickly moves to what software should one use?, or how fast can the target architecture be implemented?, or even, what is the right mix between commercial and custom-built software?. We are being distracted by shiny new technology and solutions.

The discussion never focuses on the business outcomes the company was trying to achieve in the first place. Why is this such a hard discussion to have? Probably because it is easier to talk about how to design a system than to chase the elusive business outcome. Business outcomes are a moving target as the needs and demographics of the customer are continuously morphing. Designing a system is an in-house discussion that can be had without even stepping out of the office.

Therein lies the conundrum: How does one develop software for a goal that is changing constantly? Some successful endeavors in the financial and retail industry over the last 12 months show promise, but the patterns that are emerging are quite the contrary.

2. Invest in winning teams, not in promising projects

Winning teams who chase moving targets and achieve continuous business outcomes do not plan large programs. A partnership with a new startup, a deal struck between two companies, an idea for a campaign in Denmark  this is what success looks like. The teams need the ability to design software for this new way of working, even though it goes against the grain of everything that software engineers have been taught.

3. Move away from projects & programs to a continuous state-of-achieving

Winning teams constantly spawn ideas and go from one victory to another. A smart enterprise should fund such ideas and track the path to victory. This turns program and portfolio management on its head. Suddenly it is much more about investing in ideas that work, rather than guessing what projects one should sponsor. Patterns from the venture capital industry are already demonstrating how to implement this way of funding and releasing capital.

For example, a large retailer in Europe has moved to this new way of working  and continuously implemented micro-solutions in the market. Thirty teams worked in parallel to produce a stream of business outcomes  the first of which was visible within four months of the start date. Each micro-solution was funded in stages after it demonstrated that it could move the business KPI needle. With this, the teams were forced to go beyond going live with a system to actually demonstrating a success in the market. Eighteen months later, the initiative shows a string of successes to justify its spend.

4. Enterprise architecture is an exercise in constant learning

Over time, enterprise architects have been trying to capture the essence of an organization into neat boxes called capabilities", and have designed and mapped these capabilities into software. This ignores the fact that we are creating architecture for a moving target and are using solutions that have not yet taken the latest technology platforms into consideration. In the light of such technology changes, can people expect to capture everything they need over the next five years in a target architecture?

Instead, we should focus on how the constant stream of solutions that create business outcomes evolve within a constantly changing architecture. Enterprise architecture would then be about the art of building the architecture as it evolves, rather than guessing what is needed.

5. Focus on delivering benefits, instead of a system or scope

Good software is a process, not a deliverable. We should not allow technology and process to distract us, nor allow decades of software architecture experience to blind us to the more agile way of achieving business outcomes. Instead, learn how to find and enable winning teams with full-stack responsibility without needing to change the organizational structure. We should learn to live with solution redundancy that comes as an unavoidable cost while chasing multiple business outcomes simultaneously. As software engineers, we need to focus our architectural talents and on dealing with an evolving solution architecture built on technology that has been shaped by business decisions.

Simply put, stop looking for systems to implement.
CIOs are finally cutting through the machine-learning hype. According to The Global CIO Point of View, issued today, nearly 9 out of 10 CIOs already use machine-learning technology or have plans to adopt it. Investments will double in the next three years as leading organizations turn to advancements in machine learning to drive faster, more accurate decisions that fuel digital transformation.

A shortage of talent has hindered adoption. Designing and rolling out practical applications of machine learning has required highly trained data scientists. Recent analysis shows that the demand for data scientists far outstrips the supply. In fact, only 27% of CIOs have hired enough talent to support their machine learning plans.

ServiceNow is introducing a breakthrough approach to make machine learning more accessible to organizations one that does not rely on an army of data scientists. We have infused machine-learning capabilities directly into the Now Platform, making it accessible to all our cloud services and other applications built on ServiceNow.

Agent Intelligence, our first machine-learning solution, will be available in the next release, Kingston.

As a part of ServiceNows intelligent automation strategy, Agent Intelligence will automate the categorization, prioritization and assignment of work to reduce resolution times, minimize human error and improve customer satisfaction.

Agent Intelligence will initially be applied to improving the speed and quality of IT and customer-service processes. Most companies have an IT service desk as well as a customer-support center. These functions ensure that customers and employees receive help in a timely manner  whether it is a request for a new computer, a password reset or the status of a repair. Manually triaging thousands of incidents or cases, categorizing tasks, and routing work can consume people resources, introduce human error, and slow resolution.

In fact, a new report from Accenture found that front-line customer support functions spend up to 12% of their time categorizing, prioritizing, and assigning tickets. And 43% of IT service desk respondents are weighed down by having to choose from 100+ assignment groups  with nearly a quarter needing to choose from 300+ assignment groups.

Agent Intelligence for IT Service Management and Agent Intelligence for Customer Service Management were designed to address these very challenges. Specifically, these solutions:

Categorize and Prioritize Work Faster  Agent Intelligence machine-learning capabilities accurately categorize requests nearly instantly. It eliminates the bottleneck created by agents having to manually triage, categorize and route requests (incidents/ cases). A requester no longer has to scroll through multiple lists and rely on organizational knowledge or guess-work to choose the right category or assignment group.

Agent Intelligence machine-learning capabilities accurately categorize requests nearly instantly. It eliminates the bottleneck created by agents having to manually triage, categorize and route requests (incidents/ cases). A requester no longer has to scroll through multiple lists and rely on organizational knowledge or guess-work to choose the right category or assignment group. Decrease Time to Resolution and Error Rates  Automatic routing means tasks and incidents get the attention they deserve from the right individual, increasing overall customer satisfaction. Agent Intelligence quickly classifies and routes requests with fewer errors, increasing agent productivity.

Customers that piloted Agent Intelligence have reported impressive results. The pilot program revealed that, on average, customers can expect to save 8% of their service desks time through improved categorization, prioritization and assignment of incidents.

The feedback from the pilot program has been extremely positive:

Of the incidents categorized by ServiceNow Agent Intelligence, we can expect a 97% to 99% incident-assignment accuracy. -Senior IT manager at a major retailer

Our aim is to reduce the number of low-value tasks and focus our service-desk agents on higher value tasks in IT that drive value for the business, as opposed to logging tickets. -Customer support technology and operations manager at a multi-national energy company

ServiceNows own Now on Now program also put Agent Intelligence through its paces. The customer service team handles more than 13,000 incidents a month. In our tests, Agent Intelligence has been 95% as accurate as humans are in categorizing the incidents. Thus, the team has saved more than 315 hours in just two months from productivity improvements and has seen a rise in customer satisfaction.

ServiceNow

Agent Intelligence is a great example of the practical application of machine learning to getting everyday work done faster and smarter, without having to depend on scarcely available, highly skilled data scientists.

To learn more, visit ServiceNows website dedicated to CIOs and education about the benefits of machine learning. You can also read the global study.
Following Vice President Mike Pences trip to Israel and the Trump administrations late 2017 decision to relocate the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, Pew released a telling poll on American views of Israel. The headline figure from the survey: Republicans now sympathize with Israel (as opposed to the Palestinians) by a whopping 52-point margin over Democrats79 percent to 27 percentthe greatest spread between the two parties in the last 40 years. Republicans have never been more favorably disposed toward Israel, while for Democrats, the opposite holds true.

This rift alarms much of the American Jewish political establishment, which believes that pro-Israel sentiment should remain bipartisan. Aaron David Miller of the Wilson Center writes that the need for no daylight between the U.S. and Israel used to be a talking point wielded by staunchly pro-Israeli supporters against Democratic and Republican presidents alike; Trump has turned it into official policy . . . [which] plays really well among mainstream Republican voters. But the Pew survey challenges this narrative. Not just conservatives, but every group of American voters surveyed supports Israel over the Palestinians by a wide marginwith the single exception of Liberal Democrats.

Could it be that liberal Democrats have grown more Arabist, consistent with the growing anti-Zionist nature of the progressive movement? Does the growth in the percentage of progressives in the Democratic Party explain the declining Democratic support for Israel? Pews numbers limn an increasingly left-leaning Democratic Party. In 2001, only 29 percent of Democrats identified as Liberal; by 2017, 48 percent did. In 2001, liberal Democrats sympathized with Israel at a rate of 48 percent11 percentage points higher than Conservative/Moderate Democrats at that time and a staggering 29 percentage points more sympathetic than liberals are today.

The divergence between Democrats and Republicans on Israel did not begin under Trump. Pews polling data show that Democrats and Republicans were largely aligned on Israel until around 2008, where the divergence began and then rapidly widened, driven largely by the Obama administrations barely concealed hostility to the Jewish State.

President Obama demonstrated that hostility by, among other things, his pre-1967 borders announcement, which appeared to many to make the 1949 Armistice Line the non-negotiable outline for a new Palestinian state; invocation of the dual-loyalty canard over Jewish opposition to the Iran Deal; siding with the anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement; funding efforts to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the 2015 Israeli election; and de facto support, via abstention, for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2234 (a resolution we now know that Trump administration officials sought to block), which, as noted elsewhere, had the effect of alienating and delegitimizing Israel while bolstering the position of the Hamas-led Arabs, opening the door to litigation in international courts and increased BDS activity.

At the same time, Obama took actions that strengthened Israels enemies, including his consummation of the Iran deal, flooding the coffers of Irans mullocratic regime and its jihadist proxies like Hezbollah with billions of dollars while protecting Irans nuclear infrastructure. The Obama administration apparently spiked an investigation into Hezbollahs cars-for-cocaine money laundering scheme, at the same time refusing to enforce sanctions, which enabled the Turkey-Iran gas-for-gold trade to generate still billions more for the mullahs. Obamas reflexive support of the Arab Spring destabilized the Middle East to the benefit of jihadist groups that threatened Israel, including the Muslim Brotherhood and ISIS, and he repeatedly drew a moral equivalence between jihadists and Israeli forces, providing a propaganda coup for Israels enemies. In sum, the Democrats dramatic decline in support for Israel correlated with the years that the party was headed by Americas most anti-Israel president.

Support for Israel has become a Republican position for various reasons, religious and secular. Evangelical Christians, who vote disproportionately Republican, largely identify with the Zionist cause. Others respect the Jewish State for standing strong as a free nation surrounded by authoritarian Islamic regimes. Many support Israel because it shares a common set of political and moral values and security interests with the United States. But there is an often-unspoken political reason behind the partisan realignment over Israel: it is not so much that Republicans have seized upon Israel as an agenda item, but rather that Democrats have ceded it. Democrats are content to trade the small percentage of pro-Israel Democratic Jewish votesa dwindling numberfor Muslim votes, which means supporting policies deemed favorable toward Muslims, including on the Palestinian question.

Two-thirds of American Muslims today are Democrats, and an equal share support a large government that provides many services; 30 percent identify as Liberal. At the Democratic National Convention in 2012, Democrats removed reference to God and to Jerusalem as Israels capital from the party platform, only to see portions added back by voice vote of convention delegates. In 2016, Democrats added a section to their platform specifically geared toward Muslims, reading, we condemn Donald Trumps demonization of . . . Muslims . . . and the climate of bigotry he is creating.

The political logic here makes senseAmerican Muslims are where the votes will be. The U.S. Muslim population is expected to double by 2050, to over 2 percent of the U.S. population, while the Jewish population is expected to decline from 1.8 percent to 1.4 percent over the same period. A growing share (though still a minority) of this declining Jewish population is made up of Orthodox Jews, staunchly pro-Israel and overwhelmingly Republican. Conversely, the vast majority of Jews, who have fewer children than other Americans on average and are less likely to prioritize Israel among other issues, vote overwhelmingly Democratic.

In short, Muslim votes will be a growth industry for Democratic political entrepreneurs, while Jewish votes will be worth less and less. When you combine these ideological and political trends, it becomes clear that being pro-Israel has been made into a partisan issue not by President Trump, but by the Left.

Photo MicroStockHub/iStock
It began on 9 February, when the Times published a front page article accusing Oxfam of covering up the use of prostitutes by senior aid workers in Haiti, who were there in 2011 following an earthquake in 2010. The newspaper had been leaked a confidential report from that year about Oxfams investigation into allegations, which the charity has since published.

The report confirms that four Oxfam employees were dismissed and three resigned following accusations including using prostitutes on the charitys property, sexual exploitation of employees, fraud, negligence and nepotism. It reveals that three of the workers accused of sexual misconduct physically threatened witnesses during the investigation.

The Times followed its initial story by reporting further allegations of sexual misconduct by Oxfam staff in Chad in 2006. The Oxfam country director in Haiti who resigned in 2011 over the Haiti investigation, Roland van Hauwermeiren, was head of Oxfam in Chad in 2006. Additional concerns were raised on 12 February, when Helen Evans, Oxfams former global head of safeguarding between 2012 and 2015, gave an interview to Channel 4. She said Mark Goldring, Oxfams chief executive, stopped her from presenting to the board a report compiled from confidential internal surveys of the charitys international aid staff that highlighted further instances of sexual harassment, sex in exchange for aid handouts and rape.

Goldrings email to Evans, shared with Channel 4, said: You are right that this is a serious issue. LT recognised this but felt that there was nothing as a group that we could actually add to the situation, which was clearly laid out in the paper.

Evans also said that there had been incidents of abuse involving volunteers, some under 18, reported at Oxfams charity shops during her tenure. She raised concerns about Oxfam not conducting Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. She said: That troubled me because I knew Oxfam was not conducting the criminal record checks that it needed to conduct, that children were being left alone with adults who hadnt been criminal record checked.

The charity published a statement saying that it introduced standard DBS checks for all shop managers and deputy managers during Evanss tenure, and that since 2015, all its 900 shop and deputy shop managers are required to have enhanced DBS checks.

It added: We now carry out DBS checks for any volunteers that have supervisory responsibilities and take references for all others. We are currently exploring the possibility of carrying out DBS checks on all 23,000 volunteers.

A few days later, the charity admitted it made a serious error after it re-hired aid worker Gurpreet Singh to work on a short-term contract in Ethiopia less than three months after he was sacked for sexual misconduct in Haiti.

Damage

On 13 February, following the second Times story related to Oxfam staffs behaviour in Chad, deputy chief executive Penny Lawrence resigned. She said: It is now clear that these allegations  involving the use of prostitutes and which related to behaviour of both the country director and members of his team in Chad  were raised before he moved to Haiti.

As programme director at the time, I am ashamed that this happened on my watch and I take full responsibility. I am desperately sorry for the harm and distress that this has caused to Oxfams supporters, the wider development sector and most of all the vulnerable people who trusted us.

Goldring told MPs on 20 February that 7,000 people had cancelled direct debit donations to Oxfam since the scandal broke.

Oxfam has agreed to withdraw from applying for new government funding until the current crisis over sexual misconduct has been resolved.

According to Oxfams published accounts for the year ending 31 May 2017, the charity received 31.7m worth of funding from the Department for International Development (DfID).

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the European Commission, which gave around 29m to Oxfam last year, said it was waiting for the charity to fully clarify the allegations with maximum transparency as a matter of urgency.

Oxfam response

In her initial response, Oxfams chair Caroline Thomson announced a package of measures to strengthen the prevention and handling of sexual abuse cases.

Thomson said the charity would strengthen its vetting and recruitment of staff, establish a new, independent, external whistleblowing helpline, overhaul its staff induction process, and recommit to report to the appropriate authorities in full, any issues that arise that could affect the safety of those we work for or the confidence of the public.

Oxfam International executive director Winnie Byanyima later announced a comprehensive action plan to stamp out abuse. This package of measures included a new independent High-Level Commission on Sexual Misconduct, Accountability and Culture Change, which will be comprised of leading womens rights experts and which will be able to access Oxfam records and interview staff, partners and communities it supports around the world.

The action plan also includes the immediate creation of a new global database of accredited referees, which has been designed to end the use of forged, dishonest or unreliable references by past or current Oxfam staff. Oxfam has said it will not be issuing any references until this is in place.

Finally, Oxfam has committed to an immediate injection of money into its safeguarding processes, with the number of people working in safeguarding to more than double over the coming weeks and annual funding to be more than tripled to 720,000.

Goldring wrote to Oxfams shoppers, supporters and volunteers to reassure them that the charity has taken steps to improve its handling of misconduct in its shops. He said: We have introduced a whole range of more robust measures to improve how we deal with these issues. I know that today, our shops are a safe place for staff and volunteers alike.

Other NGOs respond

It emerged that van Hauwermeiren had previously been pushed out of a job at aid charity Merlin, now part of Save the Children, and that after leaving Oxfam had gone on to work for Action Against Hunger between 2012 and 2014.

In a statement, Action Against Hunger said it had not received any information about van Hauwermeiren or warning on the risks of employing him. It said it had now begun a process to closely scrutinise the time he was employed by us, and committed to full disclosure, collaborating in full with the authorities.

In an open letter to Belgian broadcaster VTM, van Hauwermeiren denied using prostitutes in Haiti but admitted he had intimate contact on three occasions with a grown, honourable lady, not a victim of the earthquake.

Bond, the umbrella body for international development charities, said it held a meeting with almost 20 leading charities where they agreed a new set of safeguarding principles. These include full disclosure of all safeguarding concerns at the earliest opportunity, and collaborating with the Department for International Development and the Charity Commission on a new system for passporting, registration or accreditation of humanitarian and development practitioners.

A study showing widespread sexual assault and harassment of workers within the aid sector published last year also came to light during coverage of the Oxfam scandal. The report, Stop Sexual Assault Against Humanitarian and Development Aid Workers, was published in May 2017 by the Feinstein International Center, parts of Tufts University in Massachusetts, United States.

Report author Dylan Mazurana appeared on BBC Newsnight where she said that problems with safeguarding were widespread throughout the sector, but Oxfam had actually been shown in the report as an example of best practice which other organisations can learn from.

The regulator

The Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into Oxfam over concerns that the aid charity did not fully disclose details to the regulator of sexual misconduct by its staff in Haiti. The Commission said it has concerns that Oxfam may not have fully and frankly disclosed material details about the allegations at the time in 2011, its handling of the incidents since, and the impact that these have both had on public trust and confidence.

It later confirmed that its inquiry would examine the charitys governance, scrutinise the charitys progress with implementing safeguarding requirements previously agreed with the Commission in 2017, and assess what additional actions the charity should take.

The Commission also announced a summit on safeguarding for UK charities, to accompany one for international charities announced by DfID. The summit will be co-chaired by Tracey Crouch, minister for civil society.

But some have questioned whether the Commission could have done more at the time. Speaking on Channel 4 News, Damian Collins MP, chair of the Digital Culture Media and Sport Committee, said that there are difficult questions for the Charity Commission as to why it did not act sooner. He said: If this doesnt warrant a really serious investigation at the highest level, what would? These are some of the worst allegations that can be made against any organisation, let alone a British charity carrying out aid work with the support of the British government.

Also speaking to Channel 4 News, Sir Stephen Bubb, the former chief executive of Acevo, said he warned the Charity Commission years ago that it needed to put more resources into safeguarding instead of focusing so much on scrutiny of charities links to terrorism.
Justin Forsyth has resigned from his role at Unicef just days after reports that he left his chief executive role at Save the Children following inappropriate behaviour towards women.

Forsyth said in a statement that he was leaving his role as deputy executive director at Unicef because of the danger of damaging both Unicef and Save the Children and our wider cause.

In the statement, seen by the BBC, Forsyth said: I want to make clear I am not resigning from Unicef because of the mistakes I made at Save the Children. They were dealt with through a proper process many years ago. I apologised unreservedly at the time and face to face. I apologise again.

Hearing Justin Forsyth has resigned from UNICEF- statement below pic.twitter.com/bFxSxKz2Y1  Jack Evans (@jackcevans) February 22, 2018

Earlier today it was revealed that Unicef was not informed that the former head of Save the Children had behaved inappropriately to women before it hired him as a senior executive.

Save the Children confirmed earlier this week that concerns were raised about inappropriate behaviour and comments by Forsyth in 2011 and 2015, who was chief executive at the time. A review into the handling of the matter at that time found that HR processes have not been followed in every aspect.

Save the Children said that in each of the cases raised against Forsyth, the chair instructed HR to manage the process in conjunction with an independent trustee.

Two trustees carried out two separate investigations into a total of three complaints made by three female employees. It said that both reviews resulted in unreserved apologies from Forsyth, and that all the parties agreed to this. It said Forysth apologised to the women and that at that time the matters were closed.

But, the statement added that concerns were then raised with trustees that matters should not have been left as they were and that a further review was required. It was this review which found that proper HR process had not been followed.
So-called fake news has become a hot-button topic of late, since Donald Trump and his followers have made it a mantra to describe any story they disagree with. After initially dismissing the problem, Facebook has promised to crack down on disinformation in a number of ways, and so has Google.

Experts, however, say what they call computational propaganda doesnt just piggyback on social platforms; it is baked into the DNA and the business model of companies like Facebook, Google, and Twitter. And its going to take more than an algorithm tweak to get rid of it.

ICYMI: NPR tarnishes its image

Dipayan Ghosh is a computer scientist who, after helping to provide technical advice to the Obama administration, wound up working at Facebook as part of the privacy and public policy team. In 2016, he says, he and others started to notice a deluge of fake news articles and other disinformation, a problem that appeared to be driven by the News Feed algorithm. When Donald Trump was elected, Ghosh says he experienced a crisis of conscience, because he believed politically motivated misinformation had helped Trump win.

I was sitting on the floor at the Javits Center watching and I was shaken to the core, Ghosh says. It was just such a shocker. I couldnt understand it, given [Clintons] rise in the popular vote, and I thought there might be something else going on, a proactive campaign going on under the table that was manifesting itself in the election.

Facebook later admitted before Congress that Russian trolls had promoted fake news and taken advantage of the platform in order to reach more than 125 million people. Special Counsel Robert Mueller has since indicted more than a dozen Russian individuals and several corporations for their role in those events, and Facebook also figures prominently.

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As a result of his election-night disillusionment, Ghosh left Facebook and started working with the New America Foundation and Harvards Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy, researching the impact of digital propaganda distributed by social platforms. In January, he published a report called Digital Deceit: The Technologies Behind Precision Propaganda on the Internet with Ben Scott, a former innovation adviser at the US State Department.

While most of the recent attention paid to fake news has focused on content from the Internet Research Agency, a Russian troll factory, the New America report notes that such content is just the tip of a monstrous digital iceberg. These platform companies are at the center of a vast ecosystem of services that enable highly targeted political communications that reach millions of people with customized messages that are invisible to the broader public, Ghosh and Scott write in the report.

In effect, they say, Russian trolls and others take advantage of how social platforms and ad networks are constructed. Disinformation campaigns are functionally little different from any other advertising campaign, and the leading internet platforms are equipped with world class technology to help advertisers reach and influence audiences, the report states.

What this means is that platforms like Facebook or Google and trolls running a disinformation or propaganda campaign effectively share the same underlying goals.

ICYMI: The Facebook Armageddon

That fundamental goal is to get the user to stay as long as possible, Ghosh said in an interview. Their motivations are differentfor platforms, it is to maximize ad space, to collect more information about the individual, and to rake in more dollars; and for the disinformation operator, the motive is the political persuasion of the individual to make a certain decision. But until we change that alignment, we are not going to solve the problem of disinformation on these platforms.

After Mueller released his indictments, sociologist Zeynep Tufekci noted on Twitter that the indictment shows [Russia] used social media just like any other advertiser/influencer. They used the platforms as they were designed to be used.

Indictment shows RU used social media just like any other advertiser/"influencer". They used the platforms as they were designed to be used to make money. I watched this up to the election. Such deliberate, false incitement was not just done by foreigners. https://t.co/2b1v1tMqw9 pic.twitter.com/X9kEijqu92  zeynep tufekci (@zeynep) February 16, 2018

Facebook and Google, says Ghosh, have not necessarily encouraged the environment of disinformation but have enabled it through the mass collection of individual data, with as much granularity as possible within legal limits, something Tufekci has described as surveillance capitalism. This kind of structure allows advertisers to target users based on a wide range of interests, but it also allows political parties and much more nefarious groups to do the same, and to finetune their propaganda to have the largest effect possible.

Its a very hard problemhow to distinguish between disinformation and authentic political speech, Ghosh says. Those that are clearly foreign agents can be blocked, but with domestic operators, theres an obvious tension between preventing harm and impacting free speech, and I dont think theres a clear solution yet. But we are definitely going to see more domestic actors in 2018, and that is frightening.

Although Facebook has gotten the most attention for the way it was manipulated, it is not alone. Guillaume Chaslot is a former Google engineer who helped develop the algorithms that decide which videos to recommend to YouTube users after they watch a video, and he says the platform has a very real issue with promoting fake news and disinformation.

Chaslot says while studying the functionality of the recommendation algorithm, he noticed that, in many cases, the videos the software promoted were of questionable qualityfactually inaccurate reports from dodgy websites. He tried to come up with ways to improve the quality of the recommendations, but says his superiors werent interested. All they wanted, he says, was for the team to come up with ways of getting people to spend more time on the platform.

Total watch time was what we went forthere was very little effort put into quality, Chaslot says. All the things I proposed about ways to recommend quality were rejected. Chaslot, who worked at Google for three years, says he spent so much of what the company calls 20-percent time working on such projects that he was eventually let go for underperformance.

In a blog post in early 2017 entitled How YouTubes A.I. boosts alternative facts, Chaslot described an experiment he conducted, in which he viewed YouTube videos and then catalogued the automated recommendations (he also made the software he wrote to do so publicly available). In a number of cases, the most-recommended videos involved conspiracy theories about the Earth being flat, the Pope being an agent of evil, Michelle Obama being a man, etc.

I came to the conclusion that the powerful algorithm I helped build plays an active role in the propagation of false information, Chaslot wrote. And it does so because YouTube wants to keep people using the service, and salacious or bizarre hoaxes and conspiracy theories keep people engaged.

ICYMI: Bad news for Vice, Mashable and BuzzFeed

In addition, as Chaslot describes, once a conspiracy video is favored by the A.I., it gives an incentive to content creators to upload additional videos corroborating the conspiracy. In turn, those videos increase the retention statistics of the conspiracy. Next, the conspiracy gets recommended further. Eventually, the large amount of videos favoring a conspiracy makes it appear more credible. In other words, the problem snowballs.

Its not just fake news or hoaxes that are involved in these organized propaganda campaigns, Tow Center researcher Jonathan Albright notes. Earlier this month, He looked at more than 200,000 tweets that were connected to Russian troll accountstweets that were provided to NBC by Twitter insiders before they were deletedand analyzed them based on the content they linked to. Many distributed real news stories from traditional sources, but in a way that was designed to promote a specific pro-Trump agenda.

When The Guardian wrote about Chaslots research, he says representatives from Google and YouTube criticized his methodology and tried to convince the news outlet not to do the story, and promising to publish a blog post refuting his claims. No such post was ever published. Google said it strongly disagreed with the researchbut after Senator Mark Warner raised concerns about YouTube promoting what he called outrageous, salacious, and often fraudulent content, Google thanked The Guardian for doing the story.

After The Wall Street Journal reproduced some of Chaslots findings, the head of YouTubes recommendations team responded: We recognize that this is our responsibility, and we have more to do. Google has come under fire for similar problems in the past, including an incident in which a fake news story was one of the top recommended links related to the mass shooting in Las Vegas. Google says it is trying to surface more authoritative content when people look for hoaxes or conspiracy theories.

They have made some changes to the search algorithm so it recommends more high-quality content, says Chaslot, but if you look at what is recommended, it is still very divisive politically. In the US, this might not be as much of a problem due to the countrys strong democracy and a culture of respect for the First Amendment, he says, but in some countries, where you dont have that culture, it could be a much worse problem. There is the same issue in France, where recommendations quickly get into conspiracy theories.

Platforms like YouTube and Facebook seem very democratic, because anyone can click the like button and have a vote on the content, Chaslot says. But if you know how the system works, if youre a Russian troll or someone like that, you can figure out how to have a lot more impact, because you know how to organize your content, when to publish, and a lot of other things that increase the probability of your video being seen.

Google and Facebook often say they dont want to get into the business of deciding what is true and what isnt, but Chaslot describes this argument as total bullshit. Both platforms could easily create the kinds of tools or processes that are used on a site like Wikipedia, he says, where a group of moderators decide what information to keep.

There are lots of tools they could try, but they dont really have any interest in doing it, Chaslot says. They have the money to do it, and there are people working there who want to do it, but they dont bother to try because there is no incentive to do so.

Lisa-Maria Neudert is part of a team of researchers that works on the Oxford Internet Institutes computational propaganda project. In a recent report, the Institute looked at how and where fake news stories and related content were shared on Twitter and Facebook, and found that users who shared such posts tended to be Trump supporters or from the conservative end of the political spectrum.

Propaganda isnt new, says Neudert. What is new is the ease with which it can be created and distributed, and the speed with which such campaigns can be generatedalong with the fact that they can be targeted to specific individuals or groups, thanks to Facebooks and Googles ad technologies.

This ability to have mass distribution at extremely low cost enables propaganda at an entirely different scale, one weve never seen before, she says. And it uses all of the information that we as users are consciously and unconsciously providing, to produce individualized propaganda.

In a sense, just as Facebook and Google and Twitter have democratized social communication and media, they have also democratized propaganda. Social media has shifted the capability of designing propaganda to regular users, says Neudert. So its no longer something that is created by big companies or governmentsnow the everyday lay person can make a propaganda campaign or a disinformation site or create a bot army.

For example, critics say Twitter has made it easy for groups or even individuals to create what some call astro-turfing campaigns. This kind of behavior is designed to give the impression that there is widespread support for certain views, because the service allows users to create and distribute sponsored posts for entirely fictitious organizations.

A nonprofit group called The Alliance for Securing Democracy, which is funded by the German Marshall Fund, runs a site called Hamilton68 that tracks the activity of Russian troll accounts. The site has shown that such accounts exhibit organized behavior around specific news hashtags, including those that were used prior to the release of the Nunes memo, as well as hashtags used following the Parkland shootings.

The social platforms have been slow to realize just how integral a role they play in this new form of disinformation, Neudert argues.

I think [Facebook] has had a rude awakening, that the way they structure their platforms has contributed to this problem, but it has been a slow awakening, she says. It was only after months and months of pressure that we saw some of the data being shared, and they still havent shared even a small part of the massive amounts of data they have. If they shared more, I think maybe we could come up with better solutions.

Some of Facebooks proposed News Feed changes could actually make the disinformation problem worse, Neudert adds. The content that is the most misleading or conspiratorial, thats whats generating the most discussion and the most engagement, and thats what the algorithm is designed to respond to, she says. So it promotes these kinds of issues even more by exploiting the way human attention works. The environment maximizes for outrage. They say they want more meaningful conversation, but its not clear how they are going to define that.

ICYMI: NPR tarnishes its image

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg.
Almost four months ago, National Public Radio forced the resignation of its top editor, Michael Oreskes, following a series of allegations that he had acted inappropriately with young women inside and outside the organization. Among the complaints: unwanted hugs and kisses, awkwardly boozy dinners with young job-seekers, and disproportionate interest in the career trajectory of women staffers.

To its credit, NPR has aggressively pursued the story since Paul Farhi broke it at The Washington Post on October 31, 2017. NPR media reporter, David Folkenflik, has reported diligently on the networks hesitations and slowness in dealing with complaints that stretched back years. This week, NPR released a confidential investigation prepared by the Philadelphia-based law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius. The firms probe took two months, and included interviews with 86 current and former NPR staffers, 71 of them women.

ICYMI: I dont want any writer to have to feel how I felt

The document is just nine pages, but it serves as a subtle yet unmistakable indictment of NPR management, as much for what it doesnt say as for what it does. With depressing regularity, managers were told of Oreskes advances, or given evidence of inappropriate behavior. At almost every step, their pursuit was slowed by bureaucratic snafus, or a remarkable lack of curiosity, given how much power Oreskes wielded in his newsroom. Even in Oreskes final 24 hours, the board met to discuss the allegations but held off taking take actionuntil the Post story ran. Then, Oreskes couldnt be out the door soon enough. (Oreskes also previously sat on CJRs board.)

For anyone who has worked in a news organization hit with harassment allegations, NPRs story is familiar: a litany of whispers, dilatory half-steps, and, ultimately, a corrective enforced only when the evidence became public and the pressure to act became overwhelming.

Oreskes came to NPR after a difficult period for the organization. In 2011, Vivian Schiller, its president and CEO, was forced to resign in the wake of a James OKeefe sting that surfaced a colleagues comments slamming conservatives. In 2014, NPRs senior vice president for news, Margaret Low Smith, left after three years in that post, shortly after Jarl Mohn became CEOthe fifth person to hold that post in less than six years. The revolving door took a toll on NPR, an organization that is keenly aware of its image, given public radios dependence on personal and corporate donations as well as government support.

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ICYMI: The story BuzzFeed, The New York Times and more didnt want to publish

Into that turmoil came Oreskes, a longtime New York Times reporter and editor who had most recently served as a senior managing editor at the Associated Press. He impressed the hiring committee, which named him their top choice. A search firm did a due-diligence check and found overwhelmingly positive feedback. Then, near the end of the process, someone on the hiring committee reported an incident from Oreskes past about how he had left unsolicited voicemails for a woman after a news conference, and how he had also reportedly stopped by the hotel room of another conference attendee late one night. It barely raised an eyebrow, and Oreskes was hired in March 2015.

It didnt take long for ominous signs to surface. A few months after Oreskes took over, he invited a female employee to dinner, peppering the conversation with questions about her personal life. In the fall of 2015, a junior staff member whod approached him for career advice wound up as Oreskes personal guest at a three-hour dinner, complete with a bottle of wine, sexual comments, and, to close the evening, an uncomfortable hug.

Oreskes was given the benefit of the doubt at every turn.

Often in newsrooms, such incidents go unreported, especially when they involve a senior manager and a junior employee.

Not this time. NPRs human-resources department was told about the dinners in October 2015, which led its general counsel, Jon Hart, to confront Oreskes.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the result of the meeting was more akin to a third-grade teachers warning to a student whod blown milk through his nose. Hart gave Oreskes a stern talking to, as investigators put it, and Oreskes committed to Mr. Hart that it would not happen again.

That pattern would recur for the next two years.

In 2016, NPR noticed that Oreskes expense account included multiple dinners with women, while the HR department found out (it isnt explained how) that Oreskes had conducted several email exchanges with young women and college students outside of NPR in which he attempted to arrange meetups to provide career advice or discuss other topics that seemed personal in nature. Hart and Debbie Cowan, the CFO, met with Oreskes in August 2016but only to warn him about his sloppy expense account. For reasons left unstated in the report, Cowan and Hart chose not to bring up the inappropriate emails.

As the report goes on, it gives the impression NPR officials were more worried about discretion than conduct. At an October 2016 meeting, Hart warned Oreskes that issues  had re-emerged and the lawyer added that because of the fact that people were talking  Oreskes needed to be hypervigilant. At no point, at least according to the report, did Oreskess bosses warn him to stop because he was endangering womens careers or taking advantage of his position.

Oreskes was given the benefit of the doubt at every turn. At the same meeting, Hart asked if there are any other issues that he needed to know about, and once again Oreskes stated that there were not.

After this point, one might think that something would change: Either Oreskes would stop his misconduct, or NPR would take more direct action. One would be mistaken.

Last spring and summer, Hart and Loren Mayor, the chief operating officer, learned that Oreskes was still taking women out on NPRs dime, and was continuing his personal email approaches to college-aged women. Once again he was told to knock it off, and once again he promised to do so. By last September, Hart and Mayor brought in Mohn to let him know about Oreskes entreaties to college students, and the CEO met directly with his top editor. Mohn, according to the report, warned Oreskes about the appearance of impropriety.

ICYMI: A journalist is approached by a man. He fires a pistol and she collapses.

Again, its as important to reflect on what isnt said as what is. NPRs CEO isnt quoted as worrying that Oreskes conduct would demean women, or that it would take advantage of his tremendous influence over their careers. Instead, the chief concern seems to be this appearance of improprietythat is, the reputational damage that NPRs leaders, or their organization, could suffer were this to become public.

In mid-Octobernotably, just a few days after The New York Times published its blockbuster story on Harvey WeinsteinMohn met again with Oreskes. The Post was, by now, starting to report on Oreskes misconduct. Mohn counseled Oreskes and asked if there were any new issues that NPR managers needed to know about. His top editor was as reassuring as ever: Oreskes stated that there were not.

By now, NPR executives knew they had a problem on their hands, and they sent employees a note inviting evidence of harassment. But even so, when one NPR employee reported to HR that Oreskes had groped her, her report was not relayed to management until one to two weeks later.

By October 31, with the Post ready to publish its story, Mohn called a morning board meeting to discuss Oreskes future. The board declined to take action. The Post story ran that afternoon. Mohn quickly suspended Oreskes, and by the next day, with one last allegationan employee reported she had been invited to Oreskes beach house for a glass of winehis NPR career was over.

The Morgan Lewis report offers a host of recommendations, including more thorough background checks for new employees, hiring an outside firm to investigate allegations of harassment, and regular reporting to the board of directors about complaints.

News organizations that pride themselves on holding the powerful to account need to apply those standards of scrutiny to their own hierarchies.

Since Oreskes left, NPR officials have been alternately contrite and introspective. To his credit, Mohn submitted to a withering interview by NPRs Mary Louise Kelly on the day that Oreskes left. Near the end of the broadcast, Kelly asked Mohn why senior management had been so slow to act. The CEO responded, We informally were asking questions. Clearly we didnt do everything we could because it didnt result in the right answer. But to suggest we were not doing anything or we were not acting appropriately is notor that we were doing nothing is false.

Similarly, NPR Board Chairman Paul Haaga told Folkenflik recently that the Oreskes disciplinary process had been like a game of Whac-a-Mole Remonstrations were effective in stopping one behavior but not in stopping all behaviors that should have stopped.

Perhaps. But perhaps Mohn and Haaga are letting themselves off the hook too easily. As the report notes, NPRs attempts to curtail Mr. Oreskes conduct and attention to women were not successful. He was not deterred.

NPR is promising to do better. After the report came out this week, Mohn told his staff, We are committed to a work environment where everyone feels safe and respected.  where every one of us is held to the same standards.

News organizations that pride themselves on holding the powerful to account need to apply those standards of scrutiny to their own hierarchies. Oreskess bosses had multiple opportunities to learn about and correct for his misconduct. NPR sullied its reputation in its very attempts to protect it.

ICYMI: A shocking New York Times report on the Florida school shooting

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Bill Grueskin is on the faculty at Columbia Journalism School. He has previously worked as founding editor of a newspaper on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, city editor of the Miami Herald, deputy managing editor of the Wall Street Journal, and an executive editor at Bloomberg News. He is a graduate of Stanford University (Classics) and Johns Hopkinss School of Advanced International Studies (US Foreign Policy and International Economics).
Interviewing subjects in a closet. Remembering to film landscape, not portrait. Piecing together a chronology online. Holding the front page of the print paper to pivot to a bigger story.

The inspirational student journalists of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, remembered all these reporting staples last Wednesday, even as a very personal tragedy unfolded in their wake. As Alexandria Neason and Meg Dalton report for CJR, members of The Eagle Eye newspaper and WMSD-TV station produced extraordinary breaking news coverage of the mass shooting at their school, using impeccable standards of journalistic professionalism. As Eye staff writer Nikhita Nookala tells CJR, she thought, The coverage has to start at some point. So why not start it right now?

ICYMI: NPR tarnishes its image

The students have been reporting for over a week now, partially to keep the world informed, partially to keep themselves occupied. Their drive has both sustained the post-Parkland news cycle and lent it a notably different tone than those that followed the recent massacres in Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs, Texas. After the latter atrocity, I wrote that the aftermath of mass shootings had become sadly predictable: Journalists turn up to the scene, piece together what happened, get emotive interviews, file, and leaveall as a circular debate on gun control swells then fades in their wake. This time round, the students have refused to accept a circular debate.

Theyve been amazingly successful at dictating the terms of the national media conversation. Yesterday, the debate on cable news networks wasnt about why gun reform never happens, but whether this now qualifies as a tipping point. At a CNN town hall moderated by Jake Tapper, survivors and victims families got to look politicians and gun advocates in the eye and make them defend their positionsa rare and powerful sight. On MSNBC, meanwhile, Nicolle Wallace said, This doesnt look like the gun debate in America.This looks like the #MeToo movement, this looks like the Womens March, this looks like something bigger.

ICYMI: I dont want any writer to have to feel how I felt

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MSNBCs Wallace went on to describe the Parkland students as activists. As Neason and Dalton point out, the student journalists are treading the increasingly murky line between those roles. Almost every journalism textbook says activism and journalism are incompatible. But the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas are busy ripping up that textbook and writing a new one. And some journalists would do well to note how deftly theyve combined sensitivity and persistence with a clear message.

Below, some of the great student journalism thats come out of Parkland.

Piecing together what happened: Nookala and fellow student reporter Christy Ma filed The Eagle Eye s first story on the shooting. Valentines Day was a day of love, passion and friendships as Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School celebrated Feb. 14, 2018 with carnations and teddy bears, they write in their lede. It was not until nearly the end of the school day at around 2:30pm that the lives of students and faculty were taken in a violent rampage of hatred.

Nookala and fellow student reporter Christy Ma filed s first story on the shooting. Valentines Day was a day of love, passion and friendships as Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School celebrated Feb. 14, 2018 with carnations and teddy bears, they write in their lede. It was not until nearly the end of the school day at around 2:30pm that the lives of students and faculty were taken in a violent rampage of hatred. An overwhelming presence: Nookala and Ma also reported on the candlelight vigil that followed the massacre, tackling the media scrum head on. I think the media is doing a good job on taking the appropriate steps to being insensitive, senior Daniel Williams said. But there are multiple instances where journalists are writing things that are exaggerated or just straight up false, which makes us students mad.

Nookala and Ma also reported on the candlelight vigil that followed the massacre, tackling the media scrum head on. I think the media is doing a good job on taking the appropriate steps to being insensitive, senior Daniel Williams said. But there are multiple instances where journalists are writing things that are exaggerated or just straight up false, which makes us students mad. Remembering the basics: As the shooting unfolded, Ryan Deitsch, a reporter for The Eagle Eye and WMSD-TV, tweeted video and urged national news media to share it. If you are going to broadcast use someone who shot horizontally, he said.

As the shooting unfolded, Ryan Deitsch, a reporter for and WMSD-TV, tweeted video and urged national news media to share it. If you are going to broadcast use someone who shot horizontally, he said. So whats your message?: In what future generations might remember as a defining moment of a defining moment, another student reporter, David Hogg, interviewed hiding classmates in a closet.

Other notable stories

The tumult at Newsweek continues. On Tuesday, it published an investigation into its managements suspicious ties to Olivet University, along with an editors note detailing how several editors and reporters were fired, resigned, or threatened to resign during the reporting process. For CJR, CPJs Joel Simon says the dismissals at the publication challenge a norm at the heart of American journalism, which is that the business side stays out of the newsroom and does not dictate coverage.

continues. On Tuesday, it published an investigation into its managements suspicious ties to Olivet University, along with an editors note detailing how several editors and reporters were fired, resigned, or threatened to resign during the reporting process. For CJR, CPJs Joel Simon says the dismissals at the publication challenge a norm at the heart of American journalism, which is that the business side stays out of the newsroom and does not dictate coverage. The LA Times newsrooms decision to unionize was a crucial factor in parent company Troncs decision to offload the flagship brand, Ken Doctor writes.

newsrooms decision to unionize was a crucial factor in parent company Troncs decision to offload the flagship brand, Ken Doctor writes. Shonte Daniels, an editorial assistant at Rewire, writes that the use of stock photos is critical in busting or reinforcing stereotypes: When we have good news or solutions-based stories to publish, I try to make sure the photo is one of a person representing a population thats often demonized in the media, like people of color, to demonstrate that not every story needs to be about their plight.

Big layoffs are afoot at Vox Media and at newspapers owned by Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway (including Buffetts hometown Omaha World-Herald )but theres better news at the Laurene Powell Jobs-backed Atlantic , which is boosting its staff by 100.

)but theres better news at the Laurene Powell Jobs-backed , which is boosting its staff by 100. Once-relevant troll Milo Yiannopoulos dropped a lawsuit against his former book publisher, and celebrated by selling supplements on InfoWars.

ICYMI: Benjamin Netanyahu, Media Puppeteer

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Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
Update, March 6: Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency informed the Bay Journal that it will reinstate its funding. In its letter to the newspaper announcing the about-face, the EPA said the decision was consistent with Administrator Scott Pruitts recent pledge before a Senate committee to reconsider the cut. The letter did not address the constitutional and legal issues at the heart of the Journals appeal to get its money back. Nonetheless, the papers attorney, Josephine Morse, called the EPAs decision a big victory for the free press and the First Amendment.

JOURNALISTS ACROSS AMERICA are gripping the First Amendment tightly; toting their constitutional protection from an administration that publicly slams reporters and routinely threatens to expand libel laws and amp up leak investigations.

The Bay Journala free, nonprofit newspaper that reports on environmental issues in states bordering the Chesapeake Bayhowever, is embroiled in a First Amendment fight of a different nature: to reassert its financial ties to the federal government. Until last summer, the Journal received around 40 percent of its funding from the Environmental Protection Agency, part of a longstanding federal push to clean up the Bay. In late August, nearly two years into the Journals latest six-year contract, that funding was abruptly terminated. EPA officials cited an ill-defined shift in priorities. The Journal says its grant was cut because it wrote stories those officials didnt like.

Lawyers for the newspaper are pointing to an exchange between the then-head of the EPAs Chesapeake Bay Program, Nicholas DiPasquale, and John Konkus, a Trump appointee to the agency. In a January interview with Energy and Environment News, DiPasquale said Konkus told him everybody knows that the American public doesnt trust the press just prior to cancelling the Journals grant. DiPasquale also alleged EPA brass were unhappy with Journal coverage of plans to scrap the Bay Programs funding altogether. An EPA spokesman declined comment.

The Bay Journal grew out of 1980s efforts to fight the high levels of pollution in the Chesapeake, which have been driven, in particular, by agricultural and wastewater runoff from inland areas of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA must keep the public abreast of its progress. The Bay Journal has long performed that function on the agencys behalf: first as a newsletter, then, since 1991, as a newspaper. I came in in 1990 and did the newsletter for a while, says Editor Karl Blankenship. Then after a yearbecause there was more [going on] than we could fit into a newsletterwe morphed it into the Bay Journal. It was printed on newsprint, and the idea was to keep people abreast of everything that was going on that was Bay-related.

ICYMI: In Parkland, journalism students take on role of reporter and survivor

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Its not uncommon for government agencies to outsource communications about their programs. But few, if any, federally funded outlets are quite like the Bay Journal. Since its early days, it has bloomed into a full-fledged news organization, staffed by veteran journalists with years of experience at papers like The Baltimore Sun and the Harrisburg Patriot-News. Blankenship says those journalists get their stories just like any other reporterby sitting through hours of public meetings and asking questions of officials.

The Journal runs 10 issues a year, printing between 30,000 and 40,000 copies of each, and estimates its total reach, including online readers, is around 100,000. It syndicates some of its content with other regional titles, including Marylands Dorchester Banner and Salisbury Daily Times, and runs op-eds through a separately funded service. Local observers say the Bay Journal is a vital resource for conservation specialists and the local community alike. Theres nothing like it, says Will Baker, president of the nonprofit Chesapeake Bay Foundation. That doesnt mean local media dont cover Bay issues. But the Journal is exclusively Bay-related, and has been very consistent with maintaining scientific credibility.

The terms of the Journals grant make clear that its remit is to keep the public informed, not to be a vessel for administration press releases. Other EPA documents say the Journal is expected to observe industry standard journalistic practices and be editorially independent of the government. After Konkus threatened to cut the Journals federal funding, DiPasquale sent him an email, reviewed by CJR, reminding him that this is not an EPA publication.we are not allowed by law to dictate what goes into the Bay Journal.

All this language is key to the Journals legal challenge to the EPA. If Konkus did indeed cut its funding in response to critical coverage, his decision would seem to amount to unconstitutional discrimination based on the newspapers viewpoint. The Journals lawyers argue the EPA has broken decades of precedent in allowing a political operative to vet grant applications in the first place. And a 20-year-old court verdict specifically protects government contractors speech against retaliation under the First Amendment.

If this newspaper can show the government has granted these funds for a general purpose but then, in response to negative coverage, engaged in viewpoint discrimination, I think they have a good argument that thats impermissible [under the First Amendment], says Katie Fallow, a senior attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute.

While the Journals case seems strong, it isnt cut and dry. Case law is messy in this area; in weighing whether the First Amendment has been violated, a 1991 precedent, for example, asks in part whether a government funding decision amounts to censorship, or whether the viewpoint in question can still be expressed through alternative channels.

Generally speaking, meanwhile, its not true to say the government is banned from ever influencing views it pays for. If the government were to fund a publication arguing that abortion is immoral, for example, a future administration with opposing views would probably have the right to upend that stanceas long as the publications grant made clear that its purpose is to be a government mouthpiece.

We want newspapers that are free from the government. But if a particular newspaper is going to get money from the government to speak about a certain topic, understandably the government is going to ask is the money being spent wisely? says Eugene Volokh, a First Amendment specialist at the University of California, Los Angeles. If the government is giving a subsidy to one or a small group of voices, to convey a certain message, it doesnt mean theyre stuck with those voices indefinitely.

A change of administration is a logical moment for a reassessment of spending priorities. Rich Kuhlman, a former grant management official at the EPA, told a public radio station in Washington, DC, earlier this month that an incoming government probably does have the authority to move money around. Why bring in somebody new if theyre going to do the same thing the previous administration did? he asked.

But the terms of the Bay Journals grant are broad, and the Supreme Court ruled last year that government speech isnt a catch-all justification for intervention. And the Bay Journals challenge, in any case, doesnt rest solely on the First Amendmentits lawyers allege the agency did not follow due process in terminating its grant unilaterally and without due cause.

That line of argument looks particularly promising: In late January, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt told a Senate committee that the cut was probably a decision that should not have been made in the way that it was, and said it would be reconsidered (Marylands Democratic senators, Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, have both called for the Journals funding to be reinstated). The head of the agency said this was not done in an appropriate way, so were hopeful that the agency will rectify it, says Josephine Morse, an attorney representing the Bay Journal with the group Democracy Forward.

The Journal may well win out this time round. But the fact its had to sue to get its money back shows the pitfalls of its funding model, which is, to an extent, contingent on the whims of the government. Clearly, privately funded smaller newspapers arent immune from whiplash financial pressures in the current economic climate for news. But Blankenship has sought gradually to steer the Journal away from its dependence on public money in recent years, bringing in extra cash, for example, from a variety of foundations. For the last 10 years, the EPA has been the single largest funder but not the only funder, and in recent years not even the majority funder, he says. Strategically, you dont want a disproportionate amount of your funding coming from any one source.

The EPA has nonetheless continued to provide nearly half of the Journals funds, and the permanent absence of the grant would leave a big hole in Blankenships budget. The previous tranche of grant money ran out at the end of January, and Blankenship says he already cut two staff positions as financial uncertainty bites. This is a really dicey situation for us, he says.

Blankenship remembers discussing the Journals federal funding with John Carroll, the former editor of The Baltimore Sun and the Los Angeles Times who served on the Journals board before he died in 2015. He had this perspective that its not an ideal funding situation because it looks like a conflict. But the alternative to that is to say its somehow better to have less or no information out there. And thats just not an acceptable argument either.

ICYMI: The Chicago Readers African-American thing

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Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
Virginia fire chiefs are speaking out against proposed state legislation to loosen rules on how near to a building that mulch can be placed.

WTOP-FM reports that the bills would prevent local governments from enacting rules on the distance between mulch and a building.

Loudoun County Fire Chief Keith Brower said mulch and wood chips put right next to a building can quickly catch fire and cause an inferno.

According to Washington State University, coarse textured mulch is less flammable thank mulch made of organic material. Mulch containing rubber is the most likely to combust and all mulch should be kept moist to reduce the likelihood of a fire.

After a large mulch fire at an apartment complex in 2014, the city of Harrisonburg enacted an ordinance requiring that mulch or wood chips not be placed within 18 inches of certain buildings.

After the General Assembly passed a bill that would have invalidated the ordinance, the city reworked it.

Now lawmakers are trying to modify the state law again with two bills, Senate Bill 972 and House Bill 1595.The bills affect larger residential and commercial buildings, allowing mulch to be placed anywhere on the property without restriction on the proximity to a structure.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
President Donald Trump and Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at the 31st ASEAN Summit in Manila on November 13, 2017.

China's rising power and a resurgent Trans-Pacific trade pact will be at the top of the agenda when Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and U.S. President Donald Trump meet in Washington this week, an Australian official said on Thursday.

The meeting comes as both leaders seek to repair a relationship damaged last year by a row over asylum seekers, in which Trump lambasted Turnbull over a resettlement arrangement that he labelled a "dumb" deal.

Washington will honour the deal to take up to 1,250 asylum-seekers held in Australian detention centres on remote Pacific islands. So Trump and Turnbull will now seek to find common ground on China and the Trans-Pacific trade pact, which aims to cut barriers in some of the region's fastest-growing economies.

"The prime minister is travelling with a large delegation of business leaders and he is very keen to talk trade opportunities, while China will obviously be an important element of the talks," said the Australian government official, who declined to be identified because he is not authorised to talk to the media.

Trump threw the original 12-member Trans-Pacific Partnership into limbo last year when he withdrew the United States to concentrate on protecting U.S. jobs.

Turnbull is still keen to promote the pact, the official said, even though it is likely to receive a lukewarm reception from Trump.

The remaining 11 members published an amended agreement on Wednesday that suspends or changes more than 20 provisions from the original pact, many of which had been inserted into the "TPP 12" at the insistence of U.S. negotiators. The revised deal is expected to be signed on March 8.

As an incentive, Turnbull will also propose spending an unspecified amount of Australia's pension pool to fund Trump's $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan, the official said.

The White House wants to use $200 billion in federal funding to try to encourage infrastructure improvements over 10 years, by relying on state and local governments as well as the private sector.

Turnbull and executives from several Australian pension funds will address a meeting of U.S. governors on Saturday.

"Infrastructure in a growing and secure economy like the United States is often attractive for those funds," said Andrew Shearer, senior adviser on Asia Pacific Security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

Regional security is also set to dominate talks, with a particular focus on China, the Australian official said.

Trump, a harsh critic of China's trade policies, named U.S. Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris, known for his hawkish views on Beijing's military expansion, earlier this month as the next U.S. ambassador to Australia.

Australia's approach to China, easily its largest trading partner, has typically been more circumspect.

However, Sino-Australia relations soured in December when Turnbull said his government would introduce new laws to clamp down on improper interference by Beijing in Australian politics.

China denies the claim, and lodged an official complaint against the allegation.
Britain's cross-party Treasury Select Committee of lawmakers on Thursday said it is launching an inquiry into digital currencies, as well as the underlying distributed ledger technology.

The probe will focus on the opportunities and risks posed to consumers, businesses and the government by the rising popularity of cryptocurrencies, the committee said in a statement.

A global investment craze over bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in the last year has seen wild gyrations in their valuations, making fortunes for some investors, while others have lost heavily.

Bitcoin, the best known virtual currency, lost over half its value earlier this year after surging more than 1,300 percent.

"People are becoming increasingly aware of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, but they may not be aware that they are currently unregulated in the UK, and that there is no protection for individual investors," Nicky Morgan, chair of the Treasury Committee, said.

The British committee of politicians will take written and verbal evidence from a range of experts on the digital currencies, which will then inform a report it submits to the government containing recommendations on what to do.

The inquiry will consider whether the government is striking the right balance between protecting customers and businesses without stifling innovation.

Governments and regulators worldwide have in recent months shown themselves divided on what to do about cryptocurrencies, which have already spawned investment scams promising returns of over 1,000 percent and hacks on the exchanges that store the virtual funds.

The finance ministers and central bank governors of France and Germany earlier this month called for the policy and monetary implications of cryptocurrencies to be placed on the agenda of the upcoming G20 meeting of the largest advanced and developing economies.

The Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney meanwhile on Monday said that bitcoin has "pretty much failed" as a currency measured by standard benchmarks, and is neither a store of value nor a useful way to buy things.

But the BoE is one of a number of central banks and governments around the world that are looking into the underlying blockchain technology as a potential way of issuing digital-only currency, for making settlement more efficient, or for distributing and tracking money in the public sector.

Saudi Arabia's central bank last week signed a deal with U.S. based digital currency firm Ripple to help banks in the kingdom settle payments using the technology.
CEOs and business leaders have a responsibility to take a stand on social issues, said Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, senior associate dean at Yale School of Management.

"There is a role for the leader to act as more than a convener but to actually take a position of conscience," Sonnenfeld said Wednesday on CNBC's "Power Lunch."

He said "[business leaders] should get involved" to help prevent tragedies such as the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14 that killed 17 people.

Sonnenfeld was responding to a commentary in The New York Times written by CNBC co-anchor and Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin on Monday regarding the role of businesses in curbing gun violence. Sorkin argued that financial companies such as Visa and Mastercard should refuse to do business with gun retailers, such as Walmart. As a result, the stores would stop selling guns because they don't want to be cut off from the credit card system, Sorkin reasoned.

"There's a real opportunity for the business community to fill the void and prove that all that talk about moral responsibility isn't hollow," Sorkin wrote.

Sonnenfeld agreed and pointed out that the U.S. is only 5 percent of the world's population but represents a third of the world's public mass shootings.

"Something is wrong here," Sonnenfeld said. "Is there no limit to the artillery that we let someone have in their backyard?"

But Bill Simon, former U.S. Walmart CEO, said that approach is not realistic. While he called Sorkin's piece "thoughtful," he said it was wiser  while firearms remain legal in the U.S.  to have reputable stores that can keep records of gun sales and assist law enforcement.

"You want responsible retailers selling [guns] so they can be documented and videotaped and tracked," Simon told CNBC on "Power Lunch" on Tuesday.

The responsibility, instead, lies with state and federal legislators to improve the current gun laws, Simon said.

But Sonnenfeld called Simon's rationale the "when-in-Rome argument."

"You can set a higher standard as a business leader," he said. "We're not going to stop all murders. We're not going to stop all thefts. People will still run out of a restaurant without paying. Does it mean you don't try to enforce it? You try to enforce it to the best of your ability, starting somewhere."

Sonnenfeld said companies such as Apple and Starbucks have adopted firm positions on social issues without asking for a majority vote by shareholders, as have individual leaders, such as Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier after the white nationalists' rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, last summer.

"And they've survived just fine," Sonnenfeld said.

If it's a privately owned company, he pointed out, taking a side is easier. But for public companies, the situation gets tricky.

Businesses risk alienating customers if they take a side, said Steve Odland, CEO of the nonprofit Committee for Economic Development.

"Customers, employees, owners, communities are all split on these issues," Odland said on CNBC's "Closing Bell" on Tuesday.

Some companies do experience boycotts, Sonnenfeld said. "And they weather them fine." He pointed out that customers can choose to boycott a business for not taking a stand. He said taking a stance on an issue can help reinforce the company's corporate brand.

A representative for Visa said the company acts as a payment processor and does not have a direct relationship with its merchants.

In a statement, Mastercard said, "Our payments network is governed by standards that have been established over time. Chief among these is that we do not and will not permit merchants to engage in unlawful activity on our network. When we're made aware of any illegal activity or violations of our rules, we work with law enforcement and merchants' banks to shut down those efforts."

Walmart did not respond to a request for comment.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is this week visiting India, but the young politician  known for rock-star treatment on the international stage  is not getting much of a reception in the South Asian giant.

Media in the country has had its attention occupied by the scandal over the Punjab National Bank fraud case, and top officials have an ax to grind with the Canadian, experts said.

"Mr. Trudeau, I must, say is barely even in the news here," Vivek Dehejia, a resident senior fellow at the IDFC Institute, an India-based think tank.

International and Canadian outlets, however, have been making news out of a potential "snub."

National Post tweet: The Post's #frontpage for Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018.

According to many commentators in the media, the Indian government is wary of Trudeau for his alleged ties to advocates for a separate Sikh homeland, called Khalistan, in the Punjab region.

In fact, Canada's National Post notes that Trudeau's cabinet has had four Sikhs in it, including one who an Indian official labeled a sympathizer to the separatists. The Canadian leader, the National Post says, once even bragged that his cabinet had more Sikhs in it than Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's.

"[The trip] is best described as a slow-moving train wreck ... Very little substance has come out of it and very little actually will emerge from this visit apart from some nice photo ops," Dehejia told CNBC on Wednesday.

Dehejia said he believes Trudeau's visit was orchestrated to appease the significant Sikh population in Canada, making the international trip essentially about domestic politics. Trudeau's schedule for his visit to India has been scrutinized for including only half-a-day of official state engagements in New Delhi.
The U.S. Treasury's top diplomat ramped up his criticisms of China's economic policies on Wednesday, accusing Beijing of "patently non-market behavior" and saying that the United States needed stronger responses to counter it.

David Malpass, Treasury's undersecretary for international affairs, said at a forum in Washington that China should no longer be "congratulated" by the world for its progress and policies.

"They went to Davos a year ago and said 'We're into trade,' when in reality what they're doing is perpetuating a system that worked for their benefit but ended up costing jobs in most of the rest of the world," Malpass said, at the event hosted by the Jack Kemp Foundation.

He said market-oriented, democratic governments were awakening to the challenges posed by China's economic system, including from its state-owned banks and export credit agencies.

He reiterated his view that China had stopped liberalizing its economy and was actually reversing these trends.

"One of the challenges for the world is that as China has grown and not moved toward market orientation, that means that the misallocation of capital actually increases," Malpass said.

"They're choosing investments in non-market ways. That is suppressing world growth," he added.

China said that its state-owned enterprises operate on free-market principles and is battling within the World Trade Organization's dispute settlement system to be recognized as a

"market economy"  a designation that would weaken U.S. and EU trade defenses.

Malpass said the Trump administration was "pushing back" against such policies in international forums such as the G20, and was seeking to join "like-minded" countries to press for changes.

But he did not provide any details on the responses that the Trump administration is considering, which include potential trade sanctions against Beijing under a "Section 301" investigation into China's intellectual property practices and technology transfer requirements for foreign companies.

The administration is also considering steep global tariffs on steel and aluminum, largely aimed at curbing excess production in China, on national security grounds.
Walmart is offering its first glimpse of a redesigned Walmart.com, starting in the home department.

The big-box retailer is preparing to roll out a revamped portion of its website, dedicated to home goods and furnishings. The experience will officially go live within the next few weeks, Walmart said Thursday. The move takes aim at Target, which has been investing heavily in its exclusive home brands; Amazon, which has been doing more of the same; and furniture companies like Wayfair, Stanley Furniture, Ikea and La-Z-Boy.

A new landing page on Walmart.com will feature collections of furniture that are grouped by trends and put together by in-house stylists. Shoppers will be able to choose from nine styles: modern, midcentury, traditional, glam, industrial, bohemian, farmhouse, transitional and Scandinavian. The page will also offer design tips.

"Over the past year, we've nearly doubled our home assortment and introduced a wide variety of furniture and home decor items, like a new Scandinavian line of furniture for kids and refreshed assortment of modern furniture," said Anthony Soohoo, senior vice president of Walmart's e-commerce home division. "Now, it is going to be that much easier for customers to shop these items and more."

Walmart's head of e-commerce, Marc Lore, has said certain categories within retail, including home goods and apparel, merit a more personal shopping experience online. That's why the company is pursuing creating virtual showrooms for its wool rugs, crystal chandeliers and dining room tables, among other items.

Earlier this week, Walmart's fiscal fourth-quarter earnings report revealed e-commerce growth was cooling off and its profit margins were being squeezed, again. Walmart shares tumbled more than 9 percent on the news, as investors feared the company might be losing steam in its ongoing battle with the king of e-commerce: Amazon.

But Walmart has a big year ahead of investments ahead to fuel its e-commerce business, the company said. Walmart is targeting online sales growth of 40 percent in fiscal 2019. An overhauled home shopping experience is just the start of these plans.

"We expect the Walmart.com site redesign to be more attractive, user friendly and include better search ability and functionality," said Susquehanna analyst Bill Dreher. The new website's technology, brought over from Jet.com, "is expected to change the economics of e-commerce to focus on a bigger basket (for example, be profitable with seven units per order rather than less or unprofitable at two units per order) and a basket of blended-margin merchandise to drive basket economics."

Later this year, Walmart will unveil its entirely redesigned website, which will also include merchandise from new brand partners such as Hudson's Bay-owned Lord & Taylor.
The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority opened an investigation in 2017 looking at Staley's alleged attempt to find out the name of the employee that wrote a letter raising concerns about the recruitment of a senior official by the bank. The FCA was due to publish the results of its investigation last October but is yet to do so.

Barclays CEO Jes Staley has no plans to leave the British bank despite an ongoing investigation by regulators on his treatment of internal whistleblowers.

"The investigation has been going on for a year and during that course of time I have been focused on running Barclays, I think we've made great progress and I look forward to running Barclays for a number of years to come," Staley told CNBC Thursday morning.

When asked if the investigation has distracted them, Staley said: "No I'm very focused on the business. We've got great colleagues here, the bank has got great momentum, I have a lot of respect for the regulators and I will let them do their job."

The British bank reported Thursday a loss on its full-year 2017 profits, due in part to the tax overhaul in the U.S. and a weaker dollar. However, the bank said it cannot yet estimate the impact of the FCA investigation into it financial results.

In 2017, Staley apologized to the Barclays board, and accepted its conclusion that his personal actions in the matter were errors on his part.
Shortly after Microsoft went public in 1986, Bill Gates became the youngest billionaire in the world at age 31. Since the tech legend doesn't have too many "extravagant tastes," he told Ellen DeGeneres on The Ellen Show, his spending habits didn't change much when he started making big money.

He did, however, splurge on a luxury car: a used Porsche 911 supercar. "That was an indulgence," Gates told DeGeneres.

The car, which he bought when Microsoft was based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, wasn't just for show: Gates loved to put its speed to the test and race it in the desert. His partner Paul Allen once had to bail him out of jail after one particularly reckless ride, according to a Time profile from 1997.
The world's largest asset manager says it plans to speak with gun makers after a wave of public outcry sparked by the Florida school shooting last week.

BlackRock officials said they want to reach out to the companies "to understand their response" to the shootings.

The firm indirectly owns shares in the companies through the many exchange-traded funds under BlackRock's iShares umbrella. The funds track indexes such as the S&P 500 and various sector indexes as well.

With BlackRock being by far the leader in the $3.4 trillion ETF space, with nearly $1.4 trillion under management, the firm theoretically could exert some pressure on the index providers to remove the gun makers from their listings. In total, the firm manages $6.28 trillion.

Company spokesman Ed Sweeney said via e-mail that it cannot sell shares of a company in an index and instead "we focus on engaging with the company and understanding

how they are responding to society's expectations of them."

Sweeney said BlackRock has heard from investors who don't want their money tied into weapons manufacturers.

"We are working with clients who want to exclude from their portfolios weapons manufacturers or other companies that don't align with their values," he said.

Shares of companies such as American Outdoor Brands and Sturm Ruger rose Thursday after the White House said President Donald Trump was open to multiple gun control measures but does not want to "ban an entire class of firearms."
Some have suggested that California businesses are being unfairly targeted in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts due to the state's controversial "sanctuary law," which bars local authorities from asking about the immigration status of people during routine interactions.

Up to 10 agribusiness employers in the state's San Joaquin Valley were recently contacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement about notices of inspection, said Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League, a Fresno-based agriculture advocacy group.

California's agriculture industry already faces a farm labor shortage, but now it's facing added pressure due to a wave of employee audits ordered for large farms throughout the state's Central Valley.

"We're getting no help from the state of California," Trump said. "Frankly, if I wanted to pull our people from California, you would have a crime mess like you've never seen. All I'd have to do is say, 'ICE and Border Patrol, let California alone.' You'd be inundated, you would see crime like nobody's ever seen crime in this country."

The latest ICE audits on agribusinesses involved packing and processing houses as well as some farms being asked to show their hiring records.

"There were a couple of agricultural facilities that did have the audits that were taking place in the last couple of weeks," said Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. "It's been a couple of years since we saw it to the extent that we did."

Jacobsen said last year was "an extraordinarily tight year" in terms of farm labor supply in the Central Valley and arguably the tightest the region has seen in a decade. "The assumption is that this will continue into this year, but we're on the early cusp on when a lot of the [agricultural] activity really gets going in the valley."

The federal immigration audits in the state's top agricultural region follow last week's announcement that ICE agents conducted a week-long crackdown in Southern California, arresting 212 undocumented immigrants and serving notices of inspection to 122 businesses. Also, in January dozens of other businesses in Northern California were audited.

ICE declined to comment for this story.

Federal officials have previously said the focus of the employee audits nationwide is on a wide variety of industries, because "all businesses regardless of industry or size, are expected to comply with the law."

Meantime, the state also passed an Immigrant Worker Protection Act that went into effect in January that bars employers from voluntarily giving employee information to federal authorities. It also requires employers to notify all employees of inspections of their employment records by U.S. immigration agencies within 72 hours of receiving notice of the federal audit.

California's attorney general, Xavier Becerra, warned in January that businesses could face a fine of $10,000 if they violated the new law. According to Cunha, the state attorney general's threat to go after companies has made the situation tougher for employers and the requirement of posting the letter of a pending audit has scared farm workers.
Six weeks after Deborah Zwaschka-Blansfield had the lower half of her left leg amputated, she received some news from the nursing home where she was recovering: Her insurance would no longer pay, and it was time to move on.

The home wanted to release her to a homeless shelter or pay for a week in a motel.

"That is not safe for me," said Ms. Zwaschka-Blansfield, 59, who cannot walk and had hoped to stay in the home, north of Sacramento, until she could do more things for herself  like getting up if she fell.

Her experience is becoming increasingly common among the 1.4 million nursing home residents across the country. Discharges and evictions have been the top-ranking category of grievances brought to state long-term care ombudsman programs, the ombudsman agencies say.

Read more from the New York Times:

How to challenge a nursing home eviction notice, and other tips

As China puts pressure on Taiwan, signs of a US pushback

Greece approves bribery investigation involving political elite



While nursing homes can discharge residents for a limited set of reasons, legal advocates say that home operators sometimes interpret those reasons in unjustified ways. Often, it's because the residents' more lucrative Medicare coverage is ending, which is what Ms. Zwaschka-Blansfield said happened in her case.

Many of the residents, unaware of their rights, leave without a challenge.

"The nursing homes, they know the system and they really game it to where they maximize their advantage," said Tony Chicotel, a lawyer at California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, a nonprofit group.

Complaints about evictions have caught the attention of federal regulators, who are now seeking ways to step up enforcement of the federal laws that protect residents of the nation's 15,000 nursing homes.

In December, federal regulators sent a memo to state officials across the country who inspect nursing homes for compliance with federal standards, saying they would begin examining discharges that appeared to violate the rules.

David R. Wright of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said in the memo that wrongful evictions were "of great concern" because they could be unsafe or traumatic for patients, uprooting them "from familiar settings" and moving them far from family and friends.

The number of complaints about the discharge and evictions of residents was rising through 2015, the most recent year for which data is available. That year, there were 9,192 complaints about the discharge and eviction of nursing home residents, out of a total of 140,145 complaints, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. But some legal advocates said they believed these figures understated the problem, since many residents do not contest their discharge.

Even as the Trump administration has said it is looking for ways to address improper evictions, it has scaled back the use of fines against nursing homes that harm individuals, in keeping with the administration's broader deregulation push.

Mr. Chicotel, the advocacy group lawyer, said that the federal regulations governing nursing homes were already strong but that enforcement was weak. Even when nursing homes are cited for violations, he said, they frequently "get a modest fine, and it's often a cost of doing business."

Dr. David R. Gifford, a senior vice president of the American Health Care Association, a trade group for nursing homes, said the perception that residents were being moved against their will for financial reasons was wrong.

"There's a tension in the regulations," Dr. Gifford said. "They clearly state that if someone can harm themselves or others, either through infections or their behavior or whatever, the individual can be discharged. But the regulations also clearly say that the goal is to not discharge people, and they have a right to stay there and receive care."

Bill Wilson, a lawyer representing the nursing home where Ms. Zwaschka-Blansfield was a resident, said he could not comment on the specifics of her discharge because of privacy laws. But he said that patients cannot be discharged without a physician's order and that the facility complied with all regulations. He also said the home "unequivocally" denies that it wrongfully discharged the patient.

Federal law stipulates that a nursing home must follow the same policies and practices for the discharge and transfer of residents, "regardless of source of payment." But, legal advocates say, nursing homes often begin to pressure residents to leave when their Medicare coverage  which pays nursing homes at a higher rate but for a limited period  is close to ending. This happens to patients who have been sent to homes for rehabilitation or therapy, which is often covered by Medicare. Elderly residents who are deemed difficult or require extra assistance  and who may cost more over all  are more frequently discharged as well, advocates said.

Reimbursement rates for Medicare and Medicaid differ substantially, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care, a nonprofit group that collects data on the industry. Nursing homes receive about $200 a day for a Medicaid patient on average, compared with about $500 for a patient in the traditional Medicare program and $430 for a Medicare patient in a managed care plan.

Alan Schoen, a 58-year-old resident with multiple sclerosis at a nursing home in Stockton, Calif., said he believed the facility was trying to discharge him because his Medicare coverage was ending.

While his wife was at work in late December, Mr. Schoen fell out of his bed. An ambulance took him to a hospital, which released him to the nursing home for physical therapy.

But then in early January, the nurses could not wake him. They sent him back to the hospital, which found that he had a bladder infection and pancreatitis, and he had to start using a catheter.

After he returned to the nursing home, it told him that his insurance would soon stop paying  and that he should move to an assisted living facility, where, he said, he would receive a lower level of care. But Mr. Schoen, who can no longer stand or walk, said he needs the kind of help he is receiving now.

"They are running a business," Mr. Schoen said. "I get that, but it seems they forget the patient element in all of this."

Mr. Schoen is appealing his discharge. A spokeswoman for his nursing home, citing privacy laws, said she could not comment on specific patients. But she also said the decision to involuntarily discharge any resident "would only be done in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations."

Patty Ducayet, the long-term care ombudsman in Texas, said that disputes over whether a particular nursing home can meet a patient's needs are common. That, she said, is often "a gray area."

A nursing home may be justified in saying it cannot care for patients who cannot breathe on their own. But, Ms. Ducayet said, it would not be justified in discharging patients because they refused to take medications or because they filed complaints with state officials.

Even when residents win an appeal of an eviction, they have no guarantee they will be welcomed back. That was the case with Gloria Single, an 82-year-old with Alzheimer's who often became agitated, according to her legal complaint.

After being discharged from the California nursing home where she lived with her husband, Ms. Single won an appeal. But the nursing home would not accept her. "They don't take you back and there are no consequences," said Kelly Bagby, a lawyer at the AARP Foundation who is representing Ms. Single.

Susan Rogers, the ombudsman who assisted Ms. Zwaschka-Blansfield, said she was incredulous when she learned Ms. Zwaschka-Blansfield's nursing home suggested discharging her to a homeless shelter, which she said was not open during the day.

"Where is she going to get home health" services? Ms. Rogers asked. "In a park?"

That crisis has been averted. After Ms. Rogers petitioned on Ms. Zwaschka-Blansfield's behalf, she said the nursing home found her an independent living arrangement nearby.

If she had not intervened, Ms. Rogers said, Ms. Zwaschka-Blansfield, who lives on roughly $800 a month, might have been homeless.
These actions prevent Americans from obtaining records of EPA processes and decision-making through the Freedom of Information Act, according to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

Administrator Scott Pruitt and senior officials at the EPA have sought to prevent internal conversations from being documented as required by law, the groups claim in a complaint filed on Thursday with the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. They say the EPA has systematically refused to document "essential activities" under Pruitt, and higher-ups are creating a culture in which career employees are discouraged from creating written records.

A watchdog group and a nonprofit that represents public sector employees are suing the Environmental Protection Agency and its polarizing administrator for allegedly violating federal records laws.

The EPA's failure to document has masked its process for overhauling major regulations like the Waters of the United States rule, the groups say.

"Under Scott Pruitt, the EPA has assumed a bunker mentality where paper trails are religiously avoided unless penned in invisible ink," Adam Carlesco, staff counsel for PEER, said in a statement. "By law, the American public has a right to know the basis for public health and anti-pollution decision-making that affects their lives."

The law in question is the Federal Records Act, which provides guidelines to government agencies on how they should create and maintain records of their activities.

A spokesperson for the EPA said the agency does not comment on ongoing litigation.

In their complaint, the groups cite news reports that Pruitt prefers to hold face-to-face meetings and avoids email to prevent his comments from being documented. They note that employees told The New York Times that Pruitt prohibits staff from bringing cellphones to meetings and discourages them from taking notes.

Pruitt said during a Senate oversight hearing last month that reports about the ban on note-taking at the EPA are inaccurate.

"I am very encouraging of the folks taking notes during meetings. Because I forget things often and we want to make sure we are keeping track of where we are heading on issues," he told the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

The groups also point to the installation of a soundproof communications booth in Pruitt's office, which reportedly cost more than $25,000 and is the subject of an investigation by the EPA's inspector general.

Also named as defendants in the complaint are the National Archives and Records Administration and David Ferriero, the archivist of the United States. The groups claim the administration has failed to enforce the Federal Records Act by not taking action to investigate the EPA. Pruitt has defended the booth.

In an emailed statement to CNBC, a National Archives spokesperson said the Office of the Chief Records Officer of the United States has issued a formal inquiry and requested a response from EPA leaders to address the concerns raised by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

"This matter is active and ongoing, and as is the case with all such allegations of improper recordkeeping, we consider each case seriously and expect that the agency complies with existing records management laws and regulations," said James Pritchett, the administration's director of public and media communications.

The latest lawsuit against Pruitt and the EPA comes as the administrator's travel habits are under increasing scrutiny. On Wednesday, South Carolina Republican Trey Gowdy, who chairs the House Oversight Committee, requested information about Pruitt's frequent first-class flights detailed in a series of recent news reports.
Facebook and Google could soon have much higher taxes in the U.K., according to a BBC report.

Regulators are eyeing a proposal that would tax the internet giants on total revenue, instead of profit, the British government's economic policy agency told the news outlet. That would tax the companies more proportionally based on the amount of business they do in the U.K.

European authorities have been considering the idea of higher taxes for digital giants for months.

"At the moment [they] are generating very significant value in the U.K., typically through having a digital platform with lots of users interacting with that platform," Financial Secretary to the Treasury Mel Stride told the BBC.

"That is driving a lot of value, so you're looking at social media platforms, online marketplaces, internet search engines  where at the moment the tax regime is not taxing those activities fairly," Stride said.

A change could be announced as early as mid-March, the BBC reports.

Read the full BBC report here.
Car rental company Enterprise and First National Bank of Omaha have severed their relationship with the National Rifle Association.

First National Bank of Omaha said Thursdsay it will not renew a contract to issue its NRA-branded Visa credit card.

"Customer feedback has caused us to review our relationship with the NRA," a bank spokesperson told CNBC. "As a result, First National Bank of Omaha will not renew its contract with the National Rifle Association to issue the NRA Visa Card."

The website advertising the card disappeared on Wednesday, less than one day after advocacy group ThinkProgress reported the bank's support of the pro-gun lobby. The bank and car rental company were used by the NRA to promote its membership through discounts and bonus deals.

"Many will applaud the move, but NRA members are famously loyal and the organization has shown itself as being very good at mobilizing its members," said Matt Schulz, a senior industry analyst at CreditCards.com. "However, banks are in the business of managing risks of all kinds, and First National clearly sees this as one they're willing to take."

Separately, Enterprise said it is ending a discount program for NRA members.

The company tweeted late Thursday: "All three of our brands have ended the discount for NRA members. This change will be effective March 26."

Enterprise tweet

Enterprise Holdings also operates the Alamo and National brands.

Twitter accounts for the three brands tweeted the statement in response to inquiries from users, some of whom identified themselves as customers, demanding it sever ties with the NRA.

The decision follows the backlash over last week's mass shooting that left 17 people dead at a high school in Parkland, Florida. Scores of teenage survivors have mobilized to demand greater gun-control measures at the state and national levels .

CEO of the National Rifle Association Wayne LaPierre, however, pushed back on criticism Thursday, saying "The NRA does care."

"Our American freedoms could be lost, and our country will be changed forever," he said at the gathering at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. "And the first to go will be the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Job seekers wait in line to speak with recruiters at the Career Choice Inland Empire Career Fair in Ontario, Calif. Patrick T. Fallon | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The nation's unemployment insurance program has run into a big problem, labor experts and advocates say. It is no longer able to provide protections to an expanding share of today's workers. Unemployment insurance, established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the Social Security Act, sends weekly checks to workers who have lost their job "through no fault of their own" while they look for another job. Taxes are paid into the system by employers to cover an employee who loses a job. The basic program is run by the states, but the federal Department of Labor is the overseer. The average unemployment check is around $300 a week. To qualify, however, you typically have to emerge from a traditional, W-2 employee arrangement. That means "alternative workers"  such as independent contractors and freelancers  generally do not qualify.



If you look at where our economy is heading, the unemployment insurance program is going to be less relevant to a large segment of our workforce. Alastair Fitzpayne executive director of the Future of Work Initiative

That's a problem, experts say, because the ranks of these workers have swelled by 66 percent from 2005 to 2015, and they now make up around 16 percent of the U.S. workforce. And, according to the Government Accountability Office, they are twice as likely as traditional employees to report having been laid off the previous year. As technology and automation continue to recalibrate the way we work, this trend away from traditional employment is likely to accelerate, said Alastair Fitzpayne, executive director of the Future of Work Initiative and the co-author of the recent report "Modernizing Unemployment Insurance for the Changing Nature of Work." "If you look at where our economy is heading, the unemployment insurance program is going to be less relevant to a large segment of our workforce," Fitzpayne said. Lawmakers and labor experts have proposed these initiatives to bring unemployment protections to the growing gig economy.

Updating unemployment

Unemployed man stands against a vacant store on "Skid Row," Howard Street, San Francisco, February 1937, in this photograph by Dorothea Lange. Dorothea Lange | Fotosearch | Getty Images

Many of the proposals try to make the current system applicable to more workers, rather than reinvent the wheel. For example, legislators in Washington state recently introduced a bill that would allow independent contractors who work on online platforms such as Uber to contribute to a benefits program through that platform. The funds would be managed by a nonprofit. Although the legislation focuses on workers' compensation, Fitzpayne said it creates a "first of its kind" mechanism to provide a whole host of protections to alternative workers. "Traditional and nontraditional workers are on a level playing field when it comes to benefits," he said. Some states, such as Virginia, allow self-employed individuals to opt in to the unemployment insurance program if they incorporate, hire themselves as a W-2 worker and pay unemployment insurance on their wages. If your work dries up, you can file for and then collect the weekly payments as an employee. But most states still require individuals to be searching for full-time traditional employment to qualify. This might not work for a formerly self-employed individual who wishes to remain his or her own boss. It also limits former employees from seeking opportunities outside of traditional employment. However, nine states  Delaware, Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island  offer Self-Employment Assistance Programs. That's unemployment insurance for individuals working full time to launch a business. The Center for American Progress, the National Employment Law Project and the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality have proposed requiring states to offer this program or else lose a tax benefit.

Individual savings accounts

Indivar Dutta-Gupta, co-executive director of the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality, pointed to another system that could protect alternative workers from unemployment, in which workers fund a savings account that could be used in case of income or job loss. One proposal, by MIT economist Jonathan Gruber, calls for Individual Security Accounts, in which the federal government would make contributions to a publicly managed individual account for every dollar a worker earned  regardless of their status as employee or independent contractor. Workers could withdraw this money if their earnings declined or disappeared. "If workers are forced to contribute, and it replaces unemployment insurance, then it would save the government money," Gruber said. "If the government helps subsidize worker contributions, it could cost the government money." One clear upside to this proposal, said Dutta-Gupta, is that you don't need to worry about eligibility to save  or collect your own money. "It's usually more liberal how you can access the money," Dutta-Gupta said. "Think about your own retirement savings  you can withdraw at any point, you just pay penalties."

Job-seekers allowance
The airline, Australia's largest, currently holds an 8 percent capacity in the European market, down from 30 percent 10 years ago, and in Asia it has gone from 30 percent to over 50 percent, Joyce said.

Speaking on CNBC's "Squawk Box," he said: "We have been re-balancing, for a few years, our capacity away from the European market into the Asian markets  which we are seeing phenomenal growth. We think that will continue."

Qantas' continued shift away from Europe and into the Asia market  and other changes in its global business, are expected to boost its international earnings as a result, its CEO Alan Joyce told CNBC on Thursday.

By the end of March, Qantas will relocate its A380s back to Singapore, which will result in an 84 percent growth in capacity there, he added.

The airline is also adding new routes to expand its existing network.

"We are adding Melbourne to San Francisco, later on in the year we are starting Brisbane to LA and New York. And we are looking at new routes out of Brisbane to places like Chicago, Seattle and Dallas, so there are significant changes to the network," Joyce said.

Qantas' partnership with Emirates has also undergone an interim renewal for another five years, which is set to boost cooperation on flight routes and ticket prices.

""We have huge changes coming in international next year ... The combination of all that should give us a significant uplift in earnings for financial year (2019) on Qantas' international business," he concluded.

The CEO also advocated for a "competitive tax system" in Australia, pointing out that it is "important for investment into the economy, growth in the economy, growth in jobs, and growth in wages."

"And if that doesn't happen because we are not competitive from a tax position, that's not good for our economy and that's not good for Qantas. We think it's a real future risk to the economy if this is not corrected," he said.
Iran is considering the development of its own cryptocurrency, following in the footsteps of Venezuela. Both countries are the focus of U.S. sanctions.

Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi, minister of Iran's Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, tweeted early Wednesday New York time that state-run Post Bank is working on developing a cryptocurrency.

Tweet

"In a meeting with the board of directors of Post Bank on digital currencies based on the blockchain, I ... prescribed ... measures to implement the country's first cloud-based digital currency," Jahromi said, according to a rough Bing translation.

The Iran Front Page news site also reported the statement Wednesday and added that the Central Bank of Iran is cooperating with other institutions to control digital currencies in Iran.

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro said late Tuesday that the country's oil-backed "petro" cryptocurrency has raised the equivalent of more than $735 million. The nation's official currency has lost much of its value amid recent political turmoil, prompting many locals to turn to digital currency bitcoin as a more stable store of value. But the government has arrested many who try to create their own holdings of bitcoin through the "mining" process.

In the last few months, reports have also linked North Korea to cryptocurrency mining efforts and other attempts to use the digital currencies as a way to evade sanctions.

The idea of a federal institution such as a central bank creating its own cryptocurrency has been discussed in different parts of the world for the last few years. While regulators have widely viewed bitcoin with a critical eye, China, Russia, Singapore and some other countries have been experimenting with developing their own digital currencies.

Cryptocurrencies' underlying blockchain technology eliminates the need for a third party and allows for instant, irrevocable and secure transactions.

The Bank for International Settlements, a global financial watchdog for central banks, said in a September report that the institutions may one day need to issue their own cryptocurrencies since the technology addresses needs of consumer anonymity and transaction efficiency. A representative was unable to comment for this article.

However, in the U.S., new Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has said that he is "very cautious of the idea of a Fed digital currency."
Losses stemming from these plots are estimated at more than $500 million.

Criminal charges are filed against more than 250 alleged perpetrators in mailing, telemarketing schemes.

The Justice Department announced a broad enforcement sweep targeting financial fraud against the elderly, resulting in charges filed against more than 250 defendants. "Today's actions send a clear message: We will hold perpetrators of elder fraud schemes accountable wherever they are," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in announcing the charges Thursday. The DOJ coordinated with other law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, in building the cases. The perpetrators allegedly used mass mailing and telemarketing to rip off seniors, as well as identity theft and financial abuse by guardians.

In 2015, individuals made 1,108 calls to the Senate Aging Committee's toll-free fraud hotline. That number more than doubled to 2,282 in 2016. "By bringing cases against these scammers, we send a strong message to other con artists that we will not stand by and allow older Americans to be victimized," said Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., a ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee.

Phony winners

More than a million people, most of whom were elderly, were victimized, according to the Justice Department. In one case, the FTC and the state of Missouri filed charges against two men and their sweepstakes organization. The FTC alleged that seniors would receive mailers claiming that they had just won more than $1 million or that they could win a large cash prize if they answered a question and submited a registration fee. Since 2013, victims lost more than $110 million to this scheme, the FTC said. In another case, the FTC and the state of Missouri pursued defendants who allegedly coordinated with telemarketers to hoodwink the elderly into buying phony tech support services. Some victims of this scheme lost more than $50,000 paying for fake security software. One person paid nearly $400,000 over several years, according to the FTC.

Spotting a ripoff

People who are targets of a sweepstakes scheme get a call, card or an email telling them that they've won a prize, but they'll need to pay a fee or "taxes" in order to pick up their winnings. A legitimate sweepstakes would never ask you to wire money or force you to pay a fee in order to claim your prize. Real offers will also tell you the terms and conditions, including the rules of the contest, according to the FTC. See below for details from the FTC on how to spot and avoid a tech support scam.

Targeting retirees

Older Americans are losing about $36.5 billion each year to elder financial abuse, according to 2015 data from True Link Financial. Meanwhile, 3 in 10 state securities regulators report seeing an increase in senior financial fraud, according to data from the North American Securities Administrators Association. See below for examples of fraud schemes targeting the elderly.
The banking crisis rocking a small Baltic nation in Europe has turned into a potential diplomatic incident, as Latvia has signaled Russia might be trying to damage the country's reputation ahead of a general election.

Earlier this week, Latvia's defense ministry said the corruption allegations that led to the detention of the country's central bank governor could be part of a "massive information operation" from an outside source.

The ministry claimed similar incidents, aimed at influencing presidential votes, had been seen in France, Germany and the U.S.

While Latvia does not name Russia as a perpetrator specifically, the ministry cited recent events as evidence of an attempt to taint Riga's image and erode public trust in the state ahead of its vote for a new premier in October.

The evidence for allegations made by Latvia's defense ministry was unclear.
Emily Jerry was two years old when she lost her life after a pharmacy technician filled her intravenous bag with more than 20 times the recommended dose of sodium chloride. Courtesy of Chris Jerry

"My little angel" is how Christopher Jerry describes his daughter Emily. At just a year and a half, Emily was diagnosed with a massive abdominal tumor and endured numerous surgeries and rigorous chemotherapy before finally being declared cancer-free. But just to be sure, doctors encouraged Chris and his wife to continue with Emily's last scheduled chemotherapy session, a three-day treatment that would begin on her second birthday. On the morning of her final day of treatment, a pharmacy technician prepared the intravenous bag, filling it with more than 20 times the recommended dose of sodium chloride. Within hours Emily was on life support and declared brain dead. Three days later she was gone. Sadly, Emily's case is not unique. According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins, more than 250,000 people in the United States die every year because of medical mistakes, making it the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. Other studies report much higher figures, claiming the number of deaths from medical error to be as high as 440,000. The reason for the discrepancy is that physicians, funeral directors, coroners and medical examiners rarely note on death certificates the human errors and system failures involved. Yet death certificates are what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rely on to post statistics for deaths nationwide. The authors of the Johns Hopkins study, led by Dr. Martin Makary of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, have appealed to the CDC to change the way in which it collects data from death certificates. To date, no changes have been made, Makary said.

'The system is to blame'

Makary defines a death due to medical error as one that is caused by inadequately skilled staff, error in judgment or care, a system defect or a preventable adverse effect. This includes computer breakdowns, mix-ups with the doses or types of medications administered to patients and surgical complications that go undiagnosed. "Currently the CDC uses a deaths collection system that only tallies causes of death occurring from diseases, morbid conditions, and injuries," Makary stated in a letter urging the CDC to change the way it collects the nation's vital health statistics. "It's the system more than the individuals that is to blame," Makary said. The U.S. patient-care study, which was released in 2016, explored death-rate data for eight consecutive years. The researchers discovered that based on a total of 35,416,020 hospitalizations, there was a pooled incidence rate of 251,454 deaths per year  or about 9.5 percent of all deaths  that stemmed from medical error. Now, two years later, Makary said he hasn't seen the needle move much. "Medical-care workers are dedicated, caring people," said Chris Jerry, "but they're human. And human beings make mistakes." According to him, the day Emily was given her fatal dose, the hospital pharmacy was short-staffed, the pharmacy computer was not properly working, and there was a backlog of physician orders. Afterward Chris said he discovered that pharmacy technicians, rather than well-trained and educated pharmacists, are compounding nearly all of the IV medications for patients. And many states have no requirements, or proof of competency, for these pharmacy technicians.

To seek greater safeguards for patients, Chris founded the Emily Jerry Foundation in 2008. EJF focuses primarily on medication safety and better training for pharmacy technicians, as well as backup procedures that will improve the health-care system. Last year he unveiled the Emily Jerry Foundation's National Pharmacy Technician Initiative, an interactive scorecard to make the public aware of unsafe pharmacy practices in the United States. He also travels throughout the country, speaking out about key patient safety-related issues and best practices proven to minimize the "human error" component of medicine.

Any new tools 'will be a game changer'

Pascal Metrics, based in Washington, D.C., designs ways to increase patient safety and improve clinical reliability at health organizations. Pascal's chief medical information officer, Dr. David Classen, is also associate professor of medicine at the University of Utah and an active consultant in infectious diseases at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City. He admits there are problems: "The system of care is fragmented," he said. "Any tools that enable patients to manage their health-care needs will be a game changer." To improve the safety of medication use, Classen developed and implemented a computerized physician order-entry program at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. "Harnessing health information technology through the use of electronic health records of hospitalized and ambulatory patients is essential," he said. Many hospitals, for their part, are seeking to keep pace with increasingly available technology to improve patient safety. Kim Lanyon, a senior ICU nurse at Danbury Hospital in Connecticut, said all electronic records there are double-checked, and fail-safe devices are in place." At Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, Dr. Vicki LoPatchin oversees a Good Catch Award, given to medical personnel who identify potential or existing errors related to their patients' care. Similarly, most physicians' offices now keep records electronically, as well as recording conversations among doctors, nurses and their patients in order to make certain there is clarity and that no mistakes result. Even so, Makary said ordinary complications can occur, especially from unneeded medical care. According to him, "Twenty percent of all medical procedures may be unnecessary." He faults also the overprescription of medication following surgery, particularly opioids. Doctors, he said, have been encouraged by drug companies, sometimes through cash payments, to "promote" their products, as revealed by the website Dollars for Docs.

What patients can do to protect themselves

According to Dr. John James, a patient-safety advocate and author of A Sea of Broken Hearts: Patient Rights in a Dangerous, Profit-Driven Health Care System, patients need to take charge. "There needs to be a balance between the provider community and the patients. It is not an even relationship at all." In 2002 James lost his 19-year-old son after he collapsed while running. He had been diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia by a cardiologist a few weeks prior and was released from the hospital with instructions not to drive for 24 hours. "His death certificate said he died of a heart arrhythmia," he said, but my son really died as a result of "uninformed, careless, and unethical care by cardiologists." He explained: "If you have a patient with heart arrhythmias of a certain level and low potassium, you need to replace the potassium, and they did not. And they didn't tell him he shouldn't go back to running." Communication errors, he said, are "unfortunately very common." In 2014 James retired early to devote his life to improving patient safety. His mission: to teach people how to be empowered patients. He has created a patient bill of rights, which he's been pushing to become federal law. Yet so far he said his letters to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have gone unanswered. "Makary has a lot of courage," James said. "A lot of the retired doctors will tell you it's a mess and it's terrible. But for a young physician to come out and say what he did, that's pretty bold. Makary is a brave guy." James' site, Patient Safety America, lists the three levels in which patients can protect themselves. These include being a wise consumer of health care by demanding quality, cost-effective care for yourself and those you love; by participating in patient-safety leadership through boards, panels and commissions that implement policy and laws; and by pushing for laws that favor safer care, transparency and accountability.

Too often, the health-care system silences people around a problem. Dr. Martin Makary surgical oncologist and chief of the Johns Hopkins Islet Transplant Center
Vice President Mike Pence speaks during the 2018 Conservative Political Action Conference at National Harbor in Oxen Hill, Maryland on February 22, 2018.

Vice President Mike Pence warned conservatives Thursday that a "motivated" Democratic Party sees a chance to win congressional majorities in November and reverse President Donald Trump's policies.

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, the Republican vice president promoted what he deemed the White House's accomplishments: the GOP tax law, a coming boost to military funding and increased economic optimism. He slammed frequent a conservative target  House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi  adding to recent GOP criticism of her stance on the tax plan Republicans passed.

"It would be a disaster for our cause if Nancy Pelosi became speaker of the House again. But we're not going to let it happen. This movement should know it's a very real threat. ... They're doing everything they can to try to win back the Congress next November," Pence said.

Democrats aim to leverage Trump's low approval ratings and recent successes in state and national special elections to win majorities in the House or Senate. The party has seen an influx of candidates and small-dollar donor enthusiasm ahead of November's elections.

Democrats have led in nearly all recent polls asking voters if they would prefer a generic Republican or Democratic candidate. Republicans gained some traction as public opinion of the tax plan improved. Democrats currently have an estimated 9 percentage-point edge on the generic ballot, according to a FiveThirtyEight reading of recent polls.

Pence warned conservatives of a "mobilized" Democratic Party set on winning seats in Congress. He said Republicans "threw out the playbook" to win the presidential election in 2016, and will do so again to hold on to control of Congress this year.

Promoting the tax law is a major part of the Republican midterm strategy. The GOP permanently slashed tax rates for corporations and temporarily lowered rates for individuals. Democrats have argued the law favors corporations over individuals, and will lead to more stock buybacks than raises for workers.

Since the bill passed in December, Republicans repeatedly touted businesses announcing one-time bonuses, pay raises or investments as a result of tax cuts. Some of those companies have quietly closed stores or cut jobs at the same time.

Pence, like other Republicans, targeted Pelosi for calling $1,000 bonuses given to employees after the bill's passage "crumbs."

"Any leader that says $1,000 in the pockets of working families is crumbs is out of touch with the American people," the vice president said.

Pence contended Democrats "nearly ran America into the ground" the last time they controlled Congress. Republicans have held majorities in both chambers since 2015.
A federal judge has scheduled a hearing for Friday on a request by lawyers for Rick Gates to withdraw from representing the top Trump campaign official in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.

The sealed hearing schedule was disclosed Thursday, a day after reports emerged that Gates and former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort were hit with additional charges. The new charges, which were sealed, are on top of the ones they were already facing, which include conspiracy to commit money laundering, lying to federal investigators and failure to register as foreign agents.

The grounds for the withdrawal request by Gates' lawyers was sealed when it was filed Feb. 1.

One of the lawyers, Walter Mack, declined to comment to CNBC when asked about a report that Gates had visited Washington federal court Wednesday to drop off a filing in his case.

Gates and two other lawyers representing Gates are scheduled to appear 10 a.m. ET Friday in the courtroom of Judge Amy Jackson, according to a filing posted Thursday morning.

On Sunday, the Los Angeles Times reported that Gates planned to plead guilty and cooperate with Mueller's team in their prosecution of Manafort.

Mueller is investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election, as well as possible links between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign and other issues that have come to light during the probe.

Gates and Manafort are accused of seeking to hide tens of millions of dollars in income from work they did in Ukraine by laundering the money through multiple foreign and U.S. entities from 2006 through at least 2016. They also are accused of not disclosing their work on behalf of Ukrainian political parties, as legally required.

On Tuesday, a former associate at New York law firm Skadden, Arps pleaded guilty to lying to federal authorities about his communications with Gates, among other things.

Alex van der Zwaan, who is also the son-in-law of a Russian oligarch, had worked while at Skadden's London office on a report arranged by Manafort's firm about the incarceration of Ukrainian nationalist politician Yulia Tymoshenko.

Last week, Gates filed a motion on his own, without his lawyers, asking the court not to rule on that request by his attorneys until Wednesday afternoon.

Earlier Wednesday, multiple outlets reported that new criminal charges have been filed under seal against Manafort and Gates. The development follows the special counsel's recent discovery of alleged "additional criminal conduct" mentioned in a court document sent from the prosecutor's office Friday.

Manafort and Gates were accused in that filing of "a series of bank frauds and bank fraud conspiracies." Some of those alleged bank frauds are related to properties that Manafort wants to pledge as collateral in lieu of a $10 million bail bond.

Also Wednesday, NBC News reported that Mueller is investigating whether Manafort promised to get a Chicago banker a job in the White House in exchange for $16 million in loans.

The story said Manafort obtained three separate loans from Federal Savings Bank of Chicago between December 2016 and January 2017 for his homes in New York City and the Hamptons section of Long Island.

The president of Federal Savings Bank, Stephen Calk, in August 2016 was named as a member of then-candidate Donald Trump's council of economic advisors.

Mueller's investigators are probing whether there was an arrangement between Calk and Manafort related to the loans, according to NBC News, which cited two people with direct knowledge of the matter.

According to the filings by Mueller's office last week, Manafort is alleged to have acquired a mortgage for the house in Virginia "from The Federal Savings Bank through a series of false and fraudulent representations to The Federal Savings Bank."

Calk never received a job in the White House.

Mueller's office and lawyers for Manafort did not respond to requests for comment from CNBC.

Calk's bank, in an emailed statement, said, "The Federal Savings Bank is aware of recent press reports attributed to unnamed 'sources' implying that Paul Manafort obtained loans in exchange for a promise of a position in the Trump Administration. Those reports are simply not true."



"The Federal Savings Bank has been fully cooperating with the Special Counsel throughout his investigation and will continue to do so," the bank said.

Correction: An earlier version incorrectly identified Gates' co-defendant in one reference.
Wednesday's White House listening session on guns may actually provide America with some needed clarity, not just on the issue of gun violence but on political leadership.

It was positive, but also risky for President Donald Trump to host some very hurting people so soon after the Florida high school mass shooting. At an event where extreme tact and care was required and no teleprompter was used, this famously unpolished and unrehearsed president did not emerge unscathed.

He showed decency by facing these victims on live TV. But he also took some verbal abuse from people who needed to vent. More criticism came when he suggested that arming certain teachers would make schools safer.

Then, Trump came under attack for an entirely different reason. The Associated Press released a close-up shot of the note card he was holding that included bullet points reminding him to show certain emotions and say, "I hear you."

The response was predictably filled with anger and ridicule. The Washington Post showed the card and ran an accompanying editorial with the headline: "This photo of Trump's notes captures his empathy deficit better than anything." Others followed suit in other newspapers, TV news and social media.

It would be easy to write off this part of the story as simply another example of anti-Trump critics once again seizing on one of the president's real or imagined human failings. Trump supporters have already countered with predictable reminders about President Barack Obama's seemingly heavy reliance on the teleprompter when he was in office.

But the more constructive takeaway from this event and the reaction to it is to note the difference between what American voters and pundits seem to want and what they actually need from our political leaders.

Note that most of the reactions from the event and especially the use of the note card focused on the word "empathy" as opposed to "sympathy."

Let's use conversational examples to define the two:

Empathy = "I understand exactly what you are going through. I lost my own child years ago. It's a pain you cannot even describe to another person."

Sympathy = "I'm really sorry. I feel for you. I can't imagine what you must be going through."

See the difference?

An empathetic person is literally just as wounded as the current victim. Some victims are able to act rationally and effectively, but it's understandable that many cannot.

A sympathetic person still cares about the situation and pain another is going through but is more likely to act with a bigger picture effect in mind.

To put it very plainly, America needs sympathetic presidents and political leaders  not empathetic ones.

One politician who talked an emotionally charged empathetic game, but acted with more sympathetic efficiency was President Bill Clinton. Clinton famously had his "feel your pain" moment in the second 1992 presidential election debate when he excelled at answering a voter's question about how he and the other candidates could solve the recession if they weren't personally suffering from it.

But while projecting that empathetic image, Clinton acted with more sympathetic coolness to help improve the economy as president. Most notably, he made the deals with the Republican Congress to cut capital gains taxes and reform welfare that helped spur major growth and even four years of budget surpluses. Would a truly empathetic person suffering from economic hardship make those same moves that seemingly helped the rich before the poor? It doesn't seem very likely.

On guns and many other issues, Trump seems unable to show much empathy. But his comments and actions of the last few days prove he is a sympathetic president who does seem to want to get things done:

What we're seeing now is a president who wants to do something not out of empathy, but as a leader who sympathizes with the problem. Of course, Trump must follow through with these promises to prove his effectiveness. But it is efficiency we should seek from this president and any president. The role of "Healer-in-Chief" isn't useless at times like this, but it's simply not as important.

We've been accustomed in America to being persuaded by and voting for candidates who seem to respond to issues and situations "just like we would." For a large segment of American voters, President Trump will never achieve that personal connection. He has himself mostly to blame for that.

Using the right words and showing the right emotions are still crucial in American politics. But for the president of the United States, actions speak louder than words.

What America needs now is action.

Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
"Meeting this threat takes a serious investment in technological safeguards as well as a willingness to adapt to an evolving threat."

Beyond the operation's scale, the striking picture that emerges from the indictment is the degree to which Infraud operated very much like a dark-web cousin of major commercial marketplace sites.

The group's leadership imposed a rigid hierarchy to maintain order on the site, delegated authority to system administrators and other associates who held roles of varying responsibility ranging from "Moderators" to "Super Moderators" to "Administrators." It also relied on a system of strictly enforced rules and user-generated feedback to maintain quality control. Longstanding site members were promoted to "VIP Member" status to honor their contributions and solicited advice on the "In Fraud We Trust" discussion forum.

Given Infraud's worldwide membership, U.S. law enforcement needed to partner with others across the world to effectuate the arrest and to send a meaningful warning to wrongdoers in the future: The unsealing of the indictment followed the arrests of 13 individuals in the United States and six other countries (Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Kosovo, and Serbia).

In its public statement, the Justice Department offered thanks to a long list of cooperating law enforcement agencies around the world without whom "[t]he international operation to dismantle the Infraud Organization would have been impossible."

Conspicuously absent from the list is Russia, even as the indictment gives indications that the site itself was being hosted in Russia. Among other things, the indictment alleges that in 2011 the site's founder issued a decree that banned the buying and selling of contraband involving Russian victims, a tactic experts noted is used to discourage Russian law enforcement from taking down a Russian-hosted server.

While these types of multi-jurisdiction arrest sweeps are intended to send a message to cyber-criminals, the most important message in the near term is for the public: In today's environment, companies are not just up against solo hackers, but highly skilled enterprises that rely on an international collection of criminal and cyber expertise.

A new report from the White House Council of Economic Advisers estimated that malicious cyber activity cost the U.S. economy as much as $109 billion in 2016 and emphasized that even though "government can help address some elements of cyber protection issues, the most direct actions in cybersecurity are in the hands of the private sector."

Meeting this threat takes a serious investment in technological safeguards as well as a willingness to adapt to an evolving threat. Companies and individuals should invest now in protections against these kinds of threats and begin planning for scenarios in which their systems are breached and their information finds its way to these kinds of dark corners of the internet.

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 President Barack Obama, 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.
South Africa's new President Cyril Ramaphosa has begun his tenure on the right foot with the mining sector, a chief executive has told CNBC.

"The new leadership under Mr. Ramaphosa has started very well," Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani said Thursday. "They've reached out their hands to the mining industry and said they want to see the industry grow."

Resurrecting South Africa's mining industry is one of the long list of challenges that Ramaphosa must deal with. The country, though rich in coal, diamonds and gold  as well as being the world's leading platinum producer  has seen its mining industry founder in recent years due to high costs, low commodity prices and regulatory uncertainty, among other factors.

In 1980, it contributed 21 percent to gross domestic product  by 2016, this had shrunk to 8 percent, according to Statistics South Africa.

Ramaphosa himself has a background in mining, having established the country's powerful National Union of Mineworkers in 1982 and served on the board of platinum miner Lonmin.

He was sworn into office last week as former President Jacob Zuma stood down after days of intense political wrangling. Ramaphosa is viewed positively by the business community for his pledges to fight graft and pursue a pragmatic economic agenda.
SpaceX took a critical step Thursday toward making one of Elon Musk's dreams a reality: the largest satellite network ever built, bringing high speed internet to billions around the world.

Musk's space company successfully deployed a satellite into low Earth orbit for the Spanish government, which was the primary customer aboard the previously flown Falcon 9 rocket. Tucked alongside the 1 ton satellite for Spain's military, however, were SpaceX's own, smaller additions.

@ElonMusk: First two Starlink demo satellites, called Tintin A & B, deployed and communicating to Earth stations

Known as Microsats 2a and 2b in documentation filed to the Federal Communications Comission, the two satellites are the first built by SpaceX. These craft will gather data to test and demonstrate the viability of SpaceX building a constellation of 4,425 Ka/Ku band low Earth orbit satellites. Musk confirmed Wednesday the inclusion of the two satellites on the launch, saying in a tweet that "if successful" the new satellite network would serve the "least served" around the world.

Starlink  a name SpaceX filed to trademark last year  is an ambition unmatched by any current satellite network. The largest existing constellation is built by Iridium. The company is halfway through launching a constellation of 75 Iridium Next satellites and is set to finish deployment in the next year.

SpaceX will begin launching an initial constellation of 4,425 Ka/Ku band low Earth orbit satellites in 2019, with the system becoming operational once at least 800 satellites are deployed, FCC documents show. The two test satellites will orbit about 700 miles above Earth, in the same range as the eventual constellation.

The space company also attempted to catch the fairing  the bulbous nose cone on top of the rocket  using a high speed boat known as "Mr. Steven." Musk tweeted after the launch the boat missed catching the fairing "by a few hundreds meters," adding that the fairing slowed down enough to land "intact" in the Pacific Ocean.
State pensions that own stocks of gun makers, and to a lesser extent, gun retailers, came under criticism after the Feb. 14 shooting, in which 17 people died. Florida's State Board of Administration, which manages $191.5 billion for the Florida Retirement System pension and other funds, has small stakes in Sturm Ruger and American Outdoor Brands , according to FactSet.

New Jersey state lawmakers on Thursday moved to restrict the state's public pensions from investing in the stocks of gun manufacturers. The world's biggest asset manager, BlackRock, which is among the biggest shareholders of gun makers, said it would "engage" with the companies on their response to recent events.

A fresh wave of scrutiny is washing over big state employee pension funds and money managers that invest in shares of gun makers one week after the deadly shootings in a Florida high school.

It is an issue that has come up before, notably after 20 children were killed at a Connecticut elementary school in late 2012. After the mass shooting at a concert in Las Vegas last year, California Treasurer John Chiang urged the state's teacher and public employee pensions to sell their holdings of companies that sell assault weapons, ammunition and gun accessories.

Those pensions are examining the issue.

Groups have pushed corporate America and the investment industry in the past to dump stocks to achieve other social goals, including campaigns to divest in fossil fuel companies, tobacco and apartheid-era South Africa.

Any association with the gun industry is becoming a heated topic again. First National Bank of Omaha said it won't renew a contract to issue a National Rifle Association-sponsored credit card after "customer feedback has caused us to review our relationship with the NRA."

Amy Domini, whose company developed the first index with standards that exclude gun makers, tobacco companies and others, said the issue may be seeing a turning point given the national outcry after the Florida shootings. "You get the sense that finally people are beginning to look at every tool in their toolbox."

A spokesman for the Florida state board told CNBC on Thursday that most of the pension's gun-maker stake is a result of its index investments. Out of $2.7 million in gun stocks it owns, $1.7 million is the result of investments in the Russell 3000 index, which holds stocks of gun makers.

Asset managers such as BlackRock have pinned the blame on the companies that develop the indexes fund companies track. "Index providers are responsible for the construction of their indices. As a fiduciary, we have a responsibility to replicate the indices our clients choose to invest in. As a result, we invest in a company as long as that company is in the relevant index," the company said Thursday.

Often big pensions ask a fund manager to block certain investments if they want to avoid them. BlackRock said it has $200 billion of assets in portfolios customized to exclude weapons makers.

John Kuczwanski, the Florida state board's spokesman, said while the pension blocks investments in federally sanctioned countries such as Libya it doesn't have any restrictions on investing in gun makers. And while divesting gun stocks from the pension has been brought up in the debate about guns over the last week, it's not in the works.

"As fiduciaries our sole responsibility is to the plan beneficiaries," he said.

In New Jersey, state Sen. Vin Gopal introduced a bill modeled after a recent law barring the state's pension from investing in businesses that boycott or otherwise harm Israel.

Gopal told CNBC gun makers shouldn't benefit from state investment in them if they aren't part of the solution to responsible gun ownership. "We want to send a message."

The bill would bar the state from investing assets of any pension or annuity fund in companies that make firearms or ammunition. New Jersey's pension isn't listed as an owner of Sturm Ruger or American Outdoor Brands, according to data by FactSet. But the New Jersey Division of Investment is listed having a 0.08 percent stake in Vista Outdoor.

In New York, there have been efforts to divest from gun makers with mixed results. In New York City three of five public pensions sold their gun-maker stocks, while New York State Teachers Retirement System continues to hold shares of gun makers because its investments track indexes.

"No decision has been made on divestment of gun stocks from our portfolios," John Cardillo, the pension's spokesman, told CNBC.
Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:

Bloomin' Brands  The parent of Outback Steakhouse and other restaurant chains earned an adjusted 41 cents per share for its latest quarter, 2 cents a share above estimates. Comparable-restaurant sales in the U.S. were up 3.3 percent during the quarter. The earnings report comes a day after activist investor Barington Capital called on the company to spin off all of its brands except for Outback.

Chesapeake Energy  Chesapeake Energy earned an adjusted 30 cents per share for its latest quarter, beating forecasts by 6 cents a share. Revenue also beat estimates, with the energy producer's results helped by higher prices for oil and natural gas as well as increased production.

Norwegian Cruise Line  The cruise line operator beat estimates by 4 cents a share, with adjusted quarterly profit of 68 cents per share. It also forecasts a current-quarter profit above estimates, and forecasts higher fuel costs for this year.

Wayfair  The home furnishings seller lost 58 cents per share for its latest quarter, wider than the 52 cent a share loss expected by Wall Street. Revenue did beat forecasts, however, and Wayfair's average order value increased to $229 from $203 the prior year.

Hormel  The maker of food brands like Spam, Jennie-O, and Skippy matched forecasts with adjusted quarterly profit of 44 cents per share. Revenue fell below forecasts. Hormel boosted earnings guidance for the year, and also said it would raise wages as a result of tax reform.

Ford Motor  Ford's North American President Raj Nair has left the automaker, following an investigation into his behavior. The automaker said the behavior was "inconsistent with the company's code of conduct" but did not give any further details.

Sinclair Broadcast Group  Sinclair agreed to sell Chicago and New York television stations owned by Tribune Media in order to win approval for its $3.8 billion deal to acquire Tribune. That news comes from a joint filing by the two companies with the Federal Communications Commission.

Roku  Roku reported adjusted profit of 8 cents per share, compared to expectations of a 10 cents per share loss. The maker of streaming video devices also saw revenue come in above Street forecasts, but the stock is being pressured by weaker than expected revenue guidance for the current quarter and a larger-than-expected loss for the full year.

Pandora  Pandora lost an adjusted 21 cents per share for its latest quarter, wider than the 7 cent a share loss expected by Wall Street. The streaming music service did see revenue top estimates as it added more subscribers.

Cheesecake Factory  Cheesecake matched analyst estimates with adjusted quarterly profit of 53 cents per share, but the restaurant chain's revenue missed forecasts and its comparable restaurant sales fell 0.9 percent.

Wendy's  Wendy's reported adjusted quarterly profit of 11 cents per share, matching Street forecasts, but its revenue fell short of estimates. Wendy's same-restaurant sales in North America rose 1.3 percent, but that was smaller than expected and fewer customers visited Wendy's amid rising competition.

Jack In The Box  Jack In The Box came in 17 cents above estimates with adjusted quarterly profit of $1.23 per share, and the restaurant chain's revenue was also better than expected. However, same-restaurant sales did unexpectedly decline by 0.2 percent, compared to estimates of a 0.2 percent increase. Jack In The Box is currently in the process of selling its Qdoba Mexican food chain to Apollo Global Management, in a deal expected to close by April.

General Electric  GE is the subject of two negative stories this morning, one by The Wall Street Journal, the other by Reuters. The WSJ reported former CEO Jeff Immelt's disdain for bad news led to over-optimistic forecasts and botched strategies, while Reuters details how GE's gamble on fossil fuel power was a losing bet.

Walmart  The retailer announced the launch of a new online home shopping experience, that will tailor what the user sees to their style preferences. It's part of an overall redesign of Walmart.com that will be unveiled later this year.

Avis Budget  Avis reported adjusted quarterly profit of 45 cents per share, well above the 22 cent a share consensus estimate. Revenue was slightly above forecasts for the car rental company. The company's results were helped by an increase in rental days and stronger international business.
While e-commerce sales are growing, stores will always play an important role in a retailer's overall strategy, Target CEO Brian Cornell told CNBC on Thursday.

"The winning retailers of the future are going to combine great physical assets with the ease that comes along with that digital interaction," Cornell said on "Squawk Box." "For the foreseeable future, the majority of U.S. retail sales will still take place at stores."

Cornell said Target had a successful holiday season thanks to the many investments the company has been making in bricks and mortar. Same-store sales were up more than 3 percent during November and December. The Minneapolis-based retailer has been remodeling its bigger stores in phases, while opening a handful of smaller-format stores in urban areas and near college campuses.

"We want to make Target the easiest place in America to shop" no matter whether a shopper wants to buy online or at the store, Cornell said. That's why the company is expanding initiatives like curbside pickup, same-day delivery in metropolitan markets and two-day shipping for guests.

Rival Walmart recently saw a huge slowdown in its online sales in the latest quarter, sparking fear that the same would happen to Target. But Cornell said the company is still expecting 25 percent e-commerce growth for the year.

Target is set to report fourth-quarter earnings on March 6.
I decided to play along, knowing I would never give these scammers any information. So I called the number, and a person answered. "Hello, IRS," he said. I laughed into the phone and gave him a few choice words that cannot be repeated here. I called back an hour later, and this time I got a recorded message stating that I had reached the IRS.

I started going through a menu of options and was actually transferred to a call center where a man began discussing my "case file" so he could help me avoid a lien being placed on my assets. I asked whom I was speaking with and also pointed out he had no idea whom he was talking to, because he never even asked my name  so how could he possibly know my "case file"?

Without hesitation, he asked me to give him my Social Security number so we could verify it with the one in my "case file." I questioned how the IRS can demand that I pay taxes without giving me the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say that I owe. I then asked him for his name and his IRS identification number. I was disconnected.

More from Advisor Insight:

Why investors can't gauge their own risk tolerance

Crazy tax moves clients wanted advisors to try for 2018

Don't put all your financial eggs in one investment basket

I contacted the IRS about the unsolicited call from the scammer who left the threatening message. The IRS representative said that, despite warnings, people still readily give out personal data and fall into the traps of these scammers.

To that point, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration reports that more than 10,000 victims have collectively paid in excess of $54 million as a result of phone scams since October 2013.

So while it may seem obvious, here goes: Never, ever give out personal financial information  such as Social Security numbers or credit card and bank account numbers and passwords  to anyone who calls you, claiming to be from the IRS.

The IRS reminds taxpayers that IRS impersonation scams continue year-round and that they tend to peak when scammers find prime opportunities to strike. These scammers will be aggressive and use threatening phone calls while impersonating IRS agents, and the scams remain a major threat to taxpayers.
Within 24 hours of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit organization backed by billionaire and former New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg, received $750,000 in online donations.

The day after the incident, Bloomberg, a long-time advocate for tighter firearm regulations, urged citizens to take action and "demand common-sense solutions to the gun violence crisis."

TWEET

After the mass shooting at a country music concert in Las Vegas in October, which left 59 dead and over 500 injured, the former mayor took to Twitter to announce that he would match all donations to Everytown.

"US has a gun violence problem," he wrote. "I'll match every donation. Give now."

TWEET

Everytown tells CNBC Make It that 75,000 people have also reached out to volunteer just in the past week. A representative did not specify whether Bloomberg is still matching donations.

The group tracks school shootings and, after some criticism of its methodology, recently revised its tally for this year from 18 down to 17. It has also launched a "five-action plan" for citizens who want to make a difference, which involves pledging to vote, researching which politicians accept NRA donations, registering friends to vote, holding leaders accountable and running for office to champion the cause of sensible gun laws in your community.

When the NRA introduced a bill last year to legalize concealed-carry reciprocity, which would allow gun owners to carry weapons freely between states, the billionaire said he would spend $25 million to fight it, Politico reports. The bill has since made its way through the House of Representatives but is expected to face an uphill battle in the Senate.

As Everytown notes on its site, "Every day, 96 Americans are killed by gun violence." When a version of this article was previously published in October, that number was 93.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Thursday confirmed that President Donald Trump is open to raising federal fuel taxes, saying it's logical to charge drivers for road improvements.

Three years ago, Ross denounced calls to raise the gas tax, saying it would hurt the middle class. But he is now part of an administration faced with the challenge of funding its $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan.

Last week, Trump proposed increasing the federal tax on gasoline and diesel by 25 cents per gallon to pay for the plan, according to several sources, including Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del.

The idea has divided Republicans, many of whom worry that raising the federal fuel levy will offset the benefit of recently passed GOP tax cuts.

Asked whether he would advise the president to hike the gas tax, Ross said charging drivers for road improvements makes sense and confirmed the idea is under consideration in the Oval Office.

"The funding of infrastructure is a very key issue. There is a certain degree of logic to creating some semblance of user fees, and certainly, users of highways are one potential source for that," Ross told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Thursday.

"Plus, a lot of states have been raising individual state gas taxes right along, so it's one of many ideas that the president is considering because there seems to be pretty good bipartisan support for the idea of infrastructure," he said.
President Donald Trump angrily said Thursday that he is considering withdrawing immigration and border control enforcement agencies from California because of what he called the state's "protection of horrible criminals."

Trump said crime would explode in California if he took such an action  and predicted that the Golden State would be "begging" for the return of federal immigration authorities within two months.

In response, California Gov. Jerry Brown told CNBC in a written statement: "In California we protect all of our people from criminals and gangs, as well as dangerous assault weapons. We do our job Mr. President, you do yours."

In his state of the state address last year, the Democratic governor issued a strong rebuke to Trump's previous threats over how California deals with immigration.

"Let me be clear," Brown said at the time. "We will defend everybody  every man, woman and child who has come here for a better life and has contributed to the well-being of our state."

In January, California became the nation's first "sanctuary state" with passage of a law that bars local authorities from asking about the immigration status of people during routine interactions. Also, the state requires employers to first obtain a warrant from immigration agents before giving them access to the workplace and restricts what kind of sensitive employee information they can voluntarily share with agents without a subpoena.

In signing the so-called sanctuary bill last fall, Brown said the measure "also bans unconstitutional detainer requests and prohibits the commandeering of local officials to do the work of immigration agents." Brown, though, has insisted that "this bill does not prevent or prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Department of Homeland Security from doing their own work in any way."

Trump lashed out against California during remarks he made Thursday during a White House event on school safety. His tirade began as he spoke about gang members such as those in the Salvadoran group MS-13.

"These are absolutely animals, these aren't human beings, these are animals," Trump said.

He said that "while we're getting MS-13 out by the thousands," members of the gang still manage to enter the United States.

"They're smart," Trump said. "They actually have franchises going to Los Angeles."

"We're getting no help from the state of California," the president fumed, saying that the state is doing a lousy job of managing the situation, despite having "the highest taxes in the nation."

"Frankly, if I wanted to pull our people from California, you'd have a crime mess like you've never seen in California," Trump said. "All I'd have to say is ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and Border Patrol, let California alone, you'd be inundated, you would see crime like nobody's seen in this country."

"Frankly, it's a disgrace," Trump said. "The sanctuary city situation, the protection of these horrible criminals ... if we ever pulled our ICE out and said, 'Hey, let California alone and let them figure it out themselves,' in two months they'd be begging for us to come back."

"And you know what? I'm thinking about doing it!"

Last week, a five-day sweep in California led to the arrest by federal authorities of 212 undocumented immigrants and the targeting of 122 businesses in Southern California.

The action followed raids in Northern California targeting undocumented immigrant workers.

 CNBC's Jeff Daniels contributed to this report.
In a new White House economic report, President Donald Trump's advisers cite the importance of an expanding labor force to raising growth and incomes.

So the Economic Report of the President suggests an array of policies to add workers, including baby boomers whose retirements have diminished the supply of labor and younger people who have abandoned the job market. A combination of policy changes and favorable conditions, the report notes, could lure 1.7 million more workers and boost growth by one-tenth percentage point annually over the next 10 years.

But one policy the report doesn't discuss at all is immigration  and for good reason. The immigration proposal favored by Trump would have the opposite effect, shrinking the labor supply and the economy's long-term growth potential.

U.S. labor force participation has declined in recent years partly from simple demography. In 2008, the first members of the massive baby boom generation began turning 62, the age workers can begin to retire and accept Social Security benefits.

For reasons that are less clear, growing numbers of "prime-age" Americans between 25 and 54 have also stopped working. Among other factors, economists blame displacement caused by technology and foreign trade, and increased reliance on disability payments by those with health problems.

With American productivity-per-worker in a long-term slump, adding workers is vital to boosting economic output.

"Policies that increase the labor force participation rate of all workers would have a material impact on long-run economic growth," said the White House report, prepared by the Council of Economic Advisers chaired by Kevin Hassett.

The report lists a number of options. They include allowing Social Security recipients to work without paying Social Security taxes, augmenting retraining for displaced workers and curbing the opioid crisis.

But at the moment, the biggest source of increased labor supply is immigration, legal and illegal.

In 2016, the National Academy of Sciences estimated, immigrant workers accounted for $2 trillion of America's $18 trillion economy. Through 2035, the combination of new immigrants and those already here will account for all the growth in the working-age population, according to Pew Research Center estimates.

"You can be pro-growth and anti-immigration," GOP Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona told me last week, "you just can't be both."

Yet Trump is now pressing Congress for legislation curb that labor force growth. While pushing for tougher enforcement against illegal immigration, he has backed a Senate proposal that would cut current levels of legal immigration  about 1 million people per year.

That would mean roughly 500,000 fewer legal immigrants per year. Since immigrants are disproportionately of working age, the effects would dwarf the 170,000 per-year increase the report projects from policies to boost labor force participation.

Jason Furman, who held Hassett's job under President Barack Obama, said cutting legal immigration in half would shrink economic growth by more than the recent tax cuts will increase it. If not for immigrants offsetting the decline in the labor force, he added, "the U.S. would be turning into Japan."

"I'm sure Jason's as wrong about that as he's been wrong about everything else the last few months," Hassett shot back at his predecessor, a vocal opponent of the tax cut. Trump's support for increasing the proportion of higher-skilled immigrants, he explained, could offset negative economic efforts from shrinking the number of additional immigrants overall.

Of course, that's what Hassett says now that he works for an "America First" president who promises to build a wall along the Mexican border. A few years ago, he touted a different economic prescription.

"With lackluster GDP growth threatening to become our new normal, allowing more immigrants to enter for the sake of employment is one of the few policies that might restore our old normal," Hassett wrote in Nation Review. That 2013 article carried the headline "America Needs Workers."

It concluded with Hassett's assessment of how to increase U.S. economic growth by a half-percentage point per year: giving more priority to new workers while admitting twice as many immigrants.
When it comes to new gun restrictions in 21st century America, the smart bet is: not happening. President Donald Trump on Thursday dangled the possibility of change.

He reserved his greatest enthusiasm for supplying selected teachers with guns in hopes they could stop school shootings faster than police. But Trump also tweeted that he'll be "strongly pushing" Congress for tougher gun purchase background checks and a higher legal age for buying rifles.

Yet no one should count on the president facing down the National Rifle Association, which opposes the latter two steps. Throughout his tumultuous administration, Trump has consistently demonstrated unwillingness to challenge core supporters on the things they value most.

During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump drew 88 percent of the Republican vote by appealing to both principal voter groups in the party's coalition. He championed the blue-collar whites he calls "the forgotten people," and also the more upscale GOP pro-business wing.

Those groups have conflicting interests. Blue-collar voters oppose international trade deals that pro-business Republicans support; the pro-business wing opposes immigration restrictions that blue-collar Republicans support.

Trump has resolved those conflicts by saying "yes" to the top priorities of each.

Many of Trump's blue-collar backers resemble Democrats in their skepticism for Wall Street and concern about preserving their Social Security and Medicare benefits. But a post-election Democracy Fund study showed that his core supporters stood out for their strong sense of racial identity as whites, and less-favorable views of Muslims, Hispanics and blacks.

As president, Trump has abandoned his campaign promises to replace Obamacare with health care for everyone and protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid from budget cuts. But he has held the loyalty of his working-class base with unwavering support for his travel ban and wall on the Mexican border.

Facing broad popular support for young immigrant "Dreamers," Trump recently pledged to safeguard their legal status. But he has not followed through.

Trump's pro-business supporters favor tolerant social policies enough that executives shunned White House advisory panels after the president praised participants at a white supremacy gathering in Charlottesville, Virginia. But what they value most are policies directly affecting their profits and stock values.

So as president, Trump has aggressively rolled back business regulations in tandem with cutting taxes. Though his administration promised that wealthy Americans wouldn't get a tax cut, the bill he signed gave them more than anyone else.

For all his attacks on the North American Free Trade Agreement, the president has so far yielded to corporate America's desire to preserve it. At the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, he told my CNBC colleague Joe Kernen the U.S. might seek to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership after all.

That record augurs poorly for chances of Trump challenging the NRA, notwithstanding the emotional outpouring from students traumatized by the Florida school massacre last week.

Like support for the GOP, gun ownership is concentrated disproportionately among whites, men, older people and residents of small-town and rural America. That makes the NRA a bedrock Republican interest group.

Trump vigorously courted its supporters in 2016. Gun ownership rights are the NRA's foremost priority.

Thus the organization swiftly rejected Trump's call to lift the minimum legal age for buying rifles to 21. An NRA official explained that would deprive law-abiding 18-20 year-olds of their "constitutional right to self-protection."

On its website, the NRA legislative arm also opposes expanded background checks. Among other reasons, the organization says, "background checks don't stop criminals from getting firearms."

Given the NRA's influence among Republicans who control Congress, only a president determined to fight could overcome that resistance. Trump himself signaled how unlikely that is.

"What many people don't understand," the president tweeted, is that "the folks who work so far at the NRA are Great People and Great American Patriots. They love our country and will do the right thing."
While success takes hard work and persistence, luck also plays a major role, says Warren Buffett's longtime business partner Charlie Munger.

In a conversation at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, the 93-year-old billionaire and vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway advises students on how to become successful.

While you can be the most deserving and intelligent person, "there's also a factor of luck that comes into this thing," he says.

"It's amazing how if you just get up every morning and keep plugging and have some discipline and keep learning," Munger adds, "it's incredible how it works out okay."

Yet he advises against setting goals for yourself that are too high, like becoming a billionaire or becoming the future president, because the odds are highly against you.

"Much better to aim low," suggests the billionaire, who notes that his wealth was accidental. "I did not intend to get rich. I wanted to get independent. I just overshot."

Notably, his work with Berkshire Hathaway came about through a chance meeting. Although Munger had worked at a grocery store owned by Buffett's grandfather when he was young, he never met Buffett until many years later.

Munger briefly returned to Omaha, Nebraska after the death of his father. During that trip, he was introduced to Buffett through mutual friends. They hit it off instantly and Buffett soon persuaded Munger to leave his law career and pursue investing, which he did.
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White House principal deputy press secretary Raj Shah is set to command the briefing room podium on Thursday, following a series of tweets from President Donald Trump earlier attacking the media and proposing policy solutions on gun control.

The massacre of 17 students and adults by a rifle-wielding gunman at a Florida high school last week invigorated calls for gun control from activists, survivors of the shooting and parents of the slain victims.

On Wednesday, Trump attended a listening session with the families of mass shooting victims in the White House. He asked the speakers to propose solutions on gun violence, and posited a number of his own suggestions.

Trump told the group he would be "very strong on background checks" and would consider strengthened mental health reforms. He also said if teachers were "adept at firearms" they could end the attacks "very quickly." These suggestions followed the Trump administration's recent proposal to ban so-called bump stocks, which modify semi-automatic rifles to shoot bullets more quickly.

In seven tweets on the issue of gun policy on Thursday morning, Trump strongly advocated arming "only the best" trained teachers with guns in schools.

"20% of teachers, a lot, would now be able to ... immediately fire back if a savage sicko came to a school with bad intentions," Trump tweeted. "ATTACKS WOULD END!"

Armed teachers in schools would solve the problem of school shootings "instantly," he added.

Trump tweet ...If a potential "sicko shooter" knows that a school has a large number of very weapons talented teachers (and others) who will be instantly shooting, the sicko will NEVER attack that school. Cowards won't go there...problem solved. Must be offensive, defense alone won't work!

Deputy press secretary Shah may also be questioned on ongoing debates over immigration policy, and special counsel Robert Mueller's recent indictments of Russian nationals and a Russian oligarch's son-in-law as part of his probe into Russian malfeasance in the 2016 presidential election.

Shah's debut on the lectern came on Feb. 8, when the press official fielded questions about former White House staff secretary Rob Porter's security clearance and sudden resignation in light of reports that he abused his former wives.

In that briefing, Shah said that the Trump administration "could have done better" in its handling of Porter and his ouster.

The administration has subsequently offered contradictory explanations on various aspects of the matter, including the process by which Porter was granted an "interim security clearance," the timeline of the FBI's reports to the White House about Porter, and current Chief of Staff John Kelly's knowledge of Porter's allegedly violent background.
President Donald Trump has backed some gun regulation changes to stop school shootings and thinks Congress is "finally" in a mood to take action.

Whether lawmakers can muster enough support to pass any bill on gun rules remains to be seen.

Trump started to call for modest gun-control measures following the shooting massacre of 17 people at a Florida high school last week. As the students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School pushed for tighter gun restrictions and families affected by school shootings tearfully urged the president to take some type of action, Trump publicly pushed for tweaks to gun rules.

"I will be strongly pushing Comprehensive Background Checks with an emphasis on Mental Health. Raise age to 21 and end sale of Bump Stocks! Congress is in a mood to finally do something on this issue - I hope!" the president tweeted on Thursday morning.

Trump tweet

Trump, in his consideration of these measures, has tiptoed around the National Rifle Association, which supported him during the 2016 campaign. At an NRA convention in April, the president told the gun lobbying group: "You came through for me, and I am going to come through for you." He reiterated his support for the NRA repeatedly Thursday, calling its leaders "patriots."

At a school safety event with state officials later in the day, Trump said he told the NRA that the U.S. needs tighter gun rules. He said the organization supports the policies he backs.

"I spoke to them and they're ready to do things. They want to do things.  People like to blame them and they have power and all that, but they want to do things," Trump said.

"I told them, I said we're going to have to toughen them up," the president added. "Because it doesn't make anybody look good, and most importantly I saw the devastation in these families. We can't allow that to happen."

In the meeting with officials Thursday, Trump also reaffirmed his call to give guns to specially trained teachers in an effort to deter or shorten shootings. He mentioned what he considered other possible factors in mass shootings: violence in video games and movies and the closing of mental institutions.

Lawmakers have already introduced certain proposals Trump supports. Some of those policies have a better chance of passing Congress than others.
can change how its Trending algorithm operates, he argues, so that human moderators will be able to regulate it.

Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube. CNBC

The Trending tab features videos algorithmically, factoring in things like view count, rate of growth in views, and the age of the video. YouTube's position is that because it has country-specific Trending tabs all over the world that update approximately every 15 minutes, it would be impossible to have humans moderate that section. "This is an absurd excuse," Christo Wilson, an assistant professor in Northeastern University's College of Computer and Information Science, tells CNBC. "YouTube implemented the Trending algorithm, and if it is updating too fast to moderate, then the solution is to simply slow it down. This is a technical change that is well within YouTube's control." In the same way that YouTube makes the decision to give Trending such a high-profile spot on its home page, it can make the decision to tweak how it works. "If Trending videos were currently being picked by a team of people, those people would be getting fired after today," Wilson says. "Why do we expect less from an algorithm?"

The risk of taking an editorial stance
Standards overview

The standards for UM and other four-year universities cover:

Low tuition and fees

Decreased core expenditures

Economical operating costs

Student success in professional assessments

Graduation rates

Employment after graduation

To retain funding, the schools must show improvement from previous years in each of the six categories. Schools can also receive their funds by hitting or surpassing a specific mark in each category that compares them to other Missouri schools.

Two-year institutions' standards cover:

Three-year completion rate, including transfers

Completed credit hours

Budget spent on non-core expenditures compared to total expenditures

Tuition and fees compared to median Missouri household income

Percentage of students who pass professional or occupational licensure exam

Percentage of graduates who are employed or continuing with their education



The measurements compare the current three-year period to the prior three years.

Technical colleges' standards include:
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri is asking the court to order that Nader Yanis be detained before any trial related to his drug-trafficking case. This motion details his previous run-ins with the law and argues that he, like his father, is a flight risk.
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
I'll go ahead and end the suspense for you now: Android upgrades are a big, hot mess  and the situation with Oreo is the worst we've seen to date.

It's kind of embarrassing, actually. But it's important. And that's why I take the time to track manufacturers' performance in this area so closely year after year  because software matters. It affects your experience more significantly on a day-to-day basis over the life of a modern mobile device than any other feature or element. And yet, it tends to get the least amount of attention.

To wit: Over the coming days, Samsung and other Android device-makers will take the stage to show off their latest and greatest wares. Their new phone models be plenty impressive, no doubt  gorgeously designed works of gadget art. We'll hear about every ever-shrinking bezel, every fresh feat of engineering, every new "smart" feature that sounds wildly impressive (but is bound to mostly fall flat in reality).

You know what we won't hear a peep about, though? The manufacturers' commitments  or lack thereof  to supporting and updating all those smartphones after you plunk down your hard-earned cash to buy 'em. Most Android device-makers don't like to draw attention to that area, and for good reason.

Guess what, though? Smartphones are expensive products that most of us own for two or even three years. And if you buy a phone from a manufacturer that doesn't make upgrades a priority, your device is going to be perpetually out of date and behind the curve in terms of both technological progressions and platform security.

Arm yourself with knowledge

You may not be able to force a manufacturer to make timely and reliable ongoing upgrades a priority, but you can arm yourself with knowledge about how different manufacturers tend to approach post-sales software support  and then make an educated decision about what sort of upgrade experience you want (or are willing to accept) ahead of your next phone purchase.

Now that we're six full months past the launch of the most recent major Android release, Android 8.0 Oreo, it's time to step back and look at who's making upgrades a priority and who's treating them as an afterthought.

Brace yourselves, gang. This one's rough.

(Want the full nitty-gritty on how these grades were calculated? You can find a detailed breakdown of the formula and every element taken into account at the very end of this article.)

Google

JR

Length of time for upgrade to reach current flagship: 9 days (60/60 points)

Length of time for upgrade to reach previous-gen flagship: 18 days (29/30 points)

Communication: Mediocre (5/10 points)

With its Pixel line, Google officially became a full-fledged Android phone manufacturer. But even before, with its Nexus devices, it played the same role as far as updates go  acting as the sole provider of all rollouts and software-related matters.

In this report card, we see one final split of those two programs. At the time of Oreo's debut, Google's first-gen Pixel was its current flagship and its Nexus 6P and 5X were its previous leading phones. (The newer Pixel 2 didn't go on sale until October, well after Oreo's debut and with Android 8.0 in place from the get-go, so it isn't relevant to this analysis.)

The results for that lineup are mostly good, though not perfect: The rollout of Oreo to original Pixel owners started on August 29, nine days after the software's debut. That's a bit behind Google's typical immediate rollout window, but it's still perfectly reasonable  and still well within the one-to-14-day range for a top-of-line mark in these scoring standards.

Nexus 6P and 5X owners waited a bit longer, meanwhile, with the first confirmed general rollouts (not beta-tester-related) starting on September 7 and then spreading out slowly to more users over the subsequent weeks.

On that note, we have to mention that Google, rather infamously, rolls out its updates "in waves"  which means some people end up waiting days or even weeks longer than others to receive the software. That's a deliberate process designed to keep unexpected bugs or issues from reaching large groups of users before they can be addressed. It can understandably be a source of frustration for eager device-owners in the later parts of the rollouts, but for the purposes of this analysis, it's the start of the rollout that counts.

The real issue with Google's update performance  and it's one we see pretty consistently over time  is that the company's communication could stand to be better. Aside from its initial August 21 announcement that "carrier testing" was underway for all devices and rollouts would start "soon"  and then an equally vague August 31 tweet that rollouts had begun for "Nexus and Pixel" devices, in general  Google didn't provide much else in terms of official info about its process. That means users who were waiting were essentially in the dark, sometimes for several weeks, with no sign of the upgrade and no idea what was going on or how long the wait might be. A simple status report page with details about the state of the rollout for different device variations and regions would go a long way.

Between that less-than-stellar communication and the frustrations that sometimes result from its staged rollout process, Google's Android devices are by no means flawless when it comes to OS upgrades. Even so, they stand in a league of their own  without question the most reliable way to receive ongoing updates in a timely, if not always absolutely immediate, manner.

[Follow on Twitter: JR Raphael | Android Intelligence]

OnePlus

JR

Length of time for upgrade to reach current flagship: 138 days (41/60 points)

Length of time for upgrade to reach previous-gen flagship: 91 days (24/30 points)

Communication: Poor (0/10 points)

No, you didn't accidentally skip over a section: The grades on this year's report card actually go from a single "A" directly to a "D." So while second place is usually something worth celebrating, I don't know that there are any real bragging rights to be had here.

OnePlus  which is included in this analysis for the second year now, given its popularity among Android enthusiasts and its insistence that its devices are flagship caliber (and then some)  strangely provided Oreo to its previous-gen flagships, the OnePlus 3 and 3T, ahead of its current-gen flagship, the OnePlus 5. The former saw the software starting on November 19, nearly three months after Oreo's arrival. The rollout for the latter started in earnest on January 5, about four-and-a-half months after Oreo's release.

(OnePlus technically started the 5's rollout in late December but then quickly pulled the update due to a bug and didn't restart it for a couple of weeks. The OnePlus 5T, meanwhile, didn't come out until November  well after Oreo's launch, even though it still inexplicably shipped with Nougat in place  hence its exclusion from this analysis.)

OnePlus didn't do much in the way of communication with customers, meanwhile  no official estimates, no promises, no meaningful updates or ETAs along the way. The only real communication was an announcement in the company's forums that a rollout was beginning. So if you owned a OnePlus device, all you could do was wait blindly and hope the upgrade might show up on your phone soon.

All in all, not a spectacular effort  despite its depressing second-place ranking in this class of underperformers.

HTC

JR

Length of time for upgrade to reach current flagship: 99 days (47/60 points)

Length of time for upgrade to reach previous-gen flagship: Still waiting (0/30 points)

Communication: Poor (2/10 points)

HTC's fall from grace picks up serious pace this year, with a dismal 49% failing score. This continues the downward trend the company's been experiencing since last year's Nougat rollout.

HTC served up Oreo to the unlocked version of its current-gen U11 flagship starting on November 27, just over three months after the software's arrival  not cheer-worthy, by any stretch of the imagination, but not atrocious, either.

It's the previous-gen HTC 10 that really sunk the ship: Despite announcements suggesting Oreo rollouts had begun for the unlocked 10 in early January and then again in early February  and a separate announcement indicating Oreo was on its way to the Sprint model of the phone in mid-February  I've yet to find a single U.S.-based HTC 10 owner who has actually received the upgrade.

Reddit and other forums are filled with pages upon pages of frustrated 10 owners asking what's going on. HTC has remained curiously silent, with its typically vocal product VP sending nary a tweet since his now-empty-seeming February 11 proclamation. The official HTC Twitter account, meanwhile, has been sending only boilerplate non-responses to agitated inquiries.

[Update (2/23/18): HTC started its Oreo rollout to unlocked HTC 10 owners in the U.S. late in the evening on February 22, the same day this story was published. The company tells me the rollout began for owners of the Sprint-connected model at the same time. That's outside of the six-month window this analysis considers, so it doesn't do anything to change the grade  and even if the rollout had started as much as three weeks ago, the most it would have done was bumped HTC's score up to a "D+"  but given the close timing and the unusual nature of this situation, I thought it warranted a mention.]

On the subject of communication, HTC's once-exemplary "Software Updates" page  where the company used to post detailed information about the update status for every model and variant in its catalog  has basically been abandoned since last summer. The company gets a couple of communication points for at least releasing a general plan at the time of Oreo's release, with info about which phones would be upgraded (and a vague "Q4" timeframe for the U11's rollout, which it did meet), but all in all, things have really moved in the wrong direction.

For a company that once worked so hard to make upgrades  and, more broadly, customers  a priority, that's sure a shame (if not an entirely surprising transition) to see.

Motorola (Lenovo)

JR

Length of time for upgrade to reach current flagship: 124 days (43/60 points)

Length of time for upgrade to reach previous-gen flagship: Still waiting (0/30 points)

Communication: Poor (2/10 points)

One thing's for sure: This ain't the Moto we used to know. The now-Lenovo-owned Motorola disappointed once again with a four-month delay for getting Oreo onto its current Moto Z2 Force flagship (starting with the Verizon version of the phone in late December) and then, critically, for failing entirely to get Oreo onto its previous-gen Moto Z flagship at all within these first six months of the software's availability.

Like HTC, the company gets a couple of communication points for at least putting out a vague plan of which devices it intended to upgrade shortly after Oreo's announcement. And Moto does still maintain a software update page where you can search for the update status of any make and model.

The problem is that the page is devoid of any real details. Look up the Moto Z, for instance  even the unlocked model  and all you'll see is: "This device will be upgraded to the Android 8 (Oreo) release of Android, pending partner support." The same seems to apply to most every device on the page. Having an information page with no actual information almost seems more insulting to customers than having no information page at all.

NEXT PAGE: A new level of failing with LG and Samsung (plus a glimmer of hope with Sony and Nokia)
Brexit: Government denies rumours of open-ended Brexit transition

Cabinet did not agree Mays position, ministers claim  Daily Telegraph

Tory jitters exposed as Prime Minister pushes for agreement  The Guardian

Rebels force delay to customs votes  The Times

Three Scottish Tory MPs sign clean break Brexit letter  The Scotsman

Johnsons allies deny claims he admitted that Brexit was a mess  Daily Mail

Britain will be fully out of the EU by the end of 2020, Government sources said last night. A senior Whitehall source said the so-called transition period would almost certainly be over by the end of December 2020, when the current seven-year EU budget expires. The declaration came after a day of confusion and claims from some Eurosceptics that the Governments Brexit strategy was becoming shambolic. Ministers yesterday published negotiating guidelines saying the transition period should be governed by how long it will take to prepare for leaving the EU  suggesting it could be open-ended. This sparked a Eurosceptic backlash, which threatened to overshadow todays crunch meeting of Theresa Mays Brexit war cabinet at Chequers.  Daily Mail

Editorial:

May must emerge from Chequers with a real plan  Daily Telegraph

Transition process could drag on indefinitely  The Times

>Today: ToryDiary: Todays Brexit summit. We must be Ready On Day One to leave transition and the Customs Union on time.

as Lidington offers SNP gamut of powers to break deadlock

Theresa Mays de facto deputy has formally offered to transfer to Scotland all powers repatriated from Brussels that involve devolved policy areas as part of a deal to break a Brexit deadlock with the SNP and avoid a constitutional crisis. David Lidington, the Cabinet Office Minister, said he had tabled a considerable offer for the three devolved administrations that would see them receive a significant increase in their powers while protecting the UKs internal market. He urged the SNP government to be flexible about the setting up of new common frameworks across the UK to replace EU regimes such as the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy. The sticking point between the two sides is understood to revolve around Downing Streets insistence that Scottish ministers do not use their new powers to diverge from the rest of the UK until the frameworks are in place.  Daily Telegraph

May capitulates to nationalists over Brexit powers  Daily Express

More:

Corbyn to deliver Labours Brexit road map  The Times

May braced for Unilever decision on headquarters  FT

Pro-Brexit economists forecast four per cent boost to growth  The Times

Hoey accused of putting Brexit before peace  The Sun

>Today: Garvan Walshes column: To get real Brexit for Great Britain, the DUP should consent to Ulster staying in the Single Market and Customs Union

>Yesterday: Dr Graham Gudgin in Comment: The EU report which confirms that the Irish Border issue can be resolved with technology

Ambrose Evans-Pritchard: It is very dangerous to rely on EU goodwill over Brexit

Mrs May is taking a gamble. She has given up two trump cards  money and defence  in order to clear the political air, without securing any guarantee to our knowledge that this will break the deeper deadlock. Let us acknowledge that this is a legitimate approach to an intractable issue. Sometimes you have to take such risks in high statecraft. She has little choice in any case given the arithmetic of Parliament, and the constitutional fissures over Scotland and Ireland.

B

We can respect the referendum without the self-sabotage of WTO terms  Antoinette Sandbach, Times Red Box

Rees-Mogg and friends are playing with fire  Iain Martin, The Times

EUs regulatory obsession is protectionist in nature  Shanker Singham, Daily Telegraph

Leave voters have grounds for optimism, but theres more to do  Matthew Elliott, Times Red Box

Its ludicrous for Remainers to pretend voters didnt know what they were voting for  Tom Cannon, Daily Telegraph

The world knows Brexit must be reversed  Martin Kettle, The Guardian

Tories face meltdown in London local elections

ut let us also be clear about the implications if it turns out that this strategy is based on wishful thinking Britain might have to choose between a disastrous cliff-edge or total capitulation. That would surely have shattering effects on British democracy, vastly more important than the relative trivia of this or that trade model.  Daily Telegraph

Theresa May is facing a London meltdown in local elections  with the Tories on track to lose Westminster, Wandsworth and Barnet. A shock poll shows the Conservatives could be stripped of key strongholds in the capital on May 3, with Labour ahead by 54 per cent to 28 per cent. A result as bad as the figures imply would be a devastating blow and reignite speculation about the Prime Ministers future. The YouGov research for Queen Mary University found there had been a swing of 13.4 per cent in inner London, where Labour has traditionally been strongest, since the council seats were last contested in 2014. But even in outer London the swing is 4.2 per cent. Wandsworth, reputed as Margaret Thatchers favourite council during the 1980s, would fall if the swing is even across inner London.  Daily Mail

Capitals Conservatives may lose a third of town halls  The Times

Tory association slammed over tweets  Daily Mail

Comment:

Battle lines drawn as Tories try to cling to flagship council  Carole Walker, Times Red Box

>Today: Kevin Davis in Local Government: We are freezing the Council Tax in Kingston because it is the right thing to do

May backs free press after Corbyns threats

Spy claims endanger Labour leader  The Times

Czechoslovak dossier which proves Labour cant just dismiss this story  Daily Mail

Communist agent met other Labour MPs  The Sun

Stasi infiltrated peace group Corbyn helped to run  Daily Telegraph

Theresa May last night made a staunch defence of a free Press as she condemned Jeremy Corbyns attempts to blame journalists for the Cold War spy row. She said it was newspapers duty to shine a light into dark corners and ask awkward questions. The Prime Minister warned it was the job of politicians to provide answers, not to complain about legitimate questioning. Labour yesterday stepped up its offensive against media scrutiny as the row over Mr Corbyns links with Eastern Bloc agents in the 1980s continued. His aides warned irresponsible reporting had endangered his personal security, as the party threatened to tighten government control of newspapers with a ban on foreign ownership.  Daily Mail

Comment:

When the mask slips, Corbyn neither thinks nor talks like a democrat  Stephen Glover, Daily Mail

Middle-class liberals are in denial about the horrors of Corbynism  Allister Heath, Daily Telegraph

The liberal crusaders have become bullies  David Aaronovitch, The Times

Editorial:

War on press is Corbyns bid to silence hostile stories  The Sun

Ministers 1) Williamson concerned about takeover of GKN

The hostile takeover of the defence giant GKN is to be investigated by MPs amid concern that it could harm national security. In a rare intervention in a corporate takeover, executives from GKN and the predatory bidder Melrose are being called before the business committee. MPs want answers about the risk to jobs, pensions and the manufacturing of key military parts if the 7.4 billion deal goes ahead. It came as Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson expressed serious concerns about the proposed takeover. Giving evidence to the defence select committee, Mr Williamson said he had written to Business Secretary Greg Clark about the deal, adding: There is no clarity as to what the true approach is going to be in terms of the GKN military side of the business.  Daily Mail

Russia and North Korea are bigger threats than terrorism, Defence Secretary claims  The Times

UK announces new combat air strategy  FT

Ministers 2) Chancellor wasnt told of appointees tax-avoiding past

MPs approve new FCA chair despite admission  The Guardian

The row over the tax avoidance past of the man chosen to head Britains City watchdog deepened last night. Charles Randell was made chairman of the Financial Conduct Authority despite using a notorious scheme to cut tax bills. Yesterday it emerged the boss of the headhunting firm that recommended him for the job was an investor in the same scheme, Ingenious Film Partners 2. It was also revealed that the top mandarin at the Treasury failed to tell Philip Hammond about Mr Randells past. The Chancellor must approve the appointment, as the FCA is responsible for policing the Square Mile and protecting consumers from bad behaviour by bankers.  Daily Mail

More:

Deficit restraint puts the UK economy on a better course  FT

Hammond gets an 11 billion boost  The Sun

Borrowing falls to pre-crisis levels as productivity hits decade high  Daily Mail

Comment:

Of course the Tories must outbid Labour to save capitalism  Nick Timothy, Daily Telegraph

Ministers 3) Hancock overrules MPs on charity regulator

A rift in the charity sector opened up yesterday after ministers overruled MPs to impose their controversial choice to lead the regulator. Several charity leaders spoke out to attack the decision to confirm Baroness Stowell of Beeston as chairwoman of the Charity Commission despite her struggling to answer questions from the digital, culture, media and sport committee in a pre-appointment hearing. Lady Stowell, a former leader of the House of Lords, is to quit the Conservative Party and sit as a crossbench peer but some critics said that her appointment would compromise the regulators neutrality. Others in the sector insisted she was an outstanding choice.  The Times

Ministers 4) Mundell attacks SNP tax plan

N

British Government concedes that Assad will stay in power

icola Sturgeons plans to hike income tax for hundreds of thousands of workers are a fundamental mistake, David Mundell has said as official figures showed Scottish unemployment has spiked. The Scottish Secretary described a 14,000 increase in the number of people out of work in the final three months of 2017 as worrying and business leaders urged the Nationalists to change tack on the tax hikes if there are unintended consequences for the economy. SNP ministers attempted to blame Brexit for the figures, which also saw the number of Scots in employment falling by 20,000. However, the total in work across the UK increased by 87,000 over the same period. They were published as the Scottish Budget for 2018/19, which included the tax hike, cleared its final parliamentary hurdle by 70 votes to 56 in the Holyrood chamber following a deal between the minority SNP government and the hard-Left Scottish Greens.  Daily Telegraph

Bashar al-Assad will remain in power in Syria because the West no longer has any leverage to get rid of him, the British government believes. The admission came as it emerged that many children have died in the latest wave of bombing and shelling by the dictators forces. Five were reportedly killed in one incident as they stood by a school gate. Theresa May and her ministers had repeatedly insisted that Assad must go and there was no future for his barbaric regime. But eight years into the civil war it has emerged that the Government has decided to adopt what is considered to be a more realistic approach.  Daily Mail

Homs, Aleppo after six years, Ghouta may be next  The Times

SNP demands May step up response  The Scotsman

Abbott says Labour would let in more immigrations

Shadow Home Secretary sparks fury with Nazi comparison  Daily Telegraph

Rising number of European workers head to Britain  The Times

MPs take evidence from anti-Belfast Agreement loyalist

Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott today said Labour would let more immigrants into Britain if they are elected into Downing Street. The Labour frontbencher said that if Jeremy Corbyn becomes Prime Minister he will usher in new laws to loosen border controls. She said they will change the rules to let child refugees who come to Britain bring their parents and carers with them. Ms Abbott also said Labour would end the policy of deporting children without the entitlement to be in the UK when they reach the age of 18 But the Tories warned the changes would just encourage children to make the potentially perilous journey to Europe across dangerous and war-torn areas.  Daily Mail

Loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson has told the Northern Ireland Affairs committee the Belfast Agreement is a moral stain on the British parliament. Mr Bryson, listed as a representative of Unionist Voice Policy Studies, appeared before the committee this morning for the session entitled Devolution and democracy in Northern Ireland  dealing with the deficit. In a blistering attack on the Good Friday Agreement, Mr Bryson told the committee: If people took to the streets and said were going to burn down London, unless we can have a mandatory coalition, were going to blow London up, would you expect the British parliament to humiliate itself and say okay, we will change our system of government to ensure that you wont shoot and bomb us?  News Letter

News in Brief:
Resham Kotecha is a strategy consultant. She contested Coventry North West in last years General Election. She currently serves as the Head of Engagement for Women2Win, and is a Policy Ambassador for the Conservative Policy Forum, reaching out to BAME communities.

Historically, our party has struggled to appeal to black, asian and minority ethnic (BAME) community groups. This has changed gradually over time, with their support for the Conservatives peaking during the David Cameron era, when 23 per cent of BAME voters voted for us at the 2015 General Election.

Yet despite improvements in both educational attainment and unemployment rates, BAME support for the Conservatives tumbled last summer, with only 19 per cent voting Conservative. This decrease has partly been attributed to concern over immigration (as the right wing of the party takes an increasingly hard stance on the issue); partly due to concerns over the NHS; and partly due to the fact that a lot of the BAME community voted to remain in the EU.

In politics, as with most things, perception matters  in some cases, more than reality. Regardless of what we say, or even what we do as a Party, if BAME communities believe that we dont represent their best interests, they will continue to vote for an alternative. I believe that with the implementation of policies spanning a range of areas, we can demonstrate our commitment to diversity, social mobility, and a bright future for the BAME community.

The Conservative Party should consider a series of policy recommendations that would help build trust in BAME communities, address racial inequalities, and increase the Conservatives appeal.

Immigration

For years, BAME communities have felt discriminated against by the UKs immigration system. Despite sharing centuries of history, despite having ancestors who fought and died for the British, despite having family members who continue to serve in our military, and despite often having a shared language, BAME voters families and friends find it much harder to come to the UK than citizens of the EU.

This has been a source of deep frustration and has made it difficult for many in the community to feel fully welcome and integrated. Over the course of the next year or so, we will see the Governments immigration blueprint for the UK after Brexit. It is not yet clear if this will be an Australian-style points system or another alternative, but there is a chance that the UKs trade deal with the EU will require favourable immigration status for EU citizens. If this is the case, Commonwealth citizens should receive the same favourable status for entry to the UK.

The first official figures for 2018 show that demand for UK university places has risen, with the number of EU applicants increasing by 3.4 per cent and the number of international students increasing by 11 per cent  positive news for universities and local economies. However, some believe that this trend is temporary as EU students apply now so as not to have to pay full international fees, and as non-EU students take advantage of a weaker pound.

As well as adapting our immigration policy to welcome skilled members of the Commonwealth at least on par with EU citizens, we should remove students from immigration numbers and offer them a two-year working visa after they graduate. This would allow us to continue to attract the brightest and the best students from around the world, and to foster relationships with future leaders. This would truly embody Global Britain.

Employment

Since 2010, the employment rates for the BAME community has risen to 64.8 per cent  almost the highest on record. However, the unemployment rate for BAME adults in the UK is almost double the unemployment rate among white British adults  7.8 per cent compared to 4 per cent  and ethnic minorities are under-represented at senior levels across the public sector despite academic success.

According to a Government report, if BAME talent was fully utilised, the economy could be boosted by up to 24 billion. The report found that reasons for under-employment and lack of success included a lack of the right connections, discrimination, a lack of role models and qualification issues. While 14 per cent of the working age population were from a BAME background, they only made up ten per cent of the workforce and held six per cent of top management positions.

Other reports have also found that black university graduates are paid 23.1 per cent less than the average white graduate and BAME workers with degrees are 2.5 times more likely to be unemployed than white workers with a university education.

Mentoring schemes such as SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity), SMF (Social Mobility Foundation) and The Housing Diversity Network have helped thousands of people from BAME and low-income backgrounds to access opportunities at universities and in the workplace.

More mentoring schemes and traineeships in high BAME areas would help young people from BAME communities to have role models and guidance on education, apprenticeship and career applications. Outreach programmes by public sector organisations to schools and universities in high diversity areas would help to inspire students and encourage a broader range of people in public sector positions. And, as recommended by the McGregor-Smith report, we should introduce a race pay report in order to encourage a quicker transition to racial pay equality.

Housing

According to House of Commons research, 48 per cent of black households live in social housing, the majority of children living above the fourth floor in blocks of flats are black or Asian, and BAME people are much more likely to live in overcrowded homes and unsafe conditions.

Most ethnic minorities live in cities in the UK  with over half of the people who identified as Black/African/Caribbean/Black British in the 2011 census living in London, where house prices are becoming increasingly expensive and social housing lists are growing longer. One in six BAME families have a home with a category one hazard under the housing, health and safety rating system, and too many homes lack safety features such as fire alarms.

BAME renters still face discrimination in the housing market, with developers and estate agents accused of white-washing hoardings and only showing premium properties to white viewers.

Theresa May committed an extra 2 billion towards social housing at the 2017 Conservative Party Conference. A portion of this money should be allocated to the BAME housing sector to provide social housing in the most deprived neighbourhoods in London, the Midlands and the north to enable BAME communities to control more housing assets and boost social mobility.

The Conservative Party should increase penalties for estate agents whose practices are discriminatory against BAME communities. We should also further incentivise saving for lower income households to enable people from poorer diverse communities to aspire to buy homes and, in turn, improve social mobility. Finally, we should provide fire alarms for the poorest communities and carry out fire safety awareness campaigns.

Justice

The Lammy Review was commissioned in January 2016 and attempted to disentangle the broader effects of discrimination from the procedures of police, courts, prisons and the probation service. The review found that whilst systemic racism was falling, problems of covert and unconscious or implicit bias were becoming clear.

In 2016, black people made up three per cent of the population in England and Wales and 12 per cent of the prison population. The average sentence for white offenders was 18 months, while Black and Asian offenders received the longest, at 24 and 25 months respectively.

An EHRC review found that race was the most commonly recorded motivation for hate crimes in England and Wales, and that hate crimes had increase in recent years.

There should be moderation of court cases annually to identify and address systemic prejudice and ensure people of all backgrounds are treated equally. The Government should also introduce stronger punishment for hate crimes to address racism and prevent BAME communities from feeling unsafe.

Diversity

As with housing advertisements, BAME communities are often under-represented in general campaigns, such as health or educational campaigns. People from different ethnic backgrounds are statistically more likely to suffer from certain health issues, and therefore need tailored health campaigns. For example, the South Asian population is twice as likely to get diabetes than the general population, demonstrating the need for diabetes awareness campaigns in areas with large Asian communities.

Research has shown that BAME groups have worse mental health outcomes and treatment than their white counterparts, are more likely to be sectioned, and less likely to receive the appropriate treatment.

Studies have found that many universities lack diversity, with very few students from BAME backgrounds applying or attending. Certain subjects have huge problems with their ethnic diversity. For example, black Caribbean students accounted for just 0.3 per cent of all new medical and dentistry students in the UK  just 25 students nationally.

In public service, BAME MPs make up 7.8 per cent of the new Parliament, despite making up 14 per cent of the population as a whole, roughly six per cent of court judges, and just four per cent of local councillors, with only slight improvements in these areas in the last decade.

BAME communities need to be acknowledged, recognised and inspired.

Universities ought to publish outreach programmes and diversity statistics to demonstrate their efforts more diverse people shown on programmes. Information programmes at schools and GP surgeries on mental health would help to address inequalities and issues. We need better health and awareness campaigns, with diverse people shown in campaigns  particularly around smoking and diabetes due to higher rates in BAME populations. Public sector organisations should publish plans to address BAME inequalities, including outreach programmes and apprenticeships.

However the Government chooses to proceed, we need to demonstrate our commitment to BAME communities through thoughtful policies and careful modelling of the impact of new policies on BAME groups.

By addressing racial inequalities in sectors such as education, health, housing and employment, we can help BAME communities to realise their full potential, remove racial disparities and ensure the UK continues to benefit from its diverse communities.

Inaction is only likely to make integration harder, constrain BAME individuals in their pursuit of success, and further entrench racial inequalities in the UK. The Government can, and should, implement policies to tackle these issues and benefit society as a whole.

This chapter forms part of a series contained in the New Blue Book: Emerging Leaders Edition. It provides a platform for new ideas and policy proposals from rising stars and emerging leaders across the centre-right.
Garvan Walshe is a former National and International Security Policy Adviser to the Conservative Party. He runs Brexit Analytics.

Peace agreements are messy compromises, and the 1998 Belfast Agreement is just that. Terrorists of the IRA and UVF would make their way into politics. Sinn Fein and the DUP, the parties opposed to the compromise, would become its greatest beneficiaries. The distinctive selling point of the SDLP and Ulster Unionists  moderation and support for constitutional democracy  would evaporate. If a vote for Sinn Fein stopped being a vote for terror; and one for the DUP was no longer for Protestant supremacism, why not give full expression to your identity? As the Dr Pepper ad goes, whats the worst that could happen?

The leniency with which terrorists were treated by the agreement; the ambiguities surrounding the decommissioning of their weapons; the sanitising by Mo Mowlem, the Northern Ireland Secretary, of paramilitary thugs beating young men to a pulp as internal policing; the failure of terrorist groups to account for their crimes, or to even provide families with the location of where the people they had disappeared for resisting them had been buried; all contributed to my decision to join the Conservative Party. Labour, pre-9/11, couldnt be trusted to stand firm enough against terrorism.

9/11 changed that, but also the perception of the troubles. It caused their brutality in Northern Ireland  men forced, their families kidnapped, to drive trucks full of explosives into military bases as involuntary suicide bombers; families gunned down at home; the conversion of a few pints at your local into a dance with death  to disappear from memory. More importantly, they caused the United States, which had previously overlooked US funding of the IRA, to turn up the pressure. That fixed the biggest flaw in the Agreement, and forced Sinn Fein to become a more or less constitutional political party.

The Agreement recognises that territories divided along sectarian lines cant be governed by majoritarian politics. It allows people to choose to be Irish or British or both. Margaret Thatcher was wrong to say that Belfast was as British as Finchley. But nor is it as Irish as Castlenock on Dublins south side, where Leo Varadkar cut his political teeth as a councillor. Thats why, beginning with Thatchers 1985 Anglo-Irish Agreement, through the 1993 Downing Street Declaration, in which John Major made it clear that the British government had no selfish strategic interest in Northern Ireland and that its constitutional status was a matter for its people to decide, it was understood that the six counties status was sui generis.

But this weeks co-ordinated attack on the Agreement by pro-Brexit figures is as irresponsible as it is unnecessary.

Irresponsible because Anglo-Irish relations are at the worst they have been for years despite having the most pro-British Taoiseach in office since John Bruton (cruelly if not entirely inaccurately nicknamed John Unionist); because even if Brexit did not impinge on Anglo-Irish relations, a government consumed with the negotiations in Brussels hasnt the capacity for a second diplomatic effort; and, most of all, because a government dependent on the DUP for support would be unable to negotiate in good faith: the promise in the 1993 Declaration, that it has no selfish strategic interest in the status of Northern Ireland, would be broken and the entire basis of the peace process annulled.

And unnecessary because a meaningful Brexit for Britain can be achieved without risking peace in Northern Ireland. Though I personally favour a Norway-style compromise where Britain leaves the EU and stays in the Single Market and Customs Union, I understand why many Brexiters think that would defeat its purpose. Brexit has two main aims: for Britain to be able to set immigration policy, and make its own decisions on regulation and trade.

The problem of course is how to do that without imposing a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Without creative solutions that exist only as motes in the eye of ambitious public sector IT engineers, an independent trade and immigration policy are only possible if Britain leaves the Single Market and Customs Union. That is, and this is a matter of logic that cannot be fudged: if theres to be no border on Ireland, and Britain is to leave the Single Market and Customs Union, it follows that there must be one on the Irish Sea, between those parts of the UK outside the Single Market and Customs Union, and Northern Ireland, which will stay in.

Though the DUP say they oppose this, it is in fact supported by Leave voters in Northern Ireland (64 per cent), Protestants (64 per cent), and supporters of unionist parties (59 per cent), according to research by John Garry for the Kings College UK in a Changing EU centre. In reality, the DUP is divided between a hard-line faction based at Westminster and a younger, more pragmatic generation of leaders in Northern Ireland itself, who want to serve their Northern Irish constituents.

By trying to reopen the Belfast Agreement, Brexiters such as Owen Paterson, a former Northern Ireland Secretary, Dan Hannan and Kate Hoey showed that Brexit is so important to them they are willing to risk a return to violence in Northern Ireland to get it. But they can have Brexit for Britain without running that risk. In the agreement to move to Phase Two of Brexit talks, the government allowed the Northern Irish institutions to permit Britain to escape the Single Market and Customs Union membership that is now required to prevent a border in Ireland.

Brexiters efforts should now focus on persuading the DUP to allow Britain the freedom to diverge. It makes sense for the DUP: they avoid the hard border they say they oppose, and achieve an outcome that reflects the views of the communities they represent. It makes sense for the Brexiters, too. As the Prime Minister said in Munich, they shouldnt let deep-seated ideology jeopardise the security of our citizens.
Bradley debates MLAs pay as Stormont standoff continues

The Northern Irish Secretary is to decide shortly on whether or not MLAs should continue to receive full pay if the Assembly remains suspended, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

This follows the collapse of the latest round of talks aimed at re-establishing the Provinces devolved government, which fell apart after Sinn Fein walked out over the cash for ash scandal a year ago. Speaking to the House of Commons, Karen Bradley acknowledged that many members of the public are concerned about their legislators continuing to receive full pay whilst a huge part of their job goes undone.

Bradley is under mounting pressure from the Democratic Unionists to introduce full direct rule. The party says that it is democratically unacceptable  a dereliction of duty, in Nigel Dodds words  for Northern Ireland to continue being governed by civil servants with no political oversight.

That Arlene Foster, DUP leader and former first minister, has started to echo these calls is a clear sign that the largest unionist party is losing hope that the talks will reach a successful outcome.

Scottish Tory MPs break ranks for clean Brexit

Three of the newly-elected Scottish Conservative MPs have put their signatures to the European Research Groups latest letter to the Prime Minister calling for a clean break from the European Union, the Scotsman reports.

Alongside Colin Clark, who ousted Alex Salmond in Gordon, were Alister Jack and Stephen Kerr, each of whom hold a seat previously held by a Tory Secretary of State. Remarkably their number did not include Ross Thomson, the Aberdeen South MP who served as a spokesman for Vote Leave in 2016. Update: Thomson does support the letter, but his signature isnt on it for some reason.

This is a very welcome development which suggests that the Scottish Tories may not in fact be evolving into the phalanx-like bloc wished for in devocrat circles. Jack told the BBC:

I hope that Ruth is supporting the Lancaster House speech  Im sure she is, as all Conservatives are. We are a broad church and she is a very good leader. She does not tell us all how we have to think or how we have to vote  we vote with our consciences as members of parliament and we stand up for the things we believe in, and she has had no problem with that.

Almost four in ten Scots voted Leave in the referendum, so if four of the 13 Tory MPs north of the border were pro-Brexit it would do more justice to popular opinion than Holyroods elite consensus has managed to date.

Less happily, this split does not seem to have eased the pressure being exerted by Davidsons allies for the Government to capitulate on Clause 11 of the Withdrawal Bill. David Lidington, the Cabinet Office Minister, looks set to offer a formal surrender on the issue later today. Future generations of British lawmakers will rue the Governments feebleness on this issue.

Welsh Conservatives demand Labour publish leak inquiry

The Welsh Tories have demanded that the Welsh Government publish its inquiry into whether the sacking of Carl Sargeant was leaked, according to Wales Online.

Lee Waters, a Labour AM, claims to have received a text confirming that Sargeant was going to be removed from the administration  before the ex-Communities Minister was informed himself. However, the report formally concluded that there was no unauthorised leak.

The scandal also took another twist this week when Leighton Andrews, a former Labour minister and close ally of Sargeant, claimed that Freedom of Information requests made to the university where he now works were an attempt to undermine him. The requests included demands for details of any disciplinary actions against him and his contact with the media.

Smith attacks Murrison over invitation to loyalist

The Shadow Northern Irish Secretary has criticised the Conservative chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee for inviting a controversial loyalist blogger to give evidence.

Politics Home reports that Owen Smith wrote to Andrew Murrison after the latter invited Jamie Bryson to give evidence to the Committees inquiry into how the Provinces dysfunctional devolution settlement might be improved. Smith alleged that the loyalist, who rose to prominence during the 2015 protests against the removal of the Union Flag from Belfast City Hall, would distract from the Committees focus on getting devolution back on his feet.

Bryson certainly took a strongly anti-devolution line in his evidence, arguing that the Belfast Agreement was a capitulation to terrorists and that those who cited the peace in an attempt to silence opponents were committing moral blackmail:
It is the sad fate of the constitution to be only a very marginal interest, especially taken as part of an issue as exciting and all-encompassing as Brexit.

Thus todays news that David Lidington has offered the devolved administration a gamut of post-Brexit powers will probably be treated as a second-order story, another embarrassing climbdown for an administration well-practised in retreat.

But although constitutional issues move at a glacial pace, so too do they have a glacier-like ability to transform the political landscape. Future governments will likely come to rue this administrations inability, or unwillingness, to carry Claus 11 of the Withdrawal Bill over the line.

You can read the full-fat case for the clause, by one of its architects, in this paper for These Islands. I also provided an outline of the arguments back in November. They are no less true now than they were then, so I wont repeat them at length here.

Rather, its worth looking ahead to consider the sort of trouble this capitulation  and for all that the devolved assemblies are drawing it out, a capitulation is what it is  may cause future prime ministers.

Most immediately, this demonstrates that the weight of inertia behind devolution remains so strong that it can carry the day even when its arguments are  as suggestions of a Westminster power grab are  total nonsense. For a certain, powerful section of the devolutionary governing class, the demand for more powers is intellectual muscle memory and the centre has developed no meaningful capacity to resist it.

Second, by retreating the Government has conceded the idea that there is something fundamentally illegitimate about governing from Westminster. The idea that it is unacceptable for powers exercised by Brussels to be exercised by London is inherently anti-British, requiring as it does the belief that there is something particularly illlegitimate about UK-level governance.

It is a strange unionism which demands that Britain, an actual country, be less well-integrated than the EU, a inter-state arrangement. But now that ministers have conceded the idea that even UK-wide policy should not be imposed by our UK-wide legislature, expect to see this precedent levelled against Westminster time and again.

This is especially disappointing given that, before the election, Theresa May really seemed to have twigged that unionists actually needed to defend Westminster and its role in governing the whole of the country. But the loss of her majority, and certain key figures who had been at the heart of the Governments unionism, seems to have done for that.

Third, we have the actual powers themselves. These were passed up to Brussels because it was believed that harmonising them was necessary for the smooth functioning of a single market. The idea that most of them can simply be set at the sub-state level is implausible, especially if advocated by people who otherwise support ongoing membership of the single market and thus the powers staying where they are.

This sort of unwieldy confederalism would be a sub-optimal way to organise a relatively small country such as ours even before the inveterate tendency of devolved politicians to grandstand against Westminster were taken into account. Throw in one or more devolved administrations run by parties dedicated to breaking up the Union and you have a recipe for deep dysfunction.

Devocrats like to talk of a constitutional crisis if their demands had not been met, which makes it sound as is the Government didnt have a choice in the matter, but thats as thin as their power grab line. The mechanism by which Holyrood and Cardiff Bay give consent to reserved legislation is a courtesy, and refusal has no constitutional consequences whatsoever.

Facing down Nicola Sturgeon, Carwyn Jones and Ruth Davidson may have had political consequences, perhaps very challenging ones, but a political crisis is not the same thing as a constitutional one and the Governments retreat must be weighed against the threat it actually faced.

The Prime Minister is setting a course for stormy constitutional waters. Perhaps a future, bolder administration  one with rather less on its plate  will find a way to mitigate or even roll back the most damaging of these concessions. History doesnt offer much hope of that, however.
Although some of the broad principles of the Governments EU negotiating position are unresolved  disturbingly late in the day  other parts of them, which are among the most important, have been settled for some time. We are going to be a fully-independent, sovereign country, Theresa May told the Conservative Conference of 2016, a country that is no longer part of a political union with supranational institutions that can override national parliaments and courtsit is not going to be a Norway model. Its not going to be a Switzerland model. It is going to be an agreement between an independent, sovereign United Kingdom and the European Union. She also said that We are not leaving the European Union only to give up control of immigration again. And we are not leaving only to return to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

That ruled out membership of the EEA and of the Single Market. In case the point wasnt clear enough, she spelt it out explicitly at Lancaster House the following January. What I am proposing cannot mean membership of the Single Market, she said: Control of our own laws was the second of twelve principles set out in the speech. The Prime Minister also rejected being part of the Common Commercial Policy and being bound by the Common External Tariff  which excludes being a Customs Union member, although she left the door open to becoming an associate member of the Customs Union in some way or remaining a signatory to some elements of it  all in the course of agreeing a customs agreement. The Florence speech last September saw her sketch out an implementation period of around two years, and three baskets in which divergence and realignment with the EU would be treated differently.

If there is a fully-fledged trade deal between Britain and the EU, some issues have already been settled in outline  such as money. The principles on which agreement was reached in December are unlikely to be discussed in depth at todays Chequers meeting of Mays War Cabinet. Other matters were not settled at all, but will presumably not be raked over again at length  such as the Governments technical proposals for managing the land border with Ireland.

Rather, three of the main topics to be probed will be, first, regulatory alignment and divergence; second, customs and, finally, transition. And, as we have seen, the conversation will be confined within the red lines that the Prime Minister herself has already set out. No ECJ jurisdiction. No Single Market membership. Departure from the Common Commercial Policy and the Common External Tarrif. Or, as Boris Johnson likes to put it, control of our money, laws and borders. Almost anything else is possible.

On regulation, we will have to meet EU standards when exporting to it post-Brexit  just as America does, for example. But our freedom to diverge from some of the requirements we meet now will be limited in any event. EU trade rules are increasingly global trade rules. This explains why the Foreign Secretary said recently that when it comes to EU standards for washing machines or hairdryers and vacuum cleaners or whatever, it may very well make sense for us to remain in alignment.

It also provides the logic for those baskets  where we and our European friends may have different goals; or where we share the same goals but want to achieve them through different means. And there will be areas where we want to achieve the same goals in the same ways, because it makes sense for our economies, as May put it. Some want all manufactured goods to be placed in the first basket. That is too sweeping. Johnson made the point that we may want to diverge on AI, robotics, and bioscience.

The most practicable course to take is for divergence and alignment to be managed by a single body. The EU might well, of course, resist such a plan. It may, too, reject any scheme to align in at least some manufactures and diverge in services, such as that set on this site earlier this week by Stephen Booth: we shall see. It will certainly want trade-offs for any divergence: very roughly, the more there is  and the more restriction on free movement there is, too  the more trade friction there will be at the borders.

On customs, it could be that we decide voluntarily to mirror the Common External Tarriff indefinitely at least for some industrial goods. That would keep the letter of Mays pledge to leave the Customs Union and not join a customs union. But it would breach the spirit. Such a customs agreement might be consistent with the liberty to negotiate, sign and implement free trade deals with non-EU countries. But such a freedom would be useless if so much was automatically excluded from negotiation. This outcome must be avoided.

Yesterday on this site, Graham Gudgin of Policy Exchange drew on an EU policy report to support the Governments technical proposals for avoiding a hard border with Ireland. As we have said before, British and Irish views of what such a border is differ. To us, a hard border is all the paraphenalia of the Troubles: customs posts, checkpoints, uniformed men. To many people in Ireland, it has increasingly come to mean any depature from the Single Market.

If all else fails, Decembers agreement commits us, in the event of everything else being agreed, to full alignment on North-South cooperation, the all island economy and the protection of the 1998 Agreement. Full alignment is an ambiguous form of words that lacks the legal standing of full regulatory alignment. It is consistent with a mutual recognition of standards, from which any divergence can be negotiated through the single body, which would aim to resolve any difficulties. Such should be Mays aim.

Which brings us finally to transition. There is confusion today over the standing of a Government document which suggests that transition could be extended indefinitely. Downing Street is insisting that the Prime Minister sticks by her commitment of about two years. The EU wants it to be over earlier than that  by the end of 2020, in line with its own budgetary cycle. But this prevarication returns us to a point we have made before. The biggest danger for Britain which transition poses is not the imposition of new rules during it. Nor is it even that EU immigration will continue as now. It is, rather, that we could be stuck in it semi-permanently  as negotiations on a trade deal stretch on beyond Brexit day, thus collapsing the Prime Ministers idea of an implementation period.

That peril is exacerbated by the possibility that our customs and borders systems may not be ready by the end of 2020, or of about two years  causing Ministers and civil servants to agree that we have no alternative but to extend transition onand onand on. Some senior Ministers are already putting the same case for prolonged Customs Union membership, maintaining that it should actually run for longer than the transition period. We were doubtless not the first to say, together with Charlie Elphicke and James Arnell on this site, that Britain must be Ready on Day One  now effectively the end of transition, assuming a deal, and presumably Brexit Day itself, if one falls through. But it is worth repeating none the less. Again and again and again.
Since November 2016, Locomotive #17 (which is currently located on the South East corner of Brookdale and Ninth Streets) has become a heated topic. The biggest issue in debate was whether City Council should or should not put money aside to refurbish the Locomotive that evidently needed to be repaired. Doug McOuat from the Ontario Electric Railway Historical Association stated that two of Canadas top Railway Museums consider Locomotive #17 to be in good condition. Both of these museums have over 60 years of experience, and they both have a Cornwall locomotive in their collection.

When the Locomotive was designated as historically significant in 2006 under a heritage designation (designation in the province of Ontario allows municipalities and the provincial government to designate individual properties and districts in the Province of Ontario, as being of cultural heritage value or interest. When a property is designated, it means that the municipal council has the responsibility to protect buildings and properties that are of cultural significance) City Council at that time promised to put $10,000 into the Locomotive to secure its upkeep. They did not keep that promise. However, in June, our current City Council decided to put money aside to refurbish the Locomotive which is estimated to cost approximately $85,000.

The next issue to arise, is that the city believes the Locomotive needs to be moved to another location in Cornwall. The biggest question to follow suit was, where could it be moved to? On February 7, 2018, a survey was released asking the public for their input on where the locomotive should be moved to. Three months prior to, Cornwalls Waterfront Committee began discussing the option of having the Locomotive grace Lamoureux Park. This idea was quickly shot down, and I do not agree or disagree with their decision. Lamoureux Park is a beautiful green area for the public to enjoy, however, most of the land that makes up Lamoureux Park is landfill. This means that the land in Lamoureux Park may not be solid enough to hold the 70-ton Locomotive. If the engine were to be moved to our waterfront area, and it did eventually sink into the ground, lifting it would bring more expenses to the city. The other side to this suggestion, is that the RCAFA building, the Cornwall Community Museum, and the Civic Complex are all heavy buildings that are situated in the park, albeit on grounds that are original  not landfill. Could areas near these places hold the Locomotives weight?

An ideal and historically appropriate location for the Locomotive, would be the Cotton Mill area. In the early 1900s train tracks went directly to this area, and they were used daily. Cornwall grew and thrived on the success of its mills, and a lot of that success can be attributed to the shipping that was done via rail. Restored, the Locomotive would be an important historical addition to this area. The Waterfront committee was concerned that the engine would become a target for graffiti. I believe having the Locomotive in the Cotton Mill area will deter vandals from damaging this piece of history, because it would be under the eyes of the condo dwellers and citizens visiting local businesses in that area.

Cornwall has lost countless of historically significant properties to fires and unpredictable tragedies, but it has unfortunately lost much of its history to neglect. We should be proud of the history that remains in our city, and I believe it would be ideal to do all that we can to protect the history we still have left.
Ross Brown, who led VMware's channel program up until last summer, is no longer with the virtualization company, several sources confirmed Thursday.

Brown's departure comes just six months after VMware shuffled its executive deck, promoting channel ace Brandon Sweeney to senior vice president of worldwide sales and operations and moving Brown into a role focused on cloud, the Internet of Things and other emerging technologies.

"When Brandon was appointed into that job, Ross' responsibilities shifted and it became a natural break point," one channel source close to VMware, who did not want to be identified, told CRN.

[Related: New VMware Channel Chief Sweeney On Taking 'Friction' Out Of Dell EMC Deals, Rules Of Engagement And Disty Relationships]

"Ross was really good at strategy, but is not a channel operations guy. The torch at VMware has been passed from a focus on channel strategy to channel operations," the source said, adding Brown's departure was a mutual decision.

Brown, who had been reporting to VMware Chief Operating Officer of Customer Operations Sanjay Poonen, came to VMware in August 2015 to fill the channel chief position. His previous experience included a four-year stint, starting in 2008, in a channel leadership position at Microsoft.

Sweeney, a 14-year VMware veteran credited with building the company's channel, has taken over Brown's current responsibilities around the cloud program, the source said.

A VMware spokesperson told CRN that Brown left the company this month to pursue other personal interests and return to go-to-market consulting.

"We thank him for his contributions to the VMware Channel and Strategic Alliances team," the spokesperson said.

Sweeney continues to serve as VMware's global channel chief, a role he filled in August.

Brown's LinkedIn page said he started a sabbatical this month. Neither Sweeney nor Brown's LinkedIn pages, however, reflect the job changes implemented last summer, although VMware at the time confirmed them to CRN.

"He always looked at this as a several-year job and started to wind down after Brandon's appointment," the source said.

VMware hasn't directly notified partners of Brown's departure, according to several solution providers in the company's channel.

William Bell, vice president of products at PhoenixNAP, a managed services and cloud operator based in Phoenix, told CRN while he hasn't heard an announcement as to Brown, he's reached out to some VMware employees who informed him of the departure. VMware probably wants to keep the exit low key, Bell said.

PhoenixNAP doesn't expect to see significant changes to the Cloud Provider Program it participates in as a result of Brown no longer being in his previous position.

"We have worked with various folks with reporting lines up to Brandon in the past and we have full faith and confidence in the direction of the Cloud Provider Program specifically," Bell told CRN.

The Cloud Provider Program underwent a transformation late last year.

"We think that their direction is fairly locked in and stabilized, at least for now," Bell said.
Addigy, a maker of cloud-based software for IT management of Apple's Mac computers, is aiming to expand its channel presence with its first-ever reseller program as the Mac gains traction in the Windows-dominated business world.

Founded in 2014 by Kaseya veteran Jason Dettbarn, Miami-based Addigy has focused its channel efforts to date on working with MSPs, and counts about 170 channel partners in total.

Next week, Addigy will be holding its first-ever partner summit and will be announcing the debut of a reseller program that will offer competitive margins, training and sales resources, a partner portal and deal registration, according to Dettbarn, who is Addigy's CEO.

[Related: HP Is Bringing Apple's iPhones, iPads And MacBooks To Its Device-As-A-Service Offering]

Addigy aims to offer a simplified approach to management of Macs, with easier setup of policies that are enforced at all times, along with remote control and other management capabilities.

Kinetic Technology Group, a Mac-focused MSP based in Dallas, is one partner that is using Addigy instead of the Mac-specific tools provided in other remote monitoring and management (RMM) offerings, said Kinetic's founder and CEO, Jim Harryman.

"It's the only true macOS RMM on the market that we have found," Harryman told CRN. "With Addigy you get all the things you get in the Windows world with Kaseya or N-able or ConnectWise. You get all of those features for the Macand they keep adding things in. It's a continuously expanding product."

Harryman said he's enthusiastic about the expansion of Addigy to work with the reseller market, since the MSP model is not a fit for every type of customer.

"If they were to open that up to where partners could resell Addigy into larger organizations, and even possibly work with that client on implementation and doing a project, we would be definitely interested in that," he said.

Addigy saw 10-fold revenue growth in 2017, and expects to grow by about a factor of three this year, Dettbarn told CRN. The product is a particularly good fit for channel partners because Mac management typically supports charging higher margins than PC management, he said.

"Our MSPs have grown at ridiculous rates compared to MSPs that are just doing PCs," Dettbarn said.

Helping to drive the growth is Apple's own push into the enterprise, which is causing more corporations to offer Macs to employees than in the past, he said. Apple's enterprise partners include Cisco, IBM, Accenture, Deloitte and SAP, and Mac revenue grew 13 percent during Apple's fiscal 2017 compared to the previous year.

Apple has re-emphasized the Mac in its product lineup with refreshes to the MacBook Pro and iMac in recent years, though Dettbarn said that's a less-important factor than Apple's increased efforts around selling Mac into the enterprise.

"I don't care about the [MacBook Pro] Touch Bar and other things, but they're doing the right things for businesses," Dettbarn said.

Overall, Addigy is helping to enable more companies to feel comfortable with using Macs, he said. Often, after a successful deployment of Addigy, a customer will expand the number of Macs being used within the organization, Dettbarn said.

"In the corporate environment, they push back if they don't have the tool sets and don't have that comfort level" around managing Macs, Dettbarn said. "But they'll quickly expand their Mac portfolio once they feel confident with it."

The inaugural Addigy Partner Summit is being held in Miami from Feb. 28 to March 2, and about 200 attendees are expected, Dettbarn said.
Contributed Photo / Blends Gallery / Contributed Photo

BRIDGEPORT  The Blends Gallery in Bridgeport will host an art show Friday with a theme of anti-violence.

The show is expected to run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 1163 Main Street in Bridgeport. There will be music provided.
BRIDGEPORT  A citizen of El Salvador, who was last known to be residing in Bridgeport, was sentenced Wednesday to serve 42 months in prison for trafficking cocaine, the Department of Justice said.

Miguel Lara, 47, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, 500 grams or more of cocaine on Nov. 27, 2017. He has been detained since his arrest.
FAIRFIELD  Officers in Fairfield will trade in their uniforms for an apron Friday to raise money for Special Olympics Connecticut.

The event  Tip-A-Cop  will take place Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chips Family Restaurant at 525 Tunxis Hill Cut Off in Fairfield.
NEWTOWN - The mother of a child who died in the Sandy Hook massacre told President Donald Trump Wednesday during a White House meeting about school shootings that he had the power to prevent student deaths.

This is not difficult, said Nicole Hockley, during a listening session called by the president to discuss shooting deaths at schools following the Valentines Day massacre in Florida that left 14 high schoolers and three staff members dead. These deaths are preventable.

Hockley, who co-founded the Newtown-based Sandy Hook Promise, said the president could make an immediate impact on the gun violence epidemic by investing in mental health programs and by endorsing school-based peer programs to raise awareness about red flag behavior.

There are free training programs - such as our Know the Signs programs available across the states right now, said Hockley, referring to initiatives to combat chronic isolation in schools and to help kids recognize signs that a peer is about to cause harm. You could mandate these sorts of programs - you could ensure that schools, students and educators are trained how to recognize these signs and know what to do when they see them, and then to ensure that those tips are followed through.

The White House meeting comes one week after a 19-year-old with an AR-15-style rifle went to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., and opened fire. It was the worst school shooting in America since 2012, when a 20-year-old with an AR-15-style rifle shot his way in to a locked Sandy Hook School and murdered 26 first-graders and educators.

Before Hockley spoke, the president talked about the need for arming teachers.

But as Hockley and others called for action to address an epidemic that has seen 290 school shootings in America since 2013, according to Everytown For Gun Safety, Trump pressed his lips together soberly and nodded.

I implore you - consider your own children - you dont want to be me, no parent does, Hockley said to the president. And you have the ability to make a difference and save lives today. Please dont waste this.

In response, Trump pledged to strengthen background checks and proposed that trained school staff should be allowed to carry firearms.

I thank your ideas and for pouring your hearts out on this matter, Trump said.
MIDDLETOWN  Police have identified 27-year-old Steven Ellam of Milardo Lane as the man who they allege crashed his car into the Middlesex Hospital emergency room entrance and set himself on fire.

Ellam was airlifted to the Bridgeport Hospital burn unit after the crash on Crescent Street Thursday morning, officials said.

It was intentional, but we are not going to speculate as to why, Mayor Dan Drew said. Based on eyewitness statements, we believe he then set himself on fire.

About 30 people were in the emergency room at the time and all were evacuated safely, hospital staff said.

At this time we believe this is an isolated incident, Drew said. No one else was hurt.

Ellam was carrying a number of gas cans with flammable liquid inside the silver sedan he crashed into the hospital at about 10 a.m., officials said. Ellam drove down Crescent Street and hit the building, traveling inside, officials at the scene said. The cars bumper was flush with the sidewalk, and even an hour after the crash, the Chevrolet could be seen inside the hospital. The car caught fire after it collided with the building, said witnesses on the second floor of the hospital at the time.

Middletown Police Chief William McKenna declined to speculate on Ellams motive.

Ellam has never been on the FBIs radar, Special Agent in Charge Patricia Ferrick said.

In 2016, Ellam was assigned a probation officer, Middletown Police Capt. Gary Wallace said, but it isnt yet known whether he was on probation. Wallace said he has served time for at least one arrest. Ellams arrest records date back to age 14, Wallace said.

Ellams arrest record includes several convictions for violent offenses, according to judicial records.

He was convicted of attempt to commit second-degree assault and third-degree assault in November 2016 in connection with a March 2016 attack, and sentenced to five years in jail. The execution was suspended after three years probation.

In November 2016, Ellam was also convicted of first-degree strangulation after a June 2013 incident in which he violently attacked a woman on High Street, punching her repeatedly. Police at the time said he placed two garbage bags over the womans head in an attempt to strangle her.

The victim managed to make a hole in the bag to get more oxygen. Police said she pretended to be unconscious so Ellam would stop, but instead, he allegedly told her, I know youre not dead yet and punched her in the face.

For that incident, Ellam was sentenced to seven years in jail, execution suspended after 33 months, with three years of probation.

There are no reports he was aggravated by anything or anybody else, McKenna said about Thursdays incident.

There was no significant damage to the building, Middlesex Hospital Vice President of Operations David Giuffrida said.

This will be a crime scene for quite some time, McKenna said.

The individual is known to Middletown PD, as to what level I cannot say right now, McKenna said early in the day. He has been in our system multiple times.

We do believe with the amount of resources on scene right now, we will get to the bottom of it.

Police and fire personnel later Thursday were at the mans Middletown home on Milardo Lane, which is off Farm Hill Road and near Woodrow Wilson Middle School. The neighborhood was evacuated and others were under a shelter-in-place order. Houses on each side of the street appeared to have been evacuated.

Its secure and we feel very comfortable that no other person would be in harm if something did catch fire, the chief said Thursday afternoon.

Officers entered Ellams home to do a precautionary sweep but were waiting to obtain a search warrant Thursday evening to conduct a full investigation, according to Middletown Police Capt. Gary Wallace.

Bomb squads from the FBI, Hartford and state police were on scene at the house and hospital, police said.

That is out of an abundance of caution, not because anything was wired or connected, Drew said earlier Thursday, adding, We usually go back far enough so if something were to explode there would be no danger.

Officials have called in assistance from other municipal, state and federal authorities.

As a precaution, all Middletown schools had an officer stationed on site Thursday, as well as other public facilities, Drew said.

I want to be clear that its early in the investigation and we do not know this individuals motives, Drew said.

Investigators are now reviewing video footage from inside the hospital.

No charges have been filed against Ellam.

The emergency room will be closed Friday, and all non-emergency surgery, lab testing and outpatient radiology appointments are canceled. No patient visitors will be allowed unless there are special circumstances, Giuffrida said.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Public Health is sending portions of its field hospital to Middlesex while the emergency department is closed.

Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino said in a press release he anticipates the three-unit mobile unit will be ready by morning. Personnel from the Department of Correction who serve on the Correctional Emergency Response Team will assist DPH personnel with erecting the 40-bed temporary hospital, which has its own HVAC and power.

The field hospital will be staffed by Middlesex Hospital personnel.

Those in need of medical attention without calling 911 are asked to go to Marlborough Medical Center, Backus Hospital in Norwich, Hartford Hospital or any other hospital or urgent care center.

Drew said of the situation Thursday, as tragic as it is, as difficult as it is for our community to contend with, had very limited overall damage, in part because of the quick response from hospital staff, police officers and firefighters.

Crescent Street is a one-way street, but there is no indication the driver was traveling in the wrong direction, Middlesex Hospital spokeswoman Amanda Falcone said.

Everyone just scrambled. In the basement, you could smell the smoke coming from the ED. Everybody was evacuated out the back entrance, a witness at the scene said.

We saw the fire and all the sprinklers going off, another witness said.

Police shut down the area from Main Street Extension to South Main Street as at least a dozen firefighters from the downtown Middletown and Cross Street stations, and Westfield Volunteer Fire worked the scene.

Anyone who wants to check on patients at Middlesex Hospital or reschedule their appointments can call 860-358-6000.
FAIRFIELD  A traffic stop Monday night led to the arrest of a Bridgeport man on a weapons charge.

Police said the passenger in a car pulled over because its stop lamp wasnt working had a fully-loaded .380 handgun, along with extra rounds of ammunition.

While talking with the driver, Darnell Brown, the officer said he could smell an odor of marijuana. When Brown, 22, was asked for his license and registration, police said he appeared to be afraid to look in the glove box for the registration papers. At some point, according to the report, the passenger, Allen Young, 22, appeared to drop a small bag on the floor of the car, which turned out to be marijuana. After consenting to a search, police found four more bags of marijuana in Youngs pockets.

The handgun was found inside the glove box, and Brown told police Young pulled the gun from his waistband and put it in the glove box when police pulled the car over.

Police said Young is a convicted felon for crimes including larceny and burglary and he is currently on probation.

Young, of Remington Street, was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was held on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Bridgeport March 1.

Brown, who lives on Ridgefield Avenue, was charged with misuse of plates, failure to have stop lamps, operating without a license, and failure to insure a motor vehicle. The Bridgeport man was released at the scene.
John D. Unangst, President & CEO of Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU) and conceptualist of The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program is fondly remembered as a visionary leader. Johns idea to initiate conversation with Berenstain Enterprises was the planted seed that continues to sprout. He knew such an exclusive relationship with such iconic childrens characters had unlimited potential for credit unions and that the relationship would be a marked differentiator for our industry.

The proof is in the numbers. Teachers FCU, Smithtown, NY, added 3,800 Cub Accounts with deposits of $4.7MM since adopting The Berenstain Bears in Q4 2016. They accomplished this with no formal advertising. Instead, they relied on fliers passed out at school visits, after school programs, and community eventswhich is exactly how John envisioned leading with education.

At FMFCU, the requests for financial education increase regularly. By all accounts, the CUs relationship with the infamous Berenstain characters largely drives the increase across all age demographics. In 2017, FMFCU educators visited more than 5,400 students in grades K  3 and hosted more than one hundred field trips attended by more than 4,300 children under the age of ten. On average, these numbers have increased by more than ten percent each year since FMFCU began building The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program in 2013.

The Berenstain Bears have made our credit union more visible in the community and among school districts in our footprint, said Rick Durante, VP of Education. Since 2013, weve added three student-operated high school branches, bringing our total to ten. Weve also added several school districts as SEGs because of the classroom financial education courses we offer.

Other credit unions using the program have had similar success stories. Synergy Federal Credit Union, San Antonio, TX, saw the number of new youth accounts triple during their first year of partnering with The Bears. Prior to adopting The Berenstain Bears, youth account openings were flat at O Bee Credit Union, Tumwater, WA. In less than a year, O Bee saw a 100% increase in new youth accounts. In their second year, O Bee added 1,100 new accounts and dedicated an employee to manage the program. PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union, Muncie, IN, is entering its second year in the program and has enjoyed remarkable PR, membership growth, and household engagement. At least five loans could be directly traced to relationships formed with parents or relatives of Cub Account holders.

While John was proud to hear about these and many other success stories, he was always cognizant of the need to keep this program growing in scope so that every U.S. citizen would have the ability to join a Berenstain Bears affiliated credit union near them, and that the program would exceed their needs and expectations.

Just before the New Year, John convened a meeting in Washington, D.C. with The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program advisory board. The purpose was to discuss methods for enhancing the program to further promote reading and financial literacy, while promoting the benefits of credit union membership. As a result, the decision was made to offer the credit union edition of the 1983 classic The Berenstain Bears Trouble with Money to all credit unions rather than just to those participating in The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program.

Through our interactions with hundreds of credit unions, we learned that many were using this classic title in their financial literacy efforts just as FMFCU did prior to the exclusive credit union relationship with Berenstain Enterprises, Durante said. So it just made sense that any credit unions using this title have the credit union edition, in which all bank references and graphics are replaced with credit union.

Johns untimely passing in January devastated FMFCU and the credit union industry but his vision will continue to be the driving force behind Credit Union Network for Financial Literacys mission to enhance financial education and bolster credit union membership within the communities we serve.
PA liquor stores put 2-bottle limit on some booze. Here's the list

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board notified license holders Thursday that two-bottles-per-day purchase limits for customers at state stores, as well as well for bars, restaurants and other license holders, will remain in place indefinitely.
We have been told that the Indian Army is apolitical and that dragging the Army into politics or political debates is against the tenets of nationalism. But what are we supposed to do if the serving chief of the Army staff himself takes to politics? Precious little.

Speaking at a seminar on India's Northeast, Bridging Gaps and Securing Borders, Army chief general Bipin Rawat said: "There is a party called AIUDF they have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP has grown over the years. When we talk of Jan Sangh with two members of Parliament and where they have reached, AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam. Finally, what will be the state of Assam, we will have to take a call."

Unfortunately, in doing so, general Rawat has undermined the institution which has so far remained highly respectable and above criticism. An institution whose sacrifices have not just been appreciated, but revered across the length and breadth of India. While it is deeply saddening to note how the Army chief is trying to please the party in power, it is also a scary scenario when the head of the Army appears to be endorsing the "us" versus "them" narrative.

AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front) have grown in a faster time-frame than the BJP grew over the years. When we talk of Jan Sangh with two MPs & where they have reached, AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat (21.02.18) pic.twitter.com/XUIlBDhef6  ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018

Armed forces, not just in India but globally, unite democratic nations. They enjoy the unflinching and unquestioned support of those they guard.

The context

For the uninitiated, it is important to understand what exactly the context in which general Rawat spoke was.

General Rawat was talking about the security threat faced by India from both Pakistan and China. He said the influx of people from Bangladesh into the Northeast was "planned" and part of proxy warfare by Pakistan with support from China. So far so good. But general Rawat went on to attribute the rise of Muslims in Assam to the growth of AIUDF. Not only that, he compared it with the growth of BJP in India.

Just what the need for general Rawat to do the unwarranted was remains unexplained.

Rise of AIUDF

The AIUDF, formed in October 2005, has grown to have three members in Parliament and 13 legislators in the Assam Assembly. The party, also known as Sarva Bharatiya Sanyukt Ganatantrik Morcha, is primarily active in the state of Assam and claims to champion the "cause of Muslims" in the state.

The party rose to prominence on the back of its anti-Congress campaign, while the BJP appeared an ideological opponent.

General Rawat has attributed this rise of the AIUDF to the influx of Muslims from Bangladesh, which has for long been an issue that parties across ideological and political divides have capitalised on. But this is perhaps the first instance of a serving Army chief getting into it.

Political parties, general Rawat must know, have a right to grow in the country. This right is guaranteed under the Constitution. The AIUDF has it and so does the BJP. To comment on this is not the Army chief's domain. The growth and decimation of political parties in this country, proud of its diversity, is a reflection of the strength of its democratic spirit.

No Indian citizen, civilian or otherwise, has the right to question it.

Political parties have condemned the Army chief's comments.

What,the Army Chief should not interfere in political matters it is not his work to comment on the rise of a political party ,Democracy & Constitution allows it and Army will always work under an Elected Civilian leadership https://t.co/PacWqqYXz1  Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) February 22, 2018

AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal called the statement "shocking".

It ill behoves general Rawat to take this line because his appointment to the post in December 2016 has been a subject of criticism. At the time, it was alleged that he was cherrypicked over two senior officers, lieutenant general Praveen Bakshi and lieutenant general PM Hariz. His statements only betray incompetence, and do little to silence his detractors. And while such criticism is routine for politicians, it is dangerous for the Army.

The government had clarified he was found to be best suited to deal with counter-terrorism operations and proxy wars. It was only fair to trust the government that this was indeed the case. But the Army chief's statement, clearly toeing the BJP's line on Muslim appeasement by political parties for votes, raises questions over the apolitical nature of Army chiefs and their appointment.

The Army has issued a statement saying the utterance wasn't political in nature and shouldn't be seen thus. We wish it wasn't.

Successive governments have compromised India's independent and autonomous institutions either by means of lures or veiled threats, the Election Commission being their latest victim.

The entire country has a stake in seeing to it that the Army remains both autonomous and apolitical in nature. General Bipin Rawat's statement should thus never be repeated, neither by him nor his successors.

Institutions build respect through years and years of hard work. The Army has earned it with both sweat and blood.

The Army chief shouldn't compromise its credibility with such statements. We hope there will be due course correction by general Rawat, we are still looking up to him with hope and respect because he leads an institution we are proud of and want to continue doing so.

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The following companies are subsidiares of American International Group: AGC Life Insurance Company, AIG APAC HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., AIG Advisors S.r.l., AIG Aerospace Insurance Services Inc., AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd., AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited, AIG Asset Management (U.S.) LLC, AIG Assurance Company, AIG Australia Limited, AIG Brazil Holding I LLC, AIG CIS Investments LLC, AIG Canada Holdings Inc., AIG Capital Corporation, AIG Capital Services Inc., AIG Claims Inc., AIG Egypt Insurance Company S.A.E., AIG Employee Services Inc., AIG Europe (Services) Limited, AIG Europe Holdings S.a.rl., AIG Europe S.A., AIG Federal Savings Bank, AIG Financial Products Corp., AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., AIG Global Asset Management Holdings Corp., AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp., AIG Global Reinsurance Operations, AIG Holdings Europe Limited, AIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, AIG Insurance Company China Limited, AIG Insurance Company JSC, AIG Insurance Company of Canada, AIG Insurance Company-Puerto Rico, AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited, AIG Insurance Limited, AIG Insurance Management Services Inc., AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited, AIG International Holdings GmbH, AIG Investments UK Limited, AIG Israel Insurance Company Ltd, AIG Japan Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha, AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited, AIG Korea Inc., AIG Latin America I.I., AIG Latin America Investments S.L., AIG Lebanon SAL, AIG Life Holdings Inc., AIG Life Insurance Company (Switzerland) Ltd, AIG Life Limited, AIG Life South Africa Limited, AIG Life of Bermuda Ltd., AIG MEA Holdings Limited, AIG MEA Limited, AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad, AIG Markets Inc., AIG Matched Funding Corp., AIG PC Global Services Inc., AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., AIG Property Casualty Company, AIG Property Casualty Inc., AIG Property Casualty International LLC, AIG Property Casualty U.S. Inc., AIG Re-Takaful (L) Berhad, AIG Resseguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., AIG Shared Services Corporation, AIG South Africa Limited, AIG Specialty Insurance Company, AIG Technologies Inc., AIG Travel Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., AIG Travel Assist Inc., AIG Travel Assist Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., AIG Travel EMEA Limited, AIG Travel Inc., AIG Uganda Limited, AIG Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, AIG WarrantyGuard Inc., AIG-FP Pinestead Holdings Corp., AIG-Metropolitana Cia. de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A., AIGGRE EOLA LLC, AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund I GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I LP, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund II GP LLC, AIU Insurance Company, AM Holdings LLC, Ageas Protect, AlphaCat Managers Ltd., American General Corporation, American General Life Insurance Company, American Home Assurance Co. Ltd., American Home Assurance Company, American Home Assurance Company Escritorio de Representacao no Brasil Ltda., American International Group Inc., American International Group UK Limited, American International Overseas Association, American International Overseas Limited, American International Realty Corp., American International Reinsurance Company Ltd., American International Underwriters del Ecuador-Holding S.A., American Security Life Insurance Company Limited, Arthur J. Glatfelter Agency Inc., Avondhu Limited, Blackboard Customer Care Insurance Services LLC, Blackboard Insurance Company, Blackboard Services LLC, Blackboard Specialty Insurance Company, Blackboard U.S. Holdings Inc., Chartis Takaful Enaya B.S.C. (c), Commerce and Industry Insurance Company, Crop Risk Services Inc., Eaglestone Reinsurance Company, Ellipse, Fortitude Group Holdings LLC, Fortitude Life & Annuity Solutions Inc., Fortitude Reinsurance Company Ltd., Franklin Life Insurance Company, Fuji Fire and Marine, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Globe and Rutgers Insurance Group, Grand Isle SAC Limited, Granite State Insurance Company, Group Risk Services Limited, Group Risk Technologies Limited, Illinois National Insurance Co., Jefferson Eola Venture LLC, Johannesburg Insurance Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, Laya Healthcare Limited, Lexington Insurance Company, MG Reinsurance Limited, Mt. Mansfield Company Inc., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Pa., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Vermont, New Hampshire Insurance Company, PT AIG Insurance Indonesia, Pine Street Real Estate Holdings Corp., Private Joint-Stock Company AIG Ukraine Insurance Company, Risk Specialists Companies Insurance Agency Inc., SA Affordable Housing LLC, SAFG Retirement Services Inc., Service Net Warranty LLC, Stratford Insurance Company, SunAmerica Affordable Housing Partners Inc., SunAmerica Asset Management LLC, Talbot Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Ltd., Thai CIT Holding Company Limited, The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, Travel Guard, Travel Guard Group Canada Inc./Groupe Garde Voyage du Canada Inc., Travel Guard Group Inc., Tudor Insurance Company, VALIC Financial Advisors Inc., Valic Retirement Services Company, Validus Holdings, Validus Holdings (UK) Ltd., Validus Holdings Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland) Ltd, Validus Reinsurance Ltd., Validus Ventures Ltd., Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services Inc., Western World Insurance Company, and Western World Insurance Group Inc..
Basic Energy Services, Inc. engages in the provision of well site services to oil and natural gas drilling and producing companies. It operates its business through the following segments: Completion and Remedial Services, Well Servicing, Water Logistics, and Corporate and Other. The Completion and Remedial Services segment utilizes coiled tubing services, air compressor packages specially configured for underbalanced drilling operations, an array of specialized rental equipment and fishing tools, thru-tubing, and snubbing units. The Well Servicing segment encompasses a full range of services performed with a mobile well servicing rig, including the installation and removal of downhole equipment and elimination of obstructions in the well bore to facilitate the flow of oil and natural gas. The Water Logistics segment focuses in the fleet of trucks and related assets, including specialized tank trucks, storage tanks, water wells, disposal facilities water treatment, and related equipment. The Corporate and Other segment comprises principally of working capital and debt financing costs. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Fort Worth, TX.

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Renault SA designs, manufactures, sells, and distributes vehicles in France and internationally. The company operates through Automotive, AVTOVAZ, Sales Financing, and Mobility Services segments. It offers passenger and light commercial, and electric vehicles primarily under the Renault, Dacia, Renault Samsung Motors, Alpine, and LADA, as well as under the Nissan, Datsun, and Infiniti brands. The company also sells powertrains and used vehicles, as well as spare parts; and provides various services, including sales financing, rental, maintenance, and service contracts. In addition, it offers finance for the purchase on inventories of new and used vehicles, and replacement parts; designs, produces, and sells converted vehicles; provides Renault EASY CONNECT for Fleet, a connected service for business users; and produces driving aids, such as steering-wheel mounted accelerators and brakes, multifunction remote control units to operate indicators, lights and horns, pedal transfers, etc., as well as manual or electric swivel seats. The company was founded in 1898 and is based in Boulogne-Billancourt, France.

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RELX PLC provides information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers in North America, Europe, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Scientific, Technical & Medical; Risk; Legal; and Exhibitions. The Scientific, Technical & Medical segment provides information and analytics that help institutions and professionals to progress in science and advance healthcare. The Risk segment offers information-based analytics and decision tools that combine public and industry specific content with technology and algorithms to assist clients in evaluating and predicting risk. The Legal segment provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers in decision-making, as well as enhance the productivity. The Exhibitions segment is involved in the events business. The company was formerly known as Reed Elsevier PLC and changed its name to RELX PLC in July 2015. The company was incorporated in 1903 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Tenaris SA manufactures and supplies steel pipe products. The firm operates through the following business segments: Tubes and Other. The Tubes segment includes the production and sale of both seamless and welded steel tubular products and related services mainly for the oil and gas industry, particularly oil country tubular goods used in drilling operations, and for other industrial applications with production processes that consist in the transformation of steel into tubular products. The Other segment includes all other business activities and operating segments, including the production and selling of sucker rods, industrial equipment, coiled tubing, heat exchangers, and utility conduits for buildings and the sale of energy and raw materials that exceed internal requirements. Its principal finished products are seamless and welded steel casing and tubing, line pipe and other mechanical and structural steel pipes for different uses. The company was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Luxembourg.

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Wells Fargo & Co. is a diversified, community-based financial services company. It is engaged in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance. It firm operates through the following segments: Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, Wealth & Investment Management, and Other. The Community Banking segment offers complete line of diversified financial products and services for consumers and small businesses including checking and savings accounts, credit and debit cards, and automobile, student, and small business lending. The Wholesale Banking segment provides financial solutions to businesses across the United States and globally. The Wealth and Investment Management segment includes personalized wealth management, investment and retirement products and services to clients across U.S. based businesses. The Other segment refers to the products of WIM customers served through community banking distribution channels. The company was founded by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo on March 18, 1852 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

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Bertrandt Aktiengesellschaft develops solutions for the automotive and aviation industries in Germany and internationally. The company operates through Digital Engineering, Physical Engineering, and Electrical Systems/Electronics segments. It offers design services, including designing and surfacing, and design modelling and rapid technologies; interior development services, such as seat, cockpit, trim, and dimensional management services; and vehicle body development services comprising body-in-white, doors and closures, exterior, and light and visibility services. The company also provides powertrain services, including thermodynamics/emission control, drivetrain control, thermal management, and engine mechanics; and chassis development services, such as concept, component, and module development, module integration, calculation/simulation, testing, and mechatronic chassis systems. It offers simulation services consisting of body-in-white crashworthiness, occupant safety, occupant safety/interior modules, crash management system, structural add-on parts, stiffness/noise, vibration and harshness, and computational fluid dynamics; electronics, including body/comfort/displays, infotainment systems, driver assistance systems, test systems, chassis electronics, diagnosis, on-board power network, and processes; testing services; and engineering services. The company also provides modelling and rapid technology services comprising CAD/CAM, model making, gauge building and cubing, and plastic injection moulding toolmaking services, as well as milling and measuring technologies. It serves automotive, aerospace, commercial vehicle, agricultural machinery, motorcycle, electrical, medical technology, and energy industries, as well as machines and production plants. The company was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in Ehningen, Germany.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Barnes Group: AS Monterrey S. de R.L. de C.V., Adval Tech - Foboha Mold Making Business, Associated Spring (Tianjin) Company Ltd., Associated Spring (UK) Ltd., Associated Spring Asia Pte. Ltd., Associated Spring Corporation, Associated Spring Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Associated Spring Raymond (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Associated Spring Raymond GmbH, Associated Spring do Brasil Ltda., Barnes Airmotive Malaysia SND. BHD., Barnes Financing Delaware LLC, Barnes Group (Bermuda) Limited, Barnes Group (Delaware) LLC, Barnes Group (Germany) GmbH, Barnes Group (Scotland) Limited, Barnes Group (Thailand) Ltd., Barnes Group (U.K.) 2 Limited, Barnes Group (U.K.) Limited, Barnes Group Acquisition GmbH, Barnes Group Canada Corp., Barnes Group Finance Company (Bermuda) Limited, Barnes Group Finance Company (Delaware), Barnes Group Holding LLC, Barnes Group Luxembourg (No. 1) S.a r.l., Barnes Group Luxembourg (No. 2) S.a r.l., Barnes Group Spain S.R.L., Barnes Group Suisse Industries GmbH, Barnes Group Switzerland GmbH, Barnes Industrial Group India Private Limited, Barnes Korea Ltd., Barnes Molding Solutions (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., Blitz F16-34 GmbH, Curtis Industries, Curtiss Industries (U.K.) Limited, Di-Dro Manifold System Product Line, Euro Stock Springs & Components, Foboha (Germany) GmbH, Foboha Holding GmbH, Forward Industries LLC, GF Controls GmbH, Gammaflux, Gammaflux Controls Inc., Gimatic, Gimatic Automation Engineering (Changshu) Co. Ltd., Gimatic Automation India Pvt Ltd. , Gimatic Automation Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Gimatic Balkan d.o.o. Beograd  Savski Venac, Gimatic Czech Republic s.r.o., Gimatic France S.a.r.l., Gimatic Japan Limited, Gimatic Korea Limited, Gimatic Nordic A.B., Gimatic Otomasyon Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Gimatic Polska sp. z o.o, Gimatic S.r.l., Gimatic Sisteme RO SRL, Gimatic Sistemi industrijska avtomatizacija d.o.o., Gimatic Spain S.L., Gimatic Vertrieb GmbH, Gimatrade S.r.l., Heinz Haenggi Gmbh Stanztechnik, Industrial Gas Springs, Industrial Gas Springs Group Holdings Limited, Industrial Gas Springs Inc., Industrial Gas Springs Limited, Kar Products, Kratz-Wilde Machine Co, MTM S.r.l., Manner Hong Kong Limited, Manner USA Inc., Orflam - Nitropush Product Line, Otto Manner, Otto Manner GmbH, Otto Manner Immobilien GmbH, Otto Manner Innovation GmbH, Premier Farnell - KENT Division, Priamus System Technologies, Priamus System Technologies GmbH, Priamus System Technologies LLC, Raymond Distribution-Mexico S.A. de C.V., Resortes Argentina S.A., Ressorts SPEC SAS, Seeger-Orbis GmbH & Co. OHG, Service Plus Distributors, Sign Holdings Limited, Spectrum Plastics Molding Resources, Stromsholmen AB, Synventive Acquisition B.V., Synventive Acquisition GmbH, Synventive Acquisition Inc., Synventive Acquisition UK Ltd., Synventive Acquisition Unlimited, Synventive B.V., Synventive Fertigungstechnik GmbH, Synventive Holding B.V., Synventive Holding Limited, Synventive Holding SAS, Synventive Molding Solutions, Synventive Molding Solutions (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Synventive Molding Solutions B.V., Synventive Molding Solutions Canada Inc., Synventive Molding Solutions Co. Ltd., Synventive Molding Solutions GmbH, Synventive Molding Solutions Inc., Synventive Molding Solutions JBJ Private Limited, Synventive Molding Solutions K.K., Synventive Molding Solutions LDA, Synventive Molding Solutions LLC, Synventive Molding Solutions LTDA., Synventive Molding Solutions Limited, Synventive Molding Solutions Pte Ltd., Synventive Molding Solutions SAS, Synventive Molding Solutions SL, Synventive Molding Solutions s.r.o., Synventive Parent Inc., Teledyne Fluid Systems, The Wallace Barnes Company, Thermoplay, Thermoplay Brasil Sistemas de Injecao Ltda, Thermoplay Deutschland GmbH, Thermoplay France S.a.r.l., Thermoplay Hot Runner Systems (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Thermoplay India Private Limited, Thermoplay Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Thermoplay S.p.A., Thermoplay U.K. Ltd., Toolcom Supplie, Windsor Airmotive Asia Pte. Ltd., and manner Japan Co. Ltd..
Columbus Energy Resources plc engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas in Trinidad and Tobago, Spain, Cyprus, St Lucia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. It primarily holds a 100% interest in the Goudron Oilfield located in south-eastern Trinidad. The company was formerly known as LGO Energy plc and changed its name to Columbus Energy Resources plc in June 2017. Columbus Energy Resources plc was incorporated in 2006 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Fidelity National Information Services: 11601 Roosevelt Boulevard Realty LLC, AFSF II AIV Investors D-LP, AGES Participacoes Ltda., AKC Insurance Company LLC, Advanced Portfolio Technologies Ltd., Alphakinetic Ltd., Armed Forces Financial Network LLC, AssetExchange, Automated Securities Clearance LLC, Best Payment Solutions Inc., Bibit Spain S.L., Bitpay Payments KK, C&E Holdings Luxembourg S.a.r.l., CPRS Holdings Inc., Canadian Envoy Technology Services Ltd., Capco, Central Credit Services Limited, Certegy Canada Company, Certegy Card Services B.V., Certegy Dutch Holdings B.V., Certegy France Limited, Certegy SAS, Certegy UK Holdings B.V., Chex Systems Inc., Clear2Pay, Clear2Pay (Shenzhen) Company Limited, Clear2Pay APAC Pte. Ltd., Clear2Pay APAC Pty Ltd., Clear2Pay BV, Clear2Pay Belgium BV, Clear2Pay China Limited, Clear2Pay France SAS, Clear2Pay Germany GmbH, Clear2Pay Limited, Clear2Pay Nanjing Co. Limited, Clear2Pay Nederland BV, Clear2Pay Poland Sp. z o.o., Clear2Pay Scotland Holdings Limited, Clear2Pay Scotland Limited, Clear2Pay Spain S.l., ClearTwoPay Chile SpA, Complete Payment Recovery Services Inc., Compliance Coach, Credit Management Solutions, Decalog (UK) Limited, Decalog N.V., Envoy Services Bulgaria Limited, Envoy Services Ltd. (Asia) SDn BHD, Envoy Services Pty Ltd., Envoy Services South Africa (Pty) Limited, F.I.S. Systems (Middle East) Limited, FIS (Switzerland) SA, FIS (Tunisia) I SARL, FIS (Tunisia) II SARL, FIS Ambit Holdings Pty Ltd, FIS Apex (International) Limited, FIS Apex (UK) Limited, FIS Asia Pacific Inc., FIS AsiaPacRim Holdings Ltd., FIS Australasia Pty Ltd., FIS AvantGard LLC, FIS Banking Solutions UK Limited, FIS Bilgisayar Hizmetleri Ticaret Limited Sirketi, FIS Brokerage & Securities Services LLC, FIS Business Integration (UK) Limited, FIS Capital Markets UK Limited, FIS Capital Markets US LLC, FIS Card Services (Caribbean) Ltd., FIS Card Services (Thailand) Co. Ltd., FIS Consulting Services (Ireland) Limited, FIS Consulting Services (UK) Limited, FIS Denmark ApS, FIS Derivatives Utility Services (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., FIS Derivatives Utility Services (UK) Limited, FIS Derivatives Utility Services LLC, FIS Energy Solutions Limited, FIS Financial Solutions Canada Inc., FIS Financial Systems (France) SAS, FIS Foundation Inc., FIS GCS LLC, FIS Global Business Solutions India Private Ltd., FIS Global Execution Services (Ireland) Limited, FIS Global Execution Services Limited, FIS Global Holdings S.a.r.l, FIS Global Recovery Services India Private Limited, FIS Global Solutions Philippines Inc., FIS Global Trading (Deutschland) GmbH, FIS Global Trading (Hong Kong) Limited, FIS Global Trading (Iberica) S.L. Unipersonal, FIS Global Trading (Nederland) B.V., FIS Global Trading (Portugal) Unipessoal Lda, FIS Global Trading (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., FIS Global Trading (Suisse) SA, FIS Global Trading (UK) Limited, FIS Healthcare Trustee Limited, FIS Holdings (Germany) GmbH i.L., FIS Holdings Limited, FIS Holdings Mauritius, FIS Insurance Services Limited, FIS International Subsidiaries Holdings Inc., FIS Investment Systems (UK) Limited, FIS Investment Ventures LLC, FIS Investor Services LLC, FIS Japan KK, FIS Kingstar Cayman Islands Limited, FIS Korea Ltd., FIS Management Services LLC, FIS Management Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., FIS Pakistan (Private) Limited, FIS Payment Solutions & Services India Private Limited, FIS Payments (Ireland) Limited, FIS Payments (UK) Limited, FIS Pensions Limited, FIS Romania SRL, FIS SG (Italia) S.r.l., FIS SG International Holdings LLC, FIS SG Systems Philippines Inc., FIS Sherwood Systems Limited, FIS Solutions (India) Private Limited, FIS Solutions LLC, FIS Solutions Software (India) Private Limited, FIS Systeme GmbH, FIS Systems (Hong Kong) Limited, FIS Systems (Luxembourg) S.A., FIS Systems (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., FIS Systems (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., FIS Systems Canada Inc., FIS Systems International LLC, FIS Systems Kenya Limited, FIS Systems Limited, FIS Systems NZ Limited, FIS Systems Pty Ltd, FIS Systems South Africa (Pty) Limited, FIS Systems de Colombia S.A.S., FIS Technology (Beijing) Co. Limited, FIS Technology Services (Poland) Sp. z o.o., FIS Technology Services (Tunisia) SARL, FIS Technology Services Singapore Pte. Ltd., FIS Treasury Systems (Europe) Limited, FIS Treasury Systems (UK) Limited, FIS UK Holdings Limited, FIS Vietnam LLC, FIS Worldpay (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, FIS Worldpay Jersey Limited, FIS-SG Holding Corp., FNIS Istanbul Danismanlik Limited Sirketi, FV General Partner LLC, Fidelity Holding Ltda., Fidelity Information Services (Hong Kong) Limited, Fidelity Information Services (Iberia) S.L.U., Fidelity Information Services (Israel) Ltd., Fidelity Information Services (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., Fidelity Information Services (Thailand) Limited, Fidelity Information Services Front Arena AB, Fidelity Information Services GmbH, Fidelity Information Services Holdings B.V., Fidelity Information Services India Private Limited, Fidelity Information Services International Holdings Inc., Fidelity Information Services LLC, Fidelity Information Services Limited, Fidelity Information Services Operations GmbH, Fidelity Information Services SARL, Fidelity Information Services Slovakia s.r.o., Fidelity Information Services de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Fidelity International Resource Management Inc., Fidelity National Card Services Inc., Fidelity National Global Card Services Inc., Fidelity National Information Services (Netherlands) B.V., Fidelity National Information Services C.V., Fidelity National Information Services Inc., Fidelity National Participacoes e Servicos de Informatica Ltda., Fidelity National Servicos de Tratamento de Documentos e Informatica Ltda., Fidelity National Servicos e Contact Center Ltda., Fidelity Participacoes e Servicos Ltda., Financial Insurance Marketing Group Inc., GL Settle Limited, GL Trade (South Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, GL Trade CMS (Thailand) Limited, GL Trade Software DOO, GL Trade Solutions CMS (Thailand) Limited, Glesia S.r.l., GoCart LLC, Information Services Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Integrity Treasury Solutions Europe Limited, Integrity Treasury Solutions Inc., Integrity Treasury Solutions Limited, Integrity Treasury Solutions Pty Limited, Link2Gov Corp., Memento, Metavante Corporation, Metavante Payment Services LLC, Metavante Technologies Inc, Metavante Technologies Limited, Minorca Corporation NV, Monis Management Limited, Monis Software Limited, NYCE Payments Network LLC, Oshap Software Industries Ltd., Oshap Technologies Ltd., PT FIS Systems Indonesia, PT Fidelity Information Services Indonesia, Panther Holdco 2 Inc., Panther Holdco Inc., Payment Brasil Holdings Ltda., Payment Chile S.A., Payment Trust Limited, Paymetric Inc., Pazien Inc., People's United Merchant Services LLC, Platform Securities Holdings Limited, Platform Securities International Limited, Platform Securities International Nominees Limited, Platform Securities LLP, Platform Securities Nominees Limited, Platform Securities Services Limited, Reech Capital Limited, Reliance Financial Corporation, Reliance Integrated Solutions LLC, Reliance Trust Company, Rocket Partners Holdings LLC, Sanchez Computer Associates Pty Limited, Secondco Limited, Ship Holdco Limited, Ship Luxco 2 S.a.r.l., Ship Luxco 3 S.a.r.l., Ship Midco Limited, Solutions Plus Consulting Services Limited, SunGard, SunGard Data Systems Beijing Co. Ltd., SunGard Global Services (Tunisia) III, SunGard Global Trading (Australia) Pty. Ltd., SunGard India Sales Private Limited, TP Technologies N.V., Tayvin 346 Limited, Transax Limited, Trax BV, Valuelink Information Services Limited, Valutec Card Solutions LLC, Virtus Fund Services, Virtus Group LP, Virtus LP Holdings LLC, Virtus Partners Fund Services Cayman Ltd., Virtus Partners Fund Services Holdings Company, Virtus Partners Fund Services Ireland Limited, Virtus Partners Fund Services Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Virtus Partners Ireland Ltd., Virtus Partners Ltd., Virtus Trade Settlement LLC, WebTone Technologies, Worldpay, Worldpay (HK) Limited, Worldpay (NZ) Limited, Worldpay (UK) Limited, Worldpay AP Ltd., Worldpay Argentina SRL, Worldpay B.V., Worldpay Canada Corporation, Worldpay Cayman Holdings Limited, Worldpay Company LLC, Worldpay Do Brasil Processamento De Pagamentos Ltda., Worldpay Finance Limited, Worldpay Gaming Solutions LLC, Worldpay Governance Limited, Worldpay Group Limited, Worldpay Holdings (Barbados) SRL, Worldpay Holdings Brasil Participacoes Ltda., Worldpay ISO Inc., Worldpay India Private Limited, Worldpay Integrated Payments Canada LLC, Worldpay Integrated Payments LLC., Worldpay Integrated Payments Solutions Inc., Worldpay International Group Limited, Worldpay International Holdings Limited, Worldpay International Limited, Worldpay International Payments Limited, Worldpay International Solutions Limited, Worldpay K.K., Worldpay LLC, Worldpay Latin America Limited, Worldpay Limited, Worldpay Marketing Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Limited, Worldpay Payments (Barbados) SRL, Worldpay Processing Services SRL, Worldpay Pte Ltd., Worldpay Pty Ltd., Worldpay S.a.r.l., Worldpay Services Company, Worldpay Services SRL, Worldpay Solutions SRL, Worldpay Technology Bucharest S.R.L., Worldpay Treasury Solutions SRL, Worldpay US Inc., Worldpay eCommerce LLC, Worldpay eCommerce Limited, Xpede, YES-Secure.com Limited, YESpay International Limited, Zenmonics Inc., Zenmonics Software Private Limited, eFunds Corporation, eFunds Holdings Limited, eFunds International Limited, i DLX International B.V., and mFoundry Inc..
Lloyds Banking Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of banking and financial services in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates through three segments: Retail; Commercial Banking; and Insurance and Wealth. The Retail segment offers a range of financial service products, including current accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, motor finance, unsecured loans, leasing solutions, credit cards, and other financial services to personal and small business customers. The Commercial Banking segment provides lending, transactional banking, working capital management, risk management, and debt capital market services to small and medium-sized entities, corporates, and financial institutions. The Insurance and Wealth segment offers life, home, and car insurance products; and pension, investment, and wealth management products and services. It also provides digital and mobile banking, and telephone services, as well as advisory services for savings, investments, and planning for retirement. The company offers its products and services under the Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, Scottish Widows, MBNA, Schroders Personal Wealth, Black Horse, Lex Autolease, Birmingham Midshires, LDC, IWeb, and Agricultural Mortgage Corporation brands. Lloyds Banking Group plc was founded in 1695 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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IFG Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the intermediation and administration of financial service products primarily in the United Kingdom. It operates in two segments, Platform and Independent Wealth Management. The company offers platform services in retirement and wealth planning markets, including individual savings accounts and general investment accounts, as well as self-invested personal pension products; pension administration services; and independent financial advisory services to private clients and organizations. IFG Group plc is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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Zurich Insurance Group AG is a holding company. The Company and its subsidiaries provide insurance products and related services. Its segments include General Insurance, Global Life, Farmers, Other Operating Businesses and Non-Core Businesses. The General Insurance segment provides a range of motor, home and commercial products and services for individuals, as well as small and large businesses. The Global Life segment is engaged in providing unit-linked, protection and corporate propositions through global distribution and proposition pillars. The Farmers segment, through Farmers Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, provides certain non-claims administrative and management services to the Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, and their subsidiaries and affiliates. The Other Operating Businesses segment includes the Company's Holding and Financing activities. The Non-Core Businesses segment includes its insurance and reinsurance businesses.

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Lincoln National Corp. is a holding company, which operates multiple insurance and retirement businesses through its subsidiary companies. It provides advice and solutions that help empower people to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism. The company operates through the following segments: Annuities, Retirement Plan Services, Life Insurance, Group Protection, and Other Operations. The Annuities segment provides tax-deferred investment growth and lifetime income opportunities for its clients by offering fixed and variable annuities. The Retirement Plan Services segment includes employers with retirement plan products and services, primarily in the defined contribution retirement plan marketplaces. The Life Insurance segment focuses on the creation and protection of wealth for its clients by providing life insurance products, including term insurance, both single and survivorship versions of universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance, and indexed universal life insurance products. The Group Protection segment offers group non-medical insurance products, which includes term life, disability, dental, vision and accident and critical illness

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Varian Medical Systems, Inc. designs, manufactures, sells, and services medical devices and software products for treating cancer and other medical conditions worldwide. It operates through Oncology Systems and Proton Solutions segments. The Oncology Systems segment offers hardware and software products for treating cancer with radiotherapy, fixed field intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy, artificial intelligence based adaptive radiotherapy, and brachytherapy, as well as quality assurance equipment. Its products include linear accelerators, brachytherapy afterloaders, treatment accessories, and quality assurance software; and information management, treatment planning, image processing, clinical knowledge exchange, patient care management, decision-making support, and practice management software. This segment serves university research and community hospitals, private and governmental institutions, healthcare agencies, physicians' offices, medical oncology practices, radiotherapy centers, and cancer care clinics. The Proton Solutions segment designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and services products and systems for delivering proton therapy for the treatment of cancer. The company has a strategic agreement with McKesson Corp. to supply treatment delivery systems and planning, services, and radiotherapy information system solutions to its U.S. Oncology Network and Vantage Oncology affiliated sites of care; and a strategic partnership with Siemens AG to represent Siemens diagnostic imaging products to radiation oncology clinics in the United States and other select markets. Varian Medical Systems, Inc. was formerly known as Varian Associates, Inc. and changed its name to Varian Medical Systems, Inc. in April 1999. The company was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

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TelefAnica Deutschland Holding AG provides integrated telecommunication services to private and business customers in Germany. It offers voice, data, and value-added services in mobile and fixed line networks; access to infrastructure and services for its wholesale partners; and digital products and services in the fields of Internet of Things. The company provides its products and services through a network of independently operated franchise and premium partner shops, and online and telesales channels, as well as indirect selling channels, such as partnerships and co-operations with retailers. It markets its products and services under the O2, Blau, AY YILDIZ, Ortel Mobile, FONIC, netzclub, and TArkeiSIM brand names. As of December 31, 2020, TelefAnica Deutschland Holding AG had approximately 47 million customers. The company was formerly known as TelefAnica Germany Verwaltungs GmbH and changed its name to TelefAnica Deutschland Holding AG in September 2012. The company is based in Munich, Germany. TelefAnica Deutschland Holding AG is a subsidiary of Telefonica Germany Holdings Limited.

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Truist Financial Corp. operates as a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of banking services to individuals, businesses and municipalities. The firm offers a variety of loans and lease financing to individuals and entities, including insurance premium financing, permanent commercial real estate financing arrangements, loan servicing for third-party investors, direct consumer finance loans to individuals, credit card lending, automobile financing and equipment financing. It also markets a range of other services, including deposits, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, health Truist Financial Corp. operates as a financial holding company. It engages in the provision of banking services to individuals, businesses and municipalities. The company operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Wealth; Corporate and Commercial Banking; and Insurance Holdings. The firm offers a variety of loans and lease financing to individuals and entities, including insurance premium financing, permanent commercial real estate financing arrangements, loan servicing for third-party investors, direct consumer finance loans to individuals, credit card lending, automobile financing and equipment financing. It also markets a range of other services, including deposits, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, health insurance and commercial general liability insurance on an agency basis and through a wholesale insurance brokerage operation, merchant services, trust and retirement services, comprehensive wealth advisory services, asset management and capital markets services. The company was founded on December 6, 2019 and is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. insurance and commercial general liability insurance on an agency basis and through a wholesale insurance brokerage operation, merchant services, trust and retirement services, comprehensive wealth advisory services, asset management and capital markets services. The company was founded on December 6, 2019 and is headquartered in Charlotte, NC.

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The SC on Wednesday stayed all criminal proceedings against actor Priya Prakash Varrier and others associated with the film.

Hyderabad: Falaknuma police team that had gone to Kerala to serve notice to director of Malayalam movie Oru Adaar Love will return following the Supreme Court order. The SC on Wednesday stayed all criminal proceedings against actor Priya Prakash Varrier and others associated with the film.

An FIR was registered by the Falaknuma police, following a complaint made by Muqeed Khan, an engineering student. In his complaint, Muqeed had alleged that the Malayalam song Manikya Malaraya Poovi, filmed on Priya Prakash Varrier and Abdul Raouf mentions the relationship of Prophet Mohammed and his wife Bibi Khatija. He had complained that the manner in which the song was pictured had hurt the religious sentiments of the Muslim community.

Falaknuma police team, headed by sub-inspector Ramakrishna is in Thrissur. We have called back the team. They had not served the notice so far and we will take a decision after examining the Supreme Court order. Legal advice is being sought, DCP (south) V. Satyanarayana said. He clarified that the FIR at Falaknuma police station was registered against the director of the film Omar Lulu and not against actress Priya Prakash Varrier.

After registering a case, the Falaknuma police had sent a notice through registered post to the director. A police team had also left for Thrissur three days ago to serve the notice in person to the director, said Falaknuma inspector, P. Yadagiri.

A complaint was made at the Kamatipura police station in the Old City by another Muslim organisation. The police had made a general diary entry. Legal experts said that following the Supreme Court order, the police cannot proceed further in the case.
New Delhi: A five judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is likely to examine the correctness in payment of fair compensation in land acquisition proceedings following a recent decision by three judges over-ruling the decision rendered by another three judges.

Dealing with an appeal relating to land acquisition a three-judge bench of Justices Madan B. Lokur, Kurian Joseph and Deepak Gupta, prima facie did not agree with the February 8 judgment of Justices Arun Mishra, A.K. Goel and M.M. Shantanagouder after the flaws were pointed out by senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi in the award of land acquisition compensation.

Pending the reference, Justice Lokur Bench has requested all the high courts in the country not to render any final decision on petitions relating to higher compensation for land acquisition under the 2013 fair compensation law. When it was pointed out that some cases are listed for hearing before a two-judge bench of the apex court on Thursday and Friday, the three judges asked them to defer the hearing till March 7.

Justice Joseph said We are not going into the merits or correctness of the decision by Justice Mishras bench. We are only concerned with judicial discipline. Can a three-judge bench over rule verdict of another three judges. If they differ in matter of opinion they can only refer the matter to the CJI for a decision by a larger bench.
The CBI on Wednesday questioned Vikram Kothari, and his son at its headquarters in Delhi. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested Rotomac owner Vikram Kothari and son Rahul Kothari in connection with Rs 3,695 crore loan default case.

The CBI had registered a criminal case against Rotomac Global Pvt Limited, its Director Vikram Kothari, his wife Sadhana Kothari and son Rahul Kothari and unidentified bank officials on a complaint received from Bank of Baroda and conducted raids against them on Monday.

It was alleged in the complaint from the Bank of Baroda that conspirators cheated a consortium of bank loans to the tune of Rs 3,695 crore including the interest component, CBI officials said.

The principal amount involved was Rs 2,919 crore. The ED subsequently registered a money laundering case against them.

The CBI on Wednesday questioned Vikram Kothari, and his son at its headquarters in Delhi.

The CBI had also carried out raids at the billionaire's home and establishments in Kanpur.

The Rotomac case came just days after the CBI initiated probe into the massive PNB fraud in which bank officials of the state-owned Punjab National Bank assisted diamantaire Nirav Modi and others get credit from overseas banks using fake guarantees. Nirav Modi and his family fled from the country in the first week of January.
It has offered to allot 100 acres on the city outskirts to set up meat processing and export units, if Gulf companies come forward to invest in Telangana.

HYDERABAD: The TS government has sought investments in meat and fisheries sectors from companies in the Gulf. It has offered to allot 100 acres on the city outskirts to set up meat processing and export units, if Gulf companies come forward to invest in Telangana.

Minister for animal husbandry Talasani Srinivas Yadav, who took part in Gulfood 2018, a food and beverage commodity expo, at Dubai World Trade Centre, held talks with officials of various companies. A delegation of businessmen have agreed to visit TS in March to explore investment opportunities, Mr Yadav said.
Six months after stepping down from the post of Bihar health minister, Tej Pratap Yadav vacated the government bungalow last week saying that Bihar CM and his deputy has released ghosts in it. (Photo: PTI)

Patna: Six months after stepping down from his post as Bihar's health Minister, Tej Pratap vacated his government bungalow in Patna last week claiming that "Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his deputy Sushil Modi had unleashed ghosts".

I decided to vacate the bungalow because Nitish and deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi had released ghosts in it. The ghosts were haunting me, the elder son of RJD chief and former Bihar chief minister Lalu Yadav's son Tej Pratap told the media.

The bungalow - 3, Deshratna Marg - was allotted to Tej Pratap after he became the health minister in the Nitish Kumar-led alliance government following the October-November 2015 election. The grand alliance of RJD, JD (U) and Congress had won 178 assembly seats in the House of 243, restricting the BJP to 53.

But after the coalition collapsed in 2017 and Nitish Kumar later formed the government with the BJP, Tej was among the politicians who were told to vacate the government allocated bungalows so that others could move in.

In October, 2017, some former RJD ministers moved the Patna High Court against the Bihar government's order that asked them to move out. The court stayed the government's order, after which the government had asked the occupants to pay rent at market rates. Those who have stayed put are yet to comply with the order.

The chief minister's party has dismissed Tej Pratap's ghost remarks as a publicity seeking gimmick. "Tej Pratap Yadav suffers from acute attention deficiency and is trying to compete with his younger brother Tejaswi who is hogging the limelight in the media," the JD(U) said.

Although Tej Pratap was allocated the bungalow, he used it mostly for meeting his supporters during the day and used to stay at the bungalow allocated to his mother and former chief minister Rabri Devi.

Earlier, Tej Pratap had made some alterations to the government bungalow to make it 'Vaastu' compliant. He had shut the main entrance and used the rear exit.
Bengaluru: A point book has been placed outside his office and the beat police have been told to increase patrolling near his home after advocate Shyamsundar, representing Vidwath in the case against Congress MLA, N A Haris son, Mohammad Nalapad Haris, sought police protection in the face of alleged threats.

The advocate, who has been appointed special prosecutor in the case, met city police commissioner on Friday seeking protection after he was allegedly threatened by Nalapads supporters during the hearing of the case in the 8th ACMM court on Wednesday.

When contacted, he said, Till now, the police have placed a point book at my office and the beat police and Hoysala patrolling police have been told to keep vigil. But I have been given no gunman or bodyguard.

Asked if he felt the need for a gunman or bodyguard, Mr Shyamsundar replied in the negative. I am always out visiting courts. People don't have to wait near my house to attack me. But no matter what I will fight this case and see to it that the guilty are punished, he asserted.

A senior police officer said the jurisdictional DCP had been directed to keep strict watch near the advocates house. We are also discussing deploying policemen at his office and will take a call on this soon, he assured.

Kannada actor, Shivarajkumar and former Minister, Sriramalu, meanwhile, visited Vidwath at the Mallya hospital and wished him speedy recovery. They also requested the government to ensure that justice was done and the guilty punished.
HYDERABAD: Bifurcation still has a major role in the politics of Andhra Pradesh. The state bifurcation in 2014 had its negative impacts on the Congress. Now, in the ensuing Assembly general elections, Special Category status issue is going to play a key role. The main agenda of all political parties, except the BJP, in AP is to gain Special Category status for the state in the coming elections. To get political advantage on this issue, main political parties in the state, Telugu Desam, YSR Congress and the Congress are contemplating strategies to get upper hand on others.

YSRC and Congress are intensifying agitation, urging the Centre to grant a special tag to AP, in view of the coming elections. Keeping this in view, Telugu Desam also changed its view and is demanding a special tag to AP. All these years, political parties were silent on this issue, except YSRC that raised it a few times. Congress is being held responsible for the states bifurcation and BJP is being blamed for not granting a special tag to AP. In the previous elections, the Congress not only lost power but also did not win a single seat out of 175 Assembly constituencies in the state. But in the coming elections, BJP, which is being held responsible for not granting the special tag, has nothing to lose.

With the alliance of TD, BJP won four Assembly and two Lok Sabha seats in the previous elections. In fact, BJP has no strength in AP to win on its own in the Assembly or Lok Sabha elections. Due to this, TD is planning to break the alliance with the BJP and has shifted its stand from a Special Financial package for the state to the Special Category status being demanded by other parties. AP Chief Minister and TD national president N. Chandrababu Naidu has been speaking about special status to AP since the last two days in all the meetings, and wherever possible. Congress and YSRC had been demanding for this special status since the states bifurcation when the TD was voicing for special financial package.
Hyderabad: Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corp. (TSIIC) exchanged an MoU with the Malaysian state of Selangor for facilitating a partnership in life sciences sector at the BioAsia Summit in Hyderabad on Thursday.

Through this MoU, both the governments can cooperate and collaborate with each other to support promotion, facilitation of research in the field of life sciences, biotechnology, healthcare and medical devices.

Speaking on the occasion, Central Spectrum SDB Bhd CEO Dato Mahmud Abbas said, Through this MoU, we will cover strategic elements and do mature promotions of Selangor and Telangana. Additionally, we are offering a seat to Telangana to be part of Selangor council member.

As part of the agreement, Telangana and Selangor Bio Bay will promote each other as possible hubs in the areas of preclinical and clinical research, pharmaceutical regulations, device development, manufacturing practices, commercialisation among others.
My condolences to the relatives of the victims of the transit accident in Arequipa, President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski wrote on Twitter. (Photo: AP)

Lima: At least 44 people died in Peru on Wednesday when a bus hurtled some 100 meters into a ravine in the mountainous south in the country's second major bus crash in 2018, a local official said.

"According to a report from the Peruvian National Police, there are 44 confirmed deaths as of now," Yamila Osorio, the governor of the Arequipa region, wrote on Twitter.

The bus was carrying some 45 passengers, according to operator Rey Latino, but police said the figure was likely higher because additional passengers boarded along the route and did not appear in the initial register.

The crash occurred on a curve on the Panamericana Sur highway in the Ocona district. Road accidents are common in Peru, where roads are considered unsafe and bus drivers lack training.

"My condolences to the relatives of the victims of the transit accident in Arequipa," President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski wrote on Twitter. "We have taken all steps to provide immediate rescue support and transfer victims to the closest health centres so they can be attended immediately."

At least 48 people died in early January when a bus collided with a truck and careened off a cliff near the area of Pasamayo on the Pacific coast.
SALT LAKE CITY  Members of the Utah Legislature declared Wednesday "Orrin G. Hatch Day" and honored the retiring U.S. senator from Utah with their own stories from his 42 years in office.

An emotional Hatch told the Senate in his last annual appearance there that he was "deeply humbled by today's resolution" and offered praise for the work of both Republicans and Democrats in the Utah Legislature over the years.

"Serving the people of Utah in the (U.S.) Senate has been the privilege of a lifetime," the senator said, repeatedly dabbing his face with a handkerchief. "Weve come together to do whats right for Utah and for the nation."

Hatch described himself as someone both willing to reach across the aisle for support and "one of those who was willing to stand up and fight" when needed.

"I have to say that this Utah spirit really has helped me a lot as I have served," he said.

Hatch did not address the House. The resolution honoring him, SCR13, passed the Senate 26-0 and then the House 73-0, and now goes to Gov. Gary Herbert for his action.

In the Senate, Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, the resolution's sponsor, said he was a college student when he first met Hatch, during his long-shot bid to unseat Utah's longtime U.S. Sen. Frank Moss.

"It was seeing that young attorney that had a dream, had a vision, taking on a three-term incumbent that inspired me later in life to run for the (Utah) Senate," said Bramble, who has served as a Utah senator for 18 years.

First elected in 2010, Sen. Daniel Thatcher, R-West Valley City, said he was born the month after Hatch won his first race in 1976. Because his parents campaigned for Hatch, he said, "I like to tell people my first campaign was Hatch '76."

Thatcher said when he married a year ago, he got a call from Hatch "giving me the business for not inviting him to the wedding." He said Hatch joined his family for pie a week later, then helped him with a suicide prevention issue in Congress.

"I'm not able to express how grateful I am," Thatcher said.

Sen. Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City, described how Hatch stepped in when the mayor of a small town in his district complained they were being overrun with prairie dogs, bringing federal officials to Utah to see the problem for themselves.

"You worry about the little people, those things that really cause a lot of havoc," Vickers said.

Sen. Ralph Okerlund, R-Monroe, who has temporarily stepped down from his duties as Senate majority leader while he undergoes the process of being evaluated for potential heart and kidney transplants, said Hatch called him Sunday.

Hatch had heard of his health issues and wanted to "make sure I knew he was thinking of me," Okerlund said. "I think that really shows the greatness of this man, not just as a public servant, but as a human being."

House Speaker Greg Hughes, R-Draper, sponsored the resolution in the House.

Hatch is "as kind a person youll ever meet, but as tough a person youll ever meet," the speaker said from the House floor. "He never pulls any punches. Hes been an incredible mentor."

Hughes also thanked Hatch for protecting religious liberties in Congress.

"I think that's part of what makes him special," he said. "He has had that mighty hand in making sure those issues are advanced."

House Minority Leader Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, recognized Hatch for working with Democrats in Congress, including the late Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, and praised his constituent services.

"I think it goes to the heart of what a good public servant is, actually," King said. "For over 40 years, you have worked hard to make sure that the people of Utah were heard and that you did what you could to help them in any way you could."
The middle of nowhere isnt too far away from Utah.

New research from an Oxford University team recently unveiled new tools that can help identify how far any place in the country is from a city or another place.

Using the research, The Washington Post found that Glasgow, Montana, is the so-called "middle of nowhere."

Researchers working on the Malaria Atlas Project, which included 22 authors from Oxfords Big Data Institute, spent more than two decades building a map that identifies just how long it takes to cross any spot on the planet based on its transportation types, vegetation, slope, elevation and more, according to The Washington Post. The group says the data can help identify ways to help the poor.

The Washington Post used the data to pinpoint every populated place in the country. The Post then looked to find one place that represents the middle of nowhere, or a place that is far enough from all towns and cities to be considered the middle of nowhere. The study defined a town as a place with at least 1,000 people in its population and a city as a place with at least 75,000 people.

Glasgow, Montana, is that place.

The town is roughly 4.5 hours away from any other place that has at least 75,000 people, making it the so-called middle of nowhere.

Its about 773 miles away from Salt Lake City, or about 12 hours driving time. Glasgow is about 689 miles from Plymouth, Utah, which sits on the border of Idaho and Utah.

Glasgow resident Mark Dulaney told The Post that he has enjoyed living in the city.

It's pretty slow moving here, Dulaney said. When we go to Billings, it seems like a big metropolis.

The other nowhere towns include two Montana locations (Scobey and Wolf Point), as well as four Kansas locations (Colby, Oakley, Scott City and Holcomb). Battle Mountain and Tonopah, Nevada, also made the list, along with Presidio, Texas.

See more of the results here.
SALT LAKE CITY  Dave Noriega finds it disgusting that state lawmakers pushing to abolish the death penalty in Utah would try to tell his family what justice means.

Noriega's grandmother, Beth Potts, and aunt, Kaye Tiede, were brutally murdered in their Summit County cabin three days before Christmas in 1990. One of their killers, Von Lester Taylor, sits on Utah's death row.

"The only one serving this life sentence  this has been 27 years  is our family," he told the House Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Committee on Wednesday. "Speaker (Greg) Hughes and Rep. Gage Froerer, do you have any idea how deplorable it is to listen to you tell our families what kind of justice we deserve?"

Noriega, a KSL radio talk show host, said it's not about revenge or deterrence, but about justice, "and you will be depriving our family of it."

Froerer, R-Huntsville, with the backing of Hughes, R-Draper, is sponsoring legislation to do away with capital punishment. HB379 would ban the state from seeking the death penalty for aggravated murder committed after May 7, 2018. It would not affect the nine men on Utah's death row now.

Christine Stenquist, whose sister was tortured and murdered in Georgia in 2010, has a different view of justice than the one Noriega expressed. Despite her feelings of anger, vengeance and desire for justice, her family asked prosecutors not pursue the death penalty, she said.

"We knew that with the death penalty, we would spend decades, decades reliving this," said.

Ultimately, her sister's killer was sentenced to life in prison, said Stenquist, of Kaysville.

"Our family left the courthouse knowing justice had been served right then and there," she said. "We were spared decadeslong of waiting for an execution that haunts families in capital cases."

The committee voted 7-4 to send the bill to the House floor after an abbreviated debate. A motion to hold the bill failed.

Rep. Eric Hutchings, R-Kearns, noted that lawmakers spent more time discussing another bill in the committee about the shooting of police dogs than they did about abolishing the death penalty.

"These people deserve the time on both sides of the issue to voice their concerns, and we deserve the time to vet it well," he said.

Reed Richards, a former Democratic chief deputy attorney general, argued the death penalty offers an option that many victims' families support.

"I think if you were to bring in all the victims' families of those who are on death row in Utah, you would find unanimously that they are in favor of the death penalty and would hope you would allow that to continue," said Richards, who represents the Statewide Association of Prosecutors.

Jensie Anderson, a University of Utah law professor, testified that the Rocky Mountain Innocence Project she heads has proved that innocent people are convicted of crimes and sentenced to die.

"There is a real risk that an innocent person will be executed," she said.

The Utah Attorney General's Office has not taken a position on the bill, but Andrew Peterson, the state's capital case coordinator, said none of the men on Utah's death row are innocent.

In 2016, a bill to outlaw capital punishment in Utah passed in the Senate but died in the House. Both Froerer and Hughes opposed the measure and say they have had a change of heart since then. They expect an uphill battle again this year.
MIDVALE  This month, Utah-based CHG Healthcare made Fortune magazines Best Company to Work For list for the ninth year in a row.

While the distinction isnt new for the company, a recently installed program to help its employees with their mental health has been one of the reasons the firm has been able to maintain its exceptional level of worker satisfaction.

For the past six years, the health care staffing company has offered its employees and family members access to a free on-site health clinic. Over time, the clinics providers learned that 3 out of 5 patients were visiting the clinic for issues related to mental health, so the company decided to add mental health counselors to its on-site facility, giving employees access to those services while in the office.

"(The providers) have been able to diagnose all kinds of things with our employees, (such as) post-traumatic stress disorder, adult ADHD, and what's great is it doesn't cost our employees any money," explained Nicole Thurman, vice president of talent management. "It's high quality (care). We vet (the providers) very, very well  and it's convenient. They can just leave their desk when they need to (without taking paid time off)."

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 6 U.S. adults lives with a mental illness, making it a growing concern  particularly in the workplace. Additionally, a report from the U.S. surgeon general indicated that the indirect price tag of untreated mental health disorders cost businesses $79 billion annually from lost productivity and absenteeism.

Thurman said providing the mental health clinic is less about the money and more about taking a holistic approach to providing for the overall health and well-being of employees.

"We believe in taking care of our people," she said. "It's a great benefit. And we save money in the process which funds it, so we can keep providing it."

She noted the mental health programs are breaking even at an approximate monthly cost of about $8,500.

"We estimate the amount we are spending is what we are saving when people go to our onsite clinic instead of going somewhere else," Thurman said. "The benefit to our people seems very positive and long-term impact will need to be assessed."

The clinic serves more than 1,300 CHG Healthcare employees in its Salt Lake City headquarters. The company also plans to roll out the service to 600 employees in its Fort Lauderdale, Florida, office later this year.

Maggie Franz, 31, and Divina Mauchley, 33, are among the CHG employees who have benefited from the new service.

Franz, who started with the company in October, said having access to mental health services has helped her manage her own health more effectively.

"I use therapists even more than (regular) doctors," she said. "But therapy can cost a lot of money, even if you're using insurance. (This program) is extremely helpful because depression and anxiety, which is what I treat for, can be more of a hindrance to my work performance than getting the flu or a cold.

"I really appreciate working somewhere that recognizes the value and importance of that," she said. Maintaining her mental health has helped her be even more productive than she might otherwise have been without such a useful program, she said.

"I'm making huge changes in my life that I've wanted to make for so long but wasn't able to," Franz said. "I have been liberated to be able to do them now."

For Mauchley, a married mother of two young children, the new service has helped her become more efficient in taking care of herself mentally and emotionally, along with her myriad parental duties.

"I rarely get time to focus on myself and my own mental health. I do suffer from mental illness myself," she said. "Having my company be able to recognize that mental health is a real issue and that by focusing on the whole employee, they are going to have better, more productive people (is great). They are saying that they care about me as a mom, as an employee and as a person."

She said having mental health services in the workplace was "definitely a game-changer."

"If I can just make an appointment, run downstairs (to the clinic), deal with what I need to for myself, then I'm able to be a better mom, a better wife and a better employee," Mauchley said. "Being able to talk with somebody about the depression and the anxiety  there is something so beneficial about being able to talk to somebody who is a licensed professional, who is an objective third-party person who is empathetic to what you're going through."
SALT LAKE CITY  Lawmakers now have a total of $581 million in additional revenues to spend this session  and that's not counting the $80 million windfall expected as a result of federal tax changes.

The final estimates add $126 million in anticipated revenue growth and $83 million to the budget surplus to the $327 million in revenue growth or ongoing money, and $45 million in surplus or one-time funds already expected.

"Now the real work begins," Senate Budget Chairman Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, told the Senate on Wednesday after announcing the numbers. "We do have the money to answer some of the problems."

The revenue estimates also include $68 million in cuts made earlier in the session by legislative appropriations committees, money expected to be added back now that base budgets have been approved.

The good news is our economy continues to grow," House Budget Chairman Brad Last said in delivering the new revenue projections to the House.

But Last, R-Hurricane, reminded lawmakers that the last time they saw such lofty numbers was in 2008, just prior to nationwide financial crisis.

While things are going well and were excited, (we) always have to keep in mind its not going to last forever, he said.

Gov. Gary Herbert was upbeat about the new numbers.

The revised revenue numbers released today show the strength of Utahs economy, Herbert said. This consistent growth provides us with the opportunity to make much-needed investments in education, an issue that is a top priority for both my administration and Utahs Legislature.

Stevenson noted the additional revenues are close to what the state ended up with during the 2017 session. Before the 45-day session ends in just over two weeks, lawmakers will settle on a spending plan for the budget year that begins July 1.

Even before the new revenue estimates were completed, GOP House and Senate legislative leaders have been quietly putting together a tax reform package that will include both a tax cut and more money for education.

Utah is expecting to collect another $80 million thanks to the $1.5 trillion tax cut passed by Congress just before Christmas. Much of the additional income tax revenue will come from small companies that file individual returns.

Those companies get a 20 percent tax break on their federal returns to match the cut Congress given to corporate taxpayers, but legislative leaders have said there's no need to do the same because Utah's individual and corporate rates are the same.

Both the House and Senate leaders are said to be in agreement over using part of the $80 million for a $55 million income tax cut, reducing the state's 5 percent individual and corporate rate to 4.95 percent.

More money for education is also a priority for them, in light of the Our Schools Now ballot initiative being circulated that would boost both sales and income taxes to raise $700 million for schools annually.

Leaders in the House and Senate are "not on the same page right now," Stevenson said, about what form that additional spending for public education would take. Proposals include a $2,000 teacher bonus and freezing the state property tax levy.

House Majority Leaders Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, said legislative leaders are planning a modest tax cut and some funding measures that would stabilize and make education funding less volatile.

Were still working through the details on that, Wilson said. Its still being finalized, but we well be rolling that out by then end of the week, first of next week.

Lawmakers have all the ingredients worked out, he said, but a looking to roll them into on bill.

Senate President Wayne Niederhauser, R-Sandy, said the latest revenue estimates will help determine what's in the final tax reform package. He said he also wants to see a $30 million corporate tax break included.

"We haven't come out arm in arm," Niederhauser said of the ongoing discussions with House leaders. He said the tax cuts will likely be handled as individual bills.

One tax bill not likely to find favor in the Senate is HB148, removing the sales tax from food. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tim Quinn, R-Heber City, passed the House Tuesday.

Senate Republicans have long opposed reducing the sales tax base by eliminating the 1.75 percent tax on food, and Niederhauser said Wednesday, "I can't see how anything's changed."
SALT LAKE CITY  Nursing mothers would be free to breast-feed their babies in public places under a bill the Utah House passed Wednesday.

HB196 prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy in places of public accommodation and allows a woman to breast-feed in those places.

Rep. Justin Fawson, R-North Ogden, said he's aware of an employee asking a woman breast-feeding in a department store restroom in Farmington to leave. He also said mothers were also asked to leave aquatics centers in St. George and North Ogden.

The goal of the bill is to ensure that moms don't fear breast-feeding in public places when they feel the need to, he said.

The House passed the bill 66-5. It now goes to the Senate.
SALT LAKE CITY  More than 67 percent of Utah students who took AP exams in 2017 earned college credit, which ranked fifth in the nation, according to data released Wednesday by the College Board.

Only New Hampshire, New Jersey, Connecticut and South Dakota had higher percentages of students passing AP exams, College Board data shows.

In Utah, 26,544 students took a total of 40,755 AP exams in 2017, with 67.5 percent earning college credit.

Among states with the highest percentage of public high school graduates scoring a 3 or higher on an AP exam, Utah ranked 12th at 25 percent. This was above the national average, which was 22.8 percent.

It also represents an increase from the previous year, when 24.3 percent scored 3 or higher, and a 4.2 percent increase over 2007 when 20.8 percent of test-takers scored 3 and above, according to the College Board.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson, in a statement from the Utah State Board of Education, said students who earn college credit while still in high school are more likely to enroll in postsecondary education.

Moreover, they have smoother transitions to college and are more likely to achieve economic stability, she said.

We are excited to see more students have access to advanced coursework like AP, concurrent enrollment and the International Baccalaureate Program. We appreciate the hard work our teachers and students have put in to succeed in these programs, Dickson said.

Over the past decade, the number of U.S. public high school graduates who have taken an AP exam increased by about 70 percent, according to newly released results.

Nationally, more than 1.17 million students in the class of 2017 took nearly 4 million AP exams in public high schools.

More than 711,500 students scored 3 or higher on at least one AP exam in 2017, compared to 423,067 in 2007, according to the College Board.

The fact that student participation and performance are moving in tandem year after year is cause for celebration. In greater numbers than ever before, AP is clearing a path for students to own their own future, said David Coleman, president and CEO of the College Board, in a statement.
SALT LAKE CITY  State lawmakers Wednesday advanced a resolution urging the Utah attorney general to sue opioid manufacturers "to hold them accountable for the destruction and devastation they have inflicted upon the citizens of the state."

HJR12 requests that Attorney General Sean Reyes "immediately and publicly commit to directly filing suit against prescription opioid manufacturers, instead of joining a suit with other plaintiffs, in order to seek the maximum award for damages from prescription opioid manufacturers for the citizens of the state."

Though resolutions are not binding, the measure's sponsor, Rep. Michael McKell, R-Spanish Fork, told fellow legislators that its passage would serve to implore Reyes that "now is the time. Let's not slow the process. You have full legislative support to move forward with that action today."

"This resolution is almost identical to the resolution (House) Speaker (Greg) Hughes has been working on with counties across the state," McKell told the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.

"Cache County, Davis County, Salt Lake County, Utah County, Washington County (and) Weber County have already announced plans to file suit against opioid manufacturers."

Those counties have said they want to hold prescription opioid manufacturers accountable for misleading behavior concerning the risk of addiction associated with their products. Nationwide, numerous states are involved in class-action lawsuits against various manufacturers for the same reason, McKell said.

Reyes explained last month that Utah is among 41 states involved in ongoing civil actions against pharmaceutical companies, seeking a settlement but also preparing to sue if its terms are believed to be inadequate.

Should we feel that at any time during the process leading up to settlement that the manufacturers and distributors arent cooperating with the states, then we wanted to have the gun loaded, figuratively, ready to pull the trigger on a lawsuit, Reyes said at the time.

Rep. Ken Ivory, R-West Jordan, asked for clarification from McKell as to why the resolution states the Legislature's preference is for Utah to strike out on its own in civil litigation against prescription opioid manufacturers. Joining other states could be effective because they're "going to have experts," and "they're going to have information" already lined up for use in court, Ivory said.

"Why (do) we want to go alone instead of leverage all the other work that's going forward?" he asked.

McKell responded that "our chances of a bigger recovery are much better if we go it alone" and that Utah could still draw from supporting information used in other cases.

"If we go it alone  I think the point is we have a much better chance of receiving a higher dollar amount," he said.

Rep. Tim Quinn, R-Heber City, asked McKell whether "we (are) to assume by this resolution that right now this is not the attorney general's plan."

McKell said that wasn't the intent of the measure to communicate that, saying, "I think the attorney general is  considering all options."

"This is the policy direction  we want to urge and nudge the attorney general (to take)," he said.

The resolution also outlines statistics underscoring the scope of prescription opioid addiction, saying "the state experienced a nearly 400 percent increase in deaths from the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs," and "conservative estimates show that 500,000 people will die in the United States over the next decade due to opioid overdose."

McKell said the problem of addiction to prescription opioids is "an absolute crisis in America (and) a crisis that we have in Utah."

"Far, far more needs to be done," he said. "Twenty-four and a half people die every single month in the state of Utah due to prescription drugs."

The committee voted unanimously to favorably recommend the resolution to the full House of Representatives.
SALT LAKE CITY  What do street dancing, petroglyphs, newspaper photographs, zines, woven baskets and a selfie booth have in common?

As Josh Perkins, a local hip-hop dancer and executive director of the nonprofit organization known as the Bboy Federation, recently told the Deseret News, These are our things. Stories and history and context that are produced from (Utah.)

These items and others are part of a new exhibition at the Utah State Capitol, titled Who Tells Your Story? And according to its curator, Emily Johnson, the answer to that question is continually evolving.

Most people are documenting their lives through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or whatever social media outlet is your favorite, Johnson said. Thats how people now are telling the stories of their lives.

But as the exhibit shows, that hasnt always been the case.

Johnson, the museum services specialist for the Division of Arts and Museums in the Utah Department of Heritage and Arts, explained that the items in the exhibition constitute just some of the ways that people here in Utah have been telling and recording their histories over the years.

The exhibition is one element of the New Nation Project managed by the Department of Heritage and Arts, which was, in part, inspired by the much-anticipated arrival of the Broadway hit musical Hamilton in Salt Lake City.

Knowing that not everyone who may want to attend the musical during its Utah run will have the opportunity, Johnson said the Utah Department of Heritage and Arts planned this exhibition as a way for people to feel involved in the excitement surrounding the musical and be engaged with learning about this history.

The exhibition aims to show that the history of Utah is as unique and exciting as the history of the nation, highlighting some of the many ways people can record history and the different perspectives found outside of typical historical records such as journals and letters.

Although the exhibition is not directly tied to "Hamilton," Johnson admitted that, for her, the display and its themes were inspired by a Hamilton  just not the most famous Hamilton.

I started thinking about the archives and Eliza Hamiltons work to preserve Alexander Hamiltons legacy, but how she herself is completely absent from that same legacy, Johnson said. And I thought, who else is missing? And what other kinds of ways are we telling stories that dont end up in an archive?

From there, Johnson dug into the various ways that people are talking about their lives and leveled the playing field by putting the different methods together in one space.

Were going to talk about them all kind of in the same way, in the same space, Johnson said.

So while the exhibition does feature journals, letters and other typical historical documents, Johnson said "Who Tells Our Stories?" is meant to offer an expansive view of what (history) can mean.

There are so many other ways that people are choosing to (record history), she said.

A couple of those ways are through dance and video, both of which are included in the exhibition. An interactive video shows a performance of street dancers moving through the history of hip-hop culture. Provided by Perkins and the Bboy Federation, the video was a bit of a trick to put together, Perkins said.

Im showing (people) something entertaining and visually appealing," Perkins said, "but were also trying to provide education and context at the same time.

If you can provide context and meaning to the things that are going on, it helps people who are unfamiliar with it kind of understand it, just like any culture. Any culture externally can look very weird and uncomfortable until you contextually understand whats happening in it.

And that is what Johnson hopes this exhibition does: provide visitors with context for Utah's diverse histories. As Johnson explained it, she went into the project trying to find a diversity of objects to show Utah's stories and ended up with a huge diversity of people.

Whether visitors are interested in a Hmong weaving or a handwritten land-planning journal with the word Hogle misspelled, Johnson said, Everyone finds something in the exhibit that is cool for them. People see themselves in a lot of different places in the exhibit, which was exactly the point.

If you go 

What: Who Tells Your Story?

When: Through June 29

Where: Utah State Capitol, 350 N. State, 4th floor

How much: Free

Web: newnationproject.utah.gov
PROVO  Since last spring, the Utah County Commission has weighed whether to establish a board to review allegations of misconduct by prosecutors, initially with the intent to create it by the end of 2017.

But this week, amid concerns from prosecutors and other law enforcement, the commissioners voted to put the creation of such board on hold, with no date yet set to consider it.

The commission on Tuesday voted to table the creation of the review board to allow more discussion with judges and others in law enforcement, Commissioner Bill Lee said.

"I would hope as we continue to go through this process  we continue to have dialogue so what comes out at the end is fantastic for us to work with," Lee said Tuesday, the day when numerous law enforcement and prosecution officials urged the commission to not support the proposal.

The commission first began considering some type of prosecutorial review board after a group of concerned Utah County residents asked commissioners to create an independent body to investigate allegations of prosecutorial misconduct.

The group included five residents who had found themselves at the center of criminal prosecutions within the last decade whose cases ended in acquittal or were dismissed  but not without damage to their livelihoods and reputations.

The proposed review board would include a seven-member body that would review allegations of prosecutorial misconduct, allegations of wrongful prosecutions or civil rights violations within Utah County.

But attorneys and police officers have pushed back against the proposal, concerned that a review board might create a chilling effect for law enforcement officials who may not want to risk taking on challenging cases.

Utah County Attorney Jeff Buhman called the proposed board a "direct attack" on prosecutors and perhaps even police departments that investigate and prepare cases.

Buhman also said he believes the board would be "unconstitutional" and would upset the balance of the current system, while also creating "mistrust" between the Utah County Attorney's Office and the county's citizens "when none such mistrust exists except with a very small minority  and I'll admit, a very vocal minority."

"I think we should call it what it is  a proposal or a push by a group of anti-government, anti-law enforcement, anti-prosecution, anti-public safety people who want to control or influence the decisions of public elected prosecutors," Buhman said.

The county attorney also noted that to his knowledge, the county has never had a case overturned for misconduct.

"Where is this misconduct? It doesn't exist," he said. "Mistakes? Sure. Misconduct? No."

Utah County Sheriff James Tracy urged commissioners to "stay away from this slippery slope," noting that it could have "unintended consequences" for both law enforcement and victims of crimes and how it might upset the current judiciary process.

"Where does it end?" Tracy asked. "How does it consume public time, public resources and what chilling effect might it have?"

"I believe you will handcuff the Utah County Attorney's Office if this committee goes forward," said Utah County Sheriff's Lt. Dennis Harris. He noted that the system already has a balance of powers, with prosecutors answering to the Utah State Bar, district courts, juries, appeals processes, and even voters. "I'm asking you, please don't reinvent the wheel."

But proponent Steve Turley, a former Provo Councilman who prosecutors charged with 10 fraud felonies in 2011, urged commissioners to support "any kind of improvement," saying he has suffered because he was falsely accused.

Turley's charges were dismissed for lack of probable cause or because the statute of limitations had run out. Last year Turley filed a lawsuit against the county alleging malicious prosecution. He said the case against him has "wrecked my life."

"It took away my reputation that no money can give back to me," he said, firing back at Buhman's comment. "To be called anti-government or anti-prosecution, that's not me. I was simply falsely accused."

All three commissioners initially supported considering the creation of a review board, but Tuesday, Commissioner Greg Graves pulled back his support of the current proposal and said he would only support some type of review process if Buhman also supported it.

"First off, I'm ashamed," Graves said of his past support of the proposal. "We should be about protecting and honoring (prosecutors and law enforcement). Do we have imperfect people? Yes. And do those people get dealt with? Yes."
SALT LAKE CITY  The Senate Education Committee endorsed a bill Wednesday that creates a state competitive grant program for high-quality after-school programs.

Such programs have primarily relied on federal or private funds, said Sen. Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake, sponsor of SB202.

Escamilla said the grants would be administered by the Utah State Board of Education and the Department of Workforce Services and require matching funds. The bill seeks $250,000 to be appropriated equally to the two agencies.

Escamilla said she seeks to develop private-public partnerships to deliver programs that meet quality standards and outcome measures.

Grants would not be appropriated "until applicants certify they have funds available," she said.

Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, said state grants need to serve students of the greatest need, not applicants who "are the better grant writers."

Escamilla agreed, noting that her goal is focus on developing high-quality programs in areas with high concentrations of children who qualify for free school lunch, working-poor families and school communities committed to reducing absenteeism.

"Thats my district, to be very blunt," Escamilla said.

SB202 moves to the Utah Senate for its consideration.

 Marjorie Cortez
SALT LAKE CITY  Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jenny Wilson took aim Wednesday at Republican Mitt Romney's "tepid" response on gun violence in the wake of the Florida school shooting.

Wilson, a Salt Lake County Council member, made it clear that she supports the Second Amendment but favors an assault weapon ban as well as an overhaul of background checks, including for expanding checks for gun shows and the online market.

Student survivors at the Parkland, Florida, high school have called for action, clarity and integrity in protecting their lives, she said.

"A generation has been raised in shooter drills and fear. All victims of gun violence  and sadly those who will face it in the future  deserve action from politicians," Wilson said.

In a speech last week, Romney said states  not the federal government  are the best places to find solutions for school violence. State legislatures could consider building security measures, police or volunteer patrols at schools, intervention teams that would go when there is a child that has a "particularly disturbing nature" and "age and psychological" restrictions on gun purchases.

"I haven't seen proposed (federal) legislation with regards to guns that would have prevented the attacks that have occurred, so just passing legislation that might make you feel a little better but doesn't really do anything is not something I favor," he told reporters after speaking at a Utah County GOP fundraiser last Friday.

Romney said he does like Sen. Orrin Hatchs proposal for an enhanced background check program.

Wilson said she would expect a "seasoned politician with two presidential runs under his belt" to offer something more than letting states deal with the issue.

Mitt Romneys tepid response last week regarding gun violence not only represented a reversal of his position but reflects yet another Romney contradiction on a critical issue, she said.

Wilson criticized Romney's changing stances on gun issues over the years, pointing to his previous support for an assault weapons ban and not lining up with the National Rifle Association while running for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts in 1994 and later serving as governor of that state.

Romney later joined the NRA and received its endorsement during the 2012 presidential election.

The Romney campaign did not immediately respond for comment.
SALT LAKE CITY  Sen. Jim Dabakis had two mimosas after breakfast and tested his blood alcohol content Thursday before presenting a bill at the Capitol proposing to delay Utah's .05 percent DUI law.

"So my entire presentation has been at .05," he told the Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Standing Committee. "You might say, Well, that's evidence of why we want the law. Look at him. I'm at .05, and I feel perfectly fine."

Dabakis, D-Salt Lake City, said after the meeting that he didn't drink and drive but had an intern drive him to the Capitol.

His bill, SB210, would delay Utah's law setting the legal blood alcohol content for driving at .05 percent until three other states have passed it. The law, passed last year, is scheduled to take effect Dec. 30.

"It doesn't make sense. It puts Utah in a very bad light. We ought not be leading the way on this issue," Dabakis said.

The committee tabled the bill after more than hourlong debate.

Rep. Norm Thurston, R-Provo, the author of the .05 percent law, told the committee Utah should not defer to other states. Utah and Oregon were the first states to go to .08 percent blood alcohol content in 1983 and would have had to wait seven years for three other states adopt to that standard under Dabakis' proposal, costing dozens of lives, he said.

"It's not wise for us to defer to other states when we are going to implement good policy," he said.

Dabakis contends there is "zero" evidence that the lower level would save lives. Rather, he said it magnifies Utah's "weirdness factor" on alcohol laws and would drive away tourists and businesses. Also, he said many Utahns who are not drunk would be treated that way under the law, resulting in them going to jail.

"This is morality in search of legislation. It's just dead wrong," he said.

Senate Majority Whip Stuart Adams, R-Layton, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Transportation Board both concluded there is impairment at .05 percent. Thurston cited a National Academy of Sciences study that found deterioration well below that number.

Proponents of Dabakis' bill argued people who text, talk on cellphones, put on makeup or eat while driving also are impaired.

"Imagine having the penalty such as losing a license, your job, not being able to afford auto insurance, spending a night in jail if you were caught with a McDonald's wrapper in your car," said Michelle Corigliano, Salt Lake Restaurant Association executive director.

Resident Kirsten Park contended that going after .05 percent drivers would take police officers off the street for hours, "allowing a very impaired driver to continue the path of destruction."

Sen. Jake Anderegg, R-Lehi, took issue with Park's argument. He said police don't know how much a driver has had to drink, only that the person behind the wheel is driving erratically. He disagrees that the law would be a misallocation of police resources.

But, he said, neither SB210 nor the .05 percent law would do any good. Anderegg said he would like to see the new standard repealed, adding that Dabakis' bill is a "weird way to go around it."

"If we're really going to head down this route and say this is ultimately going to save lives or not, well, then let's do not a drop (of alcohol). Let's go to zero," Anderegg said.

The House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee will consider another bill to delay the .05 percent law next week. HB345, sponsored by Rep. Karen Kwan, D-Murray, would put off implementation until 2022.
SALT LAKE CITY  Having a baby is not a vacation, nor is it a sickness.

Thats the message Lena Al-Rayess had for a group of legislators Thursday morning as she spoke in favor of HB156, a bill that would grant paid parental leave to state employees.

As anyone who has children knows, as soon as you give birth to a child, its no vacation. Youre learning; youre healing, the 32-year-old Taylorsville mother said. For me, Im putting off having another child until I can either somehow get benefits at my current position or I can find another job, or Ill move to another state.

Grid View Lena Al-Rayess plays with her son Owen at their Taylorsville home on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Lena Al-Rayess plays with her son Owen at their Taylorsville home on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Lena Al-Rayess plays with her son Owen at their Taylorsville home on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Lena Al-Rayess plays with her son Owen at their Taylorsville home on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Lena Al-Rayess plays with her son Owen at their Taylorsville home on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Its not an idle threat.

Al-Rayess, whos originally from California, said her friends back home were appalled when they learned that she had to use her sick and vacation pay to scrape up six weeks of leave when her son Owen, now 9 months old, was born.

I love my job. I dont want to leave it, she said of her position as an admissions coordinator at the University of Utahs School of Social Work. But knowing there are options of not having to have that stress on my family makes her seriously consider leaving the state.

Which is why she was so frustrated by Thursdays hearing before the House Business and Labor Committee, where representatives seemed to obsess about costs rather than consider the long-term benefits for families.

Stephanie Pitcher found the mornings meeting horribly dissapointing and said she's worried the bill may now be stuck in committee because of the financial questions.

There was so much misunderstanding, said Pitcher, director of the Utah Womens Coalition, who tried to clarify for the committee that HB156 wasnt creating a new problem but rather trying to ease the economic burden for families.

She pointed out that under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, employees can already take up to 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid time off for the birth or adoption of a baby, or a medical crisis for themselves or a family member.

What Rep. Elizabeth Weights bill would do is allow new moms and dads who work for the state to keep receiving their salary for six of those Family and Medical Leave Act weeks, enabling them to stay home and bond with their child, without worrying about finances.

But finances were all the committee wanted to talk about, and they peppered Weight, D-West Valley City, with questions regarding how to pay for hourly employees, how many employees the bill would cover, or whether employees should just use their sick and vacation pay to cover leave.

The fiscal note is really squishy, said Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, who said after the hearing he had "even more questions.

Even if Dunnigan gets those answers, the bill may not come back up in committee, he said, as a large number of bills still havent been heard, and there only three or four committee hearings left in the session.

The bill would apply to more than 56,000 people, including 18,000 state employees, 37,862 employees at the eight public colleges and universities, plus University Hospital staff and the 205 employees of the Utah State Board of Education.

Yet only 1,256 state employees took Family and Medical Leave Act leave for childbirth or adoption last year.

But what about a state employee like a snowplow driver, whos paid hourly and needs time off to be home with a new baby? asked Rep. Mike Schultz, R-Hooper.

We still need someone to fill those shoes, still have the cost associated with that, and it doesnt look like it reflects that in the fiscal note, he said.

"Reportedly it does," replied Weight.

The bill currently has a zero fiscal note, which seemed impossible to many of the legislators, who kept asking about where the extra money was going to come from to cover employees who take leave.

Weight reminded the committee that salaries are already a fixed cost and planned for in the budget. She also repeatedly referenced her conversations with fiscal analysts who surveyed state departments, divisions and agencies to ask them that very question.

Their response? No extra cost.

Why not? Its because, as Pitcher explained, this isnt a new situation. Employees take leave all the time, whether theyre out on vacation, taking a few paid sick days or a longer-term Family and Medical Leave Act reason.

Departments can either hire a temporary worker, shift the work to colleagues, delay projects or a combination of those. And most the departments reported they simply absorbed the work and figured it out without extra costs.

Because departments know their own needs so well, why not leave the issue of parental leave benefits up to the individual state agencies, rather than passing a sweeping new law? asked Rep. Jeremy Peterson, R-Ogden.

Theres a way to get to where (Weight) wants to go, he said, but a blanket policy is not nimble enough. Its the wrong tool to use to get that done.

But before granting new benefits, the committee wanted to know what benefits already exist, and how employees pay for leave.

They rely on sick pay, accrued at four hours per pay period. Vacation or annual leave starts at four hours per pay period, then increases with seniority, explained Adam Sweet, from the state Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.

After being employed a year (a prerequisite for taking the proposed paid leave) an employe would have about 13 sick days and 13 annual or vacation days.

Do you think they should use some of their current sick leave for maternity leave? Dunnigan asked.

No, Weight replied.

State employees get five weeks right off the bat, that they accrue over a years time, he continued.

If they havent had to use any of it for illness, Weight interjected.

When we think of how our state employees create a stable, well-staffed responsive government, it makes sense economically for Utah to be one of those employers of choice and provide parental leave, she added.

Because without being competitive, the state runs the risk of losing people like Al-Rayess and hundreds or thousands of women like her.

I did what I had to do for my family, she said. Theres a huge disconnect between our reputation as a family-friendly state and our policies. I feel punished by society for not being a stay-at-home mom.
SALT LAKE CITY  The bill inspired by the controversy that swirled around former Salt Lake County Recorder Gary Ott cleared a big hurdle Thursday.

SB38, which would allow the removal of mentally incapacitated elected officials in a handful of counties, cleared the House on a 44-24 to vote.

It previously passed the Senate with only one dissenting vote, but it will return to the Senate floor because of an amendment made in the House to clarify language. If senators stick to their previous votes, the bill's next stop will be Gov. Gary Herbert's desk.

SB38 rose out of the trouble Salt Lake County faced when Ott remained in office for more than a year while he appeared to suffer mental health issues. It was later revealed in court testimony that Ott was diagnosed with a form of progressive dementia in 2013, and during the time of court proceedings, he had been diagnosed with stage 4 Alzheimer's, according to his siblings' attorney. Ott died just days after the court hearings.

The bill, which would only apply to six counties in Utah, for the most part has sailed smoothly through the legislative process.

But Thursday it received the most opposition it's seen, with lawmakers arguing on the House floor that it could create a dangerous political weapon and override voters' will.

"I am not in favor of having people with mental illness serving in office, but I am equally not in favor of overcoming the vote of the people on an issue, especially when they've chosen an elected official," said Rep. Dan McCay, R-Riverton.

McCay said the "burden" of "overriding the voice of the people" does not "outweigh the benefit." He noted that while the Utah Constitution states mentally incompetent individuals are not permitted to hold office, the state currently does not require a mental capacity test when elected officials file for office.

"Is it possible that voters would want somebody who has a diminished mental capacity to serve in office for a specific reason?" he asked.

"I assume that's possible," the bill's House sponsor, Rep. Craig Hall, R-West Valley City, responded.

But Hall urged support of the bill, saying the state needs a process to "comply" with its constitution. He said Salt Lake County "begged" for a tool so what happened with Ott would not happen again.

Hall acknowledged it would only apply to six counties  those with legislative bodies of more than five members  but he said the bill was written that way to gain support from the Utah League of Cities and Towns and the Utah Association of Counties, which worried it would have a greater chance to be used as a political weapon on smaller bodies.

Hall also noted that the law would be "100 percent optional," as counties would need to first adopt the statute as an ordinance before it could be used.

SB38 would require a unanimous vote of the county's elected body (excluding the elected official in question) and would only be applicable to counties that have at least five elected officials on their council or commission. The law would also only apply if the county adopts it as an ordinance.

The unanimous vote would then only refer the question of the elected official's removal to a judge, who would then decide whether to order a competency evaluation by a medical professional.

If the medical professional determines the elected official is mentally unfit for office, the official would be given five days to resign. If the official does not resign within that time, the council or commission could then remove the official with another unanimous vote.
Competitors in the Internet of Things space are set to describe their chip designs at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC 2018) in Barcelona, Spain, including several startups using GLOBALFOUNDRIES 22FDX process.

Anup Savla, chief technology officer at Nanotel Technology, said his young company is designing several chips for use in the narrow band (NB) IoT space. Savla, who spent 11 years designing wireless ICs at Qualcomm after a three-year stint at Intel, said Nanotel chose to use the 22FDX process to reduce power consumption for its mixed-signal NB-IoT modem.

We have a digital engine, a processor, designed around IoT applications, where the emphasis is on low power and low leakage. With 22FDX there are knobs that are available to turn down the power and leakage. The opportunities to do that are unparalleled, and you just dont get that kind of opportunity from bulk CMOS, he said.

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J Karthik To Star In Two Bollywood Films

Earlier, there were a lot of speculations regarding Kannada actor J Karthik to star in Hindi films. However, according to the latest updates the assumptions are true. The actor is all set to star in three Bollywood films soon for which he went to Mumbai this week to finalize his deals.





The actor revealed, I have agreed to be a part of three films, although only two are officially signed. My first will see me pair with Gauahar Khan in a film that deals with the issue of triple talaq in the Muslim community. He further said that the film hasnt been titled yet and it stars Arun Bakshi, Rakesh Bedi and Jiten Mukhi.





Moreover, he will be joining the set of director Dinkar Kapoors suspense thriller, Pushpa, I Hate Tears. The film features Krushna Abhishek and Ankita Thakur in the lead roles. However, the third project is still under discussion. The actor is also busy with Kannada projects Aa Karaala Ratri and Puta 109 to be directed by Dayal Padmanabhan.





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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Regulatory changes in Brazil may allow converged operators to scrap their support for loss-making assets and invest the savings in expanding their 4G offerings.

Currently, operators are unable to simply abandon underperforming infrastructure in many of Brazils service areas, with Oi and Telefonicas Vivo in particular having significant underused fixed liabilities. The operators are unable to divest abandoned real estate, and are also obliged to maintain little-used public telephones.

Now, regulator Anatel is considering an overhaul of the regulations enforcing this situation. This would allow operators to reduce their expenditure significantly, providing them extra cash to invest in more profitable 4G infrastructure.

The regulatory obligations have been a major factor preventing troubled operator Oi from investing overseas, which has contributed to its ailing fortunes. Prior to reaching a debt restructuring deal with its creditors at the end of last year, Oi had been the subject of interest from both China Telecom and China Mobile.

The market may soon have a new entrant in the mobile space with the news that AT&T is considering acquiring spectrum in Brazil to launch a mobile service alongside its Sky Brazil TV offering.
People with diabetes worked an average of two years longer than those who did not have diabetes according to a research study of Finnish adults.

A total of 12,726 people, born between 1934 and 1944 and part of the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study, were monitored to see how health impacted their working life. Finnish researchers reviewed the records between 1971 and 2011 to see how many people had developed diabetes and who had retired.

Within women, 49% of those with diabetes transitioned into old-age pensio, rather than retiring early. This was a higher figure than the 40% of those without diabetes. Likewise, in men, 41% with diabetes transitioned into old-age pension compared with 33% of those without diabetes.

In terms of the average retirement age, average retirement age was over two years later in those with diabetes. Within women the average retirement age was 61.4 years-old or those with diabetes and 59.5 years-old for those without the condition. In men, average retirement was at 60.1 years-old in those with diabetes and 57.6 in those without.

Mikaela von Bonsdorff from the University of Jyvaskyla, lead author of the study, noted that the effect of diabetes on work careers has not been so thoroughly reviewed as previous studies involved shorter periods of follow-up.

She stated: In our study, 7.5 per cent of the men and 4.3 per cent of the women had a record of diabetes at some point during their working careers. The information on diabetes was extracted from inpatient and outpatient records and from purchases and special reimbursements of diabetes drugs. The first records of diabetes date back to 1964.

Professor Johan Eriksson from the University of Helsinki, said that not diagnosing the condition earlier enough remains a problem. He said: It should be noted, however, that the under-diagnosis of diabetes is about 20 per cent to 50 per cent.

Type 2 diabetes is often first detected in healthcare check-ups or it might be a chance finding. Our findings indicate that comprehensive diabetes care is beneficial not only for the individual but also for society.

Recent findings from a Danish study (STENO-2 follow-up) show that type 2 diabetes did not increase premature mortality, provided that the disease was treated properly. This supports our present findings.

The study is published in the Acta Diabetologica journal.
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The owners of the Tory Island Hotel are disheartened and uncertain about the future of their business as the issue about the ferry continues on.

Islanders have been consistent in their belief that the ferry that is to begin servicing the island is not up to standard for the island.

The vessel, the Queen of Aran is to begin servicing the island on April 1st. The vessel was built in 1976.

https://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/news/news/297297/king-of-tory-thanks-all-for-their-support-after-dail-protest.html



Tourism on Tory



The owner of the hotel on the island, Ostan Radharc na Ceibhe, Patricia Doherty said: We were going to do renovations at the hotel but we werent able to because of uncertainty. It is not a good situation to be in.

She said that tourists would prefer a fast boat to the island.

Sean and Patricia Doherty provide employment at the hotel during the summer.

She said that there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the future of the hotel on the island.



Protest



Meanwhile, a protest is set to take place outside the offices of the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht on February 28th.

Padraig O Dubhgain a member of Comharchumann oilean Thoraigh said that, as yet, they have had had no correspondence from the relevant department as regards the ferry.

Padraig O Dugain, ball de Chomharchumann Thoraigh - Nil bunadh Thoraigh ag dul a thabhairt isteach agus nil glacadh ar bith leis an bhad farantoireachta ata beartaithe do sheirbhis an oileain. #Toraigh pic.twitter.com/xsm2t3WFb9  Clar Barrscealta (@Barrscealta1) February 20, 2018

He added that the subject of the ferry is one that everyone on the island is discussing on a daily basis.

He added that they want a ferry that is faster and that can be established at the island and that the ferry boat the Queen of Aran will not be allowed to dock at the pier on the proposed date of April 1st as a blockade will be carried out.

If the people of the island are not happy to use the service that will be given to them - it is pointless doing it because they will not use it. The issue is in the hands of the minister now, he said.

Residents of Tory island protested outside the gates of Leinster House in Dublin on Wednesday, February 14th.
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Comedian Chris Kent, fresh from appearing in the hit RTE/BBC adaptation of The Young Offenders movie, is set to appear at The Spirit Store in Dundalk next month.

The Cork funnyman is currently touring his fifth solo show, entitled 'Moving On' and will bring his hilarious show to the local venue on Saturday March 10th.

As well as playing the role of Conor's dad on The Young Offenders which is currently airing on our screens, Kent has also appeared on 'Russell Howards Stand Up Central, BBC Northern Ireland's The Blame Game and was recently voted as one of the Top Five Irish comedians by Hot Press magazine.

A former electrician, Kent has supported international acts such as Bill Burr while his latest solo show focuses on becoming a dad for the first time.

Now based in the UK, he has been hailed as among the best acts Ive seen by The Mirror and a compelling storyteller by The Scotsman.



Tickets for the performance are selling fast and are available from The Spirit Store, www.spiritstore.ie/tickets.php & McAteers The Food House for just 12.
Local weather expert 'Louth Weather' has warned that a 'proper' cold spell looks to be on the way to Louth and could last for the next two weeks!

In a foreboding Facebook update this afternoon, Louth Weather had this to say:

"Over the coming days our weather will becoming increasingly colder as winds push west from Siberia. While I don't usually go beyond five days, looking at the current setup, I feel there's a real possibility that this cold spell could last more than two weeks.

"So we're looking at daytime temperatures below 5C and night time values down to -4C. Add to this a strong easterly wind and it will feel more like -3C to -7C. Don't put away those winter clothes just yet!!

"This is the perfect winter setup for cold weather as "the beast from the east" dominates and blocks any mild Atlantic influences. Timing wise, the extra length of the days now mean we won't have it as bad as if this had happened in December or early January.

"So it will be cold enough for snow, but will it snow?? Over the coming days, apart from an isolated shower, it's very unlikely.

"However as the winds coming our way get colder, the temperature difference between The Irish Sea (currently 7.8C) becomes greater, creating instability and producing showers. So by next Tuesday we should see snow showers and unlike all other times this winter when the snow showers died away as they crossed land from the NW, this time we are placed right in the firing line along the east coast."

"But remember showers are random, so some places will get them while others escape. There's also the possibility of streamer development where a constant line of showers develop say at the southern tip of The Isle of Man and dump large quantities of snow in a narrow area. Wind direction is decisive here and I will only be able to predict these events at short range.
Seachtain na Gaeilge 2018 runs from Thursday March 1st to Saturday March 17th this year - and Louth County Council with celebrate with a series of cultural and sporting events to interest all ages.

A series of events have already been announced including a general knowledge 'as Gaelige' quiz aimed at primary school children to be held in Dundalk Library on Wednesday March 7th (with cinema tickets up for grabs!) and two screenings of an Irish language film an An Tain Theatre.

They will take place on Monday March 12th and Thursday March 15th.

Seachtain na Gaeilge is always an important fixture in the Councils event calendar and gives us the opportunity to work with and support local groups whose mission it is to promote the Irish language and culture," Louth County Council Chief Executive Joan Martin said.

"Our varied programme this year covers everything from language, to sport, to music.

"Of course, this years event also acts as a precursor to Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, which will be held in Drogheda in August. This will be a huge occasion for the county, and one weve been working towards for many years. We hope the Seachtain na Gaeilge events will whet the appetite for Fleadh audiences in the summer.

The events that have already been announced are:

'As Gaelige' Primary School Quiz (Dundalk Library, Wednesday March 7th 10.30am).

GAA Under 10 Hurling Blitz: Teams, all of whom will be encouraged to speak Irish on the field, will compete for the Corn an Cathaoirleach Cup (Louth County Council Sports Centre, Muirhevnamor, Saturday, March 10th (12pm to 3pm).

Under 10 Primary School Poetry Competition: Children under 10 are invited to write a poem with the theme of My County  Mo Chontae. The winning entries will be displayed in County Hall Dundalk and printed in local newspapers. The deadline for submissions is Friday March 16th.

Lunchtime traditional music session: Tea and coffee will be served at this cultural celebration (Dundalk Town Hall, Date to be confirmed).

Irish Language Film: An Tain Theatre will host two screenings of an Irish language film for local primary school children (An Tain Theatre Dundalk, Monday, March 12th and Thursday, March 15th).

Schools will be contacted directly with details of school events. Further information about Seachtain na Gaeilge events is available at www.louthcoco.ie and on Twitter @LouthCoCo.
The Local Enterprise Office is searching for the best small businesses in Co. Louth to take part in The National Enterprise Awards.

Organised by the National network of Local Enterprise Offices, the awards celebrate the achievements of Irelands micro-enterprise sector and celebrate the success stories of small business owners from all over the country.

In addition to enjoying extensive media coverage, National Finalists will compete for a separate 41,000 Prize Fund.

The Louth winners will represent county Louth at the National Enterprise Awards Finals which will take place on Thursday 24th May 2018 in the Mansion House Dublin.



Applications can only be accepted from businesses which employ ten or fewer employees. Additionally, all applicants must be current clients of LEO LOUTH i.e. must have received or qualified for at least one of the following supports in the past: a Feasibility Study Grant, Business Priming Funding, Business Expansion Funding, LEO Innovation Investment Fund (LIIF) Support, IBYE Support, TAME Support, Trading Online Voucher or LEO LOUTH clients who have transferred to Enterprise Ireland within the last 12 months are also eligible and previous County finalists are eligible to enter.



Three finalist businesses will be selected to share the County final prize fund of 5,000.

The county competition will take place on 9th March 2018 at a Business Networking Event as part of Enterprise Week 2018. The winners will be presented with specially commissioned awards and monetary prizes.

The Awards Ceremony is a celebration of the diverse range of businesses in the County, and a great Networking event. National adjudication takes place during the weeks beginning 9th & 16th April 2018.



You can download an application on www.enterprise.ie
Healthy Ireland at your Library is a Department of Health-led initiative being delivered in all five libraries in County Louth. As part of the initiative, Louth libraries have organised a full schedule of events, some of which have already taken place.



Events for adults and children include talks on physical and mental health, pharmacist and physiotherapist talks, mindfulness sessions, food and nutrition information events, and art and music therapy - and there are lots more to come.



A new core collection of health-related books and electronic resources have been added to the collection of every single branch to supplement the existing range of health titles. These reflect the six pillars of the Healthy Ireland Programme: Healthy Childhood; Healthy Eating and Active Living; Wellbeing and Mental health; Positive Ageing; Alcohol and Tobacco Free.

The initiative was officially launched earlier in month by the Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Councillor Colm Markey. The launch of the programme was held in conjunction with a health and wellbeing event where over 170 people attended a talk by Dr Harry Barry, G.P., Cognitive Therapist and Author, on Anxiety and Panic as part of the new Healthy Ireland at Your Library Programme.



The public is advised to visit their local library and see what is on offer. Membership is free to all and all events and services are free of charge. For further information about Healthy Ireland at Louth Libraries, books and resources available, plus forthcoming events please contact your local branch library or check Louth County Libraries website on www.louthcoco.ie/libraries or www.Facebook.com/Louthcountylibraries or Twitter @louthcoco

UPCOMING HEALTHY IRELAND EVENTS:

Employability Ireland Presentation  The Job Seeking Process

A Work Matters event in Dundalk Library on Wednesday 28th of February at 11am . For further information contact Dundalk Library at Tel : 042 9353190 or Email : libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie


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Broken corporate processes have been contributing to negative customer experiences, a recent survey suggests.

One thousand employees in United States companies with a workforce of 500 or more who work on a computer or mobile device for more than five hours a day responded to the online survey conducted by Nintex.

Overall, 54 percent observed broken administrative processes within their organization, and 39 percent saw broken document management or sales processes.

Top broken administrative processes:

Identifying and recommending problem fixes at the company level (37 percent);

Identifying and recommending problem fixes at the team level (34 percent); and

Submitting expenses (28 percent).

Top broken document management or sales processes:

Locating documents (49 percent);

Document sharing (43 percent);

Document approval requests (43 percent);

Pulling and finding data on sales (41 percent);

Completing and filing new client paperwork (34 percent);

Document versioning (33 percent);

Getting sales contracts signed, negotiated and approved (27 percent);

Communicating sales results to the company (23 percent);

Referring potential new business (19 percent); and

Recommending a new business line or product to the management team (15 percent).

The findings on document mismanagement "definitely revealed some of the biggest issues in today's organizations," said Nintex spokesperson Kristin Treat.

"If employees can't simply access or share files, their leaders can't expect them to complete projects in a timely manner," she told CRM Buyer.

Difficulty pulling sales data signals another growing issue, Treat said. "As organizations become increasingly reliant on customer data to personalize the customer experience, companies will need to significantly improve their data management processes to keep tip with the competition and attract clients."

Sales, Document Management Are Key

Revamping sales and document management processes "may not be top of mind for C-suite leaders," Treat noted. "They often underestimate the impact these small processes have on both employees and customers."

Further, while CRM platforms and sales automation tools are becoming a necessity, many employees may not know how to effectively use the technology, she pointed out.

Organizations should "prioritize continual employee training for new platforms to patch up these processes and ensure everyone's working as efficiently as possible," Treat suggested.

Marketing: Tough Administrative Haul

Another area of inefficiencies occurs in partner marketing, which recently has become more important for many companies.

A survey of 100 senior U.S. marketing executives conducted last fall by WorkSpan found the following:

78 percent of respondents employed someone solely to track the progress of marketing campaigns;

47 percent spent more than four hours each week in meetings to review the progress of marketing projects; and

27 percent used at least 10 different software programs to collaborate with marketing partners and colleagues.

There's "a significant lack of innovation" in alliance business processes that cross company boundaries, said Chip Rodgers, VP of marketing at WorkSpan.

"To date, there has been no cross-company go-to-market business process automation to manage the complexities of these relationships," he told CRM Buyer, "for a single source of the truth and effective, efficient processes to win in the market together."

Solving the Process Patchwork Problem

Most companies are "made up of systems, processes and rules that have been layered over each other," observed Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

Automating processes at once isn't the answer, because "automating a bad design will likely make things worse," he told CRM Buyer. "You have to step back and redesign the system first."

Companies should first conduct a forensic holistic review of their processes, then develop and execute a plan to "massively reduce" the complexity and control gaps in their policies and processes, Enderle recommended.

Once that is done, companies can automate piecemeal.

"Implementing workflow automation doesn't necessarily have to start from the top down," Nintex's Treat said.

"Companies can automate first the one process that has the most significant effect on their ROI," then assess its impact on customer satisfaction and employee efficiency, and evaluate what to automate next, she suggested.

That approach also would make it easier for employees to adapt, Treat said, and be willing to adopt similar workflows later.

Richard Adhikari has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2008. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, mobile technologies, CRM, databases, software development, mainframe and mid-range computing, and application development. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including Information Week and Computerworld. He is the author of two books on client/server technology. Email Richard.


Avaaz, a civic campaigning network that counts roughly 45 million subscribers around the world, has been served with a 168-page subpoena on behalf of agribusiness giant Monsanto.

The document, dated Jan. 26 and sent from New York Supreme Court, "commands" the U.S.-based organization to turn in a decade's worth of internal communications by Friday, Feb. 23.

The subpoena specifically seeks a trove of documents and communications related to Avaaz's campaigns around regulating glyphosatethe controversial star ingredient in Monsanto's blockbuster weedkiller, Roundup. The organization says this includes their 2017 effort to stop the European Union from re-issuing a 15-year license for glyphosate; its 2013 effort to block a Monsanto genetically-modified seed factory in Argentina; and an ongoing campaign to stop the mega-merger between Monsanto and Bayer.

As founder Ricken Patel and his team pointed out, that's "pretty much every single private email, document, note, chat or anything else that any Avaaz staffer has ever written or done on our campaigns to ban Monsanto's key herbicide, glyphosate."

The full subpoena can be read here: https://avaazimages.avaaz.org/monsanto-subpoena-to-avaaz-r.pdf

Avaaz worries about the scope of the subpoena, as it would also include the names and email addresses of members who have signed Monsanto petitions. GM Watch noted that one of its petitions calling for a moratorium on glyphosate garnered more than 2 million signatures.

The subpoena was issued as part of a class-action lawsuit against Monsanto in which plaintiffs around the country claim that they or their loved ones developed non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma due to exposure to Roundup.

Avaaz is now fighting back and is raising funds for the defense effort. The group will be represented by the New York firm of Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady, LLP.

"This is big," Avaaz writes in a new petition. "[Monsanto's] a $50 billion mega-corporation, infamous for legal strong-arm tactics like this. They have unlimited resources. If they get their hands on all our private information, there's no telling what they'll use it for."

Emma Ruby-Sachs, Deputy Director of Avaaz, said Monsanto's demand for internal communications is a "violation" of first amendment rights.

"There are millions of people around the world who have a deep and genuine concern that Monsanto's glyphosate is making us and our environment sick," she added. "That is the sole reason our members have called on governments to regulate it based on independent science. We're not going to let this legal attack slow down that essential work one bit."
By Paul Brown

A ubiquitous tide of plastic particles has now swept throughout the world's oceans.

The human rights activist Bianca Jagger described to a conference in London Tuesday how a substance that was invented only in 1907 and seemed to have almost magical properties, because it was practically indestructible, is now threatening an environmental catastrophe.

The danger to marine life highlighted recently by David Attenborough in his Blue Planet TV series was only part of the problem, she said.

Because fish ingest the micro-plastics and we eat the fish, then the plastics are in our own bodies too, with as yet unknown health effects.

Plastics, derived from fossil fuels (8 percent of all oil production is used to make plastics), is with climate change a serious threat to the future of the planet, Jagger said.

Premature Discard

The conference was organized by Artists Project Earth at the Royal Geographical Society. Artists contributing to an album to raise funds for the project included Bob Dylan, Coldplay, Mumford and Sons, Ed Sheeran and Pharrell Williams.

A study by professor Edward Kosior recommending actions necessary to prevent the situation from getting worse said the problem was that a long-lived material was manufactured for short-term use and then discarded.

Kosior said 72 percent of plastic packaging was not recovered, and at least eight million tons leaked into the oceans every year from coastal cities and down large rivers.

There are 150 million tons of plastic in the oceans already, and without significant human intervention to prevent it, the weight of plastic in the sea will be greater than the total weight of fish by 2050.

The problem of plastic entering the oceans was worst in Asia and Africa, where there were few collection and recovery systems. The worst countries at present were China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

In some cases they just heaped up their garbage on river banks, waiting for the next flood to wash it away.



Although the problem of leakage into the seas was smaller in Europe and North America, because there were more sophisticated rubbish collection schemes, their contribution was still large.

Among the solutions was to stop the single use of plastics and find sustainable alternative materials like card, paper or vegetable products. It was important to make the companies who marketed their products in plastic responsible for the environmentally sound management of the packaging at the end of its life.

Incentives like charging a refundable deposit on coffee cups or water bottles had already been successfully adopted in some countries and should be universal.

Offering Incentives

Kosior also suggested increasing the value of plastic in order to give an incentive to people to collect and recycle it so that the waste could be reprocessed and reused.

Campaigning environment journalist Oliver Tickell told the conference that, unlike issues like climate change where it took years to get international legislation in place to reduce greenhouse gases, treaties were already agreed that should prevent plastic from reaching the oceans.

The problem was that the countries that had signed up to international law were not abiding by it.

He gave as an example the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), adding that there were several others. But Article 194 of UNCLOS requires states to "prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment from any source."

Action Possible

"Measures shall include, inter alia, those designed to minimise to the fullest possible extent ... the release of toxic, harmful or noxious substances, especially those which are persistent, from land-based sources  [and] shall include those necessary to protect and preserve rare or fragile ecosystems as well as the habitat of depleted, threatened or endangered species and other forms of marine life."

Tickell said the fact that dumping plastics was already illegal under international law meant that action could be taken against states that violated it. Small island states that were most affected by plastic waste piling up on their beaches could take on the large countries in the international courts and ask for compensation.

He realized they lacked the resources to do this but suggested that they could be helped to do so by grants from philanthropic organizations or public subscriptions.

"We have already caused irreparable change to the planet, but there is hope that there is still time to prevent the worst and save the planet for our children and grandchildren," said Bianca Jagger.

Reposted with permission from our media associate Climate News Network.
By Stephanie Malin



Uraniumthe raw material for nuclear power and nuclear weaponsis having a moment in the spotlight.

Companies such as Energy Fuels, Inc. have played well-publicized roles in lobbying the Trump administration to reduce federal protection for public lands with uranium deposits. The Defense Department's Nuclear Posture Review calls for new weapons production to expand the U.S. nuclear arsenal, which could spur new domestic uranium mining. And the Interior Department is advocating more domestic uranium production, along with other materials identified as "critical minerals."

What would expanded uranium mining in the U.S. mean at the local level? I have studied the legacies of past uranium mining and milling in Western states for over a decade. My book examines dilemmas faced by uranium communities caught between harmful legacies of previous mining booms and the potential promise of new economic development.

These people and places are invisible to most Americans, but they helped make the U.S. an economic and military superpower. In my view, we owe it to them to learn from past mistakes and make more informed and sustainable decisions about possibly renewing uranium production than our nation made in the past.

National Energy Education Development Project, CC BY-ND

Mining Regulations Have Failed to Protect Public Health



Today most of the uranium that powers U.S. nuclear reactors is imported. But many communities still suffer impacts of uranium mining and milling that occurred for decades to fuel the U.S.-Soviet nuclear arms race. These include environmental contamination, toxic spills, abandoned mines, under-addressed cancer and disease clusters and illnesses that citizens link to uranium exposure despite federal denials.

As World War II phased into the Cold War, U.S. officials rapidly increased uranium production from the 1940s to the 1960s. Regulations were minimal to nonexistent and largely unenforced, even though the U.S. Public Health Service knew that exposure to uranium had caused potentially fatal health effects in Europe, and was monitoring uranium miners and millers for health problems.

Today the industry is subject to regulations that address worker health and safety, environmental protection, treatment of contaminated sites and other considerations. But these regulations lack uniformity, and enforcement responsibilities are spread across multiple agencies.

This creates significant regulatory gaps, which are worsened by a federalist approach to regulation. In the 1970s the newly created Nuclear Regulatory Commission initiated an Agreement States program, under which states take over regulating many aspects of uranium and nuclear production and waste storage. To qualify, state programs must be "adequate to protect public health and safety and compatible with the NRC's regulatory program."

The Orphan uranium mine on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon operated from 1956-1969 and is now a radioactive waste site. Alan Levine, CC BY

Today 37 states have joined this program and two more are applying. Many Agreement States struggle to enforce regulations because of underfunded budgets, lack of staff and anti-regulatory cultures. These problems can lead to piecemeal enforcement and reliance on corporate self-regulation.

For example, budget cuts in Colorado have forced the state to rely frequently on energy companies to monitor their own compliance with regulations. In Utah, the White Mesa Millour nation's only currently operating uranium millhas a record of persistent problems related to permitting, water contamination and environmental health, as well as tribal sacred lands and artifacts.

Neglected Nuclear Legacies

Uranium still affects the environment and human health in the West, but its impacts remain woefully under-addressed. Some of the poorest, most isolated and ethnically marginalized communities in the nation are bearing the brunt of these legacies.

There are approximately 4,000 abandoned uranium mines in Western states. At least 500 are located on land controlled by the Navajo Nation. Dine (Navajo) people have suffered some of the worst consequences of U.S. uranium production, including cancer clusters and water contamination.

A 2015 study found that about 85 percent of Dine homes are still contaminated with uranium, and that tribe members living near uranium mines have more uranium in their bones than 95 percent of the U.S. population. Unsurprisingly, President Donald Trump's decision to reduce the Bears Ears National Monument has reinvigorated discussion over ongoing impacts of uranium contamination across tribal and public land.

Despite legislation such as the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990, people who lived near uranium production or contamination sites often became forgotten casualties of the Cold War. For instance, Monticello, Utah, hosted a federally owned uranium mill from 1942 to 1960. Portions of the town were even built from tailings left over from uranium milling, which we now know were radioactive. This created two Superfund sites that were not fully remediated until the late 1990s.

Monticello residents have dealt with cancer clusters, increased rates of birth defects and other health abnormalities for decades. Although the community has sought federal recognition and compensation since 1993, its requests have been largely ignored.



Today tensions over water access and its use for uranium mining are creating conflict between regional tribes and corporate water users around the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Native residents, such as the Havasupai, have had to defend their water rights and fear losing access to this vital resource.

Uranium Production Is a Boom-and-Bust Industry

Like any economic activity based on commodities, uranium production is volatile and unstable. The industry has a history of boom-bust cycles. Communities that depend on it can be whipsawed by rapid growth followed by destabilizing population losses.

The first U.S. uranium boom occurred during the early Cold War and ended in the 1960s due to oversupply, triggering a bust. A second boom began later in the decade when the federal government authorized private commercial investment in nuclear power. But the Three Mile Island (1979) and Chernobyl (1985) disasters ended this second boom.

Uranium prices soared once again from 2007 to 2010. But the 2011 tsunami and meltdown at Japan's Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant sent prices plummeting once again as nations looked for alternatives to nuclear power.

U.S. uranium production, 1949-2011

Companies like Energy Fuels maintainespecially in public meetings with uranium communitiesthat new production will lead to sustained economic growth. This message is powerful stuff. It boosts support, sometimes in the very communities that have suffered most from past practices.

But I have interviewed Westerners who worry that as production methods become more technologically advanced and mechanized, energy companies may increasingly rely on bringing in out-of-town workers with technical and engineering degrees rather than hiring localsas has happened in the coal industry. And the core tensions of boom-bust economic volatility and instability persist.

Uranium production advocates contend that new "environmentally friendly" mills and current federal regulations will adequately protect public health and the environment. Yet they offer little evidence to counter White Mesa Mill's poor record.

In my view, there is little evidence that new uranium production would be more reliably regulated or economically stable today than in the past. Instead, I expect that the industry will continue to privatize profits as the public absorbs and subsidizes its risks.

Reposted with permission from our media associate The Conversation.


The Wind Catcher Energy Connection project, which includes a massive 800-turbine wind farm under construction in the Oklahoma panhandle, is getting closer to lift-off.

Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), a subsidiary of major utility American Electric Power, announced this week a settlement with various parties, including Walmart, allowing the $4.5 billion project to move forward.

According to a press release:

"After a series of negotiation sessions with the [Arkansas Public Service Commission] General Staff, the Arkansas Attorney General and other parties, SWEPCO agreed to provide a number of guarantees, including a cap on construction costs, qualification for 100 percent of the federal Production Tax Credits, minimum annual production from the project, and others."

The project is subject to approval by utility commissions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma, as well as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Once getting its legs, Wind Catcher is expected to deliver wind energy to customers in the four states by the end of 2020.

The Wind Catcher facility, developed by Invenergy, will be the largest single-site wind farm in the U.S. once complete. The 2,000-megawatt facility will generate power from 800 GE 2.5 megawatt turbines. The project also involves building a 360-mile extra high-voltage 765 kilovolt power line to connect two new substations, one located at the wind facility and a second near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

"Oklahoma's panhandle has some of the best wind in America but is hundreds of miles from larger cities and communities that can benefit from low-cost, clean energy," the developers tout. "Wind Catcher Energy Connection is a $4.5 billion infrastructure investment that will bring Oklahoma wind power to more than 1.1 million energy customers in the South Central U.S."

"We are extremely pleased with this settlement agreement because it recognizes the tremendous opportunity the Wind Catcher project provides for clean, low-cost energy and long-term savings for SWEPCO customers," said Venita McCellon-Allen, SWEPCO president and chief operating officer.

"Our customers are looking to us to provide clean, reliable and cost-effective power. Wind Catcher will help companies, universities, cities and other customers meet their sustainability and renewable energy goals," McCellon-Allen said.

SWEPCO says the project will save its customers about $4 billion, net of cost, over 25 years.

The company also promised:

"Cost savings include no fuel cost for wind, which lowers SWEPCO's overall fuel and purchased power costs; full value of the federal Production Tax Credit, which is available for construction of new wind farm projects; and the cost-efficient delivery of the wind generation to customers through the new, dedicated power line."

"Customers will see savings primarily through a reduction in the fuel portion of their bills, beginning in 2021."

"Walmart has a goal to be supplied by 100 percent renewable energy, and sourcing from wind energy projectslike the Wind Catcher projectis a core component in the mix," said Mark Vanderhelm, vice president of energy for Walmart. "The energy procured from this project represents an important leap forward on our renewable energy journey."
Marches in Washington and Utah. Walkouts in California, Iowa, and Maryland. Emotional Twitter rebukes of political leadership that have gone viral. And thousands of chanting young people converging on the Florida statehouse in Tallahassee, demanding changes to the states gun laws.

Just as it seemed that public reaction to school shootings had become predictable, and lawmakers votes on gun control would stay within the status quo, students responses to the latest tragedy in Parkland, Fla., have been anything but.

The upwelling of youth activism across the country galvanized by the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School stands in stark contrast to that seen after previous school shootings, advocates and academics say, and holds the potential to become a commanding new force as advocates push for new restrictions on guns and access to guns.

I think gun violence has really affected me for a long time, starting with Sandy Hook, said Amarins Laanstra-Corn, 17, a junior at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Md., who co-organized a student walkout that took her and other students to Capitol Hill and the White House on Wednesday. It could be one of us and we cant sit quietly. We cant let this die out.

Seasoned gun-control advocates are hopeful that students will be successful where adults have not.

This is a powerful, no-B.S. constituency that is now very angry and very active and very much calling for change and calling for action, said Mark Barden, whose son Daniel was killed in the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., in 2012 and went on to co-found Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit that works to protect children from gun violence. More than calling for it, theyre demanding it.

Breaking Through Entrenched Positions?

Parkland students, along with many of the their peers from across the state, went to the Florida legislature on Tuesday and Wednesday to send a direct message after the murder of their classmates and teachers: We want more gun control, and if you dont pass it, other school shootings will be your responsibility. While Florida was the epicenter, youth activists around the country were also taking a stand.

On Monday, students from multiple schools in Iowa City, Iowa, walked out of their classes to protest gun violence, the Associated Press reported. An estimated 200 students gathered at a location downtown, where the names of the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting were read aloud.

Students from Boca Raton High School in Boca Raton, Fla., walked out of class Tuesday and marched toward Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to express solidarity, the Miami Herald reported.

Walkouts in the name of demanding more restrictive gun laws were also planned in California and Utah over the course of the week, according to local media reports.

But student activists were quickly learning their work wont always have an instant payoff or remain free from repercussions. Parkland students looked on in anger and frustration earlier this week as Florida lawmakers declined to debate a gun-control measure. And the Houston Chronicle reported that the superintendent for the Needville district in Texas said he would suspend students if they walked out of class to protest gun laws.

A Post-Columbine, Social Media Generation

Most of todays high school students were born after the 1999 shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado, and many were in late elementary school or middle school when 20 1st graders were shot to death at Sandy Hook Elementary. Theyve grown up in an era of practicing emergency lockdowns and active shooter drills.

If youre constantly being reminded that this is a threat that you have to experience, and simultaneously, you see politicians broadly dance around the topic, said Tom Maher, a lecturer at Purdue University who studies youth social movements and organizations, that may be particularly enraging and particularly frustrating.

And theyve grown up on social media.

I think their anger and their outrage, combined with their prowess on social media, that enables them to amplify their own voices, said Shannon Watts, the founder of the gun-control advocacy group Moms Demand Action. I think this is the time that all of this came together.

Student activism is not a new phenomenon, said Jonathan Zimmerman, a professor of education history at the University of Pennsylvania. College and high school students participated en masse in Vietnam war protests and demonstrations during the Civil Rights movement.

One way of thinking about the Civil Rights movement is as a youth movement, Zimmerman said. Lets remember that the sit-ins, the people being arrested, were not Martin Luther King Jr.s age. They were college students and sometimes high school students.

Unfiltered Information

Using everything from Facebook and Twitter to old-school flyers and word of mouth, Laanstra-Corn said she and other organizers of the student walk-out from Montgomery Blair and other nearby high schools in Maryland turned an event she thought would involve just a few hundred students into thousands of students.

I think social media was very instrumental in creating this protest. It allowed us to reach out to so many different people across so many different platforms. Once its on social media, it spreads, she said.

See Also The Parkland School Shooting: Complete Coverage

A big part of what empowers youth activists nowadays is their consumption of visceral images and other content that is unfiltered because it comes from their peers via social media instead of the traditional news media, Maher said.

Before the [traditional] media had a chance to figure out what was going on, people were Instagramming and Snapchatting things after the Parkland shootings Maher said. Theres an unfilteredness to it that reflects the way that they consume a lot of media.

The tragedy in Parkland comes amid an already ripe time for high-profile political action, said Brad Forenza, an assistant professor of child advocacy and policy at Montclair State University in New Jersey. Students have seen protests over the past year, such as the Womens March, the Black Lives Matter Movement, and demonstrations to support young undocumented immigrants known as Dreamers.

I think young people are paying more attention to politics right now in this moment, in a way that they likely didnt this time in 2015, said Forenza. I think that activist climate facilitates this grassroots response to [the Florida school shooting].

Seventeen-year-old Bihotza James-Lejarcegui agrees. Shes a senior at City High School in Iowa City, Iowa, and participated in a walkout on Tuesday.

I think this year has been a really big year for being frustrated and actually taking action, she said. I think a lot of it is coming out of the #MeToo movement and I think people are on a roll.

And she and her fellow students dont plan to stop with the one walkout, said James-Lejarcegui. They intend to participate in upcoming marches and walkouts, to hold meetings with lawmakers, and help register Iowans to vote.

Activists are planning a March for our Lives event in Washington on March 24 to call on federal lawmakers to pass new gun-control measures. Laanstra-Corn said she plans to attend.

But groups like Everytown for Gun Safety, a group that lobbies for more restrictions on guns, have already worked for some time to incorporate young people into their advocacy efforts, Maher said.

One of the biggest challenges ahead for this new generation of activists, Mather said, will be remaining nonpartisan and convincing policymakers and the public that their pleas for stricter gun laws transcend traditional Republican or Democratic politics, even though gun violence and its causes is one of the most divisive issues in the nation. Critics of gun control are also pushing back against the students, saying that their voices should not be the final say in policy debates, and that the students are open to manipulation by other political forces.

Its their way of trying to remove it from the partisan politics of whats going on in Washington. One of the challenges that comes with that is, its easy to start there. Its really hard to stay in this framework where youre arguing for this policy outcome that traditionally has been associated with one party at the expense of another, Maher said. The challenge for the adults is that you dont step all over what the kids are doing. Let the youth lead.

Laanstra-Corn dismissed critics of students who are saying they were pawns of larger political forces seeking more gun control.

This is detrimental to our safety. We have every right to share our voices on it, she said. Even if we are influenced by media and politicians, I generally feel that we have every right to voice our opinions because it is our safety that is in question.

Advice, Support, and Caution

Barden, of Sandy Hook Promise, didnt think it would come to this.

As he watched the story of the Parkland shootings unfold, Barden said he felt this awful mixture of sorrow, sadness, horror, frustration, anger. Soon after, he spoke with some Parkland students to offer support and his organizations help. He said they were absolutely fired up and absolutely ready to take this on.

Bardenwhose pleas for new restrictions on gun access became ubiquitous in the weeks and months after the Sandy Hook shootingsaid he never wanted to contemplate that another school shooting, this time at a high school, would be the tipping point for youth to become involved in fighting for reducing gun violence.

Their impassioned arguments and moral authority, Barden said, will be hard for lawmakers to ignore.

Still, Barden offered a piece of advice that then-Vice President Joe Biden had given him and other parents of children killed in the Sandy Hook shooting when they came to Congress soon after the massacre to lobby for legislation.

Go home, Biden had told them. Look after yourselves and your families first. Dont burn out.
Over 75s TV licence funding announcement due soon

The Government says talks over the future funding of TV licences for the over 75s have been very constructive.

The Cabinet Office and the Treasury have been in contact with the BBC and UK Government to discuss the difference between funding for the Isle of Man compared with the UK and the Channel Islands.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas confirmed in this month's sitting of Tynwald that talks had taken longer than hoped, but the Chief Minister is hoping to be able to make an announcement by the end of the month.

The BBC has already agreed to part fund licences for the over 75s for residents in Jersey and Guernsey.

The Manx Government currently refunds the cost of the licence for those aged 75 or older.
Bethesda, MD (Feb. 22, 2018) -- The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has announced the 2018 recipients of the annual recognition awards, given in honor of outstanding contributions and achievements in gastroenterology.

"The AGA Recognition Awards provide an opportunity for AGA members to honor their colleagues and peers for outstanding contributions to the field of gastroenterology," said Sheila E. Crowe, MD, AGAF, president of the AGA Institute. "This year's AGA Recognition Prize winners are just a few of the notable and talented members who help make AGA such an accomplished organization. We are honored that such esteemed and accomplished individuals are representative of AGA."

The AGA Recognition Awards will be presented during Digestive Disease Week 2018, June 2-5, 2018, in Washington, D.C.

Julius Friedenwald Medal

AGA bequeaths its highest honor, the Julius Friedenwald Medal, to Loren A. Laine, MD, AGAF, for his incredible contributions to the field of gastroenterology and AGA over several decades. The Julius Friedenwald Medal, presented annually since 1941, recognizes a physician for lifelong contributions to the field of gastroenterology.

Dr. Laine is known worldwide for his clinical research achievements, his role as an educator, and his decades of AGA leadership, including three separate terms on the AGA Governing Board and as AGA Institute President. He is among the top clinical investigators and educators in gastroenterology, widely regarded as one of the world's experts on gastrointestinal bleeding and upper gastrointestinal tract injury. As AGA Institute President, Dr. Laine recognized the importance of the gut microbiome, which led to the establishment of the AGA Center for Gut Microbiome Research and Education, which he still serves a one of the chairs and principle investigators of the AGA National Fecal Microbiota Transplant Registry. Dr. Laine is a professor of medicine and director of research at Yale University School of Medicine, and associate director, clinical?translational care, Yale Digestive Disease Center Fairfield, CT.

William Beaumont Prize

AGA honors Mary K. Estes, PhD, AGAF, with the William Beaumont Prize in Gastroenterology, which recognizes an individual who has made a unique, outstanding contribution of major importance to the field of gastroenterology. Dr. Estes' fundamental discoveries and contributions to the field of gastrointestinal infections has had a world-wide impact on the care of children due to her work on rotavirus and individuals of all ages due to her work on norovirus.

Dr. Estes, who won the 2010 AGA Distinguished Achievement Award, is currently a professor of molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.

Distinguished Achievement Award in Basic Science

AGA honors T. Jake Liang, MD, AGAF, with the AGA Distinguished Achievement Award in Basic Science, for his major accomplishments in basic science research, which have significantly advanced the science and practice of gastroenterology. Throughout his career, Dr. Liang has made seminal contributions with many ground-breaking discoveries in the field of viral hepatitis in both basic and translational research on hepatitis B and C and liver diseases. Dr. Liang is currently the chief of the Liver Diseases Branch and deputy director of translational research in the Division of Intramural Research of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.

Distinguished Educator Award

AGA recognizes and honors James D. Lewis, MD, MSCE, AGAF, with the Distinguished Educator Award, which recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions as an educator in gastroenterology on both local and national levels, over a lifelong career. Dr. Lewis is a leading clinical investigator in the fields of gastroenterology, pharmacoepidemiology and safety of therapeutics, especially related to inflammatory bowel diseases, who is an outstanding educator to students, residents, fellows and junior/senior faculty. Dr. Lewis is a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Distinguished Mentor Award

AGA bestows the Distinguished Mentor Award to Dr. Estes, marking the first time an AGA member has been awarded two recognition prizes in the same year. The AGA Distinguished Mentor Award recognizes an individual who has made a lifelong effort dedicated to the mentoring of trainees in the field of gastroenterology and for achievements as outstanding mentors throughout their careers.

Distinguished Clinician Awards

The AGA Distinguished Clinician Award recognizes members of the practicing community who, by example, combine the art of medicine with the skills demanded by the scientific body of knowledge in service to their patients.

AGA presents the Distinguished Clinician Award, Private Practice, to Bertha (Nice') E. Toriz, MD. Dr. Toriz is an outstanding teacher, effective leader and role model for ethnic diversity in practice. Her effective communication skills, inclusive style and commitment to quality clinical care have led to leadership roles in her practice and are an asset to her patients. Dr. Toriz is a practicing gastroenterologist at Minnesota Gastroenterology, P.A., Bloomington, MN.

AGA is honored to present the Distinguished Clinician Award, Clinical Academic Practice, to Michael L. Kochman, MD, AGAF. Dr. Kochman is a talented interventional endoscopist who applies his skills creatively, but safely, and holds himself and others to the highest of professional standards. His clinical, technical and interpersonal skills are appreciated by both his patients and colleagues. Dr. Kochman is currently professor of medicine and director of the Center for Endoscopic Innovation, Research and Training, at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.

Young Investigator Awards

The AGA Young Investigator Award recognizes young investigators who have performed basic research in the field of gastroenterology, demonstrated specific achievements in the areas of digestive and/or liver diseases research, or have performed major clinical or outcomes research in the field.

AGA honors David S. Goldberg, MD, MSCE, with the Young Investigator Award in Clinical Science. Dr. Goldberg is a leading young clinical investigator in hepatology/transplant hepatology. He has achieved success in academic hepatology at the highest level due to his work on liver disease epidemiology and translational/clinical outcomes in liver transplantation. Dr. Goldberg is the medical director for living donor liver transplantation, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

AGA honors Andrew D. Rhim, MD, with the Young Investigator Award in Basic Science. A combination of compelling hypotheses, innovative approaches and work ethic have made Dr. Rhim one of the preeminent leaders in pancreatic cancer. He demonstrates vast knowledge and compassion for patients and is an excellent teacher and mentor to clinical trainees and those in his lab. Dr. Rhim is the associate director for translational research, at the Sheikh Ahmed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and an assistant professor of internal medicine, gastroenterology, at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.

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About the AGA Institute

The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to more than 16,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. http://www.gastro.org.

Like AGA on Facebook.

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Follow us on Twitter @AmerGastroAssn .

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About Digestive Disease Week (DDW)

Digestive Disease Week (DDW) is the largest international gathering of physicians, researchers and academics in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology, endoscopy and gastrointestinal surgery. Jointly sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), DDW takes place June 2-5, 2018, at Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The meeting showcases more than 5,000 abstracts and hundreds of lectures on the latest advances in GI research, medicine and technology. More information can be found at http://www.ddw.org.

Follow us on Twitter @DDWMeeting; hashtag #DDW18. Become a fan of DDW on Facebook.
Researchers studying a rare genetic disorder that causes severe, progressive neurological problems in childhood have discovered insights into biological mechanisms that drive the disease, along with early clues that an amino acid supplement might offer a targeted therapy. The research, which found abnormalities in a biological waste-disposal process called autophagy, links the mechanism underlying rare pediatric neurogenetic disorders to more common neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington's or Parkinson's disease.

"We showed that this rare neurological disorder disrupts autophagy, which plays a role in many neurodegenerative disorders in both children and adults," said study leader Xilma R. Ortiz-Gonzalez, MD, PhD, a pediatric neurogeneticist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She added, "We identified a urine test that can serve as a biomarker of this specific pediatric disorder, which we call TBCK-encephaloneuropathy. We want to build a patient registry and eventually use this biomarker to test if it could help monitor response to treatment, with the long-term aim of developing a precision medicine treatment for this devastating disease."

The study team reported its findings online in Annals of Neurology on Dec. 29, 2017.

TBCK-encephaloneuropathy (TBCKE) is caused by a mutation in the TBCK gene, which has been a focus of previous research by CHOP scientists and others. Although >TBCK mutations have varied effects, including a broad range of intellectual disabilities, motor impairments, autistic features, and brain abnormalities, TBCKE is a severe subtype, with progressive neurodegeneration involving the brain as well as progressive muscle weakness.

The team also seeks to investigate why some children with TBCK mutations can have much milder presentations than others, and whether this provides a clue to understanding differences in the underlying mechanisms of the disease. The current study reported on a cohort of eight unrelated boys, ranging from age 9 to 14 years, all of Puerto Rican descent. All had a mutation, called the Boricua mutation, at the same location on the TBCK gene--p.R126X. They all share a very severe presentation, including profound intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, low muscle tone, and progressive dysfunction in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. By adolescence, the patients had chronic respiratory failure caused by their progressive neuromuscular weakness.

Scientists already knew that the TBCK protein, coded for by the gene with the same name, regulates signals along the mTOR biological pathway. Abnormal mTOR signals occur in epilepsy, autism, ID and other neurological conditions. One key role for mTOR signaling is in autophagy, the normal cleanup process in which cells dispose of damaged proteins, lipids, and other biological objects.

When autophagy doesn't function normally, neurodegenerative diseases may result. Researchers in the current study found that the Boricua mutation leads to abnormal autophagy, which could be why this specific cohort of patients with TBCKE have a neurodegenerative course.

The study team found a potential biomarker for TBCKE--abnormal levels of chemicals called oligosaccharides in the patients' urine. Further studies will determine if oligosaccharide levels could become a simple laboratory test to help diagnose the disorder. Notably, oligosaccharide levels improved when the researchers added the amino acid leucine to the patients' cells in laboratory cultures.

"Leucine activates mTOR signaling that was disrupted by the mutation, so this finding suggests that leucine might offer some improvement in disease symptoms if used in patients," said Ortiz-Gonzalez. This is consistent with previous CHOP research in a TBCK-related disease, which showed potential therapeutic benefits in using leucine in affected cells.

Ortiz-Gonzalez and her CHOP collaborators are continuing to investigate the biology of TBCKE, while working to establish a patient registry of children with this rare disorder. Her eventual goal is to identify more patients and perform studies that could set the stage for a clinical trial to test leucine or a similar compound as a personalized treatment for this severe childhood disease.

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The National Institutes of Health (grants NS741314, NS049453, NS021328, MH108592) and the Robert Wood Johnson Harold Amos Faculty Development Award supported this research.

Xilma R. Ortiz-Gonzalez et al, "Homozygous Boricua TBCK Mutation Causes Neurodegeneration and Aberrant Autophagy," Annals of Neurology, published online Dec. 29, 2017. http://doi.org/10.1002/ana.25130

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
February 22, 2018 - CRISPR-mediated genome editing has become a powerful tool for modeling of disease in various organisms and is being developed for clinical applications. Preassembled Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) composed of the recombinant Cas9 protein and in vitrotranscribed (IVT) guide RNA complexes can be delivered into cells without risk of foreign DNA integration into the host genome and with fewer off-target effects. However, in a study published today in Genome Research, scientists discovered in vitro-transcribed gRNAs, containing a 5' triphosphate (5'ppp) moiety, activate the immune response in human cells leading to cell death.

"CRISPR-Cas9 RNPs are now broadly used in biomedical research and hold promise in therapeutic genome editing" says corresponding author Jin-Soo Kim from the Institute for Basic Science (Seoul, South Korea). Thus, translation of this technology from biomedical applications to clinical applications requires a thorough investigation into potentially deleterious host responses.

In this study, researchers generated and transfected IVT gRNAs complexed with purified Cas9, into human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. In these cells, 5'ppp gRNAs elicited a type I interferon-mediated immune response, as well as increased expression of interferon-activated antiviral effector proteins, such as DDX58, resulting in cell death.

Additionally, this study demonstrates the cytotoxic effects of 5'ppp gRNA on human T cells. "Genome editing in T cells holds great promise in cell therapy for the treatment of cancer and HIV infection. T cells were extremely sensitive to the 5' triphosphate group in gRNAs" says Kim. The T cell surface receptor, CCR5, is involved in HIV virus entry and is therefore a promising target for anti-HIV therapies. Kim et al. demonstrated that pretreatment of IVT gRNAs with phosphatase, removes the 5'ppp and significantly reduces T cell host immune response and cytotoxicity. Phosphatase treated IVT gRNAs displayed increased mutation efficiency against CCR5 resulting in significantly decreased cell surface presentation of this HIV coreceptor.

This research elucidates the cytotoxic effects on human cells by immune activating IVT gRNAs in CRISPR-Cas9 or Cpf1 ribonucleoprotein complexes and offers a new method to prevent host immune response, while maintaining high mutation efficiency, toward the effective therapeutic application of CRISPR-mediated genome editing.

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Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science, University of Science and Technology, National Medical Center, and Seoul National University contributed to this work. The study was funded by a grant from the Institute for Basic Science (IBS-R021-D1).

Media Contacts:

The authors are available for more information by contacting Dahee Carol Kim, Institute for Basic Science Communications team (clitie620@ibs.re.kr); +82-42-878-8133 [office]).

Interested reporters may obtain copies of the manuscript via email from Dana Macciola, Administrative Assistant, Genome Research (macciol@cshl.edu); +1-516-422-4012).

About the article:

The manuscript will be published online ahead of print on 22 February 2018. Its full citation is as follows: Kim S, Koo T, Jee H, Cho H, Lee G, Lim D, Shik Shin H, and Kim J. 2018. CRISPR RNAs trigger innate immune responses in human cells. Genome Res doi: 10.1101/gr.231936.117

About Genome Research:

Launched in 1995, Genome Research is an international, continuously published, peer-reviewed journal that focuses on research that provides novel insights into the genome biology of all organisms, including advances in genomic medicine. Among the topics considered by the journal are genome structure and function, comparative genomics, molecular evolution, genome-scale quantitative and population genetics, proteomics, epigenomics, and systems biology. The journal also features exciting gene discoveries and reports of cutting-edge computational biology and high-throughput methodologies.

About Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press:

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press is an internationally renowned publisher of books, journals, and electronic media, located on Long Island, New York. Since 1933, it has furthered the advance and spread of scientific knowledge in all areas of genetics and molecular biology, including cancer biology, plant science, bioinformatics, and neurobiology. The Press is a division of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, an innovator in life science research and the education of scientists, students, and the public. For more information, visit our website at http://cshlpress.org.

Genome Research issues press releases to highlight significant research studies that are published in the journal.
Over the past decade, researchers have been working to create nanoscale materials and devices using DNA as construction materials through a process called "DNA origami."

A single long "scaffold" strand of DNA can be folded into specific shapes by hundreds of shorter strands, for example. The order of bases in each short strand acts as a blueprint that dictates the scaffold DNA's final, 3-D shape.

Scientists hope to use this method to develop molecular devices that function as nanoscale machines or drug-delivery devices, markers for medical imaging or biological research, and components for electronic devices.

Long DNA scaffolds - composed of more than 10,000 DNA structural units called "nucleotides" - have remained difficult to manufacture and manipulate, which has so far limited the size of origami structures. It has also proven difficult to study the 3-D structure of these nanoparticles in their natural, flexible state.

Now, for the first time, a team of researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (Berkeley Lab) and Ohio State University have generated 3-D images from 129 individual molecules of flexible DNA origami particles. Their work provides the first experimental verification of the theoretical model of DNA origami.

The methods used here could easily be applied to other types of fabricated DNA origami structures, and help inform the design and optimization of future structures. Their work was recently published in Nature Communications.

The research team focused on DNA structures modeled after a basic mechanism called a "Bennett linkage," which is a 3-D structure consisting of a chain of four rods connected by hinges. This creates a skewed quadrilateral shape in which the hinges are not parallel or in-line. Using Bennett linkages as building blocks, it's possible to create expandable, useful structures, like supports for tents that can be rapidly assembled.

DNA origami structures are very challenging to study because they are very flexible and delicate, and each molecule has a unique 3-D shape. This variability makes conventional imaging methods, like single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), less suitable. Cryo-EM involves extensive computer "averaging" from thousands to hundreds of thousands of similar molecules. As a result, information about the flexible portions of DNA origami structures can be easily averaged away, yielding an incomplete picture of the structure.

The researchers relied on a technique developed at Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry, a research facility for nanoscale science, to image the individual molecules that make up these structures. The method, called individual-particle electron tomography (IPET), takes pictures of a target molecule from multiple viewing angles, and then combines these pictures to create one 3-D, whole-molecule rendering, similar to how a medical computed tomography (CT) scan works.

Researchers captured 129 3-D images, with a resolution of 6 to 14 nanometers, that enabled them to tease out information about the dynamics and flexibility of DNA origami structures.

"The reconstructions confirmed that Bennett linkages have a high degree of structural diversity," said Gang "Gary" Ren, staff scientist at the Molecular Foundry's Imaging Facility and co-leader of the study.

A geometric analysis of these reconstructions shows that the conformations of Bennett linkage mechanisms are in good agreement with the theoretical models. When the linkages are near their "open" state, the "hinge" is almost fully extended. When the structures are nearer to their "closed" conformation, the structures take on different shapes and are extremely flexible and distorted.

"Based on these results and the model visualizations of the Bennett linkages, we can propose a new strategy for improving our control of Bennett linkages in large DNA scaffolds," said Ren. "The approach includes redesigning the DNA sequences near the joints to stiffen the structure and prevent it from distorting near this joint."

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The Molecular Foundry is a DOE Office of Science User Facility.

In addition to Berkeley Lab scientists, other researchers contributing to this study were from Ohio State University. The work was supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

More information:

Under the Electron Microscope - A 3-D Image of an Individual Protein (http://newscenter.lbl.gov/2012/01/24/3d-protein/) Revealing the Fluctuations of Flexible DNA in 3-D (http://newscenter.lbl.gov/2016/03/30/revealing-the-fluctuations-of-flexible-dna-in-3-d/)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel Prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. For more, visit http://www.lbl.gov.

DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov.
Optical waves propagating away from a point source typically exhibit circular (convex) wavefronts. "Like waves on a water surface when a stone is dropped", explains Peining Li, EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellow at nanoGUNE and first author of the paper. The reason of this circular propagation is that the medium through which light travels is typically homogenous and isotropic i.e. uniform in all directions.

Scientists had already theoretically predicted that specifically structured surfaces can turn the wavefronts of light upside down when it propagates along them. "On such surfaces, called hyberbolic metasurfaces, the waves emitted from a point source propagate only in certain directions and with open (concave) wavefronts", explains Javier Alfaro, PhD student at nanoGUNE and co-author of the paper. These unusual waves are called hyperbolic surface polaritons. Because they propagate only in certain directions, and with wavelengths that are much smaller than that of light in free space or standard waveguides, they could help to miniaturize optical devices for sensing and signal processing.

Now, the researchers developed such a metasurface for infrared light. It is based on boron nitride, a graphene-like 2D material, and was selected because of its capability to manipulate infrared light on extremely small length scales, which could be applied for the development of miniaturized chemical sensors or for heat management in nanoscale optoelectronic devices. On the other hand, the researchers succeeded to directly observe the concave wavefronts with a special optical microscope, which have been elusive so far.

Hyperbolic metasurfaces are challenging to fabricate because an extremely precise structuring on the nanometer scale is required. Irene Dolado, PhD student at nanoGUNE, and Saul Velez, former postdoctoral researcher at nanoGUNE (now at ETH Zurich) mastered this challenge by electron beam lithography and etching of thin flakes of high-quality boron nitride provided by Kansas State University. "After several optimization steps, we achieved the required precision and obtained grating structures with gap sizes as small as 25 nm", Dolado says. "The same fabrication methods can also be applied to other materials, which could pave the way to realize artificial metasurface structures with custom-made optical properties", adds Saul Velez.

To see how the waves propagate along the metasurface, the researchers used a state-of the-art infrared nanoimaging technique that was pioneered by the nanoptics group at nanoGUNE. They first placed an infrared gold nanorod onto the metasurface. "It plays the role of a stone dropped into water", says Peining Li. The nanorod concentrates incident infrared light into a tiny spot, which launches waves that then propagate along the metasurface. With the help of a so-called scattering-type scanning near-field microscope (s-SNOM) the researchers imaged the waves. "It was amazing to see the images. They indeed showed the concave curvature of the wavefronts that were propagating away form the gold nanorod, exactly as predicted by theory", says Rainer Hillenbrand, Ikerbasque Professor at nanoGUNE, who led the work.

The results promise nanostructured 2D materials to become a novel platform for hyberbolic metasurface devices and circuits, and further demonstrate how near-field microscopy can be applied to unveil exotic optical phenomena in anisotropic materials and for verifying new metasurface design principles.

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The research has been mainly funded by individual fellowship grants of the European Union Marie Sklodowsca-Curie Actions and the pre-doctoral research grants program of the Basque and Spanish Governments, as well as by the National Science Foundation (USA), and has been carried out in line with nanoGUNEs projects within the EU's Graphene Flagship.
A total of 1.8 million young people between ten and 24 years of age are estimated to develop tuberculosis (TB) every year, with young adults aged 20 to 24 years at the greatest risk of developing infectious TB, according to research published in the European Respiratory Journal [1].

The study provides the first ever global estimate of TB rates among people in this age bracket. Previous estimates categorised those aged up to 14 years as children and anyone aged 15 years and over as adults, resulting in a gap in our understanding of the scale of TB burden among young people.

The researchers say this group are known to be at a high risk of developing the disease, and that becoming ill with TB can hinder their ability to study, find work or care for their families. Attempts to tackle TB in young people have been limited, since the scale of the problem was previously unknown.

TB is an infectious disease that is spread by inhaling droplets from the coughs or sneezes of someone with the disease. Those who become sick often develop a serious cough, fever and weight loss. TB can be treated with antibiotics, but without treatment it is often fatal.

The research was led by Kathryn Snow from the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne, Australia. She explained: "We know from previous studies that TB risk gets higher during adolescence and that young people have unique needs during treatment for TB, but until now there have been no estimates of the total number of adolescents who develop TB.

"Adolescence is a critical period in our lives - many young people with TB are finishing high school, beginning their careers and starting families. The disruption caused by TB can have serious long-term impacts, but the scale of TB burden among this group has been generally unrecognised".

To estimate the global incidence of TB among young people as one group, Snow and her team separated existing data out in to three age bands: ten to 14 years, 15 to 19 years and 20 to 24 years.

The data came from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global TB database for 2012 and from more detailed TB surveillance statistics from Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, Romania and Estonia. These countries provided a representative global spread of TB epidemics of different types and severity.

The researchers found that an estimated 1.05 million 20 to 24 year olds, 535,000 15 to 19 year olds, and 192,000 ten to 14 year olds developed active TB in 2012, totalling 1.8 million new TB cases among all young people.

Researchers point out that this is still an estimate and the real figure for the number of new TB infections across all ten to 24 year olds could be as high as three million globally.

South Asia had the highest number of new cases at 721,000 across all ten to 24 year olds, followed by Sub-Saharan Africa with 534,000 new cases of TB in this age group in 2012.

Snow said: "We think that TB risk rises in adolescence due to a mix of biological and social factors. Young adults aged 20 to 24 years are more likely to develop infectious TB than younger adolescents. This means young adults are more likely to come in to contact with infectious TB through contact with friends and classmates of the same age, while young adolescents have less contact with young adults.

"Many countries in South Asia and Africa have high rates of TB overall, as well as large populations of young people, which may explain why these regions have the highest burden of TB in young people."

She added: "Now that we have identified the scale of the problem, our next step is to try to understand the potential for targeting preventative measures specifically at young people in countries with intense TB epidemics.

"Health programmes should consider the special needs of young people with TB, which include continuing their education, keeping their jobs, and meeting their family responsibilities. These needs can be met by allowing young people to attend appointments at flexible times, and by protecting young people's privacy so that they are not discriminated against at school or at work."

The researchers acknowledge that a lack of high-quality data from some countries may affect the quality of the estimates, and say that as better data becomes available they hope to revise these estimates with greater certainty.

Professor Graham Bothamley, head of the European Respiratory Society's Respiratory Infections Assembly, said: "TB is still a major health concern and remains one of the top ten causes of death worldwide, despite being preventable and treatable.

"We already know that TB affects young workers most frequently, but until now the number of young people affected each year was unclear. The scale of the TB burden requires significant investment in communication to remove the stigma of diagnosis and to prevent delayed diagnosis. We must also work on developing different ways of delivering treatment, so that the impact on patients' work lives can be reduced."

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This massively-collaborative paper proposes the roadmap for making humans more resistant to radiation and multiple other forms of stress- and age- associated damage. For the first time the group presented the Hallmarks of Radioresistance.

"The cost of one productive life year (PLY) for humans in space is likely to be much higher than on Earth and efforts should be made to maximize PLYs of the colonists. If we cannot dramatically change healthcare and shift focus toward prevention, reinforcement and on Earth, it does not mean we should not try to allow the brave pioneers to withstand the harsh environment and enhance performance. High-LET radiation is among the first challenges that needs to be addressed and productive longevity will likely be a side effect of increased radioresistance. Nations worldwide should consider putting aside the ideological differences that lead to segregation and slowdown in science and unite around achieving increased longevity and health of the space travellers", said Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, the founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine, Inc.

Substantial efforts are being made around the world to colonize the moon and Mars, mine the asteroids and explore deep space. These efforts are primarily focused on technological capabilities including better and more efficient rockets and sustainable habitats. However, the strategies to tackle space radiation have been largely overlooked. The main components of space radiation are solar particle events (SPE), geomagnetically trapped radiation and galactic cosmic radiation (GCR). It has been estimated that a return trip to Mars could subject astronauts to radiation doses of 660 mSv, which alone represents more than half of the total NASA astronaut career limit of 800-1200 mSv. Launching humans into space is going to be very expensive and arranging for proper medical care is going to be difficult at first and new strategies are needed to increase stress resistance and reduce the health-related uncertainties that can be detrimental to the future of space colonization.

"Elon Musk demonstrated that it is possible to set very ambitious goals in the private sector and successfully achieve them. At Insilico Medicine we set very ambitious goals and our Falcon Heavy is the fully-integrated end-to-end drug discovery pipeline utilizing the next-generation artificial intelligence and it will launch this Summer. And while our immediate goal is to transform the pharmaceutical industry in the most credible way, the same AI pipeline can be applied to discovery and development of new therapeutic strategies including geroprotectors, senoremediators and radioprotectors", said Ivan Ozerov, PhD, the director of target discovery at Insilico Medicine.

The strategies for achieving the increased radioresistance and longevity will be presented at the 5th Annual Aging Research for Drug Discovery Forum and the 2nd Annual Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Technologies for Healthcare Forum in Basel as part of the Basel Life Congress, September 11-14, 2018.

Insilico Medicine is regularly publishing many "firsts" and proofs of concept in the application of deep learning to drug discovery and biomarker development. It was the first to apply the deep generative adversarial networks (GANs) to the generation of new molecular structures with specified parameters and published seminal papers in Oncotarget and Molecular Pharmaceutics. Another paper published in Molecular Pharmaceutics in 2016 and demonstrated the proof of concept of the application of deep neural networks for predicting the therapeutic class of the molecule using the transcriptional response data, received the American Chemical Society Editors' Choice Award. The latest paper published in the Journals of Gerontology demonstrated the application of the deep neural networks to assessing the biological age of the patients.

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For further information, images or interviews, please contact:

Contact: Qingsong Zhu, PhD

zhu@pharma.ai

About Insilico Medicine, Inc

Insilico Medicine, Inc. is an artificial intelligence company headquartered at the Emerging Technology Centers at JHU in Baltimore, with R&D and management resources in Belgium, Russia, UK, Taiwan and Korea sourced through hackathons and competitions. The company utilizes advances in genomics, big data analysis, and deep learning for in silico drug discovery and drug repurposing for aging and age-related diseases. Insilico pioneered the applications of the generative adversarial networks (GANs) and reinforcement learning for generation of novel molecular structures for the diseases with a known target and with no known targets. In addition to working collaborations with the large pharmaceutical companies, the company is pursuing internal drug discovery programs in cancer, dermatological diseases, fibrosis, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, diabetes, sarcopenia, and aging. Through a partnership with LifeExtension.com the company launched a range of nutraceutical products. It also provides a range of consumer-facing applications including Young.AI and Aging.AI.

The company raised venture capital and partnered with Juvenescence Limited, a holding company focused on longevity biotechnology. The company aspires to become the "Bell Labs" for artificial intelligence and associated technologies for healthcare and longevity biotechnology and commercialize its research by forming subsidiaries around the specific technologies and licensing the intellectual property, molecules and data to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. In 2018, the company was named the one of the global top 100 AI companies by CB Insights. Website: http://www.Insilico.com
Some scientists have hypothesized that tumor-promoting changes in cells during cancer development--particularly an epigenetic change involving DNA methylation--arise from rogue cells escaping a natural cell deterioration process called senescence. Now, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center demonstrated that instead, tumor-associated epigenetic states evolve erratically during early stages of tumor development, eventually selecting for a subset of genes that undergo the most changes during normal aging and in early tumor development.

The work, published in the Feb. 12 issue of Cancer Cell, may help refine biomarkers of cancer risk. Screening for these genes may help stratify, for every age group, individuals with the highest risk for cancer development, the authors say.

"Aging is probably the leading risk factor for most common cancers," says coauthor Stephen Baylin, M.D., the Virginia and Daniel K. Ludwig Professor of Cancer Research at the Kimmel Cancer Center. As epigenetic changes are reversible in laboratory models, some scientists are considering the possibility of modifying this risk factor as a potential way to modulate aging as a cancer risk factor. "Maybe you won't find the Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth, but if you could dampen down the risk of cancer for every decade you age, that could be huge," says Baylin.

For the study, investigators studied patterns of DNA methylation, a process by which cells add tiny methyl chemical groups to a beginning region of a gene's DNA sequence, often silencing the gene's activation. They took fibroblast cells from human foreskin samples and followed an established, three-step laboratory process called Weinberg's classical transformation system to convert the cells to cancer cells. The process includes infecting cells with genes known to induce tumor development. The scientists also injected the early transformed cells into mice to monitor their progression. They took a second group of fibroblast cells and let them naturally mature into senescence. The researchers followed methylation changes observed in both groups of cells over time.

"Senescence is a very well-known, normal aging process that is actually an antitumor mechanism. It occurs when cells perceive an excess of DNA damage, when cells undergo too many cell divisions or when they experience cancer development-related stress. So it was puzzling to us how the senescence process could lead to the formation of tumors," says senior study leader Hariharan Easwaran, Ph.D., assistant professor of oncology at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.

To solve the mystery, Easwaran, Baylin and collaborators began mapping the evolution of epigenetic DNA methylation alterations during senescence and transformation. They found that although the alterations appeared similar between senescent cells and transformed cells, the way they evolved and the genes that got methylated were different for the most part.

The researchers found that DNA methylation that evolved during senescence was very programmed, so much so that replicates of the senescence process in different petri dishes all had the same epigenetic pattern, Easwaran says. Independent replicates of the transformation process, by contrast, appeared very stochastic, or random.

In addition, the transformation process primarily involved regulator genes that are critical for cancers to maintain the characteristics of a cancer cell, Baylin says. In comparison, senescence involves a number of metabolic process genes.

In additional experiments, Wenbing Xie, Ph.D., the study's lead author, could not coax senescent cells into becoming transformed cells, serving as a protection against cancer development, and identified a subset of transformation-associated methylated genes that were most prone to get methylated during early tumor formation and during aging. In future work, the researchers will explore tissue-specific patterns of DNA methylation gains for the senescence and transformation classes of genes, and hope to use that to devise strategies for determining age-associated risk-stratification of tumor development.

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In addition to Baylin, Easwaran and Xie, scientists who contributed to the study were Ioannis Kagiampakis, Yang W. Zhang, Lauren Murphy, Yong Tao, Xiangqian Kong, Byunghak Kang, Limin Xia, Filipe L.F. Carvalho, Ray-Whay Chiu Yen, Cynthia A. Zahnow and Nita Ahuja of Johns Hopkins; Lixia Pan of the National Cancer Institute; and Subhojit Sen of Mumbai University in India.

The work was supported by the National Cancer Institute grants R01CA185357, R21CA212495 and R01CA170550, The Hodson Trust and the Evelyn Grollman Glick Scholar Award.
The moment a supernova becomes visible in the sky has been captured by an amateur astronomer, and has helped an international team of researchers validate theoretical predictions about the initial evolution of such stellar explosions.

How the structure of the exploding star affects the supernova properties. has remained an open question, but understanding it would be a significant step forward in astrophysics research. Current theory suggests an explosive shockwave travels through the star's interior before reaching the surface and producing a sharp peak of electromagnetic emission. The strength and duration of this signal, known as shock breakout is believed to largely depend on the outer structure of the star and on the presence or absence of matter around it. However, testing this theory requires the observation of the before and after moment a star becomes a supernova.

Melina Bersten, researcher at the Instituto de Astrofisica de La Plata, CONICET - UNLP, Argentina, and Visiting Associate Scientist at the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe has said the chances of capturing such an event are slim, because it lasts for the order of one hour.

"If we think that on average each galaxy roughly produces one supernova per century, and that a century contains nearly 900 thousand hours, then the chance probability of observing the right galaxy at the right moment is not much greater than one in a million. However, the actual chances are smaller. One needs to take into account the facts that we can only see the galaxy during the night time and that the sky must be clear," she said.

Luckily, on September 20, 2016, amateur astronomer Vi?ctor Buso from Rosario, Argentina, was testing his new camera on his rooftop observatory in hope of photographing his first supernova. After an hour of taking images Buso noticed a new tiny object had appeared, and it became more obvious with time (Figure 1). He had captured the moment a supernova had exploded.

Named SN 2016gkg, a team of researchers including the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe, and lead by Bersten, analyzed the images. The rapid brightening rate combined with a very low luminosity had no analogue among known supernovae, and the team concluded Buso had discovered SN 2016gkg during the shock breakout.

"When Buso told us how he had observed and what he had witnessed, we realized this was a unique finding," said Bersten.

Also, by comparing the photometry of the images with their computer simulations, the team found an initial sharp rise in supernova light that could only be explained by shock emergence (Figure 2).

"To our surprise, images had a great quality considering they were obtained from the middle of a large city in the midst of the pampas", notes Dr. Gasto?n Folatelli from IALP, who led the data analysis, and adds "sky conditions seem to have been nearly ideal on that night!"

Their conclusion was supported by the fact that the models required no modification in order to consistently reproduce the initial rise and the rest of the supernova evolution (Figure 3). Moreover, SN 2016gkg happened to be a rather ordinary event, which would imply that the observed phase is common to all supernovae, as models predict.

The team's results were published in Nature on February 22.

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- One of the biggest obstacles to eradicating malaria is a dormant form of the parasite that lurks in the livers of some patients. This dormant form is resistant to most antimalarial drugs and can reawaken months or years later, causing disease relapse.

Malaria researchers know little about the biology of these dormant parasites, so it has been difficult to develop drugs that target them. In an advance that could help scientist discover new drugs, MIT researchers have shown they can grow the dormant parasite in engineered human liver tissue for several weeks, allowing them to closely study how the parasite becomes dormant, what vulnerabilities it may have, and how it springs back to life.

After verifying that they had successfully cultivated the dormant form of the parasite, the researchers showed that they could also sequence its RNA and test its response to known and novel antimalarial drugs -- both important steps toward finding ways to eradicate the disease.

"After 10 years of hard work, we were able to grow the organism, show it had all the functional hallmarks, perform a drug screen against it, and report the first transcriptome of this elusive form. I'm really excited because I believe it will open the door to both the basic biology of dormancy as well as the possibility of better medicines," says Sangeeta Bhatia, the John and Dorothy Wilson Professor of Health Sciences and Technology and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Bhatia is also a member of MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, and the senior author of the study.

MIT graduate student Nil Gural is the first author of the paper, which appears in the Feb. 22 issue of the journal Cell Host and Microbe.

Persistent infections

Most human cases of malaria are caused by one of two parasite species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Plasmodium vivax, while less deadly, produces dormant forms known as hypnozoites (so called because they are "hypnotized"), and can lead to recurring infections.

In 1991, Aneityum, a small island in the Southwest Pacific, was chosen as a site to test possible measures to eradicate malaria. Researchers sprayed against mosquito larvae and supplied bed nets and malaria medicine across the entire island. These efforts led to the complete eradication of Plasmodium falciparum within a year. In contrast, it took five years to eliminate Plasmodium vivax.

"This dormant form has been seen as the critical barrier to eradication," Bhatia says. "You can treat the symptoms of vivax malaria by killing all the parasites in the blood, but if hypnozoites linger in someone's liver, these forms can reactivate and reinfect the blood of a patient. If a mosquito comes along and takes a blood meal, the cycle starts all over again. So, if we want to eradicate malaria, we have to eradicate the hypnozoite."

The only existing drug that can kill hypnozoites is primaquine, but this drug cannot be used in large-scale eradication campaigns because it causes blood cells to rupture in people with a certain enzyme deficiency.

Bhatia's team became aware of this problem in 2008, when the World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation called for a renewed effort to eradicate malaria, which infects more than 200 million people every year and killed an estimated 429,000 in 2015. Her lab is working with special micropatterned surfaces on which human liver cells can be grown, surrounded by supportive cells. This architecture creates a microenvironment in which human liver cells function much the same way as they do in humans, making it easier to establish, maintain, and study infections of the liver.

Bhatia, who initially used this technology to model hepatitis infections, realized it was also well-suited to studying the liver stage of malaria. She and her malaria team lead, Sandra March, began with Plasmodium falciparum, the strain that can be cultured in lab settings, and found that parasites grown in these liver tissue followed the same life cycle observed in natural infections. They also found that the system could be used to test responses to experimental malaria vaccines.

Following that success, Bhatia's lab began working with Plasmodium vivax. Efforts to bring the parasite-infected mosquitoes into the United States were unsuccessful, so Gural, the paper's lead author, traveled to collaborator Jetsumon Prachumsri's lab in Thailand repeatedly to obtain samples from infected patients and perform the experiments there.

Using their new technology, the researchers showed that they could grow small forms of the parasite that had all of the known features of hypnozoites: persistence, sensitivity to primaquine, and the ability to "wake up" after a few weeks.

New drug targets

Once the researchers were confident that these forms were actually hypnozoites, they set out to do some further studies. First, they obtained six candidate antimalarials now in development and tested them for activity against their Plasmodium vivax samples. They found that none of them could kill established hypnozoites, which was what they had expected based on clinical trials. They now plan to test a larger set of new compounds, working with the nonprofit group Medicines for Malaria Venture, which has a collection of thousands of drug candidates.

Working with scientists at the Swanson Biotechnology Center at the Koch Institute and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, the MIT team performed the first sequencing of the hypnozoite transcriptome. No one had been able to look this closely at hypnozoites before, and RNA sequencing revealed that the dormant forms were not transcriptionally silent, as had been expected, but instead express a different subset of genes than those found in their active counterparts.

In future studies, Bhatia, in collaboration with other MIT labs, plans to use single cell RNA-sequencing to identify gene signatures to uncover the signaling pathways that control hypnozoite dormancy and reactivation. The researchers will also study corresponding changes in gene expression of the infected liver cells. This approach could yield potential new drug candidates that would specifically target the dormant forms of the parasite, bringing the field closer to its goal of eradicating malaria. The researchers also hope to identify biomarkers that could be used to diagnose patients who have an otherwise undetectable dormant infection.

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The research was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, and the Koch Institute Support Grant from the National Cancer Institute.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:

ARCHIVE: New source of cells for modeling malaria http://news.mit.edu/2015/liver-cells-from-stem-cells-test-malaria-drugs-0205

ARCHIVE: New way to target an old foe: malaria http://news.mit.edu/2013/new-way-to-target-malaria-0717
A research team has discovered the process -- and filmed the actual moment -- that can change the body's response to a dying cell.

A research team has discovered the process - and filmed the actual moment - that can change the body's response to a dying cell. Importantly, what they call the 'Great Escape' moment may one day prove to be the crucial trigger for autoimmune diseases like arthritis.

The research team, led by Professor Benjamin Kile from Monash University's Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), has discovered - and filmed - the exact moment when DNA escapes out of the mitochondria (the organelles inside cells that produce energy) during cell death. The study, published today in the journal Science, involved major collaborators from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus in the US.

Mitochondria are the ultimate double agent; they are essential to keep cells alive, but when damaged, they can trigger the body's own immune system with potentially devastating consequences. Because the DNA inside mitochondria (mtDNA) has many similarities with bacterial DNA (they share common ancestry), the body reacts to its presence outside the mitochondria, or indeed, outside the cell, as if under attack from invading pathogens. It is a similar failure to distinguish 'self' from 'non-self' that underlies inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

While the release of mtDNA is thought to contribute to autoimmune diseases such as lupus, how it escapes from the mitochondria has never been explained. Monash BDI researcher Dr Kate McArthur, while completing her PhD at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, used a revolutionary new microscope at the Janelia Research Campus in the US to capture the moment when mitochondria form a 'hernia' that balloons out of the mitochondria expelling the DNA into the rest of the cell.

The live-cell lattice light-sheet microscopy (LLSM) system developed by Nobel Prize winner Eric Betzig is a new technique that allows scientists to observe living cells at groundbreaking resolution. Dr McArthur travelled to the Janelia Research Campus in Virginia multiple times between 2015-2017, and remembers the moment when she witnessed, for the first time, the mitochondria actively expelling its DNA.

"As scientists, we are taught to be quite sceptical when we see something unexpected, so I think my initial reaction was 'no way...'

"It was only after I had carefully repeated the experiment many times that I began to realise what we had found," Dr McArthur said.

According to Professor Kile, when a cell commits suicide (a normal part of the human body's balancing act to control blood cell numbers), two proteins called BAK and BAX are triggered.

"What we witnessed - in real time - was these professional killer proteins opening up huge 'macropores' in the outer membrane of the mitochondria, leading the inner contents to herniate out, bringing the mtDNA with it," Professor Kile said.

"BAK and BAX deliver the 'kill shot' designed to permanently disable the cell. But in doing that, mtDNA is lost from the mitochondria. In essence, this is collateral damage, which, if it isn't controlled properly, triggers the immune system to drive pathological inflammation," he said.

The discovery was cemented by images captured by Monash University's Titan Krios cryo-electron microscope, currently the most advanced microscope for biological electron microscopy, and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute's new lattice light-sheet microscope, custom built by collaborators in the Institute's Centre for Dynamic Imaging.

Professor Kile stressed that, in research, "fundamental discoveries such as this are rare, and this one has profound implications for the understanding of a wide range of autoimmune diseases and infections.

"This has been a brilliant collaboration - between Monash's Biomedicine Discovery Institute, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research here in Melbourne and the Janelia Research Campus in the US - which has brought together cutting-edge technologies and first-class expertise to address questions that before now, had never been asked, and would have been impossible to answer," he said.

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Read the full paper in Science titled BAK/BAX macropores facilitate mitochondrial herniation and mtDNA efflux during apoptosis.

About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute

Committed to making the discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, the newly established Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally-renowned research teams. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.
iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- The Federal Communication Commission on Thursday officially repealed the landmark Obama-era "net neutrality" rules by publishing the order to the National Register, the official journal of U.S. federal government regulations.



The reversal is a hallmark victory for FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, whose tenure has seen him strongly advocate for reduced regulation in lockstep with President Trump.



"It is not the job of the government to pick the winners and losers of the Internet. We should have a level playing field," Pai said on December 14 when the FCC voted along party lines --three Republicans to two Democrats -- to roll back the "net neutrality" rules imposed in 2015 under President Obama.



Reversal supporters claimed the rules unnecessarily regulate the industry and impede the free market.



Meanwhile, those who support the "net neutrality" rules are more likely to find a resolution in federal court than Congress. In the unlikely event Democrats gain enough support in the House of Representatives within the 60-day deadline to overturn the decision, the president has already expressed support for the repeal and is unlikely to sign any opposing legislation.



A coalition of state attorneys general has signaled its intention to sue the FCC and block what they called an "illegal rollback of net neutrality."



For that final rule to take effect, the White House Office of Management and Budget will have to sign off, which is expected to happen quickly.



The Office of Management and Budget did not immediately respond to an ABC News request for comment.



A number of prominent technology companies, including Netflix, Amazon, Twitter and Microsoft, have voiced opposition to the reversal.



A spokesperson for Pai did not respond to ABC News' request for comment.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
In the 1970s, a NASA employee stepped up to a challenge posed by the National Institutes of Health or NIH: to freeze bone marrow.

"Most people don't know that NASA's work isn't just aerospace," said Tom Williams , an engineer working on NASA's space-based communications relay, the Space Network, who responded to the challenge. "Our innovations help people who have nothing to do with the space program."

Bone marrow presented a unique challenge to medical researchers. To maintain a sample viable for transplant, the cells must be chilled to temperatures unattainable by traditional refrigeration units, colder than the lowest natural ground temperature ever recorded on Earth. Cooling marrow too quickly causes freezing water within the cell to expand and burst the cell wall. Cooling marrow too slowly can result in cell death.

Williams tested communications spacecraft components in artificial space environments at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and thought that process could be adapted to freezing marrow. Goddard's thermal vacuum chamber uses liquid nitrogen and helium to mimic the chill of space.

While continueing his work with NASA, Williams spent the next few years developing a liquid nitrogen freezer that chilled marrow without destroying the sample. He used a compound that modified the way water froze within the cell and identified a cooling rate and process that avoided cell death. NASA and Williams patented the technology in 1978, making it available for licensing to the medical community.

"My last contact with the project was in 1981," said Williams. "A doctor at the Johns Hopkins Hospital called me and asked if I would let them use the device, so I set it up there for them to use. The last time I contacted them, they were preparing it for their first patient."

The development of these freezing techniques enabled donor marrow transport, facilitating transplants at a distance. Additionally, patients undergoing radiation treatments that damage marrow may now store samples for future transplantation. Using this method could, in the future, facilitate transplants through banks of frozen marrow.

A communications engineer developing breakthrough medical techniques may seem strange, but it's a familiar story at NASA. In 1958, Congress mandated the promotion of aerospace technology to the private sector. NASA's Technology Transfer Program makes agency patents and software available to the private sector, encouraging the development of commercial products and technologies.

"Innovation at NASA not only helps fuel economic growth; it advances the creation of new industries, companies, jobs, and the global competitiveness of U.S. products and services," said Nona Cheeks, chief of Goddard's Strategic Partnerships Office. "By leveraging the knowledge and experience of our scientists and engineers, NASA innovations help advance the medical field, which benefits us all."

Since its inception, NASA innovations have led to a diverse array of products, including cell phone cameras, enriched baby formula and memory foam. In the medical field, partnerships and licensing agreements benefit Americans by bringing transformative technology into the operating room, the hospital and the doctor's office.

Today, Williams is partially retired. He visits Goddard a few times a week, lending his expertise to the space-based communications relay he helped develop. He analyzes data, identifying and correcting problems in the constellation of satellites that make up the Space Network.

"People think NASA just launches rockets, but we're doing core research," said Williams. "Many medical products use technologies derived from those developed right here at Goddard. If you look through NASA's Spinoff magazine, you'll find some pretty neat stuff."

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The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) recently honored recipients of the 2018 Educator Awards presented to several faculty, including rotorcraft and adaptive structures expert Farhan Gandhi, the Rosalind and John J. Redfern Jr. '33 Professor of Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The awards were presented during the fifth annual AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (AIAA SciTech Forum), the world's largest event for aerospace research, development, and technology, held earlier in January at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida.

During the AIAA SciTech Forum, Gandhi, an innovative researcher in the field of rotary-wing aircraft, who is recognized internationally as a leader in morphing and active rotors, and adaptive cellular structures, was awarded the AIAA Faculty Advisor Award for reviving the AIAA RPI Student Branch; facilitating seminars, astronaut visits, company tours, conference participation; and providing students with opportunity, exposure, and a sense of community through the association with AIAA.

According to AIAA, the Faculty Advisor Award is presented to the officially recognized faculty adviser of a chartered AIAA Student Branch who, in the opinion of student branch members and the AIAA Student Activities Committee, has made outstanding contributions as a student branch faculty adviser, as evidenced by the record of his or her student branch in local, regional, and national activities.

"Rensselaer has a rich and important legacy in aerospace engineering, and I have been immensely pleased to join as a faculty member in the School of Engineering," said Gandhi, who is also a tenured full professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering.

Gandhi joined Rensselaer in 2012, from Pennsylvania State University, where he served as professor of aerospace engineering and deputy director of the Penn State Vertical Lift Research Center of Excellence. In his 17 years at Penn State, he served as adviser to 17 doctoral students and 32 master's degree students.

At Rensselaer, Gandhi introduced the new undergraduate course Smart and Adaptive Structures. Recently, he has also, he has also offered undergraduate and graduate courses in Multi-rotor Aerial Vehicles.

"Professor Gandhi is an exceptional researcher, a dedicated educator and an outstanding mentor. This award recognizes his sustained and significant contributions to student mentoring," said Suvranu De, the J. Erik Jonsson '22 Distinguished Professor of Engineering and head of the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer.

Gandhi is a prolific researcher. His rotorcraft research programs explore new methods for actively and passively changing the shape of helicopter blades, toward the goal of increasing the capabilities and adaptability of the aircraft, and making them more fuel efficient. For example, chord extension--or widening the blades--would enable helicopters to fly in high-altitude, high-gross-weight, and high-speed conditions, while retraction would reduce profile drag in more benign flight conditions. He has also extended his research to the areas of full-aircraft morphing and to reconfigurable controls.

Gandhi is also the author of more than 250 technical papers in refereed journals and proceedings. Gandhi has secured research funding from both industry and government, with past and present funding from the National Rotorcraft Technology Center, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Office of Naval Research, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Army Research Office, NASA, Boeing, United Technologies Research Center, Bell Helicopter, AgustaWestland, and others.

Gandhi is active in his field. He served on the American Helicopter Society (AHS) Technical Council from 2007-09, and he was technical chair of the AHS 2009 Annual Forum. Additionally, he served as co-chair of the 2010 International Conference on Adaptive Structures and Technologies (ICAST) and the Chair of the 2016 ICAST. Gandhi is a past chair of the AHS Aircraft Design Technical Committee and the AHS Dynamics Technical Committee. He is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Adaptive Structures Committee (chair from 2016-2018), the International Society for Optics and Photonics' Smart Structures Program Committee, and the ICAST Organizing Committee.

He served as associate editor of the Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures and the Journal of the American Helicopter Society. Additionally, he was guest editor of a 2001 special issue of Smart Materials and Structures Journal on rotorcraft applications, and for a 2010 Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures special issue on flexible skins for morphing aircraft.

Gandhi has garnered many awards and honors for his work. In 1997, he received the Army Research Office Young Investigator Award, and in 1998 he won the Francois Xavier Bagnoud Award from the American Helicopter Society. Gandhi won a Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award in 2007, and the Penn State Engineering Society's Outstanding Research Award in 2009. He was recognized with the AHS Forum Best Aircraft Design Paper awards in 2002,2009 and 2017, and the University of Bristol's Benjamin Meaker Visiting Professorship in 2009-10. Gandhi is an associate fellow of the AIAA.

The research and faculty advising efforts led by Gandhi exemplifies the vision of The New Polytechnic, an emerging paradigm for teaching, learning, and research at Rensselaer, the foundation of which is the recognition that global challenges and opportunities are so great they cannot be adequately addressed by even the most talented person working alone. Rensselaer serves as a crossroads for collaboration -- working with partners across disciplines, sectors, and geographic regions -- to address complex global challenges, using the most advanced tools and technologies, many of which are developed at Rensselaer.

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About AIAA

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is nearly 30,000 engineers and scientists, and 95 corporate members, from 85 countries who are dedicated to advancing the global aerospace profession. The world's largest aerospace technical society, the Institute convenes five yearly forums; publishes books, technical journals, and Aerospace America; hosts a collection of 160,000 technical papers; develops and maintains standards; honors and celebrates achievement; and advocates on policy issues. AIAA serves aerospace professionals around the world--who are shaping the future of aerospace--by providing the tools, insights, and collaborative exchanges to advance the state of the art in engineering and science for aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit http://www.aiaa.org, or follow us on Twitter @AIAA.

About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1824, is America's first technological research university. For nearly 200 years, Rensselaer has been defining the scientific and technological advances of our world. Rensselaer faculty and alumni represent 86 members of the National Academy of Engineering, 17 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 25 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 8 members of the National Academy of Medicine, 8 members of the National Academy of Inventors, and 5 members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, as well as 6 National Medal of Technology winners, 5 National Medal of Science winners, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With 7,000 students and nearly 100,000 living alumni, Rensselaer is addressing the global challenges facing the 21st century--to change lives, to advance society, and to change the world. To learn more, go to http://www.rpi.edu.
During the West African Ebola outbreak that began in 2013, an experimental biopharmaceutical drug called ZMappTM was a glimmer of hope in the midst of a health crisis. Now, scientists at Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio have been awarded a $2 million dollar contract by the makers of ZMapp, Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc., to further test this promising new therapeutic.

Ebola is a filovirus that causes severe hemorrhagic fever and is fatal in about half of cases. ZMapp was evaluated in a clinical trial in humans during that 2013-2016 Ebola virus outbreak. Although the outbreak ended before the trial could be completed, the study gave a 91 percent probability that ZMapp was superior to standard of care in preventing mortality.

These ZMapp studies are being funded by a Project BioShield contract issued by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If approved for use, ZMapp could become part of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), a repository of vaccines, therapies, antidotes, antitoxins and various other medical countermeasures for use in a public health emergency.

Ebola virus is one of the deadlier pathogens studied in the Biosafety Level 4 Laboratory at Texas Biomed. Scientists put in a competitive bid to use non-human primates to help determine the effectiveness of this experimental Ebola treatment. Well-regulated, controlled studies involving animals are critical to licensure of the new therapy by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Texas Biomed is the only private biomedical research institute in the world with both a National Primate Research Center and a Level 4 Biosafety Lab.

"Mapp Bio has developed a highly effective therapy for the treatment of ebolavirus disease," Said Ricardo Carrion, Jr., Ph.D., Associate Scientist and Associate Director of the BSL-4 laboratory. "We look forward to teaming with Mapp Bio to perform pivotal studies that will transition ZMapp towards FDA licensure."

Preparations for ZMapp testing are currently under way at Texas Biomed. The study will be in full swing by late 2018.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified Ebola as a Category A Bioterrorism Disease. That means the virus can be easily transmitted from person to person, results in a high mortality rate, could cause public panic and social disruption, and requires preparation for a response.

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This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under Contract No. HHSO1002017000017C..

MEDIA NOTE: For those interested in learning more about BSL-4 work, you can listed to a recent UTSA podcast called Inside the Hot Zone: A Discussion of Ebola and BSL4 Containment with Anthony Griffiths and Ricardo Carrion. This podcast is courtesy of the South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Texas Biomed is one of the world's leading independent biomedical research institutions dedicated to advancing health worldwide through innovative biomedical research. Texas Biomed partners with hundreds of researchers and institutions around the world to develop diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines against pathogens causing AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, hemorrhagic fevers and parasitic diseases responsible for malaria and schistosomiasis. The Institute also has programs in the genetics of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, psychiatric disorders and other diseases. For more information on Texas Biomed, go to http://www.TxBiomed.org.
Still's disease is a serious orphan disease manifested by high fevers, skin and joint involvement, including paralysis, as well as damage to other organs such as the liver or spleen. It is caused by a deregulation of the immune system triggering an acute inflammatory response. Under the auspices of the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), an international team has successfully tested a molecule inhibitor of interleukin-18, a protein involved in immune response. These encouraging results in terms of safety and efficacy are paving the way for a new kind of treatment, not only for Still's disease, but other rare inflammatory diseases, too. Recently, a baby's life was saved after the drug was administered as a last resort. Read the study in the specialist journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

In its adult form, Still's disease affects about 1 in 100,000 people each year, with its infantile form being ten times more common. This rare condition can take different forms: monocyclic, polycyclic or chronic, leading to attacks on several organs that may threaten the quality of life - or even life - of those affected. While the cause is still unknown, genetic factors have been identified in other, similar syndromes. Cem Gabay, a professor at UNIGE's Faculty of Medicine and Head of the HUG Rheumatology Department, is one of the world's leading specialists in these complex diseases and part of a European consortium whose aim is to better understand the causes and pathology of these inflammatory conditions.

An immune system disorder

Cytokines are small proteins involved in cell-to-cell interactions, whose role in triggering certain diseases is now becoming clear. One of them, interleukin-18 (IL-18), specialises in immune and inflammatory responses. "Recently, we successfully demonstrated the key role of IL-18 in Still's disease", says Professor Gabay. Patients with the condition have a very high level of this protein, correlating with the acute phases of the disease, and this rate fluctuates according to the inflammatory activity specific to this disease. "Our idea was therefore to block the harmful action. It is also worth pointing out that the treatments currently offered to patients are very empirical, so our goal was to finally give them a safe and approved treatment", he explains.

While IL-18 is useful for protecting the body against external pathogens, too much of this protein leads to a harmful overactivation of the immune system, resulting in the various symptoms presented in patients. There is a naturally occurring inhibitor ("IL-18 binding protein"), whose function is to bind to IL-18 to form an inactive complex, but people with Still's disease produce more IL-18 than its inhibitor, which triggers their symptoms.

Reusing an existing molecule

A few years ago, a pharmaceutical company developed an injectable form of the IL-18 inhibitor, with the idea of offering treatment to combat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The tests proved inconclusive and the formula abandoned. "So we bought the rights to the drug and started working with Professor Gabay to assess its safety and efficacy in a clinical trial", explains Andrew Sleight, CEO of AB2 Bio Ltd., the Lake Geneva startup that has the World Wide license of the drug.

The main objective of this study was to verify the safety of the drug and to confirm its efficacy on the clinical manifestations of the disease. Twenty-three patients, mostly suffering from forms of the condition that are particularly refractory to the usual treatments, were enrolled and divided into two groups: one receiving 80 mg, and the other 160 mg, via three subcutaneous injections per week for 12 weeks. Professor Gabay summarises the results: "We were initially reassured by the safety profile: there were very few serious side effects, only one of which was possibly related to the drug itself. In addition, 50% of patients in both treatment groups showed a positive response to the drug after three weeks of treatment, and their symptoms decreased over the entire 12 weeks of follow-up. In contrast, patients who didn't have a positive 80 mg response did not have one with 160 mg either. These first results are extremely encouraging and mean we can plan a phase 3 trial to better evaluate the effectiveness of the drug." Researchers are currently in phase 2, which aims to ensure the safety of the product and to determine the optimal dose. Phase 3, the next step envisaged by Professor Gabay's team together with AB2 Bio Ltd., will aim to assess the actual efficacy of the drug.

Potential treatment of other orphan diseases

Patients with other orphan diseases associated with dysregulated production of IL-18 and its inhibitor, for which there is no effective treatment protocol, could also benefit from these results. In 2015, the life of a three-month-old girl was saved. Professor Gabay tells us what happened: "This child, who lives in the United States, had a rare inflammatory disease that was resistant to all treatment; she was in intensive care, and was going to die. Alerted by our American colleagues, we worked with AB2 Bio Ltd. to determine what dose she should be given. The Food and Drug Administration granted permission to use the drug in a last-ditch attempt to halt the disease. She rapidly responded to treatment and is now 3 years old, well and can lead a normal life with IL-18 inhibitor therapy. A glimmer of hope for other patients!"

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New CHILD Study research has found that overweight and obese women are more like to have children who are overweight or obese by three years of age--and that bacteria in the gut may be partially to blame.

"We know that maternal overweight is linked to overweight in children," said Dr. Anita Kozyrskyj, the University of Alberta investigator who led the study. "What our study showed is that both the type of infant delivery--vaginal birth versus cesarean section birth--and changes in gut bacteria are also involved."

The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that when an overweight woman delivered vaginally, the risk of overweight in her child was three times higher than normal. But the risk was five times higher than normal when the woman delivered via cesarean-section (C-section). This association persisted even after adjustment for multiple other factors.

"There seemed to be something about a C-section that increased the risk of childhood obesity," observed Kozyrskyj, senior author of the study and one of the world's leading researchers on the gut microbiome--the community of microorganisms or bacteria that live in the digestive tracts of humans. "We have shown in our previous research that an infant's gut microbiome is influenced by the type of delivery, so we wondered if this effect could be associated with obesity risk in early childhood."

To investigate further, Kozyrskyj and her research team studied over 930 mothers and their infants participating in AllerGen's CHILD Study, a national population-based birth cohort. DNA sequencing techniques performed in the laboratories of Drs James Scott and David Guttman at the University of Toronto provided information on the types and quantity of bacteria present in the infants' stool. An older analysis method not used in microbiome analyses--sequential mediation--was employed. The children's weights were assessed at one and three years of age.

"We found that an abundance of a family of bacteria called Lachnospiracae does in fact influence the relationship between maternal weight and child weight following vaginal and cesarean birth," said Dr. Hein Min Tun, who is the study's first author, a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) postdoctoral fellow at the University of Alberta and an AllerGen Highly Qualified Personnel.

"Given that infant overweight and obesity are a major public health problem, our results reinforce increasing concerns over rising cesarean deliveries and affirm the role of the gut microbiota as a 'super organ' with diverse roles in health and disease," added Kozyrskyj.

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About the U of A Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta is a leader in educating and training exceptional practitioners and researchers of the highest international standards. The faculty's mission is to advance health through excellence in teaching, research and patient care. It is home to one of the top 100 ranked medical schools in the world.

About the CHILD Study and AllerGen NCE

Funded by CIHR and the Allergy, Genes and Environment (AllerGen) Network, the CHILD Study is collecting a vast range of health, lifestyle and environmental exposure information from 3,500 mothers and children from pregnancy to age five. The study spans four provinces (BC, AB, MB and ON), involving over 140 multidisciplinary researchers, students and research staff. St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton hosts the CHILD Study's National Coordinating Centre. AllerGen NCE Inc. is a national research network dedicated to improving the quality of life of people suffering from allergic and related immune diseases. Funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Program, the Network is hosted at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON.

Media inquiries:

Ross Neitz

University of Alberta

Tel: 780-297-8354

rneitz@ualberta.ca

Kim Wright

AllerGen NCE Inc.

Tel: 905-525-9140 ext. 26641

kimwright@allergen-nce.ca
The global fishing fleet is so big it can be seen from space. Really.

Fishing activity now covers at least 55 percent of the world's oceans -- four times the land area covered by agriculture -- and can now be monitored, in near real time, to the level of individual vessels. In fact, 70,000 vessels of the global fishing fleet traveled 460 million kilometers in 2016, equivalent to traveling to the moon and back 600 times.

Using satellite tracking, machine learning and common ship-tracking technology, scientists from UC Santa Barbara teamed up with colleagues at Global Fishing Watch, National Geographic Society's Pristine Sea project, Dalhousie University, SkyTruth, Google and Stanford University to illuminate the extent of global fishing -- down to single vessel movements and hourly activity. Their findings appear in the journal Science.

"I think most people will be surprised that until now we didn't really know where people were fishing in vast swaths of the ocean," said co-author Christopher Costello, a professor at UCSB's Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. "This new real-time dataset will be instrumental in designing improved management of the world's oceans that is good for the fish, ecosystems and fishermen."

While the dataset is hundreds of times higher in resolution than previous global surveys, the total area of the ocean fished is likely higher than the 55 percent estimated. That's because some fishing efforts in regions of poor satellite coverage or in exclusive economic zones with a low percentage of vessels using the automatic identification system (AIS) were not included.

The team used machine learning technology to analyze 22 billion messages publicly broadcasted from vessels' AIS positions from 2012 to 2016, to answer the question, "What drives commercial fishing behavior?" Based solely on vessel movement patterns, the Global Fishing Watch algorithm was able to identify more than 70,000 commercial fishing vessels, the sizes and engine powers of these vessels, what type of fishing they engaged in, and when and where they fished down to the hour and kilometer.

This new global view of fishing draws on advances in satellite technology and big data processing.

More than 40 million hours of fishing activity was observed in 2016, and while most nations appeared to fish predominantly within their own exclusive economic zones, China, Spain, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea accounted for 85 percent of the observed fishing on the high seas.

"This dataset provides such high-level resolution on fishing activity that we can even see cultural patterns, such as when fishermen in different regions take time off," said co-author Juan Mayorga, a project scientist in the Sustainable Fisheries Group at the Bren School and with NatGeo's Pristine Seas. For example, in the Chinese fishing fleet -- the largest in the world -- during Chinese New Year fishing activity is reduced to levels comparable to those during seasonal bans enforced by the government.

The investigative team also found that when and where fishing occurs are tied more to politics and culture than to natural cycles such as fish migrations and marine food production. "Our analysis demonstrated that policies, cultures and economics play a huge role in driving fishing behavior," Costello said.

"In addition, we examined whether fishing diminished when fuel prices were high and found a weak response," he added. "These are the kinds of things about which we've always speculated but haven't ever been able to test -- until now."

The resulting interactive map -- which is freely available to the public -- shows a near real-time view of the fishing patterns of individual vessels and fleets. This allows anyone to see what is going on in their own backyard and to observe where policy boundaries are in place and where they are not.

"By making this data public, we are providing governments, management bodies and researchers with the information needed to make transparent and well-informed decisions to better regulate fishing activities and reach conservation and sustainability goals," Mayorga said.

The study not only opens a gateway for improved ocean management but also confirms that fishing activity is clearly bounded according to differing management regimes, which indicates the role that well-enforced policy can play in curbing overexploitation.

"This collaboration opens up myriad research opportunities," Costello explained. "We are leveraging the products developed by Global Fishing Watch to address new and important research questions that will improve fisheries sustainability around the world."

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UCLA researchers used fluorescent colored proteins to trace how cardiomyocytes -- cells in heart muscle that enable it to pump blood -- are produced in mouse embryos. The findings could eventually lead to methods for regenerating heart tissue in human adults.

The research was published in the journal Nature Communications.

"Our ultimate goal is to be able to regenerate cardiomyocytes after an injury like a heart attack," said Dr. Reza Ardehali, an associate professor of medicine in UCLA's division of cardiology and a member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA. "But we're first trying to learn from the embryonic heart."

Cardiomyocytes make up most of the heart. During a heart attack, parts of the heart tissue are cut off from oxygen and nutrients. Cells in those regions of the heart die and are slowly replaced by scar tissue, which reduces the heart's capacity to function.

While it has been known that cardiomyocytes are formed during embryonic development, scientists have been unsure until now whether new cardiomyoctyes are only created when existing cardiomyocytes divide, or whether cardiac progenitor cells -- a type of stem cell -- create new cardiomyocytes.

Ardehali and his colleagues, including Ngoc Nguyen, a UCLA graduate student and the study's co-first author, used four different fluorescent-colored proteins to determine the origin of cardiomyocytes. When the cells divide, the resulting "daughter" cells maintain the same color as the parent cell.

"The system lets us see, over time, which cell populations give rise to new cells," Nguyen said. "Compared to previous labeling methods that use only one or two different colors, this method allows us distinguish the role of different cells much more clearly."

The team labeled different types of starting cells -- including cardiomyocytes and cardiac progenitor cells -- in mouse embryos by engineering the cells to contain genes for the fluorescent proteins. They turned the fluorescent labels on at different times during embryonic development and then watched how the colors spread through the developing heart as the embryos grew.

The scientists found that during early in utero development, most new cardiomyocytes come from cardiac progenitor cells rather than from existing cardiomyocytes. As a mouse fetus develops, however, the cardiac progenitor cells lose their ability, over the course of a few days or a week, to generate new cardiomyocytes.

"Previously, researchers hypothesized that you have these progenitor cells until a set point in development, and then they turn into mature cardiomyocytes," Ardehali said. "We've shown that this process does not occur abruptly, but it is rather a gradual transition."

The researchers also used the fluorescent proteins to study whether new heart cells arise after a heart injury. To do that, they simulated a heart attack in mice by surgically closing one of the heart arteries. They found that in newborn mice, the heart maintained a limited ability to regenerate cardiomyocytes after the artery was closed -- even though its progenitor cells had matured. But when the heart attack was simulated in adult mice, the animals lacked that regenerative capability and couldn't recover.

"If we can determine how these cardiomyocytes proliferate, we hope to harness that regenerative potential for the treatment of heart disease in humans," Nguyen said.

The researchers have identified a handful of genes in the cardiomyocytes of newborn mice whose levels are different from those of adult mice; they are planning to study whether any of those genes are responsible for giving the cells the ability to regenerate.

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The research was supported by grants from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine; the National Institutes of Health; the American Heart Association; the Department of Defense; the Sarnoff Cardiovascular Research Foundation; and the Broad Stem Cell Research Center's Research Award Program, Scholars in Translational Medicine Program and Rose Hills Foundation Training Program.
Genetic tools can be a powerful complement to visual identification of endangered fish, indicates a study from the University of California, Davis.

In the study, published in the journal Conservation Genetics, researchers conducted genetic analysis on fin clips from endangered delta smelt, threatened longfin smelt and invasive wakasagi smelt. The fin clips were among those collected as part of the Yolo Bypass Fish Monitoring program.

ONE-THIRD MISIDENTIFIED

The scientists were looking for signs of hybridization, which they found is not a significant threat for this population of delta smelt. But the genetic analysis detected something they had not expected: About 27 percent of the fish originally thought to be native delta smelt in the Yolo Bypass were actually nonnative wakasagi. Overall, roughly a third of the samples were misidentified.

The co-authors emphasize that this was a sampling from one section of the delta smelt's habitat. The results do not suggest that there are fewer delta smelt overall than previously thought. Co-author Brian Mahardja from the California Department of Water Resources said the agency's monitoring program caught almost no delta smelt during the first 10 years of sampling in the Bypass but caught more than ever within the past five years.

"The results of this study do not alter the long-term abundance trends of delta smelt in the Yolo Bypass, but it does mean we need to genetically identify our fish for higher accuracy," Mahardja said.

A COMPLEMENT TO SURVEYS

Delta and longfin smelt are native to the San Francisco Estuary but have experienced drastic population declines in recent years. The latest California fish survey in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta found only two delta smelt during four months of trawling from September to December.

Efforts to protect delta smelt have made it the target of debate between environmentalists seeking to protect the ecosystem and interest groups seeking increased water deliveries for farming and urban uses. Surveys of native fish abundance inform management decisions and lead to policy changes that affect millions of Californians.

"Genetic identification can be a great complement to traditional surveys, particularly where visual identifications are challenging," said lead author Alyssa Benjamin, a lab technician with the UC Davis Department of Animal Sciences.

YOUNGER SMELT HARDER TO IDENTIFY

The study demonstrates the difficulty of identifying these fish solely by appearance. Delta, longfin and wakasagi smelt have similar features and a capacity to hybridize with each other. While it is possible to distinguish the three species by sight, hybrids are nearly impossible to distinguish by looks alone.

Wakasagi smelt present additional challenges. As juveniles, wakasagi can look identical to delta smelt. A key distinguishing feature is that wakasagi develop several spots under their jaw, while delta smelt do not. But these spots do not tend to emerge until the wakasagi are older, making identification among juveniles more challenging. In fact, 95 percent of misidentified fish were juveniles.

NOT ALL AREAS ANALYZED

Delta smelt live only in the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which includes the Yolo Bypass, a 59,000-acre floodway protecting Sacramento and the southern Sacramento Valley from seasonal flooding.

The researchers note that the study did not analyze all areas where delta smelt are surveyed. Misidentifications are most likely to occur in areas where both delta smelt and wakasagi are present. This includes the Yolo Bypass but is not expected to include the entire estuary.

The Yolo Bypass Fish Monitoring Program also uses a unique, rotary screw trap, which is checked once a day for sampling. Some of the fish are in various stages of decay by the time biologists check the trap, which can make identification more difficult.

"Many of the factors affecting the identification are specific to this area of the Yolo Bypass," Benjamin said. "I think other areas of the Delta will find better accuracy, so we'd have to explore those areas before making any assumptions about the rest of the estuary."

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Additional co-authors on the study include Ismail K. Sa?lam from UC Davis and Hacattepe University in Turkey, and James Hobbs, Tien-Chieh Hung and Amanda Finger of UC Davis.

The study was funded by the California Department of Water Resources.
Scientists have shown in mice that skin cells re-programmed into brain stem cells, transplanted into the central nervous system, help reduce inflammation and may be able to help repair damage caused by multiple sclerosis (MS).

The study, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, is a step towards developing personalised treatment based on a patient's own skin cells for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS).

In MS, the body's own immune system attacks and damages myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibres, causing disruption to messages sent around the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms are unpredictable and include problems with mobility and balance, pain, and severe fatigue.

Key immune cells involved in causing this damage are macrophages (literally 'big eaters'), which ordinarily serve to attack and rid the body of unwanted intruders. A particular type of macrophage known as microglia are found throughout the brain and spinal cord - in progressive forms of MS, they attack the CNS, causing chronic inflammation and damage to nerve cells.

Recent advances have raised expectations that diseases of the CNS may be improved by the use of stem cell therapies. Stem cells are the body's 'master cells', which can develop into almost any type of cell within the body. Previous work from the Cambridge team has shown that transplanting neural stem cells (NSCs) - stem cells that are part-way to developing into nerve cells - reduces inflammation and can help the injured CNS heal.

However, even if such a therapy could be developed, it would be hindered by the fact that such NSCs are sourced from embryos and therefore cannot be obtained in large enough quantities. Also, there is a risk that the body will see them as an alien invader, triggering an immune response to destroy them.

A possible solution to this problem would be the use of so-called 'induced neural stem cells (iNSCs)' - these cells can be generated by taking an adult's skin cells and 're-programming' them back to become neural stem cells. As these iNSCs would be the patient's own, they are less likely to trigger an immune response.

Now, in research published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, researchers at the University of Cambridge have shown that iNSCs may be a viable option to repairing some of the damage caused by MS.

Using mice that had been manipulated to develop MS, the researchers discovered that chronic MS leads to significantly increased levels of succinate, a small metabolite that sends signals to macrophages and microglia, tricking them into causing inflammation, but only in cerebrospinal fluid, not in the peripheral blood.

Transplanting NSCs and iNSCs directly into the cerebrospinal fluid reduces the amount of succinate, reprogramming the macrophages and microglia - in essence, turning 'bad' immune cells 'good'. This leads to a decrease in inflammation and subsequent secondary damage to the brain and spinal cord.

"Our mouse study suggests that using a patient's reprogrammed cells could provide a route to personalised treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, including progressive forms of MS," says Dr Stefano Pluchino, lead author of the study from the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge.

"This is particularly promising as these cells should be more readily obtainable than conventional neural stem cells and would not carry the risk of an adverse immune response."

The research team was led by Dr Pluchino, together with Dr Christian Frezza from the MRC Cancer Unit at the University of Cambridge, and brought together researchers from several university departments.

Dr Luca Peruzzotti-Jametti, the first author of the study and a Wellcome Trust Research Training Fellow, says: "We made this discovery by bringing together researchers from diverse fields including regenerative medicine, cancer, mitochondrial biology, inflammation and stroke and cellular reprogramming. Without this multidisciplinary collaboration, many of these insights would not have been possible."

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The research was funded by the Wellcome Trust, European Research Council, Medical Research Council, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Association, Congressionally-Directed Medical Research Programs, the Evelyn Trust and the Bascule Charitable Trust.

Reference

Peruzzotti-Jametti, L et al. Macrophage-derived extracellular succinate licenses neural stem cells to suppress chronic neuroinflammation. Cell Stem Cell; 2018; 22: 1-14; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2018.01.20
A systematic review of studies focused on stroke survivors' and carers' experiences of primary care and community healthcare services has found that they feel abandoned because they have become marginalised by services and do not have the knowledge or skills to re-engage.

The study, by researchers at the University of Cambridge, suggests that primary care and community health care interventions which focus on improving active follow-up and information provision to patients and caregivers, especially in the first year after stroke, could help improve patient self-management and increase stroke-specific health literacy.

Globally, stroke is the second leading cause of death. Stroke-related disability burden is on the rise with a 12% increase worldwide since 1990, and contributes to the large economic burden of stroke due to healthcare use, informal care and the loss of productivity. The annual cost of stroke, including health care cost, medicines and missed days of work, is estimated at $33 billion in the USA and 8.9 billion in the UK.

Primary care could play an important role in the care of stroke survivors and their caregivers, supporting access to community services and facilitating transfer back to specialist services when new problems emerge. It could also help provide training, and identify and address health needs of caregivers. However, the feeling of abandonment that people with stroke experience following hospital discharge suggests this role is not being fulfilled.

To better understand the possible reasons behind this feeling of abandonment, a team at Cambridge's Department of Public Health and Primary Care carried out a systematic review of qualitative evidence in the field. In total, they analysed 51 studies (encompassing 566 stroke survivors and 593 caregivers). Their results are published today in the journal PLOS ONE.

The analysis found an unaddressed need for continued support in a quarter of studies. Survivors and caregivers felt frustrated and dissatisfied with a lack of proactive follow-up either from primary care, the hospital, or allied healthcare professionals. This led to feelings of dissatisfaction, uncertainty, that a stroke survivor was "forgotten and written off" and that their general practice did not care about them.

Lack of support for caregivers was reported in more than one in five studies (22%), even though they felt healthcare professionals assumed that they would provide the majority of care needed. They felt ill prepared and pressured to "become experts" in caring for stroke survivors. In addition, both survivors and caregivers felt emotional support was lacking, even though they are at risk of anxiety and depression.

Long waiting times for assessment and rehabilitation and little or no help from social services left survivors feeling "left in the lurch". Caregivers felt that access to rehabilitation was not provided early enough, causing survivors to "go backwards".

More than two out of five (41%) of studies highlighted gaps in information provision. Opportunities for support could be missed due to the lack of knowledge of what services were available. The lack of information about local services and how to find them was confusing and prevented access. Many caregivers and survivors had to find out information by themselves from the internet, friends and other caregivers. When information was provided, it was often inconsistent and covered only some services.

A quarter (23%) of the studies highlighted inadequate information on stroke, its consequences, and recovery. Information presented too early after stroke disempowered stroke survivors and caregivers, leading to feelings of confusion, fear and powerlessness. Survivors and caregivers wanted specific information on the significance of post-stroke symptoms and how to manage them. Lack of information led to unrealistic expectations of "getting back to normal", leading to disappointment and tensions between the survivor and caregiver.

Ineffective communication between survivors, caregivers and healthcare services as well as within healthcare services resulted in feelings of frustration and having "to battle the system". Gaps in the transfer of knowledge within the healthcare system and the use of medical jargon sometimes caused confusion and were construed as indifference to survivors' needs.

"Patients and caregivers would benefit from active follow up and information provision about stroke that is tailored to their specific needs, which change over time," says Professor Jonathan Mant, who led the study. "People take active efforts to find information for themselves, but navigating and appraising it can be challenging. What is needed is trustworthy information written in an accessible language and format, which could support better self-management."

The study found that that many stroke survivors and caregivers felt marginalised due to the misalignment between how healthcare access in primary care is organised and survivors' and caregivers' competencies. For example, individuals felt that in order to access services they needed an awareness of what services are available, plus the ability to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals. This situation can be compounded by cognitive, speech and language problems that can further affect a patient's ability to negotiate healthcare access.

"Stroke survivors and their caregivers can feel abandoned because they struggle to access the appropriate health services, leading to marginalisation," says Dr Lisa Lim, one of the study authors. "This arises because of a number of factors, including lack of continuity of care, limited and delayed access to community services, and inadequate information about stroke, recovery and healthcare services.

"We need mechanisms to encourage better communication and collaboration between generalist services, which tend to provide the longer term care after stroke, and specialist services, which provide the care in the immediate phase post-stroke."

The researchers argue that providing support from healthcare professionals within the first year after stroke would increase patients' ability to self-manage their chronic condition. This can be achieved by providing timely and targeted information about stroke, available resources, and by regular follow-ups to foster supporting long-term relationships with healthcare professionals.

"Giving the right information at the right time will help stroke survivors and their caregivers become more self-reliant over time and better able to self-manage living with stroke," adds Dr Lim.

The team identified two key areas of improvement to address patients' and caregivers' marginalisation: increasing stroke-specific health literacy by targeted and timely information provision, and improving continuity of care and providing better access to community healthcare services.

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The largest fully operational radio telescope on the planet - the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico - will soon be under new management.

A consortium led by the University of Central Florida will start formal transition activities to take on the management of the National Science Foundation's Observatory. NSF is negotiating the operations and management award with UCF.

With its partners, Universidad Metropolitana in San Juan and Yang Enterprises, Inc. in Oviedo, the team plans to expand the capabilities of the telescope, which has made significant contributions to science. The 18-acre reflector also was featured in the James Bond movie GoldenEye.

"UCF's oversight of this crucial resource further solidifies our university as a leader in space-related research," said UCF President John C. Hitt. "The observatory will provide a valuable new dimension to space science at UCF while creating more academic opportunities for students and faculty at UCF, in Puerto Rico and beyond. Our lead role with the observatory deepens Central Florida's strong ties with our fellow citizens on the island. This agreement, made possible through partnerships, also ensures that the observatory will continue to make significant contributions to space science and mankind."

The agreement is valued at $20.15 million, subject to the availability of funds, over five years and is scheduled to begin April 1.

"This is a win-win-win," said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., who supported UCF's bid to manage Arecibo and recently helped secure funding in Congress to repair damage to the telescope caused by Hurricane Maria. "It's good for UCF and Florida, it's good for Puerto Rico, and it will enable thousands of scientists who do research at Arecibo each year to continue their work."

The new agreement means the Arecibo Observatory will continue to offer scientists from around the world an opportunity to pursue radio astronomy, atmospheric science and planetary radar research. The consortium, calling itself Arecibo Observatory Management Team, also ensures that the observatory will continue to track potentially dangerous near-Earth objects.

"Universidad Metropolitana is proud to be a partner in this new project for the Arecibo Observatory," said Chancellor Carlos M. Padin, who oversees the nonprofit institution of higher learning that is part of the Ana G. Mendez University System. "We are confident this partnership will expand the opportunities for research, as well as formal and informal STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] education in Puerto Rico."

The university's role is focused on public outreach and engagement through formal and informal education. This partnership is an opportunity to help create a pipeline for students to study space sciences both in Puerto Rico and Central Florida by providing hands-on opportunities at the observatory.

For Yang Enterprises, Inc., the partnership has special significance. Tyng-Lin (Tim) Yang, founder and executive vice president, earned his Ph.D. in civil engineering at UCF in 1990. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the Civil Engineering Department and on the Dean's Advisory Board for the UCF College of Engineering & Computer Science. He and president and CEO, Li-Woan Yang, built the company to a multimillion-dollar enterprise.

"This project presents a unique opportunity for Yang Enterprises to support not only space research, but also support the Arecibo community and the educational and scientific communities of the globe," Tyng-Lin (Tim) Yang said.

Yang Enterprises, Inc. provides architecture and engineering, operations and maintenance, and logistical services for mission-critical systems for multiple NASA centers, the Air Force and several Fortune 500 companies. The group will be responsible for facilities infrastructure, engineering, operations, maintenance, information technology and support services, as well as logistics and security services. Yang Enterprises, Inc. will introduce new technologies and cutting-edge tools to support Arecibo's requirements and modernize operations.

Arecibo's History and Significance

Built in the 1960s, the observatory continues to make significant contributions to understanding the universe. Scientists from around the world have used the telescope.

Physicists Russell Hulse and Joseph Taylor used the observatory to monitor a binary pulsar, providing a strict test of Einstein's theory of general relativity and the first evidence for the existence of gravitational waves. That earned the men a Nobel Prize in 1993. Today, pulsars are being used to search directly for gravitational waves through incredibly accurate timing with the Arecibo telescope.

In 2017, the Arecibo Observatory discovered two strange pulsars that undergo a "cosmic vanishing act" - sometimes they are "on," and then for very long periods of time they are "off." This has upended the widely held view that all pulsars are the orderly ticking clocks of the universe.

In 2016, the Arecibo Observatory discovered the first repeating fast radio bursts, which are millisecond radio pulses that appear to be extragalactic.

Arecibo's research success is no accident. The location was picked because it has a lot of karst terrain with limestones and sinkholes. When exploring the island for a good location, scientists found a sinkhole with the near-perfect shape needed for the observatory and its giant dish. Additionally, its location allowed observations of a little-studied part of the Earth's ionosphere near the equator.

The NSF has been funding part of Arecibo Observatory's operations since the 1970s. Starting in 2010, NSF received input on the priorities for its scientific operations through the National Academies 6th Decadal Survey, the NSF Division of Astronomical Sciences Portfolio Review Committee Report and the NSF Geospace Sciences Portfolio Review Committee Report.

Based on that input, the NSF examined the options for continuing Arecibo Observatory operations. After extensive environmental-impact analysis and input from the public and the scientific community, the NSF decided to continue operations and put out a request for proposals to manage and operate the observatory. The move allows important research to continue while accommodating the agency's budgetary constraints and its core mission to support cutting-edge science and education.

"The Arecibo Observatory Management Team represents an excellent realization of the preferred alternative of the National Science Foundation," said Richard Green, NSF's division director for Astronomy. "We have confidence that the new partnership will promote astronomical science and ionospheric research investigations with vitality. It will also create expanded opportunities for education and training, all priorities for our continuing investment in a productive facility like Arecibo Observatory. Additionally, the recently approved Congressional legislation for hurricane relief provides substantial resources for the restoration of the observatory to its pre-hurricane functionality."

Under New Management

"We didn't make a bid for this project lightly," said Elizabeth Klonoff, vice president for UCF's Office of Research and dean of the College of Graduate Studies. "The kind of science we can conduct with this observatory is important, and we didn't want to see it go dark. We performed several analyses and reached out to partners to ensure we came up with a plan that is economically prudent and that ensures Arecibo will be in operation for years to come."

There are several strategies the team will use to help pay for operations. They include, but are not limited to:

offering short-term operational partnerships for telescope time to the scientific community and private and public agencies;

seeking donations;

seeking additional partners; and

setting up tourism programs around the facility that will generate revenue and help the local Puerto Rican economy.

Even though Hurricane Maria caused damage to the observatory in September, the telescope is operational. Electricity was restored in December and operations resumed, although at reduced capacity. Visitors also are starting to come back to the observatory, which hosted a sold-out evening event in January for more than 600.

"The Arecibo Observatory is a very special place," said director Francisco Cordova, who will continue to serve in that role. "It is currently the leading research facility in the areas of radar sciences, planetary sciences and space atmospheric science in the world. We are very excited about this new collaboration. I believe together we can do great things and continue to push the boundaries of science and STEM education across the globe."

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Pioneering research into the family tree of today's horses sheds new light on the origins of the species.

The earliest known domesticated horses are not at the root of today's modern breed's family tree, as had previously been thought, new research has shown.

It had been suggested that that Botai horses, from Kazakhstan, were the progenitors of all modern domesticated breeds found worldwide.

However, a pivotal international study has drawn on groundbreaking genetic and archaeological evidence to show that the Botai didn't give rise to today's equines, but are instead themselves ancestors of the 'wild' Przewalksi horses, native to the neighbouring Mongolian region.

The study, led by Professor Ludovic Orlando from the French National Center for Scientific Research with Professor Alan Outram from the University of Exeter, also indicates that there are no surviving purely wild horses.

The pioneering study is published in the respected journal Science, on Thursday, February 22 2018.

Professor Orlando, Professor of Molecular Archaeology at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark and Research Director at the CNRS, University of Toulouse, France, said: "Our findings literally turn current population models of horse origins upside-down: what we used to understand as the last wild horse on earth is in fact the descendant of the earliest domestic horses, which simply escaped human pressure and became feral during the last few millennia."

For the study, the research team examined the genes of 88 ancient and modern horses from a range of eras and locations across Eurasia. The analysis found that many of the earliest Przewalski's horses had white, spotty Dalmatian-style coats. These horses once roamed freely along the Mongolian-China border and have recently been reintroduced to the region after having been saved from extinction in captivity. Thousands of years ago a surprisingly large number were bred to have the Dalmation-style colouring, possibly because it looked attractive.

Charleen Gaunitz, one of the two PhD students in Professor Orlando's team, who carried out the experimental work for the study, said: "Ironically, we used to think that the endangered population of Przewalski's horses should be preserved as the last wild horses in the planet. We now find that they must be preserved as the closest descent of the earliest domestic horses."

Professor Alan Outram and Professor Victor Zaibert carried out archaeological excavations on the Botai Culture for decades and have found communities living there thousands of years ago had horses who wore bits and were harnessed. They also milked their horses and ate horse meat.

New excavations carried out as part of this study shows Botai people built corrals to keep horses in numbers, close to their habitations.

Professor Outram said: "There is a lot of evidence in the archaeological record demonstrating that Botai horses were husbanded. It is not just horse meat that Botai people consumed, but also mare's milk. It was essential to Botai people to manage the horse resource as it provided the basis of their subsistence strategy. Probably horses were even first domesticated at Botai because horse riding somehow facilitated horse hunting."

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The research was supported by the European Research Council (PEGASUS), the Villum Fonden, the Danish Council for Independent Research, Natural Sciences, and the Initiatives d'Excellence Chaires d'attractivite, Universite de Toulouse (OURASI).
Women in treatment for eating disorders need more nuanced information about reproductive health, and more thought needs to be given to how and why fertility information is delivered, according to new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA).

That's part of an overall set of findings that suggest those with eating disorders (EDs) should have more input into their treatment and how medical information is communicated. The research, 'Responses to warnings about the impact of eating disorders on fertility: A qualitative study', is published today in Sociology of Health and Illness. The research was led by Dr Su Holmes, a reader in UEA's School of Art, Media and American Studies.

Dr Holmes said: "Medical intervention does not recognise the complexities of the individual causes of ED, nor are treatment options delivered on a case-by-case basis. Invariably, treatment regimes look at EDs as a 'problem' to be solved, rather than considering the myriad reasons the individual may be in eating distress or body distress."

Nowhere is this more evident than when it comes to medical professionals discussing reproductive health with women in treatment, said Dr Holmes. Not only is the empirical evidence that EDs pose a risk to fertility contradictory, she said, but if delivered as a 'warning', medical advice about a possible link between EDs and infertility presents further problems.

The study looked at 24 female participants who were mainly recruited via Beat, the UK's eating disorder charity. They came from different regions in the UK and ranged in age from 19-46, with a mean age of 26. All the participants had received a diagnosis of an ED - including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and eating disorder not otherwise specified - and included some women who had children.

All but one of the participants had been told within treatment that an ED may compromise fertility, and were informed by a range of healthcare professionals including GPs, psychiatrists, nurses and therapists. While most of the women said the information was delivered more than once, they described it being delivered in a "vague" or "unclear" way.

One participant said: "It was sort of like, you might or you might not [have fertility problems] - it is just left hanging over you."

The women in the study also reported feeling fertility information was "seen as a manipulative strategy intended to change the patient's behaviour." Another study participant said this information made her feel that medical professionals were "just trying to scare me...and that's not the way to get me to be better."

Participants in the study referred to the information given by healthcare professionals about EDs and fertility as "blackmail", "shock tactics", "scaremongering" or "ammunition".

Dr Holmes said: "These terms suggest a conception of treatment as a site of conflict or battle that unfolds within unequal relations of power: it is the health professionals who are seen as being in a position to 'scare', 'threaten' or 'blackmail' ED patients over the perceived state of their future reproductive choices.

"Health professionals may have good intentions in warning someone with an ED about their fertility. But from the point of view of the participants, they were generally not seen as a helpful, caring or compassionate aspect of treatment."

One woman said: "I just remember thinking that this is the least of my worries. My worry is the 30 grams of cashew nuts that you are going to make me eat this afternoon. You can't even make sense of a carrot stick at your lowest - never mind whether you want children. It wasn't really helpful, nor an incentive to get better."

Participants said they found information about the possible effects of their ED on their reproductive health perpetuated the sense that the ED behaviours were somehow a product of choice, increasing their feelings of self-blame and self-loathing.

The research findings also draw attention to the ways in which the cultural aspects of EDs - such as the fact that women are over-represented as ED patients - are poorly understood in treatment. For instance, Dr Holmes said, fertility is itself bound up with particular ideas about 'normal' womanhood, so some ED patients said warnings about their reproductive health and the related assumptions about gender, actually exacerbated their condition.

As one patient who was unsure about wanting children in the future said: "It was another thing feeding into the idea that something was wrong with me. Because these expectations [of motherhood] were everywhere - in treatment, and mentioned by friends and family - I didn't talk about these feelings, even though they are probably one of the main reasons I got ill in the first place."

The study showed that most participants thought it was important to have access to information about possible risks to reproductive health associated with EDs, but thought the ways of this being delivered could be improved. Dr Holmes said medical professionals should enable patients to make informed choices about how much they want to know about EDs and fertility, and that such information should not be delivered as a warning - with the attendant power relations that poses.

Dr Holmes said: "Medical professionals need to be as specific as possible about what the risk to fertility actually is, as well as being candid about the fact that the evidence itself is often uncertain and unclear.

"The bottom line is, people with EDs are all individuals, with different reasons for getting ill and different reasons for getting better or not. By de-personalising a person with ED as 'the patient', the primacy is placed on the ED, rather than the person behind or within the experience of eating distress."

The article, 'Responses to warnings about the impact of eating disorders on fertility: A qualitative study', is published on February 22, 2018 in the journal Sociology of Health and Illness.

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URBANA, Ill. - The wetlands in and around Chicago are overwhelmingly invaded by non-native plants, according to a new study by University of Illinois researchers. The study, which pulls together species occurrence data from over 2,000 wetlands in the urban region, is the first to describe wetland invasion patterns on such a large scale in the Chicagoland area.

The data came from a decade's worth of environmental assessments, a required step in any new road or building construction project. Normally, once these assessments are submitted to regulatory agencies, they're filed away and rarely seen again. But the U of I researchers suspected that, together, the assessments contained a goldmine of information.

"For us, it was a shame that all of these data are available and are not being used to answer some large questions about the state of natural communities across the region. Compiling them into a large regional data set allowed us to answer questions at a large scale that hadn't been addressed before," says Jeff Matthews, assistant professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at U of I, and co-author on the study.

The main question had to do with the degree of invasion by non-native plants in Chicagoland wetlands. And the answer was staggering.

"We have worked in the Chicago region long enough that we thought we knew the extent of the problem. But even having that past experience and knowing that invasive species are pervasive, the numbers were still shocking to me," Matthews says.

Non-native plant species were present in over 99 percent of the wetlands in the data set, and, on average, non-natives made up over a third of the species present in individual wetlands. One species in particular, reed canary grass, was nearly ubiquitous: it was found in some 74 percent of the surveyed sites.

Being non-native is not necessarily a bad thing - many of our most important crops are non-native - but when non-native species thrive and steal space and nutrients from native plants, that's a problem. And with a third or more of the native species being replaced by non-natives, ecosystems can be inextricably altered.

"We saw a recurrence of certain groups of non-native species that are associated with major roads," Matthews says. "We assume this linked to road salt, because most of the species in these recurring groups are highly tolerant of salt; they're actually maritime species that have moved in from the coast. We're seeing the same collection of species throughout the Chicago region along the tollways and major interstates."

Invasions can happen anywhere that aggressive non-native species are introduced, but the researchers say urban centers like the metropolitan Chicago area are at greater risk.

"Urbanization can lead to loss or extirpation of species entirely from a region, through habitat loss and pressure from non-native species," says Dennis Skultety, a GIS/GPS specialist with the Illinois Natural History Survey at U of I, and the lead author on the study. "Urban areas are an introduction point for non-native species, whether they're coming in through commerce as hitchhikers on trucks or ships, or are intentionally introduced through the horticultural industry or pet trade."

Although the overall picture looks bleak, Matthews says even invaded wetlands have value. "These wetlands still provide flood water storage, improve water flowing through those sites, and provide wildlife habitat to some extent."

Skultety says that a practical lesson from the work is to redefine what is achievable for wetland restoration in urban areas. "We should focus more on the functional values that wetlands provide, and not necessarily get hung up on a single metric of vegetation quality."

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The article, "Human land use as a driver of plant community composition in wetlands of the Chicago metropolitan region," is published in Urban Ecosystems.
LAWRENCE -- There are no such things as "wild" horses anymore.

Research published in Science today overturns a long-held assumption that Przewalski's horses, native to the Eurasian steppes, are the last wild horse species on Earth. Instead, phylogenetic analysis shows Przewalski's horses are feral, descended from the earliest-known instance of horse domestication by the Botai people of northern Kazakhstan some 5,500 years ago.

Further, the new paper finds that modern domesticated horses didn't descend from the Botai horses, an assumption previously held by many scientists.

"This was a big surprise," said co-author Sandra Olsen, curator-in-charge of the archaeology division of the Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum at the University of Kansas, who led archaeological work at known Botai villages. "I was confident soon after we started excavating Botai sites in 1993 that we had found the earliest domesticated horses. We went about trying to prove it, but based on DNA results Botai horses didn't give rise to today's modern domesticated horses -- they gave rise to the Przewalski's horse."

The findings signify there are no longer true "wild" horses left, only feral horses that descend from horses once domesticated by humans, including Przewalski's horses and mustangs that descend from horses brought to North America by the Spanish.

"This means there are no living wild horses on Earth -- that's the sad part," said Olsen. "There are a lot of equine biologists who have been studying Przewalskis, and this will be a big shock to them. They thought they were studying the last wild horses. It's not a real loss of biodiversity -- but in our minds, it is. We thought there was one last wild species, and we're only just now aware that all wild horses went extinct."

Many of the horse bones and teeth Olsen excavated at two Botai sites in Kazakhstan, called Botai and Krasnyi Yar, were used in the phylogenetic analysis. The international team of researchers behind the paper sequenced the genomes of 20 horses from the Botai and 22 horses from across Eurasia that spanned the last 5,500 years. They compared these ancient horse genomes with already published genomes of 18 ancient and 28 modern horses.

"Phylogenetic reconstruction confirmed that domestic horses do not form a single monophyletic group as expected if descending from Botai," the authors wrote. "Earliest herded horses were the ancestors of feral Przewalski's horses but not of modern domesticates."

Olsen said the findings give rise to a new scientific quest: locating the real origins of today's domesticated horses.

"What's interesting is that we have two different domestication events from slightly different species, or separate sub-species," she said. (The Przewalski's horse's taxonomic position is still debated.) "It's thought that modern-day domesticated horses came from Equus ferus, the extinct European wild horse. The problem is they were thought to have existed until the early 1900s. But, the remains of two individuals in St. Petersburg, Russia, are probably feral, too, or at least probably had some domesticated genes."

Olsen began excavating Botai village sites in Kazakhstan in 1993 after the fall of the Soviet Union made the region accessible to western scientists. Some of the horse remains collected by Olsen were tested as part of the new study showing their ancestry of modern-day Przewalskis.

The Botai's ancestors were nomadic hunters until they became the first-known culture to domesticate horses around 5,500 years ago, using horses for meat, milk, work and likely transportation.

"Once they domesticated horses they became sedentary, with large villages of up to 150 or more houses," said Olsen, who specializes in zooarchaeology, or the study of animal remains from ancient human occupation sites. "They lived primarily on horse meat, and they had no agriculture. We had several lines of evidence that supported domestication. The fact the Botai were sedentary must have meant they had domesticated animals, or plants, which they didn't have. More than 95 percent of the bones from the Botai sites were from horses -- they were in a sense mono-cropping one species with an incredible focus. If they were hunting horses on foot, they would have quickly depleted bands of horses in the vicinity of the villages and would have had to go farther afield to hunt -- it wouldn't have been feasible or supported that large human population."

The KU researcher also cited bone artifacts from Botai sites used to make rawhide thongs that might have been fashioned into bridles, lassos, whips, riding crops and hobbles, as further evidence of horse domestication. Moreover, the Botai village sites include horse corrals.

"We found a corral that contained high levels of nitrogen and sodium from manure and urine," said Olsen. "It was very concentrated within that corral. The final smoking gun was finding residues of mares' milk in the pottery. It's commonplace today in Mongolia and Kazakhstan to milk horses -- when it's fermented it has considerable nutritional value and is very high in vitamins."

Interestingly, Olsen found that after slaughtering horses, the Botai buried some horse skulls and necks in pits with their snouts facing the southeast, toward where the sun rose in the morning in autumn. Mongols and Kazakhs slaughter most of their horses at that time of year because that is when they retain the most amount of nutritious fat in their bodies.

"It's interesting because throughout the Indo-European diaspora there's a strong connection between the sun god and the horse," she said. "It may be that Botai people spoke an early proto-Indo-European language, and they also connected the horse to the sun god. Later in time, and this idea is in the historical record for the Indo-European diaspora, it was believed the sun god was born in the east and rode across the sky in a chariot, pulled by white horses. According to the belief, he would then die in the west and be reborn every day."

The team behind the paper believe Przewalski's horses likely escaped from domestic Botai herds in eastern Kazakhstan or western Mongolia.

"They started developing a semi-wild lifestyle like our mustangs, but they still have a wild appearance," Olsen said. "This is partly why biologists assumed they were genuinely wild animals. They have an upright mane, something associated with wild equids. They also have a dun coat, like the ones you see in the Ice Age cave paintings in France and Spain made when horses were wild. Their size, however, is very similar to what you see at Botai and other sites."

By 1969, Przewalski's horses were declared extinct in the wild, and all living today originated from just 15 individuals captured around 1900. Today, there are approximately 2,000 Przewalski's horses, all descended from those captured horses, and they have been reintroduced on the Eurasian steppes. In a sense, the horses have fared better than the peoples who once domesticated them.

"The Botai people seem to have vanished from their homeland in northern Kazakhstan," said Olsen. "Perhaps they migrated eastward to Mongolia since the later Bronze Age people there shared the practice of ritually burying the horse's head and neck pointing toward the rising sun in the autumn, the time of year they were slaughtered. That's a very specific shared trait."

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The warning is issued by scientists in a letter published by the journal Science. It is notably based on the recent work in immunology and veterinary virology by Professor Alain Vanderplasschen from the University of Liege.

Belgian, English and Australian scientists are calling on the Australian authorities to review their decision to introduce the carp herpes virus as a way to combat the common carp having colonised the country's rivers. In a letter published in the journal Science, they not only believe that this measure will be ineffective but that it also represents a risk to ecosystems.

On a global scale, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most important fish species in fish farming. Its annual production ranges between 4 and 5 million tonnes. Initially introduced to Australia for production in fish farms, the species has gradually colonised the rivers to the point of dominating the indigenous species. One of the methods proposed by the Australian government to reduce the number of carp is to release a virus which is deadly to this species, the cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3, also called the Koi herpesvirus or KHV) in rivers. However, scientists note that data currently available on the carp's biology, the pathogeny of the virus and the ecology of Australian rivers suggests that this tactic will not be effective and could even represent a risk to ecosystems. It is thanks to Professor Alain Vanderplasschen from the University of Liege (Belgium) that the prestigious scientific review Science asked to issue a scientific opinion on the Australian biocontrol plan (1).

Before the large-scale release of the CyHV-3, which will be costly (the plan proposed has a budget of 18 million Dollars) and irreversible, assessments must be carried out on the virus' actual capacity to sustainably reduce Australian carp populations living freely without harming the indigenous ecosystems.

The authors advocate for the introduction of limited testing to safely assess if the virus can effectively control carp populations without harming ecosystems.

The opinion of the scientists is notably based on work carried out for over a decade by Professor Alain Vanderplasschen from the Immunology and Vaccination Laboratory at the University of Liege who is behind the development of the first vaccine against CyHV-3.

"The discovery in our laboratory of the beneficial role of the behavioural fever expressed by carp as well as other recent results indicate that the Australian government's biocontrol plan will not meet its objectives. This may even cause serious damage to the ecosystems", explains Professor Alain Vanderplasschen.

"By discussing this in Science, one of the world's most respected scientific journals, we hope that the warning will not be ignored by the Australian authorities", notes Professor Alain Vanderplasschen.

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(1) Conserved Fever Pathways across Vertebrates: A Herpesvirus Expressed Decoy TNF- Receptor Delays Behavioural Fever in Fish, Cell Host & Microbe, 8 February 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2017.01.010
Simulations of jet stream behavior in a warming climate suggest ranges of forecasts in the mid-century will be similar to those in present day, MU study finds

COLUMBIA, Mo. - According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, temperatures are expected to rise between 2.5 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. This warming is expected to contribute to rising sea levels and the melting of glaciers and permafrost, as well as other climate-related effects. Now, research from the University of Missouri suggests that even as rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere drive the climate toward warmer temperatures, the weather will remain predictable.

"The jet stream changes character every 10 to 12 days, and we use this pattern to predict the weather," said Anthony Lupo, professor of atmospheric science in MU's School of Natural Resources, which is located in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. "We were curious about how this would change in a world with higher carbon dioxide levels. We found that in that warmer world, the variability of the jet stream remained the same."

Lupo and Andrew Jensen, who earned his doctorate at MU, used an existing climate model to simulate jet stream flow in the Northern Hemisphere. The simulation monitored a variable that responds to jet stream flow changes and can indicate global-scale weather instability. Researchers used this variable to determine when the jet stream altered its flow. Since meteorologists can only accurately predict weather within the 10 to 12 days between jet stream flow changes, a shift in this time frame would directly impact weather predictability.

Over the course of a simulated 31 years, their observations indicated the jet stream would change its character about 30 to 35 times per year, a number that is consistent with current jet stream patterns. As the time frame used to predict weather did not change, the researchers concluded that weather would likely remain as predictable in a warmer world as it is today. The results do not address the effects of climate change on the nature or frequency of weather events but instead focus on the range of predictability afforded by the jet stream. In addition, the researchers did not extend the simulation past the mid-century to ensure their data was as accurate as possible.

"Climate change will continue to create a lot of ripple effects, but this experiment provides evidence that the range of forecasting will remain the same," Lupo said.

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The study, "The Dynamic Character of Northern Hemisphere Flow Regimes in a Near-Term Climate Change Projection," was published in Atmosphere. Other researchers involved in the study were Mirseid Akperov of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Igor Mokhov of Lomonosov Moscow State University and Fengpeng Sun of the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Researchers have made a major breakthrough in the assessment of language development among bilingual families and in the identification of those children who require extra support to improve their language skills.

During a three-year study involving nine UK universities, academics interviewed almost 400 families with two-year-old children learning English and another of 13 common additional languages.

They were able to demonstrate for the first time that those learning English and a phonetically or grammatically close language (such as Dutch or German) knew more words in their other language than those learning more distant languages such as Mandarin or Greek.

The team used the findings to create and test the first toolkit for health professionals to accurately assess how any bilingual child's language skills are developing.

Led by the University of Plymouth, the research was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of a collaboration including the universities of Bangor, Birmingham, Kent, Liverpool, and Oxford. Academics at Coventry, East Anglia and Essex were also involved.

With figures suggesting that almost 20% of children of school age in the UK are bilingual, its findings could have major implications for young people's personal and professional prospects, as well as national health and education systems.

The final research is published in Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development. The project leader Dr Caroline Floccia, Associate Professor (Reader) in Psychology at the University of Plymouth and Head of the Plymouth Babylab, said: "Language is a foundation for harmonious development in a child and being bilingual is now a norm across the world. In the majority of cases, their development in each language is slightly delayed compared to that of monolingual children, which can have knock-on effects both for them and (when they get to school) their peers. We are proposing the first practical solution to the potential problems faced by bilingual children, because the earlier we identify and tackle these issues, the more likely a positive outcome for the children and their prospects."

Currently, all two-year-olds are required to have a health assessment to monitor their development, and the researchers hope their UK Bilingual Toddler Assessment Toolkit (UKBTAT) can become a standard component in that assessment. It can also be used by a wide range of health practitioners, including speech and language therapists, social workers, educational psychologists, and GPs.

The UKBTAT includes a list of familiar English words that parents tick off if their child recognises or can say them, and a similar list of familiar words in their additional language.

It also features a Language Exposure Questionnaire (LEQ) that a health practitioner can complete with the help of the parents. The LEQ assesses the proportion of time the child spends engaged in an English-speaking setting compared with their additional language.

These answers are processed through the toolkit's statistical model to produce a result which shows where the child is situated in terms of the average level of proficiency across the UK. This will allow practitioners to identify bilingual toddlers who may need additional support with their language development, not possible until now.

Professor Kim Plunkett, Professor of Cognitive Science at the University of Oxford, and a collaborator on the project, said: "Tapping into a parent's knowledge of their own child's development has become an invaluable component in the developmental psychologist's assessment toolkit in recent years. This research extends the method into the realm of bilingual development and provides parents and practitioners with invaluable assessment tools (UKBTAT and LEQ) that are easy to use and capable of identifying potential language delays in bilingual two-year olds. The work also provides researchers in the field of bilingual development with important new insights into the development of the bilingual mind."

Professor Caroline Rowland, Director of the Language Development Department at the MPI for Psycholinguistics at the University of Liverpool, and co-Director of the ESRC LuCiD Centre, added: "This work couldn't come at a better time. The Department for Education has just published its national plan to improve social mobility in young people; at the heart of their strategy is the ambition to close the language gap that develops between the most and the least disadvantaged children in our society. This new study, and associated resources, will provide practitioners, parents and researchers with an invaluable resource in the crucial work that they are doing to improve the life chances of young children in the UK."
Nearly everyone who used heroin transitioned to drug injection in about six months -- a trend that contributes to the hepatitis C epidemic, USC-led study finds

Heroin is worse than other drugs because people inject it much sooner, potentially resulting in increased risk of injection-related epidemics such as hepatitis C and HIV, a Keck School of Medicine of USC study shows.

As more people use opioids, many switch to heroin because it's more potent and cheaper - a trend that complicates disease prevention as health officials crack down on opioids, said Ricky Bluthenthal, first author of the study and a professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School of Medicine.

Stigmatizing drug use is an ineffective way to address a public health outbreak, he added.

"The market is saturated with opiates. That cat is out of the bag," Bluthenthal said. "At this point, we have to figure out what we're going to do about opioid abuse because the opioid crisis is leading to downstream infectious disease epidemics such as acute hepatitis C."

Published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence on Feb. 15, the study surveyed 776 people in Los Angeles and San Francisco about their drug use. Researchers limited the investigation to heroin, methamphetamine or speed, powder cocaine and crack cocaine.

About 99 percent of participants who used heroin, regardless of demographics, eventually injected the drug - nearly three times the injection rate of people who used crack cocaine. The second most injected drug was meth or speed, with 85 percent of users reporting that they moved to injection.

Heroin had the shortest incubation period - about half a year - from initial drug use to drug injection. It took meth and speed users about twice that time and powder cocaine users nearly five times that length of time to begin injecting.

"Heroin is less expensive than opioids and more potent," Bluthenthal said. "So transitioning to heroin is reasonable. Heroin is much more efficient when injected, and that's why we see this trend."

On the road to a solution

As the nation tries to clamp down on the opioid epidemic, it may inadvertently drive people to heroin more quickly, Bluthenthal said. The real solution, he noted, is to get people better treatment for their opioid addiction.

From 2002 to 2015, there was a six-fold increase in the number of overdose deaths involving heroin, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Hepatitis C linked to injection drug use has increased three-fold over a 10-year period, the study stated, citing research from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

"We want to interrupt people from escalating their drug use from legal prescription opioids to illicit heroin use," Bluthenthal said.

Possible solutions include drug consumption rooms, supervised injection facilities, syringe exchange programs, overdose prevention education and naloxone distribution, Bluthenthal said. Naloxone is an antidote for opioid overdose.

"We're always trailing the epidemic: We don't know there is a problem until the bodies and infections start showing up," Bluthenthal said. "We now know people are moving from opioids to heroin to injection. We missed the opportunity to change that progression, so we need to move more aggressively to reduce opioid abuse and to implement safer venues to consume drugs. The end result will benefit public health."

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Daniel Chu and Thomas Valente from the Keck School of Medicine, Alex Kral and Lynn Wenger from RTI International and Philippe Bourgois from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA also contributed to this study.

The study was entirely supported by federal grants amounting to $1,656,797 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (R01DA027689, R01 DA038965) and the National Cancer Institute (P30CA014089).
The term hematopoietic cancer" refers to several, in most cases quite severe health conditions in which the process of blood cell production is altered. Cancers of white blood cells are characterized by enhanced proliferation and reduced differentiation and cell death in one myeloid lineage, which can promote the outgrowth of a dominant myeloid cell type. The transformation to AML is the most devastating complication experienced by patients. This type of cancer usually progresses quickly and despite considerable advances in therapeutic approaches and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, only 26% of patients survive longer than 5 years. These conditions are frequently caused by mutations that over-activate intracellular signalling or gene transcription. Activating mutations in the receptor FLT3 represent 30% of driver mutations in AML, which in turn activates STAT5, an important transcription factor for blood cell transformation. Targeting the mutated proteins with small molecular weight drugs is currently the leading strategy for combating cancer. However, while FLT3 inhibitors induce responses in AML-patients with FLT3 mutations initially, responses are not durable, and AML progresses in virtually all patients. New treatment strategies are therefore urgently needed to improve patient survival of this aggressive disease.

Transcription factors like STAT5 are similar to genetic light switches and capable of turning genes on and off. But previous strategies to target STAT transcription factors have been difficult and failed on potency or a lack of specificity. An international consortium of researchers from Austria, Canada and Hungary now report on a novel compound which targets STAT5 directly and selectively. Researchers led by Richard Moriggl, director of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research and Professor for Functional Cancer Genomics in a joined appointment to the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna and Medical University Vienna chose to target the SH2 domain of STAT5, which is essential for the interactions between STAT5 proteins and their subsequent activity.

The researchers aimed at development, synthesis and preclinical testing of a new compound that targets the oncogenic functions of STAT5 proteins. Upon state-of-the-art computational molecular modelling the compound was synthesised and tested in a broad array of tests. In the study now reported in the prestigious Nature Group journal Leukemia, the compound not only binds directly to STAT5, it subsequently also disrupts STAT5 activation, nuclear translocation, and STAT5-dependent gene transcription. Bettina Wingelhofer, first author of the publication, used the compound in several leukemic cells, "we could show that our novel compound might be a good drug candidate as it impaired the proliferation of patient derived AML cell lines at low concentrations." Importantly the compound showed efficacy in freshly isolated patient samples in experiments carried out with the team of Peter Valent (Medical University Vienna), speaker of SFB-F47 and international clinical expert for AML. Initial experiments in combinations with established drugs showed that the new compound cooperatively inhibited tumour cell proliferation. Further research in cooperation with a pharmaceutical company will be required to validate this new compound class with further improvements to validate if it is indeed suitable to be used in a clinical trial.

Funding:

Research in Austria was supported mainly through the Austrian Science Fund SFB-F47.

Publication in Leukemia:

Bettina Wingelhofer, Barbara Maurer, Elizabeth C. Heyes, Abbarna C. Cumaraswamy, Angelika Berger-Becvar, Elvin D. de Araujo, Anna Orlova, Patricia Freund, Frank Ruge, Jisung Park, Gary Tin, Siawash Ahmar, Charles-Hugues Lardeau, Irina Sadovnik, David Bajusz, Gyorgy Miklos Keser?, Florian Grebien, Stefan Kubicek, Peter Valent, Patrick T. Gunning and Richard Moriggl, Pharmacologic inhibition of STAT5 in acute myeloid leukemia, Leukemia (2018), doi:10.1038/s41375-017-0005-9

About the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna

The University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna in Austria is one of the leading academic and research institutions in the field of Veterinary Sciences in Europe. About 1,300 employees and 2,300 students work on the campus in the north of Vienna which also houses five university clinics and various research sites. Outside of Vienna the university operates Teaching and Research Farms. The Vetmeduni Vienna plays in the global top league: in 2017, it occupies the excellent place 8 in the world-wide Shanghai University veterinary in the subject "Veterinary Science". http://www.vetmeduni.ac.at

About the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research (LBI-CR):

The LBI-CR focuses on developing new murine models for cancer and exploiting them to gain novel insights into the origins of the disease. The institute conducts cutting edge research into the underlying mechanisms of cancer using the modern power of genetics. With particular attention for signal cooperation in tumour cells the researchers analyse the molecular basis of cancer with the intention to translate recent progress in cancer research into novel therapeutic approaches. The Institute conducts its research in close cooperation with the Research Institute for Molecular Pathology, Medical University Vienna, Veterinary University, Children's Cancer Research Institute and the company Tissuegnostics.

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Contact:

Richard Moriggl

Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research

Medical University Vienna, Vienna

University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna

Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics

Veterinarplatz 1

A-1210 Vienna, Austria

T 43-1-25077-5622

richard.moriggl@vetmeduni.ac.at

Released by:

Stefan Grunert

Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research

University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna)

Stefan.Gruenert@lbicr.lbg.ac.at

Georg Mair

Science Communication / Corporate Communications

University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna)

T 43-1-25077-1165

georg.mair@vetmeduni.ac.at
Researchers at the University of York have found that Scottish hospitals have experienced slower reductions in inpatient deaths than their English counterparts.

Researchers at the University of York have found that Scottish hospitals have experienced slower reductions in inpatient deaths than their English counterparts.

In a first-of-its-kind study, the researchers looked at extensive data on hospital admissions and discharges in both countries over a 17-year period. They found that while the number of people dying in hospital has declined in both countries, it is falling substantially faster in England.

Rather than looking at deaths in individual hospitals, which often gives small amounts of data and a lot of variation, the researchers examined broader trends by looking at administrative data from across the two countries.

They distinguished between "elective" hospital admissions, where patients went into hospital for planned care, and "emergency" hospital admissions where care was unplanned. The researchers found that in-hospital mortality was falling faster in England in both cases.

Among elective admissions, while the numbers of deaths were small in both countries, in 2014 0.3% of patients died in Scotland compared with 0.1% in England. In the case of emergency admissions 4% of patients died in English hospitals versus 6% in Scottish hospitals.

The authors of the paper, published today in the British Medical Journal Open, say that further investigation is needed into why trends in hospital mortality are different in the two countries with otherwise similar healthcare systems.

Co-lead author of the paper Professor Martin Chalkley from the Centre for Health Economics at the University of York said: "Because the data we used for the study records information on individual patients and admissions to hospital, we were able to take variations in the reasons why people were admitted to hospital as well as differences in populations such as age, levels of disease and deprivation, into account.

"We expected to see differences in the numbers of hospital deaths between England and Scotland, but the fact that rates of mortality in hospitals are falling faster in English hospitals is unexplained. There may be a benign reason for the difference, but these findings now demand further study - other things being equal, why are people more likely to die in hospital in Scotland than in England?"

Dr Maria Jose Aragon also from the Centre for Health Economics at the University of York and co-lead author of the study said: "It is possible that financial reforms to the NHS in England - such as the National Tariff Pricing System, which could increase planned admissions - may have played a role in reducing the proportion of hospital deaths when it comes to elective hospital admissions. But the fact that we also see a slower decrease in hospitals deaths for emergency care in Scotland means this is not a particularly convincing explanation for the fact that there is a slower decline in Scotland for both types of admissions".

Professor Chalkley added: "It is possible that the explanation lies in a difference in cultural views of hospitals between the two countries - perhaps in Scotland hospitals are regarded as a more suitable place for end of life care than in England - but if that is the case then it is not a documented policy that has been discussed and evaluated.

"The results could also be due to do with hospital performance, or the slower adoption of new techniques. Understanding the differences in the rates of hospital deaths in England and Scotland is worthy of further investigation."

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It is one of the most astonishing results of physics: when a complex system is left alone, it will return to its initial state with almost perfect precision. Gas particles, for example, chaotically swirling around in a container, will return almost exactly to their starting positions after some time. This "Poincare Recurrence Theorem" is the foundation of modern chaos theory. For decades, scientists have investigated how this theorem can be applied to the world of quantum physics. Now, researchers at TU Wien (Vienna) have successfully demonstrated a kind of "Poincare recurrence" in a multi-particle quantum system. The results have been published in the journal Science.

An Old Question, Revisited

At the end of the 19th century, the French scientist Henri Poincare studied systems which cannot be fully analysed with perfect precision - for example solar systems consisting of many planets and asteroids, or gas particles, which keep bumping into each other. His surprising result: every state which is physically possible will be occupied by the system at some point - at least to a very good degree of approximation. If we just wait long enough, at some point all planets will form a straight line, just by coincidence. The gas particles in a box will create interesting patterns, or go back to the state in which they were when the experiment started.

A similar theorem can be proved for quantum systems. There, however, completely different rules apply: "In quantum physics, we have to come up with a completely new way of addressing this problem", says Professor Jorg Schmiedmayer from the Institute for Atomic and Subatomic Physics at TU Wien. "For very fundamental reasons, the state of a large quantum system, consisting of many particles, can never be perfectly measured. Apart from that, the particles cannot be seen as independent objects, we have to take into account that they are quantum mechanically entangled."

There have been attempts to demonstrate the effect of "Poincare recurrence" in quantum systems, but until now this has only been possible with a very small number of particles, whose state was measured as precisely as possible. This is extremely complicated and the time it takes the system to return to its original state increases dramatically with the number of particles. Jorg Schmiedmayers team at TU Wien, however, chose a different approach: "We are not so much interested in the complete inner state of the system, which cannot be measured anyway", says Bernhard Rauer, first author of the publication. "Instead we want to ask: which quantities can we observe, that tell us something interesting about the system as a whole? And are there times at which these collective quantities return to their initial value?"

The team studied the behaviour of an ultracold gas, consisting of thousands of atoms, which is kept in place by electromagnetic fields on a chip. "There are several different quantities describing the characteristics of such a quantum gas - for example coherence lengths in the gas and correlation functions between different points in space. These parameters tell us, how closely the particles are linked by quantum mechanical effects", says Sebastian Erne, who was responsible for the theoretical calculations necessary for the project. "Our everyday intuition is not used to dealing with these quantities, but for a quantum systems, they are crucial."

Recurrence Discovered - in Collective Quantities

By measuring such quantities, which do not refer to single particles, but characterize the system as a whole, it was indeed possible to observe the long-sought quantum recurrence. And not only that: "With our atom chip, we can even influence the time it takes the system to return to one particular state", says Jorg Schmiedmayer. "By measuring this kind of recurrence, we learn a lot about the collective dynamics of the atoms - for example about the speed of sound in the gas or about scattering phenomena of density waves."

The old question, whether quantum systems show recurrences, can finally be answered: Yes, they do - but the concept of recurrence has to be slightly redefined. Instead of trying to map out the complete inner quantum state of a system, which cannot be measured anyway, it makes more sense to concentrate on quantities which can be measured in quantum experiments. These quantities can be observed to drift away from their initial value - and to return to their initial state eventually.

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Contact:

Prof. Jorg Schmiedmayer

Institute for Atomic and Subatomic Physics

TU Wien

Stadionallee 2, 1020 Wien

T: +43-1-58801-141801

hannes-joerg.schmiedmayer@tuwien.ac.at
It is difficult to distinguish males from females among King Penguins, but a new Ibis study reveals that King Penguins can be sexed with an accuracy of 100% based on the sex-specific syllable pattern of their vocalisations. Using the beak length, King Penguin individuals can be sexed with an accuracy of 79%.

The new findings may help investigators understand how King Penguins choose mates, and they offer a cost- effective, non-invasive technique for researchers to sex King Penguins in the field.

"The sex-specific syllable pattern in King Penguin calls is a very interesting finding, both from an evolutionary perspective as it is rare in non-passerine species, but also because it allows researchers with very little training to reliably identify the gender of King Penguins without handling the individuals," said lead author Hannah Kriesell, of the Centre Scientifique de Monaco and the University of Strasbourg.

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HOBOKEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Wiley Foundation today announced the 17th annual Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences will be awarded to Lynne E. Maquat for elucidating the mechanism of nonsense-mediated messenger RNA decay, a fundamental process whereby cells remove defective transcripts that can encode toxic proteins.

Dr. Maquat is a Professor at the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics in the School of Medicine and Dentistry, the Founding Director of the Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, the Founding Chair of the University of Rochester Graduate Women in Science, and the J. Lowell Orbison Endowed Chair at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York.

"The 2018 Wiley Prize honors Dr. Maquat, whose work illuminated how our cells prevent production of toxic proteins by removing defective messenger RNAs," said Dr. Titia de Lange, Chairperson of the awards jury for the Wiley Prize at the Rockefeller University in New York City.

"The Wiley Foundation honors research that champions novel approaches and challenges accepted thinking in the biomedical sciences. The work of the 2018 Wiley Prize recipient Lynne Maquat truly upholds this mission," said Deborah Wiley, Chair of the Wiley Foundation. "We are pleased to highlight the impact that her research on messenger RNA decay pathways has had in advancing our knowledge of the cellular cause of many human diseases."

First awarded in 2002, The Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences is presented annually to recognize contributions that have opened new fields of research or have advanced concepts in a particular biomedical discipline. Among the many distinguished recipients of the Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences, nine have gone on to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and two have gone on to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

This year's award of $50,000 will be presented to the winner on April 13, 2018 at the Wiley Prize luncheon at The Rockefeller University. The winner will then deliver an honorary lecture as part of The Rockefeller University Lecture Series. This event will be live streamed via the Current Protocols' Webinar Series and registration is free.

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About Wiley

Wiley, a global research and learning company, helps people and organizations develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our online scientific, technical, medical and scholarly journals, combined with our digital learning, assessment and certification solutions, help universities, learned societies, businesses, governments and individuals increase the academic and professional impact of their work. For more than 210 years, we have delivered consistent performance to our stakeholders. The company's website can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com.

Full biography of Wiley 2018 Prize Winner

Lynne E. Maquat, PhD, the J. Lowell Orbison Endowed Chair, is Professor at the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics in the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Founding Director of the Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, and Founding Chair of the University of Rochester Graduate Women in Science at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY. She is an elected Member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences (2006), the National Academy of Sciences (2011) and the National Academy of Medicine (2017). Lynne was a Batsheva de Rothschild Fellow of the Israel Academy of Sciences & Humanities (2012-3) and has received the William C. Rose Award from the American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (2014), a Canada Gairdner International Award (2015), the international RNA Society Lifetime Achievement Award in Service (2010) and in Science (2017), the Vanderbilt Prize in Biomedical Sciences (2017), and the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Excellence in Science Award (2018). Lynne wishes to acknowledge continuous support from the National Institutes of Health for the past 35 years, without which her research would not have been possible.
HOBOKEN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--John Wiley and Sons Inc. (NYSE:JWA) (NYSE:JWB), in partnership with the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), is pleased to announce a new peer-reviewed, open access journal, FASEB BioAdvances. Launching in 2018 as part of the Wiley Open Access portfolio, FASEB BioAdvances will be edited by Jasna Markovac, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan and California Institute of Technology. Dr. Markovac will serve as the publication's Founding Editor and will lead the effort for the journal on publishing multi / transdisciplinary research reports from the international community.

"To those who are active, or aspiring to be active, in basic, translational or clinical biology, I say 'this journal is for you.' With a stellar editorial board rooted in FASEB's membership, we look forward to an exciting and successful launch. We promise a rapid and fair review and fast publication," said Dr. Markovac.

FASEB BioAdvances is an international open-access journal of FASEB that aims to serve the global life science community by providing a vehicle for scientists to publish well-designed and -executed research papers. FASEB BioAdvances publishes original, multi- and interdisciplinary biomedical research from scientists around the world. Published articles are complete reports judged to be of proper design and execution. In addition to reports of new findings, the journal considers articles with confirmatory and / or negative results. Research published in FASEB BioAdvances will be distributed under the CC-BY license.

In announcing FASEB BioAdvances, FASEB's Executive Director Frank Krause said the new journal represents "an important step in meeting the needs of the community we serve." He added that he was excited that the journal's editorial board will include appointees from FASEB member societies. "Given the representation of a broad range of disciplines in the biosciences, member society input is invaluable in launching a high-quality journal."

"We are pleased to partner with FASEB in launching a new open access publication," said Colette E. Bean, Vice President and Society Director at Wiley. "FASEB BioAdvances will publish the most innovative research in biology and we are honored to serve as the journal's publisher with its intended start later this year."

In discussing her plans for the journal, Dr. Markovac also said, "It is an honor to serve as FASEB BioAdvances's inaugural editor. My hope is that this publication serves as a hub for some of the best work that bioscience has to offer."

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Additional Information

About Wiley

Wiley, a global research and learning company, helps people and organizations develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our online scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, combined with our digital learning, assessment and certification solutions help universities, learned societies, businesses, governments and individuals increase the academic and professional impact of their work. For more than 210 years, we have delivered consistent performance to our stakeholders. The company's website can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com.

About FASEB

Founded in 1912, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) was originally created by three independent scientific organizations to provide a forum in which to hold educational meetings, develop publications, and disseminate biological research results. What started as a small group of dedicated scientists has grown to be the nation's largest coalition of biomedical researchers, representing 31 scientific societies and more than 125,000 researchers from around the world. FASEB is now recognized as the policy voice of biological and biomedical researchers. FASEB's core mission is to "advance health and welfare by promoting progress and education in biological and biomedical sciences through service to our member societies and collaborative advocacy". Visit the FASEB website at http://www.faseb.org.
Belgian police sealed off several streets in suburban Brussels on Thursday after reports of armed men and a murder, but there were no indications of terrorism, officials said.

Armed officers blocked traffic while a helicopter hovered over the scene of the incident in the Forest district, an AFP journalist said.

In 2016, the district was the scene of a shootout with police involving Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam that led to his capture three days later.

A local police spokesman told AFP a Polish man had gone to a local shop Thursday and said that a murder had been committed at a local residence.

The residence was visited and there was nothing. But other people spoke of a disturbance nearby.

Local mayor Marc-Jean Ghyssels told broadcaster RTBF that police were called because of the presence of armed people in a building.

At this stage it seems to be a private dispute. There is absolutely no link with terrorism, he said.

Belgium recently lowered its terror alert to its second lowest level, nearly two years after the Brussels airport and metro suicide attacks.
A French court on Thursday dismissed a bid by Tariq Ramadan, the prominent Islamic scholar detained on rape charges, to be released on health grounds, legal sources said.

Ramadans lawyers had pushed for his release since he was detained on February 2, arguing his multiple sclerosis and nerve damage could not be adequately treated behind bars.

The Oxford University professor, a prominent TV pundit whose grandfather founded Egypts Muslim Brotherhood movement, denies charges that he raped two Muslim women in France.

A court-ordered medical examination last Thursday found that the 55-year-old Swiss academics condition was compatible with detention.

The day after the test, he was hospitalised for four days due to what his entourage said was a worsening of his condition.

Ramadan has complained that the medical tests were only cursory and that the doctor examining him did not have access to his medical records.

He refused to appear at Thursdays hearing at the main Paris appeals court.

Ramadans two accusers went to the police in late October, both alleging that he had raped them in French hotel rooms.

Henda Ayari, 41, said she had decided to accuse him publicly after the Me Too campaign against sexual abuse and harassment encouraged her to speak out.

Ayari, a feminist activist who previously practised a conservative strain of Islam, says Ramadan raped her in a Paris hotel room in 2012.

The second accuser, an unnamed disabled woman, alleges that Ramadan raped her and beat her in a hotel in the southeastern city of Lyon in 2009.

French authorities ordered Ramadan to be placed in custody after he was charged, judging him a flight risk.

His lawyers have unsuccessfully proposed handing over his Swiss passport, bail of 50,000 euros ($62,000) and daily check-ins at the police station to secure his release.

A professor of contemporary Islamic studies at Oxford, Ramadan has been on leave since November after the allegations emerged.

One of European Islams best known figures, he has dismissed the accusations against him as a smear campaign by his enemies and his lawyers argue there are inconsistencies in the womens accounts.

His supporters  including two million Facebook followers  have lashed out angrily at his arrest, with many complaining that he has been unfairly targeted because he is Muslim.

Ayari was placed under police protection in November after receiving death threats.
Despite a decline in domestic consumption, sales of Swiss chocolate grew by 3.1% in 2017 thanks to foreign demand.

On Thursday, the Federation of Swiss Chocolate Manufacturers (Chocosuisse) reported total sales of CHF1.85 billion ($1.98 billion) for the year. The volume of chocolate sold also increased by 2.7% to 190,731 tons.

However, sales inside Switzerland dropped by 1.3%. Swiss residents consumed only 10.5 kg of chocolate per person in 2017; half a kilo less than the year before.

It was the growth in exports that offset the decline in domestic. The volume sold abroad increased by 4.8% to 127,923 tonnes, while total export turnover increased by 6.9% to CHF936 million.

After a three-year decline, the German market perked up in 2017, reporting a 16% increase in sales. Except for the United States (-7%), the other top five consumer destinations also grew: the UK by 2%, France by 8% and Canada by 6%. Among the top 20, Australia and Russia posted the highest growth rates.

In 2017, Chocosuisse counted 18 chocolate manufacturers among its members who employed a total of 4,608 people.













SDA-ATS/ac






For over 50 years, the United Nations has been urging companies to be more respectful of human rights. Political scientist Gilles Carbonnier examines the key UN processes and milestones in the slow acceptance of corporate social responsibility, as Switzerland prepares to vote on the issue in the coming months.

Corporate social responsibility has been around for years. According to a recent article by French historian Catherine Kikuchi, published on The Conversation website, the concept emerged in the late 13th century with the growth of powerful city states, merchants and international trade.

But the idea only really gained wider interest in the second half of last century. The creation of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in 1964 played a key role. UNCTAD provided a forum where developing countries could discuss global efforts to reduce disparities with richer countries and put the spotlight on multinationals responsibilities abroad. Despite this, progress was laborious.

We were in the middle of the Cold War. A group was set up at UNCTAD to look at transnational companies but very quickly it became clear that the talks were going nowhere and no progress was made on advancing human rights issues linked to transnational companies, Gilles Carbonnier, a professor of international economics at the Geneva Graduate Institute, explained.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union and growth of multinationals, the question of corporate social responsibility returned to the UN and grew in importance in the 1990s through the creation of the UN Global Compact, a voluntary initiative to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies, and to report on their implementation.

Practical implementation

Responsible business initiative In Switzerland, a coalition of 85 non-governmental organisations and trade unions is backing a responsible business initiative. It aims to make Swiss companies comply with human rights and environmental standards when they operate abroad  or be brought to account before Swiss courts. It has already gathered 120,000 signatures to force a nationwide vote on the issue, which could take place in late 2018. The initiative text is currently being examined in Bern. For the government, the initiative goes too far. It fears that extra regulations could hurt Swiss businesses, which may simply move abroad. It says existing rules suffice.The Federal Council says it does not plan to issue a counter-proposal to the campaigners text. Parliamentary committees remain divided.

Important work was also carried out by a sub-committee of the Geneva-based UN Commission on Human Rights, the predecessor of the Human Rights Council, resulting in the 2001 Draft Universal Human Rights Guidelines for Companies  a code of conduct that governments should apply to multinationals.

To no great surprise, the proposal was strongly rejected by business and Western states. But it was not a total failure.

The representatives of several major multinationals nonetheless declared their willingness to implement the UN sub-committees recommendations to test out the theories, Carbonnier declared.

This led to the Business Leaders Initiative on Human Rights (2003-2009), a group of 14 companies, including ABB, Coca-Cola and Novartis, who came together to find practical ways of implementing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in a business context.

Ruggie principles

The next important milestone was the appointment in 2005 of Harvard professor John Ruggie as UN Secretary-General Kofi Annans Special Representative for Business and Human Rights.

As a political scientist, Ruggie adopted a pragmatic approach based on human rights principles, engaging in dialogue with companies, NGOs and states to reach agreement on the respective responsibilities of firms and states, which are the signatories of human rights treaties, Carbonnier explained. The result was the 2011 UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

As John Ruggie said, its up to each state to integrate these principles into their national legislation. National action plans are then built around the two opposing approaches: one based on incentivising and the other legally binding, Carbonnier said.

Since then, the Human Rights Council has been pursuing several related corporate responsibility initiatives. In 2014, it created a working group on transnational corporations and human rights aimed at drawing up an international legally binding instrument to regulate their activities. In parallel the same year, several states tried to launch a more coercive globally binding framework but this was received negatively by firms and Western governments.

Recent progress



Despite reticence in some circles, the UN Guiding Principles and public opinion are slowly forcing individual Western states to adopt more binding rules.

A number of companies have understood the interest for their image and for a much clearer framework which details their responsibilities, said Carbonnier. Standards and societies expectations are moving rapidly in this area, which is influencing changes to laws.

Last year the French parliament adopted a law that imposes due diligence on multinationals human rights abuses in supply chains. In Britain, the Modern Slavery Act 2015 introduced the requirement for businesses with an annual global turnover of 36 million (CHF47 million) or more which supply goods or services and which carry out part of their business in the UK to publish an annual Transparency in Supply Chain statement.

A key question remains whether a plaintiff from a developing country can file a case against a parent company for rights violations committed by the firms branch in their country, said Carbonnier.

But there are interesting developments in this area. In November 2017, a German court agreed to hear evidence in a closely watched test case involving a Peruvian farmer who is suing German energy utility RWE. The plaintiff argues that greenhouse gas emissions from RWEs plants are partly to blame for melting an Andean glacier which threatens to flood his village.



(Adapted from French by Simon Bradley)




Lack of information and money are keeping qualified refugees in Switzerland from studying at universities and launching careers. So says the Swiss Students Association, which has created a new information portal for refugee students.

The organisation is alsoworking with lawmakers to commit more funds to refugee education access.

Omar Aljundi came to Switzerland from Syria in 2013 as a war refugee. He was halfway through a bachelors degree programme in engineering when he left his home country, so he was keen to continue studying in his new home.

In Switzerland, he was sent to live in the French-speaking canton of Neuchatel, where he quickly began learning the local language. At the same time, he was trying to gather information about all the requirements he needed to meet to apply to university and start his degree again on Swiss soil  a process that ended up taking him two years. He says he often didnt know where to turn and almost gave up.

Understanding how the system works cuts down on the time it takes to get somewhere and helps with motivation, Aljundi says.

Thats what the Swiss Students Association tried to achieve when it created its new website, perspektiven-studium.ch. The association plans to translate the content, currently available in German, into English and French as soon as possible. Potential refugee students can learn about entry requirements, finances, the Swiss education system and languages on the site, which gives specific information on the differing situations in the countrys 26 cantons and its dozens of higher education institutions. Its the first nationwide information portal of its kind.

So far, support for refugees wanting to study at Swiss universities has involved trial semesters where they can temporarily experience what studying in Switzerland is like. A refugee from Zimbabwe taking part in such a trial semester at the University of Zurich explained last year how student life in his country is vastly different from in Switzerland.

Wrong canton makes for a harder path

We found that two-thirds of refugees wanting to find information on studying in Switzerland are only able to do so with help, partially or not at all, said Martina von Arx, project leader for the new website. It can be especially difficult if you happen to be in the wrong canton.

Switzerlands asylum system functions by distributing asylum seekers and funding from the federal level to each of the countrys 26 cantons, all of which have slightly different procedures when it comes to issues like language instruction, social aid and information access. A recent study from the Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich and Stanford University showed that matching refugees to jobs via a data algorithm instead of the current canton-based system could increase their employment rate within three years from the current 15% to 26%.

Having more refugees employed can ease the financial burden on the Swiss government, cantons and municipalities, argued Dominik Hangartner, a co-author of the study from the ETH Zurich.

Evaluating potential, and paying for it

Parliamentarian Rosmarie Quadranti of the centre-right Conservative Democrats also thinks more can be done to ensure access to the education system and labour market for refugees.

Switzerland offers lots of opportunities for people to realise their potential, but we make it harder for [that population], she said.

Quadranti recently introduced a motion calling on the Swiss government to evaluate possible education and career paths for admitted asylum seekers immediately after the asylum decision. She also called on the government to provide adequate funding to the cantons for such an initiative.

The Federal Council said it agreed with Quadrantis ideas but ultimately rejected the motion, saying it wanted to wait for the results of the governments formal integration strategy.

The Swiss Students Association, backed by Quadranti and other lawmakers, plans to push the issue of refugee education in the upcoming spring parliamentary session, when parliament is due to give its own opinion on the motion.

Theres a lot of work left to be done, Quadranti says, arguing that government action to this point has been too slow.




Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has threatened to "shame" Australia and block the release of a joint statement at a regional summit in Sydney next month if he faces pressure over a political crackdown at home.

The strongman has been chastised by Western countries for taking a hammer to Cambodias democracy in recent months by dissolving the main opposition party, shuttering independent news outlets and pursuing critics in the courts.

In a speech on Wednesday the notoriously brash leader said he would not tolerate any pressure on domestic politics when he attends a summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) hosted by Australia in March.

Hun Sen can block the release of any statement between ASEAN and Australia Australia cannot pressure Cambodia. Dont dare, he said of a regional bloc that operates by consensus.

If you treat me inappropriately, I will hit back and leave shame on your face at the scene, Hun Sen added.

The premier also warned would-be protesters in Australia, where there is a sizeable population of Cambodian refugees from the Khmer Rouge years, not to burn his image in any demonstrations.

It would not be the first time Cambodia has used its intransigence to block or dilute an ASEAN statement.

In 2012 ASEAN foreign ministers failed to release a joint communique for the first time at the end of their annual gathering, with the Philippines blaming event host Cambodia for blocking criticism of Beijings actions in the South China Sea.

Cambodia was also accused of forcing the group to water-down criticism of Beijing in a statement issued at the end of a 2016 meeting.

Cambodias crackdown in recent months has pushed it closer to China, which has lavished the country with cash, while rattling relations with the US and EU, who pulled support for July elections after the opposition was disbanded.

An official source at Germanys foreign ministry told AFP on Thursday that the government had suspended preferential visa treatment for private travel by Cambodian government members including Hun Sen and his family and had encouraged EU partners to take similar steps.

The suspension was taken as a measure to react on the intensifying repression against political opposition and the press, the source said.

A spokesman for the Cambodian government could not immediately be reached for comment.
A German man and a British man have been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle drugs into the Indonesian tourist island of Bali, officials said Thursday, with one of them possibly facing the death penalty.

The 56-year-old German, identified by his initials SKAR, was arrested on January 26 when he arrived at Balis Ngurah Rai International Airport on a flight from Doha.

Customs agents found heroin, amphetamine, morphine and diazepam stashed in his luggage, and an additional 1.21 grammes of heroin stuffed down his underwear, a senior official from Bali immigration said.

When we inspected his black suitcase we found that the German national had one plastic bag containing brown powder which we suspect was heroin, Husni Syaiful said.

Authorities also confiscated a small white bottle allegedly containing 2.57 grammes of amphetamine, 23 tablets containing morphine and 30 tablets labelled diazepam in a bag belonging to the man, Husni added.

The German could face the death penalty under Indonesias harsh anti-narcotics laws because he was allegedly caught trafficking more than five grammes of drugs.

Two days earlier, airport immigration officials detained a British man who arrived in the same Bali airport from Bangkok.

The 48-year-old computer analyst, identified by the initials ASH, was found with diazepam which exceeded the amount he was prescribed.

He is suspected to have violated Indonesias customs and psychotropic laws and could face a maximum 10 year prison sentence, authorities said, or a fine of up to 300,000,000 rupiah ($21,000).

Foreigners are regularly caught trying to bring drugs into Bali, a tropical island that attracts millions of visitors each year, and some have been sentenced to death.

In 2017, Bali customs caught 42 cases of violations, while in 2016 there were 20 cases.
Basque militant separatist group ETA has put its proposed dissolution to an internal vote, according to extracts of a letter by its leaders published Thursday in Basque newspaper Gara.

ETA, accused of killing more than 800 people as part of a decades-long campaign of bombings and shootings to establish an independent Basque state in northern Spain and southern France, called a unilateral ceasefire in 2011 but has so far only handed over part of its arsenal.

We must close the time of armed conflict and related situations, to offer all our strength to enhance the political process, the ETA leaders wrote in extracts published in Gara, which has traditionally been the groups mouthpiece.

The most beneficial situation for us, as well as for the popular sectors and the Basque working class, is to leave the previous phase definitively behind us and open the new one completely.

The proposal to disband has been submitted to a debate and vote by ETAs remaining members and the outcome is expected before summer, the newspaper said.

ETA, which formed in the late 1950s during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, has been severely weakened in recent years after police arrested hundreds of its members, including its leaders, and seized several of its weapons stashes.

In April 2017, it announced an internal debate about its future after saying it had completed its disarmament. And in a text also published in Gara, it said it would take decisions among all its members in order to move forward.

The organisation, which is thought to have 20-30 members in hiding as well as just over 300 behind bars, has traditionally made key decisions following internal debates.

The Basque Country is due to hold local elections in May 2019.

Until now, ETA has resisted pressure from Madrid and Paris for an unconditional dissolution, demanding first a negotiation over the fate of its members and its prisoners.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoys conservative government had demanded ETA ask for forgiveness and disband. He has also said there will be no impunity for ETA crimes or favoured treatment for its disarmament.
President Emmanuel Macron promised measures Thursday to help prevent foreign investors buying French farms amid concern that Chinese businesses are taking advantage of low land prices and distressed rural communities.

For me, French agricultural lands are strategic investments on which our sovereignty depends, so we cant allow hundreds of hectares of land to be bought by foreign powers without us knowing the aims of these purchases, Macron told a crowd of young farmers at the presidential palace.

He was referring to news last year that a Chinese fund had bought 900 hectares of land in the cereal-growing Allier region in central France, following an acquisition of 1,700 hectares in the Indre area in 2016.

We will very obviously put in place regulatory safeguards and will work with you to put an end to what happened, he told the farmers, referring to the acquisitions.

Australia announced new restrictions on foreign buyers of agricultural land at the beginning of the month, while concerns about Chinese expansion abroad have been voiced from Africa to Canada in the past.

At the end of last year, French rural association Safar urged the government to act against a huge increase in financial investors buying land which it said imperilled Frances traditional family ownership model.

Most of the new financial investors were French, it said, but after the Chinese acquisition last year, farmers union FDSEA accused the fund of preying on farmers on the verge of bankruptcy.

 French protections 

Macron was elected last May as a pro-business and pro-trade centrist, but he has also made shielding what he considers Frances strategic economic interests a priority.

At the European level, he has argued for new measures to prevent the dumping of cheap job-killing Chinese imports on the EU as well as closer scrutiny of foreign investments in strategic sectors.

In January, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said France would broaden a domestic law that already subjects foreign investments in the energy and transport sectors to scrutiny to include purchases in the technology industry.

Helping Frances farmers was another campaign pledge from Macron who wants to force supermarkets to pay them higher prices to raise incomes and help slow a population exodus from rural areas.

The 40-year-old leader, a former investment banker painted by critics as a president for the rich, is keen to bolster his credentials among voters outside of urban areas where support for him is strongest.

He has proposed an investment plan worth five billion euros ($6.2 billion) over his term which he said Thursday would include a new fund worth one billion intended to provide loans to young farmers.

We are going to widen the sources of finance to take into account the changes underway and allow young farmers to start in their profession in the best possible way, he said.

The farming community remains sceptical, however, and a series of protests have been held nationwide recently over changes to farm subsidy rules and a possible trade deal with South American countries.

Macron is likely to face their wrath at the annual Paris farm show on Saturday which is an obligatory stop for French leaders. Last year, he was hit on the head by an egg launched by a protester.

French farmers are worried that a deal with the Mercosur bloc of Latin American countries could see up to 70,000 tonnes of tariff-free beef from countries such as Argentina or Brazil flooding Europe.

Some campaigners have raised concerns about the use of hormones in these countries which lead to artificially high growth rates in cattle  a practice that is widespread in the United States.

There will never be beef with hormones in it in France. We shouldnt play with fear, Macron said. There will be no reduction in our social, environmental or health standards.
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Russia on Thursday announced a temporary ban on imports of some Belarusian dairy products including milk, citing "repeated violations of veterinary and sanitary norms".

The neighbouring countries have been wrangling over the key dairy sector for months.

Russias agricultural industry regulator Rosselkhoznadzor announced on its website that from February 26 we are forced to introduce temporary restrictions on imports to Russia of goods that have seen the largest number of violations.

The stakes in the standoff are high for ex-Soviet Belarius, whose economy is extremely closed and highly dependent on Russia, the destination for almost all its food exports.

The measures affect milk and cream as well as condensed and powdered dairy products and dairy products used in industrialised food production.

Russia said they will remain in force until negotiations with Belarusian food hygiene regulatory bodies resolve the situation.

Around 25 percent of dairy products in Russia are imported, many of these from Belarus.

According to Russias national union of milk producers, Soyuzmoloko, between 78 and 92 percent of dairy products imported to Russia from January to November last year came from Belarus.

Russia has introduced restrictions on Belarusian exports and businesses in recent months, softening or intensifying them in turn. In recent years, Moscow has frequently imposed such trade restrictions on countries when diplomatic and political relations deteriorate.

Since 2014 Russia has banned the import of large numbers of foods from Western countries in response to US and EU sanctions over its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and the backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Russias veterinary services have accused Minsk of taking advantage of this to import produce of inferior quality, while Belarusian producers accuse the Russian authorities of deliberately placing obstacles in their path.

The dairy sector is key to Belarus, which has large numbers of dairy farms, and also for Russia, which is unable to produce enough dairy products for its consumers. Russians are loyal to what they see as high-quality Belarusian products.
A Russian court on Thursday slapped a $1,700 fine on a Moscow cinema which screened British comedy "The Death of Stalin" in defiance of an official ban, prompting a police raid.

The film, which depicts the power struggle in the politburo following the death of the Soviet dictator, was to have been released last month but was banned at the last minute following an outcry by conservative figures.

The judge fined the arthouse Pioneer Cinema 100,000 rubles (1,450 euros) for the administrative violation of screening the film last month without a distribution certificate, Russian agencies reported.

The Russian culture ministry had withdrawn a certificate to distribute the film just days before its planned premiere on January 25, saying officials found it contained information whose distribution is legally banned in Russia.

Pioneer, which showed The Death of Stalin four times, told AFP in a statement that it would appeal the fine.

The Anglo-French film was set for a limited release in cinemas after local distributors gained an 18+ certificate, but controversy following a private screening for officials and directors caused the ministry to backtrack.

The film was accused of lampooning the history of our country and blackening the memory of our citizens who conquered fascism, according to a letter published on the culture ministrys website.

But Pioneer Cinema went ahead and showed Armando Iannuccis dark comedy despite the ban, with police officers later raiding the venue.

The cinema pulled the rest of the planned screenings, citing reasons beyond our control and promised to refund all tickets.
Over 200 people on Thursday protested outside the Russian consulate in Istanbul against the deadly assault on Syria's rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta.

More than 350 civilians have been killed in the five-day-old blitz by the Syrian regime led by President Bashar al-Assad in the rebel-held enclave near Damascus.

Regime supporter Russia has been accused of taking part in air strikes but the Kremlin denied involvement, on Wednesday calling the accusations groundless.

The demonstrators, most of them Syrians, chanted slogans against Damascus as well as Moscow and another regime supporter, Iran, an AFP correspondent said.

Others held placards saying Russians, you are killing Ghoutas children, but history records and Children are dying of hunger in under-siege Eastern Ghouta.

Protesters called on the major powers to bring pressure to bear to end the bloodbath.

Over three million Syrian refugees live in Turkey including nearly 540,000 in Istanbul after fleeing the conflict which began with anti-government protests in 2011.

Now a multi-front war, Russia entered in September 2015, sending planes to back the Assad regime and turning the military situation around in Damascuss favour.

Turkey, which has supported Syrian rebels in the conflict, has been working closely with Moscow and Tehran on a process to bring peace to Syria, despite occasional tensions.

Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin on Wednesday said Turkey condemned the attacks and urged the Syrian regime to immediately put an end to them.

It is a crime against humanity. That is to say, killing innocent people in East Ghouta is unacceptable whatever the reason is, Kalin said.
The chief executive of scandal-hit British charity Oxfam announced his resignation Wednesday, saying that someone else should help "rebuild" the group following a prostitution scandal in Haiti.

Mark Goldring had resisted calls to resign when the crisis hit in February, following revelations that Oxfam aid workers used prostitutes while working in Haiti following a devastating 2010 earthquake.

But he announced that he would now be leaving at the end of the year, after five years in the job, saying in a statement: I think the time is coming for a new leader.

He added: Following the very public exposure of Oxfams past failings, we have redoubled our efforts to ensure that Oxfam is a safe and respectful place for all who have contact with us.

We are now laying strong foundations for recovery. I am personally totally committed to seeing this phase through.

However, what is important in 2019 and beyond is that Oxfam rebuilds and renews in a way that is most relevant for the future and so continues to help as many people as possible around the world build better lives.

I think that this journey will best be led by someone bringing fresh vision and energy and making a long-term commitment to see it through.

The reputation of Oxfam Great Britain, part of Oxfam International, was shattered and its funding hit by the scandal, with three of its global ambassadors, including South Africas Archbishop Desmond Tutu, pulling out.

The claims were not confined to Haiti  subsequent claims were made about aid workers in Chad, Bangladesh, Nepal and the Philippines  prompting the charity to launch an action plan against sexual harassment and abuse.

Deputy chief executive Penny Lawrence resigned but Goldring refused repeated demands to follow her  even after he said in one newspaper interview that the outrage was out of proportion to what happened.

Mark faced the test of a lifetime managing the crisis which hit us in February and related to events before he joined, said Oxfam chairwoman Caroline Thomson.

He rose to the immense challenge and his leadership has been invaluable through it. It is testament to his integrity and humility that Mark will see through the next few difficult months.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald on Thursday warned Britain's departure from the EU was "a clear and imminent threat" to Ireland, and said Northern Ireland staying in the European single market post-Brexit was "the only way" to secure its two decades-old peace accord.

McDonald said Brexit was not compatible with the 1998 agreement that ended deadly violence and gave devolved government to Northern Ireland.

She said the British province must remain in the EUs single market and customs union when the UK leaves the bloc as planned next March.

We very much believe that is the only way to do it, she told reporters during her first visit to mainland Britain since taking over from veteran Republican leader Gerry Adams this month.

The reality is that Brexit, whether it is hard or soft, represents a clear and imminent threat to the economic, social and the political functioning of Ireland in its totality.

British Prime Minister Theresa May, and the pro-Brexit Democratic Union Party (DUP) which props up her minority government in Westminster, have steadfastly ruled out treating Northern Ireland differently from the rest of Britain.

But McDonald said Thursday thats a matter for them.

She added: We have red lines too, and my red line is peace, stability and prosperity in Ireland.

The Sinn Fein leader warned the re-introduction of any kind of border on the island after Brexit must be avoided.

To impose such a measure would be catastrophic in terms of our commerce, in terms of our access to services in terms of how people live their day to day lives.

McDonald criticised recent comments by several British lawmakers suggesting the 1998 peace accord  known as the Good Friday Agreement  should be revisited.

Thats a deeply shocking and, in our view, deeply deeply irresponsible position for anybody to take, she said.

Northern Ireland has been without a devolved government for more than a year after Sinn Fein and the DUP pulled out of a joint executive amid political disagreements.

Months of talks, including with British Prime Minister Theresa May this week, have so far failed to bridge their differences.

The Sinn Fein leader said a Northern Irish referendum on reunification of the island  called for under the peace accord only once there are signs of majority support  had been put up in lights by Brexit.

She called it an obvious option to be on the table, and that it would happen within 10 years.
A Pablo Picasso painting depicting his muse Marie-Therese Walter with future lover Dora Maar emerging from the shadows behind is expected to fetch an eye-watering sum at a London sale next week.

The 1937 Femme au Beret et a la Robe Quadrillee (Marie-Therese Walter) is expected to reach $50 million (40 million euros) at a sale of Impressionist, Surrealist and Modern Art at prestigious London auction house Sothebys on Wednesday.

The identity of its current owner remains a mystery.

Its an incredibly important museum quality picture, James Mackie, director of the Impressionist and Modern Art department at Sothebys, told AFP on Thursday.

It comes from a key era in Picassos career, 1937, when he makes the great painting Guernica, he added, referring to the masterpiece which portrayed the horrors of the Nazi bombardment of a Basque city during the Spanish civil war.

The painting also has a strong autobiographical appeal, said Mackie.

The main subject of the piece, Marie-Therese Walter, was the Spanish painters long time lover and muse.

But the looming figure of Dora Maar, whom he met in 1936, emerges in the shadows behind Marie-Therese, explained Mackie.

Several masterpieces have reached astronomical prices at recent auctions, fuelled by the opening of major museums in the Gulf and the purchasing power of collectors from emerging countries.

Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman, acquired Leonardo da Vinci work Salvator Mundi for $450 million in November 2017.

The market for masterpieces is at an unprecedented levels, and this picture certainly sits very much in that masterpiece category, said Mackie.

Three other Picasso works will be auctioned, including El Matador, valued at between 14 and 18 million ($20-$25 million, 16-20 million euros).

Two Salvador Dali paintings are also up for sale.

The two small oil works, Gradiva (1931) and Maison pour Erotomane (circa 1932), have been in a private collection in Argentina, having been bought directly from the artist by an Argentinean countess.

They are a rediscovery, which is incredibly exciting, Mackie said of the two works.

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An elderly British couple have been kidnapped in South Africa, police said Thursday, amid reports they were abducted by extremists suspected to have links to the Islamic State group.

The British foreign office confirmed that a pair of Britons had been kidnapped and warned of a heightened risk of attacks by terrorists in South Africa.

The couple were abducted in KwaZulu-Natal province last week and have not yet been found, South African police told AFP, adding that two arrests had been made.

Local media said the couple, who live in Cape Town, were kidnapped while holidaying near the town of Vryheid.

Their disappearance was linked to the so-called Islamic State (IS) group, reports said. Police declined to comment on any such link.

But they said the two suspects, Sayfydeen Aslam Del Vecchio, 38, and Fatima Patel, 27, faced a charge of kidnapping as well as offences that fall under an anti-terrorism act.

Patel was previously arrested in 2016 during raid that led to the arrests of twin brothers accused of plotting attacks on the US embassy in Pretoria and Jewish institutions.

In London, the British Foreign Office updated a travel advisory, saying terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in South Africa.

The main threat is from extremists linked to Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL). In February 2018, two South African-British nationals were kidnapped, it said.

Daesh, ISIL and ISIS are alternative names for the IS group.

The advisory said that some South Africans who had visited Syria, Iraq and Libya were likely to pose a security threat on their return.

Theres also a threat from individuals who may have been inspired by terrorist groups, including Daesh, it added.

The US and Britain warned in 2016 of the possibility of attacks by jihadist extremists in South Africas major cities.

The country has so far been spared the jihadist attacks that have struck several other countries on the continent. Muslims account for just 1.5 percent of South Africas 54 million people.
Russia rejected a draft resolution Friday that would condemn Iran for failing to block supplies of missiles to Yemen's Huthi rebels and call for measures against Tehran, diplomats said.

The Security Council is expected to vote on Monday on the British-drafted measure that would renew sanctions on Yemen for a year and address the findings of a UN report that pointed a finger at Iran.

The report by a UN panel of experts found that Iran had violated the 2015 arms embargo on Yemen after determining that missiles fired by the Huthis at Saudi Arabia last year were made in Iran.

Britain circulated the draft resolution last week and submitted an amended text following negotiations, but Russia on Friday rejected the latest version, diplomats said.

Russia said the reports findings were too weak to justify a condemnation of Iran, diplomats said.

Negotiations were set to continue over the weekend, diplomats said.

The draft resolution condemns Iran for being in non-compliance with the arms embargo on Yemen by failing to take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of short-range ballistic missiles, drones and other military equipment to the Huthis.

Backed by the United States and France, the text specifies that the council will take additional measures to address these violations and that any activity related to the use of ballistic missiles in Yemen is a criteria for sanctions.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia on Wednesday said the draft resolution should focus on renewing the mandate of sanctions monitors for Yemen instead of taking aim at Iran.

We dont like condemnations at all, no, in general, Nebenzia said.

Its a resolution about the extension of the working group, not about Iran. So we should concentrate on extending the working group first, he said.

The report by the UN experts bolstered US and Saudi claims that Iran was arming the Huthis, despite Tehrans strong denials.

While the report found that Tehran had violated the embargo by failing to block the shipments, the experts said they were unable to identify the supplier.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018

The New York Times and the Huffington Post in Canada just ran separate articles on pre-need funeral planning. I hope this prompts more people to take action and actually plan ahead for this inevitable life cycle event.

Smarter Living (and Dying!)

The New York Times Smarter Living section ran Want to Plan for Your Death and Funeral? Heres How on February 20, 2018. The story by Christine Colby covers:

What constitutes pre-need funeral arrangements;

Whether its a good idea to pre-pay for those arrangements or not;

What if the funeral home goes out of business;

What if you move to another market before you die;

Can you pre-pay without working with a funeral home?

The story includes quotes by some of my friends in the industry: Amy Cunningham, funeral director at Fitting Tribute Funeral Services in New York; Joshua Slocum, executive director of the Funeral Consumers Alliance; and Caitlin Doughty, who runs the nonprofit funeral home Undertaking LA with business partner Amber Carvaly.

One important piece of advice:

Perhaps the most important thing to do if you decide to pre-pay is to tell someone about it, including multiple family members and friends. Its an unfortunate and common occurrence for a family to pay for an expensive service for their loved one and discover only later that prepaid arrangements had been made.

This is a great story with spot-on advice. Read the full story here.

Why, and How, to Plan Your Own Funeral

The same day, the Canadian version of the Huffington Post ran Heres Why, and How, to Plan Your Own Funeral by Shannon Burberry, a funeral home manager. She introduces the topic saying:

Life is full of experiences, both happy and sad, expected and unexpected. From birthdays and weekly social gatherings, to weddings and funerals, we are always planning. For some milestones, like a wedding, we take extensive time to plan; according to The Knots 2015 Real Wedding Study, the average length of a Canadian engagement is 14.5 months. But when we are faced with a sudden loss, we are constrained to less than a week.

Taking the time to plan your funeral can save time and stress for your grieving family members, and give you the opportunity to personalize your celebration of life. If many of us put in months of planning to ensure the big wedding day goes as planned, why wouldnt we plan our funerals with the same attention to detail?

Pre-planning allows yourself the time you need to gather your thoughts about how your funeral should be. Often in life, we wait until we are required to do something, rather than being proactive. Taking the time when you are healthy or faced with a difficult medical diagnosis provides you with the opportunity to think about your final wishes.

Her pointers include:

Design the service you want, one that reflects your personality and passions;

Personalize your eulogy with stories that will help people smile or laugh;

Your service doesnt need to take place at a funeral home;

Plan for a take-home memento that will help attendees remember you;

Reflect your own tastes  after all, its your party and youll die if you want to (my own commentary!).

Read the full story here.

You can also get great pre-need funeral planning information in my award-winning books, A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Dont Plan to Die and KICKING THE BUCKET LIST: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die.

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Jurors failed to reach a verdict Wednesday in their first full day of deliberations in the criminal fraud trial of state Sen. Carlos Uresti and Gary Cain.

The jury of eight women and four men is slated to resume deliberations Thursday. The case was sent to jurors just before 3 p.m. Tuesday on the 18th day of the the trial.
A Virginia jury handed a San Antonio-based door maker a $58.5 million victory in its civil case against a manufacturer.

The verdict was handed down last week by a jury in Richmond, Va., which found that Jeld-Wen, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based door and window manufacturer with international operations, had violated antitrust rules and breached its supply agreement with San Antonio-based Steves & Sons.

This has been a long, hard-fought battle for our client, Hunton & Williams partner Lewis Powell III, who was the lead trial counsel for Steves, said in a news release. With the survival of their 152-year-old family business at stake, Edward and Sam Steves never wavered in their commitment to protecting what they have spent their lives building, so we are very pleased with the decision.

Jeld-Wen said in a Feb. 15 news release that the company continues to believe that the facts underlying this dispute do not establish either a violation of the antitrust laws or a breach of contract.

Jeld-Wen believes that multiple pretrial and trial rulings were erroneous and improperly limited the Companys defenses, and that judgment in accordance with the verdict would be improper for several reasons under applicable law, the company said. Jeld-Wen intends to vigorously oppose entry of an adverse judgment, and to appeal any adverse judgment that may be entered.

In June 2016, Steves & Sons filed suit against Jeld-Wen, with which it signed a supply agreement for door skins in 2012. The door skins make up the front and back of interior doors.

Steves & Sons claimed Jeld-Wens merger with door skin manufacturer and competitor Craftmaster manufacturing Inc. in 2012 had reduced competition. Separately, the legal filings made by Steves & Sons claim that the other major door skin supplier, Masonite, had announced in June 2014 that it would use its door skins for internal use only.

Powell says he is confident that the jurys decision will be upheld on appeal.

We think that they got it right, he said, and we think the appellate court will agree that they got it right.
State Sen. Carlos Uresti and co-defendant Gary Cain were found guilty Thursday on 20 combined felony charges in a criminal fraud trial over the past month that has stunned San Antonio and the state Capitol.

Hours later, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick took steps to remove Uresti from his committee assignments in the Senate, effective immediately, and there were calls for his resignation.

Uresti and Cain were convicted in federal court of defrauding investors in the now-defunct company FourWinds Logistics, which bought and sold sand used in fracking for oil production before it collapsed in 2015. Uresti, 54, was convicted on 11 criminal charges while Cain, 61, was convicted on nine charges.

Today, justice was done, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas John Bash said in a statement. Its a somber day for the state, for the city, because whenever someone whos in a position of public trust defrauds other people and causes harm to other people, thats very sad.

He said he hoped the verdict sends a message to others: It doesnt matter your status in government or in the community. If you commit fraud, youre going to be held accountable.

Uresti and Cain face the possibility of years in federal prison and up to millions in fines when theyre sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra on June 25.

Now Playing: The Carlos Uresti Trial reached a verdict Thursday morning. Video: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

Amid a throng of media outside the courthouse, Uresti said he was disappointed with the verdict, apologized to his wife and resolved to keep his Senate seat  despite a call from state Democrats to reconsider his role in politics.

This is a shock to all of us, Uresti said when asked about how this would affect him politically. This is not the verdict we were expecting; so Im going to meet with my family and my wife and my attorneys and well make those decisions down the road.

Uresti said he has no plans to step down from office and will appeal the ruling.

Cain hasnt decided whether hell appeal yet, according to his lead lawyer, Charles Chad Muller.

Well review the verdict and well review the case, the transcripts, and decide what further action well take, Muller said.

Uresti already is facing pressure to step down in the Senate.

Though I recognize that Sen. Uresti is entitled to exercise his right to appeal, my first priority is to the people of Texas, Patrick said in a statement, adding that he doesnt have the authority to remove him from office.

Uresti is vice chairman of the Health & Human Services Committee and has posts on the Education, Finance and Veterans Affairs, and Border Security panels.

Texas Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman Jose Rodriguez called for Urestis resignation while the Texas Democratic Party issued a statement pressuring the lawmaker to reconsider his position in the Senate, saying that no one is ever above the law.

After being found guilty of such serious crimes, Sen. Uresti must seriously consider whether he can serve his constituents, Democratic Party spokesman Tariq Thowfeek said.

Calls for Urestis resignation also came from across the political aisle. Republican Party of Texas Chairman James Dickey said in a statement: Uresti must resign from the Texas Senate. Texas needs people of integrity in every elected position.

The verdict came after 11 hours of jury deliberations over three days following a month of sometimes salacious testimony involving prostitutes, sex, drugs and deceit at FourWinds.

Former CEO Stan Bates pleaded guilty to criminal fraud charges last month, admitting that he misused investor money for his own pleasure.

The ex-Marine fostered a bacchanalian atmosphere at the company, former employees testified. Some employees said Bates appeared to have a cocaine habit and used company cash on hookers, expensive cars and to pay for his sons fraternity dues. Prosecutors called FourWinds a Ponzi scheme.

Bash said FourWinds lured investors with false pretenses, false promises, misrepresentations, including altered bank statements.  A lot of that money went to pay prior investors, a lot of that money went to personal expenses by the co-conspirators  everything from gifts and travel and luxury vehicles to controlled substances, even prostitutes.

Although the defense team acknowledged that FourWinds was a scam, they tried to convince the jury that Uresti didnt know until it was too late and shouldnt be convicted as a result.

Carelessness, negligence, foolishness, Uresti lawyer Tab Turner told jurors in closing arguments Tuesday. The law says you have to have criminal intent.

The courtroom was opened shortly after 10 a.m. as defense lawyers and prosecutors were informed by court staff to return for the verdict.

Uresti stared emotionless at the courtroom deputy as she read the verdict to the packed room  turning to face the jury for the last two charges. Cain also showed no reaction in the courtroom, but he was wiping away tears as he left.

Urestis wife Lleanna, who missed the verdict, held her husband in a long embrace outside the courtroom.

Bash changed his travel plans to witness the verdict. The FBIs special agent in charge for San Antonio, Christopher Combs, and other federal agents were also in the courtroom. None of the eight men and four women on the jury would comment to reporters as they left the courthouse.

The San Antonio Democrat, who didnt testify in his own defense during the monthlong trial, isnt required to give up his seat even though hes now a convicted felon.

Texas ethics rules allow him to remain in office until he exhausts the appeals process. However, there could be renewed calls for him to end his nearly 21-year political career now that hes been found guilty and facing jail time.

The State Bar of Texas likely soon will seek compulsory discipline against Uresti, who has been a licensed attorney for more than 25 years.

Urestis license would be suspended during any appeal; otherwise he faces disbarment and the loss of his livelihood as a convicted criminal.

It was Urestis legal dealings that landed him in federal prosecutors cross hairs in the first place.

The lawmaker was part of the team of attorneys that secured a $2.5 million out-of-court settlement for Denise Cantu of Harlingen in 2012 following the deaths of two of her children in a vehicle rollover two years earlier.

Uresti recommended Cantu, 38, invest some of her settlement in FourWinds, which prosecutors say squandered investors money. Cantu invested $900,000 and lost $800,000. She has sued him for fraud and the case is pending.

Uresti told Cantu the FourWinds investment was guaranteed, good as gold and she could get her money back if she wasnt satisfied, she testified during the trial.

Besides recruiting investors, Uresti also was FourWinds outside legal counsel and a 1 percent owner of the company.

Prosecutors said Uresti had financial difficulties that led him to groom Cantu, becoming her friend, confidant and financial adviser before drawing her into a sexual relationship.

Cantu, the governments star witness, revealed details of their relationship  testifying how Uresti first told her she looked sexy while they were attending a deposition in her wrongful-death case and how they exchanged sexually explicit texts. She also testified they had sex in the bathroom shower at his law office.

He has denied being sexually involved with her.

During the trial, an Internal Revenue Service investigator told jurors how none of Cantus money ever went to buy sand. Instead, the money was used to pay an earlier FourWinds investor.

Cantu wired $800,000 to a FourWinds entity to buy sand in June 2014.

A week later, $700,000 of that money went to FourWinds operating account at Chase. The company then cut a $40,000 check to the Uresti Law Firm that was deposited in its trust account.

Uresti told the San Antonio Express-News in a 2016 recorded interview that was played for the jury by prosecutors that the loan was kind of like an advance on future commissions (and) future legal work.

Trust accounts generally are set up for holding client funds that are meant to be kept separate from a lawyers own money.

Cantu and a group of Mexican nationals that invested in the company testified they were not aware Uresti stood to get a cut of their profits.

The Mexicans, in particular, said they never would have agreed to that since Uresti was holding their money as an escrow agent and that would have been a conflict of interest.

Outside of the jurys presence last week, Ezra said FourWinds was a scam from the get-go because Bates misrepresented the company to investors.

Investors money was used to fund FourWinds launch, according to evidence presented during the trial.

None of FourWinds principals put in any of their own money to start the company, though Bates told investors he put in $2 million of his own money and passed around a fraudulent bank statement claiming it had almost $19 million in the bank.

Friends warned Uresti about Bates, calling him a complete con man and a shady individual, testimony during the trial revealed. Yet the lawmaker seemed to have blinders on in his dealings with Bates.

The men are ex-Marines, and government witnesses said Uresti told potential investors that a Marine is an honorable person you can trust.

A FourWinds office manager testified the company had a reputation as a brothel that employed surgically enhanced women and let workers booze it up.

Bates pleaded guilty to eight felony charges last month rather than stand trial. He was the fourth company official to plead guilty in the case.

Bates brought on Uresti co-defendant Cain as a company consultant to find financing for the business on the recommendation of Uresti and Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood.

Cain and LaHood were business partners in Trinity Global Funding & Consulting for a time when Cain became involved with FourWinds.

Prosecutors say Cain knew about the fraud at FourWinds a month after joining the company in September 2014.

Two months earlier, a Bexar County jury acquitted Cain of swindling Rackspace Hosting Inc. in a 2007 land deal. LaHood was part of Cains defense team.

Cain, who took the stand in his own defense, said it wasnt until early 2016  several months after he parted ways with FourWinds  that he learned the full scope of how officials there mishandled investor money.

In a November 2015 sworn statement made in Bates personal bankruptcy case, however, Cain said he noticed irregularities with FourWinds financial records in late 2014 or early 2015.

I  saw evidence of misuse of investor funds including commingling (and) failure to return funds to investor accounts, Cain said in the affidavit.

Despite this knowledge, Cain continued to be paid a $15,000 consulting fee every two weeks until he parted ways with FourWinds in May 2015.

Uresti has other legal matters hanging over his head.

The legislator is accused in another criminal case of using his consulting business  Turning Point Solutions  to split $850,000 in bribes with Jimmy Galindo, a former county court judge in Reeves County in West Texas.

Galindo has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and failure to file a 2013 tax return. The case against Uresti is scheduled for trial in May in the same San Antonio courthouse that he has spent almost the past five weeks in.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has an ongoing civil investigation into the FourWinds case. An SEC official from Fort Worth was present for Cantus testimony.
A seemingly random encounter at a party in Brooklyn connects an intern and the main character, Ana Ivan, in this curious novel about generational curses.

From the beginning, Ana intrigues the unnamed young man  an intern at an art festival but also an aspiring writer who supports himself through odd jobs  when she introduces herself as cursed and a time traveler. The intern, the narrator of this tale, takes her up on her suggestion that he write a short story about the time during her childhood when, due to a medical error, she was dead for two minutes. The intern then becomes obsessed with Anas story, neglecting his own life and loved ones as she draws him into her family saga.

Whether readers become similarly obsessed depends on their patience level.

Those who enjoy the Forrest Gump style of story-telling may well relish the backdrop of this novel  the history of Romania under the government of Nicolae Ceausescu. We meet the Ivan family in the late 1960s, as Ceausescu becomes the head of state. Through the Ivan familys lives, we see how his presidency transformed and impacted the dreams, livelihoods and upward mobility of an entire generation.

With Ceausescu in power, Anas mother and father start college, meet, marry, begin their careers and become parents. This is where Anas story begins. Through a series of conversations with Ana, the intern begins to write about how her parents navigated their lives under Ceausescus disruptive reign.

As he learns more about her life, the intern attempts to understand how the secrets she uncovers about her past are connected to her obsession with time travel, the focus of her art. What follows is a gripping and surprising mystery about the philosophies and intricacies of memory and time and what happens to a person when, upon investigation, everything that they believe about their identity unravels.

Mikkel Rosengaards debut novel captured my attention, yet its drawn-out pace tested my patience. At times I wondered what the point was and if the punch line, when it finally arrived, would be worth it. Trolling alongside Anas memories felt tedious, which made me empathize with the intern, who also struggled to understand his gravitation to Ana and her life, and if it was worth all that he was losing in the process.

All the intricate details of this family drama did matter at the end and in retrospect I can appreciate the restraint Rosengaard shows as he weaves his tale. The result is a thoughtful story with fully developed characters and a delightful, unanticipated history lesson on Romania.
Broadway SA Investors GP, a company associated with Silver Ventures, which developed the Pearl complex, will buy 4.74 acres south of downtown from the San Antonio Independent School District in a $14.5 million deal approved by the school board late Tuesday.

Silver Ventures plans to build small-scale residential properties on the parcel at the corner of Lavaca and Matagorda streets and a multi-use development at the eastern corner of East Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard and South Alamo Street, said Bill Shown, its managing director of real estate.

We see the opportunity there to do something beautiful in the gateway to Southtown and King William, Shown told trustees. Dont really know what it is, today. We will dream until it feels right, and then when it feels right, we will have something to talk about.

The firm plans to preserve and restore the historic buildings on the site, Shown said. One is an Italianate-style building at 141 Lavaca St., which was a fire house and stable before being converted in 1878 into a school, SAISD spokeswoman Leslie Price said. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Fourth Ward School and also known as the Lamar School, it serves as office space for Superintendent Pedro Martinez and the districts finance department.

The SAISD communications offices are in a house built around 1890, which once had its own Matagorda Street address. The prominent Muench family lived there, along with a married daughter, Anna Pollok, and her family, SAISD records show.

The contract with Broadway SA allows SAISD to lease the land for $100 per year for up to 28 months while it relocates to a consolidated central office. SAISDs revenue from the land sale will go toward building the consolidated facility, according to district records. Academic, human resources, special education, innovation and government relations teams have been working in separate former schools scattered throughout the district, SAISD trustee Steve Lecholop said.

After exhausting our options and deliberating and analyzing, weve decided that it is not financially feasible to build a new headquarters on that site, Lecholop said. Here we have a really great bid with a really great purchaser.

Broadway SA submitted the highest of five bids for the land, said Willie Burroughs, SAISDs chief operations officer. Greystar Acquisitions submitted the next-highest bid, at $14.1 million. The lowest bid was $6.2 million.
A day before Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas coast last August, an internal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers forecast predicted that the storm would fill Houston's Barker Reservoir to record levels, flooding neighborhoods on the reservoir's western border, government records show.

That projection was made Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, as Harvey barreled toward Houston. The next day's Army Corps forecast was even more worrisome: Both Barker and Addicks reservoirs would spill beyond government-owned land, engulfing nearby homes and businesses.

The Corps did not share these predictions with the public.

It wasn't until Saturday, Aug. 26, that authorities in Fort Bend County - after being briefed on the latest Army Corps forecast - issued the first flooding advisory for neighborhoods adjacent to Barker.

It took Harris County officials until late Sunday, Aug. 27, to begin issuing similar warnings for communities upstream of both Barker and Addicks. By then, some neighborhoods were already inundated. Many residents ended up fleeing on foot or being rescued in boats or military vehicles.

The forecasts, closely held internal records, have emerged six months after Harvey through discovery in a lawsuit in which thousands of homeowners are seeking compensation from the Army Corps, which operates Barker and Addicks dams and their reservoirs. The Houston Chronicle obtained copies of the documents.

THE LAWSUIT: Residents argue the Army Corps knew for decades about Katy flooding risks

They are sure to revive debate about whether the Corps and local officials acted quickly enough to alert homeowners to the danger of reservoir flooding and to urge evacuations.

Ultimately, the forecasts proved largely accurate. More than 9,000 homes and businesses were flooded by the reservoirs - at least 4,000 upstream of Barker and 5,000 to 6,000 upstream of Addicks, according to a Chronicle analysis of damage reports.

DEVELOPING STORM: For buyers within 'flood pools,' no warnings from developers, public officials

County made advisory

Fort Bend and Harris County officials said they were not informed of the Corps' initial Aug. 24 forecast.

"If they were predicting that on Thursday, they were not advising us of that fact," Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert said in an interview.

Hebert said the county received the next day's forecast, but he said the Corps characterized it as internal and preliminary. County officials say the forecast issued Saturday, Aug. 26, was so alarming that they decided to issue an advisory the same day, citing the Corps' projections.

Hebert said the county did so despite objections from Corps officials, who wanted the forecast kept confidential. Fort Bend County also activated its reverse 911 system to reach out to thousands of property owners near Barker Reservoir.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett declined to comment. People familiar with his role in the emergency response say Emmett was not briefed on the Corps' forecasts.

Homes damaged by the Addicks, Barker flood pool Thousands of homes behind the Addicks and Barker reservoirs sit in what engineers call the flood pool  a muddy lake that would form behind the dam if the floodgates were closed long enough and it rained hard enough. During Hurricane Harvey, huge pools formed that forced the evacuation of 30,000 properties with 150,000 people in neighborhoods upstream of Houstons two dams. The map shows the subdivisions that were threatened by the storm. Not all neighborhoods shown were impacted, but those closest to the dams suffered the most damage. An estimated 9,000 homes were damaged.



Efforts to obtain comment from the Corps were unsuccessful. The Chronicle emailed questions to a Corps spokesman on Tuesday. He had not provided responses as of Wednesday night.

One of the reservoir-adjacent homes that was flooded during Harvey belongs to Harry Ershad, a computer programmer and musician. He said it was frustrating to learn that as early as Aug. 24, the Corps had developed a detailed picture of how Barker Reservoir would fill his Canyon Gate neighborhood.

Ershad said that with just a few hours' notice, he, his wife and their two sons could have saved their four cars, most of their musical instruments and their home recording studio. Instead, he said, nearly everything was ruined.

By the time Fort Bend County issued its Aug. 26 advisory, the streets in Ershad's neighborhood already had been swamped. He and his family later waded out through neck-high water, he said.

"We got out with our laptops and our passports, and that's it," he said.

HARVEY SURPRISE: Many homeowners unaware they lived in reservoir 'flood pools':

The flooding forecasts were generated by the Corps Water Management System, which crunches information about rainfall, weather forecasts, river conditions and other data to guide the Army Corps in managing its dams and reservoirs.

The Aug. 24 forecast showed that Harvey would cause the volume of water in Barker Reservoir to exceed what could be stored on government-owned land beginning Tuesday, Aug. 29, and lasting for more than two weeks.

When that forecast was issued, Fort Bend and Harris counties were preparing to open emergency operations centers and Harvey's rains had not yet arrived.

Once the emergency centers opened Aug. 25, the Corps sent staff members and gave daily updates to Harris and Fort Bend county officials and Houston city officials. But the Corps told the local officials not to make any of the Corps Water Management System forecasts public, said Jeff Braun, emergency management coordinator for Fort Bend County.

Flooding of homes begin

The Aug. 25 forecast showed the water level in Barker Reservoir reaching 100 feet. Water begins to spill into neighborhoods when the level exceeds 95 feet, according to Corps records.

The forecast generated on Saturday, Aug. 26, said homes upstream of Barker would begin to flood on Monday, Aug. 28 - a day earlier than previously predicted. The projection for Addicks indicated that some homes in low-lying neighborhoods could fill with 7 or more feet of water and remain flooded for weeks.

Both Harris and Fort Bend counties issued formal evacuation orders Aug. 30. By then, neighborhoods near the reservoirs had been inundated for days.

Attorneys representing homeowners in flood-related lawsuits in the U.S. Court of Claims want to know why the forecasts weren't shared with the public sooner.

Now Playing: Homeowners want to know why their neighborhoods were built inside a reservoir flood pool. Video: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle

"The tragedy is an earlier warning could have allowed people to get out and get their property out," said Charles Irvine, of Irvine & Conner, one of the lead lawyers for property owners upstream of the reservoirs.

"This confirms that when a storm comes, the Corps can use its own modeling to predict exactly how much government-stored water will impact the upstream community. I can't speak to why the Corps didn't give the residents an earlier warning. But clearly the Corps anticipated the flooding on upstream private land from the Addicks and Barker dams before the rains even really started."

James Blackburn, another Houston attorney who has long been active in flooding matters and who recently founded a related nonprofit called the Bayou City Initiative, said a congressional investigation was warranted.

"This is a bona fide public policy debacle," he said. "Were Harris County and Fort Bend County officials getting information and not alerting the public - or were they not getting the information? Or did they get the information and did the Corps ask them not to spread it around?"

Home found in ruin

Thousands of people like Ershad hunkered down to wait out Harvey because they were not told to evacuate and didn't know their neighborhoods could be flooded by the reservoirs. When Ershad left Canyon Gate, the streets were impassable but only his garage had flooded. He and his family returned 13 days later to find their home ruined. They had no flood insurance.

"I lost 15 years of compositions of music," he said.

Addicks and Barker dams were built in the 1940s to protect downtown Houston from flooding. The earthen structures are designed to hold storm runoff from the vast Buffalo Bayou watershed and release it into the bayou at a controlled rate.

LIKE A BATHTUB: How the Addicks and Barker dams work

The government acquired thousands of acres of land behind the dams to serve as reservoirs, but the dams can hold back more water than can fit on that land. Over the decades, tens of thousands of homes were built on the edges of the government-owned property.

When the reservoir pools exceed the government-owned land - an extremely rare occurrence - water has nowhere to go but into adjacent neighborhoods. That's what happened during Harvey.

As far back as 1995, the Corps studied ways to reduce this risk. The options included deepening the reservoirs, buying out thousands of properties and building more reservoirs. The Corps never acted on any of them.

IGNORED: A Fort Bend engineer's warning, 25 years old, comes true during Harvey

DEVELOPING STORM:

Hurricane Harvey was the most destructive storm in Houston's history. The late-August storm dumped up to 60 inches of rain on southeast Texas, but the resulting damage was multiplied by actions taken  and not taken  during the past 50 years. Our seven-part series explains why the storm's damage was both a natural and man-made disaster.

Part 1: Nature ruled, man reacted. Hurricane Harvey was Houston's reckoning

Part 2 Build, flood, rebuild: flood insurance's expensive cycle

Part 3: What's in Houston's worst flood zones? Development worth $13.5 billion

Part 4: Harvey overwhelmed some levee systems. Future storms could do worse.

Part 5: Officials patched and prayed while pressure built on Houston's dams

Part 6: For buyers within 'flood pools,' no warnings from officials

Part 7: In 'eternal struggle' with water, Dutch have much to teach


Taking a page out of President Donald Trumps playbook, Gov. Greg Abbott escalated his crusade against state Rep. Lyle Larson on Wednesday, repeatedly calling the San Antonio Republican Liberal Lyle during a campaign stop in San Antonio.

Abbott, appearing at a campaign rally for Chris Fails, Larsons primary challenger, rehashed the main points of a TV ad he released Tuesday, pointing to Larsons opposition of an amendment to the so-called sanctuary city bill, Senate Bill 4.

He invoked the Liberal Lyle epithet six times within the first six minutes of his speech.

Now, what happened in Austin, Texas, about sanctuary cities truly captures what Liberal Lyle is all about, because hes speaking out of both sides of his mouth, Abbott told the packed room at Alamo Cafe on the North Side. Heres the fact: A bill was offered up that put real teeth into the ban on sanctuary cities. Liberal Lyle voted against the ban on sanctuary cities that had real teeth to it.

After riffing on his own upcoming election, reminding voters that he won Bexar County in 2014 but that Hillary Clinton won here in 2016  eliciting a loud round of boos  Abbott turned to the matter at hand.

Today is not a day for my campaign re-election, he said. Today is a day to ensure we take the next step, to have even more solid conservative Republicans in the Texas House of Representatives by electing Chris Fails to be your next state representative.

Abbott also jabbed at Larson for not fully supporting legislation that would have required larger counties and cities to gain voter approval when raising property taxes by 4 percent. Larson voted for a bill that set the benchmark at 6 percent, but it ultimately failed to reach the governors desk.

Larson pushed back against the governors attacks, saying he was being assailed for passing legislation in the House that sought to eliminate pay-to-play gubernatorial appointments. The bill failed to pass the Senate.

I voted for 100 percent of the governors legislative priorities and yet hes calling me a liberal, Larson said. What does that make the governor? Its unbecoming of a governor to attack members of his own party in a primary.

He added: Voters will see through this. People in this district are fed up with my opponents and the governors negative ads.

The rally drew about 200 RSVPs and appeared to draw many more in attendance as the room filled to the brim. Many people donned Abbott campaign shirts and pins.

Fails, speaking before the governor, marveled at the large crowd, saying it indicated the conservatism of the district. In a preview of Abbotts talk, Fails said the district should elect a representative that will vote to cap your property taxes and ensure San Antonio and other cities arent havens for illegal immigrants who come in to break the law.

That is why I could not sit on the sidelines any longer, said Fails, the mayor of Hollywood Park. I had to run to be your next representative, because thats what I feel were missing, and that is not what District 122 believes. This is a conservative district that believes in those values, and we have not had that.

Seeking to back up the Liberal Lyle nickname, Abbott explained that data backs up his claims.

Now that is not a moniker that I have put on it, Abbott said. That is a moniker that studies have demonstrated, that Lyle Larson is one of the most liberal Republicans in the Texas House of Representatives.

Speaking to reporters after the speech, Abbott cited a study by Rice University professor Mark Jones that puts Larson as the 16th least conservative among House Republicans last session.

I mean, hes in the least conservative quintile, Jones said. It doesnt necessarily mean hes not conservative, just significantly less than his Republican colleagues.

To Jones, the primary battle is indicative of the ongoing civil war within the Texas GOP at large, calling the District 122 primary a clear option between the (Speaker Joe) Straus-Larson model and the Abbott-(Lieutenant Gov. Dan) Patrick-Fails model.

Weve seen the establishment wing increasingly on the defensive, said Jones. By and large, the establishments trying to defend between 12 and 15 seats in the House and two key ones in the Senate against substantial Republican onslaughts.

The difference in this race, and two others, is that Abbott has actively intervened, Jones said, which is unusual.
A debate in San Antonio brought out a rare moment of confrontation between Jay Hulings and Gina Ortiz Jones, the two candidates seen as front-runners in the five-person Democratic primary for Texas 23rd Congressional District, as they clashed on campaign contributions and the issue of military base closures.

Shortly after the Bexar County polls closed on the first of 11 days of early voting, Hulings, Jones, Rick Trevino, Judy Canales and Angela Angie Villescaz duked it out in a nearly 90-minute debate Tuesday night at Lubys restaurant near downtown. The candidates fielded questions from Democratic Party Chair Manuel Medina on infrastructure, health care, immigration and their own campaign finance reports.

The congressional district is seen as one of the most competitive in Texas, if not the nation, after voting for Hillary Clinton in 2016 while re-electing a Republican congressman, Rep. Will Hurd.

Hulings and Jones sparred on a few issues, with Hulings throwing the first punch on campaign contributions. The former prosecutor had reported a substantial cash-on-hand advantage over Jones at the end of 2017, but she has since received a major cash windfall, raising $275,000 during the first 45 days of the year.

Jones has drawn support from EMILYs List, a national group centered on electing women to Congress, seen as a key factor in the primary.

Hulings, responding to the question about campaign finance, first addressed his own fundraising total, saying its necessary to raise money in such a large district. Then he turned his attention to Jones.

There is a candidate who is getting outside money spent in this race, hundreds of thousands of dollars, Hulings said. You should ask who is paying for that. Where is that money coming from? Thats the real question you should be asking.

Jones said her contributions come from average Americans. She brushed off the allusion to a reliance on big-money donors.

I take issue when people talk about outside money, she said. EMILYs List is an organization that helps women run for office; VoteVets is an organization that helps veterans run for office  two groups of people that are underrepresented in Congress but need a voice in Congress.

She added: The last time Texas sent a new woman to Congress was over 20 years ago. We can only get change if representation actually looks like the people that are being represented.

On Wednesday, Hulings also received contributions from an outside group: Bold PAC, the fundraising arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which put about $55,000 into his campaign.

The campaign finance debate teed up an impassioned response by Trevino, a former Bernie Sanders delegate whos called himself the true progressive in the race. Hes made big money in politics a focal point of his campaign and reiterated Tuesday that he has not taken one cent from any lobbyists, for-profit corporations or PACs, citing endorsements from progressive groups that only support candidates who pledge not to do so.

My opponents have to live with the consequences of rationalizing the behavior of fundraising from the same people who have created the country that we have now, Trevino said. If we want real change, we have to move away from the oligarchs, go to the grass roots.

From the beginning of the debate, the candidates contrasting styles became apparent during a round of opening statements. Angela Angie Villescaz, the candidate who thus far has kept the lowest profile, opened with a bang, going after Jones for using her middle name, Ortiz. Jones is Filipina-American and an out lesbian.

We have some candidates who are running, and the district thinks that theyre Hispanic, that because of a middle name theyre going to elect the first Latina. And theyre mistaken because this particular candidate is Asian, Villescaz said.

Canales, a former Agriculture Department administrator, stayed above the fray throughout the debate, focusing her message on what she sees as a neglected district. She said her top priority is to be a spokesperson and representative for the people of the 23rd.

The first thing they always say to me as I travel around my community, my home, is Were taxpayers, too, and so therefore, wheres the investment in our area? Canales said. What I will be concentrating on is actually bringing home the bacon, making sure that our communities are being served by investment.

Hulings contended that hes best-suited to win in the general election against Hurd, an argument hes presented during other stops along the campaign trail. Echoing the message of his first TV ad, he also directed his focus at combating President Donald Trumps agenda. He cited, among other things, his experience as a prosecutor.

I think the top priority for anybody whos elected to this seat is to fight Donald Trump, Hulings said. Stand up to Trump, be a check against him, hold him accountable. Look, Im a public corruption prosecutor with over a decade of national security experience. I am built for this moment. Donald Trump should be scared of me. I will come after him, and I know exactly how to do it.

Near the end of the debate, Hulings brought up Jones support for another round of Base Closure and Realignment, commonly referred to as BRAC, a process of reorganizing the Pentagons base structure that requires congressional authorization. The topic holds relevance in San Antonio, a city that has historically revolved around its military bases and is home to many aerospace jobs.

Jones, a former Air Force intelligence officer, supports the idea of another round of BRAC, telling the Express-News in January that Congress should look to be efficient in spending taxpayer funds devoted to the military. She said finding ways to cut out activities being duplicated, or that are no longer needed, is in the best interest of national security.

On Tuesday, Hulings recalled the 2001 closure of San Antonios Kelly AFB, saying another round of BRAC would almost certainly lead to base closures in San Antonio, singling out Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland as particularly at risk. He said afterward that base closures represent a drop in the bucket among the overall defense budget and that removing politics from the decision-making process is impossible.

Gina Jones has come out in favor of a third round of BRAC. Why? Because she hasnt been here, Hulings said. Shes been in the Pentagon for the last 10 years, and so shes still thinking like a Pentagon bureaucrat.

After the debate, Jones said she didnt believe another round of BRAC would guarantee closures in the district, calling Hulings point irresponsible and fear-mongering. Congress members, Jones said, owe it to military leaders to listen to their ideas about how to save money. She pointed out the rarity of the Pentagon seeking to save money.

A representative can fight like hell for their district. And so thats exactly what I would do for Del Rio, for the other assets in San Antonio, and throughout this district, she said. I dont think those two things are mutually exclusive.
AUSTIN  Democrats have more than doubled their early voting in the states biggest counties compared with four years ago, leading some party leaders to point again to a growing wave election they think will send a dramatic message to Republicans.

But while Democrats are voting in larger numbers than they did four years ago, Republicans still are near where they were four years ago, even though they lack the same star power in the primary than they had four years ago at the top of the ballot.

In the states largest 15 counties, nearly 50,000 people voted in the Democratic primary elections on the first day of early voting. In 2014  the last midterm election cycle  only about 25,000 Democrats cast primary votes.

Never have the Democrats had so many early voters in a primary in a gubernatorial election cycle going back to the mid-1990s, when early voting started.

In Bexar County, 3,278 voters cast ballots in the Democratic primary on the first day, up 31 percent from 2014, while 2,096 voted in the Republican primary, down 11 percent.

State Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said the numbers once again point to Democrats being more competitive than ever before.

We have an historic number of Democratic candidates in virtually every level of office and the progressive values to move our state forward, he said.

The strong early turnout numbers also come at a time when Democrats are on a roll in winning special legislative elections in GOP strongholds around the nation.

This week, a Democrat won a Kentucky legislative district that President Donald Trump had won with 72 percent of the vote in 2016. Tuesday nights win was the 37th Republican-held legislative seat that Democrats have snared since Trump was sworn in.

Meanwhile, Republican early voting numbers are essentially flat in Texas, with 47,000 Republicans voting on the first day of early voting  slightly lower than the 49,000 that voted four years ago.

But Republicans say those numbers dont mean Democrats are suddenly about to overtake Republicans in both energy and at the ballot box.

Republicans say they expect that as early voting continues, GOP voters will turn out in greater numbers.

Democrats are overselling this, said Vlad Davidiuk, communications director for the Harris County Republican Party.

He said he has no doubt that in some races voters are waiting to get more information on the candidates before committing to vote.

Four years ago, Republicans had intense GOP primaries for governor and lieutenant governor that helped drive early turnout numbers. Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick were both in tough battles seeking their first terms, which was driving interest in the primaries.

This year, theyre both expected to have a cakewalk to their nominations.

But while Democrats have set a record for the first day of early voting in a primary in a midterm cycle, some warn that it doesnt mean the state is about to see record voting overall for the March 6 primary.

It does not portend more people voting overall, said Jeff Blaylock, publisher of TXelects.com, which analyzes election data and voter trends.

On Wednesday, numbers in Bexar County had fallen for both primaries: 2,473 people voted in the Democratic primary while 1,937 voted in the Republican one.

Blaylock is quick to note that the first day of early voting actually represents less than 1 percent voter turnout overall. He said Texas has some of the lowest overall voter participation rates in primaries nationwide, so trying to overanalyze turnout can be misleading.
A fired San Antonio police captain now fighting to get his job back claims he was forced out after he asked to take off 10 months using his paid leave to work at an off-duty job at USAA.

Capt. Shawn Ury, a 23-year employee, also contends the city wanted him out so they could promote a woman to his position. The city denies both claims and counters that Ury was insubordinate for refusing to quit his outside full-time job, which had nothing to do with policing.

They have been battling it out this week in an arbitration hearing that highlights the controversial policy in the police bargaining contract that allows officers to accumulate months, or even years, of leave by working during holidays and vacations plus compensatory and bonus time. They can take it all at once if they want.

Ury, who was fired in March, had already taken three months of paid leave, then requested another seven months off before he planned to retire.

This weighed heavily on their decision to get rid of him, Robert Leonard, Urys lawyer, told the independent arbitrator who is hearing the case on Tuesday.

Last year, around the same time Ury was fired, McManus tried to limit the amount of leave time officers could continuously take off to 60 days. According to Leonard, the city managers office was growing more concerned about the number of officers burning time, an allegation the city denies.

The San Antonio Police Officer Association objected to the change and the matter was later settled. There are currently no limits on how long an officer can continuously use their leave.

Leonard also alleges that officials within the city managers office were bothered that there were no high-ranking women in the police department. Around that time, there was a female lieutenant who was eligible to be promoted to captain  a process that is only possible if a captain position, such as Urys, opens up.

There are currently no female captains, deputy chiefs or assistant chiefs that are women, Leonard said in his opening statement.

The history of the San Antonio Police Department will also show that people who use leave time are not fired, he added later.

City lawyers argue that Ury was fired solely because he was insubordinate  something that is unacceptable for a member of the command staff who is supposed to set an example for junior officers.

They say if he was upset that his off-duty work permit was denied he should have appealed it through his chain of command, instead of disobeying orders. Its a privilege for officers to have off-duty jobs, they argue, and department regulations allow commanders to deny an off-duty work permit for any reason.

When you have someone who shirks the orders he or she has been given, it sets the tone for the whole department, Police Chief William McManus testified Wednesday. Its completely inappropriate.

On Wednesday, union president Mike Helle testified that Urys position as a night commander for North Patrol was not an essential position and that it was not detrimental to the department to have him take months of leave.

If there was a critical incident requiring a commander, a superior could recall Ury or have a lower-ranking lieutenant take his place temporarily, Helle said.

Helles testimony became controversial, though, after he claimed Ury had in fact properly appealed his superiors decision to reject his off-duty work permit  contradicting testimony from McManus and other officials at the department.

During the middle of the proceedings, Helle used his phone to pull up an email chain between Ury, police union officials and Urys superior notifying them he planned to appeal the denial.

City lawyers objected to the last-minute addition of evidence, and both sides accused the other of withholding documents during the discovery process.

Quite frankly I challenge the authenticity of this document, assistant city attorney Michael Siemer said. This makes a mockery of the discovery process.

The arbitrator allowed the records into evidence temporarily. If true, he said, the document could call into question testimony from previous city witnesses who claimed Ury had not filed an appeal or grievance.

A career employee

In 23 years, Ury had never been disciplined prior to the indefinite suspension he received for insubordination and working an off-duty job without a permit.

In September 2016, Ury told his superior at the time was going to retire in July 2017. At the time, he had a base salary of $102,564, according to records.

His superior at the time, deputy chief Roy Waldhelm, approved Urys off-duty work permit for three months and moved Ury from commander of the Emergency Operations Center to nighttime commander of the North Patrol.

In January, after his first work permit expired, Ury submitted a second work permit to his new supervisor, deputy chief Gus Guzman.

Guzman said he denied the request because he believed it would impair the operations of the department. The night commander is responsible for responding to critical incidents and deploying the SWAT team or bomb squad, if necessary.

Guzman said he made the decision on his own  different commander, different prerogative  but he did discuss the matter with his superior, assistant chief Anthony Trevino, who agreed.

He didnt think he could defend this to the city managers office or the taxpayer, Guzman said. It was indefensible.

Ury told Guzman he intended to keep working at USAA and that he planned to appeal the decision through the chain of command. He also said he might file a grievance with the police union.

Guzman said he never received notification that Ury appealed the decision or filed a grievance as required by department regulations.

As Ury continued working at USAA, Guzman initiated a disciplinary case that was forwarded to the Internal Affairs office. Investigators concluded that Ury had indeed broken department regulations.

Once the investigation was completed, the case was forwarded to the Chief's Advisory Action Board, which consists of seven civilians and seven sworn employees who review cases and make disciplinary suggestions to the police chief.

Their vote on the matter was inconclusive, meaning they believed something happened but they couldnt determine exactly what.

McManus testified Wednesday that he typically tries to administer discipline as suggested by the board, but this time, he decided to issue Ury an indefinite suspension, which is tantamount to firing.

Don Hays, the arbitrator, questioned why the discipline would be so severe, especially since McManus had disciplined officers less severely for insubordination before.

He also asked why McManus didnt try to initiate a conversation with Ury, instead of firing him outright.

I stand firm, McManus said. The processes were set up ... I didnt feel compelled to reach out. If he was comfortable with that, then so be it.

Testimony is expected to conclude Thursday, at which point the arbitrator has several months to decide Urys fate.

If Hays sustains the chiefs decision, Ury has a right of appeal to State District Court.

This seems, from an outsiders perspective, to be a bit of an unusual situation, Hays said.
Photo courtesy of the Campbell campaign /Photo courtesy of the Campbell campaign

For those concerned about the swelling ranks of hard-line conservatives in the Texas House, a silver lining might be appearing north of San Antonio in Texas House District 73.

In the district stretching from Schertz to Fredericksburg, Dave Campbell, a member of the Fredericksburg school board, is challenging state Rep. Kyle Biedermann, a member of the far-right Texas Freedom Caucus, in the Republican primary  and the race looks unusually competitive.

Last month, Campbell had about the same amount of campaign cash as Biedermann. On Wednesday, he faulted the incumbent for raising half of his money from a single entity: Empower Texans PAC, a conservative group funded primarily by West Texas fracking billionaire Farris Wilks.

Empower Texans has endorsed every member of the Texas Freedom Caucus in the upcoming primary.

Since January 2015, Biedermann has raised about $121,342 from Empower Texans alone  more than half of the $218,607 he raised from all entities that contributed to him, according to the campaign finance website Transparency Texas.

He reports to Empower Texans, Campbell said, defining the group as some wealthy families out in West Texas who seem to be more concerned with power than community.

I care about my community, Campbell continued. Thats what upset me about what Kyle was doing. He was voting however Empower Texans wanted him to vote.  He doesnt care about the teachers or the medical community or the farmers or ranchers.

Biedermann did not return a message on Wednesday requesting comment.

Elected in 2016 after running as a conservative, Christian Republican, Biedermann soon joined the far-right Texas Freedom Caucus, launched at the start of last years legislative session to advocate for issues such as anti-abortion measures and the regulation of bathroom use for transgender Texans.

Shortly before Texas Muslim Capitol Day in January 2017, Biedermann sent a letter to Muslims across the state to poll them on terrorism. Stamped URGENT REPLY ASAP, the letter asked recipients to answer whether they supported efforts to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, among other measures.

At the time, Ibrahim Hooper, national communications director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, called the correspondence bigoted and intolerant.

Biedermann foreshadowed these qualities before he was elected, when he dressed as gay Hitler for a Saturday Night Live-themed costume party that benefited a Fredericksburg food pantry. A photograph that showed Biedermann in the costume making a Nazi sieg heil salute was removed from Facebook before he ran for office.

When a concerned voter raised a red flag after the photo resurfaced online, Biedermann responded in an email: I am not gay and never have been. Dont know anything about Swingers Clubs and no desire to find out. I have an amazing wife.

On Wednesday, Campbell had little to say about Biedermanns bigotry.

I dont want to get into all that, he said. I think its a distraction. I just am concerned about good governance.

Campbell wouldnt say whether he was interested in joining the Texas Freedom Caucus. He calls himself pro-life, a quality he shares with the caucus.

But Campbell also lists local control as an issue he supports. Once a bedrock Republican value, its a concept that has come under fire by conservative lawmakers who want to chip away at the freedom of municipalities to govern themselves.

Empower Texans has joined the assault, re-branding the issue local tyranny.

Campbell has taken an opposing stance.

Dave will always be looking for opportunities to return as much decision-making authority as possible to the local level, his website stated.
Will a U.S./Mexico border wall do any good?

Great walls of history:

The Great Wall of China

Hadrians Wall

New Amsterdam Wall

The Maginot Line and Atlantic Wall

The Berlin Wall

Walls that actually kept anyone out:

None 

Mark Kuhlmann

Stovall the man

Re: Our picks to replace Smith set standard, Editorial, Feb. 14:

I wish to convey my sincere thanks to the Express-News editorial staff for conveying the truth about Jenifer Sarver, one GOP candidate for Lamar Smiths District 21 congressional seat. By pointing out her distaste for our president, Donald Trump, you have effectively shot her in the foot with the vast majority of District 21 voters. Was that deliberate?

Well, anyway, it serves to solidify the position of a true conservative and Trump supporter, Robert Stovall, who will likely be the next representative from District 21. He is a good man, and Ill be glad to see him in office.

But speaking of gerrymandering, how about District 35, currently occupied by Lloyd Doggett, D-San Antonio? Those district boundaries define the term gerrymandering.

Im just afraid you folks on the editorial staff wouldnt recognize a true conservative if your life depended on it.

Robert E. Blake

Blew DACA chance

Sen. Chuck Schumer is yelling that President Donald Trump is responsible for the problem with DACA. He is naming the wrong president and covering his own party's failure to pass immigration reform when it alone could have solved the immigration mess without a single Republican vote. President Barack Obama could have passed anything he wanted with a majority in the House and 60 Democrats or independents in the Senate.

The Democrats did not solve the problem their way because they want it to remain a campaign issue. The people want to solve the problem the way outlined by Trump. The people want a border wall (not too long ago, the Democrats wanted that also). They also want chain migration stopped and the passing out of visas via a lottery (a dumb idea Schumer proposed and got put into law) stopped.

Schumer gets in front of a TV camera and tries to shift the DACA problem to Trump. Obama knew from the start that it was not a decision for him to make. Yet the now super liberals in our courts are out to get Trump for sending the issue back to Congress, where it should be.

Schumer must give what the people in charge now want; he and his Democratic majority had their chance and sat on their hands.

Jerry D. Schmidt, Bulverde

A Trump pleaser

Re: S.A. members of Intelligence Committee split on memo vote, front page, Feb. 3:

So Will Hurd, a former CIA agent and a House Intelligence Committee member, voted to release the memo accusing the FBI of abuses. He said it was so the people could decide for themselves if law enforcement went too far on a suspect under surveillance in a Russian probe.

How altruistic of him, even if the memo jeopardizes the country by giving out information on the methods used by our FBI on procedures, thereby helping our enemies, especially Russia. But Hurd certainly pleased President Donald Trump.

Sally Chizek
Zachry Corp.s $200 million mixed-use development at Hemisfair sailed through its first hurdle in the citys historic approval process Wednesday.

The Historic and Design Review Commission unanimously voted to grant initial approval to the developers plan to build a 14-story hotel, an eight-story office tower and a food market on Alamo Street at Hemisfairs northwest corner, surrounding Civic Park, a planned 9-acre public park.

Zachry will have to return to HDRC at a later meeting for final approval. Other parts of the $200 million project, including an apartment complex that national developer NRP plans to build on Market Street, are still being designed and will go before the commission later.

Obviously, its a very well thought-out design, commission member Joel Garcia said. I like the fact that its very inclusive of the public in general, of native San Antonians, visitors, guests.  Its very open and very inviting to everybody.

The project, designed by local firm Overland Partners, includes passageways through the buildings that link Civic Park with exterior streets and offers views of local landmarks such as the Tower Life Building. Overland designed it to feel modern while evoking San Antonios history with vaulted colonnades and symbols such as the quatrefoil, seen on Mission San Jose and the citys logo, Robert Shemwell, the firms principal, said last week.

The project is expected to break ground by late this summer and finish in early 2021.

Four local residents spoke against the project, with some saying they felt it violated the lands of indigenous peoples.

One speaker, Gilbert Martinez, criticized the presence of a hotel in the project and called it a nice little corporate park for (Zachrys) corporate friends.

The entire downtown area has been gentrified over the Decade of Downtown, he said, referring to former Mayor Julian Castros initiative. This is an opportunity with a new mayor, a new administration; were moving toward equity. Whats equitable about a corporate park? Were not getting a Central Park, were getting a corporate park.

Zachry Corp. prevailed over 10 other bidders to develop the site, which sits at downtowns busiest intersection.

The company and its CEO, David Zachry, have been closely involved in the redevelopment of Hemisfair since it began nine years ago. David Zachry served on the board of the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corp., the nonprofit that oversaw the bidding process, from its creation in 2009 until 2011. In 2013, he lobbied state legislators to loosen limits on hotel construction at Hemisfair.

City Council voted unanimously in February 2017 to lease the land to Zachry Hospitality, one of Zachry Corp.s companies, for up to 97 years, with Zachry paying HPARC about $1.5 million a year, plus a portion of retail revenue. That means the Zachry family could retain a presence at the park into the 22nd century.

Zachry Corp.s project is an important part of the citys long effort to redevelop downtown. Its next door to the companys recent $325 million renovation of the Convention Center. The rest of Hemisfair is being largely redone, and local developer David Adelman is in the process of building an apartment complex just south of where Civic Park will be.

All three buildings will sit on a two-level, 825-space parking garage that will connect to three streets  Nueva, Market and South Alamo. Zachry Corp. is expected build the garage, while the city will own it and lease 200 of the parking spots to Zachry.

At the HDRC meeting, Curtis Bowers, who sits on the board of the Lavaca Neighborhood Association, read the associations letter of support for the project.

We believe that Zachry Hospitalitys project is dynamic and will ignite Hemisfairs activation with new and exciting services, he said. This expansion of opportunities at Hemisfair is exactly the type of development we want.
WASHINGTON  At an emotionally wrenching White House meeting, Sandy Hook Promise founders Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden argued against President Donald Trumps idea of arming teachers as an antidote to mass shootings at schools, saying prevention is a better solution.

Rather than arm them with a firearm, I would arm them with knowledge, said Hockley, who lost her 6-year-old son, Dylan, in 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. This is about prevention. There is so much we can do to help people before they reach that point.

Barden cited his wife, Jacqueline, a teacher, in telling Trump that teachers already have too many responsibilities, and that learning how to fire a gun should not be one of them.

Nobody wants to see a shootout in school, he said, pointing out that most mass shooters intend to die either by suicide or police bullets, so armed teachers would not be a deterrent.

Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza turned his gun on himself after killing 20 children and six adult staff members at the school.

Sandy Hook (Promise) has built something that works, Barden said, referring to the organizations focus on helping schools, community organizations and parent groups look for warning signs of troubled young people in order to get them the help they need.

Pleading for action

Trump criticized the label of gun-free zones at schools as an open invitation for mass shooters.

Gun-free zones (tell a shooter) lets go in and lets attack, because the bullets arent coming back at us,  Trump said. If you have a teacher who is adept at firearms, the attack would end very quickly.

The idea of arming teachers and military-trained veterans at schools was first proposed in 2012, right after Sandy Hook, by National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre.

Barden  who lost his son, Daniel, 7, at Sandy Hook  and Hockley were two of about 40 participants at what the White House characterized as a listening session on school safety. Most of those in attendance were parents and students from Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School in Parkland, Fla., where a mass shooter last week killed 17.

For the most part, the meeting steered clear of controversial topics such as expanded background checks and banning military-style, semi-automatic weapons such as the AR-15 used in Parkland and Sandy Hook.

But parents and students let forth a burst of emotion in calling on Trump to act decisively.

We as a country failed our children, said a distraught parent, Andrew Pollack. I cant get on a plane with a bottle of water, but some animal can walk into a school and kill our children.

Im a survivor, said Julia Cordover, student body president at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. I was lucky enough to come home from school. Its very scary. And to know that a lot of people do not have the opportunity to be here still is mind blowing.

Trump told the audience he wanted to go very strong on background checks. He was referring to the Fix NICS measure co-authored by Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., which would give states and federal agencies incentives to add records to the background-check system so that unqualified buyers cannot purchase firearms.

Polarized constituency

Trump also promised to address the age at which persons can buy semi-automatic rifles, a response to reports that the Florida shooter, Nikolas Cruz, bought a string of weapons at age 19.

Since the Florida shooting on Feb. 15, Trump has scrambled to fashion a response that would appease a rising tide of youthful protesters demanding legislative solutions to gun violence and the presidents base of support within the NRA, which has stridently opposed most such measures.

On Tuesday, Trump issued a directive to Attorney General Jeff Sessions to ban so-called bump-fire stocks through administrative order. Such a device was used by the shooter in Las Vegas last October to send forth bursts of what appeared to be machine gun fire that killed 58.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Wednesday wrote a letter to Sessions, urging him to look at Connecticut as a model of how best to ban bump-fire stocks.

As you undertake this effort, it is critically important that your regulations be drafted  in order to increase their effectiveness for improving public safety and saving lives, Malloy wrote. To that end, Id like to provide you with an overview of current efforts taking place in Connecticut, and detail the specific methods our state is exploring to create an effective ban on these devices, which we know are cheap, deadly, and completely unnecessary in our society.

Malloy has introduced legislation to ban bump-fire stocks. But it has not passed the state Legislature.
GREENWICH  Is it or isnt it?

Art buyers will decide on Sunday whether a painting attributed to the famed abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock could be the real thing or an excellent reproduction.

An online auction of a painting attributed to Pollock, but not authenticated, is being organized by Greenwich Auction & Connecticut Antique Center. David Johnson, owner of the auction house, calls it one of the most intriguing cases he has come across in 13 years in the business.

The work has a number of features that point toward authenticity, such as the paint used, style and the canvas is wallboard, which Pollock was known to collect from construction contractors. But a lot of fake Jackson Pollocks have been on the market, so many that art scholars wont even venture a public opinion on most cases.

Well tell everything we know about it, said Johnson, a resident of Old Greenwich who runs the business in Stamford. Then its what the market believes.

The auctioneer said the painting represents an investment possibility that could pay off big if the piece is authenticated. Theres risk and reward, he said.

This much is known: A woman from the Norwalk-Westport area bought the painting on the cheap at a warehouse sale in Norwalk.

Its been in this ladys possession since the 1970s, Johnson said. The owner (whom he would not identify) is now looking to sell. The public estimate for the piece is $40,000 to $60,000.

More information on the auction, and registration, is available at GreenwichAuction.net. Online bidding begins at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Johnson and art scholars have been studying the painting for a year. Pollock, an alcoholic painter whose frenetic, improvisatory canvases rocketed him to art-world fame before his death in a car wreck on Long Island in 1956, had some Connecticut relatives.

There were stories he would offer pilots a painting to fly to Connecticut, from eastern Long Island, Johnson said.

Using wallboard, commonly called Sheetrock, was not unusual for Pollock, especially in the days before he earned a significant income for his work. He would use whatever was left in the shop, Johnson said. He was poor and struggling.

The number 48 is written on the back of the piece, evidently dating it to 1948, typical of Pollocks system of monitoring his yearly output. A one-inch chip in the wallboard allowed analysts to look at the content of the painting surface, and its gypsum content appears to match the kind used in wallboard in 1948. The J written on the back matches other known Pollock inscriptions, though a P that appears is less certain. The name Dunlop was written on the back as well. Johnson said the painter had some cousins named Dunlop, and there were art collectors in southern Connecticut with that name.

The painting bears the Pollock hallmarks. It is done with Dovecote paint, the kind Pollock was known to use. The distinctive drip style that Pollock made famous, dripping paint in swirls on the canvas, is apparent.

Its layered on like he would have done. ... Its hard to get that depth. The blue is in his pallet of choice. The red, not so much, Johnson said.

The auctioneer has conferred with one scholar who believed it was authentic, but would not do so publicly. You can get sued very easily, Johnson said.

A leading art scholar on Pollock at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, Ellen Landau, declined comment on the Greenwich Auction piece by email.

Artnet News, a trade magazine covering the field of fine art and auctions, recently reported that a number of paintings said to be by Jackson Pollock have been turning up in recent years, and high-profile forgery scams have fooled wealthy and seasoned collectors.

Johnson said it would take about five years, and $120,000, for the work to be properly authenticated. Since authenticated Pollock works have been selling for $10 million, there is a potential for a large return on investment. There is the possibility of a near total loss on the piece.

In any event, the auctioneer said, Its a good story to hang on your wall.
ADA, Ohio  Farmers who apply fertilizer to their fields, particularly manure, need to be aware that if the fertilizer winds up in a waterway, they could be facing fines as some farmers in northwestern Ohio did last summer.

In August 2017, three fish kills occurred in separate incidents in Williams, Allen and Hardin counties. Farmers had treated their fields with manure, then a major rainstorm came through.

Upcoming conference

This and more will be on the agenda at the upcoming Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, March 6-7. The event is sponsored in part by OSU Extension, and will be held at Ohio Northern University in Ada.

The annual conference offers the latest research and techniques on conservation tillage, which involves leaving the remains of a harvested crop on a field to reduce erosion, as well as topics including soil quality, managing fertilizer application and precision agriculture.

A heavy rainfall can carry manure far from the field where it was applied, and Ohio is getting more downpours. Theres been a 25 percent increase in intense rainfall events in Ohio since the late 1990s, according to state climate records.

Crops need nitrogen and phosphorus, key ingredients in manure and commercial fertilizers. But when more nutrients are applied to soil than a crop can take up, some can flow with rainwater off the field.

Harmful effect

Phosphorus can promote the growth of algae in waterways; algae, when they die and decompose, take up oxygen in the water, reducing whats available for fish and other aquatic life. Also, manure contains a lot of ammonia, which binds with oxygen in waterways, leaving less for fish and putting them at risk of suffocating.

Most of the complaints that the states regulatory agencies receive about fertilizer application involve residents who report on someone who applied manure. State regulators will be on hand to discuss the issue, and what farmers can do to safeguard Ohios waterways and streams.

If applied correctly, manure can offer rich nutrients to the soil, said Glen Arnold, a manure management specialist with OSU Extension.

Arnold will address applying manure to the side of corn plants at the upcoming tillage conference. Arnold helped design technology that enables farmers to apply manure on a growing crop without crushing the crop.

Incorporate manure

Since manure is more likely to cause a fish kill than commercial fertilizers, its important for farmers that do apply manure to incorporate it into the ground immediately or within 24 hours, so its not left on the surface long, Arnold said.

Most farmers mean to do well, he said. We are getting better every year, but theres still room for improvement.

Early registration for the tillage conference, before Feb. 24, costs $65 for one day or $85 for both. Registration after Feb. 24 is $80 a day or $105 for both days. For more information, visit http://ctc.osu.edu.
Social media has reacted to the news of Wiltshire farmer Minette Batters making history as the first woman to lead the National Farmers' Union.

Defra Secretary Michael Gove said she takes the helm at an "immensely important time".

"Huge congratulations to Minette Batters, the first female NFU president and a brilliant successor to Meurig Raymond," he said.

"I look forward to working together to shape a future that delivers for our farmers."

Guy Smith, who contended the President position, said it is a "historic moment" for the NFU.

"Great day for British agriculture at a pivotal time. Looking forward to working with Minette Batters and Stuart Roberts over the next two years."

Guy Smith was elected for a two-year term as Deputy President and Stuart Roberts as Vice President.

'Women in agriculture'

Ladies in Beef, a beef body which Minette Batters co-founded, said they are "so proud" of the President.

"Huge congratulations to Ladies in Beef co founder Minette Batters, the new NFU President. And the first ever woman to hold the post. Here at LIB Towers we are so proud of you!"

Twitter user John Grugan said: "There have now been more female presidents of the NFU than there have been female Labour Party leaders. Just saying."

User Jennie said it is "great news" for women in agriculture.

"Not gonna lie may have just had a little woohoo and a dance! Great news for women in agriculture, congratulations - #historicmoment"

'Great opportunity'

The election took place after the AGM of the NFU Council, a representative body made up of its elected members, following the annual NFU Conference.

Ms Batters said: I am delighted to have been elected as President of the NFU and I am grateful to all the members who have given me the opportunity to lead our industry through Brexit and beyond.

At the heart of the NFU is its members and I would like the organisation to aim even higher on their behalf. British farming is in the spotlight like never before and this is a great opportunity to reposition the sector in the eyes of the nation.

Together as a new officeholder team, we will hit the ground running and I look forward to sharing our new vision for farming at the earliest opportunity.
The Makers Are Spending Millions...

The report states, ''Keeping the Hindi market in view, the makers have doubled the budget of Saaho, and they spent a massive Rs 30 Crore for a single action episode in the film.''

No Response From The Hindi Film Producers

But, unexpectedly, there is very less response from the North buyers. It is heard that the tinkered relation between Karan Johar and Prabhas is stopping the Bollywood producers to look at Saaho.

What Happened Between Karan & Prabhas

Rumour has it that Karan Johar had offered Prabhas a Bollywood film but was shocked to hear the price he quoted for the movie. A source had told DNA, "Prabhas had devoted five years of his life to the two Baahubali films and it was only fair that he would want to cash in on his new success.''

Karan Was Not Expecting This From Prabhas

"But the price he asked for was staggering. While it was okay for him to ask and get his desired price - reportedly in the vicinity of Rs 20 crores - in Telugu cinema, it was unrealistic for Prabhas to expect that kind of remuneration in Bollywood.''

Even Rajnikanth Does Not Quote Such Price

''No South Indian actor, not even Rajinikanth, has that kind of commercial clout in Hindi cinema. Prabhas has clearly out-priced himself from Bollywood," added the source.

Karan Abandoned The Idea Of Launching Prabhas In B'Wood

"After Baahubali and its sequel, Karan was keen to launch Prabhas in Hindi cinema. But on seeing the price he was asking, Karan has decided to abandon the idea of launching him.''

When Karan Posted a Mysterious Tweet

Later Karan tweeted,, "Dear Ambition...if you have to achieve your full potential stay away from your arch nemesis....Comparison!"
Dipika & Shoaibs Nikaah In Maudaha

The couple will have their nikaah today (February 22) at Shoaib's hometown, Maudaha - a town near Kanpur. The wedding will be attended only by family members and a couple of industry friends.

Wedding Guests & Invitation

The wedding will be attended by Dipika's close friends, Falaq Naaz, Jyotsna Chandola and Kajol Shrivastava. The wedding invitation was designed by Puneet Gupta invitations, the same person who designed Bharti and Harsh's wedding card.

Dipika & Shoaib Had Planned A Lavish Wedding!

A source close to the couple was quoted by TOI as saying, "Dipika and Shoaib were originally planning a lavish wedding some time later this year in Jaipur."

ShoIkas Nikaah Will Be Held Where Shoaibs Parents Got Married Decades Ago

"However, their families wanted to advance the plan and a date was finalised upon just 20 days ago. The families also decided to solemnise the nikaah in the same house where Shoaib's parents got married decades ago."

Shoaib Is Returning To His Hometown After Almost 10 Years

The source further added, "Shoaib Ibrahim is returning to his hometown after almost 10 years and his relatives are excited to have him and Dipika Kakar with them."

Wedding Planning

Apparently, Shoaib's home is decorated in different themes for the functions by the wedding planners. The planning was done by his sister, Saba and relatives.

Wedding Outfits

For wedding, the actress had done a lot of shopping in and around Andheri. Saba had also accompanied her for the shopping. Apparently, Dipika had donned some of her own label, Sitara's Elegance's outfits during the wedding festivities.

Dipika & Shoaibs Reception

A reception will also be organised at Juhu's Sea Princess Hotel, in Mumbai on February 26, which will be attended by all industry friends of Shoaib and Dipika. The actress might wear a red gown from Kalki Fashion for her reception.
Why Narayani Missed Gauravs Wedding?

When asked as to why she gave Gaurav's wedding, a miss, Narayani told Spotboye, "I was supposed to go for the wedding. But on Feb 18 when Gaurav got married, mere shoot ka last day tha. And, I couldn't go."

Hitisha Is A Smart & Strong Girl

Narayani says both Hitisha and Garav are amazing people and are perfect for each other. She adds, "Hitisha is a very smart, sensible, strong and secure girl. Gaurav loves her a lot and she doesn't have to fear anything."

Its Not Easy To Be Friends With Exes!

Narayani says it is not easy to be friends with ex, "I am good friends with all my ex-boyfriends. I would never let go off a good friend. And, aren't two people in love often good friends first before they enter into a relationship?"

Narayani Says

When asked whether there was no animosity between them when Gaurav and she parted ways, she said, "He was dating Mouni and I was dating someone else. It's just that his dating was out in the open, but mine remained concealed."

Mouni & Gaurav Were Not Meant To Be Together!

"They were not meant to be together. They two had drastically different temperaments. Mouni is a very sweet girl. I want to be friends with Gaurav, but maybe Mouni doesn't think that way. But it's ok. Different people think differently."

Gaurav & His Ex-GFs Husband Are Good Friends!

The actress also added that her husband, Tony and Gaurav have become very good friends. They talk more and like each other's company. They often hang out with each other. She added that she is friends with Hitisha too.
Yeh Hai Mohabbatein Spin-off

The first new show which all of us know is the Yeh Hai Mohabbatein spin-off. It was said that only the high placed officials from the channel and the production house are aware of it. The show might go on floors by the end of March.

Ekta Kapoor

According to Bollywoodlife report, "Ekta Kapoor had a closed-door meeting with Star Plus team where the deal of this show was sealed. The show will go on the floors in March."

Yeh Hai Mohabbatein Spin-off Title Revealed!

The report further said, "The new show is titled Yeh Hai Chahate and is inspired by the classic Hollywood film Sound of Music. The show will be based in Delhi like the parent show, Yeh Hai Mohabbatien."

Ekta Want Lead Actress Who Can Sing & Dance!

It will feature Raman (Karan Patel) and Ishita's (Diviyanka Tripathi) extended family. For the lead role, the producer will be signing one of the top actresses. It is being said that she is searching for the actress who can dance and sing for the role.

Kasauti Zindagi Kay

Another new show that's Ekta Kapoor is planning for Star Plus, is apparently, reboot version of Kasauti Zindagi Kay. The show had Shweta Tiwari, Cezzane Khan, Urvashi Dholakia and Geetanjali Tikekar in the lead roles. The show was the third longest running Indian series. It was a major hit on Star Plus as it recorded one of the highest TRPs.

Ekta Writes...

Ekta had also shared a message, "With a piece of my broken heart I wrote in 2001 ...17 years later I  reboot' it dipping it in personal pain and lacing it with experiences of an older me! Bringing back my most successful love saga that ran for 9 years!!! Again I'll take my broken heart n make it into art!!! #namestobeannounced #waitfortheannouncement."

Naagin

There are also reports that Ekta's Naagin will be aired on Star Plus and not Colors! According to Spotboye report, Naagin on Colors will be helmed by Rashmi Sharma. But, since the promo of Naagin 3 has already been aired on Colors we wonder who is helming the show.
When talk around the water cooler turns to investing in copper, Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX), the largest publicly traded copper producer, is a name bound to come up. But the company does have interests in other materials. In fact, the company made a concerted effort to reflect that. According to the company's website, it changed its name in 2014 from Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. to Freeport-McMoRan Inc. in order to "better reflect [its] expanded portfolio of assets."

Involved in the production of gold, silver, and molybdenum, the company has broadened its reach since the 1870s when it staked its first mining claims in Arizona, building a portfolio that includes assets in South America and Indonesia as well as North America. Copper, however, still plays the most prominent role in the Freeport-McMoRan's portfolio. In fiscal year 2017, for example, copper sales accounted for 67% of the company's revenue. But this is only a glance, so let's dig in deeper and learn how prominently the sale of copper plays in the company's operations.

Perusing the portfolio

Grasberg may be Freeport-McMoRan's only asset in Indonesia, but that doesn't mean it deserves short shrift. In fact, Grasberg, one of the world's largest copper and gold deposits, plays an unmistakable role in the company's operations. In fiscal year 2017, for example, Grasberg accounted for $2.02 billion in operating income whereas mining operations in North America and South America only represented $1.37 billion and $916 million, respectively. Since the production of copper is where Freeport-McMoRan makes its hay, though, let's take a closer look at the company's portfolio.

Operating Segment FY 2017 Copper Production FY 2017 Copper Revenue FY 2017 Copper Gross Profit FY 2017 Copper Gross Profit per Pound North American mining 1.52 billion pounds $4.22 billion $1.31 billion $0.88 South American mining 1.24 billion pounds $3.67 billion $879 million $0.71 Indonesian mining 984 million pounds $2.95 billion $1.29 billion $1.32

Management certainly recognizes that Grasberg has the potential to remain a valuable resource. Of the 86.7 billion pounds of copper in proven and probable reserves that the company recognizes in its portfolio, Grasberg accounts for 25.1 billion pounds. The company foresees average annual capital expenditures of $900 million over the next five years to develop several projects at Grasberg, the most-immediate project on its horizon is the Grasberg Block Cave. The company is currently preparing to transition mining operations to the Grasberg Block Cave, which is expected to commence copper production in the first half of 2019.

Besides Grasberg, the company expects the Lone Star expansion project at the Safford mine in Arizona to play a prominent role in helping the company maintain its position as a leader in the copper-production industry. Identifying an $850 million budget for the project, management estimates Lone Star will average approximately 200 million pounds of copper per year with a mine life of approximately 20 years. Management expects copper production will commence by the end of 2020.

But will the narrative change?

It's clear how valuable a role Grasberg plays in Freeport-McMoRan's operations, but there's some skepticism as to whether the mine will continue to provide the bulk of the company's cash in the coming years. Currently, the company, with a permit to operate Grasberg that expires in June, is in negotiations with the Indonesian government to ensure the long-term stability of its operations in the country.

Management seems optimistic that it will find a favorable resolution to the dispute. Commenting on the issue during the Q4 earnings call, Richard Adkerson, the company's president and CEO, said:

Now, what is really important to our company is, getting the rights to operate through 2041. And I'm pleased to report those negotiations are advancing in a mutually amicable way. We have very good working relationships with the ministers that have been assigned to represent the government on this.

Management's hopeful outlook isn't the only indication that the Indonesian government is amenable to the company's continued operation in the country. According to Reuters, the Indonesian government recently issued Freeport-McMoRan a copper-concentrate export permit that expires in February 2019. The company's previous permit had expired last week.

Investor takeaway

With a 140-year history in copper production, it's unlikely that Freeport-McMoRan will change its focus any time soon. And although there is some discord between the company and the Indonesian government regarding the operations at Grasberg, the company's numerous assets in North America and South America suggest that copper will continue to provide the lion's share of the company's money. Investors, nonetheless, will surely want to monitor the company's negotiations with the Indonesian government considering the fact that Grasberg represents its most lucrative asset.
What happened

Shares of Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE:BKD) dropped as much as 21.5% today after the company released full-year 2017 results, concluded a strategic review, and announced leadership changes. While the business continued to struggle and went deeper into the red last year, investors are mostly reacting to what lies ahead.

The board of directors announced it had concluded its strategic review with multiple interested parties. Although it had an offer to sell Brookdale Senior Living for $9 per share, and up to $11 per share if certain conditions were met, the board ultimately decided against a sale. Instead, it thinks it can create more shareholder value by instituting a turnaround strategy with new leadership in place.

As of 11:56 a.m. EST, the stock had settled to a 18.3% loss.

So what

The board of directors is likely making the correct move by focusing on the long-term viability of the business. However, the phrase "turnaround strategy" is received by the market about as well as nails on a chalkboard. That's doubly true when investors consider how much Brookdale Senior Living needs to improve.

The business has recently struggled to stem losses, and things didn't get any better last year. The provider of housing and care services reported a whopping $571.6 million net loss for 2017. Not only was that much worse than a net loss of $404.6 million from 2016, but it actually included a $64 million benefit from the new tax law.

Long story short: Turning things around is going to take quite some time, if it can be done at all.

Now what

Can the newly announced management team pull Brookdale Senior Living out of its rut? It's certainly possible. The company has a solid footprint of assets and healthy cash flow. But it has shot itself in the foot in recent years with asset impairments, lease terminations, and other unusual expenses that have sapped earnings. That said, it operates in a difficult industry and has a long way to go. For now, investors are better off passing on this stock.
Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM) is one of the world's most successful tobacco companies, with a long history of selling cigarettes throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America even before it became an independent company with its own separately traded stock. Initially, one justification given for spinning it off was that it separated the international business from the parent company's exposure to the U.S. market, which was stricter in terms of regulation.

Over time, though, regulators and governments around the world have learned from each other. Today, the globally-focused PMI faces many of the same potential difficulties that its U.S.-centric counterparts have dealt with all along. Even as the company aims to shift its focus toward what it calls reduced-risk products, a couple of news items show the level of risk that Philip Morris still faces as it seeks to survive and grow in an increasingly uncertain future for tobacco.

Bad news from Lithuania

A news report earlier this week said that Lithuanian agency in charge of tobacco regulation now suspects that Philip Morris violated the Eastern European nation's advertising laws. According to the report, Lithuanian authorities conducted a six-month investigation into whether the company's iQOS heated tobacco system met the definition of a tobacco product.

Philip Morris International argued that the iQOS should be treated for marketing purposes as an electronic product, in which case, ads for it wouldn't be subject to the restrictions placed on tobacco advertisements. But regulators noted that iQOS can only be used in conjunction with the Heets tobacco packets that enable users to inhale vapor produced from heated tobacco.

Philip Morris advertises the iQOS extensively throughout Europe, and even though the fine for breaking the rules in this case would be extremely small, having to revamp its marketing campaign would be a big blow to the company. Even bigger is the concern is that other regulators might follow Lithuania's lead, potentially putting a huge obstacle in the way of the iQOS's growth in the European market after its large successes in Japan. Philip Morris will challenge any adverse regulatory findings, but it will have to wait a month or so to learn what those findings are.

A small victory in the Netherlands

Philip Morris got better news when Dutch prosecutors agreed not to open a criminal investigation against it and three other major cigarette companies -- British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, and the Imperial Tobacco Benelux unit of Imperial Brands. A lawyer for anti-smoking groups in the Netherlands had asserted the companies should be charged with attempted murder or manslaughter, using arguments similar to the ones that U.S. plaintiffs' attorneys have made throughout the history of tobacco litigation. Allegations specifically included the knowing sale of addictive tobacco products, as well as misleading the public about the various harmful chemicals delivered by cigarettes.

Prosecutors chose not to bring charges because smokers now have knowledge about the risks inherent in cigarette smoking, yet choose to smoke anyway. Despite the difficulties involved in quitting smoking, prosecutors said that their chances of success in a criminal case of this type were low because of the difficulty of proving legal causation. Philip Morris welcomed the decision, arguing that supporting alternatives to traditional cigarettes such as iQOS is the better way to address health risks from regular smoking. Yet anti-smoking advocacy groups are looking at filing similar cases in other countries where the legal systems potentially provide a greater chance of victory.

Dealing with risk

The financial risks involved in selling cigarettes and other tobacco products are nothing new for Philip Morris International, and even with its development of what the industry describes as reduced-risk products, it knows it will continue to face difficult situations like these. That won't stop the tobacco giant from moving forward with iQOS development and marketing, but it's an issue that shareholders need to understand and factor into their investment decisions.
Savvy travelers and novices alike include Kenya on their list of dream destinations, and for very good reason. Kenya is blessed with an abundance of spectacular wildlife and lavishly gorgeous, incredibly photogenic landscapes. Everywhere you go, from the teeming cities to the plains of the Masai Mara, the people are friendly and welcoming. Tourist infrastructure is amazing, often offering white glove service where the basics of running water and electricity appear impossible to find. Game reserves are magnificent, filled with all manner of wildlife, beautiful lakes and beaches, and sweeping vistas that seem to go on forever.

With more than 50 parks to choose from in Kenya alone, it's hard to decide where to go. But everyone agrees that the Masai Mara and Samburu parks are must-visit sites. Our Kenya Wildlife Safari includes them both plus a lot more! And like all Friendly Planet tours, you'll enjoy the best of Kenya at prices that are as amazing as the country itself.



If you want even more iconic Africa see our Kenya Wildlife Express with Victoria Falls!
A livestock farmer has decided to give up sheep farming after a sickening dog attack on his flock, say police.

An unaccompanied dog attacked and killed a pregnant ewe and her unborn lamb and forced one sheep into a canal.

Boaters tried to rescue the sheep, but it died after being plucked from the canal.

See also: The law on shooting dogs  critical facts farmers should know

The incident, in a field in the village of Seend, near Melksham, Wiltshire, left a third sheep in serious shock and distress.

Wiltshire Police has appealed for help to track down the owners of the large Border collie-type dog, which due to its size could have been a German shepherd-cross.

The owners did not appear to be with the dog when it carried out the attack.

PCSO Janet Gould said: The attack has left the sheep farmer extremely distressed and he has decided to stop farming sheep after the ordeal.

Livestock worrying is a criminal offence and can be very distressing for the farmers who have to deal with the financial and emotional aftermath of a dog attack.

Someone from the area will recognise the description of the dog involved. It might be that your dog or someones you know got out on that Monday evening and came back showing signs of being involved in an attack.
We all know Rockstar Games has quite biblic times to release new titles from its most beloved franchises, but this doesnt mean they dont start working on them as soon as they release new games from those popular IPs. For example, GTA 6 ideas have been in the works since 2012, as revealed six years ago by former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies.

According to him, as recouped by British website Dream Team, in 2012 Benzies explained in an interview that at that time we dont know what GTA 6 will be, but weve got some ideas. At the time, with GTA Online still up in the air and well distant from being the acclaimed success it is today, Rockstar Games was exploring the concept of reuniting all the locations from past Grand Theft Auto titles in one single, persistent world.

In particular, Benzies said hed love to return to Vice City at some point, specifically as part of this comprehensive game world. Of course at some point, we would like to have one big world containing all our cities and let the player fly between them and revisit their favorite areas, he said. In that context, re-imaging Vice City would be very interesting.

It looks quite ambitious, of course, but we guess that  by the time well see GTA 6 in the making  such an idea would be much more affordable than it was back in 2012.
One of my doubts when it comes to Metal Gear Survive is whether Konami is capable of sustaining an always online, persistent experience as it is supposed to be in the long run.

Sure enough, the Japanese developer and publisher is showing the will to do it as good as possible, starting with the North American launch, which was celebrated yesterday, and the next few days and months.

On February 23, once all the different territorial versions are out, there will be a launch celebration login bonus, that will provide users with few bonus content in order to say hello to the newcomers and more loyal Metal Gear fanbase.

This is instead going to be the roadmap in March, which is set to be more consistent in terms of modes and features:

Adding a new difficulty level for Daily Missions (Hard)

Adding a new difficulty level for Weekly Missions (Hard)

Adding a new type of mission in CO-OP

Adding a new event: CO-OP mission with the new rule.

Adding the possibility to change some of the in-game controls

Changing the personal score calculation so it takes the digger acceleration into account.

Konami added that the detailed schedule for these updates will be announced later. Due to development schedule, the schedule may slightly differ. We will continue to fix the balance and glitch continuously.

Metal Gear Survive is already available in North America and will release tomorrow, February 22, in Europe.
In January 2018, Nintendo Switch was once again the most sold console in the United States, according to the NPD Group monthly sales data. Despite being the most sold console, Nintendo Switch wasnt the one to generate the most revenue: it was Sonys PS4.

Last month, hardware dollar sales of $278 million are the highest level achieved since the $323 million sold in January 2011. Over 1 million units were sold in January, the highest tally since the same month in 2011.

All the big three platforms are said to have performed very well, considering that the gap between the top selling and the third best selling was only 3% in dollar sales. Interestingly, Nintendo 3DS unit sales were the best recorded in a January month since 2013.

Talking about software sales, Monster Hunter World was the most sold game in the month of January 2018, preceding another top-level entry for the month, Dragon Ball FighterZ. Another January entry, even though it launched very late in the month, was PS4 exclusive brawler Dissidia Final Fantasy NT, which managed to access the top 20 in the 19th spot.

At the third spot, we can find Call of Duty WWII preceding PUBG, for whom have not been counted digital sales (** no digital sales; * no PC digital sales).

1 Monster Hunter: World

2 Dragon Ball: Fighterz

3 Call of Duty: WWII

4 PlayerUnknowns Battlegrounds*

5 Grand Theft Auto V

6 NBA 2K18

7 Super Mario Odyssey**

8 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild**

9 Mario Kart 8**

10 Madden NFL 18

11 Star Wars: Battlefront II*

12 Assassins Creed: Origins

13 UFC 3

14 Tom Clancys Rainbow Six: Siege

15 FIFA 18*

16 Dragon Ball: Xenoverse

17 The Sims 4*

18 Splatoon 2**

19 Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT

20 Need for Speed: Payback*

Heres a summary of what happened in terms of the industry:
During a talk at DICE 2018, Uncharted 4 creative director Neil Druckmann provided the attendance with his vision about what an Uncharted movie should be, and particularly what it should not be when it drops at some point soon.

According to Neil Druckmann, at Naughty Dog were not excited by a direct adaptation of the video games, which this way should not be turned into a movie. For example, the first Uncharted movie should not be a tie-in based on the first Uncharted game, and so on.

Druckmann went on saying hed rather enjoy a film based on a young Nathan Drake, perhaps a bit later than the levels where, in Uncharted 4, you play Nates childhood when he was in the orphanage with his brother Sam.

Probably he refers to something like the rebooted Tomb Raider, where you could play (and later see, as that adventure has been turned into a movie dropping early March 2018) as a young Lara Croft while embarking in her very first adventure.

Young Nathan Drake is set to be played by Spider-Man: Homecomings star Tom Holland, while Stranger Things director and executive producer Shawn Levy has been signed as the director as well. Sony Pictures hasnt offered a tentative release date yet.
Georgia to increase its exports to Turkey - GeorgianJournal
Minister of Economy says the number of visitors is increasing in Georgia month by month - GeorgianJournal
Jabra Elite 65t wireless earbuds with Alexa integration launched in India News oi-Samden Sherpa Jabra has reinvented the new set of wireless earbuds by incorporating its knowledge about usage, comfort, and design from the first true wireless innovation.

Jabra, a manufacturer of communications and sound solutions has now unveiled its third generation of wireless earbuds in India. Dubbed as Elite 65t, the company has claimed that the device offers stable wireless connection and long battery life. Jabra has reinvented the new set of wireless earbuds by incorporating its knowledge about usage, comfort, and design from the first true wireless innovation.

"The new earbuds have a distinct focus on the voice experience, delivering superior audio quality for calls and music without wires," the company has said in its media release.

Talking about some of the other features, Jabra Elite 65t combines a lightweight design for a long-term comfort with up to 15 hours of battery life with the cradle and five hours of listening time on a single charge.

Building on the success of the Jabra Elite Sport the new earbuds are engineered to deliver a better voice and music experience while incorporating new design and color choices.

Jabra Elite 65t brings together unique technological features to deliver best-in-class quality for voice and music. The earbuds come with innovative four microphone solution which is further combined with an optimized acoustic chamber. The company has claimed that the earbuds enable advanced noise suppression and voice enhancement for every type of environment. The earbuds also allow music to be personalized using a music equalizer accessed from the Jabra Sound+ companion application.

"The Jabra Elite 65t has unique microphone positioning that ensures the best voice and music interactions on the market, as well as signature sound, voice capabilities, and interaction support. It is already a category leader, winning the CES Innovation Award," the company has said.

Interestingly, the earbuds also come with Alexa integration. "With Jabra's earbuds and Alexa, customers can ask Alexa thousands of things while on-the-go," said Pete Thompson, Vice President, Amazon Alexa. "Customers can find and play music while on a run, check the news on their commute, manage their to-do list, and more, simply by asking Alexa."

Jabra Elite 65t will be available in 'Titanium Black, 'Copper Black' and 'Gold Beige' color options. The device will start shipping April via Amazon, Croma and all Jabra authorized resellers at Rs. 12,999.

Best Mobiles in India

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Google launches support for Tamil languages ads News oi-Vishal Kawadkar Google adds another language support for AdWords and AdSense.

Google India announced the launch of Tamil language support for its advertising products - Google AdWords and Google AdSense to support the Tamil language web publishers and also help advertisers to reach out to the large base of Internet users in Tamil. With this launch, Google has now scaled support for Indian language advertising to cover Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil.

Advertisers will now be able to develop rich and seamless campaigns to target their audience through Tamil-language search and display ads. In addition to that, content creators who have websites and blogs in Tamil will be able to sign up for Google Adsense and run ads on their content and attract advertisers from across the globe.

According to Shalini Girish, Director - Google Marketing Solutions, Google India, "Majority of India's Internet users are not fluent in English, and we have been very focused on enabling Indian language support across our key products to make the Internet more useful for everyone. With the launch of Tamil support in our advertising products, today we are enabling both the content creators and advertisers to connect with the Indian language users in their languages. We saw a huge acceleration in Hindi content creation, when we launched support for Hindi languages, and we hope that the addition of new languages like Bengali (launched late last year) and now Tamil will provide the necessary boost to content creation in local languages and grow digital advertising in Indian languages."

Google tango, the augmented technology AR - GIZBOT

To start monetizing your Tamil content website with Google AdSense:

1. Check the AdSense program policies and make sure your website is compliant.

2. Sign up for an AdSense account

3. Add the AdSense code to start displaying relevant ads to your

India has 234 million Indian language users who are online (compared to 175 million English web users) and it is expected another 300 million Indian language users will come online in the next four years. The most important aspect of making the web more useful and meaningful for all of India is to make India's Internet more representative of today's India.

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Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+

Samsung flagship smartphones - the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ are the biggest announcements to happen at the MWC 2018 tech show. From the previous rumors and leaks, the Galaxy S9 duo is said to be quite similar to the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ smartphones in terms of design with thinner bezels and an elongated display.

Apart from that, the Galaxy S9+ is said to get a dual rear camera setup similar while the Galaxy S9 might have a single camera at its rear. These phones are said to sport 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch displays with 18.5:9 aspect ratio. When it comes to the camera aspects, these phones are said to get a major upgrade with a variable f/1.5 aperture, better low-light photography and super slow-mo mode as seen in the promo videos. Also, a 3D emoji feature is expected as one of the videos hint at the same. The flagship smartphones are likely to arrive with an iris scanner integrated with the selfie camera.

Nokia 9, Nokia 1, Nokia 7 Plus, Nokia 3310 4G

Nokia marked a great comeback last year at the MWC 2017 with the announcement of several devices including the Nokia 6, Nokia 5, Nokia 3 and Nokia 3310 (2017) in partnership with HMD Global. The Nokia 3310 that was initially launched in the last year in 2G and 3G variants received a 4G variant earlier this year in China. This 4G feature phone from Nokia comes with Yun OS based on Android, Wi-Fi support, 64GB of expandable storage space, and more. We can expect the global variant of Nokia 3310 4G to be unveiled at the upcoming tech show.

Apart from this, HMD Global is believed to unveil a slew of smartphones at the tech show. First, the Nokia 1 is said to be in the making. It is claimed to be an Android Go smartphone that might arrive with an HD IPS display, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage space, and a polycarbonate build. Then, the Nokia 7 Plus is said to be a mid-range smartphone that is likely to be the first full-screen design phone from the company with thin bezels and 18:9 aspect ratio display. It is rumored to arrive with dual cameras at its rear as well.

The Nokia 4 recently popped up in rumors and it is said to be launched with a Snapdragon 450 SoC and the other details of this device remain unknown. The Nokia 9 is believed to be a flagship smartphone and it is rumored to be called Nokia 8 Sirocco. This one is said to be launched with Android 8.0 Oreo, a 5.5-inch OLED display, 128GB storage space, and 3250mAh battery with support for fast charging. We have come across other smartphones such as Nokia 8 Pro and Nokia 8 (2018) smartphones as well.

Moto G6, G6 Plus and G6 Play

Lenovo-owned Motorola is expected to host an event at the MWC 2018 tech show. The company is said to unveil a slew of smartphones such as Moto G6, Moto G6 Plus, and Moto G6 Play. In addition to these smartphones, we can expect the company showcase Moto X5 and Moto Z3 series as well at the tech show.

The Moto G6, Moto G6 Plus and Moto G6 Play smartphones are said to be unveiled with full-screen design and 18:9 aspect ratio display. The Moto G6 Play could be the most affordable one among the trio and will make use of a Snapdragon 430 SoC and a 4000mAh battery. The Moto G6 is believed to be unveiled with a Snapdragon 450 SoC and 3000mAh battery while the G6 Plus is likely to arrive with a 3250mAh battery.

Sony Xperia XZ2, XZ2 Premium and XZ2 Compact

Sony Xperia XZ Premium of the last year was known for its 4K HDR display and top-end specs but the device couldn't make an impact as it was lacking good cameras. This year, Sony is known to bring about its successor - the Xperia XZ2 Premium with a 4K OLED display of 5.7 inches and 18:9 aspect ratio display. The device is believed to be unveiled along with the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact as well on February 26. The flagship Sony smartphones are likely to be announced with a Snapdragon 845 SoC, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage and dual cameras at the rear.

Asus ZenFone 5

Asus is slated to host its launch event on February 28 to unveil the next-generation flagship smartphones under the ZenFone 5 series. The ZenFone 5 is believed to be announced with a Snapdragon 845 SoC paired with 6GB RAM. Believed to run Android 8.0 Oreo topped with ZenUI, this smartphone from Asus is likely to feature a tall display with 18:9 aspect ratio. A leaked render of the smartphone shows the presence of a notch at the top of the display like the iPhone X. We can also expect this device to be teamed up with a mid-range smartphone to be called ZenFone 5 Lite. This one is likely to arrive with a FHD+ display.

LG V30s

Initially, LG was rumored to unveil the flagship LG G7 smartphone at the MWC 2018 tech show. The Later, we got to now that the company could unveil an upgraded variant of the LG V30 called LG V30s. This one is believed to arrive with improved AI capabilities for image processing as well as voice recognition. The LG V30+ is said to make use of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC teamed up with 256GB of storage space.

Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S

Xiaomi is unlikely to unveil the Mi 7 flagship smartphone at the MWC 2018 tech show. Instead the company is said to bring a new device called Mi Mix 2S. This smartphone is rumored to be launched with a Snapdragon 845 SoC coupled with 8GB RAM and 256GB of default memory. The alleged Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S is believed to feature a 5.99-inch display.

My Cloud Home: Unboxing and Set Up

HTC Desire 12

HTC Desire 12 is speculated to be unveiled at the MWC 2018. The device is believed to feature a 5.5-inch HD+ display with 1440 x 720 pixels and a quad-core MediaTek processor. The HTC smartphone is said to come with a 3GB RAM, expandable storage support up to 2TB, a 12MP rear camera, a 5MP selfie camera and a 2730mAh battery.
Nokia 9

The Nokia 9 is said to be the flagship for HMD this year. We have already seen a device with a moniker - Nokia 8 Sirocco, which could be renamed to Nokia 9.

Based on the leaks, the smartphone will flaunt a 5.5-inch QHD OLED display and will be powered by a Snapdragon 835 processor with 6 / 8GB of RAM alongside 128GB of internal storage.

Optics wise, the device is said to have a 12MP dual camera setup with Carl Zeiss lens, while there will be a 5MP front-facing snapper for selfies. However, there were reports that the company is working on a camera setup powered by Snapdragon 845. Besides, the device is also reported to have IP68 water resistant and wireless charging support.

Nokia 7+

The Nokia 7+ is said to be the first Nokia smartphone to feature the 18:9 aspect ratio. The device is also rumored to be powered by a Snapdragon 660 processor paired with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage space.

Nokia has no plans to ditch the 3.5mm audio jack with the Nokia 7+. It will have a fingerprint sensor for added security housed on the rear panel. The Android One logo tips that the smartphone might run stock Android based on Android 8.0 Oreo. We can expect two years of timely updates as well.

Nokia 4

The device was recently leaked via VK.com (Nokia Power User). The report suggests that Nokia 4 will likely be the successor to the existing Nokia 3 handset which was launched at the MWC 2017.

There isn't much known about the Nokia 4, but some rumors suggest that the device will be powered by Snapdragon 450 SoC. Last month the device appeared in an APK file teardown of a camera app. The leak further cemented the existence of the Nokia 4. Reports also suggest that the company has halted the production of the Nokia 3, indicating a possible Nokia 4 launch.

Nokia 1

The Nokia 1 will be an entry-level smartphone that will sport an HD display with 1280 x 720 pixel resolution. It is said to come with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. It will run the lighter version of Android called the Android Go (Oreo Edition) developed by Google for low-end smartphones.

Nokia 3310 (4G)

The company is expected to announce the 4G variant of the Nokia 3310 at the MWC 2018. The device packs a 2.40-inch display with a resolution of 240 pixels by 320 pixels. It comes with 256MB of RAM. The phone packs 512MB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 64GB via a microSD card. As far as the cameras are concerned, the Nokia 3310 4G packs a 2MP primary camera on the rear.
Samsung Galaxy S9 India release teased by Flipkart News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Would the Galaxy S9 and S9+ be exclusive to Flipkart?

Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ flagship smartphones at the MWC 2018 show floor on February 25. The company is all set to host the Galaxy Unpacked event for the unveiling of these phones in Barcelona. In the meantime, a juicy information about the availability of these devices in India has been tipped by Flipkart.

The online retailer has posted images as well as a promo video that was revealed by Samsung in the last week teasing the upcoming camera features. The teaser page on Flipkart shows the number 9 and the words Camera Redesigned. It also has the invite that that was shared by Samsung earlier for the Galaxy Unpacked event.

The teaser page tips that the company will come up with many major upgrades on the camera front of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+. Given that cameras could be the major focus of the Samsung event this time, another video has been posted on the teaser page of Flipkart. The video shows camera elements including selfies, photo tagging, iris scanner, flash, and other features targeted at the youngsters.

The Flipkart page clearly shows that the smartphone could be coming on February 25, 2018 that is the same date as the pre-MWC 2018 announcement of these smartphones. However, it does not reveal any specific date of when the release will happen in India. Also, it remains unknown if the Samsung Galaxy S9 duo will be exclusive to the online retailer Flipkart.

The Samsung video shared by Flipkart is also seen on the company's YouTube channel. It shows some of the expected camera features of the smartphone. It is the same video that Samsung released earlier teasing the highlights such as front-facing iris scanner, Snapchat-like emojis and more.

Samsung Galaxy A8+ First Impressions

We already know that the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ smartphones will arrive with major upgrades than their predecessors. These flagship smartphones are said to feature variable f/1.5 aperture, better low-light photography, 3D emoji feature, and Super Slow-Mo mode. The front-facing camera is said to have an iris scanner as well. We will get to know more details as the announcement of these smartphones is just a few days away from now.

Best Mobiles in India

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Xioami Redmi Note 5 and Redmi Note 5 Pro Price

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 starts at Rs. 9,999 for the 3GB RAM, 32GB storage variant and goes up to Rs. 11,999 for the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage variant. The device is available in multiple color options like Black, Gold, Lake Blue, and Rose Gold.

As for the Redmi Note 5 Pro, the device is priced at Rs. 13,999 for the 4GB RAM, 64GB storage variant, while the 6GB RAM variant is priced at Rs. 16,999. It also comes in Black, Gold, Lake Blue, and Rose Gold color options.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Specifications

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 comes with a 5.99-inch full-HD (1080x2160 pixels) display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, 450-nit brightness, 84 percent NTSC color gamut, and a 2.5D curved glass. The smartphone is powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 625 SoC clocked at 2GHz. It is paired with Adreno 506 GPU and either 3GB or 4GB of RAM. The device offers 32GB or 64GB storage options and both are expandable via microSD card.

As for the cameras, there is a12-megapixel rear camera sensor with f/2.2 aperture, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus), EIS (Electronics Image Stabilisation) and an LED flash. Up front, there is a 5-megapixel camera with an LED selfie flash.

The smartphone is backed by a 4000mAh battery and it runs on MIUI 9 based on Android Nougat. There is a rear-facing fingerprint sensor. The dual-SIM handset offers connectivity options like 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headphone jack, and Micro-USB and packs. The handset measures 158.5x75.45x8.05mm and weighs 180 grams.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro specifications

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro comes with a 5.99-inch full-HD (1080x2160 pixels) display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, 450-nit brightness, 84 percent NTSC color gamut, and a 2.5D curved glass. The smartphone is powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 636 SoC, coupled with Adreno 509 GPU and either 4GB or 6GB of RAM. The device offers 64GB of onboard storage that is expandable via microSD card.

As for the cameras, Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro has a dual rear camera setup, with a 12-megapixel primary sensor sporting an aperture of f/2.2 and a 1.25-micron pixel size, while the 5-megapixel secondary sensor has a f/2.0 aperture and 1.12-micron pixel size. The camera also features PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus), EIS (Electronics Image Stabilisation) and an LED flash. Up front, there is a 20-megapixel Sony IMX376 sensor that is accompanied by an LED selfie-light module.

The device is backed by a 4000mAh battery and it runs on MIUI 9 based on Android Nougat. There is a rear-facing fingerprint sensor.

The dual-SIM handset offers connectivity options like 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headphone jack, and Micro-USB and packs. The handset measures 158.6 x 75.4 x 8.1mm and weighs 181 grams.
Sat Saturday

83 /57

Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 80s and lows in the upper 50s.
Identifying those who manifest violent tendencies might do some good
Egypt blacklists Abol Fotouh, links him to Muslim Brotherhood

Iran Press TV

Tue Feb 20, 2018 01:51PM

An Egyptian court has put Abdel Moneim Abol Fotouh, a senior anti-government activist, on "terrorism" list over what they say was his secret links to the leadership of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood party.

State news agency MENA reported Tuesday that Abol Fotouh, along with 15 others, was added to Egypt's terrorism list after it was found that they had joined an outlawed organization "aiming to harm the interests of the state."

Abol Fotouh, a 67-year-old physician, was arrested last week after returning from London. The Interior Ministry said the senior activist had held meetings in London with leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood. The ministry said the meetings were aimed at stirring unrest and instability in Egypt as the country prepares for its presidential election next month.

Abol Fotouh has denied the allegations. He was a member of the Brotherhood until 2011 when a huge public uprising led to the fall of former dictator Hosni Mubarak. He failed in his bid to become a president in the post-Mubarak Egypt but has maintained his distance from the Brotherhood over the years.

The senior activist has been among key critics of current President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. In an interview last week, which seems to be a main reason for his arrest, Abol Fotouh accused Sisi, a former army chief, of pulling the army into politics. He said Sisi had failed to contain a deadly insurgency in Sinai region and other areas while blaming his mismanagement for Egypt's increasing economic woes.

Since Sisi's rise to power in 2014, tens of thousands have been arrested on suspicions of having links to the Brotherhood. The senior leadership of the party, including former President Muhammed Morsi who was deposed in a coup led by Sisi in 2013, face death or life in prison over allegations of involvement in terrorism.

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Stoltenberg Discusses NATO Transatlantic Link at Munich Conference

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2018  The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is arguably the most successful alliance in history, ensuring no general war in Europe since the end of World War II. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the Munich Security Conference last week that the organization is adapting to ensure it continues its success against new threats and challenges.

But even as the alliance transitions, there are some pillars that remain undisturbed and the largest of those is the transatlantic partnership, Stoltenberg said.

He noted the symbolism of two items in front of the new NATO headquarters building in Brussels: a piece of the Berlin Wall and a twisted girder from New York's World Trade Center. "Together they symbolize NATO's steel-hard commitment to our collective defense and our solidarity in the fight against terrorism," he said. "But most of all, they symbolize the unbreakable bond that unites the continents of North America and Europe."

NATO Steps Up

The transatlantic partnership is being questioned, Stoltenberg said, with those in Europe perceiving a lack of U.S. support for Article 5, and U.S. officials perceiving unfair burden-sharing. "All of this has fueled an impression of weakening transatlantic bond," he said. "But the reality is that the bond has proven to be resilient, because both Europe and North America benefit from the bond. What we see now is North Americans coming back to Europe, just as Europeans are stepping up their contributions to our shared security."

Russia's incursion into Georgia and its annexation of Crimea rang alarm bells on the continent, the secretary general said. In response, the United States increased the number of troops based in Europe. There are brigades deploying into and out of the Baltic republics and Poland. American ships patrol the Black Sea and U.S. aircraft aid in the Baltic air policing mission.

"This week, Washington rolled out a plan for further substantial increases in U.S. presence in Europe, [with] billions for equipment, prepositioned supplies, training and infrastructure," Stoltenberg said. "Canadian troops have also returned to Europe for the first time in a generation, leading a multinational battlegroup in Latvia."

The European allies and Canada have stood with America in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, he said.

European allies are also sharing the financial burden. Since 2014, defense spending on the continent and in Canada has increased. In 2014, only three allies met the 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense guideline. This year eight allies should hit the mark, and by 2024 there should be 15. "All NATO allies have put forward plans to increase spending in real terms," Stoltenberg said. "This is major progress and it is a very good start. But we still have a long way to go and hard work ahead."

E.U., NATO Cooperation 'Vital'

But many of the NATO nations are also members of the European Union and the nations are trying to square the defense requirements for each alliance. "I welcome E.U. efforts on defense," the secretary general said. "They are an opportunity to further strengthen the European pillar within NATO and contribute to better burden-sharing. But with opportunity comes risk: The risk of weakening the transatlantic bond; the risk of duplicating what NATO is already doing; and the risk of discriminating against non-E.U. members of the NATO alliance."

The United States is key to defending Europe. "The reality is the European Union cannot protect Europe by itself," Stoltenberg said. He noted that after Great Britain leaves the European Union, 80 percent of NATO's defense spending will come from non-EU allies.

Merging E.U. and NATO assets of the European allies will be crucial for defense. "If the E.U. actions complement NATO and are not seen as an alternative, then I see great potential for improving European security," he said. "That is why a closer NATO-E.U. cooperation is vital."

Stoltenberg also discussed what he called "the re-emergence of nuclear challenges."

After the Cold War, NATO placed nuclear issues on the back burner, but Russia's modernization effort, Iran's nuclear program and North Korea's emergence as a nuclear nation placed it in the forefront once again.

"Let me be clear, NATO's goal is a world without nuclear weapons, but as long as they exist NATO will remain a nuclear alliance," the secretary general said. "A world where Russia, China and North Korea have nuclear weapons, but NATO does not, is not a safer world. That is why the ultimate guarantee of NATO's security is the strategic nuclear forces of allies, particularly those of the United States."

Stoltenberg said the world may be more dangerous and unpredictable now, but he feels conflict is not inevitable. "To preserve the peace, we need the military strength of the NATO alliance, combined with the political courage to seek dialogue, to deescalate, reduce tensions and find peaceful solutions to our differences," he said.

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116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team conducts signal gunnery, makes information more lethal

By Capt. Robert Taylor February 21, 2018

BOISE, Idaho -- The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team signal Soldiers conducted signal gunnery Feb. 6-11 on Gowen Field and in the Orchard Combat Training Center.

The training, planned and executed by the brigade's communication section, was designed to train the brigade's signal Soldiers in a training environment on their communication platforms prior to a year of heavy field training.

"Information is a weapon the brigade yields," said CW3 Jerred Edgar, the brigade's network defense chief. "We're training Soldiers on their mission command weapons systems. We're making information more lethal."

Approximately 60 signal Soldiers from five signal military occupational specialties in each of the brigade's seven battalions participated in the exercise. The training audience was sergeants and below working at the crew level.

Soldiers were intentionally assigned to crews with Soldiers from other units to allow signal Soldiers to get to know their counterparts across the battalion as well as share their experiences with Soldiers they don't typically work with.

"Everyone does the same job," said Sgt. Seth Gaskins, a signal support system specialist in C Company, 116th Brigade Engineer Battalion. "But everyone does it differently."

Edgar began planning the training more than a year ago to accommodate the brigade's training schedule. He developed the concept of "signal gunnery" after not being able to find any doctrine regarding crew-level training in the Army to mirror training line units are familiar with.

"We wanted to create a process that trains crews in a manner similar to tank gunnery to create shared understanding with commanders," Edgar said. "There must be mutual understanding with commanders because they can think, 'this is like tank gunnery for my signal Soldiers.'"

Edgar said the biggest challenges for signal Soldiers is being spread out across four states without ever being the focus of specific signal training. Signal Soldiers are expected to show up and perform their tasks without delay, he said.

The six-day training event gave Soldiers the chance to train on their assigned equipment and practice setting it up quickly. During the two-day field exercise, crews each jumped to five locations, including two at night.

"It's good to be in a learning environment," Gaskins said. "There's not the pressure of failing our unit. We can just focus on improving the brigade, both as individuals and as a whole."

The brigade plans to conduct similar training next year.

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VP-8 Fighting Tigers Rescue Fishermen Lost at Sea for 8 Days in South Pacific

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS180221-01

Release Date: 2/21/2018 7:19:00 AM

By Lt. j.g. Danielle Tatchio

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (NNS) -- Crewmembers assigned to the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) rescued three fishermen Feb. 20, whose vessel was adrift in the South Pacific for eight days.

The 19-foot skiff was first reported missing Feb. 12, after it failed to return from a fishing expedition near Chuuk Lagoon in the Federated States of Micronesia. According to the report, the boat carried food and water, but no safety equipment or radios. Assets from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam searched for the vessel for several days before requesting assistance from the U.S. Navy.

The "Fighting Tigers" aircrew and maintenance team were tasked to support the search and rescue (SAR) operation, repositioning on short notice from Kadena Air Base, Japan to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The crew flew the Navy's newest maritime patrol aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon, which is equipped with an advanced APY-10 multifunction radar and MX-20 camera system, ideal for searching the 2,100-square-mile area. The vessel was located after only three hours and the aircrew deployed a UNI-PAC II Search and Rescue (SAR) kit, a new addition to the maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft (MPRA) fleet and the first time the kit had been successfully deployed by a P-8A in real-world SAR operations.

SAR kits are deployed at approximately 500 feet with a 150-yard trailing lanyard to deliver equipment as accurately as possible to survivors in the water. Kits generally include medical supplies, food, water, communications and signaling equipment, but can be configured with additional supplies depending on the mission type.

The three survivors were picked up by a nearby police vessel a few hours after being located by VP-8.

"It was incredibly rewarding to be a part of saving lives - it's what everyone joins the Navy to do," said Lt. Miles Schumacher, tactical coordinator of the VP-8 aircrew. "This aircraft allows for a massive step forward in the ability of SAR units to search large areas quickly and effectively, and we were excited to have the SAR kit loaded and be able to prove its effectiveness. We successfully demonstrated the capability of the MPRA community to react quickly and effectively to operational requirements in the farthest corners of the globe. Hopefully, this is just the first of many successful rescues by P-8A Poseidon aircrews."

Patrol Squadron Eight is currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting theater and national level tasking in support of U.S. 7th Fleet, U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. Pacific Command.

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Wayne E. Meyer Arrives in Kota Kinabalu

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS180221-03

Release Date: 2/21/2018 8:12:00 AM

By Lt. j.g. Danielle Moser, Carl Vinson Strike Group Public Affairs

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (NNS) -- USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) arrived in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia for a regularly scheduled port visit, Feb. 21.

Wayne E. Meyer is on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment with the Carl Vinson Strike Group.

"We are thankful to our hosts for this opportunity, as the U.S. Navy's relationship with the Royal Malaysian Navy continues to grow," said Cmdr. Jamie Hopkins, commanding officer of Wayne E. Meyer.

While in port Sailors will have an opportunity to see the sights and experience the culture of Kota Kinabalu.

"For the majority of our crew, this is the first visit to Kota Kinabalu, and my team is excited to enjoy some time ashore in a new port," said Hopkins.

The guided-missile destroyer is operated by more than 300 crew members and is based out of San Diego.

The ship is named after the late Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer, who is regarded as the "Father of Aegis" for his service in developing the modern weapon system used by U.S. Navy ships throughout the fleet.

The strike group is operating in the Indo-Pacific region to conduct maritime security operations, promote freedom of the seas, and work with partners and allies to enhance regional security and stability.

The deployment marks the second time the strike group is operating throughout the Indo-Pacific region under U.S. 3rd Fleet's command and control as a Third Fleet Forward asset.

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Venezuela launches own digital currency 'Petro'

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 03:15PM

Venezuela has officially launched its own digital currency to become the first country with its own oil-backed cryptocurrency.

The currency would be traded at the secondary market both at home and abroad starting from April. However, official figures released on Wednesday showed it was already being welcomed by investors.

President Nicolas Maduro said preliminary sales of Venezuelan cryptocurrency  named 'Petro'  had reached 735 million US Dollars.

"We already saw the intentions to buy Petro worth 4.77 billion Yuan, which equals 596 million Euros, or 735 million US Dollars," Maduro was quoted as saying during a ceremony to present Petro.

"Petro reinforces our independence and economic sovereignty and will allow us to fight the greed of foreign powers that try to suffocate Venezuelan families to seize our oil," he said.

Sales of the digital currency  which Venezuela hopes would enable it to dodge the impacts of US-led financial sanctions  could reach 100 million Petros, with an initial value set at 60 US Dollars, given the price of a barrel of Venezuelan crude oil as of mid-January.

A white paper issued by the Venezuelan government, 38.4 million Petros would be presold from Feb 20 to March 19, 44 million since March 20, and the remaining 17.6 million to be held by the managing authorities established by the government.

The plan to launch Petro was announced by Maduro last year amid an economic crisis and a plunge in the value of the Bolivar, the country's currency. It is based on oil, gas, gold and diamond reserves.

Using the comic character as a code for the United States, Maduro has hinted that Petro could bypass the US financial system, saying, "today, a cryptocurrency is being born that can take on Superman," according to a report by Russia's Sputnik news agency.

Maduro solemnly announced that he had put the country on the world's technological forefront, albeit blockchain experts had warned that the Petro was unlikely to draw significant investment due to its deep economic imbalances that will imminently undermine confidence in the new digital currency.

"We have taken a giant step into the 21st Century. We are on the world's technological vanguard," Maduro said in a nationally broadcast show, as reported by Sputnik.

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Philippines rejects US intel community's criticism of Duterte

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 09:18AM

The Philippines' presidential spokesman has rejected a recent official US intelligence assessment that refers to President Rodrigo Duterte as a threat to democracy in Southeast Asia.

"I do not think that's true. He (Duterte) is a lawyer, he knows the law, he wants to uphold the rule of law, he knows about the bill of rights," Harry Roque said on Wednesday, adding that Duterte was concerned about the US intelligence report.

"We view this declaration from no less than the intelligence department of the United States with some concern...," Roque further said during an interview with the Philippines' Manila-based DZMM radio.

The report  titled 'Worldwide Threat Assessment' and produced by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence  points to Duterte together with Cambodia's Hun Sen, the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, and Thailand's military-backed constitution as elements that undermine what the US spy agencies refer to as "democratic values."

According to the assessment by the US intelligence community, dated February 13, democracy and human rights in many Southeast Asian nations "will remain fragile in 2018 as autocratic tendencies deepen in some regimes and rampant corruption and cronyism undermine democratic values."

"In the Philippines, President Duterte will continue to wage his signature campaign against drugs, corruption, and crime," the report, prepared by Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, reads.

It further says that the Philippine president has suggested he could suspend the constitution and declare "a revolutionary government and impose nationwide martial law."

The US intelligence report also expresses concerns about China's rising influence in the region, claiming that countries in Southeast Asia "will struggle to preserve foreign policy autonomy in the face of Chinese economic and diplomatic coercion."

This is not the first time Washington has censured Duterte, who grew furious over criticism by former US president Barack Obama's administration regarding his trademark war on drugs, which has reportedly killed thousands of presumed criminals.

According to Western press reports, more than 4,000 people have been killed in counter-narcotics operations across the Philippines against suspected drug dealers and users under the Duterte's war on drugs since July 2016.

Rights groups have accused Philippine police of shooting to kill in their counter-narcotics ops, but law-enforcement authorities reject such allegations. So does Duterte.

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Explosion kills 3 tribal elders in east Afghanistan

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 06:23AM

A blast at a hotel in Afghanistan's eastern city of Jalalabad has killed at least three tribal elders and injured two others, although the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear.

The blast occurred Tuesday on the second floor of a hotel in Jalalabad, the capital city of the country's violence-ridden Nangarhar Province, where the tribal elders had checked in, said a spokesman for the provincial governor, Attaullah Khogyani.

It was not clear if the blast was caused by a bomb, and Khogyani said no one had claimed responsibility.

The elders were visiting Jalalabad to take part in a meeting on the new electronic identity cards being distributed by the central government.

Nangarhar, which borders Pakistan, has long been beset by militancy and violence. Both the Taliban and Daesh terrorist groups are present in the province.

A new study has found that the Taliban militants are openly active in 70 percent of Afghan territory, fully controlling four percent of the country and maintaining presence in another 66 percent.

Daesh has so far claimed responsibility for several terrorist attacks in Jalalabad, including a January 24 attack targeting an office of the Save the Children aid organization in the city.

Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai recently said the US was colluding with Daesh terrorists in Afghanistan and allowing the Takfiri group to flourish in the country.

Most recently, Karzai also told the US-based Washington Post in an interview published last week that the US was not in Afghanistan to defeat the Taliban but was there because America's main rivals such as China, Russia, and Iran were in the neighborhood.

Russia, too, has pointed to indications that the US military is allowing members of Daesh, who have suffered serious defeats in Syria and Iraq, to infiltrate into Afghanistan.

On December 23, 2017, Russian presidential envoy to Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov warned that an estimated 10,000 members of the Takfiri terrorist group were present in Afghanistan, and that their number was growing.

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UN voices worries of declining humanitarian situation in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 02:53AM

The UN's Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov has slammed the expansion of Israeli settlements on Palestinian territories

"Throughout the reporting period Israel's illegal settlement-related activities continued unabated," said Mladenov during his monthly report to the Security Council on Tuesday.

"I reiterate the long-standing UN position that all settlement-related activities are illegal under international law and are a substantial obstacle to peace; and I call on Israel to seize and reverse such policies," he added.

About 600,000 Israelis live in over 230 settlements built illegally since the 1967 occupation of the Palestinian territories.

The continued expansion of Israeli settlements is one of the major obstacles to the establishment of peace in the Middle East.

In recent months, Tel Aviv has stepped up its settlement construction activities in the occupied Palestinian lands in a blatant violation of international law and in defiance of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334.

European nations and the United Nations, among others, maintain their strong opposition to settlement building in the Palestinian territories.

Mladenov (seen below) further censured the demolition and seizure of Palestinian structures especially the destruction of donor-funded classrooms built for Palestinian children.

"Demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned structures also continued, with 31 structures affected, resulting in 33 Palestinians displaced. Particularly concerning was the demolition of two donor-funded classrooms serving Palestinian children in the Bedouin community of Abu Nuwar. This is the sixth demolition or confiscation in the school since February 2016," he said.

Calling on the Tel Aviv regime to halt such activities, he noted that 44 schools in the occupied West Bank are currently at risk of be destroyed.

The UN official also voiced worries over the he humanitarian, economic and ecological situation in Gaza, stressing that it is unsustainable.

"Continuing power cuts of up to 20 hours per day severely undermine the provision of basic services. Without additional immediate fuel deliveries, the situation could deteriorate with dramatic consequences," he added.

The Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli siege since June 2007. The blockade has caused a decline in the standards of living as well as unprecedented levels of unemployment and unrelenting poverty.

The Israeli regime denies about 1.8 million people in Gaza their basic rights, such as freedom of movement, jobs with proper wages as well as adequate healthcare and education.

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Russia voices worries over US, NATO denial of Daesh in Afghanistan

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 12:25AM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has voiced worries over the US and NATO's denial of the presence of Daesh terrorists in Afghanistan.

"We are alarmed as unfortunately, the US and NATO military in Afghanistan makes every effort to silence and deny the Daesh group's presence in Afghanistan," said Lavrov during a press conference in Moscow on Tuesday.

He added that Moscow is harboring suspicions towards the NATO coalition's actions on curbing the threat of terrorists in Afghanistan.

"According to our data, the Daesh presence in northern and eastern Afghanistan is rather serious, there are already thousands of gunmen," Lavrov said.

"This increases the risk of the terrorists' penetration to Central Asia and it is not that difficult to get to Russia," he added.

Earlier in the month, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said the US is transferring Daesh to Afghanistan to justify its military presence in the Central Asian country following heavy blows dealt to the Takfiri terrorist group in Syria and Iraq.

The Iranian defense minister also stressed that the US created Daesh to use it in Syria and Iraq.

However, he said, "after heavy blows suffered in these two countries, the US tried to take Daesh out of the scene and transfer it to Afghanistan to justify its presence there through [the group's] shameless crimes."

Late last month, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei issued a similar warning about Washington's attempt to relocate Daesh from the Middle East to Afghanistan.

In December last year, Russian warned that an estimated 10,000 members of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group are currently present in Afghanistan, and that their number is growing due to the relocation of the terror outfit to the Central Asian country after territorial defeats in Syria and Iraq.

Daesh began establishing a presence in Afghanistan almost a year after making sweeping land grabs in Iraq and Syria in 2014.

The Takfiri terrorist group took advantage of the ongoing chaos in Afghanistan and recruited some of its fighters from among Taliban defectors.

Back in 2014, the US-led occupying forces in Afghanistan officially announced the end of their combat operations in the country, saying they now had a mission to "train, advise, and assist" Afghan troops.

However, the US administration last year permitted the deployment of an additional 3,000 troops to Afghanistan, where the US already has 11,000 forces.

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Merkel: Greece-Macedonia Name Dispute Closer To Solution

RFE/RL's Balkan Service February 21, 2018

Macedonia is closer than any time in the last decade to settling a long-standing dispute over its name with Greece which has dashed the Balkan country's hopes of joining NATO and the European Union, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said.

"I am very pleased and relieved that...there is movement in the talks," Merkel told reporters at a joint news conference in Berlin with visiting Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev on February 21.

Greece objects to the former Yugoslav republic's use of the name Macedonia, which Athens says could imply territorial claims over its own northern region of the same name.

Macedonia and Greece have recently stepped up efforts to resolve the dispute.

The foreign ministers of the two countries met the United Nations special envoy Matthew Nimetz in Vienna earlier this month to discuss the issue.

"In the last 10 years, the solution has not been as close as now and it would be wonderful if the remaining difficulties can be bridged," Merkel said.

The dispute has hampered Macedonia's efforts to join NATO and the European Union. Greece is a member of both entities.

Negotiations between the two neighbors have been inconclusive since 1991, when Macedonia gained independence from the former Yugoslavia.

It was admitted into the United Nations in 1993 under the name Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Now Macedonia says it is ready to add a geographical qualifier to its name to help resolve the dispute with Greece.

An agreement could include Macedonia adding "upper," "new," or "north" to its name.

Zaev said this week he hoped to settle the row in time to see Macedonia join NATO in July.

Merkel on February 21 also urged Zaev, a social democrat who took over last year, to press on with reforms to improve the rule of law and tap EU assistance funds more efficiently to develop infrastructure.

The German chancellor did not want to speculate about a possible EU accession date, insisting that Macedonia must first comply with the conditions.

Zaev said there was "no alternative" for Macedonia and all the other countries in the Western Balkans than to become NATO and EU members.

"I am convinced that with the strength of our citizens, through the reforms we are making and with the support provided by Germany and the EU member states, the whole region will very soon become full members of both NATO and the EU," he also said.

With reporting by Reuters and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/mecedonia-greece-name- dispute-merkel-solution-closer/29053717.html

Copyright (c) 2018. 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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Latvia's Top Banker Rejects Corruption Charges, Says Won't Resign

February 21, 2018

The embattled head of Latvia's central bank has denied bribery allegations against him, saying he is the victim of a smear campaign and will not step down.

"I have taken the decision not to resign," Bank of Latvia Governor Ilmars Rimsevics said on February 20. "I am not guilty."

He told reporters in Riga that he was being targeted by "some Latvian commercial banks to destroy Latvia's reputation."

Latvian officials have called on Rimsevics to step down after the country's anticorruption agency detained him over the weekend on suspicion of soliciting and receiving at least 100,000 euros ($125,000) in bribes.

Rimsevics was later released on bail without being formally charged, but Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis's office said he had been suspended pending an investigation by Latvia's anti-corruption agency.

The criminal investigation coincides with bribery allegations against Rimsevics from Norvik Banka, a Riga-based lender controlled by Grigory Guselnikov, a Russian-born British citizen.

However, Kucinskis's office said Guselnikov had provided no evidence of wrongdoing against Rimsevics despite being "repeatedly asked."

Also on February 20, Latvia's Defense Ministry said in an English-language statement that there was a "high probability that a large-scale information attack on Latvia is being organized from the outside" to damage trust in the government and influence elections set for October.

The ministry said the purported campaign was "identical in structure and execution to information operations which were observed in France, Germany, and the USA before elections" -- an apparent reference to allegations of Russian meddling in those countries.

Rimsevics has held his post since 2001 and is also a member of the European Central Bank's governing council.

Latvia is a NATO and European Union member and uses the euro as its currency.

In a tweet on February 20, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert voiced U.S. support for Latvia's anticorruption efforts.

"U.S. has full confidence Government of #Latvia will take necessary steps to uphold integrity of its banking and financial sector. U.S. supports and will continue to help Latvia realize a strong, well-regulated Latvian financial sector," Nauert said.

Based on reporting by Reuters and Bloomberg

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/latvia-central-bank-governer -denies-corruption-won-t-resign/29051206.html

Copyright (c) 2018. 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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Talk Of Paramilitaries, Real Or Imagined, Could Fuel Division

Gordana Knezevic February 21, 2018

"Good morning. Is another war brewing in Bosnia?"

That was the opening of a Croatian state TV morning program on February 16. The Zagreb studio's question was then posed via satellite to Vlado Azinovic, a professor of political science in Sarajevo who stood outside in his winter coat as life in the Bosnian capital unfolded behind him. The show's anchor pressed Azinovic to concede that a new paramilitary formation was preparing for another conflict and that "Wahhabi-Salafi groups" enjoyed Bosnian government support.

The issue of such purported groups became a hot topic after the appearance of a YouTube video, titled Askeri Winter Camp 2018, in which children could be seen getting Islamic instruction and training.

The clip unleashed a storm of reactions in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the wider region. Some of the alarming headlines that appeared in Bosnian and Serbian media included: Wahhabis Training Boys To Fight, The Military Camp For Kids, and Askeri Training Young Warriors.

Meanwhile, the leadership (Rijaset) of the Bosnian Islamic Community said in a statement to N1 TV that it had no official information of any religious education being administered by the group in question; nor had the group requested any support or input from the Islamic Community.

"The video and its publication should be placed in its proper context," Azinovic said, adding that 10 days earlier an actual, suspected paramilitary formation from Serbia had marched fully armed through the streets of Banja Luka, in Republika Srpska, during official celebrations marking that northern Bosnian entity's controversial statehood day. "And once they had changed out of their uniforms, they were received by members of the [Republika Srpska] government, before that armed group returned home to Serbia."

The Banja Luka formation was part of a group that calls itself Serbian Honor and claims to be a humanitarian organization. Some of its members, however, reportedly fought on the side of Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Asked whether the purported "Askeri" training camp was evidence of rising Islamic extremism in Bosnia, Azinovic answered that "for the past 30 years, we have been seeing a rise in all forms of extremism in Bosnia." Azinovic has argued that Bosnian authorities, lacking meaningful economic or social policies, are manufacturing fear among voters -- especially on the eve of elections. "They have nothing else to offer."

He warned against underestimating the effect of what he referred to as "domestic hybrid warfare" that creates tensions that can easily escalate into bloodshed.

Thawing The 'Frozen' War?

The reports concerning paramilitary units were followed by news of major arms purchases by the Bosnian Serb police from neighboring Serbia.

There was no attempt by the Bosnian Serb authorities to downplay the purchase. On the contrary, on February 16, Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik claimed that "they have taken our military, but they won't take away our police."

Dodik also visited a police training center near Banja Luka that is due to be officially inaugurated on April 4. Local media have suggested that instructors at the center will be Russians, although that has not been confirmed, and they will be training Bosnian Serb police to "fight against terrorism." Dodik added that the purchase of 2,500 automatic rifles was legal and that all the necessary permits had been secured.

However, concern over the apparent move to arm Republika Srpska police was expressed by EU High Representative Valentin Inzko, among others. Inzko said the police in all of his native Austria have only 400 automatic rifles at their disposal.

Alex Kliment, the Eurasia Group's director of global research, also drew attention to the saber-rattling in the Balkans and its wider context to CBS. Kliment warned that the combination of "local ethnic tensions or rivalries" and "geopolitical tension" was highly combustible, especially in this region of the world. He suggested that the Bosnian government's stated desire to eventually join the EU and NATO had prompted Russia to ramp up its involvement in the Balkans, with the aim of destabilizing that country.

"It's a very dangerous situation," Kliment said. "The horrific Yugoslav civil war never really ended, it was more sort of frozen. And things like this can unfreeze that quickly." Adding more weapons to the mix only made this outcome more likely, in his opinion.

An Unwatched Pot Boils

It seems clear that the "Askeri" are not boy scouts, just as members of Serbian Honor are not humanitarian workers. Regardless of whether they are marching in the streets or gathering clicks on YouTube, both are reviving old antagonisms and feeding the narrative of an unfinished war.

Kliment suggested that neither NATO nor the United States was going "to focus a whole lot of attention on this.... There are...bigger issues playing out. This was a part of the world that spilled into civil war because no one was paying attention."

Bosnian elections are due in October. Dodik, who has already served two terms as president and two more as prime minister of Republika Srpska, is seeking to join the presidency of a country (Bosnia) that he wants to dismantle. It is unclear how far he might be prepared to go to achieve his goal, or whether he would risk another war.

He could be a nationalist or merely a pragmatist convinced that nationalism is politically expedient. But that sort of thinking was also attributed to Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic in the 1990s, and then, too, the West was distracted elsewhere while the Balkans slid into internecine conflict.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/balkans -talk-of-paramilitaries- fuel-division/29055292.html

Copyright (c) 2018. 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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Maldives Supreme Court Temporary Upholds State of Emergency Extension - Reports

Sputnik News

21:12 21.02.2018(updated 21:13 21.02.2018)

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Maldives Supreme Court temporary declared legal the prolongation of the state of emergency in the country, the Avas news outlet reported on Wednesday.

Although the relevant parliament meeting on the emergency state extension failed to secure a quorum, the prolongation was approved, as the parliament speaker said that the issue of the state of emergency does not require a majority. However, the parliament reportedly asked the Supreme Court to explain whether the quorum is required by the country's Constitution, according to the Avas news outlet.

The Court temporary upheld the parliament's decision until it provides the exact interpretation of the relevant article of Constitution, the outlet continued.

On Tuesday, the Maldivian parliament endorsed a prolongation of the state of emergency in the country at the request of President Abdulla Yameen for an additional 30 days despite a boycott by the opposition.

The Maldives has been submerged in a political crisis after the Maldives Supreme Court ruled on February 1 to overturn terrorism-related convictions against opposition politicians, 12 of whom had their parliament membership reestablished, thereby giving the opposition coalition a majority in the legislature.

The same day, heads of the prosecutor's office, police, and armed forces announced that they had information suggesting the Supreme Court may try to impeach the president for not obeying its order to release jailed opposition members. In response, Yameen declared a state of emergency in the country.

 Sputnik

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Taliban Rebels Impose Taxes on Media Outlets in Restive Ghazni

By Mohammad Habibzada February 21, 2018

In an effort to find new ways of financing their insurgency, Taliban rebels have turned to local media for taxation and threatened news outlets in central Afghanistan with punitive measures if they refuse to give in to the militant group's demands.

The Taliban has recently demanded that media outlets in central Ghazni province disclose their revenue so the group can impose taxes.

"The Taliban contacted us by telephone at the start of the spring and demanded 200,000 Afghanis [$4,000], saying it was the tax they are now imposing on media throughout the country," Ahmad Farid Omari, managing editor of a local TV station, told VOA.

"We reported the threats to Afghan officials many times, but no action was taken. After several reminders and threats, we finally paid." Omari added.

Reporters without Borders, or RSF, a global watchdog group overseeing media freedom, also reported Monday that Taliban insurgents have been threatening to bar media organizations across the province from operating if they refuse to pay the money.

Afghan officials, however, have downplayed the issue, saying the practice is not widespread and that the government has taken the necessary measures to ensure the security of media organizations.

Transit tax

Mohammad Arif Noori, the provincial spokesperson for Ghazni province, told VOA that the desperate Taliban are resorting to "extortion."

"There was some pressure on local media, but we took effective measures, and we will build on it more to ensure journalists' safety and security in the province," Noori said.

Taliban threats in the province have forced some reporters to quit their jobs.

"I shared the issue [Taliban threats] with my seniors in Kabul and with local government officials. But unfortunately, no actions were taken, and I had to leave my job, as my life was at risk," Ibrahim Mahdawi, managing editor of Killid Radio network in Ghazni, told VOA.

According to RSF, the Taliban regularly sends reminders and threats to local media to pay their taxes.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban, reportedly told RSF that the group received taxes from local media.

The media are not alone bearing the brunt of Taliban taxation in Ghazni. The group is reportedly collecting money from residents under a so-called "transit fee."

Locals are fearful and cannot refuse payments. In some cases, the insurgents have killed locals who did not give in to their demands.

In December, after local residents of the Qara Bagh district of Ghazni province refused to pay the transit tax, the Taliban killed three civilians as punishment for disobedience.

"After Qara Bagh district residents did not pay the taxes the Taliban demanded, the insurgents removed three [civilians] from a car and killed them," Sahib Khan Elham, Qara Bagh district governor, told VOA at the time. According to the official, the estimated 100,000 Qara Bagh district residents were asked to pay collectively 1,200,000 Afghanis ($17,000) in taxes, including property taxes.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, some business owners and journalists in the province told VOA that they have two options: pay taxes on a monthly or annual basis or risk their lives.

Ghazni is not the only place where the Taliban demanded that locals pay transit taxes. In January, the group reportedly asked locals in southern Nimruz and southwestern Farah provinces to pay them.

Afghan officials confirmed to VOA that the Taliban established a customs house in the Delaram district of southern Nimruz province and on Jan. 3, 2018, began collecting taxes.

Talking to VOA, several government officials in Kabul, however, accused the Taliban of using various means to finance its war efforts, including kidnapping, extortion, smuggling drugs, minerals and precious stones across the country. They also say the group's recent efforts to target civilians indicate it is under military and financial pressure imposed on it through ongoing Afghan military operations.

Zafar Bamyani has contributed to this report from Bamyan province.

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Watchdog Accuses Afghan Forces of Summary Executions

By Ayaz Gul February 21, 2018

A global watchdog is calling on Afghan authorities and the U.S. military to promptly investigate allegations local forces summarily executed civilians during recent counter-Taliban operations in the southern Kandahar province.

The alleged abuses occurred from January 31 to February 1 when Afghan special forces, backed by U.S. airstrikes, undertook offensives in Maiwand and Panjwai districts, according to a Human Rights Watch report issued Wednesday.

It quoted local residents as telling the group Afghan forces opened fire on men as they attempted to flee in the Band-e Timor area, a long-time Taliban stronghold, killing about 50 insurgents and at least 20 civilians. Government forces allegedly dragged some men from their homes and shot them.

A U.S. military spokesman confirmed it partnered with Afghan Special Security Forces, or ASSF, in the operation, but said it has not received reports of civilian casualties through official sources.

"Over the course of the operation in this known Taliban safe haven eight Taliban checkpoints were removed, allowing the ASSF to clear and destroy three IED factories and four house-borne IEDs.All of those killed in the operation were identified as Taliban fighters. A number of Taliban suspects were detained, and seven kilograms of opium seized," said Captain Tom Gresback

Regardless of how such reports are received, Greshback insisted, coalition forces assist their Afghan partners "with investigating and prosecuting, as appropriate, in Afghan courts."

He noted that under current NATO and U.S. guidance and directives, the foreign military mission continues to provide human rights training to, and monitoring of, Afghan forces.

Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri said he was unable to offer any immediate reaction to the incident in question because he had not yet seen the report. But Waziri insisted authorities promptly and thoroughly probe all alleged cases of abuses during combat actions.

"Opposition forces often intentionally occupy positions in civilian homes or areas because they want civilian casualties to occur. However, Afghan forces take all possible precautions not to harm civilians," Waziri told VOA.

The spokesman explained Afghan forces are operating under "clear and strict" instructions from the ministry and President Ashraf Ghani to ensure civilian protection.

A day after the Band-e-Timor operation, President Ghani praised it as a "more successful" security action, saying it killed 50 Taliban insurgents and arrested more than 30 others.

"Summarily executing people in custody, whether they are fighters or civilians, is a war crime. Only a full investigation can uncover all who may be responsible," said Patricia Gossman, senior Afghanistan researcher at HRW. She suspected the strong Afghan security action may have been in retaliation for recent Taliban attacks in Kabul.

The insurgents claimed responsibility for plotting a gun-and-bomb raid on the city's Intercontinental Hotel and a suicide car bomb attack against the old Afghan interior ministry building late last month. The two attacks killed around 130 people and wounded hundreds more. Most of the victims were civilians.

Rights groups routinely accuse pro-government Afghan forces of committing abuses, charges government officials deny.

Afghan civilians continue to bear the brunt of an ever intensifying conflict in the country. The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in its annul report issued last week said conflict-related incidents caused more than 10,000 civilian casualties, including 3,500 fatalities, in 2017.

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Boko Haram Reportedly Abducts Over 90 Nigerian Schoolgirls

By VOA News February 21, 2018

More than 90 Nigerian schoolgirls are reportedly missing after the Boko Haram extremist group attacked their school two days ago in the northeastern state of Yobe.

People with direct knowledge of the matter said 91 students were found to be absent after a Tuesday roll-call at the school.

The disappearance has raised fears of another mass kidnapping by Boko Haram, which abducted 276 girls from a school in the village of Chibok in April 2014.

That abduction sparked worldwide outrage and triggered formation of the Bring Back Our Girls movement. Nearly four years later, more than 100 of the Chibok girls are still missing.

Fearing a repeat of the Chibok abductions, dozens of parents and guardians gathered Wednesday at the Government Girls Science Secondary School in the town of Dapchi demanding information.

"Our girls have been missing for two days and we don't know their whereabouts," said Abubakar Sheu, an uncle of one of the missing students.

"I saw girls crying and wailing in three Tata vehicles and they were crying for help," said a witness from the village of Gumsa who was reportedly forced to direct the insurgents out of the area.

Official denial

Nigerian police and the regional Education Ministry have denied abductions occurred, despite parental and other witness accounts that the girls are missing. The state ministry of education also denied the abductions, but closed the school for a week to allow students and their families to reunite.

Witnesses told Reuters Boko Haram militants arrived in Dapchi Monday evening in trucks, some armed with heavy guns. They said the insurgents immediately went to the school firing guns sporadically. Nigerian security forces, they said, launched a search and rescue mission shortly thereafter.

Since Boko Haram began its insurgency in 2009, more than 20,000 people have been killed and 2 million others forced to leave their homes in northeastern Nigeria, Africa's most populous country.

The group has used kidnapping as a weapon of war, abducting thousands of women and young girls, in addition to boys and men of fighting age.

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Refugees Camp Out at UN Office in Rwanda, Demand Better Conditions

By Edward Rwema, Claude Ganza Munyamagana February 21, 2018

Three thousand to 4,000 Congolese refugees were camped out Wednesday in front of a U.N. office in western Rwanda, demanding better living conditions at their camp.

The refugees refused to go after marching out of the Kiziba camp on Tuesday and protesting in front of the office of UNHCR, the U.N. refugee agency, in the Karongi district.

The army used live ammunition to break up the protest. The protesters said soldiers shot at them and wounded at least two people.

Rwanda has launched an investigation into what sparked the protest.

In a statement, Jean Claude Rwahama, director of refugee affairs in the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, said "refugee representatives have been meeting camp management, local authorities, as well as U.N. partner agencies to discuss the cause of Tuesday's incident."

Rwandan officials blamed the refugees for provoking the violence.

"It is unfortunate that some refugees resorted to violence even as local authorities and security personnel were working to find a solution to their grievances," said Rwahama.

Earlier Wednesday, a UNHCR official told refugees there was nothing the agency could do for them unless they returned to the camp. He said the issue was now in the hands of the government.

'We are being abandoned'

Louis Maombi, president of the Congolese refugees committee in Kiziba, told VOA that they were surprised by the change of tone from UNHCR.

"We were promised a meeting with both UNHCR and Rwanda government officials. Now it looks like we are being abandoned," said Maombi.

Refugees said they would not leave until their issues were resolved.

The protests followed a decision of the World Food Program to reduce food assistance to the refugees by 25 percent because of a funding shortage.

The government statement said all refugees hosted in Rwanda were affected by this decision.

"We are mindful of the rights of refugees but also caution that they must respect the laws of the host country. Police will therefore carry out thorough investigations into this incident, to establish responsibility and ensure it doesn't reoccur," the statement said.

The refugees are demanding to be resettled in another country. If that does not happen, they say, they will walk back into the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Kiziba refugee camp is one of the oldest in Rwanda and home to about 17,000 Congolese. The camp was opened in 1996 to host Congolese who were fleeing insecurity in the eastern DRC.

Some 130,000 Congolese and Burundian refugees living in Rwanda rely on humanitarian assistance for food. They receive either monthly distributions or cash transfers from WFP so that they can buy food in local markets.

Rwanda says it is committed to ensuring the safety of refugees it hosts. "The government will continue to work with various partners, including U.N. agencies, to improve the well-being of all refugees living in Rwanda," it said.

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Indonesia Quietly Passes Law to Quash Criticism of Politicians

By Krithika Varagur February 21, 2018

As many Indonesians turn their attention to the potential criminalization of sexual acts between homosexuals and extramarital sex in the nation's revised criminal code, its house of representatives has quietly passed another controversial but less publicized piece of legislation: the revised Law on Representative Assemblies, known as the MD3 law, which critics say will hamper criticism of Indonesian politicians and reduce their accountability.

The law will allow parliament representatives to press charges against those who "undermine its honor or that of its members." It also stipulates that investigations into members of parliament must be approved by the House Ethics Council. A primary target of the new law will likely be the KPK, Indonesia's beleaguered corruption eradication commission.

An online petition to counter the amendments from groups like Indonesia Corruption Watch and the Association for Elections and Democracy has gathered more than 170,000 signatures, but the amendments can likely only be overturned by a Constitutional Court ruling. The amendments were also supported by eight political parties, including the ruling Democratic Party of Struggle, or PDIP, of Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

The PDIP could not be immediately reached for comment. Its members have been publicly for the speedy passage of MD3 for months.

The United Development Party (PPP) and National Democratic (NasDem) party protested the proposal with a walkout, but they were outvoted.

"Indonesia's parliament is one of the least trusted state institutions," said Andreas Harsono, a senior researcher with Human Rights Watch in Jakarta. "It does not help that they passed such a repressive law. It's going to create more and more problems in Indonesia."

Late pushback

The uproar over the proposed criminal code revisions may have distracted public attention from the anti-democratic impact of the MD3 amendments, said Ian Wilson, a politics researcher at Murdoch University in Australia.

"The polarizing debate around the social and moral implications of the RKUHP provided a distraction from greater scrutiny of the other packets of legislation, including the MD3 law, and consumed the energies of watchdog and civil society advocacy groups," said Wilson. "It's safe to assume the timing was at least partially intentional. The most controversial elements of the MD3 law are also relatively well 'hidden' within the broader legislative packet. It's a fairly well practiced stratagem in Indonesia."

Last week, the Forum on Law and Constitutional Studies (FKHK) filed a petition against the MD3 Law to the Constitutional Court, arguing that articles like summoning citizens by force are not in line with the Indonesian constitution.

"The main way to oppose this measure is through the Constitutional Court," said Yohanes Sulaiman, a defense lecturer at General Achmad Yani University. "But I'm not sure how much the Constitutional Court is willing to strike this down, because it had such broad support across parties. Plus, we're going into an election year and they may not want to rock the boat."

"The other way [to resist], which is more difficult, would be for citizens to organize, and keep getting arrested," said Sulaiman. "If they keep resisting, they can see how far Parliament is willing to push enforcement of the law."

Insulation from criticism

"Most politicians [around the world] know that they should have thick skin. Not in Jakarta," said Harsono. In recent years, many citizens have faced legal troubles after criticizing politicians on social media.

"The House is just a bunch of people who are really proud and sure of themselves," said Sulaiman. "Of course this will be a way for them to attack their critics."

On top of that, he said, the House has been getting antsy over increased pressure from the KPK, which scored a major coup last year by managing to get the improbably corrupt Speaker of the House, Setya Novanto [he has been implicated in at least eight different cases] into their custody. "It is kind of difficult to say who the exact targets will be," said Sulaiman, although the KPK seems like a leading contender. "It is worded very ambiguously, in typical Indonesian style."

The MD3 law can be seen as an attempt by the House to consolidate its power while public opinion of it is at a historic low.

"The MD3 law is quite extraordinary in the extent to which it grants the DPR powers comparable to, and even exceeding, that of the judiciary; a kind of parallel system of sorts," said Wilson. "The justification given that it is intended to protect the good name of the parliament from inappropriate name-calling makes little sense in the current political climate, and will undoubtedly increaser the public perception of it as a self-serving institution."

Wilson suggested that undermining public confidence in the parliamentary system in this way might even increase the appeal of democratic "alternatives," including Islamists.

Indonesian journalists have also expressed dismay over the amendments, which will further diminish their already curtailed press freedoms.

"Members of Parliament can certainly argue that the amendments have no intention of targeting journalists. But no one can guarantee that in its implementation," said Abdul Manan, head of the Alliance of Independent Journalists. "The subjective nature of the wording means that journalists can easily be ensnared for doing their job, and the law can become another tool with which to suppress or intimidate the press."

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Corruption Monitor Paints Grim Picture in Africa for 2017

By Anita Powell February 21, 2018

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to appear at the bottom of Transparency International's annual index, with the violent, chaotic East African nation of Somalia maintaining its 12-year streak as the lowest rated nation on the chart that tracks perceptions of corruption in 180 countries.

The index also found that more than two thirds of the countries surveyed scored below 50 points on the 100-point scale, with an average score of 43. African nations averaged a score of 32. No nation has ever earned a perfect score. New Zealand leads the index with 89 points. Somalia scored just nine.

Transparency International's regional adviser for Southern Africa, Kate Muwoki, described the year in corruption on the continent.

"To put it simply, most African governments are failing to address corruption in the region, although we do have leaders that have invested in systemic responses to build strong institutions and create behavior change," she told VOA from Berlin, where the organization is based. "... So, in terms of some of these rays of hope, at the top of the table we have Botswana, Seychelles, Cabo Verde, Rwanda and Namibia, who all score, currently, over 50  And then, in terms of the very bottom of the table, there hasn't been much change. We still have the likes of South Sudan, Somalia, right at the bottom, and significant declines from countries like Malawi, Madagascar, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau."

But Muwoki says things may change, as the African Union and several key African leaders, notably the presidents of the two largest economies on the continent, Nigeria and South Africa, have recently made clean governance a pet issue.

Key resignations

The year 2017 also saw the fall of several regimes long accused of shady dealings.

No fewer than four heads of state accused of major financial crimes resigned in the past year: Gambia's Yahya Jammeh, Angola's Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe and, most recently, South Africa's Jacob Zuma. A high-level corruption scandal also tainted the administration of Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who resigned earlier this month amid mounting anti-government protests.

But holdouts remain: The Democratic Republic of Congo's entrenched, corruption-accused leader has repeatedly postponed elections, and the leaders of Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo, and Cameroon have all long remained in power amid allegations of mismanagement. Corruption investigations continue into current and former officials across the continent.

Rays of hope

Zuma's successor, Cyril Ramaphosa, has made fighting corruption his key issue. The multi-millionaire businessman, this week, called for top government officials to be audited, starting with himself. Several other African heads of state have done the same in recent years.

"Now, if there ever has been anything that many South Africans would like to have line of sight of, it is the lifestyle audit of their public representatives," he said Tuesday. "Now that is something that I believe we have to do, and this will be done starting with the executive of the country, yes, we will go in that way," Ramaphosa said.

And in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari recently announced that all national assets recovered in a recent anti-corruption drive would be sold to benefit the treasury. Buhari is also the chairman of the AU anti-corruption effort.

Muwoki says the global watchdog has noted these new developments, but urged citizens to keep up the pressure by shining light on suspected corruption.

"2018 marks a very important year for the continent," she said. "We have seen this renewed commitment from the African Union and from leaders at the recent summit in Addis Ababa. It is encouraging and we definitely support this  these are some of the things that we would be encouraging civil society and media, and some of these other key stakeholders to hold these leaders to account."

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Israel Counters Iran's New Missile With 'Successful' Interceptor Test

By Michael Lipin February 21, 2018

Israel and its U.S. ally say they have successfully tested an anti-missile system that would protect the Jewish state from a potential long-range missile attack by its regional rival, Iran.

Monday's test of the Arrow 3 interceptor comes eight days after Iran displayed what it called a new version of a Ghadr missile with a 2,000-kilometer range that would put Israeli territory within reach.

The Ghadr is part of a missile program that Tehran has vowed to continue, despite calls by Israel and the U.S. for a halt to such activity as part of their push for a new deal to curb Iran's nuclear development.

Israel and the U.S. oppose Iran's development of long-range ballistic missiles because they say Tehran eventually could mount nuclear warheads on them, threatening Israeli and U.S. targets or their allies.

Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful and its missiles are defensive.

Those assurances have found few believers in Israel's security establishment, which has been debating how far the Israeli government should go to protect the nation from Iranian missiles.

Israel has been developing multiple layers of defenses against long, medium and short-range rockets for decades.

Arrow 2, the first operational system, debuted in 2000. Its function is to intercept long-range missiles as they move within the Earth's atmosphere.

In recent months, Israel has focused on enhancing the Arrow 3, a U.S. and Israeli-developed system that went online last year. Its interceptor is designed to destroy long-range missiles as they travel outside of the atmosphere.

After two aborted tests in December and January, U.S. and Israeli missile defense officials said the Arrow 3 interceptor launched on Monday from central Israel reached its simulated target. They said it would have struck the target had it been a real missile.

Pros and cons of preemptive strike

In a recent exclusive interview with VOA's Persian Service in Tel Aviv, Efraim Halevy, who led Israel's Mossad intelligence agency from 1998 to 2002, said he is satisfied with Israel's defensive capabilities.

"As far as the offensive side is concerned, if an all-out war is declared or evolves, we are able to strike at Iran in such a manner that Iran would not be in a position to continue the war," Halevy said.

Also speaking to VOA Persian at his home in the central Israeli town of Ra'anana, Yaakov Amidror, a former national security adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel should consider a preemptive strike against Iran, even at the risk of triggering retaliation by Iranian ally Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group.

"Logically, you should take care of the snake, not only his poison, but his whole command and control and brain," Amidror said. "Hezbollah's brain and its command and control are sitting in Tehran, not in [the Lebanese capital] Beirut."

In another VOA Persian interview in the central Israeli town of Gedera, Uzi Rubin, founder of Israel's missile defense organization, said he worried Israel would destabilize the region by intervening directly in Iran's missile activities.

"Iran has its missile program," Rubin said. "I had hoped it could be stopped or at least toned down. But we also see the positive side of the Iranian missile threat, because it actually is causing a very strange backlash that throws Sunni Arabs and Israel together in the same bed, and creates a lot of cooperation, as we hear in the papers, between Israel and Arab states."

The Israeli government has called for an indefinite ban on Iranian development of long-range missiles as part of a diplomatic campaign with the U.S. to toughen the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

France, one of the deal's signatories, has said Iran's missile program should be put under international surveillance to ensure that it does not endanger regional security.

Two other signatories, Britain and Germany, have said they are willing to address concerns about Iranian missiles. But Iran has said those missiles are non-negotiable.

This report was produced in collaboration with VOA's Persian Service.

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PLA air force unit passes through Bashi Channel

Central News Agency

2018/02/21 22:45:33

Taipei, Feb. 21 (CNA) A unit from the China's People's Liberation Army air force, including reconnaissance planes and jet fighters, flew through the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines as part of a long-range flight training mission in the western Pacific Wednesday, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND).

A military source, who requested anonymity, told CNA that the PLA unit of Xi'an H-6K bombers, Shaanxi Y-8 electronic signal intelligence planes and J-11 fighters flew through the Bashi Channel at around noon Wednesday. They came from Guangdong province in southern China, the source said.

After completing their training mission, the aircraft returned along the same flight path, added the source.

MND spokesman Chen Chung-chi () said Taiwan's military, which always monitors Chinese military closely, was aware of the maneuvers.

(By Lu Hsin-hui and S.C. Chang)

Enditem/AW

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'China deploys warships to East Indian Ocean' amid rivalry with India

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 06:50AM

A Chinese news portal says 11 Chinese warships have entered the East Indian Ocean this month, in what seems to have been a show of strength amid a rivalry in the region with India and a crisis in the Maldives.

A fleet of Chinese destroyers and at least one frigate, a massive amphibious transport dock, and three support tankers sailed into the Indian Ocean in February, sina.com.cn reported on Sunday.

"If you look at warships and other equipment, the gap between the Indian and Chinese navy is not large," it said.

The news portal did not say when exactly the fleet had been deployed or for how long, but Indian defense sources said on Tuesday that a Chinese flotilla of a destroyer, frigate, and tankers did enter the region around February 10 after conducting some drills in the South China Sea.

The flotilla, which according to the sources was well over 3,500 kilometers away from the Maldives, went back through the Lombok Strait after several days.

"Indian satellites, warships, and long-range maritime surveillance aircraft like P-8I kept close tabs on the Chinese flotilla, which was in international waters towards Australia," The Times of India quoted a defense source as speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Chinese Defense Ministry did not respond to requests by Reuters for comment. But last week, the People's Liberation Army posted photos and a story on rescue training exercises taking place in the East Indian Ocean on its official Twitter-like Weibo account.

Regional countries, including Australia and India, associate China's recent naval deployment with an ongoing constitutional crisis in the Maldives, with which New Delhi has had longstanding political and security ties.

The Maldives plunged into crisis when President Abdulla Yameen declared a state of emergency and ordered the arrest of judges who had ordered the release of his political opponents.

Maldivian opposition leaders have urged India to intervene in the crisis. Despite New Delhi's calls for ending the state of emergency, the Maldives extended it by another 30 days on Tuesday.

China, however, said on Tuesday that the Maldives has "the wisdom and capabilities to cope with the current situation independently."

Beijing signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Maldives last year. It has also been striking deals with countries in Asia and Africa in line with its Belt and Road initiative to improve imports of key commodities, upgrade infrastructure, and trade routes in the region.

The multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road initiative aims to connect Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa with a vast logistics and transport network, using roads, ports, railway tracks, pipelines, airports, transnational electric grids, and even fiber optic lines.

The Untied States, Japan, Australia, and India are planning to establish an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative in an effort to counter Beijing's growing influence, The Australian Financial Review reported on Sunday.

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Chinese Fighter Jets Train Over Tibet

Sputnik News

23:05 21.02.2018(updated 23:13 21.02.2018)

The Chinese air force has started carrying out air exercises in the western part of the country over Tibet and close to the India-China border, as India's capabilities grow.

China's third-generation aircraft marshaled to the region arrived February 13, according to the Global Times. Notably, J-10 and J-11 jets are now stationed in China's western theater to bolster air defenses against a possible Indian threat, military expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times on Tuesday.

"Strengthening the third-generation fighters jets or even stationing more advanced fighter jets in the Western Theater Command has been urgent" for the People's Liberation Army-Air Force (PLA-AF), Song said. "With India importing new jets, China will continue strengthening its fighter jets in the Western Theater Command."

"The PLA-AF's primary airbases are located in areas in Tibet having high altitudes and low air densities. This prevents Chinese fighter planes such as the Su-27, J-11 or J-10 from taking off with a full complement of fuel and weapons, negatively affecting their operational abilities," according a 2017 report dubbed "The Dragon's Claws: Assessing China's PLA-AF Today."

By comparison, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has bases near sea level in northeastern India, meaning the "IAF has no such restrictions and will effectively undertake deep penetration and air superiority missions in the Tibetan Autonomous Region," the report noted. In other words, they have a big advantage.

Both New Delhi and Beijing have made significant efforts to modernize their aerial fleets. The IAF has an order of 36 French-made Rafale fighters on the way, while China has recently commissioned the J-20, a plane comparable to the United States' advanced F-35, into frontline operations in the South China Sea.

 Sputnik

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Pre-emptive North Korea attack 'high risk, unpredictable' for US

Iran Press TV

Tue Feb 20, 2018 10:56AM

A pre-emptive attack by the United States against North Korea is "high risk" and "unpredictable," says a former top US military commander and intelligence chief, amid reports that the administration of US President Donald Trump is mulling a strike to take out the North's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

Retired Admiral Dennis Blair, who once led the US Pacific Command, told the Guardian in an interview published Tuesday that it was a tough order for Washington to cripple Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal in a so-called "bloody-nose" strike and Trump had to wait for a first strike by Pyongyang instead.

"With all the tunnels they have, with all of the difficulties of intelligence in that country, I don't think an American-South Korean strike [on the North] would have a high probability of taking out all of their nuclear capability and then you've left them with not only with nuclear capability but also an aggrieved sense of it," said Blair, who also served as director of national intelligence from early 2009 to mid 2010.

A pre-emptive strike is also likely to escalate into an all-out war, Blair further warned.

"We need to be consistent and powerful and persistent. I think that's a lot safer, so a lot of this talk about you know, sneak up on them and give them a bloody nose, be unpredictable, I think is not correct for dealing with a country like North Korea."

Although there has always been speculation that the US was preparing for such a strike against the North, the possibilities reached their highest last month, when Professor Victor Cha was dropped from consideration to be the US ambassador to South Korea.

Cha said in an article a short while later that some Trump government officials were seriously discussing a preemptive strike that they thought would show America's strength.

Blair, however, said it was not a good time for military action because the US had yet to exhaust diplomatic solutions.

"We haven't really tried hard enough with the most potent weapon we have and a lot lower risk than invading them or trying to bomb their nuclear program and that kind of thing," Blair said.

At the peak of the ongoing standoff, Trump warned North Korea leader Kim Jong-un that he would use "fire and fury" to "totally destroy North Korea," referring to the country's leader as a "madman" and "little rocket man."

Threatening to destroy the US Pacific territory of Guam, the Korean leader hit back by calling Trump a "dotard" and promised to develop more advanced nuclear and ballistic missiles.

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Pence's secret meeting with N Koreans cancelled at Olympics: Report

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 03:08AM

An official report says US Vice President Mike Pence was scheduled to hold a secret meeting with North Korean officials during his visit to South Korea for the Winter Olympics but the North Koreans canceled.

Pence's office told The Washington Post on Tuesday that the US vice president was to meet with Kim Yo-jong, the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and the ceremonial head of state, Kim Yong-nam, on February 10, however, the North Korean officials pulled out at the last minute.

The cancellation allegedly took place less than two hours after Pence spoke in favor of "toughest and most aggressive" sanctions against Pyongyang and denounced the North Korean leadership during his Asia tour.

"North Korea dangled a meeting in hopes of the vice president softening his message, which would have ceded the world stage for their propaganda during the Olympics," Nick Ayers, the vice president's chief of staff, told The Post.

"North Korea would have strongly preferred the vice president not use the world stage to call attention to those absolute facts or to display our strong alliance with those committed to the maximum pressure campaign," he added. "As we've said from day one about the trip: This administration will stand in the way of Kim's desire to whitewash their murderous regime with nice photo ops at the Olympics."

Reacting to the report, the US State Department said that while Pence was willing to meet with the North Korean side, he would have used the opportunity to "drive home the necessity of North Korea abandoning its illicit ballistic missile and nuclear programs."

"We regret [the North Koreans'] failure to seize this opportunity," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Pence sat a few feet away from the North Korean leader's sister and Kim Yong-nam during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in the South Korean city of Pyeongchang, but they had no interaction at any point.

Pence had earlier suggested that he would be open to a meeting with North Korean representatives during the event's opening ceremony, saying "We'll see what happens."

Tensions are running high between Washington and Pyongyang over North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.

The administration of US President Donald Trump claims it prefers a diplomatic solution to the crisis, but it also says that all options are on the table, including military ones.

The UN Security Council unanimously imposed new sanctions on North Korea in December following an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, seeking to further limit its access to refined petroleum products and crude oil.

North Korea has been under a raft of crippling UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear tests as well as multiple rocket and missile launches. Pyongyang firmly defends its weapons programs as a deterrent against potential aggression by the US and its regional allies, including South Korea. The North says the regular joint war games by the US, South Korea, and Japan, are rehearsals for war, and has repeatedly urged Seoul and Tokyo to disengage from such drills.

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Tehran, Baku to expand military, defense ties: Iranian defense minister

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 21 February 2018 / 14:27

Tehran (ISNA)  Iranian defense minister has arrived in Azerbaijan's Baku at the head of a high-ranking delegation to explore ways of broadening defense collaboration between the two countries.

Iranian defense minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami on Wednesday held talks with his Azeri counterpart Zakir Hasanov and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev.

During his two-day stay, he will also meet with Prime Minister Artur Rasizade and other senior officials to discuss bilateral cooperation and exchange views on international issues of mutual concern.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival on Wednesday, General Hatami said the two neighbours could finalize agreements on technological and technical cooperation between their defense industries, including joint production of military equipment.

"I hope we can engage in meaningful negotiations with Azeri officials on bilateral and regional cooperation  which could help boost stability in the region and improve Tehran-Baku relations", Hatami said.

Back in November, Tehran and Baku formed a joint commission on defense cooperation, signaling their will to strengthen bonds of friendship, IFP News reported.

End Item

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Iran announce bid to create own digital currency

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 05:14PM

Iran says it is preparing to launch its own digital currency in a move that many believe can help reduce the country's vulnerability to the impacts of US-led sanctions.

Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology Mohammad Azari Jahromi was quoted by the domestic media as saying that a plan was already on agenda to develop a platform for using cryptocurrency in the country.

Jahromi said the project would be led by the Post Bank of Iran, adding that the Bank was preparing to announce a tender for developing the platform.

He also emphasized that using digital money was increasingly becoming common at the international level, adding that Iran also needed to devise its own mechanisms to keep pace with other countries in the same front.

Jahromi further invited all Iranian tech experts to participate in the upcoming tender of Post Bank  a bank which focused on e-banking and the development of Iran's electronic banking infrastructure.

The removal of economic sanctions against Iran in 2016 led to certain openings in the country's commercial activities with other countries. However, the country is yet to fully benefit from the removal of the sanctions because some restrictions  specifically those that concern banking transactions with Iran  still remain. Global banks and financial institutions also fail to process Iran-related transactions over fears of falling afoul of US primary sanctions that ban dollar-based services to the Islamic Republic.

The success of cryptocurrencies over the past months opened a debate in Tehran to use digital currencies to dodge the impacts of sanctions.

Certain openings for Iran to use the digital currency in overseas trade had appeared earlier.

Last March, reports emerged in media that the government of Sweden has reportedly authorized a local business to create a mechanism based on bitcoin  the world's most popular virtual currency - to transfer funds to Iran.

Brave New World Investments  a blockchain startup based in Sweden's Linkoping  was reported by the media to have been able to create an investment vehicle to invest in companies traded in the Tehran Stock Exchange based on bitcoin.

The report added that bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies could be used to send funds to Iran, where they would be converted to the native Rial and used to invest in publicly traded companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange.

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Rouhani condemns deadly attacks against Iran police

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 10:39AM

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has strongly denounced the use of violence against the country's police force, reacting to the deaths of five security forces at the hands of the member of a Dervish cult.

Addressing a government meeting on Wednesday, the Iranian chief executive condemned violence in all its forms, saying, "Violent behavior and insults against the police force, which is in charge of maintaining public order and security, will not be tolerated under any circumstances."

The attack came during an unauthorized gathering by the so-called Gonabadi Dervishes near a police station in Pasdaran neighborhood in the north of the capital Tehran on Monday night.

The cult members engaged in clashes with ordinary people and police forces. One attacker ploughed a bus into a group of policemen, killing three of them. Also two members of the Basij volunteer force lost their lives in separate car-ramming and stabbing attacks at the site.

Rouhani condoled with the victims' families, and expressed gratitude to security forces, the Law Enforcement Force in particular, for their calculated management and maximum tolerance in the face of the attackers.

He tasked the responsible institutions with investigating the roots of such incidents, with the aim of reinforcing national integrity and unity.

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Iran Reportedly Turns Down US Secret Talks as Washington's 'Lost Tehran's Trust'

Sputnik News

18:08 21.02.2018

The United States proposed Iran to hold direct talks on neutral soil to settle disagreements, according to the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Jarida, referring to a source in Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

"The Americans suggested Maskat or Geneva as venue for the consultations. At first, it was only about inmates with dual citizenship held in Iranian prisons, but later they proposed to discuss a whole range of controversial points on the condition of confidentiality," the source said.

While it might seem that the offer had bright prospects and could have significantly improved bilateral ties, Tehran allegedly rejected it, saying "Washington had lost Iran's trust, especially after President Donald Trump took a tougher stance on the nuclear deal." The source has also stressed that the country's Security Council opposed "any direct contacts with Washington."

Indeed, President Trump's hostile attitude towards Iran can hardly contribute to positive changes in relations between the two countries. In October 2017, President Trump decided not to certify the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as Iran nuclear deal, voicing possible unilateral withdrawal from the agreements despite other P5+1 members reiterating their commitment to it.

"More than two years ago, in July 2015, the entire international community welcomed the results of 12 years of intense negotiations on the Iran nuclear program. It is not a bilateral agreement. It does not belong to any single country. And it is not up to any single country to terminate it. It is a multilateral agreement, which was unanimously endorsed by the United Nations Security Council," the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in response to Trump's comment on unilateral termination of the accord.

Russia has also noted that the agreement on curbing Iran's nuclear program has proved its effectiveness.

"Iran is accused of all kinds of offenses and criticized for actions, which, in our view, reflect the attempts of the country to secure its own interests. Instead of having a normal dialogue, the US applies blackmail methods," said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.

While his predecessor Barack Obama worked hard to seal the historic deal, Donald Trump believes that there are only two ways forward for the JCPOA: either its "disastrous flows" will be fixed, or the US will withdraw. In January, Trump announced that he would waive sanctions on Iran as required by the deal, but for the last time.

The JCPOA was signed in July 2015 by Iran, China, France, Russia, the UK, the US and Germany. The agreement stipulates a gradual lifting of sanctions imposed on Tehran in exchange for the latter maintaining the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.

 Sputnik

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Clashes Between Police and Sufi Protesters in Iran, Six People Dead, Hundreds Arrested

By Rikar Hussein February 21, 2018

Iranian officials said Tuesday at least five members of the country's security forces were killed and more than 300 people arrested during overnight clashes between Sufi protesters and police in the capital, Tehran.

Monday's protests in front of a police station in northern Tehran were held by the Sufi group Gonabadi, locally known as Gonabadi dervishes, who demanded the release of their arrested members and the removal of security checkpoints around the house of their 90-year-old leader, Noor Ali Tabandeh.

The rally turned violent after the Iranian police tried to disperse the crowd of protestors marching towards Tabandeh's home.

The official news agency IRNA on Tuesday quoted police spokesperson Saeed Montazer Almehdi as confirming the death of five security officers.

Almehdi told the semi-official ISNA news that members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard's Basij group were among those killed.

"Two of our dear Basiji members were martyred by the superstitious cult," he told the agency, adding that 30 police officers on the scene were also injured.

Sufism is a mystical strain of Islam characterized by an inward search for God and the rejection of materialism.

There are no official statistics on the size of the Sufi population in Iran, but some reports estimate their numbers to be between two and five million people. The group has followers in other countries as well including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Turkey and parts of India.

In Iran, the group is subject to continued scrutiny and harassment because the government views them as heretics.

Violent Clashes

Monday's event is not the first time the religious minority has clashed with the government over its rights and freedom. On two separate occasions in 2006 and 2007, a government decision to close a Sufi shrine led to rallies by its adherents and subsequent government crackdowns.

Monday's clashes mark the first time the group's protestors caused causalities to the Iranian security forces.

Iranian social media circulated video allegedly showing the moment when the cars ploughed into a group of policemen and the security forces clashing with black-clad protesters.

VOA could not independently verify the authenticity of the videos.

Police spokesman Almehdi told local media more than 300 Suffi protesters were arrested, including the two drivers of the vehicles that mowed down the riot police.

Causalities have been reported among the protestors as well. Majzooban Noor, a website managed by members of Gonabadi Sufis, said at least one protester was killed and several others injured after the police live ammunition to disperse the crowd.

The website claimed the number of arrested is more than the 300 reported by the Iranian government media outlets, adding that several members of the group were detained at the airport before they could flee the country.

Religious minorities

The Shiite-dominant Islamic Republic of Iran has often been criticized for its harsh treatment of the country's minorities.

A U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran last year expressed concerns over the targeting of Sufi followers, saying they "continue to face arbitrary arrest, harassment, and detention and are often accused of national security crimes."

A 2017 report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom said the Suffi members are often targeted on the basis of non-conformity to the state's official interpretation of Islam and their beliefs are regularly demonized on the Iranian state television.

It said members of the Gonabadi group continue to face abuses, including attacks on their prayer centers, destruction of community cemeteries, harassment, arrests, and physical assaults on their leaders.

According to Hemin Sayidi, a London-based Iranian expert, the Gonabadi Sufi clashes with the police could be considered a continuation of anti-government demonstrations that took place in more than 80 towns that resulted in 25 deaths and thousands of arrests last December.

"These protest movements, be it in the name of poverty or religious oppression, indicate that people are weary of the current oppressive regime," Sayidi told VOA.

VOA's Jani Diylan contributed to this report.

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Daesh terrorists kill 20 truck drivers on border with Iraq

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 02:45PM

Members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group have reportedly executed nearly two dozen truck drivers on the border with Iraq's western province of Anbar as Syrian government forces, supported by allied fighters from popular defense groups, are fighting to drive foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants out of the war-ravaged Arab country.

An Iraqi security source, requesting not to be named, told Arabic-language al-Sumaria television network on Wednesday that Daesh Takfiris staged an ambush on the Syrian side of the border, killing 20 people.

The source added that the truck drivers were waiting to cross into Iraq, and that the militants have fled the area with the ill-fated drivers' trucks.

Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. The Syrian government says the Israeli regime and its Western and regional allies are aiding Takfiri terrorist groups that are wreaking havoc in the country.

On December 9, 2017, Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared the end of military operations against the Daesh terrorist group in the Arab country.

On July 10, Abadi formally declared victory over Daesh extremists in Mosul, which served as the terrorists' main urban stronghold in the conflict-ridden Arab country.

In the run-up to Mosul's liberation, Iraqi army soldiers and volunteer Hashd al-Sha'abi fighters had made sweeping gains against Daesh.

The Iraqi forces took control of eastern Mosul in January 2017 after 100 days of fighting, and launched the battle in the west on February 19 last year.

Daesh began a terror campaign in Iraq in 2014, overrunning vast swathes in lightning attacks.

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Israeli police name Netanyahu confidants arrested in graft probe

Iran Press TV

Tue Feb 20, 2018 10:50AM

Israeli police have revealed the names of two close associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who were arrested at the weekend as part of a wide-ranging corruption probe.

The police identified the pair as Nir Hefetz, a former Netanyahu spokesman, and Shlomo Filber, the ex-director of the communications ministry under Netanyahu.

The two are suspected of promoting regulation worth hundreds of millions of dollars to Israel's Bezeq telecom company in return for favorable coverage of Netanyahu at the Walla news site.

Five others central figures at Bezeq, including the company's controlling shareholder, Shaul Elovitch, have also been arrested on suspicion of giving bribes.

Hefetz, Filber and Elovitch will all remain in custody until Thursday, Israeli daily Haaretz reported.

"As part of the investigation, suspicions accumulated on felonies concerning ethics, fraud, money laundering and securities violations, conducted over extended periods of time, frequently and systematically as part of relationships between Bezeq executives and public servants and their associates," the Israeli police said on Tuesday.

The detentions came as part of Case 4000, which revolves around the alleged quid-pro-quo relations between Netanyahu and Elovitch.

The Israeli premier has not yet been named as a suspect in the case but is expected to be questioned.

The new probe comes days after the Israeli police told the attorney general that there was sufficient evidence for Netanyahu to be indicted for bribery, fraud and breach of trust in two separate cases.

Netanyahu is suspected of having received luxury gifts from businessmen overseas in Case 1000.

He is also being investigated in Case 2000 for an alleged media bribery scheme to help Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper against its competitor Israel Hayom in return for favorable coverage of the premier.

Another bribery scandal, called the "submarine affair" or Case 3000, also involves Netanyahu's associates.

Israelis have been holding weekly protests to demand Netanyahu's resignation over the corruption scandals, but the prime minister has described the events as part of efforts meant to topple him "at any cost."

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Netanyahu's confidante to testify against him in graft probe: Reports

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 08:03AM

A longtime confidante of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly reached a deal with police to incriminate his boss during a probe into one of the four corruption cases involving the premier in return for a lighter prison sentence.

Under "Case 4000," Netanyahu stands accused of favoring the Israeli telephone communications giant Bezeq in exchange for positive coverage on its Walla! portal, one of the most popular among Israelis.

Now, Netanyahu's handpicked director of the former Israeli Communications Ministry, Shlomo Filber, who was arrested this week as a suspect in the case, has agreed to testify how Netanyahu ordered him to provide Bezeq with regulatory benefits, Israeli media reported Wednesday.

In exchange for his testimony, Filber has demanded not to receive an active prison sentence, the reports said.

Last week, police recommended that the prime minister be indicted for fraud, breach of trust, and bribery in two of the cases.

In Case 1000, he is suspected of having received gifts from businessmen overseas. In Case 2000, Netanyahu is accused of helping Yediot Aharonot newspaper against its competitor Yisrael Hayom, likewise in return for favorable coverage for the prime minister.

The indictment recommendation prompted calls among Israeli opposition leaders for Netanyahu to leave office, with the head of the Labor Party, Avi Gabbay and Yair Lapid, who chairs the opposition Yesh Atid party, urging the premier's coalition partners to leave his ranks.

A Case 3000 is also looking into potential wrongdoing involving Netanyahu's personal lawyer and German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp's local representative. Its focus is an enormous deal for the purchase of naval vessels and submarines from the company.

Earlier in the month, Israeli lawmaker Aida Touma-Sliman said Netanyahu was seeking to instigate a regional war to deflect attention from the ongoing investigation into his suspected corrupt practices.

The right-wing premier has fallen out of favor with a good part of the Israelis due to the corruption cases.

Thousands of Israelis have been holding weekly protests, calling on the scandal-hit prime minister to step down.

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Israeli Media: Netanyahu Confidant Turns State Witness in Corruption Probe

By Robert Berger February 21, 2018

Israeli media say a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to testify against him in a bribery scandal.

Shlomo Filber was arrested on suspicion of promoting the interests of Israel's powerful telecom company in exchange for more positive news coverage of the prime minister.

Police have not confirmed that Filber has turned state's witness, but Netanyahu quickly denied any wrongdoing and described the allegations as a witch hunt, madness and lies.

The new revelations follow a police recommendation last week that Netanyahu should be indicted for bribery and fraud in two other corruption cases.

Opposition leaders like Tzipi Livni are calling on the Israeli leader to resign.

Livni said Netanyahu is corrupt and is so preoccupied with trying to save his political life that he cannot effectively govern.

But Netanyahu's right-wing coalition is standing behind him. Knesset member Yoav Kish of the ruling Likud party said unless there is an indictment, Netanyahu must be considered innocent until proven guilty.

The final decision on an indictment rests with the attorney general and could take months.

Netanyahu has been in office for nine years, but the latest developments have prompted many analysts to conclude that his days in power are numbered.

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Pakistan's Top Court Bars Ex-PM From Leading Party

RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal February 21, 2018

Pakistan's top court has ruled that a person disqualified for public office cannot serve as head of a political party, paving the way for the removal of ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from chairing the country's ruling party.

The Supreme Court's February 21 ruling requires that Sharif's name be removed as president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and declares that all recent decisions made by him as the head of the party are null and void.

The decision was in response to petitions from opposition parties who challenged a legislative amendment pushed through parliament by PML-N lawmakers allowing Sharif to remain at the helm of the party despite being banned from holding public office.

Sharif was dismissed from office by the Supreme Court in July 2017 for allegedly concealing assets abroad and other corruption allegations. He denies any wrongdoing.

Allies of the three-time prime minister, who was toppled in a military coup in 1999, have called the proceedings a political vendetta and suggested the powerful Pakistani Army might be behind it.

Reacting to the Supreme Court's latest ruling, Talal Chaudhry, a PML-N lawmaker and deputy interior minister, said that the decision will "bring no change."

"Sharif cannot be pulled out of the people's heart through court decisions," he also said.

Fawad Chaudhry, spokesman for the Tehrik-e Insaf opposition party, called the ruling "historic," saying it will strengthen democracy in the country.

The PML-N holds a majority in the lower house of parliament, the National Assembly, and has hopes of winning control of the Senate in elections due on March 3.

However, the court's decision could throw the vote into disarray, with opposition figures and constitutional experts saying the ruling invalidates candidates who were nominated by Sharif.

With reporting by dpa, AFP, AP, and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-supreme-court-bars- sharif-from-heading-pml-party/29054061.html

Copyright (c) 2018. 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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Pakistan's Sharif Declared Ineligible to Head his Party

By Ayesha Tanzeem February 21, 2018

Pakistan's highest court has ordered ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, of the ruling party PML-N, to be removed as party leader.

The Supreme Court ruling Wednesday also quashed all decisions taken by Sharif since his disqualification as a member of the National Assembly last year.

"As a result of the above declaration, all steps taken, orders passed, directions given and documents issued by Respondent No.4 as Party Head after his disqualification on 28.07.2017 (July 28, 2017) are also declared to have never been taken, passed, given or issued in the eyes of the law," the court decision read.

Sharif was thrown out as prime minister in a highly publicized case called the "Panama Papers" scandal, for failing to declare his salary from a company owned by his son as part of his assets on his nomination papers. Sharif claimed the decision was part of a conspiracy by the country's powerful military to expel him from politics.

The judgement is viewed as a major blow to Sharif and his party since it has the potential to impact the upcoming Senate elections, as well as a recent by-election on a parliamentary seat won by Sharif's party.

As party president, Sharif signed off on the nomination papers of his party's candidates.

A senior journalist Suhail Waraich thinks the election commission might reach a compromise with the ruling party.

"I don't think they'll disqualify all of the party's candidates or postpone Senate elections. So maybe they'll give PML-N another chance to submit the names of their candidates," he said.

Sharif's daughter Maryam Safdar, seen by some as Sharif's chosen heir apparent, changed her profile picture on Twitter to a picture of her father with the words, "I am also Nawaz, and I know how to fight for the right."

Sharif, who was earlier removed from party leadership by the court at the time of his disqualification, returned to the top position when his party pushed through legislation called "Election Act 2017".

The new law was almost instantly challenged in the courts by several of the country's main opposition parties.

Asad Umar, a senior leader of the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf or PTI, hailed the decision, saying it was good to see judges have not been intimidated by the intense pressure brought upon them by Sharif and his allies in recent months.

The decision, while damaging to the party in the short term, might strengthen the narrative of Sharif that he is a victim of manipulations by powerful institutions, according to Waraich.

Umar disagreed, saying the vote bank of Sharif's stronghold, the rural areas of Pakistan's most populous Punjab province does not favor the weak. "It goes in favor of somebody who's strong and somebody who's expected to win."

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Seoul Views Inter-Korean Talks as Way to Pyongyang Denuclearization - Ministry

Sputnik News

13:01 21.02.2018(updated 13:17 21.02.2018)

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Seoul views the inter-Korean talks as a key to the solution of the North Korean nuclear problem, South Korean Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

"We will push to enter into full-fledged dialogue while maintaining inter-Korean and U.S.-North Korea talks as major pillars We will seek consensus from the international community on the need to create a virtuous cycle, in that improving inter-Korean relations could translate into finding a solution to the North's nuclear problem," the ministry was quoted as saying by the Yonhap news agency.

In January, Seoul and Pyongyang resumed bilateral talks after North Korean leader Kin Jong-Un ordered to restore a hotline prior to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

The two sides agreed that the national teams would march together under a "unification flag" at the opening ceremony.

Despite initial plans of the North to also send performers to the Olympics, Pyongyang canceled their participation in late January, citing the South Korean media, which, according to the North, was undermining the sincere efforts undertaken by the DPRK in connection with the Olympics.

The thaw on the Korean Peninsula followed a year of escalating tensions caused by the Pyongyang's missile and nuclear tests carried out in violation of the UN Security Council's resolutions.

Following the tests, the UN Security Council introduced several rounds of sanctions

, with the latest unanimously adopted last December. The sanctions limited North Korea's oil dealings to 4 billion barrels per year and made oil exporters working with the country report on their deliveries to the UN Security Council.

Pyongyang rejects the new sanctions, saying that the country's nuclear weapons are a self-defense deterrence against nuclear threats and blackmail by the US.

 Sputnik

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Kremlin rejects US report blaming Russia for civilian deaths in Syria's East Ghouta

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 04:38PM

Moscow has denied a US claim that Russian fighter jets carried out airstrikes in Syria's militant-held Eastern Ghouta and reportedly killed scores of civilians since the start of the week.

"These are groundless accusations. It is not clear what they are based on. No specific data has been given. We do not agree (with them)," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday in response to a US briefing blaming Russia for the attacks.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a pro-opposition monitoring group, claimed that at least 250 civilians had been killed in the attacks.

The Britain-based group also blamed Russian jets for the attacks.

Eastern Ghouta region, located near the capital Damascus, is included in a deal between Turkey, Russia and Iran to establish de-escalation zones in Syria with the aim of reducing violence in the war-torn Arab country.

Russia has been lending aerial support to Syria's counter-terrorism operations since September 2015.

The US and its allies have been bombarding what they call Daesh positions inside Syria since September 2014 without any authorization from the Damascus government or a UN mandate.

The strikes, however, have on many occasions resulted in civilian casualties and failed to fulfill their declared aim of countering terrorism.

Russia's defense sector not affected by US sanctions

Meanwhile, Moscow refuted a report by the US State Department that sanctions against Russia had cost the country $3 billion in lost defense contracts.

"I can just say that everything is fine, everything is fine," Peskov told reporters during a phone call on Wednesday.

He added that Moscow was "trying to hedge risks related to instances of unfair competition on the part of the United States in the market of military-technical cooperation."

On January 30, US Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin said Washington sought to impose new sanctions on Russia "in the near future," under a new law designed to punish Moscow for alleged meddling in the 2016 US election.

The announcement came after the US Treasury Department published a list of 114 senior Russian political figures and 96 "oligarchs" who Washington says have gained wealth or power through links with Putin.

Ties between Moscow and Washington soured after US officials accused Russia of meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the allegation.

Back in January, the US had expanded its sanctions against Russia, adding 21 people, including Russian Deputy Energy Minister Andrey Cherezov, and nine companies to the sanctions list because of what Washington called Moscow's continued interference in Ukraine.

The armed conflict in Ukraine broke out following the ouster of pro-Russia President Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014 and intensified after people in the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea voted for reunification with the Russian Federation in a referendum held in March 2014.

The United States and its allies in Europe brand the reunification as annexation of the territory by Russia, accusing Moscow of having a major hand in the crisis in eastern Ukraine, an allegation strongly rejected by the Kremlin.

The Western countries have levied broad economic sanctions against Moscow over its alleged support for pro-Russia separatist forces in eastern Ukraine and Crimea's reunification with Russia.

Russia and the US are also at odds over the Syrian crisis, as they are backing opposite sides in the conflict.

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Western officials complicit in terrorist crimes against civilians: Syria

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 06:39AM

In a letter of complaint to the United Nations, Syria has drawn attention to a sharp rise in deadly terror attacks against civilians in Damascus and its suburbs, calling on the world body to take proper measures against countries that support and fund the armed groups.

The Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Ministry sent the letter to the UN chief and the Security Council chairman on Tuesday, hours after militant groups stationed in the Eastern Ghouta region targeted the capital and its countryside with lethal shells, killing and injuring dozens of people, the official SANA news agency reported.

The letter condemned the attack as "a continuation of the crimes committed on daily basis by these terrorists against the citizens in Damascus," saying they have fired more than 1,500 shells in the past seven weeks and left hundreds dead and wounded.

The ministry further accused some Western officials of directly supporting the terrorists and encouraging them to carry out attacks without fear of being held accountable.

"These officials are complicit in the terrorists' crimes against innocent civilians in Damascus and its countryside, as they are denying the Syrian state's right to defend its citizens, fight terrorism, and confront those who fund and arm terrorists."

The terrorists have been slaughtering civilians over the past seven years "upon instructions from their masters" in the capitals of Western and Persian Gulf states, the letter read.

The Syrian capital has seen a spike in attacks in recent weeks from nearby regions held by militant groups.

Meanwhile, government forces have intensified their counterterrorism campaign to liberate those areas.

Elsewhere in its letter, the Foreign Ministry gave assurances that the attacks would not dissuade the government from fighting the terrorists and working to restore security to the country.

It also demanded "an immediate and stern condemnation" of the attacks by the UN, urging the Security Council to shoulder its responsibility and take action against the regimes that support and fund terrorism.

Terrorists and their supporters keep up using citizens in Eastern Ghouta and other regions as human shields, it added.

Separately, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres voiced alarm at the situation in Eastern Ghouta and called on all sides to the conflict to uphold the basic principles of humanitarian law.

"The secretary-general is deeply alarmed by the escalating situation in Eastern Ghouta and its devastating impact on civilians," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

Also the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has claimed that some 250 people have been killed in Eastern Ghouta in two days of the Syrian government's Russian-backed aerial operations against the terrorists.

Al-Nusra using civilians as 'human shields'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had on Monday blamed "armed provocations" by Takfiri al-Nusra Front militants for conditions in Eastern Ghouta.

The al-Nusra Front terrorists, he said, are hampering the evacuation of civilians from Eastern Ghouta, where they use them as "human shields" while keeping up attacks on Damascus' civil facilities.

"It took enormous effort to reach agreements on medical evacuation, first of all, of children and people needing emergency medical assistance. But subsequent efforts to organize large-scale evacuation of civilians from that area encountered Jabhat al-Nusra's refusal as it seeks to keep these people as a human shield," Lavrov said

The top Russian diplomat also called on Western powers, which "have influence" on al-Nusra Front, to "discipline" the terror outfit because otherwise it would be "exterminated."

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Over Dozen civilians killed in new US-led strikes in Syria's Dayr al-Zawr

Iran Press TV

Tue Feb 20, 2018 01:36PM

More than a dozen civilians have lost their lives when the US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group carried out a series of aerial assaults in Syria's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.

Local sources told Syria's official news agency SANA that 16 people, including 9 women, were killed in the US-led aerial attacks against residential buildings in al-Bahra village on Tuesday afternoon.

The sources noted that the death toll is expected to rise as some people had been critically wounded in the airstrikes.

The London-based Airwars organization, which tracks civilian deaths in US-led airstrikes, reported earlier this year that a total of at least 5,961 civilians had been killed as a result of the attacks in Iraq and Syria.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on November 23 last year that 2,759 civilians, including 644 minors and 470 women, had been killed in US-led aerial attacks against civilian areas in Syria over the past 38 months.

The monitoring group added that the US-led air raids had claimed the lives of 98 people, including four children and as many women, between October 23 and November 23 this year.

The SOHR went on to say that the civilian fatalities had been mostly recorded in the northern provinces of Hasakah, Raqqah, Aleppo and Idlib in addition to the eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.

The US-led coalition has been conducting airstrikes against what are said to be Daesh targets inside Syria since September 2014 without any authorization from the Damascus government or a UN mandate.

The military alliance has repeatedly been accused of targeting and killing civilians. It has also been largely incapable of achieving its declared goal of destroying Daesh.

On December 14, 2017, Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates stated that the US-led coalition is indeed targeting civilian facilities and providing Daesh terrorists with cover.

It noted that Daesh terrorists have been purged from most regions in Syria only through counter-terrorism operations conducted by government troops and allied fighters from popular defense groups.

The Syrian foreign ministry also criticized the so-called advocates of human rights and rule of law for turning a blind eye to the atrocities the US-led coalition is perpetrating in Raqqah and Dayr al-Zawr provinces.

Militant rocket attack kills several civilians in, around Damascus

Meanwhile, at least five civilians have lost their lives in separate rocket attacks by foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants against residential districts in and around Syria's capital city of Damascus.

A woman was killed on Tuesday afternoon when several rockets fired by Takfiri terrorists struck Jaramana city, located 3 kilometers southeast of Damascus.

A little girl also lost their life after projectiles slammed into another district in the same Syria city.

Two projectiles also slammed into the campus of Faculty of Science in the capital, though there were no immediate reports of casualties and the extent of damage caused.

Militant rocket shells also fell near a school in the capital, claiming the lives of three school children.

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Russia, Iran Urged To Press Syria To End 'Massacre' In Ghouta

RFE/RL February 21, 2018

Germany has urged Russia and Iran to pressure the Syrian government to end the "massacre" in a rebel-held Damascus suburb that an independent monitor says has killed at least 250 civilians in two days.

"One has to ask where is Russia, where is Iran, which had pledged in Astana to guarantee a cease-fire also in eastern Ghouta," Steffen Seibert, a spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said on February 21, referring to Syria peace talks in the Kazakh capital.

"Without the support of these two allies, [President Bashar al-]Assad's regime would not be where it is today, and undoubtedly, without this support, this regime would have to show more readiness to negotiate in the UN process," he added.

The comments come amid a growing outcry from Western capitals, the United Nations, and humanitarian groups over what they describe as "devastating" attacks and "siege and starve tactics" being used by Syrian and Russian warplanes and helicopter gunships against the rebel-held enclave outside the Syrian capital.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 250 civilians, including 58 children, had been killed in Ghouta since late on February 18, and another 1,200 people had been wounded.

Russia and Iran have given Assad's government crucial support throughout the 7-year-old war in Syria, which began with a government crackdown on protests. Moscow helped turn the tide of the conflict in Assad's favor by a launching a campaign of air strikes in 2015 and stepping up its military presence on the ground.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended the assault on the Damascus suburb, saying it was an assault on "terrorism" and not directed at civilians.

"In keeping with the existing agreements, the fight against terrorism cannot be restricted by anything," Lavrov said in Moscow on February 21.

He blamed what he called "armed provocations" by Al-Nusra Front militants for conditions in eastern Ghouta, and said Russia and Syria would draw from their deadly and controversial assault on the northern city of Aleppo in 2016 in the offensive.

The United Nations, the United States, European countries, and human rights groups have decried the massive killing of civilians in 48 hours of bombing by Syrian and Russian warplanes and helicopter gunships.

Rescuers, monitors, and the UN say the bombs have hit hospitals, apartment blocks, markets, and other civilian targets.

The International Committee of the Red Cross called for restraint and access to the wounded in and around Damascus.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 250 civilians, including 58 children, have been killed since the bombing began late on February 18, and another 1,200 people were wounded.

"We no longer have the words to describe children's suffering and our outrage," the UN children's agency said.

'Extreme Conditions'

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said late on February 20 through a spokesman that he was "deeply alarmed" by the escalating violence and its "devastating impact on civilians."

Residents of eastern Ghouta "are living under extreme conditions, including malnutrition," he said.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the United States was "deeply concerned" about the "siege and starve tactics" being used by Russia and Syria.

"The horrors of east Aleppo are being repeated in east Ghouta with the ongoing slaughter of trapped civilians and woefully inadequate access for humanitarian actors," she said.

"The cessation of violence must begin now, and those needing emergency assistance should be allowed to evacuate immediately," she said.

"We call on all parties to commit to the unconditional deescalation of violence. Russia must end its support of the Assad regime and its allies. They are responsible for the attacks, for the dire humanitarian situation in east Ghouta, and for the horrendous civilian death toll," Nauert said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected Western suggestions that Russia was to blame for some of the civilian deaths in Ghouta.

"These are groundless accusations. We don't know what they are based on," Peskov told a news conference in Moscow.

The allegations "are not backed up with any specific information. We do not agree with them," he added.

UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura warned that the escalating battle in Ghouta could turn into a repeat of the bloody fight for Aleppo, over which Damascus regained full control in late 2016 after years of fighting.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry accused militants in Ghouta of targeting Damascus and using people as "human shields."

Factions in Ghouta fired mortars at Damascus on February 20, killing six people and injuring 28, Syrian state TV said.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-defends-syrian-bombing -reportedly-killed-250-civilians-ghouta-damascus- suburb-syrian-observatory/29052905.html

Copyright (c) 2018. 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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Kremlin: US Accusations Against Russia on Eastern Ghouta Groundless

Sputnik News

15:18 21.02.2018(updated 16:49 21.02.2018)

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has commented on US accusations against Russia regarding deaths of civilians in Syria's eastern Ghouta bombardments.

"These are groundless accusations. It is not clear on what they are based, but no specific data is provided, and this is how we assess such accusations. We do not agree with them," he told reporters.

Speaking further, Peskov redirected the question of Russia's involvement in the shelling in Syria's eastern Ghouta, posed to him during a press conference, to the Russian Defense Ministry.

"Questions about the situation on the ground and any tactical changes should be, of course, addressed to our Defense Ministry," Peskov said, asked what role Russia has played in the shelling in the Damascus suburb.

According to US Department of States spokeswoman Heather Nauert, Damascus airforces allegedly conducted airstrikes in Eastern Ghoutta, targeting hospitals that had claimed lives of 100 civilians for the last 48 hours.

At the same time, the US Department of States has called on Russia to stop supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in view of the "escalation of violence in the Eastern Ghouta."

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said earlier in the day that Russia was working within the UN Security Council to prepare a resolution on humanitarian issues in Syria's Eastern Ghouta.

 Sputnik

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Syrian Popular Forces Join Kurdish Fighters in Afrin - YPG Representative

Sputnik News

10:04 21.02.2018(updated 22:09 21.02.2018)

YPG representative in Afrin Brusk Haseke has confirmed to Sputnik that Syrian forces have arrived to Afrin despite Turkish Air Forces' shelling on February 20, adding that a new group of Syrian military entered the city today.

"The information that the Syrian army has retreated and could not enter Afrin under attack from the Turkish Armed Forces is not true. Yesterday, a large group of soldiers from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), linked to the Syrian army, arrived in Afrin to, jointly with the Kurdish self-defense units of the YPG, confront the Turkish military and the [Free Syrian Army] FSA," Haseke told Sputnik.

However, the YPG representative stated that at least two servicemen were killed during Turkey's shelling.

"While approaching Afrin, they were attacked by Turkish artillery, which resulted in the death of two fighters and three wounded. Despite this, they arrived in Afrin and joined detachments of the YPG. At present, the fighting is ongoing at the front in Afrin. The fighters arrived in the city with heavy weapons and armored vehicles and, together with YPG squads, confronted the aggressors. Today there were no dead or wounded among the militiamen," he specified.

The Syrian people's forces arrived in Afrin to voluntarily defend their land. Afrin is part of the Syrian territory. Our doors are open to anyone who intends to fight against Turkey and the groups it supports, "he said.

Heretofore, reports from the Syrian state news agency SANA were saying that a new group of Syrian forces has arrived to Syria's Afrin on Wednesday to help Kurdish fighters repel a Turkish military operation.

"New units of the popular militia have arrived in Afrin to support its population in the fight against the Islamic state terrorist organization [Daesh, banned in Russia], as well as the continuing Turkish aggression in the region," a SANA correspondent reported from the city.

Previously, the agency reported that on February 20, Syrian government popular forces arrived in Afrin to fend off Turkey's military offensive on the city and fight the Daesh terrorist group (banned in Russia).

The same information has been shared by the Arabic Al Masdar news outlet, which stated that the forces of the National Defence Forces entered the region of Afrin and joined the Kurdish militants in Afrin, urging Syrians for unity against what they called "against all foreign aggressors".

On Wednesday, the official representative of the Kurdish militia has confirmed to Sputnik that the Syrian popular forces had entered Afrin despite Turkish shelling.

"We maintain contact with the Syrian army, authorities in Afrin and the Kurdish self-defense units (YPG). The forces sent [to Afrin] are directed from the Syrian government, from the command of the Syrian army. Erdogan turned out to be a bad road policeman today, saying that he stopped the movement of Syrian forces that were heading to Afrin. These words are wrong, the forces are is already in Afrin," YPG spokesman Reizan Hedu said.

According to him, dozens of journalists came under artillery fire at the entrance to the canton of Afrin, while covering the movement of the Syrian forces' column's movement toward Afrin.

"The [Turkish] president, the government and the Turkish media made statements with a confessional implication, stating that these forces are Shiite. We in Syria are proud of our confessional and national diversity. We have been rebuffing Turkish aggression for 32 days, which in military terms has been unsuccessful. They may have advanced to a number of positions, but in general the military campaign has been unsuccessful," he added.

Meanwhile, President Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin stated on Wednesday that Turkey was in talks with the Syrian government, with Russia and Iran as mediators.

"We are not talking about the official contact between us and the Syrian regime. There is a certain mechanism created by us as one of the three guarantor countries within the framework of the Astana process and aimed at coordinating actions in Syrian territory. We send messages to the Syrian regime through Russia and Iran. An indirect contact does exist, but in emergency situations, if necessary, our intelligence can establish direct or indirect contact. At the present moment there is no question of direct contacts between Ankara and Damascus in political or other spheres," Kalin stated.

Speaking about Syrian pro-government militia's attempt to enter Afrin to support Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), the spokesman called the move totally unacceptable.

"There have been reports that YPG and the [Syrian President Bashar] Assad regime reached an agreement. We approached the reports with caution. Yesterday, we have witnessed an attempt of 40-50 vehicles coming from Aleppo to enter Afrin. [The attempt] was foiled with the help of artillery," Kalin said, as quoted by the Haberturk media outlet.

What Happened?

Despite the fact that the information was repeatedly debunked by Ankara and Kurdish forces over the past several days, Syrian popular forces have entered Afrin area, with troops being deployed in specified centers to support the Kurds fighting against Turkish forces. However, the Syrian army had to retreat when the Turkish military responded with warning fire.

Commenting on the information, Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riad Haddad stated, "I have no information about where the Syrian army is currently [located] in Afrin. We believe that what Turkey had done is aggression and we will fight it by all means. It is an aggression against the Syrian people and its territorial integrity."

When Turkey started its military campaign in Syria's Afrin on January 20, Damascus resolutely condemned the operation as a violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On February 19, Syrian state television channel Ikhbariya reported that pro-Syrian government forces would enter Afrin "within hours," which was denied by the YPG representative in the area Brusk Haseke, who claimed they would announce it officially if anything changed.

Earlier that same day, senior Kurdish official, Badran Jia Kurd, told Reuters that Syrian Kurdish forces and the country's government had agreed on the deployment of Syrian army troops along border positions in the Afrin region to curb the Turkish campaign, and that the military would enter the beleaguered Afrin within the next two days.

Last week Rojhat Roj, commander of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in Afrin denied reports of Kurdish fighters reaching an agreement with Damascus to have Syrian troops deployed to the region to repel Turkish forces.

At the same time, YPG commander Sipan Hemo insisted that the Syrian army should take most of the responsibility for the defense of Afrin against what he described as a Turkish invasion, calling on Damascus to "immediately send in reinforcements to the border region with Turkey."

Earlier Mayadeen, the Lebanese broadcaster, reported that Damascus and the Kurdish militias had sealed a deal, and that the Syrian armed forces were about to enter Afrin to deter Turkish forces.

A source familiar with the situation told Sputnik that the Syrian Armed Forces would enter the territory near the border with Turkey in the district of Afrin in the next few days.

Turkey's Warning

Following Syrian government forces' attempted advances towards Afrin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a statement, claiming that the Syrian convoy had to retreat under the Turkish warning fire in the area of the besieged Afrin.

"Tonight about a dozen pickups were seen moving towards Afrin. But then there was shelling [from the side of the Turkish Armed Forces], and they had to return. So far, this is all over. Yesterday we spoke with respected [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and respected [Iranian President Hassan] Rouhani; we have agreements on this topic. Unfortunately, some terrorist groups sometimes make erroneous decisions themselves, this is unacceptable, and they will be held accountable for it," Erdogan told journalists in Ankara.

Ankara has repeatedly warned Damascus against supporting the Kurds, with President Erdogan calling the decision to enter Afrin unacceptable and vowing to encircle the city to speed up the "Olive Branch" operation.

"Turkish forces will encircle Afrin's center in the upcoming days. Thus, we will cut off any external help, so that nobody could strike a secret bargain. We will show those, who want to create a terrorist corridor on Turkey's southern border, that it's not an easy task," Erdogan said at a meeting with lawmakers of the ruling Justice and Development Party.

Erdogan proceeded to say that the possible deployment of Syrian forces in Afrin had been "halted through our communications."

Prior to his speech, presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin lambasted reports about the Syrian troops' entry into Afrin, calling them "black propaganda."

"It is quite clear that the reports on the agreement between the regime and the YPG are black propaganda. However, this does not mean that there cannot be any secret and dirty bargaining there," Kalin said, as quoted by the Hurriyet newspaper.

While Damascus has denounced the campaign as a violation of Syria's sovereignty, Ankara, stressed that its military advance in the region was not aimed against Syria's government, explaining that the offensive "was targeting only terrorists."

Devlet Bahceli, Turkish opposition Nationalist Movement Party leader, has also supported the official stance, saying that the Turkish forces would clear Afrin of terrorists "no matter the consequences."

"Turkish soldiers will enter Afrin, and our flag [] will go up on a flagpole towards the height it deserves," Bahceli told his party's parliamentary group.

Int'l Reaction

Turkey began its military operation in Afrin in response to reports that the United States had envisaged creating a 30,000-strong border force, comprised of the Kurdish Democratic Forces (SDF), at the Turkish border, which Ankara dismissed as a "terrorist army."

"Turkey will not allow the creation of a terrorist corridor along its borders, as well as a terrorist army. All necessary measures will be taken in this regard," the Turkish National Security Council said in a statement in mid-January.

Following Syrian government forces entry into Afrin, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had a conversation with Turkish President and agreed to create working groups to address the situation in Afrin.

"The Secretary just days ago sat down and met with his counterpart and also with President Erdogan. They agreed to sit down and have a series of meetings, some working groups that they put together where we can look at determining ways that we can better confront the situation there [Afrin]," said Heather Nauert, State Department spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has urged the halt of the military campaign in Afrin and to prevent confrontation between the parties involved in the conflict in Syria.

"It is necessary to stop these military operations. The more battles, the less access we have to people who need help, whether people were displaced due to clashes in the Afrin region or in Eastern Ghouta. Every new day of fighting brings new suffering. Every day of fighting increases the risk of confrontation between different powerful parties involved in this conflict," said Stephane Dujarrik, a spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, commenting on the escalation of the situation in Afrin.

Reports About Chemical Attacks in Afrin

On Saturday, the Syrian SANA news agency reported, citing doctors from Afrin, that at least six people had been sent to a hospital after the Turkish troops allegedly used chemical weapons.

Prior to that, on Friday, Reizan Hedu, a spokesman for the Kurdish self-defense forces, said that the Turkish Army used napalm during its operation in Afrin, which is prohibited by international conventions.

Responding to these reports, Turkish Foreign Ministry's spokesman Hami Aksoy stated on Wednesday that they didn't correspond to reality.

"Not a single civilian died as part of the Olive Branch operation. However, a negative campaign is ongoing against the operation. There have been media reports about a chemical attack. This absolutely does not correspond to reality," Aksoy said at a briefing in Ankara.

The spokesman stressed that other states were being informed about Turkey's operation in Afrin on an ongoing basis.

"Our foreign minister has held talks with over 20 foreign colleagues, we have talked to the representatives of 34 countries and informed them about the course of the operation and continue to do that not only at the official level but also through holding conferences, via media and social networks," Aksoy said.

"Olive Branch"

Since January 20 Turkey has been conducting a military operation, codenamed "Olive Branch," against the Kurdish forces in Syria's Afrin, an area controlled by the US-backed YPG, which is considered by Ankara to be affiliated with the Kurdistan's Workers' Party (PKK), regarded by Turkey as a terrorist organization.

Ankara launched the military campaign in response to the announcement of the United States that Washington would train a 30,000-strong border security force on the territory within Syria controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance dominated by the YPG allegedly associated with the PKK, banned in Turkey.

 Sputnik

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UN chief 'deeply alarmed' by escalating hostilities in Syria's east Ghouta

21 February 2018 - Deeply alarmed by the escalating violence in Syria's east Ghouta, the United Nations has reiterated a call for an end to hostilities so that the sick and wounded can be immediately evacuated and humanitarian aid deliveries can reach those in need.

"Nearly 400,000 people in Eastern Ghouta have been subjected to airstrikes, shelling and bombardment," said a statement issued Tuesday by UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "is deeply alarmed by the escalating situation in Eastern Ghouta and its devastating impact on civilians," noted the statement, adding that more than 100 people were reportedly killed since Monday, including at least 13 children, while five hospitals or medical clinics were hit by airstrikes.

Over 700 individuals require immediate medical evacuation. In addition, there are reports of shelling from Eastern Ghouta on Damascus.

"Eastern Ghouta is part of a de-escalation agreement reached in Astana," the statement said, referring to the Syria talks brokered by Russia, Iran and Turkey in the Kazak capital.

"The Secretary-General reminds all parties, particularly the guarantors of the Astana agreements, of their commitments in this regard," the statement added.

The Secretary-General urges all stakeholders to ensure basic principles of international humanitarian law are adhered to, including unhindered humanitarian access, unconditional medical evacuations, and the protection of civilians and their infrastructure, the statement said.

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Concern Over Syria Grows as Death Toll Rises

By VOA News February 21, 2018

A Syrian war monitor says pro-government strikes Tuesday in the rebel-held Damascus suburb of eastern Ghouta have killed more than 100 people.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 250 people have been killed since late Sunday, the highest 48-hour death toll in the Syria conflict since a 2013 chemical attack on the suburb.

Tuesday, Turkish troops forced pro-Syrian government troops to retreat as they were en route to Syria's Afrin region, a Kurdish area where Turkish troops have mounted a monthlong offensive.

Syria's state media televised a convoy of about 20 machine gun-armed vehicles entering Afrin from the village of Nubul.

The deployment came one day after Turkey warned the Syrian government not to enter the area, saying it would retaliate if troops tried to protect Kurdish fighters.

Turkey launched its offense Jan. 20 to rid the area of Kurdish forces. Turkey considers Kurdish fighters as terrorists because of their association with outlawed Kurdish rebels fighting inside Turkey.

In Washington, the State Department said U.S. knowledge of what's going on in Afrin is "somewhat limited" because American forces are not there.

But the U.S. joined the international community to voice deep concerns about the increasing violence in eastern Ghouta.

"The escalation has exacerbated the already grave human suffering," spokesperson Heather Nauert said Tuesday. "It also increases the number of individuals who require urgent medical evacuation, which already stood at approximately 1,000."

The U.S. said Russia should be held accountable for its support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

"Russia bears a unique responsibility for the suffering and the plight of the Syrian people," Nauert said.

'Out of control'

Panos Moumtzis, the United Nations' regional humanitarian coordinator for the Syrian crisis, said in a statement late Monday that the humanitarian situation is "spiraling out of control."

"The recent escalation of violence compounds an already precarious humanitarian situation for the 393,000 residents of East Ghouta, many of them internally displaced, and which account for 94 percent of all Syrians living under besiegement today," Moumtzis said.

The Observatory said Assad's forces were using the airstrikes to prepare for a ground offensive to retake control of eastern Ghouta.

Stephen Zunes, political science professor and chair of Middle East Studies at the University of San Francisco, told VOA that given how long opposition fighters have controlled the area, there is likely to be fierce resistance, and the fighting could last months.

"In many ways, we're going to see a situation similar to Aleppo, unfortunately, where the government forces certainly had the upper hand in terms of weaponry, but they'll have to retake the area block by block," Zunes said.

Rebels held Aleppo for about four years before pro-government forces pounded the city with heavy airstrikes and shelling over the course of several months, reclaiming full control at the end of 2016.

VOA's Nike Ching contributed to this report.

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New Deadly Strikes Hit Damascus Suburb

By VOA News February 21, 2018

Syrian activists reported deadly pro-government airstrikes Wednesday in the besieged Damascus suburb of eastern Ghouta, which this week has seen its deadliest string of daily violence in years.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the strikes have killed at least 250 people since late Sunday. The last time so many people were killed in such a short amount of time happened in a 2013 chemical attack on the area.

The surge in violence comes as Syrian forces work to retake control from opposition fighters after laying siege to eastern Ghouta for more than four years.

The developments also follow massive progress in the multiple separate efforts to dislodge Islamic State militants from much of the territory they once held in Syria.

Middle East Institute scholar Zubair Iqbal told VOA that with Islamic State less of a focus, the different countries and groups involved in the Syrian conflict are turning to other goals, which in some cases means fighting each other.

"The difference basically is that at this stage the government is much more powerful and much more dominant than it was in the past five years," Iqbal said. "So basically what the government is trying to do is put an end to whatever remaining rebels are there, and that's the reason why these brutal attacks have taken place in east Ghouta and elsewhere."

The other major site of confrontation is in the Afrin region, where Turkish troops have mounted a month-long offensive.

On Tuesday, pro-government troops were on their way to that area when Turkish forces forced them to retreat.

Syria's state media televised a convoy of about 20 machine gun-armed vehicles entering Afrin from the village of Nubul.

The deployment came one day after Turkey warned the Syrian government not to enter the area, saying it would retaliate if the troops tried to protect Kurdish fighters.

Turkey launched its offensive on Jan. 20 to rid the area of Kurdish forces. Turkey considers Kurdish fighters as terrorists because of their association with outlawed Kurdish rebels fighting inside Turkey.

In Washington, the State Department said U.S. knowledge of what's going on in Afrin is "somewhat limited" because American forces are not there.

But the United States joined the international community to voice deep concerns about the increasing violence in eastern Ghouta.

"The escalation has exacerbated the already grave human suffering," said spokesperson Heather Nauert on Tuesday. "It also increases the number of individuals who require urgent medical evacuation, which already stood at approximately 1,000."

The U.S. said Russia should be held accountable for its support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.

"Russia bears a unique responsibility for the suffering and the plight of the Syrian people," Nauert said.

Panos Moumtzis, the United Nations' regional humanitarian coordinator for the Syrian crisis, said in a statement late Monday the humanitarian situation is "spiraling out of control."

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UN Chief Appeals for Truce for Syria's Besieged E. Ghouta

By Margaret Besheer February 21, 2018

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is appealing to the Security Council to approve an urgent 30-day cease-fire across Syria and to help the 400,000 besieged residents of eastern Ghouta, who he said, "live in hell on Earth."

"I believe eastern Ghouta cannot wait," Guterres said of the northern rebel-held enclave that has been under siege by pro-government forces since 2013. "My appeal to all those involved, is for an immediate suspension of all war activities in eastern Ghouta, allowing for humanitarian aid to reach all those in need."

Last year, the enclave was designated as one of four "de-escalation zones" in a deal with President Bashar al-Assad's supporters Russia and Iran, along with Turkey.

But fighting has escalated recently as the Syrian military and its allied forces appear to be launching an all-out operation to re-take the area, which is one of the last areas near Damascus still under control of the armed opposition.

Guterres urged the parties to allow for the evacuation of the 700 people urgently awaiting medical attention.

"This is a human tragedy that is unfolding in front of our eyes, and I don't think we can let things go on happening in this horrendous way," he told council members.

The 15-country Security Council is currently discussing a draft resolution that would implement U.N. demands for the pause. Council members Sweden and Kuwait are drafting the text, which could come to a vote as soon as Thursday, but it is not clear if all council members will support it.

Russian U.N. Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia has urged the Security Council to call an open meeting for Thursday to discuss Syria.

"We are asking for a cessation of hostilities for 30 days throughout Syria," Sweden's U.N. envoy Olof Skoog told reporters. "Forty-eight hours after that, access for weekly U.N. humanitarian aid convoys to areas in need, particularly urgent besieged areas. Forty-eight hours after that, emergency medical evacuation from areas the U.N. currently cannot access."

Medical facilities targeted

Skoog said the draft text also calls for the lifting of sieges in four specific locations, including eastern Ghouta, as well as the protection of hospitals and other medical facilities.

Health facilities in the enclave have been particularly targeted in the offensive. U.S.-based medical relief organization the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) said in a statement Wednesday that 13 medical facilities have been targeted in the last two days. Four were completely destroyed, and two had to temporarily close. Scores of civilians have also been killed or injured in the attacks.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called for restraint and access to the wounded.

"Our teams need to be allowed to enter Eastern Ghouta to aid the wounded," Marianne Gasser, ICRC's head of delegation in Syria, said in a statement. "Wounded victims are dying only because they cannot be treated in time," she added.

'We can't continue to look away'

The ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent last accessed eastern Ghouta in December to evacuate 29 wounded, and their last delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave was in November.

"It is time for us to realize that we can't continue to look away," U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley told council members.

Former U.N. secretary-general Ban Ki-moon participated in Wednesday's council meeting, a thematic discussion of the practices and principles of the U.N. Charter. Before the session, he said the situation in Syria is "totally unacceptable."

"The Security Council has not been effective in addressing the Syrian situation," Ban said. "I'm going to really urge the Security Council to be united in addressing this."

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U.S. delegation pledges support for Taiwan's self defense

ROC Central News Agency

2018/02/21 16:19:31

Taipei, Feb. 21 (CNA) A visiting U.S. congressional delegation pledged Wednesday to continue its support of the decades-long U.S. policy of providing Taiwan with sufficient armaments to defend itself.

"There are some armaments helpful to Taiwan, and certainly (Taiwan) has our fullest cooperation and we anticipate that our interests are the same," U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), co-chairman of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, told reporters in Taipei.

Asked what kind of weapons the U.S. could sell to Taiwan, Inhofe, one of the most senior members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said whether it is "F-35s or F-16s and other equipment," he and all members of his delegation will fully support such proposals.

Inhofe made the comments on the sidelines of a banquet at the Taipei Guesthouse hosted by Foreign Minister David Lee (). He is leading a congressional delegation to Taiwan from Tuesday to Thursday as part of a larger visit throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Inhofe's delegation includes members of both the Senate and House Armed Services Committee, including Michael Rounds (R-SD), Joni Ernst, (R-IA), Daniel Sullivan (R-AK) and Trent Kelly (R-MS).

A long-term supporter of Taiwan, Inhofe and another co-chairman of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, Bob Menendez (D-NJ), sent a bipartisan letter in April 2017 in advance of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the U.S., urging President Donald Trump to be mindful of the longstanding and vital relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan.

He also helped draft the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2018, which was signed by Trump in December 2017.

The act includes clauses that would allow the U.S. to look at the possibility of re-establishing "regular ports of call by the U.S. Navy at Kaohsiung or any other suitable ports in Taiwan" and permits the U.S. Pacific Command to receive ports of call by Taiwanese vessels.

Aside from military cooperation, Inhofe has also engaged in talks during his visit with Taiwan's leadership on the possibility of importing U.S. natural gas to Taiwan.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/J

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Those helping Syria Kurds in Afrin 'legitimate target': Turkey

Iran Press TV

Wed Feb 21, 2018 02:36PM

Turkey has repeated its warnings about an escalation of tension in Syria's northern region of Afrin, where it has been attacking the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), saying any group coming to the help of the Kurds in the region would be considered a "legitimate target" for the Turkish military.

Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Wednesday that any force in Afrin, including the Syrian government, would be targeted by Turkish troops if they assist the YPG, the main Kurdish militant group in the region.

"Every step taken in support for the YPG terror organization would mean (any forces intervening on the Kurdish militants' side) are on the same level as terror organizations. And for us, that would make them legitimate targets," said Kalin, adding, "It doesn't matter who makes such an attempt, there will be serious consequences."

For more than a month, Turkey has been launching attacks on the YPG in Afrin. The campaign, designated as illegal by the Syrian government, has met growing criticism even among Turkey's allies, including the United States, which backs the YPG and other anti-government forces in northern Syria. Ankara justifies its aggression as a form of self-defense. Turkey views the YPG as an arm of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group, which has been seeking an autonomous Kurdish region since 1984.

The remarks by the Turkish spokesman came a day after Syrian pro-government forces entered Afrin with the aim of repelling the Turkish military intervention.

Syria's official news agency, SANA, said Monday the forces intended to enter Afrin to "join the resistance against the Turkish aggression."

The Turkish army on Tuesday attacked pro-Syrian government forces that had arrived in Afrin.

Kalin said the fire targeting the Syrian forces was "warning shots," warning that Ankara would continue to attack Syrian forces if they again support the Kurds.

"Today, tomorrow could they attempt this again? It's possible. But the relevant measures have been taken," he said.

The official added, however, that Turkish and Syrian intelligence forces could get in touch through "direct or indirect" methods to minimize the escalation of violence in northern Syria.

Turkey has warned that it would fire at any forces seeking to repel the Afrin offensive.

Turkey has been waging "Operation Olive Branch" against Syria's Afrin since January 20 in a bid to eliminate the YPG.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has harshly denounced the Turkish incursion as an act of aggression.

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Britain set to launch Combat Air Strategy, Defence Secretary announces

A Combat Air Strategy will be launched to ensure Britain maintains a world-leading combat air capability, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced in front of the defence select committee today.

21 February 2018

The MOD will work across Government and closely with industry and international partners to explore the UK's future Combat Air capabilities, building on the Industrial Strategy and refreshed Defence Industrial Policy launched last year.

The strategy will examine the operational capability needed in the future and the skills and resource required to deliver it. The work will take new and emerging technology into account, as well as export potential, whilst testing British industry's ability to deliver our future requirements. It is expected to be launched in the summer.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

"Since the birth of airpower, British industry has been crucial to maintaining our military's world-leading position. As we celebrate 100 years of the RAF protecting our skies, it is fitting that we create bold and ambitious plans to help our brave Armed Forces keep us safe in the face of intensifying threats. The Combat Air Strategy will bring together the best of British engineering, skill and design, and deliver a compelling vision for the future of air power."

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, said:

"It is especially fitting that we launch the Combat Air Strategy as our Royal Air Force marks its 100th anniversary. Combat Air capabilities have been at the heart of the RAF's capabilities throughout its history, and are constantly employed on operations across the world today."

"This strategy will ensure that the RAF can continue to remain at the forefront of the high-end airpower technology and innovation we need to deal with future threats, working in close collaboration with UK industry and our international partners."

The UK is already a world-leader in the air sector which accounts for 85% of the Britain's defence export orders. The industry is made up of close to 2,500 companies, generating more than 33.5bn in turnover and employing more than 128,000 people - some 26,000 of them in highly skilled research, design and engineering jobs.

Investment in combat air technology combined with the strengths of UK industry has resulted in the UK being the US' only Tier 1 partner on the F-35 Lightning II programme, with British industry building around 15% of every F-35 which is built. The UK has been able exploit the operational capabilities of the aircraft, while reinforcing UK industrial capability, skills and wider economic prosperity.

The UK also continues to lead the way in combat air power as one of the four partner nations in the Eurofighter Typhoon programme. With more than 20,000 flying hours on global operations to date, the Typhoon has offered unparalleled reliability and proven interoperability with our allies.

The F-35 Lightning II and the Typhoon are two complimentary multi-role combat aircraft that will make up the RAF's combat air fleet, placing the UK at the forefront of fighter jet technology - with the Typhoon expected to remain in UK service until at least 2040.

Just last week the UK led the bid to replace Belgium's fighter jets with 34 Typhoons with the offer to include a comprehensive defence and industrial partnership between the Governments of Belgium and the UK. The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson was also in Qatar at the end of last year to oversee Qatar's multi-billion pound purchase of 24 Typhoon aircraft, supporting thousands of jobs across the UK.

The announcement of the strategy comes after an initial review of the defence aerospace sector by the MOD, which involved engaging across Government and with industry. The development of a Combat Air Strategy is consistent with the themes of the Modernising Defence Programme. It will set out in practical terms how the MOD can deliver its critical military capability requirements whilst considering wider economic and international factors, and our national security objectives.

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Poroshenko Calls Russia 'Aggressor' In Yanukovych Trial

RFE/RL February 21, 2018

During testimony at his ousted predecessor's treason trial, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has called Russia "an aggressor country" that planned "a well-coordinated hybrid war against Ukraine."

In video-link testimony at Viktor Yanukovych's trial, Poroshenko said that, in February 2014, when Yanukovych fled to Russia in the face of pro-European protests, Moscow implemented its plan to seize Ukraine's Crimea region and instigate separatism in Ukraine's eastern regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Odesa, Luhansk, and Donetsk.

"Crimea's annexation was part of Russia's hybrid war against Ukraine," Poroshenko said, adding that he traveled to Crimea in late February 2014 and witnessed how the Russian military was annexing the peninsula.

"Tens of thousands of Russian military personnel that were stationed in Sevastopol [a Black Sea port in Crimea], and tens of thousands of Russian military personnel from inner Russia were involved in the operation to seize the Ukrainian territory," Poroshenko said.

He also said he was not able to come to the courtroom and was testifying via a video-link on February 21 due to his "busy schedule and important state issues."

Answering a question from a defense lawyer about an agreement on a peaceful solution to the political crisis signed at the time by Yanukovych and the Ukrainian opposition, Poroshenko said he had never seen that document and was not present when it was signed.

'Unfolding Aggression'

Poroshenko added that he had voted for the transfer of presidential powers from the "missing" Yanukovych to then Parliament Speaker Oleksandr Turchynov.

"In the face of the unfolding aggression against our country, we had to do something, as Yanukovych was absent, unreachable. His whereabouts were unknown, and we could not just sit and wait and see what was going to happen.

"The challenges our country was facing then were serious and we were responsible for the nation, for Ukraine's future generations," Poroshenko said.

After the defense tried to challenge Poroshenko several times with questions about the legitimacy of Yanukovych's powers being transferred to Turchynov in February 2014, the judge stopped the questioning, saying that the attorneys' questions were unrelated to the essence of the case.

The Ukrainian protests known as Euromaidan began in November 2013, when demonstrators gathered in central Kyiv after Yanukovych announced he was postponing plans to sign an Association Agreement with the European Union and would seek closer economic ties with Russia.

Ukrainian prosecutors say 104 people were killed and 2,500 injured in the protests that centered on Kyiv's Maidan Nezalezhnosti -- Independence Square.

Shunning a Western-backed and Russian-backed deal with the opposition to end the standoff, Yanukovych abandoned power and fled Kyiv on February 21, 2014.

The former president, who took refuge in Russia, denies ordering police to fire on protesters and claims the violence was a "planned operation" to overthrow his government.

Moscow responded to his downfall by seizing control of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in March 2014 and fomenting separatism across much of the country -- one of the causes of a war that has killed more than 10,300 people in eastern Ukraine since April 2014 and displaced more than 1.6 million Ukrainians.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv said on February 21 that Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, who is in Ukraine, had visited a memorial on Independence Square that is dedicated to the "Heavenly Hundred" -- a name commonly used to refer to those who died during the Maidan protests.

Sullivan is due to meet with Poroshenko, Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroysman, and Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin in Kyiv later on February 21.

Sullivan "will stress the importance of Ukraine expeditiously implementing credible economic and anti-corruption reforms and will underscore U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the State Department said in a statement on February 20.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-poroshenko-testifies -yanukovych-trial/29053263.html

Copyright (c) 2018. 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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EU Renews Sanctions On Russian Officials, Ukrainian Separatists

Rikard Jozwiak February 21, 2018

BRUSSELS -- European Union ambassadors have prolonged the asset freezes and visa bans on 150 Russian officials and Moscow-backed Ukrainian separatists for another six months, EU diplomats told RFE/RL. The measure was also rolled over for 38 entities on the sanctions list.

The diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on the record, said the measures would be formally adopted in the coming days.

Asset freezes and visa bans were first imposed by the EU on people responsible for actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity in March 2014, after Russia occupied and seized control of Crimea. Those sanctions have been extended every six months.

The EU diplomats said that Russia's new ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, remains on the EU sanctions list.

The Russians under EU sanctions also include Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, Armed Forces General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov, and state TV presenter Dmitry Kiselyov.

The entity list is dominated by Russia-backed battalions operating in eastern Ukraine and Crimea as well as companies from the Ukrainian peninsula, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014.

The EU's economic sanctions against Russia, which mainly apply to the country's energy and banking sector, are up for renewal in July but a decision is expected when EU leaders meet in Brussels in late June.

The same month the EU officials are also expected to revisit the bloc's investment ban on Crimea.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-eu- renews-sanctions-russian-officials -separatists/29053512.html

Copyright (c) 2018. 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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Ukraine Bans Saakashvili Until 2021

RFE/RL February 21, 2018

Ukraine's border service has banned Mikheil Saakashvili from entering Ukraine for three years, days after he was expelled from the country.

Saakashvili on February 21 posted on Facebook a document from the border service that said his entry ban runs until February 13, 2021.

Ukrainian border-service spokesman Oleh Slobodyan confirmed that Saakashvili was banned on the orders of the commander in charge of the Ukrainian border section he crossed in September 2017, eluding a blockade.

Saakashvili responded defiantly to the ban, writing on Facebook, "With or without me, the end has already come for these authorities, and I will return home to Ukraine very soon now, much, much sooner than in three years."

Saakashvili, 50, was drafted in 2015 by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to head the Odesa region. But he fell afoul of his friend over corruption allegations and calls for reform and was stripped of his citizenship in July 2017.

After beginning an opposition campaign to Poroshenko, Saakashvili was detained at a Kyiv restaurant on February 12, taken to the airport, and flown to Poland, the country from which he returned to Ukraine in September.

He eventually flew to the Netherlands, his wife's home country, and vowed to continue his battle to topple Poroshenko.

Ukrainian authorities have accused Saakashvili of abetting an alleged "criminal group" led by Viktor Yanukovych, the Moscow-friendly former president who fled the country in 2014 amid massive protests known as the Euromaidan.

The authorities also alleged that the street protests he led are part of a Russian plot against the government in Kyiv.

Saakashvili has denied all the charges, calling them "absurd" and politically motivated.

Saakashvili was also the president of Georgia from 2004-2013 and is wanted there after being convicted of abuse of power in connection with a 2006 murder case. He has been sentenced in absentia to three years in prison.

He also denies charges of wrongdoing in Georgia.

With reporting by AFP and UNIAN

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-saakashvili-banned -until-2021/29055308.html

Copyright (c) 2018. 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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BY: Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Category: General News
ESSEX  The deaths of a man and woman found inside a home here Tuesday are an apparent murder-suicide, police said.

According to a Connecticut State Police news release, Joseph Reifer, 72, died from a gunshot wound and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide. Susan Barron, also 72, died from a gunshot wound and her death was classified as a homicide.
Motorola wants us to realize we are addicted to our phones

These days, the smartphone is an important tool. It keeps us connected to our friends and family, our passions, our memories, and for some it lets us connect to our means of making a living. These things have become extensions of ourselves to the point of ingraining behavioral patterns, particularly in the younger generation of smartphone users that grew up in a digitally connected world.

Motorola has hosted a study with Dr. Nancy Etcoff, expert in Mind-Brand Behavior and the Science of Happiness at Harvard University. Dr. Etcoff is also the Psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry.

A third party research company surveyed 4,418 smartphone users between ages 16 and 65 in the US, Brazil, France, and India and came up with these findings.

33% of participants put priority on their smartphones over engaging with loved ones who want to spend time with them.

Younger smartphone users face the most behavioral issues with 53% of Generation Z users describing their phones as their best friend.

61% of people surveyed agree that they would like to get the most out of their phones while they are on them and the most out of life when they are not using a phone.

60% of people say it's important to have a life away from their phones.

The following findings pertain specifically to younger smartphone users (in this case, Generation Z).

49% of users agree that they check their phones excessively while 60% of both millennial and Gen Z agree that they impulsively check their phones.

35% agree they are spending too much time on their phones and 44% of Gen Z believe they'd be happier of they spent less time on their phones.

65% admit they have panic when they think they lost their phone while 3 in 4 Gen Z participants agree they are often thinking about or planning the next time they can use their phones.

Motorola is offering a quiz that you can take yourself to see what your phone-life balance is like and learn whether you have an emotional dependence on your smartphone.

Motorola feels the social responsibility to bring new programs and initiatives that help educate and teach folks about how to find a better phone-life balance. It is also teaming up with the SPACE Phone-Life Balance App. This app offers a 60 day program to make users more aware of their smartphone behavior patterns and suggests ways to find a healthy balance.

It is also inviting developers to create ideas for MotoMods that would help people engage with others or help keep mindful smartphone usage.

Did you take the quiz? What did you learn about the way you use your smartphone?

Source | Take the quiz
The Mobile World Congress 2018 kicks off this weekend and there are many stars on the guest list. Some smartphones are sure to attend, the presence of others is only guessed at. Here's a preview of what we expect to see in Barcelona.

Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ have checked the "will attend" boxes - the Samsung Unpacked event is set for February 25 (this Sunday). Leaks have left little to the imagination and official teaser videos have confirmed some of the more salacious features - slow-mo camera, low-light shooting and 3D emoji.



Samsung Galaxy S9  Samsung Galaxy S9+

Nokia

Also on February 25, Sunday, HMD will unveil awesome Nokia stuff. The company is mum on the cast, but judging by the intensity of the leaks, the Nokia 7 Plus and Nokia 1 will attend, the Nokia 4 is a solid maybe. What we know of the 7 Plus, it will be the first Nokia with an 18:9 screen and it (along with the Nokia 1) will be on the Android One program.



Nokia 7 plus  Nokia 1

But there are many more options. We've seen clues of Nokia 8 Sirocco (or perhaps Nokia 8 Pro), Nokia 9, HMD also renewed the "Asha" trademark, there could easily be half a dozen of new devices.

Sony

Sony's event is on February 26 (next Monday). The official teaser is as vague as can be, but rumors suggest that the Sony Xperia XZ2 and Xperia XZ2 Compact will strut their stuff on stage.

LG

The LG G7 is unlikely to make it to the MWC, instead we might get an LG V30 version with 256GB storage and a focus on AI. Then there are the K phones - with less star power, but certain to attend, the new LG K8 and LG K10 will bolster the company's entry-level and mid-range lineups.



LG V30

Huawei

Huawei set its event for February 25, though chances are that we won't get to meet the Huawei P20/P11 trio. We might see a new tablet and will certainly hear more about Huawei Pay in Europe.

Asus

On February 27 (Tuesday), Asus will unveil the Zenfone 5 - maybe even three of them, Zenfone 5, Zenfone 5 Lite and 5 Max. The poster features the Qualcomm logo and proclaims an adoration for photography. Beyond that, rumors suggest 18:9 screens and dual cameras all around (yes, even on the Lite).



Asus Zenfone 5 (2018)  Asus Zenfone 5 Lite

ZTE

ZTE basically announced the Blade V9 already, but we look forward to seeing more from the Snapdragon 450-powered 18:9 phone.



ZTE Blade V9

Alcatel

Beating the crowds, alcatel will unveil three phones on February 24 (this Saturday) - the alcatel 5, 3V and 1X. A leaked promo video gives away the surprise (6" 18:9 screen, dual cameras and more).

What not to expect

We probably won't see the HTC U12 - like the LG G7, this one is likely waiting on Snapdragon 845 availability.

Xiaomi will not bring the Mi 7 to Barcelona (the Mi 6 was there last year), but we may see its new chipset - the Surge S2.
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Qualcomm and Samsung announced in separate press releases that the Korean manufacturer would build the upcoming 5G Snapdragon chipsets. They will be made on the 7nm process technology, a massive step in introducing the extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV).

Samsung factory in Hwaesong, South Korea

Compared to the 10 nm FinFET chips, the EUV tech will provide 40% area efficiency, 10% higher performance and up to 35% lower power consumption. The deployment will break the barriers of Moores law scaling and will lead the way to single-digit nanometer semiconductor tech generations.

The information comes as a confirmation of a rumor from last Thursday that Qualcomm might launch its newly announced X24 modem on a 7nm Snapdragon SoC in 2019. Nearly 50 manufacturers and carriers already expressed willingness to support the new standard and to push 5G-enabled devices next year.

Source 1  Source 2 | Via




Haiti - Politic : Moise decorates of the National Order the Nobel Wole Soyinka





Tuesday at the National Palace, President Moise, accompanied by his wife Martine in the presence among others Ministers Josue Agenor Cadet (Education) and Limond Toussaint (Culture), of his advisers, of d Josue Director General of the National Bureau of Ethnology, of university professors and writers, offered a welcome cocktail in honor of Nigerian writer and activist Wole Soyinka (83) Nobel Prize of Literature and key actor of the radiation of thought and black literature.



The Head of State welcomed the visit to Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23593-haiti-literature-the-nigerian-nobel-prize-wole-soyinka-expected-in-haiti.html of the first black author to receive the Nobel Prize of Literature stressing "This visit is a significant symbol of the unbreakable historical ties that unite Haiti and Africa," before transmitting to Wole Soyinka all the respect and affection of the Haitian people.



"You insist on the greatness and dignity of Africa by drawing on a model of society that our ancestors had already experienced. Your respect for African history and traditions has never stopped you from dreaming of democracy and modernity for the black peoples of the world," said Moise, referring to the tragedy of the ancestors "in the holds of the boats, in pain nameless on the cane fields, in the servitude of slavery, in the entreaty of foreign gods, and in the blind fascination still vowed today to the executioners."



As part of this ceremony, Moses thanked the "Laboratorio Contemporary Arts" who facilitated the meeting between Haiti and Wole Soyinka https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23593-haiti-literature-the-nigerian-nobel-prize-wole-soyinka-expected-in-haiti.html . After the cocktail, as a sign of recognition President Moise appointed Wole Soyinka Goodwill Ambassador and awarded him the National Order of Honor and Merit to the rank of Commander.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23593-haiti-literature-the-nigerian-nobel-prize-wole-soyinka-expected-in-haiti.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















By Lily Lee | Published on 2018/02/21

On February 21st, actor Park Bo-gum posted a picture on his Twitter account with a caption saying, "For all of those who congratulated me in graduating college, thank you! 2018.02.21".

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In the picture, Park Bo-gum is posing with his university degree along with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from his family. His bright smile is lighting up the campus for one last time. Park Bo-gum is part of the 2017 graduating class from Myungji University where he was a Film and Musical major. According to the school, Park Bo-gum attended the school regularly without deferring any semesters even with his busy schedule.

(His pictures in the graduation album, posted by his classmates)

After the graduation ceremony, Park Bo-gum visited many reporters from various news stations who were gathered in front of the school to interview him. This is his remark:

"There was so much to learn in the last 4 years. I'm grateful for all of my classmates, upper and younger classmen, and the professors. I think I've gone through school without any regrets. I will be showing everyone more of my improved self".

Regarding his future activities in the acting field, he simply shared that he will be greeting the fans sometime this year for sure.

Congratulations to Park Bo-gum on his graduation!

By: Lily Lee

Sources (1) (2)
By Lily Lee | Published on 2018/02/22 | Source

Actor Seo Kang-joon's agency, Fantagio revealed that the actor is confirmed to star in the upcoming drama, "Something About Us".

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"Something About Us" is a popular webtoon-based campus romance drama and it is bound to be your favorite heart-fluttering romance drama of the year. The original webtoon "Something About Us" tells the story of the two childhood friends attending the same university and they must make a choice between keeping their precious friendship or risk everything and follow their hearts, accepting the reality of falling in love with each other.

The webtoon was a series published in 2014 through 2017, proudly holding the crown of no.1 webtoon in not just romance genre, but overall categories in Lezhin webtoon, which is one of the three biggest webtoon platforms in South Korea. "Something About Us" has total of more than 130 million views and is extremely popular among the readers in their 20s and 30s for how the author solved the cliche topic of best friends turning into lovers with charming characters, detailed emotions, and the adorable art style. Since the original webtoon is already such a popular content, the expectation for this drama is high.

Actor Seo Kang-joon will be playing the character Han Woo-jin and the synchronization of the actor and the character is near perfection. His character is handsome, charming, kind-hearted and friendly to everyone, which is the description for Seo Kang-joon in real life as well.

(Comparison of the character and Seo Kang-joon)

This is the second time Seo Kang-joon will be playing a character in a popular webtoon-based drama since "Cheese in the Trap". There have been a lot of webtoon fans who were disappointed by Seo Kang-joon's acting in "Cheese in the Trap", but this time, many of the "Something About Us" webtoon fans agrees that the actor is a splendid choice for the character.

The details of this drama such as the director, writer, and other cast members have not been revealed yet, but the production team was confirmed to be the Eightworks, who've also created the drama "Cheese in the Trap".

If anyone wants to get a taste of the story before the drama begins, visit the Lezhin website to read "Something About Us" in English.

By: Lily Lee
Published on 2018/02/21

CJ E&M's flagship channel tvN's weekend primetime lineup for the first quarter 2018 already increased by 100 percent in Nielsen Korea key demo ratings -adults 20-49, compared to the previous quarter. tvN's strong weekend lineup, a mix of new variety shows and long-run signature series, has created synergy to capture the attention of viewers that reflected onto the ratings.



In its weekend prime time slot -Friday to Sunday, 20:00-24:00 K.S.T. - Youn's Kitchen 2 leads the Friday night, passing the baton to Super TV, a reality show featuring legendary K-pop idol group Super Junior.



Every Saturday at 19:40, Seoul Mate, a variety show where Korean celebrities host foreign travelers in their homes, is followed up by Thrifters on Travel, a travel variety show that continues to break its own viewership records.



tvN's long-run hit series, Comedy Big League 5 and Brainiacs, filled the Sunday slot 19:40 and 22:30 accordingly. Meanwhile, fantasy genre drama Korean Odyssey completes tvN's weekend primetime lineup, airing every Saturday and Sunday 21:00 (K.S.T.)



Summary of the programs in tvN's weekend lineup are as following (timeslots in K.S.T.):

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- Friday Lineup

 Youn's Kitchen 2 (21:50)- Following in the footsteps of the successful season 1, Youn's Kitchen 2 returns with its star producer Na Young-seok. Four celebrities attempt to run a Korean restaurant in the small town of Garachico on Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands. As of February 2, 2018 Youn's Kitchen 2 recorded tvN's highest variety show ratings with 19.4% (Nielsen Korea).



 Super TV (23:30)- A new type of variety show that follows K-pop idol group Super Junior. Super TV features a never-seen-before combination of different formats, incorporating elements of a quiz show, talk show, reality show, etc., offering a wide variety of entertaining aspects for viewers.



- Saturday Lineup

 Seoul Mate (19:40)-A travel variety show where celebrities host foreign travelers in their own homes. The guests explore Seoul with the guide from their celebrity hosts, as they connect, learn about their differences, and build special friendships.

 Thrifters on Travel (22:30)-Celebrities are given a very tight budget to execute the most meaningful, but thrifty travel experience. From visiting the most economic to luxury travel spots, the tour guides tailor a memorable experience that appreciate the small luxuries in life.



- Sunday Lineup

 Comedy Big League 5 (19:40)-A comedy show where professional comedians team up to perform their original sketches to a live audience that votes for the best sketch. The winners are rewarded with a grand cash prize.



 Brainiacs (22:30)-Six intelligent celebrities together with a special guest solve a set of enigmatic questions. Only when the questions are all solved, their work is done and they can return home.



- Saturday & Sunday Lineup

 "A Korean Odyssey" (21:00) - Fantasy drama based on a Wily king of the Monkey Son Oh-gong and his friend like foe King Wooma as the two thrive to find harmony in times of total darkness
This particular gun story took place, ironically enough, at the 1997 convention of the American Public Health Association in Indianapolis. There, among a group of white-collar professionals and academics, a seemingly minor incident quickly led to mayhem. While eating dinner at the Planet Hollywood restaurant, a patron bent to pick something up from the floor. A small pistol fell from his pocket, hit the floor, and went off. The bullet struck and injured two convention delegates waiting to be seated; both women went to the hospital.

"Why manufacture guns that go off when you drop them?" asks professor of health policy David Hemenway '66, Ph.D. '74. "Kids play with guns. We put childproof safety caps on aspirin bottles because if kids take too many aspirin, they get sick. You could blame the parents for gun accidents but, as with aspirin, manufacturers could help. It's very easy to make childproof guns."

Logic like this pervades Hemenway's new book, Private Guns, Public Health (University of Michigan Press), which takes an original approach to an old problem by applying a scientific perspective to firearms. Hemenway, who directs the Harvard Injury Control Research Center at the School of Public Health (www.hsph.harvard.edu/hicrc), summarizes and interprets findings from hundreds of surveys and from epidemiological and field studies to deliver on the book's subtitle: A Dramatic New Plan for Ending America's Epidemic of Gun Violence. The empirical groundwork enables Hemenway, whose doctorate is in economics, to sidestep decades of political arm-wrestling over gun control. "The gun-control debate often makes it look like there are only two options: either take away people's guns, or not," he says. "That's not it at all. This is more like a harm-reduction strategy. Recognize that there are a lot of guns out there, and that reasonable gun policies can minimize the harm that comes from them."

Hemenway's work on guns and violence is a natural evolution of his research on injuries of various kinds, which he has pursued for decades. (In fact, it could be traced as far back as the 1960s, when, working for Ralph Nader, LL.B. '58, he investigated product safety as one of "Nader's Raiders.") Hemenway says he doesn't have a personal issue with guns; he has shot firearms, but found the experience "loud and dirtyand there's no exercise"as opposed to the "paintball" survival games he enjoys, which involve not only shooting but "a lot of running." He also happens to live in a state with strong gun laws. "It's nice," he says, "to have raised my son in Massachusetts, where he is so much safer."

Statistically, the United States is not a particularly violent society. Although gun proponents like to compare this country with hot spots like Colombia, Mexico, and Estonia (making America appear a truly peaceable kingdom), a more relevant comparison is against other high-income, industrialized nations. The percentage of the U.S. population victimized in 2000 by crimes like assault, car theft, burglary, robbery, and sexual incidents is about average for 17 industrialized countries, and lower on many indices than Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.

"The only thing that jumps out is lethal violence," Hemenway says. Violence, pace H. Rap Brown, is not "as American as cherry pie," but American violence does tend to end in death. The reason, plain and simple, is guns. We own more guns per capita than any other high-income countrymaybe even more than one gun for every man, woman, and child in the country. A 1994 survey numbered the U.S. gun supply at more than 200 million in a population then numbered at 262 million, and currently about 35 percent of American households have guns. (These figures count only civilian guns; Switzerland, for example, has plenty of military weapons per capita.)

"It's not as if a 19-year-old in the United States is more evil than a 19-year-old in Australiathere's no evidence for that," Hemenway explains. "But a 19-year-old in America can very easily get a pistol. That's very hard to do in Australia. So when there's a bar fight in Australia, somebody gets punched out or hit with a beer bottle. Here, they get shot."

In general, guns don't induce people to commit crimes. "What guns do is make crimes lethal," says Hemenway. They also make suicide attempts lethal: about 60 percent of suicides in America involve guns. "If you try to kill yourself with drugs, there's a 2 to 3 percent chance of dying," he explains. "With guns, the chance is 90 percent."

Gun deaths fall into three categories: homicides, suicides, and accidental killings. In 2001, about 30,000 people died from gunfire in the United States. Set this against the 43,000 annual deaths from motor-vehicle accidents to recognize what startling carnage comes out of a barrel. The comparison is especially telling because cars "are a way of life," as Hemenway explains. "People use cars all day, every dayand 'motor vehicles' include trucks. How many of us use guns?"

Suicides accounted for about 58 percent of gun fatalities, or 17,000 to 18,000 deaths, in 2001; another 11,000 deaths, or 37 percent, were homicides, and the remaining 800 to 900 gun deaths were accidental. For rural areas, the big problem is suicide; in cities, it's homicide. ("In Wyoming it's hard to have big gang fights," Hemenway observes dryly. "Do you call up the other gang and drive 30 miles to meet up?") Homicides follow a curve similar to that of motor-vehicle fatalities: rising steeply between ages 15 and 21, staying fairly level from there until age 65, then rising again with advanced age. Men between 25 and 55 commit the bulk of suicides, and younger males account for an inflated share of both homicides and unintentional shootings. (Males suffer all injuries, including gunshots, at much higher rates than females.)

Though assault weapons have attracted lots of publicity from Hollywood and Washington, and NRA stands for National Rifle Association, these facts mask the reality of the gun problem, which centers on pistols. "Handguns are the crime guns," Hemenway says. "They are the ones you can conceal, the guns you take to go rob somebody. You don't mug people at rifle-point."

And America is awash in handguns. Canada, for example, has almost as many guns per capita as the United States, but Americans own far more pistols. "Where do Canadian criminals, and Mexican criminals, get their handguns?" asks Hemenway. "From the United States." Gang members in Boston and New York get their handguns from other states with permissive gun laws; the firearms flow freely across state borders. Interstate 95, which runs from Florida to New England, even has a nickname among gun-runners: "the Iron Pipeline."

The ways in which people die by guns would not make a good television cop show. Rarely does a suburban homeowner beat a burglar to the draw in his living room at 3 a.m. Few urban pedestrians thwart a mugger by brandishing a pistol. "We have done four surveys on self-defense gun use," Hemenway says. "And one thing we know for sure is that there's a lot more criminal gun use than self-defense gun use. And even when people say they pulled their gun in 'self-defense,' it usually turns out that there was just an escalating argumentat some point, people feel afraid and draw guns."

Hemenway has collected stories of self-defense gun use by simply asking those who pulled guns what happened. A typical story might be: "We were in the park drinking. Drinking led to arguing. We ran to our cars and got our guns." Or: "I was sitting on my porch. A neighbor came up and we got into a fight. He threw a beer at me. I went inside and got my gun." Hemenway has sent verbatim accounts of such incidents to criminal-court judges, asking if the "self-defense" gun use described was legal. "Most of the time," he says, "the answer was no."

Ask criminals why they carried a gun while robbing the convenience store and frequently the answer is, "So I could get the money and not have to hurt anyone." But as Hemenway explains, "Then something happens. Maybe somebody unexpectedly walks in, or the storeowner draws a gun. Your heart is racing. Next thing you know, somebody is dead."

Researchers have interviewed adolescents in major urban centers, where many inner-city kids carry guns. When asked why, the reason they most often give is "self-defense," adding that getting a gun is easy, something one can often do in less than an hour. Yet when researchers asked a group of teenagers, more than half of whom had already carried guns, what kind of world they would like to live in, Hemenway says that almost all of them replied, "One where it's difficult or impossible to get a gun."

Most murderers are not hired killers. Instead, killings happen during fights between rival gangs or angry spouses, or even from road rage, and leave deep regret in their wake. "How often might you appropriately use a gun in self-defense?" Hemenway asks rhetorically. "Answer: zero to once in a lifetime. How about inappropriatelybecause you were tired, afraid, or drunk in a confrontational situation? There are lots and lots of chances. When your anger takes over, it's nice not to have guns lying around."

Many suicides, similarly, are impulsive acts. Follow-up interviews with people who survived jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge reveal that few of them tried suicide again. One survivor volunteered this epiphany after jumping: "I realized that all the problems I had in life were solvableexcept one: I'm in midair." In the United States, suicide rates are high in states with an abundance of gunssouthern and western mountain states, for exampleand lower in places like New Jersey, New England, or Hawaii, where guns are relatively scarce. Nine case-control studies have shown that guns in the house are a risk factor for suicide. Firearms turn the agonizing into the irreversible.

Virtually all industrialized nations have stronger firearms laws than the United States. We have no national law, for example, requiring a license to own a gun (though some states require one). Almost all other countries have licensure laws, and many demand that gun owners undergo training, also not required here. Hemenway scoffs at the rote objection, "A determined criminal will always get a gun," responding, "Yes, but a lot of people aren't that determined. I'm sure there are some determined yacht buyers out there, but when you raise the price high enough, a lot of them stop buying yachts."

In most of these United States, many types of gun sale trigger neither a background check nor a paper trail. "You can go to a gun show, flea market, the Internet, or classified ads and buy a gunno questions asked," Hemenway says. It is illegal to sell a firearm to a convicted felon or for criminal purposes, although sting operations have proved that some licensed vendors flout even this proscription. "In 1998, police officers from Chicago (where possessing a new handgun is illegal) posed as local gang members and went firearms shopping in the suburbs," Hemenway writes. "In store after store, clerks willingly sold powerful handguns to these agents, who made it clear that they intended to use these guns to 'take care of business' on the streets of Chicago."

Some civil lawsuits have targeted gun manufacturers, seeking damages for the death and disability resulting from the use of firearms. In one sense, such plaintiffs are in the bizarre position of suing manufacturers for making products that perform as advertised. Yet there may be parallels to the legal assault on tobacco, another product that can be lethal when used as directed. "For decades, there were no plaintiff victories beyond the appellate level" in the tobacco litigation, Hemenway notes. "Reasonable suits might allege things that the manufacturers could do to make guns safer."

Many such changes are possible. Fairly small tweaks in design and engineering could save countless human livesin much the same way that the 1985 law requiring a third brake light (the upper back light) on cars reduced rear-end collisions. For starters, making childproof guns is, well, child's play. Even a century ago, gunsmiths made pistols that would not fire unless the shooter put extra pressure on the handle while pulling the trigger; this required strength beyond that of a child's hand.

Many times a teenaged boy will find a gun such as a semi-automatic pistol in his home and, after taking out the ammunition clip, assume that the gun is unloaded. He then points the pistol at his best friend and playfully pulls the trigger, killing the other lad with the bullet that was already in the chamber. "People say, 'Teach kids not to pull the trigger,' but kids will do it," Hemenway says. In a 2001 study, for example, small groups of boys from 8 to 12 years old spent 15 minutes in a room where a handgun was hidden in a drawer. More than two-thirds discovered the gun, more than half the groups handled it, and in more than a third of the groups someone pulled the triggerdespite the fact that more than 90 percent of the boys in the latter groups had received gun-safety instruction.

Hence product redesign may do more good than safety education. Hemenway suggests such changes as adding "a magazine safety, so that when you remove the clip, the gun does not work. Or make guns that visually indicate if they are loadedjust like you can tell if there is film in a camera." A different design solution could help police, who often find that guns recovered from crime scenes are untraceable because it's "pretty easy to obliterate the serial number," Hemenway notes. "Often you can just file it off. You could make it hard to remove a serial number. You won't eliminate the problem, but you can decrease it."

One of Hemenway's main goals is to help create a society in which it is harder to make fatal blunders. He compares it to cutting down on speeding autos. "You can arrest speeders, but you can also put speed bumps or chicanes [curved, alternating-side curb extensions] into residential areas where children play....Just as...you can revoke the license of bad doctors, but also build [a medical] environment in which it's harder to make an error, and the mistakes made are not serious or fatal."

Yet even if such interventions became public policy, there would be no way to evaluate their impact without meaningful data. Consider the 1994 law that bans assault weapons, which is due to expire this year. "We don't know if homicides have gone up, down, or stayed the same as a result of this law," Hemenway says. "Or take unintentional gun deaths, of which there are about two a day. We don't know if they tend to occur indoors or outdoors, whether the victim is the shooter or another person, whether they involve long guns or handguns, if they occur in the city or country, or if patterns have changed over time."

This ignorance about gun deaths stands in sharp contrast to the wealth of useful data available on motor-vehicle fatalities, for which more than 100 pieces of information per death are collected consistently in every state. Shortly after its creation in 1966, the predecessor of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began to record information like the make, model, and year of the car, speed limit and speed of car, where people were sitting, use of seatbelts and more recently airbags, weather conditionsthese data and many more are available to researchers on the Web. Consequently, Hemenway says, "We know what works. We know that speed kills, so if you raise speed limits, expect to see more highway deaths. Motorcycle helmets work; seat belts work. Car inspections and driver education have no effect. Right-on-red laws mean more pedestrians hit by cars."

This kind of detailed information allows researchers to statistically evaluate the effects of laws. Regarding those right-on-red laws, for example, Hemenway explains, "If you only [tracked] traffic deaths, you wouldn't see this pattern. You need data on pedestrian deaths, and pedestrian deaths at intersections!"

In 1998, Hemenway and the Harvard Injury Control Research Center launched the pilot for what has become the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) in an attempt to assemble a similar database documenting violent deaths, including those by firearms. They funded 10 sites to organize a consistent, comparable set of data, using information that already existed. Vital statistics like age and sex were commonly available. The police have a good system for homicide data. Medical examiners' (coroners') reports are a rich source of information but are not part of any system and aren't linked to anything else; the same is true of crime lab reports. The new system will also provide important suicide data. (Currently, once a death is defined as a suicide, the police investigation ends, so "all we have are death certificates," says Hemenway. "They tell you nothing about the circumstances.")

Two years ago, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) took over administration of NVDRS; Hemenway estimates that funding the whole system for all 50 states would cost about $20 million. He will continue this work, but he is also getting involved with international firearms problems. Although high-income countries (other than the United States) generally don't have severe gun problems, the developing world faces major issues with guns in places like Jamaica, Colombia, and South Africa. The goal at home and abroad, he says, is "to make sure the guns we have are safe, and that people use them properly. We'd like to create a world where it's hard to make mistakes with gunsand when you do make a mistake, it's not a terrible thing."

Craig A. Lambert '69, Ph.D. '78, is deputy editor of this magazine.
The Havre Public Schools district is warning people not to give money to telemarketers saying they are looking for money to help Havre students  or for any reason.

We just dont operate like that, Havre Superintendent Andy Carlson said.

Carlson said people contacted the district saying they received calls from telemarketers asking for money to help Havre students buy lunch. The telemarketers are not connected with the district, he said, and the district never uses telemarketers.

You will hear directly from us, from our foundation, if something is needed, Carlson said....
Wade Bitz, left, and Shawn Holden, great-grandson and grandson, respectively, of Henry Bitz, stand in front of a new mural put up on the side of Holden's Hot Wheels showing Henry Bitz and five of his sons including Wade Bitz' father, Daniel.

A local preservation group officially announced Wednesday afternoon the first of a series of murals celebrating local heritage has been hung on a First Street business building.

Members of the Havre/Hill County Historic Preservation Commission gathered at Holden's Hot Wheels to celebrate a mural that depicts a family of German immigrants, a father and his five sons.

"The reason I love this mural project is that the photograph has a story," said Becki Miller, historic preservation officer for the preservation commission. "Many of the photographs we looked at, we didn't know the people in...
Press release

HELENAThe Office of Public Instructions Indian Education Division will host three Indian Education Youth Conferences next month. The conferences will be held at MSU-Northern March 14-16, Browning High School March 21-22, and Salish Kootenai College March 26-28.

The registration deadline is Feb. 28. More information and registration details can be found on the OPIs website at http://opi.mt.gov/Educators/Teaching-Learning/Indian-Education

Students from all Montana high schools are welcome to register. The purpose of these student designed and led conferences is to br...
Press release

North Central Montana Transit will be holding a public meeting Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to discuss the application for capital and operating assistance from the Montana Department of Transportation.

The meeting will be held at the NCMT Bus Barn, 3101 NE Hwy 2, Havre, MT, across from the Diesel Doctor.

For more information people can call 265-4762.

...
"But in terms of your question pointing to some sort of deficiency, I think that is wrong."

HRD contacted Seven West Media to enquire about how the policies were stress-tested, but a spokesman declined to comment.

When Worner was asked by the ABC if he was confident all necessary steps had been taken to ensure all Seven staff were treated properly, he replied "that's correct".

In April last year, Seven West Media announced the appointment of Katie McGrath as group executive of human resources.

Sevens former HR head Melanie Allibon left the company in December 2016, shortly after the two-year affair between former executive assistant Amber Harrison and CEO Worner was made public.
Montreal  The software makes it possible to automatically analyze several medical imaging modalities. Through a supervised learning process from labeled data inspired by the functioning of the neurons of the brain, it automatically identifies liver tumours, delineates the contours of the prostate for radiation therapy or makes it possible to count the number of cells at the microscopic level with a performance similar to that of an expert human eye.

This algorithm, presented in the February edition of the journal Medical Image Analysis by researchers from the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM) and Polytechnique Montreal  in collaboration with the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms (MILA) and Imagia, a Montreal-based healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) company  demonstrates the strength of deep learning approach in biomedical imaging. This project entitled Liver Cancer Detection using recent advances in deep learning was launched in 2015 through a MEDTEQ funding.

We have developed software that could be added to visualization tools to help doctors perform advanced analyses of different medical imaging modalities, explained Samuel Kadoury, a researcher at the CRCHUM, professor at Polytechnique Montreal and the studys senior author. He added: The algorithm makes it possible to automate pre-processing detection and segmentation (delineation) tasks of images, which are currently not done because they are too time-consuming for human beings. Our model is very versatile  it works for CT liver scan images, magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the prostate and electronic microscopic images of cells.

Take the example of a patient with liver cancer. Currently, when this patient has a CT scan, the image has to be standardized and normalized before being read by the radiologist. This pre-processing step involves a bit of magic. You have to adjust the grey shades because the image is often too dark or too pale to distinguish the tumours, stated Dr. An Tang, a radiologist and researcher at the CRCHUM, professor at Universite de Montreal and the studys co-author. This adjustment with CAD-type computer-aided diagnosis-assistance techniques is not perfect and lesions can sometimes be missed or incorrectly detected. This is what gave us the idea of improving machine vision. The new deep-learning technique eliminates this pre-processing step by modelling the variability observed on a training database.

How did the AI engineers design this model to view the abnormalities of the human body?

We came up with the idea of combining two types of convolutional neural networks that complemented each another very nicely to create an image segmentation. The first network takes as an input a raw biomedical data and learns the optimal data normalization. The second takes the output of the first model and produces segmentation maps, summarized Michal Drozdzal, the studys first author, formerly a postdoctoral fellow at Polytechnique and presently research scientist at Facebook AI Research in Montreal.

A neural network is a complex series of computer operations that allows the computer to learn by itself by feeding it a massive number of examples. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) work a little like our visual cortex by stacking several layers of processing to produce an output result  an image. They can be represented as a pile of building blocks. There are several types of neural networks, each with a different architecture.

The researchers combined two neural networks: a fully convolutional network (FCN) and a fully convolutional residual network (FC-ResNet).

According to Professor Kadoury, who is also Canada Research Chair in Medical Imaging and Assisted Interventions, the new algorithm had to be trained to discover lesions by itself: We fed the computer hundreds of labeled samples from lesions and healthy tissue that had been manually identified by humans. The parameters of the neural networks are adjusted in order to match the gold standard annotations and later recognize the image without any need for further supervision, he said.

The researchers compared the results obtained by their algorithm with other algorithms. From a visual analysis, we can see that our algorithm performs as well as, if not better than, other algorithms, and is very close to what a human would do if he/she had hours to segment a large number of images. Our algorithm could potentially be used to standardize images from different hospital centres, asserted Kadoury.

In cancer imaging, doctors would like to measure the tumour burden, which is the volume of all the tumours in a patients body.

The new algorithm could be used as a tool for detecting and monitoring the tumour burden, to get a much fuller picture of the extent of the disease, stated Dr. Tang.

Because of the versatility of this new algorithm, it would be possible to train it for different pathologies such as lung or brain cancer. Training an algorithm is a very long process (hours, even days), but, once trained, this model could analyze images in fractions of seconds and reach a performance level in detection and classification comparable to that of human beings.

However, Dr. Tang believes that it will be several years before advances in AI are transferred to practice in our hospitals: We are at the proof-of-concept stage, he noted. It works with a dataset. If we take images from scans performed with different techniques or colour doses, or from different manufacturers or hospitals, will the algorithm work as well? We still have a number of challenges to deal with to be able to implement these algorithms on a large scale. Were still in the research and development category. Well have to validate it on a large population, in different image-acquisition scenarios, to confirm the robustness of this algorithm.

And then theres the big question  the one that gives rise to much debate: will new advances in AI replace human beings in medicine? No. On the contrary, artificial intelligence will allow us to perform tasks that cannot be done at this time because they are too time-consuming, Dr. Tang concluded. Artificial intelligence provides us with additional tools. We are not eliminating jobs; instead, we are adding new capabilities to analyze a large number of images. 

About this study

The article Learning normalized inputs for iterative estimation in medical image segmentation was published in the February edition of the journal Medical Image Analysis, and was published online on November 14, 2017. This research was funded by Imagia Inc., MITACS (grant number IT05356), MEDTEQ, the Fonds de recherche du Quebec  sante (FRQS) and the Fondation de lAssociation des radiologistes du Quebec. The study was conducted by Samuel Kadoury (CRCHUM and Polytechnique Montreal), Michal Drozdzal and several co-authors: Gabriel Chartrand, Eugene Vorontsov, Mahsa Shakeri, Lisa Di Jorio, An Tang, Adriana Romero, Yoshua Bengio and Chris Pal. To find out more, view the study: DOI: 10.1016/j.media.2017.11.005

Definitions:

Artificial intelligence (AI): software that is able to reproduce abilities characteristic of human beings.

Deep learning: an AI technique that allows a computer to discover by itself the optimal problem-solving strategy from a massive amount of data.

Artificial neuron: a mathematical function that can process data.

Convolutional neuronal network (CNN or ConvNet): a type of artificial neural network that works by an overlapping of layers, as in the visual cortex of a human being. The layers of neurons are stacked on top of one another to pre-process small quantities of information, such as images.

Segmentation of lesions in an organ using machine learning techniques, from a CT-scan image (left), performed by a convolutional neural network architecture (center) and manually (right). (Credit : Eugene Vorontsov)
Despite having the medical training to treat the breathing problems of prematurely born babies, doctors in places with fewer resources are continually frustrated by the lack of technology to do so properly.

They are trained medical experts and they know what to do, but without the appropriate devices and tools to do the job, theyre just seeing these lives fade away, said Anjelica Gonzalez, the Donna L. Dubinsky Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering. I cant imagine doing that every day of my life.

More than 1.5 million newborns die each year from respiratory complications. Overwhelmingly, these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries due to a simple lack of resources. To counter that, Gonzalez is leading a team of researchers in the development of PremieBreathe, a low-cost infant respirator that delivers warmed, humidified, and oxygenated air to reduce airway irritation and keep infants breathing normally. The project has received $250,000 in funding from Saving Lives at Birth, a partnership that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The cross-campus collaboration began in 2012 with a request from the Yale Institute of Global Health and includes faculty from the School of Engineering and Applied Science (Gonzalez, Mark Saltzman, and Joseph Zinter); the School of Medicine (Dr. Lei Chen and Dr. Linda D. Arnold), and the Office of Cooperative Research.

Arnold and Lei, who had earlier researched the issue in Rwanda, advised on clinical specifications; the Gonzalez lab undertook the task of engineering, design, and testing. Students who had previously been in Gonzalezs course Biotechnology and the Developing World reached out to her with interest in working on real-world problems. These students were afforded the opportunity to work with her and senior research scientist Larry Wilen of the Center for Engineering Innovation and Design as their senior projects to help build the initial version of the device.

When Gonzalez first visited hospitals and clinics in Ethiopia and Malawi, she immediately saw the need for safe and well-regulated devices that could deliver air to babies. Some places are so desperate for devices that they create makeshift respirators out of soda and water bottles. Because water and heat are the perfect recipe for mold, fungus and bacteria, infants sometimes end up with hospital-acquired infections.

The thing that sticks with me is that, having kids myself, its not fair that other children dont have the same opportunities for healthcare, which I consider a human right, Gonzalez said. We need to do the most we can to make sure that babies within these communities have the chance to survive.

Michael Skonieczny, deputy director of the Yale Institute for Global Health (YIGH), said the project shows what can be accomplished when different fields of expertise come together to take on a major issue.

PremieBreathes history of initial work in Rwanda and partnerships with other departments, faculty, and students from across campus, demonstrates how big results can be achieved from a collaborative effort, Skonieczny said. PremieBreathe is a great example of what we can do through YIGH to encourage strong collaboration between Yale faculty and partners around the world.

Work on PremieBreathe is based on the idea of whats known as appropriate design, a collaborative process between engineers and the people who will be using the device.

When we refined the design of PremieBreathe, we worked with the hospitals in Ethiopia, where we still have collaborations, Gonzalez said. We spoke with their biomedical engineers, their physicians and nursing staff to figure out what makes sense in the context of their available infrastructure and support.

PremieBreathe is a great example of what we can do through YIGH to encourage strong collaboration between Yale faculty and partners around the world. michael skonieczny

Together, they figured out a way to build a safe and inexpensive unit that would be rugged enough to withstand the less-than-ideal conditions of some district clinics and community health centers in developing countries.

The design has undergone about a half-dozen iterations; its been tweaked to make it more durable, reduce its size, and make sure the specifications are exactly what they need to be. In addition to performing at the same level as typical respiratory systems, Gonzalez said, the device needs to be easy to operate and easy to maintain. Too often, she said, medical equipment will go to places that dont have the resources to keep them operating if they break down.

The researchers are currently at the point where they are shoring up prototypes for bench-testing. By October they hope to have data from the first round of tests in Ethiopia. When theyre satisfied that the devices design is ready, Gonzalez said, they plan to create many more units to accommodate the different levels of care. In places like Malawi and Ethiopia, she said, infants born pre-term in a small community hospital need to be moved to larger facilities, but still need immediate respiratory care before and during transportation.

The infrastructure in those settings looks a lot different from those of larger hospitals, she said. So ultimately, we want to make sure that all of these care facilities are supported by these devices.

Yale University
Sheriff McDonald joins Trump in White House school safety talk

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President Trump held a lengthy roundtable discussion on school safety on Thursday, surrounded by local and state officials, including Henderson County Sheriff Charlie McDonald.

Trump came out in support of denying assault weapon purcahses to anyone under 21 years old, said he supported allowing qualified teachers to carry concealed weapons in schools.

"The day before yesterday I got a call from Congressman Meadows office that said,"Hey can you be here in Washington on Thursday. The president wants to meet with elected offiicials and law enforcement because he's trying to get togother ideas and get something moving on this school safey issue while everybody's focused on it.' I had no idea I'd be sitting next toJeff Sessions and (Florida Attorney General) Pam Bondi and meeting Kellyanne Conway.

"I think what they're really looking at doing is to bring a lot of ideas and come up with a model that can be be used" across the country, perhaps with the help of federal grants. "I caught that there was a very serious commitment right now and in listening to (Trump) talk I got the impression that's he's commtted," he said in a phone interview from Washington.

When he got to McDonald, Trump mentioned the congressman who had recommended the Henderson County sheriff for the school safety talks.

Congressman Meadows is a big fan of yours, that I can tell you, you know who Im talking about, Trump told him.

"I've been very impressedwith a lot of the ideas Ive heard and I do think mental health is a serious issue," McDonald said. "Its affected us across the nation. I know it is in North Carolina. I appreciatre your courage to talk about the fact that I do think there is a place for properly trained people in certain areas as well. I think multilayered securities like an onion has got a lot of facets and I believe youve got the courage and leadership to bring all this together. I know theres a lot of good ideas out there but its going to take a lot of courage on the part of leaders of this nation to bring the community together."

Trump echoed that.

"Its going to take a lot of political courage," he said. Some of it wont be politically correct.

"My deal was that I appreciate the fact that he's got the commitment and courage to entertain some things that maybe people aren't that warm about," McDonald said later.

One of only two law enforcement officials invited and the only sheriff, McDonald said he was honored to be a part of the discussion.

"I appreciate the congressman" suggesting him for the roundtable, he said.

"I told him really him I'm not intersted in something that's just a dog and pony show and he said 'I wouldn't send you there for that.' I was very pleased with the attention it's getting."

Sheriff's Maj. Frank Stout said he did not have a lot of details about how the invitation came about but that Meadows, who is close to Trump and is a strong supporter of McDonald, had been a go-between.

"It has been a very very short-notice trip," he said. "It was very good opportunity for the sheriff to be invited to Washington."

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Always outspoken, frequently blunt, Ruby Wax has made her name through her acerbic wit, channelling her anger and cynicism into comedy.

Yet the spiky comedian, writer and mental health campaigner, whose battle with depression has been well documented, has learned to develop an inner calm through the practice of mindfulness.

"It's helped me sense a depression coming before it hits... This doesn't mean I dodge it, but now I'm ready for it. When I sense the tiny, far-off footsteps of despair, I batten down the hatches, swiftly unplugging from any contact with the rest of the world, both on screen and in person," she writes in her latest self-help tome, How To Be Human: The Manual, which she penned with the help of a monk and a neuroscientist.

Today though, Wax (64) stops short of saying that she has mellowed: "I don't really like that word. It shows an overall losing your edge. I think my edge is better - but then, I pull it back more. I still get angry about stuff, but it subsides quicker," she continues. "If a traffic cop stops me, the full reptilian rage will hit, but it will go down quicker.

"Rage is addictive and it tastes good. You can repeat the story to regain the anger, but now I put the brakes on and don't repeat the story, unless it's funny. If you can turn it into comedy, your body's in great shape."

Following her one-woman Frazzled tour, based on her previous book, she'll be working on a new pilot show with material based on How To Be Human, which delves into evolution, why we think what we think and feel what we feel, exploring emotions, addictions, relationships, and a lot of other aspects of everyday life.

The monk and the neuroscientist will feature in the second half, in conversation with Wax, who herself has a master's degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy from Oxford University.

It may all sound a bit dry, but Wax is terrifically funny as she recounts her own flaws to get her points across in a laugh-out-loud way.

She says of her husband, TV producer and director Ed Bye: "I chose Ed because he had grade-A sanity genes and I felt that would break the chain of thousands of years of Wax madness in one fell swoop."

They've been married for 28 years, after meeting when he directed her in the ITV comedy Girls On Top, with Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, and have three grown-up children.

In an age when more than one-in-three marriages ends in divorce, and celebrity partnerships are ever more tenuous, how has it worked for them?

"We have totally almost independent lives," she says simply. "He doesn't question what I do and he's funny. I mean, if I want to go out for dinner with my friends, I don't automatically have to bring Ed. I ask them if they want Ed to come. Ed doesn't even know some of my friends. I'm not a couple."

They have worked and lived together in relative harmony - but there have been frequent negotiations between them along the way.

"Life's a deal. Ed will cook and clear up when we have people over, but I invite everybody and make sure we pull this off; that everybody's happy.

"If something goes wrong, I'm the first person on the phone to really hit it hard, because I'm aggressive and he's not. If you have a situation where somebody has to be English, he steps in. You don't need an American to get on the phone and say, 'My phone hasn't been working for eight months' - it would be like letting loose an animal."

She took action to pre-empt the sadness she knew she would feel when the last of her children left home, booking her place at university before the last one exited, to avoid empty-nest syndrome.

"I kind of know when the party's over," she confesses. "But I am devastated - I want my kids to live at home now. They live 10 minutes from me, but I love having all my kids at home."

Her own childhood was an unhappy one - her mother Bertha had OCD and was prone to screaming rages and hysterics, while her father, Edward Wachs, a wealthy sausage-skin manufacturer, was angry and violent towards both wife and child.

For years, Wax believed her parents' relationship was horrendous. But some explanation was provided when she took part in the BBC's Who Do You Think You Are? last year, and discovered the terror they had suffered as Austrian Jews at the hands of the Nazis just before the Second World War, which may have pushed them to the edge of sanity.

"The discovery didn't traumatise me. I found it really uplifting. If something's an epiphany, that's a good deal. I understood my roots. That's worth 50 years of therapy."

She admits it changed her feelings towards her parents. "Now I understood who they were as people, as opposed to cartoon-like parents. I got an insight into what they were like when they were young. It helped me understand them and I don't have any animosity."

Wax's parents escaped to Belgium and eventually stowed away on a boat to the US and ended up settling in Chicago, where Wax was born, although she has lived in Britain since she was 18.

Practising mindfulness, she says, has made her happy and calmer - except when she's handed a traffic ticket - and more able to focus her mind where she wants it to be. Yet, she admits that some of the time, she still goes through life at a mad pace.

"If I need to, yes I do, but when I start burning (out), I might notice it quicker and get out of there. It's like when you party hard, you know it and you have to go rest. Whereas a lot of people think it's endless and keep pushing. It's kind of like addiction.

"I have the facility to work really hard, but then I can tell when I'm starting to burn out - and then you gotta pull back. I know when I look tired - you don't have to tell me."

When she's going down mentally, she says she can't think. "It's like brain fog. It's like a car that's caught in mud. I used to push and push and then you really break the engine. But now I'll go, 'No, the brain is filled to capacity'. The trick is to learn to back off."

How To Be Human: The Manual by Ruby Wax is published by Penguin Life, priced 14.99
Bus journey times through parts of Dublin city centre have more than doubled since new Luas lines opened, an Oireachtas committee has heard.

City Council chiefs said that between 9am and 10am, it takes an average of 23 minutes for a bus going from north to south to navigate College Green.

Before the Luas Cross City lines came into operation, it took about 10 minutes.

Lights

Changes to pedestrian crossings have also led to waiting times at lights taking twice as long, Dublin City Council chief executive Owen Keegan said.

He also said potential gridlock had been well-flagged before the new lines opened.

"It was always recognised by the city council that College Green, which has only one lane in each direction, would not be able to accommodate the same number of buses and taxis," Mr Keegan told the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Dublin Bus chief executive Ray Coyne said that 17 routes have been realigned to ease congestion in College Green and another 10 will be moved out of the area on March 5.

Longer, 55-metre Luas trams operating more frequently will be travelling through College Green by the end of March.

They will be given priority at lights to avoid blocking traffic on the quays while crossing O'Connell Bridge and the Rosie Hackett Bridge.

Peter Lunden-Welden, chief executive of Luas operator Transdev, told the committee that seven new long trams will be on track in the first week of May. Transdev will also be seeking 26 trams to be extended and wants to buy another eight.

"Whatever we put in place for Luas, it seems that will not meet demand. My prediction is that will not solve the congestion. There will be higher demand," Mr Lunden-Welden said.

The Luas boss told the committee that since the Cross City line opened, tram journey times through College Green have improved by three to four minutes.

Mr Coyne said the average peak-time bus speed in the city is 14kph, with the aim to increase it to 18kph.

However, he warned there are few viable options for taking buses out of College Green. Only Parliament Street and Westland Row offer nearby routes to traverse the city centre.

Conor Faughnan, of the AA, said the fallout is still being felt from a 2009 decision to ban cars, except taxis, from College Green.

"Put simply, there's no room for buses and trams," he said.
Berna Fidan has been hunting for Esra for seven years

The sister of a woman who has been missing for seven years has vowed never to give up searching for her, despite the crushing blow of losing a vital lead.

Esra Uryun (38), a married mother-of-one, was last seen leaving her family home in Clondalkin, west Dublin, on February 23, 2011.

Relatives believe she was abducted some time between setting off and the discovery of her car in Bray, Co Wicklow, later that morning.

Although the grey Renault Twingo was captured on CCTV driving towards a car park in the seaside town, the face of the driver - who the family believe to be Esra's abductor - could not be made out.

Tireless

Berna Fidan, who has led a tireless campaign to find her younger sister, said the best hope of a breakthrough had rested on recent efforts by a specialist team in the UK to enhance the grainy images.

However, London-based Berna, a 52-year-old mother-of-two, conceded she has "all but lost hope" of finding her sister after being told that attempts to clarify the footage had failed.

"I was really pinning my hopes on that CCTV footage being enhanced because I'm convinced Esra's abductor was driving her car," she said on the eve of the seventh anniversary of Esra's disappearance.

"The gardai took the footage to a specialist team in the UK last November, but unfortunately they weren't able to enhance it. It's absolutely devastating - all our hopes rested on that."

Despite the setback, Berna will return to Ireland today in another desperate bid to retrace Esra's last known steps.

"To be honest, I now feel less hopeful than ever of a breakthrough," she said. "I don't think she's alive, but until I find a body, I will never give up hope of one day seeing her again.

"I'm not expecting to find any answers in Ireland, but I have to keep going. I owe it to my sister. I'll never give up."

Berna also told of the toll losing Esra has had on the family.

"My brother had a heart attack at Christmas, partly from the stress he's been suffering since Esra vanished," she said.

"My mother is seriously ill but holding on to the hope she'll find out what happened to her baby daughter before she dies.

"It would mean everything to me if I could give my mum her final wish."
The families of three Irish people who were shot dead by a terrorist while on holiday in Tunisia have spoken of their "tremendous loss", and how they hope no other family will have to endure the pain they have suffered.

Meath nurse Lorna Carty (54) and Laurence Hayes (56) and wife Martina (55), from Athlone, Co Westmeath, were among 38 people who were murdered when a gunman went on a killing spree on a beach at the resort on June 26, 2015.

Dublin Coroner's Court yesterday heard harrowing evidence from Lorna Carty's husband Declan, who found her dead beneath her beach towel after he went looking for her following the gun attack.

Risks

It also heard from tourists staying at the Imperial Marhaba Hotel at Port El Kantaoui in Sousse, Tunisia, where the attack took place shortly after noon that day.

The jury returned verdicts of unlawful killing for all three deaths and recommended that a link to a Department of Foreign Affairs smartphone app alerting tourists to risks associated with travel abroad be permanently displayed on all travel websites and form an integral part of all travel bookings from now on.

Gunman Seifeddine Rezgui had disguised his Kalashnikov rifle under a parasol as he walked 700m from a parked van onto the beach where he opened fire.

The three Irish were among the first of his 38 victims.

The inquest heard the Islamic State (IS) gunman specifically targeted tourists during the 30-minute attack before he was gunned down by Tunisian authorities.

In a statement after the inquest, the Carty and Hayes families said no words could express their pain.

"We are all still devastated by the tremendous loss we have endured. We hope that no family ever has to endure the pain and tragic loss we have suffered," they said.

"We thank all of those who have been here for us over the last 32 months and who have provided support and comfort to us, they have brought us some solace during this difficult time."

The inquest also heard that before he found his wife, Mr Carty lifted a beach towel placed over a body and recognised the face of Martina Hayes.

The two couples had met each other while enjoying their stay at the hotel.

Mr Carty, who had stayed in bed to rest after his wife went down to the beach that morning, told how after waking to the sounds of gunfire, he left the room and met a staff member who was "in a panic".

"She turned white. She was pointing at the key in my hand, she'd no English. There were other guests there and we ran to my room and stayed there for the duration," he said.

"There was glass crashing, I could hear a bullet ricocheting. There was shooting and it went on for a while."

Anniversary

Giving evidence, Sinead Hayes (33), the only child of Martina and Laurence Hayes, said the couple went on holiday to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

"They were due to fly back into Dublin at midnight on June 26, a Friday. Unfortunately, they never got to fly back," she said.

The inquest also heard from guest Rachel Godber. She and her family were due to check out of the hotel on June 26.

She hid her children in the step well of a desk in an office near the hotel lobby.

"There was panic in the room. It was crowded. I could hear gunfire and explosions. At one stage there was banging on the door," she said.
Ross Dress for Less announced Tuesday a grand opening date for its new Spanish Fork store.

The new 22,000 square feet Ross store will open March 10 in the Canyon Creek Shopping Center at the southeast corner of U.S. Highway 6 and Canyon Creek Parkway. This new location will bring Ross store count to 20 in Utah. For the southern part of Utah County, this new store is a pretty big deal.

Weve felt for a long time weve been underserved relative to the number of shopping opportunities in not only Spanish Fork, and all of southern county, said Dave Anderson, the Spanish Fork community development director.

Ross brings in an important category of shopping for the areas residents  mens and womens clothing. Anderson explained that Spanish Fork has some great boutiques offering clothing, but they are more targeted towards women.

Ross is a low-price apparel and home fashion chain in the United States with locations in 37 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam. The Spanish Fork location is a boon to the area since last years closing of the Spanish Fork Kmart, and is set to potentially compete with the citys Shopko location in offering general styles for men, women and children. In addition to Ross, the Canyon Creek commercial center offers TJ Maxx, Ulta Beauty, DownEast Home and Clothing, Famous Footwear and Maurices.

Anderson said the entry of Ross into the city continues the growth momentum that recently has been building in the area. With these well-known companies investment in Spanish Fork, other businesses will pay attention, he said, and see the area as a good market.

Besides being good for Ross bottom line and the citys tax coffers, residents seem excited about the store, voicing their anticipation on various social media outlets. Anderson echoed that, saying the feedback the city has heard from residents is fairly positive.

A Ross location was also recently announced for Provos East Bay area.
With Utahs uncharacteristically mild winter, Utah County has not experienced too many of those dreadful inversion days. But that is not stopping local companies and legislators from still being proactive about air quality.

Just before the onslaught of crowds during the Sundance Film Festival, Rocky Mountain Power, Summit County and Salt Lake City cut the ribbon Jan. 17 on the installation of new electric vehicle fast-charging stations in Kimball Junction. The installation is part of the Rocky Mountain Powers Live Electric campaign to improve air quality between Salt Lake City and Park City. The Live Electric campaign will install more than 700 stations in the Intermountain West region over the next three years.

The goal of the Live Electric campaign is to incentivize the move toward electric vehicles, and the installation of these charging stations is one way of doing that, said Cindy Crane, president and CEO of Rocky Mountain Power, in a press release about the event. Were working hard to put in place the policies and infrastructure needed to support 50,000 more electric cars on Utah roads in the next 10 years. Doing so will drastically improve our air quality  and ultimately, our quality of life.

Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox said in a phone call with the Daily Herald that this is just the start of important infrastructure for the state. Its no secret Utahs air quality is not always the best. And 50 percent of dangerous pollutants come out of our tailpipes, he explained.

But unless we have infrastructure, people wont buy electric vehicles. Having infrastructure is a game changer, and will help people invest in electric vehicles, he said.

Cox explained further that Utah is looking at more infrastructure needs along travel corridors around the state. Connecting tourist areas are a priority so people can travel longer distances.

The goal is to have them spaced almost as frequently as gas stations, Cox said.

The majority of Utah County residents travel, though, is along the Wasatch Front. This is where companies are stepping in to enact change. Many tech companies around the county have instituted ride-sharing programs, shuttle systems, and located themselves close to transit options  all with the goal of minimizing commuting and stuck-in-traffic times for their employees.

Homie, the Utah real estate tech company, also utilizes these same programs. Johnny Hanna, Homie CEO, said they chose to locate their headquarters right next to the South Jordan FrontRunner train stop specifically to give employees that option for getting to and from work.

The stop is literally in our parking lot. And its way more expensive to buy space right near FrontRunner, but weve chosen to pick up that tab, to help Utah have clean air, Hanna said in a phone interview.

The company has also been taking air quality preservation a step further. He explained his companys Work from Home Wednesday program, which encourages teams to choose a day of the week to work remotely. Some groups have chosen Wednesday, other teams utilize a different day.

Hanna said he is also looking at an app that will help employees carpool to work. Hanna himself commutes from Orem, and with 75 employees traveling to their office from as far away as Ogden and Spanish Fork, he hopes to adopt something that will connect employees who live near each other.

If all of us were able to adopt something like that, wed make a big difference, he said.

Outside the office, Vivint Solar, the Lehi-based full-service residential solar provider, recently announced a strategic agreement with ChargePoint, the worlds largest electric vehicle charging network, to offer ChargePoint Home charging solutions directly to its residential customers. ChargePoint Home offers an innovative home charging solution for electric vehicle drivers, right in their own garages.

Were committed to getting everyone behind the wheel of an electric vehicle with solutions that enable drivers to charge everywhere they live, work and play, said Colleen Jansen, chief marketing officer for ChargePoint, in a press release about the partnership. Along with unprecedented EV adoption, were seeing growing interest in solar among drivers, so were excited to partner with Vivint Solar to offer a complete solution that not only enables people to choose to drive electric, but also charge up conveniently at home with solar energy.

Two bills, House Bill 101 and House Bill 331, have been introduced in the 2018 General Legislative Session dealing with air quality in Utah.
According to the indictment by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, Russian trolls, operating out of St. Petersburg, took American identities on social media and became players in our 2016 election.

On divisive racial and religious issues, the trolls took both sides. In the presidential election, the trolls favored Bernie Sanders, Jill Stein and Donald Trump, and almost never Hillary Clinton.

One imaginative Russian troll urged Trumpsters to dress up a female volunteer in an orange prison jump suit, put her in a cage on a flatbed truck, then append the slogan, Lock Her Up!

How grave a matter is this?

This Russian troll farm is the equivalent (of) Pearl Harbor, says Cong. Jerrold Nadler, who would head up the House Judiciary Committee, handling any impeachment, if Democrats retake the House.

When MSNBCs Chris Hayes pressed, Nadler doubled down: The Russians are destroying our democratic process. While the Russian trolling may not equal Pearl Harbor in its violence, said Nadler, in its seriousness, it is very much on a par with Japans surprise attack.

Trumps reaction to the hysteria that broke out after the Russian indictments: They are laughing their (expletives) off in Moscow.

According to Sundays Washington Post, the troll story is old news in Russia, where reporters uncovered it last year and it was no big deal.

While Muellers indictments confirm that Russians meddled in the U.S. election, what explains the shock and the fear for our democracy?

Is the Great Republic about to fall because a bunch of trolls tweeted in our election? Is this generation ignorant of its own history?

Before and after World War II, we had Stalinists and Soviet spies at the highest levels of American culture and government.

The Hollywood Ten, who went to prison for contempt of Congress, were secret members of a Communist Party that, directed from Moscow, controlled the Progressive Party in Philadelphia in 1948 that nominated former Vice President Henry Wallace to run against Harry Truman.

Soviet spies infiltrated the U.S. atom bomb project and shortened the time Stalin needed to explode a Soviet bomb in 1949.

As for Russian trolling in our election, do we really have clean hands when it comes to meddling in elections and the internal politics of regimes we dislike?

Sen. John McCain and Victoria Nuland of State egged on the Maidan Square crowds in Kiev that overthrew the elected government of Ukraine. When the democratically elected regime of Mohammed Morsi was overthrown, the U.S. readily accepted the coup as a victory for our side and continued aid to Egypt as tens of thousands of Muslim Brotherhood members were imprisoned.

Are the CIA and National Endowment for Democracy under orders not to try to influence the outcome of elections in nations in whose ruling regimes we believe we have a stake?

Have we ever tried to meddle in other countries elections? Laura Ingraham asked former CIA Director James Woolsey this weekend.

With a grin, Woolsey replied, Oh, probably.

We dont do that anymore though? Ingraham interrupted. We dont mess around in other peoples elections, Jim?

Well, Woolsey said with a smile. Only for a very good cause.

Indeed, what is the National Endowment for Democracy all about, if not aiding the pro-American side in foreign nations and their elections?

Did America have no active role in the color-coded revolutions that have changed regimes from Serbia to Ukraine to Georgia?

When Republicans discuss Iran on Capitol Hill, the phrase regime change is frequently heard. When the Green Revolution took to the streets of Tehran to protest massively the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2009, Republicans denounced President Obama for not intervening more energetically to alter the outcome.

When China, Russia and Egypt expel NGOs, are their suspicions that some have been seeded with U.S. agents merely marks of paranoia?

The U.S. role in the overthrow of Premier Mossadegh in Iran in 1953, and of Jacobo Arbenz in Guatemala in 1954, and of President Ngo Dinh Diem in Saigon in 1963 are established facts.

When the democratically elected Marxist Salvador Allende was overthrown in Chile in 1973, and committed suicide with an AK-47 given to him by Fidel Castro, the Nixon White House may have had no direct role. But the White House welcomed the ascendancy of Gen. Augusto Pinochet.

What do these indictments of Russians tell us? After 18 months, the James Comey-Robert Mueller FBI investigation into the hacking of the DNC and John Podesta emails has yet to produce evidence of collusion.

Yet we do have evidence that a senior British spy and Trump hater, Christopher Steele, paid by the Hillary Clinton campaign and DNC to dig up dirt on Trump, colluded with Kremlin agents to produce a dossier of scurrilous and unsubstantiated charges, to destroy the candidacy of Donald Trump. And the FBI used this disinformation to get FISA Court warrants to surveil and wiretap the Trump campaign.

Why is this conspiracy and collusion with Russians less worthy of Muellers attention than a troll farm in St. Petersburg?
Former South High teacher arrested on charges of sex abuse of a minor

A former South Hagerstown High School teacher was arrested in Indiana Thursday after being indicted on sex abuse of a minor charges.
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YSR Congress MP V Vijay Sai Reddys proclamation of senior IAS and IPS officers in the state as Telugu Desam Party (TDP) agents has snowballed into a major controversy.

In a complaint lodged with director general of police M Malakondaiah, Narasaraopet TDP MP Rayapati Sambasiva Rao demanded action against Reddy for demoralising senior bureaucrats in the government by tainting their reputation with baseless allegations. He said the Rajya Sabha member must be booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

The YSR Congress MP had made the comments at a party meeting on February 9. He also threatened to take action against erring IAS and IPS officers once his party comes to power, targeting Satish Chandra, special chief secretary to the chief minister; AV Rajmouli and G Sai Prasad, secretaries in the CMO; and additional director general of police (intelligence) AB Venkateshwar Rao in particular.

Reddy accused the officials of helping some YSR Congress MLAs defect to the TDP, among other things. They are behaving like TDP workers and indulging in horse-trading on behalf of that party to lure our MLAs. If these TDP stooges are so interested in politics, they should resign from their jobs and join the ruling party. Once our party comes to power, we will definitely take action against them, he said.

Reddys warning comes in the wake of another controversy in the national capital, where the Delhi chief secretary was allegedly assaulted by an Aam Aadmi Party MLA.

The Andhra Pradesh IAS Officers Association strongly objected to Reddys comments. Such threats of vindictive action against a civil servant are deplorable, and the association appeals to all political parties to desist from indulging in irresponsible behaviour that may demoralise civil service personnel, association secretary Sashi Bhushan Kumar said in a statement issued on Wednesday evening.

The organisation firmly stood by Satish Chandra, lauding him for his selfless efforts in developing bifurcated Andhra Pradesh.

Reddy, however, was in no mood to retract his remarks. I stand by every word I had used against these officials. They are indeed behaving like TDP agents, and I have all the evidence I need to prove that. I will disclose it at an appropriate time, he told mediapersons in Amaravati on Thursday.
Ngugi Wa Thiongo, a titan of world literature, was born in a colonised Kenya in 1938. Along with Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka, Ngugi is one of the pillars of African literature. Ngugis book Weep Not, Child in English, published in 1964, was the first East African English novel. Kenyas independence turned him into an activist writer. A bitter critic of the colonial British government, he did not spare the governments that followed Kenyas independence in 1968. His novels, plays and essays on the land, labour and language questions of his country and his continent turned writers like him into the Daniel Arap Moi governments Opposition. Moi, the chosen successor of Jomo Kenyatta, Kenyas founding father, put him in jail for a play in 1977. He was released a year later. Between 1986 and 1996, Ngugis novel Matigari, written originally in Gikuyu, was banned; an arrest warrant had first been issued against Matigari by the Moi government thinking Matigari was a real person.

Currently, Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Irvine, USA, he has been in exile from Kenya since the early 80s.

Ngugi is in Delhi for the ILF Samanvay Translations Series 2018 talk, Secure the Base, in collaboration with Seagull Books. He has a talk at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi, 7pm today (February 23). Ngugi spoke to Hindustan Times a few days before the event.

As readers, we have met India in Africa in your novels -- the India of Indian shopkeepers who were settled in Africa. But is this your first actual meeting with this country?

No, I first visited India in 1996. I came to Delhi to be part of the Nationalities Conference to talk about the national question among and within nations. Like Africa, India has many languages and communities but what is the relationship between those communities? What is their language situation? What is their class question? How does each language and community deal with the concept of the nation? And yet all of them struggle to get their language recognised, their voices heard and this struggle can happen inside one nation.

Indians, who have themselves undergone the brutalising experience of colonialism, when in Kenya, as seen in your novels, do not come off well.

There were many Kenyans of Indian origin in my country. I grew up with them. The shops where we went to buy our cloth were mostly owned by Indians. Although we interacted with them at the level of shopping there was no active interaction. Kenya was a British colony till 1962. We had three communities; the English settlers who were always at the top in everything. In the second rung were the Asians, including Indians. They were second-class vis-a-vis the British but not in comparison to Africans. Africans were the third class. This racial hierarchy of dominance was encouraged as a policy. Trains had segregated compartments. There were compartments marked Europeans-only and Indians-only. It was understood we were the rest, and the poorest. They didnt even mark Africans-only for us. But despite this separation, there were Indians who played an important role in Kenyas struggles.

Who were they?

Makhan Singh [originally from Gujranwala, part of British India now Pakistan] laid the foundations of trade unionism in Kenya. He brought together the Asian and African working classes. He was among the first Asians to be arrested around 1948. Gamal Pinto, from Goa, was another Indian political martyr. He was Singhs comrade. Pintos death was independent Kenyas first political assassination.

In Weep Not, Child, one of your most well-known novels, we meet Njorge, the boy who wants to learn even though war is all around him. How close is he to your life?

I was born in 1938, on the eve of the Second World War. Like Njorge, I saw a brother called for war, to fight in Burma. I had relatives going to work in tea plantations owned by the settlers. I had a brother fighting in the mountains during the Mau Mau rebellion. Not just in Weep Not, I wrote about this in my memoir Dreams in a Time of War, which has been translated into Telugu and was published last Sunday.

These books have been important for Indian readers interested in the shared histories of India and Africa and also for Indias Left. You wrote an introduction for poet and Maoist ideologue Varavara Raos book Captive Imagination: Letters from Prison.

The Telugu translation of my memoir was done by GN Saibaba. He read it in jail and translated it.

Nigerian novelist, poet and critic Chinua Achebe (1930-2013) was one of Ngugis mentors. His novel Things Fall Apart is considered to be the first big book of fiction of Africa in English. (Getty Images)

Which books have been important in your life? And how did you, the son of a peasant, get to write one in the Kenya of the 60s?

While growing up, we had no books in Gikuyu, my mother tongue. The Bibles Old Testament became my book of stories. In high school, when I saw a library for the first time, I had the ambition to be able to read all the books in the world. But guess what? I couldnt even finish reading all the books in that library! Later, in 1959, I went to Makrere University College in Kampala (Uganda) that was part of the University of London. In 1962, at the first conference of African writers coming together on the African continent, called the Makrere Conference of Writers of English Expression, Chinua Achebe looked at my manuscript of Weep Not and made a few comments. Achebes book Things Fall Apart had been published a few years ago. He told his publishers about my book. It was an important moment in my life. George Lammingss [an important figure in Caribbean literature] work has also been important for me.

What was it like growing up reading White mans literature, especially as later you developed a critique of it?

Growing up, I read Shakespeare, Dickens, Austen. To be or not to be [Hamlet]. Sir can I have some more [Oliver Twist, Dickens]. How can one not be affected by their power? But what I was questioning was the centrality of English literature in our lives, which was in Africa the language of power.

Do you think sometimes seeing a novel from the perspective of a White mans novel or an African novel can be misleading? Achebe famously called Joseph Conrads The Heart of Darkness a racist novel.

In my latest book, Globalectics: Theory and Politics of Knowing, I have argued for a globalectic reading of literature. Sometimes, silences in the work of art can speak volumes. I have recently published an article in the New York Times on Conrad. While accepting Achebe critique of Conrads portrayal of African characters in The Heart of Darkness, I pointed out how the text also portrays colonial capitalism as robbery and mass murder, and imperialism as being driven by racism.

In the eyes of the West, Robert Mugabe [the just deposed Zimbabwean president] is guilty. How do you see him?

Nothing can take away from Mugabes heroism in the anti-colonial struggle. That does not mean that he is free of errors, but his contribution to the struggle against imperialism will always be remembered.

You took the decision to write in Gikuyu after your imprisonment in the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in 1977. I believe a pad of toilet paper played a role here.

I went to jail because of a play I had written. The toilet paper given to us was hard, it was aimed to punish prisoners. But as writing material it was good  it held a pen well. I wrote my first Gikuyu novel Caitaani Mutharabaini translated into English and published as Devil on the Cross on this paper.

Prison was important because I really started thinking of the language question in a political and historical concept, in terms of the colonised and the coloniser. But I had been moving towards this for a long time. The proceedings of the Makrere conference were published in the magazine, Transition, founded by an Asian, Rajat Niyogi. Transition published my short story The Return, a story, which captured what would later become so central to my aesthetic explorations in my novels, mainly A Grain of Wheat. That story was why I, an undergraduate, was included in the Makrere conference, attended by such greats as Achebe and Wole Soyinka.

In Transition, Obi Wali, the Nigerian scholar, contributed an article asking why those who met at Makrere, were calling what they were writing as African literature thus issuing a public challenge, as it were, on the whole assumption about English as a vehicle for African literature. I began to think about this seriously when in jail.

Weep Not, Child (1964) is Ngugi Wa Thiongos breakthrough novel.

Many young African writers like Chimamanda Adichie seem to argue from the diametrically opposite end by seeming to say that English is also an African language. Have many or any African writers been inspired by your stand?

It is difficult to tell the number of writers currently writing in African languages. The problem lies in the fact that many of those that write in African languages may not have been translated into English or even into other African languages. In other words, works in African languages is not readily visible. But we do know that there has been a long history of African writing in Kiswahili for instance. Mukoma wa Ngugi , currently professor of English at Cornell University, is releasing a book, The Rise of the African Novel, and this will shed much scholarly light on this.

Are you still writing your novels in Gikuyu or do you have to write them in English because thats where the market is?

My commitment to writing in Gikuyu continues. I have become a language warrior on behalf of all marginalised languages in the world. Remember that no language is ever marginal to the people who created that language, but it can be made marginal by oppression. What is wrong in a country or the world is not the existence of many languages, but their being made to relate to each other in terms of hierarchy. The statement that my god is more of a god than your god is ungodly -- the same is applies to languages. It is anti-language to claim and act as if one language is more of a language than others languages. I reject hierarchy of languages and cultures; I embrace network of languages and cultures. Network and not Hierarchy is my mantra.

I would like to see more translations between African languages and of course translations from African languages to other languages and from other languages into African ones. I describe translation as the language of languages.

There was a strong rumour in 2017 that you might win the Nobel for literature. Did you expect it in 2017?

No writer expects a prize. A prize is not a right.

Whom do you read among Indians?

The works of writers like Mulk Raj Anand and RK Narayan, were very important in the great Nairobi debates on the reorganisation of teaching of literature. In 1969 some of us at the Nairobi University, Kenya, called for the abolition of the English department as then organised and its replacement by a department that centred African, Asian, Latin American, Caribbean literatures.

Writing about colonialism is in many senses writing about war stories. Indias most well known war story is the Mahabharata, which I am told you like.

I came into the Indian epic rather late in my literary career. I have referred to Mahabharata in my novel, Wizard of the Crow. Mahabharata is one of the greatest imaginative feats in the world. Its very length outmatches Homers Odyssey and The Iliad. From it comes The Gita, a religious text, which in widespread use and moral influence, is on a par with the Bible and the Koran. The epic anticipates many modern inventions. One of my favourite characters is Eklavya, who teaches himself to shoot with arrows, after Drona has declined to teach him, and then he is disabled by Drona. Though brief, the episode as a whole, subverts the feudalistic hierarchical order of society assumed in the epic as a whole. I have cited the episode in my novel Wizard of the Crow to show how oppressive ruling classes in the world suppress creativity from the ordinary working man and woman.

What is your advice for would-be writers?

Write, write, write again and again and you will get it right.

.
An installation by a controversial Spanish artist which refers to Catalan separatist leaders as political prisoners was removed Wednesday from a major Madrid art fair at the request of the venues operator.

The dispute over the work by Madrid-born artist Santiago Sierra, known for his provocative stunts, comes as tensions simmer between Spains central government in Madrid and pro-independence groups in Catalonia over their failed independence push.

Titled Political Prisoners in Contemporary Spain, Sierras installation featured 24 pixilated photographs, including one of Catalonias ousted vice president Oriol Junqueras who has been in jail for the past three months over his governments failed independence bid.

A television journalist reports in front of a blank white wall where art works by artist Santiago Sierra were hung before being taken down in a gallery on the first day of annual the ARCO International Art Fair. (AP)

The installation also included photos of the leaders of the two biggest grassroots pro-independence associations in Catalonia, Jordi Cuixart and Jordi Sanchez, who are also in jail on charges of rebellion and sedition.

They are among several Catalan political leaders and activists who are detained while they are investigated over their role in the northeastern regions secession drive. Amnesty International has called their ongoing pre-trial detention excessive and disproportionate and urged their release.

The state-owned trade fair operator Ifema said it had asked the Helga de Alvear gallery to remove Sierras work from the Arco contemporary art fair because the controversy it caused was hurting the visibility of the other exhibitors.

While it said it respects freedom of expression, Ifema said its priority was to allow the over 200 participating galleries to enjoy a return on their investment. Sierra accused Ifema of censoring his work, adding on his Facebook page that its decision seriously damages the image of this international art fair and the Spanish state itself.

He also called the move showed a lack of respect towards the maturity and intelligence of the public.

Sierras work also included the photos of two puppeteers who in 2016 spent five days in jail for allegedly glorifying terrorism with a play on words involving banned Basque separatist group ETA and Al-Qaeda during a performance.

Sierra, who is in his early 50s, has courted controversy in the past. He sparked outrage in Germany in 2006 with a project intended to give people a sense of the Holocaust by pumping lethal car exhaust fumes into a former synagogue and letting visitors enter one by one with a breathing mask. His other works have included tattooing the backs of drug addicts and spraying a group of stateless Iraqis with foam.

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Processions, lighting of torches and cultural programmes marked Language Martyrs Day (now celebrated as International Mother Language Day), as West Bengal paid homage to those who laid down their lives for the cause of the Bengali language in Dhaka (of then East Pakistan) in 1952.

Taking the lead in remembering the martyrs, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said one must respect and love all languages.

Today is Bhasha Dibas, when people were martyred in Dhaka for demanding that Bengali be made the official language. My highest respect to the language martyrs of Ekushe February (February 21). We must respect and love all languages, she tweeted.

The programmes began from midnight, with various parts of Kolkata lit brightly, and a torchlight procession started from near the Academy of Fine Arts. Bengali plays, kirtans and Sufi songs continued through the night, as students from Bangladesh also joined in.

Students from West Bengal and Bangladesh decorated the B.T. Road in the vicinity of the Rabindrabharati University with multicolor geometric floor patterns, called alpana. Employees of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission here organised Probhat Feri (morning procession), offering floral tributes to the pictures of the martyrs.

Schools across the state took out rallies and several showcased marching band parades that trooped though alleys playing out loud Ekusher Gaan. Local television channels and FM radio stations aired special programmes on the occasion recollecting the history associated with the momentous struggle.

In 1948, Pakistan declared that only Urdu would be the official language for both West and East Pakistan. The people of East Pakistan, now Bangladesh whose main language is Bengali, protested against the declaration.

On Feb 21, 1952, students and political activists took out a procession protesting against Urdu being made the official language. The police opened fire killing several protesters. This lead to the protest spreading over all of East Pakistan which finally lead the Pakistan government relenting and give equal status to Bengali. Since then the day is celebrated as the Language Martyrs Day.

In 1999 the UNESCO declared Feb 21 as International Mother Language Day, a day intended to promote free language choice everywhere in the world.

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Akshay Kumar is in character for Kesari and he is surrounded by children dressed as Afghan kids. It doesnt get more adorable than that, does it? The actor, who is knee-deep in shooting for the film based on Battle of Saragarhi, tweeted on Thursday afternoon, Innocent smiles galore on set today. Shooting with these lovely children playing Afghani kids in #Kesari based on the Battle Of Saragarhi, one of the bravest battles fought in India.

Films producer Karan Johar was quick to add via Twitter, Such an exciting journey this film has been...am so excited and proud to be associated with #kesari.

Innocent smiles galore on set today. Shooting with these lovely children playing Afghani kids in #Kesari based on the Battle Of Saragarhi, one of the bravest battles fought in India. pic.twitter.com/OqFjXg6BpJ  Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) February 22, 2018

Earlier, talking about how he is prepping for the film, Akshay had said, Ive started shooting for my film Kesari, where Im in the heaviest turban and beard Ive ever had to wear. So I shaved my head to make my life a little easier. Im known for hating wigs, prosthetics and so on, and Kesari is quite demanding. Its probably my favourite look, though its taxing to fight and sweat in this avatar. But I wouldnt change it for the world.

In January, Akshay had shared his look from the film, writing, Feeling nothing but immense pride and gratitude while sharing this. Beginning my 2018 with #KESARI, my most ambitious film and a lot of passion. Need your best wishes as always.

Directed by Anurag Singh, the film will hit theatres on Holi 2019. The film has Parineeti Chopra as the lead actress.

What is Battle of Saragarhi?

In September 1897, over 10,000 Afghan tribesmen of the Orakzai and Afridi tribe attacked Saragarhi, North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) . The Sikh regiment, under the leadership of Havildar Ishar Singh, knew that they were outnumbered but they still held their ground and fought for several hours.
Under pressure, billionaire Singh Brothers  Malvinder and Shivinder, on Thursday said they were not going anywhere, as they face payment of Rs 3,500 crore arbitration award to Daiichi Sankyo and a probe into alleged financial irregularities at Fortis Healthcare and Religare Enterprises.

The brothers, who had quit from the boards of Fortis and Religare earlier this month, said that given the circumstances and immense challenges facing us today, we assure all our stakeholders that we are doing whatever it takes to resolve the issues and will not shy away from our current responsibilities.

In a joint statement, they said: We assure that we are NOT going anywhere and are addressing the issues with responsibility and sincerity. We will not shy away from any and all processes, questions, clarifications that need to be addressed; and we will provide all cooperation to ensure that the truth comes forth.

The statement comes at a time when there is big furore in the country over the Rs 11,400 crore PNB scam involving billionaire jewellery merchants Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, who have fled the country.

The Delhi high court had on January 31 upheld an international arbitral award of Rs 3,500 crore passed in favour of Japanese pharma major Daiichi Sankyo, which had alleged that the former promoters of erstwhile Ranbaxy Laboratories had concealed information about proceedings against them by American food and drug department.

The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) is also reported to be initiating a probe into alleged financial irregularities at Fortis and Religare.

Moreover, on February 15, the Supreme Court lifted its stay on sale of shares of Fortis Healthcare Ltd pledged with banks by the Singh brothers before August 31, allowing financial institutions, including Axis Bank and Yes Bank, to sell the pledged shares.

Subsequently, the stake of promoter firm Fortis Healthcare Holdings along with promoters Malvinder Mohan Singh and Shivinder Mohan Singh and other family entities have come down to 5.87 per cent from 34.43 per cent earlier.

Credit rating agencies ICRA and CARE have also downgraded ratings on Fortis Healthcare.

In their statement, the Singh Brothers further asked all the stakeholders for patience in allowing us to share facts that will allow for more balanced views to emerge.

Matters as large and complex as the ones being faced cannot be simplistically addressed and solutions require time. Many opinions and perceptions are based on limited information and dont necessarily reflect reality or the truth, they said.

Assuring the stakeholders that they are doing whatever it takes to resolve the issues and will not shy away from our current responsibilities, the brothers also sought their support in this effort and stand by us to enable us to fulfil our commitments and address the issues in the right manner.

In their resignation letter from Fortis Healthcare board, the Singh brothers had said their move was intended to free the organisation from any encumbrances that may be linked to the promoters.

We are working tirelessly to restore the faith of all our investors, shareholders, partners and colleagues. Sometimes adversity empowers one to bring out ones best. In that lies our hope! their joint statement said.
The sight of the Nirav Modi store at the Flagship Kalaghoda store in Mumbai is pitifula watchmans uniform, a pair of dark blue denims and a blue shirt are slung on hangers right under the brass name plate at the entrance of the store which has been shuttered since 15 February, under section 281B of the Income-Tax Act, 1961, while three bored-looking watchmen squat on the front porch doing nothing.

Nirav Modi is the main accused in the Rs 11,400-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case.

In Thanes Viviana Mall, a white facade has been put up in front of Gitanjali Gems-owned Gili store. This is the malls usual practice when there is renovation work or change in ownership taking place, said a spokesperson for the mall.

Enforcement Directorate (ED) seize cash, jewellery and bonds worth several crores after a raid at Gili jewellery in Viviana Mall, Thane. (PTI)

Modis boutique store on Lavelle road, Bengaluru, also wears a forlorn look.

The story is worse for some of Gitanjali Gems Ltds franchises for whom the problem has been persisting for some years now.

For instance, the store on Cunningham road in Bengaluru wears a dark, deserted look despite being in the middle of one of the most bustling business corners of the city. The franchise has cut short its staff strength from around 10 in 2015 to three people right now, as per a store manager, who did not wish to be named. The three have not been paid by the franchise owner for the last three months. The franchise has some Rs80 lakh dues pending which Gitanjali has not paid since 2015, said the store manager, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

| Read: Nirav Modi letter to staff after PNB fraud: Look for other jobs, cant pay you now

On 19 February the Enforcement Directorate officials raided the store from 6pm to the next day 4am, according to the store manager.

The Gitanjali store manager refused to give details of the franchise owner, saying they are told not to share his contact details with the media. Mint couldnt independently reach out to him immediately for a comment.

Another franchise from Nagpur closed his store in February 2017 after seven years of operations. The reason was irregular supplies, said the store owner, on the condition of anonymity. The first three years were good. But as they (Gitanjali Gems) started expanding and diversifying, the service levels dropped and we decided to give up the franchise, said the franchise owner, who still has close to Rs60 lakh to be cleared from the company but thinks its better to write it off and move on as it is futile to chase the company for payments.

Executives at a Gitanjali showroom in the national capital said the business has been down ever since the news of the loan fraud broke. At present, there are only three standalone showrooms of the company in Delhi; several Gitanjali showrooms have been closed by the company over the last few years, according to the executives, who did not want to be named.

The news of the fraud has also impacted consumer walk-ins. There is an impact on customer walk-ins as well as on the overall image of the brand, said one of the franchise owners in Delhi, asking not to be named.

The news of the fraud has also impacted consumer walk-ins. There is an impact on customer walk-ins as well as on the overall image of the brand, said one of the franchise owners in Delhi, asking not to be named.

Elsewhere in India, close to 100 franchise owners for Gitanjali have shuttered their stores in the last 2-3 years as they face irregular supplies from the company, according to another franchise owner from Nagpur. Close to a dozen have also filed police complaints in the last 2-3 years, said a former franchise owner, who did not want to be named. According to this franchise owner, there have been many complaints made at different forums, including the Registrar of Companies, capital market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and even with the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), but they fell on deaf ears.

| Read: PNB fraud: Nirav Modis Rolls Royce Ghost, Porsche among assets seized by ED

According to media reports, franchise Hari Prasad S.V. had informed PMO about the alleged fraud by Nirav Modi in July 2016. He had also approached ED, CBI and several other bodies against the accused but to no avail.Mint was unable to reach out to him.

I met (Mehul) Choksi at least 50 times, but he was not interested in returning the money and doing business. Finally I sent him a legal notice and also filed a police complaint, alleged the franchise owner, who filed his case at MIDC Andheri East in January 2017.

The repercussions though are much wider. The entire gems and jewellery trade has been impacted because of the negligence of a few bankers. Today when I went for my morning walk at PDP (Priyadarshini Park in South Mumbai), a person pointed a finger at me and sneered you are a jeweller right, recounted a jeweller, who did not wish to be identified, from Zaveri Bazaar.

Its not just the image of the industry but also its credibility thats been hampered. The bank scrutiny has tightened and the requirements for getting loans has increased. This will impact the export revenues and even the small and medium businesses, said another jeweller from Zaveri Bazaar, who did not wish to be identified.

| Also read: Wary of Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi for years, say diamond traders

Choksi and his firms are also named in the PNB fraud case.

The company now has about 40 franchise stores and 5-6 company operated stores across India, said a former Gitanjali employee from Mumbai. Mint was unable to independently verify the exact number of stores. Close to half a dozen addresses in Mumbai that were listed as Gitanjali Jewel stores on Google in locations like Parel, Santacruz, Borivali and Ghatkopar do not exist any longer, as found during site visits for this story.

Meanwhile, the future of the two firms remains uncertain.

About 600 workers in Hyderabad, whose families have lost their jobs due to the closure of Gitanjali Gems Park, owned by Choksi, last week have been staging a protest demanding for alternative employment since 19 February.

Workers, led by local trade unions and local leaders have been staging dharna since Monday, demanding that the state government intervene and provide them employment. Gitanjali Gems Park was raided and seized by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the PNB scam.

Fewer people have been coming in to work, said a guard at Gitanjalis factory in Andheri East, Mumbai.

Even employees at Gitanjalis corporate office from Mumbai were unsure of their future.

Personally I have not received a relieving letter, said one employee, while describing the recent events that have caused a panic situation.

Another employee at its Mumbai office said while he had not received a relieving letter yet, all the employees were likely to be relieved by the end of the week.

Gitanjali Gems had posted ads on professional networking site Linkedin as recent as three weeks ago for openings in cities like Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Aurangabad and Bhopal.

(With inputs from Nidheesh M.K., Harveen Alhuwalia, Arushi Kotecha, Ami Shah and Maulik Vyas)
In a scathing indictment, the Allahabad Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) had last year accused bankers to the Rotomac Global group of gross misconduct and negligence in granting credit and failing to detect irregularities in multiple accounts.

The July 12 order of the tribunal even recommended a forensic audit, starting from the time of giving loans to Rotomac group firms and later continuing to extend such loans by reducing collateral margins and negligence in demanding adequate collateral. This order, called a reference of enquiry, was sent to the banking division, Reserve Bank of India, and chairmen of the lending consortium. Mint has seen a copy of the order.

On Sunday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a first information report (FIR) against Rotomac Pens promoter Vikram Kothari for defaulting on loans worth Rs3,695 crore to state-run banks. The companys account was declared non-performing in October 2015 after it defaulted on loan repayments. Later, banks started filing recovery suits worth a collective Rs4,290 crore against the firm.

| Read: Rotomac loan default case: Inquiries by bank blew the lid off Vikram Kotharis fictitious trades

Hearing an application for recovery filed by the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), the tribunal expressed dissatisfaction with the bankers failing to detect irregularities. It noted that there appeared to be a case of money laundering, diversion of funds and the possibility of fictitious trading transactions. It also expressed unhappiness with banks responses to its notices.

It said letters of credits issued seem to be fictitious transactions, Rotomac group firms had failed to take any legal action against their foreign clients and bankers did not even ask for such information from the group entities.

The order accused Bank of India and IOB executives of concealing facts and giving evasive replies. It said that Bank of India became the leader of the lending consortium at a time when its letters of credit were devolving and it was finding it difficult to recover its dues. The tribunal added that it found it strange that members of the consortium, for the reasons best known to them, failed to convey their individual default to the other bankers.

The tribunal further remarked that IOB had extended additional credit facility on 12 April 2014 for Rs1,700 crore, with Rs1,400 crore for forward sale and purchase contract, without any collateral. It added that the collateral margin for all the letters of credit issued by banks to Rotomac after 16 November 2013 was reduced by 75%.

Their collective callousness and mismanagement has caused great loss to public exchequer and public money, the order noted. This was a case of lapses in pre-sanction loan, appraisal and lack of post-disbursement supervision and is a live example of slackness and further misuse of discretionary powers with favouritism by the key persons/officials of banking management to the adversity of Financial Interest of Banks and the Nation.

An IOB spokesperson did not respond to calls and emails.

The order also said that banks should initiate departmental inquiries against employees for lapses, adding that this should be reported to RBI and other agencies.

A 20 February Mint report said Bank of Baroda (BoB) had initiated an internal investigation to check for fraud and later reported it to RBI in December 2017. It is not clear if other banks had ordered audits or initiated action against employees.

A BoB spokesperson said that a forensic auditor for Rotomac was named on 27 November 2015. Bank of Baroda followed all necessary steps including appropriate and timely disclosure to the regulator, the spokesperson said.

Dinabandhu Mohapatra, managing director of Bank of India, said that the tribunal had meant an audit of the Rotomac group of companies rather than the banks.

We had conducted the forensic audit of Rotomac last year. The report is not closed, said Mahapatra. In any case, he said, the National Company Law Tribunal will take up the final resolution of the case, referring to the insolvency application filed by BoB.

Bank of India has not given any additional funding to Rotomac after it was declared a non-performing loan in FY16. BOI had become the leader of a consortium to facilitate documentation among multiple banks, Mohapatra said.

A spokesperson for RBI did not respond to emails and a spokesperson for Rotomac could not be immediately reached for comment.
The work on the Jamrani dam project--conceptualized in 1970s--to be built on the Gola River may start soon but escalating cost may put a spanner in its construction, officials said on Thursday.

The project on the outskirts of Haldwani city, is expected to be cleared next month by the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand; however, escalation in construction cost has become a major concern, officials said.

The proposed dam on the Gola River will be used for supply of drinking water and irrigation by the two neighbouring states.

Uttarakhand is hoping that the long-delayed project is declared a national project so that the Centre will bear the cost and the state will not have to spend money, which is difficult to manage as the state is already cash-strapped.

When the project was conceptualized, it was estimated to cost 400 crore.

The estimated cost of the project was revised to 2300 crore in 2015, which has now increased to 2,800 crore, said LK Sharma, chief engineer of the irrigation department for Kumaon.

We are pinning our hopes that it will be made a national project so that the Centre will bear the cost, he said.

State finance minister Prakash Pant, however, said the government is trying to tackle the funding in a judicious way.

We are urging the Centre to declare it as a national project following which part of the cost will be borne by the state government, he said.

Asked about the source of funding ass it is not declared a national project, Pant said the state government will approach agencies like the Asian Development Bank and the NABARD for loans.

The major construction cost, however, will have to be borne by the Uttar Pradesh government as it will get the major share of water for irrigation.
Ghaziabad: The mystery surrounding the death of a 52-year-old woman at the Crossings Republik Township in Ghaziabad seems to have ended as the postmortem reports revealed that it was a case of asphyxia due to hanging. The police said that the woman committed suicide by hanging herself to the ceiling.

Karuna was found dead along with her 14-year-old Labrador inside the 10th floor flat of the GH-7 highrise in the township on Tuesday evening. The things took a suspicious turn as her husband Madhusudan Siddhanti, 60, did not inform the police for nearly 20 hours and spent the entire night with the two dead bodies in the flat.

On Wednesday around 1pm, he walked in to the nearest police post and informed the police about the two deaths in his flat.

We took up investigation and sent the two bodies for postmortem. The postmortem report indicates death of the woman due to hanging, a case of suicide. She has no other injury marks on her body and there are no signs of any struggle. The postmortem has confirmed suicide and also that there is no foulplay, said Manisha Singh, circle officer (city I).

The officer said that the body of the couples Labrador Bruno was also sent for postmortem and its report are awaited.

It was around 5pm on Tuesday when Siddhanti got up from sleep, he found Karuna hanging with a red-coloured nylon rope. He also found their dogs body properly placed on a sofa and blood spilling from his mouth.

The ligature mark on the womans throat indicated that it was a case of hanging but the body was sent for postmortem to confirm it medically, said Prajant Tyagi, police post in-charge, Crossings Republik.

Siddhanti on Wednesday had told HT that he was facing a cheque bounce case against his name at a Delhi court and Tuesday was the first hearing which he skipped.

I was fearful that I may get arrested and did not go to the court. Due to poor finances available I could not even hire or consult a lawyer for myself. Karuna was upset with the case and she took a drastic step, Siddhanti, a creative writer and also an advertising consultant, said.

The police found Karunas body on the dining table in Siddhantis flat and the adjacent wall was scribbled with words, this house is haunted. Siddhanti had claimed that Karuna had written on the wall and she had further written the name of an official of a Delhi-based firm who she held responsible for her death.

After Siddhanti informed police of the incident nearly 20 hours later, the police took him to Vijay Nagar police station. Siddhanti has also said that he thought of ways of committing suicide but could not muster courage to take the extreme step. Besides the cheque bounce case, Siddhanti was also facing huge financial crunch.

We suspected that he may try to harm himself after his wife committed suicide. So we kept him under watch. Now that the postmortem has revealed that his wife committed suicide we are waiting for his relatives to arrive. They will take Siddhanti along with them, Singh added.
The Delhi Police on Thursday quoted Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals advisor VK Jain as saying in a statement that he had witnessed two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs physically assaulting the Delhi chief secretary Anshu Prakash at the CMs residence late on Monday night.

Jain later appeared before another magistrate and recorded his statement, according to advocate BS Joon who represented two AAP MLAs arrested in connection with the alleged assault. According to Dependra Pathak, Delhi Polices chief spokesperson, Jains statement to the police was corroborated by his statement to the magistrate, which is admissible in court.

The AAP, however, alleged that Jain had denied any assault in his initial statement to the police on Wednesday and any change in his statement on Thursday was due to duress caused by police pressure. Harendra Kumar Singh, additional deputy commissioner of police (north), said that copy of Wednesdays statement circulated by AAP was forged. AAP leaders alleged the document shared by them was from a police file.

Read: Attack premeditated, a conspiracy: Delhi chief secy Anshu Prakash says in complaint against AAP

Pathak said Jain, in his statement before the magistrate, said that Prakashs spectacles had fallen off during the assault. Jain said he was returning from the washroom when he saw (Amanatullah) Khan and (Prakash) Jarwal physically assaulting the chief secretary. They were asking the chief secretary why he wasnt working, said Pathak, paraphrasing the purported statement.

He told the court that they then pushed him away, heckled him and pressed his jaws while questioning him about his working, Pathak added.

The chief secretary had approached the police on Tuesday, alleging that he was assaulted by a group of MLAs during a midnight meeting at Kerjriwals residence. The police had arrested MLAs Khan and Jarwal on Wednesday. The court had sent them to Tihar for a day.

The court will hear Khan and Jarwals bail pleas on Friday. The two MLAs were sent to 14 days judicial custody on Thursday. The police, however, is asking the court that the MLAs be handed over to them for further questioning.
New Delhi: Responding to the threats of municipal corporation employees to go on indefinite strike for non payment of pending salaries, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation assured to resolve the matter by month end.

Teachers of the North Corporation have been staging protest demanding their pending salaries for last few days. On Thursday, mayor Preeti Aggarwal and leader of House Jayendra Dabas met these protesting employees and promised for resolving the matter with immediate effect.

We told that them that a request has been sent to the Delhi Government for releasing Rs 350 crores for payment of three months salary and some positive decision is likely to take place soon, said Dabas.

We also assured the teachers of the municipal schools that salaries for the month of December will be released by February 28 and rest of the salary will be issued by March end, he said further.

The North Corporation mayor said that they will meet the lieutenant-governor in this regard soon.

Though our file for sanctioning of Rs 1,700 crore as global share for this financial year has been pending with the Delhi Government since December, we want the government to at least issue the loan for distributing salaries, said Dabas.

The East Delhi Municipal Corporation also wrote to the Delhi government for sanction amount of Rs 190 crore for paying salary. Except for sanitation workers, we have not paid the salary of other employees for last three months, said Neema Bhagat, mayor, EDMC.

Facing severe financial crisis, the North and East Corporations are facing difficulty in distributing salaries to their employees. This has resulted into five strikes by the sanitation workers in last three years.

Nagendra Sharma, spokesperson for Delhi Government, was not available for comment.
AAP MLAs Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal, arrested for allegedly assaulting Delhi chief secretary, were on Thursday sent to Tihar Jail for 14 days in judicial custody by a Delhi court, which reserved its order on their bail pleas for Friday.

The two MLAs on the expiry of their one-day judicial custody were produced before Metropolitan Magistrate Shefali Barnala Tondon who heard their bail applications.

The court had on Wednesday rejected the demand of the police to interrogate them in its custody and kept the bail matter for Thursday as the prosecution wanted to place some documents before it.

The court had on Wednesday termed the alleged assault on the Chief Secretary was a highly sensitive case.

The magistrate had refused the plea of the Delhi Police to quiz them in custody for two days, saying the legislators were ready to cooperate in the investigation and no case property was to be recovered from them, which was the basic purpose of police custody.

The two MLAs were arrested in connection with the alleged assault on the bureaucrat during a meeting at chief minister Arvind Kejriwals residence on the night of February 19. While Jarwal, an MLA from Deoli, was arrested on Tuesday night, Khan was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon.
New Delhi: Mystery shrouds the alleged custodial death of 54-year-old Dalbir Singh as police are yet to ascertain the circumstances under which he fell down from the second floor of the Naraina police station building on Wednesday evening.

While police initially said Singh jumped down from the second floor, their preliminary inquiry, however, has indicated that he did not commit suicide but apparently fell down while allegedly attempting to escape from the police custody.

Prima facie, it appears that Singh slipped while climbing down one of the iron drainage pipes attached with bathrooms of the police station, said a police officer familiar with the inquiry. Police are yet to find an eyewitness, who could tell how exactly Singh fell off the building.

The family members of Singh have dismissed the suicide and escape attempt theories, saying he would have taken such attempts on Tuesday itself as he spent the entire night in the police station. They have alleged that the policemen tortured him and then threw him from the police station building.

My uncle was in police custody for just one day. The charges against him were not serious. He knew that he will be bailed out soon. Why would he escape when he knew that he will be caught and the case will become strong against him? asked Sanjay, Singhs relative.

The body of Singh was handed over to his family members after autopsy was conducted by a panel of doctors at Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) hospital.

Singh was arrested on Tuesday in a cheating and forgery case that was registered against him on the complaint of an Army officer posted at the Army Base hospital in Delhi Cantonment. Singh was allegedly caught collecting medicines in the dispensary of the hospital using a forged prescription slip. He was caught red handed and was handed over to the police along with a complaint on which an FIR was registered.

Vijay Kumar, deputy commissioner of police (West), said Singh on Wednesday was produced in the Patiala House court that sent him to one-day in police custody. Sub-inspector Deepak and constable Parvesh were escorting Singh to the court and then back to the police station.

Constable Pravesh has told the investigating authority that Singh told him that he was hungry and thirsty. When he took Singh to the canteen on the second floor, Singh pushed him inside, latched the canteens door from outside, and fled, said the DCP.

The constable used a tawa (iron pan) to break the latch by hitting on the door. When he failed, he dialled the duty officers landline number and alerted about Singhs escape. While a search was on, Singh was found lying injured in the back side of the police station, said Kumar.

The DCP said Singh was rushed to DDU hospital in a police gypsy. Doctors pronounced him dead on admission, he said, adding the court was informed about the alleged custodial death. The two policemen were suspended.

ENDS
A mans decomposed body was found inside a highly protected tunnel of the Delhi Metros airport line between the New Delhi and Shivaji Stadium stations, bringing to light a possible security breach. Police said it appeared the body had been there for at least four-five months as it was reduced to bones, but they could not explain how it might have got there and the possible cause of death.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) staff noticed the body in the early hours of February 9, when train operations had ended and they were on a routine track inspection, police said. As the officials got close to the passage between two tracks, they encountered a foul smell. Close to the shaft that opened to the ground level, they found the highly decomposed body.

The station controller of the New Delhi Metro station went inside the tunnel for routine maintenance around 1.30am on February 9. The body was found around 300 metres from the platform of the station. The track inspection is a routine affair but how the staff missed the body for months is a mystery, said an officer of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), requesting anonymity. The CISF is responsible for the security of Metro stations.

The DMRC said the area where the body was found is away from the tracks. The area is in an emergency shaft of a cross-passage, which opens at the ground level and is not in a regular operational area. Access to this area is through the ground level, which is cordoned off and thus detection was difficult, said a spokesperson.

The airport line is covered with platform screen doors, making the tracks inaccessible. The CCTVs there have not been of any help as they dont store footage for more than 30 days. No one knows how and when the man entered the tunnel.

Following the discovery of the body, police were called and a Delhi police and CISF joint team inspected the area. A forensic team was then called to collect samples so that the body could be identified.

The 22.7km airport Metro line connects the New Delhi railway station to Dwarka Sector 21. Except for the Dhaula Kuan-Delhi Ridge stretch, the line is underground, running through tunnels that go as deep as 18 metres. Security and maintenance staff enter the tunnel through the gates at the end of the platforms, the keys of which are with the station controller.

Police said it seemed highly unlikely that the person entered the tunnel through the station as the access is restricted to authorised staff. Police said there have been no complaints of any staff member missing, thus ruling out that the deceased could have been a CISF or Metro worker.

Delhi police have launched an investigation and a senior officer said possible loopholes in security need to be plugged.

It is difficult to find from where the man entered. We have preserved the DNA samples and are checking if anyone from the area near the New Delhi station is missing. Once the body is identified, the cause of death can be established, said a police officer. No case has been filed yet.
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Rohtak on Wednesday said it had concluded its placement drive for 2016-18 batch with all students, who opted for campus placements, having a job offer in hand. The institute said the highest package offered to a student this time was Rs 30 lakh, which was 16% higher than last years Rs 25.9 lakh that was offered to three students. The IIM, however, did not disclose the name of the company that offered the package citing confidentiality agreement.

The average salary of the batch this year was Rs 11.7 lakh, 5% less than last years Rs 12.3 lakh.

The institute said of its batch of 142 students, all 139 who sat for campus placements got job offers. One student opted for entrepreneurship, while two went back to join their family business.

Narasimha Donthinemi, the only student who opted for entrepreneurship, will be leading Ivin Strategies, a political consultancy firm as its CEO and working partner.

The IIM said more than 90 companies visited the campus for placement this time. There were over 40 new recruiters on campus, representing 75% increase over last year. Finance was the highest paying domain and a preferred choice of 26% of the batch. Banks and non-banking entities such as ICICI, HDFC, SBI and Thomson Reuters recruited students for various roles.

Sales and marketing bagged the maximum number of offers, accounting 29% of the total placements. Recruiters such as Amul, Aditya Birla Group, Tata Steel and Maruti Suzuki hired in this domain. Other major sectors included general management (21%), analytics (12%), strategy and consulting (7%) and operations (5%). Some other prominent companies that recruited this year from campus were Google, Amazon, Infosys, Larsen and Toubro and Africa-based Tolaram group.

The 2016-18 batch comprised of 43% freshers, 14% with less than one-year work experience and just 5% with over three years of experience.

Political entrepreneur from IIM Rohtak

Narasimha Donthinemi, the only student who opted for entrepreneurship, will be leading Ivin Strategies, a political consultancy firm as its CEO and working partner. Narasimha had previously been active in politics and even contested greater Hyderabad MC elections on ticket of Lok Satta Party. He was recently awarded by Quality Council of India for his work on modernising public libraries in Hyderabad.
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the admit card for candidates appearing in the Combined Higher Secondary Level Tier 1 (CHSL Tier 1) examination 2018 for six regions. The examination will be held in the month of March. The admit cards of other regions are expected to be released soon.

Candidates can download the admit card from SSCs official websites at ssc.nicin. Click on the link for admit card on the top nav bar of the home page. Click on the link for the region from which you have applied. This will take you to the regional websites of SSC from where you can download your admit card. Key in the required details and your admit card will be displayed on the screen. Take a printout and keep the admit card safely.

Or

Click on the links given below to go to the login page of the regional websites for downloading the admit card:

Eastern Region: Admit card

Central Region: Admit card

Southern region: Admit card

Karnataka Kerala region: Admit card

Northeastern region: Admit card

Madhya Pradesh region: Admit card

Enter the required details on the login page and submit to get the admit cards.

The commission has also issued the candidate schedule for the Karnataka region which can be viewed by clicking here. Candidate schedule for Kerala region is expected to be released soon.

SSC CHSL(10+2) Level is a nationwide exam conducted for recruitment to the posts of lower division clerk (LDC), data entry operator (DEO), postal assistants/sorting assistants (PA / SA) in various Central government departments and ministries. This year, registrations for SSC CHSL2017-18 closed on December 18.

This year more than 3,000 vacancies have been announced for various posts.

SSC CHSL: Selection Process

The selection is done in the following three phases:

Computer based examination (Tier-I)

Descriptive paper (Tier-II)

Typing test/ skill test (Tier-III)
The Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) released the hall tickets for Secondary grade teacher (Telugu) and Secondary grade teacher (English) on Thursday. The commission also released the admit cards for School assistant English and School assistant maths and social studies (English medium) on Friday. Candidates can download it by clicking on Hallticket download for TRT notification link below.

Steps to download the TSPSC TRT Hall ticket for Secondary grade teacher:

1) Visit the official website of TSPSC at tspsc.gov.in

2) Click on the link for Hall Ticket

3) Click on the link for Hallticket download for TRT notification

a) Click here to login and access admit cards for Secondary grade teacher (Telugu)

b) Click here to login and access admit cards for Secondary grade teacher (English)

c) Click here to login and access admit cards for school assistant English, Maths and Social studies

4) Enter your TSPSC ID and date of birth

5) Click on go

6) Admit card will be displayed on the screen

7 Download it on your computer and take a print out of the same

The commission had on Wednesday evening released the admit card/hall ticket of the written tests for recruitment of Language Pandit and school assistant for Telugu, out of the various teaching posts advertised by the commission in October 2017 (Notification Nos. 52/2017 to 56/2017).

Candidates are still waiting for hall ticket of other entrance tests.

The notification for the exam released on October 21, 2017 was for the recruitment of approximately 8,792 teachers in the School Education Department of the state.

Out of the 8,792 vacancies announced, 5,415 were for secondary grade teacher, 1,941 for school assistants, 1,011 for Language Pandits, 416 for Physical Education Teachers and nine vacancies for school assistants (physical education).

Candidates applying for School Assistants, Language Pandits and Secondary Grade Teachers will be selected on the basis of combined marks secured in the written examination to be conducted by the TSPSC (80%) and Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) (20%).

Candidates applying for Physical Education Teacher (PET) and School Assistants (Physical Education), will be selected on the basis of marks secured in the written examination.

Note: Visit the official website of TSPSC for latest updates.
The Gurgaon administration is seeking a report from a prominent private Gurgaon school after a Class 7 student threatened to rape a school teacher and her daughter last week.

Taking into account the seriousness of the matter, Gurgaon deputy commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh said that they have sought a report from the school regarding the incidents that took place last week in which teachers have been threatened.

A team of State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) will also visit Gurgaon on Thursday after the Class 7 student of the prominent private school in Gurgaon was suspended as he allegedly threatened a teacher and her daughter with rape. The school has confirmed the incident saying it has a zero-tolerance policy towards such acts.

In the same school, a Class 8 student allegedly used an IT lab computer to write a mail to his two teachers asking for candlelight dinner and sex later. It was not known if any action had been taken against this student. A mail sent to the school authorities and call made to the director seeking clarification regarding this incident went unanswered.

However, Gurgaon deputy commissioner confirmed that the administration is taking the matter seriously. We are seeking a report from the school regarding the matter, said Singh. The authorities are not taking the matter lightly due to the sexual nature of the threats issued by the students. They are also wary that this incident might snowball into a controversy like the murder of a seven-year-old student on September 8 last year in another Gurgaon school, which had caused major embarrassment to the local authorities and even the state government.

The school confirmed the incident and said that action has been taken against the student but there was widespread shock among the parents and the teaching community as they accused the management of brushing the matter under carpet.

BK Goel, member, SCPCR, said that since the victim is an adult but her daughter is a minor, so this matter will be discussed and a concrete decision will be taken in this regard. It is not possible to take suo motu cognizance in this case because taking such action in these kind of cases is beyond the purview of the juvenile act, said Goel.

According to sources close to the family, both the teacher, and her daughter who were allegedly threatened of rape are in deep shock and trauma, but they have not approached the authorities for legal action. The teacher also complained to the school administration but, sources say, she failed to get any satisfactory reply and instead was allegedly blamed for missing classes.

A statement by the school said: This is an incident involving a lower middle school student allegedly indulging in an offensive and highly objectionable cyber prank involving a teacher. A thorough investigation was carried out and stern action was taken, including suspension along with mandated counselling. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards such acts.
Jennifer Lawrence on Wednesday blasted a controversy over a photo of her wearing a plunging black dress outside on a cold London day as sexist, ridiculous and not feminism.

The Oscar-winning star, 27, said in a Facebook posting that she was also extremely offended by what she called the utterly ridiculous reaction on social and mainstream media to the photo, taken as part of promotions for her upcoming movie Red Sparrow.

The picture, taken outdoors on a bitter winters day in London earlier this week, showed a bare-shouldered Lawrence wearing a black gown, while actor Jeremy Irons and three fellow cast members donned thick wool coats.

A post shared by Best Fashion Posts Daily (@bestfashionpostsdaily) on Feb 21, 2018 at 7:11pm PST

Many commentators saw the photo as a reflection of the pressure on women in Hollywood to look good, particularly given Lawrences previous outspoken criticism of the gender pay gap in the movie industry.

True equality means either Jennifer Lawrence getting a coat, or Jeremy Irons having to pose for a photo call in assless chaps, tweeted London journalist Helen Lewis.

A post shared by E quente! E do Babado! (@fofoquisses) on Feb 21, 2018 at 6:08pm PST

Australian journalist Stephanie Peatling remarked on Twitter that it was cold enough that the bloke actors have to wear coats and scarves to their press call and yet poor Jennifer Lawrence is wearing a small amount of fabric some might call a dress.

Lawrence, one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood, was having none of it.

That Versace dress was fabulous, you think Im going to cover that gorgeous dress up with a coat and a scarf? I was outside for 5 minutes. I would have stood in the snow for that dress because I love fashion and that was my choice, she wrote on Facebook.

This is sexist, this is ridiculous, this is not feminism, she added. Its creating silly distractions from real issues. Get a grip people

Red Sparrow, a thriller in which Lawrence plays a Russian spy, opens worldwide next week.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Hollywood actor Jennifer Aniston did not expect to be single once again and she is sad and disappointed as her marriage with Justin Theroux did not work out and little post-it notes from Brad Pitt may be to blame.

According to a report in US Weekly, Justin and Jennifers marriage ended when he found out that she still keeps notes given to her by her first husband, Pitt, when they were still married. He stumbled upon old Post-it notes Brad had written, a source told the magazine. Sweet little Post-its like, You looked nice tonight or Miss you already.

Jen assured him they werent a big deal, but Justin wasnt thrilled  Justin had moments of insecurity like that, the source added.

Aniston doing good after her split with Theroux.

However, a source close to Aniston told People magazine that she believes in love ultimately and may not date anyone again.

As for her future, she isnt a fan of dating and she never was. She always found dating awkward and unpleasant. She hates all the media attention that she knows she will get now. But, she is a big believer in falling in love and spending her life with a partner that loves sharing hers, the source was quoted as saying.

Sources close to the pair detail how Aniston and Therouxs clashing lifestyles drove them apart and how their powerful chemistry first drew them together.

Aniston, who preferred living in Los Angeles (L.A.) tried adopting Therouxs New York City-based luxurious lifestyle but it made her miserable. With such differences, it became totally exhausting and frustrating for the pair.

For many months they tried to make it work. They even had therapy. And while it seemed Justin gave up many months ago, Aniston only very recently started telling friends that they (relationship) were over, the source continued.

The 49-year-old is doing good after her split with Theroux.

A post shared by Savage  (@rauhlslut) on Feb 18, 2018 at 9:47am PST

She has an amazing life that she loves and is very grateful for. Jen would be the first one to say that she is a lucky girl, the source added.

Last Thursday, the pair announced their separation, due to differences.

Aniston also reportedly issued a statement where she denied using Brad Pitt, her ex-husband, as a shoulder to lean on, following her split with Theroux.

Also, there are rumours that there was no evidence that Aniston and Theroux were even legally married.

Aniston turned 49 years last week and Theroux was noticeably absent from the Malibu celebration.

Aniston and Theroux began dating in May 2011 and became engaged in August 2012.

They married three years later, on August 5, 2015, at their home in Bel-Air in L.A.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Actor Lindsay Lohan, who has fielded rumours of having converted to Islam for months, was seen wearing a hijab at the recent London Fashion Week. Pictures of the star, who now lives in Dubai, have been doing the rounds online.

Before her appearance at the show, Lohan posted a live Instagram video in which she was learning to tie a hijab. I think it needs (to be) a little bit more tighter in the (back). I dont want it to come off and show too much, she said.

She also spoke to the BBC about her new avatar. Lohan was once considered a sex symbol. Fashion doesnt always have to be so naked and can be adventurous and still beautiful, with a strong group of women behind it, Lohan said.

In addition to the traditional attire, Lohan also wore halal makeup to the event. According to a post by halal/vegetarian/vegan makeup retailer HawaCosmetics, Lohan stopped by their booth and told them how shes into halal cosmetics and what shes actually wearing on her face today was all halal!!

Lohans choice was met with mixed reactions online. One person on Twitter commented, It amazes me how the western civilization sees wearing the hijab as an act of liberation and empowerment while women in Iran are removing their hijabs off as a protest, meaning the hijab is actually a sign of oppression in muslim countries.

Another person replied to the BBCs tweet by saying, Since when did promoting oppressive articles of clothing become a thing? Especially when women take off their hijabs in protest...seems counter-productive...

There were others who believed it was Lindsays choice to dress the way she likes.

Since when did promoting oppressive articles of clothing become a thing? Especially when women take off their hijab's in protest...seems counter-productive...  Lindsey D (@lindseyaya87) February 18, 2018

Lohan previously made headlines when she wore a burkini to the beach, and quoted the Quran on a Kuwaiti talk show. A recent picture she posted on her Instagram, in which she is wearing a swimsuit, was met with criticism from the conservatives, demanding that she take it down.

Here are some more reactions:

On one side of world Women are being abducted or Killed 4 protesting against Hijab & Burqa and then there is this Mean Girl @lindsaylohan who is Glorifying this Sign of Oppression as 'Tradition' repeatedly in her Insta live Video

I'm wondering why she has Accepted Islam? pic.twitter.com/lr2JVaq7uB  Bane   (@the_hound_o0) February 17, 2018

It amazes me how the western civilisation sees wearing the hijab as an act of liberation and empowerment while women in Iran are taking the hijab off as a protest, meaning the hijab is actually a sign of oppression in muslim countries.@DouglasKMurray  Tom Livne (@countertommy) February 19, 2018

Lindsay Lohan is a grown woman, it is her choice to wear a Hijab. Appalled by the fact that many people are sending her hate messages and even death threats because of this! Repulsive behaviour...  Khan (@KhanEnterprise0) February 19, 2018

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Actor Margot Robbie said she feels heartbroken when she watches Marilyn Monroes films lamenting that the parts played by the Hollywood icon were misogynistic and degrading.

The 27-year-old actor, who watched a lot of old movies to prepare for her role in the upcoming film Dreamland, said the fact that playing eye-candy type roles was the norm for the female actors at that time baffled her to no end.

I love old films, but my heart breaks when I watch Marilyn Monroes, because the characters she plays are so misogynistic and degrading that its mind-boggling that that was the norm. The same with Bonnie And Clyde; parts of it make my blood boil, Robbie told Stylist magazine.

Monroe, famous for playing blonde bombshell characters in comic capers, became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s and continues to have an enduring impact in pop culture.

Robbie, who has turned producer with her Oscar-nominated film I, Tonya, said people should be paid on merit or on box-office value, irrespective of their gender.

Margot Robbie arrives at the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Britain. (REUTERS)

To my mind, whoever is doing the most work, or adding the most box-office value, should get the highest pay - whether thats a man or a woman.

If I was doing a project with a female lead and the male supporting character was getting paid more, Id f***ing put my foot down, she said when asked if she had a policy on womens pay as a film producer.

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Religious minorities in India faced increasing demonization, global rights group Amnesty International said on Thursday, accusing Indian authorities of using laws to stifle freedom of expression in the country.

In its latest annual report, the group paints a bleak picture of the human rights situation in South Asia. With reference to India, it said incidents like cow vigilantism and lynchings in the name of beef-eating plagued India over the past year.

At least 10 Muslim men were lynched and many injured by vigilante cow protection groups, the report said, adding many of them seemed to operate with the support of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The report also speaks about threats to journalists and the killing of Gauri Lankesh, an editor who was shot dead outside her residence in Bengaluru last year.

Several journalists and human rights defenders lost their lives. Freedom of expression in universities also remained under threat. Lankesh, an outspoken critic of Hindu nationalism and the caste system, was shot dead outside her home in Bengaluru by unidentified gunmen in September. Criminal defamation cases were brought against several journalists, the report said.

Repressive laws were used to stifle freedom of expression...state governments banned books, and the central film certification board denied the theatrical release of certain films, on vague and overly broad grounds, Amnesty said.

A response from the government was awaited as of the time this report was published.

Minar Pimple, director operations, Amnesty, said the politics of populism and demonisation was spreading across the world but was being met by resistance in the US and in India with the Not in My Name campaign.

Biraj Patnaik, regional director South Asia, said space for civil society in the whole of South Asian region was shrinking and Indias neighbours are learning all bad things from the country like variants of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, Cybersecurity Act were being initiated in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The report cites examples and of caste-based discrimination, communal violence, and crimes against women and children in India.

In Jammu and Kashmir, impunity for human rights abuses continued and security forces continued to use inherently inaccurate pellet-firing shotguns during protests, blinding and injuring several people, the report said.

The report said that hate crimes against Dalits remained widespread as official statistics released in November stated that more than 40,000 crimes against Scheduled Castes were reported in 2016.

Authorities were openly critical of human rights defenders and organizations, contributing to a climate of hostility against them, the report said, citing the deaths of two Dalit men who were killed by members of a dominant caste in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, following a clash.

Activists said that at least 90 Dalits employed as manual scavengers died during the year while cleaning sewers, despite the practice being prohibited, it stated.

It also highlights that an estimated 40,000 Rohingya people in India were at risk of mass expulsion. They included more than 16,000 who were recognized as refugees by UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, it said.
Army chief General Bipin Rawat has sparked a political row with his remarks that the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has been growing faster than the BJP in Assam because of the support of Muslims, with Pakistan and China pushing Bangladeshi migrants into the North-east part of the country to destabilise India.

The BJP said the army chief has to be saluted for his comment, but the Congress attacked the government, saying it was trying to divert attention from the fraud at Punjab national Bank.

AIUDF chief, Badruddin Ajmal, tweeted: By making such a statement, the army chief has indulged in politics which is against the constitutional mandate given to him. Later, he told reporters in Guwahati, We respect General Rawat a lot but I think he has been misinformed and misguided. If the Army chief is saying demographic change is happening in Assam, it is the governments job to check it. We are the only party which said, `Shoot anyone who infiltrates our borders.

Infiltration from Bangladesh, and the possible change to Assams demography, led to a violent agitation in the state between 1979 and 1985. It ended with the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985.

For the first time since 1951, the state government is updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to weed out illegal immigrants.

Ajmal formed the AIUDF in 2005 to champion the cause of the Muslim community. The party currently has three MPs in the Lok Sabha and 13 legislators in Assam.

He clarified that his party believed in inclusiveness. People say we are a Muslim party, which is false. We have always given 20-25 seats to our Hindu brothers in all elections. We all are Indians, Ajmal said.

BJP Spokesman Sambit Patra said on TV that the army chief was commenting on an important aspect of national security. It is only natural that the socio-political, demographic, cultural aspects should be discussed, he added. In fact, the army chief should be saluted for his talk.

Other BJP leaders found the comments about illegal immigration from Bangladesh in sync with their political and ideological standing.

Two senior BJP office bearers, who asked not to be identified, said Rawat merely repeated the known fact about the threat illegal immigration posed to Indias security in the northeast.

Whats wrong with what he has he said? said one of the two leaders. Even we feel, and have reiterated on several occasions, that demographic profile of the northeast has changed significantly because of illegal immigration.

He said the RSS, too, had in 2015 passed a resolution on Indias changing demography in which it said the religious imbalance of population in the north-eastern states has assumed serious proportions.

The other BJP leader said his partys growing influence in the northeast will lead to the rise of outfits such as the AIUDF in opposition.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad refused a direct comment on the army chiefs remarks. I would simply say that in the coming days you will get to hear many outrageous things. BJP will point fingers on many leaders, many parties in order to divert the attention from the PNB fraud. So the BJP ministers - seniors and juniors  and spokespersons will move heaven and earth to divert the attention of the people.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief, Asaduddin Owaisi, was critical of General Rawat. On Twitter, he said that it was neither the Army Chiefs job to interfere in political matters nor to comment on the rise of a political party.
Scripting history, flying officer Avani Chaturvedi has become the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft, an Indian Air Force (IAF) official said.

Chaturvedi became the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft solo when she flew a MiG-21 bison in her first solo flight, the official.

She undertook the sortie from IAFs Jamnagar base on Monday, he said.

Three women pilots, Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh, had undergone strenuous training programme to fly fighter jets.

They were commissioned as flying officers in July 2016, less than a year after the government decided to open the fighter stream for women on an experimental basis.

The IAF has already selected the next batch of three women trainee pilots for the fighter stream.
The Supreme Court was told on Thursday that all biometric details stored in the State Resident Data Hubs (SRDH) have been destroyed after the Aadhaar Act came into force in 2016.

Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, counsel for Gujarat government, denied allegations from the petitioners that data collected by the SRDH prior to the enactment of the law was still being maintained and shared with private persons by states. He made the submission before a constitution bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, which is hearing challenge to the Aadhaar law.

Dwivedi said: The Aadhaar Act does not contemplate storage of biometric information at the state-level. Details are now stored only in the Central Identities Data Registry (CIDR).

He denied there was leakage of data even prior to the Aadhaar laws enactment. These state hubs were created under an agreement between the state and UIDAI. There was no breach of data then too, Dwivedi clarified.

States need not have the biometric data. They can now identify beneficiaries through the CIDR, Dwivedi told HT.

SRDH was started at the state level as a repository of UIDAI data of residents, along with their demographic data and photographs. It was meant to enable various departments to verify and weed out erroneous and fictitious data from their records.

Lawyers for the petitioners, however, said Dwivedis statement was not enough to satisfy the concerns raised by them. State hubs have not been discontinued. They continue to have demographic data of citizens and this makes it possible to build a 360 degree profile of individuals living in a state, denying them to compartmentalize their lives, a lawyer told HT on the condition of anonymity.

Appearing for one of the petitioners, senior advocate Gopal Subramanium, requested the court to extend the March 31 deadline given in the courts interim order of December 15, 2017 for mandatory linkage of bank accounts, mobile phones and other services. He said the extension should be given in view of the pendency of the case. The court is likely to look into his prayer on March 6 when it resumes the hearing.

Earlier, during the day, Subramanium said that after the Aadhaar law came into force, it was required from the government and other civil authorities to seek variation of the top courts order that restrained the government from denying benefits for want of the unique identity number. He felt the government should have approached the court to validate its circulars and notifications mandating Aadhaar for various schemes and services.

The senior counsel asked the court to consider compensating those who have suffered and were denied benefits belcause they were not Aadhar-card holders. Instances of starvation deaths must be compensated, he said.
Within hours of Congress President Rahul Gandhi posting on Twitter his first reaction on the Nirav Modi controversy involving the Punjab National Bank on February 15, frantic calls were made between Union ministers and BJP leaders. The earlier decision to ignore criticism and stay quiet was changed and it was decided that law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad would respond to the charge first.

The next day, Rahul tweeted again and the BJP responded through HRD minister Prakash Javadekar. On February 17 it was defence minister Nirmala Sitharamans turn. We have nothing to hide, said BJPs media department head Anil Baluni. It is a UPA scam that we have exposed.

The BJP is banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modis clean image to take the wind out of the oppositions sail. His reputation is our biggest asset, Baluni said.

But the public stand may hide the vulnerabilities the party senses in private. The controversy has struck the BJP at a time when it has suffered an electoral loss in Rajasthan and West Bengal, and the opposition has blamed the government for ignoring the middle class in its last full budget ahead of the next general election.

BJP leaders admit in private that the Nirav Modi-Mehul Choksi controversy is denting the image of the party, especially among the middle classes. It stormed to power in 2014 on promise of providing a clean and corruption-free government, after the Manmohan Singh government became unpopular following a string of corruption scandals. Into his fourth year as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has managed to avoid any controversy and the BJP is treading cautiously so as to not to give the opposition an opportunity to create one.

Three BJP MPs admit that the PNB fraud is the first time in the past four years when they are defensive and, also, at pains to deflect the blame to the Congress. None of the three wanted to be identified .

People are asking some uncomfortable questions and we try to answer them. But, it is not easy, a BJP MP from a western state said. Another BJP Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh said, The controversy, certainly, is not to our advantage. How will it benefit us? The third MP from Bihar said, The Congress has paid for scandals under its term. If this controversy sticks to us, we will be at a disadvantageous position.

A member of the BJPs IT cell  which has mostly stolen a march over rivals on running online campaign  admitted countering oppositions propaganda on Nirav Modi case is a difficult job. Our rivals came up with funny videos and cartoons on the PNB scam, and we countered it with facts and figures. They seem to have scored over us so far, he said on condition of anonymity.

The cells chief Amit Malviya denies that the BJP is on the back foot. People know the reality. They know the scam started under UPA and who is to be blamed for it. If the accused shared a cozy relationship with anyone, it is the Congress.

Indeed, far from being defensive, the partys strategy will be offensive, another BJP office bearer said. Every move from the opposition to paint the BJP black will be countered at the highest level and on all platforms, this person added.
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday arrested Rotomac promoter Vikram Kothari and his son Rahul Kothari on charges of cheating a consortium of seven banks by siphoning off bank loans to the tune Rs 2,919 crore.

Both the accused were not cooperating with the investigators and were evasive in their replies during questioning which necessitated their custodial interrogation, said a CBI spokesperson.

The arrests came after the Kotharis were questioned for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday following searches at their residences and office premises in Kanpur.

The CBI had registered an FIR in the case on the basis of a complaint received from the Bank of Baroda, which was part of the consortium, that alleged misappropriation of funds and violation of Fema guidelines.

The banks had claimed that their total outstanding dues, including interest, stood at Rs 3,695 crore.

The agency had named Rotomac Global Private Ltd, its directors Vikram Kothari, his wife Sadhana Kothari and son Rahul Kothari, and unknown bank officials as accused in the case.

The Enforcement Directorate is probing the money laundering allegations against the Kotharis. The Income Tax Department has attached four properties of Kothari -- three in Kanpur and one in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The Bank of Baroda had said in its complaint it had discovered that offices of Rotomacs overseas suppliers and buyers in Hong Kong, Dubai and Sharjah were either closed or operating virtually. This prompted the state-owned bank to complain to the CBI that the companys promoters were carrying out fake mercantile trade.

The case comes on the heels of a Rs 11,400-crore alleged fraud in Punjab National Bank (PNB) in which jeweller Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi are accused.

Meanwhile, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) chairperson said they will probe if the chartered accountants (CAs) associated with the Rotomac group followed

standard norms.

Action will be taken if the CAs are found to be involved in any irregularities, chairman of the Central India Regional Council of ICAI (CIRC-ICAI) Deep Kumar Misra said.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday registered a case and booked five persons on charges of uploading and circulating child pornography through a Whatsapp group called KidsXXX that had 119 members from India and abroad.

The agency has arrested one of the five alleged administrators of the group, Nikhil Verma, according to a CBI spokesperson. Verma is a 20-year-old, unemployed commerce graduate from Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh, the spokesperson said.

Besides Verma, the other administrators of the WhatsApp group were identified as Satyendra Chauhan, Nafees Raja, Zahid and Adarsh. A case has been filed against them under Section 67-B of the Information Technology Act and the provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

The official said the agency conducted searches in Delhi, Maharashtra and UP on Thursday in connection with the case and recovered incriminating material stored on computers, hard disks and mobile phones.

A preliminary probe revealed that the WhatsApp group had members from countries including US, China, Pakistan and Brazil, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Nigeria, Mexico and New Zealand, besides India. The CBI will write to its counterparts in these countries seeking assistance to identify all the members of the group, the official said.

The CBI will investigate if an organised gang was shooting the videos and pictures and selling them in the virtual world, the spokesperson said.

A CBI official familiar with the matter said the registration of the case was the culmination of a three-month-long field probe during which its investigators travelled to across several locations where computers and mobile phones were found to be in use as per their Internet Protocol address. They also gathered background information of the suspects.

Accessing, producing, recording, uploading or circulating child abuse videos or picture is an offence punishable by seven to 10 years in prisons and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh under the Information Technology Act, the

official added.
Mahendra Singh Yadav, the Congress candidate for Kolaras Assembly by-election in Madhya Pradesh, suffered injuries when police lathi-charged party workers who were staging a protest at Khatoura in the district, the opposition party claimed tonight.

The by-election is scheduled for February 24.

Congress workers were protesting against the presence of BJP MLA Narendra Singh Kushwaha in the constituency after the end of the campaign at 5 PM, said Congress spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi.

As Kushawahas SUV was passing, Congress workers surrounded it and deamanded that police search the vehicle on the suspicion that there was cash inside, but the police failed to do so, Chaturvedi added.

The car driver sped off, and enarged workers pelted stones, prompting police to lathi-charge, he said. Yadav, who had rushed to the spot after getting information about party workers protest, suffered injuries in the lathi-charge, Chaturvedi said.

BJP MLA Kushwaha, on the other hand, told reporters that when he was returning home in his SUV, the vehicle was damaged by Congress workers.

Police searched the SUV and not a single rupees was found in it, he said, adding that he lodged an FIR about the attack on him at the Kolaras police station.

Shivpuri Collector Tarun Rathi said the matter was under investigation. The District Superintendent of Police and Additional District Magistrate had gone to the spot to probe the incident, he said.

Protesting against the incident, Congress workers, led by MLA Ramniwas Rawat, staged a sit-in before the Collectors residence in Shivpuri, demanding action against BJP leaders.

Police could not be contaced for comment about the allegation of lathi-charge.

Senior Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia raised the issue with the Election Commission in Delhi, Congress spokesperson Chaturvedi claimed.

Madhya Pradesh deputy chief electoral officer S S Bansal said, We have received complaints on the issue and concerned officers are probing the incident.

The high-voltage campaign for by-elections to Mungaoli and Kolaras Assembly constituencies in Madhya Pradesh ended today. The by-polls, scheduled for February 24, were necessitated due to the death of Congress MLAs Mahendra Singh Kalukheda (Mungaoli) and Ram Singh Yadav (Kolaras).
A fresh controversy hit Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus troubled visit to India on Thursday as reports emerged that a convicted Khalistani terrorist had been invited to an official dinner reception in New Delhi and photographed with the leaders wife.

Already stung by a perceived snub to Trudeau because of his governments soft stance on pro-Khalistan elements, Canadian authorities said the invitation extended to Indo-Canadian businessman Jaspal Atwal had been rescinded.

This individual (Jaspal Atwal) should never have been invited to any event on the program, and his invitation has been rescinded. We are in the process of looking into how this occurred, ANI quoted Canada PMO as saying.

The ministry of external affairs in New Delhi refused to comment on the issue.

Atwal and three other men were convicted of attempted murder for the 1986 attack on Akali Dal leader Malkiat Singh Sidhu, who was visiting relatives on Vancouver Island at the time.

Sidhu, who was then a minister of state in the Punjab government, was injured in the attack and survived. He was later killed by Sikh militants in Punjab in 1991.

Atwal is a former member of the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), one of the key groups in the movement to establish Khalistan or an independent Sikh homeland, which was banned by Canada and designated a terror organisation in 2003.

The official invite to Jaspal Atwal, who has been convicted of attempted murder of Akali Dal leader Malkiat Singh Sidhu. The Canadian Prime Ministers Office said, the High Commission is in the process of rescinding Mr Atwals invitation. (ANI)

Following the reports that Atwal had been invited to an official dinner reception to be hosted by Canadian high commissioner Nadir Patel for Trudeau at the envoys residence in New Delhi on Thursday night, the mission announced the invitation had been withdrawn.

The high commission has rescinded Mr Atwals invitation. We do not comment on matters relating to the PMs security, the mission said in a brief statement without giving details.

Accused of another attack

Atwal was also accused of a murderous attack on Ujjal Dosanjh, an Indo-Canadian politician in British Columbia and a vocal critic of the Khalistan movement, in February 1985.

Dosanjh, who was brutally attacked in a parking lot, said he was flabbergasted to learn Atwal had been invited to an official dinner.

Im left speechless. This speaks volumes about the kind of inroads Khalistanis have made into the Liberal Party of Canada and the echelons of power, he said.

Atwal was not convicted in the attack on Dosanjh because of a technicality related to his identification. The attack on the Punjab minister occurred almost a year later.

Dosanjh, who went on to become the premier (chief minister) of the province and a federal cabinet minister, said this pointed to a colossal failure on part of those conducting security checks for the Trudeau visit.

This is what I have been saying. This is not about freedom of speech, it is about Canadian politicians openly hobnobbing, associating with unquestionable elements that are Khalistanis, he said.

Photographed with Sophie Trudeau

The development also raised questions about the visa issued by the Indian government to Atwal, and whether he had been removed from the reported blacklist of Khalistani leaders as part of the Narendra Modi governments outreach to Sikh separatists.

The Toronto Sun reported it was shown photos of Atwal with the Prime Ministers wife, Sophie Trudeau, which confirm he is in India with Trudeaus delegation this week. Atwal was also photographed with Canadas infrastructure minister Amarjeet Sohi and Brampton South Liberal MP Sonia Sidhu at an event in Mumbai.

The Sun was also shown a copy of the official invitation to Atwal. His Excellency Nadir Patel, High Commissioner for Canada to India, is pleased to invite Jaspal Atwal to a dinner reception celebrating Canada-India ties on the occasion of the visit of The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, the invitation reads.

Atwal told the National Post he did not plan to attend the dinner as he is in Mumbai on business. He said he had travelled to India on his own on February 11 and was not part of any official delegation.

However, the Sun quoted its sources as saying that Atwal was part of Trudeaus official delegation.

1986 attack on Akali leader

Akali Dal leader Sidhu was attending his nephews wedding and driving on a rural road in Gold River, British Columbia, when his car was ambushed by Sikh militants in May 1986. The car windows were smashed and he was shot five times but survived.

Atwal and three other men were subsequently arrested and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The men did not serve jail time because the Canadian intelligence was found to have gathered evidence against them through an improperly obtained warrant.

Car fraud case

In 2011, Atwal lost a $28,000 decision against the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia in relation to a car fraud ring that included dozens of people. He previously held a leadership position in Surrey with Trudeaus Liberal Party of Canada.

The National Post reported that nobody from the Canadian government responded to requests for information (on) Wednesday about how someone with Atwals criminal and Sikh separatist history could be cleared to attend official events in India.

Atwals presence at an official function adds insult to injury for Trudeaus India tour, already overshadowed by the cold shoulder the Indian government has given Canadas PM. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not welcome Trudeau at the airport, as he has many other foreign leaders, and did not accompany Trudeau to his home state of Gujarat, the Sun reported.

Commentators have linked the snub to Trudeaus failure to clearly speak out against Sikh extremists and Khalistani terrorists in Canada. Trudeau is also facing criticism for other aspects of his visit, including a number of events that have been described as photo opportunities with no substantive outcomes. Only half a day of the eight-day trip has been set aside for official engagements such as talks with Modi.
Did the obstruction by Canadian authorities of a crucial meeting between radical Sikh groups and an interlocutor and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav in 2016 contribute to the frosty reception accorded to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his visit to India?

People familiar with the matter believe it may have been one event, and a very significant one, in a long list of incidents that have affected relations between the two countries.

In November 2016, Madhav travelled to Canada for a meeting with Sikh groups that had been arranged by UK-based Jasdev Singh Rai of the Sikh Human Rights Group. The plan was for Rai to travel from the UK to join Madhav in Toronto as the Sikh representatives were unwilling to hold talks in Rais absence.

Rai, a British citizen who had travelled to Canada at least 25 times and had kept the Canadian Security Intelligence Service in the loop about his contacts with the Sikh groups, put in a request for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to Canada on November 17, 2016, thinking it would be a mere formality.

However, the ETA clearance  usually done within 24 hours  never came and Rai was unable to join Madhav in Canada, two people familiar with the developments said.

Madhav, who had earlier participated in similar talks with UK-based Sikh groups (also organised by Rai) and had plans to discuss the terms of a dialogue with Canada-based Sikh groups, was angered after he was left cooling his heels in Toronto, one of the two added on condition of anonymity.

In Rais absence, the key Sikh groups refused to join the talks and Madhav could only meet two representatives, Ranjit Singh and Parminder Singh, before he left Canada for the US after about 24 hours, this person added.

The second person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified, confirmed this turn of events.

Rai, currently in Geneva for meetings at the UN, on Wednesday accused the Canadian government of sabotaging the Indian governments efforts to engage Sikh separatists in a dialogue. He said Canadian authorities had formally told him about his ETA being denied on security grounds only on January 27, 2017  more than two months after he had applied for it.

Trudeau should stop pretending that he is defending freedom of expression of Khalistanis and come clean that his government has obstructed the peace dialogue process between the Modi Government and Sikh separatists, Rai said.

The second person familiar with the matter said Indian authorities had learnt that Rai had been denied a visa after pro-Khalistan groups lobbied Canadas defence minister Harjit Sajjan, a key member of Trudeaus cabinet. Sajjan is understood to have played a part in blocking the visa, and India was not happy.

Both people maintained that Trudeau may not have been aware of all the details of the matter as he had been misled on the activities of the Sikh radical groups by Indian-origin members of his cabinet, particularly Sajjan and innovation, science and economic development minister Navdeep Bains, both Sikhs.

The Canadian prime ministers office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Keeping the Khalistan issue alive in Canada helps some Indian-origin ministers get votes and this is crucial because Canada is set to go to the polls in 2019. Also, keeping this issue alive makes it appear to the constituents that these politicians are doing something on the matter, said the first person.

Besides the scuppering of the planned talks with the Sikh groups, the case of Jagtar Singh alias Jaggi Johal has created tensions between Indian and Canadian security agencies. Johal, a British national who was arrested in Jalandhar in Punjab on November 4, has been linked to the targeted killing of eight people, including Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Shiv Sena members, over the past two years.

Indian security agencies believe radical Sikh groups in Vancouver and Toronto were among the main financiers of Johal. However, other people familiar with the matter said Indian security agencies had received virtually no cooperation from their Canadian counterparts in investigating the sources of funding.

India raised the issue of stopping the funding from the Sikh groups during several recent meetings with Canadas top security officials and agencies but is yet to see any action being taken on the ground, a third person said.

Indias efforts to reach out to Sikh separatists began before Prime Minister Modis visit to the UK in 2015, when the political dispensation in New Delhi decided it was important to neutralise Khalistani propaganda.

One way to do this was to reach out to UK-based Sikh groups directly and the BJPs influential general secretary Madhav went to meet community leaders.

Given his role in organising community events during Modis visits to foreign capitals and his close interest in foreign policy and security affairs, Madhav was seen as a natural pick. Rai played a key role in facilitating the meetings in the UK. The effort paid dividends; some 30 Sikh representatives briefly met Modi and others later held talks with home minister Rajnath Singh. New Delhi also removed many leaders from a blacklist that prevented several overseas Sikhs, once active in the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) and the Khalistan movement, from visiting the country.

Following this success, it was decided that a similar effort should be made to reach out to Sikh groups in Canada. Rai went to Canada in March-April 2016 and managed to persuade leaders of the main Khalistani groups of the benefit of a dialogue, the first and the second person said.

The outreach happened with the knowledge and sanction of the Indian government but the denial of a visa to Rai stalled the process, they added.

The failed November 2016 talks may not have been the only trigger. But it was among several incidents, key interlocutors involved in negotiations said, which contributed to the trust deficit between the two governments.

Much has already been made of the cold welcome accorded to Trudeau when he arrived in India on February 17 for an eight day visit, only half-a-day of which has been set aside for official engagements, including a meeting with Modi.

Commentators in India and Canada have noted that Modi did not personally receive Trudeau at the airport, an honour he reserves for leaders of such statute, or posted a welcome tweet. Other aspects of Trudeaus visit so far too have been very low key.
Faced with the formidable ruling Trinamool Congress in Bengal rural polls in May-June, BJP leaders have decided to fine tune a radio model successfully employed in Odisha rural elections in February 2017.

The party has decided to employ FM channels to reach out to the voters.

In the Odisha panchayat polls, BJP bagged 294 out of 851 zilla parishad seats, an impressive improvement from just 36 in the 2012 elections.

BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said they are seriously considering the route. Our campaign and propaganda team will finalise the details, he said.

A BJP leader, who did not wish to be named, said that the party will purchase slots from different FM radio channels. Limericks, songs, jingles and short dialogues will be created and aired through these slots. While our core team will decide on the channels where these slots will be purchased, the creative team will be responsible for the content creation, he said..

According to Ghosh, the advantage of FM radio channels over television is that one can listen to these channels on the go. It a common scene in rural India where groups enjoy music on FM channels at tea shops or even fields.

BJP national secretary, Rahul Sinha, said campaigning through FM radio channels proved effective for them in the neighbouring state, and they are confidant that it will work in Bengal as well.

This mode of communication will be utilised to supplement the regular campaigns through street corner meetings and door-to-door contacts, Sinha said.
BJP president Amit Shah has asked cadres to seek votes in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has also finalised partys social media strategy for the Karnataka assembly election expected to be held in the next two months.

Shah, whose two-day tour of the southern state ended Wednesday, has tweaked his now-famous panna pramukh (in-charge of a page in the electoral rolls) strategy for Karnataka by concentrating efforts at the level of booths.

I appeal to workers, dont look at the candidate. Just look at the lotus symbol (the partys symbol) and Modis photo, Shah said while addressing booth workers in Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada district on Tuesday.

Your duty is not to win the assembly constituency, it is to win your booth. When many such booths are won we will win the election.

There are around 56,000 polling booths in the state, Election Commission data shows. A booth typically has around 1,200 voters, depending on the population of an area. Karnataka has around 490 million voters.

BS Yeddyurappa is the BJPs pick for the chief minister in its bid to wrest the state from the Congress. The 74-year-old Yeddyurappa led the partys first government in the south when the BJP won the assembly election in 200.

Spreading Shahs message, BJP organisation secretary Arun Kumar on Wednesday asked workers to interact with voters and categories them as A+, A, B, and C in accordance with their support or lack of it for the party. Kumar was speaking in Kumta in Uttara Kannada district on Wednesday.

A+ are the hardcore BJP supporters who will vote come what may, A are ardent supporters, B are those who are sympathetic to the party and could be convinced to vote for it. The fourth category is the voters who dont support the party.

The party is taking its booth-level approach to social media as well. Shah on Wednesday spelt out a 23-point strategy in a meeting with the partys social media team in Udupi. Each person was asked to administer at least five WhatsApp groups to push the partys campaign material, said a BJP leader who attended the closed-door meeting. The leader, however, didnt reveal the number of people in the social media team.

While the party termed the poll strategy as novel, Narendar Pani, a political analyst and faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, said there was a danger of the BJP undermining its local leaders.

In elections in Karnataka, and in India as a whole, there is a certain loyalty to the local candidate that could resist such centralised attempts to manage elections, Pani said, who though the BJPs strategy was similar to the Western approach of targeting individual voters.

Under this model, booth-level workers would tend to be young but older candidates and their views should also be valued, he said.
Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar presented a basic budget in the state legislative assembly on Thursday after he was discharged from Mumbais Lilavati hospital in the morning.

Parrikar flew to Goa in a chartered flight and went to his residence before reaching the assembly at 3pm. The Chief Minister held a meeting of the state cabinet to get a formal approval for the budget. He also met legislators across parties in his chamber and told them that he has been unwell but is recovering, said Pramod Sawant, the Speaker of the Goa assembly.

Parrikar was initially admitted to Goa Medical College for treatment for food poisoning and was shifted to Lilavati Hospital on February 15, where he was being treated for mild pancreatitis.

A frail Parrikar spoke only for five minutes while presenting the budget and left the House after it was adjourned sine die at around 3.30 pm after the passage of the vote-on-account for five months. Parrikar said he could not present an elaborate budget because of his ill-health but would make a supplementary statement before the end of the current financial year.

The Rs 17,123-crore budget focused on generating employment opportunities in the state

Parrikar thanked those who had wished him a speedy recovery in a tweet. For complete recovery, I have been advised by the doctors some precautions in the immediate short term. During this period my interaction with the public will be limited. However, I will be discharging my regular duties and obligations as the Chief Minister, the tweet added.

Goas agriculture minister Vijai Sardesai said Parrikar is expected to resume work formally by next week. Sardesai, who is from the Goa Forward Party, added that the CM said that he will conduct the next cabinet meeting by next Tuesday or Wednesday.

BJP leaders said there was no clarity yet as to whether Parrikar would go back to Mumbai to resume treatment. He was discharged early morning but we are not aware about his return or re-admission. The decision will be taken by his treating physicians, said Dr Sitaram Gawde, Medical Superintendent of Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai.

A senior minister said Parrikars decision to table the budget was to effectively send a message that he continues to be in charge and put to rest uncertainty about his government and discussions about his possible successors.

Parrikars Bharatiya Janata Party-led government rules with the support of three legislators each from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and the Goa Forward Party (GFP), besides two Independents. The BJP has 13 legislators in the 40-member House.

(with inputs from PTI)
Farmers have protested against the ill-treatment meted out to them by district administrations in various parts of the state while conducting assessment programmes to gauge the extent of crop damage caused by a hailstorm last week.

Farmers in Osmanabad alleged they were made to pose with slates and photographed like criminals while their counterparts in Jalna claimed that they were asked to conduct autopsies of slain chicken. They have urged the government to at least treat them with dignity, even if it was unwilling to compensate them for their losses.

Bhagawant Birajdar (37) and many of his fellow-farmers in Osmanabads Ekondi village were allegedly asked by officials to pose for photographs with slates in their hands during a punchnama conducted to assess the crop loss due to the hailstorm on February 11. The slates contained their survey numbers, area under cultivation and other related information.

We feel ashamed of the manner in which we were treated. It resembled an identification parade. Our guardian minister, Arjun Khotkar, was no better. When we asked if we can expect the compensation anytime soon, he responded by asking if we expect him to carry a cheque book around, Birajdar said.

Osmanabad collector RV Game has ordered an inquiry. Officials are expected to photograph the beneficiaries at the punchnamas, but asking farmers to hold slates is not right. We have announced a probe, he said.

Residents of other villages complained that they were asked to conduct autopsies of their slain poultry. The order was finally withdrawn when state Congress chief Ashok Chavan lodged a complaint with the authorities.

It is true that village-level revenue officers asked the farmers to bring the chickens for a post-mortem, but it was out of ignorance of the standing order. We have rectified it, said Jalna resident deputy collector Rajesh Joshi.

The Opposition, meanwhile, has accused the government of insensitivity. Instead of extending assistance to distraught farmers, the government is humiliating them, said Chavan.
Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday described Uttar Pradeshs clinching of the defence corridor as a historical synergy between the centre and the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Wednesday, while inaugurating the UP Investors Summit in Lucknow, declared that the countrys second defence equipment manufacturing corridor would be established in UP. He had said that the corridor, with an investment of about Rs 20,000 crore, would create 2.5 lakh new jobs.

In 18 days flat, it (corridor allotment) came about, Sitharaman said and went on to tell about it in an anecdotal manner.

The day after the budget, Yogiji met me in Delhi. It was February 2. He came to invite me to this investment summit. In a passing reference, I mentioned that the budget proposed two defence industrial corridors in the country. Yogiji asked, with a little hesitation, if UP could get one? I said if UP is interested or if it can show interest, then we might be able to do something, she narrated the Delhi dialogue.

Sitharaman added: But I could not have promised anything at that stage. Then I immediately told the Prime Minister that the UP CM had shown interest in getting the corridor and has made a request. The PM said: Just go ahead on it immediately and do whatever is required. At this, I discussed with the issue with the defence secretary.

Sitaraman further said: Normally, the bureaucracy doesnt work the way it did this time. With the PMs go-ahead, the centres bureaucracy swung into action. In UP, the CM energised his bureaucracy. Generally the bureaucracy believes in working out a detailed plan ... But for this, they set this aside and began shuttling between Delhi and Lucknow began. They worked with such speed and synergy that just 18 days later, the PM could announce the second corridor with details.

She said Bundelkhand will benefit from the corridor when the units will start coming up along the Bundelkhand Expressway. When investment will happen, people of Bundelkhand will benefit, she said.
In an apparent case of honour killing, an 18-year-old boy was allegedly beaten to death by his girlfriends brother in Haryanas Mahendragarh district on Wednesday. The body of Pradeep Singh, a Class-11 student of a government school in Israna village, was found with his face mutilated at agriculture fields near his school. The police on reaching the spot found Pradeeps wailing girlfriend sitting besides his body along with other students.

The police said Pradeep was tricked into going to agriculture fields from his school by the accuseds aides. When he reached, around seven men attacked him with lathis and sharp weapons, killing him on the spot.

The police said Pradeeps friend informed the school faculty when the former failed to return.

DSP Vinod Kumar said initial investigations indicated that Pradeeps girlfriends brother Pritam found out about their relationship and killed him in rage. He is absconding and has been booked under IPC Section 302 along with his six unidentified aides, he added.

The police have also recovered a blood-soaked lathi from the spot that was allegedly used to kill Pradeep. The DSP said they have sent the girl to the safe home till further developments, apprehending risk to her life from her family. The police said the victim and accused, both belonged to Rambas village.
India on Thursday was ascertaining details about how convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal got a visa as Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said the Indo-Canadian businessman should never have received the invitation to the official dinner as the incident made headlines.

Let us not presume things and decide how he managed to come. This is something which we are trying to find out. In due course, we will be able to come up with a reason that how he managed to come in India, the spokesperson for the ministry of external affairs Raveesh Kumar said.

There are two aspects to it: presence and visa. The Canadian side has already clarified that the invitation has been withdrawn. About the visa, I dont know how it happened. We will ascertain information from our commission, Kumar added.

Atwal, who was photographed with Trudeaus wife at an event in Mumbai on February 20, and three other men were convicted of the attempted murder for the 1986 attack on Akali Dal leader and minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu on Vancouver Island.

Obviously, we take this extremely seriously. He should never have received an invitation. As soon as we received the information we rescinded it. A member of parliament had included this individual, Trudeau said.

Earlier, Canadian authorities said the invitation to Atwal to the dinner reception to be hosted by Canadian high commissioner Nadir Patel for Trudeau at the envoys residence in New Delhi on Thursday night had been withdrawn.

As the invitation to Atwal made headlines political leaders and diplomats questioned Trudeaus assurance that his country wont support any separatist movement in India.

Congress Sunil Jakhar said that Trudeau should respect the sentiments of the Indian government and the people of Punjab.

He is the head of state and he had assured (chief minister) Capt Amarinder Singh that Canada will not support terrorism in any form, Jakhar said.

The Congress leader was referring to Trudeaus meeting with Singh on Wednesday where he said that Canada did not support any separatist movement in India or elsewhere.

Really happy to receive categorical assurance from Canadian PM@Justin Trudeau that his country does not support any separatist movement. His words are a big relief to all of us here in India and we look forward to his governments support in tackling fringe separatist elements, Singh tweeted after the meeting.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy also questioned the stand taken by Canada about not supporting Khalistan.

It was foolish on our part to not do a background check. And how could Canadians, who claim that they do not support the Khalistani, allow the same, he was quoted as saying by ANI.

Former high commissioner of India to Canada Vishnu Prakash acknowledged the existence of a cloud on the Indo-Canadian bilateral ties due to the Khalistan issue.

Unfortunately Canada is the only country in the world which is providing a platform, or is seen to be providing a platform to the Khalistan elements, Not the USA, not the UK and that is a matter of concern, Prakash told ANI.

Prakash, in addition to this, also underscored how the tiny faction of Khalistan elements, who control the gurdwaras, use money donated to them to propagate the radical agenda.

Ninety-nine percent of Sikhs love Canada and India. There is a microscopic percentage of radical Khalistan elements who control Gurudwaras. Money, donated by pious Sikhs, goes to them and they use it to spread radical agenda and spread hatred towards India, Prakash explained.

Canada must stop glorifying Khalistanis

Ujjal Dosanjh, an Indo-Canadian politician in British Columbia and a vocal critic of the Khalistan movement who was allegedly attacked by Atwal in February 1985, said he was flabbergasted and left speechless  to learn about the invitation.

Atwal was not convicted in the attack on Dosanjh because of a technicality related to his identification. The attack on the Punjab minister occurred almost a year later.

This speaks volumes about the kind of inroads Khalistanis have made into the Liberal Party of Canada and the echelons of power, Dosanjh, who was brutally attacked in a parking lot, said.

Dosanjh, who went on to become the premier (chief minister) of the province and a federal cabinet minister, said this pointed to a colossal failure on part of those conducting security checks for the Trudeau visit.

This is what I have been saying. This is not about freedom of speech, it is about Canadian politicians openly hobnobbing, associating with unquestionable elements that are Khalistanis, he said.

Dosanjh said politicians in his country have failed to appreciate Indias deep sensitivities about Khalistani activities.

There has been no blowback from India till now despite Canadian politicians going to parades, processions and events where posters of Air India bomber Talwinder Singh Parmar and other militants are displayed and they are celebrated as heroes, he said.

He said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly took Trudeau aside at Davos and told him that Khalistani activities in Canada were becoming a serious issue.

He added that is why Trudeaus two ministers, Harjit Sajjan and Amarjeet Sohi, made the statement that they have nothing to do with Khalistan just before their departure for India.

He said if Canadian politicians stop pandering to separatists and going to their events, the Khalistan movement will die quickly.

Dosanjh said Trudeaus statements about Indias unity would be meaningless if politicians keep going to the events where militants are glorified.

I cannot stop anyone from glorifying anyone, but what I can do is stop going to such events. This is what Trudeau and other politicians should do now. Or they should insist that they will not attend such events if the killers of innocent people are glorified.

Commentators said Trudeau received a lukewarm reception because of his failure to clearly speak out against Sikh extremists and Khalistani terrorists in Canada.

Trudeau is also facing criticism for other aspects of his visit, including a number of events that have been described as photo opportunities with no substantive outcomes. Only half a day of the eight-day trip has been set aside for official engagements such as talks with Modi.
India is all set to start operations on a part of the Chabahar Port by May-end on borrowed Iranian equipment, two senior government officials familiar with the matter said.

The internal arrangement to operationalise the port within the next three months is part of the agreement signed during Iranian president Hassan Rouhanis recent visit to India.

As per the deal, Tehran will lease out operational control of a part of Chabahar Port, to India for 18 months. According to the MoU signed between the two sides in 2016, India will equip and operate two terminals in Chabahar Port Phase-I with capital investment of US$85.21 million and annual revenue expenditure of US$ 22.95 million on a 10-year lease.

However, till India procures the equipment to operationalise the port  the process for which will take some time  a short-term lease contract has been signed to borrow equipment from Iran to start interim operations on a part of the port where the work is complete.

We will have a foothold in Chabahar by May. This will give a boost to our plans to connect India with Afghanistan and central Asia, shipping secretary Gopal Krishna said.

India is building a container terminal and a multi-purpose cargo terminal with a total waterfront length of 1,240 metres. Of this, it wants to start operation on 360 metres by May-end. Project Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be in place by March-end. We are in the middle of the process to select the SPV, said Arun Kumar Gupta, managing director of India Ports Global Private Limited (IPGPL).

IPGPL is a joint venture between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and Kandla Port Trust to develop Chabahar. The port, located in the Sistan-Baluchistan Province of Iran on the south-eastern coast, is of great strategic importance to India. It will provide the country an alternative and reliable route into Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan, and give it access to resource-rich central Asia.

After his meeting with Rouhani, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said Chabahar was the golden gateway to Afghanistan and the central Asian region.

India, Iran and Afghanistan have already signed a transit agreement for easy passage of Indian goods to their territory.
The Centres interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, on Thursday began a tour of three districts in an area considered the hotbed of militancy, as part of his mission to start a dialogue that could potentially end a decades-long insurgency in the state.

Sharma, a former Intelligence Bureau chief who was last year appointed the Centres special representative, began his tour from Shopian and will cover Anantnag and Kulgam, officials said.

Sharma spent the day in Shopian and met several delegations comprising representatives, among others, of passenger vehicle drivers, SC/ST communities and family members of a policeman killed in militant attack.

My meetings went fine. I met around 18-20 delegations. I am next going to Anantnag and Kulgam, Sharma said over phone. What transpired in the meetings was not made public.

Official sources, however, said relatives of three civilians killed in army firing on protesters last month did not meet Sharma.

He is expected to meet other delegations in Anantnag on Friday.

Sharma has been undertaking a series of visits across the state, meeting cross-sections of people, in an attempt to conduct a sustained dialogue.

Last November, too, Sharma had toured some parts of south Kashmir, one of the most radicalised parts of the Valley were anti-India sentiments run deep.
Protest rallies were taken out in Srinagar on Thursday, demanding justice for an eight-year-old tribal girl who was found raped and murdered in Kathua district over a month ago.

Civil society members joined up with traders, academics, students and lawyers at Pratap Park in Srinagar to denounce right-wing activists who came out in support of the people arrested for the crime. The protesters sought that the people responsible for the crime be brought to book, and the authorities prevent the process of justice from falling prey to communal politics.

We have come here in solidarity with the victims family. We want to tell them and the Gujjar community that we are with them in their hour of grief, said Shakeel Qalandar, a senior trade union leader.

The girls mutilated body was found on January 17, a week after she went missing from Rasana village in Kathua district. The crime branch arrested three people  including two special police officers and a minor  in connection with the case. One of them, special police officer Deepak Khajuria, was a member of the search team deputed to find the girl after her father lodged a missing complaint. The case, however, took a political turn when members of the right-wing Hindu Ekta Manch and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took out a rally to demand Khajurias release.

We were hopeful that the girl will get justice after the crime branch arrested some men. It is deplorable that some people should come out in support of them, said Qalandar.

Separatist leaders termed the communalisation and politicisation of a minors rape and murder as deplorable, disgusting and against all ethics. Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yasin Malik addressed a rally at Abi Guzar, before being detained while trying to march towards Lal Chowk. The separatist leader demanded capital punishment for the accused.

Senior Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani also addressed the rally through telephone, expressing horror over police security being accorded to a BJP leaders rally in support of the accused in Kathua. I appeal to people from all sections of society  particularly the non-Muslim community and human rights groups in Jammu  to come out in support of the victims family. The perpetrators must be punished for their heinous crime, he said.
Almost three months after CBI filed a chargesheet in the custodial death of an accused in the Kotkhai rape and murder case, the Himachal government has approved the prosecution of IG Zahur Zaidi and seven others.

The CBI had sought sanction for the prosecution of officials who were part of the SIT constituted to probe the Kotkhai rape and murder case in July last year. The agency had submitted a chargesheet on November 25, and mentioned that it was awaiting the states nod to prosecute these osfficials.

The government on Wednesday gave its approval for the prosecution of eight officials, including- suspended IG Police Zahur Zaidi.

In a chargehseet filed on November 25, the central probe agency also accused the SIT, headed by inspector general of police (IG) Zahur Zaidi, of a cover-up following the death of Nepalese national Suraj Singh in police custody on July 18.

The CBI also noted that Suraj Singh was tortured to extract a confession, and another man arrested by the SIT was forced at gunpoint to admit to his involvement in the crime.

After the formation of the SIT, inspector general (IG) Zahur Zaidi, the then Shimla superintendent of police (SP) DW Negi, Theog deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Manoj Joshi and other accused police officers entered into a criminal conspiracy to falsely implicate Suraj Singh and others in the Kotkhai rape and murder case, CBIs chargesheet said.

The CBI has arrested nine police officers, including Zaidi, former Shimla SP DW Negi and then DSP Theog Manoj Joshi and few other cops in the case.

According to the chargesheet, the SIT arrested Suraj Singh and four others on July 13, a week after the girls body was found, even though there was no evidence against them.

The CBI also noted that Suraj Singh was tortured to extract a confession, and another man arrested by the SIT was forced at gunpoint to admit to his involvement in the crime.

After taking over probe following a Himachal Pradesh high court order, the CBI re-examined Singhs body in the presence of experts from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on July 25. The report revealed Singh had sustained injuries at intervals ranging from about two days to two hours prior to his death.

The injuries on Surajs body were the result of a blunt hard cylindrical object such as lathi. The medical board also ruled out the possibility of Suraj sustaining injuries in a scuffle with another individual, states the chargesheet.

Recently, the CBI filed a supplementary chargehseet against DW Negi and charged him with murder and disappearance of evidence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening welcomed the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on his visit and said that he looked forward to meeting him on Friday.

I look forward to meeting PM @JustinTrudeau tomorrow and holding talks on further strengthening India-Canada relations in all spheres, Modi tweeted.

I appreciate his deep commitment to ties between our two countries, he said.

In a separate tweet, Modi said that he hoped Trudeau had an enjoyable visit to India so far and that he particularly looked forward to meeting Trudeaus three children Xavier, Ella-Grace and Hadrien.

He also posted a picture of him along with Trudeau and Ella-Grace during his visit to Canada in April 2015.

Modis comments came even as a row broke out about an invitation being extended to convicted Khalistan separatist Jaspal Atwal by the Canadian High Commission for a reception on Thursday night in honour of the visiting dignitary.

The High Commission has since rescinded the invitation and the external affairs ministry has said that it is being ascertained how India issued a visa to Atwal.

In 1987, Atwal and three others were found guilty of the attempted assassination of a Punjab state minister who was on a visit to Canada the previous year and were sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The incident was the latest to happen amid wide speculation of Modi and his government cold-shouldering Trudeau during his eight-day state visit to India that started on February 17. The visiting dignitary and his family have since visited Agra, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Amritsar.

While Modi did not accompany Trudeau to Ahmedabad, a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh at Amritsar on Wednesday was organised only at the last moment.

Ties between New Delhi and Ottawa have been frosty in recent times as Canada is being seen as offering a platform to separatists demanding an independent Khalistan.

The visit of Trudeau, who assumed office in November 2015, comes after the visit of Modi to Canada in April that year.
The Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday asked the Haryana government to supply the call details with tower locations of key Haryana government officers posted in Sonepat at the time of the alleged Murthal gangrapes in February 2016, during the pro-quota stir by Jats in the state.

The high court division bench of justice AK Mittal and justice AS Grewal issued this directive during the resumed hearing of a suo motu petition initiated by the court in February 2016, following a news-report on the alleged rapes in a prominent English daily. The special investigation team (SIT) probing the FIR registered by the Haryana police in March 2016 has hit a dead end as it hasnt been able to find any victim or witness.

As the hearing began on Thursday, senior advocate Anupam Gupta, who is assisting the court as amicus curiae, informed that he had got call detail records of then Inspector general of police (IGP), superintendent of police (SP), deputy commissioner (DC), deputy superintended of police (DSP) and station house officer SHO Murthal (Sonepat), for the period between February 19/20 and February 22. However, the details did not have tower locations of the cellular operators, thus making it an exercise in futility. He also sought call details of two more officers.

Later, the court directed the Haryana government to provide cellular tower location details with call records of all the officers in question besides call details of two more officials  then DSP (traffic), Sonepat, Sushil Kumar, and then SDM, Nishant Kumar Yadav.

Gupta had sought these details to ascertain the role of these officials, arguing that half an hour after the rapes, senior officers showed up at Sukhdev Dhaba, an eatery on the ChandigarhDelhi highway, and escorted the victims to the Delhi border.

Gupta is now pressing for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. On some occasions, the court too has observed that if it remained dissatisfied with Haryanas investigation, the probe would be handed over to the CBI.

The hearing will now take place on April 18. Thursdays hearing was a brief one as senior advocate, Supreme Court, Tushar Mehta, who appears on behalf of the Haryana government, was not available.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a member of a banned Manipuri terrorist organisation who was allegedly a part of the team that carried out an audacious attack on an army convoy in June 2015, in which 18 soldiers were killed and 15 other injured, an official spokesperson said.

The details of the place of arrest were not given out by the NIA and the spokesman only said 22-year-old Moirangthem Nimaichand Meitei was an active cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyon) group.

Meitei was also in the team that was involved in the ambush near Paraolen village in Chandel district of Manipur on June 4, 2015, he said.

This was the worst-ever terror attack on the army which saw 18 personnel dead and 15 seriously injured.

The accused was produced before the special judge on February 20 where he was remanded in seven days of NIA custody.

However, sources said the accused had been detained by a combined team of the NIA, Gorkha Rifles and Bishnupur police in Manipur on February 3 from Ningthoukhong area.

The anti-terror probe agency, which investigated the case, had ascertained that the the total number of militants who participated in the attack was 23 out of whom two were killed in the retaliatory action by the Army in Chandel district of Manipur, officials said.

Army trucks were attacked with Lathod guns and grenades by suspected terrorists of NSCN (Khaplang) and other groups. The militants had formed three groups to carry out the attack and explosive-laden cans were planted alongside the road to maximise the damage, they said.
The Army on Thursday defended its chief Bipin Rawats comments about the rise of a political party in the Northeast on the back of Muslim support, saying there was nothing political or religious in the talk.

The response comes after Badruddin Ajmal, president of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) questioned if the Army chief was indulging in politics which is against the constitutional mandate given to him.

Gen Bipin Rawat has made a political statement, shocking! Why is it a concern for the Army Chief that a political party, based on democratic & secular values, is rising faster than BJP? Alternative parties like AIUDF, AAP have grown because of the misgovernance of big parties, Ajmal tweeted.

The controversy started after Rawat spoke of proxy warfare in the Northeast by Pakistan with help from China and the planned influx of Bangladeshi immigrants. He also referred to Ajmals AIDUF in connection with reports of increase in Muslim population in several districts of Assam, observing that the party has grown faster than the BJP in the 1980s.

There is nothing political or religious in the talk. Army Chief just mentioned amalgamation and development in the seminar on North-East organised at DRDO Bhawan on 21 Feb 18, the Army said.

Reacting to the Army statement, Ajmal tweeted: If nothing political, why was Army Chief dragging a political party, in his speech, whose representatives are democratically elected by Indian citizens?

Speaking at a conference on the Northeast in the Capital on Wednesday, Rawat said: They (Pakistan) will always try and ensure that this area is taken over playing the proxy dimension of warfare where they do not have to confront a stronger nation through conventional operations.

He did not name Pakistan or China, instead using western neighbour and northern neighbour to refer to them.

I think the proxy game is very well played by our western neighbour, supported by our northern neighbour (China) to keep the area disturbed. We will continue to see some migration happening, said Rawat.

He said India needed to identify problems in the Northeast and address them holistically, with focus on development and on ways to integrate the region with the rest of the country.

I think the government is looking at the Northeast with correct perspective...With development will come control of the people residing in this area. I dont think now you can change the population dynamics of this region... there is a party called AIUDF. It has grown at a faster rate than the BJP has over the years. The AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam.

The AIUDF, which was formed in 2005 with an aim to champion the cause of Muslim community, currently has three MPs in the Lok Sabha and 13 legislators in the state assembly.
Pakistan on Thursday summoned Indias deputy high commissioner JP Singh in Islamabad for the fourth time in a month to condemn the unprovoked firing by Indian troops across the Line of Control (LoC).

Director general (South Asia and SAARC) Mohammad Faisal summoned Singh and condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations by Indian forces on February 22 in Rawalakot/Satwal Sector, the foreign office said in a statement.

The firing killed a labourer, working at a civilian crush plant, at Poonch river bank, it said.

Faisal said despite calls for restraint, India continues to indulge in LoC firing.

The Foreign Office had summoned Indias deputy high commissioner on February 5, 15 and 20.

Last month, the Indian envoy was summoned five times on January 15, 18, 19, 20 and 21.

Faisal said, The deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws.

Faisal urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement and investigate the repeated incidents of ceasefire violations, the statement said.

He also urged the Indian side to allow the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions.

India maintains that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control.
Two benches of the Supreme Court asked the Chief Justice of India to constitute a larger bench to settle differences over a judgment on land acquisition that has caused some consternation in the countrys top court.

The two benches, one comprising Justices AK Mishra and AK Roy and another of AK Goel and UU Lalit, were hearing land acquisition cases from Haryana and Madhya Pradesh respectively but said that the larger issue has to be resolved by a larger bench.

Mishra, Goel and Justice MM Shantanagoudar gave a ruling on February 8 that sets a precedent in favour of the government in land acquisition cases. Their order overturned one by another three-judge bench in 2014. On Wednesday, a three-judge bench headed by Justice MB Lokur effectively stayed the February 8 order in an interim ruling, reasoning that one three-judge bench should not be overturning orders by another three-judge one. It also asked all high courts and benches of the supreme Court hearing land acquisition cases to disregard the February 8 precedent.

At the core of the issue is a 2014 judgment by a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court in a case involving the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). That ruling said land acquisition would be considered void if the compensation to the people from whom the land was being acquired was not deposited in their bank accounts or with the courts.

Some people refuse to surrender their land and do not take the compensation amount.

Despite over 20 decisions that followed the principles evolved in that case, the bench of Justices Misra, Goel and Justice MM Shantagoudar overturned this ruling on 8 February -- its logic was that once the amount had been offered as compensation, it would be taken as paid under the provisions of the land acquisition law of 2013, even if the land owner refused the amount.

Justice Misra has since then decided over 60 land acquisition cases, while relying on his judgement. This was pointed out on Wednesday before Justice Lokurs court, while it was hearing a land acquisition case from Haryana, prompting it to request the courts to not to give final orders in such matters.

We are only concerned with judicial discipline, Justice Joseph had said then, adding if Justice Mishras bench disagreed with the view taken in the PMC case, then it should have referred the issue to a larger bench.

We do not mind our order being set aside. It is for the CJI to decide which bench should hear it, Justice Misra commented in response to the day-old order.

Whether it amounts to judicial discipline or not, it is for the court to see, his bench added.
Hailing women as the womb of humanity, Canadas first lady Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on Thursday asked young women to be fearless and face the world with their heads held high.

Addressing a group of Indian women students in New Delhi at the Asia launch of the global campaign  She Will Grow Into It  Trudeau also asked them to speak up for those who cannot, and have fun.

The wife of visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said many cultural beliefs have asked women to have small space in society or disappear sometimes from it, but that will not happen.

Girls and women are the womb of humanity and they will be fully participative citizens... And men are our allies in the quest for equality, she said.

Twelve students from Gujarats Patan district on Thursday interacted with Trudeau as part of the campaign and shared their stories.

After listening to the story of a Class 11 student, who aspires to become a poet, Trudeau appeared emotional and teary.

There is a lot that you will face growing up as a girl. And you may also feel fearful. While it is normal to feel fear, I want to tell you that you should be courageous and fearless in facing the world.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Gregoire, daughter Ella-Grace Margaret, sons Xavier James and Hadrien pose for a photograph at Jama Masjid, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)

Face the world with your head held high. Speak up, and be the voices of those who cannot. And, while doing all that have fun, Trudeau said.

Wearing a yellow dress with floral prints, she hugged all the 12 students when she walked into the hall and later also posed for pictures and selfies.

The Trudeau family and their three children are on a week-long visit to India.

Canadas defence minister Harjit Sajjan also interacted with the young women and described them as powerful agents of change.

Every child has a gift and endeavour to accomplish your inner potential and realise what you dream to become, he said.

The campaign led by Canada-based non-profit organisation Nutrition International was launched globally in Ottawa on the International Day of the Girl Child.

It serves to challenge social norms and highlights that a girls future can answer should be powerful, progressive and limitless, everywhere. the organisation said.
Ahead of Fridays India-Canada bilateral summit, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland held a strategic dialogue in New Delhi on Thursday covering a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues.

In a tweet, external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted that the two leaders had wide ranging discussions on strengthening relations in trade and investment, security and cyber security, energy, people to people contacts and other relevant bilateral and regional issues.

Freeland arrived on Wednesday evening ahead of the bilateral summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau.

Thursdays meeting was held amid wide speculation of Modi and his government cold-shouldering Trudeau during his eight-day state visit to India that started on February 17.

Ties between New Delhi and Ottawa have been frosty in recent times as Canada is being seen as offering a platform to separatists demanding an independent Khalistan.

The visiting dignitary and his family have visited Agra, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Amritsar but Modi has not yet issued any welcome statement or tweet.

While Modi did not accompany Trudeau to Ahmedabad, a meeting with Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh at Amritsar on Wednesday was organised only at the last moment. During the meeting, Singh handed over a list of nine Canada-based operatives alleged to have been involved in hate crimes in Punjab by financing and supplying weapons for terrorist activities, and also engaged in trying to radicalise youth and children in the state.

Canada is home to around 1.2 million people of Indian origin.
Politicians in Tamil Nadu attended an all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue in the presence of farmer representatives on Thursday and resolved to put up a united fight to secure the interests of the states farming community.

It is for the first time since 2007 that a chief minister convened an all-party meeting, indicating a joint effort to secure the interests of farmers in the Cauvery delta that comprises six districts.

The meeting convened by chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami resolved to urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will arrive in Chennai on Saturday, to set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) as soon as possible and pressure Karnataka to accept and follow the Supreme Court (SC) order in letter and spirit.

The meeting comes in the wake of Karnatakas proposed decision to challenge the Supreme Court order on the setting up of the Cauvery board.

The Supreme Court had in its final order on February 16 reduced Tamil Nadus share of Cauvery water to 177.25 TMC, down from the 192 TMC allocated by a tribunal in 2007.

The Thursday meeting also resolved to pressure the Centre, if need be, by sending an all-party delegation to the Prime Minister.

DMK working president MK Stalin said the topmost task for Tamil Nadu as a state was to ensure the setting up of the CMB so that there was no need to beg Karnataka for water every year.

If need be, we should go in an all-party delegation to Delhi to put pressure on the Prime Minister and the Centre to protect the interests of Tamil Nadu, Stalin said, echoing the sentiments of all participants.

BJPs Tamil Nadu unit president Tamilisai Soundararajan told mediapersons that the Centre would soon give its consent to form the board.

CPM leader S Ramakrishnan said the government ought to take steps to secure the 14.75 TMC reduced in TNs allocation. There was also unanimity over the need to proceed legally with regard to the Supreme Court order.

Earlier, Palaniswami urged all parties to unite to secure the states rights, even though internally, we all may have our own differences.

Speaking at the meeting, the chief minister thanked all leaders and farmers associations for their participation.

He added that the government was open to all ideas aimed at safeguarding the interests of the state.
Indias diplomatic efforts have paid off in the Doklam controversy, government told a House panel on Thursday even as the Centre said they are looking closely at engagements between China and Bhutan, parliamentary sources said.

At the meeting of the parliamentary panel on external affairs, Congress president Rahul Gandhi asked foreign secretary about the possibilities of China and Bhutan making their own land-swapping deal with Bhutan giving away crucial parts of Doklam to its northern neighbour, according to people present in the meeting.

Gandhi wanted to know of New Delhi is aware about the engagements between China and Bhutan, to which the foreign secretary answered in the affirmative but added that India doesnt see any possibility of such a land deal in the near future.

At the meeting on the Sino-India Relations including Doklam, border situation and cooperation in international organizations, the panel invited retired army chief, Gen. Deepak Kapoor, former diplomat Nalin Surie and retired Col. Vinayak Bhat to give evidence on the issue.

Members like Md Salim of CPIM pointed out to the media reports on the construction work carried on by the Chinese military in the Doklam area, which witnessed 73-day Doklam standoff between India and China.

According to members present at the meeting, government officials pointed out that the constructions are not happening in the disputed area but in the Chinese territory. We are aware of the developments. But our diplomatic efforts have paid off. After July 2017, no more stand-off has taken place in Doklam, officials said.

Indian experts said that Doklam-like situation along the Sikkim border is likely to be the new normal, a reputed defence think tank has observed, making a strong case for building military capabilities as China respects strength.

In a new paper titled Looking Beyond Doklam, the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), a think tank set up by the defence ministry a decade ago, said it is crucial for India to demonstrate strength as peace along the disputed border or Line of Actual Control (LAC) will be constantly and continuously under stress with increase in frequency, intensity and depth of (Chinese) transgressions leading to more and more standoffs, the foreign ministry told the panel.

Last year, China had accused India of trespass and preventing its troops from building a road in the remote Himalayan plateau that is claimed by both China and Bhutan. The 73-day standoff ended with withdrawal of troops and China removing road-building equipment.

Doklam was definitely different from Chumar (2014) and Depsang (2013), as China resorted to an information war, exploiting both the Chinese media and also investing in the Indian media, wrote CENJOWS director, lieutenant general (retd) Vinod Bhatia in the paper.

Bhatia was the director general of military operations when India and China were locked in a tense border standoff at Depsang in Ladakh four years ago. He has also commanded the Siliguri-based HQs 33 Corps that controls the Sikkim sector.
Amid heated debates in the Rajasthan assembly on issues of farmer distress and corruption, the MLAs on Thursday raised another demand  holding of a puja to ward off evil spirits from the haunted House.

After the untimely deaths of BJP MLAs Kirti Kumari and Kalyan Singh, talk of the Rajasthan assembly, which is built on a cremation ground, being haunted began to make rounds.

BJP MLAs Habibur Rahman and Kalulal Gurjar raised the issue with chief minister Vasundhara Raje in the House on the day.

Rahman said some BJP MLAs were discussing the demise of Kalyan Singh with Raje and told her that the spirits of the departed still haunt the assembly as it was built on a cremation ground. He said since the assembly shifted to the new premises in 2001, at least one of its 200 MLAs have died during an assembly term .

I told madam that the building is constructed on a cremation ground and pujas should be performed to ward off evil spirits, said Rahman.

Kalyan Singh, the MLA from Nathdwara, passed away on Wednesday. In August last year, BJP MLA from Mandalgarh Kirti Kumari had died of swine flu.

After Kirti Kumaris death, bypolls were held in January 2018 and Vivek Dhakad of the Congress was declared elected on February 1.

Kalulal Gurjar, chief whip of the BJP in the assembly, agreed that a purification of the assembly premises was needed. I think if the government gets a puja and purification ceremony done and a feast is organised then any evil spirits can be warded off, he said.

Former speaker Sumitra Singh said during her tenure from 2003 to January 2009, the issue of vaastu dosh had come up but no one had spoken of ghosts.

However assembly secretary Prithviraj, who uses only his first name, dismissed the talk of ghosts as mere chatter. The concern of the MLAs is unfounded. I have worked till late night in the assembly several times and I never felt presence of any ghosts or spirits.
The Allahabad high court dismissed on Thursday a petition challenging an order that refused sanction to prosecute chief minister Yogi Adityanath in a case related to the 2007 Gorakhpur riots.

Adityanath, who was the parliamentarian for Gorakhpur then, was one of the accused in the case.

The court said it did not find any procedural irregularity in the order of refusal to grant sanction to prosecute the accused.

The bench of justices Krishna Murari and Akhilesh Chandra Sharma delivered the judgment on a petition filed by Parvez Parwaz and Asad Hayat. While Parwaz is a complainant in the FIR registered in 2008, Hayat is a witness in the case.

The petitioners had been seeking an investigation by an independent agency amid fears that the CB-CID, a state government agency probing the case, may not be impartial.

Read | Gorakhpur riot case: Allahabad HC upholds quashing of order against Adityanath

However, even when the petition for an independent inquiry was pending, the states principal secretary for the home department refused on May 3 last year prosecution sanction to the investigating agency.

In the FIR lodged at Cantonment police station of Gorakhpur, it was alleged that Yogi, then mayor of Gorakhpur Anju Chaudhri, legislator Radha Mohan Agarwal and another person had incited communal violence and riots in Gorakhpur in January 2007.
Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, who announced to invest Rs 200 crore in UP, described Uttar Pradesh as his home state, at the investors summit.

Remembering his mother, late Indira Mahindra, Anand said she belonged to Allahabad but later moved to Lucknow for her education.

She came from a modest background but worked hard to become a history teacher in Lucknows prestigious Isabella Thoburn (IT) College, he said.

I have grown up listening to stories of the time my mother spent in Uttar Pradesh, and today I am feeling like a traveller who has returned home, he said while describing UP as the land of immense potential.

Yes Indira Mahindra taught history here in 1950-51 after completing her post-graduation from Lucknow University. Later, she moved to Mumbai, confirmed Vinita Prakash, principal, IT College.

In fact, her daughter visited our college a number of times after her death and Mahindra Foundation grants scholarships to many of our students till date, said IT College principal.

Lucknow had recently given tribute to Indira Mahindra by hosting the Sanatkada Lucknow Festival in her name.

Her contribution to arts and culture of Lucknow, which has left an everlasting stamp on the city, was vividly remembered at the fest.

Sanatkada festival is dedicated to late Indira Mahindra, mother of Anand and Radhika Mahindra. Her connection with Lucknow was a strong and sentimental one, said Madhavi Kuckreja, founder, Sanatkada festival.

Few might know that she was a published author of four books and also had a small role in the Bollywood movie Kaali Ghata, which was the reason she moved to Mumbai, revealed Kuckreja, while describing Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival as a befitting tribute to the vibrant woman.

Her effortless ability to connect with people and the diverse cultural traditions of India has been an inspiration to her family, Kuckreja added.

Interestingly, Mahindra group is also a partner in UPs Dial 100 emergency response system.

It is the worlds largest centralised integrated response system and has already saved over 800 lives. It is the most worthwhile kind of investment that ensures safety of women, and saves life, said Anand while announcing a 200-room resort worth Rs 200 crore in Varanasi.
Union minister for transport and national highways, Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday announced that his department would soon begin road projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore in UP and construct 5 lakh-km new roads and national highways.

LUCKNOW TO KANPUR IN 40 MINS Lucknow-Kanpur travel time would be reduced to just 40 minutes on the completion of the expressway connecting the two cities, said Gadkari. Work on the proposed expressway would begin with bhoomi poojan in April, he added.

Presiding over the session Propelling Infrastructure Development in UP during the investors summit, he said money was not a problem, but the lack of vision was. He said UP was a rich state with poor people because of the lack of vision for development and hoped the state would achieve heights of development under the leadership of its chief minister, Yogi Adtyanath.

Gadkari said his ministry was ready to help UP in all possible ways, provided land was made available for the road projects. You provide us land and we will not let you down, he said pointing to minister for industrial development, Satish Mahana on the dais.

The minister said Lucknow-Kanpur travel time would be reduced to just 40 minutes on the completion of the expressway connecting the two cities. Work on the proposed expressway, he said, would begin with bhoomi poojan in April. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate the Delhi-Meerut expressway next month.

However, Gadkaris emphasis was more on the development of waterways which, he claimed, could be a game-changer for UP. The ongoing Rs 54,000-crore Varanasi-Haldia waterways project will transform UPs economy, he claimed.

He said the under-construction multi-modal terminal at Varanasi would emerge as a major logistics gateway connecting north India to eastern and north-eastern states.

By the 2019 Kumbh, people will be able to travel between Varanasi-and Allahabad by the Ganga waterway, he said, adding that a new law would be made within the next three months to facilitate the plying of sea planes in the country.

Gadkari said this sector had immense potential in UP and called on the state government to work on the promotion of second generation ethanol (made from bagasse, rice straw etc) and use of the same as a cheaper fuel for vehicles. With 125 sugar factories, UP has a lot of potential of producing ethanol fuel, he said, adding This will create a lot of employment as well in rural areas.

He said the ambitious Ken-Betwa river interlinking project will project UP in a big way by irrigating 4.50 lakh hectare land in Bundelkhand region. The minister said Rs 28,000 crore would be spent on the project in UP alone.

Earlier, potential investors gave presentations on the possibilities of development in UP. Minister of industrial development Satish Mahana assured entrepreneurs of all government help, if they invested in the state. With long-term planning, we will make UP as one of the most preferred states, he said.

Gadkari said 4,000-km new roads will be made in UP under the Bharatmala project, the Centres flagship scheme for highway construction. He said detailed projects reports (DPRs) for Rs 900 crore had also been cleared.
Tourism sector will generate five lakh jobs every year by promoting religious, eco, cultural and heritage tourism in the state, said UP tourism minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi on Wednesday.

Speaking at the investors summit, she asserted that the sector had immense potential for growth and job creation. The tourism department signed 50 memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with foreign and domestic investors on the first day of the summit.

On the occasion, deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma were also present.

In Uttar Pradesh we have tourist destinations like Ayodhya, Mathura, Jhansi, Agra, Lucknow and Lakhimpur Kheri among other places. If we upgrade transport and hospitality facilities at these places, then footfall of tourists at these places could be increased, said Joshi.

She also urged tour operators to make such tour packages that common man could easily avail them.

Religious tourism is the focal point of the Yogi government. The Centre has already approved Rs 133-crore package for Ayodhya for executing several development projects there.

AYODHYA EYE

Deputy CM Dinesh Sharma stated that people from all across the world go to London to see the London Eye-- a giant Ferris wheel on banks of the river Thames. We could have similar such attraction in Ayodhya. It will be referred to as Ayodhya Eye. Such things could also be planned for Lucknow and Agra, said Sharma. He requested tour operators to frame special tourist packages for religious places.

CHEAP AIR SERVICES

Deputy CM Keshav Maurya stressed on starting cheap air services to connect it to the tourism policy of the state.

GARHMUKTESHWAR

Avnish Awasthi, director general tourism, informed that Rs 5 crore MoU was signed with a Malaysian company to make Garhmukteshwar, a town in Hapur district, a heritage city.
Renewable energy sector has attracted the highest amount of potential investment during the investors summit with entrepreneurs evincing interest in this relatively new field.

As many as 46 MoUs for projects worth Rs 67,000 crore have already been signed for renewable energy. The number is likely to go up, UP minister for renewable energy Brijesh Pathak said while addressing a session on Renewable energy in Uttar Pradesh: The opportunities during the UP Investors Summit here.

Pathak said he was happy to see the investors interest in renewable energy and added that all possible help would be provided to entrepreneurs in setting up plants.

Giving a presentation on UPs New Solar Policy (2017), principal secretary, energy, Alok Kumar said the state had immense potential of generating solar power with availability of abundant sunlight and land.

He said the policy provided a lot of incentives to entrepreneurs willing to set up solar plants in UP.

Kumar said the demand for renewable energy, which in UPs context largely meant solar, was bound to increase in future. Discoms will have to buy at least 42 billion units of power from renewable sources in a year against 3.5 billion units that they purchase today, he said.

Addressing the gathering, Rajnish Kumar, a senior official of the State Bank of India, suggested that tariff of renewable energy should be rational otherwise it would not work for developers as well as buyers.

Chairman of All-India Power Engineers Federation Shailendra Dubey questioned the signing of MoUs for solar power plants. Setting up of power plants, which obviously includes renewable energy, through MoU route was banned by the UPA government in 2011, he said, adding the investors should be asked to come through competitive bidding route.
If stated intent and MoUs are anything to go by, Uttar Pradesh is all set for a turnaround.

It was always said and widely felt UP required several Noida-type industrial hubs. The state appears to be on way now towards realising the objective, union minister Manoj Sinha said after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set the tone for the summit by saying that under Yogi Adityanath, the most populous state was set to shed its BIMARU image.

After top industrialists had pledged impressive commitments, small and medium investors followed.

There were scores of such investors who showed intent, going for the nearly 73 MoUs of Rs 1000 crore or above that had been revealed by the evening.

For instance Atul Gupta, a wheel-chair bound differently-abled investor along with his partner Harsh Garg, arrived from Meerut to ink a Rs 300 crore pact for setting up a five star hotel in Amausi industrial area.

This is a good time to invest in the state, said Gupta echoing a popular sentiment first expressed by the PM Modi during inaugural session.

An elated UPs industry minister Satish Mahana told HT that the government plans to channel these investments to underdeveloped and hitherto neglected areas of the state.

We plan to transform regions like Bundelkhand where the PM has already spoken of a dedicated defence corridor. Massive investments have been proposed in the field of solar energy. Mind you, these are firm commitments, Mahana said. Mrityunjay Kumar, the advisor to the UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, said the chief minister was taking special interest in expressways that connect Bundelkhand and eastern UP, also called Purvanchal. The idea is to bring about a transformation and in a set timeframe, says UP BJP general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak. Is there a timeframe? Yes. Already people have started saying they are feeling a change. In a couple of years, our political opponents too would admit this, says Mahana.
Avaada Power Pvt. Ltd, a clean energy company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh government to invest Rs 10,000 crore in the state for developing 1600 MW solar projects. Avaada Power chairman Vineet Mittal spoke on the issue on Wednesday.

Excerpts:

In which cities of the state will the company invest?

The projects will be developed across Mirzapur, Badaun, Gorakhpur and Bundelkhand districts. Uttar Pradesh currently has an installed capacity of 569.35 MW solar energy and has the potential to touch a high generation figure of 28 GW. Avaada Power plans to help in bridging this gap.

How many jobs will be created in the state?

Nearly 3,700 employment opportunities will be created. The companys commitment is in line with Uttar Pradeshs annual target of 2000 MW production capacity of solar energy. The MoU was signed as part of UP Investors Summit 2018, in the presence of chief minister Yogi Adityanath

How is solar energy better and cheaper than conventional energy?

With its solar energy commitment of Rs 1600 crore , the organisation will be able to mitigate nearly 25,79,820 tonnes of carbon emissions on an annual basis. Clean energy generated through these projects will be enough to power nearly 7.44 million households in Uttar Pradesh. Now, solar energy is costing just Rs 4.50 per unit, which is competitive in comparison to the energy produced by coal.

Why UP is a good choice for solar energy projects?

The state falls under high solar irradiation zone, which offers tremendous opportunities for expanding the clean energy portfolio. We are glad that this MoU will enable Uttar Pradesh to be the front-runner in achieving the prime ministers vision of 100GW of solar energy by 2022. The company is committed to providing affordable, clean and abundant power for the country and will continue to focus on innovative green technologies.

What about land acquisition for the project?

The company will negotiate with farmers for land acquisition on its own.
Even as the top government dignitaries were busy in the Investors Summit on Wednesday, the cops were tracing criminals in various districts.

Nine notorious criminals were arrested in encounters in Sultanpur, Meerut, Bareilly, Ghaziabad, NOIDA, Hapur, Mau and Gorakhpur districts on Wednesday.

In an encounter in Sultanpur, police nabbed Ambuj Yadav on whom the state government had announced Rs 25,000. A police officer said Yadav was injured in the encounter and admitted to the hospital.

In Badalpur area of Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Haseen of notorious Sunder Bhati gang was held while in Kopaganj, Mau the police arrested three criminals.

Addressing the investors in the summit, chief minister Yogi Adityanath had assured them of security, saying that measures were taken to improve law and order and the investors need not fear.

The IPS Association also lauded the motto of the state police for the summit- You Invest- We Will take care of the rest. In a tweet, the IPS Association said, Commendable work by the UP police in enhancing sense of security which will definitely result in investor confidence.

The state police had stepped up the pressure on criminal gangs as the countdown to the summit began. Twenty- nine criminals were killed in encounters, according to figures available with the state government.

In all, 40 criminals have been killed since the BJP came to power in UP on March 19 last year.

On Sunday, while reviewing the preparation for the summit Yogi Adityanath directed DGP, OP Singh to strengthen security, streamline the movement of the traffic and maintain law and order across the state.

Immediately afterwards, the DGP summoned ADGs Zone, IGPs and DIGs Range and made it clear that encounters would continue. He also directed the police officers to prepare a strategy to check crime in 75 districts.

That the police are in hot pursuit of criminals can be gauged from the fact that in the first week of February police arrested and killed 24 hardened criminals in 15 encounters in Bulandshahar, Shamli, Kanpur, Sharanapur, Lucknow, Muzaffarnagar, Gorakhpur, Hapur and Meerut.

ADG (law and order) Anand Kumar said the police nabbed hardened criminals in various districts and policemen were also injured in the operations.

In Shamli, two notorious criminals Irshad and Salim met SP Ajaypal Sharma on Monday to assure him that they would not indulge in crime and turn into good citizens.
The Kandivli police are investigating a case against three people for cheating a 46-year-old businessman of Rs1.8 crore.

The trio had sold a flat to the complainant, Harshad Patel, in 2015. Patel approached the police after he realised that the trio had sold the same flat to another person.

Patel met with the accused in August 2015 when he was looking for an apartment. He finalised an apartment in Kamla Vihar building in Kandivli (west) and paid Rs1.8 crore to the accused.

He did not get possession of the apartment, but continued to maintain correspondence with the accused, he told the police.

However, Patel later found out that the flat had also been sold to one Parth Mehta for Rs1 crore.

Patel approached the police after the trio refused to give him possession of the flat and also refused to return his money. A case of cheating has been registered against the three.

The accused trio had signed a memorandum of understanding with Mehta to the effect of the sale of the flat. Patel said his money was also never returned, said an officer from Kandivli police station.
A businessman lost Rs98 lakh after an unidentified man snatched a bag from his 65-year-old employee at a busy market in Pydhonie on Wednesday night. Nadeer Khan, who owns a bead shop, handed over a bag containing cash to his trusted employee Rajeshwarao Shankar Shastri to be delivered to his home at Siddarth Mansion on Ibrahim Rehmatulla road, which was at a distance of 100 metres, said an officer, who didnt wish to be named.

As a flat deal did not materialise, Khan asked Shastri to deliver the cash to his first-floor home. When he climbed the stairs, a man snatched the bag and disappeared into the crowd, said the officer.

Shastri has been working in the shop for four decades. He in his statement said Khan gave him the cash, said a senior official from Pydhonie police station. A case has been register under section 392 (punishment for robbery) of the Indian Penal Code. We have registered a case accordingly to the statement given by the complainant and are further investigating the matter, said Avinash Kanade, senior inspector of Pydhonie police station. The police have recovered CCTV footage of the incident, showing a man wearing yellow shirt fleeing with the bag.

A sources from the crime branch said, The Khan family was willing to buy a new flat. On Wednesday, some deal was to be finalised, but for some reason, it was postponed till Thursday. Therefore Khan asked Shastri to take the cash back home. We suspect involvement of employees and local residents who knew about the cash.
A day after the National Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar praised Congress and its newly elected president Rahul Gandhi, senior leaders of both the parties met to discuss seat sharing details for the ten seats of the state legislative council going for elections soon.

The party leaders even said that they will continue to meet inorder to maintain better coordination against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

This is the second meeting in the last 20 days, where senior leaders from both the parties have met. The first meeting was called to look into possibilities of pre-poll alliance for the coming state assembly elections to be held in 2019. They have already indicated to come together for the polls to avoid division of votes against the BJP regime.

Today, we held the second round of talks to discuss elections of ten legislative council seats. A consensus has also been made, which will be sent to the party high command once it is finalised, said Ashok Chavan, state Congress president.

State NCP chief Sunil Tatkare, said, Preliminary discussion for the ten seats has been done. Elections for all the seats are yet to be announced. We will finalise it after deliberations with the party chief.

Some ten seats of the legislative council are going to fall vacant between May and July this year. Of them, six are to be elected from local self-government and two each are from graduate and teachers constituency respectively. Currently, four seats belong to NCP alone, Congress 1, BJP 2 and each seat to Lokbharti and independent.

On Wednesday, at a function in Pune, where Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray interviewed Pawar publicly, the NCP chief said only the Congress could take on the BJP.

The Congress has considerably weakened in the country over the years, but the fact is that it was the only national party with the ability to take on the ruling BJP, Pawar told Thackeray.

The interview, held at Pawars alma mater Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce, was organised by Jagtik Marathi Academy.

Pawar also spoke well of Rahul Gandhi, for which the Congress Maharashtra unit thanked him. Even Gandhi is changing. He is willing to learn. He is a learner who has evolved immensely, the veteran leader said. If the people support him, the Congress can be revived. A strong opposition is required to strengthen democracy, he said.

Pawars praise has come at a time, when elections for the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly are scheduled for next year. It is said that Pawar is interested in forging an alliance with Congress and thus wants to improve his relationship with Gandhi.

Prakash Bal, political analyst said the future of the alliance lies in what Pawar had said in his interview to Thackeray about Congress. It seems both the parties are going to forge alliance for 2019 setting aside petty differences over seat sharing. This would make the contest difficult for the BJP, Bal said.

This is not the first time Pawar has praised Gandhi. During a party conclave held at Karjat near Mumbai in November last year, Pawar had praised the then Congress vice president. He is unlike the image created by the BJP through social media. He always tries to understand issues and is also hardworking. But, I advised him to be consistent in whatever he does, Pawar said.
A 27-year-old small-time actress has filed a police complaint against a man for sending her a lewd text message and calling her a prostitute. Just last week, the accused, Vishwanath Shetty, was booked by the police for sexually harassing another woman.

Though complaints have been filed against the accused at two police stations  at Amboli and Oshiwara  no action has been taken against him, as yet.

The Oshiwara police, who are investigating the latest case, said the complainant and Shetty are members of the same gym located on New Link Road in Andheri (west) and acquainted with each other. He is a local political worker, police sources said.

In her complaint, the actress said that Shetty had been finding excuses to call her frequently, despite her telling him not to call her.

On January 29, Shetty called her repeatedly on the phone and through WhatsApp. When she sent him a message asking him why he was troubling her, he responded by calling her a prostitute.

After consulting her family and friends, on Wednesday night, the actress finally approached the Oshiwara police, who registered an FIR under section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code. The actress also submitted screenshots of the message sent by the accused.

Subhash Khanvilkar, senior police inspector of Oshiwara police station, confirmed the registration of the FIR. We are verifying the allegations, after which appropriate action will be taken, he said.

On February 13, another actress filed a complaint against Shetty at Amboli police station, alleging that he was stalking her and demanding that she be his girlfriend. He had also referred to her as a prostitute while speaking about her with others, she said in her complaint, adding that when she confronted him, he threatened to harm her and made lewd comments.
Travel via the congested Thane-Belapur road? Good news, the two flyovers and underpass being constructed on the stretch will be opened to the public in the first week of April.

In view of the increasing traffic on this road, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) had asked the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to develop a flyover at the Ghansoli-Talavli stretch, another at Savita Chemical junction and an underpass at Mahape junction.

MMRDA had agreed to undertake the projects, which collectively cost Rs155 crore. Following this, work began in March 2015. According to MMRDA officials, around 90% of the work has been completed. The rest will be completed within a month.

According to the initial plan, MMRDA was supposed to finish construction by March 2017. We have no idea why they could not finish the projects on time, said a superintendent engineer, NMMC, who did not wish to be identified.

MV Jaitpal, executive engineer, MMRDA, said the projects were delayed as they were unable to divert traffic. We had planned to divert traffic to a few arterial roads in MIDC. However, these were being concretised during construction. The traffic department thus did not permit us to divert traffic to those roads, which is why we could not meet the deadline, he said.

He added that work on all three projects was almost complete. The projects are likely to be inaugurated in the first week of April, he said. He, however, declined to comment on whether there would be a formal inaugural function attended by state or Union ministers.

The 15-km-long Thane-Belpaur road, which connects Thane and Navi Mumbai, plays a crucial role in the cities businesses and economies. The road begins at the Sion-Panvel highway near Turbhe and ends at Kalwa near Thane.

The stretch between Turbhe and Digha runs parallel to the Suburban Railways trans harbour line and can be used to access the Aroli, Rabale, Ghansoli, Kopar Khairane and Turbhe stations.

Except for a small stretch at Digha, the road has been widened to six lanes  three in each direction  and fully concretised. Several major industrial parks such as MIDC, Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City and Millenium Park are located on this road.

Construction work on the flyovers and the subway has led to cracks surfacing on some stretches of the road, which the NMMC will repair. The road is still in good shape. We will repair the areas where there are minor issues, said Ramaswamy N, NMMC commissioner.

Illegal crossing a major problem

Illegal crossing is a major issue on the Thane-Belapur road, with people refusing to use the foot overbridges (FOBs) constructed at various areas, complaining that the process is time consuming.

In 2017, 22 people died and 60 were injured on this road. Over the past decade, around 150 IT parks and other offices have sprung up in Navi Mumbais MIDC area, situated near this road. According to traffic officials, a majority of those employed there illegally cross the road to reach their offices.

More than 10,000 people come to the work here from various parts of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane. They alight at the station and then cross the busy road, said an official from Rabale traffic unit.

People hardly use the FOBs to cross the road. The NMMC constructed an FOB outside the Rabale railway station a few years ago. However, 4,000 people still cross the road illegally every day, he said.

The civic bodys move to put up steel barricades along the dividers to prevent illegal crossing has proved effective. However, there are still several places where there are no barricades. We recently conducted a survey and submitted the findings to the civic body. We hope they take the measures soon, said an official from the traffic department.
Gujarats Patidar community leader Hardik Patel told Mumbai Congress leaders on Thursday that he is on the Congress partys side.

He made the statement during an interaction with the Mumbai Congress social media cell members in a closed-door session at a hall in Bandra. He told the audience that he should not be considered as an outsider, said two Mumbai Congress functionaries who attended the session.

Patel who is on a two-day visit to the city, conducted a session on the effective use of social media with the Mumbai Congress. He also told the citys Congress social media cell ways to counter the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) presence on the internet, in the backdrop of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

During an interaction with the media Patel said, I have not joined Congress, but the opposition parties are all united against the BJP. I will decide to join the Congress when I feel the time is right for me to take that decision.

Patel also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said, Look how easy it is to carry out bank frauds under Narendra Modis rule.

Guiding the Congress workers on the use of social media, Patel told them to increase the Congress presence on Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp, so as to reach the urban voter base.

Patel advised them to raise the issues concerning womens rights and unemployment of youth, as opposed to the Hindu-Muslim agenda taken by other parties, said the Congress functionaries. He also told them to use the social media effectively to counter the BJP in urban areas, where the latter often concentrates, the functionaries said.

Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam, who was also present during the interaction, pointed out how the Patidar community in Gujarat was united due to social media.

Hardik has a huge following on social media, and he can guide Congress members to increase the partys presence on the internet, Nirupam said.
The Bombay high court on Thursday rapped the state government over its lackadaisical approach in providing land for Mumbai campus of the Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU).

You are not taking the matter seriously, the division bench of Justice SC Dharmadhikari and Justice Bharati Dangre told the governments lawyer on Thursday. The bench has now summoned the principal secretary of the revenue department and sought an explanation from him regarding the delay.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by another advocate Pradip Havnur who complained that no concrete steps were being taken to hand over a 60-acre plot at Gorai for Mumbai campus of the MNLU. Havnur filed his PIL two years ago complaining that while 60 acres had been allocated by the state government on June 10, 2016 for a permanent campus of the university, no concrete measures were taken to hand over the plot.

Havnur said this raised serious doubts over the progress of building the university. He said he came across MNLUs status in December 2 to December 16 when he visited the campus of the Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS) at Chembur and noticed that MNLU was operating from a temporary transit-type ground-plus-one storied structure within the TISS campus. The lawyer contended that the National Law Universities Act, 2014 was enacted to establish National Law Universities in states for the development of legal education. He said under the enactment, it was the state s duty to extend financial and other support to these universities. He has, therefore, sought a direction to the Maharashtra government to hand over the entire 60-acre plot at Gorai to MNLU at the earliest and make adequate financial provision to set up the campus.

During the course of hearing the bench said the law university at Bangalore was set up in 1978. Although there is no law university in Maharashtra, the state is not at all willing to extend its support for the cause.
Doctors in the city are treating a 29-year-old man who acquired chest infection from smoking hookahs at home.

The IT engineer had been smoking hookahs fired with magic coal  charcoal chunks doused in chemicals to make it burn faster  for two months. He was hospitalised two weeks ago to treat breathlessness, respiratory failure and severe chest infection.

Dr Arvind Kate, pulmonologist from Zen Hospital, Chembur, said: The patient, a frequent hookah smoker, had purchased a new hookah from Singapore and bought magic coal to smoke it at home. However, after two months of smoking it, he was rushed to the hospital with complaints of breathlessness, said Dr Kate. A CT scan of the patients chest showed white patches across the lungs which according to the doctors, indicated severe chest infection caused by unknown bacteria.

We kept the patient on continuous antibacterial and antifungal medicines for two weeks and kept him under observation. He was discharged recently and has been asked to abstain from smoking, Dr Kate added.

The charcoal used to make magic coal is coated with potentially hazardous chemicals for faster ignition. Its widely popular amongst youngsters and people who frequently smoke hookah at home as lighting it is easier than burning normal coal.

Dr Nilkanth Awad, head of the department of pulmonology at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, Sion, said burning of magic coal results in emission of hazardous gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Asthmatic patients are especially prone to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or bronchitis owing to prolonged use of the coal. Apart from that, burning of the coal releases particulate matter which enters the lungs and increases chances of respiratory infection and lung failure, said Dr Awad.

Oncologists said magic coal, hookah flavours and other smoking materials used in it contain 28 cancer-causing substances such as benzopyrine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and 3,000 other harmful chemicals. Even when tobacco is not used, carbon monoxide, a highly poisonous gas is released by burning charcoal. Even though it is filtered by water, it is considered to be carcinogenic, said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, head and neck cancer surgeon at Tata Memorial Hospital.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawars remarks on Wednesday are being seen as his overtures to the Congress. At a function in Pune, where Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray interviewed Pawar publicly, the NCP chief said only the Congress could take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Congress has considerably weakened in the country over the years, but the fact is that it was the only national party with the ability to take on the ruling BJP, Pawar told Thackeray.

The interview, held at Pawars alma mater Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce, was organised by Jagtik Marathi Academy.

Pawar also spoke well of Rahul Gandhi, for which the Congress Maharashtra unit thanked him. Even Gandhi is changing. He is willing to learn. He is a learner who has evolved immensely, the veteran leader said. If the people support him, the Congress can be revived. A strong opposition is required to strengthen democracy, he said.

In response, state Congress chief Ashok Chavan tweeted, The Congress is satisfied with the remarks expressed by Honourable Pawar that the Congress need to be strengthened in the interest of the country.

Pawars praise for the Congress and its newly elected president has come at a time when elections for the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly are scheduled for next year. It is said that Pawar is interested in forging an alliance with Congress and thus wants to improve his relationship with Gandhi.

This is not the first time Pawar has praised Gandhi. During a party conclave held at Karjat near Mumbai in November last year, Pawar had praised the then Congress vice president. He is unlike the image created by the BJP through social media. He always tries to understand issues and is also hardworking. But, I advised him to be consistent in whatever he does, Pawar said.

The NCP has indicated an alliance with the Congress, with Pawar saying his party would like to ally with the like-minded parties. In Maharashtra, the Congress and the NCP have also started looking into the possibilities of having a pre-poll for Assembly elections to be held in 2019. Senior leaders from the state unit of both parties held preliminary talks earlier this month.
Politicians are not above the law, the Bombay high court said while directing the police to book two corporators for allegedly encroaching on mangroves at Mira Road. A division bench of justice SC Dharamadhikari and justice Bharati Dangre directed police to book two corporators  BJPs Parshuram Mhatre and Shiv Senas Anita Patil  for contravening provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act. Political leaders are not above the law. They are not God, or someone who can claim a right to be in contravention of laws, the judges said.

They sought to know why the municipal corporation and the local police were afraid of initiating action against the offenders. You must be bold and not fear anyone, the bench told them.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by local activist Bharat Mokal, complaining that Mhatre and Patil had destroyed mangroves and constructed their residential bungalows and offices by encroaching upon reclaimed public land.

According to Mokal, in March 2016, the local tehsildar had filed an inspection report of the site and named the local politicians, along with four others, as people responsible for the destruction of mangroves and encroachment on public land.

Although the petitioner lodged complaints against the two corporators with the local police, no action was taken. The police is yet to take any action against them because they enjoy political patronage, his lawyer Dadhichi Mhaispurkar told the court.

Police, on the other hand, sought more time to study the relevant provisions of the Environment Protection Act. The statement irked the judges, who pointed out sections of the Environment (Protection) Act.
A day after Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said he had shared cordial relations with Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray despite their political differences, Uddhav Thackeray taunted him for showing his affection by arresting his father when he was 70 years old.

They tried to arrest the Sena chief [Bal Thackeray] in 2000 when he was 70 years old. We never saw any fondness at that time. No one was ready to take a stance. In fact, all the focus was on how to trap Balasaheb, Uddhav alleged.

The Sena chief was reacting to a high-profile public interview of Pawar, conducted by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray in Pune on Wednesday, during which the NCP chief made the statement.

Uddhav was referring to the then Congress-NCP governments bid to arrest Thackeray in connection with articles that had appeared in the Sena mouthepiece Saamana during the 1992-93 communal riots in Mumbai. Thackeray was arrested, but a court quashed the case and released him immediately.

Taking another potshot, Uddhav said it was good that Pawar now endorsed Thackerays stance that reservation should be based on an individuals economic status, and not on caste. Balasaheb always advocated economic criteria for reservation, but Pawar, as chief minister, did so on caste lines. Had Balasahebs advice been taken, we would not have seen divisions between various castes, Uddhav said.

Back then, there was the ghost of the Mandal Commission [on reservation to Other Backward Classes], and attempts were made to split the Sena, the Sena chief added, referring obliquely to NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbals defection in 1991, which was facilitated by Pawar. Bhujbal, who had been a top leader of the Sena, had cited the Senas opposition to the Mandal Commission report as his reason for quitting the party and joining the Congress.

When asked, Uddhav denied having watched Pawars interview, shown live by some Marathi channels, by his cousin and political rival Raj Thackeray.
Six students reported late for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exam on Thursday, the second day of the examination, out of which one student was not allowed to appear for the exam. The student had reached the exam centre 30 minutes after the exams began while the others had reported 15-20 minutes after exams began.

As a policy we checked the mobile phones of all students who entered late but one particular student reported to the exam centre after 11.30 and therefore, that student was not allowed to appear for the examination, said Subhash Borse, in-charge secretary of the state boards Mumbai division. On Wednesday, day one of the examination, nine late-comers were not allowed to appear for their English exam for reporting more than 30 minutes late to the exam centre.

The Maharashtra State Board for Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) conducted various examinations in two sessions on Thursday, including Hindi, German and Persian. A total of 26 cases of copying and cheating cases were registered on the second day, with Nashik and Aurangabad sharing maximum cases while Mumbai region did not register a single such case.
Four years after two men attempted kill Bollywood actress Bhagyashrees in-laws and stole Rs26 lakh from her home in Vile Parle (west), the Thane crime branch unit-5 arrested the accused on Saturday.

Pintu Hridayram Nishad,26, and Triveni alias Mahesh Bhunilal Nishad,33, have confessed to the crime, stating that they wanted to buy a property in the native place in Uttar Pradesh.

They are currently in police custody and will be handed over to the Mumbai police soon.

The case had been registered at the Juhu police station on January 24 2014.

Mukund Hatote, assistant commissioner of police (ACP), Thane police, said, The accused, who were working as domestic help for the actor, have confessed to the committing theft and giving sedatives to her in-laws.

They are history-sheeters.They used to target posh neighbourhoods and work there as house help, Hatote said.

The accused hail from Uttar Pradesh and resided in Pune. They travelled to Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai to commit theft.

The accused recently committed a house-breaking and theft in Wagle Estate, from which we have recovered gold worth Rs63,000, added Hatote.

J Ranaware, senior police inspector from Thane crime branch unit -5 said, The accused were about to commit theft in Thane on Saturday night when we caught them. We have recovered knives, screw drivers, and other equipment. We have also alerted other police stations so that we can get their past records, he said.
Homebuyers in Amrapali Group projects on Thursday said the Supreme Courts order, directing the builder to first finish nearing completion towers, have given them some hope.

The court was hearing a plea filed by homebuyers on Thursday. Amrapali Group, a realty major, needs to deliver around 40,000 flats in 10 housing projects in Noida and Greater Noida. The company cited a dip in sales amid the slowdown in the realty sector for the delay in delivery of projects.

We are extremely happy that the Supreme Court has directed the Amrapali Group to finish nearing completion residential towers within a month. The SC has also directed the builder to submit a status report on towers that are almost complete. The builder will have to submit an undertaking in the court by March 6, Abhishek Kumar, president, Noida Extension Flat Owners Welfare Association, a group which had filed the petition, said.

If the builder fails to comply, then the court can send the Amrapali promoter to jail. We hope that we will get our flats now, he said.

The Bank of Baroda had filed an insolvency petition before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) after Amrapali failed to repay a loan of 56 crore. The move caused panic among homebuyers as, according to them, their investment would not be protected under the insolvency and bankruptcy code as the NCLT would give preference to banks before buyers.

On September 2017, a group of homebuyers from Noida filed a plea in the Supreme Court seeking protection of their investment. In January, buyers in five other stuck housing projects in Greater Noida also filed similar pleas. The apex court clubbed all the pleas and began the hearing.

Our primary objective is to make sure that homebuyers get their flats at the earliest, a bench, led by Justice Arun Misra, said, while hearing petitions filed by home buyers.

After the Supreme Courts direction, the builder now said that they can deliver some towers in Amrapali Centurian Park and Amrapali Leisure Park in the next three months with the help of co-developers. Since the builder will give an undertaking before the SC to this end, we hope that the stuck projects will be finished, KK Kaushal, a buyer, said.

Amrapali Group director Shiv Priya said, The Supreme Court has asked us to submit a progress report by March 27. We will start mobilisation of workers and required material immediately. We will be able to deliver 7,500 flats in 65 towers within 18 months. We will deliver 1,700 flats in Leisure Park within 15 to 18 months. We will deliver 600 flats in Centurion Park and Leisure Park within the next six months. We have arranged 15 co-developers to finish our projects. Buyers need not worry as we will adhere to the delivery schedule.
In a dowry death case registered in 1982 in Pilkhuwa, a Ghaziabad court on Tuesday sentenced four men to life imprisonment. The judgment came nearly 36 years after the woman was burnt to death at her in-laws house in June 1982.

The additional district government counsel (ADGC) Vidya Bhushan Sharma said life imprisonment was awarded to victim Beenas husband Vinay and his three brothers Vijay, Mukesh and Ajay.

The woman, who hailed from Modi Nagar, married Vinay in 1981 and a year later, the accused set her on fire and threw her from the third floor of their house.

She was burnt with kerosene and some dried red chillies were also thrown over her body. More kerosene was put on her and she was set on fire again. They then threw her from the third floor to the second floor of their house and she died, Sharma said.

He added that womans mother-in-law Chandra Kala and father-in-law Bal Kishor died in 2008.

It is one of the oldest cases pending in the Ghaziabad court. There were initial hearings during the trial of the case and the statements of the victims father and some of her neighbours were recorded. The testimonies of the neighbours helped convict the accused, Sharma said.

Asked about the delay of nearly 36 years, Sharma said the case moved to two courts where judges were transferred and the case finally landed in the court of additional district judge (15). The police filed the chargesheet in July 1982, he added.

There was a stay on the proceedings for a period of nearly 20 years. This also led to the delay in the final judgment. The final hearings were wrapped up in the past one year. No one from the womans family came to the court for the judgment, he said.

Pankaj Tyagi, the lawyer representing the four accused, said all his clients were in their 60s and 70s as the case dates back to 1982.

My clients were surprised when they got the summons last year. They had forgotten about the case as it was pursued by their father who had died. The stay on the proceedings by the high court was for a brief period. Since the records were manual, the lifting of stay did come to our knowledge. By the time we knew of it, the case was disposed of speedily, he said.
A combined team of the Uttar Pradesh state task force (STF) and Gautam Budh Nagar police arrested a member of the dreaded Sundar Bhati gang after an encounter on Tuesday evening in Greater Noida.

Haseen , a 26-year-old resident of Nagma Salempura, Meerut, was arrested after the encounter. The STF members were alerted of his presence in Greater Noida on Tuesday. Around 6.30pm, they spotted him on a motorcycle near Roja railway crossing in Badalpur, Greater Noida, along with his accomplice and gang member Baleshwar. Police said the motorcycle they were riding was a stolen one and, in the encounter that followed, Baleshwar managed to escape while Haseen was apprehended.

We received information that two members of the Sundar Bhati gang were in Badalpur. Immediately, a team was of the STF and Badalpur police was dispatched to nab the two men. An encounter took palce at the Roja railway crossing around 6.30pm and the men opened fire at the police team and it returned the fire. Haseen, though unhurt, was arrested but Baleshwar managed to escape. We also recovered a countrymade pistol, live ammunition and the stolen Apache motorcycle, Mukesh Kumar, station house officer, Badalpur police station, said.

According to the police, Haseen is an active member of the Bhati gang for the past five to six years and his task was to extort toll money from cabs and interstate vehicles at the Delhi-Noida border.

Haseen told us that for the past one-and-half years, he has been collecting an illegal toll at the MCD toll booth of Ashok Nagar-Noida border. He said after a warrant was issued against Sundar Bhati and a reward of Rs 50,000 was announced on his arrest, Bhati went into hiding. In his absence, Bhatis nephew Anil Bhati and Baleshwar were managing the gang. Haseen was working at the toll border at the behest of Baleshwar, Kumar said.

The Bhati gang used to force private contractors of the MCD to allow Bhatis gang members to stand at the toll booth and extort money from cabs. The gang members used to collect at least 50% of the toll charge without issuing receipts, Kumar said.

Haseen has been named in cases of attempt to murder, theft and those under the Arms Act at different police stations of Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad.
The Economic Survey 2017-18 has acknowledged the abysmally low proportion of elected womens representatives in Lok Sabha and the legislative assemblies. However, the survey also notes the success of womens reservation in the three-tier Panchayati Raj institutions. In spite of wide speculation and relentless demands by womens groups and the main Opposition Congress party, the womens reservation bill was not tabled by the NDA government in the recently-concluded budget and winter sessions of Parliament.

Central to the bill is the idea that increasing womens participation in decision-making is intrinsic to strengthening womens empowerment as enshrined by equality of rights and freedoms in the Preamble and Constitution of India. Evidence from randomised evaluations in both Rajasthan and West Bengal by researchers affiliated to the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) have found that despite the handicaps women leaders might face in terms of education and experience, they invested more in public goods preferred by women suggesting that reservation for women had important effects on local policy decisions in the reserved gram panchayats.

The bill, in discussion over the last two decades, proposes to amend the Constitution to reserve 33% of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha and all legislative assemblies. According to the Geneva-based Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), globally India ranks in the bottom quarter, 148th out of 193 UN member nations, when it comes to the proportion of elected women representatives in Parliament. Even our neighbours, Pakistan (20.7%), Bangladesh (20.3%) and Nepal (29.9%) have higher representations of women in parliament. The supporters of the bill argue the need to pass the bill for ensuring affirmative action, also backed by UN Women in 2017.

Critics claim that reserving seats for women goes against merit-based nomination. Another common criticism is that these elected women will not have real power and will act on behalf of a male decision-maker. Male elected representatives have often criticised the bill, arguing that legislative positions will go to women at the cost of certain qualified men losing out. However, evidence from a randomised evaluation by J-PAL affiliates in West Bengal shows that having female elected leaders in gram panchayats raise the aspirations that parents have for their girls and also the aspirations teenage girls have for themselves.

An alternative to womens reservation is the idea of ensuring reservation within political parties. Countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, and Norway etc, reserve seats for women within the political parties, but do not have quotas for women in Parliament. Similarly, another alternative is introducing dual-member constituencies, which means constituencies, instead of reserving seats for women, will nominate two members, one being a woman. However, lack of rigorous evidence on the efficacy of these alternatives has limited the scope for adoption of these practices worldwide.

Results from evaluations in both Rajasthan and West Bengal showed that the presence of a female elected leader also reduces the gender gap in adolescent educational attainment and results in girls spending less time on household chores. Furthermore, gram panchayats with elected women leaders invested more in public goods that women cared about, such as drinking water, public health, sanitation, primary education, and roads, and the measured quality of these goods was at least as high as in the non-reserved gram panchayats. Another study showed that reservation for women in gram panchayats not only led to a decrease in bias among voters against women candidates, but also resulted in a subsequent increase in the percentage of female local leaders contesting and winning elections.

The recently-constituted Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh state assemblies demonstrate that in the absence of a constitutional mandate, women continue to be left out in the electoral process. Had the womens reservation bill been a reality, both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh could have had 60 and 22 elected women representatives in their respective assemblies.

Both political commitment and rigorous evidence is necessary to deliberate and debate this legislation and ensure its passage in Parliament leading to a mandated presence of 180 elected women representatives in the Lok Sabha and nearly 15,100 elected representatives across all legislative assemblies, thereby bridging the critical gender gap in political and legislative decision-making.

Sohini Mookherjee and Arindam Banerjee work with J-PAL South Asia at IFMR

The views expressed are personal
Safe drinking water would be made available by next year in 13 districts of Bihar, where high arsenic levels pose a serious health hazard, states deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi said on Wednesday.

Addressing a stakeholders meeting on Rejuvenation of river Ganga, organised by the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) in Patna, Modi said work on Rs 391.60-crore schemes was underway to ensure availability of arsenic-free drinking water in 961 settlements in 13 districts by the end of next year.

Work was also on to set up sewage treatment plants in 20 districts, including Patna, at the cost of Rs 4,166 crore, to curb flow of sewage water directly into Ganga and its tributaries. Massive plantation was being carried out on 445-km stretch along various rivers at a cost of Rs 96 crore, to restrict silt generation, he said.

Modi said the BSPCB had decided to open two more regional centresone at Bhagalpur and another at Gayaby the next fiscal, to ensure effective monitoring and strict compliance of the stipulated norms. Currently, the board has regional offices at Muzaffapur and Barauni.

The meeting was significant as it also heralded the launch of FAR-Ganga projecta joint venture of institutions of India and United Kingdomto tackle potable water quality issues.

Lauding the joint initiative aimed at developing new management strategy to resolve water contamination in Ganga basin, Modi expressed hope that the new study would help evolve newer technology to fight the challenges of ground water contamination and ensure purity and incessantness in the flow of Ganga.

BSPCB chairman Ashok Ghosh said the board would provide technical support to government on environmental issues to check violation of the stipulated norms. He, however, sought additional resources and manpower to empower the board for authentic analysis of the challenges ahead.

Magadh University vice chancellor of Qamar Ahsan said resources in the colleges and university could be utilised for analysis of pollution related issues. BSPCB member-secretary Alok Kumar proposed a vote of thanks.

Later during the technical session, David Polya of University of Manchester, UK, who is also part of the project, said their study would focus on finding cost-effective remedial strategy for restricting groundwater contamination. Another member of the team, Debapriya Mondal, senior lecturer at the University of Salford, spoke about environmental contaminations taking toll on human health.

SN Jayasawal, BSPCB analyst, said the stretch of Ganga passing through Bihar was the most polluted and it could improve only when flow of sewage water into the river was completely stopped.

IIT-Roorkee, IIT-Kharagpur, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, along with Mahavir Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Patna, are the Indian partners while experts from British Geological Society, University of Manchester, University of Salford and University of Birmingham would join in from the United Kingdom for the three-year programme.

Bihar public health engineering department (PHED) minister Vinod Narayan Jha had recently told reporters at Motihari that 11 out of 38 Bihar districts were badly affected with fluoride. The arsenic content in the groundwater of 13 districts was alarming, he had said.
Banana cultivation is set to get a fillip with Keventer Agro Limited (KAL), one of the largest sellers and suppliers of ripened banana in eastern India, eyeing Bihar to expand its footprints beyond West Bengal and Jharkhand.

The firm will offer Bihar farmers free advice on horticulture, besides providing them genetically engineered high-yielding saplings at cost price. It will also extend buy back option to farmers for their produce at market price, said KAL head of farming Jayanta Chakraborty.

Sold under the brand name Keventer, the firm deals in G9 (Grand Nain) bananas, one of the most commonly cultivated bananas, which are also known as Cavendish bananas, or green bananas in common parlance.

Sourcing data from the mission on integrated development of horticulture, Chakraborty said, With our guidance and use of tissue culture saplings, the annual banana production in Bihar can easily go up from the present 12 metric tonne per acre (approx.) to 21 metric tonne. Besides, quality of these bananas will be better, as their sweetness and colour will be better than the conventional ones.

In Bihar, banana is grown in around 2,000 hectares in districts like Vaishali, Katihar, Kishanganj, Bhagalpur (Naugachia) and Purnia. The Hajipur chiniya variety (small size with special flavour) is very famous in the country and also exported. However, Chakraborty said it had a lesser shelf life and the yield was erratic as compared to genetically engineered G9 variety.

To begin with, the firm is targeting roughly 100 hectares of land, covering nearly 300 farmers from Bihars Gangetic tract of Bhagalpur, Naugachia and Purnia. Besides being producers of the G9 variety of bananas, these areas are closer to Siliguri and Durgapur in West Bengal, where the firm has its ripening centres.

A farmer could expect to harvest three crops in 27 months with a single plantation of genetically engineered G9 variety, as compared to two crops of conventional variety in as many years. Another advantage over the conventional variety was that the fruiting period is less  a maximum of 11 months since plantation for the first crop and eight months each for the second and third crop.

The scientific tissue culture plants grew evenly and with higher produce, it gave farmers a better bargaining power in open market, he added.

The firm, which has an annual production of 20,000 metric tonne of banana, at present has marketing base in West Bengal and Jharkhand. If we are able to tap Bihar farmers, we plan to spread our marketing operations to Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, Chakraborty added.

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, parts of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal and Bihar are among the leading banana producers in India.

The firms approach is to provide farmers with a one-stop shop where they can avail of agriculture inputs, advice and also allied services like bank loans and crop insurance from a single source, said Sajeev Srivastawa of Bihar Vidyapeeth.

Company representatives will interact with farmers at the Bihar Vidyapeeth, an incubation centre, here on February 24, to encourage them become partners in progress.
PUNE Former home secretary Madhav Godbole has supported the concept of One Nation One Election and has demanded a constitutional amendment for it after a detailed discussion on the issue in the Parliament.

Godbole said that it is a good concept to hold the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together in the country. However, to bring it into reality, there is a need to have a constitutional amendment to bring necessary changes in the election reforms. Without constitutional change, it cannot happen.

Godbole was speaking on Thursday at the Deccan Education Society (DES) where a programme was organised to discuss the topic of One Nation One Election. The event was held at Fergusson College.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for a national debate on holding simultaneous elections across states and at the Centre. Modi termed it as One Nation One Election and projected it as an electoral reform. While BJP has been arguing for simultaneous elections for some time, political parties in the opposition have reacted differently.

According to Godbole, there is a need to have a detailed discussion on the subject of holding Assembly and General elections simultaneously, in the Parliament. The election reforms have been neglected since the past 70 years. The candidates who are getting hardly 10 to 15 per cent votes are getting elected to power. There is a holiday on the voting day but voters are not turning up to cast votes, just because it is not compulsory, Godbole said.

If there would be an amendment that a candidate should get more than 50 per cent of the votes, it will help address the religion, caste issue, he added.

BJP spokesperson and former Member of Parliament Tarun Vijay, who was also present during the programme, said, every year and month there are elections in the country. For the past 30 years, elections have been happening in the country alternatively in different parts. Political parties and administration are often busy in the election process. There is also money power in the elections. Considering this, the option of One Nation One Election has come forward. Along with political parties, citizens should also have a discussion on this option and try to execute it in the country, said Vijay.
The bonhomie between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and NCP supremo was clearly on display on Wednesday when the former interviewed the latter in Pune at a public event, triggering talks of possible realignment of forces in the state.

The interview was organised as a part an event Shodh Marathi Manacha by the Jagatik Marathi Academy, whose head, Ramdas Phutane shares proximity with Pawar and the congress.

In 120-minute interview, Thackeray and Pawar found a common target in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while heaping praises at each other.
Dhanush and director Vetrimaarans Vada Chennai, one of the much-awaited gangster-drama, will be a trilogy. The director has wrapped up shooting first of three parts. The composer of the project, Santhosh Narayanan posted a group picture of the cast and crew from the last day of shoot and wrote, The awesome duo of @dhanushkraja and @VetriMaaran have insane levels of energy and creativity within them. Always admired and celebrated their work. Elated to be a part of the phenomenal #VadaChennai.

After the success of Polladhavan and Aadukalam, both critically and commercially, expectations are running high from this project too. This would be the first time in Tamil film industry, where a gangster film will release in three parts. Vada Chennai has a promising cast including Daniel Balaji, Aishwarya Rajesh, Andrea Jeremiah, Samuthirakani, Ameer and others.

The awesome duo of @dhanushkraja and @VetriMaaran have insane levels of energy and creativity within them. Always admired and celebrated their work. Elated to be a part of the phenomenal #VadaChennai. pic.twitter.com/xDjiIzh05u  Santhosh Narayanan (@Music_Santhosh) February 22, 2018

The leading man is not seen in the group photo posted by composer Santhosh, but many others are present and look elated after wrapping up shoot. This is quite exceptional as the project has seen huge delay with multiple actors backing out citing date issues.

Actor Dhanush is currently shooting for director Balaji Mohans Maari 2, where he is reprising his role from the first part. He is looking forward to the release of his Hollywood project, The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir. He is also beginning his next directorial later this year. There is also buzz that the actors much delayed project with director Karthik Subbaraj may begin this year as well.

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First it was the iconic wink of Priya Prakash Varrier in Manikya Malaraya Poovi song from the upcoming film Oru Adaar Love that got everyone talking. Then, it was the lyrics, which offended an individual in Hyderabad and now it is Jipsa Beegams morphed pictures -- the film continues to make headlines everyday.

One of the actors, who is also seen alongside Priya Varrier in the viral song became a victim of cyber crime when morphed pictures of the actor were leaked online. The young girl, however, has not take it lying down. She took to Facebook to slam the individuals who shared the pictures online. She wrote, I am not the very first victim of cybercrime. Controversies dont bother me and I have a personality of my own. So you all should see this post as a protest to that person or persons who have been insulting me, sitting in the virtual world of the internet. I just have one thing to say to that person who morphed my face onto a headless obscene picture that you shouldnt take out your frustrations on common people like us.

She added, To those who enjoy those pictures thinking that those are mine, you shouldnt forget that the Chinese phones wont be as good as the real iPhone. She has also warned that this case will now be taken to the police to take appropriate action.

After landing in trouble with their song, director Omar Lulu and Priya Varrier welcomed the decision of Supreme Court on Wednesday, which stayed any criminal proceedings against them in regards to the song Manikya Malaraya Poovi.

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Actor Subodh Bhave is looking forward to having an exciting time ahead. The Tula Kalnnaar Nahi actor has wrapped up shooting for John Abrahams debut Marathi production Savita Damodar Paranjape. Subodhs next film Pushpak Viman will go on floors in March and for the first time five of his films will be screened at the film festival in Melbourne, Australia. He says, This is one of the very first times that a Marathi film festival is being organised in Australia by Last Minute Productions, Australia. The festival will be celebrating my contribution to Marathi cinema by screening four of my released and one unreleased film. I am honoured to be a part of the same. Lokmanya (2015), Katyar Kaljat Ghusali(2015), Balgandharva (2011) and Ti Ani Itar (2017) and the unreleased Savita Damodar Paranjape (SDP) are the films which will be screened at the festival.

Pushpak Viman, which is also being produced by Subodh, will be ready for release around Ashadhi Ekadashi this year and so will his other Marathi films. Ive shot for many films which will be releasing this year. Pushpak Viman will go on floors next month and will release this year. SDP, is ready and hopefully it should be out soon, says Subodh.

The actor is all praise for John Abraham. He says that the actor is a thorough gentleman and has instilled a sense of confidence and positivity on the sets. He is not only a great human being but a great person to work with too. As a producer he is simple, honest and straight forward, and he gave the artists the required creative liberty.

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As many as 5,500 Indian citizens applied for asylum in the United Kingdom over the last five years, new figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday have revealed.

Most of the applications were made after the Indians arrived in the UK, indicating that they may have travelled on valid visas and applied for asylum later. Less than 5% of the applications were made at UK ports on arrival.

There are 285 Indian citizens lodged in various jails in the UK for various offences, which includes 251 males and 34 females. Since 2013, 2,775 Indians were refused entry into the UK at ports and subsequently deported.

The figures also reveal that since 2014, 22,175 Indians who did not have the right to remain in the UK voluntarily returned. The Home Office has schemes to provide financial help to those volunteering to return to their home countries.

Since 2008, when the Tier I Investors Visa was introduced, 74 Indian millionaires with 100 dependents migrated to the UK. Until November 2014, the minimum investment required under the category was 1 million, later increased to 2 million after a committee found that the threshold was not bringing enough benefits to the British economy.

In 2017, Indian nationals were granted the second highest number of visitor visas (after China), up 11% to 433,852, the figures revealed. Chinese and Indian nationals alone accounted for 46% of all visitor visas granted.

Three countries  China, the US and India  accounted for 53% of the 223,536 study-related visas granted in 2017, with the largest number going to Chinese nationals (88,456 or 40% of the total).

The ONS said there were notable increases in the number of study-related visas granted to Chinese nationals (up 15% to 88,456) and Indian nationals (up 28% to 14,445).

The figures also reveal that migration from within the European Union has been falling after the 2016 Brexit vote.

Nicola White, head of international migration statistics, said: Looking at the underlying numbers we can see that EU net migration has fallen as fewer EU citizens are arriving, especially those coming to look for work in the UK, and the number leaving has risen.

Brexit could well be a factor in peoples decision to move to or from the UK, but peoples decision to migrate is complicated and can be influenced by lots of different reasons.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said arming teachers could help prevent massacres like last weeks mass shooting at a Florida high school, voicing support for an idea backed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) gun rights group.

Trump made the comment during an emotional hour-long White House meeting with students who survived the Florida shooting and a parent whose child did not. Hundreds of students joined scattered protests across the country on Wednesday, including in Washington, Chicago and Pittsburgh.

The Republican president, who has championed gun rights and was endorsed by the NRA during the 2016 campaign, said he will move quickly to tighten background checks for gun buyers and will consider raising the age for buying certain types of guns.

He spoke at length about how armed teachers and security guards could frighten off potential school shooters and prevent student deaths.

If you had a teacher ... who was adept at firearms, it could very well end the attack very quickly, said Trump.

The attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 17 students and educators were slain on February 14 by a gunman with an AR-15 semi-automatic assault rifle in the second-deadliest shooting at a US public school, has revived the long-running US debate over gun rights.

The US Constitution protects the right of Americans to bear arms, a right fiercely defended by Republicans. But Trump has been under pressure to act.

Some of the participants at the meeting indicated support for Trumps idea of arming teachers. Others were opposed.

Mark Barden, whose son was killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut, said his wife, Jackie, a teacher, will tell you that school teachers have more than enough responsibilities right now than to have to have the awesome responsibility of lethal force to take a life. Nobody wants to see a shootout in a school, Barden said.

After the Sandy Hook shooting, a task force backed by the NRA recommended more armed guards and teachers in schools.

Trump listened intently to ideas from about 40 people, including those from six students who survived the Florida shooting.

I dont understand why I can still go in a store and buy a weapon of war, an AR, said Sam Zeif, 18, sobbing after he described texting his family members during the attack.

Lets never let this happen again, please, please, Zeif said.

Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow Pollack, 18, was killed, shouted: It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it. And Im pissed - because my daughter - Im not going to see again.

Trump sat in the middle of a semi-circle in the White House State Dining Room. Photographers captured images of his handwritten note card with questions like What would you most want me to know about your experience? and I hear you.

Protests

Before Trumps meeting, students across the United States walked out of classes in sympathy protests, including hundreds of teens from the Washington suburbs who gathered at the White House.

I came out here because I dont feel safe in my school, said Allyson Zadravec, 15, of Northwood High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. I want to make sure that everyone who can do something about it hears that I dont feel safe in my school.

In the Florida state capital, Tallahassee, students demanded that lawmakers restrict sales of assault rifles. Some wore T-shirts and carried signs reading: We call BS, one of the slogans of the movement started by the survivors.

Investigators said the assault was carried out by 19-year-old former Stoneman student Nikolas Cruz, who purchased an AR-15 nearly a year ago. Police charged Cruz, who had been kicked out of the school because of disciplinary problems, with 17 counts of premeditated murder.

Nikolas Cruz was able to purchase an assault rifle before he was able to buy a beer, said Laurenzo Prado, a Stoneman student, referring to a Florida law that allows people as young as 18 to buy assault weapons. The laws of the country have failed.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Samuel Zeif (L) talks about a friend who was shot and killed as he delivers his remarks to US President Donald Trump during a listening session with school shooting survivors and students at the White House in Washington. (Reuters Photo)

Lawmakers in Tallahassee said they would consider raising the age limit to 21, the same standard for handguns and alcohol, although the state Senate on Wednesday opted not to take up a gun control measure.

Trump also said he was open to looking at age limits, among other measures, and lamented the closure of many mental institutions to help assess violent people.

Theres no ... middle ground of having that institution where you had trained people that could handle it and do something about it and find out how sick he really is, Trump said.

Trump on Tuesday directed the Justice Department to work on a regulation that would effectively ban bump stocks, an accessory that enables a rifle to shoot hundreds of rounds a minute.

Last October, a retired real estate investor and high-stakes gambler used multiple assault rifles equipped with bump stocks to kill 58 people at a Las Vegas outdoor concert, the deadliest attack by a single gunman in US history. Bump stocks have not played a prominent role in other recent US mass shootings.

The NRA opposes an outright ban on bump stocks but has said it would be open to restrictions on the devices.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer urged Trump to back legislation, instead of a regulation, on bump stocks.
It seemed business as usual at the Nirav Modi boutique diamond store at the Peninsula Hotel in Beijing on Thursday.

The shop located amid a cluster of other luxury brands was open for business and the employees were eager to cater to customers. They claimed to be unaware about the controversy raging around Modi in India.

None of the employees seemed aware that he was at the centre of a massive Rs 11,000-crore bank fraud that has hit the brand and its reputation.

This is a Chinese company based in Beijing, said one employee, adding that business has been so, so.

Reports said that most of Modis stores in cities across India had been shut by Thursday.

Modi had opened the store at the hotel located in Beijings central business district, the first on the Chinese mainland, in May 2017 as part of his plans to expand into China.

Leading Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi had attended the inauguration of a diamond store Modi had earlier opened in Hong Kong.

Founder Nirav Modi stated that he had Chinese customers visiting his boutiques in New York, London, Hong Kong and Macau and the customers were changing the face of the luxury retail industry all over the world, the Economic Times reported before the opening of the store in Beijing.

They are sophisticated luxury buyers, with an eye for detail and craftsmanship. The boutique in Beijing is our first one in China and we have more boutique launches in China planned over the next few years, Modi was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

Solitaire International, a magazine tracking the gems and jewellery sector, said custom-made carpets, golden glass and rose gold decor was used to design the store and to give it a feminine and luxurious feel.

In 2017, China emerged as the second largest market after the US for Indian gems and jewellery.

Reports quoting data from the Indias commerce ministry revealed that gems and jewellery exports from India to China had grown to more than $ 2.4 billion.
As the initial phase of the eight-day visit of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attracted wonder and even ridicule in his country, the Prime Ministers Office has taken control of the remaining engagements to bring the trip back on track.

The original itinerary was decided with the advice of Indo-Canadian cabinet minister Navdeep Bains, who is Trudeaus point person for the Indo-Canadian community and relations with India, and implemented by Canadas high commissioner to New Delhi, Nadir Patel, people familiar with the developments said.

However, they pointed out, the itinerary left just half-a-day for official engagements in New Delhi, and that too on the penultimate day of the visit. In fact, it would have been the final day if the trip had not been extended to February 24.

With the Prime Ministers Office driving the agenda now, Trudeau was personally responsible for the formulation one united India, the term he has used to mollify the Indian government, which has been concerned with his Liberal Partys pandering to Khalistani elements in Canada.

That phrase could also figure in the joint statement that is expected following Trudeaus meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 23.

The messaging also extended to the issue of the 1985 terrorist bombing of an Air India flight that claimed 329 lives, including 268 Canadian citizens. He was asked during a news conference on Wednesday about the practice in some gurdwaras in Canada to have posters glorifying Talwinder Singh Parmar, considered the mastermind of that terror attack.

In response, Trudeau said, I do not think that we should ever be glorifying mass murderers and I am happy to condemn that.

This was in sharp contrast to the evasion of the issue by New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, after he was asked the same question during a televised interview soon after as he was elected to the post last October.

It also led to Trudeaus amicable meeting with Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh and his categorical assurance that Canada does not support separatists.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh in Amritsar on February 21, 2018.. (AFP)

Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday. Freeland said the discussion was very constructive and useful. She was speaking at an event organised by the Observer Research Foundation.

She also said the Canadian government has an unambiguous policy of support for a strong and united India.

The Trudeau team has had to scramble for damage control after plenty of criticism from Canadas opposition over the expansive visit.

The visit has been hit by the perceived snub by the Indian government over the Canadian leaders soft stance on pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, and then the invitation extended to convicted Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal for an official dinner reception being hosted by the Canadian high commissioner. The invitation was rescinded following reports in the Indian and Canadian media.

One Conservative Party MP sarcastically wished Trudeau and his family another wonderful vacation, while the partys leader Andrew Scheer said in an interview that it was hard to see what the point, what the objective was on this trip.

That has ensured the Trudeau team has to deal with the fallout of the poor scheduling, as one Indian official described it, on two fronts  in India and domestically.
China refuted a report on Thursday that it is secretly holding talks with Baloch militants in Pakistan for more than five years to protect its $60 billion CPEC, and hoped that Islamabad will step up security for the ambitious project.

I have never heard the report mentioned by you, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a media briefing, when asked about the report by British newspaper Financial Times.

Quoting three officials, the daily said China had been in direct contact with militants in the south-western province, where many of the schemes most important projects are located.

The 3,000-km-long CPEC is aimed at connecting China and Pakistan with rail, road, pipelines and optical cable fiber network.

It connects Chinas Xinjiang province with Pakistans Gwadar port in the volatile Balochistan where Baloch nationalists have staged a number of attacks.

Pakistan military has raised a special force to protect thousands of Chinese nationals working on different projects.

Refuting the Financial Times story, Geng said, I want to emphasise that the China and Pakistan governments have maintained consultation on the security of CPEC. Pakistan has taken a series of measures on this effectively safeguard the security CPEC and Chinese citizens. China highly appreciates this.

We hope and believe that Pakistan will continue to step up relevant work and maintain and ensure the security of CPEC, he said.

The reported direct approach by China was seen as a marked departure from its stated policy of not interfering in internal affairs of other countries.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), over which India has conveyed its protests to China.

Pakistan, which is set to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the infrastructure initiative, is one of the riskiest parts of the world to do business. Last year, 10 local workers were killed by unidentified gunmen while working near Gwadar port, the linchpin of the economic corridor.
A fresh controversy hit Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus visit to India on Thursday after it emerged that a convicted Khalistani terrorist had been invited to an official dinner reception, causing a setback to the Canadian leaders efforts to reassure New Delhi that his government condemns violent extremism.

Already stung by a perceived snub to Trudeau because of his governments soft stance on pro-Khalistan elements, Canadian authorities said the invitation extended to Indo-Canadian businessman Jaspal Atwal for the reception to be hosted by Canadian high commissioner Nadir Patel on Thursday night had been rescinded.

Atwal and three other men were convicted of attempted murder for the 1986 attack on Akali Dal leader Malkiat Singh Sidhu, who was visiting relatives on Vancouver Island at the time.

Sidhu, who was then a minister of state in the Punjab government, was injured in the attack and survived. He was later killed by Sikh militants in Punjab in 1991.

Trudeau told reporters: Obviously we take this situation extremely seriously. The individual in question never should have received an invitation and, as soon as we found out, we rescinded the invitation immediately.

The member of Parliament who included this individual has, and will, assume full responsibility for his actions.

The Canadian Prime Ministers Office said in a statement that it was looking into how this occurred. It added, That said, its important to be clear that this individual (Atwal) is not part of the official delegation to the PMs visit to India, nor was he invited by the Prime Ministers Office.

Canadas public broadcaster CBC reported that the Liberal Party lawmaker Randeep Sarai, one of 14 MPs travelling with Trudeau, gave Atwals name to the high commissioner to be included in the guest list. Sarai later offered an apology, saying he should have exercised better judgement and taking full responsibility for his actions.

The external affairs ministry said it was ascertaining from its mission in Ottawa how Atwal got a visa. Let us not presume things and decide how he managed to come. This is something which we are trying to find out, ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Atwal is a former member of the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), one of the key groups in the movement to establish Khalistan or an independent Sikh homeland, which was banned by Canada and designated a terror organisation in 2003.

Home ministry officials said Atwal was currently not on a blacklist of Khalistani activists and had not done anything illegal by entering the country.

Accused of another attack

Atwal was also accused of a murderous attack on Ujjal Dosanjh, an Indo-Canadian politician in British Columbia and a vocal critic of the Khalistan movement, in February 1985.

Dosanjh, who was brutally attacked in a parking lot, said he was flabbergasted to learn Atwal had been invited to an official dinner.

Im left speechless. This speaks volumes about the kind of inroads Khalistanis have made into the Liberal Party of Canada and the echelons of power, he said.

Atwal was not convicted in the attack on Dosanjh because of a technicality related to his identification. The attack on the Punjab minister occurred almost a year later.

Dosanjh, who went on to become the premier (chief minister) of the province and a federal cabinet minister, said this pointed to a colossal failure on part of those conducting security checks for the Trudeau visit.

This is what I have been saying. This is not about freedom of speech, it is about Canadian politicians openly hobnobbing, associating with unquestionable elements that are Khalistanis, he said.

Photographed with Sophie Trudeau

The development raised questions about the visa issued by India to Atwal, and whether he had been removed from the reported blacklist of Khalistani leaders as part of the Narendra Modi governments outreach to Sikh separatists.

The Toronto Sun reported it was shown photos of Atwal with the prime ministers wife, Sophie Trudeau. Atwal was also photographed with Canadas infrastructure minister Amarjeet Sohi and Brampton South Liberal MP Sonia Sidhu at an event in Mumbai.

The Sun was also shown a copy of the official invitation to Atwal. His Excellency Nadir Patel, High Commissioner for Canada to India, is pleased to invite Jaspal Atwal to a dinner reception celebrating Canada-India ties on the occasion of the visit of The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, the invitation read.

Atwal told the National Post he was in Mumbai on business and that he had travelled to India on his own on February 11.

1986 attack on Akali leader

Akali Dal leader Sidhu was attending his nephews wedding and driving on a rural road in Gold River, British Columbia, when his car was ambushed by Sikh militants in May 1986. The car windows were smashed and he was shot five times but survived.

Atwal and three other men were subsequently arrested and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The men did not serve jail time because the Canadian intelligence was found to have gathered evidence against them through an improperly obtained warrant.

Car fraud case

In 2011, Atwal lost a $28,000 decision against the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia in relation to a car fraud ring that included dozens of people. He previously held a leadership position in Surrey with Trudeaus Liberal Party of Canada.

The National Post reported that nobody from the Canadian government responded to requests for information (on) Wednesday about how someone with Atwals criminal and Sikh separatist history could be cleared to attend official events in India.

Commentators have linked the snub to Trudeaus failure to clearly speak out against Sikh extremists and Khalistani terrorists in Canada. Trudeau is also facing criticism for other aspects of his visit, including a number of events that have been described as photo opportunities with no substantive outcomes. Only half a day of the eight-day trip has been set aside for official engagements such as talks with Modi.
Spilling out wrenching tales of lost lives and stolen security, students and parents appealed to President Donald Trump to set politics aside and protect Americas school children from the scourge of gun violence. Trump listened intently to the raw emotion and pledged action, including the possibility of arming teachers.

I turned 18 the day after the shooting, said a tearful Samuel Zeif, a student at the Florida high school where a former students assault left 17 dead last week. Woke up to the news that my best friend was gone. And I dont understand why I can still go in a store and buy a weapon of war. An AR. How is it that easy to buy this type of weapon? How do we not stop this after Columbine? After Sandy Hook?

Trump promised to be very strong on background checks. And he suggested he supported allowing some teachers and other school employees to carry concealed weapons to be ready for intruders.

On Twitter Thursday, Trump continued to discuss arming teachers and others at schools, though said that didnt mean giving guns to all teachers.

I never said give teachers guns like was stated on Fake News @CNN & @NBC. What I said was to look at the possibility of giving concealed guns to gun adept teachers with military or special training experience - only the best, he said.

Trump continued to argue that armed school employees could fire back against shooters. He said: ATTACKS WOULD END! and GREAT DETERRENT!

The Pesident had invited the teen survivors of school violence and parents of murdered children in a show of his resolve against gun violence in the wake of last weeks shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and in past years at schools in Connecticut and Colorado. The latest episode has prompted a renewed and growing call for stronger gun control.

Trump asked his guests to suggest solutions and solicited feedback. He did not fully endorse any specific policy solution, but pledged to take action and expressed interest in widely differing approaches.

He largely listened, holding handwritten notes bearing his message to the families. I hear you was written in black marker.

Besides considering concealed carrying of weapons by trained school employees, a concept he has endorsed in the past, he said he planned to go very strongly into age, age of purchase. And he said he was committed to improving background checks and working on mental health.

Most in the group Wednesday were emotional but quiet and polite.

But Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was killed last week, noted the previous school massacres and raged over his loss, saying this moment isnt about gun laws but about fixing the schools.

Andrew Pollack (centre), flanked by his sons, speaks during the listening session on gun violence with US President Donald Trump on Thursday. (AFP Photo)

It should have been one school shooting and we should have fixed it and Im pissed. Because my daughter, Im not going to see again, said Pollack. King David Cemetery, that is where I go to see my kid now.

A strong supporter of gun rights, Trump has nonetheless indicated in recent days that he is willing to consider ideas not in keeping with National Rifle Association orthodoxy, including age restrictions for buying assault-type weapons. Still, gun owners are a key part of his base of supporters.

The NRA quickly rejected any talk of raising the age for buying long guns to 21.

Legislative proposals that prevent law-abiding adults aged 18-20 years old from acquiring rifles and shotguns effectively prohibits them for purchasing any firearm, thus depriving them of their constitutional right to self-protection, the group said in a statement.

Several dozen people assembled in the White House State Dining Room. Among them were students from Parkland along with their parents. Also present were parents of students killed in massacres at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, and Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. Students and parents from the Washington area also were present.

The student body president at the Parkland school, Julia Cordover, tearfully told Trump that she was lucky enough to come home from school.

She added, I am confident you will do the right thing.

Trump later tweeted that he would always remember the meeting. So much love in the midst of so much pain. We must not let them down. We must keep our children safe!!

Not all the students impacted by the shooting came to the White House.

David Hogg, who has been one of the students actively calling for gun control was invited but declined, said his mother Rebecca Boldrick.

His point was (Trump needs) to come to Parkland, were not going there, she said.

Throughout the day Wednesday, television news showed footage of student survivors of the violence marching on the Florida state Capitol, calling for tougher laws. The protests came closer to Trump, too, with hundreds of students from suburban Maryland attending a rally at the Capitol and then marching to the White House.

Inside the executive mansion, Trump said at the end of an hour listening to tales of pain and anguish, Thank you for pouring out your hearts because the world is watching and were going to come up with a solution.

Television personality Geraldo Rivera had dinner with Trump at his private Palm Beach club over the weekend and described Trump as deeply affected by his visit Friday with Parkland survivors. In an email, Rivera said he and Trump discussed the idea of raising the minimum age to purchase assault-type weapons.

Trump suggested strongly that he was going to act to strengthen background checks, Rivera said.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Senator Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, said Wednesday they would introduce a bill to raise the minimum age required to purchase rifles from gun dealers, including assault weapons such as the AR-15.

A kid too young buy a handgun should be too young to buy an #AR15, Flake said on Twitter. A buyer must be 21 to purchase a handgun from a licensed gun dealer.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Emma Gonzalez reacts during her speech at a rally for gun control at the Broward County Federal Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (AFP File Photo)

Trump embraced gun rights during his presidential campaign, though he supported some gun control before he became a candidate, backing an assault weapons ban and a longer waiting period to purchase a gun in a 2000 book.

On Tuesday, Trump directed the Justice Department to move to ban devices like the rapid-fire bump stocks used in last years Las Vegas massacre. The White House has also said Trump was looking at a bill that would strengthen federal gun background checks.

But those moves have drawn criticism as being inadequate, with Democrats questioning whether the Justice Department even has authority to regulate bump stocks and arguing that the background check legislation would not go far enough.

The department said its review of whether bump stocks are federally prohibited is ongoing but did not say how Trumps order would affect that.

An effort to pass bump stock legislation last year fizzled out.

On background checks, Trump has suggested he is open to a bipartisan bill developed in response to a mass shooting at a Texas church. It would penalise federal agencies that dont properly report required records and reward states that comply by providing them with federal grant preferences.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said the bill is a small step, but said Democrats want to see universal background check legislation.

Read | Shame on you! Student targets Donald Trump at Florida anti-gun rally

Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania said Wednesday that hell probably reintroduce bipartisan legislation that would require background checks for all gun purchases online and at gun shows. He said he planned to discuss the idea with Trump.

That bill first emerged with backing from Toomey and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia following the 2012 slaying of 26 children and adults in Connecticuts Sandy Hook Elementary School. It failed then and at least one more time since.

But Darrell Scott, the father of Columbine High School victim Rachel Scott, said he felt the President had been moved by the groups words.

I feel like theres a different tone in the air, he said, than there has been before.
The Maldives on Thursday brushed aside Indias strong concerns over a 30-day extension of a state of emergency and said the world community should refrain from any intervention in the island nation.

In an unusually blunt statement, the Maldives foreign ministry responded to Indias dismay over the emergency being extended on Tuesday by saying that friends and partners in the international community, including India, (should) refrain from any actions that could hinder resolving the situation facing the country.

The statement dismissed Indias contention that the extension of the emergency was unconstitutional as a clear distortion of facts, which ignore the Constitution and laws of the Maldives.

President Abdulla Yameens regime pushed through the extension of the emergency through a vote in a parliamentary session that was boycotted by the opposition. The move came hours after India had warned against the emergency imposed on February 5 being extended.

The external affairs ministry had on Wednesday said India was deeply dismayed that the emergency had been extended in a manner that contravened the Constitution of Maldives. It also said the delay in the resumption of the political process would impact the restoration of normalcy in the Maldives.

India had also called for all democratic institutions in the Maldives to be allowed to function in a fair and transparent manner.

After the Maldives Parliaments approval, ruling party legislators sought the opinion of the Supreme Court, which on Wednesday issued a temporary ruling ordering the Parliament and the relevant state authorities to act upon the extension.

The Maldivian foreign ministry statement said: There is no doubt that the Maldives is experiencing one of the most difficult periods in the history of the nation. It is therefore important that friends and partners in the international community, including India, refrain from any actions that could hinder resolving the situation facing the country.

The statement said that the government would work closely with the international community, including India and address the concerns they might have.

Earlier on Wednesday, Yameen turned down the UN secretary-generals offer to mediate between him and the opposition in the ongoing crisis, Antonio Guterress deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

He offered to the president UN mediation but the president conveyed that mediation was not wanted at this stage, Haq said.

(With inputs from Agencies)
Britain on Wednesday raised doubts about an EU-proposed deadline of December 31, 2020, for ending a post-Brexit transition period allowing time for the two sides to strike an agreement on future trade ties.

According to a leaked document published by British media, the government said that it was still aiming for the transition period to last around two years after Britain leaves the European Union on March 29, 2019.

But it said the precise duration of the period should be determined simply by how long it will take to prepare and implement the new processes and new systems that will underpin the future partnership.

Britain wishes to discuss with the EU the assessment that supports its proposed end date, it said.

An agreement on the future partnership between Britain and the EU cannot be concluded until it has actually left the bloc and current negotiations are over the conditions of withdrawal and the transition.

The document was a response to conditions set out by Brussels for a transition period requested by Britain with the intention of allowing businesses and the general public time to adjust to life after Brexit.

It said that there was broad alignment and only a small number of areas requiring discussion.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May played down the document saying there was nothing remotely new.

Britain has said it wants to leave the European single market and customs union at the moment of Brexit but then continue trading with the European Union on current terms during the transition period.

The EU has said this can only happen if Britain agrees to follow all current EU rules including freedom of movement for citizens.

Pro-Brexit MPs have warned this risks Britain becoming a vassal state of the EU during the transition period.

The government document issued on Wednesday also called for arrangements to ensure mutual good faith regarding any new EU laws adopted during the transition period, without giving further details.

A group of pro-Brexit Conservative MPs known as the European Research Group (ERG) also on Wednesday sent a letter to May with a number of suggestions for securing a successful Brexit.

The letter, which was signed by 62 lawmakers, in particular emphasised that Britain should be able to negotiate its own free trade deals with other countries as soon as it leaves the bloc.

It also said that any transition period should be based on WTO principles.

Any implementation period must not restrain the UK from negotiating or signing other trade agreements, they said.
Pakistans deposed premier Nawaz Sharif on Thursday alleged that efforts were being made to oust him from politics for life, a day after he was disqualified by the Supreme Court from leading his party.

Sharif spoke to the media after appearing before the accountability court in Islamabad where he is being tried for alleged corruption in the Panama Papers case.

This decision (disqualification from leading a party) is not unexpected for me. First, they paralysed the executive and yesterday they snatched the powers of parliament, he said.

He did not specify who he meant by they but apparently it was a reference to the judges of the top court.

Sharif, 68, was disqualified as prime minister by the apex court in July last year under Article 62 for failing to declare a receivable salary as an asset.

He said the decision was a continuation of the apex court verdict of July 28 when he was sacked as prime minister, and added that deliberations were being made to oust him from politics for life.

In the decision of July 28 my premiership was snatched. In the decision of yesterday the post of president of Pakistan Muslim League (N) was snatched...My name is Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. If you want to snatch this name from me, go ahead and take it away, he said.

He criticised the decision of the court which said the Election Act 2017 was person-specific to facilitate Sharif to lead his party, adding that decisions of the Supreme Court are Nawaz Sharif-specific.

These decisions are being given in anger and smack of vengeance, he said.

Sharif appeared in court accompanied by daughter Maryam and son-in-law Mohammad Safdar, who are co-accused in one of the three cases.

It was his 18th appearance in the court.

The court reserved judgment on objections by Sharif about supplementary references by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and postponed the hearing until this afternoon.

It also decided to record statements of two UK-based witnesses via video link.

Later, Sharif consulted his party leaders during a high-level meeting about the implications of the decision and appointing a new president of the PML-N.

The party issued new party tickets to candidates for the upcoming Senate polls since the apex courts ruling declared all decisions taken under Sharifs leadership as null and void.

Tickets have been awarded by party chairman Raja Zafar-ul-Haq, who, along with other party leaders, visited the Election Commission and submitted papers of party candidates for the Senate elections.

Haq also said that the PML-N chairman and president had discretion to issue party tickets.

Analysts say that PML-N-supported candidates might be barred from taking part in Senate elections on March 3 as their nomination had been declared illegal by the apex court.

Next in line

Sources said Sharifs ailing wife Kulsoom Nawaz and his younger brother Shahbaz were favourites to get the coveted post of PML-N president.

Some party leaders favour Yaqoob Nasir or Raja Zafarul Haq as interim president before settling on a permanent choice, according to sources.

Earlier, when Sharif stepped down as prime minister and PML-N chief after his disqualification by the Supreme Court, Nasir had been appointed as interim president of the party.

Sharif later on took over leadership of party after Election Law 2017 removed the disqualification bar to become head of a political party.

Sharif was given a warm welcome when he arrived at the Punjab House to participate in the meeting.
One of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus closest confidants has agreed to testify against him in a graft probe, Israeli media reported Wednesday, in a fresh threat to his long tenure.

Two new corruption investigations announced this week, hot on the heels of a police recommendation that Netanyahu face charges in two other cases, have fuelled growing speculation he could be forced to step down or call an early election.

Shlomo Filber, a Netanyahu ally for more than 20 years and former director general of the communications ministry, is expected to agree to turn state witness in exchange for avoiding jail, according to reports across the Israeli press.

Police did not confirm any deal.

Filber was arrested on Sunday in connection with allegations that Shaul Elovitch, the controlling shareholder of Israeli telecommunications giant Bezeq, gave Netanyahu positive coverage on his Walla! news site in exchange for policies benefiting the business.

Filber is suspected of mediating between Netanyahu and Elovitch and promoting regulatory changes worth millions to Bezeq.

Two senior Bezeq employees also detained on Sunday, CEO Stella Handler and Amikam Shorer, appeared Wednesday in court, where their remand was extended until February 26.

The prime minister himself has not been named as a suspect in the investigation.

In another case announced this week, two Netanyahu allies are alleged to have offered a judge promotion in exchange for dropping a case against the premiers wife.

The two men have been identified as Nir Hefetz and Eli Kamir, both former media advisers for the Netanyahu family.

Their alleged offer was to Hila Gerstel, a judge involved in a graft probe into Sara Netanyahu over alleged misuse of public funds.

Additionally last week police said there were grounds to indict the prime minister himself in two other cases for bribery, fraud and breach of public trust.

Netanyahu, 68, has rejected all the allegations, and released a new video on his Facebook page late Tuesday strongly denying any wrongdoing.

In an address to American Jewish leaders in Jerusalem late on Wednesday, an upbeat Netanyahu ignored his legal woes, expounding instead on Israels success in diplomacy and technology while reiterating his position on the danger Iran posed to the Jewish state.

We will never allow Iran to establish military bases in Syria to use against us (and) we will never allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons, he said.

While Netanyahus coalition partners have so far said they will stand by him, they have remained largely silent since Sunday.

His right-wing Likud party, the largest in parliament, still remains supportive, but the opposition has repeatedly called for him to step aside.

Polls last week showed the Israeli public was split on the prime ministers future.

End of an era

If Shlomo (Momo) Filber indeed signed a states witness agreement last night, it is the end of an era, Ben Caspit wrote in the Maariv newspaper Wednesday, calling him Netanyahus closest and most intimate covert operations officer.

Always in the shadows, always loyal, efficient, secretive and ideological, Bibi (Netanyahu) knew that he could count on Momo. Until yesterday, said Caspit, the author of a recent book on the prime minister.

In his Facebook video Tuesday night, Netanyahu again accused the media and police of a witch-hunt.

Quoting a biblical phrase referring to the ancient Egyptians treatment of the Jews, he said the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread.

Filber is seen as one of the architects of Netanyahus surprise 2015 election victory, after which he was appointed to head the communications ministry.

The next election is not due until the end of 2019 but Israeli media speculated Netanyahu might call go the polls before the end of this year.

Under the headline The smell of elections, the pro-Netanyahu newspaper Israel Hayom published a poll suggesting he might even increase his support in parliament despite the allegations hanging over him.

His Likud party currently holds 30 seats in the 120-seat parliament, but that could rise to 34 if an election were called today, according to the poll.
China said on Thursday that human factors did not cause the fire at the revered Jokhang Temple in Lhasa last week, sparking fears of large-scale damage to the site considered one of the most sacred shrines for Tibetans.

The fire at the temple in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), erupted on Saturday, the second day of the Tibetan New Year, also known as Losar.

A preliminary investigation has ruled out any human factors in the fire that broke out in Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's TAR, official Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.

The report did not clear the air on what caused the blaze.

Information about the fire remained sketchy as speculation spread about the extent of damage to the ancient site, located at the centre of Lhasa.

The Xinhua report gave some details of the damage.

The fire broke out on the second floor of the rear part of the sacred monastery at 6.40 Saturday evening and was soon put out. An area of about 50 square metres was burned, it said.

The report said the fire began in the ventilating chamber, built in the late 1980s, adding that no cultural relics were stored inside the chamber.

The golden top of the temple was removed in case of a collapse or a second fire.

The regional cultural relics bureau told Xinhua that all the registered 6,510 cultural relics and the main building were intact.

Tibetan activists based abroad had said the 1,300-year-old temple, a UNESCO world heritage site that houses cultural treasures sacred to Tibetans, was badly damaged in the fire.

There are fears that the damage may be more widespread than the authorities acknowledge, the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) said in a statement this week

The fire apparently began in a building near the Jokhang, with some sources saying this was the Meru Nyingpa monastery in the alley ways of the Barkhor, and then spread. One source in touch with an eyewitness said that several buildings nearby had been burnt to the ground, although that could not be confirmed, the statement added.
Donald Trump Jr. said any talk of his family profiting from his fathers presidency is nonsense during a trip to India that has raised ethical concerns about using the name of the American president to promote international business ventures.

The eldest son of President Donald Trump said his family is actually missing out on business opportunities because his father pledged to conduct no new foreign business while he was in office. Trump Jr. told Indian television channel CNBC-TV18 on Tuesday that when critics talk about them profiteering from the presidency and all this nonsense they forget about the opportunity cost of the deals that we were not able to do.

Its sort of a shame. Because we put on all these impositions on ourselves and essentially got no credit for actually doing that ... for doing the right thing, he added.

Trump Jr., who along with his brother Eric runs the Trump Organization, arrived in India on Tuesday to meet the promoters and buyers of luxury, Trump-branded homes in four Indian cities and is scheduled to speak about Indo-Pacific relations at a business summit along with Prime Minister Narenda Modi.

His visit prompted a US senator to ask if the embassy in New Delhi had provided any aid or guidance. Sen. Robert Menendez, ranking Democratic on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote that he expected the US State Department and embassy would treat Trump Jr. like any other American on private business and will take every effort to avoid any perception of special treatment or a conflict of interest.

In the letter to Ambassador Kenneth Juster, Menendez asked if diplomats had briefed Trump Jr. during his visit or provided any support staff. Menendez also asked Juster whether any steps were taken to make clear to the Indian government and citizens of the country that Mr. Trump in no way speaks on behalf of the United States government.

The US State Department, responding to questions from AP, said the embassy was supporting the Secret Service team responsible for Trump Jr. but otherwise had no role in his visit. It said while the State Department assists with booking hotels and other travel arrangements, such costs are paid by the requesting agencies, such as the Secret Service.

The department also said that while some US Embassy employees might attend the business summit where Trump Jr. is speaking, the ambassador would not be attending nor would he be meeting with Trump Jr.

Media access to his events in the country has been limited and only news organizations chosen by his team have had access to him.

With five projects under the Trump brand, India is its largest market outside the United States.. The Trump Organization charges a licensing fee to its Indian partners who build the properties under the Trump name. A luxury complex is already open in the central city of Pune are the others are under construction in the coastal cities of Mumbai and Kolkata and two in the New Delhi suburb of Gurgaon.

All the projects were signed before President Trump took office, but promoting even existing business has raised ethics concerns.

Trump Jr. has made several visits to India over the years and has repeatedly talked of great business opportunities in the country.
An Indian Sikh mans turban was allegedly ripped by a white man in an apparent racist attack outside the UK parliament, according to a media report.

Ravneet Singh, 37, from Punjab in India, said he was waiting to enter the Portcullis House, part of the British Parliamentary Estate, to meet Sikh Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi when the assault took place on Wednesday.

Singh said he was waiting in the queue when the man, who was shouted Muslim go back, approached him and attempted to remove his turban, a religious headgear worn by Sikh men.

I was in the queue outside Portcullis House and this guy ran up to us. Just before we got to the entrance he came up to me and attacked me.

He was pulling at my turban strongly. It half moved and I grabbed it. Before he could do anything else I shouted at him and he ran, he was quoted as saying by The Independent.

Singh said that the man made a racist comment in another language that he did not recognise.

He was a white man, but he didnt sound English. He said something like Muslim go back, he added.

Labour MP Dhesi, who was to host Singh, expressed disgust at the incident and sought action against the culprit.

Disgusted to discover today that someone filled with hatred tried to pull off the turban of one of my guests standing in line outside @UKParliament. I hope the @metpoliceuk /authorities will take urgent action. https://t.co/0MRgdICPwa  Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (@TanDhesi) February 21, 2018

According to the report, the police have confirmed being alerted at 5.20pm about the assault outside outside Portcullis House, the building adjacent to the Houses of Parliament, which is home to offices for MPs and their staff.

No arrest has been made so far, with the police probing the case.
It was an insensitive post and Dinesh DSouza, an Indian American conservative, took it down as backlash intensified.

He had attacked student survivors of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida who had watched in frustration as the Florida assembly on Tuesday voted to defeat a legislation to ban assault rifles of the kind a shooter had used to kill 14 of their schoolmates and three members of the staff whom they knew, loved and admired.

Worst news since their parents told them to get summer jobs, DSouza wrote in a caption of a picture he had Tweeted.

Hours after, he took it all back and down, with an apology, in a rare expression of contrition from a man who enjoys riling opponents. To persistent attackers on social media, he begged them to go back re-read the post.

Humiliated and beaten by schoolchildren around the United States who have taken over the gun-law reforms movement, from their parents and grandparents in a fresh bid to force a change the country has long desired but has failed to push through every time, especially after every mass shooting.

School children are marching to state capitals, staging walkouts from schools  at a pre-arranged hour they just file out quietly  and passionately arguing at public events and to television cameras held just inches from their face.

They have had enough, they are saying, gun laws must change.

Sheryl Acquaroli, one of the Florida school shooting survivors who was on the picture Tweeted by DSouza with his offensive post, told a local news publication: I knew that it wasnt going to go through  (But) The next death of someone with an assault rifle here in Florida is going to be on them.

Students from Montgomery Blair High School march down Colesville Road in support of gun reform legislation February 21, 2018 in Silver Spring, Maryland. (AFP Photo)

She and a few other survivors from the school had decided to be in the assembly, in the visitors gallery, hoping their legislators would be overwhelmed by their presence to get around long-standing reservations and ban assault rifles. They watched, instead, the defeat of a bill they thought closed all arguments.

At 10.30am on Wednesday, hundreds of students came out of Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring in Maryland, a Democratic-leaning state, and walked, escorted by police officers on motorcycles, as part of gun-control rally. Other schools in the state have similar plans staggered through the next few days.

Hundreds of miles away in Mesa in Arizona, a conservative state, dozens of students at Mesa High School walked out of class around noon calling to fix gun laws.

Up north in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a Democratic state, hundreds of students from multiple high schools walked for miles to the local governments office in 9 degree Celsius demanding gun law reforms, according to local news media reports.

Hundreds of high school and middle school students from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia staged walkouts and gather in front of the Capitol in support of gun control. (AFP Photo)

And in Needville in Texas, deeply red state that is fiercely protective of gun rights, it took a stern warning of a three-day suspension from the local school authorities to prevent children from participating in the nationwide surge.

More marches and rallies are planned for the next coming days.

Their message will be similar to this from Michael Calderon at a rally, as captured by CBS news. Pleading to be taken seriously given some push back that he did not describe beyond a point, he said, Trust me. I understand. I was in a closet, locked for 4 hours with people who I would consider almost family, crying and weeping on me, begging for their lives. I understand what it is like to text my parents goodbye.
Appointment

22 February 2018

Jeremy Berlin, Blantyre"s new Executive Chef, will oversee all culinary operations including the new dining operations: The Conservatory at Blantyre, a fine-dining prix fixe menu; and Blantyre Bistro, a French-inspired menu featuring classic dishes and locally sourced ingredients.

Berlin will also transform the resort"s in-room dining and catering events, ranging in size from high-level meetings to weddings of more than 300 attendees. An accomplished chef who has spent 17 years sharpening his culinary skills at high-profile restaurants throughout the country, Berlin joins Blantyre from Tuthill House at the Mill in Gardiner, NY where he was Executive Chef and General Manager. Previously, Berlin consulted for Acme Hospitality in Santa Barbara, CA where he developed a Mediterranean fine-dining restaurant concept from the ground up.

Berlin served at Gordon Ramsay Holdings where he worked in leadership positions in Las Vegas, West Hollywood and New York. Berlin also spent two years at Le Bernardin in New York, where he served as Poissioner, during which time Le Bernardin received three Michelin stars and retained four stars from The New York Times. Berlin"s education began at New York"s French Culinary Institute.
Supplier News

22 February 2018

With new hotel products and technologies emerging at a dizzying rate, hoteliers need a simple way to learn about the ones that can make meaningful improvements to the guest and staff experience. That's why Forbes Travel Guide introduced their Brand Official Program in 2017, designed to point the world's best hoteliers towards products and services worthy of endorsement. ALICE, the industry's leading Hospitality Operations Platform, was named the Guide's Official Staff Operations Technology Provider for 2018.

CEO of Forbes Travel Guide Gerard J. Inzerillo expresses his confidence in the newly-appointed brand official: "We are extremely pleased to select ALICE as the Official Staff Operations Technology of Forbes Travel Guide. It is essential that staff members at a hotel communicate with each other to satisfy many of the 900 standards by which we evaluate a property. ALICE personalizes its product to meet the needs of each property with whom it partners."

ALICE has taken the industry by storm in the five years since the company's inception. In an industry eager to bridge communication silos between departments, ALICE's vision of a single, unified Hospitality Operations Platform has been met with great interest by the community, with already over 2,000 hotel partners benefitting from the platform.

"We are extremely proud to be honored by Forbes Travel Guide," says Alex Shashou, ALICE Co-Founder and President. "We built ALICE with Forbes' rigorous 900-point checklist in mind. With our mission to help hotels deliver consistently excellent service, who better to learn from than Forbes?"

"ALICE is innovative and trained to the standards that we use to rate a property. It is constantly modifying its technology based on each client it works with, listening to feedback and adapting offerings to meet that client's specific needs and wants," Mica Hill, SVP of Brand Development for Forbes Travel Guide explains. "In the end, we really admire the way ALICE allows a property's team members to communicate effortlessly with each other, which results in a more engaged guest and a better overall guest experience."

ALICE will be at the Forbes Travel Guide Luxury Summit in Los Angeles next week to meet with hoteliers looking to learn more.
Supplier News

22 February 2018

Hotel clients of Portugal's Essential Tools have gained access to best-in-class distribution and direct booking technology, thanks to the renowned consultancy firm's partnership with SiteMinder, the global hotel industry's leading cloud platform.

The deal  which comes one week ahead of Portugal's main tourism exhibition, BTL, in Lisbon  will see SiteMinder's solutions adopted by the majority of Essential Tools' client portfolio of 25 hotels across the country, including OPO Hotel Porto Aeroporto, Sea Porto Hotel and Grande Hotel de Luso.

Essential Tools' CEO, Luis Ferreira, says, "Using SiteMinder's booking engine and channel management solutions, our hotel clients can open their doors to Portugal's many tourists who wouldn't otherwise be aware of their hotels' existence or have a way to book with them directly online. We are very pleased to provide these capabilities alongside SiteMinder, which has earned its place over the years as one of the most sought-after technology providers in Portugal's hotel market."

For 10 years, Essential Tools has supported hotel businesses to capitalise on Portugal's burgeoning tourism sector through integrated tourist advisory services, destination marketing and eCommerce solutions.

It is estimated more than 21 million tourists visited Portugal in 2017 to mark 10 percent growth from the previous year. According to the Hotel Industry Association of Portugal, 2017 will likely form the third consecutive year both demand and prices paid have grown for local hotels.

"We congratulate Essential Tools for recognising that technology is an enabler of a sustainable hospitality and travel industry, and an instigator of positive change. We are very proud to work alongside the team in offering the technological solutions their hotel clients need to compete into the future, and being a part of that change," says Mateus Coelho, Regional Manager - Portugal, Spain and Brazil at SiteMinder.

Appointments with SiteMinder at BTL can be made here.

About SiteMinder

As the leading cloud platform for hotels, SiteMinder allows hotels to attract, reach and convert guests across the globe. We serve hotels of all sizes with award-winning solutions for independents and groups alike, wherever they are in the world.

SiteMinder's products include The Channel Manager, the industry's leading online distribution platform; TheBookingButton, a wholly-branded booking engine for direct bookings via the web, mobile or social; Canvas, the intelligent website creator for independent hoteliers; Prophet, the real-time market intelligence solution that takes the guesswork out of pricing rooms; and GDS by SiteMinder, a single-point of entry to a six-figure network of travel agents and the world's major global distribution systems. With more than 28,000 hotel customers and 550 of the industry's top connectivity providers as our partners, today we have presence in more than 160 countries on six continents.

For more information, visit www.siteminder.com.

About Essential Tools

Essential Tools - Tecnologias de Informacao, Lda. has been in the market since 2008 and, over the last few years, has developed a continuous and stable path through sustained growth, which allows them to address the new challenges with optimism and the necessary serenity, maintaining the level of quality of their services using best practices and a sense of responsibility.

The success in the practical development of the solutions they present, combined with a team of professionals with superior training and experience in the areas of tourism and hospitality, marketing, design and Web design, allows them to respond and provide the necessary support to those who need help in their tourism projects and hoteliers.

For more information, visit essential-tools.pt.
Supplier News

22 February 2018

We've taken a look at user search trends across the thousands of hotel websites that we track every day and condensed the data down into a two-minute video. Though the concept is simple, having an understanding of how, when and where users are searching and booking is vital if you're trying to improve your website's performance. Knowing how you measure up to your peers is the first step to setting achievable goals and measuring real success.

Do you know:

How many of your visitors are on their mobile?

How many are looking to bring their kids?

How often are they seeing cheaper rates on an OTA?

If visitors to your hotel website were 100 people what would they be doing?

The data behind this video was collected from millions of searches over the period of November 2017 to January 2018. We work with thousands of hotels of every size and type, from small city boutiques to the biggest brands in the world.

Interested in a more bespoke benchmark? With the Triptease Platform , you have access to the learnings from 17,000 hotels' worth of data. Our team of Direct Booking Experts are on hand to pinpoint with ease your areas for improvement, while instant access to your performance data means you can track your success in real time. Take control of your parity , perfect your guest engagement and watch those direct bookings soar.

Ready to improve your online conversion rate?"
Since partnering with Jordan Brand in December 2013, Drake has released several collaborative projects including the OVO x Air Jordan 10, OVO x Air Jordan 12 and the recently released OVO x Air Jordan 8, which dropped alongside a line of matching apparel. The Toronto-native also teamed with Future a few years back to release a song dedicated to the Jumpman, a company that has blessed him with countless special edition PEs over the years.

However, despite all of the success, Sole Collector is reporting that Drake may not be happy with his current role at Jordan Brand.

According to Sole Collector, Drake is "looking for an exit and a new deal that would afford him more creative control." One such brand that would reportedly give him the desired creative control is Adidas. Sole Collector reports that Drake "is in talks" with the Three Stripes about a potential sneaker deal, but it's unclear when he'd be able to break free of his Jordan Brand contract if he truly is considering moving on.

Adidas has done a phenomenal job of collaborating with several artists over the years, most notably Kanye West and Pharrell, who both have their own sneakers.
In January, Project Baby Kodak Black found himself struggling to keep away from the long arm of the law. The Floridian rapper was arrested with seven charges, including grand theft of firearm, two counts of possession of weapon or ammo, possession of marijuana over twenty-grams, and more. The police were originally alerted to the illicit activity after Kodak posted a video on Instagram Live, in which he and his crew aired a video smoking blunts and playing with handguns. To make matters worse, Kodak's son was never far from the debauchery.

Kodak is currently spending time behind bars, but the news is not all bad. TMZ reports that Kodak's attorney Bradford Cohen has come through for the rapper, as a good lawyer is wont to do. Apparently, the State of Florida has been convinced to drop three charges - one for possession of a weapon or ammunition by a delinquent, one for grand theft of a firearm, and child neglect. That doesn't mean Kodak is out of the woods. His climb remains one of the uphill variety. The rapper still faces charges of marijuana possession and possession of ammunition.

Kodak's journey into mainstream stardom has been fraught with turmoil. While talented, it seems as if Kodak's unwillingness to leave the streets behind has proven a cumbersome burden. Although many appreciate the genuine honesty in his music, it would be a shame to watch a promising young voice succumb to his own vices.
For the first time ever, Lil Uzi Vert has headed down under to perform several shows over the next week in Australia and New Zealand. The "XO TOUR Llif3" rapper has touched down in Oceania and updated his Instagram story to show what he's been up to. Apparently, Uzi has been spending time on FaceTime with his "Australian sister Madi" and testing out funky filters with teenaged white girls. Uzi has always been a pretty goofy character but these recent posts are a little confusing.

For one, why is Uzi chilling with a bunch of teen girls? The photo of him with the filters appears like it may have been a candid shot with fans, but who is this Aussie sister that he is referring to? Despite our confusion surrounding Uzi's relation to the girls, we can confirm that he still looks incredibly dope, rocking a full-out Burberry fit, with a dope Balenciaga hoodie and some Chanel running shoes.

With Uzi's recent string of success as The Perfect LUV Tape was certified gold and Luv Is Rage 2 going platinum, the Philly product can do no wrong right now. He will be performing tonight in Melbourne and moving on to Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane in the next few days.
Last night, CNN held a town hall meeting in the wake of last week's massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., which left 17 dead. The event was supposed to be a forum where students, faculty, parents, and other residents of the southern Floridia city to discuss the homicidal rampage that was effectively enabled by the shooter's access to a semiautomatic rifle.

Dana Loesch, a conservative commentator and NRA spokeswoman, ultimately diverted questions from students who witnessed the shooting, and were curious as to whether or not the government should make it more difficult to obtain semiautomatic weaponry.

It seems as though the NRA was content with how Loesch handled the unending stream of questions and concerns about their organization, and how their current regulations enable acts of terror on American citizens. They ultimately tweeted their support to Loesch, using a gif of Amy Poehler from her stint on Parks and Recreation pointing at an unidentified castmember and mouthing the words "thank you."

However, this subtle nod to the hit NBC comedy series did not go over well with cast and crew, who are clearly in disagreement with the controversial organization. Taking to Twitter, Michael Shur, the creator of the hit show, tweeted that the NRA should remove the image immediately. Shur wrote "Hi, please take this down. I would prefer you not use a GIF from a show I worked on to promote your pro-slaughter agenda."

Shur also notes how Amy Poehler is aware of the misuse of her image and likeness, and it not particularly impressed. "Also, Amy isnt on twitter, but she texted me a message: Can you tweet the NRA for me and tell them I said fuck off?" wrote the series creator.

Nick Offerman, who played Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, offered his known criticism of the gif, stating how "@NRA @DLoesch our good-hearted show and especially our Leslie Knope represent the opposite of your pro-slaughter agenda  take it down and also please eat shit."
The Hollywood development cycle is one of up's and down's. You never know what will be made. As the industry continues to rehash our childhood faves into new content for fans, you can expect to see familiar faces out of their element. The latest icon of our past is Sonic the Hedgehog. The Sonic the Hedgehog movie will hit screens across the world on November 15, 2019. A mascot for the video game developer Sega, the character's film has been in the works for a while. With the first announcement tracing back to 2014, it's been a journey to get this movie made. The future of Sonic's big screen appearance didn't look likely when Sony Pictures pulled from the project in October 2017.

The Sonic the Hedgehog movie is backed by a decorated team. While it's director, Jeff Fowler's first feature film, he's assisted by Deadpool-director, Tim Miller serving as an executive producer. The screenplay was written by the creator's of Fox Animation's Golan The Insatiable, Pat Casey and Josh Miller. It's reported that the film will make use of CGI and live action, similar to that of the upcoming Detective Pikachu movie out next year. We will have to wait and see just how many gold rings the speedster can grab and how many loops he can traverse in our world.

[via Gadgets 360]
In case you missed it earlier, NYC rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine was involved in a massive brawl outside LAX Wednesday afternoon presumably for his recent gang affiliation & comments made while out in Los Angeles this past weekend. Well ironically right before the fight went down, TMZ caught up with the controversial rapper, where he talked about gun control & violence in rap.

When asked about him having guns in his video, following the wake of last weeks school shooting in Parkland, Tekashi says rap music shouldn't be blamed for the violence & culture.

Its not the rap music. Its just us showing where we live, ya know what Im saying? Us showing our lifestyle, he said. People looking at it saying 'this is bad this is bad, this is all bad,' but they don't know this is showing our environment.

Then when asked his thoughts on gun control, Tekashi added that every city is different, but he believes guns should be taken out of kids hands. I think guns should be taken out of kids hands. I know a lot of kids, he said before shying away from talking further on the topic.

Following this interview, Tekashi would coincidentally get involved in that brawl outside LAX, where he would walk away injury free. At the time, many people started suggesting that fight mightve been staged in order to promote his upcoming album that drops Friday, but Tekashi has since debunked those rumors.

Check out Tekashis interview before the brawl via TMZ (below) and be sure to revisit the fight itself right here if you missed it.
Brenda Bazan, freshly confirmed as the new leader of Houston First Corp., pledged Wednesday to make the agency more open and accountable about how it markets the city to tourists and convention planners.

"Transparency will be at the cornerstone of my leadership," Bazan said. "I look forward to working with the mayor, side by side, to promote Houston."

Bazan, 60, was nominated by Mayor Sylvester Turner and unanimously approved by City Council on Wednesday morning - barely a week after her predecessor was abruptly dismissed.

Bazan's tenure began with a tangible gesture. Houston First, which had been criticized in the past for refusing to disclose employee salary information in the past, released data the Chronicle had been seeking since 2016. The quasi-public agency had refused to share the detailed salary breakdown because it was held by a private staffing firm, Convention and Cultural Services Inc.

The firm, which was created by Houston First shortly after its 2011 founding, employed agency workers and leased them back to the agency in an accounting maneuver designed to off-load its pension obligations as the city's unfunded pension liability ballooned.

The salary data show that former president and CEO Dawn Ullrich was earning $363,975 a year when she was let go after announcing her intent to retire at the end of 2018.

Bazan, who was chief financial officer for Houston First, was paid $262,695 annually, the salary data show. Mike Waterman, the executive vice president, makes $328,387.

Bazan's new salary as president and CEO is expected to be discussed in a closed executive session at the next Houston First board meeting in March. Board chairman David Mincberg said he plans to release Bazan's new salary publicly after that meeting.

"We've been working expeditiously to transform the culture at Houston First to make it more open and transparent and make it a can-do spirit," Mincberg told City Council.

During a brief discussion before the confirmation vote, council members threw their support behind the mayor's pick but warned Bazan to maintain open communication.

"I remind all of Houston First you are a local government corporation formed by this body and accountable to this body," Councilwoman Brenda Stardig said. "I do warn you, please don't create any more silos and subsets."

"It's important to taxpayers and this government body to make sure we're transparent," Councilman Steve Le said.

Mincberg said he expects Bazan to conduct an extensive review of Houston First.

"It's incumbent upon any new CEO to do a comprehensive, organizational review, to see what's working really well and inevitably take a look at where there might be inefficiencies," Mincberg said.

Bazan will be charged with marketing Houston regionally, nationally and internationally. While Houston First has traditionally marketed heavily in Mexico, Mincberg said he sees Europe and Asia as growing tourism markets.

"We see tremendous opportunities and potential for marketing in China for decades to come," Mincberg said. "We are going to be putting more efforts there."

Houston First plans to set a new goal for tourism numbers after shattering its goal of reaching 20 million annual visitors in 2016, two years ahead of schedule. The organization plans to transform Jones Plaza downtown and also create a public market, similar to ones in New York City, Los Angeles and Seattle, Mincberg said.

Houston First will work more closely with Turner to promote the city in the future, Mincberg said. Officials plan to keep an open line of communication between the two groups, he said.

"There's no better marketer than the mayor of Houston," Mincberg said. "We want to work side by side with him to help us with marketing."

Turner said he looked forward to working with Bazan, who takes the helm of an organization that is trying to boost Houston's visibility among tourists while recovering from Hurricane Harvey's extensive damage to the city's Theater District. He described the job as a "very, very important position."

Bazan, who has been with the city since 1993 and with Houston First since 2011, can hit the ground running, Mincberg said.

Before joining the city, Bazan was vice president of administrative services for Charter Bancshares and a senior manager with Deloitte. Bazan has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Western Kentucky University.

Her predecessor, Ullrich, 62, has retained a lawyer but has not filed any lawsuit. Attorney David Feldman on Wednesday said he is exploring all legal options but is not threatening litigation.

Mincberg said he hopes the new leadership change will help elevate Houston's image among tourists, businesses and conventions.

"There are well over 200 people working there diligently to market Houston, working to transform it from a premier destination to the premier destination," Mincberg said. "With the new leadership that Brenda Bazan will provide, we will make strides."

City Hall reporter Mike Morris contributed to this story.
SYDNEY, Australia - Dylan Cramp put the final touches on a flier promoting the medical technology startup ScalaMed. His nimble team's work area, a lone table with six chairs in a comfortable suburb, provided great views of Sydney's harbor bridge and skyline.

In a trendy office in the heart of the city, Kunal Bhusare and Piyush Ramavat, developers who work for a company hired by ScalaMed, were busy fixing bugs in a mobile app that uses the blockchain technology behind Bitcoin to help patients keep track of their prescriptions.

Their deadline was fast approaching. The app was set to launch in two weeks, and the ScalaMed CEO was flying half a world away to Houston in less than a month to introduce the technology to the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex.

"All guns blazing right now to get everything ready," Cramp said Jan. 22 at his office in Bondi Junction.

He's part of an ongoing program known as BioBridge that brings Australian health tech startups - along with their diversity and new technologies - to the Texas Medical Center. The goal is to commercialize products that will improve health care and keep Texas integral to the sector's future.

MORE: United hopes Houston-to-Sydney flight lures passengers, despite 17-hour trip

Since the first class of Aussies enrolled in the four-month TMCx accelerator program a year ago, they have raised $4 million and signed five letters of intent to work with institutions in the Texas medical Center.

Bill McKeon, the Medical Center's president and CEO, said the BioBridge alliance provides entrepreneurs from Down Under with a U.S. landing spot and a large population to test their innovations while embedded in TMC. Australia has fewer residents than Texas, so the U.S. provides a larger market opportunity.

"It was very clear to me they had great technology, they had great academic institutions and they had great innovators," McKeon said. "What they didn't have was a market that could sustain those fully."

ScalaMed CEO Dr. Tal Rapke began his TMCx journey last week, and he hopes to follow in the footsteps of other Australian companies. Ward Medication Management Group has signed a lease for office space at the TMCx+ business incubator. It's also hiring a Houston-based chairman and CEO.

The Melbourne-based company helps physicians prescribe the correct medications. Its 30 clinical pharmacists have collected about 100,000 medical records, and they continue to add 25,000 each year. This helps Ward MM provide prescription drug recommendations for a patient's ailment without causing medication-related illness or negating other medicines being taken.

If it weren't for the BioBridge program, Ward MM likely wouldn't be in Houston.

"I really wouldn't have considered the States as an opportunity," Group CEO Stuart Ward said. "  On our doorstep we have Asia, which is probably an easier path or what I would have considered an easier path."

Ward worked morning and night to soak up the TMCx experience while still running his business. He returned to Australia and is raising $2.5 million AUD, roughly $2 million U.S., and plans to soon hire 10 to 12 Houstonians. U.S. pharmacist associations, schools and doctor networks are piloting the company's technology.

CNSDose, also a BioBridge participant from Melbourne, received an extra boost as a recipient of the TMC Venture Fund.

"Once the Texas Medical Center is invested, they're going to throw their weight behind your company and help you however they can to realize a return on their own investment," said Dr. Harris Eyre, chief medical officer for CNSDose. "So we can always go back to TMC executives now and say, 'Hey, can you help us with an introduction?'"

RELATED: TMC Venture Fund launches with $25M for med startups

CNSDose uses advanced genetic technologies to remove the trial-and-error approach of prescribing anti-depressants. A cheek swab gathers cells from inside the patient's mouth, which provides information on the blood-brain barrier determining what molecules get through to the brain. It also provides insight into the liver and how quickly a person's body metabolizes drugs. This can help physicians prescribe an effective dosage of anti-depressants.

Eyre said TMCx provided a rapid orientation to the U.S. health care and its regulations, and the program helped him build a large network at the Texas Medical Center. Eyre moved to Houston after completing the program and said the company is finalizing contracts with multiple TMC health systems.

"There's an amazing ecosystem here of people who are wanting to develop new things for mental health," Eyre said. "Because publishing academic papers and journals that no one reads, we know how to do that and we've done that. But now, being able to actually spin out tech from universities and commercialize it, that's what TMC is poised to do an amazing job of."

McKeon said TMC is in the early stages of launching the BioBridge program with another country, hopefully the first of many more.

By the end of his second day, Rapke had presented a one-minute business pitch for ScalaMed to more than 100 people and created a networking game plan.

His company wants to give patients access to their own prescriptions. Instead of going from doctor to pharmacist, the prescription will go directly to a patient's phone. This provides a list of all medications the patient is currently on, and it could be life-saving if the person sees another doctor or ends up in the hospital. It also provides an opportunity for patients to become consumers, shopping around for the best prices.

MORE: TMCx group puts digital focus on health care

Three clinics in Australia are using the ScalaMed technology, which stores patient information on the blockchain and is accessible only with the patient's private digital key.

Rapke believes the decentralized aspect of blockchain technology, with information spread across multiple computers, is more secure than saving files in the cloud or on a central database. It also prevents a patient's data from being used without his or her permission.

"Patients have been sidelined in the U.S. in health care for too long," Rapke said. "And we believe by coming from Australia and having seen things from a slightly different perspective, we can hopefully apply that patient-centric thinking to really help move health care forward, to empower patients and to make managing medicines easier."
Watt M. Casey Jr.'s career in photography began with a missed opportunity. Casey was near the stage at a Jimi Hendrix show in San Antonio in 1970, without his camera. He made a point to bring it along to concerts from that point forward, which decades later has yielded "My Guitar is a Camera," a new book of photography with an emphasis on music and Austin in the 1970s and '80s.

In 1978, Casey snuck a camera into Bruce Springsteen's concert at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin. Casey remembers a warm December night. He wore a coat to better conceal his camera. Though he was about 30 rows back, Casey knew Springsteen would invite the crowd onto and near the stage.

"So I shot right there in front of him," Casey says. "I could see the security guard glaring at me, but we were sardines in there. He couldn't get to me."

He went to his bathroom darkroom and developed his photos, then, before another concert, Casey found Springsteen outside Reunion Arena in Dallas.

"I said, 'Bruce  Mr. Springsteen ,' I don't remember what I called him," he says. "I told him about these photos. He didn't look thrilled, but he looked and said, 'These are good.' His people called me the next day, and they started using them. They started giving me photo passes, so I didn't have to sneak in."

Springsteen used Casey's photos for the packaging of his '80s single "War." And some of them ended up in the reissue of "Darkness on the Edge of Town" a few years ago.

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Casey has an affable lack of artistic snobbery about his work. He says he found photography sort of by accident. He went to Trinity University for two years and the University of Texas "for about 10 years.  I'm not an idiot, but school was not my deal."

But he had dabbled with photography. After the Hendrix show, he decided to dig into the art a little more. Quickly, he landed a job as a house photographer for Clifford Antone's club, which is where he shot some vibrant candids of Muddy Waters, Junior Wells and Buddy Guy on Waters' birthday. He also captured live shots from blues and R&B greats like Albert King and Fats Domino.

Casey got traction and was hired to shoot Eric Clapton's 1974 U.S. tour. For those more familiar with the Clapton found in natty Italian suits, Casey captured a pre-sobriety and more casual guitar god - shirtless and sportcoat-clad in one photo, dressed in denim overalls in another.

The former was because he was in New Orleans and dealing with summer heat. The latter, well, it was the second show of the evening.

More Information Watt M. Casey Jr. 'My Guitar Is a Camera' book signing When: 7 p.m. Monday Where: Brazos Bookstore, 2421 Bissonnet Details: free; brazos bookstore.com See More Collapse

PHOTOS: After decades in music business, native Houstonian helps create Smithsonian book on rock

A tour photographer in the '70s wasn't afforded the same luxury as a 21st-century tour photographer.

When the show was over, the artist headed to the next gig, and the photographer worked with the roadies to break down the stage. Casey remembers a Tempe, Ariz., gig where Clapton skipped playing "Layla."

"Guys started throwing bottles," he says. "I could understand it. They wanted 'Layla.' And these bottles were hitting above our heads, shattering. So I jumped off the stage and confronted this guy. I didn't hit him. But I said, 'Listen, Clapton's long gone. This is just the crew, breaking down the stage. That's who you're throwing bottles at.' "

Clapton, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, B.B. King, Elvis Costello: Casey shot them all.

Texas A&M University Press published "My Guitar Is a Camera" last year. This week, Casey will swing by Brazos Bookstore to sign copies of the book, which includes a forward by Steve Miller - whom Casey has photographed several times over the years - and Joe Nick Patoski, who contributes an essay on the '70s Austin music scene.
Normally, as we all know, Texans take a lackadaisical approach to voting. This year, however, is not a normal one. We all know that, too.

"Let me tell you right now: The left is going to show up," U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said recently at the Ford Bend County GOP's Lincoln Reagan Dinner.

"They will crawl over broken glass in November to vote," he added.

That seems like a safe bet. "The left" is not a political party, of course, or a particularly apt way to describe the Texans who normally vote in the Democratic primary, in my opinion. With that said, Cruz was presumably referring to the subset of voters who might conceivably vote for Democrats in November, even if they have a proven record of voting for Republicans, like the voters in West University Place who have repeatedly elected Sarah Davis to the Texas House of Representatives.

Grieder: Misreading Republican voters is a mistake for Republican leaders

And voters like that are absolutely determined to interfere with the 2018 midterm elections. They might be even worse, from a Republican perspective, than the Russians who were recently indicted for their efforts to participate in the last presidential election. But I haven't had a chance to read what the Russians are charged with doing. My fellow Texans are facing some accusations of their own.

Gov. Greg Abbott, for example, has concluded that Davis is lying about being a Republican.

"What she really should do is come out and admit she is a Democrat and run as a Democrat," the governor said on Tuesday, the first day of early voting, after casting his ballot in Austin.

"There's nothing wrong with Sarah Davis running for state representative, as long as she's honest," Abbott said that afternoon, at a rally for Susanna Dokupil, who is challenging Davis in the Republican primary.

Falkenberg: Abbott owes an apology to Houston Republican - and Houston voters

A surprisingly large number of registered voters have already participated in the primary. But some are still agonizing over the best way to exercise their rights, and some of them have asked for my advice about whether to vote in the Democratic primary, or the Republican one.

My colleague Chris Tomlinson is among the Texans who would encourage you to opt for the latter.

"Unfortunately, voter apathy has allowed a small band of extremists to control the Republican primary, and the result has been bad for business," he wrote in January.

No kidding.

Tomlinson: Vote in primaries, or watch extremists destroy Texas' economy

Although the extremists would consider Tomlinson's reasoning seditious, it's perfectly sound. I've encouraged my fellow Texans to vote in the Republican primary, too, in the past, and in 2014 I implored them not to forget about the runoff, because some of my fellow Republicans primary voters were planning to vote for Ken Paxton for attorney general, and so I thought we should all vote for the other guy, in that case Dan Branch.

This year, though, I'm not sure I agree with Tomlinson's conclusion. Similarly, I'm ambivalent about the effort some public education advocates are making to organize a "block vote" for Scott Milder, who is challenging Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

The thing is, your vote probably isn't going to have a material effect on the outcome of any election, even if you cast it in a Republican primary runoff. Texas is a red state, but it's also big, and heavily gerrymandered.

The reason I insist on participating in elections is that, as a general matter, I enjoy exercising my rights as a citizen. Sometimes I exercise them simply because I can.

And I have, from time to time, had the opportunity to vote in the Republican primary runoff for candidates who share my objections to tyranny. In those cases, my vote is a way of tipping my tricornered hat.

In 2012, for example, I was displeased with Congress. I still am. But at least its leaders have been annoyed, thanks to Republican voters like me who opted for Cruz in that year's primary and runoff.

And so, my fellow Texans, if you want my advice, vote your conscience. If you want to vote in the Republican primary, you don't need a permission slip from Abbott or Paxton.

I'm just not sure I want to, this year, because my main goal, in the 2018 midterm elections, is to register my objections to the way the governor is treading on the people of Texas, in part by aggressively meddling, or trying to meddle, with the electoral process.

I actually enjoyed the Dokupil rally, because I ran into some of my fellow Texans who also signed up for Cruz's pirate crew in the 2012 Republican primary. We are, presumably, the kind of voters who might choose Dokupil over Davis while exercising our civic rights in a Republican primary.

But none of us live in that district, as far as I can tell. I'm one of the few original Cruz voters who might be likely to live in West University Place, as some of my colleagues do. But they, and their neighbors, don't have to worry about my mischief in this context.

Grieder: 'Normal' Republicans deserve a voice

If I lived in that district I would choose to vote in the Republican primary. I would do so in order to tip my tricornered hat at Davis and to irritate Abbott, who seems to be annoyed at Davis in part because she refused to help him trample on West University Place's beautiful canopy last year.

"I love the tree ordinance!" one of my Cruz Crew friends admitted, when I brought that up.

So do the voters who adopted it at the local level, presumably. And their votes are the ones that matter, in this context, even if they shouldn't, according to Abbott - who also thinks that Davis shouldn't be allowed to call herself a Republican, and that all of us should help him keep Texas red in November, because he, as our governor, expects us to do his bidding.
Police agencies and school districts across Greater Houston are reporting a rise in threats of on-campus violence following last week's school shooting in South Florida that left 14 students and three adults dead.

Houston police have investigated seven threats of school violence by children in the past week, the most recent involving a 12-year-old who threatened Tuesday to take an AR-15-style rifle and "shoot up" KIPP Sharpstown College Prep on Houston's west side, Chief Art Acevedo and KIPP officials said.

Fort Bend County sheriff's officials said they have arrested several juveniles and investigated four threats, one involving a picture of a gun posted on Snapchat with the message "Dont come to skoo tm." And several school districts, stretching from Galveston to Humble to Katy, are combatting statements that have resulted in lockdowns and event cancellations.

The threats prompted local police and school leaders to speak out Wednesday, pledging vigilance on campuses and encouraging parents to dissuade their children from even hinting at violence.

"That is a terroristic threat, and it's a crime," Acevedo said Wednesday during a press conference with Houston ISD officials and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. "It starts with parents at home. You've got to have conversations with your children (about) the do's and don'ts in a world of gun violence and active shooters. You cannot be joking about that."

A total count of threats across Greater Houston was not immediately available, but districts and police have reported at least 16 in the past week.

Kathy Martinez-Prather, director of the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University, said a rise in threats and hoaxes is common after mass shootings or other violent events.

"It goes the same way when we have a bomb threat: a school district that has a bomb threat may experience several more after that first one. These events are highly publicized, they're in the media, getting a lot of this information," Martinez-Prather said. "Students who are engaging in this type of behavior may be joking or may be serious, so we encourage districts to take every threat seriously."

It is not just threats - fake or serious - that are causing anxiety to spread across school communities.

Elaina Polsen, a spokeswoman for Clear Creek ISD, said the district had to send messages to families of Clear Springs and Clear Lake high schools after rumors and social media posts said both campuses were under lockdown.

"We have been inundated," Polsen said. "We're just trying to keep school going as normal with all these rumors and comments."

SAFETY: Despite recent incidents, guns at local schools are rare, TEA says

Preparing for protests

Similarly, a pep rally at Kingwood Park High School in Humble ISD scheduled for Feb. 16 was canceled after rumors spread across social media and students fretted about gathering in a confined area. Humble ISD officials said no threats were made against the school, but the pep rally was rescheduled to ease student fears.

Houston ISD Superintendent Richard Carranza on Wednesday emphasized the importance of students and staff reporting suspicious behavior and threats.

"The answer is not metal detectors. The answer is not razor wire and fences," Carranza said. "It's our very own students and adults in those schools saying something when you see something."

Also on Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott directed Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath to publish the names of schools that have yet to complete mandated self-reported audits and multihazard emergency operations plans. The names of those schools will be published on the TEA's website and in a press release in 45 days, he said.

More than 95.3 percent of Texas school districts reported having a multihazard emergency operation plan, and 97.5 percent of districts reported they reviewed those plans at least annually, according to a report from the center covering the audit reporting period from 2014 to 2017.

Concerns over gun violence in schools prompted students across Florida to walk-out of class and stage protests advocated for stricter guns laws. Those protests spread to other states on Wednesday, including Maryland, Arizona, Ohio and Minnesota, according to media reports.

It does not appear students across Greater Houston have taken part in large campus walkouts to protest gun violence and advocate for more restrictive gun laws. However, districts are preparing for that possibility.

Threat of suspensions

In Needville ISD, a 3,000-student district about 40 miles southwest of Houston, Superintendent Curtis Rhodes has threatened to suspend all students who disrupts classes or walk out of school in protest.

"Life is all about choices, and every choice has a consequence whether it be positive or negative. We will discipline no matter if it is one, fifty, or five hundred students involved," Rhodes wrote in a letter to parents. "All will be suspended for 3 days and parent notes will not alleviate the discipline."

IS THAT LEGAL? Here's when students can be punished for protesting

The letter touched off national headlines as Americans debated the First Amendment rights of students and the need to maintain normal classroom operations.

Carranza said Houston ISD officials are "not talking about any kinds of punishment at this point" for students engaging in peaceful protests. Carranza said he does not encourage demonstrations outside of school buildings during class hours, but he also said he respects students who engage in peaceful action, highlighting the walkout of about 300 students last week at Austin High School.

"They made their point, so kudos to them," Carranza said. "That's peaceful demonstration. I think our students, our young adults, have the voice to express what they want."

Three nationally planned demonstrations about gun violence and laws appear to have gained the most traction in the Houston area since the Parkland shooting, though all are scheduled for March or April.

One of those protests is scheduled for a Saturday, and another is scheduled during what will be spring break for almost every Houston-area school district. Only a protest scheduled for April 20, the anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre, would occur during a school day.

Representatives of Klein, Spring and Pasadena ISDs said they would discipline students who walk out or disrupt class to protest as if they had walked out or disrupted class without a political agenda.

In Spring ISD, that could mean in-school suspension. Clear Creek ISD officials said students would be disciplined if they leave school without following proper procedures, which include having a parent or guardian sign out the student.

Andrea Zelinski contributed to this report.
Authorities are offering a cash reward for information about a person they believe is responsible for ongoing threats to Sheldon Independent School District schools.

Threats to C.E. King High School have carried over from Thursday to Friday, the district said in a Facebook post.

"Local law officials are fairly certain these series of threats have been coming from the same individual who continues to post information on social media, and they are working hard to obtain the name of the owner of the online account," the post reads.

Compliance checks will be conducted Friday at C.E. King High School and C.E. King Middle School. No threats were made at the middle school, but the two campuses are close in distance, officials said.

The high school, in northeast Harris County, lifted a shelter in place Thursday after administrators found no suspicious items in the school despite a threat on social media, according to Sheldon Independent School District.

The school completed a compliance check, and law enforcement was at the school to investigate.

Now Playing: Texas News & Crime Video: Houston Chronicle

The middle school responded to a social media threat just on Tuesday. C.E. King Middle School students were all checked for prohibitive items, and nothing unusual was found, the district posted.

"Parents, also please take this time to talk to your students and explain to them the serious consequences for falsifying information  especially in light of some of the horrific events that have recently happened at public school districts throughout the nation," the post reads.

Police are urging anyone with information about the person posting the threats to call Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477. Tipsters could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000, according to the school district.
A Northline Family Dollar store was damaged early Thursday in what appears to be an attempted smash and grab, Houston police said.

Around 3:40 a.m., several people in a van smashed through the front of the discount store on West Parker at Yale.
Posted Thursday, February 22, 2018 9:52 am

Many of the mobile homes in Riverview Estates, 3407 Mt. Hope Ave., are empty. The streets inside the small manufactured home park are crumbling and so are the homes, occupied or empty. Windows are covered with plywood; doors swing open.

On Thursday, one of the mobile homes was being demolished by a small excavator as another construction vehicle moved a dumpster into place for the rubble. The activity is just the beginning of a major facelift, says Mark Wolfe, the property manager.

The manufactured home park was sold on Dec. 15 on land contract to Riverview Estates MHC LLC, a California company, by South Lyon-based Riverview 110 Estates LLC. The sale price does not appear in city property tax records. There are approximately 157 lots on the 10-acre site. Most of the units are singlewide. Wolfe was unsure of the number of residents in the park because of the transitions.

The new owners are demolishing as many as 23 mobile homes in the park, repaving the road and bringing in brand new manufactured homes worth $32,000 to $36,000 each, he said. And Wolfe added that homes remaining on the property after the demolition will be rehabbed.

Its going to be really nice, he said by phone. It needed it. It was really bad.

The rehabilitation of the park could take as long as two years, Wolfe said. Demolitions began in January and rehabilitation of certain homes will begin March 1, he said.

Lansing City Councilwoman Carol Wood said she has been fielding complaints against the property since at least 2007. The problems have included sewer issues and structural issues. But state law was a barrier for municipalities like Lansing that sought to inspect mobile home communities and enforce the local building codes.

That changed with a 2015 law, pushed by then State Rep. Andy Schor. The new law gives local communities the power to enforce their building codes in manufactured home communities. Nonetheless, the city has continued to struggle to institute a final enforcement program under the revised law, said Wood.

It is now being reviewed by the law department, Wood said of enforcement capacity for the city. Its been a series of miscommunications and delays, but I am told it is being looked and should be cleared soon.

In Lansing, inspections of mobile home parks, or manufactured home communities, has been an issue for years. It boiled over in 2015 when the Ingham County Health Department, citing failed sanitary sewers and other issues, condemned the former Life ORiley mobile home park, 6726 S. Washington Ave. In 2017, Ingham County Circuit Judge Clinton Canady III issued an order allowing the city to demolish the 80 units on the 14-acre site and charge the costs to the property.

The actions resulted in scores of people being left homeless and the citys Human Relations Department scrambling to find emergency housing for many low-income residents.

The property is owned by Whalen Holdings of New York. Billing records from the Ingham County Treasurers Office show the company owes $99,704 for 2015 taxes. If thats not paid by March 1, the county will seize the property in a tax foreclosure, said Eric Schertzing, the county treasurer.

Ingham County also has struggled with the inspection and enforcement of mobile home safety, Wood and Schertzing said.

Its certainly not unique to the city. There are barriers to addressing these things, said Schertzing.

State officials stressed that local municipalities now have right and obligation to inspect and enforce local codes under state law.

It states that this act shall not be construed to prohibit a municipality from enforcing its local ordinances or from take any other appropriate action to protect the public health, safety, or welfare as authorized by law or its charter, said Jeannie Vogel, public information officer for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Of keen interest, Wolfe said, are newer standards for manufactured homes that increase their safety, such as new technology to anchor homes to the ground. Those, he said, have changed dramatically over the years and the newer systems are required by insurance companies in order to cover a unit. Riverview Estates new owners have been putting those foundations and moorings in place, he said.

Wolfe said such enforcement of local codes would be most welcome by Riverview Estates.

As long as everybody is fair, he said. Its really about everybody being safe.
DAKAR, Senegal - Islamic militants stormed into a girls' school in northern Nigeria this week, and with many girls still unaccounted for, Nigerians feared their country was experiencing a notorious mass abduction like one that drew worldwide condemnation almost four years ago.

Militants from Boko Haram, the Islamic extremist group behind the earlier kidnappings, raced into the village of Dapchi on Monday in machine-gun mounted trucks and opened fire, witnesses said. As they headed for the Government Girls Science and Technical School, students and teachers fled, some climbing fences to escape.

More than 50 students were still missing, according to state government officials. Local police gave conflicting information to reporters, saying about 100 girls were gone. Late Wednesday, local media outlets reported the girls had been rescued, but that could not be verified.

During the attack, groups of students ran into the surrounding bush and other villages to hide and some headed for their homes on farms far from Dapchi. A few students and residents have told local reporters that some girls were spotted being hauled away by the militants.

A witness said he had counted nine vehicles - two were land cruisers with machine guns on top - filled with fighters in military uniforms.

Government officials in Yobe state, where Dapchi is, said on Wednesday that they had no credible information the girls had been taken hostage.

"His Excellency, Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam, is deeply saddened and outraged by the unfortunate event and has directed that all relevant personnel and agencies work closely with the army and other security organizations," the statement said.

Later in the day, President Muhammadu Buhari released his own statement, saying on Twitter that he had directed the military and the police to mobilize to find the missing girls.

"I share the anguish of all the parents and guardians of the girls that remain unaccounted for," Buhari said. "I would like to assure them that we are doing all in our power to ensure the safe return of all the girls."

The statement Wednesday from the Yobe government, more than two days after the attack, was the first time officials remarked publicly about the incident.

The incident mirrored the abduction of nearly 300 girls from a secondary school in the village of Chibok, an adjacent state, in April 2014. About 100 of those students are still being held hostage.
Hopes for major improvements to the centerpiece of Houston's flood control system - the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Addicks and Barker dams - are hanging on an obscure provision of the 180-page disaster relief bill that has been languishing in Congress since December.

Contentious issues such as immigration policy, children's health care and President Donald Trump's proposed border wall stole the national spotlight during congressional negotiations that broke down last week, causing a three-day shutdown of the federal government.

But officials responsible for protecting Houston against deadly floods like those brought on by Hurricane Harvey have been paying close attention to something much less high-profile: the fate of lines 9 and 10 of Page 22 of the $81 billion disaster relief bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in December.

The provision would allocate funds for the Army Corps to "initate and complete ... up to six authorized feasibility studies." The selection criteria in the bill make it likely that one of the studies would focus on Addicks and Barker.

For years, the region's flood control officials have sought such a study to assess how nearly eight decades of growth have affected the two dams and what fixes may be needed.

Since Harvey, elected officials have called for significant improvements to the dams, including deepening their reservoirs, building canals to carry water out of the reservoirs when they become too full and constructing additional dams and reservoirs.

No such project could get off the ground until the Army Corps has conducted a feasibility study. That's why those two lines of bureaucratese in the disaster bill loom so large.

Houston officials who have been monitoring the bill had their hopes raised when the House approved the bill in December, only to be discouraged when the Senate went home for the holidays without voting on it.

Optimism returned this week when Congress passed a stop-gap funding measure to end the government shutdown, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., pledged that the Senate would take up various issues, including disaster relief, this month or next.

"We're absolutely paying close attention," said Russ Poppe, executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District. "As vague as (the bill's language) is, it still sets the stage for what studies would be eligible for funding consideration."

Both dams were stressed to their limits by Harvey's record deluge, when some areas of Harris County saw more than 51 inches of rain over the storm's duration. At their peak, water levels in the reservoirs were the highest ever recorded.

The situation had been building toward a crisis for decades, as development upstream of the dams caused increasing amounts of storm runoff to flow into the reservoirs and development downstream limited how much water could be released into Buffalo Bayou. With more water coming in and less going out, reservoir levels grew higher after heavy storms, straining the earthen dams, which were built in the 1940s.

During Harvey, the pool of water behind the dams grew so large that it inundated thousands of homes that had been built along the reservoirs' western fringes, upstream of Addicks and Barker.

The situation was equally dire downstream. To prevent a dam failure during the storm, the Army Corps released massive amounts of water into Buffalo Bayou, inundating thousands of homes.

In December, a Houston Chronicle report described how the Army Corps, Congress and local officials had failed for decades to take action to relieve the pressure on the dams, despite a string of studies documenting the dangers and proposing remedial measures.

DEVELOPING STORM: Officials patched and prayed while pressure built on Houston's dams

Those steps include buying out properties upstream and downstream of Addicks and Barker, constructing relief canals to keep reservoir water levels from getting too high, and building a third dam and reservoir.

The Army Corps feasibility study would assess the condition of the existing dams, the flow of storm runoff across the region and how the rapid development of recent decades have affected both.

Corps money is distributed in a competitive process that pits such projects as harbor deepening or wetland restoration across the country against one another. That's why funding for a study of Addicks and Barker has proved so elusive.

Harvey appeared to change that.

The Texas congressional delegation secured language in the House disaster relief bill that put the Houston region at the head of the queue for a feasibility study.

The text gives priority to areas that have had "multiple disaster declarations in recent years," a description that applies to Harris County.

"It gives Addicks and Barker a leg up in terms of moving to the top of the line," said Michael Strachn, a senior adviser at Dawson and Associates, a government relations firm that focuses on water and other infrastructure projects.

It is unclear whether the Senate will seek to pass the House version of the bill as is, or wrap it into a bigger piece of legislation on government spending. If the latter, there is a danger the House bill's language giving priority to Harris County could get lost or revised in the political wrangling.

Senator John Cornyn, the Republican majority whip, said Tuesday that political divisions over immigration policy and military spending still are complicating prospects for Senate passage of a disaster relief bill.

Nonetheless, Ciara Matthews, a spokeswoman for Gov. Greg Abbott, said Abbott is confident Congress will fund the bayou projects, as well as the feasibility study that could lay the groundwork for a third reservoir.

Abbott has "received repeated assurances" from members of Congress that it will fund a third dam and reservoir and that the funding will come in the next few weeks, Matthews said.

"If Congress refuses to provide Texas the funding that is needed, Gov. Abbott will strongly advocate for the use of state funds for the third dam and reservoir," she said.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said he and other officials are "laser-focused" on getting disaster relief. He said he has been talking mainly with Culberson because he sits on the appropriations committee and "because he's the right person in the right place to be doing it."

Emmett also is looking to the state's $10 billion Rainy Day Fund. An investment of roughly $500 million to plan and build a third reservoir, he noted, would require only 5 percent of the Rainy Day Fund. The investment likely would be spread over several years.

"That way we're not even subject to what goes on in Washington," Emmett said.

State legislators would have to vote on tapping the fund. Matthews said Abbott believes the cost would be higher than $500 million.

Emmett said that until Congress acts, the state and the county won't know how much money they'll have to provide to strengthen flood defenses. Some might come from a county bond issue.

"We can't wait a lot longer. We have to decide if we are going to put a bond in May or November," he said. "In the next two weeks, we're going to have to make hard decisions and I really hope Congress and the federal government go ahead and vote."
Washington Post photo by Ricky Carioti

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump held a worthwhile listening session Wednesday featuring a range of views on how to combat gun violence in schools. And while Trump's at-times-meandering comments about arming teachers will certainly raise eyebrows, for the most part he did listen.

Thanks in part, it seems, to a helpful reminder. Washington Post photographer Ricky Carioti captured this image of Trump's notes. At No. 5 is a talking point about telling those present that he was actually listening. After what appear to be four questions he planned to ask those assembled, No. 5 is an apparent reminder for Trump to tell people, "I hear you." Even No. 1 is basically a reminder that Trump should empathize. "What would you most want me to know about your experience?" the card reads.
It may seem like an obvious thing to say but youve got to get that balance right  every executive team and every CEO will want to know exactly how a potential program is going to benefit not only the business but also its employees.

Since taking up the top spot at Yellow in September 2017, Linton has been the driving force behind overhauling the companys HR policies with a progressive attitude in mind  already, a flexible working policy has been introduced alongside a summer hours scheme and a lump-sum payment for any employee who returns from parental leave.

Aside from demonstrating the potential benefits, Linton also says HR professionals should seriously consider testing a new program for a short period or on a certain section of the workforce.

We trialed flexible working for three months in one of our core teams, made sure we got it right and made sure we got feedback from people, so when we rolled it out across the entire organisation, wed ironed out all of the bumps, he says.

According to Linton, its also critical that HR leaders continue to measure the impact of any new initiatives to ensure theyre successful and having the desired effect.
We need to understand if, how, and where we made errors so that we can apply those learnings in the future in our management practice and embed them in our culture, it added.

The scope of the review will include all actions taken with respect to the specific incidents, current management practices and policies in relation to preventing sexual harassment and supporting those who wish to make complaints, and the organisational culture of the firm.

The reviewer will also make appropriate recommendations for change and will have full access to all material and staff. Current employees will be expected to participate in the review while former staff and summer clerks will also be invited to participate.

The move comes after serious allegations were made by two young women following a student law-clerk Christmas party in Wellington more than two years ago. A third incident took place in a bar and resulted in a police complaint.

The incidents involved two older male lawyers, both of whom no longer work for the company although one does continue to offer his expertise to the firm on occasion.
France and Eastern Caribbean collaborate on flying fish management study

by Jewel Fraser

February 14,2018 | Source: SeafoodSource

Six Caribbean countries and the two French overseas territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe are collaborating on a project to regulate the flying fish fishery of the region.



According to Caribbean News Now, the Global Environment Facility-funded project, which began last year, consists of six sub-projects in the Eastern Caribbean countries of Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Dominica, as well as the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe.



Named the Ecoystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF), the project is under the oversight of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and has a focus on managing and conserving the culturally and economically significant fish, which is harvested by over 1,700 boats across the Eastern Caribbean countries and in Martinique, the news site said.



We in the region are utilizing a common space and common living marine resource; therefore, we need to cooperatively manage these common interests, CRFM Executive Director Milton Haughton told Caribbean News Now. One of these common interests is the flying fish fishery, and the governance framework developed for the flying fish fishery could be scaled up and applied to other fisheries in the region.



One of the aims of the EAF, is to provide guidelines on how countries and [French] Overseas Territories participating in the flying fish fishery will collect and share data, the report said. In addition, the consultants on the project will develop a template for use by the region in drawing up regulations for future data collection efforts. Information on vessels involved in the flying fish fishery will also be gathered, and new licensing arrangements for these vessels proposed.



The project will support improved cooperation between the 17 CRFM member states and France on the management and conservation of shared living marine resources, the website said.



The EAF is part of the larger Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems (CLME+) Project.

 2018 Diversified Communications

Theme(s): Fisheries Development and Aquaculture.
* Due to a reporting error, Jorge Vera was incorrectly named as a co-owner of Acapulco Mexican Grill. He is a manager.*

Acapulco Mexican Grill opened in Frandor last week. At the bar, guests can do shots from these mini leather boots, which were handmade in the Mexican city of Guanajuato where manager Jorge Veras family is from.

If youve ever been to Mexico, you may have noticed theres a big difference between the kind of cuisine Americans think of as Mexican and the real deal for sale in taquerias south of the border. But at Acapulco Mexican Grill, which opened last week in the Frandor Shopping Center, the traditional and the Americanized live sideby-side on an inventive menu designed to captivate a wide range of diners.

I never heard of chimichangas or fajitas before I moved here, said Vera. Those dont exist in Mexico. And tacos down there dont have lettuce and cheese  thats an American thing. But with our menu, we wanted to make sure everyone was happy, so we included the kind of dishes that Americans are used to, as well as some authentic Mexican food in case they want to try it the right way.

Vera said the menus closest approximation to authentic Mexican fare are its tacos al pastor, filled with skirt steak, pineapple and onions, and its tacos de carnitas, loaded with diced pork and served with housemade pico de gallo and tomatillo sauce. But he said the item thats already proven to be a standout favorite is the shark taco, made with real shark meat.

We went through 30 pounds of shark in the first week, Vera said. We just wanted to create something new that no one else in town had. We had no idea it would be that popular.

Vera and his family emigrated from Mexico in 2003 when he was 14 years old. They originally settled in Chicago, but moved to Lansing in 2004 when his father, Carmelo Vera, was offered a chance to become a partner of Cancun Mexican Grill, 1754 Central Park Drive in Okemos. That became a wild success, eventually leading to six more restaurants around mid Michigan, but with Acapulco, Carmelo Vera wanted to break away from the Cancun vibe.

We were looking to do something with a different look and feel, Jorge Vera said. Cancun has vibrant colors and has more of a fiesta feel to it. We went for a rustico look, which is more contemporary and a little more soothing to the senses.

The space feels like a Mexican town square inside, complete with festive banners and a pair of arched doorways that give it an openair sense. It can seat 185, and includes a full bar and a 20-seat patio. The ownership team Veras brothers, Jose and Carlos Vera, their cousin, Raoul Avila and their family friend, Alfredo Melendez  spent over $600,000 in conjunction with the buildings owner, Patrick Corr, to transform the 5,800-square-foot space. Most of the restaurants footprint had previously been Just 4 Fun Hobbies & Comics, with the bar area in back annexing a section of the adjacent Blaze Pizza. Acapulco complements Frandors other international dining options, including Michi Sushi (Japanese), Aladdins Restaurant (Middle Eastern), Apple Jade Asian Restaurant (Chinese and Thai) and Olgas Kitchen (Greek- American).

We were originally thinking of going to Grand Rapids, but when my dad saw this space, he decided this was it, Vera said. Frandor is great because its right in the middle of everything, its easy to get to and there are already these other dining options here. Its worked out perfectly.

And theres no shortage of parking. Acapulco is situated directly across from the Bank of America and shares a parking lot with Sears, which has parking room to spare these days. That hasnt escaped Veras eye.

At the Okemos restaurant, people sometimes had to park down the street or even at the Walmart nearby because our lot was always full, Vera said. I dont think were going to have that problem here.

It looks like 2018 is going to be a big year for Central American cuisine. The Cuban restaurant La Cocina Cubana recently opened in downtown Lansing. The longgestating revival of Mr. Taco on the citys south side posted a help wanted notice on Facebook last week, signaling a possible opening soon. Punk Taco, a full-service Mexican restaurant originally planned near Frandor, recently announced it would be opening in Old Town sometime this spring following a series of pop-ups at its sibling restaurant, the Creole Burger Bar & Southern Kitchen. Pablos Panaderia, also in Old Town, is working on a second location in REO Town. And, interestingly, Frandor recently added a Taco Bell location in the former digs of Halo Burger.

Acapulcos drink menu includes 12 types of imported Mexican beer and more than a dozen varieties of tequila. Tap beer options include locally made brews by Ellison Brewery and Spirits and Lansing Brewing Co. But whatever you do, dont ask for a shot from the 3-liter bottle of Herradrua tequila proudly displayed behind the bar.

My dad got that bottle years ago, but hes never touched it, Vera said. I told him we should open it to celebrate the restaurant, but he said no. He said he wouldnt open it no matter how much someone offered for it. I think he just likes the way it looks.

Also behind the bar is a set of shot glasses set inside mini handmade pointytoed leather boots to be used for special occasions. Vera said theyre from the city of Guanajuato, where his family is from, which is known for its leather shoemaking.

It was a nice way to include a something of where were from, Vera said. This obviously isnt traditional Mexican food, but were trying to stay as true to the spirit of the culture as we can. And I think our guests are really going to appreciate that.

Acapulco Mexican Grill
If you want to live long and prosper, step one is to make sure you "live long."

But now, stunning new research presented by a neuroscientist at the American Association for the Advancement of Science suggests there could be four other key habits that make it much more likely you'll live past 90.

The research was led by Claudia Kawas of the University of California, Irvine, where she's the Nichols chair in clinical neuroscience and a professor of neurobiology and behavior and neurology.

For the past 15 years, Kawas and her team have been examining the health and habits of 1,700 people over the age of 90, to determine what makes it more likely that people will live to that age.

The cohort is called simply the 90+ Study, and it's ongoing (details below if you know someone over 90 who might want to join).

Here are the key findings Kawas presented. Two of them are especially surprising.

They drank alcohol.

Participants in the 90+ Study who consumed the equivalent of two glasses of beer or wine per day were 18 percent less likely to experience premature death. (More on this one below.)

They were slightly overweight.

Those who were a bit overweight during their 70s (but not obese) were 3 percent less likely to experience premature death.

They had hobbies.

This one is a bit less surprising, but had the biggest percentage impact: Participants who devoted two or more hours a day to hobbies were 21 percent less likely to die early.

They had some physical activity.

Specifically, engaging in physical activity such as walking for 15 to 45 minutes each day reduced the likelihood of an early death by 11 percent.

Unfortunately, although perhaps not unexpectedly, about 40 percent of people over 90 suffer from dementia, according to the study, and 80 percent have some kind of disability.

We should spend a little bit of extra time on what's probably the most surprising finding: the one that suggests drinking alcohol improves longevity.

The thing to keep in mind here is that it's moderate alcohol use that appeared to have a positive outcome on life expectancy--just a couple of glasses a day.

"I have no explanation for it, but I do firmly believe that modest drinking improves longevity," Kawas was quoted as saying by the British newspaper The Independent.

By the way, if you or someone you know is approaching 90 years or is that age or older, the 90+ Study is looking for more participants.
Daymond John insists that he's the "meat in the moron sandwich" on Shark Tank, he told Inc., but his career--as a founder of FUBU and an investor--proves he's anything but that. While John will ruthlessly compete with his co-stars for deals, he says they're good friends who spend time at the beach, go out for drinks, and occasionally hit Miami's club scene.

Watch John in the Tank and you'll see him sparring and trash-talking with his fellow Sharks for a deal. But the cameras don't catch the corny jokes he cracks off-camera to sabotage Lori Greiner's negotiations with entrepreneurs. One time, he said, he used the following dad-joke: "Two peanuts are running down the street. One peanut started getting in the lead, and the other peanut said, 'I'll cashew you.'

"She started cracking up and I stole the deal from her," John told Inc. during an interview in December. "If you ever see her cracking up, I'm saying something like that to her." Greiner isn't the only one to get a taste of his antics--John makes a point to foster camaraderie with each Shark.

John takes the relentlessly buttoned-up Kevin O'Leary clubbing in Miami, even if Mr. Wonderful insists on wearing earplugs. "You see this little pea head walking through the crowd, and everybody wants to try and touch his head," John says.

If he's not listening to hip-hop with Mr. Wonderful, he might be having a more casual night out with Mark Cuban, whom he described as a "beer and chips kind of guy." John's and Robert Herjavec's children are close friends, and John will often spend time at Barbara Corcoran's beach house in the summer.
When the co-founders of Appurify sold their app development company to Google and started working for the search giant in 2014, they were impressed with the company's culture. They were also surprised to find that Google faced a lot of the same problems as other companies when it came to onboarding new employees.

"They obviously have a good internal search feature," says co-founder Jay Srinivasan, "but we still spent so much time looking for information, so much time looking for services. We saw firsthand how hard it was for new employees to ramp up."

Cue the aha! moment for Srinivasan and fellow co-founders David Kaneda and Pratyus Patnaik. After two years at Google, the trio set off to start their own venture.

The result is Spoke, a startup that uses artificial intelligence to try to make employees' lives easier. The San Francisco-based company's software learns information about the company and answers workers' inquiries across various channels via a chatbot. Launching in March, Spoke's platform promises to make life easier for HR departments, IT workers, and office managers everywhere. It's the newest entrant into a field of workplace chatbots, a budding corner of A.I. that will soon count Slack among its competitors.

"The approach we wanted to take," Srinivasan says, "was, how do we build a platform or tool that makes it easier for organizations to manage and respond to internal workplace requests?" For new employees, that could mean a searchable home for tax forms and employee handbooks. For the whole staff, it could mean a bot that knows everything from the guest Wi-Fi password to how to input travel expenses to the company policy on rolling over sick days from year to year.

When companies first install Spoke, they can program it with the answers to the dozen or so questions that employees ask most often. For everything else, Spoke learns on the go, gaining knowledge and refining its answers whenever workers indicate that an interaction was successful.

The software is designed to be more than just a source of information; it also can handle facilities requests, such as meeting room and equipment reservations, and can pass requests on to office managers when necessary. Some of the clients in Spoke's pilot program are using the tool as a ticketing system to prioritize IT requests.

Srinivasan says that 100 companies are part of the program, ranging from nonprofits to agricultural firms to tech startups. One client, marketing firm Digital Pi, has no central office, so its entirely remote workforce has been using the platform to find the materials they need. Another, motorized scooter rental company Scoot, deployed the software to its mechanics to provide them with quick answers while they're out in the field.

That's where Srinivasan sees a particular advantage. You can use Spoke within its cleanly designed desktop and mobile apps, but you can also email it, text it, add it to Slack--or, eventually, talk to it via Alexa. "Wherever you are," Srinivasan says, "Spoke comes to you."

Spoke is not, however, a source of general knowledge. The app won't find pizzerias in your area or suggest a song you might like.

Srinivasan says that's by design. "A.I. tends to work much better if you sort of narrow the focus of how you use it," he says. "Spoke is not this magical bot that can answer any question you have about anything. But it's very good at answering those questions that get asked over and over again so your employees can get back to things that matter." Sticking to what Spoke does best--and setting customers' expectations accordingly--will be key to the startup's success.

Equally important will be overcoming what soon might be some stiff competition. Slack is working on its own A.I. chatbot that would be able to answer employees' questions within the app. Companies like EY and Intel have been using chatbots for onboarding employees and answering HR inquiries for several years now, though they haven't expanded those platforms beyond internal use.

So far, Spoke has raised $28 million from VC firms including Accel Partners and Greylock Partners. Srinivasan says that to start, it's focusing on companies with 50 to 500 workers. He wouldn't reveal how the company plans to price Spoke.

He thinks that the company's cross-platform, easy-to-use approach will give it the edge it needs.
The River Liffey provides 40% of all its water rescources to meet the needs of the greater Dublin area, Irish Water said

A pipeline drawing water from the Shannon is the only solution to the threat of drought and taps running dry in the east of Ireland, the head of Irish Water has warned.

With the utility set to publish a report on the ambitious scheme in April, Jerry Grant told politicians that close to half of what flowed through the River Liffey everyday was supplied to properties around Dublin.

The Liffey is currently providing 40% of all its water rescources to meet the needs of the greater Dublin area, Mr Grant said.

It is absolutely at its sustainable limit. If we had a dry period, a critical dry period, we would be in serious trouble in the greater Dublin area.

Expand Close The pipeline was the only solution to the threat of taps running dry, Irish Water warned (Rui Vieira/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp The pipeline was the only solution to the threat of taps running dry, Irish Water warned (Rui Vieira/PA)

Under scrutiny at the Oireachtas Housing Committee, Mr Grant said the imperative of the Shannon water supply project was compelling and growing more acute by the day.

He added the the leakage in the greater Dublin area at about 36-37% or about 200 million litres was a massive challenge.

Irish Water was replacing 70 kilometres of mains in the greater Dublin area as part of an intensive find and fix programme.

Mr Grant said: There is no quick way out of this other than to build a new scheme that will secure future supply. That is the Shannon scheme.

The committee also grilled Irish Water reresentatives on plans to take complete control of the network through the public utility for more than 1.5 million households by 2019.

It is expected to save 70 million euro a year but lead to 1,000 job losses in local councils.

The utilitys bosses defended plans to introduce an excessive use charge against claims it would represent blantant discriminaton against lower income families.

The accusation was made by Opposition TD Mick Barry who said the introduction of such a charge, expected to be brought in next year, would essentially be the reintroduction of water charges by the back door.

I want to make it clear that if there are attempts to introduce water charges by the back door they will be resisted not only by political parties like my own but more importantly by communities across the country, the Solidarity-People Before Profit TD said.

It is believed Irish Water plans to introduce a 17 euro charge for householders who wish to query their bill. It is understood that the charge would be waived if the query proved to be correct but increased to 100 euro if not.

Mr Barry said: That is blatant discrimination against low income familes, households and communities.

Of course the more affluent people will feel confident about querying a bill. How can a low income household feel confident about querying a bill when theres a threat of a 100 euro penalty over their heads. Its blatant discrimation.

Irish Water managing director Jerry Grant said he was restricted from commenting as the Commission for Regulation of Utilites was considering the implementation of the charge.

The committee was told 80,000 people have been notified of leaks.

Of 4,000 houses that Irish Water is in contact with, each house on average uses the same water as 35 houses.

There are every practical reasons why we are pursing leakage on the customer side just as we are on the public side, he said.

The introduction of a water charge for households caused huge controversy and led to it being scrapped in early 2017.
Posted Thursday, February 22, 2018 9:52 am

Whos financing the burgeoning medical marijuana business in Lansing?

Who knows? Not the public, at least.

Citing state law, city government is refusing to release the identities of the financial backers behind medical marijuana facility license applicants. The City Attorneys Office rejected the request by City Pulse under the Freedom of Information Act. Assistant City Attorney Amanda OBoyle cited the Michigan Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act, which states that the information on municipal license applications is exempt from disclosure under FOIA.

OBoyle said Tuesday the city cannot provide such information.

But state Sen. Rick Jones, who chairs the Judiciary Committee and backed the legislation, said it is a soft exemption, meaning a municipality may disclose the information if it wished.

They can, if they want, provide it, said Jennifer Dukarski, an attorney for the Michigan Press Association. She said he law would otherwise say must exempt.

Said OBoyle: I disagree with their interpretation.

Meanwhile, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said Tuesday he favors releasing the information and will look into the feasibility of providing it.

Why does it matter? Craig Mauger, executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, said it will be difficult to ensure licenses will not simply be granted to those with the most political clout.

We are completely reliant on state bureaucrats and people who are involved in these applications to police themselves, Mauger said. The transparency systems dont exist, and essentially what happens is governments are telling the public, Trust us that this is going to be taken seriously, that there arent conflicts. For nearly all of the 138 license applicants listed on the City Clerks website as of Monday, the only information given is the LLC that applied, the address for the planned facility, and the name the applicant intends to do business as.

City Clerk Chris Swope stood behind the decision not to disclose. He said that it would be a lot of work to put it together. He also expressed concern about whether applicants assumed they would be granted confidentiality because the law exempts disclosure.

The true owner of a business can be obscured by organizing under an LLC format. Unless provided voluntarily, businesses need not disclose members, or business owners and investors.

Mauger said the steps the new state law, passed in 2016, took to prevent conflicts of interest were rendered moot by the exemption, which could obscure whether those who lobbied for the bill stood to benefit financially from the licensing process.

Mauger, who said he was passionate about the issue of transparency in the medical marijuana licensing process, said that there was an intense lobbying campaign to craft the law in a manner favorable to big-money applicants.

Among other provisions that would appear to benefit big businesses, an allowance of license stacking  that is, the ability of applicants to obtain multiple grow licenses for the same location  and a requirement of up to $500,000 in assets were included in the states emergency rules under the new law..

Mauger concedes that exempting some sensitive information like security plans or proprietary information listed in business plans is appropriate. Yet he said he hoped to see municipalities opt to redact that sensitive information, rather than denying the public access to the information as a whole.

There are ways to compromise with people seeking these documents, to say, Well, what are you looking for and how can we provide information while also being sensitive to the needs of an applicant? Mauger said.

He noted that in prior work for his organization, he had been able to obtain applicant information from Webberville, a village about 25 miles west of Lansing whose medical marijuana ordinance makes no mention of the exemption clause.

They provided the businesss application, information on the businesss plan, who was involved with the business, Mauger said. We were able to access that information because Webberville provided it.

Lansings refusal to release applicant information appears to stem from a concern over safety. In previous interviews, city attorney Jim Smiertka indicated the city was worried about facilities being targeted for robberies and other crimes.

Jones, who spent three decades in law enforcement, said there was a real concern about protecting medical marijuana patients from violence.

Although he had no direct hand in crafting the legislation, he said he saw the logic behind exempting detailed applicant information from the public eye.

It made sense to be very protective of a business that deals in all cash and has a medical product that could be sold on the black market, Jones said.

Lansing City Council President Carol Wood disagreed with this rationale. She pointed out that the facility applicants addresses were already publicly accessible online, and in the case of certain provisioning centers, some businesses were actively operating.

That information is already available and being published by the city, Wood said. Im not sure how this would prevent crime.

Wood said that the exemption on releasing information prevented anyone from knowing whether license applicants had provided political contributions to city officials, something she believes the public has a right to know.
Niall FitzGerald, Patron of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the INM-organised Brexit Breakfast event in Trinity College. Photo: Kyran O'Brien

MOST business people would rather avoid any political profile.

But I believe business has a vital responsibility to spell out both the perils of Brexit and how we can protect people against its worst effects. Future generations will not forgive us if we take refuge in ambiguous politeness.

Throughout my career, though always a proud Irishman, I have always championed a truly Global Britain.

Thats a Britain that has always been open to diverse talent from every corner of the globe, standing for open trade in open markets.

In todays world, the reality is that Britain is indeed already global precisely because of the EU, not in spite of it.

But now, as it plans to turn its back on its largest market, the UK is already losing business, investment and talent. It has created a climate of uncertainty and unease which will not easily be reversed. And we all know that what is bad for Britain is potentially deeply damaging for Ireland.

Brexit will affect everything here and not just at the Border or in key sectors such as food and tourism.

So Ireland cant afford to be shy about competing for the compensating opportunities that arise from Brexit.

UK companies will need an assured EU presence for the future and Ireland is the ideal choice for many of them.

Equally, we have to deliver the key nationwide enablers for Irelands success. This includes housing, transportation, broadband and world-class centres of research and learning.

This requires both the vision and delivery of a forceful and ambitious national strategy  one which can win and service the opportunities ahead.

Vitally, we must invest now not

only in physical infrastructure but also in the talent the world needs and which abounds in Ireland.

There is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Ireland, but only if we act with world-scale ambition, the courage to spell out our vision and a focus on strong national execution.

Business has to get behind this national vision and play its part in its delivery.

Secondly, business must debunk  for once and for all  the notion of some Global Britain if the UK cuts loose from any close partnership with the EU.

Business should robustly challenge the fantasy that there are juicy trade deals which wont be available to the UK within the EU.

There certainly wont be favourable UK deals with the USA, China or India, all of whom want trade on their own terms.

The trade Germany already does from within the EU with USA and China is worth many multiples of what it does with the UK, so why should Britain feel restricted rather than rising to its already existing opportunity instead?

Thirdly, business must put forward practicable ideas on how to secure a mutually beneficial partnership between the UK and European Union in a way which is entirely pragmatic but helps to save face.

This is exactly what the British Irish Chamber of Commerce did last December when it set out its Big Principles for a Strong Brexit Partnership.

Those principles, drawn up by the chambers member businesses, recognise Britains predicament and the EUs needs.

They propose a comprehensive new customs partnership which can enable border-less trade for both goods and services (because we shouldnt protect only goods at the expense of the even more important trade in services).

Mirroring the ECJ for dispute settlement, these principles would deliver regulatory equivalence for the common protection of all.

They would align the UKs tariffs with the Common External Tariff and give the UK parallel access to new EU global trade deals.

The UK would retain control of immigration, but also access to the EU skills it needs.

And the UK and EU would continue to rationally co-operate in key common-interest areas. Business and politics alike need to back this powerful package now, before the UK crashes deal-less out of the EU.

Lastly, we should remind ourselves what else Ireland now risks losing  its closest ally and staunchest friend on many issues in Brussels.

We have shared with Britain a common agenda on economics, justice and trade.

Britain has stoutly defended the right of individual countries to set their own tax regime.

The UK has taken the lead and given us cover on matters where we have stayed under the radar while opprobrium was hurled at our neighbour.

An accelerated programme of EU integration will soon be back on the EU agenda, with France and Germany controlling almost 35pc of the votes.

This will change Irelands relationship and we may only understand how much we miss the UK when it is gone.

Foreign Minister Simon Coveneys recent Chatham House speech strikes the right balance of Irelands commitment to its own EU membership but noting also that Ireland needs and wants a happy and prosperous UK.

This can best be achieved through negotiating on the principles Ive set out which will be better for growth, jobs and the future of Europe.

But we must act now because the fuse is burning dangerously close to the end.

Niall FitzGerald is the Patron of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce and former chief executive of Unilever
Judging by the National Development Plan (NDP), the Government certainly has big plans to deliver on the country's urgent need for housing.

That urgency isn't quite as evident however in the correspondence between Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy and his officials and Nama chiefs Brendan McDonagh and Frank Daly, and the agency's head of residential delivery, John Collison.

Asked by the Irish Independent for copies of all written contacts between the parties since Mr Murphy's appointment as minister last June, the Department of Housing responded with just five short emails sent over the course of two days last July.

The initial email from Department of Housing assistant secretary David Walsh to Nama CEO Brendan McDonagh sought to arrange a "short meeting" to see how the parties might continue to work together in the context of Rebuilding Ireland and in advancing projects to release lands for private and SH [social housing] development.

The four other emails released under the Freedom of Information Act dealt solely with arranging a day and time for the meeting.

There is no reference in the correspondence to the Housing Minister attending.
An artists impression of the Ivy restaurant, which is due to open for business at 13-17 Dawson Street in Dublin 2

The food and beverage sector (F&B) is one of the retail sectors which appears to be withstanding two key pressure trends: rising rents and online operators. However, while competition for pitches remains strong, it is not quite as strong as it was two years ago, even in parts of Dublin city centre.

Emma Coffey of Lisney has noticed that "some of the UK operators who were pounding the streets two years ago have pulled back following the closures of two UK chains as well as the uncertainty over Brexit."

Nevertheless she says that some of them are still here and cites Zizzi, an Italian offering which has opened in Dundrum and Suffolk St and is looking for other outlets in Dublin, Cork and Galway.

She also says that some existing F&B operators who expect lucrative key money to transfer their leases are not being realistic.

"Only about half a dozen have achieved such premiums in the last two years and those have been for very strong pitches where the size suits the new occupier," she adds.

Among the other international chains currently seeking space are Milano/Nando's and Vapiano.

Irish operators on the expansion trail include Press up, the Paddy McKillen Jr-led chain which includes brands such as Wow Burger. It has recently acquired Residence on St Stephen's Green and Elephant & Castle in Temple Bar.

Five Guys is looking for more space after having agreed to move into the expanded Frascati centre in Blackrock. Local food experts such as Dylan McGrath are also taking units in selective locations.

Lisa McGrane of JLL, who is looking for stores at the moment, is in discussions on two Churro's outlets. Another of her clients, the French brand L 'Entrecote, is seeking 3,000 sq ft but she says it cannot pay the prevailing prime F&B rents of 100 per sq ft.

Ms McGrane says that based on European trends, F&B looks set to increase its share of the retail market. "Trends across Europe would suggest that F&B could accommodate up to 20pc of floor space. We are not near that level in Ireland," she adds.

Another factor boosting demand is the growth in pop-up style food that can operate in semi-permanent sites to provide additional diversity and test-product performance. She cites Amorino, the luxury ice-cream, macaroon and coffee chain. Such trends have helped to transform the former dowdy financial services and banking precincts such as College Green, Dawson and Dame Streets as well as secondary retail streets such as Camden St and Wexford St into one major leisure area, stretching from Merrion Row to Temple Bar and Harcourt Road.

Indeed the former Central Bank itself is targeting a significant portion of its floor space at F&B. US developer Hines has hired agents BNP Paribas Real Estate to find tenants for 16,000 sq ft at its Central Plaza level and a further 17,000 sq ft at the ninth and tenth floors. It is believed to be quoting 100 per sq ft.

Meanwhile Dawson St, with its corporate dining restaurants, is currently undergoing another phase of development. Green Reit has agreed to let a 9,580 sq ft unit at 13-17 Dawson St to the international Ivy chain for 550,000 a year, which works out at less than 58 per sq ft, reflecting the scale of the unit.

While its 20-year lease has no breaks, the landlord has agreed a 12 months' rent-free period.

Meanwhile the agent Bernadine Hogan of CBRE is quoting 550,000 for the adjoining unit which extends to 9,073 sq ft over ground and lower-ground levels.

Around the corner in the same development, Le Pain Quotidien is taking 2,400 sq ft.

Across the street, Friends First has been transforming the F&B offering at its Royal Hibernian Way where Press Up has recently agreed to take a 3,900 sq ft unit for a new restaurant to be called Isabelle's.

Just up the street, Tetrarch is planning a redevelopment which will deliver a 119-bedroom hotel in conjunction with a refurbished Royal Irish Automobile Club.

Meanwhile, if the 20pc of retail space were to apply to the redevelopment of Nassau House - which Meyer Bergman and BCP are about to undertake on the street's north-western corner - it would provide more than 16,500 sq ft of F&B space. But it has not yet decided on what the retail mix should be.

In contrast, one area which needs more upmarket F&B outlets is O'Connell St. The hope is that the combination of tree-lined footpaths, the extension of the Green Luas line and a settlement of Moore Street's 1916 heritage issue could pave the way for Hammerson's development of the Carlton site. It is also hoped that the Clery's redevelopment will get underway.

Meanwhile, supply is on the increase in suburban shopping centres, as reflected in Hammerson's recent deal to attract Fallon & Byrne to a new 10,000 sq ft speciality food hall, delicatessen and restaurant at Dundrum Town Centre.

In what can be seen as an increasing trend among shopping centre owners to boost footfall and increase the amount of time that shoppers spend in their centres, the project will include a new 8,000 sq ft basement-level leisure space, which will be located under Dundrum's Pembroke Square, and an additional 3,500 sq ft restaurant space will be provided at Ashgrove Terrace, a vacant row of old redbrick houses which face onto the main Dundrum roadway.

Marie Hunt of CBRE points out that a number of suburban schemes including Frascati Shopping Centre, Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre, Blackrock Shopping Centre and Stillorgan Shopping Centre in south Dublin are upgrading their offerings by carrying out extension and refurbishment works. All the M50 shopping centres have, or are in the process of, obtaining planning permission to facilitate extensions.

In addition, several planning applications for new retail schemes are due to be lodged this year, including a scheme in Carrickmines in south Dublin, while planning for a scheme in Cherrywood was lodged last year.
Project Ireland 2040, the Government's plan to "make Ireland a better place for everyone", is welcome, ambitious and overdue. As distinct from previous plans, it links the spatial planning part (The National Planning Framework) to the financing part (The National Development Plan 2018-2027) and that, combined with the intention to make the plan 'statutory', gives the initiative its best chance of success. However, a change of culture will be needed among the politicians, the planners and the people, if the plan is to succeed.

For an expert view on the implications I met John Downey of Downey Planning and Architecture. Downey, who is also Chair of the Royal Town Planning Institute Ireland, was on the National Advisory Group, which had three years of input into preparing The National Planning Framework (NPF.) Downey welcomes the plan but fears that "60 years on from the Buchanan Report, we are no further on in planning for population growth and sustainable living".

He is concerned that the plan has been diluted by two 'political insertions': The draft plan provided for 50pc of development to take place in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford, but in the final plan, Letterkenny, Sligo, Dundalk, Drogheda and Athlone have been added, to take 30pc of national development. And while the draft plan supported a ban on more 'one-off' rural houses (except for farmers), the final plan sees such houses also permitted on 'social and economic' grounds, which undermines the strategy.

The implications of restricting growth in Dublin, in order to promote growth regionally, are stark. As Downey points out, the plan aims to restrict growth in Dublin to 25pc of national growth. However, Dublin is currently growing at almost twice that rate. Halving the rate of development in Dublin, he suggests, may require de-zoning land outside the M50, which I see as a huge challenge for county councillors. That will also dramatically increase land values inside the M50, which should also benefit from higher densities under the 'compact living' aspirations.

The plan increases the requirement for houses to be built from the 25,000 annually in 'Rebuilding Ireland' to 30,000 to 35,000 annually. The obvious question arising is; how can we hope to meet that target, if we are failing miserably on the lower target? Part of the solution may be the creation under the plan of the new Development and Regeneration Agency, which will be tasked with generating development on underutilised land (including State land.)

Downey strongly supports that move and stresses that the new agency must engage with local authorities on details such as services, and oversee the local authorities doing the work, to avoid becoming a "national quango".

Downey also pointed out that the plan proposes the integration of the four Dublin planning authorities, which he believes is highly desirable. "There should be one Metropolitan Area Planning Authority for Dublin, with one, accountable Director of Planning, rather than four separate authorities. There are even areas of green belt inside the M50, solely because they are legacy boundaries between the authorities. However, he fears that the move to a single planning authority will not happen as it will be resisted by the public service.

Downey is pleased that we will now have a good 'top-down' planning system, that is national, regional and then local, rather than the existing 'bottom-up' development led system. The making of regional plans, he points out, will mean delaying the review of some local plans, for example the County Meath plan, for approximately a year.

Tom Dunne, Head of the Surveying School at DIT, supports the plan and pointed out that the problem with our larger cities is sprawl and not population. He emphasised the "magic dust" of what planners call "agglomeration" which sees cities grow exponentially because of the combination of population and activity.

However, he warned that this can only happen "at scale" and strong growth will be harder to achieve in regional centres. "Braking development in Dublin, to try and promote growth elsewhere, risks losing growth nationally," he says.

I strongly support the plan, but its only chance of success is if it can be made statutory, so that it cannot be messed with subsequently. That statutory status is already being questioned politically. For the plan to succeed, planners will need to be brave, politicians will need to take a less local view, and urban residents will have to stop objecting to more development in their back yard.
Larry Goodman's ABP has secured the first contract to supply Irish beef to China, ahead of the widely-anticipated opening up of the huge Asian market.

The ABP Food Group has signed a 50m deal to supply Chinese restaurant chain Wowprime in what is a significant first for the sector here.

ABP has been assessing opportunities in the Asian markets over the past seven years, and has now confirmed it has struck a three-year agreement with Wowprime Corporation to supply beef to its restaurants, even before Irish exporters get the green light for access to the Chinese market.

The food group said the contract - estimated at 50m - would also extend to its joint venture partners Slaney Foods, but it remains dependent on Irish beef gaining access to the Chinese market.

China is already the world's second-biggest beef importer and access for Irish beef would be a major win for the industry here. Irish officials travelled to China recently in a bid to progress the long-running bid for access for beef.

It follows the Department of Agriculture reviewing and responding to draft inspection documents following a visit by Chinese officials from their certifying body to Irish factories last year.

Mark Goodman, managing director of ABP's international division, said it had struck the exclusive agreement to supply Wowprime, which has over 400 restaurants in China and Taiwan. It offers a mix of Asian and Western cuisine with 18 brands.

"It is a tangible endorsement of the quality beef that Ireland and ABP has to offer, and it is another significant step in developing new market opportunities for our products against the uncertain backdrop of Brexit," said Mr Goodman.

ABP said the arrangement would also be extended to include its UK operations if the UK gains market access to China.

Around 50pc of Irish beef exports are destined for the UK. Bord Bia has identified Asia as a key target for beef exports as domestic product will not meet growing demand in the region. Beef exports hit 2.5bn last year with a forecast of 3pc global growth for this year.

ABP has had a business development manager working on the ground in the region since 2012 to identify opportunities.

Last month it extended its range of Irish organic steaks to 10 of the high-end Japanese YATA stores operating in Hong Kong.

ABP, which is the largest beef processor in Ireland and the UK, has described Hong Kong as a "key testing ground" for premium Irish beef in Asia.

It already exports Irish beef to the Philippines and Japan.

Ireland is thought to be close to becoming the first major EU country to secure access for its beef to China, where consumers' appetite for the meat is growing strongly.

Bord Bia has said it was "optimistic" about securing market access to the Asian powerhouse, part of a strategy to open up new markets after Brexit.

Bord Bia's Shanghai-based trade marketing specialist Conor O'Sullivan said that with rising incomes and urbanisation, the appetite for beef among Chinese consumers is growing faster than any other protein.

Restaurants like Wowprime as well as ecommerce channels are seen as key to getting prime Irish beef to Chinese consumers, once the market opens up.
The former General Secretary of the IFA Pat Smith has settled his legal actions against IFA today, outside the High Court.

A statement read out in the High Court today by lawyers for the IFA said that both sets of legal proceedings taken by Mr Smith namely, the action for breach of contract in relation to the terms of his departure from the IFA and a separate defamation action relating to statements and comments made subsequent to his departure, have been settled.

It also said "Mr Smith was employed by the Irish Farmers Association for more than 26 years and was Chief Executive for nearly seven years until his employment terminated by agreement in November 2015.

"IFA accepts that Mr Smith was a highly effective, hardworking and dedicated executive of the Association who provided solid and professional leadership for farmers and the Association.

"IFA accepts that it made certain statements in the media at the time which were defamatory of Mr Smith and regrets the damage caused to his reputation.

"IFA wishes Pat Smith and his family the very best for the future."

IFA has confirmed that Pat Smith is to receive 1.55m in relation to his severance claim and 350,000 in relation to his defamation claim.

Mr Smith resigned from his post as IFA General Secretary in November 2015, amid speculation around his salary and pressure for it to be disclosed.

Mr Smith said his agreement with IFA on his exit centered around a 1m exit package and a further 1m in yearly 100,000 instalments. Smith said the 2m exit package was agreed with the former IFA President Eddie Downey.

Downey later resigned from his position and the IFA Executive Council voted against the package Downey and Smith had agreed upon, with the Association saying at the time that it would explore all legal avenues to challenge any severance package for Smith.

Smith then brought two legal actions against the organisation, including one seeking orders requiring it to pay him 2m via payments of 1m now and a further 1m over the next 10 years. Smith said the November 19, 2015, agreement was valid, effective and enforceable.

In his second case, Mr Smith alleged that he was defamed by the IFA and has issued a claim for damages, including aggravated damages.

However, despite saying it would challenge Smith's legal claims, the IFA today settled both claims with its former General Secretary.

At the time, it was lrevealed that Mr Smith had been paid in excess of 540,000 in 2013, including a base salary of 295,000, a pension contribution of 145,194, and a bonus of 55,000, as well as 35,000 from IFA telecom in report carried out by the Association's former Chief Economist Con Lucey.

The report also revealed that the IFA President is a paid role, a fact previously witheld from membership, with some former presidents receiving in excess of 150,000 a year - including a termination payment equivalent to one year's remuneration on leaving office.

Former President John Bryan received almost 800,000 for his four-year term.

IFA Director General Damian McDonald is paid a salary of 185,000 while IFA President Joe Healy is being paid 120,000 a year.
A businessman attacked a farmer's tractor with a hammer and told him he would get it in his head the next time.

Derek Long appeared at Falcarragh District Court in Co Donegal yesterday, charged with attacking neighbour Neil Boyle.

The court heard that there was a long-running dispute between the pair over land.

On November 30, 2016, Mr Boyle was in his Massey Ferguson tractor at Magherablade, Creeslough, when he was approached by Long.

Long, who operates a second-hand furniture business, lunged at the tractor and managed to interfere with wiring in the engine.

A short time later, Long attacked the rear of Mr Boyle's tractor with a hammer.

There was then a hissing sound from the tractor.

The court heard that as he was running away, Long shouted at Mr Boyle "The next time it will be the back of your head."

Garda Inspector Sean Grant said the total amount of damage to the tractor was 110.

Solicitor for the accused, Mr Donough Cleary said the issue arose out of a dispute over land boundaries which is scheduled to be heard at a civil court.

He added that his client, who was charged with assault and causing criminal damage, was a man in his 50s who had no previous convictions.

He said he had hired a digital land surveyor in a bid to determine the issues over land boundaries between the parties.

Judge Paul Kelly said that both parties may well end up in a different court to settle their civil dispute.

But he added "Even if he thought he was in the right he has no right to do what he did."

Mr Boyle said his tractor had been out of action for three or four days as a result of the incident.

Judge Kelly ordered Long to pay a total of 200 compensation to his neighbour and said he would be disposed to striking the matter out if this was done.

The Judge added "He's getting off very lightly at that."

The case was adjourned to allow for payment.
Farmers met with senior vets in the Department of Agriculture again this week over the ongoing problems with the implementation of the Clean Sheep Policy by the Department at the lamb factories.

IFA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy said analysis shows that more than 900 lambs per day, or between 7pc and 9pc of the kill, are being classified as Category C and ordered home or back to farm by the Department.

He said this approach cannot continue as it is imposing major unnecessary costs on farmers, it is not provided for under EU regulations, and seriously disrupting the normal sale of sheep.

While up to 93pc of sheep are categorised A and B and deemed suitable for slaughter, Sean Dennehy said it was never the intention under the Clean Sheep Policy that sheep would be sent home or that the Department would insist on full shearing of some sheep.

He said this approach is way over the top and has to stop.

In addition, he said both factories and farmers are reporting a complete lack of consistency on the policy between plants and vets.

Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed has said food legislation requires that primary producers rearing animals or producing primary products of animal origin are to take adequate measures to ensure the cleanliness of animals going to slaughter.

"My Department has, accordingly, developed a clean livestock policy which has been agreed with farmer, haulier and Food Business Operator stakeholders. The policy document was finalised in February 2017.

"This policy is a public health measure, intended to reduce the potential risk to consumers that may arise if meat is contaminated by dirty fleeces," he said.

However, the IFA sheep farmer leader accused the Department of breaching their own protocol on the Clean Sheep Policy.

Nowhere in the policy is there reference to sending home consignments of lambs or using arbitrary figures of 10pc Category C to refuse loads of lambs. In addition, it was never intended that farmers would have to fully shear some sheep.

Sean Dennehy said there is rising frustration among sheep farmers at the way they are being treated under the Clean Sheep Policy.

Sheep farmers will do their best to have their animals as clean as possible but the Department and the factories have to be practical and take account of the difficult weather conditions.

He said sheep farmers are getting very fed up with the way their livelihoods are being threatened, There needs to be a realisation that this is a very low income enterprise and not capable of sustaining excessive red tape and bureaucracy such as over the top regulations on the likes of clean sheep and EID tagging.

In the week ending February 10, the Department sent home up to 3,600 lambs that were deemed as category C.

Last week, the Department rejected another 3,500 lambs, ordering that they be sent back.
Police want a database of dog DNA to collar animals responsible for attacks on livestock.

Officers from five forces have made a raft of recommendations including owners being legally obliged to tell police if their pet goes after a captive animal.

They also want the law changed so that animals including llamas, alpacas, emus and ostriches are defined as livestock.

The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) led a study on the issue of livestock worrying, with five forces  North Yorkshire, Devon and Cornwall, Sussex, North Wales and Hertfordshire  submitting data.

They found that from September 2013 to 2017 there were 1,705 recorded incidents of livestock worrying and attacks. A total of 1,928 animals were killed and 1,614 injured  at an estimated cost of 250,000.

Around one in 10  11%  of the incidents involved owners whose dog had worried or damaged livestock before, and in most cases the animal was not on a lead.

Our new report on livestock worrying highlights the scale of the problem and the challenges faced by police forces in supporting farmers to deal with the issue. Read it here: https://t.co/sfcA466XUM pic.twitter.com/FTzUYq3MZI  National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) (@PoliceChiefs) February 21, 2018

Police face a number of problems in prosecuting livestock worrying, for example they are unable to search a dog owners home for a canine that has attacked captive animals.

Kennels are not legally responsible for attacks carried out by animals in their care, and livestock worrying frequently goes unrecorded as a crime.

The NPCC lead for wildlife and rural crime, Chief Constable David Jones, said: This project provides hard data showing livestock worrying is a very significant issue for farmers that impacts on their livelihoods.

We need dog owners to take responsibility for their animals  not just by putting their dogs on a lead when out walking, but by preventing them from escaping from home and causing damage to livestock. We need livestock owners to report incidents so that we can gather intelligence and launch investigations.

Above all, we need the powers to tackle this problem effectively and an overhaul of the outdated and sometimes ineffective rules surrounding livestock worrying.

Animal welfare minister Lord Gardiner said he will look closely at the groups recommendations.
Posted Thursday, February 22, 2018 9:52 am

Capital News Service

LANSING  Voter advocacy and civil rights groups are petitioning for a state constitutional amendment that would make it easier for Michigan residents to vote.

The campaign, called Promote the Vote, seeks to give military members more time to vote, automatically register citizens when they conduct business at a Secretary of State office and allow absentee voting without the need to give a reason. It also would allow same-day voting registration with proof of residency and straight party voting.

Under current state law, you need to be registered at least 30 days before an election to vote. Military operating from an overseas installation are advised to send back their absentee ballot 35 days before election day, according to the Federal Voting Assistance Program.

We just want voting to be accessible, convenient and everyones vote to be counted and secure, said Judy Karandjeff, the president of the League of Women Voters.

The proposal, which is targeted for next Novembers election, is backed by the league, the American Civil Liberties Union and the state and Detroit branches of the NAACP.

The Secretary of States Office is confident in the states current voting process, said Fred Woodhams, the elections agencys director of communication.

We believe that Michigan elections system does an excellent job of allowing voters to cast a ballot and have their voice heard.

Michigan saw the most registered voters ever in 2016, he said. Recent elections have seen near-record turnout.

The Board of State Canvassers has approved the petition language, and people will be able to sign the petition shortly, Karandjeff said.

Backers of the proposal must get 315,654 valid signatures of registered voters to make the November ballot.

Only 15 states and the District of Columbia allow same-day registration, according to the National Conference on State Legislatures. The organization says there is strong evidence that election day registration increases voter turnout.

Promote the Vote isnt the only campaign seeking to reform Michigans elections laws. Shortly after the 2016 presidential election, a group of activists introduced a constitutional amendment proposal called Voters Not Politicians.

It would establish an independent commission to oversee the drawing of Michigans electoral districts. Elected officials would be ineligible to serve on the commission.

In December the group turned in more than 425,000 valid signatures to the Secretary of State, where the petition is under review. The redistricting process, which takes place every 10 years, was controlled by Republicans in 2011 and the party has since maintained legislative majorities in elections.
Prices for hogget jumped significantly early this week.

Factory quotes this week for hogget are anything from 20-25c/kg ahead of where they were last week with Kepak Athleague heading the table on an official quote of 5.35kg +5c/kg bonus, a jump of 25c/kg on last week.

Also up 25c/kg on last week are Dawn Ballyhaunis whose quote of 5.25/kg for hogget moves them level with the two ICMs who themselves are up 20c/kg to 5.25/kg.

The only price difference between them continues to be the level of bonus on offer - 10c/kg at the two ICMs against the 5c/kg paid by Dawn. Kildare Chilling who were top of the pile last week slip to second place despite rising their official quote for hogget by 20c/kg to 5.30/kg. Moyvalley quoted a straight 5.30/kg for hogget yesterday.

On the issue of the "dirty sheep" I see the IFA have put a figure of over 7,000 as being the number of lambs rejected by the department as they were deemed to fall into Category C.

IFA sheep chairman Sean Dennehy was critical of the department officials, claiming some were going "over the top" on the issue and there was a "complete lack of consistency".

Mr Dennehy claimed it was never intended that " farmers would have to fully shear some sheep".

John Brooks of the ICSA claimed it was "causing havoc in the factories", with farmers holding back supplying lambs because of the uncertainty.

The Department said it was continuing to engage on the issue and results were "very encouraging, notwithstanding some few tensions and requests for further clarification/information - which is not unexpected".

The reality is that there is a culture issue to be dealt with here.

Tradition was that farmers often presented their stock as best they could during times of inclement weather. The message from the department is now crystal clear: this is no longer sufficient.

That said I still believe that an examination of how fleeces are removed and the technology currently in use in the processing plants could also do with some revision.

If the Irish sheep business is to continue to evolve in the supply of quality sheep meats, the conversation between factories, the department and farmers has to be a two-way street.

Away from the business of how you operate a sheep plant, hogget prices on the ground are reported as being at a top of 5.50/kg with the IFA reporting 5.60/kg as "possible" in places.

Marts Roundup

1 ROSCREA

While Michael Harty says that sheep numbers were getting bigger at his sales he also notes that a lot of sheep are not as far forward as you might expect. The reason is, of course, the weeks of continuous rain. Prices here for hogget saw the top reached by a batch at 56kg who sold for 130/hd with demand for heavy cull ewes seeing 70-100kg make up to 116/hd.

2 MOUNTBELLEW

Padraig Naughton of Mountbellew is of the same mind as Michael Harty: Theres a share of lamb coming out that are not fully fleshed. The reason is also the same as in the Tipperary area  too much rain. Prices here saw 50kg hoggets make from 113-115/hd with 44kg making 102 while among the stores 36kg sold for 88/hd. Ewes with single lambs at foot sold from 130-160/hd while those with doubles made from 170-285/hd.

3 BALLINASLOE

The average price for lamb/hogget here was 93.50/hd with the top of the market seeing 120/hd. Stag ewes sold on average for 70/hd with top lots hitting 97/hd. The top price for ewes with singles at foot was 150/d.

4 CASTLEBLAYNEY

Trade here saw prices for ewe lambs range from 90/hd for 38kgs to 106/hd for 49kg with those between 40 and 44kg selling to a top of 100hd. Ram lamb prices ranged 80-113/hd on weights from 38-47kg with one batch of horned wethers in the mix at 75.50. Fat ewes made from 65-102kgs sold from 86-117.50/kg while in the breeding section springing ewes made up to 130/hd.

5 ATHENRY

While trade wasnt huge, there was a good turnout at the sale. Prices for ewe hoggets ranged around the 120hd mark, while stag hoggets sold from 125/hd. In lamb ewes made 135/hd, while those not in lamb sold for 240/hd.

6 CORRIN

According to auctioneer, Sean Leahy there was much more demand for the butcher type sheep and lambs at the north Cork mart.

The good weather also meant that numbers were up. In the 52-62kg bracket, prices ranged from 128-144/hd for a mixture of clean, ewe and stag hoggets. Factory type lambs were also in demand and sold from in the region of 110-110/hd.
Microsoft's new 134m campus is currently under construction - and the Leopardstown development plans to house the firm's 1,200-strong workforce in Ireland under one roof.

The 34,554 sq m building - a site of just under 3 hectares - will be the Irish base for the multinational firm which has been here for over 30 years.

The new campus is located on a wooded setting backing on to Leopardstown racecourse. A running and walking trail is being created around the perimeter of the site, while rooftop terraces will overlook a landscape filled with greenery and bordered by mountains.

"As someone who loves technology, its thrilling that the new campus will widely deploy the latest Microsoft technology," said Joanne Morrissey, HR Director at Microsoft Ireland.

"Delivering intelligent cloud platforms is central to the companys support of businesses of all sizes and across all sectors, and the new campus is making full use of this technology."

But what can potential candidates looking to join the Microsoft family do to impress the HR team? Passion is what needs to be seen first and foremost, according to Ms Morrissey.

"Our mission is to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more, so we always look for people who share this goal," she told independent.ie.

"We also look for curiosity, a desire to learn and for someone who looks at where we are heading next and wants to help us get there."

And Microsoft do not exclude go-getters without advanced degrees that have acquired their skills and experience through non-collegiate avenues, and has established an association with FIT (Fastrack to IT) for many years.

"Most recently we collaborated on the Youth2Work programme which has given 13,500 young people the chance to acquire skills that are in demand by the IT sector," Ms Morrissey said.

"Many of these youths would previously have been in danger of becoming long-term unemployed and, instead, have now gone on to further education and roles in industry."

Nonetheless, every candidate wants to know how to set themselves apart from the crowd but, believe it or not, one of the most impressive qualities is perhaps the most basic: be yourself.

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"Its incredibly refreshing to meet a candidate who has a good sense of themselves and knows what they want to achieve," said Ms Morrissey. At Microsoft, we want to give our people the opportunity to grow so if a candidate can tangibly show the steps they have taken to reach a personal milestone, they will really stand out."

On the flipside, not being transparent during the selection process - and fudging your CV just a little bit - is a complete no-no for Microsoft.

"Customers place their trust in us, as a consequence we hold our employees to high standards. Professionalism is really important  you should always conduct yourself in a way you can be proud of," said Ms Morrissey.

Ireland is one of the few places around the globe where every area of Microsofts business is represented. According to Ms Morrissey, team here fulfils every possible function from finance, operations, sales and R&D to development and engineering.

"Thats really exciting for someone who has a career progression in mind," she said.

"We think of ourselves as One Microsoft, with cross-functional teams co-locating so people learn from each other."

Microsoft's diverse workforce in Ireland is made up of people from over 57 countries and embody the full range of life stages from recent graduates to longer term employees - with many working at Microsoft since the company first opened an office here.

"Diversity of people and capabilities is core to our needs as a company to ensure we continue to provide a value proposition for our clients...There is no one single type of Microsoft customer so with a diverse customer base we of course need our employees to reflect that diverse range of needs and capabilities," said Ms Morrissey.

With diversity enriching everything the 'One' family does at Microsoft, the firm has a wide range of targeted programmes that promotes diversity and inclusion in place.

When it comes to gender, this includes Codess, Inspiring Careers, Women at Microsoft, as well as being founder members of Connecting Women in Technology.

"All these programmes have as their goal the creation of a thriving technology sector which enables women to fulfil their potential," said Ms Morrissey.

"We also support GirlCrew Pro  a series of events that see incredible women sharing the ups as well as the downs of their career paths and the winding roads it often took to get to where they are today."

Microsoft also has a distinguished track record when it comes to supporting its LGBT team members. Last year, the Workplace Equality Index Awards recognised Microsoft as one of the Top 5 Best Places to Work for LGBT Inclusion. Additionally, Microsofts Dan Klein was named among the Top 50 LGBT Ally Executives in the OUTstanding and FT rankings 2016.

Ms Morrissey believes that this groundwork of inclusion lays the foundation for a successful transition to the new campus in Leopardstown.

New team members that come into the company have lots to offer," she said.

"That view is widely shared across our business and we make it a priority to pair or buddy new recruits with more established team members so they learn the most, and also so we can benefit from their fresh perspective."

But securing a position at Microsoft is not all work and no play as the company has injected energy into establishing a work-life balance for its employees.

"Microsoft has developed Fuel Your Everything, an employee wellbeing programme that aims to assist employees in fuelling their mind, body and life," said Ms Morrissey.

"This holistic wellbeing offering is provided in two ways: through a set of Wellbeing Experiences, which aims to develop employee capability or key life skills, including a parenting programme, financial wellbeing, mindfulness, and our peak performance programme.

"There is also a wide range of Wellness Centre treatments such as health screening, physiotherapy, dental and optical, massage, reflexology, barber and even a nail salon!"
A welcoming harbour area, a digital lake and a mountain staircase are the key design features that visitors encounter as they walk through the doors of Microsoft's new 134m campus.

Collaboration was the crucial factor in the creation of the new building's architecture at South County Business Park in Leopardstown, which brings together 2,000 employees from 71 different nationalities under one roof.

HR Director at Microsoft Ireland, Joanne Morrissey, told Independent.ie that all the different units within the group have now been brought together into this workspace, all designed with collaboration in mind.

"The whole idea of the building was that it was bringing people together and bringing the growth mindset to life. It's really about a culture of continuous learning... bringing people together," Ms Morrissey said.

"Whether you're a site reliability engineer, an AI bot builder, a software engineer or someone working in field sales, operations sales, supporting our customers or partners right across the globe; it all happens here."

The 34,000 sq m building - a site of just under 3 hectares - is now the main Irish base for the multinational firm which has been here for over 30 years.

Located on a woodland setting backing on to the Leopardstown racecourse, the rooftop terraces of One Microsoft Place overlook a landscape filled with greenery and bordered by mountains.

But taking a sneak peek tour ahead of today's official opening with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Independent.ie are taken on a walk-through of the site which aims to be "the perfect space to enable development, innovation and creativity".

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Designed with an island metaphor in mind, visitors (and staff) arrive to the building through the harbour area, "a place of welcome" and approach the digital lake, which has over 125,000 LED lights.

Looming overhead is the mountain, which is the central stairs and acts as "the central spine to the building" with all the meeting and conference rooms built off it.

"Even the simple things about how the people come together and walk across the building, or how closely office functions are located to each other, those chance encounters are what we've have engineered, purposeful collision," said Ms Morrissey.

The total IT cabling used in the building measures 350km, a distance from Dublin to Dingle, and 25,000 individual pieces of furniture have been collected from all four corners of the world.

It's easy to build up your FitBit steps walking around the four floors of the building and physical wellbeing is central to the group's focus, ("the mountain is the equivalent of five double decker buses"), with the basement gym and atrium yoga room popular features.

"Microsoft has developed Fuel Your Everything, an employee wellbeing programme that aims to assist employees in fuelling their mind, body and life," said Ms Morrissey.

"This holistic wellbeing offering is provided in two ways: through a set of Wellbeing Experiences, which aims to develop employee capability or key life skills, including a parenting programme, financial wellbeing, mindfulness, and our peak performance programme.

"There is also a wide range of Wellness Centre treatments such as health screening, physiotherapy, dental and optical, massage, reflexology, barber and even a nail salon."

But, of course, employees require fuel for their fire and the new office offers at least five different types of eateries; a Street Kitchen ("from ramen to burgers"), Pulse salad bar, a Chef's Table ("traditional grill and potatoes"), Forage and Gather ("variety of meats and salads"), and there's also an Italian Quarter where bespoke pizzas and pasta dishes are created.

"Lunchtime here starts at 11.30am; people are in so early in the day as they're actually supporting markets including Dubai, and The East and Africa," said Ms Morrissey.

"One of the interesting things in how we went about engaging employees was creating our own blend of coffee; we had a series of focus groups to finally make Cortado."

Microsoft's new digs recognise that some people do their best work sitting on the couch in the living room, while others may like a more structured setting. There are over 3,000 seats in the building with 1,765 work stations so staff can pick the space to suit their preference.

"There are over 85 different meeting rooms on each floor. The nature varies depending on the style of work, large conference rooms, small focus rooms and individual phone booths if you want to have some space to yourself," said Ms Morrissey.

There are currently between 70-80 vacancies open at the moment across a range of disciplines at Microsoft Ireland.
European Union protections for Irish spirits producers will be thrown into doubt after Brexit, industry group the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) has warned.

Only producers on the island of Ireland can market Irish whiskey, Irish liqueur or Poitin in the EU, thanks to the single market's Geographic Indicator (GI) rule.

The same rules mean only sparkling wine produced in the famous French region can be marketed as Champagne.

But Ireland's all-island drinks industry faces unique risks if there's regulatory divergence in the event of a hard Brexit, the (ABFI) has said. ABFI director Patricia Callan said uniquely for an EU GI producers here would have to rely on a post-Brexit UK to protect the Irish whiskey designation. "As this protection covers the 'island of Ireland', these products can be made in both Northern Ireland and the Republic," Ms Callan said.

"Post-Brexit, these three Irish spirits GIs will be the only ones to carry such protections where production takes place both in the EU and outside the EU."

She said it was critical that the same level of legal recognition and enforcement remained in place after Brexit. The ABFI said it was "vital" that, in the final EU-UK agreement, spirits produced in the North could continue to be labelled 'Product of Ireland' inside and outside the EU.
Ires REIT, Ireland's biggest private landlord has reported strong operating results for the 12 months to 31 December.

The results were supported by what the company described as strong market fundamentals.

The group reported revenue of 44.7m during the period, up from 38.8m in the same period in 2016. While the groups profit for the 12 months was 65m, up from 47m the prior year.

During the year the number of apartments held by the group increased to 2,450 from 2,378 the previous year, with an overall portfolio occupancy rate of 99.8pc.

According to the company, its residential occupancy levels continue to generate strong rental rate growth across the portfolio.

Meanwhile EPRA earnings per share (a measure of underlying operating performance of an investment property company excluding fair value gains and investment property disposals) increased to 6.0 cents from 4.9 cents in 2016.

The I-RES Strategy which we are executing successfully, is to acquire and develop high quality assets in attractive neighbourhoods with good transport links and to deliver exceptional service which helps transform the residential rental sector in Ireland, Margaret Sweeney, CEO of Ires REIT, said.

Late last year the company announced that it is to broaden its offering to the rental market with the delivery of new houses to complement its existing apartment stock.

In a statement issued to the stock exchange in November, the company announced its purchase for 7m of a 4.5 acre site with planning permission for 99 new homes at Hansfield Wood in Clonsilla, west Dublin.
Businessman Pat Donnellan has died following a short and courageous battle with motor neurone disease. He was 67.

The CEO of Lumeta, a cybersecurity specialist based in New Jersey, he had led two companies backed by one of Ireland's best-known businessmen, Michael Smurfit.

Mr Donnellan died in the US on February 18. He was a well-respected turnaround specialist having led AEP Networks, an internet security specialist to its purchase by UK-based Ultra Electronics in 2011.

He also served as group president of Moduslink Global Solutions, a global leader in supply chain manufacturing.

He was admired for his independent leadership style and ability to bolster his staff to think about the big picture while never taking their eye off smaller details. Socially, he was gregarious, with a roguish sense of humour and an easy smile that disarmed clients, investors and most of all his loyal employees. He had a near-photographic memory and was never without a pen and notepad, furiously scribbling illegible doodles that he would refer back to years later.

He was modest and relaxed about his success, and disliked ostentatious displays of pomp and wealth. His perfect day was standing among his four brothers and two sons with a pint of Guinness watching Clare hurling. He also loved cruising along the Shannon in his power boat or sitting at the back of his cruiser in the Jersey Shore with his wife Susan.

Pat was born in Parteen in Co Clare on November 6, 1950. His father Tom ran Murdon Homes - Cecil Murray, father of the former chief justice John Murray was a business parter. His mother Mary was a psychiatric nurse in St Joseph's hospital, Mulgrave Street in Limerick. He was educated at the National University of Ireland, Galway where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts specialising in mathematics and Irish. He began his working life as a labour negotiator and was named regional director of the Federated Union of Employers (now Ibec) in 1976. He later helped to keep the Neodata factories in Limerick open in 1993, saving nearly 400 jobs.

He worked until two weeks before his death from an aggressive form of motor neurone disease which he was diagnosed with in early January.

He is survived by his loving wife Susan, his children Lorna and her husband Martin Walsh, Patrick and his wife Sally, Aimee and her wife Mellissa and his son Conor. He also has cherished grandchildren Ava, Thomas, Ryan, Cliodhna, Paddy and Tom.

Relatives and friends based in America have been invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Friday, February 23 at 10.45am at St Teresa of Avila Church, Summit, NJ. Interment will be private. A memorial Mass will also be held in Killaloe, Co Clare, with details to be confirmed.
AIB's decision to set tough sales conditions on its 3.7bn sale of non-performing loans has forced a number of distressed debt funds out of the running for the largest loan sale undertaken by the part-nationalised lender.

It is understood US private equity giant Oaktree is among a string of heavy-hitters that have been excluded.

It illustrates how a less welcoming stance towards the so-called vulture funds, which have scooped up tens of billions of discounted Irish debts in the wake of the economic crash, has begun to curb their reach.

The Irish Independent understands the bank's insistence that the successful buyer must be a regulated entity caused a handful of well-known names to crash out of the process.

AIB declined to comment on the specifics of the deal.

But the sale of its multi-billion Redwood portfolio - which includes soured commercial, SME and buy-to-let loans, although no principal homeowner mortgages - potentially offers a precedent for the Permanent TSB auction of some 3.7bn home loans.

Three-quarters of the PTSB mortgages on the block by the State-backed lender are tied to owner-occupiers.

The decision has prompted a furious political backlash.

But PTSB, which remains 75pc owned by the taxpayer, has claimed its hands are tied as Brussels ratchets up the pressure to decisively tackle legacy-era debts.

The fear is PTSB's move to hack out a large section of its impaired residential mortgages lays the groundwork for AIB, Ulster bank and Bank of Ireland. According to the most recent figures from the Central Bank, of the 13.3bn troubled home loans on the banks' balance sheets, more than half (7.1bn) are at the most troubled-end of the spectrum: the loans have been in arrears for more than 720 days.

Some of these borrowers will qualify for social welfare and therefore can avail of the Government's mortgage-to-rent scheme. Various restructuring methods may help resolve some of the troubled loans.

But sources point out that still leaves a substantial portion for private investors or the vulture funds - widely viewed as the logical and possible sole buyers of these assets.

Yet as the political atmosphere against these opportunists darkens, some question whether the restrictions will impact loan sale valuations. That in turn would affect taxpayers, as the principal shareholders in the banks.

According to sources, AIB's Redwood auction caused confusion among bidders initially.

Many of the distressed debt funds partner with, or in some cases own credit servicing firms that are in turn regulated by the Central Bank.

The private investors have reacted to tighter protections ushered in by the Government in 2015.

Many in the industry argue these rules are sufficient and claim Fianna Fail's demand that all loan owners must be regulated may weaken appetite for the loans and potentially impact on valuations.

It is understood three bidders have advanced into the second phase of AIB's Redwood race with Goldman Sachs among the final contenders.

Some question whether AIB's restrictions have rendered the whole process more politically palatable or simply weakened competitive tension and spooked the market.
'The centre will enable Vectra to deliver additional artificial intelligence innovations in cybersecurity and grow its customer base across Europe. The company is already recruiting in Ireland for the new roles' Photo: Reuters

Up to 100 new jobs have been promised for Ireland by US cybersecurity software firm Vectra after it received a 10m equity injection from the State-owned Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF).

Vectra plans to open a research and development hub here. It will be its first outside the US, where it has three such centres.

The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) has provided the 10m as part of a wider 30m series D fundraising by Vectra. It brings the total raised by Vectra to $123m (100m).

The R&D centre will be based in Dublin, and the jobs are likely to be created over the next five years.

The centre will enable Vectra to deliver additional artificial intelligence innovations in cybersecurity and grow its customer base across Europe. The company is already recruiting in Ireland for the new roles.

"Europe happens to be a very important part of our business overall," said Vectra CEO Hitesh Sheth. The latest fundraising was led by Atlantic Bridge, ISIF and a Japanese investor new to Vectra.

"The fact that both these investors are of an international element allows us to expand our business footprint both in Europe as well as Asia-Pacific," said Mr Sheth.

Meanwhile, Ireland-based BVP Investments has raised 3.9m from investors via an EIIS scheme for its latest funding round. Last year, it invested in companies such as Solo Energy and Parkpnp.
Finland is trying to work out how to handle the roughly 2,000 Bitcoins authorities in the country have confiscated.

Worth almost 35m on December 18, 2017, when the cryptocurrency peaked, the Bitcoins are now valued at about 19m. Finnish government guidelines make it clear that authorities handling the coins won't be allowed to store them on virtual currency exchanges.

Instead, they'll be required to keep them off the Internet. Most of the coins have been confiscated in dozens of raids conducted since 2016, according to the customs office in Helsinki. It declined to say how it's been storing the cryptocurrencies until now.

The new guidelines also state that authorities can't treat Bitcoin or its crypto competitors like a currency.

It's an asset that, as a rule, can't be used or accepted as a means of payment or as an investment, according to the Treasury document. Cryptocurrencies seized by the Finnish state can be converted into euro after a court ruling on their appropriation has become binding.

The sales should primarily take place via public auctions rather than commercial exchanges, which can be untrustworthy and opaque, the Treasury said. (Bloomberg)
Do you enjoy a good gothic novel? Do you wonder what it would have been like to be a part of a trio of three gifted sisters living a lonely...
Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox is sweetening its offer to UK regulators reviewing its takeover of Sky, raising the prospect that Disney would guarantee the future of the European broadcaster's news service.

Fox, which is in negotiations with competition authorities over its 11.7bn (13.3bn) purchase of Sky, this week proposed a funding guarantee of at least 10 years for Sky News. Disney would inherit that commitment with its $52.4bn purchase of most of Fox's film and TV assets, including Sky.

The funding proposal is Fox's latest attempt to win approval for a deal that has been held up by additional scrutiny, after allegations of sexual and racial harassment at Fox News in the US and as a 2011 phone-hacking scandal at Murdoch's newspapers continued to dog the billionaire media tycoon.

UK regulators have been worried that a takeover of Sky would give Murdoch - whose News Corp owns 'The Times', 'The Sunday Times' and 'The Sun' newspapers in the UK and Ireland - too much sway over British media. Any closing of Sky News would also threaten media plurality, according to regulators.

That's put Fox in the difficult position of trying to find a way to keep the money-losing service alive while also insulating it from Murdoch's influence.

Fox's latest offer is part of a wider package of remedies, including an independent editorial board for Sky News, proposed in a letter published by the UK Competition & Markets Authority. (Bloomberg)
Is Ireland ready for 5G? In recent weeks, Ireland's two big mobile operators have begun discussing the next big step in cellular technology. Vodafone showed off a 5G trial, measuring speeds in gigabits rather than megabits, with Ericsson in Dublin, while Three has begun talking about a possible rollout from 2019.

But how close are these operators to rolling out something that's a step up from 4G?

And what will people actually use it for?

So far, 5G has proven to be a more nebulous concept than 4G or 3G before it. That's because while the earlier standards were primarily about improving mobile internet speeds (to 1Mbs with 3G and then to 100Mbs on 4G Plus at present), the new technology is about issues such as reliability and latency as much as another speed bump.

Self-driving cars, for example, are expected to require much quicker response times between cells to be reliable from a regulatory point of view. But other than that, there aren't many existing mobile consumer or business services that can take advantage of speeds of 1,000Mbs, let alone 15,000Mbs.

So what will 5G networks actually bring that's different to 4G?

And is this set to be just another service for cities, with sparse coverage in regional areas?

"The real 5G happens in a different radio interface, which won't happen before 2020, I'd say," said ComReg Chairman Gerry Fahy. "You might find that 5G is about things other than handsets, which might go for a long time on 4G Plus Plus Plus."

Fahy has a point. To date, there are no handsets capable of taking advantage of 5G speeds. Several flagship models can now handle up to 1,000Mbs, but not at the frequencies (such as 3.6Mhz) expected to be used by 5G.

While a technical milestone was reached in December by the international Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) on how 5G will be built, other bodies such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) have yet to fully recognise a single 5G standard.

That means that handset manufacturers have held off on building phones until the standards become clearer. Irish operators say that it's likely to start with equipment such as routers. "We expect to be doing 5G trials around Q4 of this year with a view to commercially launching some services in 2019," said a spokeswoman for Three Ireland.

"From a device perspective, routers will come first, with availability during the second half of 2019. The first early handset devices are expected in the second half of 2019. However the majority will be available from 2020."

Three's main rival, Vodafone Ireland, went one step further. Two weeks ago, it joined Ericsson for a test in Dublin that achieved speeds of up to 15Gbs (15,000Mbs) with a latency of less than five milliseconds.

The operator also tested 'pre-standard 5G' on Vodafone's recently acquired 3.6GHz spectrum, which is expected to be used for 5G services when 5G is launched. "There seems to be a consensus that we will see 5G in Ireland from 2020 onwards," said John Griffin, head of Ericsson Ireland. In the interim period there will be trials and proofs of concept but the entire ecosystem needed for full launch will only be ready in that time frame. We know that certain other countries will have limited 5G launches in 2019."

Griffin said that speeds are likely to reach 1,000Mbs, currently only available on fibre-to-the-building systems. "Based on the spectrum that has been allocated in Ireland for 5G, which is 3.6Ghz, and the amount of bandwidth per operator, which is up to 105Mhz, then gigabit speeds are possible in theory," he said.

"In Trinity College on February 7, we demonstrated 1.7Gbps [1,700Mbs] on a 5G trial system using the 5G spectrum available in Ireland.

"We also demonstrated millimetre wavelength 5G which delivered 15Gbps, but this will not be available for many years and is for short-range high-capacity solutions.

"In reality, with properly dimensioned and loaded mobile networks, we expect several hundreds of Mbps to be possible."

Vodafone's event showed off some expected consumer applications ranging from augmented reality to high speed, low latency gaming.

"This first successful trial of pre-standard 5G is an essential step forward," said Madalina Suceveanu, chief technology officer of Vodafone Ireland. "As our network evolves toward 5G, it will become even faster and more resilient, will have significantly lower latency and will allow a huge number of devices to connect simultaneously."

But it's not as simple as waving a wand with some new equipment to switch 5G on. Existing networks will require heavy artillery backup in the form of fibre.

"The most obvious demand is that all mobile network sites will need fibre to transfer all this data out onto the internet," said Ericsson boss John Griffin. "The core networks of tomorrow will also be dimensioned to make best use of another major advantage of 5G, which is latency. Moving the core network functions closer to the subscriber will allow very low latency to facilitate many new services, that are not possible over today's mobile networks. We have used remote surgery as an example, where a surgeon in one location operating remotely on a patient in many thousands of kilometres away."

So what will else will a 5G network be used for? Sensors are one expected use. In general, most industrial use-cases cite streaming of 4K or 8K video content in future. While this might seem like high-definition overkill now, increases in screen resolution on mobile devices over the coming months may soon necessitate an uptake of bandwidth needed to feed video that matches the screen's capability.

Autonomous vehicles are widely expected to be one of the main beneficiaries of 5G networks. Earlier this month, the European operator Telefonica conducted "the world's first proof of concept" for a 5G-based "vehicle-to-everything" system. According to the companies, the test used ultra-low latency technology that will be required for self-driving cars to be licensed by regulatory authorities.

Other uses for 5G include smart cities (traffic controls, public transportation, utilities), health (tracking devices) and even the gradual replacement of current radio or television bandwidth. Because of the speed and latency of 5G, 'mega-cloud' services may also emerge. If access speed to an online service is always instant, why do we need hard drives anymore?

Meanwhile, agriculture is also being tagged as an industry ripe to take advantage of 5G connectivity because of machinery automation, including tractors, crop-spreaders and drones.

But will 5G make it out to typical farmland scenarios? This is set to be one of the hot-button topics of the new technology in Ireland.

Existing 3G and 4G licences were only required to cover up to 90pc of the population, with no geographical coverage requirement.

That has meant that as long as the operators cover Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and a handful of other urban centres, they only need cover other areas according to their own preferences.

Last year, Communications Minister Denis Naughten indicated that the next mobile licences to come through the Government would have a stipulation that 100pc geographic coverage might be required. To do this would make Ireland the first country in Europe to specify such a complete geographical basis of coverage."Based on our dispersed population, we need to do it this way," Naughten told this reporter. But will this really happen?

ComReg's Fahy has received this in a lukewarm fashion. While not denying its possibility, Fahy recently suggested that it might be difficult to fashion a mobile licence in this format, because operators may not take up a licence that obligates them to spend millions on equipment for large, relatively uninhabited territories.

"We're looking at this and other issues," he recently told me. "But 100pc geographic coverage is probably one of those things that, if it's to be delivered, needs some support from government. It's a bit like the National Broadband Plan. There's a level of coverage that's commercially deliverable and then beyond that it's society's job to close that gap.

"Even if you gave away the licence for nothing, what would companies do to the extent that it is commercially possible?"

This is one of the main reasons that 5G is not being talked about as a realistic alternative to the National Broadband Plan, which aims to connect 540,000 rural homes and businesses to fibre speeds. In practice, 5G speeds may match or exceed current fibre speeds. But if the bulk of the rollout occurs in cities and towns, it's fairly useless to those rural citizens currently stuck on sub-par phone line or aerial broadband.

Then there is the question of timing and licensing. Few see any significant 5G services taking shape in Ireland for at least two years and possibly longer.

But will a new set of licences be required?

"The 3.6Ghz spectrum we recently licensed is usable for mobile broadband and rural broadband but can be used for 5G as well," said Fahy.

And what about auctions? Can we expect similar auctions to those that took place for 3G and 4G? "We don't make those decisions until we arrive at that point of time," said Fahy. "But that wouldn't be an unreasonable speculation to make."

What Irelands three main operators are doing about 5G

1 Vodafone

Irelands biggest operator has run its first 5G test in Dublin with Ericsson, demonstrating speeds of up to 15Gbs (15,000Mbs). It has no active timeline on rollout of the technology. Like other operators, it has a chunk of 3.6Mhz spectrum which can be used for 5G services.

2 Three

We expect to be doing 5G trials around Q4 of this year with a view to commercially launching some services in 2019, said a spokeswoman. From a device perspective, routers will come first, with availability during the second half of 2019. The first early handset devices are expected in the second half of 2019. We were the only mobile operator to secure national optimum 100MHz spectrum in last years auction.

3. Eir (Meteor)

Eir continues to assess the evolution of 5G technology and we secured national 5G spectrum in 2017, said a spokeswoman. We plan to develop 5G network capability in the next 24 months, which is a similar timeline to other operators in the market. Eir secured nationwide spectrum in the 3.6Ghz spectrum auction in 2017. This band has been identified as one of the early 5G technology bands.
In his quarter century atop Latvia's central bank, Ilmars Rimsevics has outlasted 19 governments and two currencies, emerging as much more than a guardian of price stability.

But he's now fighting for his professional life, at the centre of a widening drama that includes death threats, dark hints of Russian interference, accusations of North Korean money laundering and suggestions of score-settling among the tiny nation's elite.

In a stunning fall from grace, Mr Rimsevics was taken into custody on Saturday evening, on suspicion of taking bribes.

Released on bail 48 hours later, he then rebuffed appeals from the prime minister, finance minister and president to step aside. He said he was the victim of a conspiracy.

In Frankfurt, his colleagues as European Central Bank policy makers got their first chance yesterday to hear directly about the crisis.

Latvia - 0.2pc of the euro-area economy - is understood to have been the week's hot topic as ECB President Mario Draghi chaired a regular Governing Council meeting in Frankfurt, although the detention of Mr Rimsevics wasn't on the formal agenda, according to an official.

But policy makers will also have to confront the extraordinary crisis now facing the Latvian financial system. ABLV Bank, a Latvian lender accused by US authorities of links to North Korea, has been banned from making any payments.
The Isle of Dogs launched this year's Glasgow Film Festival (Eoin Carey/GFF/PA)

The UK premiere of Wes Andersons new animated adventure has launched this years Glasgow Film Festival.

The screening of the Isle Of Dogs was the curtain-raiser to the 2018 festival on Wednesday evening at the Glasgow Film Theatre.

The stop-motion film, set in a dystopian future Japan, follows a boys odyssey in search of his dog and features actors Scarlett Johansson, Edward Norton and Tilda Swinton among the voice cast.

Expand Close The Isle of Dogs is Wes Anderson's latest creation (ox Searchlight Pictures /GFF/PA) / Facebook

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Speaking on the red carpet, festival co-director Allison Gardner said of the launch: Its so great to get to this stage because it takes such a lot of planning and theres a big team of people who work really hard all year round.

Im so delighted that were kicking off with such a fantastic film  and a UK premiere.

The opening gala for Glasgows 14th annual festival  attended by Isle of Dogs producer Jeremy Dawson and VisitScotlands four-legged ambassadog George  comes four years after Andersons The Grand Budapest Hotel launched the 2014 outing of the festival.

Ms Gardner said of the launch film: Its absolutely fantastic and so beautifully crafted. Its absolutely out of this world.

The festival features more than 330 separate events and screenings, showcasing more than 180 films from 51 countries.

Six world premieres and seven European premieres feature in the line up.

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Karen Gillan, David Tennant, Paddy Considine and Gemma Arterton are among the screen stars expected to attend this years festival during its 12-day run.

Hollywood star Gillan will hit the red carpet for the world premiere of her directorial debut.

A first look at the poster for @karengillan's The Party's Just Beginning! We're delighted to host the World premiere at #GFF18. Tickets for Sunday's screening available here: https://t.co/dR1E2L2BQ5 https://t.co/3B410gpSeL  Glasgow Film Festival (@glasgowfilmfest) February 20, 2018

Filmed in Glasgow and her home city of Inverness, The Partys Just Beginning  for which Gillan also wrote the script and plays the leading on-screen part  is described as a fiercely honest tale of loss, grief and survivors guilt.

Tennant is being welcomed back for the European premiere of his new rom-com You, Me And Him.

This years festival runs until March 4. It will close with a documentary, Nae Pasaran, telling the true story of Scots who defied Pinochet.
Harvey Weinstein has apologised for citing Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence in an attempt to get a class action lawsuit against him dismissed.

Lawrence hit back at the disgrace mogul, calling him a "predator" after Weinstein's lawyers used favourable quotes about him from the Hollywood stars.

Six women are suing Weinstein and the "Weinstein Sexual Enterprise" - which they say includes his brother Bob and their co-founded studio The Weinstein Company - saying they conspired to conceal his widespread alleged sexual harassment.

A spokeswoman for Weinstein said: "Mr Weinstein has been informed that his civil counsel responded in court to a class action lawsuit which improperly sought to include all actresses who had previously worked with Mr Weinstein, even where those actresses have made no claim of wrongdoing.

"Even though Mr Weinstein has worked with hundreds of actresses and actors who had only professional and mutually respectful experiences with him, Mr Weinstein has directed in the future that no specific names be used by his counsel, even where those actors have made previous public statements about him.

"Mr Weinstein acknowledges the valuable input both Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence have contributed to this conversation and apologises.

"Once again, moving forward, Mr Weinstein has advised his counsel to not include specific names of former associates; and to avoid whenever possible, even if they are in the public record."

Weinstein's lawyers had selectively pointed to Lawrence saying in a previous interview that the disgraced movie mogul "had only ever been nice to me", although they did not mention her adding: "Except for the moments that he wasn't, and then I called him an asshole."

In a statement, Lawrence said: "Harvey Weinstein and his company are continuing to do what they have always done which is to take things out of context and use them for their own benefit.

"This is what predators do, and it must stop."

She added: "For the record, while I was not victimised personally by Harvey Weinstein, I stand behind the women who have survived his terrible abuse and I applaud them in using all means necessary to bring him to justice whether through criminal or civil actions. Time's up."

Her comment follows Streep firing back at Weinstein, who said the action was "pathetic and exploitative" after his lawyers cited her saying she was never harassed by the producer in an attempt to shut the case down.

While the lawyers did not go as far as to say Streep's comment was evidence he was not abusive to others, they did argue the case should be dismissed because it is "fatally overbroad" and would include all women he has ever met.

Lawyers Phyllis Kupferstein and Mary E Flynn wrote that this would include actresses such as Streep and Lawrence who have not made allegations of sexual misconduct.

They pointed to Streep saying Weinstein had always been respectful with her during their collaborations in a statement to the press.

They did not mention that Streep also praised the "heroes" who made allegations about his behaviour, which she said was "inexcusable" and an "abuse of power".

Weinstein's lawyers also tried to undermine the lawsuit's claims by saying Gwyneth Paltrow went on to work with him again after he allegedly harassed her.

The original lawsuit argued the statute of limitations on the allegations does not apply because the alleged victims were under duress not to make the claims earlier.

Weinstein, 65, has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by dozens of women. He denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.
A breast cancer diagnosis hit filmmaker Nora Twomey "like a grenade" in 2016.

The mother-of-two learned she had cancer as she came to the end of four years of development and production on the Oscar-nominated animation 'The Breadwinner'.

Based on Deborah Ellis' 2000 book, the movie tells the story of Parvana, a young girl living under the Taliban regime, who disguises herself as a boy in order to provide for her family. Twomey instantly fell in love with the character of Parvana.

Determined to see the project through, she underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatment while working on the film. She finished treatment two months before the final mix of the film was completed.

"Nothing can prepare you for the chaos of a cancer diagnosis," she says.

"I'm a mum to two, and it was like a grenade had been thrown into our world.

"When the oncologist told me, I took out my diary and asked 'What we were looking at?'"

The oncologist told her to put the diary away, and that cancer wasn't something you could neatly schedule.

After her diagnosis, Twomey had to spend some time in isolation to decrease the risk of infection.

"I couldn't see my boys. My husband brought in my laptop, and that gave me some sense of order. I could look at scenes being drawn, and Skype the teams and that brought an order to it.

"I was working with an excellent team, and they took meetings whether or not I had hair or was missing eyebrows."

The Cork native said a cancer diagnosis means "you will never have the same sense of security that you once had".

'The Breadwinner' marks the third Oscar nomination for globally renowned animation studio Cartoon Saloon. Twomey founded the company 19 years ago, along with Paul Young and Tomm Moore.

Having co-directed 'Song of the Sea', this was her first time directing solo. In the run-up to the awards season, the film - which is released in Ireland on May 25 - has been shown to a variety of audiences.

"It is strange after you have spent four years behind a computer screen in places that look almost identical, and now you're on the other side and watching audiences watch it," Twomey said.

The film gained international headlines before it had finished production when Hollywood star Angelina Jolie came on board as an executive producer.

"She looked at the screenplay and and asked to meet me," Twomey said. "I flew to LA pretending I needed to be there anyway, and she is a fantastic filmmaker. She understands the language of film and speaking to her felt very natural. It's a subject matter that is close to her heart, she has established a girl's school just outside of Kabul."
A barman who sustained a traumatic brain injury in a street assault has been awarded 710,000 by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal.

Stephen Plunkett suffered injuries almost 12 years ago after a fight in which he was chased, fell to the ground and was kicked repeatedly in the head.

Yesterday, the High Court approved the tribunal award to Mr Plunkett (32), from Blackrock, Dublin, over the assault at Torquay Road, Foxrock, Dublin, on August 21, 2006.

Eoin McCullough SC told the court a sole member of the tribunal had assessed that Mr Plunkett was 50pc responsible and an award of 634,000 was reduced to 317,000.

An appeal was brought to the High Court which asked that the matter be considered again before a three-member tribunal.

Chase

In its determination, that tribunal noted the Garda report evidence which showed that Mr Plunkett, while part of a group, had verbally abused another group of people earlier that evening.

It appeared this dispute had been resolved by the shaking of hands between the two groups.

Later on Mr Plunkett, in "horse play", appeared to strike one of the other group on the back of the head with a light bamboo-type stick and the group gave chase.

Mr Plunkett fell to the ground, where he struck his head and was kicked while on the ground.

The tribunal accepted Mr Plunkett was the victim of an assault and that he suffered his injuries as a result of a criminal act.

He should therefore be admitted to the compensation scheme.

While the tribunal stressed it was in no way of the view Mr Plunkett deserved the serious assault, it could not ignore that the first physical assault which happened was perpetrated by him.

Deduction

The tribunal acknowledged that this was out of character for Mr Plunkett but it deemed he was partially responsible in the case and decided there should be a deduction of 40pc on the final award giving a total of 710,000.

Approving the award, Mr Justice Kevin Cross wished Mr Plunkett and his family well for the future.
Anglo Irish Bank's former CEO David Drumm said after the bailout that the Financial Regulator and Central Bank were "fully aware of what we were doing" and he would "go public if they deny it to try to protect themselves," a court heard.

In an e-mail to another senior banker, Mr Drumm also said Anglo had been "encouraged" to engage with other banks to create liquidity during the financial crisis.

The e-mail was shown to the jury during the trial of Mr Drumm, who is accused of taking part in a 7.2bn conspiracy to defraud.

Mr Drumm (51) is pleading not guilty to conspiring to defraud Anglo investors in 2008 by dishonestly creating the impression that the bank's customer deposits were larger than they were.

He is alleged to have conspired with former Anglo officials Willie McAteer and John Bowe, as well as then-CEO of Irish Life and Permanent (ILP) Denis Casey and others.

Mr Drumm also denies false accounting, by providing misleading information to the market.

The email was shown to the jury as Gary McGann, a former non-executive director of the bank and chair of the audit committee, was giving evidence in Dublin.

The Circuit Criminal Court heard it was sent to Matt Moran, Anglo's former chief financial officer on January 14, 2009, after Mr Drumm had left Anglo. The subject of the mail was "Balance Sheet Management."

The court also heard about meetings with the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (IFSRA) and Central Bank.

"Willie (McAteer) informed Con (Horan, IFSRA) that we would be doing some balance sheet management over the year end," Mr Drumm said. "He mentioned taking in some short-term deposits."

Mr Drumm said he "told them the two big boys wouldn't help us" but that they had an "excellent relationship with ILP and they were helping us out."

He added: "I would relish the opportunity to sit in front of Con and ask him to tell me to my face that he didn't know about this."

IFSRA and the Central Bank were "fully aware of what we doing to protect ourselves."

"I'll go public if they deny it and try to protect themselves," he added.

In cross-examination, Mr McGann told Locan Staines BL, defending, that it was "difficult to conjure up" how fraught the time was.

It had felt like "the world was never going to be the same again," he said.

The trial continues.
A Dublin man has gone on trial accused of carrying out three attacks on women over a five year period.

Slawomir Gierlowski (33) of Galtymore Road, Drimnagh is charged with falsely imprisoning and assaulting a woman in September 2016 at a location near Naas Rd., Clondalkin, Dublin. He is also charged with unlawfully having a hunting knife with intent to intimidate on the same occasion.

Mr Gierlowski is also charged with false imprisonment, sexual assault and assault of a second woman at another location in Clondalkin on September 3, 2015.

Finally he is charged with false imprisonment, sexual assault and assault of a third woman at this same location on September 11, 2011.

Today at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court Mr Gierlowski pleaded not guilty to all nine charges. A jury of 12 men has been empanelled for the trial.

On the first day of the trial a woman in her mid 20s described how she was left covered in blood after being attacked by a man outside her home in September 2011. She said she had gone out socialising earlier on the evening of September 10 and was walking home when she saw a man walking behind her very quickly.

She told Roisin Lacey SC, prosecuting, that she got a fright as the man was quite close. She said hello to the man and he said hello back and spoke in an eastern European accent.

This man walked on and she continued to walk home but was nervous. When she got to her driveway she turned around and a man lunged at her from behind, she said. He pushed her onto the ground and on her back and she was screaming for him to get off.

He had his hand around my mouth. He was on top of me. I was trying to pull his hand off my mouth, she testified. She said was screaming loudly at him to please stop and the man just said sssh to her.

She said she didn't see him because it was too dark and she was focused on fighting him off. Her attacker put his hand up her skirt and touched her genital area outside her underwear, the court heard.

The witness said the man was strong but she managed to kick out and get up from under him.

I ran towards my door. He grabbed my arm and flung me around and I fell, she said.

The man got on top of her again and put his two hands around her neck. The woman scratched and bit his face and the man began punching her.

She said he hit her around six times and then the attack just stopped. She ran to her house and was banging on the front door.

Her father told the trial that he was woken by the sounds of screaming and banging. He said he went to the front door.

I could see my daughters face red with blood through the glass in the door, he said. He said his daughter was still screaming when she came into the house and gardai were called.

He said he ran outside and saw a parked car with unusual rear lights. His wife said their daughter was covered with blood. The court heard that as a result of the assault the alleged victim's nose was broken and she suffered two swollen black eyes.

It is the State's case that the accused carried out this attack and two other attacks. The trial continues before Judge Pauline Codd.
Glen Fitzpatrick (30), of Kilcarrig Green, Fettercairn, Tallaght, arrives at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today where he was jailed for one year. He pleaded guilty to robbery of Centra, Thomas Street on November 24, 2016. Pic Collins Courts.

A man who blacked out after drink and drug binges and had no memory of robbing two shops has been jailed for one year.

Glen Fitzpatrick (30) handed himself into a garda station in a distressed state after finding money he could not explain in his pockets when he came to his senses after one of the binges.

Fitzpatrick was also identified by gardai on CCTV footage of the incidents. He was known to gardai in the area due to his work as a pizza delivery man in the locality.

Dublin Circuit Criminal heard Fitzpatrick had suffered severe domestic violence in childhood at the hands of his father and had consumed alcohol to black out his memories. He is now drug free.

Fitzpatrick, of Kilcarrig Green, Fettercairn, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to robbery of Centra, Thomas Street on November 24, 2016.

He also pleaded guilty to robbery at Dwarf Jar, Wellington Quay and attempted robbery at Centra, Wicklow Street on June 10, 2017.

He has 36 previous convictions, one for theft and the remainder for road traffic offences.

Judge Martin Nolan said Fitzpatrick had not changed his behaviour following the first incident and had gone on to re-offend when he should have been aware that if he had drink or drugs taken then he may commit crimes.

He imposed consecutive sentences totalling two years and suspended the final year on conditions.

Garda Brendan Kearns told Diarmuid Collins BL, prosecuting, that Fitzpatrick grabbed 420 from the cash register at Centra, Thomas Street when the shop assistant opened the till to give him change as he bought a scratch card.

Fitzpatrick was tackled by a customer who saw what was happening. They wrestled on the ground for a time before Fitzpatrick left and threatened the customer: Is it worth your life, you c**t, is it worth your life? The customer was left shaken, unsure if the threats were real.

Gardai were alerted and identified Fitzpatrick on CCTV. He was interviewed by arrangement and told gardai he had a drink and drug problem. He said he had been attempting to rehabilitate but had two slip ups, and this was one of them.

He said during his binges he either did stupid things or ended up in hospital. He apologised to the staff member and the customer who had tackled him.

Garda Padraig Keoghan said that in June 2017 a barrista was getting a customer's change from the till at a coffee shop on Wellington Quay when Fitzpatrick grabbed money and ran out.

Later at a Centra on Wicklow Street Fitzpatrick attempted to grab money from a till but was prevented from doing so and fled empty handed. He was identified in both cases on CCTV.

Fitzpatrick was arrested and interviewed. He said he had consumed cocaine, methadone, vodka and beers and had been walking around town out of his mind. He said he was disgusted with himself.

Gda Keoghan agreed with Derek Cooney BL, defending, that when Fitzpatrick came to his senses after the binge, he had found money in his pockets and gone to the Bridewell garda station in a distressed state. He knew he had got the money somewhere as he had not had it earlier.

The garda agreed Fitzpatrick was remorseful and was fully co-operative at all times.

Mr Cooney said Fitzpatrick and his mother had suffered unmerciful domestic violence at the hands of his father and he left home at 18 years old. He worked as an apprentice bricklayer but began consuming alcohol and then cocaine, occasionally going on binges where he blacked out.

He said his client's consumption of alcohol was to black out his memories of the domestic violence.

Counsel said Fitzpatrick was a completely different person when sober and has been attending rehabilitative courses at Coolmine. He is attending therapy and is drug free since August 2017.

He said his client had the total of 680 taken from the two shops in court. He asked that Fitzpatrick not be jailed as there were exceptional underlying issues so he could continue his rehabilitation.
Claire Byrne pictured arriving at the Four Courts during the High Court action taken by Nicky Kehoe Picture: Collins Courts

Sinn Fein political manager, Nicky Kehoe, was a senior member of the IRA and he cannot sue for that because it is true, counsel for RTE told a High Court jury today.

What Mr Kehoe had sued over was that former junior minister Joe Costello had said on a live radio show that Mr Kehoe "is" a senior IRA member, Cian Ferriter SC said.

However, counsel said, in the three-to-four minute exchange between Mr Costello and SF representative Eoin O'Broin on that Saturday with Claire Byrne show, Mr O'Broin "ripped to shreds" the Costello allegation.

By the end of that exchange, Mr Costello withdrew the allegation and said Mr Kehoe "was" a senior IRA member.

Mr Ferriter was making the closing speech to the jury on behalf of RTE on the sixth day of Mr Kehoe's action over the October 2015 broadcast when Mr Costello alleged a former chief of staff of the IRA was at meetings of Dublin City Council telling SF councillors how to vote. Mr Kehoe's name was first used by Mr O'Broin, then a councillor and now a TD, who also went on to defend Mr Kehoe on the show.

Mr Kehoe says the reputation he built up 26 years since last coming out of prison had been destroyed in "one swipe". RTE should have shut down the debate as soon as his name was mentioned, he says.

RTE denies defamation and says it is not liable.

Mr Ferriter said it was an "extraordinary feature" of this case that Mr Kehoe had come to court saying that RTE said he was a member of the IRA. But that was not stood over on the show and he cannot sue for that because he actually was previously a member of that organisation.

Mr Kehoe cannot take just "one bit" of the broadcast and the law required that it be taken as a whole, he said.

The "elephant not in the room" in this case was why did Mr Kehoe not sue Mr Costello, who was the "real villain" and who must bear the lion's share of responsibility if the jury does find there was defamation, he said.

RTE says there was no defamation but the law is clear and there was no bar or reason whey he could not sue Mr Costello. Not only did he not sue or send a legal letter, he did not even lift up the phone to call a man he knew for 30 years but decided "I will go after RTE", counsel said. It was a remarkable feature of the case that Mr Costello was not in the witness box.

RTE also argued, in the context of its fair and reasonable defence, the jury had to consider that this was an unprecedented situation where a TD sent out to represent the government on a radio show makes this allegation and Ms Byrne and her producer deal with that responsibly.

Mr Kehoe's case is that Ms Byrne was floundering when the allegation was made, that she had lost control and had some huge meltdown in a distinguished career as one of the top broadcasters in the country. But this was not so, counsel said.

"It is not remotely tenable to say she and RTE acted irresponsibly. Her judgment call was impeccable", he said. The matter, including a clarification at the end of the programme, was dealt with in accordance with RTE radio guidelines, he said.

Witnesses called on Mr Kehoe's behalf said they didn't think he was actually damaged by the broadcast in his own community.

The proceedings were misguided and should never have been brought, counsel said.

Mr Ferriter urged the jury to dismiss the case.

Declan Doyle SC, in his speech on behalf of Mr Kehoe, said the law in Ireland is that if your are defamed you sue for damages. RTE had tried to present, during cross examination of Mr Kehoe, that he was taking this case for substantial compensation.

But what had happened was Mr Kehoe had first got a transcript of the radio show before going to his solicitor. RTE had denied it had defamed him "from the start" and if Mr Kehoe's solicitor had not put something in the original letter about damages, he (solicitor) would have been criminally negligent, Mr Doyle said.

This was emblematic of the way RTE had dealt with this case and had tried to present it as though it was in some sort of bubble, away from the real world. But, counsel said, there was an "even bigger bubble" in RTE which was an organisation detached from the real world, he said.

At the end of the exchanges on the radio show, the allegation against Mr Kehoe was still hanging there. It had not been put to bed as claimed by RTE, counsel said.

The evidence of one of Mr Kehoe's witnesses, a member of the local GAA club and a fireman, was that there was banter some days after the programme among his fire fighter colleagues asking was he "now taking instructions from the army council"

Any reasonable and rational analysis of that allegation was that Mr Kehoe was a member of the army council and was subverting democracy by giving instructions to SF members of Dublin City Council, counsel said.

Mr Kehoe had been upfront and was ashamed about his IRA past but this case was about someone being accused of subverting democracy in 2015, counsel said.

RTE had tried to present Eoin O'Broin as some kind of strategist and orator who had put Joe Costello on the ropes during the programme. You would think from RTE's portrayal of Mr O'Broin that he was "Winston Churchill, Barrack Obama, Lionel Messi and Katie Taylor all rolled into one", counsel said.

"But did you ever hear such nonsense in all you life and Eoin O'Broin's contribution is laughable if the consequences for Nicky Kehoe were not so serious".

In relation to Joe Costello, it was said by RTE that if it was not for Mr Costello there would be no case. If it were not for RTE they would not be here, counsel said. RTE had nine or ten opportunities to close down the radio discussion but did not do so and left it to Mr O'Broin, he said.

Mr Doyle urged the jury to award a very significant amount of damages.

The jury is expected to go out to consider its verdict later today following the judge's charge.
A report by former chief justice John Murray supports convicted killer Graham Dwyer's claim that Ireland's data retention legislation breaches European laws, the High Court heard.

The retired chief justice said in a report that the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 amounts to mass surveillance of the entire population of the State and was contrary to EU legislation, the court was told.

The report was commissioned in 2016 in the wake of allegations journalists' records were wrongfully accessed by the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc).

Remy Farrell SC, for Dwyer, told Mr Justice Tony O'Connor that while they are the opinion of a now retired judge, they do tie into Dwyer's complaints about Ireland's indiscriminate data retention regime.

Mr Farrell was speaking on the second day of Dwyer's challenge against the Garda Commissioner and the State, aimed at having struck down certain provisions of the law that allow data from mobile phones be used by prosecutors during his trial for the murder of Elaine O'Hara. The State denies the claims and says that he is not entitled to any of the declarations he seeks.

Dwyer's complaints include that the 2011 Act does not provide for any independent person, such as a judge, to oversee such requests, to limit what is strictly necessary or ensure privacy rights are protected before the material is handed over.

It would appear the only persons who had oversight of the request in relation to his client were gardai themselves, counsel said.

Dwyer claim's that certain provisions of the 2011 Act breach his privacy rights under the European Charter, Irish Constitution and rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. Evidence gathered under the 2011 Act should not have been used against him in his trial, Dwyer claims.

In 2015, Dwyer was sentenced to life imprisonment after the jury found him guilty of the childcare worker's murder.

He denies killing Ms O'Hara, and has challenged provisions of the 2011 Act, which allowed gardai investigating her death to obtain and use mobile phone records during his lengthy trial.

His appeal against his conviction remains pending before the Court of Appeal.

Mr Justice O'Connor also heard evidence from Dwyer's solicitor, Jonathan Dunphy, concerning his statement supporting his client's challenge.

Questioned by Sean Guerin SC, for the respondents, Mr Dunphy accepted that there were strands other than the retention of mobile phone data that resulted in gardai arresting Dwyer in October 2013

Mr Dunphy accepted that the criminal trial had been told that Dwyer had, in interviews with gardai, volunteered personal and private information about his family and professional life.

The hearing continues.
There is a "seminal" difference between a child and an unborn, the State has told the Supreme Court.

The people did not intend, when approving the Children's Referendum in 2012, the word "child" should include the unborn, it argued.

Mary O'Toole SC was opening the State's appeal of findings by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys in the High Court that the unborn has constitutional rights beyond the right to life in Article 40.3.3, better known as the Eighth Amendment.

Birth is the "bright line" event marking when the unborn is entitled to the full extent of constitutional rights available to citizens, she told a seven-judge Supreme Court.

The State's position is that, before birth, the unborn has no constitutional rights beyond the right to life in the Eighth Amendment, giving the unborn an equal right to life with its mother, she said.

"Birth is the bright line event, you fall one side or the other," she told the court.

If the High Court finding that an unborn has rights similar to an Irish citizen child is upheld, that would bring about a "radical" change in the understanding of law and practice.

She said it would suggest that since the Constitution was enacted in 1937 the unborn has had general constitutional rights capable of vindication without exception prior to birth.

Any recognition of inherent rights of the unborn under the unenumerated rights provisions in the Constitution could have a range of practical consequences, including for medical treatment of women, and lead to a potential conflict with the rights of the mother in particular where those rights are not balanced as they are in the Eighth Amendment.

The relationship between mother and unborn is an "absolutely unique phenomenon" in human life as they are so inextricably bound up with each other, rights cannot easily be balanced, she said.

If, for example, the State had to vindicate a right of the unborn to welfare, how was that to be balanced with the mother's even where the mother was doing nothing unlawful, she asked the court. Would the Government, for example, have to insist all women of childbearing age take folic acid?

Deportation

In his decision, Mr Justice Humphreys held the unborn is a "child" within the meaning of Article 42A, with constitutional rights the State is required to protect and vindicate.

Article 42A, inserted as a result of the Children's Referendum, affirms State recognition for the "natural and imprescriptible" rights of "all children" and provides the State "shall, as far as practicable by its laws, protect and vindicate those rights".

The findings were made in the case of a Nigerian man who came here in 2007, his Irish partner and their child, born in August 2015. The man, who was refused asylum and against whom a deportation order issued in 2008, was said to have begun his relationship with the Irish woman in September 2014.

The couple initiated proceedings in May 2015 aimed at preventing his deportation and seeking residency on the basis of potential parentage of an Irish-born child.

The appeal raises issues about the extent of the constitutional rights of the unborn, whether the State must consider any such rights in the context of an application to revoke a deportation order by a prospective parent of an Irish citizen child and the rights of unmarried parents.

In her arguments before a packed courtroom, Ms O'Toole said, while various judges had made observations in a number of cases before the Eighth Amendment in 1983, there was no "definitive" judicial statement about the right to life of the unborn before then "let alone any definitive statements" about other constitutional rights.

Ms O'Toole said that when considering the Nigerian man's application to revoke a deportation order on the basis his Irish citizen partner was about to give birth to their Irish citizen child, the prospective parentage of the child was a "circumstance" to be considered by the Justice Minister.

However, the minister did not wish to be put into a position, when considering revocation applications, of having to consider future "rights" of such a child when born.

"That's a bridge too far," she said.
A TEENAGER, who escaped from custody by climbing out a window during a hospital visit, has been spared another custodial sentence.

The boy, aged 17, had been serving a sentence at the Oberstown Detention Centre when he was brought to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin on July 6, 2016, Judge John OConnor heard.

Garda Andrina Blount told the Dublin Childrens Court that the teen, who cannot be named because he is a minor, had been brought to the hospital by a member of staff from the detention centre but when he went to the toilet he absconded out the window.

He was found a week later at the home of relatives in Co. Cork and brought back to the detention centre in Dublin.

He had 12 prior criminal convictions including one for violent disorder and another for assault causing harm as well as public order, theft, criminal damage and motoring offences going back three years.

He had been given a two-year sentence with the final year suspended in early 2016, the court was told.

The teenager had been in care since the age of eight and was accompanied to court by his pregnant teenage girlfriend who was described as being his "guardian". A solicitor for Tusla also attended the proceedings.

Defence solicitor Paula Egan told the court that the youth's parents split up and he had developed a drug problem from taking tablets. He had got into a lot of trouble in the past but had changed his life since he finished his sentence, Ms Egan said. He now lived with his partner, the court heard.

The teenager had manage to quit drug abuse and was now 100pc clean, the solicitor said, adding that he was apologetic.

The boy told the court he had lived in a care home from the age of eight and he was currently on probation through which efforts were being made to get him on a training course.

Sentencing, Judge John OConnor was furnished with an updated probation report on the youth and agreed to impose a six-month probation bond.

The judge warned him to comply with the terms of the order which means accepting guidance from his probation officer to divert him from re-offending.

Wishing the teen and his partner the best, Judge OConnor also warned that he risked a custodial sentence if he broke the terms and that he had to give his child his best and not be facing court cases in future.

Thank you very much judge, the teen replied after hearing that he had been spared another term in custody.
The judge threw out McDonaghs claim which meant the six other claims collapsed with it and were dismissed

A TEEN who drove a stolen car at a Garda motorcyclist and proceeded through a busy Irish city centre before losing control and crashing was jailed for two years.

Kelvin McNamara (19) was jailed as Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard it was incredible that no-one was injured in the incident.

Judge Sean O'Donnabhain was told that Garda motorcyclist Bernard Sheehan spotted a vehicle on the Boreenmanna Road in July 2017 and signalled for the driver to pull over.

However, the vehicle veered towards him and the garda had to take an evasive manoeuvre.

The car continued through the city being driven in an erratic manner before the driver lost control and it crashed at Wolfe Tone Street.

The driver was arrested at the scene.

McNamara of Harbour Avenue, Knocknaheeny, Cork pleaded guilty to a number of charges arising from the incident including endangerment, dangerous driving and driving while over the alcohol limit.

Judge O'Donnabhain was told the vehicle involved had been reported stolen in the Ballinlough area earlier.

The judge paid tribute to the skill and courage of Garda Sheehan.

He said that but for the skill and diligence of the Garda motorcyclist the incident could have had a far more serious outcome.

Judge O'Donnabhain also said he was satisfied the defendant knew the motorcyclist was a garda and that he deliberately veered towards him on the Boreenmanna Road.

He imposed a three year prison sentence but agreed to suspend the final 12 months in light of McNamara's plea and remorse.

The judge disqualified the teen from driving for a period of 10 years.
A TEENAGER, who has been receiving ongoing psychiatric treatment since he was charged with the murder of a Japanese man in a stabbing in Dundalk in January, was unable to attend another court hearing on Thursday.

Mohamed Morei (18), whose nationality has not yet been determined, was remanded in custody on Jan. 4 after being charged with the murder of 24-year-old Yosuke Sasaki.

He was unable to appear at his fifth scheduled hearing today at Cloverhill District Court.

He has been receiving ongoing medical care in the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) in Dundrum and had also been unfit to attend three previous hearings.

Judge Anthony Halpin further remanded him in custody in his absence and adjourned the case until March 8 next.

Four weeks ago the court was handed a letter from a consultant psychiatrist at the CMH, stating that Mr Morei would not be able to attend Cloverhill District Court until mid-February.

Mr Sasaki, from Ebina, west of Tokyo, was fatally stabbed on Avenue Road shortly before 9am on Jan. 3 last.

He had worked at National Pen, a call centre in Dundalk, Co. Louth and had lived in Ireland for the past year.

Following his death, an Irish man was injured when he was stabbed a short time later at a nearby location. At 9.40am, gardai received a report that another local man had been injured in an attack at Seatown Place.

Mr Morei, whose nationality has not yet been confirmed, was initially remanded in custody by Dundalk District Court on Jan. 4 after he was charged with the murder of Mr Sasaki.

Garda Inspector Martin Beggy said at that hearing that the youth's nationality had not yet been undetermined.

If he seeks bail this application will have to be made in the High Court, because he is facing a murder charge.

In the week after the incident, the people of Dundalk gathered in the town centre for a candle lit vigil in memory of Mr Sasaki's life. In a letter from his parents, read aloud by local councillor John McGahon, they said that their son had been very happy in Ireland.

A fund-raising drive was also launched by local people to cover the costs of the repatriation of his remains.
A woman who tricked her way into the home of a 84-year-old dementia sufferer has been given a three year sentence for burglary.

Alice Connors (46), of Kiltalown Path, Tallaght, Dubllin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary at the woman's home in Newcastle, Co Dublin on March 14, 2017.

The court heard Connors has 98 previous convictions, including 20 for burglaries.

Her co-accused, Margaret Cawley (27), last month received a three year sentence for her role.

Garda Brendan O'Brien told Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, that the homeowner, who was in the early stages of dementia, was being visited by her 75-year-old sister when there was a knock to the door.

Her sister answered the door to two women who had a child with them. They asked to see the homeowner and brushed past her into the sitting room. Cawley offered to make tea and went to the kitchen where she stole one of the women's handbags from a walking aid.

The second victim's handbag was taken from the sitting room before the women left.

A neighbour managed to get the registration plate of the maroon car they left the area in. Further witnesses observed two bags being thrown from the car as it drove erratically on the Nangor Road.

Gardai encountered the car and there was a short chase before it came to a stop at a Topaz station.

The women were arrested and a walking stick taken in the burglary was recovered from the car.

A victim impact statement prepared by the 75-year-old woman, on behalf of her and her sister, was handed into court and read by the judge.

Marc Thompson BL, defending, said his client had been using drugs at the time but recent tests taken in custody have been negative. He said she was remorseful and apologetic.

He submitted that a bereavement 14 years ago had pushed her down the road of drug use.

Judge Martin Nolan said Connors had taken advantage of the two victims. He noted no violence had been used, describing it as a crime of stealth. He said the victim impact statement revealed the women's peace of mind had been undermined.

He said Connors was attempting to reform and noted reports from the prison were optimistic.

Judge Nolan imposed three years imprisonment with credit to be given for time she has spent in custody on this charge alone.
Dublin Zoo has welcomed a new baby giraffe, the second new arrival at the zoo in the past month.

The new female calf follows the birth of a male Asian elephant calf announced last week.

The healthy giraffe calf was born last Tuesday and stands at over 6ft tall and weighs an estimated 40kg.

The newborn joins the rest of Dublin Zoos giraffes, including its mother Maeve and father Tafari, in the African Savanna.

Team leader at Dublin Zoo, Helen Clarke-Bennett said: The giraffe calf is very lively and is engaging positively with the rest of the herd. Mother Maeve and her calf are healthy and Maeve is doing an amazing job of looking after the new arrival. Were very excited about this addition to the Dublin Zoo herd and to see what the rest of the year will bring.

The Rothschild giraffe is one of the most threatened of the nine sub-species of giraffe. Rothschild male giraffes grow to six metres in height and can weigh over 2000kg. Fewer than 670 remain in the wild.
All secondary school students should be included in a plan to offer them classes in other subjects if they drop religion, a union has warned.

General secretary of the Teachers' Union of Ireland John MacGabhann said he was surprised that pupils in most schools were not included in the Government plan unveiled earlier this week.

He said those left out included students in schools run by religious groups, comprehensives and fee-pay institutions.

The Department of Education has announced that the plan will be introduced only in State-run schools.

It means students who might have had to sit through religion class, although they were not participating in it, must be offered tuition in another subject instead.

Although it could be said that students at these schools deliberately opted for a particular religious ethos, they have the constitutional right to opt out.

There could be a demand to opt out among parents who may not be religious but accepted a place due to a lack of school places in their area, or who chose a school for other reasons.

It has also been speculated that students approaching the Leaving Cert may opt out to get what could be seen as a 'grind' in another exam subject.

"If Minister Richard Bruton is making this an obligation, he must do it for all," said Mr MacGabhann.

"The minister has left a major gap. It is an inalienable right for any child to attend a school receiving public money without attending religious instruction at the school."

However, he said there were not enough staff to implement the plan.

"Resources are super- stretched and for the minister to say blithely, to the point of foolishly, to do a lot more with less, is simply to create the wrong impression.

"It becomes at some point a con job," he added.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education and Skills said there was no intention to extend the plan.

She said community colleges and schools were State-run multi-denominational schools.

She said that under a new Admissions Bill, all schools would be required to outline how they intended to treat students who do not want to participate in religious instruction.

The spokesperson said the changes would ensure children who did not want to participate in religion would no longer be sitting at the back of the class or confined to the library.

"This change does not have resource implications," she said.

"Rather, each school will be required to incorporate parental choices regarding religious instruction as part of the normal processes for planning and timetabling subject selection."

She said religion would become like other optional subjects that students could choose from, although the situation would be kept under review.
CAO applicants should have noticed that they were asked to declare if they have a disability or specific learning difficulty. Information provided in this section of the form allows higher education colleges to contact applicants to obtain further details about their needs and gives the institution the opportunity to advise individuals on the supports available to them during their studies.

Once an applicant indicates their disability through the CAO application, they will be given the opportunity to apply for the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) programme.

DARE offers successful applicants the opportunity to avail of reduced points entry to CAO courses. Colleges participating in the scheme reserve a certain number of places, for which eligible applicants compete.

However, it is important to realise that you don't have to be eligible for DARE to get supports in college.

Eligibility for DARE is based on both evidence of a disability and educational impact of this disability. DARE prioritises applicants who have a physical or sensory disability as well as those who are also eligible for the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) scheme, which offers reduced-points entry and college support to school-leavers from backgrounds of socio economic disadvantage.

DARE will consider applications from people who have a significant ongoing illness, including diabetes, mental health issues, learning difficulties, sensory issues, mobility issues, autism, dyspraxia etc. While it is not essential for applicants with a disability to apply through DARE, if an applicant wishes to be considered, there is a timeline to be followed. Presuming a student has met the requirement to apply to the CAO by February 1, the next step is completion of the Supplementary Information Form (Section A) seeking details about the disability, how it impacted on their education and the supports received at second level. The deadline for this is March 1.

There are also two forms available for download on the CAO website (cao.ie), which must be filled out by relevant professionals. One is the Educational Impact Statement (Section B) to be completed by a learning support teacher, guidance counsellor, visiting teacher or year head, and the other, Evidence of Disability (Section C), should be completed by a health care professional. A list of appropriate professionals is available from the accesscollege.ie website.

These forms and any other paperwork requested, such as psychological assessments, GP or consultants' letters, should be forwarded to the CAO by April 1.

These take time to collect, and both schools and health care professionals can have a large number to complete at this time of year. Therefore, applicants must ensure they get the forms to the relevant people as early as possible. Further information on evidence of disabilities, age limits of reports and application procedures in general can be found at accesscollege.ie.

While many higher education institutions participate in DARE (list available on accesscollege.ie), some do not and these institutions tend to operate their own version of this programme. If a student intends to apply for a college that does not participate in DARE, it is important to contact the admissions office or disability support office to get more information on any access schemes that may be in place.

Aoife Walsh is a guidance counsellor at Malahide Community School, Co Dublin.
An artists impression of how it would look

The 132-year-old Clontarf Seawater Baths in Dublin will open to the public next week following the granting of a full seven-day publican's licence in the Circuit Civil Court.

Publican and hotelier David Cullen was in court to hear the finalisation of his 25-year-long dream to re-open the baths development, consisting of an open seawater swimming pool, bar and restaurants which will be managed by his son David.

Mr Cullen, of Seafield Hotel, Ballymoney, Gorey, County Wexford, owns the Clontarf Baths and Assembly Rooms company and has spent 2.4million in a major redevelopment scheme.

He told his barrister Dorothy Collins that he had obtained a declaratory order from the court last year guaranteeing him a seven-day license on the basis the development was completed in accordance with planning permission which had been carried out to the satisfaction of the planning authorities, the fire department and the gardai.

Ms Collins, who appeared with Wallis Solicitors, Boatstrand, Co Waterford, said the company had recruited 33 staff who were currently undergoing on-site training in anticipation of next weeks opening.

The court had earlier been told that the company had completely reconstructed and refurbished open-air seawater baths that had existed on the site since 1886 and which would use filtered water from Dublin Bay.

Ms Collins said the new development provided a fully modernized swimming pool for members of the public and would serve all of the city of Dublin and even parts of Co Wicklow as the DART ran very close to it.

She said the seawater baths was in a unique position within Dublin City Councils linear park consisting of the grassy acres and walkways sited between the Clontarf-Howth Road and the Irish Sea.

The very large swimming pool contains a sluice that will allow filtered and clean Irish Sea water to enter and pump it out again in a refreshment process every few weeks.

Part of Wednesdays court application included the presentation of a food menu for the Baths two restaurants and include seaweed-seasoned cocktails and Dublin coddle pizzas. The main restaurant can provide covers for 160 with a further 90 seats available on a weather-proofed outside terrace, both with panoramic views of Dublin Bay.

In order for a new development to be granted a pub license and existing one has to be extinguished and Mr Cullen, who owns the Seafield Hotel and Spa Resort in Co Wexford, and the Turks Head in Dublin, bought out the license formerly attaching to Browns Bar on the Naas Road, Co Dublin, for 60,000.
Gardai are investigating if a "highly professional" Dublin crime gang are responsible for a 350,000 raid in a carefully orchestrated heist.

A major probe is under way into the robbery which saw an estimated 70,000 in cash stolen and a further 270,000 caused in damage to property.

The majority of the money taken was in the form of coins as a criminal gang struck Courtown Amusement Centre at Courtown Harbour, Co Wexford, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Officers are appealing for information about the "hugely planned" burglary.

"The cost of this particular crime is truly staggering. Gardai believe this was a highly sophisticated job which had been planned for some time," a senior source said last night.

The Courtown plot has echoes of schemes used by George Clooney's thieves in the hugely popular 'Ocean's 11' franchise because the gang involved cut wires at an Eir phone site in the area at around 3.15am in order to disconnect the alarm system at the major amusement centre.

The ultimate effect of this was that hundreds of local residents were left without internet access for almost three days before it was restored to most premises on Monday evening.

While the dramatic events which led to the amusement centre being raided on Saturday morning have some similarities to the popular movie franchise, the raiders are understood to have used far less sophisticated techniques once they actually targeted the amusement centre.

"This business was completely and utterly destroyed once the gang tore down the shutters and forced in the doors of the amusement centre which is located at Ballinatray Lower in the village," a source said.

"The business contained dozens of slot machines which were literally smashed into bits - it is not yet known exactly what weapons were used to do this or how many gang members were involved in doing it.

"But there can be no doubt that it would have had to have been heavy duty weapons such as sledgehammers and a number of people must have been involved in this raid.

"The place was basically torn apart - every machine in the place was wrecked."

While no arrests have been made in the case, gardai are investigating if a Dublin-based crime gang was responsible and specialist officers have been examining CCTV all week in an attempt to catch the raiders.

When contacted by the Irish Independent, management at Courtown Amusement Centre did not wish to comment on the matter.

The amusement centre has been in business for over 60 years and has had a number of different owners in that time period.
All cigarette boxes will be in the same plain neutral colour, with health warnings printed on the package.

The first of the plain cigarette packets have hit shelves around the country.

Tobacco products bearing the new standardised packaging are now available in some Irish retail outlets.

From September, all cigarettes and all other tobacco products will have to be sold in plain or standardised packaging by law.

This comes following the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Act 2015.

All cigarette boxes will be in the same plain neutral colour, with health warnings printed on the package.

Minister Catherine Byrne has welcomed the news that the boxes are now available in some stores.

"Our aim is to decrease the appeal of tobacco products, to increase the effectiveness of health warnings and to reduce the chances of consumers being misled about the harmful effects of smoking," she said.

"This packaging makes it plain that cigarettes are bad for your health."

The standardised packaging is just one of a number of measures outlined in the 'Tobacco Free Ireland' programme.
Bus journey times through parts of Dublin city centre have more than doubled since new Luas lines opened, an Oireachtas committee has been told.

Council chiefs said that at the busiest part of the day, between 9am and 10am, it takes 23 minutes on average for a bus going north to south to navigate College Green.

Before the Luas Cross City lines came into operation it took about 10 minutes.

Changes to pedestrian crossings have also led to waiting times at lights more than doubling for people crossing by foot, Dublin City Council chief executive Owen Keegan said.

"It was always recognised by the city council that College Green, which has only one lane in each direction, would not be able to accommodate the same number of buses and taxis following the introduction of Luas Cross City," Mr Keegan said.

The Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport was told by Dublin Bus that 17 of its routes have been realigned to ease congestion in the College Green area and another 10 will be moved out of the area on March 5. Longer 55-metre Luas trams operating more frequently will be travelling through College Green by the end of March.

They will be given priority at lights to avoid blocking traffic on the quays while crossing O'Connell Bridge and the Rosie Hackett Bridge.

Peter Lunden-Welden, chief executive of Luas operator Transdev, said seven new long trams will be on track in the first week of May. Mr Lunden-Welden said: "Whatever we put in place for Luas it seems that will not meet demand.

"My prediction is that will not solve the congestion. There will be higher demand."
Experts involved in a Government-commissioned study set up after the 'Slane Girl' controversy have suggested it will be necessary to have an 'Internet Minister' in the future.

The move would be part of a package of measures including the appointment of a Digital Safety Commissioner under the remit of the Department of An Taoiseach.

The suggestion of creating the post of minister for the internet was made at the Oireachtas Committee on Children by barrister Ronan Lupton.

He was a member of the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group which examined online safety after a number of incidents - including the 'Slane Girl' case when images of a 17-year-old girl performing a sex act at a concert went viral online. The group delivered its report in 2014 and Mr Lupton criticised how it has been "gathering dust" since.

Four Cabinet members - Communications Minister Denis Naughten, Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, Children's Minister Katherine Zappone and Education Minister Richard Bruton attended yesterday's committee meeting.

Asked about the prospect of a new minister for the internet being needed, Mr Naughten didn't rule it out, but said he wasn't "getting hung up on titles".

He added that if the Digital Safety Commissioner comes under the remit of the Taoiseach's department "so be it".

Senator Joan Freeman asked Mr Flanagan about the digital age of consent for providing personal details to social media companies, which the Government has agreed to set at 13.

Mr Flanagan outlined the Government's reasons for setting the age and said organisations like the Children's Rights Alliance had also recommended 13. He said if the age was higher there would be "real difficulties" in enforcing it.

Ms Freeman asked if social media companies can be made responsible for enforcing the digital age of consent and if legislation should provide for this.

Mr Flanagan said: "I think we can do more in that area and I believe we should explore it."
The special EU-UK deal on the future of the Irish border after Brexit is at serious risk, Fianna Fail has warned.

The partys Brexit spokesman, Stephen Donnelly, told the Dail that the agreement on December 8 last was hailed as "bulletproof" by the Dublin government. But he said there were repeated signs from London that the British government took a completely different view of things.

Mr Donnelly said there were now reports that the element of the December EU-UK deal would be taken out of the Separation Agreement due to be published soon.

He said the border terms were now likely to be part of a protocol attaching to the main agreement  something which risked diminishing its legal status.

The Fianna Fail Wicklow TD said the key element of the border deal was the so-called "backstop", which effectively meant that if no other arrangements could be come up with, then business standards in the North would mimic those across the EU. The process is called "regulatory alignment."

Replying for the Government, Health Minister Simon Harris said that the December agreement on the border must be honoured in full. He said this was reaffirmed by the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, at a meeting with the Taoiseach last week.

Mr Harris said the border arrangement was part of a wider EU-UK agreement. He said it would be reflected in full in the forthcoming Separation Agreement.

"The Irish Government's view is that the 'Backstop' element of the withdrawal agreement is unambiguous and comprehensive - ensuring no North South Border controls now or anytime into the future," Mr Harris insisted.
Fianna Fail has given Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe a "matter of days" to back regulation of vulture funds ahead of the sale of 14,000 home loans by Permanent TSB.

The 'confidence and supply' arrangement which underpins the Government was invoked yesterday as Mr Donohoe held face-to-face talks with Fianna Fail's finance spokesman Michael McGrath to discuss new legislation.

The Irish Independent understands Mr Donohoe did not give any firm commitment to adopt laws being proposed by the Opposition.

However, he promised to discuss the PTSB situation with the Central Bank, and to ask his policy advisers to review legislation.

Vulture funds are poised to buy up 14,000 home loans from the State-owned bank with combined debts of 2bn. This is on top of thousands of buy-to-let and farm loans.

Such funds are largely outside of the reach of the Central Bank and not subject to the same rules as domestic lenders, sparking fears about how they will deal with householders.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has insisted the Government cannot intervene directly to stop the sale but will consider moves to ensure such funds are regulated.

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Government sources described the meeting between Mr Donohoe and his Fianna Fail counterpart as "constructive".

The Department of Finance believes there is no likelihood of the sale taking place before May at the earliest, meaning there is time to legislate if Fine Gael and Fianna Fail can reach an agreement.

"That will still be quick legislation. If this is to be law in time, it needs serious Government backing and work from the civil service," a source said.

After the meeting, Mr McGrath told the Irish Independent he used the opportunity to explain why his party believes there is no option but to regulate vulture funds.

"The minister was in listening mode.

"He agreed to consider the bill and take advice from officials and the Central Bank.

"We're happy to give them a few days to come back - but we will be pressing ahead with legislation in the Dail next week," he said.

The controversy has led to fears of a public backlash within Fine Gael. A private party meeting heard claims from TDs last night that Fianna Fail is making "political capital" off the back of the sale.

But Mr Donohoe sought to reassure colleagues that the issue will be dealt with adequately and Fine Gael will be seen to be on "the side of the borrower".

Earlier, Mr Donohoe said he has to balance the need for PTSB to remain a viable entity with the desire to protect consumers.

"I need to ensure that Permanent TSB has a secure future in Irish banking, which I believe it does," he said.

"In order to do that, it needs - at the request of the regulator - to address issues that are there, and what I will aim to do is build on the legal and regulatory environment that we have to make sure that everybody is treated as fairly as possible.

"I will do that work across the coming weeks and months."

He said no legal rights currently afforded to mortgage holders will be affected by the sale.

"The current legal rights of any home owner will be maintained," he said.

"The decision of the bank to go ahead with a loan sale is the requirement that has been imposed on them by an independent regulator and Central Bank.

"We have gone through a long journey in our country of not believing that regulation is strong enough, of not believing it is being implemented well.

"The regulator of this bank has looked at the level of non- performing loans and indicated that it needs to come down."

Despite the political uproar, PTSB has insisted it plans to steam ahead with the sale as a result of pressure being imposed by "European authorities" to tackle its non-performing loans.

Some 28pc of PTSB's loan book is non-performing, the highest of any Irish bank.

The bank said it is "not alone amongst banks in the eurozone or in Ireland in having to deal with a significant NPL issue".

It said some account holders have not engaged with the bank for seven years.
The Irish and British Governments should bring in an Irish Language Act and other key pieces of legislation in the North as a way of getting Stormont back up and running, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said.

In a speech at Trinity College in Dublin, Mr Eastwood said the breakdown of the Stormont talks process, and the move towards direct rule to implement a budget, was of critical consequence to the aim of restoring devolution.

He called on the Irish and British Governments, as part of the Intergovernmental Conference, to agree and implement a package of legislation. This, he said, should include much of the draft accommodation that was agreed between the DUP and Sinn Fein.

This package would include legislation for an Irish language Act and an Ulster Scots Act, Mr Eastwood said.

It should include the establishment of legacy bodies and the release of inquest monies. I am also proposing that it should also include the reform of the Petition of Concern in order that marriage equality can finally be brought to the North.

If these two parties couldnt bring the deal over the line  then the two governments should do it for them.

Mr Eastwood said that it needs to be admitted that realpolitik tells us it will be very difficult to do [a deal] anytime soon.

Deals are rarely done when all available energy is being invested in a political blame game, he said.

This was not just a breakdown of a negotiation or of a relationship between two political parties  this now threatens to be a fundamental breakdown of all the progress that we have achieved since Good Friday 1998.

He said the Good Friday Agreement was the best defence against the economic and political dangers of Brexit, and the best escape from the narrowness of its ideological vision".

The speech took place at the School of Ecumenics at Trinity.

Mr Eastwood said he believed that if the two governments moved to implement the package of legislation he proposes, the DUP would oppose it, but would want it to happen so it can get back into government in the North.

The DUP is at sea now, he said.

If theres an election to Westminster, the DUP are out on their ear. They must understand the instability of that position. But equally, the British government has no head space or legislative space to start running Northern Ireland again.
The Master of the High Court Edmund Honohan has claimed advice given to troubled mortgage holders by the Taoiseach was a "sick joke".

Some weeks ago he asked some of those coming into his court to write to Leo Varadkar, and ask what could they do to get mortgage-to-rent as a solution.

Mr Varadkar advised that they seek advice from the Abhaile service, something Mr Honohan described as "completely wrong, is it a sick joke?"

When asked to expand, Mr Honohan said: "Abhaile is merely a voucher for 200 worth of legal advice before you go to the circuit court."

Mr Honohan made the remark while promoting new legislation he has drawn up to help those facing repossession.

A spokesperson for Mr Varadkar refused to respond to the comments - but the Irish Independent understands they were raised by party representatives at an internal meeting last night.

Senator Catherine Noone and TD Bernard Durkan said the remarks were "inappropriate" for a senior civil servant "with a high office".

Mr Varadkar did not address the issue but a source said there was "approval from the room" for their contributions.

Fine Gael sources also pointed to Mr Honohan's links to Fianna Fail, including his association with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

They noted that Mr Honohan sent the ex-Fianna Fail leader a letter in 2008 seeking an appointment to an European court.

The Irish Independent obtained a copy of the correspondence in which he wrote: "I have been friends with you, Taoiseach, since the seventies! (Also a constituent.)

"It may be difficult for you to see beyond the person and weigh up the professional qualities."

Mr Honohan was on RTE's 'Morning Ireland' yesterday because he has put together a bill to form a co-operative mechanism for households facing eviction.

"If community funding can be sourced and made available to a group which can umbrella purchase these houses then that is the way forward," he said.

Mr Varadkar said he has not yet seen the bill, but he will consider it when he does.
Mary Lou McDonald opened the office used by Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard in Castlewellan, Co Down, last month

Sinn Fein has sparked fury after a sign honouring two IRA terrorists was erected at an office opened by Mary Lou McDonald.

The new sign, dedicated to dead IRA men Peter McNulty and Paul Magorrian, has been installed at the office used by Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard in Castlewellan, Co Down.

The decision to put up the 'McNulty-Magorrian Advice Centre' sign has been criticised by IRA victims and was described as "appalling" by DUP MLA Jim Wells.

Ms McDonald was on hand to cut the ribbon at the office last month. She attended a wreath-laying ceremony for Mr McNulty on the same day.

She posted a picture of the opening ceremony on Twitter saying: "Remembering the past, looking forward to the future."

Peter McNulty was killed in a premature bomb explosion during an attack on an RUC base in 1972. Paul Magorrian (21) was shot dead by the British army in 1974.

Sammy Heenan, whose father William (51) was murdered in 1985 outside his home near Castlewellan, said he was disgusted at the sign at the office.

Sandra Harrison, whose brother was killed by the IRA 30 years ago, said: "We feel like our noses are being rubbed in it.

"We are being reminded again and again every time we drive past that centre about the terrorists."

Sinn Fein said the Castlewellan office, now being used by Mr Hazzard, has been named after Mr McNulty and Mr Magorrian for 25 years.

The Irish Independent sought comment from Ms McDonald asking for her view on the office being named after two IRA members.

A spokesman said that she was in London, but referred to her speech earlier this month when she assumed the Sinn Fein leadership. He said: "As Mary Lou McDonald said in her inaugural speech as Uachtaran Shinn Fein, everybody has the right to remember their dead.

"We must respect the right of our political opponents to remember their dead but republicans have that right too and that should be respected also."

Ms McDonald faced criticism from politicians on both sides of the Border after closing that speech with the phrase 'tiocfaidh ar la', a slogan long-associated with the Provisional IRA.

Ms McDonald was in London for a meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May to discuss the current impasse in the talks to restore the Northern Ireland Executive.
President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina are greeted by Minister Nikos Pappas in Athens yesterday at the start of their state visit to Greece. Photo: Maxwell Photography

President Michael D Higgins is to embark on a series of foreign trips in the coming months ahead of an expected tilt at a second term.

Aras an Uachtarain has sought permission from the Government to leave the State at least four times between now and the summer break, the Irish Independent understands.

The first of these trips formally gets under way today in Greece.

Sources say the other trips all factor in "very presidential" elements, including an address to the United Nations in New York.

Mr Higgins, who is one of the most travelled presidents in Irish history, is also expected to attend events in Switzerland and Lithuania.

The President requires sign-off from the Cabinet to leave the country, even if it is for personal reasons.

On Tuesday, ministers were told that he had a "number upcoming engagements". However, while some speculated it might be a 'farewell tour' it now appears that Mr Higgins is planning to seek a second term.

Sources told the Irish Independent they believe the 76-year-old is keen to stay in office but would prefer not to have to engage in what could be a gruelling campaign.

He previously indicated that he would remain silent on the issue until as late as September. His seven years in office expire in early November.

It is now believed he will clarify his intentions in July.

Senator Gerard Craughwell has said he has the backing of 20 Oireachtas members needed to get his name on the ballot paper. This rules out the possibility of Mr Higgins getting a second term uncontested.

News that Mr Higgins is planning to seek a second term has reignited speculation in Leinster House as to how the main parties will approach such an election.

Fine Gael sources say its preference would be to sit out a vote that would cost in the region of 500,000.

A senior figure noted that it is "highly possible" there will be a general election this year and that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has previously said Mr Higgins is doing a "fabulous job".

It is understood the President has not given Mr Varadkar any indication of his intentions.

Fianna Fail's justice spokesman Jim O'Callaghan said his party still has to discuss the matter. The Dublin Bay South TD's sister, Miriam O'Callaghan, is among the names being tipped as a potential candidate.

New Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said recently that she believes there should be a contest. However, a party spokesman said that a decision has yet to be made on whether it would enter the race.

During his visit to Greece, Mr Higgins will be the guest of honour at a state dinner hosted by President Prokopios Pavlopoulos.
An elderly couple, who were married for over 65 years, have passed away within hours of each other in Co Kildare.

Maire and Gerry Ryan, originally from Clonmel before moving to Newbridge, County Kildare, passed away surrounded by loving staff and nurses at the Curragh Lawn Nursing Home.

The 93-year-olds were born one day apart in 1924 in Clonmel, and began dating at 17 while attending school together.

The couple married at age 26 and Gerry joined the army and served in the Defence Force, later becoming a staff member at AnCo and FAS, while Maire pursued a career in education.

Assistant Director of Nursing Saritha Binumon told Independent.ie that the couple filled the nursing home with so much love and affection for the 13 months they were here.

Ive never seen so much dedication between a couple in my life, really the whole staff are heartbroken, said Binumon. At the same time, though, Im happy for them, I dont think they would be able to be happy without each other.

The two moved into Curragh Lawn Nursing home after Gerrys mobility deteriorated and he could no longer care for Maires alzheimer's without assistance.

Gerry was so devoted to Maire, he would read her poetry and sing songs every afternoon and re-tell her stories of their life and travels together every evening," Ms Binumon said.

Gerry was always telling all the staff how smart his wife was too, he was so proud of her. We all learned so much from their relationship and lost two great people.

The loving couple were very found of Irish poetry and history and were known for teaching foreign staff about their countrys history and language.

I never knew anything about Irish politics or history before I met Gerry. I learned more in five minutes from him than all of the time I spent in Ireland before knowing him, said Ms Binumon.

Education and life-long learning were also strong passions of the couple, leading Gerry to pursue a PhD at the University College, Maynooth after his retirement.

"Gerry always said that he wouldn't have gotten his PhD without Maire, she really helped achieve all his accomplishments."

The Ryans are survived by their daughter Geraldine Parker, grandchildren Alan and Sarah, and Maire's sisters Eithne Symes and Una Power.

The grandparents were reposed today at Anderson and Leahys Funeral Home, Newbridge and the removal will be held tomorrow followed by Mass at St. Conleths Parish Church, Newbridge at 11am.

The couples family have asked for any donations to be made to the Alzhiemer Society of Ireland, Kildare branch.
Surfers brave the cold at Strandhill, Co. Sligo

Camping by the beach in Derrynane

Dog's Bay, Connemara: Just a couple of kilometres from the village of Roundstone on the Ballyconneely Peninsula you'll find two of the sweetest beaches on the Wild Atlantic way lying back to back. Both Dog's Bay and Gurteen Bay are good for walking and swimming, but it's the snow-white sands of the former that do it for us.

TripAdvisor has published its annual round-up of Ireland's best beaches, a list dominated this year by the Wild Atlantic Way.

Inch Beach on the Dingle Peninsula takes the top spot for 2018, followed by a previous winner - Inchydoney strand near Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

Inch was also voted Ireland's favourite beach in our Reader Travel Awards 2018, with one comment describing it simply as "heaven on earth".

TripAdvisor's Top 10 beaches in Ireland

Inch Beach, Inch, Co. Kerry Inchydoney Beach, Clonakilty, Co. Cork Dog's Bay Beach, Roundstone, Co. Galway Barleycove Beach, Schull, Co. Cork Coumeenoole Beach, Dingle, Co. Kerry Maghera Beach and Caves, Ardara, Co. Donegal Silver Strand Beach, Malin Beg, Co. Donegal Derrynane Beach, Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry Strandhill Beach, Strandhill, Co. Sligo Banna Strand, Tralee, Co. Kerry

TripAdvisor's Travellers Choice awards are determined based on traveller reviews gathered over a 12-month period, the review and booking giant says.

Inch Beach also ranks as the 22nd best in Europe, with Inchydoney 24th - a list topped by the stunning La Concha beach in San Sebastian, Spain (below).

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Year after year Irelands beaches continue to beat many others located in exotic destinations around the globe, proving that its not just good weather that makes a cracking beach, commented Hayley Coleman, TripAdvisor spokesperson.

And the world's best beach? That'll be the seven-mile-long Grace Bay in Providenciales, the main island of Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean.

TripAdvisor's Top 10 beaches

Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Baia do Sancho, Frenando de Noronha, Brazil Varadero Beach, Varadero, Cuba Eagle Beach, Aruba Saeven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands La Concha, San Sebastian, Spain Clearwater beach, Florida, US Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica Bavaro Beach, Bavaro, Dominican Republic Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

The full list of 2018 winners is on tripadvisor.ie/TravellersChoice-Beaches.

Read more:
British singer Johnny McDaid (L) and partner US actress Courteney Cox pose on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2018 in London on February 21, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Tolga AKMEN

British singer Johnny McDaid (L) and partner US actress Courteney Cox pose on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2018 in London on February 21, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Tolga AKMEN

Johnny McDaid (L) and Courteney Cox attend The BRIT Awards 2018 held at The O2 Arena on February 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)

Johnny McDaid (L) and Courteney Cox attend The BRIT Awards 2018 held at The O2 Arena on February 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)

Courtney Cox and Johnny McDaid arrive at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain, February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

Courtney Cox and Johnny McDaid arrive at the Brit Awards at the O2 Arena in London, Britain, February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

Courteney Cox made a surprise appearance at the Brits with her Irish rocker fiance Johnny McDaid.

The 53-year-old actress walked the red carpet alongside her long-term love, whom she reunited with in 2016 after a brief four month split, at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday night. She was notably more xxx dressed than other guests, wearing a pair of ripped denim jeans, a black t-shirt and black blazer to the event, coordinating with her other half.

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Cox and McDaid flew out to Los Angeles last week and have spent the last few days in London, where they also have a home.

Both have been vocal in their appreciation for one another and McDaid said he appreciated his fiancee more after their time apart.

"I dont know if you can put a label on what makes us work, but I know that Ive never loved like I love this woman, so if thats enough, then that's enough," he told People.

The Scream star has been back in the headlines again in recent weeks as her best friend, both onscreen in Friends and off, Jennifer Aniston announced her separation from husband Justin Theroux on Valentine's Day.
Victora Smurfit arriving on the red carpet at the IFTA Film and Drama Awardss 2018 at the Mansion House, Dublin. Photo by Michael Chester.

Victoria Smurfit has said she's happier than ever being single, following her recent split from boyfriend Alistair Ramsden.

The actress (43) had been dating the film-maker since 2015 when they went public with their romance at a Golden Globes after-party.

However, they parted ways last summer, with the former Ballykissangel star revealing the relationship had reached "a natural conclusion".

Victoria was previously married to Doug Baxter for 15 years before they separated in 2015, and she said she had a Galentine's Day this year instead (it's on February 13, when "ladies celebrate ladies").

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"I was divorced a couple of years ago and now I've split from the boyfriend, but it's all good. I'm single and quite content about it," she said.

"I have great fun with my ex-husband and my ex-boyfriend, so it's easier than I thought."

Victoria has found success in the States in recent years with her role on American series Once Upon a Time, on which she played Cruella De Vil.

Although most of her work has been in the US, she's hoping to work more on home turf.

"I'm overseas. I'd love to work here more, we'll need to sort that out. I've been in Canada and LA and all over the place. I trained here and I know how to deal with the rain," she told the Diary.

Victoria, who's mum to Evie (13), Ridley (10) and Flynn (9) from her marriage to Baxter, admitted she doesn't let them watch much of her on-screen work.

"I've done a whole ream of things they can't watch, and may they never," she said.

Victoria was in Dublin recently to attend the Iftas alongside Amy Huberman, Caitriona Balfe and Gabriel Byrne.

The Dubliner picked up the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Film for her work in US drama The Lears.

"The Iftas are a great opp- ortunity to see your friends and meet everyone who's working hard and getting recognised and getting things made," she said.

Victoria recently talked about an ordeal she experienced in South Africa several years ago while on holiday with her family.

A bullet was fired through the car she was in as part of what she thinks was a gang initiation, and she admitted she's in no rush to return to Cape Town.

"I don't think I'd be welcome. It did put me off a little bit," she said.

"I was quite scared by it and I ended up writing a piece on it. I got a lot of South African hate, it was quite shocking. It was very aggressive.

"It was people living there saying, 'How dare you say there was violence in Cape Town?' There's violence everywhere. I don't think I'll be going back in a hurry."
Meryl Streep hit out at the lawyers' use of her words

Meryl Streep has struck out at Harvey Weinsteins lawyers for using her name in an attempt to get a class action lawsuit against the disgraced movie mogul dismissed.

The triple Oscar-winning actress said their action was pathetic and exploitative after they cited her saying was never harassed by the producer in an attempt to shut the case down.

The lawyers were on Tuesday responding to six women suing Weinstein and the Weinstein Sexual Enterprise, which they say includes his brother Bob and a studio they co-founded, The Weinstein Company.

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In a statement, Streep said: Harvey Weinsteins attorneys use of my (true) statement  that he was not sexually transgressive or physically abusive in our business relationship  as evidence that he was not abusive with many OTHER women is pathetic and exploitative.

The criminal actions he is accused of conducting on the bodies of these women are his responsibility, and if there is any justice left in the system he will pay for them  regardless of how many good movies, made by many good people, Harvey was lucky enough to have acquired or financed.

While the lawyers did not go as far as to say Streeps comment was evidence he was not abusive to others, they did argue the case should be dismissed because it is fatally overbroad and would include all women he has ever met.

Lawyers Phyllis Kupferstein and Mary E. Flynn wrote this would include actresses such as Streep and Jennifer Lawrence who have not made allegations of sexual misconduct.

They pointed to Streep saying Weinstein had always been respectful with her during their collaborations in a statement to the press.

They did not mention that Streep also praised the heroes who made allegations about his behaviour, which she said was inexcusable and an abuse of power.

The lawyers also pointed to Lawrence saying in an interview that Weinstein had only ever been nice to me.

They did not mention her adding: Except for the moments that he wasnt, and then I called him an asshole.

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The lawyers also tried to undermine claims by saying Gwyneth Paltrow went on to work with the powerful mogul again after he allegedly harassed her.

They were arguing against the New York lawsuit claiming the statute of limitation on allegations do not not apply because the accusers were allegedly under duress not to make the claims earlier.

Paltrow was not so offended that she refused to work with Weinstein again, nor did her career suffer as a result of her rebuffing his alleged advances, the lawyers wrote.

Weinstein, 65, has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by dozens of women. He denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.
Harvey Weinsteins lawyers have demanded a class action lawsuit is thrown out and have tried to undermine claims by saying Gwyneth Paltrow went onto work with the powerful mogul again after he allegedly harassed her.

The disgraced producers legal team also pointed to comments by actresses Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep to try and get the lawsuit dismissed in a response filed in New York on Tuesday.

The lawyers were responding to six women suing Weinstein and the Weinstein Sexual Enterprise, which they say includes his brother Bob and a studio they co-founded, The Weinstein Company.

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The original lawsuit argued the statute of limitations on the allegations does not apply because they were under duress not to make the claims earlier.

To support the claim, it pointed to Paltrow saying she feared being fired after her then-boyfriend Brad Pitt confronted Weinstein after the producer allegedly harassed her before filming of 1996s Emma.

Weinsteins lawyers disputed that accusers were under duress and said Paltrow went on to star in the producers Shakespeare In Love, for which she won an Oscar.

Paltrow was not so offended that she refused to work with Weinstein again, nor did her career suffer as a result of her rebuffing his alleged advances, lawyers Phyllis Kupferstein and Mary E. Flynn wrote.

The lawyers also claimed the lawsuit should be dismissed saying it is too broad and would include every woman he has ever met, citing actresses such as Streep and Lawrence who have not made allegations of sexual misconduct.

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They selectively pointed to Lawrence saying in an interview that Weinstein had only ever been nice to me.

The lawyers also pointed to Streep saying Weinstein had always been respectful with her during their collaborations in a statement to the press, but did not mention she added his behaviour was an inexcusable and an abuse of power.

One of the accusers lawyers, Elizabeth Fegan, struck back saying Weinstein fails to understand the law if he thinks he can win by twisting womens words against them.

His attempt to hide behind female actresses after hes assaulted their colleagues shows just how low he will go, she said.

Our plaintiffs have risen above his cover ups and finally have a voice  and safe place  to name their abuser. Weinstein will not skate by easily just by invoking the good names of other female actresses.

Weinstein, 65, has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by dozens of women. He denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.
'Militants from the jihadist group stormed the Government Girls Science Secondary School in Dapchi, north-east Nigeria, on Monday' (stock photo)

More than 100 Nigerian school girls are feared to have been kidnapped by Boko Haram in the terror group's largest mass abduction since the notorious 2014 Chibok kidnappings.

Militants from the jihadist group stormed the Government Girls Science Secondary School in Dapchi, north-east Nigeria, on Monday.

Police confirmed more than 100 students remained unaccounted for.

"Eight hundred and fifteen students returned to the school and were visibly seen, out of 926 in the school," said Abdulmaliki Sumonu, police commissioner of Yobe state. "The rest are missing."

Mr Sumonu denied that kidnappings had been confirmed.

However, local media and agencies cited parents saying 91 girls had been kidnapped.

One parent said they had heard that between 67 and 94 girls were still missing.

Witnesses have described the militants making directly for the school, which teaches girls from the ages of 11 and above.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who was elected in 2015 after promising to end the insurgency, said he had ordered the military and police to "mobilise immediately" to find the girls and dispatched his defence minister to the area.

"I share the anguish of all the parents and guardians of the girls that remain unaccounted for," he said on Twitter. "I would like to assure them that we are doing all in our power to ensure the safe return of all the girls."

"Our girls have been missing for two days and we don't know their whereabouts," said Abubakar Shehu, whose niece is among the missing. "We are beginning to harbour fears the worst might have happened. We have the fear that we are dealing with another Chibok scenario."

Boko Haram, which is seeking the establish an Islamic caliphate in northern Nigeria, has kidnapped thousands of adults and children during the course of the conflict. The most notorious kidnapping came in April 2014, when it took 276 girls from a school in the town of Chibok.
Parks And Recreation star Amy Poehler has hit out at the National Rifle Association after the gun lobby group used an image of her on Twitter.

The NRA posted a gif of Poehlers Parks And Rec character Leslie Knope in a tweet thanking US radio host Dana Loesch for supporting the group after the Florida school shooting.

.@DLoesch thank you for being the voice of over 5 Million #NRA members. pic.twitter.com/WDz7vujXfM  NRA (@NRA) February 22, 2018

Though not on Twitter herself, Poehler told the NRA to f*** off in a message passed to Parks And Rec creator Michael Schur, who tweets as Ken Tremendous.

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He wrote: Hi, please take this down. I would prefer you not use a GIF from a show I worked on to promote your pro-slaughter agenda.

Also, Amy isnt on twitter, but she texted me a message: Can you tweet the NRA for me and tell them I said f*** off?

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Fellow cast members echoed Poehlers message, with Adam Scott tweeting: Hey @nra please stay the f*** away from Leslie Knope.

Nick Offerman, who plays Ron Swanson, wrote: Our good-hearted show and especially our Leslie Knope represent the opposite of your pro-slaughter agenda  take it down and also please eat shit.
Thousands of people plan to gather in Melbourne and do impressions of actor Owen Wilson saying Wow.

The Facebook event, set up by meme page Owen Wilson Wowposting, is called Say Wow Like Owen Wilson at Federation Square, and is due to take place on Monday February 26.

The gathering in honour of the Zoolander and Marley & Me star includes a hype speech and warm-up wows at 6pm, followed by a massive group wow at 6.15pm.

The invitation says: Lets put some positivity out there into the world! Lets marvel at the beauty and Wonder of this incredible planet we live on, and lets WOW like Owen Wilson!

Nicolas Zoumboulis, a 21-year-old student from Melbourne, set up the event and runs Owen Wilson Wowposting.

He said: I have been running this Owen Wilson Wowposting page for quite some time, and something that started out on a whim, as just another joke, very quickly snowballed into an international phenomenon!

Ultimately I just really want to put some positive energy, as Owen likes to say, out into the world. In these times I think something as silly as getting together and saying Wow can have a positive effect and Id like to see everyone come together!

If I can remind people that this world we are lucky to inhabit is beautiful, and to embrace that like Owen does in his movies by saying Wow, then Ill be happy.

The Facebook invite has proved extremely popular, with more than 3,600 people promising to come, and some 14,000 others interested in the event.

Zoumboulis said: I am not too sure what to expect as social media is a very unpredictable tool. We could have 50 people turn up, 500, or even 5,000! I would love to make some history here in a very funny way, and have a huge crowd that can make a colossal Wow!

Owen Wilson saying Wow has become a popular joke in recent years, due to the number of times the actor says the word in his films. This has led to people making compilation videos, gifs and memes about the star.

When asked on The Ellen Show in 2017 about his habit of saying Wow, Wilson simply said Wow.

My goal in life is to be so wildly successful that I can hire Owen Wilson to just walk around with me and WoW at all that I do  Andrea Photiou (@aphotiou20) February 20, 2018

Zoumboulis said: I have always enjoyed doing impressions, sometimes a bit too much, and Owen Wilson was a favourite. I became obsessed with doing his voice about a year ago, and I was pushed by people to start a meme page.

It gives me great joy to see the engagement from people, and the simple laughs it brings them on a weekly basis.
Thousands of protesters, including many angry teenagers, swarmed into the state Capitol of Florida on Wednesday, calling for changes to gun laws, a ban on assault-type weapons and improved care for the mentally ill.

The normally staid Florida Statehouse filled with students, among them more than 100 survivors of the February 14 attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

They held signs, chanted slogans and burst into politicians offices demanding to be heard.

The teens were welcomed into the gun-friendly halls of power, but the students top goal  a ban on assault-style rifles such as the weapon used in the massacre  was taken off the table a day earlier, although more limited measures are still possible.

Many protesters complained that politicians were not serious about reform, and they said they would oppose in future elections any legislator who accepts campaign contributions from the National Rifle Association.

Weve spoke to only a few legislators and  the most weve gotten out of them is, Well keep you in our thoughts. You are so strong. You are so powerful,' said Delaney Tarr, a senior at the high school.

We know what we want. We want gun reform. We want commonsense gun laws.  We want change.

She added: Weve had enough of thoughts and prayers. If you supported us, you would have made a change long ago.

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Outside the building, the crowd burst into chants of Vote them out! as speakers called for the removal of Republican lawmakers who refuse to address gun control issues. One sign read, Remember the men who value the NRA over childrens lives and then listed Republicans in Floridas congressional delegation. Other signs said, Kill the NRA, not our kids and These kids are braver than the GOP.

About 30 people left an anti-gun rally outside Floridas Old Capitol and began a sit-in protest at the office of four House Republican leaders, demanding a conversation about gun legislation.

Theyre not speaking to us right now. We only asked for five minutes and so were just sitting until they speak, Tyrah Williams, a 15-year-old sophomore at Leon High School, which is within walking distance of the Capitol.

How is it possible that this boy that we all knew was clearly disturbed was able to get an assault rifle, military grade, and come to our school and try to kill us?Florida student

At a town hall meeting held by CNN in Sunrise, Florida, on Wednesday night, thousands of angry students, teachers and parents booed Republican Senator Marco Rubio when he indicated that he would not support an assault-weapons ban and applauded Democrat Representative Bill Nelson when he pushed Mr Rubio to work on a bill that they both could support.

They also booed a spokeswoman from the NRA when she said the answer was not to ban weapons but to ensure they stay out of the hands of the mentally ill.

How is it possible that this boy that we all knew was clearly disturbed was able to get an assault rifle, military grade, and come to our school and try to kill us? one 16-year-old student asked the president of the state Senate, Joe Negron.

Mr Negron did not answer directly. Thats an issue that were reviewing, he said.

When another politician said he supported raising the age to buy assault-style weapons to 21 from 18, the students broke into applause.

Expand Close Student survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, prepare to load their bags on buses, after spending the night in the civic centre (Gerald Herbert/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Student survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, prepare to load their bags on buses, after spending the night in the civic centre (Gerald Herbert/AP)

Florida politicians have rebuffed gun restrictions since Republicans took control of both the governors office and the Legislature in 1999.

Saying the tragedy at the high school was completely unavoidable, Republican legislative leaders say they will consider legislation that will likely call for raising the age limit to purchase a rifle in Florida and increasing funding for mental health programs and school-resource officers, the police assigned to specific schools.
Five teenage boys remained in an Australian hospital on Thursday, a day after suffering drug overdoses at a private school.

Police said some of the students, aged 14 and 15, were critically ill.

The Gold Coast University Hospital declined to say how many, but said in a statement they are all steadily improving.

Seven boys were taken from St Stephens College in Upper Coomera early Wednesday afternoon after staff noticed they were drug-affected and deteriorating.

Two were discharged within 24 hours, the hospital said in a statement.

QPS will livestream shortly a media conference about a suspected drug incident at a Gold Coast school yesterday afternoon where 7 children fell ill.https://t.co/RZwa34lbUU  Queensland Police (@QldPolice) February 22, 2018

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Aubort, of Queensland State Police, said the boys had consumed a powdered drug, but gave few other details about its identity.

Its not your classical illicit drug, he told reporters.

Police were investigating how the group obtained the drug, how much they had taken, and whether others might have more of the substance.

We will follow through in terms of how much was ingested and obviously the barrier here is some of those kids are not able to speak right now, said Mr Aubort.

No illicit drug is safe. Its dangerous and this is a classic example of how wrong it can go when children are pushing the boundaries, he added.

The affected students had taken various quantities of the drug over several hours on Wednesday morning before the effects became obvious, he said.

School principal Jamie Dorrington spent Wednesday evening at the hospital with the students and their families.

Our primary concern at the moment is to ensure their well-being, which Im confident is being looked after, he said.
Belgian police have sealed off part of a Brussels suburb amid media reports that an armed man could be at large.

Associated Press television images showed armed police officers hiding behind buildings and staking out a rooftop in the Forest neighbourhood of the Belgian capital.

Masked police, some with automatic weapons, were aiming their guns high at a building near the Place Saint-Denis. A police helicopter flew overhead.

Broadcaster RTL quoted Forest mayor Marc-Jean Ghyssels as saying that police suspect the presence of an armed man. The area was sealed off at around 12.30pm local time and people were warned to stay in their homes.

There was no immediate indication that the incident is terror-related.

A suspect in the deadly Paris attacks in November 2015, Salah Abdeslam, hid in Forest and was caught up in a shootout with police in a nearby apartment.

Belgium recently lowered its threat level after almost two years on high alert. In March 2016 suicide bomb attacks on the Brussels airport and an underground station killed 32 people.
British Gas owner Centrica has blamed political intervention and the loss of energy customers in the UK for helping push annual profits down 17%.

The companys UK business division suffered a whopping 92% fall in adjusted operating profit to just 4 million for the full year to December 31, while its UK home arm managed a 1% rise to 819 million.

It compounded pain caused by a drop in its North American business unit, resulting in a 17% fall in group adjusted operating profits to 1.25 billion, although on a statutory basis, operating profits plunged 80% to 486 million.

Expand Close Iain Conn saod he is determined to 'restore shareholder value and confidence' (Dominic Lipinski/PA) / Facebook

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Centrica said political meddling in the UK energy market had impacted its performance.

Group chief executive Iain Conn said: The combination of political and regulatory intervention in the UK energy market, concerns over the loss of energy customers in the UK, and the performance issue in North America have created material uncertainty around Centrica and, although we delivered on our financial targets for the year, this resulted in a very poor shareholder experience.

We regret this deeply, and I am determined to restore shareholder value and confidence.

The total number of customer accounts at its UK home division slumped 6% to around 20.3 million, while its UK business unit saw a 9% drop to 653,000.

Centrica said in November that cost cuts would help hold annual earnings at its British Gas arm broadly flat on a year earlier, in spite of customer account losses and a drop in demand for energy due to unseasonably warm autumn weather.

The energy group said on Thursday that its 740 million cost-cutting programme had been delivered three years early, having made another 308 million in savings in 2017 and cut a further 2,100 jobs on a like-for-like basis.

It takes the total drop in headcount to 5,500 since the start of 2016.

The groups cost-cutting target has been ramped up by 500 million to 1.25 billion per year by 2020.

Mr Conn said: We are committed to delivering attractive returns and growth over the medium term.

Our focus today is on performance delivery and financial discipline  on demonstrating top line growth as we deliver improved service and new propositions for our customers, and driving efficiency as hard as possible to underpin our competitiveness.

Energy firms like Centrica have been facing pressure over the way they treat customers in the UK, with controversy over pricing and the use of standard variable tariffs (SVTs) which have been deemed poor value for consumers.

British Gas announced plans in November to scrap SVTs for new customers ahead of Government plans to impose a price cap on the costly energy products, which Centrica has warned could have unintended consequences for the market.

Around 4.5 million of Centricas customers  about 60%  were on SVTs at the time of the announcement, with 70% of profits coming from the SVT customer base.

We believe that price controls in competitive energy markets are not good for customers and evidence shows that where they have been introduced in other markets they have led to reduced competition, less choice, and prices that tend to cluster around the cap, the company said.
Thomas Whitaker killed his mother and brother in 2003 (Texas Department of Criminal Justice via AP, File)

A Texas inmate set for execution on Thursday evening is waiting to hear if a rare clemency recommendation to spare his life at the urging of his father will be accepted.

Thomas Bart Whitaker, 38, is scheduled for lethal injection for masterminding the fatal shootings of his mother and brother at their suburban Houston home in 2003 in a plot to collect inheritance.

Whitakers father, Kent, was also shot in the same attack but survived and has led the effort to save his son from execution.

The seven-member Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, whose members are appointed by the states governor Greg Abbott, recommended unanimously on Tuesday that Mr Abbott commute Whitakers death sentence.

The power resides purely in governor AbbottThomas Whitaker's lawyer, Keith Hampton

Mr Abbott could accept the recommendation, reject it or do nothing. His office did not respond on Wednesday to inquiries about the Whitaker case.

The board only recommends, said Keith Hampton, one of Whitakers lawyers. The power resides purely in governor Abbott. He could do nothing, which would be pretty amazing. He could literally do nothing. Then (Whitaker) gets executed.

State law language does not specify the governor must act, another of Whitakers lawyers, James Rytting, said.

It is only the fourth time since the state resumed executions in 1982 that the parole board has recommended clemency within days of an inmates scheduled execution.

In the previous cases, then-governor Rick Perry accepted the boards decision in one case and rejected the other two, who subsequently were put to death in the nations most active capital punishment state.

Prosecutors in Fort Bend County, where the killings occurred at the Whitaker home in Sugar Land, just south-west of Houston, criticised the parole board recommendation. If Mr Abbott agreed to the boards clemency recommendation, then its a total injustice, absolute injustice on this, said Fred Felcman, one of the trial prosecutors.

The US Supreme Court, which last year refused to review appeals in Whitakers case, could also weigh in at the last minute.

I'm 100% guilty, I put the plan in motionThomas Whitaker

Whitaker and another Texas death row inmate are plaintiffs in an appeal pending before the high court questioning whether Texas use of a compounded version of the powerful sedative pentobarbital for executions would cause unconstitutional pain. The case had been scheduled for the justices conference on Friday, the day after Whitaker could be executed.

State attorneys were opposing the request to block the execution, saying claims about the drugs ineffectiveness had been repeatedly rejected in the courts.

Kent and Patricia Whitaker and their two boys had returned home the night of December 10, 2003, following a restaurant dinner to celebrate Bart Whitakers college graduation when they were confronted by a gunman wearing dark clothes and a ski mask. Patricia Whitaker and her 19-year-old son, Kevin, were shot dead. Kent Whitaker and Bart were wounded.

Nearly two years later, Bart Whitaker was arrested in Mexico after investigators determined he arranged the plot in hopes of collecting a family estate he believed was worth more than 1 million US dollars.

Im 100% guilty, Whitaker said at his trial in 2007. I put the plan in motion.

He hated his parents and brother at the time, he said.

As the greatest victim in this case, you don't have to convince me how awful this crime wasThomas Whitaker's father, Kent

Whitakers father said he loves and has forgiven his son, calling him a changed person.

As the greatest victim in this case, you dont have to convince me how awful this crime was, Kent Whitaker said.

Evidence showed the murder plot included two of his friends and was at least his third attempt to kill his family. As part of the scheme, Whitakers wound to his arm was meant to draw attention away from his involvement. Unknown to his parents, the dinner celebration marking his graduation was a fraud. He had dropped out of school months earlier.

The gunman, Chris Brashear, pleaded guilty in 2007 to a murder charge and is serving life in prison. Another man, Steve Champagne, who drove Brashear from the Whitaker house the night of the shootings, took a 15-year prison term in exchange for giving evidence at Whitakers trial.

AP
The special counsel has brought new tax charges against Paul Manafort (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Special counsel Robert Mueller has filed additional charges against President Donald Trumps former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and a business associate.

The filing adds allegations of tax evasion and increases the amount of money Manafort is accused of laundering through offshore accounts to 30 million dollars (21.5 million).

The additional charges involve much of the same conduct Manafort and his longtime associate, Rick Gates, were charged with last year in an indictment in Washington.

The two men were initially charged in a 12-count indictment last October that accused them of a multimillion-dollar money-laundering conspiracy tied to their foreign lobbying work.

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The new indictment comes a week after Mr Mueller filed charges against 13 Russians, accusing them of a vast conspiracy to undermine the US presidential election.

The charges against Manafort and Gates do not relate to any allegations of misconduct related to Trumps campaign.

Both men pleaded not guilty after they were initially charged in October.

The new indictment accuses Manafort and Gates of doctoring documents to inflate the income of their businesses and then using those fraudulent documents to obtain loans.

It also accuses Manafort of evading taxes from 2010 through 2014 and in some of the years concealing his foreign bank accounts.

In a document that accompanied the new indictment, prosecutors said they had filed the charges in Virginia, rather than Washington where the other case is pending, because the alleged conduct occurred there and one of the defendants objected to them being brought in Washington.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave Social Bite cafe in Rose Street on February 13, 2018 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle have been sent white powder claiming to be anthrax in a malicious hoax.

The package was intercepted by officials at and found to be harmless by police, who have launched an investigation.

Officers from the Metropolitan Polices counter-terrorism command were called to the alert earlier this month.

Police are investigating after a package containing a substance was delivered to St James's Palace on 12 February.

The substance was tested and confirmed as non-suspicious.

Officers are also investigating an allegation of malicious communications which relates to the same package.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

It came the day before white powder was sent to Amber Rudds office in the Houses of Parliament alongside a rambling letter on the issue of radicalisation.

Police are investigating if there is a link between the two incidents, which came after a series of hoaxes involving white powder across the UK.

Targets have included mosques and Islamic centres, sparking an investigation into a potential far-right hate campaign last year.

The latest scare came three months before Prince Harry and Ms Markle, an American actress known for her humanitarian work, are to marry.

The couple live at Nottingham Cottage, in the grounds of Kensington Palace, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children reside when they are in London.

St Jamess Palace, in the heart of Westminster, is home to other members of the royal family including princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and is used as a ceremonial meeting place.

A Palace spokesperson declined to comment on the incident.
Emmanuel Macron's government is clamping down on illegal immigration with a new bill that accelerates the expulsion of people who do not qualify for asylum.

The plan will reduce France's "consideration period" for an asylum application to a maximum of six months, down from about one year including appeal.

It will also and make the illegal crossing of borders an offence punishable by one year in jail and fines.

The French president has been criticised by human rights organisations who have argued the policy represses asylum-seekers, as it will make it more difficult for them to defend their rights.

Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said the plan is "balanced" and "aligned with European procedures".

The bill, which is to be debated in Parliament in April, would extend the length of time authorities are allowed to hold migrants with no legal right to remain from 45 to 90 days in order to organise their deportation.

The French Human Rights League has called for protests in Paris to denounce "governmental policies that infringe on migrants' freedoms".

Cyrielle Taezin, an employee at the national court of asylum, said migrants would not have enough time to prepare their applications to remain.

"They have experienced trauma. They need psychological checks. They need time to express what they've gone through," Ms Taezin said.

Official figures show more than 100,000 people applied for asylum last year, up 17pc from 2016. The largest number came from people from Albania, Afghanistan, Haiti and Sudan.
Shares in Flybe have soared by more than a fifth after the owner of London Southend Airport said it was weighing a potential swoop for the regional airline.

Flybe was up 24% in afternoon trading on the London Stock Exchange, with Stobart Group eyeing a tie-up as it searches out alternative structures for its airline and leasing business.

Stobart Group, which spans infrastructure, energy and aviation, said one option was to take a non-controlling interest in a vehicle to acquire 100% of Flybe.

A number of potential structures have been considered including taking a non-controlling interest in a vehicle to acquire 100% of Flybe likely to be in cashStobart Group statement

However, it cautioned that there was no guarantee a firm offer will be made.

In a statement, Stobart said: Stobart Group and Flybe have a range of shared interests arising from Stobart Groups ownership of London Southend Airport and its aircraft leasing company and the growing franchise arrangements between the two groups airlines.

As previously disclosed in October 2017, we have been reviewing alternative structures for our airline and leasing business that can play an important part in the consolidation of the regional airline sector.

A number of potential structures have been considered including taking a non-controlling interest in a vehicle to acquire 100% of Flybe likely to be in cash.

Flybe has been grappling with an IT overhaul and efforts to drive down costs, with half-year profits nearly halving at 8.4 million when it updated the market in November.

However, revenues climbed 8.5% to 158.8 million during the third quarter as passenger numbers rose 8.1% to 2.3 million.

Shares in Stobart Group rose more than 2% following the announcement.
Air strikes have been targeting hospitals in other civilian sites in Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus (Ghouta Media Center via AP)

Doctors in Syrias rebel-controlled suburbs of Damascus have said they cannot keep up with the number of casualties, amid shelling by government forces.

The bombing campaign has targeted hospitals, apartment blocks and other civilian sites, killing and wounding hundreds of people in recent days.

The bombardment has forced many among the nearly 400,000 residents to sleep in basements and makeshift shelters, and has overwhelmed rescue workers who have spent days digging out survivors from the wreckage of bombed buildings.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate suspension of all war activities in the rebel-held Damascus suburbs known as eastern Ghouta where he said 400,000 people are living in hell on earth.

"I am deeply saddened by the terrible suffering of the civilian population in eastern Ghouta: 400,000 people who live in hell on earth."



-- @antonioguterres on the situation in Syria. https://t.co/aMQXUlAQ8V pic.twitter.com/0fjHShLDkQ  United Nations (@UN) February 21, 2018

The UN chief said a suspension of fighting must allow for humanitarian aid to reach all in need and the evacuation of some 700 people needing urgent medical treatment.

Dr Waleed Awata described a desperate, chaotic scene at the small hospital where he works as an anesthesiologist in the town of Zamalka, one of a cluster of settlements that make up eastern Ghouta. The facility, with just 17 beds, received 82 patients on Tuesday night alone, he said.

We had to give them IVs and treat them on the floor, the 44-year-old physician told The Associated Press. He said the bodies of two women and two children killed in Wednesdays shelling were also brought to the hospital.

The hospital was struck on Tuesday by barrel bombs  crude, explosives-filled oil drums dropped from helicopters at high altitudes  as well as sporadic artillery fire, Dr Awata said. Like many hospitals in the area, patients had been moved into the basement to shield them from air strikes. No one was hurt but the hospitals generator, water tanks and several ambulances were damaged.

A young boy cries after surviving air strikes in #Arbin city in #Ghouta . Most of the victims were children after 18 civilians were killed yesterday. Scenes like these have been repeated again and again. Let us hope they do not become commonplace in this world. #SaveGhouta pic.twitter.com/Mv4TQmCg36  The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) February 21, 2018

The international medical organisation Doctors Without Borders said 13 hospitals and clinics that it supports have been damaged or destroyed over the past three days. The International Committee of the Red Cross called for immediate access to tend to the wounded, saying medical personnel in the rebel-held areas were unable to cope amid shortages of medicines and supplies.

Syrian government forces supported by Russian aircraft have shown no signs of letting up their aerial and artillery assault on eastern Ghouta since they stepped up strikes late on Sunday as part of a new, determined push to recapture the territory that has been controlled by rebels since 2012.

The UN human rights office said in a statement on Wednesday that at least 346 people had been killed in eastern Ghouta since the Syrian government and its allies escalated their offensive on the region on February 4.

When the bombs rain down, The #WhiteHelmets rush in but few know about the courageous women in #CivilDefense saving Syrian lives every day. pic.twitter.com/P3rLhLY0FW  The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) February 22, 2018

At least 92 of those deaths occurred in just one 13-hour period on Monday, it said, adding that the toll was far from comprehensive, documented in the midst of chaos and destruction. Another 878 people have been wounded, mostly in air strikes hitting residential areas.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which closely monitors the fighting through activists on the ground, said at least 300 people have been killed since Sunday night alone. The dead included 10 people killed in a new wave of strikes on Wednesday on the town of Kafr Batna.

The oppositions Syrian Civil Defence search-and-rescue group, also known as the White Helmets, reported similar numbers, saying government forces targeted the town with air strikes, artillery fire and barrel bombs.

AP
TOPSHOT - Hala, 9, receives treatment at a makeshift hospital following Syrian government bombardments on rebel-held town of Saqba, in the besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus on February 22, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / AMER ALMOHIBANYAMER ALMOHIBANY/AFP/Getty Images

Warplanes pounded the last rebel enclave near Syria's capital for a fifth day running on Thursday as the U.N. Security Council considered demanding a 30-day ceasefire across the country to allow emergency aid deliveries and medical evacuations.

The U.N. envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, pleaded for a truce to halt one of the fiercest air assaults of the seven-year civil war and prevent a "massacre" in the besieged eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of Damascus.

At least 416 people have been killed in eastern Ghouta since Sunday night, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, with more than 2,100 wounded from the assault by Syria's military and its allies.

Planes have struck residential areas in the enclave of 400,000 people and, said medical charities, hit more than a dozen hospitals, making it near impossible to treat the wounded.

Panos Moumtzis, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Syria, said households in eastern Ghouta were without food, water or electricity in winter cold and 80 percent of the population of the town of Harasta was living underground.

"There is a need for avoiding a massacre, because we will be judged by history," Mistura said, urging the U.N. Security Council to act. The Council was meeting on Thursday to discussion the situation at the request of Russia.

Expand Close Syrian Arab Republic Ambassador to the U.N. Bashar Jaafari speaks during a UN Security Council meeting on Syria at the United Nations headquarters in New York, U.S., February 22, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid / Facebook

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Whatsapp Syrian Arab Republic Ambassador to the U.N. Bashar Jaafari speaks during a UN Security Council meeting on Syria at the United Nations headquarters in New York, U.S., February 22, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

President Bashar al-Assad's main ally Russia, which wields a veto on the Security Council, said it could support a 30-day truce, but not one that included the Islamist militants it says the onslaught on eastern Ghouta is meant to target.

Aid workers and residents say Syrian army helicopters have been dropping "barrel bombs" - oil drums packed with explosives and shrapnel - on marketplaces and medical centres.

Residents and insurgents in eastern Ghouta say Russian planes are also involved. Syrians say they can identify Russian aircraft because they fly at higher altitude than Syrian planes.

Damascus and Moscow deny using barrel bombs or hitting civilians. They say rebels hold civilians as human shields.

The Security Council was considering a resolution, drafted by Kuwait and Sweden, that demands "a cessation of hostilities throughout Syria for all military operations except those directed at the Islamic State ... al Qaeda and al Nusra Front" for 30 days to allow aid deliveries and medical evacuations.

Swedish U.N. Ambassador Olof Skoog said he hoped the Council could vote on the resolution on Thursday. But Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said he would propose amendments to the text for "it to be realistic."

Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelley Currie accused Russia of "appearing to be intent on blocking any meaningful effort" to halt the bloodshed in eastern Ghouta.

"What we need is a sustained cessation of hostilities and we need it desperately," U.N. aid chief Mark Lowcock told the gathering. "Millions of battered and beleaguered children, women and men depend on meaningful action by this Council."

Previous attempts at a cessation of hostilities in Syria have quickly unraveled.

Residents of Douma, the biggest town in eastern Ghouta, described plumes of black smoke billowing from residential areas after planes dropped bombs from high altitude.

Searches were under way for bodies amid the rubble in the town of Saqba and elsewhere, said rescuers.

Syrian army helicopters dropped fliers over eastern Ghouta, according to a media unit run by Assad's Lebanese Hezbollah ally.

The fliers called on civilians to hand themselves over to the Syrian army in order to save their lives, with a passage highlighted on a map for a safe journey out of eastern Ghouta.

Sara Kayyali, Syria researcher for Human Rights Watch, said the situation in eastern Ghouta was deteriorating "with over 250 civilians dead in the last 48 hours. "Witnesses that we are speaking to on the ground are saying that it's 'raining bombs', she told Reuters in Geneva.

Robert Mardini, Middle East regional director for the International Committee of the Red Cross, said the ICRC was poised to offer emergency medical care in the enclave and carry out evacuations of wounded as soon as conditions permitted.

In Syria's north, where Turkey launched an offensive in the past month against a Kurdish militia, the Kurds said pro-government fighters were now deploying to front lines to help repel the Turkish advance, though assistance would be needed from the Syrian army itself.

The Kurdish YPG - backed by the United States in other parts of Syria - have sought help recently from the Russian-backed Damascus government to resist the Turkish thrust - an example of the strange bedfellows in a multi-sided conflict that has drawn in neighbours and world powers.

International attention is now focused on the humanitarian emergency in eastern Ghouta, whose population has been under siege for years and where government bombardments escalated sharply on Sunday, causing mass civilian casualties.

Moscow and Damascus say their assault on eastern Ghouta is necessary to defeat rebels who have been firing mortars on the capital - government territory throughout the war.

"Those who support the terrorists are responsible" for the situation in eastern Ghouta, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call with reporters. "Neither Russia, nor Syria nor Iran are in that category of states, as they are waging an absolute war against terrorists in Syria."

Video footage obtained by Reuters showed wreckage at the Al Shifa hospital in the town of Hammouriyeh. Staff said it had been hit by air strikes and artillery.

"The clinics department is out of service, the clinical care unit is out, the surgery unit is out, the incubator unit is out, the pediatric section is out, all of the departments of the hospital are completely out of service," a man identified as a medical worker said.

Eastern Ghouta has been under siege by the Syrian army and allied forces since 2013. After government gains, it is the final rebel bastion near the capital.

Along with Idlib province in the north, part of Aleppo province and a strip in Syria's southwest, it is one of a handful of areas left where large numbers of people remain in territory controlled by fighters seeking to overthrow Assad. The president has vowed to regain control of every inch of Syria.
Syrian artillery and aircraft are bombarding Eastern Ghouta, the last big rebel enclave which is just to the east of Damascus.

Some 127 people were reported to have been killed on Monday alone. By Tuesday that figure was said to have doubled.

The strength of the attack by shellfire, bombs and missiles is more intense than anything seen in the area for several years, suggesting that an all-out ground assault is in prospect or, as in East Aleppo just over a year ago, there will be a last-minute attempt to negotiate a mass evacuation.

The siege of Eastern Ghouta could be the last of the big sieges that have characterised the war in Syria for the last five or six years and has made it such a destructive conflict.

Early on in the war, government forces adopted the strategy of abandoning opposition strongholds, surrounding them and concentrating pro-government forces in defence of loyalist areas, essential roads and important urban areas. The rebel enclaves were sealed off with checkpoints and the people inside were subjected to regular bombardment.

Once there were many such areas, almost encircling Damascus which has a population of around five million. Some districts, like Daraya in the south of the capital, were emptied out early and their buildings still stand but are gutted and uninhabitable. Other opposition enclaves, notably those in north Damascus, have been levelled by gunfire or demolition teams so hardly a single building stands more than a few feet high.

Eastern Ghouta is just a few miles to the east of the capital and is an extensive urban and agricultural area with an estimated population of 400,000 which was loosely besieged after 2013.

There were shortages of medical supplies, machinery spare parts and other high value items though not of basic food supplies. But last year the government tightened the siege, closing the informal tunnel system through which fuel and food had been coming in.

By January this year, the cost of a basket of essential food items in Eastern Ghouta was 780pc higher than in government-held areas a few kilometres away.

The government has been advancing all over Syria since Russian military intervention in 2015. Besieged rebel areas have been falling one by one, the fighters and the civilian population sympathising with them often going to Idlib in north-west Syria. In Daraya, they left in the summer of 2016 and East Aleppo fell at the end of the same year.

Eastern Ghouta has held out longest because it was large, strongly held and could grow part of its own food. But the rebel factions in control were divided, occasionally fought each other and had no strategy to counter the Syrian army's steady advances other than firing mortars into pro-government districts like Christian Bab Touma in the Damascus Old City.

Living conditions have been deteriorating because of lack of goods or, even when they are available at high prices, people have no money to pay for them. Where food is permitted to enter the Eastern Ghouta enclave, it is subjected to a high fee for every kilo imported. Aid workers say that nobody died of starvation in January, but many people are suffering from malnutrition. As shelling and airstrikes intensified last month, all schools closed.

With Syrian government forces either victorious or not engaged in full scale combat in much of the country, it has more soldiers and air power to concentrate on remaining rebel strongholds in Eastern Ghouta and Idlib.

But there is a growing confrontation between President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey in the northern Kurdish enclave of Afrin. Turkish artillery has this week been shelling the government held entry point to Afrin down which pro-government fighters armed with heavy machine guns have been driving as part of their new alliance with the Kurds.

The Syrian and - to a lesser extent - the Iraqi wars have been wars of sieges in which limited numbers of ground troops are deployed, but are supported by massive air power.

This was true of the Syrian government and Russians against Isil, al-Qa'ida linked groups and jihadi rebels. But it was also true of the Kurdish YPG (People's Protection Units) backed by US airpower in the four-month siege of Raqqa and the Iraqi army, also backed by the US air force and its own artillery, in the nine-month siege of Mosul.

The latter was probably the bloodiest of all these sieges because of the size of the city, the ferocity of the fighting and the refusal of Isil to allow the civilian population to escape from West Mosul and from the close-packed Old City.
An injured man lies on a bed in the rebel held besieged town of Hamouriyeh, eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, Syria, February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh

Two Syrian kids who were wounded during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, sit at a makeshift hospital, in Ghouta, suburb of Damascus, Syria. (Ghouta Media Center via AP)

Member of the Syrian Civil Defense group carries a boy who was wounded during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, in Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus, Syria. . (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP)

This photo released on Wednesday Feb. 21, 2018 provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Ghouta Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows a Syrian young girl who was wounded during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, cries at a makeshift hospital, in Ghouta, suburb of Damascus, Syria. (Ghouta Media Center via AP)

A rescue worker holds an injured girl in the rebel held besieged town of Hamouriyeh, eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, Syria February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh

People carry the body of Majid Santiha on a stretcher in the besieged eastern Ghouta town of Hamouriyeh near Damascus, Syria, February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh/File Photo

A man carries an injured boy as he walks on rubble of damaged buildings in the rebel held besieged town of Hamouriyeh, eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, Syria, February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh TEMPLATE OUT

In this photo released on Wednesday Feb. 21, 2018, provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Ghouta Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows Syrian citizens carry a victim during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, in Ghouta, suburb of Damascus, Syria. (Ghouta Media Center via AP)

This photo released on Wednesday Feb. 21, 2018 provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Ghouta Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows a Syrian paramedic, treats a kids who was wounded during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, at a makeshift hospital, in Ghouta, suburb of Damascus, Syria. (Ghouta Media Center via AP)

People carry a body on a stretcher as they walk on rubble of damaged buildings in the rebel-held besieged town of Hamouriyeh, eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, Syria, February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh

Mohammed Abu Anas runs with an injured boy in the besieged eastern Ghouta town of Hamouriyeh near Damascus, Syria, February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh/File Photo

A man digs a shelter under the house of Bilal Issa in the besieged eastern Ghouta town of Hamouriyeh near Damascus, Syria, February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh/File Photo

In this photo released on Wednesday Feb. 21, 2018, provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Ghouta Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows Syrian paramedics treat a kids who was wounded during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, at a makeshift hospital, in Ghouta, suburb of Damascus, Syria. (Ghouta Media Center via AP)

In Pictures: 13 photographs that depict the horrors of under-siege Syrians in Ghouta Close

These photographs show the reality of living in Syria's Eastern Ghouta as residents have claimed "they are waiting for death".

The photos (in the gallery above) show locals digging tunnels under their homes as they desperately try to survive one of the most intense bombardments of the war by pro-government forces on the besieged, rebel-held enclave near Damascus.

At least 27 people died and more than 200 were injured yesterday. At least 299 people have been killed in the district in the last three days, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Another 13 bodies, including five children, were recovered from the rubble of houses destroyed on Tuesday in the villages of Arbin and Saqba, the Observatory reported.

Expand Close This photo released on Wednesday Feb. 21, 2018 provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Ghouta Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows a Syrian paramedic, treats a kids who was wounded during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, at a makeshift hospital, in Ghouta, suburb of Damascus, Syria. (Ghouta Media Center via AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp This photo released on Wednesday Feb. 21, 2018 provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Ghouta Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows a Syrian paramedic, treats a kids who was wounded during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, at a makeshift hospital, in Ghouta, suburb of Damascus, Syria. (Ghouta Media Center via AP)

The eastern Ghouta, a densely populated agricultural district on the Damascus outskirts, is the last major area near the capital still under rebel control. Home to 400,000 people, it has been besieged by government forces for years.

A massive escalation in the bombardment - including rocket fire, shelling, air strikes and helicopter-dropped barrel bombs - since Sunday has become one of the deadliest of the Syrian civil war, now entering its eighth year.

Reuters photographs taken in eastern Ghouta yesterday showed men searching through the rubble of smashed buildings, carrying blood-smeared people to hospital and cowering in debris-strewn streets.

The United Nations has denounced the bombardment, which has struck hospitals and other civilian infrastructure, saying such attacks could be war crimes.

Expand Close A rescue worker holds an injured girl in the rebel held besieged town of Hamouriyeh, eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, Syria February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh / Facebook

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Whatsapp A rescue worker holds an injured girl in the rebel held besieged town of Hamouriyeh, eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, Syria February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh

The pace of the strikes appeared to slacken overnight, but its intensity resumed later yesterday morning, the Observatory said. Pro-government forces fired hundreds of rockets and dropped barrel bombs from helicopters on the district's towns and villages.

"We are waiting our turn to die. This is the only thing I can say," said Bilal Abu Salah (22), whose wife is five months pregnant with their first child in the biggest eastern Ghouta town Douma. They fear the terror of the bombardment will bring her into labour early, he said.

"Nearly all people living here live in shelters now. There are five or six families in one home. There is no food," he said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) called yesterday for humanitarian access to Ghouta, especially to reach wounded people in critical need of treatment.

Expand Close This photo released on Wednesday Feb. 21, 2018 provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Ghouta Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows a Syrian young girl who was wounded during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, cries at a makeshift hospital, in Ghouta, suburb of Damascus, Syria. (Ghouta Media Center via AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp This photo released on Wednesday Feb. 21, 2018 provided by the Syrian anti-government activist group Ghouta Media Center, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows a Syrian young girl who was wounded during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, cries at a makeshift hospital, in Ghouta, suburb of Damascus, Syria. (Ghouta Media Center via AP)

"The fighting appears likely to cause much more suffering in the days and weeks ahead," said Marianne Gasser, ICRC's head of delegation in Syria. "This is madness and it has to stop."

The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organisations, a group of foreign agencies that fund hospitals in opposition-held parts of Syria, said eight medical facilities in eastern Ghouta had been attacked on Tuesday.

The Syrian government and its ally Russia, which has backed President Bashar al-Assad with air power since 2015, say they do not target civilians. They also deny using the inaccurate explosive barrel bombs dropped from helicopters whose use has been condemned by the UN.

The Observatory said many of the planes over Ghouta appear to be Russian.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described as "groundless" accusations that Russia bears some of the blame for civilian deaths in eastern Ghouta.

A commander in the coalition fighting on behalf of Mr Assad's government told Reuters the bombing aims to prevent the rebels from targeting the eastern neighbourhoods of Damascus with mortars. It may be followed by a ground campaign.

"The offensive has not started yet. This is preliminary bombing," the commander said.

Rebels have also been firing mortars on the districts of Damascus near eastern Ghouta, wounding four people yesterday, state media reported. Rebel mortars killed at least six people on Tuesday.

"Today, residential areas, Damascus hotels, as well as Russia's Centre for Syrian Reconciliation, received massive bombardment by illegal armed groups from eastern Ghouta," Russia's Defence Ministry said late on Tuesday.
An injured man covered with blood is seen at a medical point in the besieged town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria February 20, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh

This photo released Tuesday Feb. 20, 2018, provided by the Syrian Civil Defense group known as the White Helmets, shows members of the Syrian Civil Defense group carrying a man who was wounded during airstrikes and shelling by Syrian government forces, in Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus, Syria. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets, via AP)

An injured man is seen at a medical point in the besieged town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria February 20, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh TEMPLATE OUT

A man carries an injured boy as he walks on rubble of damaged buildings in the rebel held besieged town of Hamouriyeh, eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, Syria February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh

A member of the Syrian Civil Defense group carries a boy who was wounded during airstrikes Photo: AP

U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said on Thursday he hoped the U.N. Security Council would agree a resolution to end fighting in the besieged Syrian enclave of eastern Ghouta, but said it would not be easy.

"I hope it will. But its uphill. But I hope it will. It is very urgent," he told Reuters as he arrived at the United Nations in Geneva.

Expand Close A man carries an injured boy in Hamouriyeh, eastern Ghouta Photo: REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh / Facebook

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Whatsapp A man carries an injured boy in Hamouriyeh, eastern Ghouta Photo: REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh

Asked what would happen if there were no deal, he said: "Then we will have to push for it to take place as soon as possible because there is no alternative but a ceasefire and humanitarian access."

Crisis

Expand Close A child walks near damaged buildings in the besieged town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria February 20, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh / Facebook

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Whatsapp A child walks near damaged buildings in the besieged town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria February 20, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh

Residents of Syria's eastern Ghouta district said they were waiting their "turn to die" yesterday, amid one of the most intense bombardments of the war by pro-government forces on the besieged, rebel-held enclave near Damascus.

At least 27 people died and more than 200 were injured yesterday. At least 299 people have been killed in the district in the last three days, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Expand Close A young Syrian girl wounded during airstrikes Photo: AP / Facebook

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Another 13 bodies, including five children, were recovered from the rubble of houses destroyed on Tuesday in the villages of Arbin and Saqba, the Observatory reported.

The eastern Ghouta, a densely populated agricultural district on the Damascus outskirts, is the last major area near the capital still under rebel control. Home to 400,000 people, it has been besieged by government forces for years.

Expand Close A man carries an injured boy as he walks on rubble of damaged buildings in the rebel held besieged town of Hamouriyeh, eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, Syria February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh / Facebook

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Whatsapp A man carries an injured boy as he walks on rubble of damaged buildings in the rebel held besieged town of Hamouriyeh, eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, Syria February 21, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh

A massive escalation in the bombardment - including rocket fire, shelling, air strikes and helicopter-dropped barrel bombs - since Sunday has become one of the deadliest of the Syrian civil war, now entering its eighth year.

Reuters photographs taken in eastern Ghouta yesterday showed men searching through the rubble of smashed buildings, carrying blood-smeared people to hospital and cowering in debris-strewn streets.

Expand Close Syrian children cry at a make-shift hospital in Douma following air strikes on the Syrian village of Mesraba in the besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, on February 19, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Hamza Al-AjwehHAMZA AL-AJWEH/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Syrian children cry at a make-shift hospital in Douma following air strikes on the Syrian village of Mesraba in the besieged Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, on February 19, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Hamza Al-AjwehHAMZA AL-AJWEH/AFP/Getty Images

The United Nations has denounced the bombardment, which has struck hospitals and other civilian infrastructure, saying such attacks could be war crimes.

The pace of the strikes appeared to slacken overnight, but its intensity resumed later yesterday morning, the Observatory said. Pro-government forces fired hundreds of rockets and dropped barrel bombs from helicopters on the district's towns and villages.

Expand Close People sit a medical point in the besieged town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria February 20, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh TEMPLATE OUT / Facebook

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Whatsapp People sit a medical point in the besieged town of Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, Syria February 20, 2018. REUTERS/Bassam Khabieh TEMPLATE OUT

"We are waiting our turn to die. This is the only thing I can say," said Bilal Abu Salah (22), whose wife is five months pregnant with their first child in the biggest eastern Ghouta town Douma. They fear the terror of the bombardment will bring her into labour early, he said.

"Nearly all people living here live in shelters now. There are five or six families in one home. There is no food," he said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) called yesterday for humanitarian access to Ghouta, especially to reach wounded people in critical need of treatment.

"The fighting appears likely to cause much more suffering in the days and weeks ahead," said Marianne Gasser, ICRC's head of delegation in Syria. "This is madness and it has to stop."

The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organisations, a group of foreign agencies that fund hospitals in opposition-held parts of Syria, said eight medical facilities in eastern Ghouta had been attacked on Tuesday.

The Syrian government and its ally Russia, which has backed President Bashar al-Assad with air power since 2015, say they do not target civilians. They also deny using the inaccurate explosive barrel bombs dropped from helicopters whose use has been condemned by the UN.

The Observatory said many of the planes over Ghouta appear to be Russian.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described as "groundless" accusations that Russia bears some of the blame for civilian deaths in eastern Ghouta.

A commander in the coalition fighting on behalf of Mr Assad's government told Reuters the bombing aims to prevent the rebels from targeting the eastern neighbourhoods of Damascus with mortars. It may be followed by a ground campaign.

"The offensive has not started yet. This is preliminary bombing," the commander said.

Rebels have also been firing mortars on the districts of Damascus near eastern Ghouta, wounding four people yesterday, state media reported. Rebel mortars killed at least six people on Tuesday.

"Today, residential areas, Damascus hotels, as well as Russia's Centre for Syrian Reconciliation, received massive bombardment by illegal armed groups from eastern Ghouta," Russia's Defence Ministry said late on Tuesday.

Eastern Ghouta is one of a group of "de-escalation zones" under a diplomatic ceasefire initiative agreed by Mr Assad's allies Russia and Iran with Turkey, which has backed the rebels. But a rebel group formerly affiliated with al-Qa'ida is not included in the truces and it has a small presence there.

Conditions in eastern Ghouta, besieged since 2013, had increasingly alarmed aid agencies even before the latest assault, as shortages of food, medicine and other basic necessities caused suffering and illness.
A police officer guards the US embassy in Montenegros capital Podgorica (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)

Police in Montenegro say the man who threw a bomb into the US embassy compound and then killed himself had no criminal record and that the attack was not an act of terrorism.

Police formally identified the suspect by his initials, DJ, in line with an earlier police source identifying him as ex-soldier Dalibor Jaukovic.

Expand Close Montenegro US Embassy / Facebook

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Police say Jaukovic was a Montenegrin citizen born in neighbouring Serbia.

They said Montenegrin police and the FBI are checking Jaukovics accounts on social networks.

He posted on Facebook a photo of an army decoration apparently signed by former Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic and openly opposed Montenegros membership in Nato last year.

Police say they are still investigating Jaukovics motives and whether he had acted alone. They say security has been increased around foreign embassies in Montenegro.

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A family friend, Milutin Dragicevic, said Jaukovic was a good patriot during the 1999 Nato air war against Yugoslavia, then comprised of Serbia and Montenegro.

He added: I dont know what might have driven him to do this.
Oprah Winfrey has pledged to donate $500,000 (406,000) to the "inspiring" survivors of the Florida shooting who have organised national protests against gun violence in the US.

The talk show host matched a donation made by George and Amal Clooney to the students behind next month's March For Our Lives rally in Washington, who have urged immediate political action on gun control, saying: "We cannot allow one more child to be shot at school."

She tweeted to her 40 million followers: "George and Amal, I couldn't agree with you more. I am joining forces with you and will match your $500,000 donation to March For Our Lives."

The Clooneys said they were "inspired by the courage of these young men and women" and confirmed they would be attending the march.

"Our family will be there on March 24 to stand side by side with this incredible generation of young people from all over the country, and in the name of our children Ella and Alexander, we're donating $500,000 to help pay for this ground-breaking event," they said. "Our children's lives depend on it."

Hollywood director Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw have also pledged to make a $500,000 donation.

However, 'The New York Times' reporter Julie Turkewitz tweeted that some students are "apprehensive" about the support being offered by Hollywood A-listers.

"The minute some people on the right see these millionaire names pop up with our movement, it's going to kind of alienate them," 18-year-old student Chris Grady told her. "The minute they don't see our faces any more and they just see the Hollywood elite, they're going to stop taking it seriously."

Student survivors of the Stoneman Douglas High School atrocity have turned to activism. More than 90,000 supporters have expressed an interest on Facebook in attending the march and sister marches across the US.

"March For Our Lives is created by, inspired by, and led by students across the country who will no longer risk their lives waiting for someone else to take action to stop the epidemic of mass school shootings that has become all too familiar," say the students.

"In the tragic wake of the 17 lives brutally cut short in Florida, politicians are telling us that now is not the time to talk about guns. March For Our Lives believes the time is now.

"The mission and focus of March For Our Lives is to demand that a comprehensive and effective bill be immediately brought before Congress to address these gun issues."

Stoneman Douglas students Emma Gonzalez and David Hogg, who are leading the campaign, have been vocal in demanding immediate action to end gun violence in schools.

"We are going to be the last mass shooting," Gonzalez told an anti-gun rally in Fort Lauderdale. "We are going to change the law."

Hogg also urged lawmakers to intervene: "We are children; you guys are the adults. You need to take some action."
The Philippine president has banned a reporter from attending briefings at the presidential palace compound because her online news organisations licence to operate was revoked by the governments corporate watchdog.

Rodrigo Duterte invoked the Securities and Exchange Commission ruling in banning Rappler reporter Pia Ranada from the Malacanang palace complex, where he, his spokesman and other top officials hold news briefings.

It is not a legitimate agency according to SEC, Mr Duterte told a news conference. If they would be considered legitimate you could enter again, no problem with me.

In a ruling made public last month, the commission said Rappler violated a constitutional prohibition on foreign ownership and control of mass media companies when it received money from an international investment firm. Rappler has rejected the ruling and continued to operate.

We cannot allow anyone into the president's home especially a person who insists on disrespecting the home by reporting fake newsPresidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr

Rappler, known for its critical reporting of Mr Dutertes presidency, and media watchdogs called the move an attempt to muzzle the press. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr argued that it was not, saying Ms Ranada can report by watching news conferences on television.

Mr Dutertes move could portend a broader assault on journalists and news organisations, whose critical watchdog role has magnified the governments poor human rights record, from extrajudicial killings of thousands of alleged drug dealers and users to conflict-related abuses in the south, Carlos Conde of the US-based rights group Human Rights Watch said.

Despite the SEC ruling, the president initially allowed Ms Ranada to continue covering presidential palace events but that ended when she stood by a story that alleged a key Duterte aide had intervened in a military deal to purchase frigates, Mr Roque said.

We cannot allow anyone into the presidents home especially a person who insists on disrespecting the home by reporting fake news, he told reporters.

Mr Duterte repeated an earlier accusation without offering evidence that Rappler might be funded by the US Central Intelligence Agency. Rappler has denied the allegation.

When the highest official in the land chooses to wage a personal vendetta against an individual, whether a journalist or a media outfit, it sends a clear and chilling signal that everyone else better report only what he wants you to or elseNational Union of Journalists of the Philippines

Mr Duterte has also publicly attacked a leading newspaper, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and the ABS-CBN TV network for what he called biased reporting, including on his crackdown on illegal drugs that has left thousands of mostly poor suspects dead since he took power in 2016.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said when the highest official in the land chooses to wage a personal vendetta against an individual, whether a journalist or a media outfit, it sends a clear and chilling signal that everyone else better report only what he wants you to or else.

Human Rights Watch called on Filipinos, who this weekend mark the anniversary of the 1986 people power revolt that overthrew dictator Ferdinand Marcos, to show their support for a free press.

Journalists were jailed and critical media organisations padlocked after Marcos declared martial law in 1972.

AP
A diver descends into the water in the Seychelles (Tate Drucker/The Nature Conservancy via AP)

The tiny island nation of the Seychelles has announced a pioneering marine conservation plan as part of a debt swap deal with creditors.

In an agreement described as the first of its kind, the Indian Ocean nation popular with tourists is designating nearly a third of its waters as protected areas, aiming to ensure the longevity of its unique biodiversity.

The archipelagos 115 islands have been isolated by continental land masses for millions of years.

The Aldabra atoll, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is home to the worlds largest population of giant tortoises, critically endangered sea cows and spawning grounds for a number of rare species, but overfishing has hurt.

The government has signed a bill restricting nearly all human activity in the waters around Aldabra and overall setting aside more than 210,000 square kilometres (81,081 square miles) as protected areas.

The areas around Aldabra will ban all extractive uses such as fishing and petroleum exploration while the rest will be restricted to sustainable practices. The plan will be completed by 2021.

A great honour and privilege, the countrys environment minister, Didier Dogley, said at the signing.

Today, Seychelles announced two new marine protected areas that equal the size of Great Britain. Join me and @nature_org in congratulating all those who made it happen. https://t.co/OygRCaKY37  Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) February 21, 2018

The deal with the countrys creditors was brokered by US-based The Nature Conservancy and involved a one million US dollar (720,000) grant by the foundation of actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

At the height of its debt crisis in the late 2000s, the Seychelles was one of the worlds top debt-ridden countries.

Its sovereign debt peaked at nearly one billion US dollars, according to the World Bank. Today the debt stands at less than half of that, according to the finance ministry.

The deal allows for a certain amount of money to be repaid into a trust fund to support conservation-related projects, organisers said.

While welcoming the deal, the CEO of the Seychelles National Parks Authority warned that certain threats to the Seychelles remain beyond control. Like climate, for example, Flavien Joubert said.

The new agreement has worried some who say their livelihoods will be severely restricted.

If you protect everywhere, where (will) we go fishing? Elvis Simon Dingwall said. He echoed others who said they have to bear the brunt of the governments past economic failures.

The head of the Seychelles state-owned oil and gas exploration entity, Patrick Joseph, said Petro Seychelles initially was resistant to the plan but now is cautiously optimistic.

Provided this is done properly, we choose the right companies and we do a proper impact assessment before we drill, I feel like the country will definitely benefit from oil and gas resources, Mr Joseph said.

The Seychellois government is already benefiting from the confidence the deal has inspired in its creditors, with a separate bond deal now being finalised with the World Bank to help finance a transition to sustainable fisheries.

The Seychelles is leading the way in terms of how it is going to manage its ocean territory  in a sustainable fashion, said Benoit Bosquet, the World Banks practice manager for environment and natural resources.

AP
After November 2016s surprise demonetization, businesses in India looked to the Union Budget 2017 to gauge the governments economic outlook.

While this years budget retained a development-oriented focus, key tax and regulatory provisions declare the governments intent to encourage business, create jobs, promote entrepreneurship in a digitally empowered economy, and spur GDP growth.

In this context, startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) should pay attention to the following provisions and amendments stated in the latest budget.

Corporate Income Tax reduction

The budget reduced the corporate tax for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the current rate of 30 percent to 25 percent beginning in the financial year (FY) 2017-2018. This tax cut will be applicable for all domestic firms (private limited companies) with a turnover or gross receipts of up to US$7.48 million (Rs 50 crore) in the FY 2015-2016.

Presumptive taxation and maintaining accounts

Small traders and businesses will benefit from a reduced minimum presumptive tax profit margin at six percent of earnings rather than the existing rate of eight percent  if they adopt digital transactions. This is an amendment to Section 44AD of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and will be applicable to those firms with a turnover under US$300,000 (Rs 2 crore).

The threshold limit for maintaining books of accounts for individuals and professionals is now US$3741.95 (Rs 2.5 lakh), having increased from US$1796.14 (Rs. 1.2 lakh).

The limit for tax audit under Section 44AB of the Income Tax Act is increased to US$300,000 (Rs 2 crore) from the current limit of US$150,000 (Rs 1 crore) for the individual/HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families) opting for presumptive taxation under Section 44AD.

Extension of tax benefits under Startup India initiative

Startups recognized under the governments Startup India policy will avail extended income tax benefits. Eligible startups can now claim profit linked deduction exemption for three out of the first seven years under Section 80-IAC of the Income-tax Act; previously, it was three out of the first five years.

Shareholder restrictions removed for startups carrying forward losses

In an amendment to Section 79 of the Income Tax Act, the government will now allow companies to carry forward losses for seven years and set-off against profit in future years, even if the majority shareholder changes hands. This relaxation of shareholder restrictions is available only to recognized startups under the Startup India policy who are eligible to claim Section 80-IAC benefits.

Tax treatment of convertible shares

Startups often buy shares that can be converted from preference shares to equity shares. In a huge boost, Budget 2017 removes the provision of capital gains tax on such conversions.

Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT) credit extension

The government has extended the time limit for availing MAT credit to 15 years from the current limit of 10 years. This benefits startups claiming tax exemptions under Section 80-IAC and those companies with significant accumulated MAT credit.

Penalty for late income tax return filings

Budget 2017 introduces a penalty for late filing of tax returns  US$74.84 (Rs 5,000) for delay up to December 31 and US$149.68 (Rs 10,000) upon further delay.

The penalty will be limited to US$14.97 (Rs 1,000) in cases where the taxable income is up to US$7483.91 (Rs 500,000).

Under Indias tax law, the due date for filing income tax returns is September 30 for companies and assessees covered under tax audit, for others the due date is July 31.

Changes to IDT provisions for FPIs

The budget contains several provisions encouraging funds from foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), which include the exemption from indirect transfer tax provisions for category I and II FPIs. Category I FPIs include sovereign wealth funds and central banks and category II includes mutual funds and banks. In Indian tax law, Indirect Transfer Tax (IDT) provisions cover the taxation of profit arising from the transfer of share or interest in a foreign company or foreign entity whose value is substantially derived, directly or indirectly, from assets located in India.

Limits to cash transactions

The budget introduced provisions to limit the amount of cash payments used for business transactions. Through an amendment to Section 40A of the Income Tax Act, the daily cash payment limit for company expenses or company acquisition of assets is fixed at US$149.68 (Rs 10,000); earlier, the limit was US$299.36 (Rs 20,000). Further, a new Section 269ST has been proposed in the budget, which will attract a 100 percent penalty on cash receipts of US$4,490.35 (Rs 300,000) or more accrued on a single day.
India and Germany enjoy a strong partnership based on shared economic and strategic interests. Germany is Indias largest trading partner in the European Union and the seventh largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI).

Noted German firms such as Bosch, Volkswagen, Basf, Bayer, Braun, and Adidas are already firmly established in the Indian market. These brands either manufacture their products in the country or provide their services in the technology and engineering sectors through joint ventures (JVs) with Indian businesses.

Germany and India hold an Inter-Governmental Consultation (IGC) every two years to discuss and broaden areas of cooperation. The latest such consultation was held in May 2017 in Germany, where the two countries committed to extending their partnership to new areas, such as solar and other forms of renewable energy.

German investment and Mittelstand in India

German investment in India has steadily grown in the past two decades, reaching to a total of US$11.78 billion (9.6 billion) from 2000 to 2016, and is concentrated in manufacturing and heavy industries  industrial equipment, automobiles, metallurgy, leather, and pharmaceuticals  as well as in the IT sector.

For one, Germanys advanced capabilities in science and engineering complement the needs of the rapidly growing Indian economy, which seeks to broaden its manufacturing base, accelerate urbanization, and improve infrastructure. Additionally, German companies can generate relevant jobs to absorb Indias large labor force trained in science and technology.

These growth concerns motivate much of the Modi governments economic agenda, as illustrated in their flagship programs: Make in India, Skill India, Digital India, and Smart Cities. India has actively sought German participation and investments in these areas, capitalizing on strong existing bilateral business and commercial ties.

In particular, India is wooing German small and medium enterprises (SME), called Mittelstand, to start operations in India. Towards this, the Modi federal government has already created a special window under Make in India-Mittelstand (MIIM) at its Berlin embassy to facilitate the entry of Mittelstand into the Indian market. So far, 73 Mittelstand companies are part of MIIM, of which 46 have begun operations in India. These companies belong to diverse sectors, including renewable energy, engineering technologies, construction technologies, agricultural mechanization, water technologies, and waste management.

Major German companies have already established manufacturing plants in India. BASF, the worlds leading chemical engineering company, has nine manufacturing plants in India, making a range of products that include: agrochemicals, battery chemicals, and mattress foam. Automotive powerhouses Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen, both, have plants in Maharashtra and Gujarat, respectively. Further, companies like Siemens, Bosch, and BASF are heavily invested in R&D activities in India to develop products customized for Indian consumers.

Most German companies prefer to partner with a local Indian company for their operations, to ease their navigation of Indias legal and regulatory landscape. This strategy has worked well for German companies over the years; they have come to better understand the Indian market and have begun to customize their products accordingly.

There are about 1,600 German companies currently operating in India through Indian partners or subsidiaries. In addition, Mittelstand companies predominantly operate through JVs in the country; there are over 500 such ventures at present.

German India trade relations

In terms of trade relations, during 2016, Indian imports from Germany accounted for 56 percent of trade, while exports to Germany made up for 44 percent of the total trade between the countries.

As shown in the figure below, trade between the two countries peaked in 2011-12, after which it began declining  an outcome of the global economic slowdown. Still, the trade volume continues to be steady and both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to promote trade relations.

Among others, major items exported from India to Germany include: machinery, organic chemicals, clothing accessories, vehicles, metal and metal products, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals. The figure below shows the share of these products in the total export portfolio.

Major German exports to India include: machinery and parts, electrical machinery and equipment, vehicles, medical equipment, chemicals, auto components, and plastics. In the figure below, we see the share of these items in the total export.

India and Germany do not have a trade agreement currently, as Germany is bound by the limitations of its EU membership. Instead, India is seeking a free trade agreement with the European Union, called the Broad Based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), which has Germanys support. Negotiations over the BTIA have been stalled due to disagreements over IPR issues and import duties. However, post-Brexit, EU members have showed renewed interest in materializing a deal with India to counter competition from Britain.

India Germany business associations

Meanwhile, private sector collaboration between the two countries is thriving. Associations such as the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce and India Germany Export Project (IGEP) create opportunities for businesses in both countries to exchange ideas and experience. These associations work in tandem with their respective governments to promote business ties between India and Germany.

Below mentioned are the contact details of Indo-German business associations based in India.

Indo-German Chamber of Commerce

Mumbai office

Maker Tower E, 1st floor

Cuffe Parade

Mumbai (Bombay) 400005

India

Tel: +91-22-66652 121

Fax: +91-22-66652 120

E-Mail: bombay@indo-german.com

Maker Tower E, 1st floor Cuffe Parade Mumbai (Bombay) 400005 India Tel: +91-22-66652 121 Fax: +91-22-66652 120 E-Mail: bombay@indo-german.com Delhi Office

German House

2, Nyaya Marg

Chanakyapuri

New Delhi 110021

India

Tel: +91-11-47168 888 / 801

Fax: +91-11-26118 664

E-Mail: delhi@indo-german.com

India Germany Export Project (IGEP)
India is a global leader in the automotive sector, backed by its domestic production capacity, market size, and exports. On average, the countrys automobile sector boasts of an annual production of around 24 million vehicles; the sector also employs over 29 million people (directly and indirectly).

Breaking down its global position by industry segment, India is the worlds largest tractor manufacturer, second largest two-wheeler manufacturer, second largest bus manufacturer, fifth largest heavy truck manufacturer, sixth largest car manufacturer, and eighth largest commercial vehicle manufacturer.

This article discusses the growth trends in the automotive sector in India, which offers a highly attractive investment landscape for foreign investors and manufacturing firms. Testament to this is the fact that South Koreas Kia Motors, Daihatsu from Toyota, PSA Groups Peugeot Citreon, and three car makers from China, Beiqi Foton, SAIC, and Changan Automotive desire to enter the Indian market, pivoted to become the third largest in the world by the end of the decade.

Indias automobile industry and market size

Overall, the Indian automotive industry is a major employment creator, GDP contributor, and FDI earner. In fact, in 2015-2016, the US$93 billion automotive industry contributed 7.1 percent to Indias GDP and 49 percent to the national manufacturing GDP. For every vehicle produced, direct and indirect employment opportunities are generated with the employment of 13 persons for each truck, six persons for each car and four for each three-wheeler, and one person for two-wheelers.

Meanwhile, the auto component industry grew at a turnover rate of six percent from 2010 to 2016, contributing to 2.3 percent to Indias GDP and provided direct employment to 1.50 million people in the fiscal year 2015-2016. The industry registered an 8.8 percent increase in its turnover from US$34.4 billion in FY 2014-2015 to US$37.45 billion in FY 2015-2016 (US$1=Rs 68.25).

Exports grew by 22 percent and the auto-component industry contributed 4 percent to Indias exports in FY 2015-2016, with earnings of US$10.39 billion (Rs 709 billion). The top export destinations of Indian auto-components are the U.S., Germany, Turkey, U.K., and Italy.

In terms of the automobile market size, the two-wheeler segment dominates with an 81 percent market share in the Indian automobile market, owing to its young population and a burgeoning middle class. An increasing interest exhibited by companies in exploring the countrys vast rural market further aids the growth of this sector. Finally, Indias passenger vehicle (PV) segment holds a 13 percent market share.

Indias automobile sector shows positive outlook

India is a prominent automotive manufacturer and exporter with highly optimistic expectations continuing for growth in the near future. The following growth trends over the past year may be noted:

Production increased by 2.6 percent in the financial year (FY) 2015-2016 as the industry produced a total of 23,960,940 vehicles, including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three-wheelers, two-wheelers, and quadricycles as against 23,358,047 vehicles produced in the previous fiscal year.

Tracking the rise in domestic sales, passenger vehicles sold increased by 7.24 percent in 2015-2016 over the same period in the previous fiscal. Year-on-year growth within the respective segments of passenger vehicles and passenger cars, utility vehicles, and vans was 7.87 percent, 6.25 percent, and 3.58 percent in FY 2015-2016. In the commercial vehicles segment, growth was 11.51 percent in FY 2015-2016 over the previous year. In the same period, medium & heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCVs) registered a growth of 29.91 percent, while light commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew marginally by 0.30 percent.

Sales of three-wheelers sales grew by 1.03 percent in FY 2015-2016 over the previous fiscal year. Within this segment, passenger carrier sales grew by 2.11 percent.

Two-wheelers sales registered a growth at 3.01 percent in FY 2015-2016. Within this segment, sales of Scooters grew by 11.79 percent.

Rapid rise in the total production of electric and hybrid vehicles from 17,107 (FY 2014-2015) to 71,909 (FY 2015-2016) and a rise in the total sales from 16,513 (FY 2014-2015) to 65,224 (FY 2015-2016).

Finally, the rise in exports saw automobile exports grow by 1.91 percent (worth US$8.8 billion). Major growth drivers were passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and two-wheelers, registering a growth of 5.24 percent, 16.97 percent, and 0.97 percent, respectively, year-on-year in FY 2015-2016. Two-wheelers accounted for the largest share of exports at 69.4 percent, passenger vehicles comprised a sizeable 16.7 percent, and three-wheeler vehicles registered around 11.1 percent share in exports.

FDI in Indias automobile industry

Foreign direct investment (FDI) equity inflow into the automobile sector increased by 72 percent during 2014-2016 from US$3.05 billion (during 2012-2014) to US$5.25 billion. From April 2016 to September 2016, the automobile sector received US$728.65 million in FDI equity inflows. Leading global players like ISUZU Motors, Ford Motors, Tata Motors, Honda, and Suzuki Motors have already invested heavily in the manufacturing sector resulting in the establishment of new assembly lines, manufacturing, and greenfield units, thereby boosting the automotive manufacturing ecosystem in India.

Some of the major foreign investments into the Indian automotive sector in the last two years are listed below:

Government policy to boost auto manufacturing

The consolidated automotive industry holds great importance in the governments manufacturing policy framework, where it is labelled as a sunrise sector.

The governments Automobile Mission Plan 2016  2026 envisages making India one of the top three automobile manufacturing centers in the world, potentially earning a gross revenue of US$300 billion by 2026.

To promote exports of manufactured green technology products, the export obligation of 16 specified products has been reduced under the Export Promotion Council Goods (EPCG) scheme (Foreign Trade Policy 2015-2020).

Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme to address the global demand for innovative and fuel economy vehicles. This will incentivize the development, manufacture, and promotion of hybrid/electric vehicles market (XEVs) that include mild hybrid, full hybrid vehicles (HEVs), plug in hybrids (PHEVs) and pure electric vehicles (PEVs). It was launched on April 1, 2015, targeting a market penetration of 6 to 7 million vehicles per year by 2020.

Hybrid vehicles now attract excise duty at 12.5 percent and electric vehicles attract excise duty at 6 percent, as against the excise duty of 30 percent, 27 percent, 24 percent, and 12.5 percent applicable on vehicles with conventional fuel.

Notwithstanding the ongoing pains of demonetization that caused a temporary decline in sales in December 2016, the Indian governments Make in India drive and its sectoral policy are both highly encouraging for the future outlook of the Indian automotive industry.

Diversified segments and the presence of global automotive manufacturers strengthen the sectors ecosystem in India. This is important as India seeks to be the third largest auto market by the end of 2020. Forward looking government incentives such as reduced duty on hybrid and electric cars also boost the future of the industry.

Lastly, the current governments pro-business sentiment is shaping its reforms focus on regulatory easing, infrastructure development, logistics improvements through rail, road, and sea cargo, and expanding FDI limits, all of which bodes well for foreign investors.
Wikimedia Commons

New Delhi, Feb 22 (IBNS): Essel Infraprojects Limited (EIL) an enterprise of Subhash Chandra led Essel Group, committed an investment of INR 18,750 Crores for the development of infrastructure in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

EIL inked Memorandum of Understanding to this effect at the UP Investors Summit in Lucknow on Wednesday.

Congratulating the UP Government and the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Chairman  ZEE & Essel Group, Subhash Chandra said the event had opened up the state to the global audience.

Compared to any other state, Uttar Pradesh has a huge potential to attract investments with its natural resources and human resources and under the able leadership of Shri Adityanathji, we can already see the signs of transformation, said Chandra.

He also added that the companys investment through these MoUs will generate more than 54000 employment activities.

Essel Infraprojects Limited, through these MOUs, will cover sectors like energy, roads and tourism. Effort will be to improve power transmission and distribution in the state and also to bring in the companys expertise in expressway Development and other road projects. Essel has also pledged to invest in projects of waste management, 24x7 water supply and smart cities.

The company has also prepared a vision document for the Smart City Governance Framework and Revenue Model for Integrated, Inclusive and Sustainable Smart Cities in India.


Wallpaper Cave

Lucknow, Feb 22 (IBNS): Samsung India on Thursday showcased a Virtual Reality (VR) film on the monument of love Taj Mahal at the UP Investors Summit in Lucknow.

The film has been made by Samsung in partnership with UNESCO MGIEP (Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development).

Under the partnership, Samsung will develop VR content on two magnificent Indian heritage sites, Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh and the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha.

The VR film on Taj Mahal was unveiled by President Ram Nath Kovind and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in presence of Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Governor of Uttar Pradesh Ram Naik and Industries Minister of Uttar Pradesh Satish Mahana.

The film showcasing the grandeur, heritage and splendour of the architectural marvel Taj Mahal was shown on Samsung VR headsets powered by Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphones to several ministers and other dignitaries attending the summit.

This film on Taj Mahal will be available freely across all social media channels in VR format and will be provided to the Union Ministry of Tourism and State Tourism Boards to be used for tourism promotion in India and across the world.

The Union Tourism Ministry will also include the VR film on Taj Mahal in its Incredible India campaign

The film will be included as part of the content of Samsung Smart Class across the country to provide experiential education. This effort to use VR for educating students will go a long way in taking forward Government of Indias vision of Digital India.

There are 36 UNESCO Heritage Sites in India today. Samsung India may take up more sites to develop VR content in future.

Tourism and education are key priorities for us. We are delighted that Samsung India has contributed on both fronts and has come forward with its VR film on the Taj Mahal. On its part, the government is working towards creating a strong tourism ecosystem and educational infrastructure in the state of Uttar Pradesh and this collaboration with Samsung will enable us to fulfill our vision. The Taj Mahal has been a monument of pride for us and a beautiful VR film on this will definitely attract more tourists to the state, said Yogi Adityanath.

Samsung believes in transforming communities and creating a better life for people with its innovative products and solutions. We are happy to partner with UNESCO to offer experiential educational content with the effective use of technology. Today there is a need for children to acquire deep understanding of our national heritage sites. At Samsung, we believe this partnership will help provide many more school going children easy access to such content in an engaging and exciting format such as VR, said Deepak Bhardwaj, Vice President, CSR, Samsung India.


Birmingham, Feb 22 (IBNS): A team of sleep experts are leading a study looking at teenagers sleep patterns and testing whether a later school start time could benefit them.

Research already suggests that teenagers dont get enough sleep, with both physical and social reasons for this, including changes in their melatonin, staying up too late - distracted by TV and computers  resulting in problems with their progress and well-being at school.

The sleep experts from the Universities of Birmingham, Oxford and Aberdeen will be testing out the later start to the day, to see if the teenagers school work and well-being could benefit.

The researchers are recruiting secondary schools across the UK to take part in the study.

Professor Paul Montgomery, lead researcher, University of Birmingham said: We want people to be aware that sleep deprivation in adolescents is a real problem which affects their functioning, their wellbeing and even their academic performance."

We want to work with schools - with parents, pupils, teachers, head teachers, support staff, local education authorities and civil servants to run a number of studies to find out what the ideal starting time is, and how schools can manage this, Montgomery said.

The sleep study will focus on GCSE students from years 10 and 11 and the researchers are asking secondary schools to get in touch if they would like to be a part of the programme and to help collaborate on what needs to be done for a later start time to become feasible in practice.

The researchers are urging any secondary schools who have noticed problems in their pupils such as over-tiredness and want to look at ways to support their pupils - by improving their alertness and mental wellbeing - to get in touch via the website.
While most would shy away from the limelight, the star went on to embrace pregnancy and motherhood and fast became an inspiration to every working mother.

As a UNICEF Advocate, Kareena launched the Every Child Alive campaign one which speaks about the harsh reality of the deaths of millions of newborns owning to improper care and malnourishment.

Says Kareena, In our part of the world, one million babies die every year in their first month of life. 2,800 newborns dye every day in South Asia, before they even reach the age of one month! This is both overwhelming and totally unacceptable to me, especially knowing that these deaths are preventable! UNICEF has launched its Every Child Alive campaign this Tuesday to speak out against this harsh reality. In South Asia, one in every 36 babies dies within a month. The latest UNICEF data shows that no region in the world is more dangerous than South Asia for newborns.

Talking about the endeavor she adds, It is both possible and doable to keep many more babies alive and healthy. The governments are doing everything they can to ensure adequate service delivery. However, I would like to reiterate that it is not only about governments doing their bit but it is about civil society taking relevant and collective action. As mothers and societies, we need to do three things. It is time that we all make collective efforts to save newborns in the region.South Asia can become a region where it is very safe to be born. It is not that difficult. It is not that complicated. So, lets get to work for our newborns.
Abu Dhabi, Feb 22 (IBNS): Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced the addition of a second daily direct flight from its Abu Dhabi hub to Rome, effective March 25.

The new service will take the total number of Etihad Airways flights on the route to 14 a week.

The additional frequencies will be introduced in phases, beginning March 25, with five extra weekly flights, rising to a twice-a-day service from May 1.

The double-daily schedule will provide greater choice to local passengers travelling between the capital cities of the UAE and Italy, and further increase connectivity to and from both countries.

The new early morning departure from Abu Dhabi and midday return service from Rome will offer links to popular cities across Australia, China, Japan and Korea.

With the additional service, Etihad Airways frequency between Abu Dhabi and its two Italian gateways of Rome and Milan will increase from two flights to three flights a day.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: Ensuring our guests have greater flexibility and more travel options is a focus for Etihad Airways. Since we launched the Abu Dhabi  Rome route in 2014, it has become one of our most popular services for business and leisure travellers. We are therefore delighted to further develop the route with additional services.

Etihad Airways codeshare partner Alitalia has announced that it will discontinue the operation of its daily flight between Rome and Abu Dhabi from March 25.

Alitalia will however continue to codeshare with Etihad and will also place its code on the new Etihad flights. Guests holding reservations on Alitalia flights between Rome and Abu Dhabi and beyond will be re-accommodated on services operated by Etihad Airways.
New York, Feb 22 (JEN): Deeply alarmed by the escalating violence in Syrias east Ghouta, the United Nations has reiterated a call for an end to hostilities so that the sick and wounded can be immediately evacuated and humanitarian aid deliveries can reach those in need.

Nearly 400,000 people in Eastern Ghouta have been subjected to airstrikes, shelling and bombardment, said a statement issued Tuesday by UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply alarmed by the escalating situation in Eastern Ghouta and its devastating impact on civilians, noted the statement, adding that more than 100 people were reportedly killed since Monday, including at least 13 children, while five hospitals or medical clinics were hit by airstrikes.

Over 700 individuals require immediate medical evacuation. In addition, there are reports of shelling from Eastern Ghouta on Damascus.

Eastern Ghouta is part of a de-escalation agreement reached in Astana, the statement said, referring to the Syria talks brokered by Russia, Iran and Turkey in the Kazak capital.

The Secretary-General reminds all parties, particularly the guarantors of the Astana agreements, of their commitments in this regard, the statement added.

The Secretary-General urges all stakeholders to ensure basic principles of international humanitarian law are adhered to, including unhindered humanitarian access, unconditional medical evacuations, and the protection of civilians and their infrastructure, the statement said.

Stop the monstrous campaign of annihilation of east Ghouta  UN rights chief

Meanwhile, the UN human rights chief on Wednesday called for an end to civilian suffering.

These are hundreds of thousands of civilians who have been trapped for over five years under siege, suffering deprivation of their most basic needs, and are now facing relentless bombing, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein said in a statement.

How much cruelty will it take before the international community can speak with one voice to say enough dead children, enough wrecked families, enough violence, and take resolute, concerted action to bring this monstrous campaign of annihilation to an end? he added.

Since the Syrian Government and their allies escalated their offensive against opposition-held east Ghouta on 4 February, there have been more than 1,200 civilian casualties, including at least 346 killed and 878 injured, mostly in airstrikes hitting residential areas, according to reports documented by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

UNICEF/Amer Al Shami


New York, Feb 22 (JEN): Every two weeks, one of the worlds languages disappears, along with the human history and cultural heritage that accompanies it, the chief of the United Nations cultural agency warned on Wednesday, calling for greater efforts to preserve and promote mother languages and indigenous languages, to bolster inclusion, diversity and ultimately, sustainable development.

A language is far more than a means of communication; it is the very condition of our humanity. Our values, our beliefs and our identity are embedded within it, said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), on the occasion of International Mother Language Day.

It is through language that we transmit our experiences, our traditions and our knowledge. The diversity of languages reflects the incontestable wealth of our imaginations and ways of life, she added.

The 2018 theme for Mother Language Day its Linguistic diversity and multilingualism count for sustainable development.

Calling the Day an essential component of the intangible heritage of humanity, Azoulay underscored UNESCOs long-standing commitment to preserving and vitalizing language, defending linguistic diversity and promoting multilingual education.

This commitment concerns mother languages in particular, which shape millions of developing young minds, and are the indispensable vector for inclusion in the human community, first at the local level, then at the global level, she elaborated.

UNESCO supports policies, particularly in multilingual countries, which promote mother languages and indigenous languages and recommends using them from the first years of schooling, because children learn best in their mother language.

How many languages can you recognize?, by UNESCO

The UN agency also encourages their use in public spaces and especially on the Internet, where multilingualism should become the rule.

Everyone, regardless of their first language, should be able to access resources in cyberspace and build online communities of exchange and dialogue, said Azoulay, calling it one of the major challenges of sustainable development, at the heart of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

According to the UN, at least 43 per cent of the estimated 6,000 languages spoken in the world are endangered. Only a few hundred languages have genuinely been given a place in education systems and the public domain, and less than a hundred are used in the digital world.

Pointing out that every two weeks a language disappears, Ms. Azoulay underscored that promoting multilingualism also helps to stop this programmed extinction.

Azoulay quoted Nelson Mandela in saying: If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.

On the occasion of this international day, UNESCO invites its Member States to celebrate, through a variety of educational and cultural initiatives, the linguistic diversity and multilingualism that make up the living wealth of our world, she concluded.

Sarah Farhat/World Bank
New York, Feb 22 (JEN):The Principles outlined in the United Nations Charter remain the foundations of international relations and global harmony at a time when conflicts have come more complex, new threats and challenges have emerged and impacts of instability are felt far beyond their source, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday.

So, while the Charters Principles are as relevant as ever, we must continue to update its tools, we must use those tools with greater determination, and we must go back to the Charters roots for inspiration as we strive to deliver for we the peoples, Guterres told a ministerial-level briefing of the Security Council on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

Calling for rebalancing the approach to international peace and security, the UN chief underscored the need to help countries avert the outbreak of crises  both natural and man-made  as well as the importance of full commitment to all human rights and inclusion of women in peace efforts.

Preventing crises is primarily the responsibility of Member States. Chapter VI of the Charter [on Pacific Settlement of Disputes] describes the tools that are available to them for that purpose  negotiation; enquiry; mediation; conciliation; arbitration; judicial settlement; and other peaceful measures and means, stressed the Secretary-General, adding that the UN, including his own good offices, stand ready to help prevent, manage or resolve conflicts.

Guterres also highlighted the role of Chapters VII and VIII on action with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, and acts of aggression; and regional arrangements, respectively, and said that regional perspectives are critical in understanding challenges and regional ownership essential for sustainable solutions.

In that context, the UN chief noted the partnership between the Organization and the African Union on peace and security, and the alignment of the 2030 Agenda with Africas Agenda 2063.

The Purposes and Principles of the Charter speak to todays challenges as firmly as they spoke to people who had just lived through the most horrible war the world has ever seen, said Guterres.

The UN chief began his remarks with an appeal for an immediate suspension of all war activities in Syrias conflict-battered eastern Ghouta, where, he said, a human tragedy is unfolding in front of our eyes [with] 400,000 people living in hell on earth.The Charter is our living template for serving we the peoples, he added.

I dont think we can let things go on in this horrendous way, said Guterres, explain that an estimated 700 people in the town, near the Syrian capital, Damascus, need urgent treatment that cannot be provided there. I pause in the violence would allow for evacuations and for other civilians to be treated on site.

He also noted that acknowledged that the liberation of Kuwait from the forces of Saddam Hussein took place 27 years ago this month. This anniversary  of an undertaking in which the international community used the collective security principles outlined in the UN Charter to address a breach of the peace  is a fitting backdrop to todays discussion.

Speaking alongside Guterres, former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, also highlighted that that the primary responsibilities in the Security Council to maintain international peace and security are needed now more than ever.

In order to effectively respond to non-traditional and transnational security challenges such as climate change, terrorism and violent extremism, nuclear proliferation, and cross-border insecurity, the Security Council should undergo reforms to be more flexible in its decision-making process, he said.

Ban also noted that multilateralism cannot be upheld by only one Member State or a group of states and urged the UN system, including the Security Council to strive to overcome whatever challenges may loom over the horizon.

He also emphasized the need for the entire membership of the Organization to faithfully and thoroughly implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change while coping with other new challenges including, among others, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

UN Photo/Mark Garten
New York, Feb 22 (JEN): The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the most ambitious, universal, people-centred and planet-sensitive set of goals and targets ever conceived by the United Nations, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed told a regional leaders forum in Belarus on Wednesday.

Speaking in Minsk at the Regional SDGs Coordination Leaders Forum, Building a partnership to underpin national sustainable development solutions, Ms. Mohammed said translating the Agenda into concrete Action is one of her top priorities and dubbed the frameworks associated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the global communitys roadmap to transform our world.

She saw the meeting as an excellent opportunity to discuss implementation challenges, exchange best practices and explore new partnership modalities to advance the global goals.

Our efforts to leave no one behind will be a test of our common vision, resolve and ingenuity, she stressed.

Mohammed emphasized that a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach must become the new norm  with meaningful multi-stakeholder partners central in designing, implementing, financing and evaluating development solutions.

Noting some positive trends and successful initiatives since the 2030 Agendas adoption, she stated that the SDGs were being implemented at global, regional, national, city and community levels, in developed and developing countries alike, reflecting its universality in ownership and scope.

More concrete efforts are needed to leverage the capacities, networks, skills and resources of civil society, the private sector, academia, statistical bodies, local community associations and youth groups, she added.

Ms. Mohammed outlined three key points, beginning with the SDGs need for governments to go beyond traditional development programmes to tackle the complexity of the 2030 Agenda through integrated approaches, attuned to specific contexts.

She listed a number of measures underway to help move the agenda forward, including governments incorporating the global goals into national plans and legislative frameworks.

Achieving these goals will require defining new national pathways and priorities, and mobilizing the necessary financing, technology and expertise, she asserted.

According to the UN deputy chief, the second key point is the importance of partnerships, saying small and medium enterprises are slowly coming on board and need to be supported as they play a major role in most economies.

Mohammad called fiscal incentives and enabling environments game-changers for governments, underlining the importance of long-term investing that price longer-term risks in sustainable development.

She called a data revolution, the third point, the lynchpin to ensure that programmes and interventions are targeting the poor and most vulnerable and marginalized communities and regions.

Without high quality data, providing the right information on the right things at the right time, designing, financing, monitoring and evaluating effective policies is almost impossible, she stated.

Governments need to begin integrating different but comparable data sources; explore citizen-generated data to supplement national statistics; link evidence-based policy planning to financing the SDGs; and integrate data from the private sector, academia and civil society, particularly where indicators are not available from existing systems, she elaborated.

The empowerment of youth and gender equality are also game changers, Mohammad continued, underscoring the need to address the issues of rights, voice and participation of women and the youth in the design and implementation of policy choices.

In closing, she maintained that together, we can strengthen partnerships to achieve our shared ambition: an inclusive, equitable, prosperous and sustainable world, for everyone.

United Nations/Egor Dubrovsky
New York, Feb 22 (JEN): With hundreds of thousands of migrants who arrived in the United States as children facing possible expulsion, a group of United Nations human rights experts has urged the country to take urgent steps to address their situation and ensure that their rights are protected.

We are increasingly concerned about the impact that ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme could have on the young people who benefit from it, said the rights experts in a news release issued by the UN human rights wing, OHCHR, Tuesday.

The call comes ahead of the 5 March deadline for the DACA programme, which grants work permits and renewable two-year deferments from deportation to qualifying migrants who arrived as children under 16, are pursuing or have completed a high school education or military service, and have not committed a serious crime.

Often referred to as Dreamers, the DACA beneficiaries  estimated to number around 800,000  will be stripped of their legal status and their protection from deportation without procedural safeguards if a solution is not reached by the deadline.

The majority of Dreamers are ages 25 or below, and many are current students.

The US needs to adopt measures to address this situation as a matter of urgency. These migrants risk losing protection of their rights and being expelled from the country where many of them have lived and developed their lives for decades, the experts underscored, noting that of particular concern is that the majority of these migrants are young women at risk of being expelled to countries where there are high levels of violence, lawlessness and crime.

The human rights experts also underscored that an abrupt end to the DACA programme will disrupt the lives of these migrants and cause profound grief and irreparable harm by tearing their families apart and making them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse if deported to countries where they barely have any ties.

Ending the programme without a feasible alternative would also send a wrong signal to the population, as it would reinforce harmful racial stereotypes and stigmatize hard-working, law-abiding young migrants who are an asset to the country which they consider home, they added.

In the news release, the human rights experts also highlighted that the expiry of DACA offers a unique opportunity for regularization of many migrants who have strong economic, social, cultural and family links in the UN, and whose contribution to society is unquestionable.

The UN rights experts making the call include Felipe Gonzalez Morales, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants; Elina Steinerte, Vice-Chair on Communications of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; Nils Melzer, UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; Alda Facio, Chair of the UN Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice; and E. Tendayi Achiume, UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism.

UN Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.

UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferre
A unanimous motion adopted in February 2011 stating that security personnel had the right to refuse entry to anyone with kirpan -- a small ceremonial dagger that Sikhs are supposed to wear at all times -- was challenged by two members of the World Sikh Organization of Canada.

In Jan. 2011 Balpreet Singh and Harminder Kaur had to go into a legislature hearing to submit a brief.

Bu their entry was banned by the security personnel because they refused part with their kirpans.

Initially they argued the motion was unconstitutional but later agreed that the motion was legal but non-binding.

But on Monday Patrick Healy, Quebec Court of Appeal Justice rejected their arguments saying national assembly had the right to establish its own rules in accordance with parliamentary privilege.

Healy said the legislature had the authoriy to "exclude kirpans from its precincts as an assertion of parliamentary privilege over the exclusion of strangers.''

"The Supreme Court confirmed that these general principles formed part of Canadian constitutional law and held specifically that the privilege to exclude strangers is entrenched in the Canadian Constitution,'' Healy was reported to write on behalf of a three-member panel.

"I make no comment whether the assembly's exercise of the privilege to exclude the kirpan is a wise decision.

"I say only that it is a legal exercise of this category of privilege. If the appellants wish to challenge it, the proper forum is the assembly itself...an appeal is certainly one of our options and were considering it very seriously.



(Reporting by Asha Bajaj , Image: Kirpan/Wikipedia)
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www.indiainfoline.com is part of the IIFL Group, a leading financial services player and a diversified NBFC. The site provides comprehensive and real time information on Indian corporates, sectors, financial markets and economy. On the site we feature industry and political leaders, entrepreneurs, and trend setters. The research, personal finance and market tutorial sections are widely followed by students, academia, corporates and investors among others.
1. Deepika Padukone Is In Support Of Having Counselors & Psychiatrists. Here's Why It Makes Sense

BCCL

The actress said frequent sessions with counsellors, medication, lifestyle changes, spacing the work, adequate sleep and the right kind of food helped her overcome the problem. She stressed the need for people to come out and speak about mental illness. "You are not alone. One in three or five persons feels depression. It's going to be next big epidemic to hit our country," she said.

2. Wrestler John Cena Cant Stop Gushing About Shah Rukh Khan, Posts Another Picture Of King Khan

John Cena is smitten by SRK and his words, and his latest Instagram post is a proof.

3. The Internet Joins Kamal Haasan's Political Party Launch, Presents Some Giggle-Worthy Memes!

Of late, actor Kamal Haasan has been making a lot of headlines not because of an upcoming movie, but due to his publicised entry into the world of politics. Yesterday, he officially launched his party Makkal Needhi Maiam amid a roadshow in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

4. Lindsay Lohan Sparks Conversion Rumors After She Steps Out In Hijab At A London Fashion Show

And according to latest pictures that are doing rounds on the internet, Lindsay is seen wearing the headscarf at the London Modest Fashion Week on Sunday. She chose to sport a hijab for the event, in order to adhere to evenings theme, that showcased the latest styles in hijabs, abayas and long hemlines.

5. Fans Compare Megan Milan With Priyanka Chopra, Say Their Resemblance With Each Other Is Uncanny

Fans on social media recently noted that model Megan Milan looks uncannily similar to our Desi girl Priyanka Chopra and theyre all freaking out.
Many celebrities and their doppelgangers have often made fans freak out. The idea of having a doppelganger is both exciting as well as creepy, isnt it? But what if two popular people look-alike?

Fans on social media recently noted that model Megan Milan looks uncannily similar to our Desi girl Priyanka Chopra and theyre all freaking out.

Do you think they look similar too? Well, fans have spotted the similarity.

DUDE YOU LOOK EXACTLY LIKE PRIYANKA CHOPRA  rim (@leodapinchi) February 18, 2018

you literally look like @priyankachopra  btw you're looking absolutely gorgeous. pic.twitter.com/0TrYVjPX71  yasemin  | padmaavat (@ysmnly) February 20, 2018

A mix of Priyanka Chopra and Michael Jackson  Ali Baloch (@abaloch111) February 20, 2018

omg i was checking the replied just to make sure i wasnt the only one who thought this   (@pisceshunty) February 19, 2018

That's exactly what i thought  no (@idhttforthis) February 20, 2018

That exactly what I thought too..  k!tap (@ChhapriSala) February 21, 2018

Check out some more pictures of her.

Pure beggings A post shared by Psalms 46:5 (@megan.milan) on Oct 3, 2017 at 5:23am PDT

Interestingly, this is not the first time, PC has found her doppelganger. Earlier, Canadian vlogger Navpreet Banga had also made headlines for being Priyankas look-alike. Check out her pictures below.

Have you ever found your own doppelganger? Tell us in the comment section below.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to India has grabbed attention worldwide, especially for the so-called snub by PM Modi. Adding to the controversy is the name of Khalistan sympathizer who was invited to a dinner with PM Trudeau in Delhi.

Jaspal Atwal / ANI

Jaspal Atwal, a Khalistani terrorist had also been sent an invite for the reception of the Canadian Prime Minister. However, due to heavy controversy, the Canadian High Commission on Thursday confirmed that the invitation to Khalistani terrorist to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's reception has been rescinded.

A convicted Khalistani terrorist, Atwal was active in the banned International Sikh Youth Federation. Canada's CBC News reported earlier that he had been invited for a formal dinner with the Canadian Prime Minister, hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner, scheduled to take place later in the day.

"The High Commission has rescinded Mr Atwal's invitation. We do not comment on matters related to the PM's security," Canadian Consulate in Mumbai told ANI.

Jaspal Atwal was convicted of the attempted murder of Punjab minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986. Trudeau, who is in India on a week-long State visit, has been under pressure throughout his tour to answer Indian concerns about Sikh separatism in Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in India on a week-long visit. Trudeau and his family arrived in New Delhi on February 17. He visited the beautiful Golden Temple in Amritsar on Wednesday and as a part of 'seva' (service), he made 'chapatis' at the famous langar (communal kitchen) there.

Not only this, an overwhelmed Trudeau also recorded his thoughts in the visitors' book at the Sikhs' holiest shrine.

PTI

"What an honour to be so well received at such a beautiful, meaningful place. We are filled with grace and humility," it reads.

Canadian Prime Minister #JustinTrudeau's message in the visitors book at #Amritsar's Golden Temple. pic.twitter.com/LGJZmbSZwC  ANI (@ANI) 21 February 2018

Remember the Komagata Maru episode? Well, two years ago, Trudeau apologised in the Canadian parliament for it.

PTI

What actually happened?

In 1914, Canada refused to let most of 376 passengers from Punjab, a majority of them Sikh, on board the Japanese steamship Komagata Maru, get off the ship. The vessel, which had sailed from Hong Kong to Vancouver, was forced to return to what was then British India.

Well, how can Twitterati miss such events. They bashed the PM for having bad handwriting and making rotis. Here's what they had to say:

Mai aapne pita ji ko ye handwriting dikhaunga unhe lagta hai duniya me sabse gandi handwriting meri hai  Uttam Singh chandel (@uttampanda1729) 21 February 2018

Pen to dhang ka rakhte waha....  Srini (@srinivasgandhe) 21 February 2018





       akshay tyagi (@Akshayshankey) 21 February 2018

Bhai yeh karne Kya aaya h India mein??  karan agarwal (@karanagarwal1) 21 February 2018

Usko khud nahi Pata..

I think promoting, Designer Indian Traditional clothes...  Honest Being (@PuneetB15) 21 February 2018
ANI

Flying officer Avani Chaturvedi's name entered the history book as she has become the first Indian woman to fly a fighter aircraft. Read more





Here's more top news of the day:





1) In A Hopeful First, Khap Body Urges Women Not To Wear Ghoonghat, Calls It Foolishness

CDC

Since forever, women have been told to 'cover up', because that is the sanskaari thing to do. They have been cloaking their bodies in clothing materials as long as 6 yards just to keep men from seeing their bodies. Read more

2) 67-YO Woman Dies After Gall Bladder Surgery, Gurugram Hospital Bills Rs 17 Lakh, Case Filed

reuters/representational image

The son of a 67-year-old woman has filed a police complaint against a city-based private hospital, alleging negligence in a surgery performed on her for which a final bill of Rs 17 lakh was raised. The woman died 18 days after the surgery, this January. Read more





3) Swachh Bharat Scam? Tamil Nadu Claims To Have Built 4,000 Toilets Per Day For Last Two Years

bccl/representational image

The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) website proclaimed that Tamil Nadu had 41.79 lakh toilets as of Wednesday morning. By evening, another 6,000 toilets were added to the landscape of the state, taking the total number of toilets to 41.86 lakh. Read more

4) Upgraded 'Made In India' Light Transport Aircraft 'SARAS' Successfully Completes 2nd Test-Flight

Twitter

The indigenous light transport aircraft (LTA) Saras on Wednesday completed the second of the proposed 20 test flights, commanded by Wing Commander UP Singh, Group Captain RV Panicker and Group Captain KP Bhat of the Aircraft and System Testing Establishment (ASTE). Read more

5) Govt Will Give Maternity Leave To Its Female Employees Who Have Baby Through Surrogacy

Representational Image

In a tremendously forward-looking move, that expands the rights of working women in India, women employees of the central government who have a child through surrogacy will be entitled to maternity leave. Read more
Doctors in a Mumbai hospital have successfully removed a huge brain tumour weighing 1.873 kilogram from a man from Uttar Pradesh.

The tumour is the largest of its kind to be excised successfully anywhere in the world, said Professor Dr Trimurti D. Nadkarni, Head of Neurosurgery at BYL Nair Charitable Hospital.

BCCL

The previously know largest brain tumour to be successfully removed weighed 1.40 kg.

The patient, 31-year-old Santlal Pal, was brought to Mumbai after hospitals in Varanasi and Allahabad refused to admit him claiming that the surgery was too risky as the tumour had protruded his skull.

Upon examination, it was detected that he had a firm scalp swelling of a whopping 30x30x20 cms, which shockingly resembled two heads mounted on top of each other.

Following a series of MRI and CT scans of the brain, a specialised CT angiography was performed to study the blood supply of the massive brain tumour.

Representational Image

Pal underwent the surgery on 14 of February and the five-member team of doctors successfully removed the tumour after a surgery that went on for more than six hours.

"Such large tumours are rare and a surgical challenge. There was a heavy blood loss and this required great team skill in pre-operative monitoring for success," Mr Nadkarni told IANS.
Depicting miserable conditions of Asiatic lions, a video is being widely circulated on social media platforms in which a trucker is seen chasing a lioness and its three cubs in Greater Gir forest area.

According to the local villagers, the video was shot near Pipavav Port state highway in Rajula taluka of Amreli district in Gujarat.

The truck driver is speaking in Hindi and is chasing lions while a person sitting next to him is capturing the video on his mobile phone. The truck might have come to Pipavav Port from outside the state.

The video shows a lioness and three cubs running in fear as the truck chases them.

Forest department has hired trackers and deputed foresters in all lion habitats but they are careless in protecting the endangered animal," wildlife activist Atabhai Wagh said.

pinimg.com

The higher officials of the forest department are investigating the matter.

However, it's not a one-off incident. A video went viral in November last year showing a biker chasing a lion. The forest department had assured inquiry after an outrage, but till date nobody has been booked.

The apathy of forest department has created outrage among animal lovers and lion protection groups.
As a member of the "Axis of Evil", North Korea is perhaps the single most demonized country on Earth in Western eyes. North Korea has faced U.S.-led hostility and isolation for 70 years, relentless sanctions, and now impulsive threats of nuclear annihilation. Sharat G. Lin traveled to North Korea to see firsthand what the country is really like. He presents an eye-opening picture of a country few Americans have ever seen, and finds a viable road to peace and reunification for Korea that calls for a drastic change in U.S. policy.



Dr. Lin is a research fellow and former president of the San Jose Peace and Justice Center. He received his Ph.D. in medical physics and nuclear medicine. He writes and lectures on global political economy, labor migration, and public health.



After the Forum, please join us for a lunch at 12:30pm. The lunch is complimentary for first-time visitors and students. For more event information: https://www.meetup.com/humanistcommunity/e...

Added to the calendar on Wednesday Feb 21st, 2018 2:19 PM
Many of todays successful businesses are moving beyond the public cloud into a new era of hybrid IT that combines public cloud, private cloud, and traditional IT. These organizations are implementing a hybrid cloud strategy because it is helping them improve the way they run their business and deliver new services to customers.

A number of organizations are opening up and sharing their stories -- detailing why they added hybrid cloud to their current IT environment and how they are making hybrid IT management simpler than ever before. Based on their experiences, five reasons stand out as to why enterprise customers are integrating hybrid cloud with traditional IT.

Ensure security while doing business faster

Optio Data, a data strategy company, helps its customers more efficiently deliver state-of-the-art IT solutions. Optio Data found that incorporating a hybrid IT approach addressed the needs of customers who required not only fast and flexible development options that cloud-based solutions provide, but also the security and control of keeping certain solutions on-premises. Read the full story: Simplifying hybrid IT for a successful digital transformation.

Deliver products and services more efficiently

Hybrid IT lets businesses choose the best IT infrastructure to meet specific business needs. Redbox is a new-release movie and game rental company with more than 41,500 kiosks in the United States. By combining on-premises private cloud with public cloud, they can run their business more efficiently and deliver a variety of services and products to their customers. This type of IT flexibility opens the door for continued innovation and better customer engagement. Read the full story: Redbox implements hybrid IT strategy and sparks digital transformation.

Collaborate more effectively

For one leading animation studio, a hybrid cloud environment provides the flexibility to seamlessly collaborate. During peak compute rendering times, team members from their animation studios all over the world can access a hybrid cloud infrastructure -- a combination of on-site private cloud and off-site managed private cloud. This hybrid cloud environment allows artists and producers worldwide to share and collaborate in real time. Read the full story: Creative freedom through digital transformation.

Offer more services while saving money

According to an IT leader at one states department of transportation (DoT), deploying a hybrid IT strategy helps them provide more services in a more cost-effective way. Because of strict budget restrictions, running all of their workloads in the public cloud on a regular basis is cost-prohibitive. Instead, they run their workloads on premises using traditional IT or in a private cloud. And then during peak demand, they utilize the public cloud for extra capacity. Read the full story: Department of transportation moves from traditional to hybrid IT.

Improve outcomes through more opportunities

Another organization that recently embraced a hybrid cloud environment is HudsonAlpha, a leader in genomic research. Many of HudsonAlphas researchers have been given government grant money to test novel, new treatment theories. Because of these grants, they can quickly test creative ideas in a public cloud without taking resources away from the more accepted research methodologies that rely on HudsonAlphas private cloud. Read the full story here: How digital transformation is powering genomic research.

Hybrid cloud is now simple to manage

In the past, one of the main concerns with deploying applications in a hybrid IT infrastructure was added complexity. Using public cloud, private cloud, and on-premises IT, creates silos of information, making it difficult to share information and move applications from one IT model to another. The complexity of adjusting to a hybrid cloud environment has slowed down the digital transformation of many companies.

With the recent announcement of HPE OneSphere, a multi-cloud management solution, hybrid cloud complexity is no longer an issue. Through a software-as-a-service (SaaS) portal, HPE OneSphere gives customers access to a pool of IT resources that spans the public cloud services they subscribe to, as well as their on-premises environments. Using this new management tool, organizations are now able to seamlessly compose, operate, and optimize all workloads across on-premises, private, hosted, and public clouds.

Each day, more and more organizations are adding a growing mix of hybrid cloud environments to their traditional IT in order to run their businesses better and offer more services to their customers. Hybrid IT helps businesses deliver more to customers, collaborate better, save money, improve outcomes and ensure security. And now with HPE OneSphere, hybrid IT management is simpler than ever.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has assembled an array of resources that are helping businesses succeed in a hybrid IT world. Learn about HPEs approach to developing and managing hybrid cloud infrastructure by checking out the HPE OneSphere website. Read more about composable infrastructure through the e-book, Composable Infrastructure for Dummies. And to find out how HPE can help you determine a workload placement strategy that meets your service level agreements, visit HPE Pointnext.

_____________________________________

About Paul Miller



Paul Miller is Vice President of Marketing for the Software-Defined and Cloud Group at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). Pauls organization is responsible for all marketing content and sales enablement tools to help HPE customers get the best product and solution experience.

To read more articles from Paul Miller, check out the HPE Converged Data Center Infrastructure blog.
Cattle Market Closes Mixed Barchart - 1 hour ago Fat cattle futures were weaker on Thursday but closed off their lows with 17 to 87 cent losses. Feeders were higher nearby, gaining $1.15 in September, but were 27 to 40 cents red in the deferred months.... LEV21 : 123.600s (-0.46%) LEG22 : 132.650s (-0.38%) GFU21 : 155.875s (+0.74%) GFV21 : 157.100s (+0.38%)

Corn Closes Red on Thursday Barchart - 1 hour ago At the settle for Thursday, corn futures were 3 1/4 to 4 cents weaker. Poor weekly export sales were the main influence, with the lack of New Orleans origination crimping sales. Crude Oil prices are also... CLV21 : 72.64 (+0.04%) XVF22 : 2,448s (-0.73%) ZCZ21 : 529-4 (-0.75%) ZCPAUS.CM : 5.1568 (-1.26%) ZCH22 : 536-6 (-0.74%) ZCZ21 : 529-4 (-0.75%)

Shootin' the Bull Swift Trading Company - Thu Sep 16, 3:52PM CDT Bonds were lower today and have now punctured both ends of the triangle. The US dollar was sharply higher today. All factors of trading in other commodity markets appeared to be hampered by these market's...

RFD-TV Interview: Grain and Livestock Markets Blue Line Futures - Thu Sep 16, 3:11PM CDT Grain markets have seen a nice relief rally through this week's trade, but will we see sellers step back in ahead of the weekend? Cattle futures have struggled to rebound following weeks of selling pressure,...

Covered California director to step down in February AP - Thu Sep 16, 3:02PM CDT SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  The director of Covered California said Thursday he will step down early next year, prompting a national search for a new leader of the nation's largest state-based health insurance... $SPX : 4,473.75 (-0.16%) $DOWI : 34,751.32 (-0.18%) $IUXX : 15,515.91 (+0.08%)

Australian Dollar and Fibonacci ONE44 Analytics - Thu Sep 16, 2:58PM CDT Viewer request, This article will go over the Australian Dollars future contract (A6Z21) A6Z21 : 0.72980 (+0.01%) ^AUDUSD : 0.72950 (+0.16%)
Scott Wilson, iSelect's managing director and CEO, said the move was a step toward becoming Australia's life admin store and a one-stop-shop for all their customers' insurance needs.

Were expecting over a million Australians to seek iSelects assistance when moving house in 2018, Wilson said. The ability to have one company sort out their utilities and general insurance will help make what can be an incredibly stressful time just that little bit easier.

Wilson said there's more to the relaunched home and contents service than just a simple, price-based online comparison.

Our expanded home and contents offering is a full end-to-end service, with comparing online simply the first step in our comprehensive needs analysis, he said. Customers will be encouraged to have an in-depth telephone consultation with one of our highly-trained home-and-contents insurance brokers to help navigate the complexity of general insurance policies and choose the most appropriate product.

Home-and-contents policies provided through iSelect will cover home owners, renters, and landlords.

Meanwhile, iSelect has also become the first insurance broker for CoreLogic's new Cordell Sum Sure calculator, which uses construction data to make it easier for customers to accurately estimate how much it would cost to rebuild their property.

Combining our own cutting-edge proprietary technology with CoreLogics construction data will provide customers with a real-time building cost analysis to reduce the risk of underinsurance, Wilson said.

Wilson cited recent research that revealed that more than 40% of Australians were unsure whether they were adequately insured.

Almost a third of policy-holders admit their home is probably not insured for its full rebuild cost, and we hope this sophisticated technology will help ensure customers are not caught short financially in the event of their property being destroyed or damaged, he said.

Suresh Dhanushkoti, CoreLogic's general manager for insurance, said using their digital calculator via iSelect would assure customers that they are adequately insured.

Consumers are unlikely to have the experience to determine the level of insurance they require, and this could leave them vulnerable to the potential for underinsurance  which can prove costly in the event of a claim, Dhanushkoti said. With houses our most valuable asset, its essential that we get our sum insured values and insurance premiums exactly right so that we are looking out for ourselves financially should the worst happen.



Related stories:

CoreLogic unveils new product for calculating sum insured

ICA tackles underinsurance with CoreLogic
We are continually working on acquisitions but we are also continuing to be diligent about what we want to do, Kelly said.

The fact that we bought Whitbread shows you that we look for quality, sustainable businesses that have been around for a long time and so we are not usually involved in anything that has not got the track record that appeals to the longevity of what we want to do at Steadfast.

On the underwriting agency side, Kelly said the firm continues to see opportunities and will look at acquisitions following the Whitbread deal, which saw Axis join the underwriting agency network last year.

In the first half of 2018, Steadfast had a net total investment of $121 million, which included a $100 million capital raising for the acquisition of Whitbread. The firm has also increased its stake in global broker network unisonSteadfast to 40%.

Kelly said the business will look to utilise this global connection over the coming period to secure better deals for its brokers.

We are well underway with getting the aggregation of all of the gross written premiums around the world and putting it together. The international insurers are rather eagerly waiting to see how they can benefit from using the aggregation of those premiums to do better deals for the unisonSteadfast clients around the world, Kelly said.

While Steadfast brokers placed a record $2.6 billion in GWP over the half, Kelly said that the growth in the firms AR network was a particular highlight.

A big increase in our authorised rep network shows the distribution in general insurance in particular is moving in a wider range, Kelly said. People are becoming authorised reps, they are taking themselves to AFS licensees and saying a small, hardy business can be very sustainable acting under the umbrella of a large business.

We are pleased to see a lot of those authorised reps are coming into our business, and we are very pleased to have them.

Related stories:

Steadfast announces record first half

Steadfast lifts lid on massive Whitbread acquisition
However, two key executives at the independent insurance brokerage Alper Services, argue otherwise. According to David Macknin, CEO, and Ken Cuvala, vice president, director of property & casualty select division, education is not the issue, but rather knowing when and how best to serve small businesses plays a bigger role.

At Alper Services, we focus on providing specialized knowledge, experience and expertise to each size of business, including small businesses, in a best-in-class fashion, Macknin explained. We deploy human resources supported by the latest insurtech capabilities to deliver on this promise. Our dedication to the small business client differentiates us from the competition, some of whom shy away from small business to target clients with a higher profit margin.

Investors in insurance corporations, agency aggregators or private equity ownership demand high returns. Thus, many small business owners who need insurance are not approached by best-in-class brokersand therefore, are under-served.

Ken Cuvala was hired by Macknin to lead Alper Services Select Division, which focuses primarily on small business clients. The CEOs vision was for Cuvalas team to touch base with all small business clients, get to know them on a personal basis, and guide them through the necessary risk transfer and mitigation procedures.

Weve seen some very positive results in the Select Division since we personalized our communication approach with small business owners. Its about earning the clients trust as an insurance counselor rather than just a salesman, Cuvala told Insurance Business. Education among agents and brokers is vitally important.

Proper risk analysis and consultation will avoid excessive premiums. Educating the client so they understand exactly why they need certain coverages will gain their trust and grant them peace-of-mind knowing their business is protected.

An agent or broker is like a professor of insurance according to Macknin. Theres a common misconception  potentially made worse by the mass-marketed direct writing agents  that working with a specialist broker is going to result in higher premiums for a small business.

What Ken and his team are able to do is break down the barrier of ignorance that causes discomfort for the small business owner so they can realize the truly expensive thing is to have either no insurance or deficient insurance, Macknin added. Alper Services platform facilitates Kens ability to patiently educate, embrace and celebrate small business owners in a bespoke fashion.

An online platform for small business insurance can certainly deliver a quality policy from a top carrier. However, the question becomes: can it give a personal risk management methodology and execution strategy to the small business? Thats where we believe this entire industry segment is largely underserved by the insurance industry.

Related stories:

Why dont small businesses buy insurance?

This agency can never be sold


National wholesale broker and managing general agent Worldwide Facilities has appointed industry veteran George Vogle as senior vice president specializing in professional liability. Vogle will be based in Worldwide Facilities Atlanta office.

Vogle began his insurance career in 1977 as a casualty facultative reinsurance underwriter with General Reinsurance in Chicago. In 1981, he moved to Atlanta to join Bowring North America, a division of Marsh & McLennan, as a casualty surplus lines broker.
It is the perfect time at New Day to join forces with the powerhouse of RT Specialty, said Lejfer. Our national footprint will blend well with RTs extensive network, and our expertise will further complement RTs robust expertise in the construction and real estate industries.

The company is described as an advocate, consultant and advisor to its retail broker partners.

We are thrilled to have the New Day team join RT Specialty, said RT Specialty chairman and CEO Timothy W. Turner. Their expertise and dedication to their retailers is exemplary, and the addition of New Day will further strengthen our offerings in environmental, construction and real estate. Jeff Lejfer is a proven leader who has built a company based not only on technical expertise, but on respect for both clients and employees. We are confident that the New Day culture is a perfect fit with the culture of RT.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Related stories:

Ryan Specialty Group acquires top MGA in marine market

Ryan Specialty Group seals deal for NY brokerage
National insurance brokerage and risk-management firm Risk Strategies has acquired Prosurance Redeker Group, a specialty brokerage serving architects and engineers by providing risk-management consultation and the placement of professional liability and other business insurance coverages. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Prosurance Redeker Group was formed in 1991 by the merger of Redeker Brokerage and Prosurance Brokerage. It is led by its two principle owners, Greg Kumm and Warren Redeker. The company is a founding member of a/e ProNet, a national network of professional liability insurance brokers serving architects and engineers.

In architecture and engineering, getting the details right is crucial. Expertise matters, and is highly valued by clients, said Mike Christian, founder and CEO of Risk Strategies. Given their historical focus in this market and stellar reputation, we saw Prosurance Redeker Group as a natural fit for our experts-driven approach to the market.

The level of resources and expertise Risk Strategies offers will benefit existing clients in substantial ways and allow our people to more effectively compete for business, said Kumm.

Risk Strategies launched its national professional practice group focused on architects and engineers in 2013. Since then, the company has acquired several specialty firms focused on professional liability for architects and engineers, including Dallas-based McLaughlin-Brunson, Chicago-based Welbel & Associates and Nashville-based Crow-Friedman Group. The practice group now represents more than 4,000 design professionals and consulting firms.

Related stories:
With nearly 400,000 employees expected to retire from the insurance industry workforce within the next few years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, its incumbent on carriers to consider the ways in which they communicate with and recruit job applicants.

According to PwCs top issues annual report 2016, Commercial insurers  like many other kinds of insurers  have an aging workforce and are facing an impending talent crunch. Automation cannot replace the qualitative judgment that is necessary for effective underwriting. Therefore, it is vital for insurers to develop a performance-driven culture that enables the recruitment, development, and retention of younger underwriting talent.

This impending talent shortage, coupled with recent studies suggesting that the insurance industry isnt widely appealing to millennials, is forcing insurers to rethink their recruiting strategy, according to Dave Coons, senior vice president of Jacobson Group.

Were facing a potential talent shortage unlike anything weve ever seen in the past, Coons said.

We're facing a potential talent shortage unlike anything we've ever seen in the past.

The insurance industry isnt alone in this workforce revolution.

The authors of the PwC report wrote, Most U.S. employers are woefully unprepared for the business realities of an aging workforce and face a potentially massive loss of skilled, knowledgeable workers. Companies that effectively recruit, train and develop dedicated future staff and leaders will differentiate themselves and set themselves up for success into the future.

As a result of this massive transformation, insurers must reexamine how potential employees are screened and interviewed, Coons explained.

In the past, we were always more inclined to screen candidates out, Coons said. However, this is quickly being replaced with a screening in mentality  meaning that we have to more actively or proactively engage candidates to consider long-term careers in the insurance industry.

In its 2016 property/casualty insurance outlook report, Ernst and Young noted that Insurers must be proactive in recruiting and retaining next-generation innovators and leaders.

The role of one department in particular is highlighted in the PwC report: Human resources recruiters are the scouting departments of the insurance industry. Insurance recruiters have two options  to hire experienced candidates or recruit and develop raw talent through effective training programs.

According to Chad Record, assistant vice president of The Jacobson Group, candidates may not know about the wide array of opportunities that exist within an insurance company.

Thats because in the past, the focus on a potential employee might be just on the skills needed for a particular job. Now, carriers are widening their focus on all of an applicants abilities to zero in on where their skill set might best fit into the company.

Its incumbent on the company to look at where their skills and competencies might transcend certain boundaries and actually help candidates explore options and alternatives within the organization, Record said.

Record said if a candidate is placed in a role that maximizes his or her strengths, it will lead to greater job satisfaction and engagement.

The emphasis for insurers looking to increase staff size and replace employees is to cater to millennials, Coons said. With 66 percent of insurers looking to add staff, according to a Jacobson and The Ward Group study, and millennials expected to make up 50 percent of the workforce population, its a no-brainer.

Catering to millennials means offering job stability, providing meaningful work and rewards for the type of work they do, Record explained. In addition, advanced technology and providing millennials a voice in how they perform their jobs are important workplace qualities.

Leveraging energy, enthusiasm and creativity might advance a companys growth and development, Record said.

Changes in employee recruitment calls for changes in the interview process as well, Record said. There has been an increase in the use of video conferencing for interviews, as well as video career fairs. In addition, the interview process may now include peer-to-peer interviews.

Theres a greater emphasis on peer-to-peer interviews, which allows candidates to get a better sense of who they will be working with, rather than just who they will be working for, Record said. Teamwork is very appealing to millennials, so this process is something were seeing a lot more of these days.

Coons provided examples of what some insurers are doing to revise their recruitment process. This includes an increased use of social media for a broader reach proactively and interactively with prospective employees. Carrier career websites have also been upgraded to offer options such as click to chat with a recruiter, employee videos and links to social media. The idea is to be able to interact 24/7, Coons said.

Coons expressed his enthusiasm for all of the changes happening in the hiring process.

Its an exciting time to be employed in the insurance industry, Coons said.

Insurance industry executives and groups working to attract millennials to the sector are now actively targeting their younger colleagues to help get the word out through the Insurance Careers Movement initiative.

Last December, the recruiting initiative held a webinar designed to appeal to younger property/casualty insurance employees to raise awareness of the industry and help recruit new applicants. According to organizers, close to 2,000 people took part in the webinar, with millennials and others logging in from the U.S., U.K., Turkey, Switzerland, Mexico, Ireland, India, France, Canada and Bermuda.

The Insurance Careers Movement has designated February as its second annual insurance careers month. Overall, the Insurance Careers Movement includes more than 600 insurance carriers, agents/brokers, trade associations and industry partners.

Topics Carriers Talent Market Training Development
The insurance and risk management fields are professions with legions of rapidly-retiring older employees, and they struggle to hire and keep promising new and younger ones. How to accomplish this? Customized training is one way, a millennial industry professional said during the RIMS 2017 annual meeting in Philadelphia.

Create individual development plans. Its important to link peoples objectives to the companys growth, Kathleen Crowe, an Aon Risk Solutions account specialist, said during the April 26 session. We dont get a lot of opportunities to sit in front of your C-suite and have a conversation with them.

Crowe added that by doing so, it makes it feel like youre in it together [and its] not just about the companys bottom line.

Crowe offered additional tips for attracting millennials and keeping them engaged:

Create individual development plans. It's important to link people's objectives to the company's growth.

Know an employees aspirations and goals. Crowe said managers should consider a candidates or employees records, aspirations, five-year and 10-year goals and figure out how they can be achieved within their companies.

Manage both the quality and quantity of high potential employees at the corporate level. Having year-over-year consistency and explaining and beingvery clear about whats going on with the company is very important, Crowe said. The lower rung can be uncomfortable about not knowing whats going on. We need to know where we stand with each other as far as supervisor to younger person.

Dont rotate young employees into different departments. Crowe said many companies will hire younger employees and have them work in multiple departments during the first week and then pick the one they like. Dont burden them with that  take that project and say here, take it and run with it,' Crowe said. Its having a really great and full idea about one or two things. [The employee] will be able to benefit much more long term and for your company.

Consider younger employees for challenging positions. Crowe argued that leadership develops under stressful situations, so giving that younger employee the opportunity to experience that and be able to fail is key for both employee and company. If you dont understand what it feels like to fail, you are never going to be able to be successful, she said. When you are in risk management, not everything is going to go right all the time.

Reevaluate your top talent annually. Crowe pointed out that risk management and insurance are both constantly changing, with the constant emergence of new products and technology, which means growth strategies are likely to change, too. Employers must communicate this, Crowe said, and also make sure their teams are synched and aligned as much as possible each year.

Pay incentives. Crowe urged employers to offer significantly differentiated compensation to help promising younger employees see that they are an emerging leader and someone you want to have on your team, and also a person you want to respect and continue to help grow.

End blast emails and use individualized messages. Crowe said that this would show millennials that you care about their futures, with initiatives such as sending a personalized note to a young staff member informing the person that something is in the pipeline and [you are] happy to talk.

Crowe ended with a plea: Please dont hate millennials.

Were really not that bad, she said. We have a lot to learn from you all, but it is really important to provide opportunities for us to move up. We need to have the abilities and skills to manage that outside of being able to understand how to write a policy or write certificates of service.
Amtrak could prevent New Jersey Transit trains from entering New York if NJ Transit doesnt finish installing positive train control.

Amtrak President and CEO Richard Anderson told a House subcommittee that Amtrak is worried passengers are being put at risk by delays in installing the technology thats designed to prevent crashes.

In a filing to federal regulators last month, NJ Transit reported that through September, the braking system had only been installed in 25 of 440 locomotives and on none of 11 track segments.

New Jersey Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said last month that measures were being taken to meet the Dec. 31 deadline.

NJ Transit is the nations largest statewide public transportation system with more than 200 million passenger trips annually on its trains, buses and light rail.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics New York New Jersey
Ryan Specialty Group LLC (RSG) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire the assets and operations of New Day Underwriting Managers LLC (New Day), a specialty intermediary with offices in Hamilton, N.J.

New Day will become part of R-T Specialty LLC (RT Specialty), the wholesale brokerage unit of RSG. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

RT Specialty is a Delaware limited liability company based in Illinois.

New Day was founded in 2005 by CEO Jefferey S. Lejfer and is a specialist in environmental liability and construction-related professional liability insurance. Following the acquisition, Lejfer will continue leading the New Day team as it combines into RT Specialty.

Jeff Slivka, president of New Day Underwriting Managers, will lead its environmental and construction professional liability practice group following the acquisition.

The acquisition is an opportunity for New Day to maintain its focus on environmental and construction-related professional liability and to leverage the resources of a larger organization, Slivka said in a press release.

For RT Specialty, the addition of New Day will further strengthen its environmental, construction and real estate offerings, added RT Specialty Chairman and CEO Timothy W. Turner in the release.

Founded in 2010, RSG is an international specialty insurance organization which includes a wholesale brokerage firm and managing general underwriting companies designed specifically for brokers, agents and insurers.

Source: Ryan Specialty Group LLC

Topics Mergers Excess Surplus Underwriting Pollution New Jersey Construction Professional Liability
British ship insurer Steamship Mutual plans to set up a new Dutch subsidiary to ensure continued access to trade in the European Union in case Britain loses single market access.

We are about to apply for a license to establish a subsidiary company in the Netherlands, Steamship Mutuals executive chairman Gary Rynsard told Reuters in an email, adding it would opt for the port city of Rotterdam.

Britain dominates the global marine insurance market and losing access to specialist Protection and Indemnity (P&I) clubs could weaken its multi-billion pound shipping services sector.

Steamship Mutual, which employs around 150 people in the UK, is one of 13 major global P&I clubs and Europe represents more than 30 percent of the insurers global business.

Rynsard said it needed to act now to ensure it could continue to underwrite business in the bloc at the annual renewal date of February 20, 2019.

This would be just ahead of the March 29, 2019 date when Britain is due to leave the EU and Rynsard said the insurer expected to have five staff in the Netherlands by the end of 2018.

We cannot rely on transitional plans and will take action assuming a worst-case scenario, he said.

Insurers are making contingency plans after Britains vote to leave the EU means they risk losing passporting rights that allow UK financial services firms to trade in Europe without the need for locally regulated entities.

The six P&I clubs regulated in Britain are estimated to account for over half the revenue of an industry that insures about 90 percent of the worlds ocean-going tonnage.

P&I clubs North and Standard said in late November they would set up EU subsidiaries in Dublin, while UK P&I Club was next to announce it was opting for the Netherlands and was followed by Britannia, which would create a hub in Luxembourg.

The other UK-regulated P&I club, London, has not yet announced its plans.

Many of these clubs  owned by shipping companies  have been an integral part of the City of London for nearly two centuries, insuring ocean going ships against pollution and injury claims, typically the biggest costs when a vessel sinks.

Hull and machinery cover, which protects vessels against physical damage, is provided separately by other marine insurers.

Dublin, Luxembourg and Brussels are among the EU locations that have emerged for a number of players in the wider insurance market.

(Additional reporting by Carolyn Cohn; editing by Alexander Smith)

Topics Carriers Europe Uk Brexit
Even higher payouts for RSA shareholders are likely in 2018, chief executive Stephen Hester said on Thursday after the company posted an above-forecast 2017 operating profit and boosted its dividend by 23 percent.

Analysts had been looking for a special dividend or share buyback from the insurer, best known in Britain for its More Than brand, following improving results under the stewardship of Hester, a former boss of RBS.

The firm said it would pay a total dividend in 2017 of 19.6 pence, up 23 percent from a year earlier. Its shares rose more than 2 percent.

At the end of 2018, we should have scope to increase dividends not just by the amount that our profits increase but by some further amount, Hester told a media call.

RSA saw strong performance in its Canadian and Scandinavian divisions, contributing to a 1 percent rise in operating profit to 663 million pounds ($920.2 million), above a company-supplied consensus forecast of 639 million pounds.

But performance was weaker in its UK and international division, in part due to losses of 72 million pounds from hurricanes in the United States and Caribbean, and Mexican earthquakes.

Insurers worldwide have been hit by record losses of around $135 billion for natural disasters in 2017. However, insurance rates have risen following the fires, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes, suggesting higher profits in 2018.

RSAs overall combined operating ratio, a measure of underwriting profitability, was 94 percent against 94.2 percent a year earlier, beating a forecast 94.1 percent. A level below 100 percent indicates a profit.

Combined operating ratio for the firms UK and international division was 100.5 percent.

The company has been a subject of takeover speculation after rival Zurich Insurance walked away from a bid in 2015, though some market players say its higher share price makes RSA a less attractive target now.

We dont need a deal  if someone were to approach us wed do the right thing for shareholders, Hester said.

RSA shares jumped 2.3 percent to a six-week high of 627 pence at 0830 GMT, making it the second best performer in the FTSE 100 index.

Analysts at Bernstein said the UK segment had disappointed, but RSA seemed focused on turning it around. They reiterated their market perform rating.

($1 = 0.7205 pounds) (Reporting by Carolyn Cohn; editing by Simon Jessop/Keith Weir)

Topics Trends Profit Loss
XL Catlin has appointed Claudia Thyme to the role of director, Emerging Markets Development. In this role, Thyme will contribute to XL Catlins emerging market strategies, with a particular focus on Latin America.

Thyme has 20 years experience in the insurance industry, 10 years of which have been spent at XL Catlin. In her new role she transfers from the Communications & Marketing team, where she was director Strategy & Business Groups.

Before joining XL in 2008, Thyme was with Zurich Insurance for 10 years, where she held senior roles including head of Communications & Marketing for the International Businesses Division and for the Growth Office. Thyme started her career as a communications and marketing consultant, advising companies and their boards on change management strategies.

She will be based in Zurich and report to Brendan Plessis, head of Emerging Market.

Plessis said XL Catlin sees tremendous opportunities in a number of high growth markets to help build resilience by driving (re)insurance penetration.

Topics Trends AXA XL
Sandbags were holding back floodwaters in parts of Michigan as a storm system moved across several Midwest and Great Plains states on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain, snow and ice to the region.

The weather has already been blamed for hundreds of car crashes and several fatalities, including the deaths of four people in a crash along a slippery interstate in Nebraska.

Melting snow and heavy rain prompted the National Weather Service to issue flood warnings for parts of northern Illinois and northern Indiana, as well as southern Wisconsin and much of Michigans Lower Peninsula. Flood warnings also were issued for parts of Missouri and Texas.

Flooded streets in Michigan stranded motorists and a school bus in Flint, while residents in Mattawan, in the southwestern part of the state, used sandbags to protect homes and businesses as the Mattawan Creek rose above its banks.

We just got to wait for it to go down, Mattawan resident Terry Teeter, who installed pumps to keep water away from his house, told WOOD-TV. Its going to be a couple of days like this.

In Illinois, the fear of rising water along the Illinois River forced the evacuation late Tuesday of the LaSalle County Nursing Home in Ottawa. In Indiana, homes and streets were flooded in the South Bend area, and forecasters predicted the local St. Joseph River wouldnt crest until Thursday.

Flood watches were issued for several states, while winter weather advisories were in effect Wednesday for an area stretching from southwestern Illinois to Texas, including parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas.

The weather stretched as far south as Arkansas, where strong winds toppled power lines and damaged some buildings late Tuesday and early Wednesday.

Two days of rain in southern Wisconsin swelled waterways, prompting road closures. Police and firefighters rescued people from vehicles stranded in high water Tuesday at two sites in Janesville. In western Michigan, officials said a washout from heavy rains may have caused two engines from a freight train to derail near Grand Rapids. No injuries were reported.

A 52-year-old woman from Bourbonnais, Illinois, was found dead Tuesday in a submerged car in Peotone, south of Chicago. The woman apparently lost control of her car on southbound Illinois Route 45 and ended up in a rain-filed ditch, Peotone Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Bruce Boyle said.

In eastern Nebraska, speed and slippery pavement caused a crash between a pickup truck and a semitrailer Tuesday that killed four people on Interstate 80, police said. The three men and one woman killed were from Colorado, authorities said.

The Kansas Highway Patrol said a 38-year-old woman died and two other people were injured in a collision on an icy highway late Monday. In Minnesota, state police said winter weather contributed to 400 crashes and 250 spinouts, including two fatal accidents.

The storm system stretched to Texas, where weather service officials said three tornadoes hit. One struck early Tuesday in a rural area near Joshua, destroying at least two mobile homes and severely damaging several others. A mother and her disabled daughter were injured when one twister demolished their mobile home.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Texas Windstorm Flood Michigan Illinois
Jolted by the global investment craze over bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, U.S. lawmakers are moving to consider new rules that could impose stricter federal oversight on the emerging asset class, several top lawmakers told Reuters.

Bipartisan momentum is growing in the Senate and House of Representatives for action to address the risks posed by virtual currencies to investors and the financial system, they said.

Even free-market Republican conservatives, normally wary of government red tape, said regulation could be needed if cryptocurrencies threaten the U.S. economy.

Theres no question about the fact that there is a need for a regulatory framework, said Republican Senator Mike Rounds, a Senate Banking Committee member.

Digital assets currently fall into a jurisdictional gray area between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve and individual states.

Much of the concern on Capitol Hill is focused on speculative trading and investing in cryptocurrencies, leading some lawmakers to push for digital assets to be regulated as securities and subject to the SECs investor protection rules.

The SEC is properly the lead on the issue, said Republican Representative Bill Huizenga, chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets which will hold hearings on the issue in coming weeks.

Huizenga said the recent growth of the virtual currency market had made him more comfortable with more oversight. Six months ago, we didnt see this explosion. The marketplace has changed, he said.

Carolyn Maloney, a Democratic senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, is another lawmaker advocating for direct oversight of digital assets by the SEC.

A lot of people dont realize theres nothing backing these virtual currencies, she said.

ALARM BELLS

Virtual currencies have existed for years but speculation in them has recently ballooned, along with scams promising investors returns of over 1,000 percent in weeks.

In a time of volatile markets, hackers are also active in the sector, stealing $530 million of digital currency from Japanese exchange Coincheck last month.

Bitcoin, the best known virtual currency, lost over half its value earlier this year after surging more than 1,300 percent.

We have to look carefully at all of the cryptocurrencies and make sure individuals dont get taken advantage of, said Representative Tom MacArthur, a House Financial Services Committee Republican.

Regulators globally have raised the alarm over cryptocurrencies, saying they may aid money laundering and terrorist financing, hurt consumers and undermine trust in the global financial system.

France and Germany want cryptocurrencies on the agenda for the upcoming G20 meeting of the largest advanced and developing economies.

Conservative Republicans also recognize the potential for broader risks.

Im a total free-marketer, so I dont want to regulate, said Republican Representative Dave Brat, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus.

But if its a currency that could destabilize the whole economy, youre going to have that conversation, he said.

SECURITY OR COMMODITY?

The SEC and CFTC chairmen recently called for greater scrutiny of digital assets before the Senate Banking Committee. Members of the panel said the regulators will return to discuss how to move forward.

While many lawmakers agree tighter oversight is needed, there is no consensus yet in Congress on how to proceed.

While some lawmakers say speculative investments should be classed as securities, others want digital currency transactions regulated as commodities.

The SEC is already cracking down on transactions known as initial coin offerings (ICOs), while the CFTC has identified digital assets as a commodity subject to its anti-fraud rules.

Peter Van Valkenburgh, director of research at the Coin Center, a member of the growing cryptocurrency lobby, said lawmakers need to distinguish between ICOs that operate like securities and other virtual currencies including bitcoin, which he described as a commodity like gold.

Senator Rounds told Reuters there was an opportunity to regulate cryptocurrencies as both a security and a commodity.

But while lawmakers are keen to mitigate the risks digital assets may pose, they are also mindful of the need to protect innovation, including the underlying distributed ledger technology, said Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Banking Committee.

The goal here is to have rules of the road that protect consumers without trying to squash innovation.

(Editing by Michelle Price and Phil Berlowitz)

Related:

Topics Trends Legislation
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has approved the first surety bond program for the cannabis industry in the California.

Continental Heritage Insurance Co. is the first insurer in the state to be approved to offer surety bonds for the cannabis industry, according to the California Department of Insurance.

Cannabis Surety Bonds are needed for various entities seeking licensure under the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act. The state requires a surety bond of $5,000 for most licensing categories.

The new program from Continental Heritage is the first-of-its-kind for Californias new and evolving cannabis industry, according to Jones.

Cannabis businesses should have insurance coverage available to them just like any other California business, said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. As Insurance Commissioner, my mission is insurance protection for all Californians, which includes insurance for Californias legalized cannabis businesses. I encourage more insurance companies to file cannabis business insurance products with the department to meet the needs of this emerging market.

Jones launched an initiative last year to encourage commercial insurance companies to write insurance to fill coverage gaps for the cannabis industry. This first filing and approval of commercial insurance for the cannabis industry was announced in November 2017. Jones has convened meetings between commercial insurance company executives and cannabis business owners to educate the insurance industry about the cannabis industry.

Related:

Topics California Cannabis Oklahoma
There is an old saying on Wall Street that the market is driven by just two emotions: fear and greed. Although this is an oversimplification, it can often ring true. Succumbing to these emotions, however, can also profoundly harm investor portfolios, the stock market's stability, and even the economy on the whole. There is a vast academic literature, known as behavioral finance, which is devoted to the topic of understanding market psychology.

Below, we focus on fear and greed describe what happens when these two emotions come to drive investment decisions.

Key Takeaways Letting emotions govern investment behavior often leads to irrational decision-making that can cost you dearly.

It's usually best to ignore the trend at the momentwhether bullish or bearishand stick to a long-term plan based on sound fundamentals.

It's also critical to understand how risk-sensitive you are and to set your asset allocations accordingly when fear and greed grip the market.

The Influence of Greed

Most people want to get rich as quickly as possible, and bull markets invite us to try it. The Internet boom of the late 1990s is a perfect example. At the time, it seemed all an adviser had to do was pitch any investment with "dotcom" at the end of it, and investors leaped at the opportunity. Accumulation of internet-related stocks, many of them barely startups, reached a fever pitch. Investors got exceedingly greedy, fueling ever more buying and bidding prices up to excessive levels. Like many other asset bubbles in history, it eventually burst, depressing stock prices from 2000 to 2002.

As fictional investor Gordon Gekko famously said in the movie Wall Street, "greed is good." However, this get-rich-quick thinking makes it hard to maintain a disciplined, long-term investment plan, especially amid what Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan famously called "irrational exuberance." It's times like these when it's crucial to maintain an even keel and stick to the fundamentals of investing, such as maintaining a long-term horizon, dollar-cost averaging, and ignoring the herd, whether the herd is buying or selling.

A Lesson From the "Oracle of Omaha"

An exemplar of clear-eyed, long-term investing is Warren Buffett, who largely ignored the dotcom bubble and had the last laugh on those who called him mistaken. Buffett stuck with his time-tested approach, known as value investing. This involves buying companies the market appears to have underpriced, which necessarily means ignoring speculative fads.

The Influence of Fear

Just as the market can become overwhelmed with greed, it can also succumb to fear. When stocks suffer large losses for a sustained period, investors can collectively become fearful of further losses, so they start to sell. This, of course, has the self-fulfilling effect of ensuring that prices fall further. Economists have a name for what happens when investors buy or sell just because everyone else is doing it: herd behavior.

Just as greed dominates the market during a boom, fear prevails following its bust. To stem losses, investors quickly sell stocks and buy safer assets, like money-market securities, stable-value funds, and principal-protected fundsall low-risk but low-return securities.

Following the Herd vs. Investing Based on Fundamentals

This mass exodus from stocks shows a complete disregard for long-term investing based on fundamentals. Granted, losing a large portion of your equity portfolio is a tough pill to swallow, but you only compound the damage by missing out on the inevitable recovery. In the long run, low-risk investments saddle investors an opportunity cost of forfeited earnings and compounded growth that eventually dwarf the losses incurred in the market downturn.

Just as scrapping your investment plan for the latest get-rich-quick fad can tear a large hole in your portfolio, so too can fleeing the market along with the rest of the herd, which usually exits the market at exactly the wrong time. When the herd is fleeing, you should be buying, unless you're already fully invested. In that case, just hold on tight.

The Importance of Comfort Level

All this talk of fear and greed relates to the volatility inherent in the stock market. When investors find themselves outside of their comfort zones due to losses or market instability, they become vulnerable to these emotions, often resulting in very costly mistakes.

Avoid getting swept up in the dominant market sentiment of the day, which can be driven by irrational fear or greed, and stick to the fundamentals. Choose a suitable asset allocation. If you are extremely risk-averse, you are likely to be more susceptible to fear, therefore your exposure to equities should be smaller than that of people with a high tolerance for risk.

Buffett once said: "Unless you can watch your stock holding decline by 50% without becoming panic-stricken, you should not be in the stock market."

This isn't as easy as it sounds. There's a fine line between controlling your emotions and being just plain stubborn. Remember also to re-evaluate your strategy from time to time. Be flexibleto a pointand remain rational when making decisions to change your plan of action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are fear and greed so important to market psychology?

Many investors are emotional and reactionary, and fear and greed are heavy hitters in that arena. According to some researchers, greed and fear have the power to affect our brains in a way that coerces us to put aside common sense and self-control and thus provoke change. When it comes to humans and money, fear and greed can be powerful motives.

How do fear and greed affect markets?

When people are overtaken by the power of greed or fear that becomes rampant in a market, overreactions can take place that distorts prices. On the side of greed, asset bubbles can inflate well beyond fundamentals. On the fear size, sell-offs can become protracted and depress prices well below where they should be.

How can traders take advantage of fear and greed in the market?

Fear and greed create overreactions, which means that savvy traders can buy oversold assets and sell overbought ones. Adopting a contrarian strategy can be a good idea, whereby you buy when others are panicking - picking up assets while they are "on sale", and selling when euphoria leads to bubbles. At the end of the day, however, it is human nature to be part of a crowd and so it can be difficult to resist the urge to deviate from your plan.

How can one measure the level of fear or greed in the stock market?

There are several market sentiment indicators one can look at, but two specifically interrogate the emotions of fear or greed. The CBOE's VIX index, for instance, measures the implicit level of fear or greed in the market by looking at changes in volatility in the S&P 500. The CNNMoney Fear & Greed Index is another good tool that measures daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly changes in fear and greed. It is used as a contrarian indicator that examines seven different factors to establish how much fear and greed there is in the market, scoring investor sentiment on a scale of 0 to 100.

The Bottom Line

You are the final decision-maker for your portfolio, and thus responsible for any gains or losses in your investments. Sticking to sound investment decisions while controlling your emotionswhether they be greed-based or fear-basedand not blindly following market sentiment is crucial to successful investing and maintaining your long-term strategy.
Unemployment compensation was designed to provide income to people who lose their jobs. The problem is that benefits run out rather quickly. Your claim lasts one year (your benefit year), but most states only pay benefits for 13 to 26 weeks (a little more than six months) during the year.

During periods of high unemployment, you may become eligible for extended unemployment compensation benefits. Individuals states or the federal government can extend the benefit periodas Maryland and Kansas did due to the 2020 COVID-19 outbreakand the Department of Labor granted states greater flexibility around the awarding of benefits.

Key Takeaways The federal government and many states offer unemployment benefits to eligible former employees looking for new work.

These benefits, however, typically run out after 13 to 26 weeks, after which time, individuals can no longer receive unemployment.

Specialized programs do exist to extend unemployment for eligible individuals, or you may want to seek alternative employment.

In the worst case, if you become eligible, you can enroll in state and federal welfare programs for assistance.

The CARES Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed on March 27, 2020, goes even further to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, including part-time and self-employed workers, who usually don't qualify for unemployment. It adds 13 weeks of coverage on top of whatever each state provides, so if you're about to run out, you'll get at least another 13 weeks. This period was extended from 13 to 24 weeks with the Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act.

The legislation also provided an extra $600 of federal money per week, on top of the state benefit (covering unemployment through July 25, 2020, or July 26, 2020), for people affected by the coronavirus pandemic and another $300 per week between Jan. 2, 2021, and March 14, 2021. In fact, it provided three different types of unemployment insurance.

On March 11, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, which extended the existing $300 per week unemployment supplement until September 5, 2021. The program expired on September 5, 2021. Please note, however, that a total of 26 states elected to end the $300 federal supplement early. The best way to confirm the status of your unemployment benefits is to check with your state's unemployment office. The Department of Labor lists the contact information for all fifty states' unemployment offices on its website.

A Senate amendment to the American Rescue Plan made $10,200 of unemployment compensation ($20,400 for married couples filing jointly) paid in 2020 tax-free at the federal level for anyone earning less than $150,000. If you filed your tax return before March 31, 2021, the IRS automatically made adjustments based on the exemption. State rules differ, so you should review your state return. Click here to see how your state's rules align with the federal exemption.

If your unemployment insurance benefits are about to end, what happens next? Your options are limited. But if you prepare early, you can lessen the impact when benefits run out. Here are some routes to explore.

Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP)

If unemployment is making you think it might make sense to start your own business, check whether your state has a Self-Employment Assistance Program or SEAP. This program allows people receiving unemployment benefits to get training in launching a business.

Most states dont require people enrolled in a SEAP program to actively look for work. That's because starting their own business is considered their full-time job, with many states requiring a full-time schedule devoted to training. SEAP members participate in entrepreneurial training programs, work with mentors, and develop a business plan.

But SEAP isnt an extension of unemployment benefits. In fact, you must be early enough in your benefit period to complete the training. You have to be receiving unemployment to be in SEAP, and some states dont allow enrollment if you don't have 13 more weeks of benefits left at the time you are accepted into the program.

Because SEAP is paid for by grants, not everybody qualifies. If you do meet the qualifications for the program, your state unemployment office will send you information. Given the time limitations, don't wait to be contacted. If youre interested in the program, call your state unemployment office for more detailed information and eligibility requirements.

The SEAP program does not supply funding for the launch of your business, but any income you earn from your new enterprise will not be deducted from your unemployment check.

Nontraditional Employment

If you cant find a traditional nine-to-five job, consider something different. Perhaps you have a skill that would allow you to earn money as a freelancer. Another strategy is to contact a temp agency in your area and take a temporary job. Seasonal employmentsales jobs during the holidays, for exampleare a third option. Babysitting, tutoring, or websites such as TaskRabbit may also provide work.

The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Extended Benefits (EB), $300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), and $100 Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) programs all expired on September 5, 2021.



Weeks of Unemployment Insurance and Extended Benefits Available

You can also try to train in new areas related to your previous career or start a business of your own, even if you can't get into a SEAP program. Some businesses, including consulting, cost very little to launch.

The CARES Act provides another 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to anyone who is currently receiving benefitseven if their reasons for being on unemployment are unrelated to the coronavirus. The Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers Act extends that period from 13 to 24 weeks.

Food Stamps and Cash Assistance

If your funds run low enough, you may be eligible for food or cash assistance. Eligibility varies, but both options are worth checking out to help you get through a difficult period in your life.

Food Assistance

The term "food stamps" is no longer used. The program is now the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is a federal program that provides assistance to low-income individuals and families.

In December 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture instituted a 20-hour-a-week work requirement for nonpregnant adults, ages 18 to 49, without dependents to receive SNAP payments. The rule change went into effect on April 1, 2020. It was temporarily halted on March 13 by a Washington, D.C., federal judge in response to a civil action lawsuit brought by 19 states, plus New York City, the District of Columbia, and some private groups.

Check with your state for any other hunger assistance programs in addition to SNAP, especially if you have young children.

Cash Assistance

These programs, which provide cash payments and other services, are administered at the state level. Massachusetts, for example, has the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) program.

The Bottom Line

Theres no shame in taking a job outside of your career path, especially if your unemployment benefits are running out. Do your best to plan for the termination of benefits long before that day arrives.
Suicide is a sensitive topic in Iran. An outline of the history behind this subject follows:

 During the presidency of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Saeed Imami, or Saeed Islami, was deputy Minister of Intelligence. He was also the main suspect of Irans chain murders  crimes that took the lives of many writers and political activists in the 1990s. On June 20th, 1999, Imamis death in a Tehran hospital was announced, and a day later, an official of Irans Armed Forces Judiciary Organization reported that Imami committed suicide in the notorious Evin Prison. Imami took all knowledge of the gruesome chain murders to his grave.

 In June of 2003, after the apprehension of a number of college student activists, their families staged a rally outside Evin Prison. Zahra Kazemi, a 55-year-old Iranian-Canadian photojournalist, was arrested while working at the scene. Kazemi spent 18 days in detention and died on July 11th. According to judiciary officials, she fainted, fell, and suffered a brain haemorrhage. Her death was officially announced on July 16th. Kazemis death sent a message to anyone seeking to cover news in Iran, and completely eclipsed subject of the college students protest.

 Zahra Bani Yaghoub, a 27-year-old medical student at Tehran University, was arrested on October 12, 2007. 48 hours later, her family was told that Yaghoub committed suicide that same night, but they never accepted such claims.

 Mohsen Ruholamini, Mohammad Kamrani and Amir Javadifar were all arrested during the 2009 uprising and transferred to Kahrizak Prison, along with many others. Ruholamini was arrested on July 9th of that year and died six days later during his transfer to Evin Prison. Kamrani, 18, was arrested on the same day near Tehrans Vali Asr Square and taken to Kahrizak. Following his transfer to Evin Prison he was taken to the capitals Loghman Hospital and lost his life on July 16th at Mehr Hospital. Javadifar, also arrested on July 9th, died on July 14th. All were said to have committed suicide.

 The journalist Hoda Rezazadeh Saber, aka Hoda Saber, launched a hunger strike on June 2nd, 2011, while behind bars. She was protesting the suspicious death of activist Hale Sahabi at the funeral ceremony of her father, Ezzatollah Sahabi. Saber died on June 11th following her transfer to Tehrans Modares Hospital. Authorities claimed she died of heart disorder.

 35 year old laborer, Sattar Beheshti caught the Iranian authorities attention via his blogs. He was arrested by Irans cyber police, FATA, on October 30, 2012, and accused of staging measures against national security through Facebook. Beheshti died four days later. Following an autopsy on November 5th the forensics said there was no reason for an unnatural death, said a spokesman for Irans judiciary.

 During the recent unrest, Sina Ghanbari was arrested and subsequently died on January 6th, after being transferred to the quarantine section of Evin Prisons ward 4. Ghanbari hanged himself early morning after going to the bathroom, according to Mostafa Mohebi, Director General of Tehran Province prisons. Later, Iranian MP Alireza Rahimi, viewed the Sina Ghanbari suicide video, said the footage shows the prison bathroom hours prior to Ghanbaris death but there was no evidence of his suicide.

 Most recently, the Iranian-Canadian environmental activist and sociology professor Kavous Seyed Emami was arrested on January 24th and announced dead February 8th in prison. Tehran public prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dowlat Abadi claimed, This individual was amongst those accused of spying under the cover of environmental work. Emamis death received a lot of media coverage, and the Canadian government has twice demanded Iran explain his death. Recent reports on Iranian websites cite an official in the Revolutionary Guards Intelligence who says that Emami was murdered with a high dosage of sodium thiopental in ward 2A of Tehrans Evin Prison.

The cases outlined above appear suspicious, at the very least. Many are concerned that with so many more dissidents behind bars, we may hear of moresuicides in the future.

Efforts to pressure Tehran to release all political prisoners, dissidents and protesters currently behind bars are needed. The Iranian peoples struggle to obtain freedom from this regime and establish democracy needs the international communitys support.
Recommendations for a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) were voted on this afternoon by the European Parliament's Economic Affairs Committee.

Brian Hayes MEP has warned that if the recommendations were adopted by the European Council it would cause significant damage to Irish corporation tax revenue.

Mr Hayes claims that the report adds to the growing political pressure to harmonise corporate tax policy in the EU saying that as it stands, it "would destroy Irish corporate tax revenues".

IBEC has estimated that it could potentially erode Ireland's corporate tax base by up to 50%.

Mr Hayes voted against the recommendations as they go further than the original Commission proposal and would impose a new digital tax.

Mr Hayes has said that the ECON recommendations advocate applying the CCCTB to companies with an annual turnover of over 750 million initially but after seven years it would apply to all companies.

"We cannot allow a situation where CCCTB applies to all Irish companies, big and small," said Mr Hayes.

"The original intention of the file was to target multinational companies. The proposal to apply a new digital tax to CCCTB is very problematic to Ireland as we depend heavily on tax revenue from digital companies."

According to Mr Hayes, a country-by-country impact assessment has not been conducted.

"It would be madness to allow half our corporate tax revenues to be shifted to larger Member States.

"Also, seven national parliaments, including the Dail, issued objections to CCCTB because of tax sovereignty issues. Their concerns have not been addressed by either the Commission or European Parliament," said Mr Hayes.

Digital Desk
By Andrei Khalip and Miguel Pereira

Ryanair expects staff to strike during Easter week in Ireland or Portugal, chief executive Michael OLeary has said, as talks with some unions over formal recognition and improved conditions falter.

Mr OLeary earlier this month warned of possible disruption at Easter or the summer but did not specify what markets were likely to be hit.

He said at the time the airline would rather see bookings damaged by the uncertainty around a strike than give in to laughable union demands.

Ryanair averted widespread strikes ahead of Christmas by announcing plans to recognise pilots unions for the first time in its 32-year history.

However, talks with pilot unions to formalise union recognition and improved terms have stalled in recent weeks. While Ryanair says talks are ongoing in seven countries, only British union Balpa has signed a recognition agreement.

We expect some adverse publicity and some disruptions, Mr OLeary told a news conference in Lisbon.

We had a strike in Germany on December 22. We expect the next one will be in Ireland, or maybe it will be in Portugal, during Easter week.

No flights were cancelled during the December 22 four-hour strike. Irish pilot union Forsa/ Ialpa has not announced plans to strike, but says pilots had rejected an offered raise and that Ryanair was refusing the unions demand to be recognised as the exclusive body for collective bargaining.

Portuguese cabin crew union, SNPVAC, has said it will decide this week when to strike, with a maximum of three days in late March and three days in early April, said union official Fernando Gandra.

The strike was motivated by worsening labour conditions, a lack of respect for the dignity of the cabin crew ... and threats over sales objectives, he said. Ryanair says it offers staff some of the best conditions in the sector.

Mr OLeary said he was making significant progress in talks with Portuguese pilots union Spac, but that management would only open talks with cabin crew after agreement had been reached with pilots.

- Reuters
Mark Cagney has denied rumours that hes leaving Ireland AM.

Speaking to the Herald, Cagney said the reports were complete and utter tripe.

Adding: Its total rubbish. Im not going anywhere anytime soon

The Cork native has been presenting the early morning breakfast show since its launch 20 years ago.

The presenters three-year contract is due for renewal soon and when the time comes he said he will sit down with the shows bosses for negotiations.

The rumours come after Marks co-presenter Sinead Desmond quit the show after 11 years.

Ciara Doherty has since replaced Desmond but is yet to be announced as a permanent fixture to the show.
By Denis Lehane

The announcement last week, that a ship by the name of the Stena Carrier will be ferrying calves to France, could not have come at a better time.

Im very excited about it.

The Minister himself said that there could be 35,000 calves shipped out of here within a month.

This of course is great news for dairy farmers, but it could also be great news for the likes of you and me.

I studied the picture of the ship on this paper last Thursday morning while enjoying my egg, and came to the conclusion that it was one mighty sturdy tub.

A right roomy yoke of a boat for the calves.

I wouldnt be one bit surprised if, on account of the comfort, the calves refuse to disembark on their arrival in Cherbourg. So fair play to everyone involved. Full marks all round.

Anyhow, with the summer coming fast, the new ferry route could be a right blessing for farmers intending to do a bit of travelling themselves.

Last year, myself and the family took ourselves to France by ferry.

It was my first holiday in 30 years, and we departed from the same dock in Rosslare, just like the calves bound for France.

The trip, it has to be said, was a most painful event.

Im still suffering on account of it.

Not from sea sickness or injury or anything of that nature, you understand, but from paying for it.

Forking out the cash proved to be a very painful procedure. It hurts me still when I am reminded of it.

I can get terrible flashbacks, cold-sweats and nightmares, if a picture of the bill comes into my head.

The ferry trip to France and back cost more than the holiday. To ferry my old jeep cost more than the jeep was worth. It was an experience so fraught with expense, that I vowed to never journey back there again.

However, with the Stena Line calf ferry launch, suddenly hope has dawned again, for here I see a means of getting a man, his wife, and children, to France with the minimum of pain.

Would there be a chance at all that the ferry might have the room to carry a few farmers along with the calves?

Looking at the photo of the ship, I dare say that we could wedge a nice few farm families on board before the back door comes up.

A few under-pressure beef, sheep or tillage farmers could do well with a free boarding pass at this stage. The dairy farmer can pay his own way. Besides, isnt the ship already doing enough for him? Taking his calves to pastures new.

All Im looking for really is to hitch a ride on a ship that will be going to France with or without a few dozen farmers on board.

Along with the goodwill such a move would generate, having farmers on board would be the greatest asset with regards to the wellbeing of the calves.

Who better to look after the precious cargo on the high seas, than the very man who looks after the calf with such expertise on dry land?

We could ensure the calves are fed and watered, in exchange for some light refreshments offered to ourselves. There would be no losers in the arrangement.

So minister, please put in a good word with Stena Line for transportation of farmers to France along with the calves, now that things are going so good. Who knows, I may be sailing the high seas to the land of the croissant and the beret once more.
By Stephen Cadogan

Rural dwellers can be forgiven for not getting excited by the Governments 116bn Ireland 2040 plan for infrastructure, housing, health and the environment.

With the National Broadband Plan (NBP) already two years overdue, yet another plan is just that  a plan, and no more.

Plans seem to take forever, but farmers cant hang about.

For example, this is the year all farmers must apply online for the EUs 1.2bn per year Basic Payment Scheme, the CAP funding without which most farmers would be broke.

How all farmers can apply online by May 15, in a country which has less than 70% broadband penetration, is preoccupying farmers now.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed may point to last years 87% of Irish farmers applying online for the BPS, an impressive figure.

However, it may prove as difficult for the remaining 13% to apply online as it is for Communication Minister Denis Naughten to get past 70% national broadband penetration.

For Mr Naughten, Communications is turning out to be the new Angola, a nickname for the Department of Health once attributed to former Taoiseach Brian Cowen, because of the land mines lying in wait for ministers.

Mr Naughten has now been left with just one bidder in the procurement process to select who will rollout high-speed broadband to 542,000 homes and businesses in areas where it it is otherwise not commercially viable to deliver broadband, so the NBP subsidy is needed. The roll-out contract signing is not expected before September. Therefore, it could be 2019 at least before the remaining 13% of farmers have a broadband facility to apply online for the BPS.

Between now and May 15, farmers and their agents will have to learn the rural tricks of getting by without broadband, in order to make valid applications for the 1.2bn BPS. They could try taking a laptop to the car park of a hotel with good wi-fi. They could try investing in a mobile or satellite internet service.

Many rural dwellers now cannot even get a land-line sufficient to carry a good broadband connection; some have to settle for a very slow (2 Mbps) fixed line broadband.

Some get internet through a mobile phone that only works in one corner of the house.

The Oireachtas was recently told by Cork North West Fianna Fail TD Michael Moynihan of an agriculture consultant who says it takes up to an hour to send an email.

Mr Moynihan also said companies spend 800 a month for a broadband service in north Cork (available for 50 a month in Dublin).

High-speed broadband is the one service which can put rural people on a level playing field with city-based counterparts. But it has been an empty promise for too many rural people, leaving them with little faith in the much, much more ambitious Ireland 2040 plan.

Irish farmers say they must compete on world markets with countries where food production is much cheaper due to low standards.

Now, with Ireland ranked about 40th globally for distribution of high speed broadband, they must compete with countries like Norway, Finland, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, which have 94% to 97% fast broadband access.

It isnt just about applying for the BPS.

Many believe the future of sustainable global agriculture depends on precision farming, which could enable huge reductions in use of fertilisers and pesticides, if enough data can be remotely recorded to show where these are needed and not needed.

But efficiently collecting, cleaning, and analysing large amounts of farm data, shared with employees, managers, external advisors, farm inputs companies, and even environmental regulators, depends on connectivity, on fast and widespread broadband.

EU commissioner Phil Hogan puts great store in such technology to solve farming problems, because 80% of the EUs rural areas have access to 4G connectivity.

Unfortunately, Ireland is a connectivity black spot holding up hopes the Commissioner may have for a brave new AgTech world,
Latest: Former Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain has warned about the peace process "unravelling" as efforts continue to break the deadlock in restoring powersharing.

Mr Hain (pictured below) said ministers had repeatedly told the House of Lords that an agreement was about to be achieved between Northern Ireland's main political parties.

But anyone who knew about the situation in detail had doubted these claims and "I and my Labour predecessors as secretary of state are deeply concerned this whole thing is unravelling", he said.

At question time, he welcomed the British government's rebuttal of criticism of the Good Friday Agreement.

But he added: "We have a political view coming from the Government that doesn't seem to understand the whole Good Friday process ... took years and years to achieve and it is all unravelling in front of us."

Earlier:

The widow of DUP founder Ian Paisley has blamed the party for the powersharing impasse at Stormont.

Eileen Paisley said it should accept responsibility for the botched green energy scheme which led to the collapse of the devolved institutions 13 months ago.

She told BBC Radio Foyle: "If you are a minister and someone in your department is wrong, the buck stops at your desk.

"You have got to do what is right and stand down from your position until the matter is sorted out.

"If that had been done at the beginning, there would have been a very different situation than the one we are in at the minute.

"We would not be in the mess we are in."

DUP leader Arlene Foster was the minister in charge of the Stormont department which ran the overspending Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.

Mrs Foster refused to stand aside while an investigation was carried out.

She has not been accused of any wrongdoing but the role played by DUP ministerial advisers has come under scrutiny.

Former Sinn Fein deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned in protest at the DUP's handling of the scheme, which paid generous subsidies to businesses using wood fuel and earned the moniker "cash for ash".

The resignation promoted the folding of the devolved institutions, and endless talks between the parties and Irish and British Governments have failed to resurrect them.

Mr Paisley led the administration at Stormont along with Mr McGuinness.

He died in 2014.
By Louise Roseingrave

A self-employed plumber who fell from the roof of a two-storey house died from his injuries, an inquest heard.

Joseph Kelly from Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 went up onto the roof of a house in Drumcondra to investigate damp issues inside. He fell as he was crossing from a roof ladder to a steel extension ladder, Dublin Coroners Court heard.

The court also heard how his family took the decision to donate his organs.

We felt that someone, somewhere got a life because of him, his son Graham Kelly said.

Mr Kelly had dropped his son to work on August 2 2016 before going to a job on St Columbas Road. He went onto the roof to investigate damp patches inside the house, according to his colleague Val Rock. Mr Rock was not present at the inquest but his evidence was read out in court.

He said there was no roof ladder on site so Mr Kelly went to buy materials and built his own.

He worked to repair the roof all morning and then came down for lunch. He finished his lunch before Mr Rock and went back up to the roof alone.

I heard a rumble and a cry for help and I found him lying on the ground with the broken roof ladder beside him. I dont know how it happened I was still inside, Mr Rock said in his statement.

The mans son received a call and rushed to the house. He said his father was awake and talking but in a lot of pain.

He said he felt stupid about what happened. His knees were shattered and hed a mark on his head, Graham Kelly said.

Mr Kelly was rushed to the Mater Hospital where a CT scan showed no injury to the brain at this point. An x-ray revealed the man had a broken femur. Planned surgery on his leg was halted because he became unwell on the operating table.

The man later suffered a stroke and died three days later on Aug 5 2016.

The inquest heard that in cases where long bones such as a the femur are broken there is a risk of fat embolism syndrome, meaning the bodys fats can move into the blood stream to the kidneys, lungs or brain.

The pathologist noted the blockage that caused the stroke was relatively recent as it had not been there on arrival at hospital. The cause of death was cerebral infarction due to thrombosis secondary to a fall on August 2.

Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane returned a verdict of accidental death.
Ryanair has warned that staff may go on strike over Easter.

The airline averted widespread industrial action just before Christmas by agreeing to recognise pilot's unions for the first time in its 32-year history.
By Marjorie Brennan

Artist David Thomas Smith's latest collection addresses visual overload in the information age.

The information age means that we are subjected to visual overload, a theme addressed by artist David Thomas Smith in his collection, Anthropocene.

It features pieces composited from thousands of digital files drawn from internet satellite images. The striking work, which forms part of the Sustainable Futures project at the Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh, Co Cork, features locations such as Canadas largest coal port and the worlds biggest goldmine, and other sites which have dramatically impacted on the environment.

There is an environmental aspect to it but Im also interested in the idea that today we are increasingly swamped by images. If you want an image of something, chances are it already exists, says Smith.

Images by David Thomas Smith at the exhibition at Sirius in Cobh

It is interesting to me that now we have these vast archives of uncontextualised imagery, that you can take something out of and apply your own meaning to. I was interested in places that have made an impact on the planet or changed it in some fundamental way. For example, the Three Gorges Dam in China  nearly a million people were displaced and several river valleys were flooded when it was constructed; or the Fimiston open mine in Australia, which can be seen from space.

When it came to the visual style of the images, Smith was inspired by the patterns of Persian rugs and the work of Afghani weavers in recording their experience of war.

Initially I wanted to create a spectacle, something that is visually engaging. I became interested in Afghan war rugs, which would have been made at the time the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. A lot of them depict tanks and bombs but it is in the pattern that we would recognise as a Persian rug.

The patterned images are reminiscent of Rorschach diagrams, the symmetrical psychological test flashcards where the objects featured are in the eye of the beholder.

Dublin native Smith studied documentary photography at the University of Wales in Newport, where he became interested in the more conceptual side of the form.

However, while exploring the more artistic applications of photography, for Smith, the story is still the most important thing.

Anthropecene still has that documentary element, in that its about telling a story. It is about storytelling, it doesnt really matter how the images get created, it is about giving them context.

Smith used aerial and satellite images from Google Maps for the 12 images featured in Anthropecene. It was a time-consuming project, taking two years from concept to finish.

 I would zoom in right down to street level if the quality would allow and screen grab each section of the street, compile them in a folder then rebuild it in photoshop like a jigsaw. Each one is probably a couple of thousand images.

Smith hopes his images provoke audiences to consider the great speed at which the world is changing.

In the last 100 years, we have changed the face of the earth more than all the natural processes have in the last hundreds of thousands of years. We need to take a step back to appreciate how fast we are going and how much we are changing the world we have to be careful about how we use that power.

Sustainable Futures is at Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh, until April 1
Americas failure to commit resources has enabled a multiplicity of players  Iran, Russia, Islamic State, Hezbollah  to muddy the bloody waters of the civil war, says Christopher R. Hill

GIVEN that most of the Middle East is now in turmoil, US secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, should be commended for keeping the Syrian conflict in mind, during his recent trip to the region.

His job hasnt been easy. American diplomacy has been all but invisible in the Middle East, and the US State Department does not seem to have any ideas or, more importantly, funding with which to take the lead.

If the United States is serious about addressing the increasingly deadly crisis in Syria, it needs to start showing sustained interest, and start putting its money where its mouth is.

The complexity of the situation in Syria has far-surpassed the worlds capacity to master it. Rapidly changing events, a growing number of players, and constantly shifting battle lines all point to a quagmire.

Just six months ago, there were two clear trends in the conflict: Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, with the support of Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, was on his way to victory; and the Islamic State (IS) was about to be soundly defeated by a US-led coalition.

Today, the successful campaign against IS seems Pyrrhic, at best. Hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost, and a resolution of the larger conflict is nowhere in sight.

If anything, the world is even more on edge, now. In recent weeks, Israel has clashed with Iranian forces in southern Syria to show that it will not allow Iran to establish a presence there.

And Turkey has launched a bold campaign against Syrias Kurds, whom it hopes to drive out of the northwest province of Afrin to prevent them from linking up with Turkish Kurds across the border.

Assad has come to terms with reality and indicated that he would cede territory to the Syrian Kurds. But Turkey remains unwilling to countenance an autonomous, Kurdish entity along its border.

The US, for its part, has spent the past six years marshalling various groups of Sunni Arab fighters, under the auspices of the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces, an offshoot of what was previously called the Free Syrian Army.

Some elements of the SDF have been more effective than others, and have even fought alongside the Kurds against IS. But now they find themselves in the crosshairs not just of Assad, but also of Russia and various Iran-backed Shia militias.

The US was right to focus on defeating IS; but now it faces a much broader mission: to ensure the survival of its various allies on the ground.

This raises the prospect of a direct conflict with other powers, not least Russia. In fact, the US might already have killed dozens of Russian military contractors in a recent airstrike.

The US and its European partners have been reluctant to come down hard on their Nato ally, Turkey, and have merely urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to show restraint. But jawboning, one of the USs favourite diplomatic tools, rarely works on those in the heat of battle.

Syrians rescuing a child, following a reported regime air strike in the rebel-held town of Hamouria, in the besieged Eastern Ghouta region, on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus. Picture: Abdulmonam Eassa/AFP/Getty Images

Moreover, Turkey doesnt seem to care what its allies think. For example, it recently raised eyebrows within Nato, yet again, by purchasing new-generation, Russian S-400 anti-aircraft batteries.

This does not bode well for any future peace process. After all, Western countries will need Turkey to counterbalance the Russians, whose broader strategic agenda goes well beyond the Middle East.

When historians look back at the Syria conflict, they will praise both former US presidents, Barack Obama and Donald Trump, for relentlessly pursuing IS. But they will fault the US for not comprehending the larger war.

The Obama administration didnt know what it was bargaining for, when, without thinking about what would come next, it called in 2011 for Assads removal.

In July of that year, Robert S Ford, the US ambassador to Syria, was sent to the Sunni town of Hama, where Assads father had ordered a massacre 30 years earlier.

According to the US State Department at the time, the point of the visit was to [express] our deep support for the right of the Syrian people to assemble peacefully and to express themselves.

Did the administration really not foresee that Assad  like his father before him  would react to a popular uprising with violence?

When the US took a side against Assad, seven years ago, it was asserting its national interest in Syria, while ignoring the interests of other key players, such as Turkey, Russia, Iran, and Israel.

And now, with the US vacillating, there is a very real danger of a full-fledged US-Russian proxy war.

So far, the Trump administration has not been spurred to action by the humanitarian catastrophe confronting Syrian civilians.

But perhaps it would do more if it considered the threat the conflict poses to the entire region.

If the administration wants to show leadership, it should start by consulting the other regional powers to understand their interests and determine if they can be reconciled.

Tillerson may be trying to do just that. But even before asking the regional players what they want, the Trump administration should ask itself the same question. With the stakes in Syria rising fast, one can only wonder where America stands.

Christopher R Hill, former US assistant secretary of state for East Asia, is chief advisor to the chancellor for global engagement, and professor of the practice in diplomacy at the University of Denver, and the author of Outpost. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2018.

Ghouta: Key questions about the current Syrian offensive

What is Ghouta?

Ghouta is an informal name for the suburbs of the Syrian capital, Damascus (which form around the Barada River), and for towns in its eastern reaches, including Douma, Kfar Batna, and Saqba.

The residents of eastern Ghouta were among the first to rise up against Bashar Assads rule in 2011. The area was taken over by rebels a year later, as the unrest turned into an armedinsurgency, then civil war.

They held on ferociously, determined to preserve the rebel position closest to the capital, denting thenarrative of an Assad victory in key places. Today, it is the last majoropposition enclave in the area,surrounded by areas firmly under government control.

Historically an agricultural area,it has been partially besieged by the government since 2013 and completely since mid-2017. The rebel-held suburbs endured a devastating sarin gas attack in 2013, which killed hundreds of people. Over the years, residential buildings, hospitals, schools, and warehouses have all been destroyed.

According to the UN, there are 393,000 residents in eastern Ghouta, many of them internally displaced from other parts of the country, accounting for 94% of all Syrians under siege today.

UN aid convoys rarely make itinside, and the lack of access has led to severe food shortages, starvation, and malnutrition, and a sharp rise in food prices.

Why has Eastern Ghouta eluded Assad for so long?

Thousands of battle-hardened militants are entrenched in Eastern Ghouta, including the powerful Army of Islam group, based in Douma, and the ultra-conservative Ahrar al-Sham and Faylaq al-Rahman groups. Hayaat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel coalition affiliated with al-Qaida, also has a presence in the area.

Despite its proximity to Assads seat of power, in Damascus, Syrian troops, stretched thin by the scale of the rebellion, overlooked Eastern Ghouta for the first years of the civil war, while they focused on recapturing areas deemed more crucial for the governments survival, including Homs, Aleppo, and areas near the border with Lebanon.

The militants of Eastern Ghouta had years to dig in, amassing an abundant reserve of weapons and ammunition from supply lines that stretched to the Syrian desert. From there, the rebels frequently lob mortar shells into Damascus neighbourhoods, including dozens of shells on Tuesday that killed eight civilians and wounded others.

Because the region is agricultural  and once the source of most of the capitals sugar, rice, fruits and vegetables  the militants were able to grow their own food, diminishing the need for supply lines.

Theyve also built a labyrinth of secret, underground tunnels, beyond the reach of airstrikes. Some supplies get in this way, but utilities have been decimated.

What is happening now?

With Russia and Irans help, Assad has turned the war decisively in his favour, recapturing key areas of the country from rebels and Islamic State militants.

The renewed assault on Eastern Ghouta is part of a broader escalation on several fronts, in recent weeks, as Assad and his allies step up their efforts to finish off remaining pockets of resistance  including Idlib province, in the north, which houses many evacuees from Aleppo.

The government has recently sent Brigadier General Suheil al-Hassan, also known among his troops as Tiger, to Eastern Ghouta to lead the effort. He has led elite forces to many victories against insurgents, since the conflict began, including in Aleppo and most recently in Deir el-Zour, against Islamic State militants.

For Assad, victory in Eastern Ghouta would remove a longstanding threat and nuisance, going a long way toward ending the seven-year rebellion against him.
A situation of unprecedented gravity is being revealed before our eyes.

The Minister for Justice, Charles Flanagan, TD, is due to move an appeal, listed in the Supreme Court for February 21, seeking to overturn the High Court judgement of Humphreys J. in I.R.M. v. Minister for Justice and Equality, [2016] IEHC 478.

In that judgement, the High Court affirmed that the rights of unborn children are not limited to the right to life under Article 40.3.3, inserted by the Eighth Amendment. Humphreys J. specifically referred to the submissions made to the court by the State and considered by Irvine J. in O.E. v. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform [2008] 3 I.R 760.

In that judgement, it is asserted, from the comprehensive and compelling analysis of the pre-existing law, that the other rights, or potential rights, enjoyed by the unborn child, included significant rights under the Constitution, and that the existence of such rights had been established in case law, even prior to the adoption of Article 40.3.3. Irving J. considered that any other interpretation, such as was offered by the State in that case, would place the rights of the unborn child, from a constitutional perspective, at a much lower level than the right afforded to the unborn child at common law.

It is significant that the State did not appeal the Irvine judgement.

The Humphreys judgement acknowledged that a child has rights  effective whilst still in the womb  as well as prospective rights, when born, including the right to have property settled upon it, to be represented in legal proceedings, etc., rights that exist due to its personhood and which attend to, and protect, the childs welfare.

The minister is arguing, in the guise of the State, that the only right that an unborn child has is the immediate right to life whilst in the womb.

That this is not the policy of the Irish State is self-evident from many aspects of government activity, including, for example, the fact that care orders are made pursuant to the Child Care Act, 1991, for unborn children, effective on birth.

Such orders, made under the States family law jurisdiction (which holds that the childs welfare shall be the first and paramount consideration, even against the parental rights of its mother and father) deal with the prospective rights of the unborn child and are additional to the immediate right-to-life of the child whilst in the womb. One consequence of the Supreme Court acceding to the ministers application would be that the family law jurisdiction, concerning children and the duty to provide ante-natal care, could no longer be deemed appropriate activities for the State.

The minister is also asking the Supreme Court to declare that when the people decided in the Childrens Rights Referendum to affirm the rights of all children to be protected, the people did not mean all children, but only children who had been born.

There is nothing to support such a proposition.

All children is an unqualified term; it can only mean all children, including the living child not born.

The Supreme Court, in Jordan -v- Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (2015) 4 I.R. 232, refused, in the absence of compelling evidence, to interpret what motivated the people to vote in any particular way, and so could not, in this instance, have competence to assert the words all children in the Childrens Rights Amendment, Article 42(A), as meaning anything else. Such a decision would attack the sovereignty of the people.

It is imperative, as representatives of the sovereign people, that public representatives require the Minister for Justice to discontinue the appeal his predecessor has lodged in the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the Constitutional aspects in relation to the unborn child of the High Court judgement of Justice Humphreys.

As the law of Ireland stands, simply by the action of moving this appeal, it appears that the minister, as a representative of the Government and with a duty of care to all children, will be wilfully seeking to neglect the welfare of all unborn children, who are protected by the effective and prospective rights that the Constitution acknowledges they hold.

John Waters, writer and father

Kathy Sinnott, mother and former MEP

Kate OToole, BL

Fr Marcel Guarnizo, Roman Catholic priest

Dr. Felim Donnelly, MB MICGP
As China has become one of the worlds dominant economic powers, desire for Irish goods has surged among the countrys growing number of affluent consumers.

A vast and rapidly expanding market  for everything from cheese to gin, pork to whiskey, baby food to clothing, contact lenses to hearing aids, heart stents to artificial hips and aircraft parts to computer parts  has resulted in Irish exports to China increasing by 35% in 2017 alone; the highest ever and over double the level 10 years ago.

According to the CSO, in the year to December 2017, Irish firms exported more than 5.6 billion worth of goods to China.

Irelands software firms and aircraft leasing companies also reaped an estimated 3.5bn in sales to China last year, bringing total exports to 9.1bn.

The phenomenal growth in both goods and services exports is all the more remarkable as it pushes the trade balance firmly in Irelands favour for the first time in decades.

Traditionally, Irish businesses imported large volumes of goods from China and still do. Imports into Ireland last year were 4.5bn on goods and an estimated 350m in services.

However, for the first time Irish exporters last year managed to out-sell their Chinese competitors. This resulted in 3.5bn worth of trade in Irelands favour; one of the highest and most advantageous we have globally.

It appears the long courting of Chinese leaders by the State agencies has finally paid off.

Traditionally, products pass through a chain of manufacturers, distributors and retailers before they reach consumers in China.

Today, the internet and social media have led to huge changes in the way businesses sell into China.

Bord Bia, which is encouraging Irish food and drink exporters to target the China market has said it is important initially to develop a base of customers, or so-called seed users, who can spread the word about the product.

Tmall, Chinas largest business to consumer (B2C) platform owned by e-commerce conglomerate Alibaba, controls more than 50% of Chinas B2C market share.

In 2013, Tmall launched Tmall Global  a cross-border, online platform that allows international brands and retailers to sell directly to Chinese consumers without having a physical presence in China.

Bord Bia actively engaged with TMall Global  which the agency sees as a new route to market for Irish exporters.

Bord Bia says that its WeChat account and TMall promotions will maximise the opportunities for Irish food companies through Chinas fast growing online market by promoting the benefits of Irish food directly to Chinese consumers.

With Tmall Global, orders can be shipped directly from abroad and payments may be settled in the preferred currency.

The goods are sent directly to China by consolidated shipment or express mail delivery, and distributed through Tmall bonded warehouses.

Tmalls international cross-border drop shipping specialists ensure delivery to Chinese consumers within five to eight working days.

Registration on Tmall Global requires a one-off security deposit of $25,000 (20,289).

In addition, there is an annual fee of $5,000 (4,058) and a commission fee ranging from 0.5% to 5%, depending on the product category.

After signing up to Tmall Global, the foreign company must open an Alipay account to be able to receive payment. This will attract an additional 1% service fee for each real

John Whelan is a leading consultant in Irish and overseas trade
The minister was responding to the vice-chair of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs, Senator Joan Freeman, who called for the legislation to be introduced.

Senator Freeman said responsibility for protecting children online should be placed on social media companies, rather than on the parent and child.

Can we introduce legislation that will make it illegal for them [social media firms] to use data from children under the age of 16? Senator Freeman asked.

Responding, Mr Flanagan said: Yes. I think we can do more in that area and I believe we should explore it.

Mr Flanagan was one of four ministers to appear before the committee to discuss cybersecurity for children.

During the meeting, Mr Flanagan defended the Governments decision to set the digital age of consent at 13.

He said the Government had sought expert opinion before taking the decision and a clear majority recommend that it should be set at 13.

The Government believed 13 years represented an appropriate balancing of the right of children to participate online and accorded with international instruments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Mr Flanagan said the Government felt that if the age was to be higher than 13, there would be enforcement difficulties. It was on that basis, having regard to the entirety of the issues, that the age was set at 13, he said.

Mr Flanaghan said they also looked at international practice and found Britain, Spain, Poland, and the Czech Republic had all set the age at 13.

He believed it was important to see what more the Government and services providers could do to make people, particularly parents, feel confident that the State was playing its part and doing its best to make them feel safe.

Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton, said the jury was out on whether smartphones should be banned in schools.

Mr Bruton said it was up to each school to set their own policy on the use of smartphones.

He did not believe the current approach to the use of smartphones was a bad one because there would be issues around enforcement.

Mr Bruton said teacher unions had raised concerns about how to enforce a ban but he did not have a closed mind on this.

He believed that leaving it to schools to decide whether a smartphone ban was right for them was appropriate for the time being, but the Government was open to discussing it.

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone said they must link responsibility for child welfare and protection with the provision of services.

We must embed responsibility for child welfare and protection in all services to children, she said.

Minister for Communications Denis Naughten said responsibility for online safety crossed six government departments and they needed to communicate and coordinate their work better.
Stefan Cooper, 18, died after he was struck by a car driven by Sean Collins, at Barley Hill, Roscarberry, Co Cork, in March, 2016.

Collins, aged 70, who lives at Threegneeves, Leap, had a previous drink-driving conviction. He pleaded guilty, this week, at Cork Circuit Court, to driving a car with excess alcohol and to driving without due care and attention, causing Stefans death.

He was given a one-year suspended jail term, a 500 fine, and was banned from driving for five years.

However speaking yesterday, Stefan Coopers sister, Michaela, said she was quite upset by the sentence. I just didnt expect it, she told Sean ORourke, on RTE Radio One.

I thought that, maybe, if the judge couldnt imprison him, just for whatever reason, that, maybe, he might impose a significant financial penalty, something like 5,000, or something, and donate it to a charity, because that would more reflect the crime that had been committed.

"Even the five-year ban on the car wasnt enough, I think 10, even. If you couldnt imprison him, for whatever reason, that would seem more appropriate for the crime that had been committed, she said.

She said her upset was compounded by the disclosure that Collins had a previous drink-driving conviction.

That really upset me, to be honest. I can understand someone going out and making a mistake, a genuine mistake, but to have knowledge that it is wrong, and that he had a past of doing this... it just shows that people do it again and again and that definitely unnerves me, the idea that theres drivers out there who are under the influence of drink, she said.

Mr Coopers father, Christy, identified his sons body on the side of the road, but had to leave to tell his daughters of the accident, before they learned of it on social media.

My dad had to leave my brother and he said it was the most difficult choice, Ms Cooper said.

You could see it in the face, when he came home that day, even though he was glad to be able to tell us himself, he was utterly heartbroken to do it.
The companies have been accused of profiting on the backs of people trying to find jobs.

Solidarity-PBP TD Paul Murphy has now called for JobPath, the scheme under which the firms work, to be scrapped. But Taoiseach Leo Varadkar strongly defended welfare and work projects and instead attacked left-wing politicians who, he claimed, would ruin the country if in power.

In the Dail, Mr Murphy said: The counterpart to that precarious employment is precarious unemployment in the JobPath machine. Some 140,000 unemployed people have been turned into opportunities for profit for private companies. In the process and without significant debate, the provision of social welfare has been partially privatised.

He said the scheme was demeaning, patronising and infantilising and that the threat of having welfare cut by more than 40 hangs over peoples heads.

He said since JobPath was introduced the number of people who have had penalty rates applied had increased from 5,000 in 2015 to 16,000 last year. Furthermore, 6,500 JobPath participants have had their dole cut.

Using Dail privilege, he also raised concerns about fraud with two companies under JobPath.

On the other hand, 84m of public money has been paid to just two companies, SeeTec and Turas Nua. They get money each time someone signs a personal progression plan and they get paid job sustainment fees. Both SeeTec and Working Links, which is one of two companies behind Turas Nua, have been accused of fraud in the operation of similar schemes in Britain.

He also highlighted how only 18% of those who engage in JobPath ended up in full-time employment.

Mr Varadkar said the scale of welfare fraud was about 40m a year, while unemployment had falled from a peak of 15% to 6%.

The Department of Social Protection, responding to queries, said both companies working for JobPath were subject to regular on-site inspections.

"The department acknowledged that Working Links had already said some members of its staff in the UK incorrectly recorded employment and training placement for jobseekers.

SeeTec was accused of fraudulent activity by ex-staff in 2013 but a parliament committee found no wrongdoing, it added.

The department said it would soon publish results of the 2017 JobPath customer satisfaction survey. Most encouraging is the high number of clients who feel the service has improved their chances of getting a job, a statement to the Irish Examiner added.
The 39-year-old was targeted as part of an investigation into a criminal gang involved in burglary, theft of plant machinery, and defrauding elderly people on bogus jobs.

The gang is also involved in the secondhand car trade, though is not registered.

Five searches were conducted in Co Wicklow: Two residences in Newtownmountkennedy and two residences in Bray, as well as a professional office in Bray.

In a search of a hotel in which the target was staying, they recovered 6,000 and 5,200 in cash.

A freezing order was also made on an account linked to the man containing 144,000.

During the searches, officers also confiscated an imitation gun, imitation ammunition and a TV. Documentation and mobile phones were taken away.

The Criminal Assets Bureau was assisted in the searches by the Emergency Response Unit as well as the regional support unit and local public order units.

It is understood the man was temporarily homeless and required emergency accommodation and was provided with accommodation in the hotel by State authorities. The target had spent some time in the UK and Germany where he was suspected of being involved in tarmacking.

He was involved in a gang, involving members of the Travelling community, here suspected of burglary, theft of plant machinery and targeting the elderly.

Sources said the targeting of the elderly involved demanding large sums of cash for no or poor work, in some cases starting work without being asked to do so.

The gang also operates a second-hand car business, but sources said the business was not registered.

In a separate operation yesterday CAB targeted a suspected drug dealer considered to be a lower level member of the wider Kinahan crime cartel. The 33-year-old has previously been targeted by gardai before.

In this operation, CAB searched a home on Marrowbone Lane in Dublins south inner city. They seized a 2011 Audi A4 S Line, a 2015 Citroen Berlingo Van, five high-end watches (including Rolex and Breitling), as well as mobile phones and a quantity of documentation.

Gangs in the south inner city, Crumlin and Drimnagh are associated with the Kinahan cartel. There were no arrests in either operation and CAB officers are now examining documentation and phones.
A 30-year-old man who owned crossbows and knives told gardai he would harm children attending his local national school so that he would be remembered like Norwegian mass murderer, Anders Breivik.

Colm Feehily, from Kilroe, Ower, Headford, also invited armed gardai to shoot him as he wanted to commit suicide by cop, during a violent, psychotic episode.

Feehily pleaded guilty before Galway Circuit Criminal Court last November to making a threat to Garda James Carty and Garda Aidan Foley at Culleen, Headford, on November 14, 2016, that he intended to cause serious harm to children attending Kilroe NS, contrary to Section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

Sentence had been adjourned until yesterdays court for the preparation of up-to-date psychiatric, psychological, and probation reports on the accused.

Garda Darren Egan told the sentence hearing gardai in Tuam received a call from Feehilys mother at 8.45pm on the date in question asking them to attend at the West Doc surgery as her son was there with psychiatric issues and there was a fear he might have weapons.

Gardai notified the Regional Support Unit and they all went to the doctors surgery where they met Feehilys mother. She told gardai her son had serious mental health issues and had stopped taking his medication.

The defendant refused to co-operate with gardai and struck out at Garda Carty. A taser had to be used to subdue him but he continued to make threats and at one point asked gardai to shoot him.

Geri Silke, prosecuting, said Feehily had been threatening suicide at the time. She said he had suicide ideation had wanted suicide by cop.

Garda Egan said Feehily made a more serious threat then, which was taken very seriously, that if he did what Anders Breivik did, then that would be one way that he would get help.

Ms Silke explained the local national school was beside Feehilys home and he was referring to that school.

He said he would be remembered if he did something like Breivik. He did make threats to the children in the school, Ms Silke said.

Garda Egan said Feehily was arrested and taken to the psychiatric unit at UHG.

Feehilys home was searched the next day with his parents consent. Gardai found crossbows and knives in the house. A Garda presence was maintained at the school for a number of days after the incident.

Ms Silke said Feehilys threats were a cry for help.

In the aftermath, he had said: Do I have to kill myself or will I have to kill a number of kids in the school to get help?

Garda Egan agreed it was a cry for help but added that the defendant had drink and drug abuse issues as well.

Following his admission to hospital, Feehily told staff there he could not remember making any threats.

John Hogan, defending, said Feehily had previously been diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder and aggressive behaviour would be seen as secondary to his psychosis when not taking his prescribed medications.

He explained that in the days leading up to this incident, Feehily had become dissatisfied with the manner in which he was engaging with the mental health services and had stopped taking his anti-psychotic and antidepressant medications.

He said that was in no way a criticism of the services involved but it had been his clients subjective view that he was not being treated properly and he had come off his medications.

Once back on his medications, Feehily had become pleasant and passive again and was fully engaging with the mental health and the probation service, Mr Hogan said.

He said Feehilys aggressive behaviour was liked to his illness and lack of medication but also as a result of being tasered, subdued and handcuffed and he had invited gardai to shoot him on seeing they were armed.

He knows the terminology he used was inappropriate and necessitated Garda involvement, Mr Hogan added.

Judge Rory McCabe said Feehilys mother was present during the incident and she had justifiable concerns for her son as he had suicidal ideation at the time when he asked gardai to shoot him.

Reading all of the reports handed into court, Judge McCabe said they all agreed there was very little likelihood of Feehily reoffending if he took his medications.

The judge said it would not be in the interests of justice to impose an immediate custodial sentence.

He sentenced Feehily to 18 months in prison, which he suspended for five years.
It is very difficult, very difficult to see how a solution can be found, a senior Government source said.

The finance minister is facing a dilemma of trying to avoid a clash with Fianna Fail, while also allowing PTSB reduce down the level of its non-performing loans.

Mr Donohoe faced almost an hour of questions from his party colleagues last night, but has yet to devise a solution which would allow the Government continue in office while also addressing the need of Permanent TSB to sell 18,000 non-performing loans, including 14,000 relating to private homes.

Mr Donohoe met with Fianna Fails Michael McGrath yesterday to discuss Mr McGraths bill, which is seeking to regulate the vulture funds.

No solution was found at that meeting, however Fianna Fail allowed Mr Donohoe time to deliberate over their bill before it comes back before the Dail next week.

Fianna Fail are pushing for a common standard of regulation as Mr McGrath said: It is not acceptable to us that your local insurance broker, your local financial adviser is more regulated than a multibillion vulture fund in Ireland.

At the Fine Gael meeting, TDs and senators mounted pressure on Mr Donohoe to intervene and see if borrowers can avail of write-downs on their loans rather than PTSB selling them off to unregulated funds.

Longford-Westmeath TD Peter Burke said there was a 9m local authority scheme nationwide where officials engaged with distressed borrowers. He asked why the banks did not do the same.

We gave the banks over 30bn [in bailouts], why are they not engaged with borrowers? With the trajectory of economy now, are they just being lazy and selling these to vulture funds rather than engaging, he told the Irish Examiner.

Senators Kieran ODonnell, Michelle Mulherin, Paddy Burke all expressed concerns about the debacle. They, as well as TDs Kate OConnell and Bernard Durkan, also warned of knock-on effects for business and farmers if banks now came looking to sell off their loans to unregulated funds.

Junior rural affairs minister Sean Kyne warned this could be the start of things, if farms and businesses were next on the list for loans to be sold off at discounted rates.

But Mr Donohoe warned that there were a significant amount of non-performing loans with PTSB, one of the highest in Europe.

Members emphasised that if there was a writedown, that it was borrowers who should benefit rather than unregulated funds.

Mr Donohoe will face robust questioning this morning at the Oireachtas Finance Committee.

But Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty said the row between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail is a phoney row as it will do nothing to help protect the thousands of homeowners affected.

These family homes will not be protected. The only solution is to sell these loans to another bank. This is a bank on life support, they are way behind on this compared to other banks. This is phoney debate.

Mr Donohoe yesterday defended PTSBs decision, claiming it would protect 2,000 jobs and over 17bn of deposits in the bank. He said the board of PTSB can and have moved to sell the portfolio.

Its very important across the coming period that the issue of non-performing loans in that bank be addressed, and the regulator  who is an independent regulator of any government  has indicated that level of non-performing loan has to come down.

But he also acknowledged the worry and concern at the banks announcement .

The Department of Finance say they cannot interfere with commercial banks and how they sell their loans, despite the fact that PTSB is 75% state-owned.
Remy Farrell, counsel for Dwyer, told Mr Justice Tony OConnor that in a report published last year, the retired chief justice said that the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 amounts to mass surveillance of the entire population of the State and was contrary to EU legislation.

Counsel said while the contents of the report, commissioned in 2016 in the wake of allegations journalists records were wrongfully accessed by GSOC, are the opinion of a now retired judge, they do tie into Dwyers complaints about Irelands indiscriminate data retention regime.

The complaints include that the 2011 act does not provide for any independent person, such as a judge, to oversee such requests, to limit what is strictly necessary or ensure privacy rights are protected before the material is handed over.

It would appear the only persons who had oversight of the request in relation to his client was the gardai themselves, counsel said.

Dwyer claims certain provisions of the 2011 act breach his privacy rights under the European Charter, Irish Constitution and rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.

In 2014, the European Court of Justice found a 2006 EU directive concerning data retention to be invalid. Dwyer claims the 2011 act was introduced by the State to give effect to the 2006 directive, and that it also suffers from the same flaws identified by the ECJ.

Evidence gathered under the 2011 act should not have been used against him in his trial, Dwyer claims.

Mr Farrell was speaking on the second day of Dwyers challenge against the Garda commissioner and the State aimed at having certain provisions of the law that allow data from mobile phones be used by prosecutors during his trial for the murder of Elaine OHara to be struck down.

They deny the claims.

In 2015, Dwyer was sentenced to life imprisonment after the jury found him guilty of the childcare workers murder. He has challenged provisions of the 2011 act, which allowed gardai investigating her death obtain and use mobile phone records during his lengthy trial.

His appeal against his conviction remains pending before the Court of Appeal.

Mr Justice OConnor also heard evidence from Dwyers solicitor Jonathan Dunphy concerning his statement supporting his clients challenge.

Questioned by Sean Guerin, for the respondents, Mr Dunphy accepted there were strands other than the retention of mobile phone data that resulted in gardai arresting Dwyer in October 2013. Mr Dunphy accepted the criminal trial had been told Dwyer had in interviews with gardai following his clients arrest volunteered personal and private information about his family and professional life.

Mr Dunphy agreed evidence, including oral testimony and text messages removed from other phones about Dwyers movements and location at certain times, as well as the evidence obtained from retained data, was used by the prosecution during the trial. Mr Dunphy accepted neither he nor Dwyer had made a complaint under the provisions of the 2011 act about the use of the retained data.

However in reply to Mr Farrell, Mr Dunphy accepted the complaints mechanism provided for in the 2011 act was not relevant in regards to the assertion the provisions of the act being challenged breaches Dwyers rights.

The hearing continues.
Edmund Honohan has written a bill to give greater protections to families who are faced with losing their homes.

It would set up a cooperative system to allow for the purchase of distressed mortgages which could then be rented back to the mortgage holders.

Mr Honohan said the new regulations would discourage vulture funds from getting involved in the market.

It sets a high bar for repossessions and its a bar which really the vulture funds will not be inclined to jump. I have people coming into my court on a daily basis wanting to hold off, or stave off repossession.

Out of frustration he asked some of these people to write to the Taoiseach to ask him where they could go to get mortgage to rent as a solution.

They came back and they handed me a letter which they received from the Taoiseach in which he said, and I quote: The Abhaile service launched in 2016 is a national mortgage arrears resolution service, the aim is to help mortgage holders in arrears to find the best solution and keep them in their own homes.

Mr Honohon claimed this answer was completely wrong.

It is a sick joke that the Taoiseach would write to this man ... and tell him this is where he should go.

Speaking on RTE radio he claimed Abhaile is merely a voucher for 200 worth of legal advice before you go into the circuit court.

Why is it that the Taoiseachs office is so misinformed about the situation on the ground that they are apparently unable to formulate a reasonable policy to cope with the wave of repossessions that is about to break?

He said the cooperative system, outlined in his bill, is widely used in Europe with around 10% of houses in Norway being rented through this mechanism.

If community funding can be made available to a group which is able to umbrella purchase these houses, then thats the way forward. Its a question of ethical funding on a large scale, what somebody has described as a friendly vulture.

Mr Honohan said there are around 15 bills sitting in the Oireachtas and he had put all these together to allow for cross-party approach to the housing crisis.

He said the issue of moral hazard, which could see people strategically defaulting, had been addressed in the bill as anyone deemed able to afford to pay their mortgage would not be included in the measures.

The bill I have drawn up obviously says we should not help people who can afford to pay or should have paid.

Fianna Fail TD John McGuinness, who is to bring forward the bill on behalf of Mr Honohan, said it would also extend and reconfigure Abhaile to act as a mortgage resolution agency.

We are watching PTSB put the loans together, they are going to now go to auction and the likelihood is that these will be sold to vultures. Once sold to vultures the owner of the distressed mortgage is likely to lose their home.
While the party passed a motion at its ard fheis to contest the position, many at the top of the party would be more than happy to take a pass and see incumbent Michael D Higgins re-elected unapposed.

Some senior party members said the talk about Ms OCallaghan being its candidate was bullshit.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, they said that, should President Higgins confirm his intentions, then he would be unassailable and there would be no point in contesting.

The comments come amid strong suggestions that President Higgins would seek a second term and is likely to make his intentions clear come July. He is likely to address the matter when he faces the media in Athens today but his spokesman told the Irish Examiner that he will make his intentions known, at the appropriate time, in the summer.

Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell said he is unconcerned by the speculation of the President seeking a second term, saying he intends to contest the position anyway.

The truth of the matter is tt is irrelevant what President Higgins chooses to do. I am confident there will be an election, he said adding he is confident he has the required 20 Oireachtas names to back his nomination.

As far as I am concerned, I am pursuing the nominations. Clearly until a writ for the election is issued, we cant get those signatures on paper, but I am confident that there will be an election.

Senator Craughwell said President Higgins has been marvellous and excellent in his role, but said when he was elected he asked the country for one term and one term only.

It is the position of first among equals in the State. I think the people do not want to gift a presidency. I think its wrong in every sense of the word, he said.

The President is perfectly entitled to change his mind  he has been an excellent President. However, the fact that he is excellent at the job does not mean that he has an automatic right to hold the position for a second term.

However, Senator Craughwells former Independent Alliance colleagues have turned their back on his bid, saying they want President Higgins to remain in office.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Transport Minister Shane Ross said: Michael D Higgins is an absolutely superb president. I cannot think, even for a moment, of a single person who would be better. He would be a magnificent candidate if he decided to stand.

Sources familiar with the Presidents thinking have advised political figures likely to support his candidacy of his decision in order to prepare for an autumn campaign.

Such a timeframe, with an announcement expected before the Dail rises for its summer recess and after the referendum on the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, means that speculation about Mr Higginss future will not dominate the quieter political agenda in August.
Tadgh ODalaigh, aged 73, of Woodview, Mount Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, Dublin, pleaded not guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of indecent assault on an unknown date between September 1, 1980, and January 28, 1981, at Sacred Heart college, also known as Colaiste An Chroi Naofa, Carraig Na Bhfear.

Siobhan Lankford, prosecuting, said the accused was a priest in the school at the time, which catered for boarders and day-pupils. It was alleged the complainant was in bed in the sickbay on the evening of the disputed indecent assault.

Shane Costelloe, defending, stressed from the outset of his cross-examination of the complainant: He does not accept the allegation you have made.

Ms Lankford said the alleged indecent assault occurred at a time when the accused went in to check his temperature in the sickbay.

The complainant said: He put his hand down and touched my testicles and penis. I just lay there.

I didnt know what to do. It was probably a minute, a minute and a half. That is a long time when he is at me. He stopped. He left. I was left lying there. He said he did not tell anyone about it until about 30 years later.

Mr Costelloe said: My client absolutely refutes that. He says that never happened. He said his client was included in media coverage of alleged incidents at the school and that it was also raised in the Seanad.

The complainant said: Yes, I read newspaper article and it brought it all back up again.

Mr Costelloe said ODalaigh was convicted of indecent assault on another boy but this conviction was quashed by the Court of Criminal Appeal.

He said that the initial coverage of the accused being convicted of sexually abusing a boy in a sickbay appeared in newspapers including the Irish Examiner in June 2014 and that it was three days later that he [complainant in the present case] went to the gardai to make his complaint.

I went because it was being denied [by the defendant] in the paper. It made me angry I read something where he denied something. That spurred me, he said.

Judge Brian OCallaghan warned the jury not to discuss the case with strangers. That includes Mr and Mrs Google. That would be to look for evidence you do not hear in this courtroom. It would be the same as bringing a total stranger into the jury room.

The case continues today.
The removal of free Veratis patches for patients has caused outrage and seen unprecedented numbers of people contact the media as well as politicians.

Thousands have seen their access to the pain relief patches removed overnight, claimed Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin in the Dail. He said this was the cruellest action and the patches, used by some 25,000 people, had been removed for around 90% of patients.

This was the equivalent of shutting down an accident and emergency department. Every day was now like a living hell for sick patients now affected by the clampdown on usage, he added.

While the changes were about cutting costs, Mr Martin said, this had caused great pain.

He called for the patch suspensions to be stopped and for due diligence to be done on the matter.

Allow people get their lives back, declared the opposition leader.

Mr Varadkar replied that he himself had been contacted by patients affected. He has also spoken to the Health Minister on the matter.

The allocation of patches for patients was like medicine, Mr Varadkar explained.

In Ireland, the specific patches were only prescribed for patients with post-shingles symptoms.

But a lot of doctors were now giving them out for other reasons, he said.

Controls were needed otherwise people would become dependent on them, he told the Dail.

Ten times as many people used them here compared to Britain, it was also noted by the Taoiseach.

A process of appeals was now in place and some patients had been put back on patches, he told Mr Martin.

The HSE has advised me that the turnaround time for initial applications is three working days and it is five days for appeals. As of last Friday 1,500 post-shingle patients have been approved for it and the patch is being provided for them in the normal manner.

Another 4,784 patients were registered by their GPs for uses other than post-shingles pain and 14% of these patients  670  have been approved.

"This means there are now more than 2,300 patients who are approved for the patch in the drug schemes, with more than one third approved for uses other than post-shingles pain.

Separately, Mr Varadkar said he deeply regrets the treatment of patient Alison McCormack and the fact she was misdiagnosed with breast cancer.

Her case was highlighted by RTEs Prime Time this week and also raised in the Dail yesterday by Sinn Feins Louise OReilly.

The Taoiseach said:I deeply regret the way in which she was treated by our health service, by St Jamess Hospital and by members of my own profession. I offer her my sympathies.

I thank her for her bravery in coming forward and in making her case public so that lessons can be learned and mistakes not repeated. I also wish her the very best in her recovery.
The jury in the inquest into the deaths of Lorna Carty, 54, from Robinstown, Co Meath, and Laurence, 56, and Martina Hayes, 55, from Athlone, recorded verdicts of unlawful killing for all three deaths and recommended that a link to a Department of Foreign Affairs smartphone App alerting tourists to risks associated with travel abroad be permanently displayed on all travel websites.

Gunman Seifeddine Rezgui walked onto the beach and opened fire with a Kalashnikov rifle, killing 38 people before he was shot dead by authorities.

Lornas husband Declan Carty told the inquest how he woke to what he thought at first were fireworks. He said it sounded like a machine gun. His wife had gone to the beach.

When he saw people running and screaming along the beach he tried to ring Lorna but got no answer.

He met a staff member at the lift who pointed to his room key card and he and other guests ran to his room where they stayed until the attack finished.

Declan Carty then hurried to the beach to look for his wife. Before he found her, he lifted a beach towel placed over a body and recognised the face of Martina Hayes.

Then he lifted another towel. It was Lorna... She was lying with her head to one side as if she was lying in the sun, he said.

Witness Raymond Hegarty and his family ran from the pool area as the gunman approached behind them.

I remember hearing the whizz of bullets and the thud of them hitting something, he said. The family barricaded themselves into their hotel room and stayed quiet.
The issue has been stalled at a political level as no recommendation on how to boost higher education funding has emerged from the Oireachtas education committee. It had been asked by Education Minister Richard Bruton 18 months ago to come up with proposals.

Mr Bruton secured staggered increases in employer input into a national training fund in the last budget, but the income will only provide a fraction of the extra 600m the system needs annually by 2020.

Professor Patrick OShea, president of University College Cork, said the debate has devolved to one about being either for or against a system of income-contingent loans to underpin increased student fees.

That was just one of a number of options proposed for consideration in the report of an expert group chaired by Peter Cassells, with significantly increased taxpayer investment also on the menu it has put forward.

Prof OShea said the debate needs to be widened and encompas developing a vision for the future of higher education.

It should also be about addressing our capacity for the demographic bulge we know is coming. We will have a growth of 40,000 extra students coming into the system in the next 10 years.

That means were going to need a lot of infrastructure, both teachers and buildings. And we need to look at how we can be creative and effective and flexible in developing a model to cater for that, said Prof OShea.

Meanwhile, UCC is involved with institutes of technology in Cork, Tralee, Waterford, and Carlow in one of four clusters of colleges to share a 5.7m fund aimed at widening access for underrepresented students.

At least 10% of places are to be targeted at lone parents with the allocations being announced today by Mr Bruton and the minister of state for higher education.

Three other clusters, involving third-level institutions in the Mid-West, Dublin, and Leinster are also being supported. Revised proposals have been invited from two other groupings in Leinster and in the west and north-west regions.

The colleges aim to attract and retain an extra 2,000 new students, full- and part-time, including first-time mature students, people with disabilities, and entrants from socioeconomic groups with low third-level participation rates.
The expectation heightened this week as a 125-unit apartment scheme at City Square, in Corks Blackpool, comes to market with a 28m price tag quoted by agents Savills, at a 5.5% net initial yield. City Square is fully let on the residential side, and has a current income of c 2m, with scope to boost that through rent reviews, and the letting of vacant commercial/retail space.

City Square, developed on a three-acre brownfield site on Watercourse Road by Frinailla and completed in 2007 at a reported cost of 50m (it initially had c 145 apartments but a number have since sold privately), is 500 metres from St Patricks Bridge and the city centre, and rents recently achieved range from 1,200 per month to 1,700 for three-beds.

The development, in three blocks of two to five storeys and designed by Kiosk Architects, has 36,000 sq ft of commercial space across 16 units. A number of new deals have completed recently, bringing current rent for commercial/retail space to 177,000, on top of 1.81m income from the apartments.

Agents Isobel ORegan and Chris OCallaghan of Savills Cork say the multi-family market has established itself as one of the most sought- after investment mediums within the Irish property sector in recent years. City Square is an excellent value-added multi-family opportunity, due to the continually increasing demand for rented accommodation in Cork city centre.

The imminent sale of the Elysian (above) and, now, City Square coming to market signals an uptick in interest.Picture: Larry Cummins

The 28m sale comes as moves to sell The Elysian are advacing with joint agents Lisney and Savills for owners Blackstone, with a shortlist whittled down to three in recent weeks. Although no deal has been agreed in full, there are reports that US-based giants Kennedy Wilson is now Blackstones preferred bidder, as talks wrap up.

Property sources say that after recent international stock market wobbles, and a global reappraisal of property as an investment vehicle, the level of competing interest may drive the yield at the high profile and very high quality OFlynn Construction-developed Elysian down below the 5% level. The overall combined residential/income from the Elysian may be close to 5m, so a deal could be in the 80/90m bracket.

If, as expected, the Elysian sells to internationally-funded buyers like Kennedy Wilson, its anticipated that other substantial multi-let offers in Cork may also go to a similar profile of buyer, some of whom may wish to establish a sizeable income stream and investments outside of the very competitive Dublin market.

Already, the California- based global real estate fund Kenney Wilson (with a reported $18bn in property assets) controls over 1,000 apartments in Dublin, including those at the slender 16-storey Alto Vetro tower of just 26 apartments.

The City Square sale has been expected for over a year (the 2007-completed development had been taken over by a bank-installed receiver several years ago), and the time-lag is likely to be to the benefit of the sale outcome.

According to Savills James ODonovan and Isobel ORegan, City Squares impressive appeal is reinforced as the passing rents are considerably below market rent, in addition to the income enhancement potential of the commercial accommodation.

With few opportunities of this calibre available in the multi-family market in Cork, Savills expect very good interest in this asset.

Details: Savills 021-4271371
Burma Anti-Corruption Commission Hands List of 12 Suspects to Police

A staff member at a bank ties stacks of kyat together in Yangon. / Reuters

YANGON In the latest move to tackle the countrys deep-rooted corruption problem, the new anti-graft commission handed over to the police a list of 12 fugitives wanted on corruption charges, most of whom worked in the law-enforcement sector. The list, which includes two judges, a lawyer, a public prosecutor, the head of a police station, and two administrators, was published on the Myanmar Police Force website and Facebook page on Wednesday.

U Han Nyunt, a member of the anti-corruption commission, said the agency would now turn the cases over to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which has the power to issue arrest warrants for the suspects, as the 12 were on the run and they had been publicly identified.

The police forces announcement stated that the charges were brought against the 12 under Articles 56, 57 and 63 of the anti-corruption law and called for public cooperation.

The charges carry up to 10 years imprisonment for taking bribes while holding a political post or being in position of competent authority.

The anti-corruption commission was formed in February 2014 under the previous U Thein Sein government to enforce the 2013 anti-corruption law. It was on Nov. 23, 2017 with 11 members and chaired by retired minister of information U Aung Kyi.

Between then and the end of last month, the new commission has received a total 949 cases.

Despite Myanmar rising slightly in transparency rankings in recent years, it continues to face challenges in fighting corruption and is consistently ranked among the worst countries for the problem every year.

It ranked 130 out of 180 nations in a new report from graft watchdog Transparency International that was released on Wednesday. In 2016, it ranked 136th out of 176 nations, while in 2015 it ranked 147 out of 168.

I would like to urge all of our citizens not to neglect and forgive the act of taking a bribe. We do need to work together with all of you to combat this malpractice. Fighting corruption is the duty of every citizen, U Aung Kyi said at a Promote Integrity to Counter Corruption paper-reading ceremony held in Yangon on Jan. 22 and 23.

He also said that the commission aimed to engage with civil society in order to work together in combating bribery.

Under the current anti-corruption law, the anti-graft commission is not authorized to take action against officials suspected of wrongdoing unless someone files a complaint.
Burma Banned UN Envoy, Rohingya Activists to Join Conference on 'Myanmar Genocide'

Rohingya refugees stand in a queue to collect aid supplies in Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, Jan. 21. / Reuters

YANGON  The UNs special envoy on human rights in Myanmar will deliver a keynote address at an international conference in Berlin on Monday to push European leaders to do more for the beleaguered Rohingya.

According to a description of the event by its organizers, The Berlin Conference on Myanmar Genocide aims to inform German civil society and European public about the ongoing genocide of Rohingya people in Myanmar.

It is hoped that the conference will help influence public opinion, which in turn will demand the EU leaders take their shared political and human responsibility in order to make the call never again! a reality.

The conference will be joined by international scholars, human rights activists and Rohingya lobbyists based outside of Myanmar.

Yanghee Lee, the UNs human rights envoy to Myanmar, was barred from returning to the country in December after the civilian government and the military accused her of biased reporting on the crisis in Rakhine State in favor of the Rohingya.

The special rapporteurs mandate requires two visits to Myanmar a year in order to report to the UN Human Rights Council and General Assembly. Since taking up the post in June 2014, Ms. Lee has visited Myanmar six times.

She recently told the UKs Channel 4 News that there were grounds for bringing Myanmars de facto leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, before an international tribunal for failing to intervene in the clearance operation the military launched in Rakhine following militant attacks on several police posts and an army base on Aug. 25 that killed 11 security personnel. The military crackdown that followed the attacks has driven some 690,000 Muslim Rohingya to seek refuge in neighboring Bangladesh amid reports of arson, murder and rape targeting their communities.

Others joining the Berlin conference for discussions on a multicultural society and ending genocide in Myanmar will include Harn Yawnghwe, executive director of the Brussels-based Euro-Burma Office, and Maung Zarni, a Buddhist Rohingya lobbyist.

Harn Yawnghwe is the son of Myanmars first president, Sao Shwe Thaike. His organization provides funding to ethnic and civil society organizations in Myanmar.

He attracted criticism from within Myanmar last year for suggesting that the government hold talks with the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which organized the August attacks.. He was also attacked for being a Rohingya lobbyist based on pictures of him with other Rohingya and members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation at a meeting on the Rohingya crisis in Saudi Arabia.

In an interview with The Irrawaddy last year, Harn Yawnghwe said that meeting was in 2010 and that it was meant to persuade the Rohingya to eschew terrorism and seek a political solution to their problems.

The conference will also be joined by other Rohingya activists including Ro Nay San Lwin, editor of Rohingya Blogger, Ro Hla Kyaw, of the European Rohingya Council in The Netherlands, and Ro Tun Khin, president of the Burmese Rohingya Organization UK.

Separately, more than 100 UK parliamentarians have called on their government to declare that Myanmars military should be referred to the International Criminal Court for its security operations in Rakhine, which the UNs human rights office has described as ethnic cleansing and possibly genocide.

They wrote to UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on Wednesday seeking measures in line with their call, according to Bangladeshi media reports.

Its time for the British government to unequivocally state that the situation in Myanmar should be referred to the International Criminal Court, they said.
Burma Two Dead, 22 Hurt by Bomb Blast in Shan State

The front of a Yoma Bank branch in Lashio, Shan State, after a bomb blast as seen on Wednesday. / MOI / Facebook

YANGON  A bomb blast killed two bank employees and injured 22 other people in Myanmars northeastern city of Lashio on Wednesday, the government and the military said.

Police said an investigation was under way but would not elaborate on whether there were any suspects in the attack. Lashio is in Myanmars restive Shan State, where several ethnic insurgent groups are fighting the Myanmar military.

We just received a [local] police report about the bomb blast in Lashio [on Tuesday] evening, police spokesman Colonel Thet Naing said in Myanmars capital, Naypyitaw.

The two dead were both women, government spokesman Zaw Htay said in a post on Twitter linked to a government statement on the Lashio explosion.

The military said in a statement 22 people were injured.

Another police spokesman, Colonel Myo Thu Soe, said no suspects could be identified at this stage. Were still investigating, he told Reuters.

A Lashio resident, 27-year-old Lway Dehnin, said she heard the explosion around 4:30 p.m. near two banks close to the regional Health Ministry building in the heart of the city of 170,000 people.

The explosion happened near Aya and Yoma banks. The windows in the buildings were broken. Also the windows of the Ministry of Health and some nearby houses were broken, said Lway Dehnin.

Yoma Bank said two of its Lashio branch employees were killed and that both of its branches in the city would be temporarily closed. Unverified photographs and video clips posted on social media by local residents and journalists showed the bank buildings with blasted windows and damaged signboards. A wall of a Yoma Bank building also showed signs of damage.

Lashio is one of the largest cities in Myanmars northeast, straddling the main road connecting the central city of Mandalay with the main crossing on Myanmars border with China at Muse, about 110 km to the north.

Bomb explosions in cities in Shan are not unusual, but they are typically much smaller than Wednesdays blast. Civilian fatalities and injuries are rare.

Myanmars de facto leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, wants to revive a stuttering peace process to end decades of ethnic wars. Two armed groups signed a ceasefire with the government last week.

Ending near-perpetual civil war has been Aung San Suu Kyis stated top priority, but the Buddhist-majority Southeast Asian country has seen the worst fighting with rebels in years since she took office almost two years ago.
Burma U Ko Ni Murder Suspect Freed on Bail

Aung Win Tun after the court hearing on Thursday. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

YANGONA court on Thursday granted bail to one of five men accused of conspiring to kill National League for Democracy legal adviser U Ko Ni, who was gunned down in early 2017.

Yangon Northern District Court in Insein Township allowed Aung Win Tun to walk free after he paid bail of 50 million kyat and produced two guarantors.

Aung Win Tun is accused of harboring his brother and co-conspirator Aung Win Zaw. Prosecutors allege Aung Win Tun drove his brother to Hpa-an, Karen State, after the killing was carried out in Rangoon on Jan. 29.

However, neither the Home Affairs Ministry nor the police mentioned Aung Win Tuns name in connection with the case at their press conference on Feb. 25, nor did they state exactly when he was arrested. There were no references to Aung Win Tun by the Presidents Office in its public updates on the case.

Authorities have so far named five suspects in the assassination of U Ko Ni: Gunman Kyi Lin, co-conspirators Aung Win Tun, Aung Win Zaw and Zeya Phyo, and the alleged mastermind, Aung Win Khaing, a former lieutenant-colonel in the Myanmar Army who remains at large.

Aung Win Khaing was charged with homicide under Article 302 of the penal code, but has so far eluded capture. He is also a brother of Aung Win Tun.

The court granted bail over prosecutors objections, saying they had failed to submit evidence backing up their calls for Aung Win Tun to remain behind bars.

Zeya Phyo, one of the accused, told the media: Finally, the truth is revealed.

Prosecutor Robert San Aung said, I hope there will not be any [negative] consequences from this; Aung Win Tun is the brother of fugitive Aung Win Khaing.
News Lashio Stable but Tense after Yoma Bank Bombing

Police and security forces inspect the damage following Wednesdays bombing of a Yoma Bank branch in Lashio. / MOI / Facebook

Local residents in Lashio reported that the situation there had stabilized Thursday following a bomb blast at a Yoma Bank branch on Wednesday that killed two people and wounded 21, though many residents expressed concerns about security as authorities conducted checks and patrols around the town in northern Shan State.

A witness to the blast, U Kyaw Aung, told The Irrawaddy, Just after I parked my car, I was walking toward the public market when I heard a loud blast. The windows from the bank were blown out and there was glass all over the street. The windows of my car were also shattered.

The market was busy as usual on Thursday, he said, adding there was no sign of tightened security inside the town. However, local residents reported that authorities were checking vehicles on roads leading in and out of the town, and had tightened security in the surrounding areas.

Lashio police said Thursday that the bomb appeared to be a locally made device.

Two women were killed in the blast. Of the 21 people injured, four men and two women remained in hospital Thursday, said Lashio police officer Colonel U San Win.

According to U San Win, the bomb had been placed against a wall of the bank building. When it detonated, it partially destroyed the wall, damaging the interior of the bank and causing casualties, he said.

Both Yoma Bank and Ayeyarwady Bank were struck by the blast, but the latter suffered only minor damage.

While the situation appeared to have stabilized, some local people said they didnt feel secure in the town and were thinking about leaving in case other blasts occurred.

Authorities said they were investigating who was responsible for the bombing, but had yet to release any information on possible suspects, saying only that they were preparing charges.

The Myanmar Army (Tatmadaw) said a month ago it had distributed flyers warning local residents that the Kachin Independence Army and Taang National Liberation Army were planning a bombing campaign against the city. Public places, government buildings and bus stations were being targeted, and the KIA and TNLA had infiltrated about 10 and 20 people into the town, respectively, the Army said.

Maj. Khaing Zaw Win from the Military Security Department told The New York Times in a report published Wednesday that the Tatmadaw had received information that the two armed groups had prepared bombs a long time ago, prompting the distribution of the fliers a month ago.

TNLA spokesman Colonel Tar Aike Kyaw denied the accusation when contacted by The Irrawaddy.

It is not our policy to bomb public properties. We were not involved in it, Col. Tar Aike Kyaw said.

He said the Tatmadaw fliers referred to by Maj. Khaing Zaw Win were distributed last year, not a month ago. The Tatmadaw was using Wednesdays blast to revive its claims against the armed groups on social media, he said.

Police and Army personnel were patrolling around the town in vehicles and army tanks night and day to maintain security in Lashio. Some residents were asking how the KIA and TNLA could have managed to stage an attack on a bank.

The TNLA spokesmen echoed these comments, saying, They [officials] have tightened security in this area as it houses government and police buildings. So how could we stage such an attack? Col. Tar Aike Kyaw said.

It could be a personal dispute or it could be politically motivated, with the aim of threatening the people in the town, Col. Tar Aike Kyaw said.

The Army and the government typically point the finger at rebels when there is a bomb blast in the country. However, neither have issued any official statement regarding who is to blame for the bombing. Meanwhile, the Army and police investigation is ongoing.

Local residents offered various theories on the bomb blast. One resident said that because the conflict in Arakan had quietened down recently, the Tatmadaw may be planning to launch a big military offensive in northern Shan State. Therefore, they planted the bomb to make it look like the work of the rebels, according to this theory.

Others believed the bombing was related to a recent drug raid in Kutkai in which Army and police seized nearly 10 billion kyat worth of illegal drugs.

Some locals even suggested Yoma Bank was bombed because it failed to pay taxes to the rebel groups. Other Lashio sources downplayed this idea, saying all banks based in northern Shan have to pay taxes to rebels, with the exception of Myanmar Economic Bank.

Lashio is home to communities of Shan, Palaung, Wa, Kokang, Kachin and Burmese. Just a four-hour drive from the town of Muse on the Chinese border, Lashios economy has boomed in recent years due to cross-border trade with China.

The Myanmar government and Army have entered into a peace process with 10 ethnic armed groups, most of them from the south of the country. At least seven other armed groups, who are members of the Northern Alliance based in northern Shan, have declined to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement.

The KIA, TNLA, Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and Shan State Progress Party are all members of the Northern Alliance. They are all based in northern Shan, and often engage in fighting against the Tatmadaw.
With top mobile operators, including Telstra, in major first world countries set to "activate Windows 10 PCs powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Mobile PC Platform on 4G/LTE Networks", the only question is whether consumers will buy them.

With Microsoft's previous efforts at an ARM-powered Surface RT tablet failing to set the world on fire, partly because that version of Windows was unable to run standard x86, 32-bit software, the company is trying again.

As they say, when you fail, you should try, try and try again, unless you're failing at skydiving, and you should always give 100%, unless you're giving blood.

With Windows RT tablets having fallen from the sky without a parachute, Microsoft is now giving 100% of its blood and sweat to ensure that its Windows 10 and Qualcomm Snapdragon ARM-powered PCs can, this time, succeed, without hopefully too many, if any, tears.

Windows 10 on ARM processors can run x86 32-bit software, with 64-bit compatibility reported to come in the future, and while there are some limitations , including not being able to run x86 drivers, Hyper-V or shell extensions, Microsoft looks to have finally cracked Windows RT's biggest conundrum.

In theory, this means thin-and-light iPad-style designs, with multi-day battery life, always-on connectivity, and compatibility with a stack of popular Windows desktop software, as well as having an iPad-like tablet that you can use a standard mouse with, something iPads still fail to offer power-users who prefer the precision of a traditional pointing device.

Naturally, this leads to other major questions  will consumers care? How much will such tablets cost? What is performance like? How compatible are these tablets with the Windows software you actually want to run? Are they subject to the same malware, ransomware, viruses and trojans that affect regular Windows PCs? Will Intel sue as it suggested it might?

If the price is right, if the battery life claims are real, if software compatibility is good, if there's greater immunity to malware and more, then Microsoft may well have cracked the tablet conundrum with technology that might set the public's imagination alight, causing them to open their hearts, minds and wallets.

That's a lot of ifs, but in a multiverse of infinite possibility, anything is possible, so we'll just have to wait and see.

So, it was with interest that I received and read a media release from Qualcomm and Microsoft on its new tablets.

As you can imagine, those "other major questions" I've listed above aren't answered in the document, which I've largely reprinted below, but the world's tech press will most certainly be answering those questions in record time once review units and general availability to the public has commenced.

The media release notes that both Qualcomm and Microsoft have "announced that the Always Connected PC category continues to grow in momentum as its embraced by additional mobile operators from around the world".

"This momentum can bring easy and affordable connectivity plans to consumers on advanced 4G/LTE wireless networks in Asia, Australia, North America and Europe.

"Select operators also plan to stock Always Connected PCs in their retail locations. Three new Windows 10 devices powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Mobile PC platform from OEM brands ASUS, HP and Lenovo plan to utilise mobile operators blazing fast 4G/LTE networks, supporting mobile computing virtually anytime, anywhere."

Don McGuire, Qualcomm's vice-president of Global Product Marketing, said: "Our collaboration together with Microsoft has continued to build momentum for the Always Connected PC category.

With the growing list of commitments from leading mobile operators worldwide, Snapdragon powered Always Connected PCs are engineered to offer consumers a compelling and powerful mobile computing experience, with instant on capability, always on connectivity* and beyond all-day' battery life in innovative, thin and light designs."

We're told that "always Connected PCs are expected to utilise the blazing fast 4G/LTE speeds on the following leading mobile operator networks".

These operators include:

Australia  Telstra

China  CMCC (China Mobile Communications Corporation)

France  Transatel

Germany  Deutsche Telekom

Ireland  Cubic

Spain  Telefonica

Switzerland  Swisscom

US  T-Mobile and AT&T

These new operators join those previously announced at CES, which were:

China  China Telecom

Italy  TIM

UK  EE

US  Sprint, Verizon

Qualcomm also says in a different media release that, "beginning this calendar quarter, these Always Connected PCs are expected to be available online and hitting store shelves at the following leading retailers":

US  Amazon, Microsoft Stores

Australia  Microsoft Stores

China  JD

Italy  Unieuro

France  Boulanger, Fnac

UK  Asus Stores, BT Shop, John Lewis, Microsoft Stores, PC World

Matt Barlow, corporate vice-president of Windows and Devices at Microsoft, said: "The Always Connected PC combines the connectivity and the simplicity of the smartphone with the power and creative capability of the Windows 10 PC, transforming how we work and play.

In collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies and with the support of these mobile operators, consumers will be able to enjoy up to gigabit 4G/LTE connectivity and stay connected to the things that are most important to them.

We're reminded that CES 2018 saw Lenovo announce details of its "new Always Connected PC the Miix 630 2-in-1 detachable featuring the Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC Platform and Windows 10S for a streamlined experience".

We're also told that "this launch builds on the momentum of ASUS and HP, who launched their first Windows on Snapdragon devices  the 2-in-1 convertible ASUS NovaGo and the detachable HP ENVY x2  during Qualcomms second annual Snapdragon Tech Summit last December".

"For more about device availability, consumers should look for specific mobile operator announcements and offers anticipated in the first half of 2018."

So, x86-compatible Windows on ARM is arming itself for battle against Intel-based tablets, iPads and Android tablets, with the world to discover whether customers will swallow these tablets at long last, or not.
The Australian Education Union claims the Coalition Government has cut $1.9 billion from public schools and hundreds of millions more from TAFEs and pledged to fight against these cuts.

The claims of cuts come at a time when there is a push to get more students into studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in a bid to bolster the ranks of skilled workers.

The AEU will hold its annual conference today and its federal president, Correna Haythorpe, said while both Opposition leader Bill Shorten and Greens leader Richard Di Natale would speak at the event, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had not responded to an invitation to attend.

Turnbull is in the US at the moment, but it appears that the government has not chosen anyone to attend in lieu.

Todays conference is about planning for the funding fight ahead. Malcolm Turnbull has cut $1.9 billion from public schools and hundreds of millions from TAFE, claimed Haythorpe.

We will be discussing the impact of these cuts and our plans to ramp up our public school funding campaign in the year ahead. Of the $2.2 billion Malcolm Turnbull has cut from schools in the next two years, 86% will be cut from public schools. Principals, teachers, support staff and students will see the direct impact of these cuts."

She described Turnbull as the prime minister for private schools, adding, "He has walked away from public schools, only allocating 20% of federal funding to public schools."

Haythorpe said Turnbulls cuts to public schools were cruel and catastrophic. "Big cuts require a big response and our members are ready for action. We wont stand by while the Turnbull Government fails to fully fund public education."
Adelaide-based internet service provider Internode has been named 2017 Roy Morgan Home Broadband Provider of the Year for the second year running and the sixth time in the last seven years.

The firm has received this accolade each year since 2011 except in 2015. From 2011 through to 2013, the award was named Best ISP, but this was renamed to Best Home Broadband Provider from 2014.

Roy Morgan Research is the largest independent Australian research company, with offices in each state, as well as in New Zealand, the US and the UK.

Its annual awards are based on customer satisfaction. An Internode spokesperson said: We're really proud of this achievement because results are based entirely on customer research conducted by Roy Morgan Research. We've always been passionate about the Internet and giving our customers the best service possible."

"Our continued success in the Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Awards is a direct result of the hard work and dedication from everyone in the Internode team.

Internode is joined by newcomers in Roy Morgans research such as JB Hi-Fi (Furniture/Electrical Store of the Year), and Grilld (Quick Service Restaurant of the Year).
A former cloud project manager at the tech firm TechnologyOne has filed a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission, alleging discrimination on the grounds of her sex, disability and race, and also victimisation.

In the complaint, which iTWire has seen, Ana Monteiro named TechnologyOne founder and chairman Adrian Di Marco and Cloud Transition and Enablement director Craig Taylor.

In a statement sent to iTWire following a request for comment, TechnologyOne denied all the accusations levelled by Monteiro.

In her complaint, Monteiro says the disability she faced was anxiety and depression, while the race factor was because she is Brazilian. She claimed that she had been victimised because she tried to complain about her situation within the company.

According to the complaint, Monteiro said she joined the company in May 2015 and was switched to the Cloud Transition Team in June 2016 as a result of which she reported to Taylor.

"Ms Monteiro resigned from Technology One in November 2017 as a result of the culture of TechnologyOne, and the lack of action from human resources regarding the ongoing bullying, discrimination and intimidation that she was subjected to from her direct manager, Mr Taylor," the complaint says.

It alleges that Taylor was "verbally abusive, intimidating, discriminatory and threatening towards her". Alleged examples of such conduct are also detailed in the complaint, including numerous claims about the use of four-letter words towards her.

This is the second instance of TechnologyOne facing such complaints; the company and Di Marco face a $14.82 million unfair dismissal and bullying claim from its former Victorian manager Behnam Roohizadegan, who worked at the firm for a decade.

His case is to be heard at the Federal Court in Melbourne beginning on 16 April.

In a media statement, Harmers Workplace Lawyers, the law firm handling both Roohizadegan's and Monteiro's cases, said Monteiro "intends to seek reform orders in an attempt to prevent recurrence of such adverse impact on health. Ms Monteiro is also aware of a number of other victims of TechnologyOne bullying, including at least two who have attempted to commit suicide as a result of the alleged bullying culture at TechnologyOne".

TechnologyOne chief executive Edward Chung said in the statement sent to iTWire that Harmers statement, dated 19 February 2018, was part of "their standard operating procedure to use the media to publish unsubstantiated claims, in order to get companies to settle regardless of the merits of the case".

"Harmers are clearly mounting a campaign against TechnologyOne, and are out there ambulance chasing supposed victims. Given we have employed many thousands of staff over our 30 years, I am sure there are a few disgruntled individuals.

We note that in one case the employee was terminated because of poor performance, and in the second case the employee was being managed because of their poor performance. The allegations raised by these individuals were thoroughly and independently investigated at the time, and found to be baseless.

We deny all the claims. TechnologyOne treats all staff with integrity and fairness. We have a large and competent HR team to ensure staff are well-supported and that this sort of thing is appropriately managed. TechnologyOne is an independently recognised employer of choice.

TechnologyOne views many of the statements made as mischievous, unsupported and emotive. These allegations are just that and are yet to be tested in court. TechnologyOne will be vigorously defending these claims and we remain confident of success."

As per the complaint, Monteiro has sought cultural reform; compensation for past and future economic loss; compensation by way of general damages for pain and suffering, stress, humiliation, dislocation of life and damage to professional reputation; recompense for medical expenses; and recompense for legal costs.

Following the AHRC investigation, she has sought that the matter proceed to conciliation, prior to the necessity for it to be pursued in court.
Last Friday, the Department of Justice indicted 13 Russians and three Russian companies for interfering with the 2016 elections. Also last week, several countries including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, and Denmark accused Russia of being behind last summer's NotPetya attack.

[ How much does a cyber attack really cost? Take a look at the numbers.. | Get the latest from CSO by signing up for our newsletters. ]

"[NotPetya] was part of the Kremlins ongoing effort to destabilize Ukraine, and it demonstrates ever more clearly Russias involvement in the ongoing conflict," said White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. "This was also a reckless and indiscriminate cyber attack that will be met with international consequences."

Even though both attacks had political targets, the final list of victims wasn't limited to just political organizations and critical infrastructure providers. "NotPetya had substantial impact beyond the intended political targets, disrupting the IT systems and operations of thousands of civilian organizations worldwide," says Steve Grobman, CTO at McAfee. "Its critically important to ultimately hold nations accountable for the comprehensive damage inflicted by such attacks.

Civilian organizations that are targeted by state-sponsored attacks or suffer collateral damage are at a disadvantage when it comes to identifying the attacker. Governments are in a better position to identify the perpetrators behind such attacks, Grobman says, since they have access not only to cyber forensics but also traditional intelligence data.

In cyber war, everyone is a target

Nation-state attackers typically go after political targets: the Democratic National Committee, government agencies, critical infrastructure, and defense contractors. It's become increasingly clear that any company, in any industry, could be affected, either as a result of being a deliberate target or as collateral damage in a wider attack.

Campaigns like NotPetya can hit any company, of any size, and even deliberate, targeted, advanced attacks can hit any industry. "Private entities are being targeted every day," says Adam Meyers, VP of intelligence at CrowdStrike.

North Korea is targeting Bitcoin exchanges and global financial institutions, he says. Chinese groups go after companies making specialized medical hardware and other technology. "You name an industry, and I can tell you a threat actor that we've seen targeting it," he says.

This year's Winter Olympics received its share of cyber attacks as well. Targeted companies included utilities companies, display screen manufacturers, construction companies that were involved in Olympics-related building projects, media firms, and telecoms, he says.
The Apache Software Foundation has released the producton version of its NetBeans Version 9.0 IDE, with support for the Java Module System introduced with Java 9 last year. Modules comprised the premier capability in JDK 9, which was released in September 2017.

The open source IDEs new features include:

NetBeans 9.0 supports local variable type inference, with new hints, error handlers, and refactorings to transform to and from the new Java Development Kit 10 var type.

type. For the JDK 9 Jigsaw module system, ModulePath was added as paradigm, for use in modules. ModulePath mode enables the use of modules, in addition to supporting the longstanding classpath option for the runtime to search for classes and resource files.

option for the runtime to search for classes and resource files. The NetBeans Java SE project type can be a single JDK 9 module by adding a module-info.java file in the default package.

The new Java Modular Project type helps develop several JDK 9 modules in one Ant-based NetBeans project. With this project type, dependencies are managed by declaring exports and requires in module-info.java. All modules are compiled simultaneously.

and in module-info.java. All modules are compiled simultaneously. Support in modules for the full Edit-Compile-Debug-and-Profile cycle.

The ability to show module dependencies in the IDE.

A console-like UI for the Java Shell (JShell) REPL (read-eval-print-loop) tool, which can be supported with the user project configuration.

Added actions in the Java profiler to expand and collapse nodes in tree table results.

Resizable popups in the profiler, to make it easier to handle long class or method names.

NetBeans 9.0 also adds a new project, Java Modular Project, for developing several JDK 9 modules in one Ant-based project. With it, Java modular app projects can be packaged into a JLink image for distribution of the application and required modules.

Future releases of the IDE are expected to add new capabilities for languages including C++ and PHP.

Where to download NetBeans 9.0

You can download NetBeans 9.0 source code and binaries from the project website.
Google, as promised, has launched the Chrome browser ad-blocking feature it has touted for nearly a year.

Although not the first such effort by a browser maker, Google's decision - effectively a pre-emptive strike against even more users turning to independent add-ons for killing online advertisements - has both import and impact by virtue of Chrome's dominance.

With more than 61% of all browser users running Chrome as of January, according to analytics vendor Net Applications, when Google's browser whispers, the web listens. Sites that instead tune out last week's move do so at their peril.

Just what is Chrome's ad blocking - Google likes to call it "ad filtering" - really all about? How does it work and what's the reasoning behind it?

All good questions. We've got the answers.

What is Chrome ad filtering?

Google has dubbed Chrome's new functionality an "ad filter" rather than calling it an "ad blocker," the far-more-common label for separate or baked-into-the-browser software that scrubs online ads from website pages.

That's because Chrome does not, as do most ad blockers, eliminate all ads from all sites, then close up the now-empty spaces to make the page look more or less composed. Instead, Chrome looks for certain types of ads, those that the Coalition for Better Ads (CBA) says violate what the industry group calls its "Better Ads Standards," then expunges ads from the sites displaying such pitches.

The standards have identified several ad types on the personal computer desktop and on mobile devices that CBA-released research claimed are the most annoying of all online advertisements.

On a PC, Chrome looks for four ad categories out of six considered by the panel: pop-ups, ads that automatically play video and audio, "prestitial" ads accompanied by a countdown clock, and those dubbed "large sticky ads," which blanket more than 30% of the screen and remain in place no matter how much the user scrolls. Chrome sniffs out a different mix - eight kinds of ads from the dozen originally scrutinized - when it's running on the Android and iOS mobile operating systems.

Google/CBA The Better Ads Standards consists of 12 ad types that users reported as particularly annoying.

Google is walking a tightrope calling its approach filtering (rather than blocking) because the end result on sites struck by Chrome is the same as if an ad-blocker add-on was installed: All ads have been "disappeared." The filtering Chrome does is on a site-by-site basis, not ad-by-ad, something that some commentary about the new functionality failed to mention.

How does Chrome's ad filtering work?

The multi-step process Google has implemented starts with an automated evaluation of a sampling of a site's pages that tallies violations of the coalition standards. Each site is handed a grade: Passing, Warning or Failing.

A warning means that the site has "a number of ad experiences that violate the Better Ads Standard," which the site administrator should correct before re-submitting for a follow-up review. A failing mark means "numerous" violations were found, and that the site owner has 30 days to make changes and request a second review. Ad filtering kicks in after that grace period if fixes are not implemented.

Once ad filtering begins, Chrome will scrub advertisements from a site for at least 30 days, because review submissions after the first two cannot be made until 30 days have passed.

Failing-grade sites get added to a list that Google maintains on its servers. Chrome uses that blacklist to look up URLs. When it finds a match - the browser has been steered to a site with a Failed grade - Chrome does another look-up, this time to a set of ad "fingerprints" caged from EasyList, the open-source ad-identification-and-removal rules list that forms the backbone of most browser ad blockers, including Adblock and Adblock Plus.

At that point, Chrome declines to honor the page's requests for ads, preventing them from appearing because they're never loaded. (Most ads are served by third-party networks, not directly from the servers running the site on which those ads run.) On any page with at least one omitted ad, Chrome notifies the user with an "Ads blocked" message. That, in turn, can be expanded to display a description which reports, "This site tends to show intrusive ads," along with an option to turn off the browser's filtering for that site.

Google Though Chrome will automatically block intrusive ads that violate the Better Ads Standards, users can disable the feature.

This is important to remember: On sites that have failed the eval, all ads are eliminated, not just the ones that led to the violation in the first place. Think of the ads that led to the failing grade as triggers for Chrome to cleanse the site of every advertisement.

Google has not always led its announcements with that information. But in December, in an update on the anti-ad campaign, Google stated, "Starting on Feb. 15 ... Chrome will remove all ads from sites that have a 'failing' status in the Ad Experience Report for more than 30 days [emphasis added]."

Why is Google doing this?

In June 2016, when Google broached the ad filtering idea, it cited a 30% year-over-year increase in the use of browser ad-blocking extensions, fueled by "overwhelmingly frustrating or intrusive" ads. "This reduces the ability for publishers to continue creating free content and threatens the sustainability of the web ecosystem," the company explained.

Although Google has at times touted as a reason for restricting ads its desire to improve the user experience of Chrome, it has most often stressed the importance of keeping online advertising's reputation from bottoming out. That's no surprise: The company's rise to dominance was fed by ad revenue, specifically the ads users see when they run Google's search engine.

By extension, what poisons, or even taints, the online advertising well may, at some point, directly affect Google's ad revenue. Google has incredible motivation to do whatever it takes to ensure that does not happen.

One hint that Google's ad-blocking rationale differs from other browser makers' appeared in the company's announcement last week that it had switched on ad filtering. "We're encouraged by early results showing industry shifts away from intrusive ad experiences and look forwarding to continued collaboration with the industry toward a future where Chrome's ad filtering technology will not be needed," Chris Bentzel, an engineering manager on the browser team, wrote in a Google blog post. Bentzel was referring to a statistic he cited that said more than 40% of the sites tagged as failing in the early evaluations had dumped the offending ads to become compliant.

Other browsers that have declared war on ads, or some types of ads - Brave is one example - have been explicit in trumpeting the boost in performance that results when ads aren't rendered on a web page - not the long-term benefit to publishers and a rescue of online advertising.

How does Chrome's ad filtering affect browsing?

Most people using Chrome after Feb. 15 won't notice a difference.

According to Google, just 1.5% of 100,000 sites it evaluated prior to the ad filtering launch failed to meet CBA standards. And of those, only 0.9% displayed excessive numbers of the annoying ad categories. For the multiplication-challenged, that means of every 100,000 websites, Chrome would scratch out ads on about 14 sites.

Hardly web-shakin'.

How can site publishers sidestep Chrome's ad filtering and blocking?

That's a good question, and so far, the answer from the CBA is unclear.

The organization has said that site publishers who seek and are granted "certification" would be immune from Chrome's blockade. According to a statement from the CBA last week, Google wants to be among the entities allowed to access compliance and thus "certify" - whatever that means - publishers.

Key, however, is that Chrome will be kept at bay by certification. "Google has informed the Coalition that it will not filter ads for any company certified under the Program's requirements," the CBA said in the statement.

The CBA won't charge for letting a site publisher self-certify, at least not immediately. "Enrollment by each interested publisher allows the company and its domains to be included in the Program's register," the CBA added. "Initial publisher registration will be free of charge until at least July 1. Thereafter, registration may be on a fee basis [emphasis added]." Elsewhere, the CBA confirmed that fees, if there are any, will be annual.

It would be foolish to bet against a fees-at-some-point reality. The CBA itself implied as much on its website, where it dubbed the "Better Ads Experience Program" and spelled out the benefits to registration/certification. "This Program has been created by the Coalition for Better Ads to support its mission to improve the online advertising experience for consumers and promote adoption of the Better Ads Standards [emphasis added]." The group also said that fees, if any, would be announced at least 30 days prior to the termination of the free trial run, another clue that money will play a part.
IWU Hosts Human Rights Workshop

Feb. 22, 2018

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.  Illinois Wesleyan University will host its sixth annual Human Rights Undergraduate Research Workshop: Revolution and Human Rights Feb. 23-25, organized by The Center for Human Rights and Social Justice.

The workshop, which showcases undergraduate presenters from IWU and other universities, will engage students and faculty in the topic of how addressing human rights concerns has profoundly impacted political, social and economic relations around the world.

During the workshop, keynote speaker Mark Steinberg, Professor of History and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Illinois, will deliver an address titled "The Russian Revolution as Utopian Leap." Steinberg will give his keynote address on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 12:45 p.m. in State Farm Hall (205 E Beecher St, Bloomington), room 102. The keynote address is free and open to the public.

Steinberg draws from his decades-long research into the cultural, intellectual and social history of Russia and the Soviet Union, with particular focus on topics such as religion, urban history, revolutions and utopias.

In addition to teaching at the University of Illinois, Steinberg has also taught at the University of Oregon, Harvard University and Yale University, where he has received several awards for his teaching. These awards include the Sarai Ribicoff Prize for Teaching at Yale University (1993), and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2002) at the University of Illinois. In 2001, the University of Illinois named him a University Scholar, one of the schools highest honors.

Four IWU students, along with students from other universities, will also present their research relating to human rights and social justice during the workshop: Matt Banaitis 18, Josie Blumberg 19, Zoe Bouras 18 and Muyi Yang 18.

By Rachel McCarthy 21
Summerville, SC (29483)

Today

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.
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Middle East Monitor |- 

Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose 2009 re-election prompted mass unrest over alleged vote rigging, has called for free presidential and parliamentary elections in an open letter to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reports.

Khamenei backed Ahmadinejad after his return to power kicked off protests in which dozens of people were killed and hundreds arrested, rattling the ruling theocracy, before security forces led by the elite Revolutionary Guards stamped out the unrest.

But a rift developed between the two in 2011 when Khamenei, who has the ultimate say over all policy in the Islamic Republic, reversed Ahmadinejads dismissal of the minister of intelligence and suggested he had overstepped his authority.

Ahmadinejad, a brash, populist hardliner while in office, could not run in the 2013 election as he had served the maximum two consecutive terms. He was succeeded by pragmatist Hassan Rouhani, who won election by landslide then and again last year.

While Rouhani has called for a liberalisation of the economy and society and on the Revolutionary Guards not to interfere in elections, he has stopped short of explicitly advocating checks on the Supreme Leaders powers  something Ahmadinejad addressed in the letter to Khamenei published on his website on Wednesday.

An immediate and essential need is the holding of quick and free elections for the presidency and the parliament, of course without the engineering of the Guardian Council and interference of military and security institutions, so the people have the right to choose, Ahmadinejad wrote.

His critics previously accused the Guardian Council, a body that vets presidential and parliamentary candidates with an eye to Khameneis wishes, of tilting elections in his favour in 2005 and 2009. However, Ahmadinejad was disqualified by the Council prior to last years presidential election.

Ahmadinejads letter also called for fundamental reforms in the three branches of government  executive, parliament and judiciary  as well as the office of the Supreme Leader. He did not elaborate on what reforms he had in mind.

But it is nearly unheard of in Iran for officials to publicly criticise Khamenei or his powers; insulting the Supreme Leader is a crime.

Serious unrest broke out in December for the first time since 2009, mainly over economic hardships but protesters soon targeted a perceived lack of democracy as well, demanding the removal of top officials including Khamenei.

At least 25 people were killed in the unrest and thousands detained before security forces cracked down in earnest and the protests fizzled out in January.

Ahmadinejad also called for the release of political prisoners and dismissal of hardline judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani, whom he has accused of unfairly targeting his allies.

Ahmadinejads presidency revolved around his appeal to Irans conservative, small-town working class and rural poor, and critics said his recent attacks on Irans clerical and security establishment after years of relative silence could be an attempt to lay the groundwork for a political comeback.

Rouhanis popularity has waned over his failure to notably improve the economy and ease repression in everyday life despite his 2015 deal with world powers that secured an end to sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Ahmadinejad and his group have become a lot more active in criticising the judiciary and government. Hes continuing on a populist path, said Roozbeh Mirebrahimi, a journalist who worked for reformist Iranian dailies and now lives in New York.

Via Middle East Monitor

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 21, 2018) - Iconic Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ICM) (OTC Pink: BVTEF) (FSE: YQGB) has filed an amended Notice of Intent (the "NOI") with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at the Bonnie Claire Project, located in southern Nevada. The NOI permits the drilling of one deep drill target (the "BC1801") to test the grade and thickness of lithium bearing sediments, including six shallow drill targets (the "Shallow Drill Targets") to test near-surface lithium brine targets defined by broad-spaced surface geochemical sampling and geophysics.

The drilling location of BC1603 is 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) from BC1601 and 1,520 meters (4,990 feet) from BC1602. Data collected from each of these deep drill holes, will allow Iconic to produce an NI 43-101 compliant resource report (the "NI 43-101") on the lithium-rich sediments of the basin. In conjunction with collecting geochemical samples for the NI 43-101, continuous collection of large samples will be completed to provide additional bulk sample material, for further tests utilizing St-Georges Eco-Mining's ("SX") new proprietary extraction and purification technology.

The planned Shallow Drill Targets, located 2,530 meters (8,300 feet) south of BC1603, will be drilled within a 4,300-meter-long surface lithium anomaly, that extends further south. This large lithium anomaly contains linear lithium highs, which are thought to be associated with shallow structures that may host lithium brine. The Shallow Drill Targets will be drilled, on, or near the interpreted structures.

Drilling of BC1801 at Bonnie Claire will commence as soon as all federal and state permits are received. Shallow drilling of the brine targets will begin once BC1801 has been drilled.

The Bonnie Claire Lithium Property Characteristics:

The Property is located within Sarcobatus Valley that is approximately 30 km (19 miles) long and 20 km (12 miles) wide, the associated drainage basin covers an area of 57 square km (22 sq mi). Quartz-rich volcanic rocks, that contain anomalous amounts of lithium, occur within and adjacent to the drainage basin. Geochemical analysis of the local salt flats has yielded lithium values up to 340 ppm. The gravity low within the valley is 20 km (12 miles) long, the current estimates of the depth to bedrock range from 600 to 900 meters (2,000 to 3,000 feet). The current claim block covers the brine bearing potion of the gravity low as defined by geophysics.

Richard Kern, Certified Professional Geologist (#11494) and CEO of Iconic is the Qualified Person who has prepared and reviewed this press release in accordance with NI 43-101 reporting standards.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

SIGNED: "Richard Kern"

Richard Kern, President and CEO

Contact: Keturah Nathe, VP Corporate Development (604) 336-8614

For further information on ICM, please visit our website at www.iconicmineralsltd.com. The Company's public documents may be accessed at www.sedar.com

Forward Statement: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements or information. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Iconic expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

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.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Core Gold Inc. ("Core Gold" or the "Company") (TSX-V:CGLD) (OTCQX:CGLDF) is pleased to announce 10 further trench results (Trenches 30  39) in addition to the previously announced 29 trench results (please refer to November 30th, 2017 news release) along the mineralized structure #1 at Linderos as well as fifteen initial trench results from a second parallel high grade gold mineralized structure discovered by the Company.

Both sets of trenching results provide compelling evidence that the high-grade mineralization previously reported over a 150 meter strike length on the western end of the initial Linderos discovery extends east for approximately 1 kilometer.

At structure #1, five trenches were sampled at the eastern side of the 1 kilometer long strike length, all of which returned significant mineralization highlighted by 32m at 3.02 g/t Au and 4.4m at 11.11 g/t Au. These high-grade results strongly conform to our geological assessment that the shear zone related structures are well-mineralized along a 1 kilometer strike length.

The discovery of a second high-grade gold bearing structure parallel to structure #1 expands the footprint of high-grade mineralization immediately to the south. The initial 15 trenches along a 500 m strike length at shear structure #2 averaged 2.41m at 9.22 g/t Au, highlighted by 2m at 21.88 g/t Au and 4m at 14.9 g/t Au.

Trenching Results

A total of 810 rock samples have been collected in the porphyry sector and in trenches perpendicular to the mineralized shear zone and irregularly spaced (where available outcrops existed), trying to fill the entire spacing along the structures. There were 54 trenches excavated perpendicular to the mineralized and brecciated structures. Two main structures (#1 and #2) with very encouraging gold and silver assays have been defined with the trenching exploration program. They are as follows:

Structure 1

The weighted averaged results of preliminary perpendicular trench sampling to date across Structure 1 are:

8.4m in width along a strike of 910m grading 8.18 g/t Au and 13.81 g/t Ag

This structure has been mainly sampled on the western and eastern ends remaining without sampling about 300m in the central portion due to coverage by an alluvial paleo-channel. To date, these are exploration results and are not meant to imply any mineral resource under National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101").

Structure 2

The weighted averaged results of preliminary perpendicular trench sampling to date across Structure 2 are:

2.4m in width along a strike of 500m grading 9.22 g/t Au, 10.46 g/t Ag

To date, these are exploration results and are not meant to imply any mineral resource under NI 43-101.

Table 1: Trenching Results in Structure 1 (North Structure)

Trench Number Interval (m) Gold Grade g/t Au Silver Grade g/t Ag Linderos 30 4.40 11.11 70.01 Linderos 31 4.80 6.54 55.24 Linderos 32 1.25 7.00 70.88 Linderos 33 1.60 14.37 73.28 Linderos 34 3.60 5.43 4.01 Linderos 35 4.00 0.78 3.56 Linderos 36 32.00 3.02 6.33 Linderos 37 2.70 9.38 53.42 Linderos 38 2.00 5.37 275.96 Linderos 39 4.90 5.22 82.31

Table 2: Trenching Results in Structure 2 (New South Structure)

Trench Number Interval (m) Gold Grade g/t Au Silver Grade g/t Ag Linderos 2-1 2.00 21.88 23.73 Linderos 2-2 1.60 11.95 43.33 Linderos 2-3 1.50 12.43 7.30 Linderos 2-4 1.15 0.91 10.30 Linderos 2-5 2.00 1.32 2.61 Linderos 2-6 2.00 2.41 1.34 Linderos 2-7 2.70 10.78 10.63 Linderos 2-8 1.40 8.72 12.21 Linderos 2-9 4.00 14.90 12.74 Linderos 2-10 2.00 0.85 2.16 Linderos 2-11 2.00 2.28 1.30 Linderos 2-12 2.00 12.26 34.29 Linderos 2-13 2.00 21.29 5.51 Linderos 2-14 1.60 1.05 5.70 Linderos 2-15 5.50 8.21 4.65

Core Gold CEO Keith Piggott commented: These additional high-grade results along with the extension of structure #1s strike length to nearly 1 kilometer and the discovery of another high grade structure immediately to the south strongly support our thesis that Linderos represents a uniquely high grade, near surface gold mineralized body that is striking both in terms of its average grades of almost 10 g/ton within the high-grade shear structures as well as the very large footprint of gold mineralization that has markedly increased the probability of defining a gold deposit. We look forward to initiating a drill program as soon as permits are in place in order to test the depth of the mineralization and confirm our geological model.

The Linderos Project

The Linderos Project is an exploration property located in Macara county, Loja province, southern Ecuador. It is composed of four contiguous concessions totalling 14,317 hectares, located approximately 45 Km southwest of the Companys Dynasty Goldfield project. The Linderos project comprises gold-copper porphyry system style mineralization.

Figure 1: The Cretaceous volcanics of the Celica Formation in Green. Diorite porphyry in violet, the quartz-diorite porphyry in bricks pattern, the tonalite porphyry in sky blue color, the rhyolite-dacite high level porphyry in squares pattern. Structure 1 to the north and Structure 2 to the south into the rhyolite-dacite porphyry.

Geologically, the mineralized area is located within a trend with structural north-east direction that extends from Peru and is projected to the north as far as the historic mining district of Zaruma-Portovelo in Ecuador. As an example of those lineations, the Catamayo River flows along a regional fault with north-east direction cut by a secondary orthogonal fault system with a general northwest  southeast direction.

The main structural directions that control porphyry intrusions and gold bearing mineralized structures have preferential northwest-southeast and west-east directions. This is evidenced through the main drainages alignment (i.e. Higueron and Vicin rivers).

For more information on the Linderos project please refer to the Operations Overview section of our website at www.coregoldinc.com.

Porphyry Mineralization at Linderos

The porphyry deposit covers an area of about 1.5 Km2 and has a central core with potassic hydrothermal alteration surrounded by phyllic and propylitic alterations on the periphery. The host rock corresponds to a diorite porphyry which has been intruded by multiple early phases of intrusive pulses of different composition such as a quartz-diorite, tonalite and rhyolite-dacite. The entire package is hosted within Cretaceous volcanics of the Celica Formation.

Copper and molybdenum mineralization is mainly related to quartz-diorite porphyry containing disseminated chalcopyrite and veinlets of molybdenite. Locally, an oxidized zone with occurrence of malachite and chrysocolla has been observed.

Mineralization in the Shear Zone

The porphyritic body is emplaced along a shear zone that runs northwest-southeast and west-east. Mineralization along the shear zone has been observed to occur for about 1,000 metres in length and about 100 metres width in the entire zone. To date the two high grade structures sampled within this shear zone host oxidized gold bearing, brecciated quartz veins and veinlets with visible gold particles, pyrite, arsenopyrite and sphalerite. Some chalcopyrite has been observed only related to veinlets. All of these structures were confirmed during the last mapping and sampling program carried out between October and December 2017. Faulting and mineralized structures are subparallel to the shear zone; preferential strike and dip range between 130-160 / 65-75 NE.

Discussion on Mineralization and Future Exploration Activities

The porphyry body shows structural control and a classic pattern of hydrothermal alterations. There exist related meso and epithermal gold bearing structures (veins and veinlets) with associated stockwork and breccia bodies.

The shear zone with related gold bearing mineralized structures/veins extends for about 1,000m x 100m. The Company is currently planning a drill program along the known structures aiming to target high-grade Au mineralization in order to further complete the geological model.

Qualified Person

Mr. John E. Bolanos, who is a qualified person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release and will continue consulting the Company for future press releases. Mr. Bolanos is a M.Sc. Mining Geologist from Camborne School of Mines (U.K.) and a Professional Geologist Eng. from The Central University of Ecuador (honours degree). He is a registered member (ID 4172671) of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) of the United States; Director of the Ecuadorian College of Engineers in Geology, Mines, Oil and Environment; and a member of the Mining Chamber of Ecuador. He has 27 years of experience in the exploration and mining industry throughout the Americas.

Sampling and Assaying

Rock samples were collected by Core Gold personnel, placed in plastic bags, labeled and sealed, and stored in a secure place until delivery by Core Gold employees to the Golden Valley S.A lab in Portovelo, El Oro Province, Ecuador.

Rock samples were prepared crushing 70% passing (10 mesh), splitting 250 g and pulverizing to 85% passing 200 mesh (75 microns). Prepared 30 g pulp samples were assayed for gold (fire assay/atomic absorption) and over-limits for gold (> 10 g/t Au) were treated by gravimetry.

10% of the pulp samples were sent to the certified Bureau Veritas - Inspectorate Lab [Certification Holding SAS France: ISOTS 16949 (IATF), MDL (UNFCCC), SA8000 (SAAS), IRIS (UNIFE), FSC (ASI) and Bureau Veritas Certification Holding SAS  U.K.: ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO22001, FSCC, BRC, ISO 27001, EMAS, EN9100 / 9110/9120, EUETS (UKAS)] in Lima, Peru for re-assaying and control purposes. Comparative results were coherent and matching, with a general average difference of about 7%, showing a good correlation among assays.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)

The Analytical Laboratory Inspectorate-Bureau Veritas Lab (ISO 9001) is a qualified assayer that performs and makes available internal assaying controls. Duplicates, certified blanks and standard material are systematically used (1 control sample every 20-25 samples) as part of the QA/QC program. Rejects and 100 g pulps supports are stored for future checking and control purposes

About Core Gold Inc.

The Company is a Canadian based mining company involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties in Ecuador. The Company is currently focused on gold production at its wholly-owned Dynasty Goldfield project and continued development at its Zaruma mine. Mineral is treated at the Companys wholly-owned Portovelo treatment plant close to the Zaruma mine operations. The Company also owns other significant gold exploration projects including the Copper Duke area in southern Ecuador all of which are on the main Peruvian Andean gold-copper belt extending into Ecuador.

For further information please contact:

Keith Piggott, CEO

Suite 1201  1166 Alberni Street

Vancouver, B.C. V6E 3Z3

Phone: +1 (604) 345-4822

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cautionary Notice:

This news release contains statements which are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking information which are prospective in nature. Such information in this news release includes statements regarding the Company's interpretation of the Linderos trenching results and the potential geological merits of the Linderos project. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause Core Golds actual results, revenues, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Important risks that could cause Core Golds actual results, revenues, performance or achievements to differ materially from Core Golds expectations include, among other things, risks relating to the actual results of additional exploration activities; fluctuating prices in metals and other commodities; possibility of accidents, equipment breakdowns, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in operations; exploration cost overruns; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; currency fluctuations; availability of capital and financing to maintain the Company's operations and plans; general economic, market or business conditions; regulatory changes; timeliness of government or regulatory approvals; and other risks detailed herein and in Core Golds Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2016, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Other than in accordance with regulatory obligations, Core Gold is not under any obligation and Core Gold expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
(All amounts expressed in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated)

TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Torex Gold Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Torex") (TSX:TXG) reported today the Companys financial results for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Fred Stanford, President & CEO of Torex stated: We are happy to have 2017 behind us, with its ramp-up challenges and illegal blockade, now in the rear-view mirror. I would like to acknowledge the team for their excellent contribution in solving the inevitable ramp-up challenges and for their disciplined execution of the strategy to resume operations under blockade conditions. 2018 will be the year that the team completes the last 10% of the ramp-up and showcases the potential of the ELG asset. It will be a year rich in catalysts with the re-start, completion of the SART plant, completion of the ramp-up of the processing plant and the Sub-Sill, continued exploration results from Sub-Sill, and an updated PEA for Media Luna. It will be a busy and productive year, and we all look forward to getting on with it. He added  A special thanks to the great many that have supported the team in a myriad of ways as we worked to by-pass the illegal blockade. That support has enabled the potential that 2018 provides for Torex shareholders, employees, and communities.

Operations Update:

The processing plant is processing between 10,000  15,000 tonnes per day. The three day ball mill liner change has been completed. Recoveries have been on plan at approximately 86%, and grades have averaged 2.3 g/t, as we blend in some of the lower grade ore from the stockpile. Ore is being processed from all three open pits, El Limon, Guajes and El Limon Sur. Approximately 50% of our employees have been called back to work, with the remaining employees expected to be called back by the end of the month. As of last Sunday, 25,000 ounces of gold have been poured since January 16 when the operations re-start was initiated. Cash reserves at the beginning of this week were $118 million, including $14 million set aside for reclamation obligations.

At the February 13 meeting to set a date for the union selection vote, the Labour Board and the two unions agreed to defer the meeting to March 15. While this process unfolds, operations continue to ramp up with excellent support from local communities, unionized employees, staff employees and contractors.

This release should be read in conjunction with the Company's year ended December 31, 2017 Financial Statements and MD&A on the Company's website or on SEDAR.

HIGHLIGHTS

An illegal blockade has been by-passed

An illegal blockade (the Blockade) of the ELG Mine Complex by a competing labour union, demanding a change in labour union resulted in a complete shutdown of operations from November 3, 2017 to January 15, 2018. With community and employee support, an alternative access to the plant was established, which by-passed the Blockade, and facilitated the re-start of operations on January 16, 2018. On January 26, 2018, with tensions escalating between local communities, the state government authorities intervened and removed the Blockade. The legal process to determine which union will represent the unionized employees is on-going. The Company is prepared to work with whichever union the majority of union eligible employees select.

Plant ramp-up activities now focused on closing the final 10% gap to design throughput levels

Gold produced totalled 28,162 ounces for the quarter and 240,873 ounces for the year.

totalled 28,162 ounces for the quarter and 240,873 ounces for the year. Mine production in the quarter, 2,952 kt, averaged 86,824 tpd. Mine production for the year totalled 26,450 kt, and averaged 86,156 tpd. Mine ore production in the quarter, 633 kt, averaged 18,618 tpd. Mine ore production for the year totalled 3,648 kt, and averaged 11,883 tpd.

in the quarter, 2,952 kt, averaged 86,824 tpd. Mine production for the year totalled 26,450 kt, and averaged 86,156 tpd. in the quarter, 633 kt, averaged 18,618 tpd. Mine ore production for the year totalled 3,648 kt, and averaged 11,883 tpd. Average grade mined in the quarter was 3.03 gpt and 2.50 gpt in the year.

in the quarter was 3.03 gpt and 2.50 gpt in the year. Plant throughput in the quarter, 428 kt, averaged 12,588 tpd, or 90% of design capacity of 14,000 tpd. Plant throughput in the year, 3,710 kt, averaged 12,084 tpd, or 86% of design capacity in the year.

in the quarter, 428 kt, averaged 12,588 tpd, or 90% of design capacity of 14,000 tpd. Plant throughput in the year, 3,710 kt, averaged 12,084 tpd, or 86% of design capacity in the year. Average grades processed in the quarter of 2.72 gpt and 2.43 gpt in the year.

in the quarter of 2.72 gpt and 2.43 gpt in the year. Gold recovery in the quarter averaged 85% and 86% in the year, consistent with design expectations.

Financing

On January 29, 2018, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by BMO Capital Markets, under which the underwriters agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis, 4,370,000 common shares at a price of C$12.60 per common share for gross proceeds of approximately C$55.0 million (the Offering). The Offering closed on February 7, 2018 and resulted in aggregate net proceeds of C$58.5 million to the Company. As part of the Offering, the underwriters partially exercised their over-allotment option and subsequently purchased an additional 12% of the Offering with the remainder of the over-allotment option being exercised and closing on February 16, 2018, for aggregate net proceeds of C$60.0 million to the Company.

Maiden ELG Underground mineral reserves and mine plan

The ELG Underground mine plan includes 29 months of production, delivering 480 kt at 11.65 gpt containing 180,000 Au ounces. Total capital required is $23.0 million with the majority in the first year.

includes 29 months of production, delivering 480 kt at 11.65 gpt containing 180,000 Au ounces. Total capital required is $23.0 million with the majority in the first year. Step-out exploration drilling for the Sub-Sill zone continued to demonstrate the potential to add resources, with high grade intercepts beyond the boundaries of the current mine plan.

continued to demonstrate the potential to add resources, with high grade intercepts beyond the boundaries of the current mine plan. ELG open pit mineral reserves and resources remain largely unchanged, except for depletion.

Grade and tonnage reconciliation to the reserve model for the ELG Open Pits

Total ounce reconciliation of 89% to the reserve model for the quarter, and 104% for the year.

of 89% to the reserve model for the quarter, and 104% for the year. Grade reconciliation of 88% to the reserve model for the quarter, and 108% for the year.

Media Luna Project progressing

25-year common land, lease agreement signed for the use of the land required for the exploration, construction, and mining of minerals at Media Luna.

The Company initiated an in-fill drilling program budgeted at $15.0 million to upgrade, to the Indicated confidence level, 25% of the current inferred resource of 7.4 million Au Equivalent ounces (51.5Mt @4.48g/t Au Eq.). The program will form the basis for a Media Luna feasibility study scheduled for the second half of 2019.

Financial results

Net loss totalled $12.6 million, or $0.16 per share, on a basic and diluted basis for the year, and net loss of $25.0 million, or $0.31 per share, on a basic and diluted basis for the quarter.

totalled $12.6 million, or $0.16 per share, on a basic and diluted basis for the year, and of $25.0 million, or $0.31 per share, on a basic and diluted basis for the quarter. Adjusted net loss 1 totalled $14.3 million, or $0.18 per share on a basic and diluted basis for the year, and adjusted net loss1 of $20.0 million, or $0.25 per share on a basic and diluted basis for the quarter.

totalled $14.3 million, or $0.18 per share on a basic and diluted basis for the year, and of $20.0 million, or $0.25 per share on a basic and diluted basis for the quarter. Earnings from mine operations totalled $54.7 million for the year, and $6.7 million for the quarter.

totalled $54.7 million for the year, and $6.7 million for the quarter. Cash flow from operations totalled $73.6 million for the year, and cash outflows from operations of $6.6 million for the quarter.

totalled $73.6 million for the year, and cash outflows from operations of $6.6 million for the quarter. Revenue totalled $314.9 million and cost of sales totalled $260.2 million, or $1,046 per ounce of gold sold for the year ended December 31, 2017. Revenue totalled $40.8 million and cost of sales totalled $34.1 million, or $1,086 per ounce of gold sold for the quarter.

totalled $314.9 million and totalled $260.2 million, or $1,046 per ounce of gold sold for the year ended December 31, 2017. totalled $40.8 million and totalled $34.1 million, or $1,086 per ounce of gold sold for the quarter. Gold sold for the year ended December 31, 2017 totalled 248,797 ounces for total proceeds of $311.9 million at an average realized gold price 1 of $1,254 per ounce. Gold sold for the quarter totalled 31,398 ounces sold for total proceeds of $40.3 million at an average realized gold price 1 of $1,284 per ounce.

for the year ended December 31, 2017 totalled 248,797 ounces for total proceeds of $311.9 million at an of $1,254 per ounce. for the quarter totalled 31,398 ounces sold for total proceeds of $40.3 million at an of $1,284 per ounce. Cash balances as at December 31, 2017 totalled $58.8 million (including restricted cash of $13.9 million).

as at December 31, 2017 totalled $58.8 million (including restricted cash of $13.9 million). Total cash costs 1 of $709 per ounce of gold sold for the year ended December 31, 2017, and $755 per ounce of gold sold for the quarter.

of $709 per ounce of gold sold for the year ended December 31, 2017, and $755 per ounce of gold sold for the quarter. All-in sustaining costs1 of $989 per ounce of gold sold for the year ended December 31, 2017, and $1,016 per ounce of gold sold for the quarter.

Qualified Persons

Scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dawson Proudfoot, P.Eng., Vice President, Engineering of Torex Gold Resources Inc. and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call today at 9:00 am (ET) where senior management will discuss the 2017 operational and financial results. Access the conference call as follows:

Webcast access: A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Companys website at www.torexgold.com.

Telephone access: Please call the numbers below approximately ten minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. Toronto local or international 1 (416) 915-3239

Toll-Free (North America) 1 800-319-4610

Toll-Free (France) 0 800-900-351

Toll-Free (Switzerland) 0-800-802-457

Toll-Free (United Kingdom) 0 808-101-2791

The webcast will be archived on the Companys website.

About Torex

Torex is an intermediate gold producer based in Canada, engaged in the exploration, development and operation of its 100% owned Morelos Gold Property, an area of 29,000 hectares in the highly prospective Guerrero Gold Belt located 180 kilometers southwest of Mexico City. The Companys principal assets are the El Limon Guajes mining complex (the ELG Mine Complex), comprised of the El Limon, Guajes and El Limon Sur open pits, the El Limon Guajes underground mine including zones referred to as Sub-Sill, El Limon Deep and 71, and the processing plant and related infrastructure, which is in the commercial production stage as of April 1, 2016, and the Media Luna deposit, which is an early stage development project, and for which the Company issued a preliminary economic assessment in 2015. The property remains 75% unexplored.

For further information, please contact:

TOREX GOLD RESOURCES INC. Fred Stanford

President and CEO

Tel.: (647) 260-1502

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Gabriela Sanchez

Vice President Investor Relations

Tel.: (647) 260-1503

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Notwithstanding the Company's efforts, there can be no guarantee that the Company will not face unforeseen delays or further disruptions of its operations. Forward-looking information also includes, but is not limited to, the expected successful completion of the ramp-up, completion of the SART plant, completion of the ramp-up of the processing plant and the Sub-Sill, exploration results from the Sub-Sill and the completion and timing of an updated PEA for Media Luna and the related in-fill drilling program, the union selection vote, the expected production from the ELG Underground mine plan and related capital requirements, and continued safety and security. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will be taken", "occur", or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation, those risk factors identified in the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management, made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

1 Refer to Non-IFRS Financial Performance Measures in the Companys December 31, 2017 Managements Discussion and Analysis for further information and a detailed reconciliation.
TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV:ARU) (Aurania or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company will be exhibiting at booth number 2905 in the Investors Exchange at PDAC 2018 being held Sunday March 4th - Wednesday March 7th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada. Members of the Board and Management team will be available to discuss the Company's Lost Cities -Cutucu Project in Ecuador.

Further participation by Aurania's team at PDAC 2018 includes:

Aurania is hosting a meet-and-greet exclusively for Aurania shareholders. We have booked an afternoon at The OverDraught Irish Pub at 156 Front Street West in Toronto so that shareholders can meet with management. This event requires an RSVP. Please refer to our website for further details: Click Here



Auranias CEO and Chairman, Dr. Keith Barron will be speaking at PDAC on Monday March 5 th as part of Ecuador Day. Ecuador Day is being hosted by the Government of Ecuador and will run from 8:30am-6:00pm in room 205D. Dr. Barron will be speaking at 12:30pm as part of Session 2A: Mining as a Pillar of the Country. Ecuador Day is open to all who are attending PDAC.



as part of Ecuador Day. Ecuador Day is being hosted by the Government of Ecuador and will run from 8:30am-6:00pm in room 205D. Dr. Barron will be speaking at 12:30pm as part of Session 2A: Mining as a Pillar of the Country. Ecuador Day is open to all who are attending PDAC. Monica Ospina, of O-Trade, who is responsible for the Company's Corporate Social Responsibility program, will be participating in a panel discussion titled "Valuation of water quality, waste management and other external costs" [related to mineral resource development] on Wednesday, March 7th from 9:35am-12:05pm in Room 717. Ms. Ospina will speak specifically about the correlation between water and community relations and social risk at 10:25am in a presentation entitled "Water in the Community: Social Risk, Water as a Nexus".

The PDAC International Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange is the worlds leading convention for people, companies and organizations in, or connected with, mineral exploration. In addition to meeting over 1,000 exhibitors, 3,800 investors and 24,000 attendees from 130 countries, you can also attend technical sessions, short courses and networking events. To pre-register for PDAC, visit http://www.pdac.ca/convention/registration/registration-information

About Aurania

Aurania is a junior exploration mining company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities  Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.

Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedar.com, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-.
February 21, 2018 / TheNewswire / Vancouver, Canada - Guyana Goldstrike Inc. (the "Company" or "Guyana Goldstrike") (TSXV: GYA, OTC: GYNAF, FSE: 1ZT) is pleased to announce its founding membership in the formation of an Ethereum Blockchain Strategic Alliance for Gold and Silver asset backed crypto-tokens (the "Alliance"). Further details are provided below:

Founding Members of the Alliance

The founding members of the Gold and Silver Ethereum Strategic Alliance are as follows:

Canamex Gold Corp (TSX-V: CSQ)

Guyana Goldstrike Inc (TSX-V: GYA)

Cabral Gold Ltd (TSX-V: CBR)

Arizona Silver Exploration Inc (TSX-V: AZS)

Altamira Gold Corp (TSX-V: ALTA)

Purpose of the Alliance

The members of the Alliance seek to collaborate for the purposes of future offerings of crypto-tokens and potential future initial token ("ITO") offerings. The offerings may be backed by gold and/or silver forward delivery, using gold and/or silver royalty streaming and other asset backed models, for the purposes of developing future financing models for funding future exploration, feasibility studies, mine development and/or mine expansion, by its member companies. Discussions are also underway with additional parties, who are looking to join the Alliance as members, and updates will be provided as the Alliance membership grows.

The basis of the Alliance is to also increase the trust associated with any future issuance of Ethereum Blockchain Smart Contract Crypto-Tokens for Gold and Silver, as an alternative means of raising capital, potentially without equity dilution. As previously advised, the Company has secured exclusive rights to 6 (Six) Ethereum Crypto-Token domain names, ticker codes, and associated smart contracts, for Gold and Silver commodity backed crypto-tokens. These may be used by the Alliance members, and progressively issued in any future ITO, using the models and associated intellectual property, developed by the Company.

Comments by Peter Berdusco, CEO and President of Guyana Goldstrike Inc

"Guyana Goldstrike is extremely pleased to be a part of the Ethereum Alliance. It potentially provides the company with a new method of funding via an exciting and rapidly emerging crypto-token market. Given the fact that our Marudi Gold Project has an established mining license and recently announced mineral resource estimate, the timing couldn't be more ideal. The Alliance gives us the opportunity to further advance the project in a manner that may minimize shareholder dilution and maximize exposure to new investors in this growing marketplace."

Comments by David Vincent, CEO of Canamex Gold Corp

"The Alliance seeks to utilize innovative gold and/or silver royalty stream funding models, for gold and/or silver asset backed crypto-tokens, trading and clearing on the Ethereum blockchain, for the purposes of funding gold and silver exploration and mine development, for the Alliance members. Interest in the blockchain technology, for secondary market trading and clearing is growing. For example, the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has recently unveiled plans to develop Canada's first platform for clearing and settling securities using blockchain technology".

CSE press release: Click Here

Comments by Alan Carter, CEO of Cabral Gold Inc

"We are excited to be part of this initiative which offers the potential for a new and exciting means of funding junior resource companies such as ours. This innovative approach has the potential of mitigating the effect of dilution for early stage start up resource companies, and provides investors with a unique crypto-token offering backed by gold and/or silver".

Comments by Michael Bennett, CEO and President Altamira Gold Corp

"Altamira is extremely happy to be a founding member of this alliance, a brilliant initiative which lends well to the future financing for the most advanced of our projects, the Cajueiro Project. Financing of this nature with a crypto-token offering backed by gold, will facilitate acceleration of start-up on mining operations and strengthen junior resource companies by reducing dilution."

Comments by Greg Hahn, CEO and President of Arizona Silver Exploration Inc

"I believe the ability to sell asset-backed tokens will open up new funding opportunities for companies with significant resources in the ground, and allow them to advance those projects to development and production while minimizing dilution to shareholders".

CORPORATE REVIEW

Recently Announced C$3.2 Million Strategic Investment

Gold Mountains Asset Management Limited ("GMA"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group ("Zijin"), has agreed to make a strategic investment in the Company. The investment will be completed by Zijin Global Fund and Zijin Midas Exploration Fund LLC, both managed by GMA.

Zijin is a publicly- listed company that trades on the Shanghai and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges with a current market capitalization of C$18 billion. With extensive interests across a broad range of commodities, it is the largest gold producer in China and one of the most well-capitalized, experienced and successful miners in the world.

Proceeds from the investment will be used to advance the Company's flagship Marudi Gold Project in Guyana, South America. The investment will allow the Company to fund its ongoing multi-phase exploration program at Marudi, involving up to 10,000 metres of diamond drilling and 12,000 metres of trenching.

This strategic investment is completely independent of the Alliance and not connected to it in any manner.

Exploration Program: Phase One - Currently Underway

Phase One of a multi-phase exploration program is currently underway at Marudi. The objectives of this first phase are: 1) expand the exposures of mineralized hard-rock at newly discovered locations, 2) follow and expand zones that were identified in trenches by previous operators, and 3) examine areas where gold is present in saprolitic material and a bedrock source has not been identified. Exploration by trenching and sampling is an important, cost-effective method for identification of drill targets in saprolite terrane.

The area of immediate focus represents less than five percent of the property. The new locations of interest within this area are: Kimberley Ridge, Marudi North (west and east extensions), Marudi Spur Ridge, Toucan North, Pancake Creek, Mariwa and Success Creek.

The work will be conducted under the supervision of Mr. Locke Goldsmith, M.Sc., P. Eng, P. Geo, Chief Geologist and Exploration Manager for the Company. The on-site geological staff will be supported by the property's fully equipped mining camp which comes with employees and service buildings. Once Phase One is completed, the collected data will be reviewed, analyzed and used in the planning of the Company's diamond drilling program.

The Company encourages all interested parties to visit the Company's website www.guyanagoldstrike.com for further information or contact the Company by telephone, 1.877.844.4661 or email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

About The Marudi Gold Project

The property, located in Guyana, South America, is unique in that it has a mining license in good standing, all-season road access, infrastructure in place, with an established mining camp serviced by employees, service buildings, and a full-time mining manager. The property has three known gold bearing areas, specifically the alluvial areas, the saprorlite overburden, and the underlying hard-rock. There has been 42,000 metres of historic diamond drilling (141 holes) completed on the Project by prior operators. The Company has recently completed a mineral resource estimate on the Mazoa Hill zone of 259,100 indicated gold ounces within 4,428,000 tonnes grading 1.80 grams/tonne (g/t) and 86,200 inferred gold ounces within 1,653,000 tonnes grading 1.60 grams/tonne (g/t). There exists excellent exploration upside through the development of previously identified, highly-prospective mineralized targets on the Project. For information concerning the mineral resource estimate and the Project, readers are encouraged to review "Technical Report: Marudi Property Mazoa Hill Mineral Resource Estimate", a technical report prepared for the Company by Global Mineral Resource Services and is available on the Company's website located at (Click Here) and under the Company's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com)

About Guyana

The Republic of Guyana is located in South America between Venezuela and Suriname. The country is English speaking and under British Common Law with a democratically-elected government. It has an established mining act and a rich history of gold production. In 2016, 690,000 ounces of gold was produced by operators mining in the country. The Fraser Institute's 2016 Annual Survey of Mining listed Guyana as the third best mining jurisdiction with regards to investment attractiveness in the Latin America and Caribbean Basin sub-group. The Guiana Shield is the geographic gold-hosting region with over 100 million ounces of gold inventory. * It is world-recognized as a premier gold region that is highly prospective, under-explored and has geological continuity with West Africa. In 2016, two mines in Guyana declared the commencement of commercial production: the Aurora deposit (Guyana Goldfields) and the Karouni deposit (Troy Resources).

* Independent Technical and Environmental Review Karouni Gold Project - Guyana, Behre Dolbear Australia Pty Ltd, April 29, 2016

Qualified Person

Locke Goldsmith, M.Sc., P. Eng, P. Geo, Chief Geologist and Exploration Manager for the Company, is a Qualified Person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Goldsmith has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical content of this news release.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

GUYANA GOLDSTRIKE INC.

Peter Berdusco

President and Chief Executive Officer

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 news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for gold, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Guyana, status of artisanal mining activities and associated rights, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Secures Access to Central CIL Gold Processing Plant

for all Future Projects within 10,000km2 Alliance Area

Agrees to Option Terms for 50% Interest in

Producing Chala Gold Mine

Initiates Due Diligence on Six Gorubso Projects

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Velocity Minerals Ltd. (TSXV:VLC) (Velocity or the Company) announces that it has entered into a binding letter agreement (the "Agreement") with current partner Gorubso Kardzhali A.D. (Gorubso) to substantially expand the scope of its relationship with Gorubso. The Agreement sets out the terms by which Velocity and Gorubso will form an exploration and mining alliance (the Alliance) covering all existing and future Gorubso and Velocity projects (the Projects) within an area of 10,400km2(the Alliance Area) (Figure 1) covering the prospective Eastern Rhodope Gold Mining District in southeastern Bulgaria.

Highlights include:

EXPLORATION AND MINING ALLIANCE -- The Agreement contemplates the exploration, development, and mining, as applicable, of the Projects and provides for an option/joint venture mechanism by which Velocity and Gorubso will partner to maximize value for both parties.

ACCESS TO GOLD PROCESSING PLANT -- Gorubso will make its central gold processing plant available to all Projects to process all future mined material as necessary. Securing use of the processing plant provides Velocity and the Alliance with reduced project risk, as well as potential capital and time savings.

OPTION FOR 50% INTEREST AT OPERATING CHALA MINE -- Upon reaching $1 million in exploration expenditures at Gorubso's Chala gold mine (the " Chala Mine "), Velocity will have an option to acquire a 50% beneficial interest in the Chala Mine and to form a joint venture with Gorubso for the further development and expansion of the mine.

"), Velocity will have an option to acquire a 50% beneficial interest in the Chala Mine and to form a joint venture with Gorubso for the further development and expansion of the mine. EXCLUSIVITY ON OTHER GORUBSO PROPERTIES -- Velocity will have an opportunity to complete option agreements on all Gorubso Projects, whereby it can earn a 70% interest in the Projects on similar terms to the current option for the advanced Rozino gold project.

The primary objective of the Alliance is the expansion and development of existing precious metals deposits with the Alliance Area. The ultimate goal is for Velocity to manage and operate all exploration and mining activities on optioned properties in the district, and for Gorubso to manage and operate all aspects of upstream processing and gold marketing, stated Keith Henderson, President & CEO of Velocity. The Alliance is designed to move us towards those common objectives. It allows us to exploit our technical strengths, while maximizing value for the shareholders of both companies.

Gorubso has been partnered with Velocity over the past seven months and the rate of progress at Rozino has been impressive, with Velocity completing over 7,500 meters of drilling so far and moving towards completion of a PEA, stated Jivka Kovacheva, CEO of Gorubso Kardzhali A.D. It was important for us as a mining company to choose a partner capable of executing on deliverables and we believe we have found that partner in Velocity.

GORUBSO GOLD PROCESSING PLANT

Gorubso owns and operates a modern gold processing plant (the Plant), which provides crushing, grinding, gravity, carbon-in-leach, elution, electro-winning and gold dore production facilities. The Plant is centrally located within the Alliance Area. Under the terms of the Agreement, Gorubso will make the Plant available for the processing of mineralized material from current and future Projects. Material processed by the Alliance at the Plant will be processed on a cost-plus basis.

Securing the use of the Plant provides significant technical and financial risk reduction, as well as potential capital and time savings. Most importantly, securing the use of the processing facility significantly reduces permitting risk and time that might otherwise arise if a processing plant had to be permitted and built prior to mine construction.

The use of the Plant is being considered as one option for the preliminary economic assessment (the PEA) being completed for Velocitys Rozino project where the Company intends to assess the possibility of producing a low-volume concentrate through flash-flotation on site and transporting a concentrate to the Plant for vat leaching and gold recovery. There are no assurances that such assessment will produce positive economic results or that such results, even if possible, will be included in the final PEA.

CHALA MINE OPTION

The Agreement commits Velocity to incurring $0.5 million in exploration expenditures at the Chala Mine within an initial 12-month period. Thereafter, if Velocity incurs an additional $0.5 million in exploration expenditures at the Chala Mine, Velocity will have the exclusive option (the "Chala Option") to:

acquire an initial 50% undivided beneficial interest in the Chala Mine, in which case Velocity will form a joint venture with Gorubso for the further development and expansion of the mine, or

elect to receive a 5% gross smelter royalty on resources discovered directly or indirectly through Velocitys exploration efforts.

The Chala Option will be governed by a separate option agreement, which is expected to be negotiated by the parties in the coming weeks.

Historical resources at the Chala Mine are reported as 1.5Mt @ 9.83 g/t gold (450,000oz). The historical resources were published by Kestebekov C, 1998, in Chala gold-polymetallic deposit, Spahievo ore field. Results of 1983-1997 geological exploration with estimated resources of gold and gold-polymetallic ores as of 01/01/1998. Total historical production at the Chala Mine is estimated to be approximately 120,000 oz. The historical resource estimate was produced using the Bulgarian classification scheme, based on manual polygonal methods of resource classification. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. In order to verify the potential existence of additional unmined mineralization at the Chala Mine, significant drilling will be required.

The Company is not treating the historical resources as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Historical resources are not consistent with the standards of disclosure defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and may not necessarily be consistent with CIM (Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum) best practice with respect to reporting mineral resources and reserves. Historical resources are included because they are considered relevant by the Company as they provide additional support for the potential exploration drilling at the Chala Mine by Velocity. The inclusion of historical resource estimations provides information as to the potential size and nature of the immediate exploration targets in the vicinity of the Chala Mine. There are no more recent, published historical resources available for the Chala Mine.

Over the past 10 months, Velocity has completed extensive due diligence and resource targeting at the Chala Mine and has identified multiple high-priority targets adjacent to or below existing mine infrastructure. Velocity has digitally captured all available paper datasets at Chala, including, 20,798m of surface trenching, 55 historical surface drill holes, all existing underground development and production stopes including details of underground sampling within 31,664m of exploration and mine development and face sampling within 657 mining stopes.

The resulting data set allowed Velocity to build a comprehensive 3D geological model (Figure 2), which was then used to generate priority drill targets. Velocity has hired a mining engineer with extensive gold mining experience in Bulgaria and Russia, having over 10 years experience at Dundee Precious Metals Chelopech gold mine in Bulgaria and most recently at Kinross Kupol gold mine in Russia, where he was responsible for both short and long-term mine planning.

GORUBSO PROPERTIES OPTION

Under the terms of the Agreement and subject to any applicable regulatory and stock exchange approvals, Velocity will have the exclusive option to earn an undivided 70% interest in all existing and future Gorubso properties (the Gorubso Properties) located within the Alliance Area, with the exception of the Chala Mine which is dealt with separately. The existing Gorubso Properties are summarized in Table 1 below. Depending on how advanced the particular property is, the associated option is exercisable by Velocity by the delivery of either a mineral resource estimate (for grass roots properties), a PEA (for advanced exploration properties) or a feasibility study (for properties with a mining concession).

Velocity is currently earning-in on its option to acquire a 70% interest in the Tintyava prospecting licence, and is completing extensive diamond drilling at the advanced Rozino gold deposit located on the Tintyava prospecting licence area. Before electing to option any additional Gorubso Properties, the Company will complete extensive due diligence. This process is underway and is close to completion at the Sedefche gold deposit, where Velocity has completed internal resource estimation and pit optimization in preparation for exploration drill planning.

Project Tenure Distance to

Processing

Plant (km) Historical Gold

Resources Velocity Option

Deliverable for 70%

Interest Tintyava (Rozino) Prospecting Licence 51 7.7Mt @ 1.24g/t gold (307,000 oz) at 0.6g/t cut-off. (Note 1) Preliminary Economic Assessment Sedefche Mining Concession 28 101,000 oz Resource. (Note 2) Feasibility Study Enyovche Mining Concession 29 N/A Resource Estimate Makedontsi Prospecting Licence 6 290,000 oz Resource. (Note 3) Preliminary Economic Assessment Kitnitsa Prospecting Licence 13 N/A Preliminary Economic Assessment Obichnik Prospecting Licence 22 N/A Resource Estimate Kaleto Prospecting Licence 23 N/A Resource Estimate

Table 1: Summary of Gorubso Properties, including the Rozino deposit,

which Velocity is currently drilling. Project locations are illustrated on Figure 1.

Note 1: Historical resources at Rozino are unconstrained Inverse Distance Squared resources published by Hereward Resources Ltd. (Hereward Resources news release, 2005). Velocity has completed 7,000m of diamond drilling (2017) and intends to complete an additional 5,000m of drilling prior to producing a PEA (2018).

Note 2: Historical resources at Sedefche were calculated by Gorubso using the Bulgarian classification scheme, based on manual polygonal methods of resource estimation. Resources were submitted to and accepted by the Bulgarian government, Dragiev, H, 2006, Momchil Prospecting License, Report at the Zvezdel - Pcheloyad Ore Field, Geological Report with Resource And Reserve Recalculation of Au-Ag Ores at the Sedefche Deposit.

In order to verify the potential existence of additional unmined mineralization at Sedefche, significant drilling will be required.

Note 3: Historical resources at Makedontsi were calculated by Gorubso using the Bulgarian classification scheme, based on manual polygonal methods of resource classification. Resources were submitted to and accepted by the Bulgarian government, Dragiev H, 2013 "Mlechino Prospecting License, Geological Report at the Nadezhda Prospect, with Resource and Reserve Recalculations of Au Ores at the Makedontsi, Dangovo and Kalina deposits.

In order to verify the potential existence of additional unmined mineralization at Makedontsi, significant drilling will be required.

The Company is not treating the historical resources referenced in Table 1, Note 1, Note 2, and Note 3 as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Historical resources are not consistent with the standards of disclosure defined by NI 43-101 and may not necessarily be consistent with CIM best practice with respect to reporting mineral resources and reserves. Historical resources are included because they are considered relevant by the Company as they form additional support for the potential optioning of the Gorubso Properties by Velocity. At Rozino, resources were later completed by Maine Reserves Associates (USA) on behalf of Caracal. These resources are calculated assuming underground mining methods and are not considered relevant to Velocitys potentially surface mineable targets. Additional details on historical estimates at Rozino are detailed in National Instrument 43-101 Technical report for the Rozino Project, Republic of Bulgaria (2017). A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The inclusion of historical resource estimations provides information as to the potential size and nature of the immediate exploration targets within the Gorubso Properties and the Alliance Area in general.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been approved for disclosure by Stuart A. Mills, BSc, MSc, CGeol, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and the Companys Vice President Exploration. Mr. Mills is not independent of the Company.

About Velocity Minerals Ltd.

Velocity is a gold exploration and development company focused on eastern Europe. The Companys management and board includes mining industry professionals with over 100 years of combined experience spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas as employees of major mining companies as well as founders and senior executives of junior to mid-tier public companies. The team's experience includes all aspects of mineral exploration, resource definition, feasibility, finance, mine construction and mine operation as well as a track record in managing publicly listed companies.

The Companys portfolio of advanced gold exploration assets is currently in Bulgaria, which is a member of the European Union (2007) and an attractive destination for mining investment. The countrys mining law was established in 1999 and updated in 2011. Mining royalties are low and compare favourably with more established mining countries like Canada, Peru and Chile. Bulgaria also boasts a corporate tax rate of only 10% and the countrys education system has yielded a good availability of experienced mining professionals in a favourable cost environment. Foreign mining companies are successfully operating in Bulgaria.

Velocity Minerals has entered into an Exploration and Mining Alliance (Alliance) with Gorubso Kardzhali A.D. ("Gorubso'), an established and respected mining company in Bulgaria. Gorubso currently operates the underground Chala Gold Mine (2006) and the Kardzhali Carbon In Leach (CIL) processing plant (2011), which produces gold dore. The Alliance outlines the scope of a broad partnership that includes an option to earn a 50% beneficial interest in the Chala Mine, access to Gorubsos gold processing plant in Kardzhali, and the ability for Velocity to option any or all of Gorubsos exploration properties.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"Keith Henderson"

President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Keith Henderson

Phone: +1-604-484-1233

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web: www.velocityminerals.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: 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, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the negotiation and exercise of an option agreement for the Chala Mine and the other Gorubso Properties, the exercise of the Companys option for the Tintyava prospecting licence, the anticipated content, commencement, timing and costs of the recommended exploration program on the Gorubso Projects and the Tintyava/Rozino project and exploration program results from same, the Companys expectation that it will be able to enter into agreements to acquire interests in additional mineral properties, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves on the Gorubso Projects (including the Chala Mine) and the Tintyava/Rozino project, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are 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. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development activities, actual results of exploration activities, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the costs of production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of new deposits, requirements for additional capital, future prices of gold and precious metals, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents, approvals or authorizations, TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of any current or future property acquisitions or financings and other planned activities, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, and risks related to joint venture operations, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Companys latest Managements Discussion and Analysis and filed with certain securities commissions in Canada. All of the Companys Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Companys mineral properties.

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.

Map illustrating the Exploration and Mining Alliance Boundary and the exploration and mining projects currently located within it. Projects immediately impacted by the Alliance are Velocity Projects shown in blue and Gorubso Projects shown in green.

3D View of the Chala Gold Mine Exploration Model, viewing northeast. Development in blue, with stope sampling shown in red. Vein wireframes are represented in transparent colours.
OTTAWA, Ontario, Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orezone Gold Corporation (Orezone or the Company) (TSXV:ORE) is pleased to report recent Reverse Circulation (RC) and Diamond Drilling (DD) drilling results, from two areas that lie outside of the main Bombore deposit mining permit, which continue to show significant potential to expand both oxide resources and near surface higher-grade sulphide resources. Orezone is planning to add 13,000 m of RC oxide drilling and 9,000 m of oxide and sulfide core drilling at Bombore in 2018. RC drilling on the oxide targets was curtailed in January due to necessary repairs to the RC rig and will resume as soon as repairs are completed in early March. Drilling will continue to focus on outside targets and then within the main Bombore deposit, where identified high grade zones still remain open to expansion.

P17S Target Expansion

The core drill results from the P17S target are a follow-up to previous drilling (See 2017 Press Releases of January 17, April 12 and June 7), which has defined several continuous shallow plunging high-grade mineralized zones that extend from surface to a depth of at least 215m. These high-grade zones are associated with thickened fold hinges plunging northwards with a down-plunge extent of at least 500 m for the Main P17S zone outcrop, along a folded granodiorite unit, oriented NNE between the P17S and P17 deposits. The total strike extent is currently 1.8 km, including a 600-m gap that has yet to be drill tested. These new results continue to better define the extent and the geometry of the higher-grade P17S gold zones located within 2 km south of the Bombore mining permit. Previous metallurgical test results have shown that the P17S sulphide material is free milling with excellent gold recoveries above 90%. The current release includes results from the core programme completed from May 25, 2017 to June 30, 2017 (11 core holes totalling 2,575 m), together with the results from the first three core holes (560 m) from the new 21-core hole follow-up programme (3,600 m) planned at P17S and initiated on January 26, 2018.

Highlights from P17S include (true width about 80% of drill intercept length):

BBD0985: from 180 to 193 m: 13 m @ 2.26 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 10.9 gpt;

BBD0983: from 215 to 218 m: 3 m @ 4.95 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 12.9 gpt;

BBD0984: from 104 to 107 m: 3 m @ 5.66 gpt, incl. 1 m @ 14.7 gpt;

BBD0991: from 77 to 81.60 m: 4.60 m @ 15.96 gpt, incl. 0.8 m @ 87.8 gpt;

BBD0990: from 42 to 47 m: 5 m @ 6.38 gpt, incl. 2 m @ 13.5 gpt;

BBD0990: from 92 to 96 m: 4 m @ 3.00 gpt;

BBD0983: from 254 to 270.25 m: 16.25 m @ 1.97 gpt; and

BBD0986: from 277.8 to 286m: 8.2m @ 1.88 gpt.

Prospect KT

This near surface target area is located within 1.5 km to the North of the Bombore mining permit. The current RC drill program is a follow-up to historical scout drilling including auger, RAB and RC high-grade results outside of the current Bombore qualified resource but in a similar geological environment. This most recent drilling consists of the first 10 of 23 step-out RC holes planned around five historical high-grade hits in the KT area. The drilling completed so far on three of the five KT targets has been successful in determining that oxide mineralization remains open outside of defined resources, and these new results are consistent with a shallow to moderate NE plunge for the discrete higher-grade mineralized zones at KT. Further follow-up drilling, including core holes to document the local structural setting of each target as well as the strike and dip of the discrete mineralized zones, is planned on this KT target area and other similar target areas on the 150 square kilometers Bombore land package during 2018.

Highlights from Target area KT include (true width currently unknown):

Target KT-01: follow-up on BMB0864 RAB hole that intercepted 4 m @ 3.76 gpt (from 0 to 4m)

BBC4737: from 26 to 29 m: 3 m @ 2.03 gpt; and

BBC4737: from 39 to 43 m: 4 m @ 1.23 gpt.

Target KT-02: follow-up on BBC3839 scout RC hole that intercepted 4 m @ 3.98 gpt (from 8 to 12 m)

BBC4734: from 20 to 23 m: 3 m @ 7.05 gpt, incl. 2 m @ 10.2 gpt.

Target KT-03: follow-up on BBC3618 scout RC hole that intercepted 6 m @ 1.97 gpt (from 36 to 42 m)

BBC4740: from 43 to 45 m: 2 m @ 3.46gpt.

Patrick Downey President and CEO stated, The ongoing results from P17S show that this zone continues to add near surface sulphide material that is free milling at grades more than double those of the main Bombore sulphides. The drilling is showing that there are several limbs to this folded Granodorite which remains open to both the NNE and SSW, so there is excellent potential to add resources in this area and to explore for additional similar targets.

Results from target KT show that the oxide resources also remain open to expansion and add to the exploration potential of the overall Bombore project together with other similar targets such as P13 drilled in 2017 (See Press Release January 17,2017). We plan to complete approximately 15,000 m of infill drilling to follow up on the high grade drill results from 2017 and 7000 m of drilling on outside targets to continue to expand the Bombore footprint.

The mineralized intervals are based on a lower cut-off grade of 0.45 g/t, a minimal width of 2 m and up to a maximum of 2 m of dilution being included. The true width of the mineralization is approximately 80% of the drill length at P17S, but is currently unknown at Target KT. The RC drilling samples were divided by Orezone employees using Rotary Sample Dividers (RSDs). A 2-kg split was prepared by SGS Burkina Faso s.a.r.l. at the Bombore sample preparation facility and then split by Orezone to 1 kg using Rotary Sample Dividers (RSDs). A 1-kg aliquot was analyzed for leachable gold at BIGS Global Burkina s.a.r.l in Ouagadougou, by bottle-roll cyanidation using a LeachWellTM catalyst. The leach residues from all samples with a leach grade in excess of 0.2 g/t were prepared by BIGS Global Burkina s.a.r.l. and then split by Orezone to 50 g using Rotary Sample Dividers (RSDs). A 50-g aliquot was analyzed by fire assay at SGS Burkina Faso s.a.r.l. The composite width and grade include the final leach residue assay results for most of the drill intercepts reported; some leach residue assays are pending for 3 core holes at P17S. Orezone employs a rigorous Quality Control Program (QCP) including a minimum of 10% standards, blanks and duplicates. A complete list of assay results from the current drilling programme can be found on the Companys website at the following link (Drill Results).

Qualified Person(s)

Tim Miller, SME and COO, Pascal Marquis, Geo and SVP and Patrick Downey, PEng and CEO of Orezone, are Qualified Persons under National Instrument 43-101 and have approved the information in this release. Readers should refer to the annual information form of Orezone for the year ended December 31, 2016 and other continuous disclosure documents filed by Orezone since January 1, 2017 available at www.sedar.com, for this detailed information, which is subject to the qualifications and notes set forth therein.

About Orezone Gold Corporation

Orezone is a Canadian company with a successful gold discovery track record and recent mine development experience in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The Company owns a 90% interest in Bombore, a fully permitted, undeveloped oxide gold deposit in West Africa, which is situated 85 km east of the capital city, adjacent to an international highway.

For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (613) 241-3699 or visit the Companys website at www.orezone.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are frequently characterized by words such as plan, expect, project, intend, believe, anticipate, estimate, potential, possible and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions may, will, could, or should occur.

All such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believe are appropriate in the circumstances. These statements, however, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, the failure of exploration programs, including drilling programs, to deliver anticipated results and the failure of ongoing and contemplated studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued studies, development or operations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements.

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 are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.

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.
TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - Excellon Resources Inc. (TSX:EXN, EXN.WT, EXN.WT.A; OTC:EXLLF) ("Excellon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from its ongoing underground exploration program at the Platosa Mine in Durango, Mexico.

Highlights

Further definition and expansion of the high-grade 623 manto, with diamond drilling results including: 1,192 g/t Ag, 13.2% Pb and 18.3% Zn or 2,648 g/t silver equivalent ("AgEq") over 9.1 metres in EX17UG371, including 1,473 g/t Ag, 14.8% Pb and 25.6% Zn or 3,355 AgEq over 6.2 metres 1,397 g/t Ag, 7.4% Pb and 23.2% Zn or 2,858 g/t AgEq over 7.3 metres in EX18UG375 1,528 g/t Ag, 13.5% Pb and 16.9% Zn or 2,926 g/t AgEq over 3.1 metres in EX17UG369

Mineralization discovered in area 674 near existing mine workings that may be accessed during 2018

"Drilling underground continues to define high quality mineralization around the current mantos," stated Ben Pullinger, Vice-President, Geology. "Identifying near-term mineable mineralization remains a priority for the underground diamond drill rig, as we work towards defining structural controls that may lead to further discoveries of manto and feeder-style mineralization."

Exploration Results

The following table shows highlighted intervals from the current definition and infill program being conducted from underground at Platosa:

Hole ID Interval(1) Interval(2) Ag Pb Zn AgEq(3) Area From To meters g/t % % g/t EX17UG347 76.5 81.5 5.1 858 8.8 9.7 1,705 674 EX17UG348 20.3 27.8 7.6 299 3.7 4.0 646 623-Rodilla EX17UG358 63.0 67.6 4.6 739 4.1 1.1 962 623 EX17UG359 71.0 73.0 2.0 521 3.3 0.2 670 623 EX17UG361 94.8 96.6 1.9 161 3.4 0.3 317 623 EX17UG365 55.6 58.9 3.3 208 2.9 4.0 526 623 EX17UG366 45.6 47.2 1.5 221 2.1 0.2 322 623 EX17UG367 65.4 68.2 2.8 536 4.9 9.0 1,188 623 EX17UG369 105.4 108.5 3.1 1,528 13.5 16.9 2,926 623 EX17UG370 123.8 126.2 2.5 639 7.3 2.7 1,076 623 EX17UG370A 123.0 124.8 1.8 1,132 7.9 2.9 1,609 623 EX17UG371 63.9 72.9 9.1 1,192 13.2 18.3 2,648 623 including 66.7 72.9 6.2 1,473 14.8 25.6 3,355 EX18UG373 49.9 51.3 1.4 3,125 27.1 3.0 4,402 623 EX18UG375 72.4 79.7 7.3 1,397 7.4 23.2 2,858 623

(1) From-to intervals are measured from the drill collar, with drill holes marked UG or PH

drilled from underground stations. (2) All intervals are reported as core length. (3) AgEq in drill results assumes $17.00 Ag, $1.03 Pb and $1.23 Zn with 100% metallurgical

recovery.

The results announced today complement underground drilling in the 623 and Guadalupe South connector/expansion zone completed earlier in 2017 and late 2016 (see press releases dated October 27, 2016, July 26, 2017 and September 6, 2017), with previously announced results from the zone including:

Hole ID Interval(1) Interval(2) Au Ag Pb Zn AgEq(3) From To meters g/t g/t % % g/t EX16UG274 23.0 36.0 13.0 0.6 662 4.9 25.5 1,886 PH16-13 7.2 9.9 2.8 - 773 11.8 6.3 1,438 EX17UG310 7.8 11.3 3.5 - 124 5.2 5.2 616 EX17UG323 20.8 27.5 6.8 - 886 8.8 20.5 2,318 EX17UG324 73.8 75.3 1.5 - 2,965 16.4 0.9 3,702 and 78.6 79.7 1.1 - 1,171 9.3 2.9 1,713 EX17UG325 87.8 91.5 3.7 - 1,600 6.4 8.7 2,319 EX17UG326 90.9 92.7 1.8 - 316 3.2 0.9 496 and 97.7 99.0 1.3 - 287 6.3 0.6 584 EX17UG328 16.1 19.3 3.2 - 1,366 7.9 13.6 2,369 EX17UG329 22.1 25.6 3.6 - 2,291 15.0 13.3 3,570 EX17UG330 15.9 27.1 11.1 0.1 1,204 9.3 13.4 2,255 including 18.9 24.1 5.2 0.2 2,079 14.2 23.9 3,857 EX17UG332 27.4 30.0 2.6 - 864 5.0 6.9 1,415 EX17UG333 17.3 22.9 5.6 - 521 5.0 8.6 1,155 EX17UG335 25.9 33.0 7.1 - 278 2.6 11.5 957 EX17UG336 22.0 30.0 8.0 - 612 9.4 4.6 1,232 EX17UG338 19.9 25.9 6.0 0.3 644 5.8 13.0 1,528 and 29.2 33.5 4.3 0.1 233 2.5 4.7 570

(1) From-to intervals are measured from the drill collar, with drill holes marked

UG or PH drilled from underground stations. (2) All intervals are reported as core length. (3) AgEq in EX16UG274 and PH16-13 assumes $17.50 Ag, $1,265 Au, $0.90 Pb

and $1.01 Zn, EX17UG310 to 326 assumes $16.50 Ag, $1.00 Pb and $1.25 Zn

and EX17UG328 to 338 assumes $17.00 Ag, $1.03 Pb and $1.23 Zn, all with

100% metallurgical recovery.

Drilling underground has focused on the definition of the 623 Manto and has now moved to a newly prepared drill bay to focus on expansion drilling of the Pierna and Rodilla Mantos. Additional drilling in these areas will test the down dip and strike length continuity of the Rodilla and Pierna mantos along a structural feature where the two mantos are offset. The Company aims to delineate additional tonnes in this location, similar to the drilling program around the 623 Manto. The Company is currently producing from the 623, Pierna, Rodilla and Guadalupe South Mantos.

Drilling in 674 also identified additional mineralization above the water table in an area accessible from existing workings. The Company is evaluating this area for near-term production.

The Company also expects to release an updated mineral resource estimate for Platosa in the coming months. The updated resource estimate will include drilling completed up to December 31, 2017.

Platosa drill core samples are prepared and assayed by SGS Minerals Services in Durango, Mexico. The lab is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. The Company has a comprehensive QA/QC program, supervised by an independent Qualified Person.

Surface Exploration Update

Surface drilling continues with a drill rig currently testing targets in the same target horizon that hosts the Platosa Mine within the north-south trending Platosa corridor. The Company intends to continue testing priority targets within this corridor while continuing to define new targets at Jaboncillo, PDN, Saltillera North and South and San Gilberto through its ongoing fieldwork program.

Qualified Person

Mr. Ben Pullinger, P. Geo, Vice-President Geology, has acted as the Qualified Person, as defined in NI 43-101, with respect to the disclosure of the scientific and technical information relating to exploration results contained in this press release.

About Excellon

Excellon's 100%-owned Platosa Mine in Durango has been Mexico's highest-grade silver mine since production commenced in 2005. The Company is focused on optimizing the Platosa Mine's cost and production profile, discovering further high-grade silver and CRD mineralization on the Platosa Project and capitalizing on the opportunity in current market conditions to acquire undervalued projects in Latin America.

Additional details on the La Platosa Mine and the rest of Excellon's exploration properties are available at www.excellonresources.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this Press Release, which has been prepared by management. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 27E of the Exchange Act. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of the Company, including potential property acquisitions, the timing, content, cost and results of proposed work programs, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, geological interpretations, proposed production rates, potential mineral recovery processes and rates, business and financing plans, business trends and future operating revenues. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, 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 [particularly silver], the Company's 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. All of the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties, and particularly the July 9, 2015 NI 43-101-compliant technical report prepared by Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. with respect to the Platosa Property. This press release is not, and is not to be construed in any way as, an offer to buy or sell securities in the United States.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 22, 2018) - B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) (NSX: B2G) ("B2Gold" or the "Company") announces a positive initial Inferred Mineral Resource estimate for the Toega Project located in Burkina Faso.

Highlights

Initial Inferred Mineral Resource estimate of 17,530,000 tonnes of 2.01 grams per tonne (g/t), containing 1,130,000 ounces of gold, indicates the potential to be an open-pittable deposit

Toega mineralized zone now extends 1,200 metres along strike, and is 430 metres wide and up to 400 metres deep.

Toega mineralized zone remains open along strike to the north-northeast and down dip

Recent drilling has intersected good grade in a potential new mineralized zone. Drilling is ongoing to infill and determine the ultimate size of the Toega zone, and to further test the new mineralized zone

Initial Resource Estimation Details

The effective date of the Mineral Resource estimate is January 8, 2018. A total of 165 drill holes (37,776 metres of drilling) were used in the estimate. Inferred Mineral Resources are supported by a nominal drill hole spacing of 100 by 100 metres; however, 65% of the reported resource has been drilled to a 50 by 50 metre, or tighter, drill hole spacing.

Inferred Mineral Resources reported at different gold cutoff grades are presented as a sensitivity case.

Sensitivity to Gold Cutoff Grade

Inferred Mineral Resources Reported at variable gold cutoffs within a $1,400 pit shell Cutoff Grade

g/t Gold Tonnes Grade

g/t Gold Ounces1 0.3 22,070,000 1.68 1,190,000 0.4 19,930,000 1.82 1,170,000 0.6 17,530,000 2.01 1,130,000 0.8 16,120,000 2.12 1,100,000 1.0 14,750,000 2.24 1,060,000

1. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability

Mineralization zone models at nominal grade thresholds of 0.2 g/t gold and 0.8 g/t gold were built using lithology, mineralization and structural measurements to control the 3D modeling. Assays were capped at 2.5 g/t within the 0.2 g/t shell and 18.0 g/t within the 0.8 g/t shell. Capping levels were based on statistics and spatial consideration of the high-grade assays. Gold assays were capped prior to compositing to 2 metres. Grade variability within the mineralization zones is relatively low. Block model grades were estimated using Ordinary Kriging within the two mineralization domains.

A total of 6,343 bulk density measurements using the water-displacement method on dried core samples were completed at the project site. For tonnage and metal estimates, densities were estimated to the block model for fresh rocks; density for each regolith type was assigned a constant value.

The Toega Inferred Mineral Resources are amenable to open-pit mining methods and are reported within a pit shell run using a gold price of US$1,400/oz., an average gold recovery of 86.2 % (based on preliminary metallurgical testwork), an assumed pit slope parameter of 50 degrees and preliminary costs based on input from other B2Gold mining operations. Costs used for pit generation are a mining cost of US$2.50 per tonne mined, processing cost of US$10.00 per tonne and G&A cost of US$2.10 per tonne processed.

Mineral Resources have been classified using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. All tonnage, grade and contained metal content estimates have been rounded. Rounding may result in apparent summation differences between tonnage, grade and contained metal content.

The Mineral Resource estimate was prepared in-house at B2Gold with Tom Garagan, P.Geo., B2Gold's Senior Vice President of Exploration, serving as the Qualified Person.

Mineral Resources are reported in accordance with NI 43-101 and the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum "Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" (CIM Definition Standards). Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Recent Drilling

In 2017, over 20,000 metres of combined reverse circulation and diamond drilling were completed in 72 holes.

Recently, reverse circulation drill hole NKRC039, collared immediately west of the current resource pit boundary, was deepened by diamond drilling and intersected a new zone of mineralization grading 3.24 g/t gold over 22.20 metres, including 14.0 metres at 4.78 g/t gold, starting at a depth of 175.80 metres down hole. Diamond drill hole NKDD092, drilled at the northern end of the resource pit, intersected 32.5 metres, grading 5.09 g/t gold at 306.5 metres down the hole. Diamond drill hole NKDD089, drilled 200 metres down plunge of the main Toega mineralization, intersected an extension to mineralization, grading 5.89 g/t gold over 9.64 metres, starting at a depth of 421.36 metres down hole. Drill hole NKDD080, which returned 4.11 g/t gold over 47.10 metres from 300.91 metres (including 10.0 metres at 7.99 g/t gold) is at the lower boundary of the current resource.

QA/QC on Sample Collection and Assaying

Three laboratories were used for gold assaying of Toega samples, including ALS (Ouagadougou and Johannesburg), Actlabs Burkina Faso SARL and BV Abidjan. Senior project staff periodically visit the assay labs for review of procedures.

Quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") measures on assaying and sample preparation performance include regular insertion of certified reference (CRM), field duplicate, preparation duplicate and blank sample materials prior to submission of samples to the laboratory. Approximately 16% of the samples submitted for assay are QA/QC type samples. QA/QC data is reviewed on a continuous basis and before data is imported into the database. Comprehensive QA/QC reports are generated and reviewed monthly by senior staff. Data imported into the project database are subject to validation which includes checks on surveys, collar coordinates, lithology data and assay data. Quarterly or bi-annual samples are submitted to a secondary lab for check analysis; these results are reviewed upon receipt to mitigate potential biases with the primary assay lab. Sample security measures include moving all samples from the drill site to the Toega camp yard at the end of each drill shift, with sample shipment tracking coordinated between B2Gold and the lab.

Metallurgical Testwork

Initial metallurgical testwork was completed by SGS Minerals Services in Lakefield, Ontario, on two master composites and 12 variability samples. Bench-scale gravity tests using a combination of a Knelson concentrator and Mozley mineral separator, followed by whole ore cyanidation of the gravity tails were used to evaluate the master and variability composites. The testwork produced metallurgical recoveries ranging from 77.1 to 93.2, with an average recovery of 86.2%.

Qualified Persons

Tom Garagan, Senior Vice President of Exploration at B2Gold, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved the exploration information and mineral resource estimate contained in this news release.

John Rajala, P.E., Vice President of Metallurgy at B2Gold, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved the metallurgical information contained in this news release.

About B2Gold

Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, B2Gold Corp. is the world's new senior gold producer. Founded in 2007, today, B2Gold has five operating gold mines and numerous exploration and development projects in various countries including Nicaragua, the Philippines, Namibia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Colombia and Finland. With the large, low-cost Fekola Mine now in production, B2Gold is well positioned in achieving transformational growth in 2018. In 2018, with the planned first full year of production from the Fekola Mine, consolidated gold production is forecast to be between 910,000 and 950,000 ounces. This represents an increase in annual consolidated gold production of approximately 300,000 ounces for the Company in 2018 versus 2017.

ON BEHALF OF B2GOLD CORP.

"Clive T. Johnson"

President and Chief Executive Officer

For more information on B2Gold please visit the Company website at www.b2gold.com or contact:

Ian MacLean

Vice President, Investor Relations

604-681-8371

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Katie Bromley

Manager, Investor Relations & Public Relations

604-681-8371

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The Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American LLC neither approve nor disapprove the information contained in this news release.

This news 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 projections, guidance, forecasts, estimates and other statements regarding future financial and operational performance, events, production, mine life, revenue, cash flows, costs and the results of exploration, including, the potential for the Toega deposit to be open-pittable, and the potential for a new mineralized zone at Toega . Estimates of mineral resources and reserves, including the new inferred mineral resource estimate at Toega, are also forward-looking statements because they constitute projections regarding the amount of minerals that may be encountered in the future and/or the anticipated economics of production, should a production decision be made. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond B2Gold's control, including risks and assumptions associated with the volatility of metal prices and our common shares; risks and dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; risk of not achieving production, cost or other estimates; risk that actual production, development plans and costs differ materially from the estimates in our feasibility studies; risks related to hedging activities and ore purchase commitments; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; uncertainty about the outcome of negotiations with the Government of Mali; risks related to environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; the ability to replace mineral reserves and identify acquisition opportunities; unknown liabilities of companies acquired by B2Gold; ability to successfully integrate new acquisitions; fluctuations in exchange rates; availability of financing; risks relating to financing and debt; risks related to operations in foreign and developing countries and compliance with foreign laws; risks related to remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure, fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks; risks related to reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; challenges to title or surface rights; dependence on key personnel and ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; changes in tax laws; community support for our operations including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; risks related to failures of information systems or information security threats; ability to maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting as required by law; risks relating to compliance with anti-corruption laws; as well as other factors identified and as described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in B2Gold's most recent Annual Information Form and B2Gold's other filings with Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which may be viewed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively (the "Websites"). The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities B2Gold will derive therefrom. The Company's forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. The Company's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to the Company's ability to carry on current and future operations, including development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the Company's ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors

The disclosure in this news release and in the documents described in this news release regarding mineral properties was prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), which differs significantly from the requirements of the SEC set out in Industry Guide 7. Accordingly, such disclosure may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.

The Company has prepared its public disclosures in accordance with Canadian securities laws, which differ in certain respects from U.S. securities laws. In particular, this news release refers to "mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources". While these categories of mineralization are recognized and required by Canadian securities laws, they are not recognized by the SEC and are not normally permitted to be disclosed in SEC filings by U.S. companies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part of a "mineral resource" or "inferred mineral resource" will ever be converted into a "reserve." In addition, "reserves" reported by the Company under Canadian standards may not qualify as reserves under SEC standards. Under SEC standards, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the mineralization can be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time the "reserve" determination is made. Accordingly, information contained or referenced in this news release containing descriptions of the Company's mineral deposits may not be compatible to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of U.S. federal securities laws, rules and regulations. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Historical results or feasibility models presented herein are not guarantees or expectations of future performance.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 22, 2018) - Secova Metals Corp. (TSXV: SEK) (FSE: N4UN) (OTC: SEKZF) ("Secova" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following corporate update on its two gold projects and one cobalt project all in Quebec and welcomes Mr. Don Fuller to the Board of Directors.

Duvay/Chenier Project

The Company is pleased to disclose that based on preliminary results from its first phase of exploration, Secova is proceeding with Phase 2 of its exploration program at the Duvay/Chenier project. Although there are still approximately 1,000 samples along with drill assays pending, the encouraging initial results from the new North Shear zone (announced on December 13, 2017) and visual inspection of the core as it was drilled from other targets has provided management with the confidence to begin the next stage of exploration. Details on location and method of exploration will be announced as they are finalized. This will be done in conjunction with receipt of the outstanding assays. The back log of assays is a direct result of the extensive exploration programs taking place throughout the province of Quebec. This is an exciting time for gold exploration in Quebec, but this boom has caused some delays. Secova has been able to maintain its strong relationships and continual access to its numerous suppliers.

Eagle River Project

Secova has completed the preliminary exploration program on one-third of its Eagle River project adjacent to the Windfall Lake gold camp. Although this is a grassroots project, the Company performed an advanced VTEM airborne survey program that identified 19 anomalies. Secova then contracted Longford Exploration Corp. to perform a two week ground exploration program that allowed the geologists to map and perform till sampling on some of the areas around the identified anomalies. Results from this initial exploration program on the Eagle River are anticipated within the next couple of weeks. Once received, the Company will then determine any follow-up work required for further detailed exploration. Secova has plans to also expand its exploration work to include the remaining two-thirds of the Company's 21,472 contiguous hectares adjacent to Bonterra's projects and also on-trend from Osisko's Windfall Lake project.

Cobalt Properties

The Company is also pleased to announce, with its mandate to acquire and explore undervalued mineral projects in Quebec, that Secova is reviewing additional cobalt property acquisitions to potentially add to its cobalt portfolio. The Company could not ignore the high-levels of interest for the metal due to a globally increased need for electric vehicles seeing the spot price rise from $10USD/lb in May 2017 to now over $35USD/lb.

If these additional acquisitions do happen Secova will plan to immediately commence initial airborne mag surveys to delineate targets on the properties which could be then followed up with detailed ground exploration programs.

PDAC Conference in Toronto

Secova will be attending the Prospectors and Developers Conference ("PDAC") in Toronto which starts on March 4th to March 7th. We welcome you to stop by Booth #3329 to meet the team if you plan on attending.

Other Corporate Items

Secova is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Don Fuller as an Independent Director to the Company. Mr. Fuller is a businessman whose focus is on international development and capital structuring for numerous projects in the United States and the United Kingdom. Mr. Fuller's appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

The Company is in several discussions with other individuals regarding their potential appointment to the Board of Directors and anticipates announcing any developments shortly.

In related news, the Company's Board of Directors wishes to advise that Mr. Sean Kingsley had stepped down from the role of full-time VP Finance but will continue to work with Secova as a capital markets and strategy consultant. Mr. Kingsley was instrumental in raising international capital to commence Secova's initial drill program on the Duvay/Chenier project, acquire and commence the Eagle River's initial exploration program and assisted in bringing in competent and effective technical consultants to the team.

Previous Financing Cancelled

Secova would like to disclose that it has chosen to cancel the previously proposed financing announced on October 18, 2017. This financing was announced to accommodate the wishes of one fund/group, since the announcement market conditions have changed.

About Secova Metals Corp.

Secova Metals Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on building a strong asset base through exploration of undervalued gold projects in Canada. Management has demonstrated expertise in advancing gold exploration projects into acquisition targets, most notably in the province of Quebec. Secova has the exclusive right and option to acquire from Tres-Or Resources Inc. ("Tres-Or"), an undivided 65% right, title and interest in the contiguous Duvay/Chenier Gold Projects. Secova can earn up to 90% of the property (an additional 25% ownership) by funding a pre-feasibility study after the initial exploration expenditures to bring the property towards production. The Company has a total contiguous land package of 174 claims covering over 7,766 hectares (17,458 acres) of land. Duvay/Chenier is located in the Abitibi gold belt, one of Quebec's premier mining jurisdictions. The Company has plans to advance the development of Duvay/Chenier as well as seek other avenues of growth through acquisition and mergers. The Company also has 100% ownership of the Eagle River project (21,920 contiguous hectares) which is adjacent to and on-trend to several gold projects in the Windfall Lake district of Urban Barry in Quebec.

For further information about Secova Metals Corp.:

Office: Tel: +1 604-558-5397

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.secovametals.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors

SECOVA METALS CORP.

"Brad Kitchen"

Chairman, CEO and Director

Tel: +1 604-558-5397

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release contains "forward-looking information" that is based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements with respect to the Company's exploration and development plans. The words "will", "anticipated", "plans" or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.
Before Eastern Ghouta there was Homs, Aleppo, Daraya  rebel towns and enclaves that the Syrian regime pounded and besieged, forcing fighters to give up their arms and civilians to flee.

 Homs 

Syrias third city Homs was dubbed the capital of the revolution, after anti-government protests erupted in March 2011, but from 2012 it came under a two-year siege.

In 2014, rebels cornered by advancing regime forces agreed to be evacuated, although the government went on to besiege Waer, the last remaining opposition-held district in the city.

During the siege nearly 2,200 people were killed in the Homss Old City, according to the Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.

In the historic centre of the city, completely in ruins, those remaining had virtually nothing left to eat and lived off grass and dry foods.

Between March and May 2017, thousands of rebels and civilians fled the district of Waer, allowing the regimes forces to retake full control of Homs.

 Aleppo 

Once Syrias commercial hub, Aleppo was devastated by more than four years of fighting, particularly along the front line that separated the rebel-held east from the government-held west.

Early in 2016, the regimes forces, supported by Lebanese movement Hezbollah and Russian warplanes, launched an offensive in Aleppo.

Much of the city was reduced to wasteland.

Rebel districts were under near-continuous siege by the army. Heavy shelling by the army destroyed all established hospitals in the area.

Towards the end of 2016, after a month of respite, bombardments picked up again and international observers talked about crimes against humanity committed by the regime and its Russian allies.

In December 2016, the Syrian army declared it was in full control of Aleppo.

 Leave or die 

Daraya was one of the first towns in Syria to erupt in demonstrations against the government in 2011; it also became one of the first to be placed under a strict regime siege in 2012.

The Syrian army recaptured the town in 2016 after the evacuation of thousands of rebels and civilians who had been under a relentless siege and incessant bombardment.

In 2017, the army recaptured the region of Wadi Barada near Damascus as well as several rebel districts in the capital.

Thousands of civilians and fighters were bussed to the northwestern province of Idlib.

In recent months, the regime has recaptured several rebel areas around Damascus under so-called reconciliation deals involving the evacuation of fighters in exchange for an end to bombardments and sieges.

In a report titled We leave or we die, Amnesty analysed four local accords which the rights body said were preceded by unlawful sieges and bombardment aimed at forcing civilians to abandon their homes.

The Syrian government and, to a lesser degree, armed opposition groups have enforced sieges on densely populated areas, depriving civilians of food, medicine and other basic necessities in violation of international humanitarian law, Amnesty said.
Six months after about 1,400 foreign women and children surrendered with Islamic State (ISIS) fighters to Iraqi security forces, Iraqs courts are sentencing the women to life in prison and even to death for non-violent crimes.

Its just one indicator of how people viewed as colluding with ISIS are receiving unfair trials.

The women have been charged with illegally entering Iraq and, in some cases aiding, abetting or having membership in ISIS, which carries the penalty of life in prison or death under Iraqs counterterrorism law.

In January, Baghdads Criminal Court sentenced a German woman to death. Two days ago, the same court convicted 11 Turkish women and an Azeri. One of the Turkish women was sentenced to death, and the rest [PS2] to life in prison.

The chief justice said that in these cases, unlike earlier ones of ISIS suspects, the defendants had lawyers present during their interrogations, which would be a positive development.

A courtroom observer said that the womens lawyers contended that the defendants husbands or others had tricked them into going to ISIS territory, but maintained that none of the women had been implicated in any violent acts. One woman said in court that her husband took their 2-year-old son and told her to follow him to Iraq or she wouldnt see her son again.

The observer said the prosecution did not present evidence contesting the defense. Yet, the judges found all the women guilty of ISIS membership. The woman sentenced to death was found to have knowingly travelled to ISIS territory to join the group with her husband. Human Rights Watch opposes the death penalty in all circumstances as an irreversible, degrading, and cruel punishment.

The Iraqi authorities should develop a national strategy to prioritize the prosecution of those who committed the most serious crimes. For those suspected only of membership in ISIS without evidence of any other serious crime, the authorities should consider alternatives to criminal prosecution. In these cases, the women are getting the harshest possible sentences for what appears to be marriage to an ISIS member or a coerced border crossing. The Iraqi courts need to redirect their priorities.
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In my second year of residency, I was on the hematology/oncology service where we were taking care of a pleasant lady in her 80s who was admitted with pancreatic cancer. It was apparent that the disease had spread rapidly, and when we discussed her at rounds, we knew that she likely had a few months to live, at best. We also knew, however, that there were life-extending treatment options we could provide. When we walked into her room and presented these to her, she was attentive and listened respectfully, and she ultimately decided not to pursue any more treatment.

What struck me was how content she was with the decision and how no objection was made by the oncologist. Surely, such a decision in terms of choosing to ultimately die instead of prolong ones life required more discussion than this (or so I thought). But, just like that, the decision was made, and the conversation was over. With all the questions that came to my mind regarding the patients acceptance of her mortality and our decision not to push her treatment, I wished at that moment that there could be easy answers. None came. Instead, I started thinking about the role of patient autonomy and the physicians role at the end of life. And then, even more questions started to rise.

Was it OK for us to allow the patient to decide not to continue life-prolonging treatment? When it came to her impending death, was it right for us to just allow it to happen without any other medical interventions? Was it cruel of us not to facilitate the patients death, especially if the patient was in pain? Were we playing God by even thinking ourselves suitable to make a decision regarding the timing of a patients death? Were there particular beliefs that I had that guided my thoughts about this, and if so, was there a valid basis behind these beliefs? These questions, and many others, kept coming to me, and a period of true soul searching occurred. I ultimately realized that my Christian beliefs formed the basis of how I saw this issue. For all the teaching about focusing on the facts of medical care, I couldnt shake off my beliefs when it came to this topic. In confronting death, the questions are metaphysical. For people like me, a religious worldview provides a way to navigate this tricky subject.

The medical community has been dealing with this subject for some time now, and various perspectives lend themselves to the conversation. As patients approach their final days, the discussion shifts not only to their comfort but also to the process of death. The debate has historically been whether physicians should take a passive versus an active role in this process. Certain organizations, like the American Medical Association, suggest that the role of a physician at the end of life should be passive, and that any active participation in the death of a patient would go against our role as healers. However, another perspective is that it would be cruel for physicians not to actively participate in facilitating the death of a patient who was suffering painfully from a terminal illness. This perspective is shared by philosophers such as James Rachels and Margaret P. Battin, and patient autonomy is the genuine concern. Now that certain states allow for medical aid in dying and others are potentially looking at this issue in the ballot box, there will certainly be more public discussions on patient autonomy and aid in dying.

Inevitably, the debate asks us to look at the process of death in general and whether there are other implications with regards to our role in that process. Across the board, regardless of ones philosophical or religious worldviews, we consider death to be a very profound experience, not only for those who are about to experience it, but for other people connected to it. The profundity of it brings about metaphysical questions that are not easily answerable, and, as a result, it can become quite personal. Various perspectives about God, the afterlife, human suffering, and other things can come into play that force us to confront our personal worldviews. As physicians who are trained to be objective, this can cause serious discomfort, since our answers to these questions can feel so subjective. But it is important for us to be honest with these questions. I know that my Christian worldview will move me more toward one perspective, whereas someone elses may move them in a different direction. If we are honest about our worldviews and appreciate others, we can have a fruitful dialogue about our role at the end of life.

As I continue to encounter these situations, I feel that my perspective has changed. Before, I worried about whether I was rushing discussions about end-of-life care and whether I was making the right call to tell patients and their families that further medical care was futile. With the understanding that potential life-sustaining measures could be stopped based on what I told patients and their families, I wanted to make sure that the judgment call I was making was a good one. One of my beliefs is that God is the author of life, and by extension, the One who ultimately determines the time of a persons death. With this belief guiding some of my perspectives on end-of-life care and patients final days, I hoped that, in these tough discussions, I was making a decision that was close to what God would have wanted. Its a powerful responsibility to determine when its medically unfeasible to continue life-sustaining measures. That responsibility has periodically brought me to my knees in private as I thought of the spiritual perspectives that were connected to how I approached these conversations.

Now, my perspective focuses more on preserving the dignity of the patient in his or her final moments. I think its lost upon us frequently, but we need to take a step back and realize that we are one of the last people that these patients will see in their lives. Frequently, we become a part of one of the most personal experiences a person will ever go through as they confront their own mortality in a real way. In these moments, they are looking for hope, mercy, love, and compassion  things that my Christian faith teaches me to extend to others at their most difficult moments. Rather than thinking that this is just the job of their family members, maybe we should realize that we can provide these things to them in their final moments through how we care for them. I think many people will agree, irrespective of personal worldviews, that we should have hope, mercy, love, and compassion guiding how we care for patients in their final moments, out of the hope that their final days on this Earth will be peaceful ones.

Chiduzie Madubata is a cardiologist. This article originally appeared in the Doximitys Op-(m)ed.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
What if we treated physicians in training the way we want to be treated?

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What if each doctor in contact with medical students and residents acknowledge that they are a diverse group with their own inherent strengths and weaknesses?

Some residents will have mastered the knowledge within the pages of the textbook and can easily recite it during attending rounds. Others will have a natural bedside manner making patients feel comfortable, so that the admission history and physical exams are more complete. Others will be leaders. Nurses, therapists, and social workers will naturally gravitate toward working with them. From this new vantage point, each physician in training becomes an asset, contributing his or her gifts and talents to the team.

Instead of resident teams being a group of individual doctors vying in a competition to be recognized as the best, residents could be encouraged to support one another. Working together optimizes patient care and creates the opportunity for personal growth and development as a physician and as a person. The concept of sharing information, learning from each others strengths, and supporting one another to identify and develop their weaknesses creates a culture of collegiality and cooperation. This becomes the new focal point of each rotation.

Attention is placed on looking at the causes and solutions to physician burnout. Articles and social media posts are published almost daily discussing some aspect of physician burnout, from its causes, to who is to blame, to what are the possible solutions. Is it because of the depersonalization of medicine with the integration of electronic medical record? Or is it because of increased patient volume with less available resources? Its probably a combination of all the factors that make medicine what it has become today.

While the pursuit of medicine is a noble one, it often removes the medical student and resident from the proximity of their support group of family and friends, without a viable option for replacement. The very people who are learning how to care for patients are in a system where either you make it or break it.

Medical students and residents keep showing up for the rotations. They are doing their best to keep pace with patient volume and information without the resources or systems in place to support themselves when they become overwhelmed, frustrated, or burned out. They may even lack the benefit of support from a co-resident or friend in the program.

The hours are long. Living on the cusp of life and death is a huge responsibility. These are everyday challenges in medicine. Successful teams respect one another, give constructive feedback without demoralizing one another, and grow collectively. The time has come for medicine to adopt these tenets so that we can begin to make a dent in physician burnout and residents can be optimistic about the next shift.

Stephanie Wellington is a physician and can be reached at Nurturing MDs.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
A Kilkenny native and mother-of-two facing a terminal cancer diagnosis is appealing to the public to help her access experimental treatment in America.

Given just 12 months to live by her oncologists, Vicky Phelan, 43, set up a GoFundMe page which has raised over 80,000 in less than a week.

Vicky  who currently lives in Annacotty in Limerick but is originally from Mooncoin says her goal is to raise 100,000 to access a clinical trial in Maryland, USA and meet the associated costs.

Speaking to the Kilkenny People, Vicky said: Im stunned by the support Ive had so far, its amazing and Im so grateful. The support from the people of Mooncoin has been phenomenal.

Theyve organised a Midnight Walk in the village on Friday, April 6, theyre organising a Lip Sync battle, a Shave/Dye fundraiser. Theyve been great.

Vicky fulfils the criteria for eligibility for the Maryland trial but she said the problem is not eligibility, its access, because they only take one patient per month.

Vicky, who is married to Jim and is mother to Amelia, 12, and Darragh, 7, was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in July 2014, but following an aggressive course of radiation and chemotherapy, was given the all-clear late that year.

A routine scan in November last year, however, showed a large mass of lymph nodes around her aorta, which is inoperable.

Having already had the maximum dosage of radiation, Vicky was offered palliative chemotherapy as her only option, which she was told may give her one more year of life.It was not a prognosis she was willing to accept.

I went to Dublin for a second opinion, from Dr David Fennelly, and he was much more positive than what I was hearing in Limerick.

I found them extremely negative here, it was basically like they told me to go home and die. They could do nothing for me.

He agreed, though, that in Ireland there are no options for me, but he was open to me going abroad.

Having been reluctant to set up the GoFundMe page, Vicky finally did at the insistence of her sister and has been staggered by the response. Yeah, I just cant get over it, she added.

To donate to Vickys GoFundMe page, visit www.gofundme.com/savevickyphelan
A top scientist and Kilkenny native had some useful advice for young girls and women as the UN marked International Day of Women and Girls in Science earlier this month.

Dr Fiona Kelly is a Senior Research Officer at Inland Fisheries Ireland. She heads up a large team specialising in research on various freshwater fish species and has been interested in science since she was a child

As a career, science is extremely interesting and rewarding. The work we do in Inland Fisheries Ireland has great variety and diversity, she says.

Its not just a desk job, you get to work outdoors on rivers, lakes and estuaries on a regular basis. Follow what you love.

Growing up beside the River Barrow in Graignamanagh, her father nurtured her interest in nature while she also had an influential biology teacher in school. This, in turn, led to her being an exhibitor at the annual Young Scientist Exhibition in Dublins RDS, before she went on to earn a BSc (honours) in Zoology and PhD, in freshwater ecology, in UCD. It was through her PhD work that she came into contact with the fisheries State agency.

It might seem a strange or unusual career to some people, I suppose, she laughs, but I sometimes try to explain it as being like a marine biologist, except its freshwater and I specialise in fish! But I love it for its diversity. I am not desk-bound, and I get out to the rivers and lakes from time to time, working on a range of research projects and checking the status of our fish stocks, so its never dull. We have amazing natural resources here in Ireland with our lakes and rivers, and we need to protect and conserve them.

Dr Kelly says Irish female scientists in the environmental and fisheries sector are well regarded.

As an island nation, we have a different perspective, so we have much to offer, she says.

For instance, Im on the EIFAAC Technical and Scientific Committee, a sub-committee working under the aegis of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. Irish scientists, male and female, are regular speakers at international conferences. Its a varied and exciting career. I would encourage any girls and women who are interested in science to pursue it as a career.

Her words of advice to young girls and women for International Day of Women and Girls in Science are clear:

I followed my passion. I love the area I got involved in. Id say: follow your areas of interest and, you know, its much easier to study if you love the subject.
The story of a great Callan institution had locals spellbound on Friday evening of last week.

Roisin Power Hackett launched her booklet, The Irish House - a Psycho-geographical Map at the Friary in Callan.

The Irish House, a two hundred year old building, was home to Roisins grandparents and for decades played host to Powers Drapery, a business that thrived in what was the busiest street in Callan.

Roisin returned to the building after an 11 year absence to embark on a special quest: to immerse herself in the space within the building to acquire a profound psychological appreciation of both the physical structure itself and the effects on her of her own childhood connection with the building.

The resulting essay is hauntingly evocative of the building where Seamus and Della Power plied their trade back when Upper Bridge Street was the commercial hub of the town.

She described every room, stairway, shelf and counter, and shares her memories of childhood stays with her grandparents. The narrative is so beautifully written that I couldnt help wishing it would just continue beyond its actual length. It captures the ghostly atmosphere of Powers Drapery...evoking the thousands of transactions gently agreed across the counters, rekindling thoughts of happy customers passing in and out of its welcoming doorway.

You can almost hear the clinging of the till and see Seamus Power chatting amiably with locals and cracking jokes, or the giddy children queuing outside the shop with their parents at Christmas because Power always had the loveliest window displays.

The booklet also has a set of pictures that lay bare the condition of the house interior, also hinting perhaps at the decline of the great commercial heart of Callan in which the remains of Powers Drapery stand mute and unoccupied.

The Booklet was officially launched by Joe Kennedy of Callan Heritage, who gave a brief history of Bridge Street from its origins in 12th to the present day, filling in the historical backdrop to the story of the house.

Roisin thanked all people and agencies who had provided support to her in the preparation of her project, including Art Links, which partly funded it, and Barbara Hubert who bound each copy of the publication in old wallpaper found in Powers Drapery.

She also expressed gratitude to Della Power, Kathleen Reid, Nollaig Molloy, Orlaith Treacy, Etaoin Holohan at Fennellys, and the Callan Workhouse Union. The booklet costs 15.
Kingstree, SC (29556)

Today

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson (front) is flanked by members of the Williamsburg County Republication Party. Wilson is traversing the state in his bid for a third term. Photo by Michaele Duke
Our country is one of the most beautiful places in the world; tropical and surrounded by volcanoes and rivers, with a strategic geographic location equidistant from North and South America, with multiple direct flights.

Our political problem isnt hard to understand. Our government is based on a system of checks and balances just like the United States, with three branches: Legislative, Judicial and Executive. The legislative and executive branches are elected by the people, but that is not the case with the judicial power.

Our legislative branch is composed of 84 senators, elected to conform a National Assembly during three year periods, and each one them has several assistants, and a long list of fringe benefits (bodyguards, new cars, fuel, travel expenses, etc.) plus generous salaries, financed by the salvadorean taxpayer.

This is where our problems begin.

Not only is our National Assembly a source of widespread corruption. It also fosters red tape. Working commissions prolong decisions and conduct lengthy and unproductive hearings, often passing or obstructing laws by system fatigue.

Many of our senators are a national shame, some have been indicted for a crime or involved in criminal activity. Others cannot resist the temptation of what we know as the black briefcase: Hefty sums exchanging hands under the table when a crucial vote is on the floor.

The power of small parties is another problem during elections. Senate seats are allocated based on a dubious residual formula that no one can explain and should be abolished in order to limit the vicious circle of corruption and red tape.

El Salvador, with only 13,000 square miles (about the size of Massachusetts) is composed of 14 non independent states. In your country each senator represents 3,230,000 citizens, whereas in El Salvador each senator represents 65,000 citizens. If we use the same percentages we would only need 3 to 5 senators. As we very well know that is not possible, but at the same time if we could vote for a reduction of the number of senators, and their personal benefits, the vote would be won by those who want a Legislative composed of no more than 27 senators with moral and legal authority to represent the people. As it stands today the legislative is refuge for people with criminal backgrounds like Jose Luis Merino and Francisco Merino and others mentioned in child abuse, irresponsible parenthood, etc.

Gangs, drug trade, money laundering have flourished in our country in front of a passive National Assembly. Unfortunately, salvadoreans cannot change our corrupt and bureaucratic legislative branch, since the 84 senators dictate the laws of our land.

In order for El Salvador to become a partner of the United States, we need to change the people that representing us. We need to remove those who are only interested in milking the system. Without education, honesty, experience and a proven track record as law abiding citizens our senators will continue to be easy prey of the Man with the Black Briefcase.

We are living a political campaign, to elect a new National Assembly, full of empty promises. At the same time, education reform is stagnant, hospitals have no medicine, our agriculture is at its worst, and gangs have made our country, one of the most dangerous in the world. El Salvador can only solve its problems with honest and educated senators, in a system where integrity sits at the head of the table.

For this reason, I strongly recommend, in order to foster a stronger bilateral relation between your country and ours, you know where to start!

Sincerely,
Ties between India and Maldives soured after New Delhi rejected to host President Yameen's (right) special envoy to brief the Modi govt about the current crisis (File image/Getty)

Male, Feb 24: In what signals the further deterioration of diplomatic ties between India and Maldives, the island nation on Thursday accused New Delhi of "distorting facts" about the emergency imposed by President Abdulla Yameen.

The statement issued by Maldives Foreign Ministry appealed all friendly nations, including India, to "refrain from any actions that could hinder resolving the situation facing the country".

On India's criticism of President Yameen's decision to extend the emergency by 30 days on Tuesday, Male said New Delhi is issuing statements without taking into consideration the prevailing condition in Maldives.

"The Government of Maldives takes note of the public statements issued by the Government of India that ignore the facts and ground realities with regard to the ongoing political developments in the Maldives," the statement said.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which had earlier called the situation in Maldives as "disturbing", reiterated its disapproval on Wednesday, claiming that the extension of emergency "is in contravention with the Constitution" of the nation.

"We would continue to urge the government of Maldives to release political prisoners, release the Chief Justice, implement the Supreme Court order and restore the normal functioning of the institutions of democracy," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar reiterated today.

The emergency in Maldives was imposed on February 5, after the Chief Justice of Supreme Court, Hamid Ali, had annulled the conviction of nine opposition leaders, including exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed. The apex court judge also reinstated the parliamentary membership of 12 rebel lawmakers, who had defected from Yameen's ruling party.

Had the top court's order been implemented, Yameen was bound to lose majority in the Parliament which would had necessitated the formation of a new government.

After the emergency was imposed, Yameen's army launched a crackdown, putting behind the bars the Supreme Court's Chief Justice, accusing him of bribery. A slew of opposition leaders were also taken into custody for organising protests against the President.

A special seating of the Supreme Court was called after the arrest of Justice Hamid Ali, which annulled all the unfavorable verdicts issued by him on February 1.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 22, 2018 11:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Maldives, February 22: Former Maldivian Deputy Minister of Education Dr Ahmed Riyaz, who off lately resigned, underscored that the State of Emergency (SOE) in the country, which has been extended for an additional 30 days, is "against our Constitution". "I believe the SOE that was declared on the 5th of Feb was unlawful according to our Constitution, and it has been extended against our Constitution from parliament seating of 38 members, where the quorum is 43," Riyaz said.

The former Deputy Minister of Education stressed upon the negative repercussions of the SOE on the tourism industry, saying, "A considerable number of bookings have been cancelled in the past two weeks and will continue to happen consequently."

The Maldivian Parliament on Tuesday approved the extension of the SoE by 30 days, a day after President Abdulla Yameen sought the extension citing threat to national security and the constitutional crisis in the country.

The opposition leaders boycotted the saying and called the extension illegal and unconstitutional. Speaking of the prevailing situation in the Maldives, Riyaz said, "Yes l believe he [President Yameen] has completely ignored it. This is a global village, where we all get help from each other. He just cannot keep on ignoring the suggestions from the international community".

A legal expert based in Male, Maumoon Hameed, said, "It's difficult to put into words, but I would second the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights when he said this is an all-out assault on democracy." "This is a crisis that will sear itself onto our national psyche, and the scars will remain for the next few generations, and irrevocably undermine trust in national institutions," he added. The Maldives is facing political unrest since President Yameen imposed emergency after refusing to implement a Supreme Court order of freeing imprisoned opposition leaders. The political unrest in the country deepened further when the police used force to crack down on the Maldivian opposition leaders, who continued to hold anti-government protests.
Four years ago, the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was most notable for its foreign policy outreach to Indias neighbours. The gesture of inviting the heads of government at the swearing in was s symbol of We begin as we mean to continue  priority to Indias neighbourhood. Yet, four years later relationship with three of Indias neighbours  Pakistan, Nepal and Maldives is worse than what the government started out with.

The recent crisis in Maldives is a case in point of the Indian governments ineptitude of managing events in its own neighbourhood. On February 21, President Yameen extended the State of Emergency in Maldives that he had imposed 15 days ago. This despite what was obviously a reprimand from New Delhi that said, We are deeply dismayed that the government of Maldives has extended the State of Emergency for a further 30 days. The manner in which the extension of the State of Emergency was approved by the Majlis in contravention of the Constitution of Maldives is also a matter of concern.

India says it has kept track of the events that began with the countrys Supreme Court quashing charges against nine political prisoners on the grounds that they were politically motivated and flawed. This included the quashing of charges against former President Mohammad Nasheed who lives in exile in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Supreme Courts orders were reportedly unexpected for the current government and triggered protests across the country which prodded Yameen to impose a state of emergency across the archipelago. In the following days, he had the Supreme Courts Chief Justice and other judges arrested and the orders quashing the charges against Nasheed, rescinded. Through all of this, India has issued statements of its concern over the state of affairs in Male.

Even as India has issued statements asking for Maldives to return to the path of democracy, the decisions taken by President Yameen show that his foremost priority is cementing his power in the country and quashing any resistance against him. As Yameen has gone about cracking down on dissidents and placing those supporting him in positions of power, there have been increasing calls for Indias intervention in the country including former President Nasheed who has called for India to act swiftly to resolve the crisis.

But before India could take any further steps, China stepped in and warned against outside intervention. The most recent was a statement issued by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi, We believe the Maldivian government and people have the wisdom and ability to properly handle the problems they face and restore order in the country according to law. And Yameens impervious manner towards New Delhis concerns hints at his belief that support from China will indeed prevent India from intervening.

Whether Yameens calculations prove correct or not will only be proved with time however what is notable is Chinas emergence as a voice in how events pan out in Male. And this occurrence is fairly recent.

February 2012: President Mohammad Nasheed of the Maldivian Democratic Party is forced to resign at gun point

President Mohammad Nasheed of the Maldivian Democratic Party is forced to resign at gun point November 2013: President Mohammad Waheeds office cancels Indian firm GMRs contract to build and run the Maldives International Airport

President Mohammad Waheeds office cancels Indian firm GMRs contract to build and run the Maldives International Airport November 2013: President Abdullah Yameen of Progressive party of Maldives (half-brother of former PresidentMaumoon Abdul Gayoom) elected to office

President Abdullah Yameen of Progressive party of Maldives (half-brother of former PresidentMaumoon Abdul Gayoom) elected to office September 2014: Maldives signs deal with Chinese firm to upgrade its international airport

Maldives signs deal with Chinese firm to upgrade its international airport March 2015: Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheedconvicted of a terrorism charge and sentenced to 13 years in prison but is exiled after an intervention from India

Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheedconvicted of a terrorism charge and sentenced to 13 years in prison but is exiled after an intervention from India December 2017: Maldives signs Free Trade Agreement with China

Maldives signs Free Trade Agreement with China December 2017: Maldives endorses Chinas Maritime Silk Road project during President Xi Jinpings state visit to the island-nation

Maldives endorses Chinas Maritime Silk Road project during President Xi Jinpings state visit to the island-nation February 2018: President Yameen imposes State of Emergency after Supreme Court rules that terrorism charges be quashed against nine opposition politicians including Nasheed.

As the above timeline shows, Maldives has drifted away from Indias sphere of influence over the past three years and embraced China with open arms. The cancellation of the airport contract, then signing a Chinese firm to build it, followed by agreeing to be a part of Chinas Maritime Silk Road project and working out a free trade agreement prove the extent of Maldives exposure to China. China has also provided funds to build infrastructure inside Maldives including ports under its Belt and Road Initiative (OBOR).

While India has been the provider for critical infrastructure in the past such as hospitals, schools and colleges, Chinas OBOR has meant that Maldives has been given a much larger account to draw from. A new International Monetary Fund report projects the Maldives external debt will hit 51.2% of GDP in 2021 from 34.7% in 2016 as a result of the infrastructure projects. The fear now is that Maldives will be saddled with servicing the external debt which will average $92 million a year for four yearsthough the governments total revenue is only about $1 billion. If returns on the projects fall short, the Maldives may find itself like Sri Lanka, which built the port of Hambantota with Chinese loans. In December 2017, Sri Lanka had to turn over operation of the port on a 99-year lease to a Chinese state-owned company to avoid default.

As it was with Sri Lanka, Maldives strategic decisions have a direct impact on Indias security. Maldives consists of 1200 islands and with its location in Southern Arabia Sea offers Chinese warships the ability to project its power in the Indian Ocean, a domain India had managed for a long time. A friendly port in Maldives also offers China the ability to intrude into Indias own backyard.

As professor Harsh Pant points out, India has been caught off guard with the alacrity of Maldives embrace of China which has meant that Indias engagement with Male has been hesitant of late and China has made the most of it. Maldives is the only country that Prime Minister Modi is yet to visit in Indias neighbourhood. While India dithered, the Yameen government took another remarkable decision in 2015 that heavily favoured China. The government amended its constitution to allow foreign ownership of freehold land passes, which would potentially enhance Chinas military presence on the island nation. Chinese naval ships have become regular visitors since 2015 to the Maldives.

While Indias actions have been symbolic in nature in projecting a neighbourhood-first policy, events on the ground show that China has taken a march over India in its own backyard. If India wants itself to be taken seriously in its neighbourhood and beyond, it needs to begin implementing coercive diplomacy to underscore that Indias patience in not unlimited and not heeding its warnings comes with a price.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 22, 2018 03:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Uruguay: Uruguays national colonisation institute (INC), which is responsible for the granting of land by the state, has announced that dairy producers will be exempt from an increase of nearly 14% in the cost of rent, while other agriculture producers will see a drop of between 4.5% and 6% in their rent from April. The measures were announced in the context of ongoing efforts by the government led by President Tabare Vazquez to placate the agricultural sector which complains that it is facing major economic difficulties.
Within the next few weeks, the federal government will relocate 530 Venezuelan immigrants currently in Brazils northern state of Roraima. Of these, 180 will go to the neighbouring state of Amazonas, and the remaining 350 to the southern state of Sao Paulo. This is part of a wider strategy to address the humanitarian crisis after an influx of Venezuelans across the border into Brazil, leaving state authorities in Roraima hard pressed to provide for them.
Details have emerged about the location of British frozen food supermarket Iceland's new store in Portlaoise.

The Leinster Express first broke the news of plans for Iceland's expansion to Portlaoise, last January.

The supermarket has now confirmed when and where it hopes to open.

"We are hoping to open in Portlaoise around the end of April beginning of May all going well," a spokesperson for Iceland confirmed in an online message to a Portlaoise customer.

"We are hoping to have a store around the Fairgreen area but there is no confirmation as of yet," the spokesperson added.

The UK based supermarket already has 19 stores around the republic of Ireland, with a further expansion planned this year.

Up to 30 jobs will be created. Iceland confirmed its expansion to Portlaoise to the Leinster Express, following a recruitment advertisement posted online last January.

Iceland's arrival to Laois is being welcomed by local Slimming World enthusiasts, as the supermarket is the exclusive stockist of their frozen dinners.

Portlaoise St Patrick's Day Parade cancelled
A Portarlington man caught with two cans of pepper spray which he said were for his own protection has been convicted and fined after being found unsuitable for community service.

Dylan Redmond (24), The Glen, Kilnacourt Woods, Portarlington, was charged with the offence at his home address on May 5, 2017.

Sgt JJ Kirby gave evidence that on May 5, 2017, the gardai conducted a search of the accuseds house and found two cans of pepper spray.

He was cautioned and told the gardai that the weapons were for him to protect himself.

The cans were sent for analysis and were confirmed to be a prohibited weapon.

The accused had six previous convictions, including one for the possession of knives.

Defence, Ms Louise Troy said the accused was living in Portarlington with his mother. She said the accused had purchased the two cans in Bulgaria and had never used them.

The seal on the cans was not broken and the accused had no intention of using them.

It was an incredibly foolish decision to purchase them, said Ms Troy.

Why buy them if he did not intend to use them? Were they just for decoration? asked Judge Catherine Staines.

Ms Troy replied that the accused had bought the items at a stall.

Judge Staines suggested the accused do community service, but after being accessed by the probation officer the accused was found not suitable for community service.

The accused was convicted and fined 200.
A 20-year-old man who was part of a group who robbed 432 of spirits from a Rathdowney store has been ordered to pay compensation.

Elvis Ciungu (20), Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin, was charged with an offence under the theft act.

Sgt JJ Kirby gave evidence that the accused entered Supervalu in Rathdowney on July 23, 2017, and loaded up a trolley with a variety of spirits totalling 432 before leaving the store without paying.

The property was not recovered.

The accused had five previous convictions, including three for theft.

Defence said that the accused, a Romanian national, had been in custody and was due to be released that same day.

Defence said that the offence before the court was the first in sequence of the accuseds offending.

Sgt Kirby confirmed this, saying that the accused was not arrested until a subsequent incident in Castleblayney.

Judge Catherine Staines noted that the accused had since appeared in court and served a sentence on other matters. She asked did the accused have any compensation, or any family with him in court.

Defence replied that he didnt. Defence also said that three others were involved in the theft and the accused was the youngest participant.

Judge Staines said she accepted the accused had served a sentence in the meantime, but the money had to be paid back.

She adjourned the case to June 19 for compensation.
A controversial plan to develop a blueway for cyclists and hikers along the River Barrow at Graignamanagh, Goresbridge and St Mullins, and including a part of Laois including Vicarstown, Fisherstown and Courtwood has been refused planning permission by Carlow County Council.

Laois County Council granted conditional planning permission yesterday, Wednesday, February 21 for a 16-kilometre stretch from Vicarstown to Maganey through the county. It attached 25 conditions to its decision.

A formal submission for planning permission was made to Laois, Kildare and Carlow County Councils by Waterways Ireland on Friday, January 27.

Laois County Council granted conditional planning permission on

SEE ALSO: Plans launched for Blueway through Laois on River Barrow

In its decision, Carlow County Council said that based on the information submitted to it, including the Environment Impact Statement and Natura Impact statement, it was not satisfied that the applicant had demonstrated that the proposed development incorporating the provision of an on-bound surface of compacted stone and dust surface within a flood zone of the river Barrow would not significantly affect the River Barrow and River Nore and the council's conservation objectives.

It also said it was not satisfied that Waterways Ireland had demonstrated that the blueway would not give rise to ecological impacts and would not significantly effect the River Barrow and River Nore special areas of conservation and its conservation objectives.

SEE ALSO - Public to be consulted on controversial Barrow Blueway through Laois
Laois Rose Maeve Dunne has just returned from an emotional volunteering trip to an Orphanage in Belarus with Adi Roches Chernobyl Children International.

Maeve from Mountmellick, an events manager in Croke Park, travelled with Rose of Tralee Jennifer Byrne from Offaly, Adi Roche and 26 fellow roses to help out at Vesnova Childrens Mental Asylum in Belarus.

There they spent a week caring for young victims who are still being born with deformities from the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986. See more with photos here.

Maeve told the Leinster Express how they tried to help the children.

Our role was to care for them, to feed them in the morning, and help them dress. We just tried to give them the love and attention that they dont get. Holding their hands, giving them hugs, taking them out in their wheelchairs for some fresh air, she said.

It was an emotional few days for Maeve and for all the Roses. (pictured below at the institution)

It was very tough. The facilities are actually really nice, thanks to Adi Roche and Chernobyl Children Ireland. The children all have nice beds, and the basic necessities they need in one sense. Every block of that building, the electrical work, it is all thanks to the Irish people, she said.

There are 174 children aged from 4 to 18 in the childrens asylum.

They are transferred there from a baby home, and when they turn 18 they are sent to an adult institution, said Maeve.

There are new efforts to transform the children's lives to independence thanks to CCI. The Roses were shown some of the projects that Adi Roche is responsible for such as "Homes of Hope" where healthier children are fostered to a loving family instead of being admitted to orphanages or other institutions.

The charity has also opened a life skills home where some children can try to prepare for independent living.

We went with one boy aged 14. To see him for the first time open his own wardrobe and see clothes to call his own, he was so proud. It was a very emotional moment. That home is also completely funded by CCI. Adi Roche is the most amazing person I have ever met, Maeve said.

The support of other Roses meant a lot during the harrowing trip.

We were able to pick each other up, we all found it hard, the Laois Rose said.

She brought lots of donations from Laois people to the orphanage.

I was so blown away, people were so generous and good hearted. I brought about 2,500 as well as nappies, toiletries, clothes, bandages all donated, Maeve said.

It was a tough couple of days, but I am so glad I did it, and I hope to go back, she said.

Maeves next Laois event is the launch of Mountmellick Drama Festival, on March 9.

GROW Mental Health was her chosen charity.

My focus was to get their name more well known, and I hope I helped to achieve that. It is great to see GROW offering a course in Mountmellick, thanks to Darren Conroys fundraising, I hope that people utilise the service, she said.

The search for a new Laois Rose is underway, with the Selection Night on May 6 and applications now being taken. See more here.

Below: Maeve shares a moment with Vesnova resident Victor.
The perfect antidote to a chilly February in Laois takes place this weekend, the glamorous Portarlington & Killenard Charity Gala Ball.

The 12th annual ball is on this Friday February 23, returning to the luxurious surroundings of the five star Heritage Killenard hotel, and a brilliant night is guaranteed for those lucky to snap up the few remaining 50 tickets.

Organisers Collette Kennedy, Marie Corcoran and Maria Molloy are once again ensuring that everyone has a brilliant time at the charity fundraiser.

Marie describes what makes the night such a success.

It all starts at 7pm, everyone arrives to a red carpet entrance, with JL Sound there to serenade them as they arrive in all their glamour. Some people start to dance the minute they arrive. A fabulous three course meal starts at 8pm, with lots of free wine for every table. There are amazing prizes to be won all night, some worth up to 300, every table wins a prize. After the meal we will again have the Keith McDonald Showband to get everyone on the floor. That is followed by a disco into the early hours. The hotel goes all out to decorate the room too, and it is a beautiful hotel, Marie said.

This year all funds are in aid of Portarlington Senior Citizens Christmas Party. Over the past 12 years the ball has raised over 250,000 for Laois charities, such as Irish Wheelchair Association, LOFFA autism group, Special Olympics and the Cuisle Centre.

People are very good for supporting us and we do really appreciate seeing them return every year, said Collette.

Among the loyal regulars returning this year is celebrity solicitor Gerard Keane, who last year pledged 10,000 to Down Syndrome Ireland Laois branch on the night.

Its great for the local economy too, with the hair, the nails, the tans and the dresses and shoes all to be got. Often people find their gowns in charity shops, and everyone looks a million dollars on the night, people look forward to it every year, said Collette.

Dress formal, Tickets 50 each, on sale from Collette at 086 2654277, Marie at 087 7589896, or Maria at 086 3058181.

Portarlington halting site has community 'inflamed'
A 55-year-old man who threatened to kill a Garda in Kildare has been jailed.

At Naas District Court on February 21, John Coyne (Senior), with an address at 23 Grove Heights, Robertstown, appeared on a number of public order charges in relation to an incident on July 19, 2016.

The charges included a breach of the peace, failing to obey Garda instructions and an offence involving a threat to kill a garda.

Mr Coyne had appeared before the court in relations to the charges on October 5 last.

The court was told then that, when the charges were put to Mr Coyne, he replied that they were a load of bollocks.

Judge Desmond Zaidan was told then that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that the charges be tried summarily in the District Court.

Asked by the judge what was being alleged, Gardai said that on the day in question, they came across a car at Grove Lane, Robertstown around 12 noon and recognised the driver as Mr Coynes son, also named John (23).

The Gardai say told them they were going to seize the car and that there was a mobile phone on the seat of it. Mr Coyne Jr drove to the defendants address, where the gardai seized the car.

Mr Coyne (Senior) demanded the return of the phone. It is alleged he then said to a Garda: If you dont return the phone, you will get it.

Gardai alleged that a number of people in the area were hostile. It is not alleged that there was any physical assault on the occasion but the judge was told that the Gardai were fearful.

On February 21, Garda Sgt Des McHale gave evidence when Mr Coyne appeared for sentencing. He told the court that Garda Kevin Williamson was threatened and that the Gardai had to retreat for safety.

Tim Kennelly, solicitor, representing Mr Coyne (senior), said his client was quite remorseful.

Sgt McHale said said that Mr Coyne pleaded guilty early to the charge.

He said the defendant had two previous convictions, one for drink driving in 1997 and one for burglary in 1984, for which he received a 12 month sentence at Naas Circuit Court.

Mr Kennelly said Mr Coyne Sr had just lost his father before the incident in July 2016. Judge Zaidan said Mr Coyne had not mentioned that to the Gardai at the time.

Mr Kennelly said Mr Coyne accepted his behaviour was wrong. He will never do it again, said the solicitor. He was upset at the time. There was no substance (to the threat to kill). He said Mr Coyne would be open to community service order and asked the judge to treat the matter as a first time offence.

Judge Zaidan said that Mr Coyne had two previous convictions. He obstructed the Gardai and threatened to kill one of the Gardai.

Judge Zaidan said one had to go back to the reality of the situation, not get it second or third hand in court, to get the feel of the tension on the occasion. There are significant aggravating features.

Judge Zaidan said the Gardai are employed to carry out their duties. The gardai had to retreat because of what they were confronted with.

He said the garda had been told he would be got. The judge said that the message should go out that you cannot do that to gardai carrying out their duty. It is a no no, he said.

He have Mr Coyne a 10-month sentence for threatening to kill Garda Williamson and a two month consecutive sentence for obstructing the Garda. This is very serious, he said. Judge Zaidan added: In other States, the gardai would not be here today. They would be using firearms. All he (Mr Coyne) gets is 12 months in prison.

He fixed recognizances in the event of an appeal.
A man involved in a theft of car number plates has been jailed for eight months.

At Kilcock District Court on February 20, John Doran, with an address at Curragh Quigley, Dowra, Cavan, was convicted of stealing a car registration number plate, valued at 20, from a car at Curryhills, Prosperous, on August 24, 2015.

He also got a concurrent eight month sentence for stealing another on August 4, 2015. Why steal a number plate? It is sinister, asked Judge Desmond Zaidan, when told of the charges.

The court was told by Sarah Connolly BL, representing Mr Doran (31), who has 24 previous convictions, that he was asked to take the four number plates from two cars by others.

She also said that Mr Doran was drinking around the time of the offences.

Judge Zaidan said this crime had a significant role in further criminal activities.

You have to be punished, said the judge to the defendant. It is not just for the number plates and 20 but for what follows that.
Four students from Ardscoil Rath Iomghain in Rathangan are in the running to win the Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition, which could see the girls become owners of five Angus calves.

Caoimhe Duffy and Lizajane Dempsey from Bracknagh, Rosin OBrien from Clonbullogue, and Aoife Kelly from Ballykelly are down to the last 30 teams, and are preparing for the final in Croke Park on March 14.

Its been brilliant, its been great fun,  said Caoimhe, we are now working on a recipe booklet and our display for Croke Park.

The Transition Year students entered the competition with the help of their Ag Science teacher, SInead Purcell. They have also taken over the Home Economics room, with the kind permission of teacher Nuala Connolly, to test all their recipes, and their class were looking forward to some special angus beef burgers this week.

The girls produced a video, did an extensive research project and negotiated an interview at the Mulingar Park Hotel to get through to the final.

Run by the Irish Angus Producer Group, along with its processor partners, ABP Ireland and Kepak Group, the competition aims to encourage second level students to gain an understanding about the care and attention that is required to produce and market the highest quality beef for consumers.

Each year, five school groups are chosen to receive five Irish Angus Cross calves. As part of their Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science project the students are required to set milestones through the lifetime of the animals, rear them through to slaughter and visit processing and retail facilities to understand how the food chain works.

The project aims to allow students to apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom to a real life setting. Each of the finalists will then sell the animals to the processors on completion of the project which amounts to an average 6,800. The winning students also receive an additional grant of 2,000 for their further education.

Rathangan also had another team in the competition, which unfortunately failed to make it through.

Caoimhe said the students have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and should they win the calves, they said a local farmer has agreed to provide a home for them so they can look after them.

We have really learned allot and our confidence has grown as well, she added.
A motion calling for a 200/cow suckler payment received cross-party support in the Dail on Wednesday and was accepted by the Government.

The move is Government recognition of the need to support Irelands suckler farmers and an endorsement of the Save Our Sucklers campaign, spearheaded by the Irish Farmers Journal.

The motion, which was tabled by Fianna Fails agriculture spokesperson Charlie McConalogue, called on the Government to work towards introducing a 200 payment per suckler cow via the current BDGP and secure additional funding in the next CAP programme to achieve a suckler cow support payment of 200 per cow.

Unspent funds

It also called for Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to review the current Rural Development Programme for any underspend and target that underspend at the suckler and other vulnerable sectors. Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, McConalogue welcomed the strong cross-party support and said the key thing now was to see follow through from the Government on the will of the Dail. In the event of Europe forcing a Mercosur deal, funding should be given to the Irish beef sector, he said, adding that he was opposed to beef being part of the Mercosur deal.

Seriousness of the issue

In response to all of the statements on the Dail floor on Wednesday night, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed thanked McConalogue for bringing the motion before the house.

It is indicative of the seriousness of the issue. In the context of the challenges that we face from Brexit to Mercosur to CAP, I think the motion touches on all of those issues.

I am committed to ensuring that suckler farmers continue to receive strong support in the next CAP post-2020, however I am strongly of the view that any such payments should not merely be supports for the sake of supports.

Suckler farmers must be supported and encouraged to make the best decisions possible to improve profitability and the economic and environmental efficiency of their farming system.

On funding such a 200/cow suckler payment, however, the minister said that it simply wasnt an option because of WTO and state-aid rules to have that funded from the Exchequer.

Save Our Sucklers campaign

More than 30,000 farmers have so far joined the Save Our Sucklers campaign by signing an open letter to European Commission President Juncker, Commissioners Hogan and Malmstrom, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister Michael Creed, calling on them to recognise the important role that suckler farmers play in maintaining a vibrant rural Ireland.
A WOMAN has been remanded in custody after she appeared in court charged in connection with a violent incident in the city centre earlier this week.

Mary Anne Lindsay, aged 42, of Raheen Square, Ballinacurra Weston was brought before Limerick District Court this Thursday afternoon to faces charges of assault and attempted robbery.

Detective Garda Paul Crowley told Judge Marie Keane, the defendant made no reply when she was formally charged in relation to the incident which happened at Schoolhouse Lane, off Barrington Street on Tuesday afternoon.

It is alleged a 61-year-old woman was knocked to the ground and assaulted by the defendant who approached her from behind and attempted to steal her handbag.

A number of people who were in the vicinity came to the assistance of the injured party when they were alerted to the incident which happened shortly after 3pm.

During a brief court appearance, Ms Lindsay was granted free legal aid and solicitor John Herbert assigned to represent her.

No application for bail was made but Inspector Helen Costelloe indicated that any future application will be opposed by gardai.

The case was adjourned to next week for DPPs directions.
THE countys highest ranking politician and the boss of the Chamber have clashed over Limericks strength of voice in government.

Minister of State and Fine Gael TD Patrick ODonovan and Dr James Ring are at loggerheads over the multi-billion euro Project Ireland 2040 blueprint unveiled by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar last week.

While acknowledging the influence of Minister Patrick ODonovan in advancing the regions case, Dr Ring said the national package was a worrying confirmation of the Mid-Wests lack of political influence at national level", adding: We have begun to experience life after Michael Noonan at the Cabinet table.

But Mr ODonovan, a Minister of State at the departments of finance and public expenditure and reform, has rejected the business bosss claims, saying: nothing is further from the truth.

I am fighting and representing Limericks case every day at government and putting us on the national map, he added.

He said the measures in the Capital Development Plan show the Mid-West is clearly a priority for Fine Gael in government.

Limerick is now in a position of strength to face new challenges and opportunities. You can be sure I will be working constantly to help us achieve new goals and continue the positive development of our home place.

Key measures in the capital plan include the much-anticipated M20 Limerick to Cork motorway, costing 900m, the upgrade of the N21/N69 Adare to Foynes road, funding for a new 210m Maternity Hospital, a new 96-bed unit at University Hospital Limerick.

Also included is a new prison wing and a new womens prison for the city.

But there has been criticism of the fact a much hoped-for 15m upgrade to Crooms ageing Orthopedic hospital did not materialise in the plan, with University Hospitals boss Prof Colette Cowan this week even telling councillors she would have loved to have seen this in the 2040 plan. But we cannot have everything, she conceded.

Following the launch of the plan at IT Sligo this Friday, Dr Ring said he has more clinically assessed the Limerick aspects to it.

The conclusion is, unfortunately, that it is going to do very little, if anything to reverse the massive economic imbalance on the island of Ireland. The key objective is to create a new Ireland with opportunity for all, but the reality of what we have seen is that it is going to create a lot more opportunity for those in Dublin and the greater Dublin area in particular than rest of the country, he said.

This, he added, is a missed opportunity, saying the plan turns its back on the city.

But Mr ODonovan hit back, saying: The plan clearly states that three quarters of new growth will be outside Dublin with 50% of the projected population growth planned for our towns, villages and rural areas. Both rural and urban Limerick will benefit from this.

Dr Ring said despite his disappointment at Ireland 2040  which he noted contained many projects already previously announced  it would not stymie growth.

Cllr James Collins, who is a board member of the Limerick Twenty Thirty DAC, which is charged with revitalising huge parts of the city, said: The National Planning Framework ambition for Limerick and the governments ambition for Limerick doesnt match that of Limerick people and Limerick Twenty Thirty.

There were high hopes in the capital plan for some investment at Crooms hospital, and the fact this has not materialised, has attracted criticism.

Opposition front-bench TD Niall Collins described Project Ireland 2040 as a PR gimmick.

He said: Its disappointing the government has failed to recognise the importance of the Orthopedic hospital, and didnt see fir to include it. St Johns Hospital is looking for a new bed ward unit as well, and this was omitted from the programme. Its disappointing Limerick wasnt, with all the investment weve had in the campus, recognised as a location which should be further developed for elective surgery. The failure to recognise Croom is a part of that.

Independent councillor Richard ODonoghue, warned without investment, top surgeons could quit Croom hospital for the private sector.Its a building which needs funding to bring it up to a mark to be on the same level as other hospitals. To have it overlooked is like tunnel vision, he said.

As Prof Cowan was giving a presentation to metropolitan councillors this week and referencing the capital spend, Cllr Collins tweeted: New UL hospital 96 bed block welcome but not even close to enough. Footfall and admission numbers are huge ...

Interestingly, the hospital boss both liked and retweeted the Fianna Fail mans message.

More coverage from page six
THREE men appeared in court this Tuesday charged in connection with a stabbing in a Kilmallock pub.

It is alleged that a number of pool queues and a knife were used during the incident in Daffys Bar in the towns Wolfe Tone Street. A total of three men sustained apparent stab wounds during an altercation and were taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick for treatment.

At Tuesdays Kilmallock Court, Garda Robert Young gave evidence of arresting and charging three individuals in connection with the stabbing. Two others have already been charged.

Ian Maguire, aged 35, of Portauns, Kilmallock; Benny Burke, aged 28, of Radhairc na Coille, Kilmallock and Jason Heffernan, aged 28, of Glenfield, Kilmallock were charged with violent disorder on August 20, 2017.

If convicted on indictment the offence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.

It is alleged that each of the men committed violent disorder with a number of named individuals together, used or threatened to use unlawful violence that would cause a person to fear for his or another persons safety.

Garda Young said all three made no reply to the charge after caution.

Acting Bruff Superintendent, Inspector Dermot OConnor said the DPP consents to summary disposal on a plea of guilty only.

Brendan GIll, solicitor for Mr Maguire, Mr Burke and Mr Heffernan, made a disclosure order.

The State made no objection to bail.

Judge Marie Keane granted bail on their own bond to all three men and adjourned the case back to Kilmallock Court on March 28.
TWO MEMBERS of a rural burglary gang who were arrested in Sligo as part of a major garda operation are from Askeaton in County Limerick, the Leader can reveal.

The pair are suspected of carrying out dozens of burglaries up and down the West of Ireland as part of a marauding four-man gang.

Uniformed gardai in Sligo arrested the two men, aged 32 and 22, last Friday afternoon as part of Operation Thor, which is an ongoing garda initiative to tackle burglary gangs across the country.

Two high-powered vehicles were also seized by the investigating gardai, who were assisted in the arrests by members of the Garda Air Support Unit.

The suspects were held for questioning before being released without charge  a file is being prepared for the DPP.

One of the West Limerick men was also wanted on an outstanding bench warrant.

The gang has long been a target for Operation Thor, as they are suspected of carrying out at least 50 burglaries in the last two months alone.

The serial burglars reportedly target homes along the West of Ireland, predominantly in Cork, Limerick and up as far as Sligo.

They are suspected of using the motorway network, as well as high-powered cars, to make their getaway following the burglaries.
INSTEAD of reading the Gospel during a Mass last July a County Limerick priest was forced to preach a message of crime awareness.

Fr Michael OShea, parish priest of Kilfinane, Glenroe/Ballyorgan and Ardpatrick, asked Mass-goers to leave the Our Lady of Ransom church in Glenroe church to bring in their mobiles phones if they had left them in their vehicles.

He was reacting to three cars being broken into during a Saturday evening Mass. Laptops and iPhones were taken. It is always a worry that you forget to put the phone on silent and it rings in church. Many leave them in the glovebox for fear of embarrassment.

But now Glenroe/Ballyorgan Community Alert have come up with an innovative way of deterring crime in their parish by patrolling the car-parks in Glenrore and Ballyorgan at Mass times.

It simply involves a rota in which local people give up their time to walk around the car-park, making sure that there is no suspicious activity going on. It also wards off potential thieves.

Cllr Lisa Marie Sheehy, chairperson of Glenroe/Ballyorgan Community Council and the co-ordinator of the Community Alert, said it is a disgrace they have to do this but sadly it's a reality.

We are like every other rural community in the country. We have been touched by crime but we have decided to bring the community together in order to make everyone feel safe, said Cllr Sheehy.

Their scheme has garnered so much attention that Cllr Sheehy said gardai in Henry Street were getting worried they were setting up a vigilante group!

Our Mass patrols are just one part of our Community Alert activities like text alerts, community alert signage, senior alarms, filling out log books, public meetings and giving advice to light up homes and keeping safe is all part of what we do, continued the 24-year old.

Cllr Sheehy stresses that Glenroe and Ballyorgan are safe places to live.

Like other communities we have had incidents that we want to stop happening in the future. We are all proud of where we are from and its a pity that we have to do this but the gardai are not there to patrol so we feel we have to fill the gap, concluded the Independent councillor.
IT IS D-Day this Thursday for University Hospital Limerick to pay frustrated doctors for unrostered overtime work, or else strike action could be imminent.

On February 6, non-consultant hospital doctors and interns in the Irish Medical Organisation voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action over non-payment of unrostered overtime.

And since this decision was made, the UL Hospitals Group has kept silent on the matter despite numerous requests from the Limerick Leader for comment.

This IMO dispute has been ongoing for a number of months, but has been a general issue since as early as January 2016 when they voted in favour of industrial action.

At that time the hospital management agreed to pay overtime due and to reform and improve its processes so that underpayments for unrostered overtime would not continue into the future, a spokesperson said on February 6.

The IMO added: It is regrettable that the regime in University Hospital Limerick has forced NCHDs to resort to the threat of industrial action for payment of hours they have worked in service of patient care. However, the legitimate frustration among these doctors has now reached a critical point.

Follow the Limerick Leader for more.
A JUDGE remanded a man in custody this Tuesday as gardai said he was creating an atmosphere of fear among shopkeepers in the County Limerick towns of Kilmallock and Bruff.

Patrick Prenderville, aged 48, of River View, Kilmallock, was charged with three thefts by Garda John Curtin and Garda Pat McEnery. Gardai applied to change the charge sheets as Mr Prenderville had recently changed his name by deed poll to Patrick John Ryan.

Mr Ryan is accused of stealing two bottles of wine and a pint bottle of milk from North Bridge Service Station on February 8; two bottles of wine from the Golden Vale Bar on February 15 and two bottles of wine from North Bridge Service Station on January 22.

He had nothing to say after the charges were put to him by gardai. On behalf of the State, Garda Curtin objected to Mr Ryan being granted bail.

He is creating an atmosphere of fear among shopkeepers due to the volume of incidents. Thefts are creating problems for shopkeepers. They cant leave their premises unattended for a second. In one incident he was in and out in 30 seconds with bottles of wine. A tussle ensued and one of the bottles of wine was broken. The other one was recovered, said Garda Curtin.

Acting Superintendent, Inspector Dermot OConnor asked Garda Curtin if Mr Ryan was caught red-handed? Yes, said the garda.

Mr Ryans solicitor, Brendan Gill said his client would give an undertaking to stay out of all licensed premises and off-licenses if granted bail. Garda Curtin said he had concerns about Mr Ryan shop-lifting.

Mr Gill said his client had addiction issues and was never violent. Garda Curtin agreed.

Judge Marie Keane refused bail to Mr Ryan due to likelihood of committing other offences and his addiction issues. Mr Ryan was remanded in custody to appear in Kilmallock Court this Friday, February 23.
DALTON Greene, owner of Rift Coffee on Mallow Street in Limerick, sits in for the Limerick Leader business questionnaire:

Tell us a little bit about Rift Coffee:

Rift is focused on quality, and quality products. Ive been working in coffee for a good few years now, about seven or eight years, always with the ethos of trying to make the best tasting product possible really. Ive learned a lot about coffee and my goal is always the taste really. The best quality ingredients, best quality product, and then just try and serve that to people.

What does your own role entail?

Ive always liked working in hospitality settings so I get to work with people, Im quite social. I enjoy meeting 100, 200, 300 different people everyday and chatting to them. Also helping, by giving them something good in their day. Something as simple as their morning routine, their cup of coffee and making sure its tasty.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Ballinasloe, raised in North Tipperary. Ive been living in Limerick for the last five years or so. Id also gone to boarding school in Limerick so Ive been here a fair while.

What is your educational background?

I always had an interest in languages, and Ive always worked really. I didnt want to go straight into college after I left school because I didnt know exactly what I wanted to study, I didnt want to just jump into a course without wanting it, then I just worked a lot and just tried to figure out what I enjoyed.

How did you get to where you are today?

Coffee really started as a hobby, so it was just kind of a past time. I learned a lot about it, and then I ended up falling into it. I became a coffee trainer in Dublin and just kept working in the industry. I wanted to get more hands on experience behind a machine, and with people so then I started in Canteen (restaurant on Catherine Street) to try and improve their coffee offering and then I kind of just went from there. I decided I wanted to set-up my own place, and give it a real go.

Why did you decide to set up the company?

I had originally set up as a sole trader to try and do pop-ups and markets but that was with a little bit of difficulty, it's hard to get going with equipment, power, trying to plan with the council. It had been a plan for the last five years really, to set up my own spot, but it only really came to fruition now. It just came to the time to set up and get going.

What are your goals for the next 12 months?

Im going to start running some classes and doing some education around coffee. Apart from the regular Monday to Friday, giving coffees out to people, I want to create a bit more value and show people what were trying to focus on quality wise, how to taste coffee, how to brew coffee, things like that. Not just serving coffee but for people who are interested classes so that they can learn a bit more about it if they want. So thats my main goal and then Im hopefully going to be roasting with another company soon, so a little bit down the line Ill be able to offer my own coffee as well.

Who do you admire in business?

You dont really know until you start, how impressive people who go out and start their own business are. I was lucky because I had a good support network and a lot of people who helped me but even still it's quite a lonely place, and quite scary and there is no certainty so to be honest, any one who starts their own business or their own company is really, really impressive and anyone who is successful, or even if they fail, theres just so much admiration there for people who give it a go.

In business and life, are you guided by any particular motto?

Its all about quality. Coffee helped me enjoy everything else as well. When I started delving into the quality side of coffee, I found I appreciated food way more.

Away from work, what are your pastimes and hobbies?

Ive loads! Most recently Ive started getting into vintage bicycles, which is very typical of a hipster in the coffee scene! It started from just needing to have a bike and not ride my fiancees all the time, and then I usually do a lot of research on anything I buy. I found the old steel bikes from the 1970s, 1980s really interesting.

I just finished a project where I bought an original frame from 1978 and I did a period-correct build. All the components from the same era. It took a while to source the parts. I built it on Christmas Eve and cycled out to my fiance's house on Christmas morning.
Would you pay $42 million for a clock that ticks once a year? Before you answer, consider this: It'll be buried 500 feet (150 meters) below a mountaintop near the Texas-Mexico border, and yes  you must wind it by hand.

Are you sold yet? Well, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is.

On Tuesday (Feb. 20), Bezos tweeted the first video footage of an unusual project he's funding, called the 10,000-Year Clock. True to its name, the clock is designed to accurately keep time for 10,000 years. It's powered by a combination of solar energy and occasional windings by any intrepid visitors who stray into the limestone cliffs of Texas' Sierra Diablo mountain range sometime over the next 10 millennia. [5 of the Most Precise Clocks Ever Made]

To Bezos, who reportedly invested $42 million in the clock's construction, the timepiece is the ultimate symbol of long-term thinking.To Danny Hillis, an inventor and computer scientist who first described the idea for the clock in Wired magazine in 1995, it's a vision come to life.

"I want to build a clock that ticks once a year," Hillis wrote. "The century hand advances once every 100 years, and the cuckoo comes out on the millennium."

Clock of the Long Now - Installation Begins from The Long Now Foundation on Vimeo

In 1996, Hillis established The Long Now Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to building the 10,000-year clock and promoting long-term thinking. On Dec. 31, 1999, he completed an 8-foot-tall (2.4 meters) prototype of the clock (currently on display at the London Science Museum) just in time to ring in the new millennium.

In 2011, construction began on the first full-scale model, which will be about 200 feet (60 m) tall when it's completed. The venue: a private, Bezos-owned mountain in Texas, several hours' drive from the nearest airport and about 2,000 feet (610 m) above the valley floor.

As you can see in the video Bezos posted, the clock's construction is well underway. The crew has already hollowed out a 500-foot-deep (150 m) shaft inside the mountain that will serve as the clock's case. A long, winding staircase has been cut directly into the limestone using a special rock-slicing robot from Seattle.

At the video's 11-second mark, you can see workers begin to assemble the clock's main power system, which includes a 10,000-lb. (4,500 kilograms) weight and a three-pronged winding station that future visitors can rotate to help keep the clock ticking. Because the clock may go many days (or possibly centuries) without being wound, the clock will be able to power itself using solar energy captured from the mountaintop on sunny days, according to The Long Now. Sunlight will also help the clock stay synchronized with solar noon as the Earth's axis tilts over the coming centuries.

Above the power station, engineers will eventually install a cascading tower of 20 huge, 1,000-lb. (450 kg) gears known as Geneva wheels. This will be the clock's time generator  or, as Long Now board member Kevin Kelly described it, "the world's slowest computer." Once a day, the gears will turn and interlace an elaborate system of slots and pins in a different combination, which determines the precise order in which the clock's 10 bells will ring. According to Kelly, the clock will reportedly chime once a day, producing a unique combination of tones every day for the next 10,000 years.

Further up the shaft, a 300-lb. (136 kg) titanium pendulum will swing in slow, 10-second cycles. A nearby display station will show visitors the current date and time, as well as the corresponding positions of the stars and planets. The clock will always know what time it is, Kelly wrote, but it will update the display only once it's wound.

One thing the 10,000-year clock cannot tell us: when it will be ready. At press time, there is no precise date set for the clock's completion. Luckily, the team has about 982 years before the cuckoo's first curtain call.

Originally published on Live Science.
Doctors in India recently operated on what they say could be the largest brain tumor in the world, according to news reports.

The patient, 31-year-old Santlal Pal, had been living with the large mass on his head for three years before his surgery to remove the tumor, the BBC reported today (Feb. 22). Prior to the surgery, three hospitals had told Pal that the tumor was inoperable, his wife Manju told the BBC.

The tumor weighed nearly 4 lbs. (1.8 kilograms)  "much bigger than [Pal's] own head," Dr. Trimurti Nadkarni, a neurosurgeon at Nair Hospital in Mumbai, India, who performed the 6-hour operation, told The Hindu.

The tumor is weighed on a scale after it was removed. (Image credit: Department of Neurosurgery Topiwala National Medical College/Nair Hospital)

"We have checked all the available medical texts," Nadkarni said. "We have not found any tumor as big as this." He told The Hindu that he removed a 3-lb. (1.4 kg) brain tumor from another patient in 2002.

Santlal Pal before the operation. (Image credit: Department of Neurosurgery Topiwala National Medical College/Nair Hospital)

According to Nadkarni, 90 percent of the tumor was located between Pal's skull and his scalp; just 10 percent of the tumor grew within the skull. But that 10 percent put pressure on Pal's brain, damaging his vision; it could have led to further problems, including paralysis and neurological damage, the doctors told The Hindu. The doctors said that they hope Pal will regain his vision.

Pal is currently recovering in the intensive care unit and is in stable condition, according to The Hindu.During the operation, the doctors "had to cut open the scalp and remove the tumor. The part of the tumor within the skull was removed by making an opening in the skull," Nadkarni said.

The doctors are currently waiting on test results to see what type of brain tumor  and whether it's cancerous  Pal had, Nadkarni told Live Science.

"His recovery greatly depends on the nature of the tumor;" if it's cancerous, he may need further treatment, such as radiation and/or chemotherapy, Nadkarni said.

Editor's note: This article was updated at 10:50 pm ET on Feb. 22 to include information from Dr. Trimurti Nadkarni.

Originally published on Live Science.
Civic Center statue that depicts a conquering vaquero and a missionary standing over a fallen and nearly naked American Indian man is a step closer to being removed, after a unanimous decision Wednesday by the San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission.

The city Arts Commission had already agreed, also unanimously, to remove the Early Days sculpture from its pedestal at the base of the Pioneer Monument just east of City Hall. But the plan needed the preservation commissions sign-off because its located in a historic district. The Arts Commission is expected to make a final decision in March or April.

Critics say the deeply controversial sculpture is offensive because hundreds of thousands of American Indians lost their lives as California was being settled by newcomers.

Im so excited, said Randy Burns after the Historic Preservation Commissions vote. Burns, a member of the Northern Paiute Tribe, said hes been lobbying to get the sculpture taken down for years and that he finally feels some relief now that its removal seems assured.

The Arts Commission had originally proposed removing the sculpture last year after a demonstration in Charlottesville, Va., at the site of a Confederate statue. That rally, which resulted in the death of a counterprotestor, started a national discussion about removing monuments that, to many, glorify racial or cultural oppression.

The Civic Center sculpture reflects stereotypes of American Indians that are universally regarded as disrespectful, misleading and racist, said Allison Cummings, the Arts Commissions senior registrar for civic art, addressing the Historic Preservation Commission.

It uplifts a white supremacist narrative and contributes to the erasure of Native American history, Malaika Clarke told the commission during public comment. This statue literally looks down upon the native. The conquerors seem justified and victorious, she said. If history is written by the victors, then we want a rewrite.

The sculpture is one of five bronze statues that make up the Pioneer Monument, an 800-ton shrine to the settling of California. Planted between the Main Library and the Asian Art Museum, the monument is crowned by a statue of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, and surrounded by four sculptures commemorating landmarks of Californias early history, including the Early Days piece.

The monument was unveiled in 1894. It was located in front of the old City Hall, at the intersection of Hyde and Grove streets, which was leveled in the 1906 earthquake. The monument sat in isolation after the current City Hall was built nearby and was moved to its current location in 1993, at which time critics raised concerns about the Early Days sculpture. To try to placate those concerns, the city installed a plaque in 1996 that describes the devastating impact of European colonization on native people.

It appeared at times during Wednesdays meeting that the Historic Preservation Commission was divided over what to do about the sculpture. Commissioners Richard Johns and Jonathan Pearlman each offered lengthy soliloquies about the dangers of eliminating historical relics  even offensive ones  which can serve as warnings for those who might otherwise forget the terrible events of the past. Leaving the Early Days pedestal empty, was a concerning prospect, Pearlman said.

We have to confront the bad things that have happened in our history. And if we dont confront them, if we try to hide them, then I think we will not be as vigilant, said Johns. Were a historical preservation commission. Were not a historical revision commission, he said. It may be difficult to confront the past, but I think we have to.

But both were ultimately satisfied with a proposal to add another plaque to the Pioneer Monument: one that will detail why it was removed. Early Days will be put in permanent storage after removal.
State Sen. Carlos Uresti and co-defendant Gary Cain were found guilty Thursday on 20 combined felony charges in a criminal fraud trial over the past month that has stunned San Antonio and the state Capitol.

Hours later, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick took steps to remove Uresti from his committee assignments in the state Senate, effective immediately, and Senate Democrats called for his resignation.

Uresti and Cain were convicted in federal court here of defrauding investors in the now-defunct company FourWinds Logistics, which bought and sold sand used in fracking for oil production before it collapsed in 2015. Uresti, 54, was convicted on 11 criminal charges while Cain, 61, was convicted on 9 charges.

RELATED: Star witness who lost $800K says Uresti was 'my friend, my lover'

Today, justice was done, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas John Bash said in a statement. Its a somber day for the state, for the city because whenever someone whos in a position of public trust defrauds other people and causes harm to other people, thats very sad.

He said he hoped the verdict sends a message to others: it doesnt matter your status in government or in the community. If you commit fraud, youre going to be held accountable.

READ MORE: Shocking revelations and testimony during Uresti's fraud trial

Uresti and Cain face the possibility of years in federal prison and up to millions in fines when they are sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra on June 25.

Amid a throng of media outside the courthouse, Uresti said he was disappointed with the verdict, apologized to his wife and resolved to keep his Senate seat  despite a call from state Democrats to reconsider his role in politics.

This is a shock to all of us, Uresti said when asked about how this would impact him politically. This is not the verdict we were expecting, so Im going to meet with my family and my wife and my attorneys and well make those decisions down the road.

Uresti said he has no plans to step down from office and will appeal the ruling.

Absolutely, he said when asked if he would appeal. And those are the things were going to discuss with our lawyers as well.

Cain hasnt decided whether hell appeal yet, according to his lead lawyer Charles Chad Muller.

READ MORE: The cast of characters that helped decide the outcome in state Sen. Carlos Uresti's fraud trial

Well review the verdict and well review the case, the transcripts, and decide what further action well take, Muller said.

Uresti is already facing pressure to step down in the Senate, with Patrick announcing plans hours after his conviction to remove him from all of his committee posts.

Though I recognize that Sen. Uresti is entitled to exercise his right to appeal, my first priority is to the people of Texas, Patrick said in a statement, adding that he doesnt have the authority to remove him from office. Uresti is vice chairman of the Health & Human Services Committee and has posts on the Education, Finance and Veterans Affairs and Border Security panels.

Texas Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman Jose Rodriguez called for Urestis resignation while the Texas Democratic Party issued a statement pressuring the lawmaker to reconsider his position in the state Senate, saying no one is ever above the law.

After being found guilty of such serious crimes, Sen. Uresti must seriously consider whether he can serve his constituents, said Democratic party spokesman Tariq Thowfeek.

Calls for Urestis resignation also came from across the political aisle. Republican Party of Texas Chairman James Dickey said in a statement: State Sen. Carlos Uresti must resign from the Texas Senate. Texas needs people of integrity in every elected position.

The verdict came after 11 hours of jury deliberations over three days following a month of sometimes salacious testimony involving prostitutes, sex, drugs and deceit at FourWinds. Former CEO Stan Bates pleaded guilty to criminal fraud charges last month, admitting that he misused investor money for his own pleasure.

The ex-Marine fostered a bacchanalian atmosphere at the company, former employees testified. Some employees said Bates appeared to have a cocaine habit and used company cash on hookers, expensive cars and to pay for his sons fraternity dues. Prosecutors called FourWinds a Ponzi scheme.

Bash said FourWinds lured investors with false pretenses, false promises, misrepresentations, including altered bank statements  A lot of that money went to pay prior investors, a lot of that money went to personal expenses by the co-conspirators  everything from gifts and travel and luxury vehicles to controlled substances, even prostitutes.

Although the defense team acknowledged that FourWinds was a scam, they tried to convince the jury that Uresti didnt know until it was too late and shouldnt be convicted as a result.

Carelessness, negligence, foolishness, Uresti lawyer Tab Turner told jurors in closing arguments Tuesday. The law says you have to have criminal intent.

The courtroom was opened shortly after 10 a.m. as defense lawyers and prosecutors were informed by court staff to return for the verdict.

Uresti stared emotionless at the courtroom deputy as she read the verdict to the packed room  turning to face the jury for the last two charges. Cain also showed no reaction in the courtroom, but he was wiping away tears as he left.

Urestis wife Lleanna, who missed the verdict, held her husband in a long embrace outside the courtroom.

Bash changed his travel plans to witness the verdict. The FBIs special agent in charge for San Antonio, Christopher Combs, and other federal agents were also in the courtroom. None of the eight men and four women on the jury would comment to reporters as they left the courthouse.

The San Antonio Democrat, who didnt testify in his own defense during the month-long trial, isnt required to give up his seat even though hes now a convicted felon.

Texas ethics rules allow him to remain in office until he exhausts the appeals process. However, there could be renewed calls for him to end his nearly 21-year political career now that hes been found guilty and facing jail time. Uresti said he has no plans to step down from office and will appeal the ruling.

The State Bar of Texas likely will soon seek compulsory discipline against Uresti, who has been a licensed attorney for more than 25 years. Urestis license would be suspended during any appeal; otherwise he faces disbarment and the loss of his livelihood as a convicted criminal.

It was Urestis legal dealings that landed him in federal prosecutors cross hairs in the first place. The lawmaker was part of the team of attorneys that secured a $2.5 million out-of-court settlement for Denise Cantu of Harlingen in 2012 following the deaths of two of her children in a vehicle rollover two years earlier.

Uresti recommended Cantu, 38, invest some of her settlement in FourWinds, which prosecutors say was a Ponzi scheme that squandered investors money. Cantu invested $900,000 and lost $800,000. She has sued him for fraud and the case is pending.

Uresti told Cantu the FourWinds investment was guaranteed, good as gold and she could get her money back if she wasnt satisfied, she testified during the trial.

Besides recruiting investors, Uresti also was FourWinds outside legal counsel and a 1 percent owner of the company.

Prosecutors said Uresti had financial difficulties that led him to groom Cantu, becoming her friend, confidant and financial adviser before drawing her into a sexual relationship.

Cantu, the governments star witness, revealed details of their relationship  testifying how Uresti first told her she looked sexy while they were attending a deposition in her wrongful-death case and how they exchanged sexually explicit texts. She also testified they had sex in the bathroom shower at his law office. He has denied being sexually involved with her.

During the trial, an Internal Revenue Service investigator told jurors how none of Cantus money ever went to buy sand. Instead, the money was used to pay an earlier FourWinds investor.

Cantu wired $800,000 to a FourWinds entity to buy sand in June 2014. A week later $700,000 of that money went to FourWinds operating account at Chase. The company then cut a $40,000 check to the Uresti Law Firm that was deposited in its trust account.

Uresti told the San Antonio Express-News in a 2016 recorded interview that was played for the jury by prosecutors that the loan was kind of like an advance on future commissions (and) future legal work. Trust accounts generally are set up for holding client funds that are meant to be kept separate from a lawyers own money.

Cantu and a group of Mexican nationals that invested in the company testified they were not aware that Uresti stood to get a cut of their profits. The Mexicans, in particular, said they would never have agreed to that since Uresti was holding their money as an escrow agent and that would have been a conflict of interest.

Outside of the jurys presence last week, Ezra said FourWinds was a scam from the get-go because Bates misrepresented the company to investors.

Investors money was used to fund FourWinds launch, according to evidence presented during the trial. None of FourWinds principals put in any of their own money to start the company, though Bates told investors he put in $2 million of his own money and passed around a fraudulent bank statement claiming that it had almost $19 million in the bank.

Friends warned Uresti about Bates, calling him a complete con man and a shady individual, testimony during the trial revealed. Yet the lawmaker seemed to have blinders on in his dealings with Bates. The pair are ex-Marines and government witnesses said Uresti told potential investors that a Marine is an honorable person you can trust.

A FourWinds office manager testified that the company had a reputation as a brothel that employed surgically enhanced women and let workers booze it up.

Bates pleaded guilty to eight felony charges last month rather than stand trial. He was the fourth company official to plead guilty in the case.

Bates brought on Uresti co-defendant Cain as a company consultant to find financing for the business on the recommendation of Uresti and Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood. Cain and LaHood were business partners in Trinity Global Funding & Consulting for a time when Cain became involved with FourWinds.

Prosecutors say Cain knew about the fraud at FourWinds a month after joining the company in September 2014. Two months earlier, a Bexar County jury acquitted Cain of swindling Rackspace Hosting Inc. in a 2007 land deal. LaHood was part of Cains defense team.

Cain, who took the stand in his own defense, said it wasnt until early 2016  several months after he parted ways with FourWinds  that he learned the full scope of how officials there mishandled investor money.

In a November 2015 sworn statement made in Bates personal bankruptcy case, however, Cain said he noticed irregularities with FourWinds financial records in late 2014 or early 2015.

I  saw evidence of misuse of investor funds including commingling (and) failure to return funds to investor accounts, Cain said in the affidavit.

Despite this knowledge, Cain continued to be paid a $15,000 consulting fee every two weeks until he parted ways with FourWinds in May 2015.

Uresti has other legal matters hanging over his head.

The legislator is accused in another criminal case of using his consulting business  Turning Point Solutions  to split $850,000 in bribes with Jimmy Galindo, a former county court judge in Reeves County in West Texas. Galindo has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and failure to file a 2013 tax return. The case against Uresti is scheduled for trial in May in the same San Antonio courthouse that he has spent almost the last five weeks in.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has an ongoing civil investigation into the FourWinds case. An SEC official from Fort Worth was present for Cantus testimony.
WASHINGTON - With just two months to go until its annual dinner, the White House Correspondents' Association on Thursday announced the big event's headliner: comedian Michelle Wolf.

"Our dinner honors the First Amendment and strong, independent journalism. (Wolf's) embrace of these values and her truth-to-power style make her a great friend to the WHCA," said Margaret Talev, president of the WHCA, in a statement. "Her Pennsylvania roots, stints on Wall Street and in science and self-made, feminist edge make her the right voice now."

"This is true news," Wolf tweeted in response to social media posts about her newest gig.

A contributor to the "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah" since 2016, Wolf released an HBO stand-up special, "Nice Lady," in December and just earlier this month signed on to host a late-night show on streaming giant Netflix. She also helped write jokes for Chris Rock's 2016 Oscars gig, and performed on HBO's "Night of Too Many Stars" last year.

Critics have heralded her first special as one of 2017's best. In it, she doesn't take direct aim at President Donald Trump, and instead jokes about feminism, the sound of her voice and broader societal expectations of women, a through-line she connects directly to former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

"A lot of us are trying to figure out how Hillary lost. I have a theory: I think it's because no one likes her," Wolf jokes, after saying she voted for Clinton. "And you shouldn't like Hillary  We're never going to have a nice lady run for president. Nice ladies aren't in charge of things. And if you're in charge of something, and you think you're a nice lady - no one else does."

Headlining the dinner has always been a challenge for comics, but it may be even more so with Trump in the White House. The proliferation of late-night comedy shows and the dizzying pace of the news cycle means comics doing topical humor have to be able to quickly write timely material, as well as jokes that stand out in a crowded field of professional joke-tellers on TV and amateurs on social media.

The Trump administration is familiar comedic fodder for Wolf, especially during her "Daily Show" appearances. "I realized it's easier to become president than it is to become Miss America," she said on a September 2017 episode about the pageant's regulations. "You know what the qualifications are for president? Thirty-five and born here. That's not qualifications! That's the search terms of a sad lady on a Match.com profile."

Wolf could also be a powerful comedic voice in addressing a room of Washington types about the "Me Too" movement, as she did during a live "Daily Show" taping shortly after several exposes were published about allegations of sexual misconduct against Harvey Weinstein. Her solution to the culture of enabling sexual harassment? "Every time a guy gets caught sexually harassing someone, you just don't fire him, you have to replace him with a woman," she said.

Wolf studied kinesiology at the College of William & Mary and went on to work for the investment bank Bear Stearns, according to a profile in the Daily Beast. Around the time of the financial collapse, she began improv classes and eventually found a job with flexible hours to throw herself into stand-up.

After a year of doing comedy full-time, "Late Night with Seth Meyers" hired Wolf as a writer in 2014. Meyers famously took the stage at the 2011 correspondents' dinner, aiming several punchlines squarely at Donald Trump, then a guest in the ballroom.

Wolf will be the fifth woman to step up to the lectern at the black-tie dinner. The last woman to host and roast the media and the president was "Saturday Night Live's" Cecily Strong in 2015, who was preceded by Wanda Sykes in 2009, Elayne Boosler in 1993 and Paula Poundstone in 1992.

The White House correspondents' dinner will be held at the Washington Hilton on April 28. The president and first lady traditionally attend the annual affair, which features a stand-up routine performed by the commander-in-chief that is then followed by a professional comedian.

Months before last year's dinner, Trump, who has had a hate-hate relationship with many of the media organizations that fill out the ballroom, announced via Twitter that he would not be in the building. But he delivered the bad news with a spoonful of sugar: "Please wish everyone well and have a great evening!"

The jury is still out on whether he'll don a tuxedo and head to the Hilton for this year's annual rubber chicken roast. But whether in the room or not, Trump won't be able to dodge the punchlines that will inevitably be lobbed in his direction.
A candidate in the Webb County treasurer race is accusing outgoing Treasurer Delia Perales of attempting to solicit a job for one of her family members with the county.

On the Jay St. John Radio show Wednesday morning, candidate Jaime Velasquez said Perales asked him to hire her family member as chief deputy treasurer, the second-highest ranking position in the office, if he were elected. This would be in exchange for her endorsement of Velasquezs candidacy, he said.

READ ALSO: Controversy erupts online after Laredo councilman's parade appearance with heavy machine gun

I was not about to jeopardize my integrity or the integrity of the office, he told LMT.

Perales could not be reached at her office or on her cellphone Wednesday.

Velasquez worked under Perales as chief deputy treasurer from 2006 to 2010. Then when the county was getting ready to implement new accounting software at the end of 2016, the chief deputy treasurer moved to the Purchasing Office, and Perales asked Velasquez to come back and help, he said.

He worked as chief deputy treasurer again from December 2016 to November 2017, when Perales announced she would be retiring and allegedly asked Velasquez to promise the job for one of her family members, Velasquez said.

Velasquez told LMT he resigned the moment she asked this of him. And even if her family member was qualified for the job, Velasquez said he wouldnt consider hiring the person.

Velasquez said he initially did not want to disclose this information because he knew it would start a he-said, she-said argument, but that he wanted to be honest with the public.

When Perales announced her endorsement of candidate Raul Reyes for treasurer on Jan. 31, Velasquez told LMT there were conditions that he did not want to agree to in exchange for her endorsement.

Reyes told LMT Wednesday that Perales never asked him to hire her family member, and that its distasteful for Velasquez to make slanderous comments.

READ ALSO: Webb County Advisory Board elects 2018 officers

Especially about a lady who is very well-respected in Webb County, Reyes said.

He said he is appalled that Velasquez would go on a livestream show and speak so ill and recklessly.

The Texas Constitution includes the following in the official oath for all elected and appointed officers:

I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not ... promised any public office or employment for the giving or withholding of a vote at the election at which I was elected or as a reward to secure my appointment or confirmation, whichever the case may be, so help me God.
A two-year-long project to digitize the Cleveland Advocate's archives is gradually coming online with records being added to the Portal of Texas History website, https://texashistory.unt.edu/

The Advocate's archives, previously available only in microfilm and newsprint, include the Cleveland Advocate's sister publications - Dayton News and Eastex Advocate, and two other defunct newspapers - Illustrated Paperboy and Cleveland Journal.

The digitization of the Advocate archives is a project spearheaded by Mary Merrell Cohn, head librarian of Austin Memorial Library in Cleveland. In 2014, Cohn helped the library secure a $12,098 grant from the Tocker Foundation to fund the project. In February 2015, Cohn and Advocate staff delivered microfilm and print editions to the University of North Texas in Denton, where the digitization was performed under the direction of Ana Khahmer, head of the UNT digital newspaper program.

Last Friday, the Advocate's archives finally came home and are now safely back in the fireproof vault at the Advocate office, a building that once served as the county annex.

Once all the archives are online on the Portal, web visitors can search through keywords, newspaper titles, publication date or collections.

"It will make it so much easier for people to do research. They won't have to scan microfilm or print newspapers. They will be able to type in keywords on their computers and search," Cohn said.

Newspapers preserve history

In most communities, a newspaper is the chief record-keeper, preserving the history and culture of an area that might otherwise be forgotten, Cohn believes.

"The newspaper here in Cleveland is, to me, the epitome of our town's first historian. Reporters write about things that are currently happening. Most people might not realize they are preserving the community's history, but that is what they do. The paper has accurately reported the times, often serving as the ethical compass of a town as a whole," Cohn said. "They record how a town changes over time. If you look at old newspapers, you will see changes in society. Cultural morays that were acceptable but they are not now. If you live here, you might not even realize that change is happening unless you look back to where your town began."

The library was the perfect partner to team up with the Advocate for historical preservation, according to Cohn.

"As a library, we are a repository of information. What better way for us to provide information than to have it on the Internet where anyone can access it from any point in the world," Cohn added.

The Portal to Texas History's online database is backed up on servers located in two different locations in Texas, with a third, static backup stored offsite and out of range of the university campus in Denton. This ensures that the records will not be lost in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.

"God forbid something happens again like happened in the 1980s when the Advocate building was blown up by the carpet company next door," Cohn said, referring to the Advocate's previous location on Houston St.

"Had we not had the history of the Advocate on microfilm, much of our town's history would have been lost," she said.

However, not all of the Advocate's 102 years in publication are available as some records were destroyed or lost over time.

"There are some years and editions that we were not able to find," Cohn said.

Portal continues to grow

The Portal to Texas History is a gateway to Texas's earliest history with newspapers dating back to 1829, seven years before Texas became a republic.

"The oldest newspaper in our records at this time is the Texas Gazette from San Felipe de Austin, which is Austin before it became Austin," said UNT's Ana Krahmer. "That is when we were still part of Mexico."

An acquisition next week could provide an even earlier look at Texas history.

"We might soon be getting newspapers from 1813. There is a private collector in San Antonio who wants us to get a collection scanned and in our database," said an excited Krahmer.

The Portal to Texas History is the brainchild of Cathy Nelson Hartman, the interim dean for the UNT library. The database now contains 1,294 newspaper titles, in addition to thousands of photographs and documents. The newspaper archives contains a whopping 513,376 editions for a combined 5.7 million individual newspaper pages.

"We are the largest single-state free digital repository in the nation for newspapers. That's pretty cool to be a part of that," Krahmer said.

Online visitors to the database account for between 700,000 to 900,000 page views per month.

The University of North Texas in Denton provides the site and staff to acquire the archives while the Portal is preserved through endowments that ensure that it will exist for generations to come.

"We are always looking for anyone who wants to donate records and give money to the endowment to support the Portal," she said.

Anyone with an interest in donating historical newspapers, photographs or documents should contact Krahmer at ana.krahmer@unt.edu
The suspected drug-overdose deaths of three men whose bodies were found Thursday morning in San Franciscos Haight-Ashbury neighborhood prompted warnings from city health officials that other users of illicit opioids may be in danger from laced narcotics.

The city medical examiners office was investigating the deaths of the three men, who were found at 4:35 a.m. on the 1500 block of Page Street by a security guard from the Urban School of San Francisco, a high school on that block, officials said.

Authorities said neither foul play nor cold weather were suspected causes, and police reported finding evidence of intravenous drug use. The men, who did not live in the neighborhood, were not immediately identified, said Officer Robert Rueca, a city police spokesman.

The circumstances of the deaths raised alarm about the possibility of fentanyl poisoning, city health officials said. The synthetic-opioid pain reliever, which is 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, has been linked to tens of thousands of U.S. overdose deaths in recent years, according to federal data, and is often used in counterfeit medication and street drugs.

We do not have confirmation at this time of the cause of death, but we are concerned about the possibility of fentanyl poisoning, said Rachael Kagan, a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Health.

Health officials were contacting local care providers and putting the word out to the drug-user community to make sure they are aware of the danger, Kagan said.

People who buy drugs on the street are at risk of purchasing drugs contaminated by fentanyl, which is a very strong opioid, much more potent than heroin, said Dr. Tomas Aragon, San Franciscos health officer. It is essential for their safety to carry naloxone in case of overdose. It is a matter of life and death.

Even microscopic amounts of fentanyl in drugs like heroin can cause death, said Richard Rawson, a professor emeritus at UCLAs David Geffen School of Medicine.

Its a real Russian roulette situation, Rawson said. Many of these overdose deaths are people found with needles still in their arm because these deaths happen so quickly. As they inject the drug, it just knocks them out and they cant be revived.

Heroin sold on the street often contains some amount of fentanyl, and many users dont realize how potent the drug is, which leads to misuse, Rawson said.

City health officials said they were seeing a rising death rate from fentanyl. In 2016, 22 people in San Francisco fatally overdosed, a 50 percent increase compared to the year before. In all, 105 people died from opioid-related overdoses in the city in 2016.

In October 2015, a person died and three others were treated at hospitals in San Francisco after taking counterfeit Xanax pills laced with fentanyl. In another incident last May, a person died and three others were hospitalized after smoking crack cocaine that contained fentanyl.

The deaths come as San Francisco, in a bid to prevent overdoses and the spread of diseases, prepares to open safe-injection sites for drug users July 1. Needle access sites in the city offer fentanyl test strips, allowing users to check the content of drugs before consumption.

Supervisor London Breed tweeted Thursday that she will hold an emergency community meeting Saturday at Park Police Station in light of the recent tragic events in the Upper Haight/Panhandle. Last week, two men were shot in the area, one fatally, by a suspect who then allegedly carjacked a driver before he was later caught.

Urban School leaders wrote a message to parents Thursday morning addressing the mens deaths.

There is no evidence of foul play and there were no guns or knives on the scene, Mark Salkind, the head of the school, which remained open, said in the message. The police assure us there is no danger to our students or faculty and staff. The medical examiner will handle the case from this point.

Randall Ekorn, 37, who is homeless and often sleeps on the street in the neighborhood, said two of the victims found Thursday were friends that hes known for 15 years.

Thats two of my best friends. Theyre local street kids around here, Ekorn said. They were very, very good people. I suppose maybe they just ran out of gas or I guess something funny happened there.

Ekorn said he learned his friends had died when police officers shook him awake at about 5 a.m. near the intersection of Haight Street and Masonic Avenue and gave him the news.

We drink beer here every morning, Ekorn said. Out here in the streets, we kind of stick up for each other and look out for each other. We are like a pack of Care Bears.

Ekorn and Max Rosenberg, 65, sat on cardboard boxes outside Love on Haight, the tie-dye clothing boutique at Haight and Masonic, occupying the same corner the two have lived on for decades and often shared with their deceased friends.

Nothing blows my mind in this city, Rosenberg said, somberly.

Ekorn said he planned to ask around to see if anyone knew exactly what had happened while he was asleep.

I just didnt want to hear that this morning, Ekorn said. Your family loves you  thats what I want to say to them.
BEIRUT - A United Nations Security Council vote to halt the Syrian army's furious blitz on a rebel-held Damascus suburb was delayed Thursday as Russia described civilian testimonies from the battered enclave as "mass psychosis."

More than 350 people have been killed in Eastern Ghouta since Sunday, according to local doctors and monitoring groups, marking one of the bloodiest periods of Syria's six-year war.

The vote at the Security Council would have imposed a 30-day pause in the fighting and allowed humanitarian supplies to be delivered to an area exhausted by five years of siege.

As a key ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad, Russia has used its veto power at the U.N. Security Council nine times to block resolutions critical of the Syrian government, but other members hoped Thursday that it would ultimately abstain in the face of the heavy civilian casualties.

As the bombing continued in Eastern Ghouta, doctors in the sprawling rebel-held district described a health-care system pushed to breaking point, with medical staff forced to prioritize resources and leave grievously wounded patients to die.

Russia's U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, called the cease-fire resolution introduced by Sweden and Kuwait unrealistic, describing reports from the area as "mass psychosis". He said he would circulate Russia's proposed amendments.

But Mark Lowcock, the U.N. official for humanitarian affairs, laid out a scene of death and desperation in a Security Council briefing that at times became a raw plea for intervention.

"Your obligations under humanitarian law are just that, binding obligations," he said via videoconference from Geneva. "They are not favors to be traded in a game of death and destruction. Humanitarian access is not a nice-to-have. It is a legal requirement."

The five-day blitz by forces loyal to the Syrian government has sent more than a thousand casualties spilling into a hospital network that has been bombed to near destruction. The Syrian-American Medical Society, a non-profit organization that supports hospitals in the area, said that at least 23 of its facilities had been bombed since Sunday.

"Our lives have become impossible. We have seen patients with their brains spilling out and been forced to choose to save other lives because that is all we can do now," said Hamza Hasan, a doctor supported by the organization.

Kellie Currie, the deputy U.S. ambassador to the U.N., accused Russia of "appearing to be intent on blocking any meaningful effort" to halt the bombing and save lives. "The Assad regime wants to bomb or starve all of their opponents into submission," she told the council."

Ahead of Thursday's emergency session at the Security Council, the Tass news agency reported that Moscow's delegation would not consider any resolution that included extremist groups in the cease-fire.

"We are ready to study the resolution that we were proposed to adopt, but we offered a very strict wording that would say that the cease-fire regime does not cover ISIS, Jabhat al-Nusra and the groups that support them and regularly shell the residential neighborhoods of Damascus," Lavrov said.

ISIS is an acronym for the Islamic State, and Jabhat al-Nusra is the former name for Syria's al-Qaida affiliate.

Publicly, the Syrian government draws no distinction between jihadist rebels and more moderate factions, describing what remains of the country's armed opposition as terrorists.

The rebels controlling Eastern Ghouta, a small number linked to al-Qaida, have ruled with an iron fist, and fighters on both the government and opposition sides have profited from a punishing siege that has caused scores of civilians to die from lack of food or medicine.

Robert Mardini, the top representative for the International Committee of the Red Cross in the Middle East, said Thursday that he was "shocked" by the level of violence around Eastern Ghouta and called for immediate access to its civilians.

He told reporters in Beirut that the international aid agency has a humanitarian convoy at the ready but that the Syrian authorities have yet to approve its passage.

"Scores were killed over the past days, statistics are staggering, but many can still be saved," Mardini said. "Children, women and men are exhausted and terrified in Eastern Ghouta. They are on their knees, weakened because of months of being besieged."

As the violence intensifies, Eastern Ghouta's rebels have launched daily attacks on densely populated neighborhoods in Damascus, killing 16 people since Sunday and forcing schools to close.

The official Syrian Arab News Agency said Thursday that achild was killed and six civilians injured in shelling on the northern neighborhood of Barzeh.

"It's a massacre. These are all massacres," said an activist in Eastern Ghouta late Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity out of concerns for family members across the line in Damascus. "We're trapped in the middle. What can we say to make people stop our bleeding?"

---

Morello reported from Washington. James McAuley in Paris also contributed to this report.
The police were coming with questions about a 14-year-old girl, Snapchat and a motel room. Jonathan Hanks did not wait for the knock on his door.

The 33-year-old from Camarillo, California, climbed behind the wheel of his black Nissan Versa on Wednesday morning, leaving his apartment before law enforcement arrived.

"We were planning on executing a search warrant and to take him into custody and arrest him," detective Ninette Toosbuy, a supervisor with the sex crimes division of the Los Angeles Police Department, told the Ventura County Star. Instead, Southern California authorities were led on a chaotic rush hour car chase that ended with Hanks drinking a deadly dose of poison.

When he ran from his apartment, Hanks steered his Nissan onto the 101 Freeway, the roaring Mississippi of rush hour traffic cutting through much of Southern California. By 7:30 a.m., LAPD had alerted the California Highway Patrol that the suspect was running. He was quickly located heading northbound on the freeway in Ventura County, the Star reported. Hanks did not stop when officers flashed their lights. For six miles, as the freeway skirted past palm-studded foothills under a postcard sunny blue sky, police pursued the Nissan.

"Our primary officer observed him drinking something out of a large container," CHP Investigator Christopher Terry told NBC4 News. "He started driving a little erratically."

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Hanks's Nissan, which had been motoring up the 101's right-hand lane, then drifted across two lanes of traffic before bumping to a stop at the median dividing north and southbound traffic. Police and emergency crews surrounded the car, spotting Hanks slumped over in the driver's seat.

According to the Star, one of the responding officers smashed open the Nissan's passenger window, pulling the suspect out of the vehicle. Hanks, however, was already dead. Inside the car, police discovered the container from which he had been drinking.

"It was tested by Ventura city fire department, their hazmat team," Terry explained to NBC4. "It was confirmed as sodium chloride and potassium cyanide."

Following the chase, the busy freeway snagged as investigators closed lanes in both directions, the Associated Press reported. Hanks's body, lying under a blanket, was visible to the news helicopters beating overhead.

Authorities have not revealed how Hanks was tipped off that police were set to make an arrest Wednesday morning. According to the Star, the rape investigation began last month, when the mother of a 14-year-old girl contacted police after the teen claimed Hanks had been communicating on Snapchat and lured her to a motel in the Reseda neighborhood of Los Angeles. He allegedly raped the girl there, police said.

"There was physical evidence on her to substantiate the allegation," LAPD sex crimes supervisor Toosbuy told the paper. Hanks had no prior criminal record.
A woman has landed behind bars for allegedly intentionally hitting two vehicles, Laredo police said.

Dina Salazar, 30, was charged with felony criminal mischief.

READ ALSO: Woman arrested after hitting police vehicle

Police said the case dates back to Oct. 1, when officers responded to a criminal mischief report in the 2600 block of Flores Avenue.

A woman stated to police that she awoke to a loud crash. According to LPD, she told officers that a woman driving a white Toyota Camry reversed and damaged her silver 2005 Grand Cherokee and a 2007 Chevy Impala belonging to her mother. The damages were estimated at $3,200.

Neighbors stated they saw Salazar driving the Camry, according to police.
SAN DIEGO (AP)  A California teen has been sentenced to six months in prison for smuggling in a Bengal tiger cub from Mexico.

The defense attorney for 18-year-old Luis Valencia told the court Tuesday in San Diego before his sentencing that his client had had a lapse in judgment and wanted the endangered tiger as a pet.
Once again I find myself appalled by a headline about a school shooting. I am a psychology professor and a member of the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at a public university.

While the BIT name might make people think we are some sort of liberal snowflake committee designed to regulate thoughts and behaviors, nothing could be farther from the truth. In reality, we are the university group tasked with evaluating and responding to concerns about the safety of our students, faculty, staff and campus community members.

In the wake of tragedies such as the Virginia Tech shooting, virtually all universities have taken steps to try to prevent such incidents on their campuses.

As interdisciplinary groups, BITs follow national guidelines on assessing risk and focus on preventing tragedy. Reports come to us through an online website and can be anonymous. The committee reviews the concerns and works to find ways to help both the person exhibiting concerning behavior and the person who made the report. Sometimes that involves having a counseling professional reach out to a student, or having police do a wellness check.

Our priority is to offer support to someone in need rather than to have to console their family after a tragic act. If the report involves interpersonal conflict, we can arrange for mediation. If there is a safety threat, we can take immediate action through campus and local law enforcement. We have no punitive power and instead focus on providing support to the campus community.

The whole process, however, hangs on some tenuous threads. First, someone has to speak up about their concerns. As the story of the Florida shooting unfolds, it is clear that the alleged shooter was posting disturbing content online and had a history of disruptive behavior and mental illness. But, even if someone had expressed concern about his behavior, many communities lack adequate mental health providers or facilities.

The alleged Florida gunman appears to have had no trouble amassing weapons despite his troubled history. So how can so many of our politicians and public officials continue to assert that the immediate aftermath of a mass shooting is not the time to talk about gun violence, mental health or changing policies?

Can you imagine if someone told you that the time to work on lowering your blood pressure, reducing your stress and losing weight wasnt right after you had a heart attack?

Psychologists call that the window of opportunity. Changing attitudes and behavior is difficult and only works if people are motivated and pushed to change.

According to the New York Times, since Sandy Hook, more than 400 people have died in mass shootings in the U.S. And yet, we showed more political concern about Ebola, which didnt kill anyone in this country.

So I assert that now is the right time to talk. We should be talking to our children about their emotions and their worries. We should be talking about bullying and speaking up when we see something disturbing in social media. We should be doing a better job of supporting each other in our stressful modern world. We should be demanding that our politicians stop protecting their own campaign finances and enact reasonable laws regarding gun background checks. We should start thinking about mental illness the way we do physical illness; it is a problem to be treated, not a label to avoid or a problem to ignore.

If we dont take our heads out of the sand and start talking, we can surely expect to have to keep praying that the next shooting doesnt affect someone we know.
Carlos Uresti, one of the longest serving members of the Bexar County legislative delegation, should resign his District 19 seat in the Texas Senate.

His conviction in a San Antonio federal court Thursday on 11 felony charges that include criminal and money laundering have him facing decades in prison and millions of dollars in fines.

U.S. Senior District Judge David Ezra allowed Uresti and his co-defendant Gary Cain to remain free on bond pending his sentencing, scheduled for June 25.

RELATED: Texas state Sen. Uresti, co-defendant Cain found guilty on all charges in criminal fraud trial

At sentencing, Uresti can request that Ezra let him continue to remain out on bond pending appeal. Letting a defendant remain free pending appeal is rare in federal court, but is within a judges discretion.

Issues that often come into play when appeal bonds are being considered are the defendants future threat to society and whether they pose a flight risk. Given that this was a white collar crime case involving an elected official, an appeal bond remains a possibility.

Uresti, who has been in politics for 21 years, should resign nonetheless.

If an appeal bond is granted, Uresti could conceivably continue to serve in the Texas Senate through the 86th Legislative session, which starts January 2019. State law does not require office holders convicted of criminal charges to resign until their appeals are exhausted. Urestis current term expires in 2021.

Thats a long time for a legislator to carry such baggage. He is likely to have far more on his mind than representing constituents.

The federal jury verdict means Uresti, 54, will also likely lose his license to practice law, which he has had since 1992. State Bar rules call for the suspension of a lawyers license while criminal cases are on appeal.

READ MORE: Senator: Uresti wants to talk with family after Democrats' call for him to resign

And that is welcome news. Testimony presented during the trial raised serious ethical questions about Urestis role as a lawyer.

Witnesses during the four-week trial painted a disturbing portrait of a desperate, financially strapped lawyer who used his prestigious elected position to woo investors for FourWinds Logistics, a now-defunct oilfield company that went into bankruptcy in 2015 with more than $14 million in debt.

The prosecutions star witness, a former client of Urestis law firm, detailed an extramarital affair she had with Uresti. She testified he encouraged her to invest $900,000 from a personal injury award she received from a lawsuit filed in the death of her children as a result of an automobile accident.

She testified Uresti never told her he stood to gain financially from her investment, and she ended up losing $800,000 in the deal.

Other prosecution witnesses, former FourWinds employees, testified the money taken from investors was part of a Ponzi scheme and was never used for its intended purposes. They said company officials used investor funds for lavish personal purchases, drugs and prostitutes.

Urestis legal woes are far from over.

RELATED: Uresti's alleged ex-mistress admits to relationship with his business partner

He is also under indictment on bribery and a money laundering indictment in a separate case involving a contract to provide medical services to a correctional facility in West Texas.

That indictment alleges Vernon C. Farthing III paid Uresti $10,000 per month as a marketing consultant and that half of the money was given to a Reeves County official in return for a favorable vote on Farthings company contract.

In June, Jimmy Galindo, who was county judge of Reeves County from January 1995 to December 2006, pleaded guilty in San Antonio federal court to conspiracy to commit bribery and failure to file a 2013 tax return.

The former West Texas official admitted to splitting about $850,000 in bribes with Uresti and struck a plea bargain agreement with prosecutors that includes assisting in the case against Uresti.

As a Democrat, Uresti is in the minority at the Capitol and must rely heavily on working closely with others across the aisle. It is hard to imagine how anyone with the difficulties Uresti has accumulated can be effective in Austin.

Shortly after the jury verdict was announced Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick stripped him of his committee assignments and his colleagues in the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus asked him to step down.

Bexar County taxpayers deserve better representation in the Texas Senate. Uresti should resign.

Correction: A previous version of this editorial incorrectly stated Uresti's conviction was Wednesday. A verdict was reached Thursday.
A man was sentenced to 240 hours community service in lieu of a six month prison sentence at last weeks sitting of Longford Circuit Court after pleading guilty to careless driving causing the death of Lanesboro native Aisling Brady (20) in 2015.

The defendant was also disqualified from driving for a period of six years.

Ms Brady, who was attempting to turn right into the veterinary clinic along the N4 at the time of the accident on January 7 of that year, was hit from behind and her car forced out onto the west side of the road where it collided with an oncoming jeep.

The 20-year-old student sustained serious brain injuries in the crash and died in hospital six weeks later on February 28.

David Kenny (34), 7 Devine Crescent, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford pleaded guilty to the charge before Judge Keenan Johnson and told a packed courtroom that he was sorry for all the pain and suffering his actions had caused to the Brady family.

I cannot begin to find the words to express to you how sorry I am over the loss you have suffered, added Mr Kenny.

I dont know how to tell you how incredibly sorry I am for Aislings death; I never intended for any of this to happen.

Meanwhile, in her victim impact statement, Aislings sister Michelle said her family had been left devastated by the young womans death.

But, before she issued her statement to the court, Michelle placed a framed photograph of Aisling on the ledge beside her and told those gathered that they would be able to put a face to her beautiful sister when she spoke about her.

I am now a shell of who I am, who I once was, who we all were as a family, she added.

Michelle also pointed to the fact that it was the first impact on the evening of the accident that resulted in her sister sustaining serious brain injuries, and that came from the vehicle that was being driven by Mr Kenny.

When Aisling died I finally realised what it was like to lose someone that you love, she continued, after indicating that the family had subsequently attended six court sittings before the defendant finally pleaded guilty to the charge before the Judge.

Then the plea only came at the last minute - this as well as his letter of apology now is too little too late.

The court also heard that Mr Kenny made no effort to contact the Brady family since the accident, nor did he make any effort until now to apologise to them for what happened.

I never imagined I would lose my sister; my best friend, Michelle told Judge Johnson.

There was only 16 months between us and we were best friends.

For 20 years we were side by side and now I have to go on without her.

She dreamed of being a paleontologist and now she is lying in a cold graveyard in Lanesboro.

A clearly emotional Judge Johnson then expressed his deepest condolences to the Brady family.

I find these cases so emotional and I am sorry that you have had six visits to Longford Court, he continued, before pointing to the fact that Michelle Brady had paid a wonderful tribute to her sister.

You have done her proud today and you will never forget Aisling.

Aisling would want you to get on with your lives and doing that would be the best tribute you could pay to her.

Meanwhile, Judge Johnson said that he fully understood that the Brady family may feel that the sentence imposed was too lenient and did not reflect the gravity of the offence.

Looking at it from my perspective, one has to wonder what useful purpose a prison sentence will serve in this case given that the accused has a heretofore unblemished record and committed this offence as a result of a momentary lapse of judgement, he added.

I am satisfied that the sentence is just and fair; I am also satisfied that to jail the accused would be a disservice to the memory of Aisling Brady who, by all accounts, was beautiful, kind hearted and generous person.

She was someone of whom her family could feel justifiably proud. May she Rest in Peace.

The Judge added; I understand that part of the reason for the delay in proffering the guilty plea was due to a Supreme Court decision which was awaited and which related to the elements that constitute an offence of careless driving.

Mr Kenny is due back before the court on May 31, next where the Probation Service will indicate his suitability for community service.

ALSO READ:

Man pleads guilty to careless driving causing death of Aisling Brady
A man who defrauded a north Longford pensioner out of 500,000 of his life savings was spared jail after a number of people including his son asked the court to exercise leniency during sentencing.

PJ Devine, Ballybay, Co Monaghan appeared before Judge Keenan Johnson at Longford Circuit Court where he pleaded guilty to four charges that included the theft of 5,000 in November 2000 from Tommy Kyne, Derrycasson, Dring, Co Longford; appropriating a property, valued at 150,000 belonging to Mr Kyne without his consent in 2008 and dishonestly appropriating another property, belonging to the north Longford man, valued at 54,000 in 2004.

He also pleaded guilty to stealing 5,000 from another couple in north Longford May 1999.

Mr Kyne, the court was told died in 2014 with losses of over 500,000 to his estate.

Outlining the evidence to the court, Mr Shane Geraghty, Counsel for the State said that Mr Kyne had invested a total of 700,000 with the defendant - a former employee of Irish Life - and only ever received, during his lifetime, one payout of 150,000 from the company. The court also heard that the total loss to Mr Kynes estate was 506,031.

The court heard that in 2013 when Mr Kyne (80) endeavoured to sort his affairs out so that he could make a will, it came to light that a number of investments he believed he had made with Irish Life were fake.

He had gotten to know Mr Devine when he was employee of Irish Life and had begun investing money at that time with the defendant.

Mr Devine, meanwhile, continued taking money for investment from Mr Kyne even when he was no longer working for Irish Life.

The court heard that Mr Devine was an alcoholic and a gambler and had fallen into debt as a result of his personal difficulties.

Mr Devine had given Mr Kyne receipts for money handed over, the court heard, and those receipts had been issued on Irish Life paper and purported to be genuine.

They were later found to be fake and were designed on a computer by the defendant.

Mr Kyne, the court was told, had also been led to believe that his investments through Mr Devine were genuine.

The court heard that when Mr Devine sold his home place in Aughnacliffe, he drank and gambled away the money and tried desperately to hid the situation from his wife.

He owed money after that and he pointed out to gardai that he never intended to deprive Mr Kyne and had 60,000 in court for the Kyne family.

In mitigation, the defendants solicitor Mr Smith said his clients cooperation with the Garda investigation into the matter had resulted in a speedy conclusion to the case for the State.

He also pointed out that Mr Devine had addressed his difficulties and was now a serious advocate of Cluain Mhuire.

He has a sum of 60,000 in compensation here in court and all his worldly goods amount 115,000, counsel continued, before pointing out that the Devine family home, in Co Donegal, was now up for sale.

He has had a serious fall from grace and now lives in a flat over a pub; he is also in receipt of disability allowance.

During his deliberations, Judge Johnson said that the matter before him was an outrageous case of theft, deception and production of false receipts.

These offences carry a custodial sentence but taking into the account the interests of society and the Kyne family, the more compensation they can get will be of benefit, the Judge added.

Im not going to impose a custodial sentence.

The Judge ordered the 60,000 to be handed over the family of Tommy Kyne and asked that a full affidavit of Mr Devines means be furnished to the court on May 3, 2018.

As soon as the house is sold, the Judge warned, Mr Devines proceeds will be paid forthwith to the Kyne family.
by Sara Guaglione , February 22, 2018

Outbrain, a content discovery and recommendation platform, is launching a new audience development network called Sphere. Sphere will allow publishers to recommend content from other publishers and make revenue from it.

The goal behind Sphere is to help what Outbrain calls premium digital publishers take back audience from Facebook, add a new revenue source and financially incentivize longer page visits  sometimes measured as "engagement"  by users.

Sphere is borne out of the need for publishers to have sustainable audience development beyond Facebook and beyond Google, Matt Crenshaw, U.S. general manager at Outbrain, told Publishers Daily. (Facebook and Google grabbed more than 60% of digital ad spend in 2017.)

Relying on one platform for marketing, revenue and distribution can be toxic for publishers, Crenshaw said. The motives of publishers and Facebook are not aligned. Facebook is not in the business to create the best news experience online."

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A group of publishers invited to the platform will display the Sphere widget on their sites. Outbrain's algorithm chooses links to display on the widget, recommending content from other publishers in the closed network.

CNN, Meredith and Penske Media are a few of the publishers that have signed up as founding partners on the new platform.

Outbrain is known for the "Other stories from around the Web" recommendations at the bottom of articles. The companys content discovery platform surfaces sponsored content to users from across the web, including relevant videos and stories tailored to the reader.

But in Sphere, those articles come from publishers in the Sphere network.

So how do publishers make money from the platform?

If a reader is on CNN.com, for example, the Sphere recommendation box may display a link to an article on Vox. When a user clicks on that link and gets taken to Vox, CNN gets a penny and a half, Crenshaw said  the publisher keeps 100% of that revenue.

But once a user clicks again on Voxs site, that signals audience engagement, Crenshaw said, and a longer visit from a user than just reading that first linked article. A penny and a half goes to Outbrain, from Vox.

In this way, publishers in the Sphere network can work together and broker a free traffic exchange on the first click, and get Outbrain to drive beyond the first click to the publisher's site, Crenshaw said.

This may seem counterintuitive  why would a publisher link to another publishers content on their own site?

In the past, publishers viewed each other as the primary competition for attention. Now, the competitors are Facebook and Google. Using Sphere, publishers can recirculate their audiences on their sites, he said.

Publishers are much more powerful and become more successful working together than against one another, Crenshaw said.

For now, the network is managed by Outbrain founder and CEO Yaron Galai. Publishers using Sphere get a say in who participates in the network, so they wont be surprised to see a new publisher recommended on their site.

And unlike Outbrains regular recommendation widget, Sphere displays publishers logos loud and proud, making it easy for users to recognize which news outlet they are heading to when clicking on a suggested article.

This is one of the issues Outbrain sees with Facebook.

Posts from premium publishers that invest deeply in journalism and posts from fake news sites look the same on Facebook, Crenshaw said. As a premium publisher, brand equity is everything.
by Larissa Faw , February 21, 2018

In what seems like an emerging trend, Drumroll has been appointed voice AOR by Austin-based Thunderbird Real Food Bars, a company specializing in bars paleo-certified and vegan.

The partnership between the two Austin-based companies illustrates their shared belief that voice-controlled devices, systems and services will play a major role in how audiences engage with brands.

Drumrolls vision for voice-controlled devices goes well beyond the current crop of digital assistants and was an important factor in our decision to engage them in this growing area of opportunity, says Mike Elhaj, CEO, Thunderbird Real Food Bars.

Their first project is based around what Drumroll calls its Voice Experience Design. It marries a voice-specific process with internally developed skill sets, such as conditional linguistics, to enable brands to identify moments in which they can "authentically" interact with users.

One way to think of it: What if that buy now button we click on at our favorite retailer site could actually be clicked 25 different ways, based on things like which hand you used or variations of your hands movement, said Kirk Drummond, co-founder, CEO, Drumroll. "What was once a very binary action now must account for a huge range of variety, such as speaking style, word choice and comfort with voice control."

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While this is the first voice AOR for both the agency and client, Drumroll expects to add more to its roster.

"We think current projections for voice are conservative and expand well beyond web browsing and search behavior," says John McGarry, Chief Growth Officer, Drumroll. "Thats why we believe voice marketing and engagement represents significant growth for our clients, and why weve invested time and resources into developing voice specific methodologies and skill sets."
Vox Media is cutting 50 jobs, or about 5% of its workforce, as the publisher scales back some of its digital initiatives, mainly in online video projects and native social video.

About a dozen other Vox Media employees will be moved to different roles at the company.

The cuts were announced in a memo from Vox Media CEO Jim Bankoff to staff Wednesday. He called it one of the toughest days weve had as a company.

The layoffs mostly affected Racked, Curbed, SB Nation and the video services team. Vox Media is also letting go of some employees who are part of the companys union, which is under The Writers Guild of America East (WGAE).

Vox Media also owns Vox, The Verge, Eater, Recode and Polygon.

Despite the companys video initiatives growing successfully and surpassing their audience growth goals, Bankoff said that due to industry changes over the past few months and our long-term budgeting process, those initiatives wont be viable audience or revenue growth drivers for us relative to other investments we are making.

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Last month, Bankoff informed staff in a memo of the year-over-year growth in unique audiences for Vox Medias brands in 2017. The Verges audience grew by as much as 86% year-over-year, for example.

But in his recent memo, Bankoff said scaling back certain initiatives will ensure the company can solidify our long-term financial stability in an unpredictable macro and micro environment and invest more resources in high-return areas, such as expanding its real estate and IT.

Other publishers have recently scaled back under-performing digital initiatives.

Last week, CNN was reportedly planning to let go of around 50 employees to cut new digital projects that hadnt paid off," according to Matt Dornic, CNN's vice president of communications.

At the end of last year, Refinery29 fired 34 staffers -- about 7.5% of its workforce -- from its payroll to cut costs.

Vox Media has more than doubled to nearly 1,000 employees in the past two years.
by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, February 22, 2018

Has Sinclair Broadcast Group given up the hunt to become a true national TV service -- based on local TV stations? Or at least one that drives more local TV advertising their way?

Looking to get FCC regulatory approval, Sinclair has amended -- somewhat drastically -- its merger plan filings with the federal regulatory agency to buy Tribune Media.

A major alteration: It will now sell off Tribune Medias two major market stations that originally came as part of its $3.9 billion deal to buy the TV station group: WPIX New York and WGN Chicago.

Sinclair also says it will sell Tribunes KSWB San Diego outlet and one or more TV stations in Seattle, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, Oklahoma, Grand Rapids, Richmond and Des Moines.

Sinclair may have been anticipating relaxed federal rules for TV station ownership.

For many, a proposed mega-TV station deal between Sinclair-Tribune could have meant overall coverage -- via all its stations -- of more than 72% of U.S. TV homes. Currently, there are federal limits on ownership of TV stations; it collectively cannot represent more than 39% of U.S. TV homes.

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Initially, acquiring Tribune was believed to give Sinclair a dominant position in local TV advertising -- especially in having ownership in two of the top three U.S. TV markets.

Still, while having control of 70% of U.S. TV coverage is a powerful asset, it isnt the only factor that local TV and other advertisers want. When it comes to future programmatic and addressable TV advertising buys, standards across all TV groups need to be set, according to media-buying executives.

In 2017, Sinclair tried to further this process along, proposing a local TV ad programmatic co-op for other major TV station groups to join.

For many media agencies, it isnt enough to have two or three TV stations with programmatic/automated ad sales platforms in a specific eight-station market. Media agencies need to have the bulk of a market -- for example, at least six or seven TV stations with similar ad automated platforms -- to be effective. That status makes it more efficient for them to make deals.

There is also hope that the new ATSC 3.0 TV standard could move this along.

Good news: All this isnt dependent on big TV station mergers. Still, the current number of differentiated programmatic local TV ad systems isnt making things easier. Local TV marketplaces need to gravitate to more open -- or at least more standardized -- efforts.
by Larissa Faw , February 22, 2018

Push Digital is readjusting its team and opening two new divisions to better support a "constant war-time mentality," says chief executive officer Wesley Donehue.

First, the agency that handled Marco Rubios 2016 digital campaign work is opening a new office in Columbia, South Carolina to better prepare for the upcoming election season. "Though it is normal for political work to pick up during this part of the campaign cycle, the volume of new clients has been far higher than in past years, hence the new permanent space," says an agency spokesperson.

Adds Donehue, Our political DNA, no BS and solutions-based mentality makes us uniquely qualified to move at a pace most cant or wont.

As part of the Columbia expansion, Greg Foster has been tapped as president of strategic communications. Because the agencys digital services often work alongside traditional PR and grassroots advocacy, the agency has decided to build out a non-digital vertical to help clients in crisis, PR and legislative advocacy.

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Foster previously operated his own company, Foster Strategic Communications, and was the deputy chief of staff for the former Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Anna Henderson, ex-government affairs specialist at the Motion Picture Association of America, has been named vice president advocacy to help oversee the agencys political, trade association and policy organization clientele. She will head all digital work from the Columbia office.

Concurrently, Push Digital has established a new corporate division titled Push Brands that marries digital creative and crisis communications work. Notably, the agency recently launched the new campaign for embattled SeaWorld that emphasized its advocacy roots under the "From Park To Planet" message. To lead this new division, the agency is promoting Michael Rentiers to president, Push Brands.

Push is also strengthening its corporate leadership team at its Charleston, SC headquarters with the appointment of Matt Nichols to the newly created role of chief operating officer. Hell retain his current duties as director of business development. Nick Murray is elevated to deputy director of business development and Camila Romero, Avery Ivey, and Ellie Klimecki join as account executives. In addition to the agency's South Carolina operations, the agency has locations in Houston and Tampa as well.
by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, February 22, 2018

Even as the nation was still in mourning and recovering from the shock of the mass murder of children at an American public school, the National Rifle Association went on a media offensive, attacking, well, the media. And maybe something more.

The NRA -- the gun industrys No. 1 lobbying group fighting attempts to legislate gun control -- is launching a major direct-to-consumer media campaign, using content marketing, its own channels, and social media to distribute it, CEO Wayne LaPierre said Thursday morning during a keynote at the Conservative Political Action Committee annual conference.

LaPierre said the organization is engaging in new programming to make our message just as accessible as NBC, The New York Times and the rest of the so-called national news media.

Lets be clear, he added, we are never talking about an armed resistance against the socialist corruption of our government. We are always talking about a resistance armed with the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights in our country.

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While its not unusual for keynoters to use inflammatory -- even seditious -- language during CPAC keynotes (last year, former White House official Steve Bannon said the Trump Administrations goal was the deconstruction of the administrative state), LaPierre went out of his way to imply that the NRA, collectively, is a formidable armed force.

By gosh, we are one of the largest law enforcement organizations in the United States if you look at our membership, he said. He added criticism of Americas law enforcement agencies and singled out corruption and unethical agents in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, asserting that American citizenry must police its own leadership.

The speech was coupled with a variety of media appearances by the NRA taking an aggressive anti-media stance.

LaPierre blamed law-enforcement agencies for lax policing and legislators for lax laws that could have prevented mass shootings, like the one at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, last week, and an outcry to ban certain firearms, especially military-grade assault weapons like the AR-15 used in the school shooting.

Many in legacy media love mass shootings, NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch said during a statement at CPAC. Looking into the camera, as if staring at news media outlets in the room, she added: You guys love it. Im not saying you love the tragedy, but I am saying you love the ratings.

Loesch is one of a number of personalities featured on-camera in some of the content marketing the NRA is distributing as part of its so-called NRA TV channel.
by Ray Schultz , February 22, 2018

SAP has launched three products to help companies comply with the EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). They are available separately or in a package.

Following its recent acquisition of Gigya, SAP says it can now help clients assert control over their data while executing registration, consent preference and profile management.

It adds that these tools can scale up to manage billions of identities across thousands of digital properties and hundreds of brands.

The three new solutions are:

SAP Hybris Identity, which facilitates customer registration and login across web sites, mobile applications and Internet of things (Iot) devices. It features flexible user authentication options, federation standards and single sign-on, according to SAP.

SAP Hybris Consent, which captures consumer consent to terms of service and privacy agreements such as cookie and marketing communications permissions. Consent and consent history can be tracked across the customer life cycle, the company adds.

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SAP Hybris Profile, which provides a single customer view encompassing identity information, profile attributes and other data. This can be done in real time or in batch with any application, service or data warehouse, SAP claims.

GDPR, which takes effect on May 25, establishes new rights that apply to firms anywhere in the world that collect personal data on EU residents and citizens.
Jay Z and Beyonce are a power couple that perhaps puts many pseudo famous couples to shame with the kind of vanity and fame they enjoy.

When rich people go out for a casual dinner or a birthday party, the bill is the last thing on their mind. Turns out that Jay Z might have 99 problems, but a bar bill ain't one for him at least. Recently on a buddy outing for his friend's Juan 'OG' Perez's birthday, Jay Z decided to pick the tab for the small round of drinks that they all bought. Just that the bill was around Rs 65 lakhs. The server from the bar shared a copy of the bill on social media.

Jay Z tab at Playroom last night. I'm just gonna cry in poor for the rest of the day.  pic.twitter.com/q2OhOoi3YS  Vic (@MisterClasico) February 19, 2018

Not just that, the rapper lord, who owns a champagne company of his own, even spent 11,000 dollars on tips. He even has his own set of bars and is reportedly even opening a fast food chain of his own. You know what the funny part is? The brand of the champagne is actually his own brand so the fact that he paid this huge amount for stimulating his own sales is pure genius or what, I don't know, but it sure is a great PR activity.

Wonder how gulping down the sips of this freaking expensive alcohol even feels like! People on Twitter are trying to wrap their minds around this whole situation.

Crazy thing is since he owns Ace of Spades he is literally paying himself    (@WessWalker) February 19, 2018

Genius marketing by Jay Z. Now the whole Twitterverse is googling Ace of Spades  Doug Peterson (@dpeterson675) February 20, 2018

Well, celebrities and their gimmicks, there is no end to it.
Who says religion and a great body can't go hand in hand? Confused about this statement I just made? Well, you won't be when you read on further!

A priest in Kerala participated in a body building competition and created a social media uproar by his very bold move! This just goes on to say that it doesn't matter who you are or what you do, health and fitness is as important as delivering a sermon at church!

 Indiatimes

A resident of Thrissur, Father Joseph of the Chalakkudi Thuruthipparambu Varprasada Matha church says he was always keen on body building and a healthier lifestyle. The fact that he's a renowned priest didn't hold him back and he followed his desire to make that perfect body. And it paid off! Most people who visit the church are very proud to have such a fit priest with six-pack abs!

This isn't the first official sighting of God men becoming fitter and ripper in life. Many temple priests around India practice healthy fitness regimes, regularly in order to stay fit and serve the Gods as healthy patrons with great bodies!
While the multi-million PNB scam involving Nirav Modi continues to grab eyeballs and the country lets out a collective sigh at the audacity of wilful defaulters, here is a beautiful anecdote from the past that is in stark contrast to the present situation.

In 1964, former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had taken a loan of Rs 5000 from PNB to buy a Fiat car. His son Anil Shastri reminisces, We went to St Columba's School on a tonga. Once in a while we used the office car but my father did not allow us to use it regularly for any kind of private work. There was a demand at home that we should buy a car.

 TOI

And so, they decided to buy a Fiat that cost Rs 12,000. Mr Shastri, who was known for frugal living, applied for a loan of Rs 5000 from PNB since they only had Rs 7000 in the bank.

However, two years later, in January 1966, the-then prime minister passed away suddenly while on a trip to Tashkent. The loan was yet to be paid. Not one to shirk away responsibility despite tragedy, his wife Lalita repaid the loan with the pension she received. Anil Shastri told TOI https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/when-pm-shastri-took-a-car-loan-from-pnb-and-his-widow-repaid-it/articleshow/63002151.cms , The loan remained unpaid. It was repaid by my mother (Lalita) from the pension she received after my father's death.

While the number of wilful defaulters in the country keeps increasing, this incident is a lesson in ethics. According to reports, there are 9339 wilful defaulters who owe over Rs 111,738 crore to banks in the country. The figures are in painful contrast to the number of suicides by farmers for loans amounting to only a few thousands.

H/t  TOI
Mobile World Congress 2018 is kicking off next week, and there's plenty of excitement for mobile buffs just before the event. MWC 2018 is all set to see the launches of some new flagships like Samsung Galaxy S9, Sony Xperia XZ Pro, and Asus ZenFone 5 while there are brands such as Nokia which will try to steal the thunder.

For those of you who aren't aware, The Mobile World Congress (MWC) is a trade show which takes place in Barcelona every year during the February-March months. It is one of those trade shows where companies showcase their latest smartphones and this year there won't be any change.

But, before the event officially kicks off, we're going to dive into some of the rumours and expectations at MWC 2018, and which smartphones will be unveiled by biggies like Samsung, Sony, Huawei, and LG.

1. The New Galaxies

 evleaks on Twitter

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be announced at a Samsung Unpacked conference at 6 pm CET (10:30 PM Indian time) on Sunday 25 February.

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ are expected to retain the display sizes of their predecessors. The design of the Galaxy S8 was highly appreciated and it looks like Samsung may take a step further by increasing the screen-to-body ratio even more. Multiple reliable leaks have also confirmed that the fingerprint scanner has been shifted and will now set beneath the camera bump in the centre.

The South Korean giant has already teased that the Galaxy S9 phones will be about camera upgrades. Both the phones are likely to sport improved camera sensors while likely to see a huge improvement in selfie camera as well. Under the hood, the smartphones will run on the Snapdragon 845 chipset or Exynos 9810, depending on the region.

The optional DeX dock will also get an overhaul, now in the form of a wireless pad.

2. Nokia 9, Nokia 7+, Nokia 1 And More

 evleaks on Twitter

HMD Global is likely to launch a host of phones including Nokia 9, Nokia 7 Plus, Nokia 1, Nokia 6 (2018), and more. The Nokia 6 (2018) was already announced in China though we can see the global availability details revealed at MWC.

The Nokia 7 did really well in China and HMD Global might launch the Nokia 7 Plus internationally. It is expected to have a new design with an 18:9 aspect ratio and thin bezels. The Nokia 7 Plus, according to the renders, appears to have a stunning design and will impress a lot of people.

The Nokia 3310 (4G) is highly expected at the keynote as well. After making everyone nostalgic with the Nokia 3310 (2G) in Barcelona last year, the brand is looking to tap back into the smart feature phone market with a new 4G variant.

We can also expect the Nokia 9 flagship smartphone to make an appearance at the tech show later this month.

3. Huawei

 OnLeaks on Twitter

The next number of the rank is the rapidly expanding P11, otherwise known as the P20. The juiciest rumour is that Huawei has leveraged its partnership with Leica to produce a 40MP triple lens camera.

Though it will be holding a press conference on Sunday 25 February, its flagship Huawei P20 will be announced during a separate Paris launch event on 27 March. This is allegedly due to issues caused when its attempts to move into the US market fell flat.

At MWC 2018 we could see Huawei focus on tablets or new models in its MateBook line. There is a very slim outside chance it will announce the Watch 3.

4. Xiaomi

 Xiaomi

Xiaomi will have a booth at MWC, but it will not be launching any devices.

Chinese brand Xiaomi was earlier rumoured to launch the Mi MIX 2S at MWC 2018. With rumoured features like Snapdragon 845 SoC, 8GB RAM, 256GB inbuilt storage, and a 5.99-inch display, the Mi MIX 2S might be Xiaomi's flagship for 2018. However, recent media reports claim the company will not announce any new smartphone at MWC 2018.

5. Motorola

 BGR

Lenovo-owned Motorola does not have an event slated for MWC 2018; however, previous reports have claimed that the company is expected to unveil its latest Moto G6 lineup.

6. Asus

 PhoneArena

At Taiwanese phone manufacturer Asus' February 27 MWC event, we can almost certainly expect the next-gen flagship ZenFone 5 to be announced. In the invitations sent out last month, Asus hinted the ZenFone 5 series will be announced at the event.

The teaser clearly hints at a new design for the ZenFone 5 while also hint at dual camera setup on the device.

7. LG:

 MariusNestor on Twitter

LG has confirmed to multiple tech sites that it is not holding a press conference at MWC 2018. The LG G7 will not launch at the show.

However, LG will have a presence in Barcelona and is tipped to announce the LG V30+a, a version of the LG V30+ with enhanced AI.

8. Sony

 Sony on Twitter

The biggest highlight of the Sony keynote will be an expected successor to the flagship Sony Xperia XZ1. The purported Xperia XZ2 is rumoured to get an 18:9 aspect ratio display and a USB Type-C port. Sony's phones are brilliant devices, but in recent years they've struggled to keep up with the competition - particularly in terms of design.

Sony's teasers have already hinted towards an incoming change in terms of design. We're glad to see 'em move away from OmniBalance after all these years.
Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos today met with the European Ombudsman, Emily OReilly.

They discussed issues concerning rule of law and rights in the European Union.
Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos today met with the UK Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, David Davis.

In their one-on-one meeting, which took place in a very good atmosphere, the two Ministers discussed the progress of the Brexit negotiations and issues concerning Greeces economic relations with the United Kingdom.

Subsequently, at the meeting between the two delegations, there was discussion of issues concerning the European Unions relations with the United Kingdom, following the Brexit and also during the transitional period. Also discussed were issues bearing on Greek professionals and university students in the United Kingdom.

Following his meeting with Mr. Davis, Mr. Katrougalos made the following statement:

Secretary Davis and I had a constructive discussion. We agreed that the process should not be punitive in nature for the United Kingdom, while a country that is no longer a member of the EU cannot have more rights than or the same rights as member states.

With regard to bilateral issues, we specified our interest in protecting the Greeks who are in Great Britain: university students and employees. We have made progress, and the rights of those who are there at this time are fully safeguarded. We are discussing the rights of those who move to Great Britain during the transitional period. We are trying to maximise the safeguarding of their rights as well.

We hope that most of the bilateral issues will be covered by the final agreement on the new relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union. This will be in the nature of a free trade agreement and a partnership agreement on security and defence issues.

We thus hope that matters concerning, for example, our protected designation of origin (PDO) agricultural products will be covered by the EU-UK agreement.

Other issues that may remain pending, particularly in the services sector  air and maritime transport, for example  can be settled later via a bilateral agreement, when we have seen what shape the UK-EU relationship takes.

The talks took place in a good atmosphere. Clarifications and information were exchanged by the two sides. We are committed to continuing to ensure the unity of the 27 in the negotiations with the United Kingdom while maintaining an open channel of communication with this friendly country.
BAD AXE -- The American Red Cross will host a blood drive in the area next month.

The blood drive will run from 12:30 to 6:15 p.m. on March 6 at the Bad Axe Knights of Columbus. The drive is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and Huron Medical Center.
CASEVILLE -- The Caseville Historical Society recently held its monthly meeting with 15 members and two guests present.

President Joyce Miller opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes of the previous meeting and the treasurer's report were reviewed, approved, and placed into record. A proposal to sponsor a scholarship for a graduating senior from Caseville High School was reviewed and voted on. The proposal unanimously passed. Personal donations to add to the scholarship will also be accepted. The 2018 budget was presented and also approved.

Miller reviewed a plethora of opportunities for members and others interested in history. They include: The Tri-county Historical meeting from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on April 18 at Sherwood-on-the-Hill in Gagetown and the cost is $15; and Huron County Historical meeting at 6:30 p.m. on May 10 at the Port Austin Museum.

Miller updated the group concerning the free resource available from the Historical Society of Michigan. This free service involves a program by Valerie Marvin, Michigan State Capitol Historian and may include a school presentation on the history of the state capitol and/or a cemetery walk with a local Historical Society member and would include research on the local cemetery. Miller said the Huron Daily Tribune is producing online videos connected to local history stories. The interviews for this series are conducted by Coulter Mitchell who videoed Rich Bass at the Caseville Museum for the first production.

Miller offered thanks to Huron Appraisal Service, Caseville Small Animal Clinic, and Alaine Depner for their recent donations. She also thanked the Caseville Department of Public Works for keeping the drive and parking areas cleared of snow and the Caseville Police Department for keeping an eye on Maccabee Hall. Miller circulated a sign-up sheet requesting volunteers to work over the next month.

Events Committee Chairman Dave Vizard reviewed the planned events for the coming year. They include: The Ice Cream Social scheduled for May 27; the Ladies' Luncheon on June 13; the Cheeseburger Museum from Aug. 10-19; Huron County's All Museum Weekend Sept. 29-30; the Classic Car Show on Sept. 29; and the Fall Feast and Auction on Nov. 11. All activities will take place at Maccabee Hall.

Archival and Museum Committee chairman Bass said six visitors had toured the museum over the previous month. Bass said a new donation was received from John Depner. The new Display planned to be started this spring will be centered on "Wild Fowl Hunting." Donations or loans of display items are now being accepted. Items could include decoys, fishing lures, bird mounts etc.

As part of the Genealogy Committee, Barb Eimers is available the first Thursday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. to assist those interested in completing family or building histories. Eimers has research materials available.

Bass discussed procedures for setting up and conducting local oral histories. Bass has attended two workshops on this topic. Anyone interested in helping out in these interviews, may contact Bass at the museum.

John Depner talked about information concerning the history of the O.P. Chapin property near Mud Creek beginning in 1935.

The next meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March. All meetings are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend. Meetings are a good way to share in the camaraderie of others interested in preserving local history.

For more information, call 989-856-9090, visit the website at www.casevillemuseum.org, or e-mail the group at chscm@comcast.net, and "Like" the group on Facebook.
BAD AXE  Huron Medical Center has announced it has a new president and CEO.

Michael Johnston most recently served as vice president of corporate operations with Carolinas Healthcare System in North Carolina, Huron Medical Center (HMC) officials said in a press release.

Previously, Johnston served as vice president of network operations for the Trinity Health System as well as plant manager roles in several manufacturing operations both in the United States and Europe.

Johnston holds a doctorate in management from the University of Phoenix, as well as an MBA from Thomas More College and a bachelor of science degree from Purdue University.

My family and I cannot be more excited to begin this journey with Huron Medical Center, Johnston said in the release.

The community, board, and team members made us feel right at home during our visits, he added. We knew this was the right place to be. The Huron County area and hospital system are poised with unlimited potential for growth and the excitement in the system and community is palpable. I cannot wait to get started.

Johnston will begin working at HMC on March 5.

Johnston replaces HMC Interim President and CEO Matt Rick, who has served as interim CEO for the past three months. He replaced William Mayes, who recently retired as president and CEO.

HMC has been through significant changes since last year. In January of 2017, 18 jobs were eliminated. A few days later, William Castle was officially named CEO after being in the position on an interim basis for several months. In May, the hospital announced that Castle was stepping down. Mayes was named interim CEO the next week.

The HMC Board of Trustees announced in November the pursuit of an exclusive letter of intent to become a part of McLaren Health Care, one of Michigan's largest integrated health systems, and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of McLaren Health Systems.

A month prior to that, HMC was voted best local hospital by readers in the Huron Daily Tribune's Readers' Choice Awards.

Looking ahead, HMC expressed optimism about its newest leader.

We look forward to Michael joining HMC as President and CEO," stated Albert Hass, Chairman of the HMC Board of Trustees. "His extensive leadership background will be a tremendous asset to us as we continue to grow our healthcare services in the Thumb Region.

Hass also thanks Mayes and Rick for their leadership.

Johnston is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the Press Ganey Process and Performance Improvement Advisory Group.

Johnston has been a frequent speaker on operations leadership topics at conferences throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Michael and his wife Sarah have three children  Kristen, Thomas and Evie. In addition, they have two dogs  Lizzie and Bella. The Johnston family enjoys traveling and Michael is an avid Purdue Boilermaker fan.
SEBEWAING  Unionville-Sebewaing Area Schools were in secure mode for about an hour Wednesday while a threat against the school was investigated.

"We received a phone call from a relative of one of our students," stated Superintendent George Rierson in a news release. "The individual reported that they had received a text from a student whom had heard rumors of a gun threat."

The release was sent to all parents in the district. The district immediately contacted 911 and implemented a secure mode in all buildings.

The lockdown was initiated around 10 a.m.

"An investigation based on information provided as initiated immediately," explained Rierson. "Several students were questioned and a search was conducted."

While school officials were doing that, the Huron County Sheriff's Office responded to help with the investigation.

"Todd Schember from our department was the first on scene," said Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson.

The investigation by school officials and Schember determined the conversations between students led to a rumor about a possible gun threat that was texted to the individual who made the original phone call.

"It is my understanding the threat was an unsubstantiated rumor," said Hanson. "After that was determined, the other deputies who were responding to the scene were called off."

The buildings were deemed safe around 11:15 a.m.

During the lockdown at the elementary school, students were confined to their classrooms, the lights in the classroom were turned off and students and staff huddled in a corner out of view.

"Upon conclusion of the investigation, staff was informed that students could resume normal activities," said Rierson. "Our staff provided great care for out students during the implemented security measure. I cannot praise them enough for their ability to assure students and maintain calm until the all clear signal was announced."

The district took appropriate action, according to Hanson.

"We wouldn't want anything to happen so these situations are taken seriously," he said.

Two years ago when the district was doing upgrades to its heating system, roofs and electrical, security upgrades were also done. Windows were added to the high school so secretaries could see who came in. As part of the security update, visitors can go from the exterior door to get out of the weather, but the inside foyer door is locked with a buzzer where secretaries can grant access or not.

"We issued a notice (through texts and emails) to parents soon after initiating the secure measure in order to keep them abreast of the incident and discourage the spreading of rumors and panic," Rierson said. "I appreciated our parents who provided us the time and supported our efforts to maintain the safety of students while they waited anxiously for us to fully investigate the report."

The incident is being reviewed.
PORTLAND  Residents offered a wide range of views this week during an extended public hearing on the proposed purchase of a five-acre parcel along the Connecticut River .

The town is proposing to spend $385,000 to buy three linked parcels that were formerly the site of asphalt plant for redevelopment.

A town meeting to decide on the purchase is scheduled for Feb. 28.

The property, once the site of Connecticut Tar & Asphalt Co., has lain vacant and unused for the past decade.

However, town officials say its proximity to the river and the 24-acre Riverfront Park and the Brownstone Exploration and Discovery water park make the purchase a keen acquisition.

Portions of the property are contaminated with waste oil. The town would use a $750,000 state grant to remediate (clean-up) the site if residents were to approve the purchase.

The hearing audience, which filled the Mary Flood Room in the public library, roughly divided into three groups: those who support the plan, those who oppose it, and those who came seeking explanations and answers.

In that regard, it was very similar to the audiences at early discussions of the proposal to convert the Elmcrest property into a mixed-use development.

The Board of Selectmen was joined at the hearing by Amy Vaillancourt, a licensed environmental engineer who is working with the town on the project, and by Mary D. Dickerson, the towns economic development coordinator.

Vaillancourt took the lead in giving an overview of the site and explaining the steps that need to be taken to remediate the property.

A restaurant and possibly an information center have been suggested as potential uses for the site.

But Vaillancourt said residents will decide what will be done with the site.

The $750,000 in clean-up funds can only be accessed if the town agrees to buy the property, Vaillancourt said.

Dickerson discussed the development potential of the site, which now pays $16,638 in property taxes.

She also pushed back on allegations the property is a Superfund site, as opposed to a less severely contaminated brownfields site.

Superfund sites are uncontrolled or abandoned sites or properties where hazardous waste or other contamination is located. A contaminated site is generally considered a Superfund site if the federal government is or plans to be involved in cleanup efforts, according to detailed explanation on the Environmental Protection Agencys website.

By contrast, Brownfield sites are real properties, the expansion, development, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

Generally, the federal government is not involved at brownfields. Rather, state and tribal response programs play a significant role in cleaning up and helping to revitalize these sites, frequently through state voluntary cleanup programs, according to the EPA.

The remediation grant was a sticking point for resident Linda Purple, who wanted a 100 percent guarantee the state would pay for an additional costs involved in the clean-up.

Purple also demanded to know Why are we jumping on this so quickly?

Noting the property has not drawn any real interest from developers for a decade, Why do it now? she asked.

Dickerson said once the site is cleaned up she expects to it to draw the attention of developers.

Director of Public Works Richard D. Kelsey said he has mixed feelings about the proposal.

He described it as a good investment for the town.

But Kelsey then carefully catalogued a laundry list of needs, including funding for the towns water and sewer systems, $3.3 million for sidewalks  in all, perhaps $20 million in needed investments in infrastructure over the next 10 to 15 years.

Wheres the dough coming from? I get concerned, Kelsey said.

First Selectwoman Susan S. Bransfield said the town was following steps that were laid out in the 2006 Plan of Conservation and Development, which was revised and updated in 2016.

The POCD, which is intended to serve as a guide for future development in town, said the town should first seek to develop the former Elmcrest property and then move on to develop portions of its more than 10-mile riverfront.

Having gotten a developers plan for the Elmcrest site approved, Bransfield said the town is moving to begin developing its waterfront, the longest of any town in the state on the Connecticut River.

At present, the site contributes just $16,000 in taxes, has no potential for jobs, and it degrades every year it sits there, Bransfield said.

If we dont look at economic development in this town, Portland is not going to get better economically, she said.

We need to re-develop our town in terms of trying to get more money to run the town. Depending just on residential taxes alone is a very poor plan for the town, Bransfield said.

A resident with deep roots in California said she didnt see acquiring the property as sound economic development.

You should start by trying to bring high-tech companies here; 21st century type of development, she said.

Resident Bob Morris said he felt the town was settling for a very expensive parking lot.

But Vaillancourt said if the town were to agree to buy the property, it would then need to establish a brownfields committee that in turn could get a market study.

Bransfield said some of the arguments at the hearing mirrored those of a dozen years ago when the town was pushing to lease the quarries to the Hayes brothers, who ultimately developed one of the quarries as the home of the Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park.

Since it opened, the park has paid the town $1.5 million as its share of the entrance fees, Bransfield said, adding, I think that story speaks for itself.

Elwin Guild, the chairman of the Economic Development Commission, said the proposal represents an opportunity, not a threat.

I know something about the value of that that property: if you buy it for $300,000, you can sell it for a million, Guild said, adding, Hey nothing ventured, nothing gained.
STAMFORD  The former co-owner of a West Side Mexican restaurant has been sentenced for trafficking cocaine.

Miguel Lara, 47, a citizen of El Salvador and resident of Bridgeport, was sentenced Wednesday in Hartford to three and a half years in jail.
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Florida -- They've rescued civilians in the mountains of Afghanistan, evacuated the American embassy in South Sudan, and gone into combat zones to save their fellow service members.

Now, members of the Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing here are gearing up for their first human spaceflight support mission in almost a decade.

They have roughly nine months to perfect a strategy to mobilize to a U.S. space capsule in time to retrieve the astronauts aboard.

Members from the wing, which includes the 308th Rescue Squadron -- one of the Air Force's "Guardian Angels" personnel recovery units, will stay on alert for space launches and landings anywhere in the world.

Related content:

"Our guys are starting to train to that mission that we haven't done in over seven years," said Col. Mike LoForti, commander of the 920th Operations Group. Military.com toured hangars and facilities used for the combat-search-and-rescue mission and spoke with officials about the 920th's evolving operations.

LoForti said the 920th has "a lot of history behind" space missions, even as a traditional CSAR unit. The wing's last manned mission was the Space Transportation System 135: NASA's 135th shuttle flight in 2011.

As part of NASA's return to a human spaceflight program, Boeing Co. and California-based SpaceX have set their sights on two launches by the end of 2018.

Airmen currently support launches from Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, as well as submarine-launched ballistic missile test launches on the East Coast. HH-60G Pave Hawks clear the ranges to make sure civilians are out of the area when debris comes crashing down to earth.

A number of test launches are expected, LoForti said. Space and missile centers anticipate a ramp up to 30 to 40 test launches annually within the next few years, and the 920th is expected to be ready.

"We want to support that mission, but we also have to be leery of, 'That's not our primary mission,' " LoForti said. "Space is going to grow here very rapidly."

The emphasis is on the manned mission. Should a catastrophic event happen, CSAR will be there.

"We've got helicopters sitting alert, we've got Guardian Angels sitting alert, and we've got the HC-130 [extended-range transports] sitting alert. We've got C-17 [Globemaster IIIs] also involved. So this isn't just us -- this is a worldwide support mission," LoForti said.

"This is what they call the second Renaissance of the space program -- we haven't seen this kind of resurgence of the program since the manned Apollo [or] Gemini," he said, referring to the 1960s space missions.

Perfecting the Timetable

While there are plenty of resources at Patrick Air Force Base for the pararescue mission, there's no guarantee the base will have exactly what it needs to respond in an emergency.

"If we're available, we're going to support it, but if my guys are deployed ... chances are I can't support it," LoForti said.

That's why the alert mission will be divvied up between CSAR units at various bases in the U.S.

"This is a really big event," said Brandon Daugherty, who works for 45th Operations Group-Detachment 3 Human Spaceflight Support Office as a liaison to support the 920th's mission planning.

"Right now, we're still trying to develop our procedures on how we're going to do it," he said.

Because active-duty CSAR units are deployed too often for the task, Guard and Reserve Guardian Angel or rescue units from Alaska, New York, Oregon, California and Arizona have stepped up to create a rotating schedule, Daugherty said.

Jump teams paired with C-17s will also be on standby in Hawaii and South Carolina.

Daugherty said the C-17s would be dispatched should rockets fall anywhere beyond 200 nautical miles east of the base.

Given Patrick Air Force Base's proximity to the 45th Space Wing, a number of rescue techniques are being refined there.

The 45th and 920th this week plan to take SpaceX's Dragon reusable spacecraft capsule out in the water for airmen to train with and compare it to the capsule they've been working with for the past six months.

The rescue unit uses an older capsule to practice with out at sea, and simulates different training environments while getting feedback from the 45th Space Wing, said Master Sgt. Blain Morgan, a pararescueman with the 308th.

"We're actually going back to some of the Apollo guys and getting information from them on how to best accomplish this mission," Morgan said. (While the 308th is currently deployed to the Middle East supporting missions against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Morgan stayed back due to an injury.)

But time is at a premium.

"We are backed into the corner on the launch dates," Daugherty said. "We have to have tactics, techniques and procedures built and validated, and they have to be trainable to the forces."

Day in and day out, the teams are crafting the perfect plan to use the Guardian Angel units.

Daugherty said the Angels were an easy choice for the Air Force because rescue teams have to be able to grab the astronauts "within 24 hours, and there's only one force who can actually do that."

The Angels can accomplish the mission "from anywhere in the world," he said, "whether it's in the middle of the ocean or a top of a mountain."

Daugherty added, "These guys, the rescue community have a heart for this, and they are willing to run as hard as they can to safely make it happen."

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
What Is ISIS-K? Two Experts on the Group Behind the Kabul Airport Attack and its Rivalry with the Taliban

By 2018, the group had become one of the top four deadliest terrorist organizations in the world.
Two nurses and an aide were indicted Wednesday in the death of an elderly patient, World War II veteran James Dempsey, who died pleading for help while in their care, WXIA-TV reported.

Dempsey's family, of Woodstock, Ga., hid a camera in the late veteran's room in the Northeast Atlanta Health and Rehabilitation Center that captured the night he died.

The video showed the decorated U.S. Navy veteran repeatedly calling for help, saying he could not breathe. It also showed the nurses failing to take life-saving measures and laughing as they tried to start an oxygen machine.

The channel reported that Brookhaven Police launched an investigation and, on Wednesday, a grand jury returned an indictment.

Loyce Pickquet Agyeman's top charge is felony murder; Wanda Nuckles, a nursing supervisor, is charged with depriving an elder of essential services; and Mable Turman is charged with neglect to an elder, the report said. Warrants were issued for their arrests.

The nursing home's attorneys attempted to stop media news outlet WXIA-TV from getting the video, but a DeKalb County judge ruled to unseal the footage.

Nuckles told Dempsey's family lawyers in the deposition that when she learned the veteran had stopped breathing, she rushed to his room and took over CPR, keeping it up until paramedics arrived, WXIA-TV reported.

However, the secret video showed that nobody was doing CPR when she arrived, and she did not start immediately. After the attorneys showed Nuckles the video, she told them it was an honest mistake, based on her normal reactions.

When the attorneys asked why Nuckles was laughing, she said she did not remember.

WXIA-TV reported the nursing home was told of the video in 2015 but did not terminate the nurses until 10 months later. Nuckles and another nurse did not surrender their licenses until this September, when the Georgia Board of Nursing was sent a link to the video by the news station.

Records showed the nursing home continued to have problems, including $813,000 in Medicare fines since 2015, WXIA-TV reported.

It said the nursing home got a good inspection report in May, but still has Medicare's lowest score, a one-star rating

-- The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Active-duty Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, the outspoken White House national security adviser, has reportedly fallen out of favor with President Donald Trump and could lose his job as the president's top in-house consultant on military and foreign affairs.

The White House is considering easing McMaster out and sending him back to military service, possibly with a promotion to four-star rank, CNN reported Thursday, citing several anonymous White House and Pentagon sources.

At a Pentagon briefing Thursday, Dana White, the chief Pentagon spokesperson, deflected questions back to the White House on McMaster's status while noting his distinguished career in uniform.

"General McMaster works for President Trump. Any decisions with regard to the staff -- the White House will make those determinations," she said.

When asked if the military would welcome McMaster back and find a spot for him in the Pentagon's upper echelons, White again deferred to Trump.

"General McMaster is serving the president of the United States. Any decision with respect to any changes" will be up to the White House, she said.

A recent public statement from Trump via Twitter showed daylight between the president and his national security adviser, however.

Trump signaled his displeasure with McMaster last week in a Tweet taking him to task over remarks to a security conference in Munich attended by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

McMaster said there is "incontrovertible" evidence that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He spoke after Special Counsel Robert Mueller filed indictments against 13 Russians for conspiring to influence the election, partly to favor Trump over Hillary Clinton.

Trump then dressed down McMaster, saying in a Tweet, "General McMaster forgot to say that the results of the 2016 election were not impacted or changed by the Russians and that the only Collusion was between Russia and Crooked H, the DNC and the Dems."

The tweet used Trumps nickname for his former presidential rival Hillary Clinton and referenced the Democratic National Committee.

However, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday that Trump "still has confidence in General McMaster."

McMaster has previously been the target of conservative activists who questioned his loyalty to the Trump agenda. He also reportedly clashed with former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, who himself was ousted by Trump last summer.

In his nomination hearings, McMaster needed a waiver from the Senate to continue on active duty in the White House post. Any move to send him back to the Defense Department, possibly at four-star rank, could present Mattis and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford with the problem of finding a suitable position for him.

McMaster's well-known penchant for putting his opinions on policy and strategy in blunt terms has often put him at odds with superiors -- in the military and now at the White House.

As a colonel, McMaster, who earned a Silver Star during the Gulf War as a tank commander with Eagle Troop of the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, was initially passed over for promotion to the rank of brigadier general, but his career reportedly was salvaged by the intervention of then-Gen. David Petraeus.

Other top officers have praised him, while noting that his directness can sometimes be grating.

When he was promoted to lieutenant general, retired Army Lt. Gen. David Barno, who had commanded U.S. forces in Afghanistan, said, "H.R. is also the rarest of soldiers -- one who has repeatedly bucked the system and survived to join its senior ranks."

Herbert Raymond McMaster graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1984 and received a Ph.d in American history.

He later expanded his doctoral thesis into a best-selling book that took on the highest-ranking officers in the military over what he perceived as their failures to tell the truth to then-Defense Secretary Robert McNamara during the Vietnam war.

McMaster's thoughts were summed up in the title of the book: "Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, The Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies that Led to Vietnam."

If McMaster were removed, the White House would be in the position of naming its third national security adviser in little more than a year.

Retired Army Gen. Michael Flynn, Trump's first national security adviser, was forced to resign after admitting that he lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with Russians.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Military Update:

In drafting legislation that would expand comprehensive caregiver benefits to severely injured veterans of all past wars, Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, directed staff this month to start with the proposal announced by VA Secretary David Shulkin at a Feb. 6 committee hearing.

Shulkin said he supports extending caregiver benefits  which includes a monthly stipend, access to health care insurance, caregiver training, stress counseling and a period of paid respite away from caregiver responsibilities -- to persons caring for veterans catastrophically injured in wars back to World War II.

However, as a condition for making benefits available to veterans injured before the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, Shulkin wants Congress to narrow eligibility criteria. Post-9/11 veterans now qualify for the comprehensive benefits if their physical or mental injuries prevent them from performing one or more activities of daily living, whether bathing, preparing meals or dressing themselves. Its a level caregiver need medical experts describe as Tier 1.

Shulkin proposes that Congress align the VA plans eligibility criteria with other caregiver programs that provide benefits only if those injured cannot perform three or more activities of daily living, a Tier 3 threshold. He described this as a more clinically appropriate criteria than the Post-9/11 law mandated since 2011.

However, Shulkin said the 26,000 caregivers now drawing benefits under that law should be protected from the changes for as long as they meet the looser criteria. He also said the law should more clearly spell out that veterans are eligible for caregiver benefits if they suffer severe cognitive dysfunction.

I think thats something we could carry to the Congress and get passed, Roe told Shulkin after he shared his proposal. No committee member disagreed.

If the VA caregiver program is expanded as Shulkin envisions, an additional 40,000 veterans would be eligible, he said. If current Post-9/11 benefits were extended to older generations unchanged, 188,000 veterans would be eligible.

In the Senate, its veterans affairs committee last December approved and sent to the full Senate the Caring for Our Veterans Act (S 2193), with has provisions to extend the current caregiver program to older generations of war-era veterans in two phases and at an estimated cost of $3.4 billion over five years. Shulkins more restricted plan presumably would cost a quarter of that total.

VA spent $500 million last year on its comprehensive caregiver program. VA and veteran service groups both contend caregiver benefits actually save the government billions of dollars because home care avoids the greater cost of sending severely injured vets into nursing facilities. A senior VA official said cost-avoidance under Shulkins plan could total $2.5 billion by 2030.

The preference of veteran service organizations is that Congress pass the Senate committees caregiver expansion, which they worked closely with Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) to shape and gain the support of her committee colleagues.

At the House hearing, however, Chairman Roe asked representatives of two veterans groups, and a nationwide advocacy group for caregivers, if they could support Shulkins call to extend benefits to older generations but also limit eligibility to veterans with Tier 3 conditions.

We certainly wont oppose any efforts to expand in any way, said Sarah Dean of Paralyzed Veterans of America, emphasizing the unmet needs of caregivers for older severely injured veterans. And if starting with Tier 3 is what we have to do to start [benefits], we absolutely support that. But she added, It just wont be the end of the conversation.

Steven Schwab, executive director of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, said it was encouraging to hear VA seriously discuss extending benefits to older generations. The Foundation wants to explore a timeline on how we move beyond Tier 3 and make sure that all pre-9/11 caregivers who need and deserve support with this benefit receive it [but] yeah, I think were open to that.

Adrian Atizado with Disabled American Veterans Congress also didnt reject Shulkins plan, noting that critically important benefits for veterans often start by Congress making incremental improvements. But lawmakers shouldnt delay more actions to ensure every veteran is equitably treated, Atizado added.

The Senate committee bill with caregiver expansion language is stalled in that chamber over part of the bill that would modify and extend the Choice program for allowing veterans access to non-VA or community health care. A spokeswoman for Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) said the committee chairman continues to support his bills caregiver expansion plan for older generations of vets. But, said his spokeswoman, Isakson is happy to take a look at what the House proposes.

Senator Murray, on the other hand, rejects Shulkins compromise.

We should be working to expand support for veterans caregivers, not restricting it even further, Murray said. I absolutely oppose thisand I will fight against it any way I can in the Senate.

Carlos Fuentes with Veterans of Foreign War said the Senate bill is the ideal and he disagreed with Shulkin that current eligibility rules are too loose.

Frankly, it doesnt matter how many activities of daily living a veteran isnt able to perform. What matters is if they need the assistance of a caregiver. And there are some cases where being unable to perform one ADL -- eating or going to the bathroom or another activity -- requires the assistance of a caregiver, he said.

Doctors certainly should receive more guidance as to how to make those determinations, Fuentes said. But we think that savings [through cost avoidance] can be achieved by extending eligibility criteria as is.

Veteran representatives spent much of their time before the House committee knocking down claims by Republicans that the current caregiver program is widely abused or offers benefits duplicative of other VA programs.

Two weeks after hearing, Roe said he supports expanding the caregiver program to older generations but we must have an honest conversation about the right balance between both the cost and clinical appropriateness of any expansion.

Therefore, he will hold a roundtable discussion with veteran service organizations and members of the House and Senate committees to get feedback on his proposed legislation. That will be followed by a televised hearing where he plans to move caregiver expansion legislation forward to the full House.

Caregivers of older generations should recognize now that its up to Congress to act, Shulkin suggested.

This is really your decision, he told the House committee. The Senate and the House have to come to agreement on this.

To comment, write Military Update, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA, 20120 or email milupdate@aol.com or twitter: @Military_Update.

# # # # Tom Philpott has been breaking news for and about military people since 1977. After service in the Coast Guard, and 17 years as a reporter and senior editor with Army Times Publishing Company, Tom launched "Military Update," his syndicated weekly news column, in 1994. "Military Update" features timely news and analysis on issues affecting active duty members, reservists, retirees and their families. Visit Tom Philpott's Military Update Archive to view his past articles. Tom also edits a reader reaction column, "Military Forum." The online "home" for both features is Military.com. Tom's freelance articles have appeared in numerous magazines including The New Yorker, Reader's Digest and Washingtonian. His critically-acclaimed book, Glory Denied, on the extraordinary ordeal and heroism of Col. Floyd "Jim" Thompson, the longest-held prisoner of war in American history, is available in hardcover and paperback. Buy Glory Denied from Amazon
Ahead of recreational marijuana legalization, Quebec has signed supply agreements with 6 licensed cannabis producers, making it the first large province to line up supply for a total purchase commitment of approximately 62,000 kilograms for the first year of recreational sales.

Gatineau-based The Hydropothecary Corp. signed a letter of intent to supply 20,000 kilograms of cannabis to the Societe des alcools du Quebec, the government-run agency which will have a monopoly on recreational sales online and in retail stores, in the first year of recreational use.

Meanwhile, Canopy Growth Corp. and Aphria Inc. signed letters of intent to supply 12,000 kilograms each annually. Aphria mentioned that the 12,000-kilogram agreement covers the first year of recreational use, while Canopy made no mention of a supply timeline.
The government will also crack down on the condo pre-sale market and beneficial ownership to ensure that property flippers, offshore trusts, and hidden investors are paying taxes on gains.

Premier John Horgan is facing formidable demands after taking power in a fiercely contested election last July. His New Democratic Party made expensive promises to topple the Liberals, whose 16-year-rule brought the fastest growth in Canada, but also surging property while incomes stagnated.

Public outrage has intensified amid perceptions that global capital seeking a stable sanctuary, especially from China, is driving double-digit gains in Vancouver, the countrys most expensive property market.

The expectations that we will do everything in our first budget are huge, James told Bloomberg. Our goal is fairness  fairness for the people who live here, who work here and pay their taxes here.

Anger has been further stoked by fresh media reports alleging that Vancouver casinos and real estate have become vehicles in recent years for laundering the illicit proceeds of high-rolling Asian gamblers and drug dealers with links to the Chinese fentanyl trade.
After 2 years of unsuccessful sale attempts in the market, a luxury home in Collingwood, Calgary will be offered to online bidders via an auctioneer in Texas.

The auction of the 4,625-square-foot estate of Clarendon Road N.W. will be the first of its kind in Calgary, according to real estate agent Mark Evernden.

This is the first inside the city limits  thereve been auctions in rural areas and acreages, Evernden told the Calgary Herald. If we dont get the traditional sales, we go to auction . . . in a way, its not that unique  you go to New Zealand and Australia every house is auctioned.
During the course of the transactions, OBrien was serving the states Department of Revenue as special assistant attorney general. She was also a real estate agent, owning her own company, and served as a loan originator part-time for Amronbanc Mortgage.

Ricardo Meza, attorney for OBrien, said that she only made mistakes when reporting her income data and none of it was intentional.

Co-defendant Maria Bartko, who also worked for Amronbanc, took part in the scheme, according to prosecutors. Bartko pleaded guilty in January and agreed to testify against OBrien under a plea deal. Prosecutors did not call her as a witness, however.

Although OBrien carried out the transactions years before her election to the bench, Illinois law prohibits an elected official from remaining in office after a conviction. The Chicago Tribune said the timetable for her removal is unclear.





Related stories:

Judge tossed from bench over mortgage fraud charges

California charges 4 over $2M mortgage fraud scheme


The first treatment to help prevent serious allergic reactions to peanuts may be on the way. A company said Tuesday that its daily capsules of peanut powder helped children build tolerance in a major study.

Millions of children are allergic to peanuts, and some may have life-threatening reactions if accidentally exposed to them. Doctors have been testing daily doses of peanut, contained in a capsule and sprinkled over food, as a way to prevent that by gradually getting them used to very small amounts.

California-based Aimmune Therapeutics said 67 percent of kids who had its experimental treatment were able to tolerate the equivalent of roughly two peanuts at the end of the study, compared to only 4 percent of others given a dummy powder.

But a big warning: Don't try this at home.

"It's potentially dangerous," said Dr. Stacie Jones, a University of Arkansas allergy specialist. "This is investigational. It has to be done in a very safe setting" to make sure kids can be treated fast for any bad reactions that occur, she said.

Jones helped lead the study, consults for the company, and will give the results at an allergy conference next month. The results have not yet been reviewed by independent experts.

The study involved nearly 500 kids ages 4 to 17 with allergies so severe that they had reactions to as little as a tenth of a peanut. They were given either capsules of peanut or a dummy powder in gradually increasing amounts for six months, then continued on that final level for another six months. Neither the participants nor their doctors knew who was getting what until the study ended.

About 20 percent of kids getting the peanut powder dropped out of the study, 12 percent due to reactions or other problems. The product showed "overall good safety," Jones said.

"It's exciting," said Dr. Stacy Dorris of Vanderbilt University who had no role in the study.

"This is a way to potentially protect people who are allergic from having a severe or even fatal reaction. But it's not a cure ... we don't know what would happen if they stop or discontinue" treatment, she said.

Dorris said she would consider trying it for her 8-year-old daughter who has a peanut allergy, but said the study's drop-out rate shows that "this is not for everybody. Some people are going to have too many side effects for them to be able to take this daily dose."

Dr. Andrew Bird, an allergy specialist at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, also consults for the company and had patients in the study. The treatment doesn't allow kids to eat peanuts as if they had no allergy, but research suggests that being able to tolerate at least one peanut should protect 95 percent of them from having a reaction if they are exposed to peanuts, he said.

That would be a relief to Cathy Heald, a Dallas mom whose 10-year-old son, Charlie, was in the study.

"We had to teach him that he has to ask about everything he eats from a very early age," she said. "He's described it as living in a cage, watching other people get to eat what they want."

Charlie was assigned to the group given fake peanut powder but has been able to get the real thing since the study ended, she said.

Aimmune plans to seek U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment later this year and in Europe early next year.

The company's chief executive has said he expects the first six months of treatment to cost $5,000 to $10,000, and $300 to $400 a month after that.

The thinking about peanut allergies has changed in recent years, and experts now think early exposure helps prevent them from forming. Last year, the National Institutes of Health issued new advice, saying most babies should get peanut-containing foods starting around 6 months, in age-appropriate forms like watered-down peanut butter or peanut puffs - not whole peanuts because those are a choking hazard.
PHILADELPHIA - Sen. Ted Cruz, in a speech to refinery workers here Wednesday, said federal ethanol rules were making "Wall Street speculators and giant integrated companies" a "windfall" while small refineries struggle.

"The speculators can go speculate somewhere else," Cruz said. "This is about jobs, good jobs that provide for your families. They are at risk from a broken regulatory system that needs to be fixed."

The Texas senator's visit to Philadelphia comes as Washington remains divided on whether to reform an ethanol mandate that analysts say has benefited some large oil companies and biofuel producers but has hurt smaller refineries.

The refinery Cruz visited Wednesday is owned by Philadelphia Energy Solutions, which has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, blaming the federal mandate that requires ethanol be blended into the nation's fuel supply for driving up their costs.

Many refiners, such as the one in Philadelphia, don't blend ethanol into the gasoline. Under federal rules, they must buy blending credits instead, but cost of these credits have jumped in recent yesr

The Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery is the largest on the East Coast. In a tent set up on the grounds, Cruz spoke to hundreds of workers still dressed in coveralls.

"If you stand with the working men and women then stand up and fix this broken RIN system," Cruz said, referring to the biofuels credits many refineries buy instead of blending ethanol into their gasoline.

Greg Gatta, the CEO of the refining company, urged government action on what he was not "just another issue" in Washington but about a "region's livelihood."

Since a meeting with President Donald Trump last year, Cruz has been tried to negotiate a deal with Midwestern senators to reduce the cost of biofuel credits.

So far there has been little discernible sign that a compromise is near, even as Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, the Senate majority whip, and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt urge action. Cruz has proposed capping the price of biofuel credits, something Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said he could not support because it would damage the ethanol industry.

But Cruz said Wednesday, "we are making real progress to a win, win solution."

"I think its political grandstanding is what it is," Geoff Cooper, executive vice president of the Renewable Fuels Association, a trade group representing biofuel companies, said of Cruz's visit to Philadelphia. "Some are saying [the refinery bankruptcy] is a canary in a coal mine, but it's nonsense. Every refinery across the country has to contend with the same obligations and they're all doing okay."

How much of Philadelphia Energy Solutions' financial trouble actually stems from the ethanol mandate is a topic of some debate.

A number of financial analysts have said the refinery's troubles had more to do with poor decision making by management and losing their price advantage on crude when the U.S. crude export ban was lifted.

Last year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published a report stating refineries are, "recovering the cost" of biofuels credits "through higher sales prices of the petroleum products they sell."

Asked about the criticisms of the Philadelphia refinery's management, Cruz said smaller refineries had a unique financial picture relative to those owner by large oil companies.

"It's dirty pool" Cruz said.
ILANA PANICH-LINSMAN /NYT

(Bloomberg) -- Rising oil supply from non-OPEC countries may cover global demand growth for the next two years, according to the International Energy Agency. That could force OPEC to stick to output cuts for much longer than planned.

Were seeing a significant amount of non-OPEC oil coming to the markets, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said Wednesday, citing rising output from North America, Brazil and Mexico.
Needville ISD Superintendent Curtis Rhodes on Tuesday threatened to suspend any student who disrupts schools or walks out to protest current gun laws.

In a letter sent to families and published on schools' social media sites, Rhodes said students would face a three-day, out-of-school suspension if they joined in growing protests nationwide over the shooting at a Florida high school last week.

FALKENBERG: Students may be our best hope for gun reform

"Life is all about choices and every choice has a consequence whether it be positive or negative. We will discipline no matter if it is one, fifty, or five hundred students involved," Rhodes wrote. "All will be suspended for 3 days and parent notes will not alleviate the discipline."

Needville is in Fort Bend County, about 45 minutes southwest of Sugar Land.

Student organizers in Florida are planning a March for our Lives on March 24 in Washington, D.C. to demand action on gun control. A National School Walkout planned by the Women's March organizers is set for March 14.

A National School Walkout is set for April 20, the anniversary of the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado. The walkout is being organized by a Connecticut student who lives near Sandy Hook Elementary where 20 students and six staff members were gunned down in 2012.

The student uprisings follow a mass shooting that killed 17 at a Parkland, Florida high school on Feb. 14. A 19-year-old former student has been charged.

TEXAS TAKE: Florida shooting reverberates across Lone Star State

Students have already walked out of classes across South Florida this week to protest in favor of stricter gun control laws.

Rhodes said the school district is sensitive to violence in schools, but said his schools' are focused on education, not political protests.

"A school is a place to learn and grow educationally, emotionally and morally," Rhodes wrote.

"A disruption of the school will not be tolerated."
By looking at the human eye, Googles algorithms were able to predict whether someone had high blood pressure or was at risk of a heart attack or stroke, Google researchers said Monday, opening a new opportunity for artificial intelligence in the vast and lucrative global health industry.

The algorithms didnt outperform existing medical approaches such as blood tests, according to a study of the finding published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering. The work needs to be validated and repeated on more people before it gains broader acceptance, several outside physicians said.

But the new approach could build on doctors current abilities by providing a tool that people could one day use to quickly and easily screen themselves for health risks that can contribute to heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide.

This may be a rapid way for people to screen for risk, Harlan Krumholz, a cardiologist at Yale University who was not involved in the study, wrote in an email. Diagnosis is about to get turbo-charged by technology. And one avenue is to empower people with rapid ways to get useful information about their health.

Google researchers fed images scanned from the retinas of more than 280,000 patients across the United States and United Kingdom into its intricate pattern-recognizing algorithms, known as neural networks. Those scans helped train the networks on which telltale signs tended to indicate long-term health dangers.

Medical professionals today can look for similar signs by using a device to inspect the retina, drawing the patients blood or assessing risk factors such as their age, gender, weight and whether they smoke. But no one taught the algorithms what to look for: Instead, the systems taught themselves, by reviewing enough data to learn the patterns often found in the eyes of people at risk.

The true power of this kind of technological solution is that it could flag risk with a fast, cheap and noninvasive test that could be administered in a range of settings, letting people know if they should come in for follow-up.

The research, one of an increasing number of conceptual health-technology studies, was conducted by Google and Verily Life Sciences, a subsidiary of Googles parent Alphabet.

The idea that peoples eyes might reveal signs of underlying cardiovascular disease isnt as outlandish as it might seem. Diabetes and high blood pressure, for example, can cause changes in the retina.

Krumholz cautioned that an eye scan isnt ready to replace more conventional approaches. Maulik Majmudar, associate director of the Healthcare Transformation Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital, called the model impressive but noted that the results show how tough it is to make significant improvements in cardiovascular risk prediction. Age and gender are powerful predictors of risk, without the need for any additional testing.

Googles algorithms approached the accuracy of current methods but were far from perfect. When presented images of the eyes of two different people -- one who suffered a major adverse cardiac event such as a heart attack or stroke within five years of the photo and the other who did not -- the algorithms could correctly pick the patient who fell ill 70 percent of the time.

Similar deep-learning technologies have exploded in the past five years and are widely used today in systems such as Googles image search and Facebooks facial recognition. They are also showing promise in other arenas of health, including by looking for signs of cancer in the X-ray scans reviewed by radiologists.

The Google researchers used similar machine-learning methods in 2016 to look for diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that is a major cause of blindness. This time, they also used a machine-learning technique, known as soft attention, to help pinpoint which parts of the image were most instrumental in driving the algorithms prediction. One vulnerability of many neutral networks today is that its often unclear how or why they reached that conclusion -- a black box problem that could undermine doctors or patients trust in the results.

The idea that the hallmarks of disease could be detected through computational analysis has been alluring to engineers. DeepMind, the London-based AI-development firm bought by Google in 2014 that often operates autonomously, released research earlier this month showing similar algorithms could help detect signs of glaucoma and other eye diseases.

Apple late last year launched a heart study tied to its Apple Watch to see if it could detect and alert people to irregular heart rhythms that could be a sign of atrial fibrillation, a leading cause of stroke.
James Durbin

Public safety and corrections constitute 32 percent of this fiscal year's budget. What should be priorities for the Sheriffs Office? Please include thoughts about the jail in your response.

We need to beef up enforcement, especially for overweight/oversize loads in Midland County and making sure drivers have a CDL licenses. These loads are causing massive damage to roads and overpasses and that places more burden on taxpayers. While additional patrol staffing for this purpose would cost more up-front, the long-term savings from the damages being caused would actually save money. In addition, too many of these incidents involved untrained drivers who do not possess a commercial drivers license.
While Seattle buckles under the explosive growth of its super-tenant, Amazon.com, the company's founder Jeff Bezos is pouring millions into building a 10,000-year clock inside a hollowed-out mountain in West Texas.

Bezos, also behind the rocket company Blue Origin, announced via Twitter on Tuesday that installation of the 500-foot-tall mechanism -- deep inside the remote mountain -- has begun.

The project, initially conceived by Danny Hillis in 1989 and pushed ahead with the formation of the Long Now Foundation, has been in the works for years with the goal being to create a clock that would keep accurate time for -- thats right -- 10,000 years.

Bezos has been behind it for about a dozen years, and committed at least $42 million to the project. The mountain where it's being built is also the planned location for a future Blue Origin space port.

Its supposed to be a symbol of long-term thinking.

As I see it, humans are now technologically advanced enough that we can create not only extraordinary wonders but also civilization-scale problems, Bezos wrote on the website for the project. We're likely to need more long-term thinking.

Bezos clock will manage to keep time for so long under the power of day and night thermal cycles, according to a tweet from Bezos.

Major high-level talent has worked on the project, including Jet Propulsion Laboratories -- the lab that has worked on spacecraft missions since the late 1950s, according to a report in WIRED magazine. JPL computers worked out the suns position each day at noon to help keep the clock accurate over the millenia.

It will chime each day with a different bell sound.

The clock will have several anniversary chambers where displays will be put up to celebrate different events in history. The one-year chamber will have a model of the solar system and all the 20th century space probes, according to the clock projects website.

It will be years before the clock is operational, but once it is, visitors will have to make an arduous journey to get there. The location is hours from the nearest airport and even then, visitors will have a hike to the entrance that will take them 2,000 feet above the valley floor.

Perhaps the clock will one day stand as a symbol of long-term thinking, but for now, it looks like a billionaires pet project.

Daniel DeMay covers Seattle culture, city hall, and transportation for seattlepi.com. He can be reached at 206-448-8362 or danieldemay@seattlepi.com. Follow him on Twitter: @Daniel_DeMay.
You dont have to use ...
Jamestown, CA  A deputy pulled over a vehicle with an expired registration and nets various narcotics concealed on the driver.

The red Mazda was stopped by a Tuolumne County Sheriffs deputy just after 1:30 a.m., Wednesday on Chicken Ranch Road in Jamestown. Behind the wheel was 31-year-old Burris Fisher of Keyes and a female passenger. A records check showed she was on parole, but no further details were released on the crime she committed.

A search of the vehicle turned up a methamphetamine pipe, which Fisher admitted was his. He was patted down with the deputy finding nearly six grams of methamphetamine, a container of liquid meth, a gram of heroin, 5.64 grams of hallucinogenic mushrooms, a hypodermic needle and another meth pipe hidden on him.

Fisher was taken into custody without incident. He was booked into the Tuolumne County Jail for possession of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia.
SHS Social Media Threat View Photos

Update at 10:20am: Providing the latest information on reports of a social media threat, aimed at schools with the initials SHS, Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office spokesperson Sgt. Andrea Benson says, There is no credible threat to our local schools. This post went viral in a very short amount of time, all over the United States. A number of schools with those initials, and law enforcement agencies, were alerted and investigated the threat. The social media threat was deemed a hoax, and seemed to be directed toward a Springfield, Ohio high school.

Law enforcement officials have been on scene at Sonora and Summerville high schools this morning.

Original story posted at 5:40am: Sonora, CA  The Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office reports that a social media post has gone viral across the United States threatening violence at schools with initials SHS.

The sheriffs office reports that several people have reported seeing the post locally, so while they believe it is a hoax, they do have a deputy assigned to investigate it, according to Sgt. Andrea Benson. Law enforcement personnel will be at Summerville High School this morning to coordinate with officials and ensure the safety of all students and staff. The Sonora Police Department will also be working closely with Sonora High School in a similar fashion.
Sacramento, CA  Statistics released by the state elections office show which political parties are strong in the state of California, and here in the Mother Lode.

Statewide, the percentage of Democrats has remained steady over recent years, the number of Republicans has fallen, and the amount of decline-to-state independent voters has increased. Roughly 75-percent of eligible voters in California are registered. Of those, 44.6-percent are Democrats, 25.4-percent are Republicans and 24.9-percent decline to state.

In Tuolumne County, 42.5-percent are Republicans, 30.4-percent are Democrats and 20.9-percent decline to state. In Calaveras County, 42.4-percent are Republicans, 28.7-percent are Democrats and 20.8-percent decline to state.

All five of the supervisorial districts in Tuolumne County lean Republican. The narrowest is District One (Sonora) with 2,353 Republicans and 2,103 Democrats. The widest is District Four (Groveland) with 2,788 Republicans and 1,745 Democrats.

All five Calaveras supervisorial districts also lean Republican. District Three is the narrowest (Murphys and Arnold) with 2,302 Republicans and 2,104 Democrats. The widest gap is District Five (Jenny Lind and Milton) with 2,525 Republicans and 1,346 Democrats.

Modoc County has the highest percent of Republicans (50.7-percent) and San Francisco has the highest percentage of Democrats (57.8-percent).
The San Francisco Sheriffs Department on Wednesday announced a new policy that allows inmates to note their preference in deputy gender prior to a visual body search.

The policy is the Sheriffs Departments latest effort to address the needs of of TGN inmates, or transgender, gender variant and nonbinary.

Our goal is to keep everybody safe, and that means people in our custody, Sheriff Vicki Hennessy told The Chronicle. The good news is that very few people that are transgender are in our custody at any one time, but we still need to make sure that they are safe and their self-identity is recognized and valued.

The TGN population in San Francisco County jails accounts for less than 1 percent of all inmates, said Nancy Crowley, a spokeswoman for the Sheriffs Department.

As of Wednesday, there were 13 TGN inmates out of 1,318, Crowley said.

In 2016, the department implemented policies that allow inmates to choose their pronouns and began moving them out of 12-person cells at the Hall of Justice to a re-entry housing pod at the County Jail. Re-entry housing offers inmates educational, vocational, recovery and life-skills classes.

Hennessys new policies include considerations of an inmates transitional housing preferences based on mental health considerations, behavioral and assault history, criminal sophistication and gang affiliation  qualifications that all inmates must meet.

We do the best we can to allow people to state their preference, but if theres other mitigating things, or other aggravating things, we may not be able to place them where they want to be placed, and this includes everybody, Hennessy said.

In order to implement these new policies, 800 staff members underwent a four-hour accredited Peace Officer Standards and Training course on gender awareness, which is now also included in the new-employee curriculum.

The course, developed by the Sheriffs Department and accredited in 2016, involved the help of community advocates, the Human Rights Commission, the Department of Public Health and other organizations and experts.

This was something we were very proud of, Hennessy said.

Since its implementation, law enforcement agencies from around the state, including the Sacramento Police Department, have sat in on trainings.

Clair Farley, executive director of the citys Office of Transgender Initiatives, emphasized the importance of working with the TGN inmate population.

All transgender people deserve safe housing, health care and services in San Francisco and beyond, Farley said.
Texas state Sen. Carlos Uresti and co-defendant Gary Cain were found guilty on all charges in San Antonio federal court today in a criminal fraud trial that has stunned the city and state capitol.

It took the 12 jurors roughly 11 hours over three days to reach a verdict. Both Uresti and Cain are allowed to remain free on bond until sentencing, which was set for June 25.

The San Antonio Democrat was indicted last year by a federal grand jury on 11 felony charges in connection with his roles at now-defunct oilfield company FourWinds Logistics. Co-defendant Gary Cain was charged with nine felony counts for his involvement as a consultant to the company.

RELATED: Star witness who lost $800K says Uresti was my friend, my lover

Story continues below with charges listed.

The courtroom was opened shortly after 10 a.m. as lawyers and prosecutors were informed by court staff to return for the verdict. President Donald Trump's new U.S. Attorney for the Western Distric of Texas, John Bash, was there to witness it.

Uresti stood behind his chair with his hands clasped as he waited for the verdict to be read to the packed courtroom.

The FBI's special agent in charge for San Antonio, Christopher Combs, and other federal agents were also in the courtroom.

Each count is listed below.

As to State Sen. Carlos Uresti:

Count 1, wire fraud: Guilty

Count 2, wire fraud: Guilty

Count 3, conspiracy to commit wire fraud: Guilty

Count 4, wire fraud: Guilty

Count 5, wire fraud: Guilty

Count 6, wire fraud: Guilty

Count 8, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments: Guilty

Count 11, engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity: Guilty

Count 20, securities fraud: Guilty

Count 21, securities fraud: Guilty

Count 22, unregistered securities broker: Guilty

READ MORE: Shocking revelations and testimony during Urestis fraud trial

Each wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine. The conspiracy to launder monetary charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each securities fraud charge and the unregistered securities broker count carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $5 million fine. Each of Urestis counts also is punishable by up to three years of federal supervision to be served after release from prison.

As to Gary Cain:

Count 3, conspiracy to commit wire fraud: Guilty

Count 8, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments: Guilty

Count 13, engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity: Guilty

Count 14, engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity: Guilty

Count 15, engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity: Guilty

Count 16, engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity: Guilty

Count 17, engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity: Guilty

Count 18, engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity: Guilty

Count 19: engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity: Guilty

The conspiracy to commit wire fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine. The money-laundering conspiracy charge and each count of engaging in monetary transactions related to unlawful activity is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each of Cains nine counts also carries a maximum of three years of post-prison federal supervision.

*Uresti, Cain and FourWinds CEO Stan Bates were indicted on 22 felony charges. Bates pleaded guilty to eight counts last month rather than stand trial.
FairfieldNodal, a seismic data acquisition firm based in Sugar Land, has subleased 46,720 square feet of space in Air Liquide Center at 9811 Katy Freeway for a Houston office in Memorial City. Jon Silberman, John Ferruzzo and Nick Peterson of NAI Partners represented FairfieldNodal. Air Liquide has another 12,854 square feet of space up for sublease in the building, NAI Partners said.

Poynter Commercial Properties Corp. announced leasing activity in Energy Center, a 14-story building at 11700 Katy Freeway owned by an affiliate of Franklin Street Properties Corp. The deals include: Enterprise Offshore Drilling, 12,629 square feet; Helm US Corp., 9,637 square feet; HIG Holdings, 7,832 square feet; Kimley-Horn and Associates, 5,282 square feet; and Hanwha Power Systems America, 4,635 square feet.

Dashiell Corp. has renewed and expanded its lease for a total of 79,308 square feet at 12301 Kurland Drive. Lucian Bukowski with CBRE represented the tenant. The building is owned by Mission Kurland Investors.

Star of Hope Mission has leased 6,300 square feet at 5921-5937 South Loop East. Lucian Bukowski with CBRE represented the tenant.

Houston-based Mosaic Residential has purchased The Club at Stablechase, a 148-unit apartment complex at 13504 Schroeder Road in the Champions area. The 90-percent-occupied property was built in 1999 and has one-, two- and three-bedroom units. CBRE's Matt Phillips and Clint Duncan represented the seller, CFH Investment Partners.

Dallas-based TIER REIT has reached a deal to sell its 575,000-square-foot Loop Central office complex near Loop 610 and Westpark. The deal is expected to close by the end of the quarter, TIER REIT said. The buyer was not disclosed.

Chicago-based Heitman has acquired four area buildings as part of a 17-building medical office portfolio spanning seven states. JLL represented the seller, Bentall Kennedy, on behalf of a state pension fund. The local buildings, occupied by Memorial Hermann, include Sugar Land Medical Plaza I and II, and Katy Medical Plaza I and II. Denver-based NexCore Group will manage and lease the properties.

Pride of Persia Rug Co. and Postmodern Traditions Contemporary Rugs are relocating to a 12,500-square-foot space in the Westport Business Park at 7050 Portwest Drive, Suite 140. Quasar Land owns the business park.

Choice Plumbers has purchased a century-old, 3,012-square-foot building at 11 E. Texas Ave., Baytown. Brennon Marsh of Claire Sinclair Properties handled the sale.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Texas has renewed a lease for 6,919 square feet at 2401 Fountain View for a 60-month term. Beau Bellow of JLL represented the tenant. Dylan Schopper and Jack Parsons with Finial Group represented the landlord, 2401 Fountain View Office Center, LLC.
Love the DIY meal kits from Blue Apron or HelloFresh but hate, you know, the actual cooking part of it? Then Dinner Elf is here to help.

The Austin-based meal preparation service staffs a legion of chefs who shop for ingredients then cook from a menu of nearly 80 items in your home. The best part? They even clean up afterwards  all for about the same price per meal as many meal kit services.

And lucky us, the business will start booking appointments in the San Antonio market  the first city outside Austin that Dinner Elf will serve  on March 1.

There are a lot of similarities in the way Austinites and San Antonians approach food. Theres an emphasis on health and wellness, but we both love our Tex-Mex., Dinner Elf co-owner Nicole Vickey said. We hope our expansion will not stop in San Antonio, and move on to Houston and Dallas and other locations across Texas.

Customers start the process by visiting the Dinner Elf website and selecting from a lineup of chefs. Each has been been subjected to both a culinary test and background checks, and users can leave ratings and reviews of their performance.

Once the chef is chosen, users schedule a desired time. Chefs can visit while customers are at the office and place finished meals in the refrigerator or freezer, or time preparation to have a hot plate at the dinner table.

The final step is to select from a menu of nearly 80 dishes with an additional rotating seasonal menu. The family-sized dishes are priced at roughly $10 to $14 per serving. Current offerings range from comfort food to more refined plates, including dishes such as pork fajita lettuce wraps, chicken tikka masala, beef pot pie and more.

Chefs arrive with the necessary ingredients, then cook and wash up. Dinner Elf has a Give Dinner option for gifting meals to friends or family members who may be struggling with a medical emergency, death or other event that might interfere with the ability to cook a hot meal.

To schedule a meal, visit dinnerelf.com. More at 512-277-5134 or Facebook: Dinner Elf.
It was a packed room at the Dayton Community Center when commissioners sat down to hear the suggestions and concerns from current developers in the county and a host of others who are considering investing.

Just last year, the number showing interest was about half of what filled the room at this meeting. It was further proof of the wave of growth coming to the county in the next decade and more.

"We've been working on this book of Revised Rules and Regulations for Subdivisions for quite awhile now and we want to be finished with this by this spring," said County Judge Jay Knight.

The first book dates back to 1976 and didn't receive an update until 2004. There have been numerous changes in the law and new construction materials introduced into the market since that time that need to be reflected in the revised book.

"With these we don't want to run roughshod over anyone," Knight told the developers and investors. "The main thing is that we communicate with one another," he encouraged them.

The revision has not been adopted, but it's close.

"We want to be fair but at the same time protect the interests of the county," Knight said.

The bulk of the work has been done by LJA Engineering firm in Beaumont and Toby Davis and Alan Sims were there to answer questions and listen to the concerns of the developers.

Derek Angel of Angel Brothers Enterprises, a heavy civil contractor and developer from Baytown.

"We have some concerns about the apples to apples on the pavement design, pavement thickness as it relates to traditional concrete pavement, asphalt pavement, and roller compacted concrete (RCC)," Angel said in the meeting.

Angel pointed out that with principle arterials, minor arterials, and major collectors there was a significant difference in the RCC and concrete especially if a bond breaker is required under the concrete.

"Even a lay person can see the tremendous cost variance between the different sections and the life cycle is not equal," he said.

Angel said his company does not use RCC, but mostlythe traditional concrete pavement.

"We just want to make sure that there's a level playing field for all interested parties," he argued.

He saw the numbers as a major cost advantage to RCC.

Cory Zollinger of Cemex, a cement supplier, said the county should be using the same models for RCC as conventional concrete and they should arrive at the same thickness as each other.

"In your specifications, you actually call for CRCP in your conventional concrete. CRCP is not utilized in local street and roads," he said.

Zollinger offered his help to the county leaders in setting standards.

Jan Prusinski with the Cement Council of Texas, who represents the cement manufacturers across the state and provide technical service and education to the building and development and state DOT community, offered some advice.

"According to the tables that I saw in here, the RCC thicknesses are pretty close to what you should have for the designs and parameters here. The conventional concrete thicknesses are way thicker than they should be and need to be looked at," he said.

Prusinski also said he thought the RCC designs will hit the traffic counts and types of loads that they have outlined in the new book.

He was also pleased that the county was requiring a stabilized sub-grade on all types of pavement and believes it will improve the resiliency of the road network.

Terry Reeves, a civil engineer with Jones and Carter was present representing Castle Hills.

"One of our clients will be using traditional concrete and with Kingland we're split between Harris, Montgomery and Liberty counties. The way this is written, this will make Liberty non-competitive," he said.

Reeves said it would make the process for them more expensive, particularly since they plan on curb and guttering their streets.

"I would like to see more sub-grade and less in the thickness of the concrete and you will actually get a better product," he said.

Knight pointed out that some of the issues is the soil is different throughout the county.

"Sometimes a one-size doesn't fit all with these things. We don't want to be called unfriendly to developers, but at the same time, we have to protect the county's interest," Knight said.

Knight agreed that many of the failures with roads in the past have been because of sub-grade.

Dennis Wilkerson with Encino Estates said they have concerns with some of the exorbitant costs.

"I look at what I've done out here, and the difference on my road costs, if I do a 99-lot subdivision vs. a 101-lot subdivision is about 50 percent based on this average daily traffic count and how we apply thicknesses of asphalt and flex base," he said.

"A standard subdivision road shouldn't be more than 8-inches of sub-base, 8-inches of base and 2-inches of pavement," he said.

Encino Estates at complete buildout will be 1,100 lots and currently has 393 lots ready to go.

One of his roads will be used excessively to hit FM 1008 and some outlets to SH 321 will also have heavy traffic usage.

Wilkerson is concerned that the specs are stricter than Montgomery and Harris County raising the cost of construction and making Liberty County less competitive in the market.

"We have to have some competitive advantage to keep them from going to Montgomery or Harris," he said, or they wouldn't be able to attract the builders here.

Outside of the technical aspects, Chris Patterson with RBI said the process for large-scale developments is onerous and the time involved also keeps Liberty County from being competitive with Harris and Montgomery.

"What developers want is fairness and predictability with some competitiveness too," he said.

"No one in this room is approaching this from a negative standpoint. Frankly, I'm glad to see you guys updating the code. I think it's important and I appreciate the delicate balancing act," Patterson said.

Commissioner Greg Arthur also said the county would look at setting a certain group of Geotech labs that developers could work with and solve additional issues.

The developers and all parties related were appreciative of the ability to sit down with county officials and help work out the information that would be included in the new development book.

"We would like to get this done once and for all as soon as possible, but not until it's ready," Knight said.
"An evangelical," historian George Marsden once said, is "anyone who likes Billy Graham."

Ironically, the death of Graham, a towering figure in 20th century American religion, revealed evangelicals' deep and bitter divisions - in this case over his legacy.

His passing on Wednesday seemed to highlight a question: How did a group so uniformly inspired by Graham appear to so deeply reject his nonpartisan viewpoint? How did American evangelicals come to be the most partisan of faith groups, and what role did Graham play?

Decades after Graham in 1981 expressed disgust at the possibility of a merger between the religious and political right, the term "evangelical" has for many become synonymous with right-wing politics.

Some experts said Graham, who was virtually absent from public life in the last 10 years due to Parkinson's, was the antithesis of today's climate. Others said he made it possible.

"I think he would be mortified by what's happened today," said Grant Wacker, who wrote a biography of Graham. "I think he would be in shock with how politicized the faith has become. He would look around and say, this is not what the gospel is about."

Graham, who preached at massive revivals around the world from the 1940s until 2005, was always present near American politics, yet tried not to be partisan. He visited the White House under every president from Harry S. Truman through George W. Bush. He was close with Democrats Lyndon B. Johnson and Bill Clinton, and Republicans Richard M. Nixon and George H.W. Bush.

Yet in 2011, when asked about his regrets, he said, "I also would have steered clear of politics."

"I'm grateful for the opportunities God gave me to minister to people in high places; people in power have spiritual and personal needs like everyone else, and often they have no one to talk to," Graham said at the time. "But looking back I know I sometimes crossed the line, and I wouldn't do that now."

The evangelical community that Graham leaves behind has gone in just the opposite direction, casting their lot decisively with the Republican Party. In the 2016 presidential election, 80 percent of white evangelicals voted for Trump.

Just as white evangelicals aligned themselves strongly with Trump, the president has tied himself to them. Instead of the multifaith groups that have advised prior presidents, Trump has only a panel of informally organized evangelical advisers - pastors who regularly defend his policies and his personal character on TV news.

At his inauguration, Trump had a prayer by Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son who now leads his ministry.

Graham's five children have all gone into ministry in some way, as have many of his grandchildren. The family's theological and political stances range fairly widely; at least two grandchildren have entirely rejected the label "evangelical" their grandfather shaped, precisely because they feel the word is now too associated with Republican politics.

But it is Franklin Graham who leads his father's ministry, and most often claims his imprimatur.

Franklin Graham had a dire view of Barack Obama and embraced the idea of Trump running for president as early as 2011 in an interview with Christiane Amanpour in which the second-generation evangelist shared Trump's "birther" views, saying Obama should produce his birth certificate.

Bill Martin, a professor emeritus at Rice University who wrote a biography of Graham, saw a sharp divergence from the elder Graham. "It was always hard for Billy not to like people. Franklin was always willing to draw lines," Martin said. "His father was willing to erase or blur lines and widen the scope of people he was willing to associate with. I doubt he would've expressed plainly that he disliked Trump. He was polarizing for liking Nixon; Nixon was one of his closest associates. Billy always thought the best of people."

Others saw Billy Graham as one of the authors of the current story, if an unwitting one.

Anthea Butler, associate professor of religious studies and Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, argued that though Graham was openly nonpartisan, he "laid the groundwork for Trump and evangelicals today." Graham wound himself into political life and advanced the idea that America has a unique Christian purpose. To see Franklin Graham use his stature to bless Donald Trump, Butler said, shows the natural end point of Billy Graham's politicking.

She pointed out Billy Graham held racially integrated rallies during his hugely popular evangelistic crusades - which were barrier-breaking at the time - but also worked with racist Southern leaders.

"It's this accommodationist perspective that I'm talking about. Everyone will say he's a great man, and I don't discount that, but he is embedded in a particular project about America, from his anti-Communist work to the last president he was photographed with," she said, noting a 2013 image of Graham's 95th birthday party with Trump, Sarah Palin and Rupert Murdoch. "His project is about preaching the message of Jesus Christ with a uniquely American spin that promotes America and makes us look like a Christian nation - period."

Butler, among others, noted Graham's recent activities may have been steered by his son Franklin. The elder Graham, suffering from Parkinson's disease, was not available for interviews in recent years, so it was impossible to know.

On Wednesday Ron Kampeas, the Washington bureau chief of the Jewish wire service JTA, tweeted that in 2000, he called the evangelist to learn if Graham would pray at the inauguration of Al Gore or George W. Bush, depending who won the election. Graham's spokesperson said Graham "would be pleased" to pray at either inaugural.

The next day, Kampeas tweeted, the spokesman "called in a panic," saying Graham would only pray for Bush. "It was clear to me then Franklin was taking over," Kampeas said. He thought Billy Graham would have been "happy with either," but Franklin was turning his father's ministry in a new direction that Kampeas characterized as "full GOP."

Conservatives say Franklin Graham's political prominence is appropriate, and rightly reflects Billy Graham's legacy.

"I think Franklin is certainly carrying the mantle of his dad in a very positive way. I think Franklin had a better idea of what his dad would do than anybody," said Robert Jeffress, a Texas megachurch pastor who is among Trump's informal evangelical advisers.

Jeffress quoted Franklin Graham to argue that the elder Graham would likely not have condemned Trump for his crass statements or his personal moral failings, like marital affairs.

"I think Franklin has said it well. Many of us have said it. We support candidates based on their policies, not on their personal piety," he said. That's what Billy Graham would have done, Jeffress said. "Just as the Bible says Jesus was a friend of sinners, Billy Graham was a friend of sinners. He was a friend of all presidents. We're talking about John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, or anyone else in between."

Others dispute whether Franklin speaks for his father, even within the Graham family. Jerusha Armfield, one of Graham's grandchildren who has been an outspoken critic of Trump and of evangelicals who support him, said that her uncle Franklin does not share the views of her late grandfather.

"Franklin Graham, at some point my fear was that he would be speaking for my grandfather. People know my grandfather's message. They don't think that all of a sudden his message has taken a sharp right turn," Armfield said.

Richard Mouw, the former president of the evangelical Fuller Theological Seminary, said he believed Billy Graham's caution about partisanship arose from his experience with Nixon. Graham was very close with the president, then harshly criticized for it once the Watergate scandal unfolded, and again later when tapes from Nixon's White House revealed Graham participating in an anti-Semitic conversation with the president.

"I think Billy Graham would warn evangelicals against getting too cozy with any political candidate out of his own experience of having been taken in by Nixon. Billy Graham would be concerned by how evangelicals have cast their lot with Donald Trump," Mouw said. " He had a clear sense of where the dangers were in political ties . . .. I think he'd be very disturbed right now by what's happening in evangelicalism."

Evangelicalism was a poorly understood movement when Graham entered ministry in the 1940s. He helped define the core tenets of evangelical Christianity, and he preached them again and again - personal salvation through Jesus Christ, the inerrancy of the Bible, the importance of sharing the good news far and wide. In his simple, straightforward, captivating sermons, he brought evangelicalism to the masses.

"He was a unifying symbol. He was able to transcend so many different theological tribes and personal squabbles. People who could not get along with one another at all both loved Billy Graham," said Russell Moore, the president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.

"Billy Graham brought unity to evangelicalism through his own influence and integrity," Moore said. In many ways, he said, the elusive unity that seems to have been lost today, was lost with Billy Graham.
NEW DELHI -- The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi said Thursday that its staff did not advise or assist Donald Trump Jr. on a foreign policy address he is set to give Friday while on a private business trip to India, other than to provide routine support to his Secret Service detail.

The embassy was responding to a letter released Wednesday by Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., to the U.S. ambassador in India raising concerns about the embassy's engagement with Trump, who is in India for the week to promote various Trump real estate projects around the country.

The president's eldest son is set to give a foreign policy speech at a global business summit in New Delhi on Friday titled "Reshaping Indo-Pacific Ties: The New Era of Cooperation" alongside India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, and other high-ranking Indian government officials.

"I am concerned that Mr. Trump's speech will send the mistaken message that he is speaking on behalf of the president, the administration or the United States government, not as a private individual, or that he is communicating official American policy," Menendez, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wrote.

"Given the potential to confuse Mr. Trump's private business visit with having an official governmental purpose, I write to ensure that the U.S. Embassy presence in India will have no role in supporting Mr. Trump or the Trump Organization during his time in India, other than that necessary to provide any security support for the U.S. Secret Service," Menendez wrote.

A spokesman for U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Juster said that Trump is visiting the country as a "private citizen" and that the embassy had only provided routine support for his Secret Service detail, such as booking hotel rooms.

Juster is in the process of replying to the letter from Menendez, who had asked a series of questions including whether embassy staff had briefed or assisted Trump, what steps the embassy had taken to make it clear that Trump is not speaking on behalf of the government and whether the State Department or Bureau of Diplomatic Security had spent any funds on Trump's trip.

State Department spokesman Heather Nauert said Tuesday that Trump was in India as a "private citizen" and that she was not familiar with what was going to be in the speech or how it was put together.

The president's eldest son, 40, is executive vice president of the Trump Organization, the global family real estate business that President Trump still controls. The company has licensed its name to five real estate projects in India, including residential towers in Pune, Mumbai, Gurgaon and Kolkata and a proposed office tower also in Gurgaon, a suburb of India's capital also known as Gurugram. Some of the Trump Organization's local business partners have ties to prominent politicians and have been subject to tax and other investigations.

Unlike his sister and brother-in-law, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump Jr. has no official role in the administration, although he attended a meeting with a group of Russians at Trump Tower during the 2016 presidential campaign that is the subject of law enforcement and congressional scrutiny.

He has been spending the week in a variety of private lunches and dinners with potential buyers and local business leaders as well as enticing buyers to purchase residences in the latest Trump Towers project in Gurgaon, where luxury flats sell for as much as $1.6 million. Full-page glossy advertisements urged buyers paying a booking fee of about $38,000 by Thursday to "join Mr. Donald Trump Jr. for a conversation and dinner" on Friday.

The buyers' dinner has raised conflict-of-interest concerns and charges by watchdog groups. Menendez asked whether the embassy will have any role in this event.

The Trump Organization did not immediately respond to emails and calls requesting comment, but Trump said in a televised interview at the CNBC affiliate in India that his family had not been given enough credit for the business they have lost because of self-imposed restrictions to avoid such perceptions of conflicts of interest.

"It's sort of a shame. Because we put on all these impositions on ourselves and essentially got no credit for actually doing that," Trump said in the interview. "For doing the right thing," he added.
Robin Mainer was a longtime commissioned salesperson for an insurance company. But by the time she turned 51, those commissions had dried up. She needed to figure out what, as she says, she wanted to do when she grew up. Mainer and her friend and co-worker Kimera Shepler decided to think hard on it and come back with a plan.

I went home and prayed about it, Mainer says. I said, I want a clear direction. Ill do whatever you want, but I need a direction.

Related: How to Succeed as a Female Leader Anywhere In the World

The next day, she went to get her oil changed -- not expecting it to be part of that new direction. And for a while, it wasnt. The man who checked her in took her keys and told her to sit down next to two other women in the waiting area. As they waited, a male customer came in, greeted the same man at the front desk and told him he was in a big hurry.

The employee asked the gentleman, What kind of oil do you want? Do you need wiper blades? All this other stuff, Mainer recalls. I asked the other ladies, Did he ask you those questions? They said, He said the same thing to us that he said to you.

Mainer confronted the man. You asked that male customer all those questions, and you didnt ask us any, she said.

The man replied, I didnt want to have to explain it all to you.

There was an audible gasp from the women in the waiting area. Oh, no, he didnt, said one. Then they all pounced on the hapless employee.

Mainer and her two sisters in outrage ended up getting their oil changed and their tires rotated for free that day. And Mainer got her direction after all. Her brother, who was in the auto industry, suggested a couple of days later that Mainer and Shepler buy an Honest-1 Auto Care. It pitches itself as a female-friendly auto care franchise, with child play areas, baby changing facilities, HDTVs, complimentary beverages and other family-friendly amenities. Before her brother could even finish explaining, she was already halfway to yes.

There are a lot of women like Mainer and Shepler in franchising these days. The numbers tell a story of rapid change: Between 2011 and 2017, female franchise ownership jumped by 83 percent, while male ownership increased by only 13 percent. Thats according to FranNet, a company that matches individuals with franchise opportunities. (And yes, FranNet franchises, too.) Today, FranNet says, 26 percent of its placements are women, compared with 18 percent in 2011.

The International Franchise Association is seeing a similar shift. Women owned 27 percent of franchise locations in 2017, it says, compared with 20.5 percent in 2007.

The franchising world is eager to understand whats behind the trend so that the industry can help speed it along even further. But the answer isnt a simple one -- in part because women come to franchising for so many reasons.

Many are attracted to franchising for the same reasons that men are. They like the ability to join a company that already has a successful track record. They like the fact that franchises come with a set of established operating procedures, vendors, HR policies and other operational details that, if not done right, can be the death of the go-it-alone entrepreneur. But some experts speculate that these qualities are especially attractive to women. Theres a stereotype that women are risk-averse, but psychologists have actually found that women are just as risk-taking as men -- but they tend to prioritize risk mitigation more than men do. Why take a risk on HR when you can take a risk on something else more important instead?

Related: The 3 Biggest Lessons in Franchising, According to the Industry's Top Podcasters

Other women see franchising as a particularly family-friendly kind of business. Shelly Sun, chair of the International Franchising Association and founder and CEO of franchisor Brightstar Group Holdings, which provides home and healthcare staffing services, hears that a lot from female franchisees. They felt they were losing out on opportunities at work because they were trying to care for parents and children. Not that they werent willing to work, but they couldnt do a straight 9-to-5, she says. It was very difficult to not face a significant glass ceiling if you werent willing to put your family to the side.

FranNet consultant and author Leslie Kuban says she hears similar things, particularly from women who come to her for help finding a good franchise opportunity. She credits social change for driving them through the door. In the past, she says, women and men were expected to have different career paths. This generation of women has been brought up with this unspoken expectation of equality, she says. That may mean they want to run a business.

Smoothie King franchisee Tonya Brigham, 47, from Bowie, Md., fits a slightly different mold. While she built a thriving career, she wished for one that worked better with her family life. Brigham was an events and meeting producer for large associations in the Washington, D.C., area, which involved a lot of travel. One night my 18-month-old woke up with a fever, and I had to do a cross-country trip the next day, she says. I had to be on a flight at 9 a.m. I cried all the way across the country.

Seven years later, she finally quit that job and was a stay-at-home mom for three years before looking for her next professional challenge. Smoothie King held the promise of work-life balance -- although, she admits, it took a little while to really kick in. In the beginning, there were 16-hour days, she recalls. Some nights, her kids would do homework and nap in the back room while she worked. But now Im three miles away from home, not 3,000 miles away. All day long, Im swapping between businesswoman and Mommy. Its just a much better quality of life.

Related: Franchising Helped These Women Find Work-Life Balance for Themselves and Other Moms

Its not all good news. Women still represent just over a quarter of total franchise ownership. Many say they were driven to it by bad experiences in the general workforce -- or, like Mainer, encountering sexism as a consumer. And once women get into franchising, they very frequently come up against a barrier: difficulty securing loans.

This problem was referenced by every single woman interviewed for this story. Banks, they say, still make it tough for females on the whole to build businesses as large as those of their male counterparts. For Mainer, the problem emerged before she had met with Honest-1 executives to discuss buying a franchise. One bank officer told us that little boys grow up in a garage and little girls dont, Mainer recalls. When I asked if he wasnt loaning me money because I was a woman, he said yes.

Mainer was fortunate; the female-friendly Honest-1 was well-equipped to handle the problem. Honest-1 corporate stepped in to help them secure funding from a bank that had loaned money to other Honest-1 franchisees, and Mainer and her friend opened their first facility in Lewisville, Tex., in January 2017. The company told them to expect to make $750,000 in revenues in their first year; they did $1.3 million. Theyre already making plans to open more locations.

And that bank that turned them down because they were women?

Theyve already called us asking about being part of location number two, says Mainer.

Its hard to know exactly how this problem gets resolved, or how often it stymies potential female franchisees. But this much is clear: Even when women get funding, they receive smaller loans for their franchises than men do, says Bill Manger, associate administrator for the office of capital access at the Small Business Association. But that may not be the whole story, he cautions. Its possible that women may have historically opened businesses that dont require as much capital as those opened by men, he says.

Its a kind of chicken-and-egg situation -- are small loans causing women to open low-capital franchises, or do women gravitate toward such franchises because they know its easier for them to get smaller loans?

That issue seems to be resolving itself as more women become franchisees, albeit slowly. The average SBA loan given to a female franchisee acting as the sole owner has risen from an average size of $463,944 in 2013 to $568,475 in 2017, an increase of roughly 22.5 percent. For male franchisees, over the same period, that number has gone from $689,387 to $729,093, a 5.76 percent increase. In other words, the women are catching up with the men.

Of course, not every female franchisees story contains an element of work-life balance, sexual harassment or glass ceilings. Sometimes its simply the power of the brand. Cassidi Brown, a 26-year-old Forney, Tex., resident and married mother of two, is about to open her first Coolgreens franchise, a fast-casual chain restaurant featuring fresh ingredients. Why? Because she has just always wanted to own a Coolgreens.

She fell in love with the concept the first time she visited one. But the company wasnt franchising, so she set out to start her own restaurant. I tried to build my own similar concept from the ground up, she says. Everything I did, I was comparing it to Coolgreens. In mid-2017, the day she was planning to file the paperwork to start her company, her best friend called and told her that Coolgreens just announced it was going to start franchising. She stopped what she was doing and reached out to her beloved brand.

But no matter why women enter the industry, the rate that theyre entering is raising an especially intriguing question: How will franchising be different as the genders even out?

As it turns out, we dont need to wait for an answer; many industry vets say theyre already seeing a difference. Gigi Schweikert, president and COO of Lightbridge Academy, an early-childhood-education daycare franchise, says that women owners change the way a franchisor needs to do business. Women, she says, tend to be more collaborative and will share ideas more freely than male owners typically will. Franchisors need to be able to accommodate that style.

Theyll also need to be ready with answers. One thing thats refreshing with the amount of women we have as franchisees is that theyre not afraid to pick up the phone and say, How do we do this? Schweikert says. Were able to smoke out a lot of potential problems because they ask a lot of questions.

Related: Grants and Loans for Women-Owned Businesses

Courtney Sinelli, executive vice president of Which Wich Superior Sandwiches (co-founded with her husband, Jeff Sinelli), has noticed another plus. Female franchisees look at their businesses from various angles, rather than just being driven by one aspect of the business, like profit, she says. Theyre good at looking at how a particular issue affects the brand from, say, a PR and marketing perspective. They look at how decisions affect all areas of their business. That is a huge positive for owners.

In fact, says Sun from the IFA, its a huge positive for all.

In my perspective, I think women tend to be better managers, leaders and inspirers of talent, says Sun. Every business needs employees to scale. In a small-business environment where it feels like family, women tend to create that dynamic to get the most of their people. They make them feel cared for. People root for that leader, including her employees.

Brigham, the Smoothie King franchisee, says she feels that all the time. The people I hire are from my community, she says. I love it when my employees tell me theyve never had a boss make them feel so important. Though if trends continue, there may indeed be many more bosses like her.

Related:

More Women Are Entering Franchising -- and It's Changing the Industry

To Compete Against Other Salons, Sports Clips Made It Easier for Franchisees to Run Their Businesses

The 7 Cheapest Franchises on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 List



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


PARIS - Naoki Urasawa is known as the creator of "Nijusseiki Shonen" (20th Century Boys), among other hit manga. His works are very popular in France and, through an exhibition at the Paris city hall, are gaining a higher profile in the capital.

Opening on Feb. 13 at Hotel de Ville de Paris, "L'Art de Naoki Urasawa" (The Art of Naoki Urasawa) is a rare example of a Japanese manga artist being featured at a major exhibition in Paris. The show comes after his first major exhibition was held two years ago in Tokyo and subsequently in Osaka.

"I hope this event will serve as a breakthrough for Japanese manga to become better known [abroad]," the 58-year-old artist said during his visit to the venue.

On display at the exhibition are original drawings from his major works - such as "Monster," a mystery about a morally monstrous man and a Japanese surgeon who pursues him through Europe, and the judo story "Yawara!" in addition to "Nijusseiki Shonen" - as well as his notes on story ideas and notebooks in which he drew manga as a young boy.

"I want to show my originals not in frames, but in the proper way for manga - that is, two facing pages displayed side by side," Urasawa said.

The French media described the artist as a "master of suspense manga" when introducing the exhibition. Urasawa said he likes bande dessinee, or French graphic novels, and has been inspired by this artform.

"This may sound odd, but when I see a drawing I like, I feel like I've met a friend," Urasawa said. "I suppose French readers also have a similar, intimate feeling toward my works."

When it comes to the way to perceive manga, Urasawa said there is a difference between him as an artist and his readers.

"To me, manga is something that starts with a piece of white paper and then comes into being," he said. "To readers, on the other hand, it is something that has already been printed. The original drawings are larger than the printed manga and bear multiple erasure marks and fingerprints.

"I hope French visitors to this exhibition will take a first-hand look at how manga is created and what nuances I put on the paper."

During his latest visit to France, Urasawa met with local fans, through whom he found that French people also want manga for adult readers, just like Japanese people.

"Many older people came up to me, saying that reading my manga helped them discover that there are works out there catering to grown-ups, and therefore they started reading many Japanese works in this genre," he said.

It has been 35 years since Urasawa made his professional debut. In recent years, he has expanded his activities, such as by appearing on TV.

"I was always hoping that people would gain a deeper understanding of manga," he said. "However, it doesn't mean that I was able to work toward this goal from the beginning.

"For manga artists, our works are kind of like business cards, without which no one will listen to you," he continued. "I've been lucky enough to make some hit manga. I feel like it took me 20 years just to create manga that could serve as my business cards."

At a time when manga is enjoyed online, Urasawa has not allowed his works to be digitally published.

"I think you should read manga on paper," he said. "I don't know if my stance is right or not, but I love manga and am always thinking about the best way for it to be presented to readers."

The artist has been drawing manga since he was 5. These days, he works on 130 pages a month, but he has never felt his creative desire fade.

"If I can draw good pictures that are interesting, there's nothing more to say," he said. "I just want to get better and keep on doing what I like. For me, there won't be a retirement [from drawing manga] because I do it just for fun."

---

"L'Art de Naoki Urasawa" runs until March 31 at Hotel de Ville de Paris. The exhibition will also be held at the Yamaguchi Prefectural Art Museum in Yamaguchi from April 20.
Ever wonder whats under your house?

Maryvilles next Discovery Series Sunday program will help you find out as it welcomes nationally recognized mine subsidence authority Bob Gibson at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The event will take place in the Maryville Community Center, 500 East Division St. and is free to attend.

Registration is requested, but not required, and may be done by calling 772-8555 and leaving a message regarding the number of attendees.

Gibson is the Supervisor of the Emergency Section of the Abandoned Mines Land Reclamation Division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

He will give an overview of historical coal mining techniques and locations of mine shafts and tunnels - of which there are many in the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon/Maryville area.

Gibson will also discuss how homeowners can check to see if their property is located over a mine and mine subsidence and services available should a problem arise.

Maryville Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Sharon Petty said Gibson has been well received in past speaking engagements and his information will certainly be relevant to Maryville residents.

He drew a large crowd last year at Edwardsville, Petty said. And yes we are undermined, part of the Donk Brothers Mines. One of the old railroad loading dock foundations can still be seen near the MCT bike trail and East Main to the Winery.

The Discovery Series, as in years past, has drawn well again this year.

We had about 70 at the international foods, 30 at the scams and 30 yesterday (Feb. 18) with Ken Wheat and pruning. Hoping for a bunch this next Sunday, Petty said.

Gibsons appearance will be the finale of this years series, but Petty said she is already looking toward 2019.

And yes, we are already thinking  we take all ideas and contacts. As a matter of fact I made a sheet to hand out to those in attendance to get new ideas and/or contacts and they did have a couple of ideas, Petty said.

But before the next Discovery Series Sundays are planned, the park and rec committee has plenty of other events in the works including The Best of Maryville art and photography show, scheduled March 25.

Petty said she is ready to dive in on that.

Next Monday Ill put all my efforts into the art show. Ive already sent out a letter and flyer to all the local grade and high schools and art teachers. Next Monday Ill start to prod them a little, she said.

For more information on upcoming programs in Maryville, visit www.vil.maryville.il.us.
SACRAMENTO  Under the threat of becoming the first lawmaker to be expelled from the state Senate in more than 100 years, Sen. Tony Mendoza resigned Thursday after a Senate investigation found that he had engaged in unwanted sexual advances toward subordinate female staffers over the past 12 years.

In a letter to his fellow senators, Mendoza said he stepped down because he refused to participate in the farcical investigation pushed by his former roommate Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles. He accused de Leon, whos challenging U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein in the November election, of seeking his removal to score political points with the #MeToo movement.

Mendoza, a Democrat from Artesia (Los Angeles County), is the third legislator to resign in three months following accusations of sexual harassment.

The former elementary school teacher had been on paid leave since Jan. 3 during a sexual harassment investigation that found he more likely than not engaged in unwanted sexual advances toward subordinate female staffers over the past 12 years. His resignation takes effect immediately.

Its my duty as president of this body to say that we owe every employee that basic guarantee that we as an institution will not tolerate harassment nor sweep it under the rug when it is discovered, de Leon said from the Senate floor.

Mendoza said in his resignation letter that he is still considering running for re-election this year and that he will pursue a lawsuit he filed this week against the Senate alleging he was cast away as a political sacrifice for de Leon.

Mendozas resignation took many lawmakers by surprise after he had spent months fighting allegations and said he planned to address his colleagues Thursday in the state Capitol ahead of a vote on whether to discipline him. Lawmakers were also considering suspending Mendoza for the remainder of his term without pay, a move many Republicans preferred.

It is clear that Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon will not rest until he has my head on a platter to convince the MeToo movement of his sincerity in supporting the MeToo cause, Mendoza wrote in the letter.

De Leon authored a resolution to expel Mendoza, but after four hours of private discussions, the measure had not been taken up in the Senate. It did not appear to have the two-thirds majority votes needed to pass.

The last time the Legislature expelled a member was Feb. 27, 1905, when four senators  Harry Bunkers of San Francisco, Frank French of San Francisco, Eli Wright of San Jose and E.J. Emmons of Bakersfield  were removed from office after they were criminally charged with accepting bribes.

In 2014, state Sens. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, and Ron Calderon, D-Montebello (Los Angeles County), were suspended with pay after being indicted on separate federal corruption charges that ultimately led to convictions after their terms ended. State Sen. Rod Wright, D-Inglewood (Los Angeles County), had already been convicted of felony perjury when he was suspended with pay. Wright resigned after he was sentenced to three months in jail.

The Democratic majority didnt want to expel those guys, said Sen. Mike Morrell, R-Rancho Cucamonga (San Bernardino). Im still trying to process this. Im trying to figure out where the Democrats are coming from on this.

After copies of Mendozas resignation letter were handed out to senators on the floor, the mood noticeably lightened. Many lawmakers said they were unsure how they would vote on the precedent-setting expulsion.

A summary of the investigation made public Tuesday found that Mendoza, who is married, more likely than not engaged in unwanted and unwelcome sexual advances toward legislative staffers, fellows, an intern and a lobbyist. That behavior extended from his time as an assemblyman from 2006 to 2012 and as a senator from 2014 to 2017.

Mendoza is among five California lawmakers who have faced accusations of sexual misconduct since the #MeToo movement prompted people to expose sexual harassment and abuse. Mendoza was among 14 lawmakers or legislative workers in California who were or are under investigation for sexual harassment.

Two lawmakers  Assemblymen Raul Bocanegra, D-San Fernando Valley, and Matthew Dababneh, D-Encino (Los Angeles County)  resigned late last year after facing allegations of sexual misconduct. They denied wrongdoing.

Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, D-Bell Gardens (Los Angeles County), is on a voluntary unpaid leave from the Assembly after she was accused this month of groping a man in 2014. A former legislative staffer accused her of firing him after he refused to play spin-the-bottle with her in 2014, according to a complaint filed Saturday with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. Garcia denies wrongdoing.

Accusations against Mendoza from two women alleging unwanted sexual advances were first reported in the Sacramento Bee in November. De Leon moved out of the home he shared with Mendoza immediately after but was criticized for not taking swift action against Mendoza.

When a third woman came forward in November accusing Mendoza of misconduct, de Leon stripped him of his coveted committee post. In December, de Leon urged Mendoza to take a leave of absence after the Senate hired the law firms of Gibson Dunn & Crutcher and Van Dermyden Maddux to investigate the allegations.

In January, under pressure from de Leon, Mendoza took a paid leave, which lawmakers extended against Mendozas wishes.

Mendoza filed a lawsuit against the Senate in Sacramento Superior Court this month, saying that forced suspension violated his constitutional rights to due process. On Thursday, Mendoza said he plans to pursue that lawsuit, alleging that the Senate singled him out despite other lawmakers facing sexual harassment investigations.

An investigation into allegations of unwanted hugging and touching by Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Los Angeles, is completed. Its unclear whether the results will be released publicly. Mendoza questioned why Hertzberg was not asked to take a leave during the investigation.

The Mendoza mess has brought to light all of the flaws of our sexual harassment policies, but hopefully will lead us to some resolution, said Sen. Andy Vidak, R-Hanford (Kings County).
Two weeks after President Donald Trump nominated Florida businessman Leandro Rizzuto Jr. to be ambassador to Barbados, Rizzuto pledged thousands of dollars to fund a gala at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club, the gala's organizer said.

Rizzuto and his wife, Denise, have committed to be "underwriters" for next year's Trumpettes USA gala at the club in Palm Beach, Florida, according to Toni Holt Kramer, the founder of the Trumpettes.

The Trumpettes are a group of Palm Beach-based socialites and Trump supporters whose galas aren't intended to raise money for charity - instead, most or all of the money they bring in goes to pay Trump's club.

Kramer said the Rizzutos had pledged to support the 2019 gala at the "presidential" level - the most expensive kind of sponsorship. The less-expensive kinds are "vice presidential" and "five-star general."

Kramer wouldn't say how much money, exactly, the Rizzutos had pledged: "They have already committed to a number. But . . . I don't want to say it without their permission." But she saida "presidential" level of support would likely involve "upwards of probably $15,000 or $20,000 or $25,000."

Kramer said Rizzuto made that commitment around Jan. 18, the date of the first-ever Trumpettes gala.

That was two weeks after Trump nominated Rizzuto to be ambassador to Barbados, as well as to several other small Caribbean nations.

The White House did not respond to questions about whether Rizzuto had discussed this pledge with Trump.

Rizzuto is a former top executive at Conair, the beauty-product and home-appliance business founded by his father. The government said he has stepped down from day-to-day management of the company.

Rizzuto did not respond to emails seeking comment. When The Washington Post called, a Conair staffer declined to comment on Rizzuto's behalf.

"He told me he can't talk to any reporters prior to going to the Senate," said Roxanne DeCarlo, executive accounting manager at Conair.

Kramer said she wants to keep the gala's ticket prices low, at least by Palm Beach's standards: This year, they were $300 each.

But at those prices, she said, the revenue from tickets alone won't cover the cost of a massive gala at Trump's club. In the past, other events at that club have cost $275,000 or more.

That, Kramer said, means she must find additional revenue from big-ticket donors. She calls these donors "underwriters," and she's already trying to find them for the 2019 gala.

In January, she asked Rizzuto's wife - a longtime friend - whether she'd be one.

"She talked to her husband, and they said - within a day or two - they said, yes, they would underwrite," Kramer said. "They're big fans of the president. They're huge fans."

Kramer dismissed the idea that Rizzuto's pledge might have been related to his nomination as ambassador.

"Oh, God, no," she said, noting that Rizzuto and his wife were longtime friends of hers. "They're not doing it because they want to be in good graces with the president. They're doing it because they want this country to run right." The Trumpettes, in addition to putting on the party, urge attendees to support the president politically.

The Trumpettes are organized as a nonprofit in Florida but have not obtained recognition as a charity by the IRS.

After Rizzuto's nomination, CNN reported that he had used Twitter to spread unfounded attacks and conspiracy theories about Trump's political opponents during the 2016 campaign.

Rizzuto must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. At the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which would consider his nomination first, a committee staffer said that Rizzuto's first hearing had not yet been scheduled. And that Rizzuto had not completed the required paperwork.

- - -

The Washington Post's Lori Rozsa contributed to this report.
JERUSALEM - When students, parents and teachers pleaded with President Donald Trump this week to act against school shootings, they cited Israel, a place where guns are a familiar sight but where school shootings are virtually unheard of.

During a meeting at the White House on Wednesday, one parent correctly noted, for instance, that it is difficult for outsiders to enter an Israeli school. Most schools maintain only one unlocked entrance that is typically staffed by an armed guard.

But the schools have escaped American-style violence in large part because of measures to confront Israel's unique security challenge - and not because of efforts to deter troubled youths and lone madmen.

"The guards are there for other reasons, mainly terrorism," said Amos Shavit, spokesman for the Ministry of Education. He said the guards stationed at schools are under the authority of the police. In large cities, he said, the police and the local authority carry out security patrols around the educational institutions throughout the school day.

There are no metal detectors or special door locks on classrooms. And, by policy, teachers are not armed.

"Professionals deal with the security," Shavit said. "Not the teachers."

Israeli security experts also say that gun violence is rare in Israel because privately held guns are so rare. According to data from Israel's Ministry of Internal Security, which registers all gun owners, about 260,000 Israelis, or about 3.5 percent of the population, have permits to carry firearms. Half of the permit holders are private citizens, and the others work for security firms.

At the White House meeting, Cary Gruber, whose son hid in a closet during last week's shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, correctly pointed out that Israel has tight age restrictions on private gun ownership. According to an Israeli government website, civilians must be over 27 years old to obtain a gun licenses, although those recently released from military service are also eligible. Israelis serve in the military from age 18 to 21.

Simon Perry, a criminologist at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, said there is little opportunity in Israel for someone to carry out a gun attack inside a school. While security guards keep an eye on all those entering schools, Perry said, they do not check students' bags - mainly because gun culture in Israel is different.

"Most people in Israel go to the military. Even if they are not combat soldiers, they are given some weapons training. They are taught how to handle a weapon and how to respect a weapon," Perry said. And, he said, "it is very, very hard to obtain a weapon in Israel."

To outsiders, Israel can seem like a heavily armed country. That is in large part because soldiers are a frequent sight on the streets and combat troops, as well as those who serve in what are termed combat areas, carry their weapons with them at all times.

But once an Israeli finishes military service, it becomes difficult to obtain a gun.

Applicants must submit extensive paperwork, provide their military records and medical reports. They also must justify their need to be armed. Residents of Tel Aviv, for example, are unlikely to receive gun licenses, whereas Israelis living in border areas or in the Jewish settlements in the West Bank, places where they could be targets for Palestinian militants, are more likely to be approved for gun licenses.

In addition, retired army officers above a certain rank, former police officers, firefighters, ambulance technicians, special forces veterans and licensed public transportation drivers can also qualify for permits.

The requirements after permits are approved also are strict. Owners are subjected to an array of restrictions on the types of guns they can own, on the amount of ammunition they can possess, as well as guidelines on where to keep their guns - in locked safes - and a process of checking weapons in with police if leaving the country for more than a week.

Janet Rosenbaum, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health at the State University of New York Downstate in Brooklyn, examined the difference in homicide rates between Israel and the United States. Writing in the New York Post, she said her research showed that Israel ranks 81st in the world for per capita firearm ownership, with fewer than 1 in 10 Israelis owning firearms. The United States, with one firearm for every person, ranks first.
Four incumbent Alamo Colleges trustees are running for re-election May 5, and all face challengers in a crowded ballot of 10 candidates.

Trustees serve six-year terms on the board, which governs a district of five community colleges.

The race in District 9, stretching northeast from Tobin Hill north of downtown to suburban cities around Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, is a special election to fill the unexpired term of James Rindfuss, who died in August. Trustees in November appointed Joe Jesse Sanchez, 70, retired administrator of the Bexar County Juvenile Justice Academy, to the seat. Sanchez is running to finish out the term, which expires in 2020. He faces a challenge from Felix M. Grieder, 64, a process engineer for USAA.

In District 5, incumbent Roberto Zarate, 69, the retired principal of Mary Hull Elementary School in the Northside Independent School District, faces two challengers. They are James Hernandez, 25, a case manager for Roy Maas Youth Alternatives and Ramiro Nava, 44, Somerset ISDs executive director of support services. District 5 stretches from west of downtown to a section of the far West Side along Loop 1604.

District 6 incumbent Gene Sprague, 72, a radiology and pharmacology professor at UT Health San Antonio, also drew two challengers. One is Jacob Andrew Wong, 39, an employment specialist for the Alamo Colleges and a former student trustee on the board. If Wong is elected, he would need to resign his job with the Alamo Colleges, according to board policy. David Flores Lopez, 65, who listed his occupation as executive publisher representative and did not return a message Thursday seeking clarification, is also running. The district encompasses part of the Northwest Side, including a large swath outside Loop 1604 up to the Bexar County line.

In District 7, board Chairwoman Yvonne Katz, 74, is running for re-election. A former superintendent of school districts that include Harlandale ISD, she listed her occupation as consultant and did not return a message Thursday seeking clarification. She is challenged by David W. Fischer, 80, a retired university professor who most recently taught at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California in Mexico. District 7 includes parts of the North and Northwest sides.

The past six years have been tumultuous for the incumbent trustees. They took some heat for their support of Chancellor Bruce Leslie, seen by some as a polarizing figure for driving major changes to standardize counseling and curriculum across the five colleges and implement new degree plans that eliminated majors from student records. After Leslie announced he would retire in September 2018, the board won praise for selecting Mike Flores, president of Palo Alto College, to succeed him.

Early voting begins April 23.
3 1 of 3 Ron Cortes / Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Edward A. Ornelas /San Antonio Express-News Show More Show Less 3 of 3





Two longtime trustees for the North East Independent School District have decided not to seek re-election, withdrawing their candidacies soon after meeting the filing deadline.

Brigitte Perkins and Edd White, who have served as NEISD trustees for 20 and 22 years, respectively, withdrew Monday from the May 5 school board elections. Their opponents, Sandy Winkley in District 7 and Terri Williams in District 2, now are uncontested.
HUNTSVILLE - Kent Whitaker was praying when he got the news: The governor had spared his son.

In an unexpected last-minute decision, Gov. Greg Abbott granted clemency to the Sugar Land man slated for execution Thursday, just minutes before he was to be strapped to the gurney in Huntsville.

Thomas "Bart" Whitaker was sent to death row for targeting his own family in a 2003 murder-for-hire plot aimed at landing a hefty $1 million inheritance.

"I'm thankful not for me, but for my dad," Whitaker said upon learning the news, according to a prison spokesman. "Whatever punishment I would have or will receive is just but my dad did nothing wrong. The system worked for him today."

The commutation came after years of desperate pleas from the condemned man's father - the only other survivor of the attack - spurred the seven-member Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to make a rare unanimous push on Tuesday for clemency, sending the final decision to the governor's desk.

After two days of weighing the options - life in prison or death - Abbott announced his decision less than an hour before Whitaker was scheduled to die by lethal injection at 6 p.m. It is the first time a Texas governor has commuted a death row prisoner's sentence following a board recommendation since 2007.

"In just over three years as Governor, I have allowed 30 executions. I have not granted a commutation of a death sentence until now," Abbott said late Thursday in a statement.

"The murders of Mr. Whitaker's mother and brother are reprehensible. The crime deserves severe punishment for the criminals who killed them. The recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, and my action on it, ensures Mr. Whitaker will never be released from prison."

In his reasoning, the governor cited father Kent Whitaker's passionate opposition to the execution and the condemned man's willingness to waive all parole claims as factors in his decision.

Now, the 38-year-old will spend the rest of his life in prison - and not on death row.

"I'm so grateful," Kent Whitaker told reporters outside the death chamber. Hours earlier, he'd already said his goodbyes to his son, who'd been given his last meal and withdrawn his final remaining motion for a stay.

"What a fantastic outcome," said Thomas Whitaker's Houston-based defense attorney, James Rytting. "This is confirmation that victims' rights matter in Texas."

ANGRY JURORS: 'The only way people are safe is if he is dead,' says juror in Fort Bend death row case

But in a statement late Thursday night, Fort Bend County District Attorney John Healey pushed back against that notion.

"I have never wavered in my support of the jury's decision," he said. "They heard all the evidence after a tremendous investigation and prosecutorial effort. What they didn't hear, but what I hope the governor heard as it was conveyed to several of his staff members with the expectation that the governor would know it, was that Tricia Whitaker's family was fully in favor of carrying out the execution."

The December 2003 killings took place just after celebratory dinner marking Whitaker's supposed graduation from Sam Houston State University - a milestone that never happened.

Before the ruse of a dinner, Whitaker had arranged for two friends to wait at the family's Sugar Lakes subdivision home and stage a fake burglary.

When the family of four returned from the restaurant, a gunman opened fire as they walked through the door, killing 51-year-old Patricia Whitaker and 19-year-old Kevin.

Initially, the case baffled police. But then, authorities learned  after reading an article in the Houston Chronicle, one detective later said  that Whitaker was no longer enrolled in college. He'd been out on academic probation.

As police zeroed in on him as a suspect, Whitaker stole $10,000 from his father and fled to Mexico, where authorities eventually captured him and brought him back to Texas.

The pair of slayings came after three years of planning and at least two previous murder plots - a fact that was not lost on the Fort Bend County jury.

"We tried to find a way to not kill the guy as a jury," said one former juror, who asked to remain anonymous, citing concerns for her safety. "We tried really hard to follow the law - the law said he needed to be a continuing danger to society and we finally decided that he was because his method of killing was to get other people to kill for him. If he could convince college kids to kill for him, what would prevent him from getting other inmates to do it?"

Triggerman Chris Brashear, Whitaker's housemate, pleaded guilty to murder and took a life sentence, while the getaway driver - neighbor Steve Champagne - agreed to a 15-year plea deal.

From the outset, Kent Whitaker - who was wounded in the attack - argued against the state's harshest sentence.



READ MORE: 'I have seen enough death,' says Sugar Land father fighting execution of son who had rest of family killed

"I wrestled with God about my anger and desire for revenge," he said. "It's difficult to explain but he led me to a miracle of forgiveness where I forgave everyone involved with the crime long before I realized it was my son."

Nonetheless, Whitaker was sentenced to death.

In the years that followed, his father led the fight against death, speaking out passionately about his son's case, penning a book on it and forming the centerpiece of the clemency petition that moved the notoriously tough seven-member Texas parole board.

"There is only one person on Earth who is intimate with the murderous attack, the lives and deaths of the other victims, and the life of Thomas Whitaker - Mr. Whitaker's father, Kent. Kent was there," the condemned man's attorneys wrote in their clemency petition.

"For the rest of us, the case against commutation to a life sentence seems clear. We can't forgive; we have no sympathy. But clemency is not about something so simple as sympathy or as formidable as forgiveness."

Full of graphic descriptions of the crime and Old Testament references, the petition was bolstered by a few dozen letters from friends, family, fellow death row inmates and even prison guards.

It was a long shot, but on Tuesday the board sided with Whitaker.

"This is beyond amazing," his father said tearfully at the time. "I can't tell you."

But to the former juror, the board's vote - and the governor's decision - felt like a betrayal.

"I really think Bart Whitaker is a master manipulator and I think he manipulated the parole board," she said. "He got his way with them the same way he did with the people he convinced to kill for him."

Marshall Slot, the former Sugar Land detective who probed the case 15 years ago, said it made him "sick."

"There's no definitive definition of a sociopath," he said. "It's someone who uses people as pieces in a game. And that's what Bart is."

The last time a Texas governor agreed to commute a death row inmate's sentence to life in prison following a board recommendation was in 2007, when Texas Gov. Rick Perry spared Kenneth Foster's life. It had only happened three times before that.
A South Texas police chief has said teachers in his town should be armed to deter a mass shooting.

Aransas Pass Police Chief Eric Blanchard suggested arming educators Wednesday at an Aransas Pass ISD board of trustees meeting. Days before the meeting, the police department posed a question to its followers on Facebook: "If your child's teacher was experienced with a firearm, would you support him or her being armed in school?"

Hundreds of commentors debated the merits of the idea with many coming out in support.

President Trump echoed the idea of arming educators during a listening session Wednesday, one week after 17 people were killed at a Florida high school.

"If you had a teacher who was adept with the firearm, they could end the attack very quickly," Trump said.

RELATED: Gov. Abbott orders safety action at Texas schools as San Antonio campuses review policies

Blanchard said he wants to give educators a "fighting advantage," the Corpus Christi Caller-Times reported.

"(Allowing teachers to carry a gun is) a privilege that we need to consider the teachers allowing to do," he said. "There's a lot of support from your own district here for some of these teachers being armed."

APISD does not have an official position on arming its educators. Blaise Anderson, secretary to the district superintendent, said the decision is up to the board. She said the superintendent has not been approached by teachers about the idea.

State and federal law mandate schools be gun-free zones but allow school boards to carve out local exceptions.

Kelsey Bradshaw is a digital reporter for mySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| kbradshaw@express-news.net | Twitter: @kbrad5
A drug-induced couple who shot a mail carrier during a carjacking robbery in February 2017 north of San Antonio, then shot at law officers in several wild chases on busy area roads in the ensuing days, are admitting guilt.

Bradley James AHearn, 23, pleaded guilty Thursday to seven counts, including carjacking, using a firearm during a violent offense, aiding and abetting the robbery of mail, and aiding and abetting the assault on a federal officer. He faced 10 years to life in prison, but under a plea deal, he agreed to 20 years in prison when hes sentenced May 31.

Sara Richford, 27, is scheduled to plead guilty Friday to five charges that include aiding and abetting carjacking, aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a violent crime, aiding and abetting mail robbery, and aiding and abetting assault on a federal officer. She also faced 10 years to life in prison, but her plea deal also says she also has agreed to 20 years in prison when shes sentenced later this year.

During their crime spree, AHearn and Richford targeted the postal worker along her route in the Comal County community of Spring Branch.

AHearn admitted he shot the postal carrier in the legs on Feb. 11, 2017, took her phone and sped off in her truck, which still had her purse and mail inside. Richford followed him in a stolen Toyota Venza, court records show.

Two days later, on Feb. 13, 2017, a postal inspector in an unmarked police vehicle saw the Toyota Venza and chased it as it sped the wrong way in the northbound lanes of U.S. 281, according to court testimony.

AHearn will admit he fired at his pursuer and other officers who joined the chase, which went on for 10 to 15 miles. Richford also shot at officers because she got caught up in the moment, postal inspector Robert Strande testified at a hearing in March.

Officers shot back, and during the shootout, two civilian vehicles were hit, one in the roof and the other in a tire. The chase was called off in Stone Oak because it was becoming unsafe for the public, Strande testified.

A day later, on Feb. 14, 2017, the pair were again being monitored at a motel. They fled from the motel in a yellow Volkswagen driven by Richfords friend Piper Lee, now 41, prosecutors allege.

A San Antonio police officer identified Lee as having shot at police along with AHearn from a getaway vehicle during a wild pursuit in the middle of the afternoon that ensued on the North Side, though Lee disputes firing at police.

That chase lasted at least 20 minutes and left bullet casings near MacArthur High School and sent a bullet through a window and into a TV at a Jims Restaurant on Broadway, according to Strande.

Strande also testified Lee drove AHearn and Richford to North Star Mall, where they abandoned Lees car and eluded a massive manhunt and police dragnet with a timely ride from a friend of Richfords who later told police their hiding place.

The three were arrested on Feb. 15, 2017, by San Antonio Police Department SWAT officers at the Sunset Inn Motel on the South Side.

During a search of Lees apartment, stolen mail was found everywhere inside, Strande testified.

Lees lawyer, Don Flanary, said his clients involvement in AHearn and Richfords crime spree was limited and that his client may have been an unwilling participant because he feared the armed AHearn.

Lee is awaiting trial on two counts of aiding and abetting the assault of a federal officer, one count of aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of possession of stolen mail.

The trio were part of a loosely connected group of tweakers who stole mail in the area for other peoples personal information, checks and other valuables that helped feed their methamphetamine habits, undercover officers involved in the case told the San Antonio Express-News.
Joyce Ann Napper Smith may have had a rocky childhood, but it didnt keep her from becoming someone who loved to take care of people.

Smith was born in Amarillo, but her mother relocated the family to San Antonio early in Smiths childhood.

Growing up in the 1950s, she didnt have many opportunities open to her. She had the added pressure of becoming a mother at the age of 14.

She didnt have much material wise, but what she offered in her spirit was worth it, said her son, James Napper.

Smith died Feb. 8, from cancer complications. She was 76.

She loved to take care of people. She took care of children and did home health because her mother did this kind of work, sister-in-law Priscilla Smith said.

The two women met 45 years ago and at one time belonged to the same church. We ushered every other Sunday together and saw each other every day, she said.

More Information Joyce Ann Napper Smith Born: April 18, 1941, Amarillo Died: Feb. 8, 2018, San Antonio Preceded by: Husband Farrington Smith, daughter Caroline McVea, and parents Darnell Napper and Juanita Lewis Survived by: Daughter Dorothy Chance, son James Napper, four grandchildren, eight great- grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren Services: Visitation at 3 p.m. Sunday at Lewis Funeral Home, 811 W.W. White Road; funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Stephens Baptist Church, 2011 E. Carson St.; burial service at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery See More Collapse

In 2007, Joyce Smith married Farrington Smith.

When my brother (Farrington Smith) got sick with his heart problem, she took care of him, Priscilla Smith said.

Farrington Smith died September 2016.

When I first knew her, she belonged to New Life Baptist Church, sister-in-law Hazel Roberts said. She loved to wear her hats and dress fancy for church.

The two met eleven years ago, when Joyce Smith married into the family.

Smith had a hat for every outfit she wore to church. She had a large brimmed black one with a gold bow and a red one with feathers around the rim, Roberts said.

After her husbands death, Smith left New Life Baptist Church and began attending St. Stephens Baptist Church with her son.

One of her greatest joys was cooking for family and friends.

On Thanksgiving, Smith served soul food, turkey, ham, sweet potatoes and her signature dish, mustard greens, Roberts said.

People were crazy about her mustard greens. Every time someone had a party, they would have her bring some, she said.

God and family meant everything.

I have her Bible, her son said. One passage was marked: Matthew 20:26: Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.

She always said, I am going to wait on the Lord, her son added.
San Antonio police are asking for the public's help identifying and finding the suspect the 2016 killing of a 20-year-old man.

Isaac Jesus Orosco was gunned down around 9 p.m. on July 28, 2016, at an apartment complex in the 1500 block of Northwest Crossroads.
A search warrant executed at a home in northwest Atascosa County yielded drugs, cash and a handgun, authorities said.

Following an investigation into a suspected drug dealer, deputies raided a home on Rossville Road Wednesday afternoon, according to a Facebook post from the sheriff's office.

RELATED: Sheriff: Aryan Brotherhood members among 23 arrested in Central Texas meth sting

Inside the home, deputies found more than a pound of methamphetamine estimated to have a street value of $54,500. They also found 30 grams of "China White" and "Black Tar" heroin with a street value of $3,750.

A pistol was seized from the home, along with drug paraphernalia and $465 in cash, according to the post.

One man was arrested following the search and charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, but the sheriff's office did not release his name.

Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com
A Bexar County man was arrested Thursday after he kidnapped a woman earlier in the day, according to sheriff deputies.

Peter Padilla Castillo, 37, was charged with aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony.

Deputies were called to the 23100 block of Highway 281 South to respond to an assault around 3:50 a.m., Deputy Johnny Garcia said.

A man told deputies he went to Castillo's home with a woman. Castillo and the woman got into an argument, Garcia said.

RELATED: Ramen tops commissary purchases in Bexar County Jail

Castillo fired a gun in her direction and told the man to drive off, Garcia said.

The man left the home because he feared for his life and called 911 from a corner store, officials said.

By the time deputies got to Castillo's home, he had fled with the woman, who deputies believe was held against her will.

Later that morning, deputies found Castillo and the woman in Atascosa County and took them in for questioning, Garcia said.

Though the woman did not cooperate with authorities, investigators believe they have enough evidence based on witness testimony to arrest Castillo, Garcia said.

Castillo remained silent as reporters asked him for his side of the story Thursday afternoon.

Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com
A man who was caught during a robbery attempt now faces three additional charges, according to San Antonio police.

On Feb. 12, police arrested Mark Trinidad Rios, 31, after they responded to an armed robbery in the 6500 block of Enrique M. Barrera Parkway, authorities said.
SAN ANTONIO - A man was arrested Wednesday evening after firefighters saw him with two knives in the home of a dead South Side woman, police said.

Christian Martinez, 32, faces a murder charge in the death of a 32-year-old woman, according to the San Antonio Police Department.

Martinez was quiet as he was escorted by officers to a police vehicle Wednesday evening at the Public Safety Headquarters, 315 S. Santa Rosa Ave.

RELATED: SAPD captain was fired from his job while he had another at USAA

SAPD spokesman officer Douglas Greene said that a relative standing outside the home in the 900 block of Ware Boulevard could see an unconscious woman inside.

The relative called the fire department at about 5 p.m. because the house was locked, police said.

(Firefighters) forced entry inside the house to try and render immediate aid to this victim, Greene said. When they went inside of the house there was a suspect ... in possession of two knives.

The firefighters backed out of the home and called police, Greene said.

RELATED: S.A.-area city now issuing red-light tickets

Officers were able to take Martinez into custody without incident, he said.

Investigators then found the woman dead with multiple stab wounds, police said.

Police did not release the victims name.

jbeltran@express-news.net | Twitter: @JBfromSA
A truck driver was arrested by federal agents Friday in San Antonio after five undocumented Chinese immigrants were discovered in the back of his tractor-trailer cab, according to federal documents.

Early that morning, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers called Homeland Security after spotting people in the back of the truck's cab around 12:51 a.m. on Ackerman Road.

Lloyd Villarreal of Mission consented to a search of his vehicle, according to the court document.

RELATED: Shooting victim found at S.A. methadone clinic

Troopers determined the people were undocumented and called Homeland Security agents.

Villarreal told authorities he didn't know the migrants were in his vehicle, though there was no partition between him and them, according to the document.

The immigrants didn't speak much English, but two of them told agents the driver was going to smuggle them into New York City for $60,000 each court records show.

They also told agents Villarreal did know they were there and had instructed them to "sit down, not to move or say anything," according to the court document.

The undocumented immigrants were processed by the agents and were allowed to speak with a Chinese consular officer.

Villarreal was charged with bringing in and harboring aliens. He will be tried in federal court.

Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com
The 32-year-old woman who was found stabbed to death in a South Side home Wednesday has been identified by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office.

Monica Martinez, 32, was allegedly stabbed to death by Christian Martinez, who was booked into the Bexar County Jail Wednesday night on a murder charge.
Browse through photos of every International Space Station crew since 1998 and you won't find a single official Chinese astronaut smiling back at you.

It seems odd, especially given China's burgeoning space program (it became the third country to ever launch a human into space in 2003 and has continued to grow since then).

But it isn't necessarily because China doesn't want to be involved. It's because they've been barred from participation.

"It is said that China wanted to buy in to the International Space Station consortium, a program that could certainly use the money, but was barred from doing so by U.S. refusal," according to a 2013 ForeignPolicy.com article.

RELATED STORY: National Space Council wants to make it easier for private companies to get to space.

In 2011, long-time Chinese government critic U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., spearheaded a move prohibiting the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and NASA from collaborating with China on any scientific activities, according to a 2011 Forbes article. The prohibition was dropped into a Congressional spending bill that year.

"We don't want to give them the opportunity to take advantage of our technology, and we have nothing to gain from dealing with them," Wolf said in the Forbes article. "China is spying against us, and every U.S. government agency has been hit by cyber-attacks. They are stealing technology from every major U.S. company. They have taken technology from NASA, and they have hit the [National Science Foundation] computers . . . . You name the company, and the Chinese are trying to get its secrets."

The Wolf amendment, as it was later coined, has held for seven years. Wolf, whose district included Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., retired in 2015 after 17 terms in office.

But China certainly has not sat around waiting for the United States to include them in the space club.

Since sending a human into space 15 years ago, the country has staged a spacewalk, landed a rover on the moon and launched its own version of a space station in 2011, according to Canada's CBC News.

China is also planning a rover mission to Mars set to launch in 2020, CBC News stated, and is hoping to be the first country to land a probe on the far side of the Moon.

RELATED STORY: For the first time Chinese research to fly on NASA's space station.

Meanwhile, it made a step toward involvement with the space station last year when a Chinese science experiment was permitted on board.

That experiment, which was installed on the U.S. side of the space station, focused on DNA research and answering questions such as how "microgravity cause mutations among antibody-encoding genes," according to a 2017 Space.com article.

But China's space prowess has some federal officials and experts concerned. The Chinese space program has a "very heavy military component," according to officials who spoke during Wednesday's National Space Council meeting in Florida.

"The basic reality is that when we interact with China's space program, we are essentially interacting with China's military," said Dean Cheng, a policy analyst for the Heritage Foundation who testified at the meeting Wednesday. The foundation is a Washington, D.C.-based conservative policy think tank. Cheng said his statements did not serve as its official position.

Alex Stuckey covers NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey.
BEIRUT - Doctors in Syria's rebel-controlled suburbs of Damascus said Wednesday they were unable to keep up with the staggering number of casualties amid a ferocious bombing campaign by government forces that has targeted hospitals, apartment blocks and other civilian sites, killing and wounding hundreds of people in recent days.

The bombardment has forced many among the nearly 400,000 residents to sleep in basements and makeshift shelters and has overwhelmed rescue workers who have spent days digging out survivors from the wreckage of bombed out buildings.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate suspension of "all war activities" in the rebel-held Damascus suburbs known as eastern Ghouta where he said 400,000 people are living "in hell on earth."

A desperate scene

The U.N. chief said a suspension of fighting must allow for humanitarian aid to reach all in need and the evacuation of some 700 people needing urgent medical treatment.

Dr. Waleed Awata described a desperate, chaotic scene at the small hospital where he works as an anesthesiologist in the town of Zamalka, one of a cluster of settlements that make up eastern Ghouta. The facility, with just 17 beds, received 82 patients on Tuesday night alone, he said.

"We had to give them IVs and treat them on the floor," the 44-year-old physician told the Associated Press. He said the bodies of two women and two children killed in Wednesday's shelling were also brought to the hospital.

The hospital was struck Tuesday by barrel bombs - crude, explosives-filled oil drums dropped from helicopters at high altitudes - as well as sporadic artillery fire, Awata said. Like many hospitals in the area, patients had been moved into the basement to shield them from airstrikes.

The international medical organization Doctors Without Borders said 13 hospitals and clinics that it supports have been damaged or destroyed over the past three days.

The International Committee of the Red Cross called for immediate access to tend to the wounded, saying medical personnel in the rebel-held areas were unable to cope amid shortages of medicines and supplies.

Syrian government forces supported by Russian aircraft have shown no signs of letting up their aerial and artillery assault on eastern Ghouta, which has been controlled by rebels since 2012.

The U.N. human rights office said in a statement Wednesday that at least 346 people had been killed in eastern Ghouta since the Syrian government and its allies escalated their offensive on the region on Feb. 4.

The Russian military is again supporting Assad's forces as it did in the all-out assault on the rebel-held half of Syria's largest city, Aleppo, in late 2016, which drove the rebels from their enclave there.

Tens of thousands of civilians were forced to flee their homes, and many have been unable to return. Hundreds more were killed in indiscriminate shelling and bombardment.

A subsequent U.N. investigation charged that the campaign amounted to forced displacement of a population and rose to the level of a war crime.

Russians deny claims

this week that the assault on Aleppo could serve as a model for the military campaign in eastern Ghouta, which he said was necessary to uproot al-Qaida-linked militants from the area.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, rejected allegations from the U.S. and others that the Russian military shares responsibility for civilian casualties in eastern Ghouta, calling such claims "unfounded."
JERUSALEM - One of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's closest and longest-serving aides appeared ready to incriminate him Wednesday after agreeing overnight to become a government witness, the latest twist in a spiraling graft scandal that seemed to dim Netanyahu's legal and political chances of survival almost by the hour.

The fast-moving police inquiry into whether Netanyahu, already battling separate bribery allegations, had provided official favors to Israel's largest telecommunications company, Bezeq, in exchange for fawning coverage on the company's online news site prompted one member of the prime minister's party to ask him to step aside and opposition politicians to call for early elections.

Netanyahu, who insists he has done nothing wrong, has faced corruption allegations periodically almost since first becoming prime minister in 1996. But the latest - with its suggestion of political payoffs to a company that bills ordinary Israeli voters every month - could prove the most damning.

The new state's witness, Shlomo Filber - who goes by "Momo" - was director general of the Communications Ministry from 2015 until 2017, answering directly to Netanyahu, who at the time also held the title of communications minister. The ministry ruled or weighed in on a number of key regulatory decisions that provided enormous financial benefits to Bezeq and its controlling shareholder, Shaul Elovitch.

Filber, who was suspended from his post a few months ago as regulators from the Israel Securities Authority closed in, was arrested this week along with a number of other high-profile friends and confidants of Netanyahu, including Elovitch, members of his family and other senior Bezeq executives.

Filber's testimony promised to connect the two main arms of the Bezeq affair: the Communications Ministry's dealings with the company and the decisions taken by editors at Walla, its online news subsidiary, according to a person with intimate knowledge of the inquiry who was not authorized to speak about it publicly. In exchange, prosecutors agreed not to seek a prison sentence for Filber.

Such state's witness agreements in Israel usually involve a criminal suspect giving up a bigger fish. Filber's direct superior was Netanyahu.

Filber was expected to tell police that in his role at the ministry he was carrying out explicit and detailed instructions from Netanyahu, according to Israel's Channel 2 evening "News" program, and that he came to realize he was being exploited.

Through a spokesman, Netanyahu responded, "It never happened."

"The main question is, what does he know?" said Oren Gazal-Ayal, dean of the University of Haifa law faculty and a criminal-law specialist. "According to suspicion, Filber was the one offering Bezeq all the benefits. He changed the policies of the government from the minute he became director-general of the ministry. If Netanyahu changed the regulations to get good coverage, and you can prove that, that's definitely a criminal offense."

In his first response to Filber's agreement with prosecutors, Netanyahu projected bravado. He posted part of a biblical verse, Exodus 1:12, on his Facebook page - "But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread."
The indictment issued last week by special counsel Robert Mueller shows a conspiracy of stunning sophistication by Kremlin-connected Russians, posing as American citizens or using stolen U.S. identities, to influence the 2016 presidential election.

What it does not show is any evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Quite the opposite, the indictment shows evidence of a lack of collusion. Some defendants, posing as U.S. persons and without revealing their Russian association, communicated with unwitting individuals associated with the Trump campaign  to coordinate political activities, the indictment reads. If these Russians were colluding with the Trump campaign, there would be no reason to hide their true identities from multiple campaign officials.

RELATED: Former Trump campaign official expected to plead guilty in probe of Russian election interference

Moreover, the indictment states that the Russian effort began in 2014, a year before Donald Trump declared his intention to run for president. No one, left or right or center, took Trump seriously as a candidate when he declared in 2015. The idea that the Russians saw what all of us didnt  that Trump had a serious shot at winning the White House  and figured this out way back in 2014, before Trump even declared his candidacy, is absurd.

The Russians did develop a preference for Trump, but their effort was much bigger than Trump, according to the indictment. The Russian influence campaign was part of something called Project Lakhta, which had multiple components, some involving domestic audiences within the Russian Federation and others targeting foreign audiences in various countries, including the United States. Russia was engaged in a complex, well-funded, multinational effort to undermine trust in the democratic process in the United States and other countries.

This is a grave threat. Republicans and Democrats should be working together in a bipartisan way to confront it. So why is this not happening? Because Democrats have put their partisan goal of bringing down Trump ahead of what should be a national goal that unites both parties  uncovering and stopping Russias attack on our democracy.

The presidents critics complain that his response to the Mueller indictment is defensive. America is under attack, they say, and all he can talk about is himself. Well, whose fault is that? For more than a year, Democrats have repeatedly accused Trump of colluding with Moscow. Now the special counsel has issued an indictment that shows  at least with regard to this element of the Russian effort  that no collusion took place. Perhaps evidence of collusion between Trump officials and Russia will still emerge. But Trumps response is not the behavior of someone who is worried that Mueller will find evidence he knowingly engaged in collusion.

COMMENTARY: The Russians are coming; Republicans need to do something about it

In fact, the only evidence so far of any cooperation between a hired operative of a 2016 campaign and Russian officials is when the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee paid Christopher Steele to collect dirt on Trump from Russian officials. If Trump had paid a former spy to collect dirt on Clinton from Russian officials, Democrats would be shouting that they had the smoking gun.

It is true that Russia wanted Trump to win. But the intelligence community report on Russias interference also stated the Russians had concluded that Secretary Clinton was likely to win the election. Once they concluded Clinton would be elected, the Russian influence effort focused on undermining her expected presidency. One way to do that would be for Russian officials to provide her campaign with unverified dirt on Trump  fodder for Trump to claim that Democrats colluded with Moscow.

Russias effort presents an ongoing threat not just to America but to our allies as well. Trump was not in office when the Russian effort began in 2014  or in 2015  or in 2016. For three years, President Barack Obama did virtually nothing in response to this attack on America. Its way past time to address this threat, and we need to do it in a bipartisan manner. But for that to happen, Democrats need to stop politicizing the Russia investigation.
The bar has been set high for public education by Bexar County community leaders.

In the past 10 years, the P16Plus Council of Greater Bexar County, a nonprofit that includes representation from the business and education communities, has worked to align what is happening in the classroom with expectations of the higher education community and employers.

The work has been hard, but it has been steadily paying off with gradual improvement in levels of education attainment.

If all goes as planned, by 2030 at least 70 percent of third-grade students will meet reading level performance for their grade, 95 percent of high school seniors will walk the graduation stage, 80 percent of those students will enroll in a postsecondary institution, and 60 percent of all 25- to 34-year-olds will have earned a certificate or above.

We have a long way to go to get there.

In 2016, only 40 percent of third-graders were at the required reading level, graduation was at 90 percent, only 47 percent of students enrolled in higher education after high school, and only 38 percent of young adults ages 25 to 34 had earned a certificate or college degree.

The data collection by the P16Plus Council has proven invaluable in identifying problems and impacting policy decisions to resolve them.

The council recently joined forces with Excel Beyond the Bell San Antonio, which has 41 nonprofit member agencies that provide out-of-school-services to school-age children.

Individually, the two groups have made great strides in improving student success by concentrating in their area of expertise. This new partnership will bring together area school and community agencies to allow for seamless data-sharing that will benefit students on multiple levels.

Meeting lofty goals is hard work, and coordinating efforts is a smart move.
Zachry Corp.s $200 million mixed-use development at Hemisfair sailed through its first hurdle in the citys historic approval process on Wednesday.

The Historic and Design Review Commission unanimously voted to grant initial approval to the developers plan to build a 14-story hotel, an eight-story office tower and a food market on Alamo Street at Hemisfairs northwest corner, surrounding Civic Park, a planned nine-acre public park.

RELATED: See how San Antonio will look in a few short years

Zachry will have to return to HDRC at a later meeting for final approval. Other parts of the $200 million project, including an apartment complex that national developer NRP plans to build on Market Street, are still being designed and will go before the commission later.

Obviously its a very well thought-out design, commission member Joel Garcia said. I like the fact that its very inclusive of the public in general, of native San Antonians, visitors, guests  Its very open and very inviting to everybody.

The project, designed by local firm Overland Partners, includes passageways through the buildings that link Civic Park with exterior streets and offer views of local landmarks such as the Tower Life Building. Overland designed it to feel modern while evoking San Antonios history with vaulted colonnades and symbols such as the quatrefoil, seen on Mission San Jose and the citys logo, the firms principal Robert Shemwell said last week.

RELATED: San Antonio's 20 most expensive construction projects since 2007

The project is expected to break ground by late this summer and to finish in early 2021.

Four local residents spoke against the project, with some of them saying they felt it violated the lands of indigenous peoples.

One speaker, Gilbert Martinez, criticized the presence of a hotel in the project and called it a nice little corporate park for (Zachrys) corporate friends.

The entire downtown area has been gentrified over the Decade of Downtown, he said, referring to former Mayor Julian Castros initiative to build up downtown. This is an opportunity with a new mayor, a new administration; were moving toward equity. Whats equitable about a corporate park? Were not getting a Central Park, were getting a corporate park.

Zachry Corp. prevailed over 10 other bidders to develop the site, which sits at downtowns busiest intersection.
Hello, sky and sea! A new luxury build on the wealthy barrier island of Jupiter, FL, priced at $37.9 million is the most expensive new listing this week on realtor.com.

Dubbed Cielo-y-Mar (which translates to Sky and Sea), the almost 17,000-square-foot mansion has eight beds and 9.5 baths. It sits on 2 acres that stretch from the ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway.

"This is one of the most sought-after contemporary oceanfront homes in Florida, says listing agent Chad Carroll of Douglas Elliman. You have the best of both worldsdirect ocean access along with intracoastal views and a place to park your megayacht.

Contemporary on Jupiter Island with Eric Grate sculpture Daniel Petroni Photography

Entry with floating staircase Daniel Petroni Photography

Indoor-outdoor space Daniel Petroni Photography

Dual-island kitchen Daniel Petroni Photography

Infinity pool Daniel Petroni Photography

The property was purchased in 2014 for $6.6 million, according to property records. The Palm Beachbased attorney and developer Richard Stone and his wife, Lesley Blackner, also an attorney, bought it in a short sale, according to Mansion Global. The couple had originally planned to renovate the existing structure as their primary residence, but decided to tear it down and build anew.

Ultimately they decided to sell it and stay in Palm Beach for family reasons. They also told the Wall Street Journal last March that the new build had become too big for them.

Although the couple consider it too large, it's perfect for a space-hungry buyer looking for a brand-new residence that's fully furnished, including an art collection worth approximately $5 million, according to Carroll. Even factoring in the furnishings and artwork, if the home is sold for near its list price, the sellers will make a tidy profit.

Designed by Silicon Valley architect Scott Hughes, the sophisticated stunner features beautiful ipe wood, a rain-capture cistern for watering the plants, and self-tinting floor-to-ceiling windows.

The private dock can accommodate a 100-foot-long yacht, and there are multiple decks, including one on the roof with a hot tub, private beach access, and infinity pool.

The interior layout includes indoor-outdoor living spaces, a dual-island kitchen with butler's pantry, floor-to-ceiling walls of glass in the living room, a floating staircase, two home offices, a formal dining room, and family room.

Located on the south end of the island, the residence is adjacent to a 75-acre nature preserve. The property itself is landscaped with native plants as well as a 25-foot-tall sculpture by Eric Grate imported from Sweden.

The post Fully Furnished $37.9M Mansion in Jupiter Is Most Expensive New Listing appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
With the last financial crisis now firmly in the rearview mirror, builders are swinging their hammers again and putting up sorely needed new homes. But somethings missing amid all the scaffolding: condos.

Their absence is already being felt by first-time and cash-strapped buyers contending with record-high home prices thanks to the lack of properties on the market. Condos, which are often more affordable than traditional single-family houses with backyards, may seem like a solution. But builders are shying away from putting them up, even in urban areas, where they're often the most concentrated. Why?

For starters, there's the strength of the upper-end rental market. Builders often have an easier time renting out apartments in multistory buildings and gleaming towers on a monthly basis than they do selling condo units. Thats because it can be harder to find buyers with the means to purchase units, whereas its usually easier to find renters who dont have to come up with a hefty down payment or commit to homeownership. And this is a prime factor banks take into consideration when deciding whether to dole out loans, often making it more difficult to obtain financing on constructing condos than apartment rental buildings.

Plus, laws in some cities and states leave condo builders on the hook for liability issues that may arise from the new developments. Theyre less likely to get slammed with costly lawsuits if they construct apartments instead.

This perfect storm has led to condo construction making up just 7% of the multifamily market (buildings with several apartment, condo, or co-op units) in 2016, according to the U.S. Census. That's down from an average of 22% a year from 1985 to 2003.

Apartments have always been a larger share of the multifamily construction, but its even higher now, says Michael Neal, an economist at the National Association of Home Builders. Virtually all of multifamily construction is apartments.

The lack of new condo construction has also shut many young households out of homeownership, says Christa Huffstickler, president and CEO of the real estate firm Engel & Volkers Atlanta.

There isnt anything to buy that they can afford in the location that they want, she says.

And while condos were traditionally more affordable than traditional single-family homes, that's changing as well. NAHB didn't have data on the price of these new units, but the small supply of condos now being constructed tend to be luxury units, often in pricey cities, well out of reach for many first-time buyers, according to the association.

Fewer condos are going up, because fewer folks are buying them

Condo developers have a right to be skeptical that the demand is there. Despite a booming economy, fewer folks are buying homes than before the recession.

During the housing boom in 2004 and 2005, the homeownership rate peaked above 69%, according the U.S. Census. However, only 64% of households owned their places in 2017. Many people lost their homes to foreclosure and were forced back into the rental market. At the same time, lenders tightened their credit standards, so it became much harder to qualify for a mortgage.

Many even chose to rent instead of buy. After seeing home prices plunge, they were less willing to take a chance on buyingeven if they personally were not affected by the crash.

People looked at what happened to their friends and their parents, and used that as a gauge of whether to enter the market, Neal says. You may not have owned a home, but you saw your parents or your buddy get killed in the housing market.

Banks saw these same trends, and sharply cut back on lending for condo construction, builders and economists say. However, builders have since begun erecting more single-family homes and rental buildings again. That's where most of the demand has been.

And even though the housing market has largely rebounded, banks are still scarred by the losses of the recession and the housing bust, Neal says. So they're still wary of lending for condo construction.

Millennials could spur an increase in condo construction

But millennials could change all this as they get older.

More and more, they're settling down and having kids," says Joseph Kirchner, senior economist for realtor.com. "Theyre going to want more permanence, and therefore more homeownership.

That could result in a shift from renting to owning, says NAHB's Neal. "Theres going to be stronger demand for condos," he says. They tend to be near places where the jobs are.

Their location, often in pedestrian-friendly city centers, also makes them desirable. Who doesn't want to walk to work these days?

That's beginning to happen in Jersey City, NJ, a short train ride from New York City. Builder George Vallone sees future demand for condos coming not just from millennials, but also from baby boomers downsizing from big suburban single-family houses. And that's leading to an increase in investors and lenders willing to put up the money to finance them.

Banks are loaded up on [loans for] rental product and looking to diversify, Vallone says. "They're now saying, 'We think its time to start building condos in Jersey City.

Vallone himself is making a (small) bet on the future of the condo market. His Jersey Citybased company, Hoboken Brownstone Co., plans to build about 2,000 units in three projects in Jersey City over the next six to eight years. Most of the units will be rentals, but 122 will be condos.

Were at the very beginning of a change in the market dynamic, Vallone says.

However, millennials may not have the money just yet to purchase a home, whether it be a lower-priced condo or costlier single-family house.

Younger people who are just now finding jobs and entering the labor market have relatively lower salaries, and theyre paying higher rents, Neal says. It becomes more difficult to save for a down payment.

Local laws may be making it harder to put up condos

In some areas, particularly the Western U.S., builders say theyve held off on condo construction because of state laws that they say make it too easy for buyers to sue over alleged construction defects.

As a result of the lawsuits, builders in the red-hot housing market of Seattle are putting up plenty of rentals, but few condos, says Jan Himebaugh, government affairs director for the Building Industry Association of Washington. And the condos that are being built aren't doing anything to make the city more affordable. They start around $600,000 to $2 million, she says.

But the association is supporting legislation in the state that would set a higher standard for filing a lawsuit. This includes a requirement that condo associations notify unit owners before heading into court

Meanwhile, in Colorado a new state law and a recent court decision have put some limits on the lawsuits. For example, home buyers who sign a contract agreeing to resolve construction issues through arbitration can no longer vote later to remove that clause and go straight to court.

That, in turn, is expected to lower developers insurance costs and open up financing for more condo construction in the state.

If you build a condo building [under current laws], it is assumed that you will get sued, Himebaugh says. If laws are changed, "hopefully builders will get a little bit of relief, while still providing consumer protections.

The post What's Missing From the Housing Recovery? New Condos appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
- The removal of Abdullahi Adamu as Northern Senators Forum leader has been greeted by protests

- Adamu was accused of mismanaging N70 million and was immediately replaced with Senator Aliyu Wamakko

Senator Ali Wakili at the Thursday, February 22, plenary session of the Nigerian Senate protested against the removal of Senator Abdullahi Adamu as the leader of the Northern Senator Forum.

Adamu was removed as leader of the northern caucus and replaced by Senator Aliyu Wamakko on Wednesday, February 21. He was removed following an allegation that he mismanaged the sum of N70 million handed to him by the forum's former leadership.

The deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, read the letter from the Northern Senators Forum on the removal of Senator Abdulahi Adamu as their chairman.

READ ALSO: We have a military administrator in Kaduna, not a governor - Shehu Sani

Senator Wakili cited orders 14 & 15, and said: "There was no time the Northern Senators Forum met to elect a leader for the forum and after the announcement some senators went and briefed the press on that development.

My privileges has been bridged because I am not aware of the purposed removal.

Following his removal as chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Adamu, denied allegations that he mismanaged funds belonging to the group. He gave his response to the issue during an interview session with Channels TV.

Legit.ng notes that Senator Dino Melaye, public relations officer of the NSF had released a statement on behalf of the group, which noted that Adamu was removed for financial mismanagement and misadministration.

Adamu claimed that the allegations had been raised against him because he led nine other senators to reject the Senates amendment to the sequence for the 2019 elections.

Recall that Legit.ng previously reported that Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, representing Delta central senatorial district, has apologised to the Senate over his comments on the amendment of the Electoral Act to order the sequence of polls during general elections.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

The Nigerian Senate had on Tuesday, February 20, resolved to query him over his allegation that the move to reorder the polls was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, the lawmaker raised a point of order at the plenary on Wednesday, February 21, to apologise to the chamber and withdrew his comment.

How Nigerian youths protest made the National Assembly pass the 'Not Too Young To Run' bill - on Legit.ng TV:

Source: Legit
- The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has been criticised by the Abia state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu

- Ikpeazu said Kanu is not a straightforward person, adding that the IPOB leader speaks from both sides of his mouth

- The governor said that Kanu never consulted him before taking any action

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state has condemned the leader of the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, saying that he is not a straightforward person.

The governor said: Whenever you talk with Nnamdi Kanu, he always speaks from both sides of his mouth, he is not a straightforward person."

Legit.ng gathered that the governor stated this during a three-minute interview he granted BBC Igbo service, which was posted on YouTube on Wednesday, February 21.

READ ALSO: Demolition of Kaduna APC factional secretariat had no political motives - Govt insists

He added: He never consulted me before taking any action. Its true that Igbos are being marginalised but how can we get to the promised land? Who will lead the Igbos to the promised land? Do we have enough guns if war should break out?

The governor claimed that of all the tribes in Nigeria, the Igbos, more than any other, want Nigeria to stay united.

Kanu, who is wanted by the Nigerian government for alleged treason, has not been seen in public since September 2017.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was reportedly hiding in the creeks in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria as security operations continued in the southeast.

It was learnt that Kanu suddenly disappeared from Abia state, where he resided and carried out majority of his activities since returning from detention.

There were indications that Kanu was hiding with some of his aides who escaped the heat of the Operation Python Dance in his home-base.

Market Survey: Umuahia traders open up on state of things in the Abia state capital - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit
Part of a Clonmel man's ear was bitten off by one of two men who assaulted him when he left his house after a glass bottle was fired through his window, Clonmel Circuit Court heard.

The horrific injury was sustained by Patrick Lonergan, who was assaulted and harmed by Anthony Keating, aged 50, of 30 Morrisons Road, Waterford and Stephen Fox of Chalet No. 4 Marlfield, Clonmel outside his home at Mountain View, Marlfield on March 28, 2016.

Fox, who was not the primary aggressor in the assault, was sentenced to four years in prison with the final two and a half years suspended for assaulting and harming Patrick Lonergan and assaulting Mr Lonergan's brother Martin. He pleaded guilty to both offences.

The case against Keating, who bit Mr Lonergan's ear, was further adjourned by Judge Tom Teehan to Nenagh District Court on March 6.

Both defendants gave undertakings to the court that Patrick Lonergan and his brother Martin had nothing to fear from them in the future.

Gda. Michael Costello told the court that at approximately 10.30pm on March 28, 2016, Patrick Lonergan was sitting in his home when he heard a front window of the house smashing. He went outside to see what happened and brought a leg of a chair with him. He saw Stephen Fox and Anthony Keating, whom he knew.

He accused Keating of breaking his window and Keating punched him twice. Keating alleged Mr Lonergan then hit him with the leg of the chair. Patrick Lonergan was dragged across the street . Patrick Lonergan stated that Keating held him down and bit him in the right ear. Stephen Fox punched and kicked Mr Lonergan when he was on the ground. Mr Lonergan's brother Martin arrived and tried to break up the incident. Martin Lonergan sustained an injury to his hand inflicted by Stephen Fox. Martin Lonergan moved his brother from the scene and the gardai were contacted. Patrick Lonergan was brought to South Tipperary General Hospital and Cork University Hospital.

Gda. Costello recounted that Keating pleaded not guilty to assaulting Mr Lonergan and causing him serious bodily harming but he was convicted of the offence at the conclusion of a three day trial in the Circuit Court last July. Keating pleaded guilty to damaging Mr Lonergan's window.

Judge Teehan was told Stephen Fox did not throw the bottle that instigated the incident but admitted punching and kicking Patrick Lonergan on the ground and also injuring his brother Martin when he intervened.

Gda. Costello read Patrick Lonergan's Victim Impact Statement to the court. It outlined that as well as the ear injury, Mr Lonergan's left eye was closed for a number of days and he suffered bruising to his face and all over his body. He was kicked badly in the groin and he passed blood for a number of days after the attack.

Mr Lonergan described how the incident had an awful impact on his life. He was unable to sleep easy since the incident and was in fear on a daily basis. He didn't go out at night and locked the doors and windows of his house at all times. He was afraid to be in his own house. Prior to the attack his seven year old grandson stayed with him but now he was afraid for him to stay.

Mr Lonergan added that his house had been egged and he had received a number of phone calls threatening him and his family.

A medical report read to the court detailed how Mr Lonergan lost a section of his right ear and was on a waiting list for reconstructive surgery at CUH. The scarring and deformity of his ear were permanent. He suffered significant psychological trauma, was unable to return to work and was self conscious about his ear.

The court heard that Keating had 15 previous convictions dating from 2016 to the 1980s ranging from public order offences, burglary and criminal damage to assault. Fox had four previous convictions and served a prison sentence that expired in 2007.

Defence counsel Justin Dillon SC for Keating said his client wasn't in the best shape and intellectually he wasn't altogether coherent up to the time of the trial last July. After the trial, his client was admitted to the Remar Recovery Home at Coalbrook, Thurles to deal with his drug and alcohol addiction problems. His condition had improved immeasurably since he has been in this calm environment and was successfully coping with overcoming his addictions.

Mr Dillon said his client had written a letter stating he was sorry for his actions. He assured the court he recognised the seriousness of the situation he was in; that there would be no further confrontation and that he was trying to change his life. He requested a chance to continue on his treatment programme and to continue to change his life.

The senior counsel pointed out that Keating underwent a hip operation a few weeks ago and he was currently on crutches. He requested Judge Teehan to defer sentencing him to allow him continue his physical recovery from the operation to enable him deal with the rigors of prison.

Anthony Keating told the court Patrick and Martin Lonergan had nothing to fear from him in the future and he was very sorry for what he had done. He gave an undertaking to pay compensation to Mr Lonergan. Stressing his commitment to change his life, he said: "I don't want my child to end up like me in prison and fighting drugs and drink addiction."

Vaun Scarborough of the Remar Recovery Home said the rehabilitation programme lasted a year and Keating was staying at the Centre. The physical issues of Keating's addiction had left and he was now dealing very positively with anger and anxiety issues. He said Keating was a positive and calming influence for new people at the Centre and the community as a whole.

Stephanie Keating said she had known Keating since childhood and he stayed at her home for a while before entering Remar when a bed became available after the trial last summer. She described him as completely different since he became sober and stopped using drugs. His thought process had changed and she believed his tendency to violence was gone. He was reading the bible and trying to live by it and questioned the type of life he led up to now. She outlined that Keating had a partner and young child, who live in Clonmel. When asked what was the likelihood of Keating re-offending, she replied nearly zero if he remained clean of drugs and sober.

Barrister Philip Sheahan SC, representing Fox, said that day Stephen Fox was in a house in Marlfeld having dinner with Anthony Keating and their two partners. Mr Keating's behaviour became erratic and he was invited to leave shortly before the incident happened.

Stephen Fox was taking Mr Keating out of the house when a glass bottle was thrown by Anthony Keating through Mr Lonergan's window. It was clear that his client was not the instigator or the main aggressor in this incident. He was involved in a situation that was not of his making and responded to circumstances unfolding before him. It was an instantaneous decision to get involved. He moved to assist Mr Keating and tried to break things up. He did admit to kicking Patrick Lonergan while on the ground and had entered a plea.

Mr Sheehan described how Fox had been employed by Medite prior to setting up his own timber business from 2011 to 2015, which he had to cease because of an injury. Two character reference letters from Medite company representatives were handed into the court.

He described Fox as a well motivated, trustworthy and reliable individual, who had , barring two minor mishaps and now this incident, moved on with his life since his release from prison eleven years ago.

He was in a stable relationship and was hoping to re-engage with the employment market.

The barriester asked Judge Teehan to deal with Fox in a non-custodial manner and suggested he would better serve the community through voluntary work as part of a rehabilitation process.

Marlfield Village Committee Secretary Bernard Lennon told the court Stephen Fox offered his time, labour and expertise on a voluntary basis to the group who were involved in enhancing the village.

He said Fox played an important role in cleaning up the village after significant tree damage during Storm Ophelia. He cleared and removed trees and made the place safe as well as working on a popular looped walk amenity in the area. He described Fox as a pleasant, willing and marvellous worker.

The court heard that Mr Lonergan refused to accept Fox's apology because he believed it was not genuine.

Sentencing Fox, JudgeTeehan said the defendant was given a chance in the courts before by receiving community service in lieu of a prison sentence and the primary victim of this "vicious assault" Patrick Lonergan cannot have the quiet enjoyment of his home which every Irish citizen wasw entitled to.

Judge Teehan said taking everything into consideration it was not possible for him to consider a non-custodial sentence for Stephen Fox.

In relation to Keating, he said intended deferring the commencement of his sentence for a short time to allow him further recover from the hip operation. He remanded Keating on bail to appear before Nenagh Circuit Cou
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic to NATO Headquarters on Thursday (22 February 2018) to discuss preparations for the Summit in July and regional cooperation in the Western Balkans.

Mr. Stoltenberg thanked Croatia for its contributions to NATO, including to the battlegroups in Lithuania and Poland and to the Alliances missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan. He also thanked Croatia for supporting NATO partners including Ukraine.

They also discussed NATOs adaptation. Your efforts help to make NATO strong, he said. It shows that NATO is an Alliance of 29 Allies where we stand together and respond to a more challenging security environment.

The Secretary General commended Croatia for helping other neighbours in the Western Balkans to work on their Euro-Atlantic aspirations. He said: NATOs door is open, we just enlarged last year with Montenegro and we have aspirant countries in the region and we welcome the support and efforts you make to help them.

Mr. Stoltenberg also welcomed the fact that Croatia has stopped the cuts in defence spending and has now started to increase investments in defence. Weve all made a pledge in 2014 to stop the cuts, gradually increase and then move towards spending 2% of GDP on defence, he said. And Croatia has stopped the cuts and started to increase and we welcome that.

The Secretary General also underlined the importance of continuing to increase defence spending when the security environment becomes more challenging and difficult.
(As delivered)

So Prime Minister Plenkovic, welcome to NATO Headquarters.

This is your first visit in your capacity as Prime Minister, to the NATO Headquarters.

And we really appreciate your strong commitment to NATO and all the contributions that Croatia is making to our shared security. Both with the presence and your contributions to our deployments in Lithuania and in Poland. But also the fact that Croatia has troops both in the NATO mission in Afghanistan and in Kosovo and the role you also play in the region helping to address the challenges we all face in the Western Balkans.

Let me also thank you for the support you provide to Ukraine and we think it is extremely important that NATO continues to provide both political and practical support to Ukraine.

So all your efforts help to make NATO strong and it shows that NATO is an Alliance of 29 Allies where we stand together and respond to a more challenging security environment.

We also welcome the fact that Croatia has stopped the cuts in defence spending and has now started to increase investments in defence. Weve all made a pledge in 2014 to stop the cuts, gradually increase and then move towards spending 2% of GDP on defence. And Croatia has stopped the cuts and started to increase and we welcome that. At the same time we underline the importance of continuing the increase because we need to invest more when we see that the security environment becomes more challenging and difficult.

Let me also then highlight the importance we attach to what Croatia is doing when it comes to helping other neighbours in the Western Balkans to work on their Euro-Atlantic aspirations, NATOs door is open, we just enlarged last year with Montenegro and we have aspirant countries in the region and we welcome the support and efforts you make to help them.

So once again, welcome, its good to have you here.

OANU LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: Good afternoon. Thank you for coming. The Secretary General and the Prime Minister will have short introductory remarks and then they will be happy to take a few questions. Secretary General.

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: So Prime Minister Plenkovic, welcome to NATO Headquarters. This is your first visit, in your capacity as Prime Minister, to the NATO Headquarters and we really appreciate your strong commitment to NATO and all the contributions that Croatia is making to our shared security, both with the presence and your contributions to our deployments in Lithuania and in Poland, but also the fact that Croatia has troops both in the NATO mission in Afghanistan and in Kosovo, and the role you also play in the region, helping to address the challenges we all face in the Western Balkans.

Let me also thank you for the support you provide to Ukraine and we think it is extremely important that NATO continue to provide both political and practical support to Ukraine. So, all your efforts helps to make NATO strong and it shows that NATO is an Alliance of 29 Allies, where we stand together and respond to a more challenging security environment. We also welcome the fact that Croatia has stopped the cuts in defence spending and has now started to increase investment in defence. We all made a pledge in 2014, to stop the cuts, gradually increase, and then move towards spending 2% of GDP on defence. And Croatia has stopped the cuts and started to increase, and we welcome that. At the same time, we underline the importance of continuing the increase, because we need to invest more when we see that the security environment becomes more challenging and difficult.

Let me also then highlight the importance we attach to what Croatia is doing when it comes to helping other neighbours in the Western Balkans to work on their Euro-Atlantic aspirations. NATO's door is open. We just enlarged last year with Montenegro and we have other aspirant countries in the region and we welcome support and efforts you make to help them. So, once again, welcome. It's great to have you here.

ANDREJ PLENKOVIC [Prime Minister, Republic of Croatia]: Thank you very much, Mr Secretary General, Jens. This was really a very fruitful and a constructive meeting. It is a great pleasure for me to be here in the NATO Headquarters and, first of all, once again commit Croatia's strong activity within the Alliance. The fact that we have been a member now for nine years, in the beginning of April it will be exactly nine years of our membership. Throughout this period, I think we have demonstrated a clear solidarity within the with our Allies, that we have been present in the NATO missions and operations, you mentioned yourself our long standing participation in the mission in Afghanistan, as well as in Kosovo, but also recent deployment of our troops, both in Poland and Lithuania.

We are all preparing for the NATO Summit which will take place in Brussels in July, and I believe it is important that we agree on the main direction of strengthening the concept of the collective security, deterrence, as well as burden sharing among Allies, and most of all our progress in obtaining the Wales objective that is going towards 2% of expenditure when it comes to defence. The Croatian government, in the last year and four or five months that we have been in office, has demonstrated very clearly, both in our budget of 2017 and 2018, that Croatia is increasing its defence budget. The objective is to increase our capabilities, to be interoperable and to be ready to respond to all the challenges and threats that we might be facing as a country, but also that we might be facing as an Alliance.

Another important aspect is that my government has, in the first year of our member of our mandate, adopted new national security strategy and the new law on homeland security, thus creating a clear, strategic and legislative framework for better coordination of the stakeholders in the security and defence domain. We care about our neighbourhood. We would be very keen that the countries which are aspiring to become members of NATO, especially Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Macedonia, where I hope that there will be a solution to the name issue, and I welcome the progress of the talks between Prime Ministers of Greece and of course, with the new Prime Minister in Skopje, Mr Zaev, and I think we have some good signals coming up. And of course, from that point of view, Croatia will very much support and welcome the membership of Macedonia in the Alliance, once this issue is addressed. We also are strengthening our relationship with Serbia and watching carefully how the process of the dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo is progressing.

When it comes to the relationship between NATO and European Union, we know what the role strategic role NATO has for Europe's security. We are also understanding the evolution, in terms of strengthening the defence and security dimension of the European Union, without duplication, but with strong, complementarity and the increased dialogue between the two Brussels based organisations.

I think you for this opportunity. It would be our pleasure if, sometime soon, we would be again happy to welcome you in Croatia. Thanks.

OANU LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: OK, we'll start with the lady over there. Croatian TV.

QUESTION [CROATIAN TV]: Yeah, hello. Croatian Television. Mr Secretary General, are you satisfied with the speed how Croatia is increasing its budget on defence and would you have any recommendation in this regard? And Mr Prime Minister, did you discuss the national Croatian national plan with the Secretary General, on reorganisation of Croatian Army and when it will be submitted or presented to the NATO countries? Thank you.

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: So, we welcome that Croatia has started to increase defence spending and that is important, partly because it provides funding for capabilities and investments in the Croatian armed forces, but also because it shows that we stand together and we implement what we decided in 2014, which was to stop the cuts and then increase defence spending, and move towards spending 2% of GDP. NATO Allies did not promise to be at 2% within the year, but we promised to move towards 2%, and I welcome most the fact that back in 2014 it was only three Allies that met the 2% pledge, and so spending 2% of GDP on defence, this year we expect eight Allies and, in their national plans they have provided to NATO, the majority of NATO Allies have pledged to reach the 2% target. But I welcome that Croatia, after years of decline, now is increasing defence spending. And I expect Croatia to continue on this development and continue to increase defence spending in years to come.

ANDREJ PLENKOVIC [Prime Minister, Republic of Croatia]: If I may just briefly answer. We didnt go into detail of our strategic defence review, but the Ministry of Defence has finalised the proposal. Very soon, it will be presented to our Council for Defence, and after that it will go for the further adoption at the level of the government. You know that if there is a domain where we have shown a very dynamic activity, it has certainly been security and defence, and especially turning our focus to the Croatian soldier, his position, not only within the armed forces, but also within the society. And in my many contacts together with the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, I can tell you that this new vibration is visible within the armed forces and our participation in all the international operations is appreciated by our partners and Allies. And therefore, the fact that we are now at the 1.32% is a signal and the increase is likely to continue, of course with our hopes that the Croatian economy will continue to grow as it is growing in 2017. And you are all aware of the data.

OANU LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: Second and last question, gentleman over there.

QUESTION: [Croatian 1 TV]: The first question both to Secretary General and Prime Minister: did you discuss any specific detail when you were discussing the security issues of the region? Perhaps the condition in Bosnia and Jihadi fighters going to the Middle East and coming back, or Kosovo, and Russian influence in the region, and how does it what are the consequences to the security of the region? And another question to Mr Prime Minister: fighter jets. Did you touch that issue as well? And where is that? Considering that procedure, where is Croatia with that? Thank you.

JENS STOLTENBERG [NATO Secretary General]: So, the Prime Minister updated me on his assessments on the situation in the region and the developments in the different countries in the regions which are not members of the Alliance, and I appreciate that very much, because it was a informative update on the situation in the countries in the region. We of course follow the developments in the Western Balkans very closely because NATO has a history in the Balkan in the Western Balkans. We have helped end two wars there, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and later on in Serbia and Kosovo, and we have presence there with our KFOR Force in Kosovo, but also with our Headquarters in Sarajevo and presence also in Skopje, and Serbia is a close partner.

I also welcome the fact that we have been able to then enlarge the Alliance with Montenegro, we did so last year, and we are working with other aspirant countries in the region. We have seen the reports about increased Russian presence and also attempts to meddle or interfere in domestic political processes. Of course, any kind of outside interference is unacceptable and therefore it is important that all countries in the region, as other NATO Allies, have to make sure that they are resilient and are able to respond to different attempts to try to meddle in domestic processes.

ANDREJ PLENKOVIC [Prime Minister, Republic of Croatia]: We of course discussed extensively and exchanged views about the situation in our neighbourhood, especially in the four countries which are not yet members of NATO; two of them with a clearly-defined ambition, and one of them not having this ambition at this stage, and one of them not being able to fulfil this ambition.

I explained to the Secretary General the level of the dynamics and the intensity of relationship that we have with all our neighbours, where we would be very much welcoming that Macedonia follows the steps of Montenegro. I think that would stabilise, on the long run, the country's position and put on track the entire reform processes. And also the fact that Croatia is keen to resolve all the remaining issues that are somehow residual from the times of the beginning of the 90s with the other neighbours and contribute to the stability and the quality of all three peoples, in Bosnia and Herzegovina  especially the Croats who are the least numerous by numbers, but should be and are equal in terms of their constitutional rights, especially given the forthcoming elections in October.

When it comes to the fighter jets, of course the Secretary General is aware that my government has been the first government in many years, after long debates, who did not hesitate a second on the necessity to acquire the capabilities, when it comes to the air capabilities of the Croatian military forces. The process which we call G2G bids is coming to a close. We have examined all the offers that have finally been addressed to the Ministry of Defence, who has been conducting this process, and in the next few weeks the final decisions will be published. So, we are close to the end of that process. It's a long term strategic decision that will position Croatia as an even more reliable NATO partner, but also it will increase our own security and solve the issues of Croatian air force for the next 30 years. So, it is not a decision that should not be taken with due care and all aspects being considered.

OANU LUNGESCU [NATO Spokesperson]: Thank you very much. This concludes this press point. Thank you.
(Natural News) In the days and weeks following mass shootings like the one we saw in South Florida, it appears as though its not just the conservatives refusal to jump on the gun control bandwagon that drives the left wing up the wall; apparently, they dont like when people pray for the victims either.

Last Friday, liberal astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson published the following message on Twitter: Evidence collected over many years, obtained from many locations, indicates that the power of Prayer is insufficient to stop bullets from killing school children.

And how exactly does Neil deGrasse Tyson know that? Over the last few weeks, the liberals have been repeating the false statistic that there have been 18 school shootings thus far in 2018  how does Tyson know that if it werent for people praying, there wouldnt have been 20, 30 or even 50 shootings? In the case of the tragedy that occurred recently in Parkland, Florida, how does Tyson know that dozens more children wouldnt have died if it werent for people praying? God works in mysterious ways, and for Neil deGrasse Tyson to say that prayer is ineffective is, quite frankly, shameful and offensive.

And its not just Neil deGrasse Tyson that has condemned prayer following a mass shooting; indeed, this is starting to become a pattern for the left. Following last years shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, for instance, the Daily Caller compiled a list of liberal democrats that rejected the notion that our country should be praying for the victims and their families:

Teen Vogue blogger Lauren Duca wrote a rather nasty post on Twitter to House Speaker Paul Ryan: There were plenty of prayers in the church where 27 people were gunned down today. What we need is gun control, you spineless sack of sh!t.

Liberal author Stephen King wrote, Enough with the prayin. Time to start legislatin.

David Simon of HBOs The Wire and Homicide: Life on the Street wrote, Respectfully, #SpeakerRyan, you scrotally challenged wonder, those slain were praying in a church. Prayers are not a relevant intervention.

Kaili Joy Gray, managing editor at the left wing, pro Hillary Clinton news organization Shareblue, wrote, Thoughts and prayers is just another way of saying I literally give zero fucks.

Max Boot, a Council on Foreign Relations fellow, took to Twitter and complained that he is sick & tired of thoughts and prayers for mass shooting victims. What we need: legislation and regulation. Start with assault-weapon ban. (Related: Leftists are lying about gun control by failing to mention that the vast majority of gun deaths in America are suicides.)

Other leftists that wanted to make it clear that they were not okay with praying for the victims of the Sutherland Springs shooting included liberal comedian Chelsea Handler, liberal actor Wil Wheaton, movie critic Anthony Oliveira, and several others. Of course, if these leftists dont want to pray for those who are killed in mass shootings, then that is their right. However, for them to publicly declare that praying is ineffective and make it sound as though those who do pray are somehow less serious about solving the problem of gun violence is simply not right. They should be ashamed of themselves.

Lastly, its worth noting that this country was founded on Christian-Judeo principles. While the liberals may not be comfortable accepting this reality, the fact of the matter is that prayer and a strong faith in God has always been embedded in the fabric of American society. If we move away from these principles (which it certainly appears we are) then its very likely that the United States will slowly begin to crumble before our very eyes.

Sources include:

DailyWire.com

DailyCaller.com